An Unusual Assignment: Oneshots
Yeah, you read correctly. I had this idea for quite some time, so I decided to actually do it. I'll submit oneshots about some of the important events of "An Unusual Assignment". The first one will be about Reenas last days of training, just before she came to Pokke. I have not decided what's to come after this, so you may make suggestions. How about Temuras battle with the Fatalis? Nathans last hunt? Or just some random quest? The choice is yours!
On a side note, the character Kemani is actually a real life person. Of course, she has a different name, but the rest is quite similar - except that the real one is not a hunter, of course. She is my german beta reader and a close friend. She asked me to give her a role in my story, so I did my best. Please review and tell me what you think about her.
Baptism of fire
The Guild Hall of Kokoto was almost completely silent. The soft twilight of dawn had just started to illuminate it, letting the large variety of trophies seem somewhat alive.
Reena looked around nervously. She had never been afraid of the dark, but standing all alone in a room filled with the heads of monsters which didn't look as dead as they should be made her feel quite uneasy.
She was so focused on staying calm that she didn't notice the person that sneaked up on her from behind. "Good morning!" the woman shouted.
Reena screamed and turned around. In front of her stood a woman in her mid-thirties with chin-long, dark-blonde hair and grayish-blue eyes. She wasn't particularly tall or tough-looking, but Reena knew that she was a very skilled fighter. She wore a beautiful armour that shined bright red even in the dim light of the Guild Hall. It was a Kaiser armour, named after the monster it was crafted of: Teostra, the "emperor of flame". Her weapons were called "Eternal Strife" a sword and shield combination that was said to not have been forged with water but with the blood of Teostra instead, which gave them a very dark colour. In this twilight they looked almost black.
The woman laughed. "You don't have to be so scared. After all, you knew I'd come."
"But that's no reason to sneak up on me like that. I almost had a heart attack."
"Aw, it wasn't that bad. Now get back your breath, we wanna get going." With that said, she turned around and left the building with quick steps.
Reena followed her after a second. Kemani was her instructor for about two months now, and in this relatively short time, had taught her a lot about the life as a hunter. She was a hunter of the fifth rank, only one step away from being able to call herself Ashvelt, and famous for having killed the elder dragon Teostra on her own.
Reena took a look around the village when she stepped out of the Guild Hall. Kokoto was rather small, located at the edge of a region dominated by both deep forests and wide open hills. Since it didn't need much supplies to survive due to the little number of inhabitants, there weren't many hunters to provide them. However, beyond its borders dwelled a large variety of monsters, so many hunters came here to hunt them. The Guild eventually decided to sent aspirants here to have them trained by the veterans.
They approached the northern exit of the village. Kemani looked at her from the side. "Are you well prepared? Once we set off, there will be no turning back."
Reena nodded confidently. "Don't worry, I'll be fine."
"Okay. But don't you start complaining later. I did warn you."
"Come on! It's only a Velocidrome", Reena insisted.
"Not only that", her instructor replied and lifted a finger. "It's the strongest monster you ever faced. You must never underestimate your oponents. If you do it anyway, you're dead. Never forget that hunting is a battle to the death."
Reena lowered her gaze. She knew that this was no game. After all, she had lost her own grandfather on a hunt. Again she started to doubt that she had made the right decision when she asked her father to let her come here. She knew that this was mostly because of his attempts to discourage her, but now that things got serious, she became scared.
"Hey, what's with that face?" Kemani asked, snapping her student out of her daydreaming. "I'm with you, so don't worry. Besides, you shouldn't have any problems with it. I just gave you some advice you can use later on. The life of a hunter is not an easy one, but I'm positive that you have what it takes."
"Thanks. It's not often that I hear something like this." In fact she was told the opposite most of the time. Only her childhood friend Liam had supported her when she decided to become a hunter. Her father only let her come here because she annoyed him with her pleading until he eventually gave in.
"You don't have to thank me. After all, I'm your instructor. It's my duty to evaluate you objectively. I only told you how I assess you." Kemani smiled a little when she said that, disarming the stern tone in her voice.
One of the reasons why Reena liked her so much was the fact that Kemani treated her like everyone else, even though her father was the High Administrator of Minegarde and thus her highest superior. She never spoiled Reena, and when there was something to critisize, she critisized it. This normality was something completely new for Reena, since she was a celebrity in Dondruma, always standing out, unable to live a normal life.
