Monster Hunter: The Telepathic Hunter; Ch26: Prancing Lightning
Snowy Mountains, Area 8. April 17th, 2098. 8:27 PM.
Now that Alex was done celebrating, he proceeded to carve materials from Tigrex's body. "Vance will make an awesome armor set with these," said Alex with glee. When he had gathered enough, Tigrex's body faded out of existence. "What the!? I've never seen anything like that before… How bizarre." Left behind was Tigrex's Screamer, an organ that allowed the wyvern to produce sonic vibrations when roaring. "Hmph! Don't mind if I do." Alex promptly picked up the Screamer and placed it into his hunter pack. "Well, I'd say that was a job well done. I'm... outta... here." Alex turned to start walking home.
Area 6. 8:50 PM.
Alex was making his way to the cave network. "Stop right there!" cried a voice like thunder. Alex stopped abruptly, shocked stiff by the unfamiliar voice. There was a whinnying and 'clip-clop, clip-clop' sound.
"What the!?" Alex turned about face, looked up and right. There on the ledge stood a majestic creature. Bipedal, horse like, with a twirly horn much like a unicorn. It was mostly white, with black and blue markings here and there. "Great Fatalis!"
The horse jumped down and landed with overwhelming grace and beauty. That's when Alex saw that its body glowed. A circular spot of light could be seen on the ground under the creature. Alex couldn't help but stare at such a beautiful being. "How about we get to know about each other for a bit, Alex Kasai?" asked the horse politely.
"OK... um, what is your name?" Alex was severely tired and drained of his Chikara. He had used almost every ounce of power in order to defeat Tigrex with his final attack. Thus, there was no way he could defend himself right now if it came to another battle. And this particular creature gave off a powerful presence that reminded him of Metal the Kushala Daora.
"Ah yes, how rude of me. I'm the Phantom Brute, the Elder Dragon of Lightning! I am a Kirin, and Raiden is my name. Pleased to make the acquaintance of one so young and strong." Alex was now baffled, flabbergasted.
"Thank you for your kind words, Raiden," Alex replied, stalling for time. "Um, permit me to ask… but why have you appeared before me? I've heard that Kirin are rare and nomadic."
Raiden laughed. "We are always on the move, because it is not only just hunters that we have to worry about, but also a powerful Pelagus beast who preys on us. We can only become strong enough to face them by keeping on the move, and training against strong adversaries. I was in the area, and I witnessed your battle against General Tiggy. I was impressed, and so I'm sure you can now guess why I am here." Alex gulped. "Don't worry. I sense that you are tired and weary from your last battle. Fighting and killing you now would only bring shame to me."
Alex held his breath. "Will you let me go, then?"
"Just this once. Now, a parting gift from me. Thunder Element: Lightning Scatter!" Raiden kicked his forelegs and shook his head.
Blue bolts of lightning came down out of the blue and surrounded Alex, but did not hit him. "Aaahh!" When they stopped striking down, Alex looked around. But the Kirin was already gone. "Whoa, was I dreaming? My head kinda hurts. No, impossible. I just met another Elder Dragon... Cool..."
"I'll be waiting," said Kirin's voice as Alex began to return to the village. This time, he did not stop. It was a long way back.
April 18th. 1:30 AM. Pokke Village.
When Alex wearily set foot into the village through the south gate, he was met with a crowd of people, the entire village. He covered his ears as they shouted in a voice loud enough to cause bigger avalanches than Tigrex, "SURPRIZE!"
"Everyone's here!?" said Alex in shock. "Wait! Hey, hey!"
"Alex! Alex! Alex! Alex! Alex!" chanted the villagers, about 60 people strong, as they hoisted him up.
"Hey! What's going on?"
"We're celebrating you! Our Hero of Pokke! You saved us!" answered Anna.
The Chief added, "We all heard a monstrous scream echo from the mountains!"
"Everyone cried for joy, knowing that it was Tigrex," added Vance.
"The menace is finally gone, so it's a time to be festive, because we're all alive and well, and full of gratitude!" said Treshi.
The villagers passed him, person to person, from the gate to the quest desk in the gathering hall as they kept on chanting, gently dropping him in front of the patiently awaiting September. "Welcome back, Sir Alex. Quite the party you've got going on."
"Seems so," he replied, the crowd still cheering and calling his name as they began piling out. They had stayed up all night in anticipation, and needed their sleep. Alex handed September his Hunter Pass book and waited as she went behind the counter.
Patricia came out from behind the counter and hugged Alex. "You really did it, just like I knew you would!"
"Everyone's faith… in me… gave me… the strength… to do this. I gave it… everything I had…"
Patricia released and stepped back. "I'm glad you came out on top." Alex gave out a huge yawn, surprising her. His lack of sufficient energy was getting to him. "You look drained. I'd imagine it was a strenuous ordeal."
"Yes, it was."
