Paradise
Chapter 10: Friends Relocated
Previous Chapter Next Chapter<><><>One Week Later<><><>
Walking out of the thin brush on the edge of the clearing with my hatchet in hand and my newish shotgun across my back I see Zecora tending to the garden and smile.
“Hey Z Guess what I didn’t see today?” Raising my voice I catch the zebra’s attention getting her to turn and start to approach
“Really?!”
“Yep! after my last tussle with the pair two days ago I see no new prints or signs of Shuck activity in the area.” Sheathing my hatchet Zecora catches up with me and starts to walk beside me.
“You think it’s safe for me to go home?” She asks with excitement in her voice.
“Mhhhmm.”
“Oh thank you Hank!” She rears up and wraps her front legs around my waist in a hug making me stop my walk.
“Heh, not a problem.” I ruffle her hair.
“Are you sure there is nothing I can do to repay you?”
Looking down to the Zebra still latched onto my waist I smile, “I’ve already told ya, you’ve done more than plenty to pay me back.”
“But-”
“No buts. You’ve made me a flourishing garden and small orchard, told me some very helpful herbs and plants to look out for, and ones to avoid, plus you’ve been a great friend. Hell I honestly probably owe you.”
Starting the walk back to cabin Zecora catches up to me again, rubbing up against my leg, and hums, “I still want to give you something though.”
“I ain’t gonna stop ya but i’m jus’ letting you know that ya don't have ta.”
“I just feel wrong not giving you something after seeing you limp or walk into the clearing with blood coving you day after day just so I can go home.”
“For one most of that blood wasn't mine, and two it gave me a great reason to use my hatchet and knives instead of my guns, I’ll run out of ammo eventually after all.” I frown at the thought before smugly grinning, “At least I’ll never run outta ammo fer these guns.” Raising my arms up I flex them constricting the white shirt's sleeve I was wearing
Looking at my arms Zecora blushes and snorts before shaking her head and smirking.
Putting my arms down I walk over to my Honda and sit down on the milk carton before looking closely at the engine that I had inspected and gotten close to finding the problem.
“Sill trying to find out what is wrong with your...motorcycle?” Zecora asks sitting next to me.
“Yeah, I’ve gotten close, I have ignition, filters are clean, gas is getting to the engine, it ain't locked up, all I haven’t done is check the carburetors. If that is the problem I’ll be happy and pissed at the same time, because that is one of the most simple fuckin’ things ta fix.” I rub my head and sigh. “But I’ll do that another day, I’m sure ya wanna get home so let’s get on that.”
“I agree, but uh… can you do something for me?”
“Dependin’ sure.” I shrug.
“Well remember when we were going through your containers in the shed and we found the um… heavy ballistic armor with the helmet you said you found?”
“Yeah.”
“Well I’ve been wondering what you would look like in all that black armor with that glass faced helm and big ‘swat’ shield.” She rubs her right foreleg with her left in what I’ve found to be a nervous habit of hers.
“Ya want me to play dress up? That’s what ya want as yer parting gift?”
“Yes.”
“You better have a damn good gift that yer givin’ me.” I cross my arms and stand up.
“I think you’ll like it.”
“I better.” Walking into the shed I start to take off my outer kit, needing to get down to my regular clothes.
With all my stuff unceremoniously strewn onto the dirt floor I walk over to the large dark blue water tight storage container and grab the assorted armor pads.
Putting the phantom interceptor plate carrier on first I leave it unsnapped and un zelcrowed so I could still easily bend over and put on the shin guards, knee pads, and thigh protectors.
With the leg pieces secured I sinch up the vest tight and snap it closed before adjusting the shoulder guards, neck guard and groin protector. With everything as comfortable as it was going to get I dig around some more for a black handkerchief before putting it on then the helmet with ballistic glass face mask.
Finding the shield I found with the set of armor I was currently wearing I grab its handle and set its rest on my left arm before bending over and grabbing the revolver out of its holster to hold with my right.
Feeling completely badass and not as weighed down as I expected I step out of the shed and into the sun’s light, slowlying walk toward Zecora as she steps back before quickly snapping into a crouching position covering most of my body with the shield getting her to jump back.
“Pft.” I snort standing up and lowering my shield to my side. “Why’d ya jump back like that?”
Taking a step forward The zebra cautiously looks me over, “Because you look meanising in that outfit, it’s just natural for zebras to back up when faced with something as big as… you. Especially when you move so abruptly.”
“So I look more menacing in this than when I’m in my regular kit?”
“Well yes, in your regular outfit you look more scary, but in this” She waves a hoof up in down gesturing to me “you look even more so like a impassable obstacle.”
“Thank you.” I place my right hand on my hip and smile at the compliment.
“You’re welcome?” She responds obviously bewildered.
“Well anyway, can I take this off now?” I ask while she nods yes. “Good, now get your bags packed and stuff, but I got one more thing for ya.” I turn around and walk back to the shed.
My regular kit back on and my heavy armor thrown back into the storage I walk over to where I had my four Motorola walkie talkies charging. Grabbing two and setting them to the right channel I walk back outside where Zecora was waiting.
“Hey Z, I need ta teach ya somethin’ real fast.” I motion for her to come over and take a knee.
Zecora walking over to me I hold out one of the radios and show it to her.
“I’m givin’ ya one of these ta keep so if you get in trouble you can contact me for help. The range will have a far enough reach so we should be able to stay in contact if you’re around your house and I’m in the the town.” I hold it out to her.
“Oh my... thank you! But I don’t think I know how to use it.” She nervously smiles and cautiously takes it into her hoof.
“Well I teach ya.” I scoot next to her and point to the switch you press to talk. “If you press that and talk” I press the button and talk into the device making my voice emit from the other, making her head snap to where the other was in her hoof. “The other person with the other com will hear you… but you always want to let off of the panel after you talk so you can get the response.”
“Here try it. I’ll go over there and you press the switch and talk and I’ll respond.” Getting up I grab the other radio and walk about one hundred feet away.
Watching Zecora just stare at the radio I hit the button on mine, “Don’t jus’ sit there. Hit the button and say somethin’.” Watching Zecora jump and fumble the radio I watch her re-grip it and wait.
“Um...Hello?” I wait until I hear her feed cut off before hitting the button on mine. “Howdy.” I let off the switch and see a big smile spread across her face before she quickly holds it up again.
“This so cool! How does your voice get into this small black box?”
“It’s a speaker, some circuitry, and a radio network. Don’t ask me anymore though cuz’ after that I’m in the dark too.” I strap the radio to a strap on my suspenders before walking back over to her.
“Neat huh?”
“I don’t think 'neat' does it justice, this is amazing!” Still staring at the small radio I smile and kneel back down. “There two more things though.”
“What?”
“Well for one you need to make sure this stays on the same frequency as mine so we can talk, so for simplicity let’s use one.” I turn the knob on her’s and mine to one. “It has to be on the same frequency so as long as we both have one as our setting we’ll be able to talk. So make sure it’s on one.” She looks to me and nods.
“Good. Another thing is that it has a battery that must be recharged. That means that you have to come over at least once a week to top it off.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem.” She looks up to me and smiles.
“Oh and... well I guess two more things. Only use this in emergencies, the less you use it the longer the battery will last, and it has a handy belt clip so you can attach it to your saddlebags when you go out.” I clip it onto her saddlebags for example.
“How intersting.” She spins in circles looking at the radio on her back the entire time getting me to laugh.
Stopping her spinning she realizes what she was doing and blushes. “Heh.”
“Well Zecora I don’t mean ta rush ya off but should we get going?” I stand up and grab the shotgun.
With a sigh she smiles, “Yes I believe it is time for me to return home.”
“Alrighty then, let’s fuckin’ do it.” We both start walking at the same time to the exit of the clearing.
