Author's notes:
Hello! Another chapter with omakes. Have fun reading this while the quarantine is still ongoing and waiting for it to end.
Hope you guys are doing okay and safe too.
Well here it is, enjoy!
"So, this is the nest…" Devola said gazing at the entire cavern were the Yian Kut-ku, known as the collector, had made its home.
"Yeah, most of the items have already been taken by Whistill. With some that were claimed missing before, are going to be brought back to their owners and will be delivered to the guild soon." 9S said while the other members of their current party inspect the cave.
It was morning of the new day, with 9S, 2B, A2 and their Palicos accompanying the twin captains Devola and Popola on an assignment of investigating the collector's den. They began the day early, their time used for 9S to call some of felynes from Whistill to lead them back to the monster den. And to explain their main objective of finding any path or clues the collector would have used, in theory, to travel to the deeper system of tunnels below them.
Currently they were at the main room where some piles of trinkets and objects still lay, with some still scattered from 9S and Rogue's fight with the Yian Kut-ku.
"Okay lets split up for a bit and do some of our work here. 2B and A2, you guys will be in charge of guarding the room while help in packing some of the items left here with your felynes." Popola said earning a nod from the twin hunters, before A2 went with Pod 42 and Pod 153 to start.
"We'll signal you when we're done." 2B added before leaving the rest of them.
"And that leaves the three of us to inspect the cavern walls and look for any hollow points or cracks we can dig in to later." Devola said turning to 9S.
"Wait dig?" He asked perplexed.
"Yeah some monsters would most likely bury and cover their hidden pathways with rocks and dirt then digging them out when they need it. The collector may have had one or two more hidden here, either for convenience for a quick access to its hoard or a clean get away if it can't fly right out of here, due to the opening above us being blocked." Popola explained to the young hunter who nods his head in understanding.
"I see… but it's gonna be tough to locate any openings with the walls being made of bedrock. I mean I'm probably sure you can't tell if its hollow or not with how thick the walls could be by tapping them." 9S said as he and the captains begin to walk along one of the cavern's walls.
"True. But we'll make do with what we have now, before we bring in some of the heavy equipment to start the real digging. We need to inspect the cave for any unusual tracks the monster would have made. It can lead us to a clue or something that we may miss if we accidentally wipe it off or bury them from all the digging later." Devola said as she traced her hand on the wall.
"Unless, you're a monster of course. Then you can simply just point away to one direction then we can dig up a tunnel quick." Popola added while she began to examine a crack she spotted.
"Hey, can I ask a question or two?" 9S asked with a curious tone after hearing Popola's remark.
"Sure, fire away." The captain replied as the trio continue to walk beside the wall.
"Why do monsters dig and make their dens here underground when they can simply do it on the surface? And why do underground networks of tunnels and biomes exist, and that monsters are the only ones that can navigate them?" 9S questioned, making the twin captains ponder a bit before answering him.
"Well, to answer your first question, we believe the monsters in our continent do it out of safety. That seemed to have stemmed as a behavioral adaption from our current environment. Our world is home to at least one hundred different species of large monsters that can upset the ecosystem and them having more direct competition with each other. Making digging and creating your own nest away from other predators/threats, hunter's included, an ideal goal in the wild to survive. You can say it like they wanted a hidden sanctuary for themselves. Creating a secure place to lay their eggs underground and not be at risk or be in as much danger like when they're out in the open." Popola answered, explaining to 9S.
"Then for your second question, have you heard of the stories and the suppose history about the ancients? And their abuse of monsters and elder dragons alike, treating them as their own personal cattle to slaughter and experiment on?" Devola asked 9S, who pondered a bit before he snaps his fingers remembering.
"Yeah, it's the suppose lore and old history that the guild and wyverians like Zinnia would teach to us. A lesson and reminder for humanity to avoid repeating the ancient's sins and learn from it. Respecting monsters as living beings and the importance of the balance in the ecosystem." 9S answered in reply to Devola, who nods at him being correct.
"Good, which means I can bet that you know how the ancients came to be no longer with us at the present?"
"Oh, well in truth no one knows the exact reason for the ancients to cease to exist, but the most popular theory was that the black dragons slew all of them and burned their entire civilization to the ground in retaliation of their abuse." 9S answered again, which seemed to be the correct based from Popola and Devola nodding their head in agreement.
"That theory ties in relation with another theory the guild and its researchers speculate to why some parts of our continent have hidden worlds underground." Popola said and continued to explain to 9S's own excitement and interest.
"You see when the ancients still ruled, the entire world was under them and their influences. So, for the black dragons to achieve their goal of completely eliminating them, they had to burn the entire world."
"Woah… really—seriously?" 9S reacted with surprise at what Popola said.
"And when we mean the entire world, it's the entire world. All living creatures, not just humanity, but including the animals, plants and of course other monsters." Devola added before making her voice sound a bit more ominous. "Their hate was so great; the black dragons were blinded by it and is what lead to their decision to destroy everything for the sake of annihilating the ancients. No matter who stood in their way, they'd be burned to cinders and ashes from their dragon breath."
"It was madness!" Popola exclaimed, deciding to match her tone with her sister's, explaining to 9S who was now in rapt interest to their story. "Some say the black blight was born from the black dragons, made by their irrational action to destroy everything in their hate. Which the blight could be the probable reason to why the ancients lost their war and the main cause that lead to the Ancient civilization's collapse and being wipeout from the face of the world."
"But... if that is all true, how is the world not burned to ash right now? And monsters and humanity still alive?" 9S asked in confusion, while the twin captain's smirk in response.
"Well… the theory is that for the monsters to avoid the black dragons and their warpath, they decided to retreat underground, live there and wait it out until the entire elder dragon war was over. From there, the monsters began to shape the world beneath and expanded it that lead to creating the hidden ecosystems for them to thrive on." Devola said, while gesturing to the entire cavern as an example to add to her explanation.
"With that, the monsters were able to weather the storm of black dragons and their hellfire. Once the world healed itself, they eventually returned to the surface free from the ancients after being so long ruled under their thumb. For humanity, some humans actually followed the monsters underground and made their own sanctuary from the war too. Allowing humanity to survive as well and return to the surface more humbled and remorseful of their predecessors actions." Popola added, speaking solemnly about the end.
9S then thought for a bit, digesting the information he got before commenting.
"That's some theory. Well to be honest it sounds more like a far fetch story that someone came up with. Where did you hear it?" He asked curiously.
"Well you're not wrong that it sounds more like a story, I mean our guild master in Gildegaran is fond of explaining things as stories to make them more enjoyable." Popola replied.
"Wait, the guild master? He proposed that theory." 9S asked.
"Yes, the guild master in Gildegaran is an old wyverian. Much older than chief Zinnia and has centuries of experience and has just as much stories passed down to him from his elders." Devola said, remembering the old wyverian in his blue clothes sitting in the main hall of the guild, before she continues.
"He based the theory from those old stories he heard and asked some hunters time to time to find evidence to back it up. Which did lead to finding some proof to support it and some propose explanations as well to why the theory can be valid."
"Oh like what?" 9S questioned, eager to know more.
"For starters, monsters have been recorded of still using these underground caverns and practice making their dens here. There have been egg nests reported to go deep enough to reach geothermal vents, which monster's use to incubate their eggs. Heck, even in the volcanoes in Geo Fulkright have monster paths that lead to the heart of the mountain that hunters and miners couldn't reach. Researchers theorize that the volcanic dwelling monsters go there to lay their eggs in peace while under the protection of the volcano. Because of that, it became the likely reason to why the guild hasn't recorded any monsters in that region making their nest near the surface of the mountain." Popola said citing one example while 9S reacted in awe.
