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4 CMC Kishin Hunters

“Apple Bloom, Scootaloo; the two of you will be going on a mission with your weapons,” Stein said as they sat in the throne room

“Awesome! Cutie Mark Crusaders Kishin Hunters,” the three yelled cheerfully

“For safety you will be accompanied by an instructor,” Stein continued

“Can we get Justin, please,” Apple Bloom asked

“Of course I'll join you,” Justin said

“Where exactly are we headed to,” Scootaloo asked

“In the desert near a place called Kluge Town,” Stein replied

“Here's all we know about the target,” Celestia said handing them a folder

‘Target: Tirek

Location: Kluge Town

Status: Alive

Wanted: Dead

Believed to be a Kishin, proceed with caution. Eliminate with extreme prejudice.’

“What's ‘extreme prejudice’ mean,” Apple Bloom asked

“You are permitted to do anything you have to, in order to eliminate Tirek,” Celestia answered

“This should be interesting,” Justin said

“Any recommendations,” Sweetie Belle asked

“Bring plenty of water to drink,” Kid suggested “It is a desert area, after all.”

“We'll leave in tomorrow. Get some rest, you're going to need it,” Justin said

“Dismissed,” Stein said

“Meeting in private,” Celestia said motioning to her room

The three instructors, and Kid joined the princesses for their usual private meetings in Celestia’s room.

“Alright, so what's our latest meeting in the ‘War Room’ about,” Kid asked

“War room,” Luna commented

“Any room where we have been discussing our witch problem.”

“This kishin hunt. Something just doesn't feel right about it. The location is in a far off area that no one enters without reason. And this kishin in question; Tirek, isn't an ordinary being. Centaurs are known to be brutes, but he always had a temper. In fact; I wonder if Tirek isn't a witch,” Celestia explained

“Who gave you the folder?”

“It was from an anonymous source,” she replied

“Justin; be careful. If Tirek is indeed a witch; do whatever it takes to protect the girls.”

“Of course. Wish me luck,” Justin said

“Best of luck.”

“Get back in one piece,” Giriko replied

“I promise,” Justin replied

● CMC ●

“Are you ready for our first mission as meisters,” Apple Bloom asked

“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied simply

“I just hope we're successful,” Sweetie Belle said cautiously

“We will be. Justin will be there to help,” Scootaloo said

“Let's eat and get to bed. Tomorrow's going to be a long day,” Bloom said

● THE NEXT DAY ●

Celestia allowed the group to use a special automated carriage for their trip. During long distance meetings, she would use that carriage to allow her guards to rest. Celestia handed Justin a bag of gems to help in negotiations.

“This will help you get there. Good luck, my little ponies and Death Scythe,” Celestia said “Just tap the side and it will activate.”

Everyone decided to sleep as they weren't sure how long it would take. Once the carriage landed; Justin led the group into town for information.

“Girls, please let me do the talking,” he asked

“Okay. You're the expert,” Scootaloo said

“Do you happen to know about a person named ‘Tirek’,” Justin asked a nearby shopkeeper

“You're not from around here, blondie. You want something, you pay,” came the reply

Justin removed a small gem from the pouch inside his jacket and handed it over to the merchant.

“Tirek? Big red centaur? He lives in a house at the edge of town,” the merchant replied putting the gem in his pocket

“Just wait a minute, big guy. Name's Capper. Why do you need to see him,” a feline just shorter than Justin asked “There's something strange about him.”

“Do you happen to have somewhere we can talk,” Justin asked

Capper lead the group to a house and upstairs to the top floor. Looking out, Justin recognized the building they were in as a windmill. Everyone had to be careful walking to make sure the floor didn't break, due to the age.

“Tirek isn't someone to mess with. Rumor has it, he speaks some strange words and has meetings with some hooded figure. Why do you want to see him,” Capper explained “I've seen him carrying bags full of floating objects after the owner drops.”

“Business. If those were what I think; you've seen him devouring souls and is what's known as a ‘kishin’. The three of us are here to eliminate him,” Justin replied

“Good luck, but don't say I didn't warn you. Centaurs aren't a species to be messed with,” Capper added

“Thank you for the suggestion,” Justin said before the group left

● TIREK ●

“Lord Tirek. A group came looking for you. A blond male and two ponies that were armed,” the merchant replied

“So, they're here. Thank you for the information,” Tirek said

“You're welcome sir. Please don’t,” the salesman said desperately

Tirek plunged a claw into the person and yanked his soul out. Afterwards, he cleaned up the house and threw on his robe.

