Hunter Regulations:
Hunts are only permitted should the monster not have an effect on the environment or is a major threat to settlements and civilians.
Should an Elder Dragon pose a cataclysmic threat, all hunting restrictions will be lifted.
Certain events, such as mating seasons, will put hunts of that monster on hold unless an individual becomes overly hostile.
Quest conditions must be thoroughly examined for the most accurate and efficient outcome.
Failure to comply with these regulations and restrictions will be seen as poaching and the Guild will take immediate action.
The trail was long and winded. Not many people were willing to walk along it without some sort of protection. Many were forced to, however, for their deliveries and roles in the world were important. Food, drink, materials and other supplies were necessary for the many established villages and settlements in this world. The Old World. A home of all sorts of species. Human, Felyne, Canyne and of course the many species of monster. Zinogre, Kulu-Ya-Ku, Basarios and Tobi-Kadachi to name a few. Each more different than the last. And each is dangerous in their own way.
The ears atop a palico's head pricked up at the slightest sound of something hiding among the ruins. Releasing a small warning noise for the merchant that it was travelling with to hear, it soon took up a defensive position while the merchant urged their cart to stop moving. They stayed dead still with the hope that whatever was currently observing them would move on to track bigger prey. With a growl, the creature made a gesture and appeared to walk off as the merchant and his palico company had hoped. Breathing a sigh of relief, he gestured to the palico to relax and continue the journey which the felyne graciously complied with.
The cart continued on towards its destination. The path was relatively smooth from this point out and another member of the travelling party made himself known. A palamute jumped out from the inside of the cart and stretched itself out before yawning and beginning its walk alongside the cart. Her fluffy tail wagged behind, brushing against her owner. Her Hunter.
Matthew Lance grabbed onto the back of the cart and pulled himself out. He, like his palamute ally, stretched himself out and cracked his back to loosen up. Then with a quick hop, the young adult moved out from behind the cart and began to walk alongside his canyne friend.
He was young. Much younger than his appearance would tell you. If you were to assume his age upon first meeting him you would look to his height or his mature view on life. But if you really knew him, you would know it was neither of these things that made him seem older than he actually was. It was his eyes. Eyes that had been forced to witness the horrors of the world.
"Morning Mils," Matthew leant down and scratched his palamute under her chin. Millie began to wag her tail in enjoyment and nuzzled against his leg, beckoning him to mount her back.
"Not at the moment, thanks. Got to stretch these weary bones if I want to be in top shape. Maybe next time." He chuckled with the canyne giving an understanding nod as it turned its head forward. The young man stood up straight and quickened his pace so that he was walking alongside the merchant.
"You sure took your sweet time waking up. We were almost dinner for a monster." The merchant's comment made the young man roll his eyes in annoyance.
"Could've just been a Kulu-Ya-Ku. Though last I checked we don't have any vases in the cart." The merchant shot him a look.
"Well could've been an Arzuros. Those things are aggressive I'll have you know." The merchant's argument lacked substance resulting in the young man shaking his head in denial once again.
"Not entirely. While those things are omnivores, they prefer fish and honey. I doubt one would come after this cart unless we were transporting a crap load of that stuff. All we're transporting is fruit and raw materials for crafting. Plus some weird food supplies. Like seriously what are those?" he asked to which the merchant didn't respond.
"Forget that. You're the professional so what was watching us?!" the merchant angrily demanded to know. Before his travelling companion could respond, they were given their answer. From the foliage of the surrounding forest emerged two small bird wyverns. They were covered in short orange fur and cream-coloured scales. Matthew readied himself as they bared their fang-like teeth.
"Here's our answer. Izuchi." He said, drawing a pair of blades from his back, "Come and get some!" His yell had the desired effect and the pack lunged at him. The merchant's palico freaked out and fell backwards off the cart, landing on its rear. The merchant himself moved to run away, leaving the hunting duo to fend for themselves. As if that was a challenge.
Matthew whistled and Millie bound forwards with a shuriken in her mouth. With a quick swing she hit one of the Izuchi in the head causing it to stumble and fall to the side. It fell headfirst and skidded along the ground before rolling over and pouncing back towards her. While Millie's focus was on this particular Izuchi, Matthew turned to face the second which swung its blade-tipped tail overhead. As he snapped at him, he rolled to the side and pushed himself up to one knee.