Nearing the edge of the clearing I see Lilith look to use before standing and making her way over to use until she was behind us, “Guess she wants to come too” I snort and pat the big cat thing on the head “and a few of your friends as well.” Two of the male cats come up behind her on each of her flanks.
“Well we’re pretty damn well safe.” Zecora looks to the cats and nods.
“I’d say.”
“So how did you get that armor and shield?” Zecora asks as we walk down the path to her house.
“Well…” I run the back of my neck and step over a fallen log, “ Minus me being a weapon nut and my old situation being full of goodies to nab... long story short there was a guy who didn't need anymore it so I took it from him.”
“You stole it?” She looks up to me disapprovingly.
“I guess but he was dead so he probably wasn’t needin’ it anyways.” Zecora’s eyes go wide before she nods.
“Well in that case it guess it’s not as bad?”
“Well if you need to be convinced he tried to kill me first so…” Waving my hand in a circular motion she blanches.
“Well um... okay.”
Our Manticore bodyguard’s heavy footfalls accompanied by me and Zecora’s lighter leaf crunching ones we make it down the path before Zecora starts to speak again, “I keep thinking about how you’re used to almost getting killed everyday, I still can’t wrap my mind around it and how you made it through that, I don’t think I know anybody else that could.”
“Sure ya do.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know someone who could survive what I did.” I reply looking around the trees for threats.
“Who?”
“You.” I state matter of factly.
“Me? I don’t compare to you at all!”
“That's good.” I laugh. “But in all seriousness I know you could, you might not think so now, but I’ve seen you work and I’ve seen how you solve problems. Believe me I know what kind of person can survive and what kind can’t, you’d do jus’ fine.” Smiling I look down to her getting her to smile as well.
“Whatever you say.”
Shaking my head I snort and chuckle.
Her house coming into view she noticeably speeds up and beats me to the front door. The zebra stepping inside I hear her give a sigh of relief, “Oh good, everything's still here.”
Walking inside after her I see her walking around checking everything.
“Nothin’ missin’?”
“Nope it seems everything is still here, just as I left it.” She turns and looks to the broken door, “Minus the door.”
“Eh, I’ll rehang that fer ya. No big deal.” I turn and look in the corner seeing her staff. “Hey here’s yer walkin’ stick.”
Turning her attention away from whatever she was doing she walks over to the corner and grabs the stick, “This is no walking stick. This is a Krockdaw made fighting staff, engraved by my father with some of our most famous legends.” She spins it around her hoof and forcefully plants it onto the floor with a thud.
“What now...Crockpot fighting staff?”
“No Krockdaw, my clan, the great archers of Zebrica.” Still looking at her staff she explains.
“Ah okay. Why do you have a staff instead of a bow then?”
“I never really was much of an archer, I can shoot but I just took to medicine and a staff fighting more.” With a far away look in her eyes Z smiles.
“Well that’s interesting, you’ll have to tell me more about your home country, I’d love to lean more about this world.” I place my hand on my hip. “Maybe you could tell me while I fix yer door.” I point a thumb to the door off its hinges.
“Sure, maybe you could tell me more about your world.”
“Eh, I don’t know ‘bout that.”
“So if I remember correctly there is three clans: the Krockdaw, master archers, the Abindawhsee, tactful infantry, and the Utainde, who are next to god class craftsmen and shamans.” I recite testing the door. “The three were all once united as one great clan but when the three representatives of each group didn’t agree on how to divvy up some new territory a war almost erupted. To avoid conflict and rising tensions the three main groups split the land and still currently reside on what they claimed as theirs, but still raw nerves and high tension keep the three from reforming back into the great empire they once were.”
“Correct. The next meeting of the different representatives was coming up before I left but... I doubt anything will get resolved.”
Closing the door and nodding at its new state of functionality I sit down at the table across from the zebra with a grunt. “Hey at least your country has no infighting and is relatively stable, the country I love is nothing more than ash, abandoned buildings, and homicidal maniacs, plus some complete fuckin’ wank stains that call themselves people.” I scowl.
“I guess you’re right, I just wish I could see Zebrica back in its former glory like my grandma would always tell stories about.”
“I understand.” We both sit quiet at the table before I remember a question I was going to bring up a day ago but forgot, “Hey Zecora?”
“Hmm?”
“Is that bacteria stuff suppos’ ta fix all yer problems, like all of ‘em? Cuz my vision is a lot better than what it had degraded ta. I feel like I can see for miles.”
“Um heh yeahhhh.” She rubs her hooves together, “it will fix all physical abnormalities or damage it’s applied to,but since you have no resistance to it it will fix about... everything.”
“Oh… I guess that’s why I can hear squirrel eating a nut a football field away. Not bad mind you, quite wonderful really, I should be thankin’ you.” I motion to her.
“Oh there’s no need to thank me, I’m sorry for doing that too you as well but thanking reminds me of something.” She slides out of her chair and walks to her bed and grabs two somethings from under it.
Watching her quizzically my eyes go wide as I watch her carry a beautiful carved long bow twice as big as her and a full quiver of arrows to the table before setting them on the table.
“This was my grandfathers bow, he carved this bow himself and is one of the few bows to have been made by Alikazi in his later years, it is made from a rare tree called the Buigsame yster that is flexible but almost impossible to break and translates from ancient Zebrican to Equish meaning flexible iron...” Gently rubbing a hoof over the bow she continues, “and I want you to have it, you saved my life and showed hospitality to a person, and a species, you didn’t even know, you never asked for anything in return but yet I feel that you deserve something.”
Sitting still I stare at the bow as she scoots it toward me across the table, “I-I would love to but… I can’t. I can’t in good conscience take such a beautiful family heirloom out of the family it was intended for.” I break my line of sight from the bow to Zecora. “I don’t need nothin’ in return anyways, I got a great friend out of the whole ordeal, I don’t need no more.”
“Oh Hank” She smiles and looks to the table before looking back up to me, “How lucky was I to find such a great friend my first week in a new land?” Shaking her head she sighs. “I won’t leave you alone until you take this gift Hank, I never use the bow, it just sits and collects dust never getting used like it should. My grandfather would be proud to have such a strong and kind warrior wield his weapon, I would know.”
Staring at Zecora I feel knot form in my throat and a burning sensation form in my eyes making me wince and force the feeling back down. Getting up from the chair I walk over next to her getting a questioning look from her before crouching down and wrapping her in a tight hug making her squeek.
Her hooves slowly closing as far around my back as they could I hold the hug for another few seconds before breaking the hug and walking back over to my chair.
Sitting down I look to the madly blushing zebra and give a solemn smile, “Thank you Zecora, you have no idea it’s been since I’ve shared a moment like this, are you sure you want me to have the bow and arrows?” I cautiously ask.
“P-positive.”
“I thank you.” I gently pick up the large bow and quiver before inspecting it even closer.
Noticing the large, easily six inch engraved metal spike on the bottom of the bow I run my fingers over it.
“T-that is where you stick the bow into the ground to draw it back, the spike has been engraved and enchanted to make it stay solid in whatever surface you bury it in.” Her blush calms down as she points out the bows features, “The string also has been enchanted with a preservation spell to make sure it keeps its strength and tension. But be careful due to how powerful the bow is it has a incredible draw weight.”
Taking a arrow out of the quiver and standing up I place the arrow on top of my hand holding the bow and pull back with three fingers back to my right cheek.
“Or you can just pull it back like it’s nothing.”
Slowly letting the the string back it a neutral position I take the arrow and put it back into the quiver. “Oh I can tell that’s a extremely strong bow, in fact it feels like it’s around a hundred pounds so double that and… damn this is gonna do some damage.”
