Hunter Stats (Reminder)
Alex Kasai (HR4)
Weapon: Eagle Cleaver Long Sword (Thunder Element)
Armor: Garuga Blade Master, with Mind's Eye Decoration
Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Sharpness Plus, Earplug, Reckless Abandon, Poison Resist, Detect.
Ai Shiki (HR4)
Weapon: Hydra Bite Sword and Shield (Poison Attribute)
Armor: Gravios Blade Master
Skills: Sleep Resist, Defense Up, Fire Resist, Guard Increase.
Anna Frost (HR3)
Weapon: Snow Poison Dual Blades (Ice Element, Poison Attribute)
Armor: Kut-ku Blade Master
Skills: Vitality Up, Strength Up, Fire Resist.
Kotaru Shiki (HR3)
Weapon: Bone Katana Dragon
Armor: Monoblos Blade Master
Skills: Vitality Up, Strength Up, Heroic Comeback, Cursed Protection
June 20th, 2098. Arcolis Forest and Hills, Area 12. 1:01 PM.
Alex brought himself and the others to a stop within the home base of the Forest Felyne and Melynx Clan. There were carpets and barrels and tents and a huge rock face with holes carved into it. But something shocked the trio to their very core. All of the Felynes and Melynx were tied up. The venue was practically flooded with hundreds of Shakalaka. This was where they had set up their encampment, as shown by the numerous flags that bore a strange symbol. However, most shocking of all was a bound Anna hanging over a steaming pot. The masked Lynians were planning to cook her alive!
For the first time in his life, Alex was seeing red. The anger he was feeling was five times greater than when Corra had tried to kill him. "THIS… IS… UNFORGIVABLE!"
Alex's shout alerted the tribe of his presence. They all turned to the hunters. "Back for more, huh?" said a bunch of voices at once.
The Dragonite triangle glowed very brightly. A storm was raging inside of Alex, preventing the same trick from working. "YOU'RE ALL DEAD! YOU'RE ALL GONNA PAY!" As Alex unsheathed Grace, his Khezu Cloak activated, but there was something different. Instead of a calm blue, it was a flaring red. "Ai, Kotaru, get Anna. I'll keep them away from you." Alex rushed forward at the speed of a galloping Kirin, leaving streaks of static behind him!
"He's attacking alone! Get him, everyone!" The Shakalaka converged on Alex. However, in the face of his current murderous fury, their numbers meant nothing.
"HA! TA! SHA! HI-YAA!" Alex slashed wildly, and whichever Shakalaka was unlucky enough to get hit was killed almost instantly. And hitting many of them at once, Alex just mowed through the Lynian army like a one-man crusader.
Ai and Kotaru circled around the action to Anna's location. However, several Shakalaka were standing in their way, weapons poised. "Hey, hunters! Free us and we'll help you!" said a Felyne.
"Kotaru!" barked Ai.
"Got it!" Kotaru went to face off with the Shakalakas, while Ai got to work. She used her carving knife to cut the cats' ropes.
"Darn it!" exclaimed Kotaru. Even while he took out some foes, others would get lots of hits in on him. This gave many chances for the Negative Skill Cursed Protection to activate. It was the opposite of Divine Protection, randomly increasing the damage from attacks. Even if the Shakalakas were weak, it would still spell trouble for Kotaru as his strength would quickly wane with every attack he took. And that is exactly what happened. "Nooo…! I… can't even use… Heroic Comeback now… Ai, the rest… is up to you…" Kotaru finally collapsed and passed out.
"Yeah!" cheered the remaining Shakalaka.
"You haven't won yet, you masked freaks!" exclaimed some Felynes and Melynx as they charged into battle.
Ai took the opportunity to pick up Kotaru and bring him off to the side. She made him drink a Potion and then ran over to Anna. "Okay, time to get you down!" Ai kicked over the pot. Its steaming contents splashed into a group of Shakalakas, causing them to scream in pain. "That's what you get! Now…" Ai jumped three feet and slashed the waist rope. She quickly caught Anna mid-air as they began falling. "I got you!"
"Thank you so much!" thanked Anna as Ai set her down and got to work on her main bonds. "I was so scared… Being cooked alive is not how I thought I would ever go out…" There were tears in Anna's eyes.
