Chapter 5: Forgotten
"So you ready?" Hunter lifted up his head from his desk not realizing he had dozed off
Hunter blinked, disoriented for a moment as he lifted his head from his desk. He looked around, finding himself in a place that was both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. He was in a small, cozy room, filled with shelves of books and papers scattered across the desk in front of him. It was his old room, the one he had grown up in, but how did he?
Standing in front of him was a younger girl, around her teenage years, she had short dark hair, with brown, no, green eyes, freckles dotted her cheeks and she was missing her right, wrong again, left canine tooth.
It was his younger sister, Sarah, a playful grin on her face. She was holding a book in her hands, waving it excitedly as she spoke. "Come on, lazybones, we're going to be late!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "you promised me that we'd go out, don't tell me you forgot"
Hunter chuckled, shaking his head at his sister's enthusiasm. He stood up from his desk, stretching his arms above his head. "Alright, alright, I'm coming," he replied, his voice fond. He glanced around the room, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. It felt so good to wake up, as he stood from his desk he glanced down to see what he had been doing on his tablet, he was sure he was drawing, no, he was up all night, gaming, no that was wrong too.
He tried his best to remember what he was doing, no he was studying, yeah that's it studying, he shook it off as he looked outside his window, the bustling city view, Through the glass, the cityscape sprawled before him like a luminous circuit board. Skyscrapers pierced the smoggy sky, their glass facades reflecting the myriad hues of the neon signs that adorned their surfaces. The streets below pulsed with life, a steady stream of hovercars and pedestrians weaving through the labyrinth of concrete and steel.
The city hummed with an electric energy, a symphony of beeping horns and distant sirens blending with the steady thrum of machinery. Neon advertisements flickered and danced, casting eerie shadows against the towering buildings.
But amid the chaos and the grime, there was a beauty to be found. The soft glow of the rising sun bathed the city in a warm, golden light, softening its harsh edges and lending a sense of tranquility to the urban jungle.
But as he gazed outside he noticed parts seemed wrong, like they were just slightly off.
"Hey, you coming slowpoke or what?" Hunter turned to Sarah's voice breaking him from his thoughts, Hunter blinked, momentarily disoriented by the abrupt interruption of his thoughts. He turned his attention back to Sarah, her impatient expression urging him to hurry. He let out a chuckle at the pout his little sister was giving him.
"Yeah, sorry, I'm coming," he replied, offering her a sheepish grin as he followed her out of the room. As they walked through the hallway, Hunter couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered within him. Something felt off like pieces were missing or distorted beyond recognition.
He tried to push the nagging feeling aside as he followed Sarah out of the house, giving a quick wave to their parents on their way out, and into the bustling streets. The city loomed around them, its towering skyscrapers casting long shadows over the crowded sidewalks. Hunter felt a sense of familiarity wash over him, tinged with a creeping sense of dread.
As they walked, Hunter couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. The streets seemed to twist and warp around him, the buildings looming closer and closer with each step. He glanced around, searching for any sign of familiarity, but everything looked strange and unfamiliar.
"Hey, are you okay?" Sarah's voice broke through his thoughts, her concerned expression pulling him back to reality. Hunter forced a smile, trying to push aside the sense of unease that gnawed at him.
"Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, his voice strained. But even as he spoke the words, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was very, very wrong. "Let's just have fun you wanted to go to that, uh" Hunter tried his best to recall what Sarah was talking about the other day, it was hazy like he hadn't thought about it in a long time. "That hoverboard shop that opened up recently?"
"Yeah, that's right!" Sarah exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement. "They're supposed to have the latest models, and I heard they offer test rides too! It's going to be so much fun!"
Hunter nodded, trying to muster up the same level of enthusiasm. "Sounds great," he said, though his voice lacked the genuine excitement he knew Sarah was hoping for. The unease he felt continued to gnaw at him, growing stronger with each passing moment.
As they continued walking, Hunter's surroundings began to blur and shift, the once-familiar streets now twisting and contorting into a surreal landscape. He felt a sense of panic rising within him, a deep-seated fear that he couldn't quite understand.
"Sis, something's not right," Hunter said, his voice trembling. He reached out to grab Sarah's arm, but his hand passed right through her as if she were nothing more than a ghost.
Sarah turned to look at him, her expression morphing into one of concern. "What do you mean, Hunter? Everything's fine," she said, but her voice sounded distant as if she were speaking to him from far away.
