6th File: HU13R - 13M53

I sat in the ruins of an office building that I had previously scouted out. I didn’t remember much of the world before but I was pretty sure this building used to belong to a major tech company or something of the sort. I chewed a slice of potato as I stared at the scenery around me.

I had my back to a crumbled corner wall and had my self-modified FarShot positioned in the window so I could see any possible movement from a Darkling nest I had encountered a couple of days before. I chose this building because it was relatively high but not too high that the foundation was weakened to the point of instability. I also made sure that I had several exits and by my estimation, one of those exits, if absolutely necessary, was out the window.

It was moments like these, these quiet breaks between the hunting and the hate, that I found myself pondering about life and equality. For example, I mused as I held up my potato slices. These are delicious and can be grown in any moderated environmental condition basically, whereas, something like bananas aren’t as good and diverse. It truly was a conundrum, one of many.

A cold breeze swept through the giant gaping hole in the south wall. I shivered and pulled my tattered black windbreaker closer. I picked it up southside C-City because it looked cool as it had a nice shade of purple as an accent. I thought it was so cool I also hunted for some spray decals and the same shade of purple spray paint so my FarShot and I could match. I stroked my gun almost lovingly, it was well worth it.

Suddenly, slight movement a block away from the nest. It was just barely a flicker. I frowned as I squinted into the scope. Thanks to my modifications, the HUD is equipped with heat sensors and even a name tag system that I coded into the gun. It picked out a woman in her late 40’s with the name tag, Unknown Woman. I turned off the heat sensor and zoomed into her more.

Despite all the grime, her beauty was evident, especially with the red hair that seemed to shimmer every so often. But what caught my eye was the absolute masterpiece that was strapped to her back. I couldn’t help but let an excited giggle slip as I tried to gauge what the gun was. It seemed to have the same build as a FarShot, but the mechanics seemed different, she didn’t even have a standard model scope.

I grinned widely at the potential this opportunity could have, but first, I must meet her. I zoomed out and saw that she was slowly making her way through the rubble but unfortunately in the direction of the nest. I frowned at that. I sniffed as I made calculations in my head. I wouldn’t be able to get down fast enough, so instead I readied my FarShot, took aim, and fired.

The shot landed a few meters in front of her and the silencer I attached made sure that it wasn’t loud enough for the Darklings to hear. The bullet however was definitely obvious, what with its heavy thunk and the dust it kicked up. Through my scope, I watched as the woman immediately threw herself behind some rubble while simultaneously drawing her gun. She was now out of my sight. I couldn’t contain myself as I laughed and tried to make myself as big of a target as possible, jumping and waving my arms everywhere.

With my sniper stashed away so the woman wouldn’t get the wrong idea, I had to make estimates with my measly 20/20 vision. I quickly noticed some movement and the telltale signs of sunlight reflecting on the woman’s scope. I immediately changed my gestures to one that I hoped said ‘come here!’ before giving a big ‘ol thumbs up. Can’t go wrong with a classic.

There was a pause as I continued my frantic waving and gesturing and as the woman just sat there, no doubt gauging her odds. A minute passed, maybe five, when the woman finally came out of her hiding spot and marched to where I was at. I also took notice that she had put away her sniper in favor of a sick looking sword.

I need this woman’s autograph.

My descent down eight floors was done in record time, including the time it took to clean up my makeshift stakeout/campsite. I nearly stumbled on the way down, but I caught myself relatively quickly. Once I hit the bottom, I didn’t even bother finding the doorway, I just vaulted out the nearest smashed window and out into the rugged cityscape.

I spun on a dime, looking for a flash of red and was pleasantly surprised to see the woman just standing there out in the open with her hands on her hips. She even had that questioning eyebrow lift. I grinned happily and waved to her before making my way through the rubble to her.

