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The super heated magma core explosive in your hand swelled as you held it tightly with a firm grip, despite the burning sensation it made you feel, reaching through your glove and gauntlet to your skin and what was under.

Your legs had almost given out more than once after you received a blow from Shen Gaoren. The giant was strong, very strong, nearly so as the late Yama Tsukami. But this was the end of the battle, you couldn't lag behind because of your shaking legs again.

What last you remember, you had called your last ounces of strength up. You used it to get started in a sprint towards Shen Gaoren as the one-shot binder held it in place, and when you neared the boundary of the giant, you shot up with your Clutch Claw and locked onto it's chest plate.

The claws of the thing slammed the sand underneath your feet, sending you up higher and taking feeling out of your legs, but it was too late to stop you entirely as you grabbed onto the chitin plates of it's head, holding onto it's antenna with your left hand. The Clutch Claw had released, but you didn't falter in holding on as the giant broke loose of the binder.

With your scorched right hand, you did the only thing you thought practical now. You shoved the magma core bomb into Shen Gaoren's mouth hole. The giant swallowed the thing in the middle of it's angry shrieking and then after bellowed pained cries, and you held it's mouth shut so it wouldn't spit the fiery object up.

The giant moved fast on it's bleeding legs, but it was useless now.

The bomb exploded inside the giant, splashing it to the air. You went flying off...

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You didn't feel it when you fell into the sand below after the explosion, and you didn't see it either. The flash of the explosion so close up blinded you for now, and took the sense of hearing out of you as well. You only heard a ringing.

Some time passes of you laying there, giving out hints of movement.

Then you are able to hear again as you come back to reality.

"Frrrreeelancerrr, wake up! Wake up!"

Your eyes fixed themselves gradually, vision slowly returning. You saw the pudgy appearance of the Troverian Colonel knelt down next to your broken form.

"Can you see again?" He asks, waving his hand over your face.

"Ye-Argh... Cahgh!" You coughed.

"Mrrrmmnn.... You arrrren't in a good shape, Frrrreelancerrr."

"N... No, I'm... fine." You say, trying to ignore the aching all over.

The Colonel rubbed his temple. "I don't believe you."

You looked up as best you could.

The Carapaceon horde that followed Shen Gaoren was on the retreat, going back to the sea as the remaining Defenders mopped the rest of them up. The Fort was heavily damaged and lots of valuable resources were lost, such as that marvelous Siege Engine. Quite the number of men here were also injured, but none as bad as you.

Your hand seemed to be suffering from severe burns, and your legs may have been broken. Your chest was giving you pains from breathing alone.

"Well... you did it. Shen Gaorrrrren won't be botherrring us again." The Colonel says, taking a look at his Fort in shambles. "This is going to take much time to rrrremedy. But, it can be done."

"Sorry Colonel... I tried to stop it from wrecking the place."

He shakes his head. "It couldn't be helped."

He raises his finger. "Ah, but this battle will go down in history. I can't believe you actually got the Admirrrral himself to help! Hah hah hah! He just came down frrrrrom the sky and starrrted punching those crrrrabs! That'll go good in the books!"

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You cracked a small smile at that too. It was pretty exciting to see the Admiral do what he did.

"Aahh.... Well then. Everrrryone did theirrrr best. I'll have mighty stacks of paperrrworrrk to do after this, got to send people theirrr dues."

The Colonel stands and whistles over for two of the Defenders before looking down at you.

"Alrrright Frrreelancerrr, let's get you up. You need to see the Doctorrrr, kid."

>Yeah... I agree. I need to go home after all this. (Return to Astera to recoup.)
>No, let me stay here at The Fort. Ahtal-Ka might try something if I'm away. (Stay to protect The Fort)

>>4209024
>Yeah... I agree. I need to go home after all this. (Return to Astera to recoup.)
I don't want to get kidnapped by Ahtal like the other guy.

Maybe everyone else will show up soon...

>>4209024
>Yeah... I agree. I need to go home after all this. (Return to Astera to recoup.)
We won't be able to protect anything with the state we're in.

>>4209024
>Yeah... I agree. I need to go home after all this. (Return to Astera to recoup.)
Suggest he get some Veterans to hold down the fort.

You looked at your right hand. It was black as the pitch, charred almost from holding the Magma Core bomb.

You attempt to move your legs in any meaningful way you could, but it wouldn't give.

You sighed, submitting to your injuries.

"Yeah, you're right..."

"Of courrrse I am, I'm the Colonel."

The Defenders approached and helped you up, being easy as they handled you by your arms.

"Take him to the pad, send for my airrrrship to pick him up. I've got to deal with this mess...." The Colonel told them as he strode off to meet with the Admiral on the beachhead.

The Defenders silently acknowledged him and heaved you up, carrying you along back to The Fort, passing by myriad of workers coming out of the woodwork as they entered the main atrium and guided you up to the roof.

You were sat down there on a chair for a while, getting a good look over everything as the men picked apart the ruined fortifications and siege weapons. You saw the beach in it's entirety, as well as the distant oil field that was off from the shore. They looked like ants from here, working to repair their mound. You wondered if The Fort would ever come under attack from something like Shen again?

You worried slightly about how they would deal with Ahtal-Ka if she ever made a move again. You passed along the suggestion to invite some veterans to one of the Defenders, telling them to give it to the Colonel. They swear to do as much.

You are relieved to hear that as the airship arrived on the scene to pick you up, having been called there by a blue flare launched to the sky.

The trip back to Astera did not take long. The Colonel's airship was quite the courser, flying through the air at top speeds that exceeded most airships you've seen in your life.

You were helped along by two off-duty Fourths the Defenders exchanged you off to. They were partly psyched to meet you, let alone touch you, raving about how it was to bask in the presence of the 'Killer of Ukanlos and Amygdala'.

You tell them you'd offer an autograph, but you didn't have a quill or a pen. Though, you joked at your own expense that you could use your burnt hand's fingers instead. They laugh, but not endearingly at the joke, given how morbid it was.

Once you reached the Doctor, he saw you immediately. His deduction of your injuries is made with haste.

He tells you both of your femurs are fractured, almost out of shape completely. You have some squished organs behind your ribcage suffering internal bleeding he can't gauge the severity of, and your hand is burnt to the third degree. Your injuries are grim, worse than the ones you received from Ahtal-Ka, and Ukanlos.

He holds nothing back in telling you this may put you out of Hunting for a few months as well...

You inquire with him about treatment, bringing up how fast he treated Brigg and Senzo as apart of your questioning to why he can't do the same with you.

He tells you it's because their injuries were mostly related to the Dragon Element they were hit with, and thus they were treated easier because he was prepared for that. Yours are physically oriented, and can't be helped by medicines made with berries and other things harvested from the Earth. He makes a point to tell you Herbal potions don't repair bones, only flesh.

Nonetheless, you will be put onto some trauma medicine he has to null the pain, and some herbal based extracts to mend the bleeding.

You didn't like it, but that was how it was...

What would you do until then? How could you pass the time?

You enjoyed the more fundamental qualities of life, no mistake, but there was nothing quite like Hunting to you. More importantly though, there were still many threats out there you need to deal with, such as Akantor, Zuhramon... Nakarkos... and you can't like this.

Ahh, and here you are now, sitting in a wheelchair.

You were back home in your private room. The Doctor gave you things to take at his office and said he would send his nurse by tomorrow to give you more.

You were sitting next to your bed, facing the rest of the room. Shara was laying there staring at you with concern, and Vivi was just standing near her chest, sharpening her Palico rapier.

You were told to get some rest, but damn it you didn't want to sleep! You didn't want any of this! But... this was the price to pay for taking a hit from such a strong giant as Shen Gaoren...

At least you killed it in the end.

...

Could Atricia be back by now in her room mayhaps? What about Brigg, how is he doing?

You supposed it wouldn't hurt to... wheel yourself around.

It was getting close to seven by now. You should go to sleep, but you don't have to.

What will you do now?

>>4209235
Informing Shara of the infantile Chameleos before we go to bed might be good for now.

Tell him about our day in general, while we're at it.

>>4209235
Lets go to bed.

>>4209265
>>4209273
These sound good, more Shara time is always nice.

"So, I met a new Elder Dragon a while ago." You say, adjusting one of your wheels to face Shara more properly.

"Really now? They just keep coming out in light of all that's happened, and is happening."

"We call it Chameleos. He can turn invisible."

"Humm... I may have an idea of who it is you speak of. Purple Dragons that cloak themselves with mist, no?"

"I assume you've been to the Guiding Lands before?"

"A land of juxtaposition, many differing terrains all on the same mass? With deserts and tundras here and lush green forests and dead valleys there? Yes, I have been there before in my long, long life. I knew a pair of these such Mist Dragons that lived there, but I had never interacted. They always eluded my sight, whether out of distrust or fear."

"So you knew a Chameleos couple lived there? I think this one I've found is their kid, but he said he never knew his parents. He was being manipulated to steal by Ahtal-Ka. She's a dangerous Neopteron, very intellignet... and I found out..."

You paused for a moment and looked down.

"I found out that in turn, she's being helped... by Zuhramon."

"The Ancient is using this creature to his advantage?"

"He told me he uses her to help keep the Guild off his trail, specifically because of this guy that came, calls himself the 'Warden'. He's the one in charge of everything. Zuhramon said he's apart of a circle that seeks out Ancient things I believe."

"It wouldn't surprise me. For all his power, Zuhramon would be foiled easily by everything coming against him. The Ancient is set on succeeding in his plans.... But what of the child you found?"

"The Chameleos? Well, I don't think he is a child, he just seems to be... not that developed. I was supposed to slay him, but I told him I would help. I sent him off to the forest not far from here. I'm worried about his whereabouts now though..."

"Hmm.... I could him help."

"Oh, I know you can, I ju-"

"You are much too worn out for that. Are you ready to sleep now?" Shara asks, standing up suddenly.

"H-Huh...?"

"Are you ready to sleep now?" Shara asks again, taking a step forward.

>Answer.

>>4209408
Yes?

>>4209408
Yes.
Uhh... is Shara coming onto us or something?

>>4209408
yes.

>>4209487
I think he is just trying to make Vance to take a nap but since Vance is Vance he might not nap even if he needs it so he might need a more forceful approach.

>>4209408
yes

dream trip go

"Yes...?"

"Good. I'll be back before you should arise next."

"What do you..."

"Hush, and hear my harmony."

Before you could even move your lip again, Shara brought the tips of his left wing forward as he stepped over. The wingtips touched your scalp and emitted a vibration.

You were lost in the frequencies of the vibrations ringing through your head like a soothing tune. Shara's song worked it's way over you, and you felt dreary.

Like you could... like you could almost...

....Fall.... Asleep.....

...........

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.........

Vance was now asleep.

The Everwyrm took it's attention off of him and bit the blanket over his bed, pulling it aside. Then, with surprising strength, Shara Ishvalda carefully lifts up his human friend from the chair contraption using his wings. The snoring Vance is placed into the mattress, and then covered.

