Monster Hunter: The Telepathic Hunter; Ch35: A Sun with Fangs!?
Hunter Stats (Reminder)
1. Alex Kasai (HR5)
Weapon: Plesioth Fin Swords Dual Blades (Water Element)
Armor: Cephalos Blade Master
Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Heat Negate, Cold Increase, Hunger Halved, Water Resist.
2. Anna Frost (HR5)
Weapon: Snow Poison Dual Blade (Ice Element, Poison Attribute)
Armor: Cephalos Blade Master
Skills: Heat Negate, Cold Increase, Hunger Halved, Water Resist.
3. Corra Kasai (HR5)
Weapon: Khezu Horn Hunting Horn (Thunder Element) {White, Yellow, Blue}
Armor: Khezu 'D' Blade Master
Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Recovery Level Up, Wide Area, Thunder Resist, Water Damage Increase.
White Night Dunes Area 2, Sekumeaya Desert. August 5th, 1:12 PM.
Alex gasped as he felt a sudden pressure. The unmistakable ominous weight of Elder Dragon pressure. "No way... Why now!?"
"Alex!? This feeling!" Anna sounded alarmed and scared. "This feels just like that Lunastra we faced at the Tower!"
"S-stay here… No. Head back to camp right now." Alex fixed his helmet onto his head. He began to release an air of the utmost seriousness. "This feels even stronger than Luna. I… No, there's not even time for hesitation. I'm going to rescue Corra. Nothing fancy, like trying to take on whatever this thing is. I'm going to pick her up, and run away like I stole something. Please trust me."
"Okay. Don't do anything reckless, or I'll beat you up myself. Got it, Dear?" Anna chanced a smile.
Alex did not smile back. Such was the situation. "I promise, my love. Now get going." Anna nodded and took off. Alex turned to the other direction and began running measuredly. "Now then… I can't use the Khezu Cloak, so a lightning speed getaway is out of the question. Corra may be very hurt, based on how she sounded in that telepathic message. She's pretty heavy, so I won't be able to carry her fast enough. Oh man, I wish I had superhuman strength like Ai… Oh well. Let's see what I'm up against."
Area 7.
"So, you finally arrived. Good, now I can exact stage two of my revenge."
"Huh?" Alex looked forward, and color drained from him. Before him, the Elder Dragon in question was none other than a Teostra, the male counterpart of the Lunastra. A menacing, sweltering orange aura could be seen emanating from the scarlet Fire Dragon's lion-like body. "This… is not good…" Alex's gaze trailed down, and his fears only grew. Corra was unconscious on the ground, and heavily injured. "That's EVEN WORSE!"
Alex felt his blood burn within him. Anger was replacing the fear, but he tried to suppress it. He knew that losing his cool in this current circumstance would only make him the wyvern's next victim. He could just tell. Even with his Water Element Dual Blades, he was in no caliber to take on this Elder Dragon. He would have needed the Khezu Cloak just to stand a chance. After all, it took two people to do enough damage just to facilitate an escape from a Lunastra, and they had some powerful tools, too. The ability to inflict paralysis at an increased rate, Abnormal Status Up; and the increased power granted by one of the most risky of Skills out there, Heroic Comeback. Alex had no such wonderful tools, only his wits and slightly tired body. Talk about disadvantageous.
"Well, if you won't make the first move, I guess I will! I am Delsol, and you shall be consumed by my hateful flames!" Delsol the Teostra crouched and leapt impressively.
"Yikes!" Alex rolled out of the way. As he got up, he noticed that the heat of the Dragon's aura was affecting him, at least in this close range. The Skill Heat Negate was doing nothing for him in the face of the Elder Dragon's overwhelming Chikara. "Great! Another handicap! I'm glad I don't have to fight to the death right now, because I would be on a timer towards my inevitable defeat! But, I do need to face him a little before I can get a chance to take Corra away. I just need to endure this. Here goes something!" Alex unsheathed his blades and steeled himself as best as he could. "I am Alex Kasai, Head Hunter of Pokke Village! Even if I can't defeat you right now, I promise you this! You won't lay another claw on my family!"
"I know who you are, and frankly your title is irrelevant. You and your friends hurt my mate, and you will pay with your lives." Delsol charged at Alex.
Alex strafed to the side and unleashed two slashes. His attacks bounced off. "Whoa!" Alex was just barely able to avoid a counterattack. "This is an exercise in futility!"
"Wow. You're so pathetic, I'm actually bored. I mean, this is just not fun at all."
"Why you… No, say what you want. It will make your defeat look worse!" Alex bantered.
"In any case, I have proven that I can take care of you whenever I want. So…" Delsol began to charge towards Corra, much to Alex's horror.
"NO! Don't you dare!" Alex gave chase. But this was what the Elder Dragon was aiming for.
Delsol suddenly stopped and turned around. "Fire Element: White Hot Haze!" A white blazing stream of fire was released that Alex ran smack dab into!
"GAAAAHHHH!" screamed Alex in pain as he instinctively threw himself to the side. His blades flew to the wayside. "You… tricked me…"
"Yes, I led you to make a mistake, but it is your fault for failing to suspect anything. Hmph! I think I'm satisfied for now. I'll kill you when you are at your best. Come to the Volcanic Belt if you feel brave enough to face me again." Delsol spread his wings and took flight, just like that.
