A/N Start:

This story contains extreme and sexual themes. Viewer discretion is advised.

If the following themes are unsettling for you, I advise you to leave the page:

- Monster Sex

- Vore

- Size difference

- Domination

- Violence

Not all themes have been introduced yet, though are planned.

It's been a while. I warned ya about my unpredictable upload schedule, right? I wish it could be more predictable, but I have many other projects and responsibilities that are a higher priority.

If it means anything, I will at least post an announcement regarding if I were to shelve a story's progress. If I haven't, then you can assume the next chapter is on my mind or in the works.

A/N End

Chief Omna was slow. Omna taking the lead was not suiting me and Nargacuga. We were antsy over the same thing for different reasons. The Chief was guiding us back to Pondry Hill's entrance. Xander was surprisingly silent, though produced plenty of noise as he copiously filled pages with notes.

"This is where we part ways." Chief Omna halted, letting us pass him. Elder Einzel left his side, moving to me and Nargacuga. She struggled to say my name, smacking her lips a couple of times with fleeting eye contact.

"Elder..." I put a hand on her shoulder. Her cheeks were stained with glistening streaks, channeling fresh tears toward her chin. "I'm... proud you raised me, y'know that?" She shook her head and wiped away the wetness.

"It's been a strange week, I-"

"You don't need to explain. I want to apologize." I stepped back, hands resting idly. "I left our village chasing Xander after our argument, and I just want you to know, I understand that you care for me." Elder Einzel shook her head again, abandoning a spiel she had guiltily held onto. I could see a thankful weight leave her body.

"We act rashly for the people we care about sometimes." I chuckled, hugging her. Her feeble hands patted my back as she continued. "I'd say I did an okay job, but I guess it was only a matter of time before your knack for trouble led you elsewhere."

Nargacuga roared. Elder Einzel gripped me tightly, gasping then pushing away to see what the fuss was. Rathalos was in the air, his silhouette easy to distinguish.

"I'm... confident with the help you have outside the village." Elder Einzel added, huffing as if she narrowly escaped a heart attack.

"Confident, yeah..." I mumbled, resting a hand on Nargacuga's side.

"I am having second thoughts," He growled, earning a sigh from me.

"It's just Akulla and Ratha, Nargacuga. Think of it as when he met us with his Velocidrome."

"The Velocidrome was weak. This wyvern is..." Nargacuga hated to admit it, hesitating and growling, "Powerful."

"Nargacuga, look at me." My request, combined with as much calmness as I could project, brought his head to me. "Akulla is powerful, yes, but he and Ratha want to help us. It's been like that since the beginning. Why do you think Akulla waited to show us his main Monstie?" The question caused him to squint, knowing the answer. Discomfort still locked his posture.

"...I am nervous." I nodded understandingly. Our faces lowered simultaneously, his tilting slightly into my touch as I caressed him.

"Hm... your feelings betray your words." I cooed and kneeled, letting him tower over my frame.

"Do not read me like that," He snarled, though I only laughed from the lack of hostility.

"I'm just saying. Don't be afraid to be excited." Nargacuga's muzzle clashed with my body. I could hear the air hiss into his nostrils, my scent entering and causing his fur to flare up. I watched the excitement turn lustful, longing for more. Each yellow orb was like two balls of electricity, growing more unstable each second as we added to our pile of small, intimate moments.

"Why do you hesitate." Nargacuga's purr morphed into a growl.

"There's a time and place for everything," I said with a smirk. No one but Xander understood what was going on. Elder Einzel obliviously smiled at the seemingly innocent exchange.

"Besides, it's time to meet our new friend." Though I had tried to sell it smoothly, Nargacuga's pupils visibly shrunk at this. Gripping his head proved useless, only throwing me forward as he spun around.

Akulla had landed, mounted atop Ratha: King of the Skies. His red scales coated the top of his body, whilst the underside was tan. Any spikes protruding from his head, wings, and tail were black. The same could be said for his large talons, which melted into the earth as if it were butter. I recalled that feature being laced with a deadly poison, which currently felt as dangerous as his eyes. They were yellow like Nargacuga's, but the cornea was a deep blue.

