Monster Hunter: The Telepathic Hunter; Ch38: Azure King of the Sky

Hunter Stats (Reminder)

1. Alex Kasai (HR5)

Weapon: Cutlass Plus Dual Blades (Water Element)

Armor: Fatalis Blade Master (Modified, Low Rank)

Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Strength Up, Reckless Abandon +2, ESP, Dragon Wind Breaker, Dragon Resist, Vitality Down, Cursed Protection, Heroic Failure, Hunger Increase.

2. Anna Frost (HR5)

Weapon: Snow Poison Dual Blades (Ice Element, Poison Attribute)

Armor: Cephalos Blade Master

Skills: Heat Negate, Cold Increase, Hunger Halved, Water Resist

3. Corra Kasai (HR5)

Weapon: Wyvern Blade "Fall" Longsword (Fire Element)

Armor: Khezu 'D' Blade Master

Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Recovery Level Up, Wide Area, Thunder Resist, Water Damage Increase.

September 16th, 2098. Battleground, The Volcanic Belt.

To say that there was utter chaos would have been an understatement. However, it seemed that Alex was not the only one who had planned ahead for such a scenario as this. Several hunters had brought their gear, and they were keeping the two wyverns away from those who did not and the surviving civilians. The airship that was hit had the most civilians on it.

Nevertheless, Alex, Anna and Corra entered the fray. "Anna, Corra, you help the hunters who are fighting. I'm going to ask someone who is not 'how many survivors there are, and who are still trapped in the ship's wreckage if any.' Any objections?"

"None here," replied Corra.

"Not me either," answered Anna. "But please hurry, because we might really need your Water Cutter ability to help take down that hard-shelled Gravios."

"Noted. I'll get right on that as soon as I can." With that, Alex split off from his aunt and girlfriend. He sprinted towards the basket, where there were four hunters providing aid. Alex recognized them as he got closer. "The Brothers Four! Hey, you guys!"

"Alex!" exclaimed Jake and Jason in unison.

"Oh, perfect! Another helping hand. You're right on time," said the eldest, Jameson.

"Happy to help. Can I get a situation report?"

"Sure." Jared began to explain, "Out of the thirty-four people that were onboard, at least seven died instantly during the initial attack. After we crash landed, those wyverns began attacking the basket. Those five over there and the four of us got out and started trying to drive them away. Then, when two others got out, they told us others were trapped under debris from the crash. We broke off from the fight to start helping out, for we couldn't just leave them until any more help could arrive. We've gotten like three civilians, a few Felyne workers and one other Hunter out so far."

"Yeesh… This is just awful... Let's get back to it. Who knows how many are left."

"Right! Let's hustle!" declared Jameson.

"Yeah!" exclaimed Jake.

Alex and the four brothers went back into the basket. Meanwhile, at the battle…

Corra dodged a tail swipe from the Diablos. "Whoa. I take it, you remember me?"

"Of course I remember! It's your group's fault I got into this mess in the first place! Now I'll get my revenge on you, you Kasai scum!" The black desert wyvern turned to her and charged, brandishing his mighty twain horns. A Lance wielding Hunter wearing Daimyo Armor came before her and put up his shield. With some effort, just like Ai, he was able to stop the wyvern's attack dead-halt.

"Attack, now!" the Hunter ordered.

"You don't have to tell me!" Corra went around the Hunter and got in a slash across the Diablos' face. A flash of Fire Element occurred on hit. The wyvern reeled back in pain.

"OWWW! Why… why you!"

In the background, Anna and three other Hunters scattered as the Black Gravios used the Blast Bomb attack. While this was happening, one of the Hunters went up to the Gravios and placed down a Shock Trap. The rugged wyvern then became paralyzed. The Hunter wasted no time in starting to lay down two Large Barrel Bombs, and a Small Barrel Bomb to set them off. A few seconds after she got clear, a few explosions went off.

"GRAAAHHH! THAT HUUURT!" The Gravios was reeling back in pain. However, his stomach armor was not broken. The Hunter's plan had failed.

"Rats!"

"Alex, we really need your help right about now! The Gravios is too tough!" Anna tried.

At that moment, Alex was using his blades to free a trapped Hunter. "I'm a little busy right now, but I'll be with you in a few moments. Ah, I know! Start counting down from thirty. Give me thirty seconds."

