“Oh fuck I’m hungry!” Clutching my stomach in pain, I prop myself up with one arm and look down to the fridge where all my jerky and cooked meat was, “ Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.” Practically jumping out of the loft I stumble a bit on landing making my knee roughly impact the plywood floor.

Ignoring the pain I quickly stand up and throw open the fridge door before grabbing a slab of cooked meat and shoving it into my mouth. Barely chewing it at all before swallowing it down and grabbing a raw potato and taking a bite out of it I moan at the receding pain and take another bite, “What the hell?” I ask myself around the potato in my mouth.

Shutting the fridge door and taking the last bit of potato into my mouth I chew and swallow before walking over to the couch and sitting down, my stomach starting to feel like it wasn’t going to digest itself.

“I- I think it’s over.” Taking a deep breath I lean forward and place my elbows onto my knees, my head held in my hands.

“What was that!?” I pant closing my mouth and swallowing the saliva my mouth had made, “Wait…..Let’s think about this logically…” Leaning back into the couch I stare up to the dark ceiling, “For the the past two days, expeccially yesterday, my appetite has increased. I didn’t eat supper last night but I had to eat lunch and breakfast. And I was just woke up at… five forty three with hunger pains that felt like I was dying.”

Placing a hand on my stomach I pat it a few times and rub to get rid of the last few tinges of pain that were left, “What could cause this? I haven’t had a regular appetite since last winter when I did almost starve to death.”

Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath I calm myself before reopening my eyes and standing up, “.... The bacteria…” Leaning on the counter I grab a warm bottle of whiskey and open the cap before shotgunning the last eighth of the bottle.

Roughly setting the bottle back down I stand up and stare out to my darkened yard, my eyes settling onto my Honda. Looking away from the bike I sigh, “The bacteria must’ve reached a high enough population to need more energy.”

Staring out of the broken window I look at the few rays of sun that were penetrating in between the trees of the forest. “Okay let’s think of this in really great detail for the first time.”

Clearing my throat I clap my hands once, “So. This stuff makes my blood easier to clot, and makes me less susceptible to infection, of all types, plus I heal faster. That’s all good.” I give a thumbs up.

“All my senses seem to be buffed or something as well and I just generally jus’ feel better in the first place. Double good.” Giving two thumbs up I clap my hands again. "Right! This has been established… but for the stuff that I haven’t thought of yet…”

Scratching my head I take my revolver from its place on my chest and walk out of the door and into the warming morning air, the still present smell of damp forest calming my nerves, forcing a small smile to tug at my lips, “ahhhhhhh right.” I slowly inhale and exhale.

“Well the way muscle grows is by literally ripping and then healing and filling in the spots where it ripped, so if I can heal faster muscle growth should be accelerated… Right? I need to see if there's a gym around so I can lift some weights again to test this out.”

Nodding I jump up onto the top of the humvee and look around my revolver still held firmly in my right hand, “So what if I’ll need to eat more now, the positives outweigh the negatives ten to one! This bacteria has saved my life quite a few times now, its restored my damaged senses, and generally been good for me.”

Looking at the sun as it rose over the trees I point my pistol at it and pretend to shoot it before chuckling, “Yeah, this is a good thing… so far at least.”

Nodding I hum, “No need to freak out.” placing my hands on my hips I jump down from the top of the humvee and land next to the bike, “I am goin’ ta ride you today though girl...” Rubbing my hand on the gas tank I sigh, “Hard.”

Placing my revolver back in its place I put my hands on top of my head and give one last large sigh, before smiling and walking over to the garden to see what was ready to be picked and to torment the frogs.

Three tomatoes, a carrot, and large cucumber in my hands I walk back into the house and set them in the sink before washing them off and placing them in the filling fridge. Checking my watch, nodding as I read half past six, I flip on the lights and look around huffing at the blood stain my thigh left on the couch two nights ago. “Eh it adds character.” I wave.

Stood in front of the gun cabinet I open the door in search of a sharpening stone. Swinging the door open a object falls toward me out of the darkness. Out of reflex I elbow the object to the side and deliver a punch to it, the object colliding into the side of the cabinet with a loud thud before falling out and landing on the floor.

My heart racing, face burning as sweat started to make itself present I stare at the over under shotgun on the floor. Realizing I was in no immediate danger I check my surroundings before lowering my fists and getting out of my ready stance. Bending over to pick up the shotgun I had all but forgot about I notice that the skin on three of my four knuckles was peeled back and slowly bleeding. My breathing slowing while my heart rate decreased as well I fold the skin back down and press my fist into the side of my leg, using my other hand to pick up the gun I grab it by its front grip and stick the butt of the gun into my hip while looking it over.

“When did I get you?” I ask the gun while looking it over, “And where?” Taking it in my other hand so I was holding it properly I use my thumb to push aside the lever that allowed the barrels to open before slapping it open the apparent ejectors clicking with spring energy as they try to eject shells that weren’t there.

“Huh this is actually a nice shotgun… I like over unders too.” Closing it I shoulder it and pull the trigger slowly a single click being heard before another follows as I fully depress the trigger, “A dual stage trigger as well, in twelve, checkered carving on the front grip and stock… but why can’t I remember picking up this gun!?”

Running my fingers through my hair, pulling out a knot in the process, I hold the gun under my arm and grab two random 12 gauge shells from an old box in the cabinet before walking outside.

Loading the two shells I shut the action and hold the gun with my finger on the side of the trigger guard while picking up a old holey metal bucket from the inside of the shed. Walking about a hundred feet from cabin I throw the bucket into the air and shoulder the shotgun lining up the front bead of the gun right in front of where the bucket was falling.

Pulling the trigger to half way the first barrel fires off its shot the bucket flying away from me before clattering to the ground, a few new holes defenetly added. Walking toward the downed bucket I shoulder the gun and fire again hitting a bucket for a second time.

Breaking open the action the two empty shells shoot past my face, smoke trailing. Taking a deep breath through my nose and humming at the scent of gunpowder I bring the smoking barrels to my nose and inhale all I could before lowering the gun and locking the barrels back into the proper position. “Mmmm… nothin’ like the smell of burnt power in the morn.”

Turning around and walking back toward the cabin I look over the gun one last time getting an idea, “I’m gonna make a sawed off shotgun… yeah that’s what I’ll do.” Seeing that it was just after seven I shrug, “Not like I have much else to do right now anyways.”

Wiping the dust off the old bandsaw I had behind one of the shelves in the shed I check the blade and tighten it a bit. Plugging it into a extension cord that I had plugged into far wall of the shed I flip the switch and watch with glee as the blade turns around as smooth as ever. Turning it off I walk over to the bench where I had the shotgun laid on its side.

Holding a ruler next to the barrels I look decide that twelve inches was ideal for what role I wanted the gun to fill, Marking off twelve inches I take off the bottom grip and detach the barrels from the action.

Walking over to the band saw I wrap where the barrels were going to be clamped in with a old rag before lining up the cut and securing it in place. Making sure everything was good I grab a old can of WD-40 and start up the band saw before slowly lowering the blade to the barrels, small shavings of metal already getting removed. Watching the blade cut through the metal intently I occasionally spray some WD on the blade and barrel to keep everything smooth.

Watching the small teeth slowly make their way through the tough metal of the barrels for about ten minutes I stare as it starts through the final bit of material. The blade finally making it through the barrels the top section of the saw falls and hits its own kill switch as the removed section of the barrel falls to the dirt below.

Pulling the top part of the saw back up into its upright position I lock it up before unscrewing the clamps and taking out the shortened barrel. Looking the cut over I grab a small circular file and file off the burrs the saw left behind. Running my fingers over the cut I feel the rough surface start to bite back into my finger. Sitting down on the lone stool at the bench I set the chamber end of the barrels into my thigh and grab the other end tightly as I start to file away to smoothen and round out the business end of the barrels.

Having to switch to my left arm half way through I run my middle finger over the holes and give a sigh of relief at the finally smooth texture.

“My arms ain't used to that much filing.” I huff as it set the barrels down and give both my arms a good stretch, my triceps and forearms burning with the movement. Looking at my watch and reading eight thirty I wince, “This is gonna hurt tomorrow.”

Loosening my arms up a bit I grab the barrels and attach them to the main action and putting on the lower wood grip I see that the grip extended past the end of the new barrels by about two inches I mark off the offending section with an old sharpie before pulling it back off before wrapping it in the same old rag and clapping it into the vice attached to the bench.

Standing up I grab a old hand saw before slowly dragging it across the line I drew out. Slowly cutting through the wood, taking extra care to keep the cut straight, I make my way through the wood, “Mmm Oak for sure.” I think aloud looking at the not stained color before the unneeded chunk falls to the bench top.

Taking out the grip I set it on the bench before walking over to a tool box and searching for a rasp and some sand paper. Finding both I return to my bench and plop down on the stool and grasp the wood in my left hand while starting to gently run the rasp along the freshly cut part to round out the rough edges.

The rasping and sand papering hurting just as much as the filing I set down the rounded grip down and put the rasp away, throwing the spent sandpaper to the ground in the process. Putting the gun back together I test open and close it a few times while getting a feel for the ergonomics. “Not bad,” I grin setting it down and looking to the buttstock “now all there is to do is cut off the stock and turn it into a pistol grip…” Looking to the vice and the saw I sigh and chake my head, “Might as well.”

Dismantling it once more and tracing out where I wanted to cut I wrap it in a rag before putting it in the vice and picking up the saw.

“Fuck you ATF.” I giggle.

Everything rounded out the way it was supposed to be I look over the finished product with my sore arms crossed, “Now all that’s left is stainin’.” Picking it up I shuff it around in my hands and make sure everything still clicked and opened the way it was supposed to. Grabbing the gun I step out of the shed and into the bright sunlight, the brightness and cacophony of sounds disorienting me for a second.

Realising how long I must have been in there I check my watch and open my eyes wide at the sight, “One twelve? Holy shit I gotta go if I wanna get a good ride in.” Rushing inside I grab my day pack and throw a potato, Mre, bottle of wine, a few shotgun shells, and my new sawed off in before zipping it up and setting it on the couch.

Putting my suspenders and belt on I fasten it before picking up the bag and putting it on as well. Fastening everything down I grab one of the maps and look for a location, the town of Appleloosa sticking out for some reason.

“Eighty kilohoofs one way, a kilohoof is less than a mile but not by too much, I’ll need a jerry can.” Nodding I continue, “Guessin’ by the coloration on this map it turns to sand so I’ll grab my goggles and a bandana. Sun sets a six so if I leave at one thirty an hour down and back I’ll leave the town at the latest of four so I get back before sunset.” Closing the map and pushing it into my pocket I see three ten piece bits on the counter, shrugging I put them in one of my mag pouches.

Picking up my helmet I walk out the door and back into the dust filled shed. Seeing my desert tan goggles on a nail I pick them up and put them on my helmet before walking over to the tub that held my riot gear and grabbing the black bandana.

Folding the bandana in half and tying it around my neck I walk outside and to the back of the Humvee before opening the rear hatch and sliding a red metal jerry can toward me, opening it I smell it and hum, “Diesel.” Closing it and sliding it back next to the others I slide the OD green one toward me and open it, “That’s gas.”

Picking up the jerry can and two small trailer straps I walk over to the bike and place the jerry can flat on the small luggage rack before fastening it down as best I could. Hitting it a few times to ensure it wasn’t going to fall off I get on the bike before getting back off, “I have to have a long gun.”

Running back inside and grabbing the lever action I fill it up and throw two extra full reloads in my left mag pouch before slinging the rifle across my back and tightening it down, the wide leather sling making the awkward fit a little more comfortable.

Running back out to the bike I jump on it and turn on the gas before lifting up my bandana, taking a deep breath I hold down the starter button before the bike roars to life and falls into a comfortable idle. Letting it run for a minute I pop it into first and sit down before giving it some throttle and making it rev high before switching to second.

Reaching the trees I slam the throttle open and feels the bike take off, a massive smile on my face under the black bandana.

Flying out of the trees I throw it into fourth and glance down to the speedometer and smile as it easily clears sixty, the bike's screams drowning out all other sounds I zoom past the gate to the Apple’s orchard and catch air on the small hump right after their gate. Hitting the ground I see the edge of the big hill into town up ahead and max out fourth gear.

Continuing to go straight while the ground beneath me dipped away I let go of the throttle letting the engine rev down before I made touchdown. Seeing a very regal carriage touchdown on the main road in front of the library before hitting the ground I feel a smile spread across my face as I down shift the bike to a complete stop right at the bottom of the hill.

Holding the bike in first I grin at the guards at the the front gates expressions. Revving the engine before letting it idle down and and revving it I listen to the pops of the engine as it sets into its idle state. Staring at the guards, one foot on the ground to keep me and the bike propped up, I pick my foot up and let go of the clutch as I gun it.

The front end of the bike easily picking up into the air I ride on the rear wheel of the bike toward them before letting off the throttle and letting the front end fall back to the ground before kicking it up into second and screaming through the guards as they dive away.

Ponies on the side of the road froze in fear I smile under my bandana and kick it into third as I barrel toward the princess’ carriage, seeing the big white one just outside the carriage door.

Letting off the throttle and slowing down I downshift into first and slowly make my way toward the princess as she takes a step back and gets stopped by the side of the carriage. Her guards and pedestrians alike froze in place I ride up into arms length of the princess and stop the bike before shutting it off and leaning back on the seat with my arms crossed.

Watching as she continues to take a step back only to press herself further into the carriage and as her shrunken pupils stare at me I grin not pulling my bandana down.

“So…” My speech takes her by surprise making her ears lock onto me from their previous darting movements, “I think we need ta get together and iron out what happened between me one yer guards here in town a few days back.”

Looking at me like I had something on my face I roll my eyes, “It’s impolite ta stare ya know.”

The words apparently snapping her out of it her eyes dart around before starting at my feet and tracing my body all the way up to my eyes where she tries to step back again.

