This idea came to my head after watching the Legend of Vox Machina tv show, and mostly because I needed something to spend my free time while in the middle of Uni.

Also, updates will be sporadic.

...

Chapter 1

Exhaustion. That was all he felt as he trudged his way over to his destination. Multiple arrests in one day, not to mention having to run them down whenever the perpetrators attempted to flee. He sighed. What use was being a city guard when their sole purpose of preventing crime was pointless? He wondered if these wannabe criminals were idiots or just desperate enough to ignore the Knights on patrol to commit a crime. Add to the fact that there was a rumor of a supposed plague unlike the Frenzy Virus slowly spreading throughout the old world, which meant stress was at an all-time high.

Best not to think about it, he thought.

Before long, he arrived at his destination, a modestly sized tavern situated near the outskirts of Dundorma. One look at the place and one could tell the place had seen better days but for the man, it was just what he needed. Eagerly, he pushed open the double doors and entered.

Inside, the place was busy as usual. He could see all kinds of people here, from regular city folk to hunters all with a drink in hand. The man narrowed his eyes briefly when he saw a group of hunters locked in an argument with others. He sincerely hoped there wouldn't be any bar fights today because he was in no mood to arrest someone. Arresting hunters was also mainly the job of Guild Knights. Shaking his head, he made his way over to the bar and sat down.

"Your strongest please."

The Felyne Bartender looked up from cleaning one of the mugs and gave a simple nod. The man relaxed his posture as he reached to place a coin on the table. Behind him, the commotion with the arguing hunters grew louder and the man groaned. The Felyne Bartender snickered in response.

"Rough day?"

"As I said, your strongest please…" the man pleaded.

"Sure bud."

A few minutes later, his drink arrived, and the man rubbed his hands in anticipation. Just as he brought the edge of the mug to his lips, a loud crash startled him, causing him to spill his drink over his clothes. He cursed loudly. In front of him, the Felyne bartender sighed and shook their head.

"Not this shit again…"

Sure enough, when the man turned around, he saw those same arguing hunters now standing up while facing each other. He could see the chairs have been flipped over as well as one of the tables.

This can't be good…

…

"Now guys let's not be hasty here…" one of them said, a huntress with strawberry blonde hair tied in a ponytail.

The blonde-haired man cowering behind one of flipped tables nodded in agreement. "I-I agree with Camilla. This isn't necessary guys…" However, his response seemed to have angered one of his companions, who sent the man a glare.

"With all due respect, he insulted your family name and you're just gonna take it?" his companion said, a huntress with long black hair and eastern facial features. "I've served your family since I was a child, and I am not going to let this affront slide!"

"It's alright Gigi! I'm used to it-

He was interrupted by the people in front of them laughing. Their leader, a handsome but otherwise arrogant-looking man with blue hair jeered at them. "What's this? Cowering behind his protector?" He laughed again, and his companions followed suit. "You're the same as you were back during the tests."

Unfazed, Gigi simply glared up at him. "Say that one more time Lane. Go on. I dare you."

The blonde-haired man opened his mouth to speak, "Gigi-"

"Julian, you need to shut up." The one who interrupted him, a man with unkempt brown hair sent Julian a pointed look.

"Normally, I would punch you for speaking so rudely to him, but for once I am in agreement with you Leon," Gigi said.

As the glaring match intensified, several of the patrons began to quietly leave the tavern, knowing a brawl between hunters would inevitably wreck the entire place. A few others however stayed, eager to watch the results. Meanwhile, behind the bar, the Felyne bartender resigned to their fate, decided to sit down on one of the chairs and smoke a cigar, knowing their tavern was about to become yet another site for a violent bar fight.

"Apologize now," Gigi demanded.

"Why should he? He's right you know?" One of Lane's companions, a red-haired woman sidled next to him and crossed her arms.

"See?" Lane smirked.

Leon gritted his teeth. "Oh, you're all just so full of shit, are you?"

