Witcher Of Canterlot: XIV


                                            -A few minutes earlier-


                                            >The girls quickly finished off the last of the sandwiches and soup.

                                            >You're not really all that surprised at their appetites to be honest. You doubt Iron Will or his men would waste the effort to feed them properly.

                                            >Sonata lets out a satisfied groan as she rubs her stomach.

                                            >"Thanks Anon. It's been such a long time since we ate something other than stale bread and fruit."

                                            >"Yeah. Thanks." Aria begrudgingly says with a blush. "Though you could have ordered something better than stupid sandwiches."

                                            >Eh, you'll take what you can get.

                                            >Adagio however glares at you before standing and dropping her towel to reveal her naked body.

                                            >"Alright lets get this over with." she says getting on the bed.

                                            >"Whoa what are you doing Adagio?" Aria asks.

                                            >"What does it look like. I'm doing the only the thing we gemless sirens are good for." Adagio replies like it's a matter of fact. "So drop your fucking pants."

                                            >This girl has some serious problems.

                                            >Picking up her towel, you toss it at her.

                                            "I'm not looking for that sort of compensation. Get something to wear from the dresser over there all of you."

                                            >Taking her towel she covers her breasts when it becomes clear that you aren't interested.

                                            >Sonata's eyes go wide, "Finally some new clothes!"

                                            >She immediately goes for the dresser and begins digging through a very varied selection of clothes inside.

                                            >"Aw, most of this stuff is guy clothes."

                                            >You head over and grab a simple dark blue shirt Sonata tossed to ground and put it on as well as a new pair of cargo pants.

                                            >They feel comfortable, and fit perfectly.

                                            >You have a feeling that that's not coincidence in the slightest.

                                            >"Bout time you put a shirt on, I was getting sick from looking at those nasty scars on your body."

                                            >Aria bumps Sonata over and begins searching for her own clothes to wear.

                                            "I aim to please." you say sarcastically.

                                            >"What are you planning." Adagio asks. "You know the guards won't let us keep these clothes after tonight."

                                            "Well that's the thing. I don't plan on staying here tonight."

                                            >The three sirens freeze.

                                            >"You don't mean..."

                                            >"You're going to..." Aria continues.

                                            >"Break out of here?" Adagio finishes.

                                            >Wow, that was... unnerving.

                                            "Yeah I do."

                                            >"But what about the guards outside?"

                                            "While you three were eating I was listening to the outside of the door. One of them is drunk off his ass and the other hasn't shown up yet."

                                            >Aria eyes you suspiciously, "I don't hear anything."

                                            "Because you don't have the kind of hearing I do."

                                            >"Oh is it cause of those mutation thingies?" Sonata asks.

                                            "Yeah, something like that."

                                            >Adagio scoffs, "What about their weapons? Did you figure out what you're going to do about those? Because I seem to remember that you seem to be lacking in the weapon department."

                                            >You walk to the trolley and pick up the large round silver serving tray that held the sandwiches and the serving ladle from the empty soup bowl.

                                            >"A plate?" Adagio says with disbelief. "You're going to use a stupid plate and ladle against two armed gunmen?"

                                            >She suddenly begins laughing and lays back on the bed.

                                            >"HAHAHAHAHA! Oh dear spirits. You must be the dumbest man I've EVER MET!" she finishes her sentence with a growl.

                                            >You ignore her comments and grab a jacket from the wardrobe.

                                            >There's some yelling coming from outside. Other guard must have shown up.

                                            >"Dude, no offense but I have to agree with Adagio on this." Aria says as she rips the sleeves off of the shirt she's wearing.

                                            >You're about to make a retort when suddenly your medallion vibrates slightly.

                                            >Magical presence nearby.

                                            >You have no idea who it is, but it's not a strong magical presence.

                                            "Girls, get back. Someone's coming."

                                            >"What you "hear" something again?" Adagio asks.

                                            >Rolling your eyes, you brace yourself against the wall as the door clicks open.

                                            >When it becomes apparent, the sirens tense up.

                                            >As the hand pushes the door in, you grab the individual by the arm and throw them over your shoulder onto the ground.

                                            >In one swift movement you catch the gun they let go of and bring it to bear.

                                            >Before you pull the trigger though you stepped back shocked to see who it is.

                                            "Sunset?"

                                            >"Urk... Anon?"

                                            >"Sunset?!" Aria and Adagio scream out in disbelief.

                                            >Sunset's gasps as she points towards your fellow prisoners.

                                            >"The Dazzlings?!"

                                            "The what now?"

                                            >"YOU!" Adagio screams hopping on the bed.

                                            >Her towel drops revealing her naked form.

                                            >Immediatly realizing her bare form, she blushes before dropping onto the bed and pulling the sheets up.

                                            >"What are you doing here?!" Sunset demands.

                                            >"I could be asking you the same question Equestrian!" Adagio screams.

                                            "What the fuck is going on?"

                                            >"I have no idea." Twilight says walking into the room.

                                            >If it was just Sunset why is your medallion going of-

                                            >You have a realization.

                                            >It's always been going off. You remember when you first met Sunset and the others your medallion would tug slightly around them.

                                            >The tugging though is so subdued compared to any other magical creature though that because you've been around them for so long, that you've been unconsciously ignoring it.

                                            >While you'll reprimand yourself later for becoming complacent with that, you have other matters to worry about right now.

                                            >Closing the door, you put the ladle in the gap between the door and the frame to keep it from remaining shut.

                                            >"We don't have time for this. Anon do you have a weapon?"

                                            >You hold up the ladle and tray.

                                            >"Uh... do you want this back?" Sunset asks handing you a knife.

                                            "Preferably." you reply taking the weapon and giving Sunset back the submachine gun. "You know how to handle that right?"

                                            >"Point and shoot right?" she says sheepishly.

                                            >You facepalm.

                                            "Didn't you use a gun at Camp Everfree?"

                                            >"I just held one, I didn't actually fire it."

                                            "Now I'm wondering whether you're going to be more of a liability with or without it."

                                            >"Here I think it would be better if you had this" Twilight says handing you a pistol.

                                            >Putting it in the back of your pants you pocket the spare magazines.

                                            >"So what now?"

                                            "I find Twilight's brother. While you five get out of here."

                                            >Sunset stomps her foot, "No, Anon we're not going to just leave you alone!"

                                            >"Besides, we figured out what Iron Will is!" Twilight adds.

                                            >You pause, waiting for them to elaborate.

                                            >"He's a stoneclad, a native magic user who uses talismans to imbue himself with the powers of rock giants. There are two ways to defeat him, and one is to simply drain or destroy the talismans."

                                            "And the other?"

                                            >Both Twilight and Sunset glance at each other and become awkward.

                                            >"...youhavetofindexposehimtoamensturatingwoman..." Sunset rapidly says.

                                            "I'm sorry what?"

                                            >"You... have to..."

                                            "Spit it out, we don't have all day."

                                            >"You have to expose him to a menstruating woman" Sunset says as her face glows red.

                                            "..."

                                            >"..."

                                            >Everyone in the room goes silent.

