Hunter

Location: Vosa City; Kai and Hars

Vosa City was the second largest city within the Ullilan Kingdom, and also the oldest of all the surviving cities. Although Kai had spent most of her life in Ullilan in the Outworld, there had still been times when her father and papa had brought her back to their villa within the city’s protective gates, for them to rest and heal from all the injuries they had gotten while Hunting. Hunting certainly wasn’t an easy job, and while her papa was a skilled potioneer and Healer in addition to being a Hunter, some things needed different healing magic which meant different Healers than papa’s general healing. 

The gates that surrounded Vosa City were too tall to allow Kai and Hars view of the city held inside, but Kai’s keen eyes could just pick out figures standing and walking atop the walls walkway. Guardians. Guardians were akin to siblings to Hunters. Both jobs were difficult and tiresome. While Hunters went into the Outworld to hunt down the monsters and close the Egresses bringing monsters into their world, Guardians stood as protectors. Watching the borders of the various cities and towns they inhabited. They protected the gates whenever monsters from nearby Egresses came to attack so the civilians inside didn’t have to worry about dying in their homes. Of course, there were incidents. Guardians were only mortal just like Hunters, but every Guardian Kai had had the pleasure of knowing would give up their life in a heartbeat if it meant the city or town they protected was safe. 

Hunters hunted. Guardians protected. Somewhat like dragels with their Gheyos and Pareya differences or Vefari’s Kappi and Verndari, Kai noted to herself glancing at Hars form. He was still excitedly walking towards the gates of Vosa City, an extra pep in his step. Kai couldn’t stop the small smile from forming on her face, even as a part of her that she tried to push down felt uneasy. That part of her wanted to break Hars excitement by reminding him that there was a slim possibility they would be able to find a way off the Ullilan Realm. She had heard of many magical beings finding themselves pulled to Ullilan, like her and Hars were, but Kai had never heard of anyone escaping this hellscape she called home. She violently pushed that side of her away, telling herself she could only deal with that outcome once she knew it was certain. 

“Hunters, transferred Guardians or just visitors?” The bored tone of one of the Guardians manning the actual gate into Vosa City itself questioned the two. Magenta eyes looked between Kai and Hars with interest while blonde hair waved slightly in the wind. 

Kai smirked at Jaden. “Can’t recognize your own cousins? I should feel hurt.” She teased him, pulling out her Hunters Device. Jaden’s magenta eyes blinked in shock before he grinned widely. 

“Kai! Hars! Damn, its been too long.” Jaden pulled the two in a soft hug for a moment making both of them bristle at the sudden contact. Jaden had always been more touchy-feely than they were, even to complete strangers. Most of their adoptive family was like that actually. Hugs were… strange to Kai and Hars. They were both physical beings but due to their Gheyo instincts they preferred a more, stronger touch so to speak. Jaden’s arms barely grazed their backs. Though perhaps that was more due to their reputation as Hunters than anything else. Perhaps Kai shouldn’t have scared Jaden half to death when they were children by showing off just how well she could hunt. 

“A pleasure to see you as always, Jaden,” Kai drawled out, pulling Hars and her out of his grasp with a grimace. “How are you and the kids?” 

Jaden’s bright smile didn’t lessen as he looked between the two Hunters. “Good, good. Mara just had twins three months ago so we’ll have five little feet running around soon enough.” He answered. 

Hars couldn’t help the quiet whine at the thought of Jaden’s family. It was something he had wished for himself. If not children, at the very least bonded of his own. He calmed quickly though as Kai trilled back quiet enough that Jaden couldn’t hear it, reminding him why they were there. “Congratulations.” Hars uttered quietly, moving slightly behind Kai to hide behind her even as he pulled out his Hunters Device as well. 

“Thank you, Hars,” Jaden said with enthusiasm. It wasn’t often that anyone besides father and papa got any words out of the young Hunter. “Hunters Devices, please, ID Number, Real Name, Hunter Name, Rank, and your reason for entering Vosa City today, and approximate out-date?” He asked, focusing on his job as his supervisor who was talking to another Guardian cleared her throat.

