Chapter 6

To say that she was surprised was an understatement. Just the shock of seeing him after so many years was enough to fry her brain to the point where she struggled to hold a conversation with other people hours later. For the 22-year old Amber, she would have never imagined meeting him of all people in a shady looking tavern somewhere in the outskirts of Dundorma. Her brother was too, understandably equally shocked as well. After all, the last time they had both seen and talked to their old comrade was back during the Academy, more than 5 years ago during graduation.

…

She remembered it so clearly. The first time she had stepped into the doors of the academy. Certainly, nobody had expected this unassuming young girl to become one of the top hunters of the academy. She herself would never have predicted such a thing to happen.

Her older brother had insisted that she would alright. She believed him.

The Hunter Course, or as most graduates like to call it, The Worst Months of your Life was what all hunters of the Academy must endure and pass in order to earn their licenses. Described as being extremely brutal and unforgiving, many gave up or even died during this training regimen that has remained nearly unchanged for years. Such training included but are not limited to intense muscle-building through constant working out, lower body strength training by having students jump off ledges while carrying heavy rocks on their back (to mimic hunter weapons), endurance training and most importantly monster combat training where students are placed in an arena and pitted against a chosen monster; this is often used as the student's final exam to secure their licenses. Aside from the physical training, students were also educated on basic educational principles such as mathematics, linguistics, and the sciences with the latter being the most important due to the importance of monster anatomy and behavior. This combination of both physical training and extensive studies is often criticised by the families of those who had either died or survived the course. But the Guild, thanks to their extensive influence over the region and beyond quickly took care of that criticism without much of a problem.

Amber knew what to expect. Her family did not agree with her decision with the exception of her brother who supported her wholeheartedly. This was her dream after all. For years, she had been fascinated with the concept of hunting and hunters themselves, and seeing that her own brother was training to become a hunter himself, it was enough to push the young girl to make her decision. Thus, the young Amber decided to enrol at the academy. Of course, she was told beforehand that if ever she felt that it was too much, she was free to drop out anytime and come back to live with her family. But Amber was a determined girl and swiftly turned down that offer.

As soon as she had stepped into the doors of the building, she was greeted by one of the faculty members who offered to tour her around the place. During the said tour, her guide showed her practically everything the academy has to offer. From the massive and extensive library filled with only the best and most useful knowledge, the large classrooms built to accommodate at least twenty people, a gymnasium, the cafeteria where they serve hunter-sized portions of food, the armory, and most importantly the combat arena. She was also informed of an entrance exam that must be taken beforehand. So before entering, Amber had trained herself both physically and mentally for this ordeal, reading up on information, working out as well as observing actual hunts from a safe distance to better prepare herself. She was determined to prove to her brother and her family that she was capable of becoming a hunter.

Who knew that this seemingly innocent looking teen would one day become one of the fiercest hunters out there?

"Hello? Minegarde to Amber?"

She snapped out of her reverie, sighing as she slapped her brother's hand away. They were both currently in the Dundorma clinic reception table, just minutes after the doctors finished checking up on her brother's injuries. They confirmed that he suffered no major injuries and the fact that his own enhanced healing capabilities had already done most of the work for him. Sometimes, Amber would think to herself on just what's the use of going to the clinic when they would just heal themselves eventually. The word 'healing' however, brought her mind back to the events that happened just an hour ago. She had panicked when she saw Claudius stab Siegfried's back. The pained look on his face…she would never forget. But then, when she came to help him, he outright refused, telling her to pull the knife off his back without any regard to her own feelings. Her heart broke when he instead, told that woman to do it herself. A woman that Siegfried supposedly trusts more than her. She remembered Jason telling her that the woman's name was Eris, a huntress renowned for her merciless and calculating way of hunting monsters. Everything about her made Amber feel insecure about herself. From her drop-dead gorgeous looks, her armor and the way she fought that man together with Siegfried…Amber was speechless.

It came as no surprise that Amber harbored deep feelings, Siegfried. Ever since she had first met him at the Academy, Amber had been infatuated with almost everything about him. When he had suddenly vanished that time without saying goodbye, it left a gaping hole in her heart that not even her regeneration could repair. She could not understand why he would do that.

Once again, the snapping of her brother's fingers snaps her out of her daydreams, "Hey, you're spacing out again. What's gotten into you lately sister?"

