The bushes ahead of me were thin enough to see through which is all I needed to get a clear glimpse of what's ahead. My body went stock still, my breathing ceasing in heavy attempts of filling my lungs. The rain easily surrounded much of my already damp surroundings with an echoing resonance.

Everything felt right. The moment was now.

The rifle that I held with firm, gloved hands rose slowly to my shoulders. The rain droplets that fell from the ghillie scrub which covered most of the barrel were silent. The only thing that I could possibly hear now is my heart rate as it hammered in my ears. My cheek rested against the butt of the rifle as the scope before my eyes revealed my intended victim.

The cross hair swayed with my breathing but it was nothing. The man in my magnified sight seemed particularly content considering being alone in the Zone. Why he was out both at night and by himself was puzzling to me. Bandits were anything but stupid but I have been following him for most of the day. His path was erratic and on several occasions he had sloppy aim to dispatch a lone Flesh. Everything reeked of a Rookie lost in the midst of supposed attempt of glory.

“Then why is Owl so damn interested in you?” I whisper under my breath as I study for a few more minutes. The young man simply tapped his legs to some unknown tune but otherwise kept the poorly maintained rifle to his side. My finger slowly moves to the trigger being careful not to get itchy. My breathing steadies for a moment before I hold it mid release; the reticule easily remaining still upon the man's undefended chest. It would be all I need with the .308 that I was firing. The pad of my finger depressed with painfully slow determination until I witnessed the blur.

It was only for a moment but it was there. My finger released the tension on the trigger as my breathing pattern restored my dismayed lungs. My attention was on the shadow behind the man however as it flashed by the unsuspecting boy. My target only continued to tap his leg as another shadow passed behind him. Something else was interested in my prey.

It wasn't human by the sudden quickness of it's movement. To be honest, I'm surprised it has yet to actually strike. The young man was obviously distracted and unarmed. He would be easy prey for any Mutie in the Zone. There had to be something stopping it; preventing it. Did I miss any other threats nearby? A quick glance away from the scope only strengthened my sudden distress. If there was another threat nearby, it was well hidden amongst the many bushes and shadows.

My head quickly rested against the butt once more to align my sight picture on target. The prey continued to play a drum solo upon his leg but something else made me hold my breath. The shadow behind the Bandit graced me with the privileged of seeing two white orbs that glared at me.

Impossible.

Unthinkable.

The orbs were gone but so was the blur.

“Oh shit. . .” I mouthed only moments before quickly getting to my feet and slinging my hunting rifle across my back. My hands moving deftly to my assault rifle, HK 417, that dangled briefly from my chest sling. All at the same time I was moving with sudden haste away from my cover with only the sloshing of my own footsteps to break the melancholy of the heavy rain.

I didn't even need to turn to acknowledge how horribly my ex-prey was now being fed upon. His cries of pain were more then I needed to paint a picture mentally. What caused me to pick up my pace through the wooded brush was the foliage a few feet behind me also being separated by another body. Apparently the damn Bandit wasn't so satisfying of a meal. A new surge of energy propelled my legs to beat against the damp, earthen floor.

My luck was not to be held however as a new pressure slamming against my back was enough to send me sprawling against the forested floor of wet leaves and mud. Ignoring the pain was all I could do now as I quickly regained my footing only to turn several times. My illusive attacker was nowhere to be seen. Such was the way with Bloodsuckers, damnable things. Back stabbing assholes who have an almost perfect cloaking ability to fight with. Stalkers and Bandits alike were bled dry numerous times before and the cycle was no where close to finishing. I'll be damned if I'm the only one shedding blood tonight, though.

A snap of a twig behind me got only one reaction as I dove forward in a sloppy roll, trigger depressed. The roar of my rifle defied both rain and thunder as the flash easily illuminated the area. The creature broke it's camouflage to attack with it's revolting tentacles that easily froth from it's opening maw. It's lanky frame held a slime covered gel over it that gave the creature a pasty coating. Truly a creature that you'd expect to come out from underneath your bed. Except you don't often sleep with your rifle. A rifle that fired a 7.62 bullet into its shoulder that caused it to scream in pain.

