Witcher of Canterlot: III


                                            >The sun cracking in between the worn shutters covering your window wakes you from your nap.

                                            >You try to roll over and get back to sleep but the dried blood on the bandages cause you some mild discomfort as you move.

                                            >Groaning, you still feel a little soreness from where the vampire sliced through your ribcage.

                                            >Ripping the wrappings off, you run your fingers over the new scar. You can feel where new skin meets old skin.

                                            >Sighing, you head to the bathroom and grab the emergency kit from under the sink.

                                            >You end up spending the next couple minutes removing the thread that was meant to hold the wound shut.

                                            >Once that's done, you prepare yourself for the day.

                                            >Maybe you should take the day for yourself. After last night, you sure as well could use one.

                                            >...

                                            >Yeah, today you're going to relax.

                                            >Maybe read a book.

                                            >Wait... you don't have any books...

                                            >At least not ones you haven't read already.

                                            >Actually, you could do some maintenance on your gear.

                                            >No, did that after you got home last night.

                                            >Check your potion and bomb supply?

                                            >Already did that.

                                            >Something... you guess...

                                            >God, you don't really have much to do for fun.

                                            >...

                                            >Before you can decide on what to do, a knock comes from your front door.

                                            >You walk over and look into the peep-hole to see who it is.

                                            >Sunset and her friends.

                                            >She didn't actually manage to get...

                                            >Shit.

                                            >Opening the door, four girls greet you, including one you've never met before.

                                            >Sunset, Applejack and Rarity all have a slight blush on their face and try to look everywhere but you.

                                            "Hi...?"

                                            >"H-howdy Anon." Applejack says while dipping her hat.

                                            >"Oh my... unf." You can hear Rarity mutter to herself behind her.

                                            >What could have gotten them so rattled?


                                            >Be Applejack.

                                            >Be a very flustered Applejack.

                                            >Anon isn't wearing a shirt.

                                            >You never really noticed how fit he is.

                                            >Guess killing monsters don't let you get fat.


                                            >Be Rarity.

                                            >Oh my gosh.

                                            >You must have that.

                                            >Those scars, while gruesome, only seem to make his body more alluring.

                                            >The things you would do to that boy.


                                            >Girls are strange.

                                            "Yes?"

                                            >"Oh... this is Twilight."

                                            >Twilight?

                                            >You look the girl in the baggy hoodie over.

                                            >"Um... hello."

                                            >She has a mild cold, judging from the slight red tint in her nose and eyes.

                                            >You're no doctor, but this one should still be in bed.

                                            "Doesn't look much like a Princess."

                                            >Twilight looks between you and Sunset confused.

                                            >"Oh, no this is this world's Twilight, Princess Twilight is the one from Equestria."

                                            "I see."

                                            >You lean on the doorframe.

                                            "So what can I do for you?"

                                            >"Twilight here wanted to meet you."

                                            >You raise a brow at her.

                                            "Meet me? For what?"

                                            >"She knows..."

                                            >You frown.

                                            >While you didn't specify you being a Witcher was really a secret. There was a part of you that would have hoped they wouldn't have just blabbed it out to their friends.

                                            "Did you...?"

                                            >Sunset shakes her head.

                                            >"My grandfather was a Witcher."

                                            >She digs through her pack and reveals a medallion very similar to yours. A slightly different head mold but it still clearly depicts a wolf.

                                            >You gauge her expression as you think over her words.

                                            "Mom or Dad?"

                                            >"Excuse me?"

                                            "Which one of your parents is adopted."

                                            >"D-dad... how did you know?"

                                            "If I have to tell you, you don't know a whole lot about Witchers."

                                            >Witchers are normally sterile. A... side-effect from the mutation process.

                                            >Whether thats a pro or con to some is up for debate. But apparently it wasn't unheard of for them to start or join families.

                                            >Any offspring though would have to have been from a previous engagment or adopted in.

                                            >Since she mentions the owner of this Wolf head as her "grandfather" he must be one of the older era Witchers.

                                            >The only ones who could come close in terms of looking the age of your generation would be the Bears, but none of them have ever shown the "disposition" to settle down.

                                            "May I?"

                                            >She hesitantly nods, and places the medallion into your hand.

                                            >Why is she so nervous? Are you that intimidating?

                                            >Running a thumb over the front face of the wolf, you move it close to Sunset. There's a very weak and almost faint vibration in the cold metal the closer the proximity.

                                            >Still works. Even in a state like this.

                                            "Must have been a tough old bastard." you say holding up the crack for her to see, "The thing that did this kill him?"

                                            >"Yes."

                                            >You hand the ancient medallion back to the girl.

                                            “Shame. Would have loved to meet a Wolf from the old days.”

                                            >While you wouldn't say that you're getting all warm and fuzzy, it is nice to see proof of other Witchers from the past.

                                            "Is that all?"

                                            >Twilight looks away like she's contemplating something. A few seconds goes by before she shakes her head, "No, I also wanted to show you this."

                                            >She pulls out a small metal box and presents it to you.

                                            >Looking at Applejack and the others, they look just as confused as you.

                                            >"Could you take a look at what's inside? I think you may find it interesting."

                                            >You take the box and open the lid.

                                            >Without warning, the lid swings the rest of the way by itself and something sprays into your face.

                                            >Your nostrils are immediately assaulted by a noxious smell that almost causes you to retch as the clear liquid gets into your eyes.

                                            "Augh!"

                                            >What the fuck!

                                            >You try to demand what the hell you were just sprayed with when everything begins going monotone as the girls look at you scared out of their wits.

                                            >As you try to get a hold of what's happening, you begin seeing thin glowing red lines coursing through each of the four girls in front of you as everything else becomes painfully hard to see.

                                            >Crap this should only happen if you... consume a...

                                            >...

                                            >Did this girl just spray you with a Cat potion?!

                                            >You move to grab Twilight when a whirring noise from the box in your hand grabs your attention.

                                            >"Girls get back!" Twilight yells.

                                            >Four oofs sound off as the girl moves the others back into the dirt of your dead lawn.

                                            >Like an idiot, you look at the box that just sprayed you only to be on the receiving end of a bright flash.

                                            >You drop the box and cry in pain as you stumble back into your house.

                                            >Falling to the ground you place a hand over your eyes as you try and feel for something to help you up.

                                            >All your senses are on fire from whatever cocktail of Cat this girl cooked up.

                                            >"Anon!"

                                            >"Darling!"

                                            >"Twilight what are ya doing!"

                                            >You hear a click when a loud high frequency sound begins drilling into your head as you futilely try to cover your ears.

                                            >Forcefully peeking one eye open, you see a mass of glowing veins in what you can only assume is the purple girl; holding what looks to be a-

                                            >*PLINK* *PLINK*

                                            >Two metal darts imbed themselves into your chest.

                                            "Ah shi-ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT"

                                            >Your body seizes up as volts of electricity force the muscles in your body to contract.

                                            >Twilight's not using a standard taser. You've been tased before and you could just barely fight through that.

                                            >This?

                                            >This you can't even brute force any voluntary movements. All motor control is gone.

                                            >"TWILIGHT STOP THAT!"

                                            >"NO LET GO!"

                                            >Shit shit shit!

                                            >You try to yell at the girls to stop Twilight but all that's coming out of your mouth is gibberish.

                                            >Even though everything is pitch white, you're beginning to see darkness in the corner of your vision.

                                            >*SMACK*

                                            >The volts stop as your body loses rigidity and motor control returns to you. The sound of something clacking to the ground followed by struggling just outside your vision.

                                            >Covering your eyes with your left hand, you manage to feel for the taser on the ground in front of you as what you assume is the outline of Applejack wrestles with Twilight.

