Lost But Not Forgotten chapter 1 (to be rewritten, noncanon)

>You bring your blade down into the final Diamond Dog.

>His screaming becomes a loud gurgle, before trailing off to nothing.

>Silence. Finally.

>Looking over the dead bandits, you take a moment to breathe deep before continuing.

>Shaking the blood from your sword, you get to looting the bodies.

>Digging through the blood soaked bodies is dirty work, but you're well used to such deeds by now.

>After rifling through their bags, you take inventory of your newfound goods.

>A handful of bits, and the pendant you were tasked with recovering.

>It's an unremarkable piece of work.

>No gems, cheap metal, edges played with rust.

>Hardly worth contracting a Hunter over.

>Must be ornamental, or some kind of heirloom.

>But whatever; you're getting paid for it, and in the end, that's what matters.

>Stowing the prize in your bag, you leave the bodies of the fallen thieves to rot in the sun.

>You set off to the east, toward the plains.

>On the edge of the deadlands sits a small Guild town.

>You can turn in your contract there, get paid, and visit a few friends.

>And get drunk.

>You can't forget that part.

 

>The walk between towns is easily the worst part of being a Hunter.

>The extreme boredom coupled with knowing you could be attacked at any time weighs heavily on the mind.

>Thankfully, you weren't deep into the wastes before you had found the thieves.

>You begin to see bits of vegetation after only a few hours, and reach the plains not long after that.

>The lush, green grass of the plains is a welcome change to the dried, cracked dirt and shifting deserts of the dead-lands.

 

----

 

>Reaching the top of a small hill, you finally see your destination.

>There, sitting straight ahead, is Ponyville.

>It's a nice little town.

>A pony town, as the name implies.

>You hear ponies used to be the dominant species, long ago.

>From what you've seen, they're now practically second hand citizens, being either unable or unwilling to do much to defend themselves.

>Still, you prefer to deal with the ponies over any other race.

>Much kinder and more open to outsiders.

>Hell, most of the friends you have in this world are ponies.

>You breathe a sigh of relief as you enter Ponyville's borders.

>Something about being in a Guild town just makes you feel safer.

>A few ponies  call out greetings as you walk by; you wave in reply.

>Friendly folks.

>Eventually, you reach the local Hunter's Guild Hall.

>It's the biggest building in town, since most hunters are griffins and minotaurs and it has to accomodate them.

>Entering, you can barely contain your irritated sigh when you see that snooty griffin girl, Drusilla, reading a book behind the desk.

>She always gives you a hard time, for some reason.

>Probably because she's just a bitch.

>Pulling the pendant from your bag, you place it on the desk in front of her.

"I'm here to turn in a cont-"

>"Are you a member of the Guild, or are you looking to join?"

>You can't help but groan.

"You know I'm a member, now can we please-"

>"Name, please."

"You know my name, damn it!"

>"I can't help you if you don't tell me your name." She gives a smarmy grin.

>How can you even grin with a beak?

 

----

 

"Anonymous! For fucks sake..."

>She reaches under the counter and roots around for a bit before pulling out a small black book.

>Opening it, she retrieves and quill and ink well with her other claw.

>"Now, what can I help you with?

>You grab the pendant off the desk and shove it in her face.

"This needs to go to Fillydelphia. The client is a mare named Mocha Swirl. She contracted the Guild to get this back after it was stolen."

>Drusilla takes the pendant and examines it, scoffing.

>She opens the book and makes a few marks.

>Closing it, she hollers out.

>"Hey, Blue Skies!"

>A few moments later, a blue pegasus stallion wearing a shoulder bag comes in through a door behind her.

>"Yeah, boss?"

>The griffin holds the pendant in one claw and the book in the other.

>"Take these to the hall in Fillydelphia, and make sure they update the dossier."

>She crams them haphazardly into his bag.

>"Yes ma'am!" He says enthusiastically, giving a salute.

>He trots out of the building and is airborne before the door closes.

>"Alright, then. Assuming that was the correct item and not some random piece of trash, your payment should be here tomorrow."

