Chapter Twelve -

In that period, to word it lightly. Robert worked his ass off, organizing and stocking supplies for the week. Devising countermeasures in the event of being pursued by each member of the Pony race and so on,

Now it was time to see if his week-old defenses were up to the task of keeping Ponies, Griffins, Zebras, and god knows what away.

Gilda on the other hand was less than pleased about her current situation. “Robert! Let me out of this damn cage, I'm not in heat!” She howled, as a permanent blush was plastered on her feather cheeks showing just what she was going through. And Robert had only one thing to say to her.

“Hell, no. I wasn't born yesterday, Gilda. I know what is going on this week. So if you know what's good for you, you'll shut your damn mouth and keep quiet. Capiche?”

Groaning desperately, Gilda persisted.

“I told you to stop speaking in that language! It makes you so much hotter. get your ass over here!” she demanded, doing her best to claw through solid wood.

Shaking his head he began again.

“Gilda, I swear to god. You break out of that cage, and you and I are going to have problems. None of which are going to be the ones you want, guarantee.”

He replied putting a decapitated Manticore head on a wooden pike, as a deterrent to the equines. After all, Robert despite putting himself in this position of being a ‘dumb animal.’ He was using it to his full advantage.

“Let me out for fuck sake!”

She hissed, it had gotten to the point where she began slamming herself against the wooden bars.

‘I'm taking the bad and the good with this current stance. Besides that, I should have left Gilda back at the castle. And not carry her with me, if I knew she wouldn't shut up.’

Deciding to ignore her, Robert continued his plans they had been made straightforward yet easy, Animals more particularly predators. Had stomping grounds right? While this fact had been valid, Robert saw this as his key to frightening ponies away.

This tactic took the lives of many Manticores and Cragadiles alike, but Robert made sure to make each of their deaths quick and as painless as humanly possible. Despite how much damage they did in return to his body.

After their eviction from life, he would remove the heads. And forced them, onto tree logs.

‘This should serve as a ‘warning,’ to them. Not to mention they are all over the forest. Hopefully fear overtakes the desire to get railed.’

He had plenty of food to last, even longer if rationed. Robert knew most Ponies didn't have the stones to go this deep in the woods. Mostly those who had a brain, or we're trained soldiers only entered this dense part of the woods.

Or if you were these six mares who were up Zecora’s ass last week before Estrus had commenced. Robert had visited the zebra to inquire about any potions, she could make for Gilda to stop her heat.

And that's when he found them all inside her hut, from what he Could recall from his eavesdropping, they were looking for him.

Which wasn't a shock by this point, but the interesting part was that Zecora protected him and where he had been living for most of his time in Equestria.

Even as far as to lie to keep his whereabouts safe. The main six eventually gave up, thinking Zecora did not know Robert's whereabouts. Instead, they had requested some. 'Heat-stopping elixirs.’ To stop their growing primal desires.

In Rarity’s case, she demanded five of these time-consuming potions in the event of finding him.

‘Of course, the upper-class one wants to make sure a certain ‘foul beast’ doesn't want her. Don't worry lady Rarity, you aren't my type, it's been like that since the very beginning. So your chastity is safe, and to be honest? I wouldn't touch that if you paid me. For such a high-maintenance pony, going after a person like me, who has little to no money at all. Nor influence, it just doesn't make much sense, for a gold digger.’

Placing the last of the slain monstrous Beast heads on their wooden placements. He gave a tired sigh.

‘That should do it, now we play the long game.’

Shifting back toward the grounded griffin, Robert leaned down to scoop the cage up.

“Come on Gilda we're going home.”

“You better let me out!” Gilda snarled, doing her best to intimidate Robert into releasing her.

Unfazed Robert answered.

“Who the hell do you think you're talking to?”

He said, grasping both the top and bottom of the cage and began shaking it, with her inside the timber construct.

After a few shakes, Gilda did indeed go quiet.

She wasn't dead, Robert had done this a few times before, and she always sprung back.

To confirm he didn't just snap her neck, Robert peeked inside, to find her completely dazed.

Seeing no serious injuries on her, he began the long trek home. Giving Zecora's hut a wide berth, and cleaning up the forest in some places, an opinion crossed his mind.

‘Let's play this out for a second, I survived this, insane mother nature sex event. What the hell am I going to do if they find me? Once they know I'm living in some old ruins I'm gonna have to haul ass away to someplace else.’ Robert was somewhat getting tired of running, After all, who wouldn't?

Getting through his doorless gate he entered his home. And carried the imprisoned Gilda, back into her inside isolation corner, it wasn't that she couldn't see him or the outside world, far from it. She was just far away enough from him to not smell him, which eased her urges if only slightly.

'Who knew Griffin's had heat cycles. Does that mean they mate for life? After doing it, I mean.' Robert mentally probed, subsequently this question was still too sudden to ask. Leaving him without his answer, yet without it he spoke up anyway.

“I'm sorry Gilda truly I am, but this is only for the week and after the week is over you'll be as free as a bird,” Robert said, trying to keep her spirits up, her response was less than thankful.

“Go fuck a Hydras maw!” she snarled, knowing damn well he wasn't going to stick around.

Robert wasn't sure if that was her natural griffin behavior, or her heat cycle making Gilda act this way he however took it in stride.

“I make no promises, Gilda. But that isn't something on my to-do list. Nor, will it ever be,”

Grumbling in defeat, Gilda began pacing the cage knowing she couldn't go anywhere.

Walking back into the old stone halls, he calmly transited through them. He was ambling by additional winding halls, some of which had old or broken windows. Thankfully, the glass had been vacated by wind, rain, and snow. Robert understood where most of these hallways led to.

Some trailed to much smaller chambers, the corridor on his left went towards an old dusty library. Sadly though, Robert was only able to get into the main room of the ancient library. And any further exploration needed him to be just a tad smaller than he currently was.

