<><><> 3rd person, The royal sis-tards, Canterlot Castle<><><>

Luna sat the table noisily scarfing down the delicious breakfast desert known as pancakes in front of her while she waited for her sister to return from wherever she had excused herself to.

Her complete attention on the food she did not notice the castle’s kitchen staff and the few solar guards staring at her, some of them in amusement, some in understanding, and a few of the more snobby ones in disgust at how unrefined the returned princess of the night was acting.

Those ponies simply did not understand. While on her banishment to the moon, while she is immortal, she can still feel the pain of starving and dehydration while not dying. This meant she felt those sensations, among many other terrible others, for ten centuries. Alone.

Bringing her face up from her plate, the silverware completely ignored, she uses her magic to pick up a napkin and wipe the whipped cream from her lips before noticing the ponies staring at her. Not caring for what they thought she looks over to the lead cook. a Prench stallion with a thin curly moustache and judging brown eyes.

“This breakfast cake,we...I like it, Another!” She hits the table with her hoof for emphasis, the ponies jump and scatter to their respective posts.

We don’t remember ponies being so skittish. The princess of the night thinks as her sister re-enters the cafeteria, the staff and guards bowing to her.

“It seems you enjoyed the pancakes sister.” Celestia giggles at the sight of her sister with a whipped cream moustache. Her younger sister only smiling. The image of her sister being so happy warming Celestia’s heart.

Luna licks her upper lip clean before replying. “Very much so sister! We-I don’t recollect such a delicious food.”

“Well I’m glad-” Celestia is interrupted by one of the staff placing her meal of pancakes a la mode in front of her. Thanking the pony with a smile the pony bows and retreats back. “As I was saying, I’m glad that you are enjoying your stay in the castle so far. I know a lot has changed since your……” The guilt of banishing her baby sister to the moon flares up in her again, the alicorn faltering. “...time away and I’m happy to see you adjusting so well Lulu. I’ve missed you so much.”

“We...I have missed you greatly as well dear sister. While things are very different from one thousand years ago, and I..I will needeth some time to adjust, it is something that we must do.” Luna speaks with finality in her voice before a slightly shaking waitress brings her another plate of pancakes with everything on them. “Thank you waitress.” With a stern voice Luna thanks causing the mare to flinch and back away. “Y-you’re w-welcome.” The waitress bows and quickly makes it back into the kitchen.

Celestia knew her ponies would take some time to get used to Luna, just as much as she needed time to get used to them, but the sudden scared behavior confused her, they hadn't been this way before she left, a tad nervous perhaps but not down right scared.

“Why was she acting like that Luna?” She questions, picking up a glass of warm tea and daintily taking a sip.

“We do not knoweth sister.” Luna replies picking her face up from the food. “All we did was compliment thou’s fine culinary talent and politely ask for more.”

“Ah, but how did you do that?” Celestia smiles getting an idea to what Luna did.

“Surely thou remembers sister.” Luna replys before gleefully taking the last bite from her plate.

“Of course I remember. Did it sound something like-.” Celestia clears her throat before straightening out her smile. “These breakfast cakes, I like them, Another!” She slams her hoof on the table, causing the silverware to jump and Luna to chuckle.

“Of course. That is how one is polite ordering food correct?”

“I’m afraid not Luna, through the years the equish language has had many changes, along with the correct was to be polite.” Upon hearing this luna sighs and looks to her sister a tired look suddenly washing over her face.

“Even the mannerisms have changed… of course.” The dark blue alicorn sighs looking down to the table. “Everyday sister We loose hope on ever being seen as the once good pony We were. We-- I mean, I am having a extremely difficult time even changing our--- Horseapples--MY speech habits.”

“Luna you have not been back even a week! Give yourself some credit, your speech is much better than it was when you first arrived. You’re just having trouble with a certain few, I’m sure you’ll have it in no time, and I’m always here to help if you need it.” Celestia scoots next to Luna and pulls her into a hug, the down mare returning the hug immediately. “Now do you want more pancakes?”

“Nay sister we do not want flanks as large as thine, we shall stop while we are ahead.” Luna jests causing Celestia to go bright red, the stark contrast between her white coat and her blush almost making her seem to glow. “S-sister! T-they aren’t that big are they?” Celestia whispers suddenly feeling self conscious about her figure.

“No sister no….. They are more than big… they are massive!” Luna breaks down laughing at the look on her sister’s face.

“W-well at least I have curves.” Celestia throws back, causing Luna to look up and directly into her eyes. Staring at each other they hold back their laughter before both falling into a laughing fits. The smallest snort of chuckle causing them to start laughing again

“W-we missed this sister.”

“S-so d-did I Luna, so did I.” Their chuckling dies down before both of them sit in silence, smiles on their faces.

“I’m worried Luna.” Celestia suddenly states, slowly looking up from her breakfast, her smile gone.

“Why’s this?” In a curious tone she replies.

“That thing in the Everfree. I haven’t slept well since our run in with it.”

“Sister thou must relax about him, he has had every chance to kill or maim any pony he wanted, but yet he hast not.” Luna sighs tired of talking about Hank to her increasingly worried sister.

“He did murder a pony, right in front of an entire town!”

“Aye. A pony that was trying to murder us sister.” Luna reminds Celestia before looking to her questioningly. “Is the protection act still in place?”

“Yes…..it is, I really need to take that out, the act hasn’t been used in over… well a thousand years.” She tiredly nods.

“But it is still in place and, if we..I.. remember correctly, a pony that saves a member of royalty in a time of peril deserves and retrieves a reward.”

“That was not a pony Luna, I don’t even know if that….thing… has the ability to feel emotion like a pony, it killed with a smile on it’s face. I-”

“Is thee insinuating that he is less than a pony?” Luna cuts her sister off, angered at her incositerance. “Thou must remember sister a griffon saved thine life from an assassin long ago, she was not a pony but still you did not talk about her like something less than yourself. Has tolerance and understanding also faded away with time?” Luna questions her voice increasing in volume with every word.

Her younger sister’s words making Celestia realize what she just said her years press against her head and she looks back down to the table in shame. “I-I’m sorry Luna I didn’t mean to say it like that, just because it---he is not a pony does not mean he is any less than us.”

“Thank you sister.”

“Why have you been defending him so much since your return though, surely even with your shortly extended time with him you still wouldn’t know his true character?”

“We sympathize with him sister.” Luna’s voice grows somber.

“Why’s that.”

“Both us and him are different than the common pony. They fear us.” Luna’s eyes meeting Celestia’s the elder sister sees sadness show through Luna’s mask before being sealed away.

“Ponies don’t fear you sister, not used to you maybe, but I don’t believe that they are fearful.”

“Don’t take us for blind sister.” Luna hit the table gently with her hoof. “We’ve seen the stares, heard the fear in ponies voices, noticed their body language while they are around us. They stand near us ready to run as if we were going to lash out and try to attack them.”

Luna adopts a more somber look before continuing. “We do not know about you sister but we saw the looks in our fellow ponies’ eyes right after he saved them and the flower mare.” Celestia tries to remember back to the events a day ago but only find her memory full of the beast’s haunting gaze, and scenes of it efficiently dispatching the Shucks causing her to flinch before being brought back to reality.

“Right after he saved them, saved them all.” Luna continues almost not believing what she’s saying. “They looked at him with disgust, fear, and hatred. How can somepony, right after being saved, look at their savior with such faces?” She questions, Celestia listening with rapt attention.

Sighing Luna puts her hoofs on the table and leans forward. “That is how We sympathize with him sister. We have done terrible things in our past and part of me feels like I deserve all the scorn sent out way, part of me even wishes the assassin would have succeeded.” Celestia’s jaw drops, speechless, at what her sister was saying as she continues.

“But him, that strange creature, that We have no recollection of any of his kind before him has only done good in our eyes, yet he still is the subject of hate. He may have taken lives to save others but those lives lost are better disposed of anyways, for they would have only tried again to kill.”

Celestia couldn’t believe how fiercely Luna was defending the creature, maybe she had been looking at him wrong, maybe he wasn’t a heartless killing machine that needed to be stopped and thrown in the dungeon to rot. Still, even with this new perspective of this creature coming to light Celestia still felt uneasy and a tad afraid of the being.

Sitting in silence both sisters think over what each other said before Celestia finally breaks the silence.

“Do you honestly feel this way sister?” Celestia asks her younger sibling.

“Yes. Yes I do.”

“You do not think it would be a good idea to send guards into the forest after him?”

“Do you value your guards lives sister?” Luna seriously asks, surprising her sister.

“Of course we do! Why would you even need to ask?”

“If thou truly values the well being of their guards you will not send them into the forest in search of him.”

“Why do you say that?” Celestia asks not following Luna’s train of reasoning.

“When is a animal most dangerous?”

“What?”

“When is a animal most dangerous?” Luna asks again with more force.

“I thought you said it was not appropriate to call this creature less than a pony.”

“For Maker’s sake sister! It is a simple question, I’m using this as an example! When. Is. A. Animal. Most. Dangerous?” Luna claps her hoofs together with every word.

“When it has nowhere else to run, it’s back is pressed against a wall.” Celestia answers, feeling foolish.

“Yes! He is the animal in this scenario. He is alone in a world new to him, surrounded by ponies he does not know and that do not like him.” Celestia’s eyes widen, finally understanding what her sister was saying.

“Oh! He has his back against a wall. He is a stranger to this world and surrounded by things he does not know.” Celestia nods in realisation before opening her eyes and looking to luna questioningly. “Wait. How do you know he is not of this world?”

Luna not realizing her mistake she quickly thinks of another question. “Have you ever seen his kind in three thousand years? Because We sure have not, and we’ve both been all around this fine planet.”

“Oh….. I guess not, there is just so much to remember, but no I have never seen anything like him before.” Feeling relieved she did not blow her and Hank’s secret Luna takes a deep breath before sighing. “Back to what We were saying though sister-.”

“Oh yes continue.”

“We feel that it would be best if at this time you just left him alone to live in the woods as he pleases.” Seeing the confliction in her sister’s eyes she quickly elaborates. “I know thou wants to protect your little ponies-” Luna sivers at the cutesy name for their subjects. “and so do we, but so far he has every chance to kill anypony he chose and yet he has only killed those trying to do harm. I would even argue he would have no trouble taking down your guards sister-”

“I know Luna. I know.” Celestia interrupts. “And I’m sorry for interrupting you but that is what concerns me.”

“How able and efficient he is?”

“Yes! You saw him pick up a Black shuck over his head and snap it’s spine like a twig over his knee! That is unsettling, I don’t care who you are.”

“We remember a time when we were looking for ponies like that to serve for us.” Luna comments causing Celestia face to drop and a heavy sigh to escape her lips.

“Yes so do I, but those times are over now, we haven’t had a war in over five hundred years.” This was news to Luna but she decided to stay silent and hear what her sister had to say.

“What he did though was more than even the strongest pony could do. It’s like his body was made for fighting, everything his did was smooth, practised, and fluid-” Celestia mentions, causing luna to nod in agreement. “but yet it was also fast, deadly, and brutal. This is why I am so afraid of him for my- OUR subjects Luna.” A feeling of dread starts to grow in Celestia’s chest once again.

“Anything that has physical strength, the skill, and that technology to do what he did two days ago is a threat. Back when we were trying to exterminate the Black Shucks it would four. FOUR, highly trained ponies to take just one down, and most of the time all four ponies wouldn’t survive.” Memories of good ponies, and friends, of old cause Celestia to smile before frowning again. “But this ‘beast of the Everfree’ as the locals are calling him.” Luna frowns at the title. “Killed three of them, one with his bare hoofs, after being tackled by one. Do you remember what happened to a pony that was rammed by one?”

“Yes. Severe and in some cases fatal trauma, broken bones at least.”

“Exactly, he on the other hoof was able to get back up, kill one, and then run away back into the Everfree, not at a slow pace either for something so large. Tell me he is not dangerous after that.”

Luna only sighs and shakes her head. “ You’re focusing on the bad, if you can call what he did bad, and not on the good Sister.”

“What good is there, we have a major threat, living right under our noses!” Exasperated Celestia says, the stress of thinking about how and what to do about this strange being starting to seep out.

“All the lives his actions saved. If those Shucks would have had a chance to run into Ponyville unchallenged we would have a town possibly exterminated, hundreds of lives lost. Your guards would not be able to stop them, I was in no state to fight, and while we are immortal sister we are not invincible. We were caught unawares, if it were not for him who knows how many would have perished?”

Luna’s reasoning letting Celestia see another pony's way of reasoning she had to admit, Luna was correct. This did not mean she felt any less uneasy about this creature however.

“I guess you are right sister.” Celestia says with a sigh causing Luna to smile. “But I still feel like he is a threat.”

“Who isn’t a threat sister? Anypony has the ability to be a force to recon with, some are just more apparent than others. He definitely is somepony to be weary of but I do not believe that he some mindless killer with no emotions.” Luna’s certain eyes meet Celestia’s uncertain eyes as she continues. “Give it time sister, as of now though we are technically in debt to him ten thousand bits… if we do remember correctly.”

“You are right again sister, that we are, how do you suppose we get the bits to him though, he is not an easy one to find.” Celestia asks distaste or the creature imbedded in her voice.

