Monster Hunter: The Telepathic Hunter; Ch43: The Sun and the Moon
Dondruma Guild Outpost Gathering Hall, Dondruma City. Afternoon, February 1st, 2099.
"I suppose I should tell you more about myself, seeing as I pretty much already know a lot about you," said Beverly. Alex just nodded sheepishly. "Okay, where should I begin…? Oh, I am an orphan, just like you. I grew up living with Maxwell's family in Kokoto. We were more than just friends, you could say." Alex gasped at this revelation. "We used to even have a rivalry, like siblings often do. We competed over everything, up into when came time for us to start our hunter training. Because I was older, I graduated first…" Beverly paused before giggling at a memory only she knew. "But that didn't stop Lil Max from Ranking Up first. He was a prodigy, taking down his first Rathalos within four months of gaining his official license."
Alex put on a face of pure awe. "Whoa. It took me seven months before I fought one, and there was a Rathian at the same time. Of course, I had the help of a big squad…." Alex remembered himself. "Please, continue. I'd like to hear more."
"For the first six years of our career, we served as attached hunters for Kokoto. Then we hit a crossroads. He was recommended to serve Pokke Village, bringing the local Giaprey and Blango populations in check. I got called up to Dondruma, and I've been here ever since. We hunted together whenever we could. But eventually, time slowly wedged us apart. The last letter he sent me was three months before he… kicked it." Beverly sounded a bit perturbed at the end.
"You must have been pretty devastated when you got the news," said Alex in a compassionate voice. "I should know; I was pretty crushed. I was powerless and unable to do anything." Alex looked down at his hands, and remembered the times he spent with Treshi learning to clear his mind. "Oh, I have an idea. Beverly, would you like to speak to him?"
"Huh? What do you mean?" For once, Alex could see the sparkle of hope in Beverly's eyes, however brief it happened. "But, he's…"
"First, I'm going to need your trust, and then your hands," said Alex mystically as he placed both hands palm-up on the table towards Beverly. "Do you trust me?"
"...I guess." Beverly placed her hands into Alex's. "So, what happens now?"
"Close your eyes, and focus on me. I'll take care of the rest."
"Okay." Beverly obliged. Alex also closed his eyes, and focused. His Dragonite triangle pendant began glowing, startling others in the gathering hall.
A moment later, Alex found both himself and Beverly in his mind. "Wow, it worked. Treshi would be so proud of me!"
"Where are we?" asked Beverly, bewildered at the white expanse all around her.
"Alex, you lot. You never cease to surprise me." Both hunters turned to the speaker. "Beverly, I never imagined I'd meet you like this. How are you?"
Beverly stood speechless for a solid ten seconds. Then she made a single step forward. "Lil Max…"
Maxwell gave a slightly annoyed look. "Hey, I'm not so little anymore. Don't embarrass me in front of my nephew!"
At that, Beverly overcame her shock. "Yup, this is real." She began giggling as she approached Maxwell with confidence, pulling the deceased hunter into an embrace. "You feel real, and thus you are real. It's good to see you again after all these years."
Maxwell just stood there, accepting the hug. "I can feel all the sadness you've held just vanishing like a shadow exposed to the light. I am sorry for whatever it is I have put you through."
"None of that matters," replied Beverly as she let go and stepped back. "I'm really happy." She turned to Alex. "Thank you for this, Alex. I've been around for a while, but I've never heard of anything like this."
"I'm happy to help. Although, it was Maxwell who passed this onto me. Maybe he can pass it on to you, too?"
"That's not possible. I could only do that when I was alive. Besides, whatever remaining power I used to have was used up when I prevented your death from your first Khezu."
Alex grimaced. "I see…"
Maxwell continued, "Don't worry. You can pass it yourself. When the two of you leave here, just say "Kasai Bonds" while holding hands. You'll give access to my spirit."
"Wow…" Beverly was just amazed at all of this.