Alex checked his legs to find that they had taken the worst of the searing flame breath attack. "I can't walk… rats. Curse that overconfident piece-of-work Elder Dragon!" Alex began to crawl towards Corra. "I… hope this works…" He focused intensely. "Anna… can you hear me?"
"Alex!? Is that you!? Where are you? I don't see you."
"Thank goodness I was… able to reach you. Things are… all clear right now. Please come to Area 7. I… got into trouble. I can't walk… at all."
"Whoa! You even sound pretty hurt! I'll be right there! Just let me grab some First Aid Meds!"
"Thank you… Over, and out." Alex opened his eyes, and sighed. He continued to inch his way towards Corra. "You had better not die on me, Auntie. You're a tough, stubborn woman who I respect and love… You had better… make my suffering… worth it."
"I… heard that, you annoying… Nephew," said Corra's weak voice. She turned her head to Alex. "I was able… to drink a Mega Potion… before I passed out."
"Great going…Ugh." Alex stopped wasting his remaining stamina. "Please hurry… Anna…"
"I've gotten the Pink Cactus, at least…" said Corra, in hopes of providing a silver lining to this mess. Alex looked at her once more, to find that she was smiling. "Thank you, Alex. I love you, as well."
Alex could not help but smile back, even though he was shocked beyond measure. He had never thought he would ever hear those words from her. Their relationship had really come a long way from the time they fought each other in near mortal combat.
A few minutes later, Anna arrived. She helped Corra and Alex back to the basecamp. After a bit of rest, the trio took their blimp to return home to Pokke. Once there, Corra instructed Anna on how to make the Herbal Medicine, and then Anna went down to Patricia's house.
Alex was forced to go home and rest. He would be unable to go on hunts or even leave his bed for at least two days, maybe one if he got as much rest as he could. "What a bummer… I would have wanted to see Patricia's smile of gratitude…"
"Please, just try to rest," said the Chief as she bandaged Alex's legs. "Your legs were badly burned even through your armor. I'll have to get some Anteka Antler Powder for this."
"Okay, Granny. And thank you."
"Anything for you, Alex, so don't mention it." The Chief just smiled.
August 7th.
That morning, Alex was fully recovered. He got out of bed and stretched. "Ahhh… It feels so good to move about again. Well, time to set out."
Upon leaving the house, Alex was met with Patricia and her brother. "Alex-kun, you're up! I heard about your injury, but I couldn't come visit right away."
"Thank you for your concern. I am just fine now," Alex replied. He then turned to the brother. "I'm glad to see you on your feet."
"All thanks to you and the others, Alex-san. Oh, my name is Clarence."
"A pleasure to officially make your acquaintance," Alex replied as he extended a hand. Clarence took it and the two shook. "I hope to work with you on a quest sometime."
"It would be an honor," Clarence replied. "I'm HR5 myself. When I was facing those Cephalos, I made the mistake of allowing four of them to surround me. Defending from four directions at once is difficult, to say the least. They hammered me."
"That sounds rough. At least you pulled through in your recovery. Well, I need to go see Vance. Catch you later."
"Same to you, Alex," said Clarence.
"Let's go to the gathering hall, brother," said Patricia. "I have to get back to work."
"Okay."
"Yo, yo, and hello, Alex!" greeted Vance. "I heard from Anna what happened. You just can't seem to catch a break these days."
Alex chuckled slightly. "I guess you can say that… But one can also say I got a stroke of luck."
"Indeed. Anna has already given me her half of the White Monoblos materials. I suppose you've come to bring me your half?"
"Yup." Alex placed his laden Hunter Pack onto the counter. "I'll be looking forward to the modified Fatalis Armor!"
"As always, I'll do my best," replied Vance. Alex beamed a grand smile.
Hunter Stats
1. Alex Kasai (HR5)
Weapon: Plesioth FinSwords Dual Blades (Water Element)
Armor: Kirin EX
Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Element Attack Up, All Resist, Item Usage Decline
2. Clarence Scorcher (HR5)
Weapon: Plesioth Fin Blade Great Sword (Water Element)
Armor: Kushala Blade Master
Skills: Focus, Terrain Damage Negate, HG Earplug, Ice Resist, Poison Damage Increase, Elder Dragon Influence
3. Qilin Kaminari (HR5)
Weapon: Death Prize Sword and Shield (Paralysis Attribute)
Armor: 4/5 Diablos Blade Master and Chaos Cap Helmet
Skills: Vitality Down, Reckless Abandon +1, Wind Pressure Breaker, Ice Damage Increase, Abnormal Status Up.
August 11th, 2098. Basecamp, South Elde District, The Volcanic Belt.
Alex was here today in the Volcanic Belt with an elite three-man squad for one reason, and one reason only. To settle the score with Delsol the Teostra. Qilin was quite flattered that Alex had offered him a spot on this mission, and Clarence had practically jumped at the chance to offer his sword of service even though Delsol's supposed revenge had nothing to do with him. Alex had thought about asking Ai or Kotaru, but finally decided against it. It was probably selfish of him, but he did not see the need to further endanger them.
