//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Preparations // Story: The Hunter's Heart // by Silentpegasus //------------------------------// Chapter 4 Preparations Cross woke up in the early hours of the morning to find Ace sleeping on the floor beside him, he got to his hooves and stretched his back. The wolf opened it’s eyes and yawned. “Sleep well boy?” the wolf gave a bark of happiness. “Sure as hell beats a cave any day.” Cross looked outside to see that Celestia’s sun was beginning to rise, he let out a sigh. Cross pulled out a small leather bound journal and pen. Location: Ponyville. I was attacked by Timberwolves eight day’s ago, I was found by a yellow pegasus mare name Fluttershy, she lives on the outskirts of a small town named Ponyville. The inhabitant's are very friendly and welcoming. it has a...relaxing feel to it. I’m currently staying with Fluttershy, she’s a very kind mare and has a very calming nature around her. Ace even liked her at first glance which is extremely rare. She has a way with animals that just amazes me, it will require further observation and- his train of thought was thwarted by something lightly tapping him on the shoulder. He jumped in surprise and slammed the book closed. He turned around to see a frightened Fluttershy. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” “It’s alright, no harm done. A good scare is good for a pony once in a while.” he said as he hid the journal behind his back. “Oh....Well did you sleep well?” “Yeah, I see why you like that thing, it’s so comfortable.” he said with a smile. “Oh good. You’re my guest after all and I wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable, if you want the bed tonight then-” she was cut off by the stallion putting a hoof to her lips causing the mare to blush brightly. “Fluttershy relax the couch is fine. I don’t want to force you out of your own bed.” he said as he removed his hoof from her lips. Fluttershy turned her head so he wouldn’t see her blush. “How about I make us breakfast?” “Oh you don’t have to do that.” “I insist, plus I need the practice.” he said as he trotted into the kitchen. “You like eggs?” the mare nodded. Cross levitated two eggs and two slices of bread with a hole cut through the center. He set them both in the pan and ignited the burners on the oven after three minutes Cross trotted over to the table and set the egg down in front of her. Fluttershy took a bite out of the egg and smiled in delight. “What’s it called?” “Egg in a hole, I learned how to cook it when I was in Detrot. Do you like it?” he said with a smile. “It’s delicious.” she said with a smile on her face. Cross smiled at the mare and the two ate in silence. He looked over to see the white bunny glaring at him with an icy stare. The rabbit then felt a warm cloud of air on the back of his neck, he turned around to see Ace staring at him. The bunny screamed and ran towards Fluttershy and his in her mane. “Ace No! He’s a fr-.....acquaintance. You can’t eat him or any other small animals in or around here. Got it?” the wolf let out a whine and walked over and sat in the sun pouring through the window. “Sorry about that Fluttershy.” he said in a sad tone. “It’s alright.Angel, say hello to Ace.” the bunny looked at her in confusion and began to squeak at her. “Oh my, he seems upset and-” the rabbit then grabbed the plate and hurled it at the stallion, Cross managed to duck in time to avoid the projectile. “ANGEL!” she yelled. Cross looked at the rabbit who was now frozen on the spot, his glance then shifted to Fluttershy who’s eyes looked like they bored a hole through the small rabbit. “That was very rude! Now apologize!” she ordered. Cross was amazed how the timid and shy pegasus was able to command the rambunctious bunny. Angel shivered over to the stallion and looked up at him with a sad look. “It’s okay, Ace didn’t mean to startle you.” he said as he patted the rabbit on the head. The rabbit then hopped off the table and began to clean up the broken shards of the plate with a brush and dust pan. Fluttershy then rushed over to him. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry Angel did that.” she said as she put her hoof on his shoulder. “I’m fine. I’ve had closer calls.” he then glanced over at the rabbit who had just finished cleaning. “What did you do to him?” “Oh.....I can use something called the ‘stare’, but I can’t really control it. It just happens.” “That’s very interesting.” “Really?” “Yes! In all of my traveling I have never met some-pony who can use the ‘the stare’. You’re very special Fluttershy.” he said with a smile. Fluttershy’s face turned beat red and she felt her heart rate increase at the stallions’ words. “So what’s on the to do list for today?” “Well, today Rarity and I are going to the spa for our weekly visit, you don’t have to come along if you don’t want to.” she said as she glanced at the calendar. “I’ll pass on the Spa and just settle for a hot shower. I’ll go around Ponyville and familiarize myself around town.” he said as he started to trot up the