Path of the Hunters - NSFW

Nova kept a hold on the scout's neck. "That's an understatement. Other than me, if there's a Baudoin in town, there'll be a wanted poster on every corner in the state. Better hope they're not lookin' for you."

She smiled. "If they are, too bad for them. Your family tree is going to lose a branch or two."

"If they were after you, they entire family would be here. No, they're probably after me."

"Why would that be?"

"When my mother was shipped off to the states, the higher-ups warped the story, calling her a deserter. They see her child as a rebel and a threat to the family name. Lucky for me, all they have to go on is a name.

"Amile is the best of our generation. I had a few run-ins with her on abroad missions and hunts. Barely escaped them every time. She still doesn't know who I really am, thankfully. That, and she has a personal grudge against me. I brought in her boyfriend on sex-trafficking, though she still refuses to believe it."

"Ah. And now they know where you live unless this one is... taken care of."

"Care to do the honors, Madmoiselle?" He moved aside, still gripping the chameleon's neck.

"Of course." In the next second, she was walking back towards the house. It didn't look as though she'd done a single thing to the chameleon until his head slid off of his shoulders.

He tossed the limp body into a hole he just created, kicking the head in as well. The hole was subsequently covered up, looking as if nothing had happened to the ground.

He walked back toward the house, sighed. "If only her father was still alive."

"I am lucky that my family does not hate those 'oo desert." She glanced back. "What would 'er father do to 'ave her stop?"

"Her father-my uncle-was the only one who knew the truth. He was the only one who supported my mother, his sister. Unfortunately, he was killed because of it. Didn't want him causin' dissention in the ranks. If he was still alive, Amile would follow her father's beliefs, and support her mysterious cousin, like her father would've."

"Ah." She shrugged. "But 'e isn't, so she won't. Do you plan to run or fight her?"

For a moment, Nova thought about this. Even though they were rivals, he saw her as the sister he never had. She might not know it, but he's been watching out for her, steering her on a better path than those Baudoin psychos, like taking bounties that could've killed her, and busting that sex-trafficker she called a boyfriend.

"...I'll fight her, but I won't kill her. She's like a sister to me. I just need to figure out how to show her who the real enemy is."

She nodded. "You being seen with me will not convince 'er of much."

"Good point. Well, they still don't know where I live. I'll steer away from this place. Keep movin', like I usually do. You can stay here, and continue with your life. If we cross, we clash."

For some reason, that didn't appeal to her at all. "...D'accord."

"I don't like it either." He then sighed. "Let's get this stuff inside." He began to pull the luggage inside the house, which seemed somewhat tougher than usual.

Frowning, she helped him. "If nothing else, tell 'er you 'ave no idea 'oo I am. You didn't until I told you anyway."

"Guess that'll work. She never thought I was 'refined' enough to know anything like that, anyway."

She laughed. "Nova, you look as refined as a rock in a chapeau." She patted his cheek. "For now, take it as a compliment."

He smiled at her. "Thanks." Finally, everything was brought inside. Nova exhaled with relief. "...Man, I must be tired. That was strangely tough."

"You said you 'ave been awake for days." She smiled. It probably didn't have much to do with the majority of her blades - at least five stashed in each bag - were made of steel and, her favorite, made of pure diamond, was in the black case.

"That might be it," he said, rubbing his temple. "But, I can't stay tonight. Can't risk sleeping in... Gotta get dressed." He trudged back to the wine cellar to get his clothes.

"My 'otel room." She shrugged. "Cross could not 'ave signed me out. I gave very... strict instructions. It is paid through for the week."

"That'll work." He made his way down the stairs of the cellar, got his clothes back on, and came back up. "There's a car in the garage you can use to get around. Keys are on the shelf by the door."