After they walked for a while, Kemani spoke up again. "Okay, we're almost out of the forest. Keep your eyes open." Reena focused on the surroundings again. The edge of the forest was just before them, and after that came the plains. There were some large rocks and hills, but aside from that, nothing blockt the view. This was the first time she came here. Before, they had kept to hunting Velociprey in the forest.
Kemani started to lecture her again. "This region is a lot more dangerous than it looks. Although it's almost impossible to be surprised by a monster, the odds for escaping one are just as bad. We came at dawn because most of them are still asleep. But you should still keep an eye on the sky."
"Why the sky?" Reena asked.
"This open territory is perfectly assessable from above. That's why it's the favourite domain of the Rathalos'. They normally hunt around noon. If you see something large moving in the sky, tell me immediately. There are plenty of ways to hide, but once it has noticed us, it's kill or die."
"That doesn't sound very reassuring."
"It's not supposed to. But don't worry. If need be, I can take on a Rathalos. I've been through worse."
Reena nodded at her thankfully. Then she turned her gaze up. The sky was clear in every direction, but that could change any second. "How are we supposed to find that thing?"
"The Velocidrome? We search, of course. It's not difficult at all out here. Besides, I know where they hunt. We should be back in the village in a few hours already."
They started to search and indeed soon found a dead Aptonoth. "What can you see here, Reena?" Kemani asked while putting a hand on the hilt of her sword and looking around thoroughly. It was a test again.
Reena knelt down beside the carcass. "The wounds are small, so it was most likely no Rathalos." She sniffed the air once, then wrinkled her nose. "The decay seems to have started only very recently, so the carcass isn't lying here for very long. They're probably still nearby."
Kemani crossed her arms and looked at her appraisingly. "Was that it already?"
Hastily, Reena looked around again. "Um, there are a lot of traces, so there were most likely more than one of them."
Her instructor sighed. "Of course there were. Velociprey hunt in packs, remember? You can read more in those traces. Look." She pointed at the ground. "Do you see the claw-imprints? We can see that they came from east. The traces are pretty far apart, which means they ran, which is only natural since they were hunting. What's really interesting are the ones that lead away from the carcass. What do you see there?"
Reena examined said traces thoroughly. "They look just the same. I can't make out any difference."
Kemani lifted a finger and smiled. "That's just it. There isn't any. They ran here, as well as away from here. With filled stomachs, to boot. What does this tell you?
Now she understood. "They fled from something."
Kemani nodded and tensed visibly. "Exactly. We can exclude hunters. I would've known if anyone had set out this early, and besides, Prey attack them. That means it has to be another monster, and my money's on a Rathalos. It's just the time that's strange. They normally don't hunt at night."
"Maybe it wanted a midnight snack so it could sleep better."
Kemani smiled mirthlessly and shook her head. "I doubt that. Anyway, we should hurry, lest it get's one after all: Us."
Reena shivered at the thought and started to walk again. After a few steps, however, she stopped again. "One of the traces ends here, just like that."
"Really? Let me see." The hunter stepped closer and examined Reenas discovery. "You're right. Well done. That means that one of the monsters suddenly disappeared. I bet the Rathalos took it. That also explains why it hunts at night."
The way she said it, it seemed as if Reena was supposed to have some kind of enlightenment, but everything stayed dark. "It... does?"
"Yes, it does. I can't see any blood here, so it didn't eat it immediately. The only reason to take it alive is to feed it's breed. That's why it has to do extra hunting."
"So it could still be around?" Reena asked, startled. Then something else came to her mind. "Wait, what if it took the Velocidrome? Then we'd be out here for nothing."
Kemani shook her head. "It didn't. Do you see the large traces here? They're the Dromes. Your prey is still out here. Let's find it." She hesitated for a second. "And be very careful. The Rathalos was here only about an hour ago. It can't see clearly in the twilight, but once the sun rises, we're at a disadvantage."
"How comes?"
"The sun would blind us since we'd have to look up in the sky. Rathalos doesn't so he could see better than we do. And before you ask: It would attack on sight. Rathalos' are quite clever. They know that hunters are dangerous and they're smart enough to know one when they see one. They hunt us."
