Chapter 11 -

Currently, Luna was resting on her night-themed bed. After her duties, as the night Princess. Luna had been staying up well into the day reading books and sagas. Granted, even though the writers were long since dead,

She felt obligated to finish what her younger self couldn't.

After all, there wasn't much to do now. Winter this year in Canterlot was especially rough, a stark difference from when she was a young foal. If she wished, Luna could easily drift back to those moments in her mind.

Soft winds of snow, a snow fight with a much younger Celestia. A pleasant flare, of soft orange hues from a roaring fire. Snuggled up to her sister, surrounded by her wings. And even a story here, and there, to help her drift off to slumber.

The thought did make a smile appear on her muzzle but quickly Luna shook it off gently, taking hold of the page with her magic she flipped it.

'Such simpler times, I only hope the current ones can be so easy.'

Just then, a gentle knock echoed off of her door prompting her to close the old book she was reading. 'What could that be? Surely it isn't about the Griffin diplomats. I didn't say anything vulgar, did I?'

Getting out of bed and straightening some unruly fur spots, Luna quickly equipped her royal regalia before opening the door, to find a Day Guard waiting for her.

"Yes, My little pony?"

Luna said, trying to hide the tiredness from her voice.

Quickly the guard bowed, before conversing with Luna." Apologies for disturbing you, Your Highness. But Princess Celestia wanted to see you, sooner than expected."

The guard briefed, Making Luna want to slam the side of her head. Through the door, she was standing next to. Rather opting to just rub her eyes with a hoof,

'Of course she does.'

Setting the hoof back down, she gradually nodded.

"Very well, Thank you for notifying me. Please, resume your original duties."

Getting up and offering a quick salute, the guard departed. Luna decided to watch the stallion march down the corridor, before turning left. Meanwhile, She continued to stand there, using her ears to listen to his fading hoof falls, on the marble flooring.

The guard she was intently listening to, had finally left her range of hearing, which was fairly far honed.

"This better be worth staying up late for," Luna grumbled, commencing her long walk to the throne room.

Walking passed all manner of castle staff, from simple maids, and butlers. To the more combative castle staff, Like Royal Guards, and their senior guard staff. To even noncombatant members of the day and Night Guards.

Arriving at the throne room a guard stopped her from entry.

"A thousand apologies, Princess Luna. But Princess Celestia wanted to meet you at conference room three. Something about a private report, that both of you needed to hear away from the prying eyes, and ears, of nobles. Especially a certain Prince."

That was the last thing she wanted to hear.

'This was most definitely Sister's wording; very well. Time to go back the way I came from.' Giving an annoyed tail flick and ear twitch, Luna simply nodded again before making her way there.

Arriving at the aforementioned room, Luna overheard a confrontation between a Royal guard and a certain noble stallion.

"I demand entry! Do you not know who I am?" Prince Blueblood pressed, and thankfully the guard stood steadfast in his constant verbal attacks.

"I am well aware of who you are, Prince Blueblood. But Princess Celestia, has asked for privacy for an important meeting that you weren't invited to. She also highly expressed the point of this meeting being an, 'Invite only.' Sadly you aren't on the list."

The guard said, sounding exhausted from repeating the same paragraph multiple times. To this snooty royal.

'He truly is a stain on the higher class.'

Luna reflected, before she cleared her throat, just as the prince was about to throw another hissy fit.

"What the hay do you want?!"

He snapped, Not liking having been interrupted, making Luna speak up.

"Now this is highly improper of somepony related to me and my sister," Luna responded. Making Blueball's freeze.

Looking back, his pathetic malice ran for the hills. Upon seeing, and knowing, whose voice it was. While Luna's presence, put the fear of god into the young stallion. He tried to cover up what he just carried out.

"A-auntie Luna! Right on time as always. I require a favor of you." He said making the night sovereign show a completely unamused face.

"By all means. Enlighten me."

Luna quipped rather harshly, showing how fast she was with words.

While her sharp tongue showed through from pure annoyance at her nephew's presence, she still allowed him to make a case for this so-called 'favor.'

"W-well Auntie Luna, I Require your assistance in getting into that meeting. Do you think you could get me in there?" Blueblood pleaded.

Luna already had her answer, but she liked seeing this royal thorn squirm with anticipation of what he thought was going to be a yes. "Mmmm. You make an excellent point, Nephew Blueblood." Luna said, watching the devilish grin growing on his muzzle.

'Time for some retribution.'

She mentally buzzed at the prospect.

Clearing her throat, Luna began speaking again. "Sadly, my dear Nephew, I however can not let you in. My sister didn't inform me of allowing any plus ones into this very classified, and confidential, meeting. Now if you'll pardon me," Luna responded, studying his face and the reward was far worth it.

His intrigue-filled eyes, slowly and gradually filled with silent anger and fury, at his request being denied. However, Blueblood knew far better than to yell at Luna.

Not unless he had a death wish, she already disliked him from his behavior at the day and night councils a few months back.

Not to mention overhearing Royal guards, and even maids talking of his foul behavior on castle grounds. Not to mention, the hearsays of him doing more vulgar, and sickening acts to his pet humans, more specifically. The males,

Needless to say, Luna had nothing nice to say about her nephew. So it was better that they didn't stay in one room, or hallway, together for too long.