"Haha! You're a feisty bugger aren't you?" he laughed, catching the attack with his own two blades. With little more than a push, the attack was parried and allowed him to strike the small bird wyvern across the chest, leaving a thin cut. Then he heard the roar of a larger predator.
Matthew looked up to see a Great Izuchi charging him with a readied tail swipe following quickly behind. Thinking fast the hunter sheathed his right blade and threw out the associated hand. A small glowing bug flew in that direction and released a sturdy line of silk as it did. He yanked on the thread and was subsequently pulled in that direction with a good amount of momentum mere seconds before the Great Izuchi's attack to slam into the ground. WIth a 'shunk' sound, the blade became lodged in the ground with the bird wyvern attempting to pull it free.
"Mils!" The palamute turned her head at her master's beckon and sped off in his direction, leaving her own Izuchi to do nothing but give chase. Matthew's intentions became clearer the closer she got. The Great Izuchi pulled its tail from the ground, hissed at him and tried to stab at him once more, "That's it. Bring it!"
Millie barked as she skidded along the ground before bounding off to the side, just close enough for her master to grab onto the saddle she wore and be whipped off the ground and onto her back as a result. The Great Izuchi and its subordinate were unable to move out of each other's way, resulting in the pack leader's attack sinking deep into the flesh of the smaller animal; killing it instantly. The hunting duo came to a stop and watched as the pack howled in despair from the loss. Despair turned to rage as they slowly crept forwards with snapping jaws
"Oh come on guys. I'm really not in the mood for this." Matthew sighed as he lazily slid off of Millie's back and pulled his second blade from his back once more. However, this time when they lunged for him, a single arrow flew through the air and caught one of the smaller Izuchi in the neck. The young adult expressed his surprise before several more arrows were loosed as warning shots. The Great Izuchi finally released a cry and retreated along with its remaining pack member.
"I can see why you were getting fed up. They never know when to quit." Matthew held his hand up to shade his eyes but smiled anyway, knowing full well who had saved him. A Huntress clad in the Golden fur of a Rajang; a ferocious beast in itself, "Though you did seem to be struggling."
"Oh lay off Tomoko. I've not long been awake and besides, it's not like they were much of a challenge. They don't even know how to dodge!" Matthew joked as he sheathed his blades and cracked his neck. Tomoko, for that was her name, placed her bowstring over her chest and jumped off the cart, landing on the grass with a soft thud. The pair locked eyes before cheerful grins and laughs were let out, "Come here!" Tomoko jogged on over to MAtthew and the two embraced. The cosiness of her armour was enough to make him tired.
"It sure has been a while huh? What, was it three years ago that I last saw you?" asked the older hunter. Her younger nodded once they separated.
"Yeah. Forlorn Citadel where we, along with the Guild, slew Ahtal-Ka." Matthew shivered as he said the same, "Never looked at insect monsters the same way since." Tomoko raised an amused eyebrow and smirked.
"I'm sorry? 'We' slew it. Last I checked, I was the one to slay her. You were nowhere to be found on that battlefield." Her laugh left Matthew with but one response. To roll his eyes and retort.
"Well I would've had my teacher actually given me the chance to help. I was restricted to the sidelines, remember?" Tomoko's laughter came to an end and she awkwardly looked off to the side where Millie was scratching behind her ear.
"Yeah I never was the best teacher was I?"
"Well I don't know about that. You clearly taught me something cause I own this." Matthew sauntered over to the back of the cart and opened up the cloth at the entrance; gesturing with his head for Tomoko to have a look. When she did was left rather impressed and surprised. Laid out, in multiple pieces of course, was a well-crafted set of black, red and grey spiked armour.
"Stygian Zinogre? Not bad. How'd you come about this wyvern then?" Her glance allowed her to see the excited expression on her ex-pupil's face. An expression that wasn't just for show.
"Accepted a quest from the Guild not too long ago. They had reports of a monster howling through the night that often led to wildstock go missing and a good amount of damage being done. Hunted it down, expecting a standard Zinogre or hell even a Tigrex. Came across this bastard. One hell of a hunt I tell ya." As he reminisced, he picked up the helmet and proudly examined it.
