Paradise
Chapter 12: The Wind Down (Pt. 2)
Previous Chapter Next Chapter<><><> 1st person, Hank, en route to the orchard <><><>
Looking at my face in the rear view mirror while driving to the orchard I see a few smaller cuts, still weeping, that I neglected to notice before. Turning to the side I re examine the cuts to my scalp above my left ear, grunting as I see that they were much wider and deeper than I previously thought.
“Still bleedin’, almost to the bone, and through the hair. Yeah I can count on that hair never comin’ back.” Feeling the cuts as they trace to the back of my neck I groan, “and it wraps around all the way to the back of my neck, fuckin’ rad.”
Pulling up to the gate I stop looking at my blood stained self and turn onto the driveway. Traveling down the path I pull up to the cosy farm house and barn before killing the engine. AJ and Mac coming out of the barn I open my door and step out of the truck.
“Howdy y’all.” I wave, the two ponies facial expressions going from ‘pleasant surprise’ to ‘horror’ in a blink of an eye, “What? I can’t be that ugly.”
“What in the hell Hank? Granny Hank’s hurt bad!” Mac yells before turning and fastly going to the house, “Stay right there!” He yells over her shoulder before disappearing into the house.
Staring at the door Mac just disappeared into I slowly look over to the barn, “I really ain’t hurt too bad, most the blood ain’t mine anyhow.” Talking to myself I whisper.
Stepping back out of the door and trotting over to me Mac stops, “What the hell happened?”
“Shucks.”
“How many?”
“twenty-ish er so regulars and two specials.”
“Buck Hank. What happened ta them?” Mac asks walk closer to me.
“I happened ta them.”
Both of us turning our heads to the sound of hooves on hard wood we look to the porch where Granny and Applebloom were approaching.
“My goodness! What happened to you!?” Granny says slowly making her way over to me.
“Shucks.” I simply answer.
“How many?”
“Twenty er so.”
“What happened to them?” She asks stopping next to Mac.
“I did.”
Squinting she looks me over, “You killed twenty Shucks?”
“Killin’ is my talent so I managed.”
“How aren’t you in a million pieces, a pony couldn’t even take on one.” Granny asks in dis belief setting down a basket of basic first aid items.
Looking from the basket I look to all three of them, “I’m a generally hard person ta kill, I’m basically the human equivalent to a cockroach, cept I fight back.”
Rubbing the side of my head I remember what I came here to do, “but I’m mostly fine and I don’t need no help, I actually came here to show y’all somethin’.”
“And what’d that be?” Granny asks definitely intrigued.
“Well I promise y’all it ain’t good and that it frankly may be a tad scary ta y’all so AB if ya want ta leave and go back inside that’s up to you and yer family, but it could give ya nightmares.”
“Geez what is this thing Hank?”
Looking to Granny I frown, “I honestly have no idea, and hey where AJ at?”
“She got called inta town about somethin’ that happened earlier, Rainbow dash just came by and they ran ta town.”
Knowing I was the incident that happened I feel a grin pull at my lips, “Huh that’s strange.”
Walking backward I spin around and go behind the truck, “Now I’m guessin’ y’all know what a regular shuck looks like right, and how dangerous they are?”
“Eeyup.”
“Mhm.”
“Yep.”
Hearing their confirmation I grab the back legs of the thing and forcefully slide it off of the tail gate and off to the side of the Humvee for them all to see. Gasps and other profanity following I step out from behind the back of the truck.
“There were two of these things with the others and let me tell you, those bastards are ten times more deadly than the smaller ones. This one almost killed me, so imagine what it could do to a small town like Ponyville. That’s a sight I’d rather not see myself.” Crossing my arms I kick it, “This things jaw unhinges and could prolly take a smaller pony in with one bite, not to mention that it weighs three hundred pounds and hits like a damn semi.”
“Oh Maker.” Granny says taking a step back, “This ain’t good.”
“How did you kill that!? T-that shouldn’t be possible! It’s the size of a bear!”
“I had to, failure wasn’t an acceptable outcome.”
“What did you use? A cannon?” Mac further asks, dumbfounded with the size of the beast in front of him before giving it a small kick.
“No a wood splitting maul and when it broke a hatchet, I killed two of them hand to hand.”
Sighing I point back to it, “That’s not the point though. The point is that the woods are now more dangerous than ever, You HAVE to stay in at night, understand y’all? It. Is. A. Absolute. Go out at night you die.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so serious Hank.”
Looking to my left at Granny I shake my head, “I can get a lot more serious than this, but this is a matter of life,” I hold my left hand horizontal to my body and open it. “and death.” I do the same with my right but ball it up before bringing it down in my left.
“Long story short I don't want the first people to give me a chance ta get hurt or worse. I’ve lost too many lives already and I’ll be damned if I lose anybody else, so please be safe, I’m gonna try ta figure out how to get rid of these wolf things.”
Picking up the wolf with a grunt I roughly throw it onto the tailgate before forcing forward into the bed. Peeking out from around the back I clear my throat.
“Another thing, these attacked me just about half an hour ago at one so keep frosty at all times.”
Walking back toward the family I open the door on the Humvee.
“You sure you’re okay there Hank?”
Stepping back out of the truck I smile, “Yeah I’ve had worse, nothin’ ta get spooked about. Hey a question though.”
“Hm?”
“Well can I borrow your wagon to take this bitch in town? I’d rather not let them know I have a…” Looking behind me I point a thumb over my shoulder at the humvee, “that.”
Puzzled Mac cocks his head to the side, “Why you want ta go to town and why don’t cha want ponies ta know ya have that?”
“One I have to warn them and two if the government found out I had that they’d come for it, being more advanced than your enemies is a huge part in war.”
“Yeah go ahead.” Granny interrupts, “Its one forty five right now we don’t need it for another hour or two.”
“Thanks Granny.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Smiling I point to the barn, “Guessin’ she’s in there.”
“Eeyup, Lemme get it fer ya Hank.” He says before turning around and heading toward the open barn door.
“Nah, I can get her Mac.” Following the red pony he beats me to the barn.
“Nnope.”
Stopping I turn back around and walk back to the rest of the gang, “Never mind then.”
Leaning on the Humvee waiting for Mac to return I take my canteen off my hip and set my helmet on the hood. Taking a sip I groan in delight before holding my left hand in a cup and pouring some water into it before splashing it on the cuts on my scalp.
“Ya really sure you’re okay Hank?”
Red water running down my neck and in my ear I tilt my head to the side and swab the water out of my ear while looking up to AppleBloom, who I hadn’t heard a peep out of yet.
“Oh yeah don’t worry bout me AB.” Smiling I continue to wash the cuts out.
“But you’re bleedin’ from yer head a lot.” With big concerned eyes she points out.
“Yeah, cuts ta the head always bleed, but it’s nothin’.” Putting up my canteen I wipe my hand on my pants. Hearing the sound of wooden wheels I look to my right and see Mac come to a stop and dismount from the wagon.
“ ‘preciate it Mac.” Walking over to the cart I take the yolk out from in between the two handles and set it back on his neck, “Don't really need that though.”
“No problem.” Shaking back and forth he settles the yolk back into its proper place.