From the beginning, she could tell he was trying to use his inadequate Silver tongue to try and worm his way into this meeting. If anything, the only reason why he most likely wanted to go was to see if anypony was talking ill of him.

Seeing that he wasn't moving, Luna could have sworn smoke was leaking out of his ears. So she just stepped around him and entered the room.

The guards were kind enough to close the door behind her, which gave her the chance to release a soft giggle at irritating Blueblood.

'That should teach you, it also should serve as a warning dear Nephew. I do not allow those who abuse their standing for only slightly being related to us. To roam free and do as they see fit while I'm around.'

Looking around the luxurious hallway for a brief moment, Luna could make out her older sister's muffled voice. And a short reply followed by another feminine voice, from around the corner. This time, however, Luna was unable to eavesdrop on the conversation.

Walking over, and turning the corner. She discovered that a magical shield was blocking her Equine hearing from the two other members of her species.

Passing through the barrier unharmed and taking in the room. It was rather simple. But to her older sisters student, it no doubt seemed pricey to a non-royal.

Celestia glanced over to see who entered, and upon seeing her younger sibling. She gave a warm smile before speaking. "Sister, excellent timing; have a seat please." Celestia offered, pointing towards a vacant pillow with a hoof.

Thankfully. Due to the nature of this room, a high-level sound-canceling spell. Was built into its very walls, so wasting the magic to cast the same spell, every time wasn't necessary. But for now, the only noise that all parties could hear was Celestia and Twilight softly munching on some pancakes.

Giving a slight nod, Luna began walking towards the empty seat, her hoof falls were muffled thanks to an expensive carpet underneath her hooves.

Moving towards her chosen seat, Luna's suspicion festered. "Pretell why have I been summoned this late into the day?" she asked, making Twilight Sparkle shift back and forth anxiously in her seat.

Raising an eyebrow, Luna grew more and more apprehensive. Especially, sense the way Twilight was acting, wasn't helping her case. Thankfully Tia, broke this awkward stillness.

"Sister. You'll be pleased to learn, he has survived the winter. And if I am being honest, this year was worse than last year."

Luna's heart skipped a beat at this truth, This heart-stopping fact, made her wings twitch slightly from the leak of information. Yet, her eyes narrowed as suspicion won over her tired mind.

"You're sure it was him? And not some; beast. From the belly of the Everfree, looking for food? Or possibly another undead moving terror?" Luna questioned.

Twilight of course gently coughed, to grab the attention of the night monarch.

"I can confirm this, Your Highness. I saw him with my own two eyes. He indeed is very much alive and looking well, I fear he gets taller every day. He may get so big he might not possibly fit into Canterlot proper."

Twilight lightly joked, hoping that would brighten up this otherwise tense and uneasy atmosphere of the conference room. Yet a question festered forth from Twilight, this one aimed towards Celestia.

"Princess, I thought Giants slept through winter or, at the very most, stayed lightly asleep until late springtime. After all, it would make sense; a creature of that mass surely needs larger amounts of sustenance to survive. Of course, this is just a hypothesis." Twilight laughed reassuringly, not wanting to upset either Princess.

Celestia however chuckled, shaking her left hoof in a disarming manner. "Nonsense Twilight, you were making an educated guess. Regrettably, we won't know for certain until he's in our care."

Seemingly, the two other Ponies had forgotten about Luna. Which allowed her to mentally but tiredly brood, and understand the current situation.

'He lives. How can this be? That bite should have infected him one hundred percent; Unless He pulled through. And possibly has some kind of immunity against this otherwise fatal ailment. But that raises another issue, if he lives. Why can't I enter his dreams? Every time I attempt to I am denied entry.'

Luna couldn't believe what Twilight Sparkle reported and with her own eyes no less, Celestia thankfully noticed her sister's internal conflict and quickly stopped the young alicorn.

"Sister, relax. I'm aware of what transpired and that means his original value has gone up tremendously. Not just for preservation, but for medical research as well."

"If I may, Princess Celestia, I understand he's considered to be the last of his kind. But why has his value increased? Did something happen?" Twilight pressed, tilting her head to the side, hoping to gain details of what happened.

Celestia knew this wasn't her story to tell. And gently pointed to the midnight-themed Alicorn. "I would love to tell you Twilight, but why not ask her? It is her story to tell, not mine."

And Luna very much felt inclined to answer, Plus. Celestia's student did seem trustworthy enough, if only she could say the same for Blueblood. First a question.

"Tell me, Twilight Sparkle. When you encountered him was he hostile in any way? And showing signs of plague?"

Rubbing her chin with a hoof Twilight shook her head, before answering.

"Not to my knowledge he seemed rather peaceful, and even downright helpful. When I needed a break after healing his wounds. The sweet Giant held me on his lap to rest. He felt nice and warm against the early spring coolness, but I didn't think much about it at the time."

"Who in the Town of Ponyville found him first?" Luna pressed, wanting to know the skills of this mysterious Pony.

