Witcher of Canterlot: X - Stoneclad


                                            >Mjolna leads you and Twilight through the building where other employees go about their day.

                                            >A few who walk by pass their greetings to your guide and yourself.

                                            >"You look a little young to be a Witcher."

                                            "Young for a Witcher maybe."

                                            >"Dun suppose ah could get ya ta elaborate on that?"

                                            "No."

                                            >"Suppose we all have our secrets."

                                            >Twilight rushes up next to the lady and pulls out her notepad.

                                            >"Miss Mjolna I don't suppose you'd be willing to answer a few questions on the sword making process would you?"

                                            >"Now how could ah say no ta a face like that." she replies with as much enthusiasm.

                                            >"Oh wait like this... No." she she bluntly answers, opening another set of doors.

                                            >"Oh..." Twilight says glumly.

                                            >Opening one final door, the three of you enter a large room filled to the brim with various papers, schematics, blueprints and other documents strewn about in an unorderly fashion.

                                            >It seems like half a working office and half an actual forge room with the large anvil and hammer besides a workbench in the corner.

                                            >Taking her seat behind the large desk, she clears off her desk in an attempt to make it a bit more tidy.

                                            >"Take a seat Witcher, Nilfgaard. So what can Ort Forges do fer ya today?"

                                            >You and Twilight sit down in the chairs across from her and grab your bag.

                                            "Need a new silver sword and I need the best."

                                            >The woman gives you another grin, "Well you've come ta the right place. Anyone lookin' fer the best sword in this day and age comes here. Long as they can afford it."

                                            >Grabbing a printout of the schematic the Headmaster sent you, you hand the paper to Mjolna.

                                            >She takes the diagram and puts on a pair of reading glasses.

                                            >"Well ah'll be, a real schematic for a Witcher's silver blade. Great Master Ort used ta have an entire bound book on these things. Let's see here, specifications are ah thirty-eight and a half inch blade. Slightly under 40 ounces. Silver plating with a steel core."

                                            >Taking a pen, she jots down a couple of notes on a sticky pad.

                                            >"It can be done. Though it'll cost ya." she says taking off her glasses. "Course, if you can supply the silver it'll bring cost down quite a bit."

                                            "I can."

                                            >You put a hand into your backpack and pull out four solid silver bars. The same that you acquired from Princess Twilight as payment for protecting Sunset Shimmer.

                                            >Mjolna whistles, "That must be around four kilos in weight."

                                            "You'd be right. I just hope I get my money's worth."

                                            >"Right, well, let's settle it this way. Since you've given the silver, we'll just deduct whatever's not used for the price of the sword. Anything leftover beyond that we'll see."

                                            >"That sounds acceptable Anon."

                                            "How long will something like this take?"

                                            >"Well, the tricky part is just bonding the silver to the steel core. But that's all stuff you dun need ta fret about. Ah'd say a week or two tops if ah drop everything and work on it."

                                            >She pinches the bridge of her nose and mumbles to herself.

                                            >"Ah can get it done in a week. We still have some orders already in progress that need ta be finished first but once they're done it'll be all focus on your weapon Witcher."

                                            "Sounds reasonable."

                                            >"Say ah do have a question though."

                                            "Yeah?"

                                            >"Why are ya carrying around a toothpick of a hidden blade with ya?"

                                            >Gripping your cane, you relax and set it on the table.

                                            >You're honestly a bit surprised she could tell you had a concealed weapon.

                                            >"How did you know that was a hidden sword?" Twilight asks.

                                            >"Ah've had ta make more than my fair share of cane swords fer private collectors and whatnot Nilfgaard. Though whoever made this one in particular did a shite job of it."

                                            >"Can you stop calling me Nilfgaard?"

                                            >"No."

                                            >Twilight huffs.

                                            >The woman takes the hidden sword in hand and pulls the blade out and grimaces.

                                            >She uses a small metal rod in a mesh cup and taps the blade with it.

                                            >"Tsss, this blade has seen better days. When was the last time you had it serviced?"

                                            "Couple months ago maybe? I got into a hell of a fight with it recently."

                                            >"That's an understatement Witcher." she says walking over to an anvil in her office.