"You're safe now." Ai comforted Anna with an embrace.
Alex noticed Anna's tears out of his peripheral vision. His anger grew. "GRR! You sorry fools made my sister Anna cry! That's not gonna fly with me!" Alex suddenly stopped and got into a new stance, holding Grace straight up to the sky. His Super Khezu Cloak began to flare out even more. "Chikara Focus: Thunder Element: Ultimate Lightning Spirit Sword Attack!" With completely unimaginable speed, Alex zoomed around slashing through each remaining Shakalaka once. There were thirty left, and now they each had a red line of lightning through them. Alex returned to his original position, and slowly sheathed Grace. When she was fully replaced into her scabbard, the lightning burst into sparks and each Shakalaka fell down dead. "Huff, huff… It's done." Alex dropped to his hands and knees, exhausted. His Super Khezu Cloak shut down.
"Alex!" Anna broke away from Ai and ran to meet Alex, haphazardly jumping over the small corpses. She fell on his neck, hugging him tightly. "Are you okay, Alex?"
"Anna… I'm fine, just wiped out," Alex replied. "But forget about me. What about you? Did they hurt you?"
"I'm a little shaken up, but otherwise I'm okay. You, Ai and Kotaru got here just in time."
"Thank goodness… Let's return to Kokoto." Anna helped Alex to his feet. She gave him a Ration, to help him recover some stamina. "Thanks."
Ai and Kotaru came near, the latter of whom was holding his aching sides. "Man, Alex… You really slaughtered 'em." The venue was practically littered with Shakalaka corpses.
"Nya! Wait, dear hunters!" called some Felynes. The quartet turned to see the bags of loot the Felynes were bringing to them. "Please, accept our thanks for saving us. And don't mind the mess, we can take it from here."
"Wow! You guys are pretty generous!" exclaimed Ai. "But, isn't this a bit much?"
"Nya? Nonsense! You've done us all a great favor!" said a Melynx. Melynx were black furred Felynes with a bad case of kleptomania.
"Let's all just take one bag each," said Kotaru. "We don't need to be rude to their kindness."
"That sounds… acceptable," said Alex.
After receiving their rewards, the quartet returned to the village.
June 25th. Chief Koto's house, Kokoto Village.
The Pseudo Winter was raging in Pokke again, so Alex and Anna stayed in Kokoto longer than they were expecting. Over the course of this time, Alex had reexamined his feelings. The way he acted, the desperation that overtook him when he saw the predicament Anna was in. He now knew that Anna meant a lot to him, more than just his 'Sister-in-Arms,' more than a friend. If he were to confess to her, he would need to put Ai and Princess Viridia down gently and decisively. Alex was not ready for such complications.
Some two days after the Shakalaka incident, villagers had started reporting strange occurrences in the Forest and Hills. Tricks of the light, weird sounds and vocals, Aptonoths being dragged away by some unseen force; things of that nature. But Chief Koto knew exactly what it all meant.
"Boys and Girls, it would seem that we are being visited by a traveling phantom," said Koto. Alex, Anna, Ai and Kotaru were gathered around him in a horseshoe.
"Traveling phantom?" repeated Anna. "So, a monster?"
"Not just any monster… An Elder Dragon. One with many monikers. The Invisible Forest Spirit, the Phantom of the Swamp… Its real name is…"
"Chameleos," Ai finished for him. Kotaru and Anna gasped, however Alex had already known the answer.
"Right you are, my dear."
"Master, I request…"
"I would rather you not go out to try and fight it," Koto interrupted Alex. "Chameleos are known to keep to themselves, and only attack if threatened. If left alone, this one will go away soon enough. However, if you go out and instigate war, even I fear what will happen. Alex, your current gear also isn't good enough for this fight. Chameleos are about as dangerous as the Lunastra you ran into at the Tower."
"But, Master… I need to get Elder Dragon bones so I can make the special pickaxe. Treshi said we can mine materials from the Fatalis Buster…"
Koto sighed. "Fine, if your mind is this made up, then who am I to stop you? Make sure to buy some Energy Drinks from the village grocer. You're going to need them."
"Yes! Thanks, Master. I'll be sure to follow your advice."
