Author's notes:
We see more characters and maybe some of the dynamics they have with each other.
Enjoy!
Jumping from rooftop to rooftop, 9S and Zinnia are slowly making their way to the village square and towards the guild hall. As they continue to leap across the roofs, they take notice of the things happening in the streets and the monsters that have made their way inside the village. 9S would glance occasionally at the streets and try to determine the monsters running amok and the monster hunters currently engaging them.
He mostly sees Aptonoths, large four-legged saurian herbivores with a tube-like crest on their head, some even have bumps or spikes on the tip. Normally docile and approachable even in the wild but right now they're mostly running around as a herd in panic, which is dangerous for their large bodies can crush or trample anybody in their way. Some hunters are killing a few or trying to herd them away from some villagers. At the corner of his eye 9S spots a pack of Velociprey, raptorian bird wyverns with sharp claws, talons and distinguishable orange head crest, using the panic situation of the Aptonoths to hunt. Their alpha the Velocidrome, the largest individual in the pack, is leading the hunt and some hunters are currently engage in combat with it.
Jumping across another roof, they spot a fireball heading to their right making both 9S and Zinnia jump and dodge to avoid getting burned. They look were the fireball came from and see the source from a monster currently fighting a group of hunters. It was pink, bipedal with wings, a tail, a big yellow beak, and ear like fans open to form a look, like a crown. 9S recognizes it as a Yian Kut-ku, a bird wyvern and for hunters a low-level threat.
The hunters are pushing it back with one using dual blades to slash its feet to make it topple and another with a great sword, who lands a hit on its head making it flinch. The bird wyvern retaliates by breathing fireballs at the hunters forcing them to dodge and follows up by attempting to smash its beak at the nearest hunter. The hunter who the Kut-ku targets rolls at the last second and counters with his weapon a large hunting hammer, slamming it straight to the Kut-ku's face dazing it. 9S hears the bird wyverns cry of pain before he turns to continues on his way with Zinnia. He also notices more Yian Kut-kus in the village fighting or trying to escape the hunters and running in a panic frenzy. Whatever happened in the forest, must have spook an entire flock of them.
They spot the guild hall, and the duo are getting closer making one more leap to reach it. Their jump ended in a perfect landing, only for the roof they landed to collapse beneath their feet, taking them down to the interior of the house they were in. They crash landed in what would be the living room, luckily their fall was cushioned by some of the cushioned furniture. They stand up with 9S helping Zinnia only to notice that the house was collapsing itself. They see large hole that they think is the cause of the house breaking and rush out there before the house falls and buries them.
Once in the open they come face to face with the monster that made the hole. A large blue bear like monster, with yellow fur on its face, head and lower back. It also sports a spiky armor on it upper back and forearms. It was an Arzuros, a fanged beast, and looks really angry glaring at 9S and Zinnia. It rears up while 9S and Zinnia ready themselves and give a loud roar forcing them to cover their ears. It rears back one of its claws while they are distracted and moves for a claw swipe straight at them.
BANG!
A gunshot is heard and staggers the Arzuros, while 9S and Zinnia recover and moved away from the fanged beast. They spot a female hunter in full Rathian gunner armor and wielding also a Rathian light bowgun pointed at the monster and shooting at it. They make their way to the gunner as she continues to fire, even scoring some hits to its face and legs making the bear topple on its backside attempting cover its face with its paws and pawing at it to relieve some pain. The monster is distracted the gunner goes to 9S and Zinnia. With a moment to catch their breath, they turn to hunter and recognize her.
"Anemone?" Zinnia asks as she recognizes the black short hair and the bangs covering the one side of her face. But what gave it away was the bandana below the gunner's cap. She is the village's hunting captain and is in charge of the hunters in YoRHa. Why she is alone she doesn't know.
"The one and only. Bout time you guys show up and its good thing I showed up too." The gunner said. Before looking over their shoulders then draws her bowgun. She pushes past them and fires more shots hitting the recovered Arzuros as it was attempting to charge at them. Disoriented, the monster turns tail and leaves running deeper in town. Turning back to the duo, she ushers them to follow her and continue their way to the guild hall breaking into a sprint.
