<><><> 3rd person, Ponyville Library, Princess Luna <><><>

Luna had a raging storm of emotions swirling around inside her. Finally being free from her bonds with the nightmare she finally had time to think about all that she did before she was banished to the moon for one thousand years.

She was sad, angry, regretful, but strangely she was mostly curious. Her other emotions being currently masked with a strong sense of confusion and curiosity as she stared at the tree line of the Everfree, rubbing her already healing wounds the creature gave her last night.

Shivering at the mental picture of the creature she found herself being more and more intrigued with the dangerous beast.

What was’t that creature last night? Luna thought as she looked up to her sister’s sun frowning as she did so, painful memories resurfacing before she forces them back down. Whatever it twas it definitely wasn't afraid of us, even with mine horrific appearance. He, or we bethink twas a male at least, due to it’s voice. The newly reformed mare shivers once more remembering the rumble of his gravelly and deep voice. He hath shown no emotion other than anger. What kind of beast only doth feels anger? Luna asks herself before lowering her head to the balcony railing. “... A monster.”

The sound of a somepony stepping onto the balcony through the open door, catching her attention, Luna raises her head and gives a faint smile back to her beaming sister before turning and looking back to the forest.

“How’s my favorite sister?” Celestia asks as she nuzzles luna, her younger sister taking a deep breath before replying.

“Just fine sister, a tad sore but otherwise just fine.” The blue alicorn continues to stare to the forest while rubbing bandage on the side of her face where the creature struck her.

“Are you still thinking about that creature sister? You don’t need to, I plan to send in guards to find it.” The white alicorn reassures, while looking to the forest aswell, a wing wrapped around her younger sister.

“Thee shouldn't do that, even if they find him we doubt they would return.”

“So it’s a stallion now?”

“The beast is is anything but a stallion, a male aye sister, but a stallion no. This creature is not to beest trifled with, and frankly sister thee shouldn't. It was only defending himself. He even gaveth us a chance to flee, but of course the nightmare wouldn't heed.” Luna answers as she looks into her sister's eyes, the breeze picking up.

“Well sister if you do not feel like it’s worth to pursue this strange creature we won't…. For now.” Celestia adds taking her wing off her sister’s back as they both stare to the woods. "Are you sure you don’t remember where it was?”

“Nay sister we don’t, our memory is quite foggy after the elements cleansed us, it hadst to of been quite far in though.” Luna lies as she turned to face her sister as she stopped leaning on the balcony.

“It’s okay lulu I’m just glad you’re back, it’s been so long.” luna isn't surprised as her sister takes her up into a surprise hug, Tia always was a hugger she smiles before returning it. “Oh! Breakfast is almost ready. Come down and enjoy it with us will you?” Celestia breaks the hug and walks back to the door.

“We wilt be right down.” Luna returns the smile to her sister sighing as the white mare disappears into the darkness of the library.

We wonder what the creature is doing now?

<><><> 1st person, Hank, watching ponies from the hide <><><>

Adjusting my helmet back so it isn’t in my eyes I steady my breathing and place the crosshairs directly on the unaware blue winged unicorn’s chest, flicking the safety off at the same time.

Deciding that the blue mare down on the tree and the blue mare that I played with last night were the same one I was fighting with my self to finish the job, or let her live.

“Thinkin’ bout that bitch kept me up all night long.” I look at the bandages on the foreleg and head of the slightly smaller mare confirming that they are one in the same. “Time to finish it.”

Looking over the mare one last time, as she stares at the woods in my direction I settle the crosshairs on her face, pausing as I really look at it. “Regret.”

“Maybe she didn’t want to be that pointy toothed bitch. Maybe she got stuck in that other form, she does look a lot…. Smaller.” I openly reason nodding to myself. “Plus my god her face looks like she burned down a fuckin’ orphanage!” I laugh and sigh. “I guess I give her a chance.”

Putting my rifle back in the correct position and bringing the scope back to my eye I see the mare staring directly in my direction, almost like she’s looking right down my scope. “What is she lookin’ at?” I question looking around and behind me before noticing the sun has just risen over the trees in the east, directly across from me.

“Oh she’s lookin’ at me.” Looking back at the mare I see her squint and tilt her head to one side before shrugging and sluggishly walking her way into the tree. “Phew...I really need ta look out for scope glare, that’ll fuck me real fast. Especially with those freaks having those huge ass eyes, they can prolly see inta fuckin’ space with those things.”

Reading the time on my watch I see it’s 10 in the morning. Shrugging I decide to watch the various hung over ponies nurse on their coffees as they wait at the train station for their rides.

“Fuckin’ light weights.”

Drinking down the last few sips in my flask, that I refilled this morning, I yawn and bring the scope back up watching as a very regal looking covered chariot touches down by the fountain I raided. “Somebody of importance is leavin’.” I mumble to myself looking at the four stoic stallions that pulled the chariot.

Putting my attention back on the tree house I watch as the door swings open and the blue mare along with queen marshmallow step out of the hollow tree, queen marshmallow’s wing wrapped around the smaller mare in a tight hug of sorts.

Switching to the chariot I see a crowd has amassed and is bowing to the two as they walk, six other mares including barney walking behind them. As I keep switching my gaze between the crowd and the seven ponies I notice a few things:

One. Big Blue is looking very uncomfortable. Two. A few of the crowd are looking at Big blue with anger in their eyes, especially a yellow stallion with a trench coat trying to be incognito and failing. And three. The same unicorn stallion is making his way through the bowing crowd slowly as his horn lights up.

“Somethins’ gonna happen here.” I chuckle grimly zooming out to get the full scene in one picture.

Watching the stallion as he jumps out in front of Big Blue and Queen Marshmallow thrusting his dagger at Big Blue, the crowd screaming, a yellow force throws him back, where he lands next to a redhead mare with a rose on her arse.

As he stands up and looks to the approaching guards he desperately looks to the mare before grabbing her and putting the knife to her throat. The guards stopping, the stallion commands something before the guards drop their swords and take a step back.

Switching his gaze to Big Blue he spouts something at her before slowly dragging the knife across the crying mares throat. “Ya jus’ fucked up big shoots.” I growl placing the crosshairs around the stallion’s chest due to his strange standing position.

Wonder she's still sighted in? I think as I inhale and exhale to calm myself before taking a deep breath in and pulling the trigger *BANG*.

Before the sound wave is even heard by the ponies the stallion is on the ground and bleeding, a baseball sized entry hole in his side as he gasps for air in a fruitless effort due to his lungs being disintegrated. Chambering a new round I look to the downed stallion as he rolls over and shows a absolutely massive exit wound on his other side, the blood pool quickly growing around him.

Curious at the effects and near lazer straight flight path of the bullet I put my crosshairs on his temple. “Boom….Headshot.” I smile sending another round down range and watching as his head explodes, only leaving the lower jaw, splattering a few guards with blood and skull fragments.

All the ponies looking wide eyed at the area of the forest where my hide is I start to chuckle before erupting into full blown laughter at the looks on their faces and the results of the bullet. “T-That n-n never gets old.” I snort and look to the ponies as they all stand with their mouths hanging open.

