NieR: MHST

by Destress98life

In a world full of monsters and hunters fighting to keep a delicate balance. A boy makes a discovery of a life time that changes his life and makes an unlikely friendship his world has never seen. Secrets are revealed and worlds expand in this journey of bonds and kinship. Pairs include 2B/9S & A2/4S. Rated M for future chapters and mild gore. (Chapter 1 rewritten.)

29. Chapter 29

Author's notes:

Hello! I know I said I'd try to make a two parter for this update. But the chapter took longer to write and ended up being the longest one I made. So, sorry about that.

I hope you guys enjoy this chapter of the story and the omake after. Rogue's reveal begins here and the next chapter, before the next 10 chapters I planned are left for the rest of this arc and concluding it.

That's all and here is the chapter, enjoy!

*Edited 09/24/2020

---

The ride to the stuck cart was a short one and only took a little time for the group to reach it.

"It's just around this corner and we keep following the river here." 9S said as he, Pod and Whistill were riding Rogue and traveling deep in the tunnels below the forest.

They then spot the cart and the felynes tugging it, from a small dirge that was more or less 3 ft. deep. But a part of the cart's trunk seemed to have gotten stuck in it. The items being carried by the cart didn't help in their predicament due to the weight of the raw materials, like the metal and wood that the Felynes were bringing back for the settlement.

"GROAH!" Rogue gave a call-in greeting, which the felynes heard and saw to their relief that help has arrived.

They cheered in gratitude as Rogue easily took hold of the cart and pulled it out of the dirge, finishing the job relatively quickly while 9S and the rest where still riding him.

"Well that was easy. We didn't need to get off." 9S said with the others agreeing.

"Yes Meowster, we didn't even need to do anything. Except Rogue though."

"Nya, at least we got to them safely. We should hurry back while we can before the hunters start their work back on the surface." Whistill said as they all began to head out while Rogue begins to escort the cart, walking beside it.

"Though, can I ask? What caused the cart to get stuck in the first place?" 9S asked the felynes beside them, who answer with simple shrugs, then chattered and gestured wildly with their paws.

"Wait, what?" Pod 153 exclaimed, surprised at their answer.

"What did they say Pod?"

"Nya, they said a small earth shake happened and opened the ditched. It came as fast as it went away Nya." Whistill answered for 9S, also finding the felyne's explanation a bit perplexing.

9S got an alarming look on his face, before sharing look with Pod, who was thinking the same thing as he did.

"Wait, if you mean an earth shake that comes and goes wouldn't that mean? —"

As if to answer 9S's question and interrupting his sudden realization, the ground beneath them shakes violently and forces them to brace for it. But it didn't stop until right behind them, the earth explodes with stone and soil flying up in the air.

Accompanied with a monster's roar. "GOORRRRUUUUUNNGGG!"

The group turn to look at the monster and to their horror, see that it was a Basarios… Infected by the black blight.

"GGOORRRUNNGG" It gives another distorted roar, while making it known to 9S and the rest that it was targeting them. Before charging at its would-be victims.

"Run now Nya! Leave the supplies!" Whistill shouted to his felynes before 9S brought Rogue closer to them.

"Hope on Rogue quickly!"

The felynes complied, jumping onto the Deviljho, before everybody braced themselves as Rogue began to run in breakneck speeds. Quickly avoiding the Basarios at the last second reaching them, while the monster miraculously misses the cart from being crushed to pieces under its foot.

"GGOORRUUNNGGG"

"GROAH!"

The chase was on with Rogue running and making quick turns to get the blighted monster off their tracks, while keeping his occupants safe. But the blighted Basarios continues to follow them and is surprisingly quick on its feet, somehow the black blight making it stronger, faster and giving it energy to pursue. The felynes notice and can't help the panic rising in them as they spot the Basarios getting closer by the second.

"Meowster! Must go faster, must go faster!" Pod 153 urged, just before Rogue dodged a swipe from the Basarios head.

"We're trying!" 9S strained a reply as he made Rogue dodged another swipe from the Basarios.

"Nya, we might not lose it at this rate! Or we'll be pick off one by one!" Whistill yelled almost flying off from the abrupt movement.

"Let me think!" 9S said, before spotting a large stone arc at a distance before them. "That's it!"

"GGOORRUNNNGG"

The Basarios roars again as it tries to catch the fleeing group, while 9S gets an idea and a plan set in motion. As they near the arch, 9S begins to give some orders to Rogue.

"Rogue you see that large rock arc; I want you to blast the ends connecting it from both sides when the time is right."

"Grrr!" Rogue gets a knowing look, understanding what his Rider's plan is.

The monstie continues to dodged the blighted monsters lunges and his occupants ducking from some quick head swipes.

"GGOOORRUUNNGG!"

They come closer to the arc with the Basarios still behind them, its black haze permeating and sending chills to the group. 9S focuses on the right moment before seizing it.

"Now Rogue! Blast them and run like hell!" 9S shouted with Rogue following his orders.

The Deviljho shoots two beams of dragon energy at both end of the arc destabilizing it, before it began to crack from its weight and begin to fall.

"GGRRRROOOOOOOAAAAAAAAHHHH!"

With a loud roar, Rogue charges ahead before the arc collapses, while causing the Basarios to flinch slightly from his bellow and falls back briefly. With some distance between them and some pieces of the arc falling, 9S urges his monstie to run faster before it's too late.

"GGOOOORRRRUUUNNNGG" The Basarios roars again, picking up the pace to catch up and was about to slam its head on the fleeing Deviljho.

Before the arc fell at that moment, as 9S, Rogue and the others avoided it safely. The large stone slab smashes on top of the blighted monster's back and sends it stumbling to the ground. It roars in pain, as it feel itself get pinned briefly from the falling debris before shrugging it off and rising to get up with a bellow.

"GGGOOOORRUUUNNN—"

Only to be cut off as the floor beneath it caves in and collapses on itself, weakened by 9S's ploy and due to the weight of the monster. The blighted Basarios falls into the deep hole it created; It's roars fading to silence as it descends deeper.

9S and his companions could only look in surprise and relief at their sudden stroke of luck. Before all of them collapse on the floor in exhaustion.

Or rather Rogue, flops on the ground while the others slide off him.

"Oh my Gog… That was something."

"Intense meowster!"

"Nya, yes!"

"Meow…Meow!"

"GROAH!"

All them gave a collected groan and sigh relief, lying on the ground and remaining there a bit longer to catch themselves a break and settle their nerves.

After a few minutes, Whistill and his felynes stood up to check themselves of any injuries before 9S, Pod and Rogue do the same with each other.

"Nya, we might need to report this to the guild." Whistill said with 9S agreeing with him.

"Yeah, we might have to warn them that some of the Basarios might have gotten infected like that one."

"And on the loose too. We don't know if that Blighted Basarios will stay down, knowing of its digging abilities." Pod added with Rogue growling at the spot where the hole was.

"We need to get to the surface asap, but we need to be careful in case of any other encounters." 9S said before turning to his monstie. "Rogue scout ahead a bit and try to check if you can detect any monsters in the vicinity."

"GROAH!" Rogue barks in agreement, nodding his head. 9S pats his snout before he heads off and disappears from their view.

"So, what's next?" 9S asked as he turns to the felynes, all huddled together in small circle.

The felynes turn to him, with Whistill about to reply. "We'll return to retrieve the cart if its still there and—AAaaaauuu."

Only stop and suppress a strangled whine of shock as his eyes widen, looking at something behind 9S. Pod 153 shared the same reaction and with the rest of the felynes, but also paling at the sight as if she was seeing a ghost or a terrible figure, while his meowster remains unaware of the person behind him.

But 9S did noticed their look of apprehension. "Guys what's wrong? Is there—"

"WHAT THE **** WAS THAT!"

Someone yelled right behind him, making the boy swear in shock. "F***ING FATALIS!"

9S jumped to turn around with a wide eye expression, before paling and replacing his previous expression. Feeling a sudden dread rising in his stomach as he recognizes the person in front of him.

Who was a pretty piss off A2.

Who had an expression of anger mixed with a bit of shock and confusion.

Donned in her hunting amor and her Tigrex longsword. 9S audible gulp from how intimidating she looked, her added scowl adding to the effect.

"A-A2…" 9S spoke weakly, as millions of thoughts began to run in his head. From how much did she see or how did A2 find them to worst case scenarios that would lead to Rogue being hunted down by the guild.

But the boy then thought that maybe A2 didn't see anything and was asking something else. It was a stretch but completely possible.

"That was a Deviljho! A ****ING DEVILJHO!" A2 shouted with anger and disbelief.

Scratch that she saw Rogue.

"YOU were riding… a ****ING DEVILJHO!"

And everything else apparently, evident with the accusatory look she had on her face.

Yup, 9S knows he's screwed.

But it didn't stop him from making a feeble attempt to explain. "Yes I was—"

"You Were?! Is this what you have been doing with the Felynes?!" Only for A2 cut him off, his reply seemingly agitating her further.

9S could see the female hunter was juggling to project her feelings of anger, disbelief, panic and, surprisingly, worry for him at the same time. A myriad of emotions that he did not expect to see or come from A2. Rather he'd figure it would come from 2B as he thought it would, when his secret and Rogue is exposed and revealed in time to her. Then again, 2B's reactions could be much worse than A2's and 9S should probably think it through again, of how he will reveal Rogue to 2B. And more thoroughly than thought before, seeing how A2 is currently reacting to him.

Especially when both sisters appear to already have the makings of suspicion on his activities with the felynes and could probably figure everything out if they guess the right points.

"What the hell 9S, all those days in the settlement! Were you lying with what you've been doing with the felynes? Was all your reports an excuse to that?! And you... You, have been keeping this secret for what, a month?!" A2 said, her words cutting through 9S thoughts while hitting a nail on his guilt, as he tried to answer her quick enough.

"T-They weren't excuses exactly! And it's not what you think… I can explain—" But went ignored by A2 who came closer to him with a heated look, feeling her glare burn through him.

"You better explain, whatever THIS IS! Do you know how dangerous it is to involve yourself with a monster? Or how much 2B was worrying about you because she thought you were doing something dangerous?! Which you are, huh?! Didn't you guys talk yesterday?!" She emphasized the latter with a rough poke to his chest making 9S stumble a bit, trying to not fall and backing away as A2 began to corner him.

"We did and I made a promise to tell her I swear! And I will tell you everything if you can just calm down—" 9S spoke again trying to get A2 listen, while the felynes continue to watch with trepidation as he continues to receive her ire.

"When 2B and Zinnia find out—" She suddenly spoke, causing 9S to panic and blurt a hasty reply.

"No! T-They can't find out!"

Which was the wrong thing to say, as A2's expression turns to a livid one.

"What do you mean NO?!" She stomped forward towards the retreating 9S, about to continue to grill him aggressively. Coming closer to his personal space.

"That they shouldn't know that you go running around underground, riding a ****ing Deviljho?! And fighting monsters infected by the black bli—AUGH!"

For a second, 9S watched A2 suddenly stop mid rant before she crumpled to the ground with a loud thud.

He then spots Rogue behind her knockout form, with a large stone slab in his jaws. A large crack evident on the spot he used to hit A2's head to knock her unconscious.

9S lets out an involuntary sigh of bated relief from Rogue silencing A2.

"Oh my Gog, I thought she wouldn't stop—OH MY GOG! Rogue!"

Only for him realize what his monstie just did, a new sense of anxiety taking over in him, while he chastise his monstie for knocking out A2.

"...Why?! You shouldn't have done that!"

"GRRRRR?" Rogue gave a confuse reply in response seeing his rider's panicked expression, while carelessly dropping the large stone to the ground.

Fortunately not on top of A2 to 9S's relief.

He gives another rumble asking to what he did wrong, when there was a person obviously antagonizing 9S and he attacked to defend him from her, as he should to protect his rider.

"Of course she look like she was attacking me. Its A2! You know, 2B's sister?! The one I was talking about before, for you to meet after you meet 2B?"

"Groooaaahhhh…" Rogue roars in recognition before paling at the realization of what he's done.

Panicking, he then sniffs the down hunter and checks to see if she was still breathing. Rogue then chuffs in relief, as he could tell that she wasn't that hurt and was just sleeping, hearing her quiet breathing and slight groan of pain.

9S on the other hand was pacing like a mad man with the felynes in toll, as they try to figure out what to do next.

"Nya, this is a disaster!"

"Nya indeed! Meowster what do we do?! A2 is logically the worst person to find out Rogue at the wrong time!"

9S had a pensive look while hearing Pod and Whistill voicing their concerns. They watch as the boy run a million thoughts in his head before he slumps with a defeated expression.

"There's only one thing left to do…" 9S said with trepidation as he and the felynes turn to look at Rogue, who was prodding and nuzzling the unconscious A2, before he noticed their stares at him.

"Groah?"

9S brings out his carving knife, while Pod 153 suddenly brings out a bundle of rope in her paws.

Whistill and the other felynes spontanously pull out shovels from their person, wielding them with a heavy weight set in their hearts.

Before the tools were promptly slapped off their hands by 9S who had an 'are you serious expression' aimed at Whistill.

"Are you serious?! I told you before, we're not doing that!"

"Are you sure Nya!"

"YES!"

---

One potion and a small bruise treatment later…

There was a ringing in her head and a throbbing pain that accompanied it before she heard voices too loud for her liking. Letting out a soft groan, A2 felt like she was hit by a Tigrex stampeding over her and proceeding to roar and deafen her hearing.

She began to blink back to consciousness and try to figure out what the hell happened to her and why was she sleeping on what she felt like cold bits of stones on a rough damp ground. Though her head felt a soft material behind it, leveling it from the floor. She then tried to remember what the last thing she did before she blackout.

Which she did as her eyes open in wide, remembering everything.

Patrolling the south end of the forest for Basarios tracks. Finding ones, then hearing a roar and thinking it was one causing a disturbance. Then feeling the earth rumble and shake, which she tracked to a monster den.

Then to her shock, finding 9S with Pod 153 and a bunch of felynes riding a saddled Deviljho. Running from a clearly blighted Basarios, before causing a collapse of rocks on top of it that broke the ground and sending the monster falling to a pit.

She stared in shock and confusion for a while at the sight of 9S interacting with the miniature world eater before it left and giving A2 the chance to make her presence known and confront 9S about it.

Her anger resurfaces at 9S, of him keeping secrets, as she sat upright to shout at him.

"9S—Aaaahhh!" A2 instead found Rogue staring at her intently just a few feet from her, making her panic and move to react unconsciously.

Her hands went to draw her longsword behind her, but found it missing from her back …and notice that her hands were tied together too.

"What the hell!" She swore before noticing Rogue approuched her with a roared greeting.

"GROAH!" It was a non threatening roar to the Deviljho's point of view and meant as a warm welcome to this new person.

But to the hunter with her hands currently bound, it looked like he was coming closer to eat her.

A2 shuffled the best she can to back away, while kicking and screaming at Rogue. "Stay back! Don't you dare get ****ing closer to me! You hear me, I'm unarmed but I can still kick your scaly ****ing ass!"

Rogue wasn't deterred and continued to observe her, becoming more curious about A2 by the second as he approached her. A2 herself continues to move back and try to kick Rogue, who easily dodged them, before she felt behind her that she backed up to wall and was effectively cornered by the monster. Her panic escalated when she saw Rogue open his maw next, seeing a dozen of his fangs and teeth. Getting a bit terrified from the situation she was in...

..and then irked from feeling vulnerable in the face of a monster, reminding herself that she was a hunter for Gog's sake.

She steels her face and raises her bounded fists in an offensive stance as best as she could, while trying to look threatening despite sitting on the ground.

"Don't think of me as an easy meal, you pickled bastard! You're going to have a severe case of indigestion if you try to take a bite out me! But don't think for a second, I'm going down without a fight, NOW bring it on!" A2 spat, swinging her tied fists together and flails to kick with her legs.

Her determination showing to fight back against her aggressor or die trying to.

