Witcher of Canterlot: I


                                            A/N: Originally published on Mar 9th, 2016 for the Alone in Equestria Girls Thread


                                            "Hey girls, you ever wonder why Anon is always alone?"

                                            >The other five turn to the corner of the lunch room, at a young man eating by himself at one of the lunch tables.

                                            >"Anon? Who that kid in the suit?" Rainbow asks pointing a thumb in his direction.

                                            >"Ah wasn't even aware there was an "Anon" going to our school."

                                            >"Let me check my super handy dandy notebook!"

                                            >Pinkie Pie quickly looks through her personal flip-book, the one that catalog's everyone at CHS's birthdays, likes, and dislikes.

                                            >She lets out a huge gasp when she can't find his name.

                                            >"Oh no this is terrible! I don't have ANYTHING about Anon!"

                                            >"He transferred in a week ago if I remember right." Fluttershy mutters, "M-maybe he just hasn't made any friends yet..."

                                            >"Hopefully he won't turn out to be a trouble maker considering our last batch of new students."

                                            >The memory of the Dazzlings cause you all to shiver.

                                            >"Say, any of y'all know why he's wearing them sunglasses inside?"

                                            >"Cause he thinks its cool?" Rainbow answers with a shrug of her shoulders.

                                            >"Well it's dreadfully out of style if you ask me." Rarity also comments.

                                            "I think it's because he's blind. See that stick next to him?"

                                            >The girls look again, and just as you said as black walking cane is propped up on the table.

                                            >"W-well, if he can't see I guess he won't be too much trouble then."

                                            >"Oooh! Oh!  Maybe later we can help him make some friends. How about it girls?!"

                                            >All nodding, you begin to poke at your lunch tray.

                                            >Ugh, meatloaf again?

                                            >You've grown accustom to meat thanks to this body, but three days in a row?

                                            >As you continue to dissect your meal, Pinkie Pie pokes Rarity on the shoulder.

                                            >"Rarity whatcha staring at?"

                                            >Looking up you see Rarity turning back to the group.

                                            >"Oh, I just couldn't help but notice that medallion Anon sports around his neck. To be honest it is a bit eerie."

                                            >You turn to Anon's table again and see he's already walking to the nearby trash, walking stick in front of him to detect obstacles.

                                            >As he faces your table, you spot a metal dog or wolf head dangling around a metal chain.

                                            >Anon walks by as the five of you quickly pretend not to stare.

                                            >You don't know why, it's not like he can see you.

                                            >Pinkie on the other hand, is trying incredibly hard not to just burst out of her seat.

                                            >For a brief second though, it almost looks like the thing around his neck shook as he walked past you.


                                            >Walking out of the cafeteria and into the nearby restroom, you make sure no one is following you.

                                            >The sudden stench of the boys stalls hits you like a brick wall.

                                            "Ah fuck!"

                                            >Fucking enhanced senses...

                                            >Taking a moment to gather yourself, you ignore the urge to retch and carefully check the stalls to see that no one is occupying them.

                                            >Satisfied that you have a brief moment of privacy, you relax just a bit.

                                            >Gripping your medallion, you've just confirmed the theory that those six girls have some serious magic emanating around them.

                                            >When you arrived at this school, the trace magic around the front statue was enough to send serious vibrations into your medallion.

                                            >You touched the surface of the statue's base and could sense it was a place of power.

                                            >That was your starting point at least, though trying to be discreet was surprisingly hard.

                                            >Every time you tried to ask about the statue, whether directly or indirectly, resulted in everyone becoming incredibly tight lipped.

                                            >Stepping towards the sink and setting your cane aside, you turn on the water.

                                            >You remove the sunglasses that have become part of your wardrobe for the past two weeks and splash some water on your face.

                                            >God, pretending to be blind is incredibly irritating.

                                            >But it's not like you have any other way to hide a certain distinctive feature.

                                            >Looking at yourself in the mirror, two yellow cat-like eyes look back at you.

                                            >But a man's gotta eat right?

                                            >You don't ask too many questions. You just kill the monster and take the money.

                                            >Still...

                                            >It's strange that even you don't know who the client is.

                                            >Usually that's a red flag right there.

                                            >Jobs aren't as cut-and-dry when that's the case.

                                            >But your job isn't to ask questions.

                                            >All you know is that whoever is paying, is paying an enormous amount that could keep you set you for quite some time.

                                            >You let out a sigh.

                                            >Well, someone paid to get rid of a so called monster residing here and those six girls are definitely involved with it somehow.

                                            >Gripping your cane, you twist the head and pull out slightly.

                                            >The base of a silver blade gleams in the fluorescent light.

                                            >Sheathing the hidden weapon, you relock the top and set your sunglasses back down over your eyes.

                                            >Hopefully you won't have to use this too often in the open, but you'll be ready if you have to.

                                            >Opening the restroom door, you exit out into the hallway before suddenly coming face-to-face with a very excited girl.


                                            -----


                                            >She's one of the six you were just thinking about.

                                            "Can I help you?"

                                            >The girl doesn't say anything, she just smiles at you while bouncing up and down.

                                            >Your medallion shakes at the girls presence.

                                            >You prepare yourself in case this girl tries anything.

                                            "Hello?"

                                            >Suddenly her hands shoot out from her side and dig through her hair like its some sort of container.

                                            >After a few moments of digging, she pulls out a pen and notepad.

                                            >What...

                                            >"HimynameisPinkiePieSorryI'msolateingettingyourinformationdownsinceitsbeenlikewhataweek?ItmustbetoughbeingthenewkidsoI'mgonnahelpyoumakesomefriends.Sotellmewhat'syourbirthdaylikesanddislikes?"

                                            >You pause.

                                            "Excuse me?"

                                            >She huffs, tosses the notepad and pen away and holds her hand out.

                                            >"Oh let me start over. I'm Pinkie Pie, nice to meet you."

                                            >Your gut instincts don't feel any hostile intent in her words at all, and your medallion has stopped.

                                            >No danger. Just magic.

                                            >A few moments go by where you two just stand there awkwardly.

                                            >She moves the hand up and down like she's trying to grab your attention.

                                            >"Um... aren't you going to shake my hand."

                                            "If I could see it maybe."

                                            >"PINKIE PIE!"

                                            >A shrill voice comes from down the hall along with another shake from the medallion.

                                            >"Dear what are you doing?!"

                                            >Another one of the six joins you two, this one from your observations noted as the fashion-centric one.

                                            >Even without sight, you can smell the perfume and makeup she's caked on from here.

                                            >"I'm trying to make friends with the new guy!"

                                            >"Really now? Because it looks like you're patronizing Anonymous's disability."

                                            >Pinkie Pie gasps and tucks her hand back, realizing what she unintentionally did.

                                            >"Oh my gosh I am so sorry!"

                                            >She tries to hug you, only for you to step to the side.

                                            "It's fine. Now if you'll excuse me."

                                            >You try to move past the two only to be blocked by a third figure.

                                            >Backing up, you realize that you're almost pinned against the wall.

                                            >...

                                            >Shit.

                                            >You're not in the most suitable position if a fight breaks out.

                                            >Last thing you need is three potential bruxa ambushing you.

                                            >The only reason you haven't dropped into a combat stance is just because your medallion isn't sensing any danger.

                                            >"What's the rush partner?" asks the girl with the hat.

                                            "I just want to get to my next class early." you lie.

                                            >The girl, who has the faint smell of apples, lets out a chuckle, "Guess we got another egghead like Twi."

                                            >"Yes, well. So sorry Anonymous, would you like assistance on finding where the room is?"

                                            "No."

                                            >Your blunt response takes her off-guard.

                                            >"A-ah are you sure?"

                                            "It's eighty-five steps from the lunch room, thirteen of which were used to reach the restroom."

                                            >"B-but..."

                                            "Just because I'm visually impaired, doesn't mean I'm incapable of finding my way around."

                                            >"WELL..." Apple-girl interrupts, "Now that that's settled, Anon have you made any acquaintances since you've been here?"

