Monster Hunter: The Telepathic Hunter; Ch25: Absolute Power
It is time for a small recap. 22-year-old Alex Kasai left the quaint and lovely village of Kokoto in the year 2097 at the behest of his master, Chief Koto, to serve the then suffering village of Pokke. Up in the Furahiya Mountains, he was attacked by a powerful wyvern called Tigrex. As a monster of 5-star threat level, it was as if destiny was playing a sick joke on a hunter so fresh from training, he did not even possess an official hunter license yet. Luckily, fate saw it fit to remind everyone that this was just a joke. Albeit with some gnarly injuries, young Alex escaped the very jaws and claws of death.
After being forced to rest and recover until the start of next year, Alex went on to show his stuff. His unlucky beginning was not going to deter him from marching forward and conquering. A lot of time had passed and, while the road was winding, bumpy and laden with pitfalls and mishaps, Alex persevered through it all. Fanged beasts, bird wyverns, flying wyverns, piscine wyverns, carapaceons, even giant bugs. Love and loss. Even a fight with a family member. Even a few crushing defeats. All these experiences, all within the space of four months.
However, all of this would pave the way to destiny, for judgment day was coming. A grand battle for survival; one that would decide the very fate of Pokke Village. Would Alex be able to handle it? Or would he die trying, and allow everything to have been for naught? Judgment day was coming, and it was coming soon.
We last saw Alex visiting his home and mentor. He spent two nights hunting Great Thunderbugs. On the second night, hunters from all over the continent came, seeking to take advantage of the rare opportunity. Even Ai and Kotaru came along with Alex and Koto to help out, while Corra went on her own.
April 14th, 2098. Kokoto Village. 9:00 AM.
At the landing pad that morning stood five people. Alex and Corra were returning home today. "Be sure to visit again, my boy," said Koto. "I really enjoyed these past few days."
"So did I, Master," replied Alex.
"Take care, you guys," said Kotaru. "And Alex, I'd love to see Grace when she is done."
"You got it, man!" Alex said as he got into the basket.
"Grace? Who is Grace!?" asked Ai.
Alex chuckled. "Ah, I guess I forgot to mention. Grace is the name of that Katana I used to have, the one I broke trying to attack that Kushala Daora."
"Oh! I see. Well, that's interesting. Anyway, see you later."
"Yeah. Bye, everyone." Alex turned on the heat, and soon the blimp began to rise. "I'll definitely come again!" With that, he and Corra began their six hour trip back to Pokke Village.
It was exactly 3:05 PM when the Blimp touched down on the landing pad behind the Guild Outpost gathering hall. Anna and the Chief were there to greet them as Alex and Corra disembarked. "Welcome back," said the Chief.
"It's good to be back, granny," replied Alex. "I had a wonderful time in Kokoto."
"I'm glad to hear that," said Anna."So, were you able to…?"
Alex offered a knowing smile. "Yup! Corra and I got a lot of Thunderbug Juice! And, you know what that means."
"Let's go see Vance right away then. He was asking me about you every time I passed by his workshop yesterday!"
"Well then, let's not keep him waiting! Are you coming, Corra?"
"Sure. I've got business with him as well," Corra replied.
With that, the trio went into the gathering hall. Alex took a little time to hail September and Patricia, and then he resumed his way to Vance's Smithy.
"Yo! Yo! Alex! You're back!" exclaimed Vance with glee. "Please tell me you got the goods! Please tell me!"
"Whoa! Someone was anxious to see me. Yes, sir, I got the goods!" Alex opened his hunter pack and took a single bottle. Vance could almost explode. "I've got quite a lot. How many do you need for Grace's evolution?"
"Five bottles should do. You can save the rest for some other project down the line."
"Got it." Alex took out four more bottles.
"Thank you. I'll get to work right away." Vance and his helper Felyne took the bottles. "Oh, Corra… did you get some as well?"
"Yes, I quite did," replied Corra. She took out six bottles of Thunderbug Juice. "You can finish my hammer after you're done with Alex's sword."
