Once Princess Luna and Mighty Swing had found seats I returned to leaning against the wall. “Why aren’t you sitting Ajax? Please join us.” Princess Luna said gesturing to the last chair.
“I haven’t had a real bath in two months, so I don’t know if there’s anything crawling on me. Don’t want to get my chairs infested with lice after all.” I explained.
“That’s your biggest concern right now?” Mighty Swing laughed.
“How many of us here has been living in a forest for the past two months and only had a river to keep themselves clean?” I asked.
“That is a good point.” Spike said.
“Very well then let’s move on to the main reason Princess Luna and I are here.” Mighty Swing said with a nod. “You need to know all the rules about being a member of the Guild.
“I was wondering. Does the Guild have a name? All everyone seems to called it is ‘the Guild’ or ‘the Monster Hunter Guild’.” I asked.
Luna and Mighty Swing blinked surprised as Twilight said. “Yes it’s called ‘Blade an Chosanta’ it means ‘Blade of the Defense’ or ‘Blade of the Protector’, but I’m surprised no one’s told you yet.”
“‘Blade an Chosanta’? Fitting.” I said. (I can’t help but feel like I heard that language back on Earth, but I can’t place it.) “So what do I need to know?”
Mighty Swing pulled a scroll out of a pouch. “First the Princesses or I may at any point contract you for a job which you must report to me as soon as possible. Second, you must protect this town, and its inhabitants to the best of your abilities. Third, you must report any and all kills to the Guild. Forth, you must report any odd or suspicious activity you notice on your patrols. Fifth, if you decide to follow up on rumors you need to let as least one of your Guild-mates know on the off chance something happens to you. Next, if you have an area that is under your jurisdiction then you must work with any and all forms of authority on any case they are working on.”
“Seventh, if you have a problem with a Guild-mate you may challenge them to a dual if at least three Guild-mates agree that it’s required and the rules of said dual must be agreed upon by both parties. Otherwise please sort it out with them in privet. Finally at the end of every year we will review all you have done while part of the Guild and if we find in unsatisfactory there is a chance you will be removed from the Guild. All other questions may be brought to one of our residential Lore Masters.”
“So keep the peace, be ready for action, let you know what of monsters I’ve killed so you can keep a record of their numbers, make sure the Guild knows if I fallow up on any potential threats or go on patrol and don’t tarnish the Guilds rep. Is that a good summery?” I inquired.
“Sounds about right to me.” Princess Luna nodded.
“Do I have to let anyone know when I’m going on patrol in an area that’s not under my jurisdiction? Like the Everfree for example.” I asked.
“It’s appreciated but not necessary.” Mighty Swing replied.
“Thank you, now is there a training field at the Blade an Chosanta hall?”
“Of course!” Mighty Swing nodded. “Along with serval Trainers who can teach you how to use just about any kind of weapon under the sun.”
I gave a toothy grin as I raised an eyebrow. “What about the kusari gama?”
Twilight and Spike looked confused, Princess Luna looked thoughtful and Mighty Swing chuckled. “The what?” Twilight asked.
I glanced towards Twilight asking a silent question. “We know Ajax.” Luna said. “Twilight told Celestia everything about your first encounter with Twilight and her friends and she told me and Mighty Swing.”
Nodding I continued. “In my world there is a country called Japan. A few hundred years ago a new kind of warrior appeared. They were the Ninja or Shinobi to use the proper term. The Shinobi used stealth to achieve their goals and only fought as a last resort, due to them preferring espionage. The kusari gama means ‘chain sickle’ and is a sickle with a chain that can be as long as eight feet connected to a heavy weight. By swinging the weight around the Shinobi can keep their foe at a distance and easily defend against attacks from the foe’s weapon or tie up and disarm their foe.”
“Interesting.” Luna said.
“Ajax.” Mighty Swing said drawing everyone’s attention. “In a week or two the son of a good friend of mine is coming to Ponyville to train and learn to fight beasts. I’d like you to spar with him and teach him what you know about the beasts of the Everfree. I’m asking you because you lived there and fought the beasts there for two months which makes you one of the only real experts on the Everfree as far as I’m concerned.”
