Battle

The Oldest Bear went on with his bragging tales. The young ones were hypnotized with interest and wonder. All but one, who twisted and turned, not impressed with the Oldest Bear. This young one suspected the stories were exaggerated even more with every fresh audience of new gullibles.

"It was harder long time ago, fishing. I was too hungry, restless, sometimes I just missed, frustrated, or too tired. Now, I just raise my big paw, left or right, and they jump up out of the water into my grasp. Easy!" The momma bears sighed. The young ones listening squealed and giggled.

But this young one wanted to know what makes Oldest Bear so great. He quietly left the storytelling, disappearing into the welcoming woods to roam and hunt for a snack. This young one could find berries.

What this young one didn't know was that the Oldest Bear had noticed his departure, and knew of his defiance. He actually favored this young one's independent nature, a leader's trait. The Oldest Bear chuckled silently, recalling his own rebellious nature, so very long ago now, but unforgettable.

This youngest one meandered into the deep folds of the forest's dark paths, sunlight nearly blocked by the thick canopy above him. Then, in a fateful instant, this young one's pleasant journey changed to reflexive alert of imminent danger. From dense brush, a huge, menacing head stretched forward across the path- giant snake!

They had smelled and sensed each other in exact unison a second before meeting, both froze, as this young one was astonished by the snake's massive size. A common fear focused both disparate creatures into a laser stare standoff- neither wanted the fight, neither wanted to risk disaster.

Finally, the snake had the most fear, and suddenly lunged by instinct at this young one's side, biting in a glancing strike, yet only breaking the skin- but, the fight was on. Wary but confident, this cunning young one circled the snake in a single, lightning fast move, swiping his paw down hard on the snake's long body, a direct hit. The snake was hurt, already done, slinking away like a bad idea on the run. This brave young one was safe, but quickly left the area, heading back to his clan.

Lucky for that day, only lightly bruised, forgetting his criticisms and doubts, this young one hoped the Oldest Bear would be pleased with his battle, and with him.