Canterlot Castle: Dining Room

Three Days Later

“Lulu?... Lulu…”

Luna suddenly snaps back to reality hearing her sister call her by her nickname. “Huh? O-oh, sorry sister, did you say something?”

Celestia gave her a smirk “Yes, for the past five minutes I’ve been “saying something”, however it looks like I lost you from the very start.” She laughed lightly

Luna was a bit flustered after hearing this. Was she that far gone in her thoughts? “Oh! Uh, sorry! I just-“

“It’s fine Lulu, this was basically what I wanted to ask you about.” Celestia gestured to Luna “You’ve been out of it these past three days. Whenever I turn around you’re lost in your own thoughts. Is there something going on with you? Is it something I should know about?”

When asked that question Luna couldn’t help but think back to that particular night.

~~~

Golden Oaks Library

Three nights ago

“Sir Aegis resides within you? Well, I suppose that is a positive way of remembering him. I do believe he resides in me and sister as well.” Luna tried to understand the meaning of Dan’s words.

However, Dan just shook his head. “No, no, no, that’s not what I meant! I mean he’s haunting me?”

“Oh, is it that you still feel guilty of his death?” Luna asked now worried. “I-I promise this truly was his wish and chose his fate with no regrets. You don’t have to beat yourself over-

“No. No. Again, not what I meant!” Dan groaned and ran his fingers furiously through his hair, trying to get that through to her. “I mean, he’s actually here, right now. Or rather, his ghost is here now.”

Luna was silent for a moment, eyebrow raised. “Haunting you? I’m sorry, Dan, but it's in poor taste to make such a joke about him. He really means a lot to us and-“

“Tell her this.” Aegis said in Dan’s mind. Soon after Dan raised his hand to stop Luna from speaking.

“I’m not sure what this means, but he just told me right now to tell you this: Do you remember that promise you made him keep about what you keep behind that loose brick in the wall in your bedroom-“

“Aaaaaaah! Stop stop stop!” Luna immediately went bright red at the mere mention of the loose brick having a brief flashback of the whole event of Aegis walking in on her that one day in her far younger years. “Ok, Ok! I believe you, can we please stop talking about that!?!?” She rushed her words covering her now red face in embarrassment.

Dan Stood there, feeling very uncomfortable. “Uh, ok…” he then spoke in his mind. ‘It's not a dil-’

“It's worse…” Was Aegis’ reply.

Oh God… Dan didn’t want to know, he didn't want to ask any further than that. He wanted to change the subject fast. “S-so now that you believe me. This is basically what’s going on. The old man apparently started haunting me the moment this got jammed into my chest.” he tapped at the medallion under his shirt. “Now he bugs me with all this stuff about training and whatever.”

“Training?” Luna asked, “You mean he comes back to the realm of the living only to teach you?”

“Pretty much it would seem.” Dan then pointed to the door he used earlier that night. “I now know that door spell to visit my world.” The moment he pointed at it. The symbol he traced with his hand on it flashed for a moment as if preparing to be used once more. However when he stopped pointing at it. The symbol went away.

“You cast that spell on your own?”

“Yes and no. I mean, I did it, but I just copied what he said to me and made some hand gestures on the door.” Dan said as he looked at himself. “Before I honestly thought he was some part of madness from the guilt, however, I can’t really use that excuse NOW. Madness doesn’t answer how I somehow knew a spell that required an incantation and specific hand strokes to activate it. So… he’s real, and I’m really being haunted by an old pony man.” He then got up and stretched.

“Pony man?” Aegis asked

“If you want I could’ve just called you were-unicorn or something. Cuz that’s what I deduced. One Day a human, the other day a damn unicorn lifting things up from the ground with his mind. Seem about right?”

“Um, I’m sorry?” Luna blinked at this strange outburst from Dan.

“Huh? Oh, right! You can’t see or hear him in the real world. Sorry, I was basically talking to him just now, not you, sorry about that.” Dan reassured her.

“S-so, Aegis still communicates to you now?” At Dan’s nod, she asked another question. “And… he can hear and see me right now as well?”

“Uh, yeah. Pretty much.” Dan wasn’t sure where this was going.

Luna nodded then smiled “Then I would like to say to him thank you for your services as the previous royal hunter of Equestria.” She gave a bow towards Dan. “However, although I, in the end, agreed it was the only option of discovering your heir, You are… an absolute jerk for even considering it.” She said that last part firmly.

There was a moment of silence between the three of them until Aegis responded: “Can’t argue with her there, had there been another way I wouldn’t have done it.”

Dan was feeling awkward, this conversation sounded like it wasn’t meant for him to be involved in but he relayed the message “He says you’re right, and he wouldn’t have done it if there was another way.”