                                            "None. Though I'm sure you're going to fix that?"

                                            >"Darn tootin'! Y'all should come hang out with us after school."

                                            >They want you to "hang out" with them?

                                            >This totally feels like a trap.

                                            >...

                                            >It probably is a trap.

                                            >You don't even have all your gear with you.

                                            >"Well?"

                                            "Maybe tomorrow, I've got some things to take care of after school ends."

                                            >Not a total lie...

                                            >"Oh. Well, tomorrow then. I'm Applejack by the way."

                                            >This time she holds out her hand.

                                            >Before you can say anything, she gently takes your hand and guides it into hers.

                                            >Her hand is warm, and her grip is strong.

                                            >Real strong...

                                            >...

                                            >Squeezing it, you quickly pump twice then let go.

                                            "Yeah..."

                                            >The three girls walk away, leaving you alone as the lunch bell rings to signal the end of the lunch period.

                                            >Once you're out of sight, you rapidly shake your hand to get feeling back into it.

                                            >FUCKING A!


                                            -----


                                            >Turning back, Anonymous is walking away in the opposite direction tapping his walking stick in front of him.

                                            "That Anon must do some tough chores or something."

                                            >"What do you mean darling?"

                                            "His hands are rough like mine or Big Macintosh's, and his grip is incredibly firm. Not like any of the boys here at school, I think that kid actually knows what hard work is."

                                            >"Something that tickles your fancy?"

                                            >You almost trip at that comment.

                                            "Excuse me?" you say with a blush.

                                            >"Big firm hands that puts any competition to shame."

                                            >Rarity gets a big cheshire grin.

                                            "Please, as if."

                                            >"Admit it darling, he was cute."

                                            "..."

                                            >"Haha! Applejack you are a terrible liar."

                                            >Ignoring her you push your hat down to cover your still red face as you continue back to the cafeteria.

                                            >You three head back into the lunch room and grab your bags.

                                            >Fluttershy, Sunset and Rainbow Dash have already left for their own classes.

                                            >"Pinkie, are you okay?"

                                            >Rarity, puts a hand on her shoulder.

                                            >She looks strangely distant.

                                            "Pinkie?"

                                            >"I don't think he's blind." she mutters.

                                            "Why's that?"

                                            >"When I went to give him a hug, he moved away to the side."

                                            >"Darling, I don't see how that..."

                                            >"At first I thought he was just being a grumpy-gus but Anonymous avoided me like a person who saw it coming."

                                            "You saying he's faking?"

                                            >Pinkie shakes her head, "I don't know Applejack."


                                            -----


                                            >"So Pinkie thinks the new kid is pretending to be blind?" asks Rainbow Dash, “Why?”

                                            >The two of you are walking to Twilight's house.

                                            >Poor girl's been sick the past couple days and Sunset asked you two to bring her her class and homework.

                                            >Normally she does it, but since band practice went late today Sunset asked you two to fill in while she had to take care of personal matters.

                                            >Something about going out food shopping for ravioli or something before the store closes.

                                            >Since the late bus you two go on doesn't go by Twi's house, you two end up huffing it.

                                            >To pass the time, you've just explained your encounter with Anon earlier today.

                                            "Yeah, ah dunno why but we'll see tomorrow after school."

                                            >"Wait... You're not going to fight him are you?"

                                            >What?

                                            >"Why in tarnation would I do that? And just were did that line of thinking come from?"

                                            >"Just think about it AJ, what if this Anon kid actually is blind. But if he dodged Pinkie Pie's hug, he may have some super reflexes or something like he could feel the gust of wind right before Pinkie even moved."

                                            "Have you been watching those kung-fu movies again?"

                                            >"No!"

                                            >You stare at her.

                                            "Dash..."

                                            >"Okay maybe... Look, all I'm saying is that Anon is maybe some sort of trained warrior... Like uh, like a blind master!"

                                            "Don't be an idiot. Nothing like that could happen."

                                            >"Yet friendship magic, sirens, and dimensional tears in space could?"

                                            >She has a point.

                                            >But still.

                                            "Ah think you're thinking this over way too much Dash. I ain’t gonna fight Anon blind or not."

                                            >"Whatever, you know I'm right."

                                            >You two finally end up at the right house and step up towards the door.

                                            >Pretty fancy place.

                                            >Traditional picket white fence, with a big lawn and tree both perfectly trimmed.

                                            >And a somewhat expensive looking car parked in the driveway.

                                            >Pressing the doorbell, you two wait until you hear the sound of footsteps on the other side.

                                            >"Hello?" someone asks, even through a door their voice is all stuffy.

                                            "Twi? It's me Applejack. We got yer work from school."

                                            >The sound of locks turning is followed by a frail purple girl opening the door.

                                            >She's dressed in star patterned pajamas and a blanket over her head.

                                            >"Hello girls." she says with a smile.

                                            >"Hey egghead."

                                            "Howdy Twi."

                                            >Taking off your backpack, you open it and dig through to pull out a small folder.

                                            >Handing it to her, she looks it over.

                                            >Probably to double check everything is still there.

                                            >"T-than-than-ah-AH-ACHOOO!"

                                            >Covering her mouth with a tissue she blows into it.

                                            >"Thanks." she says with an embarrassed grin.

                                            "No problem, you get better soon."

                                            >"Do you need a ride home? It's getting dark."

                                            >Looking out, the sun is already pretty low in the sky.

                                            >Considering your house is in the complete opposite direction of Twi's to the school, it'll be pretty dark out.

                                            "If it ain't no trouble."

                                            >"Oh don'th worry." she turns to the inside of the house, "Dad!"

                                            >"Yes Twilight?" a voice calls from inside.

                                            >"Coulth you give my friendths a ride home, they broughth my homework and ith's getting darth."

                                            >"Sure thing, just let me get ready."

                                            >Twilight gestures you inside the house.

                                            >Dash looks a bit apprehensive of walking into a sick girl's home.

                                            >Even though it is getting cold out.

                                            "C'mon it's rude."

                                            >"Alright" Rainbow whispers to you, "But if I get sick I'm blaming you."

                                            "Fine."

                                            >Sitting on the couch, Twilight heads upstairs.

                                            >A few minutes go by and the girl returns and sits adjacent to you on another chair.

                                            >Spike comes in scampering alongside her.

                                            >"Thorry, it'ths really hard to thalk."

                                            "Don't worry bout it Twi."

                                            >Suddenly, Dash nudges you in the rib.

                                            >"Hey AJ isn't that the same medallion that Anon kid has?"

                                            >Looking to where Rainbow is pointing, you spot a glass box on the mantle with a necklace inside.

                                            >Attached to the chain is a snarling wolf head dangling down.

                                            >It's not exactly identical, the one on the box has a large crack running through it, but the two are incredibly similar.

                                            >Twilight's eyes widen as her head darts back between you and the case.

                                            >"Didth you thwo just say you saw another one justh like that."

                                            "Eeyup. A new kid at school had one around his neck. Why?"

                                            >"N-no reason!"

                                            >Before Rainbow or you can speak, a man walks down the stairs.

                                            >"Alright girls, let's get you two home."

                                            >Rainbow Dash gives you a worried look, but you just shake your head.

                                            >Standing, you two head towards the door and wave goodbye.

                                            "Um... Bye Twilight."

                                            >The two of you thank Mr. Sparkle as he pulls out of the driveway.

                                            >Giving him the directions to Sweet Apple Acres, you patiently sit in silence as you're driven home.

                                            >Neither of you opt to discuss the matter with Twilight's dad in the car.

                                            >Rainbow Dash gets off first since her house is on the way which just leaves you with your thoughts on the matter.

                                            >Why do Anon and Twilight both have the same wolf pendant?

                                            >Why was Twilight acting so weird?

                                            >You're definitely going to have to tell the others about this.

                                            >Maybe Pinkie and RD were right, there really is something more to Anon than you think.


                                            -----


                                            >After leaving school for the day, you walk to the place you would reluctantly call "home".

