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At first she used me mostly for carrying her game. I stayed in the back, observing her. And already through that I learned a bit about hunting. But she was always silent. Never said a word. Only gave me hand signals. Pointing to places, sometimes mimicing what she wanted me to do.

After a while tho she had me closer by her. Showing me what different tracks look like, whispering to me what you could tell from them. What kinda animal it was, the animals size, if it was hurt, how fast it was going. And all that from just a series of footprints.

After some time of just showing and describing she began having me look around in the area. Look for tracks, tell her what I'd read from them.

In the beginning I was often horribly wrong. I stopped counting how often she had slapped the back of my head for being wrong. But afterwards she always asked me questions about the tracks. Why I thought it was that animal, why at that pace etc. I got better with time. But I still made mistakes, but then we followed the tracks. I'd always knew there was something wrong when she let me go in front and trace the tracks.

The first time I mixed up deer and boar tracks was also the last time. That time I couldn't fathom how fast Ingrid was up in that tree. But after thinking about it, it definitely is understandable. She was on guard, she knew what tracks I was following and she had keener ears than me. She probably heard them already from far away. I was too focused on not losing the tracks.

Happy I survived that, but I guess I wouldn't if that Sow hadn't been distracted by her piglets.

Note from the Author:Sorry for not posting anything last friday. I wasn't really in shape to focus much on anything other than slow mewsik to be honest. So I had rather a day without a post than a day with a crappy, headache-filled post.

Thanks for reading and hope you leave some feedback.

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

I slowly woke up in a warm bed, a rather slender arm lying on me. It took me a moment to realize this wasn't a dream, would've been the only good one I had for as long as I can remember. Not fully awake I stared at the ceiling for some time, my thoughts so far away I didn't have any.

Still lying down, I looked around a bit. I was in some house. There was a table with two chairs, a bow and some arrows near a door, another door, a fireplace, still some faint glowing embers in it. On the floor where some clothes, they seemed familiar.

Then this thought slowly came up from somewhere. This arm on my chest, this wasn't mine. Mine was touching some soft skin. I looked to the other side of me and fell out of the bed in fright, landing on the hard, wooden floor. Ouch.

From the jerk Ingrid woke up too, sitting up and grasping the blanket to cover herself.

“I did this for you!” She roared immediately

“Thanks... I guess”

“I heard some loud sound outside last night, turned out it was you. Fell asleep beside my door and fell over. You were ice cold. Pale skin, blue lips & all.”

“Ok... but wouldn't just lighting a fire... been enough?”

“I didn't want it to be my fault you froze to death, so I wanted to make sure. But don't you tell anyone about this! This was a one time occasion! Understood?”

“Sure, stays between me and you.”

“And... I am sorry for yesterday, shouldn't have shouted at you because of this old bastard. I'll let you stay, as long as you're a help on the hunt. Else I'll kick you out. Got it!?”

“No worries, forgiven, understood & accepted. But one question-”

“Your clothes? They're by the fireplace”

I looked down at myself and reddend again.

“...n... no... but thanks...”

I paused shortly, trying to get somehow comfortable with the situation of being around her naked, again.

“How... how did you get me in here?”

She laughed “Easy, I'm a hunter, I'm used to carrying full grown deer to this place. I admit you are a bit heavier, but I didn't need to carry you very far.”

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

I asked around a bit, knocked at two three wrong doors until I saw a familiar face

“...Ingrid?”

“Mr. Naked guy, a surprise to see you here” She laughed

embarrassed I scratched the back of my head, looked at the ground and forced out a short laugh

“riiight... So you're the hunter of this little village?”

“I am, huntress to be precise. What brings you here?”

“This old guy, Ernest I think, he told me you'd need help hunting and...” I paused for a moment “...and that I could stay at yours as long as I prove to be a help on the hunt”

her face changed suddenly “That old Bastard. Still trying to convince me the housewife's life is what a woman should strive for. To stay in this hut all day, do chores, make food, get knocked up, have a few kids. Bastard.”

