A lone Hunter snoozed atop of an abandoned building. There were obvious differences between this particular Hunter and the others looming over the passing survivors as they battled their way through hordes and hordes of commons. First of all, the hooded sweater that it wore was five-times to large for it. There were others too. The watery grey eyes rather than glowing red, the fact that the fingers did not stretch out for a ridiculously long time… and that it was female.
(Hunter's POV)
I stretched my arms as I awoke from another peaceful nap. How lovely the silence of the day was, all of my so called 'brothers' and 'sisters' had followed prey to a different area so I was alone other than the occasional common passing through. Yawning to myself I slowly got to my feet, sniffing the air as I did, hoping their scent remained. It was so I set to work, checking my worn out knapsack I went down my mental list of my possessions.
Torn picture of myself (or so I guessed) check…
Strange thin chain with opening trinket on the end check…
Book with words I no longer comprehended check…
Large yellow envelope full of papers with more words that were beyond me… check…
T-shirt that I found in my old home check…
That was everything I'd ever need. I did not feel the compelling need to kill. I did not wish for the death of the Survivors I was tracking. I simply wanted to remember everything I could about myself. I knew that I was inside of this horrid Infected's body, somewhere, deep inside my conscious I was still the twenty-some year old girl I had been. I was determine to find my place in the quickly changing world, determined to learn to read the book I had, determined to get out alive… determined to get THEM out alive.
I mean, of course, the Survivors I was tracking. There were four; three males and one female (thank goodness I could still count). I studied them really, figuring out their names slowly, trying to re-learn what I could. What I did learn was that the tall one in the white coat was named Nick. He had been a gambler (whatever THAT was) and was about to hit the big time when he lost his money in a "bad-hand of poker". (I had no sensible idea in the slightest on how one could win money in a game of poking one another.)
I also discovered that the larger one in a purple shirt and black leather gloves (I knew they were leather thanks to my well-developed sense of smell) was called Coach. I was surprised when his name rang a long forgotten bell in the midst of my sub-conscious. 'Coach' was an instructor in a sport or game of some sort, I recalled. I realized that Coach was actually a coach for High School Football. I recalled nothing of this term but was exhilarated by the small memory of what a coach was. This was the one thing urging me on for a long while now, seeing as nothing else rang even a dead bell.
Then there was the female. I am ashamed to admit now that I originally thought her name was Ro (but then again who could blame me? They kept calling her Ro). Eventually I realized that her true name was Rochelle, Ro was just the group's fond 'Nic-name' for her. Rochelle was a reporter for something called a 'newspaper'. Without the slightest idea of what a newspaper was I listened to this particular conversation carefully, hoping for an answer. When I received none I settled for what the other male had to say, which was quite a lot.
Ellis was his name. He was my favorite of all Survivors I had ever seen and 'studied'. He had earned this through his fondness for talking. I heard WONDERFUL stories from the past come from that young man; he always had something humorous to share. He was constantly talking about something called a 'Keith'. I learned about the joys of having a close friend to depend on and all the misadventures they shared. I learned more from Ellis than any of the others. He talked of fantastic things like roller coasters and paintball guns and Keiths and gasoline and graveyards, I could hardly contain my joy when Ellis would launch into a story.
I wished that I could join the group and question them all about everything I wanted to know, but two vital things held me back. The weapons they destroyed the lesser Infected with scared all my wits out of me. If I journeyed too close I could lose my head or arm or leg or some important appendage of that sort to Nick's straight shot.
The second thing keeping me from learning about them to the fullest extent … I didn't have the slightest idea of how to speak in full thoughts or to even express a simple feeling. I loathed their ability of simple communication with one another. Sure I understood most, but understanding the words did not bring them out of my throat and past my lips easily. I made my best effort, practicing every chance I got. I could form small words, focusing on "Keith" since this seemed to be Ellis's favorite subject.
I also tried to learn Rochelle's words, just in case using the same words males did would offend her. (I knew nothing of human culture then, it was not a common subject the small group spoke of). It was harder with Rochelle's words though, she hardly spoke unless spoken to. I believed she was mourning for other's lives… but she did say some words over and over. "Sweety," was one that I could manage quite well.
"Ellis, sweety, can this wait?" She would say when Ellis's stories would stretch to long for her. (This annoyed me at times because that would stop my "lessons" short.
