//------------------------------//
// Chapter 11 
// Story: The Hunter From Another World 
// by Marezinger Z 
//------------------------------//

When Sunset woke up the next morning she immediately went to check on Hunter. Arriving at the makeshift recovery room, she found Pinkie Pie spoon feeding him pudding in bed.
“You both seem to be doing better.” Sunset noted as she observed the scene. 
“Hey, Sunny.” He waved.
“Morning, Sunset.” Pinkie greeted brightly. “I’m feeling a lot better, now it only hurts when I somersault.” 
“Easy enough to avoid.” Sunset laughed. 
“Guess I should let you take over, huh?” Pinkie eyed her with a knowing smile as she passed the dessert into her magical hold. 
“What’s that look for?” Sunset asked suspiciously. 
“What indeed.” Pinkie grinned as she slipped out of the room. 
“What did you tell her?” Sunset immediately looked back to Hunter.
“Nothing, I swear.” He raised his talons. “I have years’ worth of knowledge in criminal profiling as well as animal behavior and that girl’s mind still eludes me.” 
“Don’t feel bad, mine isn’t any better.” She chuckled. “Well, if I knew you already had a nurse I’d have stayed in bed.” 
“I tried to tell her not to worry.” Hunter assured. “But she insisted. She’s too sweet for her own good.” He laughed. “If a vampire bit her he’d die of diabetes.” 
Sunset giggled and prepared another spoonful. “Here.” She levitated the serving into his mouth. “You know, Rarity gave me the same back in our world.” Sunset began. “She said we act differently around each other now and it shows.” 
“Well, you aren’t trying to kill me anymore and I’m much less of a sarcastic dickhead.” Hunter scooted over, inviting her to lay beside him. 
“I wasn’t trying to kill you.” She slid into bed with him. “And you weren’t a sarcastic dickhead, you were just… no, I take that back; you were a huge dickhead.” 
Hunter laid his arm around her as they laughed. “Maybe the more we try to play it off the more it shows.” He surmised. 
“Maybe.” Sunset laid her head to his shoulder. 
“I know we said we’d talk about this later, but… do you want to talk about it now?” He asked, laying his head against hers. “With the way these fights are going, we might not have a later.” 
“That’s not funny.” She toned. 
“It wasn’t supposed to be.” He pulled back and looked down into her eyes. 
Sunset sighed, realizing he was right. “I don’t know what to say about it.” She finally answered. 
“Just be honest and tell me what you feel right now.” Hunter said plainly. “I’ve taken bullets, I can take this.” He smiled.
“That’s just it.” Sunset shook her head. “You almost die on a regular basis. I barely slept last night thinking about that battle and we’re together right now.” She looked up at him with great concern. “What happens when you’re away? I care about you but I don’t think I can take the pressure and fear of constantly wondering if someone I’ve committed myself to is going to come back or not. The thought that our last conversation, or dinner or kiss… really was the last.” She wiped her eyes with her hoof. “I want to say yes, Hunter. As much as I think about all that, I think about the great parts just as much; how comfortable we are around each other, how much you make me laugh, how warm you make me feel when I’m this close to you.” She let out a long, hard breath. “The scale these things are sitting on in my head is constantly rocking back and forth and I haven’t found a balance yet. I wish I could say more than that… I wish I could just say yes or no, but I can’t.”
Hunter pulled her close. “I understand, Sunny. I do.” He nuzzled the top of her head. “And you’re right, that’s a lot to put on someone… too much. The last thing I’d ever want to do is hurt you or know that your day to day was suffering because of me.” 
“What do you feel, Hunter.” She sat up and looked into his eyes. “Honestly; no innuendo, jokes or one-liners.” 
