Chapters Orange blurred with yellow as candles pitched high on chandeliers. Specks of dust danced in the bright light, falling slowly towards the floor. Sounds of many voices and music echoed in the long hall that the windows called home. Each window was decorated with stained glass, showing a person in each holding the head of a monster in a certain clan. These were the headmasters, the ‘perfects’. Professional hunters with a skill little could obtain, and oh how they were heroes.
Tonight was the anniversary of one of the hunter's greatest kills, a holiday set that freed humanity from another wretched beast. Seats lined the hall as people of all shapes and sizes sat, ready to behold the grace of the mighty hunter.
There were six hunters, each with a power superior to the others. This one was the leader and master of the hunters league. A league of young kids preparing to grow up and replace old hunters some day, Sunset was one of these kids.
The music died down as heads turned to the stage before them. The stage was decorated in flowers and plants, and a large stained glass window sat behind it. Light trickled onto the stage covering the floor as if it was a blanket. Sounds of footsteps rang in the hall, she was coming.
Stepping on the stage and facing the crowd, a beautifully dressed girl smiled. Her hair was long, blue mixed with pink, her stance mighty yet comforting. Winkles encased her powdered pink skin as her shining sapphire eyes examined the crowd before her. This was Mistmane, a name given to her for her beauty and spirit, some claiming it to be that of a unicorn. A gem sat dangling around her neck, the very gem that kept her immortal.
Many clapped when she stepped on stage, voices rang out as cheers. However, all of this was quickly silenced when her hand was raised. Taking a second for the sweet silence to remain, the woman spoke.
“Hello hunters, future, present and past. We welcome you back to the mighty hall of hunters victory!” The hall burst into cheers and clapping as the girl opened her arms wide. The hall fell quite again when she opened her mouth to speak. “Now, as you know, today is the anniversary that the leader of the Cavern Green was killed. Her head still stains my hands with blood, yet I did what I had to.” Many people booed at the mention of the caverns leader. “We have been free from her wrath for 1000 years, and I plan to keep it that way. Her mindless minions however… They are trying to bring her back.” some gasped as others howled in rage, no one was happy. The noise only stopped when she put a finger to her lips. “I apologise for the bad news, dear family, but worry not! The wretched beast is contained, she can't return without the very gem around my neck. So let us celebrate our freedom and the bright days we have! Oh and my hunters league, please meet in the library.”
cheers once again rang around the hall as many stood to talk with friends and family. Sunset, however, stood alone as she slipped through the crowd. Some quick excuse mes and i'm sorry's left her lips whenever she grew close to someone. The hall was like a maze, bodies everywhere, however with the right skills Sunset managed to slip by fairly undetected.
Practically running down the halls, a red and yellow striped hair girl ran. Her hair dancing behind her in the wind like a banner in the bright big sky. Pounding sounds of feet hitting the floor echoed under her as her dress, a lovely black with gold trimmed fur, swung from side to side.
Sunset was a good runner, but nowhere near as good as her best friend Rainbow. Then again, Rainbow was good at almost all sports.
Turning the corner and shaking her head of her thoughts, Sunset finally reached the library. Tall golden enchanted doors stood before her as noises etched into knowledge from the inside. Two lanterns sat beside the door, bathing the atmosphere in a copper kiss.
Pulling the doors open carefully, Sunset peeked inside. Large bookshelves holding any info ever needed on monsters sat grand. Moth attracting chandeliers dangled freely from the roof, specks of littin and sut not escaping its bright glow. A large red carpet leads to the center of the room, the meeting space as some may call it. A large circle surrounded by bookshelves, a circular table plastered in the center. Chairs lined the curves as a single hole sat in the middle of the table, the talking space.
Quickly grabbing a seat and sitting down Sunset prepared herself for another night of learning, however tonight it was by a legendary huntress herself! Though Mistmane wasn't her favorite perfect, she was close. Her elegance rained superior to all other hunters, a generous smile always carved on her face. Now being so close to her, Sunset felt herself squeal… or well going to.
Mistmane stood tall in the talking space, awaiting any stragglers to catch up. Her hands clasped between each other as her smile wavered.
“Here!” a raspy voice called, “i'm here!”
“You're late, again.” Mistmane muttered, the wavering smile worsening. The raspy voiced speaker paid no mind to this though, sitting right next to Sunset in an oblivious happiness.
