Whether it be coincidence, some sort of magic bullshit, ponies’ past as herd animals connecting them on a singular biological clock, or just lazy writing, they all started to stir from their huddled together spot on the floor to the pleasant smell of breakfast. While this on its own wasn’t strange, especially considering it was the Apple household, once the ponies brain’s started to connect the dots it became far more a-typical as they looked around and realized everyone was accounted for, even Granny, the head chef.

The only two that weren’t in the room were Zecora and Hank so it had to mean it was one of them who was cooking… unless.

“Ya didn’t sneak down the stairs and start breakfast did you Granny?” AJ asked groggily, still trying to shake off the drowsy feeling that early morning brang.

“With these knees! Are ya kiddin’?” Granny retorted, much more awake than the others, “Though Ah am curious to see just which of those two has.”

Everypony else feeling much the same they slowly started to filter out of the bedroom and into the hall on top of the stairs where the sounds of breakfast cooking was quick to their ears.

Still suffering from the early morning drowsiness most of the ponies yawned as they started to wake up as they all stood in a group at the top of the stairs. Just about to take the first step down the stairs AB stopped when Hank suddenly cried out.

“OW! Son of a bitch!”

“What did you do?” Zecora’s voice came around the corner next.

“Oh, I grabbed the skillet without the damn mitt again.”

“Same hand?”

“Same hand.” Hank dejectedly admitted.

“I’d like to think you would learn that there's a little heat in a cast iron skillet that’s been over a stove for half an hour.” Zecora laughed at the human.

All quiet for a moment the ponies heard the sound of a spatula scraping on the skillet before the skillet was sat back down, “I’ll show you heat woman… I’ll show you heat when I knock your striped ass right to the moon.”

Only getting an amused snort in response the ponies heard Hank chuckle before his heavy footfalls started quickly moving toward something in the kitchen followed by a startled ‘eep’ and the sound of a chair being rapidly scooted across the floor.

The zebra quickly coming into view, fleeing from Hank most likely, she stopped in the hallway when she saw the group at the top of the stairs, About to greet the ponies Hank quickly came up behind her and turned his head to see what she was looking at before immediately turning his attention back to the zebra, not caring if there were witnesses.

“You shouldn't have stopped.”

Whipping her head around to face the human she tried to scramble away but was too slow and couldn’t get away before his hands suddenly clamped down on her hips and started dragging her back into the kitchen as her front hooves tried their best to find traction on the wood floor.

The sound of struggle coming from the kitchen the ponies slowly started to make their way down the stairs.

“You are not!” Zecora cried as Hank giggled.

The sound of things being sat down on the counter accompanied by Zecroa’s struggling getting louder as the ponies made their way down the stairs not knowing what they were going to walk into.

“You’re evil.” Zecora hissed getting a snort out of the man.

Rounding the corner AB and Rainbow looked to see what was happening but only saw Hank walking back toward the still running stove, “That’s what ya get for messing with someone four times your size.” He said seemingly talking to himself.

“Your size doesn’t give you the right to shove me into whatever small space you desire.” Zecora replied with a sneer from on top of the fridge in the small space below the ceiling.

The rest of the ponies showing up now, they all traced where AB and Rainbow were looking and saw the zebra on top of the fridge.

“Yeah well, what are you gonna do about it?”

Nothing but a grumble coming from the zebra on top of the fridge Hank just laughed to himself as he finished up the last of the pancakes and finally turned off that burner.

“Smartass zebras get put on top of the fridge so they can think about what they’ve done.” Turning and seeing the group Hank’s smile only widened, which was unsettling to a degree.

“Figured you’d all wander down eventually.” Hank stated as the ponies started to look beyond him at everything he’d prepared: Pancakes, waffles, hash browns, and more.

“Don’t tell me you made all this.” Granny said with a raised eyebrow as she sat down in her chair.

“I’ll reimburse you for everything I used.” Hank answered.

“Oh no,” Granny laughed, “There’s no issue there. Ah’m just surprised, it looks and smells really good.”

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Hank smiled, “But, it had been a long time since I’ve really cooked to any real degree so it might be a little off.”

“Ah’m sure it’ll be great.” Granny laughed, “But Ah don’t think ya made quite enough for everypony here dear.”

“Ah.” Leaning over and opening the oven door Hank revealed the rest of the baked goods he had made, “Gotta keep 'em warm.”

Now able to see the pure magnitude of the feast he had prepared while they were all resting, the ponies were gobsmacked at his apparent culinary know-how.

“I ain’t made any of the eggs yet because they’re best fresh.” he added, grabbing a washcloth and starting to take the various trays of breakfast items out of the warm oven.
Moving everything to the middle of the large sit around kitchen table he also placed a stack of plates and a handful of silver ware down as well, “Get what you want. I ain’t gonna serve ya.” The human said turning around and grabbing the cartons of eggs and turning up the burner with the well used skillet on it, “and tell me what eggs you want, and I won’t do poached.”

Mac being the first to step forward from the stunned still group, he started to fill his plate with a healthy amount of everything. The absolutely massive amount of food available Mac felt like he could truly grab as much as he wanted instead of having to take a “polite” amount like he usually had to do.

With his plate full to the brim Mac moved around the table to his usual spot and sat down satisfied with the serving size. It was rare he truly got to take in the massive amount of food his large frame wanted of him, as such he was more than happy to oblige in the moment.