"Then we should see this through quickly, huh?" Reena asked nervously.
"Right. We're close to one of their breeding grounds. Let's go."
They followed the traces for a while and soon found some kind of cave. It was actually rather a broad hole in a large hill, and very short too. They could see the exit while standing at the entrance. A pack of Velocipreys was sleeping on the ground. There were ten in total, but no Drome was in sight.
"What should we do now?" Reena asked.
"This is a good opportunity for us. Get your sabre. We'll sneak up on them and take them out one by one. The're asleep, so they won't put up any resistance. Then we can calmly look for the Drome."
Kemani stepped ahead and drew her sword. She just approached one of the monsters when Reena heard the clicking sound of claws on rocks behind her. She whirled around and saw the Velocidrome, only a few feet away. It glared at her for a second, then raised its head and let out a clanging barking.
Reena immediately drew her weapon while the Velocipreys rose. From one moment to the next, a golden opportunity had turned into a death trap.
Kemani was surrounded, but she didn't look to worried. "Get the Drome. I'm fine." Then she hurled herself at her adversaries, while Reena faced the pack-leader.
She jumped and slashed at it, but it hopped back and screeched challengingly. Then it attacked her with its claws. She evaded just in time and countered, leaving a deep gash in its flank. The two opponents circled around each other, she with careful steps, it with short hops.
While turning, she could see Kemani who had already dealt some damage. Four of her enemies lay on the ground motionlessly while the others kept some distance to the red-clad hunter. The instructor didn't care about their threatening screeches and rushed into them like a whirlwind. She hacked around with quick slashes, rammed her shield in one monsters face and crushed the windpipe of another one with a devastating kick.
The Drome fought a lot better that its comrades, but it was alone, and Liam had taught Reena quite a lot about fighting with a sword. She decided not to rely on her speed alone and feinted a powerful, vertical cleave at its head, which it evaded without noticing that it was a trap. Instead of leaning herself in her attack and loosing her balance, she instantly tore her blade up again in a diagonal slash that cut deep into the monsters chest. The wound looked as if it had been dealt with a surgery-instrument: A fine red line running across the beasts torso. It started to bleed profusely and jumped back a bit.
Meanwhile, Kemani had only three enemies left. She jumped forward and thrust her blade in the snapping maw of one of them, killing it on the spot. The second prey tried to bite her face from the side, but she withdrew a few inches, so that its jaws closed just before her nose. Then she grabbed them with her left hand, freed her sword from the skull of the first one and chopped of the seconds head. Next she dropped down on her knees, diving under the claws of the last Prey, and whirled around, sweeping it off its feet with a low kick. It went down and couldn't rise again since she stabbed it through the heart.
While her instructor was at it, Reena experienced a surprise. The Velocidrome jumped back even further, than turned around and fled. "Kemani, it's escaping!" They followed it as fast as they could, but the monster was remarkably fast.
They soon reached a slope that led up to a vast plateau. High cliffs towered over them on both sides, keeping them from intercepting it. It's advance grew steadily. "We'll lose it!" Reena called, frustrated. Their prey had almost gotten out of sight when they finally reached the plateau.
"Even if it does, we can still..." Whatever Kemani had wanted to say, she was interrupted by a loud roar that echoed from the rocks around her. A large, red and black wyvern descended from the sky and smashed the Velocidrome into the ground with brute force. Even as far away as they were, the two women could hear the dry cracking sound of shattered bones.
Reena took a step back in utter fear when the Rathalos turned its head and looked at them. She had never before seen a real wyvern, let alone the "lord of the sky" itself. It looked as impressive as it was scary, standing on the destroyed carcass of the Velocidrome, its wings spread out wide. It let out a loud scream, drew its head back and then shot a large fireball at them.
Just before the sphere reached them, Kemani shoved Reena to the side and covered her face with her shield. The impact hurled her several feet away, but to Reenas surprise she scrambled back to her feet immediately and dashed forward. "Reena, get outta here!"
Bewildered, her student looked at her. "How could you..."
"Kaiser-armour. Fire can't hurt me. Now go!" She pushed Reena towards some boulders, where she could find at least some shelter. The Rathalos growled at the experienced hunter threateningly.
Reena hid behind one of the boulders, but watched the combatants from there and readied her bow. Just to be prepared. There was no way she would face this fiend. Even good hunters would think twice before taking on a Rathalos alone.