"I bet it was. Dragonblight is no fun thing. How much did you get paid?" Tomoko asked, eliciting a grin from her ex-apprentice.
"That's the best part. I turned the money down. Their blacksmith was a retired Hunter, so I instead asked him to craft a new set of Stygian armour. This here's the result of his hard work." He exclaimed with triumph. Tomoko humorously sighed at his response, yet decided to leave the discussion there. They had other business to attend to.
"Thanks for coming by the way. I wasn't sure if you'd received my beckons so it is much appreciated." She pointed to the letter among Matthew's belongings and he nodded in understanding.
"No problem. After everything you did for me, it was the least I could do. Gonna tell me why you needed my help though? Kamura's a rather far way out." Tomoko turned on her heels and started off in the direction Matthew had once been going. The younger hunter whistled for Millie and lifted the cart up at the front, making the sensible decision to pull it the rest of the way. An action that immediately reminded him of something.
"Where's the old man?"
Tomoko grimaced at the thought, "I found him being mauled by a Nargacuga. Nothing I could do."
"Damn it. That must have been what was tracking us earlier then," he muttered to himself before looking ahead and moving on, "So you gonna tell me or…" Tomoko turned her head to look at him with a smile before speaking.
"It's probably better if Elder Fugen does."
"Who's that?"
"You'll see."
Lively. That was one word to describe Kamura Village. In fact there were a plethora of words to describe it.
Peaceful. Cheery. Isolated.
"Welcome to Kamura Village." Tomoko turned around to Matthew as they walked through the main entrance and did a playful little bow. He scoffed in amusement and carefully placed the front of the cart on the ground; stretching his back out once he had, "Oh sorry. I suppose I should've known your well-being is more important than introductions."
"Oh shut it. I didn't see you offering to pull that thing on the way here. Unless Millie heard you?" Upon her name being spoken, the fluffy palamute trotted up to Tomoko and started to lick her outstretched hand affectionately. Matthew rolled his eyes at the tactic, "Traitor."
"Tomoko! You're here! Came back for one last visit before your big venture to the New World?" A young Wyverian woman approached the duo with graceful steps. The gentle smile she wore already made Kamura an accommodating place. Though that wasn't to say her comment had left Matthew feeling a little confused.
"Yes. One final visit to bid farewell to everyone, Hinoa. And introduce a certain friend of mine of course." Tomoko said. Hinoa smiled before turning her attention to the newcomer.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Hinoa. I'm one of the two Quest Maiden's of Kamura Village. What may I call you?" Calm and respectful. Matthew would go as far to say attractive. He held his hand out for Hinoa to shake; a gesture which initially surprised her. After some hesitancy, she shook it; the same gentle smile not faltering at any point.
"Name's Matthew Lance. But please call me Matt." He smiled reassuringly and left Hinoa blushing ever so slightly. Not that he noticed, "The pleasure's all mine. It's an honour to be here really. Tomoko spoke of this place often."
Hinoa beamed, "Thank you for your kind words. We're a family here. All of us. You would always be welcome should you choose to take up permanent residence here." The invite was as sincere as she could make it. And Matt took full advantage of it.
"Only known me for a few minutes and you've already offered me a place to stay. Do you like me that much?" Hinoa blushed a bright red at his joke. This time he did notice, "I'm just messing with you. Don't take everything I say to heart." Tomoko had an amused look on her face before spotting another hunter, male this time, approaching.
"Hey Master Utsushi. See that merchant cart behind us? Would you mind giving its old owner a proper burial and then help sort the supplies out please?" She asked. The hunter nodded.
"No problem. I'll see to it straight away. Least favourite part of the job but thanks for the heads up anyway Tomoko. Gonna miss having you around!" He yelled as he began to jog away.
"Don't worry. I've got my replacement right here," Tomoko pointed her thumb at Matt who had just finished clearing up the misunderstanding with Hinoa. He turned to see that Utsushi was now jogging backwards.
"New blood? Looking forward to it. See you soon Ace!" he exclaimed before making his way towards Kamura's gate.
