Author's notes:
Hello, today we'll be seeing 9S' first ride attempt with Rogue!
Here is the chapter enjoy.
"I think I can do this." 9S said, coming to a decision and approaches Rogue's side while the monstie was currently eating a Mosswine.
Rogue was already three quarters through the mushroom pig as 9S began to find a spot near the him and looking over his back for something to hold on to. Knowing what 9S was planning, Rogue waits patiently and resumes to finish his meal and let 9S continue to do what he's doing, so that they may start what he has in mind for them.
He could tell his partner was eager to do something today and Rogue didn't mind since this something would lead to big changes for him and 9S in the future. Presently, the two were deep inside the forest and way past the point of entrance of the valley where Whistill's settlement is.
But much earlier, for the past hour or so, 9S and Rogue hunted a bit once Rogue found some tracks to follow and led them straight to three Mosswines.
They made short work of them, with Rogue much improved in his hunting skills. He immediately ambushed two by grabbing one in his jaws and throwing the poor swine to one of its companions. Knocking both of them down to give a killing bite, while 9S took care of the last one as it tried to escape from the Deviljho.
Then while Rogue began to eat one of his meals for the day, 9S decided to start his attempts to try and ride Rogue …or at least something related to it and get started on.
He began to think about what he should do, while Rogue was eating. At least his monstie would be in a good and non-hungry mood when he begins to try his attemtps to ride him.
The first thing that pop up, which was obvious, is him to get on top of Rogue's back. Then from there, just figure out whatever they'll do next.
He then told Rogue what he plans for them to do together. And when he did tell the Deviljho about how they'll start practicing riding today, Rogue stopped eating for second and gave a confuse tilt of his head to 9S.
He proceeds to give a snort asking if they'll start doing it here.
9S saw that Rogue was skeptical of trying it, especially since they didn't have the Rider's manual with them for guidance and any rider related activities was mostly done with Pod and Whistill in the settlement.
Rogue gave more huffs and growls and clearly gave the expression to 9S that he isn't sure if they should try this without them and not in a controlled environment, like the settlement.
9S sensed his monsties' worry and could guess his concern, which also made him double take for second. He was a bit disbelief that it was a Rogue being entirely cautious this time, with his suggestion and the entirety of the moment.
Normally, Rogue was always the first to rush into things in terms of finding gathering spots or hunting new prey. 9S considers himself the same in both regards, but he had to be the more cautious one due to the Rogue still being relatively young and small back then.
But it seems some of the caution 9S was projecting to Rogue has started to root itself inside the brute wyvern's mind. And Rogue isn't as small or reckless like he has been for the past few days.
Hunting together with 9S, and satisfying his own hunger, has tempered Rogue's behavior. Since the more failures he would commit would lead to more lost meals. And it shows in his fast-growing maturity, when Rogue tries to restrain himself from immediately rushing in to tackle his prey.
9S has noticed this change of behavior and could say Rogue is starting to act less like a hatchling and more to a learning adolescence. Which 9S isn't sure if this behavior is from their shared kinship and a monstie's suppose natural fast growth. That with Rogue bonding and spending a lot of time with him.
Or it could be a natural part of his species' behavior since there are no known accounts of Deviljhos taking care of their young. Forcing the young to fend for themselves once they hatched, and having to adapt and learn quickly to survive.
The thought and the tidbit in his head did make 9S pause and think about Rogue's concern.
Since if something goes wrong, Rogue would get the least trouble or harm out of it. And 9S himself would be the one who would get hurt the most between the two of them. His monstie was only cautious because of his concern for him.
Though, 9S didn't intend for them to immediately try real riding yet and he explained further to Rogue more details about what he wants to try out and that they'll just be doing baby steps.
The boy then added to the brute wyvern that they both read the riding chapter in the manual together, well 9S did while Rogue just looked at the pictures, and that they'll only try mounting today.
With 9S trying to get and stay on top of his back while Rogue moves around with no running or anything else. Plus they could just do it right in the relatively safe area they're in currently. 9S also added that if he can practice now, then it would be a head start for him to learn to ride later in the future.
He also added that Rogue can take the both of them to farther locations, since he could cross greater distances with 9S riding on him. Plus, they could both follow the Aptonoth herds they've been seeing for the past few days and Rogue could get a big meal much faster than chancing for one wandering in the forest.
