Author's notes:
Greetings for the New Year 2020!
Hello, I'm sorry for this really late update but life got a bit busy for me so I could only finish writing this chapter after I had some free time and post it now.
Also with the holidays and a bit of vacationing, I wasn't able to resume my planned update schedule for this fic of every two weeks on Fridays. Hopefully I'll resume my planned update schedule soon but until then enjoy this chapter.
Slight note, I edited one chapter for the consistency to the story and the coming future chapters. Its chapter 18 if you guys want to check it out and it's just a minor detail changed between Zinnia and 9S conversation of the black blight.
That's all and here is the chapter enjoy!
"Okay… wasn't expecting to find a cave with a patch of Gloamgrass Buds inside. Not that I'm complaining but I was leaning more on you smelling some ores for us Rogue." 9S said as Rogue gives an uncaring grunt, while the trio of rider, monstie and palico were trekking through a large cave returning to the entrance.
"Well meowster, ore and other minerals don't have a strong scent on them. Besides, we're lucky that we found these buds for they're used to make ancient potions when mix with Kelbi horns. This is a good find and better if we can hunt some Kelbi later for their horns and bring all the materials to Whistill." Pod 153 said with 9S giving a short nod to her explanation.
"True. You get a lot of zenny from selling those types of potions and they are good for hunters… You think we can keep some for ourselves?" 9S asked with gleeful mirth.
"Unless you find some ores before we head back, then these buds will be sold to buy the iron ores the settlement may need for their project." Pod replied, while 9S deflates from the notion and finding it true.
"GROAH" Rogue gave short bark, as if saying that he'll try to sniff again but 9S simply patted his snout and just shook his head.
"It's okay Rogue. We kinda done enough today and we need to return to the settlement now before it gets too late. I mean we traveled really far, and when I meant 'we' I meant 'you' carrying us the whole day. You deserve some rest and maybe we can hunt some snacks for you later before the day ends."
Rogue gives a happy croon, liking the idea, while they arrive at the entrance. The three decided to walk instead of riding Rogue back to the settlement. Giving both 9S and Pod a break from sitting on top of Rogue's bare back and spines.
"May I ask what our plans would be now for the coming days?" Pod asked as 9S gave a pondering look.
"We'll still be focusing on the settlement's water system and plumbing, but Whistill might just make us continue to be his gophers to gather materials they need. Although, they do have most of the items already and they'll just buy the rest from YoRHa. I think we got more time for ourselves for the next days..." 9S answered with a raised eyebrow, giving an amused response.
"Some time to focus on your rider training I assume. While you did do some physical exercises, practiced your forms with your insect glaive and the occasional confrontations with the raptorian wyverns coming to the west side of the forest, those were all hunter related. We hardly focused on any Rider related training, much less Rider and monstie combat."
"Yeah, and we couldn't do it either with Rogue still being small and all. So, it wouldn't matter even if we did try to or even read that part of the manual for the time being." 9S shrugged his shoulders as Pod just gave a small frown and a shake of her head.
"Are you sure it's not because you couldn't stop reading the monstie section of the book? You were glued to that section and read it whenever you had free time, for the entirety of the three weeks we stayed with Whistill." Pod said giving 9S a look, while the boy began to defend himself.
"It's not my fault it was interesting… I mean c'mon Pod. You saw how many monsters there are to hatch and tame. Monsters including elder dragons!" 9S exclaimed excitedly.
He wouldn't deny and say what Pod 153 said about him was false, 9S did spent a lot of time reading about the different monsties that Riders could bond with. Much eager to do so since in their earlier excursions with Whistill, Pod was able to read the section before him and wanting to know more. He learned much of the different monsters that could be ridden and their biology.
The Rider's manual had information on monsters that rival those in the guilds and more. Since the special needs to care for the monsties is another wealth of knowledge that most scholars and hunters wouldn't be able to attain easily, without getting close to a monster.
Especially on monsters too dangerous to approach due to their power. Like elder dragons and other monsters that are considered on par with elder dragons.
"I didn't know that a monstie Kushala Daora could store cold air in their sacs to retain their ice breaths. I heard wild Kushalas only possess that ability in the frozen areas since they don't have the natural ability to breathe ice." 9S said, while Pod nods her head.
"Yes Meowster I read it too—"
"Or did you know that if you have a Teostra as a monstie it could ignite the end tips of its wings, so it could move with a burst of speed from the fire propelling it. Though the manual said its only seen doing it when performing its kinship attack, but that's something I look forward to if given the chance."
"Wait! Meowster are you saying you want to ha—"
"Hey! I just remembered that Kirin milk is REAL! And not some marketing ploy! The manual said it has the same chemical composition as Ancient Potions and works like one too. Plus they say it's taste like—"
"Meowster you're rambling!" Pod shouted to get 9S' attention. Realizing what he was doing, 9S chuckles with embarrassment before apologizing.
"…Sorry, Pod." Pod 153 simply shakes her head and waves her paw gesturing she was okay in reply.
"It's okay Meowster, I understand your interest in monsties and even I find the knowledge of rider's taming elder dragons exciting. I get a feeling you might want to have more monsties in future, which is something I expected and feel wary off…" She gave 9S knowing a look, while the boy sheepishly averts his eyes from the felyne.
Pod wasn't wrong and having another monster as a friend and learning their secrets has become appealing to 9S after having Rogue. He is sure too that the Deviljho himself might want a playmate or companion to be with and wouldn't mind another monster the rider would hatch. As long as Rogue doesn't see the other monstie as food.
"But before you fantasize of getting another, I stress that you should focus on being a proper Rider first. Much more get the hang of it now that you have Rogue, who is a Deviljho and a monster that even the manual said is hard for beginner riders." Pod 153 said sternly, earning a nod and a roll of eyes from 9S.
"No offence to you of course Rogue!" Pod quickly added, while Rogue gave a none committed grunt. Not bothered and simply nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, yeah I know Pod… But me and Rogue are hitting off with a good start or rather a great start!" 9S said and saw that Pod was about to retort but he added before she spoke.
"But I know that me and Rogue need more practice, like a lot of practice. I'm taking this seriously Pod and it's the top priority for me with the time we have left, once were back in the settlement." 9S said solemnly and truthfully, while the felyne remained a bit skeptical before giving a short sigh.
"I'm just glad you're taking this seriously meowster but know this, we are reading the manual together but this time only the—" Before Pod could finish, 9S suddenly had his hand on her mouth and crouched near the ground while Rogue himself positioned himself in a protective stance, flanking their back and covering the two.
Pod was surprised by the abrupt action but suddenly realized what they were doing after her ears shifted about and heard the faint sound of footsteps or rather clawed feet briefly running then slowing down until she couldn't hear it anymore.
Once the understanding and the realization dawned to the felyne that they are being stalked, 9S slowly removed his hand from her mouth and rose from his crouch. Pod 153 and 9S' eyes then met with the silent message of what to do before doing the same with Rogue, who nods in agreement.
