NieR: MHST

by Destress98life

In a world full of monsters and hunters fighting to keep a delicate balance. A boy makes a discovery of a life time that changes his life and makes an unlikely friendship his world has never seen. Secrets are revealed and worlds expand in this journey of bonds and kinship. Pairs include 2B/9S & A2/4S. Rated M for future chapters and mild gore. (Chapter 1 rewritten.)

5. Chapter 5

Author's notes:

Hello! The chapter is here!

Enjoy.

*Edit 07/2019

Fix some typos...maybe edited some text a bit and change Yohra to YoRHa.

I feel so Embarassed that I didn't notice I missspelled it.

Okay! Enjoy all these slightly revised chapters.

---

"Okay…calm down 9S, you can do this. You just have to—SHIT!"

9S crouches as the Tigrex barrels through an abandon cart filled with what supposes to be dinnerware. The cart and its contents were smash to bits, with the debris flying all over the place. 9S shielded himself from a few stray shards of broken plates, as he continues to hold on the Tigrex. He brings himself up from his crouch and continues to look at the street while riding the Tigrex.

Some time has passed from mounting the monster, leaving Jackass and the other hunters. 9S is still riding the Tigrex, without falling over through the streets of YoRHa and hopes to reach the herd and continue to drive them to the choke point. Maybe even out of YoRHa as well if he is lucky. He is able to crudely maneuver the Tigrex by occasionally throwing bombs on approaching turns to make it go wherever he needs it to turn and for motivation for it to continue running by throwing some bombs behind them. Being blinded, the sounds of the explosion feeds the panic state the Tigrex is in and signals it to get away from its explosive pursuer, not knowing that it is 9S.

"It was supposed to be a simple plan…" He begins to talk to himself as he continues to hold on to its back.

"To drive all the monsters with the bombs me and Jackass created…" He sees a right turn and begins to pluck another bomb from one of the pouches he is carrying.

"But NOOOOO…. you appeared and made everything more complicated." He throws the bomb, angling it so it would land and explode at the left side and make the Tigrex turn to the direction he desired. There was a house in front of them and before the Tigrex collides with it, the second explosion goes off and the Tigrex turns out of fear and panic. It doesn't want to get anymore burns nor get hurt while it is still blind and vulnerable. 9S tightens his hold on his carving knife as the Tigrex movement almost sends him off its back.

"GREEEOOOHHH!"

"You just barge in! Roaring and smashing at everything and including my chance in saving the village!" He continues to rant despite the Tigrex's roar. The Garuga helm he borrowed helps in mitigate the monster's loud roar.

"The bombs I designed were working! Working! It didn't get any hunters stuck in sticky traps or cause the village to be invaded by Thunder bugs and Gargwas!" He proceeds to get another bomb from the pouch.

"The one time something I made, didn't screw up!" He chucks the bomb behind him— "Something else entirely ruins everything!" The explosion goes off, motivating the Tigrex to move faster and further away from it.

"You know? Maybe I'd get a reward or even convince the guild or the commander to let me move up and advance in some of my hunting training…" Despite the rough ride he is experiencing, 9S is getting use to the Tigrex's movement, especially with the Tigrex not bucking anymore. He is able to remove his carving knife from the back of the Tigrex, the monster not noticing due to its panicked state.

"So, I can stay with 2B little bit longer before she leaves and be a hunter…" He whispers the last part to himself. He doesn't know where the thought came from but doesn't pause to ponder about it and instead moves to straddle the base of the Tigrex's neck to secure himself more comfortably and still be able to hold on and chuck bombs.

The Tigrex continues to run down the street passing some destroyed houses or trampled carts. 9S himself doesn't notice any of the scenery nor how he is getting more at ease riding the wyvern. 9S would continue to throw bombs and Tigrex would either roar or increase its speed, with 9S simply holding on to its neck with both of his hands. For a while this scenario continues as 9S continues his previous train of thought.

"I mean with her, Zinnia, the pods and A2, they're only family I have for the past 2 non-amnesia years. Once this year finishes, she'll be finished with her hunting training. She'll be out more for real quests and maybe even leave the village!" He continues to talk even as he sees another turn and tosses another bomb.

"Leaving me—WOAH!— behind..." The Tigrex turns while 9S simply crouches to so his hands can wrap on the Tigrex's neck.

"I mean she can visit but I want to be there with her and give support. Maybe repay her for all the things she has done for me and being there for me for the past 2 years. You know… I want to be there with her like she has been for me." 9S continues to talk to himself and his unwilling mount. Not that the Tigrex is listening or bothers to care about his unwilling rider but at least for 9S, it takes his mind off a bit from his current predicament.

"Now that I think of it as well, 2B isn't the only one leaving?" Another turn, another bomb tossed.

"GREEEEOOOHHHHHH!" The Tigrex roars in panic from the explosion on its right side, while 9S continues to talk about his insecurity of 2B leaving for her hunting career.

"I mean yeah… I guess Pod 42 would leave as well, but he has this dynamic with Pod 153 that none of us dare to break apart! I think Pod 153 would feel lonely when he is gone too." The Tigrex turns to the left and growls at its invisible pursuer.

It feels that wherever it goes it would still be right behind it. It bets that it could hear it chattering.

9S sees another turn and this time chucks to the left. The bomb lands and explodes while the Tigrex turns to the right.

"GREEEOOOOHHH!" It roars in panic for it felt the heat slightly from the explosion.

"And A2 as well is leaving. I mean she can be a pain, but we do get along sometimes. She is fun to tease especially when she shows her soft side, which she tries hard to deny. She also vouched for me that I can handle myself, so I was able to go to the woods by myself with pod. And who else can I listen to and talk smack about the commander with, when she's gone?" He tosses another bomb behind them.

"GREEOOH!" The Tigrex gives a shriek.

"Huh guess I'll miss her too. Then once she is gone with 2B and Pod 42, it will just be me, Zinnia and Pod 153." He contemplates as he holds on to the Tigrex for it doubles in speed after hearing the explosion behind it.

"Maybe what I'm trying say is that"—

He drops his head a bit and whispers to himself.

"It's going to be a bit lonely without them... I mean I think it won't be hard to get use to… I was already alone when I first came here…"

"GRRREEEEEOOOOOHHH!"

The Tigrex roars, snapping 9S from his thoughts. He sees the herd right in front of them and it must have been the reason why the Tigrex roared, to warn any monster to get out of its way. Not because he was talking to himself and telling him to focus… that would be weird and meant it was listening to him.

"Wait…Why am I rambling to a monster? It's not like it would know what I'm going through. Ugghhhhh… STOP! Focus 9S! C'mon!" 9S said finally snapping to his senses.

He chucks two bombs behind the Tigrex and the explosions made it move faster. Though the boost in speed was too sudden and 9S nearly falls, only to hold on to the neck at the last second.

"Woooooaaaaaahhhh!"— He sees that he almost fell face first at the street— "Why did I think this was a good idea?!"—He returns to his original position— "Was it because so I can impress 2B? Impress Commander White and the other leaders? Or see A2's shock face." He says to himself as he continues to ride on the Tigrex and notice the street before them is straight with no turns. 9S realizes he is approaching the edge of the western border with the stampede, him and the Tigrex.

"Well… for whatever reason, I'm here now and I'm going to finish it." 9S resolves as he makes this declaration.

"And like it or not Mister Tigrex, you're gonna help me see this through." He chucks another bomb behind them. The resulting explosions made the Tigrex roar.

"GREEEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!"

Hearing the explosions and the Tigrex's roar, some of the monsters in the herd take a look back. They see the burnt Tigrex and a glimpse of the explosions behind it. Seeing this, the monsters reacted accordingly, they hooted, shriek and roared to the rest of the herd about the return of the Tigrex and the exploding rocks, telling them to pick up the pace.

The herd picks up speed with 9S and the Tigrex following right after them. Despite the dust obscuring his view, 9S can still tell which direction the herd is heading and know where the turns are to maneuver the Tigrex. An added bonus for 9S is that whenever he chucks a bomb to signal the Tigrex to turn, it affects the other monsters as well keeping them moving.

9S feels the wind on his face and rushing past him as he rides on. It seems everything is going well for 9S, despite his unusual predicament. The herd and the Tigrex are moving with a steady pace and 9S notices that they've already arrived in the western section of the village.

9S can't help but feel a slight satisfaction to what he is doing and seems to be getting exhilarated from the fact that he is driving the herd single handedly, while riding a ****ing Tigrex.

The last thought stays and he realizes that he, 9S, the village troublemaker is riding a Tigrex; He is riding a Tigrex around the village; He is riding a Tigrex around the village while herding a mass of monsters to leave the village. With bombs.

The thought sets itself in 9S mind and makes him realize what he is doing is… is… AWESOME. Insane… but still AWESOME. 9S feels like a badass right now and can't help but to let all his feelings and excitements out.

"WOOOOOOHHHHOOOOOOO!" He shouts in the stampede.