                                            >Taking the sword, she puts on her goggles and takes a hammer.

                                            >Twilight sits up as Mjolna takes a few guiding swings.

                                            >"What are yo-"

                                            >With a light tap in the center of the blade, the silver cane sword cracks with a few pieces splintering off..

                                            >"Hey!"

                                            >When your eyes meet Mjolna's face, a silent understanding comes between you two.

                                            >Had you tried to fight any other creature with that blade it would have backfired on you terribly.

                                            >"Steel core inside the blade was cracked ta pieces, and the bonding to the silver was pitiful. Seems like it took ta an extreme heat and cooled down too rapidly."

                                            >That sounds about right. Memories of your fight with Edward come back to you.

                                            >The exposure to the flames of the Igni sign took its toll apparently.

                                            "Guess I'm gonna need a new one of those too."

                                            >"Witcher no offense, but ya offend me just by having that thing in yer possession."

                                            >The blacksmith takes a piece of the shattered sword and brings it to eye level.

                                            >"Ah'll recycle what I can, but trust me, yer gonna be glad ya came ta me."

                                            "Well, it seems that's all then."

                                            >"Just a second, ah know you Witchers face the unknown and deadly, before ya go do me a favor and wait in the lobby."

                                            >Mjolna leads you and Twilight into the hall and points down one way, "Jes, follow the signs and ah'll be right with ya."

                                            >You and Twilight follow her instructions and wait in the lobby once again.

                                            >This time however the wait for Mjolna is much much shorter.

                                            >Walking out of the double doors, the woman presents you a cane different from your first.

                                            >"Witcher, it wouldn't be right o' me to smash yer weapon and not give ya something in the meantime. So here, this is one of our finest hidden steel blades no charge. It won't be as effective as a silver sword but it should last you until the two swords are finished."

                                            >Taking the cane from her hands, you feel the weight of the weapon.

                                            >It's surprisingly lighter than your original hidden blade.

                                            >But because it's not silver, you'll have to begin relying on oils in the interim.

                                            >Mjolna shows you how to release the locking mechanism, and by separating the handle from the scabbard you inspect the slightly ornate metal.

                                            "Are you sure? It wouldn't be right to just take it."

                                            >"Just having a Witcher being able to use one of our swords again is well worth it ta me." she says with a smile. "Though ah copy of that diagram would make it an even trade in my eyes."

                                            "Just don't mention that you got it from me specifically."

                                            >Her smile becomes even wider, "Done."

                                            >She hands the original diagram back to you.

                                            >"Anon are you sure that's a good idea?"

                                            "Only if I can get a discount on any of your wares."

                                            >"Witcher, can ya get me some more schematics?"

                                            >You take a moment to think it over. It could be risky handing out these schematics to a woman you just met.

                                            "When I see the final result, I'll give you my answer."

                                            >Mjolna laughs, "Ya drive a hard bargain Witcher, but ah'll see ta it that we can make this partnership worth it fer both of us."

                                            >"Well, thank you for seeing us Miss Mjolna."

                                            >"Aye, don't mention it lass."

                                            >As you two exit to leave, Mjolna slaps Twilight on the butt as she walks out the door.

                                            >"And next time ah see ya, ah'll tear that Nilfgaard deck of yours ta shreds with a good ol' Skellige raid."

                                            >"Eh heh... okay... ow..." Twilight mumbles rubbing her behind.

                                            "She likes you."

                                            >Twilight punches you in the arm, "Oh be quiet."

                                            >Walking down the street you take a look at your watch, you were gone a bit longer than you thought.

                                            >It seems to be about time to head home soon.

                                            "Don't suppose you have any business to tend to while we're here?"

                                            >Twilight shakes her head, "No, I'm good. A little disappointed I didn't get any questions answered but I can always try next time."

                                            >You and Twilight walk back towards the bus stop when you notice something in the periphery of your vision.

                                            >Making it look like you dropped something, you kneel on the ground and peer over in the general direction.

                                            >Looks like someone is tailing you in a black sedan.

                                            >Getting back up, you whisper to Twilight.

                                            "Do not look back, we're being followed."

                                            >"W-we are? By who?"