Rogue moves a bit to give space for the two, as 9S draws his glaive and Pod her own palico weapon. They've been in situations like this before whenever one of them feels a monster is close or following them in one of their gathering sessions with the felynes. Violent confrontations most definitely occurring after.
Most encounters they had were with the Raptorian wyverns and the occasional Bullfangos that were forced to the western area due to the activity in the southern side of the forest.
But the trio knew that they were too far for any monsters to be in the location they are now. And they know that no monster wants to be near the northern area and dare to return due to the black haze. Leaving the possibility of an unknown threat or the idea that some monster has followed them.
"Meowster what do you think?" Pod whispered to 9S, as the trio continue to look around them for anything suspicious.
"I don't know Pod…" 9S whispered back feeling the rising tension within his gut. There was something different about this situation from the others, he knows in the back of his head that its true.
Normally, whatever was stalking them would have jumped out and attack them by now. The more mook like monsters in the forest always acted like that without an alpha guiding them.
!
The latter thought shook 9S and gripped his glaive much tighter before speaking to both Rogue and Pod.
"Guys be prepared. I don't think we're dealing with just some raptors."
Pod's eyes widen at his remark and shuffled closer to her meowster. She dared not to look back at 9S to ask or confirm his statement, since she couldn't afford letting her sight off the forest, knowing the danger implied by his words.
Rogue started to growl more loudly sensing the threat his rider implied. He could smell the familiar scent of the monsters that stalked them. The same ones he and 9S faced yesterday, but this time there was something…
Something with a bigger scent with them.
"groah…" Rogue gave a low bark before moving his head sideways. 9S understood the gesture, learning that they were surrounded and signed Pod the same message. The Felyne audibly gulp in response.
"Euuurrooppe!"
A Velociprey pounces towards them but was met by a swing of 9S' glaive and sending it to the ground unmoving. From there the rest of Velocipreys begins their assault.
Rogue intercepted two coming at their right and proceeds to bite one, killing it and using its body to smash the other to the ground fatally.
Pod saw another coming to their left and dodge a lunge at her before striking it at the head with her weapon, before 9S gave a slash at the raptor slaying it. More Velociprey began to jump and attack the group, with each of the trio occupied by a number of Velociprey facing them.
Rogue tail slaps one to a tree, the blow breaking bones and the Velociprey falling limp. He crunches another's head with his jaws when it came too close for comfort. One Velociprey was able to jump on top of his back but was knocked off by 9S with a quick swing of his glaive and its head squashed by a stomp from Rogue's foot.
9S launches his kinsect straight to the head of one raptor, dazing it a bit before recalling the bug. He then could feel the extract fluid from the kinsect being pumped to his veins and the speed boost it came with. He rushes straight to the dazed bird wyvern before delivering quick slashes, slaying it.
He then gives another slash to one Velociprey coming at his right before using the blunt end of the glaive to strike at its head, knocking it to the ground. Pod swiftly finishes it off by stabbing her weapon on the vulnerable raptor's neck.
The Velociprey continue to surround them and jump out of their hiding places to attack but their assault was proving to be less effective against the trio.
One Velociprey jumps to pounce but was met halfway by Rogue's jaws and was thrown to the ground before 9S stabbed its head. 9S then sends his kinsect flying straight to another Velociprey, with the bug distracting the bird wyvern before it was sent flying to the air by a tail whip from Rogue.
Pod dodges two Velocipreys and strikes her weapon across the two heads causing them to back away straight to a position where Rogue and 9S takes them down with a crushing bite and a slash to the throat. Both 9S and Rogue notice a pair staring and scowling at them.
"Hey Rogue, I bet those two were the ones that fled last time." 9S said recognizing the two Velociprey.
"GROAH" Rogue stomps his leg in agreement, glaring at the two as well.
"Yeah and they brought some back up with them."
More Velociprey jump out to join the two but 9S noticed that they weren't pursuing their previous tactic of surrounding them anymore. It was some small relief that the pack decided to group and gather together to face them, yet 9S still felt some unease that there isn't any more of them. He could count at least six Velocipreys, but he knew there should be more.
…or something else entirely.
But before 9S could think more about it, Rogue suddenly charged intending to finished the group.
"GRRROOOOOAAAAHHH"
"ROGUE WAIT!"9S called to warn his monstie who recklessly charged after roaring. He doesn't doubt that Rogue could take all of them, but he knew something was wrong.
He was proven right in a second when something as large as Rogue barreled at the Deviljho sending him falling to his side. Rogue gave a surprised and frustrated growl from being tackled to the ground and glared at the offender, as both 9S and Pod look at it as well. The dread of the latter intensified knowing that her meowster was right about his earlier warning.
For it was the alpha of the pack glaring at Rogue and giving threatening hisses and growls, a Velocidrome.
"EUROOOOPPPPEEEE" The Velocidrome roars, while Rogue stands up and charges at it.
"GROOOAAHHHH!"
The two collide, body slamming each other. Rogue proved to be the physical superior of the two and shoves the Velocidrome back. He makes a lunge at it with his jaws but the Velocidrome, being much more agile, dodges and slashes Rogue with its claws drawing blood.
"Groooaaahhh!" Giving a pain yelp, Rogue jumps back eyeing his opponent. He looks for opening then charges to slam the Velocidrome, but again misses and the raptorian wyverian tail slaps Rogue sending him to the ground once more.
"Rogue!" 9S called in panic and attempts to rush to his monstie, only for the rest of the pack to block his way and begin to engage him and Pod.
"GROOOAAAAHHH!" Rogue's pained roars could be heard as 9S and Pod dodge the Velocipreys attacking them. 9S could see Rogue's attempts to bite and smash the Velocidrome, but the alpha bird wyvern proves to be too agile for his monstie and could telegraph Rogue's brutish attacks to dodge and retaliate. Rogue attempts to give a bite and lunges at the Velocidrome yet he misses when it simply jumped to the side and delivered a claw kicked back at him, making him stumble and nearly loose his footing.
Before 9S could yell out to Rogue again, he sees one Velociprey move to bite Pod 153, but she evades with 9S meeting it instead with an upward slash. The blow sends the raptor flying backwards and lays dead, while the rest of the pack increase their ferocity in preventing the two to reach Rogue.
"We need to do something Pod! Rogue's gonna get killed at this rate!" 9S said as he dodged another Velociprey's lunge.
Looking at the pack and then back at Rogue, who was getting slashed and tackled by the Velocidrome as it maneuvers around the Deviljho, Pod agrees that they need to come to Rogue's aid. If the monstie goes down, then the chances she and her meowster have in coming back alive would be brought down severely.
"Okay Meowster! You send your kinsect to distract them and then I'll bring their attention to me, giving you the chance to get to Rogue as soon as possible." Pod said coming to quick decision and plan. 9S simply nods his head in agreement with Pod before they dodged another Velociprey pouncing on them.
