Chapter 4

image [https://i.imgur.com/qmE4Oh0.jpg]

Elvyra stood by the door of the small house that had been her home for fifteen years.

She was wearing a vibrant green tunic adorned with belts on her hips.

Her heart was beating with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty for what lay ahead on this journey of hers. Knowing what she knew now, she had to be strong. She grasped her Monstro tamer staff tightly, for it was her guide and protector on this journey of hers.

"Are you ready?” her mother said, her eyes shining with both pride and worry as she looked at her daughter. She couldn’t help but marvel at the young woman standing before her, ready to embrace this difficult task given to her by the great Gaia herself but yet, she couldn’t help but want to tell her to stay, that she didn’t have to go through this, but she knew that this was bigger than her. This journey held a greater purpose, she couldn’t deny the mother of all creations, the only thing she could do is hope Mother Gaia would protect her.

“Yes,” Elvyra said, smiling faintly at her.

She glanced tenderly down at her Monstro partner, Dino, the small green dinosaur Monstro.

“Are you ready, Dino?”

“Dino! Dino!” Dino chirped, ready to accompany Elvyra on every step of her adventure. His eyes sparkled with a hint of protectiveness, promising to shield his partner from any danger that may arise on their journey.

“Protect her, Dino,” Elvyra’s mother said, crouching down to Dino’s eye level, and petting the young Monstro. Her voice carried a gentle plea that she hoped would be understood by Dino.

‘Dino,” Dino said, his eyes fierce, despite being scared himself, he knew he had to be strong as well. A silent nod of acknowledgment between the two of them spoke more than any other word could at that moment.

“I’m going to miss you,” she said, pulling her daughter into a tight embrace.

“And remember that you can always come back home.”

Elvyra nodded,

“I’ll be alright Mom and I promise to return safely.”

The weight of Gaia’s mission filled Elvyra with a sense of purpose, and while she knew the importance of her quest, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement as well.

After all, embarking on a journey like this had been a dream for her ever since she read all those tales of Monstro Tamers and their extraordinary adventurers.

“We shouldn’t keep the village elder waiting for long.”

And as their embrace was coming to an end, her mother couldn’t help but hug Elvyra once more.

“Please be safe,” her voice filled with an equal measure of concern and hope.

“I will, I promise.”

***

As both Elvyra and her mother made their way toward the entrance of the village, they both spotted the village elder waiting for them.

“Are you ready, my child,” she said,

“Yes,” Elvyra replied, with a determined nod.

“Good,” The elder nodded,

“Take this, it should aid you in your journey to Monstria City. ”

Elvyra reached out, accepting the small brown bag offered to her by the village elder. Inside, she found potions, a day’s ration of food, and a map of Monstro Island.

Elvyra bowed at the elder and her mother and set out on her journey, waving goodbye to both of them and setting her sights on Monstria City.

She stepped onto the grass-covered path that ran to the heart of the Elven Forest, every step she took leaving behind her village.

The air was infused with a sweet fragrance brought by the blend of the blooming flowers and ancient trees that shielded the Elven Village.

Rays of sunlight filtered through the thick shields of trees, casting patterns on the forest floor.

With each step, the soft earth beneath her feet seemed to whisper tales of the forest’s ancient wisdom. The towering trees stood as silent sentinels, their branches reaching toward the skies in a display of timeless majesty. Elvyra couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder for the natural beauty that surrounded her.

As she ventured deeper into the forest, the sounds of rustling leaves accompanied her. The chirping of birds and the gentle voice of a nearby stream created an orchestra of the forest’s voice.

She spotted a few nature-type Monstros going about their business, a common sight around the Elven Forest, which was home to many nature-type Monstros that coexisted with the village.

Elvyra glanced over her shoulder, stealing one last glimpse of the path that led to her village. Memories flooded her mind, the laughter of children playing, the shared meals with her mother, the peaceful serenity of the village, now left behind by her.

With determination in her eyes, Elvyra quickened her pace, she had a mission to do.

As the day wore on, the forest’s vibrant color took on a golden tint, painting the surroundings with a warm glow. The sun began to descend toward the horizon, casting a warm glow across the sky and the familiar sight of her village disappeared behind her, replaced by the distant silhouette of Monstria City on the horizon.

As Elvyra made her way toward Monstria city, she caught sight of a peculiar road. It was the road that led to the lost village of Leaf Town Village, a place that had vanished without a trace three years ago, leaving nothing behind but legends and rumors around its mysterious disappearance.

Filled with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue, she made a detour toward it, curiosity winning in her.

As she grew closer to it, she saw the remnants of what was left now consumed by nature. The atmosphere held an eerie stillness as if time itself had frozen within the abandoned village.

