Author's Note: Welcome to the Third chapter of my story,it will describe the passing years for Hunter as he grows up in a New World.
Feel free to leave your reviews or any ideas you have.
The New Dawn - The Aftermath
Years have passed since Jess has left, leaving her son, Hunter in the care of Pastor Jerome. Jerome raised Hunter as best as he could, he taught him to help others when they need it and to always have faith in others. When the Collapse ended Jerome and Hunter emerged from their Bunker. The first time Hunter ever saw daylight was when he was 5 years old. Later they met up and met up with other survivors. It was as Jerome expected, they weren't the only ones who survived the collapse. Dozens and dozens of people survived 'The Collapse',including the Rye's,Grace,Hurk,and even Sharky. However, the Deputy was nowhere to be found among the Survivors. The Rye's along with Rook's old comrades tried to find him, but he was nowhere to be found. Eventually, the people gave up their search for him, most believed that he was dead,but his old friends, including the Rye's still held onto hope that he may still be alive.
However, the residents of Hope County weren't the only survivors of the collapse, Joseph Seed along with several of his followers emerged some time later. They built a Compound far in the North. They renamed themselves "New Eden" People feared the worst, but the New Edener's didn't attack, instead they left the survivors of Hope county in peace. Some of the survivors chose to join Joseph Seed's "New Eden" they claimed that he was right all along and that they should believe in him.
When Jerome first met up with the Rye's,they were curious about Hunter, Jerome told them, telling them that he was a Kid that was entrusted to him by his birth mom, then she disappeared, leaving him alone with him to protect. He hated not telling them the whole truth, but he promised Jess to keep his identity a secret. The Rye's quickly took a liking to Hunter, Carmina especially, it didn't take them long till they became friends.
In the aftermath of the collapse, things were hard at first,people tried to scavenge around for resources,but there wasn't much. Things may not have started easy, but eventually the people of Hope County banded together to rebuild their home as best as they could. Rebuilding wasn't easy, the Rye's organized everything, people looked up to the Rye's, they brought the people hope and eventually they became the leaders of their growing community. Years passed and life in the valley began to flourish, people believed that in time there would be peace and Prosperity in Hope County again for the first time in a long time. As the years passed more people began showing up into the valley.
When things began to get better, Jerome trained Hunter to survive the new world. As Hunter grew up, he began to exhibit both of his parents traits, he possessed his mom's short temper and his dad's pure heart.
The Years Passed.
Hunter - 5 years old. (3 Months after 'The Collapse')
The Collapse was over and people were struggling to find food, the New Edener's tried to help, but none of the survivors were willing to accept their help. Jerome and Hunter were staying at his old church in what remained of Fall's End. One day little Hunter was trying to find food, when a masked man approached him, handing an apple to him. Hunter quickly grabbed the apple, and ate it. Jerome then came and drove the masked man away, he made Hunter spit out the apple and took him back to the church.
"Hunter, are you OK? Did that man hurt you?" Jerome asked concerned, kneeling down to him,with hands on his shoulders.
"The masked man? No, he was just giving me food." Hunter explained.
"You can't take food from those people, Hunter." Jerome scolded, pointing a finger at him.
"Why?" Hunter complained.
"Because they're dangerous! You can't put your trust in them."
"But, I'm starving!" Hunter complained.
"I know, but those people are dangerous." Jerome informed.
"No they're not, that masked man was just trying to help me." Hunter objected.
"Hunter, those people have done terrible things in the past, they've hurt many people,me included, they even hurt your parents"
"But-" Hunter tried to oppose but Jerome cut him off.
"Just... go inside." He said sternly.
Hunter complied, going inside the old church. Jerome stood outside the church, placing his hand on his forehead. He understood that things were dire, but he would never accept help from the Peggies, not after everything they've done in the past.
Hunter - 7 years old.
Old Rye residence.
2 years have passed since the collapse ended and the community was beginning to thrive. When Jerome and Hunter met up with the Rye's, they quickly offered to take them in, letting them into their home. The Rye's asked about Hunter ,Jerome wouldn't lie so he told them that he was a Kid that was entrusted to him by his birth mother before she vanished. He hated not telling the whole truth, but he promised Jess to keep his identity a secret. The Rye's quickly took a liking to Hunter, Carmina especially, it didn't take them long till they became friends.