If only you knew sister. Luna smirked before answering. “ I’m sure our paths will cross again in time. Now We are going to retire to our chambers for the day, We are the princess of the night after all.”

“Alright sister that is probably for best.” Celestia sighs sad about her sister’s departure for the day. “Maybe we can chat for a while before I rest tonight?”

“Sounds lovely sister.” Luna smiles and away to her chambers stifling a yawn.

Now alone, aside from her staff, Celestia sat in silence looking at her pancakes. The images and memories of the creature ruining her appetite she shifted her weight back into the cushion and sighed. Luna seems so sure that this pony is good, but how could he? Nothing that can do what he did with a smile on it’s face is good. Celestia is cut out of her thoughts by the Prench chef asking her something.

“What is that? I’m afraid I did not hear you Chef Croissant.” She apologies to the pony.

“No apology need Princess Celestia. I was just concerned, you usually finish your pancakes by now. Were they not up to standards? Because if they were not I will have the pony responsible fired for incompetence.” The chef states, the kitchen staff stopping what they were doing and looking to one and other.

“No, the pancakes were wonderful as always Chef Croissant, it’s just that me and my sister were arguing about how to handle a certain situation, and the subject rid me of my appetite.” Celestia explains, the chef calming down greatly.

“Is it the ‘beast of the Everfree’ that took your appetite Princess?”

“Um…. Yes how did you know?” She asks intrigued at how the cook knew.

“Not to listen in Princess but when you were very loudly stating your opinions, it was hard to not at least hear what you were saying.”

“Oh right.”

“Do you want to hear my opinion your majesty?” Croissant gathers Celestia’s plate and silverware, balancing it on his back.

“Sure.” She answers wanting to get some other ponies opinions on the matter.

“I believe you should find it, capture it, and lock it in the dungeon and throw away the key. Anything that can be so…..Barbaric.” He spits. “Should not be allowed to roam free among us more civilized ponies. Will that be all Princess?”

“Yes I believe so Croissant.” The Prench stallion turns and walks back to the kitchen, his head held high in the air.

The chef being gone from her presence she slouches once more and sighs. While her appetite was gone her thoughts were not.

One part of the princess believed her sister. While the other, larger, part couldn’t convince itself that the creature could be good. One image had stuck with her since they had the unfortunate time of meeting him and reminded her of what he could do.

Nothing disturbed her more than the Creature’s blood covered face as it predatorily stared into her pink eyes with his wild grey ones as it looked down to her and closed her mouth with his hoof. The event scared her, she had not been scared in a long time, but the strange being from two days ago had instilled fear in her that she had not felt in over a thousand years. It unsettled her to no end, yet a growing part of her, that she could no longer ignore, wanted more.

<><><> 1st person, Hank, The Cabin <><><>

As I woke up I felt a comfortable warmth on the left side of my chest, my arm also seemed to be wrapped around whatever the warm fuzzy thing was. Opening my eyes I saw I was face to face with a sleeping zebra, our noses almost touching.

Starting to freak out I remember where I was and who was sleeping on me. Oh right, I’m in pony land. I also seemed to have bedded a zebra, not bad. I snort at my joke and look to the wall to my right.

As I thought about things that needed to be done I unconsciously take a deep breath and sigh, the breath feeling very crisp and refreshing. Surprised I take a deep breath in through my nose and exhale through my mouth again. The second time feeling just as good. Propping myself up against the wall behind me, I apparently wake Zecora. “Sorry Zecora, didn’t mean ta wake ya.”

The still sleepy zebra looks up to me and smiles. “S’alright, it’s already after sunrise, by how bright it is in here, I’m usually up by now anyway.” She slurs laying her head back down on my lap. “You, make a good pillow Hank.”

“I’ve been told.” I chuckle remembering all the times my younger cousins would come over for the weekend and stay the night. Even though they had their own sleeping bags I always became the human pillow for them. The memory causes me to shake my head and smile.

“So how’d ya sleep Z?” I ask Zecora, giving her a nickname.

“Z? And I slept really well, the best rest I had in ages. You?” She responds smirking at the nickname.

“Yeah I give people nicknames, if ya don’t like I'll stop callin’ ya by it. And I...Uh slept well…. I jus’ feel a bit strange.” Answering her question I take a deep breath in and exhale again, the feeling of my lungs working so well weirding me out.

“The nickname is fine, how do you feel strange though?” She sits up and looks at me with concern.

“Well I don’t know how ta explain it really, I jus’ feel good, really good, and that’s weird.”

“How can feeling good be weird?”

Noticing her look of confusion I start to explain. “Well, my breathing for example. With all the ash, smoke, and chemicals I’ve breathed in over the last year or so my breathing had gotten harder and harder, and I almost always woke up with some kind of dark phlegm in the back of my throat, but this mornin’ I ain’t got any of the nasty shit in my throat and it feels good to breathe.”

“That sounds dreadful. Why does it feel weird to have that gone now though? Isn’t that a good thing?” She asks perplexed.

“Yeah I guess, I had jus’ gotten use ta it though so I guess it feels weird ta breath so clearly again.” Taking note of my lack of breathing issues I started to notice none of the aches and throbs that came with being me were there anymore either. Even my recent injuries, that should have been killing me right now, felt like they never happened.

“Hey uh Z can ya hit me on the right bicep?”

“What? Why?” She asks slowly walking over to my right side, finally noticing the bandage. “Oh, Maker Hank, what happened here?”

“Long story, now can ya jus’ hit me hard on that bandage?” I ask wondering if what I was feeling was right

“No! Why would I do that? This wound is obviously bad, look at the blood soaked through the bandage.”

“Jus’ do it.” I push the Zebra. Sighing she gently presses on the bandage with her hoof.

Expecting pain I squint my eyes, but open them when I feel none. “Again but harder.” I finally say as I watch the zebra.

“I don’t want to hurt you Hank, there is no need for this.” Looking to me she frowns.

“I’m testin’ somethin’ and I needed somethin’ else to do it so my body don't expect it. Jus’ hit me again bit harder, it didn’t even hurt last time.

With a sigh she punches me on the arm. Again I only feel the initial soft punch and not the sharp pain that should have followed. “Huh.”

Grabbing the bandage I unwrap it and look to Zecora as she gasps. “My goodness, that scar, it’s huge!” She traces it with the tip of her hoof, the sensation causing me me shiver. “Oh I’m sorry, did it hurt?”

“N-no it didn’t hurt I trace the bubbled up line myself before slapping it. “That ain’t right.”

“What?”

“That scar...uhhhh… wasn’t a scar yesterday.” I nervously chuckle while inspecting my arm.

“What do you mean?” She asks not following.

“That scar wasn’t a scar yesterday, it was still a full blown gash. That’s why I had it bandaged.” Dropping my arm I look down to my left leg and hit it a few times. “Yep, no extreme soreness or near piss your pants pain there either. Say, Zecora?”

“Yes?” The zebra says staring at the scars on my right arm and shoulder.

“What was that white powderI put on my leg yesterday?” I ask while unbuttoning my pants and slipping them down.

“W-well it’s a symbiotic bacteria that works with the rare Zebrican desert lily.” She stutters.

Slowly turning my head to the blushing zebra I frown. “It’s a what? Because I thought ya jus’ said it was a bacteria.”
Slowly getting more and more anxious about what I have coursing through my veins at the moment Zecora picks up on my anxiety.

“Um it’s a bacteria, but it’s symbiotic!” She nervously chuckles, I just stare at her deadpan.

“Explain.”

“Well the bacteria infects the flower and gets inside it to reproduce and have a place to live.”

“Like all bacterial infections, I know this Z. What are the effects of the bacteria, apparently it heals so…” I wave my hand in a circular motion.

“The bacteria provides a defence from harmful infections for energy and a place to live. It also encourages damaged parts of the body to heal.”

“Okay so there are no bad symptoms.”

“None.”

“It don’t harm the host, only helps it in return for a place to live.”

“Right.”

“And I’m guessing that since it lives in the flower until the flower dies it has a way for telling the body not to get rid of it.”

“Yep.”

“So are all Zebras and ponies that get this in them turned into zebras and ponies with super above average healing?” I look down to my unwrapped leg and see four large scars but no open wounds, the sight making me a tad nervous.

“No of course not, the larger magic wells in zebras, griffin's, ponies, minotaurs, and all other larger sentient species will, along with the body’s natural immune system, flush out all bacterial and viral infections completely, but not instantaneously of course, we can still get quite sick.” She says in a practiced tone and ends with a smile. “I doubt the bacteria would have spread and affected the other parts of your body, let alone so efficiently and fast. Your magic should have already flushed it out of your system by now.

“I don’t got no magic.” I deadpan while pulling my pants back up, struggling to get them over my hips.

“You don’t have any magic.” She parrots while she stares of.

“Yeah, so that bacteria you told be to put in my deep cut has spread and infected the rest of my body and my immune system, and since I have no MAGIC or whatever. It ain’t gonna be out of my system and I don’t have a clue ta what it’s gonna do to me.”

“Oh.” She mumbles. “Woah, woah, woah. Wait a second. The desert lily that has an unusually low magic well, almost none. Almost needs this bacteria to survive, the flower almost has no defence against disease other than this bacteria and it’s does fine.

“Are you seriously comparing me to a delicate little flower?” I interrupt, not happy with the comparison.

“Yes, and if the flower can handle this, I’m sure you can too.” She smiles lightly hits me on the shoulder. “Crisis averted.”

“I guess.” With a sigh I zip up my pants and lean against the wall. “So I have an above average resistance to sickness, rate of healing, and I’ll eat more now.”

“Um yes…..I am so sorry Hank if I would have know I never woul-” I cut off Zecora’s rambling by closing her mouth with my hand.

“It’s...Ugh...fine I guess, I mean if it don’t hurt me or anybody else it’s fine, I jus’ don’t like the Idea of having something in my body I can’t get rid of, or my body can’t fight.” I rub my hand down my face cross my legs.

“I swear it won’t hurt you, the magic in ponies and most other live beings don’t let it spread, plus even if something does have a low magic signature there are no negative symptoms.”

“Alright then.” I get up and slide down from the loft into the bright lower level of the cabin, Kermit sitting on the sink waiting for more water probably.

“Can you um, help me down Hank? This is a bit of a far drop.”

“Oh, sure.” I reach one arm up and grab Zecora, my elbow not popping like usual.

Placing her on the floor I turn and walk back to the sink. “Again Hank I’m sorry, is there anything I can do to make it up too you, I don’t want you to be mad at me.” I hear Zecora ask from behind me, causing me to frown.

“I ain’t mad with ya Zecora, I’m jus’ uncomfortable with what happened, not exactly how I like ta start the day ya know?”

Filling the sink I watch Kermit crawl into the water where she floats around, bumping into the walls of the sink every now and again.

“Still, I don’t feel right. Plus you saved my life yesterday and I want to repay you for that as well, so is there anything I can do? Please?”

“If yer gonna keep askin’ all I have is one thing.” I say walking over to my cut up pants from yesterday. “All I have is to get these plants in the ground and that stuff put on em.” I fish around in the pocket grabbing all the seeds I could feel. “If ya could do that, it’d be great, but save some of that potion, I got six trees I want ta plant too. Can ya that for me?”

“Absolutely!”

“Great. I got things ta do fer some ponies so I’m gonna be leavin’ here in a sec.” I say as I walk around the cabin grabbing all my gear and putting it on. “After I get back we can work on gettin’ ya back home.” I look at my M16a4 in the cabinet and slowly place a hand on it, Picking up the best rifle in the world I caress it before grabbing a mag and sliding it in. Turning around I see that Zecora's face had gone into a frown

“But the Shucks.” She fearfully says.

“I know, that’s why I’m gonna kill ‘em all and you're gonna work on wildlife repellent, if that is a thing, so they don’t comeback.

“O-okay, I trust you.” She says getting her bottles and taking the seeds. “Show me where you want these seeds planted.”

Smiling I turn around and follow Zecora to the garden.

“Alright we all lined out now?” I say drinking some water from my canteen.

“Yes I do believe so.” She looks up to me before looking back to the tilled soil. “I still can’t believe you have a Goliath tree frog, and a Queen no doubt! Incredible.”

“Damnit Z if ya keep talkin’ about Kermit yer gonna turn inta her.” I chuckle and walk to my mountain bike and day pack filled with all the tools I’m going to need, along with a MRE and some extra water.

“I still have no idea how you’re supposed to balance on that thing, seems like a death trap.” I hear Zecora yell from the garden.

“All I need is speed baby.” I yell back, prompting Zecora to laugh and wave her hoof.

“Alright see ya.”

“Have a good day Hank.” Pushing down on the pedal I begin to pick up speed and shift through the gears until I was comfortably cruising through the trees. “Damn twenty miles an’ hour? Wonder how fast I could get this thing goin’ down that hill inta town?” Weaving through the trail I say as I watch the speedometer I jerry rigged onto the bike. “Bet I could get her ta eighty.” I laugh and pull out the 1911 incase I get jumped.

Arriving at the ‘Y’ I look right and see Fluttershy tending to the flowers in front of her house. Pedaling over the bridge I glide next to the tree and squeeze the brakes. “Mornin’ Ma’am.” I greet getting off my bike and putting my pistol back in my waistband.