As she ventured deeper into the heart of Leaf Town Village, a sense of melancholy washed over her. What had caused this place to vanish so abruptly? Leaving behind nothing but memories and unanswered questions, she wondered.

Elvyra began to sing, instinctively like something inside of her was yearning for her to do it. Her voice began to blend with the whispering wind. The notes floated through the air, carrying a touch of sadness and tranquility. It was said that every Elf knew the song of the passing, and it was customary to sing it when passing by a grave to guide any spirits still lingering. It was as if something in Elvyra was compelling her to offer solace to this once lively village.

Suddenly, a rustling sound echoed from what was no doubt the center of the village, making her staff react and causing her loyal companion Dino to appear suddenly.

“DINO!” Dino growled, almost as if ready for battle.

“Dino?” Elvyra said, surprised by Dino's apprehension.

Right in the heart of the village, was a small feline monstro nestled amidst the overgrown vines. Its fur glistened with a soft light brown coat, and spiky white hair between its ears. She had never seen quite a Monstro like it before. Its blue eyes gleamed as it saw Elvyra.

Yet, Elvyra continued her melodic song, making the feline Monstro stir its ears, cautiously looking at her.

“DINO!” Dino growled, keeping an eye on the feline Monstro.

Elvyra put a soft hand on Dino’s head, telling him it was okay.

Elvyra and the small feline Monstro eyes met for a second, but before Elvyra could offer a branch of friendship, the Monstro’s instinct kicked in and it darted away, disappearing into the depths of the surrounding trees.

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Elvyra could only watch as the feline Monstro disappeared, she wondered if perhaps she had disturbed its nap, though she did find it odd that it had chosen this place to take a nap.

She offered a silent prayer to the village and hoped one day the truth of its disappearance would be unveiled, finally giving it peace.

Resuming her journey, Elvyra left the village behind, the haunting melody still lingering in the air.

The path ahead stretched toward Monstria City, beckoning her onward.

As she drew closer to Monstria City, the terrain gradually changed. The vibrant hues of nature that she had left changed into dirt roads, with other Monstro tamers making their way toward Monstria city as well. Elvyra marveled at the variety of Monstro partners she saw. Beast with horns, nimble fox-like creatures, and even an armored beast made from rocks that exuded power and resilience accompanied other tamers along the road.

At long last, she had arrived at Monstria City, a sprawling cityscape filled with towering buildings, bustling markets, and lively Monstro battle arenas awaited her.

Elvyra’s heart quickened as she approached the entrance to the city, standing by the entrance were two guards with two large monstro partners by their side.

“H-Hello,” she said,

“State your business in Monstria City,” one of the guards demanded in a deep and unfriendly tone, his demeanor exuding a cold and dismissive air.

“U-um…I-- “ Elvyra froze, what business did she have in the city? If she told them what she was doing here, would they believe her?

But before she could gather her thoughts and give them a reason, a rude tamer brushed past her and pushed her aside. The guards’ gaze shifted their attention to the brash newcomer.

“Move it elf,” the rude tamer said,

“I’m here for the Monstro tournament.”

He declared arrogantly, his tone dripping with self-confidence.

And without much hesitation, the guards granted him entry.

“M-Me too,” Elvyra said, hoping to be allowed into the city as well.

“Ha! An elf competing, that’s laughable,” he scoffed mockingly,

“Don’t you elves have tea parties with your Monstros? What does your kind know about taming? “

But before Elvyra could respond, he walked away with a sense of triumph.

A surge of frustration washed over Elvyra, making her staff emit a vibrant red light, which materialized into her loyal companion, Dino.

“Dino! DINO!” the small green dinosaur Monstro said, ready to dash toward the rude tamer.

“Is okay, Dino,” Elvyra said, regaining her composure once more. She understood that stooping down to that tamer’s level would not serve her purpose.

‘Dino,” Dino said, emitting a soft sigh.

As Elvyra and Dino stood by the entrance of Monstria City, processing the encounter with such a rude tamer, they heard a voice behind them.

“Not all humans are as rude as him, “ the voice said, with a certain sincerity to it.

“I-Is okay,” Elvyra said, blushing, and feeling embarrassed for being the center of attention as she noticed other tamers looking at her.

She was pretty Elvyra thought as she looked at one of the tamers walking toward her. She had vibrant light blue hair tied into a neat ponytail and light blue eyes.

“My name is Ace,” Ace said, extending a gesture of friendliness at Elvyra.

“N-Nice to meet, you, I’m Elvyra,” Elvyra said, taking Ace’s hand, it was soft, yet masculine.

“And who is this fine monstro partner of yours ?” Ace said, turning his attention to Dino.

“This is Dino, he’s my partner,” Elvyra said, there was a hint of pride in her voice.

“A dragon Monstro, that’s very rare around this area,” Ace said,

“Are you here for the Monstro Tournament ?”

