Categories > Original > Fantasy > Monster Hunter: Black & White
“Remember that...” Cassandra started, attempting to stifle a laugh, “Remember that time you tried to distract that Jaggi (snort), that Great Jaggi, so you went up behind it...”
“Oh my god...I never thought...I never thought something so perfect would happen,” wheezed Isaac, leaning back on his chair, away from his work. Cassandra was sitting against the backboard of his bed, while he sat at his desk, working on his latest contraption. They had been hanging out for a few hours, just talking and laughing, before Isaac had to leave for Cathar.
“It freaking jumped up so high (snort), and it kicked you so hard.”
“I’ve never heard a monster scream like that in my entire life. Like a little girl!”
“It launched forward like a bullet, dude. Oh my god...”
“I call that the perfect distraction. Scare the shit outta it until it headbutts a stone wall!”
“It's not just that...before it hit you were like...”
“This will take...” they said in unison, holding back giggles as they turned towards each other, “Perfect execution...Boom!” Laughter filled the room as the two friends let loose their wheezing, choking giggles. Cassandra pushed a lock of pitch black hair off of her face, resting her head against the backboard as she tried to catch her breath.
“Hey Cassy,” Isaac asked after the laughter had died down, wiping a tear from his eye, “What time is it?”
“It’s uh, it’s 5:24.”
“Welp, I’d better start heading out.”, he said with a sigh, getting up from his chair to riffle through the pile of junk on his bed, looking for something, “Have you seen my...”
“It’s in the drawer in the living room.” Cassandra answered, pointing him towards his hospital card, “Isaac, before you go...”
“What’s up?” he asked, pulling on his Slagtoth leather jacket.
“The story that Aiden told us, and the ritual...I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately.” she asked, seriousness eating away the happiness that was on her face only moments earlier, “You seemed so ready to accept it all, and I just don’t know. What if it's all a lie?”
“Well, to be honest, Cass, I really don’t care if it's all true.” He walked back into the room, putting a bag on his bed, “All I know is that what I want is real, and in that book. The way I see it, if it's real, I get to become a superhero and save the world, and my mom. If it’s fake, I get a butt ton of drugs and people dancing around me, and then I get to save my mom. Sounds like a win-win to me.”
“Why does everything sound so simple when you explain it?” she asked, giggling a little at his answer.
“Cuz I’m a genius.”
“Hey genius,” she pointed then at his lower half, “Your pants are on backwards.”
“Really?” he looked down and realized that he had, in fact, put his jeans on the wrong way.
“How do you even do that?”
“Shut up! It happens!” he answered with a blush, rushing into the closet to fix his mistake, “By the way, you just let me know you were looking at my ass, ya perv!”
She could feel the blood and heat rush across her cheeks as Isaac stepped out of the closet, pants now successfully righted.
“Hey, cherry-cheeks?” he asked walking past the blushing girl to his bed, “What I said earlier...you can come if you want to see her. It’s just...I know she’s like a mom to you, but...”
“Nah, I’m ok, kid,” she said softly, her blush fading, “I get that you want to be alone for this. I’ll break the news to the guys at the hall while you're gone. Maybe I’ll go see Aiden, too, before his friend gets here.”
“Not gonna see your parents?”
She felt a little wave of cold wash through her spine, and she sighed. “Couldn’t care less whether they know what’s going on or not. Besides, my dad’ll know I’m different right away.”
“He still sending guys to check on you?” Isaac asked, his voice quiet to mask his anger, “When did it start...”
“Isaac, as long as he has money, he’ll always be watching me. Honestly, I don’t care if he is anymore. I’m done with that part of my life.”
“You sure you’re okay?” She could feel the concern in his voice, how much he cared, and she could feel a blush return to her face. Nevertheless, she turned to look at him with the most genuine smile she could muster.
“Never been better.” she said, closing her eyes for added effect, “Now go! Before you miss your ship.” Unbeknownst to her, his own face flushed, and he quickly turned away from her to hide it.
“O-ok, kiddo. I’ll be off then.” Isaac said, exiting out of their apartment, before darting his head back through the door with a grin and a finger pistol, “I hope you’ll Cathar-y on without me!”
“Out. Now.” she ordered in mock anger, glaring at the chuckling hunter as he closed the door behind him. She let out a sigh, and let her face fall into her hands. Why am I still blushing? she thought, feeling the heat of her face against her palms.
________________________________________
“Hey, Holly!” Isaac exclaimed as he walked into the small hospital, it's fabric door fluttering close behind him. The elderly Wyverian woman he was addressing looked up from her book and gave him a smile, her glasses sliding on her wrinkled nose.
“Isaac, dear! You know, most people address their elders by their titles, young man.”
“Well, most people don’t know their elders like I know you.”
She sighed and got up from her chair to face the hunter, “Quite right, my dear. Let me see you now, my boy.” She stood before him and began to poke and prod at his stomach and face, pulling him down with her cane as he was much taller than her. “So thin! Have you been eating all your meals? All that hunting and not a shred of muscle. You need to eat more protein my boy or you’ll never grow those chopsticks you call arms! What about that girl? Have you been taking care of each other?”