Maxwell turned to her. "Beverly, in exchange, I would like you to train Alex. Both of you are Water Element types. Alex's grasp on the Kasai Clan's Healing Spring ability is limited currently."
"Oh, that's a fair trade. I would be happy to teach." Beverly turned to Alex. "Us Kasai ought to help one another however we can. That's what it means to be a part of a Clan."
Alex smiled, and so did Maxwell.
After sending word to Pokke that he would be staying in Dondruma for a few weeks, his training began the very next day. He did ask Anna to deliver some of his gear, namely his Plesioth Finswords, and his Kirin armor among other things.
February 22nd. 10:00 PM.
Alex suddenly awoke, breathing hard. He just had a nightmare about the Ancient Tower, about losing his friends in a battle against a pair of Fire Dragons. "Yikes… I don't think I can go right back to sleep after a dream like that. It seemed too real." Alex looked around, checking his surroundings. He was in a room in Beverly's inn. That is correct, she was an Innkeeper. She actually rarely went on hunts, although she was not retired from active duty like Maxwell was at his age. It was early Spring season, so the night air was relatively winter-cold.
"What is the matter, Alex Dear?" asked Beverly's concerned voice telepathically. "A disturbance of your Chikara jolted me awake. I have never felt such fear from another person before."
Alex realized his breathing had not calmed down, so he got to work on that. "I… just had a nightmare. Nothing to worry about."
"A nightmare? Sounds serious to me. Would you like to talk about it?"
Alex regained a steady pace. "Sure, I guess…"
Hunter Stats
1. Alex Kasai (HR6)
Weapon: Plesioth Finswords Dual Blades (Water Element)
Armor: Kushala 'S' Blade Master + Expert Gem Decoration
Skills: HG Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Focus, Terrain Negate, Wind Pressure Breaker, Thunder Damage Increase, Elder Dragon Influence, Reckless Abandon+1.
2. Beverly Kasai (HR8)
Weapon: Valhalla Lance
Armor: Gravios 'S' Blade Master
Skills: HG Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Sleep Negate, Endurance Up, Guard Increase, Fire Resist, Water Damage Increase.
3. Qilin Kaminari (HR6)
Weapon: Death Prize Sword and Shield (Paralysis Attribute)
Armor: Kut-Ku 'S' Blade Master
Skills: Kaminari Potential, Vitality Up, Strength Up, Fire Resist, Ice Damage Increase
4. Mighty Harold (HR7) (Guest Hunter)
Weapon: Plesioth Fin Blade Greatsword (Water Element)
Armor: Tigrex 'S' Blade Master
Skills: High Grade Earplug, Autotracker, BBQ Expert, Thunder Damage Increase, Dragon Damage Increase.
February 23rd, 7:30 PM. Ancient Tower Area 2, outside.
Today's team was here to check out a hunch, essentially. However, the hunch was proved to be not without merit. Alex and Beverly's HG Telepathy could pick out two powerful signatures. Harold could also sense the two Elder Dragons awaiting the team at the top of the tower, courtesy of the Autotracker Skill. Finally, Qilin could just feel the weird sensation of a physical weight that was the combined 'Elder Dragon Pressure' of the Fire Dragons saturating the very air. No doubt, today's battles were sure to be wild and eventful.
"This time, they won't get away," said Alex. "We're going to settle the score, once and for all."
"I second that!" exclaimed Qilin. He was a changed man. While not as powerful as the Kasai clan, the Kaminari had their own set of above-the-norm abilities, and Qilin had begun tapping into his Clan's. Interestingly, he learned how to perform Alex's Khezu Cloak, for he had a strong Thunder Element affinity.
"Let us get a move on," said Harold. "We have quite a ways to go to the top, and I am sure the tower will be chock full of Remobras to give us grief."
"I propose that we don't stop to fight them, but just push through to the top," suggested Beverly.
"Sounds like a plan," said Alex.
