Chapter 03 : Becoming A Hunter

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For the next week Jamie and Shawn learn the basics of becoming a forager.

Garris: Today is going to be berries day for us.

Shawn: Where are the others?

Garris: Nam and the others are off on the hunting trip.

Shawn: What are they hunting?

Garris: Well this month is FONUK season, they are abundant this year, small rabbit like creatures, with 6 legs. In my opinion the least tastiest ones.

Jamie: Garris?

Garris: What is it?

Jamie: What would it take for me to become a hunter?

Garris: You don't look like the type.

Jamie: I don't care.

Garris: Well, if you are intent on that, you must participate in the upcoming Nellmian battle rituals.

Jamie: Rituals? When does it start?

Garris: They are in the next 2 months, but let me be honest, you won't make it. You're a women, you should just stay where you are more adjusted for-

Jamie: (trying to not seem annoyed) Like what?

Garris: In the Nellmi culture you would be the caretakers.

Jamie: Look Garris, I don't know what you think of me, but I'm more capable than you think.

Garris: I'm sure for a woman you are strong, but this way of life is rough for even us men.

Jamie: We'll see.

Garris: You would have to see Jason about training. Right now, we have to go forage.

Shawn: Alright I have the tools, let's go–(sees Jamie) you coming too?

Jamie: I'll be out on this one.

Jamie took a stroll through the village looking for Jason, who at the time happens to be out on a trip with a friend.

Jamie decides to go to Dekod and asks where Jason's house is, Dekod points at the top of a relatively large tree.

Jamie climbs to the top and knocks on the door of the hut.

Jamie: Afternoon Ms. Johnson, is Jason here?

Mrs. Johnson: He went out this morning, probably doing something in our weaponries with his friends.

Jason and his family owned a few of the weapon houses in the village, they were one of the first families to settle in alongside the Nelmi people.

As Jamie climbs down, she sees that one of the weapon houses, nearest to the forest, had occasional sparks coming from it. Curious, Jamie went in to check.

Jamie walks into the dimly lit room, with a subtle smell of dirt and fire, the room was quiet except for the occasional tink of metal.

Jamie: Hello?

A Nelmi person about the height of Ant suddenly appears, with weapons in hand ready to shoot,

Cazar:(screaming) SHOW ME YOUR HANDS IF YOU DON'T WANNA DIE! (looks at the unfazed Jamie) BANG!!! (silence) Looks like we got a fighter here! (laughing and putting his guns away).

Cazar: Hello beautiful, what are you doing here, this ain't no place for human like you to be at-

Henson: Knock it off Cazar and chase the girl away.

Henson was a tall man, his face looked deprived of sleep, and his body was frailer than dead branches, he had a broken leg which made him walk funny.

Cazar: You heard the boy, get out!

Jamie: Hold on! Do you know where Jason is?

Henson: My brother? He's off doing whatever idiots do these days.

Jamie: You're his brother? You guys look nothing alike.

Henson: Do I know you?

Jamie: No, I'm Jamie, sorry to bother you, but-

Henson:(goes back to tinkering weapons) Jason's not here, you should come back tomorrow.

As Jamie was about to exit the room she sees Henson's collection of guns.

Jamie: You like guns?

Henson: No, I just collect them.

Cazar: This guy is hopeless, the only shit he's capable of is collecting useless garbage. He used to be one of the best hunters, but after that incident, he ain't never touched no weapon again (looks at the pitiful Henson).

Henson: You're talking too much Cazar.

To Jamie's surprise, there was also a Gaoboloo's skull present.

Jamie: Is this the skull of a...

Cazar: Yep, he caught it on his third hunt. Did I mention that he was alone too. (sighs) That brat was so stupid he got lost, can you believe it? What hunter doesn't know their direction! (laughing loudly).

Henson: (gets up) You're not supposed to be here, (motions Jamie to leave) I hope I won't be seeing you around soon.

Jamie: Wait!! (puts her foot in between the door)I want to be a hunter!