"GRRRRRR" Rogue growls and rolls his eyes at her attempts, avoiding her flailing, before deciding enough is enough. Not wanting to see the hunter hurt herself, Rogue moves to stop her flailing.

He forces through A2's assault, enduring her quick jabs and flailing kicks, not really bothered by it before he lies his head down on her hands, lap, legs and effectively pinning her body under his head and neck.

"Nooooo! Get off me! Get the **** off me! Arrrrggghhhh!" A2 continues to struggle and move to get Rogue off of her, but the monstie was dead set on keeping her still until the others come back. His weight adequate enough to keep A2 pinned and her struggles not even a bother to the monstie.

His snout and teeth were right in front of the hunter, deterring A2 from trying to headbutt him less she gets a face full of teeth and cuts. But it didn't stop A2 from thrashing or trying to buck him off her. She continues to do so for a few more minute, until she eventually slumps from exhuastion. Resigning herself at the mercy of the Monstie.

"Just do it already." A2 glares at Rogue, meeting his gaze and remaining defiant for her inevitable death.

"Grrrrrrrrrrrr..." Only to her surprise, Rogue rumbles and his throat vibrating an odd rumbling sensation. One that made A2 feel... weird.

It was weird. Really weird, becuase it really felt oddly soothing. Was she actually feeling comfortable with the monster?

The mini world eater was surprisingly warm to touch too, making the hunter suddenly feel a bit of lax and at ease from the combined warmth and rumble, as the monstie continues to calm her down. Strangely working, A2's glare falters to one of mild curiosity to what he was doing.

"Rogue, we heard yells is A2—What the hell Rogue, get off of her! You're just aggravating her and making her panic!" 9S yelled at his monstie, just at the right time as A2 was feeling odd and weirded out from realizing that she was getting too comfortable with the dwarf Deviljho to her liking.

"9S, You're here!" She said as Rogue got off of her and steps back a few paces. She also saw the felynes following him and arrived at his side.

A2 was about to express her relief at him being safe and coming to her suppose rescue, until she remembered why she was here in the first place and the reason being the offending Deviljho in front of her.

"What the **** 9S!" A2 shouted at the boy her livid expression returning, while the boy groans in protest.

"Here we go again…" 9S whispered to himself, not going to like the next few minutes with A2.

That could lead to a few hours if he wasn't careful in his explanation.

With a look of defeat and a bit of nervousness showing, 9S wordless walked towards A2 and silent sat down in front of her. While she remained with a scowl, most probably irritated by him tying her hands and taking her long sword from her. While also showing to be skeptical and confuse at the boy's action and their current scenario.

"If you just calm down…"

"Calm Down! How, the **** do I calm down when there's—"

"JUST LET ME TALK!" 9S said, suddenly cutting her off with a raised hand. Catching A2 off guard from his outburst.

"I'm sorry…" He apologize shortly before reigning in his expression to a pleading one and looking at A2.

"Just… I'll tell you everything A2, I promise. But you have to let me do that before you can go all Jaggi-shit crazy and reprimand me for everything I kept from you and the others. Okay? You can do that after, just hear me out ...please?"

A2 visibly calms down, as best as she could at the moment, and restrained herself from lashing out again as she stares at 9S's pleading look. She could tell he was being honest in his words, with the felynes and the Deviljho waiting for her reply. The monster in particular, making no move against her or approuching them either, which probably help A2 give her some ease.

But she must have taken long with her reply, since 9S began to give the cute puppy eye treatment on her. One he would often employ to get, in A2's opinion, lesser minds like 2B and Zinnia to get what he wants. And they would have fallen to this stupid and opportunistic gaze most of the time, but not A2.

No, she didn't think it was cute nor thought of 9S was cute either way. She knows the boy may have that innocent look and demeanor as a charm now, but 9S would eventually outgrow it literally in both a physical and mental standpoint from being a hunter. So she wasn't bothered or affected by it, and believes 9S should just grow up and stop relying on a cheap ploy.

It won't have the desired effect he wants from her.

Nope.

Not one bit.

Nada.

No effect that she would admit out loud for others to hear.

"…Fine. I'll listen."

Damn it.

A2 resisted the urge to groan before adding quickly. "But only because you said you would—and because I'm too lost to whatever …this is."

She gestured everything, though emphasizing Rogue and 9S to be specific. "I'm really having a hard time trying to understand it."

"Really!" 9S flashed her a hopeful look with his eyes shining eagerly, only for A2 to shove her tied hands to his face pushing him back.

"Yes! But that Deviljho stays were I can see it and I'll hear you out as long as it is." A2 then shakes her head in disbelief after her remark. "I still can't process why there's a Deviljho with you in the first place… or believe how there's one in the first place."

"About that…"

"Hmmm?"

9S had a sheepish look, while A2 gave a knowing one, owing that he has a lot of explaining to do. A months' worth in fact, with how long 9S was harboring a dangerous monster from the guild.

"Well go on… We don't got all day and you know how fast my patience runs thin. Especially when my hands are tied, and my sword gone. Which I demand to be returned to me!" A2 shook her hands and pointed to the absent sword from her back as emphasis.

"We will, but we couldn't risk you hurting Rogue when you woke up—"

"Me hurt him?! He's a Devil—"

9S spoke quickly before A2 rebukes his reason. "Yes, I know that he's a Deviljho—but he isn't like the others. Look, if you promise to not hurt Rogue then he won't hurt you. And we'll return your sword to you after I tell you everything if you play nice. Promise."

A2 gave a skeptical look, her unease showing to the rest of the group before she gave a defeated sigh and relented.

"Fine… I won't hurt the pickle. But my sword better not have scratch on it." A2 said as 9S sighs and shakes head in relief before reassuring her.

"It won't. You didn't forget that I know how to take care of it. I polished it and 2B's sometimes too, remember."

"Good. Now start talking."

Locking eyes with A2, 9S took another deep breath before he began to tell her everything.

Which he did. From the beginning when he found the satchel containing a locked bookcase in Whistill's pile of junk. Buying from 32S a book that led him to finding a way to opening said bookcase. Then his discovery and speculation, the trip to the monster den that led to hatching Rogue. The plan in raising Rogue and helping the felynes with their settlement and keeping all a secret. To their little adventures together in the west side of the forest while avoiding any unwanted attention.

And while 9S told A2 all of what he did for the past months, he also explained to her about Riders, Kinship with monsters, his choker/kinship stone, and their connection with each other. He revealed to her everything and may have gotten off tangent at times, but A2 remained attentive and listened to him silently. Her expression unreadable yet gave off an air of both curiosity and perplexity at every word and explanation 9S was telling her.

But it was a lot to take in for A2.

Just as 9S was about to finish telling her the rest, about to begin telling her about their involvement with the black blight investigation and their discovery of the blighted roots that kick off their current operation, 9S noticed how silent A2 went. Guessing she was processing and ruminating in her thoughts a bit of everything he said so far.

9S decided to pause and wait with the others for her initial reaction before continuing. Though, it grew to a level of concern for the rest when she began to give off frustrated sighs and shaking her head in dismay, before addressing him.

"I'm sorry 9S, but I can't—Its—I don't know—this is unbelievable… People taming monsters and forming, what? Kinship with them? It sounds ridiculous and honestly like a convoluted fairy tale people make up to entertain their kids." A2 spoke, struggling to word her disbelief, showing confusion and finding everything 9S said farfetched.

"Yeah, I thought so too. But that's why I went on to try if it's true or not." 9S answered, only for A2 respond with a frustrated shake of her head.

"But did you really consider the consequences of doing so?! You can't just tame a monster! Monsters and hunters have been in fighting for generations and we're barely managing to coexist without tearing each other's throats every second of the day! Our predecessors had a fricking war with them! Also, Monsters are too dangerous to keep as pets in the first place, not even the few pompous rich idiots could keep one without getting hurt or killed from keeping one." A2 replied with outrage while 9S came to his defense quickly.

"But this is different. First, Rogue is not a pet and he is tamed but not what people consider as tamed." He argued, but went ignored as A2 continued to reprimand him of the unruly situation she believes he may have gotten himself into.

"And by Gog 9S. You know how the guild feels about people tampering with nature and attempting to tame monsters. They respect nature and its balance too much, and they don't want people messing it up or disrupting whatever ecological order it has. They consider it a crime just attempting to do so." A2 then gave a pointed look at 9S.

"And that's not considering the fact the guild and some wyverians consider it a taboo to get involve with monsters directly and much more in trying to tame them. Based from all the shit and ****ed up that happened in the world due to the Elder dragon war. Which happened because of the abuse the ancients did to subjugate the elder dragons and the other monsters… like what you're doing now!"

"Riders don't subjugate monsters! Didn't you listen to me! We work with them with Kinship and treated as companions or partners, like I told you." 9S strongly spoke back and somehow feeling offended at the idea A2 was insinuating. Anger bubbling within him for being compared to the ancients and their treatment of monsters.

Yet, A2 didn't notice the change in 9S's demeanor as she continues to scold him. "Which doesn't make whatever explanation you said true or believable as it sounds. And it doesn't change the fact that you are harboring a highly dangerous monster, near the village and putting us in danger!" A2 gestured clearly at Rogue, with him and the felynes flinching from how harsh she spoke.

"And a Deviljho too! Those things can cause more damage to the ecosystem than most monsters and he'll be causing more problems with the black blight now running rampant in the forest!"

This made 9S widen his eyes in shock, then scowling at A2 for judging Rogue too quickly. Waves of anger now born from his protectiveness violently flows through him for every word A2 speaks against his Deviljho. His Monstie.

"You can't just say that, Rogue's not dangerous! —"

"He is! Why can't you see that?! Is it because you raised him and treated him like he's hatchling?! Or because you believe he's your loyal pet? Get real 9S…" Again A2 ignored him, with slight scoff that further boiled the boy's anger.

She continues this time to try to convince and steer him to fix this mess, knowing that it could jeopardize his future as a hunter.

A2 is aware of how much 9S wanted to be hunter and how he wanted to travel with them, to not be left behind when she, 2B and 6O leave the village for their hunting careers. He won't be able to do that if the guild learns that he was keeping a pet monster in the forest, a Deviljho no less.

She also thought that if 9S was too attached with the mini-world eater, he may be too stubborn to let it go. Or worst, it may be painful for him to watch the guild deal with the highly dangerous monster themselves. Even if she wouldn't say it out loud, A2 wouldn't want to see 9S distraught when hunters are going to slay the brute wyvern under the guild's orders.

"You have to reconsider what you're doing and the troubles that can happen to you, then let all of this rider business go. 9S, you can get excommunicated from being a hunter by the guild because of this." She spoke, trying with her utmost effort to sound as understanding and pleading as possible that she can muster. It didn't sound right based from the teachings she's learned from the guild about monsters and what 9S was trying to do with them. It was better to convince him otherwise of keeping whatever business this is, with the Deviljho, than risk getting in trouble with the guild or worst.

"And what do you have to defend yourself and explain your actions? A storybook and an unknown manual that doesn't hold any credibility? I don't think those are enough to get you out of trouble and I don't think the Guild will believe you, even with the proof you have right now." At her last statement, A2's expression shifted to a serious one, but her eyes conveyed a hint of worry for 9S.

While still remaining completely unaware of the rage festering in 9S, who was having a hard time to containing it. His companions on the other hand, wisely took a step back sensing the unease and rage projecting from the boy.

"Look, we can keep this from the guild finding out, but you have to stop and let the Deviljho go free. Nothing good will come to you if you decided to continue pursue whatever this is. We just forget about this and move on." A2 said giving her ultimatum to 9S.

Her last words unknowingly triggering something within him.

To forget. To move on.

Those words kept ringing in his ear, his mind suddenly echoes a different set of words to him.

A broken set of words he hasn't remembered for so long.

"Remember... g..t...h...p"

"...Y...Rh...A..."

"D..n..t .. forget..."

"...Move...on...get...t...t..e...B...t"

"I...H...ld...it...back..."

"RUN!"

Which was the moment 9S snapped clutching his ears, unable to comprehend the voices in his head, and couldn't hold his rage and frustration in anymore against A2.

"Shut up! JUST SHUT UP!"

Everyone in the cave were taken aback and surprise at 9S's sudden outburst, the venom in his voice evident and directed to A2 as he shouted.

The hunter herself was taken back too, finally seeing she may have missed the signals of his change in demeanor, unaware of 9S's real thoughts for snapping.

Frankly, she was unsettled by the rage radiating from him and the look in his eyes felt that there was another presence glaring at her. She rarely seen 9S like this before and everybody in the household knows it takes a lot for 9S to really snap.

"…What do you mean?" A2 asked and raise her hands in a placating manner, but this time 9S ignored her and rather got even more aggravated.

"...Nothing good. NOTHING GOOD?! Were you not even listening to what I said before! Did you not here me tell you all the things we did or why I started to do this!" 9S decided to channel the pent up rage to make his point to A2.

He went from sitting to standing on his knees with fists clench, as he glares down at A2. His raised position, catching A2 off guard intimidating her briefly.

She made to respond "9S I did—"

But he cut her off with swift wave of his hand that looked more of swipe towards her, forcing A2 to lean away from.

"Shut up! You didn't, you just focused on what you think is wrong and ignored the rest! You didn't—Were You—You didn't undertand anything I've SAID!"

9S then jabs an accusing finger at her and continuing to do so at emphasizing every point he makes. "Let me remind you that me and Rogue didn't even cause any problems for the village! If anything, we started helping the felynes instead and avoided YoRHa since I already knew everything of the consequences with the guild and their bias with monsters! Heck we even avoided as much as possible in making Rogue's presence known because of that! And we managed too! Didn't you notice the ecosystem here is still intact despite the black blight and a ****ing Deviljho living in the same area? Huh, AM I WRONG?!"

"Well, no—" A2 admitted but was cut off again by 9S with another swift wave of his hand and gesturing to the monstie behind.

"I know Rogue is ****ing dangerous, he's Deviljho! But he wasn't even the most dangerous thing in the forest, it's the black blight! And we've been taking down blighted lesser monsters in the past days!" 9S admitted, shocking A2 a bit. Making her glance briefly at Pod 153 and the rest asking if it was true. They nod, confirming it was.

"9S, I-I didn't know—" A2 tried to speak again but at this point 9S wasn't even listening to her.

"Heck, we were going around taking down all types of threats and problems, helping the forest—Helping YoRHa! Without any of you knowing!"

A2 stilled at 9S's outburst before he proceeded to dictate everything, he and Rogue did that she and the rest of YoRHa were not aware of. With only Whistill and his settlement knowing and would justify to anyone, if they need to in the future, that the two have been doing good in the past days.

"We took care of the stragglers in the forest causing problems, help find materials for rebuilding the village and we even took care of the entire western area of the forest by ourselves; Just me, the felynes and Rogue without any compensation or otherwise from you or the guild!"

9S paused to catch his breath before he glared back at A2 with clenched fists, knowing more of what they did for the village. To help despite the risks of having Rogue roam around the forest during these times.

"We even found the collectors den and brought you guys there, didn't we?! And Rogue found those blighted roots for the investigation, didn't he?! The guild would have never found them or got any progress in this entire operation if it weren't for us! Do you even know how many monster dens me and Rogue found infected!? How many we marked and how many blighted monsters we killed to stop the infection from spreading!—Was all what we did Wrong, huh?!" 9S face turned to an intense look of accusation, daring A2 to tell him he was wrong—that all that he did in the past month with Rogue was wrong and didn't benefit anyone at the slightest.

A2 would have argued that it was, but hearing it now…

She really couldn't disagree or even say false of anything what 9S said.

A2 then knew what 9S was saying was right and running in her thoughts now, were a few evidences and clues she realizes she didn't take notice beforet that have proven his claims.

The materials brought to the village from the felynes were vital and appreciated by the people and the reconstruction effort, but no one knew how they found them or where they got it. Monsters like raptorial wyverns, Kut-kus and Arzuros haven't been reported of stirring trouble in the recent days either, as if there was something keeping them in check besides the hunters at times. In relation, a lot of quests for hunting these lower tier monsters were pulled down due to unknown circumstances but would have just added more work for YoRHa's hunters if they remained on the board. 9S and his companions made the west side of the forest the most stable area since the stampede and still is, even after they found the blighted caves.