He gets another bomb and notices that he is down to his last pouch. Though he doesn't mind and chucks the bomb behind him. The explosion goes off and the Tigrex gives another roar in response.

"GREEEEEEOOOHHHHH!"

"YEEEEEHAAAAAAAAW!" 9S screams in tandem with the Tigrex as it rears its neck slightly to roar. 9S was tempted to swing the helm he has right now into the air to emulate some hunters who rode monsters like they were in a rodeo. He doesn't, knowing he won't able to tolerate the roars without it but instead just lifts one arm swinging in the air.

The Tigrex continues to drive the herd further to their destination. Some who are lagging behind would only need to see the Tigrex to motivate to move faster, others not having any energy left would collapse and get trampled by the Tigrex and not getting up afterwards. On these cases 9S would feel the Tigrex buck from the mild annoyance to the unknown obstacle that it had to trample. He just chuckles and laughs, finding the small bumps and bounces amusing and part of the ride.

Now enjoying the fact that he is riding the bane of hunters across YoRHa and the overall moment. The thrill he gets excites him and continues to yell at monsters to keep moving and would chuck some bombs for explosions to motivate them to keep running.

"Yeah! That's right keep on running! All the way out of YoRHa!"

"GREEEEEOOOOHHHHH!" His unwilling steed would roar as well whenever it feels something in front of it to get out of the way or move faster unless it wants to get trampled.

He hopes he would never forget this feeling of rush and excitement and decides that this will be one of the most epic and memorable moments in his life. At least if he survives this ordeal, he doesn't want this to be the last and only epic moment in his life. But if it is, at least he went out in a bang.

As the stampede approaches the checkpoint were the rest of the hunters would meet and proceed the final phase of the plan. He wonders if Jackass and the other hunters are okay or if they headed there as well.

'Meh they're fine' 9S thought.

---

"What. The. Hell. JACKASS! Why did you let him do this, this, this… INSANE ****ED UP CRAZY JAGGI SHIT PLAN!" Yelled Zinnia as she cracks the reigns on their rapidly speeding cart.

Zinnia and her group met up with Jackass, just as she was panicking in front of the hunters. The sight Jackass turned too, not knowing who was listening to her panic rant, was the full of members of the group, each with various range of murderous intent. The biggest was coming from both Zinnia and 2B, with Zinnia smiling sweetly at Jackass and 2B drawing her longsword. Pod 153 was a close second from the two, who was also distraught from knowing what was happening to her Meowster. Pod 42 and A2 had unreadable expression but still holds the same promise of pain. It took a simple gesture from 2B, with her long sword, to make Jackass spill all the beans.

Their murderous aura turned to one of concern and worry after Jackass told them 9S's plan. 2B's face turned a bit paler than usual and Zinnia almost fainted onto the ground if weren't for A2 catching her. Much yelling happened afterwards but did not escalate because of the two hunters pointing out that they should work together and help 9S.

The hunters were surprised and shocked that Jackass and 9S lied to them yet didn't go in outrage from the deceit and only became mildly annoyed, since they did suspected that they were not telling the truth and did enjoy their brief time working together with the two. They shared their part of the story and told of their success in driving the monsters off with Jackass and 9S's bombs and ask how they found them. The group told them they were following the bomb explosions in hopes of meeting them and warn them of the unknown monster in the village.

Sadly, they were too late and learned from Jackass and the hunters that it was a Tigrex… with 9S currently mounted on it. Zinnia instructed the hunters to head back to the guild, despite their protest of going with them and help 9S. Zinnia seeing that they are injured, exhausted, and the cart couldn't carry them all, instructed them to tell Commander White of these recent developments. The hunters knowing the chief was right, reluctantly followed her orders, knowing that the guild should know what is happening before the herd reaches the choke point. Though Zinnia sees that they are understandably apprehensive of telling White, knowing of her reaction. Splitting up, the hunters headed back to the guild while Zinnia and the rest, with Jackass who tried to escape with the hunters, got on the cart and headed to 9S's direction.

"You should have stop him." Said 2B.

"I'm sorry I didn't know he would do that! Much less take my sarcasm as an Idea!" Responded Jackass who was clinging to the speeding cart, while avoiding the glares of the other occupants.

"ITS 9S! An Idea is always an idea to him if it makes sense! You know how he is when something gets his attention!" Said Zinnia.

"Yeah… hard to stop him when something gets stuck in his head." Said A2.

"You should have stop him." Said 2B again.

"I would have really! And why did you let him off your sights in the first place?!" Said Jackass.

"Because He said he'll work and help in the research center. The research center! A secured place where even his shenanigans can be contained! Where your shenanigans can be contained and keep him safe from all of this!" Zinnia gestures the destroyed scenery their in as the cart continues to run down the street.

"Wait you let him go?!" Said A2.

"What? He promised he'll stay out of trouble and he would be under supervision!" Told Zinnia.

"You wouldn't have thought that… I don't know… He'd considered JACKASS as supervision!" A2 Exclaimed.

"I did, I did but 9S is smart enough to not consider Jackass as official authority!" Zinnia exclaimed.

"Hey!" Said Jackass offended.

"You should have stop him." Said 2B.

"Yes, 2B I heard the first time."—Jackass said to 2B, growing a bit irritated— "Well what did you expect the kid would do in a research center for hunting monsters. Craft healing items or bombs to drive them away and save the village? I mean in hindsight you know what he would choose." Said Jackass to Zinnia.

This made the group to pause and think for a minute.

"She's got a point chief." Said A2.

"Agreed… I think it was not wise to send 9S by himself to the research center during a time of crisis like this one Meowster." Said Pod 42.

"But I—" Zinnia tries to say something.

"Pod 42 says the truth Meowster Zinnia. Not that I say this out of disrespect but this one is on you Meowster." Pod 153 said to the chief.

"2B you don't think I—" Zinnia turns her attention to 2B.

"You should have stop him." Said 2B.

"I should have stopped him…" Zinnia responds dejectedly.

"Hey, if we are being all honest here none of us would have expected what he was going to do." Said Jackass.

"Except YOU! Why did he craft bombs!? And why did you agree to help him with one of his Ideas!" Zinnia wailed to the apparent fact that 9S collaborated with Jackass.

"Yeah! And keeping it behind our backs as well!" Shouted A2.

"Agreed this is unwise even for a person with your stature." Said Pod 42.

"Possible she told Meowster to keep it a secret to avoid commander White from learning of it." Said Pod 153.

"You should have stop him, when he came to you! No, you should have told us any of this so we would have prevented it!" Said 2B with her growing displeasure evident to the rest.

"That's exactly why I decided to keep it a secret, since White would have stopped us. Besides, it was a really good idea!" Jackass replied while flinching a bit from 2B.

Zinnia and 2B could only stare at her in disbelief. Even the other occupants stared at her as well.

"…at that time. I mean it was a really well-designed explosive with many practical uses." Jackass sheepishly admits from all the looks she was getting. The group could only groan in response from Jackass's answer. She then changes her expression to more serious one.

"Look what's done is done. We can't change the fact that 9S is currently riding a Tigrex using it to herd the monsters out of YoRHa. The best we can do is try to stop him…" She then bites her lip hesitating.

Jackass was thinking if the next thing she would say would garner a similar reaction she received when she met Zinnia's group a while back. The others are waiting expectantly.

"or… Not stop him at all?"

"WHAT!"— 2B shouted in anger and surprise, breaking a bit of her stoic expression.

"WAIT! Just listen…" Jackass raised her arms to give her time to explain and before letting the others voice their displeasure.

"9S said we only have enough bombs to drive a herd of monsters or a large wyvern that could do it for us. Like it or not the kid had a point. I knew his plan was dangerous, heck I agree it was insane when I realize what he was planning to do but right now if you notice. Somehow, he is doing it and its working. We haven't seen a single monster left behind or hiding in the streets as we keep moving."

This made the group pause and realize that Jackass was speaking the truth.

"If we try to herd the monsters with what White and you all agreed upon, we would be expending more resources, maybe even more causalities and more damages in the village. We can't just ignore this opportunity and waste it. Stopping it might also lead to a bigger disaster with an angry Tigrex. Besides it will be like dealing two Kut-ku's with one stone, less hunters would get harm in the process and the village is spared of anymore damages." Said Jackass trying to let them see the point 9S was telling her before as they continue to drive down the street.

"Except for all the damages from the explosions and 9S risking his life." Said 2B while staring at Jackass in anger.

"True, true… but 9S is a tough and brave kid. Not lot of people are brave enough to jump on the back of Tigrex nor use it to herd a group of monsters." Said Jackass.

"More crazy than brave in my opinion." Muttered A2.

"Besides I think we all know that its too late to stop this and do you really think you can get him off that Tigrex in a middle of a stampede?" She asks the group questioning them.

Silence enveloped the group. Both 2B and A2 had their eyebrows furrowed and were making eye contact with each other having a silent conversation. The pods as well were in deep thought. Zinnia, even while driving the cart, had an unreadable expression. Jackass remained silent while the group continues to think. It lasted for a few minutes before Zinnia cracks the reins and turns the cart to another direction.

