Paradise
Chapter 4: Neighbors
Previous Chapter Next Chapter<><><> 3rd person, Fluttershy's cottage, the next morning <><><>
A very tired Fluttershy was sat at her kitchen table staring of into space thinking about her strange encounter last night.
What was that thing? She thought looking to her now cold cup of tea, the early morning sunlight coming through her kitchen window in a beautiful display of orange.
I’ve never seen anything like it, and neither had the poor animals considering how scared they all were, It took two hours just to get angel out from under the couch. She continued, remembering how the loud sounds the creature’s weapon made had caused all the animals to hide or run.
And I still haven't seen Mr. Mouse yet ,I’m starting to think he won’t come back. I should go out and look for him, his wife and kids are worried. She considered before getting second thoughts.
That thing is still out there though, and what if this time it decides that I’m the one it wants dead? Fluttershy shivered, shrinking back into her seat remembering how easily the creature killed the timberwolves.
“No I...I can’t think like that! I need to find Mr. Mouse before something happens to him, I don’t want his wife and kids to be sad.” She said with conviction gently slamming her hooves onto the table, the tea in the mug slowly rippling.
Getting up from her spot at the table and grabbing her tea mug to dump out the cold and no longer fresh tea a series of loud knocks rings out through the still cottage.
Jumping and giving off a high pitched “meep” fluttershy sets the mug back down and slowly walks to the door stepping over the tea that was just spilt on floor. “I wonder who that could be so early in the morning?” fluttershy squeaks out stopping at the door before slowly opening it a bit to see who was at her house, feeling relieved seeing the familiar face of her friend and neighbor Applejack.
“Howdy sugarcube!” Applejack happily greets her with a beaming smile on her freckled face.
“Oh hi, um…. What are you doing here this early applejack?”. Fluttershy questions pawing the ground
“Well this mornin’ granny told me that she met a real tall creature that she ain’t never seen before while she was checkin’ the mail last night before it ran this way. So Ah thought Ah’d stop by and ask ya if this thing came through here and gave ya any trouble and to make sure ya were okay.” The orange farm mare states in her usual accent, fluttershy’s eyes widening at the mention of the creature.
“Yes um… it.. it did come through he... here. Why are worried about me though .” Fluttershy quietly questioned back avoiding looking in Applejack’s eyes.
Well… Other than it soundin’ real unusual Granny also told me it was, as I said, real tall maybe even taller than the princesses and had a dangerous ‘look’ on it’s face and in it’s eyes.” Applejack answered noticing the pegasus’ eyes widening further.
“What’s the look?” Fluttershy asks looking to Applejack.
“Well Ah….. Ah don’t really know mah self,” Applejack says rubbing the back of her neck. “but Granny said it was akin to the look in mah grandpappy's eyes when he finally found his way home from being lost in the Everfree for a month when they first started to settle this land. She just said it was… worse, lots worse.” The stetson wearing mare added with a shiver remembering the old pictures of her grandfather soon after he got out of the dangerous forest.
“A..Anyway’s Ahm glad to see you’re alright. Oh and remember, some Princesses’ student is supposed to be comin’ tomorra’ to check if everythin’ is ready for this year’s Summer Sun Celebration.” Applejack finished.
“Oh.. oh right, thank you for reminding me Applejack, I’ll have to get some more practice in with the birds.” Fluttershy thanked looking to the orange mare walking back to the orchard.
“Not a problem sugarcube!” The cow mare reassured not looking behind her, just continuing forward.
Closing the door behind her Fluttershy went to the couch where Angel was resting in a curled up ball and sat down next to him with a frustrated sigh. “I don’t know what to do Angel.” She said aloud Angel cracking open a black, beady, soulless eye and looking up to her in annoyance.
“The strange creature that…. Killed those timberwolves last night definitely knew how to, but it also protected and brought me inside after I fainted. Not only did it do that though, It… He also asked if I was okay. Do you think a monster would do that Angel bunny?”. Fluttershy looks down further talking to the rabbit, only seeing his tail shake in annoyance.
“You’re right Angel, a monster wouldn’t do that.” The kind mare responds, somehow able to pull an answer from the bunny’s limited body language. “Maybe I should go thank him, I do believe I know where he lives.” She adds looking out of the large living room window at the path the strange being came and left from. “I’ll do that later though I still have to find Mr. Mouse and practice with the birds some more before the Summer Sun Celebration.” She stated getting up from the sofa and heading back into the kitchen hearing a high pitched squeak coming from the counter.
“Oh there you are Mr. Mouse! You shouldn't run away like that, you had us all worried sick.” The animal caretaker berates the small fedora wearing rodent holding a piece of cheese in his front paws. The mouse only biting the cheese in response.
<><><>1st person, clearing in the everfree forest, Hank <><><>
Bending over the couch and placing all my dirty clothes in a pile, and I mean ALL of my clothes in the pile, except the ones I’m wearing, I turn and walk to the door hoping the water in the stream is just as clean as it looks.
Fumbling with the door for a second before opening it with one hand I walk out of the cabin and into the warm early morning summer air. Pausing and taking a large breath through my nose I hold it before exhaling through my mouth, “Never thought I’d smell air that pure again.” I admit beginning my walk to the bridge.
Around three hundred and fifty or so meters of dropping and picking up dirty clothes I finally make it to the bridge and throw the clothes down looking at just how small the bridge is. “Wow, everything here is small ain’t it? I mean this bridge is only maybe three feet across and ten feet long.”. I say inspecting the tiny bridge
. “Just look at that brook though.” I pause admiring the three foot deep crystal clear water and pea gravel bed with large flat stones piercing the water's surface in certain areas. “That is fukin’ beautiful.”
