//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 // Story: Hunter/Prey // by UnluckyReaver //------------------------------// A figure wrapped in dark clothing slowly crept through the palace halls. As it rounded the corner it spotted the human. Ducking into a shadow, the figure watched as the human passed and entered his room. Waiting in the shadow for several minutes, then cautiously crept out of the shadow and across the hall; it pressed an ear against the door. Hearing only faint breathing form the other side, the figure pushed the door open. Taking a quick look around, the figure didn’t see anything moving; it slipped into the room pushing the door closed behind it. Moving silently through the room, the cloaked figure made its way over to the bed. Its sickly yellow eyes studded the sleeping human. It raised a limb and gently poked the human causing him to shift slightly, but remained asleep. Moving away from the bed, the clothing wrapped entity began to search through the room. One of the first things it came across was a stack of papers on the small table. Carefully lifting one of the papers, the figure read over the scratchy writing that covered the page. But no help came, and the wolves devoured the boy. The next day a group of villagers went out to the pasture, but couldn’t find the boy; instead they found bones littered around the blood-soaked grass… Deciding that it was best not to continue reading, the figure replaced the page and resumed its search of the room. It searched through every drawer, closet and wardrobe it could find, always taking the time to replace any removed item, so that it would leave no trace that it was here. Eventually, it came across a locked drawer within a large wardrobe; its eyes narrowed as it used its magic to pick the lock. With a faint click, the lock came undone, and the drawer slid open. Inside the drawer the figure found a number of strange metal cylinders, each one appeared to be made of brass and sealed with a piece of lead. An evil grin came across its face as it face as it lifted one of the cylinders from the drawer and placed it in one of his pockets. Closing and re-locking the drawer, the figure slipped out of the room and back into the shadows. The morning had started off fairly well, for Hunter; it was he had peacefully through the night without any strange or disturbing dream in over a week. Electing to eat breakfast in his room, he sat on the floor in front of the small table; he bit into an apple as he looked over what he’d written so far. Pulling out a fresh sheet, he lifted a pen but his train of thought was interrupted when a knock came from the door. With a quiet sigh, Hunter placed the pen down and walked over to the door. Pulling the door open he found Stargazer waiting for him on the other side. “Oh, Stargazer; what brings you around so early?” Hunter asked stepping aside to let the unicorn into the room. “And good morning to you too;” Stargazer said with a touch of sarcasm in her voice and entered the room. “I never would have thought that the first human would be so grumpy before he got his breakfast.” “It’s so nice that we’re close enough that you can address the very important me with sarcasm.” Hunter replied as a small smile came to his face. “You would think that even an aide to a princess would still have to treat rare and exotic dignitaries such as myself with some respect.” “Well, you would have thought wrong.” Hunter smiled at the comment as he walked back over to the table. “All that aside, it is still strange for anyone to track me down before breakfast.” He said emphasizing his point by biting into the apple that was still in his hand. “What?” He asked seeing the questioning look that Stargazer was giving him. “You shouldn’t skip breakfast; it’s the most important meal of the day.” “Breakfast aside; you still have quite the day in front of you.” “Wait, what do you mean?” Hunter asked between bites. “Several prominent ponies have asked to speak with you, probably with the goal of convincing you to join their house.” “Hey, if I were to leave Canterlot and go somewhere else do you think I’d be able to avoid all this?” “Unlikely, it seems that the majority of them view you as some sort of trump card; get the human to join your house and instant prestige. On top of that, they do not restrict themselves from doing business solely in Canterlot; even if you left they would still track you down. So, leaving probably wouldn’t help, unless you moved into the Everfree.” “I can do that;” Hunter said with a smirk, but quickly softened his expression, “but yeah, I see your point.” “Furthermore, you’ve been invited to the Grand Galloping Gala.” Stargazer said as she used her telekinesis to produce a gold ticket and floated it over to the human. Hunter picked the ticket out of the air, looking it over. “So, you’re going to need some formal attire; we’ve managed to find a tailor that should be able to make you a suit. So, hurry up, we’ve got a lot to