Jerome saw that Hunter was growing up nicely, he began teaching Hunter the basics in wilderness survival,surprisingly he learned pretty quickly. Rook always had a knack for learning fast,and adapting to situations quickly, so Hunter must have inherited that from him. When Jerome wasn't teaching Hunter about survival and many other things, Hunter often played with Carmina. He loved hanging out with her, she was a good friend to him as he was to her.
Jerome watched as Hunter was in the playing tag with Carmina,right now she was 'IT'. She was chasing Hunter,until she ran out of breath, she stopped for a moment to catch her breath. But, hunter stopped and turned to her laughing. "What's the matter Carmina? Too slow?" Hunter joked.
Carmina took a few more breaths then looked up at Hunter chuckling."I'll show you slow,come here." She continued running after him.
Jerome looked at them for a few more moments, until he heard a voice right behind him "It always makes me happy to see those two playing together." He turned his head to see that it was Kim with Nick right beside her.
Jerome nodded. "Indeed, if his parents could see how well he was growing up, they would be so happy."
Nick spoke up. "You're doing a great job at raising that boy Jerome." he complemented.
"Thank you Nick." Jerome thanked. "But, I'm not always gonna be there for him."
"What do you mean?" Kim asked.
Jerome picked up a pack that was sitting right beside him, he opened it revealing a handcrafted bow and a quiver filled arrows. "I've decided to start teaching him how to use a bow." Jerome said to them.
"Umm... Jerome, I'm not questioning your parenting,you're doing a great job, but isn't he a little young?" Kim asked concerned.
"I've been teaching Hunter the basics of survival and he's been learning well." Jerome saw the concerned looks on their faces and sighed."Look one day I won't be here to take care of him, he'll need to learn to take care of himself." He stated.
"Jerome, don't start talking like that, you know that won't happen." Nick said.
"I know, but I still want to be prepared in case something does happen." Jerome stated. Nick and Kim were probably right, nothing bad may ever happen,but if something did like him dying, a repeat of Edens Gate or maybe something else, he needed to prepare him.
Kim sighed. "Jerome, if anything does happen, we'll gladly look after him." she said.
"Thank you both, but I just wanna be on the safe side here." Jerome said.
"Alright, but just go easy on him." Nick requested.
Jerome nodded. "Don't worry, I will." Jerome reassured, then walked away from them.
"Hunter!" Jerome called. As soon as Hunter heard his name called, he stopped,but Carmina was still chasing him,she tackled Hunter,knocking them both to the ground. "Ow, Carmina!" Hunter cried,chuckling. "I caught you." She said,laughing. "OK get off me." Hunter pushed her off,and got up from the ground, wiping the dirt off of his clothes then turned his head to Carmina."Hey, I gotta go, see ya." Hunter held out his fist.
Carmina fist-bumped it."See ya." Hunter walked off, going to Jerome.
"What is it Jerome?" He asked.
"I have something for you, Hunter " Jerome said as he grabbed the pack off his back and placed it on the ground.
Hunter kneeled down, and unzipped it revealing the Bow and Quiver he crafted.
His eyes widened in surprise."WOW! A bow."
"Take it." he instructed.
Hunter quickly picked up the bow and quiver from the pack, he grasped them in his hands then started examining it. Hunter looked back at Jerome. "Where did you get these?" he asked.
Jerome kneeled down to face him. "I made them myself, I learned how to from my days in the army"
Hunter hugged Jerome in appreciation, burying his face in Jerome's chest. "Thank you." He said softly.
He closed his arms around Hunter,hugging him back."You're welcome Hunter."
They stood there, hugging for a few more seconds, until Jerome broke the hug. "It's time I taught you how to use them."
"Really?" Hunter said excitedly.
"Yes, you've been learning well, I think it's time to step things up, now let's go."
"OK" Hunter nodded.
Jerome and Hunter walked until they made it the forest. There Jerome began Hunter's bow training, he set up a target for him to practice hitting. Jerome knew he wouldn't always be around to help him, Hunter would need to help himself. Jerome was no survivalist like Jess, but he had military experience,which could help out Hunter in the long run.
"Let's get started." Jerome said as he walked up to Hunter, who was practicing aiming the bow with an arrow loaded. "Whoa, whoa, whoa be careful where you aim that Hunter." Jerome said as he quickly walked up to him, taking the bow and arrow from his hands.