                                            >Adrenaline already pumping in your system you yank the electrodes out of your chest kick the discarded device in front of you to the side.

                                            >That taken care of, you crawl around for the box making the high-pitched noise.

                                            "Sunset the box!"

                                            >Looking around amidst the chaos, she spots the small box and takes it in her hands.

                                            >She tries to shut the lid but the noise won't stop.

                                            >"It w--'t t-rn o-f!"

                                            >You begin to feel a wet sensation coming from your ears.

                                            >FUCK!

                                            "Smash the box!"

                                            >"Sunset NO!" Twilight cries out behind her.

                                            >Without hesitation, she drops the box to the floor and crushes it beneath her heeled boot.

                                            >The shrilling immediately comes to a halt as the device is destroyed.

                                            >There's still a ringing, but at least that'll go away.

                                            >Hopefully...

                                            >Sunset kneels by you and helps you onto your couch as Applejack holds the girl with the glasses down.

                                            >"APPLEJACK! GET OFF! I NEED TO RESTRAIN HIM!" she yells, kicking and screaming as the cowgirl holds her down.

                                            >"Twilight what in tarnation has gotten into you girl!"

                                            >The ringing eventually subsides and you tap Sunset on the shoulder twice.

                                            >"Rarity get him some water." Sunset tells the fashionista, "We need to clear his eyes."

                                            "Get me the round flask with white liquid in the garage!"

                                            >"Anon?" Rarity says hesitant on what to do.

                                            >"Just do- grr quit struggling! Just listen to the man Rarity!" Applejack yells from the yard.

                                            >The sound of footsteps moves farther away from you as multiple doors swing open and closed before stopping.

                                            >A few moments go by and you can hear the struggling outside has stopped.

                                            >"Anon, are you alright?" Sunset asks, placing a hand on your back.

                                            >Eyes still shut, you still manage a scowl.

                                            "No. Right now I'm very pissed. Get her inside before people start asking questions."

                                            >Rarity comes back with the round phial and places it into your hand. Popping the cork, you down the contents and wait a few moments.

                                            >Slowly, you peek your eye open.

                                            >No blinding lights, no viens, everything has color again...

                                            >You let out a sigh of relief. Rarity grabbed the right flask worked and your vision has returned to normal.

                                            "Zip ties are in the kitchen drawer."

                                            >Rubbing your eyes you stand and silently weave past Rarity further into your home.


                                            >You put your hat back on your head and straighten your jacket.

                                            >With Rarity's help, you put Twilight's wrists into one a set of zip ties and set her down in Anon's sofa chair.

                                            "What in blazes was that Twilight?!"

                                            >"Yes, darling what you did was most definitely uncalled for."

                                            >Twilight curls into a ball and doesn't look at either of you.

                                            >You did your best not to hurt her, but she's a little scuffed up from your tumble outside.

                                            >Like a wrestling a muddy pig back on the farm.

                                            >"Twilight, why did you almost kill Anon?"

                                            >She doesn't look up, but instead just stares straight at the wall.

                                            >"I wasn't trying to kill him. Only incapacitate him. I read that Witchers are incredibly hard to immobilize and I wanted to make sure he would answer my questions."

                                            "Where in tarnation did ya learn that?"

                                            >"A journal my Grandfather left behind and a lot of assumptions."

                                            >Of course. A book.

                                            >"It detailed how most Witchers have enhanced senses, stamina and endurance. As well as quicker recovery time from any injury."

                                            >"Twilight, dear. That still doesn't give you the right to do all this."

                                            >Tears begin forming in her eyes.

                                            >"I-I just w-wanted answers..."

                                            >The three of you look towards each other.

                                            >"Answers to what?"

                                            >"When I was younger, my brother and I were visiting my grandfather's cabin. One night when everyone was asleep, a man tried to abduct Shining. The kidnapper... I only managed to see his eyes but they were exactly like my grandpa's."

                                            >She looks in pain when going back to those memories.

                                            >Rarity sits on the armrest on the chair and rubs Twilight's back to console her.

                                            >"Twilight, you don't have to continue..."

                                            >"Thankfully, Grandpa saved Shining with his old sword, but the man pulled out a gun and... s-shot him..."

                                            >You consider asking your friend what this has to do with pulling a taser on Anon when the sound a door slamming open draws your attention to the hall.

                                            >The sight of Anon causes you, Sunset and Rarity all step back.

                                            "A-ANON!"

                                            >Now with a plain white shirt on, Anon with one hand just points the tip of a very real longsword at a terrified Twilight's neck.


                                            -----


                                            >"Anon wait!"

                                            >Holding the blade steady, you make sure the sword's edge just barely touches Twilight.

                                            >The girl is trying to put on a brave face.

                                            >She's failing. Badly.

                                            >Very badly.

                                            >As fun as terrorizing this girl would be you should probably ease up before she starts pissing herself on your chair.

                                            "I heard what she said."

                                            >Using the tip of the sword, you tap the bottom of her chin so she's looking directly at you.

                                            "What makes you think I have anything to do with your relatives murder?"

                                            >Twilight gulps, "W-well, only another Witcher h-has any chance of killing a Witcher and he used sil-silver bullets."

                                            "So you assumed that I attacked your family just based off those two very circumstantial details?"

                                            >Mindful of the blade, she nods slowly and forces out a small laugh..

                                            >"Now that you say it out loud it does seem sort of far fetched..."

                                            "No shit. For all you know it could have been a guy wearing contacts and wanted to imitate the Lone fucking Ranger. How long ago was this?"

                                            >"Almost ten years ago..."

                                            >Ten years ago you would have been just finishing the final lessons before you were all to set out in the world.

                                            >Applejack looks between you two, "Twilight, then Anon would have been only eight!"

                                            >Twilight shakes her head, "No. Just because he looks our age, doesn't mean he is."

                                            >"What are you talking about?"

                                            "I'm not fully human remember? Witchers age slower than normal humans."

                                            >"Then... how old are you Anon?" Sunset asks.

                                            "Twenty-nine."

                                            >Rarity lets out a nervous laugh, "Surely you're kidding. You look much too young to be even past twenty."

                                            >Your lack of a verbal response causes her to sigh.

                                            >She places a hand on her cheek and sighs, "My, what I would do to look this young in my thirties..."

                                            "Besides, no Witcher I know of uses firearms. Especially with bullets made from silver; it wouldn't be cost effective or practical for us."

                                            >"You must know something!" Twilight pleads. "Maybe you know of so-"

                                            >In one sudden motion, you bring your face close to Twilight's with the steel sword edge now centimeters away from touching her skin.

                                            >Sunset and Rarity try to make a go for you but Applejack holds them back.

                                            >At this proximity, any misstep or struggle could dig the edge into Twilight's throat.

                                            >After scaring the ever loving crap out of her, you back away and lower the sword.

                                            "I don't know who mystery man is. Witcher or not the police should have handled that and if they couldn't? Tough."

                                            >Pulling Twilight out of the chair, you spin the girl around and cut her wrists free.

                                            >Leading your guest to the door, you hand her her bag.

                                            "If you were any other person, there would be little reason for me to not cut you down for the stunt you pulled. But supposedly there's a reason these three are friends with you."

                                            >The nerd takes the bag and looks back up to you.

                                            >Turning your head back inside, you acknowledge the others.

                                            "Sorry about your Grandfather but I think it's best if you all leave."

                                            >You aggressively turn the girl and shove her out the door.

                                            >She stumbles a few steps across your lawn before turning back towards you.

                                            >"Wait! Please! I have some more ques- GAH!"

                                            >A sudden jerk of your offhand is followed by a scream as Twilight falls on her rump.

                                            >Just inches from Twilight's foot is a steel throwing knife imbedded into the dirt.

