the forbidden hunter, second case

chapter 4: far and broken

It was a calm day for the other group, it was perfect to journey farther.

Another day, another adventure! Nora said.

Yeah, and it's one less day for me to clean my suit, Aniki said.

What's on the agenda today? Ruby asked, Jaune.

Walking, Jaune said.

And more walking to go, Nick joked.

Nairi and Ren noticed Ruby was sad.

Haven is a lot farther away than I thought, Ruby said.

Yeah, on ship it would be faster, Nairi said.

How long did you think this journey was going to take? Ren asked.

Ruby thought but gave up.

I don't know! I grew up in a small area; I've never been this far away from home, ruby said.

Right... How long? Jaune asked.

Maybe like, uh... two weeks? Ruby said.

What? Nick said.

Okay fine, three or something! Ruby said.

Nick then sighed.

Look, as long as we work together, we'll be fine, Nick said.

Hey, what's that? Ruby said.

They looked to see that it was a town.

Huh, shelter, Nairi said.

It's strange though... i didn't think we'd be hitting another village for a few days, Jaune said.

Are those buildings... damaged? Nora said.

Uh oh, look for any survivors! Nick said.

They then armed themselves to see that the town seemed to be empty. They looked high and low, no one was in that town.

Anyone? Nairi shouted.

I don't think there's anyone here, Aniki said.

They then walked back to see that the others got nothing.

Hey, I think I found something! Nora said.

They looked to see that they found the sign that had the town's name "oniyuri".

Oniyuri? Never heard of it... Nora said.

Me neither, Jaune added.

I have, Ren said.

The group then looked at him to hear it.

You might think of it as Anima's mountain glenn, had it never been completed. Years ago, the richest members of Mistral were unhappy with how the kingdom was being run. Frustrated with the council, they pulled their resources together to build their own city... with their own laws. They hoped that one day, it could maybe even become its own kingdom. Many thought it would be the future... I know my parents did... Ren said.

What happened? Ruby asked.

What always happens, he said as he moved dust to reveal claw marks.

The grimm, Aniki said.

Not just any one, Ren said as it confused the group.

Just then they noticed birds flee.

We better leave, I feel as if it's haunted, Nairi said.

They then walked further down the uncomplete town. Until Ren stopped them.

Ren kept silent, making Nick place his mask on.