The others started to go next, AJ first, she took a generous, but nowhere near as large serving as her brother, anxious to dig into the meal hoping it would taste just as good as it looked and smelled.

“Ah’ll take three eggs over easy please.” Mac requested of their temporary chef, his voice even more baritone than usual, his vocal chords still waking up.

“Yolk broken?” Hank asked over his shoulder as he picked out the three, very large, chicken eggs.

“No.”

Responding with a curt nod Hank got to preparing the eggs as the rest of the group started to prepare their own plates as well, motivated by the smells that were filling the kitchen.

“Ah’ll take just one egg over easy please Hank.” AJ requested next.

“Sure thing AJ.” Hank responded grabbing her egg next and getting it in the pan before turning back to Mac, “You want these seasoned? Salt? Pepper? Red pepper?”

Mid bite Mac didn't know what to answer, he didn't even know seasoning eggs was a thing, he’d certainly never had it before.

“Uh… Ah dunno.” Mac stuttered.

“Well I need to know cause these things are about done.” Hank said with a raised eyebrow in amusement.

“Uh...Uh...Regular pepper.”

Nodding Hank set to it and before long was plopping Mac’s eggs on his plate with his spatula.

Leaning in tentatively giving the eggs a sniff, Mac got an elbow to the arm from his sister who chuckled at him, “They ain't gonna bite ya.”

Rolling his eyes he leaned in and took a bite of the egg before his eyes went wide and he quickly went in for another bite.

“Ah think he likes it Hank.” AJ said, getting a quiet laugh from the man.

“Well good, and how do you want yours?”

“From how he’s eating those Ah’ll try pepper as well, maybe a little salt too if that’s okay.”

AJ’s egg already nearly done, he quickly had it on her plate as well and was surprised to see that Mac already had the three eggs gone.

“You really did like those didn’t ya bud?”

Simply nodding before going back to the rest of his plate Hank turned to others who were just finishing up with preparing their plates.

“AB, Rarity, Flutters, Granny, Pink. What do y’all want.”

“Sunny side up please! Just one!” Apple bloom answered in her usual excited tone.

“I’m not really in the mood for eggs at the moment darling, thank you though.” Rarity said with a smile, very content with everything she had on her plate.

“I’m fine with sunny side up as well, thank you. Just two.” Said as gentle as ever Hank smiled and looked at Granny next.

“Ah like my eggs over hard, little bit of salt since you’re offerin’. Been awhile since someone else has cooked for me, I’ll do two.” Granny laughed.

“My aunt liked em the same way.” Hank smiled and finally turned to Pinkie, “What about you?”

“Scrambled, please.” Uncharacteristically softly said for Pinkie Hank turned on his heel and started getting the eggs going.

“What about you two?”

Having sat silently, hoping to just slide under the human’s radar, Rainbow and Twilight tensed as he addressed them.

“I...um,” Rainbow gulped, “Just hard boiled, two… Thanks.”

Getting no response from the man other than hearing fill a pan with water and place it on the stove it was now all down to Twilight.

“Twinkle.” Hank said roughly as he served AB and Fluttershy.

“Scrambled please.” She said meekly.

Not answering back Hank simply set to work doubling up on Pinkie’s order to split and watching to make sure Granny’s didn’t burn all the while waiting for the water to get to a rolling boil.

Granny’s eggs ready; he quickly set them on her plate before dropping two eggs in the boiling water and pouring the eggs he’d whisked into the skillet.

Working in one smooth motion Hank used the time he had in between watching the eggs putting used utensils and dishes in the sink and throwing away whatever trash he may have collected. Starting to near completion he turned to where Zecora was still stuck and smiled seeing she had settled in the pony loaf form on top the fridge much like a cat would.

The position endlessly funny and cute to the human he shook his head and finally addressed his marooned partner, “You want them sunny side up don’t ya Z?”

“Yes that would be great, and if you could work on getting me down from here I would appreciate that as well.” Her voice full of that snarky tone he had grown accustomed to he laughed to himself as he finally finished serving the last three orders of eggs.

Getting two more eggs ready he set them aside and moved toward the fridge where Zecora eagerly awaited her release from her makeshift prison.

Reaching up toward the zebra Zecora moved forward but before being picked up quickly popped the human with the frog of her left hoof on his forehead. Stunned for a second Hank quickly started to laugh alongside the zebra and continued to pick her up with his hands under her forearms.

Taking up her full weight like nothing while holding her above his head the two continued to giggle as they were unknowingly observed by the ponies at the table.

Lowering the zebra so they were nearly nose and nose Zecora hummed, “You know you really shouldn’t be teasing someone who walks around eye level with you know what.”

A smirk growing on his face Hank gave a laugh, “and if you want kids you’re gonna need to be more gentle than that.”

Instantly erupting into a heavy blush Hank uncerimosily plopped the zebra into her seat and then pushed her in.

“That shut ya up.” He laughed starting on her eggs while the zebra sat motionless in her seat with her eyes locked on the table not wanting to look into anybody else’s eyes at the moment.

“Are you and Zecora having a foal Hank!?” Apple bloom excitedly asked, thrilled at the prospect.

Laughing some more as he focused on the two eggs on the skillet in front of him, “No we’re not AB, at least not yet.”

