For The Living

by Ezakiel

When an ancient threat rears its head yet again, the Monster Hunters have to take up their arms to claim their future. Former "An Unusual Assignment"

9. Remember the dead

At last, I'm back again! I'm terribly sorry for the insanely long wait you had to endure. I suffered distractions and delays in any possible fashion, like a crashing computer, an illness that tied me to bed for weeks, work, writers block... Anyway, I snapped out of it. I've started to work on the final chaps of this fic, so expect very quick updates after a few chaps.

If you have read LordVoldios "By Our Blades", you gathered a little info on the backgrounds of what's in store for you, but still, I made you wait too long. To make up for that, here's the next chap, including some important turns of events.

Disclaimer: I do not own Monster Hunter or any of LordVoldios' property.

Chapter nine: Remember the dead

The red light around them subsided. Ezakiel raised his weapon, ready to defend himself against the raging Mordecai, when he noticed that their surroundings had changed. They were standing in a large, ornate room with empty walls and huge, artfully crafted windows. Around them was a large, C-shaped table with various seats around it which were decorated or downright built with monster-parts. On these seats sat fully armoured hunters, among them he recognized Seid, Vindel and… his mother!?

"Reena?" uttered a gruff voice with utter shock. Ezakiel turned towards the source and saw a tall, middle aged man with shoulder-length, wild red hair and a thick red beard. He had green eyes, just like Reena, and wore a uniform that closely resembled the administrator's, except that his was mostly black with red lining. He concluded that this must be Head Administrator Temura, and the persons around him were the Royals. He also recognized the employer who hired them for Reena's initiation standing beside Temura. What this gathering was about and why they were here, however, he had no idea.

Zeshen looked just as confused and lost as he was, still holding her weapons ready, even though there was no one to fight. After a tense second they hesitantly lowered their weapons, still bewildered by the situation.

He snapped out of it immediately when Reena lost consciousness and fell to the ground. "Reena!" Temura immediately bolted to her side and knelt down. He called her name several times, but to no avail. However, she was still breathing calmly, as if she was merely asleep. Instead of trying to wake her, he lifted her limp frame, carried her to his desk and put her down in his seat. Ezakiel was worried by her sudden breakdown. He hoped that she was all right.

Then his gaze went to his mother, who was just as surprised as he was. "Mother, what are you doing here?"

She raised an eyebrow in a vain attempt to hide her bewilderment. "I could ask you the same."

Then Temura faced the two armed intruders with a mix of anger and confusion. "What's going on here?", he growled darkly.

Noticing that he still held his weapon, Ezakiel quickly sheathed it and knelt, crossing his right arm over his chest. Zeshen mirrored his actions. "M-my name is Ezakiel, and this is my companion Zeshen, sir. We were...on a hunt in the volcanic belt, together with your daughter..." He paused for a moment, realizing that the story he was about to tell was hard to believe for anyone who hadn't been there first hand. He certainly wouldn't have believed it himself, if he hadn't just barely survived it. He decided to make this short and to-the-point. "We were chasing a wounded Basarios, when suddenly...suddenly Akantor appeared out of a lake of lava and devoured it."

Eyes widened all around them at these unexpected news. Temura looked completely shocked, albeit suspicious. Ezakiel continued before the Head Administrator could question him. "We managed to escape into a cave, but discovered that it was actually some sort of passageway, leading to the ruins of a giant city, hidden inside the mountain." Again, he could tell that everyone was in doubt. The only thing that kept them from laughing at him or downright throwing them out was the fact that they appeared out of thin air with a flash of light. They obviously wanted to hear the explanation.

"We were assaulted by literally thousands of Remobras and had to hide inside the palace of that city. There we met a man who claimed to be the king of that realm." He hesitated again, knowing that the next part would have quite an impact on Temura. "He said his name was Mordecai, sir."

Temura paled. He opened and closed his mouth, but couldn't say anything. The Royals around them looked even more suspicious. Ezakiel didn't blame them. "He told us that that realm was called Nofresc, an ancient kingdom that was engaged in a war with Shrade hundreds of years ago. Shrade had almost defeated them when a mysterious being he called "The Ancestor" descended and granted their king, Astot, godlike power and the ability to create warriors to fight Shrade." He looked around once more, meeting eyes with everyone present. "All the monsters that exist today are descendants of those warriors. Nofresc is the very reason they exist."