                                            "I don't know, windows are tinted."

                                            >Instead of continuing to the bus stop, you turn down an alleyway and begin running, dragging Twilight by the hand.

                                            >You hear the car accelerate as whoever's inside exits the vehicle and begins to give chase.

                                            >Turning another corner you suddenly see the car screech to a halt in front of the alley.

                                            >A man wearing a trenchcoat pulls out a gun and marches towards you.

                                            >"Hey freeze!" a male voice shouts.

                                            >"Shining?"

                                            "Shining?"

                                            >"Twilight get away from him."

                                            >"Shining what are you doing?" Twilight demands.

                                            >"Twilight listen to your older brother! Let go of my little Sister!" he yells, keeping the gun trained on you.

                                            >He's close enough where your reflexes won't even matter against a bullet.

                                            >An attempt to use Axii could turn out badly if he notices what you're doing. He's twitchy right now and just looking a reason to pull the trigger.

                                            >Even if he wasn't, he's probably familiar with the hand gestures.

                                            >Picking a fight now is going to end badly.

                                            >Releasing Twilight's hand you gesture for her to go.

                                            "Go. I'll be fine."

                                            >Twilight hesitantly walks a few steps until Shining becomes more aggressive.

                                            >"Witcher I'm giving you until the count of ten to get on your knees and come with me quietly."

                                            >Propping up your glasses onto your head, you look him in the eyes unobstructed.

                                            "Am I under arrest?"

                                            >"What do you think?"

                                            "I think if you don't put that gun away, someone's going to get hurt."

                                            >"Anon!"

                                            >"I'm not joking, I will shoot to kill."

                                            >"Shining stop!" Twilight pleads, grabbing her brother's side.

                                            >"Grr. You have her under an Axii hex don't you?"

                                            "I don't have her under any control."

                                            >"Liar!"

                                            >"Shining he's not the one who killed our Grandfather!"

                                            >"But he could be connected. He has to be!"

                                            >You probably are in some fashion, but that's probably something you're gonna keep to yourself.

                                            >"Shining, this isn't right. Anon hasn't done anything wrong. He's the reason I'm still alive."

                                            >"What are you talking about Twilight?" he says lowering his gun slightly.

                                            >"At Camp Everfree, he's the one who killed the monster that attacked us. It was a leshen Shining."

                                            >"You can't be serious." he says in disbelief.

                                            "Serious as you are pointing a gun at me."

                                            >He shoots you a dirty look as you just cross your arms.

                                            "Twilight do you have any proof?"

                                            >Facing you, you know what Twilight's about to ask you.

                                            "Yes, I still have the head at home. Though I doubt anyone would believe you even if you did find a way to pin it as the culprit."

                                            >"What are you doing here in Canterlot Witcher."

                                            "Staying on the Path as is tradition."

                                            >He points an accusatory finger at you.

                                            >"Bull, you've been here way too long to just simply be "on the Path"."

                                            "Well, technically I'm doing a job at the moment that just involves protecting someone. But you don't really need to know more than that."

                                            >"Protection from what?"

                                            "I don't really see a reason you need to know right now."

                                            >Shining Armor grits his teeth, "Witcher, I'm the one with a gun right now."

                                            "So? Far as I'm aware, shooting me unprovoked is only going to cause more problems for *you* in the long run."

                                            >As long as the gunshot doesn't kill you that is.

                                            >What you're doing isn't really the most sensible thing to do. Antagonizing a guy with a gun hardly ever ends well.

                                            >Hell, if anyone found out you were carrying a concealed weapon he could come up with some plausible excuses if he has enough pull.

                                            >"Twilight, get in the car now."

                                            >"But Shini-"

                                            >"Twilight, just listen to your brother and GET IN THE CAR!"

                                            >Twilight is taken aback by her brother's outburst before tearing up and looking at you.

                                            >With a small nod of your head to let her know you'll be fine she runs crying to Shining's car.

                                            >Shining glares at you when Twilight is out of earshot.

                                            >"You listen to me Witcher. I want you to stay as far away from my family as you possibly can. If I so much as see Twilight near you again, I will personally make sure your Path is cut drastically short."

