The walk back to the Sheriff’s station was dreadful, even if he knew he wouldn’t be legally in trouble. Clyde was still processing what had happened in a short amount of time. One minute, he took a break from completing the playpen for the youngins, then fought a crazed bull hell-bent on killing. For Clyde, putting down an animal wasn’t new for him.
More than a few times, he was forced to kill a raging bull or coyote that threatened his employer’s cattle herd. He always carried a revolver with him just in case it was needed. He was already making black powder rifle cartridges for the rifle he bought in the new settlement. He was very lucky to have rounds for his revolver. The gun wasn’t on the level of a modern firearm, but it was deadly regardless. Clyde thanked God he kept his weapons from Earth and knew they’d come in handy one day.
Sadly, that day came sooner than he hoped, and he wished he was never forced to take a life. The bull he snuffed out of existence was no ordinary bull, but a living and talking being. The look of the bull’s shocked and dumbfounded face was forever burned into his mind, and all the whisky on Equis wouldn’t be enough for him to forget it. He didn’t regret killing the guy, but it weighed heavily on his mind. He had killed a man for all intents and purposes, and it weighed on his mind.
After making it near the crime scene, the town was full of talking and gossip. Many ponies and creatures were near the Salt Block, looking at where the Bull was killed. The body was gone, and the blood on the sand was cleaned up. The town’s undertaker likely cleaned up the mess in a quick manner. It didn’t take long before all eyes rested upon Clyde as he walked passed the scene.
Without warning, the town erupted in cheering with hoots and hollering. Several hats were thrown in the air, along with numerous hoof stomping. The cowboy was taken aback by the celebration and unsure how to respond. Erring on caution, he waved and tipped his hat before walking to the Sheriff’s Station. As he walked into the station, Clyde wondered, ”Why did they cheer me killing that bull? Is he known around these parts?”
Clyde opened the door and saw Sheriff Silverstar sitting in a chair on his haunches. He was writing something on a paper scroll with a pencil in his mouth. Years prior, he’d have found a pony writing with a pencil amusing. But with his adaptation to his new life, it was as boring as anything mundane back on Earth. Behind the Sheriff were the many crossbows he and his deputies were armed with no more than an hour ago.
Clyde did have to admit they certainly looked deadly. The crossbows looked brand new, with heavy poundage to back up the bolt projectile. The cowboy had tagged a few coyotes and deer back on Earth with a crossbow, albeit with more modern and capable models. He was surprised the ponies did not have even primitive firearms, despite their ships having canons.
”Only a matter of time before they get the idea of copying our guns. Oh well, they don’t look like the warlike folks, though.”
Before Clyde could say anything, the Sheriff said, “Go and take that seat there, Sonny. This won’t take long.”
Clyde did as ordered and sat on the chair on the other side of his desk. After another few seconds of writing, the stallion put the pencil down and took out a bottle of apple-flavored bourbon. The cowboy was surprised to see it but didn’t complain as the Sheriff poured shots into two shot glasses. The stallion pushed it toward the man with a hoof and said, “Go on and relax; I can tell yer nerves are still a stirrin’.”
”Am Ah that obvious? Guess so.”
The cowboy took the shot and took it in one gulp. The Sheriff did so as well, and both the stallion and the man shook their heads as the apple-flavored liquor burned their esophagus. The cowboy enjoyed the flavorful but powerful drink and said, “Dang, it has been a long time since Ah had a drink like that.”
As the stallion put his shot glass back down, he replied, “Same for me. I don’t drink that often, but today called for it.”
The stallion held out a hoof for the man to bump, and Clyde was confused about why. He bumped it back and asked, “You seem awfully happy Ah’m sitting here before you. May Ah ask why?”
The stallion sat back in his chair and took his hat off. That meant the stallion was serious, and Clyde took his hat off in kind. The Sheriff continued, “You just got rid of a blight on Equestria, especially to these folks. That bull is called King Longhorn and he terrorized another set of towns Canter Creek and Rancho Bronco. Canter Creek was founded by more of the Apple folks, just like Appleloosa.”
Hearing that news answered a lot of questions for the cowboy. While pony families and names were slightly odd to understand, the word “Apple .” Braeburn was part of the Apple Family, which the stallion had eagerly told Clyde as much when they first met. And if Applejack was part of that family, the bull had the proverbial “beef” with the country mare. But that didn’t explain why King Longhorn had it out specifically for Applejack.
“So, is that why that Longhorn feller went after Applejack? Just because she’s a member of the same family of the towns he terrorized?” asked Clyde.
