Heartglass

Heartglass 31: Mastermind

AZALEA

The leaves rustled due the blowing wind as I stood there motionless. My heart thumped against my chest as I rammed my head to desperately think despite how I felt the bear as it approached me, carefully sniffing, stalking in a slow circle around me who was already as stiff as a rock.

I couldn't help but feel fear. I held my breath as I nervously tried to remain calm. I was in grave danger but I could only wait for the bear's next move as my one hand tightened on my bow—uncertain of what was waiting for me. And somehow, I was certain that death could be one of the options.

Blood gushed from my wound which already tainted my hunting clothes. And the wind swift blew, touching my nape cold, which sent shivers down my spine. Everything around me felt cold—even my hands were turning numb.

I suddenly wanted to reminisce about how I lived my life—if I was happy or not—but this was not the right time to be nostalgic so I exerted my remaining strength to focus on the bear.

Its heavy steps came to my attention—as if part of the bear was being dragged just to walk. I could only assume that it was wounded from its last fight and it couldn't swiftly move or attack anymore.

I tightly bit my bottom lip—a little hopeful of this realization. Maybe I still had a chance? Maybe I could still fight back? Maybe I could still survive this impending doom?

I shriveled from its sudden growl. It was a mixture of anger and pain.

I heaved another deep breath as I finally decided to fight for my life even if there was a possibility that this bear could cut me to pieces and end my life. Dying without fighting for my life was not an option.

I was already deeply thinking of how to escape this predicament but I was startled when I heard footsteps approaching us, twigs and leaves crushing behind someone's feet, which interrupted my thoughts. My heart raced on my chest. The bear who also heard those unwelcome noises whipped around and angrily growled.

I knew at that moment that it was my only chance to kill the bear.

My right hand swiftly moved and grabbed an arrow in the quiver on my back. I notched an arrow on my bow as I spun around and targeted the bear's exposed back.

I pulled the bowstring with all my strength but the bear probably realized the bloodlust emanating from my stance. It immediately retaliated and clawed its way to me as it spanned to attack me. I was definitely startled that I released the arrow in haste as I hopped back to avoid its deadly and sharp claws.

The bear growled when the arrow hit right through its chest. Blood gushed from its wounds as it whimpered in excruciating pain. But the wound didn't stop it from attacking.

It only became more aggressive as it tried to beat me into a pulp. I quickly composed myself and ran as its claws slammed on the ground—as if it was betting its whole life on it.

A part of its claw almost sliced through my back—gladly it only managed a scratch on my clothes and skin—as I panicked to draw another arrow from my bow while running. It became faster. Maybe it was the adrenaline rush or maybe it was its wild instinct to survive.

"Fuck!" I screamed my frustrations at the top of my lungs. I also want to fucking survive. I no longer cared how painful all my wounds were.

With a wince, I desperately turned to the bear and released an arrow which directly hit its head but to my surprise, another arrow also landed a hit. The bear stopped moving—motionless as it stared straight to my eyes with its mouth open revealing its sharp teeth. It didn't even blink and I was nervous as I tried to distance myself from it.