>>273981
>>273961
"So what's your plan now, Aldreda?"
>"''I'll keep guard. Hopefully we'll see their leader tomorrow.''"
"Do you plan on killing him, or her?"
>"''No. If the tiny one is anything to go by, these bats are not worth the bloodshed. These bats are bottom-feeders. Only a threat because of their numbers..''"
"Alright, so how do you guys feel about monster hunting?"
=="Monster hunting? Ah, wouldn't it be easier to just get Franziska to let them move out? We'd be doing our job, and get this over with."==
>"''Would not solve the problem though, only delay it. Monster might get braver if the bats moves out.''"
=="But that's not our job. Our job was to get rid of the bats."==
>"''Anon wants to finish what we started, and I agree.''"
=="Oh gimme a break. Fine! But if we're gonna run around in the winter woods looking for monsters, I need to take a letter to Franziska. Blitzen!"==
"What do you want with Franziska?"
=="I'm not gonna shit myself, going monster hunting without getting nice and drunk first. Those Germaneian 'geniuses better have developed a way to send booze over."==
"Fair enough, if we're going out there, it wouldn't hurt to have a little something something to warm our bellies."

"So!"
>you clapped your hands to get the attention of the bats and deathsquad
"Ready to go monster hunting?"
>the bats stomped their hooves in agreement, the deathsquad was less enthusiastic, but didn't protest


>you took this quiet to rest your head, and get some shuteye
>as you woke up, you grabbed your gear, helped some of the bat ponies put back some of the tents before moving out
>once out, some of the bats climbed the bell tower of the local church to scout ahead for other bats, while some set up camp fires to keep warm
>Red took some of them with her to go raid some booze from the local houses, arguing as long as no machinery was damaged, they still didn't break the contract
>eventually the mare returned, and sat down next to you, sharing a blanket, and a bottle of what smelled like schnapps
>as you sat there for a while, eventually you heard squeaks from the scouting bat on top of the church
>and that could only mean one thing

>you got up, along with the rest of the bats, as Aldreda took point
>a large'ish stallion approached, with the batty bat behind him, along with a small gathering of 12 or so bat ponies following his lead

>Aldreda walked forward
>the two eyed each other for a good minute before the stallion spoke
>"I heard you wanted to see me."
>"''Yes. You're leaving this city, one way or the other.''"
>"So I take it my daughter told you about the best?"
>"''Yes.''"
>"So you know we can't go back."
>"''Staying here is death. If I wasn't sent in to deal with you, the Germaneians would.''"
>"Staying in the forest is death as well."
>"''I know. Which is why I will find your monster and kill it.''"
>"Wait what? Seriously?"
>"''Your clan is weak, we came here expecting a real fight, not slaughter. Some of my bats feel bad about fighting such inexperienced bottom feeders.''"
>you could see the stallion wanted to say something, but was wise enough to hold his tounge
>"I know the rules as well as any bat. What do you wish for in return?"
>"''There is nothing you can give me.''"
>"But that's unheard of.. There must be something."
>"''Well think of something, before I decide to get rid of you the easy way.''"
>"Very well. We will guide you to the location it was last believed to be."
>what do?