“What’s so important that…”

“Shhh. Can’t talk here, quick, follow me.” I gestured almost violently for silence before taking off east. I could tell the woman was cautious, but she followed anyway. We walked for a couple of blocks before I entered a relatively fine looking cafe. I had cleared out this section of the city a week ago, so it should be fine? I chuckled weakly and sat down on a chair and gestured for her to do the same.

“Alright, I’ll bite, why did we do that?” She placed her stuff to the side but I noticed that her sword was within reach. I grinned at that.

“There was a Darkling nest nearby. Talking would disturb them.” I stated, matter of factly.

“Hmm, so you shot the ground in hopes of getting my attention so I wouldn’t fall into their nest.”

“Exactly.” I nodded with pride. This woman gets it.

“I suppose that would lead to my next question, why were you in that building overlooking a Darkling nest?” Her eyes narrowed.

“I’m a hunter!” I thumped my fist against my chest with pride. “My goal is to clear C-City one Darkling at a time.”

“And how many have you killed?”

“13.” With each declaration, I could feel my chest puffing out more and more. “How many have you killed?”

“I lost count.”

“...” My eyes widened with awe. She looked unimpressed. Of course she was! With weapons like those, she must be a professional! She sighed heavily and that seemed to have snapped me out of my trance. I gasped and started rummaging through my backpack. I soon came up with a notepad and a pencil. “Can I have your autograph!?”

“Uh…what?” The woman was taken aback, but not entirely disgusted. I took that as I should continue my attack.

“It’s just, the moment I laid eyes on you, you seemed so cool! And the more I learn about you, the more I need this. So pleaaaase, sign your autograph?” I held it out and gave my best puppy eyes impression, not that I’ve seen a dog mind you, but I’ve read it in forgotten books scattered about.

She sighed. “Sure kid, pass me the notebook.” I passed it and she studied the notebook for a moment, then did a complicated scribble.

“Thank you! I will treasure this for the rest of my days.” I snapped off a fake salute before accepting the notebook back. I inspected the signature and marveled at how swirly and cool it looked.

“What’s your name, kid?”

“I’m not a kid, I’m 23.” I huffed out.

“Hmm, you would’ve been 5 then, when everything happened.” She nodded, seemingly lost in her own world. “Anyway, your name?”

I hesitated. My breath seemed to catch in my throat. The woman’s eyebrow was now raised. I cleared my throat and started again. “Uh, my name is Ke…Kenji. Kenji.”

The woman clearly didn’t believe me, but thankfully she didn’t press the issue. “Kenji. My name is Sunset.” She stuck out a hand which I grasped firmly. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Likewise.”

“Mind if I rummage in the back?” Sunset stood up and pointed to the door behind the cafe counter.

I shrugged. “Why do you ask, it’s not like I own this place.”

“It’s polite, you’ll understand when you’re older. Also, it seems that you’ve been in C-City a while, it’s practically your turf. I have to respect local authority.” She bowed graciously, with a hand on her chest and the other stretched out. I snorted.

“You have my permission to rummage through cafe supplies, knave.” My grin lasted five seconds until she smacked me over the head. “Urk…sorry, I thought it would be funny.”

She smirked at my displeasure before making her way to the counter. With nothing to do, I followed. She seemed to know what she was doing, checking out cupboards and sifting through drawers. Once she cleaned out the counter, she made a move towards the backdoor. I followed, yet again.

“So, uhhh, what are you doing here?” I asked as I tried to keep the awkwardness away. “C-City is really known for its safety or safe havens. By my last count, I’d say there’s five people in the whole city.”

“I’m trying to go home.” Sunset replied simply. She pulled down a box labeled beans and sighed when she realized it was coffee beans.

“Home. C-City?”

“Where else but the shining jewel of Heim.”

“I was born here too.” I nodded sympathetically, completely missing her sarcasm.

“Oh, I didn’t say I was born here, it’s just where I’ve spent the best parts of my life.” She stopped for a moment and had a wistful smile that seemed to dance upon her lips. To say I was enthralled was an understatement but I reigned it in. “It doesn’t matter anymore. I just want to go home.”