"Oh sorry." Hunter apologized.
"It's alright, but remember this isn't a toy." Jerome said pointing at the bow.
"OK" He nodded.
"Good." he then handed the bow back to hunter.
"Now, take aim" Jerome instructed.
Hunter loaded the arrow again and took aim.
"Try and hit the target I set up,but before you do,take a breath." Jerome instructed.
Doing as instructed, Hunter took a breath then released the arrow. The arrow flew,but missed the target.
"Dang it." Hunter complained.
"Hey, it's OK Hunter it's just the first shot,not many people get it the first time." Jerome stated
"I know, but I just want to get this right."
"I understand Hunter, but you can't rush this, now try again." Jerome instructed.
Hunter kept practicing the bow, but every time he fired an arrow he kept missing. He was getting more frustrated every time he missed. Jerome tried to calm him but he was beginning to act like his mom.
Hunter fired another arrow and missed again. "FUCK!" Hunter yelled,throwing his bow and arrows on the ground.
"Hey, watch your mouth boy." Jerome scolded,pointing a finger at him.
"I'm sorry, this is just too hard!" Hunter complained,as tears started leaking from his eyes.
Jerome sighed as he got on his knees and placed his hands on Hunter's shoulders "Hunter, it's OK."
"No, it's not." He objected,swatting Jerome's hands off him. He turned around burying his face in his hands as he started crying. "I can't hit the stupid target."
Jerome turned Hunter around,wiping the tears from Hunter's eyes. "Hunter, you can't expect to get the hang of this quickly. Some may be able to learn some skills quickly,but for some it takes time." He stated.
"But, I want to get the hang of it now!" Hunter opposed.
"I know, but If you try to rush through this you'll never get the hang of it. I understand you're frustrated, but you have to be patient. Good things come to those who are patient." Jerome informed.
Hunter looked at him for a moment then sighed in reluctance."OK"
"Good, now let's try this one more time." He nodded picking up his bow, he loaded in another arrow and took aim.
"Hunter, close your left eye and concentrate." Jerome instructed.
"Why?" Hunter asked.
"It helps," he advised.
Hunter closed his left eye. "Now do as I said before, take a breath, aim at the target,but focus only on the target."
Hunter focused,clearing his mind as he did it seemed to get clearer as he did, he took a breath, aimed at the target and released the arrow. The arrow flew through the wind,but this time the arrow hit the target on the third circle. Hunter's eyes widened in surprise, he actually hit the target.
He turned to Jerome smiling."I did it!" Hunter raised his arms and jumped repeatedly.
Jerome chuckled."Yes you did, you're starting to get the hang of it."
"Thanks to you." He replied smiling at Jerome.
"Try it again." Jerome ordered.
Hunter grabbed another arrow,as before he took a breath, aimed at the target and released the arrow. The arrow hit the target again, but still not at the center.
"I got it again."
"It's better, let's try again."
Hunter continued practicing her arrows, he missed a few more times, but he was slowly getting better. Jerome looked at him with pride, he knew that maybe one day he could grow up to do great things like his parents.
Weeks Later...
Weeks have passed since Hunter began his Bow Training and his skills with a bow have surprisingly improved a lot in that time. He's proven to be a natural with a bow, just like his mom. Jerome believes it's time to take things to the next step, "Hunting".
It was a late afternoon. Jerome and Hunter were wandering through the woods, searching for an animal. They have been searching for over an hour,but have found nothing. Hunter was staring to get bored. They set up a vantage point on top of a hill, they were crouched to make it harder for any animals to spot them.
"So how much longer do we have to sit here?" Hunter asked, bored out of his mind.
"Until we see an animal." He answered.
"But, we haven't seen one in over an hour." Hunter whined.
Jerome glanced at him. "Hunter, what have I always said?"
Hunter sighed."It's important to have patience."
"Correct."
They were both silent for a moment then Hunter spoke up."Does hunting always take this long?"
"Sometimes, it takes hours,but shorter for some."
"Great." Hunter said sarcastically.
"Have you ever hunted before?" he asked.
"A few times, I used to go to this large forest once, far from here with my dad."
"OK"
They sat there in silence for a few more minutes until Hunter spotted an Elk walking by. "Jerome, look." Hunter whispered,pointing to it.
Jerome looked and saw the elk, he turned to Hunter. "Get out your Bow." He instructed.