"Alex, let me accompany you," offered Ai. "I want to regain my honor after my loss to the Lunastra's attack."
"Okay. Sure Ai, I'll appreciate the help."
"I think I'll sit this one out," Kotaru spoke up. "I've had enough of Elder Dragons for one season."
"Kotaru, you've certainly earned your reprieve." Alex and Ai stood up.
Anna stood up as well. "I'd like to come too, if it isn't too much trouble."
Alex turned to her. "Um, Anna… Why don't you sit this one out as well? This will most probably… no, most definitely more dangerous than last week. It would really crush me if something happened to you again."
Anna looked a little shocked. "I… What… But…" Anna could not find words.
"Ai, could you give me a minute? Just wait here."
"Okay." Ai just nodded.
Alex took one of Anna's hands and led her out of the house. "Alex? Where are you taking me?" she asked as Alex took her several meters away from the house.
"Sorry about this, but I need this to be private for now." Alex stopped, and faced Anna in the eyes. She was shocked, for this was the first time Alex used his telepathy like this.
"What is so important, that you would stoop to using Telepathy to avoid potential eavesdroppers?" Anna asked.
Alex took a deep breath, then exhaled. "Anna, I've had a lot of time to think about things, and I've decided to make up my mind. As much as I would like to avoid you getting hurt, I understand that as hunters danger is essentially our job." Anna just nodded at that. "Anna, you are more than a 'sister' to me. I truly care about you." Anna covered her mouth with both hands in shock. "I… would even say… I love you. Almost losing you to those fiends helped me realize that."
By this point there were tears in Anna's eyes. "Alex… you…"
"I realize that, with you by my side, I feel as though I can do anything. As long as I have you with me, I can't think of anything else I would ask for."
Anna finally dropped her hands, and began to smile. "Alex, I understand… I love you too. I have for the longest time. Ever since that Khezu that defeated me, which you ultimately defended Pokke from. I just didn't want to bother you, since I knew you were sorting out your own struggles. I felt your care for me even while you were filled with rage. It was scary how angry you were."
Alex smiled. "Thank you, Anna, for telling me this. Let us share our life together, from now on."
"Okay."
"So please, don't take any unnecessary risk. If not for your sake, then for my own. Ai and I will take care of this and be back before you know it."
"Well, get out there and win this."
"Let's get back to the others."
Hunter Stats
Alex Kasai (HR4)
Weapon: Eagle Cleaver Long Sword (Thunder Element)
Armor: Garuga Blade Master, with Mind's Eye Decoration
Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Sharpness Plus, Earplug, Reckless Abandon, Poison Resist, Detect.
Ai Shiki (HR4)
Weapon: Crimson Spear Lance (Fire Element)
Armor: Basarios Blade Master
Skills: Poison Resist, Defense Up, Guard Increase, Bomb Strength Up.
Arcolis Forest and Hills Basecamp. 9:50 AM.
Alex and Ai were doing their final preparations. "Hey, Alex… I don't want to sound nosy, but… What did you and Anna talk about?"
Alex gasped. He took ten seconds to reign in his emotions. I need to remain calm. I can do this. Maxwell, protect me! Alex turned to her, keeping his face as neutral as possible. "Ai, I'm very, really sorry." At that, Ai looked shocked. "Look, I like you, I really do… But my heart belongs to another."
Ai looked down at the ground. "I… I see…" Ai remained silent for several moments. Alex felt torn as soon as he saw two tear drops hit the ground. "I… understand. Thank you… for letting me know. Let's… head out."
Alex watched as the once confident huntress began to walk away without spirit, and then he realized his mistake. He should have held off on saying anything until after the quest. "Ai, wait! Maybe… you should stay here. I can tell you are shaken up. You may not be able to fight properly. I wouldn't want you to…"
"Mind your own business," Ai snapped to him. Alex gasped. "I can take care of myself just fine. Let's go. Time's a wastin'."
Alex sighed wearily. "Okay."
The two hunters began exploring the Forest and Hills, combing area by area. Strangely, there were no regular monsters in the areas they visited. No Bullfangos, Velociprey… not even a Vespoid. When Alex tried to use his Telepathy in conjunction with the Detect Skill, he was strangely unable to pick up anything.
