Chapter 10:
"Of Lush Lands and Invading Devil."
Room of Cherry Blossoms
After series of unfortunate incidents, at last the Hunter with tanned skin awoke from his comatose-like sleep.
"-so, you've decided to have a companion…at last?" Asked Radu, waking up after few turns of event, missing almost each and every one; yet somehow he has already managed to wore the Khezu Sneaking Suit underneath his yukata. "I'm just going with the flow here…besides, Or-I mean Ran is dependable enough." "That coming from the one who always rejected each-and-every application from Felynes-to the extent of rejecting Guild-trained ones? What gives, man?" Asked Radu again, utterly confused at Dusk's decision.
Vieze and Gandart are now still trying to calm Akiho from her shock…by making her drunk, so the only ones left in that spacey room is just two boys…plus one Felyne.
"-oh, shut up; the same applies to you, anyway. That's up to my personal decision." Said Dusk, raising his right leg, showing something that's attached firmly to it-with its strange coloration, Radu almost mistaken it for an oversized, purple-colored Khezu Whelp.
Both Radu and Dusk decided to hunt without comrade because of certain conditions: Dusk because his high standart and not-so-ordinary tactics in subsiding monsters. As for Radu…well, guess for yourself. Hint: noisy and furry. "-though, this one looks and acts much like a Whelp than a Comrade." Groaned Dusk, trying to pull the overjoyed Felyne from his yukata- "-look, I cannot work with you literally pulling my leg!" Groaned him, but Ran still didn't show any signs of letting go-if not planting her claws even deeper, and only replied with primal sounds of 'Nyaaa' and 'Myaaa' that's supposedly her way of showing happiness. "-must I remember you that we've yet been registered as a Comrade? I could always cancel our-" "-no, you-of all people-would not, Dusk-sama." Replied Ran to that threat rather calmly-and she was right. Whatever Dusk spewed now is a mere threat- because he would never break his own promise.
Dusk's shoulder drooped.
"Then, could you at least detach yourself from my leg? I needed to finish this piece, like, right now. If Vie returned and sees that the piece's still incomplete, then YOU'll be the one getting the Hell-" "Hai, nya." Answered the Felyne with a cute giggle, removing herself from his master's leg and sitting in a refined position of kneeling-in this land they supposedly call it 'seiza'.
Huffing a sigh of relief (because the barb-like nails has been retracted into the respective paw), Dusk opened the now-cooled-down mini forge, and peeked inside: the template's still in one piece, despite being knocked over here and there in the ruckus (moreover, Dusk is really grateful that the Agnaktor liquid remains until the last ember in the charcoal died off, otherwise this inn would have turned into huge, blackened mess of char, since someone-or rather a whole group of-cleared the damp towels he spreaded upon the tatami mats…). "-hand me the-" "-nail and hammer, is it?"
Dusk turned his head and finds that the items he's going to request already being prepared atop of the Felyne's paw.
"-how did you know that I would request that?" Said Dusk, accepting the equipment with reluctance- I didn't expect that. "Nyaaa…let's say, our mind and heart has been connected." Answered Ran, sending a freezing chill down Dusk's spine. "-that's GROSSS!" Shivered Radu, making the Felyne which seemed displeased with the response picked up another nail and flung it as it were a projectile-
STAB.
The nail landed rather perfectly on the tatami mats, less than an inch from Radu's left index finger.
"-say what again, nya?" "-I-i-mean…you two complements each other perfectly! Mmh, yeah, that's it!" Said Radu frantically, obviously a smooth talk-but Ran seemed happy enough. –morons. Groaned Dusk inwardly, thus returning his focus to the task at hand.
Lightly tapping the brick-like substance with the pointed-end of the hammer, thus cracking it in the progress, he checks the integrity of the metal piece embedded inside-if the piece is broken, then the hardened clay would also give way, but in this case, even after bits of hardened clay got off, the overall shape is maintained-well, it means that the piece is intact.
Now using the nail to chisel down the hardened clay away from the piece of metal, Dusk lightly swing the hammer, revealing pink-colored piece of metal underneath the ash-colored mass: the holder is now complete, despite needing some good polishing to rid the grainy texture on its surface. "-the-" "-rough file and smooth sandpaper, nya."
Again, Dusk accepted the equipment from Ran's hand. "-are you psychic or what?" Asked him again, now using the file to bring down some protruding bit of metal, then using the sandpaper to eliminate excessive texture. "-here's the Purecrystal-tipped needle for burnishing."
Dusk's jaw now opened wide in surprise. "I swear, did you just gulped down a liter of Psychoserum or what? I mean-" "-I've been travelling here and there past 4 years. Picking up some skill of another's trade is inevitable, right?" Said Ran as she watched Dusk's hand moved on its own, smoothing the surface of said item with the needle, making the surface appears smooth as a glass and shines just like one. "-and it may be unrelated…but I'm a girl, you know. Both wearing and making accessories should be our forte, nya." That's totally unrelated for your note…but hey, she did helped my work. Better than Vie.
After bits of polishing and final adjustment, the sky-colored stone is now set on pink-colored metal holder. Admiring his own fruit of labor, Dusk smiled. –hope the part about 'blessing' is true. Thought him, now feeling some pulsation from the direction of the item he's holding.
"-aaand…done. What do you think?" Asked the crafter, now mounting the necklace in an emergency display made from clipped twigs of nearby bushes. Now looking at the item with sparkling eyes, Ran sighed- "How niiiceee~ Nee, master-make it for me too, myaa…" "-dream on, cat." Muttered Radu, making the second and third nail outlined his head's shadow. "-did you say something?" Asked Ran, now gripping the fourth, fifth and sixth piece of nail between her claw.
The tanned man froze in fear, yet managed to shake his head in that cramped space formed by two nails to express his (forced) agreement.
"We still had some time until dinner, so…" As he said that, Dusk opened the window and set his sight farther than the mountain range obscuring his view. "-might as well explore the area. Hey Ran-where's the nearest Hunting ground from here?" "-myaa, that would be Mountain Stream, nya. From here it'll take at least an hour or so on Gagua cart paced to full speed; and the danger level is rather low for your Rank, so it would be a walk on the park." Hummed Ran, apparently excited with what would be her first Hunt as Dusk's comrade. "Then, could you arrange a quick trip? I wanna try Gathering for local materials."
"Jyaa, I'll ask ol' Lao for a ride. And while I know that you'll probably okay with only that Dagger against Ao, an extra Shield wouldn't hurt to bring, right?" Said Ran, jumping from the open window and scurried quickly to the direction of Gaguas' stable.
"…that's one helluva kitten you're employing." Said Radu, still shivering from the shock of nearly being pierced. "-and I'm proud to be her master." Answered Dusk with a smile, plucking the nails embedded in the tatami and wall. "-so, would you join for a Hunt?"
"I wanted to-but my Rapidcaster's in a pretty bad shape after that Garuga incident: some of the coils dislocated, and the barrel's bent from the impact when I threw it-remember?"
Dusk vaguely recalled that Radu tossed his Heavy Bowgun in order to pull him and Vieze when they're dangling at the Flyer's broken deck two days ago…
"-then I'll use this opportunity to give it a major rehaul. Which type you wanted it to be this time? Speed? Power? Or Handling?" "-whatever suits me. You'd know it better than me, anyway." Said Radu, raising his knuckle to Dusk, where he rapped with his. "Then it's prototype time. Be sure to tell pops and Vie that I'm probably going to be late for dinner, would you?"
"-I'll tell them to expect some omiage." "-what's that?" "It means 'gift' in local language. Hurry now, you wouldn't want to leave a lady waiting…especially ones like that." Joked Radu, pushing Dusk's shoulder to the sliding door's direction.
ZRRRK.
"-oh, and do me a little favour-somewhere in this room should be a pot filled with some kind of mysterious liquid. Put some Ice Crystals inside-or even better, hand it to Benkei's storage. I'll be waiting to tasting that!"
ZRRRK.
As he exited the room, Radu's eyes quickly scoured the room for aforementioned pot, but all he found was an empty jug, spill mark, purplish substance and a soaked paper hidden behind a paper sliding door. "Did this mess is what he mentioned before?" Asked Radu to himself, picking the soaked paper with two fingers out of disgust; on the surface there's something printed, but the paper's too fragile to be spreaded, so he puts it back to where he picked it.
