Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of language.
Background
postapocalyptic medieval setting. In the fictional land of Arrs an unknown black mist has taken over the bodies of humans. They become known as the tainted.
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I opened my eyes to a familiar scene. A little girl was laughing, chasing her older sister through the meadow.
"Sister, sister, wait for me!" the little girl cried. The teenage girl laughed at the child waddling after her. "Hurry up Ty! Dad's finally home!" The little girl giggled as she followed. "Li, hand!" Tali reached out her hand for little Taya to hold. "Come now, we're almost there" Tali smiled.
The girls arrived at the quaint little home across the meadow and burst through the door. "Dad!" they cried in unison. The man opened his arms wide as the girls ran in for a hug. Beside him a beautiful young woman was smiling. It was a picture of the perfect family, filled with love and affection. If only I could see the man's face one more time, but even in dreams his features were blurred.
I woke up with tears streaming down my face. It was a cherished memory of a happier time.
Demi popped his head into the shelter. "I caught a rabbit. Let me prep it and then we can...are you okay? What's wrong?" I shook my head, avoiding his gaze. "It was just a dream." I wiped my eyes on the back of my hand.
"..."
"I'm really fine."
"Okay...why don't you washup by the stream while I cook. I've been up for a while so I went earlier."
I nodded my head and made my way to the stream. I stripped down and lay in the water, looking at the sky. haaaaah. It's been years since I dreamt of the past. Maybe it's because I'm finally on my way to search for Tali that old memories are resurfacing. I stayed in the river, rewinding and replaying my happy dream, until the smell of roasting meat made my stomach gurgle.
When I rejoined Demi, the rabbit skewers were done. "Eat up; it will take the rest of the day to get to the next village." Demi informed as he handed my a skewer. I blew on it before taking a bite. Mmmmm. I closed my eyes with contentment as I ate. Demi chuckled beside me. I opened my eyes and stared at him. I've never heard him laugh before but now that's twice.
"Your expressions are so versatile." I swallowed and stuck my tongue out at him. Spend a night with a guy and he thinks he can just tease me like that. Rude! Just kidding. I don't really care but I am surprised. I guess it's a trait he got from his mentor. Come to think of it, I never asked who his mentor was.
"Demi, who was the mentor you were talking about?" I stared at him with sparkling eyes. Now that I know who he is I won't bother to mask my curiosity.
"...It was Duke Silvester." He said reluctantly.
Ohhh, I've heard of him! He was known as the sword of the imperial family. During battle, the enemy referred to him as 'The Master of Sword' because of his outstanding swordplay. I think Demi had a nickname too. What was it...'the Dancing Reaper' I think. A little dark but since I've seen him in action I get it. His sword combos are much like a dance and it always ends in fatality. But Duke Silvester...I'm pretty sure he died in the war.
"If it's Duke Silvester...you mean the swordmaster?"
"Yeah. He actually taught me swordsmanship. The title I inherited was actually his but since I'm a prince I'm technically a grand duke." All the laughter had disappeared from Demi's face. I think I made a mistake.
"I'm sorry. It seems I've brought up something I shouldn't have." I looked at him apologetically.
"No it's fine."
I don't really think it is though. We finished our meal in silence and then picked up our things and began our journey.
Author Notes
Hunter Character List
Taya: Female lead, orphan, searching for her older sister, Demi's hunting partner
Demi: Male lead, Demetri Von Arstine, prince, duke, aura user, expert swordsman, Taya's hunting partner
Brandy: Originally a merchant who dealt with pirates, sword skills, communication skills, hunting partner of Jer
Jeremy: Nickname Jer, 2nd young master, book worm, sword skills, hunting partner of Brandy
Derek: mercenary, skilled with various weapons and guerilla tactics, hunting partner of Dave
Dave: mercenary, obsessed with his sword, if someone touches his sword he goes berserk, cannot speak, hunting partner of Derek
Previously: Demi and Taya get caught in a storm. Taya has a panic attack. Demi calms her down. Taya falls asleep.
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