3rd person POV
"Your guess was spot on, sir," Ethan's secretary commented, his eyes fixed on the CCTV footage.
Ethan, seemingly disinterested, leaned back in his seat. A look of mild annoyance crossed his face as he responded, "If you've known him as long as I have, you'd learn that at this point, there isn't anything that can keep him hostage. Well, maybe a full body straightjacket, a muzzle, blindfold, and chaining him up again, throwing him in a room with no light. Probably underground"
His secretary, sensing his frustration, cautiously asked, "You seem upset. Isn't this what you wanted to see?"
Ethan sank further into his seat, a look of disinterest replacing his earlier annoyance. "I don't like the way he chose to do it. It's too predictable and basic. I thought I'd get to see him do something grander, but he seems to be very considerate of that girl. I thought I'd get to see a glimpse of the real, unfiltered Hunter," Ethan commented, his voice filled with a mix of reminiscence and longing. "The one I saw thirteen years ago in that mental asylum, that's the Hunter I'm interested in. Only when his body and mind are pushed to the absolute limit does that Hunter show himself, unfortunately," he muttered, his voice barely audible.
As he stood up and stretched his arms, his secretary reminded him, "Should I inform Mr. Belvis of this? His men are scattered around the forest. They might shoot Hunter down."
Ethan waved a dismissive hand. "Don't worry about that. There's no need to tell Belvis. That would only ruin things-I have no use for him anymore. He failed to do his job properly anyway," Ethan commented, his tone dripping with disdain.
"Instead, get me all the information you can about this woman. Amanda Miller, was it? I want to know everything about her. What is it exactly about her that made Hunter so obsessed?" Ethan ordered, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and determination.
His secretary nodded, acknowledging the task, and promptly left the room to carry out the assignment. Ethan's gaze lingered on the TV screen, which displayed the location where Hunter was being held captive.
"Hunter, I want to see you in the flesh. Seeing you over the screen is not satisfactory anymore," Ethan thought aloud, his desire to witness Hunter's presence becoming more palpable.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the screen, Hunter and Amanda stood together, their hands entwined as he led her towards the entrance. Amanda looked concerned, her gaze fixed on Hunter's slightly limping figure.
"Hunter, are you sure about this? You can barely walk," Amanda pointed out, her voice filled with worry.
Hunter glanced at her, a determined glint in his eyes. "My legs just fell asleep because I was sitting for days on end," he explained, trying to alleviate her concerns.
"I think we should find a place to hide first. You'll die from blood loss before they get a chance to gun you down." Amanda expressed.
Hunter's gaze softened as he looked at her. "I won't die that easily," he reassured her. "You even carefully made a temporary bandage to stop the bleeding from my hand. I feel like I'm at 100% already," he added with a hint of determination. "The adrenaline is doing its job, so I can't feel anything, but if we stop to rest, then we'll really be done for."
"This pain, it's exhilarating. I haven't felt this hyped in years. My heart is beating so much from the excitement, it's driving me crazy. It hurts so bad," Hunter thought to himself, his mind consumed by a mixture of adrenaline and pain.
Summoning every ounce of strength, Hunter broke down the door, its splintered remains crashing to the ground. The cool night breeze brushed against his battered body, mingling with the searing pain of his wounds. His grip on Amanda tightened as he turned to face her.
"Do you trust me?" he asked, his voice filled with urgency.
Amanda looked into Hunter's eyes, her own filled with determination and unwavering faith. "Yes," she answered without hesitation, her voice unwavering.
Hunter couldn't help but smile, a mixture of pride and gratitude filling his heart. "My girlfriend is really brave, huh? I'm so proud... Once this is over, I'd like to hear your confession again. I blacked out halfway through the first time," he joked, attempting to lighten the tension that hung heavy in the air.
Amanda chuckled, her laughter a brief respite from the looming danger. "Deal," she replied, tighten her grip on his hand.
With renewed spirits, they started running deeper into the woods, guided by the pale glow of the moonlight. Grateful for its illumination, they navigated through the labyrinth of trees, their senses heightened and their instincts on high alert.
As they continued their desperate escape, the sound of breaking twigs reached their ears, signaling the presence of someone nearby. Hunter released Amanda's hand, silently instructing her to stay put, and stealthily made his way toward the source of the noise. It turned out to be one of Belvis' men, lurking in the shadows.
