Chapter Text
The frigid night air bit at your exposed skin while you sink further into the bench, hugging your own body tightly in a feeble attempt to preserve the little warmth still lingering. You cursed yourself for not grabbing your hoodie before leaving home earlier this morning. Your eyes glance at your phone repeatedly to check the time. Your train was running late once again, it wasn’t an uncommon occurrence for trains to delay, but tonight, with the biting cold, all you craved was the comfort of home.
Exhaling deeply, you rose from your position, hoping that even a slight movement might generate a semblance of warmth within your body. Your gaze fixated across the tracks, a line of dense woods awaited, their obscurity interrupted only by an ageing metal fence that stood as the dividing barrier.
Whispers of people vanishing within those very woods spread throughout the town, their fates forever lost in the depths of its enigma. At times, a part of you yearned to vanish, to embark on a fresh existence, away from prying eyes. However, you recognized such desires as mere daydreams, knowing that wishing alone wouldn't suffice. It was action that would help you reach your goals in life, not idle wishes.
As your thoughts ran ramped, the resonating sound of the tracks being stretched abruptly snapped you back to reality. The sound grew louder and more distinct with each passing second. The headlights of the approaching train pierced through, casting a beckoning radiance upon the empty platform. A sigh escaped your lips, but this time it was not one of exasperation, but rather a sigh of immense relief, as the train came to a complete halt before you.
“Finally,” you whispered under your breath, barely audible. Approaching the train you stepped inside the carriage, instantly leaving the cold night air behind and immersing yourself in the comforting warmth of the empty train. Settling into a seat, you turned your attention towards the window, watching as the desolate station and the biting cold of the night gradually faded away, receding into the distance.
With your gaze drifting across the vacant train, the absence of fellow passengers didn't surprise you. It was a familiar sight, as very few or almost none court the last train of the night. While some might consider it eerie, you found solace in this solitude. Allowing your head to gently rest against the cool windowpane, you closed your eyes, savouring the tranquil moment without succumbing to sleep.
Abruptly, a chilling shiver raced up your spine, compelling your eyes to snap open. A sudden jolt within the train caused the lights to flicker momentarily, casting the surroundings into temporary darkness before reigniting. Your attention went back to the window, your vision confronted an impenetrable void of darkness, obscuring any trace of tree lines or discernible landmarks.
A sense of unease buried itself in the pit of your guts as you pondered the duration of your journey. It should have been enough time to reach the station, shouldn't it? Glancing down at your phone for reassurance, you were greeted by a distorted screen, glitching erratically in your hand. Although not a brand-new phone, it shouldn't have been behaving so erratically. Letting out a sigh through your nose, you made up your mind to disembark at the upcoming station and arrange for a cab instead.
Rising from your seat, you made your way towards the nearest door. But before you could reach it, the train abruptly jerked to a halt, nearly toppling you over if it weren't for your firm grip on a nearby railing. A wave of relief washed over you as you collected yourself, ‘thank god, it stopped’ you thought. straightening your posture before opening the door and stepping out onto the platform.
To your surprise, your feet didn't touch the solid platform you had expected. Instead, they landed on a damp surface of glass. Instead of the familiar train station, your eyes beheld a dense expanse of woodlands. Confusion gripped you. How could this be? Bewildered, you pivoted to glance back at the train, only to find it had vanished, leaving behind the same mystifying woods. Questions raced through your mind as you struggled to comprehend what was unfolding before your eyes.
As fear tightened its grip on your mind, you surveyed your surroundings in a desperate search for a discernible path. There was nothing in sight. A surge of anxiety coursed through you. What should you do in a situation like this? Fumbling to retrieve your phone, you hoped for some semblance of a solution, but the screen remained distorted and glitchy, mirroring its behaviour on the train. No functioning phone, no sense of location, and no clear exit from the enigmatic woods. A subtle panic began to well up within you, exacerbated by the oppressive presence of the thick fog that enveloped the area. However, you knew you had to gather yourself. Composure was crucial in this moment of uncertainty.
Inhaling deeply, you focused on steadying your breath, determined to restore a sense of calmness to your mind. Reminding yourself that things could be worse, you exhaled slowly, releasing any lingering tension. With renewed composure, you surveyed the surroundings, carefully assessing your options. Choosing a direction, you embarked on what could potentially be a long trek through these mysterious woods. Hoping to find some form of solution to your problem.