ZRRRK.
"-oya. Where's that stupid son of mine?" Asked Gandart as he hunched in order to enter the room (otherwise he'll hit his head). "-going Hunting with his new Comrade. I think he wanted to test her…or whatnot. Speaking of which, uncle…what's that for?" Pointed Radu to all sorts of ingredient handled by the Wyverian. There's Honey in a jar, Blue Mushrooms, Exciteshrooms…
Gandart's eyes started to swim away to the direction opposite from the spill.
"…don't tell me…" Pointed Radu to the mess beneath his finger-
"-okay, it's my fault! I saw some kind of brew sitting on the table and pulled a sip-DAMN that was good!" "-then what caused that 'DAMN-good' beverage to become this spill?" interrogated Radu again.
"-Vie jibaku-ed."
"?"
"Arrrgh, shove your question aside and help me! If he knew that drink's being wasted like this it ain't going to be pretty-even for me." Groaned Gandart, knowing full-well how bad Dusk's anger is. Last time he used some of his tools without permission (and breaking them in process) he almost got his beard shaved by Naruga Darts. "-and do tell me why I must lend you a hand?"
Gandart pushed the empty jug to Radu's direction. "-try it."
There's still some drops left, but… "-are you sure this isn't poisonous? I mean, it is PURPLE…"
"-just a lick is a-O.K. Now what are they again? Blue Mushrooms, Herb, Bitterbug Extract-" Muttered Gandart, remembering the taste of the drink.
Taken over by his curiosity, Radu at last sipped the remaining drops-
"HECK YEAH!"
"-told ya. That brew's even tastier than all drink I've tasted this last 100 years! On the top of that, it's alcohol-free! If god's willing to be so kind and write down the recipe for me instead of…wait, what are you doing?"
Radu's now exploring the jar's insides with his fingers, and licking them in a rather greedy fashion.
"-savoring every last drop." "-that's rather disgusting, so stop…hey, what's that paper by your feet?" Asked Gandart, pointing his middle-finger to the lump of soaked paper below Radu.
"Shum' kin' oth note, maybe? I can'th read cuh'sive." Answered Radu, with his fingers still inside his mouth.
Gandart's expression suddenly changed from tense to surprised "-dumbass! Did you forget what cursive writings are used for?"
Suddenly, a spark of realization emerged from Radu's head.
"-RECIPES!" Shouted the two in unison, storming to the wet lump of paper.
Room of Camellia.
Not knowing what happened in the room he left before, Dusk's now humming rather light-heartedly tune while unloading his trademark Machalite-Dragonite alloy fashioned into a light armor with some extra pocket for tools and items. "Lets see…since it's a 'stream' some lures would be needed, as well as a rod-" He pulled a pack from his bag, and strapped it on his armor. "-as well as pickaxe and some bugnet." Thus, he pulled again another pack and checked the contents-yup, my pickaxe and bugnet. As flawless as ever…and extra bags would be perfect.
…
Ggggrrrrrrrkkkk…
Just now, Dusk's stomach just growled…a rather loud one, at that. "Oh, yeah. At last I've never made it to dinner, breakfast-or supper." Groaned him, pressing his palm against his stomach in order to suppress the noise. "Well, might as well gather some side-dishes." Said him, making a mental note.
"Done. What's left is…a shield."
Being a profound multi-class edged-weapon user, even Dusk has his issues about number of equipment brought upon travel-since clearly he cannot carry each-and-every-single-one of them. In this 'vacation', he only carried the now-broken Strategic Blade and his White Wing, with no spare. That being said, since the Wing originally meant as a carving knife, he didn't make a shield as pair. Heck, even if he wanted to, the material needed is ones from the elusive Moonlight Mirage…
He glanced at the broken remains of his greatsword, and pulled some tools from his bag, dismantling the blade into pieces and putting it back after extracting a pair of daggers-Steel Bones-and a single plate. "-guess this will do."
Knock-knock.
"Dusk-sama! I've readied the carriage!" Called a familiar voice from outside. "-that was QUIC-!" Asked the perplexed Hunter, but nevertheless he opened the door, full-armed and pumped up…
"-where do you think you're going…huh?"
"-erk."
"Sorry, Dusk-sama…I got caught on my way back, mya." Said the Felyne that are now being handled rather cutely-or cruely by pinching her nape. While the lighter infants would not mind being carried by that method, grown-ups would feel pain, due to their weight.
"Now EXPLAIN. Clearly and as detailed as possible."
Vieze now unsheathed his Violet Line in a rather intimidating pose.
"…or else."
…
"…so you're JUST going to do a Gathering quest?" Asked Vie, still brandishing her long sword at Dusk's and Ran's neck, the electricity flowing made their throat felt like ants swarming inside of them. "And what did you mean by 'just'?" protested Dusk, making Violet Line being pressed more tightly against his throat. "-err, mind taking this off me?"
"…then I'll join too."
"-eeeh!" protested Dusk and Ran "-what!" "-if you pushed the blade more than that I'll lose my head!" Exclaimed Dusk, making Vie realized that she almost guillotined him, thus pulling her blade away.
"-myaa, then we cannot spend our lovey-dovey private time togetherr~" "-wait, when did this quest turned into that!" groaned Dusk-yet Vieze's face blushed even more and strangely, the Line flashed more brightly. "So, it's just like my suspicion…" Glared the girl with an even deadlier glare than ever. "Nonononononono! It's just her, not me!" yelled Dusk, pushing the main preparator forward.
"-why did it turned into thisss…" Groaned Dusk in lifeless voice.
But despite all that, all three of them did depart together.
Gaguas' Stable
"Yo, lovebird pair." Said the old man, puffing a thick smoke from his pipe, making Vieze's face turned completely red and Dusk must restrain her from throwing the Violet Line as javelin of sorts... "Old man Lao? I thought you-" "-at times I would climb back to Yakumo for their treatment. Did it answer your question?" Said Lao, before Dusk could finish his question. "-it is so, mya. The Gaguas here would tweet like crazy if he misses their treatment." Popped Ran from behind the two, attaching herself at Dusk's right shoulder. "So you've known that 'Orc' is Ran's disguise from start?" Asked Dusk, seeing that Lao didn't get surprised by the sudden change in fur color exhibited by said Felyne. "Of course I knew. Heck, I'm the one who suggested it." The old man puffed a thick cloud of smoke, then patted his chest rather proudly-only to end up coughing.
"After the loss of her first master, whom depended too heavily to her due to the status as 'descendant of the legendary Comrade', I suggested concealing her identity until finding an appropriate master…I, myself didn't think the loss would continue until two-digit number, though."
Then he laughed loudly until ended up coughing harder than before.
"And yet…I didn't even think about the possibility of being found at your hometown…or rather, when you're bathing in the Neko no Te. Lord Amatsu must be pulling his tricks from behind the clouds." Joked Lao, making Ran exhibited a large frown on her face.
"Iyaaaa…nevermind that. This's the carriage you guys would be riding…Hiru, Asa-meet the lovebird pair."
As he said that, two Gaguas emerged from the flock being reared inside the wooden building, making a sound similar to duck's quack. "Heee. They remembered their own names, did they?" Asked Dusk, petting the one closer to him. "Not only that, mya. Ones raised by Ol' Lao is both strong and smart enough to be ridden as-is, without needing any command." Added Ran, leaping to the Gagua's back. "The only thing left is to attach the carriage and we're set to go, mya!" Said Ran, raising her hand as if riding a carriage or something. "Not so fast, you cat. There's one condition that you all must fulfill if you're going to ride them-" Lao thus reached for something inside his pocket and threw it to Dusk's direction. "-is those…nuts?" Asked Vieze, when Dusk poured the bag's insides unto her palm.
"That's their staple food, aside from bugs and worms. I've trained them to follow all command from ones feeding them the nuts from this bag. As you probably have realized now-" "-both the bag and nuts are special. As for the nuts, it seemed like they're native to this land…and the dye marking the bag are originated from plant with strong-smelling sap. If they've been fed with these things all time, certainly they would remember the smell and taste…" Analyzed Dusk, taking a bite at the crunchy, fragrant nut- "-it's pretty good, really."
"Hai, now line up and feed them; two nuts each."