“Yes that bow is known for it’s strength and accurate range. I must say though, it’s strange seeing a bow pulled back without it being in the ground.” She rubs her chin. “Being able to move with a bow will just make it that much more effective.”
“You have no idea.” I smile. “Well Zecora I need to get goin’. You still know how ta use that walkie talkie?”
“Yes and I’ll be by every three days to charge it.”
“Great, see you soon Z.” I duck under the door frame and make my way outside before waving and turning around.
Walking a ways down the trail I decide to go and have a look at Ponyville and see how things are going, turning left I raise my shotgun and stick my arm though the bow where it was pinched onto my shoulder by its string and body.
The trio of cats have gone missing around Zecora’s I wonder toward the village to where I had been before, to check out the timid creatures and what they’re up too.
The trees becoming further apart and lighter in color the increased amount of sunlight gives off a general feeling of calmness before the bird song is interrupted by a scream to my left. Raising my shotgun I slowly make my way past a series of brambles before popping out the other side and seeing nothing. Lowering the gun I hear the scream again and start to run towards the sound.
Dodging through the trees my newly refurbished sense of hearing picks up the sound of growling and whimpering up ahead. Slowling down to quiet my footsteps I pull out my knife and quickly crouch walk forward through some trees before seeing a lone timberwolf growling at a hole at the base of a rather large oak while the occasional yip or scream comes from the hole.
Wanting to use the new bow I slowly take it from my shoulder and take a arrow out of the quivver, having to pull more than I expected to dislodge it. Notching the arrow and pulling it back I rest it on top of my hand and slowly breathe, aiming for the vitals of the wolf.
Exhaling I let go of the string and watch as I see the arrow fly right past the wolf and into the trunk of a tree behind it with a ‘thunk’.”
Cursing myself I pick up my shotgun and aim it at the wolf before lowering the shotgun confused as the wolf wheezes and hacks up green blood before falling to its side and heavily breathing.
Walking toward the wolf I notice blood leaking out of a hole on its left side and blood pooling on the dry leaves on it’s right.
Holy shit did that arrow go right through? I think standing over the wolf and watching it in its death throes as it suffocates in its own blood.
Smirking I unsheath my knife and crouch down before placing it on its side and with a push burying it all the way to the hilt into its heart making it go tense before going limp with a final shudder.
Looking around me I take the knife out of the wolf with a slurp before wiping the blade on my pants and resheath it. Noticing the arrow still stuck in the tree I look to the wolf and stick my finger in the hole the arrow made. Feeling some serious tearing of the inside of the wolf I turn it over and look at the exit hole, seeing it was the same size.
Zecora wasn’t lying when she said this bow was powerful, speaking of… I hold down the button on the radio. “Hey Z jus’ bagged a timberwolf with the bow you gave me so look out if there's one there's more.” I let off the paddle and wait for a response.
“Really you already got something with the bow? And thanks for telling me about it but the Manticores are still sniffing around and I got my other masks hung so I think I’m safe.” The radio cuts of as she let’s of the button on her end. “Are you hurt?”
“No I’m fine, the bow launched a arrow straight through the wolf’s lungs, didn’t even have a chance.” I stand up and walk to the tree to retrieve the arrow. “Arrow left some serious internal tearing as well, I’d hate ta get hit by one of these things.” I let go of the radio and pull the arrow out of the tree.
“Well that’s… good. I’m glad the bow works well.”
“Same here, I’ll get back with ya if I see anythin’ else that’s troblin’.”
“Okay, stay safe.”
Putting the arrow back in the quiver and the bow back on my shoulder I crouch down in front of the tree and look inside, the interior being too dark to see anything.
“Uh… Hello?” I ask hoping to at least get whatever was in the tree to react.
A far away bird being the only sound I heard I was about to get up before I hear a the beginning of ‘hello’ before it was shushed.
“Too late I heard you two.” I smile amused, “Might as well just come out now because I can wait a looooong time.” Walking back to a fallen log I wipe off the leaves and sit down, waiting for who ever was in the tree to come out.
Only waiting a meer minute I hear rustling, “Pip no don’t! It’ll eat you!” A voice warns before a small white and brown spotted colt comes out of the hole, obviously scared.
“Howdy.” I wave.
“H-hello.” He stays next to the tree.
“Yer friend gonna some out too or is he comfortable staying in a old tree?”
My words apparently having a effect another comes out of the tree much to the dismay of the voice.
“So there’s three of you then.” I surprisedly say looking to the dark brown colt that had a helicopter hat on his head.
The new colt not having anything to say I turn my attention to the tree as a blonde unicorn filly comes out of the hole and stands next to her friends.
“Is that all of ya?”
“N-no.” She stutters and looks back into the hole. “Just come out Rumble, it’s too late.”
“It wouldn’t be if you guys just stayed hidden.” The obviously agitated voice states.
“Holy shit, is there like a whole town of y’all in there or somethin’? How did y’all all cram in there?” I huff in amusement while a light gray with dark slicked back hair pony slowly peeks his head out of the hole before going right back in.
“We had to so the timber wolf wouldn’t get us.” The colt with the hat finally says something, albit quietly.
“But that doesn’t seem to be a problem now.” The mottled colt adds looking to the dead wolf laying in front on them.
Noticing the colt’s accent I squint looking at him, “Where ya from, ya got a accent to ya.”
“I just moved from Trottingham.” He answers nervously.
“Oh, heh. Puns.” I snort.
“What?”
“Oh there is er.... was a city back on my planet called Nottingham, but you’re ponies and you trot so Trottingham. Plus you got a English accent.” Explaining he seems to loose some of his nervousness.
“Oh, you’re offly friendly for a monster Mr.” The colt points out getting his two friends to look up from their hooves.
“Huh, figure that.” I smile.
“S-so you aren’t gonna eat us?” The blonde unicorn peeps.
“What? No why would I do that? Better yet who told you I ate ponies?”
Stepping forward the dark brown colt clears his throat, “That’s what a lot of ponies in town have been saying, even some of the guards! B-but you seem half as bad as the ponies in town have been saying, maybe mom was right.” He adds under his breath.
“What did ya mom say?” I question curious.
“She said that judging a book by its cover is never nice and that even though what you did was extreme it saved Ms. Roseluck’s life and ours when the wolves attacked.” Obviously still nervous about being confronted with what he saw kill a pony and two wolves the colt bravely keeps his head up at me.
Mentally applauding the kid I hum, “I’d say yer Moms pretty smart kid, I’d listen to her.”
“Yeah… she’s usually right.” He sighs and kicks his hoof making some dry leaves fly into the air.
“Ha ha ha.” I heartilly chuckle hitting my chest, “What’d she tell ya not ta do?”
“She told me not to go into the woods.”
“Pft, yeah you shoulda listened to her there sport.”
“I Know.”
The colt now looking to the ground in shame and mumbling ‘stupid’ to himself over and over again think of a question to stop him from beating himself up so bad and to make the others less scared of me.
“So you know I have ta ask why you four are in the woods right?”
The three all growing nervous smiles, including the dark brown colt, I raise an eyebrow, “Tell me.”
“Well... we all wanted to see what the Monster of the Everfree looked like up close, especially after what Scootaloo and her friends were saying about you.” The filly at the end says while pawing at the ground with her hoof.
“Shoulda known those three would say something.” I grin and shake my head before looking back to the band in front of me, “Well am I everythin’ ya were hopin’ fer?”
“You’re even more scary up close.” The filly answers with brutal honesty getting me to chuckle.
“That’s not nice Dinkie!” The small colt to ‘Dinkie’s’ left berates her getting her ears to depress to her skull.
“s-sorry.” In her smallest voice she apologizes.
“No problem, I'll take it as a compliment.” I wave off getting her to perk back up, “But what do you two think? Do I stack up ta what ya had me lookin’ like in yer heads?”
