Monster Hunter: The Telepathic Hunter; Ch4: Sinking Feeling

January 4th, 2098.

Back at the village early next morning, Alex and Anna went to the gathering hall and sat at the table.

"So, what were you going to say?" asked Anna.

"This is probably going to sound crazy, but I have a telepathic ability that lets me communicate with monsters. During the battle, I also learned that I can read their thoughts." Anna stared at him a blank face and her head tilted to the side. "I told you it sounded crazy."

"I believe you; after all, I have the same ability," said the sudden voice of Maxwell.

"Max!" exclaimed the two.

Maxwell took a seat next to Alex. "It's a really handy Limited Skill. Limited Skills are Skills that do not come from armor. They can be taught or passed down through genes in a blood line."

Alex gasped. "Whoa. Hmm, I never heard about stuff like this from Master Koto. And he certainly did not teach me this Skill."

"Well, the Telepathy ability is a Limited Clan Skill of the Kasai Clan... which means that it is possible that you are a member of the clan." Alex and Anna gasped.

"Wow. All this time, I never knew. Master Koto always told me stories of their exploits. To think that I am actually one of them."

"It's just a possibility. After all, you've never even met anyone from the Clan until me. The least we can assume is that your late parents were probably members, or someone from their lineage."

"Either way, this is mind blowing," retorted Anna. "Alex, you are special all the same, whether you are or not a Kasai."

"Thanks, Anna. I appreciate that."

"Anyway, you've got work to do, you two," Maxwell spoke up.

"Oh, yeah! I almost forgot! The Annual Popo Fest is coming up." Anna smiled widely.

"Popo Fest? What is it about?" asked Alex.

"It's a celebration of the Village's anniversary where everyone gathers together and eat some delicious Popo Tongues!"

"Ooh. So, Maxwell, I have a quest to go to the mountains and gather Popo Tongues?"

"Come with me to the Chief. She'll tell you more."

"Okay, then let's go."

So the trio left the gathering hall and went to the ever present blue rock. Alex smiled as he saw the Chief, at least until he noticed the glum look of her face.

"Good morning, Granny. Is everything alright?" he asked thoughtfully.

"Good morning, Alex," she replied. "Um… Er… Ah…"

"Whoa! Something really must have you," commented Maxwell.

"Please tell us," pleaded Anna.

The Chief inhaled deeply before releasing. "Alex, you are new, so you haven't heard. There is Pokke's anniversary festival coming up, and so I was planning on having you gather some Popo Tongues." Alex nodded. "But you see, we may have a problem."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I was overcome with unbridled fear all day yesterday. It suddenly occurred to me from the details of your arrival, and now I fear for the Popo population. Alex, something must be up there, and I just hope it isn't you-know-what." Alex nodded, but this time with a little anxiety. "I'm still contemplating on this mission. I want to consider your safety above all else, especially after what happened to Maxwell. That is why I want to leave the decision on whether or not to accept this quest entirely in your hands. As Head Hunter of Pokke, you have the right to exercise discretion. Pokke is your village too."

"Granny, I…" Alex looked at a loss.

"Alex, whatever you choose, I'm behind you," said Anna, in an attempt to lighten the air. "I mean, we can always have the fest next year or even without the Tongues."

Alex closed his eyes. "… Like you said, I'm new here. I… want to experience this fest to the fullest. As a hunter, I stake body and soul to my duty." Alex opened his eyes with a smile. "I'll take this mission, Granny. I won't allow myself to be shamed with fear. But, if things do go south, I promise to cut our losses and make sure we come back in one piece. I know the difference between bravery and stupidity."

"Well said, Alex! I think I'll join you!" announced Maxwell.

"Maxwell! You can't! You're not in the best of sha..."

"Yes, I can't fight an Anteka let alone a Giaprey or a Blango anymore," Maxwell cut in. "However, that doesn't mean I can't provide assistance with something as measly as this! I bet Alex and Anna have to collect as many as 20 tongues, too."

"That many!?" exclaimed Alex.

"When the village was more populous, Maxwell would collect as many as 40," said Anna matter-of-factly. Alex swallowed at that.

"Having second thoughts, now?" asked the Chief.

"No, I'll do it."

"And I'm going whether you like it or not, Granny," said Maxwell as he stormed off.

"Off all the times to be stubborn… Alex…"

"Don't worry, Chief," Anna spoke up. "I'll look after him. I've been on a few practice hunts with him, so I can handle it."

