Author's notes:
Here is the chapter!
*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.
Entering the main hall of the guild, 9S, 2B, A2 and the pods began to head out to leave the guild and return home for the rest of day. Tired from the entire ordeal with the unexpected invasion of monsters and the tense briefing with the commander, none from the group spoke and all were set in heading back home in silence. That is until they heard someone heading towards them.
"22222222222222222BBBBBBBBBBB!" Shouted a high-pitched voice, which made 2B turn to the source only to receive a hug by another person.
2B didn't stumble or fall for she expected the hug once she heard the voice, knowing who it is. She looks down and sees a girl wearing a white blouse and a red skirt uniform. She knew it was a guild uniform for guild attendants. The girl lets her go and 2B sees her green eyes and blond hair tied in twin braids hanging on both sides of her head with a black headband, though not a ribbon like hers but a solid plastic one.
"6O. I was wondering were you have been. Are you alright?" 2B said to 6O, the girl who called and glomp her.
The rest of the group recognizes her as well for she is friends with all of them. 2B and A2 where childhood friends, while 9S befriended her 2 years ago when 2B introduced him to her. The pods know her too, for she often visits their home to hangout with their charges. They all consider her a bright and bubbly girl, which for Zinnia, if she were here, would comment that her personality helps offset the stoic and serious character of 2B and A2. Especially when they were kids.
"I am. I've been in the guild the entire time when the village was in danger." 6O replied before her expression changed to one of panic.
"Oh… I was so worried of you guys when they sound the bells! I didn't know what was happening since they assigned me in the archives, and I went early for that, so I wasn't able to meet up with you guys. Then when I went out, there were people rushing and moving around the guild and monster cries can be heard outside. Then villagers started to come in they told us to attend to them. Then there was the whole operation and some rumors of a lunatic riding a freaking Tigrex—" 6O started to run her mouth talking to the group before 2B cuts her off.
"Its okay 6O we know… we're okay." She said while placing her hands on both of 6O's shoulders to reassure her.
"Really? Not a scratch? All of you?" She began to search for any injuries on 2B before moving to A2, 9S and the pods.
"No, we're okay…"
"Its fine… you don't have to…"
A2 and 9S said to her as she pats them around before moving to the pods and lifting each of them up to inspect them.
"6O were okay. May be a little banged up but were fine. Besides were monster hunters." Said A2, while pulling Pod 42 from 6O's hold and scrutinizing gaze. Pod 153 swiftly moved to 9S side to avoid getting grabbed by 6O.
"Okay if you guys say so." She said to the group, before bouncing back and giving a warm smile. They smile back, with 6O somehow lightening their mood despite being tired from the day's events.
"Its nice to know you were safe in the guild while the village was in a crisis." 2B said to her, relief that her friend was out of harms way during the operation.
"Yup! Not a scratch on me… though I wish I could say the same for the village." 6O responded in wistful manner.
"Yeah true. I think its gonna take a while repairing all the damages in the village." Said 9S.
"And whole lot of labor for hunters and trainees for the next few days." Commented A2 sarcastically about their current situation.
Everybody hummed in agreement, before they began to walk to the guild entrance.
"We're headed back home for the day. We just had a… debriefing with the commander. Zinnia will follow soon after." Said 9S, which made 6O raise her eyebrow in curiosity hearing that they met with the commander.
"How about you 6O, are you done for the day as well?" Asked 2B to her friend.
"Oh! No, not really. I'm still tasked to help attend to the villagers and maybe even help compile the future request and quest for the coming days for the village." 6O said.
"Huh, I guess your getting ahead of being a new guild receptionist." Said A2, as they near the doors of the guild hall.
"Well it seems that way, but I heard their making a new type of guild receptionist!" Said 6O with enthusiasm. Her last remark made the other curious.
"Wait really? What kind?" Asked 9S.
"Well I don't know what they call it, but from the way they described it to us. We would be able to travel around the world with an assigned hunter and act as sort of their handler or your personal quest giver. Receiving quests and getting registered quests from whatever person or village the hunter ends up in or even straight from the guild itself with a set of quest for you to take. Its to help manage the large bulk of the guild receptionists who are staying in villages with lots of hunters, like YoRHa. I don't know the full details yet, but by having your own personal handler, you can just go to him or her instead of straight to the quest board then he or she will record it and send it back to the guild once it's all over. Leaving the guild only a few processes left to handle." 6O told them.
"That seems efficient." Chimed Pod 42.