"Fluttershy did, Princess. She has a certain way with him, and from what I can gather so far is she is somepony he knows is nice and friendly. Plus, if they are isolationists, it makes sense he would seek Fluttershy first. She lives alone and away from the town's outskirts. I swear sometimes, he can be as Stubborn or even more than Applejack. But with the shyness of Fluttershy,"

Luna grew jealous at this revelation, but instead of pouting and showing her grumpiness, Luna decided to begin telling her own account of those events.

"Very well. Let us begin." Taking a deep breath, Luna began her tale,

"I was leading a group of Royal Guards to assist against the threat of Ponyville. When I spotted him near Ponyville Hospital, it looked like he had been returning home so I pursued him."

Yet as Luna was about to begin again, Twilight interjected. "Does this mean there is a possible military use for him?" Twilight cautiously asked, making the lunar Princess's eyes narrow.

"I was not done Twilight Sparkle," Luna said, slightly irritated by the interruption.

Sheepishly, She gave an apologetic smile allowing Luna to start again with her side of the circumstances.

Taking a slightly annoyed breath to steady herself, Luna did just that.

"The trees of the Everfree became too thick with branches, forcing me to land, and follow on hoof. He didn't seem to notice me so I decided to announce my presence to him, a move I would later regret; I used the Royal Canterlot voice in an unsafe area." Closing her eyes Luna remembered what the undead giant looked like, some parts of it. Looked ready to fall off with just the slightest of pressure, and other limbs smelled like late stages of decay, and rot, she could even see inside its rotting skull if she tried hard enough.

Deciding to skip the part that would surely embarrass herself in front of Celestia, Luna jumped ahead to where it happened.

"An undead Giant appeared from my shouting, then went on the offensive. I did my best to defend him, I even tried to make him flee many times. But he stayed, he aided in helping me dispatch the undead terror. But got infected in the process, and I did my best to stay with him. To comfort him, for his last day and possible night, but he forced me to vacate the forest. And I respected that wish,"

Celestia and Twilight did go silent primarily, out of sympathy for what Luna had gone through.

"I assumed he died somewhere peaceful at first, and his corpse was wandering the Everfree waiting for eternal rest. But after what you have stated. Twilight Sparkle, and clearly shows he was immune or built up an immunity to that fatal sickness. Was he aware of his immunity? Most definitely not, that is why his value has increased." Luna obviously, left at out the part of him being able to dream.

As that would surely spark a verbal barrage from Twilight,

'I'm glad he's well, I was starting to worry about me not being able to enter his dreams.'

Releasing a breath that she wasn't aware of. The fatigued Night Princess flopped onto the refined wooden table, not even bothering to ring a bell to call for a maid or butler for a second dinner for herself. "Sister, can I be excused? I need my rest for my responsibilities tonight."

Nodding Celestia gave her the go-ahead, encouraging Luna to depart. 'Sister might be able to eat like a young Filly going through a growth spurt. But I can manage with three meals a day.' Luna internally jested, but Twilight seemed to have one last thing to say.

"Princess Luna."

Turning back Luna gave a soft nod to acknowledge, she heard the smaller Unicorn.

"Yes, Twilight Sparkle? What is on your mind?"

Giving a large smile she gave the reply. "Me and my friends will do our best to find where he is living so you don't have to strain yourself, or royal resources." Touched by this Luna gave an ear flick of appreciation.

"And I am truly grateful for this assistance, Thank you. Was that all?" Luna inquired. But in good faith, she returned a smile of her own.

Shaking her head no, Luna saw that was all Twilight had to say, making her fully depart. She went through the magical barrier and back into the regal hallway, along with her nephew nowhere in sight.

'Thank Father he's gone, I swear I have no idea how Tia puts up with him. She truly has the patience of our mother, while I was blessed with our father's stoic nature. '

Walking with a slight spring in her step, The tired but delighted Alicorn returned to her bed chambers.

Slipping past the two guards as regally and calmly as she could muster, once inside her room the door was closed and locked. Luna's royal and eminent shell vanished, immediately her horn came to life and she snatched a pillow from off her bed and neighed happily into it. Thankfully, it muffled her cry of giddiness, she couldn't go to sleep now. Even if she wanted to, the excitement of knowing his survival brought about many things.

Firstly, the pit in her heart that seemingly never went away, after leaving him to 'die' in the woods, Finally left. Making her feel light and joyous, and more importantly, it made Luna relieved.

Secondly, She was finally able to keep her promise to him despite The last Giant not wanting her or any pony's help, minus the timid mare Fluttershy.

'I need to learn from her example, if I wish to have him trust me I must control my voice and not use the Canterlot Voice near him.' Seeing her books, Luna went back to reading with a new kind of gusto.

'I also believe it will be one of those late-days sort of nights. I haven't stayed up all day for a while now. Better yet let's see if I still got it without any magical assistance.'

However back in that very conference room, Twilight looked towards Celestia. Thinking that Luna was acting a bit bizarre.

"Princess, Is Your sister alright? She was acting a bit off." Twilight raised a question, Celestia on her part was halfway away from stuffing her muzzle with another forkful of fruit-covered pancakes.

Clearing her throat, Celestia answered back. "It's rather simple my student, my sister is preparing herself mentally for the future meeting with him. Nevertheless, I am thinking of more ways to embarrass my little sister." She softly giggled, before stuffing the magically encased pancakes into her muzzle.