“This soul wasn't filling enough. Perhaps those three meisters can satisfy this witch’s appetite,” Tirek said out loud

● CMC ●

“What's next,” Apple Bloom asked

“Hello. Are you looking for someone,” a hooded Tirek called

“Someone by the name of ‘Tirek’. You know him,” Scootaloo replied

“Know him? I am him,” Tirek replied lowering the hood as the girls started reaching for their weapons “I'm not going to hurt you. I'd actually like to invite the three of you to my house for a drink.”

Justin looked at the girls and simply mouthed ‘be careful’ to them before following the centaur to his house. Knowing this was the target, he didn't want to take any chances. Kishins, let alone witches, can easily pass as non threatening. Looking at the centaur’s appearance, Justin noted how frail he looked, although it might be some kind of trick using magic.

“Would the three of you like some water to drink,” Tirek asked casually

“Yes please,” Justin replied

“If you don't mind,” Bloom added

“I'll be back momentarily,” Tirek said

A moment later, the centaur returned carrying a tray with a pitcher of water and four glasses on it. Unbeknownst to them; he spiked the water with a clear powder to knock them out. Later, he would kill them and devour their souls, hoping that would satisfy his hunger.

“What brings a group like yourselves out here to the desert,” Tirek asked curiously

“A report mentioning mysterious deaths in the city. Your name was listed on there. We came to simply confirm whether or not the report is true,” Justin replied

Justin grabbed a glass and took a sip before tasting the powder. He casually spat the water back into the glass before sitting it on the table. The girls followed suit once they tasted the powder.

“That's why two of you are armed? That seems to be a bit much, don't you think,” Tirek argued

“We weren't told what to expect and decided to arrive armed for our safety. This doesn't seem to be an area that sees many visitors,” Justin replied

“I guess I see your meaning. Entering an unknown area, perhaps it is best to be armed,” Tirek mused “Although; why bring two inexperienced meisters here?”

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were speechless when Tirek added his last comment.

“Oh, you didn't think I knew who you were? Two of you being armed, and your friend here giving away your purpose. Being listed on a report for mysterious deaths? I'll admit, I'm responsible,” Tirek replied “A friend informed me of your arrival. But, why don't we take this outside?”

“That's not good. It seems Kid’s suspicions were correct,” Justin thought

The four headed outside as the girls withdrew their weapons. Justin decided to step off to the side to spectate the eminent fight.

“Give me your best shot,” Tirek taunted

The Crusaders looked at one another as if running a plan telepathically between them and nodded. Apple Bloom concentrated a moment and allowed Big Mac’s hammer to become one handed as she charged towards the centaur.

“So, what are you going to do with that? Swat a fly,” Tirek asked sarcastically

Bloom tossed the hammer to Scootaloo as the latter headed towards their opponent's blindside. Tirek was struck in the side by the blow and clutched at it in pain.

“I'll…give…you…that,” he said through breaths

The girls worked a double team attack where one would use the shield to defend, while the other attacked and switched each time.

“My turn,” Tirek replied

Apple Bloom charged in only to be met by a hand around her throat as she was caught and dropped Big Mac.

“I'll get you out,” Scootaloo said

Scootaloo picked up the fallen hammer and ended up getting kicked in the stomach by the centaur. Bloom was thrown towards her friend and ended up tumbling several times through the sand before stopping as the hammer just simply fell.

“Mac, let's try what we learned. Soul Resonance,” Bloom said picking up her brother and weapon

The head of the hammer began to grow multiple times in size as the handle returned to its original size as she charged forward. Tirek managed to get his hands above his head and stopped the attack without flinching.

“This has gone on long enough. Soul Protect Release,” Tirek said

The girls struggled to their feet, only to be dropped by the enormous pressure Tirek gave off. Neither could sense his soul, but they could feel its weight. Tirek also increased in size dwarfing even Celestia in his current form. Instead of being frail; he also gained a massive amount of muscle.

“Girls, back off! Tirek is a witch! I'll take over,” Justin ordered

“And who do you think you are,” Tirek asked

“Justin Law. The Guillotine,” Justin replied calmly

Justin allowed a blade to be formed in his right arm and charged.

