Author's notes:
I'm sorry for this really late update, but like I said October was a bit busy for me and maybe the first week of November too.
But here is the chapter enjoy!
"White? You're here early." Zinnia said as she entered the captain's quarters and saw White working diligently on her desk. A few books were stacked on top of one another, while the commander herself was writing a certain document, a letter of request, as Zinnia guessed and knew what it would be about.
"I didn't leave. I stayed and used the guild facilities so I could resume my work today and prepare the needed arrangements before the Captains of the Royal Scriveners arrive in the coming days." White replied not looking up at the documents she was writing, while reading some of the written reports before her.
Zinnia was surprised that the commander decided to stay in the guild last night and felt a bit worried that she may be pushing herself a bit. Although, it's not the first time that White stayed overnighted for work so it isn't unusual for Zinnia to see her this early.
"You do know at this time of the year, the Royal Scriveners are busy researching that mysterious tower in the sea, right? Well… still more of trying to figure out how to get in through the lock doors and researching how to open them." Zinnia said, while White gave a tired sigh.
"I am well aware of it… I'm surprise we both forgot about the guild's periodic investigation of the tower, but we were occupied with the recent events we just had to remember. Though, I understand the guild's investment in investigating a strange and, dare I say, supernatural tower that suddenly appears halfway before the year ends—"
"And stays in place for a month or so, before vanishing completely until the next year." Zinnia added earning a tired nod from White.
"Yes… But surely the guild realizes that there are more pressing matters that needs their attention, than a tower that no one has ever entered or step foot in for the last five centuries. The implications that the Black calamity could still be alive, or another would rise from this infection, should spur them to cancel this year's investigation and head straight here to YoRHa. What's worse is that while there hasn't been any incidents or changes in the northern area with the infection, the monsters in the southern area are getting more agitated due to the lack of space and constant territorial disputes. I have received reports that some have started to return to the western section of the forest, and I worry that they may be slowly getting closer—"
"To the black haze… and we may risk of having to defend the village from mad monsters or have the infection spread further." Zinnia said, finishing the commander's train of thought.
"Exactly…" The tired and slightly irritated huff that came after, signaled Zinnia that White may be getting a bit overworked on the matter. The commander herself had paused in her writing to vent a bit, making Zinnia walk closer to White and give a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"They're already past the third week White, their investigation would end soon but it would still take time for them to return, even if we request them to come here due to the urgency. I understand your concerns and I may not know how the guild thinks, but I know that you should cease your needless overthinking and focus on the good news we have for now. It's not helping if you keep focusing on the pessimistic sides of things…"
"I am not pessimistic. I'm being real—" White made to speak only to be ignored by Zinnia as she continued to speak.
"We had some bouts of success and achievements to cross out from our to-do list from the past weeks. I mean the village is more or less fix from the whole stampede fiasco and has been fortified and made stronger by our faithful villagers to protect us from another similar disaster. And it's good news that there isn't any changes with the black haze in the northern area. We've map out the extent of the infection and we're also constantly monitoring it for any changes. Plus, while the situation in the south end of the forest may be not our liking, at least the areas of the forest is still stable. I remember that we placed a certain charge of mine to keep watch on the western side of the forest should any monsters begin to return. So far, I haven't heard any news that is alarming or anything that would mean danger for us …and I know you haven't either." Zinnia gave White pointed look asking if she was wrong, but the commander couldn't give any to refute.
"If anything the monsters of the forest are still wary of the black haze and are avoiding it at all cost. Maintaining their distance from it, even if they may look like they are coming closer to its location. Their senses and instincts are far greater than ours and they may know much more than us on how dangerous that black haze is. Trust my wyverian wisdom and look at the bright side, nature is also wary of our situation and doing its own way of handling it. And the guild did promise that Devola and Popola would head right to straight to YoRHa after their investigation." Zinnia said with finality, while she sees White purse her lips and scrunch her eyebrows thinking deeply.
"And what do you, pray tell, are we suppose do before they arrive? Wait?" White asked.
