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: We're going to open on a pretty awesome scene in my opinion. And I do hope that the fight is awesome enough for you. And I should tell you all that there is liable to be some heartache in this too. I do apologize.
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Chapter Fifty-Six: Willing Wolf Pack vs Forced Ape Troupe
Feeling the wind flowing through his hair, Jacob held on tight to the Zinogre's fur as they rushed through the Ancient Forest. The Thunder Wolf Wyvern climbed up the hill before they emerged back at the clearing. The Zinogre didn't stop his running as he made his way towards one of the openings through the trees. Going through the left one, Jacob's grip on the wyvern's fur increased when the wyvern moved towards a tall rock before jumping up on it. The Zinogre made effortless bounds across the other rocks before landing on the rock that overlooked the river. The Zinogre then lifted his head high and howled with the moon just starting to rise high into the sky in the east. From his spot on the Zinogre's back, Jacob was very amazed by this.
The Zinogre then jumped down from the rock and came out to the river. A small herd of Aptonoth that had been peacefully grazing by the river were startled by their arrival and ran off to get to safety. But they weren't the main focus of Jacob and Zeus on this night. Both human and wyvern looked around for signs of Tarkin and the Rajang. Jacob could feel the Zinogre tense up as he fidgeted a little while standing on their side of the river. They didn't have to wait for much longer when they heard the roar of something echo through the night and saw a large shape bounding towards the river from underneath the trees on the other side. He couldn't quite make it out, but heard it roar once more. It sounded just like what Jacob had heard earlier and wondered if the Rajang was what passed by the second camp when he and the other ten Fanged Wyverns were hiding from Zeus earlier.
The shape leapt out from the shade of the trees and flew through the air before landing on the opposite side of the river with a loud boom. With it out in the open, Jacob could really see what Rajangs look like. It indeed look like a large ape, but this one had a large set of horns on its head and a thin tail waving at the back end. A large pair of teeth on the bottom jaw gave it the look of an underbite. Jacob saw Tarkin the third poacher rising up on the Rajang's back. He was wearing an outfit like that of his dead captain and two former comrades. On his head he wore a large hat with a feather sticking out on the side. He could see a weapon strapped to his back. And in his left hand he held a whip that looked like it had bones jutting out from the sides and end of it. His right hand was holding straps to a harness that extended to the Rajang's head and it looked like there were bits of metal on both sides of its head that forced the Rajang to look nowhere but forward.
Tarkin saw Jacob sitting on the Zinogre's back and glared at the teen for a moment. But then his gaze twisted into an arrogant smirk grew on his face when he said, "I see that you've teamed up with yet another pitifully, mindless creature."
Neither Jacob nor the Zinogre took the comment lightly as one started growling and the other glared at the poacher. Both beasts fidgeted and the Rajang looked like it was ready to attack but the poacher held the harness straps with a firm hand while Jacob lightly petted the Zinogre's neck to calm him for the moment. The human from another world threw back, "Yeah, but at least I'm not planning on torturing my friend here."
"Oh, this little thing here?" Tarkin asked while showing off the handle of the whip with a small wiggle. He seemed proud of it when he said, "The Rado-whip is one of the most ingenious pieces of modern weaponry.
"It may not be fully legal in most territories, but it does help wrangle unruly beasts in a pinch." He shrugged when he looked back to Jacob. The poacher gave an example by cracking the whip over the Rajang's head, making it tense up for a moment. That made Jacob's glare deepen as he was outraged by this. He seemed to take a long look at the teen before saying, "I think this is the one and only time that I've seen you without your disguise."
"It sank to the bottom of the ocean along with that sword that I borrowed." Jacob explained with a shrug. The mention of the sword didn't seem to faze the poacher all that much unlike the captain's reaction, but Jacob knew that he was still brimming with hatred on the inside. He didn't seem to really like it when Jacob lifted both hands to reveal the gloves that he had taken from the ship, "And these too are going to be staying out of your hands."
"Those idiots were supposed to stay close to the ship to guard those. I'm gonna kill them." Tarkin growled with a dark glare as his grip on the reins and the whip tightened. But Jacob dashed the threat by telling him, "I wouldn't be worrying about those two.
"I'd say that they're heading off to a better life as we speak." He said and glanced out to the sea. Though he couldn't see any sign of the ship, he hoped those two would be okay and really would make a much better life for themselves. He turned his attention back to Tarkin when he threatened the boy by pointing the whip in hand, "You'll pay for stealing from us again. I will make you suffer for all that was taken from us.
