Hey everyone! Incoming chapter!
The Megaevolved Pony: Oh no indeed.
Touhoufanatic: Definitely. I've only had one like that once in my entire life. I drew on it for inspiration.
Raime063AN: Good observations. Like I said before, Fatalis does impact pretty much everything around it, so who's to say a hunter isn't included? The theory is great too, but I can't really share anything cuz spoilers. Oops.
Luine Mercury LWG: Oooh that theory is a good one. Fatalis taking the form of Eclipsen is a serious implication though, so what do you think it might mean? Also, the name you've been waiting for is right here in this chapter. Are you ready?
And with that, Onward with the Story!
Nergigante awoke doing something she had never done in her human form; screaming.
She gripped Eclipsen's pillow like a life line as she was ripped away from the horrible nightmare that had ravaged her mind, her voice echoing through the room like a church bell that was way too loud for it's own good.
She quickly closed her mouth as she realized the sound she was making, burying her face into Eclipsen's pillow with a tear filled grimace. She gritted her teeth as the terror and unease lingering from the nightmare continued to torment her, with the flashing memories of the strange man being swallowed continuing to dig their way through her mind.
But that was not what had woken Nergigante from her sleep. Instead, the noise of the Council horn had broken her from her nightmare with it's heavy, loud sounds. It had also masked Nergigante's scream, which she found somewhat comforting. Showing fear was still something she strived to avoid as an Elder Dragon.
She squeezed the pillow in her arms tighter as everything from the dream rushed back. It was a difficult to endure the feeling of unease and terror that was wreaking havoc in her system, but she wasn't about to crumble under a strange dream. The fact that the man resembled Eclipsen was like another dagger to the heart, but she countered it by thinking about the real version of him. Eclipsen was safe in the medical ward, as far as she knew.
The thought of Eclipsen safe and recovering in a bed began to dispel the echoes of dread in her system, allowing her to slowly gather her thoughts and feelings. After a second of listening to the Council horn's loud call and collecting herself, Nergigante pulled her face from the pillow. She felt new drive and determination replace the terror as she recalled the words the man had said to her.
His words rang true. She had made a promise to herself that she would follow in Eclipsen's wake and do what needed to be done, and the sound of the Council horn was the first sign that the New World would accommodate that promise.
Nergigante gently placed Eclipsen's pillow on his side of the bed before throwing the blankets off herself.
Today she would begin to fulfill that promise. For herself, the man in the dream and Eclipsen.
She quickly looked down at herself though and realized that she was once again nude. She looked over, seeing that her clothing had been taken off and tossed aside before she fell asleep. Nergigante sighed and slowly got out of bed, wondering how humans managed to cope with having to put on clothing every day.
-Transition-
The Commander sighed as he looked at the soaked map of the New World and the dry reports that sat at the bottom of the map. Each report detailed sightings of Elder Dragons, two of which were seen roaming around the Elder's Recess. It didn't surprise the Commander at all that the sudden disappearance of Nergigante from the ecosystem brought Elder Dragons running back to their home, he just didn't expect it to happen within a days time.
The Council Table was empty, save for the Huntsman, the Field Team Leader and the Commander himself. It wouldn't stay that way for long, as the Argosy Captain and Lead Researchers would be arriving soon. They were the closest the Council Table after all. The Third Fleet Master on the other hand would take at least an hour to arrive, since the Third Fleet Headquarters was in the sky rather than on the ground.
"Grandfather, how will we deal with the Elder Dragons with Eclipsen out of the picture?"
The Field Team Leader's voice was quiet as he asked the question. It was obvious that the topic of Eclipsen's injuries was a sore one, as the Field Team Leader had fostered a friendship with the Hunter. The Commander looked at his grandson before leaning forward and placing his hands on the still damp council table. He noted that they really should set up a tarp for nights like the last one.
"It won't be easy, but the team that just arrived are all Elite Old World Hunters. They will handle this just fine."
The Commander said. He knew that Angela and the rest of that team would take care of the problem in record time, as anyone who had faced a Shagaru Magala and prevailed would be more than skilled enough to battle other Elder Dragons. He heard the sound of the Huntsman's newly repaired armor clinking as he moved, which was followed by a question from the Huntsman himself.
