Author's notes:
Here it is!
Sorry for the late Update, but it's a longer chapter.
Moving farther away from the guild hall, Jackass and 9S make their way to the northern part of the village. Because of Jackass's intervention they were able to escape their pursuers and prevent the others in blocking their path. The price was only two knockout hunters and 9S's newly forming regret.
"WHAT THE HELL JACKASS!" 9S shouted to his crazy companion driving the cart.
"What? We needed a distraction and I made one. What's the problem?" Jackass replied looking at her skeptical accomplice.
"The problem? Oh, I don't know. Maybe... THE FACT WE KILLED TWO HUNTERS!" 9S burst in anger for their distraction that most likely would have killed the two hunters pursuing them.
"Pfffft….no we didn't kill them." Jackass replied.
"Really are you sure? Because last I check you chucked a barrel bomb filled with Volatile coal!"—9S proceeds to put his hands on his face—"How did I not figure out VC stands for volatile coal. So stupid…" 9S berated himself.
"Well… I had to put the leftovers to good use. I thought it would come in handy someday." Jackass explained to why she made the barrel bomb.
"And to what? Blow up hunters!"
"What no! …. maybe when they're testing it but other than that I was thinking for something more efficient like sleep bombing or if a path in front of me is blocked." She smiled.
"Arrgghhhh…." 9S could only growl at his companions' eccentricities.
"Oh, stop your whining. They're most likely knockout. I mean you know how they're wearing their armors, right? They are protected by whatever divine power or juju, forge monster armor holds that stops hunters from dying outright and still have a body to cart back to the base camp."
"Jackass..."
"Besides, hunter armors are built to withstand blows from monsters, headshots, friendly fire and barrel bomb explosions. If it didn't, then how else would hunters survive against fireballs or whatever supernatural powers monsters have? And it would have been a waste in creating those special buff ammos for bowgun users to use on their allies." Jackass explained to 9S.
9S, upon hearing the explanation, agrees with Jackass reluctantly. One of the many mysteries of their world is hunter armor and hunting weapons. They both give strength and protection to a hunter that enables them to hunt monsters and even grant them with special powers like elemental resistances or even increase attack strength. Hunting weapons as well can produce elemental effects like a burst of fire or sparks of lightning to add damage.
Though hunters don't tackle monsters most of the time in straight clash of strength and power but more in a manner of slaying monsters by death with a thousand cuts. Their equipment helps by giving them the durability to withstand attacks if they can't dodge and the means to hit hard and damage monsters, no matter how thin and revealing or ridiculous the armor/weapon is.
9S remembers seeing a female hunter in full Kirin armor take a blow in the midsection from a Rathian's fireball and launched in the air by her comrade's switch axe swing in the arena and still look no worse for wear. Though, Hunters still feel the pain and if they reach their limit they would collapse or get knockout by the last attack done to them if they're not careful. The worst that could happen to them is death and the armor becomes a glorified coffin for a hunter.
If the armor is breached, gets a fatal injury or a hunter suffers internal injuries and were too late to use any healing item, hunters will die. Leaving only their armor as their memento. Knowing this 9S just realized something.
"Wait doesn't that mean you made a barrel bomb that one-hit-knockout a hunter? Two if what you say is true." 9S exclaimed.
"Hey… your right! Oh, I'm definitely going to remember this. Maybe even start making some plans and some improvements…" Jackass began to talk to herself about this new discovery. 9S could only face palm at her antics.
"Jackass…"
"Oh, chin up kid. You actually have a part in this since it was you who gave me the volatile coal."
"W-WHA"— 9S was stupefied by this realization.
"Stop worrying. Auntie Jackass here will take care of you and right now I bet those hunters are being taken care of as well. Nothing a little potion can't fix whatever sorry state they are." Jackass said as she ruffled 9S's hair, who proceeds to push her hand off.
"Just drive…" He mumbled, accepting to whatever fate would bring him for partnering with Jackass.
He wonders if this is punishment and hopes that whatever gods up there, know how regretful he is for his decision in forming this partnership. He also hopes if they could give him some sort of divine blessing to survive whatever punishment he's gonna get from 2B. 9S could only shudder at the thought.
"Hey kid." Jackass calls him, gaining his attention.
She gestures with her head to the street in front them and notice some monster tracks. This gives them the clues that they're nearing the northern area and that there are still monsters in the around. Actually, as they continue their way, sounds of monster cries can be heard. If they follow were the calls are coming, they sure can bet it would lead them to some monsters. Their cart moves to the direction were the loudest calls are.
Both don't notice the large monster tracks in the streets too focus in going to their destination. Both oblivious to the hidden danger present in the area.
In an open street at the northern part of the village, some monsters are present and are currently engaged with two hunters. One hunter is wielding a large relic hammer and equip in Basarios armor. He is swinging and attacking his weapon on a pack of Ioprey, red raptorial wyverns with a smooth curve head crest. One of the Ioprey jumps to pounce on him, only to be hit by the hunter's hammer as he anticipated the attack and swings to its direction knocking it back to the rest of its pack. More of the pack attempt to do the same, only to fail as well as the hunter bobs and weaves between their pounces before striking his hammer against them. Some of the Ioprey fall to the hunter's attacks and the pack decides to surround the hunter instead.
The hunter eyes them, keeping watch of his flank, he then notices one of the Ioprey hissing before spitting a glob of purple fluid to his direction. He knows it's the monsters poison spit and dodges to one side only to move out of the way from another poison spit coming to his direction. This continues as the hunter begins to see a pattern of the pack's attack. It's their strategy to wear him down by constantly spitting at him in every direction to drain his stamina and poison him as well. As he dodges another poison spit, he rushes to the nearest Ioprey and strike it with his hammer sending it flying and breaking the circle surrounding him giving an opening to escape. Though, this leaves him open for the other Ioprey to spit poison at him. He rolls to one side to avoid getting poisoned only to place himself in the direction of one Ioprey pouncing at him. Bracing himself for the attack, an arrow is shot at the Ioprey mid air striking and killing it. Its corpse falls to the ground and the hunter turns to were the arrow came from noticing his ally.
The other hunter with him is wearing a full Yian Garuga armor and hunter bow. He was also taking care part of the pack in the street, only for the pack to suddenly rush to his hammer wielding companion to aid the Iopreys being slain. They both nod at each other and regroup to stand side by side, as the pack begins to reorganize themselves as well to address the threat before them. A large call is heard, not from the small Ioprey but from a larger monster.
"Eeeaarroooppp!"
It reveals itself by jumping out of a corner to stand in front of the pack. It was a larger red raptorial wyvern with a hatchet like crest on its head, an Iodrome the alpha of the pack with a much stronger poison sac. It glares at the hunters and stalks slowly at them with the pack following it. The hunters only a couple of feet away from them, stand their ground and ready themselves for the confrontation with the pack and its alpha. Suddenly, the Iodrome head perks up and looks behind the hunters as if it is hearing something. The pack as well takes notice of their leader's sudden attention and the hunters are confused to why the monsters suddenly stop, only to hear a yell behind them.
"BOMBS AWAY!"