Amber huffed, "It's none of your business…"

Jason, however, was unfazed. "You're thinking about him…are you?"

She flinched, which Jason took as a confirmation to his suspicion. In response, he simply sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I know what you're thinking. Why now of all times? Why show up after so many years? Why even disappear in the first place?" He closed his eyes. "Perhaps now, we would finally know the answer after so long."

"…Are you sure? Would he even be willing to say anything or hell, even show up to our meeting?"

Jason rubbed his temple, "I can't say for sure…At the very least, we should head there just to make sure."

"Alright."

As soon as they finished paying, the two immediately headed towards the place where they would hopefully, lay rest to this glaring issue once and for all.

Siegfried groaned and held his lower back, "Son of a- Damn that still hurts…"

Beside him, Eris scoffed, "Oh, suck it up, it's nothing more than a flesh wound. Really, I thought you were the so-called 'Fire King', the man who fights no matter how injured he gets."

'Oh really, as I recall I wasn't the one who nearly died from a damn tail swipe' was what he wanted to say but decided not to, for he didn't have the strength nor the willpower to enter yet another argument with her. "I sincerely thank you for your effort in assisting a wounded individual like me. Your help is very much appreciated." Siegfried replied sarcastically instead.

"Your welcome." Eris quipped back, earning a glare from the man running beside her.

Heads turned as people watched in confusion at this pair of hunters who sprinted past them at full speed. One might be wondering, what on Earth would cause these two (in)famous hunters to run like their lives depended on it?

Fifteen minutes ago…

"Halt!"

Siegfried and Eris turned towards the source of the voice, only to find what looked like a Guild Knight and a few city guards rushing towards the scene. Siegfried groaned, both from the pain on the lower back and the fact that he had to deal with the law.

"I've received a report of a fight happening here…" The Guild Knight glanced around the scene and then back at the two hunters, confirming his suspicion. "And it seems the perpetrators are right where I want them." Suddenly, his eyes jerked back towards Eris. His eyes widened.

He pointed an accusatory finger at Eris. "Y-You! It's you!"

The woman in question cocked her head to the side in confusion. "…Who?"

"Eris you know him?" Siegfried asked her, curious as well.

She shook her head. "Not at all."

The man fell back comically. He rubbed his head in frustration as he stood up. "Really, we've just met about a couple hours ago and you've already forgotten me? Gog…" He took off his hat and visor, revealing a familiar lock of chin-length black hair. "It's Edmond! Guild Knight?! Tall, handsome, strong and- "

"Sir you're doing it again…" whispered one of the guards.

Edmond, who quickly realized he had gone off-topic rubbed his head sheepishly. "My apologies…"
Meanwhile, Eris who had a hand under her chin busy trying to recall who this man is finally coming to fruition. "Oh, you're that man…The man who dared to lay his filthy Guild Knight hand on me." Her already ice-cold eyes shimmered with animosity, causing the guards and Edmond to gulp in fear.

"W-Woman you're still mad about that?"

Beside her, Siegfried bawled with laughter, earning a glare from Eris. "What's so funny?!"

"Your face!" He pointed at Edmond and his guards. "Hahahaha, you should have seen the look on your faces when she threatened you people! Priceless!"

"W-Wha- How dare you!" Edmond exclaimed, offended. He was just about to arrest them there on the spot but soon remembered that he as a Guild Knight, should not abuse his power. He took a deep breath, calming himself down. Right Edmond, easy steps, easy steps…

"So, are you finished?" Edmond asked Siegfried curtly, impatiently tapping his foot.

The man in question turned away to catch his breath. He coughed and hit his chest. "Y-Yeah, I'm fine now."

"Well? What is it you want with us now Sir Edmond?" Eris asked.

"Before I answer, quick question." He pointed at Siegfried. "Is he your lover by any chance? Perhaps husband for that matter?"

"No." Siegfried and Eris said in perfect synchronization.

Edmond flinched and took a step back. "Right…Okay then, back to our current predicament…I came here because I received a report of a fight happening here. I immediately rush here and what do I see? The glass on the nearby building shattered, a broken stand, blood on the floor, and most of all, two hunters standing in the middle of all this. Sounds suspicious enough don't you think?" He crossed his arms, waiting for an explanation. "So, mind telling me what happened here? Or do I have to ask these lovely witnesses here what happened?"