The quartet resumed their way, heading into Area 3, the first room on the bottom of the tower. As usual, there were clusters of Great Thunderbugs. However, these were ignored as the Hunters pressed on.
As Harold expected, Area 4 revealed an explosive gathering of Remobras. But this was no mere omen. They were instead envoys, heralding was to surely happen when the group should reach the top of the tower. However, the team was on a tight schedule and had no time for messing around. The team ducked and dodged as they made their way through the flying horde as fast as they could.
Area 5 sported even more Remobras, too many in fact to just simply push through. Alex and Qilin took it upon themselves to whittle the numbers. Harold and Beverly's weapons were heavy and lowered their speed, so they would not be too effective against the little nimble snake-headed Flying Wyverns. Instead, they went ahead while being protected by Alex and Qilin.
This pattern was repeated two more times in the rooms above as the quartet continued on. Two Areas of the tower were more infested than others, just like Area 5. Finally, in Area 9, the room just before the top, the team took a small breather. There was no point going into battle less than 95%.
"Well everyone, this is it," said Alex as he looked at the exit. "Hopefully, we're ready for them."
"If it makes you more confident, I have slayed a Teostra on my own before," said Harold. "I hope to get the materials needed to complete my armor set, if you don't mind."
"No complaints here," Alex replied. "That you agreed to help me when I wasn't even sure that our target would be here is plenty compensation enough in my book."
"How long will you keep us waiting, Alex Kasai?" asked the voice of Delsol.
"Are you that scared to face the music?" taunted the voice of Luna.
"Don't listen to them," said Beverly. "Clear your mind before we head out. You must remain level headed for this fight."
Alex turned to her, sporting a smile. "Thanks for that. I'm okay now." Alex replaced his helmet onto his head. "Let's do this."
"About time. I'm itching for battle!" exclaimed Qilin.
Without further ado, the quartet set out into the open air of Area 10, the top of the Ancient Tower. Indeed, they are nearly at the top of the world. Only a certain peak in the Furahiya was taller than the tower. "It's my 5th time here, and this view still takes my breath away," commented Beverly
Sure enough, a Teostra and a Lunastra were lounging around, enjoying each other's company like a male and female lion on Earth would. At once, the Fire Dragons got onto all fours and flexed their wings experimentally. "It's about time. Let us skip the pleasantries. We will burn you all to cinders."
The quartet began spreading out. Staying as a group would be too dangerous. Alex unsheathed Grace and got into stance. Then he noticed Grace was shaking. His arms were trembling. "What?"
"Oh look, Luna. He's scared!" jeered Delsol.
"How pathetic!" replied Luna.
Alex shook his head. "I'm not scared… I'm actually excited!" Alex made the first move, charging towards Luna.
"Oh, no, you don't!" Delsol leapt at Alex, causing him to roll to the side to avoid the attack.
"Don't hog all the fun!" exclaimed Harold as he went towards Delsol. The Teostra jumped back as Harold unleashed an unsheathe slash.
Luna set her sights on Qilin, remembering the two times he paralyzed her. With a growl, she leapt at him. "Whoa! She's mad!" Qilin dodged. Luna wasted no time and was at him again. "I didn't know Monsters could hold grudges!" He put up his shield to block a claw swipe. "Okay, time to get serious."
"I agree!" exclaimed Beverly as she slammed her lance into Luna's side with a Lance Charge.
"Whoa. Beverly is really into this compared to usual," thought Alex as Harold blocked an attack before him. He went to the side and gave Delsol a diagonal slash into his head.
"Ow! Why you!" Delsol leapt back a bit. "Fire Element: White Hot Haze!" Alex grabbed Harold's nearest hand and pulled him away as a blazing stream of fire was unleashed. "Tch! Fine, hard way it is. Fire Element: Solar Wave!" Delsol flapped his wings once, and a menacing orange aura began to emanate from him.
Luna did the same, causing Qilin to back away. "This heat! They're doing this now!?"
"Too bad we have no Dragon Element weapons to shut this ability down," said Beverly.