Nodding to my self I grab my pile of clothes and walk to a small sandy area that gently slopes into the stream only leaving seven feet from the other bank, closer than the usual ten that seems consistent with the rest of the stream. Slowly stepping down onto the sand bar I walk to the edge before getting on my knees and setting the cloths aside. Still dumbfounded by the seemingless purity of the surrounding area I lower my face to the surface of the water and take a drink.
Immediately stunned with the amazing taste I began to greedily take gulp after gulp of water only stopping when I ran out of breath. “Oh god is that good!” I exclaim wiping my mouth dry, “I should bottle and sell this stuff! Well I should probably filter it first, just watch I’m gonna get a damned parasite or somethin’..... Oh well, worth it.”.
Taking the first shirt in the pile I dunk it under the crystal surface of the water and start to rub it against itself, periodically wringing it out before holding it up and examining it. “I wish I had some soap, but then again anything is better than what these rags are right now. When was the last time I washed anything again?”. I ask myself setting the shirt behind me. “Probably threeeeee four months ago, I think, I don’t really know. I kinda stopped smellin’ things after a while so I guess I never noticed.” I reason grabbing a pair of womens jeans with the bedazzles removed . “I doubt these even fit anymore.”. I chuckle beginning the washing cycle on the pants. “Oh well, better clean than dirty I guess.”
After finishing the entire pile, and setting the clothes out on the bridge to sun dry. I begin to disrobe starting with my boots. “May as well get clean too while I’m at it.”
Taking the boots off along with the socks I throw the socks in the water before standing up and looking around. Satisfied that nothing was watching I take off the chest holster with revolver setting it on the bridge in a easy to reach spot before taking my long sleeve shirt off, throwing it into the stream as well.
Taking off my pants and underwear after checking again for anything watching. I set the pants in the stream with the other items hoping a little soak would do them good.
“Oh wooooowwww.” I say stepping into the knee deep water, soaking in the cool touch. “This is just amazin’.”.
Cupping my hands I start at my neck and start to scrub the layers of dry blood, sweat, and dirt off my skin, the water turning a sickly rusty brown color as it flows down my bare skin.
After splashing my face a few times and re opening the cut on my forehead, I had forgotten about, I start down my arms being careful not to get the bandages wet. Completely skipping my right bicep but still washing my armpit, that did not exactly smell good, I wash my forearm. The water this time turning a very dark crimson due to all the blood that has soaked through the sleeves in my shirts in the last few months.
Switching to my left arm I tap the bite wound gently, then roughly. Not feeling anything I could call as a bad pain I take off the tape holding on the gauze and look at the bite.
Not to bad, must not of bitten as deep as I thought it did. I think looking at the barely bleeding holes showing no sign of infection. Guess I’ll wash it too. I shrug my shoulders and dip my arm under water, lifting it out periodically to gently rub the built up filth off.
After finishing my arm and moving to my legs. I give one last content sigh before taking the clothes in the stream out and walking back onto the sand while shucking some of the water off. “It's gonna be great to have clean socks again.” I state grabbing the now dry clothes on the bridge, replacing them with the just cleaned ones.
Putting on an old torn long sleeve shirt and another pair of stained BDU pants after slipping on one of the three pairs of boxers I have. Before putting on a pair of clean socks and re-lacing my boots.
As I pick up the chest holster a splash comes from behind me, startled at the sudden noise I spin around around while taking the revolver out of the hold, firing a shot without looking, the round burying itself into the bank opposite of me.
Standing there staring at the hole in the bank confused I begin to look around for the cause of the noise. Not seeing anything I look down to the water and see a few bass chasing and eating smaller minnows that were trying to swim upstream, just looking at the fish quizzically for a second I lower my pistol and let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding.
“Phewww, oh shit that got my heart pumpin.” I say putting my hand to my chest and breathing deeply a few times attempting to slow my racing heart. “Annnnnd fuck, just wasted a bullet. A bullet I won’t be replacin’ back because I’m in pony land now, and they ain’t got no guns.”. I finish my little rant opening the cylinder and taking out the four spent casings putting them in my pocket.
“Maybe I could finally get that reloading set up I took from the gun shop finally workin’, always wanted to do my own hand loads, only problem is that I’ve got no pistol powder….Whatever I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.” I talk to myself as I finish reloading the revolver before slipping on the chest rig.
Picking up the dry and slightly damp clothes I start back to the cabin, my heart finally slowing down to a more normal rate.
Throwing the clean clothes unceremoniously into a corner my stomach reminds me I haven’t eaten in a day or so and grumbles weakly, not feeling hunger pains anylonger I consider not eating before my stomach grumbles again.
“Ugh, fuckin’ fine, I’ll eat.”. Walking over to the counter and looking at the wolf head I laugh remembering last night’s antics before stopping as I remember the yellow pegasus. “I hope that little thing doesn’t come ‘roun here, I don’t think she will but I don’t know…. Never had luck with stayin’ away from folk, they always seem ta find me eventually.”. I grumble out, feeling anger start to seep up at that last part.
Grabbing an apple I look at it shrugging before biting into it, taking a large bite out of the side. Damn good apple! Then again it is the first I’ve had in a year so jus’ bout any apple’s good in my book. I think stripping the apple clean of any meat.
Throwing the core out the broken window I look down to the wolf’s head and grab it along with another apple. Stepping out of the door taking a bite out of the other apple I walk to the shed.
Finishing off the apple in four bites I throw the core to my left as I step into the shed looking for a one by one, or something around that size. Finding a split two by four instead I look around for something to cut the length down of the board to size. Seeing the old wood splitting maul we used to split all our wood in the winter I walk over to where it’s hanging on the wall and take it down the usual eight pound head only feeling half that.