A small bomb is seen flying straight to the Iodrome's head. It strikes and explodes on its face disorienting it and taking a few steps back. Shaking its head from the smoke the Iodrome attempts to collect itself only for a bigger explosion to happen on its face in an instant, knocking it backwards to the ground. Some of the pack in the blast radius were thrown of their feet as well and the others are visible startled with the explosion. The hunters themselves were not expecting for that to happen as well and are blown back a few feet. They start to get up and notice a cart stopped right behind them. They look to see who is on the cart and maybe know who threw the bomb at the Iodrome. They see a cheering Jackass and 9S making whooping noises with their hands up in the air chanting.
"IT WORKED! IT WORKED!" Before high fiving each other.
"Uhhh…" The Basarios armored hunter could only look in bewilderment.
"What's going on?" The Garuga armored hunter asks the two cheering individuals.
"Hold on a second." Said Jackass, as she notices the pack and the Iodrome recovering themselves. The Iopreys give growls and roars of contempt to the sudden bomb attack and the group readies themselves. Jackass and 9S take some bombs on their hands, while the hunters arm their weapons. The Iodrome finally stands up making itself taller and more menacing, only to notice a sudden lost of weight on its head. It starts to shake its head attempting figure out what is wrong, while its pack could stare at shock to what has happened to their alpha. It notices on a still intact window in the streets on what has happened, its crest has been destroyed the hatchet shape is demolished making itself look like an oversize Ioprey. It squawks in surprise to what has happened to its beautiful crest and starts to wail to the sudden shame it is projecting to the pack.
"Look! Jackass the bomb broke it crest!" 9S exclaimed.
"Oooo… I'm loving these bombs more every second."—She smiled then turns her attention to the pack—" Now if you red color Gargwas know what's good for you." Jackass chucks another bomb.
It lands near the pack with some dodging the initial explosion, only to caught in the bigger explosion slaying some and sending others flying.
"Get off of our PROPERTY!" Jackass yells as she chucks another bomb.
"YEAH! Flock off!" Yelled 9S as he chucks his own bombs at the pack.
The pack themselves are bombarded…literally. They attempt to dodge only to get caught in the bigger explosion. Some are enveloped in the explosion and get burned and blown to bits. Others are hit by the force of the explosion, sending them flying towards windows or through cracked walls. Those who have recovered began to flee the scene, coincidentally heading to a path straight to the west corner of the village. The Iodrome, not wanting to be caught in the blasts and be shamed or humiliated more, sounds a call of retreat following the pack members that left. The hunters could only look with a mix reaction of awe, fear and bewilderment at the scene watching the two maniacs drive the packs away. Once the smoke clears the streets are filled with monster corpses, slightly blackened and with bits of ash on the sides, but monster free. On the top of the cart humming a good tone at their accomplishment, Jackass and 9S look at each other and give a nod of agreement with the success they have just made.
"Uhhh… What just happened" Asked the Basarios armored hunter.
"Yeah, can someone start explaining what the heck are you two doing here?" Ask the Garuga hunter.
Turning to the hunters, Jackass and 9S begin to give their explanation.
"Right in front of you is head researcher Jackass and hunter in training 9S. We're here to blow stuff up and kick some monster ass" Said Jackass.
"And we're the bombs for the job." Said 9S, while giving a low five to Jackass before both end up posing cross armed and leaning against each other.
"What?" The hunters could only stare at the duo.
Jackass expression suddenly became stern and began to address the hunters in a more serious manner.
"Well as you all know, our village is currently invaded by monsters. In response to this situation, the guild through commander White has formulated a plan to drive all the monsters out of the village. The plan is simple, we drive all the monsters from the north, west, and eastern quadrants to the choke point, the guild intersection, before driving them to the southern exit. We know that the bulk of the monsters are here in the northern and western quadrant and refuse to return to the northern and western exits because of the unknown cause that brought them here in the first place. The eastern section of the village has the least monsters, and either being driven out in the eastern exit or herded as well to the choke point, hence the plan to herd the majority of the monsters south. The research center, under my authority have been given orders to aid and support in the execution of the plan. These bombs made by me and my lovely associate is the support. Any questions?"
"Yeah, one. Did the Commander really authorize you and… 9S to be the support for this situation?" Said the Basarios armored hunter. Even with a helm covering his face, one can still read his skepticism to Jackass and 9S's appearance.
"Also, in the first place why is 9S here?"—The other hunter turns to 9S—"Kid aren't you supposed to be with 2B or Zinnia? I doubt White would want any shenanigans to occur when we're doing a large operation?" Said the Garuga armored hunter who was blunt with his opinion on 9S, knowing his reputation.
"Why does everybody"— 9S began to retort only to be stopped by Jackass.
"The kid is here under my Authority and if you must know, he was the one who designed these bombs that droved those monsters off. SO, I'd expect a bit of gratitude since I can tell you hunters have been here for a while and are looking a bit exhausted." She eyed the men and waiting to prove her wrong, but they could only grumble in agreement. Jackass continues to explain.
"Also, Zinnia the chief, has approved to use these bombs for support and 9S is with me to help supervise in using them since they are of his design. We're assigned here in the northern quadrant so we may herd the monsters to the western section of the village were the rest of the hunters are and together drive all the monsters to the choke point. I was also told by the chief herself that all hunters we meet must coordinate with us." She smiled knowing that the last part was true… for Zinnia, but it didn't apply to her or 9S due to leaving without the guild's permission.
"Ugh. Really."
"You can't be serious"
Both hunters groaned at the instructions they 'believe' Zinnia gave Jackass.
"You can complain to Chief Zinnia but know that you would be facing Commander White as well." This time 9S chimed in going with the flow Jackass made.
"And as much she doesn't like 9S's shenanigans, she really doesn't like disobedient hunters more." Jackass added the tidbit of info to the hunters, grinning at them as well.
The two hunters look at each other and shudder at the thought of receiving the commander's ire. They both have the same thoughts of being skeptical with the two and are considering of not working with them. But they couldn't risk disobeying a command from White or Zinnia, knowing that if they were wrong, they would be reprimand accordingly or worse. They're not sure if whatever 9S and Jackass are is saying is true but can't deny it either since they don't know if their lying since their intentions of saving the village are sound. Might as well risk it since the two did help them with the Ioprey pack and even drove them off effectively using their bombs. Making their choice the Basarios armored hunter replies.
"Okay. Fine… we'll work with you two."
"What do you guys want us to do?' The Garuga Armored hunter said.
"Well for starters, you can answer some of our questions. We notice somethings before going here." Jack said to the two.
"Yeah, like how you guys are the first hunters we found here. Where are the others? I know we should have met a lot by now." 9S said.
"But it seems most of the hunters are gone and surprisingly some of the monsters as well. This place should be swarming, with all the noise we heard heading here." Jackass said.
"Ah… right. Most of the monsters have already been driven off or headed to the west and eastern corner. Mostly Aptonoth herds and Yian Kut-kus if you must know. And our comrades headed there as well to manage the bulk." Said the Basarios Hunter.
"And left you two to handle the stragglers." Said 9S.
"And any monsters that remain. Though I find it strange that a lot of them would suddenly leave." Said Jackass.
