It started with a simple message---an S.O.S from a group of Felynes in the Dunes. That's what brought Aria and the boys to that sweltering desert. The heat beat down on them, causing sweat to run down their faces, or at least for Noctis and Ignis. Aria had already gulped down a cool drink, so the hot climate didn't bother her as she sat in the shade, sharpening up her blades with a whetstone.

Noctis tilted his head back, groaning. "Why's it so damn hot here?"

Ignis removed his glasses briefly so he could wipe his sweaty face with his sleeve. "Because it's a desert, Noct. And I'm willing to bet it gets rather chilly when the sun goes down."

"That's right," Aria chimed in. "Freezing at night, scorching during the day." She paused, rummaging through her pouch. "If the heat's bothering you, drink this." She tossed them both a bottle of light blue liquid.

They both skillfully caught the drinks, examining them. "What in the world is this?" Ignis inquired skeptically.

Noctis hummed. "Is this kinda like those potions and antidotes?"

"Close. They're cool drinks. They cool your body from the inside, allowing you to manage the heat. I already drank one, so I'm good to go."

The two males slowly opened the bottles, giving the liquid inside a few sniffs before forcing down some of it. They could feel the coolness of the liquid slide down their throats, and just like Aria said, it made them feel much cooler all over despite the blazing sun above them. They both looked at each other in amazement, no longer feeling the heat.

"Whoa!" Noctis exclaimed. "I feel nice and cool! I have to admit, you've got some pretty awesome stuff in your world Aria!"

Ignis nodded. "Indeed. Given your limited resources, you hunters are quite crafty."

Aria chuckled. "It's no big deal. Any hunter worth their title should be able to mix together a few basic necessities." With her weapons sharpened, she sheathed them and stood, giving them a serious look. "But the real challenge starts now. There's a group of Felynes holed up out there, hiding from an angry Diablos."

"So, what's a Diablos?" the prince asked. "Is it anything like a Rathian?"

"Well it's classified as a Flying Wyvern just like a Rathian, but that's the only similarity," the woman explained. "The Diablos doesn't rely on flight, instead, it travels beneath the ground. These Wyverns are very aggressive and territorial, so do not hesitate in your actions."

"Must we kill it?" Ignis inquired.

"We don't have to. Our mission is simply to rescue the Felynes. But the monster will need to either be chased away or slain, and because it's a Diablos, hunting it will probably be the only real option."

Aria gestured for them to follow and led them out of the safety of the camp. They stepped out onto the sand, their feet sliding a bit as they trekked across the dunes. Aria remained on alert, scanning their surroundings as they went. Meanwhile, Noctis and Ignis took in the environment and the wildlife. They saw a couple of small hermit crab-like creatures digging in the sand in search of anything edible.

"What are those?" the prince asked.

Aria only gave the small monsters a brief glance. "Hermitaur. They're scavenging Carapaceons. Don't bother them, and they should leave us be."

Avoiding the Hermitaurs, the hunter took them toward a more rocky area away from the dusty dunes. Aria immediately froze, spotting the Diablos. She was quick to grab each of the males by the arm and pull them behind a rock before they were noticed. They all carefully peeked around the boulder to observe the monster. It seemed to be pacing back and forth, its gaze on one of the small stone caves.

"That must be where the Felynes are hiding," the woman quietly said.

"That's the Diablos?!" Noctis whispered. "It's huge!"

"With that menacing appearance and aggressive temperament, I can definitely see where it got its name," Ignis added.

"Both of you, be careful," Aria warned, moving around the rock and swiftly getting closer. "Draw its attention."

Noctis and Ignis glanced at each other before running around the boulder. The prince used his warping abilities to move within the monster's sight. The Diablos gave a shrill, deafening screech that halted all of them briefly, forcing them to cover their ears until it quieted. The monster's focus was purely on the two males, leaving Aria to go through with her plan. She sprinted to an open area, pulling a small, barrel-looking object from her pouch. She skidded to a stop and set the device on the ground, watching as it operated itself and hollowed out an area underneath. The large hole was camouflaged with foliage.

With the trap set, Aria set her gaze on the rampaging Wyvern. Noctis and Ignis had it charging back and forth, trying to catch them. The hunter was impressed with them, watching as the prince warped around, getting occasional hits on the beast while Ignis slashed away at its legs and underbelly, often causing it to stagger. They were both doing fairly well, managing to weaken the Diablos.

Aria took the opportunity to rush in with her dual blades, finding an opening and slashing at the monster's chest. With her sharpened blades, and thanks to the damage Ignis had already dealt to its underside, she landed a blow that left a bloody gash on the beast's chest. The Diablos whimpered, stomping its feet to try and crush its attacker. Aria quickly rolled out of the way so she wouldn't be crushed. The Wyvern's angry glare was now fully on the hunter. It lowered its horns and charged after her as she ran.

Noctis was about to warp in to help, but Aria was quick to look back at him. "I've got it where I want it! Don't mess this up!"

Upon hearing her words, the prince and his advisor stood by and watched. The hunter led the Diablos right to her pitfall trap. She passed over it no problem, but when the Diablos stepped on it, its weight caused it to fall in. With a startled cry, it began struggling to get out of the trap. Aria twisted around, sprinting right toward it. She slid under its thrashing head and readied her weapons, stabbing both blades into its scarred chest. The Diablos cried out in pain, and already weakened, it could no longer fight. It slumped over, completely lifeless as Aria managed to move enough so she wouldn't be crushed under its body. She panted, yanking her blades free and sheathing them as the two boys hurried over.

"That was awesome!" Noctis cried.

Ignis nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Quite the spectacle to see a pro hunter in action."

The woman smiled lightly. "No big deal, really. Not the first Diablos I've hunted. Now let's go rescue those Felynes."

The trio approached the cave the Diablos had been so focused on. They carefully stepped inside the small ruins and descended a few stone stairs. In the safety of the cave was a small group of Felynes...along with a blond boy. Prompto immediately grinned and jumped to his feet, running to meet his friends.

"Noct! Iggy!" He tackled the prince in a friendly hug. "Am I glad to see you guys! This place is terrible! There are monsters everywhere!" He let go of his friend, glancing back at the cats. "Lucky for me, these cute little guys helped me out."

A faint smile tugged at the prince's lips. "Glad you're alright, Prompto. You had us worried. Good thing the Felynes there sent a message to the Wycademy."

Prompto raised a brow in confusion. "Wycademy? What's that?"

Ignis chuckled. "We have a lot to explain. Now if we could simply track down Gladio."

Aria moved past the boys, crouching to smile at the Felynes. "I got your message. The Diablos is gone now, you're safe. Thanks for taking care of the boy."

The Lynian creatures happily meowed and bowed in gratitude. Prompto stared at the unknown female, surprised to see someone dressed in such strange armor. He slowly approached her, causing her to stand and turn toward him.

"So, you helped take down that monster out there? Thanks! My name's Prompto." He held his hand out to her, smiling brightly.

Aria took his outstretched hand, smiling back. "Aria. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm the Wycademy's hunter."

Prompto hummed in confusion, crossing his arms. "There's that word again. What the hell is a Wycademy?"

Noctis sighed. "We'll tell you on the way. Now let's get out of this damn desert."

After being thanked by the Felynes, and the addition to their group, the four friends headed back for camp, ready to hitch a ride back to the Soaratorium. With Prompto back in the team, they only had one last person to find. But where could he be in this vast and dangerous world?