Lane frowned. "This does not concern you four-eyes."

"Matters regarding my comrade concern me greatly. I would appreciate it if you don't insult my companions."

"And what are you gonna do about it? We have you outnumbered four to two," Lane said, gesturing to himself and the others.

"Correction. Four to three." Camilla moved next to Gigi and Leon, sending her own fierce glare to Lane and his companions. "You're beginning to piss me off."

However, Camilla's inclusion only served to fuel the fire even further. "Well, there you have it. A coward that hides behind his comrades," Lane's companion sneered.

"Shut it, Sylva," Gigi snapped.

The red-haired woman snickered. "Oh, did I strike a nerve?"

"Guys please…" Julian pleaded. He hated how far the situation had escalated and how several well-placed insults had reverted him back to his weak and cowardly old self, unable to stand for himself and having others defend him.

Gigi's expression turned dark, her fists clenching so hard they began to bleed. "Apologize. Now."

To her shock, Lane shrugged. "Or what?"

Unable to hold back anymore, Gigi lunged at the man, tackling him onto the ground as the whole bar quickly descended into chaos.

…

"In hindsight, that was probably a bad idea."

Leon raised a brow at Camilla's comment. "You think?"

"Get a move on already!" the guard said, shoving the cuffed hunters forward towards the carriage. Once they were inside, the guard shut the doors tight and there was silence. Camilla attempted to free herself of the cuffs and she yelped in pain when she felt it seemingly tighten around her wrists.

Leon sighed. "It's no use. These cuffs were specially designed to contain the strongest hunters. They will tighten the more you struggle."

"Not even your freakish strength will break you free of these cuffs," Gigi said.

The huntress groaned. "Great. I've only been in the city for a few months, and I've already got arrested. What am I gonna tell my village?"

"That you've gotten arrested?"

"Not helping Gigi."

"Sorry."

Not long later, the doors to the carriage opened and a figure in red appeared before them. Leon noted the distinctive red coat over the armor, hat and facemask. It was a Guild Knight. The Knight took one look at them, noticing the various bruises on their faces and disheveled looks, and shook his head.

"What were you people thinking?"

"For your information, they provoked us," Gigi immediately replied.

"And you shouldn't have responded back."

Gigi looked affronted. "Are you saying I'm not allowed to defend someone's honor? They insulted him…his family, right in front of his face!"

The Knight glanced over at Julian, who remained quiet while looking away. He looked back at the group. "So, I've looked over all your profiles and…"

"And what?" Leon challenged.

The Knight looked towards Julian again. "You're the son of that Rosetti? That name is a big deal over at the Guild." Julian didn't answer, choosing to stay silent and casting his gaze elsewhere.

Gigi was the one who answered in his stead. "We are aware."

"Right."

"…Got anything else to say?"

Shaking his head, the Knight instead chose to climb onto the carriage. He took his seat next to Camilla, who awkwardly scooted away to give space. "Let's talk. Tell me what happened."

Several minutes of explaining later and the Knight roughly understood what had happened. Unfortunately, as much as he sympathized with them, he had a job to do.

"Hey, what will our punishment be?" Leon asked the Knight.

"Hmm, these types of offenses often result in jail time for regular folk. For hunters, at worst you'll have your license revoked."

Their expressions immediately paled.

"But considering the tavern owner did not decide to place extra charges for some reason, and somehow the damage wasn't as bad as we expected, there is a slight chance you'll simply receive a temporary suspension."

Leon shot up from his seat immediately, but forgetting that they were in a carriage, bumped his head onto the ceiling. The group snickered, his misfortune providing much-needed relief…a relief not shared by the man in question who glared at his companions before turning his attention back to the Knight. Letting out a curse as he rubbed his head in pain, he spoke out freely. "A suspension is just as bad for us! Do you have any idea how much money we have left? Or what problems we'll face?"

The Knight blinked twice in confusion. "No?"

"I'll tell you then."