But most of all, if A2 would choose one striking evidence or fact she could not refute and 9S could undeniably claim.

Is that he is making more progress than they did in the past month for the black blight investigation. He's been finding areas and clues that even the Royal Scriveners wouldn't have found in the same amount of time he did with his Deviljho.

Which brings another point to A2, realizing that only 9S was the only one crazy and resourceful enough to know that a monster is their best bet in navigating the tunnels below them were the black blight's source could be. And the only one with the actual means to.

He had a monster that could track, he knew the forest like the back of his hand and the felynes had his support. So, why wouldn't he not used his new skills and standing as a rider to help effectively lead all of YoRHa to find the black blight …and, to a certain degree, find A4.

His monstie Rogue was, or rather still is, an essential key in their entire black blight operation without them knowing. A blessing in disguise that 9S found and a monster who was willing to help his human in a Guild investigation, despite the risk that would come and lead him of being discovered. And probably be executed due to being a Deviljho.

A risk 9S was aware of even before she pointed out earlier.

Guilt begins to rise in her for her quick judgement, as A2 conclude based from all the facts she just heard and settled in her thoughts that 9S didn't do wrong and that he was doing a lot of good work despite the unnecessary danger he was putting himself in.

While she just accused and made whatever he said and done as a rider sound wrong and irredeemable. Calling it a taboo for his action of taming a monster, when maybe she... was probably wrong...or a tiny bit too negatively bias about it. Admittedly to herself, she was also guilty of not really listening much to his explanantion about his bonding kinship or whatver he called it.

From this, A2's expression turned apologetic and frowned to herself. Now having an understanding of what 9S was doing and how too quick of an accusation she gave towards his actions. He was probably going to reveal and explain more of this to her if she had let him finish, instead of interrupting him with her outburst of questions and accusations.

Now, conflict begins to rise within A2 for her rash judgement of him. While having an inkling of doubt forming agianst what she and the rest of the guild believes about monster taming. The hunter could try to be more open about it, starting to believe a little of what 9S said, admitting all of his rider business she accused of to be too far-fetched and unbelievable, could possibly be true and partially credible.

A2 could surmise he wouldn't have been able to do all his work or those other things, like surviving in the woods easily, if he weren't able to tame a monster. She could also say that the reason to why 9S has gotten stronger quicker or even accelerated his training as hunter was because he was training with an actual monster.

She decideds to try to appease 9S, try to calmly approach this time than yelling, seeing he was still angry at her."9S I didn't know…. You didn't tell me that this was how you were helping in the investigation. I'm sorry I should have let you finished…"

"You should have!"

A2 raises her hands in an assuaging manner to pacify him, she knows better now to listen and let 9S finish. Before she reacts or says something that would offend him. But she would need him to calm down first as he's still high in his emotions at the moment. A2 feels that there's still something else 9S hasn't told her. Something she suspects that led to her offending him and triggering his outburst, from what she said.

The underlying feeling and reason to why 9S started all of this and hatched a monster.

"Yes, yes I know…. I would admit you did good and with your monster pe—friend. Friend. The both of you really did good—"

"Shut up!"

It looks to A2 that her earlier treatment of him has come back to bite her own ass. Making it too difficult for her to speak, as 9S is full blown lashing out his emotions at her and ignoring anything she has going to say.

"You were making sound it that whatever I'm doing with Rogue is wrong, even though we weren't causing anyone problems and even though we were making more progress than you guys are with the whole black blight investigation. An investigation I didn't that even want to be in the first place!" 9S was waving his hand all over the place in frustration as A2 continues to try to settle him down.

"Yes, I know… I was wrong… I'm sorry." She could tell 9S was begining to shake uncontrollably and she attempts to reach out her hands towards him, but the boy bats them away accusing her.

"NO you're not! You rarely are before, because I keep screwing up! But hey, did you know that I wasn't even ****ing up this time with my own shenanigans?! That I haven't even screw upped since the day I found Rogue! Did you know that?!" 9S shouted, not feeling his eyes begin to water at his confession.

A2 flinched from hearing 9S admitting it and from his dissmisal of her apology, knowing how she treated 9S at times with his shenanigans.

At the sidelines, Rogue gave a small whimper from hearing his rider sounding so distraught and emotional from this insecurity.

"I-I didn't know…" A2 answered softly at she could see 9S struggling to not choke out sobs for he wasn't finished yet.

"A-And you said that I just forget about all of this... to abandoned Rogue?! No I-I can't, I just can't... Because it's not just Rogue I'll be leaving behind..."

At this point 9S's emotions was going haywire and taking over him. Forcing some kept deep within him to well up, wanting to be let out.

"This wasn't just me trying to find out if I could tame monsters. T-This was also for me trying to find a lead…" It was getting harder for him to speak as tries to keep his emotions in check.

The previous broken set of words continue to echo in his head. The meaning lost to him of what they are suppose to be. Only adding more discord to the emotions being kept within him, not knowing why this was happening. But even if he wanted to push all of them back down, he couldn't stop the feeling of wanting them come bursting from his mouth, filling his words with raw emotion.

Which happened the moment A2 went closer again to him console him.

"T-To find my memories—To find them. To find my Family!"

9S shouted, his words and every raw emotion associated to his deep desire to find his family escapes from him. Stopping A2 from her approach.

…

Silence filled the entire cave for moment, no one speaking or uttering a word to react. Not even the felynes who were watching or Rogue who grew concern as 9S faced away from A2 failing to hold back the sobs escaping him.

A2 was frozen on her spot, hand outstretched and debating whether to continue to her approach to console 9S. But she held herself back, not knowing why she couldn't, and was beaten to the punch by Rogue. Who was astonishingly quiet in his approach before curling protectively around his rider. 9S wrap his hands around his snout in response before burying his face on the brute wyvern thick neck, trying to muffle his cries, reigning himself from his emotions.

Guilt and disappointment to herself, filled A2 as she watched someone close and consider a part of her family cry and be comforted by a monster. While she just sat their indecisive and failing to console him.

A small memory ebbs in the back of A2's head, like a reminder that she was in similar situation before and what she should have done at that time.

Hearing A4's voice chastising her younger self, while being disappointment with her. Telling her to make up with 2B after a fight left her sister crying her eyes out alone in the woods.

"You shouldn't leave your siblings crying by themselves A2. Even if you fought and don't talk to each other because of spite, you should still be there and comfort them. Not leave them alone hurting, and try instead to make up and forgive each other."

"I'm sure whatever it is you were fighting about, you can talk it out with each other if you can. Everything will be better in the end if you show that you still love and support them."

"I should know… I get into a lot fights with my baby brother too, and we end up forgiving each other no matter how big or bad a fight we just had."

As if A4 was there encouraging her, A2 gingerly placed her hand on top of 9S's head and making him look at her.

"I-I'm sorry… Nines." A2 was face down, looking a bit abashed as she spoke before she lifted her head up to focus her attention on him.

"Talk to me, tell me everything… I'm here and this time I'll be listening. Promise…" She stroked his head, giving gentle pats to comfort him. While ignoring the wary stare of the monstie curled around him, as she gives a pleading expression towards her—dare she say it—a sort of brother like person. It was a bit touchy feeling to think about it, but A2 decides to ignore how awkward she felt on how she sees 9S to herself and how she cares for him truly. Though not in the same way or sharing the same sentiment 2B has for him, who sees him as something more.

Shaking away her previous thoughts, A2 returns her focus on 9S and sees his surprise at her gesture.

He began sniffling his nose and wiping his face a bit, turning away from her, so he could composed himself to continue. A2 could tell that he felt embarrass for crying, but she wasn't judging him nor will think any less of him because of it. She even helps wipe a stray tear and smiles encouragingly for him to continue to speak up. Holding no malice or teasing in the future because of it.

She knows the topic of his past is serious business as to her and 2B's feelings toward A4's disappearance is for them. He was respectful about it, timid of asking and treating it delicately, so it's only fair that she should do the same for him. She waits for a few more seconds before she sees 9S relax and begins to explain what he meant of finding his memories, while Rogue moves back a bit to give them space.

A2 noticed the Deviljho gave a respectful distance between them with no worries anymore to intervene. Knowing that she won't try provoking his rider again and seeing that she was being more open towards him, not minding his close presence.

"This…" 9S gestured to his choker, touching with one finger the blue gem in the center. A2 could see it glow faintly from his touch, as if the gem were alive and responding to 9S. "…Was the only thing I have left of them and the past I lost. But even it, I forgot what it was and didn't know what it meant to me… or to my family."

"I thought it was just going to stay as some memento of a life I may never remember… But it was there in the manual." 9S said locking eyes with A2.

"…It was?" A2 asked, curious at his account.

9S sighs as he relives the memory of finding it. "…Yeah, it was a spitting image."

He then spoke more wistfully, revealing more of what he felt at that time and admitting about the small persisting disbelief of everything he learned. "For the first time since the past two years, I found something, a clue to what I was before. And I couldn't believe it, even until now. Like you said, it was unbelievable and ridiculous, like a fairy tale that was too good to be true. I wouldn't have believe in it at the first glance if it were something else entirely..."

"But you did… didn't you?" A2 asked, with 9S nodding.

"Too quick…if I'm being honest. But it was the only lead I had…" 9S admitted, desperation showing in his voice.

"And—If you found something that could lead to the answers you desperately seek, to find the people you lost. Wouldn't you take the chance and leap for it?" 9S asked A2, having the same expression he had when he asked if everything, he did with Rogue to help the village was wrong. Questioning her if it was not right for him to pursue this path of learning about riders to discover his lost past.

Again, A2 couldn't say no or otherwise. His quest to find his lost memories was similar to her own quest of finding the entire truth about what happened to A4. She would leap on every chance and jump in on any opportunity to get the answers she wants.

She gives a small nod in response, as 9S continues.

"I was glad that everything turned out to be true, you know. The manual, riders, and my choker. It all led me to meeting Rogue and he is a great friend that I would never regret hatching." 9S glances at his monstie who gives a warm croon in response. A2 found it a bit endearing, now able to glimpse on how close the two are but didn't show of thinking about it.

With a more cheery tone, 9S spoke. "And for the past few months, I felt happy with my recent achievements I had. Besides hunter training or quests cleared, it was like I was also making progress of discovering a part of myself. And some part of me feels like its making progress too of remembering them, my parents. Like, I get to see them at night before waking up with only a short memory lingering behind of them…" The latter spoken with fondness in his voice as if he were reminiscing about something.

"I want to have more of them, enough to paint an entire picture for me to remember. Is that wrong for me to pursue?" 9S asked again timidly, but A2 responded by ruffling his hair affectionately before speaking in a light serious tone.

"No… it's not. I don't think it will ever be."

Her response gave 9S a bit of confidence, making him say his next words with more resolve and conviction. "I know what I'm doing with Rogue is dangerous and it isn't going to get any easier later on, and with you or others knowing later down the road. But I assure you that what we're doing is not wrong and we have been doing a lot of good too. We won't be causing any problems for YoRHa anytime soon, so I'm not going to backout as a rider or let Rogue go."

With a steeled gaze, 9S locked eyes with A2 before he spoke with finality. "I can't let my past go undiscovered and move on. I'm going to be a rider and find my family, no matter who stands in my way, even if I'm going up against the whole guild."

The two held each other gazes for a few moments. A2 no doubt sees the resolve 9S was projecting and again she felt like there was another staring right at her. A quick glance behind him answered her question of who that other was, seeing the Deviljho staring at her, sharing the same look as 9S had on his face. Again, she could begin to see some parallel between the two.

She conceded first in their staring, closing her eyes before addressing 9S. "I'm sorry again… for everything."

"And I'm wrong with what I said before. I trust you 9S, and I'm okay with everything." She added, the latter of her response surprising 9S.

"What?"

"I said I'm okay with everything...and…I know that whatever I was going to say to you won't change your mind or convince you to get off this path you set yourself on. I know of that look in your eyes, of a person with the determination to do anything with their utmost resolve and not backing out... and I respect that." A2 clarified, with 9S still in disbelief and not have expected that kind of response coming from her.

His reaction was shared with the rest of his companions. Rogue had an inquisitive look whilst tilting his head. The felynes all had their jaws dropping on the floor from A2's somewhat seemingly quick acceptance of everything of riders and Rogue, and after just being against it strongly.

"…I …also understand where you're coming from—or rather I have an idea—of taking any chance too, leaping for the chance you know…" A2 spoke, returning their attention to her. "To know the answers of the questions I have and finding the people I lost. This entire black blight investigation, was for me to look for A4… and the entire truth to her disappearance."

"…Oh" 9S understood what A2 meant. They're both looking for answers and have the resolved to find them no matter what comes to their way.

They shared an awkward glance at each other, 9S giving a small smile with A2 returning it with a smaller one. Both now sharing a new sort of mutual understanding with one another and their decisions.

A2 then sighs and apologizes again. "I'm sorry, for going on a rant and not considering how much all of this rider business meant so much for you and maybe ignoring most of what you said earlier. If I just let you finished, then maybe I wouldn't been quick to judge... But I'm still mad that you were doing something dangerous without any of us knowing. I don't show it much, but I do worry for you sometimes. If not, I know 2B would grilling me for not caring…" She said the latter with a hint of scolding to 9S who quickly apologies.

"Yeah, I know… I can't hold that against you, since it's understandable how you would react if I told you that I've been doing dangerous stuff—I'm really sorry about that… it's just…"

9S looks away ashamed. Rogue comes closer to nuzzle his rider as A2 places a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, don't worry… I get it a bit…" Giving him a comforting squeeze, while not bothered by Rogue's close proximity.

"You found a clue to your lost past, tied to something really unbelievable that me, 2B and maybe even Zinnia would find hard believing without proof. And in true 9S fashion that we all come to love and know of, you tested it out, exploring and learning things about yourself, while doing a lot of personal discovery that I could guess you're still coming to terms with. So, I get a little to why you kept it from us, making sure you have everything you need and know before going to us about it." A2 gives 9S a reassuring smile, making the boy look back at her.

"…But I won't lie that it kinda stings a bit that you didn't tell some of us you were keeping something big or of it being connected to your past." A2 said with a knowing look, emphasizing a certain someone they both know. 9S responds with a defeated nod.

Though, A2 turns away from 9S her regret showing from remembering her initial reaction. Responding with a glum voice. "Though, seeing how well I took it… Maybe you were right about keeping it from us. I don't know anybody who wouldn't react the same since... your rider culture clashes with the hunter culture almost entirely."

She chuckles dryly that catches 9S attention. In response he clasps his hand on her shoulder, squeezing it before quickly reassuring her.

"But that still didn't stop me from… keeping it a secret forever. I had half a mind to tell 2B and the rest of you guys once I learned of it and I still do." 9S said before he patted Rogue on his snout and gestured to them both.

"…But this was something I felt a bit too personal with and couldn't just show it promptly like I do with my other ideas and discoveries. I'm still learning a few things and really needed to think all of it through since this is a big shocker to me, and everyone if ever." 9S gives a half-hearted smile in response, which A2 understood and responds in kind with her own.

"It was… really."

"But like I said before. I do plan and have promised to tell 2B about Rogue and everything eventually, even you and Pod 42 next if she responded positively. Just after the black blight is taken care off and when the time was right." 9S said with A2 nodding. "I didn't want to cause anything while we're still dealing with the black blight."

"Well, I already know now, can't you let 2B know now too?" The older hunter asked earning another surprise look from 9S.

"What?"

She pats 9S on the head, while making sure to look and address both him and Rogue. "I promise to keep Rogue and everything what you said as a secret from the Guild, and maybe even Zinnia if you're not planning to tell her anytime soon. But I want you to tell 2B of everything and get her in the know."

"But—" 9S was about to protest but A2 cuts him off with a shake of her head.