"Though, this handler positions maybe require for the person to do at least a quarter or half of the paperwork the guild does to process a quest." Said Pod 153.
"Wow… that sounds a lot of work, but you are right that you can travel around the world by being a handler. As long your assigned hunter likes traveling." Said 9S seeing the benefits 6O would have of being a handler.
"Yup! I'm thinking of applying to be one you know and maybe be assigned to 2B and A2 and travel with them. We can explore the whole world together." Said 6O, which made 9S grimaced a bit from what she said.
"I'm not against that idea." 2B commented, she also had a small smile from the idea of traveling together.
"Yeah beats fighting over a quest in the guild hall in the future or when you want to solo one for yourself." Said A2, who also thought it was a good idea.
6O smiles from hearing the two and happy that they agree with her, but she sees 9S looking a bit down staring at empty space in deep thought.
She realized that what she said might have upset 9S, since he would still remain for his hunter training, while the rest of them would be able leave the village and go around the world. She knows that he wouldn't be able to come with them until he is hunter as well, leaving him behind and maybe even feel left out once they were gone. Knowing that she didn't mean it like but not knowing how to address it she decides to address something else.
"By the way, I heard about the rumors…" 6O said changing the subject and maybe try to cheer 9S up and take his mind of what she said.
"Rumors?" Said 9S who's attention turned back to 6O.
"Really? What did you hear?" Said A2 knowing that 6O might have heard them already since they spread like wildfire once they came back with the commander.
"I think knowing 6O, she would have heard all of them." Said 2B smirking a bit knowing the antics of her friend. One of the perks 6O gets for training as a guild receptionist is the gossip going around the hunters in the guild. She often talks to her about them whenever they have time to spend together.
"Hey!" Exclaimed 6O, puffing her cheeks at 2B.
"So, I guess you know then about what we did?" Asked 9S wearily.
"Well… I think I know what you did. I'm just here to confirm that and everything else." Said 6O as she began to approached 9S.
"What do you mean—Ow ow ow…" 9S asked before getting cut off by 6O pinching both of his cheeks.
"What were you thinking of riding a Tigrex around YoRHa!" She scolded him lightly.
"I twat yo… din't kn…w" 9S struggled to speak with his cheeks being pinched and pulled apart.
"AHA! SO, it was you!" 6O cheered while letting go of 9S' cheeks. 9S himself begins to rub them before addressing 6O.
"I think everybody knows by now since these guys where chasing me when the stampede was still here." He responded dryly.
"I thought so too! But no one could believe it was you since no one would expect you to do something crazy… well besides your ideas and shenanigans." 6O joked which offended 9S.
"Hey not all my shenanigans are crazy!" He claimed indignantly.
"Yeah, I bet everybody knows now as well, since 2B here and Zinnia were screaming bloody murder to get him off." A2 giving a smirk before chuckling a bit.
"Oh, you must have gotten a heart attack seeing 9S riding that wyvern liking a bucking Aptonoth!" 6O turned to 2B who was surprise by the remark.
"No, I didn't… I saw 9S was capable of staying on the wyvern with no problem at all. I was more concern to why he did it in the first place." She told 6O, while giving a side glare to 9S who chuckled nervously.
"Right… like you didn't yell for him whenever the Tigrex bucked or when you thought he would fall…" Added A2 with a smirk.
"Or screamed for him to get down like a worried mother…" Chimed Pod 42.
"Caught him as he fell and held him close in your arms. Never letting go until the commander's arrival." Finished Pod 153, her remark making both 2B and 9S blushed.
"AWWWW! You're always going mama Azuros on 9S when he is in trouble 2B, I'm a bit jealous that Nines here can get that side out of you. Then again, it's not surprising of you two being concerned with each other's safety. You two are always together I'm not sure if you guys just look and act like a couple ...or are one already?" Commented 6O, while giving a pondering expression at the two.
"It's not like that, I was just really concerned…/ It's not like that, she's concerned for others too you know…" Mumbled 2B and 9S, blushing at the same time avoiding each other's gaze.
"It's getting late, I believe we should carry on are way." Said Pod 153, giving an excuse for her Meowster and 2B to leave and not get anymore awkward for each other.
"Yes, might as well return and rest for tomorrows activities." Told Pod 42 to the group which they nod in agreement before they resume heading out of the guild. 6O trailed behind a bit to walk with A2.
"No progress with these two?" 6O whispered to A2's ear.
"None. Zinnia believes its because 9S is still going through puberty and I think its because 2B hasn't experience anything like this. Not that I can say I know what it is either." A2 replied whispering back, with both 2B and 9S oblivious to their conversation.
