Chapter 4:

Months passed and Hunter’s training grew more rigorous, as well as hazardous. He’d often return to his room in the castle battered and bruised from the events of that day. It was working though, he could feel it. He could feel his muscles beginning to press themselves against the confines of his skin, his subconscious growing more dominant during combat and above all else, his self-doubt slipping away.

Everyday, he’d return from training more tired than the last. The only thing keeping him going was the body’s one true fuel, revenge. He was being driven by nothing but his own lust for vengeance, and would continue to be until the cold embrace of death took either him or Celestia…

The young stallion was finally pulled from his slumber by dawn’s dim light, signaling the start of another day of training. He sat up in his bed and began to actually wake up. A few moments passed before he slid off of his mattress and grabbed his knife before heading to the “kitchen.” He used the word loosely, as the entire castle was rather dilapidated. It was difficult to distinguish one room from another most of the time. Irregardless, he grabbed a quick breakfast of bread the princess had brought earlier hat week before finally leaving his abode.

He walked the short distance to the clearing that had seen more action in the past few months than most places would see in eons. As he strode in, he noticed the fact that his teacher wasn’t there. She’d usually be there long before him, planning some new way to try to kill him.

Hunter decided to take advantage of his free time, and think. He climbed one of the many large trees that encircled the clearing, using his knife to assist him. When he reached a large branch near the top, he stopped climbing and moved outwards. When he’d walked far enough out, he just sat down. Sat and stared at sky, lost in thought. He began to lose track of his surroundings, choosing to focus on his thoughts instead.

How long he stayed in that state, he didn’t know. He only knew that it ended when a certain blue alicorn landed on the branch just behind him, her saddlebag gently falling against her side.

“Sorry I’m late,” she said, her fatigue showing in her voice, “I was needed for some diplomatic affairs. At any rate, training is cancelled for now.”

“What?! Why?” A bit of anger could be heard in the question.

“Well, not so much cancelled as finished.” She spoke softly.

“Wait, you mean?”

“Yes, it’s time. Well almost.” The last sentence wasn’t what Hunter had expected to hear.

“Almost?”

“I have one last thing you need to do: Relax. I need you to walk to Canterlot, and use the time to relax and ready yourself mentally. This is the real deal, not some training dummy.” The night alicorn explained, her voice taking on a stern but soothing tone.

“Got it, relax and focus.”

“There’s one more thing.” The princess said as she began to open her saddle bag. She pulled out a knife very similar to Hunter’s, the sheathe was a deep blue bordered by pure silver. She handed it to Hunter, who immediately unsheathed it. He was stunned at how the polished blade reflected the morning light, almost making it look like it wasn’t reflecting it, but radiating it. He turned it over a few times, getting a feel for it. It was almost identical to the blade he’d had for most of his life, just much more brilliant.

“It’s made of an incredibly rare metal, the same that the royal guards’ armor is made of. It’s completely immune to magic of every type, even teleportation magic, hence why I flew today.” Her words broke Hunter out of his trance of awe.

“No armor to go with it?” He replied jokingly.

“When I said rare, I meant it. There’s only one mine for it in all of Equestria, and the armor is made only once it’s ordered to avoid wasting it.”

Hunter just nodded as he switched the new blade with the one he was already wearing.

“So, meet me at the castle gates tomorrow at about an hour after sunrise, I’ll have the guards let you through then.”

“Understood, see you then.” Hunter turned and jumped to the ground below, cushioning his landing perfectly. He strode off into the woods and watched his teacher teleport away, presumably to his destination…

Hunter walked out of the forest, greeted by sunlight and a slight breeze. Ahead of him stood a small town, beyond that was a mountain, with Canterlot atop it. He began walking towards the town, hoping to pass through unnoticed.

As he entered what he now knew was called “Ponyville,” Hunter’s memories came flooding back. The town was almost exactly like his foalhood home. He let his emotions escape him as a few tears rolled down his face, trying to clear his mind and above all, relax. He continued strolling through the town, eventually reaching the other side. What caught his attention there was the wide, slow-moving river that flowed down from the mountain.

He suddenly had an idea. Once the deed was done, he’d hide here. He could jump in the river and drift all the way down. The best part was how close it was, nopony would search for an assassin so close to their crime scene.

His mind made up, he continued on his way. The winding mountain road was the last obstacle in his journey, his target lay at the end.

Hunter made it to the end of the road just about sundown. He quickly found a meal, followed by an inn He paid for his one night stay and headed to his room. He knew he’d need to be well rested for the next day, or he’d end up resting for eternity. As he crawled into bed, images of the small town flashed through his mind. He hoped that by the same time tomorrow, he’d be in a place he could really, truly relax…

Hunter awoke like he would on any other day, dawn’s light spread throughout his rented room. He bolted upright as he remembered exactly what day it was. He climbed out of bed and limbered up, going through every stretch he knew. Once finished, he grabbed his cloak, knife and coin pouch before heading out to the streets. He bought a bagel from a cart near the inn, wolfing it down quickly. As soon as he was finished, he began the walk to the castle.

The ornate gate was being watched by two large, white Pegasus stallions clad in gold armor. Hunter walked forward, but was blocked as they unfolded their wings.

“State your business.” One spoke in a gruff voice.

Before Hunter could respond, another voice was heard from the other side. “Oh you’re here! I wasn’t expecting you so early.” Luna spoke from the other side of the gate.

“You know him?” The other guard asked.

“Of course, he’s here to help me with some political stuff.”

“Okay then…” The guard’s uncertainty was obvious, but they parted their wings and opened the gate all the same. As Hunter strode by, the guard couldn’t help but notice the bizarre image that adorned his flanks: the moon completely covering the sun in a spectacular solar eclipse…

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, there's part 4. Hope you enjoyed it. I plan on having the next chapter be the last, so stay  tuned.

Also, any criticism is much appreciated. Thanks again for reading!