Here is another chapter this week.
Chapter 4. "The Nightmare Part 2."
A pair of boots clamped down on the wooden plank floors.
A hooded figure in black military equipment slowly entered a room in the hotel. There was a gentle breeze of wind from an open window and it entered a room. It scanned the room like an owl for potential threats. This figure glanced around the room where he was told to meet someone else. It was glad that the other person agreed to cooperate. Outside of the hotel, whatever happened, was definitely bad news and they needed to make a move now.
The hooded figure turned right to see a woman with platinum blonde tied back blonde hair tilt her head at him. She was in her early thirties and did not wear any makeup at all. Her ice blue eyes were unflinching as she nodded to the hooded figure. He knew that she was reckless, but at least she wasn't nuts.
"We should split up," The woman said as she gently rubbed her finger alongside the bladed end of a machete. "When we're there, you need get rid of whatever comes at us." A German accent laced in between her words.
The hooded figure barked a laugh, one completely empty of humor and devolved into intentional hazing. "Keep telling yourself about me having a death wish. Besides, we know something is definitely going on here." The hooded figure walked passed the woman then glanced out the window. "This fire already set this town on a path of ashes. We have about three hours before the military quarantines it then sends the BSAA for cleanup." The hooded figure looked back her. "Hunk doesn't have much time."
The woman rolled her eyes. "I already found the city's location and the key to that large briefcase he left behind. If I remember correctly, what we need now is a ride out the town." She stood up then placed the machete in its sheath on her lower back.
"Understood." The hooded one responded. "The place has hunters' territory written all over it. Our informant said the police scanners couldn't shut up about them. Did you bring a sniper rifle?"
"Already ahead of you," she smiled as she revealed a briefcase and took out a semi auto sniper rifle. The briefcase had thick bolded word 'Arbiter' painted on both sides. "She's all prettied up and ready for a night around the town."
The hood sighed. "Understood, ready on your go Bertha."
The softness in her face warped into cold and emotionless, though it's been a long time, still she was ready to work again with her former co-workers. "We make our move and don't think you're off the hook on refusing Arbiter's existence." Bertha stood up then opened revealed the last of their gear as the hooded one acquired his share.
"The raid will start in five minutes." The hooded one stated as he slid several flashbang grenades into his vest.
The hooded figure went through his bag to make sure his uniform is still there, the gas mask, hexagon patterned hooded jacket, with a form fitted kevlar vest. "How long has it been?" he slid magazines of ammunition into a pouch. "Five years right?"
"That's right. It feels good doesn't it?"
The hooded one smiled as he unzipped the hexagon jacket then took out a gas mask.
Bertha equipped herself and took hold her weapons. "Right, Vector?"
The gas mask sealed then the lenses beamed a dim blue light. "It's good to be back."
...
Rockfort Island. December, 1998.
Claire walked along the left side of a hallway and being mindful of the walking corpses the plagued the island. All she had was a pistol and key card to help her traverse the silent halls. It was unnerving and she felt that she needed a moment to herself. Eventually, she came across a room that appeared to have been an old document storage room. She entered it with utmost caution.
Claire didn't want to touch anything in that messy room, though she needed to look around there that could help her. Along the main wall it was a bloody mess. The outline of a body was apparent but no corpse was there either. Claire didn't like it so she needed to be on her toes. As she walked in, Claire noticed a series of opened files under the desk and rummaged through them.
Some documents referred to Raccoon City, old orders from Oswell E. Spencer, as well as a memo of an upcoming event called 'Taco Tuesdays.' Claire guessed that some employee wanted to make this place seem homey. If that was even possible.
Twenty minutes passed until Claire found something in one of the files that got her interest, it was like a long journal where the name 'HUNK' reappeared a dozen or so times.
It stuck out to her. Umbrella didn't seem like the company that would worry much about the appearance of their employees. Could it be a typo?
She flipped through a few pages, saw that nothing was old and dated it was like everything is written recently.
The crimson survivor took a deep breath and started at the top.
"Today the deal is sealed, HUNK had finished the mission successfully, and the samples have been delivered to Mr. Ashford without delay.
He was informed at the beginning that of Alexia and her condition, he needs to find him immediately, though I think Mr. Ashford is afraid of him for some reason. I was uncomfortable at first, but Alfred, he insists to hire the man in the gas-mask to deliver the last touches for her T-Veronica creation."
Claire looked at the doorway then decided to barricade herself and sort out several of the documents she found in case rescue ever came her way…
(...)
