Hagan rose to his feet, nodding in appreciation to the girl's mother before turning and walking back toward the entrance to the village. Isyllia moved to walk at his side, masking her true feelings behind the indifference that she normally wore. Hagan's expression returned to the normal calm as the two turned to the matter at hand, purging the village of yoma. As they drew near the entrance, the two finally came to a stop. With their curiosity satisfied, the villagers returned to their normal routine. Which left the two Claymores to their own devices.
Isyllia lowered her head, closing her eyes and letting her senses roam the area in search of yoki. After several long moments, she opened her eyes again. She lifted her hand and gestured toward the north side of the village. “I'm getting six or so distinct yoki. They're not strong enough for me to pinpoint at this range, as no doubt the yoma are trying quite hard to hide themselves from us now that they know we're here.”
Hagan nodded to Isyllia, not surprised at all by what she was picking up. He could tell that there were yoma somewhere nearby but not specifically where. Isyllia was by far the most sensitive of their generation, earning her the nickname of Seeress Isyllia before they'd even completed their training. “Shall we take a stroll around the village and see how lucky we get?”
Isyllia nodded and gave him a razor thin smile, not one of humor but rather the smile of one in anticipation of yet another hunt. She turned and lead the way, leaving her brother Claymore to walk a step behind her. She lead in a generally northern direction, drifting off to follow a faint yoki trail which usually lead to a doorway. Once at the home of one of the villagers, Isyllia left Hagan to see about getting inside to take a look around. Very few refused when asked, and she noted those that did not as likely places yoma would be hiding.
Most Claymores simply insisted and sometimes pushed their way inside a place where they suspected yoma of hiding but since Isyllia'd been partnered with Hagan she'd never once had to insist. Hagan's skill with words rarely left even the most skittish villager willing to block their entry and every time someone had, it had invariably been because of a yoma hiding inside. Somehow, he seemed able to project a sense of confidence and trust onto the people he spoke with and he'd long since been nicknamed Noble Hagan because of his skill as a diplomat by their brothers and sisters.
As the sun began to dip into the ground, having nearly completed the day's journey that the two arrived at the very last place that she sensed yoki from that they hadn't taken the time to examine. Isyllia stepped away from the door after gesturing toward it, giving her brother Claymore a chance to petition their entry. Hagan rapped politely on the door with gloved knuckles then the two waited for someone inside to answer the door.
After a moment, there was a creaking of floorboards and the rattle of a door being unlocked. As the door swung open, the sense of yoki grew strong. Strong enough to indicate that whatever had opened the door was in fact a yoma in disguise. Even as the door creaked open, two sets of eyes flashed from silver to gold and it was Hagan who reacted first.
Before the door fully opened, the blade in his hand flashed forward in an blindingly fast series of strikes, chopping the yoma within into dozens of pieces before it had time to even register that it had been cut apart as Hagan had the half finished apple that very morning.
Isyllia stepped past Hagan, her sword held in hand and ready for use. She paused inside the room to find the cottage empty except for the yoma parts piled in the doorway. “Empty.” She declared, having already determined exactly that. She sensed rather than saw Hagan's nod of agreement and sheathed her sword.
“There are still five or so of them hiding somewhere in the village.” She said as she turned to him. “And knowing yoma, they won't make it easy.”
“Of course not.” Hagan agreed, nodding to Isyllia even as he finished sheathing his own sword. The two Claymores looked at each other for a moment before Hagan spoke again. “Usual routine then?” He asked, making eye contact with Isyllia.
Isyllia nodded in response, two pairs of silver eyes locked together for a moment before she moved past him. Hagan fell into step next to her, walking quietly in the fading light back to the inn where they'd been offered a room to stay. Isyllia chose to loiter outside while Hagan went inside to talk with the mayor. Unable to find him at first glance, and the room having been returned to what he assumed to be the normal arrangement, he instead stopped a young man to inquire as to where the mayor might have gone.
The boy, who was likely the mayor's son based on a resemblance in appearance, disappeared into the back room. He returned with the man that Hagan recognized as the mayor, who hurried over to greet him. The mayor blinked and looked around before turning his attention to the male Claymore before him. “Your room is ready whenever you'd like to use it and I can have the meal you requested prepared at any time. Say, where is the other one?”
