Summoner's Beginnings (Book 1.8 - Complete)

Cat sent a Medic to Fate. He arrived, and passed the two guards.

Gawl and Joey examined the man as he entered.

"I'm the healer." He stated, but before they could say anything he felt Fate's forehead. "It's nothing too serious. She overexerted her mana. Please tell me how this happened?"

Joey was silent.

Gawl, "She's a summoner. Summoner's pass mana to their summons."

"I understand. Well this will take awhile." He pulled out a few mana shards, and seemed to place them in the air above Fate. The blue crystals began shining. "Please step out while I perform the transfer. The chief has given you permission to roam around. He told me to tell you, that should you go around we don't want you to, you'll be killed."

Gawl smirked. "They can try." He went out the door.

Joey was more reluctant. "Tell me how I can trust you?"

"I'm a healer, it's my job in life to help people. I took a blood oath to uphold that ideal. If any harm comes to my patients, I too get the same symptoms." He waved at the guards to take Joey out.

Still unsure, he stepped outside. But he didn't wander off. Instead he waited.

Gawl got evil looks wherever he went. He knew they didn't like him, but Gawl didn't care. He was looking for Cat. He turned a corner and quickly stepped back. he peeked around the corner.

Cat was playing with some children, while other children waited for their turns.

That's when it hit Gawl. Of all the people he had seen, none were between 12 and 24, except for Cat that is. He wondered at why that was, when he realized Cat had spotted him.

She sighed and told the children she had some business to take care of.

They awed then ran off to find something else.

Cat walked up to Gawl. "I assume the he kicked you out?"

"Yea." Gawl said leaning onto the wall. "Tell me, Why aren't there any people around your age?"

"So you noticed?" Cat took a breath. "I can't tell you that. Maybe some other time."

"Fair enough. Then how about a question you can answer. What will happen to us?"

"You'll be made an offer... and if you don't accept, we can't let you leave quietly." With that Cat walked away from Gawl.

Gawl examined her as she left, then grinned.

Fate opened her eyes, to see five blue crystals circling above her. A blue aura was floating down to her. She took her eyes away from them and looked at the person sitting at the table. "Where am I?"

The man closed his book and turned to her. "Your friends are still here. Cat brought you three here to the Raider village. I am a healer who was ordered to help you."

Fate relaxed, she didn't sense lies from the man. "I'm weak aren't I?"

"Yes. You may be a summoner, but your body was never meant to handle the pressure. I'm sure that just making a pact threatens your life. There are two ways to explain this. First is that, you were born this way. With a body that can't handle too much mana differences. or second, something made you this way. I can't say what did it though, because I do not know."

Fate listened to his words intently until he finished. "Is there anyway I can fix this?"

"Find out what's causing it. But I suggest you make no more then three more summon pacts, and never summon more then one. The strain on your body might kill you."

"I understand." Fate responded. She fell asleep again.

The healer looked at the girl as she fell back asleep. He felt a stab of nostalgia, then quickly he went back to reading.

Joey sat against the wall, waiting for the medic to finish with Fate.

Cat walked up to him. "Waiting huh? Hardest part."

Joey looked up at her. "Why did you help us? I can understand trying to save Palnor. But I can't understand how you people live. Instead of making peace and free trade, you raid caravans and attack travelers."

"Well, I was never suppose to bring you three here. It's against our laws."

Joey examined her when she said those words.

"As for why we live like this. It's a long explanation I would rather not get into right now." Cat knocked on the door.

Joey got to his feet.

The healer opened the door. "It's fine, you can come in now."

Cat went inside and Joey followed her. He saw the blue crystals dissipate, he went over and felt Fate's forehead. He felt it normal. He thanked some nameless being.

"She'll be fine when she wakes up." He picked his book off the table. "I'm sure you have much to discuss." He left.

Cat looked at Joey and watched him worrying over Fate.

Gawl entered from the door. The room was silent for awhile.

