There are the hunted, and Gourmet Hunters. Gourmet Hunters and Chef's. Chef's and ingredients. One cannot coexist without the other, or so they say. On top of that food chain was the Gourmet God Acacia, and his chef, Gourmet Goddess Frohze. Together they imprinted an everlasting indentation on the book of history. But this isn't their story. The story is of the apprentice of Frohze, Lady Rue the Second. Besides the Goddess herself, Lady Rue was said to be one of the greatest chef's the world has ever known.

An old sickly man walked through a baron jungle holding the hand of a young thirteen year old girl. The girl looked up, "Daddy, are we going to Ms. Frohze's house?" He coughed violently, "Yes dear, it will be better here." He knocked on the front door of a wooden home. The door opened and it was Acacia. The old man spoke with his raspy voice, "I need to speak with you and Frohze right away." The man opened the door wider, "Yes, yes. Come in Rue." His weak body sat at the dining table as he grunted. He looked to his daughter, "Hey sweetheart, why don't you go play with the boys while I do a bit of talking." Frohze smiled, "They're out in the back, they'll be happy to see you dear." The girl ran out the door in full excitement. The blue eyed woman grabbed her knife, "Are you okay Rue? Let me cook you something." "No, I need to make this quick anyway." The couple sat at the table with the old man. "It's about my daughter, Rue the Second. I hate to burden you guys with this request, but I need you to watch over her. This war as killed my wife, and now it's getting ready to kill me. I can't just sit idly by and watch the entire world kill itself. I don't want my daughter growing up in a world full of war and hate and destruction. There is a great chance I won't make it back, which is why I'm asking you to care for her. Please, I'm all she has left in the world." Frohze put a hand over the old man's vainy, weak hand. "And now she has us." Acacia nodded, "Rue has been visiting us since she was born, she's already like family and we would love to have her stay with us." The old man stood up, "Thank you two so much. I better go tell her."

He walked outside and saw Rue playing with the son's of Acacia and Frohze. The blue eyed woman called out, "Ichiryuu, Jirou, Midora. Come inside please." The small girl pouted, "Aww, do we have to leave already?" The man shook his head, "No. You don't have to leave, but I do. Rue, I love you my daughter. I want you to be a good girl for Acacia and Frohze." She shook her head, "You're leaving me? Daddy, please don't go. Whatever I did, I'll change, I promise. Just let me go with you. I don't care if we go hungry for a couple of days, I just don't want you to leave me." He kissed the girl's forehead as he wiped her tears, "This has nothing to do with your actions. My mission from day one as a father was to make the world a better place for you to live in. If I don't do that, I will have failed as a father...that kind of failure I couldn't live to bear. I love you very much Rue." She grabbed his hand as tears rolled down her cheeks, "No daddy, please! I want to be with you! I don't want you to go!" He gave her one last embrace, "Don't be sad, just meditate, and think of all the good times we had together. Don't think of it as a sad thing. Think of it as me trying to save the world." He released from the hug and walked back off into the deep forest. She sat in the grass crying with no relief. Nothing could make the girl feel better. Frohze rushed outside and gave the girl a tight embrace, "It'll be okay Rue, I promise." Promise she did, but Sir Rue was never seen again since that date. He existed now only in a memory...

(Five Years Later)

It was a cool autumn day. The colorful leaves were freshly fallen from the trees, the smell of pine was in the air, and the sky was a tinge of grey with shady clouds of white. A small pale skinned girl meditated next to a waterfall. She wore a red strapless cropped shirt and red high waist leggings. Her shoes were nowhere to be found. She lay back into the grass and look up at the clouds. As she closed her eyes, she heard what sounded like feet walking closer to her. The girl opened her eyes and sat up looking to the sky, "The wind is picking up." She scooted up against a tree and pondered, "I wonder what my life will be like. When I die, will anyone remember Rue Munroe?" She sighed, "My thoughts are driving me crazy." She looked around, "I better head back inside soon, I know Frohze wanted me home before the rain started." She heard a sound in the bushes, "Midora, I know that's you. Don't worry, I'm coming." The rustling in the bushes sounded again, "Midora?" She nervously stood up and looked around, "Hello?" The rain began to fall and the clouds overshadowed the sun. She heard a loud croak and turned around. It was a stray Mamyuu. Her scared eyes couldn't focus on a single part the large animal. She looked all over as she was paralyzed with fear. Though it was just a baby, it was still very fearsome. She clenched her fists and fought her fear, "Okay, here's my shot. I'm going to take you home and show everyone what I'm made of."