"Yup! And just resume on what we have been doing for the past week. If any emergency happens, we react accordingly. Anything new we learn, we record and report, and everything else we always do when defending the village.
…But for you, I think you should delegate some time for yourself to destress. We wouldn't want a too uptight commander to meet and greet the twin captains of the Royal Scriveners when they get here." Zinnia said jokingly, while White simply rolls her eyes while she resumes her work.
"I do have time for myself, if you must know, and I am not overworking or overthinking about our current affairs as you would believe myself to be doing. I am just remaining vigilant should the black blight begin to cause more problems to the village and the surrounding area." White said, while Zinnia's eyes suddenly narrowed hearing something from what she spoke.
"Black Blight?" Zinnia asked, hearing the term for the first time.
"Ah, yes. The name for the mysterious black haze. It's what the older generations, maybe even the ancients, called this mysterious phenomenon. I was able to learn the name due to the extensive research done inside the archives by our archivists and the young handler-in-making, who was with us during the investigation." White explained before looking in the stack of books on her table. The commander proceeds to find and show Zinnia a book and flipped to the page that had the term in it.
"Huh, at least we have something to call it officially. Anything else you learned about the black blight?" Zinnia gave the book back to White who gave a frustrated sigh and an irritated scowl in response.
"Just an excerpt saying that it existed before and nothing else that we already know of. Infecting monsters and turning them mad, spontaneous appearances and no known cure for it, despite the gnawing idea that if there wasn't one then the world should have been plunge by darkness by now. It's frustrating that from all this work, we only manage to get its name and nothing else." Zinnia proceeded to give White another reassuring pat on the shoulder, trying to ease the stress the commander was feeling.
"Don't worry White, once Devola and Popola arrive they could shed some light to this black blight. They have been the most promising researchers and captains of the Scriveners the guild has since the day the Black calamity first struck, and I should know. I met them and their work, they may know and see something that we don't, but until then we wait and try not to lose ourselves in paranoia." Zinnia spoke to White reassuring her, but the commander still looked unconvinced.
"But if you want… I can help out and start looking into the books you have right now. Which I know you'd obviously be using the time right now, if you could, to read them and research more on the black blight. All before we resume our daily responsibilities today. So, let me ease some of your stress and let you finish all the documents you have there." Zinnia said surprising White with the offer, making her think about it.
The wyverian chief was right, even though White wouldn't admit it out loud that she was getting a bit stress with the black blight situation and working on it was her way to appease some of her nerves regarding it. Having some help wouldn't hurt a bit and having Zinnia take off some weight on her shoulders wouldn't be bad either.
"If it's not a bother… then you can start on that stack over there…" White pointed to the pile of books near the corner of the table as Zinnia proceeded to get a seat and grab the first book on the top.
Walking through the forest at the southern end of the village, 2B and 9S were in their hunting gear, minus one kinsect for 9S and both had just finished a quest requesting to cull the number of raptorian wyverns drawing closer to the village.
The quest was under 2B's name but with 9S officially allowed to join quests under a hunter's supervision, he tag along once he learned 2B signed up to a number of quests in the southern area of the forest.
He was curious of what state this area of the Whistill forest is in, due to most of the monster population being here, and was the reason to why he asked 2B if he could join her. She was a bit apprehensive of letting him follow her since she was just recently promoted as a hunter, but 9S promised that he'll stick to shadowing her and stay at a safe distance while he watches her work and do her thing.
Though, 2B knew better that 9S may not completely stick to his promise and start engaging monsters with her, but she was a bit curious on how far he's gone with his training and wanted to see it herself.
Specifically wanting to see if Anemone's claim of him being combat ready to fight with a glaive was true. Plus, with most of her quests simply being item gathering and at most mook slaying of bird wyverns, 2B allowed 9S to tag along with her. It ended with one enthusiastic 9S and a surprisingly pleasant morning spending time with him. She decides her decision today was a good one, seeing the results and finding them good.