Looking down at her own plate of Pancakes, Twilight began feeling bad for Luna who no doubt wasn't going to be prepared for the onslaught of Embarrassment that was to come.

Two weeks later Robert's POV

"Animals you can not eat are as follows: Robert. Cows, goats, Yak's, Deer," Gilda said, emphasizing the deer part. Before continuing.

"Zebra's, Ponies, Sheep, Mules, Griffin's, Donkeys, Minotaurs. Dragons, Diamond Dogs."

Gilda was giving off names of every species she knew which surpassed his expectations.

'I figured it was going to be one or two species. In general, not a whole fucking dictionary's worth of animals!' Deciding this needed his intervention, Robert spoke up.

"What the fuck do you want me to eat, Grass, And mushrooms? Because from what you're describing, it sounds to me like you are about to say I committed mass genocide. Against Manticores for wanting to have a decent meal."

Robert protested, as Tank playfully growled while pulling on the knotted vines, that Tank had his maw latched onto. Both he and Robert were currently playing tug of war, and Gilda was giving him the list of the intelligent species she knew of. And currently, to nobody's surprise, Robert had been winning.

But he did respect the attempt Tank was exhibiting, his Timberwolf kept on pulling trying to turn the match into the wooden dog's favor, yet Robert could have won easily, but out of pity, he was going easy on him.

"Hey! Do you want me to stay or not?" Gilda snapped showing that she wasn't playing around,

"Didn't you say, you'd come with me during a hunting expedition? And point out what I can or can't hunt?" Robert recalled, however, that Gilda. Being the lazy Griffin she was, had just shrugged.

"Meh, I changed my mind. Everybody does that sometimes."

Rolling his eyes he answered back.

"And this is why I call you a lazy happy meal. You're happy when getting a meal, but you don't want to do much of anything else."

Gilda landed on the snow-covered wall; she felt relatively spicy now and flicked some melting snow onto his back.

"And this is why no Females of any kind want you!" Gilda playfully cracked, comprehending how far they could go, Gilda always missed having these kinds of games with Rainbow Dash usually it never ended well.

But now she found someone who didn't care about it much.

"Gilda, if Equestria has a most wanted list for elusive creatures, I am in the top ten probably. From my time in the pits, I had nearly four mares a week not counting stallions. Trying to hit on me let alone trying to get me to do some, 'lovemaking.' With them, your claim of no female wanting me is invalid, plus I believe you're forgetting something. You have also tried to get me to screw you, Gilda. And that attempt was not very successful. You passed out halfway through your sweet talking."

Robert replied, giving her a large and prominent, middle finger.

Giving a scowl and covering her soft red hue with her feathers, she responded in kind. "Up yours, And you said you wouldn't bring that backup!!!"

She half shrieked, as her wings started to flare ever so slightly on their own.

"You just left me an opportunity to get back at you and I used it accordingly," Robert said flatly. Deciding that Tank had won he merely dropped the vines and shook off the snow.

Giving an annoyed sigh Gilda went back inside having had enough of her taller friend's antics.

"When you stop being a wing twister, You'll know where to find me." She said, having lost in their game of wits.

"If that was an offer for you to let me fuck you it was a rather poor one!" He called back as she walked away, flipping him off.

"I'm gonna cut your balls off!" She called back, making him laugh.

"Don't you dare tempt me with a good time." Robert joked watching her shudder at his response.

'I Still can't believe she thinks I love being hurt. I was joking for god's sake.'

Seeing that Gilda was gone, Robert decided to check on his little seedling for himself. To see if it even prevailed against the cold of winter and to his shock. The damn plant had germinated and even had grown within the hardened, snow-covered earth.

"Damn little dude you're one tough cookie."

Robert complimented the plant, bending down on one knee he reached a hand over said seedling and discovered something most bizarre.

The small plant was producing warmth, Greenarry could never perform what this plant was doing. And always required the sun in order to do most metabolic processes.

And yet, here it was thriving within the cold temperatures.

'Are you a late winter plant? Possibly, an early spring type of plant?' Despite his expansive plant familiarity, this little plant stumped him.

'I know of many different plants that have red leaves but none are similar to you. First off, you shouldn't have leaves to begin with off the bat, not until early March or late February, and that's pushing it; you also shouldn't be making noticeable warmth.'

Along with it being a nice little hand-warmer, Robert decided to leave it be for now.

'Let's leave it alone for now. I need to visit the Tree of Harmony anyway. She, no it. Should know what to do about this abomination of a seed it gave me.'

Looking back towards, Tank he waved at the timber wolf to follow. "You coming buddy? If so let's go."

Giving a happy yip at the notion he happily followed Robert.

The Tree of Harmony was something that confused Robert. Firstly, how could a tree be made of pure minerals mind you. That could speak, let alone employ the use of magic.

Regardless he needed to talk to it, not that the tree cared as it loved having visitors. It even makes him promise to come back now and then. Just to talk,

But something was off today he could feel it.

The air smelled similar to gasoline, and most of the animals were lying low not because of Robert, they had adjusted to him, as most of the ecosystem and food chain did. Even Tank turned tail and ran not wanting to be charred.

