Author's notes:

This chapter is posted in bulk with a number of other chapters, so don't be surprised if you get notifications of a few chapters being posted at the same time as this one.

Here is another chapter. 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.

Watching the small footsteps and seeing the peculiar gaze on his face, 9S thought that it was nice that Rogue was walking around and exploring his surroundings. The little brute wyvern was showing signs of curiosity, besides the hunger that his species was infamous for. It amused 9S and maybe even enjoyed the wonder the baby Deviljho was displaying. Rogue started to sniff, bump his snout and maybe even take a bite at all the things he was seeing for the first time since they left the nest area, like shiny rocks or mushrooms.

9S would keep a watchful eye on him to make sure he wouldn't put anything in his mouth that would harm him and to avoid hazards that would trip or hurt him. He makes sure that Rogue would be in his line of sight, like a parent would do to a wandering child, as the Deviljho carries on his little investigation of the world around him. Overall, Rogue acting like a hyperactive monstie being curious at everything, reminds 9S of himself.

9S figures the rite of kinship might have given Rogue his sense of curiosity or inherited it from him. He's not sure and leaves it as one of the many questions he would answer later, as he learns more of the Kinship Riders have through practice by raising Rogue.

9S then hears the little Deviljho cry out to him and pointing his head to a path ahead of them. 9S could see light coming from it and figures Rogue must have sense the entrance of the monster den. Ahead of them both, 9S sees that Pod and Whistill were with the Melynx were pushing the cart to the entrance. The path to the entrance was a sloped upwards a bit, making it hard to push the cart with all the new weight from the materials they gathered. Rogue makes a gesture with his head, pointing to the cart then back to them, asking if they should do something and help the felynes. 9S thinks a bit, then smiles mischievously before he gestures Rogue to help them. The small Deviljho happily heads to the cart with intention to help push it, giving a bark to the felynes.

The Felynes hear his bark, with the Melynx to be the first to turn and see Rogue barreling at them. Still a bit afraid of the Deviljho, the felynes panic with the Melynx immediately begin to push the cart harder to reach the entrance, giving it an extra boost to get the cart out, leaving and making both Pod and Whistill fall from the sudden push of the cart. They then see Rogue running towards them.

They move to the side and cover themselves to not get trampled, only for him to avoid and pass the two, before he immediately uses his head to push the cart out with the Melynx, who were surprised by the action. Pod 153 and Whistill see it as well and could hear 9S laugh behind them at their scared and shocked expressions. They glare at him, not appreciating him not warning them that Rogue would suddenly charge or would want to help them. 9S apologizes before he helps push the cart out of the entrance with Rogue and the Melynx.

As they make it out of the monster den, Rogue immediately takes notice of his new surroundings and leaves the cart to look around. The fresh air, the tall trees and the afternoon sun, Rogue stood still entranced. He sniffs and smells the air, before catching a delicious scent and attempts to look for it. Only for 9S to suddenly scoop him up to his arms, when he saw the brute wyvern began to run to another direction they weren't heading.

"Hey Rogue, that's the wrong way. We're heading over there." 9S said as he points to the direction the Melynx are pushing the cart, with Pod and Whistill walking ahead and leading them.

The brute wyvern whines to him in displeasure for suddenly picking him up and stopping him from his search of the delicious scent. Rogue attempts to coerce 9S to put him down by giving him the Deviljho version of the puppy dog eyes, adding small whimpers for effect. With Rogue still a baby and his eyes still a bit bigger in proportion of his body, 9S thought that he did look cute.

"Haha… No, that's not gonna work on me Rogue…" He said as he begins to pet the Deviljho as it continues to whine in protest.

"C'mon, we still need to meet up with the other felynes Whistill sent to their old settlement and head back to their camp. Besides they have a lot of food back there for you to try out!" The Deviljho perks up and begins to growl in excitement.

9S is not sure if Rogue understands the entirety of what he said, but he knows that the Deviljho was quick to associate the word food for stuff to be eaten and his tummy to be filled.

"Now if you behave and stay beside me and not wandered off, then maybe I can convince the felynes to cook you something real nice. How's that sound?" He asked staring at the eyes of the Deviljho, trying to let his monstie understand that he was serious.

"Groah" Rogue responds with a nod of his head, getting the message a bit. He begins to shake in 9S arms, making small growls, asking to be put down.

Accepting his monstie's response, 9S puts Rogue down and watches him run around him for a bit before bumping his legs, urging him follow the cart. 9S chuckles and begins to walk.

"Okay, okay Rogue. We're moving. Sheesh… I really need to look in the manual if there is something to help me manage your hunger." 9S says to himself as Rogue occasionally walks beside him. The small Deviljho is still curious of the outside world he arrived in and continues to prod and sniff his surroundings. 9S could only continue to keep a watchful eye on Rogue as he continues to explore while they follow the cart.

He wonders if this is how 2B and the others acted whenever he would explore the forest before with them. Well, If Rogue is anything like him then he would need keep closer watch on him or respond quickly if he gets in trouble. Hopefully, Rogue wouldn't get as much trouble as he did as kid.

'Don't jinx yourself', 9S thought to himself.

"Grrrrrr" He hears a muffled growl and sees Rogue approach him with something in his mouth.

Rogue drops it and 9S sees that it is a shiny rock. Rogue shuffles it closer to him and tilts his head as if asking him what it is and if he can eat it, he opens and closes his jaws in emphasis as an eating gesture.