Hagan nodded in response to the question being asked. “Isyllia is outside, awaiting my return.” He explained calmly. He'd long since learned that speaking in a calm voice made it much easier to deal with people who'd otherwise be too skittish to hold an extended conversation with. “We'll be outside tonight and every night until we eliminate all the yoma from the village. They won't show themselves in daylight unless they feel that they have to. We'll make use of the room upon the morning.” He gestured with his left hand slightly toward the crowd gathered around the nearby fireplace. “I have a request.”
The mayor's expression shifted to show his curiosity. “Of course, I'll be happy to help any way I can.” He offered, glancing at the crowd.
“For their own safety, we'd prefer it if everyone lock themselves in their homes at night and keep the windows closed as well.” Hagan continued, letting his senses wander over the crowd in the room. After all, one did occasionally get lucky. “With the two of us keeping an eye on things, that'll mean any yoma will have to come outside to attack any of the villagers. And the sound of a door opening can be very loud at night.”
The mayor seemed to be thinking it over, the look on his face one of thoughtfulness. “Of course, that won't be a problem at all. In fact, I don't know why I hadn't thought of it myself.” He continued, then put his hand on the shoulder of the boy next to him. “Mikal, get your sister and the two of you tell everyone in town. Hurry, before the sun goes all the way down.”
The boy Mikal scampered from the room, leaving the mayor and the Claymore alone. “I'll tell everyone here and let you two go about your business.” The mayor continued. “Anything we can do to help.”
Hagan nodded, smiling to the mayor before turning away. “Thank you very much.” He said then left the inn, returning to Isyllia. The female Claymore had a disinterested expression but he knew that she was already searching for yoma. “East or west?” He asked her, making eye contact again.
“East.” Isyllia nodded to him. “Everything okay then.”
“Yes,” Hagan agreed, breaking eye contact and turning away from her. “Situation normal.” He gave her a wave with his left hand then jumped onto a nearby roof.
Isyllia watched as he leaped several buildings over before settling onto an nonsmoking chimney. “Be safe, my brother.” She said quietly then began looking for a good vantage point in order to oversee her half of the village. She'd finally selected a chimney like he had, with a nice view of the town square. As the light faded into a nearly full moon, she could just see a reflection of the moonlight off of the waters inside the well nearby.
She settled down into what would surely be a most quiet of evenings, the first of many she expected in this village. It was a nice village with friendly enough people, and she would be glad when they finally got rid of the yoma hiding here. No one should have to live under the plague that yoma represented and the reason she lived was to protect otherwise ordinary people from them. Life could prove to be difficult enough without having this threat to their very lives hanging over them.
She knew that this night would pass as every night before when she'd been on the hunt. Every sound would draw her attention, every passing shadow the same. Even as the moon made her slow path across the sky, no yoma stirred or moved about. No screams were heard, no sounds of anyone moving about on the streets below. A quiet, peace filled night. Probably the first that this town had seen in a very long time.
She stifled a yawn as the sun slowly crept up below the horizon at her back. She felt the warming rays upon her, waiting patiently as the streets below slowly began to come to life. The sound of morning conversation echoed below her, filled with the quiet voices that people used during those sleepy hours. She tuned into no one conversation, rather letting herself luxury in the night well spent. The people below sounded hopeful and reassured, something that a good night's rest certainly helped with.
It wasn't until the sun was fully up and the streets were filled that Isyllia sensed her brother Hagan moving from his perch on the other end of the village. She rose to her feet, hoping lightly down from the chimney to the roof then to the ground. She exchanged morning greetings with several of the villagers as she walked to the inn where she would meet up with her partner.
Isyllia found herself in front of the inn before Hagan arrived, waiting patiently as he'd no doubt stopped along the way to speak with some of the villagers. Fortunately for her patience, she only had to wait a few moments before her errant brother hunter arrived. She gave him a smile that reflected a false sense of impatience, going inside before him. She left him to follow, knowing that even if she were to suddenly walk into a nest of yoma that he'd be right there behind her.
It was easy for her to determine which room had been set aside for their use as she simply had to follow her nose to the smell of warm bread and freshly made cheese. She climbed the steps to the second level, going inside the room. Hagan entered right behind her and closed the door quietly behind him.
“Uneventful, of course.” Hagan told Isyllia as she removed her sword and leaned it against the wall next to her. He broke the small loaf of bread in half, handing her one and setting it on the cutting board before doing the same with the white cheese that was also there.
Hagan watched in silence as Isyllia took several bites of both cheese and bread before setting the remainder aside. She plopped down untidily on the bed, rolling onto her side with a yawn. “Wake me in a couple of hours or so.” She requested then drifted off to sleep before he could even answer her.