“...well I... I can go and talk to him, I'm sure you're not the only one in town who'd need help”

“I'll show it to this old bastard. You know what? Come in. Knock me up! He'll see what good it is if his only good hunter is worried about a kid rather than bringing some meat on the table.”

“...What? No, No, definitely not. I'll rather stay outside the winter than do that.”

“Fine with me. Stay out!” She banged the door shut

I sat down besides the door for a moment, to think through my options So that is Ingrid, quite some temperament. And it sounds like she doesn't really like Ernest, or at least the way he thinks things should be. It looks like I have three options, go back to Ernest & ask for some other place to stay, try to get on Ingrid's calm side or try to get to the next town before it gets too cold.

It was already chilly outside, but the evening sun was still warm. So wonderfully warm, it was great. Not hot so you'd sweat but like lying besides a camp fire that's burnt down all the way, only embers remaining. It made me drowzy. So incredibly drowzy. And tired.

Picture Barbarian Girl by Simon Gocal

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

She left shortly after Wasn't anything here for her, she said, so she didn't want to waste time

I had a few questions I wanted to ask her What she'd tell that guy if she met him again, where the nearest town is, what her name is but I didn't want to keep her, wasn't anything important anyway and in my current situation I did neither need nor want company Especially not some stranger who'd see me eat nearly a quarter of a deer, half raw, and in less time than some need for a 'normal' portion of meat

I found some branches, sharpened them on the rock walls of the cave, put some meat on them, and placed them over the fire

I was hungry, and that made me impatient so I held one stick right into the flames it took only a few moments till it was scorched on the outside but that was all, inside it was still as raw as before I didn't care, I did that a few times till that hole in my stomach began to fill Then I became patient enough to wait, but there still was one problem I had no idea of cooking, so it was still raw in the center

After eating all the meat I had prepped earlier, I put on the clothes They weren't completely dry yet but at least no longer soaked So I went to the road, by the pond on the way there, only had to choose which way to go now, east or west I'm unsure but I think I came from west, better go east then, I'll have to tell them that I'm alive some other time

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

I gave away my presence a bit rashling in bushes, cracking twigs, jumping through tree crowns, even a short growl

That's was the first time he actually looked afraid guess he must fear wolves good then that I aint one

The whole encounter itself was over before it began

I screeched, loud, and I was less than a dozen paces from him He fell on his rump, spilling some of the baskets contents

It was filled with vegetables So I was right with the selling stuff

He was crawling away from me, stumbling over potatoes and carrots

I am able to arouse such fear in people without them even seeing me

I jumped out of a bush, landed right over him he just sat there, paralyzed by fear I leaned over him, getting on all fours Still trying to 'run' from me he got closer and closer to the ground As there wasn't any more room between him and the dirt the moment I was right beside his ear Saliva dropped on him I really am one of these fiercy monsters, even drooling The moment the saliva hit his face

He pissed himself and fainted

Picture [Study] old man by GDYang [EDITED]

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

That was by far easier said than done

I waited two days and nights by the road but not a single person came by Why hasn't anyone come by this road yet? No, don't give up now, you need some clothes you gotta be more patient.

So I waited.

Three more days I waited Then finally someone came by

A man. He was wairing a basket on his back, probably filled with stuff he wants to sell somewhere. He was older than me, already had snow white hair but he was very young for having such white hair. Last time I saw Martin he probably was older, and had just grey hair Guess it's different from person to person

I followed him for a while it was hard to attack him This helpless, innocent, old man who just was looking forward to earn some coin

Still I had to do it Either that or I had to wait even longer

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

The Plan

And after that? I could travel

Maybe, just maybe, I can find a way to rid myself of IT Perhaps I'll find out what IT really is, what IT wants from me

And even if I'm destined to live with IT till the very end I'll get to see new places, learn new things Probably help people in need Maybe even hinder something like back then, when my hometown got burned down, to happen again

And so my plan was set Only one question was left Where should I get some clothes from now? I could rob a caravan or the like, naturally without hurting anyone, just taking what I need

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

Thoughts

But what now? I had learned to transform by will, had gained back my human self.

There was something I still had to do but... I was much to scared of that scared of going back to my dreams scared of continuing on that path wherever it leads.