Cazar: Ummm, did I hear you wrong? You? A hunter!? (laughing).

Henson: Cazar will you be quiet?!

Cazar: You didn't hear her, she wants to be a hunter! (continues to laugh a bit).

Henson: Hunting is not a playground, I suggest you rethink ev-

Jamie: I know the dangers, I was there when the gaoboloo attacked the foragers a few weeks back.

Henson: Then you should know that a hunter's job is not to hunt, it's to protect.

Jamie: That's exactly why I want to become a hunter!

Henson: (looks at Jamie for 5 second) Okay…(proceed to close the door on Jamie).

Jamie:(banging on the door) Listen! I'm not done! You fought a gaoboloo once. If I can get your help then I'm sure I can become a hunter too.

Henson: (suddenly opens the door) What's in for me?

Jamie: I'll do anything.

Henson wasn't sure if he can trust the freak he'd just met, but judging from her behavior, he might possibly?

Henson: Anything?

Jamie agreed to the demand as she was desperate.

Henson: I'll see you at the Thulium Spectrum in three days.

*

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Jamie arrived just in time, Shawn had returned from foraging a few minutes ago.

Shawn:(putting down a huge basket of berries) huuuuu! That was a long trip, wasn't it Eizil?

Jamie: (sees the foraging team settling down) Hey Shawn (she picks up the basket of berries and begins walking to the cafeteria).

Shawn: You found Jason?

Jamie: No… but I found someone better.

Shawn: Oh yeah, this is Eizil, a relative of Garris.

Eizil: Eizil (shakes Jamie's hand excitedly),so you're the Jamie Garris was rambling about.

Jamie: Really?

Eizil: yeah he was talking about how (imitating Garris)women these days are too demanding and ignorant!

Jamie: Hah, sounds like him.

Eizil: You know I'm happy I heard about you, because (whispers) I want to become a hunter too.

Jamie: But-

Eizil: I know! Old man would say no but I'm just going to do it anyway.

Os'ol: Eizil! I need some hands!

Eizil: Coming! (turns back) I'll see you at the ritual (to Jamie).

Jamie to Shawn: What's her situation?

Shawn: You know Molkxe'ia, the person that was with Dekod a few days ago? ( Jamie shakes head) Apparently, she's his daughter. (eating the berries in his hand) I've got to say XIMA berries are way better than earth berries, anyway, yeah she's got a weak body so there's no way Molkxe'ia is gonna let her participate too, less he probably gonna make sure she fails.(stomach growls) Imma head to the cafeteria, see you.

THREE DAYS LATER

Jamie sent Ant to School and headed to the Thulium Spectrum, a training ground for hunters. Cazar and Henson had long arrived.

Cazar to Henson: You sure you wanna teach her, I mean it's probably best to not give false hope (Jamie came rushing) Look at her, she's already tired from running and MAN look at you, you can't even walk properly!

Henson:(stuff Cazar with bread) Did anyone ever tell you that you look better when your mouth is shut?

Jamie: Sorry, I'm not late am I?

Henson:(walking towards the bow and arrow section) Pick a bow.

Jamie took the lightest.

They walk to the shooting ground and Henson is 100 feet away from the target. Henson proceeds to shoot and hits a bullseye.

Cazar: I see you still got your eye, haha not even worse than the last time, was it 4 or 3 years ago?

Jamie tries shooting, the arrow goes about 25 feet away from the target and fails to hit the board.

Jamie: I'll try again (proceeds to fail).

Cazar: Haa, I say it's best to give up now. Huntings ain't meant for women Jamie.

Jamie continues shooting.

Henson:(looks at the hopeless Jamie) Until you can hold a bow properly, don't come see me.

Jamie: That's it?

Henson: That's it.

Henson staggered up the road and within a second he was nowhere to be seen.

Cazar: Gotta go, that loser might fall again.

20 minutes into the training and Jamie's mentor was already gone. Was it right to have asked Henson to be her trainer?

Jamie persists on training and continues shooting and missing her shots for one hour.

Eizil: Jamie, what are you doing here?

