Chapter Three.
"Awakened Destinies."
Tock-tock.
The sound of knuckes rapped against wood woke Dusk's consciousness from his light sleep.
"-Dusk? You have a visitor."
"…zzzz…"
-yet he manages to produce such snoring sound.
"-by the goodwill of Heavens-still asleep at this hour? Dusk, open the door! You have a visitor!"
"…mmmnggh…later…"
"Duuusk! Duusk! You have a visitor!"
"…not him again…" Mumbled Dusk, still covered in his blanket. It is approximately noon, but since he is just returned from a night quest-which is, to hunt a pair of Iodromes, he needs a good sleep. A visitor at this hour, who knows that he's in the house, would be no other than that someone…
It has been at least three months since he encountered the hatchling Rathalos, whom he named Luce. At present, his life is consisting only of going back and forth on a gathering mission on Wyvern's Valley. Not to mention, the usual Quest, petitioned by nearby villages. He is exhausted-beyond any Hunter may experience because of two-faced life. Even three bottles of Energy Drinks a day would not suffice to replenish his stamina-as proof, dark rings has begun to form below his eyes.
"-what, Radu? Have you had no mercy for a Hunter that has only gotten back from the bumpy ride on Aptonoth Cart for not less than 4 hours?" Grumbled Dusk, yawning widely without any remorse, as he descended a flight of stairs which leads to the livingroom, scratching-no, clawing-his hair with his gloved hand. The loud 'clang, clang'-ing noise that comes from metal impacting against metal in the room next door informs him that Gandart has already returned to his forge. As he suspected, a young man with brownish skin color has already waited from him in the couch, made from the spongy Ludroth mane, then covered with Ateka pelt-a symbol of comfort, even in this small village. "You won't believe what I heard this morning-" Rushes Radu, as he literally leapt from the couch. It is a little bit strange seeing him without his trademark Gypceros Mail, as his skin tone contrasted with the white, long-sleeved shirt he's wearing right now. Of course, the shirt's material is not a mere cotton thread, but fibers of Khezu hide, given his certain situation. "-I'll believe in anything, including a Fatalis bellydancing at Castle Schrade, if it will grant me 10 minutes-worth or more sleeping time. So what?" Mumbled Dusk, rubbing his red eyes with the back of his hand to keep them opened.
"A new species has been sighted!" He shouted, his hand grabbing what looked like a crumpled Monster Info monthly magazine. From the looks of it, it seems that that's the latest issue, but has been crumpled because of poor handling, or has been passed to too many people that had read it enthusiastically.
And Dusk's eyes instantly opened wide. "Where? When! Size? Signature? What's the title!" Shouted Dusk in rapid succession, making Radu flinched, as he don't know what question to be answered first. "C-calm down first. It is sighted near the recreational village of Yukumo-the locals seemed to call it the Thunder Wolf Wyvern or something. The Royal Paleontology-something has made a new Class, especially for it: Fanged Wyvern." Answered Radu at last. "Thunder Wolf Wyvern…from the title, it seemed that this beast has the control upon the Lightning element-but Wolf and Wyvern-I wonder how is this beast is shaped? Tell me, has any sample has been captured?" Asked Dusk again, eyeing the sketch depicting the beast: it is a certain monster with gait much like pelagus', but with a long, thick tail charactherictics of wyvern-kind. From Dusk's opinion, the real being must be cooler than the picture he's eyeing right now, but his imagination has made its move, tracing the structure of the beast into his mind.
Radu shakes his head. "None. It is only being observed once, while the Balloon traces the White Narga. The Ballooner practically has a jaw dislocation when he saw that one-guess in this world there's still many monsters that we Hunters didn't know about, is there?" Said Radu with great interest. "Shoot. Now you've gone and tell that story for me, my hand's itching to appraise any material from that monster…" Grumbled Dusk, now wide-awake. "-then, how about we go to Yakumo village? I heard the hot springs there works wonders for fatigued Hunters, as well as tired old bones!" Radu exclaimed the last part loud enough for Gandart to hear, but there is no response-the 'clang'-ing sound still resound from the forge.
"…yeah, right. Yakumo's at least is 4 to 5 days travel from here by land. Do you really think that the Guild will approve such holiday, when we're on high tension with the appearance of White Narga?"
"-yes, they will." Said a soft voice from the door's direction.