This was an attack of some kind, but Robert didn't know what just yet.

"Now Light it up boy's! Let's flush this oversized ape out!"

'Are these Ponies dumb?! This forest isn't something that will burn easily, especially with wet timber!'

Striding over he found the culprits, but they weren't Ponies. Well, most of them anyway.

The group consisted of Griffins, a few Minotaurs, and shockingly a few ponies.

"There's the oversized shit for brains! Kill the damn thing!" Shouted a furious Stallion.

His comrade on the other hand held him back, with a claw. "Where supposed to burn the Ever Free down not kill him, you idiot."

"Boss! What should we do?!" shouted another Griffin, this one being female and holding onto some throwing knives she had.

Studying the group with his eyes he currently counted, nearly twenty. Five Minotaurs, eight Ponies most of which were earth ponies of varying genders.

And the rest being Griffins.

'Where is the head of this snake,'

Robert studied the group.

"Magic users! Move up and burn the forest! We're sticking to the assignment. Those who are closest to him keep him away as best you can! " Shouted an ax-welding creature of legend better well known as a Minotaur.

'There he is, you and I are going to have a little chat once all your partners are dead.'

Robert was never one to call for someone's or something's blood for that matter.

But, they were threatening the forest, his sanctuary away from home, a shining beacon of hope and freedom. In a sea of darkness in this hellish world. Needless to say, Robert wasn't going to give it up so easily.

Taking a deep breath and releasing a deep roar, Robert stomped forward. The ground trembled at his march for blood and death.

"Oh, Buck! Incoming!!!"

Shouted a Pony before he got squashed underneath Robert's foot.

Despite Robert having no combat experience he remembered his time in the pits and tried to replicate it. Some poor unlucky Griffin was grabbed from the air and simply had their head crushed into the bark of a tree.

Now dead, he used its lifeless body as a flail, Until the force of him slamming the dead Griffin into a Minotaur's head tore the body in half. After that, Robert began ripping and tearing and even stomping his way through the mercenary group.

They fought valiantly, but the cluster of mercs didn't specialize in fighting Robert, and it cost them dearly. He had both wits and mass, a deadly combination in a battle that wasn't controlled with high-level magic casters.

Besides Robert's mass slaughter of these invaders, he wasn't unstoppable. They had thrown or shot plenty of knives or crossbow bolts into him, and some crazy Pony tried to stab him in his throat and eye.

Luckily he stopped the bat-shit insane pony from turning his face into mince meat and got away with relatively minor injuries.

And just like that, the battle was won. Pinning the merc leader against a cliff side Robert pinned him there with his size.

"Come and get me you freak of nature! I'll make you meet your ancestors soon enough!"

Mustering as deep of a voice as he could, Robert spoke to another creature besides his friends.

"You and I are going to have a little chat."

His battle prowess did unease the merc leader but he didn't submit. "Like Tartarus, I will! I would rather die with the weight of a weapon in my hand and on my two hooves, than on my knees begging for life!" He gruffly responded.

Scoffing, Robert acted quickly grabbing the slightly shaking weapon. "The choice is not yours to make." Grabbing the mythical creature by the head, Robert dragged him off towards the mine.

The male Minotaur struggled against the larger, stronger entity. Having had enough of this, Robert simply covered his mouth and nose until he stopped moving.

Effectively knocking out the legendary beast Robert began setting up for a long interrogation that would make his Grandfather proud.

Arriving at his mine, Robert got a fire going and tied up his guest to a barrel. And tied his arms to a spare tree log he had.

Seeing that he was fast asleep Robert began remembering something his Grandfather told him,

'You want to get information out of somebody? You gotta make them break. Don't kill them outright, just. Leave them ah little bloody is all. Just when you're done. Make sure to clean up that mess properly, or they will come back for you with retaliation. That's how they got Uncle Luca.'

Deciding he was done sleeping in, Robert didn't want to waste the water he had. That was going to be for Robert to drink, so he simply shook him up.

Looking around rather groggy, he began with verbal intimidation.

"Good. You're awake. The rules are simple, tell me what I want to know, and I won't hurt a hair from your fur. However; if you start telling lies. And trying to escape, I promise it won't be pretty."

"Go to Tartarus!"

The bull snarled, before spitting into his face making Robert shake his head.

Reaching up, Robert wiped the spit from his eyes before continuing. "I'll let that one slide, next time it will cost you," Robert warned before going into the first question.

"Who sent you to burn down the forest,"

he asked calmly and politely, however, the gruff bull didn't believe him or his words.

"The sad welts called Ponies did!"

'Horse shit, I doubt he's even being truthful yet, but just to play it safe let's test him.' Placing his hand near him, Robert waited patiently while acting like he was thinking over what he had told him. Thinking his plan worked, the minotaur tried to bite Robert.

"Why couldn't you just cooperate."

Reaching over he grabbed hold of the bull's finger before bending it backwards. The loud snap of bone-breaking overtook the sounds of a soft crackling fire, as he wailed in suffering.

"You want me to keep going?! You got seven more fingers!" Robert snarled, hoping his words would scare him into talking.

"Father above, You're fucking insane! Just relax damn it! We were paid to burn down the woods, that's all I know!" The minotaur sat there watching his Twitching and bleeding finger.