>Drusilla's voice sounds like she's intentionally being snooty.

>You stand there for a moment, biting your tongue, before deciding it's not worth it and leaving her to her book.

>Back outside, you head toward the inn.

>Might as well rent a room before it gets too late.

 

----

 

>A few minutes later, you step into the "Opulent Inn."

>It doesn't exactly live up to it's namesake, but it's a nice place nonetheless.

>You ring the bell at the counter.

>"Just a moment, darling!" you hear from the next room.

>A second later, a white unicorn with a purple mane trots in.

>"Ah, Anonymous!" she says with a grin. "Back in town, I see!"

"Hello, Rarity. Yeah, I'm back for now."

>"Any plans on staying this time, dear? You know I get so worried knowing you're out there, risking your life for a bit of coin."

>You chuckle at her concern, though you're glad to know she cares.

"Gotta make my money somehow."

>"Oh, but why a Hunter? You could be a carpenter, or a farmer, or a chef, or ANYTHING besides some soldier of fortune!"

"Yeah, yeah, I know."

>You get into this conversation every time you see Rarity.

>Better change the subject.

"So, how's the fashion thing going?"

>Her cheeks redden and puff out slightly.

>"It's going very well, I'll have you know, and for your information I just got an order this morning for-"

"Whoa, whoa, easy now! I'm just asking if everything is going ok!"

>She immediately looks embarrassed, and takes a moment to recompose herself.

>"Yes, well. I'm sorry for the outburst. It's just that certain OTHER patrons think my hooves lessen my dexterity when it comes to making clothes."

"And they don't?"

 

----

 

>"Goodness, yes! But I recently bought a machine that will do the sewing for me!"

"A machine? That sounds expensive."

>"Oh, it was! But it was worth every bit! Paid for itself already. But enough about me. You're here for a room, I presume?"

"Yeah. Is the usual room available?"

>"Of course it is," she replies with a humorless chuckle.

>"I think you may be the only customer I get anymore."

"Really? I would that think being this close to the dead-lands, there would be more Hunters passing through."

>"Oh, we have plenty passing through, darling, and that's the problem. They go straight through Ponyville and on to Canterlot. At least Applejack gets plenty of business selling supplies."

>She sighs, and shakes her head, before donning a fresh smile.

>"Anyhoo, how long will you be staying?"

>You shrug.

"I don't know. Depends on when I can get more work. Might be tomorrow, might be a month from now."

>"Just promise me you won't go to Canterlot, won't you?" she asks with a slight pout.

>It's your turn to laugh.

"I don't plan on it, trust me. I'm used to dealing with petty thievery and wild animals. Stepping up against shit like dragons and hydras is something I'd like to avoid."

>She flinches at your language.

>With the company you normally keep,  it's easy to forget not everyone talks like that.

>"In any case, it'll be the usual rate. Are you checking in right now?"

>You shake your head.

"I think I'll check around town, first. See Applejack for some supplies. And I'm almost out of Rykros, so I'll see if that weird griffin merchant is around."

>"Rykros? Anonymous, I thought you stopped using that dreadful substance!"

 

----

 

"Only in front of you, Rarity." you say with a sigh.

>You're not in the mood for two lectures in one day from her.

>You turn and head for the exit.

"I'll see you tonight."

>You hear her let out a "hmmf!" as the door closes behind you.

>Heading to the market square, it's not long before you hear the griffin shouting overtop everyone else.

>He's your typical snake oil salesman, and by now everybody knows it.

>It's a wonder he can stay in business.

>"Come one, come all! Come see the wares of Gideon the Griffin! Mystical trinkets from far off lands! Cures for all ailments!  Truly, I have something to interest anyone!"

>"Ahh, Agnus!" he bellows as you approach the stand.

>"What can I do for you, my dear friend?"

"It's Anonymous, "friend". And you know what I'm here for."

>"That I do, that I do."

>He reaches down into the stand, and pulls up a small, black bag.

>Pulling the bag down around the contents, he reveals a vibrant, purple and green crystal."

>Rykros.

