Monster and hunter teamup

Aurora kept silently gazing at Claire for what felt like an eternity. There was a hint in her eyes making me believe that she was considering Claire's request.

Finally, she approached Claire, crossing her arms and leaning closer, staring Claire in the eyes. “It seems like you're determined and won't be swayed no matter what we say, so let's make a deal. Yahana and I are going to test you. We will send you to Yahana's family. They will train you for a month, to test your abilities and see if you have what it takes to be a proper hunter. If you fail, you listen to your brother and come back here to resume your life. If they deem you good enough, you'll keep training until you can join us for real. In the meantime, I swear on my mother's name that we won't do anything to your brother as long as he doesn't betray us. Do you agree?”

I noticed Yahana wince slightly when Aurora mentioned her mother.

Claire didn't break eye contact even for a second while replying. “Yes.”

The answer seemed to satisfy Aurora. “Good. You should return home and pack what you need, you will be away for a while.”

Claire bowed at her, letting out a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

Yahana chuckled. “Don't thank us yet. Hunting monsters is both extremely dangerous and utterly exhausting both physically and mentally. Most of us either die early or are so scarred they need to stop, without being able to truly return to a normal life after witnessing so much horror.”

“I see.” Claire simply said, but her fists clenched.

“Edward, if you can, I'd recommend you buy a van or truck, something you can sleep in comfortably. We will be travelling a lot, and it is a lot more practical than sleeping in a car or searching for hotels.” Yahana advised.

I scratched my head awkwardly. “I, uhh, don't think I can afford one, unfortunately.” An idea then popped in my head, one I wasn't sure Aurora and Yahana would like, but I had to suggest it. “What if I just… ‘borrowed’ someone's apartment at night?”

I thought it'd solve the problem I had with lodging, and also potentially help quench my skinwalker urges more regularly.

Aurora's eyes narrowed and her hand went to rest on her hip. She clearly hated this idea. Yahana meanwhile, went pensive, looking at the sky and toying with her braid.

“I-it was just a suggestion!” I blurted out, feeling uneasy under Aurora's icy glare.

“I guess it could be a reasonable idea for the time being…” Yahana said quietly.

Aurora's face instantly shifted to that of shock as her eyes darted towards Yahana. “Yana? You really want him to wear innocent people?”

“I don't really want that, Rori, but we can't let him sleep in our vans, and we don't have a ton of money to help him. Until he earns enough to buy himself a van, I think he can do it. With his sister now involved, I don't see any reason for him to betray us.” Yahana explained.

Aurora sighed loudly, holding her forehead. “If that's what you think… Claire, please lead us to your chief. We need to explain why you're leaving.” She then requested.

It surprised Claire. “You will tell him?”

“Higher ups in the police are generally aware of our line of work. Telling him we are thinking of recruiting you will make things easier.” Yahana explained.

Claire nodded. “Okay.”

“Edward, if you have anything you want to deal with here, I suggest doing so today. We are leaving tomorrow morning.” Aurora stated.

“Alright. See you tomorrow, then. And thanks again for giving me this chance. I won't betray your trust.” I declared solemnly with a warm smile.

Claire, Aurora, and Yahana left towards the police station, while I returned home to pack things. I didn't have much I wanted to bring, I only took a few spare outfits, and a handful of comic books that held sentimental value. As the evening was creeping closer, I couldn't help but go to the university. I wanted to see Sarah one last time before leaving. Another familiar face saw me first, though.

“Edward? What are you doing here?” Dahlia's voice asked somewhat awkwardly, making me raise my head. “Are you… Are you alright?”

We hadn't talked since our fight back then, when I was still wearing Sarah. I did request to be left alone, and she granted my request. But she was clearly worried about me, I could see it in her eyes. While it was a coincidence, I was glad to meet her again.

I gave her a faint smile. “I'm fine, yeah, thanks for asking. What about you?”

“I'm alright, I suppose.” She said softly, looking down. “Been thinking about you a lot. I'm-"

I had a feeling she would be blaming herself, so I cut her off. “I'm sorry for how I acted back then. I was such a jerk to you.” I sighed. “I was lost and confused, and you didn't deserve me lashing out at you.”

“It's okay, Ed… I deserved it.” Her voice was low, full of guilt.

“No, you didn't. I'm glad I got to see you again before I leave, though.” I said, smiling at her.

“What do you mean?” Dahlia asked, not expecting that.