"Yes. We think so as well. We thought it's because we couldn't drive them off to the north exit, but they suddenly started to leave like their running from something. Though, we're not sure since most of the predators remained and even began to make their nest here ever since the villagers were evacuated. We were driving out the pack earlier since they started to mark this area as their territory." Said the Garuga hunter.
"Any other monsters you have seen or know where they decided to stay?" Asked 9S.
"A few Bullfangos and their Bulldrome alphas. More raptorial wyverns like velociprey and occasionally some Azuros raiding for honey in item shops. Beside them, none other we've seen." Answered the Basarios hunter.
"And they seem to stick just some distance before the western border. Anywhere deeper north is de-voided so far." Said the Garuga hunter.
"Well that just makes our job easier, doesn't it?"—Jackass said while smiling— "With the north almost cleared, by whatever reason, we can focus on the monsters still present here and drive them off to the west before any of them claim the property. Hopefully Anemone would handle some of the monsters that have gone to the eastern portion."
"Wait aren't you curious to what drove most of the monsters off?" 9S asked Jackass.
"I am kid, but we need to focus on the immediate matter right now. Whatever reason it is, it could be related to why the monsters left the forest and head here. Its influence must of reach the village and better we investigate after our current crisis." Jackass answered to 9S who nods in understanding.
"Okay, from here on out you two will join us and help direct us to where the monsters are. 9S I want you to teach them how to use the bombs." Jackass said to her current company.
"Wait! / You're serious… / Teach?" The three responded.
"Look, you two"—She points at the hunters— "look exhausted, but still have strength to chuck these babies at monsters. Besides, you guys can you use this opportunity to conserve your energy in case we encounter something serious. And you guys saw how effective the bombs are and you can trust us that it be much easier to do that than swinging your weapons around." She finished before going to the back of the cart and getting some bombs for the hunters to try.
"She's serious, isn't she?"
"How did the commander even allow the use of explosives."
The two hunters said to themselves, while 9S gets two bombs from Jackass.
"Look, the commander trust Jackass and she would never send her out unless for a good reason." Or she leaves unnoticed under her nose thought 9S, feeling a bit guilty lying to these two. But what else can they do, they're already here and might as well work together to save the village even if they came with false pretenses. He can always let Jackass take all the blame.
"Besides, their easy to use and you guys may find it effective or fun like Jackass." 9S smiled, extending his hands to give the bombs to the hunters. The two both look at each other before glancing to the items on the boy's hand. They shrugged and reach for it.
Driven from their territory to a human settlement was unforeseen and unexpected for the inhabitants of Whistill forest. Yet, there was a growing disturbance in their home and their instincts told them to leave immediately unless risk whatever danger would befall on them should they say. None would want to return unless the threat has subsided or disappeared, leaving the monsters to migrate to new locations and settle. Unfortunately, for the village of YoRHa, some monsters have decided to stay in the village. Why wouldn't they? Its fortified, away from the threat they fled and well stock with food of all kinds, like honey for the bear like Arzuros. What's more, their stampede has driven the villagers away freeing up space for monsters to settle and their structures make the perfect place to nest in.
Among those monsters willing to stay is a pack of Velociprey. They just moved to an ideal spot and are now patrolling this new area against threats and other rival monsters to secure and settle their new nest. Their alpha, a Velocidrome, is leading the pack through the streets. It moves at a pace where some velociprey are ahead of it acting as scouts while the rest remain to support it should they encounter a threat. Nearing a corner, the alpha sends some scouts to move ahead. Three velociprey move and disappear from the rest of the pack after moving behind the corner.
"EuuuropEuuurop!"
The Velocidrome calls to its scouts after few seconds have gone and waits for their reply. The street remains silent, until the pack could hear the cries of their pack members and they sound startled. Preparing to move to their location, the pack suddenly hears another different set of calls.
"Eeeaaarrooppppp!"
The Velocidrome recognizes the loudest call and knows it is from a fellow raptorial wyvern but not of its pack. It also recognizes the call was in a panic tone and if one where to translate, it would be telling anyone that could hear it to run away or danger is coming. It sees its scouts running back towards them. Behind the scouts it sees an Ioprey pack and their alpha, an Iodrome with its broken crest running towards them as well.
The Velociprey pack ready themselves for a clash with the rival pack. Seeing the Iodrome getting closer, the Velocidrome gets into a lunging position then launches itself towards the rival alpha. The Iodrome in response dodges the attack and continues to run pass the rest of the Velociprey with its own pack members following as well, dodging and running. The Velociprey pack were perplex by the actions of the Ioprey pack and could still hear their crying and calling to runaway from what the Velocidrome could interpret as exploding stones.
Looking at the fleeing pack, the Velocidrome did not notice a small object falling into their direction. Before it's too late, the object strikes a pack member and explodes. The rest turn to the explosion only for a bigger explosion to occur blowing them off their feet. The Velocidrome is the first to recover and this time see the small objects falling towards them. It calls a command to dodge them and the pack follows with some successfully dodging the objects and the initial explosion, only for the bigger explosions to catch them off guard and unable to escape the blast.
The Velocidrome seeing some its pack slain and decimated by these exploding rocks, now understands the Ioprey pack's warning and calls for a retreat before any more of the pack gets harmed. Another explosion sends the pack running on their feet to the direction where the Ioprey were heading.
Meanwhile a small group of Bullfangos, large boar like monsters with brown fur and tusk, are lounging in a nearby street. They're lazing around ever since the rest of the hunters have moved to take care of the larger herd of Aptonoths and some taken away by their comrades when their alpha knocked them out. They were just waiting for their alpha to return after it headed back further north to investigate a disturbance. They felt a rumble on their hooves and notice the ground shaking a bit, with some small rubble bouncing around. They hear the cry of their alpha and see him barreling down the street towards them in a panic run. They recognize their alpha, a fang beast called a Bulldrome, by its larger size and larger tusk with a silver mane around its face and back. They also notice that their alpha has a burning backside with areas caught in flames.
The Bulldrome was also heading towards them with company, a pack of monster consisted of Velociprey and Ioprey. Behind the pack were a series of large explosions sending some lagging behind sky-high and others blown to bits by the force of the explosions. Seeing this the Bullfangos began to run away as well before their alpha reaches them to avoid the large pack and the explosion behind them. With the Bullfangos, the monsters began to run together as group regardless of species.
As this herd of monster continue to run and avoid the exploding rocks and explosions trailing them, they would encounter other monsters and some of their kind and either run away from this growing stampede or the large explosions following them.
A small group of Iopreys see the stampede and begin to run away a while dodging some of the faster bullfangos.
Three Velocipreys see the Bulldrome barreling past them and began to cry out in aggression only to notice the herd too late and be trampled by them.
A Yian Kut-ku that has gotten lost by chance and hears a group of monster calls and turns to its direction. It sees the stampede and releases a squawk of surprise before running to the opposite direction of the stampede, forgetting of its ability to fly and avoid the stampede all together.
