"Phew, i finally made it". I said, stopping to lean on the rocky mountain while gasping for air. My adrenaline running high and my focus drawn to the sight of the swaying bridge that once loomed above at the beginning of my duel with the king of this mountain pass. My nerves on end as i scanned for that talking monstrosity.

He had yet to pop in and make another appearance, but the burning in my chest proved it was only a matter of time. There was no way he would of just given up after the stunt he pulled earlier. After all, the exit clearly had to be the cave just across the way. It might as well of had a giant flashing arrow pointing directly at it with an exit sign. Knowing that, I began to survey the surrounding area before taking one heavy step on to the force aged wooden bridge swaying back and forth in the wind.

Scrunch.

Startled, I pulled back to the safety of the mountain pass noticing several broken planks along the bridge. "You gotta be shitting me?!". An old rickety bridge that will give away with one wrong step! What a god damn cliche this turned out to be. Cautiously, I once again stepped forth upon the shitty bridge, testing each wooden panel.

Snap!

The second plank gave way plummeting down below. if I had been stupid enough to place my full weight upon it, that surely would of been my end. I fought forward again, swiftly dancing along the bridge to avoid falling to my demise. "just a little more!", I said to myself while the bridge haphazardly swayed back and forth from my weight. I was now halfway through this god forsaken land mine field, when The frozen tears in my eyes began to melt and steam rolled off my very being in swirls. He was close I could tell but where?

Tk.tk.tk... Tk.

instantly , I froze in place. I stumbled back, The realization that the sound came from below the wooden planks. My eyes quickly darting down to the plank i had been on mere seconds before had exploded In a crackle of wooden splinters. In its place large claws jutted up before diving back down below. "fuck, its a trap" I blirted out preparing to turn tail and run.

Tk Tk. Tk Tk.

The sound of its slim tainted form crawling below at a blistering pace could be heard. I jumped back again, just before the machete like claws ripped through the wooden planes once again. This time to my dismay the creature came flying through the hole landing on its powerful hind legs. Its glowing red glaze locking on to mine. Its claws now raised in my direction. I cautiously took a step back preparing my stance to counter. Trying not to make any sudden movements. i reached back, My hand slowly reaching for the knife strapped to my back Hiss! The creature let out an unpleasant hissing sound followed by an ear splitting roar.

Roar!

With that the true battle was underway. His body barreled towards me at a blistering pace. The shacking of the bridge becoming so violent, that I was knocked off balance. I stumbled forward just as His trunk of an arm swiped just above my head. Lady luck was still on my side as I took my knife slashing it at his exposed chest . The knife barely knicked my foe, but it was enough to make him Cower away.

"Nows my chance!" with all my strength I twisted on the balls of my feet and took off in a full run. I was almost to the end of the bridge now, Afraid to look back at my attacker knowing he would be upon me any second. His razor sharp claws sliding into my back like a knife in hot butter. "just a little bit more!" I screamed out, as I neared the final planks of the race.

Crunch!

"Oompf", was the only sound i could make with the the air now knocked out of me. My leg dangling from the brand new hole in the bridge. "screw you lady luck", I thought to myself before springing back to reality. turning behind to see to my surprise that he had yet to even make a move. instead he sat there, perplexed as if stunned or perhaps amused at my strife. That quickly melted away as our eyes met. As if challenged by my gaze, his eyes Began to simmer with rage. His body now dropped on all fours, his hip bounced back and forth, like some sort of house cat preparing to pounce. seeing that I knew i had to act and fast.

I was only a panel away when the bridge gave way so I knew what I had to do. First I had to just pull my leg out. Then, cross back on to the fake mountain. Finally, cut the ropes, sending the bridge and the freak far away from me. "the plans bullet proof!" I thought to myself, while nodding and pumping my fist.

PUuRRRrrrr!

I paused, and turned around dumbfounded. I was not fast to act... damn inner monolgue. The creature lunged forward sinking his teeth into my shoulder. his jaws locked shut with unbelievable force. His clawed arms reach down grasping my arms to shackle me down. An unfamiliar screech bellowed from from my lips due to the unbearable pain. my superhuman strength coming to my rescue once again, i swung back with all my might. the knife now dancing in the air once again in a futile attempt to put up a fight.

Surprised, The beast loosened his grip as the knife blade sunk into his bicep. His jaws unclenching to let out a murderous snarl. That was the opening I needed, as I grappled his arm. I swung my leg to kick of the rocky cliff of the mountain. propeling my weight I threw his mutant weight over my shoulder sending his body plummeting down below. His body hit several rocks on the way down before falling silent in the snow. his body now twitching as he laid there unconscious.

"Thats my cue, time to blow this Popsicle stand!" I yelled pulling myself up and over onto the ridge. Running for the cave entrance with a skip in my step. The hell i wad going to be sticking around for when that bastard woke up from his cat nap. The inner cave was only a small rounded black room with an equally black door leading to the next area. I turned back to see the snow blowing once last time before opening the door and stepping into the unknown.​