Pulling the cart next to the back of the Humvee I pick the Shuck up with a grunt and throw it into the cart, “Thanks again y’all.”
“Not a problem Hank, you wanna go ta town alone or do ya want Mac to accompany ya?”
“No that’s fine, it’s prolly better not ta associate with me anyways.” Grabbing the handles I pick the front end up and wheel it around so my back was facing the Apple family.
“Ya sure ya don’t help there Hank?”
Looking behind me to Mac I nod, “Yeah I’m fine, but I’m serious about not associatin’ with me though, don’t let ponies know ya know me.
“Now why’s that?”
Looking to Granny I set the cart down and turn around so I was facing them, “Don’t want my less than perfect image stainin’ y’all’s business, I ain’t the shinnin’ star of the public ya know.”
“Well I thinks it’s an honor to associate with ya Hank, you’re a one in a million person.” Granny says smiling
“Heh whatever I gotta go.” Dismissing the compliment I turn back around I grab the cart by the handles, “See ya now.”
Pulling forward the wagon wheels creak before I start down the path leaving the orchard behind.
Having to push back on the cart to keep it from running me over as I go down the hill into the town I switch back to pulling as I reach the final stretch into town.
My increased blood pressure causing the wound on my head and apparently above my eye to start to bleed again fresh warm blood was running down my face and neck, gettinging into my mouth periodically causing me to have to spit it out no doubt making my teeth a reddish white tint.
Walking right past the guards at the opening to town I continue down the main road getting a great many more stares, probably due to my bleeding appearance. Forgetting about the ponies and the stares I turn my head forward and approach the library, a large mass of ponies and reporters talking to none other than purp standing behind a podium, Rarity, AJ and two others flanking her.
Coming within ear shot I hear the speech she was giving.
“We do not know where it comes from but it is presumed to be male and is extremely dangerous. Today a assault was made on the Captain of the Ponyville garrison, Sergeant Thorn.” A ripple of shushed groans and muttering at his name she waits for the crowd to settle down, “Princess Celestia, after interviewing the Sergeant, said that the creature attacked the Sergeant unprovoked with murderous intent-”
“Oh that’s nothing but lies!” A eastern sounding voice calls out from the crowd interrupting autistico’s speech, “Yeah that’s right, I was there and that’s nothing like I saw at all.” All eyes on the male pony he furls his brow and continues, “What I saw was the so called captain prick getting mad after losing a funny as tartarus insult war and pull his sword on the stallion. All he did was defend himself and put that prick in his place before leaving.” Snorting he stomps his hoof, “I don’t know why you’re all lying trying to get your savior arrested but damn, have some integrity!”
The crowd starting up again I lift up the front end of the waggon before letting it fall and hit the ground with a thud.
The entire crowd turning their head and gasping I stand there and put right hand on my hip before rubbing my left ear, “Now I knew my ears were burnin’.”
Purps horn charging up I turn my head and point to her, “Be careful there dipshit, do ya want ta end up like the Sergeant snowflake? Cause I’d be a fuckin’ honor ta rearrange yer face.”
“Hank what the buck!” All her friends but Rarity, who I wave to, looking at Aj flabbergasted at how she was talking to me stare at her with their mouths open
“Well howdy ta you too AJ.” I smirk.
“What in Celestia’s name happened ta ya!?” She leaves the place next to her friends and starts to me.
Holding out a had I stop her, “The usual, havin’ a good day then. Bam! Somethin’ comes ‘round ta ruin it, now let me explain.”
Clearing my throat and spitting up some blood I look all around me, “Now I may not like many of y’all or even know ya but I don’t dislike most of ya enough to what ya dead either. So that being said I felt like I needed ta show y’all somethin’ that crawled out of the woods and ruined a damn good picnic I was havin’ with a friend.”
Making sure to look all around me when I was speaking I pause and listen for and conversation. The crowd around me being dead silent I huff and grab the oversized wolf, “I’m guessin’ you all know what a Shuck is right?” No response I roll my eyes, “Right!?”
Mumbled ‘yesses’ and ‘Mhms’ filling my ears I nod, “Thank you. Back to my story, bout twentyish regular Shucks attacked me and my friend before…”
Picking up the shuck under its front legs so I could hold it up vertically I drag it out out the cart and show it to the ponies surrounding me,
“Two of these attacked me too.”
Waiting for their paniced gasps and scared mumbles and screams to settle down I set it down aways and hold it in a chokehold with my left arm, “Ugly sum bitch I know, but this IS extremely dangerous. From what I can gather their jaws can unhitch and can probably take a pony in whole, they also have some serious jaw strength, enough so snap a wood splittin’ maul’s handle in two with one snap.”
Pointing to the various features of the killing machine I let it slump to the ground, “If that ain’t bad enough they seem ta travel in at least pairs, and I assure ya, they hit like a runaway semi and are hard as absolute fuck ta kill.”
Making sure I look to each group of ponies I settle on Purp, “Look, take me as you will, monster, murderer, abomination, whatever. Petty names don’t fix nothin’. Frankly after killin’ those two and gettin’ as close ta death that I’ve been in awhile I realized what an absolute massacre would go down here if THAT came inta town. I don’t want ta see a entire community die again, I’ve seen enough death and as much as I may hate some of y’all, ya don’t deserve death.”
Taking my helmet off and holding it in my left hand I place a balled up fist over my heart, “For now I’ve saved as many ponies as I could, those four kids, the attack that happened today on the trail ta the city, and I promised myself back when I became a field medic that I’d save as many as I could but I won’t be able ta save everyone.”
Sighing I take my hand of my heart and put my helmet back on, “That’s why I’m urging y’all ta stay out of the woods, be wary of yer surroundings, and watch yer kids. Don't let a death be the thing that makes you realize how serious this is.”
Done with my rant I pick up the wolf and throw it back into the cart, “Oh and I don’t usually ever throw the first punch, so if ya don't mess with me I won’t mess with y’all.” Looking to Applejack and her friends I nod at their scared expressions before grabbing the handles of the cart and spinning it around before starting to walk out of town the wall of ponies spreading apart to let me pass. Walking through the crowd I spot Button standing on his mom’s back, both of them looking worriedly to me.
Stopping the cart I look at the pair, “Hey Button, and I apologize for my rudeness but I don't believe I asked your name when we previously met Ma’am.”
The timing throwing her off she looks at me quizzically before shaking her head, “O-oh I’m E-elaina.”
“Pleasure to meet ya,” Holding out my hand she places her hoof in my palm, shaking her hoof I let go, “Names Hank, but ya already knew that.” Standing up from my leaned over position I flick the helicopter on Button’s hat.
Picking the cat back up I take a step, “Sorry again for my poor manners.”
“T-that’s fine, really.” An amused tone to her voice she reassures.
Nodding I turn back around, “See ya later little dude.” I wave over my shoulder to Button.
“Oh, bye Hank! Get better!”
“I will.” Continuing out of town and leaving the ponies behind I hear multiple hoof falls on my left and right. Looking side to side I see white guards flanking me, “Boys I think you should re think what you were goin’ ta do from this point on.”
“We have a order to arrest you.”
“Well I think you need ta rethink that, you heard what I said about messin’ with me.”
“We will use force if we are needed to.” He says in a monotone voice getting me to stop the cart.
