Chapter I

Sand dunes stretched in an endless sea, bobbing up and down i the waves of earth. A gust of wind summons a flurry of sand that pelts the face of a teen girl. Her blue hair flaps in the wind as she tugs at her cowl in a feudal attempt to shield herself. The gust transformed into a full out storm as it blocked any vision outside of a few feet. The ship jostled violently, forcing the young girl to the deck. She heaved herself back on her feet as a small cat creature approached her.

"Hunker down missy. It's going to be a ride Nyah." Uttered the first mate. The Felyne pulled a scarf over it's mouth and nose. Another flurry of sand buffered the face of the girl. Huddling below the side of the ship, she became annoyed as it didn't help as much as she would have liked. The ship jolts again. This sent the girl to the deck again. The first mate scurried beside her.

"Sorry Nyah, but you're going to have to go below deck. It's dangerous up here." The girl muttered something, but it was too quiet to hear. She sighed as she looked down the steps that lead to the vessels underbelly. Her stomach groaned with discomfort with each step the young girl took. The unsettling creaks that accompanied each step didn't help the already grotesque feeling inside of her. She made her way to a corner. The hull carried supplies along with a few other passengers like herself. Each of them seemed to keep to themselves, besides one of them who was walking her way. The blue haired girl groaned in her head, as she didn't want to talk when she felt so cramped. She looked away, trying to avoid eye contact. Boots entered her view, the man now only a few paces away.

"Don't like sailing?" he asked. The girl looked up to see the man towering over her. His height wasn't the only thing intimidating about this stranger, as his body was built like a brick wall. His sleeveless shirt accentuated his arm muscles, as it also showcased his perfect abs. A slight wave of jealousy overtook the girl, wishing she could be as well in shape. Only then did she notice that the man was waiting for her to answer. Even though she didn't want to respond, she wanted even less to seem rude.

"It's not the sailing that bothers me. it's the cramped corridors of the ship that I have a problem with. When I'm down here, my stomach won't stop acting up." She hoped that this would give him the hint that she didn't want to talk. Though the man either didn't notice or didn't care..

"Mind if I join you? You're the first one I got a word out of this entire trip." The girl was annoyed slightly, but again, didn't want to seem rude.

"Sure, I don't mind I guess." He grabbed a nearby sack of potatoes and slid it next to her. Before sitting down, he held out his hand.

"The name's Rydon." Though hesitant, the girl took his hand. Before she could answer, her stomach groaned again, cutting off her train of thought. After a few seconds, she managed to mumble her name.

"Yppah." she told the man. Rydon paused, puzzled.

"Was that a hiccup?" He asked. Yppah looked up and scowled in his direction.

"Yppah's my name." Along with saying this, she muttered something under her breath. A look of guilt washed over Rydon's face. The muscular man's eyes shifted downwards before speaking.

"Oh, uh, my bad." Yppah's scowl turned into a sigh as she looks back down.

"It's fine, it happens more than I would like to admit." Her stomach had another episode and she groaned slightly. Rydon let out a smile, finally sitting down next to Yppah. He leaned back.

"Sorry for how you're feeling. I wish I would have thought to grab some herbs back in town. I could make something that would fix you right up." Yppah managed a smirk.

"Thanks for the thought." Yppah replied. "But I think I'll manage, not the first time I've been on a ship." The young girl stared at the floorboards and sighed. "And probably won't be the last."

"You'll get over it eventually." Rydon retorted.

"Sure, when jaggi fly." The ship jostled around again. Anyone who was unlucky enough to be standing were flung to the floor. Yppah now sat in fully curled up in a ball, grunting something vulgar. Rydon opened his mouth to speak, but stopped himself.

An uncanny silence followed. Looking over, Rydon saw Yppah shiver a bit. Feeling sympathetic, he decided to break the silence to get her mind off the ship. "So, where are you heading?" Yppah doesn't respond. Rydon shrugged his shoulders, sighing at the same time. His only chance at a conversation was curled up in the fetal position.

"The hunter exam." Yppah quivered, her gaze still locked on the ground.

"Really? Guess I'm not the only one." The girl managed to break her stare with the floorboards to look towards Rydon.

"Is that where you're heading?" She asked, her voice shaky. Rydon simply nodded. Even though her body protested, Yppah shifted back into a sitting position. "You know anything about it?"

"Not much I'm afraid. Apparently there's some sort of sacred rite of passage… that's all I know." Rydon shrugged "I think the mystery of it all makes it more fun!"

"Don't know if 'fun' would be the word I would use, but to your own I guess." She noticed Rydon's eyes gawking at her with a sense of confusion . "Something on your mind." Rydon shook back, almost as if returning to reality. He opened his mouth, but paused, contemplating on how to word his next phrase.