“No... Way cooler.” They both say at the same time, slightly taking me back.
“Wasn’t expectin’ ya ta say that, ya ain’t afraid of me?”
“No… well yes, but you saved us and you seem nice, plus Applebloom said you were nice too so maybe all those other ponies were wrong.”
Ah kids, the dumbest and smartest things on earth.
“Well I’m glad that you see me as nice and cool and not mean and… too scary.” I look to the unicorn filly with a fake hurt look making her giggle.
“Anyways since y’all were such a great crowd how ‘bout I gett ya back home and away from all the scary wolves and tall pale monsters.
“You know the way out of the woods!”
“Yep.”
“Good because we were kinda lost.” Dinkie admits.
“I figured, now get yer friend outta the tree and let’s go, I’ve still got things to do.”
Standing up and rolling my shoulders to readjust my pack I grab the shotgun and hold it in a lax position.
“C’mon Rumble, he’s nice and isn’t going to eat us.” Dinkie pleas looking into the hole.
“No!”
Turning back around to me she shakes her head and sighs, “He’s not coming out.”
“What got him so scared anyways?”
“He listened too much to the ponies in town and his brother.” Pip rolls his eyes, “He’s convinced you’re going to make us into a stew.”
“That’s jus’ stupid.” I incredulously look to Pip.
Why would I make a stew? I just barely have vegetables.
“Either way bud you have to come on out, if you don't the wolves will get ya, and if ya don’t I’ll leave ya.” I lie getting the other to look at me with big eyes, before waving them off to show I was lying and waiting for a responce
“S-so you aren’t gonna eat us?” The small voice of the last pony in the tree.
“Nope, I don’t eat sentient beings.”
“Sen-ti-ent?”
“Uh… things that can feel emotion and are more than animals… unlike the wolf there.” Looking behind me at the dead wolf I snort, “Though I doubt he’s gonna be feelin’ anythin’ for a while.”
“Oh o-okay, Just don't make any funny moves!”
“Heh, okay boss.” I laugh and back up.
Slowly peeking his head out of the hole the light gray pony cautiously steps into the open looking up to me and to the ground all the while.
“So now that the gang’s all here how ‘bout we properly introduce ourselves?”
“Sure! I’m Dinkie!” Dinkie jumps into the air as she introduces herself.
“I’m Pipsqueak, though I prefer Pip.”
“I’m Button Mash or just Button.” The spinner on his hat spins.
Looking to the other I wait for a response but never get one.
“Introduce yourself!” Dinkie elbows and whispers.
“Rumble.” He mumbles looking to the ground.
Satisfied that he at least said something I walk over to Pip and crouch down, holding out a hand.
“Name’s Hank, nice to meet you Pip.” He slowly puts his hoof in my hand, gently grabbing it I slow shake it before moving down the line to Button.
“Nice to meet you Button.” I shake his hoof as well before going to Dinkie.
Beating me to the punch she holds out her hoof, that I grab and shake, “Good to meet you too Dinkie.”
Letting go of the beaming filly I go to Rumble and hold out a hand, the colt looking up before looking back down I nod and stand up.
“Now that we’re all associated how ‘bout I get y’all home… eh?”
“Definitely.”
<><><> 1st person, Hank, path to Ponyville<><><>
“Maybe instead of trying to glide over the boss you could run under him when he jumps.” I suggest to Button after he got done explaining to me his problems in a boss fight.
“That wouldn’t… That couldn’t!... Why didn’t I think of that!” The helicopter on his hat rapidly spins, “Now I just feel stupid.” He kicks a rock.
“Hey don’t beat yourself up, you probably just got frustrated and stopped thinking. Am I right?
“Yes.” He sighs making Dinkie giggle, “How’d you know?”
Smiling I shake my head, “Because I’ve been in the exact same spot as you, super excited to beat a boss, lost over and over again, got mad, and kept failing. I eventually just had to stop and take a step back a rethink what I was doing.” We start the decline into the town, “When I had calmed down and saw what I had to do I felt really dumb too, but hey failure is a step of learning.” I shrug.
“Huh, Thanks.”
“No problem.”
Already seeing ponies looking in our direction I groan, “Ugggggh this is gonna be fun.” I look up and heavily exhale, not excited about going into town in broad daylight.
“What’s wrong Hank?” Pip asks looking to me.
“Oh I’m not excited about goin’ inta town and gettin’ stared at and pissed with by the guards.”
“You don’t have to go into town you know.”
“Yeah but I got a errand ta run and I want to make sure y’all tell the truth about what happened to yer parents.” This gets them to sigh and lower their ears.
“We’re going to be in so much trouble.” Button says getting the others muttered agreement.
“I’ll make sure you ain’t punished to severely, you have been through alot after all, but you have to own up to yer mistakes.”
“You’re right….”
Getting onto the flat and last hundred yards into town I see a few guards assembling on the road while ponies start to stop and look at me. Racking the shotgun a few times I empty it of shells before filling the tube back up so the chamber was empty, while keeping the extra shell in my hand.
“What is that thing?” I look down and see Button looking at me.
“Think of it as a cannon you can carry and easily reload.” I explain so he could possibly understand.
“Cooooool.”
“Oh yeah.”
Approaching the Guards I put my finger behind the trigger guard and rest it on my shoulder. Taking a deep breath to calm my racing heart I walk until there was only ten feet between us and the guards and stop.
“Morn…” I look down to my watch to see it turn to 12:01, “Afternoon.”
“What are you doing here?” The guard to my right spits, jostling his spear.
“None yer business.” I answer making the guard growl and step forward before his friend to his left puts a arm in front of him, stopping him.
“He didn’t mean to come off as rude sir-”
“Yes I did, why would I be polite to a monst-” The guard that had been interrupted hits him upside the head with the back of his hoof.
“Hey what was that for?!”
“Shut up!” The polite guard looks back to me and nervously smiles as I stare his friend.
“A-anyways sorry about my fellow guard pony being impolite but due to you being… you, it would be a great ease of mind to know if you were planning to do anything malicious.”
Still staring daggers at the impolite guardsman as he nervously shifts his eyes around I Look away from him and turn my attention to the one directly in front of me, “Thank you for being polite, I assure you I intend to do no harm unless is intended upon me. I’m comin’ in town to return these curious troublemakers back to their parents and swing by the bank to see if its legit or a trap.”
“Oh… okay.” He looks surprised at my answer, “What would you… uh do if it was a trap?”
Taking the shotgun from its resting place on my shoulder I hold it in both hands pointing the muzzle to the ground, “Fer the wellbein' of you and yer fellow guards you better hope it ain’t .”
“Oh, well it’s a good thing it’s not a trap then.” He laughs and looks to the other three that were just staring at him.
“Where’s Clover?”
“Private Clover?”
“Yeah.”
“ He’s been by the bank, why?”
“Because if this is a trap he’s gonna be the first to go.”
Not having anything to say we all just stand there looking at each other.
“Can I go now? These kids’ parents are probably already worried sick.” I look down and see the young ponies nodding.
“Um… sure.” The four split apart.
“Much appreciated.” I walk past the guards before stopping and looking over my shoulder, “And don’t follow to closely okay?”
The guards nervously smiling I grin back before turning back around and seeing all the ponies staring at me. “Uhhhhhhh, so where are y’alls parents at?”
“All out moms should be at my mom’s ‘socializing’, as they say.” Button answers rolling his eyes at the word socializing.
“Okayyyy, where’s that at?”
“ Oh! I’ll show you!” He enthusiastically takes the lead.
Following the colt I look all around and see dozens of eyes on me, subconscious alarms going off I slowly rack the shotgun.