Vivianne is experiencing a mix of emotions witnessing this, from confusion, to surprise and shock, to being freaked out.

With the Hunter resting as he should, the Everwyrm turns his attention to the Felyne and steps forward in a stoic yet harmless manner.

Vivianne doesn't know what to say, or to do.

File: SELECT YOUR CHARACTER.png (267 KB, 512x351)

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>

>>4209587
>Vivianne

>>4209587
Play as buddha dragon

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4209587

I will let the dice decide.

1 = Fuck goddamn why won't your headplate drop dragon
2 = cat

+========+

You are now Shara Ishvalda, the Old Everwyrm.

+========+

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You have been treated with much kindness over your time here in this settlement by the Human Vance. He is a most humbled man indeed, willing to hear you out to the end, no matter how crazed it must sound when you tell him the truth of things.

Now, knowing the inner workings of this place, and what else you do about this continent you've lived at for long, you think it is time to repay him in kind yourself.

Nature is fate, and it is a fickle and demanding force. Though it has laid out everything to flow as intended, those apart of fate's direction and game must play their part to ensure it flows the way it should.

So long as Human Vance is debilitated by his mortal wounds like this, he cannot act his part out, nor can he stand up to the threats that loom in this New World. You will pay him back for all he has done by helping him recover.

Before you set out, you must first decide whether or not you shall allow this Felyne to help. Her name was... Vivi, as the Humans called her. She was staring at you nervously.

As a Felyne, she shouldn't be hard to reach. A lot of these Lynians already could learn how to speak to things such as animals, or 'Monsters'. Perhaps you could convey meaning to her using sign language, or even try to grant her your Connection.

Or alternatively... you could at least make her understand you want her to stay here and watch over Vance while you are gone. You are sure she will understand.

>Try to recruit Vivianne?

>Yes. Though she is small, she is capable. She can help me.
>No. She must remain here to watch over Human Vance.

>>4209749
>>Yes. Though she is small, she is capable. She can help me.

I don't think anyone gonna try something on Vance just be sure to lock him and give the key to the doc or someone trustworthy.

>>4209752
Support

>>4209749
>Yes. Though she is small, she is capable. She can help me.

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Who could possibly bother Human Vance while he rests? Word will no doubt travel to these other Men and Women of his endeavor, and how it rendered him to this state. Everyone will know to stay clear of him.

So being as that is, there is no trouble in bringing his Felyne companion with as well. She was plenty capable given that he carried her along for his 'hunts'. But first you would need to be able to communicate.

You stroll over to Human Vance's cupboard and find an empty bowl. You gurgle the substance you could produce inside your throat and release it down into the bowl until it is full. Your Holy Soup will work to grant her the connection much faster than a Human after consumption, mostly due to the lack of Humanity in her.

Turning around, you approach Vivi and offer her the juice.

She looks horrified, covering her mouth to prevent herself from vomiting.

She raises her hands and declines it. Must not be her gusto...

"I... am certainly neowt gonna drink that!"

But she has to! Otherwise you cannot talk to her. You needed to get it inside her somehow...

>Beg for her to drink it, look sad at her denial.
>Try to get your point across by barking and pointing at Vance.
>If she'll be stubborn, you're left with no choice. Force feed it to her!
>If she doesn't consent, then we'll have to work something else out, like sign language.
>Hmm... Maybe I could sleep her, and then administer it before waking her again.
>Write in.

>>4209847
>Try to get your point across by barking and pointing at Vance.
Plan A: Diplomacy.

>>4209847
>If she'll be stubborn, you're left with no choice. Force feed it to her!
DRINK THE YUMMY LIQUID VIVI

>>4209847
>Try to get your point across by barking and pointing at Vance.

>>4209847
>Try to get your point across by barking and pointing at Vance.

>>4209847
>>Beg for her to drink it, look sad at her denial.
You guys wasting a chance for puppy eyes Shara.

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Roll 1d100 for persuasion.

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>4209901

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>4209901
COMIN DOWN LIKE PRECIPITATION

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>4209901

>>4209909
Nice

>>4209909
WE'RE SAVED.

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"Houuueewwghr!" You mouthed with a light roar that sounded just out of childhood.

Using your wings, you motion at the Holy Soup and then point back to Vance. Vivianne is slow to catch your point still.

You tip the bowl slightly and hold it near your mouth, tapping in Human Vance's direction, never taking your eyes away from hers.

"Mew... mew'r saying Meowster... drank this too...?"

You nod your head rapidly.

Vivianne gulps and reaches forward, taking the bowl from you shakily.

"W-Well... if mew... insist..." She whimpers.

Raising it to her face, she smells the secretion, and then dips her tongue in as if she was drinking milk.

Her expression changes to curiousness as she realizes it's tastelessness. Then, she raises it to her mouth and quickly swallows the soup down.

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"Huff... huff... huff..." She breathed, having drank it down fast.

"Meowright mew, there better be a good reason mew made me do this, or so help me Gog..."

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"Help is precisely what I need about now." You say, reaching out to her mind.

....

CrAcK!

She drops the bowl in utter shock. Human Vance stirs in his slumber.

You quickly shoot forward with a wingtip, covering her mouth before she can make more loud noise.

Vivianne seems to calm down a bit, but her eyes are still full of bewilderment as she looks back into your own eyes.

"M... Mew just.... mew just talked...!"

You nod.

"B... But how?!"

You have to tell her something, otherwise she'll think she's hallucinating. How many details you share is solely up to you. Though you're sure she'll settle for minimum information, and that you need her help with something.

What will you say?

>>4209947
How long would a quick rundown on the Connection be?

>>4209947
Yes, you're not hallucinating and while I would gladly explain how and what I did to make this possible time is of essence I need your help in making sure Vance recover as fast as possible.

>>4209969
It all works on dragon element doesn't it? Should be fairly simple, but we should really tell on the way to wherever we're going.

>>4209971
Support.

>>4209979
>it's Dragon magic I ain't gotta explain shit

>>4209901
>>4209901
What a cutie.

>>4209947
Why do you think Vance has been acting so weird lately?

I require your assistance to treat his injuries in a timely manner.

"It is too much to explain at the moment, Lynian."

"O.. ouh?"

"You are not seeing things, my voice is real. I gladly will explain this to you, this 'connection' that allows you and me to talk, but not now. Time is of the essence, I require your assistance."

"My... assistance?"

"Indeed." You nod your head.

"Human Vance is in a state that is no good, don't you agree? Thankfully, I know a way we could help him, but you'll have to trust me. You trust me, don't you?"

Vivianne slowly nods her head.

"Very good. Together, the two of us can bring him back to health as fast as possible."

"But.. how? How can mew help Meowster get back into shape so quick? Don't mew see how he is? He pawt up a good fight, but he could barely handle it!"

"I know of a very special thing that he only needs to ingest, a sap. It is a natural restorative from Gaea itself, not something to be found everywhere. It can heal his every wound."

"Really...? Something like that exists?"

"Yes. Now, get your things ready, we will leave soon, and quietly too."

Vivi looked unsure, but she didn't think she was under a hallucination.

She was very inquisitive about this situation she found herself in, but she seems to accept it is happening and gains some resolve doing so. Somewhere in her looks, you see belief in yourself, she did like the idea of Human Vance coming back to full health sooner than later and seemed keen on helping you make that so if what you spoke of was true, and you weren't a liar.

She readies herself like you asked, donning her Rathian gear and Rapier, packing along her vigor canteen and Sleeper Gadget.

She takes along a spare key to the house with herself, saying she'll manage the items for both of you. When you ask about how responsible it would be to just leave Human Vance here all alone like this, she reveals a 'Do Not Disturb' sign that she'll place on the door.

You leave it at that.

And so with both of you ready, you sneak out of the private room, leaving Human Vance in peace as the both of you crept out to the beach...

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Getting out unseen was easier than you thought it would be. Outside the door was a straight shot down a dock to the beach after locking it all up. You crawled down some rocks and tall grass there until your feet was touching the sand and dirt.

"How are mwe supposed to go anywhere neow, rocky? If we leave the beach, we'll be spawtted!"

You went silent as you positioned yourself in front of her, not willing to tell her what you were about to do in fear that she might change her mind about tagging along.

"Well...?" She mewled.

You stood up over her and wrapped your arms around her then.

"Uof! Hey hey! I like you to but now is neowt the time for hugs, rocky!"

You planted your wingtips into the sand then, and conjured vibrations.

"H-Huh?! W... What are mew...?"

And then you dive under to tunnel, taking her along with you....

She was instantly spooked and tried to struggle, but you kept a firm grip on her along the way, swimming through the Earth like it an Ocean Dragon traveling the seas.

You ran yourself through various different fields of materials under the Earth as you tunneled down through. You sent yourself sprawling through waves of gravel, limestone, dense dirt and most importantly, rocks. Your body coated itself in a sticky secretion from your pores as you did, and you took care not to touch Vivi with it as she clenched her eyes shut and just curled up, waiting for it all to be over.

When you finally went up and rose from the Earth, you surfaced with her sitting upon the back of your now armored form, you had snaked her there with your wings along the end of the trip.

"Don't mew meowver do that to me again without asking! You scared me meowt of my fur!" She hissed, tapping the rocks on the top of your head.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, really! It's just the way I work, I can only travel fast by surfing through Gaea."

"Surfing? Meown, mew're really strange!" She sighed. "I can't stay mad at mew, because at least mew didn't dirty me up." She says, sitting up on your back and looking around.

"This is the Ancient Pawrest. What are we doing here?"

"Ah." You creaked, your voice made more gravelly by the armor. "We are seeking out..."

>The benevolent First Wyverians. It has been a while, and they are always helpful.
>The divine bamboo meadow. It is a hidden sanctuary that should have what I need.
>Some more help. I know a high place where I can make a call for someone I know.
>The Ancient. An enemy of mine... but I know him, and he is always open to bargaining...
>Write in.

>>4210077
>The benevolent First Wyverians. It has been a while, and they are always helpful.

>>4210077
>The divine bamboo meadow. It is a hidden sanctuary that should have what I need.
Shara said it was a sap. Inagamis place had that tree with the sap that healed Tabitabi. Shara nor Vivi are human so Inagami won't have a problem with them, even if he is an asshole.

>>4210077
Switching to
>The divine bamboo meadow. It is a hidden sanctuary that should have what I need.

>>4210077
>>The divine bamboo meadow. It is a hidden sanctuary that should have what I need.

>>4210077
>>4210077
>The benevolent First Wyverians. It has been a while, and they are always helpful.

I trust inuguy not a bit.

Bit curious about asking the ancient admitedly.

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"...The Divine Bamboo Meadow." You say cheerily, walking along through the length of the Ancient Forest.

You should have been close by from where you surfaced at.

"Divine... Bamboo Meowdow?"

"Yes. It is a primeval place in the middle of a hidden bamboo forest here in this greater forest. Not many know of it's existence."

