Monster Hunter: The Telepathic Hunter; Ch23: Red Shadow in the Swamp
March 2nd. Jumbo Village.
"Welcome back!" greeted Chief Ryuu as Alex got off the Boat.
"Whoa! Check you out!" said Anna. This is the first she got to see of him in the Kushala Armor, which was quite a distinguished looking set.
"I wouldn't get used to it," Alex replied. He turned to Ryuu. "Mission successful. The Garuga won't be bothering anyone anymore."
"Wonderful. Excellent job. How was the gear?"
Alex looked a little sad, much to the others' shock. "It was awesome, but I think it had an effect on me. I was acting so overconfident. I felt so alienated from my own body after I won… I need to get back into my own gear, asap. Winning in someone else's gear leaves a bitter aftertaste."
"I'm so sorry to hear that, Alex. I was even thinking of allowing you to keep the Kushala Armor."
"No thank you. I've learned a valuable lesson in treasuring one's own equipment. Now, let's get going. I need to rest." Alex's Hunter Pack was laden with spoils from the Garuga's body.
In the Village proper, Alex met Ai, who had arrived while he was out. Two days passed, and then Kotaru finally woke up. It was a joyous occasion. However, as Alex and Anna had been away from Pokke for long enough as it were, they bade their squad mates farewell and finally took their balloon home. Though Alex was not content about his exploit against the Yian Garuga, he was happy to receive a diagram of the Master Sword from Ryuu, which he could give to Vance to craft a replica of it for him to use as his very own.
For the rest of the month of March, Alex and Anna went on joint quests with Ai. Master Koto forbade Kotaru from going on hunts until he had become adjusted to living with only one lung. He did tend to tire out more easily because of this.
Then, one day…
March 28th. Morning.
Alex was having breakfast in the back kitchen with Apple and Emperor. Emperor was just guzzling his tray of food, but his master was the total opposite. Alex ate extremely slowly.
"Is something the matter, Master?" asked Apple with concern.
"I seem to have some kind of premonition," Alex replied right away. "I just have this ghostly feeling that something big is going to happen really soon. I just don't know what, or when."
"Oh, my. Nya! I see how that might be disconcerting. Perhaps you are pushing yourself too hard? That's not a very good practice."
Alex laughed. "I assure you, I'm not. I've only been taking two and three star quests lately. Oh, and my friend Kotaru has been doing well lately. Though, I often cover him when he gets out of breath."
"Oh, speaking of quests, you haven't done anything in the last four days. Don't you think you should do something today?"
"I suppose you are right. No need to be lazy, right?" Alex turned to his food. "Alright, let's go!"
Once Alex was done in the kitchen, he suited up in his new Garuga Armor. It had taken him two other hunts to gather enough Garuga materials so that Vance could make it for him. He also ordered the Master's Replica Sword and Shield Set, which he chose for today. He then made his way to the Guild.
"Hi, Alex," greeted Patricia. "Finally decided enough was enough?"
"Yup. I'm raring to go today! What's new?"
With a sudden frown, Patricia took out both a letter and a four star level quest sheet. "You've got a special request…"
"Huh? Why do you look so mad?"
Patricia held up the quest sheet, and Alex studied it closely. "I'm sure you recall that I don't like regular Khezu. This thing… I hate it with a passion."
"A Red Khezu… in the Still Swamp!? Oh, boy…" Alex shuddered, remembering his first, and involuntary, visit to that horrid place. "What about the letter?"
"Here." Patricia handed him the letter. "I'm sorry, but I read it out of curiosity."
"You did what? Is this part of the reason you're so… worked up?" With a look of sorrow, Patricia nodded. Alex looked at the letter. "It's from Ai…" Alex began to read. "Dear Sir Alex." Alex twitched his eyes at that unnecessary use of formality. "I have a personal request to make of you. Revenge is not a noble sentiment, but I'm finding myself thirsting for it. I want to take down a Red Khezu that has appeared in the Still Swamp. I know it is cruel of me to ask, as I know about the horrible episode you had the first time you went there. I just want to make sure I'm not going in over my head. Red Khezu are stronger than regular Khezu. Would you please lend me your aid?" Alex frowned.