When the Knight glanced over at the others, they all rolled their eyes.

"Oh boy here we go again," Camilla said, leaning back against the side of the carriage.

Gigi smirked. "Brace yourself, Sir Knight. He's about to go on one of his long tirades about our money problems."

"Wait what do you mean-"

…

In the end, the group was given a two-week suspension by the Guild. To their amusement, Lane's group received a much harsher punishment of having to do extra community work courtesy of the tavern owner providing their own account of what happened. Despite this, there was a bigger problem at hand.

Money.

Leon's worries over their money were taken for granted and it wasn't long before the group found themselves left without much zenny in their pockets. Considering they were suspended from hunting for two weeks, it meant they had to be extra careful during spending as well as having to find other temporary sources of income. The group had no idea that their big break would come sooner than expected.

…

Just one day before their suspension would end, Leon had called the team to gather at the fountain located in the heart of Dundorma City. When asked why he simply said he had an announcement to make.

On that day, the team had gathered by the fountain, patiently waiting for Leon to show up. It was the weekend, which meant many of the usual stalls were closed and was not as crowded during the weekday. It was the perfect time to meet up.

"It's been ten minutes already. Where is he?" Gigi grumbled impatiently.

"I had to get off from work rather early for this. I really hope whatever Leon has to say is important," Camilla said, frequently glancing at the people passing by.

"You're not enjoying your job, Camilla?" Julian asked.

She shook her head. "Frankly, it blows. Doing deliveries and managing supplies is boring, and even worse, the pay isn't very good."

"For a muscle head like you, I'd say it fits," Gigi teased.

"Shut it. Besides, I came to the city to earn a respectable income, not to be some errand girl."

"Point taken."

"What about you hmm? How's working at a restaurant like?"

Gigi scoffed. "S'fine I suppose. It's just weird seeing my boss and coworkers so amazed at my dishes. I mean, are they even that good? Feels like anyone could cook them."

Julian gasped. "Are you kidding? Your cooking is the sole reason we haven't been eating at any canteen and not starving whenever we go out hunting. Saves money too."

"He's right y'know?"

Gigi shrugged in response.

Just then, a familiar figure came into their view. It was Leon, and he appeared to be carrying some sort of paper.

"Sorry I'm late…" he apologized, bending down to catch his breath.

"This better be worth it," Gigi said with an expectant look.

"Right," he began, "Well, as you all know, we have a bit of a zenny crisis. Even after our suspension ends tomorrow, we are still strapped for money and after some calculations, I predict we'll quite literally end up on the streets if we don't do something about it. Hence, why I spent the last several days thinking and looking for a solution." He then showed them the paper he had been holding.

Julian squinted his eyes at the paper, noticing how it looked oddly like a quest paper. "What is it?"

"I got us a quest we can do after our suspension ends. But! It's not just any quest. It's a special one."

Gigi grabbed the paper from his hands and looked over it. "…An escort quest?"

"I know but read the reward."

"…150,000 zenny! That's…That's a lot of money!"

"Huh? Lemme see that!" Camilla snatched the paper and read it herself, her eyes widening as she properly registered the numbers. "No way…that amount will last us for months!"

"How did you even get this?" Julian asked, looking over at the paper himself.

"I have my ways."

Camilla laughed. "I don't know whether to commend you or think this must be some big fat joke, but this could be our big break guys."

But Gigi seemed unconvinced. "I have a bad feeling about this…"

Camilla shrugged. "What choice do we have though?

Julian nodded, much to Gigi's disappointment. "I have to agree. I think this could be a great way to earn money."

"I don't know…there's something fishy about this."

Camilla sighed. "This is more than a hundred thousand zenny on the line here. I'd say we take it."

"It's just an escort quest. How hard can it be?" Leon reasoned.
The huntress gave her friends a betrayed look before eventually relenting. "…Fine. I still have my doubts, but I suppose we have no choice. Let's take it."

