Ranger22

The bits of information this lady told me clarified the fact she was indeed a new recruit. I don't know who this sister of hers is but if she managed to impress one of the recruiters I guess they had some skills worth while. "Well it seems to me she isn't currently in the area as of current. So I can't take your word for it until I've met this sister of yours, so in the mean time I'll be forced to company you."

I nodded in response to the girls gesture of gratitude before walking over to the bandit and looting his weapon. Cheap little thing, but a weapon is a weapon I suppose. I tucked it away along with the other weapons in my possession, hopefully I can sell these for a moderate price. Walking back over to the girl who calls herself lux to get a better look at her. Her height was average for a female and there was nothing too peculiar about her. Her hair was...unique and I know another who has the same eye problem as she did. "If you've been in the knights of Artemis long enough you'd know about me. Otherwise my name is Christoph the so called knight hunter." I walked closer to get a better look at her physique, truth be told she didn't have a warriors body. She had lean muscles but they weren't toned. Judging from how she fought she was a spellcaster, rare enough but even rarer in the ranks of the knights of Artemis. "Tell me...who conscripted you into our lovely little band of warriors? I've not seen you before and even more interesting is the fact you travel alone. Those who have fought in our ranks learn quick to always have someone watching their back."

I grunted in annoyance at my failed swing, usually I get that on the first go. Looking down I saw the misses with a surprise look on her face. If she was truly a knight of Artemis she would have taken this opportunity to attack her opponent. I nudged my head a little giving her a signal. Might as well try a second time I thought to myself a I arched my arms back again and swung the head of the hammer at the bandit for the second time.

Seriously what in the name of equestria is happening today? Sure murders are not as uncommon as most folk believe but they usually were kept in low key so nopony complained. I was doing my normal routine with my partner whom I've known for a couple of months at best. While investigating we meet some fellows who know her but not vice versa. It was strange enough but finding out that my partner had some connections to this murder made my head spin. A couple of alcoholic beverages here and a couple of hours of sleep there then the next thing I know a giant fucking...whatever it was shows up while I'm getting over a hangover! I grunted in annoyance as I sliced through a couple more of the reddish vaguely pony shaped monstrosities the local forces have been battling the whole day. Luckily my suit has been holding up, and my magic was strangely more acute despite me drinking a lot of drinks I shouldn't have been. I dissipated my magical blade and shield as I tried to catch my breath, using magic the entire day is particularly tiring for me. To make it worse I wore a helmet that covered my entire head, makes breathing and hearing a bit of a hassle. Worst of all I haven't even found my partner scare, truth be told I expected her to be fighting with the guards considering her attitude. But sadly no luck to my hopeless endeavor, I guess I'll just have to kill strange foreign monsters that showed up out of no where to ruin my day. Too be perfectly honest this isn't as unusual as some would except out of a peaceful kingdom like equestria. Strange and deadly creatures pop up all the time around here. Yet strangely we've been able to ignore that presence and keep on going with our lovely little lives. "Seriously...I need a drink," I stated before bringing up my shield and blade again.

Rounding the corner a scene of rampant fear and chaos filled my eyes. The citizens of the town either hid or fled trying to get away from the fighting that has ensued. This is what happens when your town has no militia, bandits are given free reign and your life sucks because of it. Grunting in response to the incompetence I continued to survey the fighting a little longer to determine the best course of action I should take. Two locals seemed to be fighting off the invaders rather well, upon further thought I began doubting they were locals at all. My eyes widened as I noticed the small pattern stitching on the cloak of one of the fighters. I took a deep breath before stepped out of the corner and began making my move. Judging from how well the cloaked one was handling herself I presumed she was the one my scouts mentioned earlier. No matter how skilled she was I wasn't taking any risk of her getting hurt without answering to me first. I began running towards the both of them, I slammed my feet into the ground stopping my momentum before I arched back and swung my hammer at the bandit.

The bandit group I've been dealing with most of the day were known as the white hand. Sadly for them they didn't last as long as they thought they would have. With most of them being killed in battle the rest were left at my mercy. Feeling quite generous today as looting four swords and a bow can make a man quite happy. Leaving the specifics to my men I bid them farewell as I left them and head off to the lonely little town. This little misses will have quite a few things to tell me about her time in my lovely little army. Suddenly I felt a strange vibration feeling in my stomach. I shook off the feeling as I continued to walk into the lonely and sandy town. I grunted as the desert heat cooked the inside of my armor. Wearing full plate in the desert might not have been a good idea now that I'm feeling the consequences. Before I could sell my newly owned equipment to a shop the sudden cry of a person caught my attention. Gripping my war hammer I rushed towards the sound.

My senses were always rather dull when I wake up from any kind of sleep. I think I've gotten use to wearing this suit of mine, and I don't know if that's a god thing or a bad thing. With a groan I managed to lift myself up after a couple of tries, the suit groaned as I stretched my limbs. Looking around the small room I saw our pegasus friend and little filly having a friendly chat. I patted the kid on the head before wandering off to look for Chain and Nuclear. "None of them down here, might be upstairs," after lazily searching the halls of the pre-war factory I managed to find my two companions huddling near a terminal. "So whats that you're looking at?"