"Jackass is right" Said Zinnia, shocking Jackass and the rest of the group from her statement and the sudden change of direction of the cart.

"What? Zinnia you can't be serious?" Said 2B.

"Meowster are you sure?" Said the pods simultaneously

"Oh boy." Said A2 who places a palm on her face, dreading what might happen next.

"Look the monster herd is being chased by a Tigrex, with 9S riding and leading it. We've been traveling for a while and we have not reach him, maybe even not be able to reach the herd at this pace. Jackass is right that we haven't seen any monsters except the crush corpses or seen any sign of his plan failing. And if it did, we would have seen a rampaging Tigrex chasing 9S. We can't change that fact and we have no means to get him off it nor I would think he'll be willing to get off it until all the monsters are out of the village."

2B was about to retort only to be stopped by Zinnia as she continues to explain.

"His plan is crazy, and I agree it's insane as it sounds but right now, it could be our best course of action to safety lead all the monster out without risk of having a monster fight in the village grounds." Said Zinnia that brought different reactions from the group.

"You're not just gonna let his plan go on like this? Please Zinnia…we can still make it to 9S and try to figure out another way." Asked 2B, pleading to Zinnia.

"I agree with 2B, it is too dangerous for Meowster and I doubt he would be able to survive unless we get him off that monster as soon as possible" Said Pod 153 who is worried as well for 9S.

"I disagree with both of your notions." Said Pod 42 getting the attention of Pod 153 and 2B. A2 on the other hand was silent and in deep thought.

"Pod 42? Surely you can see the danger 9S is in." Said 2B to her assigned palico.

"I do not, since his presence or predicament is not currently present to us."—This earned him a glare from 2B—"But 9S is capable of handling himself on his own without weapons and has displayed the beginnings of a hunter's physical prowess even before he started training with Anemone."

"Yes, capable of fleeing and avoiding monsters. Yet this is entirely different, you're suggesting that Meowster can pull off his insane plan while riding a Tigrex.?" Inquired Pod 153.

"Yes …albeit with a small chance of success but I also agree with the chief and believe that his plan is the best course of action to efficiently drive the monsters out of YoRHa. It is risky but knowing 9S, he would have thought of the risks before jumping into his crazy plan and may have preemptive measures to get out of it alive." Said Pod 42.

"You can't be serious pod. How can we know he has one? Jackass said he just made it on the go! We are risking the village's survival on 9S's life!" 2B shouted.

"Look, 2B I know how worried you are, I am too! But what choice do we have? Either way we can't stop him right now and all we can do is try to reach him and keep looking for the right moment to get him back. I'm heading to a short cut and try to reach the western checkpoint so we can regroup with the other hunters and plan to extract 9S from the Tigrex once all of this is over. That is an order." Zinnia said trying to placate 2B.

2B can't believe from what she was hearing and was about to retort only to feel a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey sis… I know you don't like this; I don't like it either. To be honest I'd like to know what made 9S do his 'Insane ****ed up Crazy Jaggi shit plan' as well but it's happening right now, and we can't change that." A2 said seriously while talking to 2B.

"Besides have some faith on 9S. I'll admit he is one tough kid. He goes to the Whistill forest like its stroll for him despite being infested with monsters." Said A2 trying to assure 2B.

"But this is different." She says.

"Yeah... it is but you know him more than anybody else here that he always has plan and he wouldn't have done it unless he is sure it would work… well in his head."

"But not all of his plans work, and I know right now he doesn't have plan to get himself out. He's smart but sometimes he just jumps into things without thinking ahead!" 2B retorts.

"Yeah true… but who does he trust and can rely on when they don't work? Or who got his back when he knows he's done something stupid." A2 said.

This made 2B pause for a second and thought about what A2 said.

"You."—She points at 2B— "Look, maybe he did jump into this without thinking ahead, but maybe he did… knowing because we'll figure out a way to get him back. He always counts on us as backup anyway, if he didn't then he wouldn't have kept pestering us to be there on every single shenanigan he does. Either we be there to be the first to respond when something goes wrong or to help him out and make sure no one gets hurt."

2B closes her eyes to address her thoughts, while A2 looks on waiting for reply. She adds another statement that may help make her sister's decision.

"Besides, it'll be easier to catch him with all the monsters out. How else would we get an explanation and beat the shit out of him if he ends up leaving with that Tigrex out of YoRHa." She says while smirking seeing 2B loosens her shoulders and relents.

"I am going to give an earful to him after all of this is over. Maybe do something else just to drive it in his head how idiotic he is!" 2B says as she opens her eyes.

"Yeah you will. You'll be first in line to scold him for doing something so insane." A2 chuckles finally getting 2B to relent. She also thinks that 9S should better be prepared once all of this is over.

Pod 42 looks at Pod 153 to see if she would have anymore complaints. She only looks back and nods in understanding as well, not liking the current course of action but knows they currently can't stop 9S's plan.

"Yeah, punish him or guilt him for always cleaning his messes." Said Jackass with glee only to be met by intense glare from 2B.

"You're still in the doghouse." Said 2B as she still considers Jackass the main cause of 9S's predicament.

"Okay…" Jackass said while raising her hands in defeat.

"Don't think I won't tell White of what you did either Jackass" Said Zinnia as well.

"Of course." Jackass says to herself dejectedly, knowing of the consequence.

"It seems that we are all in an agreement with our current course of action and I must say we must pick up the pace if we ever plan to meet the hunters in the western checkpoint before 9S." Said Pod 42.

"Okay everybody hold on!" Said Zinnia before she cracks the reigns making the Aptonoth move faster to their new destination. Everybody braces themselves as the cart speeds up.

"Should have stop him before meeting Jackass. Break his legs to not escape." Muttered 2B to herself, as she looks on ahead giving focus on the road.

---

The hunters stationed from the western section have finally been able to drive the rest of the monsters to the choke point. Arriving earlier and learning of the current situation from the other hunters present during the start of the crisis, they were able to formulate a strategy with their numbers and team work to herd the monsters out while waiting for the arrival of the chief and her entourage.

Waiting as well if they were able to apprehend Jackass and 9S. They continue to press the monsters to flee while waiting for the remaining monsters lingering at the north and herd them as well to the choke point.

As some hunters prepare for the coming herd, sharpening their weapons with whetstones or recovering their injuries with some potions, they began to feel the rumble on the ground. Some of the still intact houses as well were shaking with some rubble falling to the ground. The hunters knowing that this is a sign of the impending approach of the monsters from the north, ready themselves and draw their weapons to confront their would-be adversaries. As the ground rumbles, getting stronger in each second the hunters can't help feeling a bit of trepidation.

As they begin to hear some roars and calls, they notice some human voices yelling as well. They believe it is the other hunters stationed near the border fighting the monsters to get them to leave to their direction. That thought becomes disbelief as they see the same hunters from the borders fleeing, some on their carts and others on foot running at full speed with the power of a mega dash juice. They could hear them yelling and screaming to run or get out of the way, with them feeling a bit skeptical until they see what was chasing the hunters behind them.

"Get out it's a stampede!"

"They're coming our way!"

It was a large stampede of monsters of all kinds and they notice as well that some were ashen in color with burnt hides. They herd hooted, shriek and roared in panic manners. Realizing the stampede headed their way, the rest of the hunters begin to turn tail and run. The approaching stampede forced some hunters to get on their carts, while others too late in climbing aboard would dive out of the street into houses or alleys avoiding the stampede of monsters.

Now out of the way of the stampede, the hunters in the houses and alleys can witness the full bulk of monsters within the stampede. The herd was composed of Aptonoths, Bullfangos, Raptorial wyverns of velociprey and Iopreys, Yian Kut-kus and small groups of Arzuros. They also notice the different injuries some of the monsters had.

An Iodrome and a Velocidrome with their shattered crests.

Aptonoths with burnt skin.

A Bulldrome with its burnt backside.

Yian Kut-kus with their frill like fans broken.

And the most bewildering was an Arzuros that had most of its fur burned off.

It was a sight to see especially seeing monsters in a frenzied panic with burn injuries running from something. As the dust settles, they noticed a Velociprey trip and fall to the ground. It tries to get up only for a large paw crushing it. The hunters go wide eye at what they saw passing them and killing the raptorial wyvern as the large figure charges following the stampede of monsters.

"GRRRREEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOHHHHHH!" The monster bellows.

"What the ****…."

"Holy SHIT!"

"Why didn't anybody report about this!?"

Some of the hunters that had a good look of it realize it was a Tigrex… with a severely burnt body. It was roaring at the herd and trampling anything that falls on its path. They were shocked to find it here in the village chasing the herd. They also saw something even more perplexing on the Tigrex. It was an individual wearing a Garuga mask for gunners riding on the Tigrex itself. They couldn't believe their eyes of what they are seeing. Despite the noise from the monsters, they could also hear the individual shouting and laughing as well.

"YEEEEEEHHHAAAAAWWW! That's right keep running!" Shouted the mysterious figure riding on top of the Tigrex.