Jamie:(shows her the bow and arrow) Training.

Eizil: With no one to help? You won't even be able to shoot by the end of day.

Jamie: I'll have to try my luck.

Eizil: Luck brings you nowhere, Jamie. (takes Jamie's bow and hands her another one) You should use this one, choose a bow according to your weight and strength, the one earlier was too light, you won't be able to shoot accurately.

Jamie: Who's training you?

Eizil: I've been learning since young, my dad was a hunter, a good one too, so was my mom (shoots arrow) and now is my turn (hits target). I don't want to be foraging through the forest when I know I can do much more, I want to hunt.

Jamie continues practicing with Eizil, with Eizil's help, Jamie quickly picks up on the basics of sharp shooting, they practice until the sun begins to set a bright pink across the endless sky.

Jamie went to pick up Ant, but he was already home with Shawn.

Ant: Jamie! Where have you been? I've been looking for you!

Shawn: Saw him looking for you earlier, you good?

Jamie: Yeah, thanks for looking out for him while I was gone.

Shawn sees the blister on Jamie's hand.

Shawn: Maybe being a forager is not that bad.

Jamie: No thanks, I'm still going to try

Shawn: Why?

Jamie: Just thinking back to the encounter we had with that monster, we were helpless. I don't ever want to feel like that again, helpless…

Shawn: It was a one off thing, I asked the others, they said that Gaoboloos are very rare.

Jamie: Still I think of everything I endured so far, it still doesn't feel real living here, I feel anxious about things, especially when I think about Ant and his safety.

Shawn: I don't have a family, but I know that this life is way better than the one on earth, and just thinking about losing this way of life makes me also anxious. So if you're really intent on this, I'll support you however.

Jamie: Why don't you become a hunter with me?

Shawn: Nah, I don't think I have the guts for that.

*

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Jamie was out training even before the sun rose. 80 arrows used so far, Jamie wasn't going to give up easily. Henson watches from afar out of sight from Jamie, her look used to be his too. Henson was a fighter, he knew all his strengths and weaknesses.

Cazar: You touched?

Henson: When'd you get here?

Cazar: A while ago.

*

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Henson heading back.

Cazar: I think she can become a hunter.

Henson: I thought you said she had no hope.

Cazar: That was before, but don't you see her (Jamie working hard) I bet latest she'll come is tomorrow.

At the training ground.

Eizel: You did it Jamie! You did it!

Jamie: I did..(looks at the countless arrows on the ground).

Eizil: I knew I wasn't wrong about you! You'll surely win against them in the upcoming rituals.

Jamie: Can't be confident yet.

Eizil: I haven't asked but, who's your trainer?

Jamie: Henson.

Eizil: Henson?! You're not talking about that Henson are you?

Jamie: Jason's brother.

Eizil: Have you not heard? He's a crazy human!

Jamie: I did, but not fully, what happened to his leg?

Eizil: Well, I'm not so sure either, but I heard Henson's leg was the result of a Bal'uk, a panther-like creature half the size of a Gaoboloo, I've never seen one but according to Mama Ueey Te, it is the protector of the forest. As long as you don't bother it, it won't bother you.

Jamie: Then how did he get it?

Eizil: They tried to steal a cub and got caught. If you've seen Henson then you've probably seen Cazar too. Cazar's brother, Mayruuu, lost his life trying to save them from the Bal'uk.

Next Morning.

*knocks on door, door opens*

Jamie:(taking a deep breath) I'm ready–

Henson throws out a saddle.

Henson: You're gonna need that, we're going to get you a Zinea. Cazar!

Cazar: Just give me 5 seconds! (pops out with some weapons) Okay. (hands Jamie some water) We're heading to the Dry Range.

Jamie: The Dry Range?

Cazar: It's 30 miles to the east of the forest, used to be our training ground…anyway it's pretty hot there (putting some water into a bag).

Cazar heads to the Te' Aue Terrain with Henson and Jamie, the place where the village's Zineas (horse like creatures) are kept.

