The Infected [1]

20.Intruder Alert

I could smell the same scent of the runner for a few seconds before the wind changed its direction and the runner was now downwind. There's a chance that it might be in control but it will most likely be feral.

I let out a low creepy owl-like call different from my high-pitched scream. Us nightstalkers decided to use that sound for alerting others if there are dangers ahead or in this case intruders.

Seconds later, another call echoed towards the east border. Must be Jay's
I took on a lower crouch and darted from trees to trees towards the south border which happened to be Jeff's border.

The wind blowing against my back grew colder and harsher. The only thing I could smell was the plethora of plants and the local animals, along with Andrew's scent.

I ducked to evade a branch and slipped behind a tree to catch my breath. My instincts detested the feeling of being vulnerable when other zombies are around or any living things for that matter. I leaned on to the tree for support and panted slightly.

I recomposed myself and continued to search for the runner.

~•~

The wind altered again which allowed me to scent the runner once more. Apparently, I was not the only one close to the runner. Jeff and Jay's scent was also quite close to the runner's.

They must be waiting to strike the runner but why wait? They're obviously stronger than the runner. Time to find out.

I crept stealthily behind a bush and tested the air. The runner should be a few meters away from me. I scanned my surrounding and caught a glimpse of a figure stumbling beside a nearby tree. I silently approached the figure and tackled them.

I snarled at the fallen runner and he returned the snarl. It was obvious that he was feral from the bloodthirsty look on his face and the blood stains all over his body.

A twig snapped in front of me and Jay stepped in front of both of us. "Looks like you caught them."

I grinned and turned my attention back to the runner. I got off of him and crouched, ready to strike him. He quickly got up and crouched lowly. Without warning, I pounced and brought down my talon like nails to his right arm.

He jumped back in an attempt to evade my attack but wasn't quick enough to do so. Four bloody furrows were visible on his arm and he growled before trying to scamper away.

"Where'd you think you're going, pal?.",was what Jay said before sniping in for the kill.

A blur of another figure swooshed past me as well and joined Jay in taking down the runner. The runner or what's left of it tumbled down in mere seconds.

"Fatality."

I turned my head to the right to see Mark grinning beside Andrew who seemed rather annoyed.

"What's with the long face?",I asked jokingly.

"Well, let me enlighten you.",Mark cackled.

Flashback:

We were looking for you guys when I decided to prank him~

"Hey Mark, you sure this is the right way?"

"Yeah, you need to get your nose checked. Their scent is definitely somewhere East."

A few minutes later......

"Mark?"

........

"Mark,where are you?!"

.........

"Mark, I swear this isn't funny."

.........

"M-Aaaahhhhh!!!"

"Hahahahah, you should've seen your face."

"I hate you."

End of Flashback

"That was a good one,Mark.",Jay chuckled.

Andrew muttered something unintelligible and stormed off.

"Let's head back.",I suggested.

"Yeah.",Jeff replied.