Chapter 15

Time had flown by quite fast for the gunslinger before Arthur even had time to consider it. A whole month and a half had come and gone and so did the seasons along with it. What were once cool mornings and the relaxing autumn breeze soon turned into chilly winds and barely any leaves on the trees. What’s more is that the snow had piled in Ponyville faster than any winter Arthur had experienced back in his world. Despite this, Arthur had made sure he would be prepared for the coming winter.

Thanks to his saved up earnings, plus the bonuses for catching any perp he arrested in town, Arthur had improved his campsite by the lake. He no longer slept in a simple tent, but now had purchased himself one that was at least thrice the size of his old one. It took the help of some of his fellow guards, plus Applejack and Rainbow Dash when they spotted Arthur working on his new living arrangements, but the project proved to be a fruitful one in the end.

The new tent was big enough to walk in without him having to duck his head and he could easily seal it up the front flaps with the large zipper. What’s more for Arthur is that he was also able to purchase furniture for his new tent. He bought himself a bed to sleep in and built it himself, a small wooden table at the foot of his bed, a couple of chairs to the side, and a nightstand. There were a few other miscellaneous items such as a coat rack, pillows and blankets, and even a nice-looking rug. Arthur was more than satisfied with his new living arrangements. Especially since the pony who sold the tent to him told him the tent could magically adjust to the weather on the inside, so he can stay nice and warm from the cold.

With his new tent built, Arthur just had one last piece to complete the puzzle for his tent. He had to find a working stove to include so he could properly make ingredients he had written down in his journal. Arthur walked through the snowy streets of Ponyville, wearing his long tan trench coat, black snow pants, brown wool gloves, and his signature hat. As he walked, thinking about what kind of stove to purchase, his lost train of thought made him accidentally bump into someone.

“Oh, pardon me,” the stallion said.

Arthur paid him no mind as he continued his trek. He tucked his hands in his pockets to warm them up, but then felt something inside his left pocket. Curious, he pulled out whatever it was and saw a folded piece of paper. He unfolded the paper and saw that it was a note of some kind.

Sheriff Morgan,

It has come to our attention that the Canterlot Hospital’s main funds have been misplaced.

We cannot act as we cannot be seen near such a scandal, but we figured you might take an interest in this since you do not believe in jurisdictions.

Speak to Dr. Heart Strong, pass on the phrase ‘I wish you a bountiful Hearth’s Warming Doctor, do you know of any good ponies who could help me with my woes?’

If you can succeed, you will be making a lot of ponies happy (including some sick foals who need the funds for their ailments).

Happy Hearth’s Warming,
C.M.A.

The sheriff pondered what he had just read and already knew this was planted on him by that passerby. Only when he turned his head to see where he had gone, he was nowhere in sight. Arthur had two ways to handle this. On one hand, this could just be some ruse to lead him away from Ponyville. On the other hand, there might be a serious crime being committed under the authorities of Canterlot’s nose and he could be the only one to solve this case. The letter also reminded him of the holiday of this world he had heard about. According to Pinkie Pie, Hearth’s Warming was a holiday that sounded similarly like the holiday of Christmas, back in his world. The day of Hearth’s Warming Eve was in a week’s time, and he had still yet to get a gift for his mare, Johanna.

“Sheesh, I know I’ll regret it later on if I don’t do somethin’,” Arthur sighed.

Tucking the note in his pocket, Arthur changed his destination to the Town Hall. Once he arrived, he opened the door where he saw Raven at her desk and sipping a cup of hot coffee.

“Afternoon, Ms. Raven,” Arthur greeted as he took off his hat and shut the door. “Is Johanna in? I need to speak with her.”

Raven simply smiled and gestured Arthur to the mayor’s office. “Go on in, she is just on her lunch and I’m sure she would love a surprise visit from her stallion stud.” She teased him and wiggled her brow as she giggled.

“Yeah, yeah,” Arthur chuckled and walked towards Johanna’s office. He then knocked on the door and waited for a response.

“Come in!”

Arthur combed his mane back with his hand and opened the door. He found his mare sitting at her desk and eating a dandelion sandwich with a glass of water beside her. She wore a white turtleneck, olive green pants, and a beige trench coat hung on a rack beside her. Arthur also noticed a scarf next to the coat, but it looked quite ragged and unkempt.

“Hello, darlin’,” Arthur greeted warmly. “How’s the day been for ya?”

Johanna swallowed what was in her mouth and smiled demurely at her stallion. She stood up from her desk and reached out to him with her arms encircled around his neck. She planted her lips onto his for a few seconds before she reluctantly removed herself to speak. “Hey there handsome, fancy seeing you here. Day’s been rather mundane to be honest.”

“I can imagine,” Arthur chuckled. “Listen, I stopped by to tell ya somethin’ rather important.”

“Oh? What is it?” Johanna asked, pulling herself away from Arthur.

Arthur glanced at the door behind him and reached over to lock it. “Can ya keep a secret?” Johanna noticed the sudden change of tone in his voice and nodded. Arthur then pulled out the piece of paper he received and gave it to Johanna to read. “Some feller planted that on me passin’ by.”

When she opened the note, Johanna squinted her eyes as she read what was written on it. Her pupils dilated as soon as she finished and as she gasped. She composed herself after a second and thinned her lips when she looked up at Arthur. “It seems somepony knows more about the continuous embezzlement scandal going on in Canterlot.”

“Yeah, and whoever this C.M.A. feller is, they went through the trouble to rope me into it,” Arthur sighed. “I got enough responsibility to deal with, here in Ponyville. Especially since that holiday, Hearth’s Warmin’, is only a week away. It’s probably just a ruse, but then again it probably isn’t. And if it isn’t, the better part of me says to go help them kids who desperately need those funds.” Arthur rubbed the back of his head. “I know ya need me here in Ponyville, but I’d also regret it later on if I don’t do nothin’ about it.” Arthur reached out and held both Johanna’s hands. “So will ya let me go and resolve this thing?”

This is just one of the many reasons why I love you. Johanna thought to herself and exhaled a long held breath from her lungs. “Arthur, the fact that this has reached somepony in Ponyville means that it is worse than we could have anticipated. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia have brought this up to me and other officials around Equestria about a possible nationwide embezzlement going on. This has been happening well before you arrived here, with donations to the hospitals in Canterlot mysteriously vanishing. But back to your request, please be careful with this. Don’t share this information with anypony else, unless it’s Princess Celestia or Princess Luna. If Twilight and her friends get suspicious, just tell them you’re doing a side-errand for me.”

“Very well,” Arthur nodded. He leaned in to whisper in her ear. “And once I return, I’m all yours for Hearth’s Warmin’. And that is a gentleman’s promise.”

Johanna blushed and grinned at his words. “Ooh, you better treat me right then, Mr. Morgan.”

Arthur chuckled and pecked Johanna on her lips before exiting his mare’s office. “Ms. Raven? Can ya do me a favor and let the boys at the barracks know I’m going to Canterlot for a few days?”

“Of course, Mr. Morgan,” Raven smiled

Arthur sat in silence in the train car as he awaited the train to arrive at the royal capital. Many questions were playing out in his head. How long was this operation going on under the law’s nose? Why, of all ponies, was he chosen to solve this case? More importantly, who was this C.M.A. who passed on the message to him? Arthur could only sigh as he reached underneath his coat to rub his hand on the handle of his pistol. He didn’t think he’d need it for something like this, but one can never be too careful in these situations.

