Hello everyone, glad to see the lot of you here, though this isn't my first story, this is my attempt for a unique story. Taking place in MH4U, with the others of the series sprinkled here and there. Along with a few of my OCs. Praise, attack, suggest, say anything about my work, I read them. Hopefully, you lot enjoy this.
Though there is something that needs to be said. Knowledge of Monster Hunter is greatly recommended.
Chapter 1:
Shadows of the Past
Thunder crashed and boomed on throughout the battlefield. Echoing over the rain that poured down to the ground. Cooling the air of the Towers Summit, whilst cleansing the field of the bloodshed. My master Acro, and I were hunting a Silver Rathalos, though a rather strange one at that.
This one was much more grotesque, more ruthless and by far much more intelligent and skilled than the ones we Hunters usually fought. With no hesitation or arguments; this had to be the King of the Rathalos'.
Yet a proud title for one of his, surprising young age. Acro and I decided on a fitting name for this one.
Skeith.
The Three of us drew breath, eyes locked onto one another, never faltering from their target. One another image clear as day, even through the misty rain. Both Hunters tightened their grip on their Longswords, while the beast licked its lips with malicious intent.
As if on a unanimous agreement, with one final thunder crash, all Three moved forward.
As of living to his name, Acro took to the air. The metal of his blade crying, never haveing been forged to bend in such a way. Aiming for the beasts' wings. Yet, I decided to slide along with the wet floor to take my own Longsword to its soft underbelly. Despite the risk, the fight had dragged on for far too long. We were getting restless-
We all were.
Skeith quickly dug its sharp talons into the slippery ground and stopped dead in its tracks, corkscrewing into the air. Its mighty wings sheer wind pressure knocked Acro down to the ground, and kicked-up rocks stopped my own momentum for a deadly assault. Its blinding silvery scales still shone with the minimal amount of sun, a stunning sight to see.
As we got back to our feet, Skeith nose-dived directly at us. Its talons poised to kill any one of us. Despite getting to our feet onto a firm stance, we never had expected an attack following closely.
Skeith twirled and looked like a spiral of death. Fire starting from his beak quickly engulfed his body to his tail, before hitting Acro with a flaming tail to his chest. With the momentum used to claw at my armor plating. Piercing through it like it was Kirin butter.
The sheer intelligence this Rathalos was shown to have was a clear counterpart to whatever we both have hunted. Having the ability to come up with new maneuvers to handle whatever situation it is in; along with the ability and coordination to be able to successfully attempt such a feat.
An extraordinary trait for the wild; unfortunate for us Hunters.
I felt the poison coursed through my veins as both Acro and I struggled to get back up. Skeith did not even let us catch our breath before charging after me. Killing intent burned into his exhausted eyes. Trying to get away was nothing but a mere thought, as the Toxin was too much for my body to bare and quickly dropped me back to one knee.
Without any more options, I had no other choice except to brace for the finishing blow.
Quarter turning over and slid along the waters. Tail raised high in the air and spike poised to kill. Time itself seemed to slow to a crawl.
To die by this beasts' hands… it actually was not as bad as I had thought. A Hunter who fell at one of the most dangerous Monsters in the area… it was actually kind of an honor. Closing my eyes and let fate take its course.
Feeling a pressure along my chest, crept a smile from the corner of my lips. Yet as time slowly resumed to a normal pace, the pressure was more so internal, as the Toxin still riddling my exhausted body. Opening my shocked eyes to see Acros outstretched arm and soft smiling face.
Landing desperately along my back, I could only see as fate had other plans for me. He, however, wasn't so lucky. Taking the full brunt of the strike poised for my chest instead. I could never forget what had happened and what I had seen.
The way Acro was like, the way it all happened.
I'll never forget his face-
VVV
With a quick motion, someone sat bolt upright in bed. A pool of sweat where they laid sleeping…. Again.
"Ugh, Again with that dream." They groaned, his thumb and forefinger rubbing his different colored eyes. One deep blue, the other amber yellow. His other hand ran through his jet black hair. "Eh, I got used to the pain." Mumbling to himself as he slowly got back up to his feet and to the cold floor tiles.
His home was given to him by the Elder of Dundorma, for his accomplishments of the town. Quite a massive home at that. Marble pillars, polished floor tiles, nearly everything was extravagant.
Yet, despite the fanciness of his new home, his favorite area was just a simple balcony. The balcony had a beautiful view overlooking the ocean and the town in itself. As the rising sun, well, rose over the water and shone beautifully.
"Ah, morning already?" Sighing and stretching before hearing a faint 'pop' of relief of his stressed muscles. Scratching his scruffy chin, he grinned a bit before he announced. "Welp, time to get to work."