Turning around with the two eggs on his spatula Hank leaned over his zebra girlfriend and gently set them on her plate, “They say revenge is a dish best served cold but this morning I'm serving it with eggs, that’s what you get for last night you cock tease.” Hank whispered the last part directly into Zecora’s ear making her fidget in her seat as she tried her best to covertly conceal her rising embarrassment and excitement.

Rustling her hair Hank turned around without a thought about it and started to figure out just what he wanted this morning. Well what he really wanted was a sausage egg and cheese sandwich, or twelve of them, but he doubted the ponies would react all that well to the sausage part.

Either way he hadn’t had fresh eggs in far too long and as he looked at the nine remaining eggs in the carton he decided he would do the Apples a favor and just neatly finish off the partial carton. You know, being considerate and all.

Setting to work cracking each individual egg into the skillet he decided he really just wanted eggs over medium, nine of them. Soon enough the skillet was full of the nine eggs and Hank had his full attention on them.

Having been watching the man out of the corner of her eye the entire morning as he worked, Granny was finally curious enough to ask what the man was doing, “Just what are you doin’ over there now Hank?” The elderly mare asked as Hank sprinkled some red pepper flakes into the skillet.

“Making some eggs for myself now.” Hank simply answered.

“Yeah well…” Looking over to where the cartons of eggs were, they were all empty and she could have swore the last time she looked over the top one was mostly full, “How many?”

Seemingly taking a second to decide if he wanted to say he finally concluded they would see anyway so it's not like he could get away with down playing the size of his breakfast, “Nine.”

While the other ponies had been conversing with each other casually over their surprisingly well made breakfast they all looked up to see if his claim was true and as he lifted the large combined mass of egg out of the skillet and onto his plate they saw it was most certainly true.

Leaning over and opening the oven door Hank quickly grabbed four pieces of toast and threw them onto his plate.

Watching as the human gingerly sat the plate then himself down they continued to watch as he reached for the butter and apple butter, spreading the butter on all pieces but the apple butter on only two. Seemingly happy with himself and his meal Hank sat up a little straighter before he realized all the ponies were looking at him.

“What?” He said setting a piece of toast down and looking over the table.

“You’re gonna be able to eat all that?” Rainbow was surprisingly the one to ask what they were all thinking.

“Uh, yeah.” Looking down to his plate and back up Hank gave a small shrug, “This really ain’t that much.”

“That is a lot of food dear, especially eggs.” Rarity said as she looked at the human’s plate.

“Human body runs on protein. If I wanna maintain and especially build muscle, let alone fuel my body through all the shit I do I need a lot of protein, and carbs and all that but they don’t stick around long.” Grabbing his fork Hank started to cut into the mass of eggs on his plate, “Ponies don’t like eggs that much or somethin’?”

“It’s not a matter of not liking, it’d just make us sick.” Rarity explained further as she returned to her breakfast.

Humming with his mouth full Hank chewed and swallowed before opening his mouth, “I couldn’t be a pony then.” He laughed before returning to his meal.

Eating the large, but relatively simple meal quickly a few of the ponies started to blanch as Hank ate 5,6,7,8….9 of the eggs in a row without missing a beat. Not only would they doubled over with stomach cramps if they did the same, they’d have violent expulsion from both ends for the better part of a day or two. The simple act of watching Hank eat was just another example that regardless of how similar to ponies he could seem he was still very much different.

Suddenly, after watching the human eat nine eggs like nothing, Hank’s strength and just over all physical prowess, started to make more sense to the bookish purple pony. In just one meal he had far more protein intake than ninety nine percent of ponies would get in a day, if not two days.

If there was one thing Hank’s body should be able to do it would be packing on muscle, but not only that. Tendons, bone strength, everything, even healing was strongly rooted to protein and Hank had no shortage of protein and exercise to work and build his body.

In a morbid, overly dramatic, way of explaining it, with the meat from every creature he ate he absorbed their life...energy, for the lack of a better term, and utilized it into making himself stronger and even more of a threat. It was strangely fitting for the man sat at the end of the table next to her.

While Twilight was slowly coming out of her own thoughts the rest of the ponies sat silent, content with their full bellies after such a surprisingly good meal.

“So ya really can cook huh?” Granny asked with a smile, looking across the table to the man who simply grinned back.

“When I have the right tools and ingredients I don’t do too bad.” Hank gave a good laugh, “Your kitchen is a little better equipped and stocked with actual ingredients than mine. Most of the cooking I do is outside over a fire anyway.”

“Why’s that?”

“I cook a lot of meat and I know the smell of it bothers her.” Hank said motioning to Zecora with a piece of toast before taking a bite out of it.

“I told you it’s fine, it doesn’t bother me.” Zecora said with a slight hint of annoyance.

“Honey when you walk around with your nose all scrunched up like this-” Hank quickly reached over and ran his pointer finger knuckle up the middle of Mac’s nose from bottom to top causing his entire muzzle to scrunch up as the pony quickly recoiled with a start and brought his hooves to his muzzle at the strange sensation.

“What was that?! What did ya do?!” Leaning away from the human Mac kept his hooves to his muzzle as the strange sensation persisted keeping his muzzle scrunched.

“I dunno.” The human looked back to the red stallion amused, “It must be a nerve or somethin’, I figured it out messing with her.” Hank gestured back to Zecora, “Just massage your muzzle for a second and it’ll go away.”

Looking away from Mac as the stallion started to massage his muzzle Hank looked back over to Zecora, “But yeah you look like that.”