                                            "Right now I *REALLY* want to punch your teeth in. But I'm letting you off with a warning. Don't push it."

                                            >Twilight can only nod slowly while backing up from the knife.

                                            >"Oh my, Twilight! Dear are you okay?"

                                            >Rarity is the first to exit the house to tend to Twilight.

                                            >"You really don't know anything?" Applejack asks stepping up from behind.

                                            >You can feel your eye twitch.

                                            "Again: No I don't."

                                            >"Ah'm really hoping you ain't lying to me."

                                            "I have no reason to lie Applejack."

                                            >"Well there was the whole pretending to be blind thing."

                                            >Applejack places a gentle hand on your arm, "Look Anon. Ah'm sorry, what Twilight did was inexcusable but she's still my friend."

                                            "Then go make sure she's alright and take her home."

                                            >She smirks, "You ain't as heartless as you try and seem."

                                            >You let out a huff before waving her along.

                                            "You're lucky I like you."

                                            >Her eyes widen a little and she blushes.

                                            >"Yeah yeah." she responds, punching you in the arm. "Anyway, forgive and forget right?"

                                            >The cowgirl bumps you with her hip and walks away before you can even respond.

                                            >Which may have been for the best.

                                            >Right now, there's no intention you are ever going to forgive or forget this.

                                            >Someone doesn't just "forgive and forget" a tasering.

                                            >All of a sudden, a blur of red and yellow tries to make its way past you.

                                            >"SorryAnon,I'llgospeaktoTwilightaboutthis.Yougotareallygreathomeokaythanksbye!" Sunset says as she frantically tries to leave with the others.

                                            >Before she even reaches the door you yank her back by the shoulder and whisper in her ear.

                                            "That girl, or anyone else you know tries to pull anything like that again, I will not hesitate to defend myself in the way I see fit."

                                            >Her eyes widen as you release your grip.

                                            "I can't and won't stop you from socializing with her. But if she comes back here or is anywhere near me at school or wherever else; keep her on a leash. A *VERY* short one."

                                            >There might have been a little more malice in that comment than you intended, but hopefully she'll remember this for future reference.

                                            >Sunset tries to protest but you don't give a chance to respond. Instead you slam the door in her face.

                                            >Setting your sword on the coffee table, you collapse on the couch.

                                            >Your chest is still a little sore from the amps in that taser Twilight used on you.

                                            >As much as you hate to admit it, had no one stopped her, Twilight might have actually been one of the only few individuals to have taken you by complete surprise.

                                            >What's scary is that there wouldn't have been anything you could do about it alone.

                                            >Gotta give her credit, she knows how to plan a trap. Cat mixed with some sort of smelling agent, a flashbang and a sonic device tuned to a specific frequency to overwhelm each of your senses.

                                            >And by her own admission, all that was just to inhibit you. Had she planned to kill you...

                                            >...

                                            >Maybe you should just be happy that she only wanted to ask questions and not take vengence.

                                            >Still her accusations are a bit worrying.

                                            >A witcher who uses guns with silver ammunition...

                                            >You weren't lying when you said that it wouldn't be practical.

                                            >The cost alone for the silver needed would be a huge factor and that's not including the special skills and tools needed to manufacture them.

                                            >It's also less effective as means to kill monsters as well, the lighter density and increased hardness make it less accurate and slower.

                                            >A Witcher would know all of that so what would be the purpose?

                                            >This and Twilight's trap are giving you a migra-

                                            >Wait. Why are you thinking about this so much?

                                            >A murder from ten years ago shouldn't concern you whether the culprit is a Witcher or not.

                                            >To get your mind off the topic, you find your laptop and open your messages.

                                            >Nothing. No replies from your "unknown" contact.

                                            >That means you still have to wait for them to message you first. Because of the number of proxies he or she uses, no e-mail is the same and they only go for one reply before moving to another.

                                            >It makes doing this particular job more frustrating than most.

                                            >Most people usually meet you in person after initial discussion. The fact that they're trying so hard to keep anonymity should have probably been a red flag right there.

                                            >Your mouse unintentionally hovers over a specific contact down the list.

                                            >You could notify the...

                                            >[Only contact to report the completion of contracts or if absolutely necessary.]

                                            >No.

                                            >Since the contract isn't going to ever be "complete" and this isn't "absolutely necessary" there's no need.

                                            >This isn't extremely vital anyways. Its really just the waiting game.

                                            >And unlike Sunset Shimmer, you've got plenty of time to wait.


                                            >"I messed up. I messed up so badly!" Twilight cries out.

                                            >She collapses onto the dead lawn and hammers her fists into her head.

                                            >"Twilight stop that!" Sunset yell out. "It's not your fault."

                                            >Sunset grabs onto one of her arms as she hoists the girl up.

                                            "Actually..."

                                            >"Applejack, shush!" Rarity hisses at you.

                                            >You just place your hands at your hips and huff.

                                            "Just saying."

                                            >Walking over, Rarity brings Twilight into a hug.

                                            >Twilight bawls into Rarity's blouse.

                                            >"I wanted answers so badly and I went and screwed everything up! I'll never find out who killed my Grandfather!"

                                            >Wrapping her arms around Twilight, Rarity gently pets her hair.

                                            >"Shh.. It's alright. Your friends are here."

                                            >Sunset places a reassuring hand on Twilight's arm, "Anon said you can come back and ask later... after he's cooled down some."

                                            >"R-r-really?"

                                            >Sunset nods her head.

                                            >"Twilight my dear, I think it would be best if we got you back home and into bed. You're still looking a bit under the weather."

                                            >"*Sniff* O-okay..."

                                            >Leaning over to Sunset you tap her on the arm.

                                            "Did he really say she could come back?" you whisper.

                                            >"Er… Not exactly."

                                            >You give her a deadpan look.

                                            “Sunset..."

                                            >”He just said that we uh… *I* should keep watch with her around him.”

                                            >Sunset just sweeps her hair back, "I'm just glad he just decided to kick us out of his house."

                                            >Walking over to the knife sticking out of the dirt, she picks it up and fidgets with it in her hands.

                                            "Well if you ask me, we should give him some space for a few days."

                                            >"Yeah." she says, nodding her head. "Ugh, we were trying to make friends with Anon. But so far the only notable thing we've done is get him injured."

                                            >Your friend walks over and relieves Rarity of consoling Twilight.

                                            >"The poor dear..." Rarity says moving over beside you.

                                            "Twilight made herself as welcome as a skunk at a lawn party."

                                            >Rarity rolls her eyes and clicks her tongue.

                                            >"Must you be so boorish?"

                                            "I'm just telling it how it is."

                                            >Looking back to Anon's house, Rarity sighs, "I hope my dear Anon is okay."

                                            "He'll be fine. Anons' probably had much worse before he met Twilight."

                                            >"You're probably right darling."

                                            >...

                                            >...

                                            "Wait! What do you mean "my dear Anon"?!"


                                            -----


                                            >Monday

                                            >You let out a tired yawn as you walk up to the front doors of CHS.

                                            >The sun is just barely over the horizon and the morning dew still coats the front lawn.

                                            >Students left and right make way to their friends, cliques or classes before the first bell signals the start of school.

                                            >After what happened at Anon's house with Twilight everyone agreed to leave Anon alone for the rest of the weekend.

                                            >Twilight felt absolutely horrible even though you tried your best to calm her down.

                                            >Speaking of Twilight...

                                            >You haven't received a response from Princess Twilight. Not that you were checking your journal for a response every half-hour.

                                            >That would be silly.

                                            >...

                                            >Well, she is a Princess. Twilight's a busy mare with things of her own to worry about.

                                            >Granted, you have a good chance of *dying* if Twilight doesn't help you but that's no reason to worry.