do.” The unicorn turned and walked back out into the hallway. “I need a suit?” Hunter asked the empty space that was now in front of him. “Wait, what’s a ‘galloping gala’? Hey! Wait up!” He called after the unicorn as he chased after her. “I know you have reservations about getting involved with our family;” Blue Blood explained to Hunter, “But the Royal Bloodline Family is the best choice you can make; we are the only house outside the Royal Sister that are permitted to us the honourifics ‘Prince’ and ‘Princess’. We are perhaps the wealthiest and most influential of all the houses.” Hunter shook his head. “Sorry Prince, but I’m just not ready to make any commitment just yet.” The human replied. “I’m sure your family is as wealthy and influential as you say it is, but it’s only been a day; other families are also petitioning me to join them. This is not a decision that I’m going to make arbitrarily.” “I understand that. You are new to Equestria, unfamiliar with our customs, some might even say ignorant; but not the Royal Bloodline Family, we see your potential. With us your future is nearly limitless; and just so we’re clear I’m not taking about you becoming some associate, I’m talking about making you a full family member.” Hunter raised an eyebrow at this statement. “You want me, a human, to join your family?” “I… would not put it that way.” Blueblood admitted. Hunter’s eyes narrowed as he studied the unicorn, but allowed him to continue. “I understand your skepticism; if you become and associate the House gains the benefit of your name, but you get nothing in return. However, by offering to make you an official part of our family we get the prestige of your name and you get all the benefits of being a full family member; it is a win-win scenario for both of us.” “I’ll keep that in mind while I make my decision.” “Good, I’m glad to hear it.” The unicorn said with a smile. “Oh, and one quick piece of advice; the Royal Bloodline Family does not take rejection well.” “I see; then let me give you a piece of advice in return;” Hunter said, moving so that he was now looming over the unicorn, and his voice taking a cold tone. “Humans do not take kindly to threats.” Blue Blood’s eyes widened as he stared up at Hunter; the unicorn felt his legs weaken and a desperate need to get away. “Y-yes, I’ll definitely remember that.” Blue Blood stammered. “Now, it was… pleasant to speak with you again, but I really need to be going.” The unicorn backed away from the human, before slowly turning and with as much restraint and composure he could muster Blue Blood walked out of the room. “I can’t believe that worked.” Hunter said to himself as he sat back down. “Maybe I should start with the scary next time.” “That probably won’t work.” Stargazer called out to Hunter as she entered. “Although I’ve never seen Blue Blood that scared before; well maybe that time at last year’s Gala.” Hunter gave Stargazer a quizzical look. “Last year? I think I heard about that; something about all the animals from the gardens got into the ballroom; caused a panic.” “That did happen; it’s not what I was referring too. Last year there was a unicorn that was quiet infatuated with him; after she realized that he wasn’t quite the noble prince she thought his would be…” Hunter chuckled as he envisioned a mare telling Blue Blood off. “I wish I could have seen that.” “Me too, I wasn’t there when it happened; Princess Luna didn’t go to the Gala last year. Scared princes aside, you still have other nobleponies to meet. We’ll be going to the house of this next one; House Lulamoon has asked to speak with you as well.” “Shrouded works fast.” Hunter smirked. “Let’s just get this over with.” Sitting in a large opulently decorated room, Hunter studied the mare across from him; she was a unicorn with a golden yellow coat, her mane was gold as well but seemed to have an almost unnatural shine to it. Finally, her cutie mark was that of a wand surrounded by several stars. “Thank you for agreeing to meeting with me, Sir Hunter.” She said with a confident yet refined voice. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Prestidigitation.” Hunter replied. “But it’s just Hunter, I’m not a lord or knight or anything like that.” “Is it safe to assume that you are aware why I asked to speak with you?” “I do have some suspicions; this is about the same thing the other families want, me joining their house.” “Then your suspicion would be correct. This is indeed about asking you to join House Lulamoon, but not necessarily in the manner you think.” Hunter’s eyes narrowed, “So, you asked me here just to tell me that you’re not interested in me joining?” He asked, unsure of where the conversation was going. “The last time I had a conversation like this, the pony in question was all but begging me to join their house.” “That is what makes the great House Lulamoon so different. We see things for the long term; for now you are new, exotic, and it is that quality that the other families find