“How could you have been so sure there wasn't? Maybe you didn’t look hard enough for another answer or, or…” Luna seemed to be looking for something else to say “I don’t know, anything else then hurting my sister like this.” Her words trembled a bit as her emotions nearly overtook her for a moment, however she froze when Dan suddenly came up and wrapped his arms around her. Before she could say anything Dan spoke first.

“Uuuh, I’m not doing this… Aegis why am I doing this?”

“Just shut up and tell her this…”

…. “He says he’s sorry,” Dan said, and before she was able to utter another word he continued. “He’s sorry that there is no better way to fix this mess that he alone created. He’s also sorry that he had to convince you first about it.” Dan felt Luna tense up after hearing that. “Aegis… what did you-“

“Just keep going…”

“He says-“ Dan stopped for a moment, “He says…” at this point, Luna was starting wonder what was going on with Dan’s internal conversation with his “mentor” now. When she looked at his face, she could see the lost expression on his face that slowly turned to anger.

“Dan?” She tentatively called his name. This seems to bring him back as his eyes snapped into focus then to her. He was silent for a few seconds mouth at the cusp of trying to form a word, until finally, he closed his eyes inhaled deeply then breathed out. “Luna, I need you to keep a promise for me.”

“A promise… of what? Honestly, I don’t think I can keep another for him at this point...” Luna shook her head.

“I know, but he’s not asking for it. I am, and I’m only asking this cuz you're my friend.” Dan replied, however, that one word definitely surprised Luna.

“Your… friend?” she blinked, unclear if her mind was messing with her or if he really said that.

Dan raised an eyebrow, “Uh, yeah? You're like the very first friend I ever made in this weird world, you actually took the time to tell me why I’m here and what to know about this place…. plus that cloak is actually pretty cool.” He mumbled at the end.

“O-oh, sorry, I’m just-” she turned to the side, she didn’t want to blurt out how she still had trouble making friends outside of Twilight and her friends. Knowing she just earned one on her own and it being the new Hunter no less. She decided to change the subject. She suddenly felt the urge to not look bad in front of him. “S-so, what was your promise?”

Dan inhaled then exhaled for a moment. “Are you able to take others with you on your um… “dream-walky” thing?”

“Dreamwalk-Oh! Of Course, it is within my power.” She gave a nod.

“Good, good, this can work then.” Dan cupped his chin and was in thought. But didn’t leave Luna hanging for long as he replied soon after that. “OK, here’s the plan. I want you to take Celestia out on this dream walk with you and take her to my dream.”

She was starting to catch on now. “You wish for the two of them to confront one another.”

Dan nodded. “Right, but not yet. I need you to also keep this quiet for me for a bit longer.”

Luna was confused. “But why? Wouldn’t it be better to deal with this now?”

Dan nodded “It would, and you’d be right, but I’m making a compromise. The old fart isn’t budging on this. He wants me to just focus on this stupid Expedition thing coming up. Apparently, it’s super important or something.”

Luna only needed a moment to think about it. She can recall why Aegis would want to handle this first. She sighed, she had to agree with his priorities right now. “Very well, I shall… keep this between us, but only until this expedition ends and you return. I won’t wait any longer than that.” She said firmly.

She watched Dan as he was silent for a moment looking upward ever so slightly, she could only assume he was conversing with Aegis when he did this. After a few more seconds he nodded “He agrees, it’s decided then.”

Luna nods “Very well then. I suppose I should return for now.” She straightened up, preparing to teleport. “Thank you, Dan, for doing this.”

He shook his head. “It’s fine, just didn’t want you to cry in front of me, not a big fan of making friends cry.”

She blushed and fumbled on her words “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about. I DON’T cry!”

Dan smirked “Oh really? So that tear streak on your face is just your eyes sweating or something?”

“What?!” She summoned up a mirror to look at her face, there was no streak though she did notice her eyes were a little puffed up, it looked like she narrowly avoided that very thing thankfully but seeing that Dan was messing with her she glared at him. “How dare you?”

He just chuckled and shrugged “Welcome to my friendship, please note that makes you a free target whenever I wish to mess with you.”

She huffed “Well, just so you know, this can only go both ways, Sir Hunter.” She spoke with an air of determination in her voice.

“Oh I look forward to it.” in truth, it was all just a ruse to get the girl to cheer up. It was working, but he wasn’t lying in what he said either. In the end, Luna couldn’t help but smile a little before finally teleporting back to the castle.

~~~

Back to the Present

“Lulu…. Lulu…” Luna returned from her flashback to notice she had been staring at her plate for what she could only assume was a long enough time to make her sister feel concerned about her.

“Oh- uh, sorry, Tia. I was daydreaming.” She would then yawn. “It is near my bedtime I suppose.”

