Aiming down the shaft of the arrow I tried my best to steady the shaking muscles in my back and shoulder. Letting out a slow breath I loosen my three fingers on the string before letting go completely. Reaching the target at seventy five yards in no time the arrow misses the large circle and bullseye I had painted in the square bales of hay entirely, instead going about three inches low.

“Damnit.” Silently cursing at my miss I reach for another arrow that was stuck in the soil next to me. Pulling it out without much effort I start to notch it as a certain black and white zebra’s hoofsteps tell me she was approaching.

Lowering the bow while holding the arrow to the string I turn to the zebra and smile as she walked toward me, a glass of water held in her left hoof. Smiling back to me I stab the bow into the ground by the strange metal spike and let the arrow fall into the grass.

Taking the glass from Z I put it to my lips and drink it down entirely with no trouble,“You look really good in those hoop earrings you know.” Breaking my contact with the glass I compliment.

Rubbing up against my leg the zebra looks up to me, “Thank you, that means a lot Hank. Could I try a shot?” Pointing to the bow I take a small step back to give her a little space.

“Of course, go ahead.” Standing with my hands on my hips I watch as she re notches the arrow and turns the bow toward the target.

“How’s the practice been?” Zecora asks as I look down range to the target, three of the five shots I took within the circle.

“Not bad, I’m not the most practiced with a bow so I’m… content with my sub par performance.”

“Well…” Straining to pull the string back she changes the angle of the bow and lets the arrow fly without seeming to aim at all. The arrow sticking into the bullseye right on the lower edge Zecora lowers herself back down to all fours and turns with a sweet smile on her face, “Well for your first day using it at range I’d say you’re doing great.”

Ignoring her, just staring at the hit she had made I snort, “ Yeah yeah, butter me up now go on get.” I shoo her.

“What I’m being sincere!” She steps out of the way of my lazy kicks with ease a wide smile on her face.

“Git Git. Go on back to the cabin.” I say, a smile on my face as the zebra quickly walks away from me.

“We’re still going to the Apple’s to return the cart you used right?”

“Yes yes, we’re going right after I get these arrows picked up.” Shaking my head I turn and pick the bow and arrows up before heading down to the target chuckling slightly.

“So why are you all gussied up just to meet some people?”

“First impressions are important. You should know that.” Zecora asks turning her head to look at me, her earrings swinging as she moved.

I huff a little as we turn and start down the Apple’s long drive, “Yeah I know all about first impressions.”

Continuing down the path a little we start to go around the slight bend that revealed the house and barn from the cover of trees, “So are you nervous at all?”

Taking a deep breath Zecora nodded in confirmation, “Yes, I mean these are the first ponies I’m meeting with since I got settled here. It has been nearly four months.”

My turn to sigh I do so, “You do know you could’ve done whatever you like right? I hope you didn't think that you had to stay between my place and yours.”

“Oh, no no.” Shakes her head as the cart bangs loudly as the wheel finds a hole, “I was mostly just nervous about going and meeting the town's ponies, they are known to be very skittish and quick to judge.”

“Oh, no shit?” I laugh looking down to her smiling.

“I forgot that you have plenty of experience with that.” Grinning back at me she turns her head to the house and takes a deep breath.

“It’ll be fine Z, they’ll love ya.” I reassure parking the cart next to the barn, “Now come on.”

Motioning for the zebra to head for the door I walk to the right and drop off the cart in front of the barn before jogging lazily back to the Zebra, “Ready?” I look down to Zecora as she nods back, “Good.” I smile and knock on the side of the house, not wanting to damage the light screen door.

“Come on in!”

Opening the door for Zecora and motioning her to go first with hearing Grannies' approval she steps into the old farmhouse with me right behind her. After setting the longbow next to the coat rack in the hallway we make the short distance to the kitchen where I figured the old green pony was my suspicions were proved correct as Granny stood at the sink apparently washing apples.

“I brought a guest with me Granny.” I declare getting the old mares interest. Stopping what she was doing her ears rotate a little ways back and she turns her head just enough so she could see us.

“Oh!” Turning around completely her eyes opened further at seeing Zecora clearly, “My my, well ain’t you a beautiful young mare.”

Blushing at Grannies’ words Zecora quickly says thank you while Granny smiles and nods before turning her attention to me, “How did you snag yourself such a nice young mare Hank?”

“To be honest Granny she just won’t leave my house.” I smile but start laughing as I feel Zecora punch me in the thigh.

“Bastard!”

Looking down to the irate zebra she rolls her eyes at me as Granny chuckles at the two of us, “So how long have you two been a couple?”

Locking up completely I assume Zecora had done the same under the elderly mare’s gaze. Just standing there staring us both down waiting for an answer I’m the first one to come back online and clear my throat, “Well we aren’t a couple.”

Looking us over for a few more seconds a small smile finds a way across her lips and she snickers, “I wouldn’t be so sure ‘bout that.”

Sharing a glance with Zecora, her cheeks tinged red with blush she looks away from me while I look back to Granny as she starts slowly walking back to the sink, “You two look good together. Two oddities that found each other. It has to have been more the fifty years since I’ve seen a Zebra and I ain't never seen whatever the hell you are Hank.”

Placing another wet apple into the left basin of the sink Granny looks back over the shoulder at us, “But why don’t you two youngins take a seat so I can get ta know our new neighbor and we can all enjoy a nice warm pie?”

“Sounds like a plan to me what do ya say?” I ask Z.

“Sounds wonderful.”

Pulling out a chair as I walk past for her I start to pull out one for myself but stop realizing that I haven’t seen hide nor hair of the three other ponies that usually milled about the farm.

“Say Granny-” I pause to look and listen, confirming that no signs of activity were emanating from around the house.

“Yeah?”

“Where is everybody?”

Pausing a moment Granny seems to deflate a little, “Well, Applebloom is with her usual group of fillies trying to comfort Sweetie, the poor little dear, and AJ is with the girls for the same reason.”

Not liking the sound of where this was going I lean forward and grip the back of the chair tightly, “What’s goin’ on?”

“Rarity and the little dragon didn’t come back from the gem fields yesterday. It’s been two days they’ve been gone now, countin’ the day they left, and ponies are startin’ ta get mighty worried.”

“What about Mac?”

Another sigh escaping her lips granny sets the last apple into the left side of the sink, “Mac’s been distant as of late, an’ quiet, even more than usual.”

Tapping on the back of the chair I bite my lip thinking of what to do. Not wanting to leave Zecora on what I had said would be a great time with me to meet some new ponies I also couldn’t in good conscious leave a child and innocent person in danger when I could at least try to do something.

“I-”

“Go.” Zecora cuts me off looking deep into my eyes, “Just please be careful okay?”

Standing up straight I roll my shoulders and sigh, “Of course.” Giving a bittersweet smile I walk the few steps over to the zebra and lean down squeezing her in a tight hug that she immediately reciprocates.