"Alright. Good luck." The Chief handed a parchment of paper to Alex. "If you get at least 15, that could work too, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Hunter Stats

1. Alex Water Kasai (HR1)

Weapon: Snakebite Sword and Shield

Armor: Mafumofu

Skills: Telepathy, Cold Negate, Divine Protection, Heat Increase

2. Anna Frost (HR1)

Weapon: Twin Daggers Plus Dual Blades

Armor: Mafumofu

Skills: Cold Negate, Divine Protection, Heat Increase

3. Maxwell Kasai the Great (HR7)

Weapon: Red Saber Plus Sword and Shield (Fire Element)

Armor: Mafumofu S

Skills: HG Telepathy, Cold Negate, Divine Protection, Snow Defense, Quake Resist

Snowy Mountains Hunting Area Basecamp. 10:00 AM.

"Everyone all set?" asked Maxwell.

"Yup!" replied Alex.

"Yes sir," answered Anna.

"Your sword is cool!" commented Alex.

"It's made from Rathalos materials; neat, huh?"

"I can't wait to face one, but one step at a time, right?"

"I'm glad you are clear on that. Let's get going. It would be nice if we were to finish before sundown."

"I wouldn't put it past my assailant to show up," replied Alex. "Yeah, let's go."

And so the rag tag trio set out.

Zone 1.

In area one, the team found a herd of four. Maxwell did his best not to let his leg bother him, and fought alongside his younger brother and sister in arms quite admirably. Red blasts of flame would erupt on every hit he landed as a result of his special weapon.

"Whoa! Maxwell, that was awesome! How did you do that!?" exclaimed Alex.

"Did you fall asleep during that particular lesson?" Anna joked. "That was the effect of the elemental attribute of his sword. I hope to be able do the same when I have a weapon with Ice Element. You will too, with the Water Element."

"Right…. Sorry." Alex paid attention to Maxwell's hair. "Your Hair is reddish brown. So your greatest Elemental affinity is for fire."

"Are you only now realizing this?" answered Maxwell with a chuckle.

"Not realizing, but rather taking note," Alex replied defiantly. Maxwell laughed hard at that. Alex took out his carving knife and got to work on the Popo he felled.

"Get some raw meat, too. I'll show you something cool," Maxwell said finally.

"Okay."

Once done with their tasks, the trio gathered together around a BBQ Spit. Maxwell placed a steak over the spit and crouched. "Watch carefully, now." Maxwell added fuel, and held a fist near. He took out his thumb and first finger, and said, "Fire Element: Ignition!" Max snapped his fingers. Alex and Anna observed in awe as a spark was released which ignited the fuel. He then began to turn the crank.

"Whoa!" exclaimed Alex and Anna in unison.

"I told you it would be cool. Want to know how it works?"

"Does it have anything to do with your affinity?" asked Anna.

"Well, not really. It can be done as long as you have either a weapon or armor that has some level of either the Fire or Thunder Element. It is one of the wonders of Chikara."

"That's beyond cool."

"There are many other wonders of Chikara yet for you to discover. Now, after we're done eating, let's get back into it."

"Right."

In area 2, the team secured 3 more tongues. Then they climbed the terraces, followed by the vine, to area 7, where they got five more tongues. Area 7 was about 2100 feet above mean sea level. From there, they moved down to area 6, which was about 1900 feet. Having secured four more tongues, their total was then up to 15. By then, it was well past sunset as well.

Zone 6.

"Uh, Maxwell, I think it's time we head back. Granny told me that 15 would be enough if we even got that much."

"Hmm, I know it's already dark, but I want to try our luck on the summit. Surely, we could find some more up there."

A jolt passed through Alex's head. "No… Something tells me that's a bad idea. Let's head back right now while Lady Luck is still smiling upon us."

"Our expedition has been going along a little too well," agreed Anna.

"What, are you two getting cold feet on me now? C'mon, what's the worst that could happen?"

Another jolt passed through Alex. "I really wish you hadn't said that."

"I wish, too!" said an all too familiar voice that only Alex and Max could hear.

"What the!?" exclaimed Alex.

"Run!" exclaimed Maxwell as he turned about face. "Follow me…"

Quicker than anyone could react a shadow slammed before the trio, sending out a shockwave of displaced snow. The hunters were flung away screaming for several yards. As the snow cleared, the shadow was revealed to be none other than Tigrex.

Maxwell got up first. Alex was still struggling, but Anna was out cold. "I just had to open my trap. Popo dung…" Maxwell placed his full undivided attention on the tyrannical threat before him. "Heya, Tiggy. Finally got tired of living in the desert, did you?"