Siegfried and Eris, not wanting to deal with the infuriating Guild that they hate so much, spoke honestly and truthfully.

"IT WAS HIM/HER!"

"…"

Like two children caught by their parents after making a mess of the house, the two hunters pointed an accusatory finger at one another, with neither side willing to give in.

"It was he who started the fight!"

"She's the one who attacked first!"

"Bullshit!"

"Huh?!"

They just kept going on and on and on…until Edmond finally snapped.

"Uh oh…" one of the guards muttered. Normally a very calm and composed man, there was little that could seriously invoke Edmonds temper. But once provoked, he could quite literally be, as scary as any large Elder Dragon.

"You two…SHUT UP OR SO HELP ME, I'LL TOSS YOU BOTH INTO A DAMN CELL FOR YOU TO ROT FOR THE REST OF YOUR MISERABLE LIVES! SO, STOP ACTING LIKE CHILDREN AND ANSWER THE DAMN QUESTION! GOG WHY DO YOU TWO HAVE TO BE SO DIFFICULT?!"

His booming voice immediately causes the two to stop their bickering. Around him, his guards gulped. The bystanders also stopped what they were doing and stopped to stare curiously at the Guild Knight. Quickly realizing his mistake, Edmond swiftly put on his visor and hat in an effort to hide his shame. He tugged his hat down to cover his face.

"Err…What I meant was, can you please answer the question? W-What happened here?" His voice was muffled by his visor, but Siegfried could sense the embarrassment in his words.

Eris spoke first, "My answer still stands. I do not have any part in this. I'm but a mere bystander who simply got caught up in the fight. It was an act of self-defense."

Siegfried audibly groaned. "Oh c'mon! You could have left but no! You decided to stick around and fight! Clearly, you had a part in this!"

"Do not listen to this man. He spouts nothing but nonsense. His words are nothing but the ramblings of an idiotic man child, unable to come out of his disgusting man-cave."

"Do not listen to this woman. Every single word out of her mouth is rubbish! Rubbish, I tell you! Pure unadulterated rubbish!"

Not this again…Alright, stay calm Edmond, stay calm...You can do this without getting angry. And then it struck him. He took out a rolled-up piece of paper from his pouch and scribbled something onto it. He then approached the two bickering hunters and shoved the paper at their faces.

"What the hell is this?" Siegfried demanded.

"That my good hunter, is an arrest warrant-"

Eris sighed in relief. "Oh, thank gog, I was beginning to think that- "

"-for both of you."

"…Come again?"

Edmond grinned triumphantly. "I'm hereby arresting both of you hunters for causing disturbances within the capital, destruction of property, and potential civilian harm. Say goodbye to your hunting licenses because its jail time for y-o-u~" He suppressed a laugh at the sight of their faces. I've won this time! Humming, Edmond took out another rolled piece of parchment paper.

"As stated on the official 11 Guild Theses: Those found guilty of crimes are permitted to acquire another individual to speak on their behalf. Unless proven innocent, those individuals who are- "

"Uhh, sir? They're gone…"

Edmond stopped reading and found himself staring at a blank space where the two hunters were. "What the- "He then spotted them in the distance, running at full speed. "Hey, get back here! Guards chase them!"

…

"So, what now?"

"I don't know genius. You're the smart one here."

"Oh, so I'm the smart one now? I seem to recall you calling me buffoon, dunce, idiot among other things."

"Well, you're acting like one now!"

Even as they ran, the two still bickered with one another like a dysfunctional couple. On the run from Edmond and his guards, their brains kicked to full power as they desperately tried to think of a way to escape. But out of the corner of his eye, Siegfried spotted it. Their salvation.

"There. The airship!"

In the distance, an airship prepared to make its departure. The two hunters increased the speed at which they ran in order to catch up.

"Wait!"

Hearing the desperate cries of the two hunters, the Felyne captain turned to find two hunters running at full speed towards them.

"Ah, you're just in time. I was- "

Before he could finish his sentence, dozens of coins were tossed onto his face. "Keep the change!" Siegfried said as the two leaped onto the ship's deck.

"Go now!" Eris demanded.

The Felyne shook his head as he boarded the ship. What's the rush? He gave the signal to the technicians and soon, their ship began to ascend into the sky. Down below, Edmond and his men had just arrived.