                                            >He turns around and gets in his vehicle. Slamming the door shut, you watch the car's tire screech as he drives away with Twilight.

                                            >Relaxing, you frown. Twilight was the one who paid for the bus tickets...


                                            >"Twilight please stop crying." your brother pleads.

                                            >You ignore him and look out the window watching people and buildings pass by.

                                            >"You know I'm only doing this to protect you."

                                            "Pointing a gun and threatening at my friend hardly constitutes as protecting me."

                                            >"We don't know who this Anon character is. He has no records, no history, leaves no paper trail at all."

                                            "..."

                                            >"Do you know why he's here?"

                                            "To protect my friend."

                                            >"From what?"

                                            "..."

                                            >"Twilight..." he says in a disappointed tone.

                                            >The silence continues for the next five red lights until it becomes unbearable.

                                            "He's not a bad person."

                                            >"What?"

                                            "Anon, he's not a bad person. I've done my research Shining."

                                            >"But he's a Witc-"

                                            "So was Grandpa. But you don't seem to hold it against him."

                                            >"..."

                                            "Shining trust me on this, I've already questioned Anon on this."

                                            >"How?"

                                            >You give him an incredulous glance.

                                            >"Right, you're the smart one. Of course you figured out how to take down a Witcher." he says with a scoff.

                                            "Please, I'll talk to him. Just give Anon a chance to explain himself to you in person."

                                            >"I don't like it."

                                            "Come on Shining! First you want him to answer questions, then when I say that I can convince him you turn it away."

                                            >Taking a hand off the steering wheel, Shining sighs in frustration.

                                            >“Fine, Twilight I trust you. If you think we can talk, I’ll try talking. But I don’t like.”

                                            >You let out a sigh of relief.

                                            “Thanks Shin- WATCH OUT!” you cry out as a woman runs out into the street.

                                            >"Oh SH-!"

                                            >Your brother suddenly slams down on the brake pedal and just narrowly avoids hitting the lady.

                                            >The car skids to a halt, as both you and Shining take deep breaths. While he keeps a tight grip on the wheel, you yourself hold onto the safety belt just as tightly.

                                            >"Twily you okay?" your brother asks.

                                            "Y-yeah. I think I'm oka-"

                                            >Satisfied with your answer, Shining unhooks his seatbelt and hops out of the car to check on the woman.

                                            >"Lady are you alri-"

                                            >Without warning a bullet whizzes by the windshield.

                                            >"Twilight get down!"

                                            >You duck down underneath the dashboard as more gunshots are heard.

                                            >Shining dives behind the front of the sedan, pulls out his gun and fires two shots back towards the alley where the bullets originated from.

                                            >Pulling out a walkie-talkie he shouts orders into it.

                                            >"This is Detective Armor, gunshots fired. I repeat gunshots fired on my location. Requesting back-up, I'm on third and fourth near the public park."

                                            >Gunfire peppers the front of the car. The rate of fire most likely coming from an automatic weapon.

                                            >It doesn't take a genius to realize staying here is *NOT* an option and the reality of the situation dawns on Shining very quickly.

                                            >Watching Shining from your hiding place, he drags the woman behind the vehicle and opens the back door.

                                            >A bullet pierces the side window and exits through the driver side causing you to scream in terror.

                                            >Grabbing the woman by her studded belt, Shining helps the woman into the back and takes a deep breath.

                                            >"1...2... 3!"

                                            >He jumps into the driver's seat and slams his foot on the gas pedal.

                                            >The car zooms off leaving your assailants in the dust.

                                            >Your brother doesn't stop driving until the street is a distant memory.

                                            >"Twily are you okay?! Are you hurt?!" Shining Armor asks with panic in his voice.

                                            "I... I'm fine... I think I'm okay."

                                            >Suddenly the engine of the vehicle begins sputtering as smoke pours out from the wheel wells and the grooves in the panels.

                                            "Shining what's happening!"

                                            >"They must have hit the engine or fuel line..." he replies, pulling the car into an empty parking lot.

                                            >Looking in the backseat, he taps the lady he just rescued on the leg, "Hey? You okay?"

                                            >"Urg... ye- gah!" she cries out grabbing her arm.