Waving the human off he simply laughed in response and took his last bit of toast.

Sitting back and looking over his now completely clean plate Hank closed his eyes and took a single deep breath in before leaning back forward and standing up, the suddenness of his movement startling the ponies.

Opening his eyes and picking his plate up Hank quickly made his way over to the sink and placed it inside before starting to clean up the mess he made preparing breakfast.

“What has you in such a hurry?” Zecora asked, turning around and facing the human’s back.

“There’s a lot that needs to be done today. No time to spare.”

“You are not seriously thinking about going back in those woods again are you?” Annoyance in her voice Zecora watched as the human made quick work of the mess in front of him.

“Well yeah.” Hank answered turning around briefly, “No one else is going to, or can, do it.”

While that wasn’t exactly false, Zecora still wasn’t a fan of the idea, especially after what happened to him last time he went into the woods. Neither were many of the other ponies at the table even if they hadn’t voiced their opinions. They didn’t want Hank being put right in the path of danger, alone.

The events of last night didn't help calm their uneasiness either, if anything it just made it worse. There were new players on the field and that made it all the more dangerous for the man.

At the same time Hank realized this exact same thing just not for himself. He was more worried about the ponies he cared about and in general. Things weren’t getting better like he thought at all, they were getting progressively worse, and he needed to put a stop to it before the situation at hand had any chance to snowball further.

“Just promise me you’ll be as careful as you can be.” Zecora finally yielded.

“It’s not me you need to worry about.” Hank said, casting a genuine smile over his shoulder to the zebra, “But speaking of all this you’re still gonna send that letter to Luna and Celestia right?”

Looking back at the human as he looked at her, Twilight nodded her head, “Yes, once I get home.”

Nodding Hank laughed, “And that’s something else I need to get done too. Gettin’ all you home.”

Getting the kitchen back to some semblance of normalcy Hank turned away from the sink and walked over to where his rifle was leaning against the wall and picked it up, doing his regular checks on it before holding it in a relaxed position.

“Alright Blue let’s do this one last time.” Hank said, looking to Rainbow and nodding his head to the hallway.

Not willing to disobey the imposing man even in his seemingly good mood Rainbow quickly got up from her chair and started following him as he made his way to the front door.

Coming up behind the man as he waited at the door he spoke as Rainbow kept uncharacteristically quiet and meek.

“Same as last time just with less urgency. It’s day now and they’re less active...or at least less outwardly aggressive. Get up in the air, start close, and then widen your radius South to Flutter’s house and make sure it is clear. Then go back North and over this position checking the road and see if the town is alright and active.”

His instructions clear and spoken with just as much authority in his calm voice as his angry one Rainbow couldn’t help but find herself nodding in affirmation.

“Take your time, use all your senses, look for evidence of past activity, and be casual while flying near town. That goes for all of you!” Hank raised his voice to make sure the others could hear him even if his voice was plenty loud enough as it was, “Let’s not go telling everybody about what happened here, at least not right away. Getting everybody in a panic is the last thing any of us needs or wants. We’ll let the seasoned public speakers break the news how they see fit.”

“Now,” Hank lowered his voice and looked back down to RD. “Same entry and exit plan, let’s go.”

Opening the door and stepping outside with his rifle raised, Hank immediately noticed the bird song filling the air and the squirrels in the trees and relaxed a little. Still holding his rifle at the ready he and Rainbow walked out into the grass past the first dead wolf before Hank stopped, “Alright, get in the air.”

Taking off in a flash same as last night Hank watched her ascend before he turned his attention back to the ground and began his usual patrol pattern, albeit with much more relaxed posture than the night before; quickly disappearing behind the barn.

The human going out of sight of the remaining ponies in the house Twilight visibly relaxed while Granny and AB started in on the dishes that Hank hadn’t.

Looking out of the window, seemingly staring off into space, Mac suddenly slipped out of his chair, pushing it back in, before heading for the front door and making it outside before anyone could voice their protest.

The red pony already outside before anyone could notice AJ tried to call after her brother but let her words die in her throat almost immediately as she watched her older brother make a B-line for the edge of the barn that Hank had shortly before disappeared behind.

AJ didn’t know what exactly was going on with her brother, but it was clear something was definitely developing and that the something in question most certainly involved their resident human. It seemed a lot of things involved Hank anymore, he definitely took up a large part of her own thoughts throughout the day… and night. She had no idea of knowing what it was that was going on between her brother and Hank however, she knew Mac wouldn’t talk about it and she could confirm with just about as much certainty that Hank wouldn’t either. If she wanted to figure it out she’d just have to watch very closely and as bad as it sounded do a little eavesdropping or snooping even.

She could tell that something happened between the pair last night, before the whole wolf... martial arts thing even. Mac just looked… different when he came back into the house from the porch and the glances the stallion gave Hank was anything but unnoticeable, though maybe she was the only one to notice? Growing up with a brother so quiet meant that to properly communicate with him you had to pick up on his subtle cues and AJ was a pro at it.

She needed to figure it out, whatever it was, not just out of pure curiosity but also out of a heavy concern she held for her elder brother.

As AJ’s musing started to go deeper she was brought out of them as the ponies around her started to move. Trying to figure it out as the others started to migrate into the living area minus Granny and AB, who were still doing the dishes, Twilight came up to her.

“Hey Applejack.” Twilight greeted softly a small and tired smile.

