The Bounty Hunterby Hope Is Never LostChaptersChapter OneChapter TwoChapter ThreeChapter FourChapter FiveAuthor AnnouncementAuthor AnnouncementChapter OneRain bore on endlessly, pounding on the rooftops and turning the sidewalks and roads into vast lakes of dull, muddy water. Dark gray clouds covered the sky, only letting a few rays of feeble moonlight slip past the barrier. The monotonous sound of raindrops beating on the sidewalk blended in with the occasional whoosh of the breeze through the air. Everything was bleak, gray, and dreary even the atmosphere. Suddenly a dark brown hoof slammed into a puddle scattering droplets of water. The hoof belonged to a brown earth pony that wore a black leather coat to keep his fur dry. His mane was white as snow. The pony ran through the streets that were abandoned leaving only him and his gasping breaths as he sprinted through the streets while his eyes panned from one direction to the other as if he was looking for something. 'Gotta hide gotta hide gotta hide.' Was all that was going through the stallion mind. Glancing over he saw side alley. Making a choice he sprinted down it only to stop. The alley was a dead end, with a two-metre wire fence blocking the way through to another street. Other than that, there were a few dumpsters on either side of the alley, and a set of rusting metal stairs and platforms running up to various residences on the right side. An orange lambda symbol was graffitied on one of the walls. There was nowhere he could go or hide. Thinking quickly he turned to leave only to freeze as he saw a dark figure standing at the entrance. The earth pony backed up until he was completely up against the wall completely shivering in fear. His fear only increased as the figure walked towards him. With every step, the pony could feel his heart beat faster and faster. If anypony was able to hear it they might have been able to dance with the beat. His eyes widened as he saw the hunter pulled out some strange type of metal thing that was clipped to his belt. It was a strange type of weapon that had no blade on it. A flash of lightning flew across the sky lighting the area up for only a second but that was all the pony needed to see who it was. "Calo Nord." The pony stuttered. The figure now known as Calo Nord stood on two legs like a minotaur without horns. On top of his head, Calo wore a headgear that was colored white with it coming down covering his neck. He had dark goggles around his eyes. On his feet, he wore a pair of black combat boots. On his lower body, he wore dark black pants with a belt around his waist. On his upper he wore a dark shirt with a blue jacket over it. Underneath the white was leather. The blue jacket he wore was open showing his chest. On his hands were dark black gloves while there were white cuffs at the end of the jacket sleeves just under his gloves. On both sides of the jacket at the bottom were two leather pockets. Calo continued to approach his target, taking his time as he slowly trotted up to where the pony was scrambling backward despite not being able to. "You almost gave me a good chase." Calo spoke as he walked towards the terrified stallion. "Calo I make it worth you while just take a rain check. PLEASE!" "How would I be able to explain to my employers that I let you go?" Calo was now standing almost directly over his ‘contract’, silhouetted against the dim moonlight that penetrated the depths of the alley. He let out a laugh of cruel amusement. "Who’s going to give me another contract if I breach their trust? Like how you breached our employers’ trust two weeks ago and ran off with nearly five thousand bits’ worth of marejuana." "Please! I have a family to feed. Just let me off. Let us off." Calo stared down at the begging stallion. The brown stallion eyes were teary from the thoughts of not being able to see his family again. Calo opened his mouth to speak only to close while turning his head towards the entrance while pulling out his other pistol. "Why don't you come on out. Don't think I wasn't able to smell your filthy stench." Calo growled. There was nothing but silence for a couple minutes until there was a sound of feet or hooves scurrying about. That was when three figures appeared in the entrance. It was three average sized diamond dog, roughly the size of about one and a half ponies. His legs were short, however, this was offset by his broad torso and his long, muscular arms. His head was egg-shaped, with leaflike ears and a strong lower jaw. Two of their fur was grey while the one in the middle was gold. "Prey found prey." Calo's eyes narrowed from underneath his goggles. "Prey should give us prey. Unless prey wants to be hurt." So they were after the same contact as him. Damn scavengers are what they were. "Go away." "Ha! Weak hunter no match for strong diamond dog." "Isn't this Calo Nord? Big famous hunter?" One of the dogs taunted. "One." "No way." "That's right. Calo big strong hunter. This weak hunter with no weapon." "Two." "Why you count?" "Forget it. Just kill preys." "Three." As the words left his mouth Calo swung both his pistols up firing in rapid succession. The laser bolts easily went through the dogs armor leaving three smoking holes. The diamond dogs stood there trying to process what happened only to fall to the ground dead once their minds registered the wounds. Calo stared for a few more seconds before raising his left hand and firing his pistol to side without looking. He heard a loud yelp. Turning he saw his contract shaking by a dumpster with a smoldering hole an inch away from the stallion head. "I believe you and I have unfinished business." Walking over he stood over the stallion once again. The two stared at each until Calo broke the silence. "I'll let you go." The stallion shoulder sagged in relief only for him to shiver when Calo pressed a blaster up against his head. "Just tell me where you hid the stash." "It’s in an abandoned shed, three kilometers south-east from here. The combination for the lock on the door is five, eight, one." He quickly blurted out. Calo just stared down at him with no expression on his face at all. "How do I know you’re not lying?" "I...I..." "I believe you." The stallion stared up at him with his eyes. "Beacuse if you are lying....not only am I going to come after you," Calo reached into his pocket after stashing his blasters away. Pulling out what appeared to be a picture he threw it down in front of the stallion whose eyes widened at what he saw. The photo was the stallion with a white mare with her holding a foal. "Your family as well." Calo really was in a good mood. The contract had gone off without a hitch, even though it was only a low-risk and –pay ‘soft’ job. He had managed to conform to his employers’ wishes to retrieve their package while maintaining a minimal amount of violence......sort of. That's the problem with this job. Other hunters coming after others contract. Though he really didn’t want to threaten his quarry, to see him in fear like that…but business was business, and he had to look out for himself anyway. Besides, nobody got hurt.....besides the diamond dogs. Distracted by his musings, he almost missed the old shed his bounty was talking about. Stopping at the door, he noticed with satisfaction and minor relief that there was a numerical lock on the door. At least he would not have to make good his threat regarding the stallion’s family. No matter how his career had become part of him, he did not want to take an innocent life, much less two or three. What was the combination again? Five…eight…one…bingo! The lock opened with a clack. Calo swung the thin wooden door open on its rusted hinges. His eyes fell on the medium-sized cardboard box on the floor, its content of cigarettes, supposedly of legit brand names visible through a gap in the lid. Grabbing it he stashed the box into his pocket. Good. Now there was only one thing left to do. Calo watched soundlessly from a rooftop, close to Stallion’s apartment. He watched as the dark brown pony approached his apartment with caution, unaware of Calo’s prying eyes. The stallion entered the house and closed the door, locking and latching it. He sat down on the couch and called out to somepony out of sight. Calo changed his viewing position to an open window on an adjacent wall. What appeared to be the mare in the photograph from earlier appeared and hugged the stallion tightly. Calo watched in contemplative silence as the stallion conversed with his wife, head hung low, about tonight’s events. "They sent someone after me tonight, and I had to tell him where I hid the stuff." "It’ll be fine. We’ll get through this. It’s about time for us to live clean anyway, for the foals’ sake…" The couple sat by each other, their mutual love and trust breaching the wall of physical silence between them. The stallion sighed deeply, momentarily just another stallion with a huge burden and no way of shouldering it. "He threatened me, you know. He threatened to go after you and our kids if anything wasn’t right. Maybe all of you should just go somewhere safe and wait this out." Calo felt his guilty conscience become a little more noticeable in his mind and cringed. Every job had a negative factor. The white mare placed a hoof on her husband cheek, gently guiding his line of sight until their eyes met. "Do you remember when you first told me about your job, and why you didn’t want to make commitments? Like I said then, no matter what happens, I want to be right here with you. We’ll face this together." Calo