Leon grinned. "Great. We will meet the client tomorrow. Oh, and before I forget…Apparently, they want to meet us at Port Tanzia."

"…What?" the rest said in unison.

The next day, the group arrived at Port Tanzia. As they were not used to riding a ship, the group stumbled onto the port, their faces pale from seasickness. Leon went as far as to drop to his knees and rub his cheek against the wooden pier.

"Oh land, how I missed you…" His actions garnered weird looks from his companions and people nearby.

"Our so called "team-leader" people!" Gigi announced while clapping sarcastically.

Leon glared at her. "Fuck you. Let me have my moment."

After a few minutes of adjusting themselves to their new terrain, the group was ready to go. "Well? Let's not waste any more time yeah?" Camilla said, walking ahead.

The group then made their way around the port, weaving through the crowds of people while taking care not to get distracted by the various wares they were seeing. They were standing in the middle of the region's biggest trading port after all.

"Woah, look at that!" Camilla's eyes shined brightly as she glanced over at each stall.

"Why does it have to be so crowdy…" Julian muttered uncomfortably.

Eventually, they arrived at the inn where they were informed the client would be staying. The group then approached the innkeeper to ask about their client.

"Ah, she's been expecting you then."

"She?" Camilla whispered to Leon. He simply shrugged in response.

"They're staying in room 10. Take the stairs and you can find their room at the very end of the hallway."

"Thanks," Leon said.

Once they were in front of what they assumed to be room 10, they debated on who would be the one to knock.

"Why me?" Leon whispered.

"Cause you're the leader duh," Camilla whispered back.

"What does that have to do with anything? You do it, Julian."

"Huh? Me?"

"Yes, you."

"W-Why?"

"Cause I said so."

"Oi, watch it! You can't just order him around like that!"

"Cause I'm the leader, that's what."

"And who said anything about you being leader?"

"Uhh, Camilla did?"

"I did?"

"Yes, you did. Plus, didn't we establish about a month ago that I was to be leader?"

"Huh, who said that?"

"Guys…"

"Look, why are we even arguing about this? It's just knocking on a damn door. How hard can it-"

Suddenly, the door opened, revealing a tall man standing before them with crossed arms and a clearly unamused expression. "I could hear your angry whispering from behind the damn door."

Startled, the group did a little double-take before recomposing themselves, embarrassed at being caught. Nonetheless, Leon took initiative and cleared his throat before speaking.

"Hi."

The tall man raised an eyebrow. "And you are?"

It was then the group noticed the man's appearance. Aside from his impressive height, he had long grey hair and a slightly pointed nose. But perhaps the most noticeable feature was his ears, long and pointy. He was a Wyverian. "Umm, I'm Leon. And this Camilla, Gigi, and Julian. We umm…are the hunters you hired?" For proof, he took out the paper and presented it to him.

The man narrowed his eyes at them, his gaze drifting over every one of the hunters as if silently judging them. The hunters felt intimidated by this man, both his imposing height and expression sending a shiver up their spines. Even Gigi was unable to muster a cheeky line. About a minute later, he finally uncrossed his arms and stood to the side. "Come on inside."

The group quietly excused themselves into the room as the man closed the door behind them. The room itself was not very big and the hunters had to squeeze into the corner next to the door. Once they were settled in, the tall man took a seat on one of the twin beds. At the same time, the hunters had just noticed the other figure in the room, a smaller person sitting on the other bed, who wore a hood over their head.

"Right, I assume you four know what you'll be doing?"

"We are to escort the client and protect them until they reach their destination."

The man nodded. "You are to also always follow the wishes of the client."

"Wait, that wasn't in the-"

Leon elbowed Gigi in the waist, shutting her up. "If it's within our capabilities, then yes. We will."

"You will?!"

The hunters nearly jumped at the sudden inclusion of a new voice. The owner of the voice, the hooded figure sitting on the other bed leaned forward eagerly. The room fell silent and as if sensing their mistake, the figure immediately slapped their hands onto their mouth.