It advanced toward her a bit and she could feel how strong the creature was. Her jaw dropped as she looked at it, "Maybe this wasn't a good ingredient to start with." She nervously stared at the beast getting ready to take her life. Her voice became shaky, "So this is why Frohze was worried about the rains." The Mamyuu screeched out and ran toward her. She put her hands over her head and ducked. Her scream could be heard throughout the forest area. "That's enough!" She heard a loud deep voice and felt an energy very powerful. No one was hit, but the Mamyuu was very frightened and backed off. She looked back, "Acacia?" He hugged the girl, "Are you okay?" She nodded, "Yeah, it's just-" "You know we don't like you going out this far. You could get seriously hurt." Rue looked down, "I know. It's just, you always take the boys on hunts, but never me. I just wanted to see if I could make it on my own. I wanted to prove to you guys that I can hunt too." The man laughed, "Alright, you want to hunt? The boys and I are going out tomorrow morning. You can come with us if you so please." She smiled, "Okay!"

The two finally made it home and Frohze ran to Rue, "I was worried sick, where were you?" Acacia gave the woman a quick kiss on the cheek, "She was deep in the forest getting ready to take on a Mamyuu." Everyone sat around the table and Frohze sighed, "I'm glad you're safe now, why were you out there alone?" Rue shrugged, "I just wanted to hunt like the guys." She smiled, "Acacia said I can go out with them tomorrow!" Midora and Ichiryuu moaned, "Seriously, she's just gonna get in the way." Jirou smiled, "Don't listen to them Rue, you'll do fine." She gave a thumbs up, "I intend to. Don't worry about me Ichi, I can take care of myself." Frohze smiled, "You'll do great." The small pale girl picked up her chopsticks and took a bite of the dumpling on her plate. "This is so delicious. Needs a bit of Dragon Tear Salt though." Her eyes widened after her own words. Everyone stopped eating and looked at the girl. Silence filled the room quicker than anything she'd ever felt before. Rue shook her head, "I-I'm so sorry Ms. Frohze, that was way out of line." She bowed before the woman. Frohze smiled, "Let's try it." "Huh?" She extended her arm, "Let's try the Dragon Tear Salt." The girl handed the small shaker to the woman and she sprinkled a bit on her food. The blue eyed beauty put the dumpling in her mouth and grinned, "You're right Rue, that was a very keen observation." The girl exhaled, "I do apologize though. I didn't mean to be rude." Without even using the salt she suggested, the girl kept her mouth stuffed in fear she might slip up and say something again. She scooted out of her chair, "The meal was beyond wonderful Frohze. I'm going to get some sleep, we've gotta be up early tomorrow morning."

Rue felt someone shaking her sleepy body. "Huh? It's so early." Acacia was by her bedside, "You said you want to go on a hunt with us right? Well, this is how early we get up. Come on, we're heading out the door right now." She pulled the blanket off, "Okay, coming!" She ran out the door and stretched her arms, "Okay boys, what are we hunting today?" Ichiryuu looked to Acacia, "Is she really coming along?" The girl tugged on the man's arm, "Oh be nice to me Ichi. I just want to be like you guys." The man knelt to her height, "It's not that you bother me, I just don't want you to get hurt. I mean, sometimes even we narrowly escape danger." She crossed her arms, "It's because I don't have Gourmet Cells, huh? I'll prove to you guys I can handle it. If I slow you down this time, you don't ever have to take me on another hunt again. Deal?" Midora nodded, "Sounds like a deal."

They walked into a desolate dry area. Rue was not very partial to wearing shoes, so the hot rock was burning the bottoms of her feet. She purposely walked on some of the grassy parts to avoid serious injury. She knew everyone but Jirou and Acacia was skeptical of ability. Her feet were hurting so bad, but she'd not bring it up. Not so much as a moan would escape her lips. The five stood on the outskirts of the large nest inhabiting a Striped Doragon. It was a winged beast whose nest was about 305 meters off the ground. Acacia stopped walking, "Okay boys, and Rue, I will leave it up to you from here." The boys nodded and Rue looked confused. She didn't know what to do from here, so she waited for them to take action first. Acacia put hand on the girl's shoulder, "I know you can do this Rue. Stay close to Jirou, and whatever you do, don't second guess yourself." She hugged the man "Will do Acacia. I'm gonna get us a Striped Doragon Egg." She ran on the uneven rock and in all honesty it was destroying her feet even more. Adrenaline kept her from feeling the pain. Her fastest pace running was nowhere equal to the speed of the other boys. The thought of her failure kept her from doing such. She had a fire under her that she'd not let die out. The four stopped under the undying shade of the large tree supporting the nest.

Jirou looked around, "The Striped Doragon is nowhere in sight. Let's strike while the iron's hot." They started to climb up the tall tree. Rue had upper body strength, so the uphill climb was no big whoop to her. Not to mention it wasn't very hard considering her 5'0 body only had 100 pounds to lift. Jirou looked down, "How you holding up Rue?" She shook her head, "Don't worry about me Jirou, consider my weight carried." He smiled, "Good to hear because we are power climbing to the top." She nodded, "Sounds good tome." In reality, she needed a break just from the walk over here. She never knew how grueling a single journey could be. In her mind she thought it would be tough, but not extreme. There was too much pressure and weight on her shoulders for her to quit or complain. If she failed here, she would never make it in the world. There was a war going on, and she had to survive it. Though it was never confirmed, she could intelligently assume it was the war that killed her father. In many ways, her father's disappearance toughened her up. She refused to fail any challenge, and she refused to die before she could see the war end. The war is what took her father's life, and her goal for her existence now was to take purpose and being away from the war.