9S immediately sends out his kinsect to the offending Velociprey, the bug striking the head before he begins to wave and twirl his glaive around him to command the kinsect to attack the others. Pod begins to assault the other pack members by striking their feet disorientating them and getting them irritated to follow her and the kinsect.
Their distraction gives 9S the opening he needs and immediately performs a forward vault towards Rogue and the Velocidrome. He attempts to give an aerial slash to the Velocidrome, only for the bird wyvern to see him and whips its tail, striking 9S at his abdomen knocking the wind out of his lungs briefly.
"GRRRROOOOOAAAHHHH!"
"MEOWSTER!"
Both Pod 153 and Rogue called in panic as the blow sends 9S slamming straight to a tree. 9S gave a pained grunt as he slumps at the base. Pod attempts to move past the five remaining Velocidrome but they continue to block her way, especially now that the kinsect helping her distract them flew back to 9S.
Seeing his rider get hurt, Rogue begins to fight back more ferociously and lands a heavy blow at the Velocidrome. Body checking the bird wyvern to a tree, the action splintering wood and sending it toppling uprooted to the ground. Rogue makes a pass to slam his jaws in a follow up, but the Velocidrome recovers and quickly dodges what would be a fatal bite.
The two monster continue to fight with teeth and claws, but sadly remains the same type of outcome for Rogue. The monstie was still trying to smash his jaws and deal brutish blows at the Velocidrome but the bird wyvern could easily see through his attacks and swiftly dodges.
9S, still daze, was getting up from the hit he received and still felt his midsection in pain. He grabs a potion from his person and drinks it to help heal and alleviate the pain. As his vision slowly returns to him, his eyes goes wide in shock seeing Rogue pinned to the ground by the Velocidrome, defiantly roaring back at his opponent. The bird wyvern had its jaws open wide to deliver what could be a painful bite on Rogues neck.
"NOOOO!" 9S shouted as he burst to a sprints and catching the attention of both Rogue and the Velocidrome.
Seeing the boy recklessly running towards it, the Velocidrome turns its attention away from Rogue, unpinning him, and charges at 9S in response to his shout. Rogue attempts to get up quickly as possible, afraid of what his rider's recklessness would do and roars to get the Velocidrome's attention back at him only for them to be ignored.
Seeing the Velocidrome charging at him, time seemed to slow with 9S as his minds attempts to process the insane action of what he was doing.
He was charging straight towards a monster as big as Rogue and capable of slamming him like a ragdoll if they meet in their charge.
In short, the result of his reckless action would lead to his unceremonious death.
Both Pod and Rogue had a panicked expression etched on their faces, when they came to the same conclusion as they watch 9S charge at the Velocidrome.
But 9S is rushing in with a single thought to stop the Velocidrome from killing Rogue—from killing his monstie, his partner and his friend. 9S was his rider and he is responsible in upholding his kinship with his bonded monstie. He should have been fighting side by side with Rogue at the beginning with the Velocidrome and not let him go by himself.
They'll both be fighting monsters bigger and stronger than them in the future. They both need each other if they ever want to come on top of their adversaries. Yes, like the first time they faced this pack of Velociprey they got each other's back and thoroughly trounce the raptors ambushing them.
Heck, 9S was sure that if he got literally on Rogue's back right now, they'll be able to decimate the rest of the pack even with their alpha. The same magic or mumbo jumbo his Kinship stone would do will kick in and do whatever it did that made him and Rogue in sync, maybe even read each other thoughts to a certain degree. Maybe then with him, 9S could tell Rogue what to do and be able to land a hit on the Velocidrome.
And not with the way he was doing earlier, being all brute force and power. Trying to smash the bird wyvern not seeing that its speed gave it its advantage to his easy to read and slow movements. 9S knows a Velocidrome is quick and speedy and it would attack with fast moves to avoid staying in place before attacking again. One would need to attack or rather to interrupt its action and movement, leaving it open and vulnerable. Also if possible, use its own momentum against it and cause more harm.
But 9S isn't riding Rogue right now, so he wouldn't be able to convey that knowledge to him. He is currently charging straight at the Velocidrome, unfortunately.
… at least with his weapon in hand.
...And their collision is getting closer by the second.
Letting his mind go overdrive, 9S has conclude that if he can't give Rogue support on his back then he'll have to go give support to him right now.
He'll create the opening Rogue would need to deliver a damaging blow, by attcking and stopping the bird wyvern in its tracks. He'd seen hunters do it before, heck he saw 2B and A2 do it before with other monsters like the Velocidrome.
But to make a monster 'flinch', would always required the combination of timing, a well delivered blow and an already weakened monster. Plus having the skills and experiences seasoned veterans have. No one has ever caused a monster to stop at its tracks without the above conditions.
He has none of those and even if he did have an inkling of them, he would still need to deliver a hit with the same amount of force as a monster. At least as close to one to interrupt the Velocidrome's charge. Something only heavier weapons like Great swords and hammers could do.
But he's only got an insect glaive and no other weapon option equipped.
Deciding to let his instinct take over, feeling his body choose to fight between his flight or fight response and begin flood his veins with adrenaline. The Velocidrome would attack once it reaches him, so 9S either needs to attack now or let it come to him but be the first to respond and counter. His mind goes overdrive, counting the seconds before the Velocidrome reaches and prepparing his guts to do what he needs to do.
Five seconds before the Velocidrome reaches before him…
9S prepares to move to slash the Velociprey.
Four seconds before the Velocidrome reaches him…
He knows he needs to time this hit right and it must be a really strong blow.
Three seconds before the Velocidrome reaches him…
His mind knows he needs a blow as strong as one Rogue would do, one filled with power and strength.
Two Seconds before the Velocidrome reaches him…
9S then remembers when he rode Rogue. The sensation and the feeling of Rogue's muscles whenever they tensed before he would attack.
One second before the Velocidrome reaches him…
It is the same sensation and he was feeling right now with his own muscles—feeling all of his muscles, in his entire body.
Right before impact, 9S didn't notice the shine and glow of his kinship stone during the entire course of his action.
As he delivers a savage rising slash on the Velocidrome's gaping jaw as it was about to bite him.
"EUUUURRROOOPPPPPPPEEEEE—" It gave a pained shriek before it got cut off by another blow.
A follow up blunt attack from 9S, using the same amount of force attacking with the back end of his glaive. The blow sending the Velocidrome staggering backwards and pheromones coating its pointed red crest.
The kinsect automatically attacks instantly and extracts fluid from the Velocidrome's head before returning to 9S and injecting the extract to his body. He then feels a boost in strength and retaliates at the stunned Velocidrome with some quick slashes before vaulting to the air and delivering a spinning slash to its body.
The Velocidrome staggers and distances itself from the boy before seeing him going back into a sprint to attack it again. It sees 9S rushing towards it and presumes he would do the same stunt as before. But the bird wyvern decides the previous attack was just a fluke of the boy catching it off guard and decides to return the favor by doing the same. It goes for a pounce towards 9S.