An otherworldly feeling chilled me, similar to when I had first stood in front of Nargacuga. Ratha dug into the ground, his neck craning as Akulla leaned down to pet his chin. Our presences were dully noted at first, acknowledging Akulla's affection with a rumbling throat. As soon as Akulla's attention fell on us, Ratha acknowledged us.

Just be calm...

Nargacuga was my only monster friend, my companion. I had told myself this was going to be easy, that I needed to be strong for Nargacuga. Ratha had a stare that immobilized me. He exerted power so comfortably, it created an invisible barrier. It wasn't a threat, it was a statement.

He was powerful, and he could protect his Rider.

"Alright!" Akulla's whimsical tone shifted the mood. "I've been thinking how I want to do this, and I think we should start with you touching Ratha." Nargacuga reacted immediately to both my discomfort and Akulla's proposal.

"He will not leave my side." The snarl lured Ratha's attention, making Nargacuga step near me protectively. Rather than feel off, Ratha huffed out his black beak, aware of the protectiveness and respecting it.

"...Nargacuga," I started. Despite the lack of eye contact, a twitch from both ears indicated he was listening. "Akulla trusts me, and Ratha trusts Akulla." His silence defied my logic, afraid to let me leave his side.

"Would you let Akulla pet you?" Our back and forth had piqued Akulla's interest, and he opportunistically dismounted Ratha.

"Perfect idea," he stated. Nargacuga glanced at me quickly before watching Akulla with unblinking eyes. Akulla pet Ratha again, whose head weighed down into his friend's arms. The flying wyvern closed both eyes, grumbling and lowering his body. Upon relaxing, Akulla turned to Nargacuga, stepping forward.

"My Ratha trusts in my actions. This scenario is exceptionally easier, but it goes to show that Ratha is confident in my ability to make decisions that he may perceive as dangerous." He took another step, and Nargacuga listened intently.

"I trust him," Nargacuga said, looking back at me. Then, he looked back at Ratha. "I do not trust your friend."

"That is understandable. And so, your trust in your companion should lead you to realize that if he's confident in being able to pet Ratha, perhaps you should support that decision." Akulla's hand opened, slowly rising toward Nargacuga's beak.

"My Ratha may look calm, and may trust me, but I'm sure he is wary of the two of you. It's through physical interactions like these that we can establish a bond. Think of it as a risky gesture, aiming for peace." Nargacuga remained skeptical, but at the end of the day, he agreed with wanting peace.

He let Akulla pet him, his body losing tension. The fur that once stood on end rested. Ratha huffed, watching their exchange. I could tell Nargacuga was deeply moved by the prospect of establishing relationships this way. Hopefulness batted away bits of angst that drove him to prevent my advances. When Akulla stopped petting, he returned to Ratha and looked at me expectingly.

I silently walked past Nargacuga. Our gazes collided, sharing emotions as I grew further apart from him and closer to Ratha. Every worry, every doubt, I returned with a repeated statement inspired by a newfound calmness from Akulla's demonstration.

"Trust me."

I mirrored Akulla's actions, arriving at Ratha's head. He was still resting comfortably, looking less overwhelming in a laid-down position. Whether this was an intentional move or not, I appreciated it. My fingers unfurled, and my hand presented itself to his beak. Hot air pushed and pulled across my arm, his breaths mighty and curious. My hand pushed onward, turning sideways and suggesting I wanted to pet him.

With no reluctance, Ratha leaned into my hand, looking at me placidly. The rumbling migrated from his throat to my body, basking me in his appreciation. Just as I was becoming engrossed in the moment, my kinship stone glowed. The veins in my body momentarily pulsated, morphing a black color that made it easy to see my vestibular system. Just as it flashily caught everyone's attention, the color disappeared.

"What just happened?" Akulla asked, looking at Nargacuga to make sure he wouldn't freak out. To his surprise, no one said anything. Me, Ratha, and Nargacuga looked at each other.

"I... can feel Ratha's emotions," I mumbled. Ratha had a wild look in his eyes, completely foreign to this feeling as he looked at me inquisitively. The mere fact Ratha felt that emotion stupefied him.

