Monster Hunter: The Telepathic Hunter; Ch36: Pink Sakura Dance
August 18th, 2098. Pokke Village.
Early in the morning saw Alex standing before Vance's workshop. He was here for one reason, a special one.
Alex smiled as Vance approached while carrying a big box. "Well, Alex my friend, I must tell you that this was one of my toughest projects ever," said Vance as he placed the box on the counter.
"I doubt I would be able to imagine it, but you can feel free to lay it on me," Alex replied.
"When I was smelting down the shards, an oppressive amount of dark Dragon Element Chikara energy was released, which made it difficult for me to work…"
"Whoa, that sounds insane…" Alex commented.
"Indeed. I had to get Treshi to lend me some of his Chikara to counteract it. Once I got past that hurdle, it wasn't really smooth sailing, but things were easier. Now, I have some good and bad news about the final product."
"Really? Okay, tell me the good news first."
"The armor has quite a good number of positive Skills, including Dragon Resist."
"Yes! That is what we wanted, after all." Alex was elated, but only for a short second. He could already guess and dread what the bad news was about. "But then, the bad news is…?"
"Yup, you guessed it. The armor set has a nasty set of Negative Skills, four of them."
"Whoa! Most armor sets I've had so far have only had one or two, but never that many."
"My advice on using this armor, if you will even still want to, is to not be reckless. You're going to want to really watch out for the attacks of monsters with this one."
"I think that saying goes with any armor."
Vance's frown turned into a light smile. "I think so too."
Alex chuckled. "Anyway, as usual I'll take any advice I get to heart." Alex took hold of the box, and removed it from the counter. "Well, I'll be going now. See you when I get some new materials!"
"You know where to find me."
Upon reaching home, Alex immediately took out the new armor and put it on. He was going to do some training at the farm to see how it affected him. Its Positive Skill powers were: Strength Up, Reckless Abandon+2, ESP, Dragon Wind Breaker, and Dragon Resist. Reckless Abandon increases the damage inflicted when targeting the weak points of monsters, but also increases overall attack power to a lesser extent than Strength Up. ESP makes one's attacks never bounce, allowing Hunters to avoid giving free openings to their opponents. Dragon Wind Breaker ensures that even the wind gusts generated by the step of a Lao Shan Lung's foot or a Kushala's storm-like wing beats wouldn't blow one away. Dragon Resist was self explanatory.
On the other hand, the armor's Negative Skills were: Vitality Down, Cursed Protection, Heroic Failure, and Hunger Increase (High). Vitality Down literally lowers a Hunter's life energy and toughness. We already know what Cursed Protection does, and why it was very bad. Heroic Failure lowers one's attack power when on the verge of defeat; the exact opposite of Heroic Comeback. Hunger Increase literally makes a Hunter lose stamina quicker and need to eat more frequently.
"In the initial stages of a battle, this armor makes us very powerful…" said Anna, who had shortly joined Alex. They clashed with their Dual Blades and Sword respectively.
"But if we get into a grave situation, the only smart thing to do would be attempting to flee and recover," Alex added, as he blocked a diagonal strike with his shield. The two distanced themselves for a reset of position.
"Yeah. This armor is a total double edged sword. Ha!" Anna charged with a Dual Thrust.
Alex blocked once again. He jumped back before executing a Jump Slice. Anna rolled out of the way. "Nice. Let's take a break." Alex stood up, and was out of breath. His stomach gave an audible ground.
Anna was not so better off. Her stomach growled fiercely. "How embarrassing… This Hunger Increase Skill is the worst…"
"Let's change out of this and go grab a bite to eat together from Apple," Alex suggested as he sheathed his sword.
"Lead the way. I'll be right behind you," Anna replied as she did the same.
August 25th. 8:45 AM.
As soon as Alex entered the Guild Hall, Patricia called out to him. "Alex-kun! What perfect timing! You got an urgent request from Jumbo Village."
"Really!? I haven't heard from them in a while!" Alex ran towards the counter. He was handed a letter scroll. "Let's see here…"
"Dear Alex,
How have you been? It's been a while, hasn't it? Allow me to get straight to the point. Jumbo has had a talented, attached Hunter for some time now. Her name is Sakura Rosada and she is all the way from Dondruma.
Anyway, our latest challenge involves a rare version of Rathian called Pink Rathian. It is very strong, and has even defeated Sakura once already. She's recovered and is ready to fight it again, but I decided to enlist your help.
Would you please aid us in our hour of need?
Regards,
Chief Ryuu."
"Whoa… this sounds like a neat challenge! Of course I'll help. Sign me up, Patrica-chan!"
"Okay, Alex-kun! You got it. The quest fee is…
Jumbo Village. 10:55 AM.
"Welcome!" greeted Ryuu as Alex and Anna entered into the Jumbo Gathering Hall.
"It's good to see you two," said Alex as he regarded Ryuu and Patty.
"Hello," greeted Anna.
