HUNT, DON'T GET HUNTED

Zach dashed to his room, looking around for his boot

""Aw, shoot! Where'd I put those darn boots? I swear I just had 'em. Last thing I remember, I was kickin' 'em off by the door. Maybe I tossed 'em in the closet? Nah, that don't sound right. I gotta find 'em, man. We're supposed to be out huntin' in an hour!" "Alright, there they are! Under the bed, of all places. Well, at least I found 'em. Now, let's get this show on the road!" his fingers dancing across the worn leather of his boots. He tugged them on, the familiar weight grounding him. Next, he reached for his well-loved hunting shirt, a rugged garment of dark green that had seen countless hours in the woods. As he pulled it over his head, he ran his hands over the worn fabric, a silent acknowledgment of its history. .

A worn leather belt, adorned with a simple silver buckle, was next. He slid it through the loops, adjusting it to a comfortable fit. Finally, he reached for his trusty hunting cap, a weathered piece of headgear that had protected him from countless elements. He pulled it low over his forehead, shading his eyes and adding a touch of rugged authenticity to his appearance.

With his attire complete, Zach paused for a moment, taking a deep breath of the crisp morning air. He was ready. "Alright, I'm geared up and ready to roll. Got my trusty hunting knife, my favorite hat, and these old boots that have seen better days, but they still get the job done. Let's go get us some game!"

He walked down the old stairs, it's creaky sound echoeing In the house.

"Alright, Dad, I'm ready to hit the woods. Let's go!" he shouted. Junior rushed down to Zach, tugging his shirt "Hey, can I go hunting with you guys? Please, please, please!" he pleaded with his blue gloomy innocent eyes. Zach squat, he grab junior hands and pull his cheeks " little man, you're too small to go hunting. You gotta wait a few more years. Maybe when you're as big as me, then you can come." He said, Junior grumble "But I wanna go too" he look at Zach's eyes pulling his cheek " I wanna catch a bunny" he smile. Zach rub his hand and gave him a kiss on his forehead " I'll catch one for ya, don't worry okay?"

"Alright, Zach, let's get moving. The woods are calling!" Charles said coming down the stairs, with a quiver filled with arrows in his hand, he threw it at Zach " I got yours ready too" he smile, pointing at the bow Zach held " I thought you said you lost it" he said "oh, boy you're pretty bad at lying you know " he laugh

Charles was a picture of rugged preparedness. He wore a heavy, olive-green flannel shirt, its sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing forearms tanned by countless hours under the sun. A pair of faded jeans, worn thin at the knees, clung to his legs, and sturdy, well-worn leather boots completed his ensemble. A wide-brimmed, weathered hat, its shape molded to his head, shaded his eyes. Around his neck hung a simple leather strap, holding a trusty hunting knife, and his quiver filled with arrow. His overall appearance was a testament to years of experience in the woods, a blend of practicality and a certain rustic charm.

" Hey, look who we have here" he smile " The Superman of the house" he said jokingly lifting junior off his feet and giving him a gentle kiss on his cheek

" We'll be back soon alright " he said " and I'll catch a bunny for ya" Charles said, he rub junior hair gently and bid his goodbye. Charles and Zach went over to the garage to uncover their old friend. It's a little dusty on the outside, they hopped in, Charles insert the key and ignite , the old, reliable truck rumbled to life, a familiar sound that filled the morning air. Charles, the seasoned hunter, settled into the driver's seat, his weathered hands gripping the steering wheel. Beside him, young Zach, his eyes filled with anticipation, eagerly awaited the adventure ahead.

"Ready, son?" Charles asked, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"Ready as I'll ever be, Dad," Zach replied, his voice filled with excitement.

As they pulled out of the driveway, the truck's engine roared, and they were off. The journey to the forest was short, but it was a chance to bond and share stories of past hunts.

*****************

Arriving at the Forest

The truck rumbled to a halt, the engine finally silent. Zach and Charles stepped out, stretching their legs and taking in the sights and sounds of the forest. Towering trees, their leaves a vibrant shade of green, stretched towards the sky. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soothing melody.

"Isn't it beautiful, son?" Charles asked, his voice filled with awe.