Cracking my knuckles and my neck I stare at them as they all take a step back, “You wouldn’t know force if it hit ya in the face sweet cheeks, but I can try ta show ya.”
Not moving from their spots I nod, “That’s what I thought, jus’ think of it this way fellas, locking up the only person who can kill your main threats right now prolly ain’t a great plan.” Grabbing the cart I pick it back up, “Plus I’m sure one of y’all saw what really happened between me and yer bastard of a captain, ya know what really happened.”
Resuming my walk I grin at the non existent sounds of hooves following me.
Out of the town I snort, Ah so intelligent life does exist in that town.
Laughing I start to incline up the hill, having to really dig my feet into the ground to insure I wouldn’t slip backwards.
Making my way down the Apple’s lane I pull through the trees and into view of the farm house and barn. Stopping next to the Humvee and setting the wagon down I walk around and start to move the heavy beast back from the wagon to the truck.
“Town go well?”
Looking up from my task I smile at Mac before roughly throwing the Shuck the rest of the way into the truck and dusting off my hands, “ ‘Bout as good as it coulda, the ponies down there are still real scared and the purple one is tryin’ ta make me out as some monster.” Looking at him I shrug, “But eh, what’s new?”
“Twilight?”
“I think that’s her name but I ain’t positive.”
“Unicorn?”
“Yep.”
“That’d be Twilight.” He nods.
“You know ‘er?” I ask walking back around and picking up the wagon.
“Nah, not really, jus’ know that her and AJ are friends, seems kinda high strung though.”
“Ya got that right.” Walking toward the barn he walks beside me, “So the barn still holdin’ up?”
“Eeyup, did a real good job on it, still have no idea how ya did it so fast though.”
“Opposable thumbs, real handy when ya work with yer hands.”
“Thanks again fer yer work, helped out in ways ya don’t know.”
“No problem Mac.”
“Granny still wants ta pay ya, it don’t feel right ta not give ya compensation der yer work.”
Setting the cart down at the doorway to the barn I scratch the back of my neck, the dry blood making it itch with irritation, “Ya don’t owe me nothin’ Ya let me inta yer home and showed me hospitality, ya know I don’t care bout money.”
“But still you’ve-”
“Saved Apple Bloom, helped rebuild the barn, protected the farm from that timberwolf pack. Bla bla bla, it’s what I do. You showed an alien a kind face and a warm meal when you had no reason ta, I’m mighty grateful fer that. I made friends that day, and I protect my friends as long as red blood flows through these veins.”
“Still-”
“Don’t, ya ain’t gonna gain any ground on me.”
“You’re a stubborn one Hank.”
Walking back to the truck I give a short laugh, “Ha, that’s what my parents used ta say.”
Quickly setting down into the hard seat of the humvee with a sigh I pick up my left leg and pull it into the door too.
“Leavin’ already?”
“Fraid so,” I pick my head up from the back of the seat and grab onto the steering wheel, “ I have a big mess ta clean up.”
“What are ya gonna do with all those dead wolves?” Shaking his head Mac asks, a grimace on his face.
“Gonna skin a lot of em, maybe get some food out of it, hate all that meat ta go ta waste.”
Nodding a few times I sigh, “Yep. Well see ya in a little Mac, say bye ta Granny and AB fer me.”
Closing the door not waiting for a response I start the humvee and put it into reverse, slowly pulling away from the house and barn before turning it back around and heading back to the path.
“Wonder what Flutters been up too since I left?” Driving toward the mare’s cottage I think aloud rolling my right shoulder that was starting to show some soreness. Rubbing it a bit I wince as I squeeze too hard causing bolts of pain to rush down my arm and up my neck, “Eugh.” I groan in pain, “Guess that makes sense, that is the shoulder I was shot through.”
Pulling up to the path that leads to Fluttershy's cottage I shut off the engine and step out of the Humvee, showing no love to the door as I shut it behind me. The boards of the bridge creaking under my boots I walk across and make my way to the door I rehung before rasping it a few times. Rapid hoof steps from inside approaching the other side of the door I hear a series of locks disengage before the door is swung open.
“Howdy.”
“Oh you came!” Surprised Fluttershy lights up.
“Yeah, I told ya I would.”
“I was afraid you wouldn’t.”
“Why?”
“I just figured since the picnic went so bad you wouldn’t want to see me again.” Rubbing her front legs together in a nervous habit of her’s I’ve observed she looks to the ground.
“C’mon it wasn’t your fault, ya know that.” I scoff crossing my arms.
“Still I was nervous.” Looking back up to me she replys.
“Don’t be, I keep my word. Now is there anything you wanted for me ta come by for or…..?”
“Um, yes. I figured since that out picnic was ruined we could have some tea here and continue our conversation.”
Thinking for a second about how I should probably get home and clean up the mess and then myself I shrug, “Yeah I don’t see why not.”
“Goodie, come inside.” Stepping out of the door she backs into the house.
Ducking down and following her inside I get a better look at the cozy interior of the house.
Homey. I think following her into the kitchen area, ignoring all of the sacred stares the various animals were giving me from their hiding spots under various pieces of furniture.
“I like your house Flutters.”
“Oh really? Thank you. I know I’m not much of a designer, that’s Rarity’s specialty.”
“Better than I could do, you’ve seen my house.” I chuckle.
“I think it fits you nicely.”
“Broken, worn, and ugly? Thanks.” Smiling I watch as Fluttershy starts to sputter and panic.
“N-n-n-n-no! I w-was thinking more along the lines of rugged, strong, and w-with a little charm.”
A tad taken back by her words I feel a slight warmth flow into my face, “Uh, I was jus’ makin’ a joke but thanks, I-I ain’t ever been called any of those things before.”
Both of us avoiding each other's eyes, faces blushed, our eyes finally meet. “Heh.” Giving a nervous smile I rub the back of my neck while Fluttershy gives a meep and looks down while rubbing her leg.
“Well I’ll jus’ head outside and get settled.” Trying to escape the awkward situation I start to walk to the front door.
“Um t-there’s a back porch that has chairs and table, I-I think it’s nicer.”
Not looking up from the floor she points to a door at the opposite and of the kitchen.
“Oh.” Turning around I walk back through the kitchen and past Fluttershy. Looking at her through the corner of my eye she looks up to me but immediately after seeing my gaze looks back to the floor with a small squeak, her blush reddening even further.
Looking away I open the door and go to duck under the frame but get interrupted as my helmeted head meets the door frame, *thump* “Ow, fuck.” Trying again I slip under the door frame and step onto the cobble stone back porch. Looking around for a seat I see a thigh high large stump and set down directly across from a lounge style lawn chair with Flutter’s mark sewn into the back rest.
The door opening I snap my head from where I was looking at a squirrel jump between trees and cast my gaze to the door expecting to see Fluttershy’s face but instead getting a view of her rear and extra bits.
Finding it hard to look away from the sight I thankfully break my line of sight right as she turns around from closing the door.
“I hope you don’t mind unsweetened tea, I couldn’t find any sugar.” Looking around the patio with a confused face she opens her mouth before settling her eyes on the stump I was sitting on.
“What?” I ask as she looks up to me.
“You’re um. Sitting on the table.”