“Saint Cross Knife!”

Tirek was actually surprised by this and jumped back after receiving a light cut across the chest. He placed a hand over it and saw blood.

“Good thing I reacted quickly. You're really out for blood,” Tirek said

Justin repeated the tactic a second time, only Tirek was prepared. Instead of taking the attack in the chest, the centaur leapt up and ended up getting a back leg slashed instead, sending blood in the sand.

“You're going to regret your decision, Death Scythe,” Tirek taunted

Due to the location of the second slash; Tirek struggled to get a counter attack and stood there while Justin charged.

“Neck Shackle Guard! Headbutt of Love!”

Justin's left arm changed into a cuff as the Death Scythe locked one of his opponent's arms up before delivering a headbutt directly to the nose, causing it to break.

“That is amazing,” Scootaloo said

“This is the power of a Death Scythe,” Bloom added

“Oh great Lord of ours who dwells within the City of Death; may thy name be kept true,” Justin bowed his head and prayed as the girls followed his actions, out of respect

“Show mercy,” Tirek pleaded

As he spoke, the blade on Justin's right arm lengthened to a foot long as he continued the prayer.

“Oh Lord of Death: I am your servant of peace. I am a pillar of justice. I am a blade of faith. In the name of the great Lord Death: Law-Abiding Silver Gun!”

Justin proceeded to jump into the air high above his opponent as a beam of light emerging from the blade struck Tirek behind the head. The centaur proceeded to slump down before his body was completely destroyed, leaving just the witch's soul behind.

“This belongs to one of you,” Justin said tossing them the soul

“Take it Bloom. You're the leader of the Crusaders,” Scootaloo decided

“Mac; enjoy your soul,” Apple Bloom said

“Eeyup,” Big Mac said before swallowing the soul

“This might be rude, but perhaps we could head back inside,” Scootaloo suggested

“Normally, I'd disagree with you, but perhaps a little rest might not be bad,” Justin replied

After heading inside the house, Bloom dumped the water pitcher out and refilled it with fresh water. Scootaloo headed towards the back to find a bathroom.

“Yeeh,” Scoots yelled

“What happened,” Bloom yelled

“Souls. Lots of souls,” Scoots replied

“Don't eat any of them. These are regular souls that would turn you into a kishin,” Justin warned

“What do we do with them? We can't just leave them here,” Bloom asked

“Oh, Lord of Death; I ask you to watch over these souls and guide them to the afterlife. Amen,” Justin prayed

To their surprise, the image of Lord Death’s mask appeared on the floor, allowing the souls to be collected, before disappearing.

● DEATH CITY ●

“My, my. This is a surprise. Innocent souls delivered from Equestria and from Justin Law no less? I am glad that no one tried to eat these,” Lord Death mused seeing the collection arrive

● EQUESTRIA; KLUGE TOWN ●

“Where did the souls go,” Scootaloo asked
“Hopefully to Death City and Lord Death,” Justin replied

“This might be disrespectful, but do you think we could stay here and leave tomorrow? It's getting late and the desert isn't a nice place to be in,” Scootaloo suggested

“I suppose we could. Just be careful,” Justin said

“I found something you might want to see,” Sweetie Belle said after being released from weapon mode

The three headed to a side room that appeared to be an office. Sitting on the table was a folder marked ‘SECRET’.

“I'll take that. It'll be given to the princesses to view,” Justin said

“There's more here than just that folder. I count at least dozens of pages,” Sweetie said

“Please gather everything you can. Anything important will be sorted by the princesses.”

“Okay,” Sweetie said

“So, what do we grab,” Scootaloo asked after he left

“Just take everything. The princesses will know what to do with it,” Bloom replied

The three members of the Crusaders scoured the room and gathered everything up and found some string to secure the papers with. As they handed them to Justin; he simply grabbed the robe Tirek wore and covered it up.

“Let's go home,” Justin said

“Mac, Sweetie; transform,” Bloom directed

The three meisters headed back through town only to find someone waiting by their carriage. Apple Bloom gripped her weapon until Justin placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her.

“Nice ride. I took the liberty to stay here and guard this for you. Some people were getting rather curious,” Capper said

“Thank you. It's not much, but you deserve it,” Justin replied tossing the cat a diamond

“It's more than enough. I take it you finished what you came here for,” Capper commented

“Yeah. It wasn't easy,” Justin commented

“I'd recommend leaving soon. The residents here don't take too kindly to eliminating one of their own,” Capper suggested

As he said that; many of the residents arrived and none seemed too pleased. Tirek was apparently boss of the town, and they wanted revenge for him.