"That's so cool…"
"And, have you ever wondered why we can find a lot of artifacts underground deep in the tunnels and in monster dens too? Or hidden chests filled with treasure adventures would seek out and want? They're the remnants of humanity's stay undergound, left behind after the war ended before they returned to the surface. Sometimes we find all scraps of writings or old art displaying their life beneath the surface. Other times we get items clearly old enough to have existed in their time and the ancients." Devola added before she remembered something and looked at 9S excitedly.
"Like the flute, A4's flute that you found!"
"Wait, the flute? Its an artifact?" 9S was surprise at her exclamation.
"Yes, A4 was one of those hunters who would treasure hunt ancient civilization artifacts. Her flute was one of her first discoveries." Popola told the boy. "It's one of its kind and matches some of the other artifacts that our guild master recognized and claimed to be from the past."
"Hold on, you told me A4 said the flute was a flute for monsters, to call them or something." 9S asked beginning a different train of thought.
"Yeah and?" Devola said in reply seeing 9S pondering again. Most probably to ask another question.
"Why did the ancients or rather the people who fled underground make a flute to call monsters? Wouldn't that be dangerous for them, especially when they couldn't navigate the tunnels as well as monsters?" 9S asked, his curiosity peaking at the notion that people from the past may have interacted with monsters differently at the present. While Devola and Popola look at each other and shrugged.
"Who knows…" Devola answered bluntly, with 9S suprise, not expecting that answer.
"We don't have the information to explain or know the reason to why a flute to attract monsters was made. We can speculate that it could have been used as a lure for a monster, either to hunt it or use it to help navigate the tunnels." Popola theorize before Devola snorted in amusement.
"But we don't know the entirety of how our ancestors lived underground, they may have lived the same as we do right now of fighting monsters and defending themselves from them. Or… from what a certain daughter doting white haired idiot propose, they decided to live with monsters side by side and become partners to go on extravagant adventures together or what not. Which is an improbable and highly incredulous hypothesis." Devola said, the latter of her words spoken rather dismissively.
That didn't stop the shock that came to 9S after he heard what Devola said.
"What?!" 9S asked in surprise and disbelief, from hearing that there was another thinking the same of taming monsters and partnering with them. Even if they just consider it as a theory.
"I know right, unbelievable… I mean who would think of a monster and hunter getting along? I swear he wouldn't stop spouting that nonsense after his first mission. Then he made that bet that he'll prove us wrong until Yonah gets married, which is either his own zenny lost or the bet not ending due to him forcing his own daughter to not get married. I could see that guy doing it too and like, what the heck Nier? Your daughter deserves to be happy too you know." Devola muttered. She had an exasperated expression while she spoke the latter of her statement about someone 9S didn't know of.
Regardless, 9S instead took notice how dismissive Devola was on the 'certain daughter doting white haired idiot's theory'.
"Wait, you don't think its possible monsters and hunters could work together? I mean they might have since they were forced into the same situation." 9S said while Devola raised an eyebrow at him, puzzled.
"Wait, are you thinking what my friend was saying is possible? Kid, monsters and humanity had bad blood between each other ever since the ancients. Which was also made worse by them, if you remember."
"Yeah, but it doesn't mean it isn't possible for some monsters and hunters to get along, I mean we're all fighting to survive in the same world." 9S reasoned to her.
"He has point you know Devola. People and monsters back then may have had to get along or act amiable to each other to survive." Popola cut in agreeing with him. "Even the guild master thinks Nier's theory is plausible and he has pointed out that there have been cases of monsters and hunters fighting a common enemy or competitor before."
"Ugh, and that means there's another in Nier's side who believes besides the guild master. With the old coot being the reason to why the bet was made in the first place." Devola muttered to herself before speaking back to her sister and 9S. "But okay, I admit that you're right. Partially. But I'm still not convince of his claim. I mean if anything from what he said is true, monsters would have had to been tamed for hunters to fight with them. And no one has successfully domesticated a monster before."
"Tame not domestication Devola. That's because people are trying to make them like Aptonoths and Popos, its different for the more wild monsters." Popola said in reply.
"And now you're sounding like A4…" Devola said.
"Wait, A4 thinks too that the monsters and hunters can get along." 9S asked, again getting more interested.
"Yup, another person besides yourself, who believes in my friends theory. She also believes that there is a particular way to tame monsters and fight with them, but she nevered disclose what it is due to lacking information as far as I remember. But, most of her investigations were all centered around finding proof that humans and monsters can get along, long before our time and just after the ancients' period." Devola said before her expression turned annoyed. "Now, let me tell you, when she found that flute, she kept holding it over our heads that it was proof that monsters and humans can get along."
"Which ended up in debate since neither of us can justify any of our claims and refute them." Popola said with a shake of her head remembering a particular memory, were both A4 and Devola were at each other's throats arguing with each other.
"So, I'll stick to my belief until proven wrong." Devola said adamantly.
"You are entitled to what you believe Devola, just as we are entitled to ours. But just remember if you do lose, you'll owe us at least one million zenny in cash." Popola reminded her slyly with a grin, which Devola returned with her own a smirk.
"And at least two million by the time Yonah gets hypothetically married. We made that bet right after she was born remember."
"Of course!"
"Hey, beside talking about your bet, did A4 find anything else as proof?" 9S asked, calling the two's attention for another round of questions.
Hearing this, the two captains thought for a bit, trying to remember if the late hunter did have any other items that she showed them to add to as evidence.
"Sadly, not much after that." Popola spoke in a sober expression. "But she was the one who recorded and reported the fact monsters can traverse the tunnels and use them for travel. She mentioned its because a monster's senses are greater than our own that helps them navigate. They can pick up an opening or a nearby tunnel then start digging towards it or find a route that leads to it." Popola answered him.
"She got all of that from following a monster in the Monsonne plains to its den then further beneath the earth." Devola added, with 9S getting an idea from what she said.
"Then why can't we just do that? Follow a monster to the hidden paths." He said excitedly only for his idea to be shot down by the captains.
"9S you do remember that we are following the black blight, right? No monster would be willing to traverse to a location where the blight is and turn mad after being infected." Devola bluntly told him, making him realize the flaw of his plan.
"Oh, right… sorry I forgot." 9S sheepishly replied.
"Its okay 9S, we actually thought about that too. But it would be too dangerous to do so for us and regular hunters to carry out. A4 was the only one to do it because she was a high ranking ace hunter." Popola said reassuring him and explaining why they couldn't do his plan.
"But if you and your felynes can find some other alternative or even found what we are looking for, give us a heads up. Though nothing crazy of using a monster to dig a new hole for us, kay." Devola said, plus reminding 9S of his meeting with the felynes later.
"Right…" He answered her in reply, while at the back of his head he starts to remember something about Rogue.
"Now if you don't have any more questions, we might as well resume our current task on hand? We did take a bit of time talking." Popola said reminding them of what they were supposed to do.
"Oh my gosh right! I'm sorry." 9S bowed his head in apology, while Devola simply chuckled before patting the top of his head.
"It's okay 9S, we're in no rush. Beside it was fun chatting with you." She spoke as he lifted his head and sighed in relief for them not getting mad at him.
"We can chat more if you want, but c'mon lets head to the walls over there and see if we can find any tracks or cracks on it." Popola said leading them on their way.
But as they continue onto their task, 9S couldn't help but mull over to what Devola and Popola said about monsters and their senses that allows them the ability to navigate the caverns below them.
He then finally remembers what he was thinking about, recalling what Rogue did during the time they found the felyne settlements new home with an idea forming inside his head to try later…
…Much later.