The creature only gave a small pause to it's movement before retreating back into the bushes to undoubtedly curse my name. Cursing under my breath I also regained my footing as my hand fell unto the familiar fore grip. My eyes scanned my surroundings but nothing except the rain filled my senses.

“Come on, shit head, I don't have all day! Come get some triple grade A human steak,” I let my taunt hang in the air knowing the damn Bloodsucker was ignoring it. It didn't stop my ragged breath from being all my opponent needed to gain the upper hand. The warning roar came on furiously as my back erupted with pain. My muffled scream fell silent as my face slammed into the dirt and muck. I could only grit my teeth as the taste of dirt and muck remained distastefully. What worried myself now was the warming ache that ran down my back that easily told of a Bloodsucker wound. They never stopped bleeding.

It was him or me. I bleed out or he dies.

I let my rifle drag in the mud only having the chest sling keeping it tied to me. The pain increased as my body flopped to the ground in distress. My chest begun to heave out and in much like a wounded deer waiting for the final strike.

Almost as if on cue, the monster appeared from a nearby set of bushes no longer trying to hide itself. It's tentacles whipping and wrangling amongst his maw as if dogs waiting to be released. The hunger in his eyes could not be filled. His awkward steps closed the distance as I shuddered in growing pain. The creature bent over with increasing delight of his approaching meal. I could feel his claws grabbing hold of my vest as he heaved me to face upwards.

Meal time and I was the damned Chef.

My pistol jabbed with a sudden thrust into the Bloodsucker's chest as it let out a surprised gurgle a moment before I squeezed the trigger. The .45 round shattered rib and organs alike as I witnessed the blood follow the exit path from it's back. I didn't stop with one round. Three ear shattering shots filled the small forested area as the creature gave a blood curdling scream. My feint however paid off as the corpse fell over in the muck causing it to splash even more of the mud in my covered face.

I finally let out the long awaited breath of relief moments before realizing the aching pain. Bandages, my kingdom for some damn bandages! My hands quickly went to my utility pocket on my left hip as the small search finally ended in glorious fruition. It wasn't exactly the best area to patch up after rolling the mud but Bloodsucker strikes would otherwise live up to their name and make me a human prune.

I winced several times but otherwise kept my mouth shut as the improvised wad of bandage covered the wound. It would stop the bleeding long enough for me to return to the ship. With that happy thought in my head I struggled to my feet making sure to stomp the damn Bloodsuckers skull in for good measure, plus a good spit on your enemy never hurt.

I slowly made my way back to the dying campfire as much to my expectancy remained a lone corpse. The young guy had most of his neck torn asunder but there was little amount of blood to be seen amongst the wet concrete surface. Either by rain or Bloodsucker, it would be hard to see any remains soon. The Dogs would be here soon to pick the corpse clean which I had no intention to stick around for. My hands deftly searched the corpse which granted me a few 12gauge shells, half a ration and most importantly, a PDA.

A smile remained on my lips as I set out once again using the rain to cover my footsteps.

My hands wrapped around the welcoming warmth that seeped from the coffee mug. The fresh steam of the tea, a welcoming aroma that easily soothed my body to the point where I slouched in the chair with ease. The surroundings of my front porch was calm except for the chattering of songbirds through the air. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon but my eyes were glued to the dark forest to the point that everything around me became opaque; stale.

There was nothing that I could see beyond the dark borders but I knew the beast that rested within. It was a patient killer always willing to pounce on its next victim foolish enough to enter. The very thought made my fingers twitch for the familiar comfort of a firearm. I could feel my thigh harness that held my .45 pistol securely by nylon straps. It was familiar, a warmth all in its own.

My eyes narrowed for a moment as the familiar pull passed upon my body. It was there. Four eyes, white as the sun, glared at me from the border's edge. My hands only tightened around my mug to the point where my knuckles whitened.

“Dad?”

My eyes lost all focus as my head whipped around suddenly to look down at the young Mare. Her long blue mane was tangled and messy but her drawn out yawn showed enough reason to why. Her coat reflected the moon however as the light tint of blue brought out her bright green eyes. A fine young mare if I have ever seen one. I let my anger diminish slowly through a few breaths before speaking. “Morning, Star. How did you sleep?” my question came out with a low tone but then again I must have the deepest voice besides Big Macintosh.