"What about Nergigante? What's our next move with her?"
The Commander straightened and turned to face the Huntsman, adopting his signature crossed arms as he did so. He stared at the Huntsman's visor for a moment as he thought about his next decision. The Commander then looked downward at the soaked planks of wood that made up the floor and stared at them.
"Eclipsen said he wanted to take her out on a hunt with him. To see what she would do and how loyal she was to us. I think it's time to see just what she will do in the field."
The Commander finally said, the hesitation in his voice hidden by his military trained confident tone. The Huntsman shifted in his seat while the Field Team Leader gave his grandfather a slightly disbelieving look.
"You're going to let her out on a hunt?"
The nervousness was clear in the Field Team Leader's voice, which drew the Commander's gaze. The two studied each other for a second, trying to gleam something from each other's expressions. Eventually, the Commander answered his grandson's question.
"Yes. I think it's time we let her out of the cage, so to speak. There's a reason why we don't capture Elder Dragons."
The Commander's firm answer made the Field Team Leader nod in agreement. If the legends around Shrade and the Ancient Civilization were to be believed, then capturing Elder Dragons was a very, very bad idea. The Huntsman's armor made more clinking sounds as he spoke next.
"But do you trust her?"
The Commander leveled a slight glare at the Huntsman as he saw the Field Team Leader look back at him, a new point of worry shining in the young man's eyes. The Huntsman greeted the Commander's stare with his own, his emotions hidden behind the visor that covered his head. The Commander then sent his glare towards the floorboards again. He sometimes hated how he couldn't see the Huntsman's expression.
"Eclipsen trusted her, so I find no reason not to trust her either. We'll need all the help we can get. What about you? Do you think it's a good idea?"
The Commander shot back at the Huntsman with his own query. The old hunter stared for a second before lifting his right leg and resting it on his knee, answering as he did so.
"I will make my own assessment. This will be an opportunity to see just how effective she is in battle."
The Field Team Leader found the courage to smile slightly at the statement, quickly opening his mouth and throwing a verbal jab at the Huntsman.
"Your priorities confuse me, Master."
The Commander shared the Field Team Leader's grin as the old hunter sent a "harrumph" their way.
"You'll understand one day, boy."
The Commander and his grandson shared a chuckle at the Huntsman's crass statement, along with the slight elevation in pitch in the older hunter's voice.
But they were broken from their light-hearted moment by the sound of familiar, clawed footsteps towards the Council Table. The Commander and Field Team Leader turned, finding Nergigante herself approaching the table. Her posture was relaxed and somewhat tired, but something about it told the Commander that she was tired of waiting around in Astera.
She offered a nod in greeting to the three men, which the Commander and his grandson returned. The Huntsman remained silent and made no move to respond, only staring quietly at the Elder Dragon. The Commander took a step towards the table and glanced down at the reports on the table. It them occurred to him that Nergigante might not be able to read, but it was a problem easily fixed by the presence of the many researchers, some of which had even taught others in the Old World.
"Nergigante. It's good that you came, we were going to involve you during this meeting."
The Commander stated plainly as he watched Nergigante. She nodded again before looking down at the soaked map on the table. Her eyebrows furrowed and a frown grew on her face before she titled her head, supposedly in an attempt to read the map. While she could read the lettering just fine, Nergigante found it hard to read the map while it was upside down.
The Field Team Leader offered a concerned glance at his grandfather, who only shrugged. It would take some time for the rest of the Council to arrive anyway, so it would be a good experience for all three to get used to the presence of the Elder Dragon. Or at least, that's what the Commander thought.
Not even a minute after Nergigante arrived, the sound of Tony's leather footwraps approached the table. The Chief Botanist stared nervously at Nergigante as he walked over to his usual Council seat and sat down. He looked at Nergigante for a few more seconds before directing his attention to the clipboard in his hands. Apparently, the work of a botanist was never done.
Next to arrive was the Analytics Director, who paid no mind to Nergigante as he checked some of his papers while walking to his own spot. He seemed to be deep in thought as he jotted down variables and results in record time. Nergigante likewise ignored him as she continued to study the map of the New World.