With that said, Rogue immediately latch on to the idea and started to coerce 9S to get on his back, amusing the boy while he tries to rein in Rogue's enthusiasm.
Which now leads back to their present scenario.
"Okay Rogue just stay still for a minute." 9S said as he places a hand on Rogue's side and finding a good spot to try his first attempt. Rogue on the other hand, was finished eating and even bent down a bit to give 9S a much easier foothold.
"All I have to do is just get on …Easy." 9S told himself as he finally got a grip on one of Rogue's spines and readies to jump or lift himself on top of the Deviljho.
With a grunt, 9S pushes his feet off the ground and pulls himself up with both of his hands now grabbing Rogues back, to get on top.
It wasn't a successful attempt.
9S was able to get at least his upper body on Rogue but he struggles to get one of his feet on top and over to the other side of Rogue's back.
"Hurgh… Just give me another minute… almost got it." 9S proceeds to successfully hook his right foot a bit over Rogue's back and finally lift himself off his awkward position and slowly move himself to a riding one on top of Rogue. He was close to the base of the Deviljho's neck and sitting mainly on the large hump of Rogue's back.
Crouched a bit, 9S could feel the smooth scales on his hands and as he shifts and straddles his monstie, he could tell Rogue's back wasn't uncomfortable and his spines were just a mild discomfort. He then proceeds to sit upright and found that he doesn't have trouble mounting his monstie.
"Hey, I did it. Yes, woohoo!" 9S gave a fist pump for his achievement, not caring how small it was.
"GROAH" Rogue gives his own praise, even though 9S just achieved sitting straight on top of him as he stood still.
"Hey, I'm not making your back feel irritated or something?" 9S asked as he pats Rogue's back.
Rogue tilts his head a bit before he does some short shakes and shifts his footing to test himself, while 9S instinctively holds on to Rogue to steady himself.
"GROAH" Rogue answers in a positive tone, implying he isn't feeling anything.
"That's good to know Rogue, but I still think I'll need a saddle if I'm going to stay on top of you. I don't know if my butt can handle your spines when you move around or when they get bigger when you're older." 9S said as he proceeds to give Rogue a scratch on his neck and back, drawing Rogue to pant in content with his tongue out, liking the back scratch.
"If you're worried about the saddle, I think the Rider's manual has something about it. I guess it wouldn't bother you much since I think Rider's wouldn't been able to tame and ride other monsters properly if the saddles where bad and uncomfortable for the monstie, if that were the case."
"GROAH"
Rogue simply replies and doesn't mind if 9S gets to be on his back, ride him and whatever else he may do, as long it doesn't hurt him. Plus, he gets to have the unreachable itches on his back scratched for free as a bonus for him.
9S could tell from Rogue's response that he doesn't find it a problem. Though, a small part of 9S guesses it could be because he doesn't know what a saddle is, or he doesn't really care about anything right now but the scratching he was giving him.
"Okay, that's enough back scratching for you now. Let's try a simple exercise and have you walk around a bit Rogue, to test the waters." 9S said, shifting their focus back to the matter on hand. Rogue ceases on his bliss and gives small growl saying he was ready.
"Okay let's just try going around in a circle." 9S suggested and waved his hand in a circular motion to Rogue.
Following 9S orders, Rogue moves around the clearing they were in and walks in a moderate pace. As Rogue moves, it felt a bit bumpy for 9S, but it was still manageable for him to get use to the feeling.
"Okay, doing great so far. Not as hard like that time with the Tigrex, but I wasn't clinging for my life or chasing a stampede."
Rogue completed one loop around and continued to walk again in circles as 9S continues to adjust.
"Huh, not that I'm drawing to conclusions, but it feels like I'm riding an Aptonoth with spines. Then again, you're just walking in a smooth pace Rogue. Wanna take a risk and take us back to the settlement like this? With you letting me ride on your back."
"Walking pace of course, we're still fast with your strides Rogue." 9S asked his monstie who glanced at him and gave a thinking expression before growling in agreement.