“I'm leaving town tomorrow. I… found new goals in life.” I said, trying not to say too much. I didn't want Dahlia to get involved, she deserved to keep her peaceful life here. “We can stay in touch if you'd like, but I don't know when I'll return.”

“What goals? And what about your sister?”

“My sister knows. And I'm going to… help people. I have the ability to do good, now.” I admitted. “I won't let it go to waste.”

Dahlia smiled warmly. “It sounds like something you'd do. I wish you luck, then. I'm glad you found a purpose and that your sister accepted you.”

“And I'm glad I met you, Dahlia. Truly.” I replied, giving her a smile of my own.

She came closer, giving me a hug, her face resting against my chest. “Thank you, Ed. I was so afraid of you hating me.”

I caressed her hair gently. “Maybe I did a bit, at first, when I was still processing everything. But I no longer have any ill feelings towards you.”

“Oh, Ed, what are you doing here?” Another familiar voice said from further away. A voice I knew really well. “You two look cute together, you know?” Sarah said, giggling as she came closer.

Dahlia blushed slightly while I simply smiled. “It's not like that. I told her I was leaving town soon, she just wished me luck.”

Seeing her again, these feelings I buried were trying their hardest to resurface. The memories of my time as her vividly flashed back in my mind, as if to tempt me to skin her again. It was difficult, but I ignored them.

“You're leaving town?” Sarah asked. “Why? Did something happen?”

“I found a new job, one I think I would enjoy a lot more than my current one.” I said. “I'm leaving tomorrow, and I wanted to see you two again before I do.”

It was Sarah's turn to give me a hug, and she whispered in my ear. “Good luck, then, I hope you won't forget about us~”

I chuckled. “How could I ever forget about you two?” I just couldn't, not after everything that happened. “I wish you luck too, Sarah.”

I wished the two girls a good evening, as I had to drop by the bar and tell my boss too. I gave him another story, telling him I had to urgently leave for a family matter and didn't think I could return anytime soon. He seemed saddened, but wished me well. For that last night, I worked my hardest. I was exhausted when I returned home, and Claire was already waiting for me, alongside Yahana.

“Evening, girls.” I said before yawning. “What are you up to?”

“Yahana was telling me about some of her past hunts.” Claire started.

“She asked me to.” Yahana clarified. “But she needs to know how gruesome it can get before fully committing.”

“Oh, I see. Please don't tell me anything, I already have enough nightmares as is.” I replied with a chuckle.

“Because you're not wearing a skin.” Yahana flatly said. “Tell me, what kinds of nightmares are you getting exactly?”

“Hmm… I guess the luring kind? Like, I'm dreaming I'm someone else.”

“Interesting. It matches what I know. The curse tempts you even in your sleep. And what about when you're awake?” She asked, approaching me. “Are you tempted to wear people? Me or Aurora, for example?”

I was taken aback, blushing at her question. I couldn't deny that Yahana was really cute. She was wearing a black crop top showing her toned abs and enveloping her breasts nicely. She also had some ripped denim shorts and knee-high leather boots, giving a great view of her muscular thighs. Coupled with her braided hair and youthful face, it gave her an innocent yet very hot look.

Yahana took a step back, smiling more teasingly. “No need to say anything, I have my answer.”

“I-I won't act on it, I promise!” I managed to blurt out despite my embarrassment. I then looked away shamefully. “The… The temptations are always there… but I try my best to resist and ignore them.”

“You wore someone recently, so it is still manageable for you, but it won't stay this way.”

“I know… It's… kinda why I suggested wearing people during the night… I thought it might... help me control myself better when it matters.”

Yahana giggled. “You know, you look so innocent and awkward that it's hard to imagine you are a skinwalker. It's honestly refreshing to meet one who's not trying to get me.” She then smiled more apologetically. “I am sorry if my questions may make you uncomfortable, Edward, but I've never really had the chance to talk to a skinwalker casually before. The last one who used to work with my tribe vanished when I was still a baby.”

“Vanished?”

“One of my uncles told me they desired to retire, and were let free. We haven't heard of them since.” Yahana explained. “I've always been so curious to meet them. Anyway, I should let the two of you rest, we are leaving early tomorrow. Have a good night.”

Yahana waved at us and left the flat. Claire seemed as exhausted as I was, yawning. She told me that the meeting with her chief went well, Yahana apparently being quite persuasive with him. After that, we wished each other good night and went to bed. While I wanted to talk to Claire more about her decision, it was too late for that tonight.

Tomorrow will be a new beginning for us… I thought before drifting off.