Monster Hunter: The Telepathic Hunter; Ch39: A State of Crisis
October 21st, 2089. Arcolis Forest and Hills Area 2.
"Good, good! Keep going, Alex! You can do it!" called a wyverian man from the sidelines.
A young teen with black hair dodged to the right as a single Velociprey lunged forward. He swung a white short sword with dove wings over the hilt, nicking the azure raptor on the thigh as it jumped back. "Huh? Ah!" The raptor tackled him in retaliation, biting down hard on his right arm gauntlet, causing him to drop his sword.
"Don't panic! Hit him on the head!" Koto coached.
Alex struck the ferocious bird wyvern on the head repeatedly using the winged shield on his left arm gauntlet. The Velociprey cried a few times before releasing and jumping back for a reset. Alex, despite being in pain, wasted no time to pick up his borrowed weapon.
Alex studied his opponent. He had been fighting this bird wyvern for a few minutes as training under Master Koto's watchful supervision. 'Huff... Huff... Huff.' He thought carefully about what he had been taught and what he needed to do. "I can do this. Ha!" He rushed forward. The Velociprey did a short jump attack and Alex cleverly moved to the right. He countered with a spin slice, slashing the unfortunate raptor across the face as it landed.
'Arrr!' The raptor lay, defeated. Alex smiled as he turned to his mentor and surrogate father. "Well done, Alex!"
Alex bowed as he sheathed the sword and took it off his back. "Thank you, Master Koto." He held it out to him.
"One day, you are going to become one of the greatest Hunters, Alex," said Koto as he took the blade and the shield. "Within you is something more than just mere potential. I would even call it a gift. As long as you work hard, there won't be anything you won't be able to do."
"I promise I won't let you down, Master!" Alex replied. "I'll make you proud."
"Alex, I'm already proud of you."
October 3rd, 2098. Koto's House, Kokoto Village. 11:28 PM.
Alex woke up from his dream. After returning to Kokoto, and letting Koto know how things went, he had decided to spend a night before returning to Pokke. He, Ai and Kotaru had consulted Koto on Aokaze's grim final warning. Koto said he wanted to consider it carefully and sleep on it.
It was still night. Alex could hear the sounds of nocturnal bugs and creatures. I don't think I'll be able to fall back asleep right away… Maybe I can get some fresh air first. Alex got out of bed and left the room. He went into the main hall and to the front door, which he found to not be locked. "Huh?"
"Hey Alex, is that you?" asked Koto's voice from outside.
"Master!"
"Can't sleep, huh? Come join me. It's a cool night out."
Alex opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. He took a seat next to Koto on the steps. "Hi. I just sort of woke up. I was having a dream, though."
"What kind of dream?" Koto asked.
"It was more of a memory, than a dream. Do you remember when I was thirteen? For my birthday, you made me fight my first monster, a Velociprey."
"Oh, wow. I do remember. It sure has been a long time since then."
"Yeah."
The two fell silent for a long while. They settled on enjoying the cool of the night. Then Koto shuffled uncomfortably a little. "Alex… If my hunch is correct, then I feel you and your friends might soon take part in your first Siege Battle. Either at Fort Ash Path, or Dondruma City… you will have to face either a Shen Gaoren or a Lao Shan Lung."
"Whoa! This is a pretty big hunch… But I won't dismiss it. Titan might refer to the name of one of those gigantic monsters. It makes sense, in such a case."
"I would suggest having your blacksmith keep all your gear in top condition for several days," Koto suggested.
"I will. I won't be caught dead by the Taboo of Negligence."
"That's the right attitude to have."
October 9th. Pokke Village.
Alex was just returning home from Vance's smithy, when he was approached by Anna and Corra. "Hey, Alex! Wait!" Anna called.
"What's up?" asked Alex as he turned to them. A look of worry came upon his features as he took note of their grim-looking faces. "Wait… Don't tell me… No, I have to know. Lay it on me."
"The Guild sent a Level Six Notice to September," answered Anna. "She sent us to pick you up. Let us go hear what it is about."
"Let me warn you. That level of a Notice can never mean good news," said Corra.
"I know… Koto drilled into me that this was the kind of thing I would have to expect at some time in my career… and not just once. Let's go."
The trio went to the Guild Hall. Inside, they found September, Patricia Scorcher, Clarence Scorcher, The Chief, Treshi, and Matthew Frost. All six of them looked anything but happy. "Alex,you're here…" greeted September. "I didn't want to believe it… But it is that time of year again after all…"
"Please don't mince any words," said Alex. "Give it to me straight. My heart is ready."
"Okay. The Guild received a letter from the Elder Dragon Observation that a… Shen Gaoren was seen making its way to Dondruma city. It is the same one that attacked Fort Ash Path with never before seen ferocity, no-selling the attempts of Hunters to dissuade it or slay it. The Fort's defenses are still in shambles after that attack. The Guild is calling on all able bodied Hunters from HR5 and up to assist in defending Dondruma. It will arrive two days from today. This Gaoren is considered as High-Rank."
