Hunt 17: The Group's Name and the Great Sand Dragon
Thanks to the help of The Creators, Zedept and the gang got through the underground caves.
Outside the Caves: Early Night
Zedept and the others exited the caves. "It's starting to get dark already?" Raylin asks. "We are farther south." Rocks said. "We should find a place to rest for the night." Myst said. "We should." Tre said. "Any ideas where?" Link asks. "There should be a small tunnel ahead that's big enough for the 8 of us to sleep for the night." Ave said. "Then let's go." Lyra said. They continued walking and found a tunnel for the 8 of them to sleep for the night.
Tunnel Entrance: Late Night
Zedept is staring at the stars while the others sleep. Ave wakes up and walks over to Zedept. "You're up early." Ave said. "It's hard to sleep with Tre's snoring." Zedept said. Ave chuckles. "Ok, now to be serious, why did you pretend not to know us?" Ave asks. Zedept sighs. "If they knew that I had connections to the most powerful and well known hunting group in this world, I would never hear the end of it." Zedept replied. "Guess you're right about that." Ave said as he looks at the stars as well.
"So why did you come back to this continent?" Rocks asks. Zedept and Ave turns around and sees Rocks. "Remember what I told you guys last time I was here?" Zedept asks. "Yeah, that dragon that killed your master." Ave and Rocks said. "I got a clue and I need to talk to the Garetaten guild leaders." Zedept said. "Ok, I'll see what I can do." Rocks said. "I have a letter from the Novastag guild leaders that will grant me an audience with them." Zedept said as he pulls out the letter. Rocks sees the Novastag's symbol on it. "Ok." Rocks said. Ave yawns. "Let's get back to sleep." Ave says. "Alright." Zedept said. The 3 of them goes back to sleep.
Garetaten
The 8 of them arrive at Garetaten's western gate(It looks like the online city from Monster Hunter 3 Tri). They get off and Lyra, Raylin and Link are surprised on how busy the city is. "Wow! This place is busy." Link said. "Welcome to Garetaten." Myst said. "We better get back to HQ." Tre said. "Good point." Rocks said. "Do you know where the guild is located?" Ave asks.
"I know where it's at." Zedept said. "Good and here." Rocks said as he pulls out a tarp. "Wrap your greatsword up, you'll draw suspicion to you." He said. "Thanks." Zedept said as he takes the tarp and wraps up his greatsword. "See you soon." Myst said. "See ya." Zedept said and The Creators leave. "Let's head to the guild." Lyra said. Zedept nods. "Better keep an eye on each other, it's easy to get separated here." Zedept said. They all nod and heads towards the guild.
Garetaten Guild
Zedept and the others arrive at the guild. "Even this place is packed." Raylin said. "Let's go to the counter." Zedept said. They head to the counter and they take a seat. "May I help you." A female guild member said. Zedept pulls out the letter. "I need to speak with the guild leaders. This letter will explain." Zedept said and hands the letter to her.
She reads the letter and calls another female guild member over and whispers into her ear. "Follow me." The other female says. Zedept and the gang follows the guild member up a tower and appears in front of 2 large doors. The female walks over towards the guards and talks to them. "Only the leader can go in." She said. "Wait here." Zedept said. "Ok." Lyra and Raylin said. "Yes sir." Link said. Zedept walks forward and enters through the doors.
Guild Leader's Room
Zedept enters and walks into the middle. "Who are you?" A male asks. "My name is Zedept. I have a letter for you from the Novastag guild leaders." Zedept said and pulls out another letter. A person in knight armor takes the letter and hands it to the male. The male reads the letter and then looks at Zedept. "I see, so you're after Alatreon?" He asks. "Yes sir." Zedept said. "I'm sorry but you can't have our piece." The male said. "What! Why?" Zedept asks shocked. "You have to earn our piece." The male said. "Sir, may I speak?" The person in the knight armor asks. "I know that voice." Zedept said in his head. "Go ahead." The male said.
"You can trust him Sir. I've seen his actions and he's a true, honorable hunter." The person said in a male's voice. "Thank you, Moke." Zedept said. The person takes off the helmet and it reveals Moke's face. "Glad to see you again Zedept." Moke said. "You know him?" The male asks Moke. "Yes Sir, he pushed a friend of his out of the way of a Lagiacrus's attack and took the blow for her." Moke said. "I see." The male said. "Even with my top guardian's vouching for you." The male said. "Top guardian?!" Zedept asks shocked. "I told you I was a friend." Moke said. "As I was saying." The male said.