"Hopefully they'll figure it out before you and 2B become hunters, since you guys might travel around a bit." 6O said, while the group resumes walking through the guild hall.
"I wouldn't worry about it too much. You know I won't be surprised if 2B made an excuse of staying the village and do hunter work here just to wait for him." A2 replied nonchalantly.
"You think so? Wouldn't 9S just call out the excuse and say that she shouldn't hold back for him." 6O asked A2, which made her ponder a bit.
"Meh, it will work out. They're stubborn so they might butt heads but whatever they decided they'll make sure both are happy in the end." Told A2 to 6O, as she sees in front of them 2B and 9S talking, the previous awkwardness is gone with both of them talking naturally with one another.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." 6O agreeing seeing the same sight.
The grouped waved goodbye to 6O who remained in the guild as they left the guild doors. They continue on their way back to their home past the damaged streets and hunters attending to the villagers.
It was past noon when the group left the guild and they headed to the eastern section of the village. The chief's house was located at the eastern section at the hill sides and as they made their way, they notice that some of the villagers of YoRHa began to move back to their homes. The guild did note before that the east side of the village was the least affected and few monsters made their way here, leaving most of the buildings and houses undamaged. They could also see some merchants who still have their goods intact giving them for free to the people who are need. 9S himself recognizes one of the merchants and waves a greeting at them.
"Pops! 32S!" 9S waved at a middle age man and a boy his age.
The man has brown hair with the back and sides of his head shaved, leaving the top untouched. His eyes were grey, and his attire was composed of a dark colored shirt with a hood currently draped on his shoulder and brown khaki pants. The boy has blackish hair with a blue tint, a slight bang on his left side just above his eyebrows. He had a similar attire as the man but was wearing shorts instead of pants. His eyes were a lighter grey, a slight distinction that doesn't stop someone from seeing the relation between the man and the boy to each other.
"9S?" Said 32S, the boy seeing 9S approaching them with 2B, A2 and the pods tagging behind him.
"Hey 32S. I thought you guys wouldn't arrive until tomorrow?" Asked 9S to 32S wondering about their early arrival in the village.
"Yeah, I thought so too but dad's business ended early a few days ago so we decided to head here and sell any goods we have from Albarax." Told 32S to him, which explains their attire.
"Nice to see you guys are all okay, we kinda heard the gist of what happened." Greeted 32S to the rest of the group as they caught up to 9S.
"Nice to see you as well 32S. It is good to know that you have arrived, the goods you have may help in aiding the village." Said 2B greeting 32S back.
"Oh, hey its 9S! What shenanigans have you been up to? Is there any chance that its related to why your village is in a state of repair?" The man known as Pops jokingly addresses 9S as he arrives in front of them, while he gives a bag of goods to one customer.
"Well if its about how the village is still standing, then I may have in a hand in that…" 9S trailed while giving a puff of pride to himself.
"No way... You're telling me that you saved the village?" Question 32S skeptically at his friend.
"Yeah, I find it hard to believe it too kid. I mean based on experience you either make a big mess that makes for a good story…" Said Pops to 9S not believing his claim as well.
"Hey!" 9S complained.
"Or a good business opportunity?" Finished 2B making Pops snicker.
"Yes, but not all of them are just for business. Some are like happy accidents to give a good excuse to raise prices or create a new need for a certain product I have! HAHAHA!" The man exclaimed chuckling at himself. 32S could only shake his head with disbelief at his father.
"Isn't that just the same—"
"Yes…"
Pod 153 went to point out Pops' flawed logic, but Pod 42 stopped her while shaking his head signaling it's a futile endeavor.
"But its true! And not all my actions cause happy accidents." 9S argued to the two.
"But it is on whole another level of crazy than his other ones." Told A2 to the father and son duo, making 9S glare at her as well.
"Crazier than the dung bomb-smoke bomb hybrid?" Asked 32S the older twin.
"Okay I know that was crazy…" 9S commented showing a look of regret from the failed experiment.
"Crazier" Answered A2.
"Even against the Azuros honey trap? That bear had all of its fur shaved." Said Pops remembering that one incident with a glued Arzuros and hunters in a trap.
"The fur grew back… mostly" 9S cringed from remembering it as well.
"More Arzuros had their furs lost in this one." Told Pod 42.
"What?! Did he make some sort of concoction like that time with the guild felynes who got incapacitated with his felvine perfume?" Exclaimed 32S, making both of the pods shift in place. Both having mix reactions from that specific event.