Celestia sighed “Yes, perhaps we should wrap up so you can return to your chambers for some rest.”

Luna simply agreed and actually focused on finishing her plate now. However, by the time she finished she brought up a question. “I heard that Dan had already sent his notification to go on an expedition in a few more days.”

“Yes, though it concerns me. Isn’t it really soon for him to even bring it up. After all, he’s still fairly new to his role and there is no one to teach him of his abilities. I feel like we are sending him to his death.” Luna could see that there was fear and doubt in her voice. It was good to see her sister returning to her usual self, actually concerned for Dan’s safety, but after that night at the library, she wanted so hard to tell Celestia that her worries are mostly unfounded. However, a promise is a promise, and she intended to keep it.

“Keep in mind, sister, Aegis underwent the same thing when he started and he turned out just fine,” Luna replied. “We can only assume whatever method aided to him is doing the same for Dan, right?”

“That wasn’t as comforting as you think it would be, but I see your point, I suppose.” Celestia sighed.

Luna comforted her. “He’ll be fine sister. I have faith in him.” After all, they had far too much riding on his return, and not just what they promised that night either. At that moment, a guard opened the dining room doors and trotted in, she gave a bow to the princesses before speaking.

“Pardon the intrusion, you’re Highness. I have come to inform you that the Ambassadors have arrived and await in the throne room with the nobles you requested as well.”

The look on both princesses faces was that of annoyance. “So early? If it were for any other issue, they would’ve taken their sweet time.” Luna huffed

Celestia only shook her head. “It’s only natural, they have been looking forward to this day.” She took another bite of her food before getting up. “At least a few of them have good intentions.”

“Sister… I believe I shall stay up a bit longer to join you.” Luna replied.

“Lulu, you don’t have to. I’ve dealt with it before many times.”

“I am aware, but I want to support Dan as much as possible,” Luna spoke with finality in her voice. “Wouldn’t you do so for a friend?”

Celestia was surprised to hear her say that. She could see her sister was determined. It was a surprise to her, but a welcomed one. “Very well, but just for the meeting then.”

Luna nodded and smiled “Thank you.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Fluttershy’s Front Yard

A few days later

The week of training had past and the time had arrived the expedition. As told by Aegis, he had sent a formal letter to the princesses via Twilight and Spike to let them know what he was up to, which he was unaware already sparked a political battle for said rulers to take on back in the castle. During the last few days of his training, Aegis was pleasantly surprised by how much progress Dan made in such a short time. He made leaps and bounds in his daytime training, although he never fully mastered them yet. However, He was showing enough potential to give the ghost some confidence in him. Twas the night training that helped seal the deal for him.

Dan was double checking his gear and pack in front of Fluttershy’s lawn. Apparently, the girls were there as well, by Twilight’s request. “So, I’m not complaining or anything, but why is everyone here? I can understand, Flutters since she lives here and all,” he asked as he was shuffling some rations and various essentials in his pack.

“For moral support, of course.” Twilight said cheerfully as she looked over her checklist, then at Dan as well as the contents of his pack. “This is your first mission for the Princesses after all. Better to have your friends see you off, right?”

“I guess so-” he said as he closed the backpack and wore it under his cloak. “But I’m not sure if everyone here is on board with being my friend yet.”

Twilight waved it off. “You’re being too negative, sure we had a rough start, but some time and bonding helped in the end.”

Dan turned to his left. “Well, save for one.” When Twilight followed his gaze she saw Rainbow and couldn’t think of anything to say. By Dan’s decision, Rainbow was left alone as she wished, though she made no effort during that time to seek him out and try to speak to him. Rainbow seemed to avoid eye contact with him and it seemed like she tried to make herself look preoccupied with talking with the other girls.

Twilight sighed before speaking. “She’s not so trusting at first, but it normally doesn’t last, honest.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Dan said as he checked his outfit. It was basically the same outfit he wore back in the woods when Aegis was alive. He managed to head back to his apartment on Earth and fill up his ammo pouch as much as he could for his hunting Rifle as well as for the MP5 Earth Dan loaned him for now. Any extra ammo was in another pouch he had to put in the pack to store it, hoping he would never need to use that much ammo, but better safe than sorry. On his side, in its holster was his new D. Eagle, however, he didn’t have any extra ammo for it. It was powerful enough on its own. So he had no intention of using it, but after hearing from Twilight and Aegis about the Everfree Forest, It was better to have every weapon at his disposal.

Despite, already experiencing it, it still amazed him how wearing his cloak it would look like he only had the clothes on his back under it. Yet he would reach out to touch the butt of his rifle and he could definitely feel it in the same spot he strapped it on. On a side note, thanks to his new and absurd “carrying capacity”, a physical gift from the medallion, he had to get used to the fact that, he barely even felt the weight of all the gear and backpack on himself. It sort of creeped him out a little bit if he ever thought about it for too long when he would compare himself a week before even coming to Equestria.

