Disclaimers: Written by Rime. Translated by Arcana. Approved by Rime to transfer from pixiv. The characters were not owned by the writer nor the translator. Characters were borrowed from the players of MHD. To members of MHD, if there are any problems, there would be no problem in removing.
Chapter Notes: The Genealogy of Hunters 7: CaseTharros
Theme: Written as Connect, Read as Relief
Characters: Tharros, Sakura, Billy, Ash, SEVEN, Nobutuna
Chapter Summary:
Sakura was determined to become a hunter. She wanted to know more about the world. Tharros was assigned to assist her. Though she had taught Sakura about all the basics, she felt that she had forgot to tell her something.
There were differences of good and bad among whetstones, this, was taught to Tharros by a friend of his older brother. The grits of the stones were from rough to fine, again the grits could be having round and sharp edges, some were hard, and some were soft. Being able to distinguish without a doubt, whether the whetstones among these could be used or not, was the necessary next stage after becoming a hunter.
Among the equipments that should always be ready, whetstones were tended to be forgotten easily by people, yet they were particularly important. It maintained an extreme importance during unexpected times, that could make one wonder why would they forgot something so important.
"This one's not good. The grit is too thick."
"...Hm-–. What about this?"
"This one's not good too. It's too soft that it's going to get cut by the blade instead"
"Th, then! This!"
"...This one might be fine, but I don't suggest you"
"Ah-why is it so hard!"
Among piles of stones, Sakura raised her voice, and fell on her back. As Tharros smiled wryly, she arranged the stones brought by the other girl one by one, observing them under the sun.
A few that might be able to use were among them properly. Comparing to yesterday and the day before yesterday, she had made a great progress.
"Sakura. This one is usable"
Emphatically, she sprang to her feet at the words of Tharros, really, her eyes were sparkling. Taking the held-out shiny stone quietly, Sakura began to observe it fixedly.
"Not to rough, not to fine. It's slightly soft, but the edges are sharp, it should be able to last long enough for polishing."
"...The appearance of it really looks the same as any other common stones..."
"It is difficult during times facing against monsters to find and collect them. It's best to carry them around"
Among the sword class, dual swords and long swords in particular, times needing to use whetstones were frequent. It was easy to get nicks on the blade. Including dual swords that dealt fatal wounds by repeating attacks many times, it would become crumbles in no time. Long swords were predominantly stronger than dual swords, therefore it was said the frequency of using whetstones were less, but the times that whetstones were used on the Nobutuna's long sword were not few.
He might not be seeing weapons as only weapons. Her older brother had said. Why is that. When asked, tilting his head with a bitter smile, if that guy really starts to hone his weapon seriously, he might be staying indoors for ten days, his brother said. If she asked again, you're right, that might be so, even Nobutuna would say so being slightly embarrassed. When she asked, why does it take so long, he would shrugged and replied, because I don't have that much concentration.
She asked out of curiosity that, what, would his serious whet be liked. You want to take a look? She was asked, she looked and was surprised.
"...Mellanjie ores are natural, others like dragonites, dragonrocks, and wyvern ores are idled around. For some reason things from the far-off east...like Yukumo woods are slumping down. When I asked which does he always use, he told me Pokke quartz."
"...That people, is collecting stones his hobby...?"
"I doubted it at first too"
But, it isn't like that. Tharros closed her eyes to recall as she arranged the whetstones that seemed to be usable. If it were simply sharpening nothing would be a problem. However, the weapon would then die. What it meant by sharpening was to grind the serious old parts and exposed the new part. If repeated, the part of the blade would disappear, and would not be usable as a weapon. If one wanted his or her favorite sword to last, it was a mistake to hone it thoughtless for the sake of 'being able to cut'.
In addition, by shriveling through honing, the way of putting force on the whole blade would produce a delicate gap on it. Even if one side was serious and the tip was too light, it might break or bend, in the first place to make matters worst the blade would be unable to pierce through scales of wyvern.
Both weight and shape, would remain the form within the limit, as it was before sharpening. To keep its beauty. To reproduce the blade as it was, with the details within the limit. The honing for that purpose, required concentrations till the limit, same as fighting a monster. Having one type of whetstones may not be good too. Changing the type of whetstones, changing the way of sharpening, changing the water, repeating them, one must concentrate on it, in order to draw the same pattern of spirals on the sword blade. The grinding platform for that purpose also, must be an appropriate one. Using weak woods that would soak in water, would only make the blade rust.
What it means by really honing a blade, is same as honing yourself, I was learned it from my hometown. He talked so if it was nothing.
The long swords of Nobutuna are that, no matter what kind of name the long swords acquired, they will sometime soon become his swords. Her big brother said. Basically though the elements and shape won't change so much, when I hold it, when I draw the blade, I will know right away. Ah, this is Nobutuna's.
"Indeed, I think"
Therefore, his long swords lasted long.
Steadily increasing the sharpness, he remembered first the weight and flutter in his long sword skills. Therefore it was not rare for him to use the whetstones in a hurry. He always took actions assuming that the sharpener was cleaned. And so, it became.
"But, it may be something natural, if you decide to get along with this one weapon. Reflects the will and guts, of a certain hunter"
"..."
"Let's go, Sakura. The sun is already setting down"
"Okay"
She was enraptured.
The voice of Tharros, was a little graze, having the comfort such as the spring breeze.
When her big brother brought Sakura along with his friends, for an instant jealousy ran through her. What heated after hearing the circumstances next, was pity. The red eyes looking down blankly and staring at the air, swung vacantly.
They said, she could no longer stay in that town. The story of the Rathalos and Rathain attacking the town nearby, came to the ears of Tharros easily as she had started accepting high rank quests. Interfering and concerning in various ways, she forced the town into destruction, it was rumored, that her social position and identity were robbed by the implicitly society.
She isn't really bad, right? To Tharros who asked, Billy nodded. I do not think that she is bad. Therefore I brought her here. Therefore Tharros, asked further no more. Tharros only lowered her eyes, to the add words in a small voice. She only does not know anything. Billy seemed to be tired, as he said so.
