Hunter In Equestria: Chapter 5

Three months had passed since the welcoming party. You and Rainbow had patched things up with each other, so now you weren't at the others throat every day. Simple misunderstandings were the easiest to fix.

Rarity still refused to speak to you in anything short of a condescending manner. As a result, you wouldn't deal with her.

You, meanwhile, had picked up a job or two. One that lasted you roughly a month was working with AJ on the farm. Something always needed doing, whether it was applebucking or equipment repair or herding. Due to your naturally dexterous fingers, you were better at fixing the things that broke than they were. Herding also wasn't that bad, you were big and imposing, thus you forced animals to go where you wanted. Simple.

Applebucking...wasn't easy on you, but you could do it. The first day you had nearly dislocated your shoulder after finding out that shoulder-checking the tree was the easiest way for you to knock the fruit loose. Your kicks didn't have enough force, and it would take too long to climb up and pick them all.

That work sort of dried up when the colder weather came.

The other job was going into the Everfree Forest for rare commodities. You were the only one, besides the strange Zecora, willing to actually go in there on a regular basis. You brought back plants and rare materials, also encountering Poison Joke for the first time.

It was a goddamn nightmare. It was if you were coated in ice; everything you tried to grab slipped from your grip, every time you took a step you slid...it seemed that despite your nigh-immunity to magic, Poison Joke still affected you. You supposed because it was the spores from the plant, not actual magic. Didn't make it any less irritating. That day, you decided to go to the Apple farm and ask for the day off, not sure exactly what had happened.

Applejack let you off for the day and told you to seek out Zecora, who in turn helped you out. She took no payment, nor did she take any help from you. She simply told you, in her rhymey way, that seeing something like you was reward enough. You didn't exactly know what that meant, but you thanked her regardless and left.

You had also decided to stop mooching off of Twilight, moving out to get your own home. As everything besides the library was simply too small to house you, you went to the outskirts of the Everfree Forest and began cutting trees down. Nopony stopped you for two reasons.

A: You were outside of Ponyville borders, so they really didn't care.
B: You were on the edge of the forest, so they REALLY didn't care. In the words of Mayor Mare's assistant: "It's your funeral."

It was roughly a month before you had a log cabin put together. The interior was roomy and cozy, the natural insulation of tree bark easily keeping the residual heat in. You would have to buy and install a door and windows, which you easily had the bits for, even despite the custom order for the door. You decided to let someone else install the windows, simply because the last time you tried, you shattered said window into a million invisible shards. You were certain at least three were still stuck in your feet somewhere.

You also had built a kitchen area and a fireplace in the living area. It would take a good few bits to furnish, but most of it could wait. You only truly needed a bed, which would be the most expensive due to the custom order you would have to place.

There was only one place you could do that though. Rarity's. Heaving a heavy sigh, you began the trek to Rarity's Boutique.

--

It took roughly an hour to get to Ponyville from where you were, but you didn't mind. Clear skies, still warm for as late in the year as it was. Leaves were beginning to turn orange, which would signal Autumn's arrival from where you were. You weren't sure if they had a similar name for it, but going from your experience, they probably did. Probably some equine-based pun wrapped in it too.

Your trek landed you in what you deemed to be the shopping center of Ponyville. The ponies were still slightly nervous around you, but had mostly come to accept you. A few rowdy stallions aside, there had been no problems.

Speaking of...

"Hey, hue-man!" A high-pitched but definitely male voice called. There was a hint of false anger, as if he was about to do something he really didn't want to.

Apparently, today was just one of *those* days. You heaved a heavy sigh, before turning around. Now that you took a look...

Yeah, definitely male. Pegasus, red coat. Cutie mark of a ball of yarn...knitting related...? You chuckled out loud, which only made his glare intensify.

A few ponies stopped what they were doing to watch, though most ignored the shout. Apparently, they had expected something like this.

"What?" You answered in a bored tone. You were really not in the mood today. You already had to go visit a pony who pretty much outright hated you, but apparently the gods felt it necessary to throw something else in to piss you off.

"What's a freak of nature doing here? This place is for PONIES, not for whatever the buck it is you are!" Came the weak and almost forced insult.

You rolled your eyes. You saw a mare standing back a bit behind him, cheering him on, and your mind made the connection.

"Listen, buddy. I get it, you're trying to impress your girlfriend. Why don't you just back off before you embarrass yourself?" Dammit, you were trying to defuse this before you put this guy in the hospital. Why they didn't quit was beyond you...you guess they kept forgetting you had taken down things 5 times *your* size, let alone theirs.

"You think you can take me!?"

"I don't think so." He started to cheer before you cut him off. "I know so."

His wings flared out in anger. You noticed that pegasus wings did that when under strong emotion of any kind, not just arousal. Now you had pissed him off, and if you knew pegusai like him, he'd come a-swingin'. He didn't disappoint, in that regard.