Aegis would yammer on about how the medallion only amplified his physical potential in all aspects and training will only raise it to greater heights. Honestly, it sounded straightforward to Dan, the way Aegis would say it to him made him think the old timer was keeping some secrets himself on the subject. He would have to probe the man later about it.

“You sure you don’t need anything else.” Fluttershy’s voice brought him out of his thoughts as he turned to see her along with the rest of the girls join him and Twilight. “It’s awfully scary and dangerous in the forest.”

“Indeed.” Rarity chimed in, “We’ve just gotten to know you, however, I feel so very concerned even watching you enter that dreadful place alone.” Dan could hear worry in her tone, despite the “airs” she would put on whenever she talks. He then felt Twilight tap his side

“We had hoped we all would have more of a chance to get to know you better, but that training you had taken up most of your time.”

“Yeah, sorry about that, that was just a simple exercise to help me get used to what I’m able to do now. I’m sure I won’t be as busy when I get back.”

“That Concerns me” Aegis said in Dan’s mind

‘Relax, gramps, it's only because you’ve had my nose to the grindstone the whole week. It's only fair after all.’ Dan responded, he only got a small grunt of acceptance from the ghost before returning his focus back to the girls.

“Dan, before you go.” Twilight watched as Fluttershy flew back into her house for a moment only to quickly return carrying something. “We want you to have this. It’s from all of us.” As far as Dan could tell when Fluttershy handed it to him, it looked like some sort of Bandana or very short scarf, and a pair of goggles. The Bandana/Scarf, which he then decided to dub Bandascarf, was mostly red with white designs of horseshoes and stars. The material looked and felt like cotton, yet he sensed something odd about it. Like there was more to it then what he physically saw.

The goggles seemed more like aviation goggles, He was unsure the reason why he was given this, but when he thought about it, they could be more useful than he thought in the future. The strap seemed stretchable so it was a one size fits all. The lenses had to have been custom given that it appeared like it would fit his face and was relatively proportionate to the size of his eyes compared to a pony’s much larger eyes. It looked kind of cool too so he wouldn’t mind wearing it when he needed to, Also, just like the Bandana he was sensing something strange about the goggles too that his eyes weren’t seeing.

“Uh, wow, girls… This is for me?” He deeply examined them, somewhat intrigued by them.

“Yup, Pinkie brought up the idea of getting you a gift to send you off on your mission but I wanted it to be something practical. So we all gathered and agreed to make you these. Applejack said it would be useful to have a Bandana when you’re out in the thick of it since it’s versatile in its uses.

Pinkie tapped her hoof to her chin. “I thought Applejack said it was a scarf.”

“I’m just calling it a Bandascarf cuz it looks like both to me.” Dan shrugged but smiled.

“Oooh, I like that name!” Pinkie smiled as well as she bounced in place.

“Ahem, yes, moving on, Rainbow suggested you would need something to keep the wind out of your eyes when you're running through the trees or something to that extent.”

Wow, that kind of feels like she’s calling me out as a monkey… Dan thought as he turned to Rainbow. It seemed like she either picked up on his stare or also could see how what Twilight quoted could be taken out of context, as she immediately came up with another reason.

“I-I-It can also protect your eyes from creatures that spit venom or ink or something… you know?”

“Nice Save,” Dan smirked and gave a thumbs up to her, she only responded by nervously chuckling and rubbing the back of her neck.

‘Wait. There are things that spit venom in the woods?’ Dan thought

“I told you to make time to look at that book on the Flora and Fauna of this world.” Aegis said

‘Dude, that's like a lot of reading. That book was huge. Can’t you just tell me what something is while we're hunting?’ Dan responded

“Please don’t rely on me for everything, you need to be actively learning these things on your own.” Aegis groaned

‘We can deal with that after we come back… assuming that I live that is.’ Dan said before returning his attention to Twilight again. Thankfully most of that time chatting with Aegis, Dan was able to pick up that everyone pitched in with making these gifts for him. It was a great gesture, but something was still bugging them about it. As if on cue, Twilight managed to answer that nagging feeling he had. “Also, I’ve made sure to enchant both of them so they have far greater durability than normal. So you don’t have to worry if things get rough.

That explained it, He had to assume the medallion was the one sensing it and letting him know somehow. Like a sixth sense or something. If that were true, there are even more things Aegis hasn’t told him yet about it. “This is… great guys. I think this stuff will be helpful sooner then I’d think, I feel.

“Honestly I wish I had more time to give them a unique flair to them.” Rarity said. “They seem a bit bland.”