'Funny, how his name appear everywhere around outbreaks.' Claire thought as she watched him closely slaughtering the zombies so coldly like he doesn't care they were people previously. Another emotionless bastard from that damned corporation.
In the distance, Claire spotted Hunk sprinting in to stab a zombie under the jaw then kick it away.
She was about to take Annie and shoot their way out to keep up with him. It was a decent plan since there wasn't time to formulate anything specific. Claire raised her gun and fired into a zombie's eye as it toppled over and Hunk jumped over it to stab another zombie. Suddenly they heard a hissing sound, and multiple movements followed. It was as if there was some scraping sounds along the concrete and asphalt.
"Oh no, more reptiles." Claire said with a bated breath. She held Annie's hand and dragged her away. "Come on we have to go, I don't deal have enough to deal with them."
Back near the pond, Claire was about to tell Annie to hang back and hide, the hiss and shrieking sounds were much clearer now. In a several seconds, Claire had Annie take hold of her shoulder and the Claire used her gun sparingly to carve a path through the zombies. In spite of everything she did feel bad walking away and leaving him alone to deal with god knows how many.
Hunk did a right haymaker for a zombie to stagger then for his other hand to come in with the knife. The throat was cut out and he took hold of the left arm and crouched so he could toss the body over his shoulder. Once it landed on its back, Hunk raised his left boot then stomped its face in. The blood dripped off of it as Hunk did a roundhouse kick and noticed the young women running away. 'So much for me never leaving your sight.' Hunk chuckled to himself as the number of the zombies dwindled.
"What is it Claire?" Annie asked. Claire rotated her head to look at the dark, she could see gun flashes and figures jump around.
Another sounds appeared all around them, this time there were more snarls than shrieks…
"We need to move."
Carefully Claire aimed and observed the area, her gaze at full alert, she knew staying around trees is dangerous, because of what could be lurking around. There was an open clearing and no lamp posts to let them know what could be in the darkness.
"Alright, you just follow me as quiet as possible and when I say ran you just do it okay?" Claire murmured.
"Got it." Annie kept her hand at Claire's shoulder as the two moved on.
The two women walked in the side, Annie could figures in the shadows not too far from them and she did bit her lip to keep herself quiet.
Claire could see the gate is close, it was the time to run for it. "Now!" she whispered. Immediately she sprinted toward the gate. Claire moved out and decided to use an entire magazine to make sure no zombie could get close to Annie. Once Annie made it across, Claire sprinted over as well.
Once silence welcomed them again, they stood for a moment to catch their breath, "This is not good," Annie whispered. "I'm being a burden."
Claire shook her head. "Now you're annoying me." Claire ejected the empty magazine. "Why're you talking like this now? We've been friends for how long?"
Annie's lips almost formed a smile, remembering the first day the two of them met at the collage gate. One was lost and other was just as much so.
"Four years."
Claire lightly punched her shoulder, "You can be a real bitch, but I still love you." The Blacktail's barrel clicked into place and the gun was ready for use again. "Come on."
Annie followed behind smiling, "And you're a smart ass, I wish to punch you sometimes."
Claire knew the two of them need to find another place to hide, Claire thought about that possibly not the whole town is turned into hell and the only way to find out what's going on, she needs to go to the mayor. Not many places could be considered a 'safe' haven.
Then maybe see if the police have a plan to contain this outbreak in a certain area. 'I cannot believe I'm in the middle of this again.'
How many hunters are there among the zombies?
The two of them made it at a four way intersection and Claire noticed the street signs. Diamond road and Smith Street. Claire remembered that a friend by the name of Martin Kruger who lives around here. Could he be holed up and offer sanctuary?
They went over to Kruger's house, they could see houses nearby with their lights turned on, shadows of the people move all over the place. As well as makeshift barricades at the gates.
"Maybe we should warn them, they could leave and hide somewhere." Annie suggested.
"Good idea." Claire tapped her shoulder.
Annie nodded and ran without looking back. Claire checked her cellphone again for signal, to her surprise there was five missed calls from Leon and one message from Chris. She wanted to take it out but there-
BANG BANG! … Loud gunshots through the streets.
The both of them were seen by the people and some even started to make an opening for them. Claire and Annie were called out by the survivors and there didn't many of them were happy to see them. A woman ordered her friends to get the makeshift barricade open. Martin looked out and recognized them and waved.
Claire and Annie walked few step but Claire halted. Annie turned around the moment Claire stopped.
"What is it?" Annie asked.