Coach and Nick were challenges though. Most words they said seemed too forward and I recognized some as 'swear' words (I didn't want to offend ANYONE if I ever did come in contact with these creatures). I decided to avoid those for now. When Nick did speak it was quietly, as if trying to keep from being heard. I figured he was the smartest though. After all there WAS someone listening in to their conversations. Coach was a little easier to hear, seeing as he was usually shouting. I tried to catch some of these shouted words, hoping they were important. I heard the word "Helicopter" from him often so I tried that every now and then, though it seemed long and beyond my now primitive vocabulary.
"Hunter." I tried the word as he had when he spotted on of my brethren hiding behind a hedge. I could get it out alright, still struggling slightly. "I… am… Hunter…" I said the words slowly, hopping down from the roof tops. "Hunter…" Deciding to try a larger word I tried, 'helicopter'.
It sounded more like a deafening screech with the ending cut short. This was going to be harder than I had hoped. I broke into a sprint, remaining on my legs as a human would rather than lowering into a full on four limbs as my so called kin would. I liked the human run better anyways. Besides, the Survivors were close so I didn't need to go too fast. I could already smell Coach's unmistakable leather scent from his gloves coming from not too far away.
"Heli—cop—tor—" I tried sounding each part of the word out by themselves. "Helicopter…" Satisfied I rested my mind for the moment. As I said before I had retained no previous memories of how to speak and though my senses had become acute and alert my mind had slowed when it came to human subjects. How was I expecting myself to learn these things with no teacher? Every now and again I pictured Rochelle teaching me what the peculiar shapes on a page meant and Ellis explaining to me what a paintball gun was. Perhaps Nick would teach me this 'poker' and Coach could explain to me the all the wonders of 'High School Football'.
I heard a familiar shriek… a Sobbing Sister had been startled by the Survivors. Now, in a sense of emergency, I dropped to all fours and I zoomed around a corner and towards the source of the sound. It was clear where the Survivors were, huddled together, surrounded by, as I counted, four hordes, six of my kin, two tongue users, and a half dozen back riders. Crap, they wouldn't survive this, even with Nick's ace shot and Rochelle's excellent ability with the sharp axe she wielded.
I groaned to myself quietly, I could not let them die and could not let them see me. I slipped into the very back of the fight, picking off the Commons from around the edge of the battle. Slashing my sharp claws (if that was the right word for the sharp nails, almost metallic nails really, that I possessed) through their midsections I fought my way through two of the hordes, getting drenched in blood. I could hardly stand the stench that was coming off of my now soiled hoodie.
The forces of Infected began to thin and I turned my eyes for a split second… only to see the sobbing one throw herself at Rochelle, who fell to the ground. She was screaming so loud that I was sure my ears would explode. I heard Ellis shout something, trying to shoot the crazed Infected off of his companion. When Nick joined in the fight for Ro's life I realized that there was no way that they'd be able to save her with the weapons they had.
Without thinking of all possible consequences, I bolted towards the group. They hardly noticed me. That was, they didn't notice me until I had thrown myself against the Sobber, dragged it off of the helpless Survivor's form, and began slashing viciously at her arms. The horrible screams that came from that Infected's mouth were even worse than Rochelle's cries of desperation.
The horde chased after a blinking light that Nick threw forcefully at them as I slashed wildly at the Sobber, unaware of the Survivors staring at me with eyes full of disbelief. The Sobbing Sister's cries and screams faded and she simply slashed a long, clean cut through my mid-section. I fell away, screaming a word that I did not recall. "HELP!!!" I hit the ground and all in the world went black.
(Rochelle's POV)
I couldn't believe the relief I felt when the Witch was pulled off of me. I heard a pipe bomb explode and Nick came over to help me up. "Who shot that thing off me?" I asked.
Nick was staring at something, a look of sheer awe glued to his face. "That thing dragged it off of ya…"
I followed his gaze to what looked like a Hunter, tearing a screaming Witch apart. The hood over its head slipped though, revealing the long red locks of a woman. "A new strain of the infection?" I whispered, feeling a sense of underlying panic rise within me.
Nick shrugged, pulling me towards the nearby Safe Room. Coach started to follow too… but then a scream more distinct than the Witch's but not one that belonged to any of our team pervaded the air. "HELP!!!"
The Witch had dug a long claw into the Hunter's (was it a Hunter??) stomach and it had yelled, in plain English, for help. When the Hunter (again question mark) fell the Witch ran like there was no tomorrow in the opposing direction.
Ellis stared at the unmoving form of the Hunter(?). When he started to step towards it Coach grabbed his arm roughly, restraining him from assisting the creature. "What are you doin' boy?"
"Helping her." Ellis answered simply trying to shrug Coach's hand off.
