Where the red fern grows fan-fiction

***OLD DAN: A FAITHFUL FRIEND TO THE END***

        Winning the gold cup was the biggest event in my life. That did not matter to Billy though. Or me for that matter. Two days later we were out again. Little Ann looked exhausted while I was ready to take on the world with hunting. We had a good first hunt. We caught two coons which was not the best I knew we could do. Though I didn’t show it, I was not at my best. I was old and had less drive. The thing is, I don’t want to be old and tired. For the first time, I could relate to the name I was given, Old Dan. After good weeks of hunting about two to four coons a night we went to a place with a lot of mountains. I strained from my collar to start the hunt. I couldn’t wait.Then Billy let us go. After about 10 seconds I am proud to say that I struck the fist trail. Little Ann let out a low moan. (That’s how she says she is jealous. Everyone knows I am a better hunter than Little Ann right?) I laughed and ran on.

     We ran Into a problem right away. The plain was steep and was very bumpy. There was a giant slope that went down very far. The coon was very  fast.”Ahhhhhhrrrrrrroooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!” I howled three times. Billy was not far behind. We said,”Ahhroo”. That is our way of telling him “Do your thing.”On seeing that Billy was coming at it, the coon jumped to another tree. I knew immediately that this was no coon but a more fierce animal. A cat. A GIANT cat. Billy didn’t seem to notice yet. On the third jump we were on a giant mountain. Billy came close and we saw what made him stop so quickly. The hot yeller burning eyes were staring right at him. Then I saw the way the cat was looking at him. I then felt an urge to do something I have never done. I took a deep breath and then growled. I then took a defiant step forward. I knew who I was. I was Old Dan. By blood and by heart, a hunting dog.I knew when he growled and crouched that I was in for a fight. Then, with a deafening scream, he sprang at me.

   I saw him and was ready. Rearing up I met him in the air. The cat was giant and threw me into a fallen treetop. Then with daring speed my sister darted in. She knew the great weak spot of the cat well. Her small jaws clamped down on the ugly cat’s throat. Then he did something that I have grown to hate. With a scream of pain, the cat dug his vicious claws into her small shoulder. It was then her turn to scream in pain. She then sparang back into the fight. Furious, I jumped back in. I then saw Billy jump in. A wild looking sight might I say. With his ax, he started chopping like a madman. Billy must have chopped a little too hard because the lion responded. Quickly he turned around. His ugly face snarling. I growed softly telling my sister to be ready to pounce. The cat pounced first. Together,we jumped. Then I felt it. The giant claws and sharp teeth. The  ripping and clawing felt like I had just fallen into the pit of hell. Billy was fighting, crying, all in fury. We tumbled, clawed and fought. I could feel every jab and claw. When Little Ann took a clawing I felt it in my heart.The battle raged on. It was all teeth, blades, claws screaming, and of course loud howling.Then I tried to pounce on him. He heard and caught me by  my throat in mid-air. He started to go down hard. I knew this was the end. I had done my duty. I fought my fight. To me, we had won. I then saw something small and fast jump and grab hold of the cat with its strong jaws. It was indeed Little Ann.She fought for me. Clawing at the ugly devil of a cat, she tried to save me. She was pulling at the big cat’s fangs.Then Billy struck the cat with a strong, true, aim. The blade struck the cat’s back and made him scream. He lost the grip he had  on me. I feel on the ground in a pile of dead leaves.The cat turned on Billy once more, only this time he had more hate in his eyes and they were burning. My little sister was still dangling from his neck. Then I jumped in with all I had and clamped my jaws down hard on his neck.He screamed once more but blood came from his throat. He knew he was dying. With that he made once more an attempt to get Billy. He  feel short and when we felt it was too much for me. I passed out.

I came too a couple of minutes later. Billy walked me away from the cat and checked me for wounds.I couldn’t feel a thing. As he started to walk away I felt something snag on me. I cried out in pain. Billy then saw me and untangled some bug from me and stuffed it back in. He then took me up on his shoulders and carried me home where Mother took care of me the best she could. I once again felt the end was near. With my eyes I  said goodbye. I said goodbye to food. Goodbye sleep. Goodbye pain and sorrow. Goodby Billy and family. Goodbye hunting.With a heavy heart I say good by my beloved sister. You are my best companion. I am sorry I have to go. Thank you for laughs and smiles. One day, we shalt once again be reunited. Together. Goodbye. I love you. Remember me. I gave one last thump of my tail. With that I entered into a heavenly rest where I felt no pain anymore. Soon after I heard another bark and relized it was little ann.