stairs. “Are you sure? I can always cancel and-” “It’s fine Fluttershy, go and enjoy yourself. I’ll be fine, I’ll busy myself around town, I’m sure theres something I can do.” he said with a smile. Fluttershy bit her lip and turned to leave her cottage. As the door shut Cross made his way upstairs into the bathroom, he removed his eye patch and looked into the mirror, he gave a heavy sigh and he touched the scar going up and down the eyelid. He turned the shower on and let the hot water was over his body. “Oh sweet Celestia that feels good.” he said as washed away the three months of grime and dirt he’s accumulated. Fluttershy had just walked past her property line when she realized she forgot her bit bag, she doubled back towards her house as she entered she noticed that Ace was still napping in his spot, she trotted upstairs and retrieved her bag from her room. As she made her way through the cottage she noticed that the bathroom door was cracked open. Oh Fluttershy don’t be a snoop. What’s the harm in peeking? It’s an invasion of privacy. Big deal he’s staying in your house. With that thought Fluttershy poked her head in enough to see his shadow against the curtain, she then glanced in the mirror and saw that she could see him in the reflection. As the warm water washed over his muscular body she started to blush profusely and her wings were standing at attention. As she continued to watch she saw his scar on is eye and backed away from the door quietly with her face still red and wings still up. As she trotted outside she saw that her white unicorn friend was trotting up the path way. “Morning Fluttershy are you ready to-...Are you alright dear?” she said as she noticed her friends appearance. “Yes.....can we go, please?” she said as she hurried past her friend, who had a confused look on her face. Rarity pushed the thought aside and caught up to her pegasus friend. Back inside Cross just stepped out of the shower and began to dry off. He reapplied his eyepatch and walked over to his hat and bag that were resting on the couch. He searched through his bag and withdrew a large knife, the blade was jet black and curved, he eyed the weapon and noticed that the blade was dull. This thing’s pretty banged up....Maybe AJ has a sharpening stone I could use. With that thought he packed up the knife, threw his hat and bags on and walked over to the sleeping wolf. “C’mon boy we’re going to the farm.” the wolf yawned and got to it’s paws. The two made their way out of the cottage and headed off towards the farm. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Across town Rarity and Fluttershy are sitting in the mud bath in silence. Fluttershy’s blush had vanished but the shame still remained. Rarity took notice of her friends actions and offered her some encouraging words. “Fluttershy what’s the matter? You haven’t said a word since we left your house.” “........” “Let me just apologize for my behavior last night, it was most unbecoming of me.” she said in a sad tone. “It’s not that.” Fluttershy responded avoiding eye contact with the mare. “Well what is it darling?” “I-I did something bad.” “What did you do?” “I looked at Cross while he was in the shower.” “Pardon?” “I looked at Cross while he was in the shower.” “What was that dear?” she said as eh moved her head closer. “I looked at Cross while he was in the shower!” she blurted out with a blush on her face. She quickly covered her face with her hooves, Rarity put a hoof on the mare’s shoulder. “There there, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Did he see you?” “N-no. I don’t think so.” Rarity had a sly smirk on her face. “Well then I see no problem.” “Oh, but I just feel so guilty.” she said with tears forming in her eyes. Rarity wrapped her friend in a hug. “I know you do.” “I-I just couldn’t help myself. I-” “Shhh. It’s okay, all the mares get like this around this time. Myself included.” “R-really?” “Yes. So tell me did he look good?” she said as she back ed away from the pegasus. “I saw something odd.” she said as she looked back at her friend. “What do you mean ‘odd’.” “His right eye has a massive scar on it, almost like it was slashed by a claw.” she said as she pointed to her right eye. “Well he is a hunter so he’s bound to have some injuries.” Rarity said with a straight face. “I know but that scar just felt.....wrong somehow.” “Well aside from that little flaw, did you like what you saw?” Fluttershy replayed the image in her head over and over trying to find the right words to describe it. She stopped when she felt her wings pop up and began to blush brightly. She looked back at Rarity who was staring at her in surprise. “I think that answers my question.” she said with a smile. Fluttershy hid behind her mane and hooves once again. Rarity put her hoof on her friends shoulder. “Sorry dear. It’s been a rough week for me. May I offer one bit of advice?” Fluttershy looked at her friend and nodded. “Tell him soon before ‘it’ comes around. Since he’s a stallion he’ll be obligated to participate.” “Oh I don’t know..” “Or you could always enter the competition and hope for the best.” Fluttershy looked at the mare with a worried look. “But I’ve never entered before and if-” “I know Fluttershy but that’s the risk you take in this competition. Celestia I knows that I’m not happy with some of the previous turn outs.” she said as she let out a sigh. “I’m not trying to influence your decision, I’m just stating the facts.” “I don’t know.” “The competition is tomorrow you don’t have a lot of time to make up your mind, the mares here are going to go after him like cat’s after a mouse.” Fluttershy rolled the idea around in her head. “I’ll think about it.” “Good idea.” she said with a smile. The two mares continued their spa visit in silence. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Sweet Apple Acres came into view Cross and Ace were greeted by the three small fillies that they met yesterday. “Howdy Cross.” Applebloom said with a smile. “Hey girls, is Applejack around?” “Yeah she’s in the barn with mah brother, why?” “I was wondering if you guys had a sharpening stone. I need to fix a few things.” he said as he looked at his bag. “Hmm.....ah think we do but a don’t know where. You’d gave to ask Big Mac or Applejack.” Cross had begun to deadpan at the fillies statement. “Good idea.” he said as he rotted past the small fillies an made his way up the dirt path. The fillies followed close behind him and Ace with smiles on their faces. “C’mon Mac just one more set!” a mare’s voice said in a commanding tone. Cross looked into the barn to see the red stallion doing push ups with three hay bales balanced on his back. Applejack looked over her shoulder to see cross glaring at the two. “Howdy Cross what brings you here?” “I was wondering if you had a sharpening stone I could use, but now I’m more interested in what you two are doing.” he said as he glanced at the tired red stallion. “We’re training.” Big Mac said as he got to his hooves and left the barn. “For what?” Applejack looked at him in confusion. “Right sorry, ah forgot yer new around here. Well Heart’s and Hooves day is tomorrow.” “It is?” Applejack looked at him in surprise. “Yeah how could you not know that?” Cross dead panned again. “Well, I’ve been in a forest for three months and then I was knocked out for six days after a timber wolf attack.” “Oh.......right sorry. Well it is. Here in Ponyville we make it a contest.” “Care to elaborate?” Applejack gave a heavy sigh. “Okay. Every year on Hearts and Hooves day, instead of every-pony being too dang embarrassed to ask each other out, we make it a game, kinda like......Capture the Flag.” “I’m not following.” he said with a confused look on his face. “Ugh! All the stallions have a blue ribbon and all the mares have a pink ribbon attached to them. They go around and rip em off of each other that they want to be with and who ever rips your flag off is yer date for the rest of the day.” Cross scratched his head for a moment. “Okay, let me get this straight. The ponies here play a game of hide and go seek with flags attached to them, and who ever rips their flag off is their date for the rest of Hearts and Hooves day. Correct?” “Exactly.” “Do the mare’s always play as the seekers?” “It’s a free-for-all but, the mares usually end up hunting the stallions down.” she said as she rolled her eyes. “Do you have to play? I mean say you already have a colt or mare friend.” “No, it’s all voluntary. No pony’s forcing any-pony to play and you don’t have to be in a relationship to not want to play. Take Fluttershy for example, she’s never entered the competition. Y’know, because she’s so shy.” “True. Where do I sign up?” Applejack looked at him in surprise. “You want to play?” “Sure why not, I love a good game. Are there any restrictions?” “You’d have to check with Twilight, she’s memorized the rules.” “Why do I believe that?” he said in a blank tone. Applejack let out a chuckle. “So you needed a sharpening stone?” “Oh yeah! I need to sharpen something.” he said as he withdrew the sheathed knife. Applejack led him over to the sharpening wheel and he put his knife to the grind stone. As soon as he did sparks started to fly from the blade, after he was done he threw it at the wooden wall, it was firmly stuck into the wood. Cross trotted over and withdrew it from the wooden board. “Just like new, thanks AJ.” Applejack eyed the odd knife. “Ah’ve never seen a knife like that before.” “Not surprising, this comes from the dragon kingdom.” he said as he looked at the blade. Applejack’s jaw hit the floor. “THE DRAGON KINGDOM! How did you get that!?” she said in shock. “It was a gift. Plus I get along great with the dragons.” he said as he eyed the blade. “How?” “I respect them and they respect me. I still have friends over there.” “That are dragons?” “Yeah, I done some business with them in the past.” “What kind of business?” “I found a few things that belonged to them.” “Ah thought you found lost animals?” she said as she raised an eyebrow. “I do, but I also get hired to find other things as well.” “Like what?” “Well...I mentioned