The frigid breeze bit at his skin as he clutched his bleeding shoulder and listened as the low growling circled his position, the beast lurking just out of sight but making sure its presence was known. He couldn't tell if it was messing with him or it really didn't know where he was hiding. A new spike of terror left a trail of goosebumps down his body as a branch cracked only a few feet away, proving that the monster was closer than it had been before.

He knew he had to get moving before it could catch him, but he couldn't bring himself to run any longer. It didn't want him to see it, so he had to track it. Make sure he could always spot it before it could get close. He'd already made out the little things; its sharp teeth, taloned claws, bright red eyes, fur so black it blended almost perfectly in the darkness. Ninja senses were the only way he could really picture whatever hovered out there, waiting till he lost its position so it might attack.

He had to stay awake, but he was so cold and he was so tired.

He fought to keep his eyes from flickering shut but he could feel himself slipping, another brush of freezing wind sending a rush of shivers down him.

A sudden flash of panic and his eyes were open again, autumn gaze landing on the massive creature just as it came bounding out of the bushes, only to let out a furious howl and dive back out of sight, his heart pounding with new adrenaline as he watched the massive form disappeared into the brush.

He had to stay awake.

He just didn't know how long he could.