Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from Monster Hunter, only how the story goes. The characters and world of Monster Hunter belongs to Capcom. The only thing that I do own are the OC's of the story. I do apologize for any errors in grammar and/or if I was not accurate in reference to something.

A/N: This is going to be a lighter chapter before we go back to more bigger stuff.

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Chapter Nine: Going on an Expedition

The rest of the night quickly passed by for Jacob as the rays of the otherworldly sun were starting to peek over the horizon. His facial features scrunched up for a moment before fully opening his eyes. Slowly sitting up, Jacob looked to the sky to see that the dawn was slowly approaching. Glancing to his right, he saw that Boltia was still fast asleep. He smiled to see her sleeping soundly from the way that her side was rising and falling at a steady rhythm. Really feeling that it was time to go, Jacob quietly got up and made his way to the edge of the nest. Jacob started to climb down and gave one glance to the slumbering Tobi-Kadachi before going all the way down. When his feet touched the ground, Jacob turned and quickly walked up the botanical walkway and to the forested path to get back to the boat.

…

Jacob managed to get back to the boat without any encounters with anything big or trying to kill him. He sighed when he came down the stairs and looked about the empty room. As he set his bag and weapons down, Jacob looked about the boat and wondered if he should try and at least move some of the stuff that he needed out in case something were to happen to the boat. He started thinking of bringing one of the tents down into the outcrop and setting up a camp here. It was then that he remembered that he had packed a tent for the trip. Quickly making his way up the stairs, Jacob tried to think of how he could set up the potential camp. He wouldn't have to worry about the smoke from the campfire since the area was mostly open enough, plus the crevice above his head. Looking to his left, he noticed a ledge that was high enough to keep things like that crab creature from getting to it, and it was sheltered pretty good from the weather too. Coming down from the boat, Jacob walked over to the ledge and used what holds he could find to pull him up. When he was standing on the ledge, Jacob noticed a small little hole in the rocks. Taking out the dagger just to be safe, he made his way over and knelt down to look inside. He smiled when he didn't see a tunnel to where something could take his stuff from the other side. He also noticed a few good-sized rocks to use as well. Deciding to get to work, Jacob made his way back to the boat.

Inside the boat, Jacob opened up a box that had some of the provisions in it and looked them over. He divided some of the food from the box and went to go get the tent. Thanks to it already being rolled up, Jacob organized it to where it would fit into the box. Once it was tucked into it, Jacob looked over what else he could leave with the stuff. He found a few flares, a flare gun, a first aid kit and a few other things. Once again he divided the stuff as best as he could. With the box loaded, Jacob carried it up the stairs. When he reached the deck of the boat, Jacob wondered how he was not only going to get it up onto the ledge, but also off the boat. Moving the box to where it was sitting on his head, he started to go down the ladder. Jacob fought to keep the box steady as he climbed down. Only when his feet touched the ground did the teen sigh in relief. But as he turned to walk to the cliff, Jacob noticed something to his left and turned to see the Anjanath standing on the cliff looking down at him. Jacob was a little worried about it potentially attacking him, but then he reminded himself that the path wasn't big enough for the Anjanath to walk across. Deciding to ignore it for now, Jacob moved towards the ledge. Lightly tossing the box up, the teen wasn't too far behind it. Carrying the box over to the hole, he kneeled down and slid the box right in. He placed a rock on the flaps of the box to keep it closed. Then he slid a really big stone in place of the hole. With a nod that this was good, Jacob said, "Good. Now I'll have some spare supplies to keep for later."

Standing up, Jacob got off the ledge and glanced over to the Anjanath that was just sitting there on the cliff, wings opened up, and looking out to the ocean. Jacob started to wonder what it could be thinking of. Remembering the stone around his neck, Jacob removed it and began to hold it up with the Brute Wyvern in his sight. But the Anjanath happened to notice this and quickly got up before walking away with a snort. This confused Jacob a little as he arched a brow and he lowered his hand. Deciding to let it go for now, Jacob got an idea with the stone. But before he could act on it, Jacob suddenly smelled something a little funky before raising on of his arms. He gagged from the gross, sweaty smell coming from him. Jacob commented, "Guess over a week of being here will get one dirty.

