Chapter 4
Yuri was awoken by the sound of laughter coming from downstairs. Rubbing her eyes awake, she lifted herself off the bed, curious to know what was happening down at the lobby of the inn. However just before she could open the door, she stopped for a moment and let out a brief curse (Satoru would probably scold her for swearing) after noticing that she was still in her sleepwear.
"Better change to that I suppose…"
Yuri went over to the drawer in the room and took out a black and white long-sleeved shirt and plain white trousers. These were clothes that Camilla had bought yesterday from the market, citing that if she didn't want to draw attention to herself, it would be a good idea to dress like a typical working-class civilian. Once dressed, Yuri was about to head out before stopping once again.
"Can't forget about that too…" She backtracked briefly to grab the coif that Camilla also bought and took a moment to wrap it around her head, making sure to hide her ears before heading out.
When she went downstairs, she could Satoru and the hunters seated around a table with food. They all appeared to be laughing. Julian spotted the young Wyverian and waved at her as the rest of the group turned around to greet her as well.
"Good morning," she greeted back, settling down on the seat between Satoru and Leon.
Just then, a tray was pushed in front of her. "I got you breakfast," Satoru said.
"Thank you," she replied politely. "What were you all laughing about by the way?"
"Oh, we were just recalling some funny tales of our adventures to Satoru, such as that time Leon got his ass beat by a Yian Kut-Ku," Gigi explained, laughing without shame.
Leon groaned, trying his best to concentrate on the steak he was eating. "Gigi shut the fuck up."
Camilla laughed as well. "Aww, don't be like that Leon. It was a great moment!"
"It wasn't for me! Those pecks hurt like hell y'know! Plus, you all were just standing there laughing!"
"It was funny when the Kut-Ku chased after Leon, and he ran away looking like a husband who had just angered his wife."
"Julian not you too!"
"Or when the fire burned his armor, and he ended up half-naked for the rest of the hunt?" Camilla added with a wiggle of her eyebrows.
"And we ended up being treated to a view of that amazing package underneath his waist," Gigi whistled. "Well, some of it anyway."
Yuri blushed. "Oh…" In response, Satoru covered her ears with his hands.
Meanwhile, Leon was not having the time of his life. "I hate you all…"
Julian, feeling bad for joining in on the fun attempted to cheer him up. "How about we talk about other things then? Perhaps about Gigi?" he suggested unhelpfully.
Immediately, the huntress in question sent a warning glare so fierce that Julian was visibly taken aback. "Sir Ju- I mean, Julian…I cherish and respect you, but you're treading on thin ice here."
"Oh yes please, let's talk about it," Leon quickly said with renewed vigor as he placed both hands on the table and grinned evilly. "How about that time Gigi-"
"Leon if you say one more word-"
"-got arrested for public indecency!"
THWACK!
Gigi let out a huff, face flushed as the rest of the group stared at their now unconscious leader.
…
Leon tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for the person in front of him to finish their business. He was currently standing in the line for the Wycoon, intent on buying a world map because both Yuri and Satoru for some reason had forgotten to bring a map to help guide them to their destination. As he waited, suddenly an odd feeling washed over him. He quickly looked around, feeling as if someone were watching him.
"Hello, mister!"
Dismissing it as simply a result of getting whacked in the head (courtesy of Gigi), he ignored the feeling and approached the Wycoon.
"Oh, it's you! I can see that you've made great use of the materials I sold you," the old Wyverian said, gesturing towards the Longsword strapped to Leon's back.
"You remember me?"
"Of course. A merchant never forgets their clients. Now, what business do you have with me?"
"I'd like a map of the world please."
The Wycoon nodded. His eyes glazed over his wares before letting out an aha as he spotted the item he was looking for. Using his cane, he picked it up and handed it over to Leon.
"You're in luck. That's the last one I have."
"Great! How much is it?"
The Wycoon stroked his goatee. "Hmm, considering it's the last one I have and how extensive and detailed the map is…that would be 1000 zenny."
"What?!"
The elderly Wyverian laughed. "I'm just joking. Nonetheless, maps are very valuable so that would be 500 zenny."
"…That's still too much. How does 250 sound?"
"Hmm…450 then."
"270?"
"420."
"280!"
"400."
"Oh c'mon! Give some slack."
"It's just business. Take it or leave it."
"…270 and I'll give you an extra."
The Wycoon smirked. "Oh? And what would that be?"
Steeling his resolve, Leon reached for his wallet. He then took out what looked like a photograph. "Do you know what this is?" he asked, trying his best not to cry at the thought of giving it away.
The Wycoon fixed his glasses and narrowed his eyes at the item before letting out a gasp. "My word is that-"
"A photo of the Diva, signed by the Diva herself, who only ever allowed autographs from a select few people randomly chosen from her audience."
"How did you…"
"I have my ways."
"I-I'll take it!" The Wycoon reached forward to take it, but Leon quickly pulled back his hand.