Not wanting to break the embrace I finally force myself to and stand up straight. Not saying a word I pat her on the shoulder and walk out of the kitchen quickly picking the bow back up and pushing my way out of the door.

Peeking from around the wall that separated the kitchen from the hall Zecora made no sounds as she watched Hank disappear from view through the screen door. Hoping by some miracle he would turn around and not go putting himself in danger she knew it was wishful thinking and dismissed the wish with a snort.

Looking at the Zebra mare, her front hoof tapping the hardwood floor quietly the old mare knew that the zebra wanted to follow the human. Knowing just how Zecora was feeling Granny slowly made her way to the cabinet and took down two glasses, setting them on the long kitchen table before filling them with tea.

“Come on now deary, take a seat.”

Pushing a glass of tea toward the other side of the table with a shaky hoof Granny sits down herself as Zecora turns her head to the sound of Granny's voice and makes her way back to her seat.

Looking down at her hooves Zecora didn’t have anything to say but her mind raced a mile a minute. Granny knew this so she quietly sipped on her tea for a few minutes until she saw that the zebra across from her was starting to get distraught, her hoofs becoming more fidgety as her ears flattened.

“Hank sure is somethin’ else ain’t he?”

Zeocra’s ears raising a little from the question her eyes don’t stop inspecting the grain of the table, “Yes he is certainly strange.”

“How did you two meet?”

Laughing a little Zecora stops staring at the table and looks across the table to the old mare, “He found me at my house in the Everfree and told me to stop rhyming. We talked for a while and then he left.”

Both smiling at the story Granny starts to think how she met her husband so many years ago before dismissing the thoughts, “So y’all’re still doin’ the rhymin’ thing huh?”

Taken by surprise at the inference that Granny had experience with another nomad Zecora’s ears flicked in intrust, “You’ve met another nomad?”

“Oh yes, back when Ah was a young little thing, travelin’ ‘round myself.” Granny confirms, “He was right about my age but didn’t speak much of anything until he’d had a few drinks but then he always spoke in rhymes.”

“Would you remember what tribe he was a part of?” Deeply fascinated with the old ponies story Zecora want to know as much as she possibly could. It was rare for Zebras to become nomads and there was always a reason for it. Whether it be interpersonal or external, there always was one.

“From the way Ah remember he was a bastard between two clans and after his mother died the clan she was a part of felt it reasonable to exile him because of his mixed roots.”

Zecora frowned upon hearing that, she knew that would happen from time to time but she couldn’t help but feel maddened and disappointed, “Do you know what became of him?”

A far off look in the old mares eyes she shakes her head ‘no’, “Ah don’t have a clue, after he’d traveled with us for a few weeks he had to head one way and we were goin’ another. The last thing he spoke to me after I’d asked him myself what he was plannin’ on doin’ was: “Reis.” I ain’t got a clue ta what that means.”

“Travel.” Zecora says.

“What now?”

“Travel. Reis. He told you he was traveling in my native tongue.”

“Sly son of a bitch!” Granny says before leaning back and letting out a deep laugh, hitting the table a few times lightly, “Ah’ve wondered what he’s said for over eighty years! Ha ha ha ohhhhhh….” Calming down a little, a smile staying on her face Granny shakes her head, “Thank ya.”

Both pony and zebra going on to talk about their relationship with the strange human and other various topics while they sipped on their tea a meeting of ponies was happening in Canterlot with much of the same subject.

<><><>

Reading the article in front of her for the fifth time Celestia set it back down on the table, turning off her magic in the process. Ignoring the conversation around her Celestia wanted nothing more than to not think about the very rapidly spiraling issue in Ponyville.

“Princess? Princess” The calls went to deaf ears as Shining Armor tried to get his superiors attention, “Princess!?” The white pony having to raise his voice Celestia finally looked up from the paper, a surprised look on her face.

“Yes?” Looking to Luna across from her the large, wide assed, princess finally responds.

“Sir armor was trying to get your input sister.” Luna states matter of factly.

“Ahem, my apologies. Could you please repeat yourself?”

“No need to be sorry princess. I was just wondering what you had decided to do about… It. News about ‘The Everfree Monster’ is gaining traction fast ever since what happened in Appleloosa. ”

Scoffing at the idea of so called news and journalism Luna was not the least bit impressed with the papers she had been exposed to, “We hardly call this…” She shakes the paper in the air with her magic making the pages rustle before throwing back down onto the table, “Journalism or news. It is nothing but hyperbolic filth.”

Celestia agreed completely with her sister and wanted nothing more to shout exactly what Luna had just said from the rooftops about the Canterlot press but unfortunately she had to keep face, “What can be done? He has done nothing illegal even if it has been bloody.” Celestia partially asked herself as well.

“The Canterlot press still wants an official statement on the matter on what is to be done to resolve the issue.”

“And what is the so called issue?” Luna asks the young captain as he nervously adjusts himself under her gaze.

Having to look away from Luna’s eyes Shining instead looks down the the few papers in front of him and searches through them until he finds one of the sections he highlighted.

“In any case with something so vile and absurdly violent while also being known to show no regard for life, cannot be kept around pony society. Even a dog has the capability to know right from wrong but this creature seems to lack the ability or perhaps chooses not to. It is safe to say such a beast has no place in pony society or Equestria for that matter. A statement has not been given by the crown on this dire situation but upon the release of said statement it will be here first.”

Looking up from the paper Shining armor felt like the room was starting to get hotter until he looked in Luna’s direction. The papers on fire inside of a small bubble she had put up the heat was still present as the paper turned to ash.

A strange pressure starting in his horn and working its way all the way down his neck was also becoming distracting as crashing waves of magical aura radiated from the relatively small, for an alicorn, midnight purple mare.

All ponies held the ability to feel magical auras but for obvious reasons unicorns were the most sensitive of the three races. This didn’t bode well for Shining because the waves coming from the small alicorn were like magical flashbangs to the white pony, causing the pressure in his head to reach painful levels causing his vision and hearing cut in and out with each pulse.

Feeling the magic herself and knowing it was a way for Luna to vent her anger without showing an outward emotion but one look at Shining Armor was enough for her to know that her sister’s anger was not unnoticable.

“Sister, please.”

Luna, upon hearing her sister’s voice, notices the effect she was having on Shining armor and promptly stops trying to vent the anger that was welling up inside. Teleporting the charred remains of the paper just outside of the castle walls where it no doubt would rain down on some unsuspecting guard causing them to wonder what in the hell was going on. Luna did not care, she was much too angry for that.

“Nothing is going to happen with The Everfree Monster.” Luna says in a mocking tone, “No guard units will be sent, no actions will be taken, he has done nothing to warrant any action against him so nothing will be done. If the Canterlot press wants a statement tell them my words.”