Feeling out the new balance the maul has I feel a wave of anger wash over me as I hold the tool. “I can’t believe you died, I tried my hardest dad, I really did. I..I just couldn’t pull the goddamn trigger. If it weren’t for my worthless ass you’d still be here alive, it’s all my fuckin’ fault.”. With my knuckles turning a bright white as I clench my hands I grip the maul tight and swing it down hard, the lessened weight of the maul along with my doubled strength splitting the board with no resistance.
Picking up the five foot pole with the hand still holding the head I unclench my hands letting out a shaky breath before walking back towards the path that leads to the town.
Stopping twenty feet from the exit of the clearing I set the head down and jab the pole into the dry ground. Holding the pole with one hand to steady it I take the flat end of the maul and bring it down again and again until around a foot of the pole is sunk into the ground leaving it quite sturdy. Taking the head in my left hand I stick it onto the pole before hitting it on top of the head a few times, meaty thumps following each hit.
Backing up a few steps and looking at the hopefully effective wolf deterrent I nod my head in satisfaction. Swinging the maul over my shoulder with surprising ease I start back to the cabin looking back at my work one last time grinning before old memories start to resurface making me frown again.
After checking the solar panels, the batteries, making note to fill the water tank above the shower that runs all the plumbing, and doing all the other chores I could think of to clear my head I sit down on the sofa with a bored sigh throwing my head back. “What to do what to do?”. I ask myself.
Well…. I guess I could scout the village again, maybe do some pony watching through a high powered scope at a safe distance? I think patting my hands against my legs to a beat in my head. “Ohhh why not.”.
Jumping up from the couch I slip off the chest holster for a second and put on the plate carrier before putting the chest rig back on. Next moving to the rest of my kit I jump up to the loft grabbing it before sliding back down belt and suspenders in hand.
Putting on the suspenders and belt like a jacket I clip the belt in the front and tighten down the suspenders, patting around to make sure the knives and such were still in place pausing as I felt an extra item behind my canteen. Oh right, medkit. I remember patting it one more time.
With the 1903 now in hand I walk over to the gun cabinet and set it inside along with the stripper clips and take hold of the m40 instead putting one of the two mags I have in the rifle, chambering a round, before putting the other in one of the mag pouches on my belt. Turning to leave I see my back ups on the table and decide to take them as well.
After slipping the 380, extra mag, and knife in my boots I grab the smaller day pack and head out the door, after putting the 1911 in my waistband for good measure of course.
Jostling the canteen around as I walk toward the path to make sure I have enough, hearing the water still left inside slosh around I let it rest satisfied with the amount that is still contained inside. “I forgot my helmet…. Do I walk back to the house?” I pause. “Naaaa, fuck that.”. I step onto the trail.
<><><> A pleasant summer's stroll later <><><>
Coming close to the pony’s hut again I begin to listen more closely to the nonexistent sounds of the forest for any movement.
That ain’t an exaggeration either I have not heard a single twig snap during my entire walk, the second I stepped into the woods everything just stopped movin’, that’s a tad strange ain’t it? Wonder what has everything so spooked? I think to myself coming across ‘art’ I made last night.
Looking at the tree that’s holding the beheaded and disemboweled wolf I smile noticing the hundreds of overlapping paw prints around the tree. “Who’s all cocky now wolves? Not you, ohhh no not you. Finally met somebody that can fight back huh? Haha, karmas’ a bitch ain’t it?” I mock the wolves chuckling to myself as I look at the scene in front of me. “That should knock you green assholes down a peg or two.”.
Getting settled into the bush again after a short walk in the woods, making sure to avoid the apple orchard this time, I slip off the pack and unzip it looking around inside for the pen and notebook I keep in all my packs. Feeling the items I take them out and flip open the notebook to the first clear page, passing a few pages of my ‘adult’ oriented drawings on my way, before setting the pen on top of it uncapping it.
Deploying the bipod on the rifle I switch on the safety and begin to look at the town below. Looking at the town below I scan up and down main street noticing an awfully lot of small equines setting up a ball of some sort. Must be celebrating the sun by the looks of it. I Think looking at all the banners with a yellow sun emblemized on them.
Now looking to ponies that stand out I see the one wearing a stetson conversing with a larger red pony and the elderly one that I met yesterday near the apple cart.
<-><-> journal entry <-><->
Stetson: yellow normal pony that sells apples at an apple stand.
Ass tattoo: three red apples
Threat:
Relations: Big red, Old one
Notes: Apple orchard likely home
-
Big red: Red normal pony with similar ass tattoo to Stetson. Pulls wagon full of apples.
Ass tattoo: one big green apple
Threat:
Relations: Stetson, Old one
Notes: Apple orchard likely home
-
Old one: Elderly normal pony, quite possibly near death, seems to be in charge of Stetson and Big red. Is old. Probably full of pony wisdom.
Ass tattoo: A pie, most likely an apple pie
Threat: Thing can barely walk, not a threat
Relations: Stetson, Big red, possible monarch of ‘apple family’ as I’ll be calling it.
Notes: Apple orchard home
<-><->
Setting the pen down and putting the scope back to my eye I look one last time at the still talking trio and move onto other ponies stopping as I see the yellow one from yesterday walk out of a general store with a basket of assorted vegetables in a basket in her mouth.
As I track her, never putting the crosshairs directly on her, I notice that she’s close to the apple stand. Stopping at the stand she puts down the basket and begins to talk to stetson.
Watching as she continued to talk to stetson pointing to the path that leads up the hill that eventually leads to yellow’s cottage and the path that leads to the cabin. “You better not be talkin’ bout me, I don’t want any visitors damnit.” I mumble looking away from the scope and picking up the pen again.