"I will repay it by destroying everything you love." He said with a twisted grin, making Jacob think about the Felynes he had helped earn their freedom and all of the monsters here in the New World. Knowing that the mad man needed to be stopped here and now, Jacob removed one of the Dual Blades from the holder on his back and prepared himself for the imminent battle. Tarkin readied himself by moving the arm with a whip and it gave a loud crack. Then with another motion of his arm, he struck the Rajang in the back with the Rado-whip.
The Fanged Beast gave a roar of pain before charging forward. Leaning forward a little, Jacob said in the Thunder Wolf Wyvern's ear, "Let's do this."
The Zinogre gave a growl that sounded like he agreed and charged forward as well. Very carefully as the beast under him ran forward, Jacob stood up and removed the other Dual Blade from his back. On the back of the Rajang, Tarkin readied the whip before lashing it out when they were close enough. Jacob tried to block the strike from hitting him or the Zinogre, but the whip ended up hitting his Dual Blades and causing him to fall down against the Fanged Wyvern's back. He grunted when he hit flesh and bone and fought to stay on his friend's back. The Zinogre swerved to avoid hitting the Rajang and water splashed as they turned to face each other again.
Jacob got back up and shook his head to clear it. He felt a slight stinging feeling in his arm and looked to see that one of the bone pieces had managed to nick him. Seeing that the teen was having a bit of a tough time, Tarkin gave a mocking laugh and said, "It would appear that you're out of your league, boy."
"I've honestly dealt with big odds before. And they were a lot more deadlier than you are." Jacob shot back and prepared himself to continue. Tarkin surprised him by saying, "I think the whip would end in a less fun way.
"I think I'll switch to something that I feel is a lot more fun to me." He said while putting the Rado-whip away. When the whip was attached to his belt, the poacher reached behind him and removed a medium sized gun from his back. Jacob grew worried from the size of the weapon, but stood strong in the face of his enemy. Tarkin gave a snap of the reins and the Rajang howled before barreling forward again. Holding his Dual Blades at the ready and shouted, "Go!"
The Zinogre didn't need to be told twice and launched forward as well. The two beasts ended up colliding against each other. The Rajang used its great arms to hold the Zinogre back while the wolf tried to take a bite out of the ape. Tarkin took the opportunity to point the gun at the two, but Jacob was quick to make him draw back when he fired his grappling hook at him. Tarkin ducked under the shot just as the Rajang managed to push the Zinogre away. With a tug on the reins, the poacher made the Fanged Beast back up a bit.
The two beasts started to circle each other and growled while the humans on their backs glared at one another. Deciding to change things up a bit, Jacob placed the Dual Blades on his back before reaching into his pouch and pulling out a long, pointy stick and loading it into the slinger. Raising his arm and aiming, he fired the stick at Tarkin. The poacher lifted up his weapon to use it to shield himself from the projectile and the stick bounced off the weapon. Jacob then took out a few more sticks and rapidly fired them. The sticks struck the ground before the Rajang, causing the ape monster to back up a little more with a small growl. The action made Tarkin cry out in surprise as he fought to stay on the back of his beast.
The Zinogre took the opportunity to tense up his body and pounce. The Fanged Wyvern flew through the air and the Fanged Beast jumped back to avoid being knocked off its feet. Jacob held on tightly to the Zinogre when it jumped into the air again to swing its large tail at the Rajang. The appendage ended up smacking against the enemy monster hard in the face and earning a pained roar, but the Rajang quickly retaliated by grabbing the Zinogre's tail and giving a hard yank. The Zinogre yelped when it was pulled off its feet and struggled to get up as he laid on his side. It was Jacob's turn to hold onto the wolf-like monster's back as he fell on his side. Jacob quickly unsheathed one of his Dual Blades and moved to swing to get the Rajang to back off. The ape monster moved its head back before trying to swing its massive fist at the boy, but Jacob fell backwards while holding on to avoid the attack. He gasped when Tarkin came around the Rajang's head and readied to blast them with his weapon.
The Zinogre scratched at the Fanged Beast while on the ground and it earned a pained growl from the Rajang. Its jostling seemed to make Tarkin lose focus for a moment. It raised both of its large arms to bring them down to strike. But before it could, a multitude of screeches pulled both the Rajang and Tarkin's attention away from the two. Jacob looked to see all nine of Jagras pack and Boltia rushing onto the scene from around the bend to the opening from the Jagras' territory. He was very grateful for the arrival, but was worried if they were gonna be okay because of the fight.
