A/N: I needed to write this out! I've had this idea lingering in the back of my mind for quite some time, and I think it's time to write it out. Before you dive into the story, there are a couple of things you need to know first.
First, this story will dive into blood, gore, and adult themes. The latter won't be written out in explicit detail; I'd like to keep this rated T as possible. If chapters contain more mature content, it will be noted in this section.
Secondly, this story will feature MHW's NPCs with given names to make them more involved here. My in-game Hunter, Fay Burnsbright, will be mentioned, but she will not be the focus of this tale.
Thirdly, OCs will be created as supporting cast members.
I don't know if I want to make this into a long tale or keep it episodic, meaning it can end at any moment. Now, with that out of the way, please make yourself comfortable and enjoy Insatiable. Thanks for reading!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Summary: It only took one tragic moment to turn his world upside down. Experience a tale of transformation that will shake the foundation of friends and camaraderie in Astera. But one thing's clear; the hunter will become the hunted. Who will rise to stop them from painting the New World red?
Chapter 1
The wonders of the New World held many fascinating secrets to those on a mission to find them. For generations, hunters who've settled here claimed this land as their home, a place they could live peacefully and conduct groundbreaking research to further the Commission's goals. Back in the day, the Blake family was one of the first families to settle in the New World. The Commander, Marten Blake, was a man driven by a need to learn more about the New World's unknowns. His passion for learning more about this alien terrain was endorsed by those back home; the Commission was established. Not long after, throngs of excited youngsters journeyed from the Old World to their new homes in Astera.
Time was a fleeting concept here; within a blink of an eye, Astera ballooned into a bustling city built by skilled craftsmen from the ground up. Astera took shape with sectioned research stations, trading hubs, personal quarters, a canteen, and the community Gathering Hub in less than a year. Marten couldn't be more proud of everyone's contribution. One of the hunters he's incredibly proud of was his grandson, the Field Team Leader. The brunette was headstrong, young, fit, and exudes all the qualities to become the next Commander. He wouldn't have it any other way.
"Good morning, Hunters!"
Every morning, the Field Team Leader greeted hunters entering the Tradeyard at the crack of dawn. The young brunette greeted each hunter with a wave and flashed his million zenny smile prompting one of the women to wave back at him furiously. Richard laughed, watching the excited hunter almost knocked her friend onto the ground. At the same time, her hunts mates tried to contain her excitement. Their voices woke up Poogie, the little pig, from its slumber. The little creature squeaked, budding its head into their legs for disturbing its peaceful sleep. Poogie was very displeased.
When the group melted out of view, he returned his attention to the large map strewn before him and, of course, a cup of freshly brewed black coffee resting on the side. His eyes scanned the map in search of his next excursion into the New World. Brown eyes hopscotched across the flat terrain starting at the Ancient Forest, a rich ecosystem packed with creatures of all shapes and sizes.
"Should I go there today?" he asked aloud. "Nah, I don't really feel like it. Let's see."
His next point of interest was the barren Wildspire Waste, home of fearsome beasts and reportedly, a rabid Deviljho calling the spire home for the time being. Picking up the cup with a chipped handle, he drew it to his lips and drank the rich liquid, letting it glide down his throat. Satisfied, he pondered about the spire before shifting his attention to the Highlands.
"I haven't been there in a while. Maybe I should head out there to see if anything's changed."
The Highlands it is. Placing down the cup, Richard turned his attention to the sun, now several steps higher than it was an hour ago. The large yellow sphere shimmered brightly in the far distance, warming up the New World with its gentle glow. The man loved mornings. Closing his eyes, he recalled the first time he witnessed the sunrise. It was right here, where he now stood; Marten held Richard's tiny hand, and together, they watched it rise from its earthly cradle. And since then, Richard has never missed a single sunrise in the New World.
Good times. A smile appeared across Richard's face.
Heading out, the Field Team Leader marched to the Quest Board. Flipping through several stapled pages, he searched for an assignment to take.
Hey, here's one I can do. Let's see. It says to hunt a Paolumu in the Highlands and retrieve its pelt. Sounds easy enough.
His eyes read through the conditions and jotted down additional notes, making sure to pick up herbs and ores. Might as well gather necessary items in one go, he thought. Closing the notebook, he swiftly attended his supply box before summoning a wingdrake, departing to the mystical Highlands northward.
The Field Team Leader landed safely in the confines of the Northeastern camp. Quickly dusting off his attire, he set out and began the hunt. Turning to his immediate left, Richard scanned the horizon first, then the dry dirt tracks beneath his feet. On the ground, his brown eyes locked into Legiana tracks. The scoutflies exploded from its enclosure, buzzing madly over the tracks. Quickly glancing over his shoulder to the right, he confirmed he was alone before swiftly collecting the tracks and pressed forward into a large clearing. His ears listened carefully for the icy beast's beating wings and trademark screech that sent shivers down the spine of inexperienced hunters. So far, so good.
Making his way into the opening, the man collected fresh tracks and scratches strewn across the cliff face. Adding a couple of remarks into his notes, Richard meandered away from the site, heading down the slope. He nabbed a nulberry and stuffed it into his pocket before arriving at the edge of the cliff. Below him was a large environment where Kirin would often patrol. The Elder Dragon was absent today. Perfect. Checking his gear and weapons one last time, he gripped into a thick vine and descended.
"Let's see…" Richard pulled out his notebook to reference the map. "I can either go right or go straight then down into the shaded areas."
Rubbing his chin, he took a step forward as his ear picked up a train of growls westward. On high alert, he tucked the notebook away. His hand gripped onto the Giant Jawblade. His eyes thinned, feet planted into the ground. Stumbling into view was a white Paolumu, a creature with bat-like features with an elongated neck and leathery wings and tail. The beast hadn't seen him yet and continued moving forward, its beady eyes scanning the terrain for predator and potential prey.