Nick stared at him with that 'are-you-completely-insane-Ellis' look. "Have you gone completely wacko kid? It's INFECTED. You know those things that are trying to KILL us?!"
"But it saved Ro. It… She needs help!" Ellis defended; still trying to pry his arm away from Coach's vice-like grip, to no avail might I add.
"And get us all killed? I don't think so Ellis." Nick shook his head. "I say no way."
Ellis glanced around at us. "Coach…please?" Coach shook his head, a grunt of finality confirmed his absolute no. Then Ellis turned to me, his eyes in their puppy dog beg. "Rochelle?"
I glanced at the form of the Hunter (?) again. I thought of how ruthlessly it tore at the Witch, having no problem at all with killing it, for the most part at least. "Ellis…honey…" I had to look away from his still begging, pale blue eyes. "No."
Ellis nodded sadly, knowing that an argument was the last thing the group needed right now. "All right. But if it's still alive in the mornin' I don't care what y'all say, I'm helpin' it."
"Grow up kid." Coach said, finally releasing the Texan's arm. "Let's camp here for tonight. We'll get to the next Evac station soon."
We all nodded gravely. I patted Ellis's back comfortingly as we walked towards the Safe Room's red reinforced door, hoping it would lift his spirits enough to annoy Nick for a substantial amount of time. At least that would break a silence.
I heard rustling from behind us.
Instinct turned me around, both hands gripping my hand gun tightly. I was amazed to see the Hunter(?) standing there, clutching the wound that the Witch had caused and gazed at me straight into the eyes. Hurt flooded the barely visible eyes as they stared at me. I shivered. It felt like she (?) could see my every thought.
Ellis stuck his tongue out at Nick teasingly. "Told ya she wasn't dead."
"Hun—" The creature forced out awkwardly. Nick and Coach exchanged confused and cautious glances. The creature looked frustrated with itself and stumbled forward a few steps. "Hunt—" Nick cocked his rifle. The girl (?) pointed at the roof and said clearly. "Hunter!"
I turned just in time to see a hooded hunter launch itself at Nick, slashing manically at his shoulders, knocking him off balance. The moment Nick hit the ground there was a loud screech from the new Infected as she launched herself into the fight, prying the Hunter off of Nick and rolling to the side with it. The Hunter seemed to forget about Nick for the moment, and began slashing at the new Infected's arms.
I fired at the larger of the two, guessing it was the one we wanted; it was pretty much IMPOSSIBLE to see their whole bodies clearly due to the murderous hands slashing so quickly. Nick joined in quickly as Coach and Ellis turned towards the horde that all the yelling had attracted. This just was NOT our day.
The larger Hunter seemed to overpower the female, slashing easily at her, holding her down. Then just as soon as the Hunter had leapt at us, it was killed swiftly, and tossed carelessly aside. The new Infected was definitely faster. The female stood, shaking with what seemed like rough panting. She turned towards me for half a moment…and I swear, her lips tugged up at the ends in a little, sad smile… before she hit the ground.
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(Hunter's POV)
I think I was starting to wake up when it occurred to me that the fighting was over. The Survivors were safe, so I was happy. I would still get to learn about Ellis and Rochelle and Nick and Coach. It would be great. Even though they'd seen me they didn't try to kill me, which urged me on even more.
But I would lose time… I had to patch myself up before I could continue following them. I sighed tiredly, not yet opening my eyes. I tried moving my fingers first; just to see if they still worked or if I'd broken them in the crazed fight against my kin. They did which was a good sign. If my fingers didn't work then I was pretty much doomed. After all, I had no weapon but my so called 'claws'.
Then it dawned on me… the ground was too soft and warm to be dirt… the light was too dim to be the direct light of the afternoon sun… and the world around me was too quiet to be the Outside. I sat up too quickly and hissed in pain as the sore wounds protested against the sudden movement.
Then a familiar voice said in a very unfamiliar way. "She's alive!"
I looked around me, everything coming into focus. I was Inside the Hide Room that the Survivors were so careful to withdraw into. Ellis was sitting on the floor next to me, looking like a small child who'd just found a hurt kitten and was watching it carefully.
Rochelle stood close behind him, examining my face (I assumed at least that's why she was staring). Coach was sitting in the corner, going through what looked like a wooden box full of strange smells. Nick glared at me from the corner, one hand closed tightly around his weapon.
I gazed fearfully at them all, terrified to move. Everyone of my 'natural' instincts told me to attack and destroy… but older instincts urged me to speak, to give them some small reason to Trust me. "I…I am not hurt you." I tried, hoping this meant something encouraging.