Seeing this, 9S lets his instincts take over again and felt his muscles tense once more before moving with a sudden burst of speed to attack and jab the Velocidrome midair, surprising it before following up with another slash to the bird wyvern, causing it to stumble mid-air and crash on the ground roughly.
Rogue, Pod and the rest of the pack could only look with dumbfounded expressions seeing 9S stop the much larger monster in its tracks, twice, with an exceptional and unnatural display of strength. The Velocidrome itself stared at the boy with confusion, while getting up from his rough landing.
Pod 153 herself couldn't understand how her meowster, the inexperience and still fledging hunter trainee was able to flinch a monster instantaneously twice in a row that even most hunters couldn't do. The only explanation or guess she has is that the kinship stone is the reason for it. Theorizing that the stone is doing something to him, seeing that it remains to be glowing and encompassing 9S with a faint blue light.
But her awe soon turned to concern as she sees 9S suddenly crumple to a kneeling position and began to pant and breathe deeply, gasping for air.
At that the moment, 9S was feeling the full recoil of his action. Feeling all the muscles in his body cramp and contract from the seemingly unnatural exertion he put his body through and with it not be use to the sensation or action. He was gasping for air trying to maintain his breathing while not faint from the pain his muscles were feeling.
Seeing his current state, the Velocidrome took the opening and charged towards 9S, who could only stare and in panic. But before the Velocidrome could reach 9S, Rogue sprang into action.
"GROOOAAAAHH"
With a roar, Rogue took the Velocidrome by surprised and by the neck with his jaws, then slamming it to the ground. The opening 9S gave Rogue not only made him land a hit but also saved his life.
The Velocidrome was giving pain yelps and shrieks as Rogue continue to drag it on the ground before roughly throwing it towards Pod's direction and knocking the remaining Velociprey down, who were still stunned at the sight of 9S' actions.
With the monsters temporarily taken care off, Rogue turns to 9S, grumbles and looks on with concern. 9S simply replies with a lopsided grin. He could feel his muscles relax, as if Rogue's presence is soothing them, and how his strength is slowly returning.
"Thanks Buddy… nice to know you're okay."
Rogue nuzzles 9S and growls in relief as well, telling him he's happy that he is okay too. 9S pats Rogue's snout in response before turning his expression to a serious one.
"Look I don't know if I could what I did back there again to help, and my muscles are cramping to boot for me to fight. We need to finish this, and I know what we need to do. I think I know you do too."
Rogue gave 9S a knowing look before lowering himself for him to get on his back. Mounting quickly on the Deviljho just in time as the Velocidrome and the remaining pack members form up to face them. Both rider and monstie glanced at each other before giving a hard stare at the opponents. Pod 153 deciding to let her meowster and monstie handles this, climbs up a tree for safety and to watch. She doesn't know why but she trust 9S and Rogue with whatever they are gonna do, to finish this fight.
And she might learn a thing or too about how rider fight.
"EUUUURRROOOOPPPPEE" The Velocidrome charges ahead, its pack remains behind to watch, while 9S and Rogue charge to meet it halfway with their cry.
"Let's do this Rogue!"
"GROOOOOOOOAAAAHHHHHH"
The Kinship stone glows bright, unknowingly syncing the two, and witness by Pod 153 as she stares with amazement.
The Velocidrome makes for a fast lunge with its claws to slash but Rogue, knowing better, responds with a proper counter by spinning 360 degrees with a tail whip striking the Velocidrome with enough force to send it flying straight to a tree and making it explode to a bunch of splinters.
Rogue turned to look at the aftermath of the attack and couldn't help looking surprised. 9S just smirks and pats Rogue.
"Now you know…" 9S said, finally able to convey what his monstie could have done in the fight and not rely simply with brute force. The remark and the thought of his rider's was received by Rogue, of which the monstie simply gives an annoyed growl in response.
The growls of the remaining pack members turned the focus of the two back to the rest of the Velocipreys, all running to attack. 9S and Rogue simply replied in kind with a shrug and charge to finish them.
Pod 153 on her perch could only watch in amazement on how the fight went through. Rogue was moving much differently than before, anticipating the pack's move more easily and more fluidly. She noticed that while her meowster wasn't doing anything but riding on top of Rogue, he was moving or shifting his sights like he was an extension of Rogue's senses. Whenever one tried to attack Rogue's blind spot, 9S would see it and Rogue would immediately move and act. Should Rogue be the one to see it, 9S would turn to the direction as well. Even if it looked like Rogue was doing all the work and even if it looked like they were hardly doing it, Pod 153 knew that they where moving in sync. Like their minds where melded and easily working together to take down their foes.
Without realizing it, because of all her thoughts being processed through of what she saw, Pod didn't realize that the battle was over in a few minutes. As if the fight just flashed like a blur and through her disbelief, with the Velocidrome slain just as quickly.
One Velociprey was crushed by a stomp and another was tail slammed and sent flying with all of its bones broken. Two Velocipreys attempted to pounce on 9S and Rogue but one was caught by Rogue by the neck and crushed in his jaws before being used as a bludgeon to kill the other. The last attempted to charge but was met by the corpse thrown by Rogue sending it crashing to a large boulder killing it.
The Velocidrome recovered and saw its pack slain, raged and charged at the two. But like before, Rogue responded in kind by sidestepping before using his jaws to bite around the neck and used the Velocidrome's own momentum to throw it on the ground. Before the Velocidrome could get up, Rogue raised his head high before slamming it down, jaws wide open, on the Velocidrome's head. With a muffled cry, the alpha bird wyvern was slain.
"GRRRROOOOOOOAAAAAHHHHHH!"
"YEEEEAAAAHHH!"
Both 9S and Rogue gave a cry of victory and Pod couldn't help but feel awe at what she has witnessed. She could see the elation of joy and happiness in both boy and monstie. She herself could feel the amazement of what they accomplished.
Slaying an entire Velociprey pack and their alpha!
Pod 153 couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her meowster and Rogue. She knows its was team effort of the two, especially since the Kinship stone on her meowster's neck was still glowing, even brighter more so then before.
"We did…it….g-uys.." 9S said before suddenly collapsing from Rogue's back.
"Meowster!"
"GROAH!"
9S heard Pod and Rogue yell in concern but couldn't stay conscious enough to reassure them before everything faded to black.
"So that's what happened. And you just passed out Nya?" Whistill said, looking at the bed ridden 9S while holding the Rider's manual opened on a specific page.
"Yup! Good thing it was just the stress of my body taking toll." 9S said smiling, while Pod and Rogue both gave angry huffs.
"You're lucky it wasn't anything serious Meowster you got us worried sick!"
"GRRRRR!"
Both Pod and Rogue said/growl at the boy who could only look sheepish, while scratching the back of his head.
