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Witcher of Canterlot: II

By AxiiAnon
Created: 2021-07-16 21:31:33
Updated: 2021-01-22 09:09:00
Expiry: Never
sunset shimmeranonapplejacknsfwactionwitcher of canterlot

  1. >Stopping near the bottle stand from earlier, you glance around.
  2. >While still lively, the pier has fewer people than before and some of the stands are closing down.
  3. >"Um... why do we have to be here...if that's okay?"
  4. "Do you have anything that belongs to Rarity?"
  5. >She thinks for a moment before taking the hat she's wearing off.
  6. >"This belongs to her."
  7. >Fluttershy hands you the hat as the others catch up.
  8. >"Anon what in tarnation is yer hur-"
  9. >You proceed to take a deep whiff of the inside of the sunhat.
  10. >All the girls go wide-eyed with shock at what they're seeing.
  11. >"Ah-HA!" Rainbow Dash shouts, pointing an accusing finger at you, "I knew you were a freak!"
  12. >Ignoring her, you focus your Witcher senses onto the perfume scent from the hat.
  13. >"Anon I didn't know you were into t-that sort of thing..." Sunset states.
  14. "Hush. Trying to get her scent."
  15. >"What the heck is that supposed to mean?!"
  16. >Even through all the other smells given off, the scent Rarity has is incredibly strong.
  17. >Most likely from all the perfume, makeup and hair products she uses.
  18. >The unique combination of those smells allows you to lock onto her trail despite the breeze coming from the ocean.
  19. >It's faint but there. Enough to get a decent trail to follow.
  20. >Moving past the entrance to the pier, you pass by some of the public concrete structures until eventually you follow the trail across the street and near a hotel alleyway.
  21. >The girls continue to follow behind, each glancing at eachother with worrying looks.
  22. >The farther you go, the more worried they get.
  23. >Turning the corner to the hotel, you hear a feminine voice.
  24. >One that distinctly belongs to the one you're looking for.
  25. >Just ahead, you see a small candle lit table with Rarity and some guy.
  26. >A normal looking guy.
  27. >Both are drinking what looks to be wine.
  28. >And judging from all the bottles near their feet, quite a bit of it.
  29. >"Oh my you certainly havshe a way with the lashdies..." slurs Rarity.
  30. >The man laughs and takes a swig directly from the bottle when he notices your presence.
  31. >"Someone get lost?" he asks, pointing to you.
  32. >Rarity struggles to turn her head, but when she spots you she cheers and waves.
  33. >"That's Anon-e-moose! Hello there *hic* Anonnynonymoose haha!"
  34. >Walking towards the two, you keep your hidden sword ready.
  35. "I think you've had enough Rarity, it's time to go."
  36. >The man stands from his overturned wooden box seat and blocks your way.
  37. >"Hey pal. The lady is having a good time."
  38. "I don't care. She's drunk off her ass and she's obviously underaged."
  39. >The man flips his hair and scoffs, "What are you her brother?"
  40. >You eye the man carefully, your medallion stays still.
  41. "No just a concerned friend."
  42. >"Well, "concerned friend" you can just go fuck off."
  43. >He makes to shove you back, but you use your free hand and grab him at the wrist.
  44. "Why don't you?"
  45. >Tossing it aside, you make the Axii gesture.
  46. >You can see the hex work its magic when the man struggles on his feet momentarily.
  47. >Except, the he just shakes his head and scowls.
  48. >"What the fuck was that?"
  49. >Axii didn't work?
  50. >The man backs away a few steps as Rarity continues to watch you two in a drunken stupor.
  51. >You say nothing as the man's eyes narrow as the other girls finally catch up.
  52. >"The hell is this? More of you? I thought I made it clear that this is MY hunting ground."
  53. >"What did you do to Rarity?!" demands Pinkie.
  54. "O-oh-my...."
  55. "He-*hic*-ello grils! Anon and Edward over here we're just getting to know each other."
  56. >"Enough of this! I'll show you why this is my turf."
  57. >Your medallion beings tugging at your neck warning you of what's already too late.
  58. >Edward steps back as his features began to morph.
  59. >His skin grows pale, fingers lengthened into claws, his face becomes more bat-like as hair begins growing, and his legs become more bow legged.
  60. >Clothing tears off as the fabric cannot contain the new dimensions of its wearer.
  61. >The girls gasp when they realize what's happening. Even Rarity is taken out of her drunken state to look in awe.
  62. >Each one of them is shaking in fear at the transformation.
  63. >When Edward finishes, where once was a man now stands something more dangerous.
  64. >Something you knew, but was hoping deep down wasn't the case.
  65. >A higher vampire.
  66.  
  67. -----
  68.  
  69. >You stand your ground as Edward takes a few moments to readjust himself to his new form.
  70. >Rarity, Applejack, Sunset and the others look in a mix of horror and awe.
  71. >You however only grow concerned. Judging from the shape of his head, and body structure, it looks like he's transformed into a Katakan.
  72. >The bestiary illustrations don't do them justice that's for sure.
  73. >You've only faced the more feral cousins. There's no telling how this fight will turn out.
  74. >"Well now, haven't done that in awhile." Edward says, inspecting one of his claws.
  75. >"W-what the heck is t-that thing?!" Applejack cries out.
  76. >Edward lunges at you causing all the girls to scream.
  77. >Only to stop himself and letting out a guttural laugh.
  78. >Refusing to be intimidated, you don't flinch.
  79. >"Anon! Get away from that thing!" shouts Sunset.
  80. >"C'mon dude, run!"
  81. >The Katakan's tiny eyes watch your movements.
  82. >No, that's exactly what he wants.
  83. >Instead, you bring your cane up and unlock the top.
  84. >He looks at you curiously.
  85. >You draw the hidden blade, its silver surface gleaming in the moonlight.
  86. >Once fully drawn, you cast aside the sheathe and twirl the sword in your hand in one single motion.
  87. >The vampire tilts his head and looks at you with confusion.
  88. >"A sword? What are you some sort of blind samurai?"
  89. >Not bothering to answer, you just remove your glasses and toss them behind you.
  90. >Looking at your surroundings, you quickly take in the environment for the oncoming fight.
  91. >Cramped alley that doubles as a loading dock.
  92. >Not a lot of room to move...
  93. >Rarity is right behind him and the other five girls are right behind you.
  94. >You can't let the Katakan lay a claw on any of the girls.
  95. >Like any contract you take, failure isn't an option.
  96. >Only this time, six other lives hang in the balance as well as your own.
  97. >A Black Blood potion would come in real handy right about now, but you left your pack with that and all your other tools in Rarity's car.
  98. >Getting settled into a two-handed grip, you ready yourself.
  99. >Immediately the Katakan turns invisible.
  100. >"Where did he go?!"
  101. >"Ohmygosh!Ohmygosh!Ohmygosh!"
  102. >Using your ears, you can still faintly hear the vampire skulk around.
  103. >The sound of his claws clacking against the concrete floor let's you know he's still nearby...
  104. >Suddenly your medallion rapidly pulls its chain, followed by the sound of rushing air.
  105. >Ducking to the right, you narrowly avoid a claw to the face.
  106. >Underneath his arm, you swing your sword and cleave a massive line across Edward's chest.
  107. >Crimson blood sprays outward and onto the concrete, you bring your blade back into the ready position.
  108. >Edward screams in pain as he recoils from the counter, taking a few steps back.
  109. >He leers at you with such sheer hatred you could almost feel it.