“Sorry Ms Mist, I'm working on it I swear!” The voice finally got a name as Rainbow leaned back in her chair. Sunset rolled her eyes as two feet found themselves on the table, a smile still appearing on her face though. This was Rainbow, the calm and chillaxed Rainbow. “Besides, what do you mean again? Last time you were here I was very early!”
“If 5 minutes late is early to you, then yes. You were early.” Mistmane deadpanned, even angry though the wrinkled lady held elegance.
“See you said so yourself, i was early!” Rainbow smirked proudly. Mistmane decided to just ignore the comment as she clapped her hands together, catching the rest of the students' attention.
“Hello Students, as you know i am Mystmane.” said perfect hummed, “i am so proud to announce your mission! As you know, every month a mission is handed out and the one to accomplish it the best wins a prize!” Some kids smiled hearing this, looking at each other. “Though this isn't just any mission, this is your graduation mission, you will be moving to small hunters soon!” Mistmane smiled saying this, many kids were happy. The final peace needed to become true hunters and not just novices… yet there was a catch as always. “Yet, of course only 4 students can move to small hunters. I'm sorry.” there it was, the catch. It was like this every year, 4 students who showed the best effort and determination reached hunter status, the rest forced to take the class another year. For three years now Sunset had been held back, but no more. This year it will be different, right?
“Your mission is to catch a monster, preferably the rarer types. You will be given a note, each of you will. The note will state what class of monster you must hunt and catch, if succeeded in 2 weeks, you will move to the hunter status. Now, any questions?” most did not speak, just smiled at each other in false confidence. Sunset knew all too well though, catching a monster is harder than it sounds.
Some hands were raised, one belonging to a close friend Twilight sparkle. This was Twilight's 2nd year being held back, and Rainbows 4th… if anyone needed to pass it was those two.
“Yes, Twilight?” MIstmane asked, turning her attention to the girl in glasses.
“Uhm, so do you have any suggestions as to how we can best catch a monster?” Twilight spoke, her voice shaky and nervous.
“Good question, Twilight! Please stay after so i can give you more detail, but for now i will say this. It's best to use sleeping darts instead of potions if you are trying to catch one. Some are immune to air concentrated toxins so it's best to use the needles. Each class holds a weakness, for example Cavern Green tends to be very weak against flamethrowers and scorchers.” Mistmane smiled before turning around to face the rest of us. “Now please pick a paper from the hat behind Rainbow, it will give you the class of monster to hunt.”
Rainbow practically pounced at the hat as she ripped three papers out of it, one for her, Sunset and Twilight. The rest of the kids followed suit as Rainbow approached Sunset handing her a random paper.
“Since Twi is gonna be talking to the perfect for a bit, wanna just head back to our room after i give her the paper?” Rainbow smirked, then yawned. This girl could sleep for days and still be tired.
“Sure, go give Twilight the note, i'ma check what we have.” Sunset nodded, looking at the papers once Rainbow left.
Reading Rainbows first Sunset smiled, the Walkers Yard. The Walkers Yard was the class of the undead monsters, vampires and zombies in short. Easy to hunt, even easier to catch… that is if you're going after a zombie. Rainbow should be fine with this one, hell maybe she would complete it in a day.
Checking the next paper Sunset freezed. Cavern Green, the mightiest nature class full of powerful earth ‘protectors’. This wouldn't be as easy, Cavern Green was known for its trickery and smart escapes.
Staring at the paper Sunset hardly realized Rainbow approached her, laughing hysterically at the purple haired friend's reaction to her chosen class to hunt.
“Twilight has to go after one of the monsters in the Salty Shores clan! That's hilarious- she hates water!” Rainbow snickered, slapping Sunset on the back, “what did we get?”
“Oh- uh… you are going after the Walkers Yard clan.” Sunset remarked, froze, then spoke again. “I'm after one in Cavern Green.” The first part caught the rainbow haired athlete in an excited dance, until she heard the second part.
“Cavern Green?! But that's- that's,” Rainbow stuttered, trying to find the right things to say. Sunset quickly defused the moment by smiling though, as she always tended to do.
“Hey it will be fine, for now I'm tired… Let's head back. Does Twilight know we are leaving?”
“Ya,' I told her.” Rainbow smirked and then frowned. “Do you need help hunting a Cavern Green clan member?”
“Am i aloud to have help?” Sunset asked, starting her venture out of the library.