"Felli? What brings you here? And what did you mean with 'they will'?" Asked Dusk, not least a bit interested to mend his appareance, which is downright terrible. His hair is messy enough to be mistaken as a jumbled black Rajang pelt, and there's some kind of blood smear on his face: yet, Dusk didn't care a bit, as he is extremely exhausted. "I've got something from the Guild for you-here." Said Felicia while handing out an envelope which is made from distinctive material-Vespoid wing, while eyeing Dusk with the 'get-a-bath-already, your-looks-is-horrible' look. "What, more order?" Asked Radu, already grumbling. "Yes, it is. The Guild has issued this order especially for you, after contributing that much." Said Felicia, pulling out four pieces of papers from her shirt's pocket. "! That is-Balloon Flyer ticket?" "-read the letter first. Then you'll understand what's the meaning of these tickets." Instructed Felicia, as Dusk opened the envelope.
"! This is…" "-come on, read it! What's written on it?" Asked the curious Radu. "For expressing our gratitude of repelling the Moonlight Mirage and for your contribution to the Guild of all these times, we present you with the tickets for Balloon Flyer, which will depart from Moga village's port with the destination of Recreational Hot-Springs Village, Yukumo. We hope you can continue to give your best service to the Guild. Regards, Gwand." Read Dusk. Then, he shifts his gaze to a suspicious spot at the bottom-left most part of the letter, and sighed, making Radu and Felicia a bit confused by his demeanor. "A paid holiday? By the Guild? And it comes straight from the chairman himself! What are you, a hero or something!" Said Gandart with his usual loud voice, thumping Dusk in his back with his large palm-
Making the victim dived head-first to the hard floor.
"Four tickets, eh? Me, you, Radu-and who is the lucky last person?" Asked Gandart again, while both Radu and Felicia panicked with blood which is starting to flow from the direction of Dusk's nose. "Oh, for your information-I absolutely cannot go. I must stay in my post-which is, this town. In addition, right now I'm under a test from the Guild for promotion to full-fledged Guild Town Maiden, not just as the old Guild Barmaid!" Said Felli quickly, even before Radu opened his mouth. Nevertheless, she still looked pretty disappointed. "-guess it sucks to be the Guild's maid…" "-but the pay is great!" Protested Felli quickly "-and not to mention, it is the quickest way to get a man-" "-shut up, old fart." Interrupted Dusk quickly, because Felicia's face has gone Rathalos-red. "No luck, then. Guess that shorty will do. Can you contact her for me? Going to her house is a royal pain in the ass-" Asked Dusk, grabbing a cup and filling it with water from the barrel at the kitchen's entrance. "-because of Vieze's mom? She's not home now-" And that simple sentence has rewarded Radu with her Gaoren Pinch attack. "Sure! Vieze has returned from a Quest yesterday, so I'm sure she's in her house. But why did you don't want to inform her directly?" Asked Felicia again, still pinching him tightly.
"-I need to go for a while. The depature date is the day after tomorrow, right? And the trip from here to Moga village will take at least half a day-so I have at least one and half a day before departing to Yukumo-" "-don't tell me, you're going to take another Gathering Mission?" Asked Radu, eyeing Dusk as he saw something wacky on his face. "Given the holiday they've provided me with, it wouldn't hurt to give them thanks in advance." Said Dusk.
…But that is all a farce. What he is thinking now, is how is Luce going to hide, when he is not around? Sure, he has already taught Luce to distinguish his scent, and to hide if there any other Hunters around-but what if a band of Hunters, on their Quest, entered the cave? Sure, every once and then, a wyvern will pop out of nowhere, seeking for a feeding ground at Wyvern's Valley (and if there is, even before the Guild has issued order to hunt it, Dusk will exterminate it in order to protect Luce).
"-you can't. Haven't you heard the news? Because of the heavy rain two days earlier, an avalanche has occurred near the pathway to the Valley, making the bridge impassable. It would take more than a week to repair the bridge, since the distance of the gap increased…"
…Two weeks ago. That's when I taught Luce how to glide, didn't I? If my memories are right…that was surely one stormy day…
What would not Dusk give, to go to the Wyvern's Valley at this point. Even more than the so-called 'paid holiday' that is usually never to be given to some Hunter like him, Dusk would probably will be happier than anyone in the world if the Guild gives permission to him to raise Luce at this very village-no, even giving permission for Luce to live is grand enough.
"…Dusk? Your face's pale…is there something wrong with this trip?" Asked Felicia, out of worry. "…sorry. I've never been flying with a balloon before-so I thought this would be my first one-get too anxious if there's will be an air attack-" "-don't jinx it. Anyway, in the last 5 years the Air Flyer service haven't been brought down by monster even once-even with the attacks-" Said Radu with great confidence.