Seeing this, 9S can't help but smile and be amuse again at Rogue's curiosity. He thinks to himself that if Rogue is anything like him, then he'll continue to be curious at the world around him. Even if he thinks that most of Rogue's curiosity would be food related. 9S then begins to inspect what Rogue brought him and explains what it is to him after he figures it out. As he does this, he can't help but think that he and Rogue would get along well and that together they'll be able to discover a lot of things together.

They continue to follow the cart, while Rogue would continue to bring stuff to 9S and 9S would continue to explain and maybe even teach some stuff to the Deviljho. The two didn't realize it yet that they were already bonding and that the kinship they forge continues to grow stronger every second they are together.

An hour has passed since the company of felynes, human and monstie have left the monster den and the orange glow of the sunset continues to fade to a cool dark shade blue in the sky above them. They were approaching the rendezvous point where they split up earlier of the day with the other felynes Whistill brought with them. The cart continued on a steady pace with the Melynx pushing the cart and Whistill doing a survey and item itinerary of the goods. Behind the cart Pod 153 was perched on top of 9S's shoulder, who was watching Rogue walk beside him, gnawing a sturdy branch he found.

Pod 153 could see the interest in her Meowster's eyes and understands that 9S is fascinated and glad to have found an opportunity to observe a Deviljho's behavior, in a much safer scenario and circumstances.

A normal one would be different and involves one observing a Deviljho in the wild, which in most cases from what Pod has heard from others in the guild, end up with researchers being eaten or a loss of a limb. Despite her Meowster's assurance and confidence with the knowledge he learned from the Riders manual, Pod is still isn't as trusting to the suppose monstie walking beside them.

'Why couldn't have her meowster hatched a different monster like an Aptonoth and not a Deviljho or any other predatory monster' Pod 153 thought to herself.

As if he could read her mind and feel the doubt and mistrust Pod has to Rogue, 9S turns his attention to Pod and speaks.

"You know if you don't trust him, he wouldn't trust you either?" He gives a sort of a blunt question to her.

"You know that he is a Deviljho, meowster." She responds in the same manner.

"Yeah, so…" 9S sees Pod, staring at him with a raise eyebrow in response.

"A Deviljho, brute wyverns considered to be the most violent of their class. Could grow very large and hunt species to extinction due to their insatiable hunger. Super predators that rival elder dragons and some consider could do worst to the ecosystem than one. Does that ring any bells Meowster?" Pod asks him knowingly.

"Well, what you said does jolt some things into mind… but Rogue is different. He's my Monstie." 9S answers casually.

"How does that make him different? He is still a Deviljho …Again, I am disturbed of how at ease you are and by your lack of concern that your monstie is a Deviljho. How are you sure he wouldn't turn on us when he gets big enough to swallow us or anything else whole?" Pod asks again much more seriously to 9S, who stays silent for a moment to think.

He glances at Rogue, who continues to gnaw his stick happily and gives him a happy croon when he spots 9S looking at him. 9S turns his attention back to Pod and gives her uncertain look.

"I know what you mean Pod… Rogue is a Deviljho and he won't always be a small pickle I can pick up and hold in my hands. He'll grow big and he would act much more different than he is now as a hatchling. Your right to say that I'm not sure, maybe he would behave like every other Deviljho and could be a danger to us when he's all grown up." He tells Pod before his expression changes to one of confidence.

"But he's my monstie Pod… Rogue isn't going to be another Deviljho and he may not end up like one, based on what the Riders manual said. He's going to be my partner and I hatched him, making me responsible for his wellbeing. From what I remember, the Rite of Kinship binds me and Rogue together in a mutual bond that entails us to care for each other. We made a kinship to know and learn more about one another and by understanding each other we can live together as rider and monstie in harmony. I am aware how dangerous he could be; I mean he's a Deviljho. But knowing that helps me remember to respect the power he possess and know the boundaries I can or cannot cross. He isn't going to be a pet for me nor is he a wild monster I'm trying to control and he shouldn't be treated as such." 9S says in a serious tone to Pod, who is stunned a bit by the serious expression accompanied with it. 9S' expression then turns to softer and lighter one before he continues.

"Which is why the Riders manual is telling me that I should treat Rogue properly and with respect, then he too may treat me the same way. I mean even hunters and monsters have some sort of mutual respect to each other's abilities and powers they possess. Me and Rogue's respect to each other is just a bit different I guess… not just in fighting, maybe even past the place of hunting as well, going further than that. Besides, if I see him as threat, he would see me as threat as well or if I give him any reason for him turn against me. But if I see him as friend, then he may see me as a friend as well, despite me being a fragile human and him being a vicious Deviljho in the future." 9S explains as he sees Pod starting to understand what he was saying.

"I also… think that he can be friends to others too, besides me, if they don't treat him as constant threat or give him a chance to show that he isn't." 9S adds as Pod 153 gets a skeptical look on her face.

"Look I'm not forcing you to be friends with Rogue right away okay… I'm just asking you to give him a chance or give me a chance to prove he wouldn't act entirely like other Deviljhos. I mean one difference between wild Deviljhos and Rogue is that there would be someone raising him." 9S pleads to Pod, who just a sigh from on top of his shoulder.

"Fine Meowster, I'll hold your word for it to prove to me that Rogue is different. And I'll… try to be more open with him… and the rest of the Rider stuff you told me. But only if you let me stay by your side whenever you'll do something or anything related to it, whenever you'll do something with Rogue." Pod said to 9S, who could feel him relax a bit.

