Hunters

The trees loomed above the two travelers like a crowd of giants. Each step taken was placed with practiced care, to avoid tripping on the multitudes of roots.

Quick Snap grimaced as he walked. My ankle still twinges whenever I think about the last time we came here.

"Keep goin'. Almost there," Big Mac said, looking down and to the side at his partner.

"I'd go faster were it not for these treacherous roots trying to trip my feet. Drat!"

Big Mac raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"I think the forest is alive. By the Muses, I swear that that root actually reached up to grasp my heel!"

All Mac could respond with was to look ahead, and steadily plod forward. Though his gait had gotten a tad bit faster than normal.

A strong gust of wind blew past them, nearly taking Quick Snap's purple hat.

A massive wall confronted them, styled to look like the side of an eternal oak, and the buildings beyond it were made to blend into their forested surroundings.

Struck by inspiration, Quick swiftly retrieved the notepad and pen from his knapsack. Scribbling furiously, he endeavored to capture the muse that flitted through his mind.

Mac stopped and silently grabbed him by the collar of his purple jacket, quickly walking through the gates of the city.

“Ack! Mac, do you mind? I'm trying to properly describe this grand city!”

“We ain’t got time for that, Quick.”

“Even so, that doesn’t mean-”

“You got info on our guy, right?”

“Yes of course I do, but...”

Mac silenced himself, adding nothing more. Sighing in defeat, Quick produced a card. Flicking it upwards, he snapped his fingers, and the card expanded in size before gently floating downward.

A pair of green eyes stared out from the picture; the wrinkles surrounding them accentuated the cold mirth within. His hair was a disheveled mane of grass-colored dreadlocks.

“Bright Gleam. Wanted for grand theft, manslaughter, and... littering? My, what a fine example of ladies' man we should all aspire to be,” Quick deadpanned.

“Eeyup.”

“Though I'll give him credit where it’s due. Most rogue mages wouldn't think to hide in a city with a low crime rate. So where should we begin our search, partner?”

“Let’s find the nearest bar.”

“Ah, the lively atmosphere of a bar. Swearing, drunken revelry, and broken furniture flying o'erhead. May Fortune favor us, and we find Mr. Gleam unconscious in a pool of his own vomit. Though I suppose that wouldn't be very heroic, would it?”

After asking the local guard where the shadiest, most disreputable bar was, they continued down the streets of Everfree. When they finally reached the bar, the sight sent a chill down Quick Snap’s spine and Mac simply stared on, arms folded and head tilted.

The vines draped over it were a lackluster brown, hanging loosely from the building. Pieces could even be seen littering the tree roots on the forest floor like large, shriveled worms.

The grass was equally brown and dried out and each step they took was accompanied with an audible crunch. The sound reminded them of bones of the long deceased, each step being slightly louder than the last. The area felt forsaken, as if Everfree wished to distance itself from the bleak, lifeless pub. It was a thought Quick Snap did not wish to linger on.

As Mac mused on the building, Quick Snap stepped forward, one arm raised in the air.

“And so, we reach our destination. Care to wager on what we find inside, Mac? I feel we'll see unscrupulous thugs who won't hesitate to cut our lives short for a few coins. Do you want to bet on sultry bar maidens in need of a dashing hero, or an undercover plot to throw society as we know it into total chaos?"

Another sigh left Mac’s mouth as he slapped his forehead. "Quick, this is real life. It ain't a book."

“It’s not?”

With a quirked brow and a shake of his head, Mac walked into the bar, Quick Snap following close behind.

Once inside they took a quick glance around. The walls were covered with several coats of bright, grass green-paint. Small, round, sky blue tables were scattered throughout, each flanked two chairs on either side. Despite the lively-decorated interior, only a few people sat at the scattered tables, while the dark red booths remained empty.

Mac’s eyes widened, his hands finding their way back into the pockets of his baggy black pants.