The next three to arrive were the Provisions Manager, the Argosy Captain and the Head Smith. The old Smith leveled an unreadable look at Nergigante as he passed, and she offered him an apologetic one in turn. The Commander watched the interaction, his interest growing as the two proceeded to go back to what they were doing.
"Sorry I'm late! Had a rough night."
Hether said as she jogged up to the Council table. Her hair was slightly messy and she had forgotten her eyeglass goggles. It was apparent to the entire group that the night beforehand had hit the poor Handler hard. She still looked ready as ever though, which was a point of strength that everyone could count on. No matter what happened, Hether wouldn't give up.
"It's quite alright. I was actually going to ask you to retrieve the team that arrived yesterday. They're vital for our next operation."
"Yes sir! They're probably still sleeping. I'll go grab them and be right back!"
Hether answered with gusto and took off like a woman with a mission. Nergigante watched with a slight smile on her face as the Handler jogged up the stairs towards the Smithy. Nergigante noticed that she was beginning to enjoy Hether's attitude. It was nice to always have somebody around who can be happy and bubbly, even in the worst of times.
The Commander turned and looked to the sky, noticing a small air balloon slowly floating into Astera. The familiar figure of the Third Fleet Master waved from inside the riding basket of the balloon while another helpful worker tossed a line to catch a nearby docking pole. All things considered, it had taken less time for the Wyverian researcher to arrive than the Commander thought it would.
The Third Fleet Master was quick in exiting her air transport and walking over to the Council Table. As she reached the small steps that led up to the table, she noticed Nergigante and her eyes widened with curiosity. The Wyverian woman took a step forward and reached for Nergigante's left wing before being stopped by the sound of the Commander clearing his throat.
The Third Fleet Master leveled a glare at the older man as he gestured towards her seat with head. The two stared each other down as the Third Fleet Master walked over to her spot and once she reached it, she pulled out her smoking pipe and quickly lit it, taking a long puff to relieve her new sourness towards the Commander.
Meanwhile, Nergigante had noticed none of the interaction, including the near contact the Third Fleet Master had with her wing. Though in reality, Nergigante had opted to ignore the woman entirely in favor of studying the map of the New World.
"They should be here in a little bit Commander. They were just waking up when I barged in."
Hether said as she walked back up to the Council Table. She was winded from her run to and from the team's room and the table, and Nergigante offered a pat on the shoulder as comfort. The Handler look over and nodded in thanks at the Elder Dragon before going back to taking deep breaths.
"Good. Once they're here, we will start the meeting."
The Commander stated, his eyes glued to the reports on the table. The presence of more Elder Dragons made him truly nervous despite the team of Elite Hunters that had arrived. Any Elder Dragon could easily level Astera in rage if they were left to their own devices, but that was the worst scenario in his opinion. All he could do was hope that Eclipsen recovered in time to have a last line of defence should if it happened anyway.
The sound of a group of heavy footsteps drew the attention of the entirety of the Council, and it was like watching embodiments of skill, experience, power and knowledge flaunt their achievements. Nina in her full male Ceadeus gear walked alongside Fabien who's head was still hidden behind his Gore Magala helmet. Richard and Angela were the only ones not wearing headgear, but their armor was polished and shining in the light.
The Huntsman made an audible 'hmph' sound in recognition of their strength, which made even the Commander impressed. Not many could draw that kind of reaction from the Huntsman, and if these four could do it then it only proved just how skilled they were.
"Sorry Commander, had a hard time getting out of bed."
Angela said as she walked up to the Council Table and handed her written report over to the older man. The Commander nodded in thanks as he took the paper from across the table and he set it next to the reports that were already on the wood.
"Good. Now that everyone's here, let's begin."
With that, an air of seriousness gripped the table as the Commander lifted one of the reports off the table and presented it. Nergigante focused on the paper and her yellow eyes were able to read most of it. Angela took a spot next to Nergigante whole Richard, Nina and Fabien took seats on the barrels next to the railing.
"In the past few days, we've received evidence of Elder Dragon activity in the New World. I thought we could nip the problem in the bud by removing Nergigante from the ecosystem, but the exact opposite has happened. Elder Dragons are rushing back into their old homes now that Nergigante is no longer there, and it's wreaking havoc on the environment."
