> Anon-A-Miss: Wrath & Honor > by PrinceOfDarkness > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Former Friends & New Beginnings. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anon-A-Miss, a name that was well-known throughout CHS. Because of the account, many friendships and relationships were torn and destroyed in the span of weeks. Only one name was labelled as the owner of the account. Yet, they were innocent of the crime they had been blamed for. That was none other than Sunset Shimmer. The redhead sighed as she strolled through the school corridors, avoiding the students as they threw paper and other objects at her. "Just another normal day of school" Sunset thought to herself, walking out of the school building as she made her way to leave. As she walked, she passed her former friends. They'd believed that she was the one behind the account. "Go away Sunset, yer not wanted here. Ah shoulda known not ta trust a lyin' snake in th' grass." Applejack said, glaring at Sunset as the redhead looked away and ignored her. "I thought you were our friend! And this is how you repay us!?" Rainbow Dash yelled, clenching her fists tightly. Fluttershy whimpered and looked away, not wanting to get involved. Once out of the school grounds, she made her way back home to her apartment. What she didn't know was that something was watching her from the top of a building near her. A screen, showing the heat of the environment around it, switched modes to get a better grasp of it's surroundings. The strange creature clicked and growled in a primal manner. The anomaly uncloaked itself, revealing a bipedal and reptilian-looking creature. It had four mandibles that covered it's mouth and dreadlocks on the side of it's head. It wore a metal mask with half-oval eye holes to see through. It helped the creature to see better. It stood at seven foot in height, making it much taller than most humans on Earth. The being was known as a Yautja, one of the most feared races in the universe. It's species was known for their Code Of Honor. The being saw in Infra-red heat, which was part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. The Yautja, known as Tachea, was a Bad Blood, a criminal of the Yautja race that was to be hunted down and killed for their crimes. Tachae clicked his mandibles and growled as he zoomed in on the ground, jumping across buildings to get a better view and a stronger advantage. The Yautja switched through different modes on his mask, trying to find the best mode to use. Tachea pressed a few buttons on his Wrist Computer as it cloaked him again, making him invisible to the human eye. Sunset kept walking, hoping to get out of the cold, when she heard the sound of clicking and growling. She turned around, trying to figure out which direction the sound was coming from. She kept looking around, her heartbeat quickening as dread started to wash over her. Eventually, the clicking stopped as Sunset witnessed something she would never unsee. A bipedal and reptilian creature stood in front of her. Sunset pulled a switchblade knife from her bag as she unfolded it and aimed it at the creature. Tachea clicked his mandibles, moving into a battle stance as he roared. The Yautja's dreadlocks flared as he did so. The sound nearly shattered Sunset's ears. Sunset kept her hands out in a fighting position, preparing to fight the creature if it came down to it. Tachea decided to have some fun with the ooman, and used a distraction to take her bag. "Hey! Give it back!" Sunset yelled, wanting to get her property back. The redhead ran at the creature, though it kept moving out of the way as it clicked tauntingly. Sunset growled, becoming enraged with the creature. She ran at it, sliding through it's legs as she slashed them, cutting the back of them open. She then stabbed the Yautja in the shoulder to try and wound it. Tachea growled in pain, ignoring the wounds as he focused on his prey. He disregarded the Code Of Honor that his species lived by. He should've been allowed to hunt and kill whatever prey without reason. As he prepared to strike back and kill the female ooman in his sight, he heard the clicking of another Yautja. Tachea looked in the direction of the sound, noticing a hunter on the building in front of him. The Plasma Caster on the hunter's shoulder aimed towards him. Sunset watched as a red three-dotted triangle lined up to the creature's head. A white ball of plasma flew into the being's head, killing it instantly as it fell to the floor, green blood leaking from the hole and the gashes she caused with her knife. She turned her head towards the right, where she saw another of the creature. This one, however, looked very different. The one that stood on her right wore a grayish helmet and plates on the shoulders. It had a weapon on it's shoulder that looked like a gun and it wore what seemed to be netting on it's lizard-like skin. It also wore a necklace of small skulls, disturbing Sunset as she felt fear rise in her heart. The creature walked over to her and stood, staring at her. The lizard-looking creature placed its reptilian hands around two tubes behind the mask, pulling them away from it, disconnecting them. Both of the tubes hissed and leaked air as they were removed from the mask. The creature then placed it's reptilian hands on both sides of the mask, gently curling its fingers over it. The creature slowly removed the mask from it's face, revealing it's dreadlocks and mandibles to the redhead. "You're one ugly motherfucker." Sunset muttered quietly, shocked and impressed by the creature in front of her. The being tilted his head as he clicked and growled. It was the way his species communicated verbally with one another. Sunset's eyes rolled into the back of her head as she passed out from shock. The Yautja, known as Tua'Ja, gently picked her body up and slung it over his shoulder, running and jumping over buildings as he made his way to his ship in the forest near the city. Tua'Ja made sure to keep track of the female ooman's vitals, making sure she was still alive. He'd been observing the bad blood and the fight between the female ooman and the traitor he was sent after. He became interested when he saw the ooman cut at the Bad Blood's legs and shoulder. Those areas were weak points for their species as they were sensitive. Realizing he hadn't disposed of the body to get rid of it, he opened a small vial of blue liquid. Tua'ja made sure to place it over the body, limbs and head so that nothing, not even the small amount of armor the Bad Blood had on him, remained. Once he made his way back to his ship, he placed her in a bed to let her rest. Tua'Ja sat in his seat and activated the ship's engines, preparing to take off. The giant metal aircraft powered up as it started to fly back to the home planet of the Yautjas. Yautja Prime. > Introductions & Explanations. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset awoke on a very comfortable bed. She opened her eyes and yawned as she stretched her arms. The redhead peeled the animal pelts off her body, even though they made very comfortable blankets. She looked out of the window on her left, noticing the vastness of space. Wait...space? She was in space!? She sat on the bed as she went into thought. The last thing she remembered was blacking out from shock and the adrenaline wearing off. In the front of the ship, Tua'Ja sat in the pilot seat, keeping steady control on the ship as it glided gently through space. He decided to return to Yautja Prime, but also bring the ooman who managed to wound the Bad Blood before he killed him. The male yautja clicked his mandibles softly, almost trilling. It was one of the ways his species would communicate with one another. He was about to get up and check on his passenger when he was interrupted by the female ooman's voice in the background. "Hello? Anyone there?" Sunset asked, looking across and around her. It had quite a lot of space and a few extra rooms for bathing, sleeping or placing weapons and trophies taken from hunts. Tua'Ja put the ship on Auto-Pilot and walked over to the ooman, looking down at her. He could see that her heart was beating faster and could smell the fear that was practically radiating off of her. Carefully, he placed his reptilian fingers around the front of his mask and disconnected the tubes as he slowly pulled the device off his face. He rotated it around and handed it to Sunset, who gave him a confused look. Tua'Ja knew and understood some English, if not, a small variety of vocabulary. The redhead steeled herself and adapted to looking the being in the face. It, or rather, he, kept pushing his mask to her body. He then moved a finger over his mandibles and then to the top of his head. Sunset furrowed a brow at the Yautja, but had a feeling it wanted her to use the giant object in front of her. "So, you can understand me?" The redhead asked. Tua'Ja nodded, making Sunset smile faintly. He then pointed to the mask and then to his mandibles and face. "You want me to wear it?" She asked, shocked and awed. The creature nodded, answering her question. Sunset placed her hands on the mask, holding the giant thing to her face. Suddenly, nausea overcame her as a dull pain started to pulse in her head. "What did you do to me?" Sunset groaned, feeling sick from having worn the mask. "Translator. Helps other worthy prey to understand our language when marked by us." Tua'Ja said in perfect English, startling Sunset as she took a few steps back. "W-What are you?" Sunset asked, nervous, yet also amazed at the being in front of her. "My name is Tua'Ja. Our species are called Yautja. We hunt the most dangerous and worthy prey that we can find. You oomans call us 'predators' and have defeated a few of us before." Tua'Ja replied, teaching the ooman passenger about his species. Sunset noticed the way the Yautja said 'Humans' when he spoke. He seemed like he couldn't fully say the word. He was very tall. Were all of the others like him that tall? Tua'Ja waited for her to walk behind him as he showed her around his ship. The Yautja showed the ooman the rooms so she would know where to go. Sunset walked back over to the bed and sat on it, looking out the rectangular window as they passed through clouds of stars and galaxies. Soon, their ship had arrived on the edge of the planet where Tua'Ja had been born. Yautja Prime. > Yautja Prime. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The ship entered the planet's atmosphere and prepared to land. The homeworld was much larger than Earth and orbited two suns instead of one. Yautja Prime had large green patches, symbolising hunting grounds for pups to learn the way of the Yautja. Their entire civilisation had grown up as hunters with a strict honor code. Never kill children, never kill elders, never kill those unarmed and those who cannot fight back against them. Those who didn't obey those rules were deemed Bad Bloods and had to be executed. Tua'Ja grabbed his mask and placed it on his face. He lowered the ship to the ground and shut off the engines. Silently, he walked out of the ship, signalling with his hands for Sunset to follow him. The both of them walked down the ramp that unfolded outward from the ship. Eventually, both of them were standing on hard ground. They were greeted by an elder. His face bore his clan's marking and many scars from past hunts. His skin seemed more wrinkled and his eyes bore many secrets. Tua'Ja lowered himself to a knee and placed a fist on his chest. He lowered his head in submission to his father. The Elder, named T'ogah, clicked his mandibles and purred softly, looking over his son. Tua'Ja had not returned to their home planet in quite a long time. The males of their race hardly spent time on the planet. Young Bloods would start training on the planet before they went through their Chiva, or as it was known, The Hunt. It would be their ascension to adulthood. A rite of passage. "My son, it is good to see you again." T'ogah said warmly, looking down at his son. He then looked over at Sunset, who also copied the hunter. "Father." Tua'Ja acknowleged, "It has been a while. How have you been faring on our home planet?" He asked, raising himself to his feet. "I have been well, my son. Why do you have an ooman with you?" T'ogah asked, shocked and confused at the female's presence. There had only been a select few oomans who were respected by Yautja society. Namely, Dutch 'Alan' Schaeffer, Machiko Naguchi, Alexa Woods and Royce. "This ooman managed to grieviously wound a Bad Blood. I was sent to track and kill him for his crimes. He went after the female behind me." Tua'Ja explained as Sunset got up from being on her knee. She stood next to the hunter, a look of fearlessness and determination in her eye. T'ogah chuckled and flexed his mandibles in a grin. This ooman had spirit. "She is welcome to stay. By the description you have given me, she has honor and will make a great warrior. She will be trained like one of us and will earn the mark of our clan on her flesh." T'ogah informed the both of them. Tua'Ja had been right in bringing her here. Sunset placed a hand on her chest and lowered her head in respect. "Thank you, I will not let you down." Sunset said firmly, a look of pure determination behind her ocean blue eyes. T'ogah chuckled and looked at the ooman female. He knew English, as he himself had been to Earth many times for hunts. Their species also used their helmets which could implant the Yautja language into the minds of other beings, making it easier to communicate. "My name is T'ogah, and as you have heard, I am his father. As I said, you will be trained like one of us. You must show up on time to the hall to train. Others may not respect you as much as my son does. They may taunt you or not see you as equal." T'ogah explained, his voice firm and calm. "Yes, I understand T'o-I can't say your name. I'll call you Titan. It's easier on the tongue and to speak. I will not let you down." Sunset replied, her voice serious. Tua'Ja flexed his mandibles in a grin and led Sunset to his home, shaped like a pyramid and made out of a stronger metal than what oomans used. As they entered the building, they met Tua'Ja's mother Yeyinde and his aunt Gaun'Ja. Females of the Yautja race didn't look much different from female oomans. However, they were much taller, had mandibles and breasts. Females were highly respected on Yautja Prime. Every clan was lead by the Head Matriarch. If they were to change a rule or make a new one, every male would have to obey it. Walking down one of the halls, Sunset and Tua'Ja went into one of the training rooms. Both the Yautja and the Equestrian-turned-human practiced hand-to-hand combat. The rest of what Sunset percieved to be day, was spent doing training and learning new moves. Sunset also taught her combat partner some Martial Arts from Earth that she had learned over the time that she had spent there. However, on Earth, things were much different... The real Anon-A-Miss had been found out. > Chiva Hunt & Anon-A-Miss found out. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the weeks that she had been on the planet, Sunset had been training relentlessly to be seen as an equal to the Yautja. Their planet was bigger and had a much stronger gravity. Time worked differently, since the planet's rotation was slower and also because it had two moons. One of which was smaller. Sunset's body became stronger and more toned due to the bright twin suns that shone down on the tidal-locked planet. In the time she'd spent on Yautja Prime, she'd been given her own weapons, helmet, armor and a room in the pyramid-like home. Yeyinde had immediately considered her part of their family. Sunset considered Tua'Ja like an older brother and had come to love him as such. Both his parents had given her shelter and a place to stay. They seemed like they must have been wonderful parents to Tua'Ja growing up. The redhead looked at the Combi-Stick that T'Ogah, or 'Titan' as she called him, had given her to defend herself with. Sunset had yet to go through her Chiva. Tua'ja had already been through it. She would travel to Earth with two other Un-Blooded members of the Yautja race to earn her mark. In a short amount of time, she and two others would be sent to Earth to become blooded warriors. The CMC were in one of the school's computer rooms. They waited until everyone else was in class to update the account. "Apple Bloom, I don't want to do this anymore. It's tearing the school apart and it's all our fault." Sweetie-Belle said, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She was part of it and she would live with the memory of doing this. She wanted revenge against Sunset for what she did to CHS and Rarity, but now, it had gone too far. "Don't worry, Sweetie-Belle, it'll only be fer a bit longer ta completely make sure Sunset's gone, then we'll delete it." Apple Bloom replied softly, preparing to upload another post. Scootaloo watched her friends talk and upload the picture to MyStable. She wanted revenge against Sunset Shimmer and felt that she needed to make her feel how she hurt everyone. What they didn't hear was the clicking of keys behind them, and the rustling of a door unlocking. Vice-Principal Luna walked into the room, a phone in her hand as it let out a ping. The blue-haired educator glared down at the trio of freshmen. "YOU THREE ARE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE!" She thundered. The CMC gulped in fear and nodded silently. Sunset put her armor and mask on, preparing to leave for Earth. She was taking her school bag somewhere safe, so that nobody could abuse magic or try to get to Equestria. The redhead walked out of the pyramid home that she'd lived in and made her way to the ship that the three of them would be piloting. Even though it had autopilot, it was more smarter to fly it themselves. Sunset had learned how to fly the spaceships that the Yautja race used. The ex-unicorn took a deep breath and steeled her nerves, showing fearlessness for what she would be going through. She had been informed by T'ogah that she would need to slay one of the Serpents, or, 'Hard Meat' as they were known, in order to become a blooded warrior. Sunset looked out the cockpit of the ship as it flew through the endless vacuum of space. They could fly at the speed of light to Earth, and so they did. Eventually, they reached Earth. They landed in The Artic and activated their thermal vision. The group of three prepared to die fighting to become a blooded warrior. > Hunting & Anon-A-Miss Revealed. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset and the other two Yautja who joined her, decided to split up and rendevouz at the opening of the pyramid that had been built by ancient humans many centuries ago. Each one had a different mask that represented them. Hau'tan or Strong Knife, in human words, was a member of their hunting party and had sharp teeth shaped on the lower portion of his mask. He wore a necklace of small bones around his neck and wore thermal netting on his legs to keep him warm in the below-freezing weather. Yuh'ra, also known as Relentless Spear, had a bronze-like metal mixed into the left side of his mask. He too wore thermal netting. Sunset wore a mask that was designed to fit her head due to being human. It allowed her to see in normal sight, as well thermal sight that allowed her to detect a being's body heat and heart rate. She carried a dagger in a pouch on the right side of her hip and her folded Throwing Disk on the left side. She wore a necklace of small bones like Strong Knife. On their backs, they wore a medical kit in case they were wounded. Sunset also came prepared with a Combi-Stick to fend off her target so she could kill her prey and fashion weapons from the corpse if the need arose. She wasn't smart for nothing. She was creative. As she walked silently through the pyramid, she scanned her surroundings and switched her sight to thermal, prepared to make an attack on the 'Hard Meat' as the Yautja dubbed what she would be facing. She was informed that there was a chamber in the structure that housed the weapon her hunting allies would need to retrieve. The Plasma Caster. The redhead kept on walking to the chamber to retrieve the weapon. She was shown what she would be facing back on Yautja Prime. She was tasked to mark her face and her mask with the symbol of her clan. First, she would need to pick up the Plasma Caster. She would then need to use it, or any other weapon, and kill the Hard Meat to become a blooded warrior like the majority of their race. Sunset eventually found the room where three of the gun-like weapons were stored in a black metal box. Yuh'ra and Hau'tan eventually made it to the same room and the three of them collected the weapon. They mounted it on their left shoulder as it immediately activated through the Wrist Computer on their wrists. They connected the weapon to their masks, enabling them to fire it through thought. Yautja had buttons inside the mask to manipulate them with their mandibles. However, for Sunset, her mask didn't possess buttons on the inside. The mask would automatically allow her to fire it by commanding it with a simple thought. The three of them went their separate ways once again, ready to kill the Hard Meat. As the bacon-haired girl walked through the temple, she kept switching modes to try and locate her targets. Eventually, she managed to lock onto them. A swarm of the black-skinned creatures crawled and ran towards her. Preparing to shoot, she made sure her shot was lined up. With a simple mental command to shoot, the gun-like weapon fired at the creatures, causing holes to form and the body to spray acid blood everywhere. Sunset moved out of the way to avoid being hit by the acidic liquid. Once she made sure they were dead, she ran into a small chamber and waited for one of them to follow her. She would trick it into thinking she couldn't hear or notice it, then use her Throwing Disk and kill it. Out of the corner of her eye, a small and bony creature lept towards her. The being was known as a Face Hugger, part of the Hard Meat's evolution stage. Thinking quickly, Sunset activated her Throwing Disk and threw it at the creature, cutting it in half. The facehugger squirmed on the floor, it's legs still moving in Rigor Mortis. The redhead leaned over to the now still and torn creature. She ripped a leg from the body, a resounding crack making itself known as Sunset moved the digit and hovered it over her mask. Carefully, she lowered the torn limb onto the forehead of the mask, causing the metal to hiss as Sunset marked her clan's symbol into the helmet. Once that was done, she removed her own helmet and sat it down in front of her. Sunset started to mark herself, the hiss of skin melting away on her forehead. The pain of the acid stung, but it would be worth it. She would be considered a blooded warrior and respected not only by the clan she was part of, but every single blooded Yautja. Sunset thought of Princess Twilight and her former home to ignore the pain she felt. Tears formed in her eyes from how much it hurt. She braved it, marking herself as one of them. Once she was done, she strapped the limb to her hip and put her mask back on. Getting up, she jogged through the halls in the pyramid, remembering the way she entered it. She made it halfway before she was stopped by a small number of Hard Meat. She used her Throwing Disk to cut through them and made sure to duck and run through them to avoid being burnt by the acidic liquid. Once the group of black-skinned creatures dropped dead, Sunset created a dagger from the hide of the deceased attacker. She cut the tail and it's bone from the body, fashioning it into a spear of sorts. Strapping it to her back, she carried on to the entrance of the pyramid, waiting for her two Hunt Brothers. Relentless Spear and Strong Knife both made it back safely, their masks had their clan symbols burnt into them. Both of the Yautja had created small blades and protective coverings from the hides of the Hard Meat. Sunset looked over at Hau'tan and noticed he lacked a certain rectangular device. She also noticed that he seemed to have required the use of his medkit due to burn spots across his body. "Hau'tan, what happened to your Wrist Computer?" Sunset asked, her voice full of concern and pure fear. She felt a pit form in her stomach. "The queen of the Hard Meat has been laying eggs, some are already open and others will open. It is protocol to destroy any traces of being on a hunt." Hau'tan explained as Sunset sighed and activated her own. Suddenly, a large ship uncloaked in front of them as they jogged towards it. Behind them, the pyramid they had hunted in was covered in a large white light as it started to explode. The hunting party of three entered the cockpit and took off at light speed, getting away from the explosion just in time. Once they were far enough and flying across the skies of Earth, they put the ship in autopilot. Sunset went to her bedroom and sat on her bed, covered in animal pelts which acted as warm blankets. Sunset heard a vibrating sound as she looked over at her journal which she had brought on board. It was a personal treasure and meant a lot to her. The redhead opened the book and scrolled to the most recent page. Dear Sunset Shimmer: Are you okay!? Are you still alive!? Please respond! Sunset chuckled and grabbed a pen from her backpack next to her bed. She prepared to reply to her old friend and penpal. Dear Princess Twilight: I'm fine, Twilight. I've just...been incredibly busy lately and wasn't in the best of minds at the time. I'm much better now. What's up? Sunset smiled at Twilight's rapid panic. She cared deeply for her friends on the other side of the mirror. Twilight was her first ever friend and always had her back no matter what. It's about Anon-A-Miss. Everyone's found out who it really was! Sunset's eyes widened in shock as she smiled joyfully. Finally, now they would all know it wasn't her. Who was it? Sunset wrote, wanting to find out who had been making her life hell on Earth when she was at the school. It was their little sisters, the CMC. Sunset's stomach dropped and her blood went cold. It was their little sisters the entire time!? Why!? Out of sheer anger, the redheaded warrior closed the book and took some deep breaths. She walked over to the cockpit and set the coordinates for CHS. The ship landed afar from the school. Even though it was cloaked, they didn't wany anyone to see them or their technology. Sunset put the weapons she'd fashioned from the skin of the Hard Meat on her trophy wall as a memory of her Chiva. A success. She still had her Plasma Caster, Combi-Stick, Throwing Disk and her Wrist Gauntlet. She had enough weapons to defend herself if it ever came down to it. She also had her Wrist Blades. The bacon-haired teen removed her mask from her face and held it under her left arm. Steeling her nerves and taking a deep breath, Sunset walked out of the ship, part of it unfolding and forming into a ramp as she walked down it. Eventually, the redhead stood a few meters away from the school. She opened one of the two doors and entered the school as it closed behind her. The students were shocked to see Sunset back at the school. She looked different, but also taller and much stronger. She wore gray metallic armor with metal plates that covered her breasts, a metal mask and wore fishnets on her legs. "What are you looking at?" Sunset yelled, scaring a few students, aiming her Plasma Caster towards them threateningly as she deactivated it. She wouldn't kill them, it wouldn't benefit anyone. Confidently, Sunset walked through the halls of the school as students gasped at her or kept quiet out of intimidation. "Sunset, is that you?" Principal Celestia asked, staring at her student and daughter figure. The girl had changed a lot. She had her hair braided with gold rings. she also wore fishnets on her legs and metal plates on her shoulders and breasts. Her midriff laid bare for all to see. "Yeah, it's me. I've heard from Twilight that you found out the real Anon-A-Miss. So, it was their little sisters, then?" Sunset asked, her voice dripping with anger and sarcasm. "You're right, Sunset. Let us go to the hall. I've prepared an assembly to reveal who Anon-A-Miss truly is." The older woman replied softly. Sunset nodded and followed her to the hall. Finally, she could let go of her past grief of being betrayed and completely move on. She hadn't been able to. And now she could. Every single student sat in the room, unaware as to why they had been requested. They murmured with one another to pass the time. Principal Celestia entered the room, Sunset following her. Vice-Principal Luna would be there shortly, as would Twilight. "Thank you all for arriving so quickly. Anon-A-Miss has been revealed. Sunset Shimmer is not Anon-A-Miss." Principal Celestia explained, her voice firm when she said the last part. The students booed and jeered at her and Sunset. The bacon-haired girl looked at the students and aimed her Plasma Caster at them. A silent warning to behave and listen. Behind them, Vice-Principal Luna, Twilight, The Rainbooms and The CMC entered the room. The three freshmen had their heads lowered in shame. The six girls followed behind Twilight who's face was a mask of pure white-hot anger. The pink and purple-haired alicorn-turned-human looked over at Sunset. She looked taller than she was last time they had met. She looked to have many wounds of different sizes. She even seemed to have a burn shaped like a lightning bolt on her forehead! "Sunset, is that you? What happened?" Twilight uttered softly, walking over to her penpal and friend. Sunset smiled warmly and lowered her Plasma Caster to show she wasn't hostile. "I've missed you so much, Twilight. I'm sorry I've been ignoring you for so long. I wasn't in the best state of mind and wasn't thinking clearly. I needed a lot of time away to deal with it." Sunet replied gently, her eyes fixated on Twilight. Suddenly, the pink-skinned girl pulled her into a gentle hug as she wept. "Twilight, it's okay. You don't need to cry-" Sunset tried to soothe her friend, but was interrupted by the distraught girl. "I could have done more to help you. I was so busy with paperwork and royal summits that I didn't have any time to help you! I could have tried to make time and help you out." Twilight vented, her eyes filling with unshed tears. Sunset placed her hand on Twilight's shoulder and squeezed it softly. "You're a princess, Twilight. You're going to be a lot busier now. Don't feel bad. You're my best friend and you've always been on my side." Sunset replied sweetly, chuckling as she let her friend continue the hug. "I love you, Sunset." Twilight whispered, her voice hoarse from venting and crying. "I love you too, Twilight. I'm happy to see you again after so long." Sunset replied, kissing her friend's forehead softly as she continued to revel in the soft and warm hug. Eventually, the both of them let go and stood up, continuing to stare into each other's eyes. Both of them turned to face the crowd of students who looked at the mark on Sunset's forehead and the strange helmet that she held under her arm. "Apple Bloom, Sweetie-Belle and Scootaloo are Anon-A-Miss, not Sunset." Principal Celestia said, glaring at the students across from her. Vice-Principal Luna pushed a tray with a laptop onto the stage, turning on the projector. As it came down, a list of names of accounts showed on the screen. "You all helped to send secrets of each other to Anon-A-Miss, you all are just as bad, if not worse." Principal Celestia said, her voice harsh as everyone went quiet. Nobody was innocent except Twilight and Sunset. Everyone else were a part of the problem. "Apple Bloom, Sweetie-Belle and Scootaloo, delete the account." Vice-Principal Luna ordered, glaring at the three girls. Apple Bloom walked over to the laptop and made one final blog post. Her other two friends joined in. "Mah name is Apple Bloom, and ah am Anon-A-Miss." "My name is Sweetie-Belle, and I'm Anon-A-Miss." "My name is Scootaloo, and I'm Anon-A-Miss." Apple Bloom sent the post as everyone's phone receieved an alert. Their eyes were focused on the CMC in shock and denial. The Rainbooms felt guilty for believing that Sunset was Anon-A-Miss. They wanted to make it up to her, but now, it was too late. Sunset had her Plasma Caster aimed at the CMC, but lowered it. She wasn't a child killer. It was against the Yautja Honor Code. Taking some deep breaths, Sunset gripped her mask more tightly under her arm and left the hall, walking out of the school and towards her ship. Twilight went to follow her, but was stopped by Principal Celestia who looked at her with a saddened look. "She needs time to herself, to deal with everything and come to terms with it." She said, sighing with exhaustion. Twilight only nodded and walked out of the hall, glaring at The Rainbooms and The CMC. Principal Celestia continued to face the rows of students, a hard, cold glare directed towards them. "Anyone who sent in secrets will have three months of detention. The Canterlot Movie Club will be given six months of detention and will be supervised by a teacher whenever using a computer. Dismissed." Sunset ran towards her ship as she placed her mask on her face. She immediately ran to her bedroom on the ship, wanting to be left alone. Both of her Hunt Brothers put the ship into autopilot as it took off with directions to Yautja Prime. Yuh'ra and Hau'tan went into her room and kneeled down to eye-level with Sunset. She was their Hunt Sister and many years younger than the both of them. They considered her like family and thought of her as their baby sister. Eventually, she'd calmed down enough to explain everything to the both of them. Yuh'ra was furious when Sunset explained what she had been through because of three small children. They had no honor. He considered them as disgusting as Bad Bloods. Sunset turned to face him as she cried into his chest. He merely held her as she wailed. Once they were back home, she was going to be made part of his family. His parents considered her a second daughter and happily taught her their way of life. Hau'tan clenched his fists in rage as he flexed his dreadlocks and mandibles, roaring loudly. Nobody EVER messed with his Hunt Sister and friend. The both of them eventually left the room to give her privacy and time to calm down. The ship continued to it's destination of their home planet. Princess Twilight looked around for Sunset, but couldn't find her. With eyes full of tears, she ran through the portal and into her castle as she let out a wail of despair and grief. Spike and the rest of the Elements Of Harmony tried to comfort her. The mirror world's version of her friends and CHS had caused Sunset to go missing. She was innocent and had done nothing wrong. She kept crying as she fell asleep with sore and red eyes from how many tears she'd shed. > The Predator & The Prey. Part 1. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset sighed behind her mask, holding back unshed tears. Twilight had done so much for her. It wasn't right of her to abandon her best friend and someone she considered her family aside from her mother, Princess Celestia. In a quick burst of emotion, Sunset changed the coordinates, causing the ship to rotate and head back to Earth. She wanted revenge against a certain number of students. She would get her revenge, but it would be honorable and with respect. Sunset went to her room on the ship and grabbed her armor. She placed it on her body, grabbing her helmet and a few weapons. The redhead placed her Plasma Caster on one shoulder plate and her netgun on the other. Sunset strapped her Combi-Stick to her back, the spear-like end of the weapon retracted into itself. Sunset looked over the wall towards her Throwing Disk, retracted and neatly placed on her wall of weapons. She grabbed it and placed it in her pocket. The bacon-haired warrior placed her Wrist Computer and Wrist Gauntlets on her arms, just in case she were severely wounded or would be killed in combat. Better to be safe than sorry. She carried her medkit pack which was strapped next to her Combi-Stick. Tua'Ja had gifted her with an axe made of the same metal that made up her mask and armor. Sunset walked out of the room and sat in front of the cockpit, staring out of the large window. She wasn't tired and wouldn't be for a while. She grabbed her sketchbook and drew her Hunt Brothers, along with Tua'Ja, Yeyinde and T'ogah. She sketched the shape of their bodies, the reptilian skin they bore, the dreadlocks that shot out every time they would roar. Sunset shaded in the pictures and closed the book. With the ship being controlled by autopilot, she put the book back in her bedroom and rested her eyes as she fell asleep on her bed. Trixie kept on walking before she switched to a light jog. A desperate attempt to get warm in the harsh winter weather. She was too far to return to CHS. She had to make it back. After all, she was the great and powerful Trixie! The blue-skinned girl kept on walking, her legs numb from the cold. She wasn't aware that it would soon be her last day alive. Sunset awoke to the sound of the ship's navigation system activating. She got up and went over to the cockpit. They were close to Earth. Sunset pressed a few buttons on the console, causing the ship to enter the blue planet's atmosphere. Once they were far enough, Sunset used her Wrist Computer to inform her Hunt Brothers of what she was going to do. The red-headed girl walked over to a deployable pod and entered it. The oval object disconnected from the ship as it fell from the sky and into the ground. The metallic pod crash landed in a forest near Canterlot City. Sunset groaned as she got up, her back in pain from how hard she hit the ground. Getting up, she made sure her medkit and weapons were unharmed and in good condition. Once that was done, she put her mask on, activated her cloaking and jumped from tree to tree. She leaped herself across from a tree and towards a building. She switched from several modes of sight in order to find the best suited option. Sunset landed on an apartment building. As she looked down at the roads, she spotted Trixie walking by herself. Deciding now was the time to get her revenge, she grabbed the piping on the side of the home and slid down it, jumping across to another, but smaller house. She ran across the roof, keeping pace as she followed her newest prey. Trixie felt her teeth rattle, the cold air making it hard to move her mouth. Her body felt stiff and it ached badly. All she wanted was to get home. Suddenly, a crackly and raspy sound came from behind her. The teenage magician looked around, hoping to find the source of the weird sound. Another one came from above her, it sounded like clicking and growling. Trixie was terrified, she didn't know what was making that awful sound. It was giving her the creeps! As she made to walk away, a ferocious roar came from her upper right. Nothing on Earth made that sound. Nothing. The magician started to tremble in fear as her breathing became ragged. Sunset loved using the sounds of her friends in their natural language to torture Trixie. The girl deserved it. She'd attacked and scorned her. Not only that, she helped to send in secrets to Anon-A-Miss. The redhead jumped down from her vantage point and landed on a knee. She'd adapted to Yautja Prime and it's environment. She'd grown tougher and stronger throughout her time training. Deciding to reveal who she was, Sunset uncloaked herself and placed her hands on the sides of her mask. She pulled it from her face, revealing a scarred and older face. Trixie was shocked and terrified at who was in front of her. She couldn't believe it. Why did Sunset look like that? And how did she become so tall and tough? "S-Sunset? I-Is that you?" Trixie stammered fearfully, she could feel her heart speed up as she attemped to run away. Sunset only sighed and ran after the girl, leaping from walls to catch up with her. The redhead tackled Trixie to the ground and hit her in the face, causing a resounding crack to make itself known. The magician groaned in pain, blood leaking from her nose. It was bent to the right and would require it to be put back in place. Sunset pulled the girl to her feet as Trixie tried to punch her. However, the bacon-haired warrior merely dodged Trixie's attacks and backhanded her across the face as she struck her in the chest, cracking two of her ribs in the process. Trixie groaned in pain, the broken bones digging deeper as she got up and ran at Sunset, intending to hit her. The redhead jumped into the air and landed behind her. She kicked one of Trixie's kneecaps, breaking the bone as the girl let out a scream of pain. "W-Why are you doing this?" Trixie croaked weakly, tears streaming down her cheeks as she felt her broken ribs scrape against her chest, cutting it from the inside. "Revenge for how you treated me during Anon-A-Miss." Sunset said firmly, aiming her Plasma Caster at the girl threateningly, warning her silently. If she tried to escape, she'd die. Quickly, Sunset threw Trixie onto her stomach as she prepared to rip the girl's skull and spine from her body. Trixie had fought honorably and would be remembered for doing so. Quickly, the redhead slammed a fist into Trixie's back as she found the base of her spine. The blue-skinned girl screamed in agony, her nerves rapidly firing inside her body. She silently pleaded for Sunset to let her go as blood flowed from her body. Sunset harshly yanked the bones, ripping them free from the skin and muscle. Trixie's last thoughts were of the pain she felt as her mind went blank. Sunset grinned and looked to the sky in triumph. Remembering what she was taught, she pulled out a blue vial of liquid. Sunset spilled it on Trixie's corpse, causing it to rapidly decompose. After all, as a Yautja, she couldn't leave evidence behind that she was here. Letting out a battle cry of victory. She activated her cloaking and contacted the ship as it landed in the nearby forest. Sunset ran as fast as she could, taking long strides to conserve energy. Once she made it to the ship, she headed straight for the Trophy Room to clean and polish Trixie's skull and spine. This was the first kill on her list, and she had plenty more trophies to collect. Sunset used a vial of hot, soapy liquid to clean the blood and muscle from the skull and spine, she ripped the brain out from underneath, launching it out of the front window of the ship. Sunset polished the skull and made a hole for it so that it would fit on her wall of trophies. She placed the spine in a liquid vat to destroy it completely. Sunset gently held the bony skull in her hands as she placed it on the large, metallic hook. A sick crack filled the air as the bone connected to it's support. The redhead turned around and looked at her first ever trophy with pride. A happy and victorious smile on her lips as she removed her mask and armor. Once that was done she had a shower to remove any excess blood. Sunset put her pajamas on and went to bed. A rest well-earned from her first ever hunt. > The Predator & The Prey. Part 2. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset felt good about her first kill. Sure, she may have used her Wrist Gauntlets at the last weapon, but Trixie did strike first, after all. She wouldn't act dishonorable after all the hard training to reach the Yautja standard of being a hunter. The redhead cracked her neck and crossed Trixie's name out of a list of people she intended to hunt as revenge. She'd always let them strike first to maintain her honor. Her next target and prey was Gilda. She'd been attacked and beaten up by the girl and her cronies. She would let Gilda throw the first punches. If she had any weapons, it would be a fair fight. Sunset strapped her armor to her body and picked a small selection of weapons. Her axe, Combi-Stick and Plasma Caster. She didn't need further weight on her body. She had the ship stay in the Earth's atmosphere, just in case people saw or heard the fight. Preparing for the battle, Sunset breathed deeply and made sure she was ready to go. Gilda looked at the text she'd sent Sunset from Rainbow Dash's phone. She was supposed to meet her at CHS right now. She was going to have some fun with her. Hell, maybe she'd even kill her. Not that anyone would really care. The whole school had turned on her. Nobody would miss her. Even her so-called 'friends' had disowned and rejected her. The white-haired delinquent grinned sadistically as she conjured up everything she was going to do to Sunset. Sunset lowered the ship enough so that she could land on a building with minimal wounds. She'd made sure the ship was cloaked so that they remained invisible and unseen. Opening a hatch on the back of the ship, she jumped as she landed and rolled before standing up and running across the roof of each building to try and get a better view of her surroundings. She found pipes down the side of the houses, using them as poles to slide down. Taking off her mask, she strapped it to her back as she made her way to CHS. She still had her phone on her. She had a gut feeling that it was a trap. She wasn't stupid, why would Rainbow Dash want to meet her in the school's gym? They weren't friends anymore, they'd cast her out. Instead of feeling afraid, she could feel the adrenaline start to pump through her blood as she felt excited about her next kill. Eventually, Sunset had made it to CHS. She'd walked the entire way there, never stopping for a break. The night sky showing stars as they twinkled. The redhead opened the door to the gym, unstrapping her mask from her back as she placed it on her face. The building's lights were on. No going back now. Sunset thought to herself as she entered the gym, the door squeaking shut behind her. Sunset looked around to find Gilda standing behind her. "You should've been more careful, Sunset. Boys!" Gilda taunted, calling for her cronies to help her out. Swiftly, Sunset took their legs out from under them and knocked them out. She turned to the white-haired girl, a look of disgust and sorrow in her eyes. Disgusted that Gilda would be willing to harm her, or worse. And sorrow because of what it would eventually lead to. Sunset removed her mask and set it on the floor, revealing her scarred face to Gilda who flinched at the sight. She wouldn't use any of her weapons unless it would come down to it. Fighting fairly was part of the Yautja Honor Code. Out of the corner of her eye, Gilda pulled a pocket knife from her jacket and opened it, the blade aimed at Sunset. The white-haired girl ran at Sunset, attempting to stab her. Sunset moved out of the way, sweeping Gilda's legs as the girl got up. "You bitch!" Gilda snarled, throwing a right hook at Sunset as the girl didn't even flinch from being hit. A harsh crack followed after Gilda had hit her. Sunset's skull had become thicker and harder to penetrate. Gilda shrieked in pain as she clutched her hand, her fingers bent backwards from hitting Sunset's face. The redhead only grinned and roundhoused the white-haired girl, winding her as she crumpled to the ground. Exhausted, Gilda made one final attempt to wound Sunset as she slashed Sunset's hip. The bacon-haired teenager groaned slightly, placing an arm above her back as she grabbed her axe. She flipped it in the air as she caught it, bringing it down and through Gilda's left arm as she screamed in pain. She tried to punch Sunset once again, but was stopped by the redhead as she took off her other arm. Gilda screamed again, blood spraying from where the limb was once connected. In pain, shock and fear, Gilda weakly fell to the ground as her knees caved in. She stared at her severed arms across from her as they twitched. Sunset placed her axe on her back, strapping it to her body. She noticed the blood that kept leaking from the disconnected limbs, aware that it could fall back on her. "You put up a good fight, Gilda. You're going to make a wonderful trophy." Sunset said, straightening Gilda's body out as she quickly slammed a fist into the juvenile's back, eliciting a roar of pain. Gilda sobbed and begged her to stop, but it was pointless as Sunset ripped her skull and spine from her body. Sunset opened a pouch on her hip, revealing a vial full of a blue, dissolving liquid. She poured it over the now dead corpse of Gilda, making sure that nothing would be left behind. Once that was done, She went to the Janitor's Closet and mopped up the blood. Sunset left the gym, another trophy to add to her wall. She couldn't wait to return to her ship so she could clean her newest trophies. She looked down at her left arm and pressed a few small buttons, calling the ship to her location. She activated her cloaking and started to climb a few buildings as she jumped through an open window on the ship. Sunset rolled, eventually landing on her feet as she breathed a sigh of relief. She got straight to work, removing skin, muscle and tissue from the skull. She disposed of Gilda's eyes and brain, not needing them at all. She then started to polish the skull, keeping it clean as she made a hole in the back to add it to her wall of trophies. She had yet to visit other planets to hunt on. Sunset yawned, feeling exhausted as she had a quick shower. She brushed her teeth and snuggled under the animal pelt covers, falling asleep with a happy smile on her lips. > Medical Kit & Healing. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset awoke and pulled the furry pelts from her body, getting up from her bed on the ship. She grabbed her medkit from the wall to her left. Inside was a gun-like device filled with a hot glue-like gel liquid. It would burn the slash wound on her hip and seal it shut, also stabilizing it. The medical kit also contained wound clamps, adrenaline shots in two different syringes and a burner to melt medicine. Pressing the button on the medical gel gun, she pressed the end to the start of the wound and made her way across as the device made a small mechanical whirring sound as it sealed her wound. Sunset hissed in pain, holding back tears from how hot the gel was, how much it hurt. The Yautja never used painkillers in their medkits. They always had to be on their feet and couldn't risk their senses being imbalanced or themselves being drugged up. It also counted as a punishment, to have to heal like this. She'd fucked up and made a mistake. This was her punishment and she had to learn the harsh lesson. The wound wasn't very deep, but it still hurt nonetheless. Soon, Sunset was done and she put the gel gun back in her medkit. She hesitantly went to touch her now sealed wound that had been glued shut, but left it alone. It would hurt for a while, but the pain would eventually fade. Sunset walked to the bathroom in the ship and decided to take a shower. She didn't want to feel dirty. After she'd washed herself, she stretched for a bit and practiced with her two Hunt brothers Hau'Tan and Yuh'ra. They'd noticed her hip wound and had asked her about it. She'd told them about her two most recent kills. She didn't want to attract further attention to herself or her Hunt Brothers. The three practiced training together before going to an earth-like planet to hunt food. The name of the planet was Plant Liqor, an almost exact lookalike of Earth. The same water, forests and plants. Sunset was able to easily breathe in the planet's air. She'd stayed behind to watch the ship while Hau'tan and Yuh'ra went to gather food. While she waited, Sunset polished her armor. Cleaning it to the point it looked brand new again. It had taken damaged after a shot from her Plasma Caster towards a Hard Meat had caused it to spray its acid blood onto her armor. The blood had burned away some of it, so she cleaned where she could. She couldn't wait to go home. Not Earth, not the human or pony Equestria, but Yautja Prime. The fiery-haired huntress considered the home of her Hunt Brothers to be her home as well. Eventually, her Hunt Brothers returned as they showed her the kills. They cooked her meat enough so it could be eaten safely. Hau'tan and Yuh'ra had studied humans before and knew how to cook food for humans. The three ate in their respective rooms. Sunset enjoyed the weird but delicious meat from the creature. Almost like a cross between pork and beef. The redhead enjoyed the new taste and new meal. Sunset took another shower, part of her daily routine. She then dressed in her pajamas and snuggled under the pelts she'd previously used. The bacon-haired huntress fell asleep with a full stomach and a smile on her lips. > Returning Home. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset, Yuh'ra and Tua'Ja had finished their chiva and had spent far too long on Earth. They'd become blooded hunters and now were allowed to hunt on their own. They knew that as soon as they returned home, they would be hailed as heroes. They would recieve new armor, masks and weapons. Even their own ships. Yuh'ra and Tua'ja clicked their mandibles in joy at the idea. Tua'Ja knew that returning home would mean that they could rest for a while. Sunset yawned as she threw the pelts off her body. The red-headed girl decided to take a shower. They all shared a ship together. It'd started to feel like...home. She'd enjoyed spending time with her Hunt Brothers. Before they went on their Chiva, the three of them had to hunt and kill a Quatza Rij. The three of them made a ceremonial mask from it. An elder, who'd overseen their hunt, wore the said mask at the ceremony. Sunset couldn't travel to certain parts of the planet, or spend time in them due to the high radiation levels emitted. The main city was a safe place along with the forests within the planet. It orbited a Binary Star System. Sunset had the skull of the Hard Meat and two human skulls already. The bacon-haired girl made it her goal to hunt the Waovu Nyas'i, a moose-like creature back home on Yautja Prime. She wanted to add its skull as a trophy. Her next hunt would consist of the M'Genisect, also known as the 'River Ghost' by humans. A bipedal, skeletal-looking creature with no face. The more trophies, the more respect she'd gain from other Yautja. Yeyinde and T'Ogah, Yuh'ra and Bua'Ja respected her, but she wanted more respect. More honor. She'd promised to bring it to the clan. She would not let them down. Sunset slipped into some new comfortable pajamas she'd bought back on Earth. She climbed into her bed and pulled the fur pelts and covers she'd also bought from Earth. The bacon-haired teen fell asleep shortly. Sunset awoke to the ship beeping, alerting her to the fact they were a few feet away from the atmosphere of Yautja Prime. The redhead slipped out of her clothing and into her hunting armor. That of which covered her breasts, shoulders and thighs. Her midriff exposed. She had silver, gold and bronze rings braided into her hair. Eventually, the ship had landed. Sunset and her two Hunt Brothers waited as the exit door unfolded outward as a ramp to walk down. As the trio walked, Sunset could hear praise and other noises to declare their victory. Of their survival of the Chiva. They were greeted by Yeyinde and T'ogah. Yuh'ra parted ways to head to his home. The group of four soon made it to a pyramid-like structure. Their home. Sunset had become part of their family. Bakuub, the Yaut Hound, had taken a liking to Sunset. She'd strapped her Combi-Stick to her back alongside her slightly damaged mask. Her Plasma Caster was placed on her left shoulder. Yeyinde and Sunset engaged in conversation while Tua'Ja and T'Ogah talked. Guan-Thwei, Yeyinde's other daughter walked into the room. Both her and the redhead had become good friends and developed a sisterly relationship. Tua'Ja was like her older brother, Yeyinde was like her mother and T'Ogah was like a father. A complete family. Sunset told them about Anon-A-Miss and the CMC being revealed as the culprits. Yeyinde and Tua'Ja stiffened before splaying their mandibles and roaring with anger. Not directed at Sunset, but towards The Rainbooms and the CMC. Yeyinde was furious. A human female she loved as if she were another daughter, another pup, had been harmed. By children nonetheless. She wanted to go to Earth and chew her pup's former friends out for betraying Sunset. They were Bad Bloods in her eyes. Eventually, the female Yautja calmed down as Sunset looked at her with worry. The smell of fear started to make itself known. Yeyinde realized with guilt that she'd scared her pup. She'd made her own daughter afraid. The matriarch pulled Sunset to her chest and started to purr softly. A way for a mother yautja to calm their distressed pups or sucklings. Sunset pulled away from Yeyinde's arms and decided to eat some of the berries and meat at the large table. She'd even decided to have a bowl of the delicious broth her adoptive mother had made. After the meal was done, Sunset went back to the ship to grab her trophies and weapons. She'd taken her trophies first and places them on her wall in her room. After that, she made a second trip to collect her weapons. Sunset had already put her Combi-Stick in her room. She soon added the spear she'd fashioned from the Hard Meat's tail, her axe and two daggers she'd been given. One each from her Hunt Brothers. Feeling satisfied, she decided to sleep. It was getting late anyway. One of the two suns was setting. For her, she needed a nap. The next morning, or what was morning to her, Sunset awoke to a notification on her Wrist Gauntlet. She'd found out that she was going to receive her new armor, mask and ship. Sunset had hung her damaged mask on the wall as a memento. She'd informed her family she was going to pick up the new armor and mask. The redhead decided to take her Combi-Stick with her, just in case she needed to defend herself. The bacon-haired huntress met the elder known as Greyback, who'd handed her a new set of armor. Made from a stronger metal than the previous set. This one was resilient to the acid blood of the Hard Meat. Sunset placed her new mask on her face, going through the different vision modes. She'd also received a whip made from the tail of a Hard Meat, a power punch glove, mines, dissolving liquid and an upgraded medpack. She'd also received her new ship. Her own ship. For her to use to explore the stars. She thanked the elder and headed home to move her trophies to her ship's trophy room. She explored the rest of the spacecraft to find a training room, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and trophy room Sunset jumped up and down in joy. She'd also received her own Data Pad which allowed her to log down any damage to the ship. It could also function as a mirror or another screen for her Wrist Gauntlet. Yeyinde praised Sunset for earning her new armor, masks and weapons. She'd informed her lifemate that she and Sunset would be going to Earth briefly. One, so that she could yell at the ones who harmed her pup, and second, so that Sunset could see her friend 'Twilight' who she had mentioned to her. "Sunset, I will always defend you and your honor. You have brought a lot of it to our clan already. I am extremely proud of you, my pup." Yeyinde said softly, pulling Sunset into her arms to hug her. The redhead, stunned by the physical act from the Yautja, reciprocated and returned the hug as she embraced her adoptive mother. Eventually, both of them pulled away as Tua'Ja hugged his adoptive sister. The redhead put directions for Earth and CHS. She set the ship to Autpilot. Sunset only wanted to go back there to make things right with Twilight. She'd just basically up and left her. She intended to make things right between them. Apart from that, she had no other need to go back to the place she was hated. Until then, she would spend time with her adoptive mother on her new ship. After that, she was going to hunt the Waovu Nyas'i and the M'Genisect. She couldn't wait. > CHS Infestation. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the ship flew through space, Sunset was hard at work, creating a Plasma Shotgun. She'd been trying to create a better version of the Plasma pistol, a combined Plasma Caster body with a handle made from a second one. She'd kept the idea in her mind, and decided to work on making a weapon more powerful, like a Plasma Shotgun. After a while, she became tired and put the to-be modified weapon on her desk. Sunset had already removed any ammo in it beforehand. She took a shower to clean the oil and its stench from her body. The redhead then took a nap. She'd wake up to the sound of her ship's alarm beeping to signal the arrival on earth. Yautja Prime was a few thousand light years from Earth. Hence why it never took very long for a Yautja ship to reach the blue planet. The bacon-haired huntress pulled the covers and pelts over her body as she fell asleep in her bed. The material the sheets had been made from were extremely comfortable. Sunset eventually awoke to the sensation of her ship rumbling and the engines deactivating. She yawned and stretched her body, waking it up after her brief nap in space. She strapped her mask to her face and placed her Plasma Caster on her back left plate, mounting the weapon carefully. Sunset linked it to her Wrist Gauntlet and Bio-Mask, allowing for the automatic targeting system. She made sure to wait for Yeyinde. The female Yautja wanted to chew them all out and she was going to let her. As though she had been summoned, the matriarch walked over to the redhead. "Do you have everything you need? Medpack? Weapons?" Yeyinde asked softly, making sure her pup could defend herself. "Yes mom, I'm fine." Sunset replied, rolling her eyes playfully at her adoptive mother. The matriarch flexed a mandible in a smile as mother and daughter made their way to CHS, unaware of what they were going to find inside... The school's power had stopped working due to the infestation of a Xenomorph hive underneath the building. Several students had been kidnapped and made into hosts, or eggs for new facehuggers to implant a Xenomorph embryo into a host's throat and chest. Translucent goop had formed along the halls and lockers. Classes had been covered from head-to-toe in the stuff. The only ones who had survived were the CMC, Principal Celestia, Vice-Principal Luna, the Rainbooms, Twilight, Flash and Cyrus Carter, an old friend of Sunset's. Twilight looked around, tears trailing down her cheeks as she lowered her head in despair. Those weird, black creatures had done this to the school. What was once a symbol of pride, now ruined. The creatures had a black, slim body with tubes sticking out of their backs. They also had long and sharp tails with a pointed tip and an elongated head. Cyrus tried to conjure up enough fire magic, but he was too weak. The rest of the students had managed to escape and get to safety outside of the school. The Hive Mother sat back and watched as her children formed new eggs to incubate the facehuggers. It looked like this was it for them, how they were going to die. However, as fate would have it... Sunset and Yeyinde walked through the halls, avoiding the translucent goop. They'd shot several of the Hard Meat dead with their Plasma Casters. Luckily, Sunset had packed some Plasma Bombs which would detonate explosions of white-hot balls of plasma The redhead swore she could hear crying, so she followed the sound which led her to the auditorium. She looked around to find Twilight had been taken captive. Full of rage, Sunset aimed her Plasma Caster at the Hard Meat and shot them dead one by one. Yeyinde's assistance made it easier to take them down. "Mom, cover me. I'm going to save Twilight." Sunset said, walking over to her trapped pen pal. She used her knife made from the skin and tail of a Hard Meat to free her friend. The redhead then repeated the process to free her principal and vice-principal along with, Cyrus, Flash, the CMC and the Rainbooms. As soon as they were freed from the near-death experience, Twilight hugged Sunset. The bacon-haired huntress returned the gesture as she grinned at Flash and Cyrus behind her mask. "S-Sunset? Is that you?" Apple Bloom asked nervously. The redhead removed her mask, revealing scars from training and the honorable mark of her clan on her forehead. "Yeah, it's me, Apple Bloom." Sunset replied softly, holding her mask under her arm as she watched her adoptive mother keep shooting at the Hard Meat with her Plasma Caster. Sunset pulled the spare Wrist Gauntlet from a sleeve on her back and set it to self-destruct. The ex-unicorn huntress ordered everyone, including Yeyinde, to get out. They all ran out of the building as fast as they could. Eventually, they made it out alive and safe away from the school as the building exploded into a giant ball of plasma energy. What had once been a proud school, now just remains burned down to the ground. Celestia and Luna sobbed at the loss. Their career was effectively over. Years of education and memories gone. Internally, Sunset was stoic as she mourned the loss of the school. The redhead thought about Twilight and how she had nearly died because of her negligence. The bacon-haired huntress turned to Twilight, tear trails down her cheek. "Twilight, I'm so sorry. I should have checked for an infestation. It's all my fault. I should have known." Sunset sobbed, blaming herself for the situation and near-loss of her best friend. The purple-skinned princess gave her a sad smile and hugged her before pulling away. Yeyinde looked over at her adoptive daughter as she smelled her pup's distress. "Sunset, you couldn't have known that there would have been an infestation beneath the school. It is not your fault, and I will not allow for you to blame yourself. If anything, it is my fault as Clan Matriarch for not checking in case for Hard Meats. You are blameless in this situation, my pup." The matriarch soothed, pulling her adoptive daughter to her chest to comfort her. Sunset pulled away and introduced her adoptive mother to Twilight, who waved and smiled. Yeyinde thanked her for being a close friend to her daughter. She took off her mask and gave it to Twilight, who held it near to her face. The purple-skinned princess blinked and acted like she was going to be sick. "Ugh, what happened? I feel like I'm gonna be sick." Twilight muttered, trying to not throw up. "I used my mask to imprint our language into your mind, so you can understand me and our kind. Sunset has already been through this herself." Yeyinde replied, shocking the humanized princess. Sunset chuckled at the sight, remembering that she'd been through the same nausea from getting the Yautja language placed in her mind through a mask. "I know your pain, Twilight. At least you can understand my mom now." Sunset said, grinning at her friend. She informed the princess that she would be heading back to Yautja Prime with her mother soon. Yeyinde turned to the Rainbooms and CMC, growling darkly. "Before we leave for our home planet, I have something to say to you all. How DARE you use my daughter as bait to be harmed. You are acting like criminals, or should I say, Bad Bloods. You used my daughter to be blamed for your actions out of petty jealousy and revenge." Yeyinde snarled, mandibles splayed in rage as she yelled at the human females in English. Her mask would translate the Yautja Language to English for them so they could understand her. Sunset watched her mother chew out her former friends and their sisters. The CMC and the Rainbooms held expressions of fear and guilt as they remembered how they treated Sunset during the Anon-A-Miss debacle. Apple Bloom. Scootaloo and Sweetie-Belle held expressions of terror at the sight of Yeyinde whereas the Rainbooms felt guilty about what they had done. "S-She stole our sisters, they weren't spending much time with us anymore and we wanted to get them back. We're sorry!" Sweetie-Belle exclaimed fearfully, shaking as tears trickled down her face. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo had also started to break down emotionally from being chewed out by the female alien. "She is coming with me, home. Where she will be taken care of and loved by us. You are nothing but Bad Blood material. You have dishonored your families." Yeyinde added, snarling angrily with Bearer's Rage. Once she was done, she ordered them all to never speak a word of their encounter of her and Sunset to anyone. That included Flash, Cyrus, Twilight, Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna. The five nodded nervously as Yeyinde and Sunset walked back to her ship. The matriarch sent a message to the Council of Elders to inform them of the Hard Meat's infestation. She felt satisfaction for defending her daughter's honor. Sunset set the coordinates for Yautja Prime and set the ship in Autopilot as they headed home. From her bedroom's window, Sunset watched as military and other agencies arrived to ask questions. Twilight had already gone through the portal to get back to Equestria. Soon, the ship rose up into the air as it flew in a different direction and flew into space, heading for their home planet. Sunset took a shower and removed her armor. Once she was done, she slipped into her pajamas, climbed into her bed and read on her Data Pad for a while before falling asleep > New friends and old faces. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the ship traversed through space, Sunset was in thought. She felt guilty at being unaware of an infestation at CHS before she left and got her own stuff. "My pup, are you alright?" Yeyinde asked softly, her voice filled with motherly concern. She'd noticed the tear stains on her adopted daughter's cheeks. "It's just, I should have been more aware of an infestation before I left the first time. I nearly left Twilight to die at the claws of the Hard Meat." Sunset replied, her voice laced with guilt. Yeyinde pulled the girl into her arms and purred softly, the sound making her chest rumble. The bacon-haired huntress found the sound of her mother's purring completely relaxing. It calmed her down as she closed her eyes and relaxed in the gentle embrace of her adoptive mother. "You are strong, mei-jahdi." Yeyinde said softly, placing her forehead against Sunset's. An act of affection and deep love from a Yautja to another. The term usually meant 'sister' but could also mean 'daughter' which was how Yeyinde viewed Sunset. She adopted the girl as her own and made her part of their family. It had taken some time for Sunset to adapt to their way of living and their culture. "Thank you, mom." Sunset whispered back, pulling away from her mother's embrace to fly her ship back to Yautja Prime. Sunset and Yeyinde had eventually made it back to Yautja Prime. Sunset was still upset about what had happened back on earth. She met up with Celtic and Chopper who offered to walk with her around the capital city of Yautja Prime. It would help her to take her mind off of everything. The redhead spotted Yautja pups, which were the equivalent of human children, running around and chasing each other. She smiled at the sight. So human yet so different. The bacon-haired huntress walked past stalls selling fruits, weapons and supplies. As she strolled around the city. she came across another Yautja with greenish reptilian skin and slightly long dreadlocks next to a brown-skinned woman with black hair. The woman wore a red jacket. On her back, she had a Combi-Stick strapped to it. The Yautja, named Scar, turned to his brother and adoptive sister. Lex looked over at Sunset in shock. She questioned if the woman was tanned and had highlights for her hair. None of that could be real! Then again, she was on an alien planet with her now Yautja boyfriend Scar. "Brothers, it is good to see you again." Scar said, shaking his brother's shoulder in greeting. The three Yautja brothers nodded to each other and thumped their chests with their fist. A sign of respect towards a fellow hunter. Scar looked over at his sister, then back to Lex. "Lex, this is Sunset Shimmer, my sister. We blood-bonded with her and became her brothers. Sunset, this is Lex Woods, an explorer from Earth who has also fought against the Hard Meat." Scar introduced. Sunset and Lex shook hands, showing respect to one another as they looked at each other's clan marking, symbolizing their status as a blooded huntress. Sunset invited her eldest adoptive brother and Lex to walk with them, to which they both agreed. As they walked around, they passed temples and pyramid homes. Several ships passed through the air, heading towards different zones on the planet. Scar noticed a familiar male human, one who had beaten a Yautja on Earth in one of the planet's many jungles. The blooded warrior walked over to the man and shook his shoulder in greeting. "Scar, who's that?" Sunset asked. Not even Lex seemed to know who he was. She figured he was just another human they'd taken before she and Sunset arrived. The man stood at six feet and two inches. He had a toned body, with pure muscle from years of working out. He also sported a beard, now slightly grayed with age. He had short brown hair and blue eyes. The guy turned towards Sunset and smiled, a twinkle in his eye. It seemed another one worthy of a clan mark had been chosen. "My name is Major Alan 'Dutch' Schaeffer. But call me Dutch." The man-Dutch said, his voice accented as he smiled lightly at the yellow-skinned girl. > Chiva Celebration. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yeyinde, T'Ogah and Guan-Thwei decided to celebrate their pup's Chiva. They'd survived their battle with the Hard Meat. As such, a celebration was in order. They and their now blooded children celebrated the victory. The food had been prepared by Yeyinde. It was a key skill needed in her maternal clan. She'd taught Sunset how to make the broth and soup they all loved. The days she spent teaching her adoptive daughter how to cook had helped strengthen their bond. She'd formed a connection with the pup. She'd learned from Sunset that her biological mother was the equivalent of the Clan Matriarch, which ruled over all Yautja on their planet. Yeyinde had grown to love Sunset as another daughter. Despite the fact she could no longer bear children, it seemed as though Paya and Lilka had blessed her with a fifth pup. She was incredibly proud of her now blooded children. They'd survived and completed their Chiva. They would soon get a chance to mate with a female and produce the best offspring for future generations of hunters. Perhaps, she would even watch over them as they train to become blooded warriors. The matriarch of the family had been kept in thought for a while. She decided to go and contact her children. The celebration had started a while back. Even though Sunset had adapted to Yautja Prime, it wasn't like her former home in the pony Equestria. Time here ran slower than Earth or Equestria. Longer days and nights. Sunset sat at the large table within the dining area. Across from her was Scar, Celtic, Chopper and Lex. Next to her were Yeyinde, T'Ogah, Guan-Thwei and the man she'd recently met. The bacon-haired huntress had been brought out of her thoughts by a hand tapping her shoulder. She turned to face the person who tried to speak to her. It was Dutch. She'd wanted to know more about him. "Hey Dutch, you're military right? Thank you for your service." Sunset said respectfully, nodding as he did the same back. "Thank you. I never got your name." Dutch replied, his accent clear in his voice. "Sunset Shimmer. I'm not from Earth, or whatever these guys call it." Sunset said, pointing to her brothers across from her. Dutch's brows furrowed in confusion at that statement. "What do you mean 'not from Earth' Sunset?" He asked, then again, both of them were on an alien planet. Sunset sighed, nervous at telling Dutch her story. She hated telling people her past. She also didn't want to risk him and other human military forces finding out about her former homeworld. "I'm from a dimension where humans don't exist. It's called Equestria. There's four tribes. Alicorn, pegasi, unicorn and earth pony. My mom was an alicorn. She's the princess and rules over the kingdom." Sunset said, not willing to say anything further until she felt she could trust Dutch enough to keep her secret. Dutch's eyebrows raised in shock at the statement from the girl. Lex's jaw dropped at hearing what Sunset, or her sister-in-law now, had just said. "Anything's possible. You being an alien as well isn't out of the question." Dutch muttered to himself, collecting some meat from the dish as he cut it and ate a piece. Yeyinde and T'Ogah knew of Equestria, having visited only briefly when their ship crashed. No other Yautja knew of the place. Not even their children except for Sunset. Sunset had been wanting to thank her family. She'd written a speech, but had left it on her ship. "Can I say something?" Sunset asked, getting everyone's attention. Every Yautja, plus her brother's Lifemate and Dutch turned to look at her. "Before Anon-A-Miss happened, I wasn't a very nice person. I wasn't a Bad Blood, but I was arrogant and cruel. I changed, tried to make it up to the students. After that, my friends became exactly that. After a while, it all went wrong." Scar, Celtic and Chopper growled at the mention of Anon-A-Miss. They'd heard it was the reason Sunset was upset. At least. that was what Tua'Ja and Yuh'ra had told them. "Anon-A-Miss ruined everything. They took my friends, ruined my hard work to show I had changed! All because of petty jealousy!" Sunset snarled, Wrist Blades extending from the gauntlet as every Yautja became wary of her. They knew pissing her off wouldn't be a good idea. Sunset calmed down, the blades retracting into the Wrist Gauntlet. She looked around at her family who gazed at her in worry. "But then, Tua'Ja saved my life when a Bad Blood tried to kill me. He brought me here and I met my Hunt Brothers." Sunset nodded to them, smiling. They curled a mandible up, smiling back at their Hunt Sister. "But I also met my three brothers and you mom and dad. You all helped me adjust and deal with everything. Thanks for being like parents to me." Sunset finished, holding back the unshed tears. The three brothers flexed a mandible to smile back at their little sister. They bent down to a knee to hug them one by one. Sunset decided to also hug her Hunt Brothers and Tua'Ja who returned the gesture. The bacon-haired huntress looked over at her adoptive parents. Silently knowing what she was asking, Yeyinde and T'Ogah hugged her, feeling the pup's grip tighten on them. "I love you guys." Sunset said softly, weakly grinning at her adoptive parents. Once Sunset had felt relaxed enough, they returned to the celebration. Sunset engaged in small talk with Dutch, learning about how he came to be on Yautja Prime. Once everyone was done, the remaining food was cryogenically stored to be kept fresh. Sunset showered, put her pajamas on and snuggled under the silk sheets and fur pelts. The mattress underneath her softer than anything she'd ever felt. It caused the redhead to drift off to sleep with a happy smile on her lips. > Revelations. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever since Sunset had returned to Yautja Prime, she'd been receiving doses of Yautja blood, which extended her lifespan by a few centuries. She was a unicorn, and would live longer than a human, but not as long as an alicorn. Thanks to the doses of their blood, she'd be able to potentially live as long as her adoptive family. However, a side effect of the doses had taken place. The redhead was unaware of the newest change in her body. Sunset was working on creating a Plasma Shotgun. She eventually finished creating the new weapon. The body of the gun was reminiscent of a Remington model body, with the bump stock of a rifle and a thin rectangular muzzle. The magazine was a Plasma Caster, acting as the power supply for the weapon. Sunset squealed in excitement and smiled with pride at her new creation. She'd been given a damaged Plasma Caster, which she added to the gun, making it powered by the former shoulder cannon. The bacon-haired huntress placed the weapon on her wall in her room, placing it on a support near the other weapons she owned. Sunset had been taken for a monthly medical exam. They wanted to check on her health. Bhi'Joth was her doctor, who would perform routine checkups on her body. He'd recently noticed the formation of scales on Sunset's body. Interesting. The redhead suddenly felt itchy on her arms, scratching them harshly. Bhi'Joth noticed and offered to help. The older Yautja carefully peeled the skin from a small flap caused by the itching. As he removed it, both he and Sunset saw what he assumed would happen. The blood transfusions were causing her to mutate slightly. "Yikes! That's cold!" Sunset exclaimed, rubbing her hands over her shoulders as her teeth chattered. Her body was adapting to the new changes. The scales were small and rectangular, rounded at the end. Sunset's eyes widened in shock as her lower lip trembled. She was growing scales now. Sunset held back tears as she nodded. The redhead thanked the doctor and headed back to her room. She wanted to be alone. She wanted to be alone. She didn't want anyone seeing her. Once she was alone, she started to itch at her arms, causing blood to spray across the walls. Her vision became blurry as tears filled her eyes. The bacon-haired huntress wanted to break down and cry. She needed time to come to terms with her new addition. "Sunset, are you al-WHAT HAPPENED!?" Scar asked, walking into his adopted sister's room. He was just going to check on her, but noticed the sprays of blood across the walls and the blood on her arms. The former unicorn could only look down in shame as she broke down. Scar didn't know what was going on until he used his mask and noticed something. She had mutated. That was when he realized what she had done. Being as careful as he could, Scar gently picked up his sister and took her to Bhi'Joth's clinic. Sunset only muttered out apologies as she passed out. The redhead awoke in the clinic she'd visited earlier. Scar, Celtic and Chopper were standing across from her, looking her over with concern. Bhi'Joth had cleaned the wounds she'd caused herself in her breakdown before stitching them up. No other human had reacted to the transfusions like she had. "How do you feel, Sunset?" Bhi'Joth asked kindly. Having spent many years as a hunter, he became bored of it and decided to become a medic for their race. "My arms and skin feels weird now." The redhead replied, looking down in guilt at the distress she'd caused her family. The four Yautja could smell her fear. The scent was raw and strong, causing Scar to worry for his sister. Thinking quickly, he walked over to her and held out her left arm. The blooded Yautja raised her head with a claw to look at him. "Do you see what these are?" Scar asked softly, not wanting to upset Sunset even more. She needed time to heal and come to terms with what had happened to her body. "Yeah." Sunset whispered sadly. She didn't know how to view herself anymore. "These are scales. Yautja scales. They are a part of you now, Sunset." Scar replied softly, pulling Sunset into a hug as she sobbed into his arms. Eventually, Sunset's tears had stopped as she calmed down and left her brother's embrace. "I'm sorry I made you guys panic. I just...need time to deal with this. " Sunset said, looking down again. She had Yautja scales now thanks to the transfusions. "This is all new to us as well. This was an unforseen event. This has never happened before." Scar replied gently, noticing how upset Sunset was. He purred softly, the sound one their race made to comfort another of their species. "Now you know why we need to roll around in our rooms." Celtic said, raising a mandible in a grin. Sunset snickered as she felt her mood lift. Her brothers were right, she needed to embrace her new features. The redhead hugged her brothers one by one. She thanked the doctor before heading back home, the three blooded warriors following behind her. > Hunting the Waovu Nyas'i. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever since Sunset had found out she'd been growing scales, the redhead had mutated in several other ways. Her body had become much stronger and resilient to damage. The Yautja blood in her body was making her much stronger than an average human, but on par with a Young Blood. She would be able to also go to-to-toe with Celestia or Luna due to the sheer strength she now possessed. Today, she decided to head into one of the forests on Yautja Prime, to hunt the Waovu Nyas'i, which was a moose-like creature that resided within the forests. It had a black coat of fur and large, bony antlers like those of moose back on Earth. Sunset had been given a new mode of vision on her mask. There were also deer-like creatures she intended to hunt for food. Sunset sat atop a tree branch, looking down at a herd of the Waovu Nyas'i. The bacon-haired huntress jumped down silently and stood in front of the moose-like creature, spooking it. The Waovu Nyas'i shrieked and tried to run off. causing Sunset to give chase to the alien moose. She started to run after it, having a stronger metabolic rate thanks to the Yautja blood running through her body. Eventually, the redhead caught up with the creature, standing in front of it. However, the alien moose rammed into her, knocking Sunset onto her back. She dusted herself off and grabbed her Combi-Stick. The former unicorn-turned-human cut through the creature's neck, severing the nerves to the body. She wanted to give it a painless end, but one that would allow her to take the skull of the creature and add it to her trophy list. The body of the moose-like creature slumped to the ground, blood spilling from the stump where the head of the creature once was. The redhead placed the head of the creature under her right arm and placed the Combi-Stick on her back, letting the spear compact. She carried the carcass of the alien moose over her shoulder, taking it back to her ship. She would skin the creature and take its meat for later. Sunset decided to clean the skull once she arrived on her ship. She'd always wanted to hunt the Waovu Nyas'i, and now she had. Another accomplishment for her. Sunset had made it back to her ship and left the carcass of the moose-like creature hung by its back legs on two trees so she could skin it. The human huntress got to work, removing the skin of the creature, along with any fat on the body. She took the body for meat and disposed of the organs, letting any other animals in the forest consume it. Once she had stored enough meat to last her, she took the skull of the Waovu Nyas'i and started to clean it, removing the antlers, sawing them off. She removed the eyes, skin and muscles, burning them away in the dissolving liquid used for creating skull trophies by the Yautja. Once the skull had been completely made bald, no fur, skin or muscle remaining, the redhead polished it, before adding the skull to her trophy room. She had two human skulls, which were Trixie and Gilda. She also had the skull of a Hard Meat, or Kiande Admedha and now the skull of the Waovu Nyas'i. Sunset smiled at the trophies on the wall. It wasn't much, but her next hunt would be the M'Genisect. One other Yautja had worn a mask made from its skull. Feeling hungry, the redhead walked over to the kitchen onboard her ship and prepared the utensils along with the pans to cook the meat. She kept the furry hide of the moose-like creature as another pelt to add to her current collection. She was gifted a few by Scar, Celtic and Chopper. Dutch had given her some Naxa fruit, which was the equivalent of a mango back in the human version of Equestria or her original dimension, the pony Equestria. Once the meat was cooked, she grabbed a plate from the cupboard within the kitchen and prepared herself dinner. Time ran slower than Earth and Equestria on Yautja Prime, due to being a much bigger planet. Ever since she had arrived in the human version of her home dimension, she'd started to like the taste of meat. She assumed her body craved it, even though her mind had originally protested against eating it. She'd soon come to learn that meat didn't actually taste that bad. However, the taste of the Waovu Nyas'i was amazing. It was like a much better tasting beef. Once she was done with her meal, she hand-washed the plate and put it back. The redhead stripped naked and showered, removing the smell of blood and sweat from her body. Soon, she was all clean. Getting ready for bed, she put on some pajamas she'd taken from her apartment back in the human Equestria. She used her magic to multiply her pajamas so she wouldn't run out. The redhead climbed into her bed and grabbed her journal, deciding to send a message to Twilight. She'd left her phone off, refusing to speak to her former friends. Not after what they did. Even though she'd saved them from dying at the claws of the Hard Meat, she only did it because of the Code Of Honor. That was the only reason she saved them. However, she saved Twilight because she cared about her. Twilight was her only true friend she could count on. Sure, she had Tua'Ja and Yuh'ra. She also considered them and her Hunt Brothers her friends. But they were her brothers who she deeply loved. Scar had gifted her a much better Combi-Stick, one resistant to the acidic blood of the Hard Meat. Celtic had given her a Smart Disc that she could unfold and throw in a controlled pattern. Chopper had given her a dagger that was also resistant to the acid blood of the Hard Meat. She was extremely grateful for the gifts. Tired out after the hunt she went on, Sunset yawned and pressed a button on her Wrist Gauntlet on the cabinet to turn off the lights in the ship. The redhead snuggled into her bed, getting comfortable as she pulled the covers and fur pelts over her body. Sunset drifted off to sleep, a smile on her lips as she slept. > Hunting A Bad Blood. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset had been summoned by the arbitrators, though she had no clue as to why. The bacon-haired huntress made her way to one of the many buildings on Yautja Prime, eventually arriving at the large rectangular building. It was a courthouse, yet was used for punishing those who had broken the Code Of Honor. Arbitrators would punish the Yautja who broke the code by either exile or death. Whenever they were exiled, they were known as Bad Bloods, and were considered a disgrace to Yautja society and their species. The redheaded huntress entered the building, standing in front of a raised platform made from their metals. Sunset felt nervous being in the building, but managed to keep her cool and remained calm, her expression stoic. "Grand Arbitrator." Sunset greeted, lowering herself to a knee and placing a fist over her chest near her left breast. Her head lowered in submission and honor to the elder before her. "Rise, huntress." Replied the arbitrator, his voice deep and firm, yet commanding. Sunset rose and stayed silent. Knowing it best not to talk before any elder or arbitrator. It was considered rude and insulting. "You have been requested to track down and take out a trio of Bad Bloods. They and their campsite must be destroyed. They have brought shame to our race." The elder said, keeping his eyes on the human huntress below him. "Of course, Arbitrator." Sunset replied, nodding as she kept her head low in submission. She'd never hunted down a Bad Blood before. "What did they do?" Sunset asked softly, wanting to know what the Bad Bloods had done. "They murdered a pair of Lifemates and their pups." Arbitrator Van'taan growled, his anger towards the said criminals showing through. Sunset had learned that a pup was the equivalent of a human child or foal. It was a crime she was unwilling to forgive. "Another Yautja will be joining you." The Arbitrator added, gesturing over to another Yautja. A male by the name of Kher'Ja. He was a blooded warrior, having taken many human skulls and two of the Hard Meat. One being a drone and the other being a queen. Once the Arbitrator had dismissed them, the duo went to their homes to gather their masks and weapons. Sunset took her Combi-Stick, Plasma Pistol, Throwing Disk and a few explosives. She also took her second Plasma Caster, attaching it to the other shoulder plate, connecting it to her mask. Once they were ready, Sunset gave a quick goodbye to her family before she and the other two would go and hunt down the Bad Bloods. The duo used Kher'Ja's ship, which was bigger than Sunset's own. It had a kitchen, trophy room, bathroom, training room and a few bedrooms. Her hunting partner had many trophies, not just of humans and Hard Meat, but many other creatures. Sunset stared at the tall, muscular Yautja, finding him attractive. He was slightly taller than scar, but had the same skin patterns as her adoptive brother. He had two Plasma Casters. The location of the Bad Bloods had been given to them, a planet that resembled earth, almost as if it was a twin, They made it to the planet and activated their cloaking, using stealth to get the drop on their targets. The duo climbed up a tree and sat on a branch, overlooking the bad bloods. The time to take them out was now. Kher'Ja waited for Sunset who nodded to him as they jumped down and landed on one of the Bad Bloods, slamming into his back. The exiled Yautja roared in pain behind his mask as he got up and made to slash Kher'Ja with his Wrist Blades. However, his plan was stopped when Sunset used her legs to trip him up, allowing for Kher'Ja to hold him down. The elite Yautja grabbed him by the throat and held him in the air. "I am Kher'Ja, and you know why I am here." Kher'Ja explained to the Bad Blood, who's eyes widened momentarily in fear. The disgraced Yautja started laughing, which angered both Sunset and her hunting partner. "This is what your Code Of Honor means to me." The Bad Blood spat in front of Kher'Ja's foot, only provoking the elite warrior. Kher'Ja used his Wrist Gauntlet and sliced off the Bad Blood's head, keeping it as a trophy. There were two more of the criminals they had to deal with. "Hah! An elite bringing an ooman on a hunt. How weak." The second Bad Blood taunted, unsheathing his Wrist Blades and went to attack Kher'Ja. The elite warrior crouched and sheathed his Wrist Blades, before bringing them back out, impaling the second of the trio of Bad Bloods on the blades. Sunset used her Combi-Stick and spun it, taking the criminal's head clean off. She then turned and stared down the last of the trio, aiming her Plasma Casters at the exiled Yautja. The third one didn't have time to react, as the dual blasts of plasma went through his head, blowing it up as the body slumped to the floor, fluorescent green blood spurting from the gaping hole in the neck. The redheaded huntress placed some explosives around the campsite of the Bad Bloods, not wanting to leave a single trace of their existence. Their names would be a disgrace for all eternity. Nobody would be named after them. Walking back to the ship, they set off the explosives as they entered the spacecraft. The ship took off, engines rumbling beneath their feet. Sunset followed Kher'Ja to the bathroom in their spacecraft. The bacon-haired huntress stripped naked, her hunting partner doing the same. Sunset blushed at the sight of his dick, realizing he would be bigger than any human. She kept her eyes up at his body, staring at his many abs. She bit her lip, feeling aroused by him. She'd never dated a Yautja. The last time she was in a relationship was when she dated Flash. Once she was all clean, she put on some spare clothes she brought with her. The redhead made her way to a bedroom, when Kher'Ja stopped her. "Our kind sleep in groups, or it can be just two if Yautja have lifemates." The elite warrior explained. Sunset nodded, having been told the same thing by Scar, her brother. "So, you're asking me to sleep with you?" Sunset smirked playfully, her voice sensual and soft. She realized she would have to sleep with him. "I am. It will keep both of us warm and I have many pelts if you will get cold." Kher'Ja replied, heading to his room as Sunset followed. He opened the door to his room, which was spacious and had a screen for communicating with others when off-world. There was a large, circular bed in the middle of a pit in the floor. Most Yautja slept in pits to keep warm. Kher'Ja grabbed a few pelts and held them under his arm. He walked over and laid on the bed, beckoning Sunset to do the same. The bacon-haired huntress walked over as she he laid on his chest, snuggling her head into it, listening to his heartbeat. Kher'ja pulled the pelts over her body, keeping the both of them warm. Sunset could feel his dick harden underneath her. She bit her lip and felt arousal pool beneath her legs. Kher'Ja noticed and started to remove her pajamas. "W-What are you doing, Kher'Ja?" Sunset asked, stuttering as she felt herself become even more aroused. Paya, her hunting partner was sexy. "I'm relieving you of your heat, Sunset." Kher'Ja replied, touching her pussy with a claw as she moaned and whimpered. The elite Yautja raised a mandible in a smirk and kept teasing her. "I need...need you inside me.” She cried out through a panting breath, her voice filled with lust and desire. His teasing drove her wild. Kher'Ja enjoyed hearing her beg to let him pauk her. He could smell her heat and hormones. “I wish you could see your face right now. You’re irresistible when you beg.” Kher'Ja growled to adjust his hips at the right angle, then he began to ease his cock slowly inside, until it disappeared completely into her slit. He hissed when she clamped down on him. Hard. “Oh my god, you are huge." Her head fell backwards and she let out a throaty moan. It felt like she was going to split. At first, it was a bit painful when he entered her, but there was also pleasure, intense pleasure. When he was fully inside her pussy, she was seeing stars. “I still can’t believe you are able to take all of me.” He groaned above her. She was sucking on him tightly when he stretched her tiny pussy entirely taut, with each stroke he did, he felt her wet walls contracting around him, drawing him in deeper. Paya, she was incredibly wet and tight. “Now I have to stretch you wide again.” “Yes, please...stretch me wide like no human could, make me yours." His hot voice turned her body to jello. When he slammed into her body again, her legs trembled, all she could do at this point was moan and take everything he gave her. “Could any ooman male make you feel the way I do?” He asked in her ear as he started to increase his inhuman speed. Giving her exactly what she wanted by filling her up until they were hips to hips. “Fuck no. You’ve ruined me for humans.” She admitted, howling out her moans for him to hear. And my hands. But that was all she could manage to croak out at the moment. “I’m going to ruin you not just for oomans. You are mine, and mine alone.” He grunted with lust as he claimed her for his own. He trailed his hand from her face, then her neck, her breasts, her stomach, her thighs and finally stopped at their joining, like he was marking every inch of her body with admiration. She was like putty in his hands, allowing him to do whatever he wished with her. Staying still, he felt a gush of wetness hit him when she screamed, he could only conclude that she had orgasmed with the irregular pattern her walls had clenched around him. Not daring to look down at their joining, he moved a hand to her breast, kneading while pinching her nipple, each time he stimulated her erected bud, he felt her walls massaging his cock tightly and uncontrollably, it was intense. If he kept playing it like this for a certain time, he’d make her orgasm in seconds. He could already feel his cock pulsating inside her at her response. “Please, don’t stop. I’m so close again,” she whined when he moved his hand away, arching her back to him in desperation. He stopped it right before she was about to cum, he was bad. “Since you asked so nicely, my mate.” Trailing his tongue over her bared throat, he inhaled her scent greedily while he tasted her. He resumed his speed to ravish her body hard, with each thrust so deep that he pressed his hips firmly against hers. The wet sounds of their hips slamming together and his cock disappearing into her wet slit were obscenely arousing. Daring fate, he lowered his head to watch his cock stretching her tiny slit open as he made his way in and out of her body, and that was a big mistake. Pauk, it was such a salacious sight to behold, he wasn’t going to last long at this rate. “Paya. I’m going to cum if you keep squeezing my drrok like this.” He gritted out, wanting to savor the moment a bit longer, but it seemed impossible. She was shaking around him! Unable to keep his primal urges in control, he began to slam into her even harder. “Oh my god! Oh my god!” She screamed, she was helpless and delirious at his brutal pace. It was too intense she shook her head side to side, her entire body tensed. “The only deity above you is me. Look at me!” He snarled as he pulled her hair with enough pressure to yank her head up. “Yes! Cum inside me! Breed me!” She fixated her lust-filled eyes onto his hungry gaze. In that brief moment, her orgasm quickly swept outward as she opened her mouth to cry out her pleasure loudly. “Pauk, Sunset!” He howled out her name as his body went taut, pulsing inside her as he came and came, until he filled her up with every drop of his molten seed. The idea of breeding her, filling her up with his warrior seed had caused him to lose control again. She collapsed on top of him, her breathing heavy in her as she panted with him. Sliding a hand over her body, he held her tightly against his chest as she lay on top of him on his bed. "Your mate?" Sunset asked softly, looking at him with love and pure happiness. Kher'Ja could only nod back, having satisfied the both of them. "Indeed, you are irresistible to me, Sunset. Or should I say, Dhirauta R'Ka." Kher'Ja said, softly stroking her hair. "What does that mean?" Sunset asked, curious at the nickname he gave her. Not even Flash had given her a nickname. "It means 'Cunning Fire' my mate. You are cunning, and your hair is like a flame." Kher'Ja replied. Sunset ran a finger down his abs, stroking them softly as she nuzzled into her hunting partner. "So, this means we're together now?" Sunset asked, placing a soft kiss to one of his tusks. The elite warrior nodded and splayed his mandibles open, allowing Sunset to kiss him. The redhead placed her lips against his mouth in an attempt to kiss him. She closed her eyes and added pressure to her kiss, wanting to show her newfound love for him. The two broke away and cuddled on the bed, just being together in the moment. "Why did you want me as your mate?" Sunset asked softly, looking into Kher'Ja's eyes. She wanted to know why he wanted her and not some other female Yautja. "I have heard stories of you from others. You've survived your chiva, hunted down Hard Meat and cleaned out a nest of Hard Meat that went undetected on Earth. You were cunning with your stealth today. I am impressed." Kher'Ja explained as tears formed in Sunset's eyes. "Thanks. That means a lot." The redhead replied softly. She cuddled into him, feeling the warmth of his body. "I don't want us to just be mates, but lifemates. Forever." Kher'Ja added, startling Sunset who looked at him in shock. She knew that she wouldn't probably live as long as him. Why would he want to be with her for life if she wouldn't live very long? "You know I won't live very long, right? And I can't give you any pups." Sunset said, looking down sadly. Even though she'd had a few blood transfusions, she'd live for a few centuries and then die. "I will find ways to prolong your life for as long as possible, my mate. We can find ways around having pups. Or we can keep breeding until biology cooperates." Kher'Ja said, smirking as he tenderly ran a claw down the side of her face. "Now you're just being cocky." Sunset said, chuckling as her new Yautja boyfriend laughed along with her. The two gazed into each other's eyes. "I love you, Sunset." Kher'ja said softly, placing a claw in her hair as she smiled. She had a family and now a new boyfriend. She couldn't be happier. "i love you too, Kher'Ja." Sunset replied, giving her boyfriend a kiss on one of his mandibles. The two eventually fell asleep holding each other, the ship on autopilot as it flew back to Yautja Prime. > Homebound. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kher'Ja and Sunset slept peacefully that night, holding each other as they flew through space. They were nearly home, back on Yautja Prime. The redheaded huntress awoke, pulling the fur pelts off of her body and stretching her joints as she climbed off Kher'Ja. The elite Yautja followed, both of them taking a shower. Sunset's body felt sore from the thorough fucking she'd been given by her new boyfriend, Kher'Ja. She'd been completely satisfied by her hunter. Kher'Ja had placed two of the skulls of the former Bad Bloods on his trophy walls. The last one had been destroyed by the blasts from her Plasma Casters. She couldn't wait to return to Yautja Prime. She would keep her ship as a backup, or in case she wanted to go on a solo hunt. Someday, she and her hunter could own a Clan Ship and make their own clan. Set off into the stars, settle down on another planet and raise pups to be hunters. The idea rolled around in her mind as she thought about her future as a huntress. Her body's muscle memory was akin to that of a seasoned hunter. The woman who stared back at her had taken lives. It clashed with her pony nature to never kill. "Are you alright, my mate?" Kher'Ja asked, walking over to her as he pulled her against his body. He purred softly, relaxing the redhead as she leaned into his arms. "I'm fine, Kher'Ja. Just in thought." Sunset replied, gently stroking his chest with a finger. She didn't know where to hunt after she'd hunted an M'Genisect or other prey. Her time on Yautja Prime would soon come to an end. She wouldn't need to be there. She could leave with Kher'Ja and see the stars. But for now, she had all the time in the world. The two stared out the side window of the ship, staring into space. The ship eventually landed back on Yautja Prime. The two went to visit the arbitrator in the courthouse building. "Grand Arbitrator." Kher'Ja began, both him and Sunset lowering themselves to a knee and lowering their heads in submission. "Is it done? Are the Bad Bloods dealt with?" Arbitrator Van'taan asked, looking down at the two. Both of them nodded as he and many other Yautja roared in victory. After they had gone silent, they were given permission to leave. The two walked around Yautja Prime, passing different clans and familiar faces. "Kher'Ja?" Sunset asked, looking up at her hunter with a confused expression. "Yes, my mate?" The elite warrior replied, looking down at his human, his mate. He admired her cunningness and her beauty. "Do you have any pups?" Sunset asked, worried if she'd upset him by asking. She didn't know if he had any females before her. "I don't. None of the females were interested in me when I was a youngblood. I spent my time honing my skills as a warrior. That is what allowed me to climb the ranks and become an elite." Kher'Ja replied. Sunset was shocked. He was handsome and many of the females should have mated with him. If they won't want him, then she would. If that meant having pups, then she'd bear his. Help him raise their pups to hunt and become strong, powerful warriors. Sunset smiled and kept it in her mind, wanting to someday be a mother. Not right now, but maybe not too far off into the future. She and Kher'Ja had met up with Scar, who lead them back to the home Sunset remembered. She and her hunter walked into the home as Yeyinde and T'Ogah hugged her. Surprisingly, Yeyinde was very happy to see that she'd fallen in love. Her adoptive brothers remained protective as ever. However, they were friends with Kher'Ja. Lex congratulated her, accepting him into their clan and family. Yeyinde had made dinner, consisting of different meats and a mix of berries. Some from Yautja Prime, others from Earth and different planets. Once the meal was done, Kher'Ja and Sunset went back to his home, which was a mix of nature and technology. The house had a set of steps in the corner which lead underground. Underneath the home was a hot spring for hot water, a room for armor and weapons along with a training room. Sunset had learned that Kher'Ja had built the home himself. Not once, but many times. He didn't like the design and changed it to look better. He'd let her borrow an armor stand to place her hunting armor. The two went back up to the main floor and prepared dinner. Yeyinde had taught Sunset how to cook, giving Sunset the knowledge needed to cook different types of meat. She thanked her adoptive mother for teaching her what she knew. Once the food was cooked, she added a small amount of spice to it and set it on the metallic table as the two ate. It felt like home. Like they were married. Soon, dinner was done and the two showered. Once they were done, they dried themselves off and went to cuddle in the circular bed within his sleeping pit. Sunset snuggled into his chest, finding his heartbeat relaxing. She gave Kher'Ja bedroom eyes, kissing him on his tusk as he splayed them, allowing her to kiss him. The two pulled away a minute later, before he entered her slit as the two made love to one another. Sunset found herself lost in the throes of passion as she came on her hunter. Kher'Ja came inside her, painting her womb white with his warrior seed. Sunset let out a throaty moan as he filled her up. Her chances of becoming pregnant grew. The couple were left panting as they calmed down. Kher'Ja felt himself soften inside of his mate as he pulled out, some of his fluorescent seed spilling out of Sunset. Both of them held each other as they cuddled on the bed, plush furs covering their bodies as they slept. > Looking To The Future. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Many months had passed on Yautja Prime for Kher'Ja and Sunset. The bacon-haired huntress had become pregnant with Kher'Ja's pup. The two were ecstatic. Yeyinde and T'Ogah congratulated the new soon-to-be parents. Sunset was a few weeks into her pregnancy. However, it didn't stop her from hunting. She rarely did so anymore, due to being pregnant. She didn't want to risk the life of her pup. However, she'd hunted an M'Genisect, also known as the River Ghost. She'd managed to trap and kill two of them. One as a trophy, and the other as a hunting mask. Sunset thought about her mother. It'd been a long time since she'd thought about her. The redheaded huntress hadn't seen Celestia in years. Or Twilight, for that matter. It would be good to see them again. She missed her mother. The two had left on bad terms and hadn't spoken since. It was time they reunited and put things right. Having spent time on the planet, Sunset had matured and adapted to the way of a Yautja. Deep down, she was still a pony. She would try to locate her home planet and give an overdue apology to her mother. Kher'Ja had also gone on a solo hunt to bring her back a trophy. A skull of the Hard Meat. But not just any skull, a queen. "Are you alright, my mate?" Kher'Ja asked, looking down at his ooman. She seemed upset about something. It suddenly dawned on him that he knew nothing about his mate. "I'm fine, Kher'Ja. Just remembering my mother and someone I considered family." Sunset replied, staring up at her boyfriend. "You've never spoken about your family, I never asked you, my mate." Kher'Ja approached carefully, not wishing to upset his mate. "It's fine. Me and my mother didn't part on the best of terms. We yelled at each other. I'd fallen down a dark, dishonorable path. My friend, Twilight, showed me a better way after. I owe my honor and who I am now, to her." Sunset explained, sighing wistfully at the past. She couldn't change it, but she'd learned from her mistakes and changed for the better. All she could do was move on, think positively and look forward to the future. Kher'Ja was moved by what she'd said. It'd be good motivation for new youngbloods. "You are wise beyond your years, my mate." Kher'Ja complimented softly, running a claw through Sunset's hair. The redhead blushed, smiling at her boyfriend bashfully. The elite warrior remembered the gift he'd hunted for her. The queen's skull. "Stay here." Kher'Ja requested gently, walking out of the room briefly. Sunset watched him leave with confusion, not knowing why he felt he needed to leave the room. He returned within a few minutes, carrying a skull in his hand, one that was familiar to Sunset. It was the skull of a Hard Meat, Sunset recognized the skull from a hieroglyph in the pyramid where she went through her Chiva. "For you, my mate." Kher'Ja said softly, lowering himself to a knee in front of his mate, the skull in his hands. Sunset stood still in shock. "Why did you give me this?" Sunset asked, her voice trembling. Tears threatened to spill down her face. She was overwhelmed with emotion. "It means I wish to bond with you for life." Kher'Ja replied warmly, looking at her as she trembled. “For life?” Her mouth dropped open. “You mean marriage?” She gasped, her eyes widened at the prospect. “If that means our fates will be sealed forever, bound by the vows and honor for as long as we lived. Yes, a marriage.” He explained. Sunset was certain. She was happy with him and wanted to stay with him. More than ever, she wanted a happy life with him. “Yes, I accept the skull. I don’t want anyone else! I only want you. I love you!” She blurted out without another doubt as tears welling up in her eyes. Tears of joy. The next second, Kher'Ja roared in response to her acceptance. His ear-piercing roars startled her, his mate accepting his gift as her worthy Lifemate had thrilled him with prideful satisfaction. Sunset was overjoyed. She kissed his mandible and stood up, preparing to tell her adoptive family the news. The redhead had visited her family and told them the recent news. Yeyinde was happy for her, the matriarch's voice full of love, pride and emotion. It surprised Sunset, to hear such emotion from her mother. She welcomed it. The now husband and wife packed up their stuff from their home. Every trophy and weapon was moved onto his ship. Along with their fur pelts, her clothes and their food. They had given their goodbyes to their families on the planet. They were planning to settle down elsewhere. On an Earth-like planet that they could raise their pup on. They could have a little family, create a new generation of hunters and huntresses for many centuries to come. The two walked onto their ship. Sunset had given back her original one, having moved her trophies to the trophy wall in the room she and Kher'Ja shared. Their new bedroom. Sunset looked sentimentally at the planet through the window facing one of the sides of the ship. Yautja Prime had been her home for so long. Lex and Dutch had understood her reason for leaving. They shook hands and hugged, knowing it would be the last time they'd see each other in a long time. Scar, Celtic and Chopper had hugged her, giving her fur pelts and other trinkets to take with her into the stars. Yeyinde hugged her, telling the redhead how proud of her she was. Deep down, the matriarch didn't want her to go. She'd loved Sunset deeply and would miss her dearly. The engines started up, humming to life and giving lift to the spacecraft as it took off into space and beyond. Sunset felt her heart ache as she watched the planet shrink behind her Kher'Ja placed a hand on her shoulder in comfort. Sunset smiled, appreciating the sentiment from her husband. The couple sat at the cockpit of his ship. Two seats for two pilots. Turning his attention to her, he asked in front of the control panels. “This galaxy is yours to explore now. Where would you like to go, my mate?” “I don’t know. Do you have any suggestions?” She asked excitedly. Kher'Ja raised a mandible in a grin at her excitement. "The Heleria system we recently acquired is still new, we can start from there." He replied, putting in the coordinates for the star system. Sunset grinned and activated the auto pilot as they flew through space. “You belong to me, and I belong to you.” He pledged. Sunset felt tears prick at her eyes from his heartfelt words. She loved him and wanted to be with him forever. Now that they were completely alone, with plenty of time to spare, he was going to take his time with his Lifemate. Pulling her into his chest, he pressed his sloped forehead against hers. His long, thick dreadlocks draped around their faces forming a curtain of privacy as he carried her to their bed in a bridal style. No one would take her away from him now. They belonged to each other. > Returning to Equus. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset and Kher'Ja flew through space as the two slept, holding each other. Their next destination was the Heleria System, full of rocky planets and gas giants. The redheaded huntress awoke, stretching her arms as she yawned. The mother to-be rubbed her stomach softly, smiling down at it. She thought about what it would be like to raise a pup with her handsome space husband. She wanted to settle down with him and raise a pup or two. She would be a better mother to her pup than what her own mother Celestia was to her. She hadn't seen her mother in a very long time. The last time she'd seen her was when she'd been banished from the castle. Sunset missed her terribly and wanted to mend their relationship. Whatever was left of it. She longed to see her mother and apologize for everything. She also missed Cadance. The pink mare was like an older sister to her. She'd acted incredibly mean to her before she fled the castle. There was no point dwelling on the past. All she could do was move forward and reunite with her mother to make amends. Kher'Ja awoke, his mandibles clacking against his mouth. Sunset giggled and kissed one of his mandibles as he splayed them, allowing her to kiss him. The two pulled apart after a few seconds as Sunset looked down at her hunter. The two were to be together for eternity. Husband and wife. "Good morning, my handsome space husband." Sunset cooed, smiling at him warmly. She didn't regret leaving Yautja Prime to have a life with him. "Good morning, my mate." Kher'Ja replied, placing a lock of her braided hair behind her ear with a claw. She smiled and got up, her husband doing the same. The two of them took a shower. Once that was done, Sunset dressed herself, deciding to take her armor off and relax. Kher'Ja picked her up and swooped her into his arms, carrying her bridal style. "What was that for?" Sunset asked playfully, grinning at her husband. Kher'Ja gently laid her on their bed, draping a fur pelt over her body. "I want you to relax and take it easy, my mate. You are pregnant with our pup. You need to save your strength to take care of them once they're born." Kher'Ja replied, pulling the fur pelt back, tenderly rubbing her pregnant stomach. Sunset cooed at the sensation of his claw gently stroking it. Kher'Ja went to make them a meal, Sunset staying on their bed as she read a book she'd taken with her from Equestria. The mirror world version. Her handsome husband returned, placing a tray with a bowl of cooked meat on her lap. Sunset felt a warmth rise in her chest as he went to get his own food. Ever since she'd gotten pregnant, he'd been gentle with her, not wanting to harm their pup. She knew that he'd be a wonderful father to their pup. Kher'Ja returned with his own bowl of meat, sitting next to her on the bed as the two ate. Sunset loved spending time with him like this. Having meals together, cuddling, sleeping together and being married to him She smiled and ate her fill, Kher'Ja eating any of the meat she had left. Sunset giggled and gently snuggled into his arm. The redhead fell asleep. Full, happy and relaxed next to her loving husband. Sunset awoke and sat up, yawning as she stretched her arms. She swiveled her feet to the cold, metallic floor as she climbed off the bed. Sunset walked over to the cockpit and sat in one of the seats. What she saw in front of her was an Earth-like planet. One that reminded her a lot of home. Oddly enough, she could feel the planet calling to her. She felt her magic react as she realized what planet it was. She was outside of her original home. The world she had originally come from before fleeing through the mirror. Equestria. > Mending Fences. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kher'Ja noticed his wife's shock and walked over to her. She'd been staring at the planet for a while. "Is everything alright, my mate?" The elite Yautja asked softly, placing a clawed hand on her shoulder. The redheaded huntress smiled at her husband's show of concern. She turned her head to face him as he gazed back with concern for her. "I'm fine, Kher'Ja," Sunset replied softly as she sighed, "This planet is my home, the one I fled from many years ago. I was young and arrogant. I desperately wanted my mother's approval so I could become a princess and make her proud of me." Sunset went silent, still feeling the shame of her actions, of what she said to her mother. Kher'Ja gently pulled her into his arms as he started purring. Sunset sighed and smiled, leaning into her husband's arms. He always knew how to cheer her up. The two went into the cockpit and flew the spacecraft down into the planet's atmosphere. Sunset pointed out where the city of Canterlot was located. The ship went lower, enough to be seen in the sky, Sunset decided to dress herself up to meet her mother. She wore a fur bra and dress, gifted to her by Yeyinde. Her hair had already been braided like the dreadlocks of a Yautja. She also wore a necklace made from the finger bones and teeth of the M'Genisect she and Kher'Ja had hunted. Kher'Ja landed the ship, rotating the engines downward for when they needed to take off again. He also entered the lock code for the ship and activated its cloaking, hiding it from plain sight. Sunset walked through Canterlot, getting odd stares and ones of disgust from the snobby nobles. Kher'Ja used trees to follow her so as not to scare the ponies that lived there. He growled every time the ponies looked at his mate with disgust. She was beautiful to him. The elite Yautja kept on following her, swinging from tree to tree as he followed her to the castle. He had to admit that in 'ooman mode' on his mask, the planet did look beautiful. Eventually, the bacon-haired huntress made it to the castle. She felt nervous and also excited at seeing her mother again. Sunset stood nervously at the entrance of the castle. waiting for Kher'Ja to catch up with her. She had told him that she wanted to introduce him to her mother, Princess Celestia, and he had agreed to come. She couldn't help but feel a bit apprehensive. What would her mother think of her husband, a Yautja from another planet? Suddenly, Kher'Ja appeared behind her, his towering form casting a shadow over her. She turned to him and smiled, feeling comforted by his presence. He'd deactivated his cloaking to help her make amends with her mother, Princess Celestia. "Are you ready to meet my mother?" she asked, taking his clawed hand. "I am." he replied, his voice deep and steady. Sunset smiled at her husband, giving him a quick kiss on his mandible. Sunset led him into the castle, her heart pounding with anticipation. As they walked through the corridors, they passed by several guards who looked at Kher'Ja with curiosity and caution. She couldn't blame them. After all, Yautjas were known to be fierce hunters. Finally, they arrived at the throne room, where Princess Celestia was waiting for them. On the other throne was Luna and next to her was her big sis Cady. She looked over at the two. The redheaded being resembled one of her former students and daughter. Sunset took a deep breath and exhaled, locking eyes with her mother. "Princess Celestia, the last time we saw each other, I was your snide little daughter who betrayed and abandoned you. I mean that I come before you a changed pony. Well, a changed human, actually, humbly asking for your forgiveness, guidance and knowledge." Sunset said, her voice full of self-hatred and guilt. Celestia's eyes briefly widened in shock, before narrowing as she got off her throne and walked down to