"I'm sorry sir." Zedept said and bows. "Even with him vouching for you, you still need to prove yourself." The male said. "I understand." Zedept said depressed. A female in knight armor comes in. "Sir, urgent report!" She says. "What is it?" Moke asks. "A Jhen Moran has been spotted!" She says. Zedept, Moke and the guild leader are shocked. "Have The Creators returned yet?" The leader asks. "They have." Zedept answers. "How would you now?" The leader asks. "I was with them until 30 minutes ago." Zedept said. "And where are they?" The leader asks. "Heading back to HQ." Zedept replied.
"Go and request for Rocks, Myst, Ave and Tre to intercept the Jhen Moran before it gets here." The leader said. "Yes sir." The female said and runs out. "Guess that's my cue." Zedept said. "What do you mean?" Moke asks. "If my group helps to repel or kill the Jhen, will that be enough to get the piece?" Zedept asks. "We'll see." The leader says. Zedept leaves the room.
"Sir." Moke said. The leader looks at him. "If he has a letter from the Novastag leaders, why didn't you give him the piece?" Moke asks. "The letter said that he's a worthy hunter but I want to know for myself." The leader said. "But a Jhen, Sir?" Moke asks. "Maybe it's fate working for him." The leader said. "I thought you didn't believe in that stuff." Moke said. "I don't." The leader said. Moke chuckles.
Dragonship Docking Area
Zedept and the gang arrives at the Dragonship. "So all we have to do is repel this Jhen Moran and we'll have another piece?" Link asks. "Yeah." Zedept said. "So you guys are here too I see." Ave's voice said. They turn around and sees The Creators. "Yeah, we have to prove ourselves in order to get the piece we need." Lyra said. "Well then, looks like we got back in time." Myst said. "Let's hunt this Jhen!" Raylin says excited. They all nod and boards the Dragonship.
Dragonship: Under the Bridge
Zedept and the gang, along with The Creators are heading to intercept the Jhen Moran. "How strong is a Jhen Moran?" Link asks. "If you're not careful, you will die." Zedept said. "Speaking from experience?" Lyra asks. "Of course he is. He is the 5th member of The Creators after all." Ave said. "WHAAAATTT!" Lyra, Raylin and Link are shocked by what they just heard and look at Zedept. "Damn it Ave, I told you that I didn't want them to know!" Zedept yelled. "Zeeeedept!" Lyra yelled. "Calm down Lyra." Rocks said. "Fine." Lyra said.
"Zedept was the official 5th member of The Creators as our duel sword wielder. With a Golden Eclipse on his left hand and a Corona on his right hand and with their shields on the opposite hands as the blades, he was such a respected hunter that the guild allowed him to do that." Myst said. "That was a long time ago." Zedept said. "It was only 4 years ago." Ave said. "Until he decided to go to the Eastern continent." Tre said. "Let's stop talking about the past, we have a Jhen to repel." Zedept said and then headed up top.
Great Desert
Zedept and the others go on deck. They have 2 cannons on each side and 2 Ballista Launchers on each side as well and a Dragonater on the front of the ship. "Where is it?" Link asks. "Wait for it." Ave said. Then a massive monster jumps out of the sand and jumps over the ship. "Holy crap!" Lyra said. "It's huge!" Raylin said as they see a monster with 2 long horns and a massive tail.
"Raylin, clust and ice shots like crazy." Zedept said. "Got it." Raylin says as she loads. "Lyra, Link, you two will stay on the ship." Zedept tells them. "And what about you?" Lyra asks. "I'm going on its back and going to attack its weak spots." Zedept said. "Just be careful." Raylin and Lyra say at the same time. They then look at each other. "Ave and Tre, you two join Zedept on Jhen's back." Rocks said. "Ok." Tre said. "Just like old times." Ave said. "Myst, you and me will stay with them." Rocks said. "No problem." Myst said.
Jhen pops out and turns on his side and rams the ship. Everyone loses their balance and falls. "Damn, that hurt." Lyra said. They all get up. Raylin starts firing clust shots as Jhen gets closer. Jhen goes to bump into the ship when Tre hits the gong. Jhen backs off from the ship.