                                            >The woman carefully takes off her leather jacket over the wounded arm.

                                            >Red blood trails down from her shoulder onto the sedan's leather seat.

                                            >"We need to get that treated. I'll radio in a bus. Twi, there's a first-aid kit in the trunk, go and grab it please." he says stepping out and pulling out his radio again. "This is Detective Armor, I'm holed up in a parking garage..."

                                            >Exiting the car, you pop the trunk open and look inside.

                                            >Underneath one of the fabric panels just like Shining said is an emergency first-aid kit.

                                            >Kit in hand, you head to the rear seats and pull out some gauze and a roller bandage.

                                            >"A bus and back-up will be here in a few minutes."

                                            >Shining kneels next to you and takes a pair of latex gloves from the box.

                                            >"Keep that over your wound, and tell me if you need a new one." he says putting the gloves on.

                                            >"Thanks for the help..." the woman says as you hand her the gauze.

                                            "What's your name?"

                                            >"Chrysalis. The name's Chrysalis kid."


                                            "Thanks Big Macintosh."

                                            >"Eeyup." he replies taking his keys out of the ignition.

                                            >Slamming the door shut, you walk into the house and drop your stuff on the couch.

                                            >Applejack's brother came to pick you up after your little altercation with Twilight's brother.

                                            >It was just your luck that the truck broke down halfway home. Most of the day was wasted waiting for Big Mac to try and fix it, then waiting for someone actually qualified to fix it to come and take the truck to a repair shop.

                                            >"Anon, yer finally home!" Applejack exclaims happily. "Where's Twilight?"

                                            "Her brother took her home."

                                            >"Haven't met her brother yet, heard he was a pretty nice guy."

                                            >You mentally scoff.

                                            >Yeah, threatening you with a gun just screams “nice guy”.

                                            >"Anyway, I need you to do something fer me."

                                            "What is it?"

                                            >"Talk some got dang sense into Rarity?"

                                            >You raise a brow.

                                            "What happened?"

                                            >"She came over while you and Twi were gone and wanted to make our thing a threesome too!"

                                            "What?"

                                            >For the next few minutes, Applejack explains everything going on with Rarity and her ever since you saved her from the vampire.

                                            >Most of what you hear is things that you've already had suspicions about, but you never thought they would go this far.

                                            >"Anon, my folks and Granny taught me to share when I was younger. But this thing we got? I don't really feel like sharing this."

                                            "No, I get what you mean. I'll talk to her."

                                            >"Good, she's up in my room sleeping. Rarity looks like she hasn't slept all night last night."

                                            >Nodding your head, you walk upstairs to Applejack's room.

                                            >Opening the door you notice no one is inside, though Applejack's bed is messy like someone left it in a hurry.

                                            >You smell the faint trace of perfume that Rarity usually wears and follow it down the hall past Apple Bloom's room.

                                            >Soon it ends right behind the door to your room.

                                            >Slowly, you turn the knob and gently ease the door open.

                                            >The sounds of light snoring emanate from your bed as you walk inside, making sure not to cause too much noise.

                                            >Rarity must have moved to your room some time ago for some reason.

                                            >Grabbing the nearby chair, you pull it up to the side of the bed and sit down.

                                            >You look at the shockingly unkempt appearance the girl, one who you've so far known to be completely obsessed with being prim and proper.

                                            >Dried mascara runs down her cheeks and spread to the pillow covers she's laying on. Evidence she's been crying.

                                            >Her hair is a complete mess with split ends and tangled clumps.

                                            >Tapping her on the shoulder, she grumbles a bit before you tap her again.

                                            "Rarity. Rarity wake up."

                                            >"Mmmm just five more minutes Anon."

                                            "Rarity."

                                            >You push her shoulder slightly harder causing her face to scrunch up before her eyes begin to flutter open.

                                            >"Ugh... my head... A-Anon? Is that you?"

                                            >Turning on the lamp on the nightstand next to your bed, Rarity flinches from the light before her eyes slowly dilate.

                                            >She quickly realizes where she is and laughs nervously.

                                            >"Oh my... um this is embarrassing."

                                            >You don't say anything as Rarity sits up and does her best to clean herself up without any beauty implements.