"Yes, you are correct," said Nargacuga. I looked over confusedly.

"Are you talking to Ratha?"

"Yes?"

This was odd. I stepped away from Ratha, pacing in thought. I decided to think aloud before Akulla could become more confused.

"I think the early stage of my bond enables me to only share feelings." It was guesswork, but it was all I could procure. Xander had been note-taking silently this whole time but finally involved himself.

"That would make sense since that's all you could do with Nargacuga starting. Was there anything significant afterward that perhaps led to you being able to speak with him?" I ignored Nargacuga as he explained to Ratha a bit about me and what was going on. As I recalled various moments between me and Nargacuga, I was unsure whether it was prolonged interaction or sex that had strengthened my capabilities. It could also be a mix of both. My thoughts were caught by Xander, who knew what I was thinking.

"Probably just prolonged exposure," Xander picked the safer thought right out of my mind, jotting down hypotheticals.

"I licked his shaft and was able to feel his pleasure." My cheeks burned red and I turned back to Nargacuga.

"Nargacuga, you better be saying that shit privately," Nargacuga glanced at me and rolled his eyes.

"What are they saying?" Akulla quipped with interest, staring at Ratha. I'm sure it was exciting to have the chance to speak with your Monstie, even if it required a translator.

"I'm explaining the stone's abilities," Nargacuga stated, passively acknowledging my desire to keep sex a private topic. Ratha growled, glancing at me with interest.

"Yeah, you'd be able to feel it if you did that. He can also feel what you feel," To my disdain, the topic had shifted back to pleasure.

"Do what?" My heart stopped as Akulla asked this. Nargacuga accidentally communicated publicly, meaning everyone heard that. Both Ratha and Nargacuga sensed my unease. Nargacuga was quick to process my nervousness, acting quickly.

"The ability to feel pain," I could tell Nargacuga was lying, but it was a good cover-up.

"Yeah, he doesn't like doing it in front of everyone." Nargacuga switched right back to private telepathy. Ratha tilted his head at me as if I could answer on Nargacuga's behalf, but there was no way I was talking about this right now.

"I think it's a human thing, you'll understand if you're around more." Akulla moved side to side energetically, watching the secret exchange as if he were seeing his kid stand for the first time.

"What's Ratha saying?" Nargacuga was becoming aware of something, and it annoyed him.

"He's trying to understand how this sort of bond works," simplified Nargacuga.

"Can you-" Before Akulla could keep talking, Nargacuga huffed in agitation.

"Enough! We need to get you," Nargacuga looked at me annoyedly, "up to speed with Ratha, so that I'm not translating everything he says!" Ratha grumbled amusedly, then seemed to suggest something with the tilt of his head.

"Yes, you could do that. It might help." I shot a deadly look at Nargacuga.

"Don't you give consent on my behalf," I bit my tongue, cursing myself for saying that aloud.

"Did Ratha have a suggestion?" Akulla was still unsuspicious. Xander had managed to piece together clues, developing an amused expression. If this exchange had proven anything, it's that monsters were extremely interested in pleasure. Xander was ready to laugh aloud at my predicament.

"He suggested that he flies with you," Nargacuga said to me, then looked at Akulla. "I can carry you and go... wherever we're going." It was another lie, but a good idea nonetheless.

"Hell yeah, a Rider switch-up?" Akulla was beyond himself. It didn't take a special bond to see through his laid-back demeanor and unveil his readiness. "Alright, that means me and Nargacuga will take the lead. You and Ratha will follow from above."

"Where are we going?" Xander closed his book and looked at Akulla. Before Akulla could answer, Xander added, "I'd like to ride with Ratha, also." I looked at Xander, thinking he wanted to simply fly. Everyone else seemed to assume so and Xander picked up on this, adding defensively, "I have some questions I want to ask while we fly, as well as be able to observe you while your bond potentially furthers itself."

"Alright, that works." Ratha was fine with Akulla's decision, in fact, he barely paid mind to this part of the conversation. I could feel his attention projecting unresolved curiosities that had spawned from his conversation with Nargacuga. Nargacuga walked over to Akulla, lowering himself. Akulla mounted and the two of them silently looked over at me and Xander.