                                            >Nope!

                                            >None whatsoever.

                                            >...

                                            >Oh Celestia you hope Twilight helps to you.

                                            >Mild panic attack aside, you walk up to your own locker, you switch out some books from inside your backpack in preparation for today.

                                            >During your walk you see your friends gathered by Fluttershy's locker.

                                            >Rainbow Dash seems to be telling them all something.

                                            "Hey girls."

                                            >"Hiya Sunny!" waves Pinkie Pie.

                                            >"Sunset!" Rarity says pulling you into a tight hug.

                                            >The sudden affection catches you off-guard.

                                            "Uh, Did something happen?"

                                            >"Why didn't you tell us that Anon asked so much from you. Why ten kilograms of silver is almost five thousand dollars!"

                                            >You glare at Dash.

                                            >"What?"

                                            "You told them!?"

                                            >"Not like it was a secret."

                                            >This girl sometimes.

                                            >"Gonna be honest, even with a week part of me doesn't think he even expected you to even pay him."

                                            "The thought had crossed my mind."

                                            >"Maybe I can ask Daddy for he-." she says, only to scrunch her face. "Oooh drat, I forgot. He was so cross yesterday when I told him about the window. I totally forgot about that because of the incident with Twilight."

                                            "Is she here today?"

                                            >Everyone shakes their heads no.

                                            >"Haven't seen hide nor hair of her since two days ago."

                                            "Fluttershy? Pinkie?"

                                            >"Oh no, I even tried calling her after Applejack told me what happened."

                                            >"I really hope she's alright."

                                            "If she isn't at school today I can check on her after school."

                                            >"We'll join you dar-"

                                            >Before Rarity can finish, the first period warning bell rings.

                                            >"We'll go along with you Sunset. We're all friends after all."

                                            >You smile and pull your friends into a group hug.

                                            >You're so lucky to have friends like these.


                                            >So far the day has essentially gone the same as every day.

                                            >Which to say boring and uneventful.

                                            >Mr. Cranky is going on with his advanced trigonometry lecture.

                                            >You've already read ahead so this is really just refresher. As a result you end up just zoning out and look out the window.

                                            >The P.E. class is playing soccer while a flock of birds fly by overhead.

                                            >Everything looks so normal.

                                            >No vampires. No dimensional tears. No danger. Nothing.

                                            >Suddenly, in the corner of your vision outside you see someone sitting in the bleachers with a walking stick held between their hands.

                                            "Anon?"

                                            >"Miss Shimmer! Since you're so focused on what's happening outside this class I assume you've already covered the required material?"

                                            >Mr. Cranky shuts his book and looks at you sternly.

                                            >Looking around the classroom, all eyes are on you.

                                            "Er..."

                                            >"If that's the case, then come up here and solve the equation on the board."

                                            >He taps the chalkboard and motions for you to come up.

                                            >Getting up from your desk you can hear a few "Oohs" coming from the peanut gallery.

                                            >Mr. Cranky steps aside as you take a piece of chalk and look over the problem presented on the board.

                                            >...

                                            >Huh, doesn't look too difficult.

                                            >Doing the math in your head and writing out some of the more difficult sections on the board, you eventually come to your final solution.

                                            >"Hrumph. Well, it looks like you're correct. Get back to your seat and don't let it happen again."

                                            >Typical.

                                            >Moving back to your chair, you look back outside and try to see if Anon is still there only to see the spot empty.

                                            >Darn it!

                                            >You try looking everywhere nearby only to see no trace of the Witcher as the teacher continues to drone on and on.

                                            >Groaning, you bury your face into your arms.


                                            >It's the last period before school ends and you were unable to locate Anonymous.

                                            >Ugh. You and the girls even skipped lunch to try and find him and not one of you could locate him on school grounds.

                                            >Since he's pretending to be blind, you even checked the special-ED classes.

                                            >Most of the teachers there weren't of much help.

                                            >The majority of them didn't know who you were talking about. But the one who could told you he does this regularly.

                                            >When you asked why, she didn't know herself. Only that she shouldn't think to hard on it.

                                            >Which is an obvious indicator that Anon did something to the woman for her to say and believe that.

                                            >You guess you could visit him at his house. But after Twilight's antics you doubt he would appreciate a house call.

                                            >Well since you have free period, you guess you can try the last place on your list.

                                            >The library.

                                            >Though, you have no idea why he would be in there.

                                            >He's twenty-nine, school shouldn't interest him period why would books?

                                            >Stepping through the double doors, you see Miss Cheerilee sorting books like she usually does.

                                            >Walking up to her, you notice she's humming something to herself.

                                            >You tap her on the shoulder causing the woman to jump slightly.

                                            >"Oh Sunset, how can I help you?"

                                            "Hi Miss Cheerilee. I'm just looking for someone."

                                            >"Hmm? Who're you looking for?"

                                            "His name is Anonymous. Wears a thin overcoat jacket, possibly with a vest and tie, sunglasses..."

                                            >"Does this young man carry a cane of some sort?"

                                            "You've seen him!?"

                                            >"SHHHHHHHHH!" a plethora of voices, and Miss Cheerilee shush you.

                                            >"Ah yes, he's been on the upper floor of the library all day. He's been such a dear helping me sort all the books on the upper floor."

                                            >Cheerilee just wheels her cart away as you on dumbfounded.

                                            >Snapping out of it, you jog upstairs and see Anon sitting cross legged in one corner reading a book with a small stack of additional ones next to him.

                                            "You were *HERE* all day?!"

                                            >"SHHHHHHHHH!"

                                            >This is why you hate the library sometimes.

                                            >He just holds up a finger to give him a moment.

                                            >Anon doesn't even look away from his book. Instead turning the page and continuing his reading tracing his index and pointer fingers over the page.

                                            >You growl and try to snatch his book. Only for him to move the arm with the book out of the way and leer at you.

                                            >"Trying to grab someone else's book while they're reading isn't nice."

                                            "Why didn't you tell us you would be here?"

                                            >"I don't recall anyone ever asking." he asks with a smug smirk.

                                            >The urge to strangle him is so strong right now.

                                            >After all the trouble it took for you to find him... No, down Sunset. You still need his help.

                                            >Plus... you wouldn't be able to catch him.

                                            >Then when you learn all that you need; then you'll strangle him.

                                            >"So, now that you found me what did you need?"

                                            >He looks at you expectantly.

                                            >...

                                            >Crap.

                                            >You actually didn't have anything to really talk to him about...

                                            >"Well?"

                                            >Suddenly a thought comes to you.

                                            "Oh wait."

                                            >You dig through your backpack and present Anon's throwing knife.

                                            >Anon just pushes his sunglasses down, his expression grim with his cat eyes looking at you questioningly.

                                            >"What are you doing?"

                                            "Um... giving you back your knife."

                                            >"At a school? Are you really this much of a moron?"

                                            >Aw geez.

                                            >Standing up, you take a step back.

                                            >Anon carefully peers behind the bookcases and halls.

                                            "I wasn't thinking."

                                            >"No you weren't." he says peering around a shelf. "Put that thing away befo-"

                                            >"SUNSET SHIMMER!" cries out a voice.

                                            >Both you and Anon turn around and see Vice Principal Luna glaring at you both down the aisle.

                                            >A plethora of shushes begin only to be cut off with a simple gesture from the VP.

                                            >Damn.

                                            >This is bad...

                                            >You know that tone of voice.

                                            >Princess Celestia used it whenever you were in big trouble when you were her student.

                                            >Your old pony instincts are screaming you to run, but that'll only make problems worse.

                                            >The Vice-Principal stomps down the hall with an incredibly stern look in her eyes.

                                            >"What in heaven's name do you think you are doing?"

                                            "Uh..."