The Head Administrator shook his head, as if to clear it, and looked at Reena. "But what happened?! How did you get here?! And why are you in such a state?"

It was only then that Ezakiel noticed, or more accurately felt, all the bruises on his face. He looked down his body and made out several dents and chinks where the crazed king's blade had connected. "After he was done talking, he tried to kill us. We stood no chance against him. He had almost defeated us, but we barely managed to disable him long enough to make our escape. We found a room with a circle of runes on the floor. When we stood inside that circle, Reena did...something, we were engulfed in red light and… well, here we are, sir."

Temura looked perfectly lost, his gaze continuously wandering between the two hunters and his unconscious daughter. He closed his eyes for a second, then bent down to pick Reena up. "I hereby delay this conference. We will meet again tomorrow morning." He looked at Ezakiel again. "You two, come with me." Without another word, he left the hall. Ezakiel and Zeshen looked at each other, then followed him.

They walked through the wood-panelled corridors of what seemed to be a large building. Ezakiel guessed that they were in Dondruma, inside the headquarters of the Guild, seeing as the Royal conference was held here. Head Administrator Temura led them at a brisk pace, not saying a word. Soon they reached what seemed to be his office. He opened the ornate wooden doors and stepped into a spacious, richly decorated room. Several trophies lined the walls, most likely beasts he slew himself. Dominating the entire collection was a single, black, twisted horn which was unlike everything they had ever seen. He couldn't place it but something about the trophy was just wrong. Just looking at it made a shiver crawl up Ezakiel's spine. He guessed that it had to be a horn of Fatalis itself.

Temura gently placed Reena on a couch at the wall, then turned to the hunters. "I find your story hard to believe. You must admit, this sounds quite a bit...fantastic to say the least."

Ezakiel nodded. "I know, Your Lordship, but it is true."

"And what happened to Reena? Why is she unconscious?"

Ezakiel could only shrug. "Quite frankly, I don't know myself. She seemed al right when we made our escape."

Zeshen put a hand to her chin. "Maybe it has something to do with this strange power of hers."

"Power?" snapped Temura in alarm. "What kind of power?"

"Mordecai claimed it to be ancient Nofrescian magic that ran within his veins, sir", she answered. "You see, he told us that when Nofresc was waging war with Shrade, king Astot had created Fatalis to defeat his enemy. It succeeded in doing so, but went rampage after that and destroyed Nofresc as well. Astot remained inside this world as a ghost, gathering his power and waiting for an opportunity to possess another body and make it his vessel."

"His vessel?" Temura asked, clearly uncomfortable with that image.

"He eventually found one", Ezakiel stated. "It was your grandmother, who was already pregnant with Mordecai. Astot tried to possess her soul, but instead ended up in the unborn child. Since he didn't have enough strength left, he had to wait. Mordecai became a famous hunter because he learned to use the power that Astot had involuntarily bestowed upon him. When Akantor was pinned down, Mordecai set out to slay it. This time however, Astot suppressed his power and forced him to escape. He led him to Nofresc, where he slowly took over his body and influenced his mind until Mordecai was just as crazy as the king."

"So this power was passed down our bloodline", Temura muttered. "That would explain why I... But for Reena to have it as well…" He looked at his daughter, still unconscious on the couch. "I never wished for her to get into such danger. I should never have allowed her to go." He then looked back at them. "How did you meet her?"

"We were the ones who escorted her during her initiation, sir."

Temura raised an eyebrow. "You? But I hired three hunters. Where's the third?"

Zeshen bit her lower lip, eyes downcast. Ezakiel closed his eyes for a second. "Mordecai murdered him. He sacrificed himself so we could get away."

"I see," the Head Administrator said with a grim nod. "Is there really no doubt that it's him?"

"At least he claimed to be Mordecai. He also looked a lot like you, even if he somehow became young again."

"This is getting stranger by the second. Young, you say? You'll have to understand that I will ask Reena as soon as she wakes up. I can't quite believe you just yet." His gaze was fixed on his daughter. "I'll have a room prepared for you. Take time to rest until then. Ancient kingdoms or not, you obviously need it." Temura nodded briskly at Ezakiel "I understand that Administrator Erris is your mother, correct? Perhaps you might want to talk to her."