"Sure Pod, I don't mind. I may need your help in all of this anyway, especially in keeping it a secret from everybody else…" 9S said with a hint of relief. He thought that Pod wouldn't stay with him anymore if he would continue all of his research on Riders.

"I still have some second thoughts on keeping this entire thing a secret but know I'll support you with whatever I have and can do." Said Pod honestly, making 9S pat her on the head.

"Thanks Pod. Your support is always appreciated and welcomed." 9S said as he could hear Pod 153 purr in content as they continue to follow the cart.

Suddenly, felynes yells and monster cries are heard making everybody stop at their tracks. Rogue pauses and sniffs the air and gives a bark of confusion and stares at the path in front of them, while Whistill, 9S, Pod 153 and the Melynx recognize the yells as the other felynes Whistill brought. Hearing the monster cries too, led to the group to conclude that the other felynes were in trouble.

"NYA! They're in Trouble!" Whistill shouted who jumps off the cart.

"Sounds like they encountered monsters while they were waiting for us. Shit, I guess some of the monsters are moving back here." 9S speculates as he begins to open his bag and begins to take out several items that may help them, seeing that they have to confront whatever monsters are terrorizing the felynes.

"Meowster, Whistill, we need to hurry and head over there!" Said Pod 153, who begins to prepare some items to bring as well.

"Right Nya! Melynx stay here and watch over the cart, while the rest of us would will help the felynes. We'll do something to signal you if the threat is gone." Whistill orders as he brings out an acorn shape weapon before he immediately sprints to the rendezvous point. Pod 153 follows him and while bringing out a boomerang to fight with.

9S was about to follow them until he remembers Rogue and crouches down to talk to the small Deviljho who was confuse at what was happening.

"Hey Rogue, something just happened and me, Pod and Whistill are going to be gone for a bit to... investigate. Stay with the cart and wait for us until we come back, okay?" He asks as he could see the Deviljho tilt his head showing more confusion, not understanding the situation and was showing a bit of worry.

"Please Rogue… stay here. I promise I'll be okay." 9S asked again.

Rogue hesitates a bit before nodding his head. Seeing his response, 9S pets his head before he rises up and unsheathes his carving knife. Seeing the blade unsettles Rogue a bit and made the brute wyvern a bit more uneasy with 9S leaving. But before he could growl or croon to 9S, he sees that his rider has already run off to follow Whistill and Pod 153. Pacing a bit on spot, he looks at the Melynx at the cart who were still weary of him then back to the path 9S left to.

Rogue continues to nervously shifts in place, not sure if it was right for 9S to go without him.

Catching up with Whistill and Pod 153, 9S continues with them sprinting through the forest. They burst out to a clearing, seeing the other felynes trapped on top of a pile of junk on their cart with a few Velocipreys hounding them. The group immediately spring into action.

Pod 153 moves first, throwing her boomerang striking the head of one Velociprey, making it turn to her direction and catching the rest of the pack's attention. Whistill strikes another to get one to follow him, while 9S begins to throw dung bombs at the other raptorial wyverns. The Velociprey begin to lunge and attack the three, while they dodge out of the way, while still keeping their attention on them.

Lucky for the group there isn't an alpha in the pack and the Velociprey are just ganging up on them. They attempt to lead the Velociprey away from the cornered felynes, while they figure something out to drive them a way or loose them. Pod 153 would continue to throw her boomerang at the heads of Velociprey distracting them, while 9S would use the opportunity to throw a dung bomb to their heads or on their bodies. The stench of dung would make them flee in disgust and some Velociprey have started to roll around on the ground trying to get the stench off, before fleeing. Sadly, others have taken the initiative to dodge the dung bombs being thrown at them and retaliate by pouncing to 9S, who would dodge in the nick of time avoiding getting pinned.

Whistill was keeping a large distance between the cart and the pack, positioned in front of them and preventing any of them to get past him. He uses his weapon to strike the head of a Velociprey if it gets to close, while dodging the other trying to bite him. The felyne chief was fighting bravely against the Velociprey that weren't focus on 9S and Pod, while he could count that there are still at least 7 raptors in total, 4 facing 9S and Pod and 3 fighting with him.

9S could see that Whistill was slowly getting gang up on and calls out to Pod 153.

"Pod help Whistill! Here catch!" 9S tosses two dung bombs to Pod 153, before ducking from a Velociprey pouncing towards him and sails harmlessly over him.

Pod was able to catch them without dropping any. She then throws her boomerang to a Velociprey charging at her, which dodges it but gives her an opening to head to Whistill. She chucks one dung bomb to the back of one Velociprey facing Whistill, the bomb exploding covering the entire wyvern's body in a putrid stench.

This makes all 3 raptors pause from attacking Whistill, with the dung stench Velociprey recoiling and crying from the smell. Its two companions where trying to get away from it as well, only for Whistill to see the opportunity to trip one of the Velociprey, using his weapon to strike one of its legs. This sends it tumbling to the other making them both fall to the ground.

Pod 153 then throws the other dung bomb at the two, covering them in same putrid scent. The Velocipreys cry and writhe on the ground from the smell and hastily get up to leave, with their other companion running away as well. Pod 153 then meets up with Whistill and sees that he is okay, before both decide to help 9S.

9S continues to bob and weave between the four raptors assaulting him. He would occasionally slash or nick some blood from the Velocipreys whenever he sees an opening while avoiding their bites and lunges. They were now ganging up on him since he told Pod to help Whistill and he couldn't find an opportunity to throw the dung bombs since the Velocipreys were beginning to be relentless in their assault.

