The Hunt

The cold was bittersweet.

It nibbled at my frozen lips; clawed at the thin layers of clothing I was spared. They had left nothing of me. The pain never subsided; it took my blood and my senses, sparing nothing. As I limped down the narrow alleyway, blood trailed down my body and left a scarlet trail in my wake. Death, death, death, pain, pain, blood, blood was all that was left-I was empty to my core. It was cold, so cold, but I was colder inside. Right, left, right, left…I had to continue…right, left…blood…death…right….left….pain…pain…..

And darkness.

The system blinked crimson, and sirens slaughtered the silence. The researchers dashed to the system -had it found what they desired? The red lights blinked once, twice, the lens focusing on an object bright against the pale snow. Chuckles echoed around the room.

"Target acquired," one scientist muttered.

I awoke to complete darkness. Where was I? The wind swirled around my body, frost biting my fingertips; blood was scattered around my body, vibrant against the frozen ice.

"So you're awake?" a scratchy voice questioned.

I froze. Who was it? Dark shadows encircled me as I raised my head-three snarling faces embellished with various rings and studs came into my view. Cackling, the three gangsters straightened to their full height, towering above me.

"Where you headed to, baby?" Gangster #1, the biggest and, apparently, baddest, quipped at me.

"If you're not going anywhere worth it, why not come with us?" Gangster #2 remarked.

Gangster #3 just chuckled menacingly in the background.

I felt empty. With this much blood, discovery was more than likely. But what could I do? I had no shelter, no contacts-I had nothing. Pain throbbed through my head-possibly from the impact after losing conscious. My case was hopeless. I had nothing on my side, no luck, no possibility. Anger thrummed through my body. Why did I always end up in situations like this?

Why was it always me?

As the lens zoomed in, the scientist's view focused on three frozen, frostbitten bodies.

"Garner, Al, Gabe-go examine the bodies. Trace, Cal-track any leads you are able to. I myself will attempt to capture #6." The voice echoed through the room, sending vibrations shivering through the walls.

The scientist's voices echoed as they all spoke simultaneously: "Yes sir."

The hunt had begun.