“Holly, quit it! I’ve eaten and I’m fine, I can take care of myself!” he complained, trying to escape her iron grip. Suddenly, she pulled even harder on her cane, bringing him face to face with her icy stare, which sent a wave of fear pulsing through him.
“You better have been treating that girl you brought with you right, boy, or you have me to answer to.”
“Y-yes, ma’am.” he gulped. She seemed pleased with his response, as she unhooked her cane from his neck and turned her back to him, walking down a hallway on the opposite wall. He followed behind, even though he already knew where they were going and how to get there.
“So, my boy, I assume you’re here to see your mother again, yes? Why so soon? I heard you were here the other day.”
“I... I was, but something just came up, and I wanted to see her again.”
“Something?” she inquired, looking back at the hunter with an inquisitive gaze.
“I wanted to talk to you about it too, Holly. I... I may not be back. For a while.” he started, his heart heavy in his chest, “And when I do come back, I may not be the same person. It’s just so hard to explain right now. You’ve always been there for me, Holly, and you’ve always trusted me through everything. When I left with Cassy, when I got my license, our apartment, everything. What I plan on doing might save my mom, Holly. I’ve gotta try. If I don’t, then I’ll regret not doing anything while she’s...Holly, just trust...”
“Isaac, my dear.” she stopped him, turning around with the first grin she’s shown that day, “I may not understand the details of what you have to go through, but the details are never all that important, anyway. I’ve always told you to follow your heart, and let that big brain of yours work out the rest, haven’t I? Besides, it’s not like a little old lady like me could stop you from doing whatever you set out to do. You're as stubborn as a Duramboros, you and your mother.”
A look of confusion crossed his face for a second, then a wide grin took its place as they reached the room. “...Thank you, Holly.”
“Speaking of your mother, I’ll go in and check if she’s woken up yet. Take a seat.” she gestured to the seats against the wall opposite four identical doors with symbols written in metal. Sitting on one was a little Wyverian boy, no older than 8 years old. Isaac took a seat a few away from the kid as Holly entered one of the rooms.
“You know the old lady?” the little boy asked, his voice filled with wonder.
“Uh, yeah. She took care of me for a bit, when my mom got sick.” Isaac replied, caught off guard by the child.
“...My mommy’s sick, too.” the boy said, tears starting to fill his eyes.
Oh shit, I made a baby cry! What do I do? He thought frantically, trying to find any way out of the current situation.
“Hey kid? What’s your name?” he asked.
“I-it's Mano.”
“Well, Mano.” Isaac started, remembering something from his own childhood, “you know what I do when I’m sad?”
“What?” the little boy asked, his chubby tear stained cheeks jiggling slightly as he looked up at the hunter.
A big, goofy grin spread across Isaac’s face. “Well, I smile!”
“Huh?”
“If you’re sad and you smile, I promise, you won’t be so sad anymore.” Mano looked away from Isaac for a second, his lips twitching a little attempting to smile but failing.
“Need a little help? What do you call a little pig that needs to go to the bathroom?”
“What?”
Isaac shrugged with a slight grin, winking his leftmost eye at the little boy as he answered, “A Poo-gie.” Laughter escaped Mano’s lips at the joke, and as Isaac looked down towards him, a thin smile crossed his own face. “See, not all that tough, is it?”
Suddenly, one of the doors across from them opened up with a creek, and out stepped Holly, holding the clipboard for the patient within. “Isaac, she’s ready to see you now.” she said, walking towards the two.
He sighed, anxiety pounding lightly against his ribcage as he stood and said, “Ok.”
Holly walked over to Mano and, in a venom laced voice, said, “So, I thought I heard someone out here calling me “old”. You wouldn’t happen to know who that was, would you, boy?”
“N-N-No, ma’am.” he answered in a shaky voice.
“Good. Come now, I’ll take you to the cafeteria.” she said sweetly, holding her hand out to the child.
“Ok.” he said, hopping off the chair and taking Holly’s hand. Before they began walking, he turned his head to Isaac, and with a little hand raised and waving, said, “Goodbye, mister!”
“Name’s Isaac, kid, and I’ll see you around.” he replied as he walked into his mother’s room.
The first thing he always notices when he visits is her eyes. People have always told him that he has his mother’s eyes, but that was before. Her chocolate brown eyes were always so full of life before. Now, only a glimmer of his brightness remains in her nearly vacant gaze. Her face, though slightly wrinkled, held a graceful beauty, like slowly wilting flower. As Isaac entered the small hospital room, she looked up to face him, her vividly red hair shuffling dryly on the pillow, her dim eyes regaining a little of the twinkle of happiness that his own held.
“Ah, there’s my little man! Whats going on, kiddo?” she said excitedly. He couldn’t help but notice how her voice faltered inconsistently, how she slurred some and spoke others perfectly. He always noticed, but now more so than ever.
“I’m ok, ma. How have you been?” he asked, making sure to keep his voice from shaking as he took a seat next to her bed.
“I’ll be ok. I was going to start dinner but...”, she stopped, staring blankly forward. Suddenly, like nothing happened, she turned back with the same smile, “Hey, kiddo! Weren’t you out playing with your friend in the yard?”
How badly he wanted to correct her, to make her see the world as it is. He knew that it was hopeless, but his hope still screamed at him to try anyway. Yet, he simply sighed, and said, “Mom, can I talk to you for a second?”
