Episode 03
In the heart of the mountains, where the air was crisp and the altitude lent a cool embrace, lay the picturesque village of Taruno. Nestled between two imposing peaks, the village was a haven of serenity, surrounded by nature's grandeur. Tall wooden towers stood sentinel, garrisoned and proud, casting shadows that danced across the quaint houses below.
The river, a lifeline coursing through the heart of Taruno, added a soothing melody to the village's ambiance. It meandered gracefully, carving a path through the land. The flat lands flanking the river were a patchwork of farming fields, where diligent hands toiled to reap the bounty of the fertile soil. The water, crystal clear, teemed with fish, their glimmering scales reflecting the azure sky above.
As spring adorned the village with its delicate touch, blossoms burst forth in hues of pastel yellow and violet. The trees, their branches adorned with delicate petals, created a symphony of color that painted the village in a vibrant tapestry. Wooden houses, crafted with care and adorned with intricate carvings, stood in harmony with the natural beauty that surrounded them.
The people of Taruno moved with a serene grace, their daily lives intertwined with the rhythm of the mountains. In the market, a hive of activity yet not as bustling as some of its counterparts, villagers exchanged greetings and stories. The air was filled with the aroma of fresh produce, the stalls adorned with vibrant vegetables and fruits.
Along the main road, a smattering of stalls offered a delightful array of tea and dango, catering to patrons seeking a moment of respite. The fragrant steam from the teapots intermingled with the sweet scent of freshly prepared dango, creating an enticing symphony for the senses.
The delicate aroma of freshly brewed tea and the sweet scent of dango wafted through the air, creating a haven for those seeking solace. Amidst the enticing symphony of fragrances, a young lady with ponytailed black hair, in a white and turquoise hakama with a blossom pattern, perched on one of the tea stall counter's bench. In her hands, she cradled a cup of green tea, its steam curling upwards like whispers of tranquility.
To her right, an ornate metal bow leaned against the counter, a silent companion in her solitary musings. On her left, nestled on the bench, a grey Palico adorned in a blue fabric ninja getup curled and dozed peacefully. The rhythmic rise and fall of its furry chest mirrored the serene ambiance of the village.
The young lady's contemplative gaze wandered across the bustling market, her thoughts a silent current beneath the calm surface. A sigh escaped her lips, carrying with it the weight of unspoken reflections. As she lifted the cup to her lips, the fragrant tea offered a momentary respite.
Chami, the elderly tea stall owner with a knowing glint in her eyes, approached the young lady with a gentle smile. "My dear, you seem quieter than the cherry blossoms in the frost. What's on your mind?"
The young lady met Chami's gaze, her eyes carrying the depth of experiences etched within. "Just thinking, Chami. You know how it is."
Chami nodded knowingly, her wrinkled hands expertly preparing another batch of tea. "I've known you for years, Winter. You can't fool these old eyes. Something's bothering you."
Winter sighed again, her gaze momentarily fixed on the blossoms adorning her hakama. "It's nothing, really. Just memories."
Chami, pouring tea into another cup, leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Ah, memories. The kind that likes to visit when the wind carries whispers of the past. What's gnawing at your thoughts today?"
Winter, cradling her cup of green tea with both hands, looked into the swirling depths as if searching for answers. "Just bitter ones."
"Ah, Mira," Chami's eyes softened, a knowing glint within their depths. "The past has a way of entwining itself with our hearts, doesn't it?"
Winter's gaze remained fixed on the tea, a silent acknowledgment of the weight she carried. "Yes."
Chami, pouring a cup for herself, sat back with a gentle sigh. "It wasn't your fault, Winter. The village understands that."
Winter's lips curled into a bitter smile. "So understanding."
Chami placed her wrinkled hand on Winter's, a comforting touch that bridged the gap of years and experiences. "Blaming yourself won't change the past, my dear. Mira made her choice, and you did everything you could."