Fate awoke several hours later. She sat up.

Joey smiled. "Welcome back."

She looked around the room, and saw Cat. "Thank you for helping us."

Cat was silent.

"Fate the final choice is yours. I will follow you no matter your decision." Joey said before standing and walking away from her.

Gawl was silent as he watched.

Fate was confused. "What do you mean?"

"Raiders will not simply let people into their village without certain conditions. I broke those conditions. For we cannot trust you." Cat searched for the words. Even though she had already talked with Gawl and Joey she still didn't know what to say. "You cannot be trusted, and I broke a law. We both have to be punished you see. But because your a summoner that makes it more difficult. So the chief has made an offer. In exchange you'll be let go free."

"What are the conditions?"

"That you consider allying with the raiders. I also have to travel with you until I see fit you won't tell of our location. As a sign of good faith, we offer the location of a summon dais."

Fate thought about it. She looked to Joey and Gawl who didn't give her any signs. "I don't see a problem with it."

"I'll go tell the chief then." Cat left the room.

Leaving the three to talk.

Four of them entered the cave. Cat, Fate, Joey, and a guard. Gawl had elected to stay behind.

"The raiders defend things for years, and dig the sands. Every so often we find places like these." Cat explained. "But this is the longest we've been in one place. For what we found done here was too important to leave open to adventurers. So in usual suit we are digging out the paths, so we can seal this place properly. Then the raiders will move on again."

"What you found was a summoner's dais?"

"Yes. As well as a huge underground cavern, and a small reservoir. These are riches to us, for water in the desert is scarce."

Cat and the guard lit torches as the sunlight vanished behind them.

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They walked for awhile. Then the tunnel opened up to a large cavern. The torch light couldn't reach out far enough to dispel the darkness.

The path was narrow with no railings. It was ancient.

Fate had no fear of heights, but was clinging to Joey's sleeve anyway.

Joey enjoyed the small touch.

-----------

Cat told the guard to wait. Then she light the torches along the wall, as they entered a ancient ruin.

Eventually they came to a room with a dais.

Cat went along the walls and lit the torches.

The room lit up.

"What summon is it?" fate asked letting go of Joey.

"From our knowledge of the writings on the walls. We believe it to be the summon of Nature. At least that's what we're led to believe."

"You sure you want to do this?" Joey asked Fate one last time.

Fate remembered the healer's words. "Yes." She stepped up to the dais.

Fate cleared her throat. "I, a summoner, call upon the spirit that resides here. Please meet with me."

Before Fate finished, a presence entered the room, followed by a surge of energy. The smell of lilies filled the room. Petals formed in the air above the dais as a form began to form. The figure that formed seemed to wear green winter clothes. She had long black hair. She opened her eyes to reveal, beautiful red and orange eyes. Covering her head was a tuque and goggles. "Your call wasn't formal at all." She smiled.

Fate was stunned by her beauty. "I,, um... I'm very sorry." She bowed.

The girl laughed. "It's not like in ancient times. Summoners nowadays don't have training. For the generations between them is getting longer. One day, perhaps, that will end. but that is the process for now. it truly saddens me. Summoning used to be an art form." A hint of sadness briefly entered her eyes. "Before, our sealed powers alone held back the darkness. We were summoned to show off our beauty in ceremonies. I miss those times. But then the darkness gained strength, and we no longer were used to entertain. We were summoned to use our power to fight." She went silent.

Fate looked up at her.

"As a summoner you must learn the past. If your pact with me succeeds, I will tell you all I know. The summon of clouds already trusts you. Show me what makes you worthy to make a pact with the summon spirit of flowers. I am she who blooms, call me Hanako. Your test shall begin now."

"Why are plants green?" Hanako asked.

Fate was caught off guard. "My test is a quiz?" She didn't have much experience, but her test with cloud had, been trying to snatch a piece of his fur.

"Each summon has their own way." Hanako answered.

"Well, uh... plants are green because of chloroform?"