broke off his gaze and edged away from his viewpoint, mulling over the outcome of the situation. Part of him was glad that he hadn’t caused any permanent damage to the family, but there was also disgust. Disgust that he had pursued the matter to its end, disgust at his blatant excuse of an attempt to be responsible for his actions, disgusted that he was so soft. Two long years and he still couldn’t come to terms with this job. It was a weakness, and it caused him to scorn himself to the very core. It was all very confusing, as emotions always were after the incident, so he simply pushed it aside, save the personal compromise of an exasperated sigh and a wistful, longing glance into the distance, where the moon perched itself on a faraway mountain range. Chapter TwoA heavy haze hung in the air of the saloon. The only source of ventilation was from the cracked windows, and from the batwing door. The two story, rickety looking, wooden construct served as a saloon that could serve and entertain thirty to forty ponies on the first floor, and bed about ten on the second floor, not counting the two or three 'extra service' rooms. Cards were dealt across plank tables, usually to a hoof-full of ponies, who would then proceed to systematically lose their money before beginning a brawl that almost always ended up in several pieces of furniture being broken over the heads of the other players in the game. Quick paced music was played on the piano in an attempt to bring dance to the mind and joy to the hearts of ponies in the saloon. Though the music starkly contrasted since nearly everybody there was there just to drink themselves away, or were already in a happy stupor caused by booze. The barpony was a green unicorn pony stallion with a gray mane, keeping orders and tabs in a pocket on his black vest, and wiping off empty sections of counters with a white rag that was otherwise kept around his neck. His honey colored eyes observed everything that occurred, and his swiveling ears heard all the rumors and whispers. If there was anypony to go to for news, it was Fill Up. The noise stopped as the doors to the saloon opened. Everypony stopped and glanced over at the newcomer only to glance away quickly. Some ponies who had completely lost their senses to alcohol only giggled while still going about their ways. Calo Nord stood at the entrance glancing around the saloon before his eyes settled on Fill Up. The barpony could only shiver in fear as the bounty hunter walked towards him with his boots causing a thud with every step until he stood over Fill Up before finally sitting down on one of the bar stools. Taking a large gulp to get rid of the lump in his throat, Fill Up walked over towards Calo. "W...w...what c...c...can I get you today?" Fill Up asked, pulling out a notepad and pen to begin to take down the order while his pen and paper shook from the lack of concentration in his magic caused by fear. Calo didn't say anything but only stared at Fill Up causing sweat to slide down the barpony face. "I'm here to collect my bounty." Fill Up body shook more while his eyes widened as he saw Calo reached into his pocket. Fill Up could see his death coming towards him. Somepony obliviously placed a bounty on his head. But who? Perhaps one of the ponies he kicked out for being drunk and starting brawls? His train of thoughts was cut off when there was a thud causing him to look down to see a box had been placed on the counter. "Go get your boss and tell him we have business to discuss." Calo's voice offered no room for arguing. Fill didn't need to be told twice as he quickly galloped from behind the counter and upstairs that led up to the second floor leaving Calo alone. He allowed himself to glance around the saloon out of the corner of his eye. All he could see was ponies just going about their business. There was one pony that drew his attention. Glancing closer he could see a pony in what appeared to be a long black cloak just standing off in the corner with her being covered by the shadows hiding her appearance. It would have if Calo wasn't wearing his goggles. A mare from the looks of it. Her fur was white as snow with a black mane. 'That's not suspicious at all.' Calo thought sarcastically as the pony was just staring....at him. His thoughts were cut off when he heard the sound of approaching hooves across the wood floor. Glancing over he saw the barpony along with his client. His client was a unicorn with a light brown fur and a dark blue mane. He was wearing a full business suit, with a tie and everything to it. From his torso to his legs, he was fully clothed in proper business attire. Fill Up just returned to his usual spot while his client walked towards him. "I heard you have my stuff?" Calo tossed the box towards the pony who caught it in his magic. The pony stared at Calo before opening his box up enough to see inside. Satisfied he nodded his head. “It’s done. I’ll take my pay now, in bits.” "Yes, yes, your money." The pony levitated a bag towards Calo who snatched the bag, opened it and started counting the bits while his client stood there. Once done, Calo glanced up at the pony and didn't appear to be pleased. "Is this a joke?" Calo asked with a sneer. "“There’s only five hundred in here. The agreement was one thousand.” "The agreement was a minimal amount of violence." "There was no harm done to the pony." "When I said a minimal amount of violence I wasn't just talking about him but the whole mission. So does three dead diamond dog bounty hunters count as violence?" The pony asked with a smug grin. "Non-negotiable works both ways. Our agreement was one thousand." "Sorry but I have no idea what you talking about. Our business is concluded." The pony eyes widened in fear when Calo had pulled his pistol out and was pointing it at him. “I took out three diamond dogs like you said with ease. I’m sure as hell I can take you out too.” "Now now. Don’t get hasty, the royal guard and sheriff in this town would swoop down on you in less than a day if you do that." He tried to sound confident but the sweat dripping down his face gave him away. “Yeah? Try me.” Calo said, still holding his blaster aloft. The two just stared at each while everypony was watching the exchange with held breaths. "One." The pony eyes widened even further if that was possible. "Two." "Okay okay." The pony shouted while levitating another bag towards Calo. Calo counted it and saw the other five hundred bits he was owed. Satisfied he placed his pistol away and putting the bits in his pocket. "Pleasure doing business with you." Not even bothering to wait for a reply, Calo walked out of the saloon. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the pony that sat in the corner had gotten up and followed after him. He wasn't sure though. Deciding to see if the pony was following him Calo moved through the buildings zigzagging to see if the pony followed his path. Going through the buildings were easy. The whole town was styled just like an old western town with the buildings being made of wood and looked to be old yet the wood still stood strong. Each building had a lot of space between them that could easily allow a wagon to go through it. Glancing back out of the corner of his eye he saw the pony was indeed following him. Coming around the corner he turned while pulling one of his pistols out. Waiting till the mare came around the corner. As soon as she did he grabbed her by her cloak around her neck and spun slamming her into one of the buildings causing her to let out a gasp of pain while Calo pressed his pistol against her head. "You have the count of three to tell me why you following me before I blow a hole through your head," Calo emphasized by pressing the pistol harder against her head. Instead of showing fear she smiled causing Calo eyebrows to raise above his goggles. "So you the infamous Calo Nord." "Why were you following me?" "Can't a mare go after such a fine specimen?" The mare asked batting her eyelashes at him while her eyes took on a sultry look. "Or I could just blast you and leave you rotting carcass here without batting an eyelash." Calo bluffed hoping the mare would buy it. Calo wouldn't kill an innocent or those that couldn't defend themselves. The mare frowned. "Fine." Calo let go of the mare and turned walking off putting his pistol away. "What if I wanted to hire you?" The mare asked causing him to stop. "I'm not a whorse for hire." "I mean as a bounty hunter." Calo turned to stare at the mare to see if she was being serious or messing with him. He stared at the mare to see her face serious. Not even one trace of joking on her face. "I'm listening." The mare smiled while her horn glowed causing Calo body to tense while he reached for his pistol in case if she tried anything. He relaxed when he saw her pull out a piece of paper that was rolled up with a binding seal on it. "Here is the details." She levitated the paper over while Calo grabbed it once it was close enough to him. He opened it while keeping one eye on the mare. Glancing down he read the details. Dear Calo, As you already know I want to hire you for your service. You will be paid well for your service. The bounty you need to collect lives somewhere in Ponyville. If you bring him/her in, you will be paid one million bits. The pony you hunting has stolen many important documents and very precious personal item that belonged to ponies and they are willing to pay anypony who brings the item back to them. If you could return the items than I'm sure they would happily pay for them. Good hunting! Calo's eye twitched as he glanced back up at the mare. "Is this a joke? You didn't even give me details of the pony or thing I'm hunting." "Surely you could find him/her?" The mare asked. "I refuse. For all, I know you could be putting me in a trap." Calo growled out. "Well, you can if you want to." 