"grrrrrr"
"Thanks Rogue. If we make it to camp like this then it's a small milestone for us to achieve for our training. We can do more riding training and progress in the future because of this." 9S said as he reaches his hand to pat Rogue on his head.
Rogue then changes course to walk out of the clearing they were in and heads to the way back to the settlement, only to pause in his steps as a rustling is heard in front of them in one of the bushes.
"Hmmm, what's wrong Rogue?" 9S noticed Rogue stop and stares at a bush in front of him. Both rider and monstie could see it rustle and could tell something is coming towards them.
They ready themselves, with Rogue baring his teeth and 9S crouching and holding himself closer to Rogue, in case he would have to hold on to the Deviljho for an inevitable fight.
The bush continues to rustle and both individuals tense as the figure steps out and stops right at its tracks from seeing the two.
"Oh another one." 9S said.
It was another Mosswine and 9S visibly relaxes from the sight of the moss-covered pig and happy it wasn't a dangerous monster.
"It's okay Rogue. Let's get on our way… Rogue. Rogue?" 9S asked his monstie, only to notice Rogue still staring at the pig.
9S also notice and feels that Rogue was still tense, like he was still primed to fight …or hunt, as he realizes.
"Okay… now hold on the sec. Rogue. You already ate and we still need to get back to Pod and the settleme—"
*Grumble
"Okay you're still hungry but at least let me off your back before you tackle that pig." 9S told Rogue calmly as he pets him gently and motioned to get off of him, only for the Mosswine to flinch from 9S moving and made a sudden jerk to run off. It stops itself, after seeing Rogue glare at it in response.
"grrrrrr" Rogue steadied his gaze and leans forward, readying to sprint, forcing 9S to slowly cling on him while the growing panic rises from his gut knowing what his monstie is probably gonna do.
"Wait. Rogue just let it go and we can find another meal for you. Or let me get off, I mean you didn't want us to proceed quickly and take a risk of me riding you full on remember!" 9S tried to reason to his monstie who's attention was on the Mosswine planning to run at any moment.
Rogue took a glance at his rider and for a second 9S could have sworn that there was a glint in Rogue's eyes as he gave him a smirk or whatever expression Rogue could muster from his Glasgow grin.
And it was at that moment… 9S didn't know why or how, but he knew Rogue was telling him 'to take a risk and hold on tight.'
"Wait, now hold on a seCOND AHHH!—"
"GRRRROOOOOAAAAAHHHHHH!"
Rogue roared causing the Mosswine to turn around and begin fleeing for its life as the chase begins. With Rogue immediately bounding to come closer to the pig and 9S bouncing on top of Rogue's back while holding on to it for his dear life again, as his monstie accelerates to a sprint.
Feeling his whole ride change to one far different from before, 9S could only hope he doesn't fall off or lose his own breakfast from motion sickness.
They ran through the forest following the Mosswine as it tries to lose them and leads them to a denser part of the woods filled with rocks, roots and close branches.
"GROOOAAAAHHH!"
Rogue continues to roar and attempts to take a bite out of the Mosswine, coming close to catching it if it weren't for the roots the mushroom pig bobs and weaves through. He stomps through the obstacles in his path and upturns some small trees in the way, while the mushroom pig surprisingly is able to maneuver and slip through the gaps of the foliage.
"Rogue slow down! Branch!" 9S yelled to Rogue, as he bounces lightly on his back and sees some branches intertwined together from two trees.
"ggrrrrr"
Seeing them, Rogue gives a growl before charging head on straight through the wood to smash them into bits.
"Gah!" 9S ducked, as they plow through the branches.
The Mosswine looks back to see wood dust explode and hopes that it would've slowed down its pursuers.
"GROOOOOAAAAAAHHHH!"
A disheveled 9S with sticks in his hair and an unharmed Rogue bursts out of the dust, with the Deviljho giving a retaliating roar and speeds up to cover more distance between him and the big.
The pig squeals in response and makes a turn to a path blocked by rocks and squeezes itself between a small gap between.
"Really?" 9S said in disbelief as he pulls some twigs off his hair and sees a rock pile right in front of them and knows what Rogue is gonna do.
"GROAH!"
With a roar Rogue smashes the piles into bits and sees the pig running straight to an opening out of the forest. Rogue picks up speed before he does something unexpected and leaps towards the pig.
