“Hahaha! It will be okay. I promise” Althan said laughing patting my leg. I groaned pitifully “Do not be a childling Brian.” he chided.

Before I could make a snarky comment my parents arrive. They saw me sitting up and my mom rushed in and gave me a really tight embrace that it hurt. Her embrace was so strong I was having trouble breathing. I glanced at dad asking for help. He just smiled.

“Oh, my baby! Are you okay? Can you talk?” she asked hopefully and still hugging tightly. My dad was behind her nodding in satisfaction.

“Mooom..I’m fine mom... too tight... I can’t breath” I ground out. She reluctantly let go and examining me. She thought my hair needs some attention and started fixing it her fingers.

“I’m sorry baby. We were so worried” she said. “But you’re fine now,” she said while looking at the healer. Athlan nodded and my mom’s face filled relief.

“Thank you, Healer Athlan for everything you did for our son” My Mom walked to Athlan and hugged him briefly. He also winced.

“No problem. He is like a brother to me.” Athlan said shamelessly laying it thick. I looked daggers at him but he didn’t meet my eyes. They continued talking about me and I was just listening to their small talk when I felt someone’s hand on my shoulder. I turned my head and dad was standing beside me.

“You look good son,” My dad said patting my shoulder. Like I said, we’re not the hugging type. ”The doc did good.” my dad added as he was inspecting my body with his eyes.

“I feel fine” I confirmed. Parts of my body still hurt a bit but everything felt alright. I wiggled my toes and checked my family jewels just in case. My dad snorted in amusement he saw me feeling my crotch.

“Hey, Dad. Is Frank okay?” asked anxiously after confirming it’s all there...

“Oh. He’s fine” My dad said and a huge weight lifted off my shoulders

“He wanted to stay here” he gestured the couch ” But he still had school”. Dad elaborated.

“What happened dad after..the..y’know.” I asked dad.

“Weell..” He explained the events after the ‘bear-falling-off-cliff-me-landing-on-top-of ’ thing.

As I surmised Frank reached the silo and fired his flare gun. At the same time, Bill was finishing his patrol and decided to check up on us. He saw the flare and immediate speed up to Frank’s position. After Frank explained what happened he ordered Frank to get inside the silo and wait. Bill headed to our camp and on the way, he spotted the trail of fallen trees and uprooted bushes. He followed the trail to the cliff and saw us down on the river bed not moving. They landed on the river bed and checked for my vital signs. When he saw I was still breaking he radioed for a rescue chopper.

The Helicopter took me to the hospital. Our family doctor was there doing his rounds when I arrived. They stabilized me and took an x-ray image. When our doctor checked screen he was confused at first then understood what he was looking at. He then called Healer Athlan who he met at a conference.

I was proud that my plan sorta worked and was relieved that Frank didn’t panic and lose his head. I winced when I realized how lucky I was. If we didn’t fall off the cliff the bear would’ve chased me down and mauled me. Maybe deep inside we both playing the hero. I think we had the idea of leading the bear away while the other escaped. I promised myself to buy the appropriate gear against bears.

Maybe a bigger gun? Landmines? Or maybe that laser gun at the trader’s shop...maybe a... I thought of different things when dad interrupted me.

”Bill dropped some stuff at home.” he said cryptically and smiled. I was about to ask what stuff was that when mom said something to me.

“You should thank Healer Athlan for giving you his time to do your tests” My mom reminded me and I looked at her a little outraged. She glared at me and mumbled my thanks.

"That is perfectly alright Janice,” Althan said smiling to mom and then looked smugly at me “No need to thank me. I am not that busy.” he said assuring my mom.

“You’re so humble Healer Athlan” My mom gushed. “We don’t know how to repay you” she added.

“Pay with my blood” I muttered. Athlan’s ears twitched.

“What’s that Brian?” My mom asked looking at me.

“I said thank God” I lied. “Thank God” my mom echoed nodding.

“I think I am done here,” He said checking his wrist. He looked at my mom “I can release him tomorrow.”

“Oh. And don’t overexert yourself” He said to me almost like an afterthought.

“This is for him. Once a day before going to bed” He gave my mom a medium sized bottle that appeared on his hand.

Woah. Storage mod. I thought. I’m always a sucker for Altech. I added it to my mental list to check out.

“It has been a pleasure Janice” “Mr. Hunter” He shook my parent's hands and bowed. He looked at me smiling.

“See you this Saturday at around...hmm.. one p.m. I gave your mom the address of the Institute. See you there” he reminded me.

“Goodbye.” He waved and promptly left the room.

“Your farewells suck” I muttered. l lay back down and adjusted the pillow. I thought elves were all wise and graceful. Maybe a “May the light of mon-keigh shine upon you” or something.

“Have you seen my phone mom?” I asked. I wanted to text Frank and check my mail. I hope the phone survived.