Hunter nodded,removing his bow from around his chest, grabbed an arrow,loaded it in the bow and took aim.
"Aim for the neck, it will kill it instantly."
"OK" He focused the tip of the arrow at the elk's neck,he took a breath, then released the arrow. The arrow flew through the air,it successfully pierced the elk's neck . They watched as the Elk thudded to the ground.
Hunter's eyes widened in surprise, he actually got it on his first try. Hunter turned to Jerome,smiling. "I got him!"he yelled. Jerome was surprised, he honestly didn't expect him to get it on his first try, he's better than he expected.
"Come on, let's go to collect our kill."
"Alright"
They walked down from the hill to the Elk, Jerome kneeled down,removing the arrow from it's neck.
"So, what do we do now?" Hunter asked.
Jerome looked up and saw that it was getting late. "Let's set up camp."
Night
Jerome got a fire started and sleeping bags layed out.
Hunter sat down by the fire, looking at the Elk, he turned his face to Jerome and asked. "What do we do with the Elk?"
Jerome reached into his pocket and pulled out the Knife that Jess gave to him to give to hunter when he was old enough. Hunter may be only 7 years old ,but he's proven to be responsible enough to be able to handle it. Jerome handed it Hunter, he looked at it for a moment then gently took it from his hand. "What is this?" He asked as he looked at it.
"It's a hunting knife." Jerome replied, as Hunter took the knife he looked down at it,he pulled it out of its sheath and examined it. Jerome looked at Hunter as he examined the knife."How does it feel? Jerome asked curiously.
Hunter looked at it for another moment before looking up at Jerome."Feels a little big." He replied, turning it over to examine the sharp side, almost cutting himself but Jerome stopped him before he could."Hunter!"he yelled, startling him. Hunter quickly looked back up at Jerome with a surprised look. "Don't touch that end,you'll cut yourself." he complied, moving his hand away from the sharp end.
"I'm sorry, Jerome." Hunter apologized
"It's OK, I just want you to be careful and not hurt yourself Hunter."Jerome said.
"OK, I'll be careful with it." Hunter said,a he sheathed it and put it on his lap. "Why are you giving this to me"
"Because, you earned it." He answered.
"OK" Hunter shot another quick look at the knife then raised his head at Jerome. "Whose knife is this? Is it yours?" Hunter asked.
Jerome shook his head."No... that knife doesn't belong to me..."Jerome paused for a moment sighing then continued."... that knife belonged to your mom." Jerome replied.
Hunter quickly looked up at Jerome with his eyes widened. "My... my mom." He said surprised.
Jerome rarely ever mentioned Hunter's mom, all he knew about her is that she took off when he was born. He didn't even know anything about his Dad.
"Yes." Jerome nodded. Hunter looked at the knife, then looked back up at Jerome. "You've barely mentioned my parents. Who were they?"
Jerome sighed, he knew that he would want to know about his birth parents, but now wasn't the right time.
"I'll tell you after we eat ,but right now harvest this elk." Jerome told Hunter
"What?" Hunter said surprised.
"Use the knife to cut the deer open." Jerome elaborated.
Hunter gagged at that."Gross."
"I know, but you'll get used to it. Just do it and we can eat." Jerome ordered.
"Fine" Hunter sighed, he carefully unsheathed the knife, placed the tip on the skin and began as he was cutting he felt like he wanted to throw up, but he managed to keep it in. When he finished, Jerome got to work harvesting the meat, then cooked it.
Jerome and Hunter sat by the fire, eating the Deer meat. After they finished Hunter asked about his parents.
"OK, you said after we ate you would tell me about my parents, so who were they?" Hunter asked. "You only mentioned them a few times in my entire life,now you give me a knife that belonged to my mom. I deserve to know. All I know is that my mom took of when I was born and I don't even know anything about my Dad." He said angrily.
Jerome sighed, he couldn't keep it from him forever, he knew he was right he deserved to learn the truth. "Your parents were good people Hunter, your father was man named 'Jake Rook' to some he was known as 'The Deputy'." His eyes widened in surprise, Nick often told him and Carmina stories about The Junior Deputy, he said he was a hero to them.
"I've heard stories of the Deputy, Nick says that he helped a lot of people and gave them hope."Hunter said still surprised.