"Is he insane?!" Shouted one hunter.

"Who is this guy?!" said another hunter.

They see, what now they consider a lunatic riding on the Tigrex, throw something behind him and the Tigrex. The hunters where not sure what he's thrown, only to learn instantly that it was a bomb that exploded right in front of them. They gawk at the size of the explosion as the smoke completely reaches the sky. Further pass the smoke the hunters could hear the fading sound of laughing from the crazy lunatic and the roars of the Tigrex.

As the remaining hunters gather themselves dumbfounded on what they just witness, they hear the telltale signs of cart. They turn to see it was the chief Zinnia, her group and Jackass. The hunters notice that 9S was not with them as the carts comes to a full stop with Zinnia immediately asking of the situation.

"What happened here!?"

"Chief. The monsters from the northern section arrived and bulldoze through the streets as a stampede." Said one hunter.

"And of the other hunters?" She inquired.

"The hunters before us where fleeing from the stampede on their carts, while the rest of us that couldn't got out of the way instead. We witness that the herd was full of monsters with burn injuries—" Another hunter says to Zinnia.

"That would be because of Jackass"—She cuts in and gesture at Jackass behind the cart, who waved lightly at the rest of the hunters— "She was able to drive the monsters with her custom-made bombs."

"By herself?" One hunter asks.

"With help"—She grimaced as she said that line— "And two other hunters I sent back to the guild." Zinnia responds.

"Well that explains one thing…" Said one hunter, which made Zinnia raise her eyebrows.

"Wait… what else can you tell me? What else did you see?" Zinnia said to the hunters, with dread pulling into her stomach.

"Well… we saw what was driving the herd…"

"A pretty burnt Tigrex…"

"With a craze lunatic riding on its back laughing and throwing bombs!"

Other hunters say to Zinnia, who's eyes go wide.

"Craze Lunatic?! Where did he go! How long was he last here! Tell ME!" She shouted at the hunters.

Panicking from the chief's outburst the hunters quickly told her that he was here just moments a go and was following the herd. They pointed out the black cloud of smoke rising from the ground, giving them the sign that he was here. Without missing a beat, Zinnia commands the hunters to return to the guild or follow her by finding any available cart and sound an alarm for the other hunters to disengage and avoid the stampede and the masked lunatic on the Tigrex.

"Any hunter you meet along the way, take them back to the guild and inform the commander. Send a warning signal, flare or even use some hunting horns to sound to disengaged and that we are entering the final phase. Me and my group will follow the herd to the chokepoint!"

"Wait you're going to follow him!?" One hunter asks.

"Yes. It seems our plan just got a bit complicated with the Tigrex and that person." She said as she secures her place at the cart, giving a small glare to Jackass while at it and the others begin to brace themselves for the ride.

"So, you know him!" Another hunter says.

"Of course I know him, its 9S! Now get out of the way and follow my instructions and head back to the guild!" Zinnia shouts as she cracks the reigns making the Aptonoth move and head straight pass the black smoke billowing from the ground.

The rest of the hunters, stupefied, remained standing on their spot for few moments before deciding to follow the chief's orders and all rushed to get back to the guild quickly to warn the commander and tell her of these new developments.

They hope the day wouldn't get any crazier.

As the monsters before him continue to run and the Tigrex he is riding continues to chase them, 9S's plan continues smoothly. The stampede has pass streets upon streets with 9S's continuous explosive motivations. He is not sure if the stampede grew bigger with the other monsters that were in the western section being driven out by the hunters. But judging from the screams and panicked yells of the hunters almost trampled by the stampede, and luckily none that have been, 9S can safely guess that he maybe herding all the monsters from both the western and northern sections of the village. He recognizes that he would be approaching the guild soon where the chokepoint would be and is happy that all of this would be over soon. Though sad that his joy ride would end.

The many reactions of the hunters from seeing a 'lunatic' riding a Tigrex was priceless and he would never the forget the look on their helms err… maybe body language of their shock expressions. He wonders if A2's expression would be the same or if she would be speechless. He chuckles at the thought only for another chilling one to enter his mind. With the chokepoint nearing, all the monsters would be led to a single path made by the commander's team. It would just be one straight path to the southern exit of the village. Which is good for 9S, since he is running out of bombs to make the Tigrex turn but bad news for him that he doesn't have a plan to get off of the wyvern once he out of the village. He would be stuck as a sitting hunter on top of a panicking and stampeding Tigrex with no way of stopping it.

Panicking and trying to think of ways to get off, he gets an idea to force the Tigrex to stop by throwing a bomb in front of them and let it buck and send him flying behind its back. But knows that it would leave him vulnerable for a rough landing without someone to catch him and be expose to the stampeding wyvern if its reaction would make it turn around. If only there was a way for him to break his fall or something to catch him.

"…9…. S!"

"…9... S!"

"9S!"

Before he thinks of another way to get off of the Tigrex, he hears his name being called. A bit bewildered of hearing his name, he tries to pinpoint were the voice is coming from. He listens more intently and hears that it is actually a multitude of voices calling to him.

"9S!"

"Kid!"

"Nines!"

"Meowster!"

"9S you boob!"

He tries to zone out the grunts of the monsters and the growls of the Tigrex and realizes it's coming behind him. He turns his head a bit to look behind and sees a cart. He squints his eyes to see who is calling and following him. His expression turns to one of joy realizing who the occupants of the cart are… only to swiftly turn it to one of dread after realizing who the occupants are.

Another chilling thought enters his mind, realizing another debacle awaits him once his Joyride is over. Explaining his actions to 2B and the rest.

---

"9S!"

"Kid!"

"Nines!"

"Meowster!"

"9S you boob!"

"I don't think he can hear all of you at this distance" Said Pod 42 to his companions.

Zinnia and the rest of the group were able to catch up to the herd and are just right behind 9S and the Tigrex he is riding. They are trying to call his name to get his attention. They weren't able to make it first to the western checkpoint to warn the other hunters but at least they were able to reach and follow the stampede. Even better, they are able to see that 9S is safe… relatively while riding the Tigrex. Seeing him on the pseudo-wyvern has garner different reactions among the group.

Zinnia began to panic slightly while cracking the reins for the Aptonoth to move faster. 2B, now witnessing the insane plan itself, turned paler than she usually is and kept calling on to 9S. Pod 153, despite her usually collected nature, fainted on the spot before being woken up by Pod 42 and joined with the others into calling his name. A2 reacted more angrily and calling 9S a boob for doing something so reckless. Jackass who has already seen 9S in action was worried but a bit impress that he made it this far.

"9S! You get down from there this instant young man!" Shouted Zinnia with no avail.

"Ugh? Zinnia the plan?" said Jackass.

"WHAT PLAN! My boy is riding a Tigrex for ANCIENTS SAKES! We need to get him off of it!" Panic Zinnia.

"Meowster I thought we agreed to let 9S continue his foolish endeavor?" Said Pod 42.

"How can I let him continue this!"—she gestures the stampede and the Tigrex in front of them— "I change my mind… I want MY BOY off of that Tigrex RIGHT NOW!" She said angrily to Pod 42, who backed away a bit from the chief's anger.

"WHOA, WHOA! Hold on for a second Zinnia. We're are almost at the chokepoint! Remember we still need all the monsters out of YoRHa before we can do anything to get him back. Once we reach it, it will be easier to get him back and maybe even get some support from White or Anemone!" Said Jackass.

"Grrrrrr…. FINE!" Said Zinnia gritting her teeth as she continues to speed up the cart to reach 9S faster.

"NINES! Please hear us!" Yelled 2B in worry as they continue to follow him.

"MEOWSTER! It is us NYAH!" Yelled Pod 153 as well.

"9S if you don't turn your attention to us this instance, I'll tell 2B where you keep all your hunter magazines!" Shouted A2.

"Why would 9S hide hunter magazines? And how is this relevant?" Ask Pod 42 to A2.

"They're not just Hunter magazines pods. Besides maybe he could sense blackmail if he can't hear us… especially when the blackmail involves risk stuff." Said A2, though she doesn't know if 9S does keep stuff like that. She figures he is more into combo recipes and hunter tips.

"Meowster doesn't often keep risk stuff A2…" said Pod 153, knowing otherwise.

"Wait WHAT!" Exclaimed both A2 and 2B, who heard A2's previous statement as well.

Though before they could ask anymore. Pod 42 cuts in to point out that 9S has seen them.

"I think Meowster 9S has heard us!" Said Pod 42, which made all the occupants to look at 9S.

"Hey it worked!" Said A2.

"Guess that means something huh Zinnia?" Whispered a cheeky Jackass.

"Look he is a growing pubescent boy… living in a house whose majority are women... I'll talk to him." Said Zinnia to Jackass.

They look and see that they've gotten 9S's attention. They see him sheepishly giving them a short wave.

"9S…" 2B says in relief, before turning her expression to a more serious one.

"9S! You get down from there THIS INSTANT!" She roars.

9S simply turns his back to 2B.

"NINES!" She shouts in aggravation.