Not questioning why only two nuts, given their build that more muscular than Preys, Dusk just handed their share of nuts before passing the bag to Vie, and lastly, Ran. Watching those beasts pecking at his hand just like that is pretty amusing, really-never he saw those beasts act as domesticated as this…
…then again, it's probably Lao's skill as a breeder that made this possible.
"Okay, you're all set now. They'll obey any command up until end of this day." "-err, do tell us why did they would only obey us until the end of the day?" Asked Dusk, out of curiosity…
"They have a bird-brain for starter. Even if they had their imprinting, stray from them more than one day and they'll completely forget that you're the one changing their diapers…of course, the last part is only a idiom…but you guys catch my point, did you?"
"Myaaai, I did understand…it's like cousins that didn't meet each other for a long time forgetting that they are actually related, nyait?" Confirmed Ran. –well, given her situation as a Felyne, that comparison maybe is easier to understand…but that's close enough. Smiled Dusk when thinking inwardly.
Mountain Path (leading to Mountain Stream)
Trot-trot-trot-trot.
"Speaking of which…"
They has departed from Yukumo's main gate, following a path leading down the valley instead of taking the uphill ride they took yesterday. With Ran acted as driver (actually, all she did was sitting at the front couch, nothing more and nothing less. The pair of Gaguas moved without needing any tug from the rein…) "-you haven't told me the intel about the area we're going to visit, hasn't you?" Asked Vie, as she tugged Dusk's bag to her direction for inspection-even before arriving, the bag has been filled with edible berries and some fragrant flowers, unmistakeably native from this area. Plucking the ripe ones from the stalk and throwing the brilliant-blue colored orbs into her small mouth, she savored each and every drops of that juicy goodness, made by nature. "It's delicious! What's these named again?"
"-that's Indigo Cherry. Tales said that Gaguas got their blue color after consuming those berries…otherwise their feathers would still retain the original hay-like coloration." Explained Ran, picking one for her own mouth from one stalk dangling from the roadside vegetation using her Violet Line as stick of some kind. "-wait, 'original'? I thougt Gaguas are native creatures from around here, is it not?" Piqued Dusk again, realizing the contradiction in the information. "Myaii, there's a slight misunderstanding, then. Yes, while their habitat are certainly limited to these lands, Gagua's feathers are originally hay-colored. That's, at least before Amatsu took residence in the Heavenly Temple."
"?"
"I've told you before, right? These lush, green land used to be barren rocklands because of the geothermal heat. Unknown if it because lack of food or they done so in order to survive from their predators, the Gaguas from back then are always hay-colored…some even assumed black-and-ash feathers, as beasts from volcanic region would assume." Continued Ran, now feeding the Gaguas a little snack. "Yet, after Amatsu taken the mountain peaks as its residence, and causing the drastic change in climate due to its powers, the raging heat subsided, and the high mineral content attracted all kinds of life-forms, from plants to animals..." "-then, let me rephrase that question: Did the Indigo Cherry came from outside this region?" Asked Dusk, correcting himself.
Ran smiled widely.
"You got that right, nya. It is originated from the tropical islands far east from here…it is thought that the Wyverian ancestors that founded Yakumo brought some of the seeds in order to raise them here…but it seemed that the fertility of the land here is too much for these plants: not only making the fruits produced bulkier and tastier than the original strain, it also enhances the pigment contained in the fruit's flesh. I guess at this point you could imagine what happened after, right?"
"-well, I imagine that some of the Gaguas inhabiting the land ate the plant after breaking into Yakumo's farmland, spreading the seeds everywhere. Thus, after consuming the berries for some time, the pigment contained make their way to those bird's feather…is that right?" Answered Dusk without the need of thinking-these things, taking coloration from their food is not that rare occurrence in the world of beasts.
"Myaai, there's no fooling you. That may be true, at least from the stories passes down from my ancestors…but then again perhaps only Ol' Lao knows. He's been feeding them many things to test this story…" "-and the result?"
"Well…there was once a strange-colored Gagua that Lao breed-ed…it's down fully colored in a strange aqua-emerald color, but that's it."
…
End of conversation.
"That was an interesting topic, but what I'm hoping is the intel for this Ground's points of interests. Beasts, Vegetation…or maybe some important Account Items?" Asked Vieze, in a rather disappointed tone. –and you're the one asking about the berry! Groaned Dusk and Ran inwardly, while it is true that they strayed off topic.
Trot-trot-trot-trot.
"Then let's start with the lay of the land. Situated inside the crevice of the valley, and dug when a large flood from Amatsu's ascent washed down volcanic materials down the mountain, the Mountain Stream is an excellent area for either novice Hunters to learn about the techniques of Gathering and Tracking, since the foliage here provides both cover and materials needed, or for advanced-level Hunters because of the strong beasts that inhabits this part of land."
Trot-trot-trot-trot.
"-For beasts, starting from the non-dangerous ones, would be Gaguas, Kelbis-though, due to their recent migration to southern-most area of this continent, are next to none in this season…there are also stray Felynes and a village of Melynx…" "-great. Not those thieving cats again…" Groaned Vie, her hands are now gripping tightly to the object worn around her neck. "-and why did you wear such thing in a Hunt?" Asked the insensitive Dusk, that's answered by a sharp blow from Violet Line's scabbard straight to his gut.
"-continuing on, there's some Bhanabra and Altaroth. Those bugs, while didn't get as annoying as Vespoids, do has their own share of trouble. Bhanabras, which wings' coloration and pattern differ depending on their habitat, could render you stunned in paralysis because of the neurotoxin in their stingers. And Altaroth, useful because they could turn anything they consumed into Extracts after contacting their digestive acid. Their abdomens' also…well, for that one I'll let you see for yourself."
Of course, after hearing the 'b' in 'bug' now Vieze's locked inside her Complete Rejection Mode.
Trot-trot-trot-trot.
"Leave her be." Suggested Dusk, now trying his best not to laugh at the stupefied girl situated across his seat. "Okay. Now we're talking about serious business, mya. Starting from the lowest threat level, there's Jaggi and their Leaders, Dos-Jaggi. Much like Preys, their agility could mean problem if you're surrounded. Also, their long tails made for a powerful weapon on their own: one swipe from their tail-whips could even topple a tree. Then, to the next level of threat would be the occasional Aoashira, a Pelagus that's pretty famous for their clawing attack and their appetite of Honey." Said Ran, now drawing a rough sketch of said monsters at some piece of paper. While her drawing aren't as good as those graphers employed by the NPO or Guild, Dusk could already grasp the form and physical attribute of those creatures.
"Moving on, there's occasional visits from Ian and Los that lived in nearby mountain, and Nargas in rainy season. Aside from that, there are those things called Club-Tailed Brutes, Dobobelks. While they are indeed herbivores, their territorial nature, combined with their child-raising period has given them reputation as 'Newbie Crusher'. Also…"
" 'Also'…what?" Asked Dusk, because Ran's speech stopped at that point.
"There's our Guardian God. If you're a active Hunter, then you probably has heard the news about a 'new species' being found. Yes, that's the one…in our local tongue, we called them Jinouga, but NPOs misheard that for Zinogre…well, our accent's thick, I give you that."
Dusk's eyes sparkled at that line.
"Oh GREAT! Tell me, could-" "-no you WON'T! Jins are highly territorial, and what's more, they are partly nocturnal…and even with your skill as a Hunter, they'll probably fry you alive before you can lay a single attack…they didn't got appointed as Guardian Gods for nothing, you see? And it's just a rumour, though…but someone saw a Jho few miles down the mountain."
"-a…JHO! That's some high-leveled bounty you're-" "-it's just a rumour! Didn't you heard me earlier? Then again, there's traces of it feeding on the wild Gaguas...so until further notice, all Hunters below Rank 10 would not able to enter the ground-hey, there's the gate!"
Setting his view at the large, wooden object erected before them, Dusk's mouth gaped wide-
The wooden gate that's blocking the whole road is almost 10 metres high, and appears to be crafted from a single timber.
"HELL that's HUGE!" Screamed Dusk as he jumped from the carriage to examine the gate from closer distance-
And yet he's halted rather roughly by two full-armed mens that's standing guard in the posts just beside the gate.