Cazar: I'm back baby! Ahh the smell of grass and nature, oh how I missed you!

Zep'uzii: Cazar! (bringing a Zinea along with him) I was surprised you asked for Akeaw.

Henson and Cazar: Morning, uncle!

Zep'uzii: Henson, it's been ages, how are you doing?

Henson: Usual, is Akeaw ready?

Zep'uzii: Yeah (hands the Zinea to Henson).

Cazar: Please pretend you didn't see me, (walking pass Zep'uzii) mother's going to beat me if she knows.

Zep'uzii: Be on your way, promise I'll keep my mouth shut, you guys aren't off to do something illegal this time right?

Cazar: Nope! Just a regular ole stroll, Henson needs nature.

Jamie, Cazar and Henson headed toward the Dry Range. The Dry Range was an isolated desert east from the village.

They hiked 30 miles across the mountains and rivers.

Henson: We're here (gets down from the Zinea leaving only Cazar on it). This is the Dry Range.

Jamie looks at the old abandoned place, pieces of weapons can be found everywhere including a small hut.

Henson: I'll be there, (pointing at the hut) you can train with Cazar, I want you to be able to ride Akeaw before sundown.

Henson headed towards the hut and sat down.

Jamie looks at Cazar: I'll be in your hands then.

Cazar: No worries,(clears throat) this is Akeaw, he's very friendly (Akeaw lunges and kicks as Cazar tries to approach) heh, I meant only to Henson.

Jamie: Akeaw was Henson's Zinea? (Cazar nods).

Cazar: Anyway, (stroking his Zinea's hair) you must first form a connection, show it that you mean no harm, once it lets its guard's down,(jumps onto his Zinea) you hop onto it, try to tame it with your strength, balance is also extremely important, give it a try.

Jamie: Okay. (approaching from behind Akeaw).

Akeaw lunged forward and ran towards a tree.

Cazar: You won't get him that way, never approach from behind, approach it from the front, a place where it can see you.

Jamie: (takes another breath) Okay…

Jamie approaches Akeaw showing both hands, then moving in slowly. Calmly talking to Akeaw to reassure him before giving another try.

Jamie grabbed onto Akeaw's leash and quickly climbed onto the saddle.

Akeaw startled once more and hurried to another area. Jamie fell and injured herself.

She fails again, but this time Akeaw was slowly letting its guard down.

Jamie was able to tame Akeaw before sundown.

Henson and Cazar sleeping soundly *CLANG*

Cazar:(surprised by the sound) What happened?

Jamie came riding down Akeaw: (smiles) I'm ready.

Cazar: Way to go! (hitting Henson) She tamed your Zinea, Akeaw wasn't that loyal after all, I thought she was never gonna run again.

They returned after a long day, Jamie was eating berries in the front yard as Eizil helped clean up her injuries.

Eizil: It's too dangerous, maybe you should stop.

Jamie: You didn't stop when others were telling you to.

Eizil: I'm different, I'm a Nelmi.

Jamie: And I'm just a human who's weak so I shouldn't have too much hope?

Eizil: That's not what I meant, I support you but…there's going to be many strong opponents…

Jamie:(gets up) Thanks for worrying, but I'm not giving up (smile).

Ant: Jamie!

Jamie: Got to go.

Ant and Guaven were walking home together after playing with Tuknu, another Nelmi in the neighborhood.

Ant: Can I go to Guaven's place tonight?

Guaven: My father's returning tonight so there's going to be a feast, you come too Jamie!

Jamie and Ant along with Shawn went to Guaven's place.

Eyitska, Guaven's mother, was preparing dinner. Guaven's house was located near the middle of the village, his father Kai Te, an Ontemor, was returning after a trip to the Te Kiini Plateau.

Eyitska: Make yourself at home, we'll be done in no time.

Uyok: Eyitska! Kai Te's arrived!

Kai Te along with his eldest son Nikaaw arrived, carrying some strange creatures and bags full of fruits.

Guaven: Father!