"Ace?" asked the former.
"Just a nickname. He gives them to hunters that are new to the village. You're the first in a long time."
"Fair enough." Matt turned back to Hinoa only to see two Hinoas. Baffled, he shook his head to make sure he wasn't daydreaming.
"Greetings Matthew. I am Minoto, a Quest Maiden of Kamura Village." It was the one on his right that spoke. Despite this, the hunter was still left rather surprised. He rarely got to meet wyverians so for him to meet two so soon after entering Kamura was a shock to the system.
"Oh hi. Sorry about my reaction. Wasn't expecting to meet you like this." Minoto covered her mouth to quietly chuckle at his embarrassment. She found it all rather amusing.
"Do not apologise. My sister and I tend to have that effect."
Matt clicked his fingers and smirked, "Of course. That makes sense. But I'll tell you what doesn't make sense…" He swivelled ninety degrees to his right so that he was facing Tomoko and crossed his arm. For added effect he raised an eyebrow, "What did Hinoa mean by 'your venture to the New World'?" Tomoko's happy expression dropped into one of sadness.
"Exactly that. I'm heading to the New World with the Third Fleet of the Research Commission. There's not much here for me anymore. Kamura's been my home for years now so believe me when I say it's not an easy decision to make. I just want more, you know?" She turned and placed a hand on her ex-pupil's shoulder before confidently smiling. Matt was unsure of how to respond so chose silence as a suitable substitute.
"Besides they've got you now. I taught you everything I know and although I may sound arrogant in saying this, I can think of no one better than you to defend Kamura in my stead." Silence was now speechlessness at his mentor's kind words. Matt's eyes flicked downwards in thought.
"Do you think I'll ever see you again?" He muttered sadly.
"Don't say it like that. I'm sure our paths will merge once more." Tomoko eyed the cart that was to take her to harbour, making its last preparations. With one final breath she spoke in a tongue only a select few would understand, "Until then、 サファイアの星が私たちを導いてくれますように。" The two hunters shared a final look before Tomoko made her way over to the cart and hopped in. As it pulled away she called out to the three.
"Kick some monster ass for me!"
The cart moved off with a jolt and before long it disappeared from view. Tomoko was on her way to the New World and Matt was in Kamura.
"You too teach." Matt's voice was soft but he quickly composed himself and turned to the two maidens.
"So I'm sort of hoping you have a spare room somewhere." He chuckled nervously. Half-expecting Hinoa's previous comment to be a cruel joke was definitely on the mind but if Tomoko trusted these people then he would too.
"Why of course. After all, Tomoko's room just opened up." Hinoa winked. The two maidens graciously turned and proceeded to lead both Matt and Millie into the village proper.
"She's gonna hate that." He laughed.
"As long as she doesn't find out, I think it will be fine." replied Minoto.
"Kamura Village huh? This should be interesting."
Matt awoke bright and early, ready to enjoy his first day as a new member of Kamura. At least that's what he thought would happen the night before. What actually happened was him being awoken at midday by the maiden sisters.
"Good morning hunter!" called Hinoa as she led the way into his room, followed by Minoto, "Or should I say good afternoon?" Hinoa chuckled at her own joke while Hinoto simply smiled. Matt groaned as the sunlight beamed in from the open door onto his face. With squinted eyes he turned over in his bed to see the sisters standing still and smiling at him.
He cried out in surprise, the sudden shock causing him to fall off the bed. Millie sprung to attention and bounded towards the maidens. She wagged her tail and rubbed up against their legs; the pair chuckled as they took it in turns to stroke and fluff her fur. All the meanwhile, her master was pushing himself off the floor and up against his bed. He looked up to see what his palamute was doing and rolled his eyes.
"Gee thanks Mils. Show your best friend some concern, why don't ya?" He noted humorously. Millie's ears perked up instantly and she turned to her master. Then just as he thought she would come over to him, she instead sat down and essentially stuck her tongue out at him. He flinched in surprise before facepalming.
"What am I gonna do with you?" he sighed before finally acknowledging his visitors, "Afternoon girls. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Hinoa blushed slightly at his comment while Minoto simply smiled.