"So Nya, can you tell me again why we are risking Rogue's presence here, when there could be hunter's swarming about due to your new operation on the black blight?" Whistill asked as he, 9S and Pod 153 are currently riding Rogue's back inside the collector's den. Heading straight to the nest area.
"Well, I know it's a risk but most of the hunters and the captains, Devola and Popola, are at the southern end of the forest. Much closer to the center of that region, looking into the other monster dens they've found to investigate. So even while we're near the border, there wouldn't be any hunters right now and only us here." 9S said, reassuring the felyne chief that the hunters are gone at the moment.
"2B and A2 are with the captains too and I told the four of them that I'll be meeting with you. Which I'm suppose to, for us to talk about of how we'll work together in this operation. So, they know right now I'm with you guys and working to inspect the western area. And with the majority of you guys being known to be shy around other hunters, they'll know not to bother us at this time until I rendezvous with them later. So we're totally fine and Rogue isn't in danger." 9S explained to the felyne chief that they are safe and with Rogue's presence not at risk, which he was right despite Whistill being skeptical.
It was the middle of the afternoon, and after having no luck in finding anything in the collector's den earlier, the twin captains decided to head to the southern area with 2B and A2 and investigate the monster dens there to look for clues. While splitting with 9S and wishing him his own luck with the felynes to search the den after their meeting together.
Which the meeting did happen shortly after heading to the settlement and telling the felynes everything that they needed to know.
And 9S was right that Whistill was onboard in helping them with the black blight investigation. The only concern Whistill had was regarding Rogue and on how to continue to keep him as a secret, if he is going to have any part in helping. They'll be risking themselves more if 9S decided to have Rogue help them, with what they're doing currently already an example.
"Yet, I stress again, Nya. Why are we bringing Rogue with us?" Whistill asked again with Pod 153 also sharing the same sentiment.
"True meowster. It's a bit bold of you to bring Rogue in close proximity to an area where hunters are most probably in a walking distance to them."
9S nodded in agreement and shared their concern, but he did have a reason to bring Rogue.
"I know what you guys mean; I wouldn't risk it too if weren't for something important and I wanted to see if Rogue could do something for us."
"Which is?" Whistill asked, while both felynes point their ears to 9S for his answer.
"Remember when we found the settlement's new home and we didn't have a way out besides the entrance we took? Rogue found and dug a tunnel that lead to the cavern behind the waterfall. We didn't know Rogue could have found it, but he was able to sniff it out." 9S explained while patting the Deviljho, who growled in content.
"I remembered it, after I learned from Devola and Popola that monsters have an innate sense to navigate the tunnels and the cavern system below us. Knowing where a path is and digging towards it or finding a way around to reach it. I figure Rogue could do the same and find any hidden path we couldn't find ourselves." 9S said to the two, with both felynes thinking about it.
"Well, you're not wrong Nya. It is possible that Rogue can do that like other monsters, Nya." Whistill said.
"He has been getting good in tracking anyway. So he might have a chance of finding something we didn't spot earlier in the morning." Pod 153 gave her own opinion, which 9S agreed with.
"Yeah, and if Rogue can do it then maybe he can help us with the black blight investigation. Discreetly of course …like we find a cave together, dig around a bit and then we report to the guild of our findings. While we hide his tracks or something, maybe even say we dug it out ourselves since it's not that farfetched from what we did days before." 9S suggested and found his idea good and plausible, but risky enough for him to start think of something to work around it carefully.
"Which is a good alibi since the settlement does have the tools and ingenuity to dig and carve out paths and tunnels." Pod 153 added, agreeing a bit to what her meowster said but still held apprehension to the idea.
"Nya, not that I'm saying this because the idea is bad—Its good really— But even if we could get away with it that's going to be a lot of work Nya, of hiding his tracks."
Thinking about it, Whistill knows that amount of work and effort to hide Rogue's kills and any lingering trace of his presence in the forest during the Deviljho's younger days. The monstie got better at being discreet, but Whistill didn't waiver at the chance of the monster leaving a scale or two and diligently work to keep his presence a secret. Of course with 9S and Pod 153 helping out too.
But with the young rider's latest idea, the felyne chief does see it beneficial for the entire forest if they could find the black blight quickly. By letting Rogue help out in the investigation. The possibility of being the only monster willing to come close to the black blight and look for it, being the most noteworthy reason for the monstie to be part of the job.
Yet Whistill still can't help sharing some doubts and concerns to 9S's idea.
"It's already a lot of work to properly carve some of the monsters you and Rogue slay and making them not look so suspicious while sending the rest of the materials to the guild, Nya. Just promise me we'll figure out how to do this once we're done with testing Rogue's tracking skills and anything else, you're trying, Nya." Whistill said with a weary sigh, knowing that future endeavor may be tasking in keeping the down low on the Deviljho.
"Don't worry Whistill, I have a couple of plans should I be proven right and Rogue finds something. But if we don't find anything then I'm okay with stopping Rider training for a while until our black blight situation is over. I don't want to risk your settlement's and Rogue's wellbeing on nothing." 9S said, reassuring Whistill a bit.
"Glad to know that, Nya. But don't let my worries stop you from trying. Like I said we'll figure it out what to do after."
"Yes Meowster, though whatever happens know that we'll be with you all the way."
Both Whistill and Pod 153 voiced their support which 9S appreciated.
"Thanks guys. I appreciate it, really. I wouldn't have gotten this far without you guys keeping Rogue safe and the rest that we know a secret from the others. Who knows what would happen if word got out days ago, heck I don't think I would have discover more of myself or hatch and be best friends with Rogue if it did!" 9S chuckled at the thought while Rogue rumbled in agreement, the monstie feeling gratitude to all the things his rider and his friends did.
A thought struck in Whistill head after and questioned 9S.
"Will you to tell 2B and A2, and Pod 42 additionally, about Rogue and Riders after this?"
"What?!" 9S asked in surprise.
The sudden question, made 9S, Pod 153 and Rogue pause in their thoughts. The latter of even stopping his approach of the nest and right at the entrance too. Whistill hastily began to explain as the trio looked at him in question.
"I mean you said before you wouldn't be keeping this secret for long, at least to those close to you as I interpreted, Nya. We can all work together, and it would be much easier to work discreetly if we let them be our allies in helping to keep Rogue a secret from the guild. And to avoid any dramatic accidental reveal, Nya."
"Well… we wouldn't want that…" 9S was unsure with what Whistill was suggesting, though he did raise some points and he couldn't imagine what 2B and A2's reaction would be if they unexpectedly find him riding Rogue on one of their afternoon strolls, accidentally.
"Meowster is supposed to keep it a secret due to the Rider's code… But Whistill does make a point. It could be much easier for us to move around if we have 2B and A2 in the know. Especially now, since the Guild would be monitoring us more closely." Pod 153 voiced her opinion.
"That is true… But then 2B and A2 would be sharing the same risk we have now. Maybe even more since they're hunters and they can lose their jobs." 9S said, sharing his own thoughts and the cons of involving 2B and A2.
"If everything goes south, they can be considered breaking guild laws as accomplices of illegally keeping and harboring a potentially dangerous monster near the village. I don't want them to get in trouble because of me and the groundbreaking secret of my heritage of taming monsters." The thought of 2B and A2 getting hurt or being excommunicated as hunters because of him and his secret is too painful to bare, for 9S to consider involving them.