'No shit." Calo thought as he turned to leave while dumping the paper on the ground. No matter how much the bits he wasn't going to go into a trap. "How unfortunate that you not as good as your reputation." Calo stopped at the taunt. "Calo can't even track down one contract." Calo's eye twitched as the jab on his pride. He knew he shouldn't buy into it but damn it! Now that he thought about it.....those were a lot of bits. Turning he saw the mare smiling as if she read his mind. "Fine. Where do I find you after the contract is done?" "Go to Canterlot. I will know when you arrive." Calo body tensed. Canterlot? Where most of the royal guards were stationed at? Before he could say anything the mare horn glowed a yellow tint while there was a small flash indicating a teleportation spell. Calo stared at where the mare was locating before sighing. 'Time to start the hunt I guess.' Calo turned to walk off but stopped as he thought about the aura of her magic than simply shrugged his shoulder and walked off towards the train station intending to get a ticket. He couldn't help but smile from the challenge that was waiting for him. It's not like anything was going to happen. He just had to find his quarry and then collect the bounty. All to easy. Chapter ThreeCalo watched Equestria’s countryside raced by his window, as nothing but a blur of green pastures powdered with batches of milky-white fog clinging low to the ground. Grey crags in the distance were like jagged teeth of the valley, creeping slowly underneath the horizon; a streak of amber accompanying the sun began to make its ascent across the sky. In the corner of his eye, the illustrious silhouette of Canterlot perched high atop its mountain deterred the sun from shining upon this broad, empty landscape. It's brilliant aura filtered through the castle’s prominent towers, casting rays in every direction across the morning sky. He took a brief glance around the train car: a couple of ponies filled the benches, most of them sleeping; one mare who looked like she’s been up for days was tiredly flipping through a newspaper. Calo had tried sleeping, as he always did on these long, uneventful train rides. But for reasons he deemed weren’t worth pondering, Calo found it difficult to do so over the train’s dull, aged chugging thumping like war drums in the back of his head. While its rhythmic bumps, rattles, and whines would bring a comforting sense of nostalgia, for this time, in particular, it made him restless. None the less it was heading to his destination. Calo moved his head to the side and let out a sigh of content when it let out a satisfying pop. It seemed that even the ponies believed the rumors now as they glanced at him only to glance away in fear. Deep in the west, he was considered only a rumor to scare criminals. Though the ponies did give him a few curious glances and that was it. Just the way he liked it. He was only here to make bits, not make friends. If you didn't have bits or a contract, then leave him alone. Usually, it didn't work so he gave them the count to three. It was all a bluff. He wasn't going to kill them unless they tried to kill him. Luckily everypony always bought his bluff. "Ponyville train station arrival in five minutes!" One of the train conductors shouted. Calo rose to his feet and stretched his back. Glancing over he could see ponies had already begun lining up at the doors, no doubt eager to get off the train from their long journey or to get away from him. Either way, he didn't care. 'Just keep your eye on the prize and move on from this town.' With that thought, he stepped outside onto the train station. Glancing around he saw the whole station was tiny. A simple shack to but tickets from while the central part of the station were where you gave you tickets to board the train. His primary focus was the town that seemed a little away. 'The First thing is to find some maps of the entire area and scout the area for possible hideouts.' In the distance, a pink pony with a bouncy, curly, hot pink mane and tail was trotting happily up the dirt road toward them. Her eyes were closed as if she was lost in happy thoughts, thus not seeing the two figures up the road. Calo's face twisted at the sight of the pink pony. He never saw a pony look so bright and colorful in his life. She stopped to a complete halt the moment she laid eyes on him. She was as silent as a statue. She was one because she froze right in the middle of her trotting. She was floating in mid-air, which defied all laws of physics. The two different being were engaged in a silent stare-down. His eyes narrowed as he slowly reached down towards his weapon. Suddenly, the pink pony gasped before she zoomed back to the town in a pink blur just leaving Calo there with his mouth opened in surprise before he put his emotionless facial expression back on. 'No doubt she knows me. Great.' Calo walked at an average pace until he finally reached the town. There were colorful ponies everywhere he looked. They were trotting to and fro, chattering happily and incessantly like chickens in a coop. Every single one of them was engaged in various enjoyable activities. One pony was happily eating a delicious pastry here; a small filly was playing with a jump rope there; it was like walking into a fairy-tale. These ponies looked like they never had a care in the world. It was all peace and harmony. Calo scoffed. How naive are these ponies are? They think nonviolence and 'friendship' can solve everything. If all that were true then he wouldn't be doing his job. Nor would he have a job. "WATCH OUT BELOW!" Calo looked up, searching for the source of the voice and saw a grey-furred pony with a golden mane and wings falling to the ground at a fast speed with a bag on her as well. Without even thinking he rushed over while reaching his arms out catching her with her colliding into his chest causing him to stumble but not fall. Calo glanced down at the mare only to look into her eyes. He saw they were golden like her mane and tail, but what surprised him was that her eyes were a little crooked, unable to focus on the same thing. She then looked at him, and her eyes then went wide. "Are you, alright Miss?" She rubbed her head a little and answered, "Y-yes. Thank you, Mister." "Good. Now get off." Calo grunted while dropping the mare onto the ground while turning to walk off. "Hey, mister!" Oh for the love of. "Yes, what do you want huh?" The mare he just saved had gripped him into a hug squeezing tightly around his chest with her hoove. "Thank you for helping me!" Before Calo could even say a word the mare had already flown off. He just stood there for a few minutes while a small smile appeared on his face only to disappear one sec later when he realized what he was during. 'Don't get soft. Just find the library and get the maps or look at them, find the bounty and collect the bounty.' Chapter FourCalo walked through the streets. He wasn't surprised when he saw ponies giving him looks of curiosity while his shifted his eyes around everywhere to glance at the ponies. Doing this he saw little colts and fillies giggling and running around playing without a care in a world. Calo stopped when he felt a small ball bounced into his leg. Glancing over he saw a little filly with green fur and a yellow mane running up towards him. She didn't look to be over three years old. 'Then again I'm not good at telling ponies ages.' Calo thought as he watched the filly trotted up to the ball giggling. She stopped by the ball to glance up at him while Calo stared down at her with a neutral expression on his face. The two stared at each other before the filly blew a raspberry at him with her tongue sticking out. Calo blinked a few times than glanced around with his eyes before blowing one back at her. He quickly put his tongue away before anyone saw. The filly giggled and grabbed her ball trotting off with Calo standing there with an invisible smirk on his face as he walked off. 'You too soft.' He continued walking along until he finally reached what appeared to be a house built inside of a hollowed-out tree. 'The irony. A library in a tree.' Calo thought as he walked up towards the door and knocked on it four times. After a small moment, the door was answered by a small purple dragon. He had a smile on his face though it disappeared once he saw Calo who stared down at the dragon behind his goggles. "Can I help you?" "I heard this library have maps. I'm here to borrow a few if possible." "Uh, maps? What for? What are you anyway?" "Kid. I'm here for maps. Not to answer questions." The dragon crossed his arms while he glared up at the bounty hunter. "You don't have to be rude." "You also don't have to ask questions about me either." Calo retorted back "Fine. Go ask Twilight. I got my eyes on you, though!" The dragon emphasized this by pointing at his eyes than at Calo. 