  110. >Unfortunately while the silver blade easily rend the Katakan's flesh the wound you inflicted begins healing itself.
  111. >Most vampires have some degree of regeneration, the only way to halt that is with fire or daylight.
  112. >And it's well past sundown.
  113. >This time the vampire charges at you with full force, swinging his claws wildy after one another in an attempt to gore you.
  114. >That's right, keep focus on me...
  115. >You calmly back-step, dodge and parry each blow that comes your way, doing your best to track each of his movements.
  116. >Small cuts to his arm and leg
  117. >It doesn't take long for the girls to realize that they're in the oncoming path.
  118. >Giving you two a wide berth, they silently watch as the Katakan forces you back across the street and near a guardrail.
  119. >Just below is a pretty steep drop to accommodate a seawall.
  120. >Perfect.
  121. "Come on you ugly fucker. You fight like a foglet."
  122. >Rage reaching it's boiling point, he tries to tackle you.
  123. >Anticipating that, you bend backward and fall to the ground resulting him in just clawing through solid metal.
  124. >Without missing a beat, you tuck your middle finger down with palm extended and send a booming shockwave of energy into the belly of the beast.
  125. >The force sends the Katakan flying over the guardrail and down the cliff onto the beach.
  126. >Hopping back up, you see that Edward lies in a heap from the fall, but it's only a matter of time until he's back up.
  127. >Despite the sound of the ocean waves crashing onto shore, you still think you can hear it breathing.
  128. >The sound of multiple feet running across the road towards you makes you turn your head.
  129. >Sunset and the others make a semi-circle around you.
  130. >"Anon what in blazes was that?!"
  131. >"Where did you get that sword?!"
  132. >"You're not really blind?!"
  133. >"What's with those eyes?!"
  134. >Each one of them starts to unload a barrage of questions at you, only for you to silence them with a raised hand.
  135. "Applejack, Sunset, you girls need to leave. Now."
  136. >"But Anon what abou-"
  137. "I'll take care of it, but you need to go."
  138. >Without another word, you hurdle over the railing and onto the sandy floor below.
  139. >Wet sand will make it tougher to get a good stance, but you'll at least be able to see the Katakan's footsteps if he tries to vanish again.
  140. >You bring your sword up, as Edward shakes his head from the daze.
  141. >He snaps his head towards you and lets out a piercing screech into the night sky.
  142. >Utilizing his invisibility, he cloaks himself again, apparently unaware that he not only kicks up sand, but leaves impressions in it as well.
  143. >Side-stepping his attack, you bring down your sword and make contact again as more blood follows your sword.
  144. >The beast crashes into the ground again, rematerializing and clutching his side. Blood drips down and stains the sand beneath.
  145. >Must have been a good one to be bleeding so much.
  146. >Edward rises and his wound again heals.
  147. >You need to finish him. Even you won't be able to keep this up forever.
  148. >"What the hell are you?" he howls.
  149. >Before you can quip back, a tin can clacks onto a rock just at the base of the seawall.
  150. >You both look up and see the girls continue to watch your fight.
  151. >Your eyes widen in shock.
  152. >Those idiots!
  153. >Making what you can only imagine as a sly grin, Edward proceeds to face them.
  154. >"Well "Concerned Friend", there are other ways to win a fight."
  155. >The hell does he mean by that?
  156. >You realize how close he is to the section of the wall the girls are by.
  157. >It wouldn't take him much effort to climb it and...
  158. >SHIT!
  159. >You charge forward as he begins rushing towards the wall.
  160. >Only for him to fake you out by twisting his body towards you with right claw extended.
  161. >Fluttershy covers her eyes as the others cry your name.
  162. >A quick uppercut sends you flying back onto the sand.
  163. >You cry out in pain as it begins gushing from your wound.
  164. >It makes for another swipe, but you manage to roll away from the blow.
  165. >"Anon!" Applejack cries out to you.
  166. >Bringing your off-hand to your chest, you can feel how deep the wound is.
  167. >The sanguine fluid sticks to your fingers and stains the front of your remaining shirt deep red.
  168. >Too deep...
  169. >Just a bit more and there's no doubt you would be dead...
  170. >You cannot take another hit like that.
  171. >"I can hear your heartbeat's faster tempo. It's music to my ears."
  172. >Cheeky motherfucker.
  173. >Gritting through the pain, you force yourself up and cast a Quen sign.
  174. >Glancing back towards the seawall, the girls have looks of terror on their faces.
  175. >You mentally chastise yourself for falling for such a move. Now with you losing blood, you need to make this quick.
  176. >Putting as much focus as you can on your opponent, you take a deep breath and exhale.
  177. >Thrusting on the ball of your foot, you make push your blade forward.
  178. >Expecting the strike Edward moves to the side, only for you to feint and spin around with the sword in a chopping action.
  179. >The sword digs deep into his side causing him to cry out.
  180. >Retracting the blade, you bring your palm forward with index finger tucked in to cast Igni.
  181. >The brief spout of flames him to stagger which you follow with two cuts on his chest that draw more crimson blood.
  182. >Because of the exposure to fire, his regeneration halts leaving the wound to bleed.
  183. "Hey look, now we have a matching pair."
  184. >"YOU FUCKER!"
  185. >Edward retaliates with flurry of swipes comes with you able to deflect them with ease.
  186. >One gets through but your barrier takes the blow for you.
  187. >Rolling under another strike, two quick slashes of your own brings your sword across his thigh and upper torso sending him to his knees.
  188. >Though it does little good as the thin cuts begin to heal themselves albeit a bit slower than before.
  189. >"Just give up and die." the vampire says. "THAT GIRL IS MINE!"
  190. "Shut up and fight you pussy." you retort, deflecting another blow.
  191. >Left strike, right slash, parry, riposte...
  192. >Unaccustomed to fighting someone who can actually fight back, the vampire gains more cuts across his body.
  193. >Unfortunately, as time goes on the vampire's regenerative abilities return in full force while the successive sign casting and the major injury you received bring you to exhaustion very quickly.
  194. >This is going on too long. Sooner or later you are going to make a mistake.
  195. >Edward turns invisible once again giving you a moment to take advantage of.
  196. >Instinctively, you reach for a bomb from your backpack...
  197. >Only to grasp air.
  198. >Speak of the fucking devil...
  199. >Edward takes the opportunity and charges at you with a claw which you reflexively move to block...
  200. >Only for the monster to feint and grab your sword by the blade.
  201. >Blood seeps down the fuller and onto the guard, you move to try to cast Quen one last time.
  202. >But with his free arm, Edward punches you in the gut, sending you to the ground heaving for air as your silver sword lands in the sand next to you.
  203. >You end up coughing out a load of blood at his feet.
  204. >The Katakan raises an extended claw to finish you off.
  205. >"GAME OVER!"
  206. >Shit...
  207. >You are actually going to die right now.
  208. >Goddammit!
  209. >"Get away from him you varmint!" shouts a voice.
  210. >No!
  211. >Looking up, all six girls have dropped onto the beach with makeshift weapons made from the scraps of the guard rail.
  212. >Edward narrows its eyes and bares his fangs.
  213. >NO!
  214. >Quickly you slam your palm onto the sand as purple glyphs form in a circle around you two.
  215. >The vampire begins to lunge at them as the Yrden trap begins to slow its movements to a crawl.
  216. >You use the moment to grab your discarded blade and stab it upwards into the vampires gut.