"This heat is nothing to me!" Harold went forward to Delsol, unperturbed due to having faced Teostras before. He got a hit on the Elder Dragon, who was surprised by this.
"Qilin, if they're pulling out all the stops, then it's time we did the same! What do you say?" said Alex directly to the addressed. Due to the Terrain Damage Negate Skill, he was totally unaffected by the heat, though.
"I don't see any other way. We have to defeat them quickly, or we're toast!" replied Qilin's thoughts.
"Thunder Element: Khezu Cloak!" exclaimed to two in unison, donning blue auras of electricity.
"What the!?" Luna became shocked as Qilin began attacking with speed. Everytime she tried to swipe him with her claws, he would have already moved out of range. While she focused on him, this gave many opportunities for Beverly to attack.
Delsol found himself having a rotten time as he tried to split his focus between Alex's swift movements and Harold's heavy attacks. "GRRR! Don't get cocky!" Delsol leapt back impressively. Yellow sparkles began to spread out as the lion-like dragon beat his wings rhythmically. Luna, noticing this, took to the air. "Chew on this, you lot! Fire Element!"
"Oh, no, you don't!" exclaimed Alex and Qilin in unison as they charged without further invitation, hoping to thwart the deadly attack about to ensue. Harold put his Greatsword up to guard, and Beverly put up her sturdy shield.
"I hope this works! Paralysis Attribute: Viper Slash!" Qilin's sword glowed a bright yellow as he swung it. A big burst of yellow static occurred on hit.
"Shoot! Not this again!" Delsol became paralyzed, his body in spasms as yellow static continued to dance over him.
Alex got near. "I'll take you down first! Water Element…"
"Alex, watch out!" exclaimed Beverly in telepathic warning.
"Huh!?"
"Not so fast!" Alex looked up only to be crushed into the floor from Luna landing on top of him.
"AAAAAHHHHH!" Alex screamed. His Khezu Cloak shut down, but not before giving Luna a brief electrocution causing her to get off of him. "Owww…. That's going to… hurt… a few weeks… from today… urgh…"
"Luna, set off… the Explosive… Surprise!" Delsol gritted out.
"Okay!"
"No!" Beverly set out into a Lance Charge, but she would never make it. Not even Qilin would.
"Hra!" Luna shut her jaw quickly, her four longest fangs releasing some sparks.
"AAAAAHHHHH!" screamed everyone but Harold as powerful explosions went off around the tower.
Alex went rolling, only stopping at an edge of the tower top. He groaned pitifully, too hurt to move. "Man… I think I would feel better if I were tramped by a Bulldrome, compared to this torture."
Harold put down his Greatsword, and took stock of the situation. He was the only one standing, though he was not unscathed. Beverly was struggling to get up, while Qilin was unconscious. Alex was dangerously close to a very long fall off of the tower. Delsol the Teostra was just recovering from his paralysis. "Drat, it looks like the rest is up to me. It's now or never." Harold took out from his pack an Asura Drug drink. He quickly downed it, and his body began to glow red as power filled his being.
Alex picked the change in Harold's Chikara signature. "What's happening to Harold? He feels so powerful all of a sudden." Alex opened his eyes and rolled to his right side. He could just make out Harold cautiously approaching the two Elder Dragons, one of which turned to Alex. "Uh, oh."
"You're mine!" Luna began charging at Alex. At the same time, Delsol began charging at Harold. Poor, defenseless Alex was on his own.
"This is gonna hurt…. MOVE, body, MOVE!" Alex tried to get up. "Stay… stay away!"
"Like I will! Now, fall!" Luna rammed into Alex, taking both of them over the edge!
"ALEX!" exclaimed Beverly.
"DARN!" exclaimed Harold as he evaded Delsol's attack.
"NOOOO!" screamed Alex as he fell into the clouds.
Luna just hovered in place, watching until he disappeared into obscurity. "Hmph! That's what you get!"