“Ya like what ya see there?” I ask amused at how she had just blatantly checked me out.

“Uh…” Gaining some composure she stands up straight and tries to keep eyes contact but resorts to looking past my head, “Ahem… Yes I do believe that is a uh… good idea.”

Nodding I uncross my arms and use my left arm to point to my left flank just behind me, “Your guards about two steps from getting his head blown off.”

The white and gold shape stopping in my peripheral the princess looks to the offending guard and he fearfully looks back to me in wait to what I would do.

“I don't appreciate it when I try to initiate a polite conversation and you try to get the jump on me when ya don't even know if I’m guilty or not.”

“T-t-t-that’s n-not-”

“Bullshit.” I bark, her jaw snapping shut, “Look I know where you’re comin’ from, ya want ta protect yer subjects and I’m a unknown element that has proven to be quite efficient of killin’ things, but to also treat me like I’m some mindless murder machine is a tad inconsiderate.”

Rolling my previously injured shoulder I wince as it clicks, “I know you don't know what I’ve done and been through and that my word probably means fuck all to ya but my honesty in one of the few things I got left, and when I say that mindless killing both infuriates and disgusts me I mean it.”

Scratching my neck I look to the larger pony and notice her relaxing body language and less frightened eyes, “So when should we get together to get this whole ‘attempted murder’ thing over with? And today won’t work I’m takin’ this as a me day.”

“H-how about next Saturday at the town hall?” She nervously asks.

“So eight days from today?”

“Yes.” she nods, her weird hair never stopping its movements.

Huh just like Luna’s

Taking my eyes off of her hair I shrug, “Sounds ight” Using the back of my boot to kick up the kickstand I place my thumb on the starter switch before pausing, “Oh and by the way. If you have a ambush set up to capture me the lives lost will be on you.”

Her face immediately going back to afraid I start the bike and put it into first and pull away from the princess and her lap dogs before hanging a right and starting on the road to Appleloosa, opening the bike wide open to make up lost time.

Reaching behind me with my left hand and hitting the jerry can to make sure it was still there I return my hand to the handlebar and continue down the road the town of Appleloosa finally coming into view.

My goggles now covering my eyes to shield them from the sand I start to slowly downshift the bike not to start to slide in the sand.

Cruising at a comfortable thirty miles per hour I ride past the cracking sun bleached wood of the welcome sign into town, wiping the dust off of my goggles with my thumb I put my hand up to shield my eyes from the sun and to get a better look at the town.

Coming to a complete stop I put my foot down and stand up looking down main street of the town. “Town’s set up just like a scene from a old western, one main drag and houses branching off of that and a railroad at the end.”

Looking closer into the town I look down to my watch and see it nearing two thirdy, “That ain’t a good sign.” I mumble looking to the desolate town as a lone tumbleweed rolls by right in front of me, “How atmospheric.”

Sitting back down and continuing toward the town I notice ponies dressed in western get up hiding behind barrels and other roadside obstructions like wagons and hay bales. Pulling up to the first building I stop my bike and shut it off the immediate silence deafening me.

Unsheathing my knife I hold tightly in my right hand and walk down the center of the road, ponies’ eyes following me from inside windows and behind other cover.

They were hiding from somethin' before I came to town. I think putting my goggles back on their spot on the front of my helmet. Walking down the road I approach the center of town where the two main roads intersect, a pale tan body of a earth pony lying in the middle of the street followed by a blood trail. Quickening my pace I jog next to the downed pony and notice the two arrows sticking out of his body, one half way down his back in his spine and the other almost buried completely in the back of his skull.

“Executed.” I growl flipping his body to the side in a unneeded gesture to check for life, closing his sand covered eyes in the process. Standing up a high female scream comes from one of the lower level apartments across the intersection before a pony is thrown out of the window, her screams being silenced as she impacts the hard ground.

Waiting for whatever to come out of the building I start to approach the building before the door is broke out from its hinges and a massively muscular minotaur steps out into the sunlight, a large crossbow in his hands.

Before I could act the minotaur levels his crossbow at me and fires, a thump sounding out as it impacts my plate carrier causing a chorus of gasps erupts from the ponies around me and a hearty chuckle from the minotaur that just shot me.

Looking down to the bolt sticking out of my ‘chest’ I grab the shaft of the bolt and pull it out before dropping it to the ground below.

The minotaur’s laughter immediately going silent I look to him and see his eyes widen before he reaches for another bolt for the bow. Growling I take off toward the large grey minotaur my knife held in a ice pick grip within my right hand. Dropping his crossbow he pulls out his own dagger and thrusts it down from above his head on my left side right as I got into range. Putting up my left hand I grab his wrist while at the same time delivering a large cut diagonally from his left hip across his stomach and torso before ending at his right armpit. Digging my knife into his armpit I slide my grip around on the recoiling minotaur and press my back into his bleeding front. Using my legs I bump him up with my ass, using the force to throw him over my back and onto his back on the ground.

The stab into the armpit and backwards twisting of the arm from my movement completely disabling the arm and my only threat I use my full weight and drop my left knee on his trachea and plunge my right hand and the knife down on his heart, a crunch of both bone and cartilage following my movements.

Pulling the knife out of his chest I stand up and look to a pony who was hiding behind a barrel, his eyes going wide as I approached with my bloody hand and knife.

“Who are these guys?” I ask the pony as he stares at me from his cover.

“U-u-u-uh -b-b-bank.” he stutters out shakily pointing to a building all the way down the road near the railway station.

“How many?”

“S-six.” he stutters, his eyes going from mine to the bloody knife in my grip.

Five now. I think turning around running down the road to the bank, haven't fought something that isn’t an infected in hand to hand in a long time, this could be some good practice.

A wicked smile spreading across my face under my bandana I grab my hatchet from its place and choke up on it with my left hand while switching back to a regular grip with my knife. I’ll have to watch for anymore bows though I got lucky once, it won't happen again.

Coming up to the bank I hear screams and shouting from inside along with the sounds of breaking glass and furniture. Another minotaur blocking the only front door of the bank with his back turned to me I slow down and walk on the edges of my feet while letting the hatchet slide to the end of the handle in my left hand for more leverage.

Threatening the patrons of the bank that if anyone tried to leave everyone died I sneak up behind the minotaur and stab my knife in between his legs before quickly pulling it back to me in one quick motion. Blood shooting toward the floor the minotaur screams and falls to his knees, dropping his large axe in the process as he puts his hands between his legs.

Cocking my left hand back I bury the hatchet into the side of the minotaur’s neck abruptly stopping his screaming before placing a foot on his back and roughly kicking his bleeding and gurgling self to the wood plank floor, sending blood splatter across the room.

“Four.” I growl the ponies and minotaurs staring at me in surprise.

Snapping out of it first the nicest dressed minotaur with a gilded engraved shortsword points at me, “Don’t just fucking stand there, get that ugly piece of shit!”

The three other minotaurs staring at me for a second look to each other before all yelling and charging at me from three different directions. My attention immediately drawn to the one directly in front of me I raise my left arm back and with a flick of the wrist throw my hatchet at him before turning my attention to the minotaur to my left.

Dodging out of the way of the minotaur’s spear I throw a slash catching his right bicep, the sharpened edge of the blade cutting through the skin and muscle with ease.

“My fuckin’ arm! That ...monkey just fucked my damned arm!” Holding his hand with his spear still held in his grasp up to the fastly bleeding cut he swears before a piece of cloth is thrown in his face.

“Get that wound covered up, I’ll take care of this ugly-flat faced sumbitch.”

Stepping forward and slipping on a pair of spiked knuckle dusters the largest out of the bunch, at easily seven foot, cracks his neck and raises his arms before our attention is turned to a sliding sound followed by a wet thump as the minotaur I apparently stuck with my hatchet slides down the wall and lands on the floor in his own blood puddle, his hands covering my hatchet as it stuck out of his upper stomach.

“Three.” I snap my attention back to the minotaur as he looks to me.

“You son of a bitch. Afraid to show your face at how much of a freak you are? Huh!?”

Taunting me I pull down the bandana and widley smile at him making his eyes widen, “C’mon. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a good steak.”

Jaw dropping his arms lower for a second, “What ya afraid herbivore? C’mere I want a taste.”

Snapping my jaw at him I growl before shooting toward him and throwing a jab that he barely dodges. Throwing a punch of his own I dodge under it and uppercut him with my left and give a slice across his chest before a punch collides with the side of my head dazing me and knocking me off balance

Crashing into a table I grab a thick glass flower vase and throw it at the minotaur who blindsided me.

“My face!” He screams broken glass sticking out of his face. Picking myself up off the table I run toward him and place a foot behind his right hoof and slice across his thigh and elbow him in the sternum in one movement sending him to the ground.

Going for a stomp to his chest the minotaur I sliced across the chest rams into my side pushing me through the air.

Landing on my back I use the momentum and roll back onto my feet, standing up and holding a hand to my side where he hit me.

His eyes burning with hatred we both raise our hands and approach each other.

Throwing a left punch straight to my face I deflect it with my right arm and deliver a cut to the same arm making him flinch back and throw a jab with his right that I easily dodge to the side of and send a right hook to his face, sliding the blade across his check at the same time.

Backing away from me and putting a hand to his cheek before pulling it away he grinds his teeth and screams throwing a haymaker with his right.

Immediately reading his body movements I lunge inside and put up my left arm, blocking the punch, before wrapping my arm around his locking his shoulder down giving me complete control.

Staring into his burning eyes I pull up with my arm a loud snap echoing off the walls of the bank as his arm bends backwards at the elbow, his face immediately going to one of surprise as he stares into my eyes.

Realizing that the tables were no longer in his favor he tries to pull away from me but gets held by the strong hold I had on his broken arm. Gritting my teeth and hardening my gaze I swipe my knife cross his neck, digging into the meat a good three inches all the way across, cutting all the major arteries and blood vessels causing his rapidly beating heart to spill copious amounts of blood onto the floor and my arm.

Letting go of his broken arm I take a step back and get into a ready stance watching him as he weakly puts him uninjured arm up to his bleeding neck before falling to his knees and then face planting into the floor, his eyes rolling back into his head.

“Two.” I turn and look to the minotaur leaning on the wood beam next to the door, a hand covering the side of his face that took most of the blow from the vase.

Staring at the corpse of his fallen friend his pupil contracts and he raises his hand in a surrendering manor showing me that his left eye was destroyed. Pressing further into the beam as he tries to back away from me flip the knife around in my hand so it was in a regular grip.

Getting ready to run the knife under the minotaurs sternum I hear the creak of a wood plank to my left before a tremendous force rams into my already tender side sending me through the doorway and bouncing off of the hardwood front porch area of the bank before I finally stop on my back in the sandy dirt road.

The pain from my side disorienting me and causing my breathing to hitch I roll onto my side and try to get myself up and standing, holding an arm to my side I barely have time to register a kick before it collides with my ribs on my good side sending me back onto my back.

Feeling around for my knife I find it next to me and grab it with my right hand before rolling onto my stomach and pushing myself up with a strained grunt, the last un injured minotaur standing ten feet in front of me with his immaculate sword drawn.

“I thought the day would never come that a bounty hunter would kill my brothers, however, you have surprised me. No pony, griffon, minotaur, or zebra have been able to stop our three year spree. ” Giving a snort and shaking his head he inspects his blade before switching his gaze back to me, “Honestly I’m ashamed that something as ugly as yourself was the one to end our gang’s run, I wonder what the bounty is now… surely you know.”

Taking a deep breath, doing my best to shrug off the pain in my side I wipe the bloodied blade on my pants, “I ain't a bounty hunter.”

“Ah privately hired.” Nodding his head he hums, “Could you please tell me who hired you so I can deliver your head to them?”

Getting increasingly annoyed by the chatty minotaur, wanting to get to the fighting so I could kill him I start to twitch and rock back and forth widening my stance, raising my arms at the same time.

“Wasn’t hired neither.”

Looking at me strangely at my response and my strange movements a look of distaste crosses his face, “Why’d you kill my brothers then?”

“For fun.” I growl jumping forward a little bit.

“You’re like a fucking rabid animal.”

“Thanks.”

Flipping the knife so I was holding it by the flat of the blade I dig my right foot into the sand and push off.

Raising his blade I cock my arm back and throw my knife at him. Dodging to the side of the flying blade the distraction gives me enough time to close the distance and pop the blade out of his hand and throw a punch to his stomach.

Not letting off of him I throw punch after punch, always dodging from side to side and mixing up what I throw.

Putting his arm up and stopping one of my hits he goes on the offensive and forces me to block and dodge his attacks. Going for a left hook to the side of my head I bring my arms up to block the blow but get fooled as his other fist impacts my injured side making me falter.

Using the split second of time he had he reaches to his right side and pulls another, less ornate, knife from his belt swinging it at me in a slow but powerful arch.

Using my already lowered position I dodge under the swing before standing up and catching his wrist before he could bring it back, locking it to his chest. Using his exposed position I wind up a left hook and let it fly. My fist colliding with his temple he twists and falls to one knee while loosening his grip on the knife that I promptly take from his grasp before kneeing him directly in the face with my right knee sending him onto his back.

Jumping on top of him im unable to lock my legs around him but instead ram my elbow into his sternum breaking it and making him weeze. Going for a stab into his upper chest he throws a wild punch that connects with my jaw in just the right way making my vision flash white and the taste of iron to flood my mouth.

Throwing a punch of my own I feel it connect with his nose before going for the stab while I was still disoriented. Thrusting the knife downward I feel my arm get blocked before another hit goes to my side knocking me off him and onto my back the knife almost immediately getting reversed onto me.

Using his whole upper body to try to push the knife down into my chest I push back with my arms.

“You’re a strong one…” He grunts in effort trying his best to push my arms down only gaining a little ground, “God damn.”

Gritting my teeth as the knife slowly approaches my chest I watch it slowly starts to puncture through my vest and into my left breast. Yelling I push back with my arms and look at the bloody half inch of the tip as a drop of my blood drips onto my chest.