"No buts and I... kinda sort of... made a promise to 2B if I find out what you were hiding, I'll tell her... so sorry. But its still better for her to know and straight from the source. She at least deserves to know 9S, since you are important to her and cares a lot for you and vice versa with you to her. Plus, I know she'll be all there to help you in finding your past and support this business of being a rider. No matter when you decide to tell her, sooner or later. But it doesn't mean I won't help out either, don't count me out. I'll support you in finding your past and you being a rider since they're connected apparently."

"I-I… what gives? You were so oppose earlier." 9S asked in disbelief to how fast A2 change her demeanor on everything he said.

"Would you believe me if I said I had a quick change of heart?" A2 joked. They still looked confused. She grumbles a bit before telling them the truth.

"Okay I'm still a bit wary of all this rider stuff and your Deviljho in fact. But I now know that this is important to you, like really important, and I didn't notice it before, but you are growing a bit more as person 9S. Because of that I could tell that being a rider is doing good for you and helping you for the better. And I mean what I said about you and your monster doing really good work for looking for the black blight. You've really help us lot without us knowing and become important to it too and overall a good hunter/rider helping the village." The latter of her statement, A2 gestured to 9S entirely as emphasis, a complement that made the boy blush a bit.

"So why would I try to stop you now, if it'll just hinder your growth, finding your past and our investigation? Heck, we might've prolonged the investigation of the black blight further without your help. We really need to stop this infection spreading the forest and I see now that you guys could be the key to it." A2 admitted seriously. 9S nods in understanding seeing her point. He was touched that she got all that and understood everything he was trying to explain despite his angry tirade.

Though A2 adds a bit bashfully, averting her eyes from him and spoke with slight blush. "Plus, I know A4 would be mad at me for not trying to help you or show support with this… since you're family... Our family, NineS."

"Oh…" 9S was touched again hearing how much A2 cared about him or showing it really.

"Likewise, I should be there too to get you out of trouble when you're doing something stupid." A2 said quickly, trying to sound it was more of pain looking out for him, than being sappy and caring. "Honestly, you're too reckless sometimes. You're lucky that you have me and 2B looking out for you."

"I know... and I appreciate it. But know I'd do the same and come to help all of you too if you guys are in trouble..." 9S said. He knows that if A2 was in trouble, he'll come to her aid since he considers her family for him too.

A2 nods knowingly at his answer. They don't normally get along at times, but 9S and A2 know that they do care for each other one way or another.

"Look, I can be there and help you convince 2B and maybe even help ease off any outburst she'll do, probably. So you can finish telling everything you need to say and we could avoid the both of you arguing like we did earlier." A2 said offering her support, before adding with a shrug. "And I prefer that the both of you won't get into a screaming contest, between 2B shouting her worries for and you defending your monster from whatever accusations she'll make, like I did."

She could imagine the scene in her head of 2B and 9S trying one up each other in screaming their head off, before apologizing and crying at each other's arms, then making up and witness a cliché scene from a romance play of the two declaring their undying love for each other. Even if the latter were unlikely and just born from her imagination, A2 would prefer not to get sick in her stomach from feeling all the sweetness radiating off the two after they made up, should that ever happen. Which she knows has a high chance of happening.

"I'd like that too, avoid fighting about whether Rogue is threat with 2B, or her asking if it was too risky using him in tracking the black blight. Or at everything..." 9S nodded, sharing the same sentiments with A2.

"But I'm not sure if now is the right time…" He added, his hesitation showing in front of A2. While the rest of his companions were nodding their heads in agreement and sharing his opinion. The felynes were discussing quietly among themselves, with Rogue taking a step back to gte closer to them and giving more space for 9S and A2, which the latter noticed him and reminding her about something.

A2 then had a thoughtful expression, realizing what she trying to remember before asking 9S about it. "Speaking of which, what's your plan now with your Deviljho, like in the investigation right now? Are you… still gonna go around riding him while doing your work?"

At hearing her question, 9S shakes his head dismissively. "No, the plan was for Rogue to lay low for the rest of the investigation, since there would be more hunters on the surface, and he'll be only be able to travel underground than risk someone finding him up above. He'll be staying at the felyne settlement for his safety and to help protect them."

"Though, if I'm being honest. I'd prefer Rogue to continue to help us and I feel that we'll be doing more as team too. Rogue's been doing so much and helping me a lot in making progress in our search for the black blight. If we can, I wish we could continue to do so but… you know…with you finding us, case in point, its too dangerous for Rogue to come out now." 9S shrugged knowing better.

A2 was silently agreeing with 9S. Though, she knows the benefits and has seen the results of their work, and if the circumstances of the guild's bias on monster taming didn't exist, A2 would be all for 9S and Rogue to continue to work together and contributing to the black blight investigation. But with how the guild is sending out more hunters now, she understands that it will be harder to move a mini brute wyvern around the forest with the guild much more invested in the search.

An idea begins to form within A2's head that maybe there is a way for Rogue to help them. But that would have to wait and be address later after she deals with 9S revealing to 2B about Rogue and riders. She'd need both of their opinions on her plan once she proposes it to them and hopefully agree to it.

"Going back, I still think you need tell 2B. Sooner than later, since the more time you hesitate, the worst her reaction could be from keeping this secret from her any longer. I could guess you already know about her worries and has confronted you about it, right?" A2 said, making 9S a bit uncomfortable at the idea and from her insistence to.

He finds nothing wrong to what A2 said and knows she's right about 2B worrying more the longer he keeps Rogue a secret from her. But its finding out and what comes after that's making 9S worrying a bit.

"Yeah… I know, we talked. But I'm still scared of telling 2B everything. Especially after seeing how you took it, what if she'll react the same way and she wouldn't approve any of this and be wary of Rogue... or worst." He answered, concerned of how 2B will react.

A concern A2 noticed he didn't have until now, lessening a bit of his confidence to tell 2B. She winced at the thought of it being partially her fault as the cause, feeling a tad guilty knowing her overblown reaction would have caused 9S some doubt of revealing his secrets. Especially now that A2 knows he was already planning to reveal everything to 2B first and then to her and Pod 42. No doubt he would have wanted 2B's support first to help convince them, since she's more level headed and could explain more. A wise choice indeed that 9S had, before being botched because A2 accidently found them first.

"Oh …Sorry, my bad. I must have added pressure for you, didn't I?" A2 could only word out an apology, understanding his reluctance. Though, she still faces him and holds her gaze at his own, but this time with more confidence and optimism. Hopefully, what she'll say next would be enough for him to reconsider.

"But do you really think 2B would react the same? I know you think she'll think all this rider business is crazy. She'll probably do think its crazy, but don't be discourage. If I know my sister, I know she'll be more open to it, especially when its coming from you." A2 asked him knowingly.

9S reacts with wide eyes and tilt of his head, an odd expression that A2 could associate whenever he was thinking about something or rather was remembering a specific event or topic.

Which for him, was his previous conversation with 2B the day before. Her encouraging words echoing in the back in his mind.

"Nines… I'm here for you, you know that, right?" 2B spoke, her voice genuine, conveying warmth and security to 9S.

"But Nines… remember that I'll always be by your side, like how you promise to be by my side. In both the good days and the bad days."

"I'll be open minded to whatever it is you have to share or show and that I'll let you explain whatever it is to me. If anything, I'm looking forward to it, since I find the things you do amazing no matter how small or extravagant it is."

Remembering the warm and caring smile that accompanied her words, made all his doubts waver and brings a surge of optimism within him. He couldn't help either of feeling his face warming up and cheeks blushing from remembering his immediate response of kissing her cheek. Happy too, recalling seeing 2B's welcomed reception to it.

Maybe if he took the chance tell her then and there of everything instead of promising for a later date, 2B would have taken it better than A2. Or would have given a similarly response, but she would have patiently waited and hear him out, hopefully to convince her. The he would have brought her to straight to the settlement and meet Rogue and have a more cordial introduction than he had with A2.

2B was always helping him in discovering more about his past, and like him was curious about it as well. 2B always accepted him too no matter how little or big of a discovery he finds in rediscovering himself. It brings a little happiness to 9S whenever 2B assures him that she'll still like him no matter what they find or learn about who he was before. And while 9S knows being a rider and having a monstie Deviljho may tests how far that notion would go, hopefully 2B would be more accepting and initially be more receptive than A2's.

9S decides to put his faith on 2B being open to Riders and their culture, while he does his best he to explain all of it better to her too. He had a hopeful expression on his face that A2 noticed.

"Can I say from your expression that you'll consider telling 2B? Maybe not now, but maybe sooner or on an earlier time? You'll set the date of course." A2 asked, seeing 9S looking more confident and less conflicted than before.

He gives her a small smile in return before responding. "…Yeah. I think you're right A2. I'm still nervous, but I'll start thinking about how we're going to do it and when we could do it. I'll keep you in the know, so don't worry… but can I still ask your help in this?"

"It could be a pain, but yeah I don't mind. I'll help you out." A2 answered, ruffling his hair, feeling all the tension they had between them disappear and now are at ease with each other, despite all the revelations.

"So, are we good, now? Like with everything" 9S asked just to be sure, feeling the same way as A2.

"Yeah we're good. I promise to keep your secret 9S, and Rogue too. You have an ally in me with all this rider business, no matter the risk involved." A2 reassures him, her eyes showing her resolve and confidence to keep her promise.

She was then surprise from what 9S did next, tackling and hugging her suddenly before hearing him whisper to her ears. "Thanks A2… You don't how much this means to me for you listening and hearing me out with the rest..."

It took a second for A2 to react accordingly or reply, not use into receiving these type of affections from 9S. But she felt how relax he was with relief and figured out he was holding in a lot of tension during their entire conversation, before letting it go once they made up.

"No problem, Nines." She whispers back, while gingerly returning the hug and ignoring the amuse stares from both the felynes and the brute wyvern watching at the sight of them hugging. Right now, A2 didn't care or feel even bothered by the company they had, since it was just them in the cave. For that moment, A2 felt that she and 9S were acting like real siblings. She was rubbing smooth circles on his back to help comfort him, feeling his body relax in relief for making up with her.

They do care for one another despite not showing it most of the times, with both of them displaying it differently to each other in their own way. Though, A2 could say that it's nice for them to 'hug it out' once in while, as Zinnia would often say to them whenever they fight. They didn't need to have someone to force them apologize to each other and they did it on their own.

A2 would score this as a first time win in being a big sister for her little brother.

'I wonder if your brother held you like this too, A4.' A2 thought and allowed herself to briefly ponder what the late huntress's relationship was like with her own younger sibling. If they had fights like the ones she and 9S had or got along well like she was with 2B. She didn't really hear much from A4 talking about her younger brother, but in the few instances it was always with a warm and affectionate tone.

A2 pondered too, of how A4's brother would have reacted learning that she's gone… or how much grief he must have felt knowing he won't be able to see her anymore.

From the latter thought, A2 tightens her hold on 9S knowing that if they their conversation had ended sourly or worst, she would have risk losing 9S one way or another. Either distancing himself emotionally, or physically doing something drastic out of fear for his monster and identity. She wouldn't put it past 9S to run away riding his Deviljho to who knows elsewhere if no one in the village accepted this part of himself as a rider. All the more relief A2 felt that they made peace and reached a new level of understanding with each other.

"I was scared you know…" She heard him mumble, despite it being slightly muffled, cutting her from her thoughts.

"Mhmm?"

9S let's go a bit, his hands still on her shoulders but his face returns to one of concern. "When Rogue hit you and knocked you out. I panicked a bit that you got hurt or injured seriously—Not that you could have gotten too injured, I mean… I know you're a hunter and you can take a hit but—"

"9S, it's okay…" A2 cuts him off before he got back to panicking and running his mouth with needless worry. She shrugs in response from remembering the encounter, before she confides to him.

"And I'll be honest right now, I'm still freaking out in the inside that you've managed to train a Deviljho… That knocked me out with large rock and not bitten my head off while he's at it." A2 spoke not hiding her genuine surprise and reaction to Rogue and the entirety of his actions so far.

Though her gaze turns serious looking at 9S. "But as long as he doesn't do it again, I won't skewer him back with my long sword, Okay. So we'll be fine…" A2 said warning 9S. Before meeting Rogue's gaze on her with her own, narrowed eyes still a bit distrustful of him.

9S simply takes it astride and sighs in relief. Not bothered by the threat to his monstie, knowing A2 wasn't taking it seriously, at least to a certain degree like her other threats she usually gives out to others.

"Sure… and thanks again A2, I'll try my best for you and Rogue to get along. You guys might like each other if you both got to know one another. If you guys just had a proper meeting…" 9S said, encouraging if A2 would like to have a proper introduction with his monstie.

But A2 still had her doubts and decides to address his proposition later once they get out of the cave. "Yeah, yeah, we'll see about that, now let me go. That's enough mushy stuff…"

Both of them pull themsleves out of the hug and stood up, while the felynes could finally approached them with no worries. Now that they're done talking and settling anything else with each other.

"Meowsters?" Pod 153 asked warily eyeing both of 9S and A2. "If everything is all said and done, I suggest that we go before the guild begins their morning shift of the investigation. Now that we got all of this reveal of Rogue to Meowster A2 out of the way, I suggest we regroup at the settlement and plan ahead of how we'll introduce Rogue to Meowster 2B. As the two of you have discussed and intend to do later on."

"Nya and return our cart and goods back home too!" Whistill added before he faced A2. "Plus, it seems we're going to give A2 a tour of our humbled abode and I want our settlement too be in tip-top shape before we do so and give a good impression to convince her."

A2 found the idea amusing and can't help but go along with it, knowing some of the things 9S has told them about the settlement's new home. "I don't mind. Apparently, I hear you felynes got hot tubs or something with your indoor plumbing."

"Nya, we do! And we won't disappoint! Would you believe us that we have water jets too! You'll be our honered guest and treated as such!" Her remark only made Whistill even more excited in wanting to impress her.

And his proposition appealed to A2 quite a bit."Oh, I'm liking the sound of this..."

"You can even look into our Lunar Tear farm!"

"Really? Now this I really got to see… You never told us you guys got a Lunar Tear farm." A2 whispered to 9S, not hiding her awe from learning the felynes had a lunar tear farm, while he was smiling and sharing her amusement. The hunter could see why 9S and the felyne chief got along, seeing that they both have an upbeat and cheerful personality whenever they want to show off to someone.

"It was a big secret for them, don't tell anyone without their permission and please don't try to take advantage of their hospitality." 9S said back to her, knowing how far Whistill will go to earn someones favor once they gain his trust.

He remembers the felyne chief gave him the Volatile coal back then as gift for being an honored guest too, desptie the trouble acquiring it. He wouldn't be surprise if he'll do something for A2, despite wanting to bury her alive earlier for discovering Rogue.

"Well since we're all okay now. I think we should prep the cart for departure." Pod 153 spoke, cutting in to get everyone's attention and to prepare themsleves to start leaving.

"Let's just give ourselves a minute to rest before we go—"

*KRRRAAAKKKTOOOMMMM

The entire group jumps from the sound reverberating the cave. Until suddenly the cavern begins to shake with the ground beneath them even more violently. Rumbling sounds of stones being crushed and shifted are heard, before at a distance in front of the group the ground explodes with a terrifying roar.

"GGGOOOOORRRRUUUUNNNNNGGGG!"

"Are you kidding me Nya!" Whistill cried with exasperation.

The blighted Basarios rises from the ground, clearly enrage. With the black blight mist surrounding its body convulsing and glowing more brightly as if it were manifesting its rage in a deathly aura. It spots its previous targets, mainly 9S and Rogue, remembering them as the ones who buried it in the ground.

"GOORRUUNNNG!" The blighted Basarios roars before its open maw begins to glow, producing a high-pitched sound, before releasing a beam of fire and heat at the group.

"Move out of the way!" A2 yelled as they scrambled to dodge the beam of fire. She and 9S moved to the right, while Rogue shoves the felynes on his back before leaping away from the attack.

Luckily they all were able to get out of the way as the beam blasts the spot they were previously, the stone wyvern continues to fire its beam and maneuvers it to hit the ceiling, causing it collapse and begin to rain stone and debris. The group scrambles to find shelter and avoid getting squashed from the rocks raining on them.