"Do all flowers bloom in summer during daytime?"

"I heard some bloom in moonlight."

"Does each plant, flower, and essence have their own scent?"

"Yes, even if they smell the same."

"Of everything you seen. Why are you performing summon pacts?" Hanako asked, gazing at her, through curious eyes.

"To become stronger, so those who protect me don't have to try so hard." Fate thought of Joey, then Gawl.

"Last question. Why would a summon of flowers' dais be in a desert?"

"Because flowers are more beautiful when they struggle to survive." Fate answered.

Hanako closed her eyes and smiled. "You have passed. My quiz was not one of knowledge, but of honesty. You Fate, are an Honest person. And as long as you remain honest, I will serve by your side." She held her hand out, and a small ball of soft green light went towards Fate.

Fate caught the ball and then pushed it into her chest. She felt a rush of energy. She felt the kindness of Hanako become a small part of her. "Thank you."

"And you!" Hanako pointed her finger at Joey. "Shape up!" She ordered, as she vanished into thin air.

Gawl slid back. He grinned evilly. "This is getting interesting." His aura surged and he flew back at his opponent.

The two clashed and their blades flashed as they dueled.

Gawl's opponent was a large man. He had challenged Gawl and Gawl didn't refuse. Now they fought on a open area as people on the sidelines watched.

"Still holding back?" The man asked.

"Yep." Gawl replied as his blade came down at the man.

The man parried and attacked.

Gawl flipped back then jumped, he came down at Him.

The man jumped out of the way as Gawl's blade created a rather big crack in the old stone. The man got to his feet. "You could have easily killed me there."

"Like I said. I'm still holding back." Gawl became engulfed in a black aura. "Want me to fight for real?" A sinister smile crossed his face.

The man sheathed his sword. "No. I have seen enough."

Gawl's aura and smiled vanished, he slid his sword into it's sheath.. "Alrighty." He began walking away.

The large man smiled as Gawl vanished. He then turned to go back to whatever business he had to do.

The crowd also went back to what they had been doing.

The words Hanako said had surprised Joey.

"Have you two met before?" Cat asked.

Fate walked up to them.

"No. I can't say ever even heard of her until now."

"Ah, well. Anyway. It seems our translations were off." With that Cat turned. "Let's get out of here. These ruins give me the creeps." She started walking.

Fate nodded to Joey and the two followed after her.

The large man and several others had led them out of the cliff city. "You'll be going on from here."

"Chief, I..."

"Enough. I said what I needed to say." The man replied. "A man named Val has requested to accompany you. He's waiting ahead." He looked at the three. "In the end it's his request to you. You can deny him if you want."

With that the raiders turned and began back.

Gawl grinned. "I hope I fight with that man when he uses his true strength."

Cat took a breath. "Let's go." She was wearing her cloak again.

Joey and fate followed after her.

Gawl waited until the man had vanished, then turned and followed Fate.

Fate saw familiar purple hair. "You."

The man closed his book.

"What reason would you have to join us?" Joey asked.

He was silent for a moment. Then he got to his knee and bowed. "My name is Val. I have noticed that you travel without a healer." He looked up. "She is in a dangerous condition if not monitored properly."

"Don't you have your comrades back there to help?" Gawl stated flatly.

"There are other healers amongst the Raiders. They will be fine. Most are better then I am." Val seemed to struggle for the words. "Fate cannot summon properly. I would like to her her learn her mana flow better."

Fate looked to Cat.

"I am here to make sure you guys don't tell of the raiders. Val here most likely has already made the oath of the raiders. Which means he has left them. Since I'm not truly a part of your group, I cannot say what you should do." Cat turned away from them, and went to stand a bit away.

"Then it's up to you Fate." Joey said, not looking to her.

"Very well Val. You can join us."

"But make a wrong move, and I'll slice you in two." Gawl said as he walked passed Val.

"I understand." Val stood.