  217. >A slowed realization of pain brings the vampire to look at you as its eyes widen.
  218. >Fighting through the pain, you force the monster onto its back and pin it to the ground with your silver sword.
  219. >His head falls outside of the glyphs, resuming normal time for his mind.
  220. >He tries to claw you off only for Yrden split the speed of thought and action. Leaving you with just enough time to for one last attack.
  221. >With the last of your energy, you bring your left hand to his face with your palm extended and index finger tucked in to cast one last sign: Igni.
  222. >"NO STOP NOOO-!!"
  223. >Flames shoot out from your palm and into the screaming maw of the creature, lighting it on fire.
  224. >You grit your teeth in concentration trying not to pass out from the blood loss and the quick depletion of your stamina from casting.
  225. >Shrill screams take the night sky as the Katakan burns.
  226. >Yrden and your silver sword prevent Edward from escaping as you force a constant stream of pyrokinetic energy down his gullet.
  227. >Feeling the burn get to you, you grit your teeth as you can feel the fabric of your remaining clothing cook while Edward dies from the constant flames.
  228. >Applejack and her friends can only look in a mix of horror and awe as you finish off the vampire.
  229.  
  230. >Eventually Yrden times out as the glyphs fade, the vampire's extended limbs collapsing.
  231. >You collapse off the carcass and roll over onto the soft sand, as the cold night air stings your open wounds.
  232. >Blood is still flowing forth from the deep laceration.
  233. >Your pants, or what's left of them, are smoking.
  234. >Looking toward the thing that was once a living vampire, you see that your silver sword is almost glowing at the point sticking in the monster.
  235. >Note to self: If someone tells you to leave your bag behind. Tell them to go fuck themselves...
  236. >Still, what a rush.
  237. >You let out an exhausted sigh of relief.
  238. >"Anon!" six voices cry out in unison.
  239. >Soon you're surrounded by six figures hovering over you.
  240. >They carefully drag you away from the smoking corpse as Applejack props your head up.
  241. >You try to sit up yourself, but the cowgirl's grip keeps you down.
  242. >And right now, you're not really in a condition to argue.
  243. >"We need to get him to a hospital!" cries Fluttershy.
  244. "No hos-*cough*-hospital."
  245. >"Anonymous, you are in no condition to be talking." scolds Sunset, "You could have died."
  246. "Was doing fine if you hadn't had stuck around." you retort, "I just need my pack."
  247. >"Dash, go get Anon's backpack out of Rarity's car!" Applejack orders.
  248. >Nodding, the girl runs up the base of the wall, grabs onto the lip of the sidewalk and climbs up and over.
  249. >A sudden lack of feeling in your chest makes you realize that you're losing way too much blood to wait for a Swallow potion.
  250. "No need to alarm you all, but I'm losing feeling in my chest."
  251. >"What do we do?" Pinkie frantically yells, "What do we do?!"
  252. >"Put pressure on the wound, we need to prevent him from losing more blood!"
  253. >"But what do we use?!" Applejack asks.
  254. >"Do I really have to do everything?" Sunset groans in frustration.
  255. >Ripping her blouse, she takes the strips of cloth and holds it against your chest.
  256. >Taking that as their cue, the others proceed to rip more clothing off of themselves to prevent you from bleeding out.
  257. >If this were any other sort of situation, you would gladly have girls on the beach ripping their clothes off for you.
  258. >But now is not the time to be making jokes.
  259.  
  260. >Five painful minutes later, Dash comes back with Anon's backpack in her arm. Only to go wide-eyed at the sight of his blood-caked chest.
  261. >You honestly can't blame her.
  262. >Handing it to the guy, he doesn't even thank her.
  263. >Unzipping it, Anon pulls out a vial of blue liquid and pops the cork.
  264. >The substance goes down his throat. It must taste mighty horrible if he has to hiss like that when he finishes.
  265. >Looking to your friends, Rarity must have passed out, because she's lying down in Fluttershy's embrace.
  266. >"Um, Rainbow Dash how did you get Anon's pack from Rarity's car?"
  267. >Dash nervously scratches the back of her head and avoiding eye contact.
  268. >"I er... I couldn't unlock the door so I tossed a rock into the window."
  269. "Rarity ain't gonna be happy when she finds out about that."
  270. >"Yeah, well this wouldn't have happened if she didn't almost become dinner for a monster."
  271. >"I'll deal with it." Anon states.
  272. >"But-"
  273. >"I. Will. Deal with with." He finishes with a sharp tone.
  274. >Rummaging through his bag again, he finds a small container.
  275. >Opening it, inside is a curved needle and thread.
  276. >Leaning against the wall, he takes the needle and sews his wound shut before tying and biting the thread.
  277. >You all do your best to give him his privacy during it.
  278. >You would be lying to say if you weren't a bit nervous around him now.
  279. >The way he took on that... thing. There was no way he was human.
  280. >Especially with those eyes of his. Almost exactly like a cat's eyes.
  281. >But when you look at the sorry state he's in as well, you also can't help but feel partly responsible.
  282. >He only really got hurt when that thing tried to go for you.
  283. >Before you know it Anon is already up and about towards the monsters dead body, though there's a slight limp in his step.
  284. >Anon kneels down next to the monster's body and lifts one of his pants legs up.
  285. >He pulls out something that looks like a small knife with a six or seven-inch blade.
  286. >Flipping it in his hands, he holds it in an icepick grip.
  287. >What is he...?
  288. >What in tarnation?!
  289. >Oh my go-! Is he cutting it's head off?
  290. >You, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie all cry out in horror at Anon's further mutilation.
  291. >Sunset vomits behind a rock.
  292. >He looks back at you with a matter-of-fact look on his face.
  293. >"Gotta make sure it's dead. Vampires can, and have, survived worse than this."
  294. "T-that's a vampire? Ain't look like no vampire I've ever seen."
  295. >"Katakan specifically, a type of higher vampire. Not like one of those Hollywood ones." He remarks, inspecting the claws and ears, "This one's relatively young which might be why it was so feral when fighting."
  296. >It disturbs you that he's already talking about this so casually. Even despite after being hurt so bad.
  297. >His focus working on the body almost reminds you of Rarity when she gets into one of her dressmaking sessions.
  298. >He finishes cutting the last of the flesh keeping the head attached then proceeds to limp to the beach proper.
  299. >Morbid curiosity compels you and the others to find out why.
  300. >Tossing the head into a bonfire pit, he takes another vial from his pack, douses the head and makes another one of those strange gestures with his hand.
  301. >More fire shoots out from his palm, causing the pit to let out a large flaming pillar before calming down to more manageable levels.
  302. >With that done, Anon walks back over to you.
  303. >"I'm pissed that you didn't listen to me. But... if it weren't for you six coming in like that I would have died."
  304. >"W-well we couldn't j-just leave you alone with that v-vam-vampire." Fluttershy stutters behind you.
  305. >"Well, I guess we're even then." he says with a small brief smile, "So thanks."
  306. >But just as quick as it came, it disappears as he glances back at the fire.
  307. >You can't help but stare again, though he doesn't seem to notice or mind.
  308. >"Look, I know what I did was pretty gruesome but I still got the rest of the body to take care of. You should wait by the cars."
  309. >Each of you look to the other nervously.
  310. >"Well, if you want to stay so bad, you could get some marshmallows and cook'em over the fire."
  311. >He points towards the bon-fire.
  312. >The same fire he tossed a head into.
