The Unknown

Chapter Seven

(Hunter's POV)

The other two.. In the adrenaline rush from running, I'd forgotten all about them. But now that Max had mentioned it, they were all that I could think about. I was now away from the other people that had come to find Kittai, in sight but far enough that they wouldn't bother me and that my pacing wouldn't bother them.

My feet kept taking me back and forth, in a pattern along an invisible line. I was worried, stressed, anxious.

The worst part was that at this point, I couldn't even tell myself that they'd be okay because I couldn't bring myself to believe it. And I couldn't get back to them, even though I was sure that they were within running distance, because I was hopelessly lost with the rest of the group that had split away from them.

I wanted to go back and help them and make sure they were okay, because I cared about them, but I couldn't do a thing for them. I was helpless.

My thoughts paused suddenly as I heard a familiar voice echo through the trees. It said my name, "Hunter.."

A moment passed before it spoke up again, "You can help them.."

I froze for a moment before glancing at the others. They hadn't moved from where they'd been, and they were still talking to each other. None seemed to notice the gentle voice.

I assumed it came from my mind, thinking that it was a trick the forest was playing on me.

The voice spoke again, "I'm not a trick, Hunter.. I'm real.."

I inhaled slowly, it spoke again, "You know you're not all there.. You're crazy.. This place makes it worse but, Hunter.."

My breath slowly exhaled and my eyes closed, "Just because you hear fake voices sometimes doesn't make me fake.. You know who I am.. I've got to be the only one you recognize.."

The voice was right. I didn't recognize any other voice like that.. There was something strange about this one. It wasn't just a voice.

I gave a slow glance around before noticing it. Movement. A slight glow through the forest.

A body to accompany the voice. I knew I wasn't imagining this one.

I turned and ran into the trees, chasing after whatever it was. I was determined to find out who was speaking.