“Hmm?” Looking at the stump I jump up, “Shit, sorry Flutters, let me move.”
“No no, it’s fine I can just set this on the ground.”
“No I can sit on the ground, I wouldn’t want you’re nice platter ta get dirty.” Picking up the stump I place it back where it was.
“You’re not going to sit on the ground Hank, you’re my guest, why can’t you sit in a chair?”
“Too big for one and don't want ta break it. But you at on the ground at my place and you were my guest.”
“That was a picnic though, we had a blanket.”
“Still.”
“You’re not sitting on the ground.”
“Fine.” I look to my right then left before looking double taking and looking right again, “Wait a sec.”
Dragging over another lounge chair I fold the backrest rest over and put it where the table was, scooting the stump out of the way. Reaching over and taking the platter off her back with one hand I set it across the armrests so it was suspended like a bridge between two walls of a canyon, “Bam. Done.”
Scooting the stump back where I had it before sitting down. “Good nuff ain’t it?”
“Huh, I didn't even think of that.” Sitting down into the chair of her own she picks up her glass with two hooves. Reaching for a glass myself I place it too my lips and empty the glass in one gulp.
“Damn, that’s some good tea.”
“I’m glad you like i-” Looking to my glass then back to me looks taken aback, “you’re already done?”
“I was thirsty.” Setting my glass back down on the platter between us I sit up straight and crack my back, “Bein’ the Everfree monster is hard work ya know.”
“I wish you wouldn’t call yourself that.” Frowning Fluttershy pours some more tea into the glass before handing it to me.
Grabbing the glass with my right hand and saying thank you I down it as fast as the first. Smiling at her shocked expression I smile, “It don't bother me much really.”
“I still wish other ponies would just give you a chance and see just how kind you can be.”
“I’m good thanks.” Waving Fluttershy off from pouring me another glass as I massage my sore shoulder the pain feeling worse than before, “Well honestly it’s kinda like how it was back on Earth.”
“What do you mean, ponies thought you were bad?”
Wincing and taking my hand away from my shoulder I rest my elbows on my knees in a more relaxed position, “No they thought I was just some shy fat kid that they could make fun of whenever they wanted without any repercussions. Guess I’ve always kinda been the opposite of what people have expected.”
“You were..”
“Fat?”
“Um, yes.” she admits looking ashamed of asking.
“Oh yeah, two hundred and thirty pounds of it standin’ six foot even at my heaviest.”
“O-oh wow, I don’t really know what a pound is but that sounds big.”
“It was, my knees hurt a lot and my ankles were weak, I was jus’ generally unhealthy.”
“How much do you weigh now? I-i-if you don't me asking that is.”
“Prolly two hundred ta two ten, but that’s after losing weight all the way down to one eighty and gaining twenty pounds of muscle and four inches of height.”
“You must of really worked hard.”
“I did, but let me tell ya, the apocalypse workout plan is also a great way ta gain muscle and lose fat.”
“You must not have much fat left on you then, it sounds like you work out like rainbow does.”
Shaking my head ‘no’ I get a strange look from the pony across from me sipping on her drink.
“Really?” She asks putting her glass down.
“Yeah I mean I’m in good shape but I have a little cushion on my stomach, even now in my best shape I still can’t see my abs that great. So I got some squish, that’s good in my eyes, means that I got enough ta eat. Plus I’m sure you’ve noticed my thighs and ass right?”
Face immediately going red she tries to say no but only ends up stumbling over her own words more and more.
“Right so that happens to be another thing that happened ta me. When I started losing weight everything started to shrink down, but not really my lower half, though what I did mostly was cardio to burn fat. Then when I started doing a lot of squats and thigh, ass workouts said area just got bigger and more toned while still having that cushion my body like to naturally keep.” Reciting my explanation for the thousandth time it felt like I continue without even looking at Fluttershy, “I’m sayin’ this so it explains what happened and also to say that, yes, I am male. I’ve been asked that here more than once now.”
“I-I wasn’t even going to b-bring that up.” A nervous look on her Fluttershy’s face she says getting me to shake my head.
“I know you’ve talked bout’ my figure, everyone does.” Smirking at her she hides behind her hair.
“W-well R-Rarity certainly seemed to like y-your figure.”
“Heh knew she’d notice.” Clapping in amusement I sigh, “Then again most do notice but her bein’ a dressmaker jus’ made me think she’d really notice.”
“She wanted to make a dress, she said your figure would be perfect.”
“I’ll have ta tell her that while I’m flattered that unfortunately I don't do dresses.”
Giggling to herself behind a hoof I see her gaze wander to my lower half but ignore it, “I really have ta thank you Fluttershy.”
“For what?”
“Fer being so accepting of a violent alien, I know what ya say about ponies needing ta be more friendly but if a strange lookin’ creature that was twice my height suddenly showed up and did what I did I would probably be a bit un easy too.”
“It nothing. Really. I knew from when I first saw you that you weren't just some animal, I could see that you were just doing what you had to do.”
A smile on her face I smile as well, “Still means a lot Flutters.”
“Having friends is a good thing.”
Nodding in agreement I place my hands on my upper thighs and drum my fingers. Apparently activating my phone in the process, the piano of a song beginning to play.
“W-what’s that?” Startled Fluttershy peeps.
“Oh just music, but it happens to be a really catchy and fun song too.” The lyrics coming up I start to play the beat on my knees and clear my throat.
Watching Fluttershy start to get into the song I smile and drum a little bit harder at the up swing in the song before starting to sing the lyrics myself.
Nodding her head to the beat now I continue to drum and prepare to sing the chorus before a angelic voice beats me to the punch. Stopping my singing at her voice I stare at her a second before smiling and starting to sing again.
Quieting down the drumming on my legs I listen to Fluttershy sing with no other sounds to drown her voice out. Smiling at the her gentle voice I take my phone out of my pocket and pause the song before the next one could start.
“Holy shit Fluttershy!” Her eyes snapping open she shrinks back.
“W-what?”
“How can ya hide a voice like that from the world? That was beautiful.”
Rubbing her front hooves together as she sat up in her seat she looks away from me and to the chair beneath her, “Well I-I just don't l-like to be in front of other ponies a-and I can’t sing that--- Wait d-did you say beautiful?”
“Uh yeah, c-mon somebody has ta of told you that you’re a great singer before right?”
“Well I really don’t sing much, other than the musicals that break out sometimes, but I just sing really quiet then.”
“Okay well, you have ta get that voice out there.” I exclaim slapping my hand on my leg, “I know being shy is in yer nature but with a voice that literally sounds like an angel’s you have nothin’ ta be bashful about.”
“You think I sound like an angel?” Surprised a tinge of red creeps into her cheeks.
“That’s what I said, you really have a great voice Flutters, you should use it more.”
“I-I thank you, nopony ever complimented me like that.”
“Heh, well nobody ever complimented me like you did either, I’d say that we’re even.”
A smile present on both our faces I hear the sound of multiple ponies approaching the front of the house. Both our heads turning a scratchy voice calls out.
“Fluttershy!? Are you home!? Me and the girls are here and AJ said that that weird wagon in the road is that monkey’s, are you okay!?”
“Oh my, I’d better go see what the commotion is about.”
Watching her set her glass down and step back into the house I sigh and stand up.