“What are their names?” Twilight asked.
“My friends name is Adamantine Hammer and his son is Obsidian Horn. Adamantine is in charge of the Manehattan branch.” Might Swing explained. “Adamantine Hammer is a master of a few unique Earth Talker techniques that Obsidian Horn’s struggling with. One reason why Obsidian Horn is coming here but there’s also the fact that the only kinds of beasts that appear there are aquatic and amphibious so Adamantine Hammer is sending his son here not just to fight new kinds of beasts but to hopefully learn to these techniques.”
“As long as he knows I’m working as a Hunter I’ve got no problems teaching him.” I said.
“Thank you.” Mighty Swing said with a nod. “Now I heard you brought a few items to Strong Steel to be turned into equipment. I must admit I’m curious how they’ll turn out.”
“You’re not the only one.” Twilight said. “This is the first that that any Hunter has turned his prey’s strengths into equipment.”
“That’s not quite true.” Princess Luna said. “We’ve been making potions out of monster parts for hundreds of years.”
“I meant armor or weapons.” Twilight said.
“So which parts did you choose to start with?” Spike asked.
“The Chimera pelts, Cragadile hides and Mantistaur blades. I’ll need some real armor and weapons if I’m going to take on stronger monsters in the future.” I said.
“Well you’ve been doing a fine job so far.” Spike said.
“That’s been mostly luck, listing to my instincts and spending time to understand how each beast moves and reacts.” I explained. “Here’s a small secret. When I saw the Manticore standing over Zephyr Breeze’s I kinda lost control and challenged the Manticore, and starting fights isn’t something I’ve ever been one to do.”
“It must have been difficult.” Twilight said sadly.
“It was for the first few weeks but I got used to it.” I said with a small shrug.
“I think that’s everything we wanted to discuss with you so we shall bid you good night Ajax.” Princess Luna said as she got to her feet gesturing for Twilight and Spike to do the same. “My Sister and I are looking forward to seeing what you’ll accomplish as part of the Guild.”
Once everyone left I headed to the bathroom showered, washed my kilt and went to bed. The next morning I woke at dawn which the clock said was at six thirty. It was an odd sensation knowing I wasn’t living in the Everfree anymore and I didn’t have to go on patrol immediately and having gotten a full nights rest. After doing a few stretches and placing the Manticore pet’s in the closet I put on my kilt grabbed my money, the empty sacks and headed out to the market to get some food. Once I got there I saw people setting up stalls and booths. After stocking up on meat, fruit, vegetables, salt and other cooking spices I saw Applejack standing behind a stall covered in various kinds of apples, talking to a man in a red shirt, blue jeans a morning star tied to his belt and a spiked buckler shield on his back.
Walking up Applejack was the first to notice me. “Morning Ajax. Gotta admit I’m surprised to see you up so early.”
“Old habit from when I lived in the forest. Heck most nights I was lucky to get five hours of sleep.” I said with a shrug as the man in the red shirt looked at me with an unreadable expression.
“Mac this is Ajax, Ajax this is my brother Big McIntosh but most call him Big Mac.” Applejack said.
“Nice to meet you.” I said holding out my fist. Applejack and Big Mac looked at it then at me. “Can’t shake your hand with my claws now can I?” (I feel like I’m going to be saying that a lot for a while)
Big Mac didn’t say or do anything apart from nodding at me and walking away. “Don’t mind Big Mac, Ajax. He’s always been quite and slow to warm up to others.” Applejack said as we watched him walk off. “So what are you up to?”
“Just out getting food to stock the fridge and pantry before going to buy the rest of what I need for the kitchen. Know anyplace around here that I can buy cooking supplies and the like that’s not Rich’s Barnyard Bargains?” I asked.
“Well there’s ‘Pots, Pans and More’ that’s run by the Skillet siblings and ‘Cutt’s for Days’ that’s owned by Mr. Cuttler.” Applejack said rubbing her chin.
“The first name I get but the second?” I said looking at her. “It’s… a little odd to say the least.”