'Whatever helps you sleep, kid.' Calo thought as he walked through the doors and begun to stare around the inside. He looked around to see many shelves bearing books. It was safe to assume that the tree was an adequate library for all ponies to use. Speaking of, there was a lavender unicorn with a cutie mark of six shimmering stars reading a book on her sofa. ' 'That must be Twilight...But why doesn't she notice me from this distance?' The dragon waddled over and nudged the lavender unicorn's side "Err, Twilight? Sorry to interrupt, but," He looked over at Calo and winced when Calo crossed his arms. "Something is here to see you..." The one called Twilight sighed as her horn began to glow. A bookmark wrapped in an aura similar to the horn's glow hovered over and set itself into the current page of the open book. Then, the book itself was wrapped in the same aura as it closed on its own. When she caught a glance of the strange pony, she yelped in surprise, snapping him out of his own thought. He stared with his unchanged expression while Twilight looked in shock "Wh-Who are you?" Twilight trotted over and examined him up close while he stared down at her in silence "What are you?" "Someone who likes his personal space," Calo grunted. She looked up at him and blushed in embarrassment "I-I'm sorry about that...What's your name?" "None of your concern." Twilight frowned at his rude answer. She then perked up "I'm sorry, I haven't properly introduced myself yet!" Twilight placed a hoof on her chest "My name is Twilight Sparkle. It is a pleasure to meet you today!" She smiled warmly at her visitor hoping to warm him up. Calo just stared at her for a few tense moments. "Likewise..." He finally responded in his monotonous tone. Twilight's smile vanished after hearing his response. While she was fascinated by his appearance, she wasn't fond of his behavior. She wondered if the strange thing "Okay. Well, why don't you make yourself comfortable on the couch before I-" "Can you just let me borrow some maps of the area?" Calo interrupted her. "You can stop being rude you know." Calo glanced down at the dragon before glancing back over at the unicorn. "Can I please borrow some maps of the area?" "Well we do have some, but they can't be checked out." "Can I have a look at them then?" "Hang on one second." Calo watched as she walked over to one of the shelves with a look of someone concentrating. "Here it is!" Calo watched her horn glowed purple while some scrolls with the same color floated down while the mare walked towards Calo who stood there with his arms crossed before reaching forward and grabbing the scrolls. "Thanks." Not even bothering to hear her reply he turned towards a table while pulling a chair up. Taking the scroll he began spreading across the table then grabbed a few books that happened to be laying there to place them on the corners so the scroll wouldn't roll back up. He ignored the two that stared at him with looks of curiosity. Calo stared at the map for awhile ignoring the two who continued staring at him. 'This map only shows the town! Nothing else?' He took one glance closer just to make sure. 'Brave explorer.' Calo thought sarcastically as he begun to roll up the scroll. 'So basically my bounty could be hiding in the forest or in town.' Calo stood and turned to leave only to stop at the door. "Excuse me....Twilight it was?" Calo spoke but not turning around. "Yes?" "Has anypony reported anything missing here?" Calo turned around while Spike and Twilight shared a glance with each other. "Not that I'm aware of." "I see." Calo turned and begun to open the door. "Your welcome!" Spike shouted causing him to stop halfway out the door. "Spike!" "No, Twilight. This guy has been completely rude for no reason." "Annoying brat ain't ya?" Calo asked as he shut the door ignoring the yelling behind it. Chapter FiveOnce again Calo walked through the streets. The activity from earlier had seemed to disappear. There were a few ponies here and there but that all there was. No fillies or colts were giggling or playing. 'Then again it is getting pretty late.' Glancing up he could see that the sun had begun to slightly come down. He guessed it would probably be night time in four hours. 'Which means that I won't be able to get that much done today.' He thought. He still looked around hoping he could find a pony to talk with. Not for a friendly conversation or how about their doing. How the weather is. How their love life is. No. He would get straight to the point. Then again if there was a thief then why did the pony and brat didn't say anything? Were they lying to him? Or was there no actual criminal and if there was did he or she just put the things back. That just sounded stupid. 'Then again.' Calor thought as he remembered a criminal he captured before while shuddering in disgust. 'What person breaks into someone house just to steal their trash to make a swimming pool out of it?!' Calo was so deep in his thoughts he didn't see the pony on a scooter coming towards him fast while pulling a wagon behind her. "LOOK OUT!" Calo paused and turned only for his eyes to widen beneath his goggles when he saw the three fillies with the one on the scooter trying to slow down only to cause a loud skid sound. 'Oh fuck me.' Calo thought as he was slammed into knocking him to the ground. Three fillies and a human lay there on the ground with Calo on his back while he felt the full the weight of the three fillies on top of him. He glanced down with his eyes to see that they didn't seem to be hurt. Though he did see that their eyes were swirling around. 'Besides their pride.' "Why can't you ever watch where you are going?" "Hey, how was I supposed to know that a pony was going to be there?" "Not a pony," Calo grumbled causing the three to look at him only to gasp. "What are you supposed to be?" Calo just glared. "Are you hurt?" "No. I'm fine. I just love having three fillies crash into me and won't get off me." The three just stared at him in confusion. "Really?" Calo groaned when they didn't catch his sarcasm. "It's called sarcasm." "Is that a type of food?" "Would you three just get off." The three fillies glanced at each other but began to get off him. Calo let out a breath of relief while standing and stretching to pop his back. He ignored the three ponies whose mouths were wide open and staring up at him. "You tall." Calo snorted at the comment while taking a closer look at the three since he could see them entirely now. One of them had white fur with a mane and tail that was grayish mulberry with pale, light grayish rose streaks through them while her eyes were a pale, light grayish harlequin. Judging by the horn on her head she was a unicorn. Glancing at the second, he saw was a pegasus with small wings. Her fur was a brilliant light gamboge while her mane and tail was a moderate cerise and her eyes were grayish purple. The last was an earth pony due to the lack of a horn and wings. Her fur was pale, light grayish olive while her mane and tail was a brilliant amaranth. She also wore a bow that was a brilliant light crimson. Her eyes were brilliant gamboge. Calo just raised an eyebrow at them while they just smiled at him. To most, their smile would be adorable but Calo had learned to pick up on most ponies, and others smile. Those smiles screamed mischieve. 'Than again most children are.' Calo thought. "So what are you exactly?" "Not a pony." "We know that." Calo facepalmed casing the three fillies to giggle. 'Note to self. Fillies and colts don't know sarcasm.' "What brings you here to Ponyville." "I was nearby and decided to visit." Before the three could reply Calo already turned and began to walk away leaving the three just standing there confused while glancing at each other and then back to where Calo walked off. “Could he be… Looks like a hitpony.” “What’s that?” Applebloom asked, turning back to Scootaloo. “Well, when you need a dirty job done, you call a hitpony. Would he still be called that? He did say he wasn't a pony.” “Like farmwork?” “Different kind of dirty. Like, evil dirty.” “And that pony looks like one of those?” Sweetie Belle asked, turning back to stare where Calo went with wide eyes. “Yeah. We should investigate. Might be here for somepony in town. Or maybe in the castle.” “Princess Celestia?!” “…that villian must be stopped.” “Awesome! We’ll be the Cutie Mark Crusader Justice Brigade!” “…wait, we should be secret about this.” “Why?” “Because if Applejack found out, we were tryin’ to save the princess, she’d make us stop.” “Cutie Mark Crusader Secret Service?” Sweetie Belle suggested. “…yeah.” “Awesome.” Calo just continued walking forward not even bothering to check behind him to see that the three fillies he met were following him. 'I haven't even been here for a day and already been slammed into. I haven't even got close to my target.' Calo thought annoyed. Calo stopped at the edge of town and just stared out towards what he assumed was the woods. More than likely his target was in there. What didn't make sense was that there weren't any reports of theft in this town. Calo just stood there debating whether to find a room or to take a chance to explore for a little bit. 'What the hell. Wouldn't be the first time I had to stay in some woods.' He thought as he walked in not knowing about the three fillies following him. Author AnnouncementThe story was adopted. If anyone wants to continue reading it than clink on the link below. I don't know when he's going to start writing it so just keep checking. https://www.fimfiction.net/user/254923/Jonny+Bench Author AnnouncementI'm putting this story up for adoption. I spent time thinking and I decided that I couldn't give this story the great writing it deserves so anyone that wants to continue writing this than please do so but I'm done. Anyone that wants to continue this go ahead.