Wiggling my left leg free so I could go for the knife in my boot I look at the bleeding nose and grinning face of the minotaur and let my arms go lax instead using them to push to the left while at the same time pulling my leg toward me and feeling for the knife handle.

His entire weight falling onto me while the knife buries itself into the sand next to my side I wrap my right arm around the back of his neck pinning him to me as I pull the knife from my boot and hold it in a standard grip.

“One.” I whisper into his ear feeling him try to pull away from me before ramming the three inch blade into his soft side over and over, twisting and pulling on it trying to create as much damage as I could.

Flinching with every stab I watch as the injured minotaur that I didn't get to finish off limp out of the bank spear in hand. Seeing what was happening to his last living sibling and leader he drops the spear and takes off limping down the road not looking back once.

The minotaur no longer flinching when I stabbed him I grab him by his left horn and yank his neck back and to the side rolling him off me.

Rolling onto my stomach before pushing myself up I take a deep breath and walk over to where the spear the other one dropped was laying.

Leaning down and picking it up I turn and look at the minotaur as he pushes himself up onto his hands and knees. Holding the spearhead toward the head with two hands I place a foot onto his back getting him to tense, “p-please don’t kil-”

“RRAAHHHH!” driving the spear down on his right side’s upper back I feel it drive all the way through him and impact the ground. Taking my foot off his back and positioning myself so I was directly behind him I push down and pull the spear end toward me lifting his impaled torso into the air so he was standing up straight on his knees.

Pushing the spear shaft through him I walk around him and grab the other side pulling it completely through him. Looking at him as he weakly stares into my eyes, blood leaking from the hole in his chest and mouth I regrip the spear and drive it through the other side of his chest until the head of the spear touches the ground behind him with a yell.

Letting go of the spear I watch as his body shakes and shudders a few more times before his eyes roll back and he sits still, propped up on his knees by the spear.

Wiping off my backup knife and putting it back in my boot I slowly stand back up and turn around, my eyes snapping to the figure slowly hobbling away.

Grunting and reaching a sore arm back I take the lever action rifle off my back and load a round into the chamber. Aiming for the direct center of his back I take three deep breaths and on the last exhale pull the trigger right when he leaned into the sights.

Kicking just as hard as usual into my shoulder I keep the rifle raised before lowering it with a smile as the silhouette slows then falls over.

Reslinging the rifle I stand still getting my breath back, the feeling of sweat rolling down my body starting to register.

“.... Zero.”

Putting my hands on top of my head I stretch my back with a groan. Putting my arms down I walk over to where my knife landed and pick it up, sand and blood matting the black blade. Wiping it off before putting it back in it’s sheath I slowly walk back into the bank and pause.

Everyone in the bank staring at me I look down to the completely blood covered floor near the door and how I was standing in it before looking up and raising a single hand in a wave. A few of the ponies slowly raising their hooves in a wave I lower my arm and start to walk over to where my hatchet was lodged in the dead minotaurs stomach.

Every single pair of eyes following me as I walk to the other side of the bank. Stopping in front of the body I lean over and pull the hatchet out of its stomach with a wet squelch, more blood coming out of the newly opened hole.

Wiping the off the blood on the owners short - pant things I stand and put it back in its place with a huff.

“Is anybody hurt er anythin’?” I ask the room as they all stare at me.

“I uh think we’re all good right everypony?” A voice in the back replies getting the mumbled ‘yeses’ and ‘mhms’

“Good… good, well sorry for impedin’ y’alls trip to the bank but I suggest y’all go home and see yer families and such.”

Slowly getting up and looking at me like they didn't understand what I said they look to the door before filing out of the bank and into the street, avoiding the dead bodies and blood puddles the best they could, a few ponies gagging and gasping as they walk by.

The bank now deserted except for two other ponies they look to each other and start walking toward me, curious I cock my head at them as they both stop in front of me and take off their hats

Looking me over the pony smiles, “I just wanted to thank ya fer savin’ these folk from the merciless Cleaver Gang, they’ve been robbin’ and slaughterin’ small towns like us for three years now.” Putting his hat back he looks back up to me, “I’m Sheriff Silver Star,” He raises his hoof that I take and politely shake, “Strong grip stranger.” He chuckles and rubs his hoof.

“Anyway I just wanted to thank you fer what you did, they would’ve killed everypony in the bank regardless if we cooperated, plus I’m afraid to say that me and my two deputies ain't no match fer them.”

Frowning I sigh, “I’m afraid you’ll be lookin’ fer a new deputy sheriff.”

His face immediately falling even his mustache droops, “No… light tan coat? Earth pony?”

Nodding ‘yes’ he sighs and hangs his head, “Shit...alright I’ll get this handled, come by the jail to get yer bounty note to turn into the bank.”

Turning heel he walks out of the bank, not bothering to walk around the blood puddles that covered the floor.

Watching the sheriff walk out the door I adjust my footing and look to the other pony who was standing in front of me.

“And you’re….?”

“Oh uh I’m Braeburn!” He excitedly says raising his hoof that I take and shake as well.

“That is certainly quite the shake you have there mister.” Shaking his hoof and chuckling he looks back up to me, “You may not know me but I’m AJ and Mac’s cousin, and I’m gussin’ that you’re the tall, pale, scary, and… muscular being I’ve gotten a few letters over?”

Looking at him strange on how he said muscular I slowly nod my head, “I’d ‘magine.”

“Well Ah’m glad ta finally make yer acquaintance.” He smiles, “I’ve heard pretty good things ‘bout ya and I’d that all those things are true considerin’ on how ya just saved more lives than ya think.”

“Thanks I guess.”

“No problem, if ya come by the saloon in the next hour or so I’ll buy ya drink er two.”

Watching him turn and walk out of the door I take a deep breath and listen to the silence inside the bank, looking from one dead body to the next. Clenching my hands into fists before fanning out my fingers I crack my knuckles and take a deep breath before grabbing the dead minotaur to my left.

My eyes sweeping over the hole in his stomach I poke at it a few times getting a idea for how deep it went before grabbing his arms, pulling him out into the street and roughly lying him down.

Walking back inside I grab the one closest to the door, that I tore the crotch out of, and set him next to his dead brother before going back inside and grabbing the last, the knuckle dusters still on his fists.

Picking him up by his jegs I walk out the door backwards and set him next to the others before turning around and jumping back. My hand around my revolver's grip I reluctantly let it go and lower my hand to my side as I pan my eyes slowly from side to side completely surrounded in a half circle by ponies of all ages.

Entire town must be here, I think looking at massive cluster of ponies staring at me silently.

Staring at them I raise a unsure hand in a wave before the entire crowd absolutely erupts into cheer. Jumping back a bit not expecting their praise and applause. Smiling I wait for the applause to die down and stand there.

The crowd finally settling down I clear my throat, “I... uh... thank y’all, you’re the first ones to not run away from me at first sight and treat me like some kind of monster. I trust that most of y’all are okay, none of ya or you’re family members hurt or killed?”

“We’re all okay cuz’ of you!” A old stallion with a cane and thick glasses says getting the crowd to applaud and cheer again.

“Good, that’s what I like to hear.” I smile and place both my hands on my hips my left side shooting out in pain making me grit my teeth and place my hand on the tender spot.

“Are you okay though youngin’?” The same old pony asks.

Waving my hand dismissively I rub my tender side and slowly place my left hand back on my hip, “Yeah I’m good, been through plenty worse.” Looking to the happy and smiling faces of the crowd I frown, “But actually not everyone is okay. I don't know his name, and I feel terrible for not, but a deputy lost his life before I got here. I may have not known him but I do know is that he gave his life whilst on duty today and what I ask all of y’all to help his family get through their terrible loss and to pay homage to what he did for y’all.”

Nodding their heads and mumbling to themselves I speak, “I really do appreciate that y’all for not treatin’ me like some monster. I also recommend that instead of standin’ there starin’ at my fuck ugly face you go home and enjoy the day with yer loved ones because, as seen by today, tomorrow is never guaranteed."

Dispersing I hear a few ‘thank yous’ and more praises from the crowd and nod and wave in response until the crowd had all but gone.
Standing in front of the bank I hear music flowing out of the saloon with the joyous sounds of a celebration smiling I wave back to a few ponies across the street before a pony with a camera and a bowlers cap with a piece of paper saying ‘press’ comes rushing up to me.

“Hello sir I’m Quick Quill I want to ask you a few questions and take a snap of you if you approve.”

Shrugging I nod, “I don't see why not as long as you don't twist my words and make me look like somthin’ I ain’t.”

“No sir I actually have standards and a respect for the truth, unlike those pricks in Canterlot.”

“Lotta tom fuckery happinin’ up there?” I ask crossing my arms.

“Like you wouldn't believe.” He says with a shake of his nod and a curt laugh.

“Well since you ain’t with the Canterlot press who you with then?”

“Oh I’m with the Rural Press Occesiation. Since the Canterlot Royal Press can’t be bothered to send their paper to anywhere remotely rural, except Ponyville, we supply the news to rural towns from Vanhoover all the way past the Macintosh Hills, we’re technically the largest paper in Equestria on pure kilohooves covered.”

“Glad that the ‘little guys’ aren’t getting neglected by the higher ups.”

“Same here, I was actually here to talk to the mayor about the recent influx of bandits and roaming criminals in the last five years and then the Cleavers show up rob the bank. Thankfully you just showed up and put a stop to it.”

“I just wish I could be here sooner, a deputy lost his life before I got here.” I sigh, “Say could you get his name and dedicate a few paragraphs to him, after all I’m still here and breathin’, he ain’t no more, it’d be good to honor his sacrifice.”

Nodding the pony gives a somner smile “Absolutely, I’d be glad to, I’m sure my boss will let me dedicate a whole page to this event due to how groundbreaking it is.”

“Good, now your questions if have some, jus’ nothin’ too personal ‘ight.”

“No problem, okay.. Ahem, you just kinda seemed to show up all of the sudden what made you come to Appaloosa today?”

“Well I was takin’ a personal day, everyone needs one once in a while after all, and I thought I’d travel around a bit and see what sights there were ta see.”

A horn apparently hiding under that hat a gray magic aurora, matching the coat color of the pony, surrounds a quill as he rapidly writes down what I said, “Okay, I don't know anyone who when met face to face with the Bandland Cleavers would ever think to fight, why did you?”

Scratching my chin I pull my fingers away and seem them covered in blood, “I have blood on my face don’t I”

“Yes right side.”

“I’ll have to wash that off, but anyways I guess when I saw the dead deputy killed the way he was and then a defenseless woman get thrown out of a window my mind just snapped into instinct.”

“What would the ‘instinct be?”

“Kill or be killed, and I sure as hell wasn’t dyin’, plus I wanted to use the opportunity before to brush up on hand to hand, C.Q.C, fighting.”

“I see, how do you feel about what you did today?”

“You mean killin’ those bastards?” I point to the dead bodies.

“Yes.”

“Well happy I guess, when there’s dick heads like that, that kill innocent folk fer no reason, I definitely get a feeling of satisfaction as I take them out of the world.”

“Did you kill them for the bounty?”

Shaking my head I cross my arms, “Nope didn't know there was a bounty till lil’ dipshit there thought that having a conversation while fightin’ was a grand idea.” I point a thumb over my shoulder to the impaled minotaur, “As I said, instinct may have kicked in but I also feel like as long as I’m able I should help and defend the ones who can’t defend themselves. So I guess that’d be my complete motivation.”

“So you’re protective?”

“Apparently, I’ve been told that before.”

“One last question. Where did you learn to fight?”

Snorting I give a laugh, “Oh boy, that’s a long story, but I guess I’ll say this. When you live in an environment that is actively trying to kill you day in day out you get damn good at fightin’ or you die.”

Sticking his tongue out in concentration he quickly flips the page of his notepad and writes writes down the last of what I said. “And we’re done with the boring part, now all that’s left is the picture, if you have a pose or something you want to do for the picture go for it.”

Looking around I lock my eyes to the propped up minotaur and get a funny idea. Pulling up my handkerchief so it covered my nose and everything below I walk next to the dead minotaur and gently rest my elbow on his head leaning to my left side while crossing my left foot over my right, trying to imitate the picture of someone leaning on a jukebox .

Pointing a finger gun at the pony I smile under the handkerchief, “Eyyyyy.”

The snap from the camera blinding me I stand up straight and pull down the handkerchief.

“Never seen that one before.” He laughs looking at me.

“I’m all for bein’ the first one.”

“Well thank you for your time… Oh my god, I didn’t ask for your name. Would you mind so much to tell me?”

“Hank.”

“ ‘Hank’. That’s it?”

“Yup.”

“Nice and easy to remember.” With a nod be puts his quill in the spine of his notebook before putting them back in his saddlebag, “Well thank you for your time Hank, and thanks for saving these ponies, ain't one of em who deserves to die like they would’ve.” Getting a far off look in his eyes he shakes his head, “Oh and don't worry about me twisting your words or anything, I know it's hard to trust the press these days.”

Turning around and walking down the street before hanging a right I watch him walk away before grabbing the spear in the minotaur’s chest and pulling it out. Setting it to the side I drag the leader next to his dead brothers before pausing at as I look at the scabbard for the gilded arming sword he had.

Unbuckling the scabbard and belt along with it I walk over to where I last saw the sword and, after a moment of looking through the tossed up sand, find its handle before pulling it out of the sand and inspecting it.

Bending it I nod, “Definitely not made of gold, this is actually some good spring steel, not to flexible but not too stiff either.” Putting the blade back into the metal scabbard I look to the dead minotaur, “He won’t be needin’ it.”

Taking off my rifle and pack I put sword in the bag the best I could before zipping it back up so only the crossguard and handle was sticking out. Putting the bag back on, opting to jusr carry the rifle I start to walk down the road where I could see a golden star on a sign hanging from the side of a building with barred windows.