“What's wrong, sweetie? Those kids still picking on you?”
“No, mom, it’s...I know you’ve been sick lately, ma, and I know you think it's all right, but...” He bit his lip, trying to think of what he should say next. Why do I even bother? She won’t remember this anyway. But, then, he looked up, and saw the excitement to hear his every word that was always on her face when he came to visit, and he couldn’t help but continue. “I think I’ve found a way to make you better. I may not see you for a while, mom, and I wanted to...say goodbye, just in case I...”. He wrung his hands together, looking down at his lap as his heart weighed heavily in his chest. He looked up at his mother, his voice faltering as he said, “I know this will be hard, but could you... not forget me, Mom? I need you to remember me, cuz I might not be...me, when this is over.”
Suddenly, he felt a frail hand over his cheek, and as he looked up from his stupor, he saw his mother looking back with a look of concern, the first he’d seen in maybe years. “Sounds like you're aiming for something big, kiddo.”, she said, cupping his cheeks with a slight squeeze, “Just don’t forget to smile, ‘kay?”
He gasped softly and leaned away from her grasp, visibly shaken. She hasn’t said that since her first seizure! he thought, feeling his eyes well up with tears. He forced his lips into a grin, and as the tears fell, he wrapped his arms carefully around her and leaned into an embrace.
“You’re still there, Mom,” he whispered with a wavering smile, “I know you’re still there.”
He left the hug after a bit, wiping his eye and sniffing louder than he wanted to. When he could see unimpeded, he noticed that his mother's eyes had that waxy emptiness that he had come to dread. It meant she forgot. How he hoped she didn’t forget everything.
“Honey, go call your father down for dinner,” she asked, her attention returning to her son, “I would but I think I’m a little sick...why don’t my legs work?”
Oh god not again! “Mom...”
“Where am I? Why can’t I move?!” She was visibly shaken, eyes wide with terror as she struggled on the bed.
Isaac quickly grabbed her shoulders firmly, causing her to look up from her stupor at her son. “Mom, don’t you remember?”, he said calmly, going over the same story he always tells her when she gets like this, “You fell and hit your head. You kept kicking around in your sleep so the doctors had to restrain your legs. It’s ok, mom.”
“Oh...oh.” she said faintly, leaning slowly back onto her pillow.
“I’ll go get Holly, alright?”
“Ok, kiddo.”
He went to leave, and before he passed the door, he whispered a quick “I love you,” and left for the front desk.
“My boy...” Holly said in a concerned voice, noticing the dried tears on his face.
“Make sure she’s ok when I get back, Holly,” he said, eyes burning with determination. Then, his signature grin spread across face as he said, “I’m counting on ya, old lady.”
If anyone else had said that to her face, she would have made a head shaped hole in the wall with their name on it. Instead, she simply returned the grin, and said “Don’t you worry about me, boy. I maybe old, but I’m still the best at what I do.”
He sighed and, with a sad smile, turned to the exit. “Not gonna stay the night? You know you’re always welcome.” Holly said.
“Maybe next time, I still have to head over to Harth. Maybe Chief can postpone my lessons for a bit.”
“Oh my god!”, a shrill voice shouted excitedly from outside the door of the hospital. Suddenly, the glass door swung open revealing a teenage wyverian girl, holding a piece of paper in her hand, “You’re the “Suicide Sniper”, right?”
“That's the name the Guild sui-decided would be a good fit for me.”
A nervous laugh escaped her lips as she gushed, “Oh my god, you’re so funny! I’ve been a fan of yours since forever! Could you sign this poster?”
She handed him the paper and a Qurupeco feather quill, “Be happy to. Who do I make this out...” he started happily, until he realized what the poster said.
Friday night at the Dundorma arena, come witness Val Habar’s very own Suicide Sniper, Isaac Mechanos, and Dancing Queen, Cassandra Everly, as they go toe to toe with some of the fiercest beasts in the world!
“Um, excuse me? Could you make that out to Kailey, please?”
He snapped out of his stupor at her words and quickly wrote down his usual autograph. “Sorry about that.” he said hurriedly, quickly handing back the poster. I didn’t sign up for an arena match, and Cassy didn’t either. That asshole White has to be behind this! Screw Harth, when I get back...
“Hey, where are you going? Some of my friends are waiting for me down the way, and I’m sure they’d love to...”
“Sorry, kiddo, but I’ve got a gun that needs to be lodged in someone’s rectum. See ya at the fight, though.” he winked, quickly rushing past the girl towards his airship.
“What a weirdo.”
“You’re telling me.” Holly said in a bored tone, looking down at the book in her lap.
________________________________________
That went a lot better than expected Cassandra thought as she walked towards the familiar house. She had just finished talking to all their friends at the guild, and to her surprise, nobody got hurt. Everyone at the guild went nuts for the two hunters, since they were like the little siblings of the Val Habar family. Many of the older hunters asked questions, but just about everyone wished them the best with whatever is going on. Almost everyone. Micah had to basically sit on his idiot brother to stop his flailing and blubbering.
Instead of thinking about how those two could possibly be related, she walked up to the door and tapped it with the knocker a couple times. Shit, what am I gonna say to him? Why didn’t I think about this earlier? Damn you, procrastination! She thought, her stomach doing flips as the door opened.
