Tales of the Sapphire Stars I: An Encroaching Encounter

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The remaining Hunters advanced the forest, following along the trail of scouttiflies along the way. They passed by the garden area where they first fought the monster once more, the footsteps scattered along the way. By the look of them, Kovu and Kriss inferred it was still limping and weakened. It was the most ideal time to keep the pursuit going.

However, they also know very well that a weakened and cornered monster is in its most dangerous state.

They followed the trail all the way to an area field with smaller trees and branches, darkened by the vines and roots forming a small roof. Some Vigorwasps could be seen, as well as hollowed trees that could be used for cover. It was a wide area where an exit to the plains near the camp where the rest could be seen.

The Monster was there, feasting on what seemed to be a Jaggras, as it viciously devoured it.

Kovu remarked, that this will most likely be their last encounter with the beast, as both parties have become exhausted throughout the hunt.

He looked back at the rest of the party once, and they all nodded, letting him know they were ready. Thus, Niki and Kat spread out, flanking the monster on both sides and getting into position, as he and Kriss walked forward. As if it felt their presence, The Anjanath turned back and faced them as well.

As everyone else drew their weapons, and the Anjanath kicked the earth, getting ready to fight, Kovu slowly drew his weapon. Thinking of their first encounter when he arrived at Astera, of the fear and dread he felt as he escaped the beast back then.

He saw flashes of Tenshi and Sera, Niki, and Kriss, to even him being severely injured by the monster, yet his breath was calm and his mind at ease. He bore The Anjanath no ill will, but he was resolute in his duty as a hunter, just as he was passionate. He glanced at the beast in the eyes, and let out a single phrase, filled with determination and firm strength.

"Anjanath!" The Hunter called out to the Monster while pointing his Glavie at him."Ever since I first came here you've done nothing but ravage our camps, hurt our comrades, and claim dominance of this forest, but all of that ends today, in the name of the Sapphire star...We will hunt you!" He announced valiantly.

As if he could understand the words that came out of Kovu's mouth, The Anajath let out another thunderous roar, which was partially masked by Niki's string performance coming from its right. The beast launched itself towards the two Hunters, firing up its jaw mid-air, as it landed with a violent blast that scorched the earth around them. When the smoke cleared, however, Kriss was standing alone, his shield held tall and gallantly unaffected by the monster's assault.

He retaliated with a powerful downward strike that imploded after a few seconds, making the Anjanath flinch back lightly, only for it to throw itself at the Hunter, its jaw wide open, ready to seemingly devour him. Its focus was such that it failed to notice a smirking Kat sliding from its left side as she unloaded four piercing rounds of shots, the last of them blinding the Monster and changing its trajectory enough for Kriss to step out of the way.

Keeping the pressure, the beast quickly turned around, swiping its tail at Kat pushing her back a considerable distance. Going in for the kill and ignoring Kriss, The Anjanath charged at Kat vehemently. Yet, she stayed there as she pointed at it with her hand, its gesture mimicking that of a gun, as she grinned devilishly.

"Bang" She whispered as she imitated the recoil of the shot, only to have The Anjanath step on what appeared to be 2 mines she set on the floor. Kat quickly stood up as the monster flinched once more, grabbed her Bowgun, and kept shooting at the beast. Savagely, it threw another stream of fire, which Kriss managed to block in the nick of time.