“Pppffttt.” I start to laugh again before I hear a snap of a swig and three growls behind me. “Aw shit.”

<><><> 3rd person, Celestia, blood stained streets <><><>

Celestia didn’t know what to do, a pony, a citizen of her and her sisters country, just tried to assassinate her sister right in front of her the day after she got lulu back. On instinct she threw the stallion back before he then grabbed a local mare named Roseluck and tried execute her, telling her sister this was her fault. The stallion's face switching from hate to surprise a mysterious force blew his barrel open, spraying a few guards in blood and chunks of flesh.

The downed stallion looking to Celestia she fearfully stared back before his head exploded, shortly followed by another boom. Luna now trembling under her wing she tightens her grip on her sister and looks to the left where the sound originated from.

Seeing nothing she is about to tell the guards to help the mare to the hospital and and set a perimeter before a series of explosions are heard from the same spot before. A strange being she had never seen before busting out of the tree line and running toward the town at a surprising pace for something so large, a silver stick in one hand and a black one in the other.

All of the ponies now watching the creature in fear as it closes a hundred yards, it suddenly slides to a stop and turns raising the black stick to the tree line waiting, standing stock still.

Celestia looks over to the sergeant in charge of the Ponyville guard and points her head in the creature's direction with a ‘go get him’ look. The guards looking between themselves before slowly moving, unsure of what to do.
Motioning with her head again she feels a elbow gently connect with her barrel, looking to her sister Celestia is baffled when she she’s luna shaking her head ‘no’.

“What do you mean no Luna? It’s right there!” Celestia says under her breath. “Look what it did to that pony! We haven’t seen carnage like this since the War between us and the griffins almost fifteen hundred years ago!”

“We knoweth sister, but it hath killed a pony that hadst murderous intent of his own, it may has't been a tad gruesome aye, but it saved that mares life.” Luna replies to her sister as she stops shaking.

“It does not matter sister, that thing is dangerous, what if it hurts or kills somepony else?!” Celestia argues unknowingly drawing the attention of the crowd, the ponies surrounding them watching the two princesses squabble.

“He hasn't yet sister and clearly he had every opportunity to do so. In earnest we’re more afraid of what spooked him to maketh him runneth towards a populated town, and we bethink thee should beest as well.” Luna fires back not taking her eyes off the strange being as it stands on the hill and looks to the trees.

“But what is it doing?”

“We don’t knoweth sister, but whatever scared him can’t be good.” Luna finishes her thought before a two massive black dog like creatures tear through the tree line splitting in different directions to flank the creature.

“I i-is that what I think it is Luna?” Celestia takes a small step back.

“A black shuck… We thought they were all destroyed sister.” Luna’s eyes narrow at the memories of the red eyed beasts slaughtering entire towns before she was banished.

“They were.”

All the ponies including the royal sisters watching the tall creature as it points the black stick to the advancing hound to its left, tracking it before a fire ball and another loud bang erupts from the strange object.

The loud bang startling Celestia and the ponies around her she flinches and instinctively lowers herself closer to the ground before overpowering her instincts, unlike the ponies around her, some of them pressing their bellies completely down into the dry soil of the street.

Celestia turning her attention back to the creature she sees it drop the black stick in favor of the silver one, looking to the black shucks she sees both of them have paused, one of them just getting up, crimson red leaking from it’s side.
“They always were stout beasts.” She hears Luna whisper from her side, the two large dogs running toward the creature again, the injured one albeit a bit slower.

The tall stallion still focused on the approaching injured one he doesn’t see the still unharmed one until it was too late.

The black shuck ramming the strange stallion at full speed right as he was turning, a loud, but different, bang rings out again as the lanky creature is thrown onto it’s side twenty feet where he originally stood.

Celestia and the rest of the ponies gasping she watches with baited breath as the injured forest demon pounces at the downed creature. The creature seeing the black shuck’s move he points the silver stick into the air right before the Shuck lands, the beast being speared onto the stick instead of landing onto the stallion and ripping him to pieces.

The black shuck still trying to bite at the flat faced creatures neck, he struggles with the slide on the underside of the stick before the injured forest monster jolts, dark blood running out of it’s mouth and onto the stallion's face, covering him.

One of the ponies behind her throwing up at the grotesque scene, she watches, unable to look away, as he kicks the Shuck off, and gets back onto his hoofs. Still staring at the blood covered stallion Celestia doesn’t realize the other creature went for the town before she hears a pony scream, quickly turning her head to the right her eyes open wide at the mid air demon before a blue shield surrounds her and the ponies, the Black Shuck slamming into it, a strained whine coming from her sister beside her.

“Our horn is still not completely healed... S- Sister prepare thy guards to fight like they has’t never fought before.” The Shuck slams into the shield again, it’s maw open wide before a green and red blur smashes into it from the side, breaking the shield and sending luna to her knees in a wheezing mess.

The dog and the larger than she thought creature landing at her hooves Celestia takes a step back, some of the ponies around her letting out short screams as the monkey like being holds the long furred dog down with a knee and delivers punches to it’s face, the sickening sound of bone cracking filling Celestia’s ears making her flinch with each strike.

The sergeant of the Ponyville guard about to step in to apprehend the creature, with his sword drawn the creature then switches its stance and grabs the large wolf by its front right and rear leg, hoisting it above his head as he stands to his full height, all the ponies around him, including Celestia, taking a step back at its sheer height.

In a last ditch attempt to escape its inevitable demise the intraped canine lashes out with its left paw and slashes the towering figure across his left cheek, throwing blood directly into Celestia’s face.

“RRRRAAAAHHH.” the stallion, too mad to notice his injury, bellows a deep roar before throwing the Wolf down while going into a kneel, the Black Shuck’s spine breaking over his knee in a sharp snap, a few more ponies, including a few guards, purging their stomachs. Celestia looking away at the intense violence unfolding right in front of her.

Not wasting an anger filled moment the stallion spins the beast around, pulling its muzzle up holding it with the crook of his arm exposing its throat before pulling out a triangular shaped flat bladed knife and drawing the blade across the beast’s throat. Slitting it in one quick motion.

Thinking the ‘Beast of the Everfree’ is done Celestia looks back to the scene to see it ram the wolf’s, already destroyed face, into the ground Once. Twice. Three times. The blood splatter growing with each strike.

<><><> 1st person, Hank, Near the Ponyville Library <><><>

Putting my hand on my knee I use it as a brace and get up. Looking from the dog thing to my knife I grunt before wiping it off on my pants and slipping it back in its sheath.

Finally calming down from my adrenaline induced high, the sounds of my surroundings start to fade in, the sound of a pony faintly sobbing grabbing my attention first. Turning to the sound I’m met with a saddening sight, the mare with a lily on her flank is holding the mare’s, who was taken hostage, head in her lap as she cries the other mares eyes barely open as she steadily bleeds from her neck.

