Monsters and those that hunt them.

Our young characters were sucked from the world they live in and transported to a world where monstrous wild animals with elements mixed with their biology. They were a mix of various animals from the world our young prospective couple came from. They came from different places on the same country and never met face to face before the portals dropped them in a forest so huge the cities of their world would be swallowed by the smallest trees.

The world was abundant with dinosaurlike creatures called monsters and many were meat eaters. He appeared in one area of the forest she in another. Seeing smoke in the sky they both head to it. On the way he sees deep tracks and glow flies around the tracks. Then he sees evidence of large animal activity that made him run cold to the bone with fear. He moved faster with less care for stealth towards the smoke and hoped he would find help. He had nothing on him. A t shirt sweatpants that were too hot in the humid air. His work shoes were soaked in pungent mud and his long hair was everywhere as his hair tie broke and was barely clinging on to a few hairs. The world was almost exactly like a game he played and that was what made him so fearful. The game gave him some idea of what to expect and how to survive but he knew he needed to find other humans.

She was in her work clothes and walking towards the same smoke he was. The forest plants and birds were much larger than she had ever seen in their world and she saw she was getting closer to the smoke. She saw the tracks but thought they were strange sinkholes or animal burrows. She hurried along and reached a small clearing. It had a tent in one corner with a pair of people there a man and a woman. The man had a gigantic weapon made of bone on his back and thick leather and bone armor. The woman was wearing a simple outfit and holding a massive book. They were recording their hunt and jump when a trig under her feet snaps.

"OH hi! Never seen you around here before. You're not with any of the fleets how did you get here?" The woman asks as the man watches silently.

"Th-through a portal.. it opened up under me and I found myself nearby. What is this place who are you?" Our young lady asks the two she discovered.

"OH another visitor from another world! This is not good first that weird hunter now someone from a city." The strange woman said and hurriedly writes down what she said.

"How did you know I came from a city?" Our lady asks.

"Your smell *giggle* you smell like a city and a strange one too. We have to see the commissioner and get her to the base fast. The other monster hasn't been spotted yet. Cmon partner" she said rushing to the exit of the clearing only for our young man to burst out of the brush panting and holding a stich in his chest. "WOAH! the strange woman said in surprise as our young man falls down.

"Giant lizard huge stomach" was all he could say as he shivered in terror. Seeing someone from her world scared like this mad ever nervous as the silent man rushed away. The strang woman picked up our young man and pit him on a cart a pair of large bipedal cats drag the cart away amd the strange woman grass our young lady's hand pulling her along.

"Cmon we gotta get to the base" she said panting as she ran

"Wait what about your partner?" Our young lady asks looking back.

"Don't worry about him he can handle himself run faster the base isn't far " they ran chasing the cart until they reach a large wooden barrier. It opened up into a large settlement built out of large ship hulls and monster bones so huge they could be dinosaurs

"Welcome to the base. We haven't named it yet but with everything going on its nit important. Let's go to the infirmary and get you checked out" pur lady nodded she was thinking about the man who rushed into the camp she found and how familiar his voice seemed. How could that tbe she hadn't ever met him did she?

The infirmary was little more than beds a strange green fluid was used to treat every wound severe wounds required 3 giant pills to be taken all at once and the effect was instantaneous. They recovered. She sat on a bed and was examined.

"Hmm yess less bone density and muscle mass substantially sub par suffering Mal nutrition as well not getting enough of the right foods and too many bad ones. Otherwise you're fine. " He old tiny doctor said as he inspected her. She felt upset to hear what she did and then she gasps seeing the doctor kick the man who passed out. He jumped up shaking and looking around before he relaxed and slowed down.

"OH than god!" He said and laid back down. "Good to be in a settlement."

Git out of here before I throw you out you pansey. Passing out from seeing a monster what sort of man are you?" The old doctor said turning his back on the man.

"Well that was rough... I'm Eric nice to meet you face to face" he said to her as they were escorted out of the infirmary and led to the meeting table.

"Uh huh and most would not freak out because of it." the doctor sighed looking to the human. However, her arms remained crossed seeing him sweatdrop hearing her tone. Either she was annoyed or maybe she was mad. No idea.