She shrugged before jumping into the adjacent lawn chair to gaze out at the Equestrian landscape that wasn't covered in Apple trees or the Everfree Forest. It was one of the pros of living outside by a few minutes of Ponyville. You had less sounds of the morning market and the view of the sunrise was unbeatable. The negative however comes with Everfree so near by. Just thinking about it cause my eyes to drift back to find the glow orbs gone from the darkened canvas. They'll be back, they always will be.

I tap my finger a couple more times on the mug unable to really watch anything but the forest. It was like a unbreakable chain but I wouldn't shift this weight on any other shoulders, for any sort of treasure. No other being should have to deal with the terrors within that forest, not when I still have a good trigger finger and two feet capable to carry me. A cross to bear.

“It was watching again, wasn't it?” Star's naturally beautiful voice spoke as she continued to ignore the forest. My vision shifted over to her as I notice a shine reflecting off of her necklace. It was one of my .308 rounds with all of the powder removed. The brass casing and bullet easily reflecting the sun's light much like the Mare's smile who wore it.

“Every morning,” I finally responded with slight distaste in my mouth. “He chooses to test my patience every morning,” my remark appeared more hate filled then I originally planned. I had more then enough reason to hate my Predator but giving in to emotions and chasing after it will only get me killed. “What are you doing today?” I ask before taking a cigarette from my chest pocket and the lighter from my jean's.

Even through the wafting smoke I can see Star's frown. “I ain't quittin' so don't even bring it up, Missy,” I spoke up the moment I noticed her mouth move.

Star could only roll her eyes at me but otherwise ignored my habit. “I have the day off work so I'm going to see what Big Macintosh is doing today,”

I cringed during the the explanation of her plans. Call it 'Fathers Universal Rulebook' but when someone is dating your little girl, no matter the species, you get wary. I remember clearly I was more then a little on edge when they both trotted up to my door step. I just got off the latest excursion as the knock resonated through my two story house. Let's just say Big Macintosh, in all his big 'Earth Pony' stature, seemed more then off settled when I answered the door. My HK rifle, hanging off my vest rig sling, plain to see along with the blood smear on my face, dirt and twigs in my thick, dark brown hair and to put the cherry on top, my combat utility knife in my hand. Poor bugger went pale white.

“He still scared shit less of me?” I mutter through a shit eating grin, barely able to hold my laughter back.

“Language, Daddy!” Star chuckled through a laugh of her own as she pulled a few strands of her mane away from her face. “And yes, he is. You could have at least sheathed your knife. Poor dear was white as a ghost when he caught the glint of light off the edge,” Star's explanation was all I needed to let loose a low chuckle of my own.

“Good,” my large smile easily giving away my excitement of her little report. “A little fear will keep him in line,”

“He's my boyfriend, not a Pseudogiant,” Star quickly interjected my chuckling with a stern glare. This only spawns another comment from me.

“Hell, I'd rather fight a Pseudogiant then seeing my little girl in the hooves of that over grown goofball,” The hard part is that I'd fight two Pseudogiants if it would stop Star Struck from growing one more day. Where was the Filly that use to run around thinking she was the best STALKER in Equestria? Big Macintosh didn't really bother me considering all the good word around town about him being dependable but the Father feeling still stuck true.

“I'm afraid if you lay a single finger on him,” she spoke as I shifted one eye to look at her. A move I regret. Her glare held a flame hotter than the Sun itself. “I'll have to feed you to a Pseudogiant myself,”

The mug that was held against my lips suddenly felt like a shield, as if it would block that ungodly stare. “Yeah, yeah,” I mutter trying to shrug off Star's Rays of Daughter resentment. “You'd better be off then, Big Mac is probably out in the fields by now if you wanted to cheer his day up,”

My little order seemed to hit dead on as she gave me her one heart warming smile. Damn that natural ability of hers. “Thanks, Daddy!” she said with excitement before hopping off her chair and trotting back to the front door.