Shaking his head, the pressure slowly subsiding Shining listened to Luna’s words shocked. He had noticed that she was always hesitant to do anything against the creature; sometimes even bordering on to justify its actions but now she was blatantly supporting him. Shining didn’t know why and he didn’t care, he knew something had to be done about this thing. For once him and the nobility of Canterlot agreed.

Sitting up straighter the young captain started to feel a little more courageous than perhaps he should, “We’ve all seen what it can do. We’ve seen the front page of the… ROP, or whatever it is.” Finding the right paper he looks at the half page image and scowls at the headline: ‘Mysterious stranger takes out infamous Clever Gang single hoofed, saving the town of Appaloosa! Exclusive interview inside.’ Before sliding it in front of the princesses.

“I don’t know if you care about the ponies of this empire Princess, but I don’t think something like this monster should be living amongst ponies.”

Shining knew he had royally fucked up the very second the sentence left his lips. That was confirmed the second Luna’s cold stare met his shrinking form as she stood up from her seat. Anger was not the word to be used to describe what Luna felt, anger was what she felt before she was accused of not caring about her subjects, now it was cold rage.

Celestia was surprised the Captain, a stallion she had known since he was born, had just shown such disrespect. He had never done that before even to the most annoying and rude nobles. Now she sat watching as her sister slowly inch toward the rapidly wilting stallion.

“I am sorry prin-”

“Thou art going to be more than sorry Captain.” Luna hisses, “We do not care if we were not the one who promoted you to the rank of Captain sir Armor. We will gladly strip you of all rank and find a pony who could return the guard to its former glory. We will personally break you down until you are nothing but a worthless speck of dust.”

Now that the gates had been opened for her Luna was not afraid to run out of them at full force. The current state of the guard angered her deeply, she saw no fighting capability in the force whatsoever. It wounded her to the very core seeing what the guard had become.

“Your current force is nothing more than foals with knives Captain armor. We are glad that the nightmare did not take hold of us now because no amount of your so called troops could do anything to stop us.” Her voice nothing more than a venomous hiss Shining armor couldn’t press himself further back into the chair as cold alicorn insulted him and the entire Equestrian armed forces.

Looking at the stallion seeing that he was already acting spineless Luna scoffs and starts walking toward the door, “We know you wish to exterminate or force "The Everfree Monster" out of Equestria but We think you fail to realize how many of those under your command would perish. Any of thine moves to do anything further will be immediately denied.” Opening the heavy dark oak door and stepping outside Luna gently closes it behind her not looking back as she walks down the hall.

Celestia and Shining Armor both shared glances back and forth from each other and the door where Luna had just left.

“... I guess that concludes today's meeting Captain Armor. You are dismissed.”

Pushing in on the door, my forward momentum causing it to open faster than I planned it slams into the wall causing the five ponies around the table to jump and look back to me. Closing the door behind me I turn to see two relieved faces and three in varying degrees of shock and disgust.

“What the buck is this thing doing here?”

Ignoring the blue one I look to Applejack, “Granny told me what’s goin’ on. Can you give me as many details as you’ve got?”

“What are you doing in my house!?” Standing up suddenly the purple one screams at me causing the others to look at her surprised.

Looking around at the interior of the room and knowing what the hanging sign outside said I narrow my eyes a little, “It’s a public library.”

“Twi calm down, he’s here to help.” Applejack gently says to her annoying friend but Twilight ignores still staring at me.

“I don’t care! I’ve lost one of my friends and a brother, I don’t want to look at this bucking abomination right now, and I sure don’t want it in my house.”

“Twi he’s here ta help. Are we really in any position ta turn down any help we can get?”

“I don’t want this thing’s help.” She points to me with a hoof while looking to Aj, “What could he even do to help find ponies? All he does is murder.”

Twilight’s words holding less worth than the breath they were spoken on to me I roll my eyes and decide I’m just going to ignore her and talk to the others, “AJ what can you tell me? Where are these gem fields or whatever the fuck?”

Turning around slightly in her chair to face me she opens her mouth but is cut off by Twilight.

“Don’t tell him Applejack.” Purple switches her focus to me, “Now leave.”

“No. Do you want your friends back alive or not?” Walking toward the table on the left side of flutters I scratch the top of her head and behind her ear, “I get you hate me, I hate you too, but I ain’t doin’ this for you. I’m doing this for the prissy white pony and small lizard lost in the woods.”

This seemed to hit a nerve within the little purple horse making her face scrunch up in anger, “Get out of my house and stop talking to my friends you disgusting ape.”

“Oh ho ho,” I lean back laughing, “Look at miss grew some balls.” Twilight’s face still scrunched in pure pony anger, which was more adorable than anything she starts to stand up again but I hold up a finger making her stop, “Like it or not, I'm the only chance your friends’ got you gòrach pìos de cac. The guards in this town couldn’t find a stick in a damn forest. You really think they’d find your friends? Once they’re dead and cold…. Maybe.”

The last part of what I said seemed to really rub Purple the wrong way. Baring her teeth at me she squints her eyes as well as her horn lights up and a large book starts to quickly raise from the table.

Slamming it back down with one hand to the table with a loud bang and clatter of the other objects sitting on the table I glare to the small pony across from me, “I highly suggest you turn the glow stick on top a your head off before I rip-”

A large weight slamming into the back of my head with no warning I’m forced forward and halfy collapse on the table. Covering up with my left arm I turn to see an even larger book surrounded in purple magic coming at me again I stop it with my forearms and grab it as it is attempts to be pulled back for another swing.

Ripping it out of the magic I slam it down onto the table as well as I quickly move around the table to the purple pony, the back of my head throbbing. Especially where it was previously cracked.

Her horn still active as I approached her I could see the books raising into the air in my peripheral as I stared directly into her rapidly opening eyes. Back handing her firmly to the side of the face in one of the most satisfying slaps I’d ever heard or committed she cries out in pain as she falls out of her chair to the floor.

Picking her up by the hair as she started to cry and sob I drop her back in her seat where she looks at me with tears in her fear filled eyes.

“A bheil thu airson bàsachadh!? Huh!? Marbhaidh mi thu!” I growl at her yanking back on her horn to make her look up at me exposing her throat. Quickly putting my hand over her throat I squeeze cutting of her airway.

“It only takes five pounds of pressure per inch to crush the trachea Twilight if I wanted to, I could kill you right now. I don’t know how else to explain to you that at any time I could of killed you, but yet I haven’t. I don’t give a shit if you hate me; you have plenty of reason to do so but if ya think I’m gonna let you hit me in the back of the head like a fucking coward with no repercussion you’re dead wrong.”

Tears making their way down her cheek as she continued to choke and turn red I soften my grip and gaze a little, “Tell me Twilight. Do you want to die?”

Her eyes becoming frantic I feel her body start to tense as she takes in a long scratchy breath, “No you’re stuck like this until you answer me. Do you want to die Twilight?”

Feeling her pulse and breathing going haywire underneath my hand she starts to cry in earnest, “N-no. P-please.”