"Basarios aren't supposed to able to sustain their breath attack! Is the black blight doing something to it? Is it making it stronger?" 9S couldn't help himself from commenting about the monsters abnormal behavior and ability, while dodging and avoiding getting crushed by rocks falling on them. A2 responds with an annoyed grunt and shoves him out the of way before a stray rock squashed him for being distracted.

"Less yapping and more moving! You can make acute observations and speculations later!"

"GOOORRUUNNGG!" The blighted Basarios gets into a frenzy, enrage from missing its mark, beginning to spam more of its fire beam haphazardly at any direction. Waving its beam in wide arcs and trailing the ground with fire.

This causes more chaos in the cavern and destabilizing its structure further, with more rocks falling from the ceiling and blast and scorch marks littering their surroundings. Rogue makes his way nimbly dodging the Basarios' onslaught and the surrounding hazards to reach the felyne cart they hidden in a safe spot.

Pod 153, Whistill and the rest of the felynes hope off his back once they reach their cart, before both the palico and felyne chief rummage through its contents to pull out 9S's bone glaive and A2's Tigrex long sword.

"Rogue take these to those two quickly! They'll need it to beat that thing!" Pod gestured to the weapons before Whistill shouted and pointed to sight behind the monstie.

"And hurry Nya! That thing Nya got them cornered!"

Rogue quickly takes the two weapons, carrying them in his mouth, before looking at the direction Whistill was pointing and saw in panic that 9S and A2's back were against a wall, with the Basarios' frenzied attack getting closer to them. He spots the ceiling above the two begin to crack too.

"GRRRRR!" With a panic growl, Rogue rushes to their place full speed and even jumping over one stray beam from the Basarios to reach them.

"Look its Rogue!" 9S sees and points him out to A2, who spots the brute carrying their weapons.

"And our weapons!" She exclaims before a random pebble falls on her shoulder, making her look above and then suddenly alert to the ceiling collapsing on top of them.

"9S the ceiling, run! To Rogue!" But before the two could do so, the Basarios fires another beam. This time hitting its mark on the ceiling above them, blasting it to bits and causing the debris to fall towards them.

The two could only react instinctively bringing their hands to shield them from the shower of heavy stones they'll be buried in, waiting for the inevitable.

But instead, the two feel a force shoving them to the side. 9S was the first to see that it was Rogue pushing them away from their spot of getting crushed and in turn leaving himself in their previous position. Rogue quickly tosses their weapons from his mouth towards them, knowing what would happen next, before bracing himself for the first of many rocks striking his back and leaving him trapped.

"ROGUE!" 9S shouts in panic, fearing the worst as he watches his monstie get buried alive under a pile of rubble. He waste no time in moving back to the mound of rocks and to try to dig his monstie out, but a large foot stomps and blocks him from getting closer.

"GOORRUUNGG!" The Basarios bellows, now done with its blind rampage and eyes 9S.

It moves to for a quick swipe, but 9S dodges the stone wyvern while grabbing his insect glaive from the ground, then slashing at the wyverns body. Only for the blow to bounce back with a resounding clang. It dawns to 9S that his weapon isn't sharp enough to pierce its hide, much less with it being made like stone.

"Damn it!" He bounces back from the recoil and dodging a tail swipe from the Basarios. 9S eyes the pile of rubble where Rogue is suppose to be buried and considers if he can make a run for it, but the Basarios simply roars back at him and blocking his view.

"GOORRUUNNGG!"

"Get out of my way!" 9S makes to move again to slip past the Basarios, ready to try a different tactic but is stop by a firm hand on his shoulder. He turns to see A2, almost forgetting that she was here and sees she has long sword back, strap on to her back.

"Let me take care of this." A2 said eyeing the blighted Basarios, before taking a step forward and drawing her long sword. The stone wyvern visibly moves to a more threatening stance sensing the greater threat and experience of this hunter compared to the other.

"I'll keep stone faced and ugly busy, while you use the opening to get to Rogue and dig him out." A2 told 9S with him nodding along, knowing that A2 is the far better fighter to face the blighted Basarios.

Yet, A2 held an unsure expression before adding to 9S. "I'll try to slay it if I can… But this one is different and far more dangerous than the ones I've encountered before. You're probably right from what you said earlier of the black blight making it stronger. Retreating may be are only option rather than fight a battle unprepared. We need Rogue to high tail us out of here, so we can tell the guild about this later."

"Okay, got it. I'll get to Rogue, and I have some healing items to help him get up to his feet faster." 9S replied back as he watches both A2 and the Basarios take more steps towards each other.

"Good, you wait until I give my signal." A2 said as she and the Basarios begin to circle one another.

"Got it!" 9S sheaths his glaive and getting ready to bolt before he adds more thing to A2. "And A2…Thanks for helping, for me and Rogue."

The hunter simply shrugs. "I owe him one for pushing us out of the way, let me return the favor by giving back this Basarios some of the trouble he's been putting us through. On his behalf, of course" She then sports a predatory gaze looking at the blighted Basarios.

"Let's see what you got, let's dance asshole!" With a confident smirk, A2 launches herself towards the stone wyvern as it gives out its own roar as a response.

"GOORRUUNNGG!"

The monster charges to trample the hunter, but A2 dodges easily and retaliates with a swing of her long sword. This time, unlike 9S, the blow isn't deflected and cuts through the granite like shell of the Basarios. A2 follows up with more swings and slashes, delivering them on its flank and chipping off pieces of stone and scales.

The monster grunts from the attacks but isn't hinder by A2's blows. Despite her sword being able to pierce through, its hide is still thick and made out of minerals and formed like hard bedrock. It will take a lot more blows from a bladed weapon to draw blood and do damage than it would for a blunt weapon like a hammer. A2 knows that fact and against the Basarios' tough hide, she'll have to be more relentless in her assault to compensate.

"Haah!" A2 swings her sword striking the Basarios' knees, following up with more quick slashes at that area. The Basarios retaliates by swinging its tail at her, but the hunter dodges and weaves between its legs, while delivering more hits at its joints. Aiming at the same areas to whittle down and break the armored scales.

"GOORRUUNG!" Irritated, the Basarios roars before flapping its wing to lift itself off the ground briefly before crashing down its body to crush A2, but again she dodges and uses the opening to thrust her long sword at the monster's body before using the momentum to vault in the air.

The Basarios rises from the ground to look for her but spots the hunter too late. As A2 maneuvers in the air aiming for its head before bringing down her longsword in a downward slash performing a helm splitter. She lands, as a volley of slashes explodes on the wyvern's face,making it bellow in pain and rage. The flying wyvern stumbles back before shaking its head, still looking no worse for wear despite the damge it recevied.

"GORUNG!" The Basarios roars again, this time its focus single mineded and solely on A2 and charges towards her. It begins to lunge and head swipe at her, but A2 was swift in avoiding them. Too agile for the stone wyvern to land a hit, who proceeds to follow her as she runs around dodging its blow.

While her attack landed, it wasn't as effective as A2 wanted it to be but it did get the wyverns attention on her and giving the opening 9S needed now that she was leading the Basarios away from the pile of rubble Rogue was in.

"Now 9S!" A2 shouted to him, before returning her attention back at the wyvern and clashing with it, swinging her long sword hard against her opponents tail.

Moving at her signal, 9S sprints to where Rogue is and begins to dig and throw off the rocks in the pile to reach him. As he was doing that, Pod and Whistill came rushing in too once they saw what happened to Rogue and made their way to the pile of rubble once A2 began fighting the Basarios to distract it.

"Nya! We're here to help!" Whistill said calling their presence to 9S before joining in chucking some stones off the pile to dig out Rogue.

"Pod! Whistill!" 9S exclaimed and feeling a bit relief for the felynes coming to help.

"Meowster I brought Max potions, Supersize too for Rogue! And a shovel to help!" Pod 153 said, bringing out a felyne shovel and a large bottle filled with yellowish liquid.

9S grabs both items, putting the bottle in his pouch before starting to use the shovel to the dig. "That's good, thanks Pod. Now we just need to dig out Rogue and hope he isn't too hurt. Fast while we're at it, I don't know how long this cave would last with all the fighting or how long A2 can hold out against that blighted Basarios."

"Nya, I wouldn't be too worried about her. She seems to be doing okay to me." Whistill said, pointing at where A2 and the Basarios is at.

The two combatants were still locked in combat, but with the bout favoring A2. The hunter moved with grace and ferocity attacking the Basarios, who was slow and cumbersome in its movement. A2 was swinging her sword and slashing the Basarios fluidly, it was as if she were performing a dance with blades and the monster her unwilling partner to be cut upon. Striking the Basarios on every opportunity she gets.

For every attempt by the flying wyvern to smash A2 with its head, feet, tail and whole body, the hunter simply bobs and weaves between its attacks, while countering with her own. Its breath attack even more ineffective as the hunter was too close for the monster to aim and fire properly at her. And while the armor and scales of the Basarios was helping it endure her strikes, they begin to shows signs of wear and tear, or in this case cracks and fragments littering its body, weakening from their fight.

The Basarios itself was already tiring from the fight, with drool pooling in its mouth and exhaustion evident as it heaves breaths of air to recover.

"Heh, tired all ready? To think I was getting worried for nothing..." Yet, A2 didn't stop with her assault and continued to dish out strikes and quick slashes at the Basarios.

She dashes towards the monsters' underbelly, swinging an overhead slash with her long sword striking its chest and then slashing at both of its legs in quick succession before ending her combo by delivering heavier blow on its left foot. The armor breaks, with scales and monster shells flying off as A2 dashes out under it.

"GOORRUUNNGG!" The Basarios bellows as it topples from the force of the strike and the sudden loss of its armor on its foot, loosing support for its weight. It's body gives in to gravity, crashing down and slamming itself on the ground, the stone wyvern flails uselessly trying to get up and retrieve its bearings. Seeing this, A2 wastes no time raising her sword, preparing to attack while its down.

"Let's finish this!" She charges straight at the Basarios to finish it off, aiming to attack the head and hopefully slay the monster shortly.

But the black haze surrounding the Basarios suddenly intensifies, flushing outwards causing A2 to stop her approach and block the offending mist pushing her back, not sure how it's doing it or what's happening.

The Basarios begins to feel a sudden surge of strength, while convulsing in pain, feeling the Black blight's influence on it getting stronger and taking over. It feels the heat it naturally produces, beginning to building up in its body and going overdrive in its production. Making the Basarios uncomfortable for its body doesn't produce this much normally. The fire within it begging to be release, becoming unbearable for the monster to store and regulate inside naturally.

"GGGOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNNGGGGGG!"

The stone wyvern roars with intense pain and begins to fire its beam, puffing out short bursts of fire from its mouth to help alleviate the heat inside and releasing more and more to cool itself down. But it wasn't enough and it new that it needed to do something else to release all the built up heat. Willing its body, feeling all the pores in its underbelly to open and forces them to release explosive gas out in large amounts.

A swooshing sound is made, which is a telltale sign that hunters take note of as a warning whenever the monster was about to do it. A warning that A2 didn't heard for being too focus of blocking the black haze blowing her back. By the time she's took notice of it, it was too late, for she wasn't blocking the black blight anymore and is instead enveloped by the explosive gas of the Basarios.

"Shit—"A2 cursed but was muffled as the gas ignites.

*BOOM

The blast shoots her a few feet in the air and sending her flying back. 9S and the rest of felynes hear the explosion and turn to its direction, only to watch A2 land roughly on the ground.

"A2!" 9S shouted in worry, as he sees her unmoving.

Fortunately, A2 doesn't remain still and slowly begins to get off the ground, feeling every part of her body ache in pain. Her armor helped protect her from the initial explosion and even from any major injuries, visible or not. She could tell that she may have some internal bruising, but hopefully no internal bleeding, from getting hit with the force of the blast.

"Damn it." A2 then pulls out a mega potion from her person and begins to chugging it down to heal her injuries, feeling the liquid alleviate the pain, healing some burns, and closing some wounds in her. 9S sighs in relief seeing her alright and wiping any liquid left from her mouth.

But he soon becomes concern for something else, sharing it with A2 as they watch the Basarios rise up from the ground suddenly change.

"GGOORRRUUUNNGG!" The Basarios roars, but its sound were more distorted and demonic, signaling the Black blights transformation of it complete.

Its eyes are glowing a bright yellow with its mouth, the fire still burning within itself stronger and hotter. While its body is covered in a deep purple hue, with the cracks and injuries on it inflicted by A2, glowing a bright violet within. Whether if it's the monsters' blood glowing or something else entirely. But what was most distinct from its change was the sudden increase of the black blight mist surrounding it. Moving and flowing like a dark and purple fire.

Overall, its current appearance spells corruption and increase in power and strength. The latter of which, is unfortunate for A2.

"****…." A2 swears for this streak of bad luck and begins to strategize what to do next but is forced to act quickly as the Basarios instantaneously shoots a stronger beam of fire at her.

She dodges barely in time for the power and speed of the attack has increased and tries to do the same tactic of getting close to the Basarios so it wouldn't be able to aim or fire at her easily at a distance. Though as if expecting her to do it, the Blighted Basarios releases another round of explosive gas that forces A2 to quickly back track to avoid the blast that came afterwards.

Once she ceased her approach the Basarios begins to spam its breath attack again and releasing its explosive gas to keep A2 from getting too close. Its tactic was keeping the hunter at bay and irritating her from doing anything but dodge and avoid its attacks.

"Gog Damn it! Crap!" A2 yells in frustration at her current predicament dodging more fire beams, which began to cause some of the ceiling to collapse on her again due to some stray blast.

The tables have turned on the hunter in this fight, with the blighted Basarios using its increased abilities from the Black blight's influence to its advantage.

On the sidelines, 9S and the rest could only watch with fear and panic in their haste to dig out Rogue. All three moving faster and more desperate.

"Nya, A2 won't last long at this rate!" Whistill said, rolling more stones off the rubble in quicker pace.

"Nor do we if we don't find Rogue soon!" Pod 153 added, using another shovel to help dig, while her worries for their safety fuels her.

"Damn it we need to help her! Rogue where are you!" 9S shouts, frustrated and desperate, wishing to find his monstie and help A2 soon before something worst can happen to her.

Miraculously his wish was heard as a low groan emanated from the pile, before a large snout burst out with the body following and shaking off the rocks on top of it.

"Rogue!" The trio of boy and felynes shouted with sheer relief from the Deviljho finally found and looking okay, though in a bit of daze.

"Grrooooaaahhh…" Rogue gives out a low whine, his head aching and remembering that he blacked out after getting buried by rocks before waking up hearing 9S's voice.

"I'm so glad your okay buddy!" 9S's arms reach around Rogue's neck and wraps him in a hug. The monstie accepts the gesture before slumping his heavy head on his rider's shoulder. Still feeling a bit stunned and daze.

"He took quite a hit Nya!" Whistill commented, while eyeing the Deviljho for any visibly injuries.

"Looks like he was unconscious after he saved 9S and A2, he'll be fine once we patch him with that max potion and a few of these." Pod 153 said, moving towards the monstie and begins to apply some healing paste made from herbs on his body. 9S lets go of Rogue to bring out the max potion before urging him to open his jaws to drink the potion.

The monstie was able to drink it, luckily without any complications. With the healing beginning to take immediate effect, as Rogue could feel his headache fade away with the rest of the pain he was feeling all over his body.

"GROOOOOOAAAAAAHH" Giving a relived roar, Rogue could tell he was feeling much better and happy to be able to look at his companions much more clearly. But his expressions turns to shock as he then spots A2 fighting the Blighted Basarios, the monster looking even more dreaded than before.

"GROAH!" Rogue barks and getting the rest turn to look as well at the hunter now struggling to dodge the fire beams being shot repeatedly at her.