I turn my gaze back to the forest for only a moment before I hear the unmistakable sounds of trouble. A shriek erupted from the main door as a small filly came sprinting out past Star and standing before me, fiery spirit in her eyes. The Filly swung a small wooden sword around in wide, sloppy arcs before placing it down beside her. Her mane was illuminated thanks to the rising sun as the red base and orange tips easily gave the impression of fire. If you were placed in the same room with her for a full thirty minutes, you'd know why she was born with it.

I could only let out a sigh before leaning my head into a cupped hand.

“I'm ready to defeat some Amomalies!” she spoke valiantly with her head held aloft as if inspected by the Princess' themselves. Just like her older sister, she held the brilliant green eyes with ease and determination. “Lemme at 'em!”

“It's Anomalies, Vehement, and what have I told you about swinging that thing around?” I sternly gaze down at her but I knew well enough that it'd take more then that to dissuade the filly.

“Doesn't matter to me! Whatever their name is, I'll beat 'em!” Vehement boasted with ease although she only gained another sigh from me. “After I beat a Chimera all by myself, I'm bound to get my cutie mark in being a STALKER!”

“Oh, please!” Star Struck laughed from the front door before sticking out her tongue.

“It's true! I'll be the best STALKER that ever lived!” Vehement smacked her fore hooves down in rising anger towards the young mare who was now laughing from within the house. “You believe me, don't you, dad?”

I let out a long sigh as my heart broke a little inside. To save my daughter, I often had to break her adamant dreams. “You won't be chasing Chimeras or even Fleshs. For now, you can get ready for school like a good, little Filly,” I ordered as I watched the defiance in her grow more. She simply sat there on her haunches and crossed her arms over in a pout. “Couldn't you try and get your cutie mark on sky diving or dolphin surfing? Anything but what comes from the Zone?” I ask even though I can practically guess word for word what her response will be.

“No way!” she protested before standing up once more to show her little amount of intimidation. “Those are all wussy sports compared to what glory lies for me in the forest! I'll be in magazines everywhere for my awesome talent!”

I could poke a needle to her side just to see an ego inflated balloon fly off in the distance. Sighing once more I simply stand with a cup in one hand and a complaining Filly in the other. Shouts of glory and awesomeness filled the greeting room as I kick the door shut behind me. “Yeah, yeah, will STALKER Vehement go and get some breakfast in her? You still have singing lessons after school today with Sweetie Belle, remember,”

The Filly instantly scrunched up in my arms at the mention of her lessons. My ace of spades was the very thing that broke through that almost impenetrable armour of attitude. What does every tomboy, anti-lady Filly hate? Something that makes her seem like a frilly girl. In all honesty though, she sings when she thinks she's alone. Years in the Zone can train any man to become quiet as a ghost. Hell, I've seen her do an air guitar solo to boot in her room.

“Do I have too?” she muttered with an irritated tone.

I set her down as she turned to look up at me with thee most adorable, yet pouting, look I've ever witnessed. “Well if you don't want to go I suppose the ballerina class is still open . . .,”

“Anything but that!” her pleas echoed through the house as I watched her sprinting form head towards the dinning room door.

Ruffles: 1 Vehement: 0

Drinking whatever remained in my mug with one last gulp I shuffled into the dinning room to see Vehement devouring the small amount of porridge that was still left in her bowl and a bored looking Unicorn colt. He had a lime green coat and a messy, brown mop attempt of a mane. Unlike his younger and older sister however, he had dull purple eyes. The same eyes that eagerly devoured the stack of books before him as he levitated small spoonfuls of porridge to his mouth.

“Good morning, Letter Head,” I call out with a smile as he rose his eyes briefly over the rim of his glasses to acknowledge my existence.

“Good morning, Pops,” he replied calmly before diving back into whatever he was reading.

Letter head was the saving grace when the three siblings came into my care. A male that I could bond with more fruitfully but it quickly became apparent that he and I were two completely different entities. Much of his time is consumed to reading, studying, experimenting and other wise keeping to himself. He reads, I hunt mutants. He experiments with weird ingredients with Twilight Sparkle, I map out anomalies. It's hard to connect to some pony when they have little in common.