She was exhausted from the long journey, the small wounds were left as they were, and she put Sakura into the hot water, untied her hair, and lent her some clothes. As much as possible, she avoided conversations. Tharros had no idea at all, how to get along with her. Are you also, a hunter. After taking a bath, she asked Tharros who was treating her small wounds. Yes. Though I'm still inexperienced. Hearing the word answered briefly, Sakura bit her lips strongly, and looked down. Why do you hunt monsters. Did they do anything, to you. She repeated in a shivering voice. It was a voice full of sad and anger.
Why do you ask such things. Her voice reached her gently. The red eyes looked up, Sakura shouted. If they did nothing then why do you have to kill them! Why to you have to kill them that are only living! There, so it is like this, Tharros realized. The reason why, her big brother said that, she only did not know anything. Tharros understood that she would not understand if she was soaked with the air of the town where peace was assumed.
Tharros took off her jacket, holding her hair upwards, she turned her back. She knew that Sakura had held her breath.
It's Kushala Daora. As for me, I lost my voice and expressions in the same way big brother did. The wound was left deeply. I'm sorry. Her older brother apologized. No matter what, it doesn't seem to be recovering neatly.
She waved her neck deeply many times. He gave her expressions. He gave her her voice. Her half-forgotten feelings, and memories also, without spoiling anything, he handed back to her. This wound could be said as a proof. Then, letting it not disappear, might be better.
If I say I have a reason, I wonder may I kill monsters. Without such wound and pain, I wonder must I not become a hunter. Words were jam-packed in Sakura, while treating her broken nails, Tharros lowered her eyes. I know properly that, both me, and monsters are the same, wanting to live. As Tharros that continued the treatments staring at the hand, Sakura gradually burst into tears like rain. Without knowing what to do, she could only continue her work silently. When she finished winding up the last bandage, Sakura was still crying in tears. Why is she so sad. It became unbearable, therefore she remembered it. She slowly picked up that which she put on the top of the shelves with care, then, she put it on the laps of the girl that was crying from the front.
She seemed to be taken aback.
I don't know, very much, on how to handle it. I know that people crying are sad, but at such times I don't know what to do. It must be because my expression is poor, and I cannot express feelings too well, I am sorry about that, Tharros sighed. In such times, what would her big brother do. Reconsidering again, the idea of the stuffed toy bear came out. It was of a pretty blue, the only item she took from her home, which was given to her as a birthday present when she was five by her parents. Her older brothers skillfully, sew it with a wyvern bone, regaining its form. Em, I, think I might not be able to ask well. Therefore, I apologize first. I'm sorry, but why, are you crying? What are you so sad about?
During a period of silence, Sakura looked at Tharros in surprise, without moving. When puzzled Tharros avoided her eyes, and the girl calmly, smiled like a mother quietly.
It's okay. I'm sorry. But, let me ask something.
Ash, SEVEN, and your brother also, they all said that I know nothing. What in the world do I not know?
What, should I do in order to know?
Her expression, was like a lost child.
Therefore, Tharros said smoothly with her voice. She showed her the way. Only calmly, she pointed.
You do not know the world.
Sakura opened her eyes widely. Her tears stopped.
You're not the only one, probably many people do not know the world. Even I do not know everything. Surely big brother, and he who is important to you too, don't know everything. I think no matter whom he or she is, there is everything they don't know. It is too wide, too big, and hardly able to reach at all.
But, therefore, we are hunters.
After a little silence, the eyes of Sakura changed quickly.
How can I, become a hunter?
"This is the cork, of the small bottle used for combination of potions and bow-use. This is the medicine bowl. This is a pestle. A meter for measuring liquid. When mixing solid things, a weight and a balance are necessary. You should aim to learn first to be able to do it. This is the knife for cutting solid things small. If it's for substitute, using the carving knife will be fine too, but I don't recommend."
"Why?"
"The carving knife is borrowed from the guild, it is made tough, out of special ores. You can buy a house if you sell it. It is because it is lent to you only, you must return it if you become able to make it yourself. If you break it, an enormous amount of money will be needed to fix it."
"...Can it be used as a weapon?"
"Basically it is same as kitchen knife. Weapons are being swung around, swinging up and down is basic, a blow from the cutlery is the same as a cut and impact attack. The carving knife, is very weak against impacts. It is not suitable for purpose other than cutting. It can only be used in chipping, slowly."
The tools that was necessary when setting up the base camp. A set of cooking tools for making a simple meal, and a BBQ set. A simple blanket for times of sleeping. Flintstone.
"Tools needed when setting up the camp, and tools such as for cooking, can be left in the camp when done. Depending on the place of quest, heavy winter clothing that can be put on the armors is included. Map, and direction magnet. Paintberry, is often used in the shape of ball on monsters, occasionally for marking the roads."
As for the materials for torches and open-air fire, it is basic to procure there. Though it'll be fine to use other source of fire instead of flintstone, since it's expendable supplies so don't carry too many. You can carry a flintstone around if you have space to spare. The big bag to put all these in, is preferable to be made with skin. Cloth is weak towards both heat and water.
"A water bottle is required, too. There may not be drinkable water at the quest destination. If you cannot find any, you can take in some plants or fruits, if it's on the snow mountain you can put some snow into the pan, letting it boil and you can drink it as hot water. ...If you're a person with poor stomach, you should grasp onto some herbs."
"...That's a lot of luggage"
"That's why, there is the Felyne Tag. They do not only transport you when you're out of strength. They even give rides for hunters to the their quest locations. ...The expenses are almost paid by the guild. The relation between the Felyne Tag Guild and the Hunters Guild is not something that can be cut."
"I understand..."
Sakura admired earnestly, as she lined up the tools and looked at them. That's quite an amount. She muttered, her voice showed some cramps. That's of course, Tharros thought. During her days of beginner, she had opened these baggages at the base camp, and received instructions from her brother, on this was this and this was not that. She memorized quite delightfully, for not being treated as a female, but a newbie hunter.
"Muscular workouts are needed, right"
"Necessary. To Sakura"
"...Though Tharros, you're appearance don't look like so, these, do you can just carry them completely?"