that the police would hire me to find a kidnapped pony or runaway criminal. I’d also find items of certain.....value.” he said as he put the knife back into it’s sheath and the two trotted out of the barn. They were interrupted by Rainbow landing in front of them. “Hey Rainbow what’s up.” “Well I was just practicing an awesome new trick, when I heard something about a game. What is it? Can I play?” she said with a wide smile. “Ah was telling him about the ‘competition’ and he want’s to compete this year.” AJ said in a cheery tone. Rainbow looked at him with a devious smile. “Really now?” “Yeah sounds like fun.” he said with a smile. “Oh it will be. For who though is still up for debate.” she said with a sly grin. “What do you mean?” Rainbow looked over to the orange mare. “You didn’t tell him did you?” Cross was in confusion. “Didn’t tell me what?” “During the competition every single mare, us included are in heat, so we play hardball and are extremely persistent.” Cross looked at them with a raised eyebrow. “That all?” “What do you mean that’s all?!” Rainbow yelled. “If I can take on a manticore, then I’m fairly certain I can handle a few mares in heat.” he said with a cocky smile. “You two are competing?” “Yeah!” Rainbow said in a cocky tone. “Ah’m still debating whether or not to join in.” Rainbow rolled her eyes at her friends statement. “Oh come on AJ, we both know that you’re gonna sign up.” “So you know all the rules Dash?” “Yeah, why?” “Any restrictions on using magic?” “Not really, as long you don’t hurt any-pony then you’re fine.” “Easy enough. Where do I sign up?” “Twilight has the roster in the library. I was just about to head over there myself.” Rainbow said with a smile. “Alright let’s go then.” he then whistled in a high pitched tone and Ace came rocketing forward with the three fillies holding on to him. “C’mon boy we’re going to the library and I want you to behave around Spike.” the wolf let out a grunt at the name. “Calm down he’s a baby dragon, harmless.” he said as the three fillies got off of the wolves back and looked at their flanks with a disappointed look on their faces. “Drat! I thought we’d get out ‘wolf riding Cutie Mark’s’ for sure.” the orange pegasus said. “What were you three trying to do?” Cross said with a raised eyebrow. “We were trying to become Cutie Mark Crusader Wolf Riders.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile. “Cutie Mark what?” the three fillies lined up side by side. “WE ARE THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS! We’re on a crusade to find out who we are and discover our special talents.” the three said in unison. “Uh-huh. Well let me give you this piece of advice-” “Let me guess, be patient and it’ll happen eventually.” Applebloom said with a sigh. “Actually I was going to say keep doing what you’re doing. Try as many random things as possible, something will happen eventually.” he said with a smile. “But we’ve done everything from cupcake making to zip lining! Nothing seems to work.” Scootaloo said in an annoyed tone. “How did you three-....You know what, I don’t want to know how you three tried that. Just don’t give up and you’ll get them eventually.” he said as he smiled at them. “Well how did you get your Cutie Mark?” Sweetie Belle asked. Cross’s mind raced as he remembered the event’s that led to his Cutie Mark. “Hmm...can’t remember. I’ll tell you if I do though.” he said as he began to trot past the fillies with Rainbow and Ace by his side. The fillies waved goodbye and ran off into the orchard. Rainbow looked at the stallion in surprise. “You really don’t remember how you got your Cutie Mark?” “No, I do. I just didn’t want to tell them.” “Why? “I’m not exactly proud of it.” he said in a low tone. “What happened?” “You promise not to tell any pony?” “Yeah.” “Especially not Fluttershy!” he said in a pleading tone “Okay.” Cross gave a deep sigh and faced the mare. “I got my Cutie Mark by.....killing an animal.” he said in a sad tone Rainbow looked at him in horror. “YOU WHAT!?” she said in horror. “Rainbow please just listen. When I was young I was attacked by a dog with rabies, I saw a shard of metal nearby, I threw it and....it hit it in the head, killing it. At first I thought it was blind luck, but later on I started to throw some rocks at some tin cans and I hit them all. Eventually I got so good I could do it without looking.” he avoided eye contact with the mare. “You must hate me now. It’s okay, I’ve always regretted that part of my life.” “Well...you were defending yourself right?” “Yeah, I would have died if I didn't.” he looked at the mare who still held the uneasy look on her face, Cross put a hoof on her shoulder. “I’ve had a rough life Rainbow, It was a do or die situation. I’ve been in so many of them I’ve lost count.” he removed his hoof from the mares shoulder. “Please don’t tell Fluttershy, it’ll break her heart.” he finished as they got to the library. Cross opened the door to see Twilight sitting at her desk wearing a pair of thick rimmed glasses. “Oh hey guys what’s up?” “I’m here