They exchange some hugs before settling down for dinner.

Kai Te: I've heard of you guys from Genny, how's it so far?

Shawn: Love it here.

Jamie: It's nice.

Uho comes in and alerts Kai Te of something before heading out.

After dinner, everyone returns to their place,

Guaven's place however was in chaos.

Eizil: (whispers to Jamie) That's Nikaaw (Nikaaw talking to his father, more like arguing).

Jamie: You know what happened?

Eizil: He wants the Nellmis to join the Revolutionists and Kai Te is against it, also one of the reasons why they went to Te Kiini Plateau (whispers to Jamie) to prevent Nikaaw from joining Tonqui's group.

The next morning, Shawn was getting ready to go collect some fruits along the Paohu Cliff.

Shawn: I'm going to harvest some Crestrels with Garris's group, are you going training again?

Jamie: (nod) I'll see you later.

Weeks of training with Henson went by and Jamie was picking up her pace catching up to Eizil and the other hunters. She'd learned the basics of weaponry and forest navigation and connections. Until eventually the rituals came.

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On the day of the ritual all the people and Nellmis who wanted to join would enter the gymnasium.

The first challenge of the ritual was to be able to scale the tall trees of the Janou forest.

Overseen by the village leader Totue, and Nam and Garris.

4 Nellmis and 3 humans were present in the hunting trials, they stood around one of the biggest trees near the village.

Nam: (in Nellmian) On your mark! Get set! Go!

They all jolted up the tree, it was clear that the Nellmis had an advantage in this challenge, one of the best trainees was called Binae, he was the son of Dekod, Binae is 5'8, an abnormal height for his species especially males who are usually 5'2.

With Jamie and Eizel near the end, this challenge was not their strong point.

Suddenly one of the Nellmi, Gonoi, fell from the tree.

Gonoi: Damn you Binae!

Binae: Haha, sorry!

Binae had swept the leg of Gonoi causing him to lose his grip and fall, Gonoi caught a branch before falling all the way and was now behind everyone.

One human fell from getting their leg swiped and now Jamie and Eizel are no longer last, but Gonoi is catching up to both of them, he plans to sweep their legs and make them lose their grips.

Gonoi reaches Jamie and she manages to avoid the grip of his arms, barely.

Jamie: Get away from me asshole!

Gonoi: I'm not going to be second to last!

Suddenly Eizel jumps down and stomps on Gonoi's face, Gonoi falls on the human below him and they both land on the soft cushion at the bottom of the tree.

NAM: First place BINAE!, Second place TETE!, and third place LANCE, fourth EIZEL! Fifth JAMIE!

They all ascend down and Binae Celebrates his first win in the challenge.

Jamie in her head: (out of breath) Not even a sweat from those freaks.

Eizeil: You good jamie?

Jamie: (looking at Eizel, her arms are shaking) Yes, you on the other hand don't look so great.

Eizeil: It's just the nerves.

Jamie: Thank you by the way, for saving my ass from getting swept.

Eizeil: No problem, Gonoi's a jerk anyways. I was hoping to do that all day.

Binae: (approaches the two girls) Quit while you ladies have the chance, especially you Eizeil. Your body is already breaking down.

Jamie: Like hell we are.

Eizeil sticks her tongue out at Binae in retaliation.

Binae: Whatever, just make sure you don't get in my way, I don't want to hurt you frail little girls.

Nam: Alright get up princesses, our next challenge will be in the Janou.

Cazar and Henson were watching from afar.

Cazar: That was a blow out.

Henson: Yeah…

Cazar: Well, it wasn't our fault she's gonna fail becoming a hunter, who would've guessed Binae and Tete are both participating this year, I thought the age limit for Nellmis was 25.

Henson: It was probably because of Molkxe'ia, you know that girl Eizeil is his daughter, he doesn't want her to become a hunter because she's weaker than sticks.

Cazar: Since when did you become a stalker? Ahah never expected this-

Henson hits the top of Cazars head.

Nam and the participants go into the forest.

