***

It was a calm evening in Poniville. Sun was setting down and citizens of Poniville were either coming from work to have some family time or came out on the streets to have a little walk. The public library of this town was a very popular spot this evening. There were six mares and one draconoid, among with two griffins under one roof. Three ponies were still unconscious after what happened on the station. The one named Twilight Sparkle introduced all members of their little group of friends, while they were seated at the table and drinking tea.

The one named Pinkie Pie, that was possessed, was undergo some minor, but netherless noticeable changes. Her mane changed from puffy pink to wavy bleak pink, as well as her skin paled a little bit. She still looked like the mare that was always smiling, but now there is something different in her, more mature.

Two others that were out cold was a local animal caretaker by the name of Fluttershy and fashionista named Rarity. They lost their consciousness during the incedent. Most of the ponykind are too sheltered for that kind of things, thought Olga.

Those who still had their wits were Rainbow Dash - Gilda's friend from Flight Camp, owner of apple orchard 'Sweet Apple Acres' - Applejack and a librarian of the 'Golden Oaks Library' and a personal student of Celestia - Twilight Sparkle. Other than that - there was a young draconoid female named Barb, assistant of Twilight. After Celestia's protégé introduced her friends and herself - it was Beasthunters turn.

"Well, my name is Gilda. I'm an old friend of Rainbow from the Flight Camp. Originally I wanted to visit her couple of days later, but... there was some important buisness in Equestria, so we were sent to help your country."

"Ya, 'bout that. Mind telling us what was that darn thang?" - Asked Applejack with a shudder.

"Yes, I never read about something like that. Was that some kind of a parasite? Perhaps a semi-sentient sickness?" - Twilight followed the farm mare's question.

"Umm... It's better to ask mom..." - Gilda mumbled.

"Uh, yeah, about that. Who is she, G? You said that she is your mom, right?" - Rainbow asked Gilda, sitting closer to her.

"Aww, that is just so sweet." - Olga smiled kindly. - "I never thought that you would let someone give you a nickname beside Gabby and myself." - At that, young griffin's cheeks flushed red and her eyes lowered at the table. - "But besides that, yes. I am Gilda's mother, Olga Von Everek."

"Wait... Do you mean The Olga Von Everek? Former general of Griffonian army, The Goddess of War? THAT OLGA?!" - Almost yelled Barb, bulging her eyes out at that woman. At her small smile and nod Barb practically leaped out of her seat, running around the table and taking Olga's hand in both of her scaled, purple ones, vigorously shaking it. - "OH MY CELESTIA! IT'S AN HONOR, LADY VON EVEREK!"

Mares, who were at the table looked confused at draconoid. Twilight especially, since turns out - she was in presence of somebeing important and knew nothing. She attempted to coax some pointers at who this Olga were.

"Umm, Barb?" - Started Twilight hesitantly. - "What do you mean by 'The Goddess of War'?"

Barb looked at Twilight like she just slapped her. - "Twi, I'm surprised somepony like you don't know history. Lady Von Everek is like, I dunno, living piece of Griffonian history! She defeated Princess Celestia in a fencing duel, thus ending Griffonia-Equestrian War almost 500 years ago, preventing what would be a massive battle. She was acting general of Griffonian army for 14 years, under her command Griffonia won the 3 Years War against minotaurs, dubbed 'Twelve Bloody Seasons'. She created Griffin Beasthunters Guild that hunt down dangerous monsters. She's basically reinvented alchemy. Twilight, she's legend!" - During that speech Barb didn't even let go of Olga's hand, while she herself had a small smirk.

Ponies in the room looked shocked at what they just heard. There, before them, were seated someone that had so many accomplishments and yet she looked like it didn't even bothered her. If Olga were a pony - she would definitely boast about her deeds like almost any other noble of Canterlot. And yet, she didn't even noted what she done. In the meantime - Olga was looking at Barb with a sly smirk.

"Oh my, young Barb. I didn't knew I had such educated admirer. You flatter me." - Said Olga in a sweet, yet cheeky tone, looking between Barb's face and her hands that still holded her own, imitating a fish out of water.

Barb, realising that she holded her arm for the whole time quickly released her and with haste and an enbarrassment written on her face retreated to her seat, hugging her legs and hiding her head with a green short hair in her knees.

Couple of seconds later Dash shook her head and looked at Gilda. - "Wow, G... I didn't knew your mom is so... bucking... cool..." - She breathlessly said the last part with genuine admiration. - "But... Why the both of you here? Does someone asked your help?"

"Hired. Someone hired us, Rainbow Dash." - Answered Olga, looking at prismatic mare. - "Precisely, Celestia asked our king a permission to hire me for the job in Equestria. Myself and Gilda will be in this town for the next couple of years, while Beasthunters Guild in this town would be built. Then, I will teach selected ponies on how to do our job in Equestria. That's about it."