“Oh, uh, hello, Cassandra! Brother told me a lot about you.” Lucy exclaimed happily.
“Hey, Lucy. Nice to formally meet you.” Cassandra said in a gentle tone, relieved that she got to avoid an awkward social situation. “Is your brother home?”
“No, not today. He said he had something to do in Dundorma, so he won’t be back till late tonight.”
“Dundorma, huh? Well, I’ll just meet him halfway. Thanks, Lucy.” the hunter said, turning to leave.
“Wait, Cassandra. Before you go.”
“What’s up?”
“Cassandra, I know my brother can be a little...cold to others, and I know he can be rude and impatient and... I know he’s a good person. He’s actually really sweet and considerate if you get to know him. And, I know you and Isaac are good people, too. Just please, don’t give up on him. All I ask is that you keep him safe, because I know he’s gonna get himself...” she rambled, tears filling her eyes.
Cassandra sighed and placed her hands on the child’s shoulder, saying “Hey, don’t worry. I’m a professional when it comes to keeping idiots alive. I’ll do my best, ‘kay?”
“...ok.”
“Good. I’ll go get Aiden, and we can talk some more.” She’s just like me a long time ago Cassandra thought as she left the girl at the door, heading off to the big walled city. What’s he up to?
________________________________________
“Prisoner 661, you have a visitor.” the heavily armored guard barked in a gruff voice, standing at the door of the man’s cell. The man had been laying on his bed staring at the ceiling, not thinking about anything, really. Except for why he was here. He only thought about snippets of the details at a time. How that red headed fuck held him against a wall. How that bitch in the armor condemned him like it was his fault that family got killed. He told them to stay in the caravan. Now, everything he had done, all that zenny...gone, puff. And face still freakin kills cause of that snow haired piece of...
“Hello, Mr. Karic. I see your cheek hasn’t quite healed up yet.” Aiden said cheerfully as he pulled a stool up to the cell door.
“You?! Why the hell are you here?” He thought he was hallucinating at this point. Aiden simply chuckled lightly.
“You see, Mr. Karic, I need some help, and I believe that you are the man for the job.”
“Why the fuck would I ever help you?! You ruined my...” he started lividly, until he heard the jingle of cell keys coming from Aiden’s hand, “Are those...”
“The keys to your cell. I took them off the guard’s belt after I told them to go back to their stations. The back exit is unguarded today, I’ve told that guard to leave for the night.”
“Why...”
“Tell me what I need to know, Karic, and we’ll talk.” His voice was mirthful yet commanding.
“...Fine. What do you want, prick?” He knew he couldn’t pass up a chance to leave this hell, even if the way out was given by someone he despised.
“Why did you take all those immigrants in your caravan?” Aiden asked, leaning forward on his stool to rest his chin on his hand.
“They needed to go somewhere and they payed. What of it?”
“Yet, you only costed them 5,000z a head. Why? I know for a fact the cheapest you do normally is 15. Why such a dramatic discount?”
“W-well, I...” He truly didn’t even remember he reduced his price at all. What had he been thinking?
“I bet you weren’t even planning on selling them when you got to the drop off point. Oh, don’t look so surprised. You really think I don’t know how your...profession operates?”
Was I? All I remember is wanting to get out of there. Why do I want to leave so bad?
“Also, the location of the drop off point. Do you even know where it is?” Aiden knew he would be confused. He also knew the answer to his question, before the Caravaneer even said it.
“I-I... what the fuck does it even matter where I was going?! I was going where they told...”
“Did they even tell you where to go?”
“What?”
“I noticed that most of them spoke completely different languages. I’m going to assume that you can only speak Lish. How could they have told you where to go if you can’t understand them?”
Now Almed was getting annoyed. How dare this kid talk down to him like that. For now, he’d grit his teeth and bare it, but when he let him out... “Look, kid. You already know the answers to your own questions, so why even ask me?”
“Just trying to confirm something. Anyway, it may please you to know that, though I couldn’t let all those people leave the country without a passport, I was able to get them safe housing within the border. They can’t pass through here, but at least they don’t have to go back.”
“Why the hell would I care?”
“So you were lying when you said you cared about them. Again, just confirming something.”
This damn kid! he thought angrily, glaring at the hunter as he sat up and put the stool to the side. “We done here?” Almed asked.
“Yes, we’re all done.” Aiden said as he turned towards the exit.
“Wait, what about the deal?”
“Hm? What? I already finished my part of the deal.”
“The fuck are you talking about?” Almed exclaimed angrily, gripping the bars of the cell and glaring at Aiden.
“You told me what I needed to know, and then we talked. Good talking to you, Karic!” he winked mirthfully, twirling the keys around his index finger as he walked towards the door. As he walked out with the sounds of several screamed obscenities and the gasps of the guard he stole the keys from, he looked up at the sky with a determined look in his eye.
So, that’s how it’s going to begin, hm? How troublesome.
Damn Mocon, back at it again with the long chapters. I really didn’t expect how this chapter turned out. It was originally gonna have a fight scene and some other stuff, but I think I’ll save that for the next chapter. Anyway, if you like what I’m bringing to the table, hit me up with a follow (and maybe a favorite if you feel like it). Don’t? Comment on how I should improve. Got questions? Hit me up on dat tumblr. As always, see you in the next chapter!
