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The moon and stars reflected over the cherry blossom trees of Pomore Garden. You and your team (Ratha, Ena, and Navirou) along with Navirou’s friend Orgo, have made your way out of the dangers and into the new. You decided to camp out for the night. As well as lick your wounds and give time for everyone to calm down and get some rest.

Well, almost everyone.

Ena awoke to the sound of Navirou snoring and the gentle cool breeze sweeping past her body. Looking up, she was surprised to see Ratha sleeping alone. Normally, you would be laying by his side, or at least that’s where she expected you to be after everything that’s happened. Standing up, the wyverian glanced around.

She finally spotted you sitting by the cliffside with your legs dangling over the sea. If not for the crashing waves, she would’ve heard you crying. However, Ena’s motherly senses told her something wasn’t right.

“Y/N...are you alright?” She asked gently. You tensed up at the sound of her voice, not expecting anyone.

“Did I...Did I wake you?” You asked, your voice hoarse. Ena shook her head, even though you couldn’t see her. She then sat beside you, and that’s when she noticed you crying.

“Oh Y/N...what’s wrong?” Her voice was soft as she moved her hand to brush some tears away.

“I...I just...I can’t stop thinking about everything that’s happened...I can’t take it Ena...” You cried, bringing your hands to your face. Ena’s heart broke at your breakdown. It never really occurred to her that you are just a child trying to live up to your grandfather’s legacy.

There’s been a lot on your shoulders.

“Y/N...you’ve done so much...I never realized how much you were struggling...” Ena said to you while putting a hand on your break.

“I...I can’t lose Ratha again...He’s...all I got...” You cried out, hugging yourself.

“You have me.” The wyverian said to you, causing you to glance up at her. The moon reflected off your tear-stained eyes. Slowly, she brought you into a hug.

“Don’t be afraid to come to me if you’re feeling stressed, Y/N, I’m here for you.” She told you, and that’s when you held onto her tightly while beginning to cry again. She slowly rubbed your back until your cries ceased.

You fell asleep on her.

Ena once saw herself as useless on your team. She can’t wield a weapon or ride a monster. She saw you as a strong beacon to follow, and that’s why she seemed to disregard the fact that you were still a kid.

However, she now sees her purpose for being here with you.

Lilia

-Lilia is a rather busy woman, but when she hears that you are sick, she goes out of her way to help you. Of course, she thought that meant taking care of you, not your monsties.

-Nevertheless, she figured that couldn’t be too hard. After all, she grew up in a rider village.

-Your monsties actually listen to her quite well. She has an air of respect around her that they listen to. Growing up in a rider village plus being commander has its perks.

-She’s also very organized. 

-Meal time and bedtime are in a very strict order on who eats what and who goes into their stall first. She has a clipboard and everything. All your monsties really like her because she also gives them treats sometimes.

-However, Ratha is still afraid of her. He doesn’t want to be taken away again.

-Other than struggling to care for him, things go rather smoothly. No one goes missing, gets hurt or anything. However, she wished Ratha would trust her and see that she’s not scary.

-When you get better, you are very grateful that Lilia was able to handle things. In the end, you try to help her smooth things over with Ratha. That way, if a next time occurs, she can do an even better job.

Ena

-When you are sick, Ena would definitely go out of her way to do what you ask. The wyverian wished she had multiple arms to multitask because she wanted to tend to you, but also make sure your monsties were alright.

-Your monsties would absolutely ADORE her. Ena was there through it all, so your monsties cherish her.

-The wyverian wasn’t a rider herself, so she would struggle a bit. However, your monsties wouldn’t take advantage of that.

-In fact, they even help Ena out if she doesn’t know what to do. When it comes to feeding time, they help instruct her to do what you normally do. It’s very wholesome because they know she is really trying.

-However, Ratha might be a bit of a kiss up, with him thinking he is Ena’s favorite.

-The wyverian has much more fun cuddling and petting your monsties than actually caring for them. I mean, who wouldn’t? She might even try to ride one, without you knowing in all honesty.

-After you recover, you would tell Ena you weren’t worried one bit. This pleases her, glad to know that after everything that happened, you had faith in her to care for your monsties without being a rider herself.

-She would happily do it whenever you need. Designated babysitter.

Kayna

-Kayna doesn’t like hearing that you fell ill, but in her head, she didn’t expect to be looking after your whole army. She figured you would need some help, being sick and all, but she didn’t think that it would be so many monsties.

-Needless to say, Kayna struggled.

-She can look over two or three monsties, but when it starts to become double digits, she starts to lose track. And Avmar is no help.

-Her velocidrome is most likely the one to cause problems as he usually likes to do for Kayna. Also, bonus points is Ranmar is there to cause chaos. All the monsties wouldn’t listen to her.

