The group of four rushed through the streets of Rosa as they headed for the largest monster within the city in recent years, slaying the smaller ones as they went. "You know," Harry yelled out as he destroyed yet another gold child, "I'm wondering where all those Longardian soldiers are. Aren't they supposed to be protecting Rosa from attacks like these?"
Jaster himself defeated his own monster and turned to answer his brother. "And you are surprised by their non-action?"
"Well no," Harry answered as they took off again to the market district battling more than a handful of monsters, "I'm just shocked that they aren't doing anything. Seriously, I just saw a pair of guards standing around and talking! They could at least calm the masses down or get everyone inside. It's aggravating more than anything!"
They finally arrived at the gates of the residential area and the thudding sounds of a large beings footsteps were heard even through the thick gates. "Gosh he's a big one isn't he?" Simon asked, "Definitely not a quiet little bugger."
"You aren't seriously thinking of bringing all four of us in there, are you Mr. Rogue?" Steve asked with all the nervousness that a robot could muster.
"Why, do you want to go in there alone?" Jaster asked innocently. Harry snorted at his younger brother's antics as Steve waved his arms wildly trying to fend off the question.
"N-no, not at all Mr. Claw! That's totally reckless!"
"You know Mr. Claws…" Simon began nervously still trying to get out of the fight. "I'm fairly sure that you forfeit all the potential points if you, er, die."
"Yeah, yeah," Harry said, "Let's go." The two brothers rushed through the gate.
"Poor kids, I hardly knew them," Simon said sadly.
It was hard to miss the creature as they entered the district. The thing looked like a cross between every insect that was imaginable and was as tall as buildings. The fact that it had wings that were large enough to help it fly was just icing on the cake. "That certainly a big monster all right," Steve said.
"Are you sure about this Mr. Claw?"
"Of course, it's not like we have a choice anyways."
The two brothers leapt forward to tackle their largest monster to date with the two pirates close behind them. Many of their attacks connected to the beast's head, but there seemed to be no damage taken as the monster shook off all the attacks. Of course, not all attacks managed to land where they were supposed to and an errant shot from Simon's rocket launcher broke one of the shackles that was found on the monster's foot.
"Hang on, his foot armor just broke off!" Simon yelled.
Steve pulled out his scanner and looked closely at the monster. "I get in now, this is a Mark VIII Salamander. If we can break the other foot shackles, the casing on its back will break open and then we can take it down."
"Finally we have a plan," Harry said as he took a breath. "Alright, you three attack the shackles and get that casing open. I'll take its attention, just hurry up, I don't have unlimited stamina you know!"
With the knowledge of the monster's weak points, the team made quick work of the shackles while Harry's quick and precise attacks sufficiently irritated the Salamander. Simon actually had the most difficult time in breaking his shackles as the monster still didn't stay still. With no personal combat weapons on him, he was forced to line up each shot as the beast moved. However, the shackles were incredibly weak and it only took a few shots for the shackle to break.
The back casing broke open as soon as the last shackle broke off and it was covering what looked like a beating heart. Of course, it was also on high on the monster's back which posed a new question. How was anyone supposed to reach the one vulnerable spot on the beast?
"Now that we have the beast exposed, what the hell are we supposed to do?" Harry asked incredulously.
"Why jump on its back of course," Simon answered as if he was answering how the answer was. "Isn't it obvious?"
Jaster looked over to the monster who was now roaring and thrashing in aggravation and anger. "Yeah, no. Are you absolutely crazy?"
"Hang on, I've got just the thing for a situation like this." Simon said and then pulled out a gun that almost looked like it had two parts. It was orange in color though, so everything was good.
"What the hell is that?"
"Hang on just a tic and I will show you." Lining up a shot, Simon pulled the trigger once and as it hit the beast, four small platforms appeared. "I call this a monography shot and yes those platforms are solid. What do you think, pretty cool right? Jump on those platforms, and you should reach that artificial heart easily. Here you go big man, why don't you take this for now?"
"Jeez Jaster," Harry drawled with a slight smirk on his face. "I thought your birthday was last month. What's with all the gifts today?"
"Now," Simon continued while ignoring Harry's interruption and the brothers' chuckles, "When the platforms disappear just line up another shot. Good luck."
"I'll distract him Jaster," Harry volunteered, "I enjoy being the bait actually. Charge up though, because I do not feel like a prolonged battle. Remember to be fearless because I've got those abilities to catch you when you fall."
"Oh yeah! Will do Harry, try not to get eaten while I take care of it, alright?"
It took four shots from Jaster's new gun before the beast's visible heart stopped and yet the monster still was going. While Jaster was taking care of the monster's heart, Harry seemed to dance with his blades. Although Jaster was performing a daring feat and taking care of the monster, all eyes on the fight had moved to Harry. The grace he possessed on the battlefield was astounding and mesmerizing, even the duo that had come for Desert Claw was thanking their stars that he had been with his brother today.