…
There's a deep silence for a while before the big Wyverian make his speech. "Well, start packing! I still have a job to be done before." Said Gandart, laughing heartily and goes back to the forge, while the mood between the three is still frozen-dry. "-a-anyway! I'll make sure to contact Vieze later! Radu, you better be prepared for the trip! Last time you're going to a trip, you forget to bring any necessities beside your hunting gear!", stuttered Felli, undoubtly imaging the worst possible scenario where a Elder Dragon attacked the balloon they rode. "-don't make me remember that-for three days I can't get fresh clothes…" Sighed Radu "-your stink can't be erased from my memory; so much that it has traumatized us, even with the Deodorizing Agent..." Commented Dusk, making Radu slumped in utter defeat.
…I'd better start packing some of those Agents now, thought Dusk in advance.
After Felicia and Radu leaves, Dusk lets out a great sigh. Now what? We're set to go to the Yukumo Village; and I cannot get in contact with Luce. Dusk then throws himself upon the couch. Yet, there is no means to actually go there now; at least not in one week. So Luce would probably is safe there.
Glancing to the forge's entrance, Dusk saw his father's shadow; his silhouette formed by the dancing flames, and loud clanging sound made from each strike of his hammer, forming blazing-hot metal into shapes plays if it were some kind of music in Dusk's ear.
Taking off his gloves, Dusk stared at his left palm. A crescent-moon shaped scar can be seen there, as well as a single, golden scale which has been polished diligently, hidden behind the Kelbi-hide glove at his left hand. "Aure. Am I being a bad parent, for abandoning your child?" Asked Dusk with a whisper to the scale, but to no avail.
Obviously, there won't be any answer.
Dusk again scratched his messy hair, angry to himself who cannot refuse the invitation because minding his friends' -as well as his father's feelings. As for the Guild's…for that one, Dusk would probably not mind rejecting an offer or two.
"GAAHH!" Screamed Dusk. His low blood pressure and heavy thinking do not compliment each other well. At such, his head were throbbing badly. And only by then he realized that he smelled terrible.
Time for a bath, thought Dusk to himself.
…
After recovering what little bit left from his sanity, as well as his stamina, Dusk once again slumped cozily at the couch, eating a Aptonoth meat jerky that is marinated with some sauce made from Sap Plant, Hot Pepper, Honey and other spice. As Dusk don't eat very much, and dislikes bread or other grain-based products, a single piece of jerky is enough for him as breakfast.
Rations like this is the only excitement a Quest will offer to any exhausted and starved Hunter. As hunting other monsters for their Raw Meat will probably attract the unwanted attention of their Mark, as well as other monsters, and carrying Well-Dones or Spits is problematic enough (they would be as well carry more Potions or Supplies instead of that), the Guild will provide them with Rations. As long as Dusk known, this tradition has originated from the death of a famous Hunter, killed in action while he's roasting a single piece of meat. Cause of death: Tigrex bite. Actually, his body is swallowed whole, leaving just single piece of lower arm, still sticking to the Spit's turner handle when the corpse is found. Ironically, in the Spit was left a single piece of untouched Gourment-class Steak.
"Has your thought settled down?" Asked Gandart, wiping his soot-stained hand with even dirtier cloth, and tossed that rugged piece of weaved cotton aside.
"What thought?" Replied Dusk with low voice, the jerky still between his teeth-it would heard more like a groan than a voice, but so what? Dusk's probably too lazy to utter a complete phrase.
Gandart then pushed him aside, making space for himself in that couch. "Do you think that I, of all people, would not realize that there's something wrong with you? Even with your fondness to Gathering missions, one would not so crazy to gather at just one area: that is, Wyvern's Valley." "-but there's the new Dragonite vein-" "-we don't need more of the Dragonite. The hunk you mined three weeks ago would probably suffice until the end of the month, if I keep using it at this rate." Replied Gandart, pushing Dusk more to the side of the couch until he's almost flattened.
"-do you still cannot tell that so-called 'secret' to me?" Asked Gandart again; but Dusk's lips still sealed. Even if he could tell his dad about the secret behind the death of Silve and Aure, and even if his dad has raised a beast, just like as he doing right now, it's just…
Unspeakable? Not the right time?
Something inside Dusk just tells him 'Don't'. Thus he compelled to it. The problem's solved.
But, for how long?
Seeing how Dusk wouldn't say anything, even while 'pressurized', Gandart just heaved a big 'Humph' and rises from the couch. "I wouldn't mind if you have a secret you cannot tell me for now-boys has a certain tendency to gather and produce their own secrets." Said Gandart with fatherly tone "-but if that 'secret' means danger to you…and anyone dear for you…" "-then I would rather not hold such secrets." Answered Dusk at last, his eye is full of conviction.
"Arrghhh." Groaned Gandart. "-you and your conviction again." He said while pressing his hands to his temple, continuing his would-be speech. He seemed irritated, but despite it, he turned and faced Dusk again. "But then again, that so-called 'conviction' of yours has never failed me." "-dad-" "-I know, I know. No more pressing you at whatever secrets you're hiding…at least, for now." Said Gandart again, putting a stop at Dusk's uplifted spirit quickly- "-but do me a favor. Can you inspect the latest material we've been holding at the second storage?"