                                            >It takes you out into the poorer parts of town, but it was the only place you could afford and be nearby the school.

                                            >You saw the Apple girl her friends head towards the music room before you left.

                                            >During the walk, you have to walk through a public park, where you find a moment to think on your encounter with three of girls earlier.

                                            >None of them struck you or your wolf as hostile or malicious.

                                            >Maybe this isn't the sort of contract you were lead to believe it was.

                                            >A little while with only the wind to keep you company, you exit the park proper and come to a crosswalk.

                                            >The signal changes and you pass by a woman on the opposite street corner.

                                            >Prostitute most likely.

                                            >Just ignore her and you'll be fine.

                                            >You're almost home when the wolf on your chest vibrates violently.

                                            >"Hey good lookin' you want some compan-"

                                            "No."

                                            >You narrow your eyes and continue on your path.

                                            >Your ears pick up faint footsteps following behind you.

                                            >And you can smell the stench of stale blood.

                                            >"Are you sure?" the female voice asks. "I can make it worth your while."

                                            >Determined aren't we?

                                            "Not interested."

                                            >Despite your answer, the “prostitute” continues to follow you.

                                            >"C'mon, a strapping young man like you shouldn't be all alone in this part of town."

                                            >Doesn't look like she'll simply let you go.

                                            >Stepping down an ally, you halt to a stop when you reach the center.

                                            >The sound of footsteps shift into a heavier sound before quickly changing back.

                                            >Like bone stepping on stone.

                                            >It's subtle, anyone else may not have noticed.

                                            >"Look kid, I'm starving. Help a girl out."

                                            >Turning, you see a shapely woman with what just barely passes as clothing.

                                            >Her features would be considered very attractive, she could pass in a crowd and all the eyes would be on her.

                                            "Yeah... no."

                                            >The woman pouts, sticking her lower lip out.

                                            >"Aw and why not?" her tone starts out innocent, "Your limp dick swing the other way or something?"

                                            "Sorry, not attracted to individuals who whore themselves out to any cock they find."

                                            >"Why would you say that?" she asks, her stance getting more aggressive. "Most men would love to spend a night with someone such as myself."

                                            >You hold your cane to your side and twist the pommel.

                                            "Then go find another sap to fuck you."

                                            >Having lost her patience, she stares daggers at you, "I'm getting a meal with or without you awake."

                                            >Without another word, the "woman" charges at you with blinding speed.

                                            >With a quick gesture with your fingers as a yellow orb forms around you.

                                            >The monster's hand slams into it, shattering the barrier with enough force to send you flying backwards into a pile of trash.

                                            >"What is this? That should have knocked you out."

                                            >Spitting out some blood, you notice that your glasses were knocked off.

                                            >Thank god for Quen.

                                            >That could have been much worse without it.

                                            >You wince, placing a palm on your forehead you can feel something wet.

                                            >Looking at your palm, it's covered in a splotch of red.

                                            >Fuck.

                                            "Augh... dammit that could have been real bad."

                                            >Looks like a woman, extremely quick attack, feeds on sexual activity?

                                            >Probably a succubus.

                                            "Never encountered a succubi before. Today's my lucky day."

                                            >The creature looks shocked that you're able to identify it.

                                            >You just glare at the succubus, her expression growing worried when she sees your eyes.

                                            >"Y-you're... no I thought they were just a myth!"

                                            >Chuckling, you pull yourself out of the garbage and pull your silver sword out of its sheath.

                                            "And this is coming from a succubus."

                                            >She steps back waving her hands in front of her.

                                            >"I-I'm sorry. I-I-I just needed to get some sustenance, it's been so hard with all the others coming in and taking everything."

                                            >Twirling the blade in your right hand, you prepare for the next attack while your other hand digs through a pocket under your shirt.

                                            >Instead of attacking, the succubus turns to flee.

                                            >Got a runner.

                                            >With one practiced motion and an extension of your arm, a throwing knife finds itself lodged into the left leg of the demon.

                                            >She writhes in pain as the small silver dagger brings her to the ground.

                                            >Standing over her, she tries to cast a spell with her hands only for you to stab them with the tip of your silver sword.

                                            >Not a deep stab, but just enough that the metal would discourage her from trying.

                                            >She screams as the metal touches her skin, causing the spell the succubus cast to hide her appearance to falter showing her true form.

                                            >Gnarled and cracked looking horns, a pair of rough cloven hooves in place of feet. But instead of the attractive woman, is an emaciated looking creature who looks like it hasn't had a meal in a while.

                                            >That's... not normal, even for a demon that feeds of lust.

                                            >"Please spare me! I-I'll leave town and never come back!"

                                            >Pitiful.

                                            "See, normally I would leave it at just this and let you go since most succubi are relatively docile."

                                            >You squat in front of her, and she can only look up to you in fear.

                                            "But I can smell the stench of blood on you and the fact you were so quick to attack me point to the contrary."

                                            >"I-I was defending myself! A human tried to mug me! Honest!"

                                            "Quiet. Now, tell me how were you surviving for so long?"

                                            >"I’m... not proud of it..." she blushes, "But I had to make do with... some less than human..."

                                            >Holding a hand up, you gesture for the creature to stop.

                                            >You walked into that one.

                                            >Alright, you think you understand.

                                            >Your medallion doesn't sense any impending danger, just a low hum due to the proximity of a "monster".

                                            >Taking her condition into consideration, times have apparently been tough even for the supernatural it seems.

                                            >Sighing, find yourself walking over to her leg and pull your knife out of her leg and wipe the blood off on her fur.

                                            >You just hope this doesn't bite you in the ass later.

                                            >"W-what are you doing?"

                                            "There's no contract on you, and you caught me in a decent mood."

                                            >She looks at you with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

                                            >"Y-you're letting me go?"

                                            "Yeah. Just... don't go causing trouble again. I don't give second chances."

                                            >You hold out a hand, which she hesitates to take, before you help her up.

                                            >She almost trips again when she puts pressure on her wounded leg, but manages to retain her balance.

                                            >"Oww... my leg."

                                            "It'll heal. What's your name."

                                            >"Chrysalis..."

                                            "Go try Crystal Heights there's a lot of rich assholes looking for trophy wives."

                                            >Chrysalis looks at you wide-eyed for a moment before giving you a faint smile.

                                            >"Thank you. I won't let your mercy go wasted."

                                            >The succubus limps away down the alley, her appearance magically changing to a woman with more modest outerwear, until she turns the corner and you can't detect her presence anymore.

                                            >Satisfied that's the end of that, you pick up your discarded sheath and place the blade inside.

                                            >[Not gonna make a good Witcher letting monsters go like that boy.]

                                            >Not a monster, just a desperate creature looking to survive. There's no contract on her.

                                            >No reason to kill her.

                                            >[You keep telling yourself that Anon. You'll find yourself dead before you know it.]

                                            >You silence the voice in your head.

                                            >You really hate it when memories of your old instructor resurface like that.

                                            >It's not like there's a ton of work like there was in "the heyday".

                                            >Most of the Witchers livelihood ended up either being hunted to extinction or vanished completely.

                                            >Necrophages? Most of them vanished when people stopped tossing bodies into pits and began giving a damn.

                                            >Harpies? Griffons? Sirens? Arachas? Hunted down with the advent of guns and pushed out when man started expanding territory.

                                            >All creatures you were trained to kill yet have none to kill.

                                            >The only ones that still occur with some frequency are drowners, vampires and ghosts.

                                            >And even then those have become increasingly rare with most work ending up being pranks that went too far, or false sightings made from the superstitious.

                                            >God, the last time you actually had a legitimate contract to perform was almost a year ago.

                                            >Witchers are a dying profession, something of which you were dragged into as some sort of rejuvenation effort.

                                            >One that for all intents and purposes, seems... no IS failing. Because, fuck! A goddamn succubus thought they were a myth!

                                            >A fucking succubus! The irony just burns.

                                            >You dig through your backpack again and pull out a vial of blue liquid.