Wonder how much the bounty is? I think walking down the road meeting a cart getting pulled by two ponies wearing cowboy hats, their only cargo the first minotaur I killed. Waving to me I wave back and continue down the road until I reach the jail.

Stopping at the door I knock before opening the door and walking in, the ceilings barely high enough for me. Looking up from his desk and seeing me the sheriff motions me over to his desk and puts the paperwork he was working on back in a folder before setting it on top of a law book.

“Wonderin’ when you’d come by, take a seat if ya’d like.” He motions to a chair that was too small for me.

“I’ll jus’ stand I think.” I say leaning my rifle against the wall to my right.

Looking to me and then leaning up in his chair to look over his desk at the chair on the other side he snorts, “Yeah, you make that chair look pretty darn small.”

Sitting back in his chair and opening up a drawer on his desk he pulls out a form before setting it down and pulling a quill from a cup with his mouth and setting it down. “Now since it don’t seem like you know what the bounty is and like you frankly don’t how big what you just did was I’mma tell ya this now… you just made a big buckin’ paycheck.”

“Why’s the pay so high then?”

Staring at me he breaks out into a hearty laugh, “Y-you really ain’t got a clue what you’ve done and who've ya killed, you made lots of very important ponies, griffins, and minotaurs very happy today Mr.”

His laughter dying down he looks at me as I cross my arms, “Ya really don’t know do ya?”

“All I know is that that I killed all six brothers that made up the Cleaver Gang, or Badland Cleavers as I’ve also been told and that they’d been doin’ crime for three years.”

Sighing he leans back in his chair, “Ya got that much right, however I bet ya didn’t know that their first crime was wiping out a entire, as the minotaurs call it, enforcement center in a medium sized town in the Minotaur empire.”

“Nope.” I admit.

“Well they did, killed a pretty important sergeant in the attack, they came in when they were all sleepin’ and slit their throats I heard, eleven minotaurs lost their lives that night over a day in jail for attackin’ a bar owner.”

“Damn.” I huff.

“Yeah but it gets worse, follow me.” Getting up from his chair I follow him around a corner where a entire world map was displayed on a wall, “So after they did that they figured ‘why stop there?’ and did some stealin’ and murderin’ for a year in their homeland, killin’ all who tried to stop them, and their victims they stole from rackin’ up fifteen more deaths to their count, a three of those were police sergeants.”

Clearing his throat he points his hoof to the border of the Minotaur empire and Griffondonia, crossing over a small little peninsula of land belonging to Zebrica getting pinched between the two, “They fled from their home country with the domestic bounty being twenty thousand bits, when they fled they went through the small piece of Zebrica here and killed five Zebras in a poor little border town on their way.”

“This little act obviously pissed of the Zebrican government...ssss, I don't know what’s goin’ on with Zebriaca’s government but that ain't important to this story, So the Zebrican Government demanded that the bounty be raised and that Minotaurian bounty hunters be sent out to get rid of the Gang, all while threatening war if they didn’t.”

Wiping his brow with his forearm he turns and looks up to me as I look from the map to him, “The new king of the Minotaur empire being the first in a long time trying to get that part of the world back into a friendship appeased the Zebras as long as they paid half raised bounty. The Zebra’s accepted raising it to forty thousand bits.”

“Holy shit.” I mumble.

“We’re only half way through.” He chortles and sighs, “Next they went into the bird’s nest sorta say. Now Minotaurs and Griffins H.A.T.E hate each other, I don't think either side knows why that is but it is. So obviously to the Cleaver Gang they should start to kill every griffon that even looked at them funny. Skipping from border towns along the Zebraican- Griffon border they got their kill count up to sixty, all along while robbing from almost every Griffidonian bank they could, you can guess what this did.

“Made they Griffins lay an egg?” I answer.

Slowly turning his head to me he stares at me before giving a short laugh, “Heh, yeah I guess so. Ha ha… never heard that one before.” Humming he turns back to the map.

“Lay an egg… ha. Anyways yes, talk about impending wars, this one almost happened, but the new king of the minotaurs worked it out so the three countries would split it three ways twenty, twenty, twenty, a total of sixty thousand. The gang heard this though and started doing worse and worse crimes to get that bounty up, and they did, ten thousand more bits for the killing of ten more griffins, a thousand bits for each life. But they’d had their fun in Griffindonia though so they headed back the way they came adding five more traders to their death toll, sixty five.

“Fuckin’ hell, I shoulda made their deaths more painful.” I feel my fists clench in anger.

“Ya did a fine job believe me, I wouldn't want ta mess with ya, I’ll put it that way." He nods his eyes wide open.

“So when going back through the decide to go to Equestria through our southern border with the Minotaur empire and start killin’ and robbin’ those border towns and small ones leading up to the Macintosh hills. Now comes the part where the Alias Badland Cleavers comes into play.

Turning away from the map he walks past me and sits back at his desk, following him I stand at the opposite side of his desk as he sits down with a grunt, “So their whole campaign of terror to the east only taking two and a half years they’ve sat in the badlands attacking every trader that came down the only ‘safe’ route killin’ and takin’ their stuff.

Dipping his quill in ink and signing taking a minute to sign the form on his desk he puts the quill down, “So the princesses got word, the countries split it four ways after some negotiation, the Cleaver gang racked up a hundred and three confirmed kills and you have a bounty form ready to be turned into any bank for one hundred thousand bits.”

“What!?” I yell before picking up the form and looking a the amount on the very top, “Holy shit!” Putting my hand to my head I chuckle.

“Never seen that much before?” he smiles and laughs.

“I mean I was paid fifty thousand for savin’ the princesses a while back but that kinda made sense! This… this is a full hundred K and all I did was kill six minotaurs!”

“You’re short sellin’ yourself again you don’t realize how many lives you saved and how many you avenged, plus I guarantee that you are probably pretty high up on Griffidiona’s, Zebrica’s, and especially the Minotaur Empire’s good list, those six were nothin’ but a massive blemish on the country and I bet the king'd be happy to meet ya.”

Barely listening to what he was saying I look up from the form to the Sheriff, “Did the fallen deputy have a family?”

“Sighing he looks down to his desk, “No. No he did not.”

“Oh. Well what would a good and respectable funeral cost?”

“Five thousand bits.” He shrugs, “Why?”

“I wanna pay for it.”

Looking at me strange he narrows his eyes, “You wanna what?”

“Pay for it so he gets the burial he deserves for his sacrifice.”

“Um alright then. T-that’s mighty generous of ya.”

“It’s nothin’, say is that mare that got thrown out of the window okay? I didn’t get the chance to ask around.”

“Holly? Yeah she’s ight’, a few cuts and a nasty concussion, she’ll be out of work fer a while but when’s supposed to have a full recovery.”

“I’m relieved, how much do ya think it would cost to cover her payments for missing work and the medical bills?”

“Ya aren’t thinkin’ what I think yer thinkin’ are ya?” He leans forward placing his hooves on his desk.

“How much?”

“Another five thousand tops.”

“Done. When I get back to Ponyville where my bank is I’ll put this in my savings and transfer ten thousand bits to the Appleloosa jail and then it will be up to you to make sure it gets where it needs too. Is that okay?” I ask folding the paper up and sticking it on my front pocket.

“Uh uh uh…. Yeah no problem.” He stutters a dumbfounded look on his face.

“Good. Well Sheriff it was a pleasure but I believe I’m gonna head to the saloon where I’ve been offered a few free drinks.”

Shaking his hoof one last time I grab my rifle and head back out the door and into the streets. Looking to my right I hear the sounds of a party in the saloon directly across the street and head towards it.

Slowly walking up the three steps up to the porch area of the bar three older ponies sat in rocking chairs wave to me with their left hooves, a mug in each of their right. Nodding to them I place my hand on in the middle of the two swinging doors listening to the sound idle conversation, laughter, the clinking of glasses, and music.

A good atmosphere surrounding the worn wood building I push open the doors and take a step inside, the entire saloon packed from wall to wall, some ponies resorting to standing with their drinks due to the lack of available seats all the while waiters and waitresses buzzed from table to table and switching party to standing party refilling drinks and serving bar food.

Somebody noticing me first a chain reaction ripples through the bar as the patrons and staff all stopped their conversations and what they were doing to look to me.

Not knowing what to do I stand still stuck before clearing my throat and relaxing my posture, “ I know I look like a damn sideshow attraction but I’m here to drink and celebrate like y’all are... So let’s get to it.”

One pony cheering and raising his glass the rest off the bar follows and gets back into what they were doing before right as the band begins to play. Trying to maneuver my large self in between tables, stepping over a few ponies on the way, I shake hooves and greet ponies that raise their glass to me or acknowledge me in some way.

Seeing Braeburn watching me with an amused smile on his face as I make through the celebrating ponies I finally make it to him and sit down next to him on stool that was barely big enough for me.

“Everyone here’s awfully happy.” I state as two large mugs of something pale yellow are places on the bar in front of me.

“On the house.” The bartender simply says with a nod before taking his front hooves off the elevated counter and walks down to the other side before jumping back up onto his back legs.

“Can’t blame us can ya? Some of these ponies in here wouldn't be alive right now if it weren’t fer you, inculdin’ me.”

Picking up one of the mugs and taking a sip out of it I raise it to my lips and take a large drink.

“When you put it that way I see what ya mean.” I say putting the mug down with a disappointed sigh.

“Whatcha sighin’ about?” He asks taking a drink out of his own mug.

“Um well is this a alcoholic beverage or just juice or somthin’?” Flicking the mug I question.

Looking to my two drinks for a second he turns his head back to me, “Yeah that’s cider I mean it’s not the strongest but there’s definitely alcohol in it. Somthin’ wrong with it?”

“Well no…” I begin pausing to take another drink from the mug, letting the fluid sit in my mouth for a second before swallowing, “I guess I can taste a hint of somthin’ but really it just tastes like bitter apple juice.”

“Really? Here lemme taste it.”

Handing my mug to him he wraps his hoof inside of the large glass handle and brings it to his lips and takes a small drink, his eyes squinting and mouth puckering as he puts the mug down.

“Hooo, that’s some strong stuff!” Sticking his tongue out and wincing he slides the mug towards me.

Picking up the mug and taking a drink I lean my head back and take down the entire mug I set it on the counter, smacking my lips a few times I nod my head, “yeah... nothin’.”

“Well all Ah can tell ya is that that definitely has alcohol in it.” Shaking his head he points to the drink shivering one more time.

“Ain’t much of a drinker?” I ask bringing the other mug to my mouth and taking a drink.

“Nah, Ah can’t really hold it all to well, this one here’ll be plenty.” Nudging his barely drank from mug with his hoof he answers.

“Ah well ain't nothin’ wrong with that, some just handle it better that others.” Tipping my head back contents of the full mug slide down my throat uninterrupted before gently setting the empty mug down and turning to him, his mouth hanging open and his eyes wide.

“Damn.”

Laughing at his expression I turn back to the bar to see the bartender staring at me as well, a surprised look plastered on his face as well, “ I think you’re in need of another drink.” He says grabbing the glass I just emptied.

“Please.”

Filling the beer stein back up he scrapes the access foam off the top with a small wooden paddle before sliding the re filled mug back to me, “Thank you.”

Watching the pony shake his head and gaze to his mug and look back to me out of the corner of my eye as I take a small drink I turn to him as I set the mug back down on the counter, “Yeah?” I ask as he still looks to me.

“How’d ya do that? Ya just took a whole mug down in three seconds!”

Shrugging I chuckle and take my helmet off before running my hand through my hair, sweat sticking to my skin and making making my hand feel cool, “Well I guess it’s mind over matter really, plus usin’ the muscles in your throat and not yer tongue to drink.”

“Huh.” Looking to his mug he starts to reach for it.

Stopping him my placing my hand on top of his hoof I smile and shake my head, “I wouldn’t if I were you.”

Taking my hand from his hoof he retreacts his arm and looks from me to his drink and back, “Why not? It sounded easy enough.”

“Well for one, it’s easier said than done, two, it takes some time to get used to the feeling of liquid shooting down your throat, and three, I’m guessin’ you have a gag reflex?”

“Uh… yeah.” He answers, a confused look on his face.

“Well I don’t. The gag reflex is one of the most powerful ones in the body because, believe it or not, the body don't want you to choke, and you take a chance every time you eat. Cause a that it can be mighty hard to get over that reflex or to train it to stop.”

“Oh okay… I see.” He nods his head, “Why don't ya have a gag reflex though? Does your kind just not have one er…?”

“Nah, humans have gag reflexes. I got a mighty bad, I mean almost go to hospital, infection in the back of my throat when I was like five and by the time it was over I had no gag reflex.” Taking a drink I laugh a little, “ I was a fast eater too, even faster now even, but I choked a lot in the months after that on my food and just stupid stuff.”

“Well it seemed to come in handy now.” He laughs before bringing his hug to his lips.

“I guess. I mean all it’s really good for is chugging and suckin’ dick so…”

Coughing on his drink he sets his mug down and hits himself on the chest, “W-what?” He sputters.

“What? That last part fluster you er somethin’?” Calmly finishing of my mug I clear my throat, “ I mean what else could I do with not having a gag reflex? Oh cool I can eat a banana in one bite!” I laugh, “There are literally no other marketable skills that are related to being gag reflex deficient than chugging, sucking dick… or I guess party tricks, but that would all still be putting a whole hot dog in my mouth and bringing it back up, or something related to shoving a phallic shape in my mouth.”

“N-no I- *cough* - just wasn’t expecting ya to say that is all. Not many ponies, especially round here, would say that.”

“Oh no, they gonna think I’m a gay? That’s not even an insult.”

“Ah wouldn’t say that too loud.”

Watching the so far very bubbly and talkative pony switch to a more quiet and nervous one I nod and drop the subject.

Sitting in relative silence I listen to the conversation around me while watching Braeburn out of the corner of my eye, watching as his body language slowly returns to normal.