So what else do I have left? Living out here would be an option, no one has come yet to solve this monster problem I guess it's true what they say; Out of sight, out of mind

But then again, it would be quite lonely out here peaceful, at least at peaceful as it can be with IT around but very lonely

And I could walk around without problem I got this transforming thing under control But how to continue out there? I can't stay with Martin & Ruth, I'm unsure how much they did notice, and I don't want them to live in fear

But I should at least them tell what happened or at least bits of it, maybe just that I'm alive They should know at least that

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

POWER

I looked at my hand for a moment clenched it in triumph

Moments later I was lying there anew with that fucktard right beside me

''Are you ready to lose to me another time?''

''Not this time.'' I said grinning

I held up my right hand

Closed my eyes

Concentrated

Drove the energy from deep inside into it

As I opened my eyes again they were there.

Those deep black talon like claws My skin slowly falling off, revealing what is beneath

It was difficult to hide my agony the pain of the transformation was tormenting but I managed

I was still grinning, like a maniac and I looked at him, saw fear in his eyes

I felt amazing,

POWERFUL

''Hey, you're cheating. That ain't part of your body''

''I made it part of mine''

Then his face turned

He began grinning it felt like looking in a mirror and then I realized

This wasn't me

''That's all I wanted to hear, boy. You may pass''

Picture Glowing by Eemeling [EDITED]

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

“Gate keeper? Of what gate?”

“One of them who stand between you and your goal.”

“One of them?”

“Yes. One. But enough talk, you want through here, right? Then fight me.”

He changed his stance. Bent his knees slightly, raised his hands. He had no weapons, but he had his fire. Wherever he takes it from, he has control over it.

“How about this. I know you’ve got your fire, and I’ve got my sword. Let’s make this fair instead. No weapons, no fire, just bare fists.“

I took the risk of trusting him.

“You sure about doing this? My fighting involves far more movement than yours”

“You heard me, I won’t go back on that.”

An evil grin spread over his face.

“You’re on, boy”

His eyes began glowing red.

Might have been a bad idea to trust him

Picture Hellsing Fan art by Sharprock86 [EDITED]

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

The Gate Keeper

At first I was scared, but my curiosity took over.

What or who is that? And how did it get here?

I carefully went closer. Carefully. Closer and closer.

Mwuahahuahahua

What? Why? Wait… I know that laugh.

The other stood still. Not moving from his position.

A snap from his fingers.

Then I remembered. I remembered it all. That maniac back then. The one who killed my father. My mother. The one who burned down the whole town. And all in the name of the king.

Ah… So finally you remember me.

But how can you be here? These are my dreams. There’s no way you could get here… or is there?

Oh, no worries. You brought me here yourself. Kind of.

He snapped his fingers again.

This time columns of flames arose all around us. For the first time there was light in this Nothingness. But it all got eaten by the darkness all around us. It only reflected on him. And on me.

How did I bring YOU here?!

It’s easy boy. I’m in your memories. Deep down there somewhere. You could say, I’m burnt into your memory Mwuahahuaha

And what do YOU want here?! Do you know what this… wall or whatever is?

I do lad. I do. But I won’t tell. And you wanna know what I want here?

I am the gatekeeper.

Picture Gatekeeper (WIP 2) by JonathanGragg

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

I thought about it all day. What could have happened that got me my eyes back? Let’s go through it all once more

I ‘woke up’ there, in my dreams. IT, whatever its name may be, told me my real name, 片 Kata. Then IT shouted at me for not knowing what my real name is. That was basically it. How could that give me back my eyes?

Could it really be because IT told me my real name? But that wouldn’t make sense. IT wants to see me suffer, and I’m sure IT wants to take full control someday too. There's no sense in IT helping me so freely to turn back. There must be some catch to it.

Although I’m still unsure about ITs real intentions, now I do know that it really was my name that helped me turn back. It took quite a while till I found out what power my real name had. And what power I had if I knew ITs real name. But I can’t simply break of the whole tale here.

Note from the Author

Welcome to all my new followers and many thanks to the people who liked my posts. It’s not like I define myself through these followers and likes, but I always appreciate to get some kind of feedback ^^

That’s it, I won’t hold you off from whatever you’re gonna do now.