<-><-> Journal entry <-><->
Yellow: flying pony(pegasus), timid
Ass tattoo: Three pink butterflies
Threat: Seems able bodied and healthy but is afraid of me, stay away from hindquarters (May piss on you)
Relations:
Notes: Resides in a hobbit hole near the entrance/exit of the path to the clearing
<-><->
Putting the the scope back to my eye I see that yellow has now stopped talking to stetson and is now heading up the path to my right. Ignoring her I switch my gaze to the town again, this time seeing around twenty white ponies all kitted out in gold armor and matching swords walking from a train that must of just pulled in.
Turning off the safety at the sight of the large group of police or military ponies I observe them taking up positions around the main square, all standing stock still.
<-><-> Journal entry <-><->
Neo nazis(group): Bunch of all white ponies, of all kinds, kitted in gold armor with swords.
Ass tattoo: None on the ponies seem to have a marking, may be to conceal individual's identity
Threat: High, may be ceremonial soldiers but still considered a threat
Relations: Government most likely
Notes: Look all the same except for one with a red mohawk on it’s armor, possibly squad leader.
<-><->
Finishing up the last entry I look back to the town before hearing a high pitched scream, most of the towns ponies looking my direction, the sound of lots of feet hitting the ground in a quick succession approaching from the left in the woods to my back. Turning myself and the rifle to the sound clumsily due to the bush I wait for whatever caused the scream to come out of the trees. Getting antsy I make sure the safety is off and start scanning the woods before the same scream sounds again and the sound of thundering steps draws closer.
About to pull the trigger pre emptively a very small yellow pony followed by a white unicorn and a orange pegasus burst through the woods all calling for help.
Surprised I follow the three before a pack of five timberwolves crash through the brambles as well all barking madly.
“So much for not being seen.” I mumble, bringing the crosshairs to the wolf closing on the three fastest. I pull the trigger making the wolf go head over heals tripping the one directly behind it. Chambering a new round I fire again hitting the second closest to them in the neck, literally blowing it’s head off in a shower of green blood.
The remaining wolves confused to what’s cutting them down just stand still until one locks eyes with the bush and barks alerting it’s friend, the two rushing forward at the same time.
Pulling the trigger again another wolf falls with a baseball sized hole in it’s chest just leaving the one.
Deciding the wolf is too close to let chamber another round I pull the 1911 awkwardly from my waistband and begin to raise it, a wolf’s head pushing through the bush interrupting me. Delivering a hard punch to the wolf’s muzzle, a satisfying crack following, I stand up and kick the dazed wolf back out of the bush where it lands twenty feet away.
Just as the wolf is about to get back up I unload all seven .45 acp rounds into it’s chest as I walk forward insuring the wolf will never be getting back up. As I look to the three now shaking fillies huddled together I see the wolf that tripped coming around their side. “Oh no you don’t.”. I say dropping the pistol and sprinting toward the wolf.
Closing the gap in an unusually short amount of time I lower myself and ram my shoulder into the wolf picking it up. Stopping as I throw the wolf over my shoulder I unholster the hatchet at my side deciding to get a bit more personal with the pest. Circling the creature and it me, it makes the first move. Side stepping and using the blunt end of my tomahawk I hit it in the side, the beast letting loose a pain filled yip as It turns and starts circling again.
Deciding to go and the initiative this time I run toward the monster I bring my hatchet down from the left forcing the wolf to go right or get hit, as the wolf jumps right I swing a powerful kick to its chest flinging it back a good ten feet where it lands almost directly in front of the three still frozen ponies.
“Shit.” I swear. “Gotta end this now, didn’t want that thing gettin’ anywhere near that close to em.”.
Running forward and jumping I land on top of the still grounded wolf’s stomach, one leg straddling each side locking it in place under me. As I hit in once in the front of the skull with the flat end on the hatchet I look over to the three only four feet away, Fuck I don’t want to cover them in blood do I? That’d be impolite. I think dropping the weapon and standing, turning the dazed wolf around and placing one hand on the bottom of its muzzle. The other on the side of its head.
Twisting to the left hard and fast the wolf’s head turns a full one-eighty with a loud crack, its eyes going dark as I stare into them.
Huffing I stand dropping the lifeless body, “Put that in your pipe and smoke it.” I exclaim in victory putting the hatchet back in it’s place, pumping a fist into the air.
About to walk over to where the pistol lies I look over to the three young ponies. “Shit.” I mumble. “Y’all um….. Alright?”. I question the ponies looking up at me with pupils the size of pinpricks, flinching, the white one I think giving out a whimper. “Well y’all look okay sooooo you best be goin’.” I wave my hand towards the town below, the ponies still just sitting there staring “C’mon go damnit, shoo, get movin’.”.
As I stomp on the ground the yellow one gets the idea and starts to get up dragging her friends with her, the orange one muttering a drawn out “coooool” as they start to turn and run to the town.
Sticking the pistol back into my waistband I walk over to the bush and throw everything into the bag including the casings, before zipping it and throwing it on.
Picking up the rifle I shoulder it looking at the town one more time. Just as I thought. I think looking at all the ponies staring back at me. Some with fear on their faces others with anger or disgust, and a few with smiles. Seeing that all the three young ones are currently being hugged by someone. Small yellow by stetson, white by a whiter unicorn who's crying, and orange by a rainbow haired pegasus who’s currently looking at me angrily making me chuckle. I notice the neo nazis starting to move to me hesitantly as their commander points to me. About to run back into the woods I sweep the group one more time seeing stetson looking at me before it tips it’s hat.