"Hell ya you are! It's a new rule made last year when the kid died from the monster he was hunting!” Rainbow followed close behind Sunset, weaving through the halls and approaching the second floor stairs. “You never asked for help?”
“I didn't think I was allowed to.” Sunset laughed awkwardly, scaling the stairs. Together Rainbow and Sunset walked down another hall, same as the last.
“Well, ya you're aloud to have help, and i-” to prove a point the rainbow haired athlete pointed to herself, “am gonna help ya!”
“Thanks Rainbow, but I don't wanna distract you from your own hunt.”
“It will be fine! I can get a zombie in 10 seconds flat.” Rainbow proudly announced, before turning and opening a small wooden door.
“If you say so.” Sunset muttered, grabbing a toothbrush from beside her bed before heading into the attached bathroom.
“Oh I say so!” Rainbow beamed as she jumped onto her bed, a soft squeak erupting from it. “Besides, it's better to hunt in twos anyway! Count this as extra practice.” A yawn soon followed the athlete's words as Sunset wandered out of the bathroom, changing into blue pajamas. Rainbow quickly dashed into the bathroom once Sunset left, only to come back seconds later fully changed.
“Well, I would love the help, so sure!” the bacon haired girl remarked before laying on her bed, “though can we talk more about this tomorrow… it's gonna be a big day with all the novice hunters wandering around.”
“Sure sure” a raspy voice answered, “night Sunset.”
“Goodnight Dash.”
Silence soon followed as the two laid in their respective beds. For a moment it looked like they were asleep, that was until;
“Rainbow go turn off the lights.”
Author's Note
Hey! Sorry if this isn't a good start- if you have any ideas on how I can fix things do tell me! Or if you like it do tell me what you liked so I can work on that as well- hopefully make it more nice to read.
Thanks!
Author's Note
I challenge ya'll to find out what monsters the rest of the main 7 are.
Monster Log: Scarecrow
Monster Log: Scarecrow.
Written by Starswirl
The Scarecrow, perhaps one of the most peaceful creatures of the myth world oddly enough. Grown entirely of hay, wheat or straw, scarecrows are fairly weak. However, weak as they are, they cannot die. Immune to explosions, stabbing and other it is practically impossible to kill these peaceful farm dwellers. Gladly, there's no need to harm them.
Description:
Many Scarecrows come with different heads depending upon their personality. Through investigation us hunters have found:
Pumpkin heads: Honest and nature oriented.
Bagged head: Family fan and loyal.
Clay head: creative and outgoing.
Wooden head: shy and panicked.
Along with different heads, Scarecrows also have different types of hair. The hair, however, isn't off of personality. Hair that Scarecrows have consists of wheat, grass, and straw.
Abilities:
As said previously Scarecrows do indeed have ways to protect themselves, however protection isn't the only ability they have.
Harvest moon and its importance:
Scarecrows are a lot like Gargoyles in the sense of how they move, which is little at all. Scarecrows can stand still for hours on end to appear lifeless or just to relax. However when the Harvest Moon comes out, it's the time for the Scarecrows to move and mingle. To hunters' understanding, the Harvest Moon is like a holiday to Scarecrows and many other mythical creatures. It's the time for them to make friends, find love and explore.
Similar categories of monsters and why you should never confuse them:
Scarecrows are a lot like Snowmen and Gargoyles in the sense of their “hiding in plain sight” habit. However, out of the three, the Scarecrow are the most peaceful and docile. It's easy to confuse them for Gargoyles who are extremely dangerous, so it’s best to always check the head and colors.
Scarecrows are also mostly mimicked to cause a false sense of security towards novice hunters. A common monster who mimics Scarecrows is a Kitsune or a Cavern “Changeling”. These are both extremely dangerous creatures who live on lies and deceit.
Ending notes:
When out in the wild please keep eyes open for anything. Though Scarecrows themselves are peaceful, other monsters aren't. Always be careful around a Scarecrow for that vary reason, however if you're sure it's a Scarecrow you are perfectly safe.
Chapter 2………. Let’s begin
Morning dew hit upon Sunset's face as she stood silently in a grassy field. Birds sang beautiful songs as the sun grew in the mighty ocean sky. Specs of grass hit against her feet in what could only be seen as an act of retaliation. Clouds drifted lazily in the sky, every now and then bumping into each other. The bright blue sky shimmered of future promises, promises of future catches. It was lovely today, until…
“Hey! You were here the whole time? You missed breakfast!” a raspy voice broke the calm atmosphere, causing Sunset to turn around with a start.