                                            >Popping the cork, you down the contents and feel the burn go down your throat.

                                            >You toss the vial in frustration with enough force to shatter the tempered glass on the brick wall.

                                            "FUCK!"

                                            >Taking a deep breath, you try to calm down and regain focus.

                                            >Something Chrysalis said garnered your interest.

                                            >She mentioned "others" moving in.

                                            >Might be worth investigating, but right now you already have your hands full with Canterlot High.

                                            >Feeling where the cut was on your forehead, the wound is already starting to heal thanks to your accelerated healing.

                                            >Grabbing a rag from inside your bag, you wipe the blood off and look for your glasses.

                                            >You easily find them and pick them up but something is off.

                                            >One of the lenses is cracked. It falls off the frame and breaks into smaller pieces on the ground.

                                            "Dammit."

                                            >Well you bought them for like three bucks. Get what you pay for you guess.

                                            >Thankfully, you had the foresight to expect them getting broken and you have another pair at home.

                                            >You can see your reflection in the darkened plastic of the remaining lens, your cat-like eyes sticking out like a sore thumb.

                                            >Putting them back on, but instead you just leave it over your head.

                                            >There aren't many people around, so you should be good.

                                            >Looking at your watch, you still have some time to pick up the items for tomorrow and relax a little.

                                            >Walking out of the alley, you continue home already thinking about how you're going to find out who this "monster" of Canterlot High is.

                                            >Guess it's time to pay the Principal a visit.


                                            -----


                                            >Unlocking the front door, you step inside your "home".

                                            >Suffice to say, it is not the most inviting house to say the least.

                                            >A couple of cracks in the walls, missing roof shingles, a broken window.

                                            >The house inside is sparsely decorated and only contains the bare minimum of comfort.

                                            >Tossing your bags of supplies aside onto the well-worn couch, you close the front door and lock it.

                                            >You can't help but rub the back of your neck.

                                            >Egh, there's a crink there. Must have been from your encounter earlier.

                                            >Despite the urge, you ignore just heading to bed head into your room and grab something.

                                            >Your mutations will allow you to miss a few hours of sleep.

                                            >You set yourself back into the living room with a laptop in tow and open it.

                                            >Starting it up you connect to your private e-mail, discovering one new message in your inbox.

                                            >"Untitled", "Unknown Sender".

                                            >Opening it, you aren't surprised that it's from the person who's sent you on this wonderful misadventure.

                                            >[Witcher, it has been almost two weeks with no update in progress. Have you, or have you not killed the creature you were tasked with killing?]

                                            >You narrow your eyes at the e-mail. How the hell does this person expect you to make any progress with nothing to start from?

                                            >This would probably go faster if you had something like some sort of description to help narrow what type of monster you're tracking.

                                            >There are no leads other than there is magic present on the school grounds.

                                            >The only reason you even humored this contract in the first place is because work is so scarce and even a Witcher needs to eat.

                                            >You begin writing a reply, explaining with the lack of information there's almost no way to determine if the monster is still even there.

                                            [Even a tracker needs tracks to hunt their target. You've only provided me with a location of potential monster activity. I have determined there is a magical presence but I have to have some clue as to what I'm facing.]

                                            >You think about mentioning the six girls but decide against it.

                                            >If you ultimately find nothing dangerous, the last thing you need is unintentionally starting a new round of witch hunts.

                                            [If you want progress, give me more to go on like a description of its appearance, abilities, or something.]

                                            >Ending the message and hitting send, you close the laptop and set it to the side.

                                            >Foregoing dinner, you decide to perform some upkeep on your equipment and brew up some more potions with the items you bought.

                                            >You make a mental note to try to find some more varied sources of Aether and Caelum. You're partly thankful that most of the alchemical substances for a Witcher potion can be scavenged from plants.

                                            >Later, after you've corked the appropriate vials you head into the garage.

                                            >Turning on the light, the garage is very similar to the rest of the house.

                                            >Sparse, a workbench on one wall, and a couple of footlockers containing some alchemical materials.

                                            >Comfy.

                                            >Stepping towards the workbench are a pair of swords that sit in their sheathes, almost like they're waiting to be used.

                                            >The steel and silver swords; the two primary, and probably the most important, tools of a Witcher.

                                            >You reminisce the countless hours you trained with the weapons.

                                            >People? Beasts? Monsters? Those you couldn't trust.

                                            >But these, these you could trust.

                                            >You know? Because putting all your fortunes on a pair of swords gets you incredibly far in life.

                                            >Your "overflowing" bank account can attest to that.

                                            >Sarcasm aside it could be worse though, they could be judging your life choices.

                                            >Inadvertently, you stare at the wolf pommel of the steel sword.

                                            >It's empty eyes seem to stare at you.

                                            >Huh, maybe they do...

                                            >Grabbing one, you pull out the blade of your steel sword and inspect it.

                                            >The edge is as fine as it was when it was first sharpened.

                                            >Twirling it in one hand, it's still weighted perfectly for you. Almost like a fitted glove.

                                            >You practice a few strikes and stances before putting the sword back in its proper place and set it down.

                                            >Taking the other sword in hand, you do the same to keep your skills up.

                                            >Compared to the silver blade you have hidden in the cane, this one is much more comfortable to handle.

                                            >That hidden blade is essentially just a crude solid steel core with sharpened silver around it.

                                            >Silver sources here are scarce compared to Kovir that's for sure.

                                            >You would ultimately prefer the meteorite infused silver blade to that, but you can't just walk around with two swords strapped to your back and not have people ask questions.

                                            >At least not in a "civilized" country anyway.

                                            >Sometimes, you feel like you were born in the wrong era.

                                            >Placing the silver sword aside, you shut off the light and head back into the house.


                                            >"Hello Mr. Anonymous, how can I help you?"

                                            >Entering Principal Celestia's office, you can't help but notice the bright color pallet she's chosen to decorate her room with.

                                            >It's almost blinding.

                                            >Heh, blind.

                                            >Jokes aside, you step inside and close the door behind you, taking the seat right in front of her desk.

                                            >"Is everything alright? I hope none of the other students have been bothering you considering your special circumstances."

                                            >She's trying to avoid insulting you.

                                            >How nice.

                                            >You can tell she's trying to be sincere though.

                                            "Everything is fine ma'am. I just need to ask you a favor though."

                                            >"What's that Mr. Anonymous?"

                                            >With three simple hand gestures, you cast Axii on the woman.

                                            "I need to see the personal records of Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Sunset Shimmer."

                                            >Her eyes glaze over slightly as she scrunches her brow before falling to a neutral look.

                                            >"Yes, of course. Let me get them for you." she replies in a monotone voice.

                                            >She rises from her chair and heads to the nearby file cabinet.

                                            >As she digs through the hundreds of individual files, you sigh and slump in your chair.

                                            >Axii, a sign that places a hex on the target, making them compliant to whatever the caster wants.

                                            >A powerful sign in the right hands.

                                            >You were taught to limit its usage for fear of becoming over reliant on it.

                                            >And you understand the reasoning: the power to influence a person's mind is a really useful ability.

                                            >But even you know there are certain lines you won't cross when using the sign.

                                            >Celestia presents six vanilla files in front of you, bringing you back to reality. Each marked with a little symbol to denote who's it is.

                                            >You decide to start with the one stamped with an apple.

                                            >Flipping through the pages, the records are remarkably boring.

                                            >Most of it is just your standard academic records, extracurricular activities, etc.

                                            >The only thing worth note so far are just personality quirks such as Applejack being a terrible liar, Fluttershy being good to animals, that sort of thing.

                                            >Before you know it, you've already finished with five of the files.

                                            >Opening Sunset Shimmer's though, you notice something odd.

                                            >There's very little on anything before high school, but what is surprising is that an incident during CHS's Fall Formal is all blacked out.

                                            >Blacked out?

                                            >The hell is this?


                                            -----


                                            >There should be no reason to have this many black lines on a permanent record.