“So ya really can’t taste the alcohol in yer drink?” Trying to get some conversation flowing he asks.

“Nope, no I can’t, although I brought a bottle of wine with me from home so how bout we leave and see how strong it is compared to this stuff?” I suggest seeing as he still had a very uncomfortable look about him.

“That sounds like a mighty fine idea.” He eagerly says setting down a few bits on the bar before jumping out of his chair. Grabbing my helmet I look at the front of it and scratch some dried blood off the goggles before looking at the red cross on the front of it.

Memories, good and bad, rushing into my head while I look at the red cross adorning the front of the green scarred surface the world around me fades out, the only sound I was able to hear being my own slow breathing and the only thing I could see being the helmet.

The sound muffled sound of gunfire, screams, and a explosion replaying in my mind I run a hand down the left side of the helmet feeling the shredded material under my fingertips, a lightning bolt of pain shooting down my left side making my eyes shut tight.

“Are you okay?”

A terrible burning sting causing my entire left side down to my upper thigh to quiver and clench uncontrollably I feel the running sensation of something cold running down my left side.

“Are you okay?”

A soft and warm object beneath me as I straddle it I feel something impact my right leg. My breathing hitching the sound of conversation once again fills my ears as the black surrounding my helmet starts to fade away revealing the bar I was still sat inside of.

“John?” I mumble.

“N- no. It’s me Braeburn, are you alright? Ya had a- a… dead look on yer face.”

Looking to the small pony next to me I turn my head back to the helmet I held in my shaking left hand as I felt the cuts on the left side of helmet with my equally as shaky right hand.

“Y-yeah, I-I’m good.” I put the helmet on and give a small smile to give reassurance.

Still looking at with concern, not convinced he opens his mouth, “Are ya sure? Ya seem awfully sh-”

“I’m good.” I say with force cutting him off and making him shrink back a little, “Let’s jus’ get... outta here.”

Standing up I nod to the bartender in thanks and head to the door putting my helmet back on my head. Opening the saloon door I hold it for Braeburn, letting it swing shut after he walked through.

“Thanks.”

“Mhm.” Catching up to him I keep pace with him as we walk across the street.

“So where we goin’ to taste this wine ya got?” Looking over his shoulder he asks.

“I don't know, how bout….” My stomach gurgling loudly I feel a hint of what I felt this morning.

“Someponys hungry.” He laughs.

“Yeah, but I got some food in my bag….f-f-f-fuck.” I wince stopping and doubling over.

“Whoa! Whoa! Are you alright!?” Coming over to me he looks to me concerned.

“Mhhmmmm. I’m good, this is jus’ somethin’ that happens now I guess.” My stomach contracts again making me wheeze a little.

“Ya guess? Bein’ in serious pain is jus’ somethin’ ya guess about?”

Taking my rifle off my back and letting it fall to the ground I take my bag off and un zip it, “ I know what’s causin’ it, I jus’ need ta eat somethin’ and it’ll go away.” Digging through my bag for the potato I finally feel it and pull it out.

“A potato? Jus’ a potato? No sour cream, salt, pepper?”

“Nope.” Opening my mouth wide I take a bite claiming a third of the potato before chewing three or four times and swallowing.

“Oh gods… That’s nasty.” Turning his head and looking away from me he blanches.

Trying not to look like he was watching me I see him looking at me through the corner of his eye and stare into his eyes before taking another large bite only leaving a small chunk of the potato left.

Looking back away from me I see him shudder and turn from me, “Are ya done yet?”

“Almost.” I take the last bit into my mouth and swallow it down, “Done.”

“Good.” he turns back around and shakes his head a few times, “That was hard to watch.”

“Why? Never seen somebody eat a potato before?” I ask amused, the pain in my stomach starting to ebb away.

“No, but I’ve never seen somepony eat a raw potato like a apple before, that jus’...can’t taste pleasant.”

“I’ve had much, much, worse.” I give a short laugh and give my stomach a pat.

“What could be worse than a raw potato?” He says as we start walking down the road.

Giving him the ‘really’ look I roll my eyes and count with my fingers, “Wet dog food, expired hormel chili, meat of a deer that had somethin’ wrong with it, dog, meat of while dead racoon when I tried to get the ‘good parts’. Fun fact, there are no good parts. Wet cat food, and by far the worst… Cheese and vegetable omelette MRE.” I give a shiver.

Still walking I put my hand down and nod, “So yeah I prefer a raw potato over all those things.”

“Ya eat meat?” I turn my head to see the pony I was just friendly talking to looking at me with concern.

“Yes, but on my planet nothin’ but humans is sapient, and no I’m not planning on eatin’ you or any other ponies an’ such.”

“You’re from another planet!?” With more concern he spurts.

“Yes.” I nod.

Walking next to him he all of the sudden stops at a four way intersection, “How ‘bout we go back to my house, I whip ya somethin’ decent ta eat and we talk about all this information ya jus’ threw on me.”

Huffing I cross my arms, “Ain’t afraid I’m gonna eat ya?”

“If you we’re jus’ lookin’ fer a meal you wouldn't of gone through the trouble of savin' all a us, and ya obviously ain’t some animal... so no I ain’t.”

Uncrossing my arms I hum, “Glad to see at least one pony have decent thinkin’ skills. Why not, ya ain’t bad company, but ya don’t have ta make me a meal.”

Shaking his head ‘no’ we start to walk again, “I didn’t get ta buy ya a drink so I figure this’ll be a fine compromise, plus I’d like ta see how a alien likes my cookin’.”

“Well minus not bein’ able ta eat hay or flowers I’ll eat bout anythin’ so I’m afraid I’m not too good a judge in that regard. Really anythin’ that ain’t Purina I think is ‘ight, an’ Purina ain't really that bad now that I think about it.” Following him down the road I look up to the sky and scratch the underside of my chin.

“Well I think yer in luck because I think I can do better than dog chow.” He laughs looking over his shoulder at me, “Now jus’ follow me I’m jus’ down this road a ways.”

Sat on the floor next to Braeburn’s dining room table I watch with extreme interest as the earth pony, propped up on his rear legs, danced back and forth from one edge of his kitchen counter to the other cutting an assortment of vegetables and throwing them into a large pot on his stove.

“I really hope ya like this soup, it’s been in the family fer generations.”

Giving a huff I smile, “By the way it’s smellin’ I don't think I’ll disappoint.”

Humming in satisfaction he continues dicing one last carrot before starting to add the spices.

“Hey Brae where’s the bathroom, those beers are startin’ ta make their presence known.” I ask standing up, using my helmet in the table to help push myself up.

“It’s down the hall, last room on the right.”

“Thanks.” walking across the room before entering the hallway I run my hand across the pale blue wood that made up the walls and continue toward the bathroom, nice color, I think to myself.

Entering the bathroom I look around for a toilet before my eye finally rest on a two foot in diameter hole in the ground made of what looked like porcelain. Walking closer to the countersunk porcelain bowl in the floor I notice the small metal button in the floor next to it.

“Guess that makes sense with them bein’ four legged and all.” Unbuttoning my pants I mumble to myself before starting to relieve the pressure, “Ahhhhh, much better.” I groan in relief.

Finishing up I start to re-button my pants and push the button on the floor realizing that with every push only a little water came out I push it three times before turning to the sink.

Reaching for the soap I see a ‘Playmare’ magazine sitting right out in the open on top of a R.P.O news paper.

My curiosity peaked I pick up the magazine and look at the decently attractive stallion on the front page dressed in a definitely non-standard fireman's kit.

Flipping through pages of ‘penile enhancement pills’, ‘17 ways to spice up you and your stallion’s sex life’, ‘10 hottest coolers for this heat season’, coolers that were definitely not for keeping your beverage of choice cold, some in hot pink.’ I finally reach the meat of the magazine in more than one way.

Well that’s definitely not natural, I think to myself looking at the massive erection of the first stallion as he wears a policeman's uniform, That could definitely be a damn night stick.

Turning through pages of the apparently civil servant themed magazine edition I stop on a page with a rather effeminate stallion in quite the compromising position. Feeling my pants tightening a little bit a look down to my crotch and frown.

Really? Now? Looking up with a sigh I linger on the page for a second before turning the page, a dog ear bent into the top marking it, looking to the picture taking up the entire page I see a large muscular stallion lying on his back on a bench in a gym exposing everything, a sweat rag on his shoulders.

Huh so he likes the muscular ones

Turning the page I stop again on the ‘feature photo’ a interview and accompanying explicit photo.

Bla bla bla Wonderbolts… Sorian picture of him in a ‘heroic pose’ but with his dick out. Standard shit.

Closing the magazine and setting it under the news paper I quickly wash my hands and set out of the bathroom, my first few steps being awkward as I tried to readjust myself.

Walking up as Braeburn sets a bowl down for himself and me,”Thought ya fell in.” he laughs sitting down.

Sitting down across from him I take off my pack and reach in for the bottle of wine, pulling out and setting down my shotgun and the new sword I just got on the table before setting down the bottle.

“No, I jus’ got caught looking at the literature.” I smile using the corkscrew he sat on the table before pouring myself a full glass and a quarter of a glass for him, “jus’ ta see if ya like it first.” I slide his glass to him.

“Thank you.” He smiles and picks up his spoon somehow, “I must admit the R.P.O has gotten much better in the last year, heard they got more fundin’.” He adds taking a spoonful of the soup into his mouth.

“Oh, I was talkin’ about the other magazine ya had in there.” I say taking a sip of the soup and humming in pleasure at the taste.

“Hmm?” Cocking his head he hums, his mouth still full of soup.

“Ya know the Playmare ya had in there, I must say that it ain't much different than back on my worl-” I answer getting cut off as he spits his soup out and starts coughing and wheezing.

Wiping my face off with my sleeve I hand him a napkin and a drink of my wine as he starts to get his coughing under control.

“Ya gonna make it?” I ask raising an eyebrow at the pony.

“I-I-I can explain… that magazine is for my… my marefriend.” He wheezes putting down the napkin and looking to me, his pupils fully constricted.

“Ya told me that ya lived alone on the way here.”

“W-well… I-I-...” Taking a deep breath and sighing he looks down to the table, “Ya got me, if ya aren’t comfortable being here with me ya can leave, I understand.”

“Leave? Why the fuck would I leave?” I ask taking a drink of my wine.

“Because I’m a coltcuddler.” He practically whispers.

Sighing and leaning back I roll my eyes, “Look Brae, I don't care. I’m probably the most open minded person you’ll meet.”

“Wait… ya don't care that I’m gay, ya ain't afraid ta be around me?”

Scoffing I down the rest of my wine, “Dude I’m twice your size and weigh at least three times more, what do I have to be afraid of?”

“W-well when some stallions learn that someone around is gay they get nervous that they’ll try to do somethin’.”

Putting down my spoon I give a short laugh, “Really?”

“Yes.”

“Juvenile.”

Watching the pony across from me silently as Finish off my soup he finally looks up to me from the floor.

“Ya really don't care?”

“Nope, that surprise you or somethin’?”

Rubbing his hooves together he nods, “Yeah actually.”

Surprised I hum and raise up my shoulders, “Why?”

“Well I mean jus’ look at you. Usually the big muscular guys ain’t the most understanding. No offence.”

“None taken, but all contradictions aside you’d better get to eatin’ yer soup before it gets cold.” I point to his bowl that stopped steaming.

“Oh right,” He agrees picking up his fork, “and sorry for spitting all over you.”

“Eh.” I shrug.

“So did ya like the soup?” He asks.

Pouring myself another glass of wine I set down the half empty bottle and look to him, “Yeah it was great, I honestly wasn’t expecting for a soup with no meat to taste so good.” I admit.

“Well I’m glad ya liked it so much.” He smiles picking up his and taking a sip, his face doing a immediate one eighty. Wincing He spits the wine back into the cup and starts to cough, tears welling in the corner of his eyes.

“O-oh Celestia, tha- that’s strong.”

Chuckling I take a sip of my own wine I shake my head in amusement at his facial expressions.

Resting my head on my right hand as my right arm propped up my head from the table I watch as his humorous range of facial expressions with a smile on my face.

Catching me looking at him he stops his sputtering and awkwardly smiles doing everything to break eye contact, “Why are ya lookin’ at me like that?”

Sitting back up straight I put the cork back in the wine, using my hatchet to hammer it tight, “With how much you ponies show emotion on your faces I find it funny sometimes, especially when there’s someone like you who has a extremely expressive face.”

“Oh… heh sorry.” He averts his eyes from mine a small red tinge to his cheeks.

“Nothin’ ta be sorry about, it jus’ makes you ponies more adorable.”

Picking up my bowl and glass I pick up his as well. Stopping at the sink I set the tableware into the basin before using the pump and soap to wash them.

“Ya don’t have ta do that, I can do that later.” He says walking up beside me and propping himself up onto the counter.

“Nah that’s ‘ight ya made the meal, I’ll clean the dishes.” Setting the dishes back on the counter after drying them out with a cloth next to the sink I turn to him and smile before going back over to the table packing my stuff up.

“Leavin’ already?” He asks, a tinge of disappointment in his voice.

“As much as I would love to stay longer Brae I gotta leave now if I don't wanna ride into the dark on the way back home.”

Squinting his eyes at me he shakes his head, “How are ya gonna get from here back to Ponyville before dark? That’s a eighty kilohoof trip, one way.”

Nodding in agreement I look at my watch and laugh, “Well I’m already a half hour later than the schedule I made myself but then again I didn't plan to fight and kill six minotaurs.”

“I still can’t believe ya did that-” He shakes his head in disbelief, “and I was there, I saw it, and it was… impressively terrifying.”

“Thank you.” I thank proudly putting on my pack and rifle, “Well I guess I could show ya how I’m gonna make the trip, wanna see?”

“Sure, sounds interesting.” Taking his hat off his hat rack he places it on his head and adjusts it before nodding, “Let’s go.”

