The Mane Problem

Authors note: this chapter mainly focuses on Jim and Ed. This chapter can be skipped with the story still making sense
Chapter 6

Jim walked back to his home, knowing his dad would probably be mad at him. Jim hadn't done much for him, but he always caught their food, Jim was wondering how he could tell his dad such terrible news.

Jim walked into the den where he and his dad lived. His dad was there, gnawing on a bone that he had found just lying around. Jim walked to him, and braced himself for the reaction his dad would give him.

"D-Dad?" Jim stated, weakly.

Ed looked up at his son, preparing to listen to whatever he had to say.

"I didn't catch our food." Jim stated.

Ed just shrugged, which Jim made out that his dad just thought he was losing his touch.

"No, you understand, I let her go."

Ed had a puzzled look on his face.

"Yes, I let her go of my own free will." Jim stated. "And, yes, I talked to it long enough to know it was a girl. She's kind of like a weird pink zebra."

Ed raised his paw, When Jim prepared for the worst, he was surprised to be pulled into a hug.

"You're not mad at me?" Jim asked.

Ed shook his head.

"You don't mind we don't have food tonight?" Jim asked.

Ed shook his head

"Well, how come you've never hugged me before?" Jim asked, a bit of anger in his tone.

"You've never been around before."

Jim looked around, surprised.

"Who said that?" He asked.

Ed chuckled.

"I did." He answered.

"Dad! You're laughing! And talking!" Jim stated.

Ed chuckled again.

"Of course I am!"

"Since when could you talk?"

"I've always been able to talk, I've just never had anything to say before. Maybe you would know that if you spent a little more time with me."

"B-but I always thought you liked me mostly because of my hunting skills."

Ed chuckled again.

"Son, what I liked mostly about you is that you're my son, and nothing else."

"H-how long have I been," Jim hesitated before he said the next word, "Neglecting you?"

"Long enough." Ed answered, and hugged his son more tightly

"You know, it's funny you can go so long without having anything to say."

"Well, there is one thing I've been wanting to say for a long time."

"What's that?"

"I love you, Jim."

"I love you too, Dad."

And for the rest of the night, the two hyenas just laid there, father and son, and knew they couldn't be closer.

Pinkie's nose felt tingly. And that meant, somewhere, something sweet was happening.