//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Moving into Ponyville // Story: Tales of a Lycan-Scale // by mattchilly //------------------------------// I sighed as I looked from my spot in the brush at the forest as the weapons I brought with me when I went to patrol shifted slightly with every small movement. As I looked at a very beautiful tall woman in a white dress with gold patterns with a simple gold tiara and hair that reminded me of an aurora borealis and blew in a non-existent wind while she was surrounded by sixteen solders wearing the same gold and purple armor and one who’s armor reminded me of a roman gladiator or Spartan. Most of the solders had halberds but a couple had maces and the Spartan had a Claymore strapped to his back with a short sword in one hand and a large shield in his hands. “I thought this was supposed to be a peaceful talk so what’s with all the solders?” I called and the solders tensed at the sound of my voice as if they expected me to attack. “My apologies but when Twilight sent word that the beasts were getting more aggressive Captain Shining Armor insisted that he comes with the solders for my protection.” Celestia explained gesturing to the Spartan. “Did she also tell you about me?” I asked. “Yes and I must say I’m impressed. Not many can live in the Everfree for two months and survive.” Celestia replied. “Ma’am I must ask. Why doesn’t he show himself?” Captain Armor asked. “I believe it’s because with all the solders here he’s uncomfortable. Remember Captain Armor he has been living alone in the forest for two months and the first time he’s had social activity since he arrived was two days ago.” Celestia explained. “He should still come out of the forest and treat you with the respect you deserve.” Captain Armor said. “Respect is earned not given.” I said which made some of the solders growl in anger. “But I will come out and speak to her face to face.” I reached out and grabbed a tree with my claw and when I did all the solders pointed their weapons at me. Slowly I moved into the light my eyes darting from side to side my ‘Flight or Fight’ instances on high alert as all eyes were on me. Once I was out of the forest Celestia nodded. “You are exactly as Twilight described you.” “You mean my sister is the one who told you about him?” Captain Armor asked. “Yes and from what she told me he has beaten some beasts that give even your men a hard time.” Celestia said. “Can we not focus on the beasts I’ve killed please?” I said. “Isn’t this meeting to get to know each other or something?” “I don’t see why we can’t do both.” Celestia said with a small smile. “Twilight did say you had a rather impressive trophy collection.” “More like a collection of items I want forged into equipment.” I replied. “I have more than enough teeth and claws to make a large supply of arrows, and hides that can be made into leather armor.” “I highly doubt he’s that good.” One of the solders called. “What’s the strongest beast you’ve killed?” Bringing a hand up and pondered the question for a few moments. “That’s a tough one but I’d say its either a Cragadile due to its hide or that Mantistaur I fought but then again I did make a dagger out of a Cragadile tooth that cut’s through their hides as if they were made of silk.” “Impossible.” Captain Armor muttered. “Now if we can please move on to the real topic. Do you have any other questions for me?” I asked looking at the Princess. “I have two questions. First how would you like to become an official Monster Hunter and guard Ponyville from the beasts of the Everfree?” Celestia asked with a small smile and now I noticed that behind her and the solders watching the entire thing were not only Twilight and her friends but also many other people who I assumed were residents of Ponyville. “You can’t be serious your majesty!” One of the solders cried with several nodding in agreement. “We don’t need someone like HIM in the Monster Hunter’s Guild!” “With racism like that I dread to think what would happen if an Elf or a Dwarf walked into town.” I spat. “What are you talking about?” The solder who insulted me asked. “From what I learned before… coming to Equestria, Elves are an old race, one blessed with longevity. They are more in tune with nature then almost all others races. Most live in ancient forests and from what I know of them tend to prefer the bow or wield strong magic to defend their homes. Dwarves on the other hand live in mountainous regions and prefer to carve their homes out of the mountains themselves. They