Hello guys, the Opulent one here, and after much trial and error (and a massive run in with Writers Block and deleting all but Herald of the Divine Sun), I'm attempting a new story. As it was hinted at with in Herald of the Divine Sun, I have recently gotten into Monster Hunter World on PS4. I adore the game, especially with my hunter group, The Dodo and Banbaro Protection Agency aka DB Protection.
This story is experimental as I haven't gotten too far into the lore of Monster Hunter, only enough to get an understanding of most of the 5th gen monsters, and those that came back for World or Iceborne, so apologies in advanced for that.
As for Destiny… well let's just say that Ra-ra-rasputin has made things interesting, and I've been enjoying things despite being super grindy. My titan and warlock are well above 965 each (it's only 2 days after Season of the Worthy dropped as of doing this intro part), and I need to use my Hunter again since she is left behind at 750.
Anyways, I hope this story holds a better impression than previous efforts, and don't be afraid to help out with suggestions and comments. Please keep it positive instead of the 'this story is shit' thing I have seen before. I am just as human as everyone else, and I have feelings too.
Chapter 1: The Vanguard's newest headache.
(Earth's Orbit, Season of Dawn)
Osiris had made an unexpected return into the greater picture with his Sundial active, and the Cabal getting their metaphorical asses handed to them… Literally in some cases with the Psion Flayers trying to mess with time itself. Hell, Saint-14 even managed to come back thanks to the efforts of the Red War's hero. Speaking of them, what where they up to?
"Hey Specter, how is the new Warp Drive coming along? Osiris would be happy to hear the first test run before he closes shop, you know." Said a masculine voice as they entered the back compartment of the Comitatus saved from the Red War, sporting a Calus Selected Shader due to preference. The male, a Warlock Class named Carmichael Reeds stood slightly hunched as he was about 190 centimeters in height, sporting semi-short brown hair, and his infamous beard. That paired with his personality, he was dubbed by most as the Neckbeard Knight, he even had the armor for it, keeping his Vex Harpy gauntlets from a Strike after all these years, and a pair of Voidfang Vestments for now.
Poking their shell out, a feminine voice came in response. "Carmichael, you should know by now I am the hard worker here." She said, clad in a Shell that made her look like a Vex Harpy. The Vex actually gifted this shell to her during a chaotic adventure on Nessus thanks to her hacking abilities getting her into the network for a while. Seems that the Vex weren't all that bad once you look past the 'assimilate the universe into a giant machine's part. "As for the Warp Drive itself, it should be booting up now." She added, making the Warlock smile.
"Thanks Specter, when it's finished, meet me in the cabin, that way, we can patch Sagira and Osiris in to show him what's up." Carmichael said before stopping. "Oh, and don't forget about bringing Ace up front too, you know, a good luck charm and all." He added, making his way to the cabin area with a bag of chips while the radio was playing some Skillet. Specter came in a couple minutes later, causing him to stop his music for now.
"Patching comms to Sagira now, Carmichael…." Specter said before a new voice came along, asking how they were.
"Sagira, long time, no hear. Is the old timer with you right now? He wanted to hear the results of the new Warp Drive." Carmichael shot in with a smirk on his face.
"Well last time I wasn't with him, Panoptes was terrorizing the Infinite Forest, so safe to say he is with me." Sagira said with her typical sass. "He is just finishing up with a team running the Sundial. They are the ones that are here all the time looking for Steelfeathers." She added.
"Those guys again? You would think that getting a god roll on that would be enough for them. Then again I was always a Valakadyn guy, better feeling in my opinion." Carmichael responded, his personal favorite Auto Rifle being the rapid fire Veist weapon he had since not long after Cayde died.
"Oh, here he is, let us just hope he is in a good mood." Sagira said with a smug tone.
"Ahh, Carmichael, it is good to hear from you. Is the Warp Drive working alright?" Osiris asked. He sounded as he usually did, though a hint of excitement could be heard. He did work hard on this warp drive after all.