They see him now gesturing to move back seemingly ignoring 2B and pointing to one of his hands holding something. The others try to guess what it is before Jackass realizes what it is he's holding before grabbing the reigns from Zinnia and immediately pulls the Aptonoth back a bit to give some distance between them.

"Whoa! What the hell Jackass!" Shouted A2.

"Jackass what are you doing—" Zinnia tried to ask before she sees 9S throw the object behind the Tigrex. The results where a large explosion that shook the ground and shaking the cart as well.

"GRRREEEEOOOOOHHHH!" The Tigrex gives a roar, while 2B's expression changes.

"9S! What the hell!" She shouts in shock from the stunt he did.

"Wait 2B! It's part of his plan. He keeps the monsters fleeing by occasionally throwing bombs behind to motivate them. We need keep some distance between us and the blast range to avoid the explosives." Said Jackass.

"I guess that was what Meowster was trying to warn us about." Said Pod 153.

"Well he could have given a better warning!" Said A2.

"I doubt that he could do it with the position his in." Chimed Pod 42.

"What he is doing is dangerous and reckless. He doesn't even know where the bombs would land and if it might destroy and damage something." Said 2B.

"Well it must be hard to aim when is he too busy clinging on the Tigrex." Said Zinnia.

"Maybe there is a way we can help him." Said Jackass before she turns to the twins and asks.

"Hey, can you get that pouch I brought?" She told them.

"Yeah, right here." Said A2, who gave the pouch to Jackass that made both the pods and 2B look at A2 incredulously. They all know they don't just hand Jackass just anything.

"A2 did you just?" 2B attempts to question A2.

"Thanks! Hey Zinnia, here you can have the reins back!" Said Jackass as she cuts in and gives the reins to Zinnia.

"What are you—" Zinnia was about to ask as she gets the reins from Jackass, only to see the head researcher takes a bomb from her pouch before chugging it at the direction of the Tigrex in front of them. Another large explosion rises from the ground, disorienting the group with Jackass laughing at the moment.

"HAHAHAHA…. Yes…. How I miss using these babies." Said Jackass cooing at her pouch.

"WHAT THE HELL!" A2 shouted as well conveying the overall reaction of the group.

"Jackass!" yelled Zinnia.

"What? We can help 9S by being the ones to throw the bombs behind them and motivate the monsters. I mean we are in the position to aim and avoid any collateral damage." Jackass said.

"Are you seriously suggesting we chuck bombs at 9S?!" Exclaimed 2B.

"No… we chuck bombs at the Tigrex 9S is riding. Preferably aim just short of the tail and not at it. Besides its how were herding the monsters before and nothing but a few crack roads where the collateral." Said Jackass.

"This course of action seems unwise…" Said Pod 42.

"I'm not sure my Meowster would appreciate this…" Said Pod 153.

"You can't be serious?" Said A2 with a raise eyebrow.

"I don't know what is wrong with you…" Said 2B as she shakes her head.

"Jackass… I can't take any more of this…" Said Zinnia exasperated.

Jackass exhales some air before addressing the group.

"If you do this… Maybe you guys will be able to trip that Tigrex and get your precious 9S back while you're at it?" She said while chucking a bomb at the Tigrex.

The bomb lands near the rear legs of the Tigrex exploding making it buck and slightly loose its footing before it rights itself and continues to flee.

Seeing this, Zinnia gives the reins to Jackass exchanging it for her pouch and proceeds with 2B and A2 of distributing the bombs between the three of them. The pods as well help in the process and make a makeshift sling to shoot the bombs.

On the back of the Tigrex as 9S begins to throw another bomb behind him, a large explosion goes off. He almost looses his grip on the Tigrex from the sudden explosion and he turns to look at what was the cause. He sees the group, minus Jackass, chuck bombs at the Tigrex making it move faster. He realizes that they are helping him… one way or another since they seem to target the Tigrex legs more often. But it doesn't bother him since he can now focus on turning the Tigrex and the wyvern is too fast for any of the explosions to reach it and make it topple. He waves at them and giving them a thumbs up to signal them he understood what they are doing …to his understanding.

It resulted to more bombs being chucked at the Tigrex and 9S could only reply with a chuckle that turns to full blown laughter.

"YEAH! HAHAHA! Keep it coming guys!" He shouts.

Back at the cart the group sees 9S's enthusiastic response.

"It seems 9S is… joyed that we are aiding him in his endeavor." Said Pod 42.

"Looks to me he is taunting us. I mean he is supposed to know that he is in big trouble for the shit he is putting on us right now." Retorted A2 as she gets another bomb on her hand.

"Maybe he needs a reminder."— Said 2B as she gets the bomb from A2's hand— "This will knock or rock some sense into him." She says before she chucks the bomb straight to the Tigrex tail, on the off chance it will go off on it and make the Tigrex buckle.

As the bomb goes sailing almost reaching its mark, by some unknown circumstances the Tigrex's tail whips the bomb away. Shocked, the group turns their eyes following the bombs trajectory. They follow it sailing through the air before it falls into an open window… and blowing up, taking the entire building with it.

2B is shocked and goes wide eye on what she has done and witness. The rest of the group had similar reactions, all surprise by the unfortunate and accidental event of the exploding building. Even 9S who heard the explosion, turns his attention to the source and goes bugged eye as well from the collapsing building.

"Holy shit!" Exclaimed A2.

"Meowster… I believe you knock something else." Said Pod 42.

"At least it got his attention." Said Pod 153.

"I-I didn't mean…" Muttered 2B.

"Hey, don't worry 2B. It was an accident! I'm surprise that none of the bombs you all threw were tail whipped and blew up a building away as well. Since you know, you guys were aiming near the legs or the tail." Said Jackass as consoles 2B.

"Oh, my gods… I think I know who lives there." Said Zinnia catching 2B's expression.

"Really?"—Jackass turns as well to the rapidly retreating collapse building behind them. She gets a good enough look that makes her eyes go wide in realization as well. — "Shit… I think I know who lives there too."

This makes 2B cover her face with her hands in shame. A2 pats her sister in comforting matter.

"Shhh… it's okay 2B. We can just blame this on 9S." Said A2.

"**** YOU A2!"

"What?!" A2 exclaimed and is bewildered from hearing 9S's instantaneous response.

As the group continues to follow 9S and the stampede, the guild hall slowly comes into view signaling the approach to the chokepoint.

---

Back at the guild hall, Commander white and the remaining hunters were able to barricade some of the streets and create a singular path for the monsters to be herded onto. Some Hunters remained and stationed at the streets barricaded within the path while the rest returned to the guild and awaited the arrival of either the western/northern team or eastern team.

It was Anemone's group that arrived first. The monsters driven by the hunting captain and her team weren't that many, but they reported that it was more than what they previously reported. Commander White also received the reports of monsters from the north fleeing unexpectedly, from Anemone after she gathered the info from the hunters that were present earlier in the eastern section of the village during the start of the crisis. Both White and Anemone agreed to investigate the matter after all the present monsters have fled YoRHa.

Herding the monsters from the east was marginally easy because of their fewer numbers. They were able to use the gunners and gun lancers' wyvern fire to drive the monsters off. When the monsters arrived from the east entering the chokepoint in front of the guild, the western section was temporarily block by lancers and gun lancers to dissuade them from moving to the west and instead to the single path made available to them. Once all the monsters from the east fled to the south, the lancers and gun lancers moved to block the eastern section to dissuade any monster from the west and do the same and drive them to the single path they've made. A few monsters have come from the west and are now currently being herded to the single path. As this continues, White and Anemone have a conversation of their current dilemma.

"It seems everything is running smoothly." Said Anemone, watching some Gun lancers let loose their wyvern fire.

"Indeed, but I fear that it would soon get …complicated." Said Commander White.

Anemone knows why White made that comment.

"You're thinking of Jackass and 9S?" She said.

"…"

"Look, Zinnia's on the case and I know she'll figure something out. I mean monsters are still coming from the west so there aren't some complications jeopardizing the mission."

"Yes, but that doesn't stop the fact that both Jackass and 9S left without authorization nor were they approved to leave the guild during this time of crisis. They also left with potentially dangerous prototypes."

"Yeah, but who knows their plan might be working."

"PLAN? What plan? To throw untested and highly volatile bombs at monsters to drive them off of YoRHa. I'm surprise we haven't heard any big explosions destroying the village right now! I've been getting more tense by the second with the ones we are hearing…"

"Look, chill out White—" This made the commander raise her eyebrows— "Have some faith on Jackass and 9S. Or just Jackass if you want, I mean I know both of you have a history together."

"Yes, a history involved with me reigning her in and her explosive field tests of all kinds. Now she's out there with 9S, who has a growing reputation as well…"

"Err… But you know they're just helping the village and even if their… actions aren't…well?" Anemone tries to describe Jackass and 9S's actions.

"Yes, I could see their good intentions, but I prefer that if they would be more respectful of authority and a well developed by the book plan. Not a spontaneous and highly risk plan that can go worse." White said.