"But I have no idea where I can wash myself off." He added as he started to think. Then he thought of one of the places with a waterfall and thought that it would have to do. Jacob scratched his chin as he could only hope that nothing would sneak up and get him. He thought that the waterfall over the small pond at the second camp here in the Ancient Forest might do nicely.

Going to the boat to get his things, Jacob thought that it might also be time to try on those new clothes.

…

Once Jacob had everything he needed, he made his way across the ledge to the cliff. He stopped before climbing to see if the Anjanath had returned, but didn't hear anything at the moment. Pulling himself onto the cliff, Jacob looked down both of the openings but didn't see anything. Carefully moving through the opening, Jacob entered the tall grass and headed for the bit of the forest where the second camp was located.

He stopped short when the small herd of Kestodon ran by up the path of vegetation and into the opening of the forested area. Jacob moved after them but made sure to keep his distance. He came in behind them and quietly made his way around before moving through the trees. The wall of vines came in sight and Jacob made his way up them. Walking into the camp, Jacob first moved to the tent to leave the new clothes out and get ready to at least wash off.

He placed his weapons, cloak, the stone and bag into the tent before removing the leather gear. Once he had them neatly settled, Jacob removed most of his regular clothing until he was only in his drawers. Since there hadn't been any footwear with the clothing when he had found the new clothing, Jacob figured that he could at least keep his normal socks and shoes for now. He looked over his clothes to the slight tears and holes that he gotten from his adventures and near disasters. Jacob moved to the pool of water and placed his head underneath the falling water. He somewhat regretted it when he cried out from the coldness of the water. He shivered and his teeth chattered, but the teen knew that he couldn't just stand there with running water pouring down on his head. Running his fingers through his hair, he got some of the sweaty grime out of it. He continued to wash the rest of his body off. Looking down to where the crab-like creature had managed to stab him and saw that there was a small scar.

After cleaning himself up the best that he could, Jacob walked back over to the tent. Removing the leather clothing, Jacob looked to the pants first to see if they fit. They looked to be about his size, but Jacob didn't want to put anything on until he had completely dried off. Deciding to take a bit of a stroll around the spot, Jacob walked down a small slope that connected the platform to the rest of the forest. The ground felt a little odd when he was only barefoot, but the human teen didn't mind it at the moment. He came to a spot where there were many broken branches, but vines that could be used to swing across the small gaps. Jumping across a gap, Jacob nearly lost his balance for a moment. He kneeled down and gripped the bark of the broken branch. Moving away from the edge, Jacob stood back up and glanced about to the more open area. A great deal of cover by plants were growing down below him while the sky was a bit more open to him. The sound of something big came from his left and he turned his head. He couldn't see anything because of the branches and vines in the way, so Jacob walked along the branches. He used a vine or two to get across. It wasn't long until he came to a final branch and could see a drop, and what was likely the walkway that led up the tree before him. Jacob thought that the spot was quite beautiful and sat down to admire the view. A soft breeze blew by and Jacob wished he was in something besides his underwear right now when he shivered. He was about to get up and go back to the camp when he noticed some movement on his right. Keeping as absolutely still as he could, Jacob kept his eyes glued along the walk way to see what was coming. He had a few guesses of whom it could be, but he really hoped that it wasn't that devil beast he and Boltia encountered last night. Slightly shaking his head he commented, "I really don't want to deal with that thing again."

He calmed down a little when he saw that it was only Boltia as she made her way across the path. Jacob wondered what she did while she was out and about. As she was about to disappear around a bend, her left eye shifted to his spot and she turned her head to him. Jacob noticed that she was looking up and down at his rather skinny body. Not feeling like he wanted to be in the presence of a girl, human or not, in nothing but his underpants, Jacob got up to leave. Boltia gave one small growl before focusing back ahead and continuing on her way. Jacob slowly watched her go before she fully disappeared from sight.

Thinking that he was out for long enough, Jacob looked himself over and saw that he was looking pretty dry due to the humidity of the jungle. Continuing on his way through the branches, he made his way back to camp and his things. He managed to get back without any mishaps and walked up the slope. Jacob counted his blessings when he saw that the camp was still in decent shape. Moving over to the tent, he decided to start with the pants first. He tried them on and found they were a little snug, but Jacob thought that he could get used to them. Sitting down, he placed his socks and shoes back on before finishing with the shirt. He felt a little hot what with it being a long-sleeved shirt, but at least found a little comfort in it. Placing the cloak, his weapons, the stone back on, Jacob took his bag in hand again.