Ezakiel nodded. He knew that Temura needed some time for himself now. He bowed and turned to leave, but looked over his shoulder once more. "I have but one question, Your Lordship, if I may. If you choose to believe us, what will you do?"

"I'll think about it if it happens. Now, please, leave."

They bowed once more and left.

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Why is this happening? Are they really telling the truth? If so, then what could I do? The thoughts raced through Temuras head as he paced restlessly through his office, looking worriedly at Reena every time he turned towards her. She wasn't badly injured, hardly even touched, but she still stayed unconscious. He knew that their power put quite a lot of pressure on their bodies. Whatever it was she had done to escape from Nofresc, it had asked too much of her.

Despite his earlier words, he had little doubt that these hunters spoke the truth. He had spent long years of his life wielding this "magic", so he immediately recognized it in the conference room. It was his secret and he had hoped to carry it to his grave. But to know that Reena had it too...He just needed some time to straighten his thoughts. If I could only help her!

Then an idea came to his mind. He wondered why he hadn't thought if it sooner. Kneeling down beside Reena, he cupped her cheeks in his hands and closed his eyes. It had been fifteen years since he last used this power, and he had never used it in this fashion, but it was worth a try.

He mentally called out to her, pouring some of his energy into her. It was completely different from enhancing his own body, and apparently he lost his understanding of time, for when he stopped his efforts, the sun was already setting.

Then Reena's eyes slowly fluttered open.

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Erris approached them soon after they left the office. She was wearing her revealing Kirin-armour, as if she was on a hunt. "Ezakiel, Zeshen, there you are." She glanced around. "Maybe this isn't the best place to talk. Let's go to my room."

They followed her to a large suite at the far end of the same corridor and entered. As soon as they closed the door she turned on them, her composure obviously crumbling. "Whatever have you gotten yourself into?! You appear out of thin air, look like you were eaten and then spit out again and tell that unbelievable story!" It was only then that she seemed to realize something. "Wait. Where is Dalmin?" she asked apprehensively. One look into their eyes, however, made her understand. "No… He couldn't be…"

Ezakiel pressed his eyes shut, trying to keep his tears in check, but he failed miserably. "He sacrificed his life to protect us, mother. Had it not been for him…" His voice broke, no longer able to continue. Beside him, Zeshen started to cry, silently at first, but soon she openly wept, wet racking sobs. Erris stepped closer and pulled their heads to her shoulders, letting them cry while shedding tears over her own aching heart.

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She could only hazily see her surroundings, but at least she was awake. A nasty headache throbbed between her temples, making her feel nauseous. The first thing she saw when she finally managed to truly awaken was her father's relieved face.

"Reena! Finally, you're awake!"

She groaned wearily. "Dad? What're you doing here?" Suddenly she remembered everything. She instantly bolted into a sitting position, eyes wide open. "Watch out, he'll get you too!" This caused her headache to seemingly explode, as if a fire storm was raging in her brain. She powerlessly sank back groaning, supported by his arm. Only then did she realize that she was no longer in Nofresc, but instead in her father's office.

"Reena, calm down, everything's alright", he said softly.

"No, nothing's alright! Not at all! He's back! He…" She couldn't speak further, memories of Mordecai's hold on her soul and Dalmin's death tortured her weary mind.

"So they really did speak the truth", he murmured, lost in thought.

"They?"

"Your companions. They told me that… my father is alive and controls all the monsters. They told a wild story about Akantor and some ancient realm. Is that really true?"

She nodded. "Every word of it. Mordecai told us himself. I recognized him, if only barely."

Her father suddenly looked very anxious. "What has become of him? What is he like now?"

She trembled at the thought of the terrible visage. "He's no longer human. Apparently he became immortal or something close. He's completely insane, ranting about burning this world to ashes and punishing the mortals and whatnot." She closed her eyes and drew in a shuddering breath. "He was far too powerful to be mortal. We could hardly do anything against him. The only reason why we're still alive is because...Dalmin sacrificed himself to buy us some time."