"Alright. Wait one moment." Vance went inside, and then came back out to receive Corra's bottles. "Well, I'll be super busy now. Come back in three days, you two!"
"Got it. Thanks." Alex turned to Anna and Corra. "I'm going home. Apple and Emperor are probably missing me out of their skulls right now. And I got special treats just for Emperor."
"Awww! I'll come help you feed him!" offered Anna.
"I'm going to get me a nice hot spring bath," said Corra. "See you guys another time." With a wave, Corra went home."
"There she goes, that Aunt of mine…" remarked Alex. Anna chuckled. "A real people person, that one. Anyway, shall we get going?"
"Yes. Let's." Anna took Alex's hand and pulled him towards his own house.
"Um, Anna, you don't have to yank me!" Alex got into pace with her. "I'm home!' he announced as they went inside.
"OINK!" Emperor came running and jumped at Alex.
"Whoa!" exclaimed Alex as he crouched slightly and caught his pet. "Hey there, buddy! Did you miss me?"
"Oink! Oink, oink!" replied the pig. Alex petted him softly. "Oink…"
"Let's go to the kitchen." The trio did just that, with Alex still carrying Emperor. "Hello, Apple! Guess who's back!" Alex announced.
"Master!" exclaimed Apple. "I was confused when Emperor suddenly ran off. Now I know why. Welcome back. Did you have fun?"
"I had lots of fun. Now, it's time for Emperor's snacks." Alex placed down the pig. He reached into his pack, and took out two Sakura Sweet Potatoes and two Kokoto Carrots. "Here."
Anna took one of each from Alex. "Thank you. Okay, Emperor, are you ready!"
"Oink!" answered the regal pig. Alex and Anna crouched and hand fed him the treats. "Oink!" Emperor hungrily ate the vegetables.
"Just look at him go!" said Anna.
Elsewhere in the world, a meeting was taking place.
"You're up, General Tiggy," said Metal the Kushala.
"It's about darn time! You have no idea how long I've been fixing to get my claws on that Kasai scum! He has survived crossing paths with me one too many times, ruining my reputation! This time, I'll show you all who is supreme! Just you wait." Tigrex flexed his wings before taking flight. He circled while roaring before heading off. His destination? The Furahiya Mountain Range. The place where a thread of destiny was intertwined between him and our young hero. The stage has been set. Will Alex persevere? Let us find out.
April 17th. Pokke Village. 5:10 PM.
Alex stood before the back exit of Vance's smithy. The jolly blacksmith had summoned him there. Alex knew what was coming, and he was downright anxious in anticipation. "I think you have been kept waiting for long enough, Alex my friend!" exclaimed Vance as he stepped out. In his gloved hands was a glowing sheath. A blue ribbon attached to the handle was swaying in the wind. "And your patience will be rewarded with something special. I've been working this job for a very long time, but I've never made such a masterpiece as this. And the Chikara it took from me…" Vance held out the sheath to Alex with a little bow. "I have no more words. Take her, your beloved Grace, and show the world her new and improved might."
Throughout that monologue, Alex was on the edge of his seat… feet? "The Eagle Cleaver. Grace, welcome home." Alex gingerly took the sheath from Vance. Safely in his hands, the sheath stopped glowing. Alex took out the sword a few inches, and his Khezu Cloak activated on its own. "Whoa! Power Down!" Alex forced it back off. "Geez! The Chikara you infused into the blade just reacted to mine!"
"That's because you are a perfect match," replied Vance as he lifted his head. He shed a single tear. "I'm so happy to see you reunited. Alex, forget about paying me. This is on the house!"
"Really!? Are you sure!?" Alex was shocked. "I've been setting aside something extra just for your continued hard work!"
"Save it for another project, or better yet, donate it to the farm."
"Okay… Whoa!" Suddenly, the ground began to tremble slightly. "An earthquake?"
"No. Listen," said Vance.
The faint sound of what probably started as a pretty powerful roar could be heard. It was coming from far away. Alex gasped, recognizing it. "No… This is… this can't… No. It is. It's him. He's back, and he's made his challenge clear. He's coming."