                                            >"Seriously?" Aria asks. "That's his fucking weakness?"

                                            >"Gross..." Sonata says sticking out her tongue.

                                            "I've had to attempt nastier solutions to problems before but..."

                                            >You scratch your chin.

                                            "I don't suppose any of you girls are-"

                                            >"NO!" They all shout at you.

                                            "Alright, alright... damn."

                                            >They sure are acting like they all are though.

                                            "Do any of you know if your pe-"

                                            >"Anon, I'm going to stop you right there." Sunset says placing a hand on your shoulder. "None of us are on our cycles as far as we know."

                                            "So I assume you have a plan on how to destroy Iron Will's talismans? He's fast and strong for a beast of his size and that was with a sword."

                                            >"Twilight rigged her magic tracking device to absorb the magic from Iron Will."

                                            >She presents you with the amulet she's kept on her since you met her.

                                            "Does it work?"

                                            >"It's a jury-rigged modification to be similar to the version at the Friendship Games; I can't say for sure if it will work, but it did drain Sunset momentarily when I first turned it on."

                                            >You glance at Sunset.

                                            >"It's true Anon."

                                            >Taking the electronic device, you tuck it into your back pocket.

                                            >"Just twist the face of the magic-o-meter clockwise to turn it on. It should absorb the nearest source of magical energy, and it should be the same with Chrysalis if she shows up."

                                            "Your brother is in a trance I hope you know that."

                                            >"I had a feeling he would be. Shining wouldn't just up and abandon his job or cheat on Cadance..." Twilight says. "I have a hypothesis that by draining the magic from Chrysalis the spell holding him will also stop."

                                            "It's a theory that could work. But if I end up having to fight your brother, he's not going to hold back against me."

                                            >"I know..." she replies sadly.

                                            >"Okay that's good and all, but Sonata, Aria and I would like to get out of here." Adagio interrupts after finally getting an outfit together.

                                            "You seem in higher spirits."

                                            >"Well that's because now we have a way out of this hell hole. This is your battle human not ours; you three just cause whatever trouble you're going to cause and us three will slip out during the chaos."

                                            >You roll your eyes.

                                            >Sonata and Aria seem conflicted but stand by their fellow siren regardless.

                                            "Fine." you say opening the door. "Just hang back for around fiv-"

                                            >You stop.

                                            >"Anon what's wrong?"

                                            "How did you two get in here?"

                                            >"Um... we stunned a guard and took the front door."

                                            "Did you take care of any cameras?" you growl out.

                                            >Twilight and Sunset's eyes widen in shock.

                                            >"No...?"

                                            >"Anon wha-"

                                            >Outside the doorway is a squad of armed guards all pointing their guns at you.

                                            "That's why."

                                            ----- 52 -----

                                            >You have a stare down with Iron Will's men as Sunset, Twilight and the sirens hide behind you.

                                            >As you prepare for the worst, the sound of clapping draws all of your attention.

                                            >"Well, it looks like we have a little intrusion problem." you hear Iron Will's voice say.

                                            >The giant man stands over his men and smirks at you.

                                            >"Iron Will has to give them credit though. The fact that these two girls had the balls to infiltrate Iron Will's home is quite something."

                                            >Sunset and Twilight silently glare at Iron Will as his expression turns lecherous.

                                            >"The one with the fiery hair has a nice thigh-to-breast ratio. Iron Will will have plans for you later."

                                            >Your student grimaces, trying to hold her tongue. One wrong reply in this situation and you'll all be dead.

                                            >Facing Twilight he seems less than impressed. "A bit scrawny for Iron Will's taste. Though with a bit of... breaking in, she may become a decent serving girl."

                                            >Twilight shrinks behind you as Iron Will returns his attention towards you.

                                            >"Now Witcher, you didn't technically do anything wrong so Iron Will's offer still stands."

                                            >You open your mouth to reply but are stopped by the man raising a hand.

                                            >"But before you answer, Iron Will thinks this a perfect opportunity to talk to the head honcho around here."

                                            >Pulling out a remote from his jacket's chest pocket, he presses a button and a large trio of flatscreens lowers from the ceiling and rotates one of the monitors towards you.

                                            >There's a brief moment of static before the picture clears up revealing a shadowed figure sitting at a table facing you.

                                            >His features are obscured, though you can just barely make out the man's outline compared to the dark blue background he's against.

                                            >"Hello Witcher." the man speaks in a distorted deep voice.

                                            "Shadowy reveal and voice modulation? A bit cliche don't you think?"

                                            >The figure chuckles, "Well when you have as many enemies as I do, you can't be too careful."

                                            "That's also a cliche response." you mutter.

                                            >"You've been making a name for yourself in the underbelly here Anonymous." he says ignoring your comment.

                                            >He knows your name, great.

                                            >"Killing one of my associate's son doesn't usually sit well with me. And believe me, I was all but willing to reign you in when I heard of your recent encounter at Camp Everfree."

                                            "Been keeping tabs on me as well?"

                                            >"Boy, when you rock the boat someone's bound to notice." he says. "Now, onto other matters. I see little miss Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle tried to pull off a rescue."

                                            >Sunset's gasps, "You know who we are?"

                                            >"How could I not? You are the reason Anonymous is here in Canterlot in the first place are you not? As hard as it is to believe I know quite a bit about the Witchers both old and new."

                                            >"What are you talking about?"

                                            >"I'm sure our dear Anon has told you about that contract bringing him here. The one involving the "magical creature inhabiting Canterlot High School" and killing it."

                                            >Sunset nods her head, "I proved to Anonymous that I wasn't dangerous."

                                            "There was no reason to kill Sunset if she wasn't harming anyone." you add.

                                            >The man lets out a tsking sound.

                                            >"Oh, but who said Miss Shimmer here was the target of the contract?"

                                            "What?" you and Sunset both exclaim at the same time.

                                            >"You weren't as thorough as you thought you were Witcher, which is honestly somewhat disappointing. If you recall, around a few months before you arrived at Canterlot High, the school and their "rivals" I should say had a yearly competitive gathering."

                                            >"The Friendship Games." Twilight says.

                                            >"Yes, the "Friendship Games"." he repeats with air quotes, "Miss Shimmer and Sparkle, there was an incident during the second event of the games was there not? "

                                            >Twilight gulps and Sunset glares at the screen.

                                            >You turn back and face Sunset.

                                            "What's he getting at Sunset?"

                                            >Sunset hesitantly nods her head, "Twilight's magic device started absorbing magic from my friends and began accidentally creating portals to another... er... dimension."

                                            >Wait... this sounds famili-

                                            >A startling realization comes to you: Twilight told you this already. The conversation outside CHS you had with her weeks ago.

                                            >"And that all culminated in the grand climax of the games." he finishes with a clap of his hands. "Though the details are a little scattered."

                                            >His head turns slightly, and even though you can't see his eyes you know he's looking at Twilight.

                                            >"Miss Sparkle, your invention is a wonder to behold. Being able to create portals to distant worlds with just a small amount of magical energy. You probably don't realize the potential there."