The Tobi-Kadachi was the first to go on the offensive when she leapt up into the air. Opening up her membranes that allow her to glide, Boltia crossed the distance before rolling herself up in a ball. As she came down, the Fanged Wyvern straightened herself out again to slap her tail against the Rajang. While the appendage didn't do any damage to the ape monster, it did disorient the Fanged Beast for a brief moment. Tarkin pulled on the reins to make the Fanged Beast back up when the nine Jagras suddenly swarmed around them. The Zinogre took the opportunity to get up off the ground and move around the poacher and his beast with Jacob holding on. Tarkin looked between the two large monsters before the arrival of the small ones drew his attention. The nine Jagras completely surrounded the Rajang and its rider on the remaining sides. Jacob then said, "You'd best surrender now."
"I think I'd rather take my chances with joining my captain in oblivion." Tarkin disagreed with him. He readied his weapon again before flicking the reins of the Rajang. The great ape rose up on its hindlegs, pounded its chest with its fists and gave a roaring battle cry. The majority of Fanged Wyverns gave a screech or a roar while the Zinogre gave a howl in response.
(Cue Going Down Like That By Bryson Tiller)
Bryson Tiller: Hey
Woo
"Attack!" Both Jacob and Tarkin shouted and pointed their respective weapons forward. And just like that, the battle started up once again. Each of the Fanged Wyverns rushed for the Fanged Beast. With a swing of its big arms, the Rajang managed to knock some of the Jagras pack away while turning to grab Boltia and flinging her when she tried to pounce from behind. The Tobi-Kadachi was sent flying through the air and crashed into Jacob and the Zinogre. Jacob was sent flying off the Zinogre's back and landed on the bank next to the running water. With a groan he started to pick himself back up. Looking over to the battle, he watched as the Rajang knocked more of the Jagras pack away from it with another sweep of its arm. The others quickly scrambled to get out of the way when Tarkin fired his weapon at them.
Bryson Tiller: You start your fires, keep people down
But you have no idea who you're messing with now (oh)
Grabbing his Dual Blades, Jacob rushed towards the battle to help his friends. The Zinogre and the Tobi-Kadachi picked themselves up with a growl and the former turned towards his human when Jacob said, "Zeus! Boltia!
"You two okay?" He asked as he approached the Thunder Wolf Wyvern and the Electrical Wyvern. The bigger Fanged Wyvern only gave a growl as he was on his feet. Jacob was surprised that he seemed to grow used to his alleged name, but couldn't dwell on it as Tarkin and his Rajang were coming at them. The Zinogre quickly grabbed the human by the shoulder with his teeth and Jacob yelped from both fright of the incoming monster and slight pain from Zeus' teeth in his shoulder. Boltia managed to avoid getting hurt by moving the other way.
Bryson Tiller: We take it higher, crank up the sound
If you think you're gonna push us around
With a quick motion of his head, Zeus tossed Jacob over his head. The human from another world cried out as he flew through the air before landing on the wyvern's back. He grabbed onto the teal fur as the beast he was riding moved to stay out of the enemy monster's way. When they had moved a good distance, they turned back to their opponents. Boltia moved in on the poacher and Rajang's other side while the Jagras pack came in from behind after picking themselves up again.
Bryson Tiller: It isn't going down like that
It isn't going down like that
Tarkin looked around at all of his foes with a glare before focusing on Jacob on Zeus' back. He pointed his weapon at the two and opened fire at them. Zeus quickly jumped to the side to avoid getting hit by the projectile and it exploded against the ground. The Zinogre then started to make a rush for the two when Tarkin gave snap of the reins. The Rajang gave a roar as it leapt forward the two once again collided against each other. The ape managed to push the wolf back before wrapping its arms around the other monster in a bone crunching bear hug. Zeus gave a howl of pain as the Rajang started to squeeze.
Bryson Tiller: It doesn't matter the mission
We got each other's backs
It isn't going down like that
Tarkin gave a maniacal grin as he once again pointed his weapon to the Thunder Wolf Wyvern's skull. Jacob, seeing what was about to happen, quickly climbed up the Zinogre's back and spun his body around to kick the barrel of the gun. His foot connected against it and the barrel was shoved downwards to the ground as it went off. The shot blasted against the ground and it made the two monsters topple over. Both Jacob and Tarkin cried out as they fell off the backs of their respective beasts. But Zeus was still within the Rajang's grasp and it started squeezing again.