An Arzuros has hit jackpot by finding a large stash of honey on an abandon cart. It begins to eat the contents of the cart only to pause and notice the ground rumbling. It hears the cries of other monsters and growls in response turning to the source. It found this valuable stash and its not gonna let any monster take it away from it. It sees the large stampede and begins to stand upright to make itself more imposing. The stampede gets closer and it could see the sheer size of the herd would trample it, but the Arzuros refuses to back down and is a bit suicidal in its resolve to protect its honey. With the large herd coming closer the Arzuros gives out a loud roar and readies its claws to swipe and knock any monster going near it.
Before herd and the Arzuros make contact, the monsters begin to suddenly avoid the Arzuros. The herd splits into two groups, moving pass the Arzuros before molding back to one group after passing it. The bear like monster has a confusing look on its face surprise by the behavior of the herd, only for a sudden explosion to catch its attention. It looks to its right seeing some monsters blown away from the explosion and some not so lucky. Another, explosion occurs to its right and the Arzuros could feel the heat and force from it.
Fearing its stash, it attempts to use its body to shield it from the explosions and whatever that is causing. It would have succeeded, if it wasn't for a stray bomb that bounce off a Velociprey's tail landing on its stash. Upon hitting the honey, the initial explosion blew up the honey to the Arzuros face, covering its fur and body with the substance. Before it could react with grief or anger for the destruction of its precious honey, the second and larger explosion engulf the bear.
Out from the smoke, the Arzuros comes out running with its fur burning. The explosion has caught its fur on fire with some of the honey ignited as well sticking the flames on its body. Another set of explosions land near the Arzuros, giving it the motivation to run away with the rest of the herd while having futile attempts to put out the fire on it.
A herd of Aptonoth are feeling uneasy. They fled the northern corner after sensing a big threat heading their way. The feeling wasn't lost even after moving further away and is slowly turning to dread as they feel that they are being stalked…hunted. They feel the rumble of the earth with their feet. The largest Aptonoth, their Alpha male, stands with its hind legs to raise itself and look at the direction where the source of the shake may be coming from. It sees a large cloud of dust heading towards them and as it gets closer, it sees the figures hidden in the dust cloud getting more details every second. It hoots in alarm, once it realizes the figures approaching them is a large herd of monster compose of raptorial wyverns, fanged beast and some bird wyverns. Fearing for its herd lives and the threat of predators, it bellows a call to run away and flee the approaching stampede. Some of the Aptonoths that saw the approaching mass began to flee before their alpha commanded and the entire herd began to head to the western border with the stampede right behind them.
"DID YOU SEE THAT!"
"WOOOOHHHHHOOOO! THAT'S RIGHT KEEP RUNNING!"
"Man didn't think the plan you guys made is working. It's kinda fun too."
"Well, what can you say great minds make great results and glad to know you are slowly seeing the joy in crafted explosives."
Behind the herd, explosions continue to bombard the rear to further motivate the monsters to flee. The source of these explosions is coming from the cart Jackass, 9S and their two hunter companions are on, being pulled by an Aptonoth that is surprisingly not startled by the explosions its riders are doing. They've been driving any monsters they saw and was able to successfully herd them all together to one big stampede that also helped drive the other monsters. They continue to follow the monsters and are nearing the western border to meet up with the rest of the hunters stationed there. If their lucky the massive stampede would do their job for them and drive the monsters out of the village in no time.
"Pass me another kid! You guys did great in making these and I for one would admit that I was wrong in doubting you. And happy to know that this job just got easier with the two of you." Said the Basarios armored hunter, before he yelled in ecstasy after seeing another explosion go off.
"Uhhh… thanks? The pleasantries aside, I think your getting too into this" Said 9S, who was also surprise by the compliment given to him and Jackass.
"It's okay kid, we've been trying to drive these guys since the morning. So, we may be a bit pent up, since these guys keep on coming back. You and Jackass just gave us a way to let out some steam and do our job." Said the Garuga armored huntsman, while 9S gave the two more bombs to throw. 9S also saw that the Garuga hunter was more at ease with 9S and had an expression of gratitude.
"Yeah and you just gave us a win-win situation"—The Basarios armored hunter throws another bomb and it makes contact with a Bullfango that sends it flying— "SEE THAT PIGS CAN FLY!" He yelled with satisfaction. 9S and the other hunter could only chuckle at his antics.
"Man… seeing the plan going well and how effective the bombs are to the monsters, makes me a bit sorry for them." 9S says as he continues to supply the hunters with more of his crafted bombs. With how good the plan is going the group had a cheery atmosphere, but 9S did feel sorry for some of the monsters. Like that Arzuros.
"Yeah, that Arzuros really wanted that honey. Though at least we know how far it would go for the stuff, flaming backside and all." Replied Jackass sharing a bit of the same sentiment with 9S.
"Well I'm not. Once all of this blows over, repairing the village would be a painstakingly long endeavor." Said the Basarios armored hunter.
"Yeah and I get the feeling the Commander is gonna get a bit bitchier in the next coming days" Said the Garuga armored Hunter.
"Uh huh."
"She would totally be like that."
"Definitely gonna be like that..."
The rest agreed with the thought. Though commander White is good with her job, hunters unanimously agree that she could be a slave driver at times and especially doesn't help that she is strict with the rules and guild regulations.
Most hunters that get jobs from her, end up with being exhausted not from the hunts or item gathering quest but from her constant supervision and expectation to complete their task under the numerous quest conditions she would relay. It is fortunate that her requests are first screen by the guild and officially release by the quest counter, with some of her quest conditions tone down, though some still end up coming out with all of her conditions.
"If we're lucky she'll excuse us from more work since we single handily herded the monsters from the north." 'And pardon me and 9S' thought Jackass as she tells her companions.
"Or she'll regulate all the work to us since we became reliable." Replied 9S.
"Hopefully the former as long as we accomplish the mission, and nothing goes wrong." Said the Garuga armored hunter.
"Yeah, but I'm confident we can finish this off without a snitch"—Before the Basarios hunter could finish his reply, a large shadow loomed over them.
The occupants of the cart looked above and saw something that made them go wide eyed. It was a large figure that seemed to leap over them and land right in front of their cart, forcing them to stop and swerve to the side to avoid colliding with it. Getting their bearings together, the group could properly see what was in front of them. It was a large monster with two winged forearms, a long tail with a stinger on the end, a large saurian head with small horns pass its eyes and jaws with sharp teeth that signals it was a predator. Finally, it was light orange in color with blue stripes that runs along its body from head to tail. The group couldn't believe their eyes as the figure suddenly stood more upright before letting out deafening roar.
"GREEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOHHHHH!"
It was a Tigrex, a large powerful pseudo-wyvern with a killer roar and known to the guild as the hunter's bane. The group, minus the Garuga armored hunter, had to cover their ears and brace themselves from the force of the roar the wyvern made, both Jackass and 9S flinching from the sound. After announcing its presence, the Tigrex immediately starts to charge and catch up to the stampede, while the rest of the group recover and stare at its unexpected appearance.
"What the ****!" Jackass said. She was a bit irritated with the ringing in her ears.
"I though those things are found further north? What would it be doing here?" Asked 9S as he also is getting his hearing back.