"-myaaa~h. I've thought that this would happen, but…" Groaned Ran, stepping down from the carriage using the Gagua's thick legs as ladder with a swift movement. "Ran-sama! Why'd you come to the Stream?" Asked one of the man with a thick accent, while still maintaining his Gunlance pointed to Dusk's neck. "-wait, wait! They's with me. I'm going for a Hunt here." Said Ran, instructing for the other man to lower his own Gunlance. "But even the Hunting Level here is pretty low, recently there's been sightings of Jho here. So if they're beginners-"
"-pfft."
Upon seeing an emblem emblazoned on his Gunlance's stock, both Dusk and Vieze puts their respective hands to cover their mouths.
"What, kid?" asked the guard again, with an unpleasant scowl on his face, upon hearing Vie's suppressed laughter. "You there. Did you know who designed the Gunlance you're using right now?" Asked Vieze, now stepping down from the carriage by using her Violet Line as vaulting pole, landing directly beside Ran with both style and dignity, not even allowing the hakama-styled armor she's wearing to flutter.
The guard's taken off guard with that stunt Vie pulled, but quickly regained his composure and scowling face. "Why yes! This piece, named Blue Thorn is a remarkable piece crafted from Machalite and Steel, valued both for its easy handling and high firepower-even with continious Wyvern Fire, the blade would not chip because of the placement of the barrel and blade." "-that's not what I'm asking about…I'm asking about the crafter. Did you know about him or not?" Pressed Vie again in a bossy matter.
"-AH!" "(Ssh.)" Quickly signaled Ran to the second guard who pointed Dusk after realizing something. "-b-but…miss Ran?" "-ssh. This would be a perfect opportunity to tune down that blockhead's attidute." Asked Ran again, now giggling with pleasure.
The other guard seemed to be perplexed by the reaction made by his partner-in-patrol, but nevertheless ignored it and started thinking. "-well?" Pushed Vie again. "-o…of course I know! This is made by the newbie called 'The Creator", right? The newest Guild-approved Smith? Look, this is his crest-"
Again with his high-and-mighty attidute, he slapped the mark on the stock with his hands.
"True. The crest is certainly his'. He always inscribes that crest upon everything he designed-not excluding this piece." Said Vie nonchalantly, raising her Violet Line and pointing to the tsuba part. "-even on my birthday present." Groaned her again, supposeadly hoping for something cuter or whatnot.
"-what-"
-and not even a second later, founds that his prized Gunlance shattered into bits and pieces.
"WHAT!"
"-as I thought. Even after all the warnings I've been writing about the weaknesses of the design they still ignoring me…" Groaned Dusk, walking away from the mess. "-you! What did you do to my Blue Thorn?" Asked the guard, now grabbing Dusk by his undershirt's collar. "-nothing. Just activating the dismantling mechanism." "-you!"
Clap.
"Okay, that's as far as you go. Shura, lower your fist." Asked Ran politely, yet the man called Shura seemed discontent and refuses to hear- "-and Dusk…I think even the backside of the Bones still could cut, can't it?" Asked Vie, making Dusk sighed and re-sheate the blades extending from his shield. "There's no fooling you, isn't there?" Said him again, sending a spine-chilling glare to the stubborn guard and making him flinch…
"You picked the wrong opponent, Shura-nii…this man is The Creator himself. Didn't you saw his portrait on the newspaper?" Said the other guard after the commotion has ended. "-! He is!" Shouted Shura in disbelief. "-but he's totally different from what I'm imagining him to be!" Protested the man, pointing to Dusk-
"-hee? And how did you imagined him to be?" Inquired the interested Vie.
"-let's see…an over-muscular man whose body's covered in scars, tanned skin and humongous size?"
Dusk's shoulders drooped as Vie started laughing uncontrollably. "-that's pretty FAR! Or, if I could said-that's your DAD!" "-oh, shut up." Scowled Dusk, now picking up the dismantled parts from Shura's Blue Thorn and begin putting them back. He did got portrayed beside his dad, the 'Heaven's Smith' on the newspaper's cover, but since Gandart's title-awarding ceremony happened at least 100 years ago, there's still someone who mistook the burly Wyverian as the one being awarded.
Well, for someone aged more than 300 years, his physical appearance looked just like over 50s in age. Strange, given a Wyverian's build will start deteriorate from the age of 200 and on.
"Here. At least read the manual completely before you're using this…otherwise as the one designing this piece I'll be the one responsible for your death." Said Dusk as he pushed the oversized weapon to Shura's chest, making him pushed back and almost tripped backwards.
"You could learn a bit of humility from this, Shura. Even if from your view, he's far weaker-" "-he could still kick your sorry rear pretty hard." Continued Vie rather brashly on Ran's sermon.
Dusk sighed again upon hearing Vie's comment. "-how many times should I reminded you that such lines would probably made your mom wring my neck? 'Hanging around that brute's son is-' " "-okay, okay! I'm reflecting on my actions, so…don't tell my mother!"
Seeing them performing their daily antics, Ran could only smile.
"Let me introduce them. They're the siblings-gatekeeper, Shura the older and Touya the younger. Shura, Touya…meet Dusk and Vieze." "-pleased to meet you." Smiled Vie, still restraining herself from exploding in laughter, while Shura's face is now madden red.
…and so, they exchanged their greeting, albeit so awkwardly.
"But then again, why did you must conduct a Hunt now, of all times? With that Jho running around-" Muttered Shura, after checking the documents that stated they're permitted to perform a Hunt on Mountain Stream "-I'm just following my Master's wish. Isn't that right? Dusk-sama." "-will you quit your clingy…wait, Vie?"
But the brothers didn't even react at the fact that Vie's enveloped by a deathly aura and brandishing the longsword rather dangerously: both their gaze and index finger's locked on Dusk. "HE's YOUR MASTER!" "Nyees, mya. At least, starting from today." Answered Ran with pride, when Dusk's in the middle of being strangled by Vie. "-but I thought that your master would be someone much cooler than this BRAT!" Protested Shura again-
Swish.
"-any more badmouthing of Dusk-sama…"
In a time-space less than a blink, Ran's miniature katana has been unsheathed and placed right next to Shura's heart.
"-and I would not tolerate it, even if you're-nyauh?"
"Ran…is it just me, or recently you became overprotective of me?" Asked Dusk, now picking up Ran by her collar. "-b-but Dusk-sama…?" "-all that matters is that you're now my Comrade. I'm not asking for anything more than that-not even a bodyguard or someone as sacrifice. If there's someone…no, anyone, badmouthing me, it's not your concern." Said Dusk again, now putting Ran back on her own feet. "-it's my fault. That's that."
Room of Camellia.
"-good. Now pass me the Elder Dragon Blood."
"-err, is it just me, or…this brew is getting more and more..."
Blub. Blub.
The pot in front of the two males, filled with orange-colored, thick liquid which are now bubbling and frothing with strange-colored fume.
"-diabolically gross-colored? I mean, Exciteshrooms, Dragonseeds, Dragon Toadstools, Godbugs, Psychoserum; and now Elder Dragon Blood. For a simple refreshment this brew is pretty…mixed-up." Groaned Radu, pinching his nose to escape the strange-colored fume. "Well, at least it is colored just like the one before…" Said Gandart, mixing the Elder Dragon Blood little-by-little using his Dragonwood spatula. "-only the color is similar…" Groaned Radu, now picking up the dried-up piece of paper written in cursive. "-in the first place, are you sure that this is the recipe, pops?" asked him again.
"If this isn't the recipe, we will be in a deep trouble…you knew that, right?" Answered Gandart, now reading the next instruction, written in rose-colored ink. "-after mixing in the Blood, the brew should turn into a purplish color. At this stage, leave the brew to boil for half an hour. After that the mix should turn into a transparent, water-like liquid." Read Gandart aloud, as he continued to watch the boiling cauldron with his peripheral vision.
"-then, as the last step, dip this recipe into the liquid and let it dissolve…What!" Shouted Gandart in disbelief as he pressed his nose on the crumpled piece of paper. "-then the potion would be completed. That's the end of the recipe…" Said Gandart, now tilting his head in confusion. "Hey, pops-if this piece of recipe is needed in the brew, could it…?" "-I couldn't say it for sure, but…it does like seemed that this paper is made from certain plant material…it could serve as a catalyst of sorts…maybe."
"-wait, MAYBE! You're a Material Hunter, for the love of god! 'MAYBE' is the last word I'm expecting from-" "-well, even if it's me, there's BOUND to be something that I haven't encountered yet…this world is huge, after all."