-Feeding time was indeed a frenzy, and she definitely lost one or two of your monsties. Don’t worry they came back later. You’d think they’d give her more respect, but no.

-They enjoyed messing with her.

-When you’re all better, Kayna rants about how your monsties behaved. They were angels in front of you but caused trouble for her. You would just laugh and ask if she would do it again. 

-Kayna doesn’t respond.

Avinia

-Avinia was all worried when she heard that you were ill. When asking if there was anything she could do, she was not expecting to hear about babysitting your monsties. She didn’t mind one bit though.

-She was a very strict babysitter.

-All your monsties have learned to fear her icy wrath and did their best to do as she said. She wasn’t cruel, just wanted what was best for them. And a lot of treats isn’t a good thing.

-Frostfang is also a big help. He keeps things under control if she isn’t around.

-Still gives your monsties plenty of pets. After all, she loves soft and cuddly things.

-Avinia would absolutely try to touch your negigante’s toe beans. 

-When your better and ask how things went, she gets all flustered. You simply smile. Like you didn’t know that Avinia would end up cuddling all your monsties.

Ena was starting to get concerned. Red, even in his older years, tends to visit at least once every week. It has now been a couple months since the rider had visited, and the wyverians were starting to worry.

“What if something happened?” Ena worried. She didn’t doubt Red’s strength, but accidents can always occur. Alwin, who stood beside her, just shook his head. Red was fine. Alwin could feel it. Suddenly...

“It’s Red! He’s back!” A wyverian male shouted by the front gates. In a fit of excitement, Alwin and Ena rushed to greet their friend. 

The bright orange of Guardian Ratha could be seen before his rider. Many wyverians have surrounded the human and were showering him with greetings, which he took in with that big grin of his. As Ena and Alwin pushed their way through the crowd, they were astounded to see that Red wasn’t alone. 

There was a young human child with him. The child’s e/c eyes were hauntingly familiar.

“Red? Who is this?” Ena asked kindly as she could see the fear in the kid’s eyes as they shuffled closer to Red. The old man let out a sad sigh.

“My son passed away at a young age...couple years later, and his wife followed. Now, all that’s left was their child, Y/N. My grandchild.” Red placed a hand on your shoulder as you hugged his leg, staring at the wyverians in wonder and fear. 

“But...you brought them here?” Alwin asked.

“I couldn’t leave Y/N alone after what happened...I don’t want them to be scared of me not coming home...” He said while placing a hand on your small shoulder. Then he smiled slightly and crouched down by your side. 

“Y/N, this is Ena and Alwin. Friends of mine.” After Red noted how he was friends with the wyverians, you seemed to open up slightly. Alwin was still dumbfounded, but Ena was quick to grin and get on her knees to greet you at eye level.

“Hello Y/N. Welcome to Rutoh. It’s very nice to meet you. Your grandfather and I go way back.” She said softly with a friendly smile. Slowly, with some encouragement from Red, you went up to greet her. However, instead of saying words, you took your six-year-old hands and pressed them on her face as was the typical greeting of the people of Mahana. You then smiled at her, and she smiled back, taking an immediate liking to you. Then she glanced over her shoulder at her friend.

“Alwin.” She said quietly while nudging his leg. This was her silent way of telling him to come down and greet you as well. The wyverian quickly obeyed and introduced himself just as Ena did. You glanced at him and soon stood before him. He was expecting the same in your face style of greeting.

Alwin was not prepared for you to touch his ears.

The squeak of surprise he did caused you to giggle. Everyone else joined in laughing as well, especially Red, who found this whole scene rather entertaining. Alwin quickly got to his feet and excused himself, his whole face burning in embarrassment. You watched him leave in confusion, not sure what you did wrong.

“You get used to him.” Ena said while smile and some laughter. You grinned at her again. She was truly looking forward to spending some time with you...

It’s been a few days since you and Red arrived in the village. While Red hung around, he decided that Rutoh was small enough for you to explore on your own. Plus, he knew that the wyverians would take care of you. 

Ena would always find you by the stables to pet the monsties. Even at this young age, she could see the similarity to Red. It was not just the eyes, but also your heart. You loved monsters, and Ena would take time out of her day to browse through the Monsterpedia with you.

“Alwin!” You greeted cheerfully as the familiar wyverian landed with Shaulk by the stables. He’s gotten over his initial embarrassment with you, and now secretly enjoys spending time with you.

“Hi Y/N-” He was cut off as you zoomed past him to go and pet Shaulk. Immediately Alwin’s instincts came over him, and he said, “Be careful Y/N!”

A legiana could be a dangerous monster when it wanted to, and Shaulk was not one to like a lot of attention. However, much to Alwin’s surprise, his monstie melted at your touch. You giggled as Shaulk nuzzled your neck and hair. Then you proceeded to scratch the wyvern’s chin, and he plopped on the ground like a happy palamute with his tongue lolling out.