                                            >Realizing something, you look back to the other five documents and notice that they have similar black lines at the same timeframe.

                                            >You ignored them since they were mere footnotes, but after taking a look at Shimmer's here, things are starting to look fishy.

                                            >Reading on, there are little annotations and commentary on her behavior taking a one-eighty from before.

                                            >Whereas in the beginning her report cards denoted satisfactory behavior, after the Fall Formal they begin turning into G's and E's.

                                            >Abruptly she goes from a trouble-making butt kisser to a model student that helps others.

                                            "Principal? Why is Sunset Shimmer's file so... weird."

                                            >The Principal is about to ask when she shakes her head rapidly.

                                            >Crap.

                                            >"W-where am I- Mr. Anonymous? What are you doing with thos-?"

                                            >You interrupt her by casting Axii again.

                                            >The sign does its work as she falls back into a trance.

                                            >That was close...

                                            >"Could you please repeat the question."

                                            "Why is Sunset Shimmer's record so censored."

                                            >"An incident involving a portal to another world resulted in Sunset Shimmer turning into a demon and trying to enslave the school."

                                            >A sentence like that would phase a normal man.

                                            >You, however are no normal man. You've seen some weird stuff before you came to Canterlot and this is no different.

                                            "What caused this?"

                                            >"A crown brought from the other world belonging to Princess Twilight Sparkle. Its appearance here resulted in magical happenings around the school. After, five of these six students can trigger a magical transformation to harness their powers. Sunset eventually followed suit soon after during the Battle of the Bands."

                                            >Princess Twilight Sparkle? Other world?

                                            "Is the Princess here still?"

                                            >Celestia shakes her head.

                                            >"No, after the Fall Formal and Battle of the Bands, she returned to Equestria. Only Sunset Shimmer knows how to contact her."

                                            >Hmmm, not much you can do about that then.

                                            >You continue to ask questions about Sunset Shimmer, things that mostly clarify the little footnotes in her file.

                                            >You learn about her role during the events of the Fall Formal, the Battle of the Bands and the recent Friendship Games.

                                            >Or at least as much as Celestia knows, which isn't a whole lot to be honest.

                                            >The woman can't even tell you what Equestria is. Whether that's another country or world like where the fabled Aen Elle live is unknown to you.

                                            >There are a lot of details missing, but the only thing she is very sure about is Sunset's radical personality shift.

                                            >Because how does someone turn from a bully, to a pariah and then a hero?

                                            >Apparently with the "Magic of Friendship" if what Celestia tells you is true.

                                            >That's just silly, holy shit.

                                            >You're not disparaging that there was magic and/or friendship involved.

                                            >And who knows, that's most likely what it actually is.

                                            >Plus, you've seen weirder shit happen. So it isn't THAT farfetched.

                                            >But that doesn't make it sound any less ridiculous.

                                            >You look towards the clock and see that the period is almost over.

                                            >You could just have Celestia bar anyone from the room until you're done, but that would draw some unwanted attention and you think you've pretty much exhausted this lead.

                                            "So... let's wrap this up. The statue out front is a portal? It gives off an enormous magical signature."

                                            >She nods.

                                            "One last thing, has there been any major incidents involving magic after the Battle of the Bands?"

                                            >"Only during the recent Friendship Games with Crystal Prep Academy."


                                            >Closing the file, you set them on the desk and go over what you've just learned.

                                            >So far all the signs point towards Sunset Shimmer.

                                            >But from what you read and what the Principal told you, her recent dedication to doing good is a genuine one.

                                            >Which, doesn't really make the problem any simpler.

                                            >In fact, it may make it even more difficult as this contract is starting to look like a hit on an innocent girl who made some bad judgements and is trying to change.

                                            "Please put these back." you ask, rubbing your temples.

                                            >The Principal complies, once she closes the cabinet you cast Axii one last time for a new command.

                                            "Forget everything we talked about. All we discussed was how I was doing well for such a disadvantaged youth and that I should be commended."

                                            >The woman just stands there in a daze as you exit the room.

                                            >But before you leave.

                                            "And maybe tell your sister that "Anonymous is extremely handsome and maybe if you were a bit younger... well, you know.""

                                            >Shutting the door with a click, you walk back towards class.

                                            >Probably not the most noble use of the Sign and may cause some trouble down the road.

                                            >But after yesterday you could use the distraction.


                                            "You hear anything from Twi since yesterday?"

                                            >"Nada. She won't respond to my texts."

                                            "Weird."

                                            >You open your locker and place a book inside.

                                            >Rainbow justs leans against the adjacent lockers.

                                            >"Sunset says to just give her some time, that she's probably just sleeping or something."

                                            "I guess."

                                            >Turning down the hall, you hold out a hand to halt your friend.

                                            >"Wha-"

                                            "Shhh."

                                            >Pointing forward, you two see Anon walking out of Principal Celestia's office tapping his walking stick on the ground as he goes down the hall.

                                            >Anonymous has such a serious expression on his face. Did the Principal tell him off or something?

                                            >The boy looks deep in thought as he stands still for a few moments before continuing to walk by you two and stopping.

                                            >"Hey Applejack." He says, not bothering to look in your general direction.

                                            >His sudden attention catches you off guard.

                                            "Uh... er yeah howdy."

                                            >There's a sorta awkwardness talking to someone who doesn't face you to talk.

                                            >Though if he's blind then you can't really blame him.

                                            "You ready to hang out with us girls after school?"

                                            >His expression still looks troubled, but you can't tell what about.

                                            >"I... guess."

                                            >Before you can reply Rainbow barges forward.

                                            >"Hey, how did you know who she was if you can't see hmmm?" Dash asks, getting really close to Anon's face.

                                            >Frowning, Anon takes a step back and places his palms towards her.

                                            >"Because she has the distinct smell of apples around her. You also need a breath mint."

                                            >Both you and Rainbow raise your brows and glance at each other.

                                            >Rainbow breathes into her palm before gagging as you raise your arm and take a whiff.

                                            >Huh, he's right.

                                            >Weird.

                                            "How did'ya do that?"

                                            >"Better sense of smell." he says pointing towards his nose, "Without sight, my other senses are sharper."

                                            >There's a nagging feeling that there's more to it.

                                            >"Dude that's a bit creepy." Dash replies, crossing her arms.

                                            >"Rainbow Dash right?"

                                            >"You heard of me? Can't say I'm surprised after all I-"

                                            >"Smell like sweat and blueberries." Anon says flatly to her.

                                            >You just stand there slack-jawed.

                                            >"Sorry, deodorant works better when you shower then apply. Not by skipping the shower completely."

                                            >Dash blushes and pulls up a fist.

                                            >Uh-oh.

                                            >Before you can step in though, she thankfully lowers her arm and takes a few steps back while he just stands there stoically.

                                            >She crosses her arms and sticks her nose in the air.

                                            >You can't help but snicker.

                                            >To be honest, you've been meaning to get on Rainbow's tail on the whole cleanliness issue.

                                            >Glad someone's said it. Even if it might have been a little mean.

                                            >What's that word Rarity uses?

                                            >Oh right, "Crass".

                                            >"I'll see you later AJ." He finally says.

                                            >"Pfft. No he won't." Dash mutters once he's out of earshot.

                                            >Your eyes narrow at her thoughtless comment.

                                            "Land sakes girl! That right there was uncalled for."

                                            >"Please, it's not like he could hear me."

                                            >Suddenly two then hear three taps on the locker doors down where Anon went, "Yes I could!"

                                            >It takes a lot of effort to try to contain a laugh as RD growls and gives Anon the bird.

                                            >"I don't like him."

                                            >You don't reply, instead moving closer to your friend.

                                            >Rainbow huffs, before realizing you're in her personal bubble.

                                            >She quickly realizes that you're sniffing the air around her.

                                            >"W-what are you doing!?"

                                            >Pushing you away, you clap once.

                                            "He's right again! You do smell like sweat and blueberries!"

                                            >Having enough, Rainbow just groans in frustration and stomps off.