Nam: We have hid 4 glow ores here, the range is a 3 mile radius, bring them to me in the next 2 hours to secure your spot for the next event.

Tete: Can we bring more than one?

Nam: Yes, if you find one and want to keep continuing to find more to eliminate your competition, you can.

Tete and Binae smirks, and the others are visibly nervous.

Nam: The time starts now!

Tete and Binae are instantly gone.

Jamie: Best of luck Eizil.

Eiziel: You too!

30 min passed and Jamie found nothing, no sign of anything.

She runs into the trail that Garris used to get into the mountains.

She then remembers the sensation of the yero, how it bumps up the physical abilities of things that consume it. Though the mountain is 3 miles outside of the range of where the ores were hidden, Jamie decides that her only hope of finding the ores was to up her senses, so she runs as fast as possible towards the mountain.

40 more minutes passed and she reached the mountains, and entered the cave.

When she was inside the cave, there was barely any light, no glow from the yeros.

Jamie feels hopeless now, all her effort amounted to nothing, she looks above her trying to keep her tears from falling. Then the glow of one yero widens the eyes of Jamie and keeps her dream alive.

Jamie throws rocks at the yero but none of them hit.

She then remembers the words of Henson's mentorship.

"To hit your target you must be able to control the mind and breath, take a deep breath and empty your mind".

Jamie takes a deep breath and clears her mind, then throws a rock perfectly at the yero, it falls and Jamie catches it.

She immediately takes a bite of it and runs back into the range of the glow ores.

The effects of the yero were not as potent as the first time, but Jamie is still able to see the gentle glow of things everywhere, she can hear the leaves touch the canvas of the purple ground.

She takes a deep breath once more and begins to investigate all the glowing areas.

After a while she finds one stashed behind a thick brush, Jamie gets the orb and begins to return.

On the way back she heard a scream, it sounded like Eizeil.

Jamie: It can't be.

The scream again is heard, this time Jamie was sure it was Eizeil.

Despite having 15 minutes left Jamie goes to help Eizeil.

Because of the effects of the yero Jamie is 3 times as fast as she is regularly, she reaches the scene and is horrified to see Lance and Tete beating up Eizeil to a pulp.

Lance: Sorry Eizeil, it's for the best if you don't get up, We already promised your father you won't be making it.

Tete: Lance is right, the medics will be here after it's all done, just rest and don't get up, we don't want to hurt you anymore.

Lance: Now give us your Glow ore.

Eizeil: Like hell I will.

TETE: (sighs) Suit yourself.

Tete jumps in the air and tries to stomp on Eizel, while in the air Jamie tackles Tete and she begins to punch him.

Lance jumps on Jamie's back but Jamie hears him moving and dodges making Lance land on Tete.

Tete then punches Lance thinking he was Jamie, Lance is knocked out.

Jamie runs to Eizel and picks her up, carrying Eizel on her back she runs as fast as she can back to Nam.

Tete shakes the unconscious Lance awake and begin to follow after them, just a few seconds have passed and they begin to catch up.

Eizeil: Let me go, they'll catch up!

Jamie: No way.

Eizeil: Jamie, I can handle myself, I'm not a helpless little girl!

Jamie: Who said I thought you were helpless.

Eizeil: Then let me go, I can handle them!

Jamie: I'm carrying you because I can't live with myself knowing that your face is getting beat down, just shut up and let me help you!

Lance: Get back here you!

TETE: I'm gonna make you regret that human lady!

They continue the chase but Jamie makes it to Nam's feet just in time.

Tete jumps on Jamie and tries to throw a punch but Nam catches the punch.

Nam: Game over! Where are your glow ores?

Jamie and Eizel show their ores and Tete as well, Lance has no ore and Binae had his an hour before anyone.

Nam: Good job everyone, Lance, Gonoi, and Aron you guys are eliminated. Please try again next year.

Jamie and Eizeil are exhausted, and Nam looks at the two who are laying on the floor heavily breathing.

Nam: Lucky for you guys the next and final challenge will be tomorrow, that is it for today, go to the medic room to get treated everyone.