My somewhat limited training kicking in I walk towards the two mares unzipping my medical pouch and pulling out two blue latex gloves before slipping them over my bloodied hands. Getting down onto my knees, the pink mare looking up to me with teary eyes before looking back down to her friend and running a hoof through her hair while I press a gauze pad to the wound and hold it.

Tapping my fingers on the laying mare’s cheek gently her eyes barely focus on me before un-focusing again. “Hey. Hey. What’s your name?” I ask as I start to dress the wound, poking my finger in it to see if the jugular was cut. “r- roseluck.” She whispers.

“Roseluck? Well that there's a real pretty name Roseluck. What are ya hobbies Roseluck?” I try to keep her stimulated and awake, her head suddenly going lax, falling into her friend’s stomach as her crying starts to increase.

“Whoa, Whoa, Rosie. Stay awake okay." I slap her on the cheek harder, her eyes fluttering open again. “What do ya like to do Rosie?”

“I told you to stop calling me that papa. I’m a grown mare now.” She delusionally replies.

“I know honey, but I need ya to stay awake for papa okay?” I play along hoping to keep her going as I search around for a pack of hemostatic to apply to the wound. Hearing a set of footsteps to my right I turn to she Queen Marshmallow and Big blue slowly approaching me, stopping as I glare at them.

Looking back to my patient she starts to speak. “The flower shop is doing well….. We sold out yesterday. Aren’t you proud papa?” Whispering she looks to me with glazed over eyes.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my little…..filly. Do ya know what sold out the fastest?”
I dump the powder onto the wound and place a new gauze pad on the cut, throwing the bloodied one over my shoulder, before grabbing one of the other mare’s hoofs and placing it on bandage, pressing down to show her to apply pressure.

“Why do you sound and look so strange papa?” She questions, her eyes struggling to focus.

“Ya had a bit of a spill so I came ta help ya, but I need ya ta do somethin’ for me too okay?” The mare weekly nods. “That’s my girl. I need ya ta stay awake alright? Cuz’ if ya don’t real bad things’ll happen. Can ya do that for me?”

“Yes papa, I love you.”

“I love ya too sweetie.” I finish taping the bandage in place and turn around looking for two ponies to get her to a hospital seeing two guards.

“You two.” I nod to the trembling guards. “She damn near bled out but I think I got it stopped for now. Ya need ta get her to a hospital and get some blood in her, The jugular ain’t cut but she’s still in danger of going inta Hypovolemic shock an’ if she does she won’t make it.” I move over and point to her, the guards not moving, my anger rising up again.

“Did I fuckin’ stutter?! or are you to jus' fuckin' stupid? Get this mare ta the hospital now or I’ll send ya two incompetent bastards ta the fuckin’ morgue. AM I CLEAR?!” I yell, the two stuttering out “Yes Sir.” before gently picking the injured mare up in their magic and running down the road taking a right, tails between their legs.

“Ya need to go too, okay.” I crouch down next to the still crying light pink mare, her teary eyes meeting mine. “I trust those two to get her there but you're gonna need ta be there to tell them what happened, plus she’s gonna want ya there for company ‘ight? Ain’t nothin worse than being in a hospital alone.” I explain and pick up the mare before putting her on hooves.

“T-thank you.” the mare looks back to me and weakly says before turning and galloping to, what I presume, is the hospital. Disappearing around a corner.

Rolling my shoulder a few times I re zip the almost empty medical pouch before turning around, being met with a semi circle of colorful horses, the ‘big’ ones in the front.

The white one within an arm's reach of me opens her mouth to say something. “Wha-” Slowly reaching forward I wrap my still gloved hand around her muzzle and close it before slowing dropping my hand. “No talkin’.”

Shaking my head and turning away from the group, their freakishly large eyes following me I start to walk away before stopping.

Turning again to face the group I speak. “Don’t make me regret savin’ y’all.” I look to the large white one as she looks back before I switch my gaze to Big Blue. “And I’m watchin’ you.” I point to her, the larger than average pony looking to the ground.

Reaching where my rifle and bloody shotgun lay I pick them both, along with the spent casings, up before turning back around and looking to the group of ponies, seeing none of them have moved an inch.

Grabbing my helmet I ‘take my hat off’ to them before turning and running back to the woods where my spot is to grab the rest of my stuff and one of the red eyed dogs I killed before I fled the scene.

<><><> 1st person, Hank, Clearing <><><>

With the extra time it took to weave around the woods for a while, to throw off anyone trying to follow me, and the added weight of the large black haired wolf on my shoulder, plus the four deep slashes across my left cheek starting to throb, I was glad to be home at last.

My left shoulder starting to ache I throw the dead dog thing off while I continue to walk to the cabin, reaching the door shortly after.

Reaching the counter I empty my pockets and look out of the window while pulling the plug in the drain. “I want pie.” My stomach grumbles as I think about the desert that was promised to me. “But all the ponies are all riled up now.

Looking to my watch I see it’s right after one and decide to go to the farm around three. “That should give em time ta calm down a bit I’d think.” A drop of blood splatters onto my still gloved left hand reminding me of the state I’m currently in. “Should prolly get cleaned up a bit first though.”

Wiping the blood of the counter I make my way to the bathroom, stopping at the mirror I look at my completely blood covered, and still bleeding, face prompting a wide toothy smile to spread across my face “heh, cool.”

Turning on the water to the sink I wet my hands before scrubbing my face, the dry blood taking some effort to remove. Looking up to the mirror and going back down to the sink a few times I clean the rest of the dry blood off, opening the four gashes on my left check in the process reverting some of my progress.

Examining the weeping cuts in the mirror I poke a finger into each one wincing a bit with each poke. “He got me good…. Well I got him better but still.” I open the cabinet and grab some hydrogen peroxide.

Shaking the bottle a bit I pop the cap and squirt the liquid into the cuts, repeating the process until minimal fizz is visible. With the wounds washed out I determine that while they could use stitches I’m not going to. Most of my suturing material being used up by Lilith anyhow.

“Tape and anti bacterial cream will do.” I grunt while reaching for the tape.

Walking out into the summer sun while rubbing the tape on the side of my face I walk over to the black mass of matted fur and sling it over my shoulder, making my way to the stream.

Walking across the tiny bridge, the wood creaking under my and my cargo’s weight I throw the dead wolf on its side and set the shotgun and buck knife down next to it.

Picking up the razor sharp knife my family’s motto rings in my ears. ‘Waste not want not’. Starting around the legs I start the skinning process.

The pelt removed from the wolf, giving me clear outlines of where the most meat is I start in gutting the creature, being careful not to rupture any of the internal organs ,more than three .308 rounds didn’t already.

The internals removed, the lions enticed by the smell make their way over to me before laying down and watching me, their eyes following every move. With the heart removed I call for Lilith, the big cat coming forward.

Holding out my latex gloved hand with the heart, she sniffs it before grabbing it in her jaws and giving me a nuzzle again. Smiling I ruffle the hair on the top of her head before returning to work, the lion laying back down with the rest of the group purring happily.

Taking around an hour I had some very rough but boneless meat, throwing pieces of fat over to the cats before breaking open a few of the bones and scraping out the yellow marrow, the kittens eating it right out of my hand.