"Things needed for power aren't only muscles. ... Even if you have average physical strength, there will not be any problem if you know the proper way of using strength, to handle heavy luggage with your body."
"Way of using strength?"
"The outside doesn't matter. Because it's something that comes later. Center of the physical body. I think it is called, axis, if you have back muscles, abdominal muscles and pectoral muscles, you can be able to carry certain heaviness."
"Really... It's something like that?"
"Though big brother Billy cannot win Goodman in arm wrestling, in fact he can lift up Goodman."
"...It's a really scary scene for me to imagine..."
"You're right... If I work harder, maybe I do as good as big brother does..."
"You don't need to do it Tharros! I don't want to see Tharros lifting up Billy..."
While muttering, Sakura looked at a small hammer and a hatchet in turns. They were going to set up the base case from now, but she probably didn't know the way. That was of course. She took out the holdfast of wyvern skins that was rolled up.
"Sakura, start with searching for bones"
"...Bones?"
"A large piece that can be used for the framework. Four, and another four for inside. Because the length can be adjusted later so you don't need to think much. Let's go and search somewhere nearby, and be careful of monsters"
I got it! The answer sounded like a bell. A brilliant smile, the tearful girl just now could no longer be found anywhere. She must be forcing herself, Tharros suspected, but Sakura really seemed to be enjoying right now. By why, she titled her head. It isn't supposed to such a joyful thing. There were many things that must be remember, many things that must be done, while she wasn't protecting her own life, still she must learn with the lowest requirements, these should be too much for her in probationary.
"...Is something the matter?"
"...Sakura, looks so enjoy. Why?"
Opening and closing, she blinked twice. Like a strong and dignified flower trying to blossom, Sakura laughed straightly.
"For me! This is fun! There are many things I don't know of!"
"...?"
"Ash also learned all these, and he is working as a hunter in the same way, realizing one after one in this way, it's really fun! Being able to do the same fun, I'm really glad!"
"..."
"Plus, I'm glad, for being able to see outside of the town! Hey Tharros, doing works in this way one by one with my own power, probably it's natural to you,"
But, I wasn't allowed to do so before.
Even if I think of doing everything by myself, I wasn't allowed to.
"It's fun, to know various things, and to stand on my own feet properly!"
"..."
"Besides, the things did for the first time outside, is taught to me by a very nearly-made friend! There is nothing happier, then being not alone!"
Friend.
Friend?
(...Wait, brother)
Some other time, she had asked her older brother.
(If I am able to make friends, like how you did)
Will I be able to smile and laugh a lot.
"...Friend?"
"..."
"Eh, erm, me and, Sakura?"
"...Am I wrong?"
Blushing, she could feel heat circling on her cheeks. The depth of her throat became hot. She could not pick any words. She voice wouldn't come out. A friend.
"Tharros?"
"Ah, emm, erm, that,"
"...Is something a matter, Tharros. You face, it's really red"
"I, I, that, friend, I mean,"
"...?"
"You, you will be, my friend...?"
Oh no, what incoherent thing, am I saying. Her cheeks were hot. Heat, was turning around. Her threat was throbbing. It might explode. Glad. Happy.
"What will be, aren't we friends already?"
(Oh, big brother,)
She could feel her lips relaxing.
(Big brother, big brother, I too, just like brother,)
It seems like I can be able to laugh a lot.
Cause I'm not Ash, and I don't know much about you, therefore I don't know what words to choose. But, telling you after you know will be too late, daringly let me tell you now. I don't mind, SEVEN heard. Having Sakura nodded calmly, Tharros stared at her from the shadow.
"In my opinion, what it means by, becoming a hunter, is not something possible to be done with a half-hearted readiness."
"...Does my readiness, look half-hearted to you"
"Even if it's half-hearted, I can't tell. If I put it simple, I do no know. ...It's almost our first meeting. The character image I know about you, is only from Ash's praises."
Can that person speak fondly of others. Thinking it was fresh, without disturbing her breathing Tharros listened carefully without moving.
"...You seem to have a contemplation in Rathians"
"..."
"I also have such a contemplation in a certain type of fellows. They're great and cool, I think I will not come across any other creatures better than them anymore... Rather I face them with a feeling of admiration. However, I can hunt them"
"...Why, are you able to monsters that you like so much?"
"Because I'm a human"
Tharros though of him, who swore without pausing, strong.
"No matter how much I like them, thinking that I don't want to kill them, I am still a human being, and those are monsters. In order to coexist, either one must be subordinate to the other. It is reckless, when facing against a monster. Those fellows are a kind called as monsters, they are after all a menace to humans."
"But, they do nothing. They are only living. They only want to live."
"We are so, too. We only want to live. Therefore, we come across situations that will kill us, it's often we make the first move and hunt them."
"We can just fight if it becomes that situation, doesn't this work?"
"...If that happens, it will be just like that town"
At that time it was because that fool created the situation by force, though everything was taken care of, if the Rathalos continued to breath fire, and the Rathian was remained captured, if a fair situation couldn't be made through any way, the town would be completely destroyed.
"...Just like Rathalos protecting Rathian, we hunters protect humans unconditionally. ...Because we are humans"
"..."
"...When war starts between a country and a country, the country will protect their own citizens. Even if it means killing the soldiers of the other country. ...It's the same thing."
In that way, they only won, to survive.
The world was created, like that.
"You'll die if you're weak. You're live if you're strong... Therefore, the weak guys are only possible to choose from, whether to become strong, or run away, and to die."
"...Still, there are three choices"
"..."
Towards the remark of Sakura, SEVEN seemed to be a little surprised.
A paused silence. The tone that continued became slightly softer.
"...I think that hunters, are people that choose to become stronger"
"As you said"
"I heard you pick that path"
"...Yeah"
"If you merely choose the path same as Ash, I intend to tell you, to stop."
"...What, is wrong with that?"
He had left the town earlier. He had looked at the world earlier. He had taken the sword earlier. He, seemed to have gained many. His horizon seemed to be widened. He looked happy. He looked glad.
She was very pleased, to see this. And, she envied him.
"I want to see also, the things that Ash is seeing"
"..."
