Run Away

I'm not getting stuck in a time loop. I immediately turn and run away, not wanting to deal with this cheater if I can avoid it. I don my light armor, and my wings unfurl. The monster charges me, but I'm faster. My reaction time, my flight speed... Not even this jungle can slow me down. I hear it cry out in frustration, but what's it going to do, restart the loop? Surely, if I just keep running it will get tired and give up.

I soar through between the trees. A 20 minute walk becomes a 15 second flight. It manages to keep up with me, using its forward time skips, but it can't close the distance. The difference between our power is too great. With a last cry of frustration, it lands on a tree and fixes me with an evil look, its eyes wide, and its pupils narrow. I see their color shift from gold to