“It’s fine, sugarcube.” Applejack sighed and shook her head. “He just needs them to do what they were made to do, nothin’ more.” most of the girls agreed, leaving Rarity to inwardly groan and concede, but not without a hand placed on her back. She looked up to see Dan already next to her.

“Thank you for keeping it simple like they asked Rarity, truly. I’d feel bad if it got dirty or torn otherwise, despite the enchantment.”

She felt a little tense, but not in a bad way. She just really liked that smile he gave her. “It's… It’s no trouble, darling.” For just a moment, he looked a little suave to her as he spoke to her gently.

Dan just kept his simple smile and nodded before looking up at the others. “Thank you again, guys. I know we didn't have…. the best of first impressions, but I really do appreciate everyone’s help here.” He tied the bandana around his neck and wore the goggles over his forehead.

“Aww, anything to help a friend, Danny!” Pinkie was already hugging him now which surprised him, though he felt like it was something he would have to get used to around the bubbly pink mare.

“Just promise to come back safe and sound so we can have time to get to know our new friend better.” Applejack replied.

Dan chuckled a little. “I still think you guys are a little too fast to call me a friend.”

“I like to think we are,” Fluttershy answered almost immediately. Hearing that from the shy one, definitely caused him to get in a better mood and actually feel good about this.

“Whether it bothers you or not, I’m afraid you’re stuck with us now, Dan.” Twilight smiled and shrugged as the girls joined her sans Rainbow.

He looked at them for a moment. After a while, he heaved a sigh but smiled anyway. “Boy, you are really twisting my arm here.” He laughed. “Alright, Fine… I guess we’re friends.” He heaved a shrug before he stood up straight, gave one long stretch, before exhaling loudly “Ok, lets get this train wreck over with.” he started walking toward the forest “See you guys when I get out.” the girls smiled and waved “Unless I’m dead.” then that dampened the mood a little

“Dan! Please don’t say things like that!” Twilight shouted.

Dan just smirked “Someone needs to teach you, ladies, dark humor.” he chuckled before he vaulted over a fallen tree and vanished into the shrubbery.

After a few minutes of watching, Twilight turned to the others “Ready?”