Seeing this as utter bullshit, Robert grabbed another finger and gave it the same treatment. And again made him wail in both anger and pain.

"Now you have six! I got all day and all night, So I hope you do too, because when I'm done with you. Your own mother won't recognize you!"

"Alright Alright!!! Old gods protect me! It was the Bastard born of Griffin royalty! That brown nose wanted you out of hiding, so he thought burning down the largest forest Equestria had would make that happen."

Robert wasn't trained in psychology or even psychological warfare. But he knew with this extremely harsh treatment, this Minotaur would break eventually.

It would take time, something Robert had an abundance of. Plus he needed to hone this skill of interrogation, for hopefully a future and clearer use.

By the end, the bull had all of his limbs broken and bent, his arms had been shattered. And his legs were broken beyond recognition and somehow, by the grace of god, or by some curse, was still alive.

"L-look I've told you what you wanted to K-know. You're going to let me go right?" He asked, pain evident in his voice.

' I've gotten everything I can out of Mr.Stout Step. He has one last job I have for him, shame I couldn't get those platinum coins though. If only this Idiota, didn't spend it all on food and whores.'

Clearing his throat, Robert grabbed the broken
minotaurs attention.

"Yeah, sure,"

Making a fist, Robert punched him square across his face knocking him out.

"Stupid fucking prick."

Undoing the strong vines from the grog-filled barrel, Robert took both vines and wounded Stout outside heading for the entrance to the forest.

'I need to send a message. One everyone should surely understand, don't fuck with this forest. I'll hang the fucker, but not near Fluttershys cottage. She's too innocent to witness this.'

Making a noose out of the thick vines, Robert tightened it accordingly and wrapped it around Stout's neck. Afterward, he left gravity to do the job.

The breathing of stout hitched, as he began weakly jerking about trying to make it so he could once again get air into his lungs but it didn't last long.

Robert left the corpse hanging from a tree, of course, it wasn't near Fluttershy's home. Robert wasn't that much of a monster, she was too kind and innocent to find such a grizzly sight so he strung him up somewhere far but still visible to Ponyville.

'My grandfather is most definitely rolling in his grave right now.'

Shaking his head Robert could hear his voice now, switching from broken English back into the old language of the old country. About how the weakest and youngest of his four grandsons became such a strong and brutal man.

~Finalmente mi sono fatto un paio di palle, vedo magro Roberto! e alla fine ho ceduto al modo di fare le cose della famiglia! Non preoccuparti, è normale per la famiglia. Mio nipote. Vai a pulire e prenditi da bere, te lo sei guadagnato.~

Deciding to translate, Robert did so.

~I finally got a pair of balls, I see Roberto is slim! and you finally succumbed to the family's way of doing things! Don't worry, it's normal for the family. My grandson. Go clean up and get yourself a drink, you earned it.~

'That is something he absolutely would say. Good thing I'm practicing my translation skills, who knew living in the woods would test you in more ways than one?'

Deciding. It is best not to tell Gilda what transpired, Robert got cleaned up in streams and began pulling out the knives and bolts. However, there wasn't much he could do for the magic burns.

"Darn it, I guess I might as well go see the cave tree. If only it didn't make me promise to."

He took his time and did his best to avoid getting into another fight, he avoided most Everfree monsters as best as a 14-foot tall creature could. Thankfully, that small group of mercs, seemed to be it, if not for now only.

Climbing down the stone steps as best as he could like before. Robert was soon face-to-face with a rather brightly shining tree.

However, it got a little too bright, making him raise a hand to shield his eyes. "Yes I know you're happy to see me, can you turn the lights down a bit? You're making me go blind over here."

Instantly, the bright glowing had nearly vanished and was replaced with a more dull hue to be easier on his eyes.

"Thank you."

Moving closer and deciding to stop the game of flash or no flash. Robert got connected to the private mindscape.

"You did it!!! "

A voice squealed, as a Pony-sized blob slammed into his chest hugging him tightly.

"Woah they're easy, you're going to hurt yourself. How the hell did you manage to make that jump?" He cautioned, catching the wingless Pony Mare that launched herself at him.

Realizing what she had done she quickly remedied it, suddenly two wings appeared on her back as she flew around him until she landed on his head.

She was about to nessle in before noticing his impairments.

"You're injured? Why hadn't you told me? Let me fix that."

While the tree of harmony dressed his wounds, Robert decided to bring up a valid point. "So do you mind telling me what was going on with the whole, 'you did it.' Masquerade?"

Its healing magic felt oddly pleasant, similar to warm soapy water running up and down his body.

"The seed has sprouted, I've already begun linking my roots to my old friend. He hasn't awoken yet but given time. I'm sure he will."

"Who is he?"

Robert pressed, making her softly giggle.

"I promise you'll meet him soon enough, trust me. He'll want to meet you after I have given him a run down over the last few eons he missed. Which thankfully will buy you some time, just a warning He's far more influential than I."

Thinking for a moment he asked another question. "How will I know he's awake?"

Humming softly, the Pony-shaped creature rubbed her chin in thought.

