The Huntress's Tale

Chapter 2

As Zoë closed the door as she walked out of the room Sunny had surprised her. She had grabbed Zoë's hand and ran off dragging her along. "You have got to meet them," Sunny said. Shock rippled on Zoë's face. "Them? It's plural?" she asked. Her eyes were wide in surprise. She was furious.

Zoë stopped walking. Her sister was still trying to pull her along but failing. "Oh come on Zoë. You can't keep running away from this," she said, stomping her right foot. "I can't marry, I'm not allowed to Sunny," Zoë answered looking down. "W-what do you mean?" Sunny asked. She was breathing heavily. "Zoë Solantine what do you mean you're not allowed to marry?!" She asked once more, raising her voice.

Zoë's head shot up. Her eyes were red from crying. "Don't you dare raise your voice at me as if you're the older one Sunny Solantine!" She growled. "You're a Huntress aren't you?" Sunny asked. She scoffed. "Of course you are, I've seen you sneak off at night and hide your bow and arrow,"

"Just because you think you're the perfect one doesn't mean you can speak to me like that Sunny," Zoë shouted. Sunny huffed and shook her head.

"Perfect?! You think I'm perfect?! You're the child everyone loves. Always so adventurous and helpful," Sunny retorted. Tears were dropping from both of their faces. "Oh please. You're the daughter our parents love. They keep comparing me to you,"

"Look maybe you shouldn't be here, I'm sorry Zoë-" Sunny said but her sister had already dashed away.

Angry, Zoë hadn't thought about what her parents would think, and took off on her search for the Lady Killer. She grabbed her bag with clothes, a map,  and food. Zoë left the house with her items and her bow and arrow. Her cloak was draped over her once more and she sprinted off into the forest.

She had no thoughts of where to go first. Checking her map, she saw one familiar landmark. The Ancient Tree. It was where the girl from her dream was killed. Something in her made her feel as if the girl looked familiar like all the other girls the Lady Killed has killed in her dreams in a way but she could never pin point how.

The quickest way to the tree seemed to be going through a village in the forest. It was nearly noon and she could use some lunch so Zoë walked to the little village. It didn't seem so far. But what seemed to take 20 minutes had been drawn to 1 hour. At last she had finally arrived. In front of her was only one house. One yet large. On the map it labeled it a village. Yet it was one mere house.

There was smoke going up from the chimney suggesting there were people inside. Zoë entered the house and inside was bigger than what it looked like on the outside. It was like a hotel. Fancy carpet.

There were people walking past everywhere talking and socializing. "Why hello, hi, and welcome," the guard at the front door said. She jumped in surprise. The sudden noise had scared her. It jad caught her off guard.

A grown up in a tuxedo was walking towards her. "Ahhh a Huntress. Many of you from Artemis' Hunt have been dropping by here. Especially those on the special.... quest," he spoke.

Zoë blinked. "Really?" She asked. And he nodded quickly. "Ohhh yes."

"This is The Awesome Hotel, I'm Awesome, yes I know I am, but that is my name," the man, Awesome, said. He was speaking quite fast as if he was on a sugar rush. "You may stay here as long as you require,"

"Thank you. For your hospitality. But I just need lunch," Zoë answered trying to get away. Awesome shook his head furiously. "No, no. I insist you stay overnight. It is already 6 PM in the afternoon," he said, trying to convince her.

Zoë raised an eyebrow in confusion. If that was true then she had been out for 5 hours. But she was indeed hungry and tired. So maybe one night would be good.

"I guess one night wouldn't harm anyone," Zoë answered. Awesome smiled. He began showing her to the food court. The food court had plenty of food stalls. Such a variety of food to choose from.

Zoë chose to eat from the Chinese Stall. There were noodles, rice, and a lot of Chinese food. She had chosen to dine in on the fried rice, roasted pork, and sweet and sour fish.

After grabbing her plate. As she went to sit on a table. A curtain opened and revealed Awesome in another odd suit. "Hey! Hey! And hello! Welcome to Awesome Hotel! Where you can stay for a good time," he said.

"Now onto our news," he added looking at his newspaper. Zoë looked at her own copy.

Recent Sightings of the Lady Killer

The Lady Killer's current whereabouts is unknown, and so is his identity. On the night of the new moon, another girl had become a victim. The girl has been found by the Ancient Tree. She is currently being investigated, as well as the arrow used by the Lady Killer. It has been observed that every new moon he strikes. Unknown why and where he is now. It is advised to be aware.

Hiring New Matchmakers

Isa Kabob is in need of new Matchmakers-

Zoë scoffed at the next article. She had begun wondering where to go. It seemed as if people had already found the body.

She watched Awesome sneaking off suspiciously entering an equally weird room. Was he hiding something?