Kai raised an eyebrow at his request. In all her years living as a Hunter, she had never been asked for all of that information when entering any of the cities and towns in the Ullilan Kingdom. It was mandatory to give your Hunters Device to be scanned so the Hunter’s Association could keep track of where Hunters were at any given time, but besides that they were rather lax on any other information seeing how the device gave them all of that anyways. The Capital City, Arx, was the only one to ever ask for one's ID Number along with your reason for entering the city. And that was only because the capital was where the Crown Prince and Princess of Ullilan lived. Jaden subtly shook his head at Kai and Hars, warning them with his eyes to go with it. 

She nodded, humming as she handed over her small handheld PDA Hunters Device which was the one that carried all her Hunter’s information on it, unlike her wristwatch Hunters Device which was used for communication, digital maps, and requests for help in whatever area you were in. “ID Number, CHA05-779, Name, Kai Ethica, Hunter Name, Óreiða, Rank, Blood Moon Thirteen S. Hars and I are here to see our adoptive father and papa. I have questions about the Outworld that I figure they might have the answers to having been Hunters longer than us. I can’t give you an approximate out-date. If they don’t know we are planning on searching through the old tomes in the library to see if they hold answers.” Kai easily gave over the information her cousin was asking for without another moment of hesitation. "Trouble with Mimics at the gate, cousin dear? I didn't see any Purple Egresses on the map nearby."

Jaden scanned Kai's Hunters Device with an expert hand, his magenta eyes flickering over the information on the display screen as it beeped. "Got it. Current Out-Date set for two weeks from the time you enter the gate. Should you need more time you can go to the Guardian's Lookout and request more. Please be aware that requests take three days to process, and should you fail to do so you will be forced out of Vosa City and banned from entering for three months." Jaden warned handing back Kai's device. "No, we have not seen any trouble with mimics lately." He added a moment later with a small regretful smile.

Kai frowned, even more confused than before. If Vosa City wasn't implementing such rigorous and formal rules for a safety issue, she had no idea why they would. The only time she had been requested to give an Out-date and her Hunters ID was when mimics were around. They would kill off Hunters and take their devices to the nearest city or town, gain entry and then start a killing spree.

"Hars, your information and Hunters Device?" Jaden asked, looking at Hars who was still trying to hide slightly behind Kai.

Hars reluctantly stepped forward, handing over his Hunters Device with a slight tremble in his hand. He wasn't used to this level of scrutiny and attention and the emotions he was getting from both Kai and Jaden with his Empathy ability only worsened his own nerves. "ID Number, D437H-779, Name, Hars Ethica born of the Syul Circle, Hunter Name, Parva Mors, Rank, Blue Moon Nine S with clearance up to Blue Moon Thirteen when accompanied with a Blood Moon Thirteen S Hunter. I am here with Kai to see our adoptive father and papa and to assist with her research." Hars spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jaden scanned Hars' device with the same expert touch as he did with Kai's, his magenta eyes flickering over the information on the display screen. "Got it, current out-date set for two weeks from the time you enter the gate. Should you need more time you can go to the Guardian's Lookout and request it. Please be aware that requests take three days to process, and should you fail to do so you will be forced out of Vosa City and banned from entering for three months." Jaden repeated what he had told Kai, handing back Hars' Hunters Device.

Hars took his device back with a shaky hand, feeling a sense of relief that the interrogation from Jaden was over. He did share a look with Kai, both of them wondering what was going on.

"New rules implemented?" Kai asked casually, only after sending a glance at the other Guardians manning the gate with Jaden and seeing that they were preoccupied with whatever harsh discussion they were having. They were too into whatever they were speaking about to hear anything that Kai, Hars, or Jaden said so long as they kept their voice down.

"Yes, Kai, new rules. They were put into place a month ago by the Crown Prince and Princess of Ullilan after the Lost Prince was found to be alive. They had learned that he had been going in and out of various towns and cities undetected for years." Jaden answered with a heavy frown before he sent a look around as he leaned in closer to his cousins. "Things have changed because the Lost Prince is suspected of treason. You'll find that every safe place in Ullilan has implemented the same rules."