"Well, it's about you." Yppah raised her brow. "I was just wondering why someone as small as you would want to become a hunter." Yppah lurched back defensively.

"You have a problem with that?" She accused the muscular man.

"I didn't mean any offence with that. Just usually people of your uh... stature wouldn't think about becoming a hunter." Yppah rolled her eyes at Rydon.

"Here we go again. For your information, I am much stronger than I look. And besides, what's it matter to you anyway." Rydon felt slightly uneasy under Yppah's glaring eyes, even with the substantial size difference. The small teen radiated angst and fury towards him, though he tried to act composed.

"Guess it doesn't. Was just making an observation. Besides, why so defensive all of the sudden?" All the rage disappeared as Yppah's eyes blanked and stared through Rydon into the distance.

"Because I…" She pauses slightly, but before she could continue, she is interrupted by the booming voice of the captain.

"We'll be docking shortly," the captain bellowed. "grab 'ur stuff or ya losin' it." The petite girl staggered to her feet, completely forgetting about the conversation she was just having. Finally. She thought to herself. I can be rid of this god forsaken grotto. Yppah made her way onto the deck, where the blistering sandstorm had vanished. She peered out across the sand, seeing the remnants of civilization in the distance. After a few seconds, the black line on the horizon turned into a bustling port town.

A whole fleet of ships were strewn around port, creating a barrier between the sand sea and the city. Yppah became worried as there seemed to be no open docks. As it stood now, the ship was in a crash course with the docked vessels. The captain held out his hand the crew sprang to life. The Felyne crew rustled about, slimming the sail and slowing the ship down.

The rambling of sailors could be heard in the distance. "Last call for the Mohron expedition." Shouted the captain of the nearby vessel. A few people piled on before the ship lurched out of port, opening a spot at the dock.

"Ah," sighed the captain "Tis good to be back in Spero"

As the boat pulled into the dock Yppah got a true look at the city, and it was thriving. Merchants had carts in the streets and hawkers cried their wares. People ran up and down the street buying what they needed for everyday life. The roads at the end of the docks split off into three different directions. The sound of cheers came from the direction of the arena. Another street circled to the left towards an elaborate city gate. The last street went straight ahead ending at a circled square, where in the middle rose a glimmering spire lined with many different jewels as they climbed its surface to a fire burning at it's peak.

Yppah stood there in a daze, never seeing a city of this size. In her stupor, she was knocked aside as a hoard of Felynes raided the ship. Running about and grabbing the supplies off the ship.

"Best be off with ya nyah" said the first mate standing on the railing off the ship, "We've got a lot of work to do and can't be worrying about some little girl, nyah." Begrudgingly, Yppah made her way to the gangway and down onto the docks. Rydon waited for her at the end of the walkway.

"So where do you think we're supposed to go?" Yppah asked.

"Don't know." shrugged Rydon, "your guess is as good as mine. Though we might try in the center of town and work our way out"

"That could work" replied Yppah, and took a step towards the center street. A commotion to the right caught Yppah's attention, causing her to stop and look for the source.

A lean man with purple hair was running through a hoard of people. He dodged in and out of the crowd, making them jump back as he did so.

"Stop that man!" yelled some men wearing gold uniforms as they chased the mysterious man. "He's a thief!"

"Good luck catching him" cried a hawker as the men stormed by Yppah and Rydon. The suit clad thief ran himself into a corner and turned around to find himself surrounded.

"Now we've got you" replied one of the men in the gold uniform. "And you're not getting away so easily this time." As the men lurched forward the purple haired thief jumped off a stand and onto the wall behind him, and in a swift motion, jumped off the wall over his assailants. The dogpile backfired as the men collided in spectacular form. All of the bystanders couldn't help but give off a few laughs as they crashed into each other, some even guffawed at the display.

"You'll need to be faster than that to catch me," retorted the man over his shoulder as he ran back towards the port. The thief suddenly stopped as he ran into a wall in front of them, or what could be mistaken for a wall. A man at least nine feet tall and three feet wide blocked the thief's path. Before the purple haired man could react the giant had him by the shoulders in a firm grip.

"What are you doing, Perlonis? Not planning another escape from the city I hope?" asked the giant.

"No, guild master Morum, of course I'm not planning to run away again… for the fifth time" replied Perlonis "Why would I do that?"