"Well we wanted to see how you were finding your stay here. It seems we already have our answer." Minoto said with a humorous tone. Matt simply smiled and propped himself up and onto his bed. With a yawn and stretch he cracked his back and neck before finally standing up. It was here that he remembered what he was wearing. Practically nothing save for a pair of shorts.
"Apologies for the attire. I don't tend to wear much in bed." The moment the words left his mouth, he stammered to explain himself, "I meant this is what I wear! Not that I sleep nude or anything!" With a sigh he plopped back on the bed and held his face in his hands. When he felt confident enough to look up again he saw that the sisters had set a neat pile of clothes by a lamp. He raised an eyebrow and walked over to it, picking it up in his hands.
"What's this? Some sort of robe?" he asked as he looked it over.
"Close. It is a kimono. It is traditional clothing in Kamura Village, worn by villagers and hunters alike regardless of gender. Consider it a housewarming gift." Minoto explained as she held her hand out flat, suggesting that he put it on. He looked at the kimono and then back at the maidens.
"Uh. I hate to say this but would you mind letting me change in private?" The two maidens readily acknowledged the situation and turned their heads to face each other. Then with a synchronised smile and nod, they turned back to Matt and backed out the way they came in.
"Of course. We'll be waiting for you at the steps of the great hall. Someone wishes to speak with you." Hinoa said this just as the door closed causing Kamura's latest to ponder who she meant.
"Guess I better hurry then."
True to his word, Matt got changed as quickly as possible. Hinoa and Minoto awaited his arrival eagerly. So eagerly in fact that they didn't even notice him walk out of the room because Millie was entertaining them.
"Alright don't even bother pretending you were waiting for me. I could hear Millie barking through the door. Seems like she got in some good exercise," He said sarcastically with a sly smile. Eventually his teasing came to an end when he realised he wasn't going to get either of them to crack. Though that's not to say Hinoa hadn't started to.
"Greetings Matthew. It seems the kimono fits. Now please allow us to lead the way." Minoto gave a small bow before heading for the great hall. Millie followed alongside her while Matt walked alongside Hinoa. The walk was over before anything eventful could happen yet Matt did bear witness to what appeared to be some sort of bird fly over his head and towards a figure at the hall.
"What was that?" He asked himself as two figures jogged up to him. Utsushi and one other hunter.
"How you doing Ace?" the former asked enthusiastically. Matt stopped and gave a small bow, copying Minoto from earlier. The two maidens also stopped to wait for him.
"Good thanks. To what do I owe the pleasure master?"
Utsushi laughed at the bow.
"You sure are respectful kid. No need to call me 'Master' or to bow. Utsushi is just fine. As for what brought me here…" Utsushi trailed off as he glanced at the hunter by his side.
The hunter in question seemed to be examining Matt with his eyes. When both the eyes of both hunters met, a chill was sent down the latter's spine.
"My name is Shen." He held his right hand out for the newcomer to shake. Shen's grip was firm, despite his small structure. A structure so similar to Matt's that it was more surprising to learn Shen wore a heavy bowgun upon his back.
"Matthew Lance."
"So you know your name? You've already exceeded my expectations."
Something about how he spoke nipped at Matt's patience. It was almost condescending.
"Shen…" Utsushi's own tone of voice was one of warning. The hunter in question seemed to get the hint. He almost seemed to lighten up. An act for sure.
"Apologies. I'm not very good at introductions." The sincerity of his apology was forced, but Matt was in no need to point that out to him. He'd just take what he could get right now.
"No hard feelings." He forced a smile before turning to Utsushi quizzically, "We all done here?"
"Pretty much Ace. Now I'll leave you two alone. Happy hunting!" Before either hunter could retort, Utsushi threw down a smoke bomb and completely vanished.
"Damn that fool. Forcing me to party up with a newcomer." Shen muttered in spite.
"I don't see this going well." Matt shot Shen a quick glance before turning back to the maiden sisters. They had been stroking Millie during his conversation and didn't seem to notice said conversation was now over.
Matt shook his head and chuckled whilst Shen began to check over his gear. "You three…" He was interrupted in his sentence as the doors to the great hall boomed open followed shortly after by a commanding voice.