The train put on its breaks as it slowly pulled up to the station. Arthur stood up from his seat and walked out of the train and made his way to the Canterlot Hospital. The gunslinger adjusted his coat in order to shield himself from the cold as his hooves stepped in the snow along the sidewalk. After asking around a couple times, Arthur finally made it to his destination. The building was large and rose up three stories that stretched out at least five whole blocks. There was a big red cross with a symbol resembling both Celestia’s and Luna’s cutie marks mixed together. Arthur approached the entrance of the hospital and opened the door.

As Arthur walked in and took off his hat, he was met with the reception area. There were ponies sitting on couches and chairs, probably waiting their turn to be helped. In the center was a large desk and behind it was a young unicorn mare with light blue fur and curly blonde mane. She wore a similar-looking nurse uniform to how nurses dressed back in his world and the mare looked like she was reading a book. Arthur cleared his throat and slicked back his mane before speaking to the receptionist.

“Uh, pardon me, ma’am?” Arthur called out to the mare. “I was wonderin’ if a Mr. Heart Strong is in?”

The mare merely sighed inwardly and rolled her eyes. She bookmarked the page she was on and placed her novel on the desk. When she looked up, her eyes dilated with her cheeks burned from the rush of blood through her body. A small yet visible smile appeared on her face and she walked to the front of the desk where Arthur stood. She made her hips sway as much as possible with the hope that he would notice.

“My my, what have we here? Are you from out of town, mister?”

“I guess you could say that,” Arthur nodded. “My name’s Arthur Morgan, ma’am, I’m here for official business.”

“Sweet Aid, is my name, but you can call me Sweety if you want to.” Sweet Aid winked at Arthur. “Dr. Heart Strong is just down the hall in Room 106,” she answered him and took hold of his arm where she made sure he was hooked against her bosom. “In fact, let me show you.”

Arthur merely rolled his eyes as Sweet Aid led him down the hall. Arthur noticed the stares he was getting from any other nurse and doctor they passed by, each one with a look of jealousy. They made it to a room with a name that read Doctor Strong Heart M.D.

Sweet Aid knocked on the door. “Dr. Strong Heart? I have somepony here to see you, may we come in?”

There was a brief silence for a moment until someone spoke. “Yes, of course.”

Sweet Aid opened the door and Arthur entered a fancy-looking office with bookshelves, chairs, plaques hanging on the walls, and a big wooden desk in the middle. Sitting at the desk was an older-looking earth pony stallion. His fur was sand brown, his hair was black with grey highlights, and he wore a pair of glasses on his muzzle. He wore a white lab coat, blue sweater vest, tan collared shirt, a dark blue bow tie, and brown slacks. The stallion looked up from writing in his forms to see the two enter his office.

“Pleasure to meet ya, sir,” Arthur said as he raised his hand to shake. “My name’s Arthur Morgan, and I’d just like to say…I wish ya a bountiful Hearth’s Warmin’, Doctor, do ya know of any good ponies who could help me with my woes?”

The doctor narrowed his eyes for a moment before he turned to the nurse. “That will be all, Sweet, I’ll take it from here,” he dismissed her out of the office. Strong Heart stood up from his chair and walked over to the door where he locked it. He closed the blinds and took a peek out from between the blinders to make sure nopony was eavesdropping. “Glad you could come so soon, I was beginning to think my source was lying to me about a sheriff being sent to help.”

“Glad I didn’t disappoint, I suppose,” Arthur shrugged and pulled out his notebook and pencil from his satchel. “So when did this whole money theft start? How long’s it been goin’ on for?”

“Would you believe me if I said almost a year?” Strong Heart replied and sighed, he made his way to his desk and slumped down on his chair where he proceeded to palm his face in his hands with his elbows on the table. “This has been an absolute nightmare, not just for the hospital or the board but for me as well. If this continues onwards, this hospital will be seized by the administration who will force other ponies to be moved to other hospitals. Only problem is, we have a near full capacity of foals who cannot afford the other hospitals and with the funds being taken, their operations have been stalled as well.”

“And I’m guessin’ you’re running out of ideas to make up excuses if someone asks why this whole thing is happenin’?” Arthur wondered as he wrote in his notebook.

“Exactly! It’s gotten to the point where a few of my staff have started to not trust me! And everypony in this hospital has been working together for years!” Strong Heart groaned.

“Alright, alright, hold it in now,” Arthur tried to calm him down. “Apparently not everyone thinks the same way the rest of y’all do anymore. They’re only in it to make as much dough as possible by any dirty means necessary. And, since it’s been nearly a year, it means they’ve been saving up all this time to take as much as they can in order to hightail it outta here and disappear for good. And they just might, given the fact that it’s nearly the end of the year.”

“Like I said, it’s a nightmare,” Strong Heart frowned.

“And one I plan to put to rest,” Arthur said. “Now back to it, is there anyone who you think could possibly have a motive for doing this?”

Strong Heart nodded and looked out of his window. “There was suspicion about the janitor being the culprit, but that was proven wrong after he unfortunately passed away a few months ago.” He grimaced and closed his eyes. “There was also talks about an MD, Iron Blood, who could have done it, but he transferred to Saddle Arabia and this has still continued. Which leaves only one suspect…my nurse.”

“Your nurse?” Arthur asked. “That nurse who was on my arm?” But Strong Heart shook his head.

“Nah, nah, not her, and I do apologize for Sweet Aid and her…forwardness. Cold Heart is a senior nurse at the hospital. She’s about to retire, something we all are grateful for.” Strong Heart mumbled the last part but Arthur was able to hear it.

“Hard to believe she’d do somethin’ so cruel for a hospital she’s worked at, for years,” Arthur said. “Be that as it may, I’ll see if she knows anythin’. Ya got some kind of address of hers?”

“Of course,” Strong Heart said and pulled out a piece of paper to write on. “By the way, would you mind doing me a personal favor?”

“Depends, what is it?” Arthur wondered.

“Would you please stop by the foal’s ward for a visit? I can name quite a few young colts who would love to meet a sheriff such as yourself. It would brighten up their mood considerably.”

“I don’t know…do I have to?” Arthur wondered.

“You don’t have to, but it would be appreciated,” Strong Heart said as she finished writing the address and handed it to Arthur. “I wish you best of luck in your investigation.”

Arthur nodded and exited Strong Heart’s office. As Arthur was about to leave the hospital, Strong Heart’s request echoed a bit in his head, making him stop his trek. Arthur sighed and pinched the bridge of his muzzle.

“This is why I sometimes hate being the good guy,” Arthur groaned out loud and changed his direction.

After asking around a bit, he found his way towards the hospital wing where the foals are being treated. Arthur pondered about the investigation, meanwhile, and tried to piece together why a longtime nurse would steal in the first place. Surely, it had to be a misunderstanding. What could this mare gain besides a plethora of stolen funds? As soon as Arthur turned the corner, he accidentally bumped into someone’s shoulder.

“Whoops, sorry partner…” Arthur looked over his shoulder to see a few armored ponies and in the middle was a familiar-looking midnight blue mane, billowing in a nonexistent wind. “Princess Luna?”

Luna gasped and flustered for a moment before she shook her head and cleared her throat to reply. “Arthur? What are you doing here? Don’t tell me you’ve got yourself injured.” She said to him with a hint of worry in her voice and her eyes lingered all over his body. She stopped when her imagination became more risqué.

“Naw, I’m here on official business,” Arthur waved it off and smiled at Luna. “It’s good to see ya, Luna.” He noticed Luna was wearing a beautifully made shawl and a dark blue dress with her cutie mark embroidered on both. “Ya look mighty pretty today, that shawl goes nice with those shimmerin’ eyes of yours.”