"I want to know also, what Ash have learnt, what he have known. I want to study. I want to learn them."
"...Why?"
"Because they are what Ash wants to know. What Ash feels and wants to know, his thoughts also, I know them all. ...Though I don't make them words much, I know what he thinks all the time."
He, went earlier for me. Like ripples spreading, Sakura said.
"Tharros told me that, I do not know the world"
"..."
"I think, what Ash probably wants to know, is the thing known as the world"
And, his horizons widened. He became stronger.
"Ash became stronger. He became cooler. I want to become stronger, too. I want to become cooler."
"Wanting to become cooler, ...Hey hey"
"When I become myself whom I can be satisfied with, I want to return to that town"
There, I want to know.
Why, do I have to kill them, who merely want to live.
""
"...You, really like Ash very much..."
Towards the words of SEVEN that sound disgusted with from the bottom of the heart, Sakura opened her eyes widely, and she tilted her head looking awfully innocent. She let her red hair shook.
"Ash is half of me. I'm half of Ash, too"
"...What is that"
"I think, we are born like that"
"...You two just get marry already...?"
Towards the words of SEVEN, Sakura almost spilled and opened her eyes widely.
"...Maybe you're right... If it's Ash, there will be no hesitation."
"..."
She was unintentionally, at a loss of words too.
Feeling that the sign of SEVEN was obviously backing off, Tharros left the door quietly.
"I, seriously, it's really hard, to dig into the two of you-–––..."
"...What"
"Just don't carry your flirting too far"
A sigh. The sign of the nights deepening. Don, her back hit something. Looking up,
the presence was light, it was her older brother. Shii, putting up his forefinger, they promoted quietly. Billy and Tharros left the place secretly. Her older brother was laughing, thinly. After all when there were more friends, it seemed necessary that laughing became often.
"But then, maybe, you can become a good hunter"
"Really? ...Thanks"
"I think I might understand a little, about Ash's praises"
Hey hey can I call you Sakura too? The asking voice was bounding. Sakura chuckled. Can I call you SEVEN too? Course, he answered softly.
"...Big brother"
"Hm?"
"What does all that, add up to"
"Hmm..."
They might have become friends.
Her big brother answered with a gentle smile.
The breeding of Raptor species was early. The cycle of their mating season was short, and they could lay eggs here and there within briefly three months. The physical size of wyverns were larger in proportion to them, their breeding season was longer. The Raptor species of the smaller Bird Wyvern class, were wyverns, if things went bad they could be weaker than the Pelagus, therefore their breeding acts were frequent. With unconsciously fertility they were supplied with numbers.
The Giapreys that many lived near the mountains were not excluded from the example. Therefore, when one became a hunter in the vicinity of the snow mountains, the first barrier would be Giaprey. Down at the forest and hills were the Velocipreys.
Though I'm worried, there's a meaning for hunting alone, I'll hunt in the same way in another area. Tharros said so, and stepped away from the back of Sakura slowly and quietly. Against mainly on Antekas and Popos, which were relatively subdued, the growth of Sakura who had learned how to use a weapon was surprisingly fast.
Maybe because the blood of wyvern is flowing inside me. Sakura had told him who was the first nearest to her, and the friend of him who sat next burst into laughter at the words. However, she might not necessarily be wrong, Tharros thought as she looked back on the present condition.
Once, during a search on the mountains, the shadow of Tigrex had been seen. She took a deep breath, letting it past, even when the times came for fighting back, she would return. The moment she prepared for the worst, she recalled the girl's eyes.
When she noticed that there might be her death, Sakura seemed very strong somehow or other. Though she couldn't aim at muscular powers in the present condition, still only her mind alone was so strong, so strong like that of steel.
...Most likely, she is shivering a lot. Her brother heard it, and warned Tharros.
By those words, her mind was incoherent. That was because Tharros had also felt a sense of incongruity for many times. Why do you have to hunt monsters, which only want to live. Why do you kill them. The questions that Sakura asked her first, was indeed something she would not forget. However, as soon as she confronted a monster, her eyebrows would frown and her eyes would change.
Ash is so too, was the words of SEVEN, but there didn't seem to be any sense of incongruity, and when she asked, he would only shrugged. I do not have, such composure to spare. Probably I too, changed in the same way.
Tharros raised her face. She looked at the distance. She could feel the wind of fighting on her cheeks. When Sakura said she had accepted the quest to slay Giapreys, her face looked awfully uneasy.
(Is she going to be fine)
She kicked the earth. Starting to run. The air of the snow mountain was cold. Through breathing, the air sneaked into her lungs, and slowly reduced her temperature.
In the place where grasses still grew, there was a trace of blood drop. Counting the defeated numbers of Giapreys, she was relieved. It seemed to be somehow favorable.
(...The mountain top... Though there was a notification few days ago, that the Tigrex has moved...)
She could not assert, that it would not come back. Because the size of the opponent, experiences, the characters of each individual were different, all were immeasurable.
(If we ran into a G rank class Tigrex by mistake, even I can hardly be a match)
Have you ever held a sword. When she asked, Sakura shook her head. Have you ever seen blood. She shook her head. Then, have you ever seen internal organs. As expected she shook her head.
That was the first barrier, when a girl that grew to a certain extent wanted to be a hunter. To get used to blood, to think of killing something small, and to experience it. If she had been cooking the problem would become smaller, but probably towards the girl that was brought up very carefully, it was a mistake to expect her to have experience of handling a bird.
Tharros had torn the stomach of a Popo in front of her. She cracked the head of an Anteka, and broke its horns. She scattered Vespoids, and their juices sprinkled onto the ground. Probably because she was showing cruelty of a certain extent, Sakura after all, had vomited several times.
You must do this too. Hearing the swore of Tharros, Sakura looked up at her feeling lost, but the eyes were swatted down. The animals and plants that you ate, were killed by everyone in this way, and lined them on the dining table. It is the hunters, which are being next to these more than everyone does. This is what it means by, carving. Skinning the Anteka, pointed at the muscles that became bare, Tharros talked slowly. Without these, we cannot live. The captured monsters always are not excluded from the example. Only by not doing it yourself, the guild will dismantle the body of the captured monsters, and sell them off. We live on that money, we use the materials carved to make weapons, and we use those weapons to kill monsters, and carve off everything from them.