Without anymore words, the five of them moved out. In two days they'd leave the desert.

Night set calmly. The forest was quiet, as a fire crackled.

Cat sat on a branch overlooking the camp. She watched for changes in the surroundings.

The man named Val slept quietly on the side.

Gawl had fell asleep earlier. He had the next watch after Cat's shift.

Joey had also fell asleep, for he had the watch after Gawl, and that would connect with the morning, so he wouldn't have another chance.

Fate was wide awake though.

Can't sleep? Hanako's voice said in her mind.

"Not really. What you said to him worries me."

What would that be?

"Can you tell me of the past?" Fate asked.

First I will teach you how to summon a portion of a summon's power. It will have less strain on you, and I can be maintained for a long period of time.

A small sprite form of Hanako stood on the ground before Fate.

"You look so cute." Fate said happily.

Hanako got annoyed. "Listen, this is only so i can speak more directly." Hanako pointed at Fate. "Your the one who made me this small."

Fate laughed. "I'm sorry." She tried to stop laughing.

Hanako fumed. "Whatever. Do you want me to tell you or not?"

Fate gulped her laughter and became calm. "Yes, sorry. Please tell me."

"To best describe the fall of the Age of Summons. I should describe the events of the one you call the Great Hero." Hanako took a breath. "While the fall of summons was well before that event, it's the best reference point." She thought. "His name I cannot say, but the Hero was a normal person. He feared fighting, yet he had great talent. His journey started with the meeting of an animal sprite, who still lives."

Fate listen intently.

Cat could hear everything. So she listened as they talked.

"The history of the world at the time is still muddled. But from what I know is that the darklands were first created back then. Before that they were known as the calmlands... Not the place where you were born Fate. The calmlands of today are different."

"Back then the great darkness had an army. He threatened to consume the world. From the Darklands his army spread out to try destroying the resistance that wold hold him back. He did this through the corrupt one, known even now, as only the Black Knight."

"The Black Knight, had a desire to destroy the world, even before he was consumed. So in the name of the darkness, he set out to control the world. At the time there were five forces he had to contend with. During the same time, they all were fighting against each other. So two fell easily. They were known as the Republic of Cadona, and the Order of Holy Light."

"It was only at this point did the remaining three realized their feuds were pointless. Yet they still fought. The dark army gained control of half the planet. It was at this point that the Hero got involved."

"He began a journey, at first it was to survive. Eventually an angel and the sprite made the truth of the world clear to him. He then started a journey to unite the remaining three against the darklands. He had eleven comrades on his journey. About half of them still live to this day. None of them were summoners."

"We the summon spirits, who are the planet's guardians, could only watch as the small light of the hero's group began their campaign against the dark fury of the Black Knight."

"It took a lot of effort, but after the events of the dark harvest. The three nations finally put aside their differences, and combined their forces. This was the turning point of the war. The dark forces were finally held back. But it was a brittle struggle. Anything could have tipped the balance."

"The hero's group was what finally pushed it. They began their resolve to save the world. Together with the help of the three nations, they brought the battle to a final battle. The Black Knight himself had come to take the Heroes' heads. This battle had been fierce. The Knight had perished. But it had been too late."

"The Great Evil was also at full power. The dark army regained strength and the world fell, the Dynasty was destroyed. The world was consumed with despair. But even then, the Heroes resumed the fight. They went behind the enemy and ended the war."

"Many good people lost their lives in reclaiming the world. But eventually three new nations reclaimed the places of the old three. The reconstruction of the world had begun. A process that took 500 years to complete. But the past is forgotten. What once should have stayed public, was lost to private knowledge. The truth of the past was made hidden."

"As guardians of this world, we must defeat anything that would destroy it. Yet for 600 years we could only affect minor things. We wanted to be able to help the world as it had screamed, but we couldn't."

"200 years ago was the first Summoner in a long time. He revived what was lost, and we summons regained our strength. While we can only indirectly change things, we have done what we could. But he..." Hanako became silent.