"And you wonder why the hunters think your stiff…" Anemone whispered to herself.

"What was that?!"

"Oh… I said that all plans have risks, including yours White. We're monster hunters, when hunting monsters all have that spontaneous and highly risks plan or endeavors for one to survive in this lifestyle. You can try to put a structure or certain way to do it, but it won't just stay as one simple structure or stay a certain way always. I mean we continue to add new ways to hunt monsters."

White stares at Anemones and ponders on what she said. Sighing she replies.

"I see your point, but we still need at least to have some sense of order. If we let Jackass or 9S just go around doing whatever they want, then others might get influenced and maybe even the guild, then our entire way of hunting might go into anarchy or chaos."

"I think that's just the guild knight in you talking with your paranoia. I mean I know Jackass and 9S wouldn't cause an uprising or radical change in our way of life. You know sometimes I think with you being strict and maybe a bit controlling of the rules and how they should act leads them to, maybe even encourage, to break your rules or do these things in secret."

"And I think you're being too lenient with them like Zinnia, who encourages them to go out of bounds."

"C'mon saying them going out of bounds is a bit exaggerated and White you know you won't agree and even outright deny any of their ideas if they go to you."

"On the notion based on previous endeavors that both of their ideas are highly risky and dangerous. Dare I say with high potential to backfire." White says while emphasizing the last part.

"Okay the first part of your statement is allude to Jackass, which I agree since its …Jackass. But 9S is a different story."

"Really…" Said Commander White with disbelief.

"Okay, yes… his plans do backfire and maybe even got out of hand too, but we were able to get something good out of them! Like his failed honey trap, researches found a new type of paste for binding and used for construction and repair. And there was the thunder bug incident that brought the village a surplus of thunder bugs and Gargwas."

"And an almost unintentional migration of Zinogres…hmmm." White deadpans.

"We prevented that… but remember he did befriend that felyne community and those felynes then became officially employed by the guild and aid us by saving and carting hunters out in the Whistill forest. We wouldn't have been able to form this partnership if weren't for 9S attempting to make a felvine perfume."

"Yes, but I remember that endeavor began because 9S cause all the felynes employed within our guild to be intoxicated by his perfume."

"Uhhhh… c'mon White. Can't you see that we may have a silver lining of good coming out of this?" Anemone says in exasperation.

"What is it that makes you want to defend 9S? Or both Jackass and 9S on their current actions?" Questions White.

"And what is it that makes you a bit prejudice in what they are doing? You can't deny that Jackass is reliable nor 9S has potential to be a hunter? Kids got spunk and you've been putting him off with his request to train as one since last year. Luckily he went to me or he wouldn't be training at all." Anemone says.

"It's not prejudiced its caution. You want me to believe that we will get something good out of a collaboration between Jackass and 9S." White says with a raise eyebrow.

"Yes, but I see your point as well of being cautious... You're not the only one who deals with their shenanigans White …we're a village whatever those two do, everybody feels it. Besides, you may never know, we may be receiving goods news right now that isn't about apprehending Jackass and 9S." Anemone reasons with White.

"I prefer if that was the only news." She deadpans.

Before Anemone could respond, both White and her hear some hunters calling to them.

"COMMANDER!"

"CAPTAIN!"

Both White and Anemone turn to the source of the voices and see two hunters running towards from the western road, dodging some monsters to get to them.

"See, here comes the news right now. Hopefully its goods news." Said Anemone

"Hopefully… We'll see but judging from their state they're in, it might not be." Said White.

"True." Anemone replies as the two hunters have finally made their way to White and Anemone in front of the Guild. They were both panting and breathing heavily catching their breath from their long sprint to get here.

Once in front of them, they are able to take in the appearance of the two hunters. One was wearing a full set of Basarios armor and the other was wearing a Yian Garuga gunner armor minus the helm. They took notice of the latter's absent helmet. Seeing that they have caught their breath, White begins to address them.

"Hunters report!" She says sternly.

"We have met with both Jackass and 9S in the northern section of the village." Said the Basarios armored hunter, quick to respond.

"We cooperated with them in driving the monsters that remained at the north with their prototype explosives and drove them near the western border." The Garuga armored hunter answered quickly as well.

"See White!" Chimed Anemone.

"Really?"—White was about to respond and inquire more but was cut off by both hunters in a rush.

"But we ran into a complication!" Said the Basarios armored hunter glancing to his companion.

"What compl—" White was about to ask again.

"A Tigrex! It followed the stampede and brought our cart down." Said the Garuga armored hunter in haste.

"Wait? IS that the disturbance—" Anemone becomes distress of this new information.

"YES! But 9S is able to commandeer it!" Said the Basarios armored hunter as well.

"WHAT!" Both of the hunter's female superiors go wide eyed at the claim.

"He is riding the damn thing and herding all the monster from the north and western section with it!" Said the Garuga armored hunter explained what his companion meant and providing more info to the commander and captain.

"HE IS WHAT!" This time, White's surprised expression turns into anger.

"Chief Zinnia sent us here to warn you THAT their coming this way!" Exclaimed the Basarios hunter.

"HUNTER tell me how long do we—" Anemone begins to ask them how long before the stampede arrives. Only to be cut off from group of hunters shouting.

"STAMPEDE!"

They turn and see a large group of hunters on carts or on foot, running from the large rapidly approaching dust cloud. They see further through the dust cloud a large herd of monsters charging to their direction. Some of the hunters on foot, superman dive out of the way into the side streets just in time to avoid the stampede. The others on their carts abandon their vehicles and jumped to the nearest building or open street as well to avoid the stampede. Their carts crushed under the multiple feet of the monsters stampeding.

"They're already here…" Muttered the Basarios armored hunter.

Gritting her teeth, the commander immediately springs into action and commands the hunters blocking the eastern section.

"Gun Lancers! Arm your wyvern fire and wait for my signal to fire!" She commands with the hunters following her orders. More gun lancers came to their aid for the herd this size requires more fire power.

Anemone herself moves into a position to aid the gun lancers as well.

"Gunners provide cover fire and help in driving that herd to the south path!" She commands as well to the remaining gunners under her command.

The two hunters could only watch and hope that they will be able to drive the herd away and not let their comrades get crushed by the stampede.

As the ground beneath them begins to shake as the stampede approaches nearer. Commander White focuses on the herd, while she raises her hand to signal the hunters. The hunters themselves are sweating under their armor awaiting the commander's signal.

As a Velociprey steps foot and enters the chokepoint White gives the signal.

"FIRE!" She shouts.

The gun lancers begin to charge their wyvern fire while Anemone and the rest of the gunners begin to fire at the advancing herd. Monsters begin to dodge and turn away from the bullets raining on them while the more bulky and stubborn monsters charge regardless of the shots hitting them. The moment they near the eastern path block by the lancers, the gun lancers discharge their wyvern fire creating a wall of explosions and fire right in front of the monsters. Panicking, the monsters turned away from the fiery wall and some seeing the sight of another explosion turn instantaneously. Some monsters tripped and toppled others just to get away from the gun lancers' wyvern fire. Anemone noticed that they seemed desperate to leave and took note as well that they behave strangely, fearing the explosion. The hunters and commander White as well noticed that it only took one discharge of wyvern fire to get all the herd to turn to the south path.

Before White could get any idea to why the monsters are behaving that way, she and the rest of the hunters hear a large roar.

"GGGGGGRRRRRRREEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH!"

"WAAAAATCCCCCHHHHHH OUUUUUUUUUTTTTTTTTT!"

And a young, a bit high pitch, boyish shout was heard as well.

White, Anemone and the two hunters recognize the voice and turn their attention to the very end of the herd. They squint their eyes to try and make the shape of the large figure at the back of the heard. They slowly see, and widen their eyes as well, from the sight they are just witnessing.

It was a burnt Tigrex running recklessly with an individual riding on top of it waving at them. They took notice that the figure was wearing the Garuga armored hunter's helm, which explains its absence from him. But the individual was wearing clothes that both White and Anemone recognize and couldn't believe their eyes.

The hunters were right, 9S is riding the Tigrex and using it to herd the monsters. They were appalled that the boy was able to ride the Tigrex with ease and wondering how he did it and why isn't the Tigrex attacking him.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT BOY DOING!" Shouted White staring at the incredulous sight.

"ITS AN INSANE ****ED UP CRAZY JAGGI SHIT PLAN!" Exclaimed Anemone at her position with the other hunters looking at 9S. An explosion goes off behind him and the Tigrex that further cements how insane and crazy the plan looks.

Though it did make the scene look awesome in the opinion of other hunters.

"Don't shoot at him!" Shouted the Garuga armored hunter waving at the Anemone.

"Tell your hunters to take cover!" Shouted the Basarios armored hunter seeing that the herd is almost out of the chokepoint and the Tigrex is approaching.

"WHY?!" White questioned.

"You'll see commander…" Said one of the hunters as they began to find a spot to brace themselves.

Before White could react, she sees the last of the herd make their way through and the Tigrex entering the chokepoint. She spots 9S throw something just a distance away from the lancers and Gun lancers blocking the eastern section. Realizing what it is she shouts to the hunters.