Raylin's clust shots breaks some of Jhen's arm scales off. "Ave, Tre, let's go." Zedept said. "Alright." They say and the 3 of them jump on Jhen and starts to attack its weak points. Lyra, Link, Rocks and Myst attacks Jhen sides. Raylin keeps shooting at Jhen. Jhen then shakes to knock Zedept, Ave and Tre off. Ave and Tre falls off.
"I don't think so." Zedept said and stabs Shikaiza into a crack on Jhen's back. Jhen then goes under the sand. "Is he crazy?!" Rocks asks. "That idiot!" Myst said. Ave and Tre gets back on the deck. Jhen then jumps out of the sand and over the ship. Jhen then appears out of the sand. "Where's Zedept?" Link asks. "There!" Ave said. They look and see Zedept still on Jhen's back.
"That idiot made it." Rocks said. Lyra and Raylin is relieved that Zedept is alright. Jhen charges at the ship when ballistas with rope stops Jhen in its place. As Jhen backs up slowly, Ave and Tre jumps on its horns and they continue to attack its weak points. One of Raylin's clust shots blows off one of Jhen's horns. Jhen roars and then slams down and sends rocks onto the ship.
"We need to move now!" Zedept said. Zedept, Ave and Tre runs off of Jhen's remaining horn and lands on the ship before Jhen retreats back into the sand. Zedept runs to the front of the ship. "Ave!" Zedept yelled. "I know." Ave says as he runs up to a giant button.
"Is your timing still good?" Rocks asks. "You doubt me?" Zedept asks. "Nope." Myst said. Suddenly rocks fell and hits Ave. "Ave!" Lyra and Tre yelled. Zedept goes to the button. Link runs up to where Zedept was. "You idiot! Get away from there!" Zedept yelled. "I got this!" Link yelled back.
Jhen then appears out of nowhere and is about to bite down on the ship. Link stares motionless. Zedept runs up with Shikaiza in hand. Zedept uses the flat part of Shikaiza and sends Link flying back towards the others before Zedept got swallowed by Jhen. "NOOOOOO!" Rocks, Ave, Tre and Myst yelled. Lyra and Raylin fall to their knees. A part of Shikaiza stabs into the ship. Everyone is shocked at what just happened.
"We need to finish this at the final defense wall." Rocks said calmly. "How can you be so calm?" Lyra asks as tears flow from her eyes. "None of us are clam right now." Myst said. Lyra notices that their fists are clinching hard and shacking. Lyra hears Raylin's gun reloading. Lyra looks back at Raylin and sees tears coming from her as well. "Raylin." Lyra says. Raylin looks up and Lyra sees anger in Raylin's eyes. The ship docks at the wall. "Let's end this for Zedept." Ave said as the rest of the Creators draw their weapons. "Yeah, let's." Lyra said as she gets up.
Inside Jhen Moran
Zedept wakes up. "Where am I?" He asks himself. He then quickly covers his nose with his right hand. "Damn it stinks." He said. "Wait a second, I pushed Link out of the way of Jhen's attack so that means, I'm inside Jhen's stomach." He said. Zedept then lights a torch and looks around. He then spots Shikaiza's handle and pulls it out and is shocked to see that Shikaiza is broken in half.
"Master's greatsword, it's broken." He said. "Master, I'm sorry but because of me that your greatsword is broken." He said. Zedept looks around. "Damn, I don't see a way out." He said. "Never give up." A male voice said. "Huh? Am I hearing things?" He asks. "Nope." The male voice said. "Hold on, I know that voice, Master is that you?" Zedept asks. "Yeah it's me." The voice said.
"But how?" Zedept asks. "You're doubting yourself that you'll get out alive right now, am I right?" Master's voice asks. "Yeah and I'm sorry about your greatsword." Zedept said. "Don't worry about that, I'm not mad." Master's voice said.
"But." Zedept said. "It's your greatsword now, so treat it anyway you want." Master's voice said. "Ok, but how do I get out of here?" Zedept asks. "Think my student, you are inside a monster's stomach, everything is soft right?" Master's voice said. "You're right, thanks Master." Zedept said. "Good, now believe in yourself." Master's voice said. "Thank you Master." Zedept said.
Zedept suddenly wakes up and sits up. "Master, you're still looking out for me even now." Zedept said. He clinches his left hand and sees that Shikaiza is broken. "Let's see, if I'm in its stomach then I need to climb up through Jhen's throat and slice my way through to its heart and kill it." He said as he walks towards the end of the stomach and pulls out his carving knife. He flips them both to a back grip style. He then stabs them into Jhen's stomach and starts climbing.