“Oh my god...I never thought...I never thought something so perfect would happen,” wheezed Isaac, leaning back on his chair, away from his work. Cassandra was sitting against the backboard of his bed, while he sat at his desk, working on his latest contraption. They had been hanging out for a few hours, just talking and laughing, before Isaac had to leave for Cathar.
“It freaking jumped up so high (snort), and it kicked you so hard.”
“I’ve never heard a monster scream like that in my entire life. Like a little girl!”
“It launched forward like a bullet, dude. Oh my god...”
“I call that the perfect distraction. Scare the shit outta it until it headbutts a stone wall!”
“It's not just that...before it hit you were like...”
“This will take...” they said in unison, holding back giggles as they turned towards each other, “Perfect execution...Boom!” Laughter filled the room as the two friends let loose their wheezing, choking giggles. Cassandra pushed a lock of pitch black hair off of her face, resting her head against the backboard as she tried to catch her breath.
“Hey Cassy,” Isaac asked after the laughter had died down, wiping a tear from his eye, “What time is it?”
“It’s uh, it’s 5:24.”
“Welp, I’d better start heading out.”, he said with a sigh, getting up from his chair to riffle through the pile of junk on his bed, looking for something, “Have you seen my...”
“It’s in the drawer in the living room.” Cassandra answered, pointing him towards his hospital card, “Isaac, before you go...”
“What’s up?” he asked, pulling on his Slagtoth leather jacket.
“The story that Aiden told us, and the ritual...I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately.” she asked, seriousness eating away the happiness that was on her face only moments earlier, “You seemed so ready to accept it all, and I just don’t know. What if it's all a lie?”
“Well, to be honest, Cass, I really don’t care if it's all true.” He walked back into the room, putting a bag on his bed, “All I know is that what I want is real, and in that book. The way I see it, if it's real, I get to become a superhero and save the world, and my mom. If it’s fake, I get a butt ton of drugs and people dancing around me, and then I get to save my mom. Sounds like a win-win to me.”
“Why does everything sound so simple when you explain it?” she asked, giggling a little at his answer.
“Cuz I’m a genius.”
“Hey genius,” she pointed then at his lower half, “Your pants are on backwards.”
“Really?” he looked down and realized that he had, in fact, put his jeans on the wrong way.
“How do you even do that?”
“Shut up! It happens!” he answered with a blush, rushing into the closet to fix his mistake, “By the way, you just let me know you were looking at my ass, ya perv!”
She could feel the blood and heat rush across her cheeks as Isaac stepped out of the closet, pants now successfully righted.
“Hey, cherry-cheeks?” he asked walking past the blushing girl to his bed, “What I said earlier...you can come if you want to see her. It’s just...I know she’s like a mom to you, but...”
“Nah, I’m ok, kid,” she said softly, her blush fading, “I get that you want to be alone for this. I’ll break the news to the guys at the hall while you're gone. Maybe I’ll go see Aiden, too, before his friend gets here.”
“Not gonna see your parents?”
She felt a little wave of cold wash through her spine, and she sighed. “Couldn’t care less whether they know what’s going on or not. Besides, my dad’ll know I’m different right away.”
“He still sending guys to check on you?” Isaac asked, his voice quiet to mask his anger, “When did it start...”
“Isaac, as long as he has money, he’ll always be watching me. Honestly, I don’t care if he is anymore. I’m done with that part of my life.”
“You sure you’re okay?” She could feel the concern in his voice, how much he cared, and she could feel a blush return to her face. Nevertheless, she turned to look at him with the most genuine smile she could muster.
“Never been better.” she said, closing her eyes for added effect, “Now go! Before you miss your ship.” Unbeknownst to her, his own face flushed, and he quickly turned away from her to hide it.
“O-ok, kiddo. I’ll be off then.” Isaac said, exiting out of their apartment, before darting his head back through the door with a grin and a finger pistol, “I hope you’ll Cathar-y on without me!”
“Out. Now.” she ordered in mock anger, glaring at the chuckling hunter as he closed the door behind him. She let out a sigh, and let her face fall into her hands. Why am I still blushing? she thought, feeling the heat of her face against her palms.
________________________________________
“Hey, Holly!” Isaac exclaimed as he walked into the small hospital, it's fabric door fluttering close behind him. The elderly Wyverian woman he was addressing looked up from her book and gave him a smile, her glasses sliding on her wrinkled nose.
“Isaac, dear! You know, most people address their elders by their titles, young man.”
“Well, most people don’t know their elders like I know you.”
She sighed and got up from her chair to face the hunter, “Quite right, my dear. Let me see you now, my boy.” She stood before him and began to poke and prod at his stomach and face, pulling him down with her cane as he was much taller than her. “So thin! Have you been eating all your meals? All that hunting and not a shred of muscle. You need to eat more protein my boy or you’ll never grow those chopsticks you call arms! What about that girl? Have you been taking care of each other?”
“Holly, quit it! I’ve eaten and I’m fine, I can take care of myself!” he complained, trying to escape her iron grip. Suddenly, she pulled even harder on her cane, bringing him face to face with her icy stare, which sent a wave of fear pulsing through him.