to sign up for the competition.” he said with a smile. “Really? Okay then, heres the entry form and rules.” she said as she levitated the packet of papers over to him. “You can fill them out over there.” she said as she pointed to a chair with a coffee table in front of it. “Thanks.” As Cross trotted over to the table Twilight noticed Rainbow’s saddened look. “What’s wrong Rainbow? You seem a little down.” “I-it’s nothing. Can you pass me one of those forms?” “Sure.” she said in a suspicious tone. The library door opened to reveal a white unicorn and yellow pegasus mare. “Morning Twilight, I need a form for the competition.” “Sure, you can go over near Cross and fill them out.” Fluttershy’s ears perked up at the stallions name, she looked over to see the stallion filling out the paper work. “He’s competing?” Fluttershy asked in her usual timid voice. “Yeah, AJ told me about it while I was at the farm this morning.” he said as he trotted over and handed the paperwork to Twilight. “What were you doing over there?” Spike asked as he descended the staircase. “I needed to sharpen this knife.” he said as he pulled the blade from it’s sheath. The mares looked at the weapon with surprise. “Awesome!” Dash yelled. Spike then looked at the blade and scoffed at it. “Doesn’t look so sharp.” Spike said with a scowl. “I don’t know Spike that thing looks like it can do some damage.” Twilight said as she gave it a second glance. Spike took the dagger in his claw and started to look over the knife. “Please I’m sure it cant even cut-” Spike’s claw slipped and the blade lightly grazed his scales. Blood started to seep from the wound. “OUCH!” Twilight rushed over and put a bandage on the cut. “SPIKE I TOLD YOU THAT IT WAS SHARP!” she yelled. “I didn’t think it could go through my scales, you saw how I was Rarity’s pin cushion.” Cross trotted over and sheathed the knife. “That’s because this was made in the dragon kingdom.” he said in a flat tone. Spike and the others looked at him in surprise, Fluttershy cowered back at the mention of it. “D-dragon k-kingdom?” “Yes.” “When did you go there?” Twilight asked in “Two years ago.” “Why?” “I did some business with them.” “B-but they’re so....scary.” Fluttershy said as she began to shiver. Awwe, she’s even cute when she’s scared. “Well.....yes. But once you earn their respect they can be quite accommodating.” “And just HOW do you earn a dragons respect?” Twilight asked. “Yes, most dragons we’ve met, other than our Spikey-wikey here, have been completely revolting, selfish and brutish.” Rarity said as she glared at the stallion. “Trust me it ain’t easy. I almost died getting it, good thing they respect bravery.” “More like stupidity.” Twilight interjected. “The two are closely related, I’m sure Rainbow knows what I’m talking about.” he said with a smug grin. “Yeah.......Hey wait a minute!” Cross and the others let out a chuckle at the delayed reaction. “Oh calm down. But in all seriousness I was incredibly injured and almost died had it not been for them.” he said with a smile. “Is that how you got the scar on your eye?” Fluttershy asked. “Yes it-......Wait, how did you know I had a scar on my right eye?” he said as he glared at the mare, her face quickly turned red at the flashback from this morning. The white mare’s eyes lit up as she thought of an excuse. “Fluttershy took your eyepatch off while you were unconscious to check for infection, she was just telling me about it this morning at the spa.” Rarity said as she put on her best poker face and gave her friend a wink. “Well that would explain it......IF it weren’t impossible!” the two mares looked at him in surprise. “The only way this eyepatch can be taken off is if I take it off, just like my hat and bag.” Fluttershy felt her heart rate increase as the stallion looked at her with a narrowed look. “And if my memory serves the only time I took it off was-.........” he stopped himself and looked at the mare who started to blush profusely. “Just after breakfast this morning.” he lied. Rarity and Fluttershy looked at each other in confusion. “I looked at it in the bathroom mirror to make sure it wasn’t damaged.” he then trotted over to Fluttershy who had her head held low, Cross saw tear drops starting to appear on the floor. “Fluttershy, I like you and you’ve done a lot for me. But I don’t like being spied on.” he put his hoof to her chin and started to lift it so their eyes met. “If you’re curious about something then just ask.” Fluttershy was now blushing brighter than ever. “H-how did it happen?” “I was-” he was cut off by Pinkie Pie bursting through the library doors wit a worried look on her face. “OH THANK GOODNESS FLUTTERSHY YOU’RE HERE! WE’VE GOT A SERIOUS PROBLEM!” “What’s the problem Pinks?” Rainbow asked, then group then heard screams of panic and pandemonium, the group rushed outside to see ponies running in fear. The group heard an earth shattering roar and Pinkie “THAT’S THE PROBLEM!” Pinkie pointed up and the whole group looked in horror at a massive dragon hovering just on the outskirts of Ponyville.