"They didn't get incapacitated… maybe the felyne version of being high…" Regretfully 9S bows his head in shame from that blunder. At he least he got to hire new felynes for the guild after to compensate.
"He designed a bomb to drive off the monsters." Deadpanned 2B to the father and son duo.
"Woah this sounds bigger than the Gargwa incident." Pops intrigue expression showing on his face.
"I admit it is…" Said A2, knowing full well of both incidents and considers the latest one the most hectic.
"Meowster collaborated with Jackass." Chimed Pod 153, making both 32S and Pops eyes bugged eyed and stare at 9S with disbelief.
"Shit… That's even crazier than the… Talking Qurupeco" Said Pops, as everybody reminiscences that unique encounter.
"COMMANDER WHITE IS A BITCH! COMMANDER WHITE IS A BITCH! Quuurrroooooooo!" screeched a Qurupeco flying overhead of the village. The bird wyvern was circling around saying the same line over and over with every villager listening. Some parents were covering the ears of their children, while hunters in the streets were laughing off their asses as the bird wyvern continues to make its call.
9S could only look in horror to what the monster was doing, while 2B was face palming from his latest antics as both of them could see and hear the bird wyvern at home. A2 was laughing on the floor like the other hunters while clutching her stomach.
The Pods and Zinnia were at the guild entrance holding the commander back from attempting to slay the bird.
"White it's innocent! I know it's cussing at you but naturally it's doing nothing wrong! It's just mimicking—" Zinnia struggled to pull the commander back.
"That birds dies today and whoever the **** taught it to speak!" Exclaimed White attempting to escape Zinnia and both of the pods grasp.
"WHITE IS A STUCK-UP BITCH WITH A **** UP HER ASS! Quuuuuurroooooooooo!" The bird wyvern flies past the chief and the commander.
"GRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" The commander screams in fury.
"You know… maybe that's why the commander is… wary of you…" A2 says in her attempts to put the commander's suppose ire to 9S in words.
"I didn't teach it to call the commander that…" Despaired 9S bringing his hands over his face.
"But you did teach it to mimic human words." Pod 42 pointed out 9S contribution.
"Ughhh…." 9S could only groan in response.
"So, what did you do to save the village?" Asked 32S again to his currently groaning friend.
"An incredible insane and reckless action that I hope he understand he wouldn't repeat." 2B said coldly and while sternly glaring at 9S making him cower a bit from her gaze. His insane plan still driving on her nerves.
"Jeez… must be something serious if his lady friend is this mad." Whispered Pops to his son, who nods his head in agreement.
"The abridged version is basically Meowster and Jackass driving the monsters off the village with their prototype bombs…" Started Pod 153.
"Until a Tigrex came and Meowster 9S mounted it and used it to drive the herd the rest of the way. The rest of us came and caught him once all the monsters were out of the village." Finished Pod 42.
Pod 42's words made both Pops and 32S bugged eyed again, shock and disbelief etched on their faces. They turned to look at 2B and A2 to see if what the pods were saying is true. The twins didn't rebuke or show any sign of the story as being false and the father and son duo turn to see 9S with a smug smile on his face.
"You rode on a Tigrex… and drove a mass of monsters out of YoRHa." Trailed Pops in disbelief.
"With prototype bombs of my design." Added 9S with pride and puffing his chest as well, with 2B and A2 rolling their eyes at him.
"That's crazy…"—Said 32S before grabbing 9S shoulders—" But Awesome!" Amazed on what his friend did while shaking his shoulders.
"I know right!" Replied 9S with as much enthusiasm as well.
"How did you do it? How did you stay on without falling? Did you use a glaive?" 32S questioned him, asking him of how he got on a Tigrex and rode it. Before 9S could reply a customer calls out to Pops and waves at him to signal that he wants to buy something. Pops signs he would be there to assist him before turning back to the group.
"Sorry son, duty calls. But you guys can tell us the full details another time. Or I can skim what the other hunters would say about it. No doubt your tale would be something to be told in exaggerated proportions and inaccurate accounts." Said Pops to the group.
"Yeah, hopefully it isn't that inaccurate. Unless 9S is going to get another spot in The YoRHa village's 7 mysteries." Joked 32S making 9S yelp in embarrassment.
"I thought we called them YoRHa's seven phenomenon?" Asked 2B to A2.
"Me too, but I bet it change after the Qurupeco left the village, with it's appearance making less occurrences turning it to a mystery." She replied to her sister.