"That's good to hear" replied master Morum as he smiled "Now return what you stole." Some of the men had untangled themselves and were standing behind Perlonis as he turned around. Perlonis procured a medallion from inside his suit and offered it to one of the men. "ehem, the others as well." stated the guildmaster, glaring at Perlonis. Defeated, he grabbed two more medallions from his suit and another medallion from his pant pocket adding three more medallions to his hand. One of the men walked forward and swiftly grabbed the medallions from Perlonis. "Now don't you think you owe these men an apology?" Perlonis turned around and saw the guildmaster glaring down at him again. Perlonis faced the men who were now all gathered, bowed to them and said.

"I'm sorry that you're all ugly like your mothers, and have the brains to fit." Some of the men stepped forward with raised fists, but a booming laugh stopped them in their tracks.

"I'm afraid that's the best you're gonna get." The guild master said as he laughed "I suggest you take it and leave." The guild master resumed his explosive uproar as one of the men stepped forward.

"Better get that boy straightened out Morum," said one of the men pointing at the guild master "Or he won't be living in the city anymore, I will personally see to that."

"Don't worry," Morum replied, "He'll learn the respect he needs or he won't come back at all. He's got an exam to take tomorrow"

"NOOOOOO!" Perlonis cried as he quickly turned around "I don't want to be a hunter. People DIE doing what you do." The mob of men smiled at his dismay. Satisfied, the men in gold started walking away.

"Don't worry Perlonis," the guild master grinned. "It's not as bad as it seems." Out of the corner of his eye the guildmaster spotted Rydon and Yppah. "Ahh you must be the last of the new recruits." said the guild master as he turned toward the two outsiders. "Just follow me, I'll take you to where you need to go." And with that the guild master picked up Perlonis and slung him under under his arm. He walked down the center street toward the spire. Perlonis hung limp under the guild master's arm, knowing any resistance would result in a tighter grip.

Yppah looked at the purple headed thief, wondering what the guild master saw in him. Heaven forbid she had no clue. She watched as Perlonis dangled like a helpless child in the arms of the bear-man-thing. His expression was one of depression, of anguish. Though she forgot about it, as her mind shifted to what he said about the exam. He seemed awfully scared. Yppah thought to herself. Is it really that bad? Inside she knew she wouldn't find the answer, but pondering things like this is how she kept herself entertained.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *.

In front of them stood a large building. Extravagant wooden walls adorned with intricate carvings stood above them. Many woods mixed together in harmony as a banner is held above the entrance. "Pride's Hand" read in fancy letters. Guild master Morum walked near the entrance as the door's opened in front of him.

"Welcome back guild master" said a stout female standing in the doorway.

"Thank you Diana." Morum said back in a husky voice.

"Only took you fifteen minutes this time." she said looking towards the purple-haired man in his arms. Morum smiled as he dropped Perlonis, hitting the ground with a thud similar to a sack of potatoes.

As Morum passed by Diana the size of the hall dawned on two new recruits. Despite its massive size, few people we're actually in the guildhall. "Doesn't seem to be that many people here." Yppah spouted to herself, loud enough for others to hear.

"Oh, don't worry there's more than just this small handful," Perlonis smirks from the floor. "Only a few are ever here at a time, most are usually gone."

"Gone where?" Yppah asked as Perlonis lifted himself off the floor.

"Out on their own grand excursions, getting themselves killed." It was easy to tell the sarcastic tone in his voice.

"Shush you." Morum said to Perlonis. "Hey Diana, how about you get a round of drinks for the newcomers here. Don't forget to grab that new girl from the back. She's probably itching to meet a newcomer like herself." Diana disappears through a door. "She's such a prime example of a guild member, unlike some who aren't even a part of this guild," Morum says taking a glance down at Perlonis, who only shrugged at the comment. Diana returned, walking towards Morum and whispered something. "I'll be back, make friends you guys." Both Morum and Diana left through the back door.

From the same door a fairly tall woman walked out, standing about a head and a half shorter than Rydon. Her green eyes stand out from her behind her black hair, which goes from a pony tail on the back of her head to about the middle of her back. The woman was dressed in a full suit. She was fairly well built, and looked like an average woman until Yppah noticed the large weapon she stumbled around with.

"Isn't that a little big?" Yppah blurted out. Keeping her mouth shut wasn't one of her strong points.

"Well, everything probably seems big to you." She remarked, a little venom in her voice. "Name's Setsuna, shortcake."

Yppah glares at Setsuna, flustered a bit by her previous comment. Relishing in the reaction, Setsuna continued. "Perhaps, you are out of place here."

"Coming from the girl dressed as a man. I mean, seriously, what do you think we are doing, going to a dinner party?"

"You're one to talk. If it wasn't for the voice I would think you were a man myself." Setsuna quickly spat out, her gaze motioning towards Yppah's chest area.