They were almost to the top and the girl's arms began to get weak. Pulling herself up for over 1000 feet wasn't ideal for a hunt she expected. The boys were waiting for her to reach the top and she was almost there. Her hand reached the top, and she pulled herself up. The wind picked up from the position in the sky they were at. It wasn't in the slightest cold. In fact, it got much hotter. Hot air blew past the four quickly dehydrating them. Ichiryuu pointed at the egg "No wonder their parents are gone for days on end. The air up here is hot enough to keep them warm. Midora, grab the Striped Doragon Egg. I'll prepare the rope for our decent." He took the rope off his shoulder and began to secure their way down. Rue looked out, "Wow, it's so high up here." Jirou gave her a friendly pat on the back, "I knew you could keep up." The scarred boy scoffed, "Well let's be fair, this was one of the easier tasks." Rue looked at the man with sad eyes, "I just can't get any credit from you, can I?" He looked away from her, "You did good at not slowing us down." Jirou laughed, "I think that's the highest compliment Midora can muster hahaha!" The girl sighed, "Well then I'll try not to take it personally." Ichiryuu looked back at the group, "Alright, the rope is secure. Midora, go down first. If the Striped Doragon see's you with its egg, all hell is going to break loose." Next down was Rue, then Jirou and Ichi.

As they slid down the rope, they got to about halfway before they saw a flying terror in the sky. It was a large green dragon coming to protect its young. They all slid down faster. Rue's heart pounded from excitement of the life threatening situation. They all reached the ground, and began to run away from the nest. The sun was at an all time high. It left the ground to be hotter than before. No small bits of grass would give the girl relief. She didn't founder, she didn't even grunt or moan from the blistering heat. Her feet were being singed, but still for the sake of not disappointing the boys, she said nothing. The Striped Doragon gave a loud roar as it chased the four. Its powerful wings moved it along faster, but they'd dare not look back. Midora screamed out, "Where is it?" Rue looked back and saw large fangs close to her face. Its sharp teeth were something to be reckoned with, but the bacteria of its saliva made every bite feel like acid burning through the skin. It was a fatal mistake to look back. She lost her footing and fell to the ground. The dragon didn't hesitate to attack, it was coming for her at full force. "Chopsticks!" She saw the potential killer being lifted off the ground and thrown quite a distance away. Her green eyes looked up, "Ichiryuu?" He grabbed her hand and ran with her, "Come on, it'll still come back if we let it." She ran along with him, but she was so disappointed in herself. The last thing she ever wanted to be was saved. She wanted to prove that she could make it without a helping hand or complaint, but it was clear that it wasn't possible.

They finally made it back to Acacia and he smiled, "How'd it go?" Rue looked down without a word. Jirou smiled, "It went as planned." The girl raised her head and looked at the smiling man. She questioned if he was also referring to her as well as the quick journey. Acacia didn't ask her what was wrong as he already knew. He waved them along, "Alright, let's go guys."

It was one of the easy journeys for the boys, but for Rue, it was quite tough. Still walking all the way home on injured feet, she wouldn't complain. Seeing the home she lived in filled her heart with a bit of happiness though. Even if it was for however long their family and courtship would ride out, she would enjoy the moments she had with them in the present. Living here forever wasn't an option. She would have to go off on her own someday, and that was a date that would come all too soon. She opened the door and sat down on the dining chair. Frohze smiled, "How was it." Rue shook her head, "I don't think I am read-" "She did great." Ichiryuu cut her off. "She did a lot better than I gave her credit for." She looked at the man and smiled, "Thank you Ichi." Midora handed the woman the Striped Doragon Egg, "Here you go Frohze." "Thank you. Thank all of you." The boys walked out the door along with Acacia. The long haired man looked back, "We're going to go train. We'll be back for dinner." She smiled, "Okay, I'll have this egg cooked up for you boys in no time." As soon as the door closed, Rue sighed, "Frohze, I don't think I am meant to go out and hunt. I loved it, the rush was amazing...but I don't have the power to do what the boys do."

Frohze pet the girl's hair with her with her hand, "Rue, there a certain places for certain people. You'll know your calling when you're in that moment, but don't give up on things just because you think you're not good at them." She smiled as she picked up a knife, "Do you want to help me prep the food?" She nodded, "Sure. My daddy taught me a few things before he left." Frohze smiled, "Your father was a great chef." She wiped her hands on her apron, "You know what, I'm going to try something new. I'll give you the honor of making the dinner tonight." Her eyes widened, "Frohze, you can't be serious. I don't know if I can do it." The woman handed her a knife, "Acacia had faith in you being able to survive a journey with the boys, and I have faith in your culinary skills. I'll walk you through it Rue, just give it a shot." The girl stood up on her blistered feet and held up the knife, "Okay Frohze, where do I start?"