Upset Youth - 5

Since there wasn't much else that could be done in a barn, or, at least, nothing that could possibly interest two eight year olds, Jim, once again, dragged Spock across his yard. He wasn't really sure where they were going but he was pretty sure that as soon as they got to, wherever they were going, Spock would like it. He hoped he liked it anyway, Vulcans were so hard to read.

They were just crossing the tall grass that separated the Kirk property from their back door neighbors when a small 'eee!' alerted both children. Glancing down, Spock noticed only one thing unusual, a large mound of fur. Arching an eyebrow he stared at the thing, wondering if that was what had made the noise.

Jim, on the other hand, exploded with joy. "Beast!" He cheered so loudly that Spock reeled backward slightly. The taller eight year old, dropped to the ground and held his hand out to the fur ball. Apparently that thing had been what had made the noise and it must have been another pet for Jim to react the way he did.

"Spock, come 'ere," Jim said, waving with one hand while the other gently cupped the fur clot.

Slowly, hesitantly, Spock kneeled down. Clasping his hands, he waited for Jim to explain just what exactly it was that he was holding. When no such explination was offered, he cleared his throat and said, "what is this?"

"This..." Jim started, pausing dramatically. "Is called a..." He paused again, making Spock's eyebrow shoot higher from annoyance. "Tribble!" He thrust his arm up, holding the small, cooing creature up to the sky.

"I see," Spock responded, clearly not impressed.

Jim frowned at the lack of reaction. "Well, I think Beast is cool," he said, stroking the Tribble once more before setting it back down. Standing up he brushed off his knees. "Come on. I've got a lot more to show ya," he said, his frown disappearing.

Pushing himself back to his feet, Spock waited for Jim to take the lead again. This was boy was just a natural leader, there was no getting around it. Vaguely, Spock wondered what would become of this child's life. Shifting those thoughts aside, he followed after Jim, who had shot off into the thick grass. With a tiny huff, he followed with slight difficult.

A few minutes later the two boys found them out of the tall grass and at the edge of a field. Spock blinked and looked around. Either Jim was going to tell him that humans kept fields as plants or another animal was going to be introduced to him.

He didn't have to wait very long because not a second later a loud bark (that was more like a roll of thunder) shattered the calm silence, followed by the pounding of heavy feet. Spock's eyes shot wide and he whipped his head to the side. There he saw, quite possibly, the most terrifing beast he had ever seen hurtling toward at speeds that should be left for Star Fleet vessels only. It was a huge dog, bigger than Spock had ever seen.

At the very last second, Jim shouted, "Bruno!" and the dog skidded to a halt. Not a moment later, Spock took a few steps backward, tripped over his own feet and fell down onto his bum. With a slight hiccup, he landed and stared up at the beast who had caused all of this with an undeniable expression of fear.

The dog, clearly stopped in his deadly pursuits by Jim himself, sat back on it's haunches looking, for lack of a better phrase, happy as a clam. It's mouth dropped open and it's tongue lolled out, panting slightly.

Jim kneeled down, giving Spock a deeply amused look, who was still struggling to control his fear (which wasn't entirely illogical). "Spock, this is Bruno," Jim stated, gesturing at the huge dog, who still sat contently. "He's our neighbors watch dog," he explained. Resting his hands on his knees, he watched Spock, waiting to see what the other boy would do.

Finally regaining control, Spock pulled himself to his knees and then to a standing position. He looked distinctly ruffled and irritated. "Fascinating," he said simply, resting his hands behind his back, stiffly. Jim laughed and stood up. Reaching out a small hand he scratched the dog behind the ears. Bruno wagged his tail happily, which thumped loudly against the ground.

Before Spock could get better accuainted with this monsterous dog, Winona's voice suddenlly shot across the field over to them.

"Jim! Spock! Dinner!"

Instantly Jim was energetic again. "Come on, Spock! Dinner!" He cheered and shot off back into the tall grass and back home. Spock shot Bruno one last look of annoyance before following the other boy at an easy trot.