desirable. However, over time that quality will fade, and you will lose that which makes you desirable. If House Lulamoon where to consider making you an associate we would need to see some benefit aside from you just being what you are.” “A very practical train of thought, Lady Prestidigitation; after the way ponies that I talked with before I would have assumed that the various families would simply fight over me based solely on some immediate gain.” “Which now brings us to the crux of the matter; House Lulamoon has a long and rich tradition with the magical arts. We are forever seeking ways to increase our knowledge and power; that is our true goal not the petty political or financial ambitions the other houses seem focused on. Now, do you see any way that you becoming an associate with House Lulamoon will help us achieve our long term goals?” Hunter sat silent for several second, mulling the question over in his head. Eventually he looked directly at the unicorn and spoke. “No.” Prestidigitation blinked in disbelief. “I’m sorry, but did you say ‘no’?” “I did.” Hunter explained. “The thing you need to understand, Lady Prestidigitation, is that I am a human; and as such I cannot use magic. I cannot fly or manipulate the weather like a pegasi, not do I have the strength or the connection to the earth that earth ponies have. So, the answer to your question Lady Prestidigitation is: no, even though it would be nice to be a part of a house that would see me for who I am, I cannot see a way that I would be beneficial to House Lulamoon for the long term.” “I am surprised at your answer,” Prestidigitation admitted, “I was expecting you make some claim about the greatness of humans, and all the benefits would bring if you were permitted to join my house. Instead, you state that we would gain nothing for our long term goals; making it appear that you would actually be detriment to House Lulamoon.” “Not really; humans built their world on science and technology, not magic. On some outside chance maybe some of that might apply to something, but it seems doubtful.” “I feel that I must confess my reason for my shock at your answer; since its founding House Lulamoon has had close ties to the Princess. Similarly to how the Royal Bloodline Family traces it heritage back to Princess Celestia, we trace ours back to Princess Luna.” “I fail to see how that would be the cause of your surprise, Lady Prestidigitation.” “Given the rumors about your… interest in Princess Luna, our assumption was that you would seek to join in order to further those goals.” “Interest? What goals?” Hunter blinked. “Wait, what rumors?” “The rumors… the ones about how you are interested in the Princess of the Night… romantically.” “Romantic interest in Luna?”Hunter said more like a statement then a question. “You should not trust in all the rumors you hear, Lady Prestidigitation; I have no romantic attraction to the Princess.” “Oh, I see, she’ll be so disappointed.” “Are their rumors about Princess Luna having romantic interest in me?” Hunter asked flatly. “Are you saying that you have no idea how our beloved Princess of the Night feels about you?” Hunter sighed, “I think that any feeling that Luna might have for me are based solely in friendship, not any sort of romantic involvement.” “You do not think that romance can bloom from friendship?” “Do I think that is it possible for love to grow out of friendship? Yes. Do I think that it will happen to me and the Princess? No.” “I do appreciate your honesty, Sir Hunter. I do appreciate that even if it was to your own detriment.” Lady Prestidigitation with a smile, as the small clock on the mantle began to chime. “Unfortunately it appears that our time has come for our conversation to end.” Hunter stood and gave a small bow to the unicorn. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Prestidigitation; I enjoyed our conversation. Maybe we can speak again sometime.” The human then turned and walked towards the exit, meeting up with Stargazer before the two of them exited the room. Prestidigitation watched to ensure that both Hunter and Stargazer were gone before call her subordinates into the room. “Foresight, your prediction was appears to be incorrect; the human has no magic, no power to speak of; and Match Maker, you assured me that he would be longing for the Princess.” Prestidigitation said sternly as she pointed a hoof at them. “Now explain to me what happened?” “My vision was very clear, my lady.” Foresight explained in an attempt to reduce him mistress’ wraith. “I see him, standing amongst destruction and death; wielding the power of thunder and fire to strike down those that stand against him. This vision has not faded, and it will come to pass.” “My prediction remains the same as well, Lady Prestidigitation.” Match Maker chimed in. “The outsider will fall for the mare in the moon, and from their love an age of fear shall reign.” “Your sight has failed you both!” Prestidigitation yelled. “How can a