Other than that, that's all he wrote about it. If it wasn't for his damn height, Robert would have been reading books or perhaps. Seeing what the additional old rooms had in store Gilda on the other hand was too chicken to go in by herself.

And his curiosity was reaching its peak, sadly for now. It was time to do something more trivial.

Going outside he discovered something that made his body freeze. One little filly screaming for him to be explicit,

"R-robert!!"

After a few moments, it happened again.

"Robert!!"

“What the fuck?”

Picking up the pace a bit and grabbing the sword by the two-way entryway, then stepping outside into the main courtyard, he found the Cutie Mark Crusaders, well one of them to be more precise. Upon seeing him like a savior from above. She began pacing in place, seemingly terrified.

“Mr. Robert!...*Pant*...Thank…*pant*...Celestia I remembered the way back…*pant*… here, we need your help!”

‘Her name was Scootaloo wasn't it?’

Placing his sword on his shoulder loosely, Robert nodded towards her.

“Take a breather first, Scootaloo. You look like you ran here from Ponyville,”

Nodding shakily, she promptly fell onto her knees primarily focused on this vital function for organic life.

“There you go, Scoots. Just breathe deeply, if you need water. I can certainly give you some” He said walking over toward her,

Being mindful of Scootaloo's far smaller size. Robert kneeled in front of her, keeping his blade pinned on his shoulder, so that if it fell off him, for whatever reason.

She wouldn't be harmed,

Robert watched Scootaloo breathe for a few moments. Her breaths had been horsed and extremely labored. Besides that, the young filly’s coat and mane had leaves and even a few sticks here and they're sticking out at odd angles, and a nice layer of sweat had taken over some parts of the fillies coat.

Even her hooves and lower body had muddy water staining her coat.

Once she had gotten the much-needed rest, she told him what was going down.

“Applebloom and Sweetie Belle didn't listen to me about the directions! And walked head-first into a Hydra!”

‘Great, that's just fantastic. Where the fuck are their parents! If they were my children, all three of them would have gotten the belt. Yet, for now, I need to save them.’

Robert calculated, along with reaching up and massaging his face, reaching a conclusion he released his temples and pointed at the resting filly.

“Stay here. And don't move,” Robert commanded.

Going inside his castle, Robert rushed into the main room, thinking about how he should deal with this ongoing crisis. ‘If this is the same kind of Hydra from Earth mythology, I'm going to need an open flame of some kind. Or superheat my sword, because it will just grow back any head I cut off.’

Robert placed his sword off to the side and grabbed one of many Cured Manticore pelts. Before wrapping it around his face, as a kinda mask, to deter the poisonous breath of this freak of nature, from killing him.

Luckily it was dense enough, he even experimented by trying to exhale through this makeshift mask. Discovering that it wouldn't go through, Robert decided to play it safe by double wrapping. And even triple-wrapping his face,

As he wrapped his face the audible noise of wings flapping told him who noticed his presence. And she was far less than pleased about his mad dash into the room.

“What's the big idea?! You could have gotten me killed!” She squawked, having narrowly avoided being crushed by falling debris for the thirty-odd time, of Gilda being locked inside the timber cage.

Moving over and opening the cage Robert spoke up.

“We got problems, Gilda, and not the fun kind. Grab a weapon, a few pelt slices to cover your nose and mouth, and lastly a torch.”

Rolling her eyes she crossed her arms.”And why should I? You've been a complete ass to me!”

Robert merely pulled her out of the wooden cage. Afterward, Robert’s calm but angry fit began. “Because I've more or less done more for you, and your comforts! You've done very little here. Or for me, Except, eat my kills and drink my grog, yet. You did help me when I was sick. And for that, I am grateful. But now is a good time to earn your keep here.”

That seemed to have worked, as she seemed rather conflicted. It took her some time, precious minutes they could have used to get started on their hike, but finally, she gave in with a heavy sigh.

“Alright fine, Let's kick some ass.”

Gilda asserted, going towards her nest dwelling and grabbing her weapons of choice. A new and far less rusty crossbow was her weapon of selection, along with its bolts and quivers. Next, was a small short sword, small in the context of Robert's hand size. That short sword was paired with a toothpick if anything,

She also grabbed the throwing knives he went back for some time back, now that their old owner sorta didn't need them nowadays.

“Damn straight, Gilda, I see why Rainbow Dash was friends with you. You're just like her, Ride or die.” Robert said, grabbing his full drinking horn, as that would be needed later.

Scoffing, Gilda was going to retort. Robert knew she would, but the annoyed, and slightly heated Griffin just wanted this to be done and over with.

Heading back outside with Gilda in toe, he spoke up to a more relaxed and not-struggling-to-breathe, Scootaloo.

“Take me to the spot, in which you and your friends ran into this Hydra, thereafter, once I save those two. You all are going to get a stern talking to, do you understand Scootaloo?”

Gulping nervously she shakily nodded, “Y-yes Robert.”

Learning of the foe they had to fight Gilda began her protests.

“By the name of the father! What fucking balls of steel do you have?! I'm not taking on a Hydra, those things are tough! Not even the Princesses would fight one alone.” Gilda began before he pursed his lips and whistled, to stop her from backing out.

“We're not doing this alone. I will be doing most of the heavy fighting, while it's distracted, your job is to burn the stumps of the heads I cut or tear off.”

“W-what about me! I want to help save my friends!” yelled Scootaloo from the ground below.

Robert looked down and merely Picked her up, and placed her on his shoulder. “You are going to do nothing, except hide far from the battle. This is an issue for grown-ups to fix. You've done enough, including your friends. If you want to help get them to safety, that's it.”

Scootaloo grumbled a few times but eventually agreed.

Now that the young filly couldn't escape him, even if she wanted to. Scootaloo accepted her fate, of her and her friends being disciplined in the not-too-distant future.