                                            >"I'm surrounded by weirdos!" she cries.

                                            >You just chuckle and shake your head, walking to your next class.


                                            -----


                                            >The bell signaling the end of the day rings.

                                            >Students scramble out of their classrooms to their friends or the buses to take them home.

                                            >You on the other hand are waiting with the rest of your gal pals at the statue in front of the school.

                                            >"How long is he gonna make us wait? Its been like ten minutes already."

                                            "Pipe down Dash, he'll be here."

                                            >"You really think so Darling?"

                                            "Ah got this feeling in my gut that says so."

                                            >Rarity gets another devious grin going.

                                            >"Is it just your gut? Because I think it may be the start of something wonderful."

                                            >She does a spin with sparkles in her eyes as the others giggle.

                                            "Rarity..." you growl.

                                            >"Oh you're no fun."

                                            >"Um... I think they could make a nice couple... though they did only just meet yesterday..."

                                            >You too Fluttershy?

                                            >"I know isn't it exciting!"

                                            >Before you can rebuke their comments, Pinkie Pie hops down from the base of the statue.

                                            >"Oooh look there he is!" she points out.

                                            >Anonymous carefully walks down the front steps of the school.

                                            "Anon this way!" you holler out.

                                            >Hearing your voice, he walks over to your direction.

                                            >"Hello Applejack."

                                            "Howdy, I don't think you've met them yet but this is Fluttershy and Sunset Shimmer."

                                            >"Hi there."

                                            >"Um...hello..."

                                            >He nods in their direction.

                                            >"So where are we going?"

                                            "Pinkie and Dash were thinking of hitting the street fair across town near the beach."

                                            >Pinkie jumps in between you and Dash in excitement, "Oh yeah they just came out with this new ride that Dashy and I wanted to try!"

                                            >"Is that okay Anon?" Sunset asks.

                                            >"Yeah, lead the way."

                                            "We'll be splitting up in cars to get there."

                                            >"Why don't you ride with Fluttershy, Applejack and I, Darling."

                                            >He shrugs, following you to the school parking lot.

                                            >Before he steps onto the asphalt, Fluttershy stops you four.

                                            >"Um... do you need me to guide you Anon? I don't want you to... um... trip. Ifthat'sokaywithyou..."

                                            >"I'll be fin-" he starts to say before being interrupted.

                                            >"Nonsense darling, Applejack be a doll and hold Anon's hand."

                                            "Excuse me?" you say as deadpan as you can muster.

                                            >"I can walk just fi-"

                                            >Grabbing your hand and his, Rarity forces you to hold each other before laughing that weird laugh she has.

                                            >She holds herself in a weird posture with on palm facing away from her cheek.

                                            >"Oh my, holding hands on the first date? Dohohoho"

                                            >Instead though, Anon simply lets go and places his palm on your shoulder.

                                            >He's probably rolling his eyes behind his pitch black sunglasses.

                                            >You know you are.

                                            >"Drat..."

                                            >You stick a tongue out at Rarity who just pouts.

                                            >Turning away from you, Rarity pulls out a set of keys from her handbag and presses a button.

                                            >Two beeps are heard from a deep purple sedan ahead of you.

                                            >"This is my car over here, it's a lovely shade of pearl with a fuchsia trim. I think the former is a bit too dominant don't you think?"

                                            >Oh boy, here she goes gushing over her car again.

                                            >"I think it's... nice... Rarity."

                                            >"Thank you Fluttershy, Anon what about you?"

                                            >"I'll take your word for it." he replies.

                                            "Rarity I don't thin-"

                                            >"Oh hush Applejack, I'm asking for Anon's opinion."

                                            >Anon stops just short of the car.

                                            >"Can we just get going?" he asks, trying to ignore the question.

                                            >You can tell he's starting to get frustrated.

                                            >"As a third-party, I must ask you for your unbiased point of view."

                                            >You knew Rarity was a bit out there...

                                            >But damn girl. Her ignorance causes you to facepalm.

                                            >"I think it's a positivly lovely shade. The color really brings out your complexion when you stand next to it."

                                            >Anon's voice is dripping with sarcasm, though Rarity seems to be unable to hear it.

                                            >"Wahaha! I just knew it was the right color to choose from!"

                                            "Um... Rarity?" you say "The boy can't see."

                                            >Rarity stops laughing as the fashionista's face turns beet red.

                                            >You open the car door and let Anon know he can enter.

                                            >Embarrassed, Rarity puts a hand over her shaking head and silently enters the driver's seat.

                                            >You ride next to Anon while Fluttershy grabs shotgun.

                                            >The car pulls out of the school parking lot and heads downtown.

                                            >The atmosphere is a bit tense after the little spat.

                                            >Anon doesn't really talk all that much, not that you're not used to that. Big Macintosh himself is a man of few words.

                                            >But just looking at him, you can tell that he's in deep thought about something.

                                            >May as well break the ice.

                                            "So uh... Anon where'd you get that fancy little pendant?"

                                            >"This?" he asks, tapping his wolf head.

                                            "Yeah, only ever seen one other like it."

                                            >"Really now?"

                                            >For a few moments, he just stays silent. Like reliving a memory.

                                            >"It was given to me by my... uncle. Said to protect me from danger."

                                            >"Um... does it work...?"

                                            >"I like to think it does." he replies. "I'm still alive aren't I?"


                                            >The rest of the car ride is pretty much silent.

                                            >That comment about another medallion similar to yours got you thinking.

                                            >Could there be another Wolf here in Canterlot?

                                            >While curiosity wants to get the better of you, personally you want to get some more info on Sunset. But you can't think of any way to do so without drawing suspicion to yourself.

                                            >[Well that's because you are doing a pathetic job Anonymous. Stop fooling around.]

                                            >"A-anon? Where you from? If you um... don't mind me asking..." Fluttershy asks.

                                            "Lyria." you say without thinking.

                                            >Rarity gasps.

                                            >"Lyria? As in the Kingdom of Lyria and Rivia?"

                                            "Mmmhmm. Moved to Rivia after I was born, mostly raised in Kaedwen though."

                                            >More or less, depending on how you classify being "raised" for a Witcher.

                                            >"Oh darling, you must tell me more about it sometime. I hear their fashion industry is just booming!"

                                            >"So... um... why are you here in Canterlot? Ifyoudon'tmindmeasking..."

                                            "Uncle I mentioned before? Sent me here to look for work."

                                            >[You imbecile. They're getting more information on you than you on them.]

                                            >Crap.

                                            >It takes a moment for you to realize your gaff.

                                            >You don't know many professions that would take a blind man.

                                            >Before you can clarify, Rarity sings out "We're heeeerrreeeee."

                                            >Part of you is relieved. But another is worried that they'll find that part about work suspicious.

                                            >As the car pulls into the parking lot, you notice something in the corner of your eye.

                                            >Applejack tries hard not to, but every few seconds she finds herself looking in your direction.

                                            >Does she suspect something?

                                            >Once you notice that the gaudy colored car has stopped, you unbuckle your seatbelt and begin to exit the vehicle.

                                            >"Anon, you can leave your pack inside my car."

                                            >You hesitate.

                                            >"C'mon, it'll be safe if you leave it under the seats."

                                            >Against your better judgement, you comply.

                                            >Don't want to cause a scene.

                                            >The sunshine puts some heat on your skin as the ocean breeze cools it just as fast.

                                            "Been awhile since I've been so close to the ocean."

                                            >The last time was after The Choice, where you "officially" began your Witcher training.

                                            >You shudder at the memory.

                                            >Contrary to the name, it wasn't much of a choice.

                                            >"C'mon partner, everyones gonna  leave you in the dust."

                                            >Pulling your arm, Applejack drags you to the rest of her friends waiting out at the front of the pier.

                                            >"Bout time, Rarity could you drive any slower?" the rainbow haired girl asks.

                                            >"A lady does not speed."

                                            >"Whatever... Me and Pinks are gonna head straight to that new ride. You guys can do whatever you want."