                                            "Rarity, what are you doing in my bed?"

                                            >"Um... I didn't get an ounce of sleep last night, and Applejack being the good friend she is, said I needed to get some sleep. She let me..."

                                            "Use her bed, not mine."

                                            >She freezes as you put a hole in the excuse she was going to feed you.

                                            "Applejack told me what happened earlier."

                                            >Your friend looks away ashamed, "I had a feeling she would."

                                            "Then you know that trying to butt in like this is just hurting your friendship with Applejack."

                                            >"I... I... yes..."

                                            "Look Rarity. I like you, you're pretty, fashionable, a hell of a good fencer and you're a great help with training Sunset and Rainbow Dash."

                                            >A flicker of a smile appears as she hears your compliments.

                                            "But I like Applejack too, and I think we have a good thing going right now which I don't want to ruin. So you need to stop."

                                            >"I know darling." she says sadly.

                                            "Light flirting is okay I guess, I can't really stop you from that, but you have to realize our relationship won't go beyond that as long as AJ and I are together."

                                            >You place a comforting hand on her knee.

                                            "Maybe had you asked earlier, and if fate had other plans I would be having this talk with AJ about you instead, but its pointless to think about what if's."

                                            >Newly formed tears drip down Rarity's cheeks and land on the mattress. You use your finger to wipe away one.

                                            "What I'm trying to get at is that I'm sorry you're hurt but please stop, if not for me then for AJ."

                                            >Rarity nods her head and pulls you into an embrace.

                                            >Your instincts tell you to shove her away because of the sudden contact, but you force yourself to ease up.

                                            >A shadow from the doorway causes you to look over and see Applejack leaning against the frame.

                                            >With a small nod of your head, Applejack walks in and sits on the bed next to Rarity.

                                            >"Rarity, I'm sorry you got all worked up like this."

                                            >"Oh Applejack you shouldn't feel sorry." she says giving Applejack a hug, "What I've been doing is so unbecoming of a lady that I'm more ashamed that it took me this long to realize it."

                                            "I'll leave you two alone to talk things out."

                                            >"Thanks Anon." Applejack says as you walk out.


                                            >Stepping out of your room, you head back downstairs but not before you hear crying coming from Apple Bloom's room.

                                            >This needs to stop right now.

                                            >Twisting the knob, a sudden resistance from the inner bolt means the door is still locked.

                                            >Sighing, you take a lock pick from your pocket and insert it into the lock release on the side of the knob that Applejack uses to give her sister her dinner.

                                            "Apple Bloom?"

                                            >You don't get a response but you hear the crying seize up as you unlock the door and enter.

                                            "Apple Bloom."

                                            >The girl's room is pitch black as the only light coming in is from the hallway.

                                            >A pile of dirty dishes is set up on a small desk as you see a lump in the bed.

                                            >Sitting down next to the lump you hear Apple Bloom try to pretend she's asleep.

                                            "I know you're awake. People normally still breathe when they're sleeping."

                                            >"Go away Anon."

                                            "Not until you talk to me and stop feeling sorry for yourself."

                                            >"Did Applejack ask you to talk ta me?"

                                            "No."

                                            >"Then why are ya here?"

                                            >You prop one leg over the other and look out her window.

                                            "Because everyone is worried about you and your friends."

                                            >"... Well they shouldn't. Not after all the trouble we caused."

                                            "It's not your fault."

                                            >Those four words cause Apple Bloom to become visibly angry. She shoots out of the covers and glares at you with tears in her eyes.

                                            >"Of course it was! If it wasn't fer us taking that stupid skull no one would have died!"

                                            "Apple Bloom, that monster already killed dozens of people who entered the forest before you three even found the skull. What you did was idiotic, but you were hardly fully to blame. If not then it would have happened eventually."

                                            >"That's no excuse! What about the camp counselors, or Bulk!"

                                            >You sigh as she begins pounding your side with her tiny fists.

                                            "It was an accident you couldn't control. It's a tragedy yes, but are you just going to stay in this room until you're an old lady?"

                                            >"I don't know..."

                                            >...

                                            >Suddenly the girl takes you by surprise by Gripping your side tightly.