After having woken up Sunset found herself shoved around by said overly excited friend. Wanting a break, Sunset left to be outside. It was nothing against Rainbow, just she tended to wake up before even the sky did. Let alone play video games all night under the excuse of ‘turning off lights’.
“Oh- I'm fine with that,” Sunset muttered, getting an unhappy look from her friend. Rainbow loved breakfast, always claiming it was the most important meal of the day. The same ideology never quite hit Sunset.
“Ya, well… the others are coming out soon! Do you have the right materials?” Rainbow asked, stepping beside Sunset. Sunset simply nodded a response before dropping her bag to the floor. It was a simple bag, brown with red straps. A sun-shaped pendant sat calmly on one of the straps, the words ‘I love you’ imprinted on it.
“Great!” Rainbow chirped as three other girls approached them. Said girls were Twilight Sparkle, Juniper Montage, and Starlight Glimmer... Now, Starlight and Juniper were not as close to Sunset as Twilight and Rainbow, but they were still amazing to have around. They were first years, fresh out of the oven as the Pies may say. Not that there were anything wrong with that!
Starlight was a tall lean girl like Twilight, the main difference being her hair. Long locks of blue and purple curled at the end, all done to slightly brighter purple skin. Starlight was also smart, reasonable with her actions yet sometimes clueless towards social situations.
“Hey! Who's ready for the first hunting day!” Juniper excitedly took out her camera. Juniper had a weird way with hunting, taking pictures and videos first before she got into the real deal. She always claimed it was the inspiration for a monster movie she was going to make someday, which was cool to think about.
“Whoa, before anything, what is everyone hunting? Maybe we can all help each other.” Starlight spoke, getting a nod from Twilight.
“I agree, so what is everyone's monster clan? Mine is Salty Shores'' Twilight said, a smile on her face wavering slightly. Twilight didn't like water, hell she hated it.
“I got a Mindful gaze.” Starlight mumbled, getting a few sympathetic looks her way. Mindful Gaze was the type of monster who used trickery and mind control, all things Starlight hated. The clan itself once tried to get her to join them, when she was younger that is. However she never spoke much about her past and why they would want a human, Sunset found it best not to pry.
“I believe I got Shadow Gates.” Juniper hummed, some nodding in approval. Shadow Gates were humans turned monsters. Werewolves, and such. If she had the right materials her task would be a breeze.
“I got Walking yard! Sunny got Cavern Green.” Rainbow but in, much to no one's surprise. However, the announcement of Cavern Green caused eyes to fall on Sunset. For a second no words were spoken, only the sound of Twilight's breath rapidly increasing.
“Cavern Green?! Are you serious? Why was that even an option?!” Twilight screamed panic painted on her face. Starlight stood motionless for a second before placing her hand on Twilight's shoulder, muttering calming words.
“Look I get it- Cavern Green is the worst of the worst- I can just aim for an org!” Sunset stuttered, trying to defuse the situation. This seemed to work as Twilight began to breathe slightly better, only slightly.
“Cool- I always wanted a picture of a Cavern Green clan member!” Juniper hummed, eyes now being sent her way. “What.”
“Look, everyone has their materials- Let’s go!” Rainbow growled, having grown tired of the unmoving conversation.
“Hold up Rainbow- we should go in groups to help each other.” Twilight squeaked in surprise from Rainbow's anger. For a second Rainbow locked eyes with Twilight, before talking again.
“Teams right.” was all Rainbow said before she grabbed Sunsets hand and began to run towards the woods. Voices of disapproval and good luck wishes drowned out once the forest was entered. The Everfree forest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Everfree forest, a place of mystery. The land of the largest number of monsters… the home of monsters, as ironic as it was, right next to the hunter’s headquarters.
Rainbow and Sunset slowly walked through the damp woods, birds screeching angrily at the intrusion. Hums of insect wings flew by disturbed yet unmoving from their work. Each girl had a bag strapped to their back full of weapons. They didn't have a destination, they just wandered. Trees passed them as squirrels ran by, soft songs of nature keeping a calm mood.
The woods were large, covered in green that history could be learned from. History of monsters who didn't belong on this planet.