He thought of the stone again and thought that this might be a bit of a fun expedition. He knew exactly where he wanted to start for his expedition and hoped not to run into anything up the path. Jacob looked out through the opening to see if there were any nasty surprises waiting for him, and climbed down when he thought himself in the clear. He touched down on the ground and made for the opening out of there. The teen walked up the path to the Pukei-Pukei's body and came on the disturbing sight of small birds pecking at the Bird Wyvern's corpse. Walking right by the carrion eaters and their meal, Jacob walked up to wall of vines before climbing up. When he reached the top, Jacob looked to the tunnel hidden behind the vines and cracked a grin, "Hard to believe that it's just been a day since I came back."

Taking a deep breath, Jacob started down the tunnel.

…

Jacob felt a lot dryer than he had earlier that morning when he stepped out under the waterfall to the Wildspire Wastes. Repeating the actions he did when he first got there, Jacob looked down the path into the forested area of the desert to see if the Rathian or anything else was waiting for him. When it didn't look like anything bad was on the other side, Jacob walked into the forested area. He looked for the archway that would get him where he needed to go. His feet splashed through the puddles of water as he made his way towards opening to the east. He covered his eyes when he came back out into the sun and looked about the hot and dry area. Looking down the ridge, Jacob noticed the small herd of Kestodon and removed the stone from his neck. He made sure to keep a good distance to avoid spooking them. He held the stone up to one of the smaller Kestodons and it immediately started turning pink. Moving to where he had one with the bigger crest and it shifted from pink to blue. When he moved to the other smaller herbivores, they turned pink. Lowering the stone Jacob guessed, "Guess the males having the bigger heads for defense makes sense."

Deciding to move on, Jacob walked along the stone bridge to the cactus grove. A groan made him glance down to see some Apceros making their way along the path. Jacob held the stone to each of them and the stone turned blue twice before turning pink once. The human placed the stone around his neck while remembering what he was here for. He was about to cut some off when he heard a familiar shrieking roar coming from behind. Figuring that it was one of the Diablos, Jacob didn't want to fully push his luck and quickly ran back across the bridge.

He found a hollow tree that he could not only hide in, but also had a perfect view of the cactus grove. Jacob leaned against the side of the trunk and waited for the Diablos to approach the grove. But it sure was taking a while the longer he kept waiting. But nothing showed up, and he was glad that the Kestodon weren't coming up to the dead tree.

After about twenty minutes of waiting, Jacob started to feel a little drowsy and he fought to keep his eyes from closing. It wasn't until he heard the sound of low growling that he snapped to attention. Glancing out of the opening of the hollow tree, he was confused and a little worried when he didn't see either of the Diablos at the cactus grove. It was then that he realized that the growling was a lot closer than he thought. Slowly looking up just as one of the Diablos came around the side. Jacob was at a loss for words since it didn't look like either of the two that he met the other day. It was a little bigger than the first and didn't have the white horns of the second. He winced and covered his ears when the Diablos let loose the ear-splitting roar. Jacob backed into the tree just as the Flying Wyvern turned to try and slam its clubbed tail down on him. When it lifted the appendage out of the way, that's when Jacob tried to make a run for it. He dashed for the opening to get to safety, but the rumbling of the ground underneath his feet told him he wasn't going to make it. He jumped backwards just as the Diablos burst out of the ground with a smaller shriek. Jacob grunted when he landed on his rear and immediately started to scoot backwards a foot or two before getting up to run for his life. He tried to make it across the stone bridge and thought to maybe hideout at the poorly planned camp. The ground shook and he glanced back to see the Flying Wyvern chasing after him. He became worried when the Diablos started to lower its head. He jumped to the right and narrowly avoided being skewered by the horns at the last second.