With the final blow, Jaster and Harry leapt from the beast. "Did that get him? Is it over."
"I'm afraid not," Steve said as the beast roared once again. "But you are almost there Mr. Rogues. Is your battle recorder ready, you don't want to miss a points opportunity like this."
"What you mean this?"
"Oh, well that is well used battle recorder. Use it to record your battle and later you can turn in your points. No go get them Mr. Claw and his brother!" Simon cheered.
"Yes," Harry agreed, "But where do we attack now?"
"His heart has stopped, but the monster is still being controlled by the run on his head. Break the rune and you'll stop the beast in his tracks," Steve answered.
"You ready brother?" Harry asked as both drew their swords and set their face in lines of determination.
"Of course," Jaster answered with a grin. "Same strategy as usual?"
"Of course, you want to attack first or let me get in a few hits?"
"By all means, age before beauty after all."
"Laugh it up Jaster, I'll get you after we get this baddy."
The synchronization between the two brothers had always been something to be envious about since they weren't blood related. Many of their jobs around the church were wonderful to watch as everything done by them were done fast and done right. They had fought before, but no one had ever seen them actually attack together. It was a shame too as it almost seemed like the fight was choreographed. Harry was speed and Jaster was power, for every three hits that Harry landed on the monster, Jaster landed the one that actually staggered the monster. All combinations were used against the monster and it never had a chance to retaliate as the brothers in all but blood never let up. With a final slash from Jaster's blade the monster let out its final roar as it fell dead.
"Hooray you did it!" Steve shouted.
"You showed him, that's our Desert Claw!"
The brothers turn to the other two and smile in relief as the pirates cheered on their victory. Just on the outskirts of the district the hooded figure watched on. "Just as I thought," The desert garbed man said, "His potential may be greater than my own. And his brother, Harry was it, is nothing to laugh at. Well done boys, well done." The hooded man turns from the scene of the battle and walks away.
As the Longardian soldiers finally arrived, the group of four walked away and Simon began talking. "So listen Mr. Claw and brother, you got a real name we can call you?"
"Huh, oh yeah, I'm Jaster, Jaster Rogue."
"And I'm Harry, I took my little brother's last name."
"Jaster and Harry, eh? Good, it would be weird to continue to call you Desert Claw and brother. Now, let's get down to business, our boss wants to hire you Jaster, and Harry is welcome aboard as well."
"Hire me… why?"
"You're the galaxy famous hunter Desert Claw, slayer of thousands of monsters, why wouldn't the Dorgengoa pirates want you?" Steve asked.
"You mean the legendary pirate Dorgengoa is your captain!" Harry exclaimed.
"Of course, he's a pirate among pirates. Wouldn't you rather be up in space hunting down rare treasures than staying on planets hoping that there is monster with enough points to interest you?"
"Me… up in space," Jaster mumbled to himself. "Yeah, I can see that."
"Our ship is in the desert to the west of here. Why don't you meet up with us there tomorrow?"
"In the desert?" Harry asked.
"Well yeah, there were a few complications and we couldn't actually land in the spaceport. Look, why don't we go back to the ship and you meet us there in the morning. We'll see you two there all right? Alright, ta-ta for now."
"Wait, we haven't agreed to this yet."
"Oh you two will be there," Simon argued, "I can see it in your eyes, you two were made for the life of a pirate."
"Get everything ready for your trip and say your goodbyes," Steve added, "Who knows when you'll be able to come back."
The two brothers walked back to the church and both knew that it was time to say goodbye to Raul. Something in the stars was calling them and they would not miss this chance. When they entered the church Raul greeted them warmly. "It seems to have quieted down out there, good work you two."
"Thanks," Jaster and Harry said, "It was a bit harder than usual though," Harry continued.
"Well, I'm just glad you two are safe. But I can tell there is something more, what aren't you telling me boys?"
"We're leaving Raul," Harry said.
"Leaving?"
"Yeah," Jaster answered, "We've got an offer to go see the galaxy and it wouldn't sit right if we didn't take it."
"We are sorry Raul, but space is calling to us."
"It is fine my boys, I honestly never expected the two of you to stay on planet your whole live," Raul reassured the boys with a warm smile. "Just know, that wherever you go, you two are always welcome back here."
"Thank you Raul, and we will be back to visit with our own amazing tales," Harry said. "We'll be back to rescue this planet from slavery."
"Then I will wait here, praying that the day approaches soon. I will miss you my sons."
After a teary goodbye and a few hugs, Harry and Jaster walked towards the Western Gate. There they rented a Yago each and set off to meet the Dorgengoa.
A/N: I told you, that it wouldn't be updated often, but I have not forgotten it. As you can see, there aren't as many gameplay mechanics, but I just wanted to give my own opinions about how those things worked. There's a few abilities that I wanted to work into the story, but that should be the biggest thing I do.
So how'd you like it? Do I need to try something else, or is it good enough? Let me know, and I'll have another chapter up by the end of the month. Until then check out my other stories haha.