Alex let out a breath he did not even know he was holding. He sighed. "Well then… This sounds just as awful as I imagined. The only right thing to do is sign right up." Everyone watched in amazement as Alex's Dragonite pendant began glowing brightly. "This? It does that when I'm feeling heightened emotions. I will not deceive you all; I am feeling the most daunted I've ever felt. But, I don't plan on running or hiding. I intend to face this."
"We're going to face this together," said Corra.
"Count me in," added Anna. She turned to Matthew. As usual, he looked concerned for his sister. "Don't worry, brother. I promise I won't do anything reckless. I'll be careful."
Matthew's expression softened. "I'm happy to hear that. I might be faint of heart, but I do have faith in you."
"I'm also going to take part," declared Clarence. "I once fought a Kushala Daora at Dondruma with an improvised squad of Hunters. I'll be happy to give insight about the fortifications installed there."
"Okay, let me put together the list to send back to HQ," said Patricia. "There is no quest fee. The Guild is already prepared to spare no expense towards this super urgent mission. Giving your name is tantamount to giving your consent in the event that any… mishap should arise… I really don't like saying that…"
"We just have to not die," said Alex jokingly, trying to liven up the mood. Crickets was his answer. "Too much?"
"Way too much," answered the Chief.
"I wish you all the utmost best of luck and fortune," said Treshi.
"Be careful, Brother," cautioned Patricia. "I won't forgive you if you don't come back in one piece. Or at all, for that matter."
"Don't worry, Sis. I've grown stronger from training and going on quests with Alex. I'll be alright."
Alex's House. 7:00 PM
Alex sat at the table. Emperor the diapered pig was cuddling in his lap, and Apple was sitting on the table resting against his right shoulder. "...And that's the gist of it."
"Nya, how worrisome. How are you feeling about all this, Master?" asked Apple.
"I've never been more nervous. Even a Tigrex is a joke compared to this… Even an Elder Dragon." Alex rubbed soothing circles on Emperor's back. "However… Because I know of the true horror that will appear in less than a couple of years… I'm starting to see this as a great test. If I can't get through this, if I fall here… It just means that I was never going to be able to save the world."
"Wow, that is some deep thinking, Nya."
"I must succeed… Because I also need to prove myself against a Lao Shan Lung some day, as well."
"You really have become a lot more serious, Alex," remarked Apple. "Before, you seemed a bit goofy to me when I really got to know you."
"Did you just… refer to me by my first name?" Alex was in shock.
"Nya, I know that even now, you don't like me to call you "master," but you put up with it for my sake. However, we are friends aren't we?"
"Of course we are," replied Alex with vigor.
"Oink!" went Emperor.
Alex looked down at his pet. "I haven't forgotten about you, buddy. You must be worried in your own way, right?"
"Oink."
"Well, let me make you a promise. When I come back, I'll stuff you full of as much food as you can eat."
"OINK!"
"There's a good boy."
Hunter Stats
1. Alex Kasai (HR5)
Weapon: Eagle Cleaver Long Sword (Thunder Element)
Armor: Blango Blade Master + Turtle Gem Decoration
Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Snow Resist, Cold Negate, Quake Negate, Fire Damage Increase, Endurance Up
2. Anna Frost (HR5)
Weapon: Black Twin Daggers
Armor: Blango Blade Master
Skills: Snow Resist, Cold Negate, Quake Negate, Fire Damage Increase
3. Corra Kasai (HR5)
Weapon: Gun Hammer Prototype Hammer (Fire Element)
Armor: Diablos Blade Master
Skills: Reckless Abandon +2, Wind Pressure Breaker, Vitality Down
4. Clarence Scorcher (HR5)
Weapon: Flaming Pair Dual Blades (Dragon Element)
Armor: Kushala Blade Master
Skills: Focus, Terrain Damage Negate, Ice Resist, Poison Damage Increase, Thunder Damage Increase, Elder Dragon Influence
5. Ai Shiki (HR5)
Weapon: Crimson Spear Lance (Fire Element)
Armor: Gravios Blade Master
Skills: Sleep Negate, Endurance Up, Fire Resist, Guard Increase
6. Kotaru Shiki (HR5)
Weapon: Djinn Sword and Shield (Fire Element)
Armor: Kut-Ku 'D' Blade Master
Skills: Element Attack Up, Reckless Abandon +1, Ice Damage Increase
October 11th, Morning.
Up in the sky, all ways led to Dondruma. Alex and company could see several Blimps and Airships as they made their way to the 'Great Stone City.' The Hunter turnout for today's upcoming battle appeared to be massive. This soon turned out to be an overstatement, as after leaving the parking space and walking down the main center staircase of the Great Stone City down to a large plaza like market area, there were only roughly forty Hunters, or ten groups of four if you wanted to be technical. Alex and friends met up with Ai and Kotaru.
"You're here," greeted Kotaru.
"Wouldn't miss this for anything… except maybe a wedding, unless that got canceled too," replied Alex. Kotaru laughed at that.
"You guys… This isn't the time for jokes. Be serious," scolded Ai.
"Yes ma'am," replied the two meekly.