Temura sighed and lowered his gaze. She could see fear in his eyes. "Dad, we have to do something. His cover is blown. He knows that he's running out of time. Who knows what he's plotting right now?"

"Gathering monsters and boosting their population", he said gravely.

"What?"

"We just held the annual Royal Conference. All around the world are more monsters than usual. It's a population crisis like none we faced before. Two Lao Shan Lungs are approaching the fort, hundreds of monsters are marching towards the volcanic belt and the village of Imant has been annihilated, along with Ashvelt "Swordmage" Andere. Ashvelt "Sandstorm" Vindel thinks it was the doing of Fatalis, but I can't possibly believe that."

"Fatalis, too? So he's planning to bring the world down to its knees with one critical strike."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Mordecai told us that the former king of Nofresc, Astot, created Fatalis to destroy Shrade. But he was not strong enough to control it when it went berserk afterwards. Nofresc was ultimately destroyed because Astot underestimated it. Mordecai isn't nearly as strong as Astot was, so once he summons Fatalis, he won't be able to call it back. "

"You mean it'll keep on rampaging?"

"Yes, no doubt about it. That's why we have to hurry and do something about this right now! Mordecai has to be stopped."

When she noticed that her father had closed his eyes and clenched his teeth, she knew exactly what was going on. "You can't, can you?"

"Reena, you don't understand…"

"Oh, I do. You don't want to fight your own father. But he no longer is the man we lost so long ago. He's a monster! No, something even worse! We have to take care of him before he becomes truly unstoppable." She stood up straight, albeit a bit wobbly. "He won't stop until he has wiped us all out, and he'll start right here! We must…"

"Reena, stop!" he interrupted sharply, silencing her immediately. "I let you go to Kokoto against my better judgement. Now look what happened! You encounter a Rathalos during your training, almost get killed during your initiation and wind up in such a state after your first real hunt."

"That wasn't my first", she retorted defiantly. "My first was against a very deadly white Monoblos, and I rode it! Besides, the events in the volcanic belt were clearly out of the ordinary. We stumbled upon Akantor and thousands of Remobras and even an evil, inhumanly powerful king and still…survived." The last word left her lips quietly, since one of them had paid the ultimate price.

"You had three very experienced hunters with you. Don't forget that you're just a rookie. This is too much for you." He glared sternly at her. "I want you to stay here."

She couldn't believe her ears. "What!? I came this far! Sure, the others helped me a lot, but I still played my part!"

"But a hunter's life is no game! You could wind up dead! This is just out of your league!" he concluded walking away with determination, considering the discussion to be over.

However, she had heard enough. "But not out of yours?" she whispered.

He turned around, surprised. "What was that?"

"You heard me! You say this is too much for me, but then it's also too much for you! At least I'm hunting in the first place!"

He stepped very close to her, glaring angrily. "How dare you speak to me in such a mannerr! I'm your father! You will do as I say!"

"You want me to let the world burn?!" she screamed, startling him. "Cut the act, dad! You lost your will to fight fifteen years ago! You are my father… but you're also a coward, hiding in here because you're too afraid to meet the same fate Mordecai...the real Mordecai met!"

He was totally bewildered by her open disrespect, but before he could say something, she continued. "You're lost in your grief, unable to get over it." She sighed aggravated. "Someone who knows your pain once told me something: 'Remember the dead, but fight for the living.' Do you understand what that means? You may mourn your father, for even though he is 'alive', the man who left Dondruma fifteen years ago is dead. But you still have to move on. You must stay strong and continue where he left off. Until you find in you what it takes to do that, you have absolutely no right to stop me." Not waiting for a reply, she marched out of the office, slamming the door shut behind her.

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Ezakiel stood on the balcony of their suite, looking at the moon and trying to grasp a clear thought. He still couldn't believe that Dalmin, one of his best and closest friends, was dead. Memories of their childhood spent together flashed through his mind, smothering him. They couldn't even recover his body to grant him a proper burial. He would simply rot in the palace of a maniacal king.