‘You killed Lord Tirek!’

‘Long live Tirek!’

‘Death to the intruders!’

“Let's get out of here,” Scoots said

The three jumped in the carriage as Bloom tapped the side of it, causing it to activate. They arrived back at the castle a couple hours later as Justin led everyone inside.

“Welcome back,” Celestia said

“I have something you should take a look at,” Justin said motioning to the bulge under his arms

“This was,” Celestia asked

“Yes,” Justin said simply

“Very well. You can join your fellow students in the courtyard,” Celestia said dismissively

The group made their way to the courtyard as practice was in session. Upon seeing their siblings, Applejack and Rarity ran over to them.

“Welcome back Bloom,” AJ said cheerfully hugging her sister

“You've completed your first mission,” Rarity said “Congratulations, all of you.”

“Welcome back Scoots,” Dash said holding out a fist

“How'd it go,” Stein asked

“Completed. I'll let you know of the details later,” Justin said

“Next group will be Apple Bloom,” Giriko said

“Why not make this interesting? Two teams against one another,” Kid suggested

“Alright. Scootaloo will join Apple Bloom. Their opponents will be…Vinyl…and…Rarity,” Giriko announced

“Sorry Sweetie. No hard feelings,” Rarity asked

“No worries. This might be fun,” Sweetie replied

“Applejack? Would you mind being my partner,” Rarity asked

“Of course,” AJ replied

The weapon transformed as everyone took their positions. Rarity concentrated for a moment and caused Applejack’s whip to be completely straight as she moved to attack Apple Bloom. Both shield meisters headed to combat one another, although Scootaloo was at a disadvantage without having a weapon to attack with.

Rarity moved in and as Bloom connected with the whip; Rarity released the ability and had it wrap around the shaft as the hammer was sent flying. Vinyl took advantage and maneuvered towards Scoot’s shield before holding her blade out.

“You're done,” Vinyl said

“The winners are Vinyl and Rarity,” Giriko declared as the girls slumped down in defeat

“Girls, don't worry. Everyone has an off day,” Justin said seeing the Crusaders pouting

“It's just,” Bloom started

“We're lousy meisters,” Scootaloo said sadly

“You had to come to our rescue in our battle and we couldn't hold our own in a simple training battle,” Bloom added

“You held your own against an opponent much stronger than you. Besides, you created some good tactics. Switching weapons and guarding one another was creative,” Justin replied

“Eeyup,” Big Mac added

“You did well. It's hard to fight against someone with the same abilities as you,” Vinyl said “And not to be rude, but you need to work together with your weapon to make sure the other can use it.”

“Thank you all,” the Crusaders said

“Stein; get the other three instructors. There's something we need to discuss,” Celestia said

“Giriko, Justin, Kid; let's go. Class dismissed,” Stein said

“When did Kid become an instructor,” Gallus asked sarcastically

“Since I've been training, for one. Two; I'm a Reaper,” Kid said simply “I have more knowledge on this subject.”

The four headed inside the castle and were directed to the same room where Kid first contacted his father.

“Justin, thank you for bringing those papers to my attention. We need to discuss their contents,” Celestia said

“What was in there,” Justin asked “The girls just grabbed everything in Tirek’s office.”

“A message to Tirek from an anonymous source. It mentions that meisters would be arriving soon,” Luna replied

“He actually knew Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were meisters and played it off. While trying to show hospitality; a colorless powder was slipped into the water pitcher he gave us. Thankfully none of us actually swallowed anything,” Justin added

“That's not good. You mentioned the girls holding their own,” Kid commented

“They did until he released Soul Protect. Tirek went from a scrawny centaur to over your height, Princess Celestia with much more muscle. During that battle, I took over and fought with the intent to kill. Kid, I'm sorry about my actions,” Justin explained bowing his head in shame

“You did nothing wrong. I asked you to do whatever it took to protect them,” Kid said

“I ended up slashing him across the chest and one of his back legs before finishing him off with my Law Abiding Silver Gun,” Justin replied

“You did what most would probably do; disable their opponent. Considering it was a witch; there wasn't much choice,” Stein replied