“Oh! Um, thank you…” Luna’s cheeks became as hot as her sister’s sun and her mind betrayed her again when it showed her images of dreams she had of her own. With Arthur. She once again cleared her voice to respond. “What kind of official business are you here for? As far as I remember, you are the Sheriff of Ponyville. Not Canterlot.” Though, I wouldn’t mind him being the captain of my guard…

“It’s…sorta sensitive,” Arthur said.

“The Princess asked you a question,” one of the unicorn guards sneered. “You’d best answer her, sheriff.”

“And who’re you,” Arthur asked, crossing his arms.

“Night Hawk, third class lieutenant, now answer the Princess’s question.”

Luna flared her wings and glared at said lieutenant. “Night Hawk, enough! Arthur Morgan is a dear friend of mine, you will not speak to him in that manner. Is that understood!?”

“Y-Yes, your highness,” Night Hawk bowed, nervously.

“I’m terribly sorry, Arthur,” Luna apologized to the gunslinger then glared back at her escort. “You shall all await for me outside at the entrance until my business is concluded.”

“B-But-!”

“That’s an order!”

The lieutenant frowned and left Luna’s side as she furled her wings back.

“Nice goin’,” Arthur said with a smirk. “I personally like a woman who speaks with authority. Makes them rather…appealin’ to me, but that’s just my opinion.”

Yes yes yes! Luna had to stop herself from shouting out loud in glee and suppress her beam to a small smile instead. “When your guards are one of the best soldiers in all of Equestria, you have to enforce discipline on them.”

“Well, ya certainly got your work cut out for ya,” Arthur nodded.

“So what was it that you were here for again, Arthur?” Luna asked once more.

Arthur pondered the situation he found himself in. This was supposed to be his investigation, which also meant that Strong Heart put his trust into Arthur so that he wouldn’t let anyone else know why he was truly here in the first place. However, having someone like Luna helping him would prove to be a big help since she has major pull as a princess. But just as Arthur was about to tell her about everything thus far, he hesitated. Sure, her help would prove to be very beneficial, but it might also affect the hospital’s reputation in a way that might not go in a way he would hope. As much as he wanted to tell Luna the truth, he just couldn’t bring himself to do so. Not to mention he’d feel like he was taking advantage of Luna’s influence, which was the last thing he’d ever do to a dear friend like Luna. Thinking quickly, in order to come up with an answer, Arthur pointed at the sign that led towards the foal’s wing of the hospital.

“I’m actually here to lift some kids spirits up,” Arthur said. “Them kids, who’re stuck here recoverin’ from whatever ails them, might find it upliftin’ to see a strong sheriff stallion like myself, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Really? So am I.” Luna replied and gestured to her other guard to step forward. “This time of year, I bring gifts to the foals here who can’t go home for Hearth’s Warming or do not have homes to return to.” She took a bag from her guard with her magic and opened it to show Arthur a variety of toys inside.

“Wow,” Arthur said as he took out a stuffed bear. “You got all these toys for them kids?

“Of course, it is only fair that I share the happiness that comes from a special holiday such as Hearth’s Warming,” Luna smiled as Arthur put the stuffed bear back.

“That’s mighty thoughtful, Luna,” Arthur smiled as he turned to continue walking towards the foal’s wing. “I’d say that’s an admirable quality from a beautiful woman like yourself.” He glanced over his shoulder and playfully winked at the lunar princess.

Whilst her guards were shell-shocked at the casual flirtation Arthur sent to their princess, the said princess was over the moon for what the sheriff said about her. Luna had to do her utmost to not tackle the stallion in front of her guards and plant her lips against his. Again she smiled softly, albeit painfully, and giggled like a schoolmare in front of her crush. “Why thank you very much, Arthur…shall we go to the foals now?” Before you have me do something very inappropriate in this hospital, you stud-muffin!

“Lead the way, m’lady,” Arthur rose his arm out towards the hall with a small bow.

Luna giggled again and walked past Arthur and he followed. As they walked, Luna would occasionally steal glances at Arthur, as the sheriff quietly hummed a tune to himself, and she took in every second of her time with him. Her daydreaming would have to be cut short as they reached their destination through a set of double doors. The guards opened the doors for Luna and Arthur and were met with a large room with beds on each side. In the center of the room were about over a dozen foals, most with arm and leg casts, some with I.V.’s hooked in their arms, and a couple in wheelchairs as they were playing with some of the old toys the hospital provided them.

“Princess Luna! So good to see you!”

From one of the other doorways came a middle aged mare with pale pink fur, greying green mane and tail tied in a bun, and wore a senior nurse’s outfit.

“Hello, Nurse Lime Drop, how have the little ones been this year?” Luna asked the mare.

“Oh, you know, some of them can’t seem to stay out of trouble, and others are still patiently waiting for their treatments,” Lime Drop giggled. “Bless their hearts, and thank the makers for keeping them alive until they are well enough to leave this dull place.” Lime Drop’s eyes turned to Arthur who stood next to Luna with a kind smile of his own. “Oh? Princess Luna! Finally found a stallion of your own, hm?” Lime Drop teased, making Arthur cough into his fist sheepishly.

Luna began to fluster and again her cheeks burned with her eyes locked onto everything around her except the nurse’s eyes. “N-no, he’s not my special stallion.” But I wish he was! “This is Arthur Morgan, a dear friend of mine and sheriff of Ponyville.” She introduced said stallion to Lime Drop.

“Pleasure to meet ya, ma’am,” Arthur said as he raised his hand to Lime Drop.

“Oh, he’s a polite one,” Lime Drop said as she shook Arthur’s hand. “You best be sure to hook him before another mare manages to nab him, Princess.”

“Afraid you’d be too late about that,” Arthur said, making Luna pause from her flustered state. “I already got a lady back home waitin’ for me.”

Lime giggled with her hand before her mouth with a smile etched on it. “She sure must be a lovely and lucky lady to have you…but did you know that polygamy is practised and encouraged in Equestria?”

“I did,” Arthur nodded his head as Luna leaned her head in, trying not to look like she was anticipating his next words. “And I’ve had a lot to think about durin’ my time here. See, where I’m originally from, relationships with men and women only come one at a time. The whole multiple lovers concept is a bit new to me. However, given that I’ve met a considerable amount of interestin’ individuals during my stay, I suppose you could say the new traditions practiced around here have sorta rubbed off on me.”

“So you would say you are considering starting a herd soon?” Lime Drop asked.

“I ain’t confirmin’ nothin’ as it is,” Arthur waved it off. “However, if and when the occasion arises at the appropriate time…I’ll maybe consider it.”

Please do! Please do! Oh please do consider! Luna chanted in her mind as a smile was fixed onto her face. I don’t mind sharing you with other mares, Arthur, in fact…it may be quite interesting and adventurous to try different-Stop thinking such naughty thoughts, Luna! She scolded herself and cleared her throat to alert the others of her presence. “I believe we have talked enough about my friend’s love life. We should get to the foals, don’t you think?”

“But of course,” Lime Drop said and turned to the group of foals. “Children! Look who has come to pay you a visit! And she brought a friend!”

The foals all looked to see the lunar princess and smiled widely at her.

“PRINCESS LUNA!” They all cheered as she and Arthur approached them.

“Hello, children,” Luna said as she gently knelt down onto her knees. “How are you all today?”

“Princess! Princess! Who’s this tall stallion!” A filly with a leg cast asked.

“He looks cool!” A colt in a wheelchair said.

“Howdy, kids, name’s Arthur,” Arthur said with a tip of his hat as he bent down on his knee. “I’m just visitin’ from Ponyville.”

“Ponyville? Why did you come from so far away, mister?” A colt with an I.V. hooked to his arm asked.

“Because I heard that some of you wanted to meet a real life sheriff once in your lives.” Arthur reached behind his coat and pulled out his badge to show the group of foals. “Sheriff Arthur Morgan, at your service, kids.”

