Monster Hunter: Dawn of the Hunter

Chapter 16

Rage, Lyla, Jarger, and Nessa all stumbled back into Kamura Village, absolutely exhausted and worn out from their fight with the Amatsu. Jarger was leaning heavily on Rage, and Nessa on Lyla. As they entered the village, several people ran up to help Jarger and Nessa get to a healer and to congratulate the four hunters. Zakrin hobbled up to Lyla and hugged her, followed by a kiss and then another hug. Rage smiled as he watched his two friends. A familiar hand rested on his shoulder. Rage didn't even have to look up to know it was the Caravaneer. 

"You did good, my boy." He said. 

Rage nodded, too tired to say anything. He looked at all the smiling faces of the villagers. The sun was shinning brightly and the birds were chirping. The Caravaneer chuckled. 

"This reminds me of an old tale I heard awhile back. It went something like this: The storm rages. Darkness swallows the horizon. Coalescent turbulence constantly reproducing in unprecedented heights wrought by the newfound mystical creature of deceitful beauty controlling the atmosphere. Until after enduring a long harsh struggle against it's godlike wrath, the final blow is delivered. And thus the glory of the morning sun fades in to bestow the light of fulfillment. Finally awakening to restore everything to it's natural state, no longer trapped in a void of corruption. The true essence of beauty radiates through the barrier of never ending chaos. Glistening with acceptance. Forevermore."

"That sounds...lovely..." 

Rage stumbled and fell. The Caravaneer bent down and asked if he was okay. Rage went to answer, but before he could, everything went black. 

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Rage slowly opened his eyes and looked around. He was in a small room laying on a bed. There were various herbs and other plants on shelves as well as potions and lifepowders. Rage sat up and immediately Nessa sat up. Rage hadn't seen her sitting in a chair next to his bed. As he looked at her he remembered what had transpired between them at the Infernal Springs. He smiled at he weakly and she smiled back. 

"Glad you're awake. That fight took a lot out of you. More than the rest of us. Do you feel okay?" 

"Yeah. My head hurts and my arms are a little sore but other than that, I'm fine." 

"Good." Nessa opened her mouth but hesitated.

"What?" 

"It's just...the Ace Commander is here. He came to take you away because you have not produced a Hunter's Card yet. The Caravaneer and Prudens are talking with him but-" 

She was cut off as the Ace Commander came bursting through the door and into the room. He stormed up to Rage and looked at him intently. 

"Are you strong enough to move?" He asked.

"Um...maybe?"

"That's enough. Come on. Up you go!" 

"Julius! That's enough!" 

Rage and the Ace Commander both turned to see the Caravaneer standing in the doorway, a frown on his normally smiling face. He glared at the Commander. 

"You won't be takin' the boy anywhere." 

"Caravaneer, if you stop me from arresting him, you'll be arrested too. You'd be disobeying the Guild." 

The Caravaneer hesitated, thinking about how to respond. The Ace Commander took that moment to grab Rage by the arm and lead him off the bed and out of the room. Several Guild Knights stood outside waiting. Nessa and the Caravaneer followed after Julius, protesting. Lyla, Jarger, and Zakrin also joined in, voicing their opinions as well.