Dusk quickly understand what his father means.
"-I'll be away for sometime. Both my gourd and canteen needs refilling. Want me to buy you something else than that jerky for dinner?"
Dusk wanted to protest: Felicia has stated that alcoholic beverage would not be oh-so-wonderful for his liver; but Gandart has been kind enough not to pry further into his matter, so…
"Springnight Carp fillet fried with Buffalo Butter would be nice." Replied Dusk with a faint smile on his lips. "Gotcha."
Thus, Gandart left Dusk alone at home.
…and Springnight Carp is actually out of season right now.
"…right. Because I'm too absorbed in protecting Luce, I forgot to tend his parent's. How silly of me." Mumbled Dusk to himself, walking to the direction of the forge. Dusk then opened the drawer stationed beside the furnace, where ores, waiting to be smelt, is deposited. Because Gandart has recently used the forge, the heat from the remaining coal still radiating strongly. For untrained skins, it will probably make blisters appears, but for Crafters, more exactly Forgers like Gandart and him, it just felt like the usual warmth of the morning sun's.
He knocked the bottom of the drawer thrice, activating the hidden mechanism inside. The thick metal plate, made from fire-resistant Carbalite, inlaid with layers of insulating Earth Crystals flipped open, showing a hidden entrance, as well as a stairway leading below.
Gandart's house, after being remodeled to accommodate Dusk, is two stories-high. Before, it was just a small house with forge and a small hut on the back for storing materials. After being renovated, it now has more rooms than before, including the new room at second floor, which became Dusk's room. For the small hut…
Gandart has made three-level deep underground storage space to replace it, which made his house is actually five-stories high. The first floor is used to store perishables, such as Herbs, Spices, Bugs, or Seeds. He even actually made a Bug-rearing cage inside of the room. That way, there's no need to gather Carpenterbugs or Flashbug when you needed it. It also comes equipped with equipment needed to Combine, like flasks or mortar with its pestle. The third floor, the farthest from the house is used to deposit excess ores and other materials that's resistant to both decaying and cold air; including some rare Gem, decoration Jewels, Armors and Weapons from his old hunting days (he even made a stand especially for his prized Akantor and Ukanlos Mauls.)
And the second level? It holds monster material, of course.
As Dusk's room are already full with gadgets and tools he used to tinker with his weapons, he absolutely cannot store Silve and Aure materials inside of it. Heck, every one from the three trunks in that room was already full with materials he gathered. Even if he rearranged all of the items scattered around his room, the space still would not suffice, as Aure's Wing, even while folded, is slightly wider than the room. Thus, he has no other choice than borrowing the second storage space for placing Silve and Aure's material.
Dusk climbed down the stairs until he reached a large door, probably made from Dragonwood since the door itself gave out a slightly sweet smell, characteristic of processed-said-Dragonwood. As he opened the door, the darkness, as well as smell of chemical preservatives mixed by fishy blood smell wafted out, greeting him. Same as always. Poor Silve and Aure, they had to spend the days after their death at this kind of place. Murmured Dusk to himself, reaching for a switch beside the door. Immediately the Thunderbugs reared inside a special cage rushes out inside in the tubes filled with their food, which is hanging from the ceiling. The illumination effect from the swarm then serves as light-source inside the dark basement.
While it is easy to put in materials inside the storehouse, it is not such easy way to remove them from that space, as the only door leading outside can only be opened from the inside of the storage space. It is designed as a countermeasure against thievery…
Yet, Gandart's reputation from his olden days is already enough to put oll of so-called pillagers.
Walking past a pile of assorted Hard Monster Bone, which probably comes from Gypceros' thigh, and opening a vast curtain that is actually tanned monster hide of all kinds, Dusk stumbled upon a large, white sheet, which is used to cover a pile of something.
With his slightly trembling hand, he takes off the sheet, showing golden and silver pile, encircled with heavy bony cradle. It is what left from the pair he can fondly called 'friend'.
"Just like I thought. Your material resembles metal more closely than flesh and blood." Said Dusk, wiping dust and cobwebs off the pile of materials-as the Shell and Scales are not tarnished yet by a bit: normal Rath and Ian's material would show signs of deriotation by now. Then he patted their skulls with great care-as well as sadness. "Silve. Aure. Your son's…"
Dusk stopped. He suppressed his breath, and sharpened his hearing; yet he heard nothing. There's no other soul beside him inside this storehouse, on in the house before him.
"Your son, Luce-is somewhat a wonder. Survived the stabs from Akura Crystals, killed a Velocidrome at his first days of life; and breathe fireballs strong enough to destroy boulders at the same time. Is he a demon or what?" Asked Dusk to the skulls.