Hunter tried to speak, to explain the feeling of wrongness that surrounded him, but before he could utter a word, Sarah had suddenly stopped, and the landscape began to shift even more around them, as everything around him, twisted and turned before the landscape morphed into a more traumatic environment,
Hunter's heart raced as he struggled to make sense of the chaotic scene unfolding around him. The air was thick with smoke, the acrid smell burning his nostrils and stinging his eyes. His surroundings had shifted once again, but this time, he found himself in a place far more distressing than before.
Frantically, he searched for his sister amidst the devastation, his voice trembling as he called out to her. "Sarah! We need to go, now!"
But there was no response, only the distant sound of sirens wailing in the distance and the crackling of flames consuming everything in their path. Panic gripped Hunter's chest as he stumbled over the rubble, each step feeling heavier than the last.
Memories flooded back to him, fragments of a past he had tried so hard to forget. This place, held the echoes of tragedy, a reminder of the pain and loss he had experienced long ago. Yet here he was, trapped once again in the nightmare he had hoped to leave behind. He couldn't be here...he shouldn't be here.
With each passing moment, the flames seemed to draw closer, their searing heat licking at Hunter's skin. He could feel his resolve crumbling, the weight of his memories threatening to engulf him entirely.
But then, through the smoke and haze, he saw her. Sarah stood ahead, her form barely visible amidst the chaos. Without hesitation, Hunter pushed forward, his fear giving way to determination as he reached out for her.
"Sarah, we have to go!" he pleaded, his voice raw with emotion. "Please, we can't stay here."
Sarah turned to him, she looked different, older now a young woman, her eyes dull and piercing, as she seemed to see right through him. There was a haunted look in her eyes, a reflection of the pain and suffering that lingered in this desolate place. She opened her mouth to speak, her voice dead and hollow.
"I know brother," The flames and screams grew louder and louder, but somehow her voice came crystal clear "Then why did you leave me?"
Hunter's heart clenched at Sarah's words, his chest heavy with guilt and sorrow. Memories flooded back with crushing force, each one a painful reminder of the choices he had made, the mistakes he couldn't undo.
"I didn't want to leave you, Sarah," he choked out, his voice barely above a whisper amidst the chaos. "I thought I was protecting you, keeping you safe."
The flames licked at the edges of his vision, casting flickering shadows across Sarah's face. She looked so fragile, so vulnerable in the midst of the chaos that surrounded them. Hunter reached out to her, his hand trembling with the weight of his guilt.
"I'm sorry, Sarah," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I should have been there for you, I should have stayed with you."
Hunter felt a surge of desperation, his heart aching with the need to protect his sister, to shield her from the horrors of their past. But as he reached out to touch her, she dissolved before his eyes, like a specter fading into the mist.
"No, Sarah, don't leave me!" Hunter cried out, his voice breaking as he watched her disappear into the darkness. But his pleas fell on deaf ears, and soon he was left alone, surrounded by the ashes of his memories.
He sank to his knees, tears streaming down his face as he confronted the harsh reality of his past. This wasn't just a dream, it was a nightmare, a cruel reminder of the pain he had endured and the ghosts that still haunted him to this day. As he gazed up into the sky, the stars we still out, the night bathed red to the flames, but instead of a glowing moon, there was the bane of his existence.
Burning in the sky was a massive, burning meteor
Hunter's heart pounded in his chest as he watched the fiery meteor streak across the sky, its blazing tail leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Fear and dread gripped him as he realized the magnitude of the disaster unfolding before him.
He scrambled to his feet, his mind racing with thoughts of survival. Instinct drove him to seek shelter, to find refuge from the impending catastrophe. But even as he ran, the flames seemed to chase him, their heat searing his skin and their roar drowning out all other sounds.
In the distance, he could hear the panicked cries of the city's inhabitants, their voices rising in a cacophony of terror and despair. Hunter pushed forward, his legs burning with exertion as he fought to outrun the devastation bearing down upon him.
But no matter how fast he ran, he couldn't escape the inevitable. The meteor loomed larger and larger in the sky, its fiery descent unstoppable and unrelenting. With a deafening roar, it crashed into the earth, unleashing a wave of destruction that swept across the landscape like a tidal wave.
The flames consumed everything in their path, as the earth split open swallowing Hunter as everything went dark.
Hunter shot up from his bed, drenched in sweat his breathing ragged, his heart pounded in his chest as he tried to catch his breath, the echoes of the nightmare still ringing in his ears. It had all been a dream, a horrific nightmare that had felt all too real.