"We're going to have to speed along preparations." The voice belonged to Fugen the Elder.
"Elder Fugen! We've brought him!" Fugen snapped out of his inner thoughts, rolled up the scroll he was holding and smiled as he saw the maiden sisters approach along with the village's brand new resident. It seemed, Matt figured, that despite outward appearances Fugen was a kind soul.
"Ah Hinoa, Minoto. Great to see you!" He boomed boisterously before directing his attention to Matt himself, "You must be our new hunter. Matthew, right? I am Elder Fugen! It's a pleasure to meet you!" Matt bowed out of respect for Fugen's position.
"HAHAHA! No need for that squirt!" Fugen's sudden laughter caused the young hunter to give a confused look.
"Is there something I'm missing?" He asked before being patted on the right shoulder.
"Nah! Just a little fun!" Fugen laughed, "Did Tomoko not tell you about me then?"
"Well sort of. She mentioned how much of a father figure you were and you're an efficient warrior."
"Why am I not surprised? She always did find that sort of stuff hard to discuss." Fugen scratched his beard and shrugged.
"So Elder Fugen. What was in the letter?" Hinoa asked curiously. Fugen's face took on a grim expression and his cheery attitude vanished. He lifted the scroll and looked it over as if he was contemplating whether to actually spill the bad news or not.
"The Rampage. It's begun again." While Hinoa and Minoto recoiled in fear and concern, Matt looked past Fugen to see a huntress, clad in Espinas armour, leaning against a wall. Almost as if she'd been there the whole time. Which she had.
Her brown eyes locked with his greyish blue and somehow he could just tell she didn't trust him. But why though? He thought he was rather appealing.
"Has this place got a thing for attractive women?" Matt mentally joked only for the newcomer to deepen her gaze. The hunter chuckled nervously and pretended to have not noticed.
"Aiko. You could've spilled the news in a nicer way, you know." Fugen laughed. Aiko gently sighed before pushing off of the wall and heading straight for Matt.
"You are…unique."
"Thanks I guess?" To say Matt was confused would be a major understatement. In fact there was no word to describe what he was feeling, "I'm Matt by the way…"
"I know who you are Matthew. I've done my research on your career." Aiko replied as she continued to observe Matt up and down with her eyes. It was the sort of gaze a researcher had whenever a new species was discovered.
"Oh so I have a fan already it seems? I'll take the compliment."
"It was only a background check. Nothing more, nothing less." With her evaluation complete Aiko took a step back, held out her hand and gave a small smile. Five seconds into the handshake both hunters made eye contact one last time before separating properly.
"I'm sorry to interrupt but what's 'The Rampage'?" Matt's voice was one of concern and interest. Fugen turned his full attention to him as the two maidens moved to Fugen's side.
"The Rampage is a phenomenon in which monsters are sent into a frenzy around Kamura. We're not sure why it happens. All we know is that it transpires every fifty years." Minoto explained.
"Kamura Village was almost wiped out last time. Even despite our preparations, we were overwhelmed." Fugen continued, sending shivers down Matt's spine. He knew all about monsters going berserk. He'd been a child when a Gore Magala had laid waste to the area surrounding the town Cathar. The Elder Dragon had been slain but the destruction it had caused would never truly fade.
"So that's why Tomoko wanted me here. To take her place as a defender." Matt's quick deduction impressed Fugen.
"You got it. I'm looking forward to seeing your efforts out in the field. She spoke highly of you." Fugen's praise unfortunately meant nothing compared to the dark cloud looming overhead.
"That could mean…"
"Elder Fugen, we shouldn't rely solely on an outsider to defend Kamura." Declared Aiko rather quickly.
"Tomoko trained him and vouches for his skill. That's good enough for me." Fugen's response was stern but held a wiseness to it.
"Well at least let me begin preparations. He can assist me if he so wishes.."
"I'd love to but Utsushi wants me and Shen to go on a hunt together. Sorry." Aiko simply nodded in response before bowing to Fugen and heading off towards the village perimeters.
"I can just tell she's at least fond of you." Fugen laughed.
It was a sentiment Matt could only chuckle and agree with.