It's a woman…the hunters collectively thought after having heard the voice. She, however, appeared to be embarrassed and frantically waved her hands about.

"W-What I meant was-"

The tall man sighed. "Continuing from what I said, I would like to ask you four this…Can we trust you?"

"Sorry?"

"Can we trust you?" he repeated. "Hypothetically, someone else decides to pay you more than what we offered. Would you betray us and choose them instead?"

Leon looked at the man before glancing towards his companions, who all shook their heads. He turned back towards the man with a determined expression. "We can assure you that we won't. I'll admit, my team and I are facing a…zenny crisis so to speak, hence why we took the job. But we have morals, and we aren't the type to betray our employers."

The man raised an eyebrow, likely unconvinced. Leon hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I…was a mercenary before becoming a hunter. I can speak from experience that I'll never betray someone who employs me. I mean, thinking logically there isn't a benefit to doing so. You betray your employer, and you would be considered an untrustworthy person, one that nobody would hire which defeats the purpose of being a mercenary don't you think?"

The man seemed to hum in approval, prompting Leon to continue.

"As for my companions well…Camilla over here grew up as an honest and hardworking village girl. She came to the city to support her village. She's also one of the strongest people I know, and you would be hard-pressed to find a more trustworthy person than her."

Camilla smiled and gave a friendly shove to Leon's back. "Aww, you're making me blush Leon!"

He laughed before gesturing toward both Gigi and Julian. "These two? Inseparable. Attached to the hip. But that goes to show just how much they trust each other. In the time I got to know them, they have become reliable comrades and ones that…"

Gigi smirked, wrapping an arm around Leon's shoulder, and poking his cheek. "Go on. Say it."

"…wouldn't trade for the world." His cheeks were flaming red as he admitted that as his companions laughed, with Camilla and Gigi giving him a noogie and Julian with a simple friendly pat on the back. Caught up in their moment, the hunters didn't notice the tall man smiling and looking back at the hooded woman, who nodded.

"That does it I suppose."

The hunters stopped and stared quizzically. "Huh?" they all said.

"I can tell from the bond you share with each that trust is something you all hold very high, hence why we are choosing to trust and believe in you four." But then his smile turned dark as he stood up and went towards the cupboard. He then picked up a large scabbard (when did they just notice that?) and slightly unsheathed the blade. "Of course, if you break this trust, well…"

The hunters gulped and nodded. The hooded woman sighed in response.

"Was that really necessary?"

The man shrugged, sheathing the blade. "It was needed."

"Apologies for his behavior," the woman apologized with a shake of her head. "He's just very protective of me."

"Sounds like someone I know," Camilla whispered, nudging Gigi teasingly.

"Right, now where are our manners? I suppose we should introduce ourselves now." She then pulled her hood over, revealing herself to everyone. Their eyes widened in response.

Pristine shoulder-length white hair, porcelain white skin, yellow eyes, and doll-like facial features. She looked straight out of royalty as if she were a princess from a children's book. The woman noticed their staring and giggled.

"I had expected this the moment I decided to reveal myself to you." She stood up from the bed, placed a hand over her chest, and bowed. "My name is Yuri. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

"And I'm Satoru. Yuri's brother," the tall man said. When he saw their questioning looks, he quickly corrected himself. "Adopted older brother."

"We'll be in your care from now on."

The group bowed in return. However, before they could go…

"Umm, if you don't mind, we'd like a favor," Camilla tentatively spoke, nudging Leon with her elbow. The man immediately got her message.

"Oh? What is it?" Satoru asked.

The hunters shared a look, fidgeting in their spots and faces red with embarrassment before Leon once again took initiative and spoke up. "We uhh…would like you to purchase us rooms? We're sort of strapped on money here…"

"Basically, we're broke as shit," Gigi said.

"Eloquently put there Gigi…" Julian muttered with a shake of his head as both Yuri and Satoru stared at them with disbelief on their faces.

…