Angela took a step forward, her eyes carrying nothing but focus as she spoke. The Council listened intently as she did so, which struck Nergigante as friendly and open minded. The Elder Dragon listened closely as well.
"Where exactly have these Elder Dragons been spotted?"
The Commander nodded slightly and leaned forward, pointing towards the Elder's Recess on the map of the New World. Nergigante watched like a hawk as he pointed, memorizing the look of the map.
"In an area known as the Elder's Recess. Nergigante made it her home while she was hunting for other Elders to eat, but they cleared out as soon as she arrived."
The Analytics Director spoke next, holding out his paper full of evidence for the rest of the Council to see.
"So far, from the tracks we've collected, we've narrowed it down to three Elder Dragons so far. Emphasis on 'so far'".
Angela nodded before leaning forward, placing her hands on the table. It was clear she was yearning for a fight, as her posture was tight and ready for action.
"Alright, so what exactly are we dealing with?"
The Field Team Leader took a step forward and pointed to one of the other reports on the table before talking.
"From our reports, it looks like we have a Teostra, Kushala Daora and a completely new species of Elder Dragon."
Angela made a confused and curious face before asking another question.
"New species? How so?"
The Third Fleet Master blew out a puff of smoke from her pipe before stepping toward and lifting the third report off the table. The Commander noticed that Nergigante's expression had gone from focussed to slightly angry from what he could tell, and he noted that she was reading the report that the Third Fleet Master was presenting.
"Indeed. The tracks found by the Field Team are completely unlike anything we've seen before. Long fingers with curled, thin claws and evidence of the Effluvium in the Rotten Vale being tampered with. Not to mention the decayed and tainted flesh we've found lying around. Normally that kind of meat would have been eaten by carrions in seconds, but it's just been left to rot."
Angela moved her eyes somewhere else and her expression shifted to deep thought. Nergigante lowered her gaze, allowing the shadows cast by her horns to mask her expression. Hether gave a worried look to both of them as the Commander continued.
"We've decided that we need to solve this issue as quickly as possible, so I'll be asking for help from your team, Angela."
Angela looked up at the Commander and gave a solid nod, her eyes holding a burning fire within them.
"Understood. Just tell us who to hunt and we'll get it done."
The Commander nodded before addressing the entire Council, his crossed arms and pose providing Nergigante with an excellent look at what a human leader was supposed to look like.
"Good. First, we'll have teams of two hunt the first two Elder Dragons, and a third team will investigate this new Elder Dragon in the Rotten Vale. Angela, I'll let you decide how you think this should be handled."
Angela looked back at the three other hunters who nodded with purpose back at her. Richard had a look of pure and utter determination which Angela smirked at. She knew that look, and she knew how to use that focus. Angela then look back at the Commander and began to state her plan.
"Richard and Nina will handle the Kushala Daora. They have the most experience and skill with fighting wind manipulation. Fabien and I will take the Teostra. It'll be a cake walk for us."
"I will go with them to hunt the Teostra. I won't miss this opportunity."
The Huntsman's gruff voice echoed from behind the table, drawing a wider smirk from Angela.
"We'd be happy to have you along, old timer."
The statement made the Huntsman give another huff, drawing slight chuckles from the rest of the Council. The Commander nodded before speaking.
"Good. But that leaves one missing piece."
"We don't have an extra team to investigate the third Elder Dragon."
Hether finished for him, a look of worry on her face. The Commander nodded and the Council fell silent. If Eclipsen had not been injured, he could have handled the mission all on his own.
The table remained silent for a while, a slight air of depression snaking it's way into the atmosphere. Nergigante's claws gently dug into the table as she had to endure the silence, and her teeth itched to bite something.
Now was her chance.
"I'll do it."
The whole of Astera seemed to go silent as those words were spoken. The voice was unfamiliar and certainly not from anyone around the Council Table. Except maybe for the one who nobody expected to speak in the first place.
Nergigante looked around the Council with determined, burning yellow eyes. Her reptilian pupils seemed to bite through everyone, wether or not they wanted to be looked at by her. The Commander, Third Fleet Master and Eclipsen's old hunting partners stood silent, their shock visible on their faces.
The silence reigned for a moment before the Commander took a step forward, growing closer to the edge of the table as he did so.
"Could you repeat that?"