"Loud bastard must have been in the forest recently and may as well followed the monsters here looking for prey." Said the Garuga armored hunter, being the least affected of the roar.
"Damn it! That explains why the herd suddenly left to the west and eastern corners. ****! This just got a bit more complicated." Said the Basarios armored hunter.
"Hold on. Isn't this a good thing? The herd is heading were we need them to be and with the Tigrex chasing them, then we wouldn't need to herd them ourselves." Said 9S as he thought a bit from what the hunters said.
"Wish it was that simply kid but the Tigrex would probably try to disperse the herd and prey on the weakest link. That would end with scattering the other monsters all over the place." Said the Garuga armored hunter.
"And waist all our efforts to herd them to the choke point." Finished the Basarios armored hunter, who gave a short growl to their predicament.
"Can't we use the bombs to drive it as well? I mean they work so far." Asked 9S.
"True but I'm not sure if we have enough to drive it and the rest of the herd. We might expend more if it gets enrage and go on a rampage. We're already used a lot and if we're forced to slay it. There wouldn't be bombs left for the rest." Said Jackass.
"So, what do we do?" 9S questioned.
"Well… guess we have to improvise. HYAHH!" Jackass said before whipping the reigns to start the cart.
The hunters and 9S had to hold on, because of the sudden movement. Jackass strikes the reigns again to increase their speed to catch up with the herd and the Tigrex. 9S, unsure why Jackass is speeding to catch up, ask her if she has a plan.
"Care to explain why we're heading back to the herd? And with the fact that a Tigrex is following them as well.?"
"Well we can't just sit still and let all our efforts go to waste." She replied.
"So, does that mean you have a plan to deal with THAT!" 9S pointed to the Tigrex right in front of them, chasing the herd and even snapping its jaws to anything it can reach. Fortunately, some monsters were able to avoid the Tigrex.
Their cart was able to catch up with the rest of the monsters, but they now notice that the road is getting more uneven due to the large cracks the Tigrex was making while pursuing the herd.
"****! If you have plan, better tell us quick!" Said the Basarios armored hunter, holding on due to the bumpy ride.
"Simple. But I need to ask if you two are up for the Job." Replied Jackass.
"Doesn't matter. If I know what you are thinking, then we got no choice." Said the Garuga armored Hunter, while his companion gave a nod in agreement.
"Good to know."
"Wait, Jackass. What are you planning for them to do." 9S said hesitantly, due to the small dread rising in his gut. Jackass ponders how to tell 9S, before addressing him.
"Look kid, the plan is simple. We will continue to drive the herd to the western border with the bombs while…"
"Me and my companion here, will keep the Tigrex occupied and maybe luckily slay it." finished the Garuga armored hunter.
"WHAT! You can't do that. I know you are both hunters, but you've been fighting all day and to face a Tigrex would be"—9S exclaimed before getting interrupted.
"Part of our job. You said it yourself kid we're monster hunters, its what we do." The Basarios armored hunter says as he turns 9S to face him. 9S could only look with shock from the stare the hunter was giving him. It was filled with determination to do what must be done and as hunters, it is what they all share that fuels them to protect others from the threats of monsters. With 9S understanding the message, the Basarios armored hunter puts a hand on 9S's shoulder.
"Besides, Kid. We need you and Jackass to finish the job and your bombs are better suited to drive those monsters out of town."
"We trust you to finish this for us. Trust us to give you the opportunity to do it." The Garuga armored hunter added as well.
Looking at both of the hunters 9S nods in understanding.
"Fine, but you guys better not die." He replied.
"Just when we're learning that Zinnia's kid more than a trouble making delinquent?" The Basarios hunter quip.
"Hey!"
"Not likely, we kinda want to see were this"—The Garuga armored hunter gestures at the entirely of 9S— "Is going." He finished.
"Should I be offended?" 9S response was met with laughter.
"Hey if you guys are done reassuring the kid, we still need to stop that Tigrex before it does anything else." Said Jackass.
"We're ready. You guys still got enough bombs to send the herd to the western border?" Both hunters questioned.
"Unless that Tigrex becomes more trouble for us to do our job. We still have enough bombs for the rest. Maybe even used them pass the chokepoint." Jackass chimed in as well.
"Good. We'll try to mount it to get its attention, then you guys use the opportunity to make a break for it and drive the herd away from the Tigrex as fast as possible." The Garuga armored hunter said as he draws his bows. His companion does the same readying his hammer.
"I'll get you guys as close as possible." Said Jackass as she maneuvers the cart near to the side of the Tigrex just short of its lashing tail.
The hunters ready themselves as Jackass ushers the Aptonoth to run further to align the cart with the Tigrex. Once aligned the hunters would jump and mount the monster and keep it at bay. Slowly the Aptonoth gains some ground while the Tigrex is still preoccupied with the herd right in front of it, not noticing a potential meal right beside it. The cart, now next to the Tigrex, is kept in a steady pace as the two hunters take a step back and prepare to Jump. Before they leap the Tigrex suddenly lets out another roar.
"GREEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOHHHHH!"
The hunters are push back with Jackass and 9S flinching from the roar. The cart suddenly swerves to the right as the Aptonoth is startled and to avoid the Tigrex as it leaps to the air expanding its wings and glides. The group watches as the monster flies in the air before it lands on a rooftop, crushing it before it begins to leap from roof top to roof top getting ahead of the cart and moving to the middle of the herd. The group can only watch in horror as they begin to realize what its gonna do.
"Its gonna cut off the middle!" Shouted the Basarios armored hunter.
"Shit! We can't reach it!" Jackass exclaimed.
The Tigrex continues to head to the middle and some monsters begin to notice its presence. The raptorial wyverns pick up more speed to outrun the herbivores beside them. The Bullfangos begin to rush ahead as well following the raptors and to avoid a grizzly fate from the Tigrex. The slower monsters like the Arzuros and the Aptonoths are left behind with the Tigrex more focus on the latter. It eyes a large member of the Aptonoth herd to single it out and leaps to another rooftop, only for it to collapse on its weight.
It sends out a panic shriek from the unexpected fall and the entire house falls like a landslide to the unexpecting monsters. The rubble falls on some unfortunate monsters burying them, while others avoid the impromptu landslide by the last second and continue to follow the rest of the monsters. Sadly, the rest of the monsters attempted to make an immediate stop that ended with hitting and tripping over each other, with some piling themselves on top of one another. Most those monsters where composed of Aptonoths and their sheer bulk created a block in the path. Leaving some monsters split from the rest on the other side of the monster pile to follow the herd and some to remain with their path block. The group can see from the other end of the path of what just happened and before anyone could react, the rubble where the house used to be exploded.
"GREEEEOOHHH!"
The Tigrex burst out with a roar and proceeds to face the herd, while the monster pile shaken by its presence attempt to untangle themselves and flee immediately. The Tigrex begins to stalk the monsters and gives fake lunges to spur them to run. The monsters reacted accordingly, with a Kut-ku first to respond and turn tail and run back straight to the cart where Jackass, 9S and the hunters are. The other monsters follow through with only one unlucky Aptonoth to fall victim to the Tigrex as it turned around, the pseudo-wyvern immediately pounce on top of it. It begins to feast on its prize while the monsters flee.