>"Freshly mined, and higher quality than you'll find anywhere else!"

"Skip the foreplay, bird. You don't have to try and sell me. Just hand it over."

>"But of course! . . . fifty bits."

"Fifty!?" you almost choke.

"That's over twice what I payed last time!"

>He offers an uncaring shrug in response.

>"Supply and demand, my friend. " he says, finally dropping the salesman voice.

>"A lot of folks want this stuff, and there's not much to go around. Fifty bits is the best I can offer. Take it or leave it."

 

----

 

>Half groaning, half sighing, you fish two twenty-five bit pieces from your coin purse and slap them onto the counter.

>Gideon tucks the crystal back into the bag, and slides it over to you.

>"Another satisfied customer!" he shouts as you take the sack, his salesman act back in full force.

>"Please come again, good sir!" the griffin hollers at your back as you walk away.

>He laughs heartily when you flip him off.

>That set you back more than you expected, but fine.

>You have what you need, at least.

>Now, it's time to give the Apple family a visit, then.

>The Apple siblings were Hunters, too, though they preferred to tend to their farm and sell supplies to travelers.

>You had actually doubled up on a contract or two with Big Macintosh.

>Saved his skin a few times, too, so now they give you a discount on anything you bought.

>A good trade if you've ever heard one.

>There's a swooshing overhead, and suddenly Rainbow Dash is beside you.

>"Hey, dude! Didn't know you were back!"

"Yeah, a little while ago."

>"So, anything cool happen while you were gone? Go on any epic adventures?"

"Thankfully not," you say with a laugh.

"But I did get a nifty little souvenir."

>Reaching into your bag, you root around until you find it.

>You pull it out, and proudly present it to Rainbow Dash.

>"Oooh!... What is it?"

"It's a dragon tooth! I carved it into a pipe!"

>Her eyes light up.

>"You mean you KILLED a DRAGON!?"

"Nope! I DID find one that was already dead, though."

>"Pffft. Boring!"

"It's a shame I was alone. Could have yanked all it's teeth for a nice profit."

>You stow the pipe safely back in your bag.

 

----

 

"So, what about here? Anything happen while I was gone?"

>She taps a hoof against her chin thoughtfully.

>"Not much. Only thing I can think of is some egghead scientist moved here from Canterlot."

"Really? Why here, of all places?"

"No offense." you quickly add when she scowls.

>She shakes her head an continues.

>"I think she's here looking for old world technology, and thinks Ponyville is a good place to start."

"Old world tech, huh? You mean like that weather control center? You guys haven't found that, yet?"

>She sighs in annoyance.

>"No, not yet. Speaking of which, it looks like there's going to be a pretty bad storm, later tonight. The weather committee decided to allow it. Just a heads up."

"At least it's not more snow tornadoes." you say with a chuckle.

"Well, if there's going to be a storm, I'd better hurry. Talk to you later, Dash."

>She gives a quick wave of her hoof and flies away, leaving a rainbow trail behind her.

>Show off.

>Looks like this storm changed your plans a bit.

>You can see Applejack tomorrow; it's not like you're hurting for supplies.

>Making your way to the bar, you push your way through the saloon style doors.

>Not very crowded, tonight.

>Then again, it never is.

>Walking up to the bar, you greet the barkeeper.

"Hey, Black Stone. What's up?"

>He nods in acknowledgement.

>"The usual?"

>Straight to business. That's why you like him.

"You know it."

>He produces a bottle of whiskey and a glass.

>You throw a few bits on the counter, and grab the bottle.

>"This is more than you owe me." he says as you walk toward a table.

"I'll be back for more," you reply over your shoulder.

 

----

 

>You scan the bar for any familiar faces.

>Seeing one, you take a seat the the table next to Berry Punch.

>Nice mare, if a bit uptight.

"Fancy seeing you here, Berry." You take off your hat and set it beside your whiskey.

>She looks up from her newspaper and gives a small smile.

>"Hello, Anonymous. Good to see you again."

>You spy the glass next to her.

"What's your poison?"