Garetaten Defense Wall
Lyra, Raylin, Link and The Creators are struggling with Jhen. "Damn it." Lyra said. Raylin keeps up her rapid barrage of flame shots to Jhen's neck. The Creators are attacking Jhen's legs. Everyone backs off. "Damn, Jhen Moran is a tough one." Link said exhausted. "I'm not giving up." Lyra said barely being able to stand.
"I'm with you on that one Lyra." Raylin said barely being able to stand as well. Jhen suddenly started to flail around. "What's going on?" Ave asks. "I don't know, this is a first for me." Rocks said. "It must be Zedept." Lyra said. "If anyone can survive that attack, it's him." Raylin said.
Jhen roared and then suddenly died. "Is it over?" Link asks. They slowly move towards Jhen and then parts of its throat starts to move. They all get into a defensive position. Suddenly they see 2 blades cutting through. A hole appears and Zedept walks through covered in blood.
"Aww, fresh air." Zedept said covered in Jhen's blood. Everyone stares at him. "What?" Zedept asks. Lyra and Raylin drops their weapons and run jump onto Zedept and they fall. "You idiot!" Lyra said. "You had us all worried about you!" Raylin said. Zedept sees tears falling from their eyes. "I'm sorry." Zedept said. "Damn it Zedept, do you always have to be so reckless?" Ave asks.
Zedept sits up. "You know me Ave, I'm always am." Zedept said smiling. "He wouldn't be Zedept if he wasn't reckless." Myst said. "Oh and I found this." Zedept said as he pulls out a gem. "That's an Earth Dragon Gem." Tre said. "So this is what it looks like." Zedept said. "Great job Creators and others." A male voice said.
They look and sees Garetaten's guild leader with Moke. Zedept stands up. "I killed Jhen so is that good even for it?" Zedept asks. "Yes, come by after you rested up and get cleaned up." The leader said. They look at Zedept. "Right, cause I'm covered in blood." Zedept said.
"What are you going to do about your greatsword?" Moke asks. "Well, we have a dead Jhen behind me so might as well get our weapons upgraded." Zedept said. "Ok then, Moke, take Zedept and his friends' weapons and send them to get upgraded." The leader said. "Ok." Moke said. Zedept, Lyra, Raylin and Link hand their weapons to Moke. "Your weapons will be done by tomorrow afternoon." Moke said. "Thank you." Lyra said.
"No problem." Moke said and leaves with the guild leader. "You guys can stay at our HQ for the night." Rocks said. "Thanks." Raylin said. Zedept starts to fall but Ave catches him. "You wore yourself out again didn't you?" Ave asks. "Yeah, do you mind?" Zedept asks. "You know I don't." Ave said. Ave helped Zedept stand and helped walk him back to HQ as the rest of them followed.
The Next Day
Zedept and the gang are in the guild leader's room. Zedept's armor has been fully cleaned and he's wearing it. "Where is Moke with our weapons?" Lyra asks. "Just be patient." Link said. The doors open and Moke walks through with a cart with their weapons on it. "About time." Lyra said. "Sorry about that but here are your new weapons." Moke said.
Moke hands Lyra a black and ice blue long sword sheathe. "Lyra, your new long sword is called Frost Dragon, it has ice and dragon attributed attacks." Moke said. Lyra takes the long sword and unsheathes it. A black icy aura comes off the blade. "Wow." Lyra said as she stares at the black and icy blue blade.
"Raylin, your new bowgun is called Cross Pyro, its recoil has been reduced and a shield has been added and you can load more ammo now." Moke said as he hands her a bowgun that looks the same as Cross Fire but with 2 mini Jhen horns with one on each side of the barrel and a second barrel as well and its color is a sandy brown with red and green scale patterns.
"Link, your new weapon is called Volt Dragon, it has thunder and dragon attributed attacks." Moke said as he hands Link a silver and blue switch axe. The blade is silver as well as the spikes. "This is nice." Link said. "Oh and we have same Jhen armor for you Link." Moke said. "Really?" Link asks.
"If you're going against strong monsters, you'll be needing stronger armor." Moke said. "He right." Raylin said. "Ok, thank you." Link said. "And as for your weapon Zedept." Moke said as he pulls out a wrapped up greatsword from the bottom of the cart. Moke moves the tarp from the handle. "Now draw your new greatsword." Moke said.