No answer.
"And his eyes. Well, one of them is blind-but those stare! The eye with enough willpower, that one would not be suppressed or controlled by anyone. The eye of a true ruler. It maybe just me, but I could swear those eyes said something to me: that he, would not tolerate anything that shines brighter than himself."
No answer.
"Tell me, guys. Is my decision correct? Is taking care of Luce, your child-would be enough to pay for all the sins I've committed? Is making this lie, would make my heart pain's go away? Tell me!"
No answer.
As if his stored-up emotion has vented out completely, Dusk finished the cleaning of the materials without making anymore sound. After touching the skulls once more, then he climbed out of the storage space.
"Done with your inspection?"
Dusk surprised. There should be nobody at the house right now, but Vieze's figure is standing right at front of him. But to hide his feelings, he quickly assumes his usual masquerade. "What, it's the Washboar-"
THWACK!
"-OUCH! And what the hell's that for!" Shouted Dusk, feeling if his nose's still in the right place, as Vieze awarded him with a kick straight to his face. "WHO KNOWS!" Shouted the girl back at him. "Honestly! Has you have any tiniest speck of delicacy! I came here, worried because of you looked slumped for a while, and now what did I get in return! An INSULT!" Raged the petite-built lady.
Dusk climbed out of the hole, and covered the entrance with the thick plate. "…sorry. Didn't mean to anger you…" Said Dusk later in weak voice; yet, the lady beside him is still fuming. 'Hmph'-s can still be heard blown from her nostrils, as her head were held high in the air.
Knowing that making the turnabout way will probably make the petite beast before him enters HER Rage mode, Dusk quickly put a 'Stop' sign to his irrational mind, which instructs him to do a little more 'flattery' and see what response she will give.
"Sorry. My mind isn't in the right sanity level." Grunted Dusk, still rubbing his reddening-and throbbing-nose. Anyone who heard that simple sentence would probably checked Dusk's level of sanity, but Vieze's almost accustomized to that simple reason. As the very same young man that stood beside him actually slashed-no, lopped off the head of the first Plesioth they hunted because that monster squirts a little water at the day when Dusk's hairdo is the best (according to him, of course), and messes with his mood: no one could actually tell what Dusk will do if somebody provoke him; Gandart has since long comparing Dusk with a Basarios: awaken him, and be prepared to feel the wrath. But, her sour mood quickly evaporates into a gentler gesture, as she dragged Dusk toward the livingroom and literally throws him unto the couch.
"Now, would you please be so reasonable and state out the reason why did you, of all people become so miserable like this? The 'Dusk' I've known for the last ten years of my life would not be so fretful like this!" Said, no, shouted Vieze with all of her vigor: Dusk can feel the pressure emanating from the little princess in front of him strong enough to push him back a couple of inches into the Ludroth sponge that's making the couch. "-why are boys just like this! Always keeping their spiteful pride to their pitiful self, keep piling up problems until that crushed up their sane mind? Could you not even share it-" "-NO!"
Vieze's shook in fear. For a Hunter, there'll no fear greater than the time when you stood before a beast. When the beast's eye locked with you: that you can feel its breath; you can see its fangs, bared at you.
And you know for sure. You're a hairbreadth's away from death.
Yet the very presence of Dusk before him now produces that much of 'fear'.
"Sorry, Vieze." Muttered Dusk again, after regaining his composure, and throws his bead back to the rim of the couch. Feeling the soft Atenka Pelt with his fingers eased his mood a little.
"Did you ever know, that since that Quest, your eyes are so devoid of life?" Asked Vie again, now making a place for herself at the couch. "For a whole two weeks. You are so NOT alive for at least two whole weeks after that incident." Continued Vieze, bombarding Dusk with her speech- Did she someway suggesting how I was depressed after Silve and Aure's deaths? Asked Dusk to himself, turnig his face away from Vieze, which sat beside him. "Yet someday, those eyes springs back to life. And for unknown reasons, you became an utter workaholic. Every two days, if not everyday, you must go and went to that Valley: is there something precious there? More precious than your sanity? More precious than your friends? More precious than your life?"
Dusk didn't dare to open his mouth for that one.
"Tell me, Dusk." Said Vieze when holding the boy's head close enough to her own head, until they could fell each other's breath: until their eyes align to each other. "Did your fallen comrade-or rival's life…worth more than your life?" Asked Vieze.
Dusk's heart palpitated. His chest felt like it's being crushed with tremendous force-his head feels like it's going to burst sometime soon: the question that Vieze asked him is the same question that he asked to himself day after day, actually everyday, after he met Luce.
But not just only because of that.