Meanwhile, Kemani and her opponent faced off on the free space of the plateau. She lifted her weapon and readied herself. The monster attacked immediately. It charged at her with a roar, but she managed to evade in the last possible second. The Rathalos stumbled, but regained its balance and whirled around, flailing at her with its tail. She ducked beneath it and sprinted forward diagonally to close up on it without approaching it head on, something it would punish in an instant. It rushed at her again, but when she evaded once more, it came to a sudden stop and faced her, then jumped back with a wingbeat and hurled a fireball at her. Even though it missed, the shockwave of the attack threw her of her feet.
Reena grew more and more uneasy. She was confident that Kemani was able to defeat this beast, but monsters were unpredictable. One of the first lectures her instructor had given her was that one must never become cocky. You must always be on your guard, 'cuz while hunting, you're just one mistake away from death.
Kemani came back to her feet when the Rathalos charged at her. She turned around and dashed towards one of the boulders. The distance between the two shrank quickly. When she finally reached it, she jumped against it, pushed herself away and did a somersault that carried her right on the confused monsters back. It ran into the rock at full speed and staggered backwards. However, even though it was dizzy for a moment, the force behind the impact hurled Kemani off it before she could abuse its weakness. She jumped back to her feet and circled her enemy once more.
It turned to face her, spread its wings and zoomed towards her in low-flight. It was impossible to avoid this, since the monster was just too fast, so she dropped to the ground and rolled on her side just before it reached her. Its claws tore the ground to her left and right asunder, missing her only by inches. Its momentum carried it several meters further, giving her an opportunity to rise again and attack.
She ran towards the Monster and hacked at its tail, leaving a deep wound. It whirled around, but she dove to the side and beneath its wing, injuring the soft skin spanning it while she passed it. The Rathalos roared out of anger and pain and rushed forward to get some distance between itself and the hunter. Then it turned again and shot a fireball at her, which she deftly evaded.
Reena was seriously impressed. She had heard of such battles before, among others those of her father, but she had never before seen something like this with her own eyes. It was amazing that a single woman about her own weight was able to not only confront, but actually hurt such an opponent.
The Rathalos started to flap its wings and ascended into the air, letting fireballs rain down on Kemani. She had no other choice than avoiding time after time, for even though her armour was highly resistant to fire, she wore no helmet, and a direct hit on her head would kill her. She sprinted towards the monster and came to a stop beneath it. Rathalos' had a long neck, but it was not quite flexible enough to shoot directly beneath it. As strang as it was, when they did this maneuver, it was safest to be as close as possible.
However, this specimen seemed to be quite seasoned, for it didn't descend slowly, like they normally do, but rather dropped down. Surprised by this, Kemani just barely got out of the way. When she tried to get up, the gale produced by the wings threw her off her feet. She scrambled back on her feet, only to be smashed several meters away when it lashed its head at her like a whip.
She had to watch helplessly as the Rathalos roared, charged at her and suddenly fell flat on its belly when an arrow pierced its knee. It stood up again, but the time Reena had bought her sufficed for Kemani to get back into the fight. She would have liked to thank Reena, but decided against it to keep the monsters attention away from the rookie. Instead she attacked its head, leaving deep cuts and gashes. It roared in agony, which hurt horribly in her ears, but she ran past it regardless and put some distance between them.
Reena had already hidden behind the boulder again. Her heart was still pounding madly inside her chest, as if it tried to break the prison of her ribs. She was glad to have saved her instructors life, and proud to have carried out such an effective attack, but the terrible fear that clenched her thoughts like an icy fist kept her from enjoying these feelings. She carefully squinted over the edge of the rock.
The Rathalos was heaving heavily, letting out a faint cloud of fire with every breath it took. It looked as if it was boiling with rage. Kemani was standing somewhat wobbly, but she regained her composure quite quickly. Once more the monster charged, but the two women noticed that it was limping on its injured leg. Kemani took something flat and round out of her pocket and threw it in front of the Rathalos. When it stepped on it, a loud buzzing and sizzling could be heard, and the Wyvern fell limbly to the ground, wailing in pain as the Shock Trap sent an artificial bolt of lightning through its body and made every muscle in it cramp.