A2 was showing some fatigue of dodging not just the streams of fire being fired at her but also from the explosive gas the Basarios releases at intervals to keep her on her toes. She couldn't even risk getting closer or even escape the monster, as it continues to rain fire on her and boxing her in. 9S quickly stands to his feet, unsheathing his glaive and begins to run towards A2 to aid her. While his companions are startled at his abrupt departure.

Now that Rogue is okay, in his mind, 9S begins to formulate plans of what he'll need to do or something to help A2. And to get the both of them out of the Basarios warpath, then unto Rogue's Saddle to get the hell out of here with the others.

"Meowster!" Pod 153 calls out to him.

"I'll help A2, you take care of Rogue! And make sure to get ready to run once I get to her!" 9S shouts back at them.

"Nya, but Nyain-es! —" But he was already too far for their words to stop him.

And as Whistill noticed, his monstie huffs in frustration at his rider before acting quickly. Not wanting to leave 9S by myself, Rogue responds by lifting the rest of his body out of the rubble and then stomping to following him. The felyne chief and Pod 153 couldn't stop him even if they wanted too, and again could only watch with exasperation as the two head out in battle.

"Those two idiots!" Pod 153 cries with annoyance staring at the boy and his monstie, but Whistill simply ushers her back towards the cart before she too attempts to join them.

"Never mind them Nya, they can handle themselves. 9S is right that we need to get ready to bolt as soon as possible before the cave collapses or we try to flee that monster, Nya!"

Once reaching their cart, Whistill then pulls out a chord and begins to relay orders to the rest of the felynes, before handing the chord to Pod 153. "Here take this Nya and help us tie it to the cart and make a harness."

"For Rogue?"

"Yup, exactly Nya, To Pull us!" Whistill answered, with Pod seeing where the chief plan is going.

Back with A2, the blighted Basarios has somehow cornered the hunter between itself and a wall behind her back. She draws her long sword, deciding to go for a direct assault and risk getting burned either from its explosive gas or fire breath. Which the latter, the stone wyvern begins to charge in its mouth and shortly fire at her.

But just as the high-pitched sound is heard, signaling of the incoming breath attack, 9S vaults over on top of the Basarios and stabs his insect glaive on its back. Using his weapon as makeshift steering rod to turn the stone wyvern's line of fire.

"GORUNNGG!" Which worked as the Basarios roars and misfires its beam due to his interference.

A2 moves away from the wall, just in the nick of time of avoiding getting grazed by the attack and makes her way to a safe spot to recuperate. Finally getting the chance to catch a breather, before yelling at 9S once she caught her breath. "9S what the hell are you doing!"

"Helping you—I think!" 9S responds, while struggling to stay on his perch on top of the monsters' back. The Basarios moves to shake him off and hops around trying to dislodge the glaive stuck to it. Its movement growing even more erratic and harder for 9S to balance since he wasn't properly mounted on the monster, and with only his glaive to hold on to.

Knowing that he couldn't stay riding on it any longer, 9S decides to break away and pulls out his glaive before jumping off the Basarios and landing to a roll back to the ground. The Basarios sees him in front of it and with 9S much closer to the monster's vicinity, the wyvern decides to charge straight at it him and attack physically. A2 sees this and panic calls 9S to dodge.

"9S watch out!"

But to her utter confusion and bewilderment, 9S instead runs towards it meeting it head on.

"What the hell are you doing?!" The boy didn't hear her, as his focus was more on the Basarios. A2 couldn't imagine what went inside 9S's head for him to do something insane as charging a monster head on. Frustration and worry evident in her face, the hunter could only watch as 9S swings his glaive at the stone wyvern, his attack appearing to be too a weak of a strike from her perspective to do anything against the larger monster.

But again to her utter shock and astoundment, she witnessed the strike land on the Basarios' head sending it reeling back, before clumsily tripping on its legs then rolling and toppling to the ground.

'What the ****!' A2 thought to herself and would have said them out loud, if her jaw weren't hanging from the sheer shock and feeling dumbstruck at seeing 9S topple a monster with a single blow.

She would argued that she helped a bit by weakening it, but she still couldn't believe that the small lithe 9S charging head on, was able to force a monster more than quadruple of his size back with a glaive. Which his current equipment being more like a blade on a stick than a real weapon and highly unlikely to cause a monster to flinch.

Yet what 9S did was something she wouldn't have thought witnessing …ever.

"Whoa…." 9S whispered to himself in awe. The rider was feeling the same as A2, amazed that he somehow pulled it off.

9S knows he's never faced or tried the rider style on anything as big as a Basarios before and he would admit that its wasn't his intention to do it at the present. He only reacted instinctively once he noticed the monster charging at him.

The Basarios recovers shortly, rising up from its feet and shaking the feeling off its head from the blow. While feeling confused at what just happened to it and how the smaller hunter was able to do that and send it to the ground. Regardless it was angry and decides to attack with a different approach, using its arsenal of shooting 9S with fire instead.

"GORUNG!" The Basarios begins to charge up its breath attack and 9S readies his glaive again, only to notice one specific detail on his weapon. A2 noticed it as well and couldn't stop herself from commenting on it.

"Crap, Masamune is gonna kill him."

"Oh crap, Masamune is going to kill me…" 9S, to his horror, didn't realize that his strike on the Basarios shattered the very top portion of his glaive. Leaving him with only the bottom blunt end and a splintered head where the blade should be. But thinking about suffering Masamune's wrath would have to be put on hold for later, because from his distraction 9S failed to notice the Basarios firing its beam at him.

"9S!"

"****"

Both A2 and 9S cry in panic, with the female hunter sprinting and rushing to save him. The boy rider lifts up and crosses his arms over his face, bracing and trying to protect himself as much as possible for the incoming blow, hoping his armor would hold and defend him enough.

"GGGGGOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" But it didn't come to pass, as Rogue with a roar, leaps in front of 9S and fires his own breath attack at the Basarios' own, meeting it head on.

"Rogue!" 9S shouts in relief for his monstie coming in just in time.

The beams clash with one another, a colorful mix of light between them made from dragon energy and fire pushing one another with neither losing ground. Both Rogue and the Basarios grunt in effort to pour more of their elemental breath attacks to overpower the other.

"You can do it Rogue!" Rogue hears 9S encouraging him at the side, feeling a surge of power rising within him because of his rider's support. He releases more of his dragon breath and even begins to stomp his feet forward, pushing and gaining ground towards the Basarios.

The beam clash was now going to the Deviljho's favor, and the Basarios notices it as well, but it couldn't stop Rogue's dragon breath beginning to overtake its own fire stream. Eventually its beam is overpowered and pushback towards it, ending with a large explosion created from both elements.

"GOOOOORRUUNNG!" The Basarios roars in pain engulf by the blast, while 9S and Rogue cheer from the success.

"GRRRRRR!" Rogue growls then faces his rider while stomping his feet, urging to fight. With 9S agreeing with him and knowing what he wants to do. Nodding to his monstie, 9S swiftly mounts his back.

"Ride on Deviljho!" Shouting their battle cry, both 9S and Rogue charge towards the recovering Basarios, still dazed from the explosion and wasn't able to react in time before rider and monstie attacked.

Rogue shoulder tackles the stone wyvern, before delivering a tail slap at the monster's offending head. The Basarios grunts in pain moving back, but the Deviljho follows up by tackling its belly and sending it further tumbling back. The Basarios felt winded by the blow but before it catches its breath, Rogue decides to take a bite out of the stone wyvern, chomping on its neck before ripping out a mouth full of scales and stones.

"GOOORRRRRUUUUNNNGG!" The Basarios screams in pain, while Rogue only felt a mild discomfort snapping the offending scales in his mouth or biting on its tough hide. His jaws and teeth strong enough to crunch it.

Which the Deviljho continues to do so, delivering several bites and ripping and chipping more of the Stone wyvern's scales and rocky hide on its lower body, legs and anywhere else his jaws can reach. The Basarios grunts with frustration and retaliates by trying to stomp the two, but Rogue nimble dodges easily due to being smaller and having 9S's senses and their kinship connecting the two thoughts together to react quicker.

A2 watches on the sidelines, not sure if she should intervene and feeling at awe witnessing 9S and Rogue in battle. She also noticed that Rogue was moving and fighting differently, not like how monsters usually fight. He dodges and moves away more from attacks more rather than tanking them. Waiting for the right moment to counter, not rushing to attack because of a suppose opening. He was even aiming and hitting certain weak points only a hunter would use when fighting large monsters that their weapons couldn't reach.

"Holy shit, he's fighting like a hunter isn't he, but how? …Unless that means 9S is…Oh. What did he call it?" A2 whispered to herself, beginning to see what 9S was going on about in his earlier explanation of kinship and how it works for the two of them as rider and monstie.

Suspecting too that their kinship is the reason to why 9S was to able charge head on against the Basarios and hit it with the force of a monster. And Rogue right now, was fighting similarly to a hunter, which A2 could guess he got from 9S syncing his mind with him through their bond or whatever voodoo she thought 9S said it was. The only difference between Rogue and a regular hunter is that he's packing more of punch than their standard weapons could ever do against a threat.

And it shows, when Rogue and 9S decided to return being on the offensive.

As the Basarios begins to tire out from constantly missing its attacks, it desperately tries to shoot a fire beam at the two, but Rogue blasts its mouth with his dragon breath. Causing a premature explosion of fire and dragon energy on the Basarios face, stunning it, and giving Rogue the time to run towards its damage foot, the one A2 broke its armor off.

The Deviljho delivers a viscous blow on it with a should tackle, causing the Basarios to topple once more. But feeling a bone break this time and screaming in pain as it falls.

"GOOORRRUUUUNNGG!"

The monstie wastes no time in jumping on its back and begins to stomp it with as much force as possible. As if he was putting all the frustrations he, his rider and A2 felt when the monster was attacking them. Each stomp of his clawed foot was smashing the stony hill it calls its back, breaking stone and cracking its shell for purple veins to appear underneath, no doubt it being the arteries of its exposed inner body.

Rogue would have flattened the monster's back if weren't for the Basarios rising up at the last second to desperately throw the two off before anymore damage is inflicted on it. 9S and Rogue were flunged off, but the monstie easily righted themselves mid air and lands beside A2, who the two took notice once they landed.

"9S, you and Rogue…" A2 was still in amaze at what the two did and couldn't figure out what to say to them. But her silence made 9S panic, remembering that he disregarded her original plan, fighting the monster instead of what they were supposed to do and escape once Rogue was freed.

He thought she was going to berate them because of that and quickly apologize. "A2, Sorry! I know what you're going to say but here me out and—"

"No no—Keep doing what you're doing! GO for it I support. Let's kill the bastard." A2 said, cutting him off and telling him she was all for slaying the Basarios.

Which surprised 9S, sputtering a disbelief response. "Really?!"

"Yes, now let me join in the fun too." A2 smiled back and unsheathes her longsword for emphasis to fight on.

"Got it." 9S nods, before turning to face back at the Basarios. "We smash and soften it up and you hit it where it hurts."

"Gladly…" A2 nods back liking the plan and Rogue grunts in agreement before the trio charge right towars the monster.

"GROOOOOOOAAAAAHHHH!" Rogue roars, running towards the Basarios who sees the two hunters and monster charging at it.

"GOOOORRUUUUUNNGG!" It roars back and proceeds to excrete its explosive gas from its body to blast them but Rogue immediately responds by shooting a dragon breath just before the gas reaches them, igniting it prematurely and making the explosion backfire at the stone wyvern.

The Basarios recoils from the blast, while A2 rushes forward to slash its underbelly from the opening. She proceeds to deliver several strikes that breaks more of its armor before rolling away as Rogue tackles the Basarios, pushing it back before delivering a tail slap on its head turning it away. The Basarios attempts to retaliate with a headbutt but Rogue fires a continuous stream of his dragon breath straight at its head, burning it with draconic energy and disorienting it. Before ceasing and letting A2 strike two consecutive blows, slashing its neck and head.

"GOOOORUNNGGGG!" Basarios roars with frustration from the coordinated attacks, 9S, Rogue and A2 were doing on it. But it couldn't do anything as the trio continue on with their tactic, and barrage the monster with blows consecutively.

Rogue slams his body at the monster and bite pieces of its scales off, A2 would then jump in and slash at the weaken areas, which ends with 9S directing Rogue to blast the expose pieces of flesh the two opened up with his dragon breath burning them.

Finally, the stone wyvern begins to wane and feels that it would lose in this fight. Purple blood is dripping around its body with unbearable pain that accompanied it from all the wounds it received. Deciding to go for one last kamikaze kind of attack, the blighted Basarios flares the black blight in its body before charging a ton of heat inside within to release.

"GGOOOOORRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUNNGGG!" With one last roar the monster begins shooting fire beams from its mouth, spamming them and aiming erratically to bring down the entire cave on them. Intending to bring its opponents down with it, blasting the ceilings and any support column from its random fire.

The cavern begins to destabilize again, raining Rock and debris from the ceiling. The rider, monstie and hunter begin to dodge and move out of the way to avoid from being crushed, or buried yet again, for others.

"A2 hope on!" 9S calls out to A2 who was close to the Basarios.

The hunter sees him and Rogue heading towards her, with his hand outstretched to pull her over. Grabbing it, 9S was able to haul A2 up, allowing her to mount Rogue properly and sit behind him.

"Hold on tight!" 9S said, with A2 following and wrapping her arms around his waist, as they ride Rogue heading towards the Basarios.

"Wait, why are we charging straight at it?!" A2 asked as they're getting closer.

"Just gonna give it a parting gift." 9S responds before eyeing the Basarios as it continues to charge up again to fire its breath attack. While Rogue dodges the stones falling on them. The stone wyvern sees them and narrows its gaze at the three, before aiming its mouth and charging another blast. Which was what 9S was counting on.

"Now Rogue!"

Rogue fires his dragon breath at his riders command, this time aiming at the Basarios' opened mouth. The stone wyvern had a brief expression of panic before it felt the volatile energy forcefully enter its mouth and connect with its still charging fire attack. The two elements begin to clash, causing a devastating reaction within its body.

The Deviljho turns around and begins to run away from it, as the Basarios begins to convulse and vomit out small burst of fire and explosions from its mouth. Until its body couldn't take it anymore and starts exploding from within.

It started with a small burst popping out of wounds of the Basarios to large explosions blowing out of its sides. 9S and A2 watch from a far as the Basarios begins to combust, with the black blight radiating its surroundings begin to catch on fire too. The haze reacting to the energy of Rogue's dragon breath and turning into a bright red fire, before exploding to brilliant color of crimson and white engulfing its host. The Basarios couldn't even scream in pain as its own skull was immolated, its eye sockets popping and all of its orifices releasing more fire burning the rest of its body.

Both 9S and A2 were speechless from how metal it look of the Basarios dying. With even Rogue, who turned to look at it too, had his jaw dropping from witnessing the gruesome sight.

But before the trio could comment about it, they hear the felynes calling to them and turn to see the felynes on the felyne cart with Whistill holding some rope.

"Meowster we're right here!" Pod 153 shouted gaining their attention from on top of the cart.

"We don't have much time.! We'll lasso a rope to Rogue's tail, and he'll pull the cart for us!" She said to them as they got close enough to hear her.

"And make it quick too Nya! The whole cavern's coming down!" Whistill urges as some rocks fall near them, too close for comfort.

Rogue makes a beeline to the cart and tilting his tail for them to lasso their rope with. Just before Rogue passes them, Whistill twirls the rope before throwing at the out stretch tail and luckily landing on it. With a tug, the rope secures itself just in time as the monstie begins to pull the cart to safety and as the entire floor they were in begins to crumble.

"Faster Rogue, must go faster!" Pod 153 shouts as the entire tunnel begins to fall apart, with the rocks falling just a mere foot away from the cart, as if they were following them.

"C'mon Rogue you can do it!" 9S encourages his monstie, bending lower to brace himself with A2 following and wrapping her arms around him tighter.

"GROOOOOAAAAAHHHH!" With a roar, Rogue accelerates. His heart pumping and blood flowing with adrenaline fueling their panic escape, while thinking his rider and his friends were feeling the same as they rush to exit the cavern.