"250, plus this," he said firmly.
The Wycoon scowled at him, but Leon would not back down. After about a minute, the old Wyverian finally relented. "…260, plus the autograph."
"Deal."
Leon took the map and handed the money and the photo to the Wyccon, who eagerly snatched it. "Pleasure doing business with you," the elderly Wyverian said, not even looking at Leon as he stared up at the photo with wide eyes and a dopey grin.
The hunter rolled his eyes and made his way back to the inn.
…
"Where is that idiot?" Gigi wondered out loud, arms crossed as she tapped her foot impatiently. "Don't tell me he got distracted by something on the way there."
"He's probably trying his best to bargain with the Wycoon. You know Leon, he's always trying to fetch the lowest price," Camilla reasoned. Just then, they heard a few knocks on the door to the room. "Well speak of the Diablos."
"It's me," Leon said from the other side.
Satoru opened the door for him, and Leon entered the room while holding a large rolled-up piece of paper. As Satoru closed the door, he saw Leon fix a glare on both him and Yuri.
"Y-You both better know what you're doing…" he growled with a tremble of his lips as he placed the map on the table in the middle of the room. He then walked over to the other side of the room and leaned against the wall.
Satoru blinked in confusion before shrugging and reaching for the map and unfolding it.
"Alright so-"
"Sorry for interrupting but I just realized something important," Gigi said. "This is partially our fault too but you both never told us where you two want us to take you and why. As your bodyguards, we have the right to know."
Satoru looked like he was about to protest but Yuri shook her head at him and stepped forward. "The truth is…I am the daughter of the chieftain of my village. Tradition dictates that when I come of age, I would have to partake in a ceremony in the faraway village of Cathar. There, within the village shrine, I would be crowned the next chieftain of my village, as my ancestors have all done centuries ago."
"It is a perilous journey and so we need the extra muscle to ensure Yuri's safe arrival," Satoru added.
"I see. And where is this 'Cathar' you spoke of?"
"Well…the thing is, we're not uhh entirely sure…"
"What the fuck?" Leon exclaimed, earning an elbow to the gut from Gigi. He coughed and glared at her before retaliating by stepping on her foot. The huntress let out a yelp and was about to pay him back but stopped upon seeing the reprimanding look from Camilla. The huntress then gestured for Satoru to continue, who thanked her silently.
"Anyway, the reason we aren't sure is that Cathar happens to be a secret village and only Wyverians born there seem to know where it is. Fortunately, we know someone who does."
"We heard this person is currently residing in the town of Dundorma, wherever that is," Yuri said.
Leon hummed. "Fortunately, we know where that is and you're in luck. It's only a few days away from Val Habar."
"That's wonderful!" Yuri said happily.
"However, we would have to go through a volcano and that means passing by Harth."
"Harth?" Yuri wondered.
"It's an underground village ruled by Troverians. They are well known for being master blacksmiths and a few years ago, the place has been turned into a popular hub for hunters to gather," Leon explained.
Yuri's eyes widened. "That sounds exciting!"
"Is it safe?" Satoru asked, always concerned.
"Just try not to fall into the magma and you're good to go," Gigi quipped, which was met with a smack to the back of her head courtesy of Camilla.
"It's perfectly safe," Leon reassured them. "The Troverians have placed safety barriers around the magma pools so nobody should fall into them anytime soon. The place can get rather hot though so if you can't stand the heat…"
"As long as it is safe, I have no problems," Satoru stated, and Yuri grinned in appreciation.
Leon nodded. "Good, now with that settled, I'll be heading off now to find ourselves a transport."
"I'll come with you," Gigi quickly said.
Once they were outside the room and out of earshot, Gigi moved closer to Leon and whispered, "What is it? I saw you giving me a look before."
"Not here, let's talk outside."
After they exited the inn, the two hunters began to walk side-by-side, as if they were simply two people having a casual conversation.
"I felt it back when I was buying the map. Someone was watching me," Leon said, looking straight ahead.
Gigi was stunned. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure. My years as a mercenary taught me to always be vigilant and I can never mistake that feeling of being watched."
Gigi understood that feeling as her experience of watching over Julian had also made her sensitive to changes in the air. "You think they're after Yuri?"
"No idea. But we should tread carefully from now on."
"Should we tell the others?"
"No, if we do, they'll act wary and whoever is watching us might realize that and act completely differently. For now, we keep this to ourselves and wait to see what they'll do."
"Shit," Gigi cursed, fists clenched. "I thought this was just gonna be a simple quest."
"You and me both."
…
The door opened and both Gigi and Leon entered the room.
"Got us a ride," Leon said, pointing his thumb back. "Say's they'll be ready to take us to Dundorma immediately."
Satoru smiled appreciatively. "How much do we owe you for this?" he asked. But Gigi shook her head.
"No need. Leon and I paid for it ourselves. Save your money for buying us supplies for the road, we'll handle the rest."
"Oh, thank you," Yuri said with a polite bow. "So, are we to leave immediately?"