"This all started for me to learn about my past, and the risks that came with it is my burden to carry. Mostly, since I'm already asking you guys a lot for helping me. But I don't want any more to get involve since all of this rider business is new and we're all still figuring most of it out. Besides, I'm not sure if anybody in YoRHa or hunters in general are ready to know about riders—And if they're not and word got out, then Rogue could end up in a lot of trouble. Besides ourselves you know…" 9S spoke his concern, unable to finish the end of his statement. Not wanting to picture a worst-case scenario that would come up in his head.
"Nya, then it could complicate everything… This investigation, my settlement's credibility and status, You and Rogue. I guess a reveal might not be necessary right now with the Black blight being everybody's main concern at the moment. Any distractions from it could lead to danger." Whistill finished for him and began to backtrack his suggestion, after hearing 9S's opinion and connecting it to their current situation.
"Heck Nya, now that I'm thinking about it more, maybe it's safer for Rogue to remain a secret since I don't know if 2B or A2 would report him to the guild. They may take him away for whatever purposes and that would lead our settlement majorly undefended against the black blight, Nya." Whistill said, while shuddering at the latter of his statement.
"Well, I know given the chance and if we're not in a crisis right now, 2B and A2 can be trusted if I told them what I know about Riders and everything else of my findings. I would even risk riding Rogue in front of them too for proof. Showing off like I usually do with my shenanigans on a normal days…" 9S gave a short chuckle at the thought before resuming.
"…But if I show them Rogue now, who is a Deviljho… They may panic and think he's too dangerous to keep around. Doing what you said of capturing him and bringing him to the guild and well…" 9S trailed, gesturing to his monstie, wincing and giving the subtle implications of cutting his throat that both felynes knew what it meant.
"GROAH." Rogue barked in agreement knowing what his rider was thinking of and was also concern for his own well being.
"We don't know if they'll report him out of concern for your safety or for the fact that he is a Deviljho." Pod 153 spoke, sharing his thoughts. They all did and nod their heads in agreement to the notion.
"No offense to Rogue, but if it were a different monster then maybe it would be marginally easier to convince the two of them that you have tamed and befriended a monstie." Whistill said, while Rogue made a short chuff of air expressing he wasn't offended from what the felyne chief said.
He knew what he is, Rogue learned from 9S reading him about his species. They are powerful monsters as whole that many couldn't help but be wary off. It would be hard for Rogue to show any other that he is different from his wild brethren as a monstie, while staying true to his nature as a Deviljho.
"But even then, that's still stretch since you would been claiming that you tamed a monster. 2B and A2, even Pod 42, would still be skeptical to your validity. Doesn't help that explaining your kinship may seem farfectched too, at first glance." Pod 153 added.
The red striped black felyne shared the same concern with Whisitill and knew that 2B and A2, no matter how trusting they are of 9S, would still attempt to do the right thing if they believe it to be. In the case of Rogue, it may take a lot of convincing for the two to not report the Deviljho to the guild and prove that Rogue is indeed tame, not domesticated and still a monster dangerous and powerful to be respected, but a threat towards them.
A long conversation and debate that both she and her meowster may not be looking forward to, if ever.
"Sorry Nyain-es, maybe you're right and it is your call to make whether to tell your secret or not. Nya, if it does go south, I don't know if my settlement is ready to defend ourselves against the blight without Rogue. I can't risk revealing our secret when it could do more harm while we have a crisis right now too, Nya." Whistill said apologetically, his ear dropping a bit, reconsidering his suggestion entirely.
9S instead simply turns towards him before patting the felyne chief's head consolingly.
"No need to apologize Whistill. If anything, if you didn't ask that question, I would have forgotten that I was keeping a big secret to not just 2B and A2, but to the entirety of YoRHa and the guild." 9S said and visible shook from the revelation of how heavy the gravity of his situation is with being a rider.
"We may have gotten a bit complacent with our recent success and we did get pretty good at lying…" Pod 153 said sharing the same sentiments and cringing a bit from her last remark.
"But. I know I can't keep this secret for long and I don't want to keep at it either." 9S said, his thoughts not wanting to keep any secrets from 2B and lose her trust of him after everything they been through together.
"I don't want to keep my past a secret for too long to the people important to me. And being a Rider and learning about it is kinda amazing that I want to share it at least to 2B. Maybe finally get Rogue to meet her too." 9S said while patting the Deviljho who rumbled in agreement.
"GROAH!" Rogue let's out a short bark before resuming his trek inside the nest, happy to know their conversation was turning lighter. His attention not needed to focus on their conversation.
"Yes, then she can finally stop pestering Pod 42 to ask me how you improved a lot from the past couple of days and the other couple of questions A2 has, like your new appetite." Pod 153 chimed in amusement, remembering the other felyne of their household being forced to make her spill their secrets unknowingly and but she remained adamant of denying his request.
"I bet Rogue would want to meet the actual persons, Nya. Instead of us making more doll replicas for him to play with and help explain who you are talking about, Nya." Whistill said, earning a chuckle from the Deviljho.
That sounded like a dead bird warbling, while his body shook and making his occupants on his back giggle at the vibrations and from the sound he made.
"Hahaha true… I still can't believe you made dolls of all of us for Rogue." 9S laughed and agreed with the two.
"But until then, I think we may need to keep this secret a down low for the time being. Until a situation calls for it." 9S said to the group while Rogue approaches a wall and began to sniff at it.
"Agreed Nya. Rogue will hide with us if he can't help in the tracking and unless it's an extreme emergency that you may need of him, Nya." The felyne chief agreed with 9S's decision and began to make some plans in his head for any contingencies.
"Yup, now let's just focus on Rogue and if he can find a path for us."
"But meowster." Pod 153 spoke gaining their attention. "When do you think it will be the time to tell 2B or the others?"
The felyne asked one more question to 9S, making him think for few seconds before he gave an immediate answer.
"Well, until I find more proof that I'm not the only one who can tame monsters and that there are others beside riders who can too."
"Is this what you and the captains also talked about earlier? That one theory were humans and monsters coexisted underground?" Pod 153 asked.
"Yup that's the one! If we can find more proof and evidence besides showing and trying everything the Rider's manual says, then it may be easier for us to tell them our secret. Heck, I think if I mentioned that A4 used to do the same of looking for evidences like the monster flute and believing in the theory too, then 2B and A2 may be swayed to our side much easily." 9S said, hopeful that maybe 2B and A2 would give him the chance to explain since A4 shared the same interest.
"Then that means treasure hunting while black blight hunting in the caverns. Again Meowster, it seems we're once more doing something crazy. Hopefully it won't end with us getting another monstie." Pod 153 said with a sigh but trying not to let her smirk show from the exicitng prosepct for another adventure.
"C'mon it'll be fun! And don't worry Pod, one monstie is enough for me… for now. And Rogue here may still need a bit more growing before he becomes a big brother. But who knows if we might find an egg or two." 9S reassures the felyne, while smiling at her with a knowing look.
"Grrrr" Rogue nods in agreement.
"Well one can hope, Nya. Though, who knows what will find in those caverns. Maybe something else entirely." Whistill shrugged his shoulders, while 9S agreed to the notion.
"Yeah, but I can't help but feel excited of finding out." 9S then looks down and meets Rogue's gaze, feeling the same excitement radiating from him too.
"You feel it too don't you." Rogue gives him a stare filled with determination in response, before 9S felt a sensation rising in his gut, knowing what his monstie will do next.
"Guys… Rogue found it and just our luck too on his first try." 9S said to the felynes and feeling a certain anticipation on what's coming next.
"Well, what are we waiting for Nya."
"Let's get to it!"
Both Felyne shouted with excitement and feeling a bit adventurous at the moment.
"GROOOOAAAHHH!" Rogue roared sharing the group's sentiment before shooting a stream of dragon energy from his mouth to the wall in front of them.