  313. >You and Rainbow give an unsure laugh as Sunset again vomits behind the same rock.
  314. >Fluttershy whimpers some more as Pinkie shakes her head back and forth.
  315. >Well...
  316. >You wanted to get to know Anon today.
  317. >Guess you got a little more than you bargained for.
  318.  
  319. -----
  320.  
  321. >You all sit around the bonfire Anon "prepared".
  322. >Pinkie Pie, being Pinkie Pie, pulled out some marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers.
  323. >Though none of you feel particularly hungry.
  324. >Anonymous is still finishing off the last of the vampire's corpse.
  325. >The rest of the body is currently cooking in the fire.
  326. >It lets off a sort of barbecue-ish smell.
  327. >You don't think you're going to be eating meat for awhile.
  328. >"Anyone want some Katakan meat? I hear it tastes delicious." Anon calls out in a teasing voice.
  329. >Sunset turns a little green, while it takes a bit of effort to suppress your gag reflex.
  330. >Murmurs of "No thanks." are his only reply.
  331. >Looking at your friends, all of them look like they just woke up from a nightmare.
  332. >Rarity in particular just looks like she's on the edge of breaking out into tears.
  333. >Granted, you feel the same. But this ain't no nightmare.
  334. >Huh, a lonely boy you thought just needed some friends is only a few steps away hacking a body to pieces.
  335. >Now that you think about it... You sort of described a serial killer.
  336. >You look at the little horse plush in your hands. It's innocent green eyes look back up at you.
  337. >Is this really the same kid who sat alone in the lunchroom.
  338. >The plush just stares at you as you wait futily for some sort of answer.
  339. >The sound of footsteps in the sand bring you back as Anon sits between you and Rarity.
  340. >He tosses a chuck of vampire into the pit, causing it to momentarily burst as new fuel is added.
  341. >"Guess we need to talk." he simply says.
  342. "Darn right."
  343. >Anon doesn't face you and just looks into the fire.
  344. >The light dances off his features, as without his large glasses you can see his eyes look weary.
  345. >His strange looking cat eyes...
  346. >Not because he looks old, but he just has that thousand-yard stare people who've seen terrible things all their life have.
  347. >"Anon what's with those eyes?" Rainbow asks.
  348. >He chuckles and shakes his head, "They always start with the eyes."
  349. >Taking a few marshmallows and inserting a stick into them he holds them up to the fire.
  350. >"They're a result of my mutations."
  351. "Mutations?"
  352. >Anon nods, "I'm a Witcher, a monster slayer for hire. I can't really go too deep, but the flashcard version is that we go through alchemical processes, mutations, and intense physical and mental training in order to do what I just did."
  353. >You all listen quietly and expectantly as he removes his marshmallows and lets them cool.
  354. >He lifts his wolf medallion up, "This is a symbol for the School I belong to."
  355. "You said "we" right? You mean there are more like you?"
  356. >Nodding, he pops one of the bronze colored marshmallows into his mouth.
  357. >"As far as I know there's at least two practitioners for each school right in the present day."
  358. >Sunset narrows her eyes, "How many schools are there?"
  359. >"Five." He answers, holding up a hand with five fingers up. "Wolf, Bear, Griffon, Cat, and Viper."
  360. >"Historically each school had their own territory, Kaedwen for the Wolves, the Skellige Isles for the Bears, so on and so forth. However all current day Witchers are trained in the same place."
  361. >Taking some graham crackers and a chocolate bar, he makes two smores.
  362. >Anon offers one to somebody, but everyone except Pinkie Pie turns it down.
  363. >Drinking some bottled water, he lets the liquid sit in his mouth for a while before swallowing.
  364. >"A-and you wanted to do this?" Fluttershy asks.
  365. >Anon scoffs.
  366. >"No. I didn't have much of a choice. None of did. No Witcher ever had. Each school would get ten recruits taken from birth, or at an extremely young age."
  367. >"W-what h-happened to the others? If you d-don't mind that is..."
  368. >"Walking the Path." he answers.
  369. >He sees your bewildered faces and clarifies, "Sorry, it's a term for wandering from place to place looking for work."
  370. >Anon counts something in his head, which you could only tell by the way his fingers move.
  371. >"As far as I know, there are three Bear school Witchers, two Cat school, and including me, three for the Wolf school. I think the Viper also has three, while I heard rumors the Griffons had five or six."
  372. >But... if they started with ten, and only so few made it...
  373. "So does that mean..."
  374. >"Most died." he says, understanding where you're going, "Some from training accidents, the rest mainly from the Trials which, before you bother asking, I will not tell you about."
  375. >The way he talks about the subject, it's clear he has bitter memories.
  376. >You and your friends look shocked, who in their right mind would allow this?
  377. "That's terrible! What sort of jerk does that?"
  378. >"Wouldn't the police been involved with so many children disappearing?"
  379. >"How would they notice? Most of us were orphans or given up." says Anon as he shakes his head, "Besides we weren't all trained at the same time. The Bears are the oldest while the Griffons are the youngest group, they would have only just finished their training a few years ago."
  380. >None of you find it inside you to ask any more questions, instead just letting the silence hang in the air.
  381. >Tossing his stick aside, he lays back into the sand and places his arms behind his head.
  382. >The cackling of the fire sends embers up into the air.
  383. >Sitting up, he locks eyes with you.
  384. >"Don't any of you dare pity me or my brothers. We've learned to accept our lots in life."
  385. >"But that's so terrible..." Fluttershy says sadly.
  386. >"So what monster were you sent here for?" Sunset cryptically asks.
  387. >The boy doesn't make eye contact with her, "You, probably."
  388. >You all gasp, as Rainbow prepares to jump Anon.
  389. >Sighing, he just holds up a hand.
  390. >"Don't worry, I'm thinking of turning down the contract. Despite your... magical background from Equestria."
  391. >The mention of Sunset's former home brings shock to your friends.
  392. "How did you know where she was from?"
  393. >"I'm monster slayer. I have to actually investigate matters to make sure my targets are actual monsters and not just a hit on a normal person."
  394. >"But who would want to kill Sunny? That's really really REALLY not cool."
  395. >Adjusting his position so he sits cross legged, he shrugs again.
  396. >"I don't ask, and even if I did nowadays contractors don't tell us their names. All I know is that they paid a king's ransom just to see you gone."
  397. >You glance at Sunset, who look incredibly saddened by the news.
  398. >Sure, she may have tried to mind control the whole school and turned into a demon but to kill her? Especially after all she's done?
  399. >"Could it be the Dazzlings?"
  400. "Mmmhh, doubt it. They can't mesmerize people without those fancy doohickeys around their necks."
  401. >"Then who?" asks Rarity. "I can't think of one person who would want to kill our dear Sunset."
  402. >"Someone with a lot of money and connections." Anon answers, "And once they find out I turned down this job, they'll probably send someone else to do it."
  403. >"Someone less likely to not finish the job too." Sunset finishes. "We'll have to figure out who put out the hit on me."
  404. >Getting up, Anon pats himself off.
  405. >"Good luck with that. I mean it."
  406. "Where are you going?"
  407. >"Home."
  408. "You're not going to help?!"
  409. >"No. Without a contract or job, despite the presence of a Katakan, I have no reason to stay."
  410. >"Anonymous, please you should help Sunset." Fluttershy pleads. "She really needs you."
  411. >"I'm sorry, but it isn't my pla-"
  412. >"I'll hire you." Sunset interrupts abruptly.
