Chapter 2

The following morning, the hunters waited at the inn's lobby, fully armored and with their weapons. They already had a hearty breakfast (courtesy of Yuri and Satoru paying for the expenses) and were simply waiting for the two to finish their preparations upstairs.

"Woah, I just noticed you got a new sword there Leon," Camilla pointed out.

Leon grinned and held the folded scythe-like sword for them to see. "You like it? It's made from Ceanataur parts, which I acquired from the Wycoon. Considering our last Ceanataur hunt ended in spectacular failure, I had to find other ways of acquiring materials."

"And how much did it cost you?" Gigi asked.

Leon sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "Quite a bit…"

Gigi huffed. "And to think you're always the one to tell us to use our money wisely."

"Well in my defense, my old Longsword was no longer up to par. I could barely put a scratch on a Hermitaur's shell, so I had to change it. It's called efficiency. Meanwhile, you've barely changed out of your Bone armor at all!"

"It's called efficiency," Gigi said, mimicking his voice. "Not like you're the one to talk with your weak-ass Genprey armor. Besides, this is the only armor available that isn't heavy or restrictive. It's perfect for a Dual Blades user like me. I just hate how…revealing it is," she complained, gesturing to her exposed stomach and thighs. "If I find the blacksmith who designed this shit and who thought that 'light' armor meant being partially naked, I'm gonna throttle them."

"I think you look cool Gigi," Julian said quietly.

The huntress smiled appreciatively. "Thanks. At least someone appreciates this and isn't being a creep about it."

Both Leon and Camilla glanced at the two and then at each other before rolling their eyes and resuming back to waiting. It was several minutes later when Yuri and Satoru went downstairs. The latter was dressed in dark-colored eastern robes, which Leon vaguely remembered from his travels during his mercenary days as hakama and haori, a staple in most Wyverian communities. Yuri, however, was dressed in the same hood and cloak she wore yesterday.

"Apologies for the delay," Yuri said politely.

Leon shook his head. "No worries. So, where are we headed?"

"I…I first want to go to a town called Val Habar."

Leon had not expected that. "Val Habar?"

"Yes, exactly. I'll be honest, I…don't go out very often so I'm clueless about the world. And I heard Val Habar is considered the best market in the region. So, before we proceed on our journey, I would like to visit it, if you don't mind."

Satoru bent down to whisper, "Are you sure? From what I heard, it's crowded daily. Not to mention…possibly dangerous?"

"I'm sure it will be fine. Besides…" She glanced at Satoru and at the hunters. "I have you five to keep me safe right?"

The hunters looked at each other and nodded.

"Alright, let's not waste any more time," Satoru said impatiently. "Since we're wholly unfamiliar with this land, I'd like you four to guide us there."

The hunters blinked twice before they all simultaneously turned towards Leon, who groaned. "Once again, the responsibility falls on me…"

"Hey, you're the leader after all," Gigi said with a wry grin, to which Leon responded with his finger.

"Anyway, I had expected this, considering you two seem to be foreigners. So, this morning, I did a bit of scouting and found two transport options. One, we take an airship, which costs quite a bit but in return, it only takes several hours. The second-"

"No airships please," Yuri interrupted, before blushing after realizing her mistake. "F-Forgive me. Please continue…"

"…Okay as for the second option, I found a wagon willing to take us there for a smaller fee. The only problem is it will take us a whole day to get there. That means we may have to spend the night out on the road. Now considering you're opposed to the first option, that leaves us with the second one."

"I'm not opposed to it. And you Satoru?" Yuri asked.

He thought about it for a moment before answering, "No objections here."

"…Oh and before we forget, mind doing us another favor?" Camilla quickly said, to which the two in question braced themselves for whatever it is they wanted.

"We're uhh…gonna need to buy some supplies for the trip so if you both don't mind…"

…

"Are you alright with that?" Satoru asked with concern, watching as Camilla lugged their supplies under her arms. They were on their way to the transport carriage after a brief stop to buy supplies. Satoru thought they might be too heavy, considering she was already clad in her light but still somewhat heavy Jaggi armor as well as the Bow strapped to her back. But she didn't appear to be struggling at all.

"I'm fine! It's light as a feather!"

"Huh…"

"She may not look like it, but Camilla is freakishly strong," Gigi said to the tall man. "Probably the strongest one here. Claims she got it from working in the fields and helping her village."

"It's true!" the huntress insisted.

Gigi narrowed her eyes at Camilla before whispering quietly to Satoru. "We all call bullshit on that."

Satoru rubbed his chin in intrigue. "I see."

