Half an hour later Gabriel and the twins were sitting in Hazel's room with Hazel laying on her bed.

"You guys think she'll be alright?" Ace asked worried.

"I hope so." Rachel said looking at her friend.

"Come on guys, we're talking about Hazel over here, she'll be alright." Gabriel said with the air of reassuring himself more than the twins.

"Gabriel, didn't you tell us you found her unconscious in the forest?" Ace said turning to the brunette.

"So?" Gabriel replied.

"How did you know she was in the forest!?" The twins yelled impatiently.

"Guys, be quiet." Gabriel snapped.

"What happened?" Hazel asked as she slowly sat up.

"You okay Hazel?" Rachel asked as she and the boys rushed to her side.

"Define your definition of okay." Hazel said smiling slightly.

"Hazel don't joke around about this, we worried ourselves sick." Gabriel said sternly.

"Sorry about that." Hazel said chuckling slightly.

"We should get some sleep, if you’re feeling better then." Ace said as he and Rachel stood up.

"You should get some sleep too Gab." Hazel said after the twins left.

"Who were you talking to?" Gabriel asked folding his arms.

"I don't know what you’re talking about." Hazel said avoiding his eyes.

"I swear I heard you talking to someone in the grotto." Gabriel said eyes narrowing.

"C-can we talk about that another day?" Hazel asked stuttering a little, "Please?"

"Alright then." Gabriel sighed before leaving the room, no matter how upset he was about Hazel not telling him, he didn't have the heart to get her to look more frightened.

*

"He likes you." Luna said flying into the room.

"Like that'll ever happen." Hazel said sadly, "He likes someone else."

"Are you really going to believe that?" Luna asked.

"Of course, I do Luna." Hazel said smiling sadly, "And you know I have a limit when it comes to romances."

"Very much Ms. Abernathy." Luna replied before flying off.

*

"I'm telling you; she's hiding something." Gabriel said as he and the twins sat down in the armchairs.

"Just give her some time Gab." Ace said, "These last few months have been hard for her."

"I'm just-" Gabriel began.

"Just give her some time to put herself together first." Rachel interrupted with Ace agreeing.

"I'm just worried about her alright." Gabriel said quietly.

"Master please, no one can blame you for wanting to help her but Mr. and Ms. Oliviero are correct, you need to give Ms. Abernathy some time." A familiar voice said in Gabriel's mind.

"Josh?" Rachel asked as she walked up to the window, "How did you get here?"

"I have my ways." The bird said in Gabriel's mind.

"There's a letter." Gabriel said as Josh landed on the table.

"What's it say?" Ace asked as Gabriel undid the letter from his bird's leg.

"Let's find out then." Gabriel said as he unfolded the note.

Dear Hazel, Gabriel, Ace, and Rachel

"I'll go get Hazel." Rachel said after Gabriel read the first sentence.

Four minutes later Rachel was leading a red eyed Hazel in the living room.

"What happened to you?" Gabriel asked looking at Hazel.

"Cut to the chase already." Hazel said rubbing her left eye.

"We got a letter from The Hideout." Rachel said.

"Read it then." Hazel said sitting down on the remaining arm chair.

Thought we might check up on you to make sure everything's alright. Now this may come as a shock to you especially Hazel and Gabriel but we thought the sooner you all knew the better. You four weren't the only ones who can open The Back Entrance.

"What!?" The four hunters exclaimed in unison.

"I thought only four hunters could open The Back Entrance." Gabriel said.

"So did I." Hazel and the twins replied.

"Let's get some answers then." Hazel said grabbing the letter from Gabriel.

We know you four have always thought that the four of you were the only ones capable of opening it.

“You think?" Hazel mumbled.

"Hazel." Gabriel said.

"My apologies." Hazel said before she continued reading.

We're sorry that we kept this a secret for so long but first you four need to understand The Legend of the Four Hunters.

Hazel stopped upon seeing the twins stand up, "Something wrong you two?"

"We just have to get some things." Rachel said as she and her brother left the room.

"Where do you think they're going?" Gabriel asked.

