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"MAC!"
Sam was frozen to his spot. He was literally shaking like a leaf in the storm. The boy clutched his pants with his hands to himself from shaking, tears rolling down from his eyes. Mac dived out of the way with cougar's sharp paw missing his arm by inches. Before he could blink or think his next move, the beast was on top of him with a angry snarl. Mac could barely move as he was pinned by the huge animal
Mac's life flashed infront of his eyes. This was it. This was how he was going to die. Being teared to shreds by a wild animal. He could hear Sam whimpering not few feet away. Why was he still here? He should have run away, thought Mac. Another blink and Mac saw cougar raise his paw to strike at his throat. The agent closed his eyes ready to welcome his death
"MAC!"
Sam turned around to see Jack come running towards them with Chris following close behind. His brother quickly came to his side and hugged him tightly. Jack was shocked combined with surprise when he saw the beast on top of his friend. He immediately pulled his gun out and fired it in the sky
Cougar did what any animal would do on hearing a shot. He jumped away from Mac and ran back into the thick bushes. Mac laid on the ground for a minute as he panted with closed eyes. He heard quick footsteps and in next second felt himself being hauled up by his friend "Mac! Kid are you okay?"
Mac nodded "Thank you" Jack held him by his shoulders and did a quick check for any other injuries "Don't lie to me bud. Are you sure you're alright?" he cursed when he saw the would was open again with fresh blood dripping from Mac's shoulder "This does not look good"
Mac swatted Jack's hand away looked in the direction where Sam was standing or shaking with his brother. He could see how traumatised the boy looked and he felt bad. Despite in pain and shock from coming back alive from death's door, Mac mustered up some strength and gave a small smile and thumps up "You both okay?"
Sam didn't say anything and made a running start towards Mac. He threw himself on the agent who felt the wind knocked out of him "Whoa" Mac cried out as he caught the flying bundle "Easy buddy"
"I..I..th.. thought the big cat got...you" Sam hicupped and hugged Mac tightly. The young man shared a look with Jack who whispered back "I thought that too!" he wiped a sweat from his forehead
Mac rubbed Sam's back "Hey I'm okay" he held the little boy tightly. After a moment Sam pulled back and wiped his eyes with his palms "I'm not crying...babies cry...I'm a big boy"
"Yes you're Sam"
"I'm so happy you're not dead" said Sam and Mac heard a snicker from Jack. The boy just took away his line "Me too kid" Mac ruffled his hair. Chris walked towards them and held a small torn bag in his hand "We brought food"
Sam's eyes lit up and he jumped excitedly "Yay! My brother is the best. I knew he would find food for us" he grabbed the bag and started munching on the grapes. Chris had a blush on his face on hearing the praise but Jack's eyes got as big as they could go "Hey I helped okay. Give me some credit too"
Mac smiled at Jack's pout and laughed when he heard Sam's next comment "I'm sure you must've copied Chris. He's good at camping"
"I can't believe this and what are you laughing at young man" Jack gave a light hit on Mac's arm. He then got a glare from Sam "Oh c'mon! I didn't even hit that hard"
"We should keep moving" Mac said in serious tone "That gun shot sound must've alerted the kidnappers" Jack nodded "Yeah. We should find a safe place to lay low for a while. C'mon let me help you"
The moment Mac was on his feet, he felt the world spinning around him. All the adrenalin now slowly leaving his body with the pain coming back to hit him with full force. His shoulder along with his body was aching and he could feel energy leave his body. He took a wobbled step forward "Ja..Jack.." with that Mac went down again
Jack saw with worried eyes how Mac swayed and take a shaky step forward. He was about to reach him out when Mac's legs gave out and Jack got an armful of his friend "Mac! Hey...Mac!" Jack laid the boy on the ground who was now unconscious. When suddenly Mac went limp, Sam held Chris's hand "What's wrong with Mac? Is he dead?" he shuddered beside his brother who really didn't have an answer because he himself was scared seeing Mac unresponsive
Jack immediately checked for a pluse "Thank God" his hands then went on Mac's forhead and cheeks and could easily feel the heat rising. Damn the infection had begun to set in. We've get out of here as soon as possible, thought Jack and lifted the boy in his arms "Chris hold Sam's hand and follow me. No talking and don't ever let go okay? Got it?"
Chris nodded and quickly grabbed Sam's hand in his "Is Mac gonna be okay?" Jack didn't answer and started walking "Follow me and stay close" The two boys blindly followed not asking any more questions. After walking for another ten minutes Chris called out "Jack this way!" he pointed at his right
When Jack turned with a questioned look on his face, Chris told him he saw a small rabbit running towards that direction. He said they might find some more food or water. Jack agreed and was now following Chris. He heard a small whimper coming from Mac "It's gonna be okay kid. Hang on for few more minutes"
Jack laughed out loud with happiness when he saw a small pond at the end of his path. He quickened his footsteps and made sure they were alone. The older agent found a safe place between two huge rocks and gently laid Mac down "Chris can you bring me some water from there"
Chris nodded and ran towards the pond. Jack carefully removed Mac's jacket earning a soft groan from the younger man. He was right. The wound was swollen red and blood was still seeping through the small hole. Seeing him in pain, Sam held Mac's hand in his "He's having a fever" Jack again ignored Sam and changed the last set of bandages he had with him. Chris brought water in a small broken can that was lying near the pond. Jack opened Mac's jaw and poured some water. Mac coughed but remained unconscious. He then pulled out his handkerchief and soaked it in water. Jack placed the wet cloth on Mac's burning forehead "Chris crush few grapes in that can. We've to make him drink some grape juice only then I'll be able to give him meds"
"I can do that. I'll crush the grapes" said Sam and got ready to work. Together the two brothers crushed a bunch of grapes and Jack poured the liquid into Mac's mouth. He then gave couple of painkiller to his friend and prayed to God for sending help soon.
PHOENIX FOUNDATION
"I just don't get it! Why aren't they calling us?" Matty paced anxiously waiting for Jack or Mac's call. Riley Bozer and Cage were also worried for their friend. The team had been calling all morning but they couldn't get hold of the two men "What if they are in trouble" said Bozer
"Or maybe they haven't reached to the boys" Cage pointed out another option "I'm sure they'll contact us soon. We should wait for sometime"
"Boss what do you suggest?" asked Riley
Matty's eyes flickered to all his team members faces. She took a deep breath and nodded "We'll wait for few hours. By evening if we aren't able to get hold on them...then I'll arrange a search team"
No one said a word. Everyone in the room just prayed for safe returning of their friends and the two young boys who's life depended on Jack and Mac.
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