He clenched the rail in front of him with brute force, as if to shatter it. He pressed with such force that he expected the marble to break, but of course nothing happened. For some illogical reason this angered him even more, making him try harder. He felt the urge to destroy something, to lash out just to let off some steam. He imagined the girder to be Mordecai's neck, his grip strangling the wretched fiend, breaking his bones and…

A small, dark hand was placed on his left arm, instantly snapping him out of his rage. It was only then that he realized that he bore his teeth like a rabid animal, and quickly regained his composure. His anger faded to nothingness, utter depression taking its place. He looked at Zeshen, who still held on to his arm, seeing fear and concern in her eyes, but also sadness of such an intensity that he had to avert his gaze.

He looked to his right, where his mother was standing, her crossed arms leaning on the girder, her eyes downcast and clouded. He could only guess at what might be going on in her head. Sixteen years ago she had lost her husband and her two best friends while helplessly sitting around. She knew the pain he was going through, if not more so. Now she had lost a boy she had considered a son, and also suffered from seeing her true son's grief.

They hadn't said a word since they came here. At least for him it felt like a large lump was stuck in his throat, preventing him from uttering any words. Still, there was something he had to ask. He faced his mother, clearing his throat. She seemed a bit startled, but looked at him. He sighed wearily. "Will this pain ever subside?"

She lowered her head and closed her eyes for a moment before looking at him again. "You will learn to live with it eventually...but it will never really be gone. The only thing you can do is to cherish your memories of him, remember him. That way, he'll stay alive in a way."

She then watched Zeshen for a while, who was numbly staring into the darkness as if it had sucked her in. Erris walked over to her, gently putting an arm around her shoulders. "No matter how dark the night, morning will always come." She sighed. "You must stay strong, even in this hard time. Dalmin entrusted his life to you. He wanted you to live so you can do what he could not. Don't drown in your sorrow, for this is no longer only your life." She paused for a moment. "Remember the dead, but fight for the living."

Her words resonated in Ezakiels heart. His pain did not seize, but he was willing to bear it. Not only our life. Then I shall honour his name just like my fathers.

Zeshens eyes were tightly shut, her whole body rocking with silent sobs. Tears ran down her cheeks again, despite her obvious attempts to keep them inside. Erris turned her around, embracing her. "You loved him, didn't you?" Zeshen was caught off guard, but soon broke down for good, now openly sobbing – and nodded.

Her response startled him, if only a little. He had jokingly assumed something like that, judging by the way they constantly argued without being able to really stay away from or even angry at each other. He mentally cursed. To have something as precious as love ripped away from her so cruelly. His sympathy for her was only exceeded by his hatred towards Mordecai.

His gaze wandered to a direction he had avoided to look at before. The faint, but perpetual red glow of the volcanic belt illuminated a section of the horizon. Somewhere there was his mortal enemy. He didn't even notice how easily this title came to his mind. His gaze hardened, drilling into the red haze with a fire that surprised even him himself. "Mordecai will pay for this", he growled with a voice so thick with hatred that his mother and even Zeshen stopped immediately and looked at him. "I will make him pay for this!"

Erris didn't look too happy at her son's words. "Revenge won't bring him back. You know that. It won't ease your pain, nor will it make the world a better place."

"Killing this fiend will make the world a better place", he retorted. "I know it won't help me, but he has to die either way, and I swear I will see to that."

Zeshen stood beside him, her eyes still teary, but also burning with fury. "Revenge it is, then."

Erris sighed, leaning back on the girder. She didn't say anything for about a minute, but then her shoulders slumped. "I don't condone the concept of revenge. It never helped anyone. But still, if you need it to focus on the way ahead, then so be it."

"Will you come with us?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

"No...I'll return to Pokke to defend it from the impending storm. If what you say is true, it'll need all the help it can get. You must do what you can here." Then she looked him directly in the eyes, her gaze pleading. "Sixteen years ago, the situation was much the same. I was sitting in Pokke while someone I loved went to fight a new and terrible threat. Please, don't suffer the same fate as your father. You...You must promise me that you will come back to me."

He nodded with determination. "I promise, mother."

She smiled sadly, then turned to leave, still somewhat insecure. When she had reached the door in, she turned around again. "You should get some rest, too. Who knows what will happen tomorrow."

They looked at the moon in silence for a few more minutes, then went inside as well.

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Reena stood in front of the plain wooden door, her hand lifted to knock. She hesitated to actually finish that motion, seeing as it was late at night. He was most likely already asleep. It would be best to go to bed and try to get some rest. Maybe sleep would clear that mess that was her mind.