The dragon breath went for a while, kicking up some dust and covering the view in front of them, until Rogue stopped. A cloud of smoke faced them before slowly dissipating from their view like an unknown spectre. What was left was a clear open path, with signs showing that it was used and made long ago by the monster that lived in the nest.
The four companions shared an awed expression and then gave each other an excited grin, before staring at the unknown abyss they'll venture through.
With a tap to his side from 9S, Rogue begins to enter the new path they found.
The path they took ventured deep underground. There wasn't anything to illuminate their way, besides Rogue occasionally flaring up his dragon breath in his mouth to act as a bootleg flashlight. The Deviljho was also their main guide through the tunnels below, with his sense of smell and ability to see in the dark useful.
Unfortunately for 9S, Pod 153 and Whistill also possess night vision for being felynes, and are able to see in the dark and where they are headed. Leaving the boy the only one with no clue what the tunnels were like. But all three agreed that the monstie's senses are far more suited to navigate the underground path and to detect monsters to avoid, should there be any.
They didn't have a particular objective in mind besides looking for any trace of the black blight and were simply just exploring. But the felynes, while relaying to 9S, could see Rogue knew what he was doing and clearly had the instincts monsters have, mentioned before on how to travel underground. Yet where Rogue was going and if he found something, they didn't know and just trusted the Deviljho will lead them to somewhere promising.
Especially since the path they took had many twist and turns, which made one think they were traveling a labyrinth. But Rogue knew where to look, smell and turn to, with every way lead to another opening and split path to take that didn't end with a block entrance. They tried a while ago, as a test, and went on the opposite way from what Rogue chose. They found a large boulder in their way at the end, making it a dead end and cementing their faith in Rogue's navigating skills.
Finally, after a while the group began to see light and it's source seemed to be the one Rogue was tracking of.
"Finally, light! I thought I'll never see it again!" 9S said in relief.
"Well what did you expect Nya, when you go down a dark cave without a torch." Whistill rolled his eyes at the exaggerated reaction of the boy.
"But it is curious to find light all the way down here." Pod 153 said, earning a nod from the two.
"Well let's go find out and see what it is." 9S said as Rogue began to pick up the pace, with an agreeing roar.
"GROAH"
As they make their way towards the light, they ended up entering a room filled with bright bio luminesce moss. It covered the entire room and illuminating it with a faint green light. Reflecting the light and shinning it about was an underground river that flows across the room and through the walls covering both ends of the body of water.
The group was mesmerized by the sight and felt lucky to find a view this good. The room also seemed to be the end of the path they took, marking this place the end of their little adventure before they return to the surface for 9S to report to Devola and Popola of this find.
"Well, we didn't find any trace of the black blight, which is good. Meaning the infection hasn't spread that far or below here." 9S said as he dismounted Rogue and approached the river.
"True and finding a relatively peaceful place underground instead."
"With rare moss that glows, Nya!"
The felynes follow suit, with Rogue approaching the river too to look at it. The monstie gave a sniff, then a tentative lick of the water and found nothing wrong before drinking it.
Rogue gave a content hiss, liking the cool liquid and quenching his thirst, while the others waded and splash themselves in the water finding it refreshing too. 9S smiled to himself and felt excited to share this to the others later.
"I can't wait to show 2B and the captains this… Oh I bet the look in A2's face will—"
*CRRAAAKKKAACOOMMM!
Suddenly the walls and the entire room began to vibrate intensely, shaking the ground and causing 9S and the felynes to nearly tumbled into the river if weren't for Rogue catching them.
"Earthquake, Nya! RIGHT NOW!" Whistill shouted in panic while they tried to steady themselves and move to a safer position.
The room continued to shake violently, while Rogue shielded and covered the group in case some of the ceiling fell on them. The group hoped the earthquake will past and the worst won't happen of them being buried alive.
Suddenly, large cracks appeared on a wall across them with pieces of rock falling off it as the earth continued to vibrate. The group watched it come down, while 9S heard faint sounds coming from the wall.
The boy tried his best to listen to them and upon focusing on it, he could hear the faint sounds of monsters roaring. He couldn't believe it and widen his eyes in shock, before noticing Rogue sharing the same expression, the monstie also hearing the faint sounds.
But before 9S could voice his question while the room was still shaking, the sounds faded and couldn't be heard anymore. The shaking stop and the impromptu earthquake ended at the same time. The group turned their attention at the wall and saw a large hole was made.
Before anyone could react appropriately to asses their situation, a black mist began to leak from the large hole. A familiarly looking haze that made the entire group tense with dread and fear. With 9S and Pod 153 well aware of what it is and Whistill and Rogue seeing and witnessing the black blight for the first time in person.
Their feeling of dread plummeted further in their gut when they heard the hiss and growls of monsters approaching. The group went into combat mode, with 9S drawing his glaive and signaling his kinsect on standby, Pod 153 and Whistill drawing their weapons, and Rogue baring his teeth while posing to look more menacing.
They waited in trepidation for whatever monster would come up out from the hole leaking the black haze.
They didn't wait long when a tangled ball of claws and limbs burst out of it roughly to the ground. The growling and pained shrieks coming from a pair of raptorian wyverns fighting each other.
9S found the scene weird and strange for both monsters were Velocipreys, but one was covered in dark haze with its eyes glowing red, dominating the fight. The other was normal and clearly losing before its aggressor bites its neck and sloppily rip its throat out. Its opponent falls limp, dead, the victor gives a roar of victory while the rest of the group watched.
The Velociprey then turns its attention to them, its eyes glowing red with insanity before it gives a call that echoes throughout the cave. Then, to the groups horror, more glowing red eyes appear from the hole behind the Velociprey. More raptors of its pack came out the dark haze opening, covered with the same substance and red eyes, clearly infect by the black blight like their packmate.
With a roar the pack charges to attack while 9S and the rest hastily respond to their assault.
"GRROOOOAAAHHHH!" With a roar, Rogue leaps and smashes the leading raptors with his body weight before tail whipping, jaw crunching and body slamming the rest engaging him.
9S swiftly extracts essence from some Velocipreys, before feeling stupid for throwing caution in the wind of attempting to extract from black blighted monsters. Was relief that his kinsect didn't get infected nor were there any negative side effects in his body from extracting from the blighted wyverns.
He immediately responded with a flurry of slashes and swings, slaying the raptors approaching him, while Pod 153 and Whistill support him.
Their fight wasn't any more difficult from their other confrontations with the other wild Velocipreys, but the savagery and rabid behavior of the Velociprey was disturbing. When 9S knocked one to the ground with another, both Velocipreys began to attack each other instead, until one died and couldn't maul any flesh off the other anymore.
"What is wrong with these guys!" 9S shouted as he noticed the disregard for its packmate was unnatural to the species and the rabid brutality the other Velocipreys were now currently inflicting on each other.
"It's the Black blight, Nya. It causes them to go insane and fight each other!" Whistill said as he, Pod 153 and 9S move away from the fight as the pack descends on itself. Claws and teeth were bared, blood splashing out in the open from wounds and torn flesh.
They watch in gross fascination as the pack dispatch itself, raptors killing each other until the last one falls to the ground. The sight of the massacre and the blood staining the ground, greatly disturbed them. For a second, 9S remained fixated at the black haze radiating off the corpses floating in the air and dissipating.
Until he remembered Rogue and the black blight's effects on monsters.
"ROGUE!" 9S shouted in worry and turned to his monstie. Only to find to his horror, Rogue rapidly shaking and slamming his head on the ground.
When the monstie turned his head towards the group, 9S could see small puffs of dark smoke surrounding his face. The black blight trying to infect him and take over his mind.