“The tournament,” Elvyra thought.

The tournament had merely been a fabrication to gain entry into Monstria City, however, she decided to play along, as it aligned with her mission of finding the elder’s granddaughter.

“Y-Yes,”.

Even though it wasn’t a complete lie since the elder did say that her granddaughter was fond of taming battles, and what better place to find her than in a taming tournament?

“Well good luck, maybe will battle against each other,” Ace said, smiling at her.

"What a nice person,” Elvyra thought.

“Dino,” Dino said, nodding his head in agreement, followed by a loud growl emanating from its stomach.

“GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!”

Making him blush.

Elvyra let out a faint smile,

"We did walk quite the distance,” she said,

“Let’s go find something to eat.”

***

Elvyra and Dino stepped into the bustling streets of Monstria City, she couldn’t help but be in awe for she had never seen such a busy and grant city. Compared to the peaceful and quiet village of hers, Monstria City was the total opposite. The city was filled with houses bigger than all the homes in the Elven Village, some looked as if they were stacked upon each other, to Elvyra. The air buzzed with Monstro Tamers and their companions hurrying about, no doubt to the tournament of Monstros.

Elvyra couldn’t help but marvel at the diversity of the city’s inhabitants. Humans, Beastmen with their stocky bodies and fur ears and tails, and the elusive and secretive Glacien people from the cold northern mountains of Monstro Island. She couldn’t help but stare at them due to their small ice ornaments adorning their bodies which Elvyra found pretty, making her wonder if Ace was perhaps half Glacien since she was as pretty as them.

But she didn’t find many Elves, she noticed, which was to be expected. Since she was sure she might be one of the few that didn’t mind taming. Which meant finding the elder's granddaughter was going to be easy or hard, depending on how you looked at it.

But Elvyra wasn’t the only one filled with awe at the city, Dino’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as he observed the bustling crowds. His small stature allowed him to weave through the busy streets with ease, while Elvyra followed closely behind, her staff clutched in her hand.

As they ventured deeper into the heart of the city, they passed by grandiose structures that seemed straight out of a fairy tale, they wandered upon an inn tucked away in a quiet corner, or perhaps it was the delicious smell that had guided them toward it, but whatever it was, they had found the place to which their hunger would be quell.

Inside, wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling and the soft sunlight cast a gentle glow on the patrons as they enjoyed their meals. Though she did notice that most of the patrons were Beastmen, she did remember that her mother used to tell her that if you wanted the best food in all of Monstro Island, then you went to the Beastmen, they had a knack for cooking like no other.

Elvyra and Dino found a table near a window, offering a view of the city’s bustling streets.

They settled into their seats, and a friendly Beastmen woman innkeeper approached them, a smile graced her face.

“AH! An Elf! We don’t see a lot of your kind, what can I get for you, honey?” she said,

“Whatever you recommend,” Elvyra said,

“Dino,” Dino said, in agreement.

“Very well, just one second honey,” she said, hurrying off.

Elvyra looked around the inn and wondered if perhaps any of them had seen another elf in the city.

The innkeeper returned with bowls of steaming stew and placed them before Elvyra and Dino.

“On the house,” the innkeeper said, with a smile.

“N-no, we can’t accept that –”

Elvyra tried to protest, but the innkeeper interrupted her with kindness.

“Consider it a welcome gift from us to the Elven race for our years of cooperation, besides, as I said, we rarely get Elves around the city.”

“Thank you,” Elvyra said, and before she could say anything more, Dino was already face-deep into the bowl of stew that had arrived.

They both laugh and the innkeeper went on her way to the next patron.

Elvyra was thankful for her kindness, she had read that the Beastmen and the Elven race had a long-standing friendship that sprung back to the first Elven chief and the Beastmen king.

And it seemed then that friendship was still going strong even now after so many decades.

"Is so good,” Elvyra said, as she took a bite, every flavor in her mouth erupting in a sea of spices, and herbs, with a mix of sweet yet salty flavor.

The stew was a symphony of ingredients and a testament to the Beastmen’s culinary gift no doubt gifted to them by Gaia.

As Elvyra and Dino enjoyed their meal, Elvyra’s eyes wandered around the inn once more, observing the lively interactions between patrons. Conversations filled the air with the occasional burst of laughter. It was said that this decade had been the most peaceful Monstro Island had been in centuries. Making her determination even more strongly, it was for this peace that Gaia had entrusted her with such a mission, and she wasn’t going to fail her.

With their meal finished, and hunger satiated, Elvyra and Dino rose from their seats, ready to continue their mission.

The innkeeper bid them farewell with a warm smile, and wished them good luck in the tournament, after all, what other reason could an Elf have for leaving the safety of the Elven forest? Reminded her of a certain elf she met all those years on this very inn of hers.