"You're gonna go hunt down that Great Izuchi and its pack. The one that disrupted your arrival here yesterday." Matt was expecting many things. Barioth, Diablos, Brachydios. Hell he was even expecting a Rathian. The Great Izuchi that attacked him the day before however?
"Gonna be honest. Wasn't expecting that," he shrugged before running his hand through his hair and smirking, "Though I'll take it." Using the same hand that was on his head moments prior, Matt gave a thumbs up to Utsushi and Shen who had been standing nearby.
"Good to see you're down for the up-and-coming hunt Ace! With both you and Shen on the job it'll be over nice and easy. Now go get your gear!"
There was an awkward silence the entire journey out of Kamura and as the hunter duo explored. Matt had tried to start up a conversation but all he received in response was either more silence, the bare minimum of an answer or Shen telling him to shut up.
"I see you're finally learning." For the first time since the hunt had started, Shen broke the silence.
"Of course you're insulting me. Why am I not…" Then he heard it. They both did. The snapping of twigs and the rustling of leaves.
Shen effortlessly grasped his right hand onto his heavy bowgun; swinging it around into both hands and snapping it into action. Seconds later he loaded blast ammo into its chamber and cocked it.
Matt on the other hand took his helmet from below his armpit and placed it on his head. There was a chink as it slotted into place and the eyes, along with the red accents of the armour, began to glow. He then pulled his blades from his back and held them out to his sides. His wirebugs began to hover around him more sporadically, they too sensing the danger. Despite this behaviour, when the time came they would serve him as well as they always had.
As the rustling ended a small bird-like monster, a Gargwa, burst out from the foliage. It looked rather panicked by the sight before it.
"Yep. Definitely not suspicious at… Shen! Lookout!" Matt cried as an Izuchi burst out from the bushes to the older hunter's left. Shen quickly stepped back with the Izuchi speeding past him. He immediately responded by spinning around and without trying, aimed the nozzle of his weapon at his attacker. When the Izuchi turned to strike with its mouth, Shen pulled the trigger, unleashing a powerful round into its head. The smaller wyvern's head vanished in the blink of an eye. The impact sent its headless body flying back slightly and with not a single drop of blood appearing on the ground once it came to a standstill. A clean, cauterised kill.
"Glad I'm on your side." Matt joked. Shen removed the used shell and reloaded. He had only just gotten started. A second Izuchi emerged from its hiding place followed directly behind by the duo's target; the Great Izuchi.
The bird wyvern looked over to its deceased pack member and let out a low noise before turning its attention to the killer. Its nostrils flared in anger and Shen altered his posture; anticipating an incoming attack. However, the Great Izuchi did something unexpected. It turned towards Matt and issued a battle cry.
"You remember me huh? I hoped you did. I challenge thee to a duel!" Matt pointed the blade in his right hand out towards the wyvern with his left blade held behind his back in a soldier pose. The Great Izuchi simply huffed and clawed the ground with its right foot in a sign of acceptance. With a smirk, Matt flipped the blades over and readied himself. Despite finding the whole thing foolish, Shen turned to deal with the rest of the pack. The smaller wyvern may have had speed on numbers on their side, but Shen had something else. A heavy bowgun and lots of experience.
With a shriek the Great Izuchi rushed forward, seemingly intending to grab Matt's throat in its razor sharp teeth with the hunter dodging to the side. Anticipating this the Great Izuchi used the momentum from its sprint to turn and swing its scythe-like tail through the air. Matt gasped in surprise before dropping to the floor, allowing the blade to pass right over his head. Not letting up, the monster began to snap at him, causing the hunter to quickly roll away before freeing up a hand to summon a wirebug. Using its silk he pulled himself off the ground and briefly into the air before landing with a stumble.
"Ok then." He spoke and ran towards it. The Great Izuchi swung its tail around with more ferocity this time only for Matt to swing both of his own blades. They connected with the Izuchi's blade and he used his own momentum to counteract the Great Izuchi with an effective parry.
Sparks flew as both combatants were temporarily stunned backwards. The hunter was able to regain his footing first leading to him rushing forward and leaping over his right shoulder to bring both blades down on the monster. The bird wyvern managed to move out of the way by hopping backwards but only barely. The tips of Matt's blades slashed down its side, leaving two incisions. A small trickle of blood poured from each and began to stain the fur of its body. The monster observed its wounds and turned to glare at Matt who flicked the blood from his blades with a confident smile. Then the monster howled.