“Eeep!” She jumps into the air before landing back on the ground with her hooves over her head.

“Ya alright Miss?”

“Oh, H-Hank it’s you, you just startled me i-is all.” She says, still not any less scared.

Taking my pack off my back I notice her following my every move. “You’re scared of me ain’t ya?” I ask walking to the door and setting down my bag.

“Um...N-no….yes. Sorry.” She whispers just loud enough for me to hear.

“It’s fine, really I’m honestly surprised the animal lover decided ta even look at me without throwin' up, let alone hire me ta fix her door.” Taking my supplies out of the bag and setting them on the ground I say, the yellow pony sitting back upright, but not getting any closer. “I ain’t gonna bite ya know. Ya were right next ta me yesterday and ya didn’t seem ta have a problem.”

She stays silent and keeps sitting on the ground staring at me. “You mind me openin’ your door Ma’am?” I ask, trying to be polite.

Not getting a response I finally turn and see the pony staring at me. “Ya alright?” I follow her gaze and see that it’s stuck on my left arm.

“This is why I don’t like short sleeves.” I grumble and pick up a small dirt clod before gently throwing it to her hooves, the scattered dirt making her jump.

“It ain’t polite ta stare.” I turn and slap the door with my hand. “Now can I open your door Miss?”

Looking up to me she stutters out ‘yes’ before looking to the ground.

Rolling my eyes I open the door I start to pry the nails out of the wood with my hammer.

On the last hinge the silence is broken with the hoof steps and the voice of the small pegasus. “I-I’m S-sorry for staring, I-I didn’t mean to upset you.” She apologizes cautiously walks over next to me before sitting down.

“It’s fine.” I say focusing on the work and not the conversation.

“N-no it’s not! I should of considered you may not be comfortable with them and not started.”

“Everybody makes mistakes, you ain’t exempt from that, and I ain’t neither. It’s fine.” The door comes loose and I start to remove the nails in the hinges connected to the door.

“So y-you aren’t mad?”

“Not more than I usually am, no.”

The silence between us growing again, I work in peace as the pony watches me before I get a question. “As I was sayin’ before. Why don’t ya hate me? Yer obviously an animal lover and me killing three animals, an’ a pony in front of ya surely can’t leave a good impression.” I ask the pony, as I sit down criss cross with the door on my lap.

“I don’t agree with any killing, b-but When a animal or a pony only want’s to harm or k-kill-” She shivers at the word. “-another it is best if they are put down if they cannot be reasoned with.”

Nodding along I look to the pony. “So you think what I did was right?”

“I-I wish it didn’t have to happen the way it did but it was clear those wolves and pony only wanted to hurt others.”

“I honestly didn’t think ya’d be the one to say that, no offence of course. Ya jus’ seem like the shy quiet one.” I look back down to the door and trace out where I want to put the hinges.

“I-I am the quiet one in our group, I always get talked over.” She sighs.

“Well let em’ talk over ya. It ain’t bad ta hang back and listen.” I reply understanding where she was coming from.

“Y-you think so?” She says looking up to me with those huge eyes of her’s.

“Damn right, I know so.” I say as I look into her eyes. “Here’s a piece of advice out of a old nursery rhyme.” I clear my throat and think about how it went.

“There once was an old owl who lived in an oak the more he saw the less he spoke, the less he spoke the more he heard. Why can’t we all be as wise as that old bird?" I think for a second before nodding. "Folk anymore always want ta be heard, but I’m a firm believer that it is better to listen than ta talk.” I hum and chuckle before returning to the task at hand.

“I never looked at it that way before.”

“Well there ya go, ya learn somethin’ new every day.” I smile to the pony before looking back down to the door.

Fluttershy excusing herself she walked away repeating the rhyme I had told her. Working on the door for around an hour getting the areas where the hinges would be seated in the door and the frame I was getting the holes finished as I heard a clank from inside.

Stopping what I was doing I looked right to she Fluttershy walking toward me from the kitchen area with a tray on her back. Sheepishly smiling at me she stops and somehow gets the tray of lemonade and lemon cookies of her back, setting it on the ground.

“Y-you seemed hot, so I thought I’d bring you some lemonade and cookies for a break.” She scuffs the ground with her hoof as I stare to the cookies and lemonade.

“Are ya sure it’s no inconvenience?” I ask not wanting to seem needy.
“Oh no, of course not that’s why I offered, you’ve been working for an hour in the hot sun, covered in all that...gear” She gulps looking to the hatchet on my belt. “and I wanted to make sure you don’t get dehydrated.”

“Well thank ya Miss, as long as you stay and enjoy some of your labor I will to.” I turn and sit, my back against the door frame.

“That sure is an interestin’ way of getting yer uh… ‘Cutie mark’ was it?” I say polishing off my lemonade.

“I know, ponies always find theirs somehow, but I literally fell into mine.” She quietly laughs and slowly sips on her lemonade. “So what is your special talent Hank?”

The question catches me off guard. “Well Fluttershy humans don’t really got a way of tellin’ what their special talent is, some never find it. But for me I’ve always admired bein’ a ‘jack of all trades’, master of none type ya know?” She nods her head with a smile. “But is I got ta say it would have ta be a race between survivin’ and killin’, as bad as that sounds.”

Fluttershy looks a tad nervous at my statement. “I promise I don’t kill fer no reason, but in my world, my old world, both those things were an everyday part of life, jus’ like eatin’ and breathin’. Where do ya think all these scars came from?”

“I-I guess I didn’t expect you to have to …..kill and fight for your life everyday, it sounds terrible.” She worriedly looks up to me and sets down her glass. “How did you make it through that?”

“I nut up or shut up. Did things I didn’t want ta do but that I had ta. Stopped caring fer other people’s well bein' and jus’ focused on mine. But most of all I enjoyed the little things.” I look up to the trees and smile.

“Jus’ the small things that reminded ya of how things were before it went ta hell in a handbasket, small things like the sunrise and sunset, a smell that reminds ya of yer ma’s cookin’, stuff like that I guess.” I shrug and pour myself half a glass more of lemonade.

“Oh…”

“Well I’mma get yer door done so ya don’t get unwanted visitors in the night.” I down the glass and get back up.

Pounding the last nail into place I smile and stand up before backing away. “Another job well done.” I nod satisfied as the breeze blows through cooling the sweat on my face and arms.

“Hey Fluttershy! Yer doors done!” I call out before I hear something walking from the other side of the house.

“Oh my! You’re already done? But it only took you two hours!”

“Yeah sorry ‘bout that, I’m a tad rusty when it comes ta fixin’ things.” I explain, as I pick up my supplies and start putting them back in the bag.

“I-it’s fine! It usually would of took a repair pony three hours at least to finish what you did.” She surprisedly exclaims walking over to her door and opening it and closing it a few times before turning around, a confused look on her face. “The hinges don’t squeak anymore.”

“Yep I had a can of spray grease in my shed so I thought I’d bring it in case. Glad I did, those things were squeakin’ up a storm.” I laugh and throw the bag back on before picking up my M16a4 and putting it over my shoulder. “Have a good day now Fluttershy.” I wave and start to walk over to my bike before something latches onto the bag of my pant leg.

Turning around and looking down I see Fluttershy with my pants in her mouth “You Uh… Need somethin’?”
Spitting out my pants she blushes and looks down to the ground. “I-I still need to pay y-you.”

“No ya don’t.” I cross my arms and look down to Fluttershy who looks up to me.

“Yes I do! I’m not going to let you work without being paid!” She takes three coins out of her hair and holds it up in one hoof. “Here, I know you said ten bit’s an’ hour but here's thirty.”

“No ya already gave me great food and drink, plus a great conversation. That’s worth more than thirty bits in my book so keep it, I don’t got a need for coin anyway.” I push her hoof back down to her before turning back around.

“A-are you sure?”

“Positive.” I start to walk away again before something grabs onto my waist. Looking down again I see Fluttershy hugging me with her face pressed into my shirt. Damn these ponies sure are grabby, and trusting, and adorable. I think before I hear her start to inhale and sniff my shirt.

Wat?

“Uhhhhh.” I speechlessly drone, clueless as to why anyone would want to smell me. “Did you jus’ smell me?” I ask unsettled.

Breaking the hug and going back down on all fours she looks up to me with a slight tinge of red to her cheeks. “Um s-sorry, your cologne just smells r-really good a-and I couldn’t help myself.”

“Uhhhhhhhhhhhh” I’m not wearing any cologne, I just smell like sweat, and it not really that bad, maybe I should've taken a shower this morning.

“Well that would be all good and all but I’m not wearing cologne, does pony cologne smell like that.” Her face drops and her cheeks deepen in color as she starts to sputter.

“O-only the really good stuff, and it only smells half that g-good.” She meeps and hides behind her hair before looking back out. “Y-you just smell like that naturally?”

“Well I suppose.” I grab my shirt and smell it. “Yeah that’s jus’ kinda what I smell like when I sweat, and I’m barely sweatin’ honestly. Ya should see me after I get done runnin’, I’m drenched.” I laugh.

“O-oh my.”

We stand still and awkwardly silent before I finally clap my hands. “Well Flutters I’m gonna get goin’, I gotta job to do fer the Apples.” I point over my shoulder and grab my bike.

“Oh! Wait!” She snaps out of her stupor and rushes up to me. “Um can you walk me t-to Ponyville, I’m too scared to walk alone.” She explains with shame in her voice.

“Hey it’s no problem Flutters some folk are lovers not fighters.” I kneel down to her level and pat her on the shoulder. “I’m going that way anyways, how ya gettin’ back though?”

“Oh! Me and the girls are having a sleepover at Twilight’s place tonight so I can walk most of the way back with AppleJack tomorrow morning.”

“Ah okay then.” I stand back up.

“Oh thank you Hank, let me go get my stuff, I already told the animals to behave and set their food out.” She rushes off into her house as I stand there and chuckle while shaking my head.

“So damn cute.” I take my rifle from my back and and make sure it’s loaded before slinging it so it’s held by my neck but still able to be used.

“Okay I’m ready.” I look behind me and see fluttershy tightening her saddle bags. “Let’s get a move on then."

Both of us quietly walking down the road enjoying the calm breeze and the nice weather, my bike making rapid clicking sounds as I push it along, I could notice fluttershy stealing glances of my arms before looking away and blushing. “S-so Hank what is that thing around your neck?”

“Oh this.” I slap the rifle.

“Mhm.”

“It’s my favorite, well second favorite gun I own. The first being my revolver.” I slip the .357 out if its holster before putting it back in.

“Why’s that?” She looks to me confused.

“Well other than me always loving the M16, it has a lot of good...and bad memories connected to it.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I’ll give ya the abridged version. So there I was the new guy in the National Guard camp, and the only main gun I had with me was my Ar-15, another rifle, but the boss wanted me ta have somethin’ better.” I smile as I remember John digging through the armory, trying to find me a better rifle. “And they we’re all outta M4’s. John, being the persistent bastard he was wouldn’t stop until he found me a rifle.” Stopping my story I adjust the sling before continuing. “Soon enough he found an M16a4, this’n, and he gave it to me. Honestly I like this rifle way better than any M4, but this rifle is long and ain’t good fer clearing out houses, and that’s why they had it layin’ around.”

“I at first told him ta jus’ convert my Ar so it could be full auto but the armorer had died and none of us knew how ta do that, so I jus’ got ol’ bess here and I ain’t never looked back. Plus I have the most kills with this rifle so.” Fluttershy shrinks back at the word.

“O-oh so you use that one the most, you didn’t have it yesterday.” She points out and I nod.

“I used ta use this’n the most but after the National Guard post…..fell I put her away fer safe keepin’. Today though I was feelin’ good and thought why not enjoy the day ta it’s fullest extent by usin’ the gun I love.”

Finishing our conversation I see Apple Bloom and her brother looking at us from the entrance to their orchard.

“Hey Hank!” Apple Bloom yells and excitedly waves to me.

“Howdy Apple Bloom, whatta y’all doin’ today?” I respond as we stop and I lean my bike against the fence.

“Since our sisters are having a sleepover me and the Crusaders are too! We’re on the way ta get em’ now!” She ends her explanation with a little jump.

“Well if y’all are headin’ that a-way now me and Flutters here are too, why don’t ya tag along?” I propose while taking the sling off of my neck and just holding my rifle normally.

“Whatta say Mac?” AB asks while looking up to her big brother.

“Eeeyup.”

“Ight’ then let’s get ta goin’.” We start to walk, albeit a little bit slower so Apple Bloom could keep up. Three or so minutes I could tell AB was staring at the scar on my face because I could hear her brother whispering to her to stop staring at me. Finally she got fed up and hit her brother on the leg with her hoof and turned to me.

“How did ya get that scar on yer face Hank?” She finally asks getting her brother to angrily whisper her name.

I chuckle before shaking my head. “I was wonderin’ when ya were gonna ask I could see ya eyein’ me.” The revelation gets AppleBloom to falter. “Oh I’m sorry.”

“Nothin ta me sorry bout’. If I don’t want ta answer I won’t but the big scar on my face is actually a pretty funny story.” I scratch behind my ear and cough. “So I bet ya thinkin’ that I got this scar in a knife fight or somethin’ cool like that right?”