Chapter OneRain bore on endlessly, pounding on the rooftops and turning the sidewalks and roads into vast lakes of dull, muddy water. Dark gray clouds covered the sky, only letting a few rays of feeble moonlight slip past the barrier. The monotonous sound of raindrops beating on the sidewalk blended in with the occasional whoosh of the breeze through the air. Everything was bleak, gray, and dreary even the atmosphere. Suddenly a dark brown hoof slammed into a puddle scattering droplets of water. The hoof belonged to a brown earth pony that wore a black leather coat to keep his fur dry. His mane was white as snow. The pony ran through the streets that were abandoned leaving only him and his gasping breaths as he sprinted through the streets while his eyes panned from one direction to the other as if he was looking for something. 'Gotta hide gotta hide gotta hide.' Was all that was going through the stallion mind. Glancing over he saw side alley. Making a choice he sprinted down it only to stop. The alley was a dead end, with a two-metre wire fence blocking the way through to another street. Other than that, there were a few dumpsters on either side of the alley, and a set of rusting metal stairs and platforms running up to various residences on the right side. An orange lambda symbol was graffitied on one of the walls. There was nowhere he could go or hide. Thinking quickly he turned to leave only to freeze as he saw a dark figure standing at the entrance. The earth pony backed up until he was completely up against the wall completely shivering in fear. His fear only increased as the figure walked towards him. With every step, the pony could feel his heart beat faster and faster. If anypony was able to hear it they might have been able to dance with the beat. His eyes widened as he saw the hunter pulled out some strange type of metal thing that was clipped to his belt. It was a strange type of weapon that had no blade on it. A flash of lightning flew across the sky lighting the area up for only a second but that was all the pony needed to see who it was. "Calo Nord." The pony stuttered. The figure now known as Calo Nord stood on two legs like a minotaur without horns. On top of his head, Calo wore a headgear that was colored white with it coming down covering his neck. He had dark goggles around his eyes. On his feet, he wore a pair of black combat boots. On his lower body, he wore dark black pants with a belt around his waist. On his upper he wore a dark shirt with a blue jacket over it. Underneath the white was leather. The blue jacket he wore was open showing his chest. On his hands were dark black gloves while there were white cuffs at the end of the jacket sleeves just under his gloves. On both sides of the jacket at the bottom were two leather pockets. Calo continued to approach his target, taking his time as he slowly trotted up to where the pony was scrambling backward despite not being able to. "You almost gave me a good chase." Calo spoke as he walked towards the terrified stallion. "Calo I make it worth you while just take a rain check. PLEASE!" "How would I be able to explain to my employers that I let you go?" Calo was now standing almost directly over his ‘contract’, silhouetted against the dim moonlight that penetrated the depths of the alley. He let out a laugh of cruel amusement. "Who’s going to give me another contract if I breach their trust? Like how you breached our employers’ trust two weeks ago and ran off with nearly five thousand bits’ worth of marejuana." "Please! I have a family to feed. Just let me off. Let us off." Calo stared down at the begging stallion. The brown stallion eyes were teary from the thoughts of not being able to see his family again. Calo opened his mouth to speak only to close while turning his head towards the entrance while pulling out his other pistol. "Why don't you come on out. Don't think I wasn't able to smell your filthy stench." Calo growled. There was nothing but silence for a couple minutes until there was a sound of feet or hooves scurrying about. That was when three figures appeared in the entrance. It was three average sized diamond dog, roughly the size of about one and a half ponies. His legs were short, however, this was offset by his broad torso and his long, muscular arms. His head was egg-shaped, with leaflike ears and a strong lower jaw. Two of their fur was grey while the one in the middle was gold. "Prey found prey." Calo's eyes narrowed from underneath his goggles. "Prey should give us prey. Unless prey wants to be hurt." So they were after the same contact as him. Damn scavengers are what they were. "Go away." "Ha! Weak hunter no match for strong diamond dog." "Isn't this Calo Nord? Big famous hunter?" One of the dogs taunted. "One." "No way." "That's right. Calo big strong hunter. This weak hunter with no weapon." "Two." "Why you count?" "Forget it. Just kill preys." "Three." As the words left his mouth Calo swung both his pistols up firing in rapid succession. The laser bolts easily went through the dogs armor leaving three smoking holes. The diamond dogs stood there trying to process what happened only to fall to the ground dead once their minds registered the wounds. Calo stared for a few more seconds before raising his left hand and firing his pistol to side without looking. He heard a loud yelp. Turning he saw his contract shaking by a dumpster with a smoldering hole an inch away from the stallion head. "I believe you and I have unfinished business." Walking over he stood over the stallion once again. The two stared at each until Calo broke the silence. "I'll let you go." The stallion shoulder sagged in relief only for him to shiver when Calo pressed a blaster up against his head. "Just tell me where you hid the stash." "It’s in an abandoned shed, three kilometers south-east from here. The combination for the lock on the door is five, eight, one." He quickly blurted out. Calo just stared down at him with no expression on his face at all. "How do I know you’re not lying?" "I...I..." "I believe you." The stallion stared up at him with his eyes. "Beacuse if you are lying....not only am I going to come after you," Calo reached into his pocket after stashing his blasters away. Pulling out what appeared to be a picture he threw it down in front of the stallion whose eyes widened at what he saw. The photo was the stallion with a white mare with her holding a foal. "Your family as well." Calo really was in a good mood. The contract had gone off without a hitch, even though it was only a low-risk and –pay ‘soft’ job. He had managed to conform to his employers’ wishes to retrieve their package while maintaining a minimal amount of violence......sort of. That's the problem with this job. Other hunters coming after others contract. Though he really didn’t want to threaten his quarry, to see him in fear like that…but business was business, and he had to look out for himself anyway. Besides, nobody got hurt.....besides the diamond dogs. Distracted by his musings, he almost missed the old shed his bounty was talking about. Stopping at the door, he noticed with satisfaction and minor relief that there was a numerical lock on the door. At least he would not have to make good his threat regarding the stallion’s family. No matter how his career had become part of him, he did not want to take an innocent life, much less two or three. What was the combination again? Five…eight…one…bingo! The lock opened with a clack. Calo swung the thin wooden door open on its rusted hinges. His eyes fell on the medium-sized cardboard box on the floor, its content of cigarettes, supposedly of legit brand names visible through a gap in the lid. Grabbing it he stashed the box into his pocket. Good. Now there was only one thing left to do. Calo watched soundlessly from a rooftop, close to Stallion’s apartment. He watched as the dark brown pony approached his apartment with caution, unaware of Calo’s prying eyes. The stallion entered the house and closed the door, locking and latching it. He sat down on the couch and called out to somepony out of sight. Calo changed his viewing position to an open window on an adjacent wall. What appeared to be the mare in the photograph from earlier appeared and hugged the stallion tightly. Calo watched in contemplative silence as the stallion conversed with his wife, head hung low, about tonight’s events. "They sent someone after me tonight, and I had to tell him where I hid the stuff." "It’ll be fine. We’ll get through this. It’s about time for us to live clean anyway, for the foals’ sake…" The couple sat by each other, their mutual love and trust breaching the wall of physical silence between them. The stallion sighed deeply, momentarily just another stallion with a huge burden and no way of shouldering it. "He threatened me, you know. He threatened to go after you and our kids if anything wasn’t right. Maybe all of you should just go somewhere safe and wait this out." Calo felt his guilty conscience become a little more noticeable in his mind and cringed. Every job had a negative factor. The white mare placed a hoof on her husband cheek, gently guiding his line of sight until their eyes met. "Do you remember when you first told me about your job, and why you didn’t want to make commitments? Like I said then, no matter what happens, I want to be right here with you. We’ll face this together." Calo broke off his gaze and edged away from his viewpoint, mulling over the outcome of the situation. Part of him was glad that he hadn’t caused any permanent damage to the family, but there was also disgust. Disgust that he had pursued the matter to its end, disgust at his blatant excuse of an attempt to be responsible for his actions, disgusted that he was so soft. Two long years and he still couldn’t come to terms with this job. It was a weakness, and it caused him to scorn himself to the very core. It was all very confusing, as emotions always were after the incident, so he simply pushed it aside, save the personal compromise of an exasperated sigh and a wistful, longing glance into the distance, where the moon perched itself on a faraway mountain range.