Meanwhile, Yuri frequently glanced at Julian, noticing how the blonde-haired man is always quiet. She found it odd, especially if one were to glance at his appearance. He was tall, almost as tall as Satoru. Not to mention, he wielded a Lance, and she guessed underneath that heavy alloy armor of his, was plenty of muscle. He was handsome too she noted, with his wavy blonde hair and cerulean eyes that she was sure women would fall to their knees for. Yet his behavior did anything but convey the image she had in mind of him.

"Do you not do well with crowds?" she asked tentatively, hoping she wasn't being too intrusive.

He seemed to be briefly startled by her voice before relaxing and giving her a nod. "Yeah…"

Yuri noticed him sneaking glances to his back, realizing that he was trying his best not to get caught looking at Gigi, who was animatedly talking with both Satoru and Camilla. Immediately, a lightbulb lit up in her head and she found herself unable to resist wanting to know more. "Do you…fancy her perhaps?" she asked with a cheeky whisper.

A fierce blush appeared on his face. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

Yuri smirked. "Oh really now?"

He nodded vigorously. "I just think she's cool and strong…and pretty…and-" He stopped himself upon realizing what he had just said. "Ah, crap."

Yuri giggled. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

Not long later, they arrived at the spot where the carriage was waiting. It was a lone and large covered wagon situated near the gate leading out of Port Tanzia. They could see a Popo attached to the wagon, grazing nearby as well as the driver of the wagon, a Felyne, sleeping on the driver's seat, a circular hat covering their face.

Frowning, Leon walked over to the Felyne and clapped his hands loudly in front of the Felyne's face. Immediately, the Felyne jolted awake, looking bewildered.

"H-Huh?"

"Hey, I'm the guy you talked to this morning. You said you'll take us to Val Habar."

"Oh right." The Felyne glanced over at his companions briefly before adjusting their hat and extending a paw out. "Payment first."

Satoru stepped forward and placed a bag of coins on the Felyne's paw. The Felyne let out a meow of satisfaction and eagerly took the bag. "Hop on aboard!"

Once everyone was settled and their belongings safely secure on the carriage, the Felyne grabbed the reins and the Popo let out a bellow before beginning to move towards the gate, pulling the cart behind it.

And off we go… Yuri thought with an excited giggle.

…

"Oh c'mon, I almost had you!"

Julian grinned smugly as his Queen defeated Yuri's own King. "Sorry."

It was roughly several hours into their journey. The wagon was moving at a steady pace through the vast plains and to their relief, they had not been attacked by a monster yet. The group was currently attempting to alleviate their boredom with a friendly game of Chatur that they bought from the market in Port Tanzia. Julian had suggested it and Yuri enthusiastically agreed to it, citing that she was the best in Chatur amongst her family. However, several games later and the woman was quickly finding out why everyone else had refused to play.

"I shouldn't have moved my soldier there…" Yuri mused with a frown.

"It's no use," Gigi said with a chuckle from her spot next to Julian. "Believe me I tried, but Sir- I mean, Julian here has never lost a game of Chatur. Ever. All the way since we were kids."

Yuri couldn't help but let out a mild curse in frustration. "How are you so good at this?"

Julian shrugged, though that irritating grin never left his face. "Talent, I suppose."

"Julian turns into an entirely different person when it comes to Chatur. It's honestly kind of amazing," Camilla said from her spot near the back of the wagon.

Leon scoffed. "And pretty damn annoying too. If you lose to him badly, he will never let you live it down."

Unsurprisingly, Julian turned that smug grin in Leo's direction. "Looks like someone's still angry over their loss. So, who's the 'chickenshit' now?"

Leon shook his head and went back to sharpening his weapon. "See what I mean?"

Suddenly, the wagon shook after running over a bump in the road, causing the Chatur board and pieces to fall to the floor as well as briefly startling the group. During this, Yuri let out a yelp and nearly stumbled to the side, causing her hair to askew and revealing…her pointed ears. Almost immediately, the hunters stopped and stared in surprise.

"My Lady- I mean, Yuri! Are you alright?" Satoru asked, looking back from his spot at the front next to the driver.

"Y-Yes, I'm fine. Just startled that's all." She brushed herself off and began to pick up the Chatur board and pieces off the floor when realized the hunters were looking at her as if she had grown two heads. "W-Why are you all looking at me like that?"

"Umm, your ears…" Gigi pointed out.

When Yuri realized that her ears were out, she blushed and quickly covered them up with her hair again. "Ahh!"

Leon somehow didn't look surprised. "So, you're Wyverian too?"

"…Half to be exact. My mother was a human so…"

Gigi hummed. "Well, that explains the five fingers and regular-looking feet."

"Why hide it though? Is being a halfling really a big deal?" Camilla asked.

"Not exactly…Never mind then. I guess the secret's out."

