Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
There were seven Hunters. They were all armed, but two of them didn't have their weapons ready. All of them were moving in separate directions, presumably to cover more ground. By then, they had realized that the fall hadn't killed Eli.
One Hunter veered a little further away from the others - his steps a little slower and a lot louder.
Aria walked slowly and silently, sticking to the shadows like a wraith.
He stopped to check his compass, muttering under his breath about the monstrous he would do to the filthy animal that shot at him. It was nothing creative and certainly nothing Aria hadn't heard directed at herself before, but she went hot with anger.
It would take Aria ten steps to make her way over to him. It would take him half of that to make his way to her. She didn't scream or shoot or imagine smashing his head into the nearest tree.
Instead, she called out, "Please don't scream." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but she knew she was heard when the air seemed to buzz around her.
The man's eyes darted wildly, hand moving for his weapon as Aria emerged.
"Be still."
The Hunter's hand froze where it was, eyes unblinking as he stared at her in what Aria knew to be fear. The only sound between them was his shallow breathing. She walked closer at her leisure and watched his face bead with sweat.
"I think I might have been nicer if you hadn't said you'd do those awful things," Aria said quietly. "You people make it so easy for me to be angry."
"Please," he choked out.
"How many Enhanced have begged you to let them go?"
He didn't answer, but his lip quivered.
"Answer me."
"I-I've lost count! Too many, I don't know."
"Did you show any of them mercy?"
"N-no."
Aria smiled.
The Hunter made a strange, frightened sound and the reek of urine hit the air.
Aria drew her blade. "Close your eyes."
It was an easy death. Quick and clean. Aria thought it was a more peaceful end than any Hunter deserved, but it was a smarter option than any alternative. She didn't dwell on it. Instead, she pulled the Hunter's gun and radio from his belt and she moved on in search of her next target, resolving to get it done with less talking. Talking to this one only added to her anger. She probably didn't need more of it.
Aria needed to handle three more Hunters. Eli was supposed to take care of the rest. They'd meet back near the river after. It seemed like nearly drowning sobered Eli up, but Aria couldn't help but worry anyway.