Luna beamed as the children cheered and bombarded Arthur with questions about Ponyville, about being a sheriff and just about anything else. She counted how many foals were present today and her smile loosened a little as she noticed the number seemed to be a bit too high. I wonder what happened to cause this?

“Did you catch any bad guys?!” A colt asked.

“Plenty,” Arthur nodded and pulled out his lasso. “I hogtied each varmint so he wouldn’t be able to get away.”

“Can you show us how to toss a rope?!” A filly asked.

“Hmm, I suppose I can…think fast, Luna!” Before Luna could register Arthur’s warning, due to her being lost in thought, Arthur spun his lasso around above his head and flung it towards Luna and wrapped it around her body. Arthur pulled on the rope, making her yelp in surprise, as the rope closed around her arms and she was pulled towards Arthur. As she was about to fall, Arthur managed to catch her by wrapping his arm behind her back and unintentionally brought his eyes close to hers.

“Now lookie here what I managed to wrangle up,” Arthur teased as the foals all laughed and cheered.

Luna was pleasantly surprised to be this close to Arthur; the same could not be said about her guards. They advanced to the sheriff menacingly, but the princess sent a glare to each of them. This caused both of her guards to stop their action and she removed herself from the rope that was tied around her. So many ideas, so many moves to try with him when I-Stop it!

“Heh, sorry about that, Luna,” Arthur chuckled as he helped her up and untied her. “Had to entertain the kids somehow.”

“I-It’s quite alright, Arthur,” Luna managed to say as she smoothed out her dress. “I have never been tied up like that before.”

“First time for everythin’, right?” Arthur chuckled again.

“That was so cool!” A colt said as he hobbled over to Arthur with his crutches. “So you catch bad guys like that all the time?”

“Yep, I always make sure to protect Ponyville so long as I wear this here badge,” Arthur nodded as he flashed his badge again. “What’s your name, son?”

“Featherweight! I accidentally broke my leg trying to take a picture while my parents and I visited Canterlot. I’m from Ponyville too!”

“Is that right?” Arthur said as he kneeled down. He reached into his satchel and pulled out one of the many hats he owned and handed it to Featherweight. It was a grey flat cap that fitted just a bit bigger than Featherweight’s head but hung at just the right angle. “Consider this a gift from me to you, son.”

Featherweight let loose a beam of joy and teared up a little before he gave Arthur a hug. “Thank you Mr. Morgan!”

Arthur returned the hug as the colt went to show off his new hat to his friends. For about an hour, Arthur was sharing some of his old adventures, the appropriate ones, and the foals were in complete awe the whole time. Luna had her guards distribute the toys she brought to the foals and they all thanked her with wide smiles and the occasional hug. Arthur then noticed one of the children sitting on the edge of her bed. She was frowning as she held a stuffed manticore doll and Arthur noticed she had an I.V. tube attached to her arm. Arthur excused himself from the group of foals and approached the filly and sat down next to her.

“Hello there, what’s your name?” Arthur asked.

“Oh…Rose Petal,” the filly sighed.

“Nice to meet you, Rose, I’m Arthur,” Arthur nodded. “How come you’re not playin’ with your friends?”

Rose smiled weakly and looked over at the I.V. tube attached to her arm. “I can’t walk too much, it makes me too tired…” she trailed off and sniffed. “The doctor says I need some sort of treatment before I can play again with the others, and go home to my family.” A stream of tears escaped from her eyelids and she hugged her stuffed manticore to her chest. “I’m sorry, I just miss my family so much.”

Arthur frowned pityingly at the poor filly as she cried and looked back towards the group of foals. He could tell that even though they were smiling and having fun at the moment, they knew it would be a fleeting moment once he and Luna had to leave to attend to their personal duties.

“I’m powerfully sorry about that, Rose,” Arthur said as he patted Rose’s head. “But I’m sure you’ll get outta here real soon.”

“How? The doctor always tells me I need to wait and says I’ll be back with my family before I know it, but I think he’s just saying that. I feel so…trapped here,” Rose said sadly.

Arthur then wrapped his arm around Rose and hugged her. “It’ll be alright, Rose, I promise,” Arthur said. He then stood up and adjusted his hat. “By the end of the week, you’ll be out of here and back with your family.” He knelt down in front of Rose and held her hand with his as she stared into his eyes. “So until you’re finally where you belong, keep your head up and smile. Deal?”

Rose smiled again, albeit a little larger than her last one. “Ok!” She answered Arthur and she let out a yawn without covering her mouth. “Excuse me,” she apologised to the sheriff and lay on her bed underneath the blankets. “I’m just a little tired now, the doctor says I need to take a nap when I feel this tired.” She explained to him and positioned her stuffed manticore next to her.

“Sweet dreams, kiddo,” Arthur said, then stood up once more. He turned away and walked over to Luna who was playing with some of the toys with the children. “Luna? Somethin’s come up. I gotta be on my way.”

“So soon?” Luna asked.

“Afraid so, I’ll see ya later,” Arthur waved goodbye and left. The gunslinger’s resolve was at an all-time high as he marched down the hall towards the exit. As he passed by the lobby, Sweet Aid waved at Arthur flirtatiously.

“Hey handsome! If you want, you can tag along with me at Las Pegasus!”

“Not interested,” was all Arthur said before exiting the building.

Arthur walked through the streets of Canterlot as he held the piece of paper with Cold Heart’s address in hand. The walk took about fifteen minutes or so, but he finally made it to a blue one story house with a snow-covered roof. Arthur approached the house as he stuffed the paper in his pocket and gave the front door a few knocks.

“Ms. Cold Heart? Are ya there? I got some questions for ya!” Arthur called out.

“Who is it!?” An old voice barked out from behind the door. “I don’t want any carols, well-wishes, or claims of distant relations!” Cold Heart answered Arthur and slid a slot open to reveal her hazel eyes peeking from the other side. “Who are you?!”

“Sheriff Arthur Morgan, ma’am,” Arthur said sternly, flashing his badge. “I got questions regardin’ missin’ funds at the hospital.”

The slot slammed closed and the locks on the door could be heard as they were loosened. Cold Mare carefully opened the door to reveal her full frame, that of an elderly crème unicorn with rubbish gold mane. “Hmph, so they’re finally doing something about that huh? A sheriff they send? The last sheriff I met was a dunderhead, and you sure don’t look like one…thank the sweet lords above.” She uttered out the last part in a low yet audible tone.

“May I come in?” Arthur asked.

“I suppose,” Cold Heart rolled her eyes and stepped to the side.

The inside was a humble abode that suited an elderly mare such as Cold Heart. The mare led Arthur in the living room where a single chair and sofa sat beside each other. Colt Heart sat herself on the cushioned chair while Arthur took a seat on the sofa and took off his hat.

“Don’t bother expecting a cup of tea, because I conveniently ran out yesterday,” Cold Heart said.

“Strong Heart tells me that you might know somethin’ about what’s been going on with the missin’ funds,” Arthur explained.

“More like that ingrate little brother of mine thinks I am the culprit,” Cold Heart huffed.

“Yer…brother?” Arthur asked, but then realized the obviousness of their names.

Cold Heart cackled at his reaction. “That little horsapple didn’t mention I’m his older sister, huh? Figures…Especially since he doesn’t want to admit that I was the one to get him his cutie mark and bring him into medicine.” She reminisced about the past for a moment and took a seat opposite Arthur. “Enough about family squabbles, he told you that I was the culprit?”