"WOOOOAAAAAHHH ROGUE!" 9S exclaimed as his monstie soars on the air briefly, before roughly landing on to the ground shaking it and making the Mosswine stumble a bit before it continues to run.
"Okay I take it back! This is not like riding an Aptonoth but like I'm riding that Tigrex again!" 9S shouted as Rogue continues to pursue the pig while he squeezes his legs tightly on Rogue to not fall off.
"This is not what I expected my first riding session would be"—Rogue gives 9S a brief look—" Yes! I'm being honest here, but that pig is fast, and I'm surprise we haven't caught it yet." 9S commented as he could see the swine exit the forest, which they soon follow after.
What greets them outside the forest was a wide grazing field of grass, filled with Aptonoths. The herd could hear the commotion and turn to see what it is about and spots 9S and Rogue.
Rogue pauses from his chase of the Mosswine and letting it go, to its relief, while making 9S nearly face fault on his back. Both rider and monstie then see the herd in front of them.
"Oh… Aptonoths."
For a moment both the herd and the duo remain staring at each other, before Rogue gives small growl at 9S.
"…grrrr?"
"Oh now you're asking for permission…" 9S stares at his monstie for a minute, before giving in and letting out a sigh of defeat.
"Well, we're already here and the herd is just right in front of us…."
"**** it, why not. Let's get one of em Rogue!" 9S shouted with enthusiasm, making Rogue roar in joy.
"GRRRROOOOOOAAAAAHHHHH!"
The roar sets off the herd and the Aptonoths begin to flee away from the charging Deviljho, as both 9S and Rogue begin to chase them with exhilaration. 9S himself wasn't bothered with the rough ride with Rogue anymore and like the time with the Tigrex, he was able to get accustomed to it quickly and accordingly. Leaning close as Rogue speeds up, 9S could feel the wind breeze past him and started to feel the same excitement he had before, during the stampede in YoRHa.
Even better, since he's riding freely on his monstie in the wild and not causing any harm or creating collateral damage to the village.
"YEEEEEHHHAAAAWWW! Faster Rogue! I see a big one good for you!" 9S pointed a stumbling Aptonoth to Rogue. The monstie sees it and growls in agreement.
He then makes his way closer to one of the slower Aptonoth at the side of the herd, struggling to run with its members bumping constantly to itself. As they continue to chase the herd, both 9S and Rogue were enjoying the experience, and both were having fun as both continue to shout and roar randomly.
Rogue then began to make some mock lunges and snaps of his Jaws to further frighten the Aptonoths. It worked to the two's advantage as more began to try to outrun one from the other and made the one, they were targeting, tumble to the ground.
The Aptonoth realizing at what has happened to it, struggles to stand and immediately run only to feel Rogue pounce on top of it and deliver a bite to its neck.
In pain and panic, the Aptonoth hoots and roars as it attempts to jerk Rogue and by extension 9S, off its back but only proceeds to fling them to the ground with Rogue still clamp to its neck.
Having a stronger foot hold, Rogue brings the Aptonoths entire body down to the ground by the neck. The Aptonoth continues to flail and hoot aloud before it was silence by Rogue giving a crushing bite, ending its life swiftly.
"GRRROOOOOAAAAAAAAHHH!" Rogue gives roar of victory to the successful take down and for achieving a large meal to eat.
"Yeah, good job Rogue!" 9S gave his monstie some praise and a well deserve scratch to the neck, both liked by Rogue.
"And hey, I didn't fall off! Despite the sudden change of pace and a bit of a bumpy ride…" Rogue could only look sheepish in response to 9S before he feels 9S pat his head in reassurance and smiles at his monstie.
"It's okay Rogue, I'm not mad. I kinda like it actually, probably got a hang on riding because of what happened in YoRHa… and I don't mind if you can take us back to the settlement like that. Maybe we can test later how fast you can go too!"
Rogue growls in content, happy that both he and his rider had a good first ride.
Though, the feeling didn't last as Rogue caught a scent in the wind and suddenly growled again in front of them. This time there was nothing obstructing the figure or figures in front of them.
Noticing Rogue's change of focus, 9S himself turns to look where Rogue is growling at and pales lightly at what he sees.