The hunters and 9S on the other hand, see the herd heading towards them. Frozen still with panic from the sheer mass of monsters that would run them over, only to snap out of it from a large explosion that stops the herd and sends them to a panic confusion.
"Stop lollygagging! and help me chuck these suckers at them! Maybe the stampede would drive the Tigrex off." Jackass shouted to the rest of the group.
Shaking themselves out of their thoughts, 9S and the hunters begin to throw more bombs to motivate the monsters and turn back. The bombs thrown continue to make an onslaught of explosions that did turn the herd back, but only to be met with the Tigrex again that aggressively attacks and lunges any monster getting near its prey. Some Velociprey and Ioprey are killed by the claw swipes by the wyvern. A Bullfango was bitten by the Tigrex and lifted from the ground. The Tigrex then throws the Bullfango back, hitting other Bullfangos. Other monsters were able to pass the Tigrex, only to be met by the slowly untangling monster pile. A Kut-ku hoots and shrieks for the pile to get moving before it barrels through it with several monsters following it. The burned Arzuros sees the Kut-ku's example and plans the same as it races past the Tigrex, miraculously avoiding the larger monster's strikes and smashes through the remaining monster pile. With the path unblocked, the other monsters that made it past the Tigrex followed the rest, while the disentangled pile flees with them afterwards. Unfortunately, the majority of the monsters are still being blocked by the Tigrex.
Seeing this as they continue to chuck bombs at the end of the herd, the two hunters face each other and nod. They suddenly leap off the cart, stopping 9S and Jackass from throwing more bombs.
"We'll distract the Tigrex and make an opening for the herd to go through, while you two follow the herd afterwards. Keep holding the line here, while you wait for it." The Basarios armored hunter tells them.
"Got it!"—Before 9S chucks one bomb to the center that explodes and splits the herd— "There's your opening!" He yelled at them.
Giving 9S a salute, the hunters use the opening given to them and head straight to the Tigrex while avoiding the other monsters in their way.
The Tigrex continues to aggressively defend its meal. Most of the monsters its facing are the raptorial wyverns and some Kut-kus. It thinks they are trying to claim its prize, not realizing they only want to go through it. One Velociprey attempts to move to its flank, only to be sent flying by a tail whip. Others began to jump and lunge at the Tigrex, who responds with a roar sending them flying back. A Kut-ku sends a fireball that nearly scorches its meal and in retaliation the Tigrex tosses rocks that strikes the Kut-ku, throwing it back and knocking it out. The Aptonoths could only huddle in fear waiting for the chance to escape or attempt to turn back only to meet a different type of obstacles through explosions. As the Tigrex continues its defense for its meal, lunging at any that dare get closer to itself, it hears a large yell coming from the herd. It turns to the source of the sound, only to be shot with an arrow that shatters upon contact to its scales. It flinches from the shot and turns to see where it came but is met by the blow of a large hammer to the head.
The Tigrex recoils from the strike and shakes its head to recover from the blow. It spots the two hunters right in front of itself, the Basarios armored hammer wielder and the Garuga armored bow user. The other monsters step away to avoid the approaching confrontation. The Bow user shoots more shots at the Tigrex, striking it on its neck and torso disorienting it, before sprinting to different spot, while the hammer wielder using the distraction slams his hammer on one of its forearms. The Tigrex in response lunges at the hunters, aiming to snap its jaws on either one of them. They dodge out of the way, with the hammer wielder recovering first before rushing to the Tigrex and gives it another blow to the head. The wyvern rears back from the blow, before its body is assaulted by more arrows shot by the bow user. Irritated, the Tigrex roars and proceeds to focus all of its attention to the hunters. It lunges to bite them and swings it claws to maimed them. The hunters would dodge both attacks, only to quickly roll out of the way as the Tigrex rears back one of its forearms and proceeds to smash its claws to the ground. It continues to try to harm them, by doing a 360-spin using its tail to whip them. The Basarios armored hunter was hit and was sent flying backwards colliding with some unfortunate Aptonoth that cushioned the blow. He proceeds to take out a potion before chugging it, feeling the tonic healing his injuries from the blow. The Garuga armored hunter in response shoots an arrow that hits the Tigrex head, nearly striking one of its eyes. The Tigrex's eyes turn red and gives out a roar.
"GREEEEEEOOOOHHHHHHHH!"
The Tigrex angered for nearly being blinded rushes the bow user, ignoring the other monsters trampling and squashing some of them under its feet. The Hunter dodges out of the way with a superman dive, leaving the Tigrex to rush past it. The pseudo-wyvern attempts to turn but is hinder by the Aptonoths in the vicinity, crashing to some them and tossing some aside.
"GREEEOOOHHHHHHHH!"
It roars, sending the other monsters fleeing in fear. With the Tigrex focus on the hunters and not blocking the path anymore, the rest of the monsters were able to flee and continue down the road, hopefully heading to the western section of the village.
9S and Jackass notice the herd moving and proceeds to throw 4 bombs that impacts the ground in front of the monsters facing them. This creates a large explosion that spurs the rest of the monsters to move past the Tigrex but provides a hinderance for the hunters fighting it. They would not only dodge the Tigrex but any monsters that would trample them if they got in their way. They were nearly doze over by some Bullfangos and Aptonoths and avoided some raptorial wyverns leaping over their head. The Tigrex didn't care and proceeds to attack both of the hunters, with some of its attacks killing some monsters unfortunate enough to be hit by its attacks.
Seeing an opening Jackass cracks the reigns for their cart to move pass the Tigrex with the rest of the herd. Seeing their companions move, the two hunters put more effort to keep the wyvern's attention to themselves. The Basarios armored hunter rushes at the Tigrex and dodges as it attempts to deliver a bite at him. He slams his hammer to its face before doing a 360-spin in place and delivers another blow to the head. The Tigrex coughs out blood from the blow, before suddenly delivering a headbutt to the hunter that throws him back rolling on the ground. The Garuga hunter attacks to cover for his comrade shooting the Tigrex, only for it to shrug off the arrows hitting it as it stampedes to the hunter's direction. The hunter risks a dive that sends him rolling under the Tigrex avoiding its massive feet and sending it crashing to another house that collapse on it.
"GO NOW!" Shouted the Basarios armored hunter to Jackass and 9S as the Tigrex lays under the rubble.
The last of the monsters move pass the hunters and the rubble, with the cart right behind them. The cart almost makes it pass them, until suddenly the Tigrex bursts out startling the Aptonoth pulling their cart. This time the cart swerves to the right and topples over, spilling 9S, Jackass and all of its contents. Luckily none of the bombs exploded prematurely. Unfortunately, their Aptonoth gets loose of its reigns and runs away from the area in panic.
"Jackass! 9S!" The Basarios armored hunter shouted seeing them get thrown off the cart.
Seeing the hunter distracted, the Tigrex swipes its claws at Basarios armored hunter, knocking him aside. The Garuga armored hunter shoots an arrow to gain the Tigrex attention and to keep it away from 9S, Jackass and his hunter companion.