Wanting some myself a snap open a bone and suck on it, the kittens enjoying theirs while I munch on mine.

Washing down the buttery substance I place all the meat on the pelt and stand looking down to the cleaned carcass. Looking at the teeth of the thing I decide that it’s skull would look really cool on a stick.

Taking my hatchet off my belt I cut a line almost directly under the skull and raise the hatchet. Aiming for the line I bring the hatchet down over and over until the head is free from the body. Throwing it onto the pelt as well I pick up the pelt and dis-assembled carcass walking into the woods a ways.

The sound of bird song and squirrels barking I throw the beheaded body down a slight incline. Happy with my work I walk back to the cabin trying to remember where my meat dehydrator went.

The time nearing three o’clock I dig around for some freezer bags and put the meat, squeezing the air out, in them before throwing it in the small compartment. Setting the head in the sink I hear a chirp come from the loft and turn my head, seeing Kermit sitting on the edge.

Filling the other side of the sink for the frog I turn and make my way to the gun cabinet, placing the shotgun and rifle in after unloading them. Looking at my options I see my lever action sitting sad and lonely in the back corner, behind all my other random guns.

Pulling it out I open the box containing the 45-70 Gov. and slip a ten rounds into my loops on my chest holster before slipping the long cartridges into the bottom tube of the rifle via the door on the side.

Racking the lever forward then back I slip one more into the tube before turning and heading out the door, throwing my torn latex gloves gloves onto the counter.

<><><> 1st person, Hank, Apple Orchard gate <><><>

Staring at the gate I take a deep breath in through my mouth and exhale through my nose. Ready I step onto the path leading into the orchard, walking on the path for a while before straying off and going a ways into the trees, just incase someone were to come wandering through.

After a five minute walk I see a two red structures up ahead and hear yelling, curious I start to run, weaving through the trees, a large barn and large farm house coming into view.

Nearing the edge of the trees I watch as the large red pony struggles and slips as he tries to pull a large crate up to height with a rope attached to a pulley, his mouth being only way he’s holding the rope. Examining the situation further I see the cowboy hat wearing pony in the top of the barn through the large open door, where I presume she’ll pull the box into the barn with the rope in her mouth.

The old pony yelling, telling the orange mare to let go of the rope in her mouth, the red pony slips again the rope jolting as it starts to slide out of his bite Pulling the mare closer and closer to the edge of the barn door.

Running forward, the rifle slung across my back I grab ahold of the rope right as the red stallion loses his grip, the box falling a foot before the rope goes taught as I hold it, the force of the jolt making me stumble forward before I’m able to sink my heels into the dirt and stop the fall of the box.

Still holding the creaking rope in my bare hands, the fibers starting to dig into my palms, I start to pull the rope back toward me hand over hand. Until the the box reaches the correct height. Looking over to the old pony as she stares at me, her eyes open wide I give her the 'come on let's go' look.

“Pull AJ!” she yells not taking her eyes of me, the box starting to travel along a track the pulley is connected to, that I didn’t notice before, I take small steps forward as the crate moves into the barn and stops.

Still holding the heavy ass create I hear a “Set 'er down!” from inside the barn. Reversing the movements with my hands the rope loses its weight.

With the weight of the box gone my arms and chest start to ache at the weight they just lifted. “Eeeuuugh.” I sigh rolling my shoulders and moving my arms around in circles trying to work out the kinks.

“I thought we were gonners fer a sec there Big Mac. There’s a reason why yer called the strongest pony in Ponyviiiilllle--.” A voice from the loft of the barn drones off as I continue to roll my arms around.

Looking to Stetson, her pupils shrinking and her mouth hanging open I put my arms back down to my side and look around me all four of the ponies with shocked expressions on their faces. Starting to get uncomfortable I cough and adjust my helmet.

“How?” the red pony beside me mumbles as he continues to stare at me.

“The crate?” I ask confused at the question. The red stallion nodding his head up and down.

“A mix a good footin’ an' upper body strength.” I honestly answer. “You ‘ight?”

He just shakes his head ‘yes’ again.

“Alright then.”

I still stand there the ponies staring at me. “Should I go?” I point my thumb behind me. The elderly pony shaking her quickly head back and forth.

“N-Nope are ya here fer ya pie?” She asks with a small smile.

“Yes mam. If it’s no inconvenience ta ya.”

“Not at all sonny, ya can come inside an’ get cleaned up if ya want to.” She shakes the look off her face and turns, making her way to the screen door.

“Where am I dirty?”

“Yer front hooves.” the voice from the loft answers prompting me to look down to my hands, the dry blood being almost black from the latex gloves.

“Oh right, thank ya.” I nod to the orange pony still in the loft and begin my way to the farm house.

Reaching the door I open it and lean down. Looking behind me I see the red one and small one still staring off, and the orange one watching me with a very nervous look on her face.

Giving a half smile I walk into the farmhouse and am surprised at how high the ceiling is compared to the other pony house I was in. I still had to bend my neck to the side but it was definitely less uncomfortable.

Taking my helmet off and tucking it under my arm I look around the house, getting a very warm and comforting feeling from it. Walking down the hallway I look at all the pictures of various ponies on the walls, the pictures ranging to what looks like reasonably soon to black and white.

Making my way down the wall I meet two door ways directly opposite of each other, looking left I see a large family room filled with old furniture and more pictures. Hearing pans clang around from the room behind me I turn and step into the kitchen, a large, by pony standards, rectangular table surrounded by chairs in the middle of the room.

Stopping in the doorway the old green pony turns her head and looks at me before smiling and turning around. “Yer a strange one ya know that.” She chuckles still working on the pie.

“Yes mam, I do.” The old mare gives a short laugh at my reply.

“The washroom is up the stairs and to the right, first room, ya can’t miss it.” She nods her head to the left.
Leaning back I look down the hallway I see a worn staircase that leads up to a bathroom apparently. “Yes mam, thank you mam.” I turn and make my way to the staircase before the old pony’s shaky but firm voice makes me stop.

“Stop callin’ me mam. It makes me feel old, jus’ call me Granny, alright sonny?”

“Yes Granny.” I hear the pony chuckle again. Smiling at the situation I continue my way up the stairs, skipping two steps with each of my own.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, the blood removed from my hands I walk into the kitchen right as Granny puts the pie into the oven, the old pony turning around and jumping at my appearance.

“How does somethin’ as big as you move so quietly?” She huffs putting a hoof to her chest.

Shrugging my shoulders I awkwardly stand beside the doorway with my helmet still tucked under my arm. “Sorry Granny.”

“It alright ya jus’... scared me.” She makes her hoof away from her chest and sits down at the table motioning to another chair.

“I don’t think I’ll fit.” I look to the small chair before deciding to just sit on my knees. Getting down I set my helmet on the floor before looking to Granny, the pony sipping on an iced tea.

“Aj told me about what ya did in town today.” She sips on her tea again and questioningly looks to me. “Care to explain?”