The sound and my movement apparently startling somebody I hear a scream before all the ponies scatter and a cacophony of doors and shutters slamming around me fills the air.
“Coulda been worse I suppose-” Stopping mid sentence I watch as a pony runs from house to house pulling on doors to desperately get inside before realizing it was a fruitless effort.
Slowly turning to me I awkwardly wave making the pony bring a hoof to her head before falling over.
“Well shit.” I look around before looking down to the confused kids. “Didn’t think I was that ugly.” I snort.
“What’s up with them?” Button asks.
“I dunno.” Dinky shrugs.
Continuing down the road a ways we come up to a crossroads and start to head to the right.
“C’mon it’s just over here.” The kids speeding up I walk a bit faster before we hang a right into a residential neighborhood and walk toward a beige house with a small white fence around it.
Two guards standing in the doorway we walk up behind them before I loudly clear my throat making them turn around.
A light brown mare standing in the doorway Button instantly sees her and runs toward her before hugging her. Standing back A lighter brown mare and a gray pegasus mare with extreme cross eyes step out of the house before Dinky and Pip both take off to their respective guardians.
Wondering where Rumbles mom was I hear a thud next to me and see a light blue haired pegasus stallion touchdown making me flinch and duck.
Standing back up I see that Rumble had ran to this pegsus and was currently hugging him.
I’ll take this as my cue to leave. I think and faintly smile at the scene in front of me before slowly backing away.
“Hey! What are you think you’re doing!” One of the guards shouts getting me to stop and sigh.
“As of right now I’m leavin’, maybe my backing away hinted that captain obvious?”
“I’m not gonna take any lip from a abomination like you I oughta-”
“You oughta shut the fuck up and let these worried parents have a moment with their kids.” I interrupt and point to the ponies making the guard flush red and start toward me.
“Sir I believe you can leave now.” Button’s mom says catching the guard by surprise.
“What?”
“You can leave now, our children are no longer missing and I would like to have a conversation with the… stallion that returned them… in private.”
“But what if it tries something Ma’am?” The guard asks exasperated, making me clench my teeth and and inhale through them in anger.
“I’m sure if he was going to try anything he already would have. You two have been very helpful but I believe we can handle it from here.” The guard stutters for a second before sighing.
“If this thing does anything suspicious, tell us.”
“Of course.” She smiles.
The guards turning around they walk toward me.
“Watch yourself monkey.” The guard flashes his sword at his side as he stares daggers at me.
Stomping my foot on the ground and pulling my fist up I quickly snap toward him baring my teeth and growling making him stumble back an fall to the ground as he flinches.
Lowering my fist I make sure to show my canines before going back into a idle stance, the guard quickly getting up he fearfully looks to me before scurrying off with his friend.
“Kids why don’t you go inside and get some drinks, we need to have a talk with Mr….”
“Hank!” Dinky peeps and nods.
“Mr. Hank.”
“Okay!” They all walk into the house before the three mares and the stallion turn to me.
Standing still I slip the shell I forgot in my hand into the shotgun and look to them.
“I guess I just want you to know how grateful we are that you brought our little foals back to us safe.” Button’s mom thanks me while still sniffling, the two other mares nodding as well.
“Well I couldn’t very well leave them there.” I say getting the attention of the three.
“My you have a deep voice.” Pip’s mother says in a more pronounced accent than Pip.
“I blame my father.”
“You said leave them there? Where were they?” Dinky’s mother asks ‘focusing’ on me.
“The forest.”
With a collective gasp I practically feel a wave of relief wash over them.
“Oh my! They could of been seriously hurt, or worse!” Pip’s mother exclaims getting the agreement of the others.
“They were close ta bein’ in the worse category, and that reminds me, I need to talk to all y’all.”
“How much worse?” Button’s mom asks looking like she really didn’t want to know.
“Dead. Timberwolf had them pinned in a hole in the bottom of a big oak.”
I can see the mares start to tear up again.
“But hey, it didn’t happen, the kids are fine, everything is okay.” I say hoping to reassure the ponies so I didn’t have to stand awkwardly and watch them cry.
“You’re right.” Button’s mother wipes her eyes with her forearm. “ Do you want a reward or anything, I just don’t want to make you feel like we’re ungrateful for what you did an-”
“I don’t need nothin’ and I won’t take nothin’ if offered.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“And to think ponies call you a monster.” Pip’s mom smiles still sniffling.
Shrugging in a dismissive manner I blow off the word. “Don’t bother me too much.”
“But still to think of all the ponies you’ve helped or saved in the short time you showed up…”
“People gonna think what they gonna think.” I reply to Dinky’s mom, making her frown.
“Still it isn’t nice or right!” She stomps her hoof squinting her eyes, “I hate name calling.”
“So do I, but there is something I need to tell y’all.”
“What?”
“Well I’d imagine it’s safe to assume that they’re going to get a grounding or such for lying ‘bout going to the park and then goin’ into the forest?”
“Yep.”
“Definitely.”
“Oh yeah.”
“Mhm.” The otherwise silent stallions says reminding me that he was there.
“Well when it came to the Timberwolf I didn’t scare it off or somethin’ like that, I launched an arrow through its lungs and stabbed it in the heart.” My description causes the ponies’ eyes to widen and to take a small step back. “Now the kids obviously saw this and had to feel the terror of bein’ chased by a wolf in the first place so I’d advise making sure they’re doing alright and to console them when they get nightmares.”
“I’m sorry for havin’ to have them see that, but I wasn’t about ta let that thing live so… sorry.” I shrug.
“As bad as it sounds I’d rather have Button have nightmares for a few nights and be alive then to be... dead.” She starts to sniffle at the word. “B-but we have the princess of the night back so she may be able to help.”
“How could Luna help?” I ask curious about how Luna could do anything.
“Well with her back she can get into ponies dreams and make nightmares go away.”
“Sounds like a breach of privacy.” I scoff.
“I’d rather have her get rid of my nightmares than worry about her seeing anything. How’d you know her name anyways?
“Just because I live in the forest don’t mean I don't know anythin’.” I say to cover my slip up.
“Sure I guess.” She looks to ma and smirks
“Well I’m gonna get goin’ and get outta this town so… nice meetin’ y’all and… bye.” I awkwardly wave and turn around to leave.
“Are you sure you don’t want anything?” I hear from behind me.
“Yep I’m good.” I reply not turning around.
“Okay, well thank you!”
“No problem.” I politely wave and smile before turning right and walking back to the main strip.
--
Stopping and looking right them left I figure the bank must be to the right due to me not seeing anything on the way in. About to start down the road I see a large contingent of guards being led by the red mohawked one, that did not look too happy.
Backing up I start to look for a different way before seeing a half ladder have stair thing in a alleyway. Walking over to the stairs I test the first step before climbing up and ending up on top of one of the larger buildings on the main drag.
A taller building being connected to the one I was currently standing on I look around me before running toward the wall and jumping up on it and using my foot to push me up further before I grab onto the edge with my left hand and swing my right hand with the shotgun over before pulling myself up.
Well that was easy. I think looking around for building that would insinuate ‘bank’. Looking further down the main drag I see a two story white building with large glass windows next to a round building with a notice board in front, located right on the other side of the street from what looked like the market I ‘shopped’ at a week or so ago.
“Looks like a bank ta me.” I hum and start to walk down the main drag on top of buildings, jumping the gaps as I came across them.
Wonder if I could be like Assassin’s creed and free run on these? I pause and look at at the gap in front of me and back up.
No harm in trying I guess.
Taking a second I take a deep breath and push off before coming to the gap in the buildings and jumping over, the lessened gravity making me overshoot the jump by about five feet. Remembering to not push off as hard I run across the next roof and vault over the chimney before taking another step and jumping over a larger alley only clearing the gap by about a foot.