"Your expression tells me everything I need to know," said Patricia. "I wouldn't blame you if you didn't want to take this. Just give the quest sheet back to me and I'll get you something else. Revenge is no good reason to go after a monster."
Alex looked at her. "No… that won't be necessary. I'll take it."
"Huh!? Are you sure!?" Patricia looked worried.
Alex decided to play a wild card. He smiled warmly as he declared, "You don't have to worry about me. Until I defeat the Tigrex that stole Maxwell from us, there's no way I'm gonna die!"
Patricia gasped. She was clearly not expecting such a declaration. "Alex… I just… don't know what to do with you." Even she could not hold back a light smile of her own. "Fine. Whatever floats your balloon. "Yari suru nozomi da." That'll be 1200 Zenny."
Alex looked puzzled. "What does that mean?" he asked as he paid the fee.
"Oh, sorry about that. I'm originally from a country in a continent far to the west. I just let out a bit of my home language. It means "Do as you wish."
"Oh, okay. That's so cool! I'd love to hear more about your country some time." Patricia's face flushed red. "Huh? Was it something I said? Are you okay?"
"You big oaf! Stop flirting and get going!" exclaimed the voice of Corra.
"HUH!?" Alex turned to look at her. She was standing in the doorway. "Hey! What do you mean, FLIRTING!?" Corra just laughed at her nephew's embarrassment. "Argh! I just don't understand this Aunt of mine…" Alex turned back to Patricia, who was now reminiscent of a tomato. "Oh…. Ohhh… I'm sorry."
Patricia waved both hands frantically. "No, no! It's alright! I'll tell you all about it! Just make sure you keep your declaration."
Alex laughed heartily. "You got it! I'll be leaving now."
Hunter Stats
1. Alex Kasai (HR3)
Weapon: Master's Replica Sword and Shield
Armor: Garuga Blade Master
Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Sharpness Plus, Earplug, Reckless Abandon+1, Poison Resist, Water Damage Increase.
2. Ai Shiki (HR4)
Weapon: Ravager Blade Plus Great Sword
Armor: Khezu Blade Master
Skills: Quick Recovery, Wide Area, Thunder Resist, Paralysis Negate, Fire Damage Increase.
Metape Wetlands. The Still Swamp, Base Camp.
Alex's canoe came to rest upon the shores of the base camp. There by the tent was Ai, waiting for him. She waved as she came down to greet him. "Alex! I'm so glad you could make it. I hope you didn't throw up too much on the ride here…"
"Don't worry about that," said Alex as he got onto solid… soggy and slightly slippery but definitely steady ground. "Ever since I discovered my incredible water healing ability, I no longer dread water so much, and I no longer get motion sickness! I'm like a new man!"
Ai chuckled. "I'm glad to hear that… And, once again, I apol-"
Alex cut her off, "No need to be sorry. What's done is done. Besides, I read the quest details fully and I know we have a client we are serving, so this excursion is legitimate." Ai relaxed. "Plus, I've taken this as an opportunity to get to know you more."
Ai gasped. "Uh… Great. I look forward to learning more about you, too. Now, shall we get prepared and head out to the caves?"
"Sure."
Within five minutes saw Alex and Ai on their way. They decided to pass through Areas 5 and 4. Moving north then east. In Area 5, as usual there were Bullfangos and Mosswine. The duo easily dispatched any rowdy boar that dared to charge at them. However, things got interesting in Area 4.
"No way. Why today of all days?" remarked Ai.
Alex glared. "Ai, I'll take it on. You just sit back and enjoy the show."
"What!? Are you nuts! We don't have time for this!"