Have a nice day and thanks for reading

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

It was a horrible view.

What was left of my hair were a few long, light strands. By far longer than my hair.

My eyes were… black. Deep black. Like ITs territory. The left one looked like it could fall out every moment.

As I saw my mouth… or rather jaw, my heart stopped.

Nothing that would resemble lips in any way. Two rows of razor sharp teeth. Like I had a mouth filled with daggers. And it was wide. Very wide. My… jaw… went nearly from ear to ear.

How could I close this mouth? I would surely hurt myself.

I tried. Now I knew where the blood had come from while deer hunting.

I bit right through what one could call my “skin”.

My skin looked like someone had burned it off. I had neither ears nor nose.

I could’ve never dreamed of such a creature. Not in my wildest nightmare. But there I saw it. Worse than the worst thing I could imagine. And it was my reflection.

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

The first half of the deer didn’t last for long. But it sated my appetite, so I took the other half with me.

How long until raw flesh gets foul? I wish I knew. I should eat it by tomorrow ‘round this time, just to make sure it doesn’t get tainted.

After I was back to my cave and had ‘stored’ the remaining half of the deer a question came up.

So… what now? I figured out I can only see moving things, everything else is blurry and reddish. I am able to hunt, apparently I got amazingly sharp claws. Only question is; What to do with this new won free time? Hunting for fun is a waste and only gives me unnecessary attention – What do dragons do in their caves? I guess they sleep in their piles of gold, until some brave hero comes who ends up eaten alive. But I am no dragon, at least I don’t look lik…

Then it struck me, What do I actually look like in this form? I went out again, in search of water. It didn’t take too long till I found some.

I gradually moved my head over the water. To not scare myself too much.

Picture Inside the Cave by Joaru

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

I was starting to understand this form. So that's why things seem to disappear sometimes.

With that knowledge I could go hunting. Better than any human hunter. Far better. Although I still had to learn to differentiate between silhouettes.

A glimmer in the corner of my eye Another hare I lept for it. But I overdid the jump. The hare got away.

Damn it! I need to learn to control my strength, my new won abbilites. But I was hungry and it's hard to concentrate with a growling stomach. I went for bigger prey.

I climbed a tree, with ease. Looked around for movement. It took quite a while till I saw some suitable prey. A deer, probably, it came all the way to the tree I was sitting on. Like it wanted to be eaten.

Picture The White Deer by EternaLegend

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

The wound healed in mere seconds.

Ha ha ha ha ha

It came at me again. I was ready to dodge it again, ITs attack was far more open than the last ones. Suddenly -- it disappeard. In midair.

I felt a warm breath at my neck but before I managed to turn around, my other arm was gone too.

Høw dö yòû wännå fîght mé nøw? Ha ha ha ha

I was baffled. What am I gonna do now? If cutting doesn't work headbutting or biting---

IT dissapeared again, and the same instance IT cut off both my legs.

Picture source unkown

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

I held my sword up to deflect the hit. One hand on the grip, the other on the tip of the blade.

The hit was hard. Harder than I imagined would be possible for something of it's size.

My grip around the sword was tightening. I was far too concentrated on counteracting the pressure. IT loosened the pressure and kicked me in the stomach.

It didn't hurt at all for some reason. Although there was much force behind the kick. Right, this is just a dream after all

Nøt cömplêtèlÿ trrüè bôý. Êvën ìf thïss íss nøt yôür phý$icäl fôrm, yóù'll stîll gët d@mågëd.

I noticed my hand was bleeding. And although I only was surprised for a moment, it was a moment too long. IT attacked me again, but this time IT hit.

Picture The Demon Within by lauraneato

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016

The crowd was still standing around. Unsure if they should believe the drunken huntsman or not.

Ruth grabbed my hand firmly and went through the masses of people. A few dozen paces later she stopped, turned around and crouched down in front of me.

'Don't listen to that drunkard, he always tells stuff like that.' She calmly said to me.But in her eyes I saw that she didn't completely believe those words herself.

© The Zero 零 Squad, 2013-2016