Awless Hunting ~3

"Help us, Mr. Hue the hunters came to take all of my goat in the barn. They even hit my son." The captain lamented. His old and wrinky skin were full of dirt.

"Very well. Tell us where they headed and how it started." Hue inquired.

"It was before we head home when arrows surrounded our fences. They forcefully entered the barn and started pulling and killing our goats. My son tried to stop them but he got punched and was ganged up by the hunters." The captain enumerated.

"We will surely do our best to help you. Thank you for letting us know." Hue assured as they followed the direction given by the old man.

Not far from the barn they can hear some singing and roaring. Hue clicked his tongue and sent Stripe to get their attention.

The hunters celebrated after taking almost all the goat from the mountains. They manage to plunder as well. They were like warriors who finsihed conquering a territory.

"This will make us full." One male hunter with long frizzy hair and beared sang.

"Yes, let us drink and be merry." The others cheered.

Their roaring and chirping halted when a man in his pajama with x jumper in his upper front stood in their way. His bright yellow pairing clothes radiates in the dark.

"Stop right there!" He shouted.

The hunters laughed and giggled.

"What a kid! Get home and stop sleep walking. It's early twilight you know." The man with bald head and round puppy eyes mocked.

Stripe charged toward them. The hunters quaffed in laughter as he jump with his pajama and kicked one of their comrades.

He used his heel to send the man flying and said.

"I don't sleep walk but I sleep talk."

The hunter roared and the riot started. Stripe was about to be hit by a bag when Hue came in with a punch toward the attacker. Oak joined in with the wrestle. She used her elbow and arms to struck down some hunters. Nod watched in awe and confusion. He thought that this people can at least use a gun or sword but they are fighting like children. Nod can't seem to know what to do. He picked up some log and started swinging aimlessly. The hunters were beaten as the night got deeper, by the time the moon peeked from the clouds the riot ended. Hue tied each hunter in a rope and pulled them. Stripe and Nod guided the goats that started to walk in all directions. Oak followed suit pulling the cart full of the hunter's plunder.

Hue and the gang succeeded and took back everything the hunter plundered. Nod wonders if he joined the right team. He was expecting something magical and fantastic but this people look like a gangster and thugs.

Nod remained silent as they head back in the village. When they reached the place, the people gratefully thanked them and clapped for them till the first ray of the sun shone. Nod cannot explain what he is feeling.

It was the first time that he got applauded and not scorned.

It was the first time that someone was happy with what he did.

He can feel his tears going sidelines as he conceal the joy coming from his heart. He clutches his chest under his pouch and savour the moment.

Nod was tearing up while heading home. Hue and Stripe laughed at him.

"This work is not that flashy but is fulfilling." Stripe said as he rubbed his back like a brother.

"Yeah, I honestly thought that you guys seem sketchy. I thought that you mighy take advantage of me and that this kind of work is profit less." Nod confessed.

"That is true. We got paid with rice, fruits, fish and meats for free but when you get to the city this things are hell way expensive." Hue stated in friendly manner.

"This is the first time that i recieved such words and action of gratitude. I was always accused or mocked whenever I tried to help." Nod continued his confession.

Stripe, Hue and Oak exchange glances. They stood in front of Nod and started clapping and smiling.

Nod was again taken aback. He can't understand what was going on and what are they doing. Not until they spoke in unison.

"Congratulations."

Nod bowed his head in full joy and gratitude.

as he mouthed a heart full "thank you."

Nod was glad he accepted the offer. He emptied his plate and resigned to bed. His The hard wooden bed is something he is not used to. The small window and loud creaking door annoys him but this people with him are kind enough to take good care of him. For some reason he can't bring himself to miss their house. The fresh night breeze lulled him to sleep.

Hue observed how Nod moved and interact with them. Truth to be told when Oak brought him in. Hue almost accused her of getting someone that won't benefit them. But when he and Stripe start to help him. He felt the sudden urge to open his arms in emphaty with the strange man. His heart had this artificial tube and connection. He panicked when the pouch was full of water and Nod suddenly stopped breathing. Thanks to Stripe who had a background in medical field empty the sachet bag helped the oxygen to move. Hue was unsure if it was the right thing to do and offer him to be with them but he can't help but be attached and yearn to be with person like Oak and Stripe which does not disqualify Nod's condition. He removed his coral gloves and stared at his hand. His fingers were numb once more. His wrist are not that far from robots and whispered.

"If Nod have his sling pouch, I have this coral gloves. If Oak have those eye glasses then Stripe put on his jumper belts. How funny, Life really connects you to same birds as you are."