                                            >What would Applejack do in this situation...?

                                            >You awkwardly pat her head.

                                            "It'll... be okay?"

                                            >You adjust her so it becomes a proper hug.

                                            >"It... it h-hurts inside Anon."

                                            "I know. But you need to move past this. You still have a long life ahead of you rather than wasting it in your room."

                                            >Apple Bloom cries into your shoulder, drenching it in a mix of tears and mucus, but you don't really care for that.

                                            >"Will the pain go away?"

                                            "Probably not, it's up to you to determine if that pain is going to be the guiding thing in your life."

                                            >The young teenager's breathing slows down.

                                            "Your friends are feeling just as bad, if not worse, than how you feel. I think it would be best if you helped them overcome this."

                                            >"B-but ah don't think I've overcome this!"

                                            >You give her a small grin.

                                            "Then you should help each other, and if you need more support you have Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and all the others."

                                            >Apple Bloom let's out a sigh, "Ah'll try Anon."

                                            "Good, now get some sleep. First thing tomorrow I want you to go talk to your friends. And if they say no, find someway to do it anyway."

                                            >She nods her head and lays down.

                                            >Taking the dishes from her table, you bring them downstairs and dump them into the sink.

                                            >"How'd it go?" Sunset asks, surprising you.

                                            "You're still here?"

                                            >"Applejack insisted I stay for dinner and the night, Granny Smith is apparently with her friends having a ladies night out."

                                            >That... sounds fun?

                                            >Accepting her answer, you take a plastic container of leftovers and toss it into the microwave.

                                            >Setting it to three minutes, you lean against the counter as Sunset takes a seat at the table.

                                            >"You still haven't answered my question."

                                            "Hopefully I convinced Rarity to stop with the love-sick act."

                                            >"To be honest I was hoping that it wouldn't have escalated this far."

                                            "You knew?"

                                            >You don't bother to hide the ire in your tone.

                                            >She shrugs, "Sort of."

                                            "Would have been nice for you to tell me."

                                            >"Like I said, I didn't think it would get this far."

                                            >...

                                            >You eye Sunset up and down. She catches your eye and raises a brow.

                                            >"What are you doing?"

                                            "You don't..."

                                            >Her eyes widen, "Wow, um. No. Not like that. You're a good friend Anon, but I'm not interested in you in that way."

                                            "Yeah figured. Besides your hips are too small."

                                            >"Excuse me?"

                                            "You got a nice pair, pretty decent size for a girl your age but the hips man. Applejack's got you beat."

                                            >You emphasize your point by pantomiming a pair of curvy hips.

                                            >Sunset's face goes red at your gestures before noticing the grin you're sporting and realizing you're just messing with her.

                                            >"You're such an ass." she says with a chuckle.

                                            >The microwave finishes its task and begins beeping to let you know your food is ready.

                                            >Grabbing a fork from a drawer, you retrieve your reheated meal and sit at the table.

                                            "You up for some Sign training for tomorrow?"

                                            >Sunset nods her head, "Of course, I still need to get Quen down without passing out."

                                            "Good, remember being able to cast Quen is quentissential to protecting yourself from harm."

                                            >"That's pretty obvio-"

                                            >A few beats go by as Sunset goes over your words and groans.

                                            >"That was so bad..." she says with a small smile.


                                            -----


                                            >The woman your brother rescued, Chrysalis if you’re remember it right, is being checked over the paramedic as you and Shining are relegated to the car as he does his job.

                                            >Despite the gunshot wound looking bad, it seems to hardly affect her arm movements all that much.

                                            >Lady must be made of sterner stuff.

                                            >"Ma'am I strongly advise we take you to the hospital." the paramedic says, putting some of his tools away.

                                            >"Yeah, well take your advice and shove it." Chrysalis retorts, "Look it's fine."

                                            >She moves her arm in different directions to show off her range of motion.

                                            >Your brother is a bit pre-occupied right now with informing his fellow police officers of what just occurred leaving you alone for now.

                                            >You look at the time on your phone.

                                            >A bit too late to call anyone just to talk.

                                            >May as well do some reading.

                                            >You open your backpack when a flashing light inside grabs your attention.

