The Eyes Of A Scout

Scout Training Part 2

I should be nearing the campsite soon, I just have a few more bushes to push through. Suddenly, I reach a clearing in the trees, no one else is here it is just a few camping supplies. So I decide to look through the supplies to see what I have to work with.

 There's one tent, a few seasonings, one pan, and a large jug of water. I place the jug of water next to a tree, then start to set up the tent.

Soon after I start, I feel a set of eyes staring at the back of my head. I turn around and at first glance I don't see anyone, as I look closer at the trees I notice the slight difference in color. There's definitely someone there. I'll just keep an eye on them for now, I think with a shrug.

I turn back around and start working on the tent again, I only have a few pegs left to put together.

Once I'm done, I walk over to the large jug of water and refill a bottle I had brought from my old room. I sit under a tree, and face where the stranger is. If they make a move, I'll know. 

I take a sip of the water. Placing the jug in the shade was a good idea, it has kept the water mostly cool. 

I soon realize that It is a pretty hot day out, I guess I couldn't tell that while I was working.

I look down at my watch then up at the sun, it's almost noon. I wonder where my partner is, I am supposed to get one right? At least that's what that one dude told me. He had asked if I wanted to be trained under him, but I could tell he was important or at least well known. I decided to decline his offer, I didn't want to draw too much attention to myself. My eyes already did that enough.

As I'm taking another drink of my water, there's a commotion in the bushes. It can't be the person in the tree, they haven't budged an inch. Someone else must be coming. Hasn't ever walked through the forest either from the sound of it.

I sit up straighter, they're getting closer. I put up the hood on my coat, it might be hot but I can't have them getting a bad first impression just from my eyes. The tree branches shake and shake, leaves fall to the ground.

I hear a inhuman screech, as someone literally falls out of the bushes. Their pant leg is stuck in one of the vines. Black cat ears twitch on top of their head and a black tail lays defeatedly accross their back. They seem to be just laying there, grumbling to themselves. I don't even know if they know I'm here, and that I can hear them.

"Stop calling the bushes names, it won't help you." I chuckle

They try to bolt up at the sound of my voice but end up tripping again because of the vine. I can't help but laugh at them.

"Would you like some help?" I ask

They don't say a word, and don't even look up at me. All they do is grumply sit up and tug on the vines tangled around their leg.

"Here, let me help." I say as I reach under my coat for the small knife that I keep in a pocket on one of my handmade shoulder guards.

The vines are cut smoothly and they mumble a quiet 'thank you'.

"No problem," I say back "So, What's your name?"

They stand up, ears laid back in their head. "Jack" They answer,  embarrassed .

Now that they're standing I can get a better look at them. I believe its a boy but I could be wrong. His pants are torn and he's very muddy, I guess he passed a stream on his way here.

I'm too busy examining him that I didn't even notice him looking at me expectantly.

"I'm sorry, did you ask something?" I inquire

"What's your name?" Jack reiterates

"Oh! Ha-ha sorry, I'm Alex!"

"I.. don't recognise you from school," He tilts his head, almost like a question. He looks down at me with big brown eyes.

"Good observation" I snidely reply "Now should I go get us dinner or do you have other plans?"

"What?"

"Well I assume you won't be doing the hunting, you'd scare all the animals away." I pause "You do have a weapon, right?

"Y-yes.. A gun.." He stutters, I can't help but roll my eyes

"Okay, I'm going to go hunting real quick. Try to make a fire while I'm gone, okay?" I'm about to walk back into the woods when I stop "And please don't burn the forest down while I'm gone" I add over my shoulder.

I jump into a tree for leverage, I'll catch any small animals that scurry by.