"Yep."
"Great, then let's go!"
A little while later, Leon pointed at a wagon situated near the gates leading out of Val Habar. They could see a person sitting on the front seat, a wide-brimmed straw hat placed covering their head.
"Hey," the person simply said, their back towards them while raising a hand and giving a small wave. The voice was that of a man.
"You'll take us to Dundorma?" Leon asked as they all climbed onto the back of the wagon.
"Of course," the man confirmed. As he grabbed the reins and attempted to make the Popo move, the beast let out a growl and thrashed around. Yuri yelped as the wagon shook violently, forcing Satoru to hug her closer.
"Woah, calm the beast down sir!"
The man chuckled nervously. "Sorry, don't know what came over it. It's normally very-" With a grunt and one hard whip, the Popo seemingly calmed down. "-placid. I guess it's not used to carrying so many passengers, eh?"
After the brief bout of resistance, the wagon finally began to move and commenced their journey towards Dundorma.
Yuri watched as the town of Val Habar grew smaller in the distance. The wagon was moving at a steady pace, and it has not been long since they left the gates. She was saddened that they had to leave the town so early but getting to Cathar was her number one priority. She sighed, leaning back against the wagon, deciding to take a quick nap to ease her mind off things.
Several minutes later during the journey and an odd feeling came over Leon. He looked at the others, noticing that all of them had their eyes closed. He then turned towards the driver of the wagon, noticing the man had been very quiet all this time. Leon tried to decipher what it was, but something felt…off about all of this.
"Hey, do you know where we're going?" he asked, speaking loudly intentionally.
"To Dundorma right sir?" the driver responded, his gaze still planted on the front of the wagon.
"And on the way there, you know where to stop right?"
"I do not understand your question, sir?"
At this point, both Gigi and Satoru had awoken and were watching Leon and the driver talk. "The trip to Dundorma requires us to stop for a while on the way. You know a place where we can stop to rest?"
"I beg your pardon sir?" the man repeated.
Leon glanced back at Gigi and Satoru, the latter's hands hovering over his weapon and postures tense. The rest had also begun to wake up as well.
"Can you please stop the wagon?" Leon asked, his voice firm. When the man didn't respond, he repeated his question. "Sir, can you please stop the wagon?"
"…Sure thing." The wagon then stopped and they were then greeted by silence. Leon then reached forward and grabbed the man by the shoulder, turning him around to face them. The hunter's eyes widened in response and a scowl formed on his face.
"You're not the man we hired earlier."
The man simply smirked.
"They're all yours!" he shouted, and Leon immediately snapped the man's neck. Yuri let out a scream as the man's limp body fell over. Just then, several individuals popped out of nowhere, causing the Popo in front to growl and thrash in fear.
"Shit!" Leon cursed. "Everyone off of the wagon!"
The moment they stepped off the wagon, they could see that they were surrounded. The individuals were armed with knives and short swords while dressed in white robes with headscarves covering their heads, obscuring their identities. Leon counted around seven of them, including whom he presumed was their leader.
Julian gulped. "There's so many of them…"
"Friends of yours?" Satoru asked Leon, glancing warily at their attackers as he and the hunters formed a protective circle around Yuri.
"Far from it. We were set up."
The person whom Leon had assumed was the leader stepped towards them. From their dark clothing, green hair, and mask, the hunter immediately recognized them as the man they had nearly gotten into a fight with the previous day.
"Let's make this quick and simple. All we ask is for you to hand over that Wyverian girl and we'll probably let the rest of you go."
"Over my dead body!" Satoru responded with a threatening glare.
"That's the intent."
"What do you want her for?" Gigi asked the masked man. "And who sent you people?"
"Why do you want to know? Don't tell me the lady didn't explain to you the real reason why she hired you people to protect her."
"As the next chieftain of her village, she hired us to protect her so she can complete a ceremony to become the next chieftain," Camilla explained, turning towards Yuri. "Right?" But the young Wyverian woman didn't respond, prompting Camilla to ask again with more hesitance. "Right…Yuri?"
The masked man laughed. "Seems the young lady hasn't told you everything. Oh well, it won't matter anyway. Since none of you are willing to hand her over, we'll just have to do this the hard way."
Their attackers began to slowly move towards them while blocking all their exits and effectively caging the group in. In response, the hunters bundled closer together, making sure Yuri was safe inside their protective circle. Satoru growled at them, tightening his grip on his katana.
"Our weapons aren't meant to fight other people, so use your knives or your fists," Leon said as he, Gigi, Camilla, and Julian took out their hunting knives.
"I-I've never used a knife to fight before," Julian muttered, his hands slightly trembling. "I'm not sure I can-"
Gigi placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You can do it. I know you can."
They watched as the masked man raised his hand into the air, "Make sure to not harm the girl as we're merely bringing her to the boss. As for the rest…" He then brought his hand down, signaling for them to attack. "Kill them."
…