Rolling to where he could get some distance between him and the sand burrower, Jacob looked up to see the Diablos turn around. It growled at him and started charging for him once again. Jacob was about to get up and start running again when a smaller shape rushed in and crashed into the charging beast. The new Diablos let out a startled shriek as the newcomer knocked over the side of the small ridge. The human was amazed when he saw that it was the Diablos that he already knew. The sounds of stomping feet made him look up to see the white-horned Diablos staring down at him. While he was grateful to see the both of them here, it didn't look that amused and Jacob offered, "Uh, I can explain."

They looked to the brawling Diablos' to see that the newcomer and the first Diablos were circling each other a few yards from the stone bridge. Both of them let loose ear-splitting roars and the two charged forward. Their horns came together with a large clash and the two tried to topple the other over. Jacob was gently ushered to his feet by the white-horned Diablos and with a growl it started to walk to the edge of the small cliff. It hopped down and looked back up to Jacob with another growl. Having a feeling that it was wanting him to follow, Jacob started to make his way down.

But just as he dropped down to the ground below, he jumped when one of the Diablos' suddenly crashed against the other side of the bridge with a loud boom and fell to the ground. Jacob looked to see which one was still standing. To his worry it was the newcomer. But what increased his worry that it wasn't looking to either Jacob or its downed opponent, it was looking towards the white-horned Diablos. The downed Diablos noticed this as well and fought to right itself. The bigger Diablos moved to get ready to defend itself, but it was looking a little unsure of the battle. Jacob looked around for what might be able to help and noticed a nut of some kind sitting on the ground. He remembered how it had exploded and freaked out the Kestodon the other day. Thinking of nothing better, Jacob picked it up before dashing between the newcomer and the white-horned Diablos. The one behind him gave a small growl, almost as if to tell him to get out of the way. But Jacob didn't move as the newcomer started charging for them both. Applying the nut to his slinger, Jacob dropped to one knee and aimed for the rushing Flying Wyvern. He let loose a small breath when he took the shot and fired the nut at the Diablos. It impacted against its face, right between the eyes and it let out a horrible shriek of pain when it exploded against its face.

It shook its head as if to clear the debris and get over the pain. But it becoming distracted allowed both Diablos' that Jacob was familiar with to come in and knock it down with a quick, heavy bash from their heads. The blows knocked the newcomer away and it rolled across the ground. It was still alive evident of the breathing coming from it and it shakily rising to its feet. The newcomer looked as if he were wanting to continue the fight, but a shrieking roar and a flaring of wings from the other two made it back off instantly. It looked to the human standing behind them and Jacob removed the Dual Blades as if he meant business. The newcomer Diablos looked to them all with a glare before snorting in frustration. It turned away from the three and started digging into the ground before disappearing to only Lord knew where.

When they were sure that the newcomer was gone, they all took a deep breath and the teen returned the weapons to their place. But Jacob's worries weren't quite over yet as the first Diablos turned and walked up to him with a glare. Jacob looked between the two, but the white-horned didn't look that happy with him either. Jacob then raised his hands a tried to defuse the situation by saying, "I do apologize for just dropping in like this and getting the two of you into a fight. That wasn't my intention, I promise.

"I was just a little curious to try this out again." He explained when he removed the stone from his neck. When the two Diablos' saw it, the first one turned and walked off a few yards with a snort. The white-horned Diablos remained behind and looked to Jacob when he said, "I was just hoping to get a few answers with this thing. But those answers won't do much good if I don't take care of myself or those around me."

A low growl made him look up to see the white-horned Diablos taking a step back and spreading her wings a little. Jacob thought this was her way of letting him see what he needed to see. Lifting the stone to where he could see the white-horned Diablos on the other side, the stone started to turn pink. Having at least one of his answers, Jacob glanced over to the other Diablos and thought about trying. The Flying Wyvern was keeping its distance and had their turned away. Jacob thought this would be a good opportunity, but remembering the Anjanath earlier, he wondered if this was kind of like he needed one's permission. Deciding to respect the first Diablos, Jacob placed the stone back and looked to the she-Diablos, "I was kind of hoping to call you something. Like a name of your own.

"That way I can at least have a way of knowing whom I'm addressing." He shrugged. The white-horned Diablos only gave a small snort, almost as if saying that it was no big deal to her. Jacob thought about it for a moment and said, "You're understanding and compassionate, if our first meeting is any indicator on that.