"Ah yes! He will begin to grow rapidly. Just like I did, but with less restraint, his power is also far older and stronger than mine, but he does not use his ancient blessings for good or evil."

"Will he attack if I attempt to communicate with him?"

Deciding to move from her perch on his head down to his face she shook her head no, her mane softly shaking left to right as she did so before claiming his shoulder.

"Certainly not! just like me, he loves visitors. If he tolerated being burned, and getting chopped down, Even allowing himself to die to stop being harassed. I doubt he would give any retaliation, though few can stand up to him, even fewer who are alive and free at this moment."

'Just who the hell is this guy?'

Looking over slightly as the Pony nestled into Robert's shoulder, he gave another question.

"Just what creature did you make me plant? "

Rolling her rainbow-colored eyes she made a raspberry against his ear. Before speaking up, "Blah, blah, blah. Go ask him later, you're here for me remember? And your reward~" she cooed, getting up and giving him a soft but firm boop on his nose with her sparkling hoof.

Rubbing His nose with a free hand, Robert gently cleared his throat. Along with getting some saliva back inside of his drying mouth before asking the question.

"What is my reward?"

he asked cautiously,

Giving a sinister giggle she leaned in far closer than ever before, he could feel her soft breath on his neck, somehow it slipped past his thick beard, and her pleasantly warm breath was hitting his skin. As she made herself breathless on purpose, to what end, he didn't know.

"Do you really, Really want to know?~" she purred, trying to spark a reaction from him.

Acting quickly on his feet Robert responded,

"If your reward was something sexual I am going to decline the offer. Ponies, kinda 'left' some rather, distasteful memories."

Huffing, she merely but playfully batted at his head with a hoof, for his foolishness. "Oh~ why didn't you say so? I know of many different species I can shift into, if Ponies aren't what you're attracted to.~" She said, with an alluring tone.

Robert's head was more or less going Blank at the tree's suggestion, of such a depraved act.

'Why the fuck, is everything in this world either A, trying to kill me. or B, trying to Fuck me. Or C, utterly scared shitless of me, Regardless of what option this is I'm declining.'

"Come on you big stud~ let's get freaky."She sweetly wined, trying to make him uncomfortable.

"I-i humbly dispute your reward, may I get something else? Perhaps something not sexual. I appreciate the proposal though," he answered, not wanting to offend the tree.

Expecting her fury Robert braced himself for the onslaught to come. But instead, it started as light giggling, and eventually full-blown laughter.

Stunned by this, he turned his head to face the colorless mare and she was indeed laughing at him.

"Your face was priceless!! I can't breathe! Please Faust above save me!" She said tears streaming down her white cheeks, from how hard she had been cracking up, her front legs were hugging her sides as well from her unrelenting amusement.

"You want to play that card huh?"

He enunciated, grabbing hold of the laughing mare and dangling her by her sparkling tail.

Giggling for a little while longer, the tree of harmony hung there till she finally got herself under control.

"Honestly, do you really think me and you could even attempt such a feat? I have a physical body, which is correct. But I can only perform asexual reproduction. And from what I remember, you're only able to do sexual reproduction. Which doesn't work for either of us, for someone with a large skull and brain. I'm surprised, you didn't catch on quickly."

She said, giving him a shit-eating grin,

"You're the worst."

he said dropping her, she on the other hand instantly corrected herself. With a flap of her outstretched wings, she went from free-falling, to floating in front of him.

"I'm sorry!! I just wanted to prepare you for the upcoming Estrus period for both Griffins, Zebras, and Ponies." She said honestly, which made him hesitant.

"What do you mean, Estrus?"

"To keep a long story short, The Ponies go through a heat cycle which gets them in the mood for breeding. Some use magic to cease these urges, until the end of Estrus week. Others use a more pharmaceutical approach. But others aren't so lucky, and that's how those three Races keep going!"

she chirped, giving a short but educational window into Pony, Zebra, and Griffin society.

"And this falls to me how? I mean I appreciate the glimpse into Pony society but what does this Estrus event have to do with me?" Robert asked, making her shake her head in disbelief.

"It will all make sense soon, but first your reward. Dear Robert, take a seat."

Slowly doing as she asked, Robert sat down. However, when the fake Pony tried to sit on him he promptly pushed her off.

Annoyed she didn't try it again but understood why he did it.

Sitting on her haunches, the tree of harmony began her tale.

"Equestria wasn't the peaceful and prosperous nation it is today. Before Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, and even their parents. Queen Galaxia and King Cosmo. Ponies lived in fear.

Monsters were everywhere and life was very uncertain and bleak. During these times, many went hungry and many more died. Or far worse sold off as slaves,

Mares often had to bury their foals who had passed from starvation in the night, and often villages that seemed to have something of worth. Constantly found themselves at the business end of a sword. By the ferocious Griffin Tribes, or by monsters looking for a quick bite; or by the Diamond dogs, looking for new stock for their mines.

One day a Ram named, 'Grogar.' Who created a twisted and corrupted version of Ancient magics. Soon went mad with lust for more authority.

With this newfound evil power, he took control of the lands east of the mountain that would seat 'Canterlot' and there is where he began creating monsters.

Creatures like the Manticores, were made to scout and hunt in the dense woodlands for hidden pony villages and destroy them, to force them back to more watched areas.