I can do it. Saying to the words of Tharros, Sakura clenched her fist with a squeeze, and nodded to the thought finally. Before she became able to carve the Popo tongue, two whole days were needed, but she gradually became used to it.
(... Have I not forgotten, something important...)
Speaking of whether was there anything so strong that she must taught, there was no such thing. Speaking of whether was there any knowledge that must be taught, there was no such thing. She often got advices from the instructor. She had also asked her big brother many about this and that. However still, something was insufficient.
There were many things too natural that could be overlooked. The matter about whetstones also, if she did not receive advises from her brother, she would have forgotten about it.
(Is there anything, not forgotten...)
A howl sounded. Tharros looked up suddenly.
It was hard for sounds to echo through the snow mountains. It was because the snow would absorb the sound. If it became night, the density of quietness would increase, exchanging coldness with the ears, they would feel pain that might cause them to be out of order. She could hear nothing. Alone in there was a small sound, generally belonging to beasts. The howling was a voice of threat.
People who learned the basic knowledge as a hunter in the snow mountains, were said to become a good hunter. Acquiring training in the representative of poor environment, one learned about the way of protecting the body, with one's flesh. The nature was enough of a wonder for not only monsters, but humans also. If a loud sound was made, it may generate a snow slide. Traps were usable only by the cause of a constant law. Hot drinks were required as cold measurements, because of the cold, herbs could not be found frequently. The mountains were better than the desert, only by the point that there was an abundant supply of water. That water also, would put a stomach out of order if not filtered.
(The sound just now, a Giadrome)
It, must be battling.
Tharros started to run. Sakura would surely keep still for a while. There would be enough time for her. As long as she didn't suffer any fatal injury, surely there should be more for her to learn.
But still, Tharros was afraid. Tharros had taught Sakura first, the courage to escape. Still, she was scared.
(I don't want Sakura, to die...?)
Climbing up the cliff, pushing aside the snow, through the ragging snow, what she saw in front, was two shadows.
"Sakura!"
Does the voice arrive? With a simple sword made through beating iron, the red hair fluttered lightly. That surely, was just only an imaginary fear.
Stepping strongly on the snow, the sword was swung straight down. Being resisted once by the hard skin, she took advantage of it and jumped backwards. Then lowering her body, Sakura pointed her blade straight. The figure aiming for the throat without hesitation, resembled a red Rathian.
Among the snow, a shadow shone in pink. The bitter blood, a slight shriek. The monster fell down aside. A crest grew on it. Just as she thought, it was a Giadrome.
"...Tharros!"
"Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
"What is with this unreasonably big Giaprey? I haven't heard anything about having something this big in the mountains! Are there still more? Are they still here? Is this going to be okay with these noisy things, screw snow mountains!"
"...Sakura, your character is collapsing"
"Ah"
Oops, Ash conquered. Sticking out her tongue in no time, Sakura went through the crispy snow, approaching the fallen Giadrome. For an instant the body moved suddenly. Immediately, kicking the snow she reached her hand to the handle of her weapon, but the opponent had not move at all since then.
"...It's not going to frighten, right..."
She said, and then taking the carving knife in her hand, with a deep breath, she carved the skin in a single draft.
"...Sakura, that, is a monster called Giadrome"
"Drome...?"
"It is a bigger one among Giapreys, with a crest, the leader of the group. ...Something like, the boss"
And you defeated it, on your own. When she said, Sakura blinked her eyes looking surprised.
"...Congratulations. You probably can, get along as a hunter"
"Really?"
Looking askance at the girl in high spirits, Tharros breathed a small sigh. It was a heavy sigh, mingling with relief, and uneasiness.
(I, after all, have forgotten to teach her something important)
But, what on earth, is that?
"Sakura, when you are in front of a fallen monster, what are you thinking of, when you're carving it's body?"
Tharros told her older brother. Ash, who was sitting next to him, heard it. He seemed to quickly notice. I'll talk to her. Saying, letting them there he walked towards Sakura.
What on earth have I forgotten. Tharros stared as if she was saying it in an uneasy way, her older brother understood in that way. He seemed to be surprised that, Ash noticed first.
It'll be fine. I'll say, is it really al right. She asked. Yes, nodding lightly, Billy pointed at the back of Ash. That guy probably, seems to have understood already.
"...Erm, I'll try not to throw up..."
"That's a great disqualification"
"...What"
"I surely understand that you're not used to it, as for me, I at first resisted it a lot too. Because it is realer, than fighting with humans."
Big brother, I do not understand. That means, I think I almost forget it too. ...I can feel danger. She looked into the blue eyes of her brother, who was nodding his head as he listened to the words. Towards the non-shaking eyes, letting her eyes not to shake, and, she was in the position to stretch herself. At these times, she could not look straight back.
What have I forget?
In response to the words of Tharros, Billy looked still down on her eyes.
"I'll keep in mind as much as possible, not to throw up, it's is not like that, right? You, why do you decide to become a hunter"
"...But, if I can't do so I can't become a hunter"
"Maybe just as you say? It's wrong, ehh... How should I put this"
Tharros, how will you answer, the question of Ash just now? Hearing the whispered words, with a breath, her back lightened. When you are in front of a fallen monster, what are you thinking of, when you're carving it's body? Surely there was a part Ash was thinking of. Maybe SEVEN, and Billy also, must be yearning for in the heart in the same way.
Tharros also, had it.
"Didn't you, say that. Why to we have to kill monsters, that are only living"
"..."
"You are, actually killing"
"But, that, there's no help for it...Isn't being a hunter, such a thing?"
"You're right. Hunters hunt, kill and eat monsters. ...But, it isn't only just that. Because, we are going to kill the monsters that only want to live, on account of us. Though, there are times they will attack us, still, those fellows are only wanting to live, didn't you say so before."
"But! Isn't that something we must do?"
"Therefore, I'm asking you what you are thinking, before you carve."