"I could see that you have improved in combat and fighting with an insect glaive, but I still notice some slips up you have. You should focus on your footing and make sure it's done properly. While you are against a monster to avoid accidents." 2B spoke to 9S as they continue to walk through the forest, their destination being the border before the western area.
"Hehe… I know, Anemone told me that I still need to practice a bit, but I didn't trip that much..." 9S replied bashfully, he was hoping to impress 2B a bit today and might have been too eager to please.
Resulting to a few missed slashes and slight foot tripping from small pebbles on the ground. Admittedly the quest to cull some Velocipreys and Iopreys didn't end in a disaster, which could have been him probably getting saved by 2B and receiving a harsh scolding after. But 9S knows he could have done better …or worst, then the quest could have ended horribly.
"Although, you have proven that you are capable of handling yourself in battle." 2B said surprising 9S.
"Really?" He walked closer to 2B and look to see if she was lying.
"Yes… Nines."—2B placed a hand on his head to pet his hair—" And I'm proud of you and the progress you've made." The boy could only look more bashful but at the same time feeling giddy from the praise and affection he was receiving.
"Thanks 2B…" 9S said as both of them stop in front of an intersection with different paths heading elsewhere.
"This is where we must part Nines. I need to report back to the guild of my completed quests."
"Do you need me to come with you? I mean I did shadow you for like half of the time before hunting with you. I may need to report or something…"
"No, it's okay. You still have to meet Pod 153 and head back to the settlement today. I heard you'll be busy for the next few days again for some sort of project the chief wants, right?"
"Yeah… Whistill may want to try his whole indoor plumbing project." 9S remembered that after the felynes are done renovating their front windows and entrance they'll start making a water system next for the settlement. It would help in taking care of the Lunar Tears too.
"Indoor plumbing? I taught I heard it was a hot tub or something related?" 9S saw 2B with a look of amusement and is a bit surprised that she knew the other reason for the water system. She must have heard it from Pod 153 when she was talking to Pod 42.
"Please, tell me you didn't swayed Whistill to your cult of love for baths." 2B said in a light and teasing manner.
"Hey! You like hot baths too and, in my defense, it was Whistill who suggested it in the first place." 9S huffed and pouted, while 2B chuckles lightly before her expression turns to a more reserve one.
"I guess this means I won't be seeing you for while then..." 2B spoke, with 9S catching the sad tone in her voice. Understanding her statement and what she meant by it. It did bring him a bit down too, knowing that he won't be seeing 2B for a while either.
"Yeah, I guess… but I still have my training with Anemone, and I would most likely be in the hunting arena, now that training could resume officially. If you drop by, we can hangout if you're free or we could join a quest since I can now, under the notion of me shadowing you." 9S said to cheer themselves up but saw 2B didn't seem to be too bothered by her previous statement and instead places a hand to his shoulder.
"It's okay Nines… but thanks for the suggestions. I am still needed to work on some special assignments with the black haze investigations. I may not have time to spend freely until the Royal Scriveners arrive. You should focus on helping Whistill and whatever task he has for you. Besides, you still need to monitor the western area of the forest in case something happens. Especially, now that some of the monsters are returning there, which I assume you've heard."
"Yeah, I have. Things might get hectic if monsters continue to migrate back… guess you're right. We both might be too busy to meet up."—'That and I have my whole rider training with Rogue to do' thought 9S—"Better for me to finish whatever business I have with the felynes, at least the big ones, before the guild would have me do something else." 9S said, deciding to take the time and opportunity with helping Whistill.
Plus, spending time with Rogue and learn everything he needs to know as rider before the guild puts some attention on him for anything, even for the black haze investigation. Regardless, it would give him less time for his rider business and personal quest to learn more of his past.
"I assume your business with the felynes won't be ending anytime soon? Even after their settlement is built?" 2B asked.
"Yeah." 9S answered, with her assumption being true to a certain extent. His business with felynes won't end since it is a promising partnership, but the extended truth being Rogue and to resume his rider training with the felynes occasionally when he has the time.