"To answer your question, Xander, we're going to a cave where I'm certain a monster was reported being in." Akulla steadied himself upon mounting, awaiting us to do the same. It was nerve-wracking approaching Ratha. Not because I was afraid he'd hurt me, but because his curiosity was clear as day, and I didn't know what would happen between us within the next day. Me and Nargacuga had done a lot within a day of being together. What was I to do if Ratha tried to recreate interactions Nargacuga probably boasted about during their exchange?

By the time I finished worrying over the what-ifs, I had mounted Ratha, as did Xander. "Why are you so nervous?" Nargacuga asked with a glance. My heart fluttered a bit when Ratha flexed his wings. I looked away with an unnerved grin.

"It looks like while you've warmed up to everyone, I've become coy," I responded prudently. Nargacuga, aloud and in an attention-grabbing manner, chortled.

"You make it too tempting," was all he said before Akulla was ready to go.

"Alright, enough jokes," He interjected with amusement. "That's the first time I've heard a monster... laugh. We're heading west, you'll have an easy time seeing us." Akulla's legs tightened themselves readily around Nargacuga. It was a subtle gesture that sent them off.

I jumped when Ratha suddenly took flight. I had been pondering Nargacuga's response and hadn't been ready. Xander caught my back when it lurched back towards him, helping me readjust and find stability.

"Is it a sex thing?" Xander asked, once out of range from everyone but Ratha's hearing. I looked down at the ground at Elder Einzel, silently waving to her. Looking back up and feeling our ascent, it was truly breathtaking. The way the ground shrunk and my perspective of Pondry Hills shifted to a top-down view was mesmerizing.

"What?" I looked back at Xander and yelled, blinking as the wind attacked my face. I was met with a pair of goggles, a pair Xander was already wearing. The stupid grin on his face earned an aggressive acceptance from me as I yanked the goggles from him and put them on, my cheeks burning.

"So it's a sex thing," he concluded. I somewhat looked down and behind me, for my voice to be heard, but also allowing me to search the ground for Nargacuga and Akulla. We weren't too high in the sky, allowing me to quickly spot them traversing the open fields. A herd of grazing Aptonoth barely acknowledged their presence as they sped by.

"You'd be surprised how interested the monsters are in that." Xander was going to look through his notes, but the wind made him think twice. Instead, he looked at me for more.

"I'm surprisingly not surprised," Xander said humorously. I snorted and shook my head. "It must be weird though, right?" He asked vaguely.

"What weird part are you referring to?" I responded dramatically.

"Having emotions and thoughts you keep to yourself accessible by monsters." This earned a puff of hilarity from me.

"We all have things we wish to keep to ourselves, be it feelings or thoughts. The things I can't help but feel that I'd prefer to keep to myself are what throw me off." Ratha was zoned in on Nargacuga, but I could tell he was locked in on my words.

"Like the sex stuff," Xander stated.

"Stop saying it," I snapped in a friendly manner, knowing he was repeating that on purpose. "But yes, that. Just because I think or feel it doesn't mean I want to make those thoughts or feelings known, but it is what it is." My behavior shifted to a thoughtful tone, causing Ratha to glance at me when I continued.

"I guess the part that throws me off is the way monsters have reacted to the established bond and wished to explore it." Xander glanced around me and at Ratha.

"Is he talking to you?" I shrugged, looking into his eyes and analyzing his emotions. I wasn't picking up on anything that stood out. He seemed intent on listening, and there was still a lingering curiosity.

"I don't think he's trying to, he's just listening." Xander hummed at this.

"Man..." Whatever it was Xander wanted to say, he failed to do so. Silence befell us and I was left in a staring contest with Ratha.

"The sex stuff aside," I mumbled after some time thinking. Xander was looking at the clouds, quickly bringing his attention to me. "I think Monsters appreciate being able to understand humans through this sort of bond. The sex thing isn't what sells that, it's just an attention-catching part of the process. If you put that aside, I'd imagine it's nice to be able to bond and communicate with someone and not have to worry about danger and killing." Xander determinedly fished his notebook out, positioning it behind my back to protect the pages from the wind. A pang of frustration hit me, which was coming from Ratha.