Putting on his usual armor seen in public, 'Red, Guild Bard Armor X'. Opening the large double doors to leave, exiting to the wonderful city of Dundorma, and heading up the multiple steps to the gathering hall.
VVV
"Ah, James," The Guild' Sweetheart spoke and waved to the man. "Another day hunting for a job?" Stifling a giggle.
James sighed and sat in his place, behind the quest counter "You need to come up with a new phrase Sophia. Also, you know better than anyone it's not easy finding one who's willing to pay that fine for a hired mercenary."
"Why do we even have that fine?" Sophia, who stamped a contract for another hunter, asked. "It turns off the whole hunting experience if someone does buy it; and too demanding. For everyone else."
James chuckled, posting a 'Most Wanted' monster (1) on the board. This time, a Tigrex. "If you hate it so much, ask the Elder to lower the price. Again. Or to just terminate the option… Again!"
She rested her head on her hand and took a deep sigh. "Yeah…"
VVV
Walking into the town, a young, novice looking Huntress entered. 'Rathian Set' equipped along with a 'Gore' Longsword strapped on her back. Long, messy, pink hair bounced with every step she took, along with Two braids in front of her head to keep away from her face. Looking around the buildings and people. Before the newcomer looked to the shimmering sun, covering her emerald green eyes with her hands' shadow and smiled.
"So," She hummed and explored around. "This is the home of 'James Chronex, Longsword Saint'. Certainly a big place, and not lacking in the view either." Overlooking the sea at the side of town. A deep sigh escaped her lips. "Really long title, but here is to Fatalis I at least meet him!" Flicking off a simple lucky zenny into the water.
Following shortly after the soft 'plop' to the waters, an 'Eep' escaped her lips from the local Fisherwoman scolding her.
VVV
Back at the Gathering Hall
"You know," Sophia spoke up. "It's been forever since I seen you take a quest, even a gathering one."
James scoffed. "What's the point, I have everything. Armors, Longswords, Items, Awards, I finished all the given quests. For all I know, I'm done. Now, I volunteered to be a hired hand. Do something with my time." Sputtering out boredly. "However, thanks to the Elders absurd price for my help. Thank Fatalis that I stay for free, hardly anyone wants to pay that much."
Sadly, I actually done this feat, legitimately. Freedom Unite was my game, I did stop once I have gotten 1 of every item... And once my file was corrupted. *Single Tear*
Sophia looked baffled. "What?! You do realize that people from the world want to be your Apprentice, right? You could become a Teacher 'Longsword Saint'."
James only cringed. "Please, don't call me that."
"What, you miss being called 'Doodle'?" Sophia smiled and slapped his chest with her book as James laughed a hearty laugh, followed by Sophia herself.
"But still," Sophia stamped another quest. "There's a lot more you can do than just sit around."
Sighing, James ran a finger along his scruff. "Yeah… I guess I'll take on the Tigrex."
"Well then, look at you." Sophia searched for the contract.
"Yeah, yeah. I actually want to see my Longsword skills, see if I lost my touch." Getting up and over to the other side of the counter. Others stepped away before Sophia caught something.
"Okay then, you ready? Because, unless you're using that rapier, you're going to need to go back home."
"Good point." James sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck "Yeah, thanks for looking out." as he exited the hall.
In response, she could only laugh at his antics. "Ah, James. What would you do without me."
VVV
After some directions and losing her place, the female Hunter stopped at the base of the many stairs and looked up high at the marvelous home. "Whoever they are, they must be loaded!" She, however, was knocked out of her state of awe, by the double doors opening. Walking out was a man in a full Guild armor. Zinogre longsword strapped at his back and practically crackled even in its sheath.
It wasn't uncommon for a high ranked hunter to have such a set. Yet, what was uncommon were the eyes of the wielder.
Something different in them besides the coloration. The warm, kindness of them looked more like being planned for a family stroll than one getting ready for a hunt. Compared to his body language that echoed killing intent.
"Um… excuse me but…." She asked, stuttered even. "H-Have you seen a man by… James Chronix?"
"Indeed I have. Because that would be me" Smiling down at the smol girl and ruffled her hair. "Though I've never seen your face before, are you knew here?" Tilting his head a tad out of curiosity.
With a firm nod, he smiled at her and continued his track up the steps. She blinked for a few seconds. Outside, frozen. Inside, jumping for joy. Finally, she had found the person she was looking for.
However, despite her wishes to have her be his Disciple, given what the public has heard him say, he is rather firm to not have one. Though that did little to dishearten the novice Hunter, as she followed him up to the Gathering Hall.
VVV
Back to the Gathering Hall
With a small smile, and finally a break from giving other Hunters quests. "So James, you ready?" Sophia's eyes quickly derailed over to an awestruck girl who looked around like it was her first time around. "And you are?"