"Then take your reward quickly and go get some rest, Alex!" said September suddenly. She handed Alex his Hunter Booklet and 6000 Zenny. He stared proudly at the Yellow Rank-Four Star on the Rank Page. "Please, have a good rest. And congrats on attaining HR4!"
"Thanks... September... Catch you later, Patricia."
"Bye, Alex! Come back soon!" Alex waved as he turned and wearily made for the exit.
Outside, he was approached by Ai. "Alex! You're okay! We rushed up here as soon as we heard."
"Ai and Kotaru!? You guys came..."
"Of course we came," replied Kotaru. "Whoa! You look beat!"
"I need a warm bed. Why don't you come to my house later? I'll tell you all about the battle when I wake up."
"Okay. We already booked a guest house. See you in the morning!"
7:30 PM.
Alex, Kotaru and Ai were having breakfast together in the kitchen of the house, courtesy of Apple. Alex was finishing his account of the battle. "And then I finished him off with my most powerful Spirit Sword attack ever, endued with the Thunder Element."
"Wow, that was quite a battle!" remarked Kotaru.
"I'm just glad you won," said Ai. "Even with your skill, Tigrex still could've gotten you."
Alex smiled and shook his head. "I don't think so. It was much easier than I thought it would be. There wasn't a single point where I ever felt that I was backed into a corner, or I couldn't do it. I was focused and confident. Not overconfident, like I was against the first Yian Garuga I fought. I gave this my all."
"Wow, you're so inspiring," said Kotaru.
"And guess what? When I was leaving, I met an Elder dragon."
"AND YOU'RE STILL ALIVE!?" They exclaimed in shock.
"I didn't fight it…" Alex looked abashed. "It was a Kirin. It sort of… let me go"
"Whoa! Those are quite rare, even among Elder Dragons," commented Ai.
"I'm going to challenge it in a few days. But first, I'm going to rest some more. My muscles still ache from overusing the Khezu Cloak." Alex rubbed both of his shoulders. He then took another sip of his Mountain Herb Tea.
"Well then, what are we still bugging you for? Come on Sis!"
"Go on ahead, and wait for me at the gate. I want to speak to Alex alone for a bit more."
Kotaru raised a brow, but made no argument about it. He got up and went to the door. "Take all the time you need. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." With that, he was gone.
Ai crossed her arms over her chest. "So you're HR4 now just like me, huh?" she observed.
"Pretty much."
"You and I are by no means equals. I declare you the stronger of us."
"I wouldn't go so far as to say that. But you are the eldest," joked Alex.
"Hey! I only recently got 25!" she pouted.
Alex turned to her and offered a warm smile. "Ai, you know I'm just jostling you." Alex decided to play a wild card, "You know, you're really pretty when you pout."
Ai's cheeks flushed red. "Oh, really? Well, thanks…" Alex laughed at her embarrassment. "Hey. Come with me a sec." Ai got up from the table. Her food was all gone.
"Huh?" Alex stood up, and followed her into the first room. "I'll be back in a bit, Apple!"
"Okay, Master," Apple replied. She looked at Emperor following the two. "Where do you think you're going, buster?" Emperor stopped in his tracks.
"Oink…" he sounded in the similitude of embarrassment.
In the first room…
"So, was there something you wanted to talk about in private?" Alex asked. He was sitting on his bed, while Ai was on a chair.
"Yeah… Um, I was wondering…" For the first time since they started working together, Ai looked like a shy girl, as opposed to the usual confident huntress. And Alex noticed, even shocking him. She paused for several seconds.
"Wondering… about what?" Alex urged her to continue. "Um… You can tell me. I won't laugh, if that's what you're afraid of…"
Ai's face flushed red, and she shook her head. "Oh… What am I so afraid of…" Alex gasped at that. Ai took five seconds to compose herself, and then finally said, "I've consulted Kotaru, and he told me to go for it, so here I go. Alex, I really like you."
Alex's cheeks turned red. "Ai… you're…" Alex found himself in a slump. Here he was trying to avoid getting a girlfriend, placing his emphasis on his duties and profession. As not just any hunter, but a Head Hunter, he felt he currently had no time for romance. It was the reason he turned down Princess Viridia those few months ago, besides the three-year age gap between them. However, he would have been lying to himself if he said he didn't have the slightest interest in Ai, maybe in some corner of his mind. It began the moment she flipped him over. He did possess a keen respect for her. Could it have been more? "Wow… I don't know what to say."
Ai suddenly looked close to tears. "Oh… I'm sorry. What was I thinking, telling you this out of the blue…"
Alex gathered his courage. "Wait. Don't be sorry. I like you too, Ai. I just want to focus on myself right now."
Ai's features relaxed. "I understand. I just want you to know that I think you are a wonderful guy, and I'm willing to wait until you're ready no matter how long it takes."
Alex looked sheepish. "Uh, thanks." I hope I don't keep you waiting forever… or disappoint you for that matter.
Hunter Stats
Alex Kasai (HR4)
Weapon: Twin Kut-Ku Dual Blade (Fire Element)
Armor: Gypceros Blade master
Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Stun Resist, Poison Negate, Thunder Resist, Fire Damage Increase
April 21st. Snowy Mountains Area 6. 7:00 PM.