“You better have been treating that girl you brought with you right, boy, or you have me to answer to.”
“Y-yes, ma’am.” he gulped. She seemed pleased with his response, as she unhooked her cane from his neck and turned her back to him, walking down a hallway on the opposite wall. He followed behind, even though he already knew where they were going and how to get there.
“So, my boy, I assume you’re here to see your mother again, yes? Why so soon? I heard you were here the other day.”
“I... I was, but something just came up, and I wanted to see her again.”
“Something?” she inquired, looking back at the hunter with an inquisitive gaze.
“I wanted to talk to you about it too, Holly. I... I may not be back. For a while.” he started, his heart heavy in his chest, “And when I do come back, I may not be the same person. It’s just so hard to explain right now. You’ve always been there for me, Holly, and you’ve always trusted me through everything. When I left with Cassy, when I got my license, our apartment, everything. What I plan on doing might save my mom, Holly. I’ve gotta try. If I don’t, then I’ll regret not doing anything while she’s...Holly, just trust...”
“Isaac, my dear.” she stopped him, turning around with the first grin she’s shown that day, “I may not understand the details of what you have to go through, but the details are never all that important, anyway. I’ve always told you to follow your heart, and let that big brain of yours work out the rest, haven’t I? Besides, it’s not like a little old lady like me could stop you from doing whatever you set out to do. You're as stubborn as a Duramboros, you and your mother.”
A look of confusion crossed his face for a second, then a wide grin took its place as they reached the room. “...Thank you, Holly.”
“Speaking of your mother, I’ll go in and check if she’s woken up yet. Take a seat.” she gestured to the seats against the wall opposite four identical doors with symbols written in metal. Sitting on one was a little Wyverian boy, no older than 8 years old. Isaac took a seat a few away from the kid as Holly entered one of the rooms.
“You know the old lady?” the little boy asked, his voice filled with wonder.
“Uh, yeah. She took care of me for a bit, when my mom got sick.” Isaac replied, caught off guard by the child.
“...My mommy’s sick, too.” the boy said, tears starting to fill his eyes.
Oh shit, I made a baby cry! What do I do? He thought frantically, trying to find any way out of the current situation.
“Hey kid? What’s your name?” he asked.
“I-it's Mano.”
“Well, Mano.” Isaac started, remembering something from his own childhood, “you know what I do when I’m sad?”
“What?” the little boy asked, his chubby tear stained cheeks jiggling slightly as he looked up at the hunter.
A big, goofy grin spread across Isaac’s face. “Well, I smile!”
“Huh?”
“If you’re sad and you smile, I promise, you won’t be so sad anymore.” Mano looked away from Isaac for a second, his lips twitching a little attempting to smile but failing.
“Need a little help? What do you call a little pig that needs to go to the bathroom?”
“What?”
Isaac shrugged with a slight grin, winking his leftmost eye at the little boy as he answered, “A Poo-gie.” Laughter escaped Mano’s lips at the joke, and as Isaac looked down towards him, a thin smile crossed his own face. “See, not all that tough, is it?”
Suddenly, one of the doors across from them opened up with a creek, and out stepped Holly, holding the clipboard for the patient within. “Isaac, she’s ready to see you now.” she said, walking towards the two.
He sighed, anxiety pounding lightly against his ribcage as he stood and said, “Ok.”
Holly walked over to Mano and, in a venom laced voice, said, “So, I thought I heard someone out here calling me “old”. You wouldn’t happen to know who that was, would you, boy?”
“N-N-No, ma’am.” he answered in a shaky voice.
“Good. Come now, I’ll take you to the cafeteria.” she said sweetly, holding her hand out to the child.
“Ok.” he said, hopping off the chair and taking Holly’s hand. Before they began walking, he turned his head to Isaac, and with a little hand raised and waving, said, “Goodbye, mister!”
“Name’s Isaac, kid, and I’ll see you around.” he replied as he walked into his mother’s room.
The first thing he always notices when he visits is her eyes. People have always told him that he has his mother’s eyes, but that was before. Her chocolate brown eyes were always so full of life before. Now, only a glimmer of his brightness remains in her nearly vacant gaze. Her face, though slightly wrinkled, held a graceful beauty, like slowly wilting flower. As Isaac entered the small hospital room, she looked up to face him, her vividly red hair shuffling dryly on the pillow, her dim eyes regaining a little of the twinkle of happiness that his own held.
“Ah, there’s my little man! Whats going on, kiddo?” she said excitedly. He couldn’t help but notice how her voice faltered inconsistently, how she slurred some and spoke others perfectly. He always noticed, but now more so than ever.
“I’m ok, ma. How have you been?” he asked, making sure to keep his voice from shaking as he took a seat next to her bed.
“I’ll be ok. I was going to start dinner but...”, she stopped, staring blankly forward. Suddenly, like nothing happened, she turned back with the same smile, “Hey, kiddo! Weren’t you out playing with your friend in the yard?”
How badly he wanted to correct her, to make her see the world as it is. He knew that it was hopeless, but his hope still screamed at him to try anyway. Yet, he simply sighed, and said, “Mom, can I talk to you for a second?”
“What's wrong, sweetie? Those kids still picking on you?”