"So, this is the great Sir Alex Kasai I've heard so much about," said an unfamiliar voice. Everyone turned to the door as a woman with vibrant pink hair entered. "Well, you certainly look impressive. It will be a pleasure fighting alongside you on the battlefield."
"And you must be Sakura. It's a pleasure to meet you." Alex locked eyes with her. "And, would you be so kind as to not use "Sir?" I'm afraid I'm not much of a fan of formality."
"So I've heard. Well, I'm ready to set out whenever you are."
"Um, hello? Are you really just going to ignore me?" Anna spoke up, tired of being left out.
"Oh, my mistake. Didn't see you there." Sakura did not sound very convincing. "Forgive me for not keeping track of those with little to no exploits."
"Excuse me!? Miss, I don't like your…" Alex put a hand before Anna to stop her.
"Anna, wait." Alex gave her a look that said 'let me handle this'. He then turned to Sakura. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't treat my girlfriend like a shadow, Miz Sakura. Just like you, she has seen her fair share of action. Now let's focus on what's important, defeating our target in question."
"Fair enough. Please pardon me. I let my ego get the better of me for a hot minute there. Let's head out." Sakura went out first.
"Alex, I'll do my best, but let it be known that I don't like this one bit."
"I'm sorry. I never expected someone like this. Hopefully, she's as good as her big ego. Let's go."
Hunter Stats
1. Alex Kasai (HR5)
Weapon: Eagle Cleaver Long Sword (Thunder Element)
Armor: Kut-Ku Blade Master
Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Vitality Up, Strength Up, Fire Resist, Water Damage Increase.
2. Anna Frost (HR5)
Weapon: Black Twin Daggers Dual Blades (Dragon Element)
Armor: Basarios Blade Master
Skills: Poison Resist, Fire Resist, Bomb Strength Up, Gunnery, Water Damage Increase.
3. Sakura Rosada (HR5) (Guest Hunter)
Weapon: Kirin Thunder Spear Lance (Thunder Element)
Armor: Rathian Blade Master
Skills: Vitality Up, Poison Negate, Fire Resist, Thunder Damage Increase, Stun Time Increase
Terosu Jungle Basecamp. 12:06 PM.
The trio was making their final preparations. "Hey, Alex. You've faced a Rathian before, right?" asked Sakura.
"Well, not exactly… Actually I guess I can say no. I have fought a Rathalos, though."
"Close enough, I guess. Allow me to level with you. I've already fought and lost against our target, so my confidence isn't very high. We've just met, and so I don't think we will be able to fight well together."
"Okay… But what is your point?"
"I have an idea. Instead of trying to coordinate our assault, let us all fight as we please without getting in each other's way as much as possible."
"Hmm…" Alex did not know what to make of this.
"Fine by me," said Anna. "Well, we should get started."
Once their preparations were finished, the trio set out. They passed through Area 4's beach, defeating some Hermitaurs that tried to bother them. Once the red crabs were dealt with, the trio went to Area 3. There…
Alex gasped. "What a frightening presence! Even Tiggy didn't make me shiver this much!"
"Alex!?" said Anna.
"Look ahead and pay attention!" said Sakura sharply.
Far ahead was, indeed, a Rathian. It was bigger than a usual one, and the green scales and feathers were replaced with a vibrant cherry blossom pink. It appeared to be decimating a troop of congas.
"Anna, I don't know what to expect from here on out," said Alex softly. "Be on your absolute A-Game… This will be one of our hardest trials yet."
Anna looked ahead. "I hear you loud and clear, Alex. Let's do this."
"Hey, what are you…?" Sakura started as Alex and Anna began moving forward, weapons drawn. "Wait, wait! Stop! Are you listening to me!?"
"If you have time to scream at us, then prepare for battle," said Anna.
"We've already been spotted," added Alex.
Sure enough, the Pink Rathian was also approaching. "Well, well, well! It seems that the Queen of the Land has some company. Oh? Is that the Hunter from before that I creamed? Again she comes before me. But, she decided to bring along some help this time."
"Queen of the Land? That's only self-proclaimed, you know," taunted Alex.
"A Kasai? So that's why… Hmph, I thought your cursed clan was becoming extinct. It seems nature just isn't working fast enough. Don't worry, I'll give it a little push, and send you all to the next dimension!"
"Don't underestimate us!" exclaimed Anna.
"I won't. Fire Element!" The Pink Rathian unleashed a flaming projectile at the trio. Everyone got out of the way.
"Remember the plan!" exclaimed Alex as he went forward. "Whoa!" He was forced to roll away as the Rathian did a Poisonous Backflip.
"Hiya!" Anna opened with a Dual Thrust, hitting a wing and drawing first blood.
"Grr! Majestic Cherry Blossom Dance!" The Rathian spun 180 degrees, nailing Anna with the tail.
"Aaahh!"
"You'll pay for that!" Alex charged at the Fire Wyvern.
"I don't think I will." The Rathian flew backwards to avoid Alex's downward slash. She then flew above Alex. "Watch out below!"
"Huh!?"