Julian held his chin in thought. "I didn't know humans could have children with Wyverians. I thought they were too different biologically."

"It is possible, just very rare," Satoru answered. "Wyverians like Yuri are a special case amongst our people but human and Wyverian relationships do indeed exist."

Camilla shrugged. "You learn something new every day I suppose."

Meanwhile, Yuri fidgeted on her seat, her hands clasped together. She looked visibly nervous. "…You're not going to say anything else about it? About me being a halfling?" the young woman asked. The hunters once again looked at her quizzically in response.

"What is there to say?" Leon shrugged. "We're not gonna discriminate just cause you're 'different'."

"Humans, Wyverians…they're still people. No difference to me." Gigi said, her eyebrows furrowed. "Anyone who discriminates just cause people are different can go fuck off."

"I agree with Gigi," Julian added.

Camilla nodded. "Same here."

Touched and relieved by their admission, Yuri smiled. "Thank you, everyone." Suddenly, her face morphed into a determined expression, and she pointed at Julian. "I demand a rematch!"

The hunter was all too pleased to follow her request.

…

Sometime later, the sky had darkened, indicating that it was nighttime. To allow for the Popo to rest, the Felyne driver had stopped the wagon behind a large rock and suggested they make camp here.

Once they stopped, the hunters immediately went to work on setting up. Both Yuri and Satoru watched with amazement as the hunters moved here and there, unloading the camp supplies as if they had done countless times before. Not even fifteen minutes later and they had already had a campfire going as well as set up the cooking equipment they bought.

"You four seem to know what you're doing," Satoru commented.

"When you're strapped for money…" Camilla grunted as she lifted the bag of ingredients and placed it nearby Gigi and Julian, the former was busy stirring a pot while the latter reached into the bag and began to lay out the meat and vegetables. "…You learn to make the most of your situation."

"Without much money, we were unable to eat at canteens nor be able to stay at inns for long," Leon explained as he laid out the sleeping bags. "So, we chose to sleep in makeshift camps and cook our own food."

"Amazing…" Yuri's eyes were sparkling as she observed the group. Her stomach also grumbled as her nose caught a whiff of a delicious smell coming from the pot Gigi was stirring. So engrossed in the smell Yuri was, that she didn't notice Julian approach.

"Here." He extended his hand to them, presenting the two with what looked like two dark pieces of meat on his palm. "It's jerky we made ourselves. Should be able to keep your hunger in check while Gigi and I finish the soup."

"Oh, thank you." Yuri and Satoru took the jerky and took a bite each. Flavor immediately burst into their mouth, salty, savory, and with a hint of spice. Their expressions clearly were enough for Julian to smile before he returned to help Gigi.

Sometime later, the soup was finished, and the group gathered around the campfire with wooden bowls in hand, filled with soup. The hunters watched with amused expressions as both Yuri and Satoru's faces contorted with delight upon tasting the soup.

"This is…This is absolutely divine!" Yuri happily said, taking another spoonful.

"You should thank Gigi for that. Without her, we would literally be eating shit."

"Way to ruin our appetites there Camilla," Leon deadpanned.

Yuri didn't seem to hear that and continued to happily slurp up the soup. In just a few seconds flat, she had already downed the entire thing, letting out a loud burp in the process. In response, she blushed. "Oh…that was very unladylike of me."

The hunters laughed, with Camilla nudging Gigi with her elbow. "See that, Gigi? Someone outside of our group really appreciates your cooking. That should be an indicator that your cooking is good, no?"

"It is! You truly have talent Ms Gigi," Yuri said, her yellow eyes sparkling with genuine admiration and amazement.

For the first time in a long while, the hunters watched as Gigi's face turned red and she turned away with a huff. "…Thanks," she muttered.

Leon laughed. "Now who's the one getting embarrassed hmm?"

Gigi simply responded with the finger.

…

Later, with their stomachs full, the group sat around the fire, happily conversing with one another. Leon had bought a bottle of ale and offered it to Yuri and Satoru but they both declined. Leon had shrugged before pouring himself and the rest of the hunters the ale onto some mugs they brought.

"If you don't mind me asking," Yuri began, "How did you four come together as a team?"

"It's really nothing exciting if I'm being honest," Leon said, swirling his mug around. "And why would you want to know?"

"I'm simply trying to get to know my bodyguards better. After all, this is a relationship built out of trust am I correct?"

Leon raised an eyebrow before letting out a chuckle. "Well, I guess I can give the simplified version. Long story short, after quitting my mercenary career and becoming a hunter, it was rough for the first few weeks. That is until I met Gigi and Julian."