Dusk has known it for long time now, but from anyone standards, the very beast present before himself is what people called a 'beauty'. Even in her rage, that lovely face will still retain its beauty, and every word that comes out from that thin, cherry colored lips contained a certain 'dignified' aura. Her large, bright blue eyes, her swaying silver hair, her gestures, excluding that rude kick to his nose, is graceful enough to be mistaken as ballroom dance steps. What's more, her petite build awakens something in men's mind: a desire to protect. Simply speaking, minus her explosive temper and a certain issue with her body, Vieze Randrite is what almost every man could dreamt of. Even if Dusk is her childhood friend, in the first place he is a healthy, innocent young man.
"*Cough*".
The two's eye quickly shifted to the front door. There, a burly figure, with each hand holding a bag large enough to be mistaken as Mosswines could be seen.
"Am I interrupting something?" Asked Gandart, his grin's large enough as he had stitched the ends of his lips to his earlobes, making two lines of yellowish-tinted teeth completely visible.
The two instantly made some distance from one-another, occupying the two ends of the couch. "At least you could knock." Muttered Dusk, which assumes his 'so what' poise. "Noo need to pay attention to this old fart. Go on, continue from what you left off." Said Gandart lightly while walking passing them to the direction of the kitchen, making some of the groceries spilled because of the bags are rubbing with the ceiling.
Because of that comment, Vieze's white face turned completely red, up until her ears. "-w-w-w-w-we are d-dd-d-doing nothing!" she said, stuttered because of the embarrassment, just realizing what bold thing she has done a few seconds ago. "Ohoo~? Are you sure? I can swear to anything you can name out there that few seconds before, you two are in the position for a ki-" "-drop. It." Hissed both of them with a glare deadly enough to scare a 'Drome running back to its nest. "-fine, fine." Groaned Gandart, disappearing behind the kitchen's door.
…
"Vieze." Called Dusk, after few seconds-that felt like a few minutes worth, making the young lady beside him startled. "-y-yes?" Asked Vie back, her face still red from before. "…thanks for your concern." Said Dusk, hiding his face in embarrassment. Somehow, that very act of dropping in his house and lecturing Dusk about what silly things boys do uplifted his spirit much more than gulping down a crate of Energy Drinks. Although he'll probably never disclose the reason why did he must periodically visits the Valley, Dusk feels that thanking her is a must.
Gandart's humming could be heard from the direction of the open kitchen's door.
"…that's better." Murmured Vieze, her face's still tinted with a reddish color, but not as bright as before. "-speaking of which, has Felli gave you the ticket?" Asked Dusk again; normally, even before going in a Hunt, Vieze would make a lot of both necessary and unnecessary preparation. Seeing her dropping in like this would mean either she hasn't been informed about the trip, or she didn't want to participate in it, with the first conjunction having more chance to be precise.
"Ticket? What ticket?" Asked Vieze in interested tone, that Dusk replied with a groan.
"-right. So either Felli is slowed down because her job at the Post, or you just missed her on your way here." Sighed Dusk, reaching for two tickets stored under the decoration vase, made by Gandart himself (which contained no artistic value whatsoever). "THESE tickets." "They are for Balloon Flyers tickets, aren't they?" Commented Vieze, pointing to the tickets. "…I'll be very surprised if that you, of all the people, would not recognize these. Your dad gave four of them to me." "-Dad! Why?" Shouted Vieze in surprise, because her dad hardly even come home at her birthdays. "Well…" Dusk then rose from the couch and leans to the table next to it, his hand's crossed in front of his chest. "They told me it's the reward for the White's repel, as well as my contribution to the supply-gathering—but I had my own hunch about what this really meant."
"-what do you mean-'what this really meant'?" Asked Vie again, in utter confusion.
Smack! Dusk just smacked his own temple hard enough to he heard even by Gandart who's in the kitchen. "Don't you realize what day is today?" Asked him again to the girl in front of him, that's seemed to be thinking hard…but after few seconds, shakes her head. "No. At least it is not my birthday, for sure." Answered the girl.
Smack!
Dusk launched a soft flick to the girl's forehead. "IT IS YOUR BIRTHDAY, DINWIT! Look at the calendar more closely!" Said Dusk, giving a leather-wrapped agenda, which doubles at Dusk' memo book for her to read. "-look at this part. 27th day on Month of Monoblos. This day is your birthday." Grumbled Dusk. "-h-how come? I looked at the calendar at my house and the day's still…23rd?"
Dusk sighed again. And those two's probably forgotten it, too.
"Little miss, have you forgotten that you've been away for quite some time? For god's sake, you've been travelling here and there at least three times in this one month! So, you, who from time to time forgot to do maintenance on your Long Sword; (And she'll be pushing that very weapon to Dusk to be repaired, which is a royal trouble) that is more important than anything in Hunting! Ripping a page from your calendar is probably in your 'I forget that' list, isn't it?"