Bryson Tiller: Li-li-li-li-li-like that (hey, hey, hey)
Li-li-li-li-li-like (Oh)
Quickly getting up, Jacob rushed forward with his Dual Blades while some of the Jagras rushed in from behind the Fanged Beast. Joss, Jess, Junker and Jumpa jumped onto the beast from behind and the Rajang roared in pain when they bit and scratched at it. This in turn allowed Zeus to free himself from the ape-like monster's grip. The human from another world saw Tarkin getting up again and pointed his weapon at the four. But a swipe of Boltia's tail disoriented him for a moment. Jacob took the opportunity to rush up the Zinogre's back before jumping over him and the Rajang before landing a kick to Tarkin's chest.
Bryson Tiller: We're taking over, coming in hot (woo)
Won't even break sweat because we got it on lock (oh)
The poacher fell to the ground with a grunt and the remainder of the Jagras started to swarm around him. But Tarkin was quick to make them back away when he rapidly fired his weapon. Jacob was about to go on the offensive against the poacher when a large fist slammed down in front of him. He looked back to find the Rajang glaring at him. The teen jumped back and fell on his rear when the Fanged Beast tried to smack him with its fist.
Bryson Tiller: We bring the thunder (yeah)
We'll give it all we got (let's go)
You think we're backing down, well, we're not
Jacob backed away as the Rajang got up on its feet and started to come towards him. Boltia tried to save her human friend when she jumped onto the enemy beast from the side. She bit and scratched at the beast, but it grabbed a hold of her before flinging her away. The Tobi-Kadachi knocked into the other five Jagras and sent them rolling away. They all groaned as they laid there on the ground.
Bryson Tiller: It isn't going down like that (hey)
It isn't going down like that
Jacob glanced over to Tarkin and saw that he had scared off the four covering him when he had quickly put one weapon away for the Rado-whip. The poacher turned his glare towards the teen as did the Rajang. The two got ready to attack the teen.
Bryson Tiller: It doesn't matter the mission (woo)
We got each other's backs
It isn't going down like that
But before the Fanged Beast or the poacher could come at him, Jacob was saved when a large teal and yellow shape rushed past him and jumped at the Rajang. The Fanged Beast reared up and was able to stay standing when the Fanged Wyvern crashed into it. Zeus tried to take a bite of the ape-like monster, but the Rajang was quick to hold him back with a hand to his throat. With its free hand, the Rajang landed a heavy blow against Zeus' middle. It earned a pained yelp from the Thunder Wolf Wyvern.
Bryson Tiller: Li-li-li-li-li-like that (oh)
(Oh)
Li-li-li-li-li-like that (oh)
(Oh)
The Rajang repeated the strikes to the Zinogre's middle a couple more times before roughly shoving him away. Zeus crashed against the ground and tried to push himself back up, but fell to the ground again with a groan. Meanwhile, Jacob ducked underneath a swing from Tarkin's whip while the poacher moved back over to the Rajang. When he was close enough, Tarkin whipped at the Rajang and it lowered itself in submission. The poacher wasted no time in climbing onto the Fanged Beast again. Once he was secure, Tarkin whipped the beast's back and the ape-like monster roared in pain from it. But it seemed to get the message as it rushed forward.
Bryson Tiller: We're coming out on top
You'll never break this crew
'Cause we will never stop
No matter what you do
Jacob quickly moved out of the way as the Rajang charged at him. The ape-like monster tried to stop itself to turn around and created grooves in the ground with its fingers as it slid. The Rajang came at the teen again with a roar. But instead of moving out of the way again, Jacob rushed forward as well. The Fanged Beast roared as it tried to crush him with its fist, but Jacob jumped back. The fist crashed against the ground and it created cracks. The teen jumped and grabbed onto the appendage. The Rajang gave a worried sounding roar and raised its arm to try and shake the teen from another world off. Jacob held on as best as he could and lifted his legs off the ground to avoid them scrapping against the ground when the Rajang swung its large fist.
Bryson Tiller: We're coming out on top
You'll never break this crew
'Cause we will never stop
No matter what you do
As he tried climb onto the Rajang's arm, Jacob looked up and gasped when he saw Tarkin raising his bow gun at him. The poacher had a maniacal grin as he took aim. But just when the trigger was pulled, Jacob dropped down to avoid getting shot. The bullet ended up grazing the Fanged Beast's arm and it made the poor thing roar in pain from the wound on its arm. But the Rajang's problems didn't stop there. A roar like howl made it and Tarkin look to their left.