Yuri turned towards the two mentioned hunters, hoping to hear from them next. Gigi took a long swig before she then spoke. "We met Leon about a few weeks into our own hunting career. We were new hunters as well and were looking for a quest. When we chose one, it just so happened to be the same one Leon picked. Seeing that three hunters are better than one, the three of us decided to work together and the rest was history."

Yuri had a feeling that there was more to it than simply that but decided against prying further. She then looked towards Camilla, wanting to hear her side of the story. The huntress shrugged in response. "I was the fourth member to join. Before I joined them, I lived my whole life working in the fields and helping my village with hunting and farming. Then when I was old enough, I decided to head out to the city so I can earn more money for my village." She took a long sip from her mug before continuing. "It was difficult at first. Me, a village girl? In a big and unfamiliar city? Not to mention, wholly different cultures and customs? Oh boy. At that time, I didn't know jack."

Yuri felt that she could relate as she had felt the same when she and Satoru first arrived at Port Tanzia. It had been effectively a strange world for them, one with customs and traditions far different than what they were used to. "And I assume you met your companions while in the city?" the woman surmised.

"Not exactly. If I were to summarize it, let's just say these three saved me from something I would have regretted doing for the rest of my life."

Judging by her tone, Yuri also decided not to pry further and simply settled with an understanding nod. "I see."

A rather awkward silence was created as neither party was unsure of what else to say. Luckily, sensing the need to break the silence, Camilla let out a loud yawn. "Well then…I think it's about time we get some shut-eye yeah?"

"Yes, that would be nice," Yuri said as the group stood up and decided to call in for the night.

As the world slept, a shadow could be seen moving through the streets. Covered in a dark cloak, the shadow carefully but swiftly maneuvered their way across their street. Despite the darkness, guards still patrolled the streets and so they had to be cautious. Luckily for them, most of the time, those guards who were given the night shift were barely able to stay awake, which meant they were somewhat more unaware of their surroundings. Still, they couldn't risk it and they knew that there could be the occasional Guild Knight walking around. Taking care not to make much sound, the figure continued to move.

After avoiding more patrolling guards, they finally arrived at their destination. They made their way up the small flight of stairs and tapped their knuckles lightly against the door while frequently glancing back for any signs of moving lights, which were the torches the guards carried as they patrolled.

It's me, they spelled out.

Several taps later, the door opened. Quickly, the figure moved inside.

"You're late," said the one who opened the door, a young man with sharp facial features and white hair.

The figure scoffed and unveiled their hood, revealing themselves to be a woman with boyish short black hair. "I had something to do before this meeting. But I'm here now, am I?"

The man shrugged. "Let's just go."

Deeper inside the building, the two soon arrived at a dimly lit room with a large wooden table in the middle. Surrounding the table were three other people. Before one of them could open their mouth, the woman interrupted them.

"Yes, yes I'm late. Can we just get this over with?"

The person from before who had opened their mouth to speak, a bald man with a scar on his face frowned. "Discipline is still discipline and it would be great if you had just-"

"Farron, frankly I don't have the energy to hear more of your lectures," she responded back sharply.

"Dammit Minerva, you know I-"

"Can't you two just take your lover's quarrel elsewhere? We're kind of busy here," said the other member of the group, a woman with braided crimson-colored hair and a laidback expression.

Farron scowled at her. "Layla, can you shut up for a second."

"More like you three can shut it," snapped the white-haired man before unveiling the scroll placed on the table in front of him. "We're to discuss our newest job, not argue like children." He sighed and proceeded to begin explaining why he had gathered them here.

A few minutes later and he had finished.

"So basically, we're supposed to find and assassinate this princess?" Farron tried to confirm.

The white-haired man nodded. "Correct. Our client didn't say anything much other than offering us a sizable reward for our efforts, hence why I took the job."

"I don't like the fact that our client isn't telling us more, much less being here with us. How can you be so sure they won't double-cross us?" Minerva said, her brows furrowed.

"I understand your reservations, but I have a feeling this would work out just fine."

Minerva raised an eyebrow. "Just a feeling?"

"Yep. Besides, if they do double cross us well…there's a reason we're considered one of the finest assassin groups in the market."

Minerva still looked hesitant, but she eventually relented. "I guess there's no harm in trying."

Layla suddenly raised a hand. "Question. How and where do even find this princess?"

At that question, the white-haired man froze, eliciting looks of disbelief from everyone in the room. "I…uhh, I'm getting there."

Minerva rolled her eyes. "Fantastic."

"D-Don't worry though. I have informants everywhere who I simply just need to contact individually and ask if they've seen any suspicious individuals."

"This job better be worth it Dorin," Farron warned.

The white-haired man grinned. "Oh, it will." Hopefully.

…