                                            >Waving, the two run off.

                                            >"Well so much for hanging out together." Sunset sighs.

                                            >"Don't worry about them, let's just walk around."

                                            >"Actually Applejack, I wanted to take Sunset and Fluttershy here to the... um colored sand exhibit. Yes that's right."

                                            >Both girls look at each other confused.

                                            >"But Rarity I-"

                                            >"Oh don't worry Fluttershy, it's to die for. I'm sure Applejack and Anonymous here can survive by themselves for the time being."

                                            >You cross your arms.

                                            "Sounds like you just want to get us alone."

                                            >"Yeah."

                                            >Rarity waves you off dismissively, "Nonsense darling. Now we must go before they close!"

                                            >Dragging the pink-haired girl and Sunset with her (against all protest), you're alone with the farm girl.

                                            >You scoff.

                                            "Well, that wasn't strange at all."

                                            >"You said it." Applejack says, scratching the back of her head, "Anything you want to do in particular?"

                                            >...

                                            "This place have any candy apples?"


                                            >"Rarity what are you doing?!" yells Sunset.

                                            >She pulls her arm free from your grip as soon as you managed to disappear behind the crowd.

                                            "Hush, I'm trying to get a good view."

                                            >"Um... Rarity, what are we doing. The colored sand exhibit isn't out until next week..."

                                            >You pull out a pair of binoculars from your bag and try to locate the two lovebirds.

                                            >Well... not lovebirds yet...

                                            >They just don't know it yet.

                                            >"Is this another one of your matchmaker attempts? Because that blind date you set up between me and Sandalwood didn't turn out so well."

                                            "Maybe not, but you didn't see the signs!"

                                            >"What signs?" Sunset asks incredulously.

                                            >You finally locate the two moving towards the concession stands.

                                            >The two seem to be having a nice chat, but you can't tell what they're saying due to the massive amount of people around.

                                            "Shoot, they're getting away. Come girls! Love awaits!"

                                            >Donning a large sunhat and a pair of chic sunglasses to disguise yourself, you zip off after them.

                                            >Sighing in frustration, Sunset just walks after you with Fluttershy in tow.


                                            >"Not as good as a Sweet Apple Acre apple, but it should do." Applejack says handing you a candied confection.

                                            >Handing the man at the stand the appropriate amount of money, you take the apple from the girl and sink your teeth in.

                                            >The sweet sugar coating is almost overwhelming to your senses.

                                            >Ugh, those advertisements weren't kidding when they said the sweetest thing you'll ever taste.

                                            >Applejack notices your face and giggles, "Too sweet?"

                                            >Nodding, you toss the apple into the trash and wipe your mouth with some napkins.

                                            >"Yeah, the apples here aren't naturally sweet, so they add a ton of sugar. Pinkie Pie likes them, though Pinkie eats almost anything."

                                            >Walking a bit you notice that the massive crowd of people.

                                            >Kids with their parents, other high schoolers, young couples.

                                            >Individuals with normal lives. And here you are, a guy who hunts monsters for money.

                                            >You mentally sigh.

                                            >That line of thought only reminded you that currently any plans of getting a firsthand look on Sunset are already shot.

                                            >May as well try to "enjoy" the attractions here.

                                            >Though you're not used to so many people in the same place at once.

                                            >Various smells from the ocean from seaweed that washed up on the sand to the plethora of people having a good time.

                                            >It's all so distracting and throwing most of your senses crazy.

                                            >The screams in the distance from the roller coaster are already putting you on edge.

                                            >Even your "escort" notices how tense you are.

                                            >"C'mon Anon, loosen up. We're here to have fun."

                                            "Sorry, just not used to so many people."

                                            >"Don't worry, as long as yer with me you'll be fine. Hey lookie over, over here are some games I want to try."

                                            >She leads you to a booth when two skinny looking fellows in pinstripe trousers pop up from under the table.

                                            >The wolf medallion shakes a little.

                                            >"Flim, Flam..." she growls

                                            >"Say does the little lady want to try her hand at knocking down the bottles?"

                                            >"I think she does little brother!" the one with the moustache answers, "Well whaddya say girl? Three balls for one dollar!"

                                            >Applejack whispers in your ear, "These two are no good hustlers. Watch out for them."

                                            >"You wound us Applejack, since when have we ever done anything wrong to you."

                                            >Before the girl can speak, they immediately turn their attention to you.

                                            >"Well how about you young man? You willing to try and knock the bottles down?"

                                            >You shake your head and point to your glasses.

                                            "Sorry, I have a condition."

                                            >They both grin, "Well blindness isn't a problem here. In fact we'll give you six balls for a dollar fifty."

                                            >Their attitudes are already starting to grate on you.


                                            >Glancing at the bottles, nothing seems off.

                                            >But that's the beauty of it, they don't look off. This game is sure to be rigged in some fashion, they always are.

                                            >"Anon don't get drawn into these two snakes game."

                                            >You raise a hand to stop Applejack.

                                            "Just give me three balls."

                                            >Handing him the dollar from your wallet, he places three balls on a tray in front of you.

                                            >You make to grab one of the balls when abruptly they pull the tray back before you can make contact.

                                            >"Hey!" Applejack calls out.

                                            >"Sorry, just slipped." Flim says with a grin.

                                            >Cheeky fuck.

                                            >Five milk bottles with slightly enlarged rims are stacked on a small stand a couple feet away from you.

                                            >You toss the first ball wide of the bottles and hit the backboard.

                                            >Balls are a little lighter than normal.

                                            >"Oooh sorry, that was a miss."

                                            >Taking a second ball you aim and hit the bottom left bottle.

                                            >Instead of the obvious clattering of glass, the ball bounces off the bottle as they stay in place.

                                            >Glued the bottles to the stand huh? So that's their game.

                                            >Pretty gutsy with that sort of rigging.

                                            >"Hey he hit the bottle! This game is rigged!"

                                            >The two fucks just grin as you pick up your last ball.

                                            "AJ, how close was I?"

                                            >"A bit low and to the left, but you hit it." she grumbles.

                                            >Taking aim, you put more strength into the pitch and throw the ball.

                                            >Like a bullet, the softball shoots through dead center and shatters the tops of the bottom bottles with enough energy to rip the glue off.

                                            >The second row and the top milk bottle topple over and smash into pieces on the ground.

                                            >Applejack, and the two hustlers look at you with gaping jaws.

                                            "I heard shattering did I hit it?" you ask coyly.

                                            >No one speaks.

                                            >"Er... y-yes. Pick a prize." Flam stammers out.

                                            "AJ, you can pick."

                                            >Shaking her head, she realizes you were talking to her.

                                            >Scrunching her nose, she chooses a small orange horse plush with a yellow mane and little cowboy hat like her own.

                                            "Let's go find something else to do."

                                            >Applejack nods, taking you by the arm towards some of the other booths.

                                            >As she leads you away, you look at the two twins arguing with each other over what just happened.

                                            >"Anon that was amazing. Never seen those two scoundrels so caught with their pants down like that."

                                            >Her smile must be infectious, because you can't help but return it.

                                            >Probably the first genuine one in a good while.


                                            "Oh did you see that! He won her a prize."

                                            >You sigh. If only a boy were that dedicated to you.

                                            >"Rarity, why are we following them like this?" asks Sunset as she steps away from the whack-a-mole tent you were using as a hiding spot.

                                            >Another gust of wind from the ocean almost blows your hat off.

                                            "Fluttershy, here hold onto this for me please."

                                            >You take off your beautiful sunhat and place it onto your friends head.

                                            >As much as the sun is killing your fair skin, you absolutely must follow these two without interference.

                                            >Moving a bit forward, you want to get a better view of the promising couple.

                                            >"I wanted to see the petting zoo." Fluttershy mumbles as she takes the hat off.

                                            >"This is stupid, I wanted to come here and have some fun."

                                            "Sunset, darling what are yo-"

                                            >"I'm not going to spend all day watching Applejack and Anon." she says angrily.

