No name

Carefully, a young boy walked through a chaotic environment. 

Under the shadow of large buildings from an ancient metropolis, vines and other plants ran down their walls and tops, clinging to the edges and cracks of the structure 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 metal structures that had lost their shapes long ago, a not very tall but well-developed vegetation already hid some of these ruins among its foliage and roots. 

With bushes growing over the concrete, their roots sought the soil hidden among the cracks of time in that thick layer of cement and steel. 

In the middle of it all, the young boy advanced with light steps while carrying in his hands a bow with an arrow already nocked but the string still relaxed. 

Made of metal, it had an old appearance covered with signs of use, with scratches, dents, and worn spots, but it was possible to see that it received some maintenance, like a thin layer of grease on the metal. 

Choosing where to step, he sought places where the concrete was visible, so the sound of branches and leaves wouldn't betray him. But, even walking carefully, his skillful steps allowed him to move quickly over the terrain. 

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 bush. 

Standing on two feet, using its mouth, it would grab the fruit hanging among the leaves of the laden plant and knock it to the ground. 

As soon as it finished eating, it looked for another. Jumping

The young boy, pulling the string slowly, tried not to make any sound, but the bow, despite being well cared for, under increasing tension, eventually showed signs of its advanced age with a small metallic noise. 

Though low, in the silent environment they were in, where one could only hear the wind passing through the plants, it was enough to alert the animal. 

Startled, it looked towards where the sound came from, directing its ears there as well. 

The young boy, under its gaze, to avoid making any more noise that would alert it further, stopped tensing the bow and held his breath. Completely still, he remained in the same spot, trusting that he was well hidden there and that his clothes, with colors that blended with the environment, would keep him camouflaged behind the bush. 

A strong gust of air passed between them, making all the vegetation sway. 

Still suspicious, the animal, with a fixed gaze, kept its attention on the bush. 

Unable to move, he began to feel his arm tiring from keeping the string pulled, making it tremble slightly. 

Even after some time, the animal remained alert, looking in the same direction. 

Feeling a drop of sweat running down his face, he realized he was close to his limit. When finally, the animal went back to feeding. 

Not missing the chance and knowing he wouldn't hold on much longer, taking a little breath, he pulled what was left, which produced another creak, and released the arrow. 

Even noticing the sound again, it was too late, when the rabbit saw an

Hit, it was pushed to the side, but... 

"Damn it!" 

Frustrated, the young boy saw the rabbit start to run with the arrow still stuck in its body, as he hadn't hit its vital parts. 

But, not giving up, throwing the bow aside, he began to chase the animal. 

Even injured, it was still quite fast and agile, running between plants and concrete blocks trying at all costs to shake him off, but jumping over some and dodging others, he followed steadily right behind. 

Without either of them noticing, they were gradually leaving the open area, heading towards the buildings that surrounded them. 

Leaving that area, they entered what seemed to have once been a street. 

After crossing it, they entered an abandoned building with its front completely open. 

Arriving at the entrance hall, the place was very dirty, but one could still see the marble floor and a long reception counter broken in half. 

Even stained by time, one could still perceive signs of the wealth and luxury of the place in the past, like the high ceiling and the large skeleton of a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. 

Passing through there, they continued into the building. 

Since leaving the area with more obstacles and entering the building, by running in a straight line, the animal was gradually gaining more distance, moving further away. 

But, not wanting that advantage to increase, giving his all, he gave one last push to catch up 

Going deeper into the place, they passed several doors along the corridor when, suddenly, the rabbit entered one of them. 

For a moment, believing the animal had

Though it was a short time, it was enough for him to get close enough. 

Without missing the chance, he jumped on it. 

"I got you!" 

Trying to resist, the rabbit began to twist in an attempt to get free, but pulling a knife from his waist, he finished off the animal, which finally ceased its movements. 

"Yeah!" 

With a big smile, he put the knife back in its sheath before taking off his backpack to tie the rabbit to it. 

Right after finishing, he put it back on his back and started to stand up when he heard the sound of something nearby. 

Coming from behind, it was slow and constant, gradually getting louder. 

Feeling a chill that ran through his whole spine, he turned towards the source. 

Seeing what it was, his heart raced when he froze in fear. 

A slender being, over two meters tall, with skin as white as snow, where one could see the perfect outline of its bones underneath, was just a few meters away from him, walking towards him. 

With each step it took, the sound of its bare feet meeting the marble floor brought it closer. 

The young boy, in front of it, was unable to keep his face calm, feeling a shiver run through his whole body; all he could do was stay still. 

In a moment of clarity, using the strength he had, he drew the knife again and pointed it at the creature. Even knowing that it posed no greater threat to him than a twig, for it was not something he could face.