I placed my mug into the sink before turning around to see the young Filly gallantly declaring that she finished her meal like a true warrior. It appeared however that the porridge that was smeared across her cheeks put the picture of barbarians in my mind. “Ok there, Miss Warrior, wash up and gather your things for school. Ready for school, Letter?” my question was only answered by a charging Filly who made a dash for the bathroom and a small nod from the teenage Colt.

“I'm heading out, Daddy!” Star's voice called out from the front door.

Sticking my head out of the dinning room doorway I see she already ran a comb through her mane and coat. “Do you have your protection?” I call out inquisitively.

Rolling her eyes she shifted to show the small Combat knife that was sheathed on her fore leg.

“Good girl!” I submit easily at the visual reassurance. Yes, I know that having your child walking around with a deadly serrated knife may seem very dangerous but I refuse to have her go anywhere without it. “Be home before dark!”

“I am an adult you know!”

“Sure you are,” I grin back at her. “And when you're not living under my roof, you can prance about all night!”

She scrunched up her face in a rivalling adorable factor of her younger sister. Some days I am surprised at how well I play this game. “Now come give your Dad a hug,” I call out which causes her to break out in a small giggle before galloping to meet my open arms. I have to kneel down but it doesn't stop from her fore hooves from crushing me. Damn, when did she gain so much strength!?

“I love you, Dad,” she whispers as she tightens her hug slightly more.

“I love you too, Star,” I whisper back before she broke the hug to look at me with teary eyes, something that I immediately noticed. “What's wrong? Did Big Mac do something to you?” I ask as my voice almost went feral in anger; growls may be more appropriate for a description.

“No, no, of course not. I was just thinking of all the time that we've been together as a family,” she admitted through a cough. She was a strong Mare however as she fought back any sort of tears that threatened to glide down her cheeks. “I'm afraid that you won't return from the Forest one day,”

I did the only thing that I could think of. I mustered the softest smile to adorn my face as I gazed into her young eyes. “Remember the first day I brought the three of you into my home?” I ask quietly as Star sat on her haunches before nodding. “What did I tell you then?”

She laughed as her eyes softened at the memory. “'Remember the good times; lock away the bad, this I swear,'” Star Struck responded easily as she rose a hoof as if to reenact the swear. “I still think it's a goofy promise to hold on to,” she muttered between giggles.

“True,” I mutter with a grin spreading. I know it sounds goofy but I wasn't exactly the best caretaker back then. “But it got you to smile, didn't it?”

“You're a goof ball,” she muttered once more as any remnant of sadness disappeared away.

“As long as it gets you three to smile, I always will be,” I leaned forward and kiss her on the fore head gently before motioning towards the door. “You better get on your way, Missy, or Big Mac will think a Gravity anomaly has swallowed you whole,”

She nodded once before disappearing out the door only giving pause to wave back at me which I gave one back. I gave out a small sigh only moments before a red blur ran past my legs to the door screaming 'Zoom!' at the top of her lungs.

“Don't bring that sword to School, Vehement!”

My knuckle rapped against the door of the Ponyville Library before crossing my arms in honest patience. The smoke between my lips was a small comfort as the smoke filled my lungs for a moment before being forced out through my nostrils, slightly burning. I could hear the shuffling from within as a familiar figure opened the door. “Morning, Bines,”

Binary Storm, a gentlecolt Unicorn who originally hailed from Manehatten, Equestria. Celestia even specifically hired him for his special talent in the still fledgling technology that Equestria wields. His beige coat showed some muscle underneath although the smudge of what looks like Ice Cream is a little disheartening. His chestnut brown mane was jutting off in all different directions and his slim glasses were off centred. I didn't want to be an asshole but, “You look like shit, Bines. Is Twilight still running you into the ground?”

His groan only cemented my accusation as his head dipped with fatigue closer to the ground. “Do yourself a favour and never get married. When they ask, just run, dude. Run and never, ever look back!” he almost seemed to plead to me as if the very advice he planted on my boots was going to save my life.

