The Unknown Beast

A gentle breeze swept through the forest vines, a petite monkey swung from a lush vine to another.

It was high noon and the sun was atop my head, the blistering heat warmed my hunting cap but I kept walking through the jungle.

My name is Kate Laurtes and I am a certified explorer. My job is to explore unknown and mysterious areas where dangerous and strange beasts and ugly monsters may be hiding. Now you must wonder how come I had this job instead of becoming a teacher or a doctor but that story is for another time.

Now I usually do not do missions alone. But instead with my trusty assistant and friend Sally Mc'lean. She had taken a leave for some unknown reason so, I was on my own this time. All you need to know right now that I work for a monster finding agency as the senior explorer.

Right now, I am exploring the southern forest in Africa where an unusual picture of a monstrous shadow was taken. My assignment? To find and then capture it or if that wasn't possible take it down. Of course, I know these tasks could bring me to my grave but I loved adventures and no adventure comes without risks or danger.

I moved slowly, cautious of every movement around and scanning the area as I moved along. If a sound came out of a bush I would spin around and grab my gun.

It would turn out to be some unfortunate forest animal but around here you couldn't be more careful.

Soon, I reached to the mouth of a gigantic cave. The outer part had a border of rough grey rocks. It was like a giant mouth of a cobra calling me in. I decided to explore the inside of it just out of curiosity. I took a black torch out of my satchel and started to walk inside.

When I realized that the cave had an exit from inside of it. I could feel the fresh air blowing my golden hair back. I walked a little deeper in when I tripped on some kind of puddle. When I had a closer look at it, I realized that it was not puddle at all but a giant footprint. With what seemed as a foot with claw-like toes. I slowly stood up and heard a sound. It seemed like someone or something was coming from the right entrance. I couldn't see any spot to hide so I ran towards the left entrance. I was running at top speed but I could hear that thing right behind so, instead of running I spun around, loaded my gun and kept my net-launcher ready. As it came into my sight, I saw its features, it was nearly 8 feet tall and had a body of a grizzly bear with share and narrow antlers on its head with a smooth brown trail that did not match his other features at all. The most interesting thing about it was a green oval shaped crystalite in its chest. As it got nearer I started shooting it with my gun but even with its large body, it was able to dodge all of my bullets except one which hit one of his paws.

I took out my net launcher but just as I was about to shoot, the beast tackled me and damaged the shooter. I landed on a side wall with a 'thump' and my left arm and left thigh were temporarily paralyzed. I tried to move or at least scream for help though I knew no one would be around here. I just sat there staring at the beast who was gazing down at his injured paw. I would have felt pity if only he hadn't tried to kill me and attacked me.

After a few seconds, it raised its head looked at me with its blood red eyes. It started to come towards me but a shiny golden net shot from the sky and landed on the monster. I was shocked when I saw the person behind the fallen beast. Her short blonde hair and her black and brown hunting attire was very familiar to me. It was Sally!!. She helped me up and I dragged my arm and leg with me.

My mind was buzzing with questions. What was Sally doing here? How did she know I needed help? What was that leave she took really about? I guess I will have to ask her everything later. For now, I am very much glad to be alive.