“Well he didn’t exactly say you did it,” Arthur said. “He said you might know somethin’ about it. Besides, I suspected that he actually admires you for all ya did for the hospital. When I visited them kids in the foal’s ward, I sometimes heard from Lime Drop how you and she were best friends in medical school. So even if I tried, it’d be hard to accuse you of anythin’. Considerin’ everyone, your brother included, holds ya in such high regard.”

Cold Heart smiled and chuckled for a moment before she shook her head. “I appreciate your attempt to soften me up for questioning, but you can stop with them fibs already. No way in Tartarus would my little brother say something like that.”

“He didn’t have to,” Arthur shrugged. “But the photo I saw on his desk of you and him when he graduated from med school did.”

“Even after all these years he still kept that photo…” Cold Heart mumbled to herself and sighed. “Well that’s nice and all, he still needs to say it to my face when he stallions-up.” She said and cleared her throat with a cough. “I just hope Lime Drop is not too stressed out with taking care of those little cherubs, you know she’s my prodigy in the pediatric ward. For years I took care of those little ones and those years I wouldn’t trade for anything else. The fact that we were running out of funding made me so mad I just wish I could find that pony and show them what Tartarus looks like.”

“I’d like to see that, ma’am, I’m sure you’d give them hell,” Arthur joked, making Cold Heart giggle. “Now then, obviously it weren’t you who stole from the hospital, and Strong Heart mentioned some possible suspects but they ain’t around anymore. Like that janitor or another MD who used to work there. Can you maybe think of anyone who’d do something like this?”

Cold Heart thinned her lips and hummed. “I could name a myriad of ponies who would do such things, but none of them are smart enough to get away with this. When I mentioned the number one suspect to my little brother, he nearly threw the chair at me for even suggesting who it was.”

“And who was this number one suspect?” Arthur asked.

“It would be Sweet Aid.”

“Sweet Aid? The receptionist?”

Cold Heart nodded and scowled. “I never liked that mare since the moment she walked through those doors into the hospital. She’s bad news and I especially don’t like her dishonesty when it comes to bedside manners. Let alone the gambling problems.”

“Gamblin’, huh?” Arthur crossed his arms and leaned back on the sofa. “When I passed by her before I left, she said something about a place called Las Pegasus.” Cold Heart’s ear twitched and she looked at Arthur with a perplexed expression.

“Mr. Morgan, do you have any idea how expensive a trip to Las Pegasus is? Let alone accommodation, food and the games?” She asked him rhetorically. “You’d have to save up for a year on a doctor’s salary to afford that. There’s no way a receptionist’s salary can cover that?” She lectured him. “You’re probably wondering how I know about said gambling problems? Started out when I heard some patients talking about Sweet Aid and some debt she was in. I actually wasted my long weekend break to follow a trail, low and behold I see her at the slums and slots whilst also avoiding debt collectors.”

Arthur pondered Cold Heart’s explanation. All of this was familiar to him since he too was a debt collector for his gang. If Las Pegasus was as luxurious as Cold Heart made it to be, then it wouldn’t make sense for a simple receptionist to be able to afford to go there. Yet Sweet Aid sounded so confident, she went as far as to invite him.

“Cold Heart, would ya agree that the least likely person to be accused of somethin’ is the most obvious one after all?” Arthur asked seriously.

“You know, you might as well become a detective instead of staying a mere sheriff, Mr. Morgan,” Cold Heart joked and chuckled but stopped after a moment. “In this case yes, she’s a good actress at being the nice nurse but I can see through her. If you do find out it was her, let me know so that I can personally give her my treatment.”

“I’ll be sure to do that,” Arthur nodded and stood up.

“One more thing, Mr. Morgan, let me teach a lesson in life that will help you out in the future. There’s a difference between nice and good ponies. You can do nice things, but still it’s a façade or just something to elevate yourself in your position. Whereas good ponies actually care for others and will look out for them, even if they have to do things that are not considered nice.” She explained to him.

Before Arthur could say another word, Cold Heart raised her hand to silence him. “Now just by being in your presence, I can tell you’re not a nice pony, Sheriff. But rather a good pony.” She told him with a soft smile on her face. “Just a shame many of my former colleagues and patients won’t remember me for that in the future when I’m long gone. But that’s a price I paid for doing what was right, and not what was easy.”

Arthur merely nodded again as he put on his hat and made for the door. Cold Heart watched Arthur leave and chuckled to herself as she glanced at a mirror in the room. “Now, why couldn’t he have been around thirty years ago when I was in my prime?”

Arthur made his way back to the hospital and entered through the main doors. When he scanned the lobby, he spied his perp on the desk sitting at the desk. Sweet Aid looked as bored as when he first met her as she read her book. Arthur scowled at the mare for a moment but calmed himself as he took off his hat. He combed his hair back with his hand again and approached the desk. He then decided to put on an act for his perp by leaning forward and resting his arm on the desk.

“Well, hello darlin’, nice seeing you again,” Arthur said with a smirk.

Sweet Aid looked up and smiled at the stallion who greeted her. “Why, Mr. Morgan. Back so soon?” She coyly asked him and batted her eyelids at him.

“What can I say? I didn’t get a chance to take you all in,” Arthur said. “And might I say, you’re a nice glass of water, sugar.”

“Why thank you,” Sweet Aid replied and closed her book to concentrate on Arthur. “You’re awfully nice to a mare you just met,” she said with her smile as seductive as she could muster.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Arthur asked. “After all, I was a bit too preoccupied to notice you and that’s my personal blunder since you’re such an eye catcher.” His words made Sweet Aid hum in delight. “In fact, about that offer to Las Pegasus, is it still open?”

“Maybe~,” Sweet Aid grinned.

“Then how’s about I take ya up on that offer?” Arthur reached up to cup Sweet Aid’s chin. “Let a strong stallion like myself show you a real good time?”

“Really?” Sweet Aid sauntered around the desk and over to Arthur and pointed a finger at his chest where she began to swirl around it like a pen on paper. “Give me five minutes to finish up,” she reached to his ear to whisper. “We can go to my place.”

“Don’t keep me waitin’, hon,” Arthur smiled as he gave her a playful wink.

Sweet Aid squealed with delight as she left his side and skipped off away from the desk to gather her things. As Arthur waited, he felt a feeling of guilt for openly flirting with another mare who wasn’t Johanna. Even though it hurt the gunslinger’s pride, it was a necessity in order to catch this culprit red handed. Sweet Aid soon returned wearing a winter coat and approached Arthur in a seductive manner. In her hand was her nurse’s cap and she just tossed it on the receptionist desk.

“You ready, darlin’?” Arthur asked.

“You betcha,” she replied and hooked her arms around Arthur’s right. Once they were outside in the blistering cold, she looked around and stole a peck on his cheek. “I just couldn’t resist.”

“I’m sure you couldn’t,” Arthur said and leaned in. “Just wait ‘till we get to your place.”

Sweet Aid shuddered and eagerly pulled Arthur away from the hospital. It irked Arthur how confident she was with her ruse, but he had to keep up his own act in order to convince her. About ten minutes later, the pair arrived at a shabby-looking apartment building. It wasn’t like any of the other buildings in Canterlot Arthur had seen in the upper district, but it looked like enough for those who could afford it. The pair walked up the stairs and came to a door where Sweet Aid fished out her keys and unlocked the door. She winked at Arthur and let him inside and shut the door behind her. The inside of the apartment was just as shabby as the building itself. The first thing Arthur noticed was that her bed was right where the living room should be and it somehow folded out from the sofa. A small kitchen with a single stove was to his right and a door leading to the bathroom was to his left.

“Nice place,” Arthur said as Sweet Aid pulled him to the bed and sat him down on the edge.