"We're doing this again? But you can't use your Khezu-"

"It will be fine. I promise."

"Okay… Thirty. Twenty-nine. Twenty-eight…"

"That said, I'd better hurry. Water Cutters!" Alex activated his ability and quickly cut away the Hunter's entrapments. "There we go. Let's get you out of here." Alex sheathed his blades and helped the Hunter up.

"Thank you…" said the man weakly.

It took Alex fifteen seconds to get the Hunter out of the ruined basket. He passed the man over to Jared, and then turned his attention to the battles. He cringed as Anna and a few Hunters dodged a blast of the Gravios' Heat Ray attack.

"Thirteen. Alex, please tell me you're on your way! Eleven!"

"I'll be there!" Alex began to feel something he had not felt in a while. A particular erratic flow of his energy that clashed with its usual calm disposition. He knew what it meant. "Finally. You took your sweet time returning, my Thunder Element Affinity!" Alex prepared to sprint.

"Six! Five!"

"Here goes! Thunder Element: Khezu Cloak!" Blue lightning enveloped Alex. "YES!" He began sprinting forthwith. His aim? The Black Gravios. "Here I come, Anna! Look alive!"

"Alex! You're…!"

"What! Alex, your Thunder Affinity is back!? Lucky you," relayed Corra.

"What the!? Oh, not another Kasai!" The Gravios was aware of Alex now, but he did not have time to do anything, for our hero had already gotten into range. Alex manifested his Water Cutters as he opened with a Dual Thrust, and followed with a short combo before rolling away. "OW! I actually felt that! I'll just have to crush you too!"

"Not likely to happen!" Alex lifted up his blades. "Dual Blades Power-Up!" Something amazing happened. When Alex powered up, the Water Cutters began crackling with red electricity. "Hmm… I have an idea!" Alex dodged as the Gravios tried to ram into him. He then went to the wyvern's nearest leg. "Take this! Chikara Focus: Water and Thunder Element Combination: Dual Blades Storm Dance!"

"Huh!? Wait, stop! STOP!"

"HAAAAA!" Alex unleashed a dazzling combo of lightning-fast slashes. His attacks cut through the wyvern's stomach armor like a hot knife through butter, especially after it had been weakened by the bombing attempt of that Hunter from before.

"AAAAAHHHH!" the Gravios screamed as he collapsed for the count. His stomach armor was not just breached… he was defeated with just that series of attacks!

"What the!? That guy took that thing out in just moments, whereas we were struggling for so much time!?" exclaimed a man.

"Yeah, how unreal!" added the bomber Hunter.

Alex sheathed his blades as he crouched before the dying wyvern. "Darn, I got so excited that I expended so much Chikara at once…" Besides that, Alex had not eaten anything while he was doing rescue efforts, so his strength was not full to begin with.

"Alex!" exclaimed Anna as she got to him. "Are you alright? I didn't mean for you to just steal the show. You made the others look bad."

Alex chuckled as he glanced at her. "Sorry about that… I'm just a little winded."

"Tired already, Alex? Well, I guess the rest is up to me," relayed Corra.

Hearing that, Alex stood up and turned to where the Black Diablos was. Corra did a jumping backslash as she dodged a tail swipe, a puff of fire occurring. "Use the Spirit Attack. I hope you've charged enough energy by now."

"That's the plan." Even at this distance, one could not help but notice the red gleam on Corra's longsword. "Everyone, let's end this nightmare! Follow me, and give this guy everything you've got!" Corra rallied as she went running.

"Grrr! I will not be defeated again!" The Diablos gave chase at Corra. Every other Hunter let out a war cry as they joined the chase. "What are you all getting so excited for? Fine, I'll kill you all one by one! Come and get it!" The Desert Wyvern skidded to a stop and began turning around to take stock of his surroundings.

"Don't you turn your back on me! Fire Element!" Corra went for it. Her Wyvern Blade Fall began glowing white. "Blazing Spirit Sword Attack!" Corra unleashed a blazing barrage of hyper quick slashes. There was just a storm of flames.

"Yaaahhh!" exclaimed the rest of the Hunters as they converged in attack. "No, no, nononono… NOOOO!"