"Ugghhhhh…****ing Tigrex…" Said Jackass groaning and as she gets up from their fall.
"This is bad." Said 9S as he gets up as well. He sees the cart destroyed and their Aptonoth gone. He scrambles to secure the remaining bombs they have, While Jackass does the same with their other equipment.
"We need to do something. Without the cart or an Aptonoth, we won't be able to herd the monsters." Said 9S, as he sees the two hunters keeping it distracted.
"I swear I'm this close to using all of our bombs to blow it sky high!" Jackass exclaimed, as she gatherers anything salvageable. Suddenly 9S tackles Jackass to the ground as three boulders pass by their heads, almost smashing them.
"****! Wish we could use the Tigrex instead! Let it do our job for us and just keep bombing the guy and let him chase the herd all the way out of YORHA!" Jackass yelled.
9S on the other hand, gets a realization from what Jackass said. He surveys the items they have on hand and sees there is still a number of bombs for their disposals. He then turns his attention to the hunters and sees them struggling at the raging Tigrex. Lucky for them the Tigrex couldn't charge since it would be difficult to turn without smashing another building and be buried again. Instead it puts more effort in lunging and smashing the hunters, with said hunters showing the signs of exhaustion for battling all day. The Tigrex attempts to bite the Basarios armored hunter, who dodges out of the way only for the Tigrex to spin and whips its tail sending him flying through a wall and inside a building. Before the Tigrex could finish him, the Garuga armored hunter shoots more arrows at its tail, back and arms. Irritated the Tigrex begins to attack the other hunter.
Seeing this, 9S stands up and begins to move quickly. He gets two pouches and fills them with the bombs Jackass and he created, enough that he could carry in person. He secures the pouches on himself and finds the crate where Jackass stored the bombs before. He gets a few more bombs and places them inside, while the rest of the bombs he puts it in another pouch and tosses it to Jackass who was staring at him. Catching the pouch snaps Jackass from her gaze and begins to wonder what 9S is doing, who is currently rummaging the rest of the fallen items from the cart.
"Kid what are you doing?" She asks, while 9S seems to have found something. He turns to Jackass and ask.
"Is this a flash bomb?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Good." He then turns his attention back to the crate with the bombs he placed earlier and begins to move near the center of the street. Jackass still couldn't figure what 9S is doing and before she asks, he asks her another question.
"If we are to drive the Tigrex away, how big an explosion do we need to do?"
"A big one. Why? Is this part of your plan you have in mind?"
"Sort of… But instead of just the entire body, can we just hit in areas that would make it panic or flee?"
"Yes. Possibly. Maybe the head and maybe even the tail."—Jackass begins to try and piece together what 9S is planning. She feels small piece of dread in her gut— "Wait are you really planning to make the Tigrex do our work for us?" She asks now getting a sense to stop 9S before he does something crazy and stupid.
"Well the cart is destroyed, and the hunters are getting exhausted. We only have enough bombs to either drive a herd of monsters or a large wyvern that could do it for us." He says, as he watches the hunters continue to fight the wyvern. He sees the rubble where the Tigrex burst out before and sees the fight getting closer to it.
"Kid what you are thinking is crazy! And even if we drive that brute away, we don't have any transportation to follow it and much less catch up with the herd!"
9S bites his lips in response, before turning his back to Jackass and stares at the scuffle between the hunters and the monsters.
"Does a Tigrex still flail around when a hunter mounts it?"
"What? All monsters do, but a Tigrex does go wild a bit more—" Realization dawns on Jackass— "kid… you're not planning to"—she gets cut off as the Garuga armored hunter is sent flying to their direction, with the blow from the Tigrex knocking off his helm. The hunter crashes on top of Jackass, with his Garuga cap rolling to 9S feet.
Eyeing the Garuga mask, 9S picks it up and faces Jackass who is currently under the unconscious hunter on top of her. Jackass looks up and stares at 9S, dreading what he is gonna do and pleads.
"9S, what you have in mind is reckless, stupid and dangerous! You can get killed and I for one don't want to bear the bad news to the others or tell them how you died riding a Tigrex!" She shouted.
"I know its insane but what choice do we have!"—He hears a pain yell and sees the Basarios armored hunter pinned under the one of the Tigrex claws pushing against it to not get crushed— "Trust me! And tell that hunter I'll return his helm after all of this is over!" 9S shouted to Jackass as he rushes over to enact his plan.
"NO STOP! 9S! SHIT! Wake up and get off of ME!" Struggled Jackass under the hunter, watching in fear and panic to what 9S is about to do.
The Basarios armored hunter struggles under the claws of the Tigrex, intending to squash him to bits. His hammer was thrown off his hand and he doesn't know where it is. Even if it was near him, he wouldn't be able to reach it for both of his hands are occupied in stopping the Tigrex from crushing him. His strength is waning and believes this is the end for him. The Tigrex begins to apply more pressure, only for an explosion to go off its back making it scream in pain and lifting its claw off the hunter. Seeing the opportunity, the hunter quickly rolls to the side and tries to spot who help him. At first glance, he taught it was his partner only to see his partners helm being worn by someone else. He realizes based on the light and short build of that person to be 9S who was wearing the Garuga mask and is shocked to his unexpected presence.
"9S! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!" He shouted at the boy also seeing a trace amount of fear on him, before he moves to recover and claim his weapon to stop 9S in whatever he is doing.
The Tigrex also turns hits attention on 9S, glaring at him for the unexpected attack. 9S himself begins to have second thoughts to his admittedly insane plan, but steels himself once the Tigrex focus on him. He thinks briefly of what 2B would do and imagines her staying cool and compose when facing a fierce adversary. With the roar of the Tigrex signaling its approach, 9S chucks the flash bomb he found right at it. It explodes blinding the Tigrex making it stop at its tracks.
Blinded the Tigrex takes as step back, with 9S using this opportunity to throw more of the custom bombs he has at it, aiming at the head or neck. Most of the bombs reach the Tigrex's neck and torso, with the head flailing too wildly for any of the bombs to hit. They explode upon making contact, sticking the smaller bombs on its body for the second bigger explosion. The Tigrex screams in pain and attempts to attack 9S but blinded by the flash bomb makes it hit only air as it doesn't know that 9S is out of its reach. For every explosion the Tigrex takes a step back, moving it to near the pile of rubble, where 9S wants it to be. Seeing it near rubble pile, 9S makes his way to it, while avoiding the claw strikes of the flailing Tigrex.
The effects of the flash bomb on Tigrex is fading away as it regains its eye sight. 9S making his way on top of the pile of rubble sees this and shouts to gets its attention.
"HEY!"
The Tigrex turns to the sounds and squints its eyes to see the source. 9S, now having a clear shot of the Tigrex's face, throws a bomb right at it. The initial explosion blasts the Tigrex face and before it retaliates in anger the second explosions happens. Feeling the force of the explosion point blank on the head topples the Tigrex. On the ground and nearly knockout by the attack, the Tigrex flails aimlessly.
"GREEEEOOOOH!"
It roars in pain from the burns of the explosion. Its head is left burned and ashen, with one its horn blown off. It is also unable to open its eyes from the stinging sensation as well. Seeing the opportunity, 9S makes a leap of faith towards the back of the Tigrex.