She recognized the man by now as someone she only spoke to over the internet she started to recognize his voice and then gasped as she figured out who he was. They had spoken for years on video calls and now here they were in another world together. Her annoyance with the doctor didn't fade and she didn't hear the questi9n because she had only just recognized his voice.

"S-sorry can you say that again?" She asks him and he sighs and repeats himself.

"My name is Eric. Its nice to finally meet you in person what is your name." He said for he had recognized her as well. But they hadn't shared real names yet. Until now that is. And since they were going to be living in this new world together he might as well know who she is.

"Hmmm.." she looks to him and yet he wonders if she'll tell her name to him.

"Erica." she said simply to look at him quietly.

"Wow that's a pretty name for a pretty face. Alot like mine " He said then he said her name and that hit her harder than she expected. She had know h8m online for a while but never told him her name till now. Nor let h8m see her face. It was good to be in this new world with someone she atleast knew and could predict.

As for him he was curious what the guild master would say he had many titles like commissioner and fleet admiral. When they saw his short white hair and gotee he saw them and he smiled waving his heavily muscled arms at them. In fact as she looked around everyone was heavily muscled even the women. It was very distracting. For them both.

"Ah our two guests. The doctor checked you out and was shocked that you survived the forest at all in your condition. No worries about that a few days of food and rest and you will be amazed at the difference. I've already set aside guest quarters and security to bar any onlookers or busy bodies. Only the palicos and people you invite will be let through." He said. It was quite a mouthful and his generally friendly and serious attitude said they were welcome he was happy to see them but he had big issues to deal with.

"Please enjoy your stay here feel free to explore the compound but be careful things can be dangerous here and anything can happen. Especially in the smithy and science areas. We will answer anrly questions you have after you've had a good night's sleep and we can both get answers." He said and they were escorted. Away

"If your name is similar to mine that why don't I call you something else?" Erica asks Eric and he nodded. He liked that idea and left it to her to name him since she would be using the name.

"That works for me. Why don't you pick I'm curious what sort of name you have picked for your fantasy." He said teasing her as he did sometimes. He had never seen her blush from it only her pretending she hated it. But here in front of him she couldn't hide her blush and her scoff.

"You aren't my fantasy. Any of these other people would be but not you. " she said burning red. He believed her mostly but maybe he could convince her otherwise.

"As you say. Now what are you gonna call me milady?" He asks. And smiles noting her blush and not rubbing it in. That could wait till another time

She blinks to hear this but she looks away, not showing her pink tint of her cheeks. This guy...well, at least he was fine and healing now thanks to it. For now, she was hearing that he was going to do something or maybe rest a while longer. "Hmmm...a name....what name.."

"How about derrik" she suggested and he smiled it was close enough to his name he could respond to it and she seemed to like it. They were walking to the canteen to eat before being shown their rooms and she was looking vleverywhere at the bipedal cats helping with the work. She even saw them cooking. It seemed half the population was these cats or palicos as Derrick had said previously.

The food they were serving were gigantic slabs of meat called aptonath. Along with veggies and fruit. Gingerly our two Erica and Derrick sample the food then dig in heartily as if they have never eaten in their life. It was so good and so filling that it made them feel stronger tougher and more fortified against the elements. After the meal many hunters left to go on expeditions and take job requests. Our two were led to their separate rooms.

"Here is where we begin our tour." The handler said she seemed to gesture as she spoke as if she was constantly boiling over with exexcitement "these are your rooms for as long as ypu stay this is where you sleep. You can decorate it however you like with endemic life you catch in yhe wild. Next we go to the heart and backbone of our lives here the smithy." She said as she led them down the wooden corridor towards a large ship hull that buned inside like it was on fire.

The master smith and his aprenrices were hard at work forging weapons that were ordered by hunters. They watched as monster parts bones ore and all manner of thing were used in the creation of a weapon. "Here is where our armor and weapons come from. These are what determine our abilities in the field. Make sure you pick a set that suits your style or you'll be in trouble out there." She said ushering them out and towards the bustling market area.

"Theirs a lot to choose from but I'm sure you'll pick something." Erica said to Derrik but it did leave her wondering about it. And the many other choices.

The handler pointed out the general store the specimen cultivation area...