Robert gripped the long sword and if he was being honest? He wasn't too keen on fighting this legendary beast.

Applebloom POV

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle and been doing their very best not to be gobbled by the Hydra.

Despite its size, it was rather slow and lethargic. Yet neither she nor Sweetie Belle knew if this was just how they naturally were. Or it was toying with the two fillies before killing them,

Regardless of the truth, they were running through the swamps as fast as their little legs could carry them, the brownish water splashing around their hooves as they ran.

Applebloom was reaching her limit, and so was Sweetie Belle. They both knew it.

It was only a matter of time before one of its many heads chopped down on them, or worse, they would be killed by its deadly breath.

“C-come on Sweetie Belle! Don't give up now. H-helps gotta be on the way.”

Just as Applebloom made an effort to motivate her Unicorn friend, the Hydra chasing them bellowed out with two of its heads showing they weren't getting away easily.

“I-i’m…*Pant*...Trying!” Sweetie Belle’s exhausted response had been.

Applebloom knew this situation was bad, and was praying the whole time she and her friend were running for their lives.

‘Mother of Celestia, please. I pray somepony is coming to rescue us.’

But then again, who would have known the Cutie Mark Crusaders needed help? For all anypony knew they were in their treehouse. Plotting ways to get their cutie marks,

And it wouldn't be discovered they needed help until it was too late.

Applebloom’s lungs had been burning for some time now. But thanks to her being an Earth pony, she was made for running far past her exhaustion limit. Sweetie Belle, however, was less than fortunate.

Sweetie Belle needed time to rest, both of which weren't available at this given moment for the duo.

Looking ahead of them, while the world rushed by them, Applebloom spotted a swamp cave connecting it to a cliff side.

Celestia knows how deep the natural formation went, or if it was too tight of a fit for the Hydra but Applebloom knew it was too far of a desperate leap of faith.

‘We won't make it.’ Applebloom thought, before looking left.

There she spotted a Tree, unlike the more spindly kind of trees that populated the swamp. This one was like them but far thicker, and large enough for a filly or two to hide under.

‘B-bingo!’

She looked back toward her tired friend. Applebloom spoke up. “Sweetie Belle, Turn left! We're going for that Tree.”

Merely nodding, Sweetie Belle followed but at the cost of her speed greatly deteriorating.

Luckily, the Hydra lost sight of them from its four heads. Thanks to the hanging flora of the swamps and other vegetation.

Diving into cover as the Hydra Roared, it was clear it knew it lost them. But the Hydra wasn't going to leave until it found at least just one filly to eat.

Collapsing with a soft splash, Sweetie Belle was gasping for breath. Applebloom however had been more controlled in this manner,

“We should be fine for the moment, Sweetie Belle. Just focus on catching ya breath ok?”

Applebloom offered with concern clear in her tired voice.

While Sweetie Belle recovered from over-exhaustion Applebloom kept watch for the Tartarus-born monster just in case it found them again.

“A-applebloom.”

Her friend called out barely above a whisper,

Glancing back, Applebloom could see the tears building up in her friend's eyes, before finally falling free. Seeing that Applebloom was staring at herself, she continued.

“I-if I don't M-make it. T-tell Rarity I appreciate all she A-and Mom, even D-dad has ever done for me. And I'm S-sorry I can't make it back H-home.” She sniffled out.

Moving quickly but quietly, Applebloom moved to comfort her. “Hey now, who said anything about not making it? Nopony. That's what, and you don't have to tell me nothing, about your gratitude towards ya family. When you can tell them yourself when we get back.”

Applebloom Comforted, doing her best to calm down Sweetie Belle from this traumatic experience.

‘It probably doesn't help that this activated her old trauma regarding infected humans.’ Applebloom's young mind summed up,

While Sweetie Belle was having a mental break, time seemed to slow. Allowing them both to just breathe and relax.

“We can't stay here long Applebloom.” Sweetie Belle nervously offered, wiping the remaining tears away with a hoof.

“So what do you reckon? Do we just continue running? We can't stay here; both of us are just sitting ducks if we do.” Applebloom offered,

Watching her friend, Sweetie Belle’s eyes lit up at an idea that just popped into her head.

“What if we try to sneak away? It only has four heads, right? Surely there's a spot that is overlooked. We can use that to slip away and get back to Ponyville.” Sweetie Belle suggested,

Nodding Applebloom agreed, but raised a concern of this hurriedly crafted plan. “That's not a half-bad idea, But my question is, are you ready to start running again Sweetie Belle?”

Giving a shaking nod, the pair got ready to quickly bolt. “On three, One. Two. Three!”

Just as they were about to run, the tree Sweetie Belle and Applebloom had been hiding under. Was ripped out from the muddy earth below both root and stem.

The Hydra roared with its three free heads showing it had found the two little ponies. Its intent to eat them was clear, beyond a shadow of a doubt.

“So much for the stealth part of the plan, Sweetie Belle. Run!”

And now the two fillies were back into the run-for-life situation. Yet, this time they both had time to rest. Giving them just that extra push to keep going,

“Come on Sweetie Belle we got this! Let's just hope Scootaloo has made it back to Ponyville, sompony is hopefully on its way!” Applebloom shouted trying to keep her friend's morale up.

Just then, something large flew past them with a massive, *THWACK.* Having connected with one of the necks of the Hydra stunning it and even making it roar in pain.

“Why don't you pick on someone your own size!” Yelled a deep but familiar voice, as Applebloom knew who it was.

‘Aren't we glad to see you!’ Applebloom mentally thanked Celestia as she spotted him leaping off unfazed by the shortfall down to their level.

Like Celestia during the sun celebration, Robert had descended down from the cliffside followed by two Timberwolves, one Griffin, and one Scootaloo.