"NO ROGUE!" He shouted while running to the Deviljho's aid. Only for Rogue to blast his dragon breath in retaliation forcing everybody to dodged and back off.
The black blight's influence was affecting the monstie much quicker than expected and as 9S laid down on the ground watching his partner turn mad, his mind struggled to think of way to save him.
"I need to get him." 9S said, while Pod 153 and Whistill face him with shock and worry.
"But, meowster what will you do?!"
"Yes, Nyain-es! Don't go! No one has cured a monster, or anything infected by the black blight before!"
"We NEED to help him! I can't lose him!" 9S shouted in reply to their attempt to dissuade him, before jumping into the fray of the thrashing monstie.
"BUT MEOWSTER—" Pod called out before 9S cut her off, with a desperate cry to save Rogue.
"I'LL KNOCK SOME SENSE INTO HIM!"
The two felynes could only watch in worry as 9S continues to charge straight at Rogue.
The monstie noticed him, now with eyes glowing purple, and lunged to bite 9S. The boy dodges and narrowly misses getting nicked by one of Rogues teeth. He attempts to hit the Deviljho on the head with the blunt end of his glaive, only for a tail whip from Rogue to disarm him.
Biting a curse from his breath, 9S changes tactics while Rogue continues his attempts to attack 9S.
Stomping, biting, and smashing, Rogue did everything while 9S dodged all of them. His training and mock sparring sessions with his monstie paying off and with Rogue's mind going crazy helped in predicting his moves. But it still left 9S with nothing to do to drive the black blight away and get Rogue to snap out of it.
Rogue misses another lunge, with his jaws right in front of 9S. The boy, performing an insane act, grabs a hold of them before firmly shutting the Deviljho's jaws.
In retaliation, Rogue begins to wave and smash 9S to the walls and the ground to get him off his jaws. While 9S grits his teeth, clings to his life and endures the pain he was receiving to keep Rogue's jaws close. Pod 153 and Whistill could only watch in horror as 9S continues to get beaten to the ground and waved around like a ragdoll.
"Rogue… I know…you're… in there—AH !" 9S spoke before giving a pained grunt as Rogue continues to try to dislodged him.
"You can…fight this! You're strong Rogue! I believe in you!" Rogue then moves to the river and drags 9S through the water to get him to slip and try to drown him to let go, but the boy remains on his snout and steels his resolve.
"I'm here for you buddy! I don't care how strong the black blight is!" 9S shouted despite the water drowning his words and turning them to gurgle.
"It. Can't. BEAT. US!" 9S shouted in finality.
His kinship stone glowed bright and illuminated the whole room in response. The shine of the blue stone blinded everyone, forcing them to close their eyes.
It felt like a long moment passed before the shine began to wane and cease to emanate from the stone.
As the light faded, Rogue's body went still and 9S let go of his snout and fell to the water, exhuasted. The noise forcing Pod 153 and Whistill to open their eyes and look at their surroundings in disbelief.
They saw the black blight was gone, visibly from Rogue and the corpses of the slain Velociprey. Plus the hole where they came from didn't leak anymore black haze yet still glowed an eerie shade of purple. A few seconds after the light faded, Rogue opened his eyes blinking like he woken up from a dream. The first thing he saw was his rider, wet and covered in bruises kneeling before him, before the Deviljho noticed that he was currently standing in the river.
"Hey, Rogue… You okay?" 9S asked weakly and patted his snout, before he gave a small groan of pain.
Rogue immediately warbled a concern growl, wordless asking what was wrong?
What happened?
How, did he get hurt?
…What did Rogue do?
The last one 9S understood and interpreted correctly after he saw Rogue glancing to some of the scratches he has and could connect them that he got those from getting grazed from his chin teeth. Guilt settling in the monstie's mind of what he could have done to his rider.
9S's silenced made Rogue visibly lower his head, regardless of whatever it is he did, it didn't change the fact that he hurted his friend and partner. His expression turned to one of regret, shame and remorse and tried to face away from 9S. Only for the boy to firmly tug his head towards him and wrap himself into a firm hug on the Deviljho's snout.
"You got blighted… by the black blight" 9S said, making Rogue realize what he did. A short chuff escaped the Deviljho's mouth before 9S heard a soft sound of a feeble whine. His monstie whimpering and keening softly in his arms, feeling ashamed and regretful of his actions.
"Hey now… it's okay… I got you back didn't I." 9S said as he begins to stroke Rogue's scales comforting him. "And I'm okay too. Nothing a little potion can't fix. Besides, getting a bit banged up beats losing you against that blight."
9S continues to reassure Rogue, patting his snout and even wiping some of his tears for feeling guilty of hurting him. The Deviljho pushes to bury his head on 9S stomach, like how he used to when he was smaller to apologize. 9S simply continues to stroke his scales to soothe him, while Pod 153 and Whistill approach the two.
"Its okay Rogue, I forgive you. it wasn't your fault at all, okay." 9S said as the Deviljho glances at him.
"Yeah, he's right you know. It's the black blight's fault and we all know you wouldn't harm meowster even if you want to." Pod 153 said before climbing on top of his head and petting him in comfort.
"And Holy Fatalis Rogue! You and 9S beat it, Nya! With your kinship too!" Whistill exclaimed, earning a surprise look from the monstie.
"Its true, the kinship stone glowed really bright then you were cured. Just like that." 9S explained to Rogue, who rumbled still in disbelief.
"And not just you Rogue, but also the monster corpses. Normally the haze would fade naturally but your light somehow casted them away and any trace of the black blight in the whole room!" Pod 153 added with a cheer, making both 9S and Rogue glance around the room to see for themselves.
The room did show signs of not being touched by the black blight and if they could ignore the corpses of the Velociprey, the room looked overall brighter than before when they first arrived.
"Well, not everything in the room, Nya…" Whistill said wearily before pointing and turning everyone's attention to the hole still dark and glowing a faint eerie purple.
Moments later…
After a few minutes to recuperate and healing their injuries, with great reluctance the group approached the hole. Their intention to their approuch is to take a peek inside and investigate. Of course, done out of duty and to report to the guild if it was related to the black blight, just to be safe since they were attacked by blighted monsters and Rogue did get infected was miraculously cured.
It was 9S at the front since he was wearing the kinship stone and possibly use its power again to ward of the black blight, even if he has to figure it out how to do it again. Pod 153 and Whistill were with Rogue, on his back and approached behind the rider. The felynes mounted and ready, should they need to make a hasty escape with Rogue. The monstie staying back a bit, not taking the chance of getting infected again and ready to bolt once 9S mounts him to retreat.
They were already in front of the hole, but they shared one last nervous look with each other before they entered. 9S takes a deep breathe before jumping into the hole disappearing from his companions line of sight.
They waited for him to give a signal and after few seconds they heard him.
"Guys…. You better come in here!" 9S called out to them, fear and panic evident in his voice. Throwing caution out of the wind, Rogue with the felynes jump into the hole after hearing the dread in 9S's voice ready to assist him.
But they weren't prepared to what they would see next, which made Rogue stop in his tracks beside 9S and all of them gawking at the sight before them.
"I think… Now we know why… there hasn't been any changes with the black blight in the northern area." Pod 153 whispered, while trying to control the panic rising in her chest.
"Nya, the infection wasn't spreading in the surface..." Whistill spoke with horror in his voice.
"It was spreading right under our noses…" 9S said with trepidation. His anxiety spiking with the others of the implication the sight before them held.
As right in front of the group, hundreds of bio luminesces moss illuminates the room with an eerie purple glow from all sides, from the edged of the ceilings to the walls surrounding them.