However, when she was about to depart, the door opened, revealing a perfectly awake Liam. He looked as if he hadn't been to bed in the first place, his uniform was still immaculately in place, and his hair flawless. He also didn't seem the least bit surprised by her late night visit. "I knew you would come. You got into a fight again, right?"

"Yeah", she admitted. "It was… rather serious."

He smiled sympathetically, then stepped back and waved her in. She entered his room and looked around. It was rather plainly furnished, with a medium sized bed and a seat in front of the small chimney. Large bookshelves adorned the walls, containing more books than she could ever care to read. She sat down at a small table with two chairs, placed right in front of the window.

From there she could see the training court just beneath her. During daytime several hunters or Guild Guards spent their time there, practicing techniques, sparring or simply passing the time. She had spent a lot of time at this table, talking to him about the arguments she had with her father, her dreams of becoming a hunter or just the latest gossip.

Liam sat down in front of her. "Do you want to tell me what happened?"

She nodded and rested her elbows on the tabletop, gripping her downcast head. "I told him what happened in Nofresc, about Mordecai and what he became. I wanted him to understand that we're running out of time! Mordecai knows that we escaped and informed the Guild. He will make haste to launch his attack. But when I told dad that we have to do something, he was afraid."

"He still isn't over it."

"He's been like this for fifteen years! It's high time he pulls himself together."

Liam sighed. "But he can't. It's a fear that grows stronger with time instead of diminishing. When you started to bug him about becoming a hunter, he feared for you as well. He still does."

"I know. He told me. He wanted me to stay out of this, because of this being 'out of my league.'"

"What did you do?"

She fidgeted for a moment. "I told him what I think, that he is a coward who can't face his future. That I at least hunt at all."

Liam blinked with surprise. "You told him that? I assume he didn't take it well, right?"

Reena frowned. "He got really angry and tried to shut me up, but I told him that he doesn't have the right to stop me from doing what I can. Not until he is able to carry on himself."

"How did he react?"

"I don't know. I left right after that."

He scratched his chin for a while. "You told him openly what no one spoke out for fifteen years. I'm sure it had quite the impact on him."

"Yeah, but that's not worth much when he can't step forward."

"We will have to wait and see what happens."

"But we're running out of time! Dad told me that monsters are gathering everywhere. Don't you understand? It's not a simple population boom. Mordecai's assembling an army! An army to wipe us all out!"

"I suppose so. Look, I believe you. You wouldn't make up such a story, and I also believe that we're in for a rough ride, but still, calm down. Nothing good comes from acting hastily. Rushing into battle without proper preparation is even more dangerous than waiting too long."

"I know that, but while we're waiting and preparing, he builds an army we couldn't hope to overcome. We may be able to gather a formidable force, but he already has one, surrounding us everywhere! Plus, he has Akantor and Fatalis at his disposal. They alone could crush us easily. The only way to get out of this alive is to attack before he's ready and kill Mordecai. When he's dead, the monsters will become simple beasts again. Then things can go back to normal."

"Easier said than done. He's gathering the monsters in the volcanic belt. We would need an army just to get through, not to speak of infiltrating Nofresc. How are we supposed to assemble so many hunters? We could ask the king, but his soldiers have little to no experience with fighting monsters." He looked out of the window, pondering.

Reena sighed. Slowly, but surely, despair built up inside her. She looked at her folded hands. "There has to be something we can do. Anything. This can't possibly be the end, right?"

She waited for a few seconds, but didn't get an answer. When she looked up, she saw an expression on Liam's face she had never seen before: Utter astonishment. He didn't even seem to have heard her question. Wondering what might cause such a reaction, she followed his gaze – and froze.

Her father came marching to the middle of the training court, clad in a breathtaking, silver Kushala Daora-armour. His determined posture combined with the stunning set of armor gave Reena a just glimpse of why he held the title 'Champion'. He carried a large, two handed axe, which he had named 'Punisher', the weapon with which he had repelled the legendary Fatalis.