These disc-shaped items were quite rare since they consisted of very hard to get materials, among others the horn of a Kirin, an unusual elder dragon which in fact was a large Unicorn that could let lightning come down from a clear, blue sky. These traps were especially favoured by hunters who preferred to "capture" their prey insted of simply killing it, even though the difference is only very slim.
That's also what Kemani seemed to be planning, for she took out a long item out of her bag that looked like - and in fact was - a large steel-syringe. It contained a poison that had to be injected right into the monsters neck to take effect. It paralyzed the monster, putting it into a sleep like condition and eventually stopped its heart. This poison killed almost painlessly, which made it preferred by hunters who didn't want to torture a monster with unnecessary pain.
Kemani injected the poison into her fallen enemy. Almost immediately its breathing slowed down, then its eyes closed. After that its muscles relaxed. When the Shock Trap lost its effect, the monster was already dead.
The term "capturing" was somewhat incorrect, since the prey died anyway, but since it was an alternative way to finish off a monster, it needed another name. The Guild in fact preferred this technique, since captured monsters have no severe wounds which could have damaged important parts. For example, if the head had been bashed in, the skull or plates covering it would be useless for crafting, which lowered the value of the hunt. The poison, however, kept these parts intact, making salvaging more lucrative.
Now that the battle was over, Kemani stood up straight, as tired as she was reliefed, and sheathed her weapon. Reena came out of her hiding spot as well and approached her. Kemani smiled at her when she had reached her. "Thanks, Reena. You saved my life."
Reena didn't know what to reply, so she said nothing. Kemani grinned. "That was a good shot, by the way. I knew you could do it."
This praise made her blush. "Well, what can I say..."
"You don't have to say anything. You did a great job, I really hand it to you."
"It was just one shot. I hid most of the time."
"But you were there when I needed you." She stood firm. "Aspiring hunter Reena, I hereby deem you worthy of completing your initiation."
Caught off guard, Reena could only stare at her instructor. "W-What? But... I didn't do anything." She looked at the squashed Velocidrome which she had almost forgotten. "I didn't even complete this quest."
Kemani sighed and put a hand on her shoulder. "You didn't finish off the Drome. Who cares? You helped hunting a Rathalos! Without you, we'd both be dead now. Besides, you had almost finished it before it ran away."
"You can say it either way. I didn't finish the battle, so I haven't fulfilled the quest."
"Of course you have. You set off to kill a Velocidrome, and it's dead. You even added a Rathalos as a bonus. This quest was a perfect success, that's out of the question."
"But..."
"Listen, Reena. Hunting is no game, no compilation of rules you have to play along to. We don't do this for us, but for the people. Every monster we kill is one monster less that can hurt people. It doesn't matter how you do it as long as you succeed." She looked firmly into Reenas eyes. "You supported me in battle, and it doesn't matter that it was only one arrow. If you had fired a dozen arrows into its back or if you had stood by my side and it got you, we would have failed. This one arrow was a splendid attack that turned the tables into our favour. I don't know how you could've been of more help."
Reena bashfully looked to the floor. She had always only heard of hunters heroically struggling against a monster, not giving in one inch, let alone hiding or fleeing. She had never imagined to be praised for something like this and was really touched.
Kemani smiled at her. "You have proven that you can act quickly and accordingly even in dire situations. That's a very important feat of a hunter. Besides, you can handle your weapons well, and you're carefull enough to know when it's better to fall back. I've known enough hunters who died because their inflated pride let them stay on the battlefield even though they were hopelessly outmatched. I'm convinced that you're ready to fight your way into the ranks of the Guild.
Reena was speechless and helplessly raised her hands. "Well... I don't know... This is all a bit too much for me right now."
"Alright, enough for now, lest you faint on me. Let's get back to the village."
They made their way back. In the meanwhile the sun had risen. In the morninglight the forest and hills looked almost peaceful. They didn't say a word on the entire walk back, but none were necessary.
Eventually they reached the village. Kemani didn't fail to notice that Reena was completely worn out. "You can go home if you want. I'll handle the paperwork."
"Thanks, Kemani", she said, waved in parting and entered the hut the Guild had provided for her. It was quite small, consisted in fact only of two rooms, but right now it felt like paradise for her. The events of the day took their toll on her, and she fell asleep the moment she went to bed.
