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// (1) Mystery in the woods 
// Story: Bonds and Fate 
// by Al Capony 
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Chapter 1 – Mystery in the woods


As my eyes fluttered open I immediately knew something was out of place. 

The tree I remembered falling asleep under had branches sticking out in only one direction – that way when the sun rounded the sky my peaceful slumber would be broken by glorious rays of light, but right then I was still in the shade. In fact, all of my surroundings were in shade and I was no longer leaning against a tree.

Sitting up, I observed my inexplicable new environment. I appeared to be in a forest – luscious fauna dotted throughout my perceived vision, odd trees in all directions, though a there was distinct lack of visible wildlife. Audible wildlife was all around – harmonious birdsong, the constant chirp of crickets. But I couldn’t see any of them.

Silence.

The sudden change in what I could hear was rapturous. There was absolutely no sound, whatsoever. My breathing was slow, controlled and silent. The crickets and birds had been replaced with a hollow void. Even the wind didn’t dare blow for fear of angering something.

Something’s out there… I thought to myself. 

All thoughts of wondering where I was, or how I got there, were put on hold – something had frightened those animals to the point of complete silence, and I had heard nothing to help me figure out what it was.

I slowly got to my feet, taking tremendous care to make not the slightest peep what could give away my position. If birds that could fly away from a threat were worried, me and my sub-par fitness ought to be worried as well. 

Fear. I hadn’t felt genuine fear in what felt like such a long time. I would say it creeped up the back of my neck, sent a chill up my spine or even made me exhilarated beyond compare. That would be cliché, and it did none of those things. I was scared, I knew something was wrong and I wanted to flee as fast as I could. Knowing my stamina, I knew I couldn’t run far and would almost definitely alert it to my position 

That left two logical options, and one stupid one. The logical part of my brain told me to hide, or noiselessly leave the area. The correct part of my brain told me to quietly observe whatever it was that was out there. The correct part of my brain told me to learn about it and help provide more insight to where I had awakened.

I left my bag on the ground and climbed the closest tree. Full of somewhat stable branches it seemed to me the best choice for climbing and was tall enough to nearly reach the top of the forest canopy which was useful for observing whatever the scary monster was. The thought did cross my mind that I could have scared the animals but I dismissed that quickly - I’d been completely silent and non-moving. Humans aren’t that intimidating to wildlife, as far as I know… 

I grabbed hold of the first tree branch and pulled myself up. There was a gentle yet deafening jangle when I reached for the next branch, remembering me to tuck my customary dog-tags into my shirt lest they betray my position to the mystery stalker.

The climb wasn't that difficult up to the near top – a couple of scrapes on my hands, but there was a ridiculous amount of tree sap.

What kind of tree has that much tree sap!? 

Evidently, that kind.

Shut up.

Not desiring to continue my mental skirmish I turned my thoughts to reaching the top of the tree, which by the end was no mean feat. The branches got smaller and smaller, eventually just little nubs sticking out of the bark and while the sap was no longer on the tree there was enough on my hands to mess with my grip. A couple of times I nearly fell to my impending doom. The height wouldn’t have killed me, but the noises from the fall coupled with the probable ankle injuries I would inevitable sustain were hardly desirable.

Upon reaching the top I took a moment to catch my breath. I was hardly panting, but controlling my breathing would make me less jittery and my breaths less audible. The act of climbing the tree, while difficult, was satisfying – I felt a little fulfilled and finally got what those fitness nuts were on about when saying ‘exercise makes you feel good’.

However, the act of climbing the tree was also noisy, evident from the sound of heavy paws beating down on the ground, seemingly in my direction. The stupid part of my brain may have been correct, but also stupid. 

While I doubted it was a bear, seeing as they aren’t indigenous to England, a few might have been brought from overseas for whatever reason and it definitely sounded like one. And, as it happens, climbing a tree is one of the worst things to do if a bear is after you.

However, these preconceptions were quickly dispelled when I heard its roar. Not a low growl, or a deep snarl, but a great, powerful, unparalleled roar.

I began to wonder if I was being hunted by a lion as opposed to a bear, as unlikely as it would have been, and as if to answer my inquisitive nature the beast burst into the clearing where I had awoken not five minutes ago.

“Well shit” were the only words that left my mouth as I gazed in awe at the creature below me.

My assumption of being stalked by a bear was completely wrong, though a lion only half described what I was seeing – it had the body and head of a lion, with lustrous golden fur and a crimson mane. Feathered wings of an eagle rested on its back, though vastly out of proportion. To put the final touch on this beautiful predator it had a bulbous and chunky blood-red tail. Not that of a lion, but of a scorpion, with a glistening tip which seemed to salivate venom.

I don't think I'm in London anymore...

The beast took in an unfeasible breath, and released it as an ungodly “ROOOOOOOAAAAAAAAR!!!” as if trying to scream me into submission. It wasn’t going to let me leave. I couldn’t run, I couldn’t hide – the only option, was to fight. Heh, I’m telling you this story now so I obviously survived but let me tell you, that was the first day of my life wherein which I felt truly alive. No masks, no lies, no acts. 

Just raw, uncontrolled, un-quantifiable LIFE.    

The beast had just shouted at me, and before our fateful battle I felt as if I should repay the favour. I lept from the branch I had precariously balanced myself on and released my own battle cry.

“COME AT ME BRO!” were the last words that I spoke before adrenaline overcame my thoughts and senses.