"I know, Chami," Winter sighed, her eyes reflecting a resignation that had weathered storms. "It's just... hard to let go."
Chami's tone shifted, a hint of sarcasm lacing her words. "Well, dwelling on the past won't bring Mira back. It won't undo what's been done."
Winter, her gaze now fixed on the tea, replied with a touch of bitterness. "True. But it's not like I have a choice, do I?"
"You always have a choice, Winter," Chami's expression softened, her words gentle yet firm. "You can choose to carry the burden of guilt, or you can choose to forge ahead and honor the memories in a way that adds meaning to your journey."
Winter's shoulders sagged as if bearing the weight of the world. "It's easier said than done."
Chami chuckled, a warmth in her eyes. "Isn't everything, my dear? Life has a way of testing us, but it's how we respond that defines us."
Winter, a tinge of bitterness still lingering in her tone, replied, "Again, so says everyone too." She took a gulp of her tea, the warmth momentarily soothing the edges of her troubled thoughts. Standing up, she gracefully slung her ornate metal bow across her back. "Come on, Mosh," Winter tapped her Palico companion, who was curled up beside her on the bench. Mosh, with a groggy stretch and a playful "nya~," roused from his peaceful nap.
Chami, watching Winter's preparations, offered a parting piece of advice. "Try to let go, my dear. The road ahead may hold more than you think."
"We'll see," Winter replied with a tight-lipped smile, gratitude in her eyes. "Thanks for the tea, Chami."
As Winter stepped out of the tea stall, the bustling market of Taruno greeted her once more. The main road beckoned, leading her toward the west gate of the village. Mosh trotted faithfully at her side, his little paws padding softly against the ground.
On her journey through the village, Winter's mind became a canvas, replaying the haunting events of a year ago. The image of Mira, paralyzed and charged by a rampaging Volvidon, seared into her memory. The cliff just outside the west gate, where Mira had fallen, now lay in her path. The irony wasn't lost on her—she, now tasked with guarding the very place where she lost her dearest friend.
The west gate loomed ahead, its wooden frame a portal to both nostalgia and heartache. Winter's steps were measured, each one carrying the weight of unspoken regrets. Mosh, sensing his hunter's solemn mood, meowed softly, a comforting presence in the quiet journey.
Arriving at the west gate, Winter's gaze lingered on the cliff just outside—the very precipice where Mira's fate had been sealed. The irony of her new duty, guarding the place of her dearest friend's loss, was not lost on her. With a sigh, she pushed open the creaking door and entered one of the wooden towers flanking it.
Inside, she ascended a narrow ladder leading to her station atop one of the two towers. The cool mountain air greeted her as she emerged onto the platform, overlooking the village and the surrounding landscapes. Winter's eyes surveyed the terrain below, her thoughts momentarily suspended in the timeless dance of memories.
At the top, she was greeted by another hunter, a burly man named Hamo, his heavy bowgun slung across his broad shoulders. "Winter! On duty again, huh?" Hamo grinned, a playful twinkle in his eyes.
Winter replied somberly, "Yeah, duty calls."
Hamo chuckled, the deep rumble of his laughter echoing in the stone tower. "You always draw the short straw, don't you? Guard duty at the west gate is practically a punishment."
Winter's lips curled into a half-smile. "Someone has to do it."
Hamo patted Mosh's head affectionately, the Palico purring in response with a contented "nya~." "Hey there, Mosh. Keeping Winter in check, as always?"
Mosh, with a regal air, replied with a dignified "nya~."
Hamo teased, "Well, Winter, at least Mosh has got your back. Literally. The mighty protector of the West Gate."
Winter shot him a dry look. "Lucky me."
"You're one lucky hunter, Winter," Hamo's laughter echoed through the tower as he gave Mosh another pat. "Having a Palico like Mosh is a game-changer."
Winter's gaze softened, a rare warmth in her eyes. "Yeah, I am."