Alex cracked a smile. Today's tragedy was somewhat reversed. "You're amazing, Corra."

"We've all become amazing," added Anna.

Late morning, September 17th. Alex's House, Pokke Village.

Alex had slept in today, trying to squeeze out as much rest as he could. More than he would care to admit, even without the Fatalis Armor's Hunger Increase negative Skill, his Thunder Element abilities were taxing on his body. Even Hunters have limits, and the Thunder (Khezu) Cloak basically allowed him to go past those limits at the cost of heavy Chikara expenditure. Chikara is not just one energy, but six forms. One's main Chikara is neutral, but the remaining five forms correspond to the five elements that Hunters and Monsters alike can utilize in this world.

The Chikara enhanced Weapons and Armor of the Hunting Profession allowed Hunters to convert their neutral Chikara into the other forms, to use for offense and defense against monsters. One's affinity was simply one's ability to boost the conversion of their Chikara to their assigned elemental form. For the Kasai Clan, this was very powerful when compared to other clans. Secondary Affinities could temporarily run out if overused, as was the case when Alex's rage brought about the red "Super Khezu Cloak," as well as the 'Ultimate Lightning Spirit Sword Attack.'

Alex finally decided to get out of bed. He walked over and grabbed a small box that was before the front door. He petted Emperor as he went to the kitchen to order breakfast from Apple. "Good morning… Apple… Can I have… the usual?"

"Wow, Master, you sound wasted. I knew you came back tired, so I was pretty worried that you haven't shown up until now. Please wait a moment. I'll set you up in no time."

"Thank you." Alex opened the small box. Rather, as soon as it was unlocked, it burst open from all the mail that was tightly packed into it! "Geez… This is really out of hand…" Alex grabbed a random piece, and noticed the Guild's insignia on it. "Oh, a Guild Notice. I wonder if this is their apology?"

He began to read, 'A pleasant good day, all.

The Hunters' Guild extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of those nine souls who lost their lives at our event. We have only our foolishness and naivete to blame. We let our guards down, and you, our faithful citizens and coworkers, have paid the price.

The Guild would like to thank the efforts of those who were on the scene, who gave their all to prevent that nightmare from becoming any worse than it was. The Brothers Four squad, Hannah the Sleep Bomber, Mighty Harold, The Triple Threat squad, Corra Kasai, Anna Frost, Alex Kasai, and so many others. Sincerely, thank you.'

October 3rd. Koto's House, Kokoto Village.

After a couple of weeks of nothing too interesting going on, Alex was summoned by his Master.

"Honestly, we can handle it ourselves," Ai was saying. "However, given the stakes, I don't feel like going against your goodwill."

"The stakes? Will you guys please tell me what's going on?" demanded Alex.

"Sorry for the secrecy…" started Koto, "It's just that… HE's back."

From the way "he" was stressed, Alex immediately knew. "Aokaze, the Azure Rathalos… the wyvern that left me injured for such a long time when I was 16…"

"Alex…" said Kotaru.

Alex balled his fists with determination. His Dragonite pendant glowed brightly. "Thank you for calling me, Master. I promise not to fight for revenge, but to protect Kokoto, and settle the score."

"Do as you have said, my boy."

Hunter Stats

1. Alex Kasai (HR5)

Weapon: Black Scythe Longsword (Dragon Element)

Armor: Garuga Blade Master

Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Sharpness Plus, Earplug, Reckless Abandon+1, Water Damage Increase.

2. Ai Shiki (HR5)

Weapon: Native Spear Lance (Poison Attribute)

Armor: Rathian Blade Master

Skills: Vitality Up, Poison Negate, Fire Resist, Thunder Damage Increase, Stun Time Increase

3. Kotaru Shiki (HR5)

Weapon: Death Prize Sword and Shield (Paralysis Attribute)

Armor: Kut-Ku Blade Master

Skills: Vitality Up, Strength Up, Fire Resist, Water Damage Increase.

Arcolis Forest & Hills Area 3. 2:30 PM.

Alex had decided to get over his aversion, and give the Black Scythe weapon a try. He wanted to experience using the Dragon Element in an S.S. Attack. And to be fair, he was most likely going to need it against today's target.

"Alright Alex, where to next?" asked Kotaru.