Radu's jaw practically flapped open when he heard that. A WORD OF HUMILITY FROM GANDART! What the HELL did that brew's made from!
But Radu probably won't ever understand the reason why Gandart showed such behavior, as he couldn't read what's written in cursive at the end of the recipe…
Still, he pulled out his left-hand side Khezu-Hide gloves, and started running his fingers upon the recipe's surface. By using his extraordinary sense of touch, he could make out small, distinct patterns that's engraved unto the crumpled paper. This is not 'paper' as we thought , but rather a single leaf: a rather large one at that. It probably shares the same family as Wyvern Grass-
"-stop dilly-dallying and get to work!" "-yipes!"
Mountain Stream's Gate
"-there. With this all formalities needed to go to a Hunt is completed." Said Touya, stamping the piece of paper with a unique-shaped stamp. "-but as precaution for Jho, one of us will accompany you. As for the rule, Shura-nii should be the one coming, but…"
As he said that, Touya glanced in his brother's direction…
-which could be seen clearly in a bad state of shock…or refusal.
"…well, it seems seeing Ran-sama that he admired acted like that made him pretty shocked." Huffed the younger brother, picking up his own hunting armor from a stand at the corner at the small resting shed beside the gate, and packed some shells for his own gunlance, the very same Blue Thorn as his older brother's.
"-wait. If you're coming with us…let me borrow that for a sec." Said Dusk, now gobbling trough his share of Rations while pointing to the Thorn. "Sure…but for what?" Asked Touya, passing the weapon to the designer, which examined it carefully…
"Hmm. Looks like the Guild's doing a pretty decent work in this one. They'd even reproduce the hidden part perfectly…despite not knowing what is it for." Said Dusk, touching the rose-shaped blue-colored ornamental etching on the blade. "-hidden part?" Asked Vieze, pointing to the Gunlance in Dusk's hand. "-since this one didn't get modified, unlike Shura's which has been altered too much-"
Dusk pulled out something from the barrel, and placed it into the firing trigger. Then, he pulled out some parts and attached them back in different positions. "Done. Now try performing a Wyvern Fire while attaching the shield at this part." Asked Dusk, now pointing at the small, hanger-like protrusion jutting out from the barrel. "-it may be a bit heavy, though." Said Dusk again, just when Touya tried do lift the weapon-and ended up losing balance because the uneven distribution of the mass. "S-say it earlier…my back…" Groaned the young hunter, who strained his back.
…
"-ready?" Asked Touya, while the others had hidden themselves behind some trees. "-okay. Now just pull the trigger and brace yourself for impact." Instructed Dusk, while the eager Ran's trying to look over his shoulder what's going to happen to the Gunlance.
Touya nodded and cocked the firing mechanism. "Impact in three-"
Zyuuuu…
The sound produced when the air around got sucked inside in a swirling vacuum signals the beginning of the Wyvern Fire. For experienced Gunlance users, they has learned that at this point, the best thing to do is aim for a clear shot-or go ahead and do some serious damage by stabbing the beast with the blade-that, if you wanted to get blown along by the recoil, of course.
"-two-"
Now the barrel's insides had glowed considerably bright, from the burning of specially-packed gunpowder. This is not without meaning: at least it serves as temperature buffer, reducing the difference caused by the explosion when the shells are directly fired, thus reducing the strain on the barrel. While it did use the same cartridge as the ones for performing Shell Shock, a Wyvern Fire uses all of the shells loaded into a Gunlance. Needless to say, the bigger the capacity of the magazine, the damage produced will be higher.
The drawback of this technique is: beside causing a high level of tension stress by the act of rapid temperature climb, extreme stress experienced by the barrel when the force is delivered is not to be taken lightly: even a well-crafted Gunlance could only withstand up to three shots of Wyvern Fire before needing to go for a overhaul, usually including replacing the barrel with a new one…but Dusk's Blue Thorn could withstand more than 100 Fires before needing one.
"-one-"
The orange-red glow from the gunpowder burning has turned into a beautiful blue glow in a shape of a spike-the reason why this piece earned its current name.
"-fall back!"
DHOOOOM!
Room of Camellia.
"-ngh!"
Radu, which previously stands watch over the cauldron half-asleep, one which is now filled with a black liquid, suddenly jumped backward as if someone punched him straight on the face. "-what's with that shockwave!" Grunted him, putting his palm over his hurting face and looking over the open window, to the mountain range sprawling before him. "…it can't be…them?"
Mountain Stream's Gate
"-myyy…ears…are…rinnngginng, nyaaa…" Said Ran, now having difficulty in standing because of the shockwave of the earlier Fire-
-Touya's condition is not better. He's blown away quite far from his original position, after losing his grip on his weapon-
"Ouch! The shock is far heavier than the usual ones! What did you do-"
Touya's lips stopped he sets his eyes on the Gunblade-
"There. The transformation's completed."
The Blue Thorn is no more.
Instead, a differently-colored Gunblade emerges from behind the smoke curtain.
"By subjecting the entire weapon to a certain level of impact and heat, the alloy-structure of Machalite-Steel would be refined further with the infusion of Carbon particles arising from the gunpowder's perfect combustion, and thus pushes the Carbalite particles to the surface upon cooling. Those will act as even-more-efficient heatsink than before. Congratulations, your Rose is the first to bloom from countless other buds the Guild produced." Explained Dusk, while the others now in the midst of admiring the beauty of the piece standing before them.
A single Gunlance, while the design is not much different than the Blue Thorn, bore a striking design of a single, blooming red-colored rose along with a single leaf attached.
"Vermillion Rose."
"…I see. The shield also got changed by the impact, right? This green coloration…Dragonite, wasn't it? It explained why did the shield felt heavier than the size it was-" Said Touya, picking up his new weapon, and watches curiously as the 'flower', or the heatsink retracted rather perfectly into what looked like relief of thorns on the barrel.
"Nyaa! What a beautiful Gunlance!" Said Ran, leaping from Dusk's right shoulder in order to procure a better view on the weapon. "…but, it's a bit too feminine. Can you turn it back to the original?" Grunted Touya, swinging the large spear-headed contraption with ease. "I'm afraid I can't. Once the transformation occurred, the only way to redo the change is to re-smelt the metal used in the contraption."
Touya's shoulder drooped.
"…sorry. Guess I'm too excited." Sighed Dusk, scratching his head with his left hand. "-well, don't be. I guess this Gunlance is great-not to mention beautiful. On the top of that, it's the-only-one in whole world." Said the younger brother again, unloading the used shells with dexterity. "-my Violet Line also one-of-a-kind craft…" Protested Vieze, but in a rather weak voice- If I'm a bit taller, then perhaps I also could use Gunlances…but…!
So the internal conflict arises within the girl.
"-then again, the Fire earlier should scare all nearby beasts from the gate, so it's should be safe to open it now…" "-we're equipped with Gunlances not only for this reason, mind you."
Shura, recovered from his shock has assumed back his high-and-mighty attidute from earlier. "Nii-sama! Has you already recovered?" Asked the suprized Touya, seeing his brother already up-and-about.
"Don't bother with me. I'll open the gate, so you guys should go ahead before they come swarming back." Said the older brother, slotting his blade into a hole at the bottom of the wooden gate.
"Nyou guys better cover your ears for this one." Suggested Ran, already picking up a pair of Ludroth-made earplugs and slotted it inside her ears. "-crap. If THAT's the way to open this gate, I'm truly grateful that we didn't bring Radu with us." Said Dusk, putting his own pair of earplug into Vieze's earhole.
DHUM!
Room of Camellia
"-ngh! Again!" Grunted Radu, feeling that shock again striking at his face; the pain's even more intense than before because he opened the window…so it's partly his own fault, but…
"…is this thing REALLY the one we've been drinking?" Shivered Radu, after seeing the oil-thick liquid that's filling the pot.
-then again, even this oily concontion's probably better than nothing at all. At least, I could say that the brew's easily spoilt or something…
"…I guess I'll go for a nap again." Yawned the tanned Hunter after seeing the spring-powered counter beside him that's showing the number four. The constant ticking and clank-ing noise made by the device's sure to instill a sense of passing time, even for someone who's hobby is sleeping…just like Dusk. "But before that, I'll need to convince Bandai to let me place this…something into that 'fridge' of his." Huffed Radu, pouring the liquid inside-
"-what? It's…golden now?"