He wiped the sweat from his brow, his hands trembling slightly as he tried to calm himself. He clenched his shirt his fingers wrapped around a familiar necklace as he came down from the fear running through him.
The memories of the past flooded back to him, the pain and loss still fresh in his mind. It's been so long since he dreamed, or even had a nightmare, he was so used to the quick nap of cryosleep; waking up like not even a few seconds had passed, this was something he had to remember to get used to.
He looked around, the sights of the room unfamiliar to him, as he stood up from the bed. Kongo had offered him a room for him to stay in, as he had nowhere to really go with his ship being, well totaled currently, and the abundant lack of cities towns, or any form of human settlement, he had accepted. With his space suit stowed away, he he had gone to bed clad in the attire he'd worn upon re-entry to the solar system: a simple tank top and pants.
The remnants of his armor resided within the confines of his right gauntlet, neatly stored while still affording him access to the suit's functions, including the scanner, albeit in a diminished capacity.
Hunter let out a sigh as stood up, the room itself was simple, there were chairs, clothes hangers, small boxes, containers, and lighting. All the rooms have an arched doorway. A mat of dried plants is laid down to form a bed. Pillows and drapery are also made from the same dried plant material. With a terrace facing the pond that all the other rooms shared.
The simple furnishings of the room offered little comfort, but Hunter was grateful nonetheless. It was better than sleeping in the cold void of space or the unforgiving terrain of an alien planet. He glanced out the window, the soft light of dawn filtering through the translucent fabric covering the opening. The sight of the peaceful pond outside brought a sense of calm to his frazzled nerves.
Taking a moment to collect himself, Hunter made his way to the small basin of water in the corner of the room. He splashed some water on his face, the cool liquid helping to clear his mind. As he stared at his reflection in the water, he couldn't help but wonder about the dream he had just experienced. He stared at his familiar face, a dull look now glazed over his eyes, bags under his eyelids showing he hadn't had the best sleep.
It had felt so real, so vivid, as if he had truly been transported back to his past. But he knew that couldn't be possible. The memories were muddled, and distorted by time and trauma. And yet, the emotions they evoked were all too real, even if they were off the feelings, the pain he could never forget.
Pushing aside the thoughts for now, Hunter focused on the task at hand,
"Who am I kidding" He muttered to himself, "What task, what am I even going to do next" He let out a self-deprecating chuckle
He had been so intent on coming home, of delivering the good news of his successful mission just to come to what? a planet he no longer recognizes. The people he cared about, the entirety of humanity gone.
So what did it matter, what did those 2800 years in space even amount to, the lonely nights, the days when he felt like giving up just to push through and survive? But now, faced with this new reality, Hunter couldn't help but feel lost and adrift.
He glanced around the room once more, feeling a sense of resignation settle over him. The memories of his past, both real and imagined, weighed heavily on his mind, clouding his thoughts and dampening his spirits.
With a heavy sigh, Hunter made his way back to the bed, sinking down onto the makeshift mattress with a weary groan. He ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of exhaustion bearing down on him. It was tempting to simply close his eyes and shut out the world, to retreat into the safety of sleep and forget about the harsh realities of his situation.
Hunter felt a pang of despair wash over him as he grappled with the weight of his existence. What was the point of it all if there was no one left to share it with? If everything he had known and loved was gone?
He shook his head, trying to dispel the dark thoughts that threatened to consume him. He thought it would be fine, that he had been doing the right thing, and that in the end, every action he took would be for the betterment of humanity. That in the end...he would return to a world that would welcome him with open arms, a world where people could finally live in peace. But now, faced with the harsh reality of his circumstances, Hunter couldn't help but question everything he had believed in.
The emptiness of the room seemed to echo his own sense of loss, the silence deafening in its intensity. Hunter closed his eyes, trying to shut out the memories that haunted him, but they lingered like ghosts in the darkness.
He had spent so long with a purpose, a reason to keep going. And now that he had lost it, it felt like a cruel joke, a bitter irony that mocked his every effort.
"Heh, what a sick joke" he muttered lying on his back, he wasn't even excited to so learn about the gems, he wasn't excited about even being home, maybe it..maybe it was better if he had stayed in space or died out there. His words hung heavy in the air, his voice tinged with bitterness and despair. The weight of his disillusionment threatened to crush him, suffocating any glimmer of hope that remained, he was tired, so tired.
"Um...Hunter, you awake?"