When 9S passed out, Rogue and Pod brought him back to the settlement and straight to their room were they immediately called Whistill for aid and told to bring the Rider's manual to look for anything that could explain 9S's condition. They had to make 9S drink a mega potion and few herbal medicines while he was a unconscious to help him. Which worked and by the time it was late in the afternoon, 9S woke up from his suppose coma. To say Pod 153 and Rogue were relieve was an understatement, the two didn't stop fretting over him until he woke up.
This left Whistill in charge, at the time when 9S was passed out, to read the Rider's manual on anything related to Rider combat, learn why the kinship stone glowed and what it would mean to the boy and Deviljho. Which he would explain later after checking up on 9S for a bit.
After some brief moments of explaining to the boy of what happened after their fight and a few worried scolding from Pod, the trio began to tell Whistill of what happened to them. Which at the moment, finished conveying their story to the felyne chief.
"Nya… so you charge and felt all your muscles tense and then suddenly you were able to stagger a monster more than thrice your size? With an Insect glaive?" Whistill asked, still a bit perplexed at that particular part.
"Yeah and it felt a bit like a rush too if I'm being honest. But I didn't know what I was doing and just let my instincts take over or something… then I felt a lot of pain until I collapse after either from exhaustion …or something. You know the rest." 9S answered, himself still unsure on what he just did and what he went through.
"But when I stood close and mounted Rogue, everything felt better… err or different? Like my body didn't mind the pain." 9S added.
"And the way they fought or rather how Rogue fought change too. Like their minds were one... this wasn't the first time, either right?" Pod 153 said.
"GROAH" Rogue gave a rumble in agreement to Pod, while 9S nodded to the notion.
"Yeah, now I can say both times happened with the same Velociprey pack."
"Well that checks, in some things said in the manual Nya. And we really need to start reading the important bits before anything. Especially if we want both Nyain-es and Rogue to adapt to the changes they'll have. Well mostly to you Nyain-es Nya." Whistill said to the three earning curious looks.
"Changes? What do you mean?" 9S questioned, as Whistill responds by hopping on top of the bed to move to his side while showing the section he was reading on the Rider's Manual. Moving to look too, Pod 153 took his other side while Rogue shifted to look above them. Everybody was huddled together to listen to what Whistill was about to explain.
"Well turns out there's more to riding monsters for Riders, Nya! I mean they're not simply riding monsters like what a regular person or hunter would with a tame one. I'll explain everything while you guys can read to follow, okay Nya." Whistill said to the three before starting.
"So basically Nya there are three important things we need to know that affects not just on how you fight together, but also with your bond and the changes it does to both of you mentally and physically, Nya."
Whistill then pointed to a page with a picture of a Rider and a monstie with a representation of a glowing kinship stone between the two.
"First things first, we already know that the Kinship stone forges a bonds between you and your monstie. But that bond goes far deeper than just befriending each other but it also connects you both emotionally and mentally." Whistill pointed at the image and alternated between the Rider and monstie.
"So you mean… me and Rogue could feel each other's feelings and maybe our own thoughts as well?" 9S asked while both he and Rogue look at each other, both having perplex expressions on the notion of them being in sync.
"Yup and could explain why you guys are able to become so close Nya." Whistill answered them both.
"And why they are in sync when they fought together or when 9S was riding Rogue?" Pod 153 added remembering the earlier fight.
"Yes that is true, but well get in more detail on that later Nya." Whistill said before turning the page to another image.
This time the rider and monstie were posing like they were flexing their bodies. The Kinship stone remained the same but what looks like a flow of energy going through it, connecting to both the figures of the rider and monstie.
"Second, your Kinship stone doesn't just connect you mentally but seems to channel the bio energy you both possess and share it with each other. Allowing the both of you to give your strength to each other and a boost of energy when you are in a fight."
"Wait, bio energy? That's a thing?" Pod 153 questioned and a bit confuse on the notion.
"C'mon, Nya it may be a recent concept but I'm sure you would have heard of it? I mean all living things possess energy naturally." Whistill said.
"I mean Whistill is kinda right Pod, I mean monsters must have a lot of energy stored and produced in their bodies to be able to do their natural feats of strength and abilities they have. It could also explain why we have different biomes rich with life, since monster corpses could provide nutrients to entire ecosystems. And don't get me started with elder dragons who could shape these ecosystems with their own power too." 9S explained to Pod who nodded in agreement.
"Yes that is correct Nyain-es. I could guess too Nya, your world's researchers believe it's also because of monsters possessing higher levels of bio energy that explains to why your hunter armors and weapons possess the power and skills they have Nya. Some of their power retained in their body and scales despite passing on... for hunters to use and utilize it for their own devices, Nya." Whistill added.
"Going back to this channeling of bio energy the kinship stone is doing… Whistill, wouldn't I benefit more from this than Rogue? I don't think us humans have much bio energy to begin with. Maybe for hunters they possess more but even with that, there's really no comparison to a monster's." 9S asked.
"I won't lie to you Nyain-es, this part is mostly for the rider's, as in you, benefit. I would say that was the reason why your body felt at ease, when you were with Rogue and still able to mount him." Whistill said, before smirking and added.
"I guess you were leeching more from Rogue's strength than him getting anything from your twig like body."
"Hey! I'm not that twiggy. Didn't we agree I was bulking up?" 9S irk at the comment while Pod whispered to Rogue.
"Never remembered saying we agreed."
"Grrrrr…Grrrrr…" Pod and Rogue snickered before 9S gave them a sharp look to stop.
"But having the rider benefit more from this exchange is normal and should be the case. Since your body will undergo changes that will benefit you and even increase your kinship with your monstie. Maybe making you stronger as well." Whistill cut in on the trio as he turned to the next page.
"What do you mean Whistill?" 9S asked, with the rest of them turning back to the Rider's manual.
"Well its basically some physical and behavioral traits the rider takes after his monstie, Nya." Whistill said in matter of fact tone.
"Wait does that mean I'll get a big appetite like Rogue!? Or scales?…Will I grow a tail!? HOW!?" 9S said with concern. He doesn't know if he'll able to manage a hyper metabolism and be constantly hungry, while worrying on his future scaly complexion.
"Calm yourself you crazy Jaggi. You won't take full behavioral traits Nya, maybe to a certain degree. That also includes the physical ones too and nothing drastic, so don't go worrying that you would end up growing scales or a tail. That's just absurd, Nya. Even the manual thinks so." Whistill pointed to a written comment at the side in the manual.
*Note: A rider will not be subjected to any monster transformation or what not. Matching behavioral traits and few physical alterations like gaining elemental resistances are the norm but never sprouting an extra appendages like tails or wings.
Comment: Ha ha ha like I'd sprout wings or grow scales… but if I did grow scales, would I still wear armor? A tail can come in handy…
The last comment coming undeniably from the owner who also was expressing a similar idea to the one 9S had.