“Girls! I told you I was right!” Shouted the third member of their little close friend group.

Robert had picked her up and placed the young orange filly down, allowing the third Cutie Mark Crusader to rejoin her friends.

“Everypony ok?” Asked the orange filly towards the other too.

Nodding, Applebloom promoted a question of her own. “Now's not the time, Scootaloo! What does Mr. Robert want us to do?” Applebloom inquired,

Ears folding, she chuckled nervously as she gave her answer. “He wants us to stay out of this, and all three of us are going to be yelled at once this is done.” She warned, showing that they were going to be in big trouble once he dealt with the Hydra.

Groaning, Applebloom reached up with a wet hoof and began rubbing her face in dismay. ‘At least this can't get any worse somehow.’

Applebloom mused as they found cover. And hunkered down beside it, the fillies had front-row seats for a show that they wouldn't forget.

Robert POV

Now having the Hydra’s attention on him instead of three fillies, Robert watched as it merely heaved away an uprooted tree from its harmful maw and bellowed at him and Gilda with all four heads.

“F-father save me. Mother S-save me,” Gilda began to pray as Robert poked her side.

“You're not fighting this thing, me and these two are. Your job only is to burn the stumps of its neck, I'll be covering you so it's even possible.” Robert reassured,

‘Not that I want to fight this fucking thing, but hey I rather deal with four heads than nine.’

Before Gilda could reply Robert went in for the attack, leaving her to continue being a chicken shit over literally being near a hydra.

“You're still fucking nuts!”

She shouted as he brought his sword down, piercing its scaly hide and making it wail in agony.

‘There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in a storm, a night with no moon, and the wrath of a good man. I doubt I am a good man, but I'm not a sinner, nor am I a Saint. Possibly, in the middle?'

One of the three heads had made an effort to bite Robert's shoulder. As it latched down, sinking its sharp fangs into his fleshy limb.

Grimacing in pain, Robert merely punched it square in the face making it lose a few teeth for trying to take a chunk out of him.

‘I need to find the one Immortal head, if this thing even has one.’ Having now been freed, He pushed the advantage, driving his sword through the far left’s neck, cleaving it off, and giving Gilda her shot to do what was asked of her.

Robert slammed his sword into the back of the hydra as he restrained the three heads from stopping Gilda from burning the stump.

“For the love of God, Burn the fucking stump!” Robert gritted out, as the hydra thrashed its thick, and strong necks.

After being called on Gilda immediately flew over and pressed the burning torch into its oozing neck,

The smell was on par with roadkill, having been left out in the sun for five days, and its flesh wasn't red compared to a Manticore’s and instead was a vomit-like green.

Having burned its stump, dark magic leaked out, now unable to heal the stump. ‘Just in time Gilda, one down. Three to go,’

Seeing that his concept of burning the headless stumps of the hydra had worked, Gilda was beyond dumbstruck.

“How is this working?”

She questioned cautiously, but Robert wasn't able to answer back, as the Hydra forced him off of itself. Disarming him in the process,

Now having lost his Blade as it was lodged in the hydra’s back, he had to resort to more physical-based attacks.

Throwing a right hook, the resulting collision snapped her out of the current stupor, making Gilda fly back to a reputable distance. Not wanting to be crushed, Robert spotted something that made his heart freeze.

At the corners of each mouth, it was getting ready to blast him with its poisonous breath. Moving quickly, Robert held his makeshift mask tightly over his nose, and mouth and simply prayed.

Not a moment later, did the beast spray him with the breath that would and could cause instantaneous death to any who breathed it in.

Yet his preparations and careful planning saved Robert's life, as the deadly gas couldn't punch through. However, his vision did suffer as it felt like someone sprayed him with a strong grizzly bear spray.

‘I rather take the pain, than be instantly killed. But I gotcha now you bastard! You just lost your main form of attack.’

Grinning underneath the triple-layer mask, Robert simply waited for his turn to strike back, as his eyes became red and even started to sting from its bad pungent breath.

'I know where fighting and all. But Christ all mighty your breath stinks! Ever heard of mouthwash or breath mints? Promise you need them.' Robert wisecracked, towards the mythical now three-headed beast.

Slowly the deadly gas stopped, giving Robert his opportunity to strike back. Reaching back, and making a fist Robert gave the hydra a hard left hook.

And the reaction was worth it, from the shocked expressions on the other two faces it wasn't expecting him to have survived.

The head that got slugged was thrown rearwards and bounced off his impaled sword. Then going limp having been punched clean out of the battle.

"That's for trying to kill kids, you Figlio di Puttana!" (son of a bit*h)

The two heads growled in response but that didn't seem to be as threatening as before, pushing forward and pinning the two heads to his side Robert pushed the hydra till it fell over.

Now having greater reach towards his sword's well-worn handle, Robert grasped it and yanked it out.

It sliced outward satisfyingly, like a knife through butter. Unbothered by its scales and tough flesh underneath. While the recently uncorked wound began spraying hydra blood everywhere it turned the brown muddy water below them a reddish brown color.

‘Luna; sorry, Princess Luna. Wasn't lying about this blade, it really can slice through anything.’

Recalling back to a certain day a certain part of his hand was made into a shish kabob, earning a shudder.

The slight pain this sword caused, made the hand in question twitch slightly from the unpleasant memory.

Out of the three heads, Robert would target the Unconscious one, seeing as it couldn't defend itself from him, and neither could the conscious heads defend the knocked-out one.

Transitioning his restraining positions, Robert used his foot, pinning one head down while the other more unruly one got lucky, and bit him into his side sinking the sharp fangs for teeth it had into him. Thankfully it didn't break or splitter his hardened bones, nevertheless that didn't stop the wave of agony.

Resulting in Robert roaring in pain.

The sound was not very human in nature, but no doubt could definitely scare off many smaller animals to even Equines.