Hunter's gaze met Phosphophyllite's concerned expression, and for a moment, he felt a flicker of something stir within him. It was a strange sensation, like a distant echo of the emotions he used to feel before everything had changed.
"Yeah, I'm awake," Hunter replied, his voice lacking its usual vigor. He pushed himself up into a sitting position, his movements sluggish and heavy with exhaustion. "Sorry, didn't mean to worry you."
Phosphophyllite stepped further into the room, her gem hair glittering in the light, as her, she approached her new friend. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern. "You seemed...sad."
Hunter managed a weak smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Just...having a rough time, I guess," he admitted, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the right words. How could he explain the turmoil that churned within him, the doubts and fears that threatened to consume him whole?
"It's about being the last human, isn't it?"
Hunter's breath caught in his throat, surprised by Phosphophyllite's perceptiveness. He nodded slowly, unable to hide the sadness that weighed heavily on his features. "Yeah, it is," he admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's just...hard to come to terms with."
Phosphophyllite moved closer, her expression gentle as she reached out a hand to touch Hunter's shoulder. "I can't imagine what you're going through," she said softly, her voice filled with empathy. "But you're not alone, Hunter. You have us, the gems. We may not be human, but we're here for you."
Hunter grimaced, he understood Phos was trying to reassure him, but it was deeper than that. "Yeah...thanks Phos," Hunter replied, his voice heavy with emotion. He appreciated Phosphophyllite's gesture, but he knew that his struggle ran deeper than just loneliness. He felt lost, adrift in a world that had moved on without him, a world where he no longer had a place.
As Phosphophyllite settled beside him, Hunter turned, a question weighing on his mind. "Phos, can I ask you something?"
Phosphophyllite nodded, her expression gentle and encouraging. "Of course, Hunter. What is it?"
Hunter hesitated, struggling to articulate his feelings. "Do you ever feel... like you're out of place?" His voice was uncertain. "As though you don't fit in, even though everyone insists you do?"
Phosphophyllite regarded him thoughtfully, her gemstone eyes reflecting the room's soft light. While she was accustomed to some teasing from her fellow Gems and the need to prove herself, she had never felt truly alone, thanks to Sensei and the others.
Taking a deep breath, Hunter continued, his voice growing more intense. "It's just..., Phos, I've spent years alone—centuries even. The only things keeping me sane were my ship's AI and the tasks on the ship." His voice rose with emotion. "I wasted so much time, so many years of my life, isolated in space on a pointless mission, risking my life and my mental state. And for what?"
He reached under his shirt, pulling out a silver locket shaped like the sun. It had once brought him comfort, but now it served as a bitter reminder of his past, he clutched the pendant tightly. With a grimace, he tossed it aside, the locket hitting the wall before clattering to the ground. "To return to a world that has moved on without me, to be the last of my kind?!" Hunter's voice escalated to a shout. "It's like something out of a movie or a TV show, a sick joke!"
After a moment, his voice softened. "It's like... I don't belong anywhere anymore, I'm alone... and a failureand in the end what? I'm forgotten, humanity, everything I know..gone"
Phosphophyllite watched Hunter's emotional outburst with a mixture of sympathy, she wanted to help him, to tell him that she was here for him.
"Hunter," Phos began softly, reaching out a hand to gently touch his arm
He pulled away from her, his eyes dull "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lash out like that, but please Phos...I want to be alone right now"
Phos withdrew her hand, her expression showing concern "Alright" she said gently, standing up from where she had been sitting beside him. "Just, tell me if you need anything"
Phos turned and quietly left the room, leaving Hunter to his thoughts. She wanted to help, she knew she could help. She just didn't know how and it was eating her up inside.
Alone once more, Hunter let out a heavy sigh, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him like a suffocating blanket. He glanced at the discarded locket on the floor, a symbol of the life he had left behind. It seemed to mock him, a reminder of his past mistakes and regrets.
Closing his eyes, Hunter tried to push aside the turmoil churning within him. He needed time to think, to make sense of the jumble of emotions swirling inside him. But for now, all he could do was sit in the silence of the room, grappling with the overwhelming sense of loneliness that threatened to consume him whole.
As Phos exited Hunter's room she let out a heavy sigh, Phos couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness that gnawed at her. She wanted so desperately to ease Hunter's pain, to offer him some semblance of comfort in his time of need. But she didn't know how. She was just a gem, after all, she had no understanding of human emotions and experiences.