“Anything else of interest,” Giriko asked

“Something about collecting human souls. The rest of the page was incomplete,” Celestia said

“Tirek had a few hundred human souls in a room. After I stopped the girls from eating them, I prayed for them to be sent to Lord Death,” Justin said

“Perhaps we should let him know about what's been happening,” Stein suggested

“I'll do it. 42-42-564. Whenever you want to, knock on Death's door,” Justin recited

“Hiya, hiya! Thank you for the souls, Justin. They have been properly delivered to the afterlife,” Lord Death said cheerfully

“Thank you for that, oh Lord,” Justin replied, bowing his head

“We seem to have a problem, Lord Death. A group of witches have been collecting human souls. We don't know what their purpose is,” Stein said

“That certainly is bad. I hope they don't plan on creating a kishin,” Death replied

“Or resurrecting one. With the amount of souls originally collected; that seems to be a possibility,” Kid added

“We've defeated kishins before. What difference is this,” Luna asked

“They might be trying to resurrect a specific kishin,” Stein said

“Not just any kishin. The kishin,” Kid corrected

“Which one,” Celestia asked

“Asura, the first Kishin. Three meisters originally defeated him at home, but a piece of Asura’s soul could have escaped,” Death explained

“Yeah, that's not good. I thought he was destroyed once,” Giriko asked

“That could be what Neighsay’s plan is. Collect enough to resurrect Asura,” Kid suggested

“What should we do if that indeed is the case,” Luna asked

“We carry on normally. None of the students need to know about this. If Asura is indeed resurrected; we'll take care of it then,” Stein suggested

“Very well. I received two more reports for elimination. Who wants what,” Celestia asked

“I'll take this one. Giriko; want the other,” Kid asked grabbing a folder

“Sounds good. Who are you bringing,” Giriko asked

“You'll see. Since I recently returned from a mission; you can take the second.”

“Alright. I've been itching for some excitement,” Giriko said happily popping his knuckles

“Have fun. We'll talk to you soon father,” Kid said before Death disappeared “Giriko, just remember: we do everything we can to protect our students.”

“Of course. At least it's going to be fun,” Giriko said with a sadistic grin

● CMC ●

“Congrats on getting your witch soul, Bloom. You deserved it,” Sweetie Belle said

“I just feel useless. True, I obtained the witch soul; but I'll never get the 99 souls to make Mac a Death Scythe,” Bloom said sadly

“Enope. You just need confidence,” Big Mac said defiantly

“Cheer up. Like Justin said; we held our own against a witch. I know we were beaten; but that's expected,” Scootaloo replied

“You're right. Today in class, we learned that we need to practice,” Apple Bloom said perking up

“Cutie Mark Crusaders,” the girls said together

● TWILIGHT SPARKLE ●

“Princess Celestia; could we talk?”

“What about; Twilight,” Celestia asked

“That meeting,” Twilight started before Celestia put a hand over her mouth

“Not here. In private,” Celestia whispered

The two headed to the throne room where Twilight noticed the spells being used.

“Why the secrecy? What's wrong?”

“I can't get into detail, but there are things transpiring that are dangerous. Very few of us know as we don't trust anyone,” she replied

“And the group that knows is Professor Stein, Giriko, Justin Law and Kid.”

“Indeed. Sorry, but that's all I can tell you,” Celestia said dismissively

“It's alright princess. Better safe than sorry,” Twilight replied

After their meeting; Twilight headed to the house with her friends and fell asleep with more questions than answers. Celestia was worried about trust issues, but who did she fear? She wouldn't get an answer from the others, so Twilight decided to push the idea to the back of her mind.

● LUNA & CELESTIA ●

“Sister, was it right to mention anything to Twilight,” Luna asked

“No, it wasn't. We both know that she'd try and ask one of the others the same thing,” Celestia replied

“You're right. Hopefully we find out what is going on soon,” Luna said

“That's what I hope for. If Neighsay is indeed trying to resurrect this Asura; Equestria is in serious trouble.”

“Agreed. From what I surmised from the others; this kishin is the hardest opponent to fight,” Luna said

● NEIGHSAY ●

“This isn't good! I had three witches whose sole purpose was to kill whatever meisters get sent to them! Now, one's been eliminated and the souls I needed are gone,” Neighday yelled, hitting his desk “Looks like I have to resort to other measures.”