"Specimen cultivation area what's that?" Erica asks when she heard it. The handler smiled and bounced on her toes in excitement.

"I'm glad you asked. If you can get the right fertilizers you get your own plot. There a member of the ecology survey group will cultivate any plant bug or fungus you want. We have missions that all hunters have to go on to raise their rank."

"Rank?" Erica was confused and the handler giggles.

"Yes rank all hunters have a rank based on your progress as a hunter. 1-50 are all beginning rank amd your quests will be fixed unless something unexpected happens." The handler told Erica. Derrik was watching and listening. For him he was amazed how close to the game this was and he already knew all this. He was already planning what monsters to hunt for the powers and abilities equipment from their parts makes.

"How long until we can register as hunters?" Derrik asks he had been silent while some of Erica's questions were answered. The handler turned to him.

"Well tomorrow at the earliest. Today is tour day and then we feats to celebrate your arrival with a feast then the night of rest." She said and Erica was still thinking. "Now where was i...? Oh right Specimen cultivation area. The next area that mountain of books is the ecology research department. No matter what the books will only show you information on things you have already seen. It's just how they work." She said and the handler takes them to a long tunnel. When they emerge they see a large arena built right into th3 base where hunters were training.

A group of 3 hunters was taking a challenge of hunting a monster with gear the arena chooses for you making it a challenge. The hunters were working as a team one was welding a lance and a shiled and absorbing monster attacks and stabbing it to keep its attention. Another weilded a staff with a large incect that would leap put of it and attack the monster with the hunter bearing it with the staff. The last hunters they saw was using a bow. As this one drew the bowstring and held it the shot grew in power.

They dart and roll around dodging attacks and attacked every chance they get. The monster was wounded badly and moved like it wasn't effected. It wasn't till the limb the hunters focused on broke did the monster stagger and fall kicking trying to get up as the hunters set in atracki g with their weapons. She thought they would finish it off but inspire of the wounds and broken limb the monster got up and started attacking again. It was a bit slower with it's forepaw wounded and it didn't attack as often with that limb. They focused another as the handler started to speak.

"This is the arena upstairs in the gathering hub is where you can take on special jobs for specific rewards. Some gear can only be authorized for crafting with marks from monsters slain in the arena." She said and Derrick's attention was fixed on the hunt. He was snorting in disdain and muttering about the weapons they were using and how they weren't good. Clearly he had a favorite weapon and none of the hunters were using it.

Erica was amazed watching the hunters and seeing the the monsters were much tougher than they looked and they looked tougher than most creatures she saw in games in her old world.

This got the others wondering what he was thinking and yet, at least he got some information towards it. "Though, if you have any questions just let us know or ask. We can answer when possible."

The handler lead the two back to the living area dismissing them to their rooms to prepare for the feast. He sat alone not sure what to think as he looked at the clothes provide for h8m. They were made out of animal furs and very thin hut strong. In fact everything was stronger here even the harmless bugs were way tougher than back in their old world

As for her she looked at the clothes made for her. They were made to adjust to fit but she had a suspicious thought that something was going to happen. Nothing bad of course but something was definitely going to change for her.

They both get dressed and go back to the main gathering area to join the feast. It was a huge party with food everywhere and drinks and entertainment. Some hunters were musicians and used their instruments in battle these were playing music with magic like effects. He sat down and ate to his hearts content watching everything and she was surprised how robust and filling the food was. Amd yet she never seemed to get full. They ate and partied to the fullest forgetting much of the night in reverie.

When they both woke up they found that one night of food and their bodies were changed. The potency and nutrition of the food was such that their bodies rebuilt overnight. Muscle imbalances and deficiency was cured. Weaknes and ache was completely gone and their bodies were more balanced and healthy than either of them could remember. When they ask about it they were told that food was so abundant here that anywhere else like eating dust and ashes by comparison.

She felt strong tight and brand new. Her schock was a scream as she saw the mirror and then she grew impressed with her figure feeling it was really her and not a trick or a possession. "And just fron eating one meal... I don't get it but it explains why everyone is so dawned hot to look at." She said and noticed that the clothes she wore the night before fit a good deal better. Clearly they weren't the first from other worlds who were transformed by the sheer nutrition of the food.