"Mew're telling me. This just keeps getting more and meowr pur-zarre by the minute."

"What makes this paw-lace so special anymeow?"

"It is a concentration point of the lifeblood of the whole of Gaea, but moreover the New World in question. It is a place where the energy of the Everstream is felt best above ground. This energy is the root of all things we consider phenomenal, and it resides in the Earth, in people like Human Vance and you, and Dragons like me."

"Mew're talking about that 'Bioenergy' stuff the eggheads like to chit-cat about."

"You catch on quick."

"What makes that stuff so impawtent here?"

"The energy flowing through the concentration point sprouts things from Gaea that work in ways you might say are miraculous. There is a sakura tree there, one of a kind. This cherry blossom I know of is full of life and the energy of Gaea. It's sap has become a healing font so powerful, you can only describe it as 'divine'. Hence the name of the meadow."

"The place is beautiful, with many green and tall bamboo trees lumbering here and there..."

You pass underneath the waterfall entrance with Vivi.

"Warm and bright sand and blue waters like crystal. The smell is fresh, and the life is bountiful here. It is a sanctuary, a true para... dise...."

You stop. You stood in the sanctuary. Vivi was at a loss for words, just as much as you were.

This place... was a paradise no longer...

It was.... dead.

The trees didn't stir, the water was polluted with... blood. The sand was dark and the cherry blossom was....

Oh no, this can't be, this isn't how you remember it. This... this place was supposed to...

"Hahhh.... Inagami.... forgive me... I have failed..."

You looked over and saw the collapsed form of a Hunter, their chest rises slowly with strained breathes. Vivi quickly jumped off of you and ran over to the unconscious Hunter.

You approached the sakura tree...

>>4210113
Oh boy, I guess the Lenshen decide to stop fucking around.

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The blossom was without life, without energy. There was no sap to be found, no leaves. Nothing.

And then you felt something from below. Your vision trailed down and you saw the battered form of the Javon Dragon, Inagami. He was the protector of this once paradisiacal place, and the healer of the woods, the one who would help regrow and revive all of the forest in times it was needed.

You met him once in the distant past, and you tried to impart your guidance then, but he rejected it, and forbade you from coming to his home ever again for daring to suggest he forgive Humans.

With what strength he has left, he blows up mist from the pools at you to share his feelings, as he could never master the Connection.

He thinks it is a fancy to see you here, at the end of his life.

"Inagami... what happened?"

He blows mist. You feel what he knows.

Something did this, a terrible spirit, the Leshy. It has attacked more than once before...

He feels regret.

"Why Inagami? Why do you feel... contrition? What bothers you?"

He huffs and blows back mist.

He feels foolish, and blind. He lets you know through the mist that this is all his fault. He makes you feel that he once met a Human who helped him, and that human told him his grudge was best let go of.

He became angry with that human for trying to lecture him, because he thought he was so much higher, and so when the time again came for the Leshy to return, he disallowed his other faithful and willing servant from summoning that human he met to his aid again.

This time, the Leshy overcame them both.

Through the mist, Inagami relays more of his regret. He makes you feel that he is sorrowful for ever rejecting you, and for rejecting that wise human. He feels so ignorant for letting his arrogance get the best of him.

Now Inagami will die, and there is nothing that can be done about it.

"Inagami... I forgive you." You tell him, unwilling to damn him.

He blows the mist again. Through it, he tells you the Leshy has the sap, for it has drained this place in a bid to increase it's own power. It is hungry, and will continue to expand it's control over the woods.

Lastly, he thanks you for your forgiveness, even after this long since he banished you.

Inagami has no more to say. He only lays there and shuts his eye, waiting for his fading to be done with as the last of his blood drains off into the pools from wounds the Leshy dealt.

You raised a hand towards Inagami, but you retract it, not knowing what you could do for him.

You looked out over and saw Vivianne doing her best to help that other one, the unconscious Hunter, patching up her wounds with the measly amount of wrappings she carried.

This place was no good anymore. There was no more Divine Sap.

....

What will you do now?

>>4210129
>>The benevolent First Wyverians. It has been a while, and they are always helpful.
Let's talk with the wyverians, maybe the can guide us in what we can do, hell maybe they even give some tips on Lenshen endgame.


>>Some more help. I know a high place where I can make a call for someone I know.
Then get a team together, since there is no telling if we end up needing to fight against Lenshen to help Vance.

>>4210129
F for Inagami

>>4210129
Have Vivi divulge the specifics of the enemy from the Hunteress while we go call Velhana.

>>4210129
I didn't think I could feel sad for this bastard but yet here I am. Good job level.

As for what we'll do, we try to learn what we can from the swift huntress and then drop her off at a camp to be found. Then lets see the Wyverians and maybe call Velk.

Should we take Chameleos along for the ride too? Shara did say he'd help him.

>>4210143
>while
then

File: Swift Huntress.png (99 KB, 512x351)

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Vivianne helped the Huntress over, dragging her against a rock near the pools. You stepped down and shook your head at the Felyne. She frowned, knowing well what you meant as she looked at the dead sakura.

You brought your armored wing down and dipped it into the water of the pond, taking care not to touch any of the bloody water as you splashed some over the face of the Swift Huntress. She coughed, coming back to consciousness with a bleak look about her face.

"Ina... gami..."

She looked up at you and Vivianne, recognizing both of you, yet wondering why both of you were here.

"Old Everwyrm... Palico of the Freelancer? Ahh... I know you well." She said, trying to stand up, only to fall back down from the wound running across her leg.

"Woah! Take it easy there, lady!" Vivi said, settling the Huntress back down. "What hapawned here?"

"The Leshen attacked... we couldn't... defeat it... the dark spirit was too powerful..."

"Dark... spurrit?"

"Yes... a dark spirit of the woods..." The Swift Huntress said. "It only wants to... control the woods and all the fauna within... and to that end... it needed more power, so it absorbed the energy of the spring... killing the sanctuary..."

"Vivi, ask her where it is now."

"Hang in there, lady! Ev-pur-ything will be alright! Tell us where the 'Leshen' is neow!"

"It... is out there, seeking out more powerful Monsters to enslave... with the energy of the meadow, who knows what it can... control now...?"

"Inagami and I... did our best... but now he is dead..."

"Vivi, tell her we're taking her to safety." You say, outstretching your wings to carry her.

"Come on lady, let's get mew up, we're gonna help ya'!" Vivianne tells her, offering to pull her up.

"N.. No... it is.. alright..." She holds out her hand, declining the help. "I will be able to make it... I just need some time to rest, then I will go back to camp... please, leave me, I will be of no use."

"You must do something... the Leshen has to be... stopped..." She gets out, falling back into unconsciousness against the rock.

She stayed there peacefully, resting to get her strength back up. You would honor her wish if that was what she wanted.

Motioning Vivianne back onto your neck, you take off galloping away, going back out into the woods and leaving the meadow...

File: Benevolent.png (74 KB, 512x351)

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You sprinted out there through the brush until you came out to a familiar grove in the woods.

"First Wyverians! First Wyverians! I need your help!" You called out, looking up at a branch above.

The shapes of two things blending in with the surroundings shuffle on the tree, flexing themselves upwards before turning around and looking down at you.

"...It has been a while.... Everwyrm..." The leaf cloaked First Wyverian greets you.

"....URGENT IS YOUR MISSION... YOUR CHOSEN HUMAN IS CRITICAL..." The beetle armored First Wyverian says.

"I seek the Divine Sap, but there is no more to be found in Inagami's meadow! I must know where I can find some!"

"....Inagami is dead... yes? ...A true shame... his grudge destroyed him, though he meant well...."

"...THE SAP IS IN THE BODY OF A CRUEL SPIRIT... THE LESHEN! FROM OUT OF OUR WORLD!"

"...The Leshen is exceedingly powerful... you would need much help slaying it... it wanders, but we know where it is..."

"BUT WE WILL NOT TELL YOU... FOR THAT MAY BE SUICIDE... UNLESS YOU TRULY WISH TO PURSUE IT...."

"There are alternatives.... but how much time you spend gaining them... there is no telling..."

"OFF FROM HERE.... OFF FROM THE MAINLAND... THERE ARE MORE CONCENTRATIONS... MORE SOURCES OF SAP TO BE FOUND..."

"In the ancestral lands of the fiery mountain dragon's body... in the cold reach of the Hinterlands... in the deep temple of Tilokpia... and in the deadlands shrouded by dread fog..."

"...IT IS YOUR CHOICE WHAT PATH YOU MAY TAKE... BUT KNOW THIS, EVERWYRM... ALL HAVE THEIR OWN DANGERS..."

"... I'm confused..." Vivi states.

>I will pursue the Leshen and slay it for the Divine Sap it stole.
>I will go through the Guiding Lands for the source there.
>I will travel to find the Hinterlands' source.
>I will go to Tilokpia and delve into the deep dungeon for Sap.
>I will traverse the Deadlands of twilight for Sap.
>Write in.

>>4211306
>I will pursue the Leshen and slay it for the Divine Sap it stole.
What Inagami told us would imply that we cannot allow it to retreat for long.

>>4211306
>I will travel to find the Hinterlands' source.
Seems most practical. Velk would have a home advantage there if she comes along.

>>4211329
Support we could also recruit her to Leshen slaying, maybe more if we're lucky.

>>4211306
>I will travel to find the Hinterlands' source.

QM, did Velkhana go back to the Hinterlands or is she in the Recess?

>>4211420
Velk is in the reach right now yes.

"I know the Hinterlands well. If there is sap there, I will surely find it."

"...Not without our help..."

"...YOU WOULD SURELY BE LOST THERE WITHOUT A CLUE..."

"My benefactors please, tell me then, Human Vance needs it!"

The First Wyverians tap their staves.

"....The Divine Sap you seek..."

"....LIES FROZEN IN WAIT...."

"...An ancient tree sprout teeters on the edge of the world..."

"...THE ABSOLUTE END, WHERE THE AXIS DOES BEGIN..."

"....Far, far north you must go, to a desolate place beyond the snow..."

"...THE SOUTH POLE!"

"...The top of the world..."

"...AND NOT WITHOUT THE ICE DRAGON WILL YOU GO..."

"...Dangers lurk there, powerful and determined..."

"A GIANT!"

"...And a Demon..."

The First Wyverians tap their staves again.

You nod.

"I understand, most gracious First Wyverians."

"If it is to the South Pole I must go, then I shall, to help Human Vance."

"Orhhh.... I don't know about this, rocky... the South Pawl?"

"Trust in me, I will protect you Vivi. We must go there, it is for Human Vance."

Vivianne sighs, not having much of a will to object.

"Come, we must summon my student." You say, beginning to walk off.

"....Old Everwyrm, I implore you, wait for a moment more..." One of the First Wyverians speaks up.

You stop and look back at the two.

File: Chamo.png (89 KB, 512x351)

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"Your benevolence? What seems to be the matter?"