                                            >"W-what potential?" Twilight asks.

                                            >"Why if you were to refine that technology, there are limitless possibilities of what you could do with it. But I digress, we're getting a bit off topic here."

                                            >Twilight gulps.

                                            >Sunset grits her teeth and clenches the gun in her hands.

                                            "Why are you telling me this? And how the hell did you find out?"

                                            >"Well let's finish this story first; Miss Sparkle? What exactly happened during the third and final round of the Games?"

                                            >"Pr-Principal Cinch told me to unlock the magic I was gathering in my magic-o-meter to help Crystal Prep win. I...I did and then..."

                                            >Her eyes widen in horror.

                                            >"Yes Miss Sparkle. I believe you know what I'm getting at."

                                            >Twilight looks between you and the screen and begins hyperventilating.

                                            >"Y-you mean... I was the one Anon was..."

                                            >"Supposed to kill? To put it bluntly, yes."

                                            "Twilight..." you say softly.

                                            >"You're lying!" Sunset yells stomping forward, alarming the guards and training their weapons towards her.

                                            >"I have no reason to lie Miss Shimmer. Though I must admit, you also are of some interest to me. You I couldn't find any information on before your attendance of Canterlot High. At least, none that wouldn't put you in a completely different location in a different part of the world at the same time, which strangely enough is similar to the three sirens hiding in the room behind you."

                                            >Adagio scowls while Aria and Sonata are unsure of what's happening.

                                            >"I am curious onto why that is even for a man with my connections."

                                            >The man's words brings Sunset pause.

                                            >"You see, I run a business. What that business entails, I'm not going to divulge as we’re all aware of what happens when the villains do that. Simply put, I know a lot more than you think Witcher, especially when it comes to the magical remnants of our world."

                                            "So I ask again, why are you telling me this? How is this relevant to anything here?"

                                            >"Well I'm here to make an offer. I want Miss Sparkle here to work for me, in exchange I'll have our resident Succubus release her brother. Iron Will? Bring her out."

                                            >With a nod and a snap of his fingers, one of the doors behind Iron Will opens up to reveal a shackled Chrysalis with Shining Armor following close behind.

                                            >Both of them are escorted by two guards each and are set on the floor.

                                            >Chrysalis snarls angrily until she sees the flatscreen monitor swivel towards her. The succubus's demeanor makes a one-eighty and turns into fear.

                                            >"Chrysalis."

                                            >"S-sir..."

                                            >The screen turns back to you as the man clears his throat.

                                            >"You Witcher, will act as one of my agents in the field like Iron Will here."

                                            "And exactly what would that entail?" you ask.

                                            >"You will do what I tell you to do, you will kill whomever I tell you to kill. Simple as that. As an added bonus, I'll even let Miss Shimmer leave in one piece as a token of goodwill."

                                            >"And I'm guessing if they refuse?"

                                            >"Let's just say that I don't need Twilight Sparkle alive to build a portal network, and I'm sure one of the other Witchers still out on the Path will take the offer. Beyond you two, the rest of you are inconsequential."

                                            >You look between the guards and the individuals behind you.

                                            >Sunset, the sirens, and Twilight's brother. Their lives all depend on both your's and Twilight's response.

                                            >"Anon..." Sonata whimpers.

                                            >When your eyes meet Twilight's you share a sense of understanding.

                                            >"Sir. With all due respect: Fuck you." Twilight says defiantly.

                                            >Getting into a ready stance, you grip your knife as Sunset stands besides you.

                                            >"Disappointing. Iron Will, make it qui-"

                                            >"GRAHHH I'm sick of your babbling!" Chrysalis screams out.

                                            >She lets out a sharp whistle when suddenly half of the guards aim their weapons at their compatriots and fire their weapons.

                                            "Dopplers! Get down!" you cry out.

                                            >You tackle Sunset and Twilight to the ground as rounds tear through Iron Will's unprepared men.

                                            >The sirens quickly take cover as the danger becomes clear.

                                            >Iron Will takes a bullet in the shoulder but manages to roll out of the way as one of the changelings unlocks Chrysalis's shackles. Bringing his wrist to his mouth he begins issuing orders.

                                            >"This is Iron Will, we have a security breach! All available hands on deck!"

                                            >Lighting a fireball in her palm, Chrysalis destroys the monitor with a whip made of flames.

                                            >More of Iron Will's men pour in from the entrance when suddenly like before, individuals in their ranks begin causing chaos by firing on their supposed allies.

                                            >"Anon!"

                                            "STAY DOWN!" you yell out keeping both their heads low.

                                            >A firefight breaks out as dopplers converge on Chrysalis and Shining Armor while the remaining few of Iron Will's men do the same on him.

                                            >One of the dopplers tosses Shining a rifle to help out Chrysalis.

                                            >"Shining!" Twilight calls out.

                                            >As both sides lose men, Iron Will armors up.

                                            >"Chrysalis I WILL END YOU!" he screams slamming his fists together.

                                            >Bringing out another orb made of magical fire, Chrysalis just smirks, "I'd like to see you try."

                                            >The two leaders charge at each other as gunfire hails all around them.

                                            >Twilight tries to rise only for you to hold her down.

                                            >"My brother's going to get killed!"

                                            "You're going to get killed if you even think about getting up!"

                                            >"But-"

                                            "I'll handle it!" you shout.

                                            >Looking up, mercenaries and dopplers fall left and right.

                                            >You watch as both Iron Will and Chrysalis fight one another while Shining takes down a few of the formers men. Off to the side behind him though is a weapon stand with an old steel longsword on one of the racks.

                                            >Getting up, you take your chances and run forward through the chaos.

                                            >Sliding you manage to make it behind one of the pillars supporting the roof.

                                            >You draw the handgun from your waistband and take aim at the nearest doppler in your way.

                                            >Pulling the trigger twice, you let off two rounds into the chest and one to the head.

                                            >Counting to three you move again to the pillar on the opposite side, just barely avoiding a bullet as it whizzes by your head.

                                            >Shining Armor sees you and aims his gun at you.

                                            >Bringing your hand up, you make the sign for Quen as a burst of bullets crash into the shield.

                                            >Twilight's brother growls and runs at you wielding his weapon like a club.

                                            >Sliding underneath his bash, you quickly get behind him and slam the man into the pillar.

                                            >"ANON!"

                                            >He groggily gets up before trying to backhand you.

                                            >You grab his arm and smack his head into the pillar until he becomes disorientated becomes visible.

                                            >"Ugh..." he says sliding to the ground.

                                            >Making sure no one looks ready to attack you, you check Shining's pulse.

                                            >"W-what happened?" he asks.

                                            "Long story, right now we're in the middle of a firefight."

                                            >"Witcher?"

                                            "Can you stand?" you ask, not really in the mood for anything else.

                                            >He nods his head.

                                            >Handing him the discarded rifle, you grab the longsword on the weapon stand and scan the room.

                                            >Looks like most of the fighting is dying down with most of Iron Will's men and Chrysalis's dopplers dead.

                                            >The two faction leaders themselves however seem to have taken the fight down the hall.

