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 Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 12:00 pm
It was probably the most painful way to die. But even as his flesh was being ripped away, Dom never broke away from his gaze at the girl who stood, dead, in front of him. It was funny how he used to joke that he'd be the first one to die. Dom smiled until even his lips were torn from him. Two and a half years later, they'd finally be together again.
- - -
Three years ago.
Four shaken but ultimately relieved and happy Life division trainees waited to receive their coats. It was the first of the many trials to come, but they were glad they had made it through. Somewhere at the back of their minds they secretly knew and grew to realise this wasn't a game anymore, but each of them kept silent about it in hopes of continuing to enjoy their time together.
Derek, June, Dom and Emily. Before they were hunters they were college mates. And before they were college mates they were best friends.
Life as a hunter was much harder than Dom had expected. It wasn't like those video games. Wielding a weapon was more difficult than using a controller. Clues and cut scenes didn't just conveniently pop out of nowhere to aid him on his missions. The research they had to do was akin to the most hectic and stressful of college courses. And of course, the older hunters and hunter superiors were never all too kind. There was nothing much that could have made Dom say that it was all worth it. They had given up a normal life to fight the shadows that lurked for reasons such as leading a more “meaningful” life ... one that was more exciting.
There was nothing exciting about dying.
Each of them only had one life. The four of them knew time wasn't on their side, so they stuck together despite the stress and anxiety that were slowly tearing them apart. Perhaps the only thing he did not regret was that they were still together...
... and still alive.
- - -
It was raining heavily that day. Almost like a cliche.
Dom hurried back and forth the labs, being the runner that he was. The life hunter trainee couldn't help but feel anxious, the knot in his stomach wouldn't go away. He knew how Emily felt about taking on field missions (even though there wasn't really an excuse not to), but despite that she had said yes and was out there collecting data with a reliable team. Still, the young man he was couldn't stop worrying. He would have offered to take her place on the mission but had not been available then when they barged into the lab and plucked up the participants. And even then, the superiors in his division may not have approved of him seeing how he was “only good for breaking things”. Emily had assured him that she would be alright even though she couldn't. None of them could. But friends do so anyway.
Friends.
A heavy lump formed in his throat as he sat the tray of glass beakers down on the bench. They were more than that. They -
never said anything about it though.
It was hard enough knowing that friendly acquaintances here could be gone the next day. Anything more... a relationship ... what would happen if one of them were gone? It was better to avoid the devastation and heartbreak of losing not only a friend but a lover.
It was the same excuse he had even in his college days.
It was how it had always been, sparks flying but the flame never lit. Smiles and glances and nothing more. He was so afraid to touch her and then lose her. He was a coward, he was. But... that way he could see her smile. Always.
Dom gripped the edge of the bench, leaning forward towards the work station. He was a moron, he was. June and Derek have denounced him as an idiot – he could see why now. Time was so precious now. He couldn't just let it slip -
- CRASH. The sound of glass shattering against the floor filled the empty lab. His hands were shaking. The text message ... it couldn't be. Dom had flung open the door and was bolting down the corridors. No .... no no no no no. She'd be alright wouldn't she? They were some of the division's most capable men.
It was a bloody mess.
Dom stood, frozen at the doorway of the infirmary. His expression vacant, his heart throbbing loudly.
“They what-?”
“We couldn't find her ... and bring her back”
“But she's still out there?”
“I'm sorry,” the man shook his head as his bleeding arm got bandaged, “she's gone.”
Dom was fighting back tears. What for?
“But she's still out there?” he pleaded, tears streaming down his face unrestrained.
“I'm sorry.”
Dom collapsed onto the floor, sobbing. This was his fault, he should have never suggested it. They should have never agreed to this. He was so so so stupid. And they couldn't turn back. And they couldn't turn back. June and Derek. He had brought them into this mess too.
He was an idiot. A stupid, moronic, regretful idiot.
He didn't even get to say, “I love you.”
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 12:01 pm
“You're requesting for a transfer?”
“Yes.”
“Fair enough, your life division superiors seem keen on getting rid of you anyway. We'll see to your request accordingly.”
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 12:03 pm
“New coat?”
“Congratulations, I heard you've been promoted too. Heard you're not bad as a Sun hunter, a Fear hunter too no less.”
“Thanks, it's been a while since that happened ... but thanks.”
The three figures stood along the empty corridor in painful silence. It was so much livelier when they were four.
“Look, er, I've got another missions and I have to be going.”
“Busy man aren't you? Well run along now -”
“- we'll see you soon!”
They're happy and that's what matters.
No
But I'm glad they're okay.
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 12:08 pm
They were drifting apart.
Perhaps it was for the better. He'd be the next to go anyway, being on the front lines of it all. Dom couldn't forget the way the two of them looked at her funeral. June wouldn't have to cry so much when he was gone ... and she'd have Derek there for her too. But that never happened. It was him who would stand, alone, during their funeral ceremonies.
- - -
The hope that he could find her ... or her body had slowly been buried at the back of his mind. All he had to do was stay out there, take down as many of them as he could. But. Being out on the field gave him a chance to find her. One way or another.
And now he did.
Jared's voice was cool as always, but not really.
Dom ignored the weapon. All his friends were dead. He was about to join them.
....What.
...
Abandon me. His voice was just a raspy whisper. Abandon me, find someone else, do whatever. You don't have to die with me.
Heh. The Sun hunter scoffed derisively. As if he would.
It was more of a statement than a question.
Dom lay there in silence, not bothering to reply. The answer was clear.
His vision was going dark, but the kataras remained by his side. He did have one friend left, he supposed. Sorta.
There was no need to say anything. The darkness was closing in. Dom could feel his heart slowly stopping.
And it did.
December 31th, 1999. In the underground tunnels of New York City. Four friends, finally reunited.
In the forest of the dead.
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