“Then stop fucking with me and tell me where in the hell I can find these gem fields.” Releasing my grip Twilight falls forward and lands in a heap onto the top of the table, covering her head with her hooves and sobbing.

Turning away I bring a hand to my throbbing head and groan at the radiating pain all the way down my neck. Leaning against the massive book case that stretched all the way across one of the walls I try to get a handle on the pain.

My eyes having a hard time focusing I blink over and over trying to get my vision back to normal.

“Are you okay Hank?”

Turning my head to the table and the ponies Twilight still had her head down as Fluttershy looked at me worriedly.

“N-No I ain’t. That stupid cunt hit me right where my skull was fractured last time.” Gently putting my hand over the most condensed spot of pain my stomach starts to churn and my temper starts to flare, “Fuckin’ head injuries…. God I’m pissed.”

Leaning against the bookcase for a few minutes, Twilight had stopped crying heavily and now they were muttering something back and forth. Letting a little bit of my focus slip away from keeping my stomach from ending up on the floor in front of me I tune into the ponies’ hushed conversation.

“Why did you hit him like that Twi. What the heck were you thinkin’?”

“I- I don’t know what came over me, I wanted him out of my house and with Spike and Rarity gone it was just too much an-”

“Yeah well maybe you could’ve tried ta be a little nicer instead a cracking his damn head open.”

Surprised at how much AJ was defending me a tiny smile tugs at my lips as I slowly stand back up straight from my slightly hunched over position.

“Whoa. Am I the only one that saw it try to kill Twilight here? He straight up had her by the throat!”

“Only after Twi tried ta kill him with a heavy book ta the back of the head! And he didn’t try.” Aj quickly quipped back.

“I-I-I didn’t try to kill him!” Looking over to the purple one I could see the panic in her still misty eyes as the weight of what she did started to come over her.

“Yeah? Well, you should let me hit you in the back of the head as hard as I can and see if you make it.” Slowly making back toward the table, my head calming down a little, I huff.

“I-I-I-I-” She stutters as I make it to the table.

“I-I-I-I what?” Mocking her she deflates and slumps down in her chair, “You’re one lucky son of a bitch because if I was the old me I would’ve… Forget it.” Putting my hands down on the table I sigh, “Now can I please get some god damned maps?!”

Everyone stood still I slowly turn my still throbbing head toward Twilight and look right in her stupid eyes, “That means you little miss Librarian!”

Scrambling out of her seat, no doubt scared I watch as she runs over to a shelf while her horn lights up, “Oh hell no! I’ll tell ya when you can use that fuckin' thing. So turn that shit off.”

Obliging immediately she looks around for a second not seeming to know what to do without her magic or whatever until she gets the ingenious idea to use the specifically made shelf ladder. Watching as she hurriedly got it in the right section and started to climb I let some of my attention on her slip away and try to find myself somewhere to sit down. Looking around the table and seeing it had plenty of spaces open I decided on the spot between Flutters and Aj.

Groaning as I sat down in the chair that was a size too small for me, in the usual fashion, I wait for purple to get the maps I needed. My bow still across my back preventing me from leaning into the back rest I put my elbows on the table and leaned forward; placing my forehead in my hands the stress of the last few months resting firmly on my shoulders.

Listening to the room around me as I ran my fingers through my hair I hear Fluttershy’s chair scoot out a little. Turning to her I see that she was standing up in her seat now and looking right back at me.

“I was just - um, going to look at your head. Is that okay?” In her usual soft tone she asks.

Mulling over it for a second I finally decide to just roll with it even if I knew there was nothing she could do, “Yeah, sure. Just be careful.”

Turning my head back down into my hands I feel her hoof gently touch on the side of where all the pain was centered but still jump at the sensation; still not used to friendly touch at all.

Feeling her hoof glide around a little bit pulling at some of the larger tangles in my hair she finally stops just below where the epicenter was.

“What happened here?”

Straightening up a little bit and bringing a finger to where her hoof was I feel around and find the dent where the apparently noticeable divit was where the brick had hit me. At the same time I track Twilight with my eyes as she gently lays large book in front of me with her magic. Her face nervous I place my hand on the book and slide it to me the rest of the way.

“I know I told you that you couldn’t use your witchcraft until I gave you the permission.”

“I didn’t know how to get down from the ladder without holding it in my magic.” She quickly defends.

“Well fucking figure it out girl genius. For such a smart person you're really really just unintelligent in general.”

Deflating a lot at my words she mopes back over to her chair and sits down only getting a huff out of me.

“Look Doc I know you’re mad at Twilight, and rightfully so, but could ya be a little less… well mean?”

Opening the book to the directory I sigh, “Aj I love ya to death but could you please stop suggesting to me how I should conduct my business? We’ve been through this before. I don’t tell you how to kick trees and wear cute hats.”

Looking over to the orange mare and seeing her face bright with blush and her mouth closed I start flipping through the pages until I finally land on the trails and paths that lead through the Whitetail woods to the gemfields. “And that’s where the brick hit me Fluttershy.”

“O-oh. Well I think you have a concussion.” She said worriedly as she got back down in her seat.

Yeah already knew that. I say in my head, “I think so too Flutters.”

Studying over the map some more I lean forward and track the main path with my finger looking at the practically straight shot minus one large bend in the middle.

“Does this book have topographic and foliage density sections?”

“H-huh?” Twilight looks at me strangely.

“Does this book have topograph - nevermind.” I sigh flipping through the whole thing and seeing nothing.

Taking my phone out of my pocket I hold it above the page with the map and take a picture of it to save it for later.

“Alright I’m gonna get goin’.” Hauling myself out of the tiny chair I stand to my full height and roll my shoulders. Taking a few deep breaths and cracking my knuckles I walk to the door and push it open, squinting at the stark contrast in brightness to the inside of the library.

“Hey Hank-”

Turning around I look at Aj as I hold the door open with my right hand.

“Be careful.”

Smiling I huff, “Yeah. Okay.” Closing the door I turn and start walking through the town where the trail started. Not paying the attention I was getting any mind I slowly stroll down the main drag predicting what I may encounter.

Sat completely motionless in thick undergrowth my complete attention was on the upright walking dogs as they walked past me about a hundred yards away.

I’d first seen the tracks that the creatures had left behind off to the side of the main path where I was lurking around. Now I was stalking them from a distance, watching and analyzing everything about them I could.

Looking away from the pair as they walked further into the trees I keep my ears locked to them as I attempt to take my phone out of my front right pocket but to no surprise find that my pants were too tight on the thighs in my crouched position.

Going to a kneel I finally slip it out of the pocket with an annoyed sigh and open to the picture of the map I had taken earlier.

Looking back in the direction that the two had gone I find my bearings and nod, “Yeah, yeah. Knew it.” Confirming my suspicions that the two were headed to the gemfields I look all around my surroundings before starting to pursue the duo.