“Of course,” Hagan told the female Claymore, drawing his own sword and leaning it against the wall next to hers. Several bites of bread and cheese were enough for him as well, so he sat down then leaned against the bed. He sat in silence, listening to the soft sound of her breathing as she slept. He stifled one last yawn then tucked his chin into his chest before dozing off himself. The hunt had just begun.
Hagan opened his eyes and looked out the open window, seeing that the sun was just beginning to set. He looked over his shoulder to see Isyllia still asleep and hogging the bed, just like usual. Part of their training had been to sleep anytime and anywhere, sitting down was just as natural as laying down by the time they'd earned their swords. He half turned then reached over to tap her gently on the back of the hand to wake her up. “Wake up, sleepy. Time to go to work.” He stood up, absently making minute adjustments to his muscles to work out any kinks that might have developed while he slept.
Finding none, he reached over and picked up his sword. Even as he settled it into place with the usual soft clinking sound, a soft yawn could be heard from the bed. “Evening, already?” His companion seemed to be protesting but he knew her well enough to know that she wouldn't miss the night's hunt for anything short of having her legs hacked off. And even then she'd find a way, in many ways she was a stubborn as he was.
He took a nibble of cheese, half listening to the sound of her getting out of bed and getting ready herself. “Which night do you think they'll finally come out of hiding?” He asked her as she settled her sword into place. He could tell at a glance that she was ready for the evening's hunt, returning his attention to the small bit of cheese in his hand.
“Let's see....” She seemed to be thinking it over. “How about fifth night?” She suggested, turning away and opening the door to the room. She paused at the door for a moment, waiting for the startled villager to move out of the hallway.
“Fifth night it is.” He agreed readily, turning to follow her. She was being her usual inapproachable self as they left the inn but he nodded in response to several raised mugs in their direction. Things were already beginning to improve as the village had reason to no longer fear the yoma hiding within their very midst.
He exchanged a wave as they always did before heading to the places that they'd chosen to watch over the villagers. As they'd chosen to start before the sun had gone down, he found himself returning evening greetings with villagers hurrying home for the night. Hagan settled down as the day turned fully into night, noting that Isyllia had chosen the same spot as the night before.
Anything moving about would not escape their notice nor would even the rustling of leaves in the deserted streets below. The yoma hiding here would have two choices, to try to slip out of the village unnoticed or to try to find a meal under the watchful eyes of himself and his partner. The first would be more likely to succeed than the second but he wouldn't wager on the success of either.
He knew that given that it was nearly winter, the yoma would have to make their escape within the next week or so. Given that it was slowly getting colder each night, the yoma would be too sluggish to move about in a way that would fool either of them. Which meant it would be a week or so until they got to go back to the Organization's headquarters which was also their home.
The losses among his brother and sister Claymores had been surprising to him after that first year, finding that most of them that had disappeared had instead turned into what were now being called Awakened Beings. Which was what happened to a hunter when he or she gave into the seductive power of his or her yoma side.
The number must have been a concern to the people that controlled the Organization as well, as it was only their second year of service and he'd been paired with another hunter as a result at the beginning of this one. He'd long since adjusted to working with a partner and sometimes even found that experience to be a pleasant one.
Hagan let his mind wander, dividing his attention between his musings and the streets below him. When the sun finally crept upward, it was no surprise to him that the night had been peaceful. Listening to the morning conversations revealed to him that in spite of the coming winter, the village was in a cheerful mood.
Once the sun was fully up, he hopped easily off of his chimney perch to the ground below. He exchanged morning greetings as he headed back to the inn where they'd stayed the day before. Today's routine would be different from yesterday's as they'd both been without sleep for the better part of a week and while it hadn't showed, it certainly made things a bit more difficult.
On long hunts like this, they'd figured out that they could rest in the first couple of days then remain watchful thereafter without interruption. Hence his question to her about when they should seriously begin to hunt. He even found himself humming an old childhood tune as he returned to the inn.
Isyllia hopped down from her perch to find the woman and little girl that Hagan had spoken to on the day that they arrived waiting for her. She gave the two a curious look but before she could speak, the little girl came over and gave a tug on her sleeve. “There's a monster under my bed.” The little girl sounded insistent. “Can you get scare it away for me?”