"It's too early to determine the sorts of things I'm speculating," I sighed, looking at Ratha's pretty eyes. "I can tell you're trying to tell me something now, but I can't hear a thing in my head." Ratha's frustration rose, then was quickly replaced with determination. In what, I could only guess. "Don't worry, we'll figure out how to establish a talking connection." This eliminated any lingering frustration. I felt proud having understood what troubled Ratha, without any words to assist in my understanding.

Ratha dove downward, descending slow enough so that we would float off his back from the sudden change in velocity. By the time we landed, I was clung to his neck and Xander was comfortably sitting up, dismounting as soon as Ratha landed.

"Akulla, I'm jealous." Was all he said, jerking his head to Ratha with a grin.

"Yeah, flying is nice," Akulla replied, petting Nargacuga's side and looking at me. "Takes some getting used to for some, but it's a great feeling." I smiled annoyedly, dismounting Ratha. Before I could respond to Akulla's tease, Ratha turned his head to me.

My mouth opened wordlessly, receiving the wyvern's head in surprise. "Uh..." A powerful purr electrified my body, demanding I acknowledge his affection.

"It was a great ride," I eventually mumbled to Akulla, though was staring fully at Ratha. Ratha's gaze and feelings told me he was determined to earn my comfort. It caused me to wonder why I felt so fluttery in the first place.

"Alright, no stealing Ratha from me," Akulla was smirking and crossed his arms, taking a few steps away from Nargacuga and turning to face the entrance to a cave. My hand shyly cupped Ratha's chin, my other one resting on the side of his face and exploring the rough texture.

The feelings of affection transmitted to Nargacuga. As soon as his purr developed, I felt my heart do another flip. This was not the time for things to go in the direction I felt they were heading. With a meek smile, I looked at the cave.

"What exactly is the plan here?" Akulla nodded, expecting me to ask his. Even so, he shrugged.

"Well, this is a pretty unique mission we're on, and so I don't have an exact idea. Actually, I'm relying on you a bit to navigate this scenario. I and the others will be here for help if it's needed." This was an answer I had imagined a while ago when we had set on researching my bond together. There wasn't going to be a set method for researching a completely new subject, and if anyone was to have an idea as to what to do, it would be me.

"Right... well how about telling me what's in there?"

"A monster, I actually don't know which type." This was not the ideal response, but Akulla knew this. "Rest assured, it's not gonna be a super dangerous one. Pondry Hills doesn't have any monsters I'm worried about being able to protect you from if something goes south."

"You want him to go into the cave alone," Nargacuga said flatly. His emotions hadn't quite caught up to him, seemingly in shock from the implied proposition. I nodded to myself, responding before Akulla could further worry Nargacuga.

"It makes sense. And before any of you have second thoughts, this is ultimately my decision." I stepped toward the entrance of the cave, looking back at my supporters: Xander, Akulla, Nargacuga, and Ratha.

"The only reason I'm able to make this decision is because of the support system I have. I trust my safety with all of you, except Xander." Xander threw his arms out.

"I could totally protect you from a monster."

"I would rather you take notes and let the others do such a thing, but only if it's needed." I looked at Nargacuga and continued.

"If I'm to trust you, I need you to trust me as well." Everyone but Nargacuga nodded to this.

"How are we to know when you're suddenly in danger?" He was completely against this idea, the stubbornness apparent, but was also frustrated because he didn't have a solution following his disapproval.

"I said I trusted you, didn't I?" I took a small step forward, facing Nargacuga. "You and Ratha will know if something's up, especially you. I trust you'll be able to help me in a way that hopefully doesn't involve killing the monster."

"That is a hearty request."

"But you'll try, as will I." The logic, as questionable and worrisome as it was, was worth testing. Nargacuga silently closed the distance between us. I could feel the respect for my actions through his ready stare.

"I will ensure your safety." He purred. I nodded, resting a hand on his beak.

"Works for me." Both he and Ratha flexed their bodies, prepping for what was to come. I entered the cave weaponless. Part of me wished I had a weapon, but my objective was to not provoke the monster and establish a bond.