"You don't have to tell me, if you don't want to." Fate said.

"Very well. I will tell you another time. For now you need sleep." With that the small Hanako disappeared.

Gawl, Joey, and Val were pretending to be asleep now.

Cat just continued her watch.

The night had been cool. The near coldness hung the the air.

Fate stretched as she walked, and then yawned. "Where are we heading anyway?"

Everyone had stopped walking, and turned to each other. There was a silence.

Gawl's hand hit his forehead. "Are you telling me, we've been traveling without a goal."

"Seems that way." Val replied, smiling.

Fate started laughing.

Cat chuckled and had her hand covering her mouth.

A few minutes passed.

"Well, where are we going? We don't really have a plan." Joey asked them.

"I'm here to keep on you guys, so it's not my desicion." Cat stated.

"I'm here to take care of Fate's health." Val said.

Joey and Gawl knew they were here to protect Fate, and now everyone was looking at her.

Feeling everyone's eyes on her, Fate became red faced. "Why do I have to decide?"

"We're all here because of you. To protect you. So where you go, we will."

Fate sighed. "I hate making decisions." She looked at everyone, "Well, I don't know. Me and Joey started this journey after I was kidnapped. We never had a goal in mind. We were just trying to get to a place were no one would try to use my power."

I would like to help you make a decision. Hanako said to fate.

Sprite form again? Fate asked the summon.

Whatever. Hanako said, sounding a little flustered.

"Hanako wants to speak. Let me summon her." Fate took out her book, and took a breath. Then she began to summon Hanako.

Hanako tapped her foot, as she stood there. Her face was red.

Fate had summoned her in her Chibi form. Everyone was watching the small form summon spirit.

While Val stood back a bit, he thought she was adorable.

Cat resisted an overwhelming urge to touch her.

Joey was smiling. last time he had seen her, she looked like a person with much pride.

Fate stood behind her, wanting to hug her. But she hid it.

"Your so cute." Gawl stated.

"Alright shut it!" Hanako yelled at Gawl. Her face brimmed with embarrassment. "I'm not gonna be ridiculed like this." Hanako prepared to depart.

"Please. Don't go. I'm sorry." Fate said smiling to her.

Hanako turned to Fate. "Let's just get this over with." Hanako prepared to speak.

"Listen. I'm not telling you what to do. Just trying to give you a direction." Hanako took a breath. "I'm not gonna sugar coat this. This planet is on the brink of being destroyed. Well. Not technically the planet. But any life on it." She corrected herself.

The first one to speak was Val. "What do you mean?"

Hanako examined the man. "Well. As all you heard last night, we summon spirits have to protect the world. And as far as the living beings on this planet are concerned last time this happened the Ancient Hero's group saved the world. This is only half true."

"The Hero did indeed save the world, but the threat never disappeared. but it stayed silent for 300 years. Over the nest 500 years was a struggle that was never known. Two hundred years ago, a male summoner protected the world, in secret. This was never broadcasted between you planet dwellers. Like the Hero, he too couldn't destroy the threat." Hanako looked sad. "He died, to save the life on this planet." Hanako wiped away her tears. "Now again, once more, the threat has come back." She stamped her foot. "We summons we not stand by again. We wish to fight again, to protect this world. So as a representative of Summon Spirits I ask of you all, and especially you Fate. Stand up and fight." With that Hanako dispersed. tears flowing down her face.

"You can't. You heard what she said. Everyone who fought ended up dead." Cat said.

"I have to agree with Hanako." Gawl stated.

Fate looked at him.

"Listen. You love this world, right? Then fight for it. Me and Joey will make sure you don't die."

Fate didn't know what to say. She looked to Joey.

Joey simply gestured that it was her decision.

"I can't say I'll stand by and let anyone die." Val said. "But I will follow your group."

Don't decide now. Think about it. Fate. There's still time. Hanako said to Fate.