“Not particularly.” I answer, looking back to her.

“An’ why’s that.”

“Cuz’ there ain’t much ta explain, it’d jus’ be a waste a breath.” I defend, the sudden questioning surprising me.

“Well ta me sonny, it seems like there is. Because at the end of it an assassination attempt was made on the newly reformed princess. The assassin had his barrel, and head, blown in half shortly after taking one of the flower girls hostage. And two, maybe three, previously thought to be extinct top predators were killed. One of em directly in front of the princesses, before a giant of a creature saved the same flower girl’s life and ran off into the woods, not to be found, or tracked.” She smiles and leans her front legs on to the table. “Until now.

Looking to the elderly pony surprised I wave a hand to her. “Well there ya go. Ya jus’ explained the whole thing.” I nod and pull my canteen from my belt, taking a drink of water.

“Not entirely whippersnapper, now hold ya wit to yourself.” She smirks before taking another sip of her tea. “Now when I was first hearing Aj tell me this I thought maybe that stallion really is jus’ a killer, but then she got to the part where ya not only saved Roseluck’s life but comforted her the entire time. That don’t sound like somethin’ a killer would do and it confused me. But now here ya are across from me at my kitchen table, so I thought why not jus’ ask the one who did it for his side of the story.”

“Why do ya care, what I am?” My curiosity continuously growing as the elderly pony spoke I finally ask. “Other than me being in your house surrounded by pointy objects.”

“Because I get the feelin’ ya didn’t always used to be the way ya are now. Somethin’ forced you to be the pony ya are today didn’t it?”

“An’ when did you become so damn insightful?” I look to the seemingly frail old pony as she only smiles back. “I’ve got quite a few years of experience under my belt.”

“Fair enough.” I accept the answer. “Alright I’ll tell ya my side, but only cuz’ y’all have been the only ponies to show me any resemblance of respect and understandin’.” The pony across from me nods her head slowly. “Scared bunch ain’t they?”

“Very. Anyways here's my side a things things I guess.” I take out a long drink from my canteen. “I was faced with two choices. One watch an innocent die at the hand-- er hooves of some wanna be assassin while the guards just sat and watched with their cocks in their hooves.” I angrily retell the events of this morning, my hands balling up into fists.”Or two I could do somethin’ about it and have a laugh while I was at it. I think it’s pretty clear which option I chose.”

“Indeed it is, real clear, but why the wolves?” A distant thump from outside makes me flinch down, my hand going for the revolver at the same time. The sound of a chair scooting back making me switch my attention to back to the pony I was talking with. The pony looking at me cautiously.

Sitting back up straight and taking my hand away from the pistol I take a deep breath. “Sorry. Nerves.” I clear my throat. “The wolves in all honesty jus’ picked a fight with the wrong guy, plus after the one shoulder checked me I was pissed so I went hands on, no harm no foul.”

“What about your cheek though, I would say there was harm done there.” I rub my bandaged cheek as she mentions it, the wound beginning to throb.

“It’s fine. They ain’t life threatenin’.” I assure slapping the bandage. “They’re gonna leave scars though, so that sucks, but hey, nothin’ new there.”

A smile on my face the pony across from me scoots her chair back toward the table and refills her glass with a crystal like pitcher filled with the light brown fluid. “What about savin’ the flower girl's life? I mean nothin’ by it sonny but goin’ from killin’ a pony and three black shucks to compassionately savin’ somepony’s' life is a big change.” She sets the sweating pitcher down with a small thump. “especially when ya do it all within’ ten minutes.”

“I jus’ had the know how and the supplies ta do it. Nothin more nothin’ less there as well.”

“I think ya wanted ta help her.” She smirks and scoots her chair away from the table slipping out of it.

“Course. I wanted ta try, but what I’m gettin’ at is that say her jugular was cut and there was nothin’ I could do I wouldn’t feel to torn up bout it.” She reaches into the oven and pulls out the golden crispy pie right as the timer goes off.

“And why’s that?”

“I’ve seen plenty of people die before, a lot of them while I was tryin’ ta save em. Guess I’m jus’ used to it.”

“That’s real unfortunate, but I’m glad ya saved her, showed a lot of ponies that you ain't just another monster ta fear.” She says setting the warm pie down right in front of me. "If ya say so."

“And another thing youngin’ are ya any good at buildin’ or fixin things?” I look up to her confused.

“I got experience, my dad was a carpenter and I worked for him over the summers. Why ya ask?” The sound of the front door slamming shut startles me, my hand once again wrapping around the grip of the revolver.

“The old wood planks on the side of the barn are startin' to rot away, and hiring a builder ain’t exactly cheap with them askin’ fer forty bits an hour an all.” She looks out the kitchen window at the barn. “--- I mean REALLY who asks fer forty damned bits an hour to replace the boards on the side of a barn!”

The sudden outburst takes me by surprise. Guess she’s been trying to get a carpenter for a while. I think a small voice pulling me from my thoughts.

“Calm down Granny, we’ll find a builder that don’t wanna charge an arm and a leg.” The same small bow wearing pony that thanked me yesterday says while she stands in the doorway of the kitchen.

“I know Apple Bloom.” Granny sighs turning away from the window and looking to me. “I think I jus’ might a done jus’ that.” She smiles and points to me.

“Ya want me, the big scary human, ta work on your barn fer ya?” I ask in disbelief at the proposition.

The small pony walks over to the pitcher and picks it up, shakingly holding it in between her hooves before Granny takes it and pours a glass for her, the young pony smiling up to her. “I think it's pretty clear that at least two of us don’t mind ya here, and I think the other two will warm up to ya eventually.”

“Well I’m flattered, I really am but are ya sure ya want the looks a me workin’ on your farm? What if someone shows up an’ sees me?” I question taking a whiff of the warm apple pie in front of me, groaning at the sent.

“We’ll tell em the truth. Ya ain’t a wanted man, in fact if ya wanted to ya could probably get a reward fer savin’ the princess and Roseluck. So are ya in or not?” She pushes as ‘Applebloom’ looks to me.

Looking to my left and right I sigh and pound the table with my fist. “Ight I’ll fuckin’ do it, but only if I can eat this pie right goddamn now.” I look to Granny as a wide smile spreads across her face.

“OH! Can I have some pie mister?” the young red headed pony bounces in her seat. “Applebloom!” Granny scolds the filly, her ears pressing against her skull.

“Yeah ya can have some pie.” I smile and cut out a piece with one of the knife on the table before placing it on the plate in front of her. “But the rest is mine, got it.” I teasingly scold the young pony making her giggle, laughing in return I head to the door.

“Wait youngin’.” I pause at the sound of Granny’s voice. “How many apples did ya take when you left that money on the cart?”

“Six why, and how’d ya know it was me?” I ask remembering back to the late night shopping spree.

“Jus’ a hunch.” she smiles that smug smile of her’s. “And ya jus’ told me.” Apple bloom starts to chuckle at me as I stand there with must of been a dumb look on my face.