Walking down the corridor, Phos's mind raced with thoughts of what she could do to help Hunter. She considered talking to the other gems, seeking their advice and guidance. Maybe they would have insights that she lacked. Or perhaps she could find some resources in the library, books, or records that might shed light on how to support someone dealing with such profound feelings of loss and isolation.
Lost in thought, Phos barely noticed as she passed by the common area where some of the other gems were gathered. She gave them a distracted nod in greeting before continuing on her way, her mind consumed with worry for Hunter. She knew she couldn't force him to open up or accept her help, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she had to do something, anything, to make things better for him.
"Phospholyite, are you even paying attention?"
Rutile's voice broke the young gem from her thoughts, Phos sheepishly chuckled, realizing she had been lost in her thoughts again. "Sorry, Rutile, I guess I got a bit distracted," she admitted, her mind still preoccupied with Hunter's well-being.
Rutile had called her over for a check-up, to make sure that her little encounter with the Lunarians the other day with Hunter and Bort hadn't left any cracks across her body, like always.
Rutile raised an eyebrow, looking at Phos with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Is everything alright? You seem... off."
Phos hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I'm just worried about Hunter," she finally admitted, deciding to share her concerns with Rutile. "He's going through a really tough time, and I want to help, but I don't know how."
Rutile gave her a curious look, tilting her head "Hunter, you mean that boy you brought in, my Morga was right you do have an interest in him" teased the doctor
Phos blushed slightly at Rutile's teasing but shook her head. "It's not like that, Rutile. I just... I feel responsible for him, you know? Pho's thoughts drifted to how she had helped Hunter, and how he's changed in the course of a few hours. "He's been through a lot, and I just... I feel like I need to do something to help him," she explained, her voice tinged with worry.
Rutile nodded understandingly. "I see. Well, if you want to help him, the best thing you can do is just be there for him," she advised. "Offer him support, lend him an ear to listen, and let him know that he's not alone. Sometimes, that's all someone needs."
Phos nodded, taking Rutile's words to heart. "Thanks, Rutile. I'll do that," she said with determination. "And thanks for the check-up. Everything seems to be in order, right?"
Rutile nodded, satisfied with her examination. "Everything looks good. Just try not to get into any more trouble with the Lunarians, alright, and also when Hunter is feeling up for it, please send him over to me. I'm quite curious, I'd love to have a discussion with him"
Phos chuckled nervously at Rutile's remark. "I'll make sure he knows you're interested in a friendly chat, and please Rutile," she replied, trying to lighten the mood. "don't try dissecting him"
Rutile grinned mischievously. "No promises," she said with a wink, before returning to her work on other Gems who may need her help.
Phos shook her head in amusement before leaving the infirmary, her thoughts still on Hunter and how she could best support him. Rutile gave good advice, but she wanted to try someone else.
She rounded the corner, and in the center of the room was Kongo mediating Seeing Kongo meditating in the center of the room, Phos felt a sense of reassurance wash over her. Kongo always seemed to radiate calm and wisdom, and Phos hoped that he might have some insight into how she could help Hunter, sure last time the answer Hunter had gotten had led to this, but Sensei seemed to understand and know how humans worked so was her best bet.
Approaching him quietly, Phos waited until Kongo finished his meditation before speaking. "Sensei," she said respectfully, bowing her head slightly in greeting.
Kongo opened his eyes, his gaze gentle as he looked at Phos. "Phosphophyllite," he replied with a nod. "What brings you here?"
Phos hesitated for a moment before deciding to share her concerns with Kongo. "I wanted to talk to you about Hunter," she began, her voice earnest. Kongo's expression shifted turning slightly more stoic at the mention of Hunter, though Phos didn't pick up on that "I want to help him sensei...but I don't know how exactly"
Kongo regarded Phos thoughtfully, his demeanor calm and composed. "Hunter is facing a difficult transition," he acknowledged, his voice measured "Humans are social creatures, not unlike you and the others. And just like you they require a purpose, Hunter has lost his, feeling as if he failed"
Phos winced, she knew the feeling of wanting a purpose, to be helpful. She now had one and it felt great that she could help out, Hunter lost his and for him, there seemed no way to find another one, Sensei continued, "As well as being the last of his species. His inner turmoil is not something that can easily resolved. His people are gone and are never coming back"
Phos nodded in understanding as Kongo spoke, feeling a pang of empathy for Hunter's plight. "I can't imagine how difficult that must be for him," she admitted softly, her gaze drifting downward. "To feel like you've failed, and to carry the weight of being the last of your kind..."