"BRACE YOURSELVES!"

An explosion goes off sending black smoke up in the sky. The Tigrex hearing it immediately turns on instinct straight to the south path. The lancers shielded themselves with their shields and stood their ground from the force of the explosion. The other hunters and Anemone were shaking a bit from the explosion, with some falling on their rears. White covers her eyes from the bright explosion with one arm before she spots the wyvern and 9S leave the premises. Before she could react, she hears a cart coming their way as well.

"HEY! WHITE!" Someone shouted to her.

Now having a clear view of the cart, White sees its Zinnia and her group plus Jackass who was waving at her while manning the reins. Jackass drifts the cart, turning to the south path.

"BYE WHITE!" She shouts before the cart continues to follow the Tigrex.

Stupefied from what she was seeing from 9S riding a Tigrex and Jackass entry with Zinnia's group, commander White wore an expressionless face for a moment.

The moment lasted only for a second before she screams in fury.

"FOLLLOW THEM!" She shouts and jumps off and sprints to the south path.

Anemone as well shakes her head from her surprise stupor and sees White go on her own. She sighs and begins to order the other hunters.

"You heard the commander! Follow them! Get any available cart and head to the south path. The rest who can run follow me, our commander might need some support…" She sprints as well to follow White.

The hunters begin to spring into action and follow both their captain and commander.

---

9S continues with the Tigrex in running the herd out of YoRHa. They've just made out of the chokepoint and now are in the single path made by the commander. With no need to turn the Tigrex and with Zinnia and the rest motivating it with the bombs in their disposal, its all but smooth sailing for 9S at the moment.

"Nice to know that everything is going according to plan." He said to himself, happy that this crisis would soon be over.

As he continues ride the Tigrex he notices the barricades blocking the other streets preventing the monsters from taking a turn or escape the stampede. He also sees hunters stationed there as well, which might have been an added precaution by the commander for any monsters that are too stubborn. Though right now that is not a problem due to his intervention. The hunters are instead witnessing a stampede ignoring the barricade and watching a craze lunatic riding a Tigrex. If 9S would focus a bit, he would be able to hear some of their reactions.

"Holy shit! This wasn't part of the plan!"

"IS that a TIGREX!"

"SOME IDIOT IS RIDING THAT THING!"

"WHAT!"

"Seems to be some Garuga masked hunter…"

"Really? Kinda short to be one us you think?"

9S could only chuckle at their reactions and wonders if the Commander and the rest of the hunters in the guild had a similar one. He did arrive and shouted them to watch out, which was good, or they would have shot him and injure him at least especially with him wearing no armor. He can imagine what their reactions would be… but considering the commander's personality, him and Jackass leaving with no authority, driving a herd with untested bombs and riding a Tigrex around YoRHa, he guess it would be a slightly unpleasant reaction.

He shivers at the scolding he would get from the commander. Hopefully, with his endeavor, his punishment wouldn't be too harsh… at least he thinks.

"Shit… I hope can do the same with the others as well." 9S muttered to himself realizing that with the operation approaching its end due to his insane plan, he'll be debriefed, interrogated and probably scolded, 100%, by both 2B and Zinnia. He shivers at the thought.

An explosion goes off behind him and he turns and sees that the Jackass and the rest where able to catch up. Relief floods into him that they haven't blown up another house, he is not sure who threw the bomb but at least they're just chucking the things just an inch behind the Tigrex and not aiming for its body. He dreads that he may be blamed for the damages for it was done by a bomb by his design. Maybe Jackass would get blamed as well.

He turns back to focus on the herd right in front of him. He also takes note of his surroundings and realize in a few moments the monsters will exit the south gate soon. He begins to worry of how he will get off the Tigrex and tries to come with ideas. He thinks back previously of how to get off and is not sure if he can pull of the last plan he had in his head. He turns his attention back at the cart and then the distance between the Tigrex and it. If he is right, then maybe he can pull of a jump to the cart… but he would need a little boost. He looks at his unwilling mount and thinks.

As he ponders the herd continues to head further through the path made by the guild. The village gate is open and all the monsters in the front begin to rush out, roaring and bellowing in relief. Their calls spread to the rest and all begin to hoot and holler. 9S takes notice of this and realizes he doesn't have much time to think of any other ideas. He also notices the village gate at the distance as well, meaning he has to time this right if he needs to get off the Tigrex while still letting it chase the herd away. Meaning he has to make it buck him off just outside the village gate. With another insane plan in mind, he now wonders if he can message the others his plan. Hopefully they'll be able to get it… hopefully.

"Wait what is he doing now?" Said Zinnia noticing something from the back of the Tigrex.

"Is he waving at us?" Said 2B who notices 9S waving his arms.

"I believe Meowster is trying to get our attention." Said Pod 153.

"Well we got it but how do we respond?" Said A2 who throws another bomb at the Tigrex.

It goes off and 9S quickly holds on to the wyvern as it buckles. He then goes back looking at the group waving a different motion at them.

"I think the kid is telling us to stop?" Said Jackass who notices something else as well.

"Hey, were approaching the village gate!"

"That means the monsters are heading out of the village." Said Zinnia.

"But that also means 9S would have to get off that Tigrex, and we still don't have a plan." Said 2B.

"Unless… he is gesturing us that he has one." Said Pod 42.

They turn their attention to Pod 42, who only shrugs his felyne shoulders and explains.

"We are nearing the village borders and 9S must have notice it as well. He may have formulated a plan to get off, but I believe he needs are help to pull it off." He explains.

"Which is why he is getting our attention… quick sign Meowster that we heard him.' Said Pod 153.

"How? Its not like we are doing charades?" Said A2.

"No but just gesture him that we heard, give him a thumbs up or something." Said Zinnia.

A2 just shrugs and gesture 9S with a thumbs up. He sees this and gives one as well.

"Good now were both raising our thumbs anything else?" Said A2.

"Wait look he is gesturing something!" Said Jackass.

9S begins to motion his head, pointing at it before he makes hand movements of something coming out of his head.

"His head is big… or something is coming out of his head." Said A2.

"Or he doesn't have any more space or bombs?" Chimed Jackass.

"No… I don't think its that." Said Zinnia.

9S seeing their confusion, motions back to his head before gesturing of pulling a string and his hand opening.

"Now what he is saying? Pull something to blow up his head?" Said A2.

"No A2… I think he saying he has a plan." Said 2B before she gives thumbs up and gestures back to him the same movements hoping 9S got the message that they understood.

Seeing this, 9S continues messaging them by pointing to the village gate and gesturing of it as well. The group understands this and A2 gives a thumbs up. He then gets something from his pouch and the group could only guess that it's the same bombs they have. He then makes a throwing motion before pointing right to the front and then back in doing the throwing motion again.

"I think he is going to throw a bomb in front of himself?" Said A2.

"What?" Said Zinnia.

"I think what A2 means that 9S would throw bombs right in front of the Tigrex." Said Jackass as she as well begins to understand 9S plan and maybe even guessing what they would do.

"He gestured the gates earlier, that means he would throw the bomb once we reach the gate but why would he do that?" Ponder 2B.

"Maybe he isn't going to throw it once we reach the gates but maybe once we are through." Said Pod 42.

"I agree, with all the monsters out of the village, Meowster would try to get off the Tigrex." Said Pod 153.

"Then what? He throws the bomb and the Tigrex would just buck or maybe throw him off?" Said A2.

"Then we catch him silly! I mean look he is gesturing it to us." Said Jackass as she points out to the rest of the group of what 9S is doing.

9S was gesturing to himself first before making weird hand motions of jumping off or maybe even falling off and finally pointing at them then making a motion of catching something by hugging himself after stretching his arms. Understanding this 2B reacts accordingly.

She gestures to herself before repeating the similar motion back at him. He sees and nods before giving a thumbs up, before turning his attention back to the herd as he hears more cries. He sees the village gate just seconds ahead and motions the group to be ready. Seeing this as well Zinnia turns to Jackass.

"Jackass you think you can get close enough to catch 9S but still far enough to avoid a bucking Tigrex." She said.

"I'll try but it really depends on how far that kid can jump or how far that Tigrex would buck him off." Jackass replied.

"Doesn't matter, we just need to be close enough to catch him. Close enough so I can catch him." Said 2B with resolve.

"Don't worry, with you on the reins, I doubt this is a hassle for you." Said A2 to Jackass with the pods nodding as well to her remark.

"Well you're not wrong…" Boasted Jackass.

"Good, now we better prepare ourselves. Even if we catch 9S, I'm not sure what that Tigrex would do. It may stop completely by the explosion 9S will make or turn around back to us." Said Zinnia before turning to A2 and the pods.

"I want all of you to be ready to confront it and maybe even use Jackass' bombs, after 2B catches 9S and it turns its attention back to us." Zinnia said if the worst case would happen with both the pods and A2 nodding in understanding.

"Here we are!" Shouted Zinnia as they see the village walls and the gate with some monsters past the Tigrex leaving the village.