Hunter approached the man from behind, swiftly wrapping his arm around his neck in a chokehold. But the man fought back ferociously, delivering a powerful elbow strike to Hunter's ribs. The blow caused Hunter to release his grip, momentarily staggering in pain.
Regaining his footing, Hunter stood tall, his eyes fixed on the determined assailant. With lightning reflexes, he expertly blocked the next punch aimed at him, determined not to let the man overpower him. In a split second, Hunter seized the opportunity and lunged for the man's gun, initiating a desperate struggle for control.
Amidst the chaos, a gunshot suddenly pierced the air, the result of an accidental discharge. No one was hit, but the sound reverberated through the forest, alerting any potential threats to their presence.
Seizing the moment, Hunter swiftly and decisively incapacitated the man, twisting his neck until his head spun completely around. The threat neutralized, Hunter turned his attention back to Amanda, the intensity of their situation etched on his face.
" we need to go," Hunter urgently suggested, feeling the weight of the situation pressing upon them.
He tightly held Amanda's hand as they continued running deeper into the woods. However, Amanda's stamina began to wane, and she eventually let go of his hand, panting heavily.
"I can't," she stated between breaths, her voice filled with exhaustion.
Concern etched across his face, Hunter asked, "Kitten, what's wrong?"
"I can't... I'm tired, Hunter. I can't keep running. My lungs are going to explode," she complained, her fatigue becoming overwhelming.
Determined to protect her, Hunter suggested, "My love, we can't stay here. Alright, let me carry you on my back."
Amanda hesitated, worry etched on her face. "You're wounded. How could you even suggest that? I'll be okay. Just go. I'll catch up," she assured him, her voice laced with determination.
"I'd never leave you all alone. If we're getting out, we're going to do it together. I shouldn't have put you in this mess in the first place. Come on, I think I saw a hidden cave somewhere back there," Hunter insisted.
They turned around and swiftly entered a small, hidden cave, seeking refuge from their pursuers. The space was cramped, but it provided a temporary respite. However, their brief moment of respite was interrupted when they overheard two of Belvis' men conversing nearby.
"They must have escaped. We're wasting our time," one of them said, frustration evident in his voice.
"Well, we can't go back. The boss will punish us," the other replied, his tone filled with trepidation.
"I'd rather be punished than killed, dude. I've heard about Hunter, and that motherfucker is all kinds of messed up. The guy is the definition of evil. I wouldn't want to get caught up in that," the first man cautioned his companion.
"He can't be all that. He's just a man, after all," the friend argued.
"Dude, trust me when I say that man is the devil himself. But the eerie thing is no one knows anything about him. His past is a complete mystery to everyone. It's like he just dropped on the face of the Earth," the first man revealed, his voice filled with a mix of fear and intrigue.
Hunter slowly and silently approached one of the men from behind, his heart pounding with determination. In one swift motion, he twisted the man's head, instantly incapacitating him. Before the other man could react, Hunter delivered a powerful punch, rendering him defenseless. Seizing the opportunity, Hunter snatched the man's knife and repeatedly stabbed him in the chest, blood splattering across his face.
"Well, that could have been more discrete," Hunter thought aloud, his adrenaline still coursing through his veins, as he surveyed the gruesome scene before him.
Hunter stood up, wiping off the blood from his face, and turned to Amanda with a smile, trying to lighten the tension.
"I only wanted to tickle him a bit, but the guy started leaking-Anyway, stay here for a while, okay?" Hunter advised, his attempt at humor falling slightly flat given the circumstances.
"What? No, where are you going? I'm coming with you," Amanda quickly retorted, her concern for Hunter evident in her voice.
Hunter paused, considering her words.
"I'm going to lead them away from here, then come back to get you," Hunter explained.
Amanda's eyes widened, worry etched on her face. "But what if they kill you? Let's just sneak away from under their noses. It's dark, so it will be easier to maneuver as long as we stay low. You seem to know where the exit could be, so you can guide us," she suggested, hoping to convince him of an alternative plan.
Hunter hesitated, his mind grappling with the options before him. Suddenly, a sense of foreboding washed over him, as if someone was watching them, biding their time.
"Five minutes. That's all I need. Stay here and make sure you hide yourself well. If you feel you're in danger, use this," Hunter explained, handing Amanda a gun. "Don't worry, it's empty. I wouldn't want you accidentally hurting yourself. You can use it to scare off the enemy, though."
Amanda reluctantly took the gun, her fingers wrapping tightly around it. She opened her mouth to protest further, but Hunter interrupted her gently.