Ithagor...a lonely city in sand filled lands and craggy hills. Many would see this place as a ripe opportunity for easy gold. Yet the town still stands strong. That told me many things, but not enough to conclude anything about the town or its people. Bandits are plentiful in the hillside and hidden paths. We would have let them be, but sadly they attacked me and my men first. My scouts told me of a girl brandishing the emblem of the Knights of Artemis. That's what drew me here in the first place, but it seems that'll have to wait. The leader of the bandits that attacked my men stood in front of me hands tied and eyes blind folded. I ignored his cries for mercy as it was too late for that. I gripped his shoulder as I pushed him to the ground. I brandished my hammer as my men yelled for blood to be spilt or the blood we've lost. I raised my hammer happily obliging my men's request. The bandit leaders muttering was quickly silenced as the head of my hammer met the head of the bandit leader. I sighed before stowing my hammer, he was only the first of many. "These men dared to challenge the Knights of Artemis! Let this be the fate of any who opposes us and our clients. Come there is more bandit blood to be spilt, in the next couple of days there will be a lot less men in these hills!"

The streets were filled with fear and chaos in reaction to the sudden appearance of a large swirling rift in the sky. Ponies seemingly ran in an direction in an attempt to flee possible destruction. Me and a few ponies were curious enough to stare. How does the murder of two ponies even lead to this? I quickly hurried back to my home, pushing and shoving the scared ponies that got in my way. Dumping my trench coat and hat, I pulled out a heavy box from underneath my bed. Flipping it open revealed my grandfathers life's work. I put on the full body black, seemingly rubber like material that was my undersuit. When I was comfortable enough I heaved out the heavy metallic plates that protected around my legs, chest, and flank. The suits interlocking plates clicked as they were put together. Lastly I put on my helmet before rushing back outside. Whatever comes out of that hole, will have to go through me and the rest of the equestrian defenses. Let's just hope this blue bulwark of a suit can do its price justice.

Aargh...my head feels like it's about to explode! I slowly tried to opened my eyes, after a few failures I manage to completely open them. I touched my forehead as I rose from my spit covered desk. Wiping my eyes filled my vision with some degree of clarity. Looking around I saw a bottle of whiskey resting on my desk. The papers I drooled on were my leads on the case. Must have been working all night, I don't even like whiskey. I thought to myself as I finished the bottle. After washing my face in my bathroom I looked at the time. Damn I must have slept longer then I'd thought, maybe some television will get me going. The news, probably talking about the murder like the news tabloids. Kidnapping!! I quickly donned my trench coat and mask hastily tucking my badge in my pocket as I hurried out the door. Grabbing my hat before locking my door I was ran as fast as I could towards the scene.

Danger, my companion has something to do with the murderers? Her friends at the bar mentioned stuff she hadn't remembered. I don't know exactly what's going on but if her missing memories risk her life I need to look into it. "If your life is in danger we need to be cautious. Arm yourself and find someplace safe while we look into this." I levitated my apartment keys from my coat and hoofed it to Scare. "You can stay at my apartment if the situation calls for it."

I tilted my hat as she I left her to investigate. Goggles, pretty interesting attire for an investigator. Well I shouldn't be saying anything, with my mask who am I to judge? I began to question what few ponies that were curious enough to look. Most of them were nearby pedestrians or his teammates that found the body after it was too late. They didn't know anything we didn't already figured out. I shook my head and gave a few sorry promises before walking back over to my partner. "Find anything? the ponies here didn't know anything we haven't already got."

"The last pony murdered was the chief of justice. It seems the fellows that were murdered recently had titles of value. Whoever is doing the killing might be doing so to get a reaction out of the public or some pony. However at this point anything is possible." I said as I followed my partner to the crime scene.

The testimony given by Fracture didn't seem to have any flaws. I was going to have to re investigate the seem to make sure. My partners eyes widened before she hurriedly took off dragging me with her by the collar. I regained my balance as I followed the mare. Seriously another murder? Two of them in quick succession is practically unheard of in equestria. "Where did this one take place? Do you think we have a serial killer on our hooves?"

My reading was interrupted by Crowbar of all ponies. I was just about to shoo him away before I got a summary of his life story. I stood up before looking at the stallion. "You coming back to explain yourself and your actions are noteworthy and commendable. However your temper is what I'd expect out of a child. If you don't control that you're going to get you and your friends killed. I won't order you around since you have a reason for me not to. However please think things through before acting on them. Do that for me, don't get in the way of my mission and we'll find ourselves in a much more pleasant standing." I stated before sitting back down to read my files.

I followed the three into the employee break room. The walls were peeling and cracked. The floors were covered in dust and the residue from the decaying ceiling. Luckily the couches and chairs seemed to hold up nicely, howeve the last two hundred years haven't been kind to them. Gypse stayed by the entrance while Chain tucked in the filly. His statement about wanting to be a parent caught me off guard. "Hahaha kid raising a child is more trouble then it's worth. My daughters in her twenties now and look at me, still doing most of the work." I turned to see Chain fast asleep on the couch he had chosen. Shaking my head with a smile I layed down by the doorway and pulled out my files. Might as well read through these again before going to bed, I though to myself as I flipped through the pages.