Stepping off the patio and starting to walk through her backyard to disappear into the trees I stop as I catch wind of their conversation.
“Oh thank Celestia you’re okay!”
“Um yes, b-but why wouldn’t I be?”
“I came by earlier to get you for a speech Celestia told us to give after that… disgusting thing attacked the captain of the local guard to warn the town of how dangerous it is, but you weren't here and while at first I thought it was no big deal then it came to town with freaking a dead wolf to ‘warn’ us!”
Stepping into the trees just enough not to be seen I slowly and silently circle around while listening to what the ponies had to say.
“RD I’m tellin’ ya Doc is a good stallion.” Hearing the voice of AJ I turn my head and see the six ponies stood out in front of the house while ‘RD’ gives Applejack I look.
“How could that thing be good, do you see how gross it is?”
“No Ah don’t. He’s kind and a good worker, if ya jus’ gave him a chance you’d see that.” Rolling her eyes she waves a hoof at Fluttershy, “Obviously he’s here and Fluttershy’s fine so what’s that say?”
Circled around them so I was behind them I slowly come out of the tree line and walk on the sides of my feet while approaching the group.
“Is he here Fluttershy?” The purple one asks.
“Um y-yes we were having tea before you all arrived, he should still be on the back patio.”
“You were having tea with it!? Did has it tried to rape or eat you? Are you being held captive!?”
Pausing at the word ‘rape’ I feel my chest start to tighten and my fists clench at the accusation while I resumed to approach them unnoticed.
“W-w-w-what?! N-no I’ve been with him since around noon! We had a picnic and he saved my life against a pack of wolves, I was trying to repay him with some of the special tea I got from in from neighpon. I- I know it isn’t much but I almost watched him die and it’s like he didn’t even care. He was just happy that I was okay.”
“So that’s what happened. He said he killed two real big Shucks with nothin’ but an axe and his fists. Is that true?”
Slowly approaching from behind ducking behind tree to tree I watch as Rarity speaks up.
“Yes. I watched him.”
“She’s tellin’ the truth.” AJ confirms
“Goodness Fluttershy, I’m so glad you’re okay, I- we had no idea that you were with Hank when that happened.”
The whole group going for a hug I use the distraction to sneak up to the tree directly behind them, silently unsheathing my still bloody bayonet.
“R-really I’m fine, but I wouldn’t be if Hank wasn’t there. I-I didn’t even get touched but he got bit, scratched, and almost killed. I don’t know many ponies that would risk their own lives that that for someone they barely knew.”
“I agree darling perhaps the princess has him wr-”
“Probably just trying to get on your good side to find a way to kill the princess.” The blue bitch interrupts Rarity.
Stepping out from around the tree, my bayonet in my right hand I stand directly behind them and clear my throat surprising all the ponies but Fluttershy, who saw me.
Slowly turning around to look at me I spit into my left palm and begin to rub the sides of the blade to clean the dried blood on its surface.
“Ya see that thing is that if I wanted either of the princess or hell! Any of you dead I coulda done it long ago.”
The group looking up to me with wide fearful eyes, minus Aj and Flutters, who were just surprised, I rub the knife blade on my ripped pants to dry it.
“Believe me it ain’t hard ta kill somthin’ so small, and y’all have given me plenty of opportunities so don't it make sense that if I was tryin’ ta kill ya I woulda done it already?”
“The simple answer is yes.” Sheathing my knife I cross my arms, my right shoulder groaning in protest, “So that must mean I don’t want ta kill ya.”
“Things like you shouldn’t be allowed to roam free, you’re dangerous.”
Looking to purp I nod my head, “Damn right I am, everybody is dangerous if they want ta be, some jus’ have more capacity ta do so.” Uncrossing my arms and putting my hands on my hips I sigh, “Look I know me and some ponies ain’t never gonna see eye to eye but that don’t mean we can’t try ta be civil, how ‘bout sometime we all get together fer some lunch in town and iron some stuff out?”
“N-no, you’re a wanted felon!”
“Yeah, you attacked a guard for no reason and tried to kill him!”
Looking to purple and rainbow and sigh before looking down and pinching the bridge of my nose.
“The captain was lyin y’all.”
A collective ‘what!’ coming from the group I look up and see Aj frowning, “Yep he wasn’t tellin’ the truth at all.”
“But he swore to both princesses that he was!” Purple looking dumbfounded at what AJ said shakes her head, “Does that mean the he really didn’t do what the captain said?”
“Yeah that’s what it mean ta lie dipshit.” I roll my eyes, “That prick couldn’t take an insult and tried to get me with his sword so I fought back.”
“Is he telling the truth AJ?” Rarity asks.
“Eeyup. That’s the truth.”
“That means it was self defense.”
“That it was.” I interrupt getting the group to look at me, “It’d be weird if I literally saved a pony's life minutes before turning around and trying to end another fer no reason.”
“You saved somepony else?” The rainbow haired one scoffs, “Likely.”
“There was a shuck attack on the path from Ponyville ta Canterlot, A pony had one of his fore legs almost ripped off. When I arrived I killed the Shuck and then proceeded to amputate the leg and stem the bleeding to a point before running him to the hospital and turning over to the nice staff there.”
“Ha, you’re lying.”
“No he ain’t.”
“W-what? Aj!? You’re on his side right now!?”
“Ah am the element of honesty and he’s tellin’ the truth I kinda have ta be, and I’ve told ya and told ya that he is a nice stallion.”
“So you’re telling me that he did not try to kill the captain and instead only acted in self defense?” The blue pegasus asks incredulously.
“Mhm.”
“So he really isn’t even a criminal?”
“Nope.”
“And we all believed wrong?”
“As in you, Twilight, Pinkie, Celestia, and three fourths the town.”
“Yes.”
“Yes you were wrong. Even nurse RedHeart and princess Luna didn't think he did it.”
“Damnit!”
“Seems you’ve been wrong a lot recently.”
Turning her head and scowling at me the blue pony ruffles her wings, “I don’t want ta hear from you.”
“No. I don’t want ta hear shit from you.” I walk toward her making the other pony's step back and the blue one to back up, her eyes wide and her ears flattened.
"I heard what you said ‘bout me raping Flutters, and frankly I can’t let that slide.”
“W-what are ya gonna d-do k-kill me?” Trying to act brave she takes a small step forward.
“No I’m gonna tall ya how I killed a real rapist.” With a closed lip smile I back away from the pony and lean against the tree I emerged from.
“ So... I was walking through the corridors of an abandoned apartment building in a relatively small town of what once had around three thousand people.” Cracking my knuckles I feel anger bubble back up inside me at the memory, “Then I hear this crying in a room, now I hadn’t seen a live person in two er so months so I was cautious ta say the least. Opening the cracked open door as silently as I could the muffled crying and sobbing grew louder as I approached the bedroom.”
Taking a deep breath to calm myself I continue, “Opening the door I saw a women tied to the bed with an absolute waste of a man mid thrust into her. Now rape has always boiled my blood, and when I saw that something went off in my head. I’ll spare ya the details of what happened leading up to his death but it includes putting broken glass in his mouth before uppercutting his mouth shut and breaking both his elbows.”