"You said you trusted me-just give me five minutes," he reassured her, his voice filled with conviction.
Without waiting for a reply, Hunter started walking away, making sure to maintain a safe distance from where Amanda was hiding. He moved cautiously, his senses on high alert. The shadows enveloped him as he disappeared into the darkness.
Meanwhile, Amanda found a dark corner to hide in, her heart pounding with worry for Hunter's safety. Gripping the gun tightly, she reminded herself to stay calm and focused, ready to act if the need arose. Time seemed to stretch as she anxiously waited for Hunter's return, praying that he would come back unharmed.
"If you're going to show yourself, now's the best time to do it," Hunter commented, his voice laced with a mix of caution and curiosity.
Just then, he heard male laughter, and a man he didn't recognize emerged from behind a tree. The moonlight cast an ethereal glow upon the stranger, accentuating his features.
"Who are you?" Hunter asked, his guard on high alert.
"Oh, right. This is the first time you and I are talking like this. It's even more exciting than I anticipated," the man, Ethan, replied, approaching Hunter with an air of confidence.
Despite the forest floor being littered with twigs, branches, and dried leaves, Ethan moved silently, his footsteps making no sound. Hunter's instincts screamed that this man was a formidable threat, a top-level adversary.
"You're the one who orchestrated all this, isn't it?" Hunter accused. "What exactly do you want from me?"
In the blink of an eye, Ethan closed the distance between them, his hand resting on Hunter's shoulder. Hunter was taken aback by the man's speed, struggling to comprehend how he could move with such agility.
Hunter attempted to push Ethan away and threw a punch, but Ethan effortlessly evaded his attacks. Hunter's stamina had already been depleted from their earlier escape, and he found himself unable to keep up with Ethan's movements.
With a powerful punch, Ethan struck Hunter hard, sending him crashing to the ground. Swiftly, he straddled Hunter, effectively pinning his hands down, rendering him immobilized.
Hunter's mind raced, searching for any opportunity to break free or gain an advantage. He knew that his options were limited and that he was at the mercy of this enigmatic and formidable adversary.
"You've gotten really careless, haven't you, Hunter? Who told you that you're entitled to anything-friends, family, love, happiness? Who told you that you can yearn for those things?" Ethan asked, looking down at Hunter with a mixture of curiosity and disdain.
Hunter continued to struggle against Ethan's grip, desperately trying to break free.
"I don't need another one of Justin's lackeys telling me that-" Hunter started, but his words were cut short when Ethan burst into laughter.
"Justin's lackey? You think he sent me here? That's not the case. I just wanted to see you so bad, to meet my playmate face to face finally," Ethan commented, his amusement evident.
"Playmate? What are you on about. You seem to know me well, who are you and what do you want from me" Hunter remarked, suspicion clouding his voice.
Ethan leaned in closer, his voice barely a whisper as he said something that sent shivers down Hunter's spine. Hunter's eyes widened in shock.
"T-that's impossible," Hunter immediately shouted, disbelief and horror etched on his face.
Ethan moved away, tilting his head slightly. "Does the news not please you?" he asked, his tone laced with amusement.
"Please me? Are you kidding? The mere thought is repulsive. How is that even possible" Hunter commented, finding the sudden surge of disgust overpowering.
Summoning a last burst of energy, Hunter pushed against Ethan, finally managing to free himself from his grip. However, his body was already pushed to its limits. He struggled to stay on his feet, feeling his strength waning rapidly.
"Shit, my body is starting to feel so heavy," Hunter thought, the fatigue taking its toll on him.
"But I need to keep going. My Amanda is counting on me to get us out of here," Hunter thought, determination fueling his weary body.
In the distance, he could hear the rapid gunfire, causing a surge of concern to wash over him.
"Getting distracted again? Are you worried those gunshots are being directed at the girl? I'm seriously so jealous. Your attention seems impossible to be completely monopolized. If not Justin, you're obsessing over someone else," Ethan complained, his tone filled with bitterness.
"I wonder if your attention would finally be only mine if I told you I was the reason your mother and Mr. Craver died. Would that finally get your attention? Would your gaze,fury and obsession be directed at me" Ethan asked, his smile warm and innocent, a stark contrast to the darkness of his words.