I have forgotten, the most important thing. Tharros could feel her heart turning blue. What should I do, big brother, Sakura most likely do no understand. It is suppose to be the most important. With a shiver, her shoulder shook. What should I do, what should I do, that is.
Something that could never be forgotten, as a person, before than a woman, before than a hunter.
"Sakura, you know. We almost haven't cook much, eating meals that are presented commonly, living with a normal face."
(We,)
Are always taking as we live.
Since I became a hunter, I noticed that it was such a terrible thing.
We are, taking as we live.
From every places, of every thing, with every limit.
"No matter who they are, though the form is different, pray before they eat"
"..."
"I do not think deeply, whether that prayer is for whom. I think that it is such a thing."
We are taking as we live.
Plunder. Loot. Rob. Sack. Pillage. Steal. And then, on the hidden side, was death.
Death of something, of somebody, that only wanted to bloom, to bring up, to protect, to cry out, to live.
"What is called carving, can not be taken, as a work, Sakura"
"...Work..."
"You must not forget that you are taking everything"
Billy, gave a pat on Tharros' shoulder.
You will be fine. Because you are my younger sister. You should remember it properly. The stuffed toy, of the bear. Because you taking good care of it.
The memory that regained its form, that was finished sewing with a sharp, small small wyvern bone. The medicine that brought back her voice, and expressions. All that gave her food, and the way of life. The things she treated carefully, the things that she was going to protect carefully, in the world so wide that she couldn't reach, still she thought only that she did not want to lose.
(I am sorry. And, thank you)
And they promised holding the knife. Every time every time, whenever they carved their bodies.
(Your life that I killed, even a drop will not be wasted)
Therefore, the knife rented from the guild, cannot be used as a weapon. They must not do it.
"That's just, I can't"
"...Sakura?"
"I can't. It's impossible, unless I forget that I'm killing the monsters, I can't be a hunter,"
Tharros looked up, as Sakura's voice rang through.
"Because, I keenly realize, even when I'm carving, but I, don't know why I must hunt monsters, I don't know, but I want to be a hunter,"
Her voice was obviously confused, and at a loss.
"I can't, get use to it"
"Maybe, Sakura,"
"Isn't this contradicting! If I can't become able to kill monsters, if I can't become a hunter, I won't be able to become strong like Ash!"
"Sakura!"
"But, if I don't become a hunter, I won't know anything! Therefore, if I can't become able to do it, if I can't get use to it,"
"Don't mistake your means and purposes, Sakura! It's not like that, not to get used to it, just saying grace will be fine!"
"Isn't that just a principle, how is that suppose to be good! That's insincerity, there's nothing that can be forgiven with a single pray! If you have to use excuses for it, after all we shouldn't hunt monsters!"
A sound of inhaling deeply. A voice shaking, in the way that she might burst into tears.
"Why...? Why isn't it like that? Ash, what am I wrong about?"
"No, it isn't a mistake, aahh, how should I say,"
"Is Ash doing in that way? Praying, in front of the dead bodies, it's excuses out of hypocrisy, and then you can kill them? Hey,"
Why are you able to do such a thing.
Muttering in a blurred voice, Sakura gritted her teeth in vexation, and turned around.
There were no words from him trying to stop it, Tharros looked up at his brother as if having troubled.
"...I'm surprised"
"...Big brother?"
"Though Ash is a considerable thing, Sakura is further beyond, very pure."
Nope, instead of pure, more like, honest.
Muttering, Billy threw his glance deep into the room. Ash somewhat, looked awfully regretful.
"H-–m... This is quite a difficult problem"
"... Is there, any way"
Her older brother having fallen silent, cocked his head.
He stopped his hand from combining incidentally, and looked at the back of Sakura who was only waving the sword innocently.
As she said, SEVEN thought as he repeated. Of course the saying of Sakura was true. If they were making excuses as they killed, then they shouldn't have become a hunter in the beginning. But, the humans that refused meals with the same reason, would die sometime soon. It was not possible for a people even to live, if they could not settle. He thought, so. Being able to think, was relatively a trouble.
Facing a Diablos, breaking the horns, tearing up their wings, the time when they became unable to move, his feelings would be as if a hole was opened deep inside his heart with a whack. At the same time, it would be brought himself to a refreshing but terrible, satisfaction. He put his hand on the chest. Then, only the number of beating, would recognize something important.
Sakura, would have to know that sense. As a hunter, for her ability and will to become best anyway, had to be from there first. However SEVEN did not know, how to express it. Ash did not know, and Tharros did not know either. Peharps Billy may know, but he did not have a reason for him to make them words from the start. At such time, SEVEN felt slightly enviable at, him who can instill all his experiences to others.
I want to think. Can I ask for your help. Tharros said, therefore in this way, SEVEN kept company in the form of training with Sakura, and went to the foot of the snow mountain.
"Hey"
"...?"
"Is the fire of the base camp, yours?"
"Yeah"
"May if I borrow it. I want to boil some water"
"Certainly"
Answering in a mild voice, to the unknown hunter that called out to him from the back, SEVEN returned his mind to the medicine bowl again. Making two more and it was finished.
"...That sword, looks shoddy..."
Casually, he looked back towards the mutter behind.
Crossing his arms with his face looking difficult, was a black-haired long sword user, with a red armor covering his mouth.
"...I, don't know much about the sword types, but what do you mean by shoddy?"
"The blade is already rickety. Has she done, any maintenance. If she is not careful, it will snap if she hit it at stiff monsters twice or thrice."
"Uh oh-––..."
Have Tharros not taught her the way to sharpen.
There were cases, which the blades were attached at the point of the lance, as most of them were of the shape that sharp tips were sticking out, there were many occasions that the point was taken or was broken, rather than honing, there was a necessary to exchange it. Because he could not do it in the middle of a quest, he would perform works of shortening, and sharpening with a whetstone. The blade continued to the part of the handle, he might also use it while taking out little by little.
In fact, lance did not break that easily. The action of thrusting, was deeper than, the action of cutting. As the front part that came in contact was so small and narrow, the damage outputted was bigger.
"Sakura! Let me take a look at that sword!"
"...? What?"