“Yeah!”

“Well I wish that were the truth but what really happened was I was rushin’ down some old metal stars in a apartment buildin’ and literally right after I thought ‘I need ta be careful these stairs ain’t in good shape’ I tripped and got my face gashed open on the old hand rail.” I laugh and slap my leg.

“Man that night I felt like a dumb ass as I was stitchin’ myself back up.” I smile and snort.

“That musta really hurt.” AppleBloom says looking a little green along with fluttershy, Mac just had a pained look on his face.

“Nah, I’ve felt way worse pain than that.” I causally wave my hand.

“Like on yer arms.” AppleBloom casually says making me pause and rub my arms.

“Uh... Yeah.”

Reaching the end in the woods and the beginning of the descent into Ponyville I stop and look down to the confused ponies.

“Why are you stopping Hank?” Fluttershy quietly asks.

“I ain’t goin’ into town. I saw how they looked at me when I killed those wolves and that pony, don’t matter I saved one, they still looked at me like some monster. Plus I don’t want ta get into a fight with those golden assholes, they seem like the type that are just itchin’ to scrap with me.”

“Y-you killed a pony?” AppleBloom asks looking nervous.

“Yep, guy tried ta stab the darker of the two princesses and then almost killed another pony with a rose on her butt.” I explain.

“I h-heard from Lily that she’s making a good recovery.” Fluttershy adds making me nod.

“Really? Great, I didn’t know if those guards would get her to the hospital in time.”

I shuffle around awkwardly before jostling my rifle around. “So uh Y’all goin’ or……”

“Oh!”
“Oh!” Fluttershy and AppleBloom say at the same time before the filly continues “Will you be here when we’re walkin’ back to the farm?”

“I can be, why?”

“Well I want to introduce ya to the other Crusaders and I can’t do that if yer not here.”

“I’m gonna be at the farm workin’ on the barn, I’ll be there before y’all even get back.”

“But I want ta introduce ya as soon as possible. Pleaseeeeeeeeeee?” She looks at me with huge puppy dog eyes.

“Cut those eye’s out they ain’t workin’.”

“Awwwwww.”

I sigh and smile down to the filly. “But I’ll be here if ya want me ta be.”

“YAY!” She jumps in the air again, causing her bow to bounce around.

“Now Y’all better get goin’.” I smile as AB and Mac start their way down the hill but frown when I see Fluttershy still standing next to me. “Somethin’ wrong Flutters?”

“N-no I just wanted to thank you again for walking with me to town and fixing my door.” She scratches at the ground with her hoof.

“No problem, thank you the companionship and great treats, means a lot ta me.” I say as we both stand still looking at the town below.

“A-are you sure you couldn’t walk into town with me?” She asks looking up to me and causing me to sigh.

“Yeah I’m sure, I don’t want ponies thinkin’ yer bad for bein’ around me. Plus if yer scared I can still make sure yer safe until ya get inta town. Bess here has a pretty far reach.” I pat the rifle.

“O-okay Hank. Oh would you mind if I came by your place sometime?”

Pausing for a second I start to think no before I change my mind. “Sure I’ll tell the cats that you’re cool, but I don’t recommend bringin' the bear, they don’t seem ta like other predators.”

“That’s no problem Barry went back into the Everfree, he likes to hunt for his own food and that usually takes a week or so.” She explains before rearing up and hugging me again.

Getting down, a blush on her face she turns and starts to walk away. “B-bye Hank.”

“See ya later Flutters, have fun at the sleepover.” I wave to her and turn around after she waves back. Deciding to climb a tree so I can watch Fluttershy better I Look to my right and see a perfect candidate. “Perfect.”

Positioned perfectly in the tree to remain mostly hidden but also to have good visibility I lazily track Fluttershy until she reaches the town. Taking my attention from the meek pegasus I start to watch the road for AppleBloom and her friends.

After ten or so minutes and no sign of the fillies or Clifford the big red pony I rest my head against the tree and close my eyes. I love this part of summer. I smile as I think about warm weather and the storms that were always fun to play in. God I miss my family. Leaning my head back onto the tree I start to zone out before the sound of two things moving around the bottom of the tree bring me back to reality.

Slowly looking down I see two wooden wolves sniffing around the base of the tree. Not to make a sound I position my rifle down toward them and flip it to semi auto. Making sure both shots would be fast and on target I switch between the two wolves before aiming for the back of their heads.

Just as one wolf was about to look up I squeeze off two shots taking them both out with tags to the back of their heads. The unsuppressed shots ringing out for a while I look back to the town and see all the ponies have stopped what they were doing and were looking to the woods in my direction, looking closer I saw Two guards running up the hill to where Mac and the three girls were at their position almost to where I was.

Slinging my rifle and climbing to a more hidden part of the tree I listened as the two guards reached the four ponies.

“Are you folks alright?” One guard asks as the other makes his way up the hill until he sees the two dead wolves

“Eeeyup.” Elegantly answers Mac.

“We have two dead Timberwolves here.” The other points out and moves directly under the tree.

“Well it had to of been that monster, only that thing makes sounds like that. Probably killing for sport.” The other angrily says and starts to move away from Mac and Co.

“Hank’s not a monster! He’s actually pretty nice when ya get ta know him!” Applebloom steps away from the rest of the group and defends me, causing a small smile to grow on my face.

“How would you know little filly?” The guard sternly questions causing Applebloom to shrink back as he walks toward her.

“I-I-I.” She fearfully stutters as she backs up until she runs into the orange one.

The guard still walking forward toward her Mac steps in front of her and in the way of the guard. The guard looking up and seeing he was a head shorter than Mac backs up and makes his way over to his friend.

“Why you have to scare a filly like that Bolt?” The regular guard that was already at the tree asks the pegasus as he walks up.

“Because Clover she obviously knows something about this monster and the more we know about it the more likely we are to capturing it.” He snaps back only making me madder at the pegasus.

“He hasn’t done anything wrong yet Bolt, I keep tellin’ you, the princess herself sent a message through her student, Twinkle or something, saying that he is owed fifty thousand bits.”

“Horseapples, that’s as much as I make in a year! Why should some monster get paid that much!? Huh!?”

“Maybe because when something actually did happen we all just stood there like statues, If it weren't for him that flower mare would of died and so would the rest of the town. You know we couldn’t take on a Shuck, let alone two of em’.” He says while staring deadpan at the pegasus.

“Pft. We could of taken those wolves and saved that flower mare.” He waves his hoof and looks down noticing the two empty casings.

“I sure didn’t see you stepping up Bolt. All I know is that after he bucking snapped that wolves spine and bashed it’s face in he swooped in like some doctor and bought us enough time to get her to the hospital.”

“You’re talking about him like some kind of hero.”

“Well in that mare’s eyes I’m sure he his, because I know none of us did nothin’ to save anypony that day.”

“Still, it’s a monster and it needs to be stopped. So what if it helped a few ponies? It’s probably just trying to get into everypony’s head to make them think it’s a good pony.” He dismisses and lowers his head down to the casings.

“You’re unbelievable. You’ve been listening to all those rumors too much.”

“Rumors? I don’t know about you but I can definitely see that thing luring fillies into the Everfree and eating them alive.”

Upon hearing the last statement my anger had only risen at ‘Bolt’. Slowly moving to the lowest branch just behind the two I even more cautiously lowered myself to the ground without the two noticing me.

Looking over my shoulder I saw AppleBloom and Mac smiling while the other two fillies were peeking out from behind Mac’s legs, watching me with wide eyes.

Winking I turned back around and cleared my throat. “One thing I don’t like bein’ called is a monster.” The two ponies froze before they both slowly turned around with wide eyes and fear stricken faces. “What’s the matter Bolt? Suddenly not the tough guy ya thought ya were?”

The ponies face slowly turns from fear to anger. “I’ll show you who the tough guy is.” He reaches to his side and pulls out his sword with his mouth.

“Bolt don’t be a dumb flank, he can obviously beat you seven ways to Sunday, just look at how big his arms are.” he points a hoof to my arms while looking to Bolt. “No offence but you ain’t exactly strapping in the muscle department.” I snort and chuckle making Bolt growl.

“Size doesn't matter!” He says from around his sword before he rushes forward. Stepping to the side and holding my foot out I trip him causing the pony to collide head first into the ground dropping his sword.

Surprised at how easy that was I turn to Clover. “Really? Is he actually mentally deficient?”

“I think about that everyday.” He shakes his head in shame and sighs.

Looking back to where Bolt was lying I see him groggily getting back up. Walking over to him I kick him back to the ground before holding him up in the air with the strap on the back of his armor with one hand while holding his sword in the other.

“Ya shoulda listened to yer friend Bolt, he seems sensible and not at all egotistical, unlike somebody.”

“How would a monster know what sensible is? All you probably know killing, raping, and terrorizing innocent ponies.” He angrily spouts and starts to hit my arm with his hoof trying to get me to drop him.

Did this fucker really just say what I though he did? Because now it’s getting a bit hard to control my anger. I think staring at Bolt, my breathing starting to get heavier.

“S-sir?” I hear a voice and snap out of my staring. Finally seeing what I was staring at, I see Bolt with his hooves tucked into his body and shaking. Dropping the sword in my right hand let go of the strap on his armor and instead hold him by his neck with my left causing struggled choking sounds to come from the scared pony.

“You have no idea how good at killin’ I am, what ya saw two days ago was nothin’.” I growl tightening my grip on his throat. “As what I do ta rapists…. I make hell look like a fuckin’ five star resort.” I start to walk to Mac and AppleBloom before I stop and see them all looking at me with fear.

“Now somethin’ contrary to popular belief to me eatin’ fillies alive I actually quite like kids. Now I want you ta apologize ta them for scarin’ them.” I take my hand from around him throat and forcefully drop him to the ground. “Apologize.”

“I-I’m s-sorry for s-scaring you.” He shakily says to AppleBloom making her puff out her chest.

“Do you accept his apology little filly?” I look to AppleBloom who looks back up to me.

“Yes.”

“Great. glad this problem sorted itself out.” I pick Bolt back up by the strap. “Now I have a message for your sergeant or who ever has that big ass red mohawk. Ya listenin’?”

He rapidly shakes head up and down. “Good and the message is.” I lean in and whisper directly into his ear making him shiver. “If he sends anyone into the woods trying ta kill or capture me, they won't come back.” I pull my head away from his ear. “Got it?”

He once again rapidly shakes his head up and down. “No nonono, I’m gonna need some vocal confirmation on this one. Got it?

“Y-yes S-sir.”

“Good job.” I switch my grip on the back strap and place a hand on his ass before swinging him backwards and throwing him down the hill with all my might.

Watching him open his wings, he still hits the ground hard and rolls before getting back up and running back into town, his tail between his legs. Looking behind me I see Clover switch his gaze from where his friend went to me.

“I got a few questions for you.” I start to walk toward Clover as he takes a step back.
“None a that. I ain’t gonna hurt ya, I did that to yer friend because he scared somebody I care about.” I walk over to the dropped sword and inspect it. “Now what was that about fifty thousand bits er somethin’?”

“O-oh W-well.” He clears his throat and hits his chest a few times “By the royalty and nobility protection act of…. A long time ago. If a pony saves a member of nobility from peril they get a rate for how many they saved. You on the other hand saved two princess, the Elements of Harmony and pretty much the whole town so a stamped document from Princess Luna, co signed by Princess Celestia came in this morning telling that if you showed up to give you the reward.” His speech ends and he takes a deep breath.

“That a lotta bits?” I ask still not knowing how currency here was seen.

“Uh yeah. It’s enough to live comfortably in Ponyville for a year in a nice house.” He states matter of factly.

“Damn. Wait how’d I know this ain’t some trap ta lure me inta town were ’all will throw me in a dungeon or somethin’?” Suspicious I Lean against the tree and take my rifle from my back, putting back on 3 round burst.

“Look sir, I was there when you saved that mare, I saw how you comforted her while you saved her. I don’t about everypony else but I’m glad you were there that day, and I swear on my own behalf that what I’m telling you is true.”

Surprised at the ponies gumption I look to him and turn the sword around so I'm holding it by the blade. “I appreciate that and ya don’t gotta call me sir, ya can call me Hank.” I hold by hand out.

Putting the blade down he cautiously raised his hoof up to my hand. Grabbing his hoof we shake hands and nod to one another.

“Now where do I go ta claim this?”

“All you gotta do is go to the bank and sign a form saying you’re claiming it, after that you can create an account to keep it in or you can have the physical coin.” He answers as I stand back up straight.

“Alright then, I’ll be by… eventually. I dunno. I got things ta do.” He nods and starts to walk away. “I’m gonna want ya ta be there with me though, since you swore on yer own behalf I’m gonna hold ya to it.” I say, the guard turning his head while still walking away.

“I’d have it no other way, when you come into town I’m sure I’ll see you.” He chuckles and turns back around.

“Okay then, see ya later Clover.” I wave.

“Bye Hank.” I watch as he makes it down the hill before switching my attention to the group.

“Y’all ready ta get goin’?” I ask picking up the two casings and throwing the Timberwolves into the woods.

“Yep!” AppleBloom peeps and starts walking up the hill toward me, Big mac and the others following.