He took off like a bullet, flying straight at you. Unfortunately for him, his take off was strong...but his follow through wasn't. He pulled a hoof back as he got close, and swung...hitting empty air as you ducked under the hapless sap. You figured you wouldn't lay a hand on him, and instead embarrass him in another way.

He came back around and swiped low, which you jumped over. As he flew past you, he lashed out with his back legs, which you dodged by sheer dumb luck alone. THAT one you hadn't seen coming...and that would have hurt BAD had it hit you.

You kept your eyes on him, and everyone in the square had their eyes locked on the fight. Stupid ponies and their lack of law enforcement!

Once more, he made a fast pass at you. This time, he veered off to the right and struck you dead on in the shoulder. Pain lanced off from the joint, but you suppressed the grunt of pain. For this to work, you had to seem like it didn't hurt. This problem solved itself though.

The pegasus was getting tired, you could see it in the way he was moving. The fancy swooping maneuvers he was making were wasteful, and he was paying for it. His next pass was sloppy and slow, which allowed you to leisurely sidestep it. He finally ran out of juice and crashed to the ground, panting. You didn't even dignify him with a witty line, you just continued on your way.
--

Carousel Boutique. You truly disliked this place for one reason: Rarity. Sweetie Belle was fine by you, she had meant no actual harm by her prank three months ago. You got along with Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo rather well, even walking them to school once or twice at Applejack's request. She had been busy that morning helping Big Mac with...something, you couldn't remember.

You were still curious as to where Scootaloo lived, as you had picked her up with Sweetie Belle. The little pegasus always dodged the question though, and you didn't pry. If she wanted to tell you, she would. Simple as.

You shook your head.

"Focus Anon, you're here for a reason." You chided yourself out loud. You rung the door bell, setting off the chime all throughout the house.

"Coooooome iiiiiiiin~!" Rarity sung. You doubted she'd be as sing-songy when she saw exactly who it was at her door.

You opened the door and stepped in, setting off the small chime. "I'm in the other room, I'll be with you shortly!"

You waited patiently, when you heard hoof-steps approach. The snow-white unicorn came around the corner.

"Welcome to the Carousel Bou-You again?! What do you want?" Mood whiplash ahoy.

"Well, I need some measurements for a bed, clothes, and curtains, so I figured I'd come see you. Who else does it better, after all?" You were laying it on thick for her sake, because you honestly didn't feel like fighting with her. To be fair, you had only met three times in total before this. Once outside of the forest, once when she called you an 'uncouth beast', and once in the market when she completely ignored you and spoke to Twilight instead.

You could tell she forcibly suppressed a smile at your compliment, intent on acting irritated just for you. Touching, really.

"Hmm. Alright, I suppose just this once. Follow me." She went back into the room she had came from earlier, and you followed. Cloth was everywhere, and she covered up a dress she was working on.

"Stand here, please." She motioned to a spot in front of her. You stood there, and her magic lifted a tape measure to you. She jotted down a few notes. "Lift your arms straight out." You did so, and she made another few notes.

This continued for twenty or so minutes. A small bolt of magic would hit you now and again, and you assumed she was trying to cause discomfort on purpose. Thankful you were immune, you simply ignored it. She measured your waist, pulling the measuring tape too tight for comfort, before loosening it and taking the real measurement.

"Rarity, may I ask you something?"

"You just did, but I'll assume it wasn't that. Go ahead." The unicorn said, faking focus on her work.

"What did I do to offend you, exactly?"

She thought for a moment. "You've been nothing but a monster, sparking fights almost daily. I saw what happened in the square earlier today, and what happened the week before."

"So you saw that. You also must have seen the part where I didn't lay a damn finger on him." You growled. She hit you lightly on the nose with the tape measure.

"Watch the language. Sweetie Belle is upstairs doing her homework, and these floors are remarkably thin." She reprimanded. "That's another reason you offend me."

"So why are you helping me?" You asked, genuinely curious.

"It's in my nature. I am the Element of Generosity for a reason, I'll have you know." That last sentence came with a bit of haughty pride. You didn't know what an "Element" was in this context, but you assumed it was an important title. You'd ask Twilight later.

"I see. Well, thank you."

"Think nothing of it darling. Now hold still, I'm going to measure your inseam."
--

An hour later, you had lead Rarity to your new home. She had brought her measuring tape with her. Her reaction to the log cabin was...neutral, which didn't really surprise you. She had been very carefully neutral towards you today, and you were hoping you could keep it that way.

You had seen that someone had come by and installed your windows for you, leaving the bill taped to your door. You pulled it down, taking a look.