"Just got it installed, wanted to see if you were willing to accompany us on the comms to see if it is working properly. Besides, you could use the break from the Grinders." Carmichael said, booting things up. "And let's see of this thing works…" he added.
". . . SYSTEM BOOTING UP. . ."
"5"
"4"
"3"
"2"
"1"
THUNK
A loud noise rummaged the ship, and it was heard in the comms clearly.
"Carmichael, are you alright?" Sagira asked, a little concerned.
"Asides from something hitting me in the head, I should be fine…. Damn that hurt." The younger of the Warlocks responded, rubbing his head from the cabin area.
"Uhhh, Carmichael?" Specter asked.
"What Specter?" Carmichael asked, looking at his ghost. Sagira and Osiris seemed suddenly curious as Specter has a concerned tone.
"I am detecting another life signature in the cabin area… and it's on the other seat." Specter said, showing Sagira what it looked like.
"Osiris? Do you have any idea what it is? I am pretty sure I've never seen this before." Sagira mentioned, making things even more confusing if they were not already.
"My echoes have never encountered anything akin to what this creature might be." Osiris admitted that much.
The creature in question was relatively small, being about 5 feet in length as it was rolled up on itself asleep. Deep blue, almost black fur, red markings along its face. It had small wings traced off of its fore legs, and a long, thin tail for the most part, leaving some spines into a mace like ball towards the end. It kind of looked like a Black Panther mixed with a Bat.
"I got nothing on this one…. Tell you what, I will stay in orbit for a couple of days to see what its behavior is, then talk to the Vanguard about this. Shouldn't be back from my mission anyways until the weekend, so I have spare time." Carmichael said, ready to take notes on it when possible, maybe a sketch to tease his Fireteam, or Zavala. He did like those sort of pranks.
"I wish you good luck, Carmichael, make sure it doesn't eat your ghost." Sagira said smugly again.
"What, tired of the old timer already?" Carmichael shot back with his own snark. The call abruptly ended after that. "And that is a win in my book…. Now to deal with the Panther Bat shaped elephant in the ship…"
(A few hours later)
Carmichael was taking a nap after watching his favorite program. Basically it was Dungeons and Dragons, only with more risk as there were actual fights. One of the Warlocks even managed to make a Bard build work by using her light and a really big Bass. In the meanwhile, Specter had been taking notes on the unknown creature as it curiously investigated the ship. It was dark in the cabin area, but that didn't seem to stop the presumably young predator from navigating. Some food was left for it, as was some water thanks to the ghost investigating its stomach contents (x-ray analysis mostly, Carmichael doesn't like to dissect things even when he's forced to, something he cant say a out one Titan… or three that would love that.).
Sniffing the food, the creature slowly eats it at first, though seeing that it tastes rather good, it chewed down with gusto. This makes Specter 'aww' a little to itself as Carmichael came back in, wearing more casual attire, those being a grey hoodie with a warlock symbol, and some sweat pants. The creature seemed apprehensive at the sudden intruder, but a quick look from the Warlock made it shy. "Don't worry little guy, I'm not going to hurt you…" Carmichael said with a tired tone, yawning as he went to the pilot seat, pressing some buttons. "I can tell you aren't from here, as no one was a le to identify you. But that wont stop me from figuring out sooner or later." He added.
The creature was a little curious, and considering its stomach was happy, it cautiously approached Carmichael, sniffing his sweats for a moment before becoming a little more content with his presence. "Carmichael, I know that you are taking responsibility of this one for now, but how are the others going to react to it? We cant simply let it loose into Fallen territory, or worse, Cabal…" Specter said with a somewhat worried tone since she has taken a liking to the young predator.
"I appreciate the concern, Specter, but I have a plan set up for little Midnight here." Carmichael said with a smile. "If not, then I can talk to Ikora and Zavala about keeping uhhh… what gender is it? Please tell me you scanned that?" his train of thought always railroaded slightly.