Looking down at the offending head, Robert Grabbed said head with his free hand, then he simply retaliated, forcing one of his large fingers into its eye socket and he used his big fingernail to cut and slice the living head's eye.

It felt damp in there, making Robert shutter from both discomfort and pain as the hydra-head finally released him, allowing him to cut off the knocked-out head.

‘I wouldn't want to be your fucking Ophthalmologist, once I'm done with you!’

Using his sword like a guillotine, Robert sliced the head clean off.

After French revolutioning, the unconscious hydra head. He then flagged down Gilda, who in turn burned the bloody stump as its blood and deadly breath leaked out.

“You are nuts for figuring this out, you know that?”Gilda grumbled, not liking the plan he made for the a group.

“It's not that I figured it out, if you're a good student of history you can often find any creature's weakness. The Hydra is burning its stumps to prevent it from growing new heads. I also swore they had nine heads, not four. But hey, I'm not complaining." Robert gritted out, having to hold two hydra heads instead of three.

A few times in the past, Robert relied on history to help him against one mythical creature after another.

‘Maybe history is useful after all, and not a boring subject like others believe it to be.’

Just as Robert was about to send Gilda away the hydra had learned of their rudimentary strategy and smacked the Griffin with its long lizard-like tail.

Making Gilda blast off again.

“Don't you die on me!”

He yelled as she flipped him off trying to gain Aerial control once again.

"Oh I don't count on it!" she hissed while soaring through the sky.

Still, her efforts would be in vain as she crash-landed into a different part of the swamp. And the Hydra focused solely on Robert, having finally gained the upper hand and pushed him away with a great deal of force.

He stumbled backward, and even almost fell over.

But thanks to a swamp tree blocking his path, has was able to stay on his own two feet. Instead of falling over.

Shaking off its vines and thick bush of leaves watched the Timberwolves go on the offensive.

Finally having their moment to shine the Timberwolves went in for the attack, clawing, and biting the hydra’s scale-covered underbelly and body but to no avail. As its scaly armor was just too thick for hardened wood to break through.

Giving a hearty but evil chuckle at their attempt at harming the stronger monster, the Hydra simply had crushed Robert’s timberwolves.

Splittering their wooden bodies all over the muddy and water-logged terrain.

‘You bastard! You killed my dogs! Now, this is personal.’

Now that he was beyond anger, the wounds he had seemed to have sustained hurt just slightly less than they should have as Robert went back on the offensive. Or at least tried to,

Just as he was about to turn the two-head remaining Hydra into mince meat, a Lavender wall halted him.

Looking back, he found the last group of Ponies he wanted to see at this moment in time.

‘What kind of Looney Tunes coincidence is this shit? So much for me being a taxi service for Applebloom and her friends again I only feel bad for them once they get back home their families are going to tear them limb from limb. Unless they stay hidden and I come back for them once those six mares depart. Regardless of which, as long as they stay out of my way, I don't need them to be getting in my path of a good old-fashioned Vendetta.’

Robert privately didn't mind that they had shown up, it saved the trouble of him needing to get the Cutie Mark Crusaders back home. But the one option he had thought up for them, to avoid punishment went completely out the window upon a little fillies shout.

“Big sis!”

Cried Applebloom, compelling Applejack, and Rarity to fling themselves around to see Applebloom and her two friends. Making so many questions, and even outrage flood out of the two older sisters.

“What in Tarnation?! Applebloom what in Celestia’s mane are you three doing far out here in the Everfree forest, Alone? With no Adults!”

“Sis, please! If you let us explain, we can clear it all up!” Applebloom tried to clarify, but Applejack was too upset at this moment. In time to listen to any kind of reason or excuses.

“All of ya! Shut your darn muzzles before you three never see Celestia’s sun for a whole month!” Applejack said seething with rage.

“I second that motion.”

Rarity said, her blue eyes narrowing at Sweetie Belle’s appearance. Rarity from what Robert could see, was bottling up her anger for when they had gotten back home.

‘Someone’s in big trouble when they get home. I guess, I don't have to punish these kids. There's no way this could get any worse.’

It did in fact, get worse.

“Dash?! What the hells are you doing here?” Shouted a confused Gilda who finally flew back from her hard landing.

“Wait. What are you doing here? Gilda, I thought you went back home to Griffinstone.”

Giving a nervous chuckle she rubbed her neck slightly with a talion, not knowing what to say.

“It's a long story.”

Gilda began, but Robert was less than thrilled for a blast through the past moment.

‘Could you all take this discussion somewhere else, please? I'm trying to kill this fucking Hydra here. I'm not here for a blast down memory lane.’

Robert mentally hissed, as the monster in question saw the mounting numbers against it, and tried to flee fueling Robert's rage.

‘Oh hell no buddy, you killed my Wolves. Try and kill three Fillies, You're not getting away that easy pal and you tried to kill me.’ Releasing an annoyed growl, Robert stabbed into the purple magic wall, however it did not have the desired outcome. As Twilight merely fixed what he broke,

Moving it up a notch, Robert began to slash and tear into its magical properties.

Twilight on the other hand or hoof, was now struggling to keep her protective barrier up and maintained.

“I-i can't hold it much longer! He can't possibly fight a Hydra all on his own.” Gilda on the other hand was displeased that Twilight was allowing the already weakened Hydra a chance at escape.

“Book for brains, let him go! He's got this.”

Gilda barked, watching Robert tear into the magical field.

Every time he sliced, or punched the magical wall. Twilight did her best to repair the force field, doing her hardest to keep Robert 'safe' from the hydra thinking he couldn't handle such a formidable beast.

As sweat began to build on her forehead and drip down, showing how much she was struggling to hold him.

“I told the Princesses I would find him and try to socialize him with P-ponies. But I can't do that if he is killed! Hydra’s are dangerous and he can't fight it alone.” She gritted out as Gilda landed next to Twilight.