Stopping her practice swing, he took from the hands of Sakura who rushed over at a trot, borrowing the weapon. Even though it was said that, the blade was rickety, there was still a weight, it did not seem like there would be a chance for it to fall off from the handle. What do you mean? He looked at the man behind with such eyes. Lend it to me, he put his hand out. He then casually, waved the sword swinging to his footwear. With a vroom, the blade seemed to make a strange move. Just like something similar to a whip, it warped. It was a movement that was extreme in dangerous thing.
"...What, is that just now"
"When sharpening, put the most power in the vicinity of the brim, and sharpen it from there to a great degree. Originally for a light bayonet point, the root is light. If the middle becomes heaviest, the transmission of power will not be made well. ...When it breaks, it seems that it will break from the root"
This already, has to be beaten from the original again.
Oh, SEVEN nodded.
It must be melted once again into iron ore, and remodeled. But, at such time, the sword would no longer be the sword that the hand was used to anymore. Even SEVEN who didn't use swords much, could imagine it easily. Weapons, were partners more than companions, to a hunter.
"It's better to take it to repair, once you return. Because its shape is not a single edge, but a saber, it's fatal for it to be thin."
"...Erm"
"Hm, are you a newbie"
Excuse me. Perhaps I shall explain it from the beginning. As he stared at the blade willingly for some reason, he laughed gently.
"The sword is one's hands, feet, words, furthermore replacement of one's hearts, one's mirror, and also oneself. Short sword blades are the mark of courageous, long sword blades are the sign of patience, the brightness is the form of the will, in other words, the trace is the way of living. When the blade breaks, it's also one's own death, and a blade-master namely talks with one's sword. ... Well, swords, expressing in other words correctly, are knives."
"Really... That is putting all weapons, astray overall."
"Ah, it is. Just as you say. ... Therefore, letting the root be weak, is not good, young lady"
When you sharpen you sword, do you think of, becoming able to cut, becoming able to cut, and hurried the honing process. She became the feeling of weight being put onto the depth of her stomach. Sakura looked up without thinking.
"There is no help for it if you don't know how to handle it. Now is a good opportunity, you should remember this. When it sits from the root to the point of the sword, put power in it after you open your arms. The center of the blade, the part which must justly hit with the body of monsters"
It's around here. He said as he pointed at nicked parts of the edge that stood out.
"The point of the sword, since it won't be used to stab frequently, doing it gently like being carried away will be fine. The root, near the brim, where the focus is put on the sword blade. As the area from the center is reduced after sharpening, therefore it will break from there when it snaps, the focus of the part near one's hand will not change. ...Right, if I express it as a person in other words, it's something like the arms are broken, but the heart does not change. So that the broken arms cure, the sword doesn't slip off from the focus, even if fleshed out, your hand will still properly find it familiar."
"...The heart, won't change..."
"The part where one's soul dwells in the sword most, is by the hand. Remember this, only the root nearest from there must never break. ...It is fatal, for one's pivot to break"
It is fatal, if one's pivot breaks.
SEVEN raised his face. His eyes seemed to open. As if it was fine, he understood.
I got it now. Therefore, Sakura, sharpened at the root.
"Sakura"
"...?"
"Do you, still think of it a question"
"About what..."
"I'm asking you, why do we have to hunt and kill monsters."
In the sword, In the middle of the world. In the world.
Are you continuing asking it. About what you grieved, most. What you are not able to permit. What you want to know. What you want to understand.
"Have you not forgotten it. The reason you aimed to become a hunter"
"..."
"For that reason, you kill"
If you say, I'm sorry, and, thank you, are excuses, and hypocritical.
"Prepare yourself"
You need not speak neither excuses nor hypocrisy. It doesn't matter, if you do not feel such a thing. You don't have the qualification if you grieve it, and are not able to bear it.
Sakura lifted her eyes. But it is different. SEVEN thought. It is not so. He now knew, what Ash wanted to tell, what he wanted to convey.
(The part where one's soul dwells in the sword most, is by the hand. Remember this, only the root nearest from there must never break. ...It is fatal, for one's pivot to break)
Sometimes though it was necessary for it to be bent and broken, there was nothing that one must kill oneself in order to know, not even one.
"We, hunters, hunt and kill, then we have in our hands what we took, we took the responsibility of that and live"
It may be a sad thing. It may be a regrettable thing. However, the world had been so. The world, had held a meaning there.
"We, are burdened with it. Therefore, we give thanks. Therefore we apologize. In that way, we walk."
Sakura opened her eyes widely. She looked down without blinking.
"I think that you need not to deny what you thought as a question, Sakura. That probably, is sad and hard. I too, at first, found it sad and painful."
But if we don't do so, even I cannot live in it.
"It is not an excuse nor hypocrite. ... Though Ash said it's prayer, Sakura, it is before that. Probably you do not know what is in front."
"...In front of, praying,"
"Ah-–. That. Though I am the one that killed you, because I will carry your death and live onwards by all means, you can die in peace, could it be this?"
To the words that broke in in a calm voice, he nodded calmly. Yes, it is so. In a constant tone, the words continued.
"... The people that cannot be prepared for the life after death, might not have the right, to live..."
They were dead, and I am still alive.
(That is, what a,)
Sad and beautiful life.
"You, do you think of the lives of monsters more important than your life?"
"There's no such thing. ...But, I just don't understand, why do we who only want to live, must kill them who only want to live."
"Saying providence of nature, is just an evasive answer. ...Well, no one knows about it, such things,"
For the words said lightly, SEVEN stamped the foot without thinking. It hurts, a glare to the muttered voice. He, who looked puzzled, just shrugged.
"Though I think it's fine"
"About what"
"When one stopped living the way as one is, what one have will only be below despair. Eventually one will reach an extreme. The heart also, the body also, everything also"
Cry when you want to cry, laugh when you want to laugh, sing when you are having fun, be depress when you are painful, and suffer when you are sad, it's okay, for a person, to do so.
Let what you don't understand stay unknown, all you need to do, is to ask other people, ask the world. Let it be endless before the answer is given, until you run out of energy. You should ask, with your whole body.