The dirty looking unicorn face showed he didn't like tenpony as much as the next wastelanders would have. Did he not like the place or did he just dislike the ponies living there? In the end he left the choice to Anne. The striped one proudly stated he was skilled in the art of child care. "I'm not doubting your abilities there zebra. But I believe doctor helping hoof is a bit more qualified then you." I said in a light hearted tone.

I cringed as I found the party surrounding Anne and her foal. I sighed before walking over to them. Maybe I'm caring a little bit too much about something that wasn't exactly my problem. I guess I could understand the need of finding as much joy as possible instead of brooding over the worst case scenario. The zebra seemed to act like one of those voodoo witch doctors from the pre war comics. Either that meant something or I was being racist as hell. Since the topic of the welfare of the baby was the current norm I thought of something along the lines to say to the Pegasus. "The best place I can think of that has the closes thing to a pediatrician is tenpony tower. I suggest going there if you can." I said scratching the back of my neck.

Chip and the gruff looking unicorn were practically best friends. Judging from their past that actually made sense of some sorts. I'm glad there friends, at least I don't have to watch him as closely as I would have. What sparked my interest no joke intended was the cyber pony that walked with them. Cybernetics albeit common were a commodity most could not afford. Only people O knew who worked with cybernetics were Red eye and the steel Rangers. The zebra himself was no one to overlook. His stripey coat was strangely clean. Did he come from a stable? I don't recall many stables if at all had zebras. I reorganized my thoughts as I tried to bring up our current predicament. "Apologies for cutting this reunion short but it seems we have to deal with the scariest robot built by pre war Equestria. I would love to discuss how we're even going to manage taking out that monster."

"I highly doubt your blind Chain, my armor already tells you if I succeeded or not." I said pointing to my red trimmed armored suit. Chain seemed to insist we get a move on due to the sun setting down. I didn't really see a reason to hurry, nothing but overgrown pups and druggies come out at night. Nothing really dangerous to the party withe along. "Where do we find sanctuary if it's not in here? The factory is more then secure for a midnight stay. Unless you have a better place we could go to." I walked over to the entrance waiting for an answer.

The stripey chump introduced himself rather politely with a bow. The dirty looking unicorn hesitated for a moment before introducing himself as well. He rose his hoof towards me and seemed to want me to do something about it. Did he want me to shake? I could never really tell with equines, stumps for hands don't really give of any messages. I gave of a laugh before shaking his hoof. I recognized his face from a random poster board in Appaloosa. "The term mercenary applies more to me then bounty hunter. I appreciate pleasantries as much as the next griffon but we have a huge problem." I said as I pointed to the thunderhead.

I looked through the scope of my rifle, ready to turn whoever these ponies were into a bonfire. I put my talon on the trigger as I followed their movements. However there movements were calm, friends of Dashia perhaps? My suspicions were answered as the striped chum started talking with Dashia. To be honest those two just talking to each other was a joke in its own right. They seemed friendly enough, might as well say hello. I stowed my zebra rifle and flew over to them. Landing behind them, I highly doubt a griffin in my heavy equipment would go unnoticed. "It seems we have yet to be introduced. Vice Whitetip Talon for hire and current guard of this little entorouge."

The events that happened in front of me were ridiculously bizzare and illegal. Who attempts to drug some pony, mess up, then admit you were going to drug them. I was without words and to be perfectly honest trying my best not to laugh. Last time that happened I nearly suffocated in my mask. Finally Scare decided to take our guest in for questioning. The two followed my partner as I did with them. The Manehatten nightly breeze struck me for in me to hold on to my hat. Luckily heavy trench coats can keep one rather warm. Before long I noticed Sinusoid looking intently at the rooftops above us. "Hey whats gotten into you, is something there?" Might as well be careful, I thought to myself as I prepared to summon my magical sword.

"Gah!" I yelled out as I awoke in a sudden heart wrenching moment. I took a momen to catch my breath and observe my surroundings. I gave off a sigh as I remembered the comfortable cramped cockpit of Payload. yawning I felt around the cockpit for my rifle and helmet. Grasping the round object I placed it on my head, a satisfying click gave off as it locked into place. Slinging my rifle on my back I opened payload and left to go meet up with my new companions. Stretching my legs as I went along I tried my best not to think of how shitty of a situation I was in. Being a mercenary never made it easy for the other soldiers to trust me easily.

"Ugh with all their resources they could have at least have made an effort to seem appealing to outsiders. Lady Belancast would never have agreed to peace talks. She was always a unagreeable magister. My carriage bumped along the roads before I requested it to halt. "I find myself in need of refreshment, stop at the nearest pub will you." After a few minutes the carriage came to a halt in front of a rather decently built establishment. Looking out the window I spotted a few soldiers still in uniform drinking in leisure. I snorted in disgust before walking inside. Wearing full plate the whole day was exhausting I needed a drink. I took a seat and asked for a beer, I looked around the room as I waited for my drink.