"Mmm, a hundred bits. Ouch. Still..." You looked around, the job expertly done. There were at least eight windows, so you supposed the price was fair. You had quite a few bits lying about from your frequent visits to Everfree, more than enough to cover the costs and still be okay. "Eh, that's fine."

Twilight also had a habit of giving you some money every time you came by. Apparently she had published a book on the interviews she had done with you, and told you they were for your help. Royalties, as it were. You had tried to find said book, but couldn't. Perhaps it was just that popular.

Rarity cleared her throat, bringing you back to the situation at hand. "Oh, right, sorry. Zoned out a bit."

You pointed to your windows. "I'd like curtains here," you pointed to the windows in the kitchen, "and over there but I'm honestly not sure what would match."

"Do you have any furniture?"

"Ah, no."

"Then I can't help you right now. After you get some furniture, come and see me. I'll see what I can do." The unicorn said, opening your door. "Now, if there isn't anything else, I'll be leaving."

"Uh, how much do I owe you?"

"I don't charge for measurements, darling. When you get your furniture and curtains, then we can talk price." She said, letting herself out. "Have a nice day, Anonymous." She gently shut the door (which you just realized was installed), and you sighed. At least that went better than you were expecting.
--

You walked back into Ponyville, just as night was falling. Ponies began either closing up their stalls or changing their inventory, while you walked on through. You made a beeline for the library, seeing Twilight on the balcony watching the stars. She wasn't lying when she said she did that from time to time.

The purple pony saw you out of the corner of her eye and smiled, beckoning you up to the balcony. You let yourself in with the key she had given you, locking the door behind you and going upstairs. You stepped onto the balcony and she turned to smile at you, trotting over to you and giving you a hug, one you returned.

"Hey Anon! How are you settling in?"

"I'm doing fine, thanks. Had Rarity give me some measurements." Twilight's ears perked up when you said that. "No, we didn't fight, if that's what you're going to ask. It was nice and professional."

"That's good! You seem to be settling into our community nicely." Her smile only widened as she said this. Any wider and it wouldn't fit on her head. You chuckled.

"Well, have an issue here or there with the locals, but nothing serious."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Some stallion in over his head, trying to impress his girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?"

"Uh, marefriend?"

"I don't follow."

"He was in love with this mare?"

"Oh, his special somepony."

Damn ponies and their godsbedamned specifics. "Yes, that. He was trying to impress her, and got himself embarrassed."

"You didn't hurt him, did you?" She asked, concerned.

"I hurt his pride, nothing more." You replied calmly. "I didn't lay a finger on him, but he got me once." You finally decided to check on your shoulder, which had bruised up a small amount. Not enough to be blatant, but enough to be noticeable. Twilight frowned.

"I don't know why ponies keep doing this to you. Still, not as bad as the last time." You shuddered, hand unconsciously going to the stitches on your chest. That time, you HAD put a pony in the hospital. It was either that, or you sincerely thought he was going to kill you. The spikes on his steel horseshoes kinda clued you in.

--
One Week Ago
--
You had been out at the main square after a long day cutting wood into shape for your home. It still wasn't *quite* finished, but it was close. It was mostly just trim around the door frame and walls, the house itself was functionally 'done'.

"Hey! You!"

"Hmm?" You turned, taking a bite out of an apple. AJ's family gave you a special discount, because they both liked you and you worked for them. Worked for you, so you never turned it down. Applejack herself was standing nearby, distracted from her customers by the loud stallion currently calling you out. She looked at you warily, and you waved her off to take care of her customers. She gave a visible shrug and did just that, still keeping an eye on you.

Orange coat, unicorn, bright blue shaggy mane. Had a sword for a cutie mark, probably an off-duty guard or something.

"You may have the others fooled, but I see through your tricks, demon!"

You blinked.

"I'm sorry...what?"

"You're just trying to lure everyone into a false sense of security! I'm here..." He stamped his hooves and blades popped out of his hoofshoes. "To send you back to Tartarus!"

You really tried not to laugh at his cheesy line, but then the seriousness of the situation sunk in.

"Hold on hold on, you think I'm from where?"

"Tartarus! The home of demons!"

You fell silent.

"So if I tell you I have no idea what Tartarus is, will you be upset?" You asked with a hint of a grin.

He just gave an aggravated growl. "ENOUGH GAMES!" He charged a spell and fired it at you. You simply stood still and let it hit you, well aware of your own immunity to magic. The bolt rolled over you, and you felt a little cocky. You simply yawned in response.

"I thought you said 'enough games'?" You mocked. "It seems like you're still playing around!"

He fired another bolt, which had much the same effect. The unicorn started firing wildly in anger after that, not caring about accuracy. Several bolts went past you and hit buildings, which told you to end this, now.

"Hey! Are you TRYING to hurt ponies that have nothing to do with this!?" You shouted, charging at him. A bolt flew over your shoulder and you heard a yelp of pain, which only fueled you to move faster. Now it was just a matter of time until someone got killed.