"Female, Midnight is a girl." Specter finished his thought.
"Thank you, as I was saying, I can see about having the Fireteam keep her. Well, I don't know how other Guardians would treat her, so I don't want to take many chances." Carmichael said, leaning back in his seat some, inhaling deeply. He wasn't too sure how things go, but at least it wont be a life or death situation, at least not yet. "It also wouldn't be a great idea to leave her near the Last City on her own, or at least outside the walls…. Damn, I'm overthinking this aren't I?" he then asked, a chuckle leaving his mouth.
"I would say so, but your intentions are honorable, O humble knight." Specter teased him some before going to run some diagnostics on the Ships systems before contacting the other members of Fireteam Remnant.
(Earth, Guardian Living Quarters)
It was a rather lax day for the remaining members of Fireteam Remnant as they had the days off while Carmichael was on his whole Warp Drive debacle. For the two there, it was about lunch time for the pair.
"Sora, what are you thinking for lunch? If you say Shepard's Pie, I am going to slap you." The Hunter said. She is a Female Awoken by the name of Toyo Sunderland with a slim build and white hair. The amusing part is many see her as related to Mara due to appearance alone, though everyone knows that isn't the case. Besides, she was the one that wrecked Uldren after the Reef incident. Nobody goes after Cayde's bestie without getting a few bullets ring through them. Right now, she was in some Pre-Golden age attire, namely a band shirt and skinny Jean's as she plopped onto the couch.
"But my Shepard's Pie is the best! You're crazy to deny it." Said the Titan, better known as Sora Falken. She was about as Tall as Shaxx, and nearly as built as the Crucible Handler as she is a Burning Maul user. Crimson Red hair swept over one side, bright orange bangs for her Solar subclass, and a pony tail made her look…
…Like if Mordred from the Fate Series was a Titan Main...
She was also the cook for the Fireteam since Toyo thinks Spicy Ramen is dinner, and Carmichael nearly blew up the tower. That wasn't a joke, he substituted the oven with his Solar abilities, and that was too much for the Oven to handle, turning a well furnished complex into a blackened spot covered mess. He was promptly banned from using his a abilities inside their home.
"Why not make some of that Hamburger Mac that those Pre-Golden age kids rambled on about?" Toyo asked with a tired tone. She was a bit on the lazy side since Cayde died, and no one has come to replace him yet.
"You and your simple ideas… I will see about steak for tonight, and something to put some pep in your step. I swear, you're turning into a NEET without a Vanguard to guide you." Sora teased with a hint of pity in her voice as she started to thaw out the meat with her melee hammer. Turns out, it's great for stuff like that.
Before much else could happen, both Sora and Toyo's ghosts come into the room, the former having a Phalanx shell, the latter having a Saintly Shell. "Carmichael is contacting us… or at least Specter is. Do you wish to speak to him?" Sora's ghost, Roland asked. He was a gentle hearted shell, tending towards more formalities than anything.
"Patch him through before I get too busy, I wanna hear about his adventures with the new Warp Drive." Sora said pulling her hammer back into reserve for now as Roland patched through to Specter.
"GAHH!! GET OFF OF ME YOU LITTLE RASCAL!! YOU ARE WAY TOO BIG TO BE A LAP DOG!!" was the first thing that the room heard, stunning the other two guardians before they busted up laughing.
"Sounds like someone tried taking a hand at Cabal War Beast taming while he was away haha!" Sora said with a wide smile. "Care to enlighten us as to what's going on, Specter?"
"Ahh yes… it seems that we may have discovered a new species of animal in our test run as it suddenly appeared in the ship." Specter said. "Roland and Shade should have the information I have on her. And right now she is running around the cabin with Carmichael's pants. Why am I not surprised?" a heavy sigh left the ghost in question.