"Maxwell, it's been a while. I thought I sent you running home with your tail behind your legs. Oops, my bad!" The Tigrex made motions as if it were laughing, if a monster could laugh that is.

Maxwell growled as he took out his blade. "Maybe I should mess up one of your legs, to even the score!"

"Hmph! I'd like to see you try, you decrepit half wit!"

Straight fear was on Alex's features, but seeing Maxwell standing protectively before him even though he had not the slightest hope against the beast evoked something. Alex took out his own blade and joined Maxwell's side. "We meet again, General. Though, it's a lot sooner than I would like."

"Ah, the Young Novice. You actually mustered the courage to even speak to me. I guess even I can acknowledge that."

"Alex, what are you doing? You should take Anna and get out of here," whispered Max.

"And just abandon you here with HIM? Are you insane? If this thing doesn't kill me, maybe Granny WILL if I return without you!"

"Alex, you don't have to pay for my mistake. If I hadn't stalled, we could have been on our way home already. But right now, escape for all three of us is just impossible." Maxwell turned to the Tigrex. "Tiggy, let's make a deal. Let the other two go, and I'll stay behind to keep you company."

"Aw, how brave of you! But, I'm afraid that's not going to fly with me. You all sealed your fates the moment you set foot here tonight! You're just in the wrong place at the wrong time. But don't feel bad; it happens to all of us at one point or another!" The Tigrex crouched in preparation to attack.

"I'm sorry, Alex, but this is the only way." Quick as a flash, Maxwell sucker punched Alex hard in the chest plates.

"AAHHH!" Alex reeled back and in the same moment, Maxwell shoved him back over to where Anna lay.

At this point, Tigrex rushing forward on all fours, jaws open wide. Maxwell jumped forward and tossed an object. "Forgive me, my nephew…"

"What!?" The last thing Alex saw was Maxwell being snatched up in Tigrex's jaws. "NOOO!" The next moment, the object hit the ground near him and released a green fog. POOF!

8:16 PM.

The fog cleared and Alex looked around frantically, only to realize that he was no longer on the mountain but back at base camp. A distant roar could be heard from the mountains.

"Maxwell… why… Why did you do that?" Alex could feel liquid building up in his eyes. He tried to hold back the tears, but he was too exhausted. He cried himself asleep.

5:30 AM sharp…

Six souls were gathered at the north gate of Pokke: The Chief, Anna's brother Mathew, Vance, Dinah, September and Patricia. All were beyond the scope of worried. Their faithful trio had not returned from the mission which was already forecasted to be ill-fated.

No two were as worried as the Chief and Mathew, however; the Chief for Maxwell and Alex, and Mathew for the sake of his wayward sister. One of the "Faint of Heart" was he. No news could be good news, but unless one knew the truth there could never be healing and forward marching. Such was the way of life on Planet Macha.

"I have a bad feeling," said September.

"So do I, Ma'am," replied Patricia.

"Something must have happened," remarked Vance.

"That's for sho, I reckon," replied Dinah. "Our tongues are late!"

"Shouldn't we be more focused on our boys?" said the Chief with slight anger. She was clearly not thrilled with Dinah's words. Dinah, to her credit, covered her mouth in shame. "Oh, I knew I should not have authorized that mission period," she cursed herself. She was supposed to be a wise elder, not the "one-who-makes-mistakes-that-get-people-killed." At least, that may have been what she was thinking.

It was early, but light could be seen, however faint it may have been. "Hold on, I think I see something," spoke up Patricia. She pointed down the path. "There, in the tree line!"

Everyone released a breath of relief. But it was short lived as they squinted down the path. Astonishment and fright gripped them as they observed two figures breaking out of tree line, and only two. A young man and woman supporting each other by their shoulders.

"If that's Alex…" started the Chief slowly.

"… And that's Anna," added Mathew.

"Then where's…" added Dinah.

"…Maxwell?" finished Vance.

"Holy Tsukami…" said September.

"Oh, no…" said Patricia.

Mathew took off down the road to meet the physically and emotionally exhausted duo. He stopped dead in his tracks before them as they suddenly collapsed. "Anna… Uh, Mr. Alex… What happened to you guys?" Neither of the two gave an answer. "Okay, we'll talk later. Hey! I need help down here!"

Vance and Dinah exchanged glances before making their way down. Vance helped Alex up the hill and Mathew took his sister. Dinah picked up the two bags of Popo tongues, each possessing five. The third bag was in Maxwell's possession, even at the time of the attack. It was lost, just as he was.