'"No idea." Hazel said shaking her head.

Twenty-five minutes later the Oliviero twins came back carrying all four of their bags along with some blankets and pillows.

"What is all this stuff?" Gabriel asked as the twins placed their stuff on the floor and lifted the table before setting it aside.

"Pillow fort!" Hazel exclaimed standing up as the twins placed half the blankets on the carpet like a rug and the rest on top along with the pillows.

Gabriel and the twins laughed as they all sat down on the blanket rug.

Long ago there were four hunters; Emma from the South, Max from the North, Eleanor from the West, and Damien from the East. Together these four Monster Hunters built a school for all those who wanted to learn how to defend mankind from the forces of darkness. As years passed by the four hunters grew weaker, on their last day on Earth they told their pupils that they would choose hunters with the true spirit of a Monster Hunter to protect the school and all those who walk its halls.

"The Hideout must've been the school." Gabriel said after Hazel read the last five lines.

"I suppose." Hazel said lifting her head.

"You may continue Ms. Abernathy." Luna said flying into the room.

Now this may be hard to believe but Hazel's parents along with Gabriel's mother and father were one of the few chosen and now the four of you have been chosen by the founders to protect the hunters. By now you four must be wondering why we're telling you all this.

"It feels like they saw the future." Rachel said.

"May I continue?" Hazel asked.

"Sure." Gabriel said before laying down.

We're telling you all this because Chancellor Nevermore suspects that Max Dark has spies in The Council and are probably looking for some way in getting your weapons. Good luck with your mission!

Your friends; Matthew, James, and Abbey.

After Hazel finished reading the whole room went silent.

"Oh God." Rachel said breaking the silence.

"Any other reactions?" Gabriel asked.

"How could they hide this from us?" Hazel asked angrily.

"I'm sure they did it for the best." Ace said.

"Of course, they did." Hazel snapped.

"Calm down Hazel." Rachel said staring intently at her.

"Sorry." Hazel said rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly, "Didn't mean to blow my fuse."

"To be fair it is sort of overwhelming." Gabriel sighed, "Council members, spying for Max Dark."

"What's The Council?" Rachel asked.

"You didn't think The Hideout was the only place where Monster Hunters live in, did you?" Hazel said.

"So, there's more Hideouts out there?" Ace asked.

"They're called other names." Hazel replied, "And each of them has a Chancellor that's part of The Council."

"And they're in charge of all the Monster Hunters in the world." Gabriel added.

"Come on guys, we got a long day tomorrow." Ace said laying down.

"Good idea." Rachel said as she and Hazel were laying down.

"Hey! This Monster Hunter needs some shut eye and he needs it now!" Gabriel exclaimed yanking his blanket over his head.

Ace and the girls stared at their friend who was always so calm and laid back unless it involved not getting enough sleep. After a long pause Hazel and the twins burst out laughing.

"Sorry Gab, didn't mean to interrupt your nap." Hazel said in between laughs.

Little did she know that Gabriel's blanket covered face was lightly dusted in pink.

"Come on let's get some sleep before Gabriel plans on duct taping us." Ace said laughing a little.

"Night guys." Rachel said covering herself with a pink blanket.

Hazel only mumbled a "good night" before falling into a deep sleep.

After the last three months of being friends with Hazel. Gabriel and the twins made it a priority to wake up before sunrise.

"Come on, we've got a lot of ground to cover." Hazel said slipping her backpack on.

Stolen story; please report.

"I want to get some more sleep." Ace said yawning as he slipped his bag on.

"So, you'd rather Hazel dragging you to the Grinch instead of walking to it?" Rachel asked slipping her backpack on.

"No." Ace said as Gabriel slipped his backpack on, "And I hate it when she does that."

"Well, my method was very successful, is it not?" Hazel asked as Luna perched on her shoulder.

"The method where you would drag one of us out of bed then throw us across the room?" Gabriel asked as Josh perched on his shoulder.

"Exactly." Hazel said as all of them left the house with Hazel locking it behind her.

"We'll be walking for two days it seems." Hazel said looking at the map.