Running and jumping over various buildings and alleyways before coming up on what looked like another average jump, already past the point of stopping I realize that it was no average jump and instead was a small twenty foot wide patio connected to the front of a fancy looking restaurant. Speeding up as fast as I could in ten feet and quickly slinging the the shotgun I reach the edge and push off with all my force before being sent airbourne.
Time slowing down I look down at the dressed up ponies below me and lock eyes with a light blue mare with large pink sunglasses, the mare holding a fork halfway to her mouth looks at me with large pupils from above her glasses as I smile and look back up.
Looking back up the thankfully one story shorter building rushes toward me before I land and stumble catching myself with my left arm before standing and sliding to a stop.
“What ze hell was that!” I hear come from the patio.
“What?”
“Ze huge monkey wearing a helmet zat just jumped from that building to zat one!”
“What?”
“It smiled at me!”
“Photo are you sure you aren’t just tired from work and are seeing things?”
“No! I swear it jumped from there to there and smiled at me.”
“Photo that’s a twenty five hoof gap. How could anything jump from there to there?”
“I don’t know, but I must get a picture!” I hear a chair scoot across stone and hooves hit the ground.
Taking that as my cue to go I turn around and see that I'm on top of the building directly off the market and that I could clearly read ‘Ponyville Bank’ in gold lettering on the building I suspected was the bank, I also saw a guard in front of the bank.
Jogging to the edge to jump I jump off the two story building and and in a kneel, my knees not exploding thanks to the lessened gravity.
Unslinging the shotgun from my back I stand up making all the terrorfied ponies I literally just dropped in on backup, some of them falling to the ground before scrambling back to their hooves.
The square all silent except for the panicked breathing and whining of some of the ponies I take a step toward the bank, a shockwave practically making the ponies jump backward and run into each other.
Slowly walking forward more ponies scramble to run, knocking over a brightly colored mare in the process. Seeing me walk toward her She flails around trying to get up but eventually gives up and covers her eyes with her hooves.
Walking toward the downed mare, her ears rotated toward me I stop next to her and crouch down, holding the shotgun in one hand with the stock planted on the ground.
“You alright?” I ask the shivering mare getting her to peek from behind her hoof before closing her eye again.
“That was a pretty nasty fall anythin’ hurt?”
“N-n-n-no.”
“Good then take my hand.” Looking at me and to my hand she takes a hoof away from her face and cautiously places it in my hand. Grabbing her hoof she squeaks and I easily pull her to her hooves.
Noticing a book on the ground and one of her saddlebacks open I pick up the book and flip it over to the cover.
“A Heart in the Shadows. A romantic mystery set in pre modern Canterlot.” I read the books title and look to the surprised mare staring at me, “Not exactly my type of literature, but sounds interestin’ enough.” I place the book in her open saddlebag and buckle it shut.
“Happy readin’.” I stand up and continue toward the bank, leaving the mare with her mouth hanging open behind me.
Oproching the back I clear my throat, “That you Clover?”
“Sure is.”
“Great let’s get this thing over with.”
“Absolutely but one question first.”
“Shoot.”
“What in the name of Celestia’s tits were you doing on top of that building!?”
About to open my mouth he continues.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Better yet how did your bucking legs not shatter, I mean I know you’re strong and stuff but how!?” He points to the building and back to me, his calm demeanor gone.
“Ya done?”
“Yes!”
“Good, to answer your first question I saw your guard friends and commander or whatever coming down the road and I wasn’t to keen on dealin’ with their bullshit and second I most likely have higher bone density, and strength than ponies.”
His mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water he looks at me and rubs his face, “You know I wasn’t expecting that answer, but it’ll do. Let’s go” He turns and starts to walk to the front door.
“Jus’ outta curiosity what did ya expect me to say?” I ask following behind him.
“I dunno something like; ‘it looked like fun.’ and ‘who cares.’.” He says mocking my voice.
“Fair enough,” I shrug, “but my voice ain’t that deep and monotone.”
“Whatever you say.”
Speeding up and passing him I hold the unaveragly tall, for ponies, door open waving my hand in a go ahead gesture.
“Thanks.” He nods.
“No problem.” I follow in after him, “Do I sound that monotone though?”
“Yeah kinda.”
“Oh.”
Standing in the lobby we’re both quiet as we get stared at by all the ponies in the bank.
Being the recipient of ninety nine percent of the stares I stand uncomfortably before a grin tugs at my cheeks.
“Get on the floor this is a robbery!” I yell cocking the shotgun, a full shell falling to the floor.
The ponies screaming fall to the floor and cover their faces. Looking next to me I see Clover staring at me before elbowing me in the leg.
My small grin turning into a full blown smile Clover takes a step back before I break out laughing.
“OHHHHH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.” I bend over at the waist before falling to my knees and hitting the floor with the butt of the gun. “I-I-I… The looks on your fucking faces.” I take my helmet off and slam it to the ground before pounding the top of it with my fist as I rest my head on the floor laughing.
“Oh Oh Oooohhhhh, Heh heh heeeeeeh.” I pick my head off the floor and sit on my calf muscles. Wiping the sweat from my brow I grab my helmet and the shell before standing back up.
“Ahhhhhhh, okay time to get serious.”
I clear my throat and walk toward the teller, the ponies looking from me and to the door before all rushing out only leaving a old grandpa looking pony at the far teller with a grin on his face.
“What the buck is wrong with you?” I hear Clover say from behind me.
“Alot”
“Oh.”
Stopping at the teller’s post I take my shotgun and lean it against the countertop.
“Y-yes s-sir.” The blue mare says shaking.
“I’m here ‘bout the reward or somethin’.”
“Um…Oh right! Ahem, okay, w-would you like that in the form of f-five… Five Hundred!? Oh my.” She looks up from her paper and nervously smiles before shrinking back into her seat, “Would you like that in the form of ahem five Hundred one hundred bit coins or would you like to create a saving account to hold your fifty thousand bits?”
“Let’s go with the saving account, I don't think I got room for five hundred gold coins in my current livin' arrangement.”
“O-okay, I’ll just go get the papers.” She slides out of her chair and nervously walks into a different room.
Suspiciously following the mare with my eyes I look over my shoulder to Clover, “You remember what I said about this bein’ a trap right.”
“Can’t say I do.” Clover answers.
“Well if it is you’re the first ta go.” I look behind me and cock the hammer on my revolver, making sure all four clicks is heard.
Turning back around the blue mare comes back around the corner and sits back down in her chair.
“I’m going to need you to fill out your information, and the minimum to open the saving account is five bits but I think you have that covered.” She slides a piece of paper with ink and quill across the marble countertop with shakey hooves.
Looking at the ink and quill inquisically I dip it in the ink before reading the paper and signing what I saw fit.
Done writing my information, my quillwork getting more legible toward the bottom, I slide the items back toward the still nervous mare.
Reading over the paper she looks up to me.
“You put Hank A.K.A Monster of the Everfree as your name.”
“That’s what I am right?”
“Um… well.” She looks at me and then quickly back down to the paper, “You put,” She adjusts her glasses, “Around the big... fucking tree. As your address.” She whispers the swear looking to her left and right,“How will we find you if we need to send you mail?”
Staring at her I grin, “ For one you won’t send mail, but if you do come into the woods I’ll find you.”
Meeping she grabs the paper and slides out of her chair and quickly slinks back into the other room.
“You’re already scary enough, do you try to be overly scary like that?”
“Not my fault you ponies are ‘bout as damn soft as ten ply toilet paper.” I snort and stand up straight, my back cracking from being bent over for so long.
“That can’t be healthy.” Clover points out.
“Just gas escaping joints.” I explain as the mare walks back to the counter before sliding across a small rectangular book that said notes across it.