He asked. His tone wasn't offended, nor was it forceful. It seemed more like a polite request. Nergigante's stare centered on him before her lips moved once more. This time, everyone listened like hawks as the unfamiliar voice spoke again.
"I said I'll do it. You have nobody else qualified for the task, correct? Then I'll do it."
She paused and took a quick breath, and the Council table stayed silent for long enough for her to continue her words.
"You humans have given me a great deal, and Eclipsen has shown me what you humans should be. It's time that I give back to you all, and sitting around waiting for you all to handle your problems will not do that. I offer you my knowledge, my skills, even my old body as materials if you want them. So please, allow this to be my first step to repaying you."
The Council let that statement and request soak in to the fullest, with many among the table staring in disbelief at Nergigante's speech. Her voice was difficult to describe, as her voice-box was still seemingly unused to actual words. The best description that anybody could give is that it sounded like a middle aged soldier woman who had seen too much already. Yet it also carried an air of bestial nature and cunning behind it.
A light chuckle from the Commander drew the attention of everyone at the table as if went from a chuckle to an outright laugh. Two unexpected things in a day was having quite the impact on the Council as they stared on like Kelbi's caught in a Rathalos' line of fire.
"Well then, can't refuse an offer like that, can we? Nergigante, I'll allow you to take Eclipsen's place for now until he's ready to hunt again. But before that, you need a name besides just Nergigante."
Nergigante eyed the Commander for a moment. She found human names quite useless as a monster, as scent, tracks and behavior already spoke of what wasn't needed. But she wasn't a monster anymore.
"Call me whatever you wish."
"No, that's not how this works. It's your name, you choose it."
The Commander quickly shut down Nergigante's attempt at worming out if the situation. She didn't know anything about human names, and she hadn't ever required one in the wild, so Nergigante was at a loss for words. She directed her gaze downward and focused for a second, thinking of anything she could call herself.
And a name popped up in her head. She didn't remember where she heard it, but she knew it was important somehow. And that fact was enough for her to make her decision.
"Call me Nergal."
The Commander smiled as the Council absorbed the new information they had been given. The Head Smith, despite nobody noticing, cracked a smile at the situation.
The Analytics Director noted that the name 'Nergal' had belonged to a deity from the Ancient Civilization, which made him write down a note to investigate the name further on the corner of his papers.
"Now that you've volunteered Nergal, I'd like to hear your opinion."
The Commander said. The newly named Nergal looked back at him, some confusion in her face.
"I'm sorry?"
"Come on now. You ate other Elder Dragons as a monster, so who better to ask for advice?"
Nergal nodded. It was a fair point. She knew Teostra and Kushala Daora's weaknesses, behavior and even edible meats inside and out. She quickly ran over the plan that had been decided on, looking for any holes in the strategy. There weren't many concerning the first two Elder Dragons, but the third...
"If I may Commander, I have a proposal."
Nergal said, drawing the attention of everybody in the Council. They looked at the Commander who gestured for her to continue.
"Go ahead."
Nergal nodded and the Council listened intently as she leaned forward, her words becoming more and more valuable as they listened.
"I want to try handling this third Elder Dragon peacefully."
Everyone paused for a moment to process what they had just heard. The Commander gave Nergal a look of confusion.
"Could you elaborate?"
He asked, his own curiosity audible in his voice. The Third Fleet Master gently plucked Tony's clipboard out of his hands and pulling a writing quill out of her robes. This was going to be interesting. Nergal leaned into the table and began, her eyes only showing focus and intelligence behind them.
"While I was hunting the Teostra you've spotted, I flew over what you call the Rotten Vale. I made I quick stop there to rest my wings and I noticed that the Elder Dragon residing there had not moved beyond a specific area of the Vale. I went to investigate and eat this Elder Dragon, but by the time I found it's nest it had retreated."
"What makes you think it can be reasoned with?"
The Commander asked, practically speaking for the rest of the Council members.
"The Elder Dragon in the Rotten Vale isn't actively hostile, just territorial. It didn't encroach on any other monster's territory, and they didn't invade it's territory either. There is a... What do you humans call it?"
Nergal asked. The Huntsman was the one to answer, shifting in his seat as he did so. It seemed that his own interest in the meeting had grown thanks to Nergal's speech.