A hologram image of the creature appeared over the Kitchen Island, showing both the Hunter and Titan what it looked like. "That looks like one of those Monster things from a game I used to watch videos on." Toyo said before looking to Shade, it giving a nod as it knew the information.
"It seems to appear as something called a Nargacuga. It shouldn't exist however as it was a fictional creature in an old video game series that was popular in the early 21st century." Shade added. "They are rather smart despite their predatory nature. Seems like you got a young and playful one of it if it's causing you problems." It then sneered.
"SHUT IT YOU GOLDEN AGE NEET!! IT'S TRYING TO GET TO THE REST OF MY CLOTHES!!" Carmichael seemed less than enthusiastic a out the situation as he was having to chase down the now named species around the ship. "Specter, Prepare to go to the tower now before I have nothing to wear outside of my armor!!" he said more in a panic as it suddenly hid from him.
"R-right, heading to the Tower now, Carmichael!!" Specter panicked well, the call ending abruptly afterwards, leaving Toyo and Sora confused.
"Did he-?" Sora asked.
Toyo nodded. "Lucky bastard made friends with a mascot monster accidentally. Zavala is going to hate this so much, especially after he hears that that is just a baby. Adults can be around 20 meters in length." Toyo said with a snicker, reveling in her Fireteam Leaders misery. It was rare to get him to panic, let alone screaming like a banshee in a panic, but boy was it worth it every time.
"Screw the steak, we're getting Chinese tonight." Sora said as she puts the steak away, picking up the phone to call down the street for when Carmichael comes back.
(Back with the Comitatus)
It was simply chaos as the Nargacuga made a mess of most of Carmichael's clothes, only leaving behind a few sets because they were black, Specter keeping out of reach of her to avoid getting eaten. Carmichael was quite cross with her, and nearly make a new coat with her fur in anger. He knew better, and went to the pilots seat as they approached the Last City, appearing on the radar.
"Tower Control, this is Comitatus-Remnant-One-One, requesting position to dock in the Hangar. Code Starside." Carmichael said in as calm a tone as he could before looking to Midnight, who was chewing on some food he gave her. At least she was taken care of for now.
"Tower Control to Comitatus-R-1-1, permission granted in Hangar Six South, Vanguard will meet you there shortly." The attendant said, lights showing where Hangar Six South was.
"Midnight, I want you to stick inside the ship when we land. I will let you know when to come out, okay?" Carmichael asked as things were settling down. "I have some business to attend to first." He then adorned his Warlock gear, and transmitted out of the ship. It was a few minutes before the Vanguard appeared to speak with him.
"Carmichael, this better be important if you of all people are calling a Code Starside. The last time it was used was when the Taken War started." Zavala, the Titan Vanguard said with his usual stern tone.
"Worry not, Commander Zavala, it's not a Taken War 2: Electric Boogaloo situation. Though I haven't a clue what I found. Well Toyo does because she's been a shut in Hunter NEET since… then." Carmichael responded, an awkward silence befalling the trio.
"Well then, what information do you have for us that would fit in a Code Starside? It does pertain to an unknown lifeform to this system, correct?" Ikora, the Warlock Vanguard then asked.
Carmichael nods to his leader's statement. "Specter, open the bottom hatch so the Vanguard can see her." He then said, getting a confirmation from the ghost. Said hatch lowers down, revealing Midnight standing there, looking rather confused. Carmichael was just glad Hangar Six South was the private one for calls like this, not the more public Hangar Six West. "This is Midnight, and thanks to Toyo, she identifies her as a Nargacuga, or something like that."
The stunned look on Ikora's face as she saw the dark furred Wyvern said enough as is to the situation. "I have never seen anything like this either in all my years… does Osiris know?"
"Nope, he was the first one outside myself to see it when the Warp Drive made a loud bang sound. Now we have what I can only guess is an overly excited puppy that is about 5 feet long right now." Carmichael said, less than enthusiastic. "Thanks to her a ticket in the past 12 hours, I need to head into the City for a new Wardrobe… she literally tore everything that wasn't black or red."