Binae: I'm good, I'm not hurt, I'll see you guys at the next one.

Jamie returns back to her rest room and falls asleep instantly.

Shawn: Damn look at her.

Ant: Is she going to be okay?

Shawn: I don't know Ant, just hope for the best.

Ant goes to Jamie and snuggles up with her.

The next day Jamie was already gone early in the morning.

Nam: You're a little early.

Jamie: So what?

Nam: Nothing, that's a good thing, but you gotta wait now.

The time arrived and Binae, Eiziel and Tete arrived.

Nam: For our final challenge, we will be using weapons.

Tete: Yes!

Nam: You can pick whichever you want, so pick wisely.

Everyone picks their weapons.

Tete picks up a bow, Eizil picks up a bow, Binae picks up a Nellmian weapon which is a combination of a spear that can turn into two swords when detached in the middle.

Jamie picks up a spear.

Nam: Now your challenge today is going to be..to retrieve these Jewaqs,(pointing at the two pig-like creatures with horns in a cage) alive. Only two people will pass this challenge.

Nam releases them from their cage and they ran into the forest.

Nam: 3 2 1, go!

The participants all run to the Jewaqs, Binae and Jamie go towards the same one, and Tete and Eiziel go towards the same one as well.

Binae stops in his tracks and faces towards Jamie.

BInae: I warned you to not get in my way.

Binae throws a spear strike at Jamie, but Jamie deflects it with her own spear.

Jamie: Sorry but you're not becoming a hunter today, I am.

Binae: (aggravated) You humans are way too cocky.

Binae unsheathes his spear and reveals the two swords, he runs towards Jamie and Jamie throws a strike.

Binae dodges and slashes and breaks Jamie's spear.

Jamie runs away from Binae as the slash of his swords barely grazes Jamie's face.

Binae: Heh, that's what I thought.

Binae returns to chasing the Jewaq and Jamie is left disappointed.

Jamie: Damn it, what is that weapon anyways, I guess it's best to maintain my distance and wait for the perfect chance instead of rushing into a worthless fight.

Jamie follows Binae from a distance.

Just a few hundred feet away from Jamie was Eiziel chasing the jewaq, with her bow in hand she had already shot the jewaq in the legs and it was slowing down.

Tete: You're mine now!

Tete lunges from behind Eizeil and tackles her to the ground.

Eizeil uses her bow to hit Tete in the face but he withstands the hit.

Tete: (snickering) You're weak.

Eizeil then wraps her legs around Tete's head to perform a choke.

Tete lifts her up and tries to body slam her, just then the jewaq comes and knock them both.

Tete: Damn you!

Eizeil is breathing heavily, she reaches for her bow which had been knocked out from her hand.

The Jewaq charges at Eiziel once more and Eiziel dodges the attack after picking up her bow.

Tete then lunges at Eizeil once more and she dodges it this time, Eizeil jumps onto a tree and loads her bow.

Tete sees this and loads his bow, they both shoot at the same time towards each other and their arrows collide.

The jewaq lunges at Tete this time and Tete is hit, he decides to wrestle the Jewaq first, and puts the animal in a headlock.

Eiziel sees her opportunity and waits for them to fight it out. The Jewaq is now choked out but still breathing, Tete is also tired. Eiziel is hidden in the trees.

Tete: Show yourself! You need this Jewaq if you want to win!

Eiziel throws a stick to distract Tete.

Tete lunges in the area of where the stick landed. Eiziel jumps on his back and uses her bow to choke Tete out.

Tete jumps in the air to fall backward in order to slam Eiziel on the ground.

Eiziel spits out blood but still holds onto her choke and after 30 seconds Tete is knocked out.

Eiziel then goes and picks up the Jewaq, she can't pick it up so she drags it by the leg.

Binae now has the jewaq in his hands, it is tired and not moving, jamie sees this and stops Binae in his tracks

Binae: Still not scared?

Jamie: Never.