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A few days later there was a surprise for her. She was just on her way to the Guild Hall when she was spoken to from the side. "Hello, Reena."
She started for a second when she recognized the voice, then beamed at the newcomer. "Liam! Good to see you. Where did you come from?" She jogged over to him and briefly embraced him.
When they seperated again, he stood perfectly erect. His expression was as neutral as always, but something seemed off. She had the feeling that he had something unpleasant to tell her. "Your father sends me. I am to tell you that you are to fulfill your initiation in the village of Pokke."
She became suspicious immediately. "Why there? Here's just as fine."
He hesitated for a moment. More than anything else did this signal her that he wasn't eager to tell her what he had to say. Liam was a perfectionist who sometimes seemed as if he had planned out even casual conversations. He doubtlessly knew every word by heart. The fact that he was hesitating regardless meant that things were really bad.
"Your father wants to hire professional hunters to escort and protect you during your initiation."
She had expected a lot, but not something like this. "So he still doesn't trust me, even after all I did."
He lowered his head. "Reena, I understand how you feel. I too am not fond of having to tell you this, but I couldn't change your fathers mind. I'm sorry, but we both have no choice."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I am to travel to Pokke, today, and hire the hunters who are to escort you. Tomorrow you are to follow. Your escort will meet you when you arrive."
She would've rather not heard another word, but he was right. She had no choice. "But... what if they decline? After all, it's strictly prohibitet for initiated hunters to help an aspirant during the initiation. Maybe they don't want to take this risk."
"Your father said the same, so I am to offer them immunity and a small fortune to eliminate any doubts."
She desperately shook her head. "I just can't believe it. Do I have to stay under his wing forever? All I want is to be free. Sure, I love him, but doesn't he see that he's hurting me?"
"He's just worried about you", he said diplomatically.
"He's afraid. He projects his fear on me, lets me suffer of it. That's... that's just not right!" She lowered her gaze and fought the upcoming tears.
"Reena", he said urgently. She looked into his eyes again. "I don't agree with him as well, so I gave the matter some thought. It would never come to my mind to make a decision for you or tell you how to decide, but if you want to be free, I suggest you go to Pokke."
"Why?"
"After the initiation, you'll be a full-fledged member of the Hunters Guild, and even though you'll be an official subject of your father, you'll be independant, for a hunters first priority is their people, and their second are they themselves. As soon as you are a member, you have a juristic foundation do defend yourself with against his demands."
"But that would worsen my relationship with him even more."
He nodded. "That's the downside. It's a choice between bad and worse. You have to decide what you prefer. Please, forgive me for forcing such a decision on you."
Her anger and despair deflated and made way for sadness. "It's not your fault." She shook her head to grasp a clear thought. "I'm grateful that you're so concerned about me. You're right, I'll go to Pokke. I can still decide once I'm there. I just need some time to think about it."
He put a hand on her shoulder. "I want you to alway remember one thing: No matter how you decide, I will always support you. You can count on me, that I swear."
She put her hand on his and squeezed it briefly. "Thanks. Really. This means a lot to me."
He smiled at her for a moment, then drew his hand back. It wasn't like him to show his emotions so openly. He had granted her a small view into his heart, despite of his shy nature, and that was rare indeed.
He cleared his throat. "Please excuse me, but I have to prepare for the trip. We'll meet in Pokke."
"Okay, good luck. And thank you."
He nodded at her once more, then left.
She just stood there, quite bewildered. For two months she had felt free, had believed that she was able to make her own decisions now, but her father had shown her where her place was, and from one moment to the next she was back where she had started. In this very moment, she hated him. She hated him for keeping her imprisoned within a cage that needed no bars, with her own love for him as an unbreakable chain.
She would have to hurry to be ready the next morning. Above else, she would have to bid Kemani farewell. That's what she feared the most.
She sighed deeply, then headed towards the Guild Hall.
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Kemani stood in front of the Bulletin Board when Reena entered the building, most likely deciding for a quest to take her along on. Reenas heartbeat quickened.
Her instructor greeted her with a smile. "Good morning, Reena. Did you sleep well?" It was then that she noticed her forlorn expression. "Why are you looking so glum? Is something the matter?"
Reena couldn't look in her eyes. "I have to leave the village. Tomorrow morning."
"What? But why?"