are also master craftsmen and few can match their skill at the forge and as a quick warning for if you meet one. NEVER insult a Dwarf or an Elf for they NEVER forget. If you become an enemy of an Elf or Dwarven clan then it’s almost impossible to get them to forgive you. This is just a quick summery of them of course for there are slight differences depending on where you find them.” I explained. “But back to your question Princess that depends. What would happen if I did become an official Monster Hunter?” “Well first you’ll be made a legal citizen. Second due to you protecting Ponyville for the last two months I’ll arrange a place of residence for you, next you’ll get payment at the end of each month but depending on how well you've done your job and depending on what kind of monster you kill you could get a small bonus. You’ll also have to report any kill you make to the local Guild Hall.” Celestia said. “As for my second question have you decided on a name?” “Call me Ajax.” I said. “I can’t believe she’s doing this.” The solder muttered. Pointing directly at the guy I said. “Do you have a problem with the only known Lycan-Scale helping defend you the people of this land?” “We don’t need someone with a curse to help.” He sneered. “If it wasn’t for the Princesses orders I’d kill you where you stand.” “That’s enough of that!” Celestia said. “I’m disappointed in you Silver Sword. You should know that Lycanthropy only makes it self-known under the full moon and it’s the middle of the day.” “Perhaps it’s a new strand of Lycanthropy.” Silver Sword said. “I still say we should…” “The Princess has told you to stop Solder!” Captain Armor snapped making Silver Sword jump. “Any more out of you and I’ll have you up for insubordination! Do I make myself clear?” “Yes Sir.” Silver Sword muttered. “What was that?” “Yes Sir!” Silver Sword said as he snapped to attention. “He does have one point though.” I said making everyone look at me. “I would like to see if I do carry something like a poison or curse can that make people Lycan-Scales just in case.” Captain Armor actually looked impressed and nodded. “My sister might be able to help you with that. She’s always had a love for learning new things and if not I can always ask a few Monster Researchers for assistance.” “Thank you.” I said. “And it would be an honor to become a Monster Hunter.” “Excellent!” Celestia said with a smile and clasping her hands together. “While I’m taking care of finding you a home do you need any help getting your things from my old castle?” “It would be nice to have some help getting everything. All we’ll need are some bags.” I said deciding not make a comment on her age. “Captain Armor I want you to take eight of your men and help his get what he needs. I should have everything ready when you return but if not come find me at the Town Hall.” “Yes Ma’am.” Captain Armor said before picking the solders who’d join us and sending one to grab as many bag as they could carry. Once he finished deciding and the one he’d sent to grab the bags returned he and his men came up next to me he said. “All right Ajax please lead the way.” Nodding I turned and walked back into the forest. During the trip Captain Armor said. “I feel the need to apologies for Silver Sword… and my early distrust. Not a lot of people are going to trust those with uh… your unique build.” I merely nodded in response as I was keeping all my scenes on the woods around us. Just as we reached a large clearing I hissed. “Get down!” Looking through the brush I grimaced. In the center of the clearing is a Mantistaur eating a dead Chimera its mantis half a dark almost poisonous looking green and its serrated blades dripping with fresh blood, while the spider abdomen is a dark yellow and black with light brown and black legs. “What the hell is that?” A solder gasped. “Who cares let’s just kill and keep going.” A second said but before he could break cover I grabbed his arm. “That’s a Mantistaur and I wouldn’t be in such a hurry if I were you. The first one I saw cut a Cragadile in half with a single strike. True that Cragadile was smaller than average so I assume it was young but my point still stand.” I said and saw the solder’s eyes go wide in shock and a hint a fear. “What do you suggest then?” Captain Armor asked. “Let me handle this for now.” “I can’t let you do that Ajax.” Captain Armor said. “You’re not fighting that thing alone. It could tear you apart.” “I know how to fight this thing and besides you all have friends and families to get back to, I