The First Wyverians both glance at other. They were internally debating on something it seemed. You see them make gestures to each other with their hands in their debate, speaking privately away from your senses.

The beetle armored First Wyverian looks like he was trying to make some kind of point, but the leaf cloaked First Wyverian passes whatever his argument is off with a wave of his head. The beetle armored First Wyverian shakes his shell as the leaf cloaked one looks down at you again.

"....We have received a guest. It was sent by the chosen Human from the ancestral lands."

Your rocks creak as you tilt your head. "A guest?"

The leaf cloaked First Wyverian shifts with his gaze around the grove until he taps his staff and points down at the grass.

"....Chamo, please show yourself, you have nothing to be scared of."

.....

"Oh! Okay!"

Slowly, out of some light mist nearby, you see a larger figure blend into sight. One of the Mist Dragons, the one Human Vance must have spoken of.

He clumsily walks up and looks down at you and Vivianne curiously. Then, he does his best impression of a smile and hangs his tongue out of his mouth.

"Hello! I Chamo! That what nice Human friend name me! Me like meet you!"

"Greetings? It is my pleasure as well." You say back.

You look up at the First Wyverians expectantly.

"...The Mist Dragon was sent to us by the chosen Human. For all of our wisdom, we could not think to help him."

"...FOR THE RECORD... I SUGGESTED WE SEND HIM AWA-"

The leaf cloaked First Wyverian slugs the beetle armored one.

"...Old Everwyrm, your experience with your own kind is superior to ours. A Dragon must be accompanied by one of his own.... For this reason, I would request you take the orphaned being with you. We can do nothing for him."

"...Wouldst you do this for us?"

Well? Will you be taking Chamo with you or denying this request?

>>4211597
Yes. Our party is getting bigger.

>>4211597
No, he isn't good at fighting and I don't want him to get hurt.

>>4211597
>Yes, hes great at non fighting stuff and hes our responsibility.

>>4211597
Also.

Vivi learning a crazy amount about what Vance has been up to lately.

>>4211643
If that means we can take her more times with us then I am all for it.

>>4211613
He could do some scouting. He managed to evade Shara’s notice, as well as many hunters in a profession where tracking is a daily fact of life.

>>4211597
We can always tell him to run if things get too dangerous.

"...Yes. I shall take the boy along."

The First Wyverians both nod.

"...We thank you, Everwyrm."

With that, the First Wyverians both tapped their rods and turned around, going back to meditating in their strange position on the branch.

The Mist Dragon, or 'Chamo' as it calls itself, looks pleased to see you'll accept his company.

"Oh! Thank you thank you thank you! Was getting boring sitting around here! We will be friends in not long time!"

"Quite." You say, getting along the way.

You began to leave the area, going out to find a cliff you knew of.

"...Meowster knows mew all, don't he?" Vivianne asked, lazing on your back.

"Yes. Human Vance is involved in a great deal many of things that not everyone knows of."

"Meown, he really went pawlaces since he arrived here, it's mind boggling!"

"I'm sure it will all make sense soon enough. For now, let's focus on the objective at hand."

File: Chamo Carrying.png (193 KB, 512x351)

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When you arrived at the cliff you knew about, you thought to call for your student then, to get a ride to the Hinterlands from her. Instead, 'Chamo' insists you let him do it.

He didn't appear as sturdy as student was, and he looked quite frail and smaller to be honest. You tried to give him a hint, but he wouldn't take it.

"Me Chamo carry you!"

You aren't able to object as he takes Vivi off your back with his tongue, throwing her onto his. His arms and legs, and his wide tail wrapped around your form, his fingers sticking to you like an adhesive.

"N-No! I said it's quite alright! You don't need to strain yourself carrying someone as heavy as..."

But you found yourself at a loss for words. He was doing quite well carrying you and Vivianne as he flapped his wings, flying forward off from the coast, down to the Hinterlands as you planned. He knew of the place, but he hasn't been yet, most because of how cold it was, and he didn't like the cold so well.

The dusk sun sets as he takes you along.

And by the Ancestor, did he talk!

"Have you ever eaten Gajalaka before? I have!"

"You ever try flying to sun before?"

"One time, I have battle of screams with yellow blue thing!"

"Have you ever eaten Human before? I have!"

"One time, I call old master 'mommy', she slice me in face for it!"

"What inside rock creature? Rock creature have blood... yes?"

"Why tiny cat have pick? Tiny cats not Humans!"

"I no like big scary black creatures, especially not horned ones!"

"Ohh, but fire breathing scary black thing I only ever see once."

"Old master once tell me icky girls just want take all your things... that true?"

Ooohhhhhh!

You didn't want to sound rude, but you were barely able to tolerate this unending surge of questions from 'Chamo'. You didn't mind discussion, but this was stepping over the line. You couldn't see Vivianne, but you heard her groan, she didn't like it anymore than you.

>Just ignore it, don't feed it... the ride will be over soon...
>Politely calm him down a tad, change the subject and ask him something different.
>Write in.

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>>4211882
>"Have you ever eaten Human before? I have!"
Chamo... you got something you wanna tell us mate?

>>4211882
>Just ignore it, don't feed it... the ride will be over soon...
Lets just go with this for now.

>>4211882
>>Write in.
Since he like talking so much, let's use it on our favor, ask him stuff about Athal-ka. What are her plans, her relationship to Z-Man, etc.

>>4211882
>Just ignore it, don't feed it... the ride will be over soon...

I felt bad slaying Kulve...

But, he wasn't that developed, just as Human Vance said. You didn't want to get him down, or hurt his feelings. You stayed quiet and let him talk as he wanted while on the trip.

He talked a long while, much to the dismay of you and Vivi, but eventually he finished another sentence you weren't paying much attention to, and then stayed quiet the rest of the way from then on.

You took the liberty to point him to where he needed to fly then as the Hinterlands came closer in the distance. He swooped down, gliding over the last stretches of the sea as he came over the Hoarfrost Reach, flying out to the iceberg littered coast at your direction, landing soon after.

"BrrrrRRRrrrr.... So... cold here..." He whined.

"...Myeah! M-M-Mew said it!" Vivi concurs.

Now there was yet another problem to deal with, their warmth in this place. You guess you should have seen that coming, given that Vivi was not wearing anything suited for this region. Chamo quickly found a way to get by consuming nearby Hot Peppers however, and he didn't share many with Vivianne, frustrating her, though she stays quiet about it...

>>4212030
Well shouldn't let her get off-screened by Akantor.

>>4212053
Oh I'm not about to do that. Her new MR quest did give me an idea though.

File: Student.png (238 KB, 512x351)

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"...Hm? Teacher?"

"Student. Greetings!" You addressed the Ice Dragon as you strode into her maze with the others.

Both of them were taken back by your exchange with the Velkhana. She was a very powerful Elder Dragon, and that surprised them, Vivi especially.

"Whatever brings you to my home, and alone like this on top of it? Whom are these guests that follow you?"

"They are more companions assisting me. But I need your help as well, Student. We are out to find Divine Sap." You tell her.

"Goodness!" She came, raising her claw to her mouth. "Divine Sap? For what purpose?"

"My chosen Human has been put into a condition that renders him unable to act entirely. I must ensure his recovery is quick, and so I seek the Divine Sap."

"I see..." She says, standing up with her armor glistening in the dim light from above. "The Human has helped us before, I see no reason I should not answer your request for help. But wherever will we find the heavenly Sap?"

"The First Wyverians have granted me knowledge of where to start. There is some to be found at the southern pole. Have you ever been there, Student?"

Velkhana seems disappointed in the answer she has as she shakes her neck.

"No, Teacher, I have never been. That area is harsh, much too difficult to traverse, even for me."

Damnation! That certainly wasn't you answer you'd thought to hear.

The South Pole much too harsh? Even for dear Student to tread through? She was born in this place, her kind made for it by the Ancestor. How tremendously dangerous was the South Pole that even she steers clear of it? The First Wyverians said there would be danger, but you didn't think it above anything a Dragon could handle.

But all paths they offered were dangerous as well, so is there really any choice in turning back now? You and the others were so close here. The South Pole should be only miles off, it cannot be that taxing to reach on foot.

Nonetheless in spite of the hinted at intensity of the place, she swears to join you and the others. You thank her for that. She may not know the place, but she knew the way to get on the trail there, which was useful to everyone right about now.

Additionally, she does warn you that the Brute was back in the area. The spine covered black fiend with horns much too large for it's own head. Yes, you knew the Brute very well... talking about it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. You and the others would need to avoid it.

"I am ready when you are, Teacher." Says Student, standing tall and proud over you and the others.

Chamo seemed to be more attuned now with the peppers he consumed. He does his best to try and stand taller than Velkhana, to no avail.

Vivianne was still shivering. She says there could be winter gear fit for her at a camp back closer to the Reach proper itself, but trying to go get any runs the risk of encountering a Human, or more particularly a Hunter. That could spell a lot of trouble in different ways.

When you are ready, Student will lead the way at your behest.

What will you do?

>>4212101
Let's get Vivi geared up, go underground and get closer to the camp, when you feel you are at a safe distance let vivi out through a felyne sized hole to gear herself, when she is done go back to Chameleo and Velkhana and depart.

>>4212101
Vivis rathian stuff has gotta offer better protection than a winter coat. We just need to make Chamo share his peppers and she'll be fine. Lets go ahead and depart.

>>4212101
We should be able to forage everything we need for hot drinks. Or just lounge in the hot springs for a while. Maybe grab some hot rocks for our self.

>>4212101
Or steal some thawpuffs. Carefully.

Perhaps vivian can use them as a gadget?

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You were ready.

Asking Student to lead the way, the four of you all set off into the Reach, fortified against what was to come because of each other's company. The four of you were like a troop in arms, all ready to work towards a specific end.

While it was true the cold was a problem for Chamo and Vivi, this problem was solved by nearby devices that were of the land. Thermal springs, hot pepper plants and Thawpuffs provided just the solution they needed.

Of course, Chamo would again talk everyone's heads off, but this time he was speaking in a manner of questioning, asking you about this journey. You were much happier to indulge him this time, and he seemed to know when to stop now. In fact, most of his speech was in discussion of things with Student who would begin talking first. This was much better.

Now, after a while of walking, the four of you came to a stop at an edge. This edge was where the territory of the South Pole began, and it was marked by a fierce wind carrying excessive snowy particles with it, obscuring all ahead.

The conditions here were torrential, but the four of you would have to march on even if it were. None of you were about to let anything stop your journey.

Passing by the initial range of the strong winds, the four of you get on your way south, going to find the Pole...

>Roll 2d100 for encounters and events along the way.
>Minus 20 modifier is active this turn, taking 20 off from every roll.
>The lower the roll, the worse things will get.

Rolled 96, 70 = 166 (2d100)

>>4212175
Lets see...

Kushala Daora?

Though theyd let everyone but Velk pass on principle likely.