"You can also be serious. Just now is proof." He said when he gestured up to the bridge. He laughed a little when he pointed to her and said, "And I bet you got some sass about you. You could really clarify that if you could talk like a human."

She just huffed with what Jacob assumed was a grin. Jacob then said, "You kind of remind me of a grandmother, in an endearing way of course.

"I think I've got it." He said with a snap of his fingers. Then reining himself in he rubbed his arm and asked, "Would it be okay to call you Nana Diabla?"

The white-horned Diablos calmly wrapped a wing around him and gently shook him. Jacob laughed a little as he thought that's his own grandmother would and he knew that it was okay with her. His words seemed to echo a bit in his head and he wanted to make it right in any way he could. He stepped out from the appendage and offered, "I know that it won't be much of an I'm sorry, but I can get the two of you some cacti if you want."

Before Nana Diabla or the other Diablos could respond her stop him, Jacob ran back to the vines that led up to the cactus grove and pulled himself up. Moving to one of the cacti, Jacob took out the dagger and started to carve a couple pieces of cacti off. When he had some good-sized pieces, Jacob walked back to the edge of the ledge and held the pieces to the two. Both Nana Diabla and the first Diablos looked to each other before the former walked up to the ledge. Jacob sat down and held one of the pieces of the cacti to her. Nana Diabla opened her mouth enough to where he could place the piece in. He retracted his hands and she backed away as she ate the piece he gave her. Looking past the white-horned Diablos as she munched on the piece, Jacob held up the other piece and said to them, "Come on. You know want it after knocking that other fella senseless."

But the other Diablos didn't seem to come over as it kept its head turned away. Having a sense that this one was really proud, Jacob decided to switch tactics. Carefully holding the piece in his hand, Jacob hopped down from the ledge and landed in a crouch. Nana Diabla watched to see what the human would do. Slowly making his way over to the other Diablos, Jacob stopped halfway and placed the piece of cactus down. Walking backwards, Jacob gave a small smile and promised, "I'll be sure to more careful the next time I drop by."

With that said, Jacob turned and walked away. Nana Diabla watched him walk under the arch to head back. The white-horned Diablos looked to the smaller one and lightly growled to him. The Flying Wyvern looked to the departing teen before glancing down at the piece of cactus sitting on the ground. The Diablos stomped up to it and seemed to be lost in thought.

Jacob had made it to the edge of the forested area of the desert and stood before the arch into it. He was about to step through when the sound of heavy footfalls came from behind. Glancing back he saw Nana Diabla and the first Diablos walking up to him with the latter in front. Jacob turned to face them and saw that the smaller Diablos had the piece of cactus held within its teeth. Jacob smiled when he saw the piece disappear into its mouth. The human teen became surprised when the Diablos took a step back and spread its wings a little. Seeing that he had permission, Jacob removed the stone from his neck again and held it to where the Diablos' face could be seen through it. This time it turned to its blue hue and Jacob lowered the stone. Jacob started to think about it and then he said, "I've got it.

"You're very protective of Nana Diabla here, which means that you're a caring soul." He pointed out and Nana Diabla seemed to agree with a slight nod of her head. The male Diablos gave a huff to this, which made Jacob lightly grin while Nana Diabla only shook her head. The teen added, "Plus, I think that you're pretty valiant to come to my rescue," He nodded when he said, "to which I am grateful for.

"I think Valiantops seems like a pretty decent name." He suggested. It didn't seem to sit too well with the Diablos as he shuddered, but Nana Diabla gave him a light nudge with one of her wings and a low growl as if saying that it could be worse. Valiantops seemed to comply with the name in slight defeat with slumped shoulders and a hung head. Jacob's grin didn't fall when he said, "Thanks again for watching my back. Keep safe and out of trouble."

The two Diablos gave a small growl as if to say likewise. With that said, both sides turned and parted ways for the time being.

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Author's Note: The reason that I didn't have the Anjanath to allow Jacob let him use the stone is because that one's more of needing to be earned. And I'll get to that in a future chapter. But before Jacob fully leaves the Wildspire Wastes, I'm going to throw in a chapter that I thought of at the last minute. And it's a two parter. I look forward to reading your reviews. Be sure to leave a comment either about if I've done something wrong or if you want something specifically to happen. See you next time.