                                            >She just holds out her hand impatiently.

                                            >You look to Anon who only scowls back. With a slight nudge of his head, he signals to you to hand over the weapon.

                                            >Reluctantly, you give her the knife.

                                            >Vice-Principal Luna simply points towards the stairs, "Both of you. Office. Now."

                                            >Grabbing a nearby textbook, she places the steel blade between a random set of pages and closes the book as far as it can.

                                            >Without another word, you find yourself, Anon and Vice-Principal Luna marching to her office as a few curious students look away from their work to see what's going on.

                                            >Anon being the person that he is, just taps out the path.

                                            >Boy is he really committed to this blind thing.

                                            >And how is he not more worried about this?!

                                            >You're sweating bullets.

                                            >...

                                            >Oh right. He doesn't actually go here to learn.

                                            >As you walk down the hall you only feel shame and embarrassment.

                                            >Shame for getting into enough trouble that could expel you, and embarrassed because you made such a stupid move.

                                            >Thankfully there aren't any other students in the hallways right now.

                                            >The three of you eventually find yourself in front of the VP's office.

                                            >Opening the door she points to the two chairs in front of her desk inside the dimly lit room.

                                            >"Get inside and sit down. I will be back shortly. Do *NOT* even think about leaving before I return."

                                            >Both you and Anon take a seat as the door closes shut behind you.

                                            >"She seems to be in a good mood." Anon says sarcastically.

                                            "Are you insane? She could have us... me expelled!"

                                            >He just leans back in his chair and stretches.

                                            >"Please, I've had to deal with worse situations than this. Besides, Canterlot High doesn't even have a Zero Tolerance policy. Which I gotta admit, is pretty weird considering the crazy shit that happens here."

                                            "Oh shut up."

                                            >Brushing you off, Anon get's up and goes towards the shuttered window.

                                            >"Why is it that I always seem to get into trouble around you? I'm starting to think I should just cut my losses and leave before it gets any worse."

                                            >You jump out of your seat and wave your arms.

                                            "Nononononono! Please I still need you to help me out. I think I have a way to get the ten kilos of silver."

                                            >Anon pulls one of the shades down to peer outside.

                                            >"I recall only having to ask for five."

                                            >He turns around and pushes his glasses down, exposing his yellow cat-eyes to you once more.

                                            "Well, Rainbow Dash want-"

                                            >"Of course she did." he says without surprise.

                                            >Pinching his brow, he shakes his head.

                                            >"What have I gotten myself into." he mutters under his breath. "Look, fine if you can actually get that amount I'll teach her too."

                                            "Really?"

                                            >He sighs, "Even though it's against my better judgement. Yes, but first we have this problem to deal with."

                                            >Sitting back down in his chair, the door swings open as Vice-Principal Luna walks in.

                                            >Only to widen her eyes angrily when she sees you out of your chair.

                                            >"Sit. Now." she demands.

                                            >Sheepishly, you do as she says.

                                            >Bringing over two vanilla files, she tosses them onto her desk and slams the knife onto her table.

                                            >"We may not have a zero tolerance policy here at CHS. But that is no excuse for bringing a deadly weapon onto this campus."

                                            >She glances at you with that last statement.

                                            >"But considering CHS's past... "predicaments" I am willing to give you a chance to explain yourself Sunset Shimmer. And be aware unlike my more lenient sister, I will not be swayed by your history at this school."

                                            >You gulp.

                                            >Before you can even come up with a plausible excuse, Anon raises his hand.

                                            >"Vice-Principal Luna, who else knows about this?"

                                            >Luna looks shocked at the question, "Excuse me?"

                                            >"Please, I would just like to know."

                                            >"Just us three. What are you getting at Mr. Anonymous?"

                                            >"Ah, nothing really." he says nonchalantly. "Just that this is probably something we should keep between us."

                                            >Holding out his hand, Anon makes a gesture with his right hand very similar to the ones he did when fighting that vampire on the beach.

                                            >A small glow emits from his hands as the air around Luna's head brightens.

                                            >She looks dazed for a moment and brings a palm to her head.

                                            >"Uh... yes, I think that would be for th- wait what am I saying?"

                                            >Anon grunts and makes the gesture again, "This isn't really a big issue, Sunset was just showing me something that you mistook for an actual weapon. You're very sorry and it won't happen again, right Sunset?"

                                            >He nudges you in the ribs.

                                            "Y-yeah! I was just showing Anon prop from the theatre room."

                                            >The Vice-Principal just stands there as she wobbles slightly before shaking her head rapidly.

                                            >"I think I may need to lie down..." she grumbles to herself. "Here, Ms. Shimmer return this where you found it. I apologize for overreacting like I did, I swear the theatre club's props are just getting more realistic each year. Now if you'll excuse me I have some field trips to organize for the school year."

                                            >Handing you back the knife, she shoos you out of her office and closes the door behind you two.

                                            >"If you ask me, I think she's a proponent of corporal punishment. Just saying."

                                            >Walking down the hall, you just stare in disbelief.

                                            "What. Was. That?"

                                            >"Axii sign. I can use it to "charm" others to my favor."

                                            "That sounds like it can be abused incredibly easily."

                                            >He just shrugs, "Yeah, I try to limit my use of it because it makes me complacent and lazy. For instance, the stronger the person’s will or commanding them to do an act incredibly repugnant to them makes it incredibly hard to pull off a successfully."

                                            "... Do you think I could learn to do that?"

                                            >"I dunno, signs are easier to perform than full fledged spells but like any other discipline they still take a great deal of time and effort to master."

                                            >You think on his words before remembering the knife in your hand.

                                            >Holding it out to him, he just grabs it and inserts a finger into the loop at the base.

                                            >Spinning it, he tosses it upwards in the air causing you to flinch.

                                            >Anon just casually grabs the knife by the handle with the blade facing down and gently hands it to you.

                                            >He makes it look so easy.

                                            >"Keep it."

                                            "Are you sure?"

                                            >"I got plenty. Use that for your own safety. Who knows, you may need it."

                                            >Turning, Anon continues on his way, "If you need me, you know where to find me."

                                            >Looking between the blade in your hand and him, you sigh.

                                            >What's with this guy?

                                            >You pull out your phone and check the time.

                                            >It's almost time for the final bell. Better get to Twilight's classes and get her schoolwork.

                                            >Unexpectedly, your stomach growls.

                                            >Well, you did forget lunch. May as well walk by the vending machines.


                                            >As you walk to your destination you feel a shaking in your backpack.

                                            >Realization dawns on you.

                                            >Could it be?

                                            >Kneeling to the floor, you open the top flap and see a pulsating purple glow coming from your journal.

                                            >Without wasting time, you pull out the book and flip to the last written page.

                                            >Inside are words written that bring a sense of relief.

                                            >[Dear Sunset, I got your message and I do hope everything is alright. I'm still curious on why you need ten kilograms of pure silver but if you say if it's important I trust you. I've asked Princess Celestia for a delivery from Canterlot's Institute of Rockology and it should be here in a day or two. Hope to see you soon, your friend, Twilight Sparkle.]

                                            >A huge smile stretches across your face as you finish the message.

                                            >Placing the journal back in your backpack, you jump for joy as your prayers have been answered.

                                            "Yes yes yes yes!"

                                            >You pass by Trixie down the hall as you scoop her up in your arms and spin her around unexpectedly.

                                            >"Gahahaa! UNHAND THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE! YOU ARE-urk MAkiNg HeR DiiIIZzzzy!"

                                            >In your uncontrolled state of happiness, you kiss Trixie on the lips.

                                            >...

                                            >Both your eyes widen as you realize what you're doing.

                                            >Pulling away, you frantically back yourself into the lockers on the wall with a huge blush on your face.