Quick Snap's jaw hung open as he gazed upon the bar before he closed it with an audible click. He stroked his chin with a small smile. "Books and covers, I suppose. Glad to know I won't have to pick leaves out of my drink, at least."

Mac tapped Quick’s shoulder and pointed at the main bar. Understanding his intent, Quick Snap walked over towards it, Mac not far behind him.

As they took a seat, Quick Snap’s eyes fell upon a beautiful young woman, who couldn't have been more than nineteen, standing behind the counter. The woman’s purple eyes were glazed over from boredom. Taking a sweeping look around, her brows descended from her curly purple hair into a scowl.

She groaned, grabbing a cloth from the counter and clearing out a glass mug. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted two young men walking over to the counter. The barkeeper’s eyes locked on the larger of the two, staring him down as a sly grin took to her lips.

The man was the size of a mountain, his dark red shirt barely about to contain his firm chest. Orange locks hung from his head and bounced with each step taken.

Quick Snap looked at the barkeep in a similar manner. Her curvy hips fit snuggly into her black pants.

Quick snapped his fingers, frowning. “I should have known. Why did I decide on thugs instead of maidens? Stupid!” He whispered. “I suppose it would be best to leave her in peace, but my heart compels me to speak.”

Quick Snap's hand slipped into the front pocket of his jacket to pull out a mint and pop it into his mouth. Sending a gloved hand through his long red hair, he made sure each strand was in the ideal place for maximum waviness. Puffing out his chest, he put on his most alluring smile, and sat down.

“Greetings and Bienvenue, miss,” he said, tipping his hat.

"The barkeep shot him a befuddled look. “Uh… hi. Can I help you?”

“Perhaps, later. For now, I am content to admire the radiance of your beauty. I feel so at peace by merely being in your presence. Oh, but where are my manners?” He bowed from his seat. "Quick Snap at your service, dear lady. Might I have the pleasure of knowing your name?"

The barkeeper rolled her eyes. “Look, kid. You're not the first one to try and win me over by acting like some smooth-talking noble from a trashy romance book. And you won't be the last, neither. You don't have nearly enough muscle on you to be my type; so cut the act and order a drink, or get out.”

His eyes widened. “Oh.”

Mac shook his head as he walked forward, hooking an arm around Quick's shoulders. With a small grin, he stuck out his other hand.

“Howdy, miss. Name’s Mac. And this here's mah friend, Quick Snap.”

Her mood changed instantly. Taking his hand, she gave it a firm shake. “Hey yourself, big guy. I’m Berry Punch.”

“Nice ta meet, Ms. Punch.”

"Just Berry, please," she purred. “So, I haven’t seen you two around Everfree before. You new, or just passing through?”

“Passin',” Mac answered as he sat next to his friend. Quick let out a small sigh before propping his arm on the counter and resting his chin in his hand.

“Not much of a talker are you?” Berry Punched giggled, taking down two mugs from the shelf.

“Nope.”

Quick raised a finger in protest, but lowered it with a sigh after a split-second of contemplation. Mac gave him a pat on the back.

Fixating her gaze on Mac, she asked, “So what brings you two to our city?”

“A mission,” Mac replied as he pulled out the poster, holding it up. “We’re lookin’ for this man.”

Berry studied the photo closely before shrugging. “Hm. Sorry, haven’t seen him.”

Mac gave an annoyed grunt as he stuffed the poster back in his pocket then stood. “Thanks anyway, Miss. Come on, Quick. We’re goin’.”

Berry frowned at his words, nibbling her bottom lip.

“Perhaps we should rest a bit longer before heading out. We have been hiking for several hours and could use a break, Mac,” Quick Snap suggested.

Crossing his arms, he shot a look at his partner before giving a small nod. Berry Punch’s frown was quickly replaced with a grin as she silently cleaned the glass mugs.

“We’ll find him one way or another. And besides, after a short break and some refreshments, won't we be in better shape to capture our quarry?” Quick said confidently.