"Oh, right. My name is Illiana Alarose, I was transported from Loc Lac city on my own reasons and suggestions." The now named Illiana spoke and curtsied. Trying her best to ignore the looks from the males.
James turned and looked at the same girl. "Loc Lac hm… been awhile since I've been there. Perhaps me and the Elder can go for a drink sometime."
Sophia nodded. "Right, you're the new Hunter the Elder talked about, and a Longsword user as well." Noticing said Longsword strapped on her back as she fiddled for her information. "The areas here are different from Loc Lac of course, and you might need to find your way around town. Why don't you let James take you to one?"
Illiana looked ready to jump to the idea. James on the other hand...
"Wait, what! I don't wa-" But was interrupted by...himself? "You know what, no. Sure, I'll show you around. In fact, come join the quest."
Need I say, EVERYTHING in the gathering hall stopped, mouths were agape, drinks not moving, pretty sure some food stopped mid-air, and talk was brought to a screeching halt.
All turning towards the Veteran Hunter.
People constantly asked to join him for a hunt or in general, and the answer has been the same, 'No'. Then, all of a sudden, this beautiful girl walks up and actually gets invited by him?!
"Alright, so what are we hunting today?" Illiana spoke, trying her best to not to pass out of pure excitement.
James answered her firmly. "The wild Tigrex."
Illiana looked pleased to join. Sophia, however, tried to knock sense into James "James, you can do that later. Plus, she's too low of a rank for that. You really need to recons-"
To which James quickly interrupted. "Look, I know that it's a High-rank kitty (This is actually what I call him) in the area of a low rank one. Unless this is in full agreement of Illiana, I can use my 'Hunter Seal' (2) to get her in.
"B-but-" Sophia quipped.
"Upupup" Illiana spoke up for herself this time. "I know you're worried for me Guildmarm, but as a Hunter. We risk our lives for the safety of others. That is the job we have, the job we do, and the job I love." She spoke in a comforting tone "This will be no different, just a different monster."
Sophia sighed, they made up their mind. She knows James long enough, that he's as stubborn as a Jaggi. If this girl is anything like James-
"Sophia." Then better save her breath.
Pulling out the contract, James soon signed their names in. "The name's Sophia."
With a firm nod, both Hunters made it to the airship before Sophia leaned against her hand and was in deep thought. ``I know I shouldn't be worried for James, but why do I have this feeling of worry for James...but not Illiana. I guess because of James' nature."
Taking a deep sigh to relieve her tension. Completely oblivious to the fact that a multitude of other Hunters were waiting on her.
VVV
Illiana was taking the view, the mixture of the prospering grassland over this active volcanic area.
"Not the same as Loc Lacs, right." James spoke, reclining back on a chair.
She shook her head. "No, this is more magnificent."
"I know" James chuckled. "But you get tired of it after so long."
Silence engulfed the ship, besides the propellers and engine of the airship, everything and everyone was quiet. "So" James spoke, walking at Illiana's side. "Besides your job as a hunter. What's the reason you came to Dondurma?"
Illiana winced and looked relatively nervous. She knew that this invitation to the hunt was a gift. She didn't want to be sent back, let alone be dropped from the airship, him calling it an 'accident'.
For his reputation, he actually might get away with it.
"Um-uhhh, look. We're almost there" Illiana quickly panicked, pointing at a nearby campsite on the peak of the rocks.
Sure they were quite a ways away, but- "You're right...but that still doesn't answer my question. What's of 'Another reason' that you spoke of."
"What? Do you think I need another reason, besides my Hunter status? Insane!" She defended.
"So what was it that you said about your transfer, 'On my own reasons and suggestion'." James pointed out.
"That's something you don't need to know." Illiana smiled proudly. Winning the argument
James on the other hand…
"Captain, mind taking a slight detour to Loc Lac city?" At those words, Illiana broke.
"W-wait what!?" Both the Captain and Illiana asked in utter confusion.
"The Elder and I are good friends, I'm sure he'll tell me. Plus, I can handle the quest at a later time. Illiana, would you kindly tell me your reasoning on going to Dundorma? By your own reasons, I might add. Or do you want to spend both of our times for naught?"
"T-The sights, they'r-"
"No mention of Dundroma, besides its many battles of Elder Dragons and its wall is recorded in Loc Lac." James interrupted
"The people ar-"
"The people here are of different ethics and morals. Though some are universal, some are cultural. There's no real reason to actually risk changing yourself because of a change of society." James, his eyes slowly losing their cheerfulness and Illiana paid more attention to her feet.
Running out of ideas, she had a last-ditch effort with-
"F-Family members live here." Illiana stuttered.