                                            "Oh my goddess! Trixie I'm so- I didn't mean too!"

                                            >The silver-haired girl's face is a bright shade of red like yours, which is actually quite impressive considering her blue skin.

                                            >She straightens out her skirt and hair before crossing her arms angrily at you.

                                            >"What is wrong with you Sunset Shimmer? The Great and Powerful Trixie does not enjoy being accosted and taken advantage of!"

                                            "Sorry Trixie, I just got some really good news and I guess I got a little too excited..."

                                            >"Well... okay then. Trixie knows what it feels like to receive good news." she says, turning her body in the opposite direction of you. "Just don't let it happen again!"

                                            >Trixie huffs and holds her head up high not bothering to face you anymore.

                                            >You scratch the back of your head, unsure of what to do now.

                                            "Yeah, uh no problem."

                                            >Before the situation gets even more awkward, you power walk down the hall and head to your next class.

                                            >You totally forget to stop by the vending machines, but inside you're way too giddy to care now.


                                            >As Sunset disappears behind the corner Trixie just keeps her arms crossed and head tilted upwards.

                                            >Once she's sure the former bully is out of sight, she peeks her eye open just to be safe.

                                            >The red flush is still there as she “Hmphs” one last time.

                                            >"It's not like Trixie enjoyed that or anything..."

                                            >...

                                            >"...baka."


                                            -----


                                            >Thursday

                                            >Anon did mean it when you said you knew where to find him, so far for the past couple days you and the other girls could always find him in the library during school hours reading books.

                                            >Unfortunately, beyond the whole silve issue, you two didn't really have anything to talk about. At least not in any manner that really concerned him.

                                            >Rarity on the other hand, after you told her and the girls where Anon hung out, made every opportunity to go to the library to chat with him.

                                            >Passing period, lunch period, going to the restroom etc.

                                            >It quickly got to the point that she even tried signing up as a student volunteer for the library.

                                            >Applejack was unimpressed, yet that didn't stop her from coming up with her own excuses to sneak out.


                                            >Switching out your books for the day, you notice something in the corner of your eye.

                                            >You see a signature purple bun and glasses moving through the mass of bodies.

                                            "Twilight!"

                                            >The girl jumps at the mention of her name, "Oh hi Sunset."

                                            >She cheers up slightly at the sight of you. Giving her a hug, she returns it affectionatly.

                                            "Are you feeling any better?"

                                            >Twilight nods, "Yep, the doctor says I'm healthy enough to come back to school."

                                            "That's good."

                                            >You notice she's wheeling something by her side.

                                            >A large dolly cart filled with small stacks of papers.

                                            "What's that?"

                                            >"This? This is all the schoolwork I missed plus a couple of additional notes and suggestions I made to-"

                                            >She notices your grimace, "I'm going too much into detail again huh?"

                                            "It's alright Twilight."

                                            >...

                                            >An awkward pause ensues.

                                            >"So..."

                                            "So...?"

                                            >"Is the Wit-er uh Anonymous around?"

                                            >Yeah, you should have expected she would bring him up.

                                            "In the library I think. Why? You're not planning..."

                                            >She frantically waves her hands in front of her.

                                            >"No! Nononono nothing like that!"

                                            >Catching her hands, you smile.

                                            "Twilight, don't worry calm down."

                                            >"Sorry."

                                            "It's okay, he's not mad...ish... Okay he's actually still mad about that, but as long as you act normally around him you'll be fine."

                                            >Twilight just frowns, "This wouldn't even be an issue if I hadn't of lost control as badly as I did. As first impressions go, that was probably one of the worst ever."

                                            >You honestly can't argue with that.

                                            >But you aren't the Element of Honesty now are you?

                                            "Nooooo. It could have gone better but who hasn't been tased, flashbanged, and deafened by a complete stranger?"

                                            >She gives you a deadpan look, "Ha ha. Okay I get it."

                                            >Sighing, she pulls out her phone and looks at the time.

                                            >"It's almost time for school to start, I better get going to deliver these to my teachers."

                                            "Alright, bye Twilight."

                                            >Twilight heads off and waves goodbye to you.

                                            >Focusing back on your locker, you continue getting ready for your first class.

                                            >"Did you hear the news the other day?"

                                            >"Nah man, was totally baked the entire weekend."

                                            >"Dude. They said they found a dead body on the beach."

                                            >You almost fumble with one of the books.

                                            >Oh crap...

                                            >"No way."

                                            >"Yeah it was weird they said the body was chopped up and tossed into one of those fire pits."

                                            >"That's sick brah. Not sick awesome. Sick sick you know?"

                                            >"The weird thing though is that the only body part they found was like some large clawed hand."

                                            >"Freaky..."

                                            >The two guys continue down the hall unaware of your eavesdropping.

                                            >Slamming the locker door you run the other way to the library.

                                            >You head to the front desk and ask Miss Cheerilee where Anon is.

                                            >"Mr. Anonymous? He said he had some other business to take care of. I haven't seen him since."

                                            >You let out an exasperated groan and run out the doors and head to your first class.

                                            >Entering the room, you scan the back and see Pinkie Pie drawing something in her notebook.

                                            "Pinkie!"

                                            >"Oh hiya Sunset!"

                                            "Do you know where Anon is? He wasn't in the library."

                                            >She thinks for a few moments before looking to you and shrugs. "Sorry, I haven't seen him all day."

                                            >Darn it. You need to find him!

                                            >You turn around and make for the door when all of a sudden the first period bell rings.

                                            >Double darn it.

                                            >"Miss Shimmer, please take your seat." Ms. Harshwhinny says from her desk.

                                            >With a huff of annoyance, you walk over to your desk and sit your butt down.

                                            >Ms. Harshwhinny is not one to try the patience of.

                                            >"Alright class, turn your textbooks to page 54 we'll be loo..."

                                            >You quickly tune out Ms. Harshwhinny and look out the window.

                                            >He only ever said he would be at the library, but with him not there that could mean he could be anywhere at CHS.

                                            >If he even bothers to show up at all.

                                            >Ugh... if you can't find Anon during the next few passing periods, hopefully you can find him at lunch.


                                            >Grabbing the tray, you guide yourself through the maze of bodies and chairs to a empty table near the corner of the room.

                                            >Taking a seat, you set your tray down and scan the room.

                                            >Leaning back in your chair, you dig through your backpack and pull out an mp3 player.

                                            >Its beat up, old, and completely outdated compared to the ones the teenagers today carry but it's proved durable during your journeys.

                                            >Takes forever to charge though.

                                            >You plug in some earbuds and turn on the device.

                                            >You close your eyes as the first song in the playlist begins and focus on the beat.

                                            >A few bars go by before suddenly being interrupted by the sound of a chair being dragged across the floor.

                                            >Opening your eyes you see through tinted lenses, that meek pink-haired girl setting her tray on the table.

                                            >Sitting down in the seat across from you, Fluttershy greets you.

                                            >"Um... hi Anon. How are you?"

                                            >Might as well be cordial.

                                            "A little sore but otherwise fine."

                                            >"Oh, um... that's good."

                                            >Immediately, pink clouds your vision.

                                            "Hiya Nonny!"

                                            >Pinkie Pie hops behind you and rises up from the other side next to Fluttershy.

                                            >What is this?

                                            >Before you can ask what the heck is going on, Applejack and Rainbow Dash sit down as well.

                                            >"Howdy."

                                            >"Hey."

                                            >Applejack sits next to you and begins digging in her lunch while Rainbow pops open her milk carton and takes a drink.

                                            >"Anon! Darling, you look marvelous."

                                            >Rolling your eyes, you shut the mp3 player off and take out the buds.

                                            "Hello Rarity..."