"But at least once I'm done with that I could return to the village and stay with you guys again and just occasionally visit the settlement time to time. We could hangout more after." 9S said while smiling at 2B at the notion. It's been more than three weeks and 9S would admit he was getting a bit homesick.
"I see, I don't mind that arrangement… until then I'll be awaiting your return." 2B said smiling back, while ruffling 9S' hair, earning a small giggle from the boy before they went their separate ways.
After parting from 2B, 9S met up with Pod 153 who was waiting for him by a cart that would take them back to the settlement. It was just a short ride with both 9S and Pod talking about what they would be doing next for coming days and formulating the new training plan they have for 9S and Rogue. By the time they arrived at the settlement they came to a decision to ask Whistill to make a certain item for Rogue.
"We need to make a saddle." Pod 153 said to the felyne chief.
They were outside, in the valley, with 9S and Rogue playing together by the river. Work in renovating the entrance and making the windows/lookouts of the settlement where completed, giving Whistill some time to meet with the retuning duo and discuss their next course of action.
"Nya! You'd be happy to hear that I have already taken the opportunity to start making one." Whistill said surprising Pod, and before she could ask anything else, Whistill explained.
"Nya? You really think that wasn't the first thing to cross my mind when I saw him return on the back of a Deviljho. Those spines could hurt after a while Nya!" The felyne chuckled, while Pod simply shakes her head in amusement.
"Well you're not wrong… but is there anything that you need to make it? I assume 9S left the manual with you and you read the part for saddles."
"I did Nya and there is some items I need you and 9S to gather for me to make the saddle. And maybe to restock for the settlement too Nya." Whistill answered, which was heard by 9S and Rogue who approach the two.
"No problem Whistill. What do you need?" 9S asked the felyne.
"Just some Ivy and Iron ore, but if you can find a small mining spot for the ore that would be preferable Nya. Our tribe is still thinking if iron pipes would be use or we just jury rig some tough wood for our water system and internal plumbing, so we might as well see how much resources we have before we begin construction." The trio nodded in understanding to Whistill's request, with Pod listing it down before turning to face 9S.
"Guess we should head out now since the sun is still up?"
"Yup! But at least we can head out in style!" Confuse at what the he said, Pod was about to ask 9S on what he meant.
Only for him to immediately grab her in his arms and hop onto Rogue's back. The monstie was already crouching low knowing what his rider is thinking.
Rogue stood immediately after 9S secured himself on his back and raised himself to stand taller on hide legs before giving out a short roar.
"GROOOAAAHH!" 9S had one hand in the air giving a cheer, while Pod clung to his shirt with a panic expression on her face.
"Hi ho Deviljho! Rogue, to the nearest ivy plants!" 9S shouted and pointed to the forest.
"MEOWSTER!" As Pod screeched, Rogue ran to the direction with a burst of speed, leaving a chuckling Whistill behind. The Felyne chief looked on as the trio where rapidly leaving his line of sight before he heard Pod yell again to her master.
"MEOWSTER! We don't have our supplies! And you forgot your kinsect you idiot!" The silhouette of the three began to return and come closer. Whistill could only laugh as they were heading back.
"Back to our room Rogue, Rider's cave away!" 9S shouted as they passed by Whistill and headed back to their place in the settlement.
"GROAH!" Rogue gave a bark in reply and leaped straight to the path to their room.
After their short detour to their room and prepping themselves with the things they may need, both 9S and Pod were ready to explore the forest and look for the items for Rogue's saddle and for the settlement's next project.
9S was still equipped with the standard guild armor and his new insect glaive, but this time with his kinsect latch on his right arm. The boy, for the first time, was complete in his hunter getup and felt like real hunter as well. Ready to brave the world with his monstie as a Rider.
Pod 153 on the other hand simply had a small iron helm on top of her head and an acorn shaped weapon supplied by Whistill. She didn't have any palico armor on hand nor did she have any forge before, since 9S was just training to be a hunter then.