“No, mom, it’s...I know you’ve been sick lately, ma, and I know you think it's all right, but...” He bit his lip, trying to think of what he should say next. Why do I even bother? She won’t remember this anyway. But, then, he looked up, and saw the excitement to hear his every word that was always on her face when he came to visit, and he couldn’t help but continue. “I think I’ve found a way to make you better. I may not see you for a while, mom, and I wanted to...say goodbye, just in case I...”. He wrung his hands together, looking down at his lap as his heart weighed heavily in his chest. He looked up at his mother, his voice faltering as he said, “I know this will be hard, but could you... not forget me, Mom? I need you to remember me, cuz I might not be...me, when this is over.”
Suddenly, he felt a frail hand over his cheek, and as he looked up from his stupor, he saw his mother looking back with a look of concern, the first he’d seen in maybe years. “Sounds like you're aiming for something big, kiddo.”, she said, cupping his cheeks with a slight squeeze, “Just don’t forget to smile, ‘kay?”
He gasped softly and leaned away from her grasp, visibly shaken. She hasn’t said that since her first seizure! he thought, feeling his eyes well up with tears. He forced his lips into a grin, and as the tears fell, he wrapped his arms carefully around her and leaned into an embrace.
“You’re still there, Mom,” he whispered with a wavering smile, “I know you’re still there.”
He left the hug after a bit, wiping his eye and sniffing louder than he wanted to. When he could see unimpeded, he noticed that his mother's eyes had that waxy emptiness that he had come to dread. It meant she forgot. How he hoped she didn’t forget everything.
“Honey, go call your father down for dinner,” she asked, her attention returning to her son, “I would but I think I’m a little sick...why don’t my legs work?”
Oh god not again! “Mom...”
“Where am I? Why can’t I move?!” She was visibly shaken, eyes wide with terror as she struggled on the bed.
Isaac quickly grabbed her shoulders firmly, causing her to look up from her stupor at her son. “Mom, don’t you remember?”, he said calmly, going over the same story he always tells her when she gets like this, “You fell and hit your head. You kept kicking around in your sleep so the doctors had to restrain your legs. It’s ok, mom.”
“Oh...oh.” she said faintly, leaning slowly back onto her pillow.
“I’ll go get Holly, alright?”
“Ok, kiddo.”
He went to leave, and before he passed the door, he whispered a quick “I love you,” and left for the front desk.
“My boy...” Holly said in a concerned voice, noticing the dried tears on his face.
“Make sure she’s ok when I get back, Holly,” he said, eyes burning with determination. Then, his signature grin spread across face as he said, “I’m counting on ya, old lady.”
If anyone else had said that to her face, she would have made a head shaped hole in the wall with their name on it. Instead, she simply returned the grin, and said “Don’t you worry about me, boy. I maybe old, but I’m still the best at what I do.”
He sighed and, with a sad smile, turned to the exit. “Not gonna stay the night? You know you’re always welcome.” Holly said.
“Maybe next time, I still have to head over to Harth. Maybe Chief can postpone my lessons for a bit.”
“Oh my god!”, a shrill voice shouted excitedly from outside the door of the hospital. Suddenly, the glass door swung open revealing a teenage wyverian girl, holding a piece of paper in her hand, “You’re the “Suicide Sniper”, right?”
“That's the name the Guild sui-decided would be a good fit for me.”
A nervous laugh escaped her lips as she gushed, “Oh my god, you’re so funny! I’ve been a fan of yours since forever! Could you sign this poster?”
She handed him the paper and a Qurupeco feather quill, “Be happy to. Who do I make this out...” he started happily, until he realized what the poster said.
Friday night at the Dundorma arena, come witness Val Habar’s very own Suicide Sniper, Isaac Mechanos, and Dancing Queen, Cassandra Everly, as they go toe to toe with some of the fiercest beasts in the world!
“Um, excuse me? Could you make that out to Kailey, please?”
He snapped out of his stupor at her words and quickly wrote down his usual autograph. “Sorry about that.” he said hurriedly, quickly handing back the poster. I didn’t sign up for an arena match, and Cassy didn’t either. That asshole White has to be behind this! Screw Harth, when I get back...
“Hey, where are you going? Some of my friends are waiting for me down the way, and I’m sure they’d love to...”
“Sorry, kiddo, but I’ve got a gun that needs to be lodged in someone’s rectum. See ya at the fight, though.” he winked, quickly rushing past the girl towards his airship.
“What a weirdo.”
“You’re telling me.” Holly said in a bored tone, looking down at the book in her lap.
________________________________________
That went a lot better than expected Cassandra thought as she walked towards the familiar house. She had just finished talking to all their friends at the guild, and to her surprise, nobody got hurt. Everyone at the guild went nuts for the two hunters, since they were like the little siblings of the Val Habar family. Many of the older hunters asked questions, but just about everyone wished them the best with whatever is going on. Almost everyone. Micah had to basically sit on his idiot brother to stop his flailing and blubbering.
Instead of thinking about how those two could possibly be related, she walked up to the door and tapped it with the knocker a couple times. Shit, what am I gonna say to him? Why didn’t I think about this earlier? Damn you, procrastination! She thought, her stomach doing flips as the door opened.
“Oh, uh, hello, Cassandra! Brother told me a lot about you.” Lucy exclaimed happily.