Binae drops the jewaq and unsheathes his spear once more into two swords.

Binae: Coming at me with no weapons? It's your fault if you die.

Jamie runs head on to Binae, he slashes at her head but she slides underneath him to the Jewaq.

She shows in her hand the yero that she had not finished the day before, she eats the entire thing.

Binae: A yero? Hah! you're a crazy woman.

Jamie: They all say that, who cares?

Jamie carries the jewaq on her back and sprints as fast as she can back to nam, with Binae following her.

Jamie: Damn it he's closing distance, and without a yero?! What a freak!

Binae from behind her: I guess those foragers didn't tell you but yeros are a poisonous fruit, only warriors of the Janou forest can withstand the poison.

Jamie: Guess that makes me a warrior then.

Binae: In your dreams! You're nowhere close to my father or any other warriors.

Binae closes the gap and grabs Jamie's legs, Jamie falls on the floor and Binae strikes at her leg. Jamie performs a spin and dodges the strike.

Binae strikes at her body this time, and Jamie can't dodge this one. It pierces her abdomen and Jamie grabs onto the sword.

Binae: Let go, you bastard!

Binae kicks Jamie in the face and Jamie bites Binae's toes.

Jamie then trips Binae and he falls onto the ground, Jamie gets up and picks up the jewaq she dropped when Binae tackled her and starts running once more with the jewaq on her back,

Nam is now in her sight, and so is Eiziel, both of them on an open plain, Jamie pops out of the forest and is running towards them now.

Eiziel: You made it!

Just then Binae pops from the forest.

Eiziel: Oh no, hurry Jamie, Binae is behind you!

Binae jumps on jamie and knocks her down, he grabs onto the jewaq and sprints towards Nam.

Binae: Made it!

Jamie collapsed on the ground, her clothes with visible blood on the side.

Eizeil quickly runs to help Jamie up.

Eizeil: Are you okay Jamie!?

Jamie: (breathing heavily) I couldn't do it, I'm sorry Eizeil.

Eizeil: It's okay, everything is going to be alright.

Jamie is now unconscious and Eiziel takes her into the medic room.

Jamie awakes with Shawn, Ant, and Eiziel and Nam on her side.

Jamie: I'm sorry guys, I couldn't do it.

Shawn: Jamie, what are you talking about?

Jamie: I couldn't become a hunter, I can't protect the people I cherish.

Nam: Ahahaha that's why you want to become a hunter? You're more noble than any of us, anyways don't stress it. Binae said he doesn't want to become a hunter, now you have the position!

Eizeil: You hear that Jamie, we made it!

*

*

*

The next week Jamie is all healed up, Jamie goes to Dekod and sees Binae with her.

Dekod: Jamie, welcome back, you're all better now?

Jamie: Yeah, Mineu said I can come back today.

Dekod: Well, this is my son Binae.

Jamie: Yeah I know him, (she stares at Binae).

Binae: Oh, you're that girl from the rituals, listen, no hard feelings right? All is good?

Jamie: Can we talk alone?

Binae: Why?

Jamie pulls Binae to the side.

Jamie: Why'd you do it?

Binae: I don't want to become a hunter.

Jamie: Then why did you even join the rituals?

Binae: Eiziel's father said I must "stop his daughter from becoming a hunter", but Tete failed at stopping her, and laying my fingers against a Nellmi women is against the wishes of my mother, so I just quit.

Jamie: You mean you didn't want her father to find out you didn't stop her?

Binae: Her father's a monster, I don't want to be involved in the drama.

Jamie: (distraught) Then.., why'd didn't you just let me win! Why'd you have to stab me!

Binae: Because you bit my toes! Look, I got my revenge and you got your spot, we're even.

Binae leaves and Jamie goes back to her place. She goes into her room and puts up a picture frame of her family.

A knock on her door is heard and Jamie opens the door, it was Eiziel.

Eiziel: Are you ready?

Jamie: (takes a deep breath) Yeah.

They go into the hunter's lounge and are introduced to all the other hunters, 10 in total, now 12.