"So, have you made yourself comfortable?" Kros asked, looking back at the caravan with a broad smile.
"If you call us being literally at each other's throats comfortable, then yeah, we are," Sniper said, still trying to sit down on the tiniest spot in between Cavik and Lower, the latter of which sent deadly glares.
"On second thought, no we're not," Sniper admitted before looking back at Kros. "Why didn't you bring a second caravan?"
She shrugged. "We didn't expect so many recruits from a single gathering. All we were told was to make sure you get to your destination, not how."
"How could you not expect that?" Lower said, clearly irritated. "I don't want to be near these"—she pointed at Chifle and Sniper respectively—"things."
"You hurt me with your words, lady Lower," Chifle said, lowering his head ever-so-slightly, almost headbutting Hog sitting on the wooden planks. "How can I make amends?"
She whipped her head towards him. "By offering yourself to a Deviljho."
"Whoa there, no need to get so heated," Kros said before turning to Lower. "You can ride on Storm's back if you want."
Lower's eyes bulged out before snapping her gaze at the Legiacrus pulling the cart. Storm tilted his head at Lower before narrowing his eyes, making her gulp.
"I… I think I'm going to stay in the caravan," she said before hugging her legs.
"Oh don't be like that. Storm has a heart of gold, he just doesn't show it often to new faces," Kros reassured.
"B-but isn't a Lagiacrus an extremely dangerous monster? How were you able to tame it?" Drodez asked, peeking through the curtain of the caravan.
"Well, that's a secret even I don't know," Kros admitted. "But again, I can reassure you that Storm won't bite your head off. He only does that to Bullfangos."
Drodez gulped. "That's… not reassuring."
Suddenly, Ghep, who was still reading his book, stood up from his spot on the ground next to Hog, pushing his way through the recruits before ending up in the driver's seat. There wasn't enough space to sit next to Kros, but to the astonishment of all the people inside, he jumped right on top of Storm's back.
Storm perked up from the sudden baggage and tilted his head towards Ghep, letting out a low growl. Ghep sat down, leaning on one of the lightning crystals before opening his book again.
He then looked up at Storm, a deadpan expression on his face. "Don't mind me."
Storm glared at the daring recruit before letting out a huff and continuing to focus on his march.
Kros couldn't help but laugh. "Now that's what I like to see."
"Did…did he just…" Drodez couldn't even finish from sheer astonishment.
"Yeah, and he doesn't even give a damn," Cavik finished. "I'm kind of surprised he hasn't done it sooner."
"You expected him to do that?!" Drodez shouted, making Cavik shrug.
"I honestly hate having little space to myself too, and if Kros isn't lying, why not take the invitation?" she said before looking at Ghep. "And you know what? I might as well do the same."
"W-Wait!" Lower exclaimed. "You can't leave me here alone with them!"
Cavik only gave Lower a flat stare. "Your problems aren't mine."
She climbed on top of the driver seat as well before doing the same as Ghep and landing on top of Storm, who let out another low growl, but decided not to do anything.
Lower clicked her tongue and wanted to do the same, but Kros stopped her with an outstretched hand. "Hold up, two people on Storm is already pushing it. You should have enough space in the carriage now."
"And stay here!?" she shouted, only to be met by a pair of fierce eyes from Kros.
"We don't choose our partners often. Take your time to get to know each other," a sly grin spread across Kros' features. "Trust me when I say you're going to need it."
Lower stiffened slightly under the gaze and eventually plopped down on the bench next to Hog while crossing her arms. He tried to give her an inviting smile. "Come on, it's not that bad here. I don't think sitting down on tough scales isn't any better than wood."
"Easy for you to say when those two are here," she remarked, staring at Sniper and Chifle, the former lifted his arms defensively.
"Hey, I'm sorry I scared you, alright? I really didn't mean it," he said, a sheepish smile on his face. Lower huffed before jerking her head away, and staring at the road behind them, making Sniper sigh.
"You're really bad at forgiving people, aren't you?" he pointed out, and Lower decided to ignore Sniper's remark.
"And you're really bad at keeping your mouth shut," Chifle countered.
"I don't think you're the one who should say that," Hog said dryly before shaking his head. "Hey, how about we play a game or something?"
Sniper immediately perked up before raising an eyebrow at Hog. "You got something on hand?"
"Wouldn't be asking if I didn't." He dug into one of his pockets and pulled out a deck of cards. "How about a classic game of Quartet?"
Sniper smiled. "Sure, I'd be down."
"Anybody else who wants to join?" Hog asked the rest.
Drodez shrugged. "I guess that's better than nothing."
"Chifle?"
He glared at Hog before relenting with a sigh. "Alright, fine."