>She sighs.

>"You know I don't drink. This is-"

"Let me guess. Punch?"

>She giggles a little.

>"Fruit juice, actually."

>A third voice cuts in, rather loudly.

>"Anonymous! Are you flirting with another mare? How could you!"

>You turn to see Pinkie Pie starting at you.

>She does her best you look angry, but she's not very good at it.

>Within seconds she breaks into a fit of laughter.

>Berry rolls her eyes, and goes back to reading.

>When Pinkie finally finishes, she picks herself up off the floor, and takes a seat beside you.

>"I didn't know you were back in town." she says, chin in her hooves, making what you assumed she thought were bedroom eyes at you.

>For being the bar's entertainer, she doesn't really know how to look the part.

>Even the outfit she had on looked more silly than sexy.

"Just for now," you say, opening your bottle and taking a swig.

>You almost spit it out.

>Fucking watered down pony liquor.

>"Well, you'd better make the most of it, then." She says, reaching out and trailing a hoof over your chest.

>"There's a special discount for my knight in shining armor."

>She bits her bottom lip, just a little.

>God damn it, why is that kind of hot?

>You've been in this world too long.

 

----

 

>About half an hour later, you're on your second bottle, still talking to Pinkie.

>Still trying to sidestep all her of innuendos.

>It's getting harder and harder as you get drunker.

>This reminds you of when you first met Pinkie.

>Actually, you don't actually remember meeting her.

>As far you know, you were in the bar when you saw a minotaur try to force himself on Pinkie, and you intervened.

>Between all the booze and the minotaur punching your face in, you don't actually remember the act, but Pinkie has been rather... affectionate since then.

>You also might have kissed her, but that's never been confirmed, and everyone just laughs when you ask about it.

>A sudden clap of thunder startles you out of your chair, eliciting laughter from the other patrons.

>Berry Punch giggles into her hoof.

>"Oh my! Don't tell me the big, tough Hunter is afraid of thunder?"

>You stand to your feet and brush off imaginary dust.

"Trust me. Being a Hunter teaches you to fear loud noises."

>Black Stone walks to the door, and looks outside, grimacing.

>"Alright, everypony out!" he shouts. "Closing down early tonight. Get home before you get wet."

>The ponies slowly amble out of the bar, leaving just you, Pinkie, and Black Stone.

>You don't know if you're in any shape to make it back to the inn right now.

>"Come, Anonymous, you too. You don't have to go home, but-"

>Pinkie cuts him off, whispering something in his ear.

>He rolls his eyes and shrugs.

>"Do what you want, I don't really care. I just want to get home before it rains."

 

----

 

>He walks through the saloon doors, and bucks the door frame, dropping a metal grate over the entrance.

>"And make sure you keep him out of the booze!"

>And now it's just you and Pinkie.

>She gives you a flirty look.

>It goes straight over your head.

>"So, Anonymous, you ready for bed?"

>You nod dumbly.

>Walking behind you, she gives you a nudge toward the stairs.

>"You can stay here tonight. My bed is super comfy, and you don't have to worry about getting wet!"

>She giggles again.

>"Although, I just might..."

>You're sure there was something about that last part that should worry you, but in your current state you don't care.

>The thought of a nice bed after sleeping on the ground so long almost makes you try to run to her room, causing you to just stumble.

>"Ooh, somepony sure is eager!" Pinkie says, pushing her door open.

>You take off your duster coat, revealing your sturdy metal armor underneath.

>Pinkie raps her hoof against it, making it clink.

>"Ooh, you're a like a tin man!" She says with a laugh.

>Barely managing to unstrap it, you let the armor fall to the floor with a loud THUNK.

>"Allow me," Pinkie says sensually as she takes your undershirt in her teeth and pulls.

>Somehow she manages to get it up over your head, leaving your chest bared.

>You've never understood this mare, and you're not going to try while drunk.

>Pinkie eyes you up and down and smirks.

>"I think I can work with this for now."

>She puts her hoof on your chest and pushes you back onto her bed.

 

END CHAPTER ONE