“Yeah no shit, that's why I've been helping him!” Gilda stated, before suddenly offering her the torch that was unfortunately put out.

“Do you mind lighting this back up?” Gilda asked, trying to diverge Twilight's concentration.

Looking towards the two, Robert watched Gilda. Who on her part looked at him, and merely winked. Showing it was his turn to get the barrier down,

‘Gilda you devious dog. You're getting extra Manticore meat for this one,’ turning back and upon noticing the slightly weaker barrier Robert would rear back and kick it. Resulting in the magical barrier shattering, into magical pieces,

"N-no! Stop please!" Twilight begged, but Robert was more concerned on his target.

‘Your ass is grass, Hydra.’

Allotting a warcry, Robert stomped after the hydra. Pushing trees and low hanging vines out from his face, like a moth to a light. Gilda was close behind him, her gifted torch lit with a purple flame as she gave him a knowing beak smile.

“You're welcome by the way. Unicorns can't focus on spells if there concentration is split."

She said matter of factly, proving that It was to simply distract her to help him continue the path of killing this monster.

Giving a simple nod and a grunt, Robert followed the hurried path of destruction the Hydra had left in its wake of fleeing.

Pushing past the last few swamp trees, he found the target of his rage.

From what Robert could see, the hydra had been pinned by a large cliffside; the large drop could have even killed Robert, let alone the hydra.

Seeing that it was cornered the hydra went into a defensive position trying to protect itself from the unstoppable giant.

‘You aren't getting away that easy, pezzo di merda d’asino.’ (Piece of donkey shit)

Just as Robert moved to finish off the pinned hydra, A certain cream-colored Pegasus blocked his path.

“P-please, you've shown the Hydra its mistake. I doubt he'll ever cross paths with anypony, especially Y-you. But that isn't the reason why you fought this creature; is it? ” Fluttershy started, gently and gingerly she touched his face with a hoof. Trying to gain his attention,

Forcing him to glance upwards toward Fluttershy.

'Don’t start with me Fluttershy, I have a job to do and your Kindness shouldn't apply to this monster.’ Robert reminisced, reaching up and calmly trying to push the gentle mare away. Yet, she remained steadfast.

Refusing to move, Fluttershy continued.

“You instead fought for those three Fillies to protect them, and instead of letting them be harmed. You had been watching those three, ever since they stepped hoof into the Everfree.”

Fluttershy muttered, before finally moving away from his face and landing on his not bloody shoulder and gingerly, she embraced Robert’s neck, with a gentle but firm hug.

‘Firstly that's one hell of a stretch, Fluttershy. Secondly, it's estrus week. You think I would be anywhere near Ponyville or any kind of settlement for that matter? That includes the very edge of the forest.’ Robert mentally pointed out but Fluttershy continued.

“Well, you needn't worry yourself anymore. Me and the others will take care of Applebloom and her friends. I swear it; so there isn't a justification to continue with the violence.” Fluttershy persisted in saving the hydra, this action astonished Robert.

He figured even this kind mare would want a piece of this foul beast, for trying to kill her friend's younger siblings.

And yet, here Fluttershy was.

Pleading for Robert to spare this wounded, and legendary creature. Looking over toward her, Fluttershy merely gave him a soft smile showing that no matter the situation she would try to be kind, and forgiving.

‘God damn it Fluttershy, I will never understand any of these Six mares. Not everything can be solved through good deeds and charity, it's just not how the world works. This thing threatened to swallow the siblings of both Rarity and Applejack whole, and still. You defend it.’

Shaking his head, Robert calmly took hold of Fluttershy and placed her back down onto the rocky earth below. And since she said her peace, she didn't try to use him as a mobile cat post.

Gilda however, had something that needed to be expressed, taking a spot on his shoulder, the griffin began talking to Robert through hushed whispers, objecting the peaceable ponies.

“Don't listen to her, she's just a softy, who doesn't understand how this forest works. You do; if we let this Hydra go, it will come back and bite us in the ass. And I don't know about you big guy, but I don't want to be killed in my sleep by a two-headed Hydra.

That being said, she doesn't need to worry about it, nor what goes on within these cursed woods. She has the Royal Guards to protect her; we have nothing but ourselves in this forest.” Gilda said pointing out the apparent,

“I won't go into details about our current and even past struggles. But I vote to finish, what we started. But I won't contest the issue if you pick the Pony's choice. Just it will be your mess alone to clean up.” Gilda expressed, seeing that he needed a moment to decide, she got off his shoulder allowing him to think about this for a moment.

Robert stood there blocking the only plausible way the hydra could escape from, with his own physical body. Unless it decided to jump,

‘I have to decide? Shit, my choice will affect how the Ponies will see me. Because whatever I do here, they most likely will tell the Princesses. But not only that, how will Gilda see me? If I let it go,'

By this point, all but two members of the main six had arrived except Rarity and Applejack.

‘Guess they couldn't wait till they got back to Ponyville.’ Robert mused before deciding the most credible approach.

Showing mercy.

‘The only reason why I'm allowing this thing to walk is because Fluttershy and her gang are here. If they weren't, this thing would not be still alive, you get that? The bell saved your ass Hydra.’

Turning to depart, made Fluttershy ecstatic. On her part she took flight, and slammed into his side, she nuzzled and even embraced him tightly.

“Oh thank you! I knew you didn't like unnecessary and needless violence. G-goodness! You've been bitten a few times, let me get a closer look.” Fluttershy began trying to see how bad Robert’s wounds had been and if they had worsened, during his fight. And they in fact did,

Annoyed Gilda put the torch out by merely putting it into the dirt and smothering it.

Rainbow Dash however stopped Gilda before she could leave. “So, um do you want to talk about that day?” Asked a slightly nervous Rainbow Dash trying to piece back together the friendship they once shared.