“Hey Twilight.” Applejack reciprocated.

“I was just wondering if there was anywhere quiet I could sit and write this letter to Princess Celestia? Maybe even some ink and a quill… and some paper?”

Noticing Twilight’s slightly stressed body language Applejack decided not to comment on it in the moment and simply offered a genuine smile, “You can use the desk in my room if ya like, it should have everythin’ ya need.”

“Thanks Applejack,” Twilight smiled and walked past the farm pony on her way to the stairs, “I may be a while, there’s a lot to write about.”

“No problem Twi, take all the time ya need.” Applejack waved off, completely understanding, she needed to write to Brea about all this when she thought about it, he’d love to hear about all this crazy nonsense.

Watching as Twilight disappeared up the stairs Applejack switched her attention to the others as they settled into the living room and got out of her seat at the table to follow suit.

Walking into the room as the others started talking, Applejack walked over next to Zecora as she looked out of the window to Hank and Mac as they walked by and talked, a small smile on her face.

Following the pair with her eyes as well Applejack could plainly see that Hank was explaining something to her brother in his regular assertive method as her elder sibling nodded and occasionally asked something back.

“I think the two have become quite close.” Zecora said to Applejack who soon after turned to face the zebra.

“Ah think so too. Ah’ve never seen Mac talk so much before.”

“Is...that a bad thing?” Zecora asked with mild concern, turning her full attention to Applejack hearing the tone of her voice.

“No! No. It’s jus’ that… Ah dunno yet,” AJ sighed looking down momentarily, “Maybe the impossible has happened and Mac has actually opened up to sompony.”

Humming Zecora rubbed her side with Applejack’s to comfort her and looked into her eyes when the pony looked back up, “Just as it’s good and healthy for mares to spend together the same is most certainly true for stallions. And there’s quite a few less of those as I’m sure you know. It can be hard for stallions to spend time together alone sometimes.”

“Yeah Ah know, Ah know. It’s just that… Mac has friends, they play card games and drink down in the cellar every other… Saturday Ah think? Ah dunno,” AJ gives a quick shake of her head, “Ah’m off doing my own things on the weekends.”

Taking a deep breath the apple pony thinks about it for a second, “But Ah’ve still never seen him act this way with even his own friends, this is different, Ah jus’ can’t tell how yet.”

Mulling it over for a second Zecora, “Well, I don’t know what to say to be completely honest Applejack, I certainly don’t think anything going on is a bad thing however.”

“And Ah don’t either. Ah’d just like to know, ya know? I worry about Mac a lot.”

Smiling, Zecora placed a hoof on Applejack's withers in a calming gesture that got a deep breath out of the orange mare in response as she relaxed a little, "You're a good sister Applejack, and I understand your worry. I may not have an older brother but I do have a younger one, and I worry about him even now as I'm two thousand miles away."

With a deep breath Applejack returned Zecora's smile, "Thanks Zecora and I didn't know you had any siblings."

“That would be my fault. I’ve never mentioned it before, even to Hank.” Zecora answered honestly, her smile falling, leaving her face noticeably solemn.

Turning to face Zecora more directly, Applejack's eyebrows were raised in concern, “What’s wrong?”

“Oh…..” Zecora put on a fake smile and tried to wave her feelings off. “It's just that we’re not close. I’m not close to any of my family.”

It was clear to AJ that the subject hurt her zebra friend and she wanted to help, but she also didn’t want to seem like she was prying where she had no place to.

“What’s his name?” Applejack finally asked, feeling the question was simple enough and nothing too personal.

“Osei, he just turned twenty this year.” Answered the zebra with a smile as she thought about the times her and her younger brother spent as children.

“He’s not much younger than Ah am. How much older are you?”

Giving a small laugh Zecora shook her head, “I’m getting old. I’m 26.”

Giving the Zebra a not so subtle look over Applejack continued to look at the mare in amazement, “There ain't no way! You’re Mac’s age!”

“Time really flies.” Zecora simply stated with a laugh, “I was 24 when I left Zebrica. The long trip doesn't look so long now that it’s over.”

“Yeah, life really sneaks up on ya.” Applejack mused as the pair fell silent, gazing out of the window while listening to the other softly converse behind them.

“How old do ya think Hank is?” Applejack asked, finally breaking the silence, while watching the subject of the question and her brother walk back toward the barn, talking about something.

A long breath escaping her nose Zecora fought to come up with an answer to the question, and one of her greatest curiosities as well, something she had tried to figure out for a very long time, “I just can’t tell you an exact number, I’ve certainly tried to figure it out myself but what I believe with most certainty is that he is in his mid thirties, maybe even early forties. He won’t like that I told you this but he has grey hairs, or a few pop up from time to time.”

“Really?”

Nodding Zecora looked back out the window where the trees were gently swaying in the breeze thinking about her stallion, “I think he says he’s younger than he really is because of all the time he lost back on his old planet fighting and just trying to survive. Now that he’s here he wants to get that time back that he lost on his original world.”

“That makes the most sense so far, that Ah’ve heard or thought of myself at least.”

“Plus he just doesn’t act young, like how a twenty something pony or zebra would.” Zecora continued, “He is far too in command of not only himself, but everything around him. How he solves problems, takes responsibility, naturally takes charge of any situation. It's the things like that, that I know a younger person just would not have a grip on yet."