Area 9 was like a tunnel, only that it was formed out of the vegetation rather than a cave.
"This isn't great… I can't sense anything. It's like there's nothing here today." Alex was at his wits end.
Ai just groaned. "Let's head back to the village. We'll have to try another day."
"I guess so. Yeah, let's…" Alex turned to Ai and stared at her.
"What, is there something on my helmet?" she asked. Alex saw a flicker of light.
"Ai, don't move another muscle. There's something behind you…" Alex placed a hand on Grace's hilt.
"Hahaha. Toying with you two has been so much fun," said a sudden voice to Alex.
Ai jumped forward the instant she felt the breath of the monster behind her. In a flash, she also had her lance out. This lance was made with the horn of the Monoblos from way back. "Show yourself!" she demanded.
"As you wish." With a flicker, a spike horned, quadruped purple dragon manifested into view. Its big eyes were exactly like a chameleon's, as its name suggested, looking independently at each hunter. "Well, are you ready to fight? I am Mirage. Unlike most of my kind, I love the thrill of battle!"
"Well, I hope we give you a good fight as we…"
"HA!" Ai launched forward with her lance, initiating combat. Mirage the Chameleos jumped back.
"Well, aren't you rude!" Mirage lashed out with his stretchy tongue, bashing Ai to the side.
"Ah!"
Alex drew Grace. "Sorry about her. She's not in a good mood. I am Alex Kasai, Proud Head Hunter of Pokke Village, and I vow to defeat you!" Alex ran to meet his opponent. Mirage unleashed his tongue once again, but Alex dodged it. Alex went for a diagonal slash, but the dragon stopped the attack with one claw! "Huh!?"
"Take this." Mirage lowered his head and charged.
"Whoa!" Alex started to the right, taking a bit of damage to his left side. "Ow."
Ai pierced the dragon's left side with her lance as it rushed past her. "Uwaa! Why you!" Mirage went over to an open spot and spread his wings. "This area is too cramped. Follow me to somewhere more spacious." Mirage took flight.
"Ai, let's go. Follow me. I know where it is going."
"Okay."
Alex led Ai to area 4, the hill. Mirage was just landing. "Glad you could make it. Let's continue right where we left off!" Mirage spat out a green blob of goop at the two.
"Whoa!" Alex and Ai rolled away in opposite directions. The blob burst into a green cloud upon hitting the ground. The wind blew the cloud into Alex, causing him to breathe it. "Ack!" Alex began coughing and his body glowed green briefly. "What the!? Why do I feel so weak all of a sudden!?" Alex had started feeling very tired.
"You have been fatigued! You stand no chance against me now!"
"What! Grrr…! That's what you think!" Alex focused. "Thunder Element: Khezu Cloak!" Nothing but pathetic fizzles of sparks jumped out of Alex. "Oh no!"
"I guess this is up to me." Ai once again charged at Mirage.
"Nope!" Mirage jumped straight up, leaving behind a near instant cloud of purple poison.
"Poison Resist!" Ai held her breath just before entering the cloud, as she was unable to stop her forward momentum on a dime.
"Heavy Drop!" Mirage tried to land on top of Ai.
"Watch out!" exclaimed Alex.
Ai crouched and held her lance straight up. "Huh!? NO!"
Crash! The cloud parted as Mirage landed. The chameleon dragon roared in pain at having his stomach impaled.
"AIIII!" Alex shouted in alarm. He quickly drank an Energy Drink to cure his fatigue. Then he charged. "Get off of her now!"
Mirage jumped away. He flickered in and out of sight for several seconds. "Ow… I'm ending this right now. Dragon Charge!" Mirage charged forth, his head lowered to brandish his horn spike.
Time slowed down. Ai got up, not quite knocked out. Alex vaulted himself using Grace before slashing the dragon's wings midair. Ai was still in the path, so she stepped to the side, and delivered an attack right into Mirage's eye! "Alex!"
"Khezu Cloak!" Alex rushed forward at the thrashing Elder Dragon. "You're THROUGH!" Alex plunged Grace into Mirage's heart.
"NOOOO!" Mirage roared in pain. Alex moved away as Mirage collapsed. "How… could I… lose?"