Back to 9S he sees this as well and as the Tigrex continues to follow the herd. He looks at the pouch on his side and removes it. He sees he only has 4 bombs left within, which doesn't bother him in the slightest, for he is planning to throw the pouch itself. He turns his attention back to the village gate as he approaches it and getting closer by the second.

The stampede continues until the gate, with the number of monsters decreasing within the village. Most of the monsters that have fled, disperse once they have left the village, with others leaving with their packs to areas unknown. The herd continues to go out of the village, leaving the dwindling number monsters right in front of 9S and the Tigrex.

With each second that 9S counts in his head as the gate approaches, he prepares to throw the pouch at the right moment outside of the village. The explosion needs to be big to make the Tigrex jerk back in panic for him to use that momentum and get thrown off and be caught by 2B. The last of the monsters have fled out to the gate and the Tigrex is just a few feet from it as well.

As the pseudo-wyvern takes the first step out of the village, with half of its body past the gate, 9S seizes the moment and enacts his plan.

"NOW!" He shouts as he chucks the pouch with all the strength he has left in front of him and in front of the Tigrex. The cart carrying 2B and the others follow.

The Tigrex just made it out of the village and continues to charge and got a few distance between it and the gate and continue onwards to find a place to rest and recuperate, only to sense a large explosion go off right in front of it. Panicking, it attempts to stop itself by slamming both of its fore arms in front of it to stop, jerking its head, neck and whipping 9S off its body. The Tigrex turns to another direction and runs away in panic. Luckily it didn't turn around back to the village.

This leaves 9S, who is thrown off the Tigrex and sailing through the air briefly, before feeling himself fall to the laws of gravity… He screams.

"HHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLPPPPPPPP!"

Seeing 9S falling, Jackass whips the reigns and the cart speeds up to reach him. 2B follows 9S trajectory before yelling at Jackass to stop.

"Stop Jackass right here!" She says with Jackass drifting the cart to a stop. 2B spreads her hands to catch 9S.

9S closes his eyes as he feels himself plummeting down to the ground. He braces himself for whatever rough landing he'll have and regrets he didn't pack any armor pills beforehand to strengthen his body to survive the fall. He grits his teeth and shields his face.

He crashes into something, but it wasn't hard like the ground. It was soft and felt like another body, another person. He knows as the person grunted with a short 'oomph' as he was caught. They both fell with the person under him cushioning him his fall. He raises his head seeing he fell on top of 2B… and her chest.

"2B!" Flustered he removes the helm he is wearing and tries to get off quickly before getting pull back down by 2B, crushing him back to her chest in a hug. The others could only stare at the two and watch 9S in his flustered reaction in being hug by 2B. Zinnia sighs in relief that 9S is safe with Pod 153 moving closer to 9S. A2, Pod 42 and Jackass were in relief as well that 9S is safe and continues to watch him struggle under 2B's hold.

"Nines… I got you back…" She says in relief making 9S pause with his muffled reaction and angle his head to look at 2B. He sees the worry and fear in her eyes, and it floods him with guilt for all the trouble has given her. He moves to push themselves upright in a sitting position, with 2B following before he returns the hug properly.

"Sorry… for doing something stupid" He whispers to her ear, while hugging her. He feels her pull him closer.

"You're in very big trouble for that… You know that right." She replies as she feels him flinch for a moment before his body relaxes or sags with his head falling onto her shoulder.

"I know…" He reluctantly agrees and accepts his faith.

"You really drove us to a heart attack Meowster." Said Pod 153.

"Yeah, especially when we saw you ride a ****ing Tigrex." Chimed A2.

9S flinches again from A2 remark and pulls away from 2B a bit to address her.

"Look I know it was insane—"

"And stupid..." A2 cuts in.

"Highly risky as well…" Pod 42 offers his opinion as well.

"Yeah but—"

"Very idiotic and the most insane plan you have this year…" 2B says as well giving 9S a stern look, which he cowers a bit from. He would have moved farther from 2B but her grip on him tightened.

"I can explain—"

"You can explain later." It was Zinnia who spoke as she approaches 9S before crouching down and pulling him to hug as well.

"I'm just happy we got you back."—She holds him for few seconds before she makes 9S face her and puts her hands on 9S shoulder— "But yes, you're in a lot of trouble… Why did you think teaming up with Jackass was a good IDEA!" She yells at him.

"I know, I know, I was stupid. I mean, I didn't expect for her to just go AWOL and leave without the commander's permission. Honest I tried to reason with her!" He exclaimed.

"Yeah… kid's telling the truth and if you must know I am accountable for half of 9S actions as well. I did promise him I'll be responsible for this endeavor. Heck you can blame me with the whole Tigrex thing since I was there... and I should have stopped him." Jackass says defending 9S and saying the latter to 2B.

"Yeah, you should have." She says before pulling 9S back to her grasp, making him yelp in surprise.

As he is hug by 2B from behind, 9S sees the group staring at him. He sees the relief in Zinnia, Pod 153 and A2 as well but with a bit of annoyance because of his actions. Jackass herself gives a sigh and Pod 42 looks at him.

"I'm sorry…" 9S says again but this time addressing everybody.

"I'm sorry I made you all worry and that I did an 'Insane ****ed up crazy jaggi shit plan.' And I know I'm in a lot of trouble and I accept whatever you'll have for me." He says as he lowers his head in shame. He is not sure if his apology was sincere enough, but he knows it will take a lot of work to make up with them.

"But thanks for catching me"—he says as he raises his head back a bit and patting the arms 2B wrapped around him. "I wouldn't gotten off that Tigrex by myself. I'm really gratefully for you guys doing this much for me despite my actions." He says.

"Well you're damn right you should be grateful!"— A2 exclaims making 9S turn to her. He sees she was angry, but she moves her head to one side softening her expression. — "But we can cut you some slack… You did do our job for us." She says as she faces away from 9S.

Hearing this, 9S mood begins to brighten.

"Really A2?" Questioned 2B.

"What? It's true, he didn't just ride a Tigrex just for a joyride around the village. Despite looking otherwise." She says while staring back at 9S who chuckles sheepishly avoiding her gaze. 2B sighs.

"I do not condone what you did 9S, but I would admit that it was brave of you to make it this far despite the stampede and all the monsters." 2B admits, which surprised 9S.

"I think so as well, despite the complications but I can say you did a good thing Nines. You really saved the village." Zinnia says as well while smiling at 9S and ruffling his hair.

"You guys really mean that?" He asks.

"Of course, we mean it Nines." Said 2B, which made 9S lean to her more as he places his arms above hers. 2B pulls him closer as well.

"We cannot deny it either since we witness you in the act and it is impressive for a boy your age to stay on a monster, a Tigrex no less, without falling off." Said Pod 42.

"Yeah kid, no one I know rode that long on a Tigrex, much less use it to herd a stampede!" Jackass chuckles at her remark.

"Thanks…" 9S says to everybody blushing at the compliments.

"I hope you won't do something like that again or at least finish your training and be a hunter first." Said Zinnia.

"Okay… I promise." 9S replies.

"You better keep it this time." She warns him with a raise finger.

"Yeah, yeah I know…" He replies casually.

"One affirmation would suffice." Said 2B amusingly.

"Really? …Right now, 2B." Said 9S. This made the others chuckle.

"I don't know 2B. Maybe we need two affirmations just to make sure he heard Zinnia. That Tigrex could have knocked his sense of hearing." Chimed A2.

"My hearing is fine A2." He deadpans.

"I'm not sure how long that will last Meowster." Said Pod 153 who was staring at the direction facing the village.

"Why is that?" He asks as he and the others turn their attention as well to where Pod 153 was staring at.

"Because you still have deal with that." The felyne points at a figure rapidly heading to their location.

The group sees it as well, before seeing more figures following behind the individual. Then they see carts carrying hunters behind the figures as well. They figured that the mass of people heading to them were hunters and realize who is heading into their direction. A feeling of dread falls onto the group as the figure and the mass of hunters come closer before stopping right in front of them. All of them went wide eye from seeing who is right in front of them.

It was commander White, who was sweating and panting for air from all the running to follow them. Now that she caught up to them, she was breathing heavily while having a stern expression etched on her faced. They saw Anemone who approached them as well and moved to White's side. Before anybody would asks or speak up to the commander, White raises her hand that made all of them pause. With a heavy breath she speaks.

"Captain's office… NOW."

Hearing the commander's orders made 9S gulp and feel both nervous and fear. He tightened his hold on 2B, to which she returns the gesture as well, surprisingly. Zinnia could only frown and Jackass looks sheepish while staring at White, who meets her eyes and makes her look away. A2 remained indifferent while the Pods hid behind her. Anemone could only look at the group before speaking.

"You guys have a lot of explaining to do."

---

Author's notes:

Okay! This chapter is done.

The next chapters I would admit would be much shorter but it would now focus on the main story proper, which is what the summary I placed teased and the next chapter would be the beginning of it.

Thanks for reading! And See you next time!