Looking to the pony's disgusted and horrified expressions I stop, “you think that’s it? Because it’s not sweetie.” I frown at the blue pegasus who was staring at me in shock.
“But do you know what I did then?”
“W-what.”
“I ripped his fucking cock and balls off before shoving them in his mouth AND FUCKING CURB STOMPING HIS FACE UNTIL ALL HE COULD DO WAS GURGLE IN PAIN AS HE BLED OUT!”
Taking a deep breath and rubbing my face I look up and stare straight ahead before sighing, “You can probably tell that I hate rapists and what I do to them so when you accuse me of raping one of my few fucking friends,” Crouching down directly in front of Rainbow dash I stare into her shrunken pupils, “It really pisses me off.”
Staring into her eyes as she looks at me fearfully I smile, “So don't do that okay?” Patting her on the head I stand up and crack my neck.
“H-how could you do such a thing to another pony!?” Purples face looking more green I snap my gaze to her making her face soften from it’s maddened look.
“In my eyes if you rape somebody you void your status as human and immediately put your life up for forfeit.”
“Still, how could you do that to another being! T-t-that’s what a monster does!”
“You ponies may have a cushy violence free life for the most part, you may have never seen the dirt and tear covered face of a goddamned eighteen year old girl as she got thoroughly fucked by a forty something disgrace of a man as he had a gun pointed ta her head.”
At my wits end I start to laugh while I talk, “S-she was so mentally damaged that she could barely speak! For fucks sake when I killed him she thought I was going to rape her, when I cut her bindings she punched, kicked, and tried to bite me as I held her head into my shoulder to comfort her!”
Looking at the ponies I see Rarity, Fluttershy, and the pink one with tears in their eyes as the others look away from me as if not looking would make it not true, “You may call me a monster but I guaran- damn -tee that Stephanie didn’t see me as a monster, I was her fucking hero. So I don’t give two fucks what your pampered ass thinks of me, get fucked. That goes for you.” I point to Twilight making her shrink back, “and you.” I point to Rainbow Dash making her do the same.
Exasperated I look left to right before looking up throwing my hands down to my side, “Seriously fuck me! I don’t judge you for what you do, but fuck it if I get a fair chance!” Turning around I start to walk to the Humvee.
“Where are ya goin Doc?”
Not stopping at AJ’s question I open the door and pull out my rifle before turning around and racking the action putting a bullet in the chamber, “Fuck if I know, somewhere in the woods where cunts like those two don’t exist.”
Turning back around and walking across the road I jump through the brush eager to get away from the two before I did something I’d regret.
<><><> 3rd person, Main six, Fluttershy’s cottage <><><>
Speechless the ponies stare at where Hank jumped into the forest before the orange farm pony sighs.
“Why did y’all have ta antagonize him?”
“Antagonize him? He was going to hurt Fluttershy!”
“No he wasn’t!” Stomping her hoof Applejack walks forward before turning back around facing her friends, “Did you ever feel threatened while you were with him today Fluttershy?”
Still distraught by the story Hank told she sniffles and looks up, “n-no never.”
“See! He ain’t a bad stallion at all, in fact I’d call him a hero for what he’s done not jus’ fer me and mah family but fer all of us. Whether ya like it or not he’s saved all our hides least once and frankly Ah’m gettin’ real tired of both of y’all and Celestia fer tryin’ ta make him out as some monster. Ah realize that ya don’t see eye ta eye with him but he offered ta have lunch and talk things out and ya called him a criminal and a monster.”
“He is a criminal Applejack.” Twilight says matter of factly.
“I told y’all that captain was lyin’, even Luna thought so, and nurse Redheart! She said he was super nice and saved that pony’s life!”
“Are you one hundred percent sure Applejack? He seems like a meanie to me.” The pink party pony’s hair only half its regular volume she asks wiping her eyes.
“Ah’m absolutely positive it was self defense. Jus’ as doc said.” The apple pony having complete confidence she nods.
What about his age though darling? He said he was twenty one and you said you didn’t think that was true. Is it possible that you can’t read him like ponies?” Her own eyes still wet Rarity the question before wiping her eyes as well.
AppleJack had been thinking about that question for over a week now, everything Doc had said so far was truthful, even the most unbelievable things. When he told herself, Fluttershy, and Rarity his age that day she thought perhaps she was wrong and he was telling the truth, the more she thought about it and the more she was around him the more clear it became that he was lying about his age, “No I know he’s lyin’ bout his age.”
“I believe you Applejack, I do, but Twilight is right attempted murder of a guard is a very serious crime with very serious consequences. I think the best way to go about it is to get the princesses there and to ask them both for their side of the story again, then ask Hank if he is lying about his age to make sure you can get the truth out of him and it’s not wrong.”
“As much as I think the captains telling the truth I have agree with Rarity, that would be the best and most accurate way to go about it.” Nodding her head in agreement Twilight looks to the rest of the group, “Do you all agree?”
Everypony else either nodding or saying ‘yes’ Twilight looks to Applejack, “Does that sound good to you AJ?”
Sighing and rubbing her face the farm mare groans, “Ah guess what has ta be done has ta be done, I jus’ wish y’all would believe me.”
“I don’t think it’s as much of a matter of not believing you,” Walking toward the orange mare Rarity pats her friend on the shoulder, “it’s more of a we have to be extra sure because of the situation.” A reassuring smile on the alabaster mare’s face the irate farmer sighs again.
“Alright. Alright. Fine, now we jus’ have ta figure out a way ta get Doc and the princesses anywhere near each other.”
Scratching her chin Rarity hums, “Perhaps the easiest way would be just to ask them to meet in town. Hank is a reasonable stallion isn’t he?”
“Ah guess that could work, but he goes everywhere with those weapons of his and I doubt we could get him ta leave em when he goes ta talk to the princesses.”
“Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it, I feel like coercing him to meet the princesses in town is going to be challenging enough.”
“Yeah probably, well Ah gotta get home. This unnecessary little trip has really cut down on time I had ta get the apples put in the barn.” Staring hard to Rainbowdash and Twilight they frown and fold their ears back at Applejacks gaze, “Well see ya later y’all.”
The remaining ponies turning their heads from Applejack and saying their goodbyes they turn back to each other before a roar and the sound of rapid and heavy footfalls turns their attention back to the woods across the road.
“Aw hell no, hell no, hell nooooooo!” Hank yells getting chased a certain overprotective Manticore.
The ponies hearing Hanks voice and the sound of whatever was chasing him huddled back into the group while Applejack froze in place on the road next to the Humvee.
The crashing and snapping approaching all the ponies took a step back before Hank came flying out of the tree line and slid to a stop on the dirt road turning his front to the trees where a much louder crashing was approaching.
Breathing heavy the human completely ignores the ponies instead taking a step back from the trees and lowering himself to the ground in a ready crouch.
Huddled together and trembling the ponies watch as a massive manticore slowly walks out of the trees, her eyes locked directly on Hank.
“Now Lilith I know what yer thinkin’ but I’m fine really.”
Slowly lowering her stomach to the ground Hank stands up straight and points to her, “Don’t.”
Pausing for a second the manticore purrs before starting to lower herself again.
“Don’t. Stop. Don’t you do that.” None of his warnings being disregarded by the cat she finally reaches the the ground and raises her rear into the air ready to pounce.