Crouching down and exiting his quaint little home I slow waiting for him to catch up.

“Jus’ what did ya ride in on’?”

“You’ll see.”

Setting into pace beside me I look down to him.

“Ya won’t tell nopony will ya?” He asks a tad fearfully.

Shaking my head ‘no’ I give him a serious look, “That’s fer you an’ you only to reveal when ya wish, although I think yer makin’ a mountain outta a molehill.”

“You wouldn't understand.” he mumbles.

I simply shrug in response.

“What in the world is that?” Brae asks pointing to the honda.

“It’s a motorcycle, one of the best human inventions in my opinion.” Taking off the gas cap I start to refill the bike’s tank.

“Oh gods that smells like that new kerosene in Dodge City.” Braeburn says in disgust covering his nose and mouth with his hat.

Immediately snapping my head up to him I put the can down, “What was that?”

“Uh… I was jus’ sayin’ that whatever that stuff is smells like the new kerosene they came up with in Dodge City not that long ago… burns brighter and hotter.”

“Looks like I’ll be visiting Dodge City sometime then.” Interested in the possible fuel source I make a mental note while closing the cap and re securing the less heavy can on the back of the bike.

Poking the front tire with the tip of his hoof he looks around the bike, “So this moves?”

“Oh yeah she does.” Pulling up my bandana and placing the goggles I try to scrape off the specks of dried blood from the otherwise clear surface to no avail.

“I don't see how.” Taking a step back he looks to me and shrugs.

Turning the gas on I pull out the choke, “It would take me a week to tell ya all ‘bout combustion engines and how they’re used so I’ll jus’ show ya instead.”

Pressing the ignition button the bike shudders before roaring to life and settling into a throaty idle. Jumping back from the noise a good two feet he lands with the bottom of his chin in the dirt before covering his face with his hat.

Peeking out from his hat and realizing that the bike wasn’t going to hurt him he cautiously stands back up and takes small steps over next to me, “It’s loud!”

“You ain't heard nothin yet!”

Other ponies starting to come outside to see what was making the noise he looks around before turning back to me, “You’ll be in Ponyville tonight?”

“Within the hour.” I nod getting his eye to go wide.

“Wow… Well can I give ya this here letter ta gove ta AJ?” Pulling off his hat and pulling out a letter from somewhere he holds it in his teeth extending his neck toward me.

“Yeah no problem.” I take the letter and stand up putting it in the pocket with the bounty note.

“Ya won’t open er read it will ya?”

“Course not.”

“Okay well come back ta visit sometime soon alright?”

“Will do Brae.” I smile under my bandana.

“Alright... safe travels.”

Taking a step back I put the bike into first and push off slowly taxiing down the main road waving to all the ponies that had came outside.

Turning toward the exit of town I look down to my watch and see that it was almost five. Grinning under the bandana I open the bike up reaching one hundred miles an hour in no time, the bike still able to give more.

Slowing the speed on the bike to a mellow fifty I make it back to Ponyville happy to see the trail for the most part clear of all travelers. Looking at the foliage on either side of me I turn my head back to the trail as I come over a small hill, a grey and white carriage leaning onto its left side, the two wheels busted.

Coming closer to the carriage and seeing that it was actually the equivalent of a large rolling metal safe the eight ponies that were milling around it notice the sound of my bike and spot me before scrambling to grab weapons and set up a perimeter.

Slowing down and downshifting I slide to a stop twenty feet from the back of the wounded carriage and their spear points.

Turning off the bike and swinging out the kickstand in one smooth motion I dismount the bike and stand next to it. Nervously looking to one another while simultaneously taking a step back I pull down my bandana an put my bloody goggles back on my helmet.

“Evenin’ gentlemen.” I greet as a ninth pony steps out from the front of the carriage with a crossbow pointed at me in his magic.

“I’d rather not get shot twice in one day.” I point to the pony wielding the crossbow getting him to lower it and look at me inquisitively.

“Twice?”

“Yeah wasn’t fun the first time an’ I doubt it would be this time.” I cross my arms.

“What are you doing here?” Pointing the crossbow away from me he asks.

“Well I’m headed home at the moment but I thought I’d stop an’ see what this whole deal was about.” Gesturing my hand around he relaxes a little.

“So you ain't here trying to cause trouble?”

“Nope.”

Setting down the crossbow he sighs and wipes his forehead, “ Well we hit a rock and busted two wheels on the carriage and the jack won't work, plus…” Looking up to the sky he shakes his head, “We’re gonna have to abandon it until the morning with how many wolves have been sighted plus that attack, we’ve been given orders to not be caught outside after dark under any circumstances on this section of the trail.”

Holstering their weapons the eight others turn to the pony.

“We can’t leave sarge, that’s a safe full of gold and bits! We can't just leave it unattended like this!” A younger guard motions to the broken carriage.

“It’s overloaded and that’s why the wheels busted on that rock, I bucking know, but I’m not gonna let my ponies possibly get eaten out here by some mutant dog so let’s get jogging, Ponyville's two Kilohoofs this way and we only got a half hour of sunlight.”

Sighing the other ponies salute, “Yes sargent.”

Looking to the ground and the jack I turn my eyes back to the sergeant, “Why won’t the jack work?”

Turning around and looking to me his men continue to tighten their gear and get ready to leave, “Some stockpony put a faulty one on our detail for some damn reason.”

“Well shit.” I huff.

“My thoughts exactly, now if you’ll excuse me… whatever you are we need to get going, I recommend you do too.”

“Wait a second, ya got extra wheels right?”

“Yeah two. What are you on about?” Squinting his eyes and shaking his head he asks.

“Maybe I could lift it and y’all could slap the new wheels on?”

Him and his men stopping what they were doing they stare at me before simultaneously breaking into a gut busting laughing fit.

Pointing their hooves at me and wiping tears from their eyes I growl, “Get those fuckin’ wheels ready.”

Taking of my pack and rifle I walk toward the still laughing group as they continue to laugh and ready the wheels to be mounted.

“D- do ya think we should let him try? H-he may break his back.” One of the ponies behind me says chuckling as I get my footing right in front of the carriage’s side.

“Nah, I wanna see what this mangy minotaur can do, at least it’ll be something to laugh at and make this damn bank trip worth it.” He replies mirth laced in his voice.

Squatting down and grabbing ahold of the underside of the carriage I take a deep breath and concentrate.

“Oh here he goes!” a pony to my right says getting the group to start laughing again.

My teeth gritting in anger I tighten my grip and push with my legs the already tight fabric of my pants tightening as my muscles contract. Groaning as it moved the carriage starts to dislodge from the dirt and lift into the air. Giving less resistance than I thought I chalk it up to less gravity as I stand to my full height, holding the carriage horizontal as my legs slightly wobble and my back and arms burn.

Not a peep of laughter coming from anywhere around me I look left and right to ponies who stood stock still, eyes open wide, mouths agape.

“Put the fuckin’ wheels on ya pricks.” I command taking a quick breath.

Scrambling out of their stupor they rush to put the large metal reinforced wood wheels on the axles of the carriage, it taking a few times before the hole was lined up correctly. Looking to left and right making sure the wheels were completely mounted I slowly lower the carriage the last few inches until all four wheels touched the ground.

Turning and taking a slightly shaky first step toward where I laid my pack and rifle the voice of the sergeant stops me.

“What are you?”

Only turning my head to look over my right shoulder I open my mouth but close it not knowing what to say, “I- I don't know anymore.”

Thinking of what I just said I nod, “Yeah.” Picking up my pack and rifle I place them on my back before pulling up my bandana.

“Well thank you.”

Looking to the group of ponies I give a simple nod, “I’d get outta here an’ ta town asap, shucks ain't nice an’ to my knowledge I’m the only one able ta kill em.”

Sitting down on the bike I flip the kickstand back up with the back of my foot, “C’mon let’s go I’ll follow ya till ya get to town.”

Not waiting for a reply I start the bike up and turn on the headlight. Pulling down my goggles and adjusting them until they were just right five ponies rush to the front of the carriage to pull it while the remaining get on the small platform in front of the large metal safe while grabbing their weapons and sitting down. Giving the signal to go the carriage jolts forward slowly building up speed until they were going forward at a steady trot. Using my right hand to control the throttle I pull out my revolver with my left and hold it at the ready while following twenty feet behind them.

Coming into view I see the streetlamps alight in the town and pull out from behind the carriage while putting my revolver away. Pulling away from the carriage I zoom down the main stretch of the town looking into the library’s windows to see if Aj was there or not. Not seeing her I turn my head straight ahead and speed up the hill.

Coming up on the white gate I slow down and jam the rear brakes while leaning and re-cranking the throttle causing the bike to go into a slide lining myself up with the entrance without having to slow way down.

Spinning in place the rear tire finally regains traction on the loose dirt road and I start to make my way down their lane.

Slowly coming to a stop in front of the porch I turn off the bike and flip down the kickstand.
Getting up from the bike as the engine and exhaust pop in the cooling evening air. Following the grassless path, worn from so much traffic, I step onto the old porch, the boards creaking under my weight. Opening the screen door I knock three times on the solid wood one.

Waiting for someone to answer the door I pull down my bandana and take off my goggles. Cracking my knuckles and adjusting my footing the door opens, to show the smiling face of Apple bloom looking up at me.

“Howdy Hank, whadda doin’ here!? Oh! Are ya here ta eat supper with us again!?” In her typical happy and innocent manner she pradles on getting me to smile.

“Fraid not AB, I’m jus’ here to give your sister a letter from her cousin in Appleloosa.”

“Awwwwww.” Her ears droop in disappointment.

“Who’s there Apple bloom?” The pony I was looking for asks from the living area.

“It’s Hank sis, he says he got a letter for you from cousin Braeburn in Appleloosa.” She replies back in a raised but squeaky voice.

“Well let him in!”

“Oh right,” The little pony steps aside, “Sorry about that Hank.”

“No problem Ab, it actually feels quite nice outside tonight.” I smile and step inside of the cosy farmhouse.

Pausing I take off my helmet and put in on the hat rack before following the skipping pony into the family room. Rounding the corner I watch as AB jumps up onto the couch next to Mac and settles into place as Granny slowly rocks back and forth in a old pea green recliner while Applejack gives me the eye while sitting in a old looking wooden chair.

“What?” I ask looking to her.

“Why’d ya lie ‘bout yer age?”

Surprised to as too why she’d ask that question now I stand still looking at her weird.

“Oh c’mon AJ you’ve been carrin’ on bout’ that all day.”

“I know Granny but now I can ask him.” She points to me with her hoof while looking to her Grandmother, the old pony rolling her eyes and leaning back into the chair.

“Somethings’ ya don't need ta know, honestly the less ya know about me the better.” I say while taking the letter out of my pocket and walking towards her, my arm out reaches for her to take it.

Sighing and taking the letter out of my hand with her mouth she sets it down on the table next to her.

“What would you know ‘bout honesty?” She asks staring at me as I stare right back.

Realizing what she just said her facial features soften a bit as she adverts her eyes.

“AJ!” Mac scolds getting his sister to shrink back even more.

Looking down to the floor I open my mouth before closing and looking directly at her.

“Braeburn says hi, ya got yer letter, I’ll see you Saturday where I’ll answer yer damn question. Night.”

Turning around on my heel and heading toward the door I stop to put on my helmet before the sound of hoof steps come up from behind me, already knowing who it was I pay no attention and reach for the door handle.

“Ah’m sory fer bein’ so impolite, I-it’s been a long day, Ah didn’t mean to say it like that.”
Turning around I nod, “That’s no excuse, I was shot with a crossbow and almost stabbed through the heart today but I still meant every word I said. I find it’s good practice to mean what you say.”

Turning back around I open the door before stepping out onto the porch.

“W-What? Ya coulda died!”

“Yeah, no shit.” I say as I walk toward the bike, “Why ya pretendin’ ta care anyways? I could be lyin’ fer all ya know.”

Sitting down on the bike I flip up the kick stand and prepare to restart it.

“A-ah’m not pretendin’.”

Ignoring her I turn the bike over and pop it into first, whipping the bike around and heading back down the lane, leaving the farm house behind me as I ride into the darkness of the trees.

Sitting on the bike listening as the metal popped next to the humvee I give a sigh and slowly get off the bike, “I could really use a Timberwolf right now.” I mumble walking toward the door, pulling out my revolver and readying it.

Pressing my back up to the wall I cock back the hammer before pushing the door in. Swinging around I step into the cabin with a wide balanced stance and scan around for any anomalies.

Convinced that it was clear I flip on the light and stand up straight while sliding my revolver back into its’ place on my chest.

Leaving the door open to let the fresh night air find its way in I take the rifle and pack off my back, setting them both on the counter. Opening up the pack I empty its contents onto the flat surface.

Setting the wine bottle with the rest I push the MRE to the side, my fascination caught on the sword. Sliding it out of its scabbard some sand caught inside crunches and falls to the floor below.

Ignoring the annoying particles I tip the scabbard upside down, some more sand escaping and making its way toward the floor.

Dusting off the blade sep out of the way of the light enabling me to inspect the fine gilded patterns that danced up from the cross guard all the way to the point of the blade, getting smaller and thinner the further they went, but never getting less detailed. Running my fingers along the blade I find that it wasn’t gilding at all, it was all inlaid perfectly flush into the polished steel.

“By god.” I run the back of my finger nail down the inlays not quite believing how smooth it was seeming to be.

A new appreciation for the sword I slide it back into its scabbard and set it down on the coffee table in front of the couch for future cleaning with a dry shammy.

Rubbing my face with a sigh I groan and lean against the counter with the side of my leg. My left ear tingling with a itch I start to raise my shoulder to rub it against but my multiple layers of armor, suspender, and chest holder align just right to pinch the skin under my shirt.

Snapping my head to the offending straps I push off the counter with my hip and place both feet on the ground. Feeling my heart rate begin to raise and tightness in my chest I knew all too well I slowly draw my revolver and set it gently on the counter. Clenching my jaw and hands I roughly jostle the buckle holding my belt and suspenders together, only getting more frustrated when it didn’t immediately come off.