                                            >"Girls, coast is clear."

                                            >"Shining!" Twilight cries out, tackling her brother into a hug.

                                            >"Twily?! Why are you here?" Shining says returning the hug.

                                            >"What was the last thing you remember?" Sunset asks as she and the sirens follow.

                                            >"Well, I was in interrogation with Chrysalis when she started coming onto me... then everything just sorta becomes foggy."

                                            "You were being mind controlled by Chrysalis."

                                            >"Mind controlled? What are you-"

                                            >The entire room shakes.

                                            >"We need to get you girls out of here." Shining says.

                                            >Sunset looks to object when suddenly one of the walls explodes with Chrysalis flying through.

                                            >She smashes through a pillar and into another wall as Iron Will marches through the hole Chrysalis made.

                                            >"Looks like Iron Will's job isn't done just yet." he says in a smug manner.

                                            >"What the hell is that?" Shining asks in a panicky voice.

                                            >"Anon the device!" Twilight yells to you.

                                            >Twirling the steel sword in your hand, you begin walking towards the stoneclad.

                                            >Pulling out the magic absorbing device, you twist the face clockwise and the device powers on."

                                            >Iron Will turns his head curiously, "And just what is that supposed to do?"

                                            "Hopefully something that'll make this a more even fight." you answer.

                                            >Electricity begins arcing around the device with the lights on the center display fluctuating rapidly.

                                            >The face flips open as a glowing purple sphere shoots tendrils of purple light out towards Iron Will who collapses onto one knee.

                                            >"What is this?! Why does Iron Will feel so... so weak?!" he growls out. "Iron Will cannot be WEAK!"

                                            >You watch as the magical essence of the runes around the Stoneclad's neck begin fading away. The glow of the magic marks vanish along with his transformation.

                                            >Slowly, the stone plating on his body begins reverting to his normal self when he suddenly gains a second wind.

                                            >"Your tricks won't give you victory Witcher!" he yells out as he brings his shoulder forward to splatter you against the wall.

                                            >Closing the magic drainer, you roll out of the way, you slash him across the back. Surprisingly, the blade actually cuts through and leaves a large cut along his rear torso.

                                            >"GAH!"

                                            >Iron Will staggers forward, almost half of his body is back to "normal". The right side of his body is still armored up, but at least he's able to be hurt now.

                                            >He looks at his fleshy hand and his eyes widen in shock.

                                            >"What is this? What is this?!" he begins repeating. "My talismans what did you do?!"

                                            >Whipping out Twilight's gadget again, you pop the lid again and it works on absorbing the rest of Iron Will's magic.

                                            >Everyone watches in amazement as Iron Will soon reverts to a full blooded human again.

                                            >He grunts in pain as the magic is sapped completely, the magic absorber automatically closing shut when it's done.

                                            >Iron Will's face shows a look of utter hatred. "Witcher. You're going to die for that. And then I'll make sure your little friends suffer the same fates too."

                                            "Dropping the third person too huh?"

                                            >Your opponent grabs an axe mounted on the wall next to him and charges you. But unlike before, his movements are much slower and less augmented.

                                            >Without his magical buff he's just a normal, if incredibly fit, human.

                                            >You easily avoid his slash and bring down your sword on his arm.

                                            >His forearm goes flying as he falls to his knees screaming in pain, gripping his stump of an arm.

                                            >This isn't really a fight anymore.

                                            >Drawing your sword to his neck from behind, your medallion tugs when something knocks you out of the way and into a wooden oak table.

                                            >"Oh no Witcher! I've been waiting too long for this." Chrysalis sneers.

                                            >Brandishing her whip of magic fire, she wraps it around Iron Wills neck.

                                            >"Chry...salis...you...grrk...pay...for this..." Iron Will struggles to get out.

                                            >The succubus gives him a toothy grin, "At this point, I very much doubt it."

                                            >She tightens the magic noose while Iron Will struggles to prevent her from finishing him off.

                                            >"Break. Break! BREAK!" she chants to herself in a crazed manner.

                                            >Your shoulder burns and smokes slightly as you hear Chrysalis and Iron Will struggle for dominance.

                                            >That's going to leave a mark...

                                            >You rise up only to hear a sickening snap as Iron Will's body collapses to the ground, his neck hanging at an odd angle with burn marks on his skin.

                                            >"Well now that's all well and done, I'd like my toy back." she says to Shining and the others.

                                            >"I'm not letting you harm my brother like you did Cadance!" Twilight yells.

                                            >Her brother eyes open in shock, "Cadance? What happened to Cadance?!"

                                            "Chrysalis tried to use one of her dopplers to kill your fiance." you answer.

                                            >"She's okay though right?" he asks full of worry.

                                            >You, Sunset and Twilight stay quiet.

                                            >"We don't know Shiny."

                                            >Chrysalis has all her attention focused on Shining, you take that as your chance to attack.

                                            >With an overhead chop, she easily avoids it and kicks you in the side towards the group.

                                            >Your sword snaps into two pieces and Twilight's device clatter to the ground as your wound from earlier opens up again.

                                            >"I'm not as weak as I was before Witcher." she says with a chuckle, "But it seems you and your little friends are going to get in the way of getting my king back."

                                            >Struggling, Sunset tries to help you up.

                                            "Dammit..." you say, gripping your now bleeding side.

                                            >The succubus lunges at Shining, knocking down Sunset on top of you, and hoists him by his shirt collar against the wall.

                                            >"Come now Shiny, it wasn't so bad was it?" she taunts.

                                            >"Nnng...fuck...you."

                                            >Chrysalis licks her lips, "Oh but you already did! And was it one of the best romps I've ever had."

                                            >Leaning in close, she runs a tongue up his neck.


                                            >You watch in terror as Anon and Sunset lie on the ground and your brother's mind is being dominated by Chrysalis again.

                                            >"Stare into my eyes dear. It'll all be over soon."

                                            >What do you do? What do you do?

                                            >Looking around the room for something, anything to help, you spy your modified magic-o-meter.

                                            >Quickly, you grab it off the ground and hold it towards Chrysalis.

                                            >Picking up her magical signature, the amulet's face opens up revealing the internal workings.

                                            >Magic tendrils shoot out towards Chrysalis and begins draining her magic.

                                            >Feeling weak, she drops Shiny and glares at you.

                                            >Uh oh...

                                            >"Don't think the same trick you used on Iron Will's going to work on me." she chides you.

                                            >Suddenly electricity begins arcing the device again as lights along the surface flash rapidly meaning an error is occuring.

                                            "No not now!"

                                            >The magic-o-meter shuts close as a loud booming shockwave throws you back.

                                            >Crashing into one of the pillars, your feel incredible pain as everything in your sight seems to be doubled.

                                            >Shaking your head clear, you focus on the pulsating object before you.

                                            >Your magic-o-meter is still intact but has an oscillating glow.

                                            >"Kid, I'm going to enjoy getting you out of my hair."

                                            >You go to grab your amulet when a cloven hoof presses down on your arm.