"You'll most probably just receive a slightly bigger appetite. Maybe a bit of some aggression and temper increase Nya and like what the manual said, maybe gain some slight elemental resistance Rogue shares. Oh! Your physical prowess will increase too, to a certain degree." Whistill listed to 9S.
"Is that last part of those changes the reason to why meowster was able to stagger a the Velocidrome?" Pod 153 asked.
"Yes Nya! But the reason for Nyain-es to be able to do that has to do with his bond with Rogue. It's also related to the last thing you should take note, which is why it's important to know the first two things to better understand it Nya." Whistill answered before turning to the next page showing an image of rider and monstie facing a wild monster together.
"Which is?" 9S asked.
"That both Rider and Monstie would fight as one Nya…
...I'm not sure if that was meant literally, but I'm leaning more on figuratively." Whistill said, before turning to the next page.
"You see when Rider's fight, they don't fight like how hunters normally do, especially when they have a monster of their own to fight with." Whistill then pointed to two images. One with being the Rider striking a monster, staggering it and then the next image being the monstie attacking the monster after.
"Rider's don't just let their monstie and the monster duke it out by themselves. When not mounted, both rider and monstie would have to alternate between fighting their opponent head on while the other would try to give openings and turn their attention away. Or deal decisive damage to end the hunt."
"Sounds like what hunters would do. They're alternating or taking turns when fighting the monster in keeping its attention. Then working together to hit it where it hurts." 9S said earning a nod from Whistill.
"Yes, exactly Nya. But the difference here is that you're not fighting with fellow hunters who are as small and capable of dodging, bobbing and weaving like you, you're fighting with a monster—"
"Who in most cases would rather clash directly with strength. Which what other monsters would often respond with too." Pod 153 said, getting the gist of it.
"Oh…" Both 9S and Rogue had a look of understanding, nodding their heads as they process this information.
"Yes, Pod 153 is correct, Nya." Whistill said with glee, happy with them understanding the info before resuming.
"Due to their bond, both Rider and Monstie would be in sync when they fight, riding or not. They both will have a better grasp of what to do. As such for Riders when not mounted, they would need to face their adversary head on. And pour in their strength to strike with the same force of a monster or at least as close to one, to counterattack."
"Hence my body making use of all my muscles to deliver a blow to stagger— "9S said before adding— "Or at least to give an opening for my slow and brutish monstie to land a hit—OW! What its true?" Rogue gave 9S a small hit on the head, not liking the comment.
"You know he's right, Nya. But don't fret too much on it Rogue, since 9S here is the one who will feel the recoil and aftereffects doing such a move." Whistill told the Deviljho who nods in understanding.
"Yes, meowster was left vulnerable and without you Rogue acting in time, then something worse would have happened if you dind't jump in time." Pod added.
"Which I'm grateful for buddy." 9S gave a pat to Rogue who crooned.
"But Whistill, are all riders able to do this?" 9S turned back to the felyne chief who was rereading a section.
"Yes, Nya. Somehow, it's either from years of practice, it being their tradition or it is naturally ingrain into them by the kinship stone Nya, Riders and only riders are able to exert their bodies to do that fighting style. Albeit, with them also focusing their training to withstand the drawback of the stress the body receives after, Nya." Whistill said before hearing a groan from 9S.
"Ugh… guess that means I'm going to need a new training regime." 9S said earning a pat from Pod.
"C'mon Meowster, we don't want you to cramp up or passed out after every fight now, do we?"
"I know…doesn't I'm not gonna like it."
"Worry not Nyain-es that's still just what a rider would do when he is not mounted on his monstie, there still the part when he is riding. Because when a rider is mounted, let's just say you and Rogue will be able to do much more." Whistill then proceed to turned to the next page, which made the rest of the group raise their eyes after seeing the content.
The page Whistill turned to had another image, but this time with the rider mounted on his monstie and raising one of his hands holding the kinship stone in the air. Whistill pointed at the section of the page making 9S, Pod and Rogue, albeit squinting a bit, to look at what is written on the Rider's manual.
*Note: When a rider and his monstie connected by the Kinship stone are truly in sync in both mind and body, then they'll unlock the true power that lies within them.
"It is here Nya, were both Rider and Monstie would fight as one makes more sense. When riding, both of your minds are in sync and the flow of bio energy is stronger because you two are at your closes. Both your senses and bodies get stronger, with the main benefit for both parties being able to use each other's strengths and advantages together and in tandem. For one example, the rider will be able help to utilize and direct the monstie's raw power and the monstie would able to use the Rider's own senses and knowledge to fight more efficiently and pragmatically." Whistill explained.
"Which is why Rogue moved much more differently and why Meowster was able to remain mounted and focused until the end of the fight." Pod 153 said getting some clarity at what she saw earlier in the fight.
"And why it felt like I was seeing what Rogue was seeing and why we could send some partial thoughts to each other…" 9S whispered to himself and Rogue, both in recognition of what being sync meant and was doing when they're in a fight.
"Nya, I wish I was there to witness it! Hopefully when the time comes that you and Rogue are at your peak of your Kinship, and I'd get to see your Kinship attack!"
"Kinship attack? You mean the super cool moves Riders and Monsties could do!" 9S said excitedly with Rogue growling in agreement.
"Yes Nya! When both of are at your peak of being in sync then you both will able to draw upon a power for a devasting attack. That is the ultimate achievement and sign that your kinship is strong Nya!" Whistill then pointed to comment made by the owner of the Manual.
Comment: THE KINSHIP ATTACK BOI! SCORCHING SLICE FOR THE WIN!
Below the comment was a poorly drawn image of what seems to be a pink wheel of fire striking a monster.
"THAT'S SO COOL! AND WE COULD DO THAT! AWESOME!" 9S yelled excitedly with Rogue roaring in agreement.
"GROOOOOOAAAAAAAH!"
Pod 153 could only watch in disbelief at the three gushing at the doodle and them making up what could 9S and Rogue's kinship attack would be. She let them go on for a few more seconds before she got them back on track.
"Ahem—" The cough caught the attention of three back to her.
"Now that we know all of this… Meowster what do you propose we do now?" Pod 153 asked 9S, who paused and pondered for a minute before answering.
"Isn't it obvious Pod? Train me and Rogue so that we could be able to do all the things the manual said we could do with our Kinship …After I'm rested of course."
"Okay, Meowster. Then I guess we should start planning what we will make you and Rogue do for the coming days." Pod said with shrug and a smile, ready to support her meowster.
"Although, if you must know Nyain-es we might have to turn your training up a notch? It seems compared to riders of your age; you are behind by a large margin." Whistill said while he was reading the manual again. This time his eyebrows were furrowed on a particular detail.
"Well duh. I just started. I mean when do Rider's normally begin their training?" 9S rolled his eyes at the remark before suddenly having the manual shoved on to his face.
"Whistill, Wha-a—" 9S paused then raised his eyebrows in disbelief seeing the information presented to him.
"They start at 10!? Like when they're still Kids!?" 9S sputtered while he puts the book down while giving the rest a look.