  413. >You all freeze and turn towards her.
  414. >"Excuse me?" Anon asks.
  415. >"I-I said I'll hire you. I want you to find whoever submitted this contract."
  416. >Sunset doesn't even look like she knows what she's asking.
  417. >With a smirk, he crosses his arms.
  418. >"I get what you're trying to do, but even if I accepted, and that's a big *if* what would you pay me with? A Witcher's services are not cheap."
  419. >"C'mon dude!" Rainbow yells. "Her life's on the line."
  420. >"Which is why I want to know how much her life is worth to her."
  421. >"I don't have much... I know! I-I'll get into contact with Twilight... I'm sure she can help."
  422. >While you know Twilight would jump through hell itself to help her friends, Sunset doesn't seem to believe what she just said.
  423. "Sunset..."
  424. >Anon just shakes his head, "Empty promises don't mean much to me."
  425. >Rainbow just grows even more frustrated and runs at Anon with a fist.
  426. >"YOU DICK!"
  427. >Without a word Anon just grabs her arm in midair, bends it behind her back and forces her to the floor.
  428. >It all happens so fast that Dash doesn't even realize she's on the ground until she coughs up sand.
  429. >"Rainbow!" you all quickly stand and yell out.
  430. >A glint reflecting the light of the fire draws your eyes to Anon's leg and a cold chill goes up your spine.
  431. >He has his hunting knife drawn out slightly with his other hand.
  432. >If he wanted, he could have killed her and been done with it. And there would have been nothing you or anyone else could have done.
  433. >She struggles to break free, but Anon's grip on her arm and knee on her back hold her in place.
  434. "Anon get off her!"
  435. >Pausing for a moment, he complies, puts back his knife and steps away from your blue friend.
  436. >Pinkie Pie helps Rainbow Dash up, rubbing her sore shoulder all the while glaring at him.
  437. >"Don't do that again." he growls at her.
  438. >Taking a deep breath and sighing, he walks over to Sunset.
  439. >"So what do I do?" she asks with tears in her eyes.
  440. >Anonymous just looks away before returning his gaze.
  441. >"I can't tell you that, I like you all so I will give you a week to figure things out."
  442. "Just a week? And what'll you be doing?"
  443. >"Until then I'll just hang around at school, but once the week is up I'm back on the Path."
  444. >He gathers his things then tosses a load of sand onto the bonfire to put it out.
  445. >"Well, let's head home. It's getting late, I'll answer more questions later."
  446. >You look to each of the girls and finally to Sunset.
  447. >The poor girl looks incredibly down in the dumps.
  448. >Putting an arm around her, she hugs you tightly as the dam bursts.
  449. >"Applejack... I just don't know what to do..."
  450. "Hush now, sugarcube. We'll get through this."
  451. >You gently guide her off the beach and back to the parking lot.
  452.  
  453. -----
  454.  
  455. >Your eye twitches.
  456. >The seven of you just stand around your car.
  457. >"Wow RD, you really did a number on the window."
  458. >The multi-colored haired girl blushed, "Yeah, well *someone* was dying. I didn't really see any option."
  459. >A large hole lies dead center in the tempered glass.
  460. >Broken bits of the window lie all over the back seat and floor of the sedan.
  461. >The headache you have right now doesn't make your mood any better.
  462. "How will I explain this to Daddy! And not to mention this will probably raise the insurance premium."
  463. >"And we can't really tell the truth." Applejack says.
  464. >This will put a huge dent in your savings. And you were so close to getting that new sewing machine too.
  465. "..."
  466. >"Well it's Anon's fault, he should be the one paying for it."
  467. >You give Rainbow Dash an incredulous look.
  468. "Excuse me?"
  469. >"I wouldn't have to have smashed the window if Anon didn't need his bag."
  470. >"Dash, we all know it wasn't his fault for getting hurt like he did."
  471. >You begin to nod in agreement before a sharp pain in your forehead brings a hand to your temple.
  472. "Oh dear, I'm still feeling woozy from all the wine I drank..."
  473. >"Which ya shouldn't have drank since you're underage." Applejack scolds.
  474. "I just don't know what came over me. One minute Edward was talking to me about our similarities in fashion next thing I know Anonymous is telling the ruffian to stand aside."
  475. >"He probably put you in a trance." Anonymous answers, "Higher Vampires can put animals and humans into one to lure their prey in."
  476. >"Just thinking about Rarity turning into a vampire makes a chill run up my spine." Fluttershy says.
  477. >He shakes his head, "That's a myth, as are most “modern” methods to kill vampires. Vampire bites don't turn humans nor do the higher ones need blood to survive."
  478. >"Then why did that meany-head want Rarity then?" Pinkie Pie asks, getting a bit too close to Anon's personal space.
  479. >"Human blood is like alcohol to them. The wine you were drinking probably wasn't even doing anything for him and was just meant to make your own blood tastier."
  480. >You shudder.
  481. >Was that really what he was doing?
  482. >"That is a... morbid thought."
  483. >"It's a morbid subject." he replies.
  484. >Applejack coughs her throat, bringing you back on topic.
  485. >"It um... probably wouldn't be safe for you to drive."
  486. "No it wouldn't darling. Someone else will need to drive."
  487. >Applejack raises her hand, "Rarity, I'll drive your car."
  488. >You approach your farmer friend and giver her a warm hug.
  489. "Applejack you are a doll. I'll be sure to make it up to you."
  490. >"You can probably fit one more person inside without having them sit on all the glass."
  491. >Pinkie Pie counts her fingers.
  492. >"But who'll ride in Rainbow Dash's car?"
  493. "If Applejack is driving, then that means Fluttershy will have to join us since her house is on the way to mine."
  494. >Everyone looks around awkwardly as that would mean Anon would have to ride with Rainbow Dash.
  495. >"Nuh-uh, I'm not letting that jerk into my car."
  496. >"Don't worry about me, I can walk home." Anon says, turning to leave.
  497. >The cowgirl grabs his arm.
  498. >You can tell he's uncomfortable with the touch just by the way he tenses up.
  499. >"Anon, you're in no condition to walk by yourself. Plus your half-naked."
  500. "I've been through worse. Granted, not much worse but still."
  501. >You walk up to the boy and have him face you.
  502. "Anonymous, I cannot in good conscience let you walk all the way home looking like *that* after saving my life."
  503. >"Be that as it may, it's obvious I'm not getting a ride from Dash and I ain't keen on sitting on broken glass. I may have a higher pain tolerance than most, but that shit still hurts."
  504. >"Ugh, RD just let the guy go with you for tonight." Applejack says.
  505. >"*Fine* but he better not talk during the whole ride. And no funny business."
  506. >"Suites me just fine."
  507. >Sunset tries to say something, but instead just let's it go.
  508. "Then in that case are there any objections?"
  509. >Everyone, except Anon, Rainbow and Sunset, shake their heads.
  510. >As the four walk away, you hand Applejack your car keys while Fluttershy enters the back seat.
  511. "Please be careful Fluttershy, I couldn't stand the thought of you hurting yourself."
  512. >"Oh I'll be fine Rarity, thank you for your concern though." she says with a small smile.
  513. >She uses an old magazine you left in the seat pouches and brushes some of the stray glass aside.
  514. >You step into the passenger seat and buckle in.
  515. >Opening the driver side door, your blonde friend peers inside and leans over the seat into the rear passenger area.