"Captain it's good to see you but I was expecting you to lead a group of hunters, where are they?" Zinnia spoke while they sprinted and turn from a corner.
"Saw you two jumping on the roofs while my party was dealing with some Velocipreys. I broke off when I saw that Azuros burst out of the house you guys were gonna land on and thought you guys might need some help. Don't worry I told them to hold the lines in the guild hall while I'm gone to rescue you two." She replied as their way leads straight to the guild in front of them. They notice that the street have dead Velocipreys and some hunters carving them. They pass by other hunters who are attending to some who are wounded and others keeping guard while the rest are rushing to other areas in need of help.
"Do you have any idea to why there're monsters suddenly in our village?" inquired Zinnia as their sprint turns to a brisk walk as they survey the streets surroundings them and head straight to the Guild hall. 9S follows just behind them observing the damages.
"Nothing concrete but We know they came from the northwest side of the forest. It was the growing disturbance that was happening for the past few days and why we called for the meeting anyway. We sent scouts to investigate earlier and more to see why they haven't returned but…"
"They came back shouting about a stampede."
"Exactly, some of the scouts were able to reach some hunters to warn us but the stampede already reached the village when I got word. Me and White immediately sent some hunter response teams and told the villagers to evacuate and head to the guild, but we still need to formulate a proper plan to deal with this situation." Anemone finished as they arrived in the in front of the Guild hall. It was huge building with a European design made from stone and bricks, with stairs leading to two large doors at the entrance. At first glance it would look like a castle with a single bell tower at its left, which is used to call villagers to the square or signal approaching danger to the village. The right section of the building is the research center and where most of the researchers from the guild are and is connected to the main hall. The Guild logo rest at the top, just above the doors symbolizing the building as a hunter's establishment. Currently, the guild has barricades just before the steps acting as deterrents in case any monster has made it past the hunters in the streets. Two hunters posted at the entrance of the barricade spots Anemone and the group.
"It's the captain and the chief!" One hunter said who was wielding a hunting horn and turns to his companion.
"Inform the commander that they have arrived." His companion nods and then turns to enter the guild hall. He calls two other hunters to cover their post.
"Captain, the commander is expecting you she is waiting inside the captain quarters. She wants to know why you weren't with your party when they came back. But seeing your company, I believe that would provide an adequate explanation." The hunting horn hunter then gestures to escort them while Anemone questions the hunter.
"What's the situation and can you tell me what monsters are inside the village?" She said as they take the steps to the guild entrance with the hunter walking beside them.
"The village is still under siege and other hunters have reported Aptonoth herds, Velociprey packs, maybe even a flock of Kut-kus as the majority. But some have also sighted a pack of Ioprey, Bullfangos and Bulldromes and some Arzuros raiding shops or merchant tents for honey."
"Any large monsters or Raths flying in?"
"None have reported, but some heard large monster calls and any flying wyverns that where seen just flew over the village. None making any land fall."
"And our hunters?"
"All available hunters are being sent out to drive the monsters out or aiding the other villagers, but the problem is that there are too many monsters and they're spread out thin to the entire village."
"And we don't have the numbers or the resources to drive them out altogether. Hmm… even if we split up the monsters to each corner of the village and drive them to the other exits, we still don't have the numbers." Pondered Anemone, as Zinnia and 9S listen on, with 9S getting an expression of deep thought.
"That is correct. Hopefully together with the commander, you and the chief can make a plan to herd them out of the village." Replied the hunter as the doors of the guild open.
They enter and could see inside the guild is a long hallway that splits to three paths. One leading straight to the center is the hunter's hub where the guild quest counter and canteen is. Its where hunters claim their quests or jobs from the guild and eat or prepare before leaving. At the left just before the entrance to the hub, one path leads to the Guild archives and captain quarters. Inside there is one room that would lead to a library like room where all the information about monsters, hunters or anything of the world is kept. The other is a room where the guild and village leaders meet and discuss about hunting matters or any subject regarding the village, but its popularly known to YoRHa's hunters as the commander's office.