With each step, your eyes darted nervously, anticipating a sudden threat leaping out from the shadows. And then, you heard it—a distant but distinct hum of a motor, its gentle roar echoing through the air. Drawn toward the sound, you hastened your pace and soon discovered yourself standing outside an aged, weathered wooden cabin. Time had not been kind to its exterior, yet a glimmer of hope emerged as light spilt through the open doorway, casting a warm glow in the darkness.
Approaching the structure, you entered the doorway and peered inside. The interior appeared devoid of any signs of life, yet it bore distinct evidence of habitation. A spacious room greeted your gaze, dominated by a substantial table adorned with a chandelier crafted from deer antlers. Adjacent to it, a stone fireplace emanated a flickering glow, casting an inviting warmth throughout the space. Despite the overall cosy ambience, an unsettling presence lingered an unspoken disquiet that sent a shiver down your spine.
"Hello? Is anyone here?" you called out, cautiously taking a step forward, your gaze sweeping the room. As you surveyed your surroundings, your attention was drawn to a staircase that ascended to the upper level, its path intersecting with a balcony that extended deeper into the building. However, before you could explore further, a sudden grip on your shoulder startled you, causing you to jump in a startled response.
"Lower your voice. You'll draw the killer's attention," warned the voice that accompanied the hand. Startled, you turned toward the source, only to find a young man standing before you. Your initial expression of fear swiftly transformed into one of shock and confusion. "Damn it, you're new," he remarked, his annoyed countenance shifting to a mix of surprise and continued annoyance. "Alright, come with me. I'll show you what needs to be done, but I can't explain everything right now. Just listen to me and follow my lead," he swiftly added, brushing past you as he began to move forward, prompting you to intuitively follow along.
Ascending the stairs behind him, your thoughts spun in a whirlwind of confusion. You couldn't shake the uncanny familiarity with the man before you, not in a personal sense, but from a video game you had played. He bore a striking resemblance to David King from Dead by Daylight, but that couldn't be possible. It had to be a mere coincidence, right? The idea that this man could be the fictional character you knew from the game seemed utterly implausible. Right?
He guided you into a compact room, where a non-functional generator resided in the far corner, resembling those you had encountered in the game you once played. With a gentle nudge, he positioned you in front of the generator and stood beside you. "We need to repair these to make our escape. Once we're out of here, I'll provide all the explanations," he whispered, his focus shifting to the task at hand as he began working on the generator.
Could this be a mere dream? Had you unintentionally dozed off during your train ride? It seemed utterly implausible, too surreal to be true. Could you truly find yourself immersed in the world of Dead by Daylight? Your train of thought was abruptly interrupted by David's voice, pulling you back to reality. "Hey, I understand it's overwhelming, but you need to help, okay? Trust me, you don't want to be caught by the killer," he urged, turning to face you. David's words resonated deeply within you. Regardless of whether this was a figment of your imagination or an actuality, evading the killer was of paramount importance. Contemplating your options, you resolved to play along, at least until you could ascertain the veracity of this bewildering situation.
"The name's David, David Kings, by the way," he introduced himself, briefly diverting his attention from the generator repairs. "Nice to meet you, (Y/N) (L/N)," you responded, eliciting a smile from David. "Cute name," he murmured softly, his voice barely audible amidst the generator's rumble. Shifting your focus back to the task at hand, you diligently resumed your work on the generator, striving to handle it with utmost care and precision, determined not to trigger any unwanted alarms.
A sudden scream pierced through the air, emanating from a distant location. Your gaze instinctively lifted towards the source, and in the distance, you caught a glimpse of a faint aura surrounding someone. Sensing a peculiar sensation in your eyes, causing them to vibrate slightly, you reflexively rubbed them. "Damn it," David muttered softly at your side. "You stay here and continue working on the generator. If you feel your heartbeat quickening, it's best to leave the area swiftly and avoid being seen, alright?" he advised before departing and leaving you.
Letting out a small sigh, you persevered with your work on the generator. However, your eyes started to hum once more, causing you to reflexively rub them. Startled by this sensation, you instinctively pulled away from the generator, inadvertently triggering it to blow up right in front of you. The blast’s heat caused you to stumble backwards, landing unceremoniously on your rear. "Oops," you admitted as you picked yourself up from the floor. Glancing around the room, you carefully listened to the rhythm of your own heartbeat, but to your relief, it remained steady. Perhaps the killer was preoccupied with someone else? Regardless, you gathered your composure and returned to the task of repairing the generator.