Although, the small felyne could look forward of getting herself some armor and palico weapons in the future, now that her meowster is progressing well.
Standard supplies were packed, which included healing items like potions, hunting tools like flash bombs and gathering tools like foldable Pickaxes and bug nets. Bringing it with them, the duo mounted Rogue and headed out to the forest.
The ride was much more fun for 9S, now that he was able to mount Rogue properly and not bothered by his movements. Riding his monstie came naturally for him, which Pod 153 noticed sitting behind her meowster, and the entire trip was much more enjoyable than their first one. Rogue was taking them to places faster and the monstie could run at his own leisure.
They made short work of finding the ivy and other plant materials from the gathering spots Rogue found. It was only the iron ore that trio had trouble looking. Rogue couldn't sniff any monster dens in their proximity nor any places where iron deposits could be found naturally.
9S was beginning to think if they stripped this side of the forest of all its available gathering spots. They might have to buy ore from YoRHa if they want their iron pipes and it would be a pain to the felynes if they have to dig for their own ore.
Feeling a bit daring, 9S decided to take them to the area he and Rogue were before, where they fought the Velocipreys and hope that maybe they could find more iron there.
If not, at least 9S could explore a bit. He and Rogue didn't have much time to since they had to rush back unless 9S would have gotten late the other day.
Rogue remembered the path and he took them further through the west side of the forest, and surprisingly outside of it. The trio slowly realized that they may have come to another locale. Seeing that there was the same wide plains that 9S and Rogue saw the day before, but without any monster herds obstructing their view. They could see the plains stretch miles away from them.
There were patches of forest like areas surrounding the sides of the plains and a large river flowing further away from their position. At the horizon they could see some mountain ranges at the end but was surrounded by a thick veil of fog or mist that even reaches the base, creating a hazy view. It looked mysterious and inquisitive at the same time, spurring a sense to explore.
"SKREEEOOOOOAAAAAHHHH!"
Hearing the large roar snaps the group from looking at the valley and instead trying to find the source of the call. Rogue was the first to notice where it came from and looked above them, with 9S and Pod following after. What they saw was a red scaled flying wyvern. With some scales black like its talons, spikes and other areas of its body. With a lighter but still visible dark markings on its wing.
"A Rathalos…" 9S whispered in awe, while the three of them watch it fly further away and slowly disappear as it nears the mountain ranges at the horizon.
"Incredible… Meowster." Pod 153 said sharing the same sentiments.
Rogue was silent but 9S could feel his excitement and awe from seeing the wyvern king of the skies fly pass them.
"I never thought I'd seen one in the wild… before I become a hunter I mean." 9S's expression of awe then turned to one mix of panic and relief.
"Oh. Wow… We're really lucky we didn't encounter one while we were here last time Rogue. I'm sure we would have gotten our butts burned if we fought against it with our current level of skill." 9S said with Rogue giving a nod of agreement. The monstie knew that the monster he saw was strong and powerful, but a wyvern that Rogue is eager to overthrow and usurp.
Rogue doesn't know why he wanted to do that but believes this desire is born from his species' nature. An instinct driven to prove itself as the top dog in the food chain, eating all and earning a sense of pride to his strength. As if sensing it as well, 9S gave a path on top of Rogue's head before speaking to the Deviljho.
"Maybe in the future Rogue… I'll make sure we'll both get strong enough to face it someday. It's a testament to a hunter's strength and shows how far he's grown, if he could take down a Rathalos by themselves. I get the feeling it's the same for riders and monsties." Rogue gives a gentle croon to the notion, liking the idea and moves his head closer to 9S's petting.
"But you and Rogue are still really lucky that you didn't encounter one while you were out here." Pod said to the two getting their attention.
"True, I didn't think Rogue and I went this far out. Where are we Pod?" 9S asked, while at the same time directed Rogue to head back to the forest.
"Hmmm"—Bringing out a map, Pod 153 looks into it—" Base on my reading, we're approaching a place called Pondry hills." Pod 153 answered.
"Really? I haven't heard of this place. Does the guild give quests here?"
