Chapter Text
I knew something was wrong once we reached the clearing in the forest. The air felt heavy, and a bad feeling settled in my gut. My instincts proved right. Seconds later, a shot rang out from the trees above. I quickly pushed Akira’s head down and jumped to my feet, searching for the attacker.
A man dropped from a tree ahead, sending another arrow directly at me.
"Stay low and behind me, okay?" I said, glancing back to meet Akira's worried gaze.
Refocusing on the attacker, I saw he was staring directly at me but made no move. I took advantage, quickly moving to disarm him. I kicked the bow from his hand, but he grabbed my leg mid-air, pulling me to the ground.
Seizing the moment, I grabbed the fallen bow and snapped it in half over my knee.
"What the fuck?" the man spat, reaching down to grab me.
I rolled away and sprang to my feet. Grabbing him, I pinned him against a tree, my hand tight around his neck. He struggled, landing a weak kick to my stomach.
"I'm not going to kill you. It's going to feel like it, but you won't die," I said, watching his face as he started to lose consciousness.
Suddenly, I heard Akira yell my name. A powerful kick hit my back, knocking me to the ground. The impact knocked the wind out of me, and I gasped, trying to catch my breath. I heard a strained grunt from Akira and forced myself up, seeing someone trying to restrain her.
I rushed over, shoving the assailant off Akira and pinning them to the ground. My heart stopped when I saw her face. This wasn't a random attacker; it was my ex, Kelly. She didn't recognize me immediately, but then she kneed me in the stomach, forcing me off her.
"What the fuck are you doing out here?" I demanded, rolling away.
"What- who... Oh hey, Grace," she said with a smirk, getting to her feet.
"I thought you couldn't get any skinnier since the last time I saw you," she scoffed.
"Shut up," I snapped, hiding my inner turmoil.
"No need to be so hostile, jeez!" She stepped closer.
"Don't- what are you doing out here?" I retreated a step.
"What does it look like? I'm here for your little friend," she said, motioning toward Akira.
"Well, good luck with that," I said, grabbing her shoulders and pushing her against a tree.
"You could’ve given me some warning at least," she struggled.
"Not as long as you're trying to hurt her," I said, pushing her again.
"Then you're going to need to try harder," she freed an arm and punched me in the face.
I released her, and she knocked me down. Quickly getting up, I saw her holding Akira in a headlock. I had forgotten how fast she could move.
"Let go of her. Let go of her right now," I demanded, approaching slowly.
"And what are you going to do if I don't?" She tightened her hold.
I kicked her in the stomach, causing her to drop Akira. I hooked my arm around her neck, feeling her scratch at me. Holding her, I was reminded of the night we broke up. Was I being as terrible as her? Who was this for, me or Akira?
"I don't want to hurt you more," I said, releasing her. She fell, shaken.
She clutched her side, and I thought she was hurt until I saw the knife. I jumped, trying to disarm her, but she slashed at my stomach. The pain was dulled by adrenaline. Grabbing the blade, I finally took the knife and held it to her throat.
"If you get out of here right now, I won't hurt you," I said, gently pressing the blade.
"Okay. Okay. I will," she raised her hands.
I got off her, watching as she collected her teammate.
"You got stronger, Grace, but you're still weak. If you were strong enough, you would’ve killed me. You're emotionally weak. You always will be," she taunted, walking into the woods.
I stood there, holding the knife until it felt safe. Then I rushed to Akira, crouching beside her.
"Are you okay? Did she hurt you? How's your neck?" I asked, checking her for injuries.
"No, I'm fine. But are you okay?" she asked, concerned.
"I'm fine, don't worry about me," I said, not feeling the pain yet.
"You're bleeding a lot, love," she said, looking me over.
I looked down, seeing a cut on my hand and blood from my stomach.
"Maybe we should go back to the temple," I said, the pain finally setting in.
"Yeah. Can you get up?" she asked, crouching beside me.
"I think so," I said, trying to stand.
"Here, let me help you," she offered her hand.
I grabbed it tightly, pulling myself up.
"We'll go slowly, okay?" she said as I held onto her waist for support.
"Alright," I said, stepping forward unsteadily from blood loss. We walked slowly back to the temple, and I collapsed onto my sleeping bag.
"I have a first aid kit in my bag," I said, struggling to stay awake.