Hydra's were given the capacity to regrow their heads and breathe deadly gas that would kill virtually all who breathed it in. Their purpose was to lay siege to any walled City that had strong defenses. And that dared question, or rebel against his rule.

There are so many creatures that Grogar had made, many of whom went extinct but the ones he found most useful were the humans. Not in the sense of what they could dish out, but being a good food source.

However, the main prize he wanted from them was Giant's blood.

The Giants population had been declining since after, 'The War of Tears.' And were considered extremely valuable to the early noble houses.

It took him many years but finally, he saved Giants from the brink of extinction. By creating a subspecies of Giants, they were Far smaller, more stubborn and even weaker, and overall less deadly. Grogar had one final, issue which was earning their allegiance.

Due to them being incredibly stubborn more so due to his foolish interference. The old ram never gave them the ability to use magic. Fearing they could overpower him, But he had forgotten to make it so they couldn't be a conduit for magic. Significance of these sub par Giants naturally do not have an ounce of magic inside their bodies. But it doesn't mean it can't be added in.

And after attempting to convince the newly brought back Giant race to fight for him. It failed, and instead he casted a powerful spell to make them obey. Thus they served as his shock troops for battling those who dared oppose him."

Knowing there was more to this story, Robert waved her on to continue. To which she surely did.

"After his defeat, by 'Gusty the Great.' The spell enslaving these hybrid half Giants had been broken.

Allowing them to return to a life of peace and tranquility. But after seeing what they were capable of, the Griffins kings hunted them down. And with the aid of Ponies, together they ended the gentle creatures.

Yet those who survived did so, by hiding deep within the Green Titan forest. Or by running, and with the help of the old Gods, and Weirwood trees, some managed to survive. But not for long,

Soon the 'War of Extermination.' Was nothing more than a faint memory to the Ponies, Now being far less frightened by Giants. Instead fearing Brigands and wild monsters, along with. Not having enough political power within their own city-states of Equestria. Or having enough gold in their purses,

Soon...Sorry, I always forget this part. But the Giants of the Frozen North, migrated down south. In an effort to reclaim there ancestral grounds, and their was. Mixed, results to word it Lightly.

Towns saw the usefulness of your kind, they kept away Monsters. And those who tried to raid cities and villages. In exchange for saving them, they would be given safe food to eat and even sweets. Areas for offerings were marked with green symbols."

Giving a devilish grin, she got to the part that would link it all together.

Which made Robert anxious.

'I don't like where this is going.'

"Yet when Estrus rolled around, the Single mares of the village or city. Would paint themselves up in the same symbols, and… 'Seduce.' Their Giant protector. They would leave with their breeding instincts calmed, and Estrus fulfilled. And a male Giant wanting more.~

but rarely, new life did happen between a Pony and a Giant. Resulting in rather interesting offspring, these Ponies were far larger. And stronger than regular Ponies, the only thing I fear. Is what creature a Northern Giant, and an Alicorn could make. Or one with a sphinx, The list can go on indefinitely see?"

Reaching the end of her anecdote she released an exhausted sigh, having been tired by this lengthy story.

Magically a drink appeared and she happily began sipping away at it, as Robert formed a conclusion within his mind, before speaking it to her.

"So what you're telling me is I need to neuter myself?"

Choking on the drink, the Tree of Harmony began coughing hard trying to clear the airway of her Pony form.

"That *cough* wasn't the point of the *cough cough cough* Story!" she coughed out, struggling to gain control over her throat.

"Well, you're telling me that Ponies are going to be actively trying to get me to screw them! What other point are you trying to get at?"

After getting her coughing fit under control she responded.

"I am merely trying to have you mentally prepare yourself for what you might see or hear. Lest you have forgotten Robert, you're the one wanting to retain the idea to the Ponies that you are a dumb beast. So they are going to treat you like one." She defended,

"When is this supposedly going to start?" he asked, wondering how much time Robert had left.

"A week from today."

She said simply, showing that he would need to put it into high gear if Robert didn't want any Mares busting down his door.

"And by the way just so you remember." She said grinning,

"Griffins and Zebras have the same estrus as Ponies. There are more but you won't meet them for a while."

'God damn it.' He inwardly groaned,

"I thank you for the story, sadly my time is short so I need to depart now. I need to plan on how to survive for a whole week without being attacked."

Nodding she waved him off with her sparkling hoof. "Farewell! Hope to see you soon!" she said cheerfully.

Now being freed from her crystal embrace, Robert ran back as best he could. Devising a plan on how to survive this upcoming week of horny Mare's one Griffin and a horny Zebra.

" I'm going to have to do my utmost best not to hurt anyone, and do my finest to survive this upcoming hell week. Gilda most definitely knows what is to come, so I'll need to sneak away a day before. Or lock her ass in a cage."

There was so much to be done and yet so little time for Robert to get these tasks done after all he was only one giant.

Author's Note

Well shit! here we ladies and gents! Another chapter has been made and posted!

If you find anything out of place by all means let me know! In the comments.

I am going to keep this short as I am pretty tired, just when I get back I hope to see some positive help. Because I know my tired ass missed something in editing it. 😅😅😅