don’t.” “What about my sister and her friends? Aren’t they your friends?” “One conversation doesn’t make us friends, it make us acquaintances.” I said. “Now the main things you need to remember are to avoid its blades and never attack from behind.” “Why?” A solder asked. “It has the ability to shoot webs. Not webbing, entire webs that unravel as they fly through the air that will trap anything they hit or if they don’t hit a creature by the time they’ll stick to several surfaces making a giant web that can trap you of your not careful.” I replied before slowly walking into the clearing on all fours. Hearing the movement the Mantistaur looked up and let loose a screeching roar. Just as the Mantistaur roared I heard Captain Armor mutter something to the other solders. Bolting to the side I ran around the edge of the clearing I stopped on the far end of the clearing with the Mantistaur never taking its eyes off me. The Mantistaur gave another screech and the two of us charged at each other at the same time and as I closed in it raised one of its blades bashed me in the side knocking me into a tree. I quickly got back on my feet and charged at it again. This time it swung down at me as if to slice me in two which I countered by diving under it. As the Mantistaur rose up to crush me I quickly grabbed my spear and planted its butt firmly in the ground. When the beast slammed down it let out a screech that made my ears rings as the spear priced its skin, dark green blood dripping out of the wound and onto my head and arms. With a jerk the Mantistaur broke my spear but in doing so trapped the spear head inside it. Taking the broken wood with me I leapt to the left and with my fangs grabbed one of its legs and ripped it right out of the socket. Tossing the leg to the side I tossed the remnants of my spear into the brush and turned to rip the rest of the legs out. Once it couldn’t move I leapt onto its spider half, dug my claws into its mantis half’s back and snapped my jaw closed around its neck. With a quick jerk and a loud *SNAP* the Mantistaur fell to the ground. As Captain Armor and his men walked into the clearing I was spitting the blood out of my mouth. “Urgh. Gonna have to rinse my mouth. I hate that taste.” “That was amazing!” Captain Armor said as he drew closer. “I’ve never seen anyone fight like that before. Let alone take down such a beast so easily but are you ok? Slamming into the tree like that looked painful.” “I’ve had worse and the reason it looked easy is because it took an entire day to fight the last one. During which I had to memorize just about EVERYTHING on how these things fight and move or else I'd have become the things next meal. I also decided to end this quickly so we don’t keep the Princess waiting otherwise I would have tried to get some more silk from it.” I said cricking my neck. “Now normally I’d carve out a trophy but in this case I wouldn’t mind giving it to you so you can get someone to study it.” “Mancer, Mystic, I want you two to get this thing back to town and prep it for transport to Canterlot.” Captain Armor said and two of the solders saluted. Placing their weapons back into their sheaths they raised their hands which started glowing, one a pale green the other with a fiery yellow. Together they lift the Mantistaur into the air along with the legs I ripped out and slowly started walking back to town. Giving Captain Armor a confused look he said. “Spell Mancer and Arcane Mystic are two of my best Magi. They’ll have no problems getting back to town.”  The rest of the trip was fairly peaceful and when we got to my room in the castle ruins I opened the door and Captain Armor whistled when he saw the piles of neatly folded hides. “Not bad. Not bad at all.” Pointing at the pots I said. “If possible I’d like the contents of those urns placed into separate bags. I’m not sure I’d be able to sort them again if they’ll all mixed up.” “What’s in them?” “From left to right we have Manticore teeth, Manticore claws, Chimera teeth, and finally Chimera claws. The two on the floor have scales from Chimera’s and cockatrices.” I said as I grabbed the vines holding my weapons and tying them around my body. “To fight a cockatrice alone and survive… Impossible.” A solder muttered as he pulled out a bag. “Not if you learn to fight with your eyes closed or kill them when their asleep in their nests.” I said as I grabbed the blades of the Mantistaur I killed and secured them to my belt with an extra vine rope before securing the rest of my ropes to my belt. “That’s