“Hmmm. I think so. The nurse gave me a large bag full of your things,” she said opening the drawers one by one. After finding it empty she searched the small closet

”Ah. Here” She opened the bag and made a face. The bag was full of my bloody clothes and armor.

“Oh. I think it’s broken” She pulled out my phone and it was full of cracks. She gave it to me and I checked it. I pressed the power button and it didn’t turn on. It was totally busted. I sighed. No internet. This is going to be brutal.

“Throw it away mom. Please” I gave it to her and she thought about it. Then placed it back inside the plastic bag. I raised my eyebrows

“I’ll just store this in the basement.” she said and put it back inside the closet. My mom is such a hoarder.

“So... When am I going back to school?” I asked. I got off the bed slowly. I was moving my arms, legs, and doing jumping jacks. They were a bit stiff and I felt some pain. I was amazed by the recovery time.

“Do it slowly Brian.” My mom admonished me. My mom tsked and checked her watch. After a couple of more stretches, I went back to bed and adjusted it so my upper body was leaning up.

“I really have to do the paperwork. I’ll be back later okay?” she said. I nodded and she went left the room.

I looked at dad and he was on the couch sneering at his EPad. My dad’s really addicted to Phasebook. I’m glad he doesn’t comment on my friend's post, unlike some parents I know.

“Dad. Can I borrow your Epad? Mine’s busted” I asked my dad. I’m starting to get bored and my internet itch is getting to me.

“Just a sec. This stolen valor dipshit pinned his ribbons wrong... moron... ” My dad typed with his two fingers so it took a while “Here” He stood up and handed me the Epad.

“Thanks” I logged out his account and signed in. I checked my messages and friend requests. There was a lot so ignored it for now. I checked my wall and It was full of well wishes. Most were people from school, classmates, teachers, and some people I didn’t know. I scrolled down and down and down. I was touched that people cared and they seemed sincere. I stopped scrolling posts and messaged Frank and a couple of other people. The messages were mostly a variation of “Still alive”.

I started reading the other messages. Most where just “Get well soon” and didn’t need a reply. I opened a message from a girl I knew and I read the message [Just something to look forward to] and a pic of her wearing nothing...Oh Jesus! I closed the message and looked at dad. He was looking at this phone. I looked at it again for ..uh..research.

It’s usually the quiet people. I logged out quickly and handed the EPad back. I was getting drowsy after a while and I closed my eyes for a nap.

--

“Hey! Wake up!”

I opened my eyes and a teddy bear was filling up my entire vision. I was startled and punched it in the face. It flew away hitting the top of the table and scattering the other plushies.

“You asshole” I shouted at Frank. He was laughing hard. I gave him the stink eye. But after a few seconds, I gave up and joined in laughing. I looked around the room and were alone.

“How are you dude?” he asked extending a fist. I bumped it. “Everything working?” He asked anxiously and looked at my body. He’s as subtle as an Orc.

“I’m fine man” I answered and swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up.

“See. It’s all good” I demonstrated. He nodded and walked to the fallen plushies. He picked them up and read the tags.

“Huh. I didn't know you were friends with her.” He said surprised reading the lion’s tag. “This one’s a bitch.” He said to a monkey one. ”B..Baka!Baka!” He mocked and showed Sarah’s penguin. He placed all the plushies back on the table.

“I’m sorry man.” he said not looking at me. He was biting his lower lip. “This is all my fault.”

“Hey man, listen! It was an accident! Okay?” I walked to him putting my hand on his shoulder. “I was the one who suggested years ago remember!” I pointed out. Frank was looking the floor.

“It could’ve been you laying there in a coma too,” I said pointing at the bed “The bear chased me instead.” I said shrugging.

“Shit happens man,” I said softly leaning forward. ”C’mon say it. Shit happens.” He finally looked at me and smiled a little

”Shit happens.” he said to me and nodded. I sat on the couch relieved. I was guilty that I didn’t realize my friend felt bad about what happened to me.

“Anna called me last week.” He said raising his eyebrows “She was very worried.” he was smirking now. He showed me a card with her handwriting. He was talking about my Ex-Ex-Ex girlfriend.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said frowning crossing my arms. “It’s over between us.”

“It ain’t over till it’s over” He sang waving the card.

I didn’t say anything and my frown deepened.

"Okay.. okay.” He said his hands up in surrender

“Good” I said ending the discussion. But inside I was happy that my friend was back clowning around.

Frank stayed till my parents came back. My mom thanked Frank for visiting me, he gave me a man hug and left. She brought back some pizzas and I ate a little. Because I was on a liquid diet when I was in a coma, the nurse cautioned me about eating too many solid foods. My mom fussed over me the entire time and I didn’t mind. It was her way of coping.

The nurse who ran earler came to my room checking my vitals. She was actually very nice and let me borrow her EPad. I searched for information about the cores. Most were things I already knew. Increased muscle and bone strength, resistance to diseases, increased lifespan and the rest were just rumors and conspiracy theories. I also checked the Altech price listings, but most were just estimates. So I returned the EPad and fell asleep.