"But it does make sense for it to spread underground…"
Yet, what took the group's breath away with dread and fear was not the infected moss or the monster corpses they didn't notice of the uninfected Velocipreys littering the ground.
"A4 and the Black calamity did fall underground…"
It was the hundreds of tangled roots on the ceiling. That stretched to the ground below them, touching and emitting a black haze and glowing a dark shade of purple.
Permeating the cold dread they felt creeping in their bones…
Author's notes:
And the plot thickens!
Also I like to share that we're approuching the chapters where Rogue would be discovered, which would mark the begining of the end for the first arc.
So give or take, depending on my writing time and mood, there is at least 8-9 chapters left before the second arc of this story.
That's all and thanks again for reading, see you in the next chapter!
And enjoy the omakes!
Omake I
(LimE)
"You know…" Devola started to remember something before looking at 9S, who was walking beside her. "All this talk of monster taming reminded me of a book my friend recently published."
"Really what was the title?" 9S asked.
"Something, something Redan or whatever… it supposed to be a legend that he got from my white-haired friend. Who again, says it ties to his theory of monsters and humanity teaming up and working together." Devola gave a nonchalant shrug until she notice 9S shooting up in excitement.
"Oh, The Legend of Redan! I have that book and you're friends with the author LimE?! Does he have other books related to it or a sequel in the making?" 9S asked excitedly.
"Woah, woah… easy there. I didn't know you were a fan—" Devola paused, then turned her expression to a serious one before asking 9S.— "Wait are you a fan of LimE? How many books have you read of his?"
"Well ugh, I'm not really a fan since I just got his book and only read that one book. But I do know he was the author for this other novel Zinnia and the other village leaders were reading. 'The Shadow lord and the Curse swordswoman' I think that was the title? But she never let me read it for some reason she wouldn't tell me until I'm older. Which made me learn what genre it was... Then made me think she thought the book isn't appropriate for me since its smut." 9S said while wondering again to why he couldn't read that particular book.
"It's smut and more…" Devola whispered to herself.
"What?"'
"Nothing!" Devola said too quickly, her panic obvious to her companion. "Just… listen to Zinnia and take her word for it. Don't read the book until you're older."
"But I'm a teen doesn't that mean I can read—"9S looked skeptical and was about to ask why only to be cut by Devola.
"Ah, ah, promise me you won't read it. Some scenes are too mature even for teenagers. Trust me, who knows what goes inside the mind of my friend LimE. The utter carnal and lustful desire that can corrupt the innocent and virgin minds… Displayed in words and for one's perverted imagination! That can be too much! You must never read it, less you be scarred…" Devola warned to dissuade the boy.
That was one of the reasons to why she wouldn't disclose the book to 9S. Which Devola exaggerated a bit to discourage him to read it, since the book wasn't as extreme as she was making it out to be.
But It wasn't the main reason though.
If Zinnia found out that Devola spoiled the book for her through 9S, and corrupted said charge, then she'll be skinned alive by the wyverian chief. The thought made her shudder and she wouldn't want to receive the ire of the retired guild knight.
"It can't be that bad? Or is it?" At first it seemed to work, but after seeing Devola tensed at his prodding, 9S got more curious about the book.
At the same time he felt more reserve not to read it though. "Are the scenes really that risk and graphic?"
"Well, there is this one scene…" Devola began, running through her thoughts unknowingly. "Now that I think about it; It kinda matches our setting and our current situation. I mean, in a cavern with old trinkets/treasure. One guy and two pairs of twins with felynes. Plus, Anemone did tell me you got a lot stamina—"
"DEVOLA!" Popola nearly shrieked in panic, red faced, while silently chastising her sister. Devola realized what was she was saying and immediately covers her mouth. While 9S got a bit more intrigued from what the captain was about to say. His adolescent mind and teenage hormones urging him to ask more from Devola.
"Wait, why did you say I had a lot of stamina? Or why were there two twins? What's with the felynes too? Did the main character had to choose... OR WAS THE SCENE A—"
"Task on hand—NOW!" Popola ordered the two quickly, making it to avoid 9S asking more questions of the graphic scene Devola was talking about. A stern glare sent into his direction all but shut him up to continue their work in silence, as they continue to search for tracks in the cavern.
Omake II
(Living with A4)
For Zinnia, meeting A4 was like a blessing in disguise, shaped as a beautiful rose with sharp thorns. For while A4 brought cheer and joy to her girls, there were times the energetic hunter was hard to handle. Especially when Zinnia's girls are stuck/glued to the hunter's side.
Living with A4 was a blast for the twins, 2B and A2. They both have a mentor and an older figure to follow, plus a fun guardian to watch over them. While the slightly boring Zinnia, who was still the fun mom, was away for Village business.
A4 would spend time with the two by telling stories of her travels and quests, and doing various activities with them. Ranging from hunter training, after inspiring them to be hunters, to other much simpler things. Like painting, teaching and educating the two, and failing how to cook—
Which the three seemed to share having less mediocre to horrible cooking skills, which became one of the reasons for the wyverian chief to hire and take in Pod 42 and Pod 153 as felyne household helpers and Palicos.
—2B and A2 in turn idolize her and at times try to be like her and earn some of her praise. With some notable events Zinnia would recall a bit humorous and endearing.
One particular coming into mind whenever Zinnia spots 2B and A2's hunting armor.
"What are you two doing in my closet?" The wyverian asked seeing her girls rummaging through her wardrobe.
"Looking for heels to practice with." A2 replied, while focused on her search.
"Heels?" Zinnia asked, confused until 2B explained.
"Yeah, A4 fights with her hunter boots… or greaves? —modified to have heels." The other twin said before continuing their search.
"But why would she fight like that?" Zinnia asked, honest with her curiosity and surprised she didn't notice A4 with her modified hunter gear. Nor the height difference between them in her off days in the house and compared to how she looks like during her hunts out in the field.
"Something about wyverns and birds actually stand on their toes and by fighting and staying on your toes… makes you able to fight… at the same plain field? …I don't understand the entirety." 2B struggled to explain what the older hunter explanation was, not remembering the entirety of it.
"That and she did say being in sync or something, but she didn't tell us anything else or say anymore…" A2 added.
"Well, I don't know the practicality of fighting with heels but who am I to judged what your master in the hunting arts do…" Zinnia said to the two before pulling them close to her.
"Just promise me to use the old ones okay, some of the shoes I have are a bit expensive for this momma to replace."
"Yeah, we promise!" The two answered with a nod of their heads.
"Good, now you two should have asked me first. Then my closet wouldn't look like it had a fight with a mini Kushala Daora." Zinnia told the two while they had a sheepish expression.
"You guys are lucky too that I don't have digitigrade legs like the other wyverians…" Zinnia added to herself before finding the location of her old heels.
In the end, the two ended up mastering fighting with heels and ordering the same modification of their armors to Masamune.
To A4's surprise and to Zinnia's pleasure of seeing her appalled reaction.
A4's continued presence in their lives greatly influenced the girls for the better, and it helps that family loves her as one of their own.
Zinnia herself, couldn't help treating the young hunter at times as if she were one of own her kids.
"You three are late again and covered in mud. How many times does this make it for me... To remind you to avoid fishing during the rain season?" Zinnia asked A4, 2B and A2 as they entered the house with buckets of fish.
"At least five times." 2B answered putting her bucket down while staining the floor with mud and Zinnia grimacing visibly at it.
"Not like it's a big deal. It didn't rain so we're not at risk of getting a cold." A2 said nonchalantly while wiping some of the mud off her hair to the floor.