Lost in your concentration while working on the generator, you remained oblivious to someone stealthily approaching from behind. Just as David had done before, a hand suddenly landed on your shoulder, causing you to startle and unintentionally trigger yet another explosion from the machine. A gentle chuckle resonated through the room, prompting you to turn your head and face the next survivor in this trial, who had sneaked up on you.
The initial anger etched on your face swiftly transformed into a mixture of shock and delight as you recognized the person standing behind you: none other than Leon S. Kennedy. A soft smile adorned his face as he spoke, "Sorry about that," withdrawing his hand from your shoulder. Your gaze shifted, and you noticed that he was clutching his side, evidently injured from the earlier scream. Concern flooded your voice as you turned away from the generator towards Leon, "You're hurt." In response, Leon nodded and replied, "David did mention we had someone new. Here, let me show you how to administer first aid," he offered, gracefully kneeling down so that you could tend to his wounds.
Drawing nearer to Leon, he patiently guided you through the process of healing others, which you swiftly grasped, encountering only a few minor hiccups along the way. Though in his presence, you couldn't help but feel a touch of nervousness. As an avid fan of the Resident Evil games and a particularly ardent admirer of Leon himself, being around him was both thrilling and slightly overwhelming. However, you managed to conceal your excitement and maintain composure, determined to keep a cool demeanour throughout your interaction.
Stepping back from Leon, he assessed your handiwork with an approving nod. "Great job. Let's finish up this generator before the killer arrives," he remarked, striding towards the machine. You agreed with a nod and joined him, swiftly resuming the tasks. With Leon's assistance, the two of you effortlessly progressed through the generator's repairs, making impressive headway. Soon enough, the generator roared to life, illuminating the building with its restored power. "Nicely done," Leon commented, and a warm feeling spread through you in response to his praise. "Let's move quickly before the killer catches up," he urged, taking hold of your hand and guiding you along. Your cheeks flushed momentarily, but you quickly brushed off the blush, focusing on the task at hand.
Stepping through a doorway, you and Leon found yourselves on an outdoor balcony, granting you a vantage point to survey the surrounding area. It was Leon who first caught sight of the approaching killer, prompting him to swiftly pull you down into a kneeling position for cover. Peering over the balcony's edge, you followed his gaze and spotted the formidable figure of The Huntress, a chilling presence in the distance.
The appearance of The Huntress struck you as unsettlingly different. It seemed like she had donned the growth surge cosmetic, but there was a notable variation. Instead of the usual orangish-yellow liquid, her body was engulfed in a vibrant red substance. It emitted an eerie glow, indicating it wasn't blood, yet it possessed a disconcerting allure. Her mask remained similar to the growth surge design, but her eyes were obscured by a grotesque fleshy growth that pulsated and throbbed. The sight was profoundly unnerving. Large red boils marred her body, and prominent veins coursed through her flesh, extending outwards. The overall image was an unsettling amalgamation of pulsating growths, vibrant colours, and distorted features.
"Not all of the killers look like that. Some still appear relatively normal... well, as close to it as they can," Leon commented, his eyes following The Huntress as she moved away, drawn by the sound of a generator activating in the distance. "It's better if we head in the opposite direction," he suggested, firmly guiding you along. Descending the stairs and swiftly changing course, you both veered away from The Huntress, ensuring a safe distance between yourselves and her menacing killer.
"What's wrong with her?" you inquired, genuinely curious about why The Huntress was so different from her familiar self. As you and Leon traversed through the dense woods, he let out a sigh before offering an explanation. "It's a sort of disease, affecting the killers but not us survivors, thankfully. It drives them further into madness, beyond their usual state. They even engage in attacks against other killers, which is something they typically refrain from," he divulged, shedding light on the unsettling nature of the situation. Spotting another generator ahead, you feigned ignorance, playing dumb to gather more information without arousing suspicion. "Other killers?" you queried, attempting to glean further insights.
"Unfortunately, The Huntress isn't the only killer you'll encounter," Leon expressed with a hint of apology. "There are approximately 32 killers in total, and we’ve just got a new one," he added, displaying a touch of annoyance at the prospect. Curiosity piqued, you inquired about the identity of the new killer, eager to gauge your progress in the game's chapters. "Do you know the name of the new killer?" you asked, hoping to obtain further details. Leon scratched his head, struggling to recall the exact name. "I'm not entirely sure, but Gabriel should have that information. It's something like... HUX...A... something," he replied, his memory failing him. Singularity, the robot, you mused internally. So, you're indeed up to date with the latest chapter. That was good to know.