"Well, this is going to be great." Rachel said folding her arms as they started to walk.

"Well then why don't we make it greater?" Hazel asked smirking as she sheathed her dagger.

"God you’re terrifying when you make that face." Gabriel said as Josh and Luna took flight.

"All I'm saying is that we should play truth or dare." Hazel said as they left Aeston Village.

"That does sound fun." Ace said.

"Me first." Hazel said, "Truth or dare Rachel?"

"Truth." Rachel said.

"Do you have a secret that you have never told Ace?" Hazel asked slyly.

"No, Ace knows me too well for me to keep anything from him." Rachel said, "Hazel truth or dare?"

"Truth." Hazel replied.

"Do you have a crush on someone?" Rachel asked looking at Gabriel.

"Of course not." Hazel lied.

"Alright then." Ace said, "Truth or dare, Gab?"

"Dare." Gabriel said.

"I dare you to tell Hazel your crush's name." Ace said slyly.

"Seriously?" Gabriel asked.

"Yep." Hazel said faking a smile.

"Can I just tell you who Ace and Rachel think I have a crush on?" Gabriel asked whispering.

"Fine." Hazel replied rolling her eyes.

"It's you." Gabriel whispered.

"What?" Hazel asked pink dusting her cheeks.

"They think I have a crush on you." Gabriel clarified, "And now its time for me to get my revenge."

"And they tell said I was crazy." Hazel said under her breath.

"Hey Ace, truth or dare." Gabriel asked.

"Dare all the way!" Ace said grinning.

"I dare you to tell us whether or not you have a crush on Eve Nevermore." Gabriel said earning himself an amused smile from Hazel.

"Promise you won't tell her?" Ace asked.

"Of course, we won't." Rachel promised.

"Yeah, I sort of do have a crush on her." Ace said blushing.

"I knew it!" Rachel exclaimed happily.

Then the ground suddenly began to shake violently.

"Was that an earthquake?" Ace asked as the shaking finally stopped.

"No." Hazel replied, "Too light to be an earthquake but to quiet to be an avalanche."

"So, what do you think made it?" Rachel asked.

"Could be a Skull Crasher or a Ice Demon." Hazel said thinking.

(A/N: A Skull Crasher is sort of like a dragon but completely made out of bones frosted with ice and you can guess what an Ice Demon looks like but if not just imagine a goblin from Harry Potter but with pale blue skin and has icicles for their hair.)

"Uh, does a six feet tall Winter Strike count?" Gabriel asked.

"Yeah, but where could there be a six feet tall Winter Strike?" Hazel asked as she and the twins turned to him.

"How about right behind you?" Gabriel said pointing behind them.

After Hazel and the twins turned around, they found themselves face to face with a six feet tall, grey wolf with ice in its fur, and its teeth were dripping with blood.

"Run!" Hazel exclaimed as the Winter Strike howled.

"Anybody know how to kill this thing!?" Rachel asked as they ran for the trees.

"If we can get up those trees, I think I can shoot it!" Gabriel exclaimed.

"Well, what are you guys waiting for!?" Hazel exclaimed as she started climbing the first tree, "It to kill us!?

"No!" Gabriel exclaimed as he and the twins followed Hazel up the trees.

"Everyone okay!?" Rachel asked as they reached the tree tops.

"We're going to have to hurry." Hazel said as Gabriel pulled his bow forward, "Do your stuff Gab!"

"Can't get a clear shot." Gabriel said, "Tree's messing with my aim!"

"Now that we can help with!" Rachel said as she and her brother pulled their swords out.

"What in the world?" Gabriel asked as the riser on his bow started glowing, "I wonder if."

Gabriel pulled the string back as a glowing arrow appeared.

'Concentrate and the arrow will hit it's mark.' Gabriel thought concentrating on the Winter Strike's eye before letting the arrow fly.

"Gabriel got the eye!" Hazel exclaimed in surprise.

"Then get it's other eye and let's go!" Ace exclaimed.

"On it!" Gabriel exclaimed before shooting its other eye, "I don't think one arrow can kill it though!"

