Carefully, a young boy walked amidst a chaotic environment.
Beneath the shadow of large buildings of an ancient metropolis, vines and other plants cascaded down their walls and tops, clinging to the corners and cracks of the structures, as if trying to hide the marks of a time long forgotten.
Among large chunks of concrete, with thick rebar protruding from them, and distorted metallic structures that had long since lost their shapes, a not-too-tall but well-developed vegetation already concealed some of these debris amidst its foliage and roots.
With bushes growing over the concrete, their roots sought the soil hidden beneath that thick layer of cement and steel through the cracks of time.
In the center of it all, the young boy advanced with light steps while holding a bow in his hands, an arrow already notched but the string still slack.
Made of metal, it had an old appearance, covered with signs of use—scratches, dents, and worn spots—but it was clear it received some maintenance, like the thin layer of grease over the metal.
Choosing where to step, he sought places where the concrete was visible, so the sound of branches and leaves wouldn't give him away. But even walking carefully, his deft steps allowed him to move across the terrain quickly.
Stopping near a bush, he began to draw the bowstring.
His target was a white rabbit.
A few meters ahead, on the other side of the bush, it was feeding on bluish fruits from a small shrub.
Standing on its hind legs, using its mouth, it plucked the fruit hanging among the leaves of the laden plant and dropped it to the ground.
As soon as it finished eating, it sought another. With a few hops, it changed position to beneath the next shrub and began stretching to reach it, but, being higher than the others, it was having some difficulty.
The young boy, slowly pulling the string, tried not to make any sound, but the bow, despite being well-maintained, under the increasing tension, revealed signs of its advanced age with a small metallic creak.
Though faint, in the silent environment where only the sound of the wind passing through the plants could be heard, it was enough to alert the animal.
Startled, it looked toward the direction of the sound, pointing its ears that way as well.
The boy, under its gaze, to avoid making any more noise that might alarm it further, stopped drawing the bow and held his breath. Completely still, he remained in place, trusting he was well-hidden there and that his clothes, with colors that blended into the surroundings, would keep him camouflaged behind the bush.
As a strong gust of wind passed between them, all the vegetation swayed.
Still wary, the animal kept its fixed gaze on the bush.
Unable to move, he began to feel his arm tire from holding the string drawn, causing it to tremble slightly.
Even after some time, the animal remained alert, staring in the same direction.
Feeling a drop of sweat running down his face, he realized he was nearing his limit. Then, finally, the animal returned to feeding.
Not missing the chance and knowing he couldn't hold on much longer, he took a breath, pulled the remaining length—producing another creak—and released the arrow.
Even though it noticed the sound again, it was too late; the rabbit saw an object coming at high speed toward it.
Hit, it was knocked to the side, but…
"Damn it!"
Frustrated, he saw the rabbit start to run after surviving a second time, with the arrow lodged in its body, as he hadn't struck its vital parts.
But, unwilling to give up, he threw the bow aside and began chasing the animal.
Even wounded, it was still very fast and agile, running between plants and concrete blocks, trying at all costs to shake him off, but, leaping over some and dodging others, he stayed close behind it.
Without either of them realizing, they were gradually leaving the open area, heading toward the buildings surrounding them.
Exiting that area, they entered what seemed to have once been a street in the past.
After crossing it, they entered an abandoned building with its entire front open.
Arriving at the entrance hall, the place was quite dirty, but it was possible to make out the marble floor and a long reception desk broken in half.
Though stained by time, signs of the place's past wealth and luxury could still be seen, like the high ceiling and the large skeleton of a chandelier hanging from it.
Passing through there, they continued into the interior of the building.
Since they left the area with more obstacles and entered the building, running in a straight line, the animal gradually gained more distance, getting farther and farther away.
But, not wanting that advantage to grow, giving it his all, he made one last push to catch up.
Venturing deeper into the place, they passed several doors along the sides of the corridor until, suddenly, the rabbit darted into one of them.
For a moment, believing the animal had found an escape, he tasted defeat, but then he saw it coming back out, reigniting his hopes.
Though it was a brief moment, it was enough for him to close the distance.
Not missing the chance, he leaped at it.
"I've got you!"
Trying to resist, the rabbit began to squirm in an attempt to break free, but, drawing a knife from his waist, he finished the animal, which finally ceased its movements.
"That's it!"
With a big smile, he sheathed the knife before taking off his backpack to tie the rabbit to it.
Right after finishing, he put the backpack on again and began to stand up when he heard the sound of something nearby.
Coming from behind, it was slow and steady, growing louder bit by bit.
Feeling a chill run down his entire spine, he turned toward the source of the sound.
Seeing what it was, his heart raced as he froze in fear.
A lanky being, over two meters tall, with skin as white as snow, where the outline of its bones was perfectly visible beneath, was just a few meters away, coming toward him.
With each step it took, the sound of its barefoot steps meeting the marble floor brought it closer and closer.
The young boy, facing it, was unable to keep his face calm, feeling a shiver run through his entire body; all he could do was stand still.
In a moment of clarity, using what strength he had, he drew the knife again and pointed it at the creature. Even though he knew it posed no greater threat to it than a stick would, as it wasn't something he could fight.