He thinks that if he had a weapon it would have been easier but then again, this area of the forest should have been abandoned with most of the monsters gone. He was confident that he would only need to bring a few dung bombs, to throw at monsters when encountering them and run away. Simple as that, but he didn't account what he would do if he was needed to defend others from monsters besides running away.

He spots Pod's boomerang and dodges a strike from one Velociprey to get it. He rolls to the ground, picking it up before he makes a half haphazard throw at one of the raptorial wyverns. It strikes one in the head, before it gets caught by another and gets snapped in two by its jaws. He sees the slightly daze one and runs towards it, having a plan in mind. He gets a dung bomb and holds it in his hand as the two Velocipreys see him and begin to rush at him.

They follow him as he approaches the daze one as it shakes its head and recovers from the hit. It opens its eyes and see 9S leap towards its torso. Using its body as spring a board, 9S performs an aerial style leap sending him above the Velociprey below him and sending the two following him crashing to it. Before 9S drops to the ground he throws a dung bomb at their direction, making them cry out in disgust as it explodes and covers them in stink. He stands up and watches as three raptors shuffle off each other in panic before fleeing. He gives himself a short breath of air, before he realizes that he only dunged bomb three.

"MEOWSTER!" Shouted Pod 153, making 9S turn around and instinctually bring his carving knife to block the pounce of the last Velociprey on him.

His knife blocks the claws from one hand trying to cut him, while his other hand was able to hold the wrist of the other, pushing it away to not let its other claws to strike him.

The Velociprey had 9S pinned and was attempting to maul his face, while he would move his head out of the way from its bites. 9S couldn't get up for he was to busy dodging the Velociprey's bite and Pod and Whistill were rushing to his aid.

Only for something bigger than the two to rush past them and head straight to the Velociprey on top of 9S.

"Grooooooaaaaahhhhh!" 9S then hears a roar of rage.

Before he could make something out of it, he sees the Velociprey pause as well before something bites into its face and suddenly tackles the raptorial wyvern off of him. With nothing on him, 9S immediately gets on to his feet and turns his to the direction where the Velociprey is. His eyes go wide in shock, as Pod and Whistill reach his side as well and look at his unexpected savior.

They see Rogue mauling the Velociprey's face on the ground, crying and shrieking in pain as its head slowly gets bloodied by the small Deviljho's assault. It was kicking its legs on the ground as Rogue continues to pin its neck with his weight, while finding something to bite off the Velociprey. He slams his jaws on the red crest, biting into it before an audible snap was heard.

Rogue lifts his head up, carrying in his jaws the snapped broken piece of the Velocipreys head crest. The Velociprey uses this opportunity to buck Rogue off its neck and swiftly rises to its feet. Rogue falls to the ground before briefly standing up as well and glares at the raptorial wyvern. He snaps the broken crest in his jaws in two, before giving a roar to the Velociprey.

"Grooooooaaaaaaahhhh!"

The Velociprey immediately flees with its tail between its legs and its head bloodied, away from the Deviljho and the group. He gives a snort before he turns around and sees 9S and the felynes' shock expression. Rogue begins to rush to 9S before he stops abruptly, sensing some hesitation from 9S.

The violent display from his monstie, shocked and surprised 9S. It also resonated the words Pod said to him and makes him think if he was really too at ease with Rogue and not focusing on his dangerous aspects. The focus on Rogue's bloodied mouth and crushing teeth, made 9S a bit fearful Rogue. Until he heard some hush whimpering from Rogue.

He looks again at his monstie and sees a bit of hesitancy from the Deviljho. He thinks that he was staring too long and that the Deviljho was getting uncomfortable and didn't seem to be approaching him. He then realizes that Rogue must have sense his fear and doesn't know how to react to it.

9S thinks again and remember what he said to Pod, about not fearing him and treating him as his friend. And Rogue is, he saved him the Velociprey and 9S realize that he attacked violently is because he was trying to protect him. Rogue was probably worried about him too, since he left him alone for the first time and him not reacting isn't helping with the situation.

9S takes a few steps closer to Rogue and bends on one knee with his right hand outstretch.

"Its okay Rogue… come to me. I'm sorry, I was just a bit surprise. Don't worry everything is alright." 9S gestures Rogue to come to him.

Rogue looks at him for a few seconds before he closes the distance between them and gets his head under his hand. 9S then pets him and rubs his side, making the Deviljho relax and purr in content. It relaxes 9S as well and made him confident that he was right about Rogue not being like other Deviljhos.

"Now why are you here? Didn't I told you to stay at the cart?" 9S teasingly chastise him, making the Deviljho frown and whimper a bit.

He knows that he did something wrong and 9S could see Rogue expecting to be reprimanded about it. 9S just chuckles and surprising Rogue, before he begins scratching him under his chin making him growl in delight. 9S then brings out a small cloth before he begins to wipe the blood off of Rogue's snout.

"But if you didn't, you wouldn't have saved me from that Velociprey… So thank you Rogue. I really appreciated you coming for me." 9S then lifts Rogue up before giving him a hug. The Deviljho, liking the gesture, snuggles closer in affection. 9S holds him for a few seconds before he puts him back down. He smiles when Rogue gives him a happy croon.