                                            >Probably should have just stayed in the library. No one bothered you in there.

                                            >Still, if these five are here that means Sunset will soon follow.

                                            >And probably Twilight. You heard a passing mention in the library that she's back at school now.

                                            >...

                                            >You casually peer behind Fluttershy's head when she bends down to eat her food and notice that a few other students are looking at your table.

                                            >Especially the males, who're giving you a variety of looks ranging from curiosity, disbelief, and anger.

                                            >Great, the mass influx of females to your table is drawing attention and challenging the masculinity of the other gender in the room.

                                            >Shaking your head, you drift back to the current gathering.

                                            >As the girls partake in idle chit-chat you just decide to eat.

                                            >If you *can* eat that is.

                                            >You poke at the lump of organic matter that's supposed to be "food" in front of you with a plastic spork.

                                            >This is supposed to be "meat and potatoes"?

                                            >Looking to Applejack, she seems to be shoveling it down like there's nothing wrong with it.

                                            >She notices you staring at her, smiles and bumps you in the shoulder, "C'mon, it's good fer ya."

                                            >...

                                            >You're pretty sure it just moved...

                                            >Death may be preferable to this.

                                            >Scooping some of the "food" onto the utensil, you bring it to your mouth.

                                            >It seems to be staring at you.

                                            >Judging you.

                                            >As if all the struggles in your life have been in vain.

                                            >Not just this struggle.

                                            >All your struggles.

                                            >...

                                            >Yeah, you're probably going to skip lunch today.

                                            >Suddenly the double doors to the lunch room and draws everyone's attention.

                                            >Sunset Shimmer stands there searching the lunch room before spotting you six.

                                            >Realizing everyone else in the cafeteria is staring at her, she just sheepishly smiles and walks over to your table.

                                            >Everyone else goes back to their previous discussions while Sunset leans over next to you, "Anon. Where have you been?! They found "it"."

                                            "It?"

                                            >"They found Edward."

                                            "Oh."

                                            >"Oh?! That's all you can say?"

                                            "What did they find specifically?"

                                            >"One of his arms."

                                            "Ech, thought so. Probably should have been more thorough. Guess I was too focused with the internal organs, but you gotta make sure the intestinal track is cut up into neat little chunks like the meat bits here in todays lunch dish."

                                            >Applejack stops with a spoonful in her mouth. She swallows before setting her utensil aside.

                                            >"Well, guess ah'm done." she grumbles.

                                            >You smirk as she pushes her tray away.

                                            >"How are you so casual about this?" whispers Sunset.

                                            "Relax. It's not like I left any way for them to trace it to me. Trust me, I've been doing this for awhile."

                                            >She calms down and takes a seat, "You're right, I guess I'm just worked up over the past few days."

                                            "Speaking of; do you have the silver?"

                                            >Sunset deflates a little, "No, not yet."

                                            >Getting serious, you lean back in your chair and fold your arms and ask Sunset on the current topic of your mind.

                                            "So. Where's Twilight?"

                                            >"Um... she's somewher- oh there she is."

                                            >Turning your head, you see the purple girl carrying a small lunchbox walking over to your table.

                                            >When she sees the others sitting by you she freezes and shrinks.

                                            >You just eye her every movements like a predator eyes their prey.

                                            "Remember: Tight Leash."

                                            >She gulps and nods.

                                            >Scooting your chair back, you grab your cane and backpack.

                                            "If you need anything, I'll be in the library."

                                            >Rainbow just scoffs.

                                            >You sneer as you walk by her.

                                            >Going past Twilight, she quickly takes a few steps back to give you room to move by her.


                                            >Anonymous leaves the cafeteria through the double doors without another word.

                                            >Twilight Sparkle waits until they close before sitting where he sat and begins unpacking her food.

                                            >"Jerk." Rainbow Dash grumbles.

                                            "Rainbow don't be so rude. I swear you two have been going at it ever since you two met."

                                            >"Rare's right Dash. You really need to stop being all hostile." Applejack adds. "Sure he embarrassed you... and tossed you into the dirt pretty easily... hmm, okay I can sorta see why you have a bone to pick with him."

                                            >"Um... I think it would be nice if you two could stop fighting... If that's okay."

                                            >She just pouts, "Fine, I'll stop ragging on him."

                                            >Satisfied, you continue eating the lunch you prepared for today.

                                            >A small lunch box filled with two rice balls decorated with seaweed to look like small pandas surrounded by lettuce, cut up sausages, and edamame.

                                            >As you take the lid off, the two rice balls smile at you happily.

                                            >Pinkie Pie looks over your shoulder and squees.

                                            >"Aw Rarity they look almost too good to eat!"

                                            "Yes, I know. I spent so much time preparing them this morning that I almost can't bring myself to eat them."

                                            >"Well I'll do i- OW!"

                                            >You smack her hand away with a pair of chopsticks.

                                            "I said "almost"."

                                            >"Rarity, that looks amazing. I never took you for someone who cooks." Fluttershy says.

                                            "Well I figured I should brush up my skills for a special occasion."

                                            >The table looks to you questioningly.

                                            >"A "special occasion"?" asks Sunset, "Are you making dinner for your parents? Are you celebrating that Sweetie Bell didn't almost burn down the kitchen again?"

                                            >"You know the fire department won't come to your house anymore."

                                            "No nothing like that. I have a more intimate event in mind."

                                            >"Oh oh! So you have a date!" Pinkie Pie squees with joy, "With who? With who?! Do I know them? Huh?! Huh! Do I? Do I!?"

                                            >Pinkie Pie gyrates in her chair excitedly as Rainbow Dash tries her best to calm her.

                                            "Yes you do, it's our dear friend Anon."

                                            >"Say WHAT?!" Applejack yells out standing in her chair.

                                            >All activity in the lunchroom halts as everyone stares at Applejack.

                                            >She bashfully sits back down and sinks even further in the chair with her hat hiding her face.

                                            >"Pssst... who's she talking about?" Pinkie Pie asks Fluttershy.

                                            >"I think she's talking 'bout Anon."

                                            >"Oh wow! You mean he invited you over? That's soooooooo romantic!"

                                            "Well... no. In fact, I haven't even asked him. But I don't think he'll turn the opportunity away for a freshly cooked meal."

                                            >Applejack crosses her arms, "After he eats it he might be too busy in the can to care."

                                            "Oh hush. It's not like you can do any better."

                                            >"Please, did'ja forget who you're talking to? Ah make the best pies here second only to Granny Smith."

                                            >Darn it! You totally did forget. And her pies are the most delightful things you've ever tasted.

                                            >Now now Rarity.

                                            >All you need is a good comeback.

                                            "Well, you... YOU! Grrr... you still have split ends. Hmph."

                                            >You turn away with your nose in the air.

                                            >Smooth.


                                            >Giggling at your friends antics, you can't help but watch the other students of CHS go about their ways.

                                            >Some are just wrapping up lunch early, others just laughing and chatting with their own group of friends.

                                            >You sigh.

                                            >Sometimes you wish that life could go back to being simple like that, going to school without much care in the world.

                                            >But ever since learning someone wants you dead and everything since that, you've been on edge for the past couple days since then.

                                            >You know the others will do everything they can to help you but this is something that, as cliche as it sounds, you need to take care of on your own.

                                            >You can't risk their lives just for yours.

                                            >And that's why you want Anon's help so bad. He's the only one that can help you defend yourself without relying on magic.

                                            >It's just so agonizing being in that stage of waiting for a reply. You know Twilight will help you, but you wish she would hurry up and get here with that silver.

                                            >Suddenly your stomach grumbles.

                                            >...

                                            >You spent so much time trying to find Anon before coming to the cafeteria that you forgot to grab some food for yourself.