a very difficult technique to learn.” Captain Armor said as he held a bag open while a solder poured the manticore claws into a bag. “But I bet making the ropes were easier at least.” “It was learn or die.” I replied before glancing at him. “And I’d like to see you try tying a knot with claws. I’ve ruined more vines then I have pelts just trying to make the ropes you see here." “You’re already talking like a Monster Hunter.” A solder noted. “But I don’t know how many of them have lived in one of the most dangerous places in Equestria for two straight months.” “How much did you know about surviving in the wild before you moved into the Everfree Ajax?” Captain Armor asked. “When I was young I used to go camping with my father and grandfather every other summer. I knew how to track, fish, find shelter, make a fire, skin and clean, but I had to learn how to skin and clean the beasts here through trial and error. Flat out ruined a few pelts to the point where they were unusable.” I explained as we finished putting everything in bags and tying them closed. “That’s the last of it.” “Then let’s head back to town.” When we got back to town we saw that Celestia and her guards waiting for us. “Princess.” Captain Armor saluted. “I saw that Mantistaur that Mancer and Mystic brought back and sent a message to have a transport brought down as soon as possible. Now why don’t I show you your new living arrangements?” Celestia gestured for us to fallow. As we walked through I town my ears twitched as I heard people whispering. Some were simply curious while others were disgusted that the Princess was allowing a ‘monster’ to live among them. Soon we stopped in front of a simple two story house across from a tavern with a sign that had a Manticore that had a honey bee’s wings instead of bat wings and a large keg tied to it’s side called ‘The Buzzing Manticore’ and I could hear the sounds of metal striking metal coming from farther down the street. “Here we are. Down the road is the heart of the Craft's District and the town’s smithy, and the Market District is only a few blocks away. The house already has some of the basic amenities but I’ve made arranged for some more furniture arrive in a few hours and a member of the Monster Hunter’s Guild to visit you tomorrow to tell you what being part of the Guild entails in more detail.” “Thank you Princess but due to being in what appears to be a good location I must ask why it’s vacant.” I inquired. “While the tavern it’s self isn’t a problem some of the regulars tend to get a bit rowdy and sounds from the blacksmith can get a bit grating to some not to mention the smells from the tanner on hot day. So despite the house being in such a prime location it was the only one available.” Celestia explained as we entered the house. Inside on the left is an empty living room with a fireplace and plane brown rug, a staircase next to a door and a hallway leading past the stairs. “Trust me I’ve lived with worse sounds or smells.” I said thinking back to my old home. Celestia nodded and passed me a key. “I’ve got a few other things I want to do around town today so feel free to come find me if you’ve got any more questions.” “Thank you again Princess.” I said as Captain Armor and his solders put the bags down on the rug. Once all the bags were on the rug Captain Armor gave a nod and he and his solders filed out the door. Before Celestia left she said. “I also left you something in the kitchen. It should help you a little bit.” And with that Celestia was gone. At this I just shrugged and went to the kitchen, inside I was shocked to see a stove/oven, a refrigerator and a microwave. The same kind I’d see at a Target. “Talk about technological whip lash. The solders use medieval weaponry and armor but the appliances are modern.” Shaking my head I finally noticed a small round table with a bag and folded piece of paper sitting on it. Walking over I grabbed and unfolded the letter. “Ajax here is your first two months of payment as a Monster Hunter. Twilight gave me a rough estimate of the amount of creatures you slew while in the Everfree so I’ve added the necessary amount as well as an additional bonus for discovering a new species. Enclosed is one thousand five hundred bits. Hope you enjoy your new home. Sincerely Princess Celestia, Monarch of the Day, and Co-Ruler of Equestria.” (Fifteen hundred bits? I’m guessing that’s a lot if D&D is anything to go by, but if Celestia’s one of Equestria’s ruler’s then who’s the other? A brother or sister perhaps? Guess I’ll ask