Gritting my teeth the buckle finally comes undone, ripping it off I throw it to the floor before kicking it across the room where it collides roughly with the wall. Doing the same with my chest holster I throw it at the wall before grabbing the velcro tabs on either side of the black plate carrier, separating them, before bending over and sliding it off.

Growling I dig my teeth into the left shoulder strap of the plate carrier, no hope of penetrating the ballistic kevlar, I bite down in a futile attempt to pierce through the material until I felt my jaw pop. Spitting the vest out of my mouth I raise it above my head before throwing it to the floor.

Raising my foot I stomp down on the vest four times before kicking it into the corner. Breathing heavy look to the vest unblinking as a single bead of seat rolls down my face and off my cheek. Practically slapping myself in the face I drag my hand across my cheek and forehead, wiping away any annoying sweat beads that would just make my anger worse.

Closing my eyes and tilting my head back in a deep breath and slowly exhale trying to calm myself. Laughing and gritting my teeth I snap my head back to its regular position and deliver a punch right to the four by four stud that the bathroom door was hung on.

Pulling my fist back I rub my knuckles, the previously ripped skin now blown back open.

Sitting down in my old wood chair I rest my elbows on my knees and sigh, “First anger attack in Equestria,” I mumble slowly pulling the skin off my knuckles, my heart rate and breathing starting to return to normal, “Won’t be the last.”

Ding my best to calm myself I pinch the bridge of my nose, “I need to do somethin’.” I say aloud standing up, a warm sensation running down my chest and down to my stomach.

Reflexively going to slap whatever was on me my hand impacts my stomach. A warm feeling I knew all too well spreading across where I hit my stomach and on the palm of my hand, looking down and see a growing red trail from the stab wound on my chest to where my hand was.

Pulling my hand back and seeing some of my own blood on it I grumble and wipe it off on my pant leg before walking into the bathroom.

Holding the front of my shirt under my chin I press my hand hard against my stomach and start to slide it up toward the source of the bleeding. The bulk of the blood coming off my torso, minus some pooling in divots and other uneven surfaces, which there are plenty of, I flick most of the blood off in my sink before placing two fingers on either side of the inch long slit.

Leaning a little closer to the mirror to get a better gauge at the depth and severity of the puncture I squeeze some blood out of it before scoffing and dropping my arms.

“Jus’ a damn bleeder.” Taking my shirt off and throwing it into the corner I look for a cleaner one. Digging through the pile in the living area I find one of the dirty ones I wore earlier but decide that dirt stains were better than undry blood.

Pulling the shirt over my bare chest and back I feel a little more at ease with my less exposed nature. Taking a deep breath and wiggling my fingers, popping a few with a series of quiet clicks and snaps, I try to shake the feeling in my chest know full well it wasn’t going to go anywhere for a few hours at least.

Trying my best to shake my feeling of anger I look outside the kitchen window at the peaceful night atmosphere, drawn to it further by the comforting cool draft making it through the cracks in the wooden planks.

Humming I slide my revolver into my right pants pocket and grab a tomato out of the fridge before picking up my old wooden chair. Shimmying out of the door I turn around and walk about a hundred steps forward and left of the cabin before planting the chair into the soil.

Slowly setting down I feel the chair slowly sink into the soft top soil a few inches as a lazy gust of wind blows through the clearing causing goosebumps to raise on my skin. Looking up at the stars I stare into the emptiness that is space.

Gazing past the little orbs of light as they twinkled I find myself gazing back into my past, times I spent with my family coming to the front of my mind, warm summer days, the beginning of spring, the times I spent alone in the woods during summer vacation, working for my Dad, playing guitar with Grandpa as he played the banjo, learning to cook with my Ma and Grandma as we danced and laughed to Grandma’s music.

All coming to mind I feel my lips start to tug up into a smile and the feeling of anger dissapate as I stare aimlessly into the night sky.

Times I spent with my friends, joking, shooting, teaching each other to fight, sparing with a couple of plastic hand and a half swords we got off the internet, riding our bikes for miles down the winding country roads flanked my seemingly endless miles of old fence posts and rusted barbed wire protecting the fields of corn, beans, and grassland.

My lips pulled back in a full smile I start to laugh remembering all of our antics and the fun filled times we all shared.

My laughter quieting down I give a happy sigh and chuckle a few times before finally sitting in silence once again. Still remembering my friends and family with a warm feeling in my chest and a smile on my face a loud thump comes from my left, the happy visions of old getting replaced by gunfire, screams, blood, and the dying.

My heart rate immediately sky rocketing as adrenaline surges through my veins. My legs instinctively kick out trying to further myself from the treat while my hand takes the pistol from my pocket. Tipping back I fire a blind shot with my revolver and hear a surprised yip from my left. Trying to reposition my revolver to get a shot on whatever was next to me I feel the back of my head strike the ground.

Knowing I was in immediate danger I use the momentum I had to flip over and rest into a kneeling position, my pistol immediately trained on the dark four legged figure.

“On the FUCKIN’ GROUND!” I yell at the mysterious figure.

“Friend Hank I-”

Immediately disturbed on how it knew my name I cock back the hammer, the series of clicks making the thing stop talking. Aiming my sights right in the center of its chest I stand to my full height.

“Hank, I-it is I Lun-”

“I will put a extra hole in ya if ya don't get to the fuckin’ ground!” Interrupting its sentence I see it start to slowly lower to the ground.

Rushing up on it the thing tries to jump away with the help of its wings but I force it to the ground with a strong shove of my left hand before kicking it onto its back and holding it down with a foot on its chest.

“Hank it is I-.” Whatever it was speaks again getting my teeth to grind.

“Shut the fuck up.” I calmly say aiming my revolver in between its’ eyes. Staring into the big eyes with their constricted pupils I feel a jolt run up my spine as the sounds of the breeze blowing through the clearing and the heavy breathing of Luna reaches my brain.

Staring at her I see that I had her pinned under foot and lift my leg taking the pressure off her ribs. Looking to the revolver next and seeing who I had it pointing at I quickly divert its path and decock the hammer before taking my finger off the trigger.

“Luna?-” I question as she stares back at me with a disturbed look on her face, “Are ya alright?” I bend over offering her a hand. Shrinking back from my hand the realization of what just happened finally processes in my mind. Snapping my hand away from her and backing away, my throat starts to tighten as I give a quick look to my pistol before shoving it in my pocket.

“Oh fuck…. Oh fuck…. Luna I-I’m so sorry.” I give a quick look to the pony I considered a close acquaintance if not friend.

“Ya jus’ can’t scare me like that Luna…” I say as I nervously pace around, my legs starting to wobble a little.

“I-I coulda killed you.” My breathing becomes labored as the full weight of I just did to someone I would die protecting bares down on me before my knees give causing my to fall onto them.

Trying to get back up I stumble and fall again, “Jesus…. F-fuck.” I run both hands through my hair falling back to my knees again, “You damn reatard.”

I ball up a shaky fist and ram it as hard as I could into the side of my head causing my vision to blank out for a second and the bruising on my knuckles to flare back up in pain. Still breathing rapidly I push myself to my feet, resting my shaky hands on my knees in a bent over position.

“You should jus’ go Luna.” I say not turning to look at her.

Hearing her walking up behind me my body tenses before I feel a wing drape over my back as the dark blue pony presses the side of her body into mine.

Trying to pull away from her she follows my motions and squeezes me tighter with her wing, “I’m so damn sorry Luna.” I say looking to her as she looks back with concern on her face.

“It is Okay friend Hank, I know just what you are going through.” She says comfortingly rubbing my back with her wing, “It didn’t even look like me did it?”

“N-no, all I heard was a thump and I knew I was in danger, my body reacted before I could even think” I huff my stomach rolling, “Oh fuck, I almost pulled the trigger on you.” I feel bile start to work its way up my throat.

“ I should of known better than to come upon you so fast, tis never a good idea to approach a veteran of battle with speed, or surprise them. I neglected to do that, I hope you can forgive me.”

“Forgive you? I should never be the one to cause the look of pure fear to appear on my friend’s faces. I hope ya can forgive me.” I almost whisper as my breath starts to level out.

“I was just surprised is all, I knew you would never truely do something to harm me.”

“I shot you in the leg and punched you in the face hard enough to dent your helm.” I state turning my head and looking at her.

Sighing and looking up at the moon she slowly turns her head to me, “Hard enough to fracture my skull and break my jaw actually” I slightly wince as I remember, “but that was not truly me. What you did to the nightmare helped get the real us…. I mean... me back, you have no idea how good it felt to be incontrol once again.” Her face blooms into a smile as she looks to the moon.

Placing a hand in her withers I pat her a few times before slowly standing to my full height as her wing pulls back and retracts. Sliding my hand off her back I look to her as she looks back to me before walking over and picking up my chair and the tomato.

Turning around I motion to the cabin not saying a word while starting to walk toward it.

Keeping pace beside me as we walk through the grass to the cabin Luna looks up to me, “If you don’t mind me asking, what were you doing in a chair in the middle of the clearing?”

“Getting lost in the stars.” I look back up to the night sky and remanence for a second before looking back forward.

“Y- you think the night sky looks good? Y-you enjoy it.” Looking to the slightly blushing pony princess as she looks nervously back to me I scoff.

“Good?” I look back up to the sky and stop walking, staring into the edge of the galaxy. “No it truly is breathtaking, stunning, even more, I’ve seen the night sky on Earth too with no light pollution… minus a burning city or two and that was eye opening to say the least.”

Setting the chair down next to me and leaning it on my leg I continue, “It’s somethin’ I did a lot actually after the world ended for humans, gave me a sense of peace and that if I died a violent death the next day I’d be okay, but this night sky…” I wave to it, “It brings back so many memories and if… if I could cry I would be right now lookin’ at it. So no, it’s more than ‘good’.”

Nodding I pick up the chair break my stare from the stars. Looking forward I start back to the cabin but notice the lack of hoof steps beside me and the missing presence at my side. Stopping and turning around I look to the princess of the night.

“Ya comin’ Luna?” I ask the pony as she stares at me with teary eyes, “Somethin’ wrong?” I stop and drop the chair before starting to walk toward her.

Motioning me to stop with her hoof I reluctantly do so as she wipes her eyes with the same hoof, “You meant what you spoke? Truly?”

“Uh yeah, did I upset you?”

“N-n-n-No! W-We couldn’t be happier! Our work is not in vain, someone finally appreciates the countless years We spent painting the night skies!” She exclaims in an excited voice bouncing a little bit on her hooves.

“Wait you do that?” I ask in disbelief.

“Yes! And now someone else appreciates what We have crafted over hundreds of years, not ignoring it as they sleep or wishing the day back the second night falls!”

Ecstatic Luna bounces on her hooves before shooting over to me in a flap of her large wings and ramming into me engaging in a large hug.

Always stood with one one of my legs back to assume a good base for fighting faster and to make it harder to knock me over the stance I was holding does just that causing the pony to impact my torso with a thump.

“Oof.” I expel as some of the air in my lungs is forcefully pushed out as Luna does the same. Ignoring the hard impact she wraps her front hooves around me with her head setting on top of my left shoulder.

Stunned at the pony hanging off my front I slowly wrap my arms across Luna’s back, a feat she could not achieve with me, and give a small squeeze making her hum.

“Thank you.” I hear her coo as she squeezes me a little tighter.

“For what Luna?”

“For appreciating and enjoying the night, you have no idea how much what you said means to us.”

Patting and rubbing her back a little I feel her purr a little before I slowly start to realise my grip on her back as she loosens hers, “Of course.”

Setting her back down gently I pick up the chair and stand back up straight. Smiling at me I give a small smile back and turn back around motioning for her to follow.

“So you arrange the stars?” I ask.

“Yes We do, and raise the moon, however We have needed assistance from our sister some of the nights due to our weakened state.”

“Huh, magic really is a drivin’ force here ain't it?” I put some pressure on the puncture on my chest while I ask.

“Yes. Magic has been a part of Equis far before ponies or any other species.” Nodding she continues, “That why it is so mind boggling to think a species could survive with no magic whatsoever, you humans must be a resilient species.”

“Ya got no idea.” I give a short laugh.

“Would you mind so much giving me one?”

“You wanna know ‘bout humans?” I look over my shoulder to her as we reach the door.

“Yes, you are a quite fascinating creature after all.”

“Alright grab a seat then, I’ll try ta not take too long, it's all I could after all you've done for me.” I wave a hand to the couch while walking over to where my wooden chair usually sat and placing it back down.

“One sec lemme get somethin’ to drink.” I hold up a finger as I walk past the couch and the eager pony to the fridge. Humming I reach my hand to the back of the fridge and pull out a bottle of Old Norway beer. Using the edge of the counter to pop the cap off, a clean crack coming from the escaping carbonation, I walk back over to the wooden chair and slowly sit down, the cold beer bottle held firmly in my left hand.

“Figure I’d better start at the beginnin’.”

“Please do.” Luna excitedly states.

“Alright-” Taking a drink from the bottle I sigh, “So humans are primates that evolved a highly developed brain over the past hundreds of thousands of years, a brain specializing in problem solving, building, reasoning, and consequence of actions. As a species we are very social, minus a few outliers like yours truly who does not like groups of people over three. Anyways enough about the brain and all that mumbo jumbo.” I roll my wrist and take another drink, “By the way this is not going to be one hundred percent accurate, I ain’t no anthropologist.”

“Anyway, while ponies are herbivores humans are omnivores, we can and will eat jus’ bout everything if the need arises. That being said back when humans didn't have guns or bows to hunt we were persistence hunters. This means that while we can’t run all too fast we will chase you until you either die or collapse from exhaustion and then kill you and eat you.”