"HEY, YOU TWO! COME BACK HERE AND FACE JUSTICE!" Unfortunately for him, the sound of his voice all but disappeared as they increased their altitude until the people below became nothing more than specks on the ground. As soon as they were out of sight, the two hunters breathed a sigh of relief.

Siegfried slumped onto the ground. "I don't think we'll be very welcome in Dundorma anymore, at least until he calms down…"

"As much as I hate to agree with you, you're right," Eris said, chugging down an Energy Drink. "This is…most unfortunate."

Moments later, the two of them came to a realization. 'Where is this ship headed for?'

Siegfried stood up and walked towards a nearby crew member. "Hey, where is this ship going?"

"Huh? But I thought we were already briefed on it."

Shit. Uhh… "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." Siegfried lied.

The crew member rubbed his forehead. "Bherna. Bherna Village."

"Thank you."

Eris looked up from her journal. "So, where are we headed?"

"Bherna." Siegfried answered, leaning against the mast.

"Oh. Well, that's alright, I guess. At the very least, the Guild Knights aren't very active there."

Siegfried groaned. "Ughh, Guild Knights. What a pain…"

Eris huffed. "Nothing but overzealous idiots who are overly obsessed with their precious Guild."

"Bunch of hypocrites those Guild bastards are. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother working under them in the first place…"

"I know that feeling. Why do us hunters have to be tied to those people anyway? Can't we just work for whoever we choose?"

Siegfried nodded in agreement. "I share the same sentiment. Unfortunately for us, the Guild- "

"-controls the very existence of the hunt." Eris finished. She recalled seeing that statement on one of the Guild Knight recruitment posters a few years back.

Moments later, however, upon realizing their shared thoughts, the two hunters abruptly looked away, blushing slightly.

Eris quickly recomposed herself, albeit without much luck. "A-Anyway, I expect that after this, we part ways for good this time. Don't interpret this moment as a sign of f-f-friendship alright? It was nothing more than a simple conversation held between two hunters." She stood up and walked toward the inner cabins.

"Right…" Siegfried said, scratching the back of his head. She's right. We're not friends, nor acquaintances. There is no hope of anything sparking between us.

"…You still haven't answered my question though." Eris said, not bothering to turn around. "Why did you save me back there? I belittled you, insulted you, hurt you yet you still bothered to save me. Why?"

Siegfried went silent, contemplating his answer. After about a minute, he sighed. "You really want to know? Fine!" He smacked his helmeted head and took a deep breath. "I saved you because of …b-because…" He hesitated, unable to convey his words. "I…I…It's because- "

Eris sighed and held out her hand. "Stop it. There's no need. I've got my answer already." She turned to walk away. You idiot, what's the point?! He probably saved you because he lusts for women like me. Just like all men before him…

"It's because someone like you deserves better!"

"…"

"Wait, that came out wrong- "

It was impossible to describe the shade of red her face took. "W-W-What are you saying?!"

"That came out wrong alright!" He smacked his forehead. "Look, what I really meant was that someone like you doesn't deserve to die like that."

"Explain," Eris ordered.

Silently cursing himself, Siegfried spoke. "I hated you. I absolutely hated you. But when I first met you, I saw it. Your eyes. They were lifeless as if all the spark had been taken away from them. From there on I surmised that something must have happened to you. Or not, I could be wrong."

"Your point?"

Flustered, Siegfried continued to speak. "W-Well, after thinking about it for some time, I couldn't blame you for your behavior. Your personality is still, mind you, an absolute nightmare and pain to deal with. Seriously, how the hell did you become such a bitch- "

"Hey!"

"Uhh…So, the point is, maybe I understand why you're like this. Maybe not. But in short, I just can't hate you the same way I did before. I saved you because I feel like you deserve another chance. Happy now?" I CANNOT BELIEVE I JUST DID THAT! GOG, YOU'RE A SENTIMENTAL PIECE OF-

"…I see. Thank you."

DAMN SIEGFRIED. I DID NOT KNOW YOU- "What?"

Eris gritted her teeth in frustration. "Don't make me repeat myself alright! I said thank you! F-For saving me that time."

"Oh, uhh your welcome…I guess."

She flipped her hair defiantly. "I still hate you though. Do not ever forget that."

Siegfried grinned. "Right back at you." He turned away and continued to lean on the mast absentmindedly. He sighed and took off his helmet, allowing the wind to blow against his fiery red hair and face.

"You're not coming inside?"