                                            >She walks away towards them and calls out, "Anon, Applejack wait up!"

                                            "Sunset no!" you cry out to no avail. "Well, at least you'll help me right Fluttershy?"

                                            >You reach behind you to grab your friend but only grasp air.

                                            "Fluttershy?"

                                            >Turning, you see the pink haired girl is nowhere to be seen.

                                            "Oh poo."

                                            >It seems no one besides you likes to help potential love bloom.

                                            >But Rarity is not one to be-

                                            >Before you know it, a handsome young man walks right by you.

                                            >He wears a very in-season flannel shirt and with denim jeans and his dark hair covers over one of his eyes.

                                            >His gaze looks like it might pierce your very soul.

                                            >Locking eyes with you he gives you a dashing grin.

                                            >He doesn't stop walking, choosing instead to turn and face you while walking backwards.

                                            >Amazingly, he avoids any other people coming the other way.

                                            >...

                                            "Well, I might as well try to find a man for myself."

                                            >Flipping your well-maintained hair to the side, you put on your sexy face and saunter over towards him.


                                            >While attempting a ring tossing game with Applejack, emphasis on "attempt", Sunset Shimmer calls out to you two.

                                            >There's a subtle vibration with your medallion as she approaches.

                                            >She spends a couple minutes telling you both about Rarity's matchmaking attempt.

                                            >"So that's what Rarity was on about earlier? Why that no good..."

                                            >The cowgirls face is red as a beet.

                                            >You say nothing, instead you carefully take in Sunset.

                                            >It's the first time you've actually been this close to her without too much distraction.

                                            >Placing a hand on AJ's shoulder and giving her a comforting smile, Sunset tells her not to worry.

                                            >"Just think of it this way Applejack, it's only because Rarity cares for us when she does it."

                                            >Applejack returns a smile, "Yeah, guess ah can't fault her too much."

                                            >She seems very genuine in her friendship with Applejack.

                                            >Almost like a normal girl.

                                            >Sunset turns to the little horse plush under Applejack's arm.

                                            >"Did Anon really win that for you?"

                                            >"Eeyup, made those two pawn shop owners, Flim and Flam look like a pair of fools too."

                                            "Not sure how knocking some bottles down made them look like a pair of fools."

                                            >"Oh hush you. No need to be modest." she says waving you off, "Sunset, Anon has a mighty good throwing arm."

                                            >You've had practice. Throwing bombs and throwing knives helps.

                                            >The three of you spend some more time playing some carnival games and just enjoying the experience.

                                            >Though it's mostly the two girls playing the games and doing the talking.

                                            >You're honestly just there for the ride.

                                            >You do learn a few things about Sunset, though nothing of any particular importance.

                                            >Things like "What new outfits she likes that are on sale." and "Her boss being a particular hardass at work."

                                            >Part of you is finding it a bit aggravating, because the last thing you want is asking her directly about what happened at the Fall Formal.

                                            >If she is this so-called "Monster of Canterlot" it just would create a handful of problems.

                                            >Because she seems nice.

                                            >But appearances can be deceiving especially when dealing with magic.

                                            >Eventually the sun is well into its descent in the sky when AJ stops the three of you.

                                            >"Anyway, ah'm starving for some food. You in?"

                                            >"Sure. What about you Anon?"

                                            >You just shrug.

                                            >The two girls lead you to the food vendors. Various smells again assault your nose.

                                            >At one particular stall, it looks to be some sort of early 1940's motif with an overabundance of white and red stripes and classic posters.

                                            >The two girls, apparently remembering your "handicap", list off their entire menu of choices.

                                            >Not to say a burger doesn't sound good right now.

                                            >It has been ages since you've had one.

                                            >You've left little room in your already limited budget to splurge on fast food.

                                            >Witchers have to be self sufficient after all.

                                            >Once the cashier is ready, Applejack orders a burger and fries while Sunset herself orders a veggie burger.

                                            >You just order the same as the former. Not particularly interested in the other choices.

                                            >Though you attempt to pay for your own food, Sunset instead opts to pay for you instead.

                                            "I can pay you know."

                                            >"I know, but you're our guest and we're trying to let you have a good time."

                                            "... Thanks."

                                            >She smiles at you before turning back to the man at the stall and handing him the money.

                                            >It's weird.

                                            >Even though it's a small thing, people don't usually go out of their way for you.

                                            >Once they see that you're not... normal they treat you with disdain or wary.

                                            >But then again, your current company doesn't know you're not really blind nor human.

                                            >At least, not fully human anymore.

                                            >All that could change quickly.

                                            >You watch silently as the two girls chat and laugh about something you've spaced out on.

                                            >A thought suddenly occurs to you.

                                            >This is by far the most "normal" thing you've done in ages.

                                            >All your other time was spent on the move looking for work, hunting down any possible leads, traveling, training.

                                            >Never settling down in any particular area for too long, trying to prevent from getting attached to any particular place or person.

                                            >The irony of you having to relax and you guess "making friends", in order to do a serious job that for all intents and purposes should not require either is not lost on you.

                                            >To be honest, you wouldn't be against doing this more often...

                                            >A hand places itself on yours causing you to tense up slightly.

                                            >"Anon, we got our food c'mon."

                                            >It's just Sunset pulling you over to a small table.

                                            >AJ has two trays, one being yours.

                                            >"These look mighty fine. Can't wait to take a bite."

                                            >The girls immediately dig into her food.

                                            >You on the other hand just slowly grab the greasy burger and bring it your mouth and bite down.

                                            >...

                                            >Damn.

                                            >It's good.

                                            >With a bit more enthusiasm, you almost worf down the sandwich and fries entirely.

                                            >You begin to hear giggling.

                                            >Across from you, both girls have just barely gotten to the halfway points.

                                            "What?"

                                            >"I've never seen someone go through food like that except maybe Pinkie."

                                            >"Don't worry bout it partner, just almost like you've never had a cheeseburger before."

                                            "Just been a long time since I've had one."

                                            >"Coulda fooled me."

                                            >You patiently wait for the other two to finish when a raspy voice calls out.

                                            >"Hey you three, it's getting late we should get home before traffic starts up."

                                            >Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie walk up to your table, the latter with a huge amount of carnival goods stacked high in her arms.

                                            >"How was the ride?"

                                            >The blue girl pouts and crosses her arms.

                                            >"Lame, they shut it down while we were in line because some girl passed out and had to be taken to the hospital."

                                            "They shut down an entire ride for that?"

                                            >She shrugs, "Dunno, Pinkie said she heard something about it happening all week here."

                                            >Ones an anomoly, but for an entire week?

                                            >"I hope she's okay." responds Sunset.

                                            >"All I know is that that all the girls have a pair of bite marks around the neck."

                                            >"You mean like ah vampire?" asks Applejack.

                                            >"Sounds like some sort of creep who wants to imitate a vampire."

                                            >Another presence makes its way to your table.

                                            >The pink haired girl with the green skirt.

                                            >"Um... have any of you seen Rarity? She isn't responding to any of my texts."

                                            >The other girls shake their heads.

                                            "When was the last time you saw her?"

                                            >"I um... was going to go to the petting zoo when I saw Rarity follow a strange man."

                                            >Strange man? Vampires?

                                            >Shit.

                                            >Shit, shit, shit!

                                            >This actually could be a problem.

                                            >If there is a vampire that can shapeshift, no wonder your medallion didn't sense it.

                                            >Higher vampires are one of the few things that can avoid detection.

                                            >"Must be trying to hook herself up with a man after her failing with Anon and I."

                                            >Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie glance at each other before they start laughing maniacally.

                                            >"She actually did that? Oh my gosh."

                                            >You immediately stand up, bringing all eyes to you.

                                            "We need to find her. NOW."

                                            >"Anon what's wro-"

                                            >You face Fluttershy who shrinks at your sudden outburst.

                                            "Take me to the last place you saw her."

                                            >Realizing that you are being incredibly serious, the girl nods and takes your hand and leads you.

                                            >The other four quickly follow behind.