Hog formed a smile and turned to Lower, who was still looking down the road. "Do you want to—"
"Just give me a hand already," she said with an outstretched hand. Hog wasted no time and started dealing each recruit a hand before they started playing.
Kros gazed at them with a smile, glad that Hog was able to at least release the unneeded tension between them before focusing on her own task.
Making sure that Storm didn't actually bite Cavik's or Ghep's head off.
{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}
Drodez stared at his hand with knitted eyebrows, sweat pouring from his forehead while his eyes darted from person to person. He had to make his move count since he was so close to getting a quartet of his own.
He took a deep breath before switching his gaze at Chifle. "Rathalos four."
His eyes widened, checking his hand before a sly grin appeared on his features. "Nope."
"Oh come on, I just saw you taking that from Lower!" He shouted, but Chifle pointed down at the ground.
"You forgot I already have one down there," he said, making Drodez snap his gaze at the four cards right in front of Chifle, depicting a quartet of Rathalos, the number four visible on one of the cards. Drodez's upper lip twitched.
"...I hate this game," he stated, throwing his hand of cards away.
"Wait! Don't throw them! These cards are kind of rare!" Hog shouted, immediately scurrying to the ground to pick them up. Lower sighed.
"Let's just stop, we've played this game for who-knows-how-long. It's getting boring quickly," she said while handing Hog her own hand. "Just take them."
Hog tilted his head to the rest of the group who let out similar responses, nods or shrugs. He couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
"Fine," he said, taking everyone's cards from their hands and ground before stuffing them inside his pocket. He then turned to Kros. "Are we there yet?"
"No, we still have a few minutes before we reach the guild," she said, never tearing her gaze away from Storm. "Though I'm glad you've found your way of entertainment."
Lower huffed. "It was doable. Would be better if Chifle wasn't staring at me all the damn time."
Chifle silently pumped his fist. "Yes, she said my name."
"That's not something to be proud of," Sniper said, giving Chifle a flat stare.
"Says you."
"Seriously though, that's no-"
"I'm going to stop you two before you make any more ruckus," Kros said, interrupting the two. "While it was funny at first, spatting at each other won't fix the problem unless you tackle them head-on."
Chifle and Sniper only silently stared daggers at each other, making Kros sigh. "This might be a bit tougher than I thought."
"See? I told you these two are a problem," Lower said.
"Remedies always appear at some point. Some just come later than others." Kros switched her attention to Storm's back. "And you two?"
"Fine," was all Ghep said, never tearing away from his book while Cavik kept looking forward, although her expression was concerned.
"Uhh… Captain?" she said, tilting her head to Kros. "Are you sure this is the way to the guild?"
Kros couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Yes, why?"
"Aren't we in monster territory right now?" she pointed out.
"Well yeah, where do you think the Treehouse guild is other than in monster territory?"
"WHAT!?" everyone shouted, minus Ghep.
"Why do you think it's called that way? Can't have a treehouse without a tree," Kros said.
"I don't think that's the problem, chief," Sniper shakily chimed in.
"Wait, don't tell me we've been assigned to the Treehouse guild!" Drodez suddenly exclaimed, making Kros grin.
"The one and only!"
"Wait, I'm confused," Hog said. "What's so bad about Kros' guild? I think it's neat to have a guild in a treehouse."
"Haven't you heard all the rumours about this guild!? They do insane stuff with the new re—"
"Hold your Bullfangos there, Dro," Kros interjected. "While yes, our guild is a little infamous among the hunter network, we pride ourselves in making excellent hunters out of people."
"You mean how irresponsible your training regimes are," Drodez countered, making Kros drop her grin into a thin line.
"Then tell me what you call 'a responsible training regime'," she shot back, taking Drodez by surprise.
"I… I don't know. Start off slow, gathering materials, killing a few Jaggies…" he trailed off, making Kros sigh.
"Alright, I can't fault you for thinking that, but I'll let you in on a little secret," she said, glancing at Lower. "As the girl said about the Deviljho, monsters can pop anywhere and kill off unsuspecting trainees way too easily."
She couldn't help but click her tongue. "I would lie if I said we didn't have an incident or two happen to us, but that's why our guild is on top of a tree. Not only do we have the high ground, but it also makes it easy to survey our surroundings to make sure that doesn't happen. Add a few ballistae, cannons, and dragonators, and you got yourself quite the impenetrable fortress."
"But then how do you tackle fire? I'd imagine a tree couldn't handle a building before collapsing if it was burning," Sniper asked, making Kros shrug.
"I don't know. Does defending the guild from a Teostra attack proof enough?"
The caravan grew unsurprisingly silent, some of which even had their mouth agape.
"How?" Drodez was the first to ask, and Kros grinned.
"That's how good our defences are. So rest assured, you are in a safe environment to train. Trust me when I say when we'll let you out on a hunt, we know you're ready. Sure, the regime is a little controversial but effective."