Rolled 18, 84 = 102 (2d100)

>>4212175
Que brodyquest music

Rolled 48, 33 = 81 (2d100)

>>4212175

Rolled 7, 4 = 11 (2d100)

>>4212191
Well I guess things will go a little bit smooth, but let's see if the dice give us a easier ride.

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I really need to stop getting so distracted watching Toho films...

For the most part, the travel is going swimmingly as your group traverses the fierce wind of the south.

What was going on that caused it to be like this? One would think it is a strong storm with how hard this wind blew. Everyone's movement was more sluggish and slower than it was before entering the wind. Vivianne was forced to take cover near you and Chamo, less she possibly be dragged along.

Could one of the Wind Dragons be out here? Only they were known to generate such forces and...

Ah... Huh? The wind, it suddenly began to calm down...

It seems that the south pole had some sort of outer wind layer surroundings it for miles. You couldn't make out the bands, the rings of the weather, but it was not as fierce now and you could see better ahead.

You saw something short like Vivianne as you took lead. It was a wooden object, a sign, made from planks and nails. It had wording etched on and coated by black paint. It was very old as far as you could tell. You did not comprehend many forms of language among Humans, Wyverians and Lynians, and you could not recognize this script either.

"Weow! That's a kind of Lynian language!" Vivi piped up, approaching the sign without fear of the wind.

"What does the sign say, Vivi?" You asked.

Vivi brought her paw up, brushing frost off of the wooden.

"Hmmpurrr... Pawl these words are dated, this is even older than my Great Grammeow. I can read a pawful of them though."

"It says....'Turn back as soon as mew can'..."

"...'Holy Buds are guarded by giants'..."

"...'Mew can't beat a giant, its too pawerful'..."

"...'This meowthed leads to certain doom'..."

Vivi looks back at you and the others. No one seemed fazed by the warning, and neither did you. Vivi shows some sign of worry however, being a Lynian herself. You reassure her by tapping her shoulder with your wing.

Everyone continues along...

Up ahead, you spot three paths to take.

>A massive 'road' ahead.
>A spiraling turn down left.
>A ravine full of walks to the right.

>>4212222
Nice Digits Level
>>A massive 'road' ahead.

>>4212222
>A massive 'road' ahead.

ancient golems I hope not.

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And of the three, you decided to go along a straight shot ahead.

The area you choose to walk into is a clearing, wide and spacious. It seemed like a road, leading forward with rims guarded by high standing buildups of hardened and frozen snow. You might think it was intrinsic looking at it, like someone intentionally paved it all out.

Other than how smooth the path was, it was rather uninteresting.

What was interesting however was the shape you saw coming into view near the end of the path, which stopped in iced over rocks.

It was a steep rise of some sort, covered in crystals of ice and lined with layers of frost. It wasn't short, but it wasn't tall enough to call impressive. A quick fly up there would allow everyone to pass it easily.

But you couldn't.

"Teacher, up there! Look with your eyes!"

Because at the top of that rise, as you looked up the length of it, was exactly what you had came here for with the others.

It was... a cherry blossom. One of the special trees, stocked chock-full of the holy bud, the Divine Sap. It was tall, and alive, wearing a brilliant cover of sakura leaves, growing out of the top of the rise.

And strangely enough, not frozen in the slightest. That might have seemed strange, but these trees were full of Gaea's energy, perhaps it has some effect that keeps it warm and alive?

Nevermind that, you should get it, as soon as you can! Then everyone can go home!

>Student, fly Vivi up there and collect sap for me!
>But... we're not even close to the pole yet...
>Chamo, fly up there and check that out for me.
>Write in.

>>4212264
>>But... we're not even close to the pole yet...

>>4212264
>But... we're not even close to the pole yet...

>>4212264
>Look with your geokinetic sense. This is probably a trap.

>>4212291
supporting this too.

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You planted your wingtips into the snow and dug them down to the ground, touching Gaea below and feeling it with your heightened sense. You peered far out, at that rise to detect anything you might find.

And you jolted, feeling something. A pull, from under the rise.

You held your wings aloft, holding the others back.

"Something is not right. We are not at the Pole. The First Wyverians told me the Divine Sap we seek is at the Pole."

Everyone stared at the tree, making no more to go forward, heeding your warning. But this waiting around caused indecisiveness.

"How do you know they meant the Pole itself? You could very well interpret that as meaning it is near the Pole, rather than in the dead, exact center." Student suddenly spoke up.

She took some steps forward.

"No, Student! I could never mistake or misunderstand the First Wyverians! You must not!"

Velkhana's pride got the best of her.

"Come now, it is only a tree atop a rock, there is no danger."


Oh how wrong she was...


SPIURSHT!

"Ah!"

The tree vanished from sight, dissipating into pure Bioenergy. An illusion! The rock rise underneath it began to collapse, shattering to pieces as the ground beneath it sank under, caving into Gaea!

Everyone paced backwards rapidly as more and more of the road was consumed by the sink hole forming just then. Eventually, it stopped, and where there once stood a rise with a fake tree atop it, there was now a collection of spires.

These spires were pure ice... and they were insidious, teeming with a dark energy and a power flowing through it. It radiated malice...

It was unspeakably cold. So cold... so very cold... much more so than anything else here at the pole region...

Even Student was...

"It is... cold... even to... me..." Velkhana remarked, giving a slight shiver that traveled down her neck...

You looked around at everyone, they were uneasy.

"What is the meaning of this...?" You said aloud.

"I am the meaning of this." A voice answered.

A voice you felt animosity towards...

File: The Ancient Reveals Himself.png (187 KB, 512x351)

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"Ancient!" You called to the air.

"Wh-Whats happening...?" Vivi asks.

A blinding flash of red light shines out from the air in front of everyone, conjured from nothing. The flash produced reveals the spectral image of your enemy, the Ancient Human Zuhramon.

"Everwyrm! Surprised to see me?"

"The Ancient...?!" Velkhana says.

"S-Scary man! Scary man!" Chamo said, ducking behind Vivianne.

"How did you know I was coming here?!" You questioned.

"From the eyes of which man can I look through? You thought I wouldn't find out about what you're out to do? I saw you put him to sleep so you could come congregate with more of your misbegotten sort."

"Why does this matter to you? You claim to love Humans, so don't tell me you've come to interfere when my intentions are pure for a Human!"

"The Human Vance is ever more corrupted by your lies. You are turning him into what I have no love for, a traitor to Mankind. By feeding him your dogma, you are damning him, Dragon."

"The past must remain buried!"

"I'm much more privy to digging it up myself actually."

The projection of Zuhramon looks back at the insidious ice. He laughs.

"I'll make you a simple offer, Everwyrm. If you do something for me, I won't sic what rests inside of this onto you."

"...Hrn... What do you mean?"

"Heh heh heh... Let us just leave it at this... Recently, I have awoken a pet of mine in preparation of what is to come, and I sent it here to nurture itself back to it's prime by intake of the coldest temperatures the world can give. My demonic little friend resting inside this spire is at full power again, and he could crush all of you with impunity..."

"Yae, there is no chance for you to stand, not all of you, even together... but I will not release him..."

Your rock hide flexes with your expression as you raise a brow. "If...?"

Zuhramon turns back and raises his hands.

"If you obey this simple command I have; Abandon the Human Vance and never again come near him, or any of the Human settlements here in the New World. Stick to your own life and cease your devil influence over him. That is my command."

"Will you obey, so that I have a chance still to save him from treachery, or will you force my hand? Get everyone here to die with you in this place?"

What will you say?

>>4212337
No.

>>4212337
>acquiesce
Vance can't get the sap if we're dead and Z-man doesn't seem too keen on healing him himself.

>>4212337
"You already know the answer to that Zuhramon. You are destined to fail in the end, so bring out all you can because it wont make a difference."

Guys, please. If there's one thing that Zuhramon doesn't welsh on, it's threats. Remember that we not only have ourselves to worry about but Vance and Vivi as well.

>>4212365
This.
>>4212500
Vance wouldn't just give up if our situations were reversed, we will not fail him.

Whats inside the ice though?

>>4212939
Probably one of those aberrations of Ancient hands.

Think something like an Equal Dragon Weapon.

File: Fate Sealed.png (182 KB, 512x351)

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"You know already the only answer I have for you, Ancient."

Zuhramon cocked his head.

"You are destined to fail. You will never win in the end. So I tell you, call upon all the arms of your arsenal, bring all the weapons you have to bear down, it cannot stop us, it won't make a difference."

"You are the last of your people, you hold knowledge lost to time, and yet you use it for malevolent purpose! You should abandon these plots of grandeur and turn to something else, there are many ways more you could help the world!" Student reinforced you.

"Ough? Hrrr.... Yeah! Scary man go home! Scary man not frighten us!" Chamo said with fresh bravery, coming out from behind Vivianne.

Vivianne said nothing, still confused about everything going on at this moment in time.

...

"Hmph."

"You have chosen your demise."

Zuhramon raises his hand and snaps his fingers.

The snap elicited strong rumbles from the earth below, shaking the ground. The insidious ice began to hum with an aura of aggression, cracks slowly forming along the spire's many points.

"My pet does love a good game. I will admit, he will not kill you right away... he prefers to drag the chase out... it makes it all the more fun for him..."

"You could have prevented this, saved everyone here, but you remain steadfast in denying me. So be it then, you will have your due."

"You can run, but you cannot hide from him, nor do you have any hope of fighting him. He will exterminate you all!"

"You cannot survive... Duremudira!"

File: Demon Unleashed.png (195 KB, 512x351)

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Your heart sank hearing that as Zuhramon's projection vanished.

The poisonous spire of ice slung a dark mist with traces of the poison in it outwards to the air. You backed away as the crystals began to sink back down into the earth, shattering as a bright light worked it's way up through the largest crystal of the spire. It was almost free...

So that was what Zuhramon sent here... Duremudira, the artificial Dragon, created by the wicked sciences of the Ancient Civilization to act as stalwart guardians and enforcers...

What Zuhramon said was true then, none of you really could fight it. You knew the Duremudira well, they were mighty enough to fight evenly against even the warrior Black Dragons, the Alatreon.

Maybe if you were an adult... and back in your prime, then you could do something here, but you can't. Neither can Student.

"You're wasting your head start standing around. He will come after you relentlessly. Best run while you still can. Heh heh hah hah hah hah!"

This once, you think you'll take the Ancient's advice.

"Everyone! Away!" You shouted, turning back in a sprint.

You grabbed Vivi up onto your back as you ran. Student and Chamo were right beside you along the way as you went back down the road.

There were only two paths ahead to take!

>Go right to the spiraling turns!
>Go left to the ravine!
>No, lets get out of entirely, go back to the Reach and leave the pole region!

Now you guys have done it.

>>4213404
>Go left to the ravine!

>>4213404
I thought it might be the screen freezer

>No, lets get out of entirely, go back to the Reach and leave the pole region!

If it follows us there, we might be able to lead it into a brawl with Nerg. Other than that? Yeah I'd rather we go back home and kill the Leshen.

