The Few, The Proud, The Undead

IV

Private Vicman ran at full speed, a dangerous proposition in these woods. The brush was shrouded in darkness, and Vicman couldn't see more than a few feet in front of his face. Still, the trigger-happy soldier pushed himself as hard as he could. He narrowly avoided running into trees and tripping over rocks without concern. He was steadfast and determined.

A few yards ahead of him, he could hear the towering monster dashing along the dried leaves that covered the forest floor. He couldn't see it yet, but he knew he was going in the right direction. With a burst of adrenaline, he raced off after the noise, his body moving faster than he ever thought possible.

At last he caught a glimpse of it. He saw something large and hairy bounding away from him. It was faint and distant, but it was definitely the beast he was looking for.

He was closer to it than he thought. The soldier zeroed in on his prey.

The creature paused for a moment to look back at him, flashing its glowing red eyes. It snarled loudly.

Vicman tore out towards the monster, readying his shotgun.

He aimed. He had a clear shot. His index finger gently caressed the trigger. He squeezed and the weapon fired.

In an instant, the beast changed directions suddenly, avoiding the buckshot completely. It scampered out towards a thick patch of bushes eight-feet high.

"Mother!" shouted Vicman.

The monster leapt over the bushes as though they were an inch tall. It moved gracefully with blinding speed, like a fish in water. It kept running towards a small opening between two giant oaks.

Vicman moved to cut it off between the trees. He chased after it so hard his legs were racing faster than his heartbeat.

The creature reached the clearing and darted to the left, out of view.

Less than a dozen yards behind it, the soldier again raised his shotgun. He approached the opening between the oaks, legs charging like an Olympic sprinter, running at full speed. He was ready for anything. He jumped between the trees.

He stopped, panting heavily. There was nothing there.

"Fucker!" he shouted.

He found himself in front of a flat, empty field. The grass was barely knee high. He could hear crickets chirping softly in the distance.

Vicman was confused. It couldn't have run off that quickly. It must be lying in wait somewhere, preparing a surprise attack. He craned his neck around, scouring the field with his eyes, looking for any sign of the creature. There was nothing. The grass looked like it hadn't been disturbed in years. The monster, it seemed, had just disappeared.

He waded out into the field, slowly, waving his firearm out front of him, back and forth. This soldier's nerves were wound taut, like a coiled rattlesnake ready to strike.

There was a rustling of leaves far off in the distance.

Vicman walked towards it.

The rustling grew louder and more violent.

He started to walk faster.

The rustling was soon accompanied by a high-pitch squeal.

He ran towards the noise.

Ahead of him, Vicman saw a bush trembling wildly. It looked like two animals were fighting behind it. It sounded savage and primal, like one creature was brutally dominating the other, tearing it to shreds.