There was something malicious about them, the way they spoke, the way they stood, all of their body language immediately signed trouble. At the same time I knew that I could take the pair out if the need arises; the lack of ranged weaponry on their persons gave me a distinct advantage.

A considerable part of myself telling me to get into range and try the bow out I held the feeling down. Needing intel on where the furries were located and what they were doing more than the effects of the arrow fired from my bow at a medium upright target.

Fighting the urge to nock an arrow and let it fly the entire time I followed them they finally pushed out of the trees and onto flat rocky terrain. Letting them get a fair bit ahead of me on the flat of the gem fields I quickly make my way up to the edge of the forest and jump into the easiest tree I saw to climb.

Climbing as quietly as possible up into the dense oak I positioned myself high enough to have a good overview of the majority of the gem fields without getting to the part of the tree that thinned out in leaves.

A cave on the far north side of the clearing easily visible more of the things were congregated outside and talking about something as the pair I had been following approached the larger group.

“Ponies going missing while in the gem fields. Strange upright dogs up to no good in the gem fields. This ain’t a coincidence.” I mumble taking my phone back out and looking over the map a little more, waiting for anything to happen.

<><><><><><>

I really had no idea how long I had been in the tree watching the dogs but nothing had really happened. All I knew was that they were armed and were looking for something in the woods. Seven more dogs had came out of the forest as I had been in the tree but thankfully none had been close enough to me to cause any alarm.

With every dog however whenever they would reach the mouth of the cave they, and the two guards outside the entrance, seemed disappointed in what they had not found. I was about to leave and plan to come back tomorrow to learn more before I heard a mares muffled screams coming from the south, where the main trail emptied into the gemfields.

On high alert immediately I grabbed the bow off my back and watched as two dogs entered the scene with a frantically struggling mare in their shared grasp.

“L-LET ME GO!” The blonde colored mare screamed bucking hard enough for the dog grabbing onto her back legs to drop them in pain.

“Stupid pony bitch!” He yelled out before kicking her in the side of her ribs as his partner held onto her front legs.

Her screams going silent as the air was forced out of her lungs the dog grabbed back onto her rear legs and started to carry her this time with no resistance.

“We gonna have fun wit you.” He grinned and laughed as they carried her toward the mouth of the cave as a large group started to gather.

I could feel my heart to pound in my chest and my legs tense, my body telling to run in there and get her out of there, but the small part of my brain still devoted to logic held me back.

Listening to what my brain said I quickly scramble to take out my phone and switch it to video; making sure to get everything I could in frame and zoom in to get a clear picture.

From the second I had proof of what these dogs were doing I knew I was going to do some very bad shit. At the same time I knew my word wouldn’t justify what was going to transpire so I needed hard evidence to justify my actions to the ponies who were oh so anti violence.

Capturing the mare getting carried into the cave screaming while surrounded by the grey coated upright K9s I look to my watch and say the time, wanting to timestamp the video as well.

“Five O six, cave inhabited by strange upright canines, seem to be in the business of taking ponies as slaves and or hostages. I suspect this is where the priss- Rarity and the Lizard have been taken as well.”

Stopping the video with a sigh I put the phone back in my pocket and look back to the cave where the mare had just disappeared, the guards now clearly excited at the new slave.

Gritting my teeth in anger I jump down from the tree in a crouch, ready to get back and start planning for how I was going to get the ponies out of there alive.

Standing up and brushing off pant legs from the various decay that littered to forest floor I turn to my head to the left and my eyes go wide at the figure of a large dog walking out from behind a tree not ten feet away.

Staying still hoping he wouldn’t notice me long enough to at least expose enough of his back for me to take him out with relative ease my hopes are dashed as he slowly turns his head and looked right at me.

His eyes the size of dinner plates in surprise at coming across something he had never seen before slightly hunched over, its legs loaded to run right at him, and its arms raised and fingers tensed. Even to a blind person my posture was aggressive and I was sure my face didn’t help at all either.

Facing each other as we both stood stalk still he makes the first move in the form of a tiny step toward the direction of the cave.

Knowing I couldn’t let him escape I push off and rush toward him as he started to take a slightly larger step. On him like a fly to shit he barely had time to get his hands up in front of him before I ram into him, tackling him to the ground.

Ending up in mount he coughs from the impact and I hook him across the face to daze him further before rolling him to his back and taking his neck in a rear naked choke. Knowing what I was doing he attempts to struggle but it was far too late.

Seating the choke in quickly, having lots of experience using chokes, I could tell it was a mean choke and feel a grin spread across my face as I use my fist and head to push his head forward further closing the carotid arteries cutting the blood off to his brain.

Pushing himself up to his knees with me still clamped onto his back the second he locks his elbows out he goes slack and face plants into the moist soil. Rolling to my side, bringing the large canine with me, I hold the choke for two more seconds before letting go and quickly getting to my feet.

Surveying my surroundings nothing seems to have noticed the short scuffle and I take a deep breath while also noticing that the dog was still breathing as well. I didn’t expect the choke to kill him but since all the creatures on this planet are adapted to half the gravity I am I couldn’t be too sure of anything.

“Good. Goooooood.” I whisper, taking the bow off by back and stabbing it into the ground.

Going down in a kneel I sit the dog upright and take the crude knife off of his hip, slipping the blade point down into the pouch of my plate carrier. No other weapons on his person I take him by his left wrist and put his arm over my shoulders before standing up, his dead weight wanting to pull his arm off my shoulders. Bending my legs a little I grab behind his outside knee and stand up while also pulling him onto my back.

“Ugh.” I groan at the added weight and throbbing in the back of my head while connecting his wrist and knee on my chest and holding it with my left hand, picking up the bow with my right.

Taking my first step forward I awkwardly put the bow across my shoulders and pull out the revolver, “Stupid fucking horses.” I swear mostly thinking about Purple, a genuine frown crossing my face as I walked through the trees.

Thinking about things I feel my frown slightly turn upward, “At least I have you to play with.” I shrug my shoulders making the dogs body raise with them.

<><><><><><>

Sat across from the dog on a fallen tree, his ankles and wrists were bound and then tied together with some very tough vine that seemed to just grow all over the place in the part of the forest we were in.

Fiddling with my phone so it would rest and get the dog in frame while we had our ‘session’ he finally starts to stir causing me to hit the record button and sit back down just out of frame.

Watching him silently come to I already knew what was going to happen to him when I got as much information as possible out of him, the only thing that would change would be how fast and painful it would be based on his answers.

Suddenly jumping awake in what I assumed was his mind telling him what happened I smile and lean forward, “Took you long enough to wake up. I thought I was gonna have to start a fire.”

Ignoring my words and looking around startled he tried against his bindings causing me to huff a little, “Now you’re gonna answer some questions for me.”

“What are you?” He said in a dumb tone.

“No no no. I ask the questions not you.” He stayed quiet, “Good. Now how many ponies do you have in that cave of yours?”

At the mention of the pony slaves he stopped struggling and his gaze hardened, “I never tell you about our property.”