Approaching the generator, you and Leon knelt down side by side, ready to repair it. Recalling the progress made, you vaguely remembered that two generators had already been successfully completed. Glancing around vigilantly, you kept a lookout for any sign of the killer's presence. However, something perplexing caught your attention. Despite being near The Huntress on the balcony earlier, your heartbeat hadn't quickened as David had warned. According to his advice, an increased heartbeat signalled the proximity of the killer, but the absence of such an indication left you bewildered. Shouldn't your heartbeat have spiked if the Huntress was nearby? The situation seemed to defy expectations.
Intriguingly, you felt that familiar hum in your eyes once more. This time, instead of rubbing them, you simply blinked, and an astonishing revelation unfolded before you. Auras of various of things within your surroundings became visible —the chests, hooks, generators, and even the other survivors. You could even discern the aura of the killer. Was this an innate ability, perhaps a unique perk granted to you? Many survivors possessed their own distinct perks, and it appeared that this newfound capability might be yours. The realization filled you with a mix of awe and curiosity as you embraced the potential advantages it could provide in your quest for survival.
With a sense of urgency, you made a conscious choice to prioritize the generator before delving further into your newfound ability. While the allure of exploring this power lingered in the back of your mind, your immediate focus needed to be on escaping this treacherous realm. Determinedly, you directed your attention towards completing the generator in front of you. After a concerted effort, the task was successfully accomplished. It was then that you and Leon reached a decision—splitting up would enable a faster search for the final generator. Meanwhile, David and the remaining survivor, whom you had yet to meet, would distract the killer.
Although it was slightly nerve-racking to part ways with Leon, you understood the importance of learning to navigate the trials on your own. The notion that this experience could simply be a dream had long faded from your mind; the intensity and authenticity of the situation were undeniable. However, encountering the killer would serve as a painful confirmation, and you were resolute in avoiding such a fate. The last thing you wanted was to be hooked or mercilessly cut into. With a renewed sense of determination, you braced yourself to face the challenges that lay ahead, relying on your skills and instincts to stay one step ahead of danger.
In your quest to locate another generator, you decided to delve deeper into your newfound ability. Although uncertain of how to activate it, you remained determined to unlock its potential. You attempted to trigger it by blinking your eyes as you had done previously but to no avail. Perhaps there was a specific trigger or condition that needed to be met? However, before you could delve further into experimentation, the familiar humming sensation returned, prompting you to instinctively blink your eyes once more. As you did, the world around you unveiled itself in a cascade of vibrant auras, just as it had before.
Regrettably, a bitter realization washed over you. While the ability to see everyone's aura at all times was undoubtedly advantageous, it came at the cost of your ability to sense the killer's proximity through your own heartbeat. And now, as fate would have it, you found yourself standing mere arm's length away from the killer, stepping into an eerie, dilapidated wooden shack. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon you, as the absence of that familiar heartbeat sensation left you acutely aware of the imminent danger that surrounded you. Your instincts and wits would need to be sharpened to their utmost, for navigating this encounter unscathed.
Swiftly pivoting on your heels, you abruptly reversed your direction and launched yourself into a desperate sprint. However, despite your valiant efforts, you were unable to evade the swing of the killer's deadly hatchet. The blade sliced mercilessly across your back, tearing through flesh with searing agony. An involuntary cry of anguish escaped your lips as you propelled yourself even faster, putting as much distance as possible between you and your assailant. The excruciating pain that pulsed through your body served as a harsh reminder that this was undeniably real—this was the grim reality you now found yourself trapped within.
In a swift motion, you hurriedly scanned the surroundings, searching for any pallets that could impede The Huntress's relentless chase. As you sprinted, a chilling breeze grazed your face as one of her hatchets whizzed by, narrowly missing your head. Reacting swiftly, instinctively ducking into the nearby structure. To your surprise, it turned out to be the very same building where you had first encountered David. Determined to find safety, you ascended the stairs with haste.
With The Huntress relentlessly pursuing you, the tension hung thick in the air. Another hatchet whirled through the space, narrowly evading its target as luck smiled upon you once more. Yet the pain from the initial slash she had inflicted at the start of this harrowing chase intensified, stinging relentlessly. Desperation set in; you had to find a way to shake her off. However, just as you were about to make a break for the exit, her hatchet found its mark, striking your back with force. Helplessly, you crumpled to the ground, a gasp left you as you hit the ground.