"This sounds insane. Why would anybody let a 10-year-old take care a monstie and train to face monsters at this age?" Even Pod 153 was feeling disbelief from learning.
"I don't believe it either, but Riders could already be capable at that age or it being the best time for them to learn."—Whistill paused before speaking up—"Then again, we don't even know the true extent on how powerful riders could be anyway, as children or even adults. No one knows and maybe even as kids they could face low level monsters without worry because of the benefits the kinship stone gives..." Whistill said before turning to the three and addressing 9S and Rogue.
"I mean… Nyain-es and Rogue. You two realize, Nya that both of took down an entire pack of Velociprey twice, one with their alpha nonetheless. Heck, Pod told me you took it down with ease. Slaying a Velocidrome, a monster you two wouldn't be able to take down by yourselves individually at your current level of experience Nya." Whistill said, making the rest pause with realization dawning in them.
"And Rogue is barley three weeks old too Meowster… And you are still a trainee. Both of you shouldn't be able to achieve what you did under normal circumstances." Pod 153 added, while having a tone of awe and wonder.
9S and Rogue both glanced at each other after hearing their words and both can't help but feel the realization hit them as well.
"But we did… didn't we? Take down an entire pack by ourselves." 9S had a growing smirk which was shared by Rogue and both having a sense of something else rising within them. Was it Elation or a sense of achievement? Regardless, after hearing everything from the rider's manual and the recent achievement they had. Both boy and monster can't help but feel the excitement and drive to know more of what they could do and accomplish together.
Pod 153 and Whistill themsleves could see it, 9S and Rogue and their shared look, permeating a sort of drive to achieve something.
"You guys wanna find out how far our Kinship could go?" 9S asked.
"For once Meowster I am the curious one. I want to see it grow. I'm in!" Pod 153 said with conviction and, in a rare occasion, excitement as well to witness and follow her Meowster's journey as a Rider.
"Me too Nyain-es! This Felyne chief isn't gonna pass an opportunity like this!" Whistill responded with the same amount of enthusiasm.
"GRROOOOOAAAAAHHHHHH!"
With one last roar from Rogue solidifying the groups intentions, they spent the rest of the noon till evening reading the manual and planning the next few weeks for the training sessions 9S and Rogue will be undertaking. Both Rider and Monstie excited for the days to come.
Author's notes:
Okay that's the end of this chapter, but there is an omake after this that I hope you guys could enjoy!
Also the explanation of the rider's fighting style is based on the MHST combat mechanics. More emphasis too with how in the gameplay: A rider who is still a kid at age, what? 10 to 12? Only armed with their own miniature weapons and armor and rush in direct head to head clashes with monsters. Whether successful or not, the player character will be able to stop the large monster on their tracks. Large monsters from ranging from one of the smallest like Velocidrome to large elder dragons.
When playing MHST, it was a bit mind boggling for me when I played the game and saw my kid player character bodied a Kushala Daora in a failed head to head clash but still making it flinch, while still sending my character flying backwards.
The recoil damage in the game here in this story is the stress and pain 9S and other riders would feel in their muscles and bodies when they do direct head to head clashes with other monsters.
Also the rock-paper-scissor style of Power-Speed-Technical-Power mechanic in the game will have little less focus. Which in this story is simply Riders and their monsties doing attacks or moves as appropriate counters against their opponents own attacks/fighting style.
Like seen in this chapter, 9S knew that Rogue couldn't just attempt to smash (Power type) the Velocidrome because it was too fast (Speed type). So they had to attack or do something to interrupt (Technical type) its movement to attack or baited to it come to them and used its own momentum against it.
I know both explanations I placed in the story are both a bit 'BS' and I'm sorry I can't explain it and expound on it anymore. But I'm not gonna focus on making the rider's fighting style any more complicated or detailed when I write the next fight scenes.
That's all and see you in the next chapter!
Enjoy the omake!
Omake
(Dragon breath shenanigans)
It was just a normal day in the felyne settlement. Whistill was just outside the entrance watching one of his felynes carve and shape a large rock to what is presumed to be a muscular felyne shape figure.
"Good work Nya! LeoMeowdo this may be your best work yet Nya!" Whistill said happily to the artistic felyne.
"Meow" The felyne replied while still engrossed in his hard work. Whistill could see that LeoMeowdo was dedicated to creating a masterpiece. He is one of his most artistic members of the felyne settlement, so it was to be expected from the cat.
LeoMeowdo himself was wearing a small artist beret just for the looks, as he continues his work of creating a felyne statue to mark the settlement's entrance.
All of sudden Whistill's ears twitch to a different sound he hasn't heard before. Then he hears some cheering and turned to look at the riverside and saw 9S and Pod 153 praising Rogue for something.
"Just continue doing your work Leo! I'm just gonna check on our resident rider and monstie, Nya." Whistill said before bounding off to where 9S and Pod were.
Getting closer, the felyne chief could see Rogue puffing his breath before 9S spoke to the Deviljho.
"Let's see if you can do it again Rogue!"
Rogue gave a nod before taking a deep breath first before pointing his snout to the sky. As Whistill came to stop beside Pod 153, wondering what the Deviljho is doing. He watches what he presumes to be Rogue breathe out a breath of air with the rest of them.
Only for Rogue to release from his maw a stream of black and red smoke, pulsing with red embers and red lightning surrounding the breath to the air above them. The trio of boy and felynes continue to watch as Rogue continues to shoot this strange beam of energy in the sky before he relents.
Everybody watches the residue of black and red smoke dissipate in the air before 9S turns to address Rogue.
"Oh. My. Gogmazios. ROGUE YOU HAVE YOUR DRAGON BREATH!" 9S exclaimed as he cheerfully rushes to hug his monstie in joy.
"GROAHH!" Rogue responds with a joyful croon to his achievement as he nuzzles 9S.
"Congratulations! Rogue and Nyain-es." Whistill spoke gaining the attention of the two and Pod 153.
"Oh Whistill you're here! Did you see?" Pod 153 asked the felyne chief.
"Yes I did Nya. Can I ask when did his dragon breath started?" Whistill asked as well.
"Just today and …well right now in fact. We were in the middle of training and Rogue suddenly started to gag and cough before he release a dragon breath at that tree over there." 9S pointed to a what seems to be a burned and ashen stump, which used to be a whole tree, with red embers and lightning sparking a bit as leftovers.
"Wow Nya…" Whistill said in awe.
"Yes, we were surprised too and didn't believe Rogue did it. Especially since regular Deviljhos need to be enraged to be able to breathe dragon energy." Pod 153 added.
"Though, we later factored the reason it being Rogue as a monstie and that in it was mentioned in the Rider's manual too, as I remember reading it before." 9S said while giving a pat to Rogue's snout.
"Do you know what this means for us Nya?" Whistill asked, but with a very excited grin on his face.