"What did you call me?" Yppah walked within arms length between the two of them.

"Are you hard of hearing too? You heard what I said." Yppah clenched her fists, ready for a fight. Rydon mumbled, "I'm not getting in the middle of this." and turned around towards the bar.

Setsuna, now losing interest in Yppah, noticed Rydon. She looked the man up and down, focusing on the burn that covered his upper right arm.

"You really should have treated that burn with cold water and some herbs, it wouldn't be as grotesque as it is now."

"It's a reminder of what I failed to protect." Rydon doesn't give any other reaction.

"Poetic." Setsuna says with a sarcastic overtone. She frowned slightly, hoping for a more avid response. Perlonis then chimed in as he walks towards the bar.

"Leave him be, it's the reason he want's to go kill himself. No points for originality though, heard that a million times." The muscular man threw Perlonis a scowl, but not so much of a word.

Setsuna then set her weapon down a fair distance from Perlonis at the bar and took a seat herself. Yppah, grumbling something under her breath, sat down as well, far away from Setsuna.

The guild master returned from the back room, followed closely behind by Diana. "Hope you guys are getting along. Sorry it took so long for me to get you your drinks." Diana gave each of the newcomers a tall glass. "Better luck next time" Diana says to Perlonis as she handed him a glass. "How far did you make it this time?"

"A foot from the docks," Perlonis mumbled into the counter, "then I hit a wall." Diana looked confused for a moment, then realization dawned on her face.

"Oh, you mean the guildmaster" Diana says

"A wall." Perlonis replied, nodding his head. "At least there's a reason to return." Perlonis then took a generous swig of alcohol.

"Oh? And what would that be?" Diana asked coily.

"Why, your beautiful face." Perlonis answered, looking up. "That pretty smile, and the way you serve drinks, always warms my heart. You know that Diana. Why, I can remem…"

"Stop right there." Diana cut Perlonis off before he could continue. "You know that trying to get any information out of me regarding the Hunter Exam won't happen. No matter how pretty you may be." Perlonis paused for a moment before his face shown of defeat.

"Dammit," Perlonis let his head slam onto the counter. "Can't you be at least a little merciful? Just this once?"

"Nope." Diana said bluntly, shaking her head "If you wanted to know so badly, you should have joined us last year."

"Wait," Yppah cut in, "YOU'RE a hunter?"

"Don't let her good looks fool you," Perlonis responded, taking another drink. "She's a bonafide killing machine"

"So what's it like to be a hunter?" Yppah asked Diana

"I'm not sure how to describe it…" Diana paused to think a moment.

"There's nothing to describe it" Perlonis calmly stated. staring at his near empty glass. "Every hunt could be your last, no matter how many times you killed a monster. that monster could still get lucky and kill you in a single hit. Fear is what keeps you alive and having control of that fear will give you strength. But always know this, there is pride in what you do, protect not only the caravan, or village or city, but protect the whole world with everything you are. Hunters are the last and only line of defense between what's out there, and what's in here." An eery silence followed as Perlonis finished. "At least that's what someone told me once, might have paraphrased a bit." Morum hoisted himself off the counter.

"Well, we should all call it a night. You guys will need the rest for tomorrow." Morum smirked, looking in the direction of Perlonis. His purple hair met the table. "Don't worry Perlonis, you'll be fine. If you're anything like your father, you'll pass with flying colors." The giant strolled towards the back door. He looked slightly over his shoulder. "And if not, well, we all know what happens then." A quiet groan escaped from Perlonis.

"Sounds like a plan." Diana said, standing up as well. "If you gals will follow me, I'll show you to where you'll be sleeping." Setsuna glared at Yppah slightly, before turning her attention towards Diana.

"Am I going to be sleeping in the same room as her." she snarled, a slight tinge of venom still in her voice. Diana didn't notice or didn't care as she answered as carefree as ever.

"Why yes, all of the attendees will be sleeping in the same room. We transformed the conference rooms into temporary sleeping quarters for the event." Rydon spoke up after his long absence of words.

"Are we all going to sleep in the same room?"

"Oh, no. I guess saying all attendees was a lie, as the guys are sleeping separate from the girls." Perlonis perked up from his wallowing.

"Then where are the guys going to be sleeping?"

"The other conference room of course." Morum added, not looking back. A perplexed look washed over Perlonis's face.

"But we only have one conference room."

"Oh no Perlonis, we have two." The perplexed look turns into one of panic.

"You didn't." Perlonis uttered. Neither of them formally answered, though Morum gave out a husky chuckle. Perlonis instantly dashed out of the room into the back. A few seconds later, a scream of agony radiated through the hallway.