"You guys, before we set out, let me say a few words."
"Go right ahead, Alex," replied Clarence.
"And make it snappy," said Qilin.
"Thanks… Ahem. I don't actually know if we can win today or not, but I do know this; I'm going to give this my best shot. This guy basically ambushed me back in the desert, but this time things will be different. Let's blow him away."
"Hmph. Well said," commented Qilin. "Now let's get going. My Death Prize is itching for battle!"
Del Sol's Elder Dragon pressure could be felt across the entire zone. It led the trio to Area 7. They watched in awe as Del Sol came in flight from Mt. Elde South. He landed regally, and let out a short but powerful roar. "You actually came, Alex Kasai. And, you brought some friends. Well, more victims for me to have fun with."
"The only victim I see here is you, pal!" taunted Qilin.
"We're going to utterly defeat you," declared Clarence.
"Well, you heard them, Del Sol," said Alex. "Let's get this over with."
The trio unsheathed their weapons. "Prepare to be incinerated, you three!" With a snarl from the Elder Dragon, the battle commenced. Del Sol leapt impressively, causing the hunters to scatter. He then selected a target. "You there, the youngest. You annoyed Luna with your dirty tactic! The same trick won't work on me!" Sol charged at Qilin.
"We'll see about that!" Qilin bantered as he rolled out of the way. Upon getting up, he did a Jump Slice, getting in the first hit. Delsol thrashed and tried to counter attack. "Whoa!" Qilin just barely avoided the Fire Dragon's claws.
"Burn to cinders!" Delsol unleashed his White Hot Haze attack. Qilin haphazardly ran to the side.
"You're wide open!" Qilin went in for an attack from the safety of the side. "Paralyzing Slash!" Flash of yellow static occurred on hit, however the Fire Dragon was not paralyzed. "Huh?"
"Don't underestimate me!" Delsol turned around and sent Qilin rolling with a heavy claw swipe.
"Aaahh!"
"Qilin!" yelled Alex.
"You won't get away with that!" declared Clarence.
Alex and Clarence went charging in. "Yaaahhh!" they yelled in war cry. Alex did a Dual Thrust while Clarence executed an unsheathe slash.
"Grr! Know your places!" Delsol smacked Alex away with his tail before thrashing at Clarence. Clarence blocked the attack and slid back a few feet.
"Okay, time to get serious." Alex raised up his blades. "Dual Blades Power Up." His blades glowed red. "And for a little extra… Thunder Element: Khezu Cloak!" A blue coat of electricity enveloped Alex's body. "Catch this, Delsol!" Alex charged at the Fire Dragon, who was leaping back from an attack by Clarence.
"What kind of fool announces his attack!?" Delsol taunted. He leapt at Alex, who dodged quickly. "Grr!" Delsol kept advancing, trying to land a claw swipe on Alex.
"Ha!" Alex capitalized on a small opening and got two hits on the Elder Dragon's face. He jumped back as Delsol tried to retaliate.
"GRR! Why, you! Hold still, and let me rip you to pieces!"
"I thought you said you were going to "burn me to cinders"?" Alex taunted.
"Fine, if that's what you want!" Delsol took the air. "White Hot Haze!"
Alex turned around and ran as Delsol chased behind him while breathing out a continuous stream of fire. As this was happening, Qilin came charging from behind.
"This had better work this time! Paralyzing Slash!" Qilin executed a jumping slash and hit Delsol's tail.
"What!? No!" The Fire Dragon fell out of the air, hard. "NO!" His body was in spasms as yellow static jumped out of him.
"Yes, it worked! Let's get him, guys!"
"Way to go!" exclaimed Alex and Clarence in unison. All three hunters gathered around and began attacking, with Qilin having a head start as he was the closest.
"Ah! Ow! Ah! Just… wait until… I recover…! You'll get… what's coming… to you!" Delsol threatened.
"Dual Blades Water Dance!" Alex unleashed a barrage of quick and graceful attacks, ending with a dual power slash.
However, Delsol was not close to being defeated yet. Everyone moved away as the injured Fire Dragon began getting up. "I'll give you three… some credit… You gave me more trouble than I would have liked…"
"Hey, you're not about to…" Alex prepared to make a move as Delsol began flapping his wings.
"He's going to that move!" Qilin was the one to charge. He just missed as the Elder Dragon took to the air, rising vertically.
"Let us call this a draw. My revenge is postponed! See you in the future, Alex Kasai!" Delsol began to fly away.
"Did he just…. run away?" Clarence sounded like he could not believe his own words.
Alex sighed as he sheathed his blades. "Everyone, I'm sorry for having this hunt turn out to be such an utter waste of time…"
"Don't sweat the small stuff," said Qilin, surprisingly. "What's done is done; let's go home." He sheathed his Death Prize. "I can't say I didn't have fun."
"Me either," added Clarence. Alex smiled as the trio began making their way back to basecamp. "I'll be happy to work with you again, Alex."
"Thanks, Clarence."