"Yes, but you're bringing a mess to the house!" Zinnia scolded A2 before continuing. "And I know that A4 would have been tempted to start a mud fight whenever the opportunity comes." The wyverian chief stares at the hunter, who chuckles.
"Guilty...hehehe." Not even sounding a bit remorseful.
"A4…" Zinnia started with a glower.
"Hey, don't worry Zinnia. We'll clean up and take care of the mess! Besides 2B here seems to like fishing and is good at it too, we got a good haul because of her. Plus, mud wrestling is good exercise and good for the skin, you should try it some time." A4 said cheerfully to Zinnia, who was having none of her excuses right now or her cheery attitude disregarding the mess she made.
"Well you three should try bathing in water and soap, it does wonders on muddy a complexion. You three better do it now before you start cleaning the mud tracks, you'll be trailing in the house."
"But wait, wouldn't that mean we have to bathe twice? One right now and another after we get dirty from cleaning?" 2B asked.
"Ugh, really… can't we just skip the bathing and just go to resting. I'm tired…." A2 drawled and annoyed at the idea.
"NO. Now chop, chop, get going or no dinner for you three." Zinnia said before going behind the trio and clapping at their backsides to head to the showers.
"Okay, okay, we're going Zinnia… Man, you're as strict as my mom…" A4 said as she leads the girls to the second floor.
"I better be as strict! Your cleaning habits are almost as bad as the Commander's! And don't forget to change your bed sheets!" Zinnia called at them.
"Mine or A2's!"
"Both!"
In the later years, A4 would confide to Zinnia that she was like another mom for her too.
And would be happy to introduce the wyverian chief and the girls to her family. Confident that they'll get along, which A4 would point out that her interaction and dynamic with her family was not as different as it is in Zinnia's household. Believing both her families will get along well and be close really quick.
A meeting that Zinnia looked forward to until the present, hoping to see the family of the person who she holds deep respect and gratitude to.
For A4 really brought out the cheer and fun side from 2B and A2, which the wyverian appreciated greatly. The hunter helped bring her girls out of their shells and turned them to be more eager to explore their world than hide in fear from others and make friends instead.
Despite their reputation of being girls not to be mess with.
Which then turned to hunters not to be ****ed with in their later years.
A4 may had a hand with that after she gave her own explicit threats to some unruly hunters bothering the two. For the hunter was someone that was both fun and dangerous to cross with, and pray that you don't get caught in her wrath should anyone receive her ire.
Although, Zinnia would admit that A4 can bring both sides of her together and make the fun a bit...
...too much at times.
"What the hell A4!" Zinnia shouted at the hunter.
"Its tooootally safe Zinnia!" A4 said while riding a charging Bulldrome around a forest clearing—
"Get my kids off that thing!"
—With both 2B and A2 riding with the hunter, were 2B seemed to be at the front of A4 seemingly leading the Bulldrome and A2 sitting behind waving her hands in the air.
"Yeah go faster 2B!" A2 cheered.
"Got it!" 2B replied while tapping the fanged beast side with her foot to make it go faster. Which A4 gave a much harder tap to spur the Bulldrome to speed up. The hunter being the real one in control of their ride.
"This is not what I had in mind for a small picnic in the forest! And not one where we commandeer a monster for rodeo rides!" Zinnia wailed after them as the Bulldrome began to run faster circling the Wyverian chief.
"C'mon Zinnia it's fun!" A2 called out to her.
"Yeah, hop on. We can find a better place to eat lunch like this!" 2B said watching her guardian's attempts to keep following them.
"A4, I don't like this type of influence you're projecting on to my kids!" Zinnia yelled at the hunter who, to her dismay, laughs freely in response with no worries or what so ever.
"They're going to be hunters, right? Might as well let them get used to mounting and riding monsters. Besides your kids are tough! I mean 2B was the one who jumped on first, I just followed for her safety." A4 cooly replied as they looped another around Zinnia, who was tapping her foot in fustration.
"Only because the Bulldrome was attempting charge us! And why did A2 jump after you!?" Zinnia asked incredulously, while feeling exasperated at the elder twin's action.
"I didn't want to be left behind!" A2 answered like it was the most obvious reason, earning a muffled groan from the chief.
"C'mon Zinnia just jump on!"
"Yeah, Jump!"
"Show A4 your flips! She hasn't seen you in action yet."
The three called out to the chief, all urging the wyverian to join in the fun.
"Are you three serious!" Zinnia shouted in disbelief, irritation edging out of her from hearing them tell her to go along with it.
...
"Yeah!" All of them replied, as the Bulldrome snorts, passing the chief in another lap.
...
"...FINE!" The chief relents not bothering to fight them anymore, seeing her arguments were futile.
That and the chief wouldn't admit out loud that she was getting tired of running after them. Plus, the Bulldrome seemed to have relented to be their willing steed the moment A4 jumped on its back. Evident that A4 kept the fanged beast running around the wyverian and acting tamed too, surprisingly.
"Get ready here I come!" Zinnia shouted after calculating the time of her jump, the trio watched in bated anticipation.
With the picnic basket secured around one of her arms and sealed tight, Zinnia leaped in the air towards the Bulldrome.
She made a couple of twirls and flips before gracefully landing and mounting the Bulldrome's back, right behind A2.
"VOILA!" The wyverian said with arms open wide on her sides, earning applauds from those whose hands were free.
"That was cool!" A4 said.
"Yeah, Badass!" A2 cheered.
"As expected from our Zinnia!" 2B complimented.
"Oh… you guys stop. You're flattering me…." The wyverian said with a blush, waving one hand at them, flustered from all of the praise.
"Now that we're all here lets head to this spot I know of. It's safe, monster free and a lot of Gastronome Tuna to fish!" A4 said turning the Bulldrome to another direction.
"Fish?" 2B said with enthusiasm, excited to try fishing again.
"Let's get a big one and see what they have inside!" A2 added with glee.
"As long as it's safe… and A2 doesn't get to hold the pocketknife." Zinnia said as A2 whines in protest. "Awww…"
The hunter nods and reassures the chief before they head off, further into the forest.
"Of course Zinnia, don't worry." A4 said to the skeptical wyverian.
The days after, they had more adventures and outings together, much the same and some different than the last. If Zinnia only knew what would have happened to A4 on her last mission two and half years ago, then maybe she would have done something to save her life on that faithful day. Then their days would have gone on together longer.
Far longer...
"Are you sure, you have to go?"
"It's just a hunch… but there's something I need to check…"
"You've just arrived and now you're saying goodbye."
"I won't be long; it will just be a short trip. Maybe a day or so, depending on the Commander's mood."
"Go easy on her…"
"I know, don't worry…"
"Are you sure you can't stay and leave this up for tomorrow? A2 and 2B were looking forward for today and are excited to see you. They wanted to show you their progress in their training and maybe give you a little surprise too, later…"
"Hahaha… tempting. They did look excited for something like when they were kids... hard to believe that they're teenagers right now..."
"True... they seem to be growing up really quick..."
...
"But... I need to do this Zinnia. Something is wrong. I can't explain and I don't know what it is."
"So it's more than a hunch huh…"
...
"Yeah... probably…"
...
"...But I promise. I'll be back, ...then you guys can show me whatever surprise you have for me!"
...
"You better..."
" Tell the girls I love them and tell them I'm sorry I had to leave early."
"Will do. And don't worry. They'll undertsand, so you don't need to apologize."
"Okay... Thanks Zinnia."
"No problem A4. We'll be here waiting for you until you comeback..."
"And I'll be thinking of you guys until then."
...
"See you soon A4, stay safe."
"See you guys too Zinnia. I assure you that when tomorrow arrives, I'll be here!"
.
.
.
.
.
Tomorrow never came.