Monster Hunter: The Telepathic Hunter; Ch45: A Giant Dragon Invades
From here, allow time to move backward.
February 23rd, 2099. The Ancient Tower Environs Basecamp, East Continent.
Alex and Beverly walked into camp. "Look who came back from the dead," greeted Qilin as he looked up from his meal provision.
Alex looked deadpan. "You don't have to say it like that…"
"I don't know, it sums things up rather accurately," said Harold. "I don't know of anyone who has survived a 3500 foot drop. You are probably an apparition here to finish off some goal before you can pass on to the great unknown."
Beverly chuckled. "I don't know about that. I'm pretty sure an apparition wouldn't possess a warm, physical body." To demonstrate, she pulled Alex into an embrace, showing that he was as solid as stone.
Alex caught his breath as he was released. "I will admit that when I woke up, I was incredibly injured and felt like I had lost a lot of blood. I was in some weird place below Area 5 of the Tower. I used some of my "Kasai prowess and privilege" to heal myself."
Qilin smirked at the jab at a certain best friend of Alex, having been told the joke before. Harold seemed confused. "Is that a reference or something that I am not getting?"
"I'll tell you the full joke on the way home," Alex replied. "Are we set to leave?"
"Yup!" Qilin got up. "Let us return to the ship. I've had about as much of this place as I can stand."
"Me too," said Alex.
The Present, March 15th. 9:47 AM. Pokke Village
Alex walked out of the house with Emperor and Apple in tow. He was going to Dinah for some grocery shopping. There were a lot more people in Pokke now, so his free rations from the farm were less than before. If he needed more food, he had to buy it.
"Yo, yo, and good morning!" greeted Vance as Alex went past his smithy.
"Good morning, Vance!" Alex greeted back, waving.
"How was your new sword?"
"It was awesome! Great job, as usual!" Alex continued on.
As Alex neared Dinah's stand, he was approached by Treshi and a Felyne he did not recognize. "Hello, Alex. I'm glad I caught you."
"Good morning, Treshi." Alex glanced at the Felyne, who looked up at him. "Who's this?"
"Hi, there, Sir Alex," greeted the Felyne. "I am Trenya, Treshi's number one disciple! I share his love for treasure!"
"She's currently my only disciple, but don't let that get to you," said Treshi. "She's already half as good as me, and she is even capable of taking down a wyvern, so she at least has that department over me."
"Whoa." Alex was very surprised. Not only was Trenya a treasure hunter, she was also a combat type Felyne. He turned to her. "It is an honor to meet you, Trenya."
"Likewise, Alex," she replied.
"Alex, because you expressed your plans to become the Hero of our world, I thought you might appreciate any help or advantage that you could get," said Treshi. Alex turned to him. "To have any level of hope against the invincible Ukanlos, you are going to have to work very closely with Vance, and you will need to obtain some super rare materials once you get far into G-Rank."
"Huh? Whoa, sounds like I got my work cut out for me…"
"Trenya here can help search for some of these rare materials. You only need to sponsor her treasure hunting excursions."
"Hmmm… An extra avenue for gaining materials, perhaps even ones I would not come across myself… Sponsoring sounds like a fair trade. I accept."
"I won't let you down, Mr. Alex!"
Alex's eye twitched as Trenya bowed. "Uh, you don't need to bow… And just "Alex" is fine."
Trenya stood straight, bearing the kind of cute smile only a cat could pull off. "So you really don't like any form of formality, huh? The rumors were true. Sorry for testing you."
Alex just nodded. "Well, if this is all, I would like to go shopping now."
"Of course. Trenya will be at the farm when you need her," replied Treshi. "Bye for now."
"See you later," said Trenya.
"Later." Alex watched as the two went away, then turned to go to Dinah's stand.
"Hello, Alex," greeted Dinah. "I reckon yer 'ere for the usual?"
"Hello, Dinah. Actually, I think I'll make due with half the "usual" this time."
"What, are ya worried about my stocks or sumthin?" Dinah laughed. "Hard working hunters such as yer'self gotta eat. Your higher-than-the-rest-of-us-regular-folk Chikara needs tons of nourishment. And I'm not saying that just because I need to sell my produce."
"I suppose you make a good point… Fine, I'll take the usual."
"Pleasure doing business, son." With a smile, Dinah turned around to start gathering the things Alex usually buys. Alex rummaged through his Hunter Pack for the Zenny.