Mac nodded once more as he sat back down.

“Rejoice, my friend. You've chosen wisely! Miss, we'll have two mugs of whatever you recommend. Nonalcoholic, please.”

Berry Punch rolled her eyes before grabbing a set of nearby mugs. Turning around for a few moments, loud slurps preceded her return, a cup in each hand. Her white apron was pristine despite the foaming cider.

Placing them down in front of them, they glanced at their drinks. Mac’s was filled to the top, nearly overflowing cider. He cocked a brow, slowly peeking at the barkeeper, who gave him a broad wink.

Quick Snap looked at his own - rather small - drink. It barely made it past the halfway marker. He blinked once. Twice. Thrice. Briefly removing his glasses, he stared at the pitiful size of his drink.

He nudged Mac's elbow with his own. "I believe I failed to impress our hostess."

Mac shrugged as he pushed his mug closer to Quick Snap. “Ya can have mah cup. Ah’ll order another.”

Quick Snap shook his head, pushing the mug back. “As much as I appreciate it, I’ll make due with what I have.”

“Ya sure?”

Quick nodded, taking a sip of his drink. He smiled broadly. “This is both delicious, and refreshing!”

Mac shook his head, chuckling as he downed his own drink.

Mac left a small handful of bits on the counter before exiting the bar with Quick Snap. Mac noticed a small paper had been put in his hands, scribbled with a short string of numbers. On the bottom right corner, he could see the faint outline of a pair of lips on the paper.

“That could have gone much better,” Quick Snap said, walking from the bar. Mac followed quietly, but couldn't help letting out an amused sigh.

“You’d think someone like this would stick out, or make a mistake we could use to track him!” Quick Snap huffed. Mac gave no reply, but walked along the road as his friend continued. “Did the poster list any of the magic he uses, like an invisibility Tech?"

Mac stopped as he pulled out the poster, examining it closely. He motioned for Quick Snap to use his magic.

Once again, Quick Snap’s mana covered the poster, causing a few words to glow across its top. The first word was 'Abilities,' but below it was a question mark, with a few sentences. Mac scratched his chin, turning over the information in his head.

“Don’t say much about magic. Just that he’s a skilled sword fighter,” Mac said, his finger rubbing over the title. “That ain’t a lot tah go on.” He stepped forward before kneeling to the ground. With an outstretched hand, he pressed his fingertips to the forest floor, extending his sense of touch. He could feel Berry and her customers moving around in the bar, little burrowing animals beneath the surface and...

There.

His head jerked to the right. A faint shimmer, like that of a dying heatwave, made its way around the corner and out of his sight. Mac launched himself into a sprint to peek around the building.

“Mac?” Quick Snap turned to see his friend chasing after something. He gave his friend an inquisitive look, before shrugging it off to catch up with him.

Mac moved his head to see the thing moving down the street, stopping every few seconds. Kneeling down, he scoped up a handful of mud. Once the shimmering light stopped again, he reeled back his arm and chucked the earthen slop, splattering across its back.

A low grunt was heard upon impact. Brows lowered, Mac dashed over to the mud-clad being, which took off in the opposite direction.

“Mac, wait up!” Quick Snap shouted as he chased after them. The stranger gave a loud grunt as it leapt over a chain-link fence, the invisibility fading with each step. Its eyes fell upon an open alleyway and made a sharp left turn, but its progress was halted as a massive wall of earth sprung up from the ground. A growl escaped its lips, as a bare fist pounded on the stone wall in anger. The alleyway was now a dead end.

“Clever, Mac,” Quick Snap grinned as he threw a card near the stranger’s feet. With a snap, the card exploded in a brilliant flash of light, causing the figure to cover its eyes and stumble backwards.

The last of its mana ran dry, rendering the stranger completely visible. Mac stepped into the alley, fists raised and ready to fight. Quick Snap walked a step ahead, a playing card held in between his fingers.