Jerome nodded. "He did. No matter what,he always took the time to help somebody. When the collapse began he disappeared and when the collapse ended,some of us tried to find him, but he was nowhere to be found. Some believe he's dead, but I still have hope that he is still out there somewhere."
"What about my mom?" Hunter asked.
"Your mom,Jess Black was a huntress, she was lost, she killed Peggies for fun,but when she met your dad he began to change, Rook your Dad saw more than a killer in her, she changed because he treated her more than just an ally, he treated her as a friend. Eventually they grew close and,then they conceived you on the same day the collapse began,they didn't know it. When the collapse began I was trapped in a bunker with her, a few weeks later she learned that she was pregnant with you. When she learned about you, she was scared more scared than anything ever in her life. When you were born she told me, she couldn't raise you, she didn't want you to become her 'A Monster' she said. Hunter she said that if she stayed she would end up ruining you more than she did to herself. She didn't want to leave you, Hunter but she had to. She loved you more than anything Hunter, we both believed that you would grow up to do great things, and I still believe that. When she left she promised that she would come back,when I don't know. But one day, you'll see her and when that day comes, she'll answer all your questions."
As Jerome told Hunter the story, he didn't know what to feel. His Dad was probably dead, or somewhere out there unaware the he exists. And a Mom who left because she was afraid of him turning into her.
Hunter - 14 years old
Jerome watched as Hunter grew into his teen years, Hunter started spending more time with the Rye's. Nick often taught him about cars and Kim taught him alot about the beauty of nature. Jerome noticed that Hunter was becoming more like his father, he helped out his friends and was willing to help others, but he was also becoming a little like his mom, sometimes there would be moments where he distanced himself from others and unintentionally lash out at others, when he got frustrated.
When Hunter turned 14 Jerome gave him a Re-curve Bow he got from his last scavenging run. Hunter outgrew his old bow and tried crafting his own, but it only lasted for a few weeks, that's when he gave him the new bow. Hunter really loved it, Jerome was always there to help him out.
He and the Rye's also noticed that Hunter and Carmina's bond seemed to be growing stronger, they started to spent a lot more time together than they did when they were kids.
Hunter aimed his bow at a target he set up, he aimed, took a breath then released the arrow. The arrow hit the target directly in the middle.
"Jeez Hunter, do you ever miss?" Carmina asked chuckling.
He laughed."Rarely". Hunter then went up to the target,pulled out the arrow, then walked back up to Carmina. "Hey, how about you try." Hunter offered, holding out his bow. Carmina looked at the bow for a moment then took then took it from Hunters hands.
"OK." She said hesitantly,she looked at the bow in her hands then looked back up at Hunter. "I've never really used one." she confessed.
"Don't worry, I'll show you how." Hunter informed.
Carmina shot another look at Hunter's bow then nodded. "OK, what's first?"
"First, grab an arrow and put it in." He said, handing her an arrow, she nodded grabbing it and putting it in the string.
"Now what?" She asked.
"Now, aim for the target. Focus close your right eye, then fire."
Carmina took aim,then fired. The arrow soared the the air but missed as expected. She sighed,looking back to Hunter. "I missed." She groaned.
He laughed. "Don't worry, I didn't get it the first time either."
"Really? " Carmina said.
"Yeah, not everyone gets it right the first time." Hunter repeated what Jerome said to him. "It took me awhile to get as good as I am now."
Carmina gave back the bow to Hunter."Hunter, bows aren't really my thing, I'm more of a gun-girl."
"It's cool Carmina. So how goes your gun training with Grace?" Hunter asked changing the subject.
"Good, you should train with me, Grace will be happy to teach you." Carmina offered.
Hunter shook his head, "Nah, rifles aren't really my thing, but pistols I don't have a problem with."
They're relationship indeed grew stronger. They've been best friends for years, they spent almost their entire lives together, and will continue to for many more years.
Hunter - Now 16 years old
2 more years have passed and after so much hard work, Hope County has become a thriving settlement, where life is flourishing and the people are enjoying a time of peace. Hunter eventually became at peace with the truth about his parents, but he still wasn't OK with it he really wanted to meet them and talk to them. He decided to become the best person he could be. He kept his parents a secret from others though, he wanted to be recognized for who he was not by his parents actions.
Hunter really loved his life in Hope County and couldn't imagine a better life. But soon everything will change.
I did the best I could on this one. I might add more later. If anyone has any ideas for changes or improvements fell free to tell me.