Did the writer ever explain to the audience that Hunter Packs were like pocket-dimensions? The increase in size that they show when filled were mostly for show. While they did become heavy when loaded and still possessed weight limits, they never distorted into cumbersome shapes. They were truly a Hunter's best friend, more so than even weapons and armor. Never leave home without them.
"Here you are, son!" Dinah loaded four bags of foodstuff onto the counter. Alex paid her the 2000 Zenny and began placing the bags into his Hunter Pack. "Thank you."
"No, Dinah… Thank you," replied Alex.
"Aren't you a sweetheart? Happy eating!"
Alex and crew made their way back to the house.
March 21st.
The Canyon of Great Evil separated the Furahiya Mountains at the north from a region of much warmer mountains called Goldora at the south. Between the Canyon proper and the Goldora mountain range was a huge plot of flatlands where no human or wyverian called home. In fact it was too dangerous to hold any sort of civilization there. The countless Flying Wyverns, Elder Dragons, and other monster types that lived there made sure of that. There was plenty of space for even Lao Shan Lungs to reside there. But only a few stayed there. It was too open, perfect for Fatalis raids. This is why there were fewer than forty individuals there at any one time. Others spent time in the canyon, the only place where they were just barely safer from their adversaries.
Getting back to Fatalis raids, the Elder Dragon Observation Branch's Surveillance Blimps had never had the privilege of witnessing one of these such raids in the daytime, the only time they could be properly observed. These raids always took place at night, under the cover of darkness, and very quickly. Lao Shan Lungs could never hope to defy their only predators, despite their enormous size and power. It did not even matter if they were fully grown adults or just whelps.
However, today was the E.D.O's lucky day. At approximately 1030 hours a blimp was observing a family of four Laos, two adults and two young ones. All of a sudden, two black and purple winged reptilian shapes dived at high speed past the blimp. Without effort, the two young Laos were snatched from their parents and carried off westwards. The two parents roared with dismay, and the male began to give chase. That did mean he would go into the Canyon, and be forced to try to pass through Fort Ash Path.
"Whoa! D-did you see that!?" said a woman as she put down her binoculars.
"Yeah! That was crazy!" replied a man.
"Don't get too excited," said an older man. "We need to notify both the Fort and Hunter's Guild HQ about that Lao down there. Stay focused."
"Right, Sir! Yes, Sir!" replied the first two. The woman took out a Carrier Hawk from a cage as the first man scribbled a message onto a scroll.
"Hi there, Takashi. Up for a quick trip?" said the woman to the bird as she strapped a holster onto its back. She fed him some meat-based bird feed after getting a "squawk" from the bird.
"Here." The first man came and placed the rolled up scroll into the holster, and secured the cover. "Chikara Focus: Swift Flight! Now go to Fort Ash Path!"
"SQUAWK!" Takashi cried out as with a brief glow of light the hawk took off and began heading north-northwestly.
"He's not as fast as Wind Cutter, but he'll have to do," said the older man.
Fort Ash Path was located between the Goldora Region plains and the Schrade Region, with the Valley of Great Beasts on the west and the Canyon of Great Evil on the east. The Fort's job was to prevent as many Lao Shan Lungs and Shen Gaorens as possible from crossing over from Goldora to Schrade, which in turn would cut down the number of sieges to both Minegarde and Dondruma from these humongous monsters by over half. These cities only needed to worry about the population that already resided in the Valley of Great Beasts, which was thankfully lower than in Goldora.
Guild Outpost Gathering Hall, Pokke Village. 9:00 PM.
Alex, Anna, Corra and Clarence stood before September, Patricia and Jaunie.
"Everyone, what I have in my hands here is a Seven Star Urgent Request," said Jaunie, the High-Rank Guild Maiden, and G-Rank Guild Officer. She technically had as much authority as September, maybe even a little more. "This time, it is Fort Ash Path in trouble, and the assailant is a Lao."
The four hunters gasped. "So, it's time for another Siege Battle…" commented Alex. He took note that on the side facing him of the scroll was the mark 'G*' "Wait, is this mission considered "G-Rank!?"
"I'm glad you noticed. The Lao you will be facing is well known. The Guild has been keeping track of it for 110 years. It has fathered more than ten new Laos since it became an adult."
"Whoa!" exclaimed Anna.