She then looked back at the road ahead before her eyes lit up in recognition before pointing her finger in front of her. "There it is, the Treehouse."
Everyone tried their best to get a view of what their future home was going to look like, only for them to stare at it with awe.
The largest tree in the forest, overlooking the entire area with its height, was encapsulated by an aforementioned fortress made out of wood and stone. Bridges and lifts were connected to every single large branch, holding homes and cottages before being surrounded by net-like ramparts, littered with defensive artillery.
Even if an invasion of monsters ever broke out, this guild was ready to take on literally anything.
"Wow," Cavik let out, mirroring everyone's reaction, with a single exception being Ghep who was still engrossed in his book.
"Right?" Kros said, "It doesn't matter how many times I've seen it, the sight never gets old. Now, let's have some fun."
"Uhh… fun?" Hog asked and was rightfully concerned. Kros suddenly whipped the reins with a whack. A small but noticeable grin spread across Storm's before letting out a mighty roar and he dashed towards the lower entrance of the tree.
Collective screams resonated across the forest with a single booming laugh in the mix. The watchmen on the ramparts looking over the road gazed at the speeding caravan in the distance before a single hunter heard the racket.
"What's going on over there?" he asked, his short red hair waving in the updraft.
"Commander Steel, they're here," the watchman said, making Steel lean over the railing to see what he was talking about. Once he spotted the carriage, beelining for the fortress, he couldn't help but let out a groan.
"Who let Kros be the one to get the new recruits? I thought we said before that she is the last person for the job," he said.
The guard bowed. "She went on her own, commander."
"I thought—" Steel pinched the bridge of his nose. "Why am I not surprised? Go open the gates to the elevator at once. She'll ram the carriage otherwise."
The watchmen stiffened, gazing at Steel with wide eyes. He tilted his head, his face forming into a thin line. "Go open the gates. Don't ask questions, I know her well enough."
"Y-yes, sir!"
They bolted inside the fortress while Steel gazed at Kros before they eventually met eyes despite the distance.
Steel lifted his chin. "You know you're in trouble."
Kros formed a lop-sided grin.
"Like you expected anything else," she whispered while the caravan bumped up and down with every small root it ran over. "Let's see who will be first!"
The personnel inside were trying to hold on to their seat as best as they could. Some were still screaming, others were silently hoping this ride was going to end soon.
"This is not how imagined my first trip!" Sniper shouted.
Lower snapped her head towards him, her eyes getting watery from the wind. "Shut up! You're not helping!"
"Hold on tightly! We'll get there in a flash!" Kros commanded, still a broad smile on her face before lifting her head ever so slightly. "How are you two holding up there!?"
"How do you think!?" Cavik yelled, holding on to the energy crystal, slightly crackling with lightning. Her hair was rising from the electricity the crystal emanated. "Can't you slow him down!? I'm going to fall!"
"I don't see Ghep having trouble!" Kros pointed out, making Cavik turn her head towards him, only to see him lean on a crystal while the pages in his book flapped under the wind.
"How can you still read that!?"
Ghep raised his head ever-so-slightly before switching his attention back to the book. "I can."
"Now it's not the time to ask questions! One round of beer is on the line right now!" Kros said, and fear was quickly replaced by confusion.
"Wait, you're telling me you're doing this because you want to get drunk!?" Drodez shouted, hugging his seat even tighter. "How irresponsible can you get?!"
Kros flashed him a smile. "You'd be surprised!"
As the carriage sped its way through the thick forest, Kros gazed at the gates at the base of the tree, still closed. She pumped her fist, only for the gates to start opening in front of her, making her click her tongue.
As much as Storm was fast, Steel spotted her early this time. She cracked her reins once more time, but Storm wasn't having it. He glared at Kros with his beady red eyes, and Kros jolted in place before letting out a sigh.
"Alright, I guess you had enough yourself." She pulled her reins ever so slightly, and Storm slowed down to a jog, allowing the passengers to finally rest. Once she turned back at the recruits, all she saw was a mess.
Drodez was heaving before eventually gagging. Sniper was upside down, not able to find the strength to turn back up. Chifle lay on the ground with a few too many bruises compared to what the ride could inflict while Lowel was trying her best to distance herself from everybody in the caravan. Hog was surprisingly fine, but the fact playing cards were scattered around the carriage didn't bode well for the collector.
The sight made her slightly cringe, even though a faint smile still betrayed her features. She turned back to Storm, who was quickly reaching the gate with Cavik and Hog still on his back.
It didn't take long for the caravan to reach the gate, passing through another set of ramparts at the base of the tree before eventually stopping in front of the simple elevator where Steel was already waiting. He had his arms crossed, and a thin line adorned his features.