"Maybe this explains so much as well but..I guess I shouldn't question it." she keeps looking at herself in the mirror but at least this works. Feeling stronger and powerful, she might be able to do so much more now during the time being. Or so, however, she wonders of the other and hopes he got the same thing too.

She stepped out and saw the man of her most secret fantasies. A second later she realized it was him transformed like she had been. He was in a shock and walked slowly getting used to the new build. She didn't have any trouble adjusting and they went to the smithy to claim their first weapon. The handlers were there one for each of them they both had the same large books the sapphire star handler had.

"Good to see you guys. We will handle all your records and quests. If you want to go on an expedition or tackle a quest from the commission we will see what we have for the day. Things change alot here and we need to stay on top of it. That's why there are expeditions and quests. So we can co exist with the life here and maintain the balance of nature." Her handler said and she was just staring at her friend with a hungry look.

"Your first weapon will be made from iron ore it won't be very strong but as you hunt more monsters and deliver more parts the smithy can make better ones. As for your gear we'll it's fairly standard leather or chain sets. Same for armor or gear the more parts ypu bring us the more we can forge for you. Different sets from different monsters have different powers to offer so pick what matches your hunting style. " his handler said tot hem and he immediately spoke.

"I want a greatsword and chain set." He said and the handlers looked at each other.

"Are you sure? You haven't seen the options yet and that weapon is used by master hunters usually. Most hunters start with the sword and sheild"

"I don't care I want the greatsword I'll master it faster if I start with it" he said and the handlers handed him a ticket for his first set of gear. As for her handler he made sure she knew what was available.

"He's gonna get himself killed... anyways as we tried to say before he went Gung ho and jumped ahead. The weapon choices are a sword and sheld set most hunters start with this you can block most mild attacks and attack rapidly with aither the sword ir the sheild sometimes you can knock a mosnter off balance with it. The longsword is a rather long katana it's attacks ate faster but lighter than the greatsword but you can't block. If you master the iai style you can deliver a blow that damages any parts that are in range of your bladeswing. This is the most popular hunter weapon. The second most popular weapon is the greatsword. It blocks all physical attacks and some elemental attacks it deals massive amounts of damage but due to the size and weight is the slowest weapon to use. Most monsters tails and appendages can be severed with a longsword or a greatsword. The lance is a massive shiled that blocks nearly all attacks and while sturdy the attacks ate not as powerful and charging your monster with the lance is the most effective way to get it's attention and keep it. The insect glaive is a staff with an elemental insect that can be thrown from it to attack monsters and used to thrust you into the air to batter monsters from above. The bow can be charged to release more powerful shots and the monster you forgr it form determines the effects. The light bow gun uses ammunition crafted from plants that are surprisingly powerful. It is a ranged weapon like the bow but the ammunition can be limited to what you can take with you and gather while you are out. The heavy bowgun is the same except it can fire larger ammunition and even an explosive shot. It is hard to move in and much slower that the light bowgun but he pwr tradeoff is nearly balanced. The twin daggers are the fastest weapon you can slice and dice monster parts focusing intense damage on a single part. The hunters horn is the most difficult weapon to use my playing a melody on the horn you can generate various effects based on the parts used to craft the horn your skill in playing, te melody determines what powers you spread and what effects take hold the melody is determined by the parts used to craft the horn. "

It was quite alot and only a fraction of what could be done with the weapons but that was every weapon type. She had ti take care and consider this because there were so many types. "Can we change weapons at will?" She asks and she got a nod in response meaning all she had to do was choose a weapon any weapon she wanted and if she could get the parts she could forge any weapon and use any weapon she had forged for her. It meant that any hunter could use any weapon or gear that suited the situation.

"But only one weapon at a time if you want to change during a hunt or expedition you have to go to the camp I set up for you. I will have all your gear and items ready for you and a canteen so you can eat a meal while you are out." He said to her and she nodded and thought about what to pick for her first weapon.

She didn't know much of the choices, seeing their was many. Maybe she should start with a bladed weapon? Or a staff? Maybe bow and arrow? The choices were possible but she was still wondering on what sort of magic she should do or know of. Maybe with the weapon too.