“Not here,”

Gilda said flatly, not wanting the others to watch them reconnect as friends, if that would even occur.

“O-oh right.”

Said a stunned Rainbow Dash, both of whom flew off to somewhere in the sky to talk.

Now that the group was smaller, the hydra felt like it could take on the group and immediately charged them. Roaring, the hydra prepared to kill them all with its toxic breath.

‘Shit.’

Grabbing Fluttershy and pushing her off of himself, so she wouldn't be harmed. Then grasping his sword, Robert swung it around effectively cleaving one of the two heads off.

Making the hydra roar in pain, at the loss of its second head Gilda however, had returned upon hearing the commotion.

“Twilight! Burn the stump!” yelled Gilda who pointed to the bloody stump she however was less than willing to do so.

“That's not how you fight a Hydra! Magic is the only way to defeat them, and my magical ability isn't measured at the proper levels to fight it!” She fired back but Gilda wasn't having her bullcrap.

“I'm not asking you to fight the damn Hydra! I'm asking you to burn the stumps that he cuts off! It can not grow its head’s back once burned, Just do it!” Gilda pressed for Twilight to act.

Seeing that the group had nothing left to lose, Twilight’s horn glowed to life as she burned the stump, scrunching her nose from the stench in the process.

The smell was something that her stomach didn't agree with, nor did Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.

Now with just one head left, the hydra was very much done for. Fluttershy wasn't going to save it and Robert now had a reason to end its already fleeting life.

‘I Think I've finally made a proper name for this sword, I shall call it. 'Hydra’s wail.’

Grasping his handle tighter, and giving it a few test thrusts and slashes, the name felt like it added more weight to the weapon. As Robert got ready to end this game of cat and mouse,

‘Sorry old champ but your story ends here.’

Lifting his blade Robert brought it down with a great deal of force, slicing the stunned Hydra’s head into two parts.

Afterward, he drew it back. Then cleaved the rest off, allowing Twilight to burn the wound close. And allowing him, to bury the head under something fairly heavy.

‘I'm not sure if that is heavy enough. But it will have to do.’

It wasn't a rock or boulder that would have worked, instead, it was a mere tree stump.

To make sure it stayed under, Robert stepped onto the tree stump crushing it into place and locking the last head away deep within the swampy lands beneath.

‘Better to leave it there than have it come back and. Try and kill me again.’

Seeing that its body was done for, Robert merely kicked it over the cliffside prompting Pinkie to speak up.

“Twilight! Doesn't this area seem familiar?” Pinkie Pie happily chirped, making the pony in question shudder.

“Do you mean if I remember the fact, I nearly died here? Then yes, yes I do.”Twilight said Shuddering.

Now that things were settled, Robert tried to depart, however, a certain Shy mare wouldn't let that happen with his current injuries. Fluttershy blocked his path, wings gently flapping to keep her in his way.

“Not so fast mister, you need to get checked and treated. No exceptions.” She scolded, making Robert want to facepalm at her over-caring nature.

‘I'm not a child, Fluttershy I can take care of this myself.’

Fluttershy was less then convinced. As she flew right up to his face and jabbed him in the cheek, to grab Roberts attention.

"Listen here buster, you just won a fight with a Hydra. I'm not taking no, ands, ifs, or buts. You will come with us back to my cottage, and you will let me patch you up!" Fluttershy said matter of factly.

Seeing no way out of this, he and Gilda were dragged back to Fluttershy's cottage. To get looked over by this apparent home doctor,

Turns out the Hydra roughed him up far worse than Robert anticipated. To the point, Fluttershy’s medical supplies had run out, and Twilight’s healing magic needed to be used.

'Compared to the tree of harmony's magic, hers is more physical. While the trees is more like bath of water,' Robert mentally documented, watching her heal away his bloody wounds.

Now being patched up, if a little sore for wear Twilight decided to make a valid point known. Seeing that she was standing on top of his chest.

Looking down at him, she began talking to him.

“We can't keep bailing you out of fights. One day my magic won't be enough, or Fluttershy's medical skills. Please just give Ponyville, or even Canterlot. The prospect of living there, you'll be safe from all manner of monsters none of whom can reach you there.”

‘First of all, I was doing very well in that fight until you all showed up. Secondly, I appreciate your offer of living in Ponyville despite how nice you make it sound. I must decline, especially this week no less I would rather be safe compared to sleeping. With something protecting myself down there, plus Mare's and stallions have cooties.’

It was obvious they didn't have such a false disease, he just didn't want to be someplace where all six of these mares lived. And any single and desperate mares that knew of his ‘new’ residence in Ponyville, would begin piling up to get with him. Even if just for a night,

Climbing up further, Twilight’s cheeks took on a shade of pink as she placed a kiss on his forehead.

“J-just food for thought in any case.” Twilight covered, as the other five mares including Gilda were stunned at her sudden forwardness.

‘Hell no. You just yelled at me, and now your brain flipped its internal switch because you watched me take on a Hydra more or less alone. Sorry lightweight, but I don't "put out" on first dates. Plus, if I'm a dumb creature like you've said I am. Why would you give a pile of rocks something to think about?’

Gently scooping Twilight up much to her displeasure, Robert placed the mare down next to Rainbow Dash.

Who on her part looked Jealous of what Twilight had managed to pull off.

“What the Buck Twi?! I was under the impression that you were to find him, not try and get mushy with him!” Rainbow Dash spoke out.

Being called out made Twilight flush even darker as Robert got back to his own two feet. And to be honest, he hadn't expected this at all from Twilight.

“My word Twilight, I never took you for loving the Bruteish kinds of humans. Then again, it did save my younger sister from that foul smelling Hydra. You have my gratitude for saving Sweetie Belle's life.” Rarity offered, not wanting to continue about that subject.