“It seems they are very special.” Ena mused and Alwin nodded, still very shocked. Then suddenly you shot up and gave the male wyverian pleading eyes.

“Can you take me for a ride? Please!” You begged him with wide puppy eyes. Alwin widened his own eyes and looked to Ena for help. She just laughed and pushed you further.

“I’m sure he would love to take you on a ride.” She beamed with a smile before giving Alwin a look that said, “You better do it”. Nodding, Alwin gave you a grin before whistling to get Shaulk on his feet. You jumped up and down on your feet in child giddiness as Alwin picked you up under the arms and placed you on the saddle before jumping on behind you.

“Just hold on tightly. Your grandfather will kill me if you fall.” Alwin said while placing your hands on the saddle horns. You obeyed, and Alwin flashed Ena a nervous look. She just gave him a thumbs up. 

Then you guys were off, you are shouting in absolute glee and no doubt giving Alwin a heart attack.

She smiled, and then began to work on her project. It was kept a secret from you and was going to be a gift before you left. Considering how much you love rathalos so much, she wanted to make you a little stuffed one. This included her shoving you off on either Alwin or Zellard so she could work in secret. Ena would also spend a while observing Guardian Ratha in order to get the proportions of wings to tail right. 

With a giddy smile, she sat down and picked up the orange plush, and began to sew...

A couple hours later, Ena finished her project with a proud grin. This was just as a legiana cry sounded over the village. Running outside, she saw Alwin land Shaulk near the stables again. However, you hopped off before the monstie touched the ground, and Alwin looked like he’s grown 30 years due to all the stress you probably gave him.

“Ena!” You cheered happily and gave her a hug.

“Did you have fun?” She asked with a smile. You nodded wildly as Alwin shakily slid off Shaulk, the legiana snorting in amusement. She would have to ask him about what really happened later because she saw Red approaching.

“I’m afraid it’s time to go Y/N.” He said with a small smile on his face. You frowned and clutched onto Ena’s legs as Alwin approached. 

“Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll see your friends again someday.” He said with a knowing grin as Guardian Ratha came over to take you both back to Mahana. You nodded sadly and gave Ena another hug before going over and tackling Alwin’s legs in a hug. Ena was certain she saw some tears in her friend’s eyes.

“Hold on. I have a gift for Y/N before you go.” Ena said while rushing back into her home to grab the rathalos doll. Coming back outside, she saw your curious eyes strain to try and see what she had behind her back. 

“Ta-da!” She said while bringing out the sewn rathalos doll. The frown on your face was soon replaced by a big smile as you accepted the plush form her and hugged it tightly.

“Well look at that! Your first monstie!” Red said with a grin as you showed him the rathalos doll.

“So, you’ll always remember your visit to Rutoh.” Ena explained as you admired her handiwork. You nodded while clutching it again.

“Thank you.” You said with a bright smile. She nodded and ruffled your hair.

“What are you going to name him?” Alwin asked, wanting to join in on the fun. You looked back at the plush in thought before looking at your grandfather’s monstie.

“Ratha!” You cheered while hugging the rathalos doll. Guardian Ratha looked rather pleased while the adults laughed. Ena was pleased that you liked it and accepted one last hug from you as Red lifted you on the back of his monstie.

“Bye!” You waved as Guardian Ratha took to the skies. The wyverians below waved and Ena felt a sudden emptiness at your departure. She just had to remember Red’s words. 

You guys will meet again.

Several years later...

A couple months after Oltura’s death brought you and Ena back to Mahana Village for a break. You offered Ena to stay at your place considering there was really nowhere else to go and the wyverian happily accepted your generosity. Upon entering your small and cozy home, she happened to notice a very familiar sewn rathalos doll on a shelf rather close to your bed.

“I can set up some pillows, and...Ena?” You realized that your friend had not been paying attention to you and has rather been staring at one spot on your wall.

“You like that huh? A friend of my grandfather’s gave it to me a long time ago...” You told her while scratching the back of your head. Ena turned to look at you as you laughed sheepishly.

“It’s funny. I can hardly remember the village or any of those people, but for some reason I find comfort in Ratha. He really helped me through some rough times...” You walked over to pick up the blush only to blush in embarrassment when you said the name out loud. Ena was still amazed that you kept it, and that it actually brought you some comfort even to this nice day. It nearly brought tears to her eyes, especially since she knew who gave it to you...

“I’m...I’m sure they were very nice people...” She said while folding her hands close to her chest with a smile. You grinned a little and placed the doll back on the shelf before sitting on the bed.

“Yeah. I hope to see them again someday.” You mused while closing your eyes and laying back on the bed. In doing so, you didn’t see Ena wipe away the tears that started to trail down her smiling face. Before you entirely succumbed to sleep, you heard your friend whisper one last thing.