Reena couldn't believe what she saw. He hadn't worn this for fifteen years! When he reached the centre of the courtyard, he stopped and laid the flat side of the axe's head on his forehead. For about a minute nothing happened, but then all of a sudden, a dull red light started to pour out of his body with rising intensity into his axe, making it shine brightly. Soon his body followed suit. Something inside Reena felt a hint of the magic Mordecai had used, and even though it wasn't as strong as the power of her enemy, it was an impressive sight to behold.

Then the Head Administrator roared, swinging the weapon high over his head before cleaving it down into the ground with all his might. The stones shattered, and small fragments of rubble flew around. Still shouting, he tore his axe out again and made a horizontal slash that would have decapitated a wyvern in one go. He then started swinging his weapon around, striking in rapid succession, every attack coming faster than the previous one. Soon he was no more than a crimson blur moving with the speed and precision of a lightning.

"Quite an impact…" Liam mused absent mindedly, a faint smile on his face.

Reena stood up. "Gotta go! Good night!" Then she stormed out of the room, leaving Liam behind.

She rushed down the corridors and stairs until she reached the entrance of the courtyard. Her father was still hacking away, decapitating imaginary enemies or smashing them down with the hilt of his axe. From what she could see, he seemed to almost be...enjoying himself. He had started to rush across the courtyard, fighting with indomitable zeal.

After what seemed like about an hour he eventually stopped, the red glow subsiding from his weapon and body, strapped his axe on his back and made for the exit. When he entered the dark corridor, he noticed her. She smiled brightly at him. "You did it, dad."

He didn't know what to say. A single tear ran down his face. "You were right. You were right all along." Her smile widened. Unable to find another fitting word, she stepped closer and embraced him in a tight hug, which he returned lovingly.

Soon they separated. He held her at arms length and looked into her eyes. She could see determination in his green orbs. His face became grim. "We shall fight."

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The Royal conference was continued right after dawn. Everyone previously present was already there, except Temura himself. Ezakiel sat in a simple wooden chair placed at the large table this morning, Zeshen and Reena by his sides. They had been invited by Head Administrator Temura to attend the conference due to their first-hand-experience. His mother was also there, sitting in the seat she had occupied the other day.

Reena fidgeted around, as if eagerly anticipating something. She seemed rather happy for some reason. Ezakiel wondered why, seeing as he had no opportunity to talk to her since they left Nofresc.

The Royals eyed them suspiciously. He could tell that they were somewhat on edge because of the previous events. Temura had left quite suddenly without so much as an explanation.

Ezakiel looked into the two faces he knew. Seid nodded warmly at him. The silver-clad Royal seemed rather tense and looked as if he hadn't slept a wink, but still kept his friendliness. Vindel, on the other hand, glared at them with unconcealed disapproval. They were no Royals, so he most likely didn't like the thought of them 'in his territory'. The infamous Royal with the perpetual frown hardly blinked, making them feel quite uncomfortable.

Suddenly the door opened, and the herald stepped in. He stood at attention. "The esteemed Head Administrator and Champion of the Guild, Ashvelt "Windaxe" Temura!"

Everyone looked to the door. Temura stepped into the hall, clad in a Kushala Daora-armour. Ezakiel was quite impressed, to say the least. The armour was very similar to his own, but while his was brown, the Head Administrators was bright silver. A Kushala Daora had a skin of steel, but even though it had all the benefits of such a shell, it had to put up with the disadvantages, too. Not only did it have to shed it after some time, since the steel didn't grow, it also rusted over time, due to the harsh conditions it was continuously exposed to. Ezakiels armour was made of such a slightly rusty skin. Temura's, however, must have been crafted from a Kushala Daora that had just shed its shell. In that state the stainless steel provided an almost impenetrable protection. It took quite a lot of strength and skill to defeat such a foe.

The expressions on the Royals faces when he marched into the room clad in his Kushala Daora armour were absolutely priceless. The Head Administrator ignored the gasps of shock and made his way around the crescent table until he stood behind his desk. He took the time to meet the eyes of everyone present before speaking firmly.

"I'm glad to see that you have assembled on such short notice. Surely the events of yesterday must have surprised and confused you. I myself was just as startled at our guests sudden...appearance. Let me assure you now, without a doubt: Every word that they have spoken is honest and true. My father has somehow survived and now he controls all the monsters in an attempt to rid this world of mankind."