Finally, Rogue can see the light at the end of their path and the entrance to their escape. In a span of a few seconds, which felt a lot longer for them, Rogue leaps out of the monster den, even bringing the felynes and their cart flying briefly in the air, before landing and running a few more meters away then stopping. Everyone turns to look as the entrance finally collapses on itself, closing it off and sending a few dust clouds in the air.

For a moment, no one made a sound and just focused in breathing and calming their hearts from the experience just been through. 9S and Rogue were still reeling in from their escape. Both feeling each other's thoughts and exhaustion from fighting the Basarios and for out running a cave in. The felynes were feeling a shocking relief that they got out alive and luckily with all of their items still intact. All were silent and enjoying the moment of peace they were sharing.

Eventually the silence comes to an end.

"hehehe… hahaHa…HaHaHaHa!"

With A2 unexpectedly the first to break it, trying to hide small giggles before turning to full blown laughter. She kept laughing and tearing up but didn't sound upset but rather happy and joyful even. Laughing genuinely, like someone feeling euphoria after doing a daring stunt or something else exciting.

The rest of the group stare at her. They were surprise at her sudden bout of laughter and confused to her overall reaction, wondering why. They were getting concerned by it too, when A2 looked like she wouldn't stop.

Fortunately before they could ask, the hunter spoke up to answer and shed some light to her behavior.

"Hahaha… Man, sorry… its just, I never thought my day would go like this." A2 said, wiping a tear that escaped from her eye before finally composing herself.

"I was expecting just a regular track and hunt a monster type of day, today. But then I find out about 9S and Rogue, get knocked out and learn all of this about riders, before fighting a blighted Basarios, and then finally escape a cave in by riding said Deviljho! My day ended up with so many absurd things that I can't help but laugh at the thought!" She exclaimed, feeling another surge of laughter rising within. While 9S looked on confuse at her response, not knowing if A2 was mad or joyed at their recent jaunt in the monster den.

"…Uh is this a good thing or? —" He asked wearily but was cut off by another shout from the excited A2.

"Hell yeah! I still can't believe some of the stuff I just saw or did—Like holy shit! I'm riding a Deviljho that blew up a Basarios ****ing inside out with his dragon breath—That was freaking metal and awesome!"

A2 pump her a fist in the air, not hiding her feelings of being amaze nor her excitement from their entire ordeal, sounding that she may have enjoyed it overall.

9S could only chuckle at the thought. "You're making it sound like getting into danger and almost risking your life against terrible odds… fun."

If he didn't count the danger and near-death experience, 9S would have felt the same with A2 and find their recent fight with the Basarios an awesome spectacle to retell to others. Too bad he can't unless he wants to reveal Rogue.

"Well in certain way it is. We're monster hunters… sometimes the danger excites us and keeps the adrenaline pumping." A2 said, shrugging at her explanation before tapping 9S at the shoulder calling his attention.

9S shifted a bit so he could face her and saw that she had a proud look in her eyes before speaking. "But going back, I never thought my day would go on like this. Or learn that you're rider, a good one at that too… you really trained hard and fought well today and I'm glad you were there fighting alongside me... Thanks Nines, I'm proud of you."

A2 affectionately ruffles 9S's hair, while he looks away feeling a bit bashful at the praise. It was rare for him to get one from A2, a genuine one that's not laced with snark or teasing. Though, it didn't stop him from avoiding A2 from seeing his cheeks flushing a bright pink and give her the satisfaction of knowing that her compliment was affecting him a lot.

"…W-Well, I didn't do that much really, Rogue did most of the work you know. He deserves some credit too, isn't that right Rogue?" He said while patting Rogue, deciding to direct some praise to his monstie and away from himself. And since 9S knows Rogue deserves it too, since he considers his monstie was the one who contributed most to the whole fight.

"GRRRRR!" Rogue nods and shakes his body in agreement. Wagging his tail while looking at his occupants riding him, chuckling at his antics.

"Yeah, you're right. Rogue did do a lot. Saved us from being crushed and beating the shit out of that Basarios. You've raised quite a tenacious and vicious pickle 9S." A2 said complementing him on raising his monstie, before moving herself forward to bend a bit and reach out to Rogue to pet him on his shoulder or rather were his neck and body meet.

"Thanks Rogue. Despite our rough first impressions. You're pretty okay in my book …for a pickle murdersaur."

"GROAH!" Rogue roars cheerfully, happy the female hunter is okay with him. He then begins to feel A2 scratching a certain spot on his neck and starts crooning a bit in bliss and rumbles in content.

A2 was astonished at his behavior, not even hiding the amusement in her voice. "Hah, didn't know you could that. Does he like getting scratched too. He's sort of acting like a giant scaly puppy at this point. It's a bit… I don't know, still a bit unreal for me." She stops her scratching, causing the Deviljho to whine in protest and pout back at her. A2 chuckles lightly in response before petting and scratching him again, earning another rumble and purr of bliss from Rogue.

"Well, hard to scratch at an itch if you have small arms that can't reach your back. Glad to know you two are getting along." 9S said, finding it nice that A2 and Rogue aren't fighting or being hostile with each other anymore and instead are becoming friends.

"Hey, you think I can borrow him for some time? Or have you and him team up with me? Our hunts could get much easier working together…" A2 asked, wiggling her eyebrows playfully with a smirk, giving 9S a knowing look. Getting saved and apparently watching Rogue fight, has seemingly made A2 fond of his monstie. Not that she'll say it out loud.

"Perhaps…." 9S replies back playfully and with equal mirth before his expression to turns to a slightly serious one. "But that is an idea we can work on. I'll think about it more and after we tell 2B. We can decide after she knows everything and we know of her opinion on this." A2 nods agreeing with him.

She then lets out a sigh, feeling the tiredness creeping back to her before addressing their next agenda. "Hey, let's just go back to the felyne settlement. You guys promised me a tour remember and maybe we can catch a break too while we're at it."

"She's right Nya! A little bit of R & R for everybody since we survived this disaster of a cart retrieval that we just experienced. I think we all deserve a well-earned rest." Whistill said, agreeing with A2, and the rest of the felynes nodding their heads. Eager to relax for a bit.

"Agreed, Meowsters. We can use a little time to freshen up before we go back to business of telling Meowster 2B." Pod 153 adds, reminding the group that they still need to plan on how to reveal their secrets to 2B.

"And probably the rest of what we should do. Like, on how we would report about that blighted Basarios and the monster den to the guild." 9S said, remembering that they still need to inform them about the Blighted Basarios and its puzzling transformation it did with the black blight that made it stronger.

"You guys will formulate a report about everything of this incident while not mentioning Rogue, correct?" A2 asked, with Whistill nodding and answering her.

"Exactly Nya. But of course, Rogue is the only thing we omit and nothing else. I assure you we don't withhold any information that could cause harm or endanger others." The felyne chief said to reassure A2, but she wasn't even bothered by the fact and simply waves her hand to placate the felyne.

"It's okay, I understand, really. And it's not like you guys give false data anyway."

Whistill sighs in relief, not needing to explain themselves any further. He then turns his attention to the rest of his felyne members, showing that he was ready to go back home. "Well if that is all said and done Nya, lets starts moving before—"

"Grrrrr…" Rogue suddenly cuts the felyne chief off, sensing something approaching them and warns the group.

"What is it Rogue?" 9S asked, feeling it too.

Rogue sniffs the air, while everybody tenses and waits for the Deviljho monstie to point them at the direction where, whatever it is, coming for them will pop out. A2 has her hand on the hilt of her long sword, ready to swing if they were to charge an enemy monster and to jump off Rogue to attack too. If they were planning to tag team again. The felynes this time, armed themselves with some flash bombs and Molotov cocktails to provide support.

Rogue then points his snout to a bush, signaling his rider and himself to get ready and brace themselves, should it be for another fight. They all watch in bated silence as the bush shakes and rustles as its branches are being pushed apart from the unknown figure trying to get out of it.

"Meow, meow!" Fortunately for them, what came out of the bush was an out breath felyne shouting in surprise and with a relieve expression on its face, happy to found the group.

The group deflates and the tensions disappears, with everybody shaking their head from worrying too much.

"Oh what is it now, Nya?" Whistill spoke a bit exasperated, knowing that it could be another problem that they have to solve. Hopefully, it would be much simpler and wouldn't turn to another blighted monster fight.

Though, the felyne chief spoke too soon, as the messenger felyne answered with urgency and utmost panic in its voice, telling him alarming news.

"MEOW! MEOW!"

"A blighted Nargacuga is in the settlement's valley!" Whistill shouted with disbelief, while the rest of the group stilled from hearing what he said.

"MEOW! MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!" The felyne adds even more, complicating it further.

"Fighting a white-haired female hunter and a white Palico!" The felyne chief cries out with even more panic, his fur rising in shock and eyes almost bulging out of him.

Both A2 and 9S face each other, worry etched on their faces, knowing who the white-haired hunter could be and the white palico too. Both who are currently engaging a blighted Nargacuga in the settlements grounds.

"Oh no…"

"2B!"

Both spoke and cried in alarm simultaneously, while Rogue, understanding their current situation, wastes no time in moving and heading back to the settlement. The rest secure themselves for the abrupt ride in response. With 9S and A2 sitting tight riding on Rogue, while Whistill, Pod 153 and the rest of the felynes, bringing aboard the messenger, cling onto the cart as it accelerates once more from being pulled by the Deviljho.

"GROOOOAAAAAAAHHH!" Roaring, Rogue runs and puts more power in his legs to move as fasts as he can.

Uncaring if others would see them or not. Their home is in danger and being attacked by a blighted monster supposedly more dangerous than the Basarios they fought.

Worst, his rider's lady friend and palico is fighting it by themselves.

---

Author's notes:

And that's the end of the chapter. I hope you enjoyed the reveal of Rogue to A2 and the monster fight in this chapter. The next chapter will have the reveal of Rogue with 2B and Pod 42 and more monster fights while we're at it. I hope you guys look forward to that.

Thanks again for reading and I hope you enjoy the omake too.

See you in the next chapter!

---

Omake

(Dreams III)

It was a dark silhouette. A large figure stood covering the light.

Its size blocking the sun rays. Body large and tail long, with muscular forearms keeping it standing upright. Its blue pupils staring at the horizon and uncaring of the presence of others with him. The view on this side of the mountain was always a breathtaking sight, even more at night when the stars would come out and shine their brightest in the dark. The figure could stare and admire the horizon for the whole day if he can—

Until…

"Hey Grump! Want a Treat?!" At the sound of a young voice, the figure moves and bends down to meet it, unblocking the sun's rays and allowing its appearance to be revealed.

The figure was a large Tigrex, easily big enough to be gold crown in size at least. Its blue and orange scales are littered with battle scars from all sorts of fights its experienced throughout its life and their color faded a bit, showing the signs of its old age.

The Tigrex turned its head to look down and face a young boy, who had white hair and light blue eyes, holding what seems to be a piece of meat in his hand. The monster recognizes the small 'treat' the boy offered and despite it not being proportional to his size, the Tigrex still found the tiny morsel an adequate snack due to its flavor.

"GREOH." The Tigrex dub Grump by the boy, which is also his name given to him, gives a bark agreeing and opens his mouth for the boy to attempt to throw the treat into his jaws.

"Here you go!" The boy throws it in the air, with Grump catching it easily. Snapping his jaws and then licking his tongue around his maw, savoring the taste. He nuzzles the boy in thanks, nearly toppling him over but the boy was able to grip his horns to steady himself while giggling at the Tigrex's show of affection.

"Hey dad?" The young boy turns away from the large Tigrex to look back at his parents, who were sitting on a picnic mat with food being brought out of a basket. Grump turns to face them too and could see his friend and his spouse pulling out a large well-done steak midway, with him eyeing it, before they were interrupted by their son.

"Yes kiddo?" The boy's fathered replied as both the Tigrex and the boy approached to sit with them.

Grump moves behind the two adults to curl around them as he lies down. His tail on one side behind the father, letting the man use it as partial back rest, and his head resting near the mother's side. The woman moves his snout closer, partially to her lap, and begins to stroke his scalp gently with her hands making the Tigrex rumble in content bliss.

The boy sat in front of his parents cross legs and projecting an aura of excitement and curiosity, no doubt about to ask his lieu of questions for the day and for them to answer. It was a normal occurrence for the family that even at times Grump would enjoy. He would even indulge the boy by playing with him, pretending that they could talk to each other and that he could understand his growls and roars.

"How did you meet Grump?" The boy asked curiously, an honest question which this topic was a first for the adults and Tigrex to hear from him.

"Huh, didn't I tell you that story already? Oh wait no… I didn't. Man, what a story that one is though and not one I could forget if I could. How did I not tell you?" The man said, while chuckling at remembering the fond memory.

"I thought so too. You've told our little honeydew here many bedtime stories of your travels with Grump and our adventures together. I was betting that was the first one you've told him about." The woman added, while Grump rumbled a chuckle of his own, feeling the same as his friend.

"Well, I like hearing dad's stories of fighting monsters with Grump. They're really exciting! And I don't mind hearing how you and dad got together and traveled the world after… well except for the icky stuff between you two. Dad can be a bit gross when he comes to those parts." The boy spoke, while shivering at the latter of his statement, making both his mother and Grump laugh at the embarrass expression his father was sporting.

"I'm not gross when I reminiscence the time I spent with your mother. I was being romantic—sounding romantic!" The father argued, only to elicit more laughs from the bunch.

"Hahaha… Sorry dear. But you do get the goo goo eyes when you talk about us. Its sweet in its own way, but not always. It can be a bit cringy for others, like seriously." The mother said with Grump nodding and agreeing, making the father slump.

"My own wife and partner… Thinking the same as my child… How do I face this betrayal!" The father spoke with mock sadness and feigning despair dramatically.

"Yeah, yeah... Oh don't be baby." The mother simple rolls her eyes and shoves the man's shoulder to snap him out of it, while he chuckles in response.

The woman then wraps an arm around the father before adding. "You know we love you… and I don't mind you being over dramatic about us but try to tone it down when you're around our baby boy. He's not old enough to understand all the gross stuff you're saying."

"I understand dear… I'll tone it down. Promise." The father answers, before pulling his wife closer for her to snuggle him and giving a kiss on her forehead.

Making both Grump and the boy blanch. "Ugh…"

"But… If you can explain it to me, I think I can understand the gross stuff. I'm not a baby anymore too, so I think I'm old enough to know and learn whatever it is you two are talking about!" The boys spoke, eager to learn something new despite his earlier disgust. But both parents shared a look before facing the boy.

"When you're much older…" The father immediately shuts him down, making his son frown and pout, before adding quickly to the dejected boy. "But I can tell you how I met Grump for the first time. Nothing there I can't tell you… well when speaking in general events that happened."

"Really!"

"Yup! And I won't lie to you. Me and Grump. Our story is one heck of a tale." The father said, before he begins to make his voice deeper and sounding more epic, or at least trying too as he spoke. "For it is a tale of epic proportions, unbelievable danger—"

The mother cuts in before the boy's father could get carried away. "Yeah, yeah, one of fantastical adventure and journey of friendship. Dear, we know the premise already, just skip ahead. Actually, this is the beginning right? Of you and Grump? Why not just tell him about it normally."

"But where's the fun in that!"

"Yeah, and dad sounded so cool too!"

"GREOH!"

All the males of their household objected, while the mother shook her head and gave them a stern gaze.

"If you tell the story like the rest of your tales, we'll be here all day. And I still need to do somethings in the clinic for the other monsters before we close shop. You can do your epic tales later at night."

"But honey/mom/Grrrr." All three spoke simultaneously.

"Boys…" The mother gave all three of them the 'look' and they all cave in response.

"Fine…" The three, decided to heed the mother's advice. While sharing a look with each other and silently promising to have a story telling session together later at night.

The boy returns to being excited and faces both his father and Grump. "So…. How did you meet Grump?"

His father shares a look with the Tigrex, both doing a brief thinking expression and pretending to have hard time remembering. Teasing the child and making him wait, as the boy thumps his legs impatiently with bated excitement.