The tranquility of the moment shattered with a sudden urgency. A voice from the other flanking tower shouted, "Monsters incoming!" Both Winter and Hamo turned their attention, their eyes widening as they beheld a large flock of dozens of Raphinoses squawking loudly, hurtling straight for the West Gate.
"That's weird," Hamo muttered, his brow furrowing in confusion.
Winter, swift to react, drew her bow with practiced grace. "Get ready, Hamo. Something's not right."
Hamo, his heavy bowgun in hand, nodded in agreement. "I've never seen Raphinoses act like this. Stay on your guard!"
Winter turned to Mosh, her Healer Palico, and issued a command, "Keep everyone healed, Mosh."
Mosh, with a determined "nya~," responded, "Will do."
Hamo, his voice carrying over the heightened tension, shouted orders to the other hunters. "All hunters, get ready! These Raphinoses aren't behaving normally. Take aim and be prepared for anything!"
The hunters, stationed along the walls and towers, raised their bows and bowguns in unison, their collective focus fixed on the approaching swarm. The air buzzed with anticipation as the Raphinoses drew nearer, their squawks growing louder and more frenzied.
Winter, her eyes narrowed in concentration, released an arrow with precision, aiming for the lead Raphinos. The arrow sailed through the air, finding its mark and causing the creature to veer off course. Yet, the rest of the flock pressed on, undeterred.
As the first wave of Raphinoses closed in, the hunters unleashed a volley of arrows and projectiles. The air became a symphony of whizzing projectiles, and the Raphinoses responded with chaotic squawks.
Hamo, his heavy bowgun roaring to life, added his firepower to the onslaught. "Keep them at bay! Something's driving them mad!"
Winter, her bowstring humming with tension, focused on each shot, her movements fluid and calculated. The Raphinoses, now in disarray, circled the west gate, creating a frenetic dance in the mountain breeze.
Mosh, true to his duty, darted between the hunters, offering healing support and defensive buffs. "Stay strong, nya~! We've got this!"
The hunters, their focus unwavering, systematically took down the Raphinoses one by one. Arrows and projectiles cut through the air, finding their marks with precision. However, the victory was not without its toll, as some hunters bore injuries from the relentless dive-bombing assault.
Winter, a beacon of skill amidst the chaos, skillfully fired an arrow, each shot a testament to her expertise. She swiftly dodged a charging Raphinos, her movements a dance of agility and precision. Another arrow found its mark, and the swarm slowly dwindled.
Yet, amidst the dissipating chaos, a new threat emerged. A massive roar echoed through the mountains, causing a chill to run down Winter's spine. She turned her gaze to the horizon, her eyes widening at the sight of a colossal Barroth charging straight toward the gate.
"Big trouble is coming," Winter warned Hamo, urgency in her voice.
Hamo, his eyes following Winter's gaze, grimaced at the approaching threat. "We need to act fast. Gidon!" he shouted to another hunter stationed on the opposite tower. "Tell the hunters on the ground to barricade the gate. We've got a Barroth incoming!"
Gidon, a swift nod of acknowledgment, relayed the orders to the hunters below. The ground hunters, amidst the remnants of the Raphinos swarm, quickly moved to secure the gate. Barrels and wooden planks were hastily arranged, forming a makeshift barricade.
Winter, her bow at the ready, assessed the situation. The Barroth, a massive force of nature, thundered toward the gate with relentless determination. The hunters on the towers continued to rain arrows and projectiles, attempting to slow its charge.
Mosh, ever vigilant, meowed to Winter, "We can't let it break through, nya~!"
Winter nodded in agreement. "Hold the line, Mosh. We'll face this together."
As the Barroth closed in, the tension in the air thickened. The fate of Taruno hung in the balance, and Winter, Hamo, and their fellow hunters stood united, ready to confront the colossal threat that thundered toward them. And so, beneath the mountain skies, the west gate became a battleground once more, where the echoes of arrows, roars, and determined squawks mingled in the dance of survival.