Zedept grabs the handle of his greatsword. "I can feel its new power." Zedept said. He then quickly draws his greatsword as a silver aura appears from where his greatsword was. "Whoa." Lyra, Raylin and Link said. Zedept's new greatsword has a silver double-edge with black on the inside and a gold colored line running through the middle of the blade. "Its name is whatever you want." Moke said. "Shikaiza Dragorian." Zedept said and then places it on his back. "It has a special type of an ability to it." Moke said. "Explain." Zedept said.
"It's a unique greatsword, it has the power to weaken the monster's strength and stamina." Moke said. Zedept places his hand on the handle. "I see." Zedept said. Moke walks out and pulls a cart with a modified Jhen armor.
"Here's your new armor Link." Moke said. Link goes and puts on the armor. "It feels great." Link said. "I see that everyone has their new weapons now." Ave's voice said. They look and sees Rocks, Ave, Myst and Tre. "Hey guys." Lyra said. "Hey." Tre said. "Why are you guys here?" Raylin asks. "I asked them to come." The guild leader said as he appears from behind The Creators.
"For?" Zedept asks. "Let me ask you this, do you 4 have an official group name?" He asks. "No, we never consider a name for the group." Lyra answers. "We are here to officially make you for a hunting group." Rocks said. "Oh, well." Raylin said. "So that's what it was about." Zedept said. "Yep." Ave said. Lyra, Raylin and Link are confused. "They told me last night that the guild leader wanted to do something for us." Zedept said. "It's the least I can do." The leader said.
"So what is your group's name going to be?" Myst asks. Lyra, Raylin and Link look at each other to try to come up with something. "Cross Blades." Zedept said. Everyone looks at him. "With an x instead of a c." Zedept said as he does an X with his index fingers. "I like it." Raylin said.
"It sounds cool." Link said. "It would be something you would come up with." Ave said. "That's Zedept for you." Rocks said. Tre has his right hand over his face. Myst just sighs. "Xross Blades, huh?" Lyra asks. "Why not?" Zedept asks. "So does the members agree with the name?" Moke asks. Lyra, Raylin and Link nods. "Ok then, today I officially make you 4, Xross Blades." The leader said.
Moke walks up and hands them their hunter id cards with their group's name on it and Moke handed Zedept an envelope. "What's this?" Zedept asks. "It's the piece that my ancestors were handed to guard many years again." The leader said. "Thank you." Zedept said as he takes it.
"Now we have 2 pieces." Lyra said. "I suggest you go back to the Eastern Continent and head to Juravante." The leader said. "Juravante?" Lyra asks. "It's a city that's more towards the far east of the continent, farther east than Orinvasfer." Zedept said. "Have you ever been there?" Raylin asks.
"No, the farthest I've been is Orinvasfer." Zedept said. "Oh, well that's a shock." Lyra said. "You've always known where we've been so far." Raylin said. "I don't know everything." Zedept said. The Creators starts laughing. "What's funny?" Link asks. "You've changed a lot since you left The Creators, Zedept." Ave said.
"You always know what monster is weak to what and where their weak spots are at." Rocks said. "And you always knew where every city was." Myst said. Zedept blushes a little bit. "But you never teamed with anyone before so seeing you with a group of friends is a nice change." Tre said.
Zedept remains silent. "Well then, since we know where to go, shall we?" Raylin asks. "Let's rest up for today. I'm still sore from yesterday's hunt." Zedept said. "Ok, you can rest up at out HQ and here." Rocks said as he hands Zedept a big bundle of cash.
"I can't take that from you." Zedept said. "I agree with him." Myst said. "Don't worry about it and I'll have a sand boat for you guys to take you to the port as well." Rocks said. "Are you sure about this Rocks?" Myst asks. "Yeah." Rocks said. "Fine, just give me the amount later." Myst said. "So here Zedept, don't worry about it." Rocks said as he hands Zedept the money.
Zedept sighs and takes the money. "How much is this?" Zedept asks. "300,000,000z." Rocks said. Lyra, Raylin and Link falls backwards at the amount of money. "That's a lot!" The 3 of them say at once. "It's chump change compared to the total amount of money they have." Zedept said. "Well, let's rest up for tomorrow." Link said. "Yeah." Lyra and Raylin said. They all leave and rested for the day.