Rochelle glanced warily at Nick, who nodded slightly, not releasing his metal weapon. She then came towards me slowly, reaching out a hand for my bag that was still clasped tightly on my back. I cowered away hugging it close.
"It's all right," Ellis said. "She just wants to help you."
I gazed at him. The word help was what I'd screamed on impulse… maybe it's what I needed. I slowly removed my bag and opened it pulling out my book first (I think I showed her this first because of my learning Want and how in my imagination it was Rochelle teaching me about the symbols in the book). She opened it, leafing through the battered pages. "A Bible?" Rochelle questioned aloud.
I heard Coach mutter something inaudible, so in hopes of reassuring them I pulled out the chain with the trinket on the end next. This time I held it out to Ellis, since he was closest. "Uh… thanks?" Ellis muttered, taking it and opening the end. "It's empty."
"Thanks…" I repeated in confusion, trying to grasp this new word. "Nick!" I said next, realizing that I had excluded him and Coach.
Looking surprised that I knew his name Nick stepped forward, not yet relinquishing his hold on the weapon in his hands. I pulled out the soft t-shirt that I had so carefully protected. I knew it had belonged to me in the past, so I wanted them to understand that I at least remembered that. When I tried to hand it to him he didn't take it, so I briefly wondered if I had done something wrong.
Coach took it from me though and held it out in front of him, examining the front carefully. "It's a community college shirt. I wonder if she went there before this mess."
"I'm still wonderin' how she knows who we are."
By 'we' I'm sure Nick meant he was still perplexed at how I knew his name. So I tried to explain. I pointed at Rochelle. "Rochelle… reporter and Infect make her run…"
Rochelle's jaw practically hit the floor when it dropped. "How--?"
I continued without answering (since I didn't know how to), pointing at Nick. "Nick played the… poker… Infect make him run…" I was pleased now. I had their attention and was conveying a message.
Next was Coach. "Coach does… the football… Infect make him run…"
Next was Ellis and since I knew nothing of what he was doing before the Infection struck I said, "Ellis talks. He says much."
This made them all burst out laughing as if this was the funniest thing they'd heard since time began. I was proud of myself; I had explained all I knew without too much of a problem.
"Yeah I guess she overheard us or something." Ellis chuckled when the laughter was finally dying down.
Nick was even considering what I was now. "But, why would she help us?"
"Ellis…" I said again. Not sure of how to go on I scratched my head. Hmmm… "Ellis and Nick could not stop Sobber." I strained it out. Then I remembered my picture and excitedly dived for my bag. "Wait… you see…"Ellis looked at Nick and shrugged, clearly not understanding what I meant. I pulled out the torn picture of me out of my bag and held it up. "Me…" I pointed at the smiling girl.
Nick dropped his gun on the floor and took the picture without hesitating. He held it close to a lamp that was sitting on the nearby counter top and examined it carefully. "It says 'Willow Sanders and…' the rest was ripped off."
"That's weird. Who'd rip the picture?" Coach asked nobody in particular.
"Let's think about that later." Ellis said clutching his mid-section. "I'm starving!!"
Rochelle tossed him something in a shiny wrapper from the box Coach had been rooting through. "Eat that."
"A granola bar, again? Man, I want some REAL food."
"Shut up and eat it Ellis!"
"No! I'm going out to that market across the street."
"Be my guest, I'm not going with you."
"Maybe I will."
"Guys!" Nick cut in.
"I'd like to see you try."
"You just know I'll make it."
"GUYS!! SHUT THE – UP!!" Nick shouted.
Ellis and Rochelle both shut up and turned to listen. I whimpered. I did NOT like yelling.
"What are we gonna do about her?"
Okay!!
Longest chapter I've ever written in under a week. Re-read it like 12 times before I was satisfied with the direction I was going. So? Good? Bad? Meh? Okay? Pickles? Gummy Bears? Great?
You chose!!
I feel like I crammed too much into one chapter… maybe I'm even rushing the plot, just let me know if I need to slow down!!
OKLAY DOKLAY!! Review plzz!!
Oh! One last thing!
Thank you to CrazyChibiSama the author of The Misadventures of a curious Hunter (MY FAV L4D STORY!!) For *cough* letting me to use this idea *cough* (I asked them but I didn't get an answer and I got impatient. If they ask me to stop I will but, I AM NOT A PATIENT PERSON!)
Also, if you have questions on stuff in my story (character, events, objects, special infected, etc.) Just let me know via review. THANXXX!!
RITS7