"There is just something I need to do." Claire tightened her grip on her pistol." I have to..."
Annie understood what Claire meant.
"Go back if you want to." Annie said to Claire's surprise, she didn't even realize she has returned.
"What?"
Gentleness in Annie's eyes. "I'll stay with the people here, until your brother can save us." Annie said and pointed toward the people at the door of their houses, few of them were armed. "Don't forget about me." Annie joked. "Okay?"
Claire and Annie hugged each other.
"Be careful." Claire said as she turned around. She sprinted alone in the middle of the street, obvious scowl in her face mumbling to herself. "Can anyone tell me what the hell am I doing? Perhaps I'm crazy." When it came to potential dangerous turns, Claire would make sure to slow down then speed up again when she was in the clear.
The gates of the park came into view and she knew her pistol wouldn't cut it. There were several bodies at the street corner and one of them had a blunt object in her arms. Claire found a fire extinguisher. "Alright." In a hurry she took it and went for the gate, she kicked it open and sprinted inside.
(...)
Hunk hissed in frustration—at the number of hunters seemed to be increasing in the park, he knew he should have left when he had the chance several minutes earlier and it just kept getting worse.
Two of the hunters were ready to charge at him, Hunk threw himself forward, dodging the first one's claws. Once Hunk landed on his back, he dug through his belt and draw his weapon, he rolled to the left and fired at the two of them. Blood squirted out of the chest area then died and the other had a bullet enter through the mouth and it kept spitting blood as it charged at him. It shrieked again then Hunk gave it a bullet to the forehead for good measure.
He pulled himself up and was ready to flee the place, when he heard the sound of dogs again, this time it's mixed with the hunters hissing sounds, coming closer. He holstered his gun and prepared his blade for another fight. There were 5 bullet left in the gun along with his single magazine he brought.
He braced himself then flicked the blood away from his knife then waited for the next wave to make a move.
Though out of nowhere he heard the sound of a fire extinguisher, blinding the creatures for a seconds. To his surprise it was the woman from earlier. She let go of the device and start shooting the creatures nonstop, getting their attention. It didn't stop one of them from attacking him however.
A dog charged toward him, Hunk gave it a kick, and it crashed into a tree. Blade at the ready, he stabbed the other dog, gave a solid kick and it crushed against the same tree, immediately he saw the two hunters fall down with blood soaked teeth.
The mercenary didn't know if the creatures are gone, and he wasn't going to wait and see. He took a deep breath and ignored the aches in his body, from the many hits he took from these creatures. Hunk's left arm felt tingled for several seconds then a slow and bitter burning sensation wash over it. His back had pinches of pain as he rolled his shoulders to get his muscles relaxed to ease the tension.
"You so owe me one." Claire tilted her head and smiled, waving her index finger in front of him.
"Shut up, I never asked for your help." he argued. He shrugged her off then started to run toward the way out of the park. It was his plan to leave for the coast and use on of the boats to flee the town, this whole thing took too much of his time and he didn't like that.
"Oh no you're not going anywhere without me, you bastard." Claire shouted behind him and kept in pace.
'I knew it, I should have left him to die.' She thought, following his steps toward the gate, where he could see zombies dancing in front of the steel. Hunk slowed down slightly then Claire stopped behind him as he looked over his shoulder.
"Stop following me." Hunk shook his head at her.
"No way." Claire frowned. "You're coming in with me."
"That's cute." Hunk chuckled at her as he moved his gas mask away from her view.
Claire checked the path behind them, something in the distance caught her attention. "Oh uh." was the only thing escaped her lips.
Hunk sighed, without looking back it her, he knew this means more creatures are coming through the park, to their luck, it's like the two of them were on their nesting ground.
"This is not good." She rolled her eyes and prepared to fight.
Hunk jumped and dodged around the Hunter coming his way, but the zombies approached too close for his liking, he held his leg and throw it on the ground, his blade went straight to his forehead burying it deep inside. As soon as the zombie stopped moving, he turned his attention to the other zombies, without realizing a hunter charged toward him, a reckless moment had caused him to be shoved to the far side where he hit a tree. "Argh." he sighed in pain.
"Alright, I'm sick of this." Hunk whispered coldly as he pulled himself up on his feet.
The mercenary stood up then separated his arms as Claire raised an eyebrow at him. A small crowd of zombies were making their way to them as several hunters shrieked at them from above. At the rooftop, they observed Claire and Hunk. Hunk noticed that one of the zombies had an object in its hand as it shambled toward them. He capitalized on that moment then dashed for the crowd. The zombie he wanted to go for was in the front of the crowd.