Hunter gazed back at her. “I have no doubt in my mind that a serious relationship between us would be messy, complicated and stressful beyond reason.” He answered honestly. “But I still want to try.” He smiled. “I’ve never had an actual relationship in my life and I don’t know the first thing about how to be in one; and yeah, there will be times when I have to disappear for weeks on end… and I can’t promise you I’ll always come back. But having someone to come back to will make me fight that much harder to make sure I do." His eyes lowered a bit. "I have aliases, fake bank accounts, fake parents, falsified records and I work for an agency that is always looking over my shoulder.” He sighed. “I’m… a lot. But I'm also head over heels for you, Sunny.” His talon cupped her cheek. “I thought about you every day since I had to say goodbye and I don’t want to say goodbye again.” He began to tear up. “I know it’s a lot to ask, I know it isn’t fair to you… but if you’ll give me the chance I’m willing to give it my all to be everything I can for you.” 
Sunset looked up at the ceiling with sniffle, her own tears falling from her eyes. “Okay.” She nodded with a quiet laugh. “I will.” Before he could utter another word she kissed him, a kiss she had been wanting to give him since that night at Twilight’s. His talons went around her and he kissed her back with a tidal wave of pent up emotion. Their interlude was cut short as she eased on top of him, making him recoil as her body pressed onto his still broken ribs. 
“Ow ow…” He hissed. 
Sunset immediately backed off with a teary laugh. “Sorry.” 
“That’s okay.” He laughed, holding his abdomen. “Totally worth it.” 
“Hunter.” Sunset looked at him with serious eyes and a warm smile. “If you break my heart, I’m going to kill you myself.” 
“Don’t fret, my little side of bacon.” He hugged onto her with his usual smile. “The only way I’ll ever break your heart is if I, in fact, die; in which case you won’t have to kill me.” 
“That’s still not funny.” Sunset eyed him. “But I get it. Live each day like it’s your last, but just don’t act like it might be, right?” She recalled his philosophy on the subject. 
“Right.” He rolled onto his side and kissed her again. Sunset gently laid her foreleg over him and gave herself up to the moment. 
The door suddenly opened and Twilight stuck her head in. “Hey Hunter, we’re…” She stopped as she saw them, her cheeks reddening as she averted her eyes with a cough.
“Twilight.” Sunset looked over with mild embarrassment. 
“Sorry, didn’t mean to… interrupt.” Twilight giggled. “Just wanted to say that we’re back and we’ve got some news… so… just head out when you’re ready.” She quickly receded from the doorframe.  
“Guess we should come back to this later?” Hunter asked, pecking her on the cheek.
“Guess so.” Sunset rested her nose against his beak with a happy sigh. 



Sunset and Hunter joined Twilight’s returning team in the throne room along with the Princesses. Pinkie Pie wheeled Rainbow Dash along in her chair to take part in the meeting as well. Celestia slowly came down from her seat, her body still dotted in dark purple welts. 
“We seem to be all here.” She began, sitting beside her sister. “What news have you brought us, Twilight?” 
“Fluttershy and I headed to Dodge City while Applejack and Rarity went even further south into Appleloosa. We spent the day talking to all the traders and dealers and it is true that the Diamond Dogs have been showing up quite a bit.” 
“It also seems to be true that they’re on the up and up.” Fluttershy took over. “The gems they’re dealing in are authentic. We also heard that they are spreading out even farther, small caravans of them have been seen heading towards port towns.” 
“And you said that this is unlike them?” Hunter asked. 
“Definitely.” Twilight nodded. “This type of trade is way to organized and… well, legal for them.” 
“What are they buying?” Sunset continued. 
“Everything.” Fluttershy answered. “Food, supplies, construction equipment… it’s like they’re starting their own settlement.” 
"What did you find in Appleloosa?” Hunter gave his attention to Applejack and Rarity. 
“Same, more or less.” Applejack shrugged. “My family doesn’t deal with them though, no matter how honest it may seem.” 
“I did find out something interesting.” Rarity added. “Some of the ore they have been bringing into town is raw malachite and azurite. Those minerals occur alongside veins of copper which is rarer than one might think in this region.” 