"Not exactly… I heard they would send Expeditions and maybe ecological surveys, but no quests or hunting is done here exclusively or officially." Pod began to explain.
"The guild could have listed this area and others like it to be untouched by civilization because of the monster population thriving. Maybe for nature preservation as well… regardless this makes this a place hotspot for a lot of strong monsters."
"And too dangerous or unsuited for settlements to be built in. If they weren't too dangerous before to begin with." 9S added nodding his head to Pod's explanation, before asking. "Though, you said exploring is still an option... maybe we can find some open mining spots here?"
"Pondry hills is a bit more dangerous for hunters to hunt in, there could more flying wyverns here besides the Rathalos we saw and some maybe just as strong. Hunter's would be on their own discretion should they want to explore and hunt in these places, even with the guild's support. This place is firmly secured by the monsters living here and the guild wouldn't have the exact or even up to date details to what apex monsters are calling the shots here either. Much less which turfs hunters may potentially be trespassing in." Pod said making 9S ponder for a bit.
"True. Hmmm… I guess we should head back and tell Whistill the bad news about finding some iron ore. I don't think we're ready to tackle anything here, even with Rogue, beyond alpha bird wyverns." 9S said, earning a nod of agreement from Pod and a reluctant one from Rogue.
"Agreed, at least we have the ivy though." Pod 153 chimed that at least they accomplish one task today.
With the decision made, 9S patted Rogue to head on back to Whistill. It was sad that they wouldn't be able to return to the plains until they were much more experience but at least the memory of a Rathalos flying above will remain with them.
Though, before Rogue could even take a few more steps, he suddenly paused in his tracks when a gust of wind blew past them. The Deviljho shifted his nose to the direction where the wind came from and caught a scent.
"Rogue what's wrong?" 9S noticed his monstie pause in his steps.
Rogue gave another whiff of his nose and gave a happy croon and began to pace around a bit.
"Meowster, I think he got a whiff of something." Pod exclaimed as she clings to 9S while Rogue was spinning around.
"GROAH" Rogue gave a confirming bark.
"You did? Is it the ore? Or something else?" 9S asked once the Monstie settled a bit and gave a nod in reply, before gesturing back to the direction he was pointing with his snout.
"I guess we'll be making a detour. Pod where does that way go?" Pod 153 began to fiddle the map again before answering.
"I see… it's a bit Northwest Meowster…" The answer drew 9S and Rogue's enthusiasm off a bit. Rogue himself paused to turn his head as best he could do to look at Pod.
"How far? I mean we haven't gone there since you know…" 9S trailed off with a worried tone in his voice, Pod 153 knowingly understood where the concern was coming from. They never attempt to go near north because of the black haze and the guild's presence there.
"Well, some good news is that it isn't far from what we usually go around in this side of the forest. And it looks like the direction Rogue is pointing at gets further away… I think its safe that we could take this detour." Pod answered truthfully, while 9S visibly relaxes.
"Well, I trust you Pod. Maybe we can find something new from where we're going. I mean we did, the last time we followed Rogue." 9S said, before giving a Rogue pat and earning short growl of approval.
"Let's just be careful, we don't know what we'll find." Pod reminded the two as they ready themselves for their next ride.
"Okay, Rogue take us away!" 9S said giving a light tap on Rogue's side.
"GROOOOOAAAAHHHH!" Giving a roar, the young monstie begins to sprint to follow the scent while carrying his rider and palico.
Though unknown to the trio, several pairs of eyes were watching them. If it weren't for the direction of the wind blowing past the three, Rogue would have smelled these individuals and recognize them. One pair of eyes bigger than the others gave a low growl before giving a hiss to follow the three.
The intruders returned, the same ones that crippled their pack and are going to pay dearly for it. They're not going to get away with their life this time.
Author's notes:
I'm sorry again for the late Update. October and November has gotten a bit hectic for me. But now that the Holidays are coming, I'll be able to write more for this Story.
Thanks for reading and See you in the next chapter!