Anna, Corra and Clarence laughed. "Um, may I have your attention please everyone?" said a loud, deep voice. All eyes turned to a 5'11 wyverian standing on the stairs between two Guild Maidens. Behind him further up and coming down the stairs were Guild Knights, the assigned defenders of Dondruma and Minegarde. "First and foremost, I would like to thank the forty or so of you that decided to sign up for today's mission. You should consider yourselves the cream of the crop. However, I don't mean to be rude to those who did not join us. Facing a Shen Gaoren is a scary prospect. That said, I commend your bravery in coming out. Permit me lay out the battle plan we the Guild have laid out after carefully assessing everyone here."
Including Alex, his five friends, Katie, Jake and Jason from Rekusara, and Qilin Kaminari; there were eighteen HR5 level Hunters. Then, there were fourteen HR6s, eight HR7s, and two HR8s. The HR5 Hunters would only operate the City's siege weapons, while the Hunters HR6 and up would attack directly in waves of four at a time, to minimize as much risk as possible. Some of the HR5 could join the battle only when the Gaoren got close to the giant gate in front of the wide area the battle was to take place in. Gaorens possessed extraordinary amounts of vitality and toughness, so there was a definite possibility that this could arise.
"There is about less than an hour before the Titan Carapaceon arrives. You have thirty minutes to do any preparations you like. Then assemble in Area 3. That will be all. May we find victory today!"
Dondruma Battle Field Area, 5 Minutes before the fated hour.
"Alex, Dear… what do you think? Will we really be okay?"
Alex turned to his girlfriend. "You're that nervous, huh? So am I." He said that with a straight face, before breaking into an infectious smile. "If our armor and weapons won't keep us… then our love will." Anna gasped. "Our love will prevent me from ever thinking of giving up, not for one hot minute. I'll push back fear and despair onto the backburner. No, I won't even light the very stove. Anna, you only need to push the very concept of death out of your thoughts and focus on whatever we are assigned to do. Can you do that, not for this continent, not for this city, not for the Guild, not for anyone else here, not even yourself; but can you do that for me?"
Anna took up a smile. "I can try… I will."
"Good. Then you have nothing to fear. Let's do what we have to, and make it through this. We are not alone. We are surrounded by friends and comrades. We only need to steel our conviction."
"Well said, Mr. Kasai!" said a voice. Alex turned to see the two HR8 Hunters walking towards him.
"The Oni Brothers! In the flesh!" exclaimed a random Hunter.
"Red Oni and Black Oni, what an honor," greeted Alex. "I've read all of your writings and teachings in Hunting Life Magazine. Consider me a fan."
"We're your fans, too," said Black Oni. "You've only been a Hunter for less than a year, and the Guild has had nothing but good things to say about you."
"When we heard about what happened to Maxwell, we were devastated," said Red Oni. "He was one of our greatest comrades. He was a great and unforgettable man."
"Thank you. That means a lot."
"We're glad to hear you have been holding it down in Pokke," said Black Oni. "I'd like to try the Hot Spring there sometime, so make sure the village never gets destroyed. Okay?"
"That was always the plan…" Alex paused. He began feeling a tremendous source of Chikara. Also, he could feel tiny periodic vibrations. "It's here."
Just then, a loud trumpet sounded. All eyes faced down the battlefield towards the mountains. There was a ridge with a tower on it that divided two paths. In the left path, everyone could make out a tall shape coming out of an intense fog. Four stilty legs; two giant claws; two long, waving antennae; one gigantic Lao Shan Lung skull on the back! The vibrations grew stronger and stronger as the titan slowly but surely approached, with no doubt destruction on its simple mind.
The Oni Brothers assumed command. "EVERYONE! THIS IS IT! BATTLE STATIONS, NOW! HR5s, MAN THE BALLISTA GUNS AND GREAT CANNONS!" Red exclaimed.
"HR6 AND UP, FOLLOW US TO BATTLE! NO SURRENDER, ONLY VICTORY!" ordered Black.
With a great cheer, all hands began scrambling. "Stick with me," said Clarence as he came to Alex and Anna.
"Okay." Alex glanced at the hilt on his back. Grace, for our sakes, I hope you don't get to see action today. But if it must come to that, then lend me your sharp strength.
Twenty two Hunters and six of the Guild Knights went down the great wall and into the battlefield. Red and Black led a charge. Upon nearing the Shen Gaoren, the first group of four began their attack, focusing on the four legs of the great carapaceon. It would stagger and pause now and then, but it kept on going. The squads regularly switched turns, with Red and Black keeping the momentum going between switches.
There were four Ballista and six Cannons, so 10 Hunters devoted themselves to manning these, while the remaining eight Hunters and four Guild Knights focused on bringing munitions and supplies. Once the Gaoren was halfway to the walls, the ten began firing. The Ballista were quite quiet, but the cannons were booming.
All seemed to be going well, and then everything changed. "Argh! I grow tired of all of you puny ants! Dragon Element: Tectonic Step!" Titan lifted up a leg. It glowed orange. Alex quickly got up from his Ballista and used Khezu Cloak to run around grabbing Clarence and Anna. Titan brought down his leg with menace. A cloud of dust was raised as the ground trembled violently. Screams rang out.