The burning sensation only lasted for minute. The stubble tree branch knocked by KeyKeeper had hit her square in the forehead. A bird circled high overhead, flapping its wings idly. The gentle creaks of the forest, not disrupted by footsteps told her that the Keeper was already long gone.

The Huntress opened her pack and pulled out her water pouch. Her crimson hair eased slowly out of the bound state it had been in. The clothing was ripped and dotted with blood. Thankfully it wasn't just hers. Letting out a sigh she took the rag out of her satchel and poured some water onto it.

"Damn," she winced as the cold cloth gingerly touched her wound. She pulled back and was surprised by the amble blood that now dotted the rag. Suddenly a rustle sounded from behind the bushes. Gracefully, the Huntress bounded to her feet, ignoring the shockwave of pain that came from her throbbing legs.

She chased that damned beast all morning. Ash shook her head slowly. Slowly her firsts raised, still interpreting a threat. Perhaps it was the KeyKeeper, but that was unlikely. It was probably a Wolterk, who had scented the fresh blood. The foul beasts where a bigger threat to children. But not a Hunter, Ash chuckled at the insanity of it all. A grey, slightly hairless poked out from under a bush. Slowly, a forked tongue lapped at a drop of blood that had slid off her fore-head. It was a Wolterk, hunting her.

Smirking, Ash bent down and scooped up a handful of dirt. The ugly muzzle darted out from the bush again, Ash yelled and blew the dirt into the beasts face. Directly on its nose. The Huntress laughed and rolled her eyes as the beast yelped and took to the sky on its boney, leathery wings.

She hadn't harmed the pour beast, just frightened it out of its wits. Her thoughts wandered as she slowly trekked back to the village. The KeyKeepers where a rare race. They didn't show their faces, they were always running. Protecting themselves, and more importantly, the Gates of Power. Each Keeper holds a key, and the key holds a power, a magical one.

If the KeyKeepers lost their key, they would eventually turn to stone. A story tells of Keepers that will battle fiercely and steal each other's keys. Making the loser of the deadly match turn to stone.

Ash bit her lip as she thoughts wandered to her mentor. He was her only family in these bleak mountains. She was searching for the Gates of healing. Although it was unlikely that she would ever get there. But she had to try. Kael was slowly dying because of a wound that he had gained from a hunt near the edge of Turel, the shadow town. He had managed to get to the hut they called home, but was now bedridden and sick. She hoped there was something behind the wall of stone she hoped to unlock.

Yet the small spark of hope she had was enough to fuel her, for now she guessed. With a shrug she gathered her now from a nearby tree and came into the village with a rabbit she had caught earlier. If anyone knew she was a Huntress... Ash didn't think she would be able to spend a night in the village without winding up in a jail cell. Hunters weren't greatly appreciated anywhere. Ash took a deep breath and stepped into town. The sun had started to set, turning the sky a beautiful red.

The bustling village was still bursting with activity. The town square still filled with people even with the fading light. Ash pulled her hood over her hair, not wanting anyone to recognize her. It was an important step to take. Hunters couldn't trust anyone. That's what Kael had taught her at least.

Slowly Ash brought her meat to the butcher. He gave her three Copper Tolins for the meat. She pocketed the money and tracked slowly around the market place, relaxing. She let the hood slide off her head and shook out her hair. Loving the feeling of the slight breeze that came through. She was walking away from the market place, the only light coming faintly from the street lamps.

Suddenly, an arm shoot out from the darkness, and pulled her into a dark alley way. "Let go of me!" Ash shrieked and struggled against the iron tight grip. With a swift and graceful movement her attacker cut the string bounding her cloak. It felt to her knees, revealing her ripped tunic and pants.

"A hunter," came a silky smooth voice, he must have noticed the brand on her arm that had finalized her apprenticeship. This was bad, very bad, Ash bit her lip; hoping for the best, also wishing she hadn't left most of her weapons outside of the town.

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Omg done first chapter!

How do u like it? I tried to not use a thing where I tell u the characters before hand or anything. I would really like some feedback on the first chapters

Also, if you saw any grammar/spelling errors please notify me! I really need to work on editing and it would be really nice of u

Random fact of the day: I have one week left of school!

Please comment and vote for this story, as it is one of the first of mine that isn't a fanfiction.

I NEED FEEDBACK

Should I continue the story?

Anyway... HOODKITTY OUT