"grrrrrr…"
"Seriously… you got to be kidding me." 9S said as he sees a pack of Velociprey in front of them, stalking and slowly approaching their position, eyeing the dead Aptonoth beside them.
Knowing the pack seeing the opportunity to try to steal Rogue's kill, 9S could tell their situation just got a bit more dangerous. He counts at least seven Velociprey in front of them.
A sizable pack that would make both 9S and Rogue wary to fight, but still consider not much a problem in 9S opinion for the two of them.
Even before when Rogue was smaller, fighting a small pack of Velociprey was not tasking as it sounds, plus with support from the felynes. Now especially that Rogue is much bigger and stronger, it would be much easier to takeout the entire raptor pack in front of them even without Pod or Whistill aiding them.
If only 9S had brought his practice glaive with him though…
Even if it was just a blunt end with no blade, the practice glaive still proved to be a reliable weapon to whack and knock down small monsters like Velocipreys for 9S and gives Rogue the equal opportunity to deliver killing bites to finish them.
Its how they fought off a pack this size before… but also what lead to 9S almost breaking the glaive itself and not wanting to bring it with him in case he would break it entirely.
But their current situation is giving 9S second thoughts on his decision.
"Maybe Pod was right, I should have brought my glaive…" 9S whispered to himself.
"grrrrrrr…." Rogue gives a question like growl to 9S, asking what they should do while not removing his line of sight from the slowly approaching pack in front of them.
Looking at the pack and with his current position on Rogue, 9S gave a strained face knowing what they should do and knowing that Rogue may not like the decision.
"Sorry Rogue, we can take them if I had my glaive but… I don't have it right now. And we're not entirely experience with the whole rider combat thing too." 9S answered to Rogue, who began to scowl at the Velociprey knowing what 9S is trying to convey to him.
"Look I don't want you to fight all of them by yourself with me on your back. That's the worst case I could think of now but I'm sorry to say we should ditch the Aptonoth and let those raptors have it."
"GROAH!" Rogue barked in anger, making 9S flinch and the Velocipreys tense.
9S in response begins to stroke Rogue's side to at least soothe him and calm him a bit so his monstie could listen to reason.
"I know, I know, this is your kill. But I'm sorry Rogue, you have to understand I can't fight with you without a weapon against a pack this big and let you fight them by yourself. I don't want the both of us risk getting hurt because of me…"
"Besides, we still don't know what a rider is supposed to do when they're riding on a monsties back. Other than letting the monstie fight for the both of them."
"GROAH" Rogue gives another bark, which 9S could interpret as Rogue telling him he'll do the latter of what he said.
"C'mon Rogue that's too dangerous for us to do—"
"Euuuurrroopppe!"
Before 9S could give a retort to Rogue, the cry of a Velociprey cuts him off. He pinpoints where the sound came from and looks behind them.
9S' eyes go wide with panic, seeing that three more Velocipreys have arrived and snuck up behind them, cutting their potential escape route too. The rest of the pack begin to approach them in a much quicker manner, knowing that they have both of them and the dead Aptonoth surrounded.
Rogue notices it as well and now begins to shift his eyes in every direction where a Velociprey is and preps himself to attack wherever the first pounce would come.
9S himself was doing the same, knowing their situation has become even more dangerous. He becomes silent and crouches lower to hold himself tighter on Rogue and have a better grip on his back.
"Okay, worst case scenario it is then…" He whispers to Rogue and pats his back as a sign of acceptance that they would have to fight.
"Let's play this carefully— RIGHT ROGUE!"
"Euuuurrroopp!" A Velociprey pounces at them with Rogue dodging because of 9S' warning him in time. The rest of the pack begin their assault as well, with others leaping to Rogue.
Two attempted go for his left but Rogue countered by tail whipping them away. Another came close slashing 9S, if it weren't for the boy ducking at the last second. Rogue retaliated by biting its tail when it landed and threw it to three more pouncing towards him.
Seeing their initial assault wasn't working, the raptors begin to retreat and run around the two. It gave Rogue a hard time to keep track of them, before a Velociprey came to give a bite to his side.
"Oh no you don't!" 9S gave a reflexive kick at the Raptors head, forcing it back. Rogue attempted to bite it but had to dodge another Velociprey coming from his right.