The girls nodded “Ready.” they all said and they all went into Fluttershy’s house, Twilight gave one more look at the forest Dan entered and nodded with a sense of determination in her expression.

~~~~~~~~~~

Within the Everfree Forest

The Start of the trip Seemed to be somewhat anxious, but also in awe of the forest around him. The farther he would walk, the stranger things he would see. First off were some strange blue flowers, Aegis called poison joke and to warn him not to take any back home, but ultimately he said the worst the flowers would do to him was a sneezing fit for a while. Further in he came across a tree that seemed to be hollowed out and lived in. He noticed some strange voodoo decorations on the tree as well as a window showing what looked like the home of a witch doctor. Aegis had nothing on it, He never explored this portion of the forest recently when he was alive. They decided it was best to leave it be and press on.

It wasn’t long after that that he came across his first corpse. A dear from the looks of it. “Ok Dan, let’s take a look at that carcass. We need to determine what killed it.”

A bit reluctant, but not really bothered by it, Dan approached the dead dear and knelt down to examine it. Claw marks… teeth marks…. From the looks of it, parts of this creature seemed ripped out, eaten seems more likely.

Aegis still able to hear Dan’s thoughts gave a nod. “Alright that's enough, The good news is that this deer died by a predator. Good to know nothing nearby this side of the forest has turned.” Aegis then put a hoof to his chin. “Though, that manticore from before. Where did it come from?”

Dan stood up and dusted his hands. “How do we know this isn’t that manticore’s doing, it seems old enough. Far from a fresh kill at least.” Dan said waving off the stench of decay from his face.

Aegis shook his head. “Impossible, a creature that’s been controlled by this dark threat doesn’t think of anything else other than killing anything with a pulse. It no longer is concerned about its own hunger or survival, it just looks for anything alive. Then kills it.” Aegis then turned back to Dan. “Sure more often than not, the controlled beast would end up goring their target, it doesn’t matter how they kill their prey, so long as they die. However, if that were the case. We’d see some entrails nearby, even some blood splatter. Tainted Beasts are rather violent with their kills.”

“True, but this corpse is old, who’s to say some other animal didn’t come long after that 'Tainted Beast' left and just scavenged what it left behind.” Dan folded his arms and looked around.

“Then we’d have another problem on our hands,” Aegis replied swiftly

“Huh?”

“If there is one thing you can say about animals, it's that they are far more attuned to their instincts than people are.” To that Dan nodded. “Over my years and my predecessors time as hunters, we know that animals ALWAYS steered clear of a Tainted Beast’s kill.” Aegis seemed to have a look of contemplation. “We could never figure out why that is. Did a Dark Beast secrete some sort of scent or perhaps their aura would remain on what they kill and animals can…. 'Sense' that somehow and to an animal, it could be the equivalent of a warning sign for something deadly… The answers are unclear still.”

“I’m sensing a 'but' coming on though.” Dan watched the ghost.

Aegis nodded. “The only time another creature would ignore all that would be if they were starving to the point that they were close to knocking on death’s door. I can see that in far less forgiving environments, but not this forest. There is always something to hunt for meat in the Everfree for the predator and there is more than an abundance of vegetation for the herbivore to feed on to even resort changing their diet so drastically. It’s just too big a place. If a creature did partake of a tainted carcass, the effect is almost immediate when they become a Tainted Beast as well. That would be troublesome since this corpse is still too close to Ponyville in my opinion.”

Dan walked around the corpse and looked on ahead. “I guess I see your point… So for now, we’re looking for dead bodies that are mostly intact or still have all their guts inside them.”

“That’s one method to search for hints of the darkness sure, but there are others we will tap in on as well if the time comes.” Aegis started floating back to Dan. “Now then, let's move along. Even I can smell that thing.” he chuckled before he was finally inside Dan again.

Dan smirked shaking his head and pressed on. Then a thought occurred to him. “What if it’s a kind of virus?” He looked back. “I mean animals can sense when somethings contaminated usually… Maybe that’s it.”

“We thought that for a time as well,” Aegis responded, “However, we also noticed that this plague acts a little too smart for just an affliction.”

Dan was about to ask when suddenly he felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. DANGER, was his first thought. He whipped his head back... Nothing.

“You sensed it didn’t you? We’re being watched, by unfriendly eyes.” Aegis, tone became more serious. The two of them waited, Dan, scanning around him. Dan’s hand went to his MP5 as he got ready. Aegis then spoke again. “Let’s not get too hasty. If it’s a predator, you can knock it out; however, if it's a tainted creature, then fire away. A Royal Hunter does not waste a life. He takes only what is necessary, nothing more.”

“Is it necessary when my life is on the line?” Dan mumbled

“Have more faith in your abilities, Dan. You can handle it.” After a while more of silence Aegis seemed to have confirmed something. “It’s a predator alright.”

“Because?” Dan asked taking his hand off the gun.

“The creature is taking too long to approach you, It has enough intelligence to not rush in. A tainted beast would instead charge you head on.”

“OK, fine, so what’s the plan?”

“We keep walking.” Aegis replied

Dan raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

Aegis repeated “We KEEP walking. Come now, Dan you should at least know the phrase 'They're more scared of you then you are of them' or has that term been forgotten in time?”

Dan sighed “No, it's still around. It just seems that, whenever I watch the news, Nature has forgotten it.”

“Well it still applies here. Keep in mind, Dan, to them, your some freaky new creature stomping along the forest. They don’t know what you are or what you can do. So let's just keep walking. If that thing keeps following us then we take care of it, OK?” Aegis said

Dan thought for a moment… then groaned. “Fine, but if I get jumped, I’m blaming you.” He then turned and started walking.

“I highly doubt that for more reasons than you would think. Just show no fear and listen to your instincts.

“Fine…” Dan groaned as he kept walking. All the while paying really close attention to that feeling of Danger he kept feeling. He was tense, yes, but for some reason, he didn’t feel scared. It was like his body knew it had no reason to be somehow. Perhaps his mind was being overconfident because of what he could do now, and that’s never good. However, just as Aegis anticipated, whatever it was that was following Dan, seemed to stop following him after he walked a certain distance.

“See? As I told you.” Aegis confirmed

“Yeah, yeah, I guess you were right.” Dan looked back. “Still curious… You think that was a Manticore?”

“Most likely, perhaps, we came across its hunting grounds is all. We’ll have to mark this area to avoid any conflict when we return home.” Aegis commented

“Mark?” Dan asked

“Take a piss on that tree there, of course.” Dan felt Aegis guide his line of sight to a tree on his left and there was a short moment of silence.

“Ok, now you’re just trolling me.” Dan deadpanned

“It’s what I’ve done, using my heightened sense of smell when I was still a Royal Hunter.”

“Bull, I don’t have that, you're just messing with me,” Dan responded

“That’s because you didn’t activate it yet. You know how bothersome it would be if all your heightened senses didn’t have an off switch. That dead deer would have you writhing on the floor right now in olfactory agony.” Aegis said with a “matter of fact” tone to his words.

At this point, Dan wasn’t sure what to believe anymore. The old timer had the habit of screwing with him, but... this sounded so real… But he can tell Aegis has a smug look on his face. Yet, he could be smug knowing he’s right… “I hate you.”

“So I’ve heard, hmhmhmm.” Oh, that smug attitude he gave off just pissed Dan off. However, in the end, they continued walking.

Back in the distance, however, the creature that had been stalking them remained in place behind a tree staring at them. It was a Timberwolf, why it was by itself, however, remained unclear. Once Dan was far enough away from it, the wooden creature relaxed and continued watching. When Dan was finally out of sight it backed away into the shadows of the forest before scurrying off to who knows in the unknown.

~~~~~

Dan hiked for a few more hours, getting ever so deeper into the heart of the forest. He pulled out his phone. The time to his world seemed accurate enough for him to rely on the world clock SOMEWHAT. The time said 3:45 pm. Just to be sure, he hopped up a tree branch and jumped through the dense treetops he was in to get a good look at the sun. Landing on a sturdy branch he gauged the position of the sun. “Hmm, well that explains why I’m feeling hungry, looks like it’s somewhere far past noon here in Equestria land.” He then hopped back down to the forest floor. “Now seems like a good time to have some lunch.”

It took a moment but Aegis agreed "I suppose that’s fine. It appears there is a river up ahead, so perhaps it's best to set up camp here? We’re so far in the forest I feel we can set up a base point for us here"

“Plus fire roasted fish sounds pretty good right now,” Dan said as he walked past the tree line to reach a sizeable clearing, in front was a river with a steady current. Nothing like white water, but far past lazy river standards of current speed. Dan stepped up to get a closer look at the water to see if he could spot any potential dinner. Sure enough, the river was teeming with aquatic life, from rainbow trout to carps, some bluegill, and some other fish he couldn’t even identify. “Wow, is it like some sort of breeding season or something?”

“No, this is just the norm here. There's a lot of lifeforce in certain parts of the world, particularly here, the forest that so-called 'does things by itself' as the ponies would call it.”

“Or as I would call it: NATURE BEING NATURE.” Dan smirked at this, both he and Aegis had to laugh. “Ponies, I swear, it's like they believe everything needs a caretaker or something.” Dan set his pack down and started digging through it.

“Well a lot of things that we would leave Nature, ponies seem to somehow have better control over, or in Ms. Fluttershy’s case, abilities in taming.”

“Well, yeah when you can have a lovely chat with a squirrel as you would another person, I bet you can get animals to do all sorts of things… AHA!” He pulled out a fishing rod, his rod from Earth and a tackle box. “Knew this would come in handy.” With a flick of his wrist and a flick of a tiny side switch, the tiny pole extended to much more proper length for what it was made to do. “Ho, HOOOO I’m gonna catch a whopper with you.”

Aegis chimed in, “That's fine and all but perhaps you should set up Camp first before you fish, you don’t even have a fire pit set.”

“Relax, I’m getting those too, this stuff was just at the top is all.” he set the fishing pole down on the tackle box and started digging in the back again. “Seriously this magic stuff feels like Nature cheat codes.” From out of the bag, he pulled out a rather large bundle of tent making material and supplies. “I mean, having far more inventory room then what’s scientifically possible, sounds just like some kind of endgame reward or something for new game plus.”

“I’m not gonna even try to understand your strange metaphors but I will agree that magic does make things convenient for the ponies of this world and to an extent, us I suppose.”

“Yeah, enchanted gear rocks. Wish our race could use magic in real life like this.”

Aegis remained silent on that remark…

Dan pulled out a small spade, “Ok, fire pit first, then fish. Let the fish roast as I set up the tent. That sound good?” He said to Aegis.

“Oooh, I hope you don’t mind sharing some of your catch.”

“Well sure, but how are you gonna eat it when you're a- wait...” Dan just realized that wasn’t Aegis voice. When he turned around he saw a giant creature, with an admittedly nice mustache, loom over him. “Eh?”

“Well then… A sea serpent… this is rather unexpected.” Aegis replied.

“Oh, terribly sorry, I didn't mean to sneak up on you like that, I was just curious about what kind of strange creature decided to enter my home.” The serpent replied

“Home?” Dan managed to ask. He kept his eyes on the creature.

“Well, yes generally, I do live here after all.” The serpent gestured to the surrounding area and river.

“Oh… uuh, I can, leave if you want then-“

The serpent waved it off “Oh, no no, it's quite alright, it has been quite some time since the last time I’ve had company. It can get pretty lonely here, you know.” Dan could only nod with a dumbfounded look. “Besides, you said you were going to, ahem, roast some fish?” The serpent seemed to get a little excited at the phrase.

“Uuuh, yeah, that was the plan.” Dan then caught on. “So… you want some too?”

“Oh, that would be just heavenly if you wouldn’t mind. If you’d like we could even call it, a trade for letting you set up camp in my home if you want.”

Dan couldn’t argue with that. “I guess that’s fine, but why the interest in cooked fish? Can you not cook your own? If you don’t mind me asking.”

The serpent shook his head. “I’m afraid I’m all thumbs when it comes to cooking, even though I can groom my lovely mustache to perfection.” To add to that he gave his well combed facial hair a gentle flick of his claws to show off their bouncy luxurious reaction and sheen.

“Uuh, yeah, I see your point, sir.” Dan replied, “Well, if that’s all you're asking, then I can happily oblige that deal then.”

“Ah, splendid, I eagerly wait with anticipation, but I must caution you, there have been odd happenings as of late in this forest, I question the wisdom of your choice in coming here.”

At this Dan perked up. “Hm? What do you mean by that?” Even Aegis was curious.

The serpent tapped his chin “Well, I have been hearing some strange sounds off in the distance of the forest. At first, it sounded similar to that of the roar of a hydra, when you listen closely, it certainly gives off a ghastly tone to it. Unlike anything I’ve ever heard, good sir. In recent days I’ve even heard it nearby. I’ve yet to investigate it, but I feel if this keeps up, I might choose to locate a new home elsewhere, at least until the creature and its chilling roars have passed.”

“If it's what I think it is, I certainly doubt that.” Aegis replied

“Is there anything else you can tell me abou-“

Dan felt death from behind him.

His head jerked back to see three pairs of glowing eyes staring at him and the serpent, along with a loud hissing noise.

“Oh Dear!” The serpent was just as shocked to see them as well.

The creature came out to reveal a rather large quadruped lizard with three heads attach to it. It’s flesh looked like it was decaying at some parts into some black like sludge that clung to its body. Each head glared at Dan and the serpent with vacant glowing eyes, and black drool endlessly oozing from their mouths. It was utterly grotesque, even Dan could tell, that whatever it was, it wasn’t supposed to look like that. ‘Aegis, is that…’

“A hydra.” Aegis said as he drifted out of Dan’s body “And yes… it’s tainted.” He sort of growled out.

Dan reached for his hunting Rifle and turned the safety off. “Sir! I’d advise that you swim downstream for now.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice, hop on and I'll get us out in a jiffy.”

Dan refused as he had his gun trained on the beast before him. “That won’t be necessary, What is more important is that you are out of danger.”

The serpent was shocked at this “You can’t possibly mean to take on that thing on your own. Your just a tiny little thing.”

“Believe it or not sir, this is actually my job-“ the tainted hydra roared an ominous and ghastly roar with all three heads that shook both Dan and the serpent to their very core. It was so bizarre and fear-inducing. Yet, Dan stood his ground. With the beast starting to charge He fired a round into the beasts Foreleg, surprisingly for both Dan and the serpent, the entry point the bullet hit that leg exploded with flesh, blood and black goop. this proved to topple it and fall over itself. “The hell?” Dan mumbled to himself

“This poor creature, just how far gone is it?” Aegis asked in a somber tone. However, he seemed to switch gears when the creature was starting to get back to its feet “Get ready, Dan. The good news is that the creature’s flesh is so weakened, you can cut through it like a hot knife through butter, it won't stop unless you shoot the point of entry.”

“The What?” Dan asked as he was quick to load another round in his rifle, he looked back to see the serpent high tailing it down the river. Looks like fear got the best of him. Good, he didn’t have to worry about another’s life right now.

“That manticore you killed when you first arrived in Ponyville because it wasn’t tainted for very long, conventional means of killing it, like shooting its head or heart was still a viable way of slaying it. However-“ the creature was standing again but this time it received another bullet to one of its three heads. The left one to be precise. Here the face exploded in blood, bone, and black goo, but it still remained up like the other heads, glaring it's only eye at him now. Meanwhile, black sludge was squirting out of it as if it was blood coming out of a severed artery, some of it rolling down the side of the neck the head was attached too. “As you can see, it's not gonna work this time.”

“What the hell…” Dan took a step back, the Hydra only growled at him as if the shot was just a flesh wound, even the head with half a jaw now before it charged at him. Dan back stepped from one of jaws just to narrowly kick the broken face into the third head giving him time to create some more space between him and the creature, this time switching to his MP5. Aegis then flew up right beside him.

“Focus Dan, this is do or die!”

Author's Note

Hey Guys, Sorry for the wait, just wanted to make sure I did the best I could for this chapter, so I took my time with it. Yes, it's another cliffhanger one, but hopefully, this one will have you waiting for the next chapter with anticipation. I'm personally excited as it will be about the combat, its what I like writing after all. Of course, that also means I'm gonna take my time on the next chapter to make sure I get it just right.

For now, that's all I can think of.

As Always, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to future ones.