“And do what?”

“...that’s the question, isn’t it.” Sunset rapped her fingers over a couple fridges before moving to the back where canned goods seemed to reside. “Visit my friends, I suppose.”

“Your friends?” I wanted to ask more but the wince Sunset made when I echoed her made me think otherwise. “Well, I’ve lived here my whole life, I could be your guide if you need someone.”

There was a pause. Sunset continued to look through the various cans, stuffing the occasional one into her bag, but any other manner of sound was lost to the broken city. Then she sighed and turned around. “You know what, sure. I haven’t been here since the outbreak, you probably know the safe routes.”

“Yes ma’am!”

“Don’t call me that, it makes me feel old.”

“Yes sir!” I got smacked over the head again.

***

“So where we headed first?” Was the first question I had asked when we exited. She had said C-City High School, or CHS for short. I had frowned, not knowing what it was. She then explained that it was in the center of the city. I grinned confidently and said to leave everything to me.

We emerged from the rubble of a skyscraper with a still working holo-ad, displaying chemical alternatives to grown produce. I looked around and gauged my surroundings before moving on yet again. A couple hundred meters away was our destination, but it was in the open. Darklings are hard to evade out in the open.

“Our six is clear, how’s it looking up ahead?” Sunset’s voice drifted up the rubble pile I was currently crouched upon.

“It looks alright for now. We should hurry.” I half slid half shuffled my way down the rubble pile and met up with Sunset. I held up my fingers and formed a three, then a two, then a one, and soon we were off. I sprinted across the tarmac with a body that had survived horrors and demonstrated resilience in the harshest of climates. Sunset passed me within seconds and it took another half a minute for me to reach the double doors when she had already slipped inside.

I wanted to crack a joke or complain about the unfairness of it all when I noticed Sunset was wistfully gazing at posters and trophy cabinets. I slowly followed her, like a ghost, as she drifted around, occasionally touching little things.

My gaze drifted over to a large notice board where large letters were hung. I squinted at it then turned to find Sunset again. “What does ski break mean?”

“It meant that nobody was at school.” She said simply before rounding a corner. I hustled after her.

For the next hour or two, we walked around, her with occasional comments and nostalgic remarks whilst I just stood there awkwardly. I was happy for her, I guess you could say, but I felt really out of place. Sunset must’ve noticed me fidgeting or something or other when she gave an apologetic smile.

“One last room, then we move on, okay?”

“Sure, whatever. Take your time.” She chuckled as I smiled awkwardly. “Out of interest, which room are we going to?”

“Principal office.” She climbed up the stairs and marched to a heavy looking wooden door. I quickly followed but kept a respectful distance. As such, I merely watched as she steeled herself and then opened the door.

Curiosity got the better of me and I followed her in. It seemed normal enough, a desk and a chair, a few doors that probably lead to more offices and maybe a bathroom. On the back wall, interestingly enough, was a row of portraits. Each picture was of a singular person who either wore a dress or a suit along with the exact same looking crown. Above the pictures said ‘Fall Formal Princess’.

Sunset whispered something I couldn’t quite catch and moved to one of those pictures. I looked over her shoulder and was surprised to see Sunset there, but not the kindly almost motherly Sunset I knew. No, this Sunset looked horrible and mean. She caught me looking at the picture and chuckled.

“My delinquent days. I was a real pain back then, but I met somebody who turned that all around.” She placed a hand on the next painting, a girl with black, almost purplish hair. She was laughing and exuded this aura that even I could feel through the photo. “My best friend in the whole world. Well, I guess the principal helped too.”

“What was her name?”

“Ah, sorry kid, this one I’m going to keep to myself. If you really want to know, I bet you’ll find yearbooks somewhere in this school. For now, let’s go to our next destination, okay?”