Finally, the last path to the right of the hunter's hub and just across the archives leads straight to the research center. It is where the researchers conduct their test and experiments to create new tools to aid hunters, they also have an item shop for the hunters right after the entrance of the path. On a normal day, the guild hall would be filled with hunters and researchers going around and you can hear some merry cheering coming from the hunter hub. Today, the guild hall is filled with villagers who have escaped or been rescued by the hunters and are currently being tended by the guild staff. The hall felt cramp with all the people inside as they made their way through and stop right before the intersection inside the building. Anemone turns to the hunter once more.
"Gather a few hunters who can act as messengers and take them to the hub. You will wait for our orders and be sent out to relay our instructions to the hunters spread across the village. Me and the chief will head to the commander and start forming a plan. Is that clear?"
"Yes, captain!" The hunter salutes before turning back to the entrance. Anemone then turns to Zinnia.
"C'mon let's meet with White and fix this mess." Zinnia nods and both begin to make their way to the captains' quarters, only to be interrupted by 9S.
"Uh…I think I'll make my way to the research center and start helping out there." He said making both women turn to him.
"Help… in the research center? 9S aren't you staying with Me and Zinnia? I would think since you are a trainee you would be interested in our meeting and maybe even pitch a few ideas as well." Anemone asks.
"Yeah… but I doubt the commander would like some of my ideas anyway, I don't want to be a bother to you guys when you're making the plan to save the village and all. And Zinnia said I can help with the researchers today and maybe I could even combine items and tools and supply them to the hunters! So…See yah!" 9S responded and quickly ran to the research center before Anemone could stop him. She turns to Zinnia with raised eyebrow with Zinnia making a sheepish expression.
"Is this true and do you think this is a wise decision?"
"Yes…BUT don't worry! I made him promise to not use any of his creations without any authorization."
"This is 9S we're talking about, right? How are you sure he hasn't made anything and isn't planning to use it right now? The village being in a crisis seems like the perfect opportunity for him to help out and show his mettle. Which is admirable, but we both know how most of his ideas turn out in the end." She asks expressing a bit of apprehension and worry about Zinnia's charge as they make their way to the captain's quarters.
"Hey 9S knows to keep his promises! And just because most of his ideas didn't turn out right doesn't mean some of his ideas didn't work." Zinnia said as she defended 9S even making a pensive look to Anemone who raised her hands in response.
"Besides, I heard none of the researchers have made anything out of his ideas and some are still being considered to be made. The only way possible for something to be made if 9S had an idea Jackass likes." Zinnia added nonchalantly. Anemone could only shudder not wanting to think of 9S teaming up with Jackass.
"We are already in a crisis, but why do I feel like we have another on in our hands." Anemone lets out a near exasperated sigh after the remark, even putting a hand on her head for the future headache she's gonna have. Zinnia placed a hand on her shoulder to give her a bit of comfort.
"Hey, don't worry. I trust 9S and if I know him, anything he does is to help others." She told Anemone with a smile. Anemone puts her hand down and looks at Zinnia.
"Fine…I trust you but I'm leaving you to fend for yourself from White if this goes wrong."
"Of course! It was my decision in the first place! But… just don't tell White about this okay?" Zinnia proclaimed while whispering the last part to Anemone.
"Don't tell me what?" said another voice.
Anemone and Zinnia slowly turn to the source of the voice and see right in front of them a woman with whitish blond hair styled with two uneven bangs and a long ponytail. She was also wearing the female guild knight armor in colors with a mixture of silver and white pigment. Right in front of them is Commander White, Gildegaran's guild representative and guild knight that oversees YoRHa on behalf of the guild with Anemone and Zinnia. She was also holding a map of the village under one of her arms. The duo didn't realize that White has entered the main hall.
"Commander." Greeted Anemone.
"Oh White! Sorry we're late the hall was cramped and hard to move around plus with the village being attacked and all." Chimed Zinnia after recovering from her stupor of White's sudden appearance.