Sweet Aid merely shrugged as she looked around. “It’s just temporary, once I have my new place I will finally be able to live as I feel.” She uttered to herself and for a brief moment a look of disgust shined from her eyes as she looked around her accommodation. “Enough about that,” she removed her coat roughly and walked over to Arthur slowly to make sure her hips swayed with each movement. “Show me what you got, Sugar.”

“Now before we get to the fun part, I should let ya in on a little secret,” Arthur said as he held up his hand. “I’m originally from Las Pegasus.”

“You are?” Sweet Aid paused from her advance.

“Sure am, I even have a bit of a rep there,” Arthur nodded as he looked up as if he was reminiscing. “Shoot, them gamblers were mighty ticked from the last haul I made off with. All from a simple card game.”

“How…much exactly?” Sweet Aid wondered.

“Hmm…if I recall, I believe my biggest win was at least 500,000 bits, maybe 750,000,” Arthur scratched his chin, leaving Sweet Aid dumbfounded. “The best part is they never caught me for countin’ cards.”

Sweet Aid’s smile grew with each word Arthur spoke. Once she was before him, she straddled him and rested her arms on his shoulders with her lips just inches away from his. “Once we’re there, you gotta show me your skills. But for now, show me your talent in bed~.”

“Just one more thing, darlin’,” Arthur smirked as he grabbed Sweet Aid’s waist. “How exactly are we gonna get there? From what I remember, Las Pegasus is pretty pricey. Let alone even traveling there will cost a lot.”

Sweet Aid merely blew a raspberry and waved her hand once she balanced herself on Arthur’s lap. “Don’t worry about that, I’ve saved up for months just for this.” She replied dismissively at the stallion’s question. “A trip for me and a plus one,” she winked at him and cupped his cheeks in her hands to pull him closer to her.

“You must have saved a lot,” Arthur said as her eyes began to close.

“And those idiots at the hospital won’t ever suspect a thing once we’re living the good life…” Sweet Aid whispered.

“Got ya.” Arthur grabbed Sweet Aid’s arms just as her lips were a millimeter from his. He spun her around and forced her on her stomach on the bed while pulling out a pair of handcuffs from his coat pocket. “Sweet Aid, you’re under arrest for the crime of stealin’ funds from Canterlot General Hospital.” Sweet Aid looked back at Arthur with both shock and confusion until she finally noticed his badge pinned to his shirt.

“Y-you’re a cop!?” She blurted out before she snarled at Arthur. “You can’t arrest me, you pig!”

“Sheriff, actually, and I believe I can,” Arthur said as he cuffed her. “I know about the funds disappearin’ from the Hospital, Sweet, and I know for a fact that not even you could afford a trip to a fancy palace like Las Pegasus.” He hoisted her up and sat her on the edge of the bed as he stood before her and crossed his arms. “And that little comment ya said as you were all over me, I wonder what exactly you meant by that? Seems to me you’ve been up to no good since the day ya moved here and got a job at the hospital. I also know you’ve got some collectors after you from your little gamblin’ problem.”

“H-How do you know about that?!” Sweet demanded.

“Because you got all the signs of a guilty debtor,” Arthur pointed at Sweet.

Arthur then glanced around the room and hummed to himself. The crude furniture and decaying walls were all he saw at first as he paced around the room. He then approached the stove and examined it until he noticed something. The upper frame was a little out of place then it should be which gave him an idea. He then lifted the frame up and opened the little door of the stove. Suddenly, dozens of pieces of paper came falling out from a wedge in the stove, making Sweet gasp. Arthur arched a brow as he picked up one of the papers and read it. It had her bank information and deposits of bits into her account, each number a large amount as the last and they all came from Canterlot General Hospital.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” Arthur smirked as he held up one of the papers.

Sweet Aid gritted her teeth and leered at Arthur with as much hatred as she could summon. “So what if I took a bit of cash from the hospital? That money’s going to waste on ponies who are better off dead, especially those brats! So what if I use my money on playing games and take it from others who just store it like the misers they are!? I’m a mare who is destined to be a princess! I don’t deserve to work a low-income dead end job at a place filled with stinking kids who are better off dead!”

Arthur snarled at Sweet and marched over to her with a glare. He grabbed her arms and shoved her against the wall and gritted his teeth at her. “You listen here, you selfish bitch! Them kids still have their whole lives to live and they can’t do that if ponies like you are deprivin’ them of a future! You say you deserve to be a princess?! Ya ain’t got the sense of decency to even crack a genuine smile without fakin’ it! I outta teach you some manners, show you what happens when you cross someone like me!” Sweet Aid trembled in fear from the sudden change of character from the enraged gunslinger. Arthur sighed as he let go of Sweet and she collapsed to her knees. “You ain’t even worth it, all you are is just a thief.” Just then, the door to Sweet’s apartment opened and in came a pudgy stallion and glared at Sweet.

“Damnit, Sweet, I told you I want my rent money right-!” The stallion paused when he noticed Arthur and titled his head. “Uh, who’re you?”

“It don’t matter, sir,” Arthur waved it off. “But I suggest you go and fetch the guards. This one has some answerin’ to do.”

Arthur stood on the sidewalk just outside of the apartment building as a few guards escorted Sweet Aid away and into a carriage. In Arthur’s hand was a file of all the documents Sweet had hidden and was set to bring them to Strong Heart. One of the guards approached the gunslinger and saluted him.

“Thank you for your aid, sheriff, we had heard of the missing funds at the hospital but just didn’t have enough evidence or leads to pinpoint the culprit,” the guard said.

“Glad I could help,” Arthur tipped his hat. “So what’ll happen to her?” He looked back at Sweet who glared at Arthur from the carriage window.

“We’ll take her downtown for processing, you’ve done your part anyway so we’ll take it from here,” the guard said and left.

Arthur nodded and once again walked back towards the hospital. He soon returned and noticed none of Luna’s guards were around which meant she must have left for the day. He then went straight to Strong Heart’s office and burst through the door, startling the medical stallion.

“Gah! Mr. Morgan?! What is the matter?!” Strong Heart yelped.

Arthur smiled and held up the file he carried and plopped it on his desk. “You’ll find the culprit’s name on them papers, Strong, I literally just arrested her before comin’ back here.”

Strong Heart took the file and began to read it. Once he was done, he sighed and laughed joyfully at what he just read. “Mr. Morgan, you have made this year’s Hearth’s Warming the best I’ve ever had since I started working here!” He stood up from his desk and walked over to Arthur. He patted him on the shoulder and moved to a cabinet. He drew out a bottle of liquor from it and two glasses. “Let’s have a toast, shall we?”

“I’d love to, Strong, but I got some other business to attend to,” Arthur tipped his hat to the doctor and turned to leave. “Oh, and you should go visit your sister more often. That mare is a proud one at her age and she’d appreciate it if ya did.”

Strong Heart’s smile dimmed a little when he heard mention of his sister. “What did she say this time?”

“Not much, just that she’s proud of you and wishes you could grow more of a backbone when it comes to situations like this,” Arthur chuckled. “But I’m sure she just said that because she still cares for ya.”

“She was always the pragmatic one, but at least her heart’s in the right place…” Strong Heart mumbled and placed the glasses and bottle back in his cabinet. “I think it’s long overdue for my visit to her place.”

“I wish ya luck with that,” Arthur nodded and left.

As Arthur left the hospital, he traversed through the streets and saw the different shops that were open. They were selling a variety of items for Hearth’s Warming and ponies were all smiling and laughing. Since Arthur was going to be in the city for a couple more days, he decided to do a little sightseeing just for the fun of it. Just then, he passed by a store that had something on display in the window that caught his eye. It was a very well-made blue scarf that had snowflake embroidery sewn in it. The scarf was tied around a mannequin’s neck, which gave Arthur an idea, causing Arthur to smile as he entered the store.