>>4213404
>>No, lets get out of entirely, go back to the Reach and leave the pole region!

>>4213444
You're thinking small anon, if it follow us to the reach, we should keep moving and make it follow us to the rotting vale, we let it fight against the Nakarkos and with any luck we can get rid of two problems at once.

>>4213444
>choosing to run out of the place after poking the bear
We should try to get the sapling, at least.

>>4213575
Yeah changing my vote for >>4213409
, it's gonna follow us anyway we might as well not come out empty-handed.

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Strafing left, you elected to carry your partners down the expanse of the ravine you saw. The deep gnash in the earth was black in it's bottom, but the ledges it sported were quite large, enough so that everyone could climb about them without difficulty.

You jumped down onto a path and ran without pause, the others followed behind as you lead them. Admirable distance was gained from the spire where Duremudira was cocooning through the ravine.

That was until the paths split unexpectedly, and Vivianne was thrown off of your back as you jumped up a bump, causing her to fall down onto Chamo. Chamo and Vivianne went down one of the other diverging paths, ending up below the one you and Student took above to higher ground.

"Ah! So rushed! So many paths!"

"Hang in there! We will all be okay! We just have to follow the ravine to the end and meet back up!" You shouted to reassure Chamo.

His eyes traveled up at you and he nodded as he sped ahead.

"THI-S I-S CRA-AA-ZY!" Vivi complained, holding onto Chamo's head as he suddenly entered a cave his path lead into. With some luck, that lead back out ahead.

"Student, can you fly?" You called back to Velkhana.

"No! The wind pressure is getting even rougher than what we felt entering this place! We can only run!" She called back through the snowy wind.

And then came a crash. Overhead, a dark object comes down from the air, landing on the other side of the ravine's mouth. The ice sheets rumbled under the force of that dark thing, and some began to collapse.

Student was caught by the ice under her feet suddenly giving out as well. You stopped and plunged your wingtips into the ice, using what little pull you had over it to slow the fall so she could get back up.

"Damn! This is bad!" You said, looking over the distance at the dark object.

File: Features of the Demon.png (174 KB, 512x351)

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The dark object's poisonous mist flowed away, blowing off as it dispersed. And from it, you heard a pernicious tone through your Connection.

"Haaahhhhh.... Haaarrrrgggghhhhhh!"

"Destroy you all... DESTROY YOU ALL!"

"IIIIIIII will devour you... mind.. body and soul... all!"

File: Demon.png (150 KB, 512x351)

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"I SEE YOU! YOU WILL NEVER ESCAPE ME!"

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CnWAIi80ZE

"I AM FEAR... I AM DEATH! I AM DUREMUDIRA!"

"RHGEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH!"

The razor wings of the artificial monstrosity expand, throwing aside all of the shrouding mist around itself. It's body was adorned by ice as tight as the hardest metals known in the world, and it's body was overrun with it's own secretion, a poison more potent than anything natural one could scrounge up.

This was a beast made with only one purpose; To kill. To kill Dragons.

It was strong, much stronger than Student. It could fly successfully even in these conditions, it's body and heart were colder than all the ice you could see for miles. This thing will never give up...

You could only run...

"Ah!" Student cried in fear at the ghastly appearance of Duremudira.

"Teacher," She said, pulling herself up. "We must flee! NOW!"

"I couldn't agree more! GO!" You yelled, bolting.

>2d100 to flee from Duremudira.
>Minus 50 dice modifier.

Rolled 74, 68 = 142 (2d100)

>>4213774
>>2d100 to flee from Duremudira.

Rolled 7, 31 = 38 (2d100)

>>4213774
-50
Jesus...

We could use a third guy.

File: Spoiler Image (284 KB, 800x750)

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Rolled 55, 17 = 72 (2d100)

>>4213774
We gotta scoot quick or we'll turn into pic related

Rolled 63, 98 = 161 (2d100)

>>4213774

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You and the others were by now keeping pace with the wind. Everyone was fast on their feet, but Duremudira was too.

The artificial killing machine takes off on it's wings, speeding through the air like a missile on the other side of the ravine. As well, it catches you off guard when it flies far ahead of your group. It was so much faster!

A trail of it's dark and poisonous aura leaked off into the air as it stopped a ways up and hovered.

It crackled with power, gathering it's stored energy up. You were too busy running to try and figure what it was trying to do, and you didn't need to. You saw clearly it's intention.

The thing howled like a predator before it unleashed a massive arc of Bioenergy from it's mouth, firing the large beam into the shelves ahead and splitting them. A huge gap was made as the beam blew away everything in it's path.

Once it ceased fire, Duremudira cackled. You heard the thing laugh with delight at this all. It really did want to drag things out, to make you and the others suffer.

You couldn't fall back, and you couldn't halt! You had to get that sap for Human Vance!

File: Jump.png (187 KB, 512x351)

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Student crossed the gap easily as she jumped ahead, but she looked back at you as you jumped.

"Teacher!"

You were far too heavy to do things like this! But you had to!

You had to... make it!

>2d2000.
>Failure will result in you falling to a chasm where Duremudira will personally target you.

Rolled 1770, 234 = 2004 (2d2000)

>>4213900
JAMPU

That second roll is disconcerting.

>>4213900

>>4213931
2000 was enough
I usually use 2d2000 to trip up players because that die seems to garner really low rolls from what I've seen.

Rolled 273, 1091 = 1364 (2d2000)

>>4213936
Let's try again.

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...And you did!

By some merit of luck, or a miracle, you got over the boundary and safely landed on the other side of the gap, galloping up to meet with Velkhana as she stopped near a tall ice formation that stood up like a tower.

The wind was split and the sound barrier was distorted as Duremudira shot across the ravine, landing with such force that you trembled on your feet.

The dauntless pursuer shrieked your way before taking off. He was fast, and would reach you in mere seconds.

But Student had a plan!

"Stand back, allow me!"

With her ice armored wing, she gave a stroke, bashing and pushing right through the base of the tall ice formation nearby. The thing crumbled immediately, but Duremudira did not halt in it's tracks.

File: Fall.png (101 KB, 512x351)

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The thing came down overhead! Falling right at Duremudira!

"REND YOU! REND YOOOOUUUUU-"

CRASH!

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It looked like that crushed him completely...

Did it... stop him?

>>4213997
Im sure it slowed him down a little.

>>4213997
We're a millennia-old Elder Dragon, surely we're not that dumb.

....

A few minutes go by with no response from the pillar. It seems Duremudira has been stopped, for now... who knows how long it will be that you have this peace...

"H-Hey! Over here!"

You and Student looked ahead and saw Chamo and Vivi surface from a hole in the ground of one of the ice shelves. They found a way out of their cave. The ravine didn't have much longer to go ahead until you and the others were out of it.

You and Velkhana regrouped with Chamo and Vivianne before moving on.

There lied two ways to go from here at the end of the ravine.

There were three tall slopes you saw that looked to be mountainous, but in truth these things were really just enormous build ups of snow that has grown mountainous in size.

And down from that, there was a lake, but not an ordinary one, it was an entire lake of thermal water seeping out of Gaea.

On one claw, the slopes looked deserted, there wouldn't be any life there, but crossing it would be much more difficult.

On the other, the thermal lakes would be easier to pass through, but where there were thermal hotspots in frozen tundras, there was life as well. Going there meant you surely might encounter other hostile beings besides Duremudira...

Which way will you lead everyone through?

>The slopes.
>The lake.

>>4214014
>The lake.

Follow the flow of the earths life.

>>4214014
Also explain who the ancient human is to our companions.

Also that Vance has been our proxy against him while we grow.

>>4214014
>The slopes.
Lets go sledding

>>4214014
>>The lake.

The best choice here was clearly the lake. Nobody would have to worry about the cold there, as the warmth of the thermal lake would thin the wind. Heading that way, the others follow you.

Vivianne looks shaken after having witnessed all of that earlier, she hasn't spoken since, until now.

"Shara..."

You glance over your shoulder at her.

"....What... what is happawning?! Who was that guy back there? Why are mwe being chased...?"

"Like I told you before, Human Vance is involved in a great deal many things. You may think he came here of his own volition, but in truth, it was nature that branched this path out for him, like it does all."

"The Human is our ally, he has helped us out of the kindness of his own heart, and so we are prepared to help him as well." Student says to the Felyne.

"That man you saw is a terrible person. His name is Zuhramon, he comes from the old Human civilization."

"Mew... mew mean those meowyths? The tales of the Ancients? But... those are just stories."

"They are not mere stories, their status as myth is only a forced narrative among today's Human society. The Ancients were very real, I would know. This terrible man Zuhramon is the last of them, and he plans to bring about a terrible dark future. That is why he must be stopped, by us, and by Human Vance one day."

"You would be right to trust my Teacher, he has lived to see the Ancients with his own eyes, and witness their fall as well."

Vivianne rubs her head.

"This is... a lot to take in, rocky..."

"You don't even know half, Vivi. I will gladly tell you more, but at another time. Let us get what we've come for first."

"Right..."

File: Comfy Banbaro.png (212 KB, 512x351)

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Continuing down, you led the others to the thermal lake, where you stopped and stood over a ledge to look out over it all.

You got a good enough view o the place, there were shallow ends with sparkly rocks about and deeper ends that sank down into unknown crevices in the earth.

There were plenty of smaller lifeforms about thriving near this lake as it acted as an oasis for them in the bleak region here. But that was not all.

"Hey, look meover there." Vivi says, standing up on Chamo's head.

Over to the left, you see a herd of Brute Wyverns resting in the lake. There were dozens of them, big and strong animals. And with this many of them here, they even posed somewhat of a threat to you and the others.

"The Humans call these creatures 'Banbaro'." Student says.

You couldn't see a clear way around the Banbaro. The steam rising from the thermal lake clouded the area and cloaked the distances ahead. You don't know what you might walk into going around them.

Though they looked comfy and docile, they could easily be encouraged into charging together if they felt under threat.

>Let us get lower down and appear as harmless as we can and then attempt to pass by them peacefully.
>Send Chamo to cloak and sneak up past them to scout out what was further ahead.
>Let us chance it and walk through the steam around the herd to get by.
>Send Vivianne to provide a distraction so everyone can find a way by.
>Write in.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4214107
>>Send Chamo to cloak and sneak up past them to scout out what was further ahead.
>>Let us chance it and walk through the steam around the herd to get by.

Both options sound good. I let the dice decide. 1 for chamo and 2 for steam.

>>4214107
Go chamo!

This is a stealth milk run.

All eyes fall on Chamo. He looks around at everyone with his bulbous independent eyes, looking behind himself before he realizes it.

"Me?"

"Yes. Chamo, you are stealthy. You can sneak around the Banbaro for us, and see what is beyond them all."

Chamo looks back at the herd of about forty Banbaro in total before nodding.

"Yessss! I do it! Not let new friends down! I be back fast! Won't even think me gone!"

Chamo sprays his mist, mixing it with the steam and amplifying his invisibility before he slithers down and enters the lake.