Nodding along with Zecora's explanation Applejack hummed, "He certainly is somethin' alright."

Smiling at the comment Zecora watched as the blue pegasus quickly touched back down and trotted closer to the house.

The movement grabbing Applejack's attention as well; they both watched as Hank and Mac in tow made their way over to rainbow, Hank asking something.

While they obviously couldn't hear anything the two could tell by Rainbow's relaxed posture that things were at least better than last night.

Watching Hank on the other hoof yielded almost no results. He as stoically and calmly as ever asked questions and nodded occasionally as Rainbow reported what she had seen. Though Zecora through her time with the human had learned a few of his subtle tells and could see that he was relaxed as well due to how his rifle was still hanging from its sling on his shoulder. If it was there he was relatively calm.

After a little more discussion and a few hand movements from the human as he talked the three started back toward the house, reaching it quickly.

The ponies in the living room hearing the door open along with the slow and heavy footfalls of the human accompanied by faster lighter ones, they all turned toward the opening to the room as Rainbow followed by Hank and Mac appeared.

"Well, Rainbow says we're all good to get moving so if everyone is ready we can… where's the purple one?" Hank changed his dialogue instantly as his head count came up one short.

"She's upstairs writing that letter thingy." Applejack answered, the human turning his head to look at her before simply nodding.

"Allright good." Hank resumed, "I'll accompany everyone that needs to go back to town and then I'll come back here for you Fluttershy. Unless you want to come with from the get go."

"I'll go with." Fluttershy answered quietly with a soft smile, getting one in return from Hank.

"I'll go wrangle purple and everyone else should get ready to go." Walking out of the room Hank's footfalls suddenly stopped and he peaked back into the room, "I'll talk with you in a second Mac."

Leaving again just as fast as he had appeared, all the ponies turned to Mac quizzically, wondering what the somewhat cryptic statement meant.

Leaving Mac downstairs to deal with the questions and looks, Hank made his way up the stairs in search of the purple menace, wanting to get things moving as quickly as possible.

AJ’s room being the last on the left he made his way for it and put his left hand on the door knob while his right subconsciously went to his revolver and pulled it half way out of its holester on his chest.

Pushing the door open with more force than necessary Hank was met with the wide eyes of purple as she startledly looked at the human as he stepped into the room scanning it before taking his hand of the weapon on his chest.

A few tense moments of silence passed between the two as they looked each other in the eyes before Hank decided to break the silence.

“We’re getting ready to leave, you need to get that letter finished.” Looking down to the desktop where the aforementioned letter was Hank raised an eyebrow when he saw the five papers filled with neat handwriting.

“Are you writing a damned novel up here?” He asked, walking toward the desk before picking up the first five pages.

“You said to note this all down in detail so I am.” In a meek voice Twilight explained as the human read through the report front and back.

“The human, who’s full name is Hank Campbell Lynch as designated from the tattoo between his shoulder blades on his upper back, took control of the situation from the beginning and showed startling and brutal efficiency in dispatching both threats that presented themselves, not only in hoof to hoof combat but also in using his environment to his advantage, at one point using a wooden beam from the Apple’s porch that had broken off in the initial fight to bludgeon and later impale the wolf when the beam splintered.”

Pausing for a moment in his reading of her letter he looked to Twilight who had a nervous smile on her face before looking back down to the letter and continuing, flipping it over, “The human Hank shows an unnatural ability to take damage and shrug it off while also harboring much more strength than even his frame would suggest. Human physiology at a glance looks similar to a minotaur but prolonged observation proves the similarities end at appearance. Human’s, or at least in Hank’s case, are much denser than any sapient species on Equis: Hank’s self admission of 260 kilohoofs of body weight matches up with nothing else on the planet. While his frame is large, comparing him to a minotaur that shared the same weight class would be a staggering difference.

Along with his physical attributes he showed practiced and efficient planning and execution of militaristic operations. While my knowledge of such things is admittedly limited; from what I have learned and seen while living in Canterlot and attending some of my brother’s training. I believe with great certainty that the human has experience in a leadership role based on his proclivity to take command and ability to problem solve.”

Skimming a little further, seeing where Twilight started to talk about his request for a meeting, Hank put the papers down and looked at the studious mare who was still wearing a very nervous smile.

“You’re weird as hell, you know that?” Hank said, reaching for a blank piece of paper and the quill and ink.

Not expecting to get insulted in such a manner Twilight reeled for a second, stumbling over her words as she tried to find a comeback or even just a response, “Y-Yeah Yeah! You’re weird as hell!”

“Uh yeah. That was established on page five paragraph one of your report about my abnormal weight and ability to take damage, remember?” Hank shot back, giving her a glance out of the corner of his eye while finishing up his own letter to Luna and Celestia detailing exactly where he wanted to meet and his conditions, along with the repercussions if they didn’t follow.

Completely shut down Twilight awkwardly waited for the human to finish with the quill with a frown on her face.

“Remember.” Hank said getting the pony’s attention, “You may be smart but you’re not witty or quick.”

Leaving the letter on the table for Twilight to include with hers Hank started to walk away without a further word before stopping in the doorway, “You have ten minutes.”

Vanishing out of the door frame Twilight took a deep breath and calmed herself, she just wanted to get home and send these letters so she could stop dealing with the crazy stallion for a while.