“Hey, Lucy. Nice to formally meet you.” Cassandra said in a gentle tone, relieved that she got to avoid an awkward social situation. “Is your brother home?”
“No, not today. He said he had something to do in Dundorma, so he won’t be back till late tonight.”
“Dundorma, huh? Well, I’ll just meet him halfway. Thanks, Lucy.” the hunter said, turning to leave.
“Wait, Cassandra. Before you go.”
“What’s up?”
“Cassandra, I know my brother can be a little...cold to others, and I know he can be rude and impatient and... I know he’s a good person. He’s actually really sweet and considerate if you get to know him. And, I know you and Isaac are good people, too. Just please, don’t give up on him. All I ask is that you keep him safe, because I know he’s gonna get himself...” she rambled, tears filling her eyes.
Cassandra sighed and placed her hands on the child’s shoulder, saying “Hey, don’t worry. I’m a professional when it comes to keeping idiots alive. I’ll do my best, ‘kay?”
“...ok.”
“Good. I’ll go get Aiden, and we can talk some more.” She’s just like me a long time ago Cassandra thought as she left the girl at the door, heading off to the big walled city. What’s he up to?
________________________________________
“Prisoner 661, you have a visitor.” the heavily armored guard barked in a gruff voice, standing at the door of the man’s cell. The man had been laying on his bed staring at the ceiling, not thinking about anything, really. Except for why he was here. He only thought about snippets of the details at a time. How that red headed fuck held him against a wall. How that bitch in the armor condemned him like it was his fault that family got killed. He told them to stay in the caravan. Now, everything he had done, all that zenny...gone, puff. And face still freakin kills cause of that snow haired piece of...
“Hello, Mr. Karic. I see your cheek hasn’t quite healed up yet.” Aiden said cheerfully as he pulled a stool up to the cell door.
“You?! Why the hell are you here?” He thought he was hallucinating at this point. Aiden simply chuckled lightly.
“You see, Mr. Karic, I need some help, and I believe that you are the man for the job.”
“Why the fuck would I ever help you?! You ruined my...” he started lividly, until he heard the jingle of cell keys coming from Aiden’s hand, “Are those...”
“The keys to your cell. I took them off the guard’s belt after I told them to go back to their stations. The back exit is unguarded today, I’ve told that guard to leave for the night.”
“Why...”
“Tell me what I need to know, Karic, and we’ll talk.” His voice was mirthful yet commanding.
“...Fine. What do you want, prick?” He knew he couldn’t pass up a chance to leave this hell, even if the way out was given by someone he despised.
“Why did you take all those immigrants in your caravan?” Aiden asked, leaning forward on his stool to rest his chin on his hand.
“They needed to go somewhere and they payed. What of it?”
“Yet, you only costed them 5,000z a head. Why? I know for a fact the cheapest you do normally is 15. Why such a dramatic discount?”
“W-well, I...” He truly didn’t even remember he reduced his price at all. What had he been thinking?
“I bet you weren’t even planning on selling them when you got to the drop off point. Oh, don’t look so surprised. You really think I don’t know how your...profession operates?”
Was I? All I remember is wanting to get out of there. Why do I want to leave so bad?
“Also, the location of the drop off point. Do you even know where it is?” Aiden knew he would be confused. He also knew the answer to his question, before the Caravaneer even said it.
“I-I... what the fuck does it even matter where I was going?! I was going where they told...”
“Did they even tell you where to go?”
“What?”
“I noticed that most of them spoke completely different languages. I’m going to assume that you can only speak Lish. How could they have told you where to go if you can’t understand them?”
Now Almed was getting annoyed. How dare this kid talk down to him like that. For now, he’d grit his teeth and bare it, but when he let him out... “Look, kid. You already know the answers to your own questions, so why even ask me?”
“Just trying to confirm something. Anyway, it may please you to know that, though I couldn’t let all those people leave the country without a passport, I was able to get them safe housing within the border. They can’t pass through here, but at least they don’t have to go back.”
“Why the hell would I care?”
“So you were lying when you said you cared about them. Again, just confirming something.”
This damn kid! he thought angrily, glaring at the hunter as he sat up and put the stool to the side. “We done here?” Almed asked.
“Yes, we’re all done.” Aiden said as he turned towards the exit.
“Wait, what about the deal?”
“Hm? What? I already finished my part of the deal.”
“The fuck are you talking about?” Almed exclaimed angrily, gripping the bars of the cell and glaring at Aiden.
“You told me what I needed to know, and then we talked. Good talking to you, Karic!” he winked mirthfully, twirling the keys around his index finger as he walked towards the door. As he walked out with the sounds of several screamed obscenities and the gasps of the guard he stole the keys from, he looked up at the sky with a determined look in his eye.
So, that’s how it’s going to begin, hm? How troublesome.
Damn Mocon, back at it again with the long chapters. I really didn’t expect how this chapter turned out. It was originally gonna have a fight scene and some other stuff, but I think I’ll save that for the next chapter. Anyway, if you like what I’m bringing to the table, hit me up with a follow (and maybe a favorite if you feel like it). Don’t? Comment on how I should improve. Got questions? Hit me up on dat tumblr. As always, see you in the next chapter!
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