"But I can." Hazel said.

"What are you talking about?" Rachel asked.

"Something crazy." Hazel said as she jumped off the tree.

"Hazel Abernathy what in the world are you doing!?" Gabriel exclaimed as Hazel landed on the Winter Strike's head.

"I am so sorry my friend." Hazel mumbled as she got her dagger out, "Ace, Gabriel, Rachel aim for the forehead."

After she said those words swords, arrow, and dagger all made it through the Winter Strike's flesh, skull, and muscle of it's forehead.

"You alright Hazel?" Rachel asked as she and the boys climbed down the tree.

"Let's do that again!" Hazel exclaimed smiling as the Winter Strike fell to the ground lifeless.

"And that's a sign that we should never do it over again." Gabriel said as the twins pulled their swords out of the Winter Strike's head.

"Shame." Hazel said pulling her dagger out of its head.

The four of them laughed as Hazel and the twins wiped blood off their blades.

"Come on, let's find a place to eat lunch." Gabriel said, "And probably stay for the night."

"On it." Hazel said checking the map, "There's a clearing not too far from here."

"Let's go!" Rachel exclaimed as Hazel sheathed her dagger.

Hazel and the boys laughed as the twins placed their swords back in their scabbards.

"Follow me then." Hazel said as they started walking.

Three minutes later the four of them were sitting in a clearing inside a forest eating chicken sandwiches.

"Hazel doesn't this place look familiar?" Gabriel asked finishing his sandwich.

"Yeah, it does." Hazel said finishing her sandwich before a dove caught her eye, "This is where it all started."

"What are you talking about?" Ace asked.

"This is where I became a Monster Hunter." Hazel said facing Gabriel.

"Are you sure?" Gabriel asked.

Hazel nodded before giving a sharp whistle and a red fox came running towards her.

"I know the animals here." Hazel said petting the red fox.

"There's no denying it then." Gabriel sighed, "We're back in Stone Hall Village."

"It's nice seeing you too Phoenix." Hazel said as the fox started licking her face before she turned to the birds, "Josh, Luna see if my old house is empty, will you?"

"Of course, Ms. Abernathy." Luna said before the flew off.

Phoenix glanced at Gabriel before sniffing his hand and nuzzled into it.

"Looks like Phoenix likes you." Hazel said smiling.

"So, this is where you two first met?" Rachel asked as she and her brother finished their food.

"Yep." Gabriel replied before he turned to Hazel, "Where'd you met Phoenix by the way? I didn't see him when we met."

"I found him when he was just a baby." Hazel said smiling, "I took him home since he was hurt and ever since he kept coming back to me."

"Must be weird being back here after three months." Ace said.

"Not really." Hazel said before leaning on a tree as Phoenix sat down beside her feet.

"I still remember it like it was yesterday." Gabriel said sitting down.

"Really?" Hazel asked, "You nearly seconds away from death and I had to save you."

"I didn't need your help." Gabriel snapped making Phoenix growl at him.

"Down Phoenix, down." Hazel said kneeling beside the fox before whispering to the twins, "He's still mad I had to save his butt."

"Zip it." Gabriel said eyes narrowing.

"Fine." Hazel said rolling her eyes.

"Josh your back." Gabriel said drawing his attention to the birds, "So is Hazel's house empty?"

"On the contrary Master the house is abandoned." Josh said in Gabriel's mind.

"What is it?" Hazel asked standing up.

"The house is abandoned." Gabriel said shortly.

"Let's see then." Ace said.

"You guys sure?" Hazel asked quietly.

"Positive." Rachel said nodding, "Lead the way Hazel."

"Alright then." Hazel sighed as Phoenix nuzzled her hand to comfort her before she smiled and lead them to her house.

"It does look abandoned." Gabriel said as they reached the house.

"Locked." Rachel said trying to open the door.

"Not for long." Hazel said pulling out a hairpin from her pocket.

"Since when did you learn to pick locks?" Ace asked as Hazel went to work.

"I've always known." Hazel said, "I just didn't show it much."

"How do you-" Rachel began.