“That was so Awesome!” The orange one rushes up to me and starts jumping around getting me to smile. “You were just like ‘what’s wrong ain’t the tough guy you thought you were’ and then he rushed you with a SWORD and you tripped him and picked him up like he weighed nothing! It was so cool!” She says as she bounces around me.

“Stop yer bouncin’ yer makin’ me dizzy.” I say with a smile the filly stopping but still following right beside me. “And you’re so big and tall!”

“Yeah what’s it like bein’ so tall Hank?” Applebloom chimes in.

“Wanna find out?” I look to the filly how looks up to me with wide eyes.

“Could I?!” She jumps and I stop walking. “Sure, just come here.”

Looking over to Mac I look at him silently asking if it was okay, looking at me and back to Applebloom he nods.

“Alight c’mere.” I kneel down and pick her up before putting her on my shoulders, the filly laughing. “You holdin’ on AB?”

“Yep!”

“Okay up we go.” I slowly stand and start to walk down the road.

“Whoaaaaaaa. I can see everythin’ from up here!” She bounces on my shoulders.

“Really? I wanna see too!” The orange one from says from beside me.

“AppleBloom I don’t believe ya ever introduced me ta yer friends.”

“Oh you’re right!” I feel her moving around on my shoulders. “That there is Scootaloo” She points to the orange and purple haired pegasus next to me. “and Sweetie Belle is over there by Big Mac. She points to pure white unicorn filly who shrinks back as I look to her.

“Alright AB I think it’s time somebody else got a turn.”

“Awwwww.” She says as I gently grab her and put her down.

“No belly achin’ I’m sure I’ll give ya another piggy back ride again sometime.” AppleBloom sarcastically pouts but ends up smiling. “Alright you wanna go next Scootaloo?” I ask the energetic filly who jumps and buzzes her wings.

“Yes!”

Picking up Scootaloo in one hand I place her on my shoulders where she grabs onto my head and buzzes again. “This. Is. Amazing! You have to try this Sweetie Belle, It’s like you can see forever!” Instead of bouncing around on my shoulders like AppleBloom I could tell Scootaloo was relaxing with the extra weight on top my head and the slow breathing.

“Ya like it up there Scootaloo?” I ask the filly, who doesn’t immediately responding but takes a minute.

“Yeah, this is great.” She sighs.

“Well I’m sorry ta ruin it fer ya but We’re almost to the orchard and Sweetie Belle ain’t gone yet.”

“Oh, Okay.” She answers as I gently grab her and set her down. “Thank you Hank.”

“No problem kid.” I smile before looking back to the unicorn filly. “Do you want ta go or do ya wanna pass?” I ask the nervous pony who looks to the ground.

“I’ll p-pass.”

“Oh c’mon Sweetie Belle it’s really cool!” AppleBloom pushes making the white unicorn shrink back farther.

“No, if she don’t want ta do it she don’t have ta.” I say as we reach the door to the orchard, the fillies looking to Mac who only nods, not a second later the fillies run off toward the house and barn.

Grabbing my bike and pushing it along it was just me and Mac silently walking next to each other until he broke the silence. “Thank you.”

“For what.”

“Fer everythin’ you’ve done. Savin’ those fillies, savin’ the town and mah sister. Agreein’ ta fix the barn fer cheap.”

“I actually wasn’t planin’ on chargin’ fer it, you folks have been the only ones other than two others… well three, ta give me work or trust me. It means a whole hell of a lot more ta me than ya think.” I say as I keep looking ahead.

“Well Ah can’t say Ah wasn’t suspicious of ya before but now Ah can firmly say that I’m glad that yer aroun’.” He stops and raises his hoof. “Names Macintosh but ponies call me Big Mac, though I’d prefer If ya jus’ called me Mac.”
Stopping I lean over a little and grab his hoof. “Usually folks jus’ call me Hank but an old nickname a mine is Doc Harmacy or Doc fer short, jus’ call me what ya want.” We shake hand and hoof staring into each other's eyes before we both nod and break the shake.

“So you ain’t one ta talk much are ya?” I ask as we resume our walk back down the path.

“Eeeeeyup, it ain’t that Ah don’t like talkin’, Ah jus’ enjoy listenin’ more.”

“I can agree ta that, I’ve been doin’ too much talkin’ in these last few days anyhow.” We stay silent for a bit longer until I see Mac look up to me from the corner of my eye.

“Ah must say, it’s kinda refreshin’ ta have ta look up ta somepony after always havin’ ta look down.” He chuckles.

“Yeah I have a feelin’ I’m gonna get tired of looked down after a while.” I sigh.

“Well ya are a giant so.”

“Compared ta ponykind, yes I am, honestly though most you guys are below or right at my waist. You on the other hand are...” I look to Mac. “probably just above my naval, yer pretty big fer a pony ain’t cha.

“Eeeyup.” The barn comes into view and we start to split up.

“Well Mac I’ll see ya around but I gotta get ta work.”

“Eeeyup, I’m goin’ ta help AJ in the North orchard if ya need ta ask any questions Granny should be inside.”

“Roger that.” I turn and lean my bike against a tree before looking to the rotting barn side and sighing.

“I always loved breakin’ things’.” I widely smile setting my pack down and grabbing a crowbar and a hammer.

<><><> five hours later <><><>

Standing back with my hands on my hips I wipe the sweat from my forehead in a feeble attempt to keep the sweat out of my eyes. Work in a plate carrier and full kit was never fun but I had gotten used to it. Running out of dry space on my torn tee shirt I had resorted to shaking my head like a dog to keep my hair partially dry.

“Damn sonny already got all the old boards stripped off.” Granny smith says stopping next to me a look of amazement on her face.

“Yep, boards were damn near rotted through in some spots, real easy ta remove from the inside, hell I punched a few boards out.” I nod and point to the four by fours and two by four frame. “Who ever build this frame build this place like a damn fortress though, never seen four by fours placed two feet apart before.”

“That’d been my husband, he said if he was goin’ ta build somethin’ it was gonna last long after him. Plus it was our house and barn fer a while so we wanted it ta be good and sturdy.” She explains a far off look in her eyes.

“I’m guessin’ he’s the one who decided to have a two foot thick and two foot tall cobblestone foundation fer the walls to.”

“He sure was, I remember him carrin’ wagon load after wagon load up from the river to make it, he even made his own mortar, he was a real stallion.” The far off look in her eyes and day dreamy tone fade as she looks to me.

“Speakin’ of real stallions you smell four times stronger than any stallion I’ve ever met.” She says nudging me with her elbow in the leg.

“That a good thing?” I ask suddenly self conscious about my body odor and how well these ponies could apparently smell it.

“Is that a good thing?” She scoffs “Colt yer gonna drive the fillies crazy smellin’ a quarter strong as you are now. They bottle that scent or try ta in Prance for a aphrodisiac but it don’t smell no where near as good as you.” She says as I start to worry.

“HOOO boy, yer gonna have plenty of luck with the mares.” She laughs and turns around, my face falling at the revelation.”

Another problem for another day.

“Say granny ya got a ruler er somethin’ I ain't got a clue how y’all measure distance and I’d like ta know before I start cuttin’.” I ask, the elderly mare turning around.

“I thought what ya said sounded funny, but I didn’t know if it was jus’ my old ears.” She disappears into the house only to reappear holding a rectangular piece of wood out of the kitchen window. “Here ya go sonny!” She waves it around as I walk over and grab it.

“Thanks Granny.” I thank and walk back to my bag.

“Where is it….god damn….fu- Ah there ya are.” I say, tape measure in hand.

Pulling about a foot of length out I hold the ruler next to the tape. “Really now?” I hum looking at the tape and ruler. “A Centi-hoof is the same as one inch but whatever a foot is ta ponies is only ten inches. So that means a Kilo Hoof is shorter than a mile but equivalent to a mile. These ponies really ain’t made ta run far at one time.” I muse putting ruler down next to my bag but clipping the tape to my belt. Pausing for a second and looking to the sun's position in the sky I decide to call it a day and just to get back to the orchard early tomorrow with some charged batteries to power my saw. Maybe I’ll bring the war horse tomorrow I smile before the sound of the screen door closing startles me.

“You done fer the day Hank?” Granny asks as she walks toward me with a glass of tea on her back.

“Yes, thought I’d jus’ come by early tomorra’ and work until the sun goes down or I get done.” I answer and put my bag back on.

“Well ya better not leave yet sonny, I’m fixing dinner right now and I’m fixin’ some fer you too.” She hoofs me the glass of tea that I immediately down and moan.

“Granny I’m afraid I’m gonna have ta decline, I don’t want ta intrude and I know not everyone here is comfortable with me.” I say while handing the ruler and glass back to her.

“Well they can get over it. I know ya ain’t bad, heck even Mac likes ya and he’s more protective of his family than anypony I know. So fer you ta get on his good side so fast means somethin’.”

“Still I don’t want ta intrude.”

“Well I don’t care what ya want ta do, yer eatin’ with us, Got it!”

“Yes Granny.” I don’t dare say no.

“Good, it’s five thirty now and we’re all eatin’ at six.”

I was confused to as why everyone was eating at six with AJ supposed to be at the sleepover. “Ain’t Applejack suppose ta be headed ta a sleepover or somethin’?” I ask Granny who looks down to the ground.

“Yes she is, I told that filly ta stop workin’ and go enjoy herself fer a night but she said that she was behind on apple bucking so she would have ta pass on the slumber party. I could tell she really wanted ta go but she convinced herself ta stay home and work.” Granny says exasperated.

“I could walk her there after supper, ain’t a big deal.”

“Really? It’d be dark and ya said not ta be out after dark.”

“Yes an’ I know ta practice what ya preach but, I got plenty of practice fightin’ in the dark so I may be an exception. Plus it’s a twenty minute walk at a slow pace if we hurried along we could make it there in no time.” I argue as I follow Granny into the house where the smell of a home cooked meal and the sounds of children playing overtook my senses. “Alright, I’ll see what AJ says.”

“No problem.” Making my way into the kitchen I see Mac, Applejack and the girls already sitting at the table, Applejack looking a little down trodden.

“Howdy Mac.” I sit on the floor next to the red pony.

“Howdy Hank, get them boards stripped off?” He asks.

“Sure did, gonna get the new boards nailed up and painted tomorra’ hopefully.”

“Ya sure got done with strippin’ em fast.”

“Well from what I’ve heard about these builder ponies, if I worked any slower than them I’d be a cripple so.” I get a laugh from Mac before we both notice how quiet the rest of the room had gotten.

“What?”
“What?” We both ask at the same time at the wide eyed ponies staring at us. “Ah don’t think Ah’ve ever heard ya talk that much at one time Mac.” Applejack says in amazement looking to her brother.

“Eeeeyup.” He responds getting his sister to shake her head.

“Here’s food everypony, eat up!” Granny places down plate after plate of delicious smelling, and looking, food on the table. Waiting until last to get food I look up to Granny. “How’d y’all view drink at the table?” I ask

“Ya mean alcohol?” She looks up to me.

“Yes.”

“As long as ya drink in moderation I ain’t got a problem with it, my husband always liked ta have a drink at the end of a long day.”

“Me and yer husband would have gotten along nicely Granny.” I add slipping my bag and rifle off of my back and digging around for my flask.

“Ya have no idea.” She chuckles.

Finding the flask I pull it from the bag and unscrew it before taking a long drink. “Ahh much better.” I set it down before getting a small serving from the dishes in the middle of the table.

“Ya can eat more than that sonny.” Granny says after taking a bite of her apple fritter.

“Actually I prolly can’t, my stomach's shrunk down with the small servings I’ve been gettin’ fer a while.”

“What ain’t ya had much ta eat?” Apple bloom asks as I look for the silverware.

“When you gotta look fer food that ain’t there ya get used ta not eatin’.” I honestly answer, not finding the silverware. Looking around the table I notice everyone else has just been lowering their faces to the plates so I unsheathe my knife, the cold sound of metal on metal making their ears perk up.

Pulling the knife up and inspecting it for blood spots or other dried liquids I shrug before using the knife to cut up my food and using it like a fork when I stab it.

“What’s wrong can’t eat with yer face er hooves?” Granny says in a laughing tone.

“Nope, my face is a bit flatter than all y’alls so thats a problem plus I hate bein’ sticky and this all looks like sticky stuff, so I’ll jus’ use my knife.” I say licking it clean, done with my plate.

“Well at least ya eat fast.”

“Yep.”

“That was real fast though, didn’t even take ya a full two minutes ta finish, kinda impressive considerin’ ya didn’t get any on yer face.”

“Have ta eat fast when there's things out there trying ta eat ya at the same time. I can’t say how many times I thought I’d sit down and eat in a safe area an’ then halfway through I get pounced on by some bastard tryin’ ta use me as a happy meal.” I chuckle and shake my head. “Obviously I’m still here so I ain’t that easy ta kill.” I look up and see all the ponies staring at me.

“What?” They all look back down to their plates and I stand up. “Granny ya got somethin’ ta ask Applejack?” I put my bag back on before strapping it across my chest and waist.

“Oh, right. Thanks sonny.” I nod.

“Hank here told me he would walk ya ta town if ya wanted.” Applejack perks up at the proposition before looking to me and frowning again.

