The Hunter

Chapter 2

Alphonse, now 16, was practising archery and Maya, now 15, was watching him intensely.

“You are getting better and better at archery, Alphonse!” Maya said with a British accent, still watching his every move.

“Thanks! But you haven’t seen my sword skills, I suppose.” he smiled with obvious dimples.

“I’m sure they’re amazing.” she said amazed.

 They were still making small talk when a man appeared at his house. He didn’t stop practising, nor Maya stopped watching him, but Alphonse was also watching with the corner of his eye the man that was most likely 38. He couldn’t see his face, because the stranger had a black hood over his head, but you could easily see his beard. He was wearing a green T-shirt and a black jacket along with black pants and black combat boots. The young boy also noticed a quiver with some arrows and a bow hanging loosely on his back. The man stopped in front of the door and knocked. Emma answered almost immediately, like she was waiting for the stranger’s arrival.

“Yes?” she asked. The man didn’t respond. He just took off his hood, revealing messy brown hair and cold brown eyes. He also had a scar that was running from his left eye and past his mouth.

“Angus?” Emma gasped, eyes watering. “H-have you find E-Edward?”

That simple question got Alphonse’s full attention, making him stop practising. He was always wondering what had happened to his father or if he was alive.

“We have a trail. If we follow it, we might find him.” the man named ‘Angus’ said in a deep intimidating voice.

“Mom? Is something wrong?” the young boy asked, worry clear in his voice, walking to stand next to his mother, Maya never leaving his side.

“You must be Alphonse! I haven’t seen you since you were a boy!” Angus said, trying to change the subject.

“Ho-how do you know me?” Alphonse asked dumbfounded.

“’How’ you ask? I am your father’s best friend and comrade!” the man responded.

“You know my father? Do you know where he is? If he’s alive? Are you-”

 “Easy boy! Too many questions at once. But! Yes, I know your father, we are both Hunters. Sadly, I do not know exactly where he is or if he is alive. I am deeply sorry, son.”

“A Hunter…” Alphonse whispered.

“Angus! Why don’t you come inside? I am sure you are hungry or tired.”

“Thank you, Emma. You are a wonderful woman as ever. I am not surprised Edward fell in love with you.” he winked and Emma blushed.

“Thank you, dear. Now, come in, come in! Alphonse, Maya, you come in as well!”

“I think we’ll have a lot to talk.” Maya whispered so that only Alphonse could hear.

***

Emma was making dinner with Maya’s help while Alphonse and Angus were talking.

“I saw you practising archery earlier. I’m impressed, son. You are almost as good as me.” Angus complimented Alphonse’s skills.

“Thanks. I also know how to handle a sword.” he said, his eyes lighting up.

“I am looking forward to see you fighting, Alphonse.” Angus would have said more, but Emma and Maya placed the warm dinner on the table. After thanking to the two beautiful women, they all started eating in silence.

“So, Alphonse.” said Angus after a while “I heard you want to be a Hunter. Is that true?”

Alphonse almost choked with his food at the sudden question.

“How-“ he started, but stopped to cough “how did you know?”

“I told him.” his mother answered before Angus.

“So you’re going to train Alphonse to be a Hunter?” asked Maya out of the blue.

“M-Maya!” Alphonse gasped. He told her two years ago that he wanted to be a Hunter and that he’s searching for a master.

“It’s alright, son. If you prove to be worthy to be my apprentice, I’ll train you. But, you must know, it is not easy to be a Hunter.” Angus said very seriously.

They agreed that, after dinner, Alphonse will show Angus his skills with a bow, then they will sword fight (?) .

*** 

Till now, Alphonse was doing great. He had hit every bullseye: normal target, moving target, hitting a target while walking or running. Now, is time for the real challenge: the sword fight.

They both drawn their swords and circle each other.

Alphonse was the first to strike. But Angus easily dodged the blow and hit him in the chest with the back of his sword. Alphonse fell on the ground, having the air knocked out of his lunges.

Alphonse rolled over, avoiding Angus’ foot, and jumped to his feet.

Maya bit her lip so hard she could taste the blood. She knew Angus wasn’t going to hurt her best friend, but she couldn’t help but worry about him.

The clashing of metal was heard constantly.

Alphonse jumped, dodging a blow to his feet, then went to disarm Angus with a flick of his sword. However, Angus blocked his attack and, in turn, knocked his sword out of his grasp. Angus caught it quickly and held both swords around his neck.

“Dead.” Angus said with a smirk, than gave Alphonse back his sword. “You fought well, but you still have a lot to learn.”

Alphonse nodded, panting.

“So… will you be my master?” he asked after he calmed his breath.