The Hunter's Apprentice (17 page)

-Do you really think that anyone can approach her? What do you have to lose anyway?, she asked Aerys.

-I don’t mind trying, he replied excitedly. If there was a way to cure him, he would do anything to find it. Even if that meant chasing a legendary fairy.

-That’s a load of crap lad, said the hunter angrily. This fairy doesn’t exist.

-How would you know?, asked Emily. Have you ever searched for her?

The hunter hesitated.

-No…I mean what’s the use of searching for someone who doesn’t exist.

However Aerys had already made up his mind.

-I will go with her and I will search for this fairy. If she exists, it will be my chance to escape my fate and if she doesn’t exist then I would have tried at least. You cannot take that away from me.

He looked at the hunter with pleading yet determined eyes. If the hunter accepted to go with them, it would be a huge asset but if he refused, he would still go. It was his life after all. The hunter glared at him. He walked back an forth muttering to himself. Aerys waited anxiously. Would he accept? Would he refuse? If he refused, would he try and stop him? He did not want to fight him but Emily had given him a new hope. H e did not care if it was a tale or not. There was something he could chase. Something that gave him hope again.

After some time, the hunter stopped and walked toward shim. Aerys did not move but he remained on his guard.

-I’ve thought about it, said the hunter facing him. And I have come to a decision.

Aerys tried to ask him what it was but he found that he could not speak. His throat was dry.

-I cannot let you, a contaminated boy, wander alone in the known world. This is why I will accompany you.

-Really?, said Aerys regaining his voice.

-Really, said the hunter. However I have my conditions. I will help you in this insane quest of yours to the best of my ability. However should you fail and transform into a werewolf, I will have to eliminate you. Now will you give me your word that you will surrender when and if that time comes and not run away. Can you promise me that?

Aerys swallowed. When they were chasing the werewolves, he had thought on the subject for long enough to realize that even if he turned into a werewolf, he would never have the courage to surrender himself. He did not want to die. However he knew that it was the best bargain he would have with the hunter and that his help could not be refused. He shook the extended hand.

-I give you my word, he whispered reluctantly.

And so they left the clearing and headed south towards Amestris, the capital. The hunter took the lead followed by Emily and Aerys who surprisingly had recovered completely. He was transforming and he knew that if he did not find the fairy queen anytime soon, he would transform into a monster. He was running out of time…

THE END

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