Woo… Finally have this in a format which I'm happy with. Piece of advice--don't post until you know for sure that it's what you want up. I should follow my own advice…

Couple of things: For the most part, this story runs parallel to the game, but rarely intersects. As such, it is an OC driven fic, but I hope that doesn't deter you! It's based off the (logical) assumption that Vaan and Co. were too busy saving to world to take up side jobs as hunters.

I hope you enjoy!

Without further ado…

The Hunted

Prologue: Those Who Watch

The rocky wasteland was devoid of life. Creatures from the Estersand rarely ventured into this particular inhospitable plain, but those that did had slunk away into hiding for the moment, from the giant bulk of the wild saurian to the skinny sinew of the lowly worgen. On a rocky outcropping, the sole Hume took note.

The red armored knight watched in grave silence as the airship disappeared into the smoky interior of the massive storm front. It looked small and insignificant silhouetted against the wall of gray clouds, heavy and dark with unshed rain. The occasional flicker of light from within marked the appearance of lightning, and the deep peal of thunder spread out in a wave of rumbling sound. A stiff wind blew his cloak, thrashing it violently about his shoulders. He stood stock still in anticipation.

“Ban is an idiot.”

The red knight nearly jumped at the unexpected voice, but caught himself. He turned his helmeted head and saw a man approaching. No armor, but he was wearing a long thick coat that was wrapped firmly around him. Strands of black hair were whipped around a serene face of olive complexion. Hands held casually in his pockets, the man stepped up next to the red knight, looking pointedly at the storm cloud.

“Don’t you agree?” he asked. His question was just audible above the whistling wind.

The red knight stared at the side of his head through the slotted visor of his helmet for a few seconds before turning away. “It is possible.”

The swarthy man bowed his head chuckled. “Still scared to offend, huh? No matter.” He walked ahead to the very edge of the precipice. “Ban is an idiot,” he reiterated, “and this stunt of his will only end in embarrassment and unnecessary deaths.”

A sudden, especially loud crack of thunder split the air, and the red knight shivered. The storm cloud seemed darker than ever, the flash of lightning constant.

“Why are you here, Feirefiz?” he asked.

“The same reason you are.”

The red knight seemed to accept this answer, and they both fell into silence.

When the disintegrated wreckage of the airship fell from the sky, the man named Feirefiz smiled.

“Well, that’s that.”