You can use any type even multiple types. "Her handler hinted and she picked all her choices. Picking which to use before every hunt would be important as some hunters use every type of weapon and are very skilled at them all. It was all up to her.

Ooc: the closest thing to magic is the staff but for variety the bowguns are the closest thing to magic there is as you make the ammo to give status effects and then there is the hunting horn basically you are a bard and your songs buff the party and debuff the monster

She blinks from hearing this but it leaves her curious to wonder about this. "I see...I see." she said nodding.

OOC: I think I get it.

Ooc: basically this is a monster hunter worlds story that takes place after the events in the iceborne dlc. The staff has an insect that can be altered to have an element type and abilities. I have to do research on the skills that determine abilities. Our characters are hunters with a handler to manage their affairs like the business partner one and their company reps.

Bic: as she makes up her mind she went with the others watching hiw her friend was admiring his new weapon. He chose so fast like he knew about this world but he hadn't been here except in games. "Why did you pick the greatsword?" She asks him and he looked at her with an evil look that wa just him showing his joy.

"Because it has a powerful attack and it's guard can stop most physical attacks. In the game it was one of the only times I had a block or guard function that actually did what it was supposed to do and I'm also used to knowing what monsters to hunt to make the ones I like. But mostly because it's a huge weapon for huge monsters." He said smiling the while time. He spoke fast and his words caught and were sometimes mispronounced but she understood him plain enough. He was going to be in the front up close. Maybe she was planning to be a distance hunter.

What weapon do you want?" He asks her and she shook her head.

"I don't know what to pick. I can't do magic here so I'm not sure I'll have as much fun as you." She said and he smiled.

"Maybe maybe not. I can think of lots we can do for fun starting with exploring on expeditions but you have to pick a weapon before we can do that. It really doesn't matter if you like the weapon or not because you can always change your weapon. Some hunters have mastered every weapon and have no favorites. And some are dummies like me who got used to one weapon and is useless unless they use that weapon." He said and she sighs and shrugs. She was trying ti decide he had to give her time. Bit he seemed to know that and didn't press her but he also didn't make suggestions because he wanted her to be happy.

ooc:Hmmmm

bic: "Though, I'm sure you will know something even so." he said but she thinks about it. What weapon should she pick? Even so, this made her look at the picks or choices in front of her.

He waoted for her to make her choice patiently even as more hunters came in to get their parts forged into gear. As the line of customers rolled in the day passed and she still hadn't made her choice.

She said nothing and yet this got her wondering while she did make her choice. She looks to reach for a bow and a few arrows. Maybe this will work for her given she was always somewhat good with her aim and view on things. Maybe even enchanting the bow and arrows later on.

The bow was a decent weapon and as she took it a sense of beginning hit her. She smiles and decided to learn what she could about monsters so she could aim for weaknesses.

"Good choice" he said to her and she walked with him to collect the supplies for their first expedition. They each got 5 potions to restore health, 5 astera jerky for a quick boost to stamina and to restore stamina instantly, a whetstone to restore weapon condition, a sling similar in shape and function to a crossbow, a fishing rod, a portable spit for cooking away from camp, and 5 chunks of meat to cook on the spit.

Next they went to eat a meal. As she watched the palicos prepare the meal. She noticed as she ate that meals increase attributes based on ingredients. But she would figure that out later. For some reason she was drawn to the group of palicos (palico is a cat companion it can fight has weapons and armor and gadgets to help hunts choose your cat color my palico is solid black witch gold eyes) one was just not leaving her side or his and it was cute. She could even hear it's voice in her head.

"You, hunter, I like you, let's hunt together forever" she couldn't refuse and saw it using a simple iron knife and leather suit for armor. It was ready for a hunt. She bit her lip as she thought and processed this. She wanted to help but she was faced with lots of choices and the options were numerous. That seemed to wear her out mentally. But when they get their first mission she should be okay.

Though for now, she was wondering if this was going to be something. A mission should always never been seen as too easy. Most tend to be easy but not all of them. She would remember that during the mission and others in the future.