"And what are you going to do with this Nargacuga?" Zavala brought up the million dollar question, almost glaring at the poor creature now huddled behind the veteran Warlock. "We have a city to protect, and we can't afford to be a pet center to whatever guardians bring home with them."
"Zavala, no need to be so harsh. Such an exotic creature would do well in our care despite its less than compliant attitude." Ikora argued with a more motherly tone. Midnight cautiously went over to the Warlock Vanguard, being rather skittish so far around them, only being somewhat used to Carmichael.
"Besides, if we can, we will be able to find out where she lives in time. Surely that would mean another station we can make our footing in, right?" Carmichael suggested, a slight smile on his face.
"Hmm, you have a point, Carmichael, but I won't take any direct actions in handling your pet." Zavala said before he started to walk away.
"Alright then, Commander, but don't make yourself a stranger to Midnight when there is a need." Carmichael said, looking over to Ikora. "So what do you think the gameplan should be?"
Ikora could already feel a headache forming, mostly because of Zavala, but also the thought of not focusing on the city. It was going to be a long day, that was for sure.
(Meanwhile…)
The hunt went poorly for the group that went out, the Sapphire Star among them especially saddened. "We were out there for hours, and no sign of that Nargacuga anywhere!! Even a Deviljho showed up." She complained, flopping onto a seat of the canteen in Seliana's Gathering Hub. She took off some of her layered armour, leaving the top of her Kirin set on since the Hot Springs were right there.
"Easy there Solstice, at least we got ourselves something new for the Research group. That weird Red Girros-Odogaron looking thing was pretty strong, but kind of slow, but it had armor on it. Was it a Hunter's pet or something? A mutated Odo?" A male hunter in Banbaro Alpha armor asked, taking a swig of his mug.
"I don't care anymore about that mutt, I want to know why a Nargacuga just vanishes like it did." Solstice yelled out, her markings flaring up on her face a bright red.
"Hey Solstice!!" Another hunter in female Odogaron gear came in with some notes. "Another Hunter group found the Nargacuga in question, but it refused to engage in combat. Seems like it was distressed about whatever happened with that super Flash-Pod thing."
"Wait, you mean where we found the mutt thing? Let the researchers know a out that part, as well as the Fifth Fleet Leader, he would want to know what's going on in the Ancient Forest." Solstice said, trying to click something together as her meal came in.
"You have any ideas Solstice? You have your thinking face on." The Banbaro man asked quizzically.
"Yea, I do. You know how they say some monsters came from space and all? What about this Odogaron looking thing we found. Could it have been part of a bigger thing back home?" Solstice asked, thinking a bit too much.
"Maybe, but I don't have those answers, maybe someone does around here. I would say ask around with some of the others before jumping to conclusions like you jump into Dodogama's for hugs." Banbaro man teased, causing Solstice to blush.
"THAT WAS ONLY ONCE YOU JERK, I DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS TEMPERED!!" Solstice yelled at him.
All seemed well for Seliana, but eventually that would change. The gears of Fate have begun to turn, leading two different societies to meet in due time, each vastly different, yet similar at the same time. Who knows what will happen, only time will unfold the answers….
And that is the first chapter of the experimental story done! I haven't seen a Destiny and Monster Hunter one done before, or at least one that I am aware of. The idea of a monster/enemy being transported to the opposing area seemed like in interesting idea, and why not have a Nargacuga involved? I personally have not fought it yet, but seeing all the love I've seen for it in the community, it only seemed fitting to have at least a babey involved.
As for the New World side of things, that won't be focused on until a other point in time. But until then, what should the War Beast's Monster Name be? I haven't a clue for what it could be, so I will leave that up to you guys.
Also something for you guys to come up with is what possible things Fireteam Remnant should have in terms of Monster Hunter Weapons, their Guardian weapons, or a mix of both.
That's all I have for now, so that means the Opulent one shall sign out!!