"I don't know. But Let's get to the next city for now." Fate got up and walked ahead.

One by one the others went after her, leaving Cat standing there alone. "They can't consider leaving such a burden to her... Can they?" Cat cursed and followed after them.

Eyes peered through the trees, and saw the group. The person examined Cat, Gawl, Joey, Val, and then Fate.

"Long white hair. Calm eyes. A bit short. She's the one." The person said to himself. "That man won't be much trouble. The two that seem to be closest to her don't seem that skilled. But that girl." The examined Cat. "She might be the real problem." The boy stood up and readied his bow. He reached back and pulled out an arrow. He aimed. Through his glasses he locked onto his target.

Suddenly fire engulfed his bow. He let the string go, and a fiery arrow shot forward.

----------

It flew the forest and was aimed at Fate. It flew through a flew branches, missing the wood by a small measurement.

Cat's ears flicked. She heard something cut through some leaves. She quickly rushed towards Fate.

The fire arrow exploded out of the tree on the right and flew at Fate.

Gawl and Joey turned but both weren't within range to stop the attack.

"Fate." Cat jumped forward.

Fate faced Cat just as the cat girl tackled her.

The fire arrow cut Cat's side as the two move out of it's line. It embedded itself into a tree and it's fire disappeared.

Gawl examined the treeline, trying to find who shot it.

Joey rushed and kneeled down over the two. "Fate are you okay?"

Cat got up, and flinched.

"I'm fine." Fate examined Cat. "Your hurt."

"It'll be fine." Without another thought Cat shot into the trees. "Their might be others. Protect her."

Val hadn't moved since the brief situation had begun.

The four waited.

--------------

"Dam. She even knows the trajectory of my shot." He pushed his glasses back to the top of his nose. "Guess I have to get out of here." The teen turned, and suddenly realized his mistake.

Cat had gotten behind him and attacked just as he turned.

The boy quickly jumped back, as Cat's dagger cut into the tree. "My, my. You're a fast one aren't you." He knew he was at a disadvantage in close combat.

"Who are you?" Cat said pulling her dagger from the tree.

He thought. "A hunter I guess."

"What are you hunting?"

"A bounty. I'm considered a bounty hunter."

"Is a summoner really important enough to kill?"

"I wasn't trying to kill her....Wait. Summoner?" He was curious now.

Cat saw her opening and shot forward.

The boy dodged and parried with his bow. He then jumped down to the ground. He shot away from Cat.

Cat dropped down and ran after him.

The teen readied an arrow. He used his mana to make a burst of speed and hide.

Cat stopped as soon as she lost his track. She readied her daggers and began searching her surroundings. Her daggers flashed as a arrow shot at her. The arrow fell to the ground. Cat didn't have enough time to track the first arrow, but knew he had already changed position. She knew both were at a disadvantage of the others abilities in this situation.

He watched her as he hid. She's a very interesting person. Though that wound on her side gives me the advantage. He aimed his bow once more. I guess I'll have to make that wound worse. He fired.

Cat swiftly twisted and blocked the arrow. Pain shot up her side, and she fell to a knee. "Dam. He's good."

The teen came out of his hiding place. "You can no longer defeat me. And I don't want to hurt you."

"Who has the bounty on her?" Cat asked, sheathing her daggers. Pain surged through her again, and she gripped her side.

He thought. "I don't quite know. The process for collecting the money is extensive. But the price is worth it."

Cat gave him a look.

He could tell she wanted to know the price. "Around 2 million." He turned and began walking. He could hear her companions nearing their location. Once out of sight he ran. He was at disadvantage now. "A summoner. This has got interesting." He smiled as he ran.

Val fixed cat up as soon as they caught up to her.

"Thanks."

"It's nothing."

"Did you find the attacker?" Joey asked Cat.

"Yeah. It seems like Fate here has a bounty on her head. Every bounty hunter is going to be searching for her."

"What's the price?" Gawl asked.

"2 million."