Claire had no idea what he was doing but planned accordingly then aimed her Blacktail at some undead stragglers.
Hunk took out his pistol then fired at the zombie with the crowbar. As its body fell to the ground Hunk grabbed the crowbar and swiped it at another zombie's skull. Bits of skin patches of hair, bone, and brain matter decorated the ground.
There was only so much the knife could do and he took hold it then smacked a zombie across the jaw. It broke off and it wiggled its tongue at Hunk before he sliced the neck again then used the crowbar to snap the head backward. The mercenary turned to his left as a zombie swung its arms at him but he had the crowbar pierce right through the stomach, twisted it then yanked it out. The zombie's innards spilled out. The intestines, liver, lungs and blood… a lot of blood. He reversed kicked it in the head so it would face plant into the ground.
Claire kept her aim leveled as she noticed one zombie and many others get torn apart by that crowbar. He just kept going at it and Claire knew she did not want to stop him.
Eventually a zombie got a lucky hit on Hunk as he turned around for it grapple him then taken to the ground. Claire noticed it right away and moved in to help him. Once she did that, the hunters from the rooftops jumped down and wanted to finish them off.
Hunk shook his shoulders as the saliva of the zombie dripped down to his lenses and tried to bite him. Instead Hunk used his helmet and forced his head upward to hit the teeth. Teeth rolled down Hunk's gasmask before its temple had blood burst out of it. Hunk looked to his right to see that Claire made the shot then refocused her attention to the Hunters. Hunk shoved the body off then reached for his gun.
The hunters were killed before they could get close enough to attack. Several of them broke off from the pack and ran away. Hunk knew what that meant, the hunters want to rally themselves for a counter attack.
A zombie approached Claire and she racked the Blacktail's slide for the end of the reload but Hunk sprinted in with the crowbar and pinned the zombie into a tree. He sighed to himself then gathered his breath and looked back toward Claire.
"How...?" Claire said shaking her head. "how could you slaughter them like this, so easily?"
The zombie twitched and groaned at them as Claire stared at Hunk.
Swiftly she took her gun and aimed at him. "Don't you feel any responsibility for the monstrous people you helped?"
"For the love of god shut up." Hunk snapped as he drew his gun on her the moment she did to him.
Claire raised an eyebrow, surprised, the words failed her. "Why am I not surprised? Are you just another comic book villain?"
Hunk tilted his head then said to Claire. "Move your head."
Claire's body reacted before she even knew it could be a trick. Once she did so, Hunk fired his gun and a head of zombie snapped back then fell over. Claire looked back at Hunk somewhat annoyed.
"Now we're even, now, stay out of my way." Hunk roughly pushed her aside.
"Hey, I'm not done with you." Claire retorted.
Hunk stood at the gate and turned to look at her one last time. "If you come across something you can't see through the end... then don't get involved. I get my jobs done, vendettas or otherwise."
Claire was stunned for what it seems like forever, her anger was mixed with confusion. She stood in her feet and cleaned herself and pushed the thoughts away, she still had this issue to worry about now. She checked her cellphone as Hunk walked away from her but she walked behind him as he grumbled at her. "Those words he said, what did he mean? What is he exactly!?"
Her cellphone started to ring, half surprised she took out and answered. "Hello?"
"Claire!? Thank god you're alright."
A bright smile graced her tired face. "Oh Chris,"
"Hey Claire bear, we'll be there as soon as possible I promise."
She took a deep breath and kept her eyes up, looking around for any danger. "It's like the whole place is infested with some kind of a large lizards that have huge claws and zombies are here too. They're everywhere, please hurry Chris."
"Take care of yourself, we'll be there soon." Chris said. "Don't you dare die on me."
A soft chuckle escaped her lips, it was more of sadness then humor. "Count on it." Claire smiled. once she searched for Hunk, he was nowhere to be seen.
"Damn it." she ran around looking over the ally. "You won't escape that easily." mentally cursed herself for giving him the chance to slip away.
She could see zombies crawling out of a window near her, "Poor people." she whispered, immediately she ran, she didn't desire to stick around much and wait for them to corner her.
Claire knew she had to save her ammunition.
Thank you for reading, so I hope it's good so far, I'll stop here for awhile. :)
Thank you reaperfan, that was a heart warming review I appreciated it truly from the bottom of my heart.
Special thanks to The95will, for his great help.