  516. >"Hey Fluttershy, could you hold onto this fer me?"
  517. >"Okay."
  518. >She hands her the little pony plush Anon won her earlier today.
  519. >Applejack adjusts herself and the mirrors in the driver's seat before starting the engine and pulling out.
  520. >The radio plays one of your favorite songs, but you decide to turn it down anyway. The pounding on your head is starting to get worse.
  521. >As the buildings of downtown pass by, something you've been holding in since Anonymous rescued you becomes too strong to keep inside.
  522. "Applejack, darling."
  523. >"Yeah Rares?" she replies without taking her eyes off the road.
  524. "What do you think of Anonymous?"
  525. >Her eye narrow slightly, "Why? This have something to do with yer matchmaker thing today?"
  526. "Just humor me this once, I almost became a meal for a vampire tonight."
  527. >She scoffs, "Fine. I... I think he's a pretty good guy."
  528. >Pretty good huh?
  529. >Dear dear Applejack, you are such a terrible liar.
  530. "Is that it? Just "pretty good"?"
  531. >"Well, ah can't say he isn't handsome." she says, blush growing on her face, "And despite his blunt persona he means well. I mean, as soon as he realized you were in danger he hopped straight to finding you."
  532. >You sense a "but" coming.
  533. >"But... there's something scary about him."
  534. >Her choice of words piques your curiosity. Even Fluttershy looks interested.
  535. "What do you mean darling?"
  536. >"Besides the whole chopping up the vampire into bits part, when he took Rainbow down he reached for the knife in his pocket and pulled it out slightly."
  537. >He did what?!
  538. >A sharp pain answers you causing you to clench your teeth and massage your head.
  539. >"H-he did that?" Fluttershy stutters.
  540. >"Yeah, not all the way out though. Ah think it may have been more instinct than actually wanting to hurt her."
  541. "I see... We will have to talk to him about that later."
  542. >The car slows down at an intersection.
  543. >A couple of other vehicles see a green light on the adjacent street and begin moving.
  544. >"Why are you asking anyway?"
  545. >Well the truth will come out sooner or later.
  546. >And you think the wine is still making you a bit bolder too.
  547. >The light changes to green for you as the Applejack presses the gas pedal.
  548. >If she doesn't like it so be it.
  549. >Might as well go out and say it then.
  550. "I think I may be smitten with our mysterious friend."
  551. >Almost as immediately as it started, Applejack slams the brakes sending you all bucking forward.
  552. >"W-what did you say?!"
  553. >A honk from behind you is followed by a car switching lanes and speeding past you.
  554. >Realizing her error, the car resumes down the road.
  555. "You heard me, I think I'm starting to develop feelings for Anonymous."
  556. >"Um... Rarity are y-you sure?" Fluttershy asks.
  557. "No. But when I realized he saved me from such a terrible fate, risking his own life to do so, my heart fluttered a bit. Perhaps he was my knight in shining armor all this time?"
  558. >"You're being delusional, it was just the wine in your system."
  559. >You can detect a hint of venom in her tone.
  560. "Jealous Applejack?"
  561. >"N-no!" she quickly says a little too loudly. Her face being as red as the apples she picks.
  562. >She slumps into the seat and squirms in it a little.
  563. >You would be lying if you didn't think it was cute.
  564. >"'Sides, what makes you think he likes fru-fru girls anyways?"
  565. "I don't know my dear, I guess I'll just have to find out. Unless you have any objections or perhaps lay a claim as some would say?"
  566. >The farmer opens her mouth to say something before closing it. Instead letting the silence hang in the air for a few moments.
  567. >"He ain't a piece of meat y'know..." she whispers under her breath.
  568. >Feeling like you've tortured the girl enough, you just let out a small chuckle and lean into your chair.
  569. >You know darling, it would be incredibly shallow of you to think that of him. But you need to light the spark under her, and if not swoop in for the opportunity for yourself.
  570. >"Um... my house is coming up..."
  571. >"Ah'm not saying I wouldn't be opposed to... the thought of becoming more than friends despite everything that's happened. But that's all just wish fulfillment, we only met yesterday."
  572. "Yes, well we still have a week to try and change that."
  573. >"And that's another thing! We still got this whole business with Sunset now."
  574. >"It's on the next right..."
  575. "Ugh such nasty business. I still have no idea how we're going to solve this, let alone where to start."
  576. >Applejack waves her hand, "You're telling me. I told Sunset we would get through this, but now I'm starting to wonder if we really can."
  577. >"You... passed my house..."
  578. "We got through the Fall Formal, the Sirens, and the Friendship Games. We can get through this, and with Anon's help I am incredibly confident we will do so."
  579. >Your friend smiles, "I really hope so. Say Fluttershy ain't your house around here?"
  580. "Yes, you passed it two blocks ago."
  581. >Fluttershy meekly nods.
  582. >Stopping at the next stop sign, Applejack places her forehead onto the rim of the steering wheel, banging her head twice before turning back to your friend in the back.
  583. >"Shoot, I'm sorry Fluttershy. Guess ah wasn't all there."
  584. >"Um... it's okay. I don't mind..."
  585. >Making a U-turn, Applejack heads back towards Fluttershy's house.
  586. >Looking out the window, you just occupy yourself with your own thoughts.
  587. >We only have a week to change Anon's mind to help Sunset. Which you have full faith you six can do just that.
  588. >Friendship hasn't let you down yet.
  589. >But concerning Anon himself...
  590. >Sorry Applejack.
  591. >But in the matters of the heart. You're going to go all out on this one whether she likes it or not.
  592.  
  593. -----
  594.  
  595. >In the other vehicle.
  596. >The atmosphere is tense, mostly due to fear of what you may or may not do to Rainbow Dash or vice versa.
  597. >Pinkie Pie nervously sits by your side, making sure to give you a wide berth.
  598. >Sunset Shimmer just watches in the passenger seat as the cars and buildings go by with a forlorn expression on her face.
  599. >All the while Rainbow Dash has the most ear-grating music playing on the radio.
  600. >As much as you would prefer to just take your sword and stab the machine, you're a guest in Rainbow's car.
  601. >Soon enough Pinkie Pie is dropped off first.
  602. >She exits the vehicle and waves goodbye at a rapid fire pace.
  603. >"AlrightgirlsIhadfunwegottadothisagainsometime!Exceptthepartwiththevampirethoughthatwassuperduperscary.Okaythanksbye!"
  604. >Shutting the door she hops back to the front door and enters.
  605. >As Rainbow pulls the car away, you can see her eye you in the rear view mirror and glares at you.
  606. >"Anon, where do you live?"
  607. >You tell her the address and she rolls her eyes.
  608. >"We'll have to drop him off first Sunset, he's way farther than your house."
  609. >"That's fine." Sunset says. "I don't mind."
  610. >"You okay?"
  611. >She was just told she has a hit out on her, and that someone wants her really dead.
  612. >So yeah, she's just peachy.
  613. >"No, not really." she replies, "A-A lot of stuff happened today."
  614. >Rainbow sighs and her expression softens, "Anon... are you sure you can't do anything."
  615. "I've told her my terms. If she can find a suitable way to pay me I'll help all I can."
  616. >The car becomes silent after this. No one bothering to talk.
  617. >Even Rainbow turns off the radio and spends the rest of the drive in silence.
  618. >For a brash girl who acts before she thinks, she's a good friend.
  619. >Sunset is lucky to have her.
  620. >Even if she does smell like a locker room and has the tact of a Troll.