                                            >Crying out in pain, you look up and see Chrysalis with hand outstretched, magic talons enveloping her fingers.

                                            >"Twilight!"

                                            >Your brother launches himself at Chrysalis who reflexively slashes at him.

                                            >Everything seems to go in slow motion as you watch her magic claws rip across his chest and sends him onto his back.

                                            >Even Chrysalis is shocked at her actions.

                                            >"No no NO!" she screams as she goes over and kneels by him.

                                            >Growling, she turns to face Anonymous and Sunset.

                                            >"This is all *your* fault Witcher!" she says lighting her hand on fire.

                                            >He casts Quen around him and Sunset as a fire whip crashes into their barrier. Using her own skill in the sign, Sunset tries her best to reinforce it.

                                            "SHINING!" you cry out trying to crawl over to him.

                                            >"Twi...Twily...run..." he weakly says before passing out.

                                            >Thoughts of your brother dying here and now drive you to the brink.

                                            >Anon can't help you.

                                            >Sunset can't help you.

                                            >No one can help you.

                                            >"Twilight!" Sunset cries out as Chrysalis continues to smash the Quen barrier.

                                            [She can't live...]

                                            >An epiphany comes to you.

                                            >Picking up your magic-o-meter, you stare into it.

                                            >The object you build pulses with magical energy stored inside.

                                            [You know what to do...]

                                            >Looking back at Sunset and Anon, the person who showed you the magic of friendship locks into your gaze and her eyes widen in shock.

                                            [Chrysalis needs to die...]

                                            >"Twilight don't! Don't do it!" she pleads.

                                            [It's the only way to save everyone...]

                                            >Firming your resolve, you struggle and get to your feet.

                                            "Chrysalis..."

                                            >"Hmm?" she growls out. “Please, is little Twily going to try and fight me now?”

                                            >This is the only way to save your friends, your family.

                                            [She needs to die...]

                                            "She needs to die..."

                                            >Holding out the magic-o-meter, you open it.

                                            >"Twilight NO!"

                                            >A large shockwave sends everyone back followed by a bright light.

                                            >As everyone covers their eyes, suddenly everything turns to Midnight.


                                            ----- 53 -----


                                            >The shock wave coming from Twilight breaks through your's and Sunset's combined Quen sign.

                                            >Your medallion is tugging at its chain violently alerting you of just how strong the magical release is.

                                            >Even Chrysalis can't help but watch in awe as Twilight's undergoes a transformation with the help from the stored magical energy from her amulet.

                                            "Sunset what the hell is happening?!" you say holding Sunset close.

                                            >"Twilight's being overwhelmed by the magic! That's the form she took at the Friendship Games!"

                                            "You've got to be kidding me..." you mutter.

                                            >Grabbing the broken sword Chrysalis broke, you try getting up only to fall to your knee.

                                            >"Anon!" Sunset says grabbing you.

                                            >A wave of darkness wraps around Twilight like a cocoon. Smaller magical shockwaves buffet you, Sunset and Chrysalis keeping you three focused on maintaining your balance.

                                            >Suddenly two raven colored wings burst from the cocoon as the remains shred and vanish into the aether.

                                            >Her attire is replaced by a more risque corset and skirt, the tone of her skin is darker and

                                            >Lifting her head up,  two flaming rings frame her eyes and a gnarled glowing horn materializes at the center of her forehead.

                                            >"Twilight..." Sunset says.

                                            >Twilight snaps open her eyes and bares a smile that unnerves even you.

                                            >"Hello Sunset." she says tilting her head. "And hello Chrysalis."

                                            >Chrysalis growls, "Wings or not you're still no ma-"

                                            >The succubus doesn't even get the chance to finish her sentence as Twilight fires a beam of blue energy from her palm into her.

                                            >She crumples to the ground a short distance away as Twilight floats down to the floor.

                                            >Her wings tuck inwards as she walks by ignoring you and Sunset and kneels over her brother.

                                            >Picking him up in her arms with ease despite her frail frame she leans in and whispers into his ear. "Shining, it's going to be okay."

                                            >Extending her hand forward a blue beam shoots out and tears a rift into the fabric of space.

                                            >A portal materializes and the view inside clears up to what looks like to be a... hospital?

                                            >Not just any hospital, the one where Cadance is located.

                                            >Police officers outside the building look in shock as Twilight walks towards the portal with her brother in her arms.

                                            >Entering the portal. she sets him down gently onto the concrete she walks back into the room just when the officers outside regain their wits.

                                            >With a wave of her hand the portal closes as they draw their weapons.

                                            >"Now that that's done. It's time to settle a score." she says with a smirk.

                                            >Chrysalis groans and places her a hand on her head.

                                            >"What happened?"

                                            >Looming over Chrysalis, Twilight places a heel onto her back and begins applying pressure.

                                            >"Gaaaahahhaaa!" Chrysalis screams.

                                            >"Doesn't feel so good does it bitch?" she says. "Causing pain and suffering..."

                                            >Pointing her finger at the succubus's shoulder, a laser drills into her flesh as she lets out another piercing scream.

                                            >Twilight laughs, "I'm just testing to see how durable your body is to a laser!"

                                            >Chrysalis breathes heavily, not even focusing on Twilight's comments.

                                            >"Even I don't know how long it'll take to fully burn through, but isn't that EXCITING?!"

                                            "This isn't Twilight. She's just drawing this out."

                                            >"Twilight's not in control, not fully. Whatever happened, it drives her to become selfish, evil, and almost insane." Sunset answers.

                                            "How did you stop it last time?"

                                            >"I used her magic device with the help of our friends and magic of friendship to convince her to stop."

                                            >Glancing at the spot Twilight was originally at, you see the shattered fragments of the magic-o-meter on the ground.

                                            "Well that's not an option anymore, what else do we got?"

                                            >"I... I don't know. We don't even have Spike to help snap her out of it like last time."

                                            "Great. You sirens have any-"

                                            >You look around and finally notice the three girls are gone.

                                            >Dammit, they must have slipped out when you weren't looking.

                                            >"Anon, what do we do?" she asks full of worry.

                                            "Sunset, in my career I've seen a lot of weird shit. But nothing compares to what this is. All we can do right now is wait for some opportunity to stop this."

                                            >"She's going to kill Chrysalis..."

                                            "I know."

                                            >"But what about after?"

                                            "..."

                                            >Gritting your teeth, you watch as Twilight tortures her opponent with more beams of light.

                                            >Hahaha! Let's see what happens when all the bone marrow in your left arm is gone!"

                                            >Tears in her eyes, Chrysalis roars.

                                            >Rolling onto her side, she forms an orb of fire in her hands and throws it into Twilight's face.

                                            >Recoiling, Twilight staggers a few steps back giving enough time for Chrysalis to jump up.

                                            >Enveloping both her hands in fire, she grits her teeth.

                                            >"Hehehehe..." Twilight laughs. "Hehehahhahaha!"

                                            >Lowering her hands from her face, Twilight continues to have that manic grin.

                                            >"You brat. Learn your place!" the succubus shouts.

                                            >Swinging her arms two fire whips lash out at Twilight.