being with no magic possibly wield power over thunder or fire? And how can love between two being that are nothing but honest, humble, respectful and kind bring about devastation? Both of you be gone! I shall hear no more tainted visions!” Match Maker and Foresight both bowed, the hurried out of the room. No, I refuse to believe that if the human falls for the Princess of… Prestidigitation’s train of thought trialed off as revelation stuck her. “Match Maker said ‘mare in the moon’, which doesn’t refer to Princess Luna but to… oh, no.” With panic setting in, Prestidigitation race out of the room. Hunter was unimpressed and slightly annoyed at the situation he had found himself in. Although at the time he was not completely sure of what to expect when Stargazer to him that they would be going to a tailor to get a custom suit fashioned, he did know that standing like a mannequin for almost an hour while some pony shoved pins into his skin was not it. “Are you sure that this is the only tailor in the country that can stitch me up a suit?” Hunter winced as the tailor jabbed him with yet another pin. “It’s like he’s trying to get me to bleed.” “Relax; he knows what he’s doing. Besides he’s the only tailor in Canterlot that has made clothing for a biped before. Granted it was for a minotaur, but he still knows what he’s doing.” Stargazer explained. “And remember; coming here was your choice, remember?” “I remember that you gave me a choice between talking with yet another family and getting a suit made for this gala thing, not standing around getting pins shoved into my skin.” “Oh calm down, you sound like a foal. I’m sure that it will be over in no time.” “That’s what you said an hour ago…” Stargazer rolled her eyes. “I don’t understand how you can go from having such a polite and refined conversation with somepony, then barely an hour later stand there and whine like a little foal.” “It’s a human thing; you wouldn’t understand.” Before Stargazer could respond, the bell above the door rang as an earth pony with a blue-gray coat and mane entered the small shop. Looking past Hunter the tailor pony greeted the new arrival. “Hoity Toity, welcome, I’ll be with you in a moment.” The tailor said. “Do not rush yourself, Quick Stitch.” Hoity Toity told the tailor pony. “I heard the rumor that you were fashioning a suit for out human guest. I am glad to see that the rumor was correct.” The earth pony turned his attention up towards the human. “You unquestionably must be Hunter, the human who has come to visit our fair country.” “I am indeed that person.” Hunter said not moving from the position that Quick Stitch had place him in. “I’m Hunter, it’s a pleasure to meet you… um, Hoity Toity was it?” “Indeed it is. So, tell me; what do you think of our fair city?” “I haven’t had a chance to see much of it yet; I’ve spent most of my time here in the palace, but I have liked what I’ve seen so far. What surprised me was how familiar it feels to the cities back home; businesses and homes, people moving along crowed streets all living out their lives. It’s strangely comforting to see that.” “I’m finished.” Quick Stitch spoke up. “It will take a bit of time to assemble everything; I’ll send word once it’s ready for a second fitting.” “Thank you, Quick Stitch. I’ll leave you to your work then.” Hunter said handing over the half finished suit to the pony. “Although I would relish the chance to continue our conversation, I do have some pressing business with Quick Stitch.” Hoity Toity said. “Until we meet again.” “Until then.” Hunter answered with a small bow before exiting the tailor’s shop. Once back on the street, Hunter turned towards Stargazer. “I’ve met with Blue Blood and Lady Prestidigitation, and what, three other families, talked with the tailor about getting a suit made, what’s next on the agenda?” “Well, next you have a lunch with Princess Luna; then later you have meeting with Widget and Gearbox, who represent the Canterlot University. I believe they wished to speak to you about human technology and seeing if they can integrate any knowledge you have into their research.” “The university, eh? That might be interesting.” Hunter said, then realized what else Stargazer had told him. “Lunch with Luna? When… Stargazer, why do I get the feeling that you’re trying to set me up with the princess?” “Set you up with the princess? W-whatever gave you that idea?” Stargazer stammered. “I’m not trying to get the two of you involved or anything like that.” “Whatever you say…” Hunter said rolling his eyes. “Just remember what I told Prestidigitation; I’m not interested in the princess that way.” Princess Luna was making her way through the castle towards the kitchens when someone called out to her. “Auntie Luna, what you still doing here?” Princes Cadence asked as she rounded the corner. “If you don’t leave now, you’re going to be late.” “Late? Whatever shall we be late for?” Luna asked staring at Cadence in confusion. “For your lunch with