The Huntress In The Tricorn Hat

A unique paradise with a landscape resembling an opera house unfolded before my eyes.

The surroundings were lush and green, and the air sparkled, making it the perfect spot for a first date.

Whenever the wind blew, tiny Cheriflutes, Guaviolins, and Pearpianos - a fairy-type Meadow Ferals - harmonized together. They can produce orchestral sounds, and the music they create is based on the scenes they see around them.

I saw Procko rolling down a steep hill, and tiny Pixiepops - a Meadow Feral fairy type - fluttered out. They're like tiny humanoids, but only an inch tall. They're friendly, but also extremely mischievous and quick-witted. As they played, a jolly and playful tune began to play.

I felt ashamed for thinking ill of Procko, and I admit I have trust issues, especially with complete strangers. Maybe this is the time for me to put some trust and hope in the people I meet, especially since Revaliant's world is so unknown to me. It's hard for me to figure out the mysteries of this world alone. I need Beardman's guidance, and I hope they won't break my trust.

As for Procko, he's really innocent and childlike, but to be fair, he's diligent. I walked towards Procko's resting spot. He was making a grass angel on the bluegrass, and when he saw me, he clapped with joy while doing a split on the ground.

His Pixiepops friends swarmed around me, and even though I couldn't understand their language, I thought they were excited to introduce themselves to me.

Procko handed me a twig, and for a moment, my mind was stuck wondering why he gave it to me. When I saw his tongue sticking out and his wagging tail, I realized he wanted to play. He wanted me to throw it so he could catch it.

I threw the twig to a random spot, and he immediately searched for it. He ran back to me and handed the twig over again. I threw it again.

At first, it was fun, and I was delighted by Procko's ability to find joy in simple things. However, as time passed, I started to feel tired and bored, and since Procko was still enthusiastic, I threw the twig far away.

While he was searching for it, I lay down on the grass, but I didn't stay there for long because Procko still hadn't returned. The harmonizing Meadow Ferals were gone too, and I noticed that the surroundings seemed to be darkening. The atmosphere was slowly becoming shrouded in sadness and eeriness.

I couldn't find Procko, so I decided to look for him. I climbed up a small hill, and when I reached the top, I saw Procko lying on the ground, stuck in a catching net. I quickly rushed down to check on his condition.

"Don't worry, I'll help you get out of there," I said to him with assurance.

Procko was sobbing, and it seemed like he was in pain. When I touched the metal catching net, I jerked back because it was scorching hot and electrified. My hands were burning, and the pain was intense.

"If I were you, I wouldn't try to free that Crocolator anymore. You'll only get hurt if you help it escape," said a woman who seemed to be standing right behind me.

Her voice alone sounded vainglorious. When I turned around, I saw a woman posing, wearing a tricorn, and at first glance, she looked like an actress from aphrodisiacal films.

"Who are you and what do you want with my friend?" I asked boldly, with my arms open as a barrier, because I didn't want her to approach Procko.

She's carrying a gun, so she's probably the one Beardman was referring to - one of the hunters roaming this forest.

"So that pitiful, crying Crocolator is your friend? You two are so cute, and why should I introduce myself to you? You should be the one introducing yourself to me, right? Didn't your mother teach you how to be a gentleman to a lady?"

"The question is, with your behavior, do you deserve to be treated gently? And besides, aren't antagonists usually the ones who introduce themselves with matching props and explosive effects? Oh, why can't you do that? No budget?"

"Wow, you're really hurtful with your words! You're even worse than a woman!" She started crying, but her tears were fake, and it seemed like she was trying to make me feel like I had no respect for women. And to get her forgiveness, I would approach her and comfort her, but she actually wanted to catch Procko. And besides, she's not a good actress; her acting is terrible.

"My name is Eusexua, and I'm a huntress. One of my goals is to catch a Crocolator, and your friend almost got caught by me when I saw him snacking on tomatoes a few days ago, but he managed to escape. That Meadow Feral even gave me a hard time, but thankfully my suffering will soon be over now that I've found him in this place."

She quickly grabbed her rifle, which was slung over her back. She aimed the gun at me and immediately fired.

I couldn't react to the speed of the event, but I saw that she was serious about shooting me. The bullet grazed my cheek, and it felt like a sharp blade as it passed, leaving my cheek bleeding.

"Enough of the joking around, let's get back to business. If you're wondering why I'm hunting Crocolators, it's because their skin is distinctive and very valuable when made into a coat. As soon as I saw you, I knew right away who you were. You're the prince I've been searching for, and my reward will be doubled when I hand you over to the king. I'll receive a huge sum of money, and maybe for my service, the king will make me his queen. And I can barely wait to wear elegant and bejeweled dresses."

I've always ended up getting into fights wherever I go - at school, in the parking lot, at the skate park, or in alleyways - and because of that, I've honed my close combat skills.

My plan is to throw rocks that I can pick up along the way to distract my opponent. Once I get close, I'll punch her in the stomach, twist her neck, and take her gun. Finally, I'll tie her up and leave the rest to Beardman.

"Why? Are you peeing in your pants because you're so scared?" she asked mockingly.

After she finished taunting me, she turned somber again and fired her gun, but the bullet transformed into a catching net like a tarantula's web. I dodged, and she fired again, and I dodged again. She kept firing, and I kept evading. And while I was eluding each shot, I was also gathering rocks.

When she loaded her gun, I sprinted towards her and, with full force, threw a shiny rock at her. I was lucky enough to hit her face! She cursed out loud as her nose bled. And in anger, she attacked me.

I even saw her jump, and her movement in the air was so smooth. I fell backward when she booted my shoulder. Fortunately, I quickly stood up from the fall, but she immediately launched her fist at me again. I blocked it. And wow, her strength was impressive; I was pushed back by her smacks, not to mention her bouncing breasts were distracting me, and since she was taller than me, I was having a hard time defending myself.

I fell backward again when she kicked me.

"Next time you try to hurt my beautiful face again, you'll taste more than just a slap from me!" She threatened, slowly approaching me.

As I struggled to stand up, a creepy smile spread across her bloody face.