Monster Hunter Legends

The Tigrex's Rage – Chapter 5

Tenma woke leisurely in the tent, and noticed that Kai had already left. Hearing movement outside, he sat up in the bed the village had shared. Tenma was tired, having gotten to sleep late last night. He wasn't used to sleeping in a different place, and when he finally got to sleep, it was late, and Kai's snoring didn't help. Tenma's armour was placed next to the bed, with his pack and sword. Looking over to the other side of the tent, he noticed Kai had taken his armour. Staggering outside, he was greeted by Thomas. "Morning. Took you long enough to wake up, Kai already left for the tower."

"Huh? He's already gone?" replied Tenma groggily.

"Yup. He woke early, ate breakfast, even waited a while for you. But he gave up and headed off to the tower. If you get ready soon, I'll lead you to the entrance."

"…Ok. I won't take to long."

Tenma hurriedly put on his armour, and ate a quick breakfast. He then headed off with Thomas down a moss-covered path, laden with rocks and trees. A fair way off, Tenma heard the rush of water. "Don't worry, it's not far. The tower is just hidden behind these rocks and cliffs, that's all." Thomas was saying.

"I've heard about the tower from other Samurai. Is it really a small hunting ground?" asked Tenma, curious to know.

"Well, yes and no. There are some strange monsters that take refuge around the tower. Elder dragons are common. Some flying wyverns show up now and again, but they are no real trouble to the village. Only Yama Tsukami is dangerous." Replied Thomas, and then stayed quiet for the remainder of the trip.

Turning around a corner, the tower came into view. It was huge – it was situated on a large rock-like structure, which itself towered above the jungle below. Due to this, the top of the tower rose high into the clouds. "Ok. Just follow the path up to those stairs, and Kai should be waiting. I have to head back now. Good luck!" Thomas stated, then turned and jogged back along the path. Tenma turned back to the tower, and noticed Kai at the bottom of the stairs. Jogging over to him, Tenma asked, "What is with Thomas and this place?"

"Oh, nothing. He just dislikes being away from the town. He's not a hunter, so he fears he may be attacked by monsters," Kai chuckled at this, "Come on, let's head up."

Starting up the stairs, Tenma felt an odd presence ahead. He couldn't explain why or how, but the tower was radiating waves of mystery and ancientness. It had power. Eventually reaching the top of the stairs, Kai told Tenma to wait at the top. Tenma nodded, then looked forward. Sitting not to far away, was a hunter, but Tenma couldn't see his face behind his mask. Kai sat down in front of the man, and made a bow. The polite Samurai greeting, Tenma knew. The hunter returned the bow, and was silent for a moment. He then spoke, in a low, old voice, "What are you here for?"

Kai replied slowly, "My name is Kai. I am the Tigrex Warrior, and I seek your assistance in travelling to the Great Forest, as my companion and I do not know the way."

The hunter nodded, and then said, "I know who you are. And I also know why you are heading to the Great Forest."

Tenma watched on, stunned by the hunters knowledge. "Did you not expect me to know? I'm the Guardian. News always reaches my ears one way or another."

Kai shrugged casually, a movement Tenma thought was disrespectful in the presence of the Guardian. "I knew you would know my situation. You met my father years ago. He told me you watch the goings on of Minegarde. Now, will you be our guide or not?"

At this, Tenma thought the Guardian would be furious, but he replied casually. "Sure. I will help you get to the Great Forest, and to its inner sanctum. But, you must promise me one thing."

"Anything in return for your help." Kai replied.

"Hmm. Good. Are you prepared to leave this place?"

"Yes. Aren't you going to tell me what to promise?"

"No. Not yet. But when I ask you, you will promise without question." The Guardian stood up, and declared, "Let's move."

He walked off briskly, past Tenma and straight on down the stairs. Kai got up and patted Tenma on the shoulder as he passed, following the Guardian. The trio got to the bottom of the stairs easily, the downward trek much quicker. Tenma was confused to the Guardian's intentions and mood.

Making a short pass through the village, Kai said thankyou to Thomas and the village for being so kind. They then headed for the jungle once more, but it was a way neither Kai nor Tenma had taken before. They headed back through the dense jungle, towards the east, and the coast. "Guardian," asked Kai suddenly, "What route are we taking to the Great Forest exactly? I know it is south, close to the two deserts. We seem to be going to the coast…"

"Heheh… don't worry. Were not heading to the coast. I am actually taking you to the Valley of the Twins, it is a much faster way to get to the Great Forest."

The Valley of the Twins, Tenma had heard this name before, but he could not remember where. "Also," continued the Guardian, "It avoids the Guild. They may have outposts along the Valley here and there, but no serious places of authority." Tenma decided it was his time to cut in. He had not yet spoken to the Guardian yet. "Why are we avoiding the Guild? You never really explained that to me."

The Guardian turned to look at Tenma, as though noticing him for the first time. Tenma could not see anything of the Guardian's expression through his mask. "The Guild, Tenma, does not like interfering with the Grand Trio's problems. They prefer to keep to themselves, and look down on the Grand Trio."

"I see." Tenma replied, realising he would get no more information. He chose to ask a different question. "What armour is that? It seems to be made of wood, but no wood I've seen. It can't be very protective."

In his mask, the Guardian smiled to himself. "This armour is very protective, young Tenma. It is made of Ancient Dragonwood, just like my longsword, and is extremely strong. It is proof of one who has faced the Yama Tsukami." The Guardian's tone lightened now. "Coincidentally, it happens to be called Guardian Spirit Shin by the Guild. My title, though, is not related to this armour."

And so it went like this for hours – Tenma asking a question, the Guardian answering. He seemed to have an answer to everything Tenma could think of. By sundown, the trio had reached the edge of the jungle. The trees had thinned out into shrubbery and plains of grass spread out before them. "We will have to camp soon. The Valley of the Twins can wait till tomorrow." Finding a suitable area, Kai set up a perimeter of traps whilst Tenma and the Guardian prepared their tents. Once all was done, the three sat down at the fire and discussed the coming day. "How will we cross the Valley of the Twins? I have heard some strange carapeceons live there, and the Valley gets very wide at some points." Kai asked, eager to know all the details.

"Well," replied the Guardian, "There are some very strange creatures in the Valley. But, we wont have to fight any if were lucky. We'll be following the edge, on the Forest side. I know where to cross, so don't worry."

"Guardian," enquired Tenma, "Do you know why its called the Valley of the Twins?"

"Of course. Don't they teach young Samurai the legends of old anymore? They mustn't. All right, from my memory, the Valley of the Twins is situated exactly in the middle of Minegarde, cutting the land in half. Supposedly, when the Great Wyvern died, it split into to two: the dark god Akantor, and the white god Ukanlos. The two monsters appeared on either side of the Valley, and the hunters who had slain the Great Wyvern saw them as twins. The wyverns then went their separate ways, Akantor crossing the desert to the volcanoes, and Ukanlos crossing the swamps to the mountain peaks. Its just an old legend."

Tenma was awed by the Guardian's knowledge, but he was also tired. He wanted to sleep badly. Saying a quick goodnight, Tenma stumbled into his tent and fell asleep soon. Back at the fire, Kai asked the Guardian again.

"Are you going to tell me what I have to promise?"

The Guardian looked at Kai, and said nothing. "I will choose the time, when it is right. I just hope you can keep it."