"What's happening?" The Garuga armored hunter, minus his helm asks waking up from the large explosions.
"Get off!" Jackass pushes him off and rushes to stand up to see what 9S is gonna do next. What she sees makes her freeze in both fear and panic.
"Hey… where is my helm…" The Garuga armored hunter stares as well on what is happening.
The Basarios armored hunter is too late to stop 9S and could only watch and stare with terror for the insane stunt 9S is gonna do.
Time seems to slow down for 9S, as he jumps to mount the Tigrex. He draws his carving knife; happy he didn't forget it earlier this morning and with a loud yell stabs it on the back of the Tigrex as he lands on top of it.
Feeling the foreign presences on its back and slight stinging pain of the stab, the Tigrex burst into action. It immediately stands upright roaring before it flails forward, panicking to 9S's presence on its back. Being blinded adds to its panic state as it attempts to dislodge him off its back. 9S was nearly thrown off by the initial jerk of the Tigrex but was able to hold on with his carving knife stabbed on the Tigrex back and continues to do so as it flails forward.
With no experience and hasn't been practically introduced to the concept of mounting a monster, 9S struggles to stay on the back of the Tigrex. He grabs whatever he can hold onto, besides his carving knife while he is positioned between the shoulders of the pseudo-wyvern. The Tigrex itself continues to buck and flail around to make 9S fall, its body smashing to some houses and its tail slapping some rubble. Jackass and the other two hunters find cover from the rampaging wyvern. Despite the rapid movement of his unwilling mount, 9S sees the Tigrex approaching the crate he places in the middle of the street. As they draw near, 9S with one hand is able to get one bomb on his hand from one of the pouches he is carrying.
Having silent prayer to lady luck, he chucks the bomb to the crate as the Tigrex approaches it. He timed his throw with the Tigrex's movement, so when the monster is over the crate, the thrown bomb would have made impact and make a large explosion. With the bomb thrown 9S braces himself so he wouldn't be blown off by the force of the explosion. The unknowing Tigrex didn't expect what was about to happen next to itself.
*BOOM*
A large explosion engulfs the Tigrex and 9S with a large smoke cloud shooting upwards to the sky. Jackass and the hunters fall to their feet from the force of the explosion. They get their bearings as they attempt to stand but pause as they see something churning in the smoke cloud. It was the Tigrex and they figure that the force of explosion sent it flying upwards. It clumsily falls before it gets up with its feet before running down the street roaring in pain. Its lower body is scorched and ashen in color, its tail is shown to be lit with small embers attached to it. From the stress of hunting, fighting the hunters, explosions and its blind predicament, the Tigrex has finally had enough and stampedes to leave the area. It runs despite being blinded and recklessly charges onwards in hopes of getting to a safe place to recover. Jackass panics when she spots no sign of 9S but is briefly settled when she sees him still on the back of the Tigrex.
9S was able to survive the explosion due to the Tigrex's body taking the brunt of the force and him clinging on its back when they were sent briefly upwards. He feels the Tigrex lands with his body bouncing a bit before it sprints down the street. He lifts his head to see his current situation and a bit happy that the Tigrex is finally heading to the direction of the herd and hopefully catch up to it. The first part of his crazy and insane plan has been accomplished and now, unfortunately, he is riding literally to the second part of his plan. To use the Tigrex to drive the rest of the monsters out of Yohra.
He hopes if he survives this, he would be able to take a long break or… find a liable excuse to 2B, Zinnia and the rest for his 'Insane ****ed up crazy Jaggi shit' plan. He could imagine hearing their angry yells right now as he continues to hold on his unwilling ride.
Back to the hunters and Jackass who recovered from the entire Tigrex debacle. The two hunters could only stare at Jackass who was both hyperventilating and panicking with 9S's current predicament.
"Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, SHIT!" She yelled.
"Did 9S just…?" The Garuga armored hunter starts.
"Mount a Tigrex and successfully forces it to be his unwilling ride to drive the monsters out of YoRHa…while wearing your helm?"
…
"Yes." The Basarios armored hunter deadpans, as there is too much going in his mind to have an appropriate reaction to what just happened.
"Wow… the kid got some Gravios size"—
"BALLS! I'm balls deep in the shit with what Zinnia's gonna do to me if she finds out what happens to 9S! OHhhhhhh… what those twins will do to me and their palicos as well…" Jackass exclaimed cutting the Garuga armored hunter from finishing his statement and whispering the last bit to herself. Shuddering at the thoughts of punishment from the entire Zinnia family, she turns to the two hunters.
"WHAT are you two doing just standing there! We got to go to 9S and STOP his insane ****ed up crazy Jaggi shit' plan!" She yells.
"Okay! We got it Jackass. But it's gonna be tough to reach 9S without a cart. The best we can do is meet up with other hunters and get a cart or head straight to the western border and tell them of the situation." The Garuga armored hunter said calmly with his arms raised to placate Jackass.
"Wait tell? No no no no no nonono… We can't TELL anyone." Jackass begins to panic more.
"Can't tell? Are you crazy? I don't understand"—The Basarios armored hunter said before getting cut off.
"What you don't understand that if we tell anyone, then Zinnia would find out." She starts to pace in front of the hunters.
"But—" The hunter tried to argue.
"And if she finds out that 9S got an idea to ride a Tigrex…" She doesn't hear him.
"Uh, Jackass?" The Garuga armored hunter tries to get her attention.
"And use it to drive all the monsters off of YoRHa…" Jackass doesn't hear him either.
"Jackass!" The Basarios armored hunter said in more urgency.
"Because of misinterpreting words, I said…" She doesn't stop her pacing.
"Jackass you should really turn around—" The Garuga armored hunter tries again to no results.
"She is gonna hold me responsible!"—She pauses and realizes—"Which I am!"
"Jackass you should stop before you—" The Basarios armored hunter makes one last attempt. She instead faces the hunters to punctuate her point.
"Do you know what she is gonna do to ME! She. Is. Going. To—"
"I'm going to do what Jackass?" A chilling but sweet voice stops Jackass from finishing her sentence.
Jackass' eyes go wide, and she feels a chill going down her spine as well from the tone of the voice. She looks at the hunters, who have wide eyes as well. They first look at her, then behind her emphasizing that someone is behind her. Someone she knows and dreads if she ever receives her ire. And in this case, she rightfully does. With small bead of sweat pouring down from her face, Jackass swallows and turns around to meet this someone.
No matter how slow Jackass is and try to delay the inevitable, she finally turns around completely and pales when she sees the sight before her. At that moment, Jackass could only react and utter the first line in her head.
"Oh **** me."
Author's notes:
Hello! Thanks for reading until the end. I know I said that the last chapter and this would be the end of this introductory arc, but it got a bit long. So, I decided to add another chapter to finish this arc and then we can go to the main story proper. Hopefully it would be the last.
Also, I am happy to know that there are people who are following this story and I thank you for having interest in this crossover and the story in general. I hope despite the long time for me to update this story, you guys will still stay for the ride.
Thanks again! And see you in the next update!