Kai had to keep herself from stumbling back in shock at what Jaden said. She had met the Lost Prince who had left the safety of Arx City to become a Hunter before she had found Hars but after her father and papa had let her go Hunting on her own while they retired. As she mentally went back through all their encounters, Kai couldn't think of a single one that would leave her to believe the Lost Prince was a traitor to Ullilan. In fact, he had such a strong sense of patriotism for his kingdom that he had given up his cushy, lavish lifestyle as the rightful Crown Prince of the Ullilan Kingdom to become a Hunter and protect his people from monsters taking out one Egress at a time.

Hars, on the other hand, had never met the Lost Prince before. He had only heard about him through the stories that Kai and their fathers had told him. The idea of a hero like the Lost Prince being a traitor to their kingdom was unfathomable to him. It made him wonder what kind of evidence the Crown Prince and Princess had against him to suspect him of such a thing.

"So, they're tightening security to prevent anyone from going in and out of towns undetected?" Kai asked, trying to understand the reasoning behind the new rules.

Jaden nodded grimly. "Yes, and they're also asking Hunters to keep a closer eye on their surroundings and report any suspicious activity. And if you do happen to come across the Lost Prince, please report it immediately to the authorities."

Kai and Hars exchanged a look of understanding. They knew they had to be extra careful during their stay in Vosa City. With the new rules in place, they would have to be very careful on who they trusted when asking questions about Nevarah and possible ways to leave the Ullilan Realm. Kai still couldn't help but frown thinking about the Lost Prince. She couldn't believe for a moment he had done anything treasonous for a single moment.

"Guardian Roha, if you are done processing the Hunters, get them into the gates. Shift change is about to happen which means the gate will be closed for an hour." The Guardian in charge of the gate shouted, catching the cousin's attention. 

“Yes, GIC Scarlett. Thank you for visiting Vosa City, please enjoy your stay.” Jaden forced a smile on his face as he stared at Kai and Hars before lowering his voice. “And stay safe… It’s a dark time right now.” He warned seriously. 

Kai and Hars nodded, taking his warning seriously as they headed through the open gates into the Outer District of Vosa City. The Outer District was the poorer district within the city's protective walls but it was no less lively than the Inner District.

The streets were crowded with people bustling about their daily lives, some peddling wares while others were headed to and from work. The two passed a group of children playing a game in the street, their laughter echoing through the narrow alleys. Despite the child-innocence that made him smile, Hars could feel the sense of unease that every other Hunter they passed held. The new rules and the suspicion surrounding the Lost Prince had added an air of tension to the already dangerous world of monster hunting. The city was always teeming with Hunters, seeing how three high ranking Guilds called Vosa City home, and all of them were on edge and wary of each other. It felt like a powder-keg seconds from kicking off, or Kai whenever Hars put himself in unnecessary danger when they were Hunting.

Kai and Hars easily weaved their way through the crowds with their smaller bodies, their eyes taking in all the sights around them. The buildings in the Outer District were not as grand or intricate as those in the Inner District, but they still had a charm of their own. The architecture was simple, but functional, with narrow alleyways leading off the main streets, some of which were lined with small shops.

"We'll head to the Inner District to see father and papa first. I'm sure they will be happy to see us. It has been too long since we last checked in, and even longer since we actually met them in person." Kai said.

Hars stayed close to Kai's side, his hand reaching up to grab at the cloak she was wearing over her armor that she had put on when Vosa City had come into view. As they walked, Hars kept his senses alert, trying to pick up on any energy that felt out of place. He had a natural talent for reading people's emotions and sensing any danger in the area. It was a skill that had been honed through his years of hunting with Kai, and occasionally their father's on the more dangerous Hunts they feared they'd lose their children to if they didn't tag along.

"I can imagine father will just about strangle us for not sending him a message in the last month." Hars stated, a wry smile on his face.