  621.  
  622. >The car pulls up to your ramshackle home. It's trashy appearance and the neighborhood garnering nervous glances from the two girls.
  623. >"Dude, your house looks like crap."
  624. "Oh golly gee Rainbow Dash, I haven’t noticed! You’re so observant." you reply, sarcasm dripping in your tone.
  625. >She scrunches her face up, "Just get out of my car."
  626. >Opening the door and slamming the door shut, Rainbow revs the engine to speed off.
  627. >Walking to your front door, you pull out your keys when the engine quiets down and another door opens and closes.
  628. >The clacking of shoes causes you to pause with your key in the tumbler lock.
  629. "What?"
  630. >"What will it take to hire you?" Sunset says. "What will it take to get you to help me?"
  631. >There’s a massive urge to just shut the door in her face and be done with it. You honestly just want today be over.
  632. >You lean your head into the door frame and groan. You’re now starting to develop a headache.
  633. "Real silver, precious gems or metal in a decent quantity. "
  634. >"If I did manage to pay you, what would you do?"
  635. >You think about it for a few moments.
  636. "Pretty much anything you want till the jobs done."
  637. >Probably should have worded that better. Attribute that to being tired from a rough day.
  638. >That description makes you sound like a prostitute.
  639. >"Then I already know what I want."
  640. >Her response garners your attention, you turn to face her only to see an extremely determined and serious look on her face.
  641. "And what would that be?"
  642. >"I want you to teach me how to fight like you."
  643. "You have no idea what that would entail."
  644. >"It doesn't matter, I want to protect myself and my friends. I want to become a Witcher."
  645. >You suppress a laugh at how absurd the idea is.
  646. >No Witcher has ever been a woman.
  647. >At least, according to tradition. There were old stories circulating of a woman with ashen hair who hunted monsters, but whether she was a Witcher or just a normal hunter with good fortune you could never confirm.
  648. >It would hardly be sensible to take too much truth off old bard tales.
  649. "Without mutations, the best I can really do is teach you is how to use a sword and maybe signs if you’re proficient with magic to speed things up."
  650. >She nods, "I've trained with magic my entire life and I’m a quick study."
  651. >It would probably be better if she became a sorceress instead. Always could use more of those.
  652. "You could just stick with that. Magic sometimes proves better than a sword."
  653. >"But I need to learn to protect myself without it. I can't access my magic here without my friends, and they won't always be around."
  654. >The girl’s determined. Gotta giver her that.
  655. >Turning, you twist the key and unlock the door. Stepping inside, you turn to face her one last time.
  656. "Five kilogram of silver, in bars preferably. Come back with that and I'll do what I can."
  657. >She grows a large smile before nodding her head enthusiastically.
  658. >Running back to her friends car, you shut the door and grin.
  659. >What have you gotten yourself into?
  660. >Eh, you should be fine.
  661. >It's not like she actually has a way to get five kilos of silver in just a week.
  662.  
  663. >"So what'd you talk to him about."
  664. >Dash pulls out of the neighborhood and towards your apartment.
  665. "I asked him to train me to fight like him."
  666. >She processes what you said before she lets out a barrage of laughter.
  667. >"Buahahahaha! Are you serious?! He said yes?"
  668. >You scrunch your nose.
  669. "Well, no. He said I had to pay with five kilograms of silver."
  670. >”How much is that?”
  671. “I… don’t really know… let me check.”
  672. >Pulling out your phone, you use the internet browser and search the current price of silver.
  673. >Your face drops as you see the cost for just one kilogram is around $500.
  674. >”How much?”
  675. >You show her your phone.
  676. >She gives you a shit eating grin.
  677. "Which I can get... with Twilight's help... I think."
  678. >"I gotta get in on this. Ask her for five more then, I gotta beat that jerk somehow and the only way I can do that is by learning his tricks."
  679. "This is serious Rainbow."
  680. >"And I'm being serious too. That guy... just... that *guy* makes me so mad and I've only known him for two days! So c'mon help a girl out."
  681. >You frown, and give her an annoyed look.
  682. "Fine, but *ONLY* if Twilight agrees to lend me the silver and Anonymous says it’s okay."
  683. >She pumps her fist, "Aw yeah! And don't worry, I have a way with words."
  684. "Yes, because earlier at the beach was such a good indicator of that."
  685. >Rainbow brushes you off, "He caught me off guard."
  686. >Suddenly, your phone vibrates in your pocket.
  687. >Pulling it out, the name surprises you slightly.
  688. >"Who is it?"
  689. "It's a text from Twilight."
  690. >"Princess or Egghead?"
  691. "Our Twilight."
  692. >"Soooo... Princess or Egghead?"
  693. >This girl sometimes...
  694. >You give an exasperated sigh, "Egghead."
  695. >Opening the message, your grow concerned.
  696. >"What's it say?"
  697. "She wants to talk to us tomorrow in front of the statue, she says it's important."
  698.  
  699. -----
  700.  
  701. >You, and the rest of the gang all wait outside of CHS.
  702. >Rainbow Dash let's out a yawn, followed by one from Rarity, Pinkie Pie, then you.
  703. >"Only an egghead would want to come to school on a Saturday." Dash complains.
  704. >"Well didn't you say that the text was urgent?"
  705. "She said this matter was serious."
  706. >"You think it's about Anon?." Rainbow asks Applejack.
  707. "Anon?"
  708. >Applejack snaps her fingers.
  709. >"Shoot! I forgot she has that same pendant thing Anon has at her house."
  710. >You almost do a spit take with the coffee you bought on the way here.
  711. >Did you just hear her right? Twilight has a medallion too?
  712. "And you only remember this now? Did anyone tell Twilight about last night?"
  713. >Everyone shakes their heads.
  714. >You pull out your phone and look at the time.
  715. >It's almost ten thirty.
  716. >Twilight said she was going to meet you all here a half hour ago when she sent you that text last night.
  717. >Speaking of Twilight.
  718. >You still haven't received a response from Princess Twilight regarding the "loan" you asked for.
  719. >Granted it's only been a couple of hours. And you wrote her late at night.
  720. >Hopefully she'll be able to help you.
  721. >Suddenly the sound of a car horn brings your attention to the road.
  722. >"Ah think that's Twilight." Applejack says.
  723. >As on cue, the nerdy girl steps out of the vehicle and waves to the driver.
  724. >The vehicle drives off as Twilight jogs over to you.
  725. >On closer view, she still looks a little under the weather with a slight tinge of red on her nose.
  726. "Hey Twilight."
  727. >"Hi Sunset. Hi girls." she says with a little wave and smile, "Sorry I'm late, my mom wanted to make sure I was okay to go out."
  728. "It's alright Twilight."
  729. >"So what did you want to talk to us about darling?"
  730. >"Oh right. Applejack and Rainbow Dash told me there was a new student here with something like this?"
  731. >She digs through her backpack and pulls out something wrapped in cloth.
  732. >Unravelling it, the item inside is a wolf medallion very similar to the one Anonymous wears.
  733. >Though this one looks in rougher shape than his with a large scar-like crack across its right eye.
  734. >You can't help but share a nervous glance with Rarity who returns it.
  735. >It's a bit scary to think about considering what Anon says he does for a living; one can't help but think what would leave a large mark like that.
  736. "Twilight where did you get that?"
  737. >"This is an heirloom from my grandfather. He was a... hunter."
  738. >"What does this have to do with Anonymous?"