The pack begins to toy around Rogue, giving fake lunges or nipping at his tail, trying to get Rogue to lower his guard and let him lose stamina.
The Deviljho monstie was growing irritated by their actions while being forced to dodge the raptors from all directions, with 9S just holding on to him and hoping to not get scratched or thrown off by Rogue.
Suddenly, a Velociprey jumps to pounce on the unaware and distracted monstie, aiming to get on his back and to the white-haired morsel on it.
Luckily, 9S was able to spot the raptor at the corner of his eye but saw it too late before seeing the rapidly descending claws towards him.
"ROGUE!" 9S shouted.
Too shocked to tell Rogue to dodge or give him proper directions to where the attack would be coming from, 9S closed his eyes awaiting the inevitable pain, not noticing the light blue shine from his kinship stone on his choker.
A pained Shrieked came after that echoed the grassland they were in.
Not feeling any pain and only a sudden jerk from his seat on Rogue, 9S forced himself to open his eyes to a shocking sight.
"EURO-RROppp—squa—"
The pouncing Velociprey was choking from the vice like grip of Rogue's jaws, seemingly caught mid air by the Deviljho monstie. It warbles in pain, with its blood dribbling down Rogue's maw.
Rogue had a fierce expression his face, emanating anger and rage. A sudden thought or image was shown in his mind of the pouncing Velociprey behind him aiming straight to 9S.
Hearing his name shouted pushed him to act, not caring if it was a hallucination or a stray thought, and instead opened his jaws wide and turned to the direction where the threat to his rider is and crush it in his jaws.
"GGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRR…" A deep and guttural growl came from Rogue, making the Velociprey in his jaws freeze in fear. The raptor could see from its own eyes that it had just made a terrible mistake, judging from the glare the monstie was giving at it.
9S himself was in awe, from his close brush with a fatal attack and from Rogue immediately responding to his aid from just hearing his name, even though he didn't know what was happening.
…or how did Rogue know that it was coming exactly behind them. 9S was sure that he was the only one who saw the Velociprey pouncing at them and knew he didn't have time to make a proper order to Rogue to dodge.
"How did you…" 9S was about to ask only to see another Velociprey pounce towards them. Rogue turns his head to the direction and sees it.
He immediately slams the body of the raptor in his jaws to the one jumping towards them and batting it away, before 9S could warn him.
9S could only stare and be surprise at Rogue's quick response only to suddenly feel the urge to look at his right and see Rogue has spotted another Velociprey pounce towards them before batting it away, again using the Velociprey in his jaws,.
The thrown Velociprey collides with the rest of its pack, sending it and three other pack members to the ground. This causes the entire pack to cease their assault and regroup with all of the members gathering together. The pack then stare warily at Rogue and 9S in front of them, unsure what they will do next.
Now having a brief breather, both 9S and Rogue look at each other and then to the Velociprey still in Rogue's jaws, before they both stare at the pack with a smirk on their faces.
"You thinking of what I'm thinking?" 9S asked Rogue with a hint of enthusiasm.
"GRRRRRRRR…" Rogue gave an equally energetic reply despite being muffled by the Velociprey in its jaws.
"My thoughts exactly." 9S responded, somehow knowing what Rogue was thinking.
"Euurroppp?" The bleeding, beaten and weak Velociprey gives a panicked and confused cry. Feeling that whatever is coming next, it's not going to like it.
Rogue proceeds to throw it to the ground, before biting the middle of its torso between the head and its tail, getting a grip then lifting it up. The Velociprey flails helplessly as Rogue's makeshift bludgeon and is now properly equipped. Seeing that Rogue is ready, 9S gives a tap with his leg on Rogue's side to signal him to charge.
"KICK THEIR ASSES ROGUE!" He shouted as Rogue begins to stomp his way to the pack of Velociprey, who are stunned by their opponents suddenly charging towards them before they start to panic from not knowing what to do from the unexpected action.
What came next was a one-sided beating from Rogue, using the Velociprey to beat the other Velocipreys. Rogue swings to one side knocking a potential raptor from lunging at them. He then slams the body to two other pack members sending them sprawling to the ground.