Dusk knows full well how forgetful Vieze really is. On long hunts, she often forgets to bring stock of Potions or Whetstones, because the number of unnecessary items she had to carry. Even there is one occasion where she actually forgets to take her spare underwear…
But that's not important now, because that very same little lady that forgets to take her underwear now making such a silly expression. "…it probably…it is." Said Vieze, in whisper-like tone, ashamed to herself for making such a lame mistake. Over her own birthday, to boot.
"Seriously-both father and his daughter are such a klutz." Muttered Dusk to himself, remembering the 'odd' spot he found earlier when he read that Vespoid-wing enveloped letter, while suppressing the urge to laugh out loud. In the bottom left side of the letter, written in thin, small letters are the footnote Gwand wrote to himself, probably as a remainder: 'At last 17 this week.' What would serve better as a hint? Or exactly, what kind of ditz actually wrote on the paper they're supposed to write their own private memo?
"…sorry for being a klutz." Asked Vieze, apologizing. "-don't be. Removing your klutz nature and being such washboard will probably make you something other than Vieze I know…oops."
Dusk slowly turned his head in terror. He has, once again, flipped the switch that is supposed never to be even touched, as the very air seems to be pulsating with anger.
…
BLAM!
After hearing the sound of the front door being slammed, Gandart extended his neck out of the kitchen's door. "Dusk? It would be more efficient if you start packing-GAH!" Shouted the surprised Gandart, that has just been stepped out from the kitchen, the bread he held dropped because of the surprise.
Dusk has now put on a new make-up: black and blue, and are lying at the floor, face-down. At his shirt's back there is footprints, maybe because Vieze 'sort of' stomped him here and there. "What happened again? The usual stuff?" Asked Gandart, picking up his bread and wiped the dirt off, before resumes eating it. For him, who has witnessed this scene for almost every time that two met, this has been a usual routines "Yeah. She trashed me mercilessly just like always." Sighed Dusk, feeling the sides of his lip, which exudes a small amount of blood. "You know," Said Gandart while munching at his bread, already taking the couch all for himself. "Sometimes, what men must do when wanted to get a woman is direct appeal. Like shouting 'I love you' open at the public-"
Slip!
Dusk loses his footing and lands face-first at the hard floor because of Gandart's words. "-or just kiss her passionately. That would suffice in case of me." Said him again. "Yeah, right. How many years ago it happened, old man? That method of picking a date would not work now. At least, not for Vieze…"
"-so you think, it would work with Felli?"
THWACK!
"Mind your own business once in a while." Dusk said, after throwing the jar filled with Honey straight to Gandart's face. "Yeah, once in a while. Thanks for the jam anyway." Replied Gandart, still merry-go-happy even with thick, gooey Honey splattered across his face. He did catch the jar, though his gripping power crushed the jar into tiny bits of wood. "Seriously, kids these days…maybe this is what they calling 'rebellious age'?" Asked Gandart to himself, making smacking sound while sucking away the golden, sweet liquid that is staining his upper body.
It is not.
…
Back to his room at last, Dusk's mood has become foul enough, not making him able to actually get some sleep. It IS already NOON anyway, and with the mood he's in right now, even making some preparation is out of question. With nothing to do, Dusk smacked the wall beside him, making the secret compartment opened, and showing two flawless Jewels. Carefully taking those two precious stones in his grasp, he placed them on his working table, and dragged the chair across the room, passing two severed tails from Garuga.
He then sat on the chair, planting his sight to those two Jewels with his chin on his crossed arms. As usual, the brilliance of those two Jewels is something far above other Gems he had seen before. "You know what? What I wanted the most right now is not a stupid trip to the hot spring. Not also meeting that Thunder Wolf Wyvern, Jinouga-or Zinogre-what was Radu calling it back then?" Asked Dusk to himself, confused.
He eventually relaxed, and a light smile spread across his face. "What I wanted the most right here, right now, is to be able to talk with you guys."
He touched the Ruby with his hand, only to withdraw it at the moment it touches the surface of the stone: the Jewel is blazing hot, as always-but not this hot. Somehow, the flickering light dancing inside the stone shines brighter than usual-
Maybe it's the midday's sun, passing through the stone that made such phenomenon occurred. Maybe it's just a trick, made by the tired young man's mind to ease his suffering, just by a little bit.
Then again, just maybe…that what he wished for comes true.
I must do a small upgrade for her present for earlier, thought Dusk while eyeing a small jewellery box in his workdesk-unmistakeably, Vieze's birthday present, yet he is now far too exhausted-not mentioning injured by earlier contact with the would-be receiver.