"If you guys need anything, just ask 32S. I'll take care of the customer while you're at it. See you kids around!" Pops said before moving to talk to a villager buying some of his goods.
"You guys need anything? We have some stock from Albarax and Gildegaran." Asked 32S once his dad left to attend to the customer.
"No need. We were just heading home." Answered 2B.
"Yeah, we had a long day since you know." A2 spoke and gestured around the village.
"Well if you need anything, me and Pops would be here for at least 2 weeks or less depending on how fast our stocks would sell." Told 32S.
"Hey if you got any books that look interesting can I buy them?" Asked 9S.
"Sure, no problem. I think me and Pops did buy from Gildegaran. We can meet another time and you can check them out." Replied 32S.
"Thanks, 32S! See you around!" 9S waved goodbye as the group bids him farewell as well. 32S waves in return as he sees them slowly move farther away before he begins to help his dad in attending to the villagers.
The group makes way to the top of their hill, as the sun is slowly setting on the horizon. Both the pods say that they would set up and prepare dinner for the night. 9S, 2B and A2 decided they'll head to their rooms and rest before Zinnia returns. Making their way to their respective rooms, 2B and A2 remove their armor. 2B asks her sister if she can take the shower first, her sibling nonchalantly waves her to as she is faced down on her bed clearly exhausted. She calls out to 9S that she'll shower first, with him shouting out a reply to go ahead before she makes her way to their bathing area.
In his room, 9S flops on top of his bed tired of the day's events but warmly smiles that he survived and did an insanely awesome stunt. He turns around to face the ceiling, seeing the warm glow of the setting sun before he drifts for a short nap.
Back at the guild, the three leaders of YoRHa and the head researcher were just finishing their discussion of the state of their village and what they plan to do for the succeeding days. After White's outburst and calming down, their meeting went smoothly without a problem. Zinnia would facilitate the repair of the village while White aids her with the guild's support and would send a letter to Gildegaran to ask for assistance. Anemone would lead the hunters in investigating the disturbance in the forest and report of what made the monsters migrate and flee. She would also head a bit further north from Whistill forest to investigate if the cause originated from the northern mountains. The Tigrex's appearance unnerved the four after they had a deliberated discussion to why it came to YoRHa as well. As their meeting concluded, Zinnia slump on her seat tired of the days events as well and giving an exhausted sigh.
"The 15 years I've been chief in this village, I've never expected to experience something like this. I might be growing some grey hair from all the stress and I'm still young… for a wyverian." Spoke Zinnia wistfully.
"Maybe it's because of the latest charge you took in?" Suggested White sarcastically while raising her eyebrows.
"No." She replied knowing what White meant.
"Really?" White asked doubting Zinnia's answer.
"Come on White he saved the village, albeit in an unorthodox manner. He did a good job. Why can't you see that?" The chief asked the commander who was fixing some papers on the desk.
"I do see it but also the dangers from doing said Job that would have cause more harm." The commander answered while she neatly keeps the papers, before returning to face Zinnia who was giving her an incredulous look.
"Oh, you know how White is with 9S. Doesn't help that 9S is a little like me in the eccentric department. She's just having hard time acknowledging him after all the accidents and shenanigans he's done. Maybe she's having a hard time choking the words out." Said Jackass to Zinnia, whispering the last part, both snickering before getting hit in the head by a pen thrown from White making her yelp.
"I heard that Jackass and its not what you think. I've dealt with your mess before, his is no difference." Told White looking indignantly at the two.
"Then tells us what you think?" This time it was Anemone who asked, turning the attention to her.
"I mean when I asked earlier you didn't say it was prejudice, but it was caution. You're not still wary of him since the day we found him? …Are you?" The questioned made White shift uncomfortably, turning slightly away from the group. Zinnia grabs her shoulder gently, knowing what she was thinking.
"White… You know how YoRHa came to be right?" The chief asked the commander making her look at her. She nods knowing of YoRHa origins before speaking it out.
"Yes, I know…"
"Then its no problem if you can give us a short history lesson of it?" Asked Zinnia curtly. White gives her a look that's asking if it was necessary but both Anemone and Jackass' intrigue stares makes her relent.
"Very well…."
It was 15 years ago, when our world was ravage with one of the most catastrophic disasters caused by a monster. It began from the northern region, with the villages in the Darj snowfields decimated leaving only a few survivors. There were no signs of a natural disaster caused by the locale itself or from an elder dragon that destroyed the villages. Only the remnants of the smashed and destroyed structures from the villages show the signs that it was an unknown monster that caused it. No one witness what kind of monster it was but only that it was shrouded in black mist as it moved and wipeout their homes and love ones. This monster's rampage was the first of many.