"Yes, I am aware, which is why I came out to meet you two instead. I must remind you that time is of the essence. While you two were gone I have already formulated a plan to deal with this sudden invasion, but I would need both of your inputs to make this plan more effective." White told the two forgetting her earlier statement.
"That's good, I ordered some hunters to gather at the hub and be our messengers to relay our instructions to the ones outside." Anemone spoke and told White.
"Then let's head there and not waste any more time." She replied as they made their way to the hub of the guild. The villagers and hunters in White's way made space for her. It was as if her presence and authority was splitting the sea of people in front of her with Anemone and Zinnia following behind.
Back at the entrance of the guild, a party of hunters were escorting some villagers. Among the party is 2B, A2 and the pods. The group were fighting the monsters in the street were Masamune shop was and helping some trap villagers before the arrival of two Hunters. With their help they were able to slay some of the minor monsters and drive the more dangerous ones away from the villagers. They then informed the hunters that they were to meet with Zinnia at the guild hall and decided to party with them to help escort the villagers.
They made their way and even added some more people to their rescue and have gathered information of what else is happening in the streets. Now, both 2B and A2 had their weapons sheathed for the town square has been deemed a safe area and temporary hunter base for some to recover. A hunter calls their party to head to the hub for orders from the Commander. Knowing that Zinnia and 9S are mostly likely inside they make their way with their escort.
"Glad that's over, those Velocipreys where being more of a nuisance than usual." Said A2.
"Agreed and those bullfangos kept charging at everything. I hope 6O wouldn't be too sad that some of the flower beds are trampled." Added 2B.
"If she is, then you can just go out with 9S and pick some flowers and make a bouquet to cheer her up. He may know some areas were wildflowers grow in the forest." Replied A2 as 2B hummed in agreement.
"Better we meet with Zinnia in the hub and report. They might find something useful with the information we have." Chimed Pod 42.
"True and my Meowster might be worried of you guys" Said Pod 153.
"Yeah I could see him fretting over you 2B... Maybe 9S would give you kiss for coming back unharmed, huh?" A2 said as she wiggles her eyebrows and elbowing her sister teasingly.
"Shut up…"—She whispered pushing A2 away who was giggling— "Besides, he might be busy in the research center or with Zinnia in the meeting and its best we make haste to the hub." She replied while moving in a quicker pace. A2 just smiled and follows her with the pods.
After leaving their escort with some guild attendants, the two girls and palicos headed to the hub. Inside some tables have been put together with the map of YoRHa laid on top. White, Anemone and Zinnia are on one end of the table facing the map with the rest of the hunters surrounding the table. They were discussing their plan and have finally made the adjustments. Zinnia spots 2B, A2 and the pods and greets them.
"2B, A2, Pods! You made it and just in time, we're gonna begin our operation to drive the rest of the monsters out!" At this exclamation, the rest of the individuals around the table turned their attention to the group. Commander White spots them as well and motions them to join the table.
"Commander." 2B greeted while A2 and the rest kept quiet.
"2B." The Commander responded. "Can you report on what else is happening outside, there might be some crucial information that can alter our plans."
"We can confirm that all villagers have been taken in account, but there are still monsters in the streets despite our efforts of driving them away. Though we have heard other hunters report that monsters in the north and west section of the village refuse to turnback to the north or west side exits of the village and remain in those areas avoiding hunters. Any attempts have led for the monsters to move further to the south side of the village and may even head to the east side of the village." Hearing this White, Anemone and Zinnia turn to each other then began to discuss themselves before turning back to the map.
"Thank you 2B. Knowing the villagers are safe we can proceed with no burden of learning if any would get harm." White responded and motioned her to be at ease. The meeting continues with Anemone pointing at the map.
"It seems whatever cause them to go here must be preventing them from turning back. Meaning we can't use the north and west exits." Anemone said.