Pulling her bag higher up her back Sunset growled. Monsters, a plague upon this earth. Creatures so heartless that not even the kindest of beings could tame them. But the worst was by far the Kitsun, those horrible beasts caused nothing but pain. They did it- they are to blame. They are monsters- wait… why was Sunset thinking about this now?
Shaking her head, Sunset kept to her silent march. Rainbow, close behind her, kept humming a rock song under her breath. This wasn't unwelcomed by any chance from Sunset for the two shared a love for rock.
Hours passed as the two only seemed to run across animals and insects, no monsters in sight. This was odd, monsters usually roamed the woods like there was no tomorrow but today, something was keeping them hidden. Fear perhaps? What was there to be scared off.
Rainbow growled as she began to approach the bushes, gun in hand. Sunset tensed as the whimpering stopped, seeming to sense Rainbows' approach. The world fell silent like it would in a horror movie. Awaiting the response Sunset tightened her grip on her gun, only to find Rainbow signal her to approach.
“What is it?” Sunset muttered, getting a shrug from Rainbow, “you don't know?”
“Look I don't study nature monsters, I've always been more interested in the air anyway… also this seems to be a mix of many monsters.” Rainbow reacted, causing Sunset to freeze. A mix of monsters? Now that was new.
Stepping closer herself, Sunset did indeed see a mix of monsters. A wing of a butterfly and a wing of a bat, the neck fur of a moth and the eyes of an owl, a leg of a crow and a leg of a cat followed by an arm of a human and an arm of a monkey this thing truly was a sight to behold. Reaching into her mind Sunset tried to remember monsters that were a mix, and a mix to this degree! However nothing came to mind.
As Rainbow examined the cowering monster further, a certain tree caught Sunset’s eye. A single letter sat carved in it, the single letter of C. Somewhere, somehow, this didn't feel right. Something about this didn't sit right. Sunset could have sworn the letter was bleeding sap.
Author's Note
I'm sorry if its slow so far, I plan for it to get more upbeat in chapter 3 and beyond. I hope you like it- tough you dont have to!
Monster Log: Lamias and Nagas
Monster Blog: Lamia/Naga
By Starswirl
Lamias and Nagas are known as some of the most dangerous monsters in the world. Able to creep into their victims minds they can twist any fear into a desire. These monsters have the upper half of a human and the lower half of a snake. They are fairly strong and immune to most attacks, the best way to fight one is to fight it with its own power. Though physically strong, Lamias/Nagas are mentally weak and egotistical. It’s best to fuel their ego for it will lead to a less likely attempt of an attack.
Lamias/Nagas stay in dark caves most if not all of the time, so the threat of them escaping into the human world is very low. They tend to wander in singles, feeling the presence of other lamias/Nagas around them as a threat. These monsters reside in the Cavern Green clan, even if they seem better fit for the Mindly Gaze. The only thing keeping them from said clan is their natural connections. Lamias/Nagas are highly in tune with the world around them, able to sense the life of nature like its heart beat.
Description:
Lamias and Nagas take the upper half form belonging to that of a human, elf or Slither. Slithers aren't to be confused with Lamias ad Nagas as to be explained later. The lower half of a Lamia or a Naga consists of different species of snake tails. The most common snake tail species seems to be a simple garden snake. Lamias and Nagas tend to be adorned with jewels and riches, seemingly enchanted by the objects' glow. The best thing to do when meeting a Lamia or Naga is offer them the shiniest object you have, they will let you go in most cases.
Abilities:
The best ability the Lamias and Nagas can do is hypnosis, however they can also use their tails as a whip. Quick to catch and faster to find it is almost impossible for a human to win in a fight against a Lamia or Naga. Do not pick a fight with one of the said monsters, you will lose.
Similar category of monster:
It's very easy to confuse a Lamia or Naga with a Slither. Slithers take a human-like shape but they are covered in snake skills. Instead of their eyes they use their voice to attract and control enemies. They are faster than Lamias and Nagas but are mostly not hostile. These creatures hide in darker and deeper caves so it's rare to even run into one. Nevertheless the best way to avoid fighting one is using a simple flashlight. Slithers are scared of the light and find it as a threat, use it to your advantage.
Ending notes:
If a hunter ever finds themselves in the layer of a Lamia or Naga they should use shiny objects and ego pleasing tactics. It's best to keep the Lamia or Naga from attacking, there is no known way of how to beat it in a fight.