Throughout the year, reports came to the guild of similar scenarios of destroyed villages around the continent. Some with survivors but their villages and settlements wipeout of the map. From the volcanic region of Geo-Fulkright to the desert expanse of Albarax. Even Gildegaran was attacked. With the cover of darkness of the night the beast struck and destroyed nearly a third of the capital before being driven off by the hunters. There were still no proper description of the monster and the guild did their best to track and hunt down this unknown threat, but it always eluded the hunters that came after it. Leaving the hunters witnessing the aftermath of its rampage of destroyed homes and littered bodies. When the year ended, its rampages slowly ceased, giving the survivors and the guild much time to recover.
Its sudden appearance and abrupt disappearances after, with its pension for destruction of decimating everything in its vicinity has made the guild to label this monster the black calamity. Until this day its still roams the land, erratically appearing around the world leaving destruction as the sign of its presence. The guild still continues their attempts to hunt it down, yet we still don't know an inkling about it and it remains as threat throughout the world.
But the year after its destructive debut, the survivors of its rampages were scattered and in need of help. The guild's hands were full in both helping the survivors and recovering themselves from the attack on Gildegaran. The capital was in near collapse from giving its aid throughout the world. That is until you came along.
A young wyverian, who was one of the few survivors from the first attack. You rallied the other survivors and made an outpost with the guild to help others who have lost their home as well from the black calamity. You provided aid and support to those in need and welcomed them to stay until they recovered. More people began to flock to your outpost and soon your numbers grew. The peopled followed you and they as well helped you in bringing aid to others like them. The guild provided you with hunters to help you in your endeavor and from there you were able to aid the guild in providing food, supplies and commodities from the attacks around the continent. Your outpost became a point for trade and interest to the rest of the world and a valuable ally to Gildegaran to help take care of the burden it was carrying after the black calamity's appearance.
From there your outpost grew and slowly more people came. More hunters came to help out of free volition and others inspired by them took tutelage under a few to be monster hunters as well. More traders from around the world came and began to do business as well in your outpost. You welcomed travelers as well to provide them a place to rest from their journeys. People began to move into your outpost with the desire to stay and make it a place of home for them. Most of the survivors did and they saw it as a new beginning for them to start over.
From there you decided to create the outpost to a new village. With your announcement received positively by the people who have gathered around you since from the beginning. The guild themselves agreed to your proposal and it was smooth transition from being a simple outpost to a brand-new village.
The next few years, your village grew in large intervals. The hunters who stayed brought up an official hunting academy. Some traders became merchants, staying permanently in YoRHa. More people around the world came because of the growing interest in your village.
You named the village YoRHa, which others don't know why you decided to call the village that. Only the hush whispers and rumors behind the name arose, as others believe that YoRHa meant the tenacity, perseverance and glory of mankind. Until this day, no one knows the true reason but you.
But what people do know is that YoRHa became a hotspot where all kinds of culture meet and a place for new beginnings to those who are looking to start over and even those who see themselves lost. Until this day you welcomed all with hospitality, no matter what race, what part of the world they came from…
"Or places we don't know they originated from." Finished Zinnia solemnly to White as she finished the brief history lesson, she gave to everyone.
White looked to Zinnia, understanding what the chief is trying to say about her charge.
"We don't know where 9S came from, only that he was also a victim from same the monster that ravage our world. You know that right? Based from your last mission with… A4." Said Zinnia melancholy from remembering a young hunter.
"Yes, I remember…" Replied White as well giving a small expression of hurt from remembering as well.
The entire room fell silent on the mention of the name with White and Zinnia having an expression of regret. Anemone's head was bowed with a pained expression etched on her face. Jackass looked elsewhere, while deep in thought.
"When you found him, you describe him as young boy that drifted a shore near the rivers clinging on a broken piece wood. When the rest of us saw him, he was dressed in clothes… we've never seen before." White said as she remembered the first day 9S arrived.
"I know what you mean. The kid looked like he was dressed to stay camouflage in the forest and the styled monsters sewn on some parts added to the freaky factor." Reminiscence Jackass from remembering the attire 9S worn.
"And when we looked for any records, any word of others dressed like him or anything about his origin, we couldn't find anything." White said.