Rogue then sees Pod 153 approaching him and 9S and gives a small bark in greetings. 9S turns around and sees her as well, who was shifting in place bit and wrapping her paws nervously. He could guess that Pod was trying to think of something to say to Rogue or was just to nervous to talk to him. He guess that she is a bit hesitant to approach Rogue after seeing him attack so violently.

"Uh…errm…Rogue?" The Deviljho perks up hearing his name and walks closer to Pod, who stays still not wanting to startle him. Rogue then stops and sits down just a few paces in front of Pod 153, waiting for her to answer or do something else. She coughs a bit on her paw before addressing him.

"T-Thank you… for saving Meowster. I appreciate it as well you saving him …and I'm sorry if I was a bit wary of you." She admits the latter with her eyes looking at the side, adverting her gaze from Rogue. Her apology surprises 9S and finds it nice that Pod thinks she should apologize to brute wyvern for judging him too quickly, despite not needing too or that Rogue may not understand yet what she was apologizing for.

Pod 153 freezes when she could feel Rogue sniffing her, surprise that he suddenly was in her personal space. He then begins to nuzzle her and finds her soft fur comforting. Pod could feel his growls of content vibrating throughout her entire body and she panics a bit not knowing what she would do and looks to 9S for help.

"What? He likes you. Why won't you try petting him?" His answer makes Pod expression turn to one disbelief, not wanting to do it.

"C'mon Pod, just do it. If he wanted to eat you, he would have done it right now." He jokes, earning a glare from Pod.

"Scratch his head, he'll like it." 9S suggests to her, not dissuading Pod to pet Rogue.

Pod 153 just sighs for the umpteenth time of the day and relents. She begins to pet and scratch Rogue, her soft paws and claws making him purr in bliss before curling around Pod, cuddling her some more. She is now trap with the Deviljho and finds her situation more discomforting, while 9S giggles at her.

"See, he's not so bad, now is he? You guys can be the best of friends! Or even cuddle buddies!" He jokes, irritating Pod.

"Meowster, get me out of here! You've proved your point! Nya… I could still smell the Velociprey and eggs!" Pod demands to 9S, her previous wariness of Rogue slowly disappearing.

9S then proceeds to help Pod and coerce Rogue to let her go, while Whistill, who was watching them the whole time, decided to check on the other felynes and is relief that they are all safe. The other felynes told him that the Velociprey that they encountered were actually the few remaining monsters that stayed behind here in the northern area of the forest. They regretfully admit that they have followed them here, since there wasn't any other monsters to hunt for food. Whistill tells them that its alright and informs them that as long as they are safe then its fine. They then ask him of Rogue, showing a bit caution as well to the brute wyvern.

"Nya it's alright. Believe it or not but that small pickle is with Nyain-es." The felynes became surprise and a bit disbelief as he tells them.

"Don't worry Nya! All will be explained as we get back to camp. We still need to call the Melynx that the problem is dealt with. But if you are worried of being attacked again, don't be. I assure you…" Whistill then turns to look back at 9S, Pod 153 and Rogue.

"We're in good paws Nya." He sees that Pod 153 is back on top of 9S shoulder, avoiding Rogue who was barking and growling her to come down. Pod would respond telling him that she is not a body pillow to be used. 9S could only chuckle at the two as he makes his way to Whistill, with Rogue running around him trying to get to Pod.

Whistill smiles at the sight of the three of them before they fix themselves up and resume their trek back to the camp.

It was the beginning of the night as 9S, Pod 153, Rogue and Whistill were sitting around a campfire eating and talking to each other. They made it to camp a few hours earlier and because they were exhausted from the entirety of what happened today, 9S and Pod decide to stay and eat dinner with Whistill, who offered for all the help they did. Even Rogue was offered food, with him eating a stack of well-done steaks, despite the felynes being bit wary of him. Some even started to panic and run around the place when he entered camp. Both Whistill and 9S convinced them that he is safe and that 9S would explain their situation.

Which he did, after Whistill made his entire settlement to promise and keep Rogue and his Rider discovery a secret. 9S was a bit hesitant to explain everything to the felynes, but if Whistill is going to work with him and offer him his assistance, which could be the assistance of the entire settlement, then he would need to explain and trust the entire settlement. Vice versa of them to him as well, in handling Rogue.

At least for 9S, he could assure to himself that they could keep his secret due to Whistill. And besides him and Pod 153, Whistill and the rest of the felynes in the settlement avoid contact with hunters and other people that aren't felynes. They only interact with others during guild work or if they are making a trade, after that not so much.

The settlement took Rogue and his story pretty well, it helped that the felynes they saved help vouched Rogue and how he save 9S from a Velociprey. Whistill also placated them that Rogue could keep their camp safe for the time being, regardless of him being a hatchling, but because he is a Deviljho. The rest of the felynes took his word and accepted Rogue …reluctantly.

It seems that being expose out in the open and the dangers that could happen to the camp help convince them. With Rogue's temporary stay all taken care off, 9S then begins to think on the next dilemma he has.

"So Meowster… What are you planning to do next?" Asked Pod 153, making Whistill focus at 9S as well.

"Well there is still the task to look for a new home for all the felynes, we could do that tomorrow. Right now I'm thinking of…" 9S looks at Rogue finishing his fifth, or was it sixth? Well-done stake. The two felynes follow his line of sight and nod in understanding.

"Nya, you said you can't bring him inside the village without raising a whole lot of suspicion and panic." Said Whistill.

"And both you and Whistill have decided to let him stay here for the time being… meaning the next question is…" Pod 153 gives 9S a knowing look.