Before the two was a Shogun Ceanataur! And Ai's exclamation just got its attention. "Screeh!" It raised up its folded claws.
Alex took out his sword. "It's too late to run, not that running was the plan. Like I said, you can sit this out. I'm going to avenge Kotaru's lung." Alex rushed forward.
"ALEEEXX!" Ai exclaimed as Alex did a jump slice. He dodged as the Shogun tried to slam a claw into him. "Wow, what a stubborn guy…"
"Hiya!" Alex did a spin slash. While not as good as the real Master Sword, the Replica was just good enough when boosted by the Skill Sharpness Plus. He was able to leave cuts in the Shogun's otherwise very tough exoskeleton. "Reckless Abandon!" Alex boosted the sword further using the other Blade Master Skill, breaking one of the Shogun's claws.
"Screehh!" it screamed. "You're going to pay for that!" The Shogun's remaining claw extended as it became enraged. "Take this! Azure Hell Stab!"
Alex used his shield to block the serrated scythe attack. "Big mistake." Alex quickly destroyed that claw in his counterattack.
"AAAHH! You… You fool!" The Ceanataur suddenly spun a 180 with his claws held out.
"WHOA!" Alex did not have time to avoid and got smacked away. "AAHH!"
"Alex!" shouted Ai in alarm. She ran to his side as the Shogun began digging into the ground to make its escape. "Are you alright?"
Alex got up without any help. "Yeah, I'm fine…"
"What were you thinking, putting yourself into jeopardy! I know I'm not one to talk, but… that was stupid. It wasn't even within our mission parameters."
"Ai, I'm sorry. Often, when I get overwhelmed with emotion, in the moment I just don't listen to reason." Alex sheathed his sword and then pulled Ai into a hug. "Will you forgive me if I promise not to go overboard again? I can be more responsible than this."
"I suppose… Or I can flip you over if you go out of line again," she remarked. She felt Alex shudder. "Joking! Just joking! I promise I won't do that again."
Alex released and stepped back. "Let's get back to things. The Shogun is probably in Area 3 right now. Let's go to the part of the cave in Area 7."
"You're probably right. Yeah, let's go."
The Hunter Duo went back to Area 5 and headed north to Area 6. Here, they encountered…
"Katie! Jason!" exclaimed Alex. He was really surprised to meet friends on a quest of their own. "Hey, you guys don't look so good."
"Hi, Alex," greeted Katie breathlessly. "We were chasing a Shogun Ceanataur when we got jumped by a Khezu."
"Yeah. It's red, and it's really strong," said Jason. Alex and Ai gasped. "We just hightailed it away from it."
"My partner and I are contracted to slay it. Is it in the cave?" Alex asked. Katie nodded. "I just saw a Shogun in Area 4. I kinda weakened him a little before he got away. Maybe if you hurry to Area 3, you can still catch him."
"Thanks, Alex," said Jason.
"Good luck on your own mission," wished Katie. "Bye."
The two Rekusara Hunters went off. Ai watched them go for a few seconds, then turned to Alex. "Sounds like we've got our work cut out for us. Are you ready?"
"Yes. Let's go."
With steely resolve, the duo entered into Area 7. This part of the cave system here was a common resting spot for boss monsters weakened in battle. The other resting spot was Area 2, mostly for flying wyverns.
"Be ready for anything," said Ai. She kept a hand on the hilt of her Greatsword, but did not draw it out, lest she suffer movement penalty due to the weight.
"Okay." Alex unsheathed his short sword. He kept a sharp lookout, while simultaneously focusing his Telepathy. "That's strange. I don't feel or sense anything. Perhaps it has already left for another area."
"Don't be so sure… Eep!" Ai felt some hot liquid hit her shoulder. "Oh, no…" She dared to look up, and then her courage failed. "Alex, it's ABOVE US!"
"WHAT!?" Alex looked up in fear.