Fate was surprised. "Why would such a bounty even be on me?"

Joey remembered the man from the harbor. "It might be the black clad people again. Trying a different approach, I would bet."

"If they want a summoner so bad, why don't they go after the man from the desert?" Fate said.

"That man seemed to have an existing agenda. I doubt both groups would have cooperated." Cat replied.

"Does this mean your going to do more then just watch us?" Val asked Cat.

"I haven't decided yet." Cat stood up and pulled her coat back on. She began walking.

The rest started after her.

Footsteps pounded through the hallways. Heavy breathing accompanied it. The three figures ran as fast as they could.

"To the left is the garden." Hanako said leading the three. She carried a snowboard on her right arm. She turned down the next hall.

Cat and Fate followed after her.

Hanako slid into the garden and turned around. She began making hand signs.

As Cat and Fate entered the area, a barrier formed behind them.

The black mist crash against the barrier, and hissed. It tried breaking through for awhile, before disappearing.

"It was close." Hanako said taking a breath. "I wouldn't have been able to protect you if the flowers in here would have been dead."

"Thank you Hanako. What is the situation of the guys?" Fate asked.

"I lost track of them, sorry. I was more worried about protecting you." Hanako hung her head.

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure they're fine.

"Yea. We're screwed." Gawl stated flatly. He lowered his blade.

"What are you doing?" Joey asked him.

"Surrendering. Fate got away safely, and I don't feel like dying."

Val stood behind the two.

The three were cornered against a wall. A dozen bounty hunters pinning them.

Joey thought about it, and sighed. "I guess so." Joey lowered his sword.

"Where's the bounty?" One of the hunters asked, them.

"How should we know? We parted ways awhile back to confuse your group." Gawl replied.

The air was filled with tension.

"What should we do?" Cat asked Hanako.

"We have less then an hour before Fate begins feeling the strain of summoning me. First we must get past this darkness the one hunter summoned. Then find the guys."

"Any idea where they are?" Fate asked.

"I do not. My vision is limited right now." Hanako brought up her snowboard. "It'll be alright. Cat, Fate prepared to attack once I've stopped then."

The two nodded.

Hanako dropped the barrier and several dark figures rushed into the room. Suddenly flower petals surrounded them and stopped their movement.

Fate unleashed ice magic at them.

Cat's daggers flared up and became hot. She attacked at the same time as Fate's ice.

The two different heats made the dark figures explode on contact, and they melted into nothingness.

"Let's go." Hanako said running out the door.

Cat and Fate went after her.

"Don't Bounty Hunters usually work alone?" Gawl asked.

"Yea." Joey replied.

"Then why the hell are more then I can count here?" He roared.

"The regular price of criminals is minimal. For prices such as Fate, some bounty hunters group together in order to guarantee a successful bounty. Even working together and splitting the bounty would be more then regular pay." Val explain, who still had fought beside them.

"And your not fighting why?" Gawl asked him as he killed a bounty hunter.

"I'm a Medic and a Healer. i save lives, not take them."

Joey and Gawl fought continuously with the surrounding bounty hunters.

Flaming arrows streaked across the sky. Landing between Joey, Gawl, and the Bounty Hunters.

The bounty hunters backed off and looked to the source.

A person stood on an overlooking balcony. He readied five arrows and pulled them back. "I suggest you leave before I get serious." He said to the hunters.

"Our bounty isn't here anyway." One said.

Quickly the hunters moved off.

The boy took a breath and put the arrows back into his sheath. He jumped down of the balcony and walked towards the three. "You ok?" He said through his serious eyes.

Gawl rubbed his shoulder. "Yea, we're fine. but if you were gonna help us, why didn't you do it when you got here 5 minutes ago."

The boy chuckled. "I wanted to know if you were strong enough to protect that girl. It seems you are." He walked passed them. "Something might happen to her if you three don't find them." He vanished around a corner.

Joey nodded, and the three of the headed off.