"If I should stay here as well or return back tomorrow." 9S gives out a sigh before he stares at the night sky.

"If he could handle himself, then it wouldn't be a problem to leave him here and comeback tomorrow, but he is still a hatchling and his growth is integral for me to bond with him at this stage to be a rider. That includes the other the conditions I need to do to raise him properly as Deviljho and as a monstie. I need to be here for him most of the time …until he grows a bit and gets comfortable being without me and I know that he can take care of himself." 9S explains before he looks back at Pod and Whistill.

"Then why not?" Inquired Whistill, seeing no problem in what he said.

"I still need a reason or come up with something to tell Zinnia to why I'm going to the forest for most of my time. She can worry a lot… And I don't want her to get suspicious and send someone to investigate and stumble on seeing me and Rogue together." 9S answers Whistill.

"Yes, the chief gets worried at times if 9S would stay for extended periods or if he would stay until dark without a good reason. She may even force to get a hunting party to look for him, unless he tell hers her beforehand of what he is doing. Like today, she knows that we are with you, so it helps alleviate her worries and won't bother us." Added Pod 153.

"I see…" Said Whistill, who was thinking in deep thought for moment. 9S and Pod were doing the same before he claps his paws together.

"Nya, I got it! I think you'll like my idea Nya! …But it may require you to leave Rogue for the night." Whistill said 9S and Pod.

"I don't know Whistill… " 9S sounded unsure.

"Look Nya, if you leave him for me just for this one night. Then it would give you the time and the chance to prepare and do the plan I have in mind. If my plan works Nya, then you may have a chance to stay with him at all times, even after helping me for the day. My plan can last until Rogue is taught to handle himself or if you would work on a new schedule to avoid suspicion in the later days." Whistill tells 9S, who was weighing in what he said.

"What do you think Pod?" 9S asks Pod, who shrugs in response.

"Well, we got no other option and we're running a bit on time, so might as well listen to Whistill to whatever plan he has Meowster."

Agreeing with her, 9S gestures Whistill to continue.

"Well... what do we do Whistill." 9S said as Whistill just smiles and answers casually.

"Its simple all you have to do is tell them…"

"Interesting… So you scouted and investigated a monster den found by the felynes and from your description, it was a den made by a large monster you believe wasn't native to the Whistill forest." Said Commander White.

"And are you sure you can't identify what large monster made it?" Asked Anemone.

"No, I wasn't able to identify the tracks, or any markings left by the monster. Even the Melynx from the felyne settlement didn't see or identify what monster it is. All they know, which they told us, was that the den was abandoned for quite some time. Even before the whole stampede to YoRHa." Answered 9S to the commander and the hunting captain.

9S and Pod 153 were currently in the captain's quarters reporting back to Commander White and Anemone. They came back after hearing Whistill's plan and found it a bit clever. They agreed and began to listen to him as he tells them what they would need to do. The first of which is to report back to the guild of their work and offer some of the materials they've gathered.

"I see, the monster den you found will be investigated by the hunting party we will send to the northern area tomorrow… but you also discovered a nest inside the den, with some intact eggs as well and have gathered a number of materials in your investigation of the cave." Commander White continues to assess their report.

"Yes, we have commander. The felyne chief even split the materials between us and even offered one wyvern egg for the guild to investigate or to be use with whatever they want with them." Pod 153 answered to the commander.

"I'm not sure if there would be much use of it beside someone else's breakfast, but it can help determine what monster nested in the monster den. We can also check the rest that were left behind. Are there still any eggs left inside the nest?" Anemone commented and asks the two.

"We only had space to carry two eggs with us and I'm not sure if the eggs in the den would still be intact since…" 9S answers carefully to Anemone, not sure how he should tell her that the eggs were all eaten by Rogue and looking for another reason.

"It may have been raided after we have left. Some small monsters stayed in the northern area." Pod 153 finishes for him.

"We had … brief confrontation with some Velociprey escorting the felynes back." Added 9S, intriguing both White and Anemone.

"Really? How did you manage that? Did you fight them off?" Anemone questions 9S.

"We drove them off with some dung bombs. There was nothing else we could do but just lead them away from the other felynes and then scare them off with the dung bombs. Nothing much you can do with a carving knife you know… besides carving or staying on a mounted monster… Hehehe" 9S jokes the last bit. He sees Anemone eye the commander knowingly, who remains unamused to both his joke and whatever thought from Anemone. The commander turns her attention back to 9S, who returns to a neutral expression.

"It seems you handled that unexpected situation well and accomplished your task for the day. And despite the small amount, you also brought materials for the village to use for supplies and research. For that I can say that you and Pod 153 did a good Job today 9S." The commander commends 9S, surprising him a bit. He could see that the commander was pleased, and it could mean that she may not be as mad anymore with the whole Tigrex riding.

At the corner of her eye, White could see Anemone give her a small smirk. She just ignores it continues to address 9S.

"If there is nothing else to report to us, I suggest you return home and rest for the day."—White pauses a bit— "May as well report to Zinnia too, she has been… antsy since you haven't returned" White said the latter to 9S, as she remembers the number of times this evening Zinnia came to visit and ask for his whereabouts.

"You can leave the whole Velociprey bit for me to tell her. I need to talk to her about something anyway that I think you might like." Anemone wiggles her eyebrows to him, while White just shakes her head a bit, tired at what Anemone may be implying.