                                            >Pulling out your phone, the lunch period halfway over.

                                            >Granny Smith is already serving the last few students in line before putting the lids over the food she prepared today.

                                            >"Did you have anything to eat Sunset?" Twilight asks.

                                            "No. I was too preoccupied with finding Anon I forgot to get some myself."

                                            >"Well you can have my apple Sunset." Fluttershy says, scooting the fruit across the table.

                                            >"And you can have my chocolate milk!" Pinkie Pie adds.

                                            >Taking a triangle slice from her lunchbox, Twilight hands it to you. "And here's the other half of my sandwich. Don't worry, it's peanut butter and jelly."

                                            >All the girls give you something of their own lunches to eat.

                                            >It almost makes you want to cry.

                                            "I love you girls so much. I don't know what I would do without you."

                                            >They all smile as Pinkie Pie brings you into a group hug.

                                            >"Selfie time!"

                                            >As Rarity sets up her phone, you notice the small gap of your backpack glow.

                                            >You quickly smile as Rarity finishes counting down and takes the photo.

                                            >Opening your backpack, you pull out your journal and open it.

                                            >[Hello Sunset, the silver had some issues getting here to Ponyville, but it's waiting by the portal as I write this. Just let me know when and I'll enter the portal with what you asked. Your Friend, Princess Twilight Sparkle.]

                                            >Slamming the journal shut, you let out a sigh of relief.

                                            >"Was that my Equestrian counterpart?" asks Twilight.

                                            >You nod.

                                            "Twilight says she has the silver I need to pay Anon."

                                            >"Pay Anon? For what?"

                                            >Oh yeah, none of you told Twilight about your... "problem" beyond the vampires.

                                            >At least not any specific.

                                            >You quickly explain the situation to her in as much detail you can.

                                            >Which, honestly, is not much.

                                            >But when you finish about the part where Anon offered his services to you she begins hyperventilating.

                                            >"And this was before the incident on Saturday right?"

                                            "Yeah."

                                            >She bangs her head on the table.

                                            >"I *REALLY* messed up." she groans.

                                            >"Sugarcube, you need to quit beating yourself up over that."

                                            >"But I could hav-"

                                            >Rarity puts a finger on her mouth to shush her, "Darling, it's in the past."

                                            "Yeah, and Anon said he'll still help me."

                                            >Your words do little to visibly reassure Twilight.

                                            >"Well, if you need anything. I'll do everything in my power to help."

                                            >You clasp her hands in your own and let out a nervous chuckle.

                                            "I appreciate the sentiment Twilight, but I think I've got it."

                                            >"R-right."


                                            >You decided to ask Twilight for the metal ingots during after school hours, well after everyone has gone home.

                                            >You'd really prefer as few witnesses as possible to this.

                                            >Looking at the time on your phone, it's around ten past seven. The sun is already past the horizon.

                                            >A cold gust of wind causes you to hold your black jacket tight.

                                            >Maybe you should have asked her to do this on Saturday or Sunday...

                                            >Waiting by the statue in front of CHS, you can't stop pacing back and forth.

                                            >Suddenly, you see a light coming from the base of the portal as the reflective surface of the marble begins warping.

                                            >A purple hand comes through, then a leg, until Twilight Sparkle's entire body comes through with her other arm holding a small ornately decorated box.

                                            >Taking a moment to get balanced, Princess Twilight looks to you and smiles.

                                            >"Hello Sunset."

                                            >You give her a hug which surprises her.

                                            "Twilight, thank you so much."

                                            >"It took a while to get it all the paperwork filled, but here it is."

                                            >She holds up the case and opens the lid.

                                            >Ten bars of solid silver glisten in the moonlight surrounded by a deep red velvet cloth.

                                            "This... this is... I can't thank you enough Twilight."

                                            >"You're a dear friend Sunset, and since I thought you might need it, I doubled the quantity."

                                            >Twilight takes one of the bars in her hand to reveal a second level of silver underneath the top.

                                            >You honestly can't believe this. You're left utterly speechless.

                                            "B-but... but this is way too muc-"

                                            >Twilight puts the bar back, and puts her arm on your shoulder reassuringly.

                                            >"Hey, I'm a Princess, I have to use my connections now and then." she says with a smile.

                                            >Your vision starts to become watery.

                                            "Twilight."

                                            >Closing the lid, she hands you the ornate case.

                                            >"But..."

                                            "But?"

                                            >"I'd really like to know what this is for. Ten kilogram ingots of pure refined silver is kind of an unusual request."

                                            "I'd really not say."

                                            >Twilight looks at you worriedly, "Sunset, are you in trouble?"

                                            >...

                                            >Should you really tell her?

                                            >She is your friend. And the reason you even have friends now in the first place.

                                            >You at least owe her the truth.

                                            "Yeah... someone... someone wants me dead."

                                            >Her eyes widen with shock.

                                            >"And they want this silver as payment?! Sunset if you had told me sooner I wouldn't have wasted any time!"

                                            >You shake your head.

                                            "No, not like that. I don't know who the person that wants me killed is, the silver is payment to the person who has the skills needed to help me protect myself and the others."

                                            >"Who is this person that wants the silver then?"

                                            "A... Witcher named Anonymous."

                                            >"A what? A witch?"

                                            "No, a Witcher. They're monster hunters in this world, they have special abilities that almost make them borderline supernatural and very very dangerous."

                                            >She thinks deeply on your words, "I've never heard of anything like that in Equestria."

                                            "Neither have I. Apparently from what Anonymous has told me, this world did have magic like Equestria at some point in the past that gave a need for them but that was a long time ago. I think when I brought your crown here, it started bringing the magic back."

                                            >"Sunset, if someone's after your life I think you should come back with me. It would be easier to protect you back home."

                                            >You expected her to say that.

                                            "I can't Twilight. They might harm the others just to try and find me. That's how Anon managed to get close to me in the first place. And... I partly consider this world my home now."

                                            >"Just how did you meet this Anonymous person anyway?"

                                            "Er... he was the one that was supposed to kill me?"

                                            >Twilight's expression turns from concern to a scowl.

                                            "It's not what you think!"

                                            >"Take me to him." she demands.

                                            >Oh crud.

                                            >You can tell where this is going.

                                            "Twilight I don-"

                                            >The Princess just shushes you.

                                            >"Sunset, as your friend I care about you. So you can kiss this silver goodbye unless you tell me everything right now."

                                            >You groan.

                                            "Fine."

                                            >Suddenly you two hear a growling noise.

                                            "Hungry?"

                                            >Twilight let's out an embarrassed smile. "I was hoping there we could visit one of those burger places before I went back."

                                            >You can't help but smile, despite her ultimatum.

                                            >"I think there's one still open, I'll tell you everything on the way."


                                            >As Sunset and Twilight leave the school grounds, a particular vehicle just so happens to drive by.

                                            >"Twilight?"

                                            >"Brah, who you talkin 'bout?" Sandlewood asks.

                                            >"That's Twilight!"

                                            >"So? She goes to our school ever since the Friendship Games" Norman says.

                                            >"No dude, the *Other* Twilight. The one who keeps coming over for the weird magical stuff. She's wearing the same clothes!"

                                            >"Oh *that* Twilight... So?"

                                            >"Eh, maybe I could... you know. Try to hook up with her before she leaves again."

                                            >"Dude, you need to get over that." Norman says rolling his eyes. "What guy wants a girl who keeps on disappearing on him?"

                                            >"Yeah, you're probably right. Hey who's up for chillie dogs, king sized slurpees, video games and monster movies All. Night. LONG!"

                                            >"YEAH!" all three exclaim.

                                            >Speeding off, the three head off on their exciting testosterone adventure of male teenage perceived manliness despite it still being a weeknight.


                                            -----