Rooster leapt into the air, spurs glinting in the sunlight that filtered into the station. Once, twice, three times they flashed in Raccoon’s face, finally met on the last thrust by a serrated blade.

“That all you got, cock?” the mammal sneered through clenched teeth, his eyes barely-visible slits behind the mask, counter-thrusting with the long knife.

Rooster jumped to the side, overturning a display of sunflower seeds. One of his spurs caught on the metal rack and he tumbled out of sight behind the counter. The Raccoon gave a shout of glee and pounced. Rooster screamed.

Piggy froze. The masked bandit was rising up, wiping his chin with one paw. There was no sign of the bird. Piggy turned to run but ran smack into the closed door. Behind him, he heard the clack of claws on linoleum and nearly fainted.

Unexpectedly, there was a chuckle.

“Leave him alone, Rac, he’s been through enough today. The Pig actually thought I was gonna hurt his wife over a dead Bunny…”

Raccoon turned and started laughing.