If you don't want to, you can stop. Still, because answers are pledged for strongly, people take weapons, in the hands.
"I too, is being taught so"
"..."
"The sword is honest. You're lucky, before it break from the root"
Ok, it is a question from the world.
Even if I have to loot, even if I have to deceive, even if I have to betray.
Even if I am looted, even if I am deceived, even if I am betrayed.
Even if I have to kill them who only just want to live in the same way.
If you want the answer, are you possible to prepare the readiness to continue asking the world.
Why can they not live.
Even though we like them, why must we kill. They only want to live. But, I too.
(Right, I too, hope to live)
Therefore, even from the cage, I longed for the world.
"...You're right. I'm lucky."
(I,)
After all, still, want, the answer.
"...Come to think of it, who are you"
"Heyy it's a promise!"
Well, though it's convenient. Shrugging lightly, Nobutuna smiled lightly in front of the man, that sometime, he thought he should have killed.
"Actually, I am asked by Billy, to come and get you guys. That fellow, he went onto a different quest"
Somehow the Tigrex seemed to have returned to the snow mountains. His voice that said was heard in a distance. The handle of the sword Sakura grasped was hot. That was, somewhat nice.
"About me, I haven't thought of it, to far as a question, like Sakura does"
"Why?"
"No idea. Maybe because, I have been in places where humans kill among themselves"
In the Chivalric Order, the death of person was relatively imminent. Wrapping the body in a black knight coat for funeral rites, with mountain herbs decorating on the right chest, it was often to hear the prayers and requiem of the church. Holding slant the sword for courtesy, closing still the eyes, thinking of the end of the life. The actual feeling was not heated, dressed in only a light lassitude. Ash was used to the death of unknown people. Therefore, the dirge of the monsters he killed himself, felt with the body, prostrated only with a fierce impression.
"...I think of that, something like conversations"
"...You talk, with them, through the sword?"
"Yeah. ...Because those fellows, uses their claws and teeth, though there's no pardon"
Therefore, if this side wasn't with weapons, they wouldn't be able to talk. The two weapons that were placed side by side. The sword was intense nicked parts on the edge, was broke once from the root by itself when Sakura returned. And, with the handle, can you give a blade to it once more, she said to the forge.
Taking in something, the forge answered only with silence, towards the absurdity.
"...Which reminds me, what in the world have you, told SEVEN"
"What did I say?"
"You're my half, that kind..."
"That's right? Ash is my other half, and I'm the other half of Ash. From the old days, it was always like that, since we were children"
Surely it will be so from now on. As she intended to continue, Ash shook his head, you must be joking.
"No way will that be true. Isn't that wrong?"
"...Aren't we connected for so long, what now. Are you blushing?"
"It's not like that... Because, Sakura, is just Sakura"
You know, therefore in this way, changing the sword, changing your heart, you are going to be a hunter, with an aim different from mine. The sword that was put into the sheath, could be seen waiting for the time to be draw.
"You are not I. I am not you too. You and I are not half of each other, we are individuals. Remember that."
"...Individuals..."
"Yup. Therefore, it's fine"
Therefore surely, the two of us existed as two people.
Surely, it would be a conversation of nothing. Causal, as usual. Breathing to share. Nothing changed from the old days.
(Ah, but, )
When one changed, the world changed.
"Ash"
"Hm-–"
"Many things, much has came, at the same time"
"Yeah"
"I don't know, what to do"
Gladness. Happiness. Sadness. Pain. Regrets. I don't want to give up. I want to go forward. But, I am a little tired. Many things have come, at the same time.
One sigh. With a pop, she was puzzled for an instant, in the arms circling her. The familiar touch. The smell of the sun, since a long time.
"It's okay to cry"
"..."
"You must be tired"
"...Yeah"
She nodded. The fragile answering voice became wet. Only, quietly, without making a sound, tears flowed.
"Big brother"
"Hm"
"Why, is Sakura crying"
"...Isn't it because she's tired"
"Tiredness, is a thing to cry?"
"I don't know..."
"...Is Sakura, going to be alright"
"I think she'll be fine"
"...That's good"
But, in the end, I have done nothing for her.
It is the two seniors that have gone first helped her.
It's not myself. I cannot notice myself, for her who is suffering and troubled.
"Big brother. I, can't do anything for Sakura... Still, will she call me, a friend"
"You, have done it properly"
"I, what have I done?"
"You have done it"
"What have I done?"
"I know"
"Tell me, big brother"
"I know. Therefore, it's fine"
It's fine, Tharros. You have done properly something for her.
"Believe in what your big brother says"
"... ...Big brother, you'll sometimes avoid in that way. ...Sneaky"
"I'm not sneaky"
Though it should be unconsciousness, Tharros understood properly, what Sakura needed, whom she needed.
(Tharros, you're the one, that connected them)
"As expected from my sister"
"..."
She looked down in silence and held her breath, so that he wouldn't realize that her cheeks turned red.
Come to think of it, that voice.
Visiting the snow place, which was not far from the village, casually by himself, SEVEN thought as he walked in the night unintentionally.
(If I remember right, isn't his voice same as the guy, that once said, he should have killed me?)
Therefore, he felt uneasy and was not able to sleep.
As soon as he understood, with a thump, arranging from inside, sleepiness attacked suddenly.
"...Well...who cares"
If he aims his blade at my throat.
(Before that blade moves, I'll transfix him with my lance)
"Just kidding"
White breath, white sky, the dark sky filled of stars. Aurora and the Milky Way. The sound of the wind that could freeze his back. He turned back.
To my family in the desert, the moon this evening is very good also. How is yours? Is the Courage of the Desert in good health.
The roar of the Tigrex, echoed in the snow mountain, like the order of a king.
Author's Note:
This chapter is about saving Sakura, the friendship of girls, and the interest of collecting swords. I defeated this chapter by searching many informations about swords. Huh, you're asking me who is who? It doesn't matter. Thanks for reading!
Translator's Note:
This chapter is filled with something that I can't think of normally when hunting. Honestly, I have really learned a lot in this chapter... Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoy and feel free to leave comments. If there's any mistakes, let me know.