Kros jumped from the caravan before stretching her limbs and reaching Steel, who easily eclipsed her in height.
"Well, I guess the next round is on me, huh?" she admitted with a defeated tone, and Steel pinched his nose.
"I told you already to stop doing these… games," he said. "You'll scare the recruits that way."
She waved her hand. "Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. We got quite the merry bunch today if you'll ask me."
Steel let out a hum before gazing at the caravan behind Kros. He went to check it out, only to see the recruits still trying to get their bearings. His eyes shot wide open when he saw two of them on Storm's back.
He whipped his head back at Kros. "Just… why?"
She shrugged. "There just simply wasn't enough room, and Storm is ridable after all. Why not let them have some fun."
"You're supposed to be a hunter. Not a clown," Cavik said lying on the tough scales and a frown formed on her face. She turned her head towards Steel before pointing at him with a finger. "And who is he?"
"Oh," Kros slammed her hand against Steel's silver pauldron, his armour slightly shaking under the gesture. "This is Commander Steel. He is in charge of all the Treehouse's defences."
Cavik's eyes shot wide open before quickly dismounting Storm, brushing off loose scales from her clothing. She bowed. "I'm… sorry for the gruff introduction."
Steel shook his head. "No, be at ease. We're glad to have some new blood joining the guild. If anybody should apologize, it should be Kros."
"Alright alright, I may or may not have gone a little overboard on my part, but I think it served well as their introduction to the place," she defended herself, but Steel crossed his arms.
"There're better ways to do so and you know it," he let out a sigh. "I'll take care of the recruits myself. You on the other hand will go back to Asteros."
Kros raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Steel exasperatedly shook his head. "Because Falchion was originally assigned the task of bringing the new recruits here. And with how airheaded he can get, he might as well be bait for a hungry Rathian with one wrong turn."
"And now you want me to get him back," Kros said, making Steel nod.
"Think of it as punishment for throwing another wrench into the plans, like you always do."
"Can I at least have the carr—"
"No," Steel interrupted her before fishing out a scroll and quickly handing it to Kros. "Because there is something else you have to do too."
Kros immediately grew serious before opening the parchment and quickly reading through it. Her face quickly darkened before giving Steel a firm nod. "It will be done."
"The guild is counting on you. Now go," Steel urged, and Kros bid him a quick farewell. She took a look inside the caravan one more time before flashing everyone a smile. "Don't worry, you'll like it here!"
She jumped away from the caravan before pulling out a glowing firefly. She threw it into the air before a thin reflecting wire connected the bug and flew away from the ramparts in a flash.
Hog jumped in place when he saw how much it propelled her before turning to Steel, still inside the caravan. "What was that?"
"A Wirebug," Steel answered. "We recently got a shipment from Kamura, and Kros was instantly the one who started to make use of them, amongst other hunters"
Cavik came close to Steel's side while still trying to spot Kros within the deep forest. "It looks… dangerous."
Steel nodded. "They are, but if there is one person I would trust with Wirebugs, it's her. Even if it adds to her recklessness."
"I'd say reckless is an understatement for her," Sniper chimed in while stretching his neck, already outside of the carriage alongside the rest of the recruits, Chifle being right behind him with crossed arms.
"Says the guy who hanged himself in front of a girl," he added, making Sniper roll his eyes.
"You'll never gonna let me live that down anytime soon, are you?"
"No," Chifle answered simply.
"Could you two stop bickering for one minute?" Drodez said with a deadpan look. "We are in front of a commander."
"Alright, let's calm down a little here. I know you're excited to become hunters and all that, but we need you all to get accommodated first," Steel said before turning to the elevator inside the giant tree trunk. "All of you take that elevator up to the crown of the tree. There is a registry that will help you find your rooms and such. Once you're done, meet me inside the armoury. There, you will choose what weapon you will wield for your future hunts."
"So, we're going to train immediately?" Hog asked, and Steel nodded. "O-okay then, but um… what if we don't find that armoury?"
Steel chuckled. "Don't worry, just ask the receptionist. She'll point you in the right direction."
He fully turned his back before slowly approaching the elevator. "I'll see you there in the evening. Don't be late."
AN: Well, I guess you've been waiting long enough, have you?
To be honest, at some point, I thought to abandon this project altogether, but that would only leave a disservice to all of you who gave me a consensus, and I'm too prideful for that. So, I'll try my best to make sure the next chapter won't take as long as this one. I wanted this chapter to be the one where everybody chooses their weapons and such, but after leaving this doc to collect dust for so long, I've decided it will be its own chapter.
Of course, if any of you have changed your minds or want something to be done differently, feel free to message me. I'm sure we'll work things out. And don't worry, that doc with all the information you gave me and the wanted weapon list is still there.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my life, through thick and thin. I'll be forever grateful.
God's speed.