One of the Royals cleared his throat and stood, crossing his arms over his chest. He was a rather skinny, young man wearing Kirin-armour. "You cant possibly be serious. Every word is honest? Then how about that magic stuff? How in all the world could that be true?"

Temura merely smiled and raised his arm. To the utter astonishment of the Royals, it burst into glowing red flames. "Yet it is true", he said as the flames faded into nothingness. "I inherited the same power, due to him being my father. He gained this power from the mad king Astot while he was still unborn."

After this little demonstration, everyone seemed convinced, if not a bit apprehensive. Temura stood up from his seat and looked everyone in the eyes. "My fellow Royals, Administrator Erris, Reena and your friends…" His voice was bristling with determination and authority. "By the powers vested in me by the statutes of the Guild, I hereby declare war on Nofresc! I cannot and will not let our world be set ablaze by a madman and his army of beasts!" His gaze wandered through the room. "Who is with me?"

The Royals still looked sceptical and fidgeted uncomfortably. Ezakiel supposed that things just developed a bit too fast for their taste. Everyone looked at each other, as if they could find an answer on the others faces.

Everyone except one. Vindel rose from his chair, standing erect. "I am."

His comrades looked very surprised. Temura himself couldn't conceal his startled expression. "Despite your previous words? While I thank you for your support I can't help but ask; what caused this change of heart?"

"There are three things that I detest, your Lordship. I hate boastful fools," he stopped to glare at the young man wearing Kirin Armor, who shrank into his seat. "I loathe idiots," he turned his gaze to a large hunter wearing the shell of a Black Gravios and a smaller hunter wearing Blangonga pelt armor. Both of them looked down at the table. "and I despise hunters who waste their talents. At first you were in this category, sir, but your willingness to fight has bought you my support. And as unbelievable as your story may sound, it does not obscure the fact that we are facing a very real threat.. Thus I will fight."

Before Temura could say something, Seid bolted to his feet. "But not alone. Somebody's gotta thin those monster ranks a bit, you know? Count the Dragon Fang in!"

"I am at your service as well, sir." stated Garland, rising and saluting. "As are the Guild Guards."

As if their resolve had broken a barrier, the other Royals stood up, assuring their assistance.

Temura allowed himself a smile. "Then it's settled. We'll form groups to spread over Minegarde." He thought for a moment.

"Celia and Bagelza, both of you go to Kokoto. We have one or two veterans overseeing the newer hunters, so ground attacks shouldn't be a problem. However, the surrounding area is inhabited by fierce flying monsters. They should be an easy target for the two Royals most practiced in ranged attacks." Two female Royals, a stunningly beautiful blonde hunter in noble-looking blue armour and a small, lithe hunter in black leather, nodded their approval.

"Iilo, I want you to go to Pokke." This caused the Royal in the Kirin armour to snort and look away but the smile on his slim face betrayed him. "Administrator Erris, I take it you'll return there too?"

"Yes. My village needs me. Now more than ever."

"Good. You two will go together. Rulk, Aroza, go to Jumbo and provide assistance. I trust you both will cooperate and do what you can for them." The giant in a black Gravios armour and a man in Blangonga-fur gear saluted almost perfectly in unison. "Garland, Vindel and Seid, you will accompany me on my way to Nofresc."

Seid and a stout man in bright red Teostra-armour and a flaring red Mohawk signalled their approval, but Vindel shook his head. "If I may request, Your Lordship, I would prefer to go back to Eden. My people will need the guidance of their Elder. If I may be allowed, I will send Merquel in my stead."

Temura nodded. "Fine by me. Garland, Seid, please use the time we need to prepare both your groups and any volunteers. I will speak to the king to ask for assistance." He looked at each of the assembled hunters.

"Let us do as we must, so that we may all see a brighter tomorrow. For Minegarde! For ourselves! For the Guild! We go to war!"

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This is it for now. LordVoldios and I will work on the next chaps together, since they will be just about completely co-written, so expect a lot of Royal badassness. I'll also try to find the time to work on another oneshot, so if you like, you can leave a review to suggest what it should be about. Seeing as it's a oneshot, everything's possible there.

You probably noticed, I'm trying to get you to review *wink*, so please do. The next chap will be up considerably sooner than this one. That I promise. Until then!