Twilight next time I see her, but for now I’ve got some shopping to take care of.) Grabbing the back I walked upstairs to look for the bed room. Once I found it I took of the ropes holding my extra weapons and placed the bundle in the corner and placed my vest next to it. Taking one of my ropes I carefully tied the coin purse to the front of my belt. Once I was back down stairs I grabbed the bag of Cragadile hides and Chimera pelts, slung them over my shoulder and walked out the door. After locking the door I heard someone say. “So you’re the new neighbor?” Turning around I saw a tall woman with a decent sized bust with messy dark purple hair, wearing a marron shirt, dark green pants under a stained brown apron. “I’m Berry Punch but feel free call me Berry. I run and own The Buzzing Manticore nice ta meet ya.” “Ajax, new member of the Monster Hunter’s Guild and Ponyville’s newly designated ‘Guardian’.” I said holding out a fist. “I’d shake your hand but I don’t want to risk scratching you, but I’m a little surprised you’re so calm about someone like me living across the street.” “About time the town got its own Hunter to keep the Everfree’s beasts away. You’d think we’d have one by now but no one’s wanted to take the job.” Berry grinned as she fist bumped me. “And I get ya, better safe than sorry, so what’s in the bags?” “Materials I harvested form beasts I killed. I was about to head over to the see the blacksmith and see if he can use them to make some equipment.” I explained. “Interesting, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of someone doing that.” Berry said. “Well I wish you luck and you’d better stop by my tavern at some point. I want to hear a few of your stories!” “Will do Berry.” I chuckled. “Well I’d better get back to the tavern, see ya later Ajax.” Berry said and went back into her tavern. As I walked down the street most of the people ignored me as they went about their business but a few threw insults at me. They stung but I shrugged them off I continued until I found a building made of cobblestone bricks that was part of a house similar to my own and had smoke billowing out of a stone smoke stack. Walking through the open door I saw an older heavily muscled man wish braided bronze hair, a white shirt, brown leather pants, and a thick leather apron that’s covered in burn marks. The sounds I’d been hearing was him working on a horse shoe and upon my approach he glanced up and gave me a quick signal to wait till he’s done. A few minutes later he used tongs to place the shoe in a bucket of water and pulled some plugs out of his ears. “Well I wasn’t expecting to see you until tomorrow. When the member of the Monster’s Hunter Guild who’s supposed to show you around turned up ta introduce ya. I’m Strong Steel and you’re… Ajax if I’m remembering correctly.” Nodding I said. “You are. Nice to meet you.” Once again I held out a fist. Strong Steel smirked and fist bumped me. “That’s a good way of making sure you don’t accidently cut someone with those claws. So how can I help ya?” Placing the bags down and untying the Mantistaur blades from my belt I said. “I’ve got some Cragadile hides and Chimera pelts here that I’d like to be turned into armor and these Mantistaur blades forged into swords. Since I’m now going to be a Monster Hunter I need real weapons, not stone spears, daggers and occasional blunt axe.” Opening the bags Strong Steel brought out a Cragadile hide and examined it before looking over the Mantistaur blades with an slightly exited expression. “Making equipment form these would be not only an interesting challenge but it’d also be a first. No Hunter that’s ever passed through town has ever wanted items made out of their kills. Heck all they want are simple trophies or they just kill their target and leave. Tell ya what, it’ll take some time to turn the pelts and hides into proper leather but I can have the swords done some time tomorrow. So for the whole job it’ll cost ya about… five hundred bits and if I can’t make the gear you’ll get a full refund. Deal?” “Deal.” I said and pulled the necessary amount of bits. “But considering what I am I’m betting you’ll need the right measurements. Know anywhere in town where I can buy some custom clothes?” “Aye, I’d say the best place would be the Carousel Boutique that’s owned by a Rarity Bell.” Strong Steel said. “At least I’ve met her before so I doubt they’ll be any problems. How do I get there?” Once I got the directions and description of the Carousel Boutique I thanked Strong Steel I headed out.