Chapter TwoA heavy haze hung in the air of the saloon. The only source of ventilation was from the cracked windows, and from the batwing door. The two story, rickety looking, wooden construct served as a saloon that could serve and entertain thirty to forty ponies on the first floor, and bed about ten on the second floor, not counting the two or three 'extra service' rooms. Cards were dealt across plank tables, usually to a hoof-full of ponies, who would then proceed to systematically lose their money before beginning a brawl that almost always ended up in several pieces of furniture being broken over the heads of the other players in the game. Quick paced music was played on the piano in an attempt to bring dance to the mind and joy to the hearts of ponies in the saloon. Though the music starkly contrasted since nearly everybody there was there just to drink themselves away, or were already in a happy stupor caused by booze. The barpony was a green unicorn pony stallion with a gray mane, keeping orders and tabs in a pocket on his black vest, and wiping off empty sections of counters with a white rag that was otherwise kept around his neck. His honey colored eyes observed everything that occurred, and his swiveling ears heard all the rumors and whispers. If there was anypony to go to for news, it was Fill Up. The noise stopped as the doors to the saloon opened. Everypony stopped and glanced over at the newcomer only to glance away quickly. Some ponies who had completely lost their senses to alcohol only giggled while still going about their ways. Calo Nord stood at the entrance glancing around the saloon before his eyes settled on Fill Up. The barpony could only shiver in fear as the bounty hunter walked towards him with his boots causing a thud with every step until he stood over Fill Up before finally sitting down on one of the bar stools. Taking a large gulp to get rid of the lump in his throat, Fill Up walked over towards Calo. "W...w...what c...c...can I get you today?" Fill Up asked, pulling out a notepad and pen to begin to take down the order while his pen and paper shook from the lack of concentration in his magic caused by fear. Calo didn't say anything but only stared at Fill Up causing sweat to slide down the barpony face. "I'm here to collect my bounty." Fill Up body shook more while his eyes widened as he saw Calo reached into his pocket. Fill Up could see his death coming towards him. Somepony obliviously placed a bounty on his head. But who? Perhaps one of the ponies he kicked out for being drunk and starting brawls? His train of thoughts was cut off when there was a thud causing him to look down to see a box had been placed on the counter. "Go get your boss and tell him we have business to discuss." Calo's voice offered no room for arguing. Fill didn't need to be told twice as he quickly galloped from behind the counter and upstairs that led up to the second floor leaving Calo alone. He allowed himself to glance around the saloon out of the corner of his eye. All he could see was ponies just going about their business. There was one pony that drew his attention. Glancing closer he could see a pony in what appeared to be a long black cloak just standing off in the corner with her being covered by the shadows hiding her appearance. It would have if Calo wasn't wearing his goggles. A mare from the looks of it. Her fur was white as snow with a black mane. 'That's not suspicious at all.' Calo thought sarcastically as the pony was just staring....at him. His thoughts were cut off when he heard the sound of approaching hooves across the wood floor. Glancing over he saw the barpony along with his client. His client was a unicorn with a light brown fur and a dark blue mane. He was wearing a full business suit, with a tie and everything to it. From his torso to his legs, he was fully clothed in proper business attire. Fill Up just returned to his usual spot while his client walked towards him. "I heard you have my stuff?" Calo tossed the box towards the pony who caught it in his magic. The pony stared at Calo before opening his box up enough to see inside. Satisfied he nodded his head. “It’s done. I’ll take my pay now, in bits.” "Yes, yes, your money." The pony levitated a bag towards Calo who snatched the bag, opened it and started counting the bits while his client stood there. Once done, Calo glanced up at the pony and didn't appear to be pleased. "Is this a joke?" Calo asked with a sneer. "“There’s only five hundred in here. The agreement was one thousand.” "The agreement was a minimal amount of violence." "There was no harm done to the pony." "When I said a minimal amount of violence I wasn't just talking about him but the whole mission. So does three dead diamond dog bounty hunters count as violence?" The pony asked with a smug grin. "Non-negotiable works both ways. Our agreement was one thousand." "Sorry but I have no idea what you talking about. Our business is concluded." The pony eyes widened in fear when Calo had pulled his pistol out and was pointing it at him. “I took out three diamond dogs like you said with ease. I’m sure as hell I can take you out too.” "Now now. Don’t get hasty, the royal guard and sheriff in this town would swoop down on you in less than a day if you do that." He tried to sound confident but the sweat dripping down his face gave him away. “Yeah? Try me.” Calo said, still holding his blaster aloft. The two just stared at each while everypony was watching the exchange with held breaths. "One." The pony eyes widened even further if that was possible. "Two." "Okay okay." The pony shouted while levitating another bag towards Calo. Calo counted it and saw the other five hundred bits he was owed. Satisfied he placed his pistol away and putting the bits in his pocket. "Pleasure doing business with you." Not even bothering to wait for a reply, Calo walked out of the saloon. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the pony that sat in the corner had gotten up and followed after him. He wasn't sure though. Deciding to see if the pony was following him Calo moved through the buildings zigzagging to see if the pony followed his path. Going through the buildings were easy. The whole town was styled just like an old western town with the buildings being made of wood and looked to be old yet the wood still stood strong. Each building had a lot of space between them that could easily allow a wagon to go through it. Glancing back out of the corner of his eye he saw the pony was indeed following him. Coming around the corner he turned while pulling one of his pistols out. Waiting till the mare came around the corner. As soon as she did he grabbed her by her cloak around her neck and spun slamming her into one of the buildings causing her to let out a gasp of pain while Calo pressed his pistol against her head. "You have the count of three to tell me why you following me before I blow a hole through your head," Calo emphasized by pressing the pistol harder against her head. Instead of showing fear she smiled causing Calo eyebrows to raise above his goggles. "So you the infamous Calo Nord." "Why were you following me?" "Can't a mare go after such a fine specimen?" The mare asked batting her eyelashes at him while her eyes took on a sultry look. "Or I could just blast you and leave you rotting carcass here without batting an eyelash." Calo bluffed hoping the mare would buy it. Calo wouldn't kill an innocent or those that couldn't defend themselves. The mare frowned. "Fine." Calo let go of the mare and turned walking off putting his pistol away. "What if I wanted to hire you?" The mare asked causing him to stop. "I'm not a whorse for hire." "I mean as a bounty hunter." Calo turned to stare at the mare to see if she was being serious or messing with him. He stared at the mare to see her face serious. Not even one trace of joking on her face. "I'm listening." The mare smiled while her horn glowed causing Calo body to tense while he reached for his pistol in case if she tried anything. He relaxed when he saw her pull out a piece of paper that was rolled up with a binding seal on it. "Here is the details." She levitated the paper over while Calo grabbed it once it was close enough to him. He opened it while keeping one eye on the mare. Glancing down he read the details. Dear Calo, As you already know I want to hire you for your service. You will be paid well for your service. The bounty you need to collect lives somewhere in Ponyville. If you bring him/her in, you will be paid one million bits. The pony you hunting has stolen many important documents and very precious personal item that belonged to ponies and they are willing to pay anypony who brings the item back to them. If you could return the items than I'm sure they would happily pay for them. Good hunting! Calo's eye twitched as he glanced back up at the mare. "Is this a joke? You didn't even give me details of the pony or thing I'm hunting." "Surely you could find him/her?" The mare asked. "I refuse. For all, I know you could be putting me in a trap." Calo growled out. "Well, you can if you want to." 'No shit." Calo thought as he turned to leave while dumping the paper on the ground. No matter how much the bits he wasn't going to go into a trap. "How unfortunate that you not as good as your reputation." Calo stopped at the taunt. "Calo can't even track down one contract." Calo's eye twitched as the jab on his pride. He knew he shouldn't buy into it but damn it! Now that he thought about it.....those were a lot of bits. Turning he saw the mare smiling as if she read his mind. "Fine. Where do I find you after the contract is done?" "Go to Canterlot. I will know when you arrive." Calo body tensed. Canterlot? Where most of the royal guards were stationed at? Before he could say anything the mare horn glowed a yellow tint while there was a small flash indicating a teleportation spell. Calo stared at where the mare was locating before sighing. 'Time to start the hunt I guess.' Calo turned to walk off but stopped as he thought about the aura of her magic than simply shrugged his shoulder and walked off towards the train station intending to get a ticket. He couldn't help but smile from the challenge that was waiting for him. It's not like anything was going to happen. He just had to find his quarry and then collect the bounty. All to easy.
