What else could I do? Just because my form had changed didn't mean my mind and instincts had. I had no idea how to work with those clumsy paws or my increased size. I batted sadly at the scraps of my clothing lying on the leaves. Maybe if I went back, I could find my pack and... do what? I still had a few of those leaves left over. Would inhaling more of that strange smoke change me back? Or would it change me further?
Looking down, I chuckled inwardly. There was no way I'd be able to start a fire with my huge paws. Still, it gave me a goal, which was a way better than standing here doing nothing.
Walking on all fours wasn't easy at first. I felt strange and titled. As I lumbered myself through the trees, squeezing past some dense patches, and even crossing a stream, I felt more confident in my goal. The leaves had been the source of my transformation, and I was sure they held the key to my return to form. But still, I had to be careful. There were other hikers around, after all... stupid couple.
I tried to to talk a few times, but all that came out were low growls form deep in my throat. Apperantley I couldn't talk either. Wonderful. After about half an hour, though some colors had shifted and others were duller, I could make out the shape of my backpack lying on the leaves, both straps torn by my expanding girth. Underneath it were the scraps of my shirt. Trying and failing to open the bag with my paws, I gave up and bit the bottom of it with my mouth, lifting it up and dumping the contents out. All my supplies rolled out onto the forest floor, including the paper bag holding the magical leaves that were the cause of this whole mess.
I tried to remember how many leaves I had thrown on the fire, but I had been too focused on the beauty around me I hadn't really been paying attention. I found it ironic that that I now was part of that nature I had enjoyed.
Coming up with the best plan I could, I grabbed the bag of leaves in my mouth, trying not to shred it with my new fangs, and went off to find a campsite with a fire. I was a bear. now, after all. If anyone was there, I could just scare them away.