“Mr. Gleam, I presume?” Quick Snap asked, smiling.

Bright Gleam’s jade eyes tried to burn a hole through Quick Snap as he stood up. “Tch. Just what I needed. A pair of Hunters on my back,” he spat coldly, drawing a short sword.

He let out a bitter chuckle, a grin stretched across his face. In the blink of an eye, Bright Gleam covered half the distance to Quick Snap. His left hand held the sword low to stab forward, his right curled to grab.

Quick Snap threw another card at him, but Gleam sidestepped, allowing it to harmlessly sail past him. With a smirk, he closed the rest of the distance, thrusting his sword at Quick Snap’s stomach. Before the blade could make contact, he summoned a card and surrounded it in his aura. With a flick of his wrist, the sword was deflected off to his side, though at the expense of his shirt being sliced open. Acting as fast as he could, Quick Snap leapt to the side and drew a pair of glowing white cards with his other hand, and flicked them towards Gleam.

Gleam grinned, encasing his sword in magic, before contemptuously cutting each one in half. Quick Snap gulped as he saw his cards fall to the ground in pieces. Like a striking cobra, Gleam launched himself forward once more, his blade already in position.

The finely-honed edge whispered past Quick Snap’s shirt, slicing it open near his bellybutton. Had he not moved, his stomach might have met the fate instead.

Bright Gleam's grin broadened as he reversed his grip on the short sword, though short-lived as Mac threw a right hook square into his jaw. Blood, spittle and a tooth flew past his lips before he was sent sprawling down the alley.

Leaning on a wall for support, he stood up, his legs shaking from dizziness. Bright Gleam sneered at Mac, but Quick Snap threw three cards his way before any counterattack could be planned.

Acting quickly, he swung his sword in an arc, knocking them away.

“Hah! Gonna need to try harder than that, you card-flinging fool!” Bright Gleam grinned. Quick Snap replied with a grin of his own as the cards swiftly fell to the ground. Snapping his finger, they began to emit a strong, bright light.

The card let out a loud sizzle and exploded with the force of a violent wind, throwing Bright Gleam further back and out of the alleyway.

“I hate Gamblers. They’re the worst kind of mages,” Gleam grumbled. As he reached for his blade, he was rushed by an orange and red blur, smashing a fist into his solar plexus. Lurching over, he tried to gasp for some air as Mac moved behind him. Pulling out a pair of silver handcuffs, he slapped them on Bright Gleam.

“Hey, what the hell? Null cuffs? Gimme a goddamn break!” Bright Gleam shouted.

Mac said nothing as he pulled Bright Gleam up by his collar, pushing him forward.

Quick Snap walked over to his partner, grinning. “Well, that was certainly wrapped up quickly. Usually we'd have to have a drawn-out fight and use three or four specialized Techs before our opponent is defeated.”

Bright Gleam groaned. “Oh, come on, really? I'm a rogue mage and a murderer! You telling me that fight wasn't hard, at all?” he asked Mac.

He shrugged. “Not as hard as ya think.”

“Screw you,” Gleam countered as Mac lifted him up. Pushing Gleam forward, he and Quick Snap began to walk towards the exit of Everfree.

Quick Snap and Mac stood in front of a small window next to the guard office. Mac leaned against a nearby wall as Quick Snap casually tossed cards into his hat on the floor in front of him.

A voice called for them. Picking his hat off the floor, Quick Snap and Mac stood before the window as a blue-haired male handed Mac a thin, yellow piece of paper.

“There’s your pay, guys. Nice work,” he said with a smile.

"Mac nodded. “Thanks, Mr. Shill.”

Quick Snap offered a bow before turning to Mac. “Well, that was a rather successful mission. Now then, shall we head home?”

Mac nodded before waving at Shill one last time. As he and Quick Snap walked to the front doors, Mac silently looked down at the check.

“Just a bit more til Ah can get it.” Sighing contently, he slipped the check into as pocket and exited the school.