"Alex?" Vance looked afraid. "Who's coming?"
"Not who, but 'what.' I need to go see the Chief." Alex strapped the sheath of Grace onto his back and took off without another word. He saw frightened villagers as he made his way to the big machalite rock. There, he met all the people he needed to see. "Anna, Patricia, September, Treshi, Granny… You're all gathered together."
"Alex…" started the Chief. "Your rushing over here means you already know. The fateful day is today. The fateful time, tonight."
"Pokke village is in real danger, and I mean as real as it gets," said September. "Another village, called N'ganga, was attacked yesterday. Survivors report that it was a Tigrex." Alex clenched his fists. "The Guild has notified me that upon the successful defeat of this same Tigrex now threatening Pokke, you will receive a Rank-Up."
"Alex, I want you to know that we are behind you all the way," said Treshi.
"I wish I could come with you, but I'd only get in the way," said Anna.
Alex nodded in agreement. "Even if you could come, I'd probably still opt for you to stay. This is going to be a high stakes, no holds barred battle. It was written in the stars that I would eventually have to face this. I'm going to not just defend Pokke, but avenge Maxwell."
"Slaying Tigrex will require the pinnacle of power," said Patricia. Alex focused on her. "Make sure you're adequately prepared before you set out."
"I will. And remember my declaration. Until I avenge Maxwell, I'm not going to die!" Everyone except Patricia was shocked to hear this. "The quest sheet, if you will."
"Right. It's already signed." Patricia handed it to him.
"Thanks. Well, I'm off to prepare." Alex turned and charged back towards his house. "People of Pokke! Have no fear! Believe in me, and I'll deliver our village from the claw of the beast!" he exclaimed as he went. Everyone cheered upon hearing that.
Hunter Stats
Alex Kasai (HR3)
Weapon: Eagle Cleaver Long Sword (Thunder Element)
Armor: 4/5 Blango Blade Master and Garuga Mask Helmet
Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Cold Resist, Heat Increase, Quake Resist, Earplug
Snowy Mountains. 7:00 PM.
Alex entered into the basecamp. "Well, this is it. Win or lose, but no draw. Either I defeat Tigrex, or die trying." The dragonite ornament glowed briefly. "Yeah, dying isn't an option. I won't let everything up to this point end here." Alex closed his eyes.
Maxwell appeared in Alex's visualization. "Be strong, Monster Hunter Alex Kasai! You can do this. You're more than ready for this. And forget about revenge. I'd be much happier if you just focus on protecting Pokke."
Alex opened his eyes. "Okay, Maxwell. I hear you. Here I go." Alex took a deep breath before setting out into the hunting grounds.
Area 8. 7:55 PM.
Alex rounded the summit wall. He arrived just in time to see Tigrex down a Popo. He stood transfixed as the wyvern started biting off chunks of meat and chewing. "How brutal. That could be me if I lose, so I had better not." Alex took off his helmet and held it under his arm as he got a little closer. Tigrex seemed to have not noticed him yet, as Alex was at the wyvern's back.
Suddenly, Tigrex stopped. "I know you are back there, Novice. Thought you could sneak up on me? Think again." Alex steeled his nerves as Tigrex turned to him, sporting a blood soaked grin. "Hmm… What's this? I can't seem to pick up a hint of fear on you! It seems you have grown up since our last encounter."
"Believe me, General Tiggy… I am very much afraid. Terrified, even. However, cowardice is not an option. No, not tonight at least." Alex put on his helmet. "There will be no running away this time. If I can't defeat you, then I deserve to be eaten!" Alex unsheathed Grace, and got into his signature stance. "Tonight, we settle the score. Only one of us will be returning home." Tigrex snarled. "Make no mistake, however! I won't lose! I… Monster Hunter Alex Kasai, Head Hunter of Pokke Village… WILL DESTROY YOU!" Alex's necklace glowed a faint green. "I won't let you within even one inch of Pokke!"
"Don't make me laugh, you chump. My power is absolute! Tonight, I will grind your bones as I feast upon your blood! It's time to throw down!"