"Ignore her and carry on your night 9S. Report to us tomorrow again if there is any progress with the felynes and their new settlement." Commander White tells 9S as she begins to shuffle some papers on her desk.

Thinking for a bit, 9S looks first at Pod, who gestures him to talk. He breathes some air first before he addresses White and Anemone again.

"Actually… there is something."

White and Anemone look at him as he tells them…

"Whistill wants the both of you to stay with him? For a couple of days? ...And White Approved?!" Zinnia questioned 9S and Pod 153 in the middle of supper.

"Yeah… the commander told me she would agree if you do. And Whistill thinks that we should be there at the settlement so it would easier for us to help him with the tasks and jobs he'll give and we wouldn't need to spend time traveling to their camp or wherever they'll stay. We still haven't found them a new place yet, which is a top priority that he wants to be done. If me and pod are there, we can immediately start searching for one as soon as the sun would rise." 9S tells Zinnia, while the others in the household listen in. 2B was attentive to what he was saying, while A2 listens indifferently. Pod 153 was explaining to Pod 42 separately from them.

"I actually agree with him. I think its beneficial that me and pod would be there to aid their settlement in moving in or help build whatever structure they'll make at their new home. It will take a couple of days, but I wouldn't get in the way with the village rebuilding. I did hear it would be pretty cramp soon with all the builders and construction work coming in the next days, so I wouldn't be able to go around the village anyway." 9S added as Zinnia processes this request in her thoughts, while looking at him skeptically. 9S wasn't sure if she will agree but he hopes she does, unless he would have to improvise some parts of Whistill's suggestion.

The request of him and Pod 153 staying with the felyne settlement is part of Whistill's plan or rather the alibi that Whistill gave them so they can stay with Rogue. They weren't lying that it is beneficial for him and Pod to stay in the settlement and help the felynes there, but if they were in different circumstances, they would still prefer to travel from the village to the Whistill than live in the wilderness.

Though, finding a home for the felynes and a place to hide and train Rogue, he would really need all the time he has to do both. It would prove to be a challenge if he spends a bit of time coming from the village back and forth every day, when he still needs to watch over Rogue.

Which is why he decided that staying with Whistill is the optimal choice and with Zinnia focus on the village rebuilding, she wouldn't have time to dot on him or be suspicious when he has a reasonable alibi. 9S also thinks 2B and A2 would be convince too by his excuse, since they both also know the construction happening in the village in the coming days.

"I don't know 9S, you would be living in the wilderness for a while and what would you do for supplies and other commodities?" Zinnia asked him, not sure if she wants 9S to be out of the village and in the forest for a couple of days.

"I'll be fine, Whistill said he would take care of my living situation and other necessities. And I'm used to staying in the forest. If you are worried about my safety or me doing something reckless, Pod 153 will be with me at all times." 9S replies, while Zinnia remains a bit unconvinced.

"You are being a bit insistent with this. Is there another reason to why you want to stay in with the felynes?" Zinnia's question catches 9S off guard, and he stutters.

"W-What… No!" He answers quickly, before cursing himself knowing that he just gave himself away.

"9S. What is it?" It was 2B who spoke to him, sternly. She suspected that he was hiding something, which is true that 9S is hiding something. Something big.

"W-Well…" 9S's head begins to panic and tries to come up with an excuse that isn't related to a baby pickle murdersaur.

"I bet you just want to use it as an excuse to fool around?" A2 said, directing all of 9S's internal ire to her. Her teasing smirk just infuriated him more.

"NO… didn't you hear A2, its for work. I can't fool around if I'm tasked with helping Whistill." 9S tells her, despite feeling a bit hypocritical for using this alibi to bond and spend time with Rogue.

"Yet, it feels like there something else entirely. Just tell me whatever it is 9S then I'll tell you if you can go with Whistill or not. Look, I know you are capable of handling yourself out there, especially now since the forest is a bit safer with all the monsters temporarily gone from that area, but I can't just let you go if your going to be there to do something dangerous or reckless again. So, please… just tell me. I'll understand whatever it is." Told Zinnia.

Her words made 9S think a bit if she would understand and maybe know a thing or two of the Rider stuffs he learned. She is a Wyverian and Wyverians tend to live for a long time, she may have met or heard about riders before. He thinks that she may understand.

But he thinks otherwise. Currently Riders are myths and fantasy stories and 9S doubts if Zinnia has heard of them in her youth before. The pocketbook from 32S was just recently published as 9S remembers from his research the night before, meaning any accounts for Riders were forgotten and still either tall tales or word of mouth. Again no concrete proof. Zinnia and the others, beside Pod 153, wouldn't believe him if he tells them and he may have to show them Rogue for proof.

That's one thing he wants to avoid, their reaction of him is something 9S is really not sure about and wouldn't want to risk revealing him anyway. He tries to rock his head for another plausible reason to why he would want to stay with the settlement. Something that could convince 2B or A2 and maybe brush off some suspicion from them. He scans his eyes around him and settles on 2B, making him remember a previous conversation they had and one other earlier suggestion Whistill told him before.

If he does this right and act accordingly maybe he'll convince Zinnia. He sees 2B lock eyes with him and uses that as a signal to begin. He makes sure that everybody sees him slowly avert his eyes from her, before he speaks.

"T-To train…" He says it almost as a whisper, not loud enough to be heard as an obvious excuse but soft enough for them to think he was too shy to say it out loud. 9S even shifts his head to the side and try to heat his cheeks up, making a blush to add to the image of being embarrassed. He looks again to see how they would react and finds that his acting seemed to work.