Confused I lazily salute back before turning and beating it back into the forest.
After walking through the foliage for a while, convinced I wasn’t followed I come across a lesser beaten, but still defined and newly treaded on, trail that leads away from where I’m headed. Stopping as I come across the path I ponder following the trail or not “Why not.” I shrug my shoulders heading down the path following the wagon tracks.
Hiking through the darkening forest, due to the extremely dense leaf cover above me. I see the shine of a light up a head, deciding to get a closer look I start to slowly make my way to the light trying not to alert whoever or whatever created it. Hiding behind a bush as the light proved to be an illuminated window built into a tree hut thing I study the area seeing a half unloaded wagon and a few tribal masks hanging from the tree’s branches.
Not seeing who this stuff belongs to I hold tight simply watching, waiting, for something to appear. Not seeing anything for ten minutes but beginning to hear rhythmic humming coming from the tree my curiosity gets the better of me and forces me forward toward the tree.
Stepping on a twig I didn't see as I near the tree, the humming abruptly stops and a zebra wielding a quarterstaff appears in the doorway, pointing her weapon at me and mine to her.
Staring into each other's eyes for a very uncomfortable amount of time the zebra is the first to speak. “What is a creature of the everfree such as yourself doing out here approaching my house?”. She questions in rhymes narrowing her eyes.
Surprised at the talking zebra I answer “I don’t know about all that fancy shit, but I saw a light and decided to see what it was.” I answer, the zebra’s eyes opening wide as I spoke.
“ Then what are you doing here umm… at this hour? Looking for your next meal to devour!?”. She rhymes out pointing her staff at me in a threatening manner that turned out more cute than anything.
“No, I’m not here to eat you. If I wanted you dead you would be dead already, I jus’ saw the fuckin’ light and decided to see what it was.”. I explain. “Turns out it was jus’ a crazy zebra who speaks in rhymes and lives in a tree. Plus it like four in the afternoon, so your ‘at this hour’ thing don’t really work .”. I state turning to walk away from the crazy zebra.
“WAIT!”. She yells. “I’m sorry for coming off as so cross, it’s just hard to find anything in these woods you can trust. Would you like to come in for some tea? I have not spoken to anyone lately.”. She says the last part with desperation, drawing circles with her hoof.
“What are ya gettin’ at there zebra? And why do you rhyme? It’s kinda aggravatin’.”
“I’m not scheming anything with any malice I’m simply hoping to talk with someone after a long and lonely journey cross country.” She rubs her foreleg with her other.
“Okay well the wagon proves your point there miss.”. The zebra smiles as I point my rifle to the wagon. “But why are you rhymin’? It’s seriously throwin’ me off.
“The way I speak is one of the skills many a shaman has mastered, it just so happens that my rhyming is more of a disaster.”. She answers the question stumbling on her rhyme a bit.
“Well if you want you can cut it out, not ta seem pushy but I don’t know how mucha that I can take.”.
“Oh, right um sorry. So can I put the kettle on the fire so the tea will be a temperature that we desire?”. She rhymes again, my eye twitching.
“Yeah sure, that sounds great, but you’re gonna need to cut that rhyming shit out before I blow a damn gasket.” I answer. Cautiously approaching the smiling zebra who walks back into the illuminated hut leaning her staff against the door frame.
After sitting down with the zebra, who’s name is Zecora, and drinking some of the best tea I’ve ever had I learn of her quite interesting story. It turns out Zecora traveled from her home village in Zebrica to the Everfree, which is the name for the forest we currently reside in, for the bountiful plants to make potions and to further her knowledge, It just so happens I also caught her on her second day here. I also learned that she is quite deprived of social interaction, apparently ponies and zebra alike need social stimulation almost all the time. With them being herd animals and all; I can believe it.
“Well Hank that is the rest of my story, what is yours?.”. The zebra asks bringing her cup of tea to her mouth, with her hoof somehow.
“I’ll tell ya Zecora, I will, but first you gotta tell me how you fuckin’ do that with your hoof! It jus’ ain’t natural.” I point to her hoof holding the mug thoroughly curious, her only response muffled laughter.
“Ugh fine if you ain’t gonna tell me I’ll jus’ give you the abridged version. Anyways. I’m new here, so new in fact that I haven’t even had time to really question how strange things really are, and I see how your looking at me jus’ hold your damn questions till the end please.”. The zebra blushes closing her mouth.
“So, No I’m not from some far away land…. Well I am but not in the regular sense. I’m not from this world I don’t think.” The last part making her eyes close in suspicion. “ I see how you’re lookin’ at me damnit, I’d doubt me too if I was in your position, but think of it like this. Have you ever seen anything that looks remotely like me?.”
Zecora stares of thinking about the question before shaking her head ‘no’.
“Jus’ as I thought. Also I sure as hell know there were no talkin’ ponies or zebras back home, my species were the only sentient ones.”. I continue.
“You mean your species were the only to communicate to, no other species to share your culture with?”. Zecora asks in disbelief.
“Yeah we were the only ones, all other forms of life were just animals to us.”
“Then what is your home land like with only one sentient species?”
“Well. I---I’d rather not talk about that, I’ll jus’ leave it at bad. Real bad, okay?”
“Okay. If you’re not comfortable talking about it I won’t press you any further, but I am curious.”
“Thanks Zecora, I may tell ya someday. Anyways, back to my story. A day ago a twister brought me and all my belongings into a clearing jus’ a few miles from here, real nice place jus’... different from what I’m used to.” I conclude, emptying the contents of the mug into my mouth, thinking about anything also to tell not coming up with anything.
“And that’s bout’ it really. I’ve had a few run in’s with the local fauna, but they ain't too much trouble to deal with.”. I pour myself another cup of tea. “Thanks for the tea by the way, some of the best I’ve ever had.”