Staying calm I stare back at him, They must really like their slaves. That’s too bad. I thought before speaking, “Look, the suns goin’ down and when it does the Shucks come out. I’ll gladly leave you out here to get eaten alive.”

His body language becoming nervous his ears perked up and started to rotate around us.

Good he’s gettin’ scared. Now knowing I had instilled a sense of urgency and distress within the dog I loudly clap to get his attention

“Oh you know they heard that.” I grin as he looks at me terrified at what I’d done, “So. Again. How many ponies do you got?”

Looking down to his strangely large four digit hands he slowly goes through eight twice and then goes five more, “That many.” He tries to bring his hands up to present them.

“Twenty one.” I clarify for the video, “Where are these ponies located in your cave?”

Not liking that question even more he growls at me making me laugh, “The Shucks are on their way right now, you really want to do this?”

“I never tell ugly hairless dog where property is.” He says back in broken english.

Slowly standing up I groan and stretch for effect, “Well, I guess I’ll just be leaving then.”

Barely taking a step the dog suddenly cries out and I turn to see his reaching out for me, “Wait! I talk! I talk!”

Spinning all the way around I look down at him, “No more stops?”

“No stops! No stops!”

“Okay…” I walk back to the log and sit back down, “Where are the ponies in your cave?”

“Ponies held in back of cave off main hole down tunnel behind big wood door in cells.”

Not holding back any information now I smile, “Thank you very much. Now how many bits would it take to buy all of the ponies?” Hoping there would be a way to get the ponies out of harm's way before things went down I ask.

Thinking for a second he shakes his head ‘no’, “Property not for sale, master and leaders like playthings too much, male property too good at work.”

Fucking hell

I knew the situation was bad from the start but now it was clear what the ponies were going through more dread filled my gut, but I still had more questions, “What do the ponies eat?”

“Ponies no eat meat.” He simply states.

“Yeah and…?” I wave my hand in circles.

“Pony no eat meat, pony no eat.”

The ember of anger that always smoldered in my chest immediately ignited into a flame, burning bright as I thought about the suffering committed at the hand of the dogs.

“How long have you had slaves?” Anger seeping out in my voice I tried my best to seem calm.

“Four moons.” He quickly answered.

“What happens to the mares?” Already knowing the answer to the question I just wanted to hear it come from his mouth.

“They playthings for master and leaders first then rest of pack.”

The small flame steadily growing larger I felt my fingers tense, grabbing onto my knees tight.

“Playthings as in…?”

“Mating.”

The simple word making my blood pressure raise an unhealthy amount I take a deep breath in through my nose and a shaky one out through my mouth, “ Is there ever a time when all of the ponies are in the cells together?”

“E-early, before sun too high over trees.”

“Dawn.” I mumble to myself glad that at least something was going for me. Drumming by fingers on my kneecaps I was already thinking about the routes I could go at defeating this situation. Dawn is the best time to attack anything really unless it was nocturnal and still alert.

Still staring at the dog as he uncomfortably looked back to me I open my mouth and start talking without blinking or doing anything, “Do whatever you are sleep at night?”

Looking very uncomfortable I hear the smallest of whines come from his throat as he looks back at me, “Most Diamond Dogs sleep during night, some during day.”

So it was settled, whatever happened would happen at dawn where I had the best chance of meeting the least amount of resistance.

“What are you?” The Diamond Dog asks pulling me out of my brainstorming trance.

Blinking a few times to re lubricate my dry eyes I squint at him, “Human.”

“Hooman.” He repeats.

“Yeah, now I have one more question and we’re done.” Focusing on me he nods.

“Have you ever “mated” with one of the ponies?”

Not knowing the weight the question held over him the dog didn’t even pause before answering, “The leaders like me so I get to use often.”

The simple admission caused the small pilot light burning in my chest to erupt into an inferno. Calmly standing up and walking over to the sitting dog his eyes widened and pupils contracted as I pulled my knife free from its spot on my hip.

“W-What are you doing?”

Stretching my fingers one by one as I gripped the handle I stop next to diamond dog as he looks up, switching from focusing on the knife to me back and forth.

“Settin’ you free.”

Closing his eyes and letting his head hang slack the Diamond Dog lets out a relieved sigh.

Looking down at the canine as he relaxed his long exhale is immediately cut short as I drive the knife up at an angle into the side of his neck just below the jaw.

Taking the dog second to register what happened his eyes shoot open and he lets out a cough that stained his chin in red as I held the knife in his throat and looked down at him.

Looking back up to me with terror in his eyes he starts to struggle; trying to reach up to his punctured throat with his hands that were still connected to his ankles.

Blood flowing down the blade of the knife until it was rushing over my closed hand I drive the knife a little deeper making him struggle and kick more as pained screams fought to escape his lips through the blood.

“P…..Leuuuugs. P..LEUghs!” He fought to get out as his legs continued to kick at the soil in futility and he looked up to me with scared eyes.

Still holding the knife I thought about his plea before sighing. He did answer the questions well after all and another minute of this would surely be agonizing. Pulling the knife out of his neck blood was free to escape as a torrent made its way down his front.

Taking a strained breath in followed by gurgling and sputter and his own blood drowned him I took him by the head and pushed him onto his back as he started to convulse. Aiming my foot for the top of his sternum I quickly bring it down with as much weight as possible.

An abrupt loud crack followed by a wheeze blood sprays out of his mouth and onto my pant legs as his lungs and heart collapse. The life in his eyes fading out entirely I take a deep breath looking up to the sky I notice a few stars in the darkening sky through the tree limbs.

Knowing that I needed to get going I look back down and push my leg off of the dead body causing more blood to run out of its mouth. Turning back toward the log where my stuff was I notice the phone was looking right at me and was definitely able to catch everything in frame.

“Whoops.” I shrug my shoulders while wiping the blood off of the knife on my pant leg and putting it back home. Walking toward the phone I pick it up with my left hand and stop the recording before sliding it into my pocket.

Grabbing up the bow next I check around me one last time before heading back toward the town, leaving the Diamond Dog’s body to slowly cool to room temperature.

The sun had set by the time I made it back to the library, and not many ponies were on the streets. That was much appreciated as I realized I had been sprayed with more blood than I had originally thought, and it was far past getting any of it out.

Stopping just outside of the door to the hollow tree I looked through the window at the dimly lit but otherwise empty room everyone had been in earlier.

Guess everyone went on home then. That means just purple is here… She better not pull any shit or I’ll have to slap the hoe again.

Pushing open the door slowly and quietly I step inside of the library finding that the main was indeed empty.

Really should lock your doors there Twilight I thought closing it with a faint *click* of the mechanism and walking through the main room to what looked like the kitchen.

Moving like a ghost through the empty room I kept ever closer to the archway that led into the kitchen I see the sharp angle of yellow light coming from the right, deeper into the kitchen.