“Okay.” She made a move to walk away when she noticed something. I followed her gaze and saw a dark and old stain underneath one of the doorways that lead into an office. I looked back at Sunset and got startled at the sudden darkness that covered her face. “Sunset?”

“Get a shovel, kid, and then dig a hole.” Her voice was hollow and raspy.

“Wha…what?”

“A shovel, then dig. Don’t make me repeat myself.” She was trembling.

“And what…a shovel, then dig. Okay.” I turned around and fled. I didn’t know what else to do. A shovel was surprisingly easy enough to find, I found it in the gardening club, whatever that meant. I pondered on whether or not I should’ve gone back and done something, anything. In the end, I just walked the hallways that lead to the back of the school.

When I got outside, I was surprised to see quite a few mounds already. Each had a makeshift marker made from rubble. From the state of the soil and the surrounding areas, I would say they had been there for several years, if not a decade. I hefted my shovel and started looking for a relatively undisturbed plot of soil.

It was when I passed a large oak that I noticed a skeleton resting against said oak. The tree was on top of a small hill and the way the skeleton was positioned made it so it could overlook the entire campus but made it hard for it to be seen from below. Out of some bizarre instinct, I found myself nodding with respect to the skeleton and passed it. When I did, I noticed it too had a shovel of a similar make to the one I had found. I nodded again and continued looking for a plot of soil.

I was mid dig when I heard it. My mother called it the banshee scream of grief. My friend once said it reminded him of a seal getting attacked by a predator. I had laughed back then, wondering how he knew what that sounded like. Since then, I’ve heard it too many times, but that day felt…worse. A tear slipped past, but I tried to ignore it all and continued digging.

***

The whole process took longer than I would have liked and by the time we were done, night had fallen. We decided to take refuge in a homeroom. We didn’t say much that night, nor did we try to. It felt excruciatingly long but also unbearably short. The paradox of time I suppose.

In the morning, Sunset asked if I could lead her to several more locations. This time, she promised, it wouldn’t take as long as it did the previous day. I agreed and led her around. The first location was a bakery. She explained that one of her friends lived and worked there. Her and her group of friends supposedly spent countless hours there, just laughing and coming up with plans on how to tackle school or group problems. I turned around, respectively, when tears started to fall.

The second location was a boutique, interestingly enough. Another friend’s household/business. Her passion for dresses caused their group of friends, as well as others, a lot of grief, Sunset explained, half sobbing half laughing.

The third was just a simple house with a large garage. There was a really old sign in the garden that said ‘for sale’. The friend that lived here was supposedly a tech wizard. Went on to Swirl Labs, a famous technology institute or something like that. It got kind of hard to hear what she was saying once the tissues were out.

The fourth was an animal shelter. We took a peek inside and took note that all of the cages and doors were wide open. Sunset chuckled at that and said that the friend who worked here, had set them free when it happened. She smiled sadly as she stroked a terrarium. She said she got her pet lizard here.

The next one was the local sports field. Sunset snapped the lock to the shed with surprising ease and brought out a soccer ball. She grinned before snapping an absolute cannon of a leg, driving the ball into the goal from across the entire field. I stood there, open mouthed. She chuckled and said that her sporty friend could do that but 20 percent more cooler.

The last one was probably the hardest one, at least from what I could tell. It was the large farm entirely south of C-City. The trek was a bit much and we had to spend the night in a ruined skyscraper. We had to skirt a couple of nests I luckily spotted before we fell into them. It was midday when the farm finally came into view. My legs were starting to hurt, but I pressed on because Sunset kept on going.

She walked towards it as if in a trance. I groaned but followed as I had no better option. The closer we got, the more familiar it seemed. That’s when it hit me. This was the house I got my FarShot from. When I mentioned it to Sunset, she smiled sadly.

“Yeah, my friend whose family had worked this farm for generations, were also expert gunsmiths. Well, her grandmother used to be. My WeitShot was a gift from her.” She patted the sniper on her back almost affectionately. “I have them to thank that I'm still alive, so I would like to pay my due respects.”