The liquid's true coloration is not 'black' as opposed to what Gandart-and him, supposed it to be. Instead, it's colored in amber coloration, with a slight tint of red. The brew's alone is quite thick, but yet it exudes a light fragance of herbs and flowers.
After the pot's contents emptied into two bamboo containers, he investigated the remaining sludge that's appeared to be glued into the insides of said pot.
"-so this is the true form of the black sludge…"
After removing his gloves, he wiped some of the sludge using his thumb, and started running the end of his fingers on it it: the greasy feeling on his skin confirmed that this is, undoubtly a kind of oil of some kinds. "Then after boiled down, the unwanted components became this oily thing, leaving only…"
Wiping his dirty fingers off a piece of leftover cloth, not to make a mistake of flavor by licking the wrong fingers, he took off the remaining glove and swabbed the remaining single remaining drop of that golden-colored liquid, stuck at the rim of the heavy pot.
-it's thicker than the purple one. Is it also tastes better?
*Slurp*
"-GH!"
An explosion of flavor bursts from the tip of the man's tounge, where tastebuds and the drop met. This taste…
"-HECK YEAAAAH!"
Mountain Stream.
"Ouch, ouch. My poor ears…" Sighed Vieze, putting her hands over her ears-
Even with Dusk's anti-Diablos-grade earplug, the vibration still reached her eardrums, causing stinging pain and discomfort. "-but still you could've told us about those one-way doors!" Shrieked Vie again, baring her fangs at the oppressed Touya. "Sooory." Apologized Touya for the how-many-times-already, after being nudged with Violet Line's scabbard again and again.
After some short walk from the one-way gate, which can only be opened from the outside (since trying to open 30-inchies thick, over ten metres in height doors made from specially-bred Dragonwood would need power equal to a Lao), they arrived to an open area near a pool, made by a single, gushing spring. The sunlight penetrating the green canopy of foliage atop of their heads reflected from the spring's waterdrops, and produced a small rainbow.
"But I'm truly suprized. For that large of a Dragonwood door to be exist…how many metres high the tree would be?" Asked Vieze, looking back to the gate now pretty far behind.
Dragonwoods, known for their hardness and durability is a certain kind of timber-bearing tree that can only grow on certain Elder's back-namely, Yamatsukami. Thus, the size of the timber would be proportional to the size of said beast…
-and for 10-metres high door, you could already imagine how colossal the Elder would be.
Deducting that made Vie shiver, but Ran just smiled lightly. "That's not like you're imagining, myaind you." "-that's right. Even if Dragonwoods could only grow on Yamatsukami's back, all we have to do to grow it is to replicate the environment it grown on. High altidute, fertile soil, some Elder Dragon Blood and nutrients- you're set." Added Dusk, pointing to some smaller shrub-like Dragonmoss-smaller sapling form of aforementioned material. "Although, in this case it looks like the mineral-high soil on this area could substitute the need of Elder Dragon Blood. This would probably shock those NPO researchers…" Muttered Dusk to himself.
Sighing a huff of relief, Vieze grumbled "-say those things sooner! And here I thought that we're going to be a giant Yamatsukami meal-"
As a side note, Yamatsukami's method of eating is descending from their hovering altidute to ground level and sucking in all within their reach. The destruction left from this act could range from simple mysterious pattern on ground where all the vegetation would vanish in case for smaller Yamas-to the disappearance of a whole mountain.
Hearing that, Touya couldn't help but laugh. "-don't worry! We have Amatsu on our side. The presence of him alone is enough to repel any wayward Dragons from this area."
"-too bad that doesn't include a Jho." Sneered Dusk.
Frowing from that comment, Touya just smiled a bitter smile. "Yes. Deviljho-or Jho for short is a devourer that knows no bounds or fear. They would devour anything that their jaws could reach-as their bodily function has evolved so much to the point of inefficiency."
Walking while chatting like this proves to be a good way to pass time: before they know, they have reached the base camp; a small tent erected in a cliff's indentation. Directly across the tent were a steep cliff-probably more than 100 metres in height…but hey, what do you expect from a mountain range?
"Here's our base camp. If there's anything that's not worth bringing to the Hunt-or too precious to be stolen by those cats-no offense, Ran-sama." Added Touya again, after realizing that his words may be interpretated differently than what he expected to-
"No offense taken, mya. Hmmm~ It has been a long time since I last Hunted on this area." Sighed Ran, now taking off her straw hat and started sniffing the air with excitement. Mimicking her, Dusk closes his eye and began concentrating to whatever sound or smell that's carried by the air around him-
The loudest sound is the stream below them, gushing and flowing with a serene sound of trickle.
The second loudest, would be the rustling leaves, blown by the winds from the mountain peaks…or from Amatsu's movement, who knows.
And the next sound…
Dusk scowled for a bit before re-assumes his usual façade.
If isn't for the earlier Wyvern Fire, she would be fainted right now…commented Dusk inwardly, because the sound mixed in the billowing stream and whistling blade of leaf, are no other then those of insects teeming. From what he could perceive with still-ringing ears, there must be more than hundreds of thousands of those critters out there.
Other than that, since his hearing isn't at Radu's level, he could only distinguish some background beast's sound, including Gaguas' frequent tweet.
"Well, I'm all set. What about you guys? –and gals." Added Touya again, almost forgetting that they're accompanied by two ladies. "At your command, Dusk-sama." "-okay, stop adding that '-sama'! It's getting annoying addressed with such honorifics!" Groaned Dusk, after enduring it for a while. "-nya? But, addressing your master without any is-" "-just drop that. Dusk doesn't like called with honorifics, less more a Title." Informed Vieze out of concern.
Dusk is…just Dusk.
"-it's not that I disliked their respect for me…but adding names to a person's name would like…brandishing them with certain label. That, I didn't like."
Vieze remembered clearly his words upon his appointment ceremony of becoming the Guild's youngest approved Crafter. Of course, this happened AFTER the incident with Gandart, so that would be one possible reason why did he assumes such modesty…
As you probably has guessed from the incident earlier, even in Gertia there's still ones that didn't know that Dusk's is The Creator himself, but he could care less. That's way's better.
Low profile and simple. That's Dusk's way of life.
-yet strictly speaking, his complicated-and extravagant weapons didn't show that at all. Noted Vie.
"-myah. Then, 'Darling' or 'my Husband', which one do you pre-" "-not a SINGLE one of THEM!" roared Dusk at the seducing cat, making Touya's forcing a weird smile and Vie's erupting into rage.
Mountain Stream
Blue Slopes.
"-be careful, the rocks are-"
Splash!
"-slippery. Honestly, Vieze-your shoes are not one bit suited for these kinds of exploration…" Commented Dusk, after reacing out his hand for the girl who fell almost in comic-like fashion after mistepping on a mossy rock.
His boots are made with processed Gypceros hide, for your info. Unlike other material which would get slippery after contact with water, this material's property is clearly the opposite, which is gaining more gripforce by an unknown mechanism-
-yet it produces a strange, mind-crushing squeaking noise akin to mices when rubbed together. Guess this' what a mating Gyp would sound like…thought Dusk, given the swamp's moist fog will always cause their skins to be wet.
"-ughuu~ my butt's cold…" Groaned Vie, trying to wipe dry her hakama-like leg armor from the slimy, green water-like compound of moss and algae. "-but this straw sandals are part of this armor as well!" Protested Vie again, pointing to Touya's feet, who wore the same sandals "-and he didn't even lose his footing once!"
-he's been wearing those for A LOT LONGER than you, duh. In the first place, he's more experienced than you.
Nevertheless how far Dusk's inner complaintment goes, he handed out some specially-prepared heating pads in case of cold weather that's made from bits of crushed Firecell Ore to the girl. "-press that against the stain-it'll at least drain your clothes." Groaned him, taking note to himself not to embarass Ran by skidding in the same way.
That's…probably would be the least item on his concern list. The Felyne's been jumping from one rock to another while looking not even affected by the slipperiness of the damp rock. Touya even using the lance part of his weapon as walking stick, making losing balance nigh impossible. Seeing that, Vieze tried to use her longsword as a makeshift cane…but doing so would probably damage the scabbard, so she didn't.
They're now treading a one-man-wide path down the slopes from their basecamp. The water coming from the pond located near the camp are now forming a small waterfall beside them, making their clothes damp from spraying water; also making their foothold diminished into slippery stones.