Putting more power in swinging their comrade towards them, several Velociprey are sent flying by the force of Rouge's swing, while getting scratches and bleeding sides from the flailing claws of the raptor in his mouth. They land roughly on the ground and attempt to stand up after, only to fall limp.
Rogue then slams one Velociprey to the ground with rubble flying from the strike, before raising one of his legs to deliver a crushing stomp to the body and killing the Velociprey.
Other raptors attempt to counterattack by attacking Rogue's blind side but are seen by 9S that ends with them immediately getting tail slapped by Rogue or bashed away with the raptor in his jaws.
More of the pack attempt to do the same but are met with the same resistance. The Velocipreys begin to get confuse to how the human and the monster are wordlessly countering them and seem to be aware of what the other is seeing.
One pack member attempts to pounce on 9S but Rogue simply throws the now dead raptor in his jaws towards it. They collide mid-air, with sounds of bones crunching audible before both bodies fall unceremoniously to the ground.
Another Velociprey charges with a war cry at them, but 9S sees this and gives a primal shout in return, which surprises himself, and getting Rogue's attention.
"EEUURRROOPPPEE!"
"RAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"
The exchange is met with the Velociprey's head meeting Rogue's open maw before it's completely crushed by a chomp. With the force causing blood to spurt out from the sides of Rogue's mouth. The body falls limp, while Rogue swallows the content in his jaws before he rears up.
"GRRROOAAAAHHHH!" Giving a roar, Rogue proceeds to leap in the air to the remaining pack members and squashes one below his feet before grabbing one by the tail and slamming it to the ground repeatedly.
Only two Velocipreys are left and see that the fight was lost, the two begin to flee with their tails between their legs.
9S sees this despite Rogue's erratic movement, still not yet done slamming the Velociprey repeatedly to the ground.
"Rogue stop! …It's over." 9S snaps Rogue out of his violent stupor and turns his focus to the fleeing Velocipreys.
Seeing this, Rogue moves to make himself stand taller with 9S grabbing him tightly to not fall from the sudden movement.
"GRRRROOOOOAAAAAHHHHHH!" Rogue gives a roar of victory and of warning to the fleeing Velociprey, before giving a snort of content.
9S felt the same as Rogue and gives out a tired breath, before he flops down on his front on Rogue's back.
"Glad that's over. ...What a morning. Well at least you got eight bodies to snack on and a whole Aptonoth to eat, huh Rogue? You must be pretty happy with yourself, aren't you?"
Rogue simply turns his head to look at 9S and gives his version of giggles in response and shakes his body in joy. 9S pets the Deviljho while giggling himself. Rogue then spots something from 9S at the corner of his eye and gives a growl.
"grrrr?"
"What?"
Rogue gestures his head to something on 9S, who looks confuse before looking down on himself to see what it is. 9S sees a flicker of light and a glow on his person before he suddenly realizes where it's coming from.
Carefully, 9S proceeds to unclasp his choker from his neck and holds it in his hand to a position where both he and Rogue could see it.
The two finally notice the blue shine from the kinship stone and stare at it, both mesmerized by the glow before it gives one flash of blue light before it stops glowing entirely.
"That has never happened before…" 9S whispers between themselves, with Rogue giving a short nod in agreement.
"I'll look into this when we get back. You on the other hand, can get to eating." Rogue gives excited croon before he starts to pick up the body of the Velociprey and bringing it with him to the spot with the Aptonoth. Planning to do the same with the rest.
9S simply puts on his choker back and then lies down on Rogue's back, surprisingly finding balance on the Deviljho and a mild massage from Rogue's spines with his movement.
"Pod's gonna get mad me for being late again…" 9S said to himself as he ponders on what to say to her when they get back. At least he could say he can ride Rogue now, heck even in a fight he remained mounted. Still he ponders and tries to figure out how his morning from trying to ride Rogue led to a turf war with some Velociprey.
All because of Rogue's hunger and chasing a Mosswine. He really needs to talk to 801S about that tonic...
Author's notes:
Just a reminder that Updates are every two weeks on fridays, but here's a heads up.
October is going to be a busy month for me, but I know I'll still be able to post at least 1 or 2 chapters by the end of the month before the next ones would come on November.
That's all and thanks for Reading!
See you guys in the next chapter!