"The E.D.O witnessed a Fatalis raid for the first time ever, today. His two younglings were brazenly stolen from him and his mate in broad daylight."
"That sounds awful," said Corra, surprisingly.
"Because of this, this quest is repel only. The slaying of this Lao will only be carried out as a very last resort. Sir Takahashi himself will be leading this operation to ensure all goes well… As well as it will go…"
"Really? I want to see him in action," said Alex.
"Just don't get too caught up and distracted. This is going to be danger incarnate," warned Jaunie with unprecedented seriousness. Even Alex had to straighten himself. If happy-go-lucky Jaunie could make a face like this, then it surely was NOT business as usual.
Hunter Stats
1. Alex Kasai (HR6)
Weapon: Devil Slicer Long Sword (Thunder Element)
Armor: Fatalis Blade Master (Modified, Low Rank)
Skills: HG Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Strength Up, Reckless Abandon +2, ESP, Dragon Wind Breaker, and Dragon Resist, Vitality Down, Cursed Protection, Heroic Failure, Hunger Increase.
2. Anna Frost (HR6)
Weapon: Black Twin Daggers (Dragon Element)
Armor: Kut-ku 'S' Blade Master
Skills: Vitality Up, Strength Up, Fire Resist, Water Damage Increase
3. Corra Kasai (HR6)
Weapon: Black Lute Hunting Horn (Dragon Element) {White, Light Blue, Red}
Basarios 'S' Blade Master + Short Charge Gem Decoration
Skills: Poison Resist, Fire Resist, Bomb Strength Up, Gunnery, Water Damage Increase, Focus
4. Clarence Scorcher (HR6)
Weapon: Flaming Pair Dual Blades (Dragon Element)
Armor: Diablos 'S' Blade Master
Skills: Reckless Abandon +3, Wind Pressure Breaker, Vitality Down, Ice Damage Increase
5. Ai Shiki (HR6)
Weapon: Crimson Spear Lance (Fire Element)
Armor: Gravios 'S' Blade Master
Skills: Endurance Up, Guard Increase, Sleep Negate, Autoguard, Water Damage Increase, Evasion Skill Down
6. Kotaru Shiki (HR6)
Weapon: Crimson Goat Great Sword (Fire Element)
Armor: Rathalos Soul Mail Blade Master + Expert Gem Decoration
Skill: Vitality Up, Strength Up, Reckless Abandon +3, Dragon Damage Increase
7. Takahashi Getsu (Hunter's Guild Leader, Guest Hunter)
Weapon: Atlantis Long Sword (Water Element)
Armor: Imperial Guardian Suit Blade Master
Skills: Vitality Up, Strength Up, Endurance Up, Element Attack Up, All Element Damage Increase, Heroic Failure, Hunger Increase
March 22nd. Fort Ash Path, Schrade/Goldora Border. 12:01 PM.
Alex and the company, along with fourteen other Hunters, for a grand total of less than half the turnout for the Shen Gaoren Dondruma Siege Event last year, were in a mess hall deep inside the fort. Everyone was sharing a meal before the upcoming battle.
Takahashi was at a table all to himself and his accompanying guards. While 97 percent of all Hunters believed in him, there was that miniscule 3 percent that disapproved of the way he ran things. That minority disliked the overhunting laws and his overall penchant for not allowing the Hunter's Guild community to expand into more territory. There have been as many as five attempts on his life, and while he could hold his own in a fight he chose not to take chances nowadays.
At the stroke of 12:32, as Alex was walking over to Getsu to inquire about something, everyone in the room began to feel an overwhelming amount of Elder Dragon pressure. Alex had never felt anything on the level of this before. "Great Fatalis! If I had to make a guess, I'd say this amount of Chikara is over three times greater than Titan the Shen Gaoren's! This is INSANE!"
Getsu and his guards stood up. "Everyone, it would appear that the fated hour is upon us!" exclaimed Takahashi, claiming everyone's attention. "The time has come to dissuade our mountain sized friend from his current course. I would like to reiterate the quest details I laid out before. No one is allowed to slay this Lao unless we are left with absolutely, irrevocably no choice. He is just a frantic father who doesn't understand that he will never receive his young ones back no matter what he tries. As sad as it is for him, that is fate. Our job today is to prevent any future disaster he may leave in his wake. Please don't recklessly endanger yourselves where possible, and try not to die. That is all. Now, please follow the instructions of the operators of Fort Ash Path! To battle!