A slight grin appeared across his face. The man dashed into a pocket of bushes, staging an ambush. Digging his fingers into his pocket, he pulled out a flash pod, equipped it on his slinger, and waited for the precise moment. The Paolumu hadn't seen him yet as it continued to fly towards him, releasing a trail of squeaks and sniffs. The Field Team Leader waited patiently and deployed a flash pod.
The burst of light stunned the creature, forcing it to crash down onto terra firma. Richard took the opportunity and unleashed a flurry of attacks, leaving red gashes in their wake. The Paolumu roared, talons kicking into the dirt before its stun state wore off. Richard noticed this and hopped backward, avoiding getting hit at the last minute.
"Nice try!" he taunted.
Now on two legs, the Paolumu released a shrilling war cry and charged. Richard was ready. The man didn't hesitate to unleash a string of attacks and dodging when he needed to; his moves were fluid like water as if he never skipped a beat. Admittedly, it had been a while since he went on a hunt and today's encounter proved he still got it.
Feeling good about himself, he continued his attack until the Paolumu shifted into phase two of the fight. Furiously flapping its wings, it deeply inhaled, creating a thick ring around its neck. Now airborne, it screeched and extended out its talons and dive-bombed. Richard rolled out of the way. Quickly scrambling to his feet, he grinned and ran to the other side of the map under a shaded crevasse.
"Come and get me!"
The creature charged furiously, and Richard hastily dug for another flash pod. As his fingers scrambled to load the pod on the slinger. He fumbled. The pod slipped from his hand, falling to the ground. Cursing under his breath, the man looked up, expecting to meet face-to-face with the enraged beast.
There was nothing.
"Wait, where'd it go?"
The area went deadly silent. Clicking the pod into the slinger, Richard was wary. He listened carefully to the sound of wing beats. Nothing. Planting a boot forward over a patch of dried grass, he focused for the slightest hint of sound. Cautiously emerging from under the shadowed crevasse, his brown eyes scanned the terrain while his heart thumped.
Diving from the sky, the Paolumu pinned Richard down, sinking its strong talon onto his body. Richard unleashed a string of curses directed at it. His right hand tried to lift his weapon, but the Paolumu sank its foot into his arm as he did so. He looked up and saw foam bubbling from its mouth. Saliva tendrils hung from its jaws.
"Get the hell off me!"
His legs kicked and flailed, trying to escape from his dire predicament. The Paolumu snarled at him, snapping its jaws. He knew he had to escape, or else he would be headless. Richard had no desire to become a corpse, especially when his bedridden grandfather counted on him!
A string of saliva oozed down, sliding off his face. Richard grunted. Struggling again, he tried to lift the weapon. Still, no matter what the man did, Richard was unable to overpower the rampaging fiend. With his free hand, he tried dislodging its clawed foot from his torso. Suddenly, it screeched and whipped its head back. The Paolumu widened its jaws and released a bone-chilling cry.
"Shit!"
Richard shielded his face with his free arm. The Paolumu sunk its needle-like teeth into his flesh, drawing blood. It growled, almost possessed by the need to kill him. Richard wailed in agony with the beast sinking its teeth deeper into his arm until it made contact with his bone. As strong as a hunter he was, tears flowed from his eyes. Blood spilled from his arm, staining his chest and vest. The Paolumu shook its head, and his arm ragdolled. Richard felt his muscles stressed. At any given moment, the Paolumu could rip his arm, tearing flesh from bone.
A sudden gush of numbness washed over his arm. Thoughts raced through his mind, thinking of the possibilities. One impression stood out in particular. Was he going to be killed?
"Hell no!" Richard ground his teeth and screamed at the top of his lungs, his battle cry contesting with the beast's growls. "I'm not going to die today!"
Flying from the west, a flurry of rocks collided into the Paolumu's body. The beast released Richard and snapped its head westward. Its eyes narrowed into paper-thin slits at the group of hunters trying to get the Paolumu's attention.
"Hey ugly! Over here!" Shouted a hunter. Two of his comrades continued slinging rocks, and another one cautiously made her way to Richard.
The beast growled, releasing a high-pitched screech, and charged at the hunters head-on. The girl from the group rushed to the Field Team Leader, quickly uncapping a potion bottle and poured it on the bleeding wound. Taking out a bandage roll, she wrapped his arm to help contain the bleeding. Richard's face turned deathly pale. He was poisoned.
"Do you have a nulberry on you, sir?"
"Y-Yeah, I do. It's in… my right pocket." He responded in heavy breaths. His arm madly throbbed. The best way to describe it was the sensation of fire dancing across his flesh, stinging his epidermis with pins and needles.
She nodded as her fingers scrounged for the sour-tasting berry.
"Chew on this for now," her eyes scanned the rest of his body for injuries. His chest was scratched up, but it was incomparable to the wound on his left arm.
She snapped her head back to her comrades, who managed to drive the Paolumu away. Richard's brown eyes watched the white flying creature fly off, deeper into the Highlands. Never in a million years would he ever imagined a Paolumu bested him in a hunt. Swallowing a ball of spit, he was humiliated—his pride, scarred by a fuzzy, usually harmless foe. But… the Paolumu was unlike anything he had encountered before; there were no reports of frenzied Paolumus with foaming mouths. The beast's twisted face and sharp teeth burned into his mind. He remembered each time it snapped at him, and… he replayed the memory when it bit him. Even as a seasoned hunter, the imagery would curse him with nightmares for days. How could he mess up so badly?
Soon, the rest of the hunters reunited with her and the wounded Field Team Leader.
"I think my hunt's over…" Richard slurred. "So much… for… today's… agenda…"
Within seconds, his body slumped forward, and Richard passed out.