It was a piercing scream that forced the young adult to cover his ears. He tried to look over to Shen but the pain was too much. The Great Izuchi snarled and rushed forward. Through the pain, Matt managed to raise both blades up into an X and allowed the Great Izuchi to bite down on it. As it did, he activated a special function of Dual Blades.
Demon Mode.
The Blades began to glow a vibrant red colour and then started to produce flame-like electricity. This red glow ran along the blades, their hilt and, along with the electricity, coated the hunter's body. The Great Izuchi felt the effects of this power immediately and howled in pain as it released Matt's blades from its mouth and shook its head. Although he couldn't see it, Matt could imagine there were some scorch marks inside its mouth. This was further confirmed as it constantly snapped its maw open and shut, most likely in an attempt to numb the pain.
"Gotcha!" The pack leader looked up as it's foe rushed forward with his blades now held behind him and his head forward. With a single motion Matt swiped them both across his body and left two cuts at the base of the monster's neck. The bird wyvern stumbled back and began panting as the blood loss started to set in. Knowing the battle was won, Matt sheathed his left blade and slowly approached. He gently placed his left hand on his foe's body and lifted his right arm; the blade directed towards its chest. With a shushing noise, Matt pulled his right arm back ready to deliver the final blow. Then he looked into its eyes.
And he froze.
Where the monster lay was a young girl adorned in scorch marks. Matt took a panicked step back and looked around him. He saw tents and carts burn with a raging fire. He heard the cries of the terrified. He felt ash cover his face and when he looked forwards he saw it. Two blood red eyes staring at him through the smoke and shortly after? A roar that made him collapse to the ground.
With a quick shriek the Great Izuchi got to its feet, prepared to attack with its tail one last time.
"You idiot! Move!" Screamed Shen as he slammed into Matt, knocking him away. As the bird wyvern's blade swiped around at him, Shen turned and lunged for the flesh part of the tail. He wrapped his arms around it, performing a bear hug to keep it restrained. The Great Izuchi cried in anger as its efforts to break free were met with failure. It resorted to snapping at him, but Shen was more than capable of avoiding its razor sharp teeth.
"Rest now." He spoke gently before planting his feet and swinging his entire upper body around, the tail still in his arms. With one final effort he slammed the blade straight into the neck of its wielder and there was one final howl of pain before the Great Izuchi twitched, went limp and collapsed to the ground. Shen showed no sign of exertion whatsoever and proceeded to pick up his weapon that lay on the ground nearby before turning his attention to the still-shocked Matt who sat on the ground staring at the corpse before him.
He said nothing. He didn't need to. His mind had been made up.
Matt on the other hand removed his helmet to reveal beads of sweat pouring down his forehead. Without Millie there to comfort him he resorted to deep breaths and eventually calmed himself down almost completely. He reached into the collar of his breastplate and pulled out a pendant bearing the scale of a monster; a Mizutsune.
Then, as he took it in, he uttered one word:
"Jill."
Author's Note
So you're probably wondering why I've not posted the next part of MHA: From All Sides yet? (this is for those who already know my work)
Honestly? I hit a block where I couldn't get the words out properly. So I took a step back. That story is still gonna come you're just gonna have to give me time.
Recently I got back into a little game called Monster Hunter: World. Phenomenal game. One of my top 10 though won't say where it falls. I'm also rather fond on MH: Rise of which this story is going to be based off of. Some story beats will follow over for those who have played Rise. I will also be including parts of its expansion, Sunbreak. However, that will simply be monsters. I will not be adapting Sunbreak because this story is already a loose adaptation as is.
Monsters that weren't in Rise or Sunbreak will appear here. The main threat overall is gonna be completely different to Ibushi and Narwa.
With all that said I hope you'll stick around and enjoy this first chapter. For those waiting on me for the other story please bear with. Lemme get some of this Monster Hunter energy out of my system first.
Welcome to Monster Hunter: Rise Above.
See you next chapter,
Tombsie26