“Naw that’s alright, we got work ta do tomarra’ anyways.” She sighs looking to the table.

“Dag nab it AJ ya work all the time, and I ain’t gonna be hearin’ ya feel sorry fer yerself. Go ta the slumber party with yer friends.”

“What ‘bout not being out after dark?” She asks looking to Granny, one of her eyebrows raised.

“That I asked as well but Hank said he has plenty experience fightin’ in the dark and he’s right, it won’t take long if y’all hurry.” She says while AJ gets up and looks to me.

“Ya sure it ain’t too far outta yer way?”

“If it was I wouldn’t a offered.” I say, the orange pony nodding in response before rushing out of the room and up the stairs. “Thank ya fer doin’ this Hank, goin’ ta this party meant a lot ta her.”

“No problem Granny, well I better get goin’ it seems my ward is comin down the stairs.” We laugh at the loud hoof steps thundering down the steps before I see Applejack walk back into the kitchen.

“Alright y’all have a good night.” I say waving and walking out of the kitchen behind Aj, a scrambled mess of responses coming from the room.

Stepping out into the cooling night air I take my knife out again and place it onto the end of my rifle before switching it off safe and chambering it, the sounds catching the attention of the pony with me. “What are those those things ya carry aroun’ with ya?” She asks looking over her shoulder.

“These are my friends and my work partners.” I say as we turn onto the main road.

“Well, what they do?”

“Kill.”

Stopping she looks up to me. “That there is what bothers me about ya.” She coldly states pointing to me.

“Okay, we should keep goin’ though.” I nod my head in the direction of the town.

“It don’t bother ya that somepony don’t like ya?”

“Well ya never said ya don’t like me, and no not particularly. Folk gonna think what they gonna think.” I say over my shoulder as I watch the tree line.

“Ah don’t not like ya, Ah jus’ don’t trust ya.”

“Ya have every right not ta trust me, it’s actually good ya don’t trust right off the start show’s ya want ta protect yer kin.” A particularly strong gust of wind blows through the trees causing the leaves to rustle.

“Finally somepony understands.” She says, a slight shiver to her voice.

“Understands what?”

“That it’s okay not ta trust everypony right off the bat, ponies think ya should jus’ assume everypony is good.”

“Sounds like a real fast way ta get stabbed in the back ta me.” I scoff.

“Ah know!”

Walking in silence for a while I start to get curious “Why’d y’all accept me so fast then?”

“ Well fer one Ah ain't accepted ya yet, but Ah'm gettin' there if ya keep up what yer doin'. But fer Granny an' Mac it's fer what you've done. Ya saved Applebloom and her friends. As if that weren't enough ya agree ta fix the barn fer cheap, and ya’ve been a perfect gentle stallion, minus some swearin’, an’ manners is a big deal in our family.” She pauses for a while before continuing “ Plus I watched ya while ya were workin’, I ain’t never seen a pony work as hard as you other than our own.”

“Yeah I noticed ya.” I smirk.

“Really Ah thought Ah was hidden pretty well.” She says surprised.

“It’s hard ta hide or run from me, plus that orange coat a yers don’t help none.” I laugh, the pony next to me slightly blushing.

“Well Ah hope Ah didn’t seem like some stalker ta ya.”

“ Pft..Naw.” I wave my hand in a dismissive manner. “I knew what ya were doin’.” Silence overtakes us again as we start our way down the hill, the dimly lit town in our sights below.

“Mac told me ‘bout what happened with the guard today.”

“Did he now?”

“Sure did he also told me ya don’t plan ta accept any payment fer workin’ on the barn.”

“Yep.”

“Well Ah jus’ wanna thank ya fer knockin’ some sense inta that guard.”

“No problem, pricks like that need somethin’ knocked into em’ or ta be knocked out.” The orange mare laughs and shakes her head,“Yeah, yeah they do.”

“Bout’ not getting paid fer the work yer doin’ though.”

“Yeah,”

“Yer gettin’ paid. Apples pay off debts they owe.” She says shifting her saddle bags on her back.

“Y’all don’t owe me nothin’.” I say as we walk down the hill.

“Yes we do, yer doin’ hundreds of bits worth a work fer next ta nothin’.”

“No ya don’t, y’all have given me great food, shown me hospitality, and given me a chance not jus’ callin’ me a monster and shunnin’ me.” I look down to Applejack and she looks up to me.

“And that means more ta a man like me more than any sum a money.”

Looking back up to the road I sigh.

“It’s hard ta find ponies like you.” She says as we step into town.

“So what make ya so uneasy ‘bout me, I’m curious.” I ask.

“Ta me it’s the violence, yer so good at killin’ and it makes me nervous. Now I understand self defence. Ah’ve kicked a few timberwolves before, but you bring that ta a whole new level. Ah don’t think anypony, even the Princesses, Had ever seen somepony lift a wolf that weighs four times as much as a pony above their head and break it over their knee before.” I look down to the pony and see her staring off.

“I think I can explain.” The pony stops her staring and looks up to me.

“What’s somethin’ ta ya thats jus’ barely second ta eatin’ and sleepin’.”

“Applebuckin’.” She says with no hesitation.

“Ight’ so what applebuckin’ is ta you, killin’ and fightin’ is ta me.” I explain, the pony getting a far off look in her eyes.

“I’m damn good at it, now do ya enjoy applebuckin’?”

“Course.”

“And I enjoy what I do. My skills are bit more martial than the average person and that’s good. When killin’ is normal ta ya, life ain’t normal no more.”

Slowly nodding the pony finally speaks “Ah guess that clears some things up, and I don’t feel as uneasy about ya.” She says before shivering. “Ah can’t imagine what yer life was like before though.”

“Good. Nobody should.”

Walking a little longer, the tree in view she stops again. “Somethin’ wrong?”

“No. Ah jus’ want ta make yer acquaintance.” She holds up her hoof. “Mac said ya were good ta talk ta, and he was right.” She smiles. “Name’s Applejack though you can call me Aj, nice ta meet ya.”

Smiling I bend over a bit and wrap my hand around her hoof. “Names Hank or ya can call me Doc Harmacy or Doc, nice ta meet ya as well.” I notice her nose flare as we shake before breaking and resuming our walk.

“Doc Harmacy? Interestin’ nickname ya got there.” She says looking to me amused.

“Ha yeah. For certain reasons I was immediately thrown into a medic position when I was with the guard, when ya become a medic ya usually become known as ‘Doc’, but whenever we’d go out I’d end up getting the most kills or such so they started callin’ me Doc harmacy for the harm I caused to our enemies while helping our own.” I laugh remembering the good times with the guard I had.

“So ya were in the military?” She asks.

“Eh kinda it’s complicated. I may tell y’all sometime.” I rub the back of my head as we reach the tree.

Speeding up I reach the door first and open it, the sounds of chatter inside dieing down. “Ya do got manners don’t ya?”

“Mother taught me right.” We both chuckle before Aj walks inside.

“Well see ya later Aj, have yerself a good night and a safe trip in the mornin’.”

“Ya too Doc, see ya later.” I go to close the door but see Fluttershy in a circle with the others.’

“Oh hey Flutters how’s it goin’?”

“P-pretty good, how a-are you Hank.”

“Oh same old, nice night fer a stroll though.” I notice the other ponies staring at me with their mouths wide open. “Well I’m gonna get goin’ so uh, y’all have a nice night.” I pat the door and start to close it

“You too Hank.”
“See ya tomorrow.” I hear come from inside before I close the door and turn to walk away.

Walking back out of town I started thinking about the apple ponies. I like those ponies, they don’t seems so skittish. I pick up the pace wanting to get home.

Cresting the hill I hear rustling from the trees too heavy to be from the wind.

I don’t want nomore excitement today.

Feeling for my flask I don’t feel it on my belt and sight. “I forgot it at the apple’s place didn’t I?”

“Yes.” I groan as I come over the small hill before the orchard’s entrance. “I don’t want ta interrupt them but I’m gettin’ my flask.”

Stopping I look to the green glowing coming from the road in front of the orchard and growl. “You motherfuckers.” I raise my rifle and send a burst toward the wolf, immediately cutting it down.

Picking up the still hot brass I switch my rifle to semi before approaching the dead wolf. “Fuckin’ cunts keepin’ me from sleepin’.” I mumble before I kick the dead wolf.

About to start my way back down the path to the house a howl rings throughout the woods behind me. Turning with my rifle raised I falter for a second at the wall of green eyes glowing through the trees.

Switching the rifle to auto again I start to spray the tree line down before the mag runs dry. The timber wolves taking my down time as a time to rush forward I barely have time to slam a mag home and resume firing before getting pounced on.

Every series of flashes from the barrel illuminating more and more wolves like a strobe light I keep pumping out bursts while dodging and kicking wolves away before the mag runs empty again.

Going for a new magazine a wolf lunges for my neck, dodging to the side I re grasp the rifle and plunge the bayonet into the wolf’s head before pulling the rifle out and turning at the sound of more growling.

Another wolf running and jumping I hold the rifle at my waist and thrust forward, the wolf getting caught mid-jump with a stab to the chest. Slamming the wolf onto the ground with the knife still embedded in it’s chest I put a foot on the still snarling and wolf’s neck and crush it.

More wolves coming I give up on reloading and drop the rifle, pulling the hatchet and 1911 out instead. Throwing five rounds into five of the oncoming wolves a large mass rams into me from the left throwing me onto the ground.

Getting halfway up a large, by timberwolf standards, pounces on top of me one hand around its throat holding it back from tearing into mine. The other wolves starts trying to bite at my legs but I kick them away.

Pushing the wolf back far enough I place the pistol into its neck and slam a 45 acp into its throat making arterial spray go all over my arms, face, chest, and in my mouth. Grabbing the bleeding wolf I throw it towards the group of wolves at my legs toppling them over.

Using the time I had I slam a new mag home and release the slide of the pistol before plugging the few remaining wolves. Getting up and looking around me I take the mag out of the pistol and count three rounds before putting it back in.

Finding my hatchet and holstering it I hear more growling from the road. Slowly turning my head I see three more large timberwolves, these with red marking all over their bodies, in different ornate patterns.

Staring at each other a cold breeze blows through, a downed timber wolf by my foot whimpering. Staring back into the eyes of the largest wolf I take out the 1911 and shoot the remaining bullets into the injured wolf by my foot before putting the pistol back into my waistband.

Looking to my pistol and back to me he growls. “Oh think I’m gonna use my gun huh, oh no I’m gonna use my hands with you fuck ups.” I rumble and assume a fighting stance.

An extremely loud howl the two snarling wolves to either side of him break into sprints toward me. Seeing how the fight was going to go I grab my hatchet and throw it at the wolf to my left where the axehead finds a new temporary home in the wolf’s cranium.

Dodging to the side the snarling wolf sails by my head and turns around for another round. Standing in wait the wolf runs toward me and jumps again. Expecting the pounce I side step again but send a left hook and nail the wolf in the head causing it to crash into the ground.

This time pouncing on the wolf I turn it on it’s back and punch it in the throat before grabbing it’s left leg and placing a foot on it’s chest. Using leverage I give a hard jerk to the wolf’s leg while forcing it’s body down with my leg.

A loud snapping sound echoing out in the silent night the wolf roars in pain before I forcefully turn it over and wrap both hands under it’s head and place my foot at the base of it’s neck before doing the same thing, this time a ripping sound coming from it’s neck before it’s head disconnects from it’s body in a shower of green oze.

Covered in blood with the wolfs head in my hand I yell at the last wolf and slam the decapitated head into the ground before hitting myself in the chest with a balled up fist.

Understanding the gesture The wolf howls before charging at me. A wicked smile finding its way onto my face I run at the wolf going low before shooting up and football tackling it into the ground before starting to punch the wolf in the side of the head and the neck, cracking sounds emanating from its thick woody exoskeleton.

Getting it’s back legs under me it kicks me off and turns over onto it’s stomach shakily trying to get up.

Immediately back on the wolf I stomp down on it’s back, it’s spine snapping under pressure as it falls to the ground in a whimpering mess. Stepping back I grasp it by the back of it’s neck before lifting it up and leaning into it’s ear. “I’m gonna play with you.” I laugh and slam it’s head into the ground before turning around and pulling my hatchet out of the dead wolfs head. Walking over to where I dropped the rifle I pick it and the empty mags up before reloading the rifle and putting everything back where it belongs.

Finding the 1911 mag not too far away I put it into my pant pocket before walking back over to the wolf that was watching me.

Picking it back up it whimpers as I walk over to a tree with it held by it’s front leg dragging behind me. Pulling it up I smile at it before frowning and slamming it into the tree three times until it stopped whimpering.

Dropping it at the base of the tree I kick it in the ribs three times as it gurgles and it’s blood starts to leak from its mouth and cracked exoskeleton. Flipping it on it’s back I place a foot on his balls and grab it’s back legs before pulling and pushing until his legs rip off.

Throwing one leg toward the trees across the road I use the other and use it like a baseball bat, hitting him in the head until he stopped moving. “You jus’ had ta fuckin’ keep me up. Well was it worth it?” I drop the leg and watch the wolf as he shakily breaths. “WAS IT FUCKIN’ WORTH IT!?” I grab his throat with both hands and pull him up to eye level and smile.