You slammed directly into him, tossing him bodily across the street. "That's enough!" You roared. The unicorn staggered to his feet, and rushed you. He fired another spell at you as he closed in, which had much the same effect as the others he had thrown at you. He then lashed out with a hoof, fully attempting to kill you.

You didn't bother dodging, your adrenaline pumping hard enough to shrug off anything short of lethal damage. The blade cut shallowly into your chest, simply drawing a growl of pain from you. Blood welled from the wound, but you didn't care.

You slugged him square across the jaw, and he staggered back. Pressing your advantage, you delivered an uppercut with a shout of "SHORYUKEN!" A tooth flew out of his jaw and he hit the floor, out cold. You turned around to see who had gotten hit, and your heart skipped a beat. Applejack took the magical bolt straight in the side, and she was on the floor. Her breathing was heavy and labored, and she had her eyes closed.

Your adrenaline still pumping, you lifted the orange earth pony and sprinted towards the hospital.

"Hang in there AJ, hold on..."

You made it in record time, shoulder-checking the door and stepping into the lobby.

"I need some help here!" You shouted, and doctors immediately swarmed you. One magically lowered Applejack onto a waiting stretcher and told you to wait in the lobby. A nurse, the same one you had seen the first time you had gotten here, gave you a cloth to press over your gash. The nametag in her hat read "Nurse Redheart", you'd be sure to remember that.

Somepony else had brought in the unicorn you knocked the fuck out, and the hospital took him in too. You made sure to let the staff know he was the reason Applejack was as injured as she was.

--
Present Day
--

Applejack was still in the hospital, and as a result, the farm had ground to a halt. You visited now and again, though today you had been a bit too busy. You felt a little guilty about that, and decided to visit tomorrow to make up for it.

For now though, you were watching the stars with Twilight. She had leaned up against you, relaxing as you did. A breeze had picked up, letting you know autumn was here in force. You felt the pony shiver and bring herself closer to you. Chuckling, you brought an arm around her, seeing the furious blush on her face when you did. You seriously enjoyed teasing Twilight sometimes.

The two of you spent an hour like this, before Twilight yawned.

"Alright Anon, I'm heading to bed. You can use the guest bedroom if you would like, it's dark out." You nodded, staying put as she lifted herself off of you and went inside. She seemed slightly disappointed that you didn't come inside with her, but you shrugged it off.

Your thoughts drifted to that crazed unicorn. If you hadn't let him get those shots off...you sighed, looking back at the stars. You then felt something tap your arm. Twilight.

"Hey, I know you're worried. I am too, but she'll be fine. Applejack's recovered from far worse. Come inside before you catch a cold."

"What are you, my mother?" You replied, sticking your tongue out. She grinned and chuckled, careful to not wake Spike up. You stepped inside and immediately noticed something you hadn't on the way out. Her bed was much bigger, more than twice the size it was before. "Uh Twi, why is your bed so huge?"

"Oh, that?" She blushed *hard*, and you saw her trying to come up with a plausible lie. You had caught her doing something, but you weren't sure what...so you assumed that whatever she said next would be an outright lie, just out of principle. That's how it worked back where you were from, and your world mirrored this one in many ways. This was no different. "I, uh, was practicing with matter creation spells. Yeah, that's it."

Alright, fine, not an outright lie. The proof was in front of you, after all.

"Okay...why?"

If anything, the blush got brighter. You'd swear you were talking to a horned tomato now.

"Uh, becauseI'mgoingtobednowgoodnightanon!" She immediately leaped onto the bed, covered up, and faked being asleep, complete with false snores. You rolled your eyes, then went downstairs. You could have sworn you heard a sigh of disappointment, but when you listened again, the fake snoring returned in force.

Deciding to have a little more fun with the unicorn, you went back upstairs. Her false snoring grew quicker when you approached, and you could have sworn she stopped breathing entirely when you climbed into her bed. The blush grew fiercer still, beyond what you thought possible. The heat radiating off of her face rivaled that of the Sun. She didn't kick you out of her bed though, instead she turned to face you, eyes still closed.

She was holding them closed tightly too, and you resisted the urge to laugh. She kept up the fake snoring act, and you wondered how long it would go on. She realized you weren't buying it when she cracked open her eyes and saw you staring at her with an amused expression on your face.

"You know," you started, "usually girls don't try to fake being asleep around me. Am I that uninteresting?" You pouted falsely, grin breaking through too much to be entirely serious. Twilight continued to blush, then pulled herself closer. She squeaked like Fluttershy when you pulled her closer, and then almost literally melted in your arms. Your content smile made her smile in return, and she quickly fell into an actual sleep. You followed shortly afterwards.