Applejack shrugged. “That’s the best way to describe Mr. Cuttler. So you how you turned left on the street that connects the Craft's District with Market District?” Seeing my nod she continued. “Just take a right instead can’t miss em.”
“Thanks Applejack. So how much for… twenty apples?” I asked.
“That’ll be forty bits, and do you have a preference for what kind of apples?” Applejack replied as I put down the bags on the ground, and placed the correct amount of bits on the counter.
“Here’s your money and as for the apples… surprise me.”
Applejack turned to look at the apples in thought for a few moments before nodding to herself. “Here you go, ten large Red Delicious, three Fuji, two Gala, and five Golden Delicious.”
“Thanks Applejack.” I said as I slung the bags back over my shoulder before walking back home. Once I got home I put an apple to the side before putting the groceries away before putting the bag the held the meat to the side I grabbed the other bags and headed out again. I first made my way to Pots, Pans and More which much to my surprise was right across the street from Cutt’s for Days.
Opening the door I saw that the entire store was made out of a dark brown wood each full to the brim with different cooking utensils. At the register is a woman a little taller than Applejack with a similar figure to Twilight wearing a black button-down shirt. Hearing the door open she looked my way and said. “Welcome to Pots, Pans and More, how can I help…you…”
Just before she could scream I raised a hand and said. “My name is Ajax I’m a new member of the Guild, and all I came to do is shop.”
The woman smiled. “I already knew that. Names Chestnut Skillet, my brother’s Iron Skillet. Our Dad Quick Quill is Mighty Swing’s assistant. I just wasn’t expecting you to come here. Most people go to Rich’s Barnyard Bargains for stuff.”
“I… met Spoiled Rich yesterday so I’m going to avoid going to her husband’s store for as long as I can.” I explained.
Chestnut looked to the side and spat on the ground. “She give’s many of us hard working women a bad name. All she does is complain, boast, and cause trouble for everyone. What Filthy Rich sees in her I’ll never know. Come on I’ll give ya a hand finding everything you need. Lord’s know this place could do with some organization and while I do that how about you tell me about the encounter.” When I got to the part about Princess Celestia giving me the house across from the tavern and making me part of the Guild Chestnut looked at me and gave a somewhat sinister grin. “Oh I wish I could have seen that.”
In the end I had three different frying pans, four pots, two pans that were for the oven, a wok along with a skimmer and turner, a normal spatula and one that was more like a spoon, two whisks, tongs, a cheese grater, and a mess kit for when I’m traveling. “Let’s see, in total that’ll be…two hundred bits, please come again.”
“Will do.” I said with a toothy grin before walking across the street.
This store had the same layout as Pots, Pans and More but the wooden shelves were made of a much lighter wood all neatly lined with boxes. Behind the register was an older man with black hair that went up an inch or two before being cut perfectly flat, an angular face and a perfectly trimmed pointy goatee. “Welcome to Cutt’s for Days! Where we got any kind of knife, fork, or spoon you could possibly want! How can I help ya…. Wait yer that ‘Ajoks’ fellow I heard about aren’t ya?”
“My name is Ajax yes.”
In a flash he was in front of me and examining my claws muttering to himself. “Little too long, but they have a healthy gleam. Slightly dull but could still tear through foliage easily enough. All in all not a bad set of claws on you my boy! I’m Patient Cuttler how can I help you? Oh who am I kidding you just moved in so you’re here for some cutlery. No worries I can help you. How many sets do you want?”
“I guess four sets to start with and nothing to fancy please.” I said not quite sure what else I could say in this situation.
“Four basic sets it is. Those are directly on your left as you enter the first row.” Cuttler said. Once I grabbed four boxes I walked up to the register. “That’ll be twenty bits for em. Thank you and please come again whenever you need more cutlery you got that?”