Some Time Later
Hearth’s Warming Day

The citizens of Ponyville were all smiling and happy on Hearth’s Warming Day and presents were shared with each other’s loved ones. Twilight and her friends had left for Canterlot to participate in a play depicting the origin of Hearth’s Warming and the story of the three tribes. Meanwhile, Arthur had decided to stay behind in Ponyville since he preferred to spend the holiday with his mare and he was looking forward to his second ever holiday since appearing in this world.

After Arthur had returned from Canterlot, the mane six, followed by the ponies of Ponyville, bombarded the gunslinger with praise and congratulatory words. When Arthur wondered why, Pinkie Pie pulled out a newspaper that had a front page article of him foiling the Canterlot hospital embezzlement and arresting the pony behind it. Ever since his big debut, Arthur’s name now became well-known in both Ponyville and Canterlot. Arthur didn’t really care about the attention he was getting, so long as he was back doing his job as sheriff in his local town.

Arthur was now taking a stroll with Johanna through Ponyville and the two were enjoying each other’s company. As promised, Arthur made sure he spent the whole day with Johanna from morning until sunset on Hearth’s Warming Day. The two had just gotten done with their Hearth’s Warming dinner and they were making their way back to Arthur’s tent.

“Sure was nice of that feller to foot the bill for me at the restaurant,” Arthur said as Johanna clung to his arm. “I heard from Pinkie that you’d normally have to book about a week in advance to get a table.”

Johanna merely chuckled. “Try a month, even then it’s booked fully. I tried to get my cousin a table booked here for his anniversary, but that didn’t work out even though it was a month away.” She said nostalgically and looked around. “I’m still impressed that you were able to get a table there at such short notice.”

“Eh, I did the guy who owned the place a favor,” Arthur shrugged. “Some of his employees were pocketing tips and I put a stop to it by teaching them a lesson they wouldn’t forget. Now they’re stuck in the kitchen as dishwashers.”

“You have a hands-on approach to everything in life it seems, Arthur.” Johanna commented and leaned into Arthur’s shoulder. “So what are you going to do for the rest of the night, after we’re done with our little stroll?”

“Actually, Johanna…” Arthur hesitated for a moment. He stopped walking and turned to face his mare with a warm smile as he held both her hands. “I’d like to invite ya to my tent. I…I’d like ya to spend the night with me, if ya wouldn’t mind?”

A silent pause followed as Johanna’s brain was unable to function for that brief moment. When she finally found herself able to think again, she pulled herself closer to him and nuzzled into his chest. “I’d like that very much,” she said and pulled Arhtur into a kiss. She took a hold of his hand whilst her lips were connected to his and guided them to her rump. Once his hand was where she wanted it, she placed her hands on his own rump. Oh my gosh! This is it!

“Easy now, darlin’,” Arthur said as they separated, her breath already hitched. “We gotta get to my tent first.”

Arthur let Johanna hook her arms around his as they made their way to his tent. Johanna’s heart raced manically as they neared the lake and found his campsite waiting for them. Arthur then opened the flap for Johanna to walk inside and she thanked him as she walked past him. A warm air hit Johanna like she had just walked into somebody’s house. The magic properties of the tent allowed the temperature to stay at a normal level as Arthur zipped the tent back up.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Arthur said as he hung his coat on the rack. “I’ll get us somethin’ to drink.”

Johanna looked around the tent and how spacious it was. Once she was done looking around, she took a seat at one of the more comfortable chairs available to her. With each second, her lips became drier which made her lick them to stay hydrated. Her legs rubbed against each other as she waited for her stallion to turn around from pouring their drinks. Ok Johanna, don’t mess this up!

“Johanna?” The mayor looked up to see Arthur with two glasses in his hand. “Ya look tense there, darlin’, everythin’ alright?” Arthur asked as he handed her a glass of liquor and he took a seat beside her.

“Oh! Um, everything’s fine!” Johanna replied with a plastered smile on her face. “It’s just been...years since I was on a proper date, let alone in a stallion’s house.” She confessed and her smile dimmed with her ears drooped soon after.

“I understand,” Arthur sighed as he sipped his drink. “Believe me, I know what it is that’s goin’ through your mind.”

“You do?” Johanna wondered.

“Back where I’m from, I once fancied another woman,” Arthur explained. “She fancied me and she wanted me to leave my gang so that I could be with her, even though her father hated my guts. It was a difficult choice, at the time, my gang or the gal, but I chose the gang. I can’t tell ya how close I was to just leavin’ everything and everyone I’d ever known since I was young. Before I came here, there were times she’d try to convince me to choose her even though I already made my choice. Eventually, she finally realized that my decision to stay with my gang was final. If she couldn’t accept that, then she too would move on.” Arthur stared down at his drink with a frown. “It’s been many a year since I properly shared my heart with another woman.”

“Oh Arhtur,” Johanna spoke and reached her hands towards his and took a hold of them after setting her drink aside.

She wanted to say something to her stallion, but instead opted to reply in action. She reached out for his cheeks and took a hold of them. Once she had them in her grasp, she turned his head towards her and planted her lips against his. Unlike the chastised kiss that came earlier, this one was filled with passion as her tongue danced with his. The two separated, both their breaths hitched, and Johanna took off her glasses and set them aside.

“Johanna…” Arthur sighed.

“Shh…” Johanna shushed him and pulled him up from his seat. She reached behind her head and pulled out the hair pin that held her mane in a bun and allowed it to fall over her shoulders. “From now on, focus on me.”

CLOP START!!!

Johanna kissed Arthur again as she slowly took off her coat. She then began to slowly unbutton her blouse as Arthur followed suit and took off his shirt. Soon, Arthur and Johanna stood before each other wearing only their undergarments. Arthur gazed at Johanna’s curvy body, despite her age, and her chest was perky and nicely-shaped. Her hourglass figure made Arthur unable to tear his gaze away and felt his face flush a little red.

Meanwhile, Johanna was busy ogling Arthur’s muscular form. She’d always figured that Big Mac was the most muscle-bound stallion in Ponyville, but Arthur looked like he was just as strong as he. His large arms, his firm pectorals, and his flat abdominals told her he was a stallion any mare would crave.

“Johanna….you’re absolutely gorgeous,” Arthur said as he caressed her shoulders.

Johanna merely blushed and walked towards Arthur. Once they embraced, their lips danced for a few seconds and she reluctantly let go of his to travel downwards to his chest. She licked his chest and stomach until she reached his underwear. She removed it with her hands and was greeted by a giant stallionhood that sprang to greet her. It’s perfect! But how in Equestria am I going to fit it in?!

Sheesh, it’s gonna take a while to get used to seeing it different. Arthur thought to himself as he stared at his equine phallus. “You know what you’re doin’ Johanna?”

“Of course,” Johanna nodded and began to stroke his shaft. She leaned in and took a deep breath through her nostrils and shuddered from his shaft’s aroma. “You smell wonderful~.” She stuck out her tongue and proceeded to lick his length from the base to the tip, causing the sheriff to groan in pleasure.

She caressed his stallionhood with her tongue for what seemed like forever as she enjoyed the salty taste that invaded her taste buds. Being more daring than usual, she engulfed the entire stallionhood into her mouth and bobbed it up and down her throat. Johanna could hear Arthur’s moans and sped up her actions to feel him shake in ecstasy.

“Sweet lord above…” Arthur sighed as Johanna continued her ministrations.