"And I'm in." Hazel interrupted after they heard a click.

"Quiet, too quiet." Gabriel commented as they entered with the animals behind them.

"Weapons out, check every room." Hazel commented locking the door behind her.

The other three nodded as they all pulled their weapons out and began searching the entire house. They spent the rest of the afternoon making sure the entire house was empty before regrouping at the living room.

"Anything?" Hazel asked.

"Nothing." Gabriel sighed, "Just rooms with furniture."

"Where do you think your aunt is?" Ace asked.

"Don't know, don't care." Hazel replied.

"You sure?" Rachel asked.

"You try having an aunt that sleeps with a guy that wants you dead." Hazel snapped.

"Sorry." Rachel said.

"Don't worry about it." Hazel replied, "But we're going to be in here for the night."

"How come?" Rachel asked.

"There's a huge blizzard coming the day after tomorrow." Gabriel said, "The same day as your birthday Hazel."

"Zip it." Hazel said shortly.

"I guess we should stay for the night." Rachel said.

"Alright then." Hazel sighed, "I'll show you to your rooms then."

Nine minutes later Hazel was sitting in her old room beside Phoenix with Gabriel in the next room.

"I thought I'd seen the last of this place when I left Phoenix." Hazel said laying her head on Phoenix's stomach.

Hazel could barely sleep that night. Whenever she was close to dozing off, she would hear her aunt's voice. Unable to doze off she got dressed in her black clothes.

"God, I sometimes feel like you’re a different person sometimes." Gabriel said leaning on the door frame.

"How long have you been standing there?" Hazel asked nervously as Phoenix growled.

"I just got here." Gabriel said turning the light on.

"Gabriel turn that thing off." Hazel snapped.

"So, mind telling me where you’re going?" Gabriel asked turning the light off.

"Nowhere." Hazel lied.

"So, you're not going anywhere but changed completely in black?" Gabriel asked lifting his left brow.

"You caught my bluff." Hazel sighed.

"You know if you need anything off your chest, I'm here for you, right?" Gabriel said caressing Hazel's cheek.

"Of course, I do." Hazel said thanking the darkness for covering her blush.

"Come on Hazel just tell me." Gabriel pleaded.

Hazel thought for a moment before lowering her head, "Ever since I killed Isabella, I've been hearing her voice."

"Really?" Gabriel asked.

Hazel nodded before raising her head a bit, "Her voice has been haunting me, she's telling me things that literally haunt my dreams."

"Hazel I'm so sorry." Gabriel said hugging her gently.

"Why?" Hazel asked confused, "You did nothing wrong."

"Yes, I did." Gabriel said.

"What?" Hazel asked.

"You needed my help and I just-" Gabriel began before hugging her tighter.

"It's fine Gab." Hazel replied, "You were always there when I needed you."

They stayed there for a few moments before they separated.

"I want to show you something." Hazel said.

"What?" Gabriel asked.

"Just follow me." Hazel said climbing out of the windowsill, "Phoenix stay here please."

After two minutes of climbing the two hunters were standing on top of the roof.

"So, what did you want to show me?" Gabriel asked.

"Just watch." Hazel said pointing to the East side of the house.

Gabriel gave her a confused look before the sun started to rise.

"Breath taking isn't it?" Hazel said seeing Gabriel's awed expression.

Gabriel nodded smiling before they headed back to Hazel's room.

"Yo." The twins said as Gabriel and Hazel entered the room.

"How long have you two been here?" Hazel asked.

"That's for us to know and for you guys to never find out." Rachel said quickly.

"So, what do you guys wanna do?" Hazel asked trying to change the subject.

"How about you show us around." Ace suggested.

"Sure." Hazel shrugged, "You might want to wear your hoods though, people here aren't big fans of Monster Hunters."

Twenty minutes later all four Monster Hunters were standing at the center of the village beside the fountain.

"So where do you three want to go?" Hazel asked from under her black hood.

"How about-" Rachel began before someone pulled Hazel's hood off.

"Long time no see Abernathy." A girl said as Hazel turned around.