  739. >The girl averts her eyes.
  740. >"I think he may belong to the same uh... guild that my grandfather belonged too."
  741. >Twilight obviously looks uncomfortable with having to discuss this.
  742. >"But that would also mean he's a dangerous person. And we would need to be careful."
  743. >Remembering what Anon did last night, that right there is an understatement.
  744. "Careful of what?"
  745. >"I... can't say. It's a personal matter."
  746. >There's more to this.
  747. >She obviously doesn't know you know exactly what that medallion means.
  748. >"Twilight..."
  749. >The girl re-wraps the wolf head, and places it back into her bag.
  750. >"Yes?"
  751. "Was your grandfather a Witcher?"
  752. >Twilight's eyes widen as her pupils rapidly go between all of you.
  753. >Her reaction is all that you really need.
  754. >"H-how did you know?"
  755. "Anonymous told us what that medallion meant. He's one of them."
  756. >Twilight's expression hardens.
  757. >"Are you positively sure? Did he have any... noticeable traits?"
  758. >You nod.
  759. >"He had eyes like a cat for one."
  760. >"I see... and he just showed you this?"
  761. >"Not on purpose. It was mostly because of Rarity."
  762. >"I'm not following."
  763. "It's a bit of a long story."
  764. >"Ugh... Rarity got attacked by a vampire last night and Anon had to save her."
  765. "Rainbow!" Rarity hisses her name.
  766. >Your friend shrugs, "It wasn't *that* long of a story."
  767. >Twilight gasps.
  768. >Before you or any of the girls can ask, the girl has already whipped out a spiral notebook and is already jotting things down into it.
  769. >"There haven't been any killings in the news lately so that means it must have been a higher type..."
  770. >Now the confusion is spreads on all your faces.
  771. >Twilight doesn't look away from her notebook as she continues jotting down something inside.
  772. >"That narrows it down to a limited few varieties, Nosferat, Alps, maybe even a Mula..."
  773. "I think Anon said it was a Katakan..."
  774. >"A katakan? Did you take any samples? No... No of course you wouldn't..."
  775. >"Uh Twi... you're being all weird..."
  776. >The girl with the glasses ignores her and continues writing.
  777. >"Maybe the neo-witcher may have. I wonder if he's already made a decoction from the Katakan's material. That could mean trouble when it comes to a confrontation."
  778. >Applejack grabs Twilight's shoulders and halts her.
  779. >"Twi, slow down. Yer talking in riddles."
  780. >Twilight recoils slightly, and takes a deep breath.
  781. >"Sorry, I got a bit off track. Um... where should I start?"
  782. "Probably the beginning. What do you know about Witchers?"
  783. >"Oh um... like I said, my grandfather was one. It was because of him that I became interested in magic."
  784. >Twilight has a small smile on her face as she relives some memories.
  785. >"He told me all these wonderful stories of magic, elves, and even adventures he had in the old days slaying monsters to protect the innocent."
  786. >She sits down on the school's front step and smoothes out her skirt.
  787. >The way she speaks about him, he must have meant alot to her.
  788. >Almost like the way you used to idolize Princess Celestia when you were young.
  789. >"The medallion was also where I got the inspiration for the magic-o-meter."
  790. >"The what-o-what?" Applejack whispers.
  791. >"I think she means that amulet she wore during the friendship games." Fluttershy whispers back.
  792. >"Oh..."
  793. >Looking at you, she brings her hands together and twiddles her thumbs.
  794. >"Did the Witch- Anon say what he was doing here?"
  795. >You look to the others, who just shrug.
  796. >"Said he was looking for work."
  797. >"Something about "The Path"."
  798. >"Really?" she asks, genuinely surprised.
  799. >It's almost like she was expecting him to be doing something else.
  800. >"Don't all Witchers do that?"
  801. >She shrinks back down.
  802. >"Er... yeah, that's not strange at all. Hehe." she says giving you a big fake smile.
  803. >You know that look.
  804. "Twilight."
  805. >Twilight gives you a pleading look, one that says: "Please don't push the issue."
  806. "Tch... fine."
  807. >"Well, now we need to do is find Anon before he leaves town. There's hardly any magical activity besides the one at CHS in Canterlot."
  808. >She pulls out under her hoodie an amulet very similar to the old one she had.
  809. >Your eyes widen as all the girls back away slowly; Rainbow Dash and Applejack getting into defensive stances, ready to jump into action if the situation requires.
  810. >Hopefully, it doesn't...
  811. >"TWILIGHT!"
  812. >"Wha-? Oh this. Don't worry, I made sure that we won't a... um repeat of the Friendship Games. This version can only detect magic." she says as a matter of fact.
  813. >As if that makes you feel any better.
  814. >"Hmm, that's strange it's not reacting towards any of you."
  815. >She waves the device at you six. Which only adds to the unease you all feel around it.
  816. >Last time she had that, it almost caused reality to fall apart.
  817. >You shudder.
  818. >"Must be out of power already... Shoot." she says, tapping the amulet with her finger.
  819. >She pops the face off and pulls out a small screwdriver from her pocket.
  820. >Putting the flat head inside, she begins turning something before closing the face with a click.
  821. >...
  822. >Who keeps screwdrivers in their pockets?!
  823. "I don't think we'll have to worry about him leaving town for awhile."
  824. >"Why's that?" she asks, putting the magic-o-meter back down her hoodie.
  825. >"He said tha-" Fluttershy begins.
  826. >You gently elbow her in the side interrupting her.
  827. "He's going to stick around to make sure everything is in order before moving on."
  828. >Twilight raises a brow at you two.
  829. >"O-kay... Well, I guess that leaves us plenty of time to find him."
  830. "That shouldn't be a problem, Rainbow and I know where he lives."
  831. >Twilight's eyes brighten for a moment.
  832. >"That makes things simple. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
  833. >The girl hops to her feet and zips off...
  834. >Before walking back and giving you a sheepish adorkable smile.
  835. >"Sorry, lead the way."
  836. >You give a soft giggle, put your arm around her and walk towards the bus stop.
  837. >Both you and Twilight only walk a couple feet when you notice the others standing around behind you awkwardly.
  838. "Girls?"
  839. >"I gotta help Mr. and Mrs. Cake with the noon hour rush at Sugarcube Corner." Pinkie Pie says.
  840. >"Um... I also need to... uh help at the shelter..."
  841. >"As much as I would *LOVE* to go visit our dear Anonymous, I have work at the boutique I need to catch up on."
  842. >"My dad says I got chores."
  843. >You glance at Applejack who just crosses her arms and raises a shoulder, "Ah don't got anything to do today at the farm so I'm good to go."
  844. >Well, so much for that.
  845. >"Wait!" Rarity yells.
  846. >You all look at her like she just lost her mind.
  847. >"Er... I mean, actually now that I think about it I think I can spare today. Those dresses aren't going anywhere after all."
  848. >Both you and Twilight look at her curiously while Applejack just scrunches her face in annoyance.
  849. >"Besides, Anonymous and I still have to work out who's to pay for the broken window."
  850. >"Broken window?"
  851. "Don't ask..." you mutter.
  852.  
  853. -----

Witcher of Canterlot: I

by AxiiAnon

Witcher of Canterlot: II

by AxiiAnon

Witcher of Canterlot: III

by AxiiAnon

Witcher of Canterlot: IV

by AxiiAnon

Witcher of Canterlot: V

by AxiiAnon