Stopping just on the other side of the archway I watched and listened as a figure moved through the yellow light accompanied by light clops of hooves on tile. Knowing that it had to be Twilight and considering that the sign on the door said “closed” I also knew she wasn’t expecting any more people to come through her front door; so the fact that her hoof falls were relaxed and not showing any patterns that she was pausing and focusing on her surroundings I could tell she was completely clueless to my presence.

My right hand slowly reaching for my knife I pull the blade two inches out of the scabbard before pausing.

What am I doing?

Looking down to my tight grip on the knife I tell my hand to let go but the iron grip refuses to do so for a few seconds before finally wavering.

Why was I reaching for my knife?

Completely confused at what I had just been doing I push the knife back into the scabbard and almost let out a long breath before stopping myself.

Listening to the pony mill about in the room next to me completely unaware of my presence I realized exactly why I was going for my knife.

I knew my subconscious and muscle memory had just taken control of me and I also knew exactly what they wanted to do. It was starting to become clear to me just how creepy and unnatural I had become. I wasn’t back home, and I knew that, but at the same time I didn’t.

Back home natural was sneaking around everywhere and taking infected and people down as silently as possible. Natural was using the smallest bits of information to get a hand up on my target before quickly and brutally taking them down. But now, back in a working society natural is knocking before opening doors and not preparing to murder someone out of reflex.

I was in my own head when I had returned so my body and mind started to carry out my usual routine as I had done so many times before without me even knowing about it.

I’m not going to kill her… yet.

Listening to the sound of tin being fiddled with I start walking back through the dark room to the door, wanting to seem a little less creepy than I really am.

Taking the door knob in hand I open it regularly and then close it with enough force to be heard but not seem like I was slamming it. Immediately hearing the noise in the kitchen stop I slowly start walking back to where Purple was, making sure my foot falls were at a regular level of noise production.

“The L-library is closed!” I hear called out from the kitchen, a very noticeable nervous tone to Twilight’s voice.

Turning around the corner I see twilight standing next to a table looking right at me.

“Do you have any books on diamond dogs?” Wanting to get right to the point I ask.

“Did you find them?” Disregarding my question entirely she blurts, her bloodshot eyes wide.

“I have a feelin’ I know where they are.”

She deflated a little at my words, “Oh. But you couldn’t get them?”

“That much is obvious ain’t it?”

“... Yeah” Turning around with a sniffle, her ears hanging limp, she starts to get back into her chair where half a pie sat in front of her.

My question still not answered I grumble, “Hey. Do you have books on diamond dogs or not?”

“Uh yeah there's a whole book about them in the autecology section near the front door.”

Turning out of the kitchen and heading for the bookshelf near the door I quickly find the specified section and book. The thick book nearly as wide as my hand I pull it down and look at the cover: “The Anatomy, Behaviors, and Habits of the Diamond Dogs. A Complete Overview.”

“Perfect.” I rapt two knuckles on the hard cover of the book while turning around and taking a seat at the long table.

“You can take the book home you know.”

Looking up I see a still sniffling Twilight in the archway to the kitchen, “Yeah, no. I don’t know if you put some tracking spell on this thing. I sure as hell don’t want you knowin’ where I live.”

Studying the book for a long while as Twilight periodically peaked her head out of the kitchen to look at me sh would always quickly pull back around the corner if I made any motions that I had seen her. I couldn't tell if she was trying stealthy or not, if she was her efforts were far from effective.

All the while Twilight had been checking on me the piece of paper I scrounged up along with the quill and ink had become completely full of anatomical diagrams and a variety of small notes. Ranging from how Diamond Dogs dug their caves and how they were set up to how they fought.

Leaning back in the small chair trying to stretch out my back I let out a mighty groan before sitting back forward, "You're terrible at being unseen Purple. You have the subtlety of a hand grenade."

Hearing the movement stop in the kitchen I faintly smile imagining the look on her face. Smile falling I grunt as I stand up from the small chair that was wreaking havoc on my lower back and walk over to the shelf where the book had came from, putting it back in place.

Folding the notes tightly into a square and slipping them into my front pouch next to my 1911 I open the door intending to leave without saying another word.

The night air washing over my exposed skin I could feel myself start to perk back up.

“When do you think you’ll get Spike and Rarity back Hank?” The meek voice of Twilight asks causing the small smile on my face to immediately turn into a grimace.

Bringing my hand up to the bookshelf beside me I grab onto it before turning around to face the pony.

“There’s no guarantee that I will get them. They might be dead as we speak, they might die in five hours, hell they might not even be where I think they are. These things ain’t that simple.”

My words making her wilt even more the young pony hangs her head in sadness, “Also. Don’t you ever utter my name again you raging bitch. In fact after this whole ordeal is over do me a favor to repay me.”

Looking at me without moving her head I'm slightly taken aback by how her huge eyes could swivel up at an angle like that.

"W-what?" In a somber tone she asks.

"Go deep in the woods and stick a knife in your throat. I never want to see you again, I don't even want to see your stupid dead body. Hell I'll give you the knife." Taking the rusty and half dull knife that I'd taken from the diamond dog I spin it in the air and grab it by the blade like I was going to throw it but instead lazily toss it toward the pony. Sliding across the hardwood floor the knife stops right at Twilight's hooves where she looks at the knife and back to me as her eyes started to water again.

Blankly looking at her as she started to cry I turn and step outside, closing the door harshly. The sound of the door closing disproportionately loud to the quiet night I catch a glimpse of the pony crying on the floor and tisk, “Boo fuckin’ hoo.”

Just wanting to get back home and get started on my preparations I start into a lazy jog, the town gate fading behind me in no time, the two guards giving me a wide berth.

<><><><><><>

The murmurs of conversation floating out of the screen door I quietly walk up to the house avoiding the windows. A few plans spinning around in my head I was working out which made the most sense and had the greatest chance of success while also thinking about what I would have to go through to get ready to carry the plan out.

“So ya started makin’ potions since before you were younger than me?! That’s super cool Zecora!”

All of my thoughts dissipating in an instant I become aware of my surroundings. Taken aback by my new environment I look around and notice that I was inside the Apple’s home pressed against the wall the led into the living room.

“Oh well, it was very common where I am from to start learning early. There is much to learn in the world of tonics and elixirs.”

Just listening to Zecora’s voice calmed me significantly. A small smile stretching my crooked lips I look down and see my hand firmly grasped onto the grip of my revolver as it sat in its holster.

“Jesus christ. No!” Knowing what my body was planning on doing I tear my hand from the revolver. Terrified at what might’ve happened I stop thinking about it once I realize that the conversation had stopped in the room behind me.

“Y’all hear that?” Applejack drawls.

“Eyup.” Mac curtly says as a set of hooves too heavy to be Aj’s hits the hardwood.

Pressed right against the edge of the entrance, just far away enough so my shoulder couldn’t be seen I was positioned perfectly to swing into the room and get to work. I was disgusted with myself that my brain had switched to what my sequence of targets would be.