“Well ya paid for twenty, at three bits each.” The old mare explains throwing a few gold and bronze, so called ‘bits’, onto the table. “We’re even, but next time just ask to buy apples okay?”

“Uh sure, will do.” I go to reach for the bits before taking my hand away remembering the pelt I have at home. “Ya know what do ya have any picklin’ salt? Cuz’ if ya do and you’re willin’ ta part with it I’d buy it from ya.” The mare looks to me before opening the cupboard above the sink and pulling out a large box of it.

“I got plenty saved back. What do you need it for though?” She slides the box across the table and slides some of the bits back toward her.

“Got a pelt I’m lookin’ at keepin’, and I ain’t got none of them fancy chemicals to do it, so I’m gonna go the hard route and use salt like my grandpa taught me.” I pick up the box and set it under the warm pie tin. “Plus the simpler it is the better, less to go wrong an’ all that.

“Ya got that right, and don’t forget your bits there.” She sits down next to Applebloom with a grunt.

“Keep em. It’s thanks fer puttin’ up with me.” I start out the door before stopping once again. “When do ya want me ta start on the barn?”

“As soon as ya see fit.”

“Alright, see y’all later.” I say goodbye and walk out of the door, hearing their muffled goodbyes before turning and looking up to the barn. “I wanna eat this pie up there.” I look to the top of the barn “Right on the edge.”

Setting down the box of salt I walk over to the tree next to the barn and jump up, Making sure to keep a firm hold on the pie. Climbing up a bit further I stop and buckle my helmet before balancing on the wide and thick branch that ends just before the less slanted part of the roof.

Rocking back and forth I take a deep breath before quickly making my way across the branch and jumping, making sure not to use my full strength so I don’t fly over, I land quietly on the shingle roof and go into a crouch.

Crouching my way over to the edge of the barn I test the strength of the wood with my foot before gently sitting down and taking in the view of the seemingly endless rows of trees.

Remembering I have pie I quickly look down to the flaky pastry before unsheathing my knife and cutting the pie into pieces further. Rubbing the sticky knife onto my pant leg I see some of the blood rub off as well. Looking to the pie I shrug before sheathing the knife and grabbing the first piece, taking it down in about four bites. “Oh shit.” I moan in ecstasy as the flavor envelopes in my mouth. “Now I could die a happy man.” I go in for another piece scarfing it down just as fast as the first. “Jesus.”

The pie being long gone I just sit at the top of the barn watching the sunset as the breeze gently blows in my ears. Never thought I’d see a place so… untouched, pure. I think looking straight up into the sky. Damn thats pretty.

Still staring at the yellow clouds as they whisk by over the Everfree I hear four different voices having a conversation. Looking down I see five ponies and a dragon walking and talking, Yellow and Barney having a quiet conversation I couldn’t hear at the back of the group.

The ponies too close, as in damn near right under me. To move without drawing their attention would be impossible so I just sit still slowly moving my head to track and watch their movements.

Clicking the leather strap over my revolver for the run I was about to conduct to get the fuck outta dodge the click draws Pink’s attention, the poofy haired pony’s ear rotating in my direction before she looks up, her pupils shrinking.

Her mouth opening I bring a finger to mine in a ‘shhhhh’ motion the pink pony’s mouth closing. Giving a thumbs up she slowly takes her eyes of me and turns to her friends still with a scared look on her face.

Giving a shallow sigh I look down to my lap before bringing my head back up and to the group again the yellow one looking at me now. Are you fucking serious. I shake my head and wave to her, the yellow pony raising a hoof and waving back drawing the attention of the lizard thing next to her. Staring at me like a deer in the headlights it takes a deep breath in then screams, the sound making me and the ponies around it flinch.

The scream dieing down Purp looks back to Barney with a scowl that soon turns to fear as she follows the lizard’s gaze to me, the rest of the ponies doing the same.

Getting up to my feet I look over to see a white pony fainting and Yellow quietly mouthing ‘no’ to the rainbow one right before she takes off toward me like a rocket.

Barely dodging out of the way of the pegasus as I make my way down the roof of the barn I hear her coming at me from behind. Still running I lean to my left and start a slide down the roof, emptying my lungs as I slide so I don’t get the wind knocked out of me if I land wrong.

The roof coming to an end I begin to free fall twenty feet before I land in a crouch, the force of the landing being much less than expected. Looking up I see the pony coming right down on top of me, jumping to the side to avoid getting hit, I stand refill my lungs before starting into a run.

Sprinting toward the group, as they take a step back and lower themselves to the ground, I jump over them and make my way to the trees stopping as I remember the pie tin still in my hand. Skidding to a halt I duck again as the rainbow pegasus flies over head, almost clipping me.

“You’re really startin’ ta piss me off.” I mumble as I run back to the house, stopping at the door before throwing it open and stepping inside. Running to the kitchen and sliding around the corner I’m met with four pairs of eyes looking at me, Stetson right in front of me, almost getting knocked down by my legs.

“Um guests are here, as ya heard probably.” I set the pie tin on the table. “-and here’s your pie tin Granny.” I turn and run out of the room not stopping for the door, instead pushing it open as I run out of the house.

The door smacking the outside wall with a loud bang I look as the rainbow pony hovers in place, startled with the door that almost hit her. Not stopping I ram her with my shoulder and hold her there, running forward for a while before placing a hand on her chest and forcefully throwing her to the ground.

Hearing a thump and a wheeze I smile as I continue to the trees before suddenly stopping again. “The salt.” I remember and turn heading back to the porch where I set it. Slowing down I walk up to the box of salt and grab it before turning back to the trees, stopping mid way to tip my helmet to the ponies still just standing there.

Laughing at the sight of the out cold rainbow pegasus as I pass her, my pace picks up into a run as I weave through the trees, the cool evening air rushing past my face.

Slowing my pace as I step into the clearing I jog to the cabin and step into the dark interior. Flipping the lights on I see Kermit in one basin of the sink and the head in the other. Setting the salt on top if the fridge I grab the head and walk back outside to the shed looking for the large pot I took from a school when I scavenged in the city.

Stepping into the shed I see the slightly shiny surface of the pot under one of the shelves. Pulling the almost cauldron like steel pot out from under the shelf I turn and walk out of the shed sneezing from all the dust in the air.

Rubbing my nose I walk over to the stream to fill the pot. The lions moving around on the other side of the stream. Reaching the water I fill the pot about three fourths full before jumping off the sand bar and onto the bank, making my way back to the cabin.

Setting the filled pot a ways from the cabin I set the head next to it and make my way to the tree line for some fire wood. Unsheathing my hatchet I step in the eerie woods in search of some wood.

A fallen tree lying flat and in three large pieces I start to snap some of the smaller branches off before taking the hatchet to the larger stuff. With a good mix of sizes I bundle all the lumber together before starting my way out of the trees, my head constantly on the swivel.

Throwing the wood into a pile I set the larger logs in a row of three while placing dead grass and leaves in between. Placing some of the small twigs in the rows and on the sides I put the tall pot on top of the logs, further surrounding it with more wood.