“Sure.” I said nodding leaving the store and once again heading home. (That guy was just a LITTLE too interested in my claws.) About half way home I saw Rainbow Dash sitting on a cloud out of the corner of my eye. Turning my head to look at her she scoffed and flew off. Shaking my head I continued on my way. After getting home a putting everything away I grabbed the bloody sac, went to the bathroom and washed it. Once that was done I hung it to dry, grabbed my vest, a spear, two hand axes, my Cragadile tooth dagger and my normal dagger and tied two of the smaller sacks and a large sack to my kilt. Glancing at the clock I saw it was two fifteen. (I’ll need to find a way to get a message to the guild when I go on patrol without walking there. Perhaps I’ll visit the Guild tomorrow and see if they have anything.)
When I opened the door I saw a girl that looked to be Sweetie Bell’s and Scootaloo’s age. She has long red hair with a pink bow keeping it neat, and is wearing a green shirt, worn blue jeans. She also has an old necklace with a few teeth tied onto it. As she looked at me I asked. “Can I help you?”
“So you’re the one my friends Sweetie and Scootaloo told me about. I’m Applebloom.” She held out a hand.
“Ajax.” I said holding out a fist. “And from your name I’m guessing you’re related to Applejack and Big McIntosh?”
Applebloom looked at my fist, smiled and bumped it with her own. “Yup. They’re my older siblings. So you’re part of the Guild huh? That must be neat.”
“Well today’s my first day as part of the Guild and yet, I’ve spent most of it getting this house stocked with food and cooking utensils.” I said. “Although I was about to head out to patrol the Forest.”
“I’ll be sure to let the Boss know.” Seeing my confused face Applebloom smirked. “I’ve got a part time job as a messenger for the Guild when it’s not time to harvest the apples at the farm. So if you ever need a message delivered let me knew alright?”
“Will do. Thanks Applebloom.” I said before making the trip to the Everfree. Right at the edge of town I was stopped by a tall man with well-groomed blond hair, brilliant orange eyes and wearing gleaming plate mail, and a large sword strapped to his back, both of which looked like it had never been used before stepped in front of me.
When he spoke it was in a deep drawling voice that spoke of a childhood without hardships. “And what do you think you’re doing?”
“To patrol the Everfree and keep the town safe from the monsters, in other words my job as a member of Blade an Chosanta.” I said with a small barely noticeable smirk when the man’s eyes went wide in shock as he took a step back in surprise.
“May I know who let a… being like yourself in the illustrious Blade an Chosanta?” He said which surprised me as he was actively trying not to be overly rude.
“Princess Celestia and Mighty Swing. My name is Ajax may I know your name?”
“I am Sir Flawless Assault a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He said extending an armored hand. “I take it that the untamable Everfree is now your territory?”
“I wouldn’t call it that but I do know a lot about the beasts of the Everfree.” I explained shaking his hand.
“That sounds like you have a few stories of the hunt. Perhaps we could met up at a tavern this evening and swap stories?” Flawless Assault asked as stepped aside.
“I live right across the street from The Buzzing Manticore. We can meet up there tomorrow night.” I offered.
“Why tomorrow night?” He asked.
“I’m very thorough in my patrols so I’ll probably be back after nightfall.” I explain.
“That’s the sign of a good Hunter.” He said with a large grin and a nod. “Never do the job half way. Very well tomorrow it is. Tell me do you have a Messaging Stone?”
I looked at him confused. “What’s a Messaging Stone?”
This time it was his turn to look confused. “I thought everyone in Equestria knew about them.”
“I’m not from Equestria. I only… moved here recently.” I said not wanting to tell him the whole story yet.
He nodded and gave a kind smile. “Makes sense, a Messaging Stone is a small crystal imbued with a unique spell that allows you to contact anyone who’s Messaging Stone that’s attuned to yours, but it is possible to contact ones that aren’t attuned but it’s possible to get someone completely random if you do that. Someone at the Guild might be able to help you acquire one.”
“Thank you Flawless. I’ll look into it tomorrow.” I said.
“Not a problem Ajax. Enjoy your hunt!” He said before walking off.
When I got to the forest I cricked my neck, fingers and gave a wolfish grin as my eyes gained a predatory gleam. “Before it was purely survival and what I thought was right, but this? This will be my first real hunt in years. Time to make father and grandpa proud.”