As the 6 reach the notice board the begginer posts were on the left. They were simple jobs clearing packs of small monsters. Hunting for food. Hunting materials. Even delivering messages to researchers in the field. There were a few large monster hunts posted and these were the "great jagras" some kind of snake and bearded dragon combination that swallowed prey whole like a snake. Jagras were smaller versions of this thing. "Kulu yaku" a flamingo raptor hybrid.

They were all going to go on the same quest and he picked the quest for hunting the jagras pack in the ancient forest where they first appeared. In this world and she raised an eyebrow as she read the quest description.

"A pack of wild jagras are disrupting the ecosystem of part of the forest the "apoptos" aren't returning and won't return until the pack is driven out or slain." She tilted her head and remembered that the apoptos were the dinosaurs that the hunters used as their primary source of meat. For a beginner quest this sounded kind of important. And she wondered if there was more to it than that.

They select the hunt and the handlers vanish to report their taking the job while they go to the gate to start their hunt.

"This should be a mission right? I know we can do this." She nods knowing they could even with the others agreeing with her. This should be a quick mission with no problem.

The gates open and they walk down the path towards the place they first appeared in this world. The ancient forest. It was a bright day and it wasn't long before they found jagras tracks. It was like a mansized bearded dragon by the size of the tracks and there were 10 distinct sets of tracks. She watched as he used his knife to take a sample and put it into the tube that held the scoutflies. She did the same and the scoutflies go out a few feet then hover as if to show the way.

The hunters and their cats follow the scputflies as they move deeper into the grasslands in the area. Soon they came across a cave surrounded by roots and with roots growing out if the walls and ceiling. They go in and it smelled like a reptile den. The prints were so numerous here it was obviously the den of the creatures and it was a tunnel that twisted and opened up into a pair of caverns. There were bone and mining crops scattered and the palicos rush to these and loot them while he took out a pick to mine the ore.

She picked up bones and enjoyed the finding then the scout flies turned red and hid in their tube. She looked around and saw a jagras right next to her. It was large the size of a mastiff. It looked like a bearded dragon and an iguana crossbreed. She was startled and rolled away from it as it snapped at her with its jaws.

He swung his massive sword down on it and barely hurt it. She aimed her bow pulling back the drawstring hard and discovered that it grew more powerful as she kept it drawn and she released her shot when it was as strong as it could get. Their attacks killed it and there was a tick in their books at their hip as it recorded the kill. Nine more to go and they hear hissing as many others come from down the tunnel. There were 4 of them and he rushed at them swinging his sword in a wide sweep hitting g them all and staggering g them. She aimed her shots and hit 2 killing them while the others bite him. Their teeth punch through the leather he wore and wound him as she fires another shot downing another as he brought his sword down on the last.

She panted and got worried about his wound and he watched as he popped a potion to heal. She continued down the path the jagras came from. "I think the rest are down here." She said and he followed her and pushed ahead. They followed the tunnel to another cavern and sure enough there were 8 jagras there. He ran towar a them and swings his sword in a wide arc hitting them all as he picked them off one by one. He blocked their bites with his sword and she soon finished them all off.

"That was too easy" she said and he laughed.

"Sure. Be thankful it's that easy. The hard part is finding them. And we didn't even see the great one." He said and she looked confused.

"Great one?" She asks and he smiled.

"The great jagras. It's about 5x bigger than these and eats many things by swallowing them whole." She froze behind him coming up the path they didn't come from she saw just such a creature. He didn't see it and she panicked she drew her bow and peppered it with arrows before he could turn around only to have the giant jagras roll and roll right over him. He got up and swings his sword aiming for the massive distended belly.

She aimed there too and didn't stop firing arrows. It broke and the great jagras vomited it's last meal shrinking it down to 4x the size of a regular jagras. He swings his sword in a slow heavy combination attack blocking claw and fang. When they wounded it badly enough it ran off whining and they rush after it I'm pursuit. The palicos co Stanly attack it slowing it down so they can catch it.

It turned snapping at the palicos and sweeping it's tail tk hit all 4 of them before trying to run again. She shot at it until her arrows cut off its tail. It raord and ran faster but it was slower now. They skin the jagras before going after the great jagras and she discovered why he chose that weapon. He could block attacked with it and deliver crushing slashes to his opponents. When they collected the skins if the jagras they go off after the larger one to finish it off before it decided to eat again.