2B had a surprise expression and 9S could tell that she was thinking about the same conversation they had before and maybe thinking that he was acting on the advice she gave him. A2 heard him and her expression showed slight interest to his answer. Zinnia was perplexed, raising an eyebrow, not sure if she heard him right.

"I'm sorry… to train?" Asked Zinnia surprised. It was clear that she did not expect that answer and 9S continues the flow he's made.

"Yeah… Whistill offered me that he will help me… train to be a hunter. Like give me some task to train my muscles and bulk up a bit…You know." He says in manner like he was testing his words.

"So, Whistill offered to help you to train …why?" Zinnia prods further still not convince.

9S instead responds by looking at 2B before looking back to Zinnia who noticed. She then looks at 2B, her eyes asking if she knows anything of this.

"I gave a suggestion to 9S, while hunting training is temporarily on hold. In his spare time, I told him he can do some self-training so he can prepare and be ready once he can train again. Could I guess, you told Whistill of our conversation?" 2B asked 9S, who shakes his head and clarifies.

"No, Pod told me she overheard and said she would support me, then Pod told Whistill that some of his task could help me train. From there Whistill decided to help me and said that this could be his own personal payment for me always helping him and his settlement. Well he gave me the offer and I accepted." 9S said, while rubbing the back of his head.

"So the cat offered to help you train, because you help him a lot. Why didn't he just give you some more freebies? I know you got whatever junk from him the day before, why not ask for more?" Questioned A2.

"It was not junk. And I would of ask… but I told him I wouldn't be able to use any of them since I'm banned from the research center, you know." 9S gives A2 a knowingly look, who nods her in understanding before shrugging.

"Well, you're not the only one. I heard Jackass' testing area is closed until further notice." She adds.

"Wait, really?!" 9S was surprised from what A2 said.

"Yup, heard her bitching about it while I was moving some wood." A2 tells 9S, who could only imagine the head researcher crying and cussing to the commander to why are they doing this to her. He could sympathize a bit with Jackass…

...Just a bit.

"Going back. So, it would be like a training camp, but you'll still be helping him all the same with his settlement. You'll help him with finding a new home and help build it, while he helps you train to be hunter, is that right?" Zinnia said, attempting to summarize what 9S was telling her.

"Yes, that's true. In my work hours and in my free time, Whistill will give me something to do to help me train. Maybe he'll facilitate some training exercise for me as well. But don't worry he isn't going to use monsters to train with me, I think he may make an obstacle course or something… So can I go?" 9S asks Zinnia hesitantly, who gives herself a moment to think.

She glances at 2B and A2, silently asking if they have their own opinions. 2B was thinking a bit, while A2 looks at her, asking why she should be involved. Zinnia just raises her eyebrows at her and A2 just gives a short huff before speaking.

"Why not? 9S is going to train to be a hunter anyway, so might as well take the opportunity. Besides, training in the woods is my go-to program for training anyway. I think it would do him some good doing the same." A2 answers before ignoring everybody, as she already said her piece.

"I think this is a good opportunity as well. If Whistill is offering his help, then I think 9S would grow much faster and gain more experience in the woods as a hunter. Maybe even when hunter training resumes, he could advance." 2B gave her opinion as well, with the latter part making 9S perk up.

Hearing the twins answer, Zinnia comes to her decision as well.

"Very well, since 2B and A2 think its fine, then I'm okay with you staying with Whistill and train. But promise you won't neglect to do the task he has given for you and finding his settlement a new home. And can I also add one condition that you at least comeback to the village and report once a day." Zinnia tells 9S, who gives a small fist pump to the air. Relief that he convinced her before he responds.

"Sure, I don't mind. But I don't know if I'll be able to report every day, I can still manage to come to the village once or in every two days. Is that okay?" Zinnia purses her lips before she relents.

"Very well, I can't really predict of what Whistill will make you do or if you end up exhausting yourself for the day. Just don't forget to comeback once in a while." Zinnia said.

"Thank you, Zinnia. Don't worry I promise I won't forget! Maybe me and Pod could even bring some materials to the village whenever we visit." 9S thanks the wyverian chief and beams a smile to her for allowing him to go.

"That would be nice. Now, you better pack all the things you need and I'm going to check just in case." Zinnia tells 9S as they continue to eat after their discussion.

"Sure no problem, I don't mind." 9S said feeling a bit relief that Whistill's plan worked. With one problem down and an alibi in place, 9S could now relax and finish his meal so he can begin packing for the days to come.

The rest of the night was spent in idle chatter, with Zinnia talking to A2 about being assigned tomorrow to escort some woodsmen and 2B talking to 9S of some training tips and giving some pointers.

Pod 153 was also done talking to Pod 42 about her plans with 9S, currently their conversation was about how she smelled like expired eggs and dried blood. She just waves it off by telling him that they fought some Velociprey today with some dung bombs. She also makes him promise to not tell Zinnia or 2B about it and that Anemone told them that she would be the one to do so. Pod 42 agrees, knowing that Zinnia may have a bit more convincing if she knew before she'll allow them to stay with Whistill.

The night carries on, while 9S wonders if Rogue is doing okay with Whistill and if Whistill is having any troubles with him. Hopefully, they're both okay and he'll really go early tomorrow to check on them anyway.

9S can't help but feel a bit excited for the coming days with Rogue.

Author's notes:

Okay this chapter is done. See you guys in the next one!