The birds had spotted Ben. Going with their guidance Maxine took aim. She'd never fired,much less held, a gun of any kind. She took a shot and missed. It flew past Ben harmlessly and continued on till it hit the ground. "Great," Maxine though to herself. "So much for the element of surprise." With her position given away she tried to get out of line of sight. Using her claws she jumped and swung around the trunk of the tree. 

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Continuing on Estella kept focused and waiting for an opportunity to arise.