“Not fer you it wasn’t.” I laugh and hold him in my grasp like a bat before winding up and swinging him into the tree, a loud snap ringing out and silencing all the various sounds of the trees, the wind even dying. The wolf bent at a ninety degree angle with his entrails coming out I drop him and start to catch my breath.

Looking to the apple orchard turned battlefield I see dead timberwolf upon dead timberwolf covering the ground, some even stuck in the fence where they died while trying to jump over or go through. Looking down to myself and only seeing superficial cuts I look up to night sky and yell, thrusting my rifle into the air.

“RRRAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Dropping my arms I take a deep breath and groan.

Finding as may of the brass casings in the dark as I could I start my way down the path to the house in search of my flask.

Getting closer to the house I see a nervous Mac with an axe in his mouth standing in front of the door. The three fillies peaking out of the living room window.

Breaking through the trees with a grunt I wipe some of the green blood of my face and spit some out as I approach the house. Upon seeing me Mac drops the axe and starts fastly walking toward me. “Maker Hank, Are ya alright?” He worriedly asks as I keep walking.

“Fine.” I spit again, more of the green blood coming out of my mouth.

“How many were there?”

“I lost count after fifteen.” Mac stops walking and pauses, his mouth wide open. “F-fifteen!?”

I reach the door and go to open it, finding it’s locked. “Hey Granny can ya open up I’m here fer my flask.” I knock two times and call out, hoof steps coming up behind me.

The door clicking a few times it swings open to show the concerned face of Granny. “Hank are ya okay?” She asks while opening the door and ushering me inside.

“Maker Hank how are ya not dead!” She says looking me over.

“I’m a generally hard person ta kill.” She hoofs me my flask that I take and empty.

“Ahhh, needed that.” I sigh and put the flask in my pocket. “I recommend ya don’t go down ta the gate, there’s a lot a dead wolves down there.” I turn around and open the screen door.

“How many?” She asks following me.

“He said he lost count after fifteen Granny.” Mac answers for me causing Granny to recoil.

“Fifteen?”

“I lost count after fifteen, I know there’s more there but I jus’ can’t and don’t care ta count them all right now.” I pick up the axe Mac dropped and hand it to him. “Have a good night now.” I turn and start my way back down the path before stopping. “I’ll be by in the mornin’ ta pick up those dead wolves.” I turn back around and start home.

<><><> Entrance to the clearing <><><>

“Fuckin’ hate dogs.” I mumble stepping into the moonlit clearing, the moon so bright I could see unhindered. Stopping at the door I re-sling my rifle and open the door. “Honey I’m home!” I step into the cabin and turn on the lights.

Pausing as I look at the sleeping zebra on the couch I slowly close the door before starting to slip out of my combat gear.

Out of my old clothes and into a new white tee shirt and even tighter jeans I slip on my chest holster and put my back ups back in my boots before walking into the bathroom. Wiping the green blood from my face and arms I take a long look at myself before my eyes wonder down to my hips and thighs.

Taking a step back from the mirror I partially turn and sigh. “Why did you have ta be my most responsive muscle group huh?” Turning back around. I look at my cuts further to see them already smaller. “That’s a plus at leas’.”

Walking back out into the main room I look out in front of the shed and see my old humvee. Just staring at it for a second I remember when we first started to paint and weld all the extra bits onto her. Silently chuckling I close my eyes and take a deep breath before re opening my eyes and frowning. The sorry state of the humvee’s paint and stripped down state cause me to stand up straight and crack my knuckles “Let’s bring you back to life girl.”

Slowly closing the door behind me, not to wake Zecora, I walk into the shed before grabbing a light and stand. Setting down a stool I sit and look at where the old red paint once was, ‘WAR HORSE’ still faintly showing. Shaking my head I laugh. “That jus’ won’t do.” The unmistakable sound of painters tape unrolling filling my ears.

With the old outline of ‘WAR HORSE’ taped on both sides I walk back into the shed in search of my spray paint box. “Where could it beeeeeeeeeeeeeee?” I drone on until I pull a tarp off of a barrel and find on top of what apparently was a fifty five gallon barrel with ‘Gas’ painted on the side. “No way.” I say taking the box off and unscrewing the metal plug.

“No, I never get this lucky.” I scoff before lowering my nose to the barrel, the strong scent of gasoline filling my nose. “Huh. holy shit.” I re-cap the barrel and shrug. “Now I really need ta get that bike goin’.” I take the box and walk out into the artificially lit night.

Sat down on my stool I set the box down and look for red. “Ah.” I say finding a unopened can. “Rustoleum metal spray paint in…. American Red. How fittin’.” I uncap the can and shake it a few times before starting to repaint the letters.

Just getting done with the third coat on each side I put the almost empty can back in the box before looking around the humvee while the last coat cures. Getting all the way around the humvee to the front again I see the front brush guard barren and boring with no barbed wire, or paint on it. Only the reinforcements and thick steel diamond mesh remaining. “Disgraceful.” I spit running a finger on the humvee’s brush guard where the skull from my flask was painted on the middle solid steel plate, just above the winch.

“Wonder if I have a can of regular white paint around around? I know I got brushes.” I mumble to myself and walk back to the shed in search of a can of white paint. Not finding a can of paint anywhere I huff and sit down of the ground in front of the old wooden work bench. Rubbing my head I look up and pause. “Really.” I deadpan and grab the one fourth full can of paint from the shelf below the bench top. “Don’t have much in here but I got enough ta repaint a skull at leas’. I Stand up and start to shake the can to mix up the paint before grabbing a small brush from a nail on the wall and walking outside.

Sitting down in front of the humvee I use a sharp angle of the brush guard to pop the lid off the paint can. Dipping the brush in I take it out before slowly and painstakingly tracing all the outer lines before filling in the rest. Getting to the lower jaw and temporal region I pause and sit back. “A knife through the head and goin’ out of the lower jaw would be neat.” I tap my chin in thought. “And I think there's a can of black back there.” I shrug. “Why not? It’s my truck.”

Getting up I make my way to the work bench and grab the small can of black paint, half way back to the humvee I pause and think.

I like the M9 bayonet but a ka-bar would look way better.

Turning on my heel I make my way to the cabin and crouch walk inside to the gun closet. Opening the door fast, so the hinges don’t squeak as usual I find my grandpa's ka-bar and grab it before crouch walking back out of the cabin to the truck. Stopping at the beefed up brush guard I shake the small can of black before opening it like the white can.

Setting the can down I take the fine point brush and dip it in the white and start to paint the blade of the knife. Using my right hand to paint and my left to hold my right from shaking so much I finally sigh and put the brush down. “Really?” I look to my shaking hands. “Now?” I make fists and release a few times hoping to calm the tremors.

Repeating the process a few times I hold up my hands flat and concentrate on calming them before giving up. “Always with the automatic jazz hands.” I chuckle and groan.

Using the knife as a reference I use the white to paint the main part of the blade before switching to black and painting the cracks in the skull and the accents on the knife. Adding some skull fragments coming off of the jaw I take a step back and admire my work. “Not bad fer havin’ shaky hands.” I nod, my hand rubbing my chin as I judge my work.

“It’s missing…. Somethin’.” I hum tapping my foot. “I’ll worry bout that later.” I start to pick up all the paint cans and brushes before picking up the light stand and setting it inside as well. Looking at the red can of spray paint and large roll of painter's tape I get another idea. Shrugging I take the light stand back out and start to use the painter’s tape to make a medium sized
medic cross.

Shaking the can a few times I level the can with the taped cross on the side of the sloped part of the humvee and make even passes until the red cross is formed. Spraying the cross again the can starts to hiss less and less until it runs out. Shaking the can some more I underhandedly throw it into the shed where it bounces and rattles around as it hits things in the shed.

Wincing I inhale through my teeth and turn to the cabin. I hope that didn’t wake Z. I tiptoe back into the shed to check for damage and for more paint. Looking around the interior of the shed I only see the discarded paint can but no other things knocked over that already wasn’t. Going to the work bench I look under and see more spray cans littering the bottom shelf.

Now that I think about it I could've sworn I had more than one can of American red. Digging through the various cans of paint as they rattle I run across blues, greens, even a pink before reaching the back of the shelf. Really I just need one more can of...Oh! I pull my hand back with a mint condition can in my grasp. Oh hey, that’s pretty cool.

Shaking the fresh can while making my way to the cross I take the cap off and start to apply the third coat.

Watching the paint dry and occasionally tapping it to make sure it’s drying it finally gets to a place where I can remove the tape stencil I ended up making. Holding the tape cross I get another idea.

Why not paint a cross on my helmet too. I mean there’s no need but I was a medic…-ish, and I want to show that. I set the stencil in the grass and make my way back into the cabin a ways to where my helmet was resting. Grabbing the OD green helmet I take it and fastly walk my way out of the cabin, not bothering to close the door. Setting the helmet on the ground I get the sincil and put it on the front of the helmet. It’s a tad big but I can add tape to make it smaller.

Shrinking the size of the cross down I get the red spray paint and spray a red cross onto the front of the helmet before moving the stencil to either side and doing the same thing. Repeating the process two more times I set the helmet on top of the humvee and actually start to put things away for good this time.

Putting the box of paint and light stand back in the shed before unplugging it I put four batteries on the chargers and put it to overnight before walking back to the front door and stepping inside.

Once inside I roll my shoulders and sigh, taking all my non-clothes off I untie my boots and set my back ups on the counter along with the knife before stopping. “I should jus’ take a shower, I’m gonna sweat again tomorra but I don’t want ta smell too bad.” I nod and walk to the bathroom, slowly closing the door.”

Undressed I look at the new scars on my upper thigh before stepping into the shower and turning the water on. The cold water feeling amazing on my skin I stand there and calmly breathe before snapping out of it and starting to vigorously scrub myself down not to waste water.

With a sigh I turn off the water and step out of the shower. “Bout’ forty gallons left. Not bad.” I say as I inspect the tank and dry off with an old towel. Putting on the shirt and then my underwear and pants. I sep out of the shower to see Zecora awake and looking at me. “Howdy.” I greet as I step past her and pick up my M16 and cleaning kit before plopping down on the couch next to her dropping the mag.

Taking of the bayonet and wiping it off Zecora yawns and looks to me before sniffing at the air. Opening the lower from the upper I take out the bolt and charging handle as Zecora keeps sniffing and getting closer to me. Snaking the barrel with a oiled piece of cloth Zecora gets right next to my arm and deeply inhales.

This is weird.

Wiping the bolt off and slipping all the pieces back inside the rifle I snap it all back together before charging it and dry firing it to make sure everything was working. Taking out the revolver and unloading it I feel Zecora press her nose into my arm and slowly lick me.

Turning my head to the Zebra I stare at her “What are ya doin’?” The Zebra looking up to me she looks perplexed. “I noticed this slightly yesterday but today you smell really good.”

“Okay well what about licking me?” I ask wiping off my arm.

“You uh smelled so good I thought I’d see what you tasted like.” She nervously laughs and blushes.

“That was oddly sexual.” I turn my attention back to my pistol and start to scrub it down as well, the black finish starting to shimmer.

“You tasted really good too though.” She more or less mumbles to herself.

“Well I guess having sweat that is considered to smell good, and weakly replicated for aphrodisiacs is better than smelling terrible.” I off handedly add trying to convince myself.

“That’s your sweat!?”

“Yeah, what did ya think it was.”

“But you just got out of the shower!”

“Yes and I don’t really even smell anythin’ like I did earlier. Apparently I smell four times stronger than the top dollar aphrodisiatic scents made in Prance.” I look over to Zecora and shrug. “That’s comin’ from an elderly farm pony though so I dunno.”

“I-I’d say they’re right. If you smell like that out of the shower I’d love to see what you smell like after a hard day of work.”

“And now I’m uncomfortable.” I put the rounds back in the revolver and put it down going for the 1911 next.

“Why?” Zecora asks laying down with her head on my lap.

“Really?” I deadpan. “I don’t like the idea of everyone smellin’ or lickin’ me when I sweat a little.”

“Well at least you don’t smell bad.”

“Yeah, true.” I sigh in defeat before taking the slide off the 1911. “So what did ya get done today?”

“Well.” She scoots so her whole head is in my lap. “I got all the plants planted and a drop of potion on each one. After that I used those sticks and vines you had to make the cages around the tomatoes and cucumbers.”

“Really?” I pause my cleaning and look down to the zebra lounging on my lap. Tiredly nodding she sighs and nuzzles her head into the crook where my abdomen and legs meet.

“Well thanks fer that Z, ya didn’t have ta do all that.” I pat her on the back of her neck before going back to cleaning the pistol.

Done with the pistol I slip the mag back in and set it back onto the table before reaching for my hatchet. Not wanting to dislodge the zebra I use my foot to scoot the axe closer before grabbing it and wiping it down. The edge still relatively sharp I set the axe down before leaning back into the couch while idly petting the Zebra.

Head leaned back on the top of the couch's cushion I bring my watch into view. “Not sure if nine’s right or not but I’m goin’ ta bed.”

Grabbing Zecora I take the 1911 and revolver before walking over to the door and locking it. Turning around I walk to the loft and set Zecora up before climbing up myself. Climbing up I lay down on my make shift pillow before Zecora walks over and lays down next to me with her head in the crook of my neck. “Night Z.”