"-so this is the only way to reach the basecamp, huh? I'd say even those light-footed Preys would have a difficult time scaling these rocks-" "-eeh! Do we have to scale this wall back upp!" Protested Vie, after hearing Dusk's comment. "-I told you before…hunting in unknown land like this isn't suited for you who always getting a full briefing about the topology…and flat-footed to boot." Groaned Dusk, while supporting Vie that's most likely going to lose her balance at the next step-her small figure already wobbling whilst trying her best at keeping her body upright. "-FLAT-!" "-HEY, WATCH ITT!"
Without any warning, a flash of violet-colored blade swished in a distance less than a milimetre beside Dusk's left ear. The preparator, who has forgotten completely about her slip-prone legwear has jumped from her original position for a lunge at Dusk's neck-but failed and now lands rather elegantly on the shallow waters after doing a front-flip.
"GET DOWN HERE, YOU BRUTE!" Shouted Vie while pointing her longsword at Dusk's direction. Of course, the blade's now entirely covered with purplish lightning sparks, as it were answering her master's wrath. "-AS I WOULD! SHEATE YOUR LINE FIRST!"
And deep in his heart Dusk painfully regrets handing the Longsword to this girl.
"-myaaa, again with your antics…" Sighed Ran, jumping from the nearest rock to Vieze's headtop, which Touya followed suit-his weight combined with the Gunlance and plate-armor he's wearing sends water splashing everywhere. "Does they did this all the time?" Asked the bewildered Touya, seeing the man dubbed as The Creator clinging to a rock wall for his life, while a dainty girl with proportion more likely to be a child's swinging a longsword that's even longer than twice her height combined with ease. "I didn't stick with these guys long enyaough to know that, but…"
"DOWN OR DIE!" "THEN I'LL CLIMB BACK UP!"
"…seems that way."
…
After few minutes of ensuring Vieze that she misheard about what part of her body's being 'flat' (also relaying eye signals to Ran in case of emergencies), Dusk hopped down from his Khezu-like position to the shallow waters below. "-*whew*. My arms are starting to give out up there…" Groaned him, now rubbing his fingers that's ice-cold from lack of blood-flow and the constant draft from the waterfall, not mentioning he's totally drenched.
"We'd better be quick on this Gathering-otherwise the darkness will set." Pointed Vie on the sun hanging lowly on the horizon- "-and whose fault was that-OUCH!"
She smacked him right between the eyes using the scabbard as a lance. Even with the helmet on, that's quite painful.
"From here, we have two choice of route, nya: the highland and the lowlands." Explained Ran, while each of her paws' pointing at different directions.
"What's the merits and de-merits?" Asked Vie, now raising her weapon-free hand.
"If we're going with the highland route, we'll more likely to encounter Neopterons' and Melynxs, but if we go lowlands it's only 'Gi's or an Ao at best. Though, I'd recommend the highland route, given the Jho's wandering-"
"-we'll go lowlands."
"-eh?"
"-a…as I said, we'll go with the lowlands route! Got any problems?"
The remaining three blankly stares at Vie's paling face with a dumbfounded expression. "-did you not hear my warnings before? There's a Jho-" "-WE. WILL. TAKE. THE. LOWLANDS." Pressed Vie at Touya, while Dusk just sighed. "-her fear for those bugs are far greater than those of Jho…so no matter what the condition, she'll avoid any Neopterons." Informed Dusk for the awestruck Hunter. "-but….there's a Jho!" "-give it up, nya. Once they decided something, it would take a God to change their mind, nya." Said Ran jokingly, but not without solid base of evidence: since it came from a man who had survived a fall from god-knows how high while embracing a girl in his arms, and in the next day escaped from the Desert of Death while riding a Jhen…it's pretty imaginable that he would dish anything in order to protect the small lady beside him. Even against god itself.
At long last of hard thinking, the younger brother gives out an ultimate despair-containing sigh. "-you guys' probably the craziest hunters I've ever met-" Groaned him, pulling his Vermillion Rose from the giant holster on his back- "-but my hand's itching to see this one on action!"
Ran just smiled.
"-in the end, you're as crazy as those two…but I'm nyo better." Said the Comrade, unleashing her small katana from her back and seemingly poking the skies with it- "SO BE IT NYA!"
Mountain Stream
Village Remains.
"-and now we're in?" Asked Dusk, seeking for any visible landmarks-
Other than some empty sheds that looked like a remains of some village that's erected over that large open space, of course. At the nearby valleyside they're traces of long-abandoned paddy field, given the staircase-like terrace that covered the hills beyond and forth, and some half-buried buildings in their right-hand side.
"As you can observe, nya. We're in the remains of the very first Wyverian settlement in this area. This one's dated more than 700 years ago, abandoned after the huge landslide incident. You can still see the impact of that disaster, right?" Informed Ran, scurrying to the nearest hut and started to hone her claws on the log remained. "-aaah. This aged wood feel niiiceee…" Purred the Felyne in her trance-like enjoyment. "-700 years! But those huts still seems like they've just been abandoned yesterday?" Asked Dusk, walking towards one of the huts-
Crack.
"-! Dusk-" "-I know. We've…been surrounded."
Slowly reaching for the hidden White Wing, Dusk readied his stance for any incoming ambush. Based on the presence he's feeling- "-there's about eight of them. Two's hiding on the 9 o'clock, three behind the hut at 1 o'clock, one inside the hut at the farthest right, and the remaining two at the bushes on 5 o'clock." Informed Vie, now back-to-back with Ran.
"-should we made the first move, or?" Asked Touya, raising his leaf-shaped shield towards the hut on 1 o'clock.
"We'll lure them in, nya. Dusk-have you remembered the characteristics of those Jaggis?" Asked Ran, pulling out some throwing knives tipped with Rathian Spikes and readying them for launch.
"Jaggi. Dog-Eared Runner Wyvern. Build: more muscular than Preys. Coloration: Beige, Light Purple and Orange. Prominient features: canine-like jaws and flap-like ears; the females, Jaggias- having a drooping ear unlike the males. Produces barks and howling sounds as opposed with Prey's warking. In case of adults: flap-like, furry earlobes just like Kut-Kus, also purplish tuft of fur running down their spine. Forms: Juvenile, Mature and Leader." Recited Dusk as if he's reading from a textbook or so. "-attacking pattern: bite, clawing or full-body tackle, the deadliest being tail-whips that strong enough to topple a tree. Also known for their ability of stalking preys into point of ambush."
"-have I already said that the spikes on the sides of their tail's also hard enough to place a dent on Machalite Alloy?" Added Ran, raising her hand for a throw.
"-unfortunately, you have not."
"Then you should see it for yourself, nya."
Swish!
With a sharp sound of air being torn, the projectile darts struck the Jaggia hiding under the thick bush, causing it to roar in pain in response of dried poison powder still remaining inside the Spikes, and summoning forth the rest of its herd lays hidden into action-
-including one full-fledged leader of said pack: a Dos-Jaggi.
Appearing from an abandoned hut, the leader howled loudly, and in response all of the surrounding squad started to tighten their barricade. "-oh great." "-oh yeah." Said Touya and Dusk in tandem: the earlier because his weapon's not agile enough to handle such opponent, and the latter because this would be the first time he engage such beast.
"Then I suppose we could leave that one to you?" Confirmed Vieze, raising her Violet Line with much anticipation-most likely because she saw the potency of getting new armor made from those beast's material. "-just remember not to leave any prominient damage on the pelt…but you're the 'Swordswoman of Light'…so I guess that much is not really a challenge."
Hearing Dusk actually called Vieze with her title shocked Touya even more. "-SHE'S the Swordswoman of Light! Then, she's-" "-the Guildmaster's daughter, nyes." Confirmed Ran, throwing the rest of her projectile weapon into the charging two Jaggis.
"-What's with this partyyy!" Shrieked Touya out of confusion.
Inn's Corridors
Strangely, Gandart's now loitering around the in with vacant-looking look on his face. Wheter it's from the alcohol withdrawal syndrome, or from the earlier sip of mysterious drink.
"-nya! Watch out, nya!" Said one Felyne that's in the way to the Neko no Te onsen, indicated by his hand towel. "-soooorrry." Muttered Gandart with spirit next to none.