>1d500 to measure his success.
>Best of three.

Rolled 121 (1d500)

>>4214119

Rolled 407 (1d500)

>>4214119
Go go chamo!

Rolled 372 (1d500)

>>4214119

File: ban.png (148 KB, 512x351)

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...

File: banban.png (142 KB, 512x351)

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Splash!

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His effort was great, but in the end Chamo ended up catching the attention of one of the Banbaro. It was none other than the biggest one there to make things worse.

"Uhhhh....." He mouthed at the patriarch, who looked down at his partially visible form.

"Don't hurt me I child...?"

File: banbanbanban.png (111 KB, 512x351)

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"....."

"......"

.....

File: banbanbanbanban.png (130 KB, 512x351)

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"HEAAAAAOOOONNNNGK!" ("AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!")

"HEEEONGK! HEAAONGK HEAAONGK!" ("A new cute child to pamper!")

"AH!"

Well, it seemed that wasn't a patriarch after all, it was the matriarch of the Banbaro herd! And now she was right on top of Chamo! He was powerless to move under her larger form grappling his squirming self!

While he was able to sneak past the Banbaro, he ended up making one slip anyway, he can't get past her if she's trying to hug him to death like this!

You've got to do something to help, but what?

"Any... ideas?"

"...Maybe we could throw something." Student suggested.

"Can't mew dig over there and do... something?" Vivi asks.

Hmm... What will you do now?

>>4214167
Time for Shara to sacrifice one precious thing: His pride.

Tell everyone to sneak past the banbaros meanwhile Shara pretends he is a lost child who lost his parents in the storm, and while the banbaros is busy with him tell Chamo to slip away as fast as possible and join with the others.

>>4214199
One important thing tell Chamo only what we're ploting to do, the last thing we need is him ruining our desguise.

>>4214202
>...tell Chamo only
Tell Chamo and him alone.

>>4214167
Aw hell no, we aren't letting some dirty moose hag get her hands on our boy
>tunnel down under the shallow parts of the lake and try to collapse the ground underneath the banbaro

>>4214167
>>4214199
Is shara cute enough? Lets find out!

Go lies!

>>4214199
I don't think Shara understands what she meant in HEEEONGK speak anon

>>4214218
Anon I think it's worth a shot, if Velhana can understand Ukanlos which was said gone feral, I think Shara can understand her well enough, Hell Vance was able to understand Tabitabi and she is full feral and unlike those two the matriach sound smarter.

>>4214225
Ukanlos is an advanced kind of monster though, and Tabitabi seems like she got smarter too. The thing is, when Velk and Vance heard them, it was clearly their thoughts, not a roar. If Shara was hearing the matriachs thoughts it would have been in bold connection speak.

I think we should just sink the tree swinging bitch and let Chamo move on so we can as well. We can't really waste time because theres an angry demon dragon after us too.

>>4214230
But Anon, she literally understood what Chamo mind talked to her, he was a child, that's why she is acting like this, as long as we're discrete we can pull this off, and when Chamo is outta sight we can just burry ourselves and tunnel away to meet up with the others.

>>4214230
Its a terrible plan, but it should make for some good commedy either way.

"Student..."

"Yes, Teacher?"

"Take Vivi through the steam. Leave things here to me..."

Velkhana was surprised by that, but obeys, allowing the Felyne to ride on her neck as she walked off into the steam.

You sighed and shook your head.

You knew clearly what that matriarch was doing to Chamo, you understood her perfectly. If she wants a child to pamper and treat like her own, then perhaps you can use that to your advantage.

Using your earthen powers, you dig yourself down into the shallow ground beneath the lake and swim through over to the matriarch...

File: banbanbanbanban.png (123 KB, 512x351)

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Popping out of the ground in front of her, the large and imposing matriarch of the herd looks down at you, holding Chamo tightly in her arms.

"Heongk?" ("Hum?")

"Ahem..."

"Helo!" You say, trying your best to make your projected voice sound younger.

"Heongk? Heaong heang?" ("Oh? Who are you?")

"I am... also child!"

"Hea?!" ("Huh?!")

"I lost parents in bad storm, I am so very scar-red!"

You send Chamo a glare of notice.

"I not know how to, hegh, GET OUT of here!"

He seems to understand your point well.

"Heaongk! Heaong heaaong heongk!" ("Oh dear! That's just terrible!")

"Heaangk! Heangk heeeaongk heeaongk heangk honngk." ("Today must be my lucky day though, not one but two new children to pamper.")

"Heangk heaongk honghk heaongk! Heaongk heaaongk!" ("Don't worry little one, I will be your new mother too! You can call me that, can't you? Go on, try!")

Oh no! Now she's just crossing the line with her urge to adopt orphans. Subjecting yourself to childish treatment is one thing, but calling a woman your 'mother' is another thing!

This would mean great disrespect to your actual birth mother, it is Draconic culture! You can't stress how much you don't want to do this, even as pragmatic as you were!

But.. if you don't, she might become saddened, and this will go on way longer than it needs to...

Will you really call this Banbaro your... eigh! ...your 'mother'...?

>>4214362
Patience Shara, do it call her momma.

>>4214381
Also ask your new mamma, if you can play a game of hide and seek with your new brother, you seek him after.

>>4214362
>>4214362
This shit was pretty funny. Especially keeping in mind that adult Shara has a smile that could spoil milk.

Pray to your mothers spirit for forgiveness.

>>4214381
supporting
… the things we do for love, id suppose

Yeah call her mom, get it over with.

Also, I can't help but wonder, why exactly does this Banbaro want to just adopt a random kid she found immediately? Like shes right off the bat with it.

Gog help us when Banbaro become sapient.

>>4214362
Mother forgive us for what we must do.
>call her your mother

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"Egnnn..... hhgffnnnnnn.... aefnnnngnkgn....."

"Mother, forgive me..." You whisper to yourself.

"Mo... Momma!"

The Banbaro matriarch looks thrilled, full of happiness. She sets Chamo aside gently under the impression he'll stay before she stands up to full height over you.

Ancestor above, she really was huge! Easily as large as your average Dragon... no, maybe larger in fact!

"Heongk hongk!" ("Let me give you some loving!")

Chamo takes that moment to cloak and slither off, but you are left alone now as the Banbaro matriarch looms over you, coming over to give you a hug...

File: BAN!.png (282 KB, 512x351)

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SLAM!

In the distance now, you heard the cries of the Banbaro matriarch as you surfaced up. You took that moment when she was coming down to embrace you to quickly dive under the ground below, tunneling out and away from that part of the lake.

You regrouped with Chamo farther down the way of the lake, away from the herd and through the steam. He seems somewhat traumatized after having been handled the way he was.

"Teacher!" Came Student as she approached with the Felyne atop her crown. "Are you quite alright? I thought you might have been crushed as I watched from a safe distance!"

Vivianne was hysterical after having witnessed that.

"Any longer and she mwould've tried feeding mew her milk! Ho ho ho ho ho!"

"I don't want to.... talk about it." You say, glancing back at the herd.

"Lets... go."

You continue ahead, running past the others to one of the three routes you could take now. Each had their own obstacles.

>There is a gaseous cave leading further south this way. We'll seek passage through it.
>There is a point where the lake turns into a river flowing south, we'll follow it there.
>There is an ice field leading around in a curve southward, we'll move through there.

>>4215334
>There is a point where the lake turns into a river flowing south, we'll follow it there.
Doubt it leads us the the Pole but it's better than a confined space and open field.

>>4215334
>There is a gaseous cave leading further south this way. We'll seek passage through it.
If its like the gas in safis lair, we might be able to explode it if Dure comes back after us.

Might want to flip a coin, QM.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4215408
>>4215494

From here on, you chose to lead the others down into a subterranean system that would take you all further south, closer to the pole.

The cavern was gaseous, full of a vapor that was brimming with energy. The gas down here was powerful indeed, maybe even unstable. One wrong move could cause a detonation in pockets where the gas was more abundant.

The cavern was complex, wide enough for Student to move through, but the amount of natural rock walls and columns here was staggering. You had to lead everyone through carefully.

You are sure this way will take you out to your destination, but not without trouble along the way of course...

From above, you hear an echo resounding. It was like something was tearing through the firmament, ripping it's way down into the cavern! You knew who that was...

File: Unstoppable.png (215 KB, 512x351)

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"HRREEEEAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHH!"

Duremudira had finally caught up. The artificial dragon bursts from the ceiling, dropping down into the cavern and making it's presence known. This crazed abomination had just pulverized it's way through dozens of meters of bedrock to find you, and it seemed to have done that using only it's head as well. It wouldn't let up.

"EVERWYRRRM! YOU ARE GOING NOWHERE!"

The gas swarmed around, being attracted to the hole Duremudira just made. You ran with the others deeper into the cave, fleeing farther underground as Duremudira stalked your group behind slowly.

Each of you had came out to a large subterranean room when the artificial dragon flew into the ceiling again, tearing it's way through more chunks of rock to drop down ahead of your group. The ways you came through collapse from Duramudira's digging, trapping you and the others in this system with the ferocious demon!

"I will kill you all! I will KILL YOU ALL!" It swore.

"You are mine to tear apart! I will disfigure you all! Come out where I can see you!"

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Your group is scattered. This room is large, and Duremudira remains stationary in front of the way you need to go.

Vivianne does not approach them, but she has discovered Boaboa tribesmen down from her. They have their spears, but they also carry bombs on their person as well.

There are hazards, falling icicles and tall rocks that can be pushed over to block out a path....

+=======+

Duremudira's vision is marked with red shade. Anything entering his line of sight will be viciously mauled.

Hazards you can trigger are white. Walls and places to hide behind are darker on the map. They can be knocked down by Chamo's poison spit, Velkhana's ice shards or Vivianne's throwing attack.

There is a single pocket of dense plasma gas build up to the north that can be detonated by simply throwing something onto it. It will be able to stop Duremudira temporarily should he be caught in it's explosion.

+=======+

What is your call?

>>4215692
Ok here is an idea, first make Chamo drop the ice cube close to him, then make him leave his position and regroup with Velkha, meanwhile we go underground close to the plasma gas and we try to draw his attention, when he comes after us we go underground and let him crash in the gas cloud.

This situation was chilling, but you had to act fast if you were to save everyone and get them out alive. Being gridlocked in here with Duremudira for even a minute would spell fatality for any of you, or even all of you at once.

You moved quietly, stepping lightly across the rock floor to meet your companions and tell them what to do. You relayed instructions to both, telling them what to do as you set your plan into motion. And then you spoke with Vivianne, looking across the gap of one of the paths Duremudira was watching. You spoke softly so he wouldn't receive your voice.

Everyone was ready, and so acted.

Chamo was the first to move, using his shoulder to overturn one of the tall rocks and block a path. He cloaked and got a move on opposite of that way, going with Student as she moved through the dark as well.