“Night Hank.” she whispers as I wrap my arms around her and pull her close.

<><><> 3rd person, slumber party, Ponyville Library 3hrs ago <><><>

“Well I’m gonna get goin’ so uh, y’all have a nice night.” Hank taps the door frame and turns before closing the door and walking away, rifle in his hands.

“You too Hank.”
“See ya tomorrow.” Fluttershy and Applejack respond. A pregnant pause now over taking the room the four other ponies stare at the other two.

“What. The. BUCK!” Rainbow dash yells looking to Applejack and Fluttershy. “Why was that...thing just here!?”

“H-his name is hank.”

“What are you so mad about RD?” Applejack looks to the rainbow maned mare after dropping her saddle bags.

“I’m upset because the that thing that body slammed me into the ground a few days ago was walking with you, and talking to you like you were friends!”

“Well as Granny said ya did attack him fer no reason.” Applejack says back with a smile. “Yer lucky he only body slammed ya, you’ve seen what he can do.”

“I’m with Dash on this one Applejack, why was it with you?”

“His name is Hank.” Fluttershy says again while getting talked over.

“Well with those Shucks runnin’ about Granny was told by Doc there not ta go out after dark so when I got behind on apple buckin’ and it wasn’t lookin’ like I was goin’ ta be able ta make it tonight Doc said he could walk with me in case anythin’ was lurkin’ in the shadows.” She honestly answers only making the others, other than Fluttershy more curious.

“What was it doing at your farm though AJ?” Twilight asks perplexed.

“Well when HE was there ta get his pie, when he was attacked.” Applejack looks to Rainbow dash, the rainbow pegasus only crossing her front legs and huffing in response. “Granny asked him if he could fix the barn for less than a repair pony and he said yes. So today he showed up about noon and got ta work. Might not be an early riser but damn he can work.”

The ponies quieting down Fluttershy looks to Applejack. “He was at my house about ten to fix my door, that could explain why he was at the orchard later.”

“Really?”

“Yep, did a really good job too. He didn’t even take any bits, he just said that the treats and good conversation was more than enough.” Fluttershy quietly says catching the attention of Dash again.

“You like him too!?”

“W-well he’s a bit different but h-he was never disrespectful or mean, he is actually quite polite.” She says hiding behind her mane.

“Now that I can’t believe darling, something so...brutish and wild can’t be polite and well mannered.” Rarity scoffs.

“No Flutters is right. Ask Granny, Mac, Applebloom, Heck even Scoots and I’m sure they’ll all say he’s a fine gentle stallion.” Applejack says looking to all the ponies around the room.

“Why would scootaloo know what he’s like.” Rarity asks again. “Yeah. How?” Rainbow agrees.

“Well From what Mac tol’ me Ab wanted ta properly introduce him ta the other crusaders, apparently ya were there too flutters, and he gave them all but Sweetie belle, on acount of her not wantin' ta go, piggyback rides.”

“Um yes, he walked me from my house to the top of the hill, but I wasn't um with them when he gave them piggy back rides.” The pegasus quietly answers.

“Why did he walk you? Did he force you to walk with him!?” The pegasus accuses getting Applejack to face hoof and Fluttershy to stutter.

“H-heavens no! I asked him if he could walk me into town because I-I was afraid after what had happened the night before.

“What happened the night before dear?”

“Well last night I was out looking after some of the animals and then I heard some loud pops and bangs come from up the road. Not too long after that Hank came flying past me yelling to get inside after that I saw three um...Shucks chasing him. Getting all the animals inside I barely had time to close the door before one rammed into it.” All the ponies but Applejack gasp as Fluttershy tells her story.

"Five minutes later and Barry was having a hard time holding the door. Thinking it was all over I hear a loud bang that scared the animals and a thump from the other side of the door. Watching from the window I see Hank slide off from the back of a female manticore and limp after the Shuck, once he reached it he flipped it over and s-stabbed it in the heart.” The ponies go green and Rarity wavers a bit on her pillow.

“Then he asked if I was okay, got back on the manticore and road off then came back and helped teach me how to drive nails so I could temporarily fix my door.”

“Thank Celestia you’re okay Fluttershy! I had no idea no idea, you could of stayed here for the night.” Twilight says concerned for her friend.

“I’m not sure I would of been okay if it weren't for Hank and his Manticore Lilith.”

“So you actually meant manticore when you said it earlier.” Twilight says nervous about Hank.

“Yes, her name was Lilith, and I could tell she was very protective of him.” Fluttershy nods before smiling. “She seemed very tame though, letting the other animals play around her and on her as she watched them.”

“So Granny was right. He really was riding a manticore.” Aj hums and take a sip of punch, the flavor having a bit of a extra kick than straight punch would regularly have.

“This is concerning.” Twilight says grabbing a piece of paper and writing the things she heard down.

“What is Twi?” Applejack asks.

“Just this Hank or Doc pony as you call him, and why is that anyways?”

“He told me he was a medic with his country's military and that his nickname was Doc Harmacy or jus’ Doc.”

“Doc Harmacy?” Asks Rainbow snorting at the name.

“Yeah, he tol’ me it was cause that even though he was the medic he would get the most kills whenever they went out on missions so his friends started callin’ him Doc Harmacy for his medical position but also because of the harm he cause ta their enemies.” Rainbow dash stops snorting and shuts up at his nickname’s story.

“That only adds to the things to be weary about him.” Twilight says shivering.

“Why’s that Twilight?” Fluttershy asks this time nibbling a sugar cookie.

Looking up from her paper Twilight stops writing. “He’s just very dangerous he has a manticore, and for Celestia’s sake he even assaulted a guard when they went to investigate two loud bangs come from up the hill today.”

“Assaulted?” Applejack raises her eyebrow. “Mac and the girls told me, especially Scootaloo how the guard had scared Apple bloom only stopping when Mac stepped in. They then told me that Hank silently dropped from a tree and told the guard off before the same pegasus rushed him with a sword, only ta get tripped.” She stops to take another drink.

“Mac even tol' me that the guard accused Hank of being a rapist an' eating fillies alive. Apparently after that He jus’ kinda stared at the guard before the other snapped him out of it. Then he told the guard something before making him apologize ta the fillies fer scaring them and threw him down the hill.”

“Yes! How is that not assault.” Twilight says as she stops writing again.

“Because the guard attacked him with a deadly weapon first unprovoked, honestly sounds like self defense ta me.”

“Darling I must say, while I don’t particularly like this Hank character, it sounds like self defense, plus I’ve never known Applejack or her family to lie. Ever.” Rarity says with a twirl of her hoof.

“Thank’s Rares.” The fashionista nods. “Plus according ta Mac him and the other guard got along great, even shaking hoofs at one point after the guard explained he had some money ta claim fer savin’ everypony.” Applejack adds getting the attention of everypony in the lantern lit room.

Sighing Twilight rubs her eyes. “Yes, apparently he is owed fifty thousand bits, courtesy of the nobility protection act of two thousand and fifty six.”

“Fifty thousand!” They all say at once in sheer amazement.

“Yes, after converting the amount so the balance was current to times it came out to fifty thousand bits, all he has to do is go to the bank and claim it.”

The ponies looking to each other in shock faint pops are heard through the library's slightly cracked windows. The sound catching the six off guard. Pinkie Pie, who had been uncharacteristically silent the entire conversation, is the first to go to the door and step outside to hear where the sound was coming from.

More and more ponies coming outside to hear the strange sounds the chilling howl of a distant timberwolf sounds from the same direction as the short burst. Not long after the sound of barking followed by faster more frantic bursts make the way down to the town before it goes silent again.

Confused ponies looking to their neighbors and friends across the street for anypony that has answers to what the sounds may be ten more fast bursts ring out before it goes silent again. The pause of sound making the ponies of the town anxious it isn’t long before five different but similar bangs ring out before going quiet again.

Ponies starting to chatter about what they think the sound is, different theories pass through the streets but they all have one thing in similar, Hank.

Five more shots ringing out the chattering ponies immediately stop talking and listen as three pops ring out before a howl louder than most had ever heard before rolls through the trees and into the town, a few seasoned guards and old lumber ponies knowing exactly what the sound was making them shiver.

One minute turning into two and three into four mumbling of the strange creature fighting a timberwolf elder, a rare type of timberwolf said to be as old as the Everfree itself, and how doomed it was to fail and perish seemed to overtake the ponies in the streets as tired guards started to emerge from the barracks.

Silence other than the wind and their fellow pony the promise of the creature's demise made some happy, others sad, some hopeful for the creatures win, and even fewer such as a young colt by the name of Button Mash making their curiosity of the strange stallion to rise.

The towns chatter starting to grow louder and louder a wall, a almost tangible force blows through the trees and fills the town's streets causing creatures as small as crickets to forces as large as even the wind itself to immediately stop as the certain heaviness in the air settled.

Nothing daring to make a sound a loud but completely different howl rolls through the forest and into the town. A howl more akin to a yell of a bloody battle fought hard but won, sounding much more beastial and guttural causing the ponies to realize just who had won the fight.

The sudden weight in the air dissipating some ponies hastily went back into their homes and locked their doors while others stood outside hopeful to hear, or possibly see, ‘the beast of the Everfree’ but eventually start to go back inside when they realize nothing was going to show up.

“I-I hope H-hank is okay.” Fluttershy says nervous.

“Well darling by the sound of that roar I’d say he’s fine.” The fashionista shivers a little.

“Yeah Fluttershy Ah’d say he’s jus’ fine. I jus’ hope Granny an’ the girls are too. Maybe Ah should go check.” Says Applejack as she takes a step forward before Rarity grabs onto her tail with her magic.

“Darling you can’t do that. You heard those sounds, what if there’s more of those timberwolves laying in wait?”

“Y-yeah AJ if anything was wrong I’m sure he would come tell us.”

Turning around the farm pony sighs “I guess yer right. But the second the sun rises I’m headin’ home.” With a stern voice she says before walking back inside.

“You’ve been oddly quiet Pinkie.” Dash points out.

“Just...thinking.” Mumbling a answer the pink pony turns and follows Applejack back inside.

The remaining four ponies outside looking to each other Rarity is the one to speak, “I wonder what has Pinkie so downtrodden, she’s always the happy one.”

“I don't know, but I have a feeling to what is making her upset.” Twilight says looking to her fellow towns ponies as they all start to turn back in for the night.

“Yeah probably that freak.”

“His name is Hank.” Fluttershy more sternly says getting the others to turn and face her. “It isn’t nice to call somepony else a freak because the look or act different and it’s also not nice to call a pony ‘it’.” She says looking to rainbow dash more than anything before turning and going inside herself.

Surprised at Fluttershy’s sudden outburst Rarity is the first to recover “You know darling Fluttershy is right, just because he is different and...admittedly uncouth, that does not mean he deserves to be called ‘it’ and ‘freak’.” She says before turning around.

With Rarity having of gone back inside with the others only Rainbow and Twilight were remaining outside. “I don't know Twi I still don’t like this pony, I just want beat him.” Scowling the rainbow pegasus says.

“I just think he should be locked up or banished, anypony that sees killing as trivial as he’s shown has no place in society.” Twilight admits. “I’ve been trying to convince Princess Celestia to take action against him, get a contingent of guards to go in and find him, but she says that what he did was drastic none of it was illegal.” She sighs. “But I think it’s time to stop dwelling on this matter and get back to our friends and have some fun.”

“Yeah you’re right.” the two walk back inside, Twilight closing and locking the door behind them.

{bingle bopin' bin bongo, this has been edited as well... kinda, just a few things changed but no grammer corrected.}

Helloooooo. So as you probably noticed I did change the cover art to the story, I feel like it
fits better honestly.

And I'm sorry for the monstrous word count. I mean 22,000. Jesus. I know this may possibly be too much to read at one time but I kinda want the begeining of all the chapters with Hank waking up and the end to be him going to sleep. The problem with that is that when more stuff happens the longer the chapters get. I will try to keep the next one shorter, unless y'all like long chapters then I'll keep them about 15,000 or so.

Also I've ben thinking about changing it around so Hank kinda tells how he feels about things as they happen, explains the situation through his eyes type style. I know that it will be a different style than what I've gone with so far but having him 'talking to himself' will let me be much more descriptive than I've been so far. A story that does this well is: A Zebrica for a Human

I like this style so I may switch, I may not, I'm bad at making decisions. And another thing, I made a big mistake, surprise there I know, but all Humvees are automatic and not manual transmissions. Earlier I said or kinda gave evidence to the Humvee being Manual. Whoops.
I kinda want to keep it manual though because it's way cooler. Tell me what you think.

Another another thing. I do know however that all humvees run on diesel and don't have multi fuel engines like their two and a half ton cousins but I don't think putting diesel in Equestria would be wise so I'm pull a massive lie outta my ass and say that this humvee has a multi fuel engine, Maybe Hank while at the guard switched the tranny and engine? I'll figure something out because I'm gonna use this humvee a lot more than Hank has fuel for.

So guys I hope you enjoyed this chapter and feel like it's getting easier, better, less mind numbing to read and just generally better.

Hope y'all are doing well and I'll see y'all again.... Eventually