Eris's voice snaps him out of his thoughts as he stared at her with disbelief. "Umm, are you…"

In response, she glared coldly at him, albeit with slightly flushed cheeks. "Do not misunderstand me. Be honored that I, Eris offered a mere man like you a chance to walk alongside me."

He shrugged, chuckling lightly. "Of course you do."

As he followed her inside the cabin, Siegfried wondered if he had forgotten something. He had a distinct feeling he did, but he just couldn't remember what it was…

Somewhere in a certain fortress city, a woman kicked a trash can in a fit of fury as the man next to her tried desperately to console her.

"I can't believe it…It's you guys!"

Siegfried and Eris awkwardly smiled at these two strangers. Who the hell are these two?!

"Apologies but…who are you two again?"

The two men collided comically against the wall. "Seriously?!" said the shorter man in disbelief.

The taller man held his chin in thought. "Understandable. The last time we did meet was about two weeks ago after all…"

The shorter man puffed out his chest. "Well, in any case, it's time to introduce ourselves!" He sighed. "Again…"

The taller man stepped forward, holding out his hand. "I'm Rowan. That guy Romero and my twin brother. Nice to meet you…again."

"Aghhh! C'mon, how could you not remember us? Remember? We took down that Silver Rathalos and Gold Rathian together?"

At the mention of the Rath pair, Siegfried and Eris froze. Terrible memories of a near-death experience, failure, and embarrassment rushed into their heads like a broken dam. In a desperate attempt to rid themselves of the memory, the two bashed their heads against the wall, creating a small forehead sized hole in the wood. Next to them, the two brothers stared at them blankly, unable to comprehend their odd actions.

"So, you were saying?" Siegfried asked them, the front part of his helmet dented and somewhat bent. Eris, whose helmet was more exposed was a different story.

"Okay…I'll just go ahead and assume you remember us now and that we can move forward now."

Eris crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow suspiciously. "So, what is it you want with us?"

Romero held his chest in a mock show of hurt. "Why there's nothing wrong with greeting fellow hunters is there? And if I might ask…" He scrutinized them closely. "You two wouldn't happen to be…lovers, are you?"

"No, we are not lovers." Siegfried and Eris rebuffed almost immediately at the same time.

"I'd rather die than surrender my virtue to an undignified cur like him."

"There's no way in hell I'll ever have relations with this ungrateful wench."

Romero looked at his brother who shrugged in response. "A-Anyway, what are you two doing here anyway?"

Siegfried and Eris racked their brains to find a reason. Siegfried gave Eris a quick glance that practically said, 'What should we say?' She replied with an expression of 'I don't know!'

"We're…" Siegfried stopped midway, struggling to think of a plausible reason. Sensing his predicament, Eris spoke next in hopes of diffusing the situation quickly.

"We're going to Bherna for the uhh…"

"Festival! We're going to Bherna for the festival!" Siegfried interjected, sweating profusely.

"Y-Yeah!"

Romero held his chin in thought. "Festival? Oh, do you mean the Bherna Fire Festival?"

Siegfried pointed his finger for emphasis. "Yes, that one!"

"Damn, I envy you two," Romero said in a disappointed tone.

Rowan shook his head. "It's unfortunate that we both could not attend. Such a damn shame."

"And to think this festival is my only chance of getting myself a woman…"

Upon hearing those words, Siegfried and Eris froze once more. "Umm, what did you say?"

"Oh, he's just talking about how he originally wanted to attend the festival simply because those who do get to dance with whoever they brought with them to the festival. In our case, it would be odd and downright wrong for two brothers to dance romantically with each other by the side of a large bonfire."

"…What?"

Somewhere in Minegarde in a region far from any human and Wyverian settlement lies a vast and expansive sea of sand known as the Great Desert. Even in this place supposedly void of any living creature, life still finds its way. Small but ferocious Piscine Wyverns known as Delex swim in these sands, picking up the scraps and leftovers of the massive Dahren Mohran, an Elder Dragon bigger than any ship who makes it home in this desert sea. However, little did people know of a large patch of desert land located in the far reaches of the Great Desert. Here, lie the old ruined remains of a fortress, built centuries ago during the Age of Civilization. It is here that a certain creature makes it home, lying dormant as it waits for the proper time to rise.

And once it does, woe betided anyone, and anything caught within its never-ending quest to finish what the people centuries ago could not.