Oliver x Reader || tpn fanfiction

Chapter 3- where am I?

Y/N pov

And here I am, stranded in an unfamiliar place that exudes an unsettling sense of artificial cheerfulness. The vibrant colors of the houses only serve to intensify the queasiness in my stomach. The forced happiness feels nauseating, a stark contrast to the grim reality I now find myself in. The conversation with the two demons continues to haunt my thoughts, casting a dark shadow over the otherwise charming village.

I pull myself up from the ground and take a closer look at my surroundings. The eerie silence envelops me, amplifying every tiny sound. It's as if the whole place is holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.

My attention is drawn to a prominent feature in the distance—a towering mill that stands as a beacon amidst the peculiar landscape. It beckons me, urging me to seek guidance amidst the uncertainty. With a sense of determination, I start walking, occasionally encountering dead ends that force me to retrace my steps. I continue to wander, my eyes scanning the area until I stumble upon an abandoned village.

My gaze is immediately drawn to a weathered sign standing tall, adorned with a clown face in the upper right corner. It's an unsettling sight, but what captures my attention are the three rules scrawled below the painted visage:

Music

Monsters

Survive

It dawns on me that I have stumbled upon a hunting reserve—a place where humans are the hunted. Yet, I find myself grappling with the meaning behind the first rule. I read the words once again, dissecting their order and purpose.

Music

Monsters

Survive

Could it be that the mention of music serves as a warning signal, alerting the people here to the impending danger? The monsters then follow, a threat that we must face and overcome. And finally, our sole objective is to survive, to outwit the horrors that lie in wait. This interpretation aligns with the fragments of information I possess so far, offering a glimmer of understanding in this bewildering place.

As a human, my chances of survival against these monstrous beings are slim. I'm left with two options: to run and hide, praying that time is on my side, or to strategize and strike from the shadows when the opportunity presents itself.

But the lack of information about the monsters roaming this hunting reserve leaves me at a disadvantage. How many of them are there? Do they hunt in packs or individually? What kind of weapons do we have at our disposal? And just how durable are their masks? Are the weapons provided even capable of breaking through their defenses? It would be foolish if the children were armed with weapons that could easily dispatch these creatures. Perhaps the assumption is that the children wouldn't dare to harm them. After all, none of us have ever fought a real monster, so we are clueless about their strength.

Running and hiding seems like the best course of action, but how can I escape creatures with superior reflexes and stamina? I'm filled with frustration and unease, not knowing when the next hunt will take place or how long it will last. Is there even a time limit, or do we live in constant fear, expecting death at any moment? Can I find solace in sleep, or must I remain ever vigilant? And what about sustenance? Is anyone expected to survive long enough to require food?

I need to stop fixating on these details. There are too many unknowns, and dwelling on them will only drive me to madness. I can't even begin to list all the questions racing through my mind because, in the end, it won't change my circumstances.

It's disheartening to realize that there's no one I can turn to for answers. I scan my surroundings but find no other humans. Is it possible that the other children have already implemented a strategy, leaving me to appear foolish and unprepared? If so, they've left me to face the demons alone, painting me as an easy target.

I can't waste any more time pondering my predicament. The demons could already be on the hunt, and I must think quickly if I want to survive this ordeal.

I ponder the kinds of music's significance. Does it mark the beginning of the hunt? And does it also signify its end? Or does the music change depending on the situation, signaling different stages of the hunt? Unfortunately, I don't have the answers to these questions, and the lack of information only complicates matters. If only I had someone to ask, someone who could guide me through this treacherous game. But the village remains devoid of any signs of life, leaving me to navigate this ordeal alone.

Attempting to call out for help seems too risky. Drawing attention to myself could attract the wrong kind of audience, potentially putting my life in even greater danger. It's frustrating how complicated everything is in this situation.

I decided that my best course of action is to find a hiding place and arm myself with a weapon. I continue to explore the village, searching for suitable spots to take cover. However, I quickly realize that leaving the village altogether would be the wiser choice. The forest provides ample opportunities to hide, especially within the thick foliage and towering treetops. I'll have to figure out food later; for now, my focus is on crafting a bow and arrows. Thankfully, my mother had taught me this skill, and I gather the necessary materials from the forest, including a knife from the village.

As I ascend into the treetops, memories flood my mind. Quinn, a blue-haired boy I considered a friend after my family's escape, had taught me how to navigate the branches with agility and grace. His guidance comes rushing back, and I swiftly construct my weapon, drawing on years of secret practice and improvement within the confines of the orphanage. I had always destroyed my creations to avoid detection, but now, they serve a vital purpose.

Another stroke of luck is the fact that I still possess Minerva's key. It's a key that holds the potential to unlock secrets and change my fate. Who knows when the time will come for me to use it, but having it gives me a sense of hope and intrigue.

And then, as anticipated, it happens—the music reaches my ears. Its volume resonates through the forest, impossible to ignore. This is no ordinary melody; it marks the beginning of the hunt, a perilous game where my life hangs in the balance. The moment I've been preparing for has arrived, and I brace myself for the challenges and dangers that lie ahead.