Bryson Tiller: It isn't going down like that (hey)
It isn't going down like that
They were surprised to see Zeus come running in and jumped through the air and spin. Time seemed to slow down as the Zinogre's tail smacked into the side of the Rajang's head pretty hard. The blow not only knocked the Fanged Beast off its head, but also made Tarkin fall off its back while pulling on the reins. The action caused the bit to help Tarkin control the Rajang snapped into several pieces. Both the poacher and the pieces fell to the ground as the Fanged Beast fell as well.
Bryson Tiller: It doesn't matter the mission (woo)
We got each other's backs
It isn't going down like that
Time sped up again as the Rajang groaned as it fell to the ground unconscious with a comical look on its face while Tarkin tumbled on the ground. With a groan he started to pick himself up while Jacob rushed up to Zeus' side. They looked on both sides of them when Boltia and the Jagras pack joined them again. They turned their attention back to Tarkin as the poacher got back up.
Bryson Tiller: Li-li-li-li-li-like that
(Oh)
Li-li-li-li-li-like that
(Oh)
Li-li-li-li-li-like that (oh)
(Oh)
Li-li-li-li-li-like that
(Oh)
Tarkin looked over to the Rajang as it laid there on the ground. He didn't seem to like the fact that it was out cold for the time being. The poacher turned to the large group, his heated glare having them put their guard up again. Tarkin raised the bow gun with one hand and shouted, "You will all fall to me."
"Only in your dreams." Jacob shot back while keeping his grip on the Dual Blades. With a hand on both of his weapons, Tarkin prepared to go on the attack as he prepared to fire the bow gun. All twelve companions jumped out of the way when the weapon went off. The shot tore up the dirt while everyone came in from the sides of the poacher.
Bryson Tiller: Hey, hey, hey, hey
Come on, woo
Hey, woo
The poacher made all nine of the Jagras back away with a crack of the Rado-whip and had the Zinogre jump out of the way when he fired another shot of the bow gun. He ducked underneath a lunging bite from the Tobi-Kadachi before blocking a strike from the human teen's Dual Blades. Tarkin shoved Jacob back and the teen fell onto his back. The teen grunted when he fell and gasped to find the barrel of the bow gun pointed at him.
Bryson Tiller: It isn't going down like that (hey)
It isn't going down like that
But before the poacher could open fire at point blank, Jupiter and Julius were quick to pounce on the man from the side. Tarkin cried out as he stumbled back before managing to push the two Jagras off of him. He ducked out of the way when Jenna and Juno tried to lunge at him from the side. Both female Jagras crashed into their kin and they all fell to the ground. With a crazed laugh, Tarkin blasted away to keep the other five at bay when they tried to attack him.
Bryson Tiller: It doesn't matter the mission (woo)
We got each other's backs
It isn't going down like that
He almost didn't see a gliding Tobi-Kadachi until a screech warned him. The poacher jumped out of the way while she tried to land a slam of her tail on him. Tarkin got up and turned his attention to the Fanged Wyvern as did she to him. With a growl, Boltia made a dash at the poacher. But Tarkin didn't back down as he ran forward and dropped down on his knees to where he could slide underneath her. Once the Fanged Wyvern had passed over him, the poacher had a maniacal grin again as he pointed his weapon right at the only other human in this battle.
Bryson Tiller: Li-li-li-li-li-like that (woo)
(Oh)
Li-li-li-li-li-like that
(Oh)
Li-li-li-li-li-like that (oh, oh, oh)
(Oh)
Li-li-li-li-li-like that (oh, oh, oh)
(Oh)
(End of track)
Jacob didn't know what to do as Tarkin had managed to duck under the pouncing Tobi-Kadachi and then pointed his bow gun directly at him. He could see the twisted grin on the man's face as he prepared to fire. With an evil laugh, the poacher fired his shot at the human from another world. Jacob tried to raise his Dual Blades to try and protect him, but a large shape moved in front of him. Jacob's eyes widened when Zeus took the bullet for him. The Thunder Wolf Wyvern gave a pained howl as the bullet hit him in the shoulder and he fell to the ground with a thud.
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Author's Note: You know, originally, the Rajang was going to be the antagonist for the mini-arc by itself, but then I decided to bring have a poacher the cause of everyone's grief. The next couple of chapters we're going to end Zeus the Zinogre's mini-arc for New Friends and we go into the next one. 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 all next time.