James seemed to be interested and nodded. "Well, alright then. Captain abort the course to Loc Lac." Illiana breathed a sigh of relief…
Before-
"I would like to meet your family." There she saw glass shatter, likely her well being. Or sanity.
Or both.
"I didn't think the 'Alarose' family were actually in Dundorma. I damn well know nearly everyone by the first name. Well then, that's later, we've arrived."
Both went to depart from the airship from its trap door, James at a brisk pace with a thought in mind. "I need to finish this quickly, I want to eat soon." Illiana, however, hung her head in defeat. What was going to happen when they come back? What is he going to do? So many thoughts crossed Illiana's mind. "Should I or shouldn't I?..." Was the question that lingered.
"Wait!" James stopped on top of the trap door.
"What's going on Illiana." James spoke.
"T-That-" Illiana hesitated, gulping down her fear and air. "That… was a lie."
James tilted his head in confusion, "What's a lie?"
"The lie on my reasoning I suggested Dundorma to the Elder."
"Figured." James sighed and spoke with sarcasm. "Oh, do pray tell." Illiana was far too worried to notice this and swallowed air again.
"The real reason I wanted to go to Dundorma, was...was…. Was because you were there." She looked up, tears threatening to fall down.
"Since I was a child, I've always wanted to become a Hunter, and I quickly loved the Longsword. When I heard the announcement of you becoming a Longsword Saint. I wanted to be the pupil of someone like so."
James went from a smirk to a full-on glare. "So, all you want is just the pride of being a pupil? The title?! Empty words spat out of the mouths of others! IS THAT IT?!"
Illiana was shocked and subconsciously took a step back. His eyes were sharp and… cold. Why did he yell at her? Why was he so self-conscious about this?
"W-What? NO!" Illiana clarified with as much passion as she had. A mixture of rage and sadness was a weird feeling indeed. "I-I want to better myself as a Hunter, to protect the ones who cannot defend themselves. Protect the ones I love and hold dearest to my heart! That's all I want to do! SO I CAN NEVER AGAIN LET ANYONE DOWN!"
James stood his ground, he knew what he was doing. The first step of acceptance of a pupil. However, in Illiana's monologue, something had caught his attention. Maybe something that she herself didn't catch.
"Again?"
Illiana was sobbing, some tears were actually running down her cheeks. Looking up, her sight cloudy but could still make up an image. The image of James walking up to her. "There, I said it now then I take full responsi-"
"OW!"
"That hurt!" She yelled while holding her head.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a relatively hard chop on the top of her head. She was slightly more confused when the hand drifted from her head to her shoulders.
"There it is." James spoke in a comforting tone, his soft smile returning.
"What?"
"The truth. I knew you wanted to come to Dundorma because you wanted to become an Apprentice."
"Wait, what?" Illiana stood dumbfounded. "How'd you know I was lying?"
"Oh come on, you think this' my first time someone tried to play the family card. Plus, you did stutter when mentioning family, as well as looking quite broken when I suggested to meet them" James chuckled at his own words.
"Oh come on!" Illiana huffed and pouted, as a pregnant pause lingered about. "So, what do you say?"
"I say, part one of initiation is completed, now time to test your strengths." Opening the trap door for the ship and pointed at it.
Illiana was jumping for joy until she heard a yell. Luckily this one was tamer than James. "Oy, you two eva ganna get off to fight tha Tigrex?" The Captain getting more and more impatient.
"Right." Recovering her enthusiasm. "So, how are we going to fight it?" Illiana spoke.
James however, wasn't as ready to jump at the idea. "'We'? What's this 'We'? This is your test after all, and you want me to help you?"
"Yeah, I mean that Tigrex is a hi-you know what… nevermind."
Was she really about to pass this very, small chance in becoming his Apprentice? A high-rank Tigrex is nothing.
Way worth the gamble.
"Good, now then. Quest start!" James shouted, sliding down the rope ladder.
"This is going to be a long day...oh well" Weeeeee!" Illiana yelled while sliding down.
Thus, the first chapter comes to a close. Always wanted to write a new and unique story, and this is it. Always loved the Monster Hunter series, even if it was teeth-grindingly hard to get that one gem from that one specific monster. They were all memorable hunts. Until then.
See y'all next chapter.
1) Most wanted monster; something I guess the town would have. Having monster(s) from time to time running amok and causing an overwhelming amount of damage. As such, the guild will provide a bonus for the hunter, for this specific monsters kill.
2) Hunters seal; A mark given by the elder to those, only granted the title of either Grandmaster or 'weapon' saint. This gives hunters the ability to join a mission, mid-quest. As well as voiding all hunter rank requirements. However, all monster rewards are void, excluding items of rarity 9 (Because why not).