“Ah shit.” Looking to his left to the apple pony who was looking at him with frightened eyes, “Nice knowin’ ya AJ.”
'Mew.' Turning back to where the manticore once was Hank tries to jump out of the way of the in air cat before it lands directly on him pinning him to the ground.
Thinking they were witnessing a man get mauled to death by a ravenous manticore the ponies scream and huddle closer together before Rarity falls to the ground out cold.
Struggling to get the massive cat to stop licking him on the face Hank tries to push her off but gives up, the weight of the cat being too great. Settling to cover his face while the cat delivers a onslaught of wet and rapid licks while purring he tries to wiggle out from beneath the oversized lap cat.
“Jesus fuck Lilith is your tongue made out of eighty grit sandpaper? You’re killin’ me here.” Using his powerful legs Hank digs his heels into the dirt and pushes himself out of Lilith’s grasp before fighting the rest of the way to his feet.
Placing I open hand on Lilith’s nose and stopping her from licking him he place his other hand behind her ear and starts to scratch, helpless only to follow his ministrations the apex predator of the Everfree follows his hand to the ground before rolling onto her back, exposing her soft underside to the man.
Patting her on the stomach a few times while she purred in contentment Hank stands and wipes some saliva from his face before picking up his helmet that was forcefully thrown from his head from Lilith’s pounce.
Slapping the helmet back on the chuckling human turns to the group of ponies huddled in front of Fluttershy’s door and smiles at their expressions.
“What?” He shrugs as if he wasn’t just pounced on by one of the most dangerous creatures known to roam Equestria.
“You just beat a bucking manticore!”
Looking to the blue pegasus and back to the manticore who was still rolling around on her back making happy large cat sounds.
“That’s my pet.”
“Horse apples!”
Rolling his eyes in annoyance and partially amusement he locks eyes with the pony and holds out his hand to the side of his body, “C’mere Lily.”
Whipping back around to her paws and jogging over to the being she knew as the guardian she rubs up against him and nuzzles his head causing his helmet to sit cock-eyed on his head.
The ponies mouths open wide they watch as Hank jumps up onto Lilith’s back and points toward them, the manticore immediately obeying and walking toward the group making the ponies huddle closer together.
Lilith didn't know what the guardian was doing but she trusted him, after all she didn’t do what he said out of a place of him being better than her, she did it out of a place of equal respect that she could tell he reciprocated with her and the rest of her pride. This did not mean she didn’t keep a close eyes on the ponies it was anything but, especially the blue one.
Stopping in front of the ponies Hank looks down to them and smiles, “Believe me now?”
Complete shock of the sight freezing the ponies in place a certain white pony begins to stir from her place on the ground, “Oh my what happened, I had the strangest dream that Hank was-” Looking at the human on the back of the Manticore Rarity faints all over again making the cat and human alike snort.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Smiling a toothy smile Hank notices Fluttershy in the back and how she wasn’t afraid at all, “Say Flutters you’ve met Lilith haven't ya?”
“Yes, she is very nice.”
“Yeah she’s a sweetie.” petting the back of the cat’s neck she cranes her neck up to look at Hank and sticks her tongue out at him. “Heh.”
“Well now I must really be off, see ya later Flutters, Aj, Rarity…?”
Craning his neck only to see Rarity lying on the ground he sets back up straight, “She’ll be fine.”
Patting the manticore on the side to signal her to start walking in whatever direction she pleased the ponies watch as the pair walk away and back into the trees where they came from.
“Did that thing just ride a manticore?” Still staring in disbelief at the patch of trees they disappeared into Rainbow dash gulps.
“I-I think so.” Twilight replies, “This causes for even more concern, I need to write the princess.”
“Why?” In a gentle voice as always Fluttershy asks, “Why is that a bad thing?”
Not understanding the question Twilight shakes her head, “What do you mean? He can control a manticore.”
“No he can’t it’s a place of equal respect and trust, Lilith told me that the Guardian of the trees is the only reason she and her whole pride is alive.”
“I don't get it who is the Guardian of the trees?”
“Hank is.”
“What?”
“Nodding her head Fluttershy elaborates, “All the animals of the everfree and whitetail woods know of him ,from the Manticores to the smallest of humming bird they all fear or respect him, he has become the apex predator of the woods. Many fear and respect him because of his sheer… body count and his ability to kill the Shucks.”
“H-how do you know this Fluttershy?” Twilight asks off put by the information that she was being told.
“They tell me.” Looking around her to all the animals that were just not starting to stir smiles.
“Oh, I see.” Turning her head right as Applejack stops next to her the purple pony couldn't help but think how out of control the creature was getting, it had two, if not three, of her friends befriends himself and he had the entire forest on his side. This was indeed troubling to the bookish pony.
“Y’all saw that right? I ain't goin’ bonkers.”
“Nope.” Pinkie abruptly says getting the strange looks from her friends.
“Ooooookay?” Looking to Pinkie with concern Applejacks squints, “Well Ah gotta go.”
“Me too.”
“Yeah same here, got a nap to take or something.”
All the ponies wave bye to Fluttershy, that she happily reciprocates, before leaving together. Turning to go back inside Fluttershy notices the white pony still lying on the ground.
“Rarity?” She whispers trying to get through to the mare.
“Rarity?” Giving her a gentle poke to the side Rarity still lays on the ground unresponsive.
“Rarity!” Yell as loud as Fluttershy could which was not very loud at all the white unicorn finally shows a sign of consciousness by groaning.
“What happened?”
“You fainted.”
“Am I on my couch?”
“No you’re on the ground right now.”
Getting up faster than she any right to the mare checks herself over looking for any grass stains before her fears were confirmed. A massive gasp at the grass stain right on her right flank Rarity spins trying to rub it out, only succeeding in pushing it further into her coat.
“Oh no, this is terrible! Do you have any idea how hard it is to get grass stains out of a white coat!?”
“Um, no.”
“Oh… right yours is yellow.” Looking to Fluttershy’s coat she snaps back into her panic mode, “Well it was really nice talking to you Fluttershy but I really must be going before this stain sets in.” Quickly saying bye while quickly walking back toward the path and trying to catch up to the others.
Waving bye herself Fluttershy turns her head and looks to the patch of forest where Hank and Lilith disappeared before sighing and turning to go back inside.
Slowly emerging from his hiding spot in a large bramble Hank quickly makes his way toward the cottage whistling to get Fluttershy’s attention.
Turning her head to the sound The quiet mare is surprised to see Hank walking toward her, turning her body toward him she waits while Hank closes the gap between them.
Stopping in front of her Hank smiles, “I uh jus’ wanted to say thank you for the tea and sorry for tellin’ that little story, I’m jus’... Yeah, sorry.”
Happy that Hank showed concern Fluttershy smiles, “It’s fine, that story was… horrible. but they called you a rapist and a monster, I should say sorry for what they said.”
“Don't ever apologize for others actions Flutters, some folk jus’ won’t like me and that’s okay as long as I got friends like you.” Patting her on the shoulder and nodding the human stands back up straight and sighs, “I uh would've left sooner but I didn’t want them knowing in which direction I live.”