“Oh you’re very welcome Hank, it’s my great grandmothers recipe.". She replies her eyes suddenly shooting to mine.
"Is there a possibility I could see your home? You seem to have peaked my curiosity. Plus it’d be a great change of scenery.” Zecora says giddily. “I’ve been stuck in this hut for a day and a half unloading my supplies, it’d be great to get out and see a new area of the forest that isn’t full of wild beasts.”.
Coughing on the tea I just inhaled I hit my chest a few times with my fist before answering. “Uhhh… I don’t know Zecora. You seem nice an all but I don’t really know you. How can I know I can trust you?”. I grumble my excuse while watching her smile falter.
“I understand, you must be cautious, I was just hoping to make acquaintance with someone who can help me in my endeavors in the Everfree.” She replies looking down to the table, ears pressed against her skull.
“Ughhhh…. Fine.” I fold, feeling a pang of guilt for making the first person who hasn’t tried to kill me sad. Zecora's head snapping up. “But! I’m gonna need somethin'.”
“What is it you need, I would be most happy to find what you seek.” Zecora chirps back, slipping back into rhyme.
“Riiiight. Anywho, you spoke of potions. Correct?”. I question thinking back to her story earlier..
“Yes. My knowledge on potions, while not complete, can help you conquer many a feat.”. She rhymes again it responce.
“Ya need to stop that rhymin’ business, you sound like goddamn Mary Poppins.”. I kid, Zecora looking confused. “Who is this Mary Poppins you speak of.”. She asks cocking her head to the side.
“Oh just some crazy british chick who floats around on a flyin’ umbrella and sings too damn much…. But that’s not important.”. I give the short version of Mary Poppins, further confusing zecora.
“What I need to know is can you make a potion that speeds up the growth of plants? I reckon planting a garden and maybe a few fruit trees could be a good idea in the long run.” I explain zecora’s confused look slowly turning into a wide smile.
“I believe I know the perfect potion that you desire, I even think I have all the ingredients that the potion requires.”.
“Great! So when do ya think It’ll be done?” I reply exited that I might have a new source of food.
“It could be a while for….. Uhhh, I can’t think of a rhyme… It could be a while for though I have the ingredients I require…..No, that won’t work maybe…. I may be a while fo---.”.
“ZECORA!” I yell startling the zebra making her jump, realizing I may have been too loud. “Sorry bout’ scaring ya, but you don’t have to fuckin’ rhyme. I actually prefer if ya don’t, I understand ya better when ya just talk like a normal person. Jus’ ...what. do. ya. need?”. I apologize to the zebra her face adopting a much less angry look.
“My cauldron, I need my grandmother's cauldron. I had help loading it onto the wagon when I left the village but It is much too heavy for one to lift. It’s bad planning on my part but I need it to make potions, It’s been infused with special gems to aid in the potion creating process. Plus it’s my prized possession, it’s the only item I have of my grandmother’s to remember her by.” She explains her voice gaining a solemn sound toward the end.
“Well I can see if I can bring her in for ya, bet I can, I’m actually gonna go do it right now before I head home.” I say finishing off the tea, slamming the cup down and walking out the door to the wagon.
“Wait! Hank, no! It’s much too heavy for one stallion to lift himself, you’ll break your back!” Zecora yells chasing after me, pausing, her mouth dropping open as she sees I’m already holding the cauldron without too much strain.
“You know I wouldn’t want ta go cross country with this thing but she ain’t too heavy, still heavy but not too bad really.”
I state walking around the froze zebra turning the cauldron vertical so it will fit through the door.
Setting the cauldron down where Zecora instructed, after she rebooted, I walk over to where my rifle is propped up and start to the door, being stopped as zecora wraps her front legs around my waist in a hug. “Thank you Hank, you don’t know how much that means to me.” She thanks gripping my waist.
“You’re welcome? All I did was bring your cauldron in, no need to get all touchy feely Zecora.” I respond the zebra still clamping onto my mid section. “No seriously stop, I don’t like bein’ touched.” I start to pry the zebra off.
“Sorry, it.. it’s just been so long since I’ve seen anyone let alone talk to them.”
“Yeah I kinda got that idea myself.” I confess to the downtrodden zebra. “On a happier note, when should I come back for the potions and to bring you to the clearing?” I clap my hands together snapping the zebra out of her funk.
“Oh right! Well how about in three days? That way I have time to get the potion correct and you have time to gather the seeds.”. She explains happily.
“Sounds like a done make deal ta me.”. I turn and walk out of the hut into the darkening forest. “See ya round Zecora, Have a nice night now.” I turn and wave.
“See you soon Hank. Have a nice night as well.” Zecora waves back before disappearing back into the hut.
Walking down the path I begin to think about my time with the zebra. Nice girl, a tad excitable, but hopefully she can be someone who can help me in my stay. I kick a rock along as I go. I can only hope showing her where I live doesn’t backfire on me, although she don’t seem like the kind of person to sell a guy out.
A distant roar breaks me out of my musings making me jump a bit. “And I suddenly have a feeling that I don’t want ta find out what makes that there sound so I’m gonna pick up the pace a bit I think.” I say to myself starting a run down the path.
Night finally taking over day as I start my way down the path to the clearing I speed up my run not wanting to be in the forest after dark. Why does the sun go down so fast here? It’s like it gets to a sudden point in the sky then it just gets pulled under the horizon. I contemplate, getting close to the clearing I hear something Big crashing through the woods to my right followed by the very distinct barks and growls of the timberwolves.
