Laia sighs as she looks out the window of the carriage she is in. Jarime is sleeping across from her while sat Faita playing with her doll.

They had left for the mission this morning so they would have time to track the beast. So most of her teammates were tired. They had three different carriages for each of the nine hunters in their squad.

She wished everyone would take their first time in the “old world” seriously

After an hour of traveling to the border, they are stopped by a border operator. The man taps on the window to get their attention.

“We have to issue a warning for everyone who goes through the border. Since you hunters are new to the “Old World” it would be wise to go through the western part of Yurunia to get to your destination. There are fewer clans that will attack you there.”

Laia frowns at that.

“I’ve heard of the rumors of the clans, has anyone been able to at least reason with them?”

Another man shakes his head who is standing next to the other guard speaks.

“It’s not peaceful in the Old World so clans attack anyone that is not a part of their group.”

“Hmm how barbaric” Fatia who is brushing her doll’s hair gives her opinion

The man who first spoke nods in agreement.

“Indeed we hope you make it back in one piece.”

Laia politely smiles at him.

“We will, thank you for your help.”

Laia waves when the operator nods before he walks away.

Jarime yawns as he was woken up by the conversation he glances out the window as the gates open for all three carriages to travel through...

“So we finally made it to the border. I can’t help but think of why these clans attack everyone is it for money or just for fun?”

Laia shrugs while leaning back in her chair.

“Who knows I would rather avoid them, if the border patrol is even giving a warning we should keep our guard up.”

Faita sighs as she examines the hair of her doll

“Barbarians like that will probably kill themselves off in due time but still it will be smart to utilize cation.”

Laia hums in agreement

“Let’s hope our mission goes as planned.”

Their radio piece goes off and Hao begins to speak.

“Did everyone get the briefing from the border patrol?”

Everyone in their group gave their affirmative.

“Good, then we shall be off remember we are going to track the Smoke type beast after we meet up with one of our client’s employees We should be at Yapo by sundown.”
…

As time and they traveled through the forest the scenery changes there are more dead trees than they can count and the road seems unmaintained and Laia can feel that the energy from the forest is being sucked out. A thick mist covers the entire forest which made the one leading the carriage have trouble seeing. Laia has a deep look of concentration trying to get the feeling of being watched out of her mind.

Suddenly a knife goes through the carriage narrowly missing her.

Jarime jumps from his seat he feels the carriage being pushed it felt like something was trying to knock it over.

“What the hell is that???”

A static sound through the radio as Hao alerts them of the danger.

“We are being attacked! Prepare to counter them!”

Laia hoists her long sword up and looks to her two friends as they grab their weapons. When they have them she makes a signal for them to get ready.

“Come out Little birds, or we will smoke you out!”




Laia glances at Jamire and Fatia who got their weapons ready Fatia tosses her doll in the air and it begins to float next to her right shoulder and Jamire has his twin swords ready.


Nodding to them Laia then says.

“You ready, Azia?”

Concentrated golden energy appears on her right shoulder and forms into a golden bird.

“At your service Laia.”

Then another knife goes through the door as Azia uses wind to deflect it from hitting Jamire.

“These guys don’t play around huh?”

Then a booming voice shouts.

“Burn them since they’re not coming out!”

That was Laia's cue to take control of the situation.

“I will go out first Azia can use her wind to protect us from the initial attack. I don’t know how many are out there but try to take out as many as you guys can.”

Both of them nod Laia quickly opens the door handle and give the order.

“Now!”

As soon as the door is open they are bombarded with arrows shooting at them Azia deflects them so her team can get out safely.

When all three of them jump out of the carriage everything slows down for Laia as she accesses the battlefield with Azia’s help. Since Azia is an emotia she can perceive things in a calming manner in a way that a predator does for its prey and since Laia is connected to her she has that same ability.

Calming her breathing looks ahead.

Even with the mist, she could see that there are two that are already engaging Rey who happily fights with his blade, Hao who with Kelee that are taking on three of them at once. It seems that their enemies have no problems fighting as a team to try to kill people.

She takes a deep breath after confirming everyone’s location.

Then as the wind guides her she strikes true.

“What the-”

One man is surprised a deep gash appears on his arm than leg he tries to make sense of the invincible force that is hurting him then he hears his friend let a surprised shout also.

He doesn't have time to react before his mask is cut into pieces and his face suffers deep gashes from the howling winds.

The other clansmen aren't fairing much better as a giant doll is attacking them in droves while the other swordsmen are taking them out one by one.

The leader of the group is realizing that this was more than what he could handle

“Geko give the signal we are retreating!”

“Yes!”

Geko pulls out the horn from his pouch and takes a deep breath.

The sound echos through the trees as the ones that are still alive freeze, then the clansmen one by one uses the mist to their advantage they all slip into the shadows to fight another day.

It seems they weren't strong enough to kill this prey.

After the attacks stop and everything is quiet The Hunters look on and see that their adversary left knowing it was a losing battle.

“So that was fun though I didn't expect to turn tail so easily.”

Rey chuckles as he sheathes his blade.

Hao calmly addresses his subordinates.

“I didn't expect the Clansmen to attack so ruthlessly.”

He glances at the dead carriage drivers he goes back to his assigned carriage and takes out a map and shows it to the group.

“It seems we need to go to our destination on foot it’s not that far from what the map is showing though the mist could cause problems.”

Fatia sighs she is tired from using her power to summon her doll to fight so she plays with the doll's hair in sadness.


“How fun…”

Laia pats her head while smiling.

“Don't worry you can have Jamire carry you if you get too tired.”

Jamire scoffs at Laia.

“You didn't even offer to do it your self huh?”

Hao’s voice sounds out after he folds the map.

“Anyway, we should get going our client shouldn't be kept waiting.”

They gather their supplies and begin the trek to their destination.