That Which Needs Protecting

Our scouts say more and more Synth Human troops are showing up in and around the airport.

Our scouts say more and more Synth Human troops are showing up in and around the airport. Whatever they're up to, it can't be good. We've got to strike first before they do. You ready for this, kid?

Oh, uh... Actually...

Hmm, how should I put this...

I can't heeear you! We're hunters. Taking down enemy units is what we're all about. If you don't have the determination to do that, you're gonna have a bad time.

If you wanna be a real hunter, you gotta have the right mindset.

Now, are you ready?

Sir! Yes, sir!

Then let's move out!

Well, that didn't go well...

Hey, buddy, something wrong?

Ah! Where'd you come from? Never mind that, can I ask you to do something for me?

Sure, I guess. Just so long as it's nothing too hard.

I'd like you to relay a message to a girl named Sakukana over in Gamma District. Tell her that Hinks is going to the airport as part of his hunter work, and that he's sorry. Thanks, see ya!

Hey! Wait a...

And he's gone... Well, I guess it won't hurt to find this Sakukana girl when we've got some spare time.

Huh? Yes, my name is Sakukana. What do you want with me? Sorry, but I already have a boyfriend.

Oh, you've got a message from Hinks? ...He's going hunting at the airport?

That jerk! He's got some nerve blowing off our date to go work. I can't let this slide. I'm going to the airport right now and giving him a piece of my mind! As for you, you brought the message, so you're an accomplice as far as I'm concerned. You'd better come, too.

I can't believe they'd come this close to the city... What are they planning?

Looks like our intel was correct. Those are Synth Human scout drones. I can't believe they'd come this close to the city... What are they planning?

Meh, ours is not to reason why. Kid, you ready to take 'em down?

Y-Yes, sir!

You sound okay, but your hands are shaking. It's a while since you started your training. You're not a greenhorn anymore. If you're still like this on a mission, maybe this isn't the job for you.

Let me be honest with you, kid. Physical strength just isn't your strong suit. Why are you so set on becoming a hunter?

I...

There are plenty other ways of life out there. No need to force yourself to carry on.

No, I...I need this.

......

Hey, you guys!

It's you! Did you give Sakukana my message?

Yeah, what's up with you two? She blew her stack and stormed off to the airport when she heard it.

Sakukana's at the airport?! This is not good... The place is crawling with Synth Human units.

Put a sock in it! You're gonna give away our position.

Urgh, looks like it's too late. They're comin' right for us.

You in the weird costume! You got us into this mess, you'd better pull your weight and take out a drone or two.

Got it! Leave this to me.

Phew, made it out unscathed somehow.

Your dress sense may be kinda strange, but you're a top-notch warrior. Wish my apprentice here could follow your example. What was that pathetic performance all about? You didn't even land a single attack!

I'm sorry... When they came at me, I just couldn't stop shaking...

You don't have what it takes to be a hunter. How're you gonna protect others when you can't even take care of yourself in battle?

I've seen plenty of new recruits like you come and go over the years. There's no shame in quittin', you know.

No, I can't give up now. There's someone I need to protect...

Waaaaaargh!

...! That was Sakukana's voice!

Kid, where are you going?! Tch. For such a useless fighter, he sure is quick to charge in. Looks like I'm gonna need your help again. Get after him!

We'd better hurry.

Hey, what's going on here? No one told me these things were going to attack me!

No! Stay back!

Sakukana!

Hinks!

Don't worry, I'm here to save you!

Hinks, you're not a fighter! I'll hold them off somehow, you call for backup!

No, they'd never make it in time!

Sakukana!

Urgh...damn it! Even at a time like this, I can't stop shaking...

I know I'm a coward. I could never be a true hunter. But...there's someone I'm determined to protect. I'll become a hunter, somehow.

Hinks!

Sakukana! This is no time to get rattled. The thought of losing Sakukana is scarier than anything else!

Hey, Synth-creeps! My name is Hinks, and I'm a hunter! If you want Sakukana, you're going to have to go through me!

Not bad, kid.

Maybe I was wrong about you. You've got guts, that's for sure. Don't let go of that will to protect, no matter how bad the situation looks. You're the only one who can save Sakukana now.

Right!

Good! Now let's show these guys what Elzion's hunters are made of!

Alright, that oughta be the last of them.

Sakukana! Are you hurt?

Hinks!

You...jerk!

I'd never have got into all this danger if you hadn't blown off our date!

Y-You're still mad about that?

Of course!

But...I was really happy when you stepped in to save me. Thank you for that. I'm seeing you in a whole new light.

Sakukana...

Kids these days... Well, whatever floats your boat. We're done here, so I'm heading back.

Hey, wait for me!

Oh, right. You'd better not be late tomorrow. You made some good progress today, but you've still got a long way to go. I'll make a hunter of you yet, Hinks.

Yes! Thank you!

Problem solved... Right?

Thank you for all your help. I don't think I would have made it through all these scraps without you.

Moving on... We'd better get back too, Hinks. You still have to make up for making me wait all this time! How about you start by treating me to one of Café de Fleur's Tropical Bloom Parfaits?

Slow down, you're gonna pull my arm off...

Heh heh... Good luck, Hinks.