face her daughter. Twilight watched from the side, watching the interaction between her friend and mentor. Kher'Ja stayed silent, but growled protectively over his mate. He didn't like the way Sunset seemed upset. Celestia walked towards Sunset, coming up to eye level with her as Sunset's demeanor switched from one of guilt and sorrow to one of fear. The white-furred princess kept her narrowed gaze on her wayward daughter. Sunset felt terrified under her mother's gaze, having seen it when she was banished from the castle and exiled from Equestria. "Or I can just go, and you never have to see me again." Sunset said softly, looking away from her mother, her gaze downward. She didn't want to see her mother's angered expression anymore. She quickly raised her gaze before lowering it again. She felt her mother's hoof under her chin, lifting her head as their gaze met. Celestia's expression morphed into one of forgiveness and pure happiness. She'd missed her daughter terribly. Sunset wasn't completely guilty, as she too had said things she regretted. "I've missed you, Sunset Shimmer. My little filly." Celestia said softly, her gaze warm and loving. Inside, she was proud of her daughter for maturing and coming to ask to be forgiven. Sunset didn't know what to say. She thought her mother would hate her and no longer want to see her. "I-I'm so sorry!" Sunset cried, pulling her mother into a hug as she sobbed, releasing years of pent-up shame and guilt. Celestia let her daughter hug her. She needed to release her pain. Bottling it up wasn't healthy. "I forgave you a long time ago, Sunset. You aren't completely to blame. I also said and did things to you that I regret." Celestia replied softly, not wanting her daughter to blame herself entirely The two smiled at each other and hugged again before pulling away. The redheaded huntress walked over to Cadance, or 'Cady' as she called her. "Sunset..." Cadance breathed, her lips twitching upwards into a joyful smile. She placed her hooves over Sunset's shoulders, lowering the unicorn-turned-human to meet her gaze. "Cad-" Sunset began to say the name of the mare she saw as her adopted older sister, but was cut off by the alicorn pulling her into a gentle hug. "You." Cadance said, a grin on her lips, "Are in big trouble, young mare." After hearing that, Sunset couldn't help but laugh heartily. "I've missed you too, sis." Sunset replied, letting her older sister hug her. The two broke away, smiling at each other. Twilight just looked confusedly at the two. "Wh-what? How?" She asked. "I didn't know you knew Sunset, Cadance." Twilight exclaimed, causing the sisterly duo to chuckle. "Of course we know each other. We've lived together with Auntie Celestia since Sunset was a foal." Cadance replied, causing Sunset to blush in embarrassment. "Yeah, we know each other." Sunset nodded, smirking. "How could we not? I became Celestia's student a while after she took in Cadance." Twilight grinned at them. "So does this mean you're my sister-in-law too, Sunset?" The bacon-haired huntress smiled and nodded at her friend. "You're my sister-in-law!" Twilight said, grinning as she put her hooves on her face. Sunset looked over at her husband and asked to come over to her. Kher'Ja nodded and walked over to his mate. He pulled her to his chest as she rolled her eyes and grinned at his protectiveness towards her. "Cady, this is Kher'Ja, my lover, space husband and the father to our child." Sunset said, introducing her sister to her husband, gently rubbing her pregnant stomach. The pink alicorn looked her sister's husband up and down, staring at his muscular body and armor. She nodded at the being. "He has my approval, Sunset." Cadance said, smiling warmly at her little sister. "By the way, what is he?" She asked, causing her sister to giggle. "His race is known as the Yautja. They're technologically advanced. Don't tell anyone, they don't like other beings knowing of their existence." "It's a pleasure to meet you, Cadance." Kher'Ja said, nodding at his mate's sister. His voice warm and gentle as the mask translated what he was saying. He removed his mask, which was usually a way to show the enemy what they looked like. In his case, he was showing his identity to a member of his mate's family. Thus, there was no harm in it. He pulled the mask away from his face, revealing his crest and mandibles to Cadance. It took Cadance a few seconds to adapt to what Kher'Ja looked like. He had grey reptilian-looking skin and talons with claws. Twilight looked at him with curiosity as he raised a mandible in a smile. Cadance just chuckled and lead Sunset away from Twilight. The redhead beckoned her husband to follow them. Cadance sat on her bed in her castle bedroom. She gently rubbed her sister's stomach with her hoof, cooing at the to-be life inside. "How far along are you?" Cadance asked softly, rubbing Sunset's stomach as the redhead smiled. "A few weeks in, soon I'll be halfway through and eventually my foal will be born." Sunset replied, placing a hand over her stomach as she stroked it. Cadance looked over at Sunset, noticing the way she smiled when she talked about the foal's eventual birth. She saw the smile on her sister's lips every time she gently rubbed her stomach. She knew that her little sister would love her foal deeply. She could see it in her eyes. Kher'Ja sat on a chair across from his mate and her sister. Cadance locked eyes with him. She wanted to find out if he truly cared for Sunset. "Do you truly love her? Or only see her as an object?" Cadance asked, causing Sunset to look over at her sister. "Cadance!" Sunset hissed, but was stopped by her sister's hoof in front of her face. She held a serious look and kept her eyes on Kher'Ja. The elite Yautja sighed and nodded firmly. "Yes, I do. Her beauty, strength and cunning are unparalleled. Her desire to right her wrongs, to apologize to you is commendable. I would willingly die for her and our pup." Kher'Ja said behind his mask, the words translated through it. Sunset was moved to tears by his declaration and the things he admired about her. "Pup?" Cadance asked, confused at the terminology her sister's husband used. "The term we use to describe our young. Infants are called sucklings, or pups. Though the term pups usually refers to the young children of our race." Kher'Ja explained, the mask translating everything. "Those are only the physical things, as well as some of the mind." Cadance said, keeping a firm gaze on the elite Yautja. "I also admire her gentleness with the pups back home on Yautja Prime. She has acted very loving and nurturing to our pups. Her drive to never give up and work hard are admirable and things I love about her." Kher'Ja replied honestly. Sunset placed a hand over her heart and gave her husband a watery smile. Cadance's look morphed into one of contentment as she smiled and nodded. "You have my approval, Kher'Ja. Treat my sister well." Cadance said warmly. She gently ran a hoof over Sunset's stomach before pulling away. "Once your foal's born Sunset, don't hesitate to bring them to their Auntie Cadance." The pink alicorn said, grinning. Sunset smiled and couldn't help but laugh at her sister's expression of pure joy at becoming an aunt. "And don't forget Auntie Twilight!" Twilight butted in, causing both Sunset and Cadance to chuckle. "We will, Cady. We will." Sunset said. "And we'll bring them to see you too, Twilight. I promise." The unicorn-turned-human added, smiling at her sister and new sister-in-law. Cadance had taken Sunset and Kher'Ja to see Celestia again. The white alicorn happily embraced her daughter again, having missed out on hugging her daughter for so long. Sunset smiled, preparing to tell her mother the good news. "Mom, I'm pregnant." Sunset said, placing a hand on her slightly distended stomach as Celestia blinked before grinning. Her daughter was now a mother of her own. She couldn't believe it. "That means-" Celestia began, but was cut off by her daughter, who couldn't stop smiling. "Yeah, you're gonna be a grandmother." Sunset finished, waiting for her mother's reaction. Celestia smiled and gently rubbed her daughter's stomach, excited to soon be a grandmother for the first time. "Who's the father?" Celestia asked, looking at her daughter. Sunset only smiled and pointed to Kher'Ja, who was standing against a pillar next to Sunset. "His name's Kher'Ja, my lover and my husband. He's the father of our foal." Sunset replied, motioning over to her hunter. Kher'Ja walked over and nodded at Celestia. She grinned, wanting to catch her daughter off guard. "So he's a Yautja, then? From Yautja Prime?" Celestia asked, smirking as Sunset's jaw dropped. Kher'Ja was stunned that his mate's mother knew of his race. "How do you know about them?" Sunset asked incredulously, smiling. Celestia only chuckled at her daughter. "Our world was visited by them a very long time ago. By a pair of Lifemates called Yeyinde and T'Ogah. A few hundred years before Luna's banishment, me and my sister, your aunt, were introduced to them when their ship crashed. They saved us from timberwolves who tried to kill me and Luna." Sunset's eyes widened in shock. Her mother knew her adoptive Yautja parents? "Y-You know Yeyinde and T'Ogah?" Sunset asked in shock. Celestia smiled, nodding to Sunset who couldn't help but smile as well. "Indeed, but how do you know them, my little filly?" Celestia asked curiously, wanting to find out how her daughter knew the names of the Yautja who saved both her and Luna. "When I was in the mirror world, a Bad Blood named Tachea found and stalked me. He was killed by an arbitrator named Tua'Ja who took me to Yautja Prime on his ship." Sunset began softly. "I met his father, T'Ogah when I got off the ship. I was taken in by him and Yeyinde. They acted as my family to keep me protected from anyone who'd try to kill me." Sunset explained as Celestia let her daughter tell her tale. Once she was done telling her story, Celestia gave a silent thanks in her mind to the couple for protecting her daughter. Both mother and daughter conversed about what they had done in their time apart. Soon, Sunset and Kher'Ja's visit came to an end. Sunset thanked her mother for letting her visit her home. "You're welcome, Sunset. If you ever need me, don't hesitate to use the journal to contact me. And once your foal is born, don't forget to bring them to their Grandma Celestia." The mother alicorn said, grinning as Sunset chuckled at her mother's excitement. The married couple lead Celestia, Twilight and Cadence to their cloaked ship, which was facing the three alicorns. Sunset and Kher'Ja entered the spacecraft as they went into the cockpit. The elite Yautja activated the engines as the ship hovered slightly into the air. The engines rotated from their downward resting position and to their flight position. Sunset waved to her mother, sister-in-law and her big sister, The alicorn trio waved back as the ship broke through the planet's skies and gravity. KherJa looked over at his mate who smiled and rubbed her stomach affectionately. "Are you okay, my mate?" The elite Yautja asked softly, his voice filled with love and concern. Sunset smiled and leaned over to kiss one of her husband's mandibles. "I'm fine, honey. I just can't wait until we become parents." Sunset replied, thinking about what to name her pup and what gender they would be. Kher'Ja put the ship autopilot and took a shower. Once both of them were clean, the two got ready for bed. Sunset put on her pajamas that she'd multiplied with her magic. Kher'Ja wore a simple leather loincloth, preferring to sleep mostly naked. Sunset laid on top of her husband and snuggled into his chest. She listened to his heartbeat, finding the sound soothing. Kher'Ja pulled the large and stitched fur pelts over their bodies, keeping the both of them warm throughout their slumber. Both husband and wife fell asleep holding each other. Sunset's lips curled up in a smile as she slept soundly in her husband's arms. > A New Home. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset and Kher'Ja flew through space for a long time. As they flew through the vastness of space, Sunset's pregnancy had progressed smoothly. It wouldn't be long before they would become parents. The married couple had found the perfect world to start a family. The Earth-like planet Easa, which had the same climate but similar geography to Equestria. Kher'Ja, being a skilled builder, suggested building a combined human and Yautja-style home that would incorporate the best of both worlds. Sunset was excited about the idea and together they began planning and sketching out their new home. The house would be a two-story building with a large open living area on the ground floor. Kher'Ja suggested that they have tall ceilings to accommodate his height and a large fireplace made from stone that they would find nearby. Sunset agreed, and they both started gathering the necessary materials. They planned to use the native plants and herbs to create unique dishes that would combine the best of both their cultures. Upstairs, they designed bedrooms that would accommodate both of their needs. The bed would be queen-sized and large enough for Kher'Ja's size. They decorated it with soft blankets, fur pelts and pillows. They also planned to have a balcony to overlook their new world. The spare rooms would be used for their pup and many more they would have in their future. The house have a garden behind the house with both human and Yautja plants. They both agreed that it was important to incorporate their individual cultures into their new home, and the garden was the perfect place to do so. They even built a white picket fence around the home and garden. Sunset suggested the idea for their home. As they worked on building their new home, they were surprised at how well they worked together. Their individual skills complemented each other, and they found joy in creating something that would be a reflection of their love and their new life together. The roof of the home was made from a mix of wood and metals. A wall in the building was adorned with their trophy skulls, bio-masks and weapons. Sunset and Kher'Ja designed the kitchen from many human designs. The kitchen had many cupboards above the stove and also below it to store cutlery, plates, bowls and other devices for food. After a few months of hard work, their new home was completed. They both stood back and admired their work, amazed at what they had accomplished together. As they moved into their new home, they both felt a sense of peace and belonging. They knew that this home would be a place of love, acceptance, and unity. They were excited to start their new life together in it. Their ship sat across from the house, the engines in the resting position. Both she and Kher'Ja had spent a very long time on that ship. It was like their other home. Time passed, and Sunset went into labor with their pup. It was a long and tiring process, but eventually it was over. Sunset had wrapped her newborn son Kri'Ja in a blanket. He looked exactly like his father. Yellow eyes, gray skin and scales. He didn't have any mandibles just yet. They'd grow in soon enough. The new parents sat on their bed as Sunset held her son to her chest, nursing him for the first time. The redhead smiled and relished in the sensation of holding and feeding her pup. Kher'Ja purred down at his son, gently stroking his crest. Sunset cooed at the sight of her husband tenderly bonding with their son. A warmth filled her up as she and Kher'Ja watched over their child. "You're gonna do so many great things, my little one. I just know it." The redheaded huntress cooed at her son tenderly. Sunset bent down and kissed her son on the forehead, gently humming a lullaby her own mother had once sang to her. Once he was full, she carried him in her arms and stood outside of their house, watching her namesake happen on Esea. Soon, it became dark and Sunset went back inside, taking Kri'Ja to his room. She and Kher'Ja had designed a nursery for their pup. A crib, bookshelves, a changing table and cabinets full of burlap diapers for their son. Soon, he would grow up into a Young Blood, take his Chiva and become a blooded warrior. Then he'd go on to hunt on his own. Sunset stopped herself from thinking that far. She had plenty of time to nurture and raise her son with her husband. The new mother gently put Kri'Ja in his crib and tucked him under a fur pelt blanket, making sure he was warm and comfortable. Their half-Yautja pup fell asleep within seconds. The couple left the room and went their bedroom. Every step Sunset took from her son's room caused her maternal instincts to kick in. It made her chest ache as she walked away from the room. "He feels so far away..." Sunset whispered, tears in her eyes as she looked over at her husband. Even though their son was down the hall from them and asleep in his room, he felt so far away to Sunset. "My mate, he's fine. He will be there when we wake up every morning." Kher'Ja comforted, purring to her, which usually calmed her down. Sunset soon calmed down, cuddling with her husband. She didn't know where she'd be without him and their son. Her wish, her dream life was finally complete. She had her husband and her son. That was all she needed in this world. She could still talk to Twilight and Celestia through the journal whenever she needed to. Her ex-friends meant nothing to her. She refused to think about them. Sunset missed her family back on Yautja Prime. She promised them that once her pup was born, she'd pay them a visit. Sunset smiled and fell asleep as Kher'Ja drifted off after her. The married couple held each other as they slept, the moonlight shining down on them through their bedroom window. That night, the new family slept peacefully within their new home.