“These are your notes, you can use these to pay for things in larger shops, although most small stores may not take them, you also have to have bits in your checking account for these to work, a checking account was created along with your savings, it is empty however. Would you like to put any money in your checking account?”
“Well I guess it depends, is the stock market a thing here?”
“You mean buying partial ownership in companies?”
“Yeah.”
“Of course our stock broker is right through that door.” She points to dark wooden door that had stock broker stamped to in in gold lettering.
“Ah, thank you, I may be out to put money in my checking after all.” I grab my shotgun and walk to the door before knocking.
“Come in.”
“Now don’t freak out I’m not a pony.” I say not opening the door yet.
“That’s quite okay, please come in.” I open the door and step inside.
“What are you?” I look to the older stallion with neat brown hair.
“Not a pony.”
“Well… yes um please have a seat.”
<><><> 1st person, Hank, Bank’s steps, One hour later<><><>
“I can’t believe you put all fifty thousand bits into Fancy Pants’ stallion centered suit and clothing business, FIFTY THOUSAND BITS!” Clover yells getting me to sigh.
“Look, he apparently poured five million in it just opening multiple stores and hiring the right tailors, he also is one of the most foremost fashion A-holes out there, has a excellent political and social standing with the elites and common folk. He also just put it on the primary market selling it at ten bit’s a share.”
“You bought five thousand shares at ten bits each!?”
“Yes.”
“Are you stupid!?”
“I dunno.”
“Oh sweet maker.” He face palms making me chuckle.
“Just you wait, this is apparently the first stallion centered suit and shit store. Plus after hearing the trouble and rate of costly redos most stallions have to have done for a suit I’m bettin’ this is gonna take off like a rocket.”
“Oh my god, you placed this ‘bettin’?”
“Yes.”
“Holy buck.” Done with our ‘conversation’ I look away from the pony and to a group of ten guards with the red haired faggot in the front.
Slipping in the shotgun shell from earlier I. turn to my right and start to walk down the road.
“See ya later Clover, wave a good day.”
“Ugh… You too, you idiot.”
“Love you too.” I reply to the still frustrated pony only hearing a deep sigh in response.
Walking down the road ten more feet I hear the movement of metal behind me.
“Halt!”
Still walking down the road I hear it again.
“Halt!”
Continuing to ignore the requests of what had to be red mohawk I don’t slow down.
“What part about Halt do you not understand you animal!?”
Still walking I finally reply, “I understand jus’ fine but I choose not to listen to diptards like yourself.”
Looking over my shoulder as I walk forward I see the commander starting to follow me, his face beat red.
“You are to be questioned about assaulting a guard. Now halt!”
“You mean Bolt? Pegasus dipshit extraordinaire? All I did was trip him and throw him down hill, his dumbass fault he didn’t fly like a winged creature can.”
“That is assault you disgusting monkey!”
“Assault, fuck off, it was self defence if anythin’, he came at me with a sword unprovoked.”
Quite the crowd being drawn from our on the move argument I decide that if he said anything else that it was time to end it.
Peacefully walking down the road I wave to Pip and his mom as I see them walking down the sidewalk together. Smiling as they wave back I keep walking.
I didn’t even ask for the ladies’ names, that’s kinda rude, I’ll just have to apologize and ask in the future I guess. I shrug and carry on my way peeking over my shoulder and seeing that red mohawk stopped following me and was standing still watching me instead.
Shooting him the bird over my shoulder I walk toward the edge of town, ignoring the gasps and sounds of disgust ponies were jeering me with through their windows.
Stepping outside the town I begin up the hill toward the Apples place. The steep hill being nothing for me to scale I Near the gate where I see Applejack walking down the path toward me, a frustrated look on her face.
“Howdy Aj.”
“Howdy Doc.” We both stop and I assume a position leaning on the fence.
“What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothin’.” She says with a sigh.
“Ah c’mon now what’s wrong?”
“Honestly I feel ashamed about feelin’ upset about this but I can’t help it. Twilights got an extra ticket to the Grand Gallopin’ Gala later this year and she didn’t give it ta me.”
“Has she invited somebody else?”
“No she ain't invited nopony yet, but she should invite me.”
“And why’s that?” I ask.
“Because if I was invited I could bring a cart of treats and such and sell them to get the farm some more exposure, no brainer right?
“Well…”
“Ah c’mon really?!” She wipes the sweat from her forehead.
“Hey, look at it this way. Twinkle or whatever has got more than one friend ta consider right?”
“Um yeah. So?”
“So she don't wanna show favoritism. She only got one ticket and if she gives it to one outta how many of ya there are..”
“Five.”
“Five of ya, then she makes it seem likes she values one friend over all the others. Put yerself in her shoes if you had one ticket and five friends, who were all askin’ ta go, who’d ya give it to?”
Opening her mouth she looks from left to right before closing it.
“Ah, Ah don’t know. Ah never thought of it that way.”
“See. Ya don't want ta make it seem like you value somebody else over all others, but you can’t do that if you do. So really ya only got one option.”
“What’s that?”
“Well if it were me with a extra ticket to a party, which I wouldn't have cause I don’t go to parties, and five friends that were all dyin’ ta go I’d give the tickets to two other people or rip ‘em up, take the good ol’ all for one and one for all route.”
Seemingly thinking over what I said she slowly nods her head before smiling, “Ah see what ya mean, Ah don't want nopony upset.” She smiles and shakes her head, “That was right down foolish of me ta think that way, thanks fer the advice Hank.”
“No problem it jus’ takes a outside perspective sometimes.” I smile and stop leaning on the fence and resume walking home.. “Have a good one Aj.”
“Say. You plannin’ on stoppin’ in sometime and visitin’ with us?”
“Not really. Why?”
“I guess I just thought you’d stop by every so often, Apple Bloom misses ya, and it’s a good change ta have an extra pony at the table for supper.” She says looking downtrodden.
“Just figured I be a bother.”
“What? No. Don’t think fer a minute yer a bother at the Apple family home, with what you’ve done for us you’re always welcome.”
“Well maybe I will come by sometimes then.”
“Great, I’m sure AB won't be the only one happy to see ya.” She smiles and turns around before walking toward the town.
What the hell does that mean? Ah like I care. Kinking a lone rock I sigh, I kinda do though, that was weird.
Thinking about it for a second I shrug and continue back down the dusty road.
Listening to the rustle of the leaves and various small rodents rustling around in the trees I feel a feeling of calmness wash over me as a warm breeze across my skin. Enjoying the warm breeze and the summer air full of life and sweet smells I approach Fluttershy’s house and see her walking across the small bridge.
Seeing me the yellow pony smiles and waves at me.
“Hey Flutters.” I greet back with a tip of the helmet.
“Hello Hank, how have you been? I haven’t seen you in awhile.”
“Oh pretty good, same ol’ same ol’. You?” I ask the quiet pony, happy to have caught her.
“Pretty good, the animals are doing good, but I guess I’m a tad sad today.”
“Grand Gallopin’ Gala tickets?” I ask with a hunch.
“Y-yes how did you know?”
“Caught AJ walking ta town and she told me y’alls problem, though I think I gave her some good advice.”
“Oh… What was your advice?” She asks tilting her head to the side.
“Well I just told asked her who she would pick over everybody else, if she’d be willing to show favoritism when she like all her friends equally. She figured out she’d rather have everyone go or no one at all.”
Milling over what I said Fluttershy smiles and nods, “I-I agree, it was silly of to bug Twilight like that, Oh my I need to apologize.” She brings a hoof to her mouth, “Thank you for the advice Hank.”
“It’s what I do.” I shrug.
Humming she gasps, “Oh I’ve been meaning to ask you,”
“Yeah?”