"Respect?"
"Yes, a mutual respect between that Elder Dragon and her environment."
The Third Fleet Master raised and eyebrow as she finished jotting down a few notes. This expanse of wisdom from the Elder Dragon was incredibly interesting to the Wyverian woman, and it seemed that Nergal had become a bottomless pit of mystery and learning.
"Her?"
Nergal nodded in response before answering, gently making small hand motions with her left arm while her right remained on the table.
"Yes. The Elder Dragon in the Rotten Vale is female. I could tell from the scent of her lair. And judging from that scent, she's also hundreds of years old and was born right here in the New World."
The Commander spoke next, sending his own question back at Nergal.
"That still doesn't explain how you plan to peacefully resolve the situation."
Nergal gave the Commander a look that said 'are you stupid?' Before she began to explain. The Third Fleet Master continued to jot down notes that she felt would be helpful towards her research as well as other researchers in the Third Fleet.
"We monsters communicate through body language, scent and activity. You would be surprised to learn just how much you can discover about a monster simply from where it decides to nest. I'll make my presence known and wait just outside it's territory until it's ready to investigate. Then I'll do my best to make it look like I'm not a threat, and hopefully that will help me communicate that we want peace."
The Council nodded as they realized how the plan would work. Nergal look around before speaking once more.
"But there is a flaw in that plan."
Angela was the one to ask her own question this time, crossing her arms as she did so.
"How so?"
Nergal looked at her before continuing. Angela listened intently, seemingly more than interested in learning exactly where the flaw was in the plan.
"The presence of the Teostra and Kushala Daora would make it too skiddish and wary for it to come out. You'll have to get rid of those two first."
The Commander nodded in response while Angela accepted the information in stride. The Third Fleet Master raised her finger one more time and spoke, drawing Nergal's full attention.
"Why do we have to rely on the third Elder Dragon for a peaceful solution? Why can't we try your method on the Teostra or the Kushala?"
Nergal answered matter-of-factly, her knowledge of the other Elder Dragons she had hunted and her personal experiences with them slowly becoming more and more enlightening for the Council.
"Because Teostra are too prideful. They never give any other monster any kind of breathing room, let alone an alliance. Kushala Daora are too hateful of humans for it to work with a hunter, and they are too territorial for it to work with another monster."
The Commander looked down at the map of the New World, his thoughts scrambled slightly from the revelation that Nergal could talk and the strategy that she had proposed. He sighed through his nose before looking up at the Elder Dragon, his eyes narrowing before he answered.
"It's worth a try. But what do you expect to gain from making an alliance with this Elder Dragon?"
Nergal cracked a wicked smile that made some of the Council shift in their spots, she then continued with her plan.
"Knowledge. Forewarning. This monster was born here in the New World, so she would be far more attuned to it than you, me, or even the Field Team Leader. She could warn us about things that we wouldn't see coming until it was right on top of us."
The Commander rolled the idea over in his head one more time. A warning of coming events would be a solid and distinct advantage and an opportunity to perform evacuation procedures should it be something they couldn't prevent. Not to mention it would please the Third Fleet immensely if their research into the Rotten Vale was permitted and back by an Elder Dragon.
He nodded before giving his answer.
"Then it's settled. Angela, you and your team will eliminate the Teostra and Kushala Daora, then Nergal will attempt to make contact with the Elder Dragon in the Rotten Vale. Nergal, is there a time frame we should be aware of?"
Nergal shook her head at the question while Angela was visibly excited, as she shifted her weight from foot to foot.
"No. If we want to make sure that the Elder Dragon will respond, we should take care of the Kushala this week and the Teostra the next. It will give us all enough to time to prepare and for the Elder Dragon in the Vale to notice their disappearance."
The Commander nodded and looked around at the entire Council Table, addressing them all.
"Hear that? We're fighting Elder Dragons here, people. We have to be at the top of our game. Do what you have to, but we need to get this team ready to take them on. Head Smith?"
"Aye?"
"Double time on all orders. We need everyone outfitted if something goes wrong. Make sure Nergal's armor is extra tough in case her plan falls through. Everybody else?"
The Council sat in suspense as the Commander leaned forward.
"Get ready for war."