No! Fuck off! Stop thinking about how I’d kill these people! I don’t kill my fucking friends!

Screaming at myself in my head, trying to get the thoughts to stop I realize that Mac was getting closer to the entrance and finding me. Quickly pulling my hands from the side of my head and working my jaw loose from the tightly clenched muscles I calmly walk the one step around the wall and face the room of ponies.

“How’s it been everyone?” I greet as nonchalant as possible and then look down to Mac as he stood in front of me, “Mac.”

His eyes scanning my entire body over he lingers extra long on my right hand before his big eyes trace the splatters of blood up my front ending at my face, “Hank.”

The red pony looked suspicious and tense, his eyes staring right into mine I stare right back. No hatred or malice behind his eyes I tried my best not to make mine any more hard to look at but I knew from what Zecora had told me after some long prodding of me wanting to what the deal was my eyes had a certain ‘insane / predatory’ look to them. To ponies at least.

“What ya thinkin’ Mac?” I pipe up as we stood at an impasse.

“Ah’m wondrin’ how you got in the house without any of us hearin’ ya until ya muttered somethin’.”

“Well I…” Pausing I sigh, deciding to just tell the truth, “Ya just don’t enter places like a regular person where I’m from. I’m sorry if I spooked y’all but its a force of habit.”

Seemingly satisfied with the answer his posture relaxes a little, “Alright.”

“Well. This is awkward.” Cracking my knuckles I exclaim, a short laughing coming for Granny.

“You can sit ya know.” Granny smiles at me from her chair.

“Alright, let me just lose some weight ‘ere.”

Reaching down and unclicking the belt I shrug my shoulders out of the suspenders and and slowly lower them to the hardwood floor, the various hard and weighty items still being quite loud as they meet the flooring.

Rolling my tired shoulders with a long sigh I walk around Mac and sit down next to Zecora with a smile, “How ya been? Sorry I took so damn long.”

Giving a small smile back she rubs her head on my left arm, “It’s fine.”

Turning back to the rest of the people in the room I see Apple bloom with a huge smile on her face while Aj and Mac both seem a little surprised, Aj having a irate quality to her face as well.

Smiling as she looks at us Granny just gives me that look she always did before look to Zecora as well. Not knowing what in the hell was going on I look around the room before settling back on Granny, “What is goin’ on?”

“Oh…” Waving us off with a hoof she snickers, “Nothin’. But I wanna see how you’re so dang quiet being so big and heavy.”

That I could do. Standing up I walk back over to my gear and quickly put it back on. Re kitted I walk over to the large carpet that covered the floor and bend over, folding it in half to expose the wood underneath.

“Carpet is cheatin’.” Walking to the far side of the room regularly I turn around and bend my knees to stabilize myself. Everyone looking at me I slowly take my first step, keeping all my weight on my leg that was not moving.

The outside edge of the foot softly touching first I roll my foot down to the ball and then gently set down the heel as I transfer my weight. Doing the same in repetition I watched in amusement as the ear’s of the ponies rotated and strained to hear what they should’ve but couldn’t. It was like little fuzzy satellite dishes atop their heads.

Stopping at the other side of the room I turn around and stand back up straight, “Ta-da.”

A bewildered look on all of the faces in front of me Aj squints her eyes and shakes her head, “How?”

“Plenty of practice. Lots of use.” I give the most honest answer I could.

“What do you do when you’re all quiet?” Apple bloom asks, “Ah bet you sneak up on people and scare em!” Going ‘boo’ she puts her hooves over her head in a very child like display.

Thinking of all the times I’d taken a person, or otherwise, and slit a throat, impaled a heart, or cracked a skull after sneaking around like that my face goes blank and I laugh. “Huh. Boo. Yeah.”

Coming out of my little trip down memory lane I itch the back of my right hand making some of the dried blood flake off and drift to the floor, “Yeah let’s go with scare people.”

An innocent smile still on her face as she looked up to me I smile back, the young pony not suspecting a thing, her siblings, Zecora, and grandmother were a different story as they all looked to me with varying degrees of expressions, all obviously understanding the undertones.

“Well…” I swing my arms and clap my hands, “I do need to get goin’.”

“Oh uh. Did ya find Rarity and Spike?” A nervous look on her face Aj timidly asks.

“No. But I think I know where they may be so that is what I need to get goin’ for.”

Perking up a little Aj leans toward me, “Where’d are they? Ya think they’re alive!?”

“There is a good chance they are alive.” I nod but frown, “But I ain’t going to tell you where they could be because you’ll tell Purple and then she’ll get the guard involved and then nothin’ will get done.”

“What do ya mean by that?” Sounding a little offended Applejack raised an eyebrow.

About to reach the large entry way I turn around, “You know what I mean Aj.”

“No Ah don’t and Ah don't like you keeping information from my friends from me.”

“If there is anybody who knows what its like to lose a person you love and not know what happened, its me okay. I know it hurts, believe me, I don't go a day without thinking about what happened to 'em. But I have a way of doin' things Aj and I can't have you messin' with that."

Her face initially angry she slowly softened her features as I continued.

"The fact of the matter is that the guards, and by extension ponies in general, ain't prepared for what is going to have to happen to get them back. Your diplomacy and kindness wont work. You know what I'm talkin' about here don't ya?"

"Ah think so."

"Then you know that things ain't gonna be..." I pause to think of the polite way to get what I meant across, "optimal for ponies. If that makes sense."

"Ah get it." Aj nods a knowing look in her eye.

Giving a small smile back I nod as well, "Good. Now I need to get going and get stuff ready so are you ready to come with Z?"

“I think I am ready.” She responds slipping out of her chair and looking to the others, “It was a pleasure to meet all of you.”

Waving off Zecora’s formalities Granny smiles, “You’re welcome back here anytime Zecora. That goes for you too Hank.” She says as if reminding me that they still liked me nevertheless.

Keeping my face neutral all I do is nod, “I’ll be around.”

Waving to them I turn and start for the screen door, holding it open for Zecora once we reach it.

A smile on her face as she looks up to me she pauses at the start of the few steps looking out into the dark, her ears swiveling around.

Closing the door gently I walk next to her, “You hearin’ something?”

Listening myself I hear nothing but the sound of leaves rustling in the slow breeze.

“I thought I did but I guess not. Do you think there are any wolves out right now?”

Looking a little worried I lean down and patted her on the back of her neck causing her to calm a little, “I sure hope so. Wouldn’t mind a little meat.”

Giving me an amused sideways look Zecora shakes her head, “One of a kind.”

“Literally.” I nudge her with my knee as we start to walk down the long drive.

I don't have much to say other than at the end of this little triplet of chapters I'm going to do some serious thinking on what to do with this story. Because i still have no idea.

Hope you like though, the writers block seems to have faded a little.

Please tell me to use more commas or something, I'm sure it will change things this time.