"My father wants me to go to Pokke to complete my initiation there."
"Why Pokke? That makes no sense at all. Since you're here, you could just as well do it here. That would be far better than moving to another village for the same purpose."
Reena sighed, but lifted her gaze. "I can't tell you why I have to go there, but I must. I don't know what he'd do if I didn't."
Kemani seemed to struggle for the right words for a moment. "Reena, why do you let him do that to you? As your father he's supposed to support you, not command you like a servant. And if you're in any kind of trouble, then you can tell me. I won't tell anyone else."
"That's nice of you, but I'm fine. He's just afraid about me ever since my grandfather died. And I'm also not in any trouble." At least not yet, she thought bitterly. "The matter's very complicated and also not important right now." She wanted to say more, but didn't find the right words. An unpleasant silence ensued.
Eventually she continued. "I still have to prepare, so I just wanted to say goodbye." The tears she had held back the entire time now ran over her cheeks. "Farewell, Kemani."
Before her instructor could reply, Reena left the building with quick, uncertain steps.
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Reena stood at the entrance of the village and waited for the caravan that came from Pokke half an hour ago to finish loading off the cargo it brought. She didn't carry any luggage because she didn't have any. Everything she had needed had been provided by the Guild.
Not for the first time since she and Kemani had parted did she guiltily realize that she left with but a stupid excuse. It was undeniable that she had hurt her, and also that she had proven that her father had complete control over her.
While she was brooding over her fate, the caravan started to load the goods it would transport to Pokke. She knew that it was time to go, so she looked back at Kokoto one last time.
Since it was so early in the morning, the village seemed to be asleep. The only thing moving was the red-clad hunter approaching quickly.
"Reena, wait!" Kemani called and quickened her pace even more. As soon as she had reached her, she continued. "You disappeared so suddenly the other day that I couldn't even say goodbye properly."
Reena looked at the floor in shame. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left you like this."
"It's alright", Kemani soothed her. "You were quite on edge. I understand you." She paused for a moment. "I know that you can't or mustn't tell me anything or whatever, so I'm not gonna ask any questions. I just wanted to wish you good luck."
Surprised, Reena lifted her head. She hadn't expected to be forgiven just like that. "Kemani..."
"I believe in you. You'll one day become a great hunter, of that I'm certain. That's why I don't want you to feel remorse and instead give it your all."
Reena smiled. "I'll do my best. I promise."
"Very good. Start right now and never stop again. And don't let there be any doubt about your abilities. You will always be expected to do your best. Nothing less, but also nothing more. So go at it, I know you can do it."
"I will!" she proclaimed solemnly.
"Oh, and before I forget it: I have a gift for you. It's not much, but it might save your life one day." She handed over a long, slender package, enclosed in a cotton cloth. "These will prove to be useful. Come on, open it."
Reena eagerly unwrapped the cloth and revealed several arrows. They looked just like ordinary projectiles on the first glance, but were kept in sets of only five. She realized that it was one set of Sonic- and Flash-arrows each, which were quite valuable and also praised by every archer who had used them so far.
"I found them in one of the Guilds storerooms, where they were collecting dust. I'm sure you'll put them to good use. Just don't confuse them. There's nothing more inconvenient than blinding yourself in an emergency.
"Thanks. I'll use them well."
Kemani looked over to the caravan. "They will depart soon. You had best be off."
Reena lowered her gaze again. "I'm sorry for not being able to stay here."
"Oh, don't mind that. There's nothing you can do about it. Besides, I'm not gone or something. You can visit me anytime, right?"
"Sure! Then we could hunt together."
"It would be a pleasure!" She then fell silent for a second. "Good luck, Reena. Don't ever give up." She took another step forward and embraced her student. "Have faith in yourself, then the world will be full of opportunities."
Reena returned the embrace. "I'll make you proud, I swear. And when I've accomplished something, I'll come back."
"I'm looking forward to it." Then they seperated. "So, enough talk. I don't want you to miss your ride.
Reena nodded once more, then went to one of the carts and jumped on it. It was indeed high time, for the caravan started moving.
"Good luck, Reena! Until we meet again!" Kemani called after her.
"Farewell, and thank you!" Reena answered and waved at her. After several minutes she lost sight of her instructor. She then averted her eyes from Kokoto and looked ahead - towards her future.