Monster Hunter Legends
The Tigrex's Rage – Chapter 2
The elder's hall stood as a beacon of light in the dark, cold night. Many of those that were not needed had left the meeting in its early stages, but now only the senior Samurai were left talking. They had still not come to a decision. There were two views on the situation: firstly, they could send a group to the Guild, and demand a safe meeting with the Narga Clan elders. Or, the more favorable option at the moment, send Kai to the Narga Clan, with a supporting force of Samurai waiting to back up Kai. The Grand Elder, who was in favor of the first option, said, "We cannot risk upsetting the alliance we have now! If we get the Guild's support, we can at least talk with the Narga Clan peacefully. If we send Kai, there's no telling what will happen! I do not see how you can argue for a barbaric mission!"
Kai's old sensei spoke up now. "If you do decide on going to see the Guild, there is no telling what Kai will do. It is better to back up his mission, so if he fails, we can talk with the Guild anyway. It also satisfies Kai's need for the truth."
There was a murmur of approval in the group. Another Samurai spoke up. "Grand Elder, just agree with sending Kai. We have been at this for hours! We can always change things if need be."
The Grand Elder sighed, knowing he was defeated. "Fine. I will allow you to send Kai to the Great Forest," the group cheered, "On one condition – he must travel alone. It will force him to do nothing rash, and we can conduct other things without wasting Samurai." Most of the group agreed, but others thought it was foolish to send one man, on his own to the Great Forest. Up in the rafters of the hall, another person thought so too.
Kai woke leisurely, stumbling out of bed when someone started knocking on his door. "Who is it?" he called out, fully awake after his ling rest. "It's me, Nami. Hurry up, slow-poke!"
Kai opened the door, and Nami walked in, sitting down at his breakfast table. "What brings you here so early?" Kai joked.
"Ha-ha. This is no time for jokes, Kai! The Grand Elder decided."
"And?" Kai looked up in expectation.
"And… he will send you to the Great Forest. But he made it that you had to travel alone! He has put most Samurai to work, other than the elders who he has contacting the Guild in Pokke."
"And… you see a problem with this?" Kai responded, looking at Nami puzzlingly.
"Well, how are you going to make it to the Great Forest alone? There are countless monsters out there, and finding the Narga Clan's village hasn't been done by outsiders ever!"
Kai smiled. Nami never worried about anything, but she was worrying about him. "Don't worry Nami. If the Grand Elder says I have to travel alone, so be it. But that doesn't mean I have to."
"Kai, no-one can come with you. Everyone's working. I told you! The Grand Elder-" Nami noticed Kai was grinning.
"I'm going to find him." Kai's grin widened, and he hugged Nami.
No one was there to see Kai off, except for the Grand Elder. Makoto had left a note saying goodbye, but that was all. Kai was standing in his full armor, a combination of Tigrex materials and Samurai crafting techniques. His Wailing Cleaver shone on his back in the sunlight. "Alright then," said the Grand Elder, "Off on your way. Good luck."
"Thanks…" Kai muttered, bowing to the Grand Elder. Turning to leave, Kai felt pride swell inside him. He was beginning his quest for the truth, after ten, long years. Walking down the pathway out of the mountains, Kai wondered if he would ever return to the temple. Looking up at the sun, he smiled. He was going to be ok.
Unknown to him, he was not the only person to leave the temple without an audience. In a house near the wall that formed the temple's defenses, a small figure hopped lightly down over the wall. Watching the Tigrex Warrior walk down the path, the mysterious person waited, and followed.