After more walking, Gandart at last reached what looked like his destination: the single door with a plate that reads: Millenium Oak.
Reaching the door with his log-like arm, he tried opening it-but at no avail.
"Of course…There would be no chance of him forgiving me for what I done-"
"-oya? Is that you, Gandart-boy?"
The burly Wyverian's eye twinkled after being called such-not because of surprise, but because of joy.
"-This year's my age would be 308 years, though."
"-and that's not even half my age." Said Renga, chuckling in a deep enjoyment, like a teacher would after seeing his or her student's achievement.
"Are you the one that's given Dusk the completed recipe for that potion?"
Renga only smiled mysteriously.
"-and how did you'd able to deduct that?"
Back to Mountain Stream: Village Remains
"-take this!" "-yah!" "-missed me nyaha!"
While the other three members of the hunting party's now either making barbecque of, skewering them right trough the heart, or pushing foreign object inside the Jaggis' skulls, Dusk and the leader of the nearly-annihilated Jaggi pack are just trading deep stares-and occasionally intimidating barks while doing an encircling motion across the field: they has done so perfectly that one would probably guess they're on a dance or something, given Dusk hasn't even drawn his White Wing.
"We're done nya- and Dusk, you'd better stop playing with him." Said Ran, cleaning her blade from blood and remains of brainmatter from earlier stab, before sitting on top of one of the slain beasts. "From what prespective I'm playing with! He's got no opening!" Grunted Dusk for all he care, yet his entire concentration still focused to the Dos-Jaggi's movement. Unlike any of the 'Prey sloppy and easily readable movement (although the latter comes from experience), these beast's movement… -is graceful and faultless as choreographed dance! Noted Dusk, stopping in his 'dance'. As expected, the beast done as well.
While Dusk hand's moving to reach his Wing, the Dos-Jaggi acted. Lunging for a bite on his face, the beast moved quick enough to only leave a shadowy image of beige, orange and purple. "-DUSK!" Warned Vieze, but you don't call him a great Hunter for no reason: Before the attack even connect, he lowered his position into a crouch, letting the sharp teeths closed on air.
Without even letting that one chance pass, he raised his left arm clad in a metal sheet that's supposeadly act as a shield and swung it right into the beast's jaw, making a loud 'crack' resounded on the open area-
"-ooouch."
The three spectators could only imagine how painful it was, and ended up reaching for their respectable chins.
But the Jaggi, despite having a broken jawbone, still remained as fierce as always-now the flap-like ears are opened in full, and an killing aura instantly filled the entire area-Rage Mode.
"-ah, shoot." Muttered the audiences again, when the Dos-Jaggi once again lunged into a tackle straight into Dusk's gut-having almost no time to dodge, he could only raised his shield and jumped backwards in order to lessen the damage-
CLANG!
A sharp soung that's like metal hitting each other resounded, as Dusk literally flies backward from the impact…but there's not the entire attack: rushing along the thrown male, the beast transformed his form from a running pose to a tail-whip; a rather lethal one at that. "-GH!"
CLANG!
For the second time, a loud sound roared.
And Dusk are now flying straight in a collosion course with a beat-up hut, head-first.
On top of that, with the Dos-Jaggi running headlong with his body as target.
"-AS-"
Changing position mid-air is a difficult thing, even for Hunters.
"-IF-"
Yet now Dusk's doing it as natural as a Felyne would.
"-I'D-"
Probably because his experience with a free-fall before.
"-LOSE!"
Throwing a metallic line from the shield (it's highly likely that line's originally Headhunter's string), one with hooks at the end, he aimed to one of the nearby hut.
The hooks dug into the decaying wood, and stopped Dusk from flying backwards-and instead, moving like a giant pendulum in circular arc-
It ended up causing Dusk landed behind the rushing beast.
But the leader of Jaggis, with all of its experience in hunting and life- would not fall for such cheap trick.
By doing a cross-step, and using the tail-slap the Jaggis' are infamous for, he quickly turned 180 degrees and started back on running. "-the same trick-" Dusk raised his shielded hand and swung it hard while pulling out a securing lock, making two short daggers with spiked knuckle-guard ejected and stabbed the earth-
-thus tripped the beast and sending him rolling on the ground.
"-GRA-"
And by the time the beast regained his balance, all is over: two small holes has been opened on his chest. Each one of them is caused by a lethal spike, containing neurotoxin extract from Green Plessy's fin. It instantly stopped practically every muscle fibre in the being…including its heart. "-don't work twice." Said Dusk, removing the thorn and then resheates the twin daggers back into the shield.
" Aaand…Done. That's rather anticlimactic…but works nevertheless." Said Vieze, stepping down from the pile of Jaggi she's been slaying with a single stab through the heart. "-then, let's proceed with the Carving-"
As soon as the sound '-ng' leaves his lips, a loud roar resounded troughout the area.
"-crap. It's the JHOO!" Scrambled Touya, grabbing a nearby Jaggi and started hacking at anything he could procure-bones and all, yet Vieze stopped him with a rather dangerous swipe from her Violet Line. "What are you doing? You're destroying the material instead of carving it." Grumbled the girl, because less material means less chance of obtaining Dusk-made armor. "-but! The Jho's approaching! If we didn't hurry and leave, not only this corpse would be eaten-WE OURSELF would?"
Ran just smiled hearing Touya's logic, making the men assumed more perplexed look on his face.
Yet all he needs to erase all the worries is a single glance to the direction pointed by her stare.
"-what is that speed!"
At the ground, piles of material has been carved, cleaned and sorted. Scales, Skin, Fangs, Claws, Bones-up until Raw Meat. All within a minute and few seconds.
Turning his White Wing skillfully in the air for cleaning the remaining blood and fat from the blade, and then resheating it, he handed out two piles to Touya and some smaller piles to Vieze. "-drop it and your new armor is gone as good." Threatened Dusk, shouldering the largest pile of all. "-nyah. As expected from my Master-" "-you can drop that one already." Grumbled Dusk, eyeing a wall on the far side with a large crack. "-oh, look. A Mining Point." Exclaimed Dusk again, before running off with a pickaxe in hand.
"-is he really a Hunter?"
"-he's also a Material Hunter, for your info."
End of Chapter 10
Character Profile:
Name: Shura Akaboshi.
Age: 22
Occupation: Mountain Stream Gate Guard, Hunter.
Hunter Rank: 13 (since his job limiting him to this area, he missed his Rank-up tests almost habitually.)
Weapon Proficiency: Gunlances or Lances.
Biography:
The elder brother from the twins by an hour, Shura's temper is hot and his attidute's brash, making people feared him since he's a child. His violent disposition, though, resulted by a certain trauma where he-and his younger brother-strayed into the Mountain Stream by accidentally sleeping into Lao's Gagua cart. Having no other way to repel the swarm of Jaggis, he single-handedly killed them all using the Hunter Knife left by the unaware Hunter. Because of the incident and the horror of being surrounded by a lot of beings, he developed a phobia against large number of people (Sociophobia?); thus actually his volatile temperament is used to drive away peoples. Very skilled in using Lances and Gunlances, occasionally dual-wielding it for fun, he volunteered in acting as the Gate Guard in order to prevent the incident he and his brother experienced.
Name: Touya Akaboshi.
Age:22
Occupation: Mountain Stream Gate Guard, Hunter.
Hunter Rank: 14 (for the same reason as Shura, but he ranked higher because he's more lucky in lottery deciding their shifts.)
Weapon Proficiency: Gunlance and Hammers.
Biography:
The younger brother by an hour because the doctor's misdiagnosis, Touya is the EXACT OPPOSITE from his brother. Adept at making friends, almost all Hunters that visits Mountain Stream for a Hunt waved their hand at him. Although he is the younger from the twin (by accident) he displays more adult-like behavior than his brother. More proficient in using Hammers than Gunlances, he occasionally brings his customized Gunhammer for opening the Gate on his shift alone: he gets scolded from time-to-time because the soot traces left for the explosion is far messier, though.
That's the tenth chapter of this story. From hereon, the pace in which the story advanced will be quicker, so hold on tight! Oh, and about the twins…it sometimes happen in real-life, that one of the twin babies left behind and only found after a long time waiting the placental birth.
Oh, and about the drink…it will play a VITAL role in the plot. Just try to guess what…erp. Anymore of that and it'll be spoiler.
~27 September 2011~