All the hunters, Alex and friends, began moving out from the mess hall. Most of the hunters who decided to show up had brought Gunner gear. Katie and Sakura came alongside Alex and Anna.
"Hey there, you two. Been a long time," said Sakura.
"Hi, Sakura. I suppose it has," replied Alex.
"Are any of you nervous?" asked Katie. "Because I sure am, not gonna lie."
"I wish I could tell you there's nothing to be afraid of," said Anna, "but I'd just be fooling both you and myself. However, I have faith that we can get through this."
"Whoa. You are an inspiration," replied Katie. Alex just smiled.
Area 1.
All the Gunner Hunters went out to a balcony overlooking a wide gray gorge. Already, the humongous Elder Dragon could be seen slowly making his way past. Dust clouds and heavy quakes occurred with every foot moved forward. The dragon's back was a dull red and his underside was pale. His head sported an impressive horn. His mighty tail swayed casually behind him as he trudged forth. The hunters opened fire, launching Normal Shots, Pierce Shots and Crag Shots.
Despite taking so many attacks, the Lao was not strayed from his course as if unaffected.
Area 2.
Alex, Anna, Corra, Clarence, Ai, Kotaru, Sakura, Katie, Jared, Jameson, Harold and Takahashi stood rigid in another part of the gorge in three formations of four. They waited for the Lao to enter into this area, staring down at an ominous fog.
"Alex…" said Corra. Alex nodded. Between them two, they set up a telepathic mindlink with everyone present. "Testing, one-two… Everybody hear me?" Corra tried. A few voices uttered their surprise, except Alex's circle of friends. Alex explained what was going on.
The quakes became stronger. A shape began to appear in the fog. The Elder Dragon was approaching. Alex decided to address him. "Hey, Mr. Lao Shan Lung, Sir. Would you mind turning around?"
"A Kasai dares to order me to turn around!?" exclaimed a thunderous voice. "My two children were taken away from me! I must go to that old castle in Schrade to save them! I will not be denied by puny hunters!"
Takahashi spoke up, "I empathize with you, o Sacred Moving Mountain. However, we cannot allow you to disturb the balance on the other side. Besides, what hope do you really possess against a pair of Fatalis?"
The fog parted as a thunderous roar sounded. The Lao Shan Lung was standing tall on his hind legs, his head swaying as he continued to roar for a few more seconds. "When did you humans become so presumptuous as to dictate what we can or cannot do!? Allow me to remind you all of your own powerlessness! Chikara Focus: Tectonic Gale!"
Ai, Katie, Jared and Jameson, all sporting Lance weapons, went forward and placed up their shields in a formation as the Elder Dragon brought himself down. Everyone else pressed together and crouched behind the defenders' protective line. A massive burst of windforce occurred as the Lao's front feet touched down. The ground shook violently. This dual assault of wind and earthquake was too much to withstand. Everyone was blown off of their feet, screaming, . "WHOOOOAAAA!"
"Hmph! I'll give you all a minute to get out of my way. Or, I'll be forced to trample you into paste!"
Alex shakily stood up. He thankfully was not brought down into Heroic Failure range, but that one attack had done some damage. "Ugh… Once again… I feel like I would prefer getting run over by a Bulldrome, compared to this. However, whining isn't going to change anything. So, I'll grit my teeth and get through this." Alex gripped the hilt of Grace, which was upgraded by Vance into the Devil Slicer, after Alex had gotten Raigiri to 'donate' his thundertail.
Takahashi stood up next. "I'll fight alongside you, Alex. Everyone, please execute Plan B!"
Everyone else began to get up, and began moving away to strategic locations along the sides of the gorge. A wave of counterattacks was about to ensue. "Be careful, Dear!" exclaimed Anna as she did so as well. The Lao took notice of all of this. "You two remain standing before me? It seems you have not learned a thing, compared to your comrades!"
Alex's Khezu Cloak flared on. Hunger Increase ensured he was not going to be fighting for long, so there was no point in holding back against the imposing opponent before him. He took out Grace, as Takahashi drew his Atlantis Long Sword. "Don't underestimate us. By the end of this, you will be running about with your tail between your legs… Or not at all, if It gets to that point."
"Hmph! Cocky fools!" The Lao resumed advance.