Taking another drink I look to Luna whom I held her rapt attention, “Being an omnivore lends itself nicely to this, it means we can stop and gather a few berries on the way of chasing you so we don’t get too hungry and have energy to get the main course.”

“That’s amazing.” Luna states, her face lit up with everything she was learning

“Yeah, it’s hard to hide from a human but it’s next to impossible to run from a fit one. Persistence, stamina, and being hard headed, but always willing to adapt, are some of the main characteristics that lay within most humans… plus selfishness, but that’s jus’ survival.”

“So ponies can run fast in a straight line right?”

“Yes.”

“But have trouble and have to slow down on turns and corners?”

“Also correct.” Luna nods.

“Humans, being Bipedal can take corners and relatively sharp angles without slowing, we are quite agile, compared to a four legged animal. This is however traded for stoutness, now this differs from body type to body type, again using myself as an example, I’m definitely not small framed. I’m defenetly more on the sturdy side of things, big bones, muscle, and some fat.”

“So humans are more… fragile than say a pony or minotaur?” Luna asks cocking her head to the side.

“If a pony were scale to size like the equines from my world definitely yes, a minotaur mostly yes, their legs are quite skinny and I’m sure there's more lithe minotaurs that are smaller than me.”

“Correct.”

Knocking back the bottle for a quick drink I hum, “Expanding on body types for humans the strength, flexibility, speed, and toughness or durability differs from person ta person. There are smaller more fragile people who are faster and have a larger range of motions and people like me who are wider, stouter, stronger, less flexible, slower, and heavier. For instance I’ve never broken a bone, surprising as it may be, I’m also able to take quite a lot of abuse and keep on goin’, or so I’ve been told by my friends and parents. Part of that is mind set however I’m also a firm believer in mind over matter.”

“It’s strange sometimes people break a leg by falling two feet and some people can fall three stories and just get some bruises, it really does come down to body build, how the body is struck or strikes an object, and mental strength.” I continue.

Nodding her head and rubbing her chin with the tip of her hoof she leans back into the couch, “ I’ve seen the same, I’ve seen a perfectly healthy pony fall down a set of three stairs and break both their front ankles and I’ve seen a pony get ran over by a carriage and get up and walk away with minor injuries.”

“Exactly, weird things happen.” I shrug and finish off the beer, setting the empty bottle down on the floor next to me. “Kinda segueing back to the whole running thing…” Standing up I crack my back and sigh, “The biggest muscle in the human body are these I point to my ass, now I am not a good representation of the average male form, my hips flare wide and my thighs and ass are way bigger than they should be. However it is a good representation of muscle strength, to run hundreds of miles in one go the gluteus maximus muscles here-” I point to the area where the muscle resides.

“Are supposed to be big… jus’ not this big, and if ya make fun of me I will have you know I can crush a watermelon between my thighs and I guarantee your head wouldn’t be much harder. Anyways with the largest muscle of the body here working with the calf muscle here, the foot here, and jus’ how body mechanics go humans are made to run distance.” I demonstrate the different zones of the leg and take a long stride to show what I meant.

“So ya see?”

“Quite.” She nods.

Standing back up and sitting back into the chair I cross my right leg over my left as I lean back.

“Your species is built for endurance, but is also capable of packing on lots of muscle.”

“Exactly, although unlike a minotaurs who has enough muscle to have a noticeable lack of rotation and movement in limbs most humans don’t bulk up that much, naturally, at least.”

“How do you know much about minotaurs, when have you encountered one?”

“Well I went to a little town called Appaloosa today and there were a few there.” I answer shrugging my shoulders.

Nodding Luna’s face lights up with realization, “So that’s what mine sister was talking about when she said she’ll be meeting with you on Saturday.”

“Oh. Mhm. Somethin’ bout’ me trying to kill a guard right?”

“Correct, however I told her that if ‘The Everfree Monster’ wanted a guard dead he would have killed him.”

“Exactly!” I point to her with my left hand while nodding, “Common sense.”

Chuckling Luna nods, “To us perhaps yes, but we are both quite far from normality.”

Giving a laugh myself I smile, “Agreed.”

Sitting across from each other with smiles on our faces Luna is the first to stir, “So what does the average male of your species look like then if you are indeed a bad model?”

“It really depends on what part of the world you’re from but it’s pretty universally accepted that men are less curvy, more rectangular with sharper angles like jawline and such, plus men are usually more muscular than females.”

“The same goes for stallions compared to mares.”

“I’ve noticed, facial structure is the main way I tell male from female here without seeing their respected parts.” Picking up the empty bottle I stand up before walking over to the sink, “Say, could you tell I was male when you first say me? Weird question I know but I’ve been asked what I was before.”

Facing away from her as I open the fridge to pull out something else to eat other than a lone tomato I hear her shuffle around on the couch.

“Well I can’t really remember much from when we first really met other than being struck by a large pale minotaur with a deep voice so I guess at first, while the memory of you was quite blurry, I thought male. Really I thought male the whole time but your figure did make me second guess myself.”

Nodding and holding the tomatoes, carrots, and jerky in my hands I turn around and walk back toward the chair, “At least you didn’t think I was a girl outright.” I exhale sitting back down into the chair.

“Why does your body bother you so much?”

“I-it just does!” I snap out of reflex trying to shut down any conversation about my figure.

Taken aback from my outburst Luna looks at me strangely.

“Sorry-” I hold up both of my hands in an apologetic gesture, “I don't like goin’ into detail.”

“Oookay.” Luna draws out leaning back.

Rubbing my head I groan, “When you’re made fun of for your figure and other things your entire career in school it jus’... sticks I guess.”

Hearing Luna snort I snap my head to her as she tries to stifle her laughter with the back of her hoof before giving up and loudly laughing.

My hands clenching around the hard wood arm rests of the chair as my face hardened I stare daggers at the pony across from me, “And you fucking laugh at me.” I feel my legs tense trying to push me out of the chair and toward the pony but I hold myself still.

“N-no y-you take our laughter in a different way than we actually mean,” She snickers causing my face to soften a little, “W-we are laughing at the idea of something making fun of you.” She adds waving a hoof over my form.

“What do you mean?” I strongly ask.

“Look at yourself, I mean no offense to this but you are quite the terrifying image , even to your own species you would have to come off as intimidating.”

“I uh, I guess. Towards the end yes.” I nod letting the tension in my hands go.

“That’s why I’m laughing, you could rip the head off of the pony that makes tries to bash you, how would anything possibly make fun of you? Even now, knowing you wouldn't hurt me, part of my perhaps more primal side says to stay weary of you ”

Wincing a little as I remember what I almost did to her not an hour ago I shake my head free of any thoughts, “I wasn’t always the scarred, charred, brutal killing machine sat in front of you Luna, not that I don’t like who I am now, it was either evolve and handle the task or die, a necessity to change really, but you have to realize that before what went down went down I was just a chubby, quiet, nerdy guy in school with a feminine figure below the waist.” I explain.

“This got me called plenty of things for my entire life by people of all ages until I broke the person who had been my main nemesis’ arm, leg, and nose.”

“I see, well that is behind you now, you’ve overcome so much to get hung up on old words.”

Staring at her I take in her words and nod opening my mouth to say something before Luna starts to speak again.

“Plus to be honest the size of your lower regions is in my opinion quite appealing, We’ve always prefered stallions with a little meat on their bones.” She giggles, “Plus I can only imagine how much power is hiding in those thighs and rear~.”

Blushing a little and looking away I hear her giggle again, “I apologize, just some of my more raunchy humor reappearing from my fighting days.”

“No it’s fine I’m jus’ not used to folk talkin’ about me, plus I blush at everythin’.” I reassure.

Both of us falling into a lul of silence we both stare off into the floor listening to each others slow breathing and random sounds outside.

“We - I don't know why I’m asking this now or to you, perhaps I just feel like you could possibly relate-”

“Yeah?” I edge on curious as to what she had to say.

“Do you ever feel like nopony understands you… what you’ve been through in war time?”

The loaded question taking me by surprise I pause.

“I know I had a thousand years on the moon to think but sometimes I feel like thinking about it is worse.” The Lunar princess gives a nervous laugh.

“Yes… and no, You fought on a battlefield beside your brothers and sisters in arms, I did not. Back where I’m from there were no people that were either alive or spared from the same situation I was, but now that I’m here I feel very out of place.”

“As do I. Ponies today are so afraid of conflict I’m afraid even more of my own subjects would see me as a monster.”

“Well I don't, who cares what the public thinks.” I huff.

“I’m glad you see me for who I really am,” Luna smiles, “but having the citizens on your side when you’re one of their rulers is a necessity unfortunately.”

“Right… forgot that little detail.” I chuckle feeling dumb I forgot she was a princess for a second.

Both giving a good chortle we both settle back into silence once again.

“Hey Luna-”

“Yes Hank?”

“This may make me sound even more crazy but really you’re the only one that can relate to this I know.” Pausing for a moment I crack my knuckles, “Do you enjoy taking lives? The feeling of someone's skull crack and compact under your boot, the clean feeling of your knife penetrating all the way to hilt into their soft side as you take it out and ram it back in over and over as blood covers your hand, their face contorted into one of fear and pain realizing that they are going to die to your hand? I- I don’t know why I enjoy it so much but when it comes to killing things that want to hurt me, my friends, or innocent people I just enjoy the process, it’s almost relaxing in a strange way.”

I take a second to catch my breath, my hands shaking while I keep a drum beat with my feet, “It’s like what I was born to do, I can’t fucking die Luna. I didn’t think I was throwing myself into lopsided situations at first but when I realized instead of running when I easily could that I would instead run toward the threats yelling at the top of my lungs that I realized what I was trying to do. Death is easy, surviving ain’t.”

Looking down to my shaking hands I clasp them together and give a hard squeeze, letting go that the tremors hadn’t subsided any I give a low growl and let them drop to my knees.

“How long have you harbored such feelings?” I hear Luna’s voice question.

Not looking up I sigh, “Two years.”

“We see.” I hear her sigh, “We admit while we do quite enjoy smiting down the ones that threaten our soldiers and friends, but not to the detail you seem to, the action always drained us after the battle was over and We had time to think, however one of my Sentinels harbored the same thoughts, He was truly a force to reckon on, and off, the battlefield. He gave no regard to his own safety, he only cared about protecting the ones behind him.”

A small smile working its way across her face she stares off to the side of me before giving a happy hum, “You remind me of him, more than you know.”

“Cool.” I mutter.

“Do you have any regrets?”

“More than years I’ve been walking on green earth.” I quietly answer.

“Oh um… We were leaning toward having any regrets about the ones you killed, do their faces haunt your dreams?”

Picking my head up and staring at her I look right into her big eyes, “Only two about any killing I’ve done, the things I regret the most are the people I didn’t save, or couldn't.”

“If you want We can attempt calm any dreams you may have so you can get a good night's rest, I’ve seen your signature in the dream realm although it is extremely faint.”

“Have you ever seen them?” I ask feeling my heart start to pick up its pace.

“No-”

“Good stay out of them.”

“We can help you Hank, We... I want to, you’re my friend, are you not?” She leans forward a pleading look on her face.

“Absolutely not Luna, The things I’ve seen and done, stay in my head and back in that no man’s land I called home.” My heart starts to slow as I calm down, “As for being my friend yes, I’d do anything to protect you.”

“As would we, so let us do our job.” She gets off the couch and walks over to me.

“No, that’s some other worldly shit, literally, Luna. I can’t let you see that.” I pick my hands up before letting them fall back to my legs with a quiet clap.

“You can't put everything onto yourself Hank, that’s how ponies go insane.”

“I’ll be fine okay, I didn’t mean to say any of that and make you worry about it. I can deal with this myself, I already have for two years.” Placing a hand on the side of her head I run my thumb under her eye and pat the back of her neck to reassure the worried pony, “I’ll be fine, I’m jus’ tired.”

Pulling my hand away I stand up and walk over to the kitchen sink again before placing my hands on the countertop and gazing out of the broken window. “Thanks for uh comin’ by tonight Luna and sorry for what I did to you earlier.” I give a quick look to the pony as she walks next to me before standing up on her back legs next to me, resting her front hooves on the counter.

“Again Hank it is no problem.” Pressing her side into mine I find myself leaning into her warmth, “We are also always available for discussion at any time.”

“As am I.”

Looking up to and and smiling as I look down to her and do the same she turns her head back to the window and sighs, “We must be going, our sister may get suspicious if we are out any longer.”

Nodding in understandment I stand up straight, “ Thanks again for comin’ by.” I say as I walk over and open the door for her.

“It is our pleasure.” she smiles and steps out the door into the night, “We’ll be seeing you soon.” Calling over her shoulder she spreads her wings and pushes off into the air.

“See ya.” I wave knowing she couldn’t hear me.

Following her form until her dark coat eventually melded into the dark of night I pull the door closed and lock it before yawning.

Stretching my back popping a few vertebrae before leaning over and untying my boots, kicking them off into the corner next to the countertop. I slowly walk over to the table and grab my revolver before walking over and placing it in the loft. Hoisting myself up, much to my chest’s chagrin, I roll over to where I had my pile to lay on and force my eyes closed.

Welllll Hooooowdyyyyyy fellers. I hope the length of this chapter makes up for the time it took to make, my only excuse is Christmas, I really don't like Christmas.

I don't know how long it will take to do another chapter but it shouldn't be quite as long as this one took. Again I apologize.

Oh and a little tid bit on Hanks fighting style, I've been watching the Punisher series on Netflix and how good ol' Frankie Castle fights is pretty much exactly how I've been trying to write Hank when he fights, I just don't have the skill yet.

He's very vocal with grunts, growls, yells, etc. While not as skilled as the Punisher, obviously, He fights in a very animalistic way from the start but gets increasingly brutal, not caring about form as much and instead switching for pure strength and brutality as he gets increasingly angry, desperate, or tired.

Hope that gave some better insight on how he fights.

Thanks for tuning in, leave your comments below on how I fucked up or didn't, see y'all around.