Isyllia found herself smiling at the little girl, who gave her a concerned look. She crouched down in front of her so that she was eye level with the little girl. “A big scary monster?” She asked seriously, remembering when she herself had been afraid of monsters, too. Only her monsters turned out to be yoma that had slaughtered her entire family.
“Yeah, big and hairy.” The little girl stretched her arms out as far as she could. “He's at least this big.” She continued with that expression that only children could have when they're convinced of something.
“That's a pretty big monster.” Isyllia told the girl as she lowered her arms. “How about we get him to stop hiding under your bed and scaring you at night? I bet he's as scared of you as you are of him.”
“Really?” The little girl grabbed the female Claymore's hand, tugging on it even as the hunter got to her feet. “Let's go scare him away then.”
“Yes, let's.” Isyllia agreed, letting the little girl lead the way. She nodded and gave a small smile of encouragement to the girl's mother, who joined in their impromptu procession.
The past several days had passed without incident and the villagers were in good spirits. Hagan couldn't help but smile at that, returning a wave from one of the villagers who he recognized lived in the cottage across the street from the chimney he'd chosen to watch from. The house below him was one of several that had become deserted as a result of the yoma that were still hiding in the village.
Now that it was the fifth night since their arrival and neither yoma nor a victim of same had been found. Soon, the yoma would grow so hungry as to have to come out and eat. Which meant that they'd have to reveal themselves to the watchful pair of hunters above them. He was also beginning to smell the snow, which meant soon that it would be fully winter and the yoma would be trapped wherever they'd hid themselves. And here they were prey, as they'd been preying on humans before the Claymores had arrived.
Hagan passed the evening as he'd every evening on the hunt. However, it was nearly midnight before he'd heard the soft creaking of a door and the rustling of leaves which indicated someone was about. As suddenly as the sound began, it faded back into silence. But by then it was too late, for as surely as the moonlight bathed the streets, he could sense that it was a yoma. It was one, no two, yoma lurking about the streets below.
While they were closer, much closer, to Isyllia than to himself that would not matter in the slightest. He leaped from his place, drawing his sword even before he hit the ground. He was running at full speed even as his feet hit the ground, inhumanly fast. So fast that Hagan crossed the village in mere seconds, arriving even as Isyllia did.
By accident or design, the two Claymores chose different yoma. The two yoma barely had time to shed their human disguises before they were fallen upon by those that hunted them. Isyllia neatly cut the one at the waist then decapitated it, while Hagan's sword blurred into the technique he called the Quick Sword.
The sound of ringing swords faded into silence, as sudden as the ringing of blades had been. The two exchanged a long look over the corpses of their fallen enemies then nodded in unison. “The others won't come out until they're desperate.” Isyllia said quietly, clearing the blood from her blade with a flick of her wrist then returning it to its resting place across her back.
“A couple more days, probably.” Hagan agreed quietly, his eyes turning to the dead yoma between them. He likewise cleared his blade of blood then returned it to its resting place.
“Probably.” Isyllia agreed, standing silently for a moment more before leaving the bodies behind.
Azmear figured that ten days would have been sufficient time for the two Claymores to kill all the yoma hiding in Dalmor. He walked into the village, having chosen the northern entrance rather than the westernly one that his two charges had selected. He'd barely passed from dirt to cobblestone when he discovered that he'd been half right in his assessment.
He heard a throaty roar that he figured could only belong to a yoma, hurrying as best he could in the direction that the sound had come from. It was a rare treat to watch the Organization's hunters in action, one he didn't plan to miss. He barely reached the opening to the main square of the village, finding half a dozen yoma engaged in combat with Hagan and Isyllia.
If he'd blinked twice, he would have missed it. So fast were the two that he doubted that even they realized it. There was a ringing of swords, the abruptly cut off roaring of the yoma, and then a sudden silence. Six yoma bodies, five more or less recognizable and one in pieces, seemed to land on the cobblestones at almost the same instant.
“I think we're done.” Hagan said in a dry tone of voice, a statement confirmed by Isyllia's firm nod.
Azmear blinked in surprise at the sound of applause from the various villagers clustered around the square. The villagers pressed close to the two Claymores, talking with them or simply just touching an arm or shoulder.
When Azmear saw Hagan meet his gaze and nod before returning to conversation, he knew that the pair would return to the Organization's headquarters when opportunity presented itself. As for him, he had a fee to collect then he'd be on his way home as well. Though he'd never admit it, he was looking forward to the winter calm as much as they did.