Running into the clearing I look to my right and see a massive lion scorpion bat thing fending off around twelve or so large timberwolves, who are jumping back from it’s swings, toying with the beast.
By the looks of it though it wasn’t winning before I got here, judging by the gashes along it’s sides and back legs. “Fucking Christ.” I mumble feeling real fear for the first time in a while “What is that thing?”.
Whatever it is it’s fighting a pack of actually threatening looking wolves so I think it’d be a better idea to help it take them out than the other way around, I could probably take on an injured lion but a pack of large timberwolves rushin me is gonna be too much. My reasonable side shows its self again. Agreeing I make my way to the cabin watching the wolves toy with the lion some more starting to surround it.
Opening the door and throwing the rifle on the couch without stopping I make my way to the gun cabinet, throwing open the door and grabbing the M240. Searching for the can that holds the linked ammo another ear splitting roar sounds throughout the clearing making me double my efforts. “Fuck I really need ta organize this mess.”. I confess digging through the numerous cans of ammo. “AHA! Gotcha.”
Popping open the can I grab one belt before running out the door m240 in hand, belt around my shoulders. As I sprint to an area closer to the action I witness the timberwolves taking turns clawing at the enraged beast.
Deciding I’m close enough I take a knee I throw open the cover of the machine gun revealing the feedway, putting the belt down making sure it’s aligned properly another antagonized roar rips through the clearing. Slamming down the cover I hit it with my fist to make sure it’s secure before charging the weapon.
Lying prone with bipod deployed I sight in a few of the timberwolves that are not in line with the Lion and let loose a medium burst of 7.62 down range, the thunderous roar of the m240 quieting the lion and timberwolves, the ladder looking between me and their three newly fallen comrades.
The lion taking advantage of the distraction swipes at a timber wolf sending it flying, impaling another on it’s tail before throwing it to the ground. With five of the wolves out of commision three of them break off and start to charge me. Bad idea boys. I mentally smirk letting another salvo of rounds, the wolves down range getting quite literally torn to shreds.
Just as the last charging wolf falls I turn my attention to the lion watching as it bellows another roar and charges a wolf as it tries to dodge the abrupt attack.
Not being fast enough the wolf is caught is the beasts jaws and cut in half as the lion clamps its jaws shut with tremendous force. The remaining three wolves taking a fearful step away from the beast unbeknowingly line themselves up for a perfect shot.
Squeezing the trigger I hold it down for three seconds until I’m sure the wolves are reduced into nothing more one ply. Standing up I look at the assumed three dead wolves as the one farthest away from me gets up and tries to run away, missing it’s left rear leg. “Oh no you don’t.” I state watching the wolf just disappear into the brush before hosing down the area firing from the hip, watching the leaves and limbs fall as I hold the trigger. Letting go of the trigger I stop laughing and listen to the cooling barrel of the gun, also taking in a deep breath of burnt gunpowder through my nose sighing in content as I exhale.
Satisfied that nothing on the other side of the brush is alive I slowly turn my attention to the lion thing staring me down. Looking to the belt and seeing that I still have around half of it left I stand my ground and stare back at the big cat as it slowly starts to approach.
Walking towards the lion to show it that I wasn’t afraid, which I really was, we stop our advance, around ten feet in between us. Both standing still sizing each other up, a low grumble raises in the lion’s throat before it lets loose a roar, of which I could feel the wind. Never looking away or backing up from the lion I continue to stare into it’s eyes before releasing my loudest cry back to the creature.
While my response was pitiful compared to the wild beast’s it still seemed surprised that I didn’t turn and run. The behemoth narrowing its eyes at me closing the gap between us in two steps until we’re nose to nose, the lion sniffs me before rubbing it’s head against mine in a powerful nuzzle almost knocking me back.
“Woahhh there big girl.” I chuckle nervously due to being so close to a creature that could gut me with one claw, the lion thing beginning to grumble in a deep purr still rubbing our heads together.
“Well ain’t you jus’ a sweetheart?”. I nervously chuckle slowly placing a hand carefully onto the big cat’s neck, the purring suddenly stopping as she tenses up and stops breathing.
“Shit.”. I whisper closing my eyes thinking I overstepped my boundaries, waiting for the beast to run me through with it’s tail or end my life some other way.
Holding my eyes locked shut, not moving an inch, I wait for a strike that never comes. Slowly opening my eyes I begin to slowly rub my hand in circles attempting to show the creature I mean no harm. Doing this for a few seconds the lion starts to move again picking up its purring as I start behind her ear, its head rolling to the side just like a house cat’s would.
“You really are jus’ a big lug ain’t y--huh?”. I’m cut off as the lion takes a step back and starts looking me up and down again. Thinking it was planning to kill me after all I re grasp the machine gun not directly pointing it at the creature though.
Waiting for something to happen the beast turns it’s injured side to me before laying down, and giving out as light of a meow as it could. The meow still being loud enough to hear from the far end of the clearing though.
“What do ya want girl?”. I ask the animal, surprised as it turns its head and points to the wounds on it’s side and back leg with its nose.
“You want me to patch ya up, right?” I ask the creature again, it just staring back in response. “Yeah don’t know why I expected a reply, but uhhh, yeah I’ll be back in a jiffy.”. I turn and jog to the cabin.
Once reaching the cabin I step inside and make my way to the bathroom. Opening the cabinet door I gaze into the medical supplies deciding what I’m going to need.
I’m gonna need a few rolls of gauze, some disinfectant, athletic tape, and one of my suture kits. I think while gabbing the corresponding items, before turning and making my way out of the bathroom grabbing my buck knife from the counter on the way.
Stepping back out into the cooling air I make my way back over to the thing slowing as I get closer trying not to threaten it. Setting down the 240 I drop the supplies as well and pull the buck knife from its sheath, the lion grumbling threateningly as I do.