I was released from the hospital early in the morning. I learned that today was Wednesday when I asked the orderly pushing the wheelchair. I counted the days before Saturday and I was imagining the torture devices that elf bastard was making for me. I can’t help but feel a little nervous. I remembered GalCreds he promised and I felt a little better.

When we arrived at our house I saw my truck parked in the garage. Dad told me Frank drove it back after Bill came for him. He also told me my stuff was in my room so when I went inside there was a surprise waiting for me. Now I know why my dad was very cagey when he told me about the stuff Bill dropped off. My pack, guns, and helmet were leaning on the wall. They must have followed and searched the trail.

But what caught my interest was the folded fur and bear head sitting on top of my bed. It was so big that even if it was folded a couple of times it still covered the bed. Something bubbled on my chest and I burped.

The pizza I ate must have made my gassy I reasoned.

I touched the bear’s fur and was surprised with softness. The sun shined on the fur and the color was spectacular. It was light brown in color with a little bit of copper tint. I looked at the head and it was almost two feet wide. I tried lifting it all up to spread the fur on the floor but it was too heavy and my joints and back hurt. I just decided to leave it there and I admired it. I patted it and gave my thanks.

“Thank you for saving me. I’m sorry you had to die.” I said to the bear and feeling a little guilty about the whole thing.

Knock...Knock

My head whipped back and saw my dad by the leaning by the door. I moved away in embarrassment. Talking to dead animals was not a good thing.

“Big one ain’t she.” My dad said walking inside and stood by the bed. He acted like it was normal.

“She looked smaller when she was chasing me.” I said eying the fur and head. Then I chuckled at my observation.

I was kinda busy running for my life than to check the actual size. I thought amused.

“Some friends of mine owed me a lot of favors,” He said leaning in and rubbing the fur ”We went and skinned the bear and I had it tanned.” “Waste not, want not.” He shrugged.

“Watch this” He took out his pocket knife and flicked it open. He grabbed the end of the fur and turned it over to the leather side. My dad then started stabbing the leather really hard, grunting in the effort. He stabbed a few more times and indicated to me to take a look. I leaned down to examine it and I stared in astonishment. There wasn’t a single hole and I felt the leather with my fingers to confirm what I was seeing.

“Tough bastard.” My dad said in admiration. I looked up from my examination. He talking about the bear and not me. “You too.” he added when he saw my face.

“My friend tried cutting it with a knife first” He gestured with the knife. “It didn’t work. Good thing Bill had a monoblade” He added ruefully. He closed the knife returned it to his pocket. He was talking about a monomolecular edged blade. Those things were crazy sharp and don’t come cheap. That was what I was planning on buying at the traders.

“So if I tried shooting it using my rifle ...” I said thinking hard.

“Yours?” he shook his head and he scratched his beard in deep thought “A .50 rifle with armor-piercing. Sure.”

I was right then. It would’ve only pissed it off! I thought.

“So what are you going to with it? The fur I mean.” My dad asked me. I was silent and was still wondering how they carried it back.

“Huh? mmm” I said scratching my head thinking about it.

It’s kinda ghoulish using it as a blanket though.

“You could sell it,” My Dad said. “That’ll fetch a pretty penny.”

“That's right!” I exclaimed and felt gassy again. Damn pizza.

“Buuurp. Excuse me. I’ll bring it to the traders” I said my mind already listing my wish list “Yes. That’s a good idea.” I nodded grinning in excitement. I could sell my other bunny cores I still had left. I could use the money to buy another phone to replace the broken one. Maybe some mods too, and the monoblade.

Oh. sweet loot! I thought happily.

“Good. I’ll get Bob to help me carry it to your truck” My Dad said nodding. Our neighbor was a big guy so they won’t have trouble carrying it.

“Right. Tomorrow?” I asked dad. He nodded.

“You’ll need to use the bed though,” He said and I nodded to him. ”Should’ve thought of that.” My dad said contemplating how to move it.

He gathered up the fur and the head still attached to into a pile. I tried helping but he shook his head. He then shrugged. He pushed the pile to the side while grunting and it fell down on the floor by the bed with a loud thud.

“That’ll do.” He said looking at the pile breathing heavily.

“I almost forgot.” My dad said patting his multitude of pockets “Where did I put it? Ah here.” He muttered then he found it. He handed me a folded piece of paper.

I unfolded the paper and started reading it. It was a bounty claim for the Great Bear.

It had a bounty?! I was surprised. I thought about it and it made sense. The bear must have killed someone before it moved to our area. It was all signed up and all I needed to do was go to the County Treasurer’s office. Then I read the amount.

“Twenty grand?!” I shouted in disbelief.

“Don’t spend it all at once.” My dad laughed and slapped my back. He left the room while I was reading it again to make sure I wasn’t seeing things.

“buuuurp”