                                            >Your magic-o-meter is reacting to something?

                                            >Pulling out the device, you press a button on the face to put it into scanning mode.

                                            >The lights on the face of the amulet begin circling the circumference until three lights point in the direction of the magical disturbance.

                                            >And lights are diverging towards the strange woman before it begins fritzing out and short circuits.

                                            >Is this thing broken?

                                            >Then again... Chrysalis does seem to be treating a gunshot wound to the arm as more of an inconvenience rather than a life threatening situation.

                                            >Better double check to make sure.

                                            >Powering the magic-o-meter off, you restart the systems and wait for it to power back on.

                                            >"Twilight, c'mon I'm taking you home." Shining Armor calls out to you.

                                            "But...!"

                                            >"No buts Twily, Mom and Dad are already gonna freak out that you were with me in a gunfight."

                                            >"You don't mind if I tag along with you?" Chrysalis says walking up.

                                            >"I think it would be best if you went back to the station with one of the other officers to answer some questions."

                                            >"Not unless you're the one to bring me in *Detective*." the woman replies, getting even closer to Shining.

                                            >"Miss, I must insist."

                                            >"Please? I'd feel so much safer if it was you, my *big*,*strong*, and *brave* rescuer." she coos.

                                            >This woman is beginning to rub you the wrong way.

                                            "My brother's engaged y'know."

                                            >Your outburst causes Chrysalis to pause slightly before taking a deep breath and moving away.

                                            >"Really?"

                                            >Your brother nods.

                                            >"Oh that's too bad. She must be one luck girl."

                                            >"That she is." Shining says with a smirk.

                                            "..."

                                            >You don't like the thought of this woman being alone with your brother, but its not like he's going to let you tag along on a trip to the police station right now.

                                            >A small beeping let's you know the magic-o-meter has successfully rebooted but this time the magical presence seems to be everywhere.

                                            >Ugh, guess you need to work on it some more...

                                            >As you put the magic-o-meter back into your backpack the device you built does flashes momentarily, however in your curiosity as to what caused the reaction, you fail to notice Chrysalis's eyes glowing briefly.

                                            >Shining staggers a bit, drawing your attention.

                                            "Shiny are you alright?"

                                            >"Y-yeah... must still be a little shaken up from earlier..." he replies.

                                            >Shaking his head, he holds out his hand, "C'mon Twily I need to get you home, and Chrysalis to the police station."

                                            >That doesn't sound like proper procedure.

                                            "Are you sure that's okay?"

                                            >"Of course it is. It's not like it could do any... harm." Chrysalis answers for him.

                                            >You're really beginning to not like this lady.

                                            >Coupled with the fact that she was running from armed men. This woman is most likely trouble of the worst kind.

                                            >That and the way she keeps clinging to your brother.

                                            >Shining calls over a fellow officer and discusses a few things with her before coming back.

                                            >"Officer Copper Top will give us a ride. C'mon."

                                            >Your brother turns and heads to the police cruiser, but in the corner of your eye you notice Chrysalis adjusting the tanktop she's wearing.

                                            >Specifically in the breast area.

                                            >She catches you watching and grins, "Don't worry kid, you might have a nice pair like mine someday. Just be sure to drink a lot of *milk*."

                                            >Her comment causes you to blush as Chrysalis walks off after Shining.

                                            >"So why were those men after you Miss Chrysalis?"

                                            >"Oh just call me Chryssy. *Shiny*"

                                            >Your nostrils flare.

                                            >She did NOT just call him Shiny!

                                            >He let's off a nervous chuckle and opens the police cruiser's door for the woman.

                                            >"My what a gentleman..." she says.

                                            >You notice Chrysalis giving you a side glance along with a cheeky smile.

                                            >Gritting your teeth, your vision goes blue when a sharp pain in your palms makes you realize you were clenching your fists so hard that your nails almost broke skin.

                                            >Taking a deep breath, you calm down and head towards Officer Copper Top's cruiser, taking the seat right next to Chrysalis.

                                            >You try to give a wide berth inside as possible.

                                            >Hopefully this'll all turn out to be just you overreacting. But a feeling in your gut says this is only the beginning.