At an unknown signal, wyvern and hunter charged at one another. Alex stuck the point of Grace into the ground to vault himself over Tigrex. "Hiya!" Alex attempted to slash at the wyvern's tail. He was forced to stop and jump back as Tigrex swiftly spun around while his momentum had him sliding away over the snow. "Rats!"
"You're mine!" Tigrex did a flying leap attack. Alex ran and rolled forward. As soon as he came out of the roll, Alex turned and did a jumping backslash. There was a flash of blue electricity, and a shallow gash was left on one of the wyvern's back legs.
"Gah!" Tigrex screamed. He quickly turned to Alex. "You're gonna pay for that." Tigrex advanced, swinging his forearms in hopes of clawing Alex to pieces.
"Hup! Whoa!" Alex dodged left, then right, and left again. "I need to boost my reflexes. Thunder Element: Lightning Step." Alex was having a little trouble before, but now it was much easier under the power of this Thunder Element technique. "Take this!" Alex made a horizontal slash at Tiggy's head. Tiggy reeled back at the pain, and his left horn was broken.
"Grrr! YOU LITTLE!" Tigrex pushed at the ground with his dominant left claw, causing three boulders to be sent flying.
"AAAHH!" screamed Alex as he was struck by the one in the middle, sending him flying. However, he was able to flip himself mid air and land on all fours. "Owww…" A looming shadow came over Alex. "Huh?"
"Don't sleep on the job." Tigrex let out a roar so powerful that the sonic vibrations of it sent Alex flying! Avalanches occurred within a three mile radius!
"WHOOOAAAA!" Alex landed on the ground hard. His poor ears were ringing. The regular Earplug Skill was not enough to protect him, and the only defence against the sonic attack was being out of close range. "Owww…!" Alex tried to stand up, but with difficulty. He had a hard time keeping balance. "Darn it…" Alex turned around.
"What's the matter? Are you finally starting to realize the difference between us?" Tiggy taunted.
Alex shook his head. "Are you kidding? That's my line. Thunder Element: Khezu Cloak!" Alex activated his full power. He held Grace with resolute firmness. "I'm not done yet!"
"Grrr! There it is! The reason why I hate your clan so much. Just as I killed countless others, I'll kill you! Your cursed clan cannot be allowed to run amok anymore!" Tigrex began to charge.
Rage began to fill Alex. "Don't talk about the Kasai Clan that way! I won't forgive you!" Alex strafted as Tigrex got near him. He let loose a combo at the wyvern's side. Blue flashes of Thunder Element occurred on each hit. Finally, Grace was glowing red, brimming with stored power. "It's time to bring this to an end!"
"GRRR! I couldn't agree more!" Tigrex took flight and flew around in a circle. Alex went over to the edge of the summit's cliff, and waited patiently. "Here I come! Your blood is mine!" Tigrex dove down at Alex, wings folded and jaws open wide.
Alex closed his eyes. "Grace, this is your time to shine. Master, Ai, Kotaru, Nathan, Viridia, Sanchez, Sam, Treshi, Granny, September, Patricia, Dinah, Vance, Matthew, Anna…. Maxwell. Lend me your strength." Alex focused and his eyes shot open. His blue aura of lightning flared and began to coat Grace. The blade glowed a bluish white. "Chikara Focus… Thunder Element!" Alex raised Grace to a diagonal position. Tigrex got nearer. "SUPER LIGHTNING SPIRIT SWORD ATTACK!"
"GRAAAAHHHHH!" screamed the wyvern as Alex inhumanely unleashed a mighty storm of lightning-fast slashes, all in the space of a few seconds. A brilliant white flash erupted, blinding everything. "NOOOO!"
The light cleared to reveal Alex in a breathless heap on his knees. Tigrex was a bleeding mess before him, covered in deep lacerations. His remaining horn and both claws on his forelimbs were broken, and his tail was cut off. "Huff, huff, huff… How do you like that!?"
"Grrr… Fine… I've lost… But don't… get cocky… You still have… more troubles… to face… in the future…" Tigrex did a small telepathic laugh. "You'll get yours… one day… Count on it…"