<><><> One Hour later, Day Court, Cetestia… Celesmia, wait no… Celestia, there we go, it’s been a while fuck you, 3rd person <><><>

It was a normal Monday morning in the day court in all regards. The same monday guard rotation around the room and at the doors, the same 9:15 rays of light coming through the windows, the same pompous nobles taking up Celestia’s time when she desperately wanted to be solving real issues, not listening to the one thousandth speech on why raising taxes on the lower class would boost Canterlot’s economy. It was a boring and angering existence.

The noble Celestia had been ‘talking’ to, more like talked at, walking away with her nose turned up stupidly high, doing her best to look as superior as possible to her noble counter parts as she exited the court, Celestia had to physically bite her tongue from saying some insult under her breath as the spoiled mare walked away.

Looking away from the mare as she left Celestia perked up as she saw Fancy Pants entering the court next. She had always enjoyed the stallion’s company. He was a true noble just as his wife, honest, hard working, kind, and generous. The number of charities that two managed was staggering, she had no idea how the two had any time to themselves, and she was coleader of an entire country!

“Princess Celestia, it is great to see you as always.” Fancy greeted with a respectful bow.

“The same to you as well, Fancy Pants.” Celestia said with a bow of the head while also sitting up a little straighter on her throne, “What brings you to day court this morning?”

“Welllllll,” Fancy began somewhat embarrassed, “I’m afraid this may be a complete waste of your time and I apologize for it your majesty but I’ve exhausted all of my other options and yielded no results.”

“It’s no problem at all Sir Pants, I have too much time anyhow.” Celestia said in a joking tone ridding Fancy Pants of the nervousness he was feeling, a relieved smile on his mustached face, “Thank you princess, and there is no need to call me Sir.”

Raising an eyebrow at the monicled stallion Celestia smiled, “Do you prefer Captain Pants?”

Eyes going wide the stallion shook his head, “Heavens no! Fancy Pants is all I need.”

“Don’t like thinking about your past career in the navy?” Celestia asked in a joking tone.

Shaking his head Fancy chuckled, “I’m proud of every second of the thirty years I spent in your Navy Princess, I wish I was still in it often if I am being completely honest. I’m just so sick of all the titles that I’m surrounded by, it is so… tiresome.”

Sympathizing completely with the stallion Celestia gave a long sigh, “As am I Fancy Pants, as am I.”

Pausing for a moment Celestia started to reminisce about the old days but quickly re focused herself, “So what is this problem with no solution you have found yourself encumbered with.”

Apparently doing the same Celestia had been doing Fancy Pants quickly snapped back to Celestia from where he had been off in the past.

“W-Well.” Fancy cleared his throat, “Does a…,” Taking a moment to look over his invoices, “pony named er...Hank...exist?”

Eyes noticeably widening the pony princess didn’t know how to respond. How was Hank tied in with Fancy Pants?

How had he worked his way in with any high ranking Canterlot nobility?! Fancy Pants no less? Where wasn't the human? What did he not do? Did the human ever take a moment to just relax and not get himself involved in every imaginable thing!? It seemed like every waking moment the human was brought up to Celestia to some degree. Even if it was Celestia's fault for the most part.

Bringing the storm in her mind down to a low rumble Celestia laughed out of pure stress, "Hank most certainly exists, he's the… stallion for the lack of a more accurate term, that I got into a fight with and well… lost."

Eyes widening in realization Fancy remembered the story in the Canterlot times that his wife made him read despite his hatred of newspapers.

"So that Hank. The Everfree Monster. Is the one who invested fifty thousand bits into my line of stallion themed stores?"

"He what?" Celestia asked, her brain completely unregistering what fancy just laid on her.

"He...he got my company off the ground! He invested when no pony else was. He bought nearly every share available at the time. I'm afraid to say but I owe the success of my first endeavor in a long time to the stallion that clocked you on the jaw Princess."

“You have to be joking.” The princess said, just not able to believe all she was hearing.

Shaking his head Fancy looked through the papers in the folder he brought along, “No not at all, I would show you but that does go against client confidentiality even more than I’ve already done here.”

“Don’t worry Fancy, it won’t leave this room,” Celestia said as Fancy closed the folder, “I will say I’m surprised though.”

“What about exactly Princess? Other than the obvious.” Fancy asked, his interest peaked.

Sighing Celestia gave a light laugh, “To be honest I expected him to blow through the money he received on alcohol and weapons, not to...invest it in all things.”

“Maybe there is more than meets the eye about this Hank character, I can’t say that investing in my company was a smart decision when he did it but he certainly had some foresight that has made him a very wealthy stallion in return.”

A heavy sigh escaping her lips Celestia slumped forward just barely enough to notice, “You have no idea how true what you just said is Fancy Pants.”

Nodding his head Fancy looked back to the folder, just looking at the name ‘Hank?’ in italics on the front cover, “Well thank you very much for this very helpful insight Princess. I guess we just weren’t making the connection.”

A smile back on her face Celestia nodded in return, “Of course. I’m always happy to help the Fancy family.”

The stallion somewhat nervously fidgeting before giving his farewells and turning to leave, being picked up by Celestia’s keen eye for pony behavior the diarch called out to the stallion, “What’s continuing to bother you Fancy?”

Stopping at the sound of the Princess’s voice only a few steps away from where he started Fancy adjusted his monocle as he turned back around and re approached the throne, “Well you see Princess… I sent Hank an invitation to my annual top investors ball and dinner.”

