1.76 seconds.

Out stretched beneath you is a magnificent scene. Sand and volcanic rock litter the ground in a tantalizing pattern only nature could design. To your left the ocean plays with the rays of the sun, an infinite expanse.

Surge.

A wave of water crashes beneath you covering the previously sandy shore with deep cool blue. Beneath you, you see a splotch of sand in the center of a rock formation. Your target awaits. The water recedes a moment later, and the scene resets as you mentally prepare.

Surge.

You feel water dripping from your fingertips, and a familiar feeling begins to cause a knot in your chest. Fear. The beast rears it ugly head as you again stare at the splotch of sand. To mistime or to misaim is certain death. “Not this time.” you think, as the knot in your chest grows. The water returns.

Surge.

You feel your legs tighten in a desperate attempt to force a stalemate. A call to sensibility heard by the beast which presses onward forcing your chin to your chest to avert your eyes from the scene before you. The water falls away, revealing your impending doom.

Surge.

You begin to shudder, the beast is winning. You look at the cliff behind you. The climb down takes but a moment and is not difficult. Safety is all but guaranteed that way. You hear the water regress behind you. Suddenly a voice in your head says quietly but firmly, “No.” The beast recoils at the sound. You stop shaking, you feel energy surge to your legs as your head snaps back to the sandy coast. In a last desperate attempt the beast lunges, but it's too late. You’re falling. Before you the white sand beckons as you accelerate to your death. A fate you’ve chosen to accept rather than submit to the beast.

Surge.

The last thing you see before closing your eyes is the wave covering the ground before you. As you pierce the cool plane of the water a sense of relief also washes over you. You have conquered the beast and lived to tell the tale yet again.