“Woah, it’s gon’ be alright. I just need to shave some hair away to let the bandages stick, I ain’t gonna hurt cha’.” I reassure patting the lion gently until it laid its head back down.
“Good.”. I exhale steadying my hand before slowly dragging the knife across the short and coarse hair, taking more and more off with each pass.
Stopping when most of the hair was gone from the area around the wound, I take my canteen off my hip and open it pausing before I dump the water.
“Now this might sting a bit.”. I warn. Petting its side as I slowly pour the water, blood washing out of the wound showing me the gash while deep just made it into the muscle before filling back up with blood again, obscuring my view.
Humming to myself I take the cap of the no sting disinfectant before washing out the wound once more, hoping to rid the gash of any outside infectants. Once done with that I unzip one of the suture kits and prepare a needle.
Taking a deep breath I begin to stick the needle through the tough hide, deep enough to hold but not too deep to really hurt, hoping the thing won’t decide that I’m a threat.
Relieved that the creature didn’t seem to register the prick I let go of the breath I was holding and cut the stitch after tying it, mopping up some blood with a few crumpled bandages before going in again.
Finishing the last stitch, forty in all, I sigh wiping the blood off one last time before placing on the bandage pad and taping it on. While the sutures were a tad sloppy at first I was happy with the end result. “I still got it.” I say happily scooting to the rear leg doing the shave and wash technique on it.
Deciding the three cuts didn’t need stitches I disinfect the area before wrapping cuts in bandages, using a whole roll due to the huge size of the rear haunches. Taping the bandages on for good measure, I gather all my remaining supplies before standing up hissing due to how long I’ve been crouched.
Standing there I watch the creature look back to the new bandages before tiredly getting up and giving a massive yawn really showing it’s full mouth of teeth making me thankful I wasn’t on the receiving end of them.
Observing the thing I watch further as it tests out its hind leg, grumbling in what I guess was approval, before walking over to me and licking the side of my face the texture of the tongue feeling like forty grit sandpaper.
"Jus' take her easy alright, rippin' those stitches will not feel good ya hear! I'd know." I command, the female lion-thing looking back before nodding.
Wiping my face with my shirt sleeve I run a hand down the jungle cat’s muzzle before it turns and retreats back into the forest with a series of heavy footsteps. Turning and heading back to the cabin myself I stop at the door and look to the moon, smiling at the shimmering orb.
“Today’s been a bit to weird for my likin’, but at least I can say that I’ve seen it all now.”. I mumble, rubbing my eyes, before walking into the cabin and locking the door, setting the m240 out of the broken window before heading to bed.
<><><> thirty minutes earlier, presumed dead timber wolf, 3rd person<><><>
The only surviving timber wolf alpha regained his footing unsteadily and began limping back to his pack. Whining as he stumbles too far and falls to the ground hitting his mangled rear leg on the root of a tree the alpha picks himself up taking it slower as he thinks about the strange creature that aided the queen manticore.
He tried to growl angrily at the memory of the abomination that killed his eleven other alpha brothers. His throat betraying him, as he was only able to gurgle weakly.
Hobbling along in the dark the alpha hoped to reach his pack to warn them of the beast. The same beast that has already killed many other members of various packs but now has killed their alphas as well.
The last alpha finally reached his awaiting pack the hopeful feeling in the atmosphere rapidly dissipating as his pack mates see his battered body in the moonlight shining through the treetops. All the wolves were still as they gazed upon their not only empty handed, but near death alpha as the once great and powerful pack leader lowers himself to the ground.
None of them dared to move until one, the son of the alpha, pushes his way through the crowd to reach his father. Laying down next to his father the next in line lays his head on the injured alpha’s shoulder, hoping it wasn’t true.
The adolescent timber wolf didn’t want to lose his father. He’d already lost his mother to the beast, disemboweled and beheaded later found in a tree had been her fate, they would never get to bring her body back for the ceremony she deserved.
Lifting his head and gently prodding his father’s neck with his snout the young timberwolf only picks up the faintest whisper in his mind.
“Don’t go near the clearing. Avoid the beast, move the pack to a safer location. Tell the other packs their alphas are dead. Y...You are now the leader of this pack, lead it wellllll.”. The ex timberwolf alpha trails off with his last breath before lying still, his lungs fully deflating.
The new alpha of the pack stares at his fallen father feeling a fire of hatred consume him as he looks at what the creature has done to him and his pack.
"Avoid?" The newly chosen alpha questions standing up. "AVOID! We can’t avoid, we are starving!" The alpha looks to his pitifully small pack feeling his anger rise as he sees the sorry state they are in.
"NO! We won’t avoid the beast of the clearing, no. We are going to feast on it’s bones. We’re going to rip it limb from limb until nothing remains, along with the manticore queen. She will surely provide enough food to feed the pack." The alpha stomps on the ground getting a few grunts in approval.
But first we need to tell the other what has become of their alphas, and what we are going to do. “Some of you go tell them of the news then come back here immediately.”. Commands the young alpha, a few pack mates breaking off into the night to tell the others what has happened.
Satisfied with the command the alpha turns back to his deceased father, bowing respectfully to the late alpha before letting out a mournful howl his remaining pack mates following suit. Their howls being heard for miles in the still night air.
Unbeknownst to them, they just woke a certain creature up, a certain creature that doesn't get enough sleep as it is, a certain creature that holds grudges incredibly well.
They'd already made an enemy, but now they'd taken sleep away from him. This enemy just so happens to hold sleep on top of his ‘do not take away from me or be shot’ list, and they had just been moved to the top of the 'be shot list'.