Kai laughed loudly, smirking at the thought. "Only if he's the one to answer the door. Be ready for a giant bear hug from papa if its him." She shot back at Hars, linking arms with him to make sure they didn't lose each other in the crowd, especially as they got to what they called the Mid-District which was always more packed. Especially on Fridays like today when it was Market Day, which started on Fridays and went until Sunday. Everyone who had wares to sell was out and the Market they had to go through to get to the Inner District of Vosa was jam packed. "Though lets just hope Guild Leader Einar isn't paying father and papa a visit. Even though we pinged him our location a couple days ago, I'm sure he's been driving our father wild asking about us."

Einar Wisp was the current Guild Leader of Silver Wisp, the guild that their adoptive parents had been a part of so they too had sworn their loyalty to it. He was a good guy, naturally cheery and well-meaning but he tended to forget he could private message or even video call Kai and Hars if he needed to speak with them.

As they neared the gate leading to the Inner District, Hars could feel a slight shift in the energy of the crowds around them. It wasn't anything specific, but it was enough to make him tense up slightly. Kai seemed to sense it too, and her hand squeezed Hars' reassuringly.

"It's alright, Hars. Just be on your guard," Kai whispered, her voice barely audible over the sounds of the bustling streets.

Hars nodded and took a deep breath, calming his nerves as they approached the gate. Yet another difference was the fact that a few Guardians were stationed there. The Guardians eyed them warily, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords.

"Names and business?" one of the guards asked gruffly.

Kai stepped forward, her Hunters Device out in a second and held in front of her. "Kai and Hars Ethica, here to see our adoptive father and papa in the Inner District and check in with our Guild, the Silver Wisp Guild." she replied, her voice confident and steady. It wasn't a lie either. Since they were in Vosa City it was mandatory that they checked in with Einar. Kai knew that once again Hars and her were going to be scolded by him for not calling him.

The guard nodded, scanning her Hunter's Device before scanning Hars' as well since the younger Hunter had immediately pulled his out when Kai had. "Everything is in place. Continue as you would." He grumbled, motioning them through the gates.

Kai sneered once Hars and her were far enough away that they couldn't see her. "I don't like this one bit, Hars." She whispered to him, her eyes narrowed as she continued to lead the way to their adoptive parents' villa.

"Me neither." Hars mumbled. Too many rules had changed for Hars to feel comfortable, along with the news of the Lost Prince’s treasonous acts and the tension that even followed them into the Inner District. For a second his scales rippled across his hands, face, and neck before he settled as Kai rumbled reassuringly at him. 

Location: Nevarah: Merrow Courts Throne Room; King Alcandor, Gheyo ACE Neifron , Gheyic Alpha Uri Azer

A loud, angered growl left King Alcandor as he read the report of the latest Merrow disappearance, half listening to Neifron’s verbal report. Once again a flash of a portal had opened up, this time in the center of the Merrow Castle which had never happened before, and it had taken one of their best Healers with it. The portal was just like the other one that had taken away his youngest sister when she was barely four years old, and his younger brother when he was twelve. Though Harry had only become his younger brother when his mother decided she absolutely must have the pretty Pareya duo in her circle despite them being land walkers and Lily having a Fire Affinity. His mother had bonded with Lily and James in secret, and the Merrow Courts had been left in disarray for several years after that. Even more so when Harry had disappeared just like Alcandor’s youngest sister, Kaili. 

These portals had been being investigated for several years. All of them were one of twelve different colors and all of them abducted someone or multiple people in a single flash. There were some reports of entire circles disappearing. There was no way to trace where they had gone. So many excellent trackers had tried but there was nothing to track. In a single flash of colored light, the people were gone as if they had never existed at all. Those who disappeared who had family circles could tell if they were still alive but that was the only thing they could tell. It was similar with those who had bonded into circles. Their bonded could tell if they were alive but nothing past that. No ways of communication could reach them. That was the only reason why Alcandor knew that his younger siblings were still alive, which was better than most. Most died within hours or days of their disappearance. 

And this wasn’t only a Nevarah phenomenon. This happened across every single Realm Alcandor knew about. And absolutely no one had any answers as to what was going on or where the abducted went. 