"He was different. He acted different. He thought differently and the worst part is he doesn't know why. I watched him before and saw how he couldn't fit in with the other kids and that he was more attuned staying at the forest than inside the village. We also saw how he has some level of physical prowess not unlike of a hunter in training." Said Anemone.
"His behavior made you believe that he may have come from a somewhere secluded from our own or rather from the rest of the world. Maybe somewhere deep within the forest just beside us." Speculated Jackass.
"And unfortunately, we can't deny or confirm if it's true, since he lost his memories and A4, who I believe knew something …died shortly before we found him. I know that mission we took together wasn't for the task of slaying a monster… but for looking for survivors." Told White remembering the request of the late huntress.
"Which we can all agree, made you paranoid of an unknown threat near the village or the fact that there may be others like 9S living in isolation from the world." Said Zinnia addressing the commander's suppose behavior, which made White grunt not denying it.
"Which we still can't claim if hidden villages do exist. Even if they did exist, we don't know why they are hiding from us and the rest of the world nor what they are hiding from us as well. I can't help but suspect it as a threat that may endanger us all or be at risk from something we don't even know of." Told White to the rest of the group.
The group was silent from what the commander said, but Zinnia continued to speak to White after a few moments to think for herself.
"White, I know you're a bit paranoid from somethings we don't know, and we can't help but fear it at first but if we look past that we may see something good underneath it all." Continued Zinnia, which made White face the chief again.
"Whoever they are and what they may be hiding, may be a threat to us but we should consider their perspective as well. They may have a good reason to hide from us and it could be that we may be a threat to them or whatever they are hiding. But if we give the chance to know and understand one another then our fear may be irrelevant, and we may bridge something our world hasn't seen… Of course, if they existed in the first place." Finished Zinnia with a hint of doubt at her last remark, as the commander ponders on the words she said.
"Do you really believe that?" Questioned White to the chief.
"I do. And I believe 9S may be the one to start and set it off." Zinnia chimed with a smile.
Before White could ask or respond to what the chief said, Zinnia continues to explain.
"You know how he doesn't remember anything before the day we found him, right? Despite his memory loss, I think he always knew that he was different from the rest of us, which is why he does these shenanigans to get people to acknowledge him or make him feel a part with the rests of the village. Yet even if he doesn't show it, he is always searching for his lost memories or anything related to them. He would listen to the stories from travelers and hunters to try to get any clue of where he came from or if there are others like him too. Does that sound familiar?" Zinnia jest the last part to White, who could only roll her eyes.
"And when he finds them, maybe both his memories and proof of hidden villages of which you think he came from, then maybe he would be the one to bridge us together." Finished Zinnia with a smile despite how cliché her words were.
"Which is also one of the reasons on why he wants to be hunter. To able to go around and search for the answers he seeks with the strength to tackle anything until he finds it…" Added Jackass making Zinnia nod in agreement
"And if not, he may find another way to do about it. Heck, White… he may be thinking of the alternatives right now since knowing you, the whole Tigrex debacle may be a good reason to use to ban him from hunting." Told Anemone making White react with anger.
"What makes you think I would… Besides we have already agreed he will still continue his training after the village is restored." She huffed at the earlier acquisition.
"Yeah but all we ask is for you to be go easy on him and give him a chance." Said Zinnia calmly to White asking her of this.
"I mean do you really think my boy would be a threat to the village?" The chief added with a raise eyebrow. White could snort and respond.
"Zinnia, did you just forget what just happened today?" Zinnia wrinkled her eyebrows flinching a bit from White's remark.
"Think of it this way White, if he is too focus on being a hunter and gunning for your approval, then he would focus on hunter training and have less time for all of his ideas and shenanigans." Said Jackass to the commander while wiggling her eyebrows knowingly.
The thought sound appealing to White with her expression showing on her face. This made the others giggle at the scene which made White snap back her focus to the group before giving a cough.
"Very well… I'll try to go easy on 9S, give him a chance and treat him more appropriately…" She tested her words, trying to see if the other three would disagree.
"Close enough." Shrugged Zinnia making White scowl from her remark.
"Well you don't have to worry about starting early of getting along with him, since Zinnia did say he will have to go check on the felyne settlement in the forest. Those cats may be in trouble from whatever is happening in the north as well." Told Jackass as everybody else is preparing to leave.
"True, they may need of assistance as well and 9S is the only one that they would allow to approach them in their home." Said Anemone as they begin to move out of the door.
"Wait…" White asked suddenly. This made the other three turn around to look at her.
"There is still the problem of my… lodging." She said wearily.