“So if we track them down, we need to find a copper mine.” Hunter scratched his beak. “Any miners in town?” 
“Let’s ask Maud.” Pinkie chimed in eagerly. 
“Your sister?” Sunset asked, familiar with her human counterpart. 
“Yeah, she knows almost every cave, cavern and crevice in Equestria.” Pinkie proclaimed. “If anypony knows where to find a copper mine, it’s her.” 
“Are you up for getting her, Pinkie?” Twilight asked. 
“No problem.” Pinkie assured. 
“I’d better come with you.” Fluttershy went to her side. “Just to be safe.” 
“And to keep you focused.” Applejack smirked. 
“Good idea.” Pinkie nodded, blissfully aware of her own attention span.
Rarity took over Rainbow Dash’s chair and wheeled her out into the gardens as the group broke for the time being.  Luna helped her sister back up to her seat while the others went their separate ways. 
“Sunset.” Twilight joined her by the wayside. 
“Hunter, right?” She smiled.
“Oh, well… only if you want to talk about it.” Twilight held her hoof up understandingly. 
“No, it’s fine.” Sunset shook her head. “We’ve decided that we’re going to try and make things work.”
“That’s great.” Twilight beamed. 
“Well, he found out that I’m a unicorn from an alternate world and regularly engaged in battles against the forces of Equestrian magic and he didn’t run away, so…” She laughed. 
“Sounds like a good match for a monster hunting, government agent.” Twilight chuckled. 
“Yeah, we just might be the only ones who can handle the truths about the others’ lives and not freak out.” Sunset conceded. “I still have my concerns.” She admitted. 
“That’s only natural.” Twilight laid her wing over her. “Even by Equestrian standards, none of us have normal lives. I think finding someone who can accept that is a huge part of the battle and you two seem to have already jumped that hurdle.” She hugged her. “I hope it does work out for both of you.”
“Thanks, Twilight.” Sunset hugged her back. “I do too.” 
Hunter approached them with a cautious smile. “Talking about me already?” 
“Maybe.” Sunset smiled and went under his arm. 
“How are you feeling?” Twilight asked. 
“Doctor said I should be 100% in another week or so.” He patted his abdomen. “Unless either of you can magic my bones back together?” 
“Sorry, magic doesn’t work that way.” Twilight said with a laugh. 
“Rainbow Dash is the one who’s going to be out of action for a while.” He noted. “Her leg took a full break.”
“Don’t worry about her.” Twilight said reassuringly. “She does everything fast, even heal.” Her eyes brightened as she got an idea. “Hey, since we’re all here, how about we go out for a nice dinner tonight once Pinkie, Fluttershy and Maud get back.” 
“I’d say we’ve earned it.” Sunset agreed. 
“Ooh, our first official date.” Hunter squealed with all the mannerism of a school girl. 
Sunset sighed heavily. “You’re going to embarrass me, aren’t you?” 
“Absolutely.” He promised with a sure nod. She groaned under his and Twilight’s laughter as they continued out into the main hall. 



Once Pinkie Pie had returned with her stoic sibling and heard about Twilight’s idea, she immediately suggested The Tasty Treat. The nine of them headed downtown to the secluded pocket of Canterlot where Saffron’s restaurant sat. The always warm and welcoming mare was happy to see her friends again and gave them a large corner booth to accommodate their number. Hunter slid in next to Sunset and offered the spot next to him to Applejack who far from politely declined. After ordering, Twilight took to explaining their situation to Maud. 
“Okay, Maud.” Twilight began. “Basically, we’re trying to track down where the Diamond Dogs are mining and we have reason to believe that they’re using a copper mine. Do you think you can help us find what we’re looking for?”
“Yes.” Maud answered simply. 
After a moment of silence, Rainbow Dash leaned in from her chair at the outer edge of the table. “Can you tell us where the copper mines are?”
“Yes.” Maud answered again.