"Alex, MOVE!" exclaimed Anna.
"Cherry Blossom Drop!" The Rathian landed down upon Alex!
"AAAHH!" he screamed, pinned and crushed.
"Get off of him!" exclaimed Sakura as she did a lance charge. The Rathian flew out of the way before she could hit, though.
"Take this!" Upon landing, the Pink Rathian fired a flaming projectile. Sakura went before Alex and up her shield to block it.
"Hiyaa!" Anna executed a Dual Thrust. A flash of dark orange Dragon Element static occurred on hit. Anna squeezed in two extra slashes before being forced to roll out of harm's way as the Rathian tried to retaliate.
Alex shakily got to his feet. "Ugh… that smarted something fierce… However, this is when I will make my comeback!"
"You alright?" asked Sakura as she turned to him.
"I survived the blizzard of a Kushala, the thunder of a Kirin, and the flames of a Teostra! This is nothing!" Alex's Khezu Cloak flared on. "Come, let's take our counterattack. We shouldn't allow this wyvern to keep throwing us around like we're nothing." Alex picked up Grace, and rushed off to help Anna. "Ha, Ta, Da!" Alex unleashed three fast slashes.
"Uh! Grr, recovered already? I'll have to fix that!" The Rathian instantly charged at Alex.
"HA!" Alex dodged and took the opportunity to get in one slash as he did so. He began to move backwards as the Rathian came to a quick stop, turned to him and charged again. With his back against a rock wall, Alex waited. Then he rolled away at the right time, causing the Rathian to crash into the wall! "Got'cha!"
"OWWW! You…!" the Rathian screeched. Alex wasted no time to start slashing. Anna joined, and Sakura came in last with another lance charge, landing the attack this time. She then got in what few pokes she could. Before long, the trio had to move away as the Rathian recovered. "You lot… you did a number on me… But don't count me out just yet! This is only the beginning!" The Rathian's eyes were bloodshot. Puffs of smoke were being released with heavy breaths. She was now enraged. "I'll incinerate you all!"
"Everyone, this is it," said Alex. "We can do this. She's on her last legs. I can feel it. Let's take her down with our next assault. I'll go first. Sakura, the final blow is yours."
"Okay, if you insist." Sakura began to move to the back.
"Let's finish this, Alex," replied Anna as she used Dual Blades Power Up. "I'm ready."
"Here I come, queen of nothing!" taunted Alex as he charged at the Rathian.
"You're asking for it now! Fire Element: Super Varied Fire!" Instead of three flaming projectiles, the Pink Rathian unleashed five!
"Whoa!" Alex tried his hardest to dodge all of them as he continued to advance. He found it difficult even with Khezu Cloak, seeing as the very last one was able to graze him. But he steeled through the pain and got into range.
"What!? Impossible!"
Grace was glowing red with stored energy. "Have a taste of my Lightning Spirit Sword Attack!" Alex delivered four powerful slashes at inhumane speed, leaving an eight-armed star shape of blue electricity in the air.
"AAAHHHH!" cried the Fire Wyvern in pain.
Instead of landing the final hit to detonate the star, Alex got out of the way. "Haaa!" warcried Anna as she came charging forth with a Dual Thrust. Her attack caused the star to explode, stunning the Pink Rathian. "Take this! Dual Blades Dragon Dance!" Anna followed up with a mighty combo of graceful slashes, dark orange flashes of Dragon Element static occurring on every hit. "Sakura, you're up!" she exclaimed as she moved away. She dodged as the Rathian tried to retaliate.
This distraction proved perfect as Sakura went dashing in with her third lance charge. Her Kirin Thunderspear was glowing with power. "For the finish! Thunder Element: Thundering Charge!"
A brilliant blue flash filled the venue as Sakura struck home. "NOOOO! HOW COULD I HAVE BEEN DEFEATED!?" the Pink Rathian roared out her last.
When the light cleared, Alex, Anna and Sakura were bumping fists, a hunt well orchestrated and completed. "Thank you, you two. This was just the sort of experience I needed. I was never great at hunting in groups, and I'm really glad we worked well together at the end."
"I'm glad too," replied Anna. "You know, you're pretty good."
"Thanks. I'm sorry about how I treated you before. I'm actually just a bit jealous, especially of your relationship. I'm hoping to find someone myself."
Alex began to feel embarrassed. "I'm sure you'll find the right guy… as long as you keep your mind open."
"Thanks. So, what say we carve up our quarry and then head back to Jumbo?"
"You and Anna can have the materials. I'm good," Alex replied.
"I think I'm good, too," said Anna. "Sakura, I'm sure you'll be able to get some fitting armor for yourself with the mats."
"Okay, thanks. If you ever need help, don't be afraid to reach out to me by letter." Sakura took out her knife and went back to the pink Fire Wyvern's corpse. She took a few minutes, and then the trio began their way back to camp and the boat.
"And I'll be happy to hunt alongside you again sometime," said Alex.
"Me, too," added Anna. Sakura smiled.