It was possible, whether by luck with Nargacuga or in a controlled setting with Ratha. This time, it would be a wild encounter and hopefully, not as much luck would be involved. The ambiance of the cave caused me to look behind, seeing restless allies watch me from afar as I progressed.

"We'll be following not too far."

Nargacuga assured me distastefully, wishing he could be right by my side. Despite the intensity of the situation, I chuckled and continued.

The constant worry from Nargacuga was worth monitoring. Once they disappeared from my view, I focused on that emotion and returned whatever reassuring emotions or thoughts I could. The only reason I remained so calm was because I could feel his worry, assuring me that our connection maintained itself from long distances.

The cave grew cooler. Humidity and a grassy scent remained behind; a comforting feeling. Ahead of me was a curve, the first turn I would make. As I rounded the corner, the entrance to the cave would bid farewell. What greeted me around that corner were rocks, pebbles, stone walls and ceilings, and a body.

"What," I looked behind me, but there was no one accompanying me. My shock dwindled. I initially felt in danger, given how on edge I was, but now I was concerned. Not just for the person I quickly approached, something else dawned on me.

"Nargacuga? I found a body." I was surprised he hadn't responded to my shock. The body was pretty much a pile of blankets, that being one large garment that covered the person's body up and down, complimented by a hood obscuring any physical features.

"Hey," I uttered. Grabbing an arm, I carefully pulled toward me to roll the person in my direction and have them facing upward. My heart was thumping so harshly that it made me nauseous.

There was no blood, and they were breathing, but my relief was short-lived. Why wasn't Nargacuga responding?

"Nargacuga." As soon as my grip loosened, doubt pulling me away from the lying figure, my skepticisms were confirmed. The body rolled toward me of its own accord, swiveling in a circle. The person anticipated my shock as I stood to step back, catching my feet with a sweep and punishing my lack of balance.

"Nargacuga!" As I was falling, the figure was rising and jumping back. A white hand pulled out a smoke bomb from inside the robe. I covered my face with my arms, landing harshly. Despite blocking the projectile, it exploded all over me.

My eyes stung, and falling had caused me to instinctually inhale for the breath I had lost. This was no ordinary smoke bomb. "Fuck," I croaked and turned over, adrenaline bringing me up as I tried to use the smoke to my advantage and run back towards my friends.

While sprinting, I spared one glance behind me. Through the dissipating smoke was a figure that walked calmly in pursuit.

"NARGACUGA!" Was I already screwed over? It wasn't that I cared about, it was the others. I was well within range to communicate and they weren't responding.

The cave's entrance came back into view and all I saw was smoke. Though I hadn't received a response, my stone glowed in response to the suffocating amount of anxiety that drove me forward. I could feel Nargacuga's presence through the smoke, assuring me everyone was still there.

Everyone was asleep.

"Damn it..." I slowed down. I focused hard on my adrenaline and coughed. If the person responsible for this was my pursuer, I needed to ride my adrenaline rush and knock them out. I needed to give us time to wake up before I fell asleep.

"Fine..." I turned, fists raised. The person was far away though. As I turned to face them, they stopped. Their body leaned to the side and arms crossed. I couldn't distinguish any features about them, and it infuriated me. My anger drove my feet forward. If they were gonna wait, I was going to make it to them.

This was my final thought when a blow to my head yanked the energy from me. The subdued tiredness I had been fighting suddenly welcomed itself.

Of course, there had been people outside. This was an ambush.

By the time I fell, I was unconscious. My eyes shot open as soon as they closed, or at least I thought they did. My hand reactively went to my face. It was scratched a bit, as well as bruised, but the wounds were aged.

"Welcome home." The ground was no longer stone and rock. It was a dirt prison, a familiar one from a place that I had destroyed.

Elder Barnes was hunched in front of me behind a set of steel bars. We were at my old home, and this was no ordinary prison. It was an area I knew was associated with Hunter's guilds: The space where they brought captured and unconscious monsters.

I didn't answer Barnes, I turned to my right. Instead of a sleeping monster, an angered Mizutsune growled at me from the corner of our prison.

"It's easier to run tests on someone you hate, who would have thought that?"