Alex felt something malicious. Not exactly Elder Dragon level pressure, but pressure nonetheless. "No need to change locale… He's coming to us. Get ready." Alex took off his weapon from his back, and the others followed suit. This feels just a bit stronger than that Pink Rathian Anna, Sakura and I fought.

"Well, well, well! What have we here?" said a voice. The hunter trio tensed as a mighty Azure Rathalos flew into view from the hills. He circled a lap around the entire Hunting Grounds before coming in for a landing in Area 3. "I knew I felt a familiar presence!"

Alex, for once, kept himself cool. He had given his master his word of resolution, and he was not going to break it by being easily riled up. "Greetings, Aokaze. Long time, huh? What brings you back all the way out here?"

"You, actually," the Fire Wyvern replied. "You've become quite famous, and so I thought I'd like to take a crack at you. Coming here was the best way to get your attention."

"You threatened the village before, so I would never be able to ignore the call. Fine, I'm ready to settle the score."

"Then let's not waste any more time." Aokaze spread his wings and took to the air. He unleashed a flamining projectile, causing Alex and company to scatter. Aokaze then swooped towards Alex, claws poised. Alex rolled out of the way, got up quickly and gave chase as the wyvern skidded into landing.

"Take this!" Alex tried to hook Aokaze's tail with his scythe.

"Huh!?" Aokaze quickly removed his tail before it could be dismembered, but just barely.

"Darn it… I'm still not used to handling this thing. The design is so… counter-productive." Alex dodged as the wyvern unleashed a fireball. "Whoa!"

"I'm just keeping you on your toes, as you have done to me!"

At that moment, Ai attacked with a Lance Charge. "Haa!" A puff of purple cloud occurred as the spear pierced the wyvern's side.

"UGH! Whyyy, youuu!" Aokaze turned to Ai, who put up her shield. He unleashed three fireballs at varied trajectories. Ai was knocked away by the two that landed at her sides.

"Aaahhh!"

"You'll pay for that!" exclaimed Kotaru as he did a Jump Slice. "Paralyzing Slash!" There was a yellow flash of static as he hit a wing, and Aokaze became paralyzed. "Yeah, eat it!"

"Right on!" Alex joined Kotaru in getting in what hits they could as the wyvern was vulnerable.

"Grr! This… won't… hold… me… long!"

Alex's Black Scythe began glowing a faint red. It had enough energy for one SSA without recharge. "Then I'll put you down right now! Kotaru, get back!"

"Okay!" Kotaru obliged.

Alex focused and began his attack. "Take this! Dragon Element: Draconic Spirit Sword Attack!" Alex unleashed a flurry of hyper quick attacks, flashes of dark orange static occurring on each hit.

"AAAAAHHHH!" Aokaze collapsed, and Alex jumped back.

"Is he down for good?" asked Ai, still keeping her Native Spear at the ready.

Aokaze got up. "I'm not done yet!" He charged at Alex.

"Whoa!" exclaimed Alex.

Ai did a Lance Charge. Just as Alex was sent flying, she landed her spear into the wyvern's face! "NOOOO!" The poison of the spear began working its magic. Aokaze was not getting up from a hit like this. "No… I'm… the King of the Sky…"

"No, you were." Alex had gotten up. "Way to go, Ai!"

"Thanks!" she replied as she sheathed her spear.

Kotaru drew near. "Don't forget me. I paralyzed him first try."

"That was really amazing," said Alex.

"Celebrating… already…? How… pathetic…" Everyone turned to the downed wyvern in shock. "Heh, heh… Your struggle… is far… from over. One… among you… will soon… perish… Be sure… to pay… attention… to the news… Heh, heh, heh…"

"W-w-what are you talking about!?" demanded Alex.

"Titan… is coming…" With that, nothing more could be registered from the wyvern. Aokaze was dead.

"Titan? I don't like the sound of that," said Kotaru.

"Didn't you hear what else he said?" asked Ai.

"'One among us… will soon perish…' I guess he was just trying to spook us. A dying, last attack. Not physical, but mental." Alex looked deep in thought.

"How about we carve him up and return to Kokoto?" suggested Kotaru. "Maybe we can get an opinion from Master Koto."

"That sounds like a plan. Let's do it."