After another pause, Hunter cleared his throat with a smile. “Let me try.” He folded his talons on the table. “How many copper mines are located in the region within a 500km radius of Canterlot?”  
“Five.” She set her eyes on Hunter. 
“Out of the five, how many are located in the southeastern and/or southwestern areas?”
“Two.” She responded. 
“Are either of them used by commercial mining operations?” He continued.
“Only one.” She answered. 
“Okay, where is the one that isn't?”
“Approximately 132 miles southeast of Canterlot.” 
“There’s our target.” Hunter sat back. “Thanks, Poker Face.” 
“It’s Maud.” She clarified. “And you’re welcome.” 
“We could really use her in our intelligence department.” Hunter noted. “Straightforward, factual and no nonsense. She’s like an angel sent from CIA heaven.” 
“I guess that takes care of the shop talk.” Sunset levitated her water for a sip. 
“Good, then that means we can relax for a bit.” Rarity pointed out with a pleasant smile. “So dear, how have things been with… Mudbriar, was it?” 
“As smooth as river rock.” Maud’s lips belied the tiniest of smiles. “I invited him tonight, but he said that technically this was a business trip for me and couldn’t be considered a proper date.” 
“Don’t listen to her, Sunny.” Hunter put his arm around her. “This is totally a proper date.” 
“I know.” Sunset chuckled as she leaned into him. 
While they ate, they avoided talking about what had been happening and instead focused on enjoying the evening. It was a welcome reprieve for them all and a needed boost to morale after the injuries suffered in the last battle. Maud headed back for Ponyville before the hour grew too late and the others returned to the castle; ready for their excursion to the mine in the morning. Sunset and Hunter returned to their room where he took the time to change the wrappings around his midsection before bed. 
“Tonight was nice.” Sunset said as she sat on her bed. “It’s weird. I know that were officially a couple now but… it didn’t feel any different. It felt just like it always has with you.” 
“Sounds like a good thing.” He mused as he bandaged himself. 
“It is." Sunset nodded. "I just haven’t been in a relationship since I broke things off with Flash.” She thought back to how she used and mistreated him. 
“You used to date ol’ hair gel?” Hunter sat beside her. “Doesn’t really seem your type.”
“I was pretty awful to him.” She explained. “Only wanted him because he was the most popular boy in school; it was a power play more than anything else. We’ve started over as friends since then; even so, I’m always surprised how forgiving he has been to me.” She sighed. “With you though, it’s different.” A wry smile crossed her. “Actually, sometimes I can’t believe I’m attracted to you."
“Your bedroom talk needs some work.” He kissed the side of her head with a short laugh. 
“What about you?” She asked. “I know you said you’ve never had anything serious; but haven’t you had any girlfriends before?” 
“Well.” He let out a stout breath. “Before I took up the hobby of being a professional asshole, I sort of dated this one girl. It was my… second mission I think?” He asked himself. “Anyway, we hit it off and had some fun; although her mother hated me… mean, ugly bitch.” 
“Hunter.” Sunset shook her head with a snort. 
“What?” He eyed her. “She was. That woman needed prescription makeup.” He smiled as she started to laugh. “I bet if she threw a boomerang it’d be to fucking scared to come back.” 
Sunset broke down further, wiping tears from her eyes as she laughed. “God, that is so mean.” She looked back at him with a deep fondness. “Hard to believe a mouth like yours can give such sweet kisses.” Sunset laid her lips to his beak. 
“All part of the charm.” He grinned.
“If you say so.” She gingerly pushed him back onto the bed and cuddled up with him, using her magic to lift the sheet over them. “Going to assume you don’t mind sharing the bed tonight?”
“No complaints here.” Hunter put his arms around her and nestled into the pillows. He felt a sudden wave of peace wash over him as he held her, as if in this moment in time he was exactly where he was supposed to be; it was a sense of normality that was rare in his life and he cherished the feeling. “Night, Sunny.” He kissed the spot just above her horn. 
“Mm, goodnight.” She mumbled back, already half asleep.