Fighting the urge to widen her eyes Celestia stayed calm faced as the stallion continued, “And now that I know just who he is I’m a little concerned with what may transpire if he does decide to show. Which I have not received an RSVP back from him, or at least his agent, so who is to say he even does.”

A clear amount of concern in the stallion’s voice, which Celestia most certainly understood, the princess still couldn’t let herself show concern as well, even if she was definitely feeling it.

“What concerns you the most Fancy Pants?”

“Well he is quite violent isn’t he?” Fancy asked carefully, not wanting to bring up the princess’s encounter with the stallion again so soon.

“Only when provoked.” Celestia’s head and jaw ached as she remembered her encounter causing her to almost wince. “He apparently maintains quite a few friendly relationships, even with the element of honesty and kindness, at least that is what my protege in Ponyville reports. He does have very… unpredictable behavior and is quick to anger however.”

“So overall a room full of rich, specicest, stuck up nobles is the worst place to have him.” Fancy said flatly.

“He’s probably more friendly with the wolves he kills and eats than he ever will be with anypony at your investor meeting.” Celestia said honestly, “No offence to you of course Fancy.”

“None taken,” Fancy said with a sigh, “Being honest I think I’d probably get along with the wolves better than half the ponies that make up my investor base.”

Both ponies, Ruler and noble alike, sharing a laugh directed at Canterlot’s nobility and upper class at large, Celestia wiped a small tear from her eye as a few more calm laughs escaped her mouth.

“This ball of yours is a day before the Gala, correct?”

“Yes indeed,” Fancy nodded, “The night before at the same time as a matter of fact, just so every damn noble is already in town so they can all come to my dinner. Then I get to catch up again at the bucking Gala, just perfect. My wife’s idea, truly brilliant from a business standpoint, but idiotic from a mental health standpoint.”

Becoming a little overwhelmed with how much he dreaded the two upcoming events Fancy had forgot just who he was venting to but quickly remembered and started to sputter out apologizes while his eyes widened to the size of dinner plates.

“Fancy its o-”

“I am so sorry, I know you put a lot of work into the Gala it’s just that-”

“Fancy it is perfectly fine, I don-”

“I really have no reason to complain, the venue is great, along with the food and drink, the ponies are just so-”

“Please, Fancy, calm down, I’m not ups-”

“I’ve just been so stressed lately with everything going on and I guess-”

“It is okay I prom-”

Getting cut off for the last time Celestia grumbled and cleared her throat, “FANCY!”

Immediately closing his mouth, the stallion stared up at the princess of the sun as she looked back down at him softly.

“I’m not mad at you Fancy, I promise.” Celestia finally got out without being interrupted by the panicked stallion, “Do you want to know a secret?”

Calming down from the princesses reassurance, Fancy gently nodded in confirmation.

Leaning forward a little in her throne, Celestia smiled at the stallion, “I hate the Gala too. It’s so boring anymore, it's only used for networking between nobles and for trying to get favors, it's awful.”

Leaning back in her throne Celestia thought back to the first few gala’s when the empire had first started to prosper and Canterlot was established as the new capital, “You know; when the Gala first became a thing the whole country was invited and the entirety of Canterlot was the venue. There were no separate classes, no networking,” Celestia sneered at the word, “just ponies celebrating another year of life and a prospering country. But… It hasn’t been like that for a very long time, maybe it won’t be ever again.”

Silence taking over between the two ponies Fancy was the first to break the silence with a curt laugh as he shook his head, “You could always invite Hank to the Gala, that’d probably liven things up a little.”

Raising a brow at the notion Celestia started to think about the idea before Fancy bowed again and started to say his farewells, “I believe I’ve taken up enough of your precious time princess, thank you for the information and conversation, I greatly enjoyed it.”

Giving a small bow of her head in return Celestia smiled, “You’re most welcome Fancy pants, and so did I.”

Watching the stallion turn around and begin to leave Celestia looked at the windows to her left to see how much longer she was trapped in the throne room for before the throne room doors slammed open making the guards snap into action as Celestia’s head whipped toward the opening only to see particularly frazzled Raven Inkwell come bolting through.

The guards standing down once they recognized the pony Celestia waited as the unicorn mare came skidding to stop in front of the throne, quickly acknowledging Fancy Pants as she slid by.

A letter held in her magic, the middle aged mare panted as she caught her breath from her sprint across the castle.

“I.. have a…”

“Please take your time Mrs. Inkwell.” Celestia interrupted getting a thankful nod from the still panting mare.

Catching her breath not long after raven pushed up her glasses with her magic as well as she handed the letter to Celestia, “It’s from your student Twilight your majesty, it is marked urgent.”

Looking at the front of the letter briefly Celestia brought her attention back to her faithful assistant who was pointing at the letter, and still breathing a little heavy.

“There’s… another signature on the back.”

Surprised at the assertion Celestia initially thought maybe another one of the other elements had co-signed the letter but quickly felt her face go deadpan as she looked at the messily written four letter name on the back of the letter.

“... You have got to be kidding me.”

Is this edited? no. Is this three months overdue? Yes.

Three jobs and going to the gym at least 4 days a week along with trying to maintain a social life really leave no time to writing.

I at least do know what I have planned for a few chapters now so there's that at least.

The story is not dead, or inactive, or whatever else you fuckers name your witty bookcases. I see that shit.