Finding himself more comforted by just being near the stones, and because of cool summer breeze drifting lightly from his room's open window, Dusk fell asleep with smile on his face.
"Dusk? Has you recove-aah, again? You'll catch a cold if you sleep like that." Commented Gandart, who barges into the room without much resistance. He then lifted the young man from the chair and placed him on his own bed without any problems. "-and these two, as well. Better keep them in a safer place, son." Said Gandart again, placing both of the Jewels with utmost care inside the hidden compartment, but not closing it. Seeing a faint trace of smile on the young man's face is enough happiness for that old Wyverian. The very same smile, which encouraged him to adopt the unknown boy fifteen years ago, now becomes his utmost joy in life. "Sleep well, my child. May the world of slumber offer to you what you cannot gain or experience in the world of waking. May your heart at ease, may your spirit uplifted, for the 'trip' we're going to make-" Said the old Wyverian, walking towards the door to exit the room and resuming his packing- "-maybe become a long 'journey'."
Click.
The door was shut with care, making almost no sound.
"…mmm." Groaned Dusk in his sleep. Now he's in a middle of a dream; a dream where he, Silve, Aure, Luce, Gandart, Vieze, Felicia, Radu…and anyone he knows, are in a big celebration. They danced all night, they partied all day long…a reality more ideal than the ideal world.
But now, just let the young boy rest. For the short 'trip', as Gandart said, will become a 'journey'. A path to discover his true self. And also, his destiny.
But there is something that anyone, including Dusk and Gandart, didn't realize…the spot where the Silver Rathalos Jewel placed on the table's now are blackened, making a rough sketch of something…that looked like a mark of the sun, just like the scar on Dusk's right palm.
End of Chapter Three.
Character Data.
Name: Priscillia Randrite.
Age: 47.
Occupation: (now) Guild Overseer, Housewife. Has been a Hunter for twelve years before marrying Gawain. He proposed to her after defeating an Akantor…and their wedding ring is said to be made from the Black God's very tusks.
Biography:
A noble lady with the air of royalty, that has been appointed as the Guild's Overseer: one which will judges the decision made by the Guild, will it be carried or not. Descended from a long line of Nobles that has served the Hunter's Guild for generations, ever since it is built. Being Vieze's mom, and Gwand's wife, she usually not in the home because tending the Guild's business all across the world. Ever since meeting Dusk at the first time, had certain prejudice against him, and keeps trying to distance her daughter away from Dusk. At her active time as a Hunter, she holds the record of the Hunter with the fastest time needed to reach Hunter Rank 40, which is in just 5 years. As the master of the Spear-handling, she also holds the title of 'Snow-White Lancer' because she mainly uses a lance carved from White Monoblos's horn, and a fullest of armor made from the same.
Name: Gawain 'Gwand' Brytin
Age: 51
Occupation: (now) The leader of the Hunter's guild, an active Hunter with Hunter Rank 50 (the top rank)
Biography:
A man with the gift of immortality, so the people across the world refers him to. Even the toughest of beast pales in comparison with his battle-sense. A Hunter so famous, that even Illegal Hunters and Poachers that do not adhere to the Guild's rule will flee at the first sight on him. He chooses the path of the Sword and Shield as his main fighting style, and every people who saw him in a Hunt all refers him to the title of 'Left Hand of the God, Right Arm of the Devil' for unknown reason. Even after been married to Priscillia, he didn't even think about retiring: putting his live on the line is the only thrill this world can offer to him, he said. Even now, being the leader of the Guild, he's constantly on the move, exterminating each and every beast he encountered in his journey seeking for something that only he himself knows. All of the orders issued by him are bound to be in a form of a letter with Vespoid Wing crafted to be an envelope, although nobody even wandered how the heck the letter could even arrived at the Guild's Central.
ZN-OUGA here. And here's your third chapter.
Yes, this chapter is just like the last one: a brether one, but with some dramatic twist.
Radu mentioned about a Thunder Wolf Wyvern somewhere near the beginning of this chapter; and yes, that's a foreshadowing. I made it quite clearly so you guys could shiver in excitement upon knowing that I'll move the setting from the village of western-themed Gertia to the eastern-themed Yakumo. For the characters, the gap between the cultures would be something refreshing, but for the readers, it means more Japanese language-or exactly, suffixes used when addressing a person will extensively be used. Please bear it...
Oh, and the part where Dusk being consoled by Vieze…some people in the forum said that this would be the first time (in this novel) Vieze shows her 'dere' or soft side to Dusk. Well, they're right…
But Gandart's words was a heavy foreshadowing. Too heavy, even.
So prepare yourself for some badass action next chapter!
~7 March 2011~