“Would you mind it if I came by sometime with some food and drinks? I know we’ve talked some before but I’d still like to formally get acquainted.”
Partially surprised by the question I take a second to respond.
“I-if it's not that’s okay! But I just it would be nice to get to know one and other more since we are technically neighbors.” She nervously explains.
“No its fine, I guess I’m jus’ surprised someone would want to come to where I live, I’m not exactly the glowing beacon of hospitality of this area.”
“Maybe not to ponies who don't know you but me and Aj think you’re pretty friendly.”
“Huh. Well sure I guess, I don't got a problem with it.”
“Oh goodie! is this next week okay?”
“Yeah, I reckon I won’t have much goin on. Wait it’s Saturday today right?” I ask wanting to know if what Zecora told me was right.
“Yes.”
“Then yeah, all clear.”
“Is wednesday okay?”
“Should be.”
“Goodie.” She claps her hooves together and smiles.
“Well it’s a date then, I’ll see ya later Flutters.” Walking down the path I turn, “Hey how has your door been doin’.”
“Oh, great, still no squeak.”
“Good, Well bye then.”
“Bye Hank.” She waves before I wave back and start onto what would be my driveway.
About halfway down the path and tired of looking at the same dirt trail I remember that I had a incredible bow on my back and sling my shotgun so I could hold it instead.
Slipping my arm free from the bow’s hold I grab it with my right hand and start to inspect it, still walking down the path.
“Damn this thing is ornately carved.” I say in astonishment looking at the insane detail the different large snakes and other desert animals were carved in.
“We got snakes, a scorpion or two, and some different types of budding vines with… a language of some sort carved from where the bottom of the hand grip is to the spike.” Rubbing the bow and feeling the smallest details I shake my head, “This thing is insane, this Alikazi feller was one skilled sum bitch.”
Marveling at the bow I look up and see that I was just about to my clearing already, only holding the bow in my right I walk into the clearing and see that most of the manticores were milling about, walking in and out of the forest presumably excited about something.
Lilith spotting me the big cat jumps the stream and rushes over to me chirping.
“Whoa girl. Where’s the fire?”
Lilith ignoring my comment chirps and nuzzles me before nudging me toward the group and quickly starting to walk back over.
Not following she looks behind her and chirps again, getting her message I follow the manticore at a jog to keep up.
Jumping over the stream and catching up to Lily so I was walking beside her we walk up behind the others making a circle around something, deeply purring the two males in front of us look behind them and part, giving me the stink eye the whole time.
Shrugging it off I approach what turned out to be the slightly chubbier manticore laying on its side covering something with its wing and tail.
Looking up from its side with tired eyes and what had to be a smile on her face she looks to us before slowly moving it's wing and tail showing five 'small' manticore kittens sleeping away.
The entire group of cats breaking out into various chirps and purs I stand awkwardly staring at the adorable little golden brown puff balls with a smile.
Shaking my head and quietly chuckling I pat Lilith on the back and few times before leaving the manticores to do their thing.
“Maybe I should start using the meat dehydrator I found in the shed? I do have salt and some time so I guess I could try.” I sling the bow across my back and feel my mouth start to water at the possibility of jerky,
<><><>3rd person, Lilith, Clearing<><><>
Watching the strange monkey like creature the pride had taken to calling the “guardian” walk back to its home Lilith felt a general relief radiate from her pride mates.
Lilith didn’t know why they were all so nervous around him, or at least she thought it was male, the guardian’s figure confused most of the members to as what it’s true gender was. All she knew is that some of the members of her pride were convinced that he was going to try to kill them after he ran out of wolves to slaughter and became bored.
Lilith however wasn’t convinced, the Guardian had been the one to save her life and allow her and her pride to take refuge in his clearing, he had given them the means necessary to keep living, it would’ve taken only one more attack when they were all sleeping to wipe the already lessened pride of the earth.
She had tried to explain this to her mates but only a few of them agreed, even after explaining how he played with the young and saved her, three fourths of the pride didn’t trust him. Especially after Leo had told reported seeing him kill a entire pack of timberwolves and rip the two alphas limb from limb.
Shaking her head Mother calls Lilith’s attention making her look to her tired friend, forgetting her problems with the pride and state of the forest she looks to the new kittens and happily purrs.
The birth of five new young will certainly be a moral boost to the pride and bring them out of their grim thoughts, yes Lilith could see it now, things were about to get better.
<><><> 1st person, Hank, Shed <><><>
"Okkkkayyyyy, got the right and left carburetor off and, yeah these could be the problem." Talking to myself in my head I look at the filthy carburetors and inhale through gritted teeth, “These are nasty.”
Setting them on the bench and turning on the light I turn around and look for the cleaner and various small sockets, wrenches, and screwdrivers I was going to need.
My items in hand I sit down on the bar stool lay them down, picking the carburetor back up I push and pull the various springs and levers finding some of them were very stiff and some were equally as loose.
Humming to myself I find a frisbee to my left and turn it over so I could place all the small but important parts in it. Spraying the outside of the carburetors with cleaner and wiping them down with and old rag I get it as clean as possible before picking up the correct allen head and unscrewing the screws holding the carburetors together.
“This is gonna be a process alright.” I smirk and dig my phone out of my pocket before taping on the screen to select a song.
A surprising amount of gunk and build up cleaned out of the carburetors, a butterfly valve tightened, a butterfly valve loosened, floaters cleaned and springs re-wound I attach the last hose before sighing and sitting up straight, my back cracking from being hunched over so long.
Yawning and slapping myself across the face I grab the parts and walk back out to where the bike was sitting before plopping down on the milk carton and placing my phone on the seat, songs still playing.
Strapping it back in and connecting all the right tubes to the right places I twist the throttle and test the levers and springs to make sure they were right. Satisfied with the performance I connect the pipes on the back to the pan that held the air filters, knowing the air filters were already clean I don't bother to check them.
Looking over the bike I give a nod and stand up before throwing a leg over the seat, remembering my phone I pause the music and slip it back into my pocket.
Sitting down on the seat I make sure it’s in neutral before patting the tank, “C’mon girl you can do it.”
Rubbing the tank and patting it one more time I lean over and turn on the gas and choke before twisting the throttle to make sure the fuel got into the dry carburetors. Taking a deep breath I hit the electric start and listen to the engine turn over not even sputtering.
About to give up I hear the engine catch before the bike roars to life the entire back vibrating due to the fast idle.
Sitting on the seat in disbelief I return to my senses I close the choke and turn the idle adjustment turning the idle from weed eater to a fast chug. Letting it warm up I grab ahold of the throttle and twist it back making the bike rev high and scream. Letting it down rev I open it up over and over again, my smile growing bigger and bigger every time.
About to pop it into first I remember I wasn’t alone and look over to where the manticores where, looking over I see them all staring at me, killing the engine I wave.
“Hey real fuckin’ sorry, didn’t remember the kittens!”
The Honda now shut off I dismount and look down to my watch, the glowing hour and minute hands being the only things I could see on the watches face in the dark night. Feeling a yawn come on I rapidly shake my head back and forth before deciding that it was indeed time for bed.
Grabbing all my stuff I walk inside and throw it into the loft, untying the boots I remove my back ups and rub the side of my leg, “Ugh, that’s leavin’ a rash, guess I’ll just have to find somewhere else to hide em’. The knife is fine though, it’s small enough.”
Ripping the socks off I remove my belt and suspenders before taking off the plates and jumping into the loft, not before grabbing my revolver and holding it in my right hand.
“Things are just getting weirder and weirder all the time.” I huff and shake my head, looking up to the ceiling of the loft, “I mean who would ever want ta talk to me? That’s the most off puttin’ really. I mean I can deal with bug lions and wolves but social interaction past ‘Howdy’ not so much.”
{detide}