Patting my pockets for a lighter or matches I remember that I left it all in my day pack. Grumbling I stand and make my to the cabin to fetch my old zippo I keep in my pack.

Zippo in hand I kneel down and light the dry materials under the pot, the smoke rolling out from underneath before a small orange glow starts to grow and catch the smaller than larger wood on fire as well.

Watching the crackling fire, waiting for the water to come to a boil, I play around with my knife, throwing it into the air in a spin and then catching it by the handle.

“Ohhhhh.” I sigh sitting down, my knees cracking. “What a day.” The fire pops loudly making me flinch. “Not a bad one though, shootin’ that bastard was fun, and so was killin’ those wolves.” I pat the severed wolf’s head a few time before the water starts to viciously bubble as it comes to a strong boil. “Whelp time fer ya ta go fer a swim.” I throw the severed head into the water looking down to my watch right after. “Well I got bout an hour ta go get some other stuff done while this dude liquefies.” Humming I turn and set out to remove the rest of the fat and meat left over on the pelt.

The moon now raised in the sky another hour passes as I use a moderately thin and blunt steel strap that I found in my scrap bucket to scrape the rest of the substance off the pelt preparing to salt it. Going over the the pelt with my bare hand to feel for anymore extra bits I nod not finding anything.

About to open the box of salt to pour on the hide I stop. “Wait I’m jus’ gonna dry it anyways so why would I salt it and then have ta dry it later?” I set the box down. “All I need ta do is set it in the sun fer a few days and make sure the edges don’t curl.”

Rubbing my forehead in disappointment I walk back to the wood to make some stakes to hold the skin taut as I dry it. “Sometime I surprise myself at how fuckin’ dumb I am.”

With a bundle of roughly foot long, one inch in diameter, sticks under my arm I walk back into the clearing stopping at the pot as I pass it. “Done by now.” I look at the fur floating on the top of of the water. Taking my knife out I wedge it under one of the handles and take it off the fire to cool. “There.”

Walking back to the pelt I kneel down next to it and set the stakes down in favor of my knife. Poking holes all around the edges of the pelt I seath the knife and start to drive stakes through the holes and into the dirt around eight inches, pulling the skin tight for drying.

Backing away from the skin I put my hatched back in it’s place the still crackling fire drawing my attention. Looking to the dying fire I walk to the cabin grabbing a old wood rocking chair and my speaker deciding to listen to music next to the fire while I clean the skull.

Using my foot to push all the unburned material to the center to revive the fire I set the chair upwind before scrolling through my phone and selecting a song to start off with. Tapping my foot along to the beat I pick up the hairless head and begin the tedious process of removing all the soft tissue on and in the skull.

<PAGE SPLIT YA FUCKIN’ FRUIT CAKE, AHHHHH>

The tedious process of tissue removal proving to be just as tedious as I previously thought, I was almost done. The task taking two hours however. “Nine o'clock.” I say looking down to my watch. “Feels like it should eleven or somethin’. It jus’ gets dark too damn early.” I grumble peeling more of the muscle off of the skull, the lower jaw separating finally.

The skull being almost completely void of all muscle, tendons, skin, brains, etc I set the top part of the skull down careful of the teeth so I don’t accidentally knock them loose. “Should prolly glue those in.” I lean back in the chair and take a deep breath, “Ugh, what to doooooo?” I drone out slowing rocking the chair back and forth. “How bout nothin’.”

Going lax in the chair I start to think about my time at the end of the world, my fingers starting to drum against the arm rests. My train of thought bringing me through many stations. I thought about my first kill, the first time I enjoyed it, the thought bringing a smile to my face, the first time in the city after the fall of humanity, and eventually to all the things I’d done.

“Nope.” My eyes shoot open. “Can’t think about that.” I get out of the chair and pour the water on the fire. “Let’s do some gardening.” I grab the phone, speaker, and skull setting them in the chair, before dragging it all to the garden.

With the speaker, chair, skull, and phone all next to the garden I grab a hoe from the shed and start tilling rows, two feet apart and thirty feet long, through the garden in preparation for the seeds and potion the Zecora supposed to give me. My mind stuck on the clingy zebra I shake my head before giving a few huffs of laughter. “Can’t believe I agreed ta bring her here.” I throw the hoe over my shoulder, done with the rows.

Done with my hoeing around (ha) I put it back in the shed before walking out, a new song starting just as I do so. Mouthing the lyrics along with the song I hear the flap of wings approaching from the rough direction of the village. Quickly dipping back into the shadows of the shed I take my revolver from its place and ready it as I listen to the flaps draw closer and louder.

Crouched in the dark I hear a loud touch down near the garden over the now loud music. The sound of approaching steps never coming I peek around the corner, my face contorting into a scowl at the image of the blue winged unicorn staring at my speaker, her nose almost touching it. Holstering my revolver I unsheathe my knife and step around the corner, quickly making my way to the pony.

My heavy foot steps apparently being drowned out by the song, the pony shows no sign of noticing me until it was too late. The blue pony picking her head up and looking from the speaker to me her eyes go wide as my foot connects with her side, pushing her to the ground with a pained grunt. The pony trying to get up in a panicked flurry of wings and hooves she screams “No” before I jump on top of her and pin her to the ground with my legs.

Switching the knife into an ‘ice pick’ grip I stab into the dirt next to her head. “Why. Can’t. I. Be. Left. The. Fuck. ALONE?” I huff at the blue pony under me, punctuating with a stab next to her head with each word I speak.

Leaning back I take the knife out of the ground and hold it to the mare’s chest, ready to plunge it in at a moment's notice. “Why are ya here?” Still on top of Big blue I bark.

The pony not answering I push the blade down a bit into her skin and ask again “Why are ya here?”.

“W- We were curious.” She stutters out closing her eyes.

“Curiosity killed the cat ya know.” I stop pressing on the knife.

“And satisfaction brought it back.” The pony raising her head and opening her eyes she takes a deep breath before continuing. “We just wanted to talk with thee.”

“Why?” I press putting more pressure on the knife.

The pony reminded who’s in charge her eyes open wide and she starts to stutter again. “T-Thee confused us. I -In all our years we’ve never seen anything like thee before.”

Not amused with her I take the knife away and grab her by the neck. “And what do ya want with such a strange creature?” My grip on the pony’s throat tightens causing her to choke.

“Just to talk.” she squeaks out, my eyes narrowing in suspicion before I let her neck go.

“Fine. But I expect some answers from ya. Understand?”

The pony still recovering from being choked she slowly nods her head. “Alright then.” Getting off of the pony I flip her over and wrap a arm around her midsection before standing up and carrying her under my left arm into the cabin.
Flipping on the lights I feel the pony moving her head back and forth looking around the messy room. “Thou lives here?” She asks as I set her back down on her own legs and shut the door.

“Yeah, somethin’ wrong with it?”

“N-Nay not at all. ‘Tis just small.” She says observing the inside of the cabin.

“I’m a man who don’t need much.” I state sitting in the chair across from the couch “Sit.”

Looking to me and then the couch she looks unsure of something before opening and closing her mouth.

“What’s the problem?”