                                            >Unfurling her wings, Twilight dodges to the left and right, easily avoiding the attacks.

                                            >"Boss!" you hear coming from the entrance. "Sorry we're late we just had to-"

                                            >Eight armed men run up behind Chrysalis and pause when they see Twilight. "What the hell is that?" one the men asks.

                                            >"Don't just stand there! Shoot her!" Chrysalis orders.

                                            >Pulling their guns up, they each pull the triggers on their weapons and unleash a volley of bullets.

                                            >"TWILIGHT!" Sunset screams.

                                            >"Pitiful." Twilight simply says.

                                            >Twilight summons a portal right in front of her sending all the bullets into a void with one of her arms.

                                            >With the other, she fires a laser right behind the succubus and her men.

                                            >A portal materializes behind them as the bullets that were just teleported moments before reappear and tear through each individual.

                                            >Chrysalis luckily gets grazed in the arm and side, but her most of her men aren't so lucky.

                                            >Twilight can't help but let out a mirthful giggle.

                                            >"It'll take more than that Chrysi." she grins.

                                            "Was Twilight able to do this during the Friendship Games?"

                                            >"Not to this magnitude. It's scaring me, she's acting more unstable than she was then and she somehow still has access to summoning rifts in time and space!"

                                            "What do you mean?"

                                            >"We thought that her evil form only had the ability to summon portals because she drained the portal to Equestria."

                                            "But with that logic she would have only drained the Iron Will's stoneclad ability and a small portion of Chrysalis's own power."

                                            >Sunset looks to you, "That's why this makes no sense!"

                                            >One of the downed men groans in pain and rolls over, still bleeding but still just barely alive.

                                            >"Oh now we can't have that." Twilight says like she's talking to an infant.

                                            >With a flick of her wrist, she summons another tear underneath the bodies.

                                            >Realizing the danger, Chrysalis and a few of her followers leap out of the way just in time.

                                            >"Anon, look..." Sunset says pointing.

                                            >You follow Sunset's finger. In the portal is an overhead view of a deep turquoise colored lake with a plume of white smoke.

                                            "That's... not good."

                                            >"Gah AH AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" the man screams as he plummets through the portal as Twilight closes it behind him.

                                            >"Twilight where did you send them?" Sunset asks.

                                            >"Oh I just sent him to a very interesting place. You might have noticed the color of the water? That's caused by an inflow of hydrothermal waters charged with gases from a hot magma chamber below. As a result the lake itself has a measured pH as low as 0.5!"

                                            >"What the hell does that mean?" Chrysalis demands.

                                            "It means she just dropped them into a highly acidic lake." you answer bluntly.

                                            >Sunset and Chrysalis gulp.

                                            >"Very good!" Twilight claps. "Someone knows their chemistry!"

                                            >Holding her hands up, Chrysalis surrenders.

                                            >"Okay... Twi- Twilight... you win. I'll leave your brother and friends alone. Just let me go..."

                                            >Twilight's smile immediately vanishes.

                                            >"Oh no, this isn't a fight you're going to walk away from. Though I just want to give you a taste of what I can do now."

                                            >Raising both her hands into the air, she charges up a large ball of energy and slams it into the ground.

                                            >The floor beneath you cracks like glass as you, Sunset, Chrysalis and her surviving men fall through the newly opened rift as Twilight laughs and flies in after you.

                                            >"TwiliiIIIIIIIIIIHTTTTTTTTT!" Sunset screams as you grab her close.

                                            >Shielding her, you land on the hard ground with a thud as her weight slams into you.

                                            "UGH!"

                                            >"Anon I'm so sor-"

                                            "It's fine..." you say.

                                            >Sunset tries to apologize again before her words die in her throat.

                                            >You scan your surrounds to determine where the hell you are.

                                            >Standing, you take in the sight.

                                            >What lies before you is a vast desert landscape unlike any you've ever seen.

                                            >Craggy mountains envelop the view with desert plants sprouting the land, but what amazes you is the alien moon in the distance.

                                            >Well, moon might be an understatement here.

                                            >"A-Anon, where are we?"

                                            "I... I don't know. It reminds me of the Korath desert but the terrain is nothing like it is there."

                                            >Where the hell is Twilight getting this power?

                                            >Something of this magnitude shouldn't even be possible.

                                            >"My my my. So this is what other worlds look like?" Twilight comments almost amused. "I'll admit, it's not what I had in mind but it sort of reminds me of one of those Hyperspace Hyperwars campaigns Shining and I like to play."

                                            >Twilight cackles as she rambles on about tabletop games.

                                            >You grimace, her sanity is really deteriorating the longer she stays like this.

                                            >A plan to bring her back needs to come quickly.

                                            >Her wings flap as she admires the sights around her when you hear a groaning noise.

                                            >Looking over to your right, you see the succubus and her goons getting up.

                                            >As soon as she opens her eyes, Chrysalis's jaw drops.

                                            >"What... where the hell is this?!"

                                            >"Oh Chrysalis, you're still here!" Twilight says happily.

                                            >Suddenly tremors in the ground almost knock you off balance.

                                            >Sunset holds onto you as you feel the vibrations in the earth below your feet.

                                            >Something's coming from underground.

                                            >"It looks like we're about to have company!" Twilight says in a singsong voice.

                                            >You spot a rocky outcropping and drag Sunset along with you.

                                            "C'mon get on that rock."

                                            >With some assistance, you both climb up as something bursts out of the ground.

                                            >What appears to be a giant crab with a teal carapace tackles one of Chrysalis's men and raises a claw.

                                            >He screams in pain as the appendage impales him in the chest, in his death throes he pulls the trigger to his gun and fires shots randomly into the air.

                                            "Oh boy..."

                                            >"What?" Sunset asks panicking.

                                            "That's probably going to attract attention."

                                            >Chrysalis's remaining men fire at the crab, killing it in a barrage of gunfire.

                                            >"That wasn't so tou-"

                                            >He's interrupted by several more crabs as they leap out of the earth and rush the dopplers. They try to hold their own but there are just too many.

                                            >To your dismay, a few of the sandcrabs notice you and Sunset and begin crawling towards you.

                                            "Sunset, keep them away!" you order her, using the Aard sign to repel the nearest crab back.

                                            >Sunset uses Igni to send a crab staggering back as the front of its claws smoulder.

                                            >With your combined efforts, the sandcrabs are discouraged and move onto the easier prey.

                                            >Chrysalis slices a crab clean in half with her fire whip only to watch as the rest of her men get eaten or dragged under.

                                            >A crab burrows under her leg causing Chrysalis to lose balance.

                                            >Taking that as it’s opportunity, the creature digs it's pincers into her thigh.

                                            >”GAH!” she screams.

                                            >"Well, I think that's enough of that."

                                            >With a blast from her palm, the sandcrab gripping Chrysalis disintegrates allowing her to retreat to higher ground.

                                            >Chuckling at the succubus's expense, Twilight summons a new portal underneath the each of you sending you back into the chamber of Iron Will's lair.

                                            >Landing face first onto the ground, you roll over in pain.