The chief, head researcher and captain look at one another, staring at each other's eyes.
"Not it!"
"Not it!"
"Not—Damn it!"
Both Jackass and Zinnia said in unison with Anemone only second behind. White could only look at the other women incredulously.
"Redo I wasn't ready!" complained Anemone.
"Nope what's done is done. Chief's orders." Replied Zinnia.
"Chief's orders are absolute!" Cheered Jackass to Anemone.
"No fair! That is an abuse of power, I demand for the captain to decide." Anemone rebuked.
"You're the captain Anemone, besides Chief outranks captain!" Countered Jackass.
"Not unless the Captain can pin the Chief!" Anemone made a move to tackle Zinnia.
"Yu wanna go SON!" Zinnia dodge and went to a fighting position.
"Is housing me really something none of you desire? Even as a favor for a friend in need?" Said White to the growing childish argument between the three as they were wrestling with each other. Their limbs entangled to one another.
Hearing her words, the three looks at White before they disengage and give the commander an explanation.
"Listen… White, you are a great commander but will all due respect you're… Not a great roommate." Anemone told the commander who was shocked from what the captain said to her.
"Yeah, you don't clean up for yourself and your room is a mess whenever one of us come to visit. Which also involves us cleaning with you. Which when we do visit you, they're the times when you do your spring cleaning." Deadpanned Jackass, who's comment made the commander flush in embarrassment.
"None sense, I clean up just fine…" White said indignantly.
"Yeah, too bad 2B blew up the evidence to deny that claim…" Whispered Jackass to Zinnia.
"What was that!" Yelled White.
"Now that I've think about it, it is a good thing your stuff didn't scatter to the streets when your building exploded…" Anemone pointed out.
"True! I mean can you imagine if your undergarments spread around YoRHa. Some male hunters would have spotted them and wear them on their heads or wave it around saying, 'It's the commander's panties WOOOOOHHOOOOOO!' hahahahha"—Jackass said out loud before White jabbed her shoulder— "OUCH!" Making her rub her shoulder from the pain.
"Now that you have mentioned it is imperative for you three to decide who I will be staying with and quickly so I would still have time to recover whatever is left from my old building." Said White, sounding less like of a request but more of an order.
The three stares at one another again before Jackass and Zinnia give their thoughts to Anemone. They huddled together to avoid White hearing them, though the commander merely ignores them unamused of their antic.
"Look I don't think it's a good idea for White to stay in my place, where both the troublemaker and the one who blew up her building live. Also, there's A2, so… it'll get awkward really quick." Zinnia's opinion getting both nods of understanding from the other two.
"I'm an explosive expert so when it comes to handling bombs and combustive material, I'm a paragon of keeping my desk, materials and house organize to avoid any accidents and unintended explosions not cause by me. When I want something to blow up it would be under my terms. White and her messy lifestyle can lead to one or two things to be misplaced and then bye-bye commander and Jackass." Jackass stated to the two emphasizing the latter part by giving a serious expression, which meant she was not joking.
Anemone could only look at the two, before giving a brief moment to think for herself. The inner turmoil she was having was evident between the other two, before she relents and gives an exhausted sigh.
"Fine…" She says defeated.
"Okay White, you're staying with me… but let's make one thing clear. If you don't clean the room I give to you for every 3 days, I'm kicking you out, commander or not." Anemone said sternly to White, who relents and gives a nod of understanding.
"Very well. Though, can I ask you to accompany me in retrieving my belongings?" White asked Anemone as everybody begins to exit the captain's quarters.
"Might as well. I'll go get a cart to make it much easier for us." Replied Anemone as they continue to walk to the main hall.
"Phew… What a day." Jackass stretches her arms over her head, as they moved further ahead and away from the captain's quarters before they disappear to the main area of the guild.
It was already night when Zinnia returned to her home. Dinner was prepared by the pods and she was greeted by all her charges. The chief can't help but smile at seeing her little family together. As they gathered around to eat their meal while Zinnia tells them what they decided to do tomorrow and what punishment some of her charges would have.
While at the back of her mind, Zinnia can't help but think to wish these days of peace would go on forever. Talking, laughing and enjoying the time they're spending together.
Author's notes:
Chapter's done!
Next time, we will have 9S visit the felynes staying in the Whistill forest.
Also, I changed the Title and summary like I said I would do in the previous chapter. The title is pretty simple just to set myself apart from the others titled Monster hunter stories. The summary was just tweaked a bit.
Thanks for Reading! See you guys in the next chapter!