"KYYY-RYYYGGGHH!" the scarlet cave wyvern screamed as it released its hold to the ceiling and dropped down. Alex jumped back on reflex, but Ai moved a little too sluggishly. She screamed as the wyvern landed on top of her, just barely missing in its attempt to swallow her whole.
"AIII!" Alex called out in concern.
"Aaaaaaa….." Ai's voice died out as she fell unconscious. She was pinned and crushed by the wyvern's body.
"One down. Hey, you, how about you get lost? You saw nothing."
Alex's shock and concern gave way to anger. "You… degenerate! Why YOU! Get off of her right now!" Alex's Thunder Cloak turned on. "That's my COMRADE YOU'RE SITTING ON!" Alex rushed forward. He dodged and slashed as the Khezu stretched its neck in an attempt to headbutt him.
"OW!"
"Ha! Ta! Da! Sha!" Alex began attacking frantically. Having enough of taking damage, the Khezu finally complied and jumped back to the ceiling. It crawled away before dropping down to another spot. Alex turned to see it already preparing an attack.
"I'll destroy you both together. Thunder Element: Ground Surge!"
"I hope this works!" Alex crouched and plunged his sword into the ground. He felt no pain as a ball of white electricity smashed into him. Infact, he felt some of his Chikara replenish as his lightning aura flared up briefly. "It works! Awesome! Now, to finish this!" Alex removed his blade and charged at recovering wyvern. He did a jump at the head.
"I'm not finished yet! Thunder Cloak!" The Khezu flared its bodily protection attack.
"THAT WON'T SAVE YOU!" declared Alex. He screamed a little as even his cloak couldn't fully protect him. However, he was able to plunge his blade into the Khezu's head.
"NOOO!" The Khezu gave out a high pitched cry of pain. The regular Earplug Skill was not enough to protect Alex's ears from this. However, the battle had been won.
"Phew, glad that's over," Alex remarked as he powered down and removed his sword. He sheathed it and ran back to Ai's side. He crouched and placed his right arm under her to lift her up to his chest. "Ai, please be okay."
"Urgh… Alex…" Ai said as she stirred. Alex took out a Potion from his Hunter Pack and bade her to drink it. She opened her eyes. "Alex… What happened?"
"Don't try to speak. Focus on your healing. You got hurt real bad."
"Oh, that's why my 'everything' hurts…" She took another swig of the Potion. "Thanks… Did you…?"
Alex nodded. "I got him for us. Now, let's get you back to basecamp."
Ai gave a smile. "Thank you…" She passed out.
Alex said nothing as he stood up holding her bridal style. He left the cave, not bothering to carve materials from the defeated Red Khezu.
Still Swamp Base Camp. 3:00 PM.
Ai finally woke up again. "Ohhh… What a mess…"
"Ai, you're awake," said Alex as he turned to her. He was standing in the doorway of the tent. "Glad to see you're alright. How are you feeling?"
Ai stayed silent for a moment. "I can't believe I ended up having you do all of the work. Taken out in one shot…" Ai sat up straight, but stared at the floor. "Some level-four hunter I am…"
"Hey, don't sell yourself short!" Alex went over and crouched before her. "We were ambushed. We were also pretty scared."
"That's not a good excuse. You were able to dodge, after all…"
"Ai… look at me." Ai found herself unable to disobey. "We all have high and low points. We both screwed up at least once, so it evens out. Now come on. Let's go home. Our villages and friends are waiting for us."
Ai finally smiled. "You really are a very special person, Alex. You have a certain… child-like and goofy charisma."
Alex chuckled. "What can I say? I'm a child at heart. So, are we leaving or what?"
"Home does sound good right about now. Yes, I'm ready to go. Lead the way."
"As you command, m'lady!"
The duo went to their canoes and left for a nearby port town called Jio Wandoreo City. This was where one had to take a balloon or blimp to from other places, before taking boats to the swamps.