A tale of Humans and Hybrids

Chapter 4

Techno had to settle for a different shelter every night for the following week. He didn't want to risk anyone finding him. Knowing Dream, he probably already told every hunter and villager in all nearby villages about his betrayal and that he should be captured or killed on sight. That green bastard, always trying to get ahead of him, trying to finally be recognized as better, no matter what.

Every branch snapping, every leave rustling was a potential danger, a hunter that could be after him. Ironic, in a way, how he was now the hunted. It wouldn't surprise him if there was a price on his head now too, as if he was a hybrid himself. 

Techno didn't get much sleep at night, always hyper aware of his surroundings. This must be what the winged hybrid feels like... or any hybrid really. Always on the run, having to hide and fight for your life every single day.

Speaking of the hybrid, it hadn't shown itself after that weird encounter at the river. The ex hunter had returned to the spot multiple times, stayed for a bit in the surrounding caves or up in the trees to stay hidden, but nothing. A part of him was sad that the creature didn't return. Not because he wants to bring it down and clean his name, but because he still had so many questions, so many new theories that he wanted to test, most involving to check just how human this hybrid is.

Then again, he shouldn't be suprised that it didn't want to return. It's the same area it had almost been killed, so it was probably aware of the danger that now comes with visiting it. For all Techno knows it could have a nest or home to return to, maybe even a mate or hatchlings, children. A pang of guilt struck his chest at the thought. If he would have killed it... and this species of hybrids is as intelligent as he thinks, then he would have killed a parent of children. A parent that he begged to have when he was a kid himself.

The more he thought about the hybrid and his old hunting habits, the worse he felt. He always thought of them as animals, monsters that needed to be exterminated, but now... now he wasn't so sure about that anymore. Especially after that scene at the river, where the hybrid had clearly shown sympathy for the wounded warrior and went out of it's way to heal him.

He settled down near a lake for the night, hoping that he can use it to catch fish. His supplies were getting dangerously low. Getting food wouldn't be a problem and he did refill his water at a spring he found, but potions and first aid material was a lot more difficult to get. Especially with how he was now considered a prey to hunt as well.

Since he obviously didn't carry a fishing pole with him, he used one of his nets to try and catch some. It took a while, because he was obviously not skilled in that department, but he catched two small fish just before the sun fully sunk behind the horizon. It will have to do.

While he was cooking his dinner, he went through all his gear, checking what was running low and what he wouldn't need anymore. Now that he was on the run, he needs to travel with as little stuff as possible while still having everything he needs to survive.

The first thing that went were some of the traps he had on him. He kept one to catch himself food, but the rest got dumped in a small hole he had dug out. He kept some ropes and his coat and dumped some more hybrid specific gear. He won't need it anymore. He also only kept his axe, sword and crossbow, as those are the weapons he feels most comfortable with. The rest also found its way into the hole.

After rearranging the stuff in his back, he ate his dinner. He had no seasoning, but now is no time to be picky. He never was a big fan of fish either, but again, as long as he stays somewhat hydrated and fed, he'll be alright.

The fire slowly died out as he stared up at the sky, watching stars glitter and the moon cast his faint light down onto the lake. If it wouldn't be for the fact that he could be dead any second, this would be a pretty peaceful place to be for the night.

The soft chirps of a bird caught his attention and he spots a crow on a nearby tree branch, watching him with its black eyes. Somehow, it reminded him of the hybrid. It had reacted to crow calls before... Maybe this crow belongs to it?

Techno tore a piece of fish off the bone and held it out for the black bird to take. It flew towards him and perched itself on his shoulder without any feat whatsoever, taking the meat and eating it. Carefully, he reached up and placed a hand on the bird's back, stroking over smooth feathers. The bird didn't seem to mind as it cooed and got more comfortable. Now this moment was officially weirder than the encounter at the river.

"What is happening to me? First a hybrid is helping me... then a random bird acts like it's been my companion for years..." The crow just trilled and nuzzled it's face into Techno's cheek. He sighed and leaned into the gesture ever so slightly. "At least I'm not all alone anymore... even if you're just a bird."

Techno leaned back and closed his eyes, focusing on the warmth from the dying fire and the soft touch of feathers against his cheek. A wave of emotions crashes down on him as he tried his best to keep himself together, his body shaking. He felt sad, because he no longer had a home. Scared about what will happen to him now. Happy that even a single creature somewhat cared about him.

And he was just so fucking tired.

The crow cooed and tried to cheer him up, nuzzling and chirping and just being there. It almost felt like it was just as intelligent as the hybrid and it only broke him more. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." The crow cooed and trilled, trying to tell him it's fine, that he's forgiven, but he hasn't forgiven himself yet.

The first monsters were stalking around the woods now, eying the defenseless warrior. Techno could feel their stares, but he couldn't care less. He just wants to sleep, to finally get rid of all these dark thoughts and just have one night, one night, where he can just be free of everything that was bothering him.

Despite his better judgement, he allowed his tired body to rest and drift off into sleep, not caring what will happen to him anymore.

Just sleep.