Alex stood poised and ready. His mostly dull grey with a hint of purple Gypceros Armor was bulky and clunky looking, but he was banking on its better protection than the Genprey Armor, although it lacked Paralysis Negate or Paralysis Halved. He was under no illusions that he would be able to escape the upcoming battle unscathed. He had consulted Dota, so he had some idea of what was in store for him.
"Sir Raiden! Sorry to have kept you waiting, but here I am! I'm ready to go!"
"It's about time. I was just about ready to move on, thinking that you may have backed out on me!" Alex turned to see the Kirin was once again on the ledge over the cave. Raiden jumped down to meet him. "Just… what are you wearing!?"
"Do you like it? I got this made just for this fight! Now, let's have a good time." Alex unsheathed his circular blades. While it was of common opinion that Kirin had no elemental weakness, that was false. They were somewhat weak to the Fire Element, and Alex was happy to learn this from Dota. It was probably the most useful tidbit.
"Sorry, but I don't like it one bit!" Kirin galloped towards Alex. He suddenly stopped and raised his forelegs. Alex tensed, knowing what was coming. "Rain down from the heavens! Thunder Element: Homing Lightning!"
Alex began running around Raiden, bolts of lightning following after him. There was no way to dodge lightning, for it moved at one third the speed of light, so the only defense was keeping on the move whenever this attack was active. "Sorry, but I have done my homework!" Alex tried to start a combo, but Raiden simply hopped forward. "GAAAHH!" Alex received two kicks in the chest from Raiden's back legs and landed on his back. "Owww.."
"Oh, really? Maybe you should have studied harder!" Raiden came full gallop, aiming to stomp on Alex.
"WHOA!" Alex rolled out of the way, and got up. Time for a counter attack. Alex tried to gain some distance. He taunted the Kirin to come to him.
"I'm afraid I will have to disappoint you, Alex. Thunder Element: Lightning Scatter!"
"Huh!? What are you doing?!" Alex looked around frantically as lightning bolts struck down randomly around him. Then he got struck by one of them. "AAAAAAAA!" Even with Thunder Resist, Alex took quite a bit of damage.
"Darn you… It was a good attack, I'll give you that… But don't count me out just yet!" Alex activated Khezu Cloak.
"Going all-out, huh? Well, so will I!" Electricity began to dance over Raiden's majestic body, much to Alex's dismay. "I think I'll grant your wish and come to you this time! Thunder Charge!" Raiden galloped towards Alex at insane speed.
Now is the time to make some progress. Dual Blades Power Up. Alex side-stepped Raiden and slashed his side as he went past. "Oww!" Alex got a shock from the static coating Raiden.
Raiden whinnied in pain as he came to a stop. "You…" Raiden tried to ram his horn into Alex.
"Dual Fire Slash!" Reckless as it were, Alex cross-slashed before him, breaking off the horse's horn. He still took the full brunt of the ensuing headbutt, though, and was sent sliding across the ground.
"Aaahh! My head! My HORN! I won't forgive you for this!" Raiden sounded enraged. Alex got up. "GRRR! Let's see you get up from this one. Thunder Element!" Alex tensed as Raiden did what seemed like a sort of dance before simply standing on his hindlegs and kicking the air with his forelegs. "Homing Kirin Bolt!"
"Huh? Who names an attack after themself?" Alex dissed. He failed to notice the white spot of light that appeared under him until it was too late. "Huh? When did that get there… AAAAAHHHHH!"
CHA-ZAAAAPPP! A single but very powerful lightning bolt struck Alex, giving him a most dreadful electrocution. Yellow static crackled around him as he fell limply onto his knees, then to his stomach. His body was in spasms.
I… can't move… I can barely feel a thing. Alex was fully paralysed. His Khezu Cloak was unable to absorb the attack at all.
"Looks like I won this one. I, Raiden, have taken down Alex Kasai!" Raiden cautiously approached the downed hunter. "Any last words? This was quite fun… except for the part where you broke my horn!"
If there was ever a time when I needed to cheat death, it's now. Move! Move! Alex only caused more pain to himself as he struggled to do anything useful. "Darn it! No!" Alex's Khezu Cloak flared wildly. He was able to force himself to his hands, and then to his feet. "I… I'm not… finished yet!"
"What!? Impossible!" Raiden took a bewildered step back.
"This is all I have! Fire Element: Dual Blades Fire Dance!" Withstanding extreme muscular pain, Alex charged. "HAAAA!"
"No! No! Stay away!" Raiden turned to flee, but it was already too late. "AAAHHH!"
Alex closed the short distance and went to work. He was unable to attack with grace and poise, but that didn't change the fact that he scored massive damage. Finally, both he and Raiden collapsed. "How do… you like… them apples!?"
"You resilient… Kasai… scum…" Raiden broke his polite character, having been defeated. "Ugh..."