‘Estrus does make Mares accomplish some crazy things, Twilight was the last mare I thought would even attempt that. My money was on Rainbow Dash, hell even Applejack. I've seen how she looked at me sometimes, and I fully believe if alone with her she will try something more unfavorable. But Twilight? Completely out of left field with that one.’

Having his wounds patched up, Robert tried to make his escape but Rainbow Dash had other plans. Landing on his head, she let out a triumphant shout and rubbed her hooves into his head as if she were petting a dog.

“Dude! That was so cool! You took on a Hydra all by yourself, that is bucking awesome! No wonder why so many mares are after you. It's even getting to the point I bet there becoming obsessive. I still don't see what they see so special about you,” Rainbow Dash openly pondered before quickly switching subjects.

Yet Robert knew why; and inwardly recoiled. 'That's why I want nothing to do with any non-human society.' Robert responded,

“Anyways, do you have any more of that booze? I've been looking forward to drinking more of the stuff!” Rainbow Dash admitted, wanting more Giants grog to no doubt drink and possibly won't even get drunk off of.

‘Good thing I took my horn with me. Your a lucky mare, you know that Rainbow?'

Pulling the same horn out of its vine holder and undoing its lid. Robert offered the booze inside to the Rainbow Maned Mare, who happily cried out of it's glorious sight. Greedily she dove in and commenced drinking his brew.

‘Worst customer ever, she doesn't even pay for what she takes. Maybe if Dash gave me some bits for my home brew I can keep my grog flowing.’

“Dash! Save me some this time, don't hog it all!” Shouted an annoyed Applejack who very much wished for a taste.

‘I mean it's only fair, her apples did make this stuff possible so it's only sufficient that the farm pony gets a taste.’

Pulling it away from Rainbow Dash who opposed the loss of her favorite stiff drink. Getting down on one knee and offering Applejack a sip she merely tipped her hat at Robert.

“That's mighty kind of ya partner.” Applejack respected and leaned close to take a few sips of his liquor.

Tasting what he had, she merely swallowed and gave him an approving nod. “It's mighty strong, partner no wonder why it got Twilight so inebriated.” Applejack playfully mocked, as Twilight herself had decided to go inside following Fluttershy, along with avoiding the embarrassment her two friends were trying to do.

“You see what I mean AJ?! That stuff is good!” Rainbow Dash boasted, before gliding down to Applejack's side.

“If nopony has a use for him you gotta make him make this stuff! I would pay nearly any amount of bits for that firewater.” Making Robert mentally scoff,

Gilda on the other hand saw this moment to squeeze more bits out of the Ponies of Ponyville. Coughing to grab both Applejack’s and Rainbow Dash’s attention Gilda spoke her mind.

“Tell you what, If I can get him to make more. All I'll need is a supply of apples and barrels, and twenty percent of the profits, and me and you two can do business.” She offered tail swishing at the prospect of making money.

“I'll need to run it over with my folks, but I can't promise anything just yet,” Applejack conveyed, thinking twenty percent was a bit much for that hearty liqueur.

“We can go over the details later, but for now. Let me help him back, he's gonna crash harder than one of Rainbow Dash’s failed stunts.” Gilda said, trying to poke fun at her cyan friend,

Puffing up her cheeks in slight annoyance, Rainbow Dash had bit her tongue about that subject as Applejack laughed at her friend's misfortune.

“Understandable. You know your way to the apple farm, stop by so we can talk about some business.” Applejack said before pointing at Robert.

“Without him, of course. I don't need him tearing my farm apart, plus our spring harvest won't be for another week or so. It's better we talk now and plan ahead."

Nodding Gilda tugged on his bandaged shoulder trying to get Robert to depart. “Got it. See you real soon,”

Standing up, Robert grabbed his kit before entering the Everfree. Gilda resting on his shoulder,

“Please tell me you caught that meat for brains,” Gilda informed, hoping he did.

With a soft nod, Robert felt the Griffin's tail swishing left to right.

“In two weeks we can do the great raid on the apple farm! These Ponies ain't going to know what hit’em.” Gilda proclaimed, excited to do some raiding.

“We aren't brigands, Gilda. I'll allow light stealing but not to the point where the apple farm can barely support itself.” Robert confirmed making her groan in defeat.

“You're just too nice for your own good sometimes.” Gilda huffed,

“No, I just know how to keep a food source going. That's all,” Robert mumbled.

As he arrived back at their humble stone abode, Robert brought up a small point.

“Let's make a toast to Tank and Athena,” Robert offered grabbing his horn and offering for Gilda to go first.

“Screw it. I needed a reason to drink anyway,” She shrugged before taking a few hearty gulps.

Once she had her fill, Robert took his and decided to spend some time near the not-too-distant River to reflect, leaving Gilda back at the Castle to do so without any disruptions.

‘Poor bastards didn't deserve it. It's going to take some time to have me get over it.’

Lifting his drink one last time he offered some kind words for Tank and Athena.

“Tank, Athena, see you both on the other side.”

Downing what was left. Robert said his ending statement, “Mio Dio, abbi pietà di entrambe le vostre anime.” Getting up, after doing the sign of the cross.

'I'll make a spot for them tomorrow, it won't be pretty. But I'll do what I can,'

He wasn't an undertaker, but Robert knew how to make a grave look captivating. Going back inside Robert had to handle the most likely drunk Griffin inside.

Author's Note

Merry Christmas Eve! My lovely readers.

I hope you enjoy this chapter, granted, it might have been rushed if any of you veteran readers can notice.

If you find anything that isn't following as it should give me a suggestion to replace what isn't going with the story! That includes grammar mistakes.

But I wanted to get it out before Christmas Day, so you all had something to do if family is making your brain hurt. Which is going to be fifty percent of you all tomorrow 😅

College is making me want to drop out and I'm only in my second semester. 🥲

Other than that, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!