"You bastard!" Morum just laughed.

"What's the problem, you'll be a full fledged hunter soon, so you won't need to squat here anymore."

"Shut the hell up, some of us are trying to sleep." Yelled a distant voice. Diana silently opened the door, showcasing the now furious Perlonis. He walked up to Morum, who just stood there, towering over the thief. Perlonis clenched his fist, but the red in his eyes faded, leaving a somewhat crushed look behind. His fist falls as Morum placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Trust me, you will be happier this way."

"I'm not so sure about that." Perlonis wallowed.

"Have I ever been wrong." Perlonis looked up into the giant's eyes.

"Actually you have." The smile on Morum transformed as he takes the blow to his pride.

"Well, besides that one time." He said, looking away.

"There was also the ti-"

"That's not the point Perlonis." interrupted Morum. He quickly turned away from Perlonis. "Boy am I tired, I'll leave you guys in the tender hands of Diana here." Morum then took his leave. Perlonis whispered something under his breath. Diana seemingly ignored their argument as she held out her hand in front of the two women.

"Right this way, I'll lead you to where you will be resting for the night. Perlonis, I trust you can show Rydon to the men's room." Perlonis didn't answer, but slightly nodded as a response. Without a word he began walking, Rydon following close behind. Diana took off in the other direction. Setsuna gave Yppah one last disgusted look before following Diana. Yppah didn't react, besides a slight rolling of her eyes.

Unease filled the air as the three women walked down the hallway in complete silence. Diana could feel the unease, as she was the first to break the silence. "So how are you adjusting to the big city Yppah? I heard you came from a small village."

"Pretty well, I think." Yppah answered, peering around the hall. "It's a bit of a culture shock." Yppah waited for a snarky response to bellow from her new friend, but she kept quiet.

"Well, you'll get used to it eventually." Diana smiled at Yppah, who couldn't help but feel slightly better. Setsuna looked at Diana, something on her mind.

"So, you're a hunter right? What can you tell us about the trial tomorrow?" Yppah's ears perked up, intrigued at the prospect of inside knowledge. Diana gave off another smile, but this one was more apologetic.

"Sadly I can't tell you anything, otherwise it won't be fair." Setsuna looked down, disappointed. This brought a slight smirk into Yppah's face.

"Well here is your room. Get to bed, you'll need your rest for tomorrow."

Two beds lay in front of Setsuna and Yppah. Setsuna immediately laid down on one of the beds and turned toward the wall without so much of a word. Yppah sighed slightly, though she was thankful for the silence.

Laying down on the cot, Yppah almost forgot what a bed felt like. For two years Yppah wandered the lands, avoiding monsters and finding shelter wherever she could. Needless to say these shelters usually didn't have heat or a bed. She relished in the softness of the cot, letting the silk sheet glide across her skin. She missed sleeping in a bed. Her thoughts began to wonder back to her bed at home. A longing ache filled her heart as she remembered her old life with her dad. Clutching her heart, she focused her mind on something else.

Yppah thought back at the day as she tried to process everything that happened. Her teeth clenched as she struggled to remember the names of everyone she met, but Rydon, Setsuna, and Diana were the only three she could remember. The young girl sighed, as she has always been bad with names. It was only inevitable that Setsuna came to mind. I wonder what her problem is. Yppah thought to herself. What did I say to invoke her wrath? The more she thought about Setsuna, the more grumpy and flustered she became.

Shaking her head, Yppah attempted to shake the thoughts of Setsuna out of her brain. The teen glanced towards Setsuna, who was probably fast asleep by now. With a smile, Yppah stuck her tongue out at the vile-mouthed girl. As childish of a move as it was, it made her feel slightly better. The young girl lay on her side, facing opposite of Setsuna and quickly drifted into the realm of dreams.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *.

Perlonis sighed once more as he opened the door to his former room. Inside housed six boys, all of whom were here for the hunter's exam. Two cots were left open for him and the newcomer.

"Well, here is your room Rydon. go ahead and pick one, I don't care." Perlonis griped, still sulking. Rydon opened his mouth to say something, but decided against it. Instead he placed his hand on Perlonis's shoulder and smirked. A simple gesture, but it somehow drew a smile out of Perlonis. Rydon, without a word, walked over towards a bed and layed down. The smile disappearing from his face, Perlonis walked to the remaining cot. Sitting down, he noted how uncomfy it was compared to his old bed. Nevertheless, he placed his head down on the pillow and tried to sleep. After some time of shifting and turning, Perlonis looked up and exhaled. It's going to be a long night.