"Well… when me and Grump first met, it was with some unfortunate circumstances, to be honest." The father began as the rest began to sit more comfortably to listen. With the boy lying down on his stomach and Grump moving his head back closer to the mother for her to stroke his scales, while she sat snug at the father's side.

"I was younger hunter back then, in my early twenties to be specific, but I was already a veteran hunter by then and have already experienced my fair share of fights with monsters. With some, from a few elder dragons too."

"Woah… really?" The boy commented with awe.

"Yes it's true. Your father was the one the few lucky hunters to face elder dragons at a young age and survive confronting one." The mother added, answering her child.

"Yeah… thinking about it more. I had a great deal of luck over the years and that day may have been my luckiest. Since I met Grump after all…" The Father spoke with a nostalgia, before continuing his story.

"Anyway. Its because of having experiences of dealing with elder dragons that I was allowed to join a quest to deal with a sudden disturbance in the cold mountains of Mt. Celion. Many powerful monsters live there, and even elder dragons visit the place every so often, so its not a surprise that some disturbances would happen or of monsters getting into territorial disputes occuring in a daily basis there.

But it doesn't mean it wouldn't cause harm to the settlements living near the mountains like those in the Darj snowfields. Powerful monsters migrating because of losing their turf or from something else, will force them near the settlements. Which is why the guild sent us to investigate and learn what it was and if possible, deal with the threat if we can.

At first I didn't want to go because of knowing of the dangers lying in the mountain, but the guild gave me an incentive of ranking up to take on more higher leveled quests if I finished that one. Which made my decision to go with a random party of hunters and head out and clear that quest. It would have been a simple job too in my opinion, just finding the troubling monster and slay it then report back to the guild. Get promoted and earn more zenny for a living from work as a hunter.

…But instead, I ended up with another type of life introduced to me. Just not in the way I expected."

"How so?" The boy asked.

"Well you see, once we arrived at Mt. Celion, I knew that something was off at the beginning. Since, if you must know, the weather in those mountains are either hail or heavy snow fall. That both you wouldn't be able to tell the difference to from a regular blizzard, due to the constant strong winds occasionally blowing around the place.

But on that day …it was a real blizzard. How did I know? Well, call it a gut feeling that also made me see a few noticeable changes in my surroundings. That also clued me in that something was wrong.

I've noticed that the winds were stronger, and the hails and snow were thicker than usual. Then there was the absence of monsters from our area and the eerie feeling that we were being watch from the air. I had my suspicions, but I wanted to confirm it first, so the party allowed me to split from them for the time being to investigate, while they head on to the location they said the disturbances was. And shortly after, did I find the rusted shed scales of a Kushala Daora."

The boy gasped. "Then that means…"

"Yes, the disturbance in the mountains was actually a Kushala shedding its rusted scales. And, from the how strong the winds were that time, it would mean the elder dragon's new steel carapace has already hardened. With it, also being able to manipulate its wind powers freely, fresh without its rust hindering it. But it would also mean that me and my party may have stumbled on its territory unknowingly."

"What happened next? What did you do to warn your party?" The boy asked again, with fear in his voice while remaining with rapt attention to his father's tale.

"GREOH!" Grump barked an answer that didn't translate to his companions but was understood by the father who gave a knowing look back at the wyvern.

"Hehe.. Actually I wasn't able to warn my companions. By the time I reached back to my party they were already at the end of capturing a certain Tigrex in a pitfall trap… That's was when I met Grump for the first time."

"Wait a minute… You mean to tell me that you met a Grump… when he was being captured?!" The boy exclaimed, surprised at how his father and his monster first met.

"Yup. They mistook Grump as the troublemaker causing the problems in the mountains, thinking an adolescent Tigrex was just causing a ruckus. Grump was also a bit young for Tigrex, younger than me in his species years, so he didn't stand much of a chance against my teammates back then. Like really… they roughed him up pretty good, since he's was nothing like he is now. Real weakling too." The father answered, while the Tigrex gives him a light slap from his tail in response for emphasizing the latter tidbit.

"But what happened next? How much was Grump hurt, were they going to kill him? Did you try to stop them?" The boy spoke, worried for the pseudo wyvern despite Grump sitting with them at the present.

"Of course you father did, honey. Grump's right here with us right now isn't he? Your father wouldn't leave him behind, even then before he knew him." The mother said, while Grump nuzzles the boy affectionately, appreciating his concern.

The father agrees with a nod to his wife and continues. "Yeah, a lot of things happened once I met up with them and explained the danger we were in, but at first they didn't believe me, thinking that it was Grump since there was no monsters in the area but him. That is, until the Kushala dropped down above us and blasted everyone with a whirlwind."

The Boy gasped before shouting with concern. "Oh no!"

The father begins to use his hands to gesture what they did, adding to the story. "We scrambled to flee after we recovered, as I ordered my party to run and meet back at camp to regroup. But just I was about to make my escape, I saw Grump was still tangled in the pitfall trap. Though, this time he wasn't stuck on the ground but was blown off and lying on the snow with his limbs tied from the trap's net. Leaving him vulnerable against the elder dragon.

I didn't know what or why I did it, but I rushed back to save him and got my carving knife to cut the ropes as fast as I can. I was able to cut a few strands before the Kushala turned its attention to me and attacked, forcing me to distract it while Grump sets himself free on his own. And I know he did, I saw him get out of the nets himself.

Then for a second I thought he was going to leave me. But to my surprise, he instead jump towards the elder dragon and started biting the heck out of the guy!"

"Woah…. Go Grump!" The boy cheered while the Tigrex roars in accompaniment. "GREOH!"

The father laughs, getting excited himself from remembering the fight with the steel dragon "Hahaha… Yes. That was me and Grump's first fight together and even more surprising, we won. Grump went high and I went low, we doubled teamed that Kushala Daora while facing a blizzard at the same time. Tooth, claw, switch axe and wind pressure clashing and then a young veteran hunter and a teenage Tigrex did the unthinkable… Slaying an elder dragon together! Who would have thought that would happen!?"

"No one did! And no one would have done better than the two you either." The mother added proudly, with the boy cheering with praise.

"Yeah, dad and grump are the best!" Both the father and Tigrex beamed with pride from both of their praise.

"Yup we are! But man, no one would have believe me if told them that… much less about the fight too, hehe…heh" The father paused; his expression sobers from the thought that came next. He looks at Grump and sees him give a knowing nod, feeling the same. "Yeah… I was right that they didn't believe me."

The boy was surprised at his father's changed demeanor and shared a concern glance with his mother, who also had the same melancholy look his father and Grump were sharing.

"What do you mean they didn't believe you? I knew you ordered the other hunters to turn back, but someone must have seen the two of you working together?" He asked.

The father shakes his head in response, before speaking much more seriously. "No one did see us fight the Kushala. They followed my orders to the tee and returned to camp and waited for my own return. When I did, bringing Grump and the slain Daora with me to tell them what happened, they immediately became hostile against Grump and tried to capture him again. They didn't even believe a word I said when I tried to explain of what happened. Despite the proof I provided and Grump not even acting aggressive against them. If anything he was acting more confused and fearful at their reaction."

"Grrrr…" Grump rumbled an agreement at his friend's word, while the child look even more confused and curious to why his father's teammates reacted that way.

"But why? Grump helped you and he even went back to camp with you, despite knowing that he was hurt from them… And shouldn't have they been grateful that the two of you took care of the elder dragoon and solved the problem?" The boy questions again, the father no doubt seeing him running his thoughts about it.

"Who knows the real reason to why they acted like that? Maybe it's because of the general prejudice hunters have against monsters? Or the fact that their recent hunt came back to them and they didn't want to waste the opportunity to recapture their prize before they lose it again.

That last one, I'm pretty adamant about and against the behavior they displayed. They were wrong in their account to think Grump was theirs because they caught him once or think that he was still free game when he came to camp willingly and not threatening either of them." The Father had a stern expression from remembering the latter of what he said, with even Grump huffing hot air, expressing annoyance and irritation to how the other hunters acted towards him at the end.

"Those hunters may have been the more unruly kind or the ones who think too highly of themselves to be above nature." Even the mother shares her two cents on the matter, before addressing the boy to remind him of something. "Remember son that when out in the field, both monsters and hunters don't have any special privileges or are favored more from mother nature. In the forest, everyone is both predator and prey and not just one or the other, an unspoken law if I must say. If one dies, either a hunter from a monster or monster from a hunter, you must not hold it against them for doing so. Or at least try to, as hard as it sounds."

"Cause we're all alive, living and struggling in the same world." The father continues for his wife, adding a bit more to impart to his son. "Both hunters and monsters rely in nature to survive and they both compete for it to thrive with each own's way of life. We're not so different in that regard nor are we different in experiencing the tragedies because of it. Like how many hunters have left young monsters orphaned because of them slaying their parents? Or how many people have suffered losing their families from rogue monsters invading their village?

Grudges and the need for retaliation against each other are formed because of those reasons. That also makes, sadly for most of us, humans to forget that we're all the same in trying to fight to stay alive. With the monsters having a better perspective on it than us, due to less because of their suppose ignorance and questionable level of sentience but more because they are in tuned to the ways of nature and their own instincts of survival.

So, like us hunters who slay monsters threatening our villages, we can't hold it against them for killing for self-defense or challenging human settlements for turf. Since that's the way they've lived since birth and no different than us with our own human expansions. I know some may argue from both sides of the coin against this belief or not, but that's how our world is now and we must learn to respect each other if we are to survive in this unforgiving world."

"Or reach an understanding and figure out a mutual way of life, like what your father, Grump and the rest of our village did, to live together with both humans and monsters in harmony." The mother finishes their impromptu lesson, with the boy nodding his head in understanding.

"I understand mom and I promise to keep in mind what both you and dad said." The boy said, promising to keep his parent's teachings.

"But what happened next? What did you and Grump do?" The boy asked, wanting to hear the rest of the story.

"Oh, we ran away." The father answered casually, with Grump nodding in agreement.

"What?!"

"Yeah we ran away." Father repeated to his son's surprise, before continuing his story with mild amusement from seeing his reaction.

"I didn't know my exact thoughts at that time, but I knew that I didn't want my former hunting companions to take Grump away nor do I want to see him turn to whatever armor or weapon they want with his parts. That fight with the Kushala and working together, made me feel like I connected with Grump and felt like we were buddies or something. And I guess Grump felt the same too, at that time."

The father glances at the Tigrex, who lightly lifts his tail to give the man an affectionate pat on the back, before he resume the story.

"So, acting unconsciously, I pulled out a smoke bomb and threw it on the ground while Grump shoved me over his shoulders and started running. We didn't know if it was a coincidence that we had the same idea to run or work together well on the go, but right there I trusted him and clung to him tightly, while he jumped in the air to fly away and lose our pursuers. Then flying who knows where…"

Both the father and Tigrex looked at the sky with a nostalgic expression. Before both males stood up and posed ridiculously, with the Father standing on one leg while trying to mimic a peacock and Grump doing the same with surprsingly more success than the former.

"Then from there, our new life began as 'Bernardo the Vagrant hunter and his Tenacious Tigrex!'"

"GGGRRRREEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOHHH!

The father shouted and Grump roared, both in a heroic manner with enthusiasm, to the amusement of the mother and bewilderment of his child.

"Or 'Bern and Grump' for short." The father adds, before he and Grump settle back down.

"Wait… so you just abandoned everything, like your standing as hunter and your previous way of life, for Grump? —I-I mean no offense to Grump or saying you shouldn't have done nothing to help him—But wasn't that hard to do… and did you regret doing so?" The boy asked, his feature showing concern and worry for his father, yet a hint of maturity in his question and expression. The man himself, had thoughtful expression before answering his son honestly.

"I won't lie, both me and Grump had our ups and downs in figuring out are whole partnership and working together. There were times I did feel regret of running away and getting excommunicate by the guild, but if I were given the chance to turn back time to that moment before I left with Grump, I'd still jump on his back and fly away out of there. Because after spending time with him, turns out we both liked each other's company and didn't want to leave other.

And, cause like I said before, we learned that both us were no different from each other in terms of surviving in this world. We both eat, sleep, and fight everyday just to stay alive and we learned the odds were better for us working together. So me and grump did, got closer as friends and then true companions together, becoming an unbreakable duo.

Sure, sometimes I didn't have the leisure civilization had to offer and I may have missed it sometimes, but I loved our new life of adventure as a hunter and monster team back then and wouldn't have it in any other way. Even if I had to abandoned my previous way of life and some hunter teachings, which I had to since working with a monster goes against the hunter code… But also, while I'm not trying to sound too sappy, Grump is true friend worth sacrificing it for too."

"GRRRROOOAAAAHHH" Grump moved to affectionately nuzzle the father, while he rolls his eyes in response, before screaming in disgust as the wyvern licks his scalp.

"Grump, my do! And my hair's going to smell like a jerky until we head back!" Grump simply scoffs with no concern for his friend and licks him again teasingly, earning another yell of protest from the man. While the rest of the family laugh at the antics of the two.

"Wow dad. I hope I'll find a monster to be friends with and be like you and Grump." The boy said, hoping to have a partner and share the same kind of friendship his father and his Tigrex shared.

"Don't you have one already?" The father said, earning a confused look from the child.

"What do you mean?"

"Honeydew, you have a monster with you now, don't you? But I recall, you don't call it a monster but rather a …monstie was it?" The mother adds.

"Yeah, why won't you tell me this time about how you met Rogue?" The father asked, pointing his finger at something behind the child.

"Rogue?" The child turns around, his blue eyes sending a piercing gaze at the one watching them the entire time.

---

"Groah?" Rogue growls in surprise and confusion before waking up. Blinking and trying to figure out what the heck did he just saw.

It was weird dream and didn't feel like one either. Much different and not like the other ones with the fried Gargwa legs and the well-done steaks singing and dancing toward his mouth to be devoured. The dream also felt like it belonged to someone else…

"Rogue! We're here!"

Rogue shakes his head waving the thoughts away, upon hearing the tell-tale sounds of his Rider and the felynes entering the room.

"Hey Rogue, morning! You want a treat?" 9S said as he approaches the Deviljho with a small bag.

"Hey…G…p…want…a…Tr…t?" An image of a boy with his hand outstretched in front a monster, flashes in Rogue's mind.

He then turns to look at 9S, scrutinizing him and trying to find something in his face for some reason he doesn't know off. His blue likes look bluer than usual in the Deviljho's opinion.

A deeper part in the recess of Rogue's mind knows what he's doing is important but couldn't figure why or what it is. Only that it concerns his Rider greatly and something to do with their kinship—

"What's wrong Rogue? You don't like YoRHa's Jerky as a treat anymore?" 9S asked with concern while waving the stripped meat in front of Rogue.

Wait—Jerky! His rider brought Treats! The YoRHa kind too. Oh, Rogue was lost in his own thoughts that he didn't notice the snack right in front of him.

"GROOOAAAAHH!" Rogue roared in glee and couldn't help his eyes trailing the marinated meat in front of him. Before taking a quick bite from one as 9S fed him.

"Good to see you're doing okay Rogue. Got me worried there for a second. Now listen close, me and Pod have a lot to tell you and Whistill of what's going to happen in the forest in the next days." 9S said patting his snout before moving back to sit with Pod 153 and Whistill to discuss.

Rogue stayed at his nest, giving his rider his undivided attention to listen to him. Forgetting his earlier train of thought about something important and wondering instead what they'll do next for the morning. He didn't pay much attention to the rest of the meeting, until the end after they decided for him to lay off a bit from the investigation and relax with them for the day. They were going swimming and fishing apparently.

That was the plan until a felyne pop out nowhere with news of a problem.

"Sorry, Nya… It seems one of our carts got stuck in the tunnels somewhere in the center of the western area. They don't know the cause, but it seemed to have gotten lodge in a ditch or something…"

Hearing what Whistill said, Rogue perked up on the spot. Knowing he'll get to go outside the settlement today before he won't be allowed later on.

Hopefully it would be just a simple task.