The stallion shook his head before pouring more of the apple liquor. He continued, “King Longhorn was arrested by Applejack’s friend, Twilight Sparkle, on the authority of Princess Celestia. Before his arrest, Applejack tumbled with him and drove him out of town a few times. And since he attempted to murder the young mare, this was probably just pure petty revenge.”
”Personal...nothing Ah could have done would have got him to stop. Don’t care about killing him now.”
The two drank before the stallion continued, “I even sent a letter protesting his parole. He wasn’t supposed to return to the western territories, but of course, a no-good plot head bastard like him never did anything right.”
The cowboy relaxed hearing the news that the bull was nothing of value lost. The man felt the liquor putting him at ease and relaxed in the chair as the Sheriff wrote a few more things on the paper. The Sheriff then brought up more details and continued, “We talked to plenty of folks that witnessed the fight. You did short work of the plothead, though; what did you kill him with? The whole town heard some small explosion.”
”Damn, now Ah gotta talk about mah gun. Ah hope he don’t take it from me.”
This was something Clyde wasn’t keen on showing ponies, and not without good reason. His first and foremost worry was theft or confiscation. Equestria didn’t have as many crazy laws as America did back on Earth. Another was the fact that humans didn’t have many countermeasures against magic. When magic was demonstrated before the New Start settlers, the first thing everybody thought of was, “I can’t believe this is real, and how do I defend against it?!”
Firearms already existed in many makes, models, and calibers for the settlers of New Start. Most guns were carried by people who happened to have them on their persons while being transported to Equis. The small continent had very few predators and was quickly put under control. Still, the arrival of the Equestrians sparked humanity’s fear of being conquered. An arms race ensued, with firearms and other bladed weaponry being produced.
What was surprising was the ponies’ lack of understanding or even awareness of what was happening behind New Start’s closed doors. Clyde was certain in a decade or two, weaponry would evolve back up to WW2 levels. He also wouldn’t be surprised what little scientists they had would likely be sent to Equestria to study magic, mostly for ways to counter it. Only time would tell if humanity would succeed in ensuring a proper defense or if a balance of power would be created to keep humanity of Equis alive.
Clyde handed over his cowboy-styled revolver and ensured the hammer was in an empty chamber. The Sheriff looked at it with enquiring eyes and said, “Is this some kind of cannon, do-dad?”
Clyde suppressed a chuckle but explained, “It’s my revolver; the cylinder revolves cartridges for the gun to fire. Shoots a projectile like a canon. This one is a close-range weapon, but mah people have other types. Ah've had this one back from Earth, and Ah’ve killed a couple of wild coyotes with it. Ah shot King Longhorn between the eyes, and he never saw it coming.”
Clyde set the weapon on the table, and Sheriff Longhorn quickly inspected it before returning it. He nodded and said, “Positively deadly I gotta admit. Wished we had some of our own, but our bolt slingers are good enough. Brand new models, so no more Bits to spend. This sort of thing doesn’t happen that often, but ever since our spat with the Buffalos years ago, I figured we needed something with more kick.”
The man returned the weapon and asked, “Pardon me, sir, but what took ya so long? The fight went on for a few good minutes.”
The Sheriff nodded and answered, “We went to investigate a breakin’ and entering with a mugging on the other side of town. The poor old stallion didn’t see it comin’ as he was hit from behind. His house was a mess too. Of course, the fight happened just as we responded to the scene. My deputies think it was a distraction to get to Applejack. Would’ve worked if you hadn’t been nearby.”
”He planned this from the beginning. Mah instincts were right; he was bad news. Fuck him.”
The Sheriff sighed and said, “Alright, let’s get your statement into the books, and this matter will be closed. I’ll be at the Salt Block for some gamblin’ free poker later; you can join me if you want. If not, I’m sure Miss Applejack would love to see ya again if you catch my meaning.”
The Sheriff gave the man a wink, and Clyde took a few seconds to understand.
”He ain’t thinking...no, he IS thinking about that. Ah doubt Miss Applejack sees me that way.”
Clyde blushed a bit before saying, “Ah'll go check on her tomorrow after she’s gotten some rest. As for Poker? Probably some other time.”
The stallion shrugged and said, “Suit yourself. Though, she IS single. Saving her life just gave you an opening. Wouldn’t be a good stallion if I didn’t give you a nudge.”
As Clyde blushed, he quickly read the statement document and signed it. It was pretty straightforward; it was nothing more than a report detailing the attempted murder of Applejack and how Clyde intervened and killed the bull. Another page had signatures of sworn witness statements backing up the report. It ended with the Sheriff detailing the killing as justifiable and per the self-defense and preservation of innocent life laws by