Chapter ThreeCalo watched Equestria’s countryside raced by his window, as nothing but a blur of green pastures powdered with batches of milky-white fog clinging low to the ground. Grey crags in the distance were like jagged teeth of the valley, creeping slowly underneath the horizon; a streak of amber accompanying the sun began to make its ascent across the sky. In the corner of his eye, the illustrious silhouette of Canterlot perched high atop its mountain deterred the sun from shining upon this broad, empty landscape. It's brilliant aura filtered through the castle’s prominent towers, casting rays in every direction across the morning sky. He took a brief glance around the train car: a couple of ponies filled the benches, most of them sleeping; one mare who looked like she’s been up for days was tiredly flipping through a newspaper. Calo had tried sleeping, as he always did on these long, uneventful train rides. But for reasons he deemed weren’t worth pondering, Calo found it difficult to do so over the train’s dull, aged chugging thumping like war drums in the back of his head. While its rhythmic bumps, rattles, and whines would bring a comforting sense of nostalgia, for this time, in particular, it made him restless. None the less it was heading to his destination. Calo moved his head to the side and let out a sigh of content when it let out a satisfying pop. It seemed that even the ponies believed the rumors now as they glanced at him only to glance away in fear. Deep in the west, he was considered only a rumor to scare criminals. Though the ponies did give him a few curious glances and that was it. Just the way he liked it. He was only here to make bits, not make friends. If you didn't have bits or a contract, then leave him alone. Usually, it didn't work so he gave them the count to three. It was all a bluff. He wasn't going to kill them unless they tried to kill him. Luckily everypony always bought his bluff. "Ponyville train station arrival in five minutes!" One of the train conductors shouted. Calo rose to his feet and stretched his back. Glancing over he could see ponies had already begun lining up at the doors, no doubt eager to get off the train from their long journey or to get away from him. Either way, he didn't care. 'Just keep your eye on the prize and move on from this town.' With that thought, he stepped outside onto the train station. Glancing around he saw the whole station was tiny. A simple shack to but tickets from while the central part of the station were where you gave you tickets to board the train. His primary focus was the town that seemed a little away. 'The First thing is to find some maps of the entire area and scout the area for possible hideouts.' In the distance, a pink pony with a bouncy, curly, hot pink mane and tail was trotting happily up the dirt road toward them. Her eyes were closed as if she was lost in happy thoughts, thus not seeing the two figures up the road. Calo's face twisted at the sight of the pink pony. He never saw a pony look so bright and colorful in his life. She stopped to a complete halt the moment she laid eyes on him. She was as silent as a statue. She was one because she froze right in the middle of her trotting. She was floating in mid-air, which defied all laws of physics. The two different being were engaged in a silent stare-down. His eyes narrowed as he slowly reached down towards his weapon. Suddenly, the pink pony gasped before she zoomed back to the town in a pink blur just leaving Calo there with his mouth opened in surprise before he put his emotionless facial expression back on. 'No doubt she knows me. Great.' Calo walked at an average pace until he finally reached the town. There were colorful ponies everywhere he looked. They were trotting to and fro, chattering happily and incessantly like chickens in a coop. Every single one of them was engaged in various enjoyable activities. One pony was happily eating a delicious pastry here; a small filly was playing with a jump rope there; it was like walking into a fairy-tale. These ponies looked like they never had a care in the world. It was all peace and harmony. Calo scoffed. How naive are these ponies are? They think nonviolence and 'friendship' can solve everything. If all that were true then he wouldn't be doing his job. Nor would he have a job. "WATCH OUT BELOW!" Calo looked up, searching for the source of the voice and saw a grey-furred pony with a golden mane and wings falling to the ground at a fast speed with a bag on her as well. Without even thinking he rushed over while reaching his arms out catching her with her colliding into his chest causing him to stumble but not fall. Calo glanced down at the mare only to look into her eyes. He saw they were golden like her mane and tail, but what surprised him was that her eyes were a little crooked, unable to focus on the same thing. She then looked at him, and her eyes then went wide. "Are you, alright Miss?" She rubbed her head a little and answered, "Y-yes. Thank you, Mister." "Good. Now get off." Calo grunted while dropping the mare onto the ground while turning to walk off. "Hey, mister!" Oh for the love of. "Yes, what do you want huh?" The mare he just saved had gripped him into a hug squeezing tightly around his chest with her hoove. "Thank you for helping me!" Before Calo could even say a word the mare had already flown off. He just stood there for a few minutes while a small smile appeared on his face only to disappear one sec later when he realized what he was during. 'Don't get soft. Just find the library and get the maps or look at them, find the bounty and collect the bounty.'