Hunter took in a deep breath, his voice caught in his throat. For a moment, he was unable to utter a single word. The fatigue that had plagued him a mere moment ago was swiftly replaced by a surge of energy. His heart pounded against his chest, making it difficult to breathe. His body trembled, both from the physical strain and the torment of the revelations.
"You... it was you?" Hunter finally managed to ask, his voice trembling with a mixture of disbelief and anger.
"All me. I know you know Justin wasn't entirely at fault. I'm sure you wondered for years who-" Ethan's words were cut short as a powerful punch landed on his face, sending him stumbling backward.
As Ethan stared at Hunter, he grinned, seemingly pleased with the reaction he had elicited.
"That's it. That's the Hunter I wanted to see," Ethan commented, his gaze fixated on the changes in Hunter's expression. He took note of the dull, lifeless color that replaced the orange hue in Hunter's eyes and the ominous shade of blue that tinged his left ear.
Hunter didn't give Ethan a chance to breathe as he rushed at him with an intent to kill, disregarding the strain it put on his already exhausted body. Ethan's grin didn't falter as he deftly evaded Hunter's attacks, reveling in the thrill of the moment.
Ethan was having the time of his life. He didn't want it to end. He had finally captured Hunter's full attention, and he relished every minute of it. However, Hunter's body was pushed beyond its limits, and eventually, it gave way, causing Hunter to collapse onto the forest floor.
"Ah, is that it? I guess today is not the right day either, how lame" Ethan commented, a tinge of disappointment in his voice.
He turned around and began to walk away, his footsteps fading into the distance. But before he disappeared completely, he called out to Hunter.
"Come find me when you wake up. I'll be waiting for you, Hunter Craver," he shouted, his voice carrying through the woods.
Meanwhile, Amanda's worries grew with each passing minute. Hunter hadn't returned, and the continuous sound of gunfire in the distance only heightened her paranoia. After what felt like an eternity to her, she cautiously began to sneak in the direction Hunter had gone.
"Huh, wait. Is he still alive?" she heard a voice say, causing her to instinctively hide behind a tree, her heart pounding in her chest.
Amanda peeped through the trees, her eyes widening as she saw a man holding a torchlight in his hands. The moonlight illuminated the clear path, casting an eerie glow on the scene. But her attention was immediately drawn to the body on the ground-it was Hunter. Panic surged through her mind.
"Why is he on the ground? What did they do to him? Was he shot?" she questioned herself, her heart pounding with fear.
The man hovering over Hunter reached for his gun and aimed it at him, ready to end his life. But before he could utter another word, a hidden stone struck the back of his head, knocking him unconscious.
Amanda, having picked up a large rock, had used it to knock out the man, her instincts kicking in to protect Hunter. She quickly rushed to Hunter's side, turning him around to check if he was still breathing. Thankfully, he was, although his breaths were faint.
"Hunter," she called softly, shaking him gently. His wounds were still bleeding, and she knew they needed help.
"My love, why did you leave the hiding spot?" He asked, concern lacing his voice.
"Shh, don't talk. You're straining your body even more. Can you stand? I'll help you get back to the hiding spot, and then I'll go look for help or find a phone," Amanda reassured him, determination in her eyes.
"I'll only slow you down. You're better off leaving me here," Hunter protested weakly.
"No, I'm not leaving you alone. They're going to kill you," she reminded him firmly.
"But if you don't go, they'll end up killing us both. My little kitten is so brave. I know you can do it. I'll cover for you. Just keep heading north," Hunter said, his words swaying with exhaustion.
Amanda wrapped her arms around his weakened body as he sat up. They both saw a man rising from the ground, aiming his gun at them. Amanda also noticed that the man she had knocked out earlier had regained consciousness and was now targeting Hunter. Without hesitation, she instinctively shielded Hunter's body with her own.
"You've already saved him countless times, so let me be the hero this time. I just want you to know that I really do love you, Hunter," she whispered to him, her voice filled with sincerity and determination.
Shortly after, the air was filled with the sound of gunshots. Hunter quickly pulled Amanda away from him, his heart racing with fear. He frantically inspected her body, expecting to find a bullet wound, but to his immense relief, there were no visible signs of injury. Amanda, equally confused, stared at him, recalling the man's hand on the trigger and the unmistakable sound of the gun.
"Looks like I just got here in time" a familiar voice said from behind.
"Zack," Hunter called out, recognizing the voice. But before he could react further, darkness enveloped him, and his senses faded away. He could no longer hear or see anything, succumbing to unconsciousness.