“We don’t feeleth right sitting on the couch while thee sitteth in an fusty wooden chair. Art thee sure thee don’t wanteth the couch instead?” She asks looking me.

“Nah it’s ight, my ma always told me ta treat the guest better than yourself, even if ya don’t particularly like em. So have the couch.” I stand up out of the chair, the pony taking a step back. “Reminds me, you drink?”

“We partake yes.” She unsurely answers having to climb up onto the couch before laying down like a cat.

“Good cuz’ I’m parched.” I find two shot glasses and my bottle of Teeling Irish whiskey.

With two full shot glasses and the bottle I slide one across the table to her and set down the bottle in the middle. Leaning back in my chair her horn glows a deep blue almost purple setting me on edge.

Pulling the 1911 from its place in my waistband I point it at the now shaking pony as her horn fizzles out. “What the fuck do ya think yer doin’.” I bark at the flinching pony as I point the pistol at her head.

“J-just trying to pick up the glass.” Her eyes still shut she quickly replys. “But we couldn’t do it.”

“Why not?” I ask the mare as she opens her eyes and sits back up in the ‘loaf’ position.

“Twas just like it was not there.” The pony looks to the glass confused.

Lowering the pistol my curiosity grabs me. “Try again.” I look to the pony as her horn slowly lights back up. “But don’t try nothin’ stupid.” I move the pistol around in my hand, the pony quickly nodding. Her horn lighting again the expression on her face morphs into one of extreme concentration as she stares at the shot glass, nothing happening. “Are ya sure it’s not somethin’ wrong on yer end?” I ask the blue pony as she still tries to pick up the glass.

“We assure thee tis not us.” She says not looking away from the glass. “But it seems this truly is a fruitless effort.” Her magic fizzles out.

“So ya think things of mine can’t be affected by that telekinesis stuff?” I set the pistol on my lap.

“Aye magic may not has't an effect on thy belongings.” She looks to me and scratches the side of her head. “Tis strange however, we has't nev'r seen a object resistant to magic, other than items madeth of Nulstone.”

“Huh.” I look to the shot glass in my hand. “Well I can assure ya these glasses ain’t made of Nulstone, or however ya say it, it’s jus’ glass as far as I know.”

“Strange, may we try on another item?” The blue pony looks to my eyes before immediately looking back to the table. “Yeah go for it I guess?” I half question at her strange behavior before rubbing the feeling off, “Jus’ don’t do nothin’ stupid.”

The pony poking her tongue out of her mouth in concentration as she looks to a shirt I left on the table she hums as she squints her eyes before she reopens them with a huff. “We can't do it!” She hits the couch cushion with her hoof in frustration before sticking it back under her body. “We wonder if 't be true the rest of thy items has't the same effect.”

Barely hearing the last bit she mumbled I think for a second as well. “Well probably.” I suddenly say causing the pony to look up. “When ya shot that beam at me it did nothin’.”

“W- we are sorry about that.” The now forlorn pony apologises as she looks to the floor. “It’s alright….I guess I did do more damage to you than you me.” I lightly chortle. “Was was that about anyway? Ya obviously look an’ act diff'rent now.”

The Mare takes a deep breath, looking to the ceiling, before she heavily exhales and looks back down to the floor “We... we were not ourselves last night.” Is her only reply as she continues to look at the floor. Deciding not to press further for now I nod before drinking the shot and clearing my throat. “How bout we get ta the questionin’?”

“Aye let us.” she quickly peeps at the suggestion.

“Ight’ I’ll ask one you ask one. If the question is appropriate, answer it. If not, don’t. Ready?”

“Indeed.”

Luna, as I now know she is called, is quite the neat pony and has quite the interesting story. Then again going insane and killing around forty ponies before going for your sister, destroying a castle in the process, is a story in itself. It don’t end there though after all that she apparently ended up on the moon for a thousand years before coming back and well… trying to take over again, but failing partially due to me.

She was actually thankful for me beating the shit out of her because it apparently weakened her enough so the ‘elements’ (Big boom in the woods last night) did the job of re harmonizing her really well. On top of all that I now know that I’m in a empire called Equestria that just so happens to be co-ruled by the blue Alicorn looking at me concerned from across the table.

“Art thou okay Hank?” Luna’s voice snaps me out of my inner monologue. “What? Oh yeah I’m ight’.”

“We just wanted to maketh sure. Thee wast staring at us and twas making us uncomfortable.”

“Sorry Moon pie, I do that sometimes.”

“Will thou stop calling us that! It’s embarrassing.” The now blushing pony exasperatedly yells.
“Nope. Yer too damn cute when yer mad.” I chuckle taking another swig of the Irish whiskey.”An’ are ya sure ya don’t want ta try some more a this? It’s some of the best I got.”

The pony’s blush deepening in color she quickly shakes her head. “Nay! The second that foul liquid touched our tongue we hath felt like our mouth wast setteth ablaze!” Her face twisted in disgust at the memory of the whiskey she looks back to me. “How doth thou even drinketh that... that poison!?”

Shrugging I take another drink from the bottle “I dunno.” I put the bottle down “Do ya think that maybe alcohol here is weaker than mine?”

Rubbing her chin she hums “We didn't bethink about that, it could beest a possibility though.” Moon Pie yawns, her eyes starting to droop.

“Maybe it’s time fer ya ta head home.” I suggest getting up from my chair and picking up the bottle and glasses.

“Aye that would beest most wise, our sleep schedule is still incorrect .” The tired pony's voice replies behind me before I hear a series of of thumps and a quiet “owwwww’. Turning around I see Luna on the floor, face down. “Our legs hath fallen asleep on us.” She mumbles from her position on the floor.

Snickering I grab both sides of her barrel and pick her up the pony giving a small squeak in surprise. “Ya good?”

“Fine.” The alicorn lumbers to the door as I follow her. Opening the door we both step outside into the night “ Luna.”

“Aye?”

“Not a word about me alright. I don’t want too many ponies knowin’ where I live.” I look to the small blue horse. “We shalt telleth nopony.” She smiles to me with a short nod.

“Has't a valorous rest of the night Hank, We shalt see thee on another date.” The comment makes me pause.

Luna’s wings expanding to full size I shake my head. “Yer comin’ back? Why?”

“Because thee still intrigues us, And thou art quite fun to beest in company with.” She looks back to me. “Unless thee doth not wanteth us to return.”

Luna now looking to the ground with that look on her face again I sigh and rub my face. “Jus’ …..don’t make a habit of comin’ back here.”

The pony’s head snapping back up she smiles before turning and taking off into the sky “We intend to do just that!” She yells over her shoulder as she flies north.

“God damnit Moon Pie.” *Croak* “Ah fuck off Kermit.”

Hello everyone. This chapter is not done yet but I needed to get it out so minor changes will most likely come into affect in the next few days. Since I'm actually on short time now I'll say farewell and hope you enjoy.

Also yes, I know a pony would be able out drink any man due to how they digest food and stuff. I've just read the weak pony alcohol cliche in quite a few stories so I went with that.