Monster Hunter Story (Heartless to Compasionate)

Bonding Time (Finale)

The night was bright. The moon shines the main room, revealing a white haired teen. The cold breeze blew his hair and sends chills through his body. He's been waiting for a certain Neko kid to show up, so he could lead him to his new room.

At last, Ariel arrived with Sora walking beside him. He ran towards Ray, tackling him into a soft hug. Sora just smiled at his antiques.

"How's your day with them? Already had dinner?" Ray asked. Ariel nodded his head happily.

"Yup! Sora and Arithia are a great cook. I had fun mostly," said Ariel. Sora blushed in amusement. No one ever complimented on her cooking skills. Ray sigh. He ruffled his hair before grabbing his hand, making their way to their room.

"Thanks to you girls Sora. See you tomorrow," he waved his hand. Thus leaving Sora in a blushing mess.

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"Wow, your room is clean!" Ariel wandered through his room. Examining every side of the young soldier's dorm.

Ray shrugged. "I don't like seeing it messy. I'm sorry for the size. I only live alone here,"

Ariel shook his head before hugging Ray. Because of their bright difference , he could only reach his waist. "I don't care. As long as it's lovely, I couldn't ask for more,"

Ray smiled. But then, something came into his mind. He nervously scratch his cheeks. "Umm, I only have one bed. So, uh.. I sleep on the couch okay,"

The kid eyes grew wide. He doesn't want to just get everything he want. Because he knew that the teen would need the sleep more important than him.

"It's okay Ray, I can sleep on the couch,"

"No no no. You're my responsibility and I don't think a kid your age should sleep on the couch,"

"But Ray nii-chan-" Ariel gaped his mouth with his hand. He quickly closed his mouth as he finally realised his words. While Ray stood there in surprise.

"Wha-what? Di-did you just called me.... Nii-chan?"

Ariel smiled sheepishly as he looked down at the floor. His face went deep red just mentioning him nii-chan.

"I- I looked up to you. You saved me not once, but twice! I just want someone to help me, to take care of me when I'm in trouble. And seeing you just make me feel happy. So that's why, I want to call you big brother," he stated.

"You're not mad at me right?"

Ray stood there. A tear started to leak at the corner of his eyes. No one, no one ever acknowledged him. No one ever complimented him. Seeing Ariel just called him brother, made his heart flutter and his heart lively again. He forgot when was the last time he felt lively. His heart was dead inside. No one knew, only him, and his despair.

Ariel gasped as he saw the teen started to tear up. He went up to him, apologizing for making him to cry.

"No Ariel, it's just I'm happy. No one ever done this to me. It makes me want to cry in happiness. You know, when I first met you, I could only thought that you're just a kid. But seeing you here, makes my life got back it's colour,"

"My life has only been black and white. I'm only born to kill. That's what they say about me. I never knew my family, my friends who I only thought as my comrades in combats,"

"Being with you was a bless, that I would never have again," Ray dropped his knees to the floor. Leveling him the same with Ariel. The Neko gave in and hugged him tightly, while burying his face to the crook of his neck. Soon, the warmth made him drowsy, thus slept on Ray's arms. Ray smiled as he picked up Ariel and put him in the bed, tucking him. He went to the couchm setting down his jacket and drifts to a normal slumber.

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"Come on guys, this isn't funny! We don't need to fight!" Ray held back his demonic black blade in his hand. The others surrounded him and drew out their own weapon. Ray is completely stuck at the circle, making him vulnarable to any attack.

Hikari started of by swinging his blade to his chest. Ray jumped out of the way but get attacked by Arithia's sword. HIs arm got slashed as he grunted in agony. He stood up before gets cancelled by Hiyama's sword thrust through the ground. It greatly stunned him making his head felt dizzy and his stomach curled up. Ray weakly tries to reach for them as he crawls to them, pleading for mercy.

Sora went to Ray, stomping on his back while holding Ray's gun. She aimed at his forehead blank point. Ray shuddered as he's finally meets his end.

"You're a disgrace Asaki. What a monster you are killing these innocent folks. Burn in hell Asaki!"

"Sora! Wait-"

ARGHHGHHHZGGH

Ray...ray....ray.....RAY-Nii WAKE UP!

"HUH?!"

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Ariel couldn't sleep. Being a light sleeper he is, he's being hearing grunting noises and screaming. He woke up only to be surprised to be on the bed, completely tucked in. He moved over the blanket as he made his way to the source of the noise. He was shocked to see Ray struggling and tossing in his sleep. He waste no time by shaking him gently, only to find it useless. He tried to call him and shaking him a little bit rough. 

"Ray nii, Wake up!"

Ray hastily woke up as he brought his body upwards. He's breath was shaky and lost in the rythm. He looked around to see Ariel beside him with worry in his eyes. He let out a sigh. 

Ariel went up to him. "Nightmares again Ray?"

Ray was shocked, he never told Ariel about his nightmares. "How did you know?" he asked.

"You mumbled something when you sleep with me at the forest. I'm a light sleeper so I can hear voices that can make me wake up easily,"  Ariel scratched at the back of his head,

"Wanna talk about it?"

"It's nothing, just some bad memories that I never remember. Go back to bed Ariel, I'll be alright," 

Ariel blew his cheeks as he pouted. Ray jerked backwards as he saw a change on Ariel's emotion. Ariel swiftly grabbed his hand before leading him to Ray's room. Ray flustered at the sudden move.

"Oh no mister, you're going to bed. I don't want you to have nightmares again,"

Ariel gets into the bed, leaving Ray standing still at the side of the bed. He shrugged as he gets into the bed too, laying right beside Ariel. 

"You know Ray, I had fun today with you guys. I'm glad that you guys decided to get close to me,"

Ariel sighed as he continue. "Ray, if you need anything then please ask me. How about your friends? Aren't they good enough for you?"

Ray shook his head. "No Ariel, it's just."

"They are better than me,"

"They don't deserve me. I'm only their fighting comrade. Nothing else. For my problem, i just don't want anyone getting involved,"

Ariel just stared at his eyes. He thought of an idea.

"Umm.. Ray, could I hug you?"

"Wha-"

"It's okay if you dont want to. It's just it might help you release yourself from those nightmares,"

Ray thought of a second before smiling. He pulled Ariel closer to him by letting his hand on his small waist. For now, Ariel dug his head into his chest while snuggling completely to the young teen. Drifting to sleep, Ray could only smile at his action. He patted his head and cat ears.

"Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea at all," before himself drifts into a wonderful slumber.