I nodded, almost solemnly, and followed her as she maneuvered her way through the overgrown apple orchard. We passed a farmhouse where she said they used to hang out in a lot, then we passed by a rickety old tree house which Sunset explained her friend’s sister and her friends used to hang out in, before finally coming to a stop at a very large tree. I looked up at it and was surprised to see two different types of fruit growing from the branches. They looked so delicious that I wanted to grab out and take one, but the stern look from Sunset made me think otherwise.

“What’s so spe…” My voice trailed off once I noticed several distinct bumps in the earth. Each had what seemed to be handcrafted markers, each one intricately detailed and personalized. A balloon there, a cloud here. Each had its own picture. Then Sunset began to cry. Not the sad, reminiscent kind of crying, but the heartbroken wail of someone who has lost too much. I pitifully excused myself and walked out of the grove.

I wandered for what might have been hours, maybe even just a minute. However long it was, it was Sunset who found me cuddled up in the treehouse, trying to bury away my own tears. She smiled softly, but it didn’t hold any warmth nor any coldness. Just one of acceptance and understanding.

“He…hey Sunset.”

“Hey kid.”

“...nice weather we’re having.”

“It’s not too bad.”

“Good for long walks in the city.”

“Yeah.” The pause was long but not unwelcome. “Hey, if you want to talk about it, I’m a pretty good listener.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

I sniffed and wiped my face aggressively and several times for good measure. I took a calming breath and then stood up. Sunset looked at me questioningly. “You said you came here to go home right?”

“Right.”

“Maybe it’s about time I go home myself.”

“I think that’s a mighty fine idea.”

***

I walked alone along the broken roads and buildings, stopping every once in a while to scan for any Darklings. When nothing would pop up, I shuffled forward as quickly as I dared. Soon enough, I found myself at my destination. A small park, hidden in a little pocket of a nice community, the one I had grown up in.

I walked forward hesitantly. Fear was trying to keep me in place, fear of failure, of truth, of reality. But Sunset urged me forward, with her kind words, her quiet strength, and her courage to go home. All it took was one step at a time.

When I finally stepped inside the park, a shiver traveled up my spine, but it wasn’t unpleasant. I took a few more steps, then more and more, until I found myself in front of a mound of my own making. My legs gave out and I let myself slide down and sat where I fell.

“Heh. Hey Kenji, hey mom. It’s been a while.” I chuckled humorlessly. I scratched the back of my head. “I’ve been busy, hunting Darklings, finding more ways to survive, and exploring the city.” A pregnant pause. “I met a girl. Well, woman I suppose. Older woman. No! It’s not like that. It’s…heh, more complicated than that. We’re more acquaintances than anything. I helped her out a little and through that, I learned a bit more about myself and other people. It uhh, opened up my eyes as cliche as it sounds. You would’ve liked her, mom. No, Kenji, I won’t introduce you two. You’re bad enough as it is…as it was.” I sighed heavily and felt my cheeks grow wet and bothered. I sniffled. “I miss you guys so, so much.”

I stood up, somehow found my strength, and dusted my pants. I grinned weakly and snapped off a mock salute. “I’ll see you later, okay? Promise. Now, I just have to deliver something.”

I pulled out a little metal stick. Sunset had pressed it into my hand just before we went our separate ways. She explained that it was an external hard drive that contained information on the Darklings, their weaknesses and possible solutions to their outbreak. She also heavily suggested that I would deliver this to some army. She recommended the army outpost that bordered Heim and Nachbarn.

I had asked her why but I only got a smile in response. She had ruffled my hair and simply waved goodbye before disappearing around a corner. I tried running after her but when I rounded the very same corner, she was gone.

Now here I stood, the farthest I’d ever been, and took a deep breath. If Sunset could do it, then I could do it too. After all, all it takes is a single step.