I could only chuckle before taking a deep drag on the cigarette which started to illuminate an odd purple aura. I observed the small rolled tobacco stick get crushed, the lite end extinguished, and hurled away from my mouth. It didn't take long to see the culprit as Princess Twilight Sparkle herself came forth in all her glory. The only difference was the obvious pregnancy that showed several months into. What scared the crap out of me was the teeth grinding expression she was giving me. Was that smoke coming out of her ears?

“Smoke could hurt the Foal if I breath it in!” She accused directly at me which only made me put my hands out in defence. Binary gave me a apologetic expression as he placed a hoof on his wife's shoulder to ease some tension.

“He didn't mean too, Hun,” He spoke out as soothing as his tired body could manage.

“I'm sorry, Twilight,” I apologized which seemed more then enough to calm her down slightly. “I'll make sure to be more careful of Pregnant Mares when I smoke next time,”

Twilight sunk slightly herself as a sigh escaped her lips in frustration. “I'm sorry as well, Ruffles. I just freaked out when I noticed you smoking at our front door. It's a dirty enough habit to begin with but with the Foal on it's way, I've been making sure everything in my environment is Foal-proof,”

“And she means everything,” Binary groaned before getting a small jab in the side from an already irritated Twilight. “So are we scouting out the Eastern edge of the Everfree today to prepare for the Colt and Filly camp out next weekend?” Binary shifted his attention to me with a rather eager apprehension over him.

I gave him a quick nod much to his relief.

“Great!” Binary gave an enthusiastic cheer as his body was refilled with a sort of joy. “I'll go grab my gear and we can head out!”

Binary Storm didn't waste a second more as I winced at the bright pop of a teleportation spell. It gave me time to at least apologize once more to the already stressed Princess. She seemed to have the same idea as me because she spoke before I could even open my mouth.

“You do know how much I hate his job, right?” she asked knowing full well that I was very much informed of her desire to have Binary quit the STALKER business.

“I know, Twilight,” My response was easily remorseful in tone. To be a STALKER, one must know how to sacrifice. Soldiers are akin in a way but they know nothing of the hunt. Every time Binary and I walk past that forest line, we take a gamble with our lives. The normal wildlife in the Everfree is bad enough but when the Mutants spread to far past the Zone limits, things get far worse. “Have you brought up the idea of retiring from STALKER with him?”

“Yes, although he is very adamant on staying with you,” Twilight admitted with a defeated sigh. “I think he fears you may get hurt without him, or with another new partner,”

I smiled for a moment before patting the mare on the head which made her jerk her head up. “You sure have a good guy, you know that right?” I tell her through a small smile.

“Yeah,” she mutters with a smile of her own. “In a way, I have to thank you for hiring him. I doubt I'd ever have met him otherwise,”

I observed Twilight Sparkle in her happy gaze. She had a foal on the way and Princess duties to boot. How could I possibly let her go through that without the support of a Husband? I know my kids could handle themselves in case I bite the dust. Twilight shouldn't have to deal with it though. “I promise to talk to him about resigning today, Twilight,” I offered.

The effect couldn't have been more positive on her as she beamed at me with a large smile. She extended one fore leg to hug around my stomach. “Thank you, Ruffles! I owe you a debt, big time!”

I only laughed for a moment before gently nudging the Mare off. “We've been friends for years, Twilight. You owe me nothing except maybe letting me hold the little guy or gal when the time comes,”

She laughed a little before nodding her head in agreement.

Binary came trotting out with a couple of duffel bags strapped to either side of him. It seemed heavy but it hardly registered in his movement. He gave Twilight a long kiss good bye before falling in beside me as we made the ten minute walk to my house outside of town, Twilight wishing us good luck on our departure. Our arrival to the house brought on immediate press of relaxed rhythm. I unlocked the large safe in my office and started to pull out the weapons from within.

Prepare for anything, hope for nothing.

I tossed the sawed off Shotgun which Binary caught gleefully in his magical grasp. “Let's make a safe, little camp site, shall we?”

Author's Note

In case any of you were confused, Italics at the start of any chapter will be flashback of sorts. Hopefully I can cure most of the confusion as we continue on. Any criticism is well appreciated! Thanks for reading!