"Yeah, it really is," Zach replied, his eyes wide with wonder.

Birdsong filled the air, a cacophony of chirps and tweets. A family of deer grazed peacefully in a nearby clearing, their graceful movements a stark contrast to the rugged terrain. As they ventured deeper into the woods, the sounds of civilization faded, replaced by the rhythmic pulse of nature.

"It's really quiet here" Zach said interrupting the awkward silence, they've been walking the forest for some minutes and haven't seen a bunny or any other animal. "The animals are maybe by the waterside" Charles " let's hurry before it's late" he quicken up his pace, his quiver jingling by his side.The dense canopy overhead cast long, dancing shadows as they delved deeper into the emerald heart of the forest. The air, thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, was both invigorating and slightly eerie. Minutes turned into hours, yet the quarry they sought remained elusive.

"Zach hurry we should be by the river now" Charles said, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves. "There's usually more game near the water."

Zach nodded in agreement, his youthful enthusiasm beginning to wane. The silence of the forest, broken only by the occasional bird call, was starting to feel oppressive. As they pressed on, the undergrowth grew thicker, and the path became more difficult to follow.

Suddenly, a low, rumbling sound echoed through the trees, followed by a rustling in the underbrush. Zach's heart pounded in his chest as he and his father exchanged a wary glance. The air seemed to hold its breath, and a sense of anticipation filled the forest. " Did you hear that" Charles said slowing his pace toward the Shrub, Zach drew an arrow from his quiver ready to attack whatever animal or thing that is. Suddenly a Chipmunk running at his full speed scurried past them with an acorn.

" Darn it, I thought that was a rabbit" Charles lament, returning his big knife to it's sheath. He look at Zach and smile " let's go on" he said.

Suddenly they hear the grumble again but louder this time and seems close, Charles drew his big knife and Zach drew and arrow too, he nocked an arrow to his bow ready to shoot. " Jesus let it be a bunny!" Zach pray silently. With a quick flash movement the creature lunged at Charles going for his head, Charles with a quick reflex dodge the attack and roll down to Zach " Zach hide, let me handle this." He said " and shoot whenever I asked you too, okay?" He added.

Now visible, The bear's massive form surged forward, its powerful muscles rippling beneath thick fur. Its claws, like curved daggers, extended, ready to strike. Its jaws, wide and filled with sharp teeth, opened in a silent snarl. The creature's eyes, dark and menacing, were fixed on its prey. With a thunderous roar, the bear lunged, its immense weight driving it forward. Its massive paws swiped at the air, aiming to rake and tear. Its jaws snapped, seeking to deliver a fatal bite. The ground shook with the force of its attack. Charles instincts, honed by years of survival in the wilderness, kicked in. With a blur of motion, he sidestepped the bear's massive swipe. The air rippled with the beast's frustrated roar as its claws raked the empty space where the man had been. His heart pounded in his chest as he darted away, the earth trembling with each heavy step of the pursuing behemoth.

" Shoot Zach, Now!" He shouted as he was running toward Zach. Zach, heart pounding, raised his bow. His fingers tightened around the arrow, his aim steady, he took a deep breath and let out the arrow The bear, enraged by the near miss, let out a deafening roar. It charged, its massive form a blur of fur and muscle. Just as the arrow left the bow, the bear veered, its powerful paw connecting with Charles. The force of the blow sent Charles flying, his body crashing against a nearby tree. He lay motionless on the forest floor, unconscious. He darted toward Zach roaring so hard the birds flew away, with no idea in what to do Zach decide to run, he look back and saw his father motionless " I can't leave him like this" he turned back and watching his unconscious father from a distance, he could hear the bear roaring again. " I have to do something" he bit his finger thinking of a way out

" Well, I can help you if you want me to" he heard a voice, scared, his body trembling, he had enough shock of the day already, a bear is on rampage looking for him and now he's hallucinating. " Who's there" he asked with a trembling voice. The voice chuckle "Do you want my help or I should stay, boy" the voice ask again. Zach look back at his dying father, " There is not much time, help me mister, please save my father" he pleaded. Now loud and clear the voice begin chanting, a dark aura surround Zach, the immense power make him choke and he fainted.