Hunter, remember?” Cadence explained. “Now, hurry up and get to the dining all before it’s too late.” Without waiting for a reply, Cadence grabbed Luna and dragged her towards the dining hall. “Stop! Desist!” Luna yelled. “We demand that you release us at one!” “Sorry Auntie, but I can’t. As the princess of love it is my duty to ensure that you are there; the fate of two hearts hangs in the balance.” Luna’s horn flashed as she used her magic to push Cadence off of her. “What are you talking about, dear niece? Whose heart lies in the balance?” “Why, both yours and Hunter’s; who else?” Cadence said bluntly before she began to blush slightly as a look of joy came over her face. “I think it’s so romantic; the timid princess and the stranger form a distant land. Both feeling lonely and scared at the new world they find themselves in. Finding the friendship and comfort in each other that they cannot find elsewhere; and then that friendship blooms into something beautiful, love. It’s such a wonderful story, like something from a dream.” Luna stood there in shock, neither speaking nor moving as she tried to process what her niece had just told her. Sensing and opportunity, Cadence grabbed Luna once more and dragged the blue alicorn the rest of the way to the dining hall. As the two of them passed through the doorway, Cadence could see Hunter, who was being pushed forwards by Stargazer, enter the hall as well. “Excellent; now that you are both here, you can enjoy a lovely lunch together.” Cadence said as she exited the room, gesturing for Stargazer to follow. “I’m sorry if I’m late, Princess.” Hunter began, “The unfortunate truth is that I became so preoccupied with what I was doing that our lunch together had slipped my mind.” “It is quite alright, Sir Hunter.” Luna responded as she took her seat. “I must confess that I, too, had forgotten about agreeing to this.” Hunter moved to the table and carefully chose a seat, one that was not so far as to appear rude, but no so close that the alicorn’s presence would overwhelm him. “Then it is fortunate that both Stargazer and Princess Cadence reminded us of it then.” Hunter smiled. “Otherwise, we both might have ended up looking foolish.” “It is indeed; looking like a foal is not something that I wish to be preserved as.” Luna said with a straight face that she managed to hold for several seconds before breaking out into a smile. “Although the amount of enthusiasm that our… my niece used in getting me here was quite overwhelming. It is as if she thought there was something more than just a meal with a friend.” “Yeah, that is kinda strange. Reminds me of something I heard earlier today; apparently there are rumors about us being… romantically attracted to each other.” “What preposterousness; it has only been a short time since my return from my imprisonment, and I have no desire to seek out any romantic liaison with anypony. I value our friendship as it stands now.” “Oh, I agree, Princess. Having only just arrived in this country a week ago I’m still trying to adjust to my new life here. I doubt that I would have time for some kind of romantic relationship. Besides since it was your spell that is keeping me from being killed by the ambient magic in the air, a romantic relationship between us would be…umm, inappropriate?” “Y-yes we would not want ponies thinking that we were involved in something inappropriate. Besides, give everything else, such as station, lifespan, even species; such a thing would be impossible for us to be romantically involved.” “I agree, c-completely impossible…” “Yes…” “So… umm, did you know that there is only one tailor in this city with any knowledge on how to make clothing for a biped, and on top of that, he’s determined to shove as many pins in as many people as he can?” “Excellent; my plan is coming together.”Cadence said with an evil smile. “Umm, Princess, what plan would that be?” Stargazer asked. “The one where I get auntie Luna to fall in love and get married and I do not go to their wedding.” Cadence said then turned to see Stargazer standing there with a shocked expression on her face. “You weren’t actually supposed to hear that… so just forget I said anything.” “Princess, is this about Princess Luna not being there at your wedding?” “N-no; whatever would give you that idea?” “You are aware that the reason Princess Luna wasn’t at your wedding was because you neglected to give her an invitation, right?” Cadence said nothing, instead she just stared blankly at Stargazer. Deep in a cave, a group of being with slickly yellow eyes stared at a small tube made of brass and topped with lead. Each one looked over the item, as they conversed in their strange, raspy and distorted voices. “What is it?” “We do not know.” “The stranger, the human, he had it.” “Was hidden, locked away.” “What does it do?” “Is it magic?” “How do you open it?” “Can you eat it?” “We need the human.” “Yes; the human, he knows!” “We must have him!” “He will not come…” “We will not give him a choice.”