The hunt

The bomb exploded right beside me. Throwing me violently off my feet. I was stunned momentarily.

How did you find me?

Did I not flit through the trees fast enough?

Were you watching me the whole time?

I carefully searched my body for injury. I'm okay, a bit shaken. My ears are ringing terribly. But I'm alive. Intact.

I roll on my stomach in the dirt

The recent storm had caused the area to turn muddy, slippery.

I found no obvious sign of trespass in my vicinity, so I ran.

My vision, a bit fuzzy at first clears as I vacate the area.

Yet you were close. I could feel you. I stopped quick and surveyed my surroundings.

I see your shadow at o six hundred.

You were fast, but not fast enough.

Adrenaline surges through me,

The hunt is on!

I backtrack around the trees.

Following you now.

The hunted, now becomes the hunter! I move ghost-like, silent and deadly. My breaths pass from my lips in short, carefully channeled bursts.

Energy pulses through my limbs, allowing me a nimbleness unknown to most. Only the highest skilled, highly trained soldiers of war.

Bodies hewn with steel. The result of many years of combat, of covert operations. Moving in the shadows

of the hidden military world.

I see the opportunity to strike. I don't hesitate.

I pull my special edition, long range from my pack quickly.

Quietly. Deadly.

I instantly adjust the scope, steady my mind and body. My grip tightens on the trigger.

I exhale. Boom...

My finger pushes the lever, releasing the instrument of your demise.

Too late you sense the threat.

Your head turns to a sound.

The bullet kisses neatly into your temple.

Your down now, gravely injured.

I've bested you my worthy opponent! I walk to you, seeing how your short gasps speak of your fatal injury.

I- "Benjamin!?" "Benjamin Micheal Stafford, where are you!?"

"I'm here ma, just playing with Roger!"

"Well it's time to go!"

"You better not be dirty!"

I look down at myself, my dress shirt and formal pants a ruined muddy mess.

Damn! Why do I always get caught up in stuff like this!Damn! Why do I always get caught up in stuff like this!

I looked for my foe, he was yards away. The stain from our modified water guns, made to shoot balls of slime adorned his left temple.

He laughed gleefully, realizing he was able to escape total annihilation.

"Benjamin, do you hear me?"

"You need to get in here NOW!"

I knew that tone. It brooked no argument.

I turned to him again, watched his retreating back. Until next time my friend!..