                                            >Your bandages are soaked in dried blood and your weapon is broken in half.

                                            >All in all, you've had better days.

                                            "Sunset? You okay?"

                                            >She groans, but lifts her head, "Mostly... I'm starting to hate portals..."

                                            >"I'm done playing around now Chrysalis." Twilight states. "How do you want to die?"

                                            >Dropping all pretense of being brave Chrysalis turns and tries to run but Twilight quickly flies past her and kicks her back.

                                            >"Didn't I just say you're not going to walk away from this? It doesn't seem like you're a good a listener Chrysi..."

                                            >Looming over her defeated opponent, Twilight aims her palm right at her above her head.

                                            >A portal to that desert wasteland reappears, this time well above the feeding frenzy of the sandcrabs.

                                            >Twilight grabs the portal and pulls it over Chrysalis's upper torso, leaving half her body hanging above the crabs.

                                            >"N-NO STOP PLEASE!" she begs.

                                            >Twilight gives her a cruel smirk.

                                            "Twilight! STOP!" you bark out trying to stop her.

                                            >Without even looking at you, Twilight blasts you back into the wall.

                                            >Clenching her fist the portal snaps closed taking Chrysalis's upper torso with it.

                                            >Blood begins pouring out her spasming lower torso before it falls limp.

                                            >Brushing her hands off like she just took out the trash, Twilight looks around the room until she spots you and Sunset.

                                            >"Uh oh..."

                                            >You follow Twilight's gaze to your sword hand and glare at her.

                                            >Taking a step back, you shield Sunset behind you, however futile that would be against a teleport spamming opponent.

                                            >"Now we come back to the Witcher." she says tilting her head.

                                            >Your medallion continues to vibrate as Twilight walks closer and closer.

                                            >There's no feasible way for you to fight her.

                                            >A broken sword, injured and barely mobile, no bombs or potions.

                                            >Signs won't be effective as her portals easily bypass most of them.

                                            >Of all the things Twilight could have done...

                                            >"Now that we're alone. I just want to ask you a few questions about the rest of your kind."

                                            "Twilight what are yo-hurk!"

                                            >Lunging with one arm, Twilight grabs you by the neck and slams you into the wall.

                                            >"Twilight stop please!" Sunset pleads.

                                            >"Now that I have this power, I can learn why my Grandfather died on *my* terms and no one else's!"

                                            >Raising you a good foot off the ground Twilight's pupils shrink even further.

                                            >"So talk Anon. Where are the other Witchers? From just how long you all live one of you must know the culprit and if not? You'll tell me of any place they gather..."

                                            >You gasp for breath as she clenches her grip around your esophagus.

                                            >"TWILIGHT!" Sunset yells out.

                                            >Twilight rolls her eyes and glances at Sunset. "Oh what do you wa-"

                                            >"Put. Him. Down." she orders aiming the gun in her hands at her friend.


                                            >Scowling, the winged humanoid releases Anon and floats towards you.

                                            >"Are you really going to shoot me? Your friend who just saved your life?"

                                            "No, that was just to get your attention." you answer, dropping the gun. "Twilight this isn't like you. Look at yourself you're being overwhelmed by magic again."

                                            >"Sun...set...!" Anon tries to cry out.

                                            >Looking at her hands, Twilight frowns and her eye momentarily become normal again.

                                            >”Nnh… n-no… I… I...” she retorts and shakes her head. "With this power I was able to save us all."

                                            >Twilight struggles to keep her composure as her eyes flash between her normal and crazed ones.

                                            >You walk up to her and take her hands in your own.

                                            "I know, and I'm thankful for that. But you staying like this is only going to cause trouble in the long run. I know you want to understand magic but this isn't the way."

                                            >Anon rises to his feet, tightening his grip on the broken sword in his hand but you shake your head.

                                            >Nodding, Anon stands down.

                                            "Think about Spike, our friends, Dean Cadance and your brother. Do you think they'd want to see like this?"

                                            >Magical energy gathers around you as you feel your body ponying up.

                                            >Even Anon looks a bit surprised at this.

                                            "Let's go home Twi."

                                            >Bringing Twilight into a hug, she lets out a tear.

                                            >Your friend goes deep into thought.

                                            >"N...no. I... I can't."

                                            "You're stronger than the magic. You can control it and not control you. We've gone through this once before you can do it again. I'm with you all the way."

                                            >Twilight pulls away when a sudden pang in her head causes her to collapse to her knees.

                                            "Twilight!"

                                            >Peeking one eye open it flashes between her normal and crazed forms.

                                            >"S-stay back!" she warns holding hand out to you.

                                            >Gripping the sides of her head Twilight staggers to the center of the room, magical energy radiating from her body.

                                            >More shockwaves pulse from her form and smash into the other support pillars surrounding the room.

                                            >Letting out a piercing scream all the stored magical energy releases at once and tosses both you and Anon off your feet.

                                            >All the lights explode from Twilight's cry as a beam of light blasts through the roof.

                                            >When the dust finally settles, Twilight lies prone on the ground in her normal form.

                                            >You're still glowing with energy but Anon looks barely able to move anymore.

                                            "Anon are you still there?" you say slapping his cheek.

                                            >He grabs your wrist, "Yes. Stop it."

                                            >You let out a sigh of relief.

                                            >"Is it over?" Anon asks.

                                            "I think so. Twilight's reverted back to normal."

                                            >"Good." he replies sitting up. "Get her and let's get out of here."

                                            >Helping him up, you go to Twilight and lift her upright.

                                            >"Ugh... what... what happened? I’ve got a monster headache..."

                                            "You don't remember?"

                                            >"It'll probably come back to me but my head really really hurts right now." she says rubbing her temple. "Hey, why are you glowing?"

                                            >Yep, looks like she's back to normal.

                                            >She looks around the room when her eyes spot the remains of Chrysalis.

                                            >”I-I remember now... n-n-no no nononono!” she gasps. "I did that? Oh god I did that!"

                                            >You and Sunset share a concerned look as Twilight starts hyperventilating.

                                            >Suddenly her eyes begin to glow with a bright intenstity.

                                            >"Twilight calm down!" Sunset begs. "Please! It's alright you're safe!"

                                            "Sunset, we need to get her out of her-"

                                            >*CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP*

                                            >"Bravo you three, bravo." a voice says over a loudspeaker.

                                            >It's that mysterious man from earlier.

                                            >"I was watching the entire thing on the security cameras. A shame about Iron Will and dear Chrysi but I think the end results were worth it."

                                            >Twilight's glow subsides as you try to comfort her.

                                            >The man continues to speak, although it's clear his voice is irritating Anon.

                                            >"Twilight you continue to amaze me, I honestly thought when you made a device that created portals I thought that was simply that. But *you* being the one to create the portals? I think I know someone who would very much like this revelation."

                                            >You and Anon share a look of utter contempt.

                                            >"Well, with this hideout being compromised and all there really doesn't seem to be a need to keep it up anymore."

                                            >"You're planning on blowing up the hideout?"