Nodding in understanding Fluttershy looks to Hank as he turns to head toward the Humvee, “What should I say then if I get asked where we had a picnic.”
“Hm.” scratching his eyebrow the human thinks of a good half lie, “Well tell ‘em that you had a picnic in the forest and you don't know how far in, or where you were exactly, that ain't a lie it’s jus’ kinda deceitful.”
“Oh okay, that sounds okay, it may not get past Applejack but it should work with everypony else.” Humming Fluttershy remembers what their plan was to prove him innocent, “Oh Hank.”
“Yeah.”
“Well we had a plan to prove you innocent with those attempted… murder charges.”
“Oh really, let me hear em.” Raising one eyebrow Hank crosses his arms.
“Well we were going to get you and the princesses together and through Applejack whose story is true, but Aj says you’re lying about your age and you’d have to tell the truth on that.”
Hank didn't like the idea about telling his truthful age, he didn’t feel like it was pertinent information for the ponies to know. Thinking about how he could get around that truth he drums with his fingers on his arm, “Well I don't feel like that is info y’all need ta know but I will tell if I am lying on my age, I won't give it, but I’ll at least do that.”
“That should be good, but why don’t you want us to know your age.” Not being able to help but be curious the yellow pegasus asks the man.
“I just don't want to.”
“That’s fine I was just curious is all.”
“Yeah. Well I have a lot of dead bodies to clean up so… catch ya on the flip side.”
Waving bye to the man as he walked away Fluttershy turns around and heads inside racking her brain for how much older he is that he says.
“He couldn’t be younger could he?” Thinking aloud Fluttershy shakes her head, “No, for what he can do he couldn’t be younger.”
<><><> 1st person, Hank, The Cabin <><><>
Sure am glad the cats hauled off all the small off when I was gone, makes the rest of my night far less un enjoyable. My knife buried deep into the last of the big Shucks side I cut through the incredibly tough skin trying to harvest the pelt.
It’s kinda weird how all of the cats other than Lilith seem to be very skittish of me now, they are the massive lion things after all-. Pausing my thought while I cut through a strangely strong piece of flesh I grunt before giving up and ripping it out with my hand instead, I may be twice as strong on this planet than on earth but they could still bite me in half like wet newspaper.
The last strand of connective tissue ripping free I set the pelt with the other before standing up and stretching, a mighty yawn escaping my mouth.
Shaking my body free of the ever closing grasp of sleep I look at the wolf’s destroyed face and smile at my work, “No need to harvest the skull from you with your face being all… Fucked.”
Huffing at my own comment I grab the hindlegs of the skinned wolf and start to drag it over to the still feasting pride.
Noticing me approaching the felines depart from the almost stripped figure of the headless large shuck, backing away to give me room. Dragging it next to the other I drop the hind legs of the wolf and smile at the maturing kittens as they do their little pounce pose at me.
Heading back to the cabin I kick something with my right foot. Looking down I see my radio lying in the grass. “Musta been thrown from my shoulder in the fight. Huh, I didn't even notice.” Holding the radio in my right hand I press the ‘talk’ button.
“Hey you there Z?”
“Yes I am here anything wrong?” The immediate reply from Zecora makes me smile.
“Glad to see you’re keeping your radio with you.”
“Yes. I trust you have been doing the same?”
“Up till today yeah.” I admit walking back toward the shed.
“Oh what happened?”
“Well Uhhhhh.” Trying to think of a way to put it lightly so I wouldn’t freak her out I look around at the obvious signs of battle: Blood covered ground, the sharp scent of blood in the air, and my broken maul, “I was attacked by ‘bout….. Ehhhhhh twenty regular shucks and two big ins.”
Waiting for a response I wince in anticipation, “What the fuck! A-are you okay!? Are you missing any limbs!? How are you not dead!? I mean twenty!?”
“Ya done?” I calmly ask.
“I… Uh... Yes.”
“Good.” Placing my free hand on my hip I resume my walk to the cabin, “To answer your questions, I’m fine, I’m still intact minus a few injuries that will turn into scars, I’m a generally hard person to kill, and yes… twenty.”
“Have you ever thought of playing the lottery?”
Snorting at the question I chuckle, “No I guess not, I don’t have that kind of luck.”
“Well I think you do.” Zecora’s voice replies with the sound of humor in her voice.
“Nah, I got that sadistic luck, means I get hurt really bad but I always survive, I mean kinda fits with me bein’ a sort of masochist and all.” Picking up both parts of my broken maul I walk into the shed and set them on the bench for later repair.
“You like feeling pain? Like in um… sexual ways?”
“Not particularly no. When it comes to that I usually keep what turns me on a secret only reserved for my closest friends for interesting conversations.”
“Oh.” I hear disappointment in Zecora’s voice over the comms, “What do you mean then?”
Scratching my ear I walk over to the garden and walk through the rows inspecting how things were doing, “Well I guess I say that because pain lets me know I’m still alive. Reminds me that I’m still above the ground. Plus it keeps my mind off things.”
Using my thumb to pet the large frog in the garden I look to the three smaller frogs she attracted somehow.
“I can see that I guess, different people have different coping mechanisms, some healthier than others.”
“Yeah.”
“Are you sure you’re okay Hank?” Concern in her voice I stand up from playing with the four frogs, dropping the twig I was using to poke at them.
“Yeah pretty sure, I’ve been-”
“Through worse,” Completing my sentence for me I hear her sigh, “You say that every time I ask if you’re okay Hank.”
“Because it's true.” I reply.
“I know it is, and that’s terrible! Nobody should have to through what you have, that’s why I’m concerned with you.”
Staying silent I wait for her to continue, “You’ve been through so much… too much! Even just in your time time here! I know you say I do but I know I don't know anybody that could go through what you have, you just brush it off like it’s nothing, like you almost dying day in and day out is no big deal!”
“It’s not.”
“How can you say that?”
“Because it’s true.” I say deadpan walking into the cabin.
“Wha- why do you think your life doesn’t matter?” Zecora asks, her voice becoming more and more frustrated.
“I’m ready to die Zecora, I’ve seen and experienced enough to know death is not the worst thing that can happen to a man. I have nothing to fear if I don't fear death, maybe this comes from my belief that a person’s death is chosen for them the moment they’re born or maybe it comes from what I’ve been through and done.” Plopping down on the couch and putting my feet up I sigh, “Either way I don't care if I die I only care about protecting the ones I care for and saving lives… plus taking a few hundred with me.”
“You’re suicidal.”
“I wouldn't say that, I’m not actively trying to kill myself but when the final blow is dealt I’ll be ready. I’m not goin’ ta go easy though I’ll tell ya that much.”
A long silence coming after what I said I hear the click of the button and then a sigh, “ You need to take care of yourself if not for you for me. I don’t think I could see another of my best friends die again.”
Slightly surprised at the title of best friend I falter for a second in thought before snapping out of it, “I’ll be fine Z.”
“You better, in fact I’ll be over tomorrow to see you.”
Smiling I push the button, “I’ll see you then, stay safe.”
“You too.”
Putting the walkie down I look to the shut door before to my rifle next to me and give a long exhale. Moving to get up from the couch to get some gardening done my body groans in protest. Plopping back down I put my feet back on the table and rest my head back the call of sleep already making itself known.
{Dunzo}