Duremudira shot down and pounced on the fallen rock instantly, shattering it to millions of pieces with one swipe. Chamo and Velkhana went through where Duremudira previously was quick, Vivianne jumping behind to gain on them as you burrowed into the ground. The scared Boaboa trbesmen followed Vivianne as well, not knowing what else to do in the midst of all of this.

You surfaced just in front of the gas pocket, putting yourself into Duremudira's sight.

"Everwyrrrrmmm... MmmmmmMMMMMMMMMNNNNNGH!"

"Come and get me, animal!"

"RGHAEGGGHHH!" It snarled.

The artificial dragon did exactly that, leaping forward with terrifying speed!

You dug under again, and narrowly do you avoid his icy talon as it scrapes the top of your armor, sending bits flying as he goes over you.

You retreated as Duremudira fell into the gas pocket, causing it to detonate...

The entire cavern room there came crashing down as the explosion rocketed it all!

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You escaped just in time to meet up with the others deeper underground as that chamber was destroyed.

"Did that stop him?" Student asks, understandably concerned seeing how the pillar she dropped before did halt him for a while.

"No, that won't even scratch the monster, we still have to get a move on."

There was shifting heard behind the rocks.

"I see..." She says.

The ways ahead were illuminated by the glowing gas that swirled around.

"And we have to go fast, the surface has been cut off, leaving this explosive gas with no way to vent. It will collect up and form more pockets down here. Who knows how big these tunnels are? Who knows how big the explosion could be if all the gas was to detonate..."

"Could that kill the demeown?" Vivianne questioned.

"I honestly don't know. But... it would be worth a try to find out." You say.

Maybe along the way you could find some way to escape while also leaving this system to explode with Duremudira inside of it. You stroll ahead.

"Heh heh heh..." Chamo giggled.

"Hm? Mwat is it?" Vivi says, looking back at him.

Chamo tapped the wall with his tail. "It CAVED in on demon'ssss head! Hah hah ha-HAAAAH!"

"DRAGOOOONS!"

"AAAAAAH! HELP ME! HELP HELP HEEELP!" Chamo screamed.

Duremudira's arm suddenly punched through the rubble, taking hold of Chamo's tail! He lost all feeling at the demon's touch, he couldn't escape it's grasp!

Something has to be done!

>We have no choice, his tail must be amputated to free him!
>Student, drive your tail into that claw! Try and reach an artery to force Duremudira to let go!
>Rush forward and bash the wall to make an opening, find Duremudira's face and let Vivianne use her gadget!
>Write in.

>>4215950
Jesus fuck this guy is insane
>Rush forward and bash the wall to make an opening, find Duremudira's face and let Vivianne use her gadget!

>>4215950
Gadget, then boom. gives us extra dps.

Three rolls of 1d100 please.

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>4216003

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>4216003

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>4216003

Lunging forward, you bashed the rubble with both of your wings right away, cracking and breaking away the stone as Duremudira's talons tightened over Chamo's tail.

"Please! Hurry! Hurry!" He cried, bawling in fear and pain.

You delivered another blow to the rubble, revealing Duremudira's hideous visage glaring daggers back at you. He snaps with his jaw as he can back.

"Leave this me-ow! I'll purrt him to sleep!" Vivi declared, jumping up on your back and hopping to your wing as you held it close enough, in a safe distance.

She used her Sleeper Gadget, squeezing it's handle hurriedly, sending out the sum of all the sleeper agent she had into Duremudira's mouth. The artificial Dragon inhales it all in on purpose, as if testing you all. It's grip loosens and it slows down, but it wasn't put to sleep yet!

Now it was pressing the tips of the icy talons into Chamo's tail, drawing blood that froze over as it leaked out from his cold touch.

"It wasn't enough!" You say, backing off.

"Please...! PLEASE!" Chamo pleaded.

Student stepped up then, bringing her tail around, the sword-like tip reflecting light from the gas.

"Leave this to me!" Velkhana says, preparing to impale Duremudira's arm.

>Three more 1d100s.
>Failure will result in Chamo's tail being severed.

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>4216096

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>4216096
CAM ON VELK

I don't think 60 is enough.

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>4216096

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>4216096

Striking forth, Velkhana drove her barb into the arm of the Ancient made Dragon, making it roar in fury. She had struck a vital point in the physiology of the demon, puncturing blood vessels and an artery in it's arm.

A thick charcoal lubricant leaked from the spot she impaled, as there was no natural blood in the body of this heinous organism, only poisonous materials. And after she dealt the wound, it froze over immediately, even freezing the ice on Velkhana's tail more solid than she could. She pulls back with much force, freezing her tail from the arm.

Chamo was relieved as the icy talons unhanded his tail, but he dragged it across the ground, having no feeling in it all the way to the base. He scurried ahead shakily, having been affected somewhat by the Corrupted Poison of Duremudira, but not in a way that would reduce his health severely in the long term. He was resistant to poison, but Duremudira's flavor of it had a secondary effect.

Now, only when you and the others are finally on the move again does a stark realization come over you.

It was true what the Ancient said about Duremudira's playing of a game. That beast had multiple opportunities now to kill any of you if it wished. It didn't take them, and it should have been able to effortlessly break it's way out of that rubble.

It was waiting before pursuing again back there.

What a twisted creation. This thing has a sick enjoyment of this game, and making everyone else suffer. How long will it be until Duremudira has had enough and decides to end this...?

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You and the others stopped upon reaching another chamber in this labyrinthal subterranean system.

The ceiling above shook, dust falling off as a crunching approached. And then from a spot nearby your position, the ceiling exploded as Duremudira smashed his way through. The spot he lands at weakens the ground below, creating a wide crack over the surface.

Was the ground here hollow...? That crack could very well give away under his weight again.

Hmm... the artificial Dragon slide down a ramp and stops in front of the way out of this chamber, focusing his view entirely on it. His demonic aura flared, he was going to use more of his tricks now. His feet touching the ground alone sent frost growth across every conceivable surface, even over the walls to where you hid.

There were several pillars to collapse and block ways with, as well as another pocket of built up and bubbling gas ready to blow.

You saw a hole in the wall as well. A tunnel perhaps? You didn't know where it led, but Vivi or one of those Boaboa following you might fit in.

There are plenty of stones you can chuck here. In fact, there is even Crystalburst.

Knowing all that... what is your call now?

>>4216270
>You saw a hole in the wall as well. A tunnel perhaps?
Have Vivi investigate this, depending of what she finds we could tunnel everyone to surface. Meanwhile everyone who is not felyne sized keep yourself hidden.

Looking over the tunnel, you motion Vivianne over with a flick of your wing and point her down into it, asking her to investigate for you. She takes a moment to mull it over before giving you a readied nod and crawling inside. You heard the creek of her feet scraping against the inner walls as she pulled herself up. She traveled above, going into the ceiling for a time, causing particles to fall down from the ceiling over your head where she walked. The ceiling must have been as hollowed out as the floor.

You had to be really deep underground now for things to be like this.

Just as soon as she went up, Vivi came back down then, landing with a thud in front of you.

"Mew won't purr-lieve it! Mew won't!" She said impetuously.

"What did you find?"

"The meowle ceiling is full of cat expawloding gas! Mwe can bring it pawl down in a jiffy here with a stone or something!"

Incredible, but also demoralizing. This whole place was a dormant bomb...

You had few choices. You could try luring Duremudira into that pocket nearby in the chamber, or tricking him into falling through his own crack. You could have Vivi begin disrupting the hidden ceiling pockets before bailing, using the tall rocks to slow Duremudira down as you escape and he gets buried, or you could have Vivi do that and then get everyone to charge out at once, surely Duremudira wouldn't be able to keep up with everyone.

Maybe someone can do distraction work...

Knowing what you do now, what is your call?

>>4216423
Hmm...

have Vivi begin disrupting the hidden ceiling pockets before bailing, using the tall rocks to slow Duremudira down

This sounds good.

>>4216431
Well we can try, to do it, after that if dure is down let's dig our team out this stinking hole.

Well, that someone will be you. You thought, if Human Vance were here right now, he'd most likely throw himself to the grinder to save every other one. You just really felt that was so.

You instructed Vivianne to detonate the ceiling, sliding a cluster of Crystalburst shards over to her with your wing. She saluted, grabbing the things and running up to climb the shaft.

"You three." You say, turning over to the Boaboa. They all perked up, seeming to understand you. "If you want to live, then you better run out out of here, now."

They nod... and then take off running around the perimeter, going to leave as fast as they can. You look over to Chamo, who was staring your way and signal him to do the same, and bring Student with. He climbs up the wall and slithers off to her fast.

Your plan is coming into motion...

"Hmmm...? Little creatures...?" Duremudira murmurs, seeing the Boaboa run by. He didn't care, because they were not his target.

But what he did care about as Student suddenly sideswiping him as his attention was caught conveniently by the tribesmen. Her tail poked his naked eye, and although it was not crushed, he winced as he was blinded in it, allowing her to ram him with her shoulder.

Duremudira fell to one arm as Chamo and her galloped by and out of the chamber.

"INSOLENT DREGS! YOU CANNOT...!"

"Demon!"

Duremudira's neck snapped to you as you stood out of cover.

"It is me you want!"

"....."

"HGREEEEAAAAAAAGGGHHHH!"

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Duremudira lunged instantly, not even needing to re-position. He came like lightning, far faster than any Dragon you've ever known.

You had no time at all to react as his clenched claw impacted the bottom of your torso, sending you into the wall hard. You rolled to the side, avoiding his same claw smashing down in that spot, freezing over the surfaces with pointed bits of his poisonous ice growing all over it.

"You are a fool... you played a good game... but the game is over now..."

Duremudira headbutts you, throwing you into the wall yet again and rupturing your earthen armor. The armor itself did little to help protect you, you felt your purple blood leak from your nose and mouth. Your limbs stung with a searing pain that touched your spine as well. Pebbles and rocks fell off progressively as you rose to stare at the demon.

He was holding back, definitely. He wanted to enjoy killing you slowly, as was his sadist nature. This was life for a killing machine.

His splits glowed with his frost, and his indigo scales generated the crackle of his corrupted power.

"Now.. you DI-"

The wall explodes near him with a gas implosion, staggering him on his feet.

The walls and ceiling and ground all begin breaking apart. You shoot off the opposite way, Duremudira giving chase behind.

Your wing came smashing into tall rocks, making them fall over, but they did little to stop Duremudira, as he simply rams through with his head. What really helped to stop him was the ceiling falling on top of him, more implosions coming out right under his feet.

And then Vivianne fell down onto your head as the ceiling above gave away with green gaseous fire seeping through.

"THESE CA-A-AVERNS WON'T LAST MEOWCH LONGER!"

"Then we must get out, fast! Go on!" You say, picking her up and chucking her ahead of you to the way out. She picked up the trail from there and ran.

You strafed left to dodge one of Duremudira's arcs! But doing so lands hits on you anyway. Black pikes of ice he slung pierce through your shoulder and stick into your back. You ignore the pain, soldiering on as you ran!