"Rogue would have to increase his intake of the hunger tonic?" Pod 153 said as she pours said tonic contents into Rogues mouth, who is happily drinking it.
"Yes Nya but…" Whistill drawled until 9S realize what he meant and spoke.
"We have a potential source of dragon element to study!"
"And to have fun with as well NYA!" Whistill raised an excite paw in the air, with 9S and Rogue doing the same while Pod 53 shakes her head in disbelief and worry at the antics coming from the three.
They remained at the riverside, but this time with different items and materials line up and laid in front of them at a distance. There was a pile of wood, some stones, old rusted metal, a fire pit made with a fire burning, a bucket of water, a jar of thunder bugs, two blocks of ice crystals and a small pouch at the end.
While on the side of 9S and the rest were a pile of well-done steaks placed near Rogue's side for him to consume for energy.
"Okay Nya. Let us begin testing the different effects of dragon energy on different items and elements, Nya!" Whistill said with excitement.
"Is this really necessary?" Pod 153 asked, not seeing the point of doing this experiment.
"Oh c'mon Pod… This is a good chance to learn what the dragon element can do and see it in the act. And better here than risk witnessing it out in the filed facing a monster." 9S said in reply.
"Meowster we already know what dragon energy can do… You guys just want to see more stuff to blow up." Pod 153 accused him.
"What no…. We don't want just that, right Rogue? We're doing it for science as well!" 9S said while he raised a hand in the air with conviction.
"GRRRR!" Rogue gave an affirmed growl and nodded with 9S, raising a fore limb as well agreeing with him.
"You are sounding more like Jackass Meowster…." Pod deadpanned.
"Enough talk let's get this testing started!" Whistill shouted as Rogue moved to take aim and fire his dragon breath.
"Commencing dragon test number 1, Raw materials." 9S announced, which signaled Rogue to take deep breath.
"And fire!"
At his Rider's command Rogue shot a stream of dragon energy first at the pile of wood and watch it be enveloped and turned into ash.
"Oooo….." The trio of boy and felynes commented.
Rogue then fired straight at the stones next, which made them crumble before being burned and covered in a black ash color, leaving tiny red lightning and embers.
"Ahhhh…"
"It seems dragon energy burns like fire but at the same time doesn't." 9S said in commentary.
"Well the dragon element still is energy and energy could still burn." Pod 153 added.
Rogue then shot his dragon breath at the old rusted materials, but he ended up pouring more energy than he did with the other two, which caused a spontaneous reaction of blowing up the pile of rusted metals.
"Woah Nya!" Whistill shouted as they took cover behind Rogue, who was blocking some stray pieces from hitting them.
"Cool…" 9S said in awe. "Didn't know more dragon energy could be explosive."
"Let's see that again, Nya!" Whistill said before getting slapped by the head by Pod 153.
"No Nya! Let's keep it down a notched a bit and try not to get ourselves blown up." Pod 153 chastised him.
"Grrrrrr…" Rogue sheepishly grumbled in agreement.
"Okay, now commencing dragon test 2, elements!" 9S announced again with Rogue eating some well-done steaks before moving into position.
"Just fire when you're ready Rogue." 9S said and petted the monstie, Rogue nodding before eyeing the fire pit.
He shot a blast at the fire and they all saw it combust a bit before sizzling away with the dragon energy until only the ahses were left.
"Amazing Nya, it looked like the two elements were fighting!" Whistill commented.
Rogue then proceeded to shoot next the bucket of water and the ice crystals. Both reacted with the water boiling and the ice popping before the elements evaporated into the air.
"It could sizzle out fire and evaporate water and ice. You think dragon energy could do this because it could nullify elements?" 9S said, while pondering at the results of the dragon energy interacting with the other elements.
"Maybe, it looked like the dragon energy seems to be fighting the elements or causing them to not work properly." Pod offered her opinion, not sure as well.
Rogue shot jar with thunder bugs next and resulted with another tiny explosion.
"Take cover Nya!" Whistill shouted before Rogue shielded them again.
Once it settled, 9S looked over Rogue's shoulder and saw lighting both blue and red in color, sparking over on the spot where the jar used to be.
"It seems the thunder element reacts differently…"
The two felynes pop their heads over and gave their own opinions.
"That and the competing energies seems to make both elements unstable."
"Causing another explosive reaction, Nya."
Rogue sees that his companions were safe and moved to blast the last item, which was the pouch to finish the experiment. Whistill saw this and looked at the pouch before realization hit him and shouted for Rogue to stop.
"Wait Nya! Rogue don't!"
But his warning was to late as the stream of dragon energy hit the pouch dead on and enveloping it in a cloud of red and black smoke. Sparks of red lighting began to burst forth and red embers popped right after.
For moment nothing happened before a series of tiny red and black projectiles shot out in the air in numerously.
"Whistill… what was in the pouch?" 9S asked, his nerves suddenly rising from his stomach. The felyne chief could only look sheepish as everybody turned around and faced him as he answers.
"Dragonfell berries… Nya."
"Oh, those berries that are naturally filled with dragon energy?" Pod 153 asked with Whistill nodding his head in response.
One of the red projectiles fell and exploded on a spot beside them. They all turned and looked at the smoking crater before 9S spoke again.
"Whistill how much berries were inside the pouch?"
"Just a couple…"
Another explosion sounded to their left.
"****" 9S cursed.
"Take cover!" Pod 153 shouted before Rogue shoved them to his back before jumping into the river as a series of explosions rained on them.
Tiny red explosions were coming off in their surrounding area and the sounds were heard even in the settlement, as some felynes posted at the windows look at it in surprise at the unexpected event and the sudden explosions right in front of them.
The group were safe in the water, hearing the muffled sounds of explosions until it all stopped.
9S, wanting to see what has happened, slowly swam up above the water with the rest following him also curious. They rise above the water and saw the area they were in covered in black ash and soothe. Some lingering red lightning as well, littered the ground.
"Meow! Meow!" Before any reaction was made, they suddenly heard a felyne approaching them, which Whistill recognized was LeoMeowdo.
The felyne chief could see that artist was done with his work and could tell in his own eyes that it was a masterpiece. A muscular felyne statue was made and being pushed by LeoMeowdo on a cart with excitement to show it to him.
But before the felyne artist could make it to them, one last stray projectile struck and with an explosion, sent LeoMeowdo in the air.
The group could only look in horror as LeoMeowdo landed, luckily unharmed, and slowly rose to his feet to see the felyne statue he made...
...is now a pile of smoking rubble.
"M-meow…. M-meow…?" LeoMeowdo approached hesitantly with a look of disbelief before falling into his tiny felyne knees and screamed into the air.
"MMMMEEEEEEOOOOOOOOWWWW!"
9S shared a look with his posse. "I say we're done for the day."
"Agreed."
"Grrrrrr."
"We should avoid LeoMeowdo for the time being as well."
"Yes, very much so." 9S said last before all four sunk back in to the water slowly as the felyne artist continues to cry at the heavens.