                                            >"What? No. I'm just sending my cleanup crews. This ain't the movies kid, even I don't have the capital to just blow up any base on a whim."

                                            >"But you're still going to pursue them aren't you."

                                            >"No, once I hand this data to my associate he's probably going to want me to stay out of the way. He doesn't like to share, which is fine by me because now I have to restructure a couple things thanks to you three."

                                            >The man chuckles, "This will probably be the last time in a very good long while we'll talk to one another, assuming you all are still alive. Goodbye Witcher, Miss Shimmer and Sparkle."

                                            >A brief silence dawns over all of you as the foundation for the cave shakes.

                                            >Anon drops the broken sword in his hand and limps out of the hideout.

                                            >Helping Twilight, the three of you walk out of the underground base. Dead bodies lay everywhere from the firefight earlier.

                                            >You can tell Anon isn't phased by this level of death, but it still disturbs you and Twilight.

                                            >"Do you think any survived?" Twilight asks.

                                            >"Don't know, don't care."

                                            >Exiting the mouth of the cave a loud boom is heard from inside as a large dust cloud shoots out the entrance.

                                            >Slumping down next to a wooden crate, Anon sighs.

                                            >"What a fucking day."

                                            "I know, I just want to get home and take a nice long shower."

                                            >"I just want to check up on my brother and Cadance."

                                            >"Can any of two call a cab? I'm really in no condition to be walking all the way back to town."

                                            "Thankfully it looks like my phone still works."

                                            >"I'm sorry." Twilight apologizes. "I messed up again."

                                            "Twilight. Don't worry about it."

                                            >"But-"

                                            >Anon silences her with a gesture.

                                            >"You good? Are you in control?"

                                            >She looks down at her outstretched palms before clenching them a nodding.

                                            >"You have friends. They're willing to help you, let them and focus on the present."

                                            >Light peers over the mountain as your transformation reverts itself.

                                            >It's hard to believe you were out all night.

                                            >"Be dawning soon. Time to go." Anon says.

                                            >Getting up you hail a cab with your cellphone.


                                            >After dropping Twilight off at the hospital. Anon refused to even bother seeing a medical professional despite your protests.

                                            >You learned that Dean Cadance's condition is stable though she'll have to stay in a wheelchair, at least for now.

                                            >And because of Twilight's quick actions, her brother was able to be rushed into the ER in time.

                                            >He hasn't woken up, but Anon is convinced he's going to be seeing him soon after he does.

                                            >Though there were still a lot of questions being asked on the strange winged figure that brought him there.

                                            >No one could really explain what was happening, though you, Twilight and Anon knew better than to say anything.

                                            >Some of Shining's fellow officers are calling Twilight his guardian angel. Something Twilight couldn't help but smile at.

                                            >You did however alert the police to a possible organized crime hideout at the quarry.

                                            >Anonymously of course.

                                            >Though when they finally got there, the cave had already collapsed in on itself. It'll take time for the police to organize a dig, but it seems that whatever the cleaners did they did it quick.

                                            >And you have no idea where Adagio, Aria and Sonata went. Though Anon has a feeling that you'll be seeing them again.

                                            >Overall though, you're just glad that that's all over.


                                            >"So, we never did finish that discussion." he says walking up the path to the Sweet Apple Acres home.

                                            "You're going to have to refresh my memory."

                                            >"Still need ideas on what to do for a date with Applejack."

                                            "That's what you're concerned about?"

                                            >He shrugs, "Nothing I can do about that mystery man now."

                                            >Sighing, you know he's probably right.

                                            >"You did good tonight Sunset."

                                            >You're left stunned as Anon continues up the path when a genuine smile spreads across your face.

                                            "What is this? Is Anon giving me a compliment?" you say with a cheeky grin.

                                            >"Don't ruin it. But I mean it, you messed up big inside the hideout but I think you managed to redeem yourself somewhat at the end."

                                            "That sounds normal." you huff.

                                            >Anon places a hand on your shoulder, "But thanks for the rescue."

                                            >"We're going to need to keep an eye on Twilight though. I'm don't like the idea of having the risk of her transforming again."

                                            >Quickly though the smile vanishes as his comment reminds you of something the mysterious man said earlier.

                                            "Anon. We need to talk."

                                            >"Is it about the contract?" he says not facing you.

                                            "Yes."

                                            >"You don't have to keep training to be a Witcher anymore. You're life wasn't the one on the line."

                                            "... I know. It also means you were wasting your time with me."

                                            >"Eh, I wouldn't say that you were a waste of time." he says. "Sure it got frustrating but it was a nice change of pace."

                                            >He droops his shoulders though and places his hands into his pockets.

                                            >You know what he’s thinking. After these few weeks it doesn’t need to be said at what Anon’s getting at.

                                            "There's no reason for you to leave. You've still made friends here."

                                            >"..."

                                            >The two of you both stand in silence.

                                            >"Sunset, it's up to you. I'm not forcing you to do anything."

                                            "I... I want to learn still."

                                            >A large part of you still want to be able to protect your friends even though you'll never be as good as real Witcher like Anon.

                                            >"Are you sure?" he asks turning towards you.

                                            >You hesitate at first, but nod your head with a determined expression.

                                            >"Alright then, we'll continue lessons in a couple days. I'm way too beat up to really do anything right now, but I'll heal quickly."

                                            >Beaming you catch up to him.

                                            >Walking with Anon up the front steps he goes to knock on the door when suddenly it swings open and a body tackles Anon to the ground.

                                            >Wearing nothing but a oversized plaid shirt and panties, Applejack straddles Anon and hugs him.

                                            >"ANON! SUNSET! Y'ALL HAD ME SO GOSH DARN WORRIED!" Applejack shouts in his face. "Just what in tarnation got you so bruised up?! Ya look like someone did a number on you."

                                            >"Urg... Hey AJ..." he mutters.

                                            >"When Sunset told me someone kidnapped ya ah thought ah would never see you again!" she says crying into his chest. "Don't you ever scare me like that!"

                                            >Bringing his head close, Applejack gives Anon a deep kiss.

                                            >Blushing, you avert your eyes.

                                            >"And YOU!" Applejack says pointing at you. "Don't you think ah forgot how you hung up on me earlier!"

                                            "Um... Applejack everything turned out okay didn't it?"

                                            >"Why I oughta..." she says rolling her sleeves up.

                                            >Suddenly, she halts mid step before going redfaced. Lowering her hat, she takes a few steps back clenching her thighs together.

                                            >"Uh... ah'll be right back." she says embarrassed.

                                            >About-facing, she waddles as fast as she can into the house you hear a door slam inside.

                                            "What was that about?"

                                            >"If I had to guess? It's her time of the month." he answers sitting up.

                                            "How do you know?"

                                            >Anon simply points to his nose.

                                            >Right. Enhanced senses.

                                            >He also looks down at his waist and scowls.

                                            >Gross.

                                            "..."

                                            >"Never speak of this to anyone." he threatens.

                                            "Yeah..."

                                            >Letting out a deep sigh, you frown.

                                            >Maybe you *should* have brought Applejack...

                                            -----