Chapter FourCalo walked through the streets. He wasn't surprised when he saw ponies giving him looks of curiosity while his shifted his eyes around everywhere to glance at the ponies. Doing this he saw little colts and fillies giggling and running around playing without a care in a world. Calo stopped when he felt a small ball bounced into his leg. Glancing over he saw a little filly with green fur and a yellow mane running up towards him. She didn't look to be over three years old. 'Then again I'm not good at telling ponies ages.' Calo thought as he watched the filly trotted up to the ball giggling. She stopped by the ball to glance up at him while Calo stared down at her with a neutral expression on his face. The two stared at each other before the filly blew a raspberry at him with her tongue sticking out. Calo blinked a few times than glanced around with his eyes before blowing one back at her. He quickly put his tongue away before anyone saw. The filly giggled and grabbed her ball trotting off with Calo standing there with an invisible smirk on his face as he walked off. 'You too soft.' He continued walking along until he finally reached what appeared to be a house built inside of a hollowed-out tree. 'The irony. A library in a tree.' Calo thought as he walked up towards the door and knocked on it four times. After a small moment, the door was answered by a small purple dragon. He had a smile on his face though it disappeared once he saw Calo who stared down at the dragon behind his goggles. "Can I help you?" "I heard this library have maps. I'm here to borrow a few if possible." "Uh, maps? What for? What are you anyway?" "Kid. I'm here for maps. Not to answer questions." The dragon crossed his arms while he glared up at the bounty hunter. "You don't have to be rude." "You also don't have to ask questions about me either." Calo retorted back "Fine. Go ask Twilight. I got my eyes on you, though!" The dragon emphasized this by pointing at his eyes than at Calo. 'Whatever helps you sleep, kid.' Calo thought as he walked through the doors and begun to stare around the inside. He looked around to see many shelves bearing books. It was safe to assume that the tree was an adequate library for all ponies to use. Speaking of, there was a lavender unicorn with a cutie mark of six shimmering stars reading a book on her sofa. ' 'That must be Twilight...But why doesn't she notice me from this distance?' The dragon waddled over and nudged the lavender unicorn's side "Err, Twilight? Sorry to interrupt, but," He looked over at Calo and winced when Calo crossed his arms. "Something is here to see you..." The one called Twilight sighed as her horn began to glow. A bookmark wrapped in an aura similar to the horn's glow hovered over and set itself into the current page of the open book. Then, the book itself was wrapped in the same aura as it closed on its own. When she caught a glance of the strange pony, she yelped in surprise, snapping him out of his own thought. He stared with his unchanged expression while Twilight looked in shock "Wh-Who are you?" Twilight trotted over and examined him up close while he stared down at her in silence "What are you?" "Someone who likes his personal space," Calo grunted. She looked up at him and blushed in embarrassment "I-I'm sorry about that...What's your name?" "None of your concern." Twilight frowned at his rude answer. She then perked up "I'm sorry, I haven't properly introduced myself yet!" Twilight placed a hoof on her chest "My name is Twilight Sparkle. It is a pleasure to meet you today!" She smiled warmly at her visitor hoping to warm him up. Calo just stared at her for a few tense moments. "Likewise..." He finally responded in his monotonous tone. Twilight's smile vanished after hearing his response. While she was fascinated by his appearance, she wasn't fond of his behavior. She wondered if the strange thing "Okay. Well, why don't you make yourself comfortable on the couch before I-" "Can you just let me borrow some maps of the area?" Calo interrupted her. "You can stop being rude you know." Calo glanced down at the dragon before glancing back over at the unicorn. "Can I please borrow some maps of the area?" "Well we do have some, but they can't be checked out." "Can I have a look at them then?" "Hang on one second." Calo watched as she walked over to one of the shelves with a look of someone concentrating. "Here it is!" Calo watched her horn glowed purple while some scrolls with the same color floated down while the mare walked towards Calo who stood there with his arms crossed before reaching forward and grabbing the scrolls. "Thanks." Not even bothering to hear her reply he turned towards a table while pulling a chair up. Taking the scroll he began spreading across the table then grabbed a few books that happened to be laying there to place them on the corners so the scroll wouldn't roll back up. He ignored the two that stared at him with looks of curiosity. Calo stared at the map for awhile ignoring the two who continued staring at him. 'This map only shows the town! Nothing else?' He took one glance closer just to make sure. 'Brave explorer.' Calo thought sarcastically as he begun to roll up the scroll. 'So basically my bounty could be hiding in the forest or in town.' Calo stood and turned to leave only to stop at the door. "Excuse me....Twilight it was?" Calo spoke but not turning around. "Yes?" "Has anypony reported anything missing here?" Calo turned around while Spike and Twilight shared a glance with each other. "Not that I'm aware of." "I see." Calo turned and begun to open the door. "Your welcome!" Spike shouted causing him to stop halfway out the door. "Spike!" "No, Twilight. This guy has been completely rude for no reason." "Annoying brat ain't ya?" Calo asked as he shut the door ignoring the yelling behind it.
Chapter FiveOnce again Calo walked through the streets. The activity from earlier had seemed to disappear. There were a few ponies here and there but that all there was. No fillies or colts were giggling or playing. 'Then again it is getting pretty late.' Glancing up he could see that the sun had begun to slightly come down. He guessed it would probably be night time in four hours. 'Which means that I won't be able to get that much done today.' He thought. He still looked around hoping he could find a pony to talk with. Not for a friendly conversation or how about their doing. How the weather is. How their love life is. No. He would get straight to the point. Then again if there was a thief then why did the pony and brat didn't say anything? Were they lying to him? Or was there no actual criminal and if there was did he or she just put the things back. That just sounded stupid. 'Then again.' Calor thought as he remembered a criminal he captured before while shuddering in disgust. 'What person breaks into someone house just to steal their trash to make a swimming pool out of it?!' Calo was so deep in his thoughts he didn't see the pony on a scooter coming towards him fast while pulling a wagon behind her. "LOOK OUT!" Calo paused and turned only for his eyes to widen beneath his goggles when he saw the three fillies with the one on the scooter trying to slow down only to cause a loud skid sound. 'Oh fuck me.' Calo thought as he was slammed into knocking him to the ground. Three fillies and a human lay there on the ground with Calo on his back while he felt the full the weight of the three fillies on top of him. He glanced down with his eyes to see that they didn't seem to be hurt. Though he did see that their eyes were swirling around. 'Besides their pride.' "Why can't you ever watch where you are going?" "Hey, how was I supposed to know that a pony was going to be there?" "Not a pony," Calo grumbled causing the three to look at him only to gasp. "What are you supposed to be?" Calo just glared. "Are you hurt?" "No. I'm fine. I just love having three fillies crash into me and won't get off me." The three just stared at him in confusion. "Really?" Calo groaned when they didn't catch his sarcasm. "It's called sarcasm." "Is that a type of food?" "Would you three just get off." The three fillies glanced at each other but began to get off him. Calo let out a breath of relief while standing and stretching to pop his back. He ignored the three ponies whose mouths were wide open and staring up at him. "You tall." Calo snorted at the comment while taking a closer look at the three since he could see them entirely now. One of them had white fur with a mane and tail that was grayish mulberry with pale, light grayish rose streaks through them while her eyes were a pale, light grayish harlequin. Judging by the horn on her head she was a unicorn. Glancing at the second, he saw was a pegasus with small wings. Her fur was a brilliant light gamboge while her mane and tail was a moderate cerise and her eyes were grayish purple. The last was an earth pony due to the lack of a horn and wings. Her fur was pale, light grayish olive while her mane and tail was a brilliant amaranth. She also wore a bow that was a brilliant light crimson. Her eyes were brilliant gamboge. Calo just raised an eyebrow at them while they just smiled at him. To most, their smile would be adorable but Calo had learned to pick up on most ponies, and others smile. Those smiles screamed mischieve. 'Than again most children are.' Calo thought. "So what are you exactly?" "Not a pony." "We know that." Calo facepalmed casing the three fillies to giggle. 'Note to self. Fillies and colts don't know sarcasm.' "What brings you here to Ponyville." "I was nearby and decided to visit." Before the three could reply Calo already turned and began to walk away leaving the three just standing there confused while glancing at each other and then back to where Calo walked off. “Could he be… Looks like a hitpony.” “What’s that?” Applebloom asked, turning back to Scootaloo. “Well, when you need a dirty job done, you call a hitpony. Would he still be called that? He did say he wasn't a pony.” “Like farmwork?” “Different kind of dirty. Like, evil dirty.” “And that pony looks like one of those?” Sweetie Belle asked, turning back to stare where Calo went with wide eyes. “Yeah. We should investigate. Might be here for somepony in town. Or maybe in the castle.” “Princess Celestia?!” “…that villian must be stopped.” “Awesome! We’ll be the Cutie Mark Crusader Justice Brigade!” “…wait, we should be secret about this.” “Why?” “Because if Applejack found out, we were tryin’ to save the princess, she’d make us stop.” “Cutie Mark Crusader Secret Service?” Sweetie Belle suggested. “…yeah.” “Awesome.” Calo just continued walking forward not even bothering to check behind him to see that the three fillies he met were following him. 'I haven't even been here for a day and already been slammed into. I haven't even got close to my target.' Calo thought annoyed. Calo stopped at the edge of town and just stared out towards what he assumed was the woods. More than likely his target was in there. What didn't make sense was that there weren't any reports of theft in this town. Calo just stood there debating whether to find a room or to take a chance to explore for a little bit. 'What the hell. Wouldn't be the first time I had to stay in some woods.' He thought as he walked in not knowing about the three fillies following him.
Author AnnouncementThe story was adopted. If anyone wants to continue reading it than clink on the link below. I don't know when he's going to start writing it so just keep checking. https://www.fimfiction.net/user/254923/Jonny+Bench
Author AnnouncementI'm putting this story up for adoption. I spent time thinking and I decided that I couldn't give this story the great writing it deserves so anyone that wants to continue writing this than please do so but I'm done. Anyone that wants to continue this go ahead.