Kongo nodded in agreement, his expression sympathetic. "Indeed, it is a heavy burden to bear," he said solemnly. "But despite the challenges he faces, there is still hope. Humans are resilient creatures, though this might be something that would break even the most stalwart of them"
Phos nodded, absorbing Kongo's words. "I understand," she replied solemnly. "But I still want to do whatever I can to support him."
Kongo offered a small, understanding smile, before turning stoic once more "Your compassion is commendable, Phosphophyllite, but I doubt that he will recover from this"
Phos felt a sinking feeling in her chest at Kongo's words, the weight of Hunter's situation pressing down on her shoulders. Despite her determination to help him, she couldn't ignore the gravity of his circumstances.
"I... I see," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "But even if there's just a sliver of hope, I have to try. Please Sensei, help me"
Kongo looked conflicted
Seeing Kongo's conflicted expression, Phos felt a surge of urgency. She knew she had to convince him of the importance of helping Hunter, of not giving up on him even when the odds seemed insurmountable.
"Sensei, I know it might seem hopeless," Phos began, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her heart. "But Hunter needs us. He needs someone to believe in him, to show him that he's not alone. If we give up on him now, then what hope does he have?"
Kongo regarded her thoughtfully, his gaze piercing. "Phosphophyllite, I understand your concern," he said slowly, his voice measured. "But we must also consider the risks. Hunter's emotional state is fragile, It may already be too late"
Phos nodded, acknowledging Kongo's words. She knew he spoke from a place of wisdom and experience, but she couldn't shake the feeling that they couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
"I know, Sensei," Phos replied earnestly. "But I can't just sit back and watch him suffer. I have to try, even if it's difficult, even if it's uncertain."
Kongo regarded her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, finally, he nodded letting out a sigh. "Very well, Phosphophyllite," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "I will support you in your efforts to help Hunter."
"Thank you sensei," Phos said sincerely, bowing her head in respect. "
Phos felt a surge of gratitude as Kongo agreed to support her in her efforts. With a renewed sense of determination, Phos stood up making her way to Hunter's room, Kongo following behind her.
Hey Hunter it's me I brought Sensei" As she walked in, instead of seeing Hunter lying on the bed she was met with an empty room
Phos's heart sank as she entered the empty room, her eyes scanning the space for any sign of Hunter's whereabouts. She felt a pang of worry, wondering where he could have gone.
Turning to Kongo, Phos's expression was filled with concern. "Sensei, do you have any idea where Hunter might have gone?" she asked urgently.
Kongo's brows furrowed slightly, his demeanor thoughtful. "I'm not sure, Phosphophyllite," he admitted, his eye narrowing. "But If I'm correct, with his current emotional state I suggest we find him before the worst comes to pass"
Phos nodded but out of the corner of her eye she saw the pendant from earlier still on the floor, she walked over and picked it up
Hunter ambled without purpose, dragging himself from his bed in an attempt to escape the clutches of his despair. He hoped that immersing himself in the open air might offer some respite from his tumultuous thoughts. And in some small measure, it did. He drank in the scenery that surrounded him, finding solace in its beauty.
The landscape stretched out before him like a masterpiece of untouched beauty. Nature reigned supreme here, undisturbed by human intervention made sense after so long. The air, crisp and pure, carried the soft melody of the nearby ocean, each breath infusing him with a sense of renewal. And as the breeze tenderly brushed against his face, a fleeting tranquility settled over him.
This serene panorama stood in stark contrast to the bustling city where he had spent his youth. Here, nature had reclaimed its dominion, painting a picture of untamed wilderness. While some might find solace in such untouched splendor, for him, it served as a painful reminder of his own shortcomings. This tranquil vista, once a paradise to others, now whispered of his solitude, a testament to his status as the sole survivor.
With each step forward, he grappled with conflicting emotions. He should have felt elation at finally returning home, but instead, a profound emptiness gnawed at him, replacing the fervor that once drove him.
Pausing at the edge of a cliff overlooking the vast expanse of the ocean, he cast his gaze toward the horizon where the sun was still rising. It was a deep drop, into the depths below...he took another step.
A/N
Heh I am a bastard, well hope you guys enjoyed this update It honestly took a bit but I'm holding to my 2 updates week schedule. Next down the line should be Hell Walker. So Hunter ain't all there and he's having some regrets as you can see Kongo is reluctant to help, and Phos is really trying her best like always. Anyway happy you guys like it, catch you later, ciao