A large plate stacked with four biscuit like things was set onto our table, all of them steaming hot. The waiter smiled, "Enjoy!" he walked away.

Gandrayda leaned over them and inhaled the fumes through her nose. She made a face. "Those smell nasty."

I picked one up in with two fingers, examining it. "What are they, exactly?"

Ghor looked at the menu. "I believe they're called Hot Pockets. Some sort of wheat roll usually filled with cheeses, vegetables or meats. These particular Pockets are flavored pepperoni."

I dropped the Hot Pocket onto the plate. "I'm not eating that."

Samus laughed. "They can't be that bad, can they?" she reached for one and took a bite. We watched her chew, and then spit out the mushed up pepperoni and crunchy dough. The three of us started laughing. "You're right, Gandrayda. That was disgusting," she accepted a glass of water from Ghor, and downed it in about three swallows.

I patted her armored shoulder. "You're quite the warrior, Samus."

She smiled. "That was one of the worst tasting things I've ever eaten. Besides throwing up that Phazon on Bryyo. That burned like heck..."

Someone approached our table, and I found them to be Admiral Dane. He had a grin on his face once he saw us. "You four like to stick together, huh?"

We all nodded. It was true.

"Well, if you're so attached, then how would you all like to join the other hunters and I to that training session we promised? After all, we've got a new course set up right out there in Norion's forests," he pointed out a window, where endless treetops stretched across the once barren planet. "What do you say?"

"About time you asked us to go! Man, I've been bored out of my skull for what seems an eternity!" Gandrayda hollered, standing. "When do we get to do it?"

"Right now if you'd like," Dane turned his gaze down to our table. "I see you haven't taken a liking to Base Sector Zero's food."

We laughed. "It's gross, I'll admit." Samus said, getting to her feet.

The Admiral smiled. "Come on, you four. Let's go have some fun!"

We followed Dane out of the cafeteria and into an elevator, where we all had to crunch inside it. My bruise was touching the ceiling, my neck craned to the side because the metal box was too small for me. My shoulders touched either wall and I was bending my knees. I took up a lot of space, and was reminded then of how much more bulkier and muscular Phrygisians are than others.

Samus looked up to me, simpering from ear to ear. "Comfy up there?"

I nodded, the action rubbing the lump on my face against the light. "Absolutely," she laughed, and Gandrayda nudged her with her purple elbow.

"What?" I heard Samus quietly say. (Phrygisians have very good ears.)

"Getting cozy with Rundas? You tricky little thing!"

"Is that bad?"

"No. But since I've known him longer I thought I had dibs on him first."

Ghor leaned towards them. "Why aren't you two fighting over me?" his tone was disappointed.

"You're... not my type..." Gandrayda muttered, scooting to Admiral Dane.

"I'm everyone's type," Ghor grumbled crossing his arms. "I don't see how an eight foot tall alien is the better choice."

"Shut up, Ghor," the shapeshifter spat, returning the conversation to Samus. "So? Why have you gone after him?" I marveled at how they could talk about this and not even notice I was listening. Or even present for that matter.

"I don't know. He just..."

"Just what? Come on!"

"Uh-"

"We're here, hunters!" Admiral Dane cut Samus off, the elevator doors opening on floor 7. His voice was shaking slightly, like he was laughing. "Let's commence the training," he stepped out of the elevator.

Gandrayda, with a slight sneer towards Samus, exited next, then Ghor, then Samus, then me. I was practically crawling out of the shaft. The four beings already standing in the hall were snickering. "It's cramped in there, Admiral. Could we fix that?" I asked, standing and stretching my tightened limbs. I was glad the passage was tall.

"Follow me," he didn't acknowledge my request, walking down the center of the corridor. The three of us followed behind him, calming our giddiness. "Now the other hunters will be there -except for Spire- and we'll send you into the forest to battle each other. You'll have as much time as needs necessary to defeat each of your rivals." we arrived at a door that lead to the outside world and went through it. I noticed Kanden, Weavel, Noxus, Sylux and Trace were waiting for us on the grass.

"If you find yourself face to face with someone, don't make a truce or chicken out. You must fight them, whoever they are. If you win (mainly if you knock them to the ground and they can't get up) then you will move on and attack the next hunter you see. You will be tracked, so put these on you where they won't fall off." the Admiral handed each of us a small red patch, which blinked once I placed it on my left shoulder plating. "Whoever comes out on top in the end will be rewarded."

"With what, money?" Weavel asked, and Ghor's gaze immediately found the Space Pirate, yet he paid no heed.

"We will give you whatever you wish," Dane answered. "Hunters, face the forest. Once you're inside, you will be completely alone; and extremely far away from each other. Ready," the nine of us tensed, but Samus put her helmet over her head. Then, she got into a running position. "Set-" I looked at the others, prepared for what was to come. "GO!"

Each of us ran forward and into the trees, becoming instantly isolated.