Johanna smiled at her lover’s enjoyment of her blowjob and felt an itch spurring from her nethers. As she suckled on his length, moaning and sighed every time she came down on him, she snaked her other hand down towards her pussy lips and began to rub and caress her flower. Both ponies were lost in a world of pleasure as Arthur rubbed the back of Johanna’s ears and Johanna was enjoying her tasty treat. Unfortunately for Arthur, all good things must come to an end as he felt a familiar tension build up from his groin.

“Johanna, darlin’…I’m close!” Arthur grunted.

She smirked with his member still in her mouth and she continued her assault on it. She reached her finger into his prostate to stimulate Arthur even further. She didn’t account for what the dam she was about to unleash upon herself. Arthur grit his teeth as he came hard in Johanna’s mouth. Johanna squeaked in surprise but tried her best to keep all that came out in her mouth as she swallowed all that hit the back of her throat. It was unprecedented for the mayor how much the gunslinger would climax, but she wanted to give her mate a show by taking it all in. Soon his climax came to an end and Johanna slowly pulled back and out with an audible pop. She gazed up at Arthur with glazed eyes and a dopey grin as she licked her lips.

“You alright? I sure came a lot,” Arthur said.

She giggled and smiled at Arthur with a nod. “I sure am, that was a blast.” Johanna joked in reply and jumped onto her stallion’s bed. She spread her legs and looked at him with half-lid eyelids. “Now it’s your turn, lover colt~,” she cooed at him and motioned with her finger for him to come to her.

Arthur smirked as his cock twitched in response as it recovered. He approached Johanna and climbed into bed and between her legs. He brought his face close to her crotch where her soaked flower was winking at him and he could smell her fluids. She smelled like a fresh peach, ripe and ready to eat. Arthur wasted no time as he licked his lips and stuck his tongue out and began to lick and poke at her pussy. Johanna moaned as his tongue poked and prodded all around and he reached underneath to cup both her ass cheeks and pull her more towards him. He wiggled his tongue and savored her taste as she bit her nail and pressed the back of his head towards her crotch.

“Oh my goddess!” Johanna moaned and unleashed her juices onto Arthur’s face. She panted and didn’t waste time to pull him into a kiss. Once she let go to breath, she cupped Arthur’s face and stared directly into his eyes with absolute hunger. “Take me Arthur! Make me yours! Let us become one!” She pleaded to him.

Arthur smiled and nodded as his dick was fully recovered and positioned it right in front of her entrance. With one last look at his lover, to which she nodded back at him, he pushed into her until he met the entrance to her womb. Johanna gasped at the feeling of his massive tool penetrating her. The sheer girth and length was unlike anything from any prior experience and it hit every right place. Arthur paused for a moment as he cupped her cheek with his hand and uttered words that he realized he hadn’t said to her before since the start of their relationship.

“Johanna…I love you,” Arthur whispered.

“I love you too!” Johanna responded to his words with tears of joy in her eyes. She flipped him over so that she was on top of Arthur now. Once she positioned herself, she impaled herself with his member and began to bounce on it. “Nya! Buck! Yes!” She moaned as their hips slammed against each other and her womb was massaged with each penetration from her love.

Arthur reached up and clasped both of her swaying breasts as he met her bouncing by thrusting his hips upwards. The whole tent was filled with the scent of their love-making as both mates moaned and groaned with each other. Arthur pulled Johanna down and sloppily made out with her as she continued to ride him. He then reached around and grabbed both cheeks of her flank again and thrusted into her. Johanna moaned into Arthur’s mouth as her tongue was engaged in full combat with Arthur’s. Arthur was thankful his tent was by the lake and not near town, otherwise everyone would hear them. Johanna leaned back and bounced more fervently on Arthur as she moaned and shouted with a dopey grin plastered across her face. Once again, Arthur felt a familiar tension build up from his groin and so did Johanna as his cock throbbed within her. She too was close to her second climax as the walls of her pussy tightened around Arthur’s dick.

“Wh-Where do ya want it?” Arthur managed to ask.

“Inside me! I’m not in heat! Please inside me!” She begged Arthur and embraced him as she kissed him. Johanna quaked and her pussy flooded his member with her love juices, which in turn shot a thick load after load of hot seed into her womb. A small part of her regretted she couldn’t be impregnated yet by her stallion, but the feeling of melding into one and being in love was all that mattered to her. They both huffed and puffed as they finished their climax. Reluctantly, she removed herself from his softening spire and cuddled next to Arthur with her head on his chiseled chest. They both basked in the afterglow of their love-making.

CLOP END!!!

“That was unbelievable,” Johanna said with a gleeful smile.

“It sure was…” Arthur sighed as he wrapped his arm around his new lover. “I never thought I’d be able to move on this way from my old life.” He smiled down at Johanna. “But the fact that you’re here with me is all I really need. Thank you, Johanna, I love you from the bottom of my heart.” He reached over the other side of the bed and pulled out a small bag and gave it to Johanna. “Happy Hearth’s Warmin’, darlin’.”

Johanna reached inside and pulled out a nicely-woven blue scarf that had snowflake embroidery sewn on it. Johanna smiled with tears in her eyes as she put the scarf aside and kissed Arthur deeply and looked at him with love and affection. “And I love you too, my precious sheriff, I’ll always be by your side. Happy Hearth’s Warming.”

The two lovers then relaxed in each other’s embrace and drifted off to sleep. For the first time, in a long time, Arthur was the happiest he’d been since he became a gunslinger.

Meanwhile
Canterlot Barracks Holding Cells

The night was cold and the barracks were empty with barely anyone around. A lone stallion leaned back on his chair with his hat over his face as he napped while snoring loudly. In one of the holding cells was a still very angry mare who huddled in the corner of the bed as she bit her nail to the point she almost broke it.

“Stupid sheriff, stupid bucking stallions!” The mare known as Sweet Aid cursed to herself as she seethed in anger. “I had more than enough cash saved up, why didn’t I just leave sooner?! I should be enjoying the good life right now! Not rotting in a cell!” Suddenly, there was the sounds of the door opening from down the hall that caught her attention. “Buck off, guard, I’m not in the bucking mood for your sexual harassment!”

“That’s the least of your worries, Ms. Aid.” A familiar voice called out to her. Only it wasn’t the guard that made his rounds. No, it was a pony Sweet Aid hoped to never meet again. She saw him stand in front of her cell with two of his bodyguards behind him.

Sweet Aid scurried to the furthest end of the cell as far away from him as she could get. “Cider Mac! What in Tartarus are you doing here?!” She questioned Cider, who only looked at her with a blank expression on his face. “If this is about the money, I don’t have it anymore! I lost it all thanks to that stupid job and that retarded sheriff from Ponyville!” She barked at him, but still no reaction from the stallion.

“Well? What are you going to do now?!” She croaked at Cider as she laughed. “I’m a dirt poor mare with no money and going to prison for a long time. Where you or no other pony can touch me at all!” Sweet Aid grinned madly and laughed but again, she was met with blank silence from the three stallions. “Well? Answer me!” She demanded out loud, only to hear the door behind them open again.

This time, Cider Mac did respond by moving aside and allowing a guard to open the cell door. Once the cell was unlocked, Sweet thought she was free to go. She was proven wrong when the two unnamed ponies entered her cell.

“Stealing from me and other loan sharks was a mistake, which would have cost you only your profession,” Cider Mac commented and pulled out a flask from which he took a swing of. “Stealing from foals, who needed that money more than you, made it personal.” He snapped his fingers and the two bodyguards advanced onto the former nurse, whose screams echoed from across the room yet nopony came to her rescue.

Author's Note

A well-deserved happiness comes to the gunslinger, his mare, who cares for him and accepts him, loves him for who he is.

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…