Alcandor had already been in a bad mood when ACE Neifron had come in with Uri due to his bonded Queen, Killian, having caused trouble in the courts today by insinuating that he might be like his mother and wanted to have land walkers in his circle. Which was far from the truth but something one of the noble Merrow had said had set Killigan off, and he was already a bundle of trouble and chaos rolled into one without having a reason to be petty.

Alcandor slammed the report down on the throe's armrest, his sharp gaze flickering up to Neifron who had taken up the investigation from his family circle. "This is unacceptable. How many more of our people will be taken before we find a way to stop these portals? Especially with this one breaking into our castle and stealing away a Master Mage Healer with it!" he growled, his anger simmering just below the surface. "I want answers, and I want them now." Especially since Kylo's disappearance meant he would have to request a meeting with Princess Ebony of the Fire Courts, his most hated fellow royal. Kylo was born of the Azer Noble Healers Clan, which was why Uri was here in the first place. Kylo though had taken after their Merrow mother more than their Fire and Shadow Sire and Third. Even though Kylo was fully under Alcandor's hand, he would still have to inform Princess Ebony of his disappearance. He had been hoping to stay away from her as much as possible until the Hunt started but that wasn’t what the Immortals had planned for him.

Neifron bowed his head in acknowledgement, his expression grim. "I understand your frustration, Your Majesty. We have been doing everything in our power to investigate these portals, but we have yet to find any leads."

Alcandor clenched his fists, his mind racing with frustration. His people were being taken from their homes, from his castle!, from right under their noses, and there seemed to be nothing he could do to stop it. Just like his mother before him. "From our own damn castle, ACE Neifron! That hasn't happened in the history of these portals appearing and I don't like it at all!" he snarled.

"Your Majesty," Uri spoke up, his voice deep and commanding. "I have been doing some research on the history of these portals,"

"And how the hell does knowing the history going to help us stop them, Azer?" Alcandor sneered.

Uri didn't even flinch under King Alcandor's harsh glare. "The first reported case of these portals happened within the Death Courts. In particular when Lord Aiden was not inside. In fact, all cases that have happened in the Shadow Haunts or near the Death Courts have happened only when Lord Aiden was off-Realm." Uri paused, his eyes glinted slightly. "Now, I'm not saying that Lord Aiden, the First Hellhound has anything to do with it, but I had heard rumors of a defector Reaper of the Death Courts when I was digging around."

Alcandor's eyes widened slightly before a sharp grin formed on his face. "A defector Reaper?" he repeated, his voice laced with disbelief. "And what does that have to do with these portals?"

Uri shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "It's just a theory, Your Majesty. But it's possible that this defector Reaper, known only as Mors Marti, could have some knowledge or involvement in these portals, especially if they were once a part of the Death Courts and as close to Lady Death as he was rumored to be."

Alcandor nodded slowly, his mind racing with the possibilities. "I want you to look into this, Uri, ACE Neifron. Find out everything you can about this defected Reaper and see if they have any connection to these portals." He ordered. This was the only sort of lead there had been in this case for centuries. And even if it was just a rumor he wanted it thoroughly investigated.

"I have a few contacts in the Death Courts who may be able to tell us more." Uri replied with a nod.

"Then do it," Alcandor commanded. "And make sure they know that if they're caught assisting us, there will be consequences." He didn't even want to think of what Lord Aiden would do if he found out the Merrows were investigating his court in relation to the mysterious portals. The last thing Alcandor wanted was another court fall out like the Merrow Courts had had with the Fire Courts. Especially with an Immortal, Lady Death, on Aiden's side.

Uri nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I will do everything in my power, Your Majesty," he promised before giving a look to Neifron. "We shall leave no stone unturned in our investigation." The ACE and Alpha nodded to each other before bowing to King Alcandor as they took their leave of the throne room.

Alcandor watched them go before sighing heavily glaring at the report. Now he just had to go inform Princess Ebony of this mess. Though he would make sure to keep the fact that Uri was doing his bidding and the rumor lead that he had found.