"Then we have to choose between the east exit or the south exit then. Better we go for the south exit since the eastern portion has the least monsters since they all came from the northwest of the village, and most would have moved south if we try to force them back based from 2B's report." Replied Zinnia.
"Then it is settled." White said before she turns to the hunters of the village and gave the order.
"Hunters! The plan is simple, we will drive the monsters from the north, east and west sections of the village to the south end. We do not have the numbers to drive monster off to the nearest exits convenient in their locations. Instead we will drive them to the town center forcing them to a choke point here"— She pointed in a marked area of the map, which is just in front of the guild— "then force them out to the south exit. We will split into three groups. For the first group it would be led by Anemone. Any gunners available would go with her and herd the monster in the east side of the village and facilitate with any other hunter in that area.
The next group would be led by Zinnia. They will split up and head to the west and north part of the village. They will relay our orders to the hunters there and join in the operation. The northern group would herd the monsters to the west side of the village and join forces with the western group to force them to the choke point here. The last group would be led by myself and will be in charge of barricading and blocking the streets and creating a single path for the monsters to take. Once the monsters have reached the choke point, they will have no choice but to take the path we have created, and we will continue to force them out to the exit. These are your order!"
"Yes, Commander!" The hunters shouted in unison.
"I have sent a request from the research center to provide us with support for this plan, but I know this plan has risks and may be an uphill battle. I do not know if the hunters or resources we have on hand is enough"—She paused—"but you are hunters trained in YoRHa, the finest hunters this world has seen for the past 10 years. I am confident in your skills and tenacity to bring this plan to fruition. If there are any hunters that could do this, it is YOU! Is that clear Hunters?!"
"Yes Commander!" The hunters replied in unison.
"Now GO!" White yelled. With all hunters shouting feeling pump. Zinnia and Anemone began to form their respective groups shouting hunters to join them.
"Gunners and bow wielders to me. Any blademasters are free to join us, we may need the extra muscle." Anemone called out with some hunters already joining her.
"Heavy hitters I need you! Greatswords, Hammers, Charge blades or Switch axes! I need your strength to drive the monster out from the west and north end." Zinnia shouted with some hunters roaring in response.
"Lances, Gunlances and the rest remain with me. We will begin to barricade and block the streets. Lancers you will be stationed to protect the guild and the villagers within." White ordered as they all began to move out of the hunter hub.
With a plan made and the hunters pump, the guild sets out to solve this unexpected invasion and put a rest to it. The entourage of hunters have reached the main hall and are approaching the entrance until they were suddenly stopped by yell.
"Commander! Zinnia! Anyone!"
They turn to the source which was coming from the hallway leading to the research center. Out came a boy of 9S' age with black hair with a side bang on his right side wearing a lab coat. He was panting trying to catch his breath, bending with his hands on his knees. Zinnia was the first to recognize him.
"801S? What are you doing here and what's the emergency?" She asked him and at the same time slowly felt a pit of dread in her stomach.
"Its…hu…ha…Jackass…hu…ha" The boy now named 801S was wheezing and trying to give his answers.
"Jackass! What is she doing?! Doesn't she know we are in a crisis!" Yelled White, who was also feeling a sense of dread within her. Before 801S could reply to her statement, Anemone had a sudden realization and asks the question that would silence the entire guild hall.
"801S"—She asks in a calm manner—"Where is 9S?"
Regaining his breath, he looks at the entire party staring at him with wide eyes and pale faces.
He opens his mouth.
The guild doors burst open with an angry Commander White, throwing an unexpected hunter down the steps and surprising many others outside.
"STOP THAT CART!" She shouts. Only to take another look, seeing no cart, no Jackass, and no 9S in particular.
Only trails made from something moving fast heading to the North and West area of the village.
And lastly, a smoking crater with two knockout hunters.
Author's Notes:
So, I posted the second chapter. This arc or the beginning would last for another chapter or so. Then we will get to the main plot later in the story. Again, I'm still a beginner so some scenes, like fight scenes, are still new to me. But don't worry! I'm working hard to improve my writing skills.
See you in the next chapter! Hope you're enjoying the story.