Lying prone on your stomach, anguish gripped your body as The Huntress drew near. She stooped down, effortlessly hoisting you onto her shoulder, and steadily descended the stairs. Summoning every ounce of strength within, you valiantly struggled to wriggle free from her grasp, but her grip proved formidable, rendering your attempts futile. Just as despair settled in, a searing agony pierced through your shoulder, marking the moment the sizable hook pierced your flesh. A piercing scream erupted from your mouth before your body fell leap.
The excruciating torment surpassed any previous pain you had endured, surpassing even the Huntress's earlier assault. Doubts flooded your mind, questioning your ability to extricate yourself from the merciless hook. Thus, you chose to lie motionless, accepting your grim fate. Gradually, a familiar hum made itself known to you, prompting you to open your eyes. Through blurry vision, you discerned the presence of your fellow teammates, one figure drawing nearer than the rest. Their identity remained elusive until they finally reached your side, revealing themselves once the killer had departed.
It was Meg who approached, her hand extending to free you from the torturous hook. As she lifted you, a whimper escaped your lips, the pain still fresh and overwhelming. "So, you're the new girl," she remarked, a faint smirk gracing her face. "Come along with me, I'll take care of your wounds," she offered, indicating for you to follow. Gratefully, you accepted her invitation and followed closely.
Once you had put a considerable distance between yourselves and the dreaded hook, Meg paused to attend to your wounds. Although the pain persisted to some extent, her skilful patching brought immense relief, easing the majority of your discomfort. Just as she finished tending to you, the distant sound of a generator completing its task resonated through the air, signalling that the end of the trail was near. "Let's go. I'll lead you to an exit gate," she beckoned, gesturing with a wave of her hand as she resumed her stride. Grateful for the conclusion of this harrowing ordeal, you followed closely behind, eagerly anticipating the escape from this nightmarish hunt.
Harnessing your unique ability, you swiftly guided Meg towards the exit gate, effortlessly navigating through the terrain. Along the way, you took the opportunity to explain the nature of your extraordinary skill, shedding light on your proficiency. As you both arrived at the control panel, ready to open the gate, Meg expressed her thoughts on your ability. "That's quite a useful talent you possess, although I personally prefer having the ability to sense the killer," she remarked, her hand confidently resting on the switch. With a determined pull, she initiated the gate's opening.
After a brief pause, the gate finally swung open completely, and to your relief, the killer was nowhere in sight—at least not for the time being. "Let's go and wait for the others by the exit," Meg suggested, striding confidently towards the designated meeting spot. You nodded in agreement and trailed closely behind her. As you stood side by side, you instinctively tapped into your ability once more, now becoming more accustomed to its workings. The auras of your teammates were revealed to you, allowing you to perceive their presence, while the ominous aura of the killer lingered in the periphery of your perception.
Your teammates emerged on the scene, sprinting desperately toward your location, pursued relentlessly by the relentless killer. Leon and David darted towards you and Meg, narrowly evading a barrage of hatchets that whizzed perilously close to their heads. "Prepare yourself to take a hit for them, newbie," Meg instructed, giving you a reassuring pat on the back. However, the pain from your wound caused you to emit a groan of discomfort, underscoring the severity of your injuries.
Together with Meg, you formed a protective barrier at the exit gate, shielding David and Leon from any hatchets that The Huntress might unleash in their direction. Safely through, the two of you trailed behind, allowing the gate to close behind you. Yet, as you crossed the threshold of the exit gate, an enigmatic fog enveloped your being, engulfing you in an eerie darkness. Time seemed to distort as swiftly as the fog appeared, only to dissipate just as suddenly, revealing a campsite before your eyes. Meg, David, and Leon stood by your side, their presence offering reassurance amidst the mysterious transition.
Relief flooded Meg's voice as she broke the silence, her words cutting through the post-trial tension. "Thank god that's over," she exclaimed, extending her arms above her head in a satisfying stretch. Heading towards the campfire, she began to unwind. David, following closely, chimed in with agreement, his hand gently patting Meg's back in a supportive gesture. "You said it," he responded with a cheerful tone.
Leon's comforting presence was accompanied by a tender smile, his hand gently resting on your shoulder. The sight of his smile caused a slight blush to tinge your cheeks. Sensing your fatigue, he expressed his concern. "You must be exhausted," Leon remarked, his voice filled with empathy. A soft smile graced your lips as you nodded in agreement. "I think I need some answers first,” you replied, determined to satisfy your lingering curiosity. Making your way towards the campfire, Leon followed closely behind. Settling down together on a log, he offered his undivided attention. "What would you like to know?" Leon inquired, his tone inviting and ready to address your queries.