"So... that means - you and Gilda will be here for a long time?" - Hopefully asked Dash.

"Yes, Dash. We'll be here for next couple of years. Mom will come back from time to time to Griffonia because of her position." - Said Gilda, to the amusement of Olga.

"That's... that's actually pretty cool! Oh, I can't wait to tell you about adventures that me and my friends had so far." - Rainbow flapped her wings with excitement.

"Not today, though." - Olga pitched in, standing up. - "Today we need to settle down and do a little scouting trip around town. If that parasite was anything to go by - we got our work cut for us."

"Umm... Sorry, Miss Von Everek?" - Asked Applejack awkwardly. - "You didn't answered 'bout the thing that was in Pinkie..."

"It was a parasite called Bliss. He affected your friend, creating hallucinations and changing her behaviour, forcing her body to produce endorfin. It also changed her appearance to look more appealing to others. I will recommend that you get her to doctor, specifically to take some blood tests for any diseases and addictions related to drug usage, as well as to check her with gynecologist." - Advised Olga.

"Why?" - Simply asked AJ, looking confused.

"Drugs and sex could give you pleasure, which can feed that kind of parasites. If she did used drugs and/or had a carefree sex life - it could potentially ruin her social image." - Shortly explained Olga, taking her bag and throwing it at her shoulder. Twilight in the mean time was writing down everything that was said and Barb having a fangirl moment. Applejack looked disturbed, but nodded at the words of Olga.

"Darn... Well, thank ya kindly for yer help, Olga. I'll take care o' that. If ya need sumthin' from a simple farm mare - be sure to swing by 'Sweet Apple Acres'." - Answered AJ, nodding to Olga with a tired smile.

"'Sweet Apple Acres'?... Aren't you posted a request for guards to investigate the strange amount of bird nests around your farm, as well as night attacks on your livestock?" - Wondered the Beasthunter.

"Ya... those feathery thangs pecking at mah apple trees and damaging th' other crops. And the beasts from nearby forest attacking mah pigs. How did ya know?" - Asked the farm mare.

"It's our job to look for anythin suspicious. We will be there in an hour."

"Oh.. thank you, Olga. I'll notify mah family then." - She stood up, but was stopped by groan from the now awake pink mare.

"Uurgh. What... happened...?" - Pinkie croaked, sitting up and holding her forehead with a hand. Barb and Rainbow quickly came to her side, helping her to get some water in her.

"I'll leave it to you all... Come, Gilda. We have a job to do." - Said Olga, exiting the library with young griffin and orange mare in tow, latter which headed in the direction of her farm.

***

The walk to the farm was hold up by two stops. First one was at the mayor's office, where Olga and Gilda introduced themselves, took a key to their temporary home and told Mayor Mare that they would see to Applejack's request. Mayor Mare nodded and thanked both Beasthunters for their assistance and wished them luck in their work.

Next stop was their new house. Simple one story house with two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and a common area. Both Gilda and Olga left their bags in their new rooms, taking only essentials that might be required for their work. They checked their equipment before leaving. Their swords, belts with various little bottles, vials with specialised venomous concoctions, little bags and pouches with powders for a different things. Olga was, and still is, strict to the recruits back in Griffinstone that were forgetting their equipment. Sure, to kill a timberwolf, a small group of scavens, or even a manticore you don't need much of a equipment. But if by any chance they encounter some kind of spirit or even a simple cockatrices in their strolls - they would be in big trouble without their items. First lessons after their physical training is to learn - how to counter each beast and monster and to always be prepared. Your sword must be sharp, your eyes and ears keen and your equipment always fully stocked and checked. After some time this would become a habit to the trainees - keep their weapons and armor in good condition, be on guard when they at work and check their belts so they would always have everything they need. When both Beasthunters finished their preparations - they left their house and headed to the farm.

***

Arriving at the farm - Olga noted the impressive size of this place. Rows after rows of apple trees with a family house and two barns within her sight. Further down, behind the now unused plot of land could be seen the Evergreen Forest with a tall, twisted trees. From the house exited Applejack with an old, greenish mare in tow. They meet the arrived in front of the house.

"Hello again, Applejack. We will start looking around the place of the beast's attack and if we find something - we'll get rid of it." - Said Olga, looking at the trail that leaded to the unused orchard. - "I'm already have some thoughts at what are we dealing with, so I will ask you and everyone in the house to stay inside. There is no need to risk your life and stay outside."

"Hol' up there, youngun." - Said the old mare. - "First o' all, mah name is Grand Apple, but 'erypony call me 'Granny Smith'. This mare is mah grankid."

"Pleasure. My name is Olga Von Everek, and next to me is my assistant - Gilda. Our job is to hunt down dangerous monsters and beasts." - Answered Olga, looking at Granny Smith.

"Applejack told us 'bout ye' comin' taday. If ye' say that we need to be inside for some time - I've got nuthin' against it. Call us if ye' need sumthin'." - Said Granny, turning around and walking back to the house.

"We'll be going. Please, be inside. When we will be done - I'll knock four times on the doorframe." - Said Olga, to the Applejack who nodded and headed inside the house, locking the door.

"What do you think it is, mom?" - Gilda asked quietly.

"We'll see. Head to the outskirts of the forest and look at the bird nests. Also check for pawprints and clawmarks." - Gilda nodded, walking to the edge of the farm.

In the meantime - Olga comes to the barn, looking for clues. On the outside there is a thin ragged marks of claws with three lines. The bodies of dead pigs looks mangled, but not eaten. Like something was in for just killing. Same ragged marks of three claws, but the angle of strikes looked like the beast was using it's natural weapons not aiming at all. There is no prints of paws at the ground, but the grass itself looked disturbed, like something definitely was walking on it, but was not heavy enough to leave prints on the ground itself. If Gilda would say what Olga thought she would - they have their target and it's more obvious that other might think.

Gilda came back in fifteen minutes, saying that the outskirts don't have any prints, but the ground covered in crow's feathers, the nests are theirs.

"I thought so. Well, we have our mark." - Declared Olga, crossing her hands.

"We do? I don't know as much as you, mom. Care to explain to me - what are we dealing with?" - Asked Gilda.

"There is an old rhyme to that monster..."

High above the rotten rows
Cloth and branches
Teeth and crows
Trough the field
Down the lane
Voices never heard again.

"...in other words - our monster is standing in the middle of an orchard." - Olga pointed with a nod at the scarecrow on the unused orchard, to which Gilda turned around to look at it briefly. - "Use the oil for weakening the connecting wild magic akin of timberwolfes and preferably something that will burn it. We need to reduce this fucker to a pile of ash..." - Olga snarled, gripping the handle of her sword and unsheathing it. With a smooth move she snatched the vial of said bright green oil and after uncorking it - poured the content on her blade, while Gilda mirrored her movement and grabbed a small urn of flammable oil in her left hand. Unknown to them - a pair of eyes watched them from above.

***

After all the girls woke up and Rainbow helped Pinkie to the bathroom - Twilight started to do the only thing, when she didn't know something - research. She gathered all of the history books in her library, asking Barb to tell her the required timeframes. The books didn't had much in terms of the details from the other side, but the gist of it was that :

Olga Von Everek, a very skilled swordmaster, offered her assistance as hired drill instructor to the Griffon Empire right before the war with Equestria. After the war was declared - she talked to the Griffin King and Princess Celestia, saying that to avoid unnecessary casualties - she will challenge Princess to a duel. If she came out victorious - Equestria surrenders. If she were to be defeated - she'll lose her head. Olga won in that duel and without better wording - handed Celestia her flank on a plate. Equestria lost as the agreement stated, but in return to just occupy the new land - Olga asked Celestia to lend the Griffin Empire skilled farmers and couple thousand heads of livestock. Celestia agreed to that and as such the name Olga Von Everek was escaping the sights of historical events.

Her name was mentioned two hundred years later, when Griffonia was at war with united minotaur tribes. She was at that moment advisor of Griffin Queen and is responsible for creating the law that was applied to the death row convics, creating a 'suicide battalion' that charged the enemy soldiers without even a slight care for their lives. Thanks to Olga and her knowledge of battle tactics - the war with minotaurs was ended in four years. After that, for her incredible service, she was highly rewarded and called 'The Goddess of War' among the army members of Griffonia. After the reward ceremony - given a honorable discharge from the army.

After her discharge - Olga Von Everek founded her own guild, that specialises in hunting for dangerous monsters and leaving community problems and conflicts to army and guards. Her guild, according to history books, was absorbed into military of the country.

When Twilight finished retelling this to her now gathered friends - all of them looked both horrified and fearful. The question is - how did she lived so long? Was she some kind of deity? Or somebeing, akin in powers to Princess Celestia or Princess Luna?

"Gilda never told me about this... I've always thought that she had a hard relationship with her family, but turns out her mom is the most badflank being I've ever met..." - Said Rainbow, grinning ear to ear. - "Maybe I should reconsider my career choices..."

"What do you mean, darling?" - Asked Rarity, taking a sip of her hot tea.

"Oh, right. You were out when she said about that. Olga and Gilda came to Equestria because Princess Celestia asked for them. She will train ponies to hunt monsters. All of my life I wanted to became Wonderbolt, because I thought that they were the coolest soldiers in Equestria. But looking at Gilda and her mom's accomplishments... I'm starting to doubt that." - Every pony looked at Rainbow surprised.

"You think, that aireal military unit of Equestria worse than Griffonian Beasthunters Guild?" - Asked Barb, confused.

Rainbow's eyes widened and she quickly tried to correct herself. - "N-no! I mean... I mean... Oh, buck it... I think they are cooler. Wonderbolts are aerial performers and a part of the military. But that's it! Last time Equestria was at war - it was with Griffonia almost five hundred years ago. They are part of the military, but they didn't have any activity in this zone. Beasthunters actually doing what they are saying - they are hunting monsters. Olga and Gilda probably doing it right now on the Applejack's farm!"

"But didn't you were always training to become Wonderbolt? It was your dream, wasn't it?" - Quietly asked Fluttershy, hiding half of her face behind her mane.

"Yes..." - Dash admitted, unhappy. - "But still. In terms of usefulness - Beasthunters are better than Wonderbolts. I wonder who would win - Captain Spitfire or Guildmaster Olga?..." - She asked noone in particular.

"Olga would mop the floor with Spitfire, claws down. She has more live experience behind her back." - Said Barb with a smirk.

"Make sense..." - Admitted Pinkie, sipping her tea slowly.

"You know? I think I'm going to head to the farm and see - what Olga and Gilda could do. I bet they are fighting some kind of monster a's we speak." - At that - Rainbow quickly stood up and with a flap of her wings flew off trough the open window, sending a gust of air from her take off and tipping the cups at the table, which made Rarity grumble.

***

Rainbow watched, staying behind the cloud, as Gilda and Olga unsheath their swords and after some manipulations - started to get closer to the scarecrow. She watched, as first strike was dealt by Olga, but she didn't cut off scarecrow's 'arm', leaving a deep scratch. The scarecrow body started to rapidly change with excited screams of the birds from nearby trees. Arms of scarecrow became wider closer to it's claws. It became alive, sporting big maw with a sharp looking, jagged teeth made out of timber shards. It had no eyes nor legs, only thin looking frame, covered in the old, tattered coat and a long, sharp looking claws. The monster hopped on it's stick towards Olga, followed by a vortex of crows above it. Gilda threw something at the scarecrow, spilling some black, oily fluid, after what Olga summoned a short wave of fire, which ignited the monster and making it scream in a disturbing, high pitch squeal.

Olga advanced forward, ducking when the abomination tried to claw her and with a slick move cutting the right arm of the beast off. Another scream didn't came, as Gilda rushed forward and with a wide slash cut off monsters head, which made the birds flap, like they were hit and flew away in a different directions. Olga in the meantime sheathed her sword and took a butcher's hook from her belt, puncturing the head of scarecrow all the way trough and attaching the head with the hook at her belt. Gilda return her sword into the sheath at her back, watching as the headless body turned to ashes. Olga said something to her, which made griffin smile with a blush and gave a side look to Rainbow.

***

• "Come on, dear..." - Whispered Olga. - "Let's turn down our trophy and head to our new home. You can spend the day with your rainbow-colored friend tomorrow, while I'm gonna look around the woods..." - Gilda nodded to that, walking beside her mother to the farmhouse.

Couple of minutes later and Olga knocked four times at the the doorframe, which in turn caused a turn of key inside the lock and opened door. Behind it stood very spooked Applejack, but seeing Beasthunters calmed her down.

"O' thank Celestia, are both of ye' alright?" - She asked. - "We 'eard the loud scream from outside and thought you got hurt or sumthin..."

"No. The only one hurt was this bastard." - She nodded to the head at her waist.

Applejack almost puked at the sight of a dismembered head, but cowered her mouth, holding it down. - "Wha' is that thing?!"

"Voicecatcher, a far relative of timberwolfes. It's a wandering monster, choosing forest paths and farms to kill it's prey. They often imitate someone's scream to attract it's victims. It was in form of a scarecrow on your orchard. It didn't need to eat, but absorbs bones when the victims body decay." - Explained Olga, looking down at the head. - "Given griffin farmers and travelers a lot of trouble. Now everygrif know to not follow the screams in the forest."

Applejack just nodded to that, while Olga took the hooked head and pulled our the small linen sack, placing the head inside and tying the sack close, holding it in her arm. - "So... what's next? Are ye' gonna do sumthin with it?" - Asked the farm mare, nodding at the sack.

"I'll show it to the Mayor Mare and she'll give us our reward. Such as life of Beasthunter." - Answered Olga. - "The remains of Voicecatcher we burned to ash, it'll do good for the soil. We should get going, our day was long and we need to rest."

"Ya, I can believe that. Than ye' again, both of ye'." - Weakly smiled Applejack. - "I sumthin like that happens again - I'll make sure to call ye'."

"Have a good evening, Applejack." - Olga nodded, both of Beasthunter's heading to their new home. Reward can be collected tomorrow.

Author's Note

Sorry for the delay, the inspiration not coming to me for this fic.

As always, keep calm and stay cool. See you soon.