Up In The Woods

"Looks like we're almost there!" Noteworthy called, his hiking pack jostling with his sudden halt. With a smile creeping upon his lips, he breathed in through his nostrils and out through his mouth, his golden eyes widening at the sight of pines, rocks, and forests stretching far beyond where he stood.

He raised a hoof up as he gazed the sun's way, the appendage swiping across his brow as he realized just how hot it currently was outside. His bodily fluids sizzling on the rocks by his hooves, Noteworthy raised his eyebrows and turned his head to find his companion.

The young colt was slowly lumbering Noteworthy's way, short sighs escaping his breath as he shed sweat at a mile a minute. His short, dark gray hair was matted against his forehead as he stumbled next to Noteworthy. He looked up with his purple eyes and simply collapsed on the floor in a messy heap.

The colt was breathing heavily. "Dad? I'm... tired..."

Noteworthy simply grinned, leaning over to pat his son on the side. "Now Arco, we have ta make it to the campsite by sundown, or else the bears'll get us."

Arco's eyes, prior facing directly ahead with tired redness, slowly swept up and to the left. Now staring at Noteworthy, he quickly frowned and pouted his bottom lip. "There are no bears out here, you liar."

Noteworthy raised an eyebrow. "Sure there are. It's a forest, Arco–"

"Just because it's a forest doesn't mean it's full of bears. What if it's full of deer and elk instead?"

Noteworthy blinked.

The wind from the furious air swept their way and bit at their blue fur.

There was a pregnant pause until Noteworthy spoke.

"I once fought a bear–"

"Did not."

"Did too, and that means I know how to protect you if we see one. Your mother didn't want me to bring the pepper spray because of what happened last time, so you'll have to do with–" he stuck a hoof against his chest, "dear old Dad."

Another pause.

Noteworthy cleared his throat.

"If we do see a bear, though..." Arco finally stammered, looking worriedly to his right.

"Don't worry son," Noteworthy quickly responded, looking down at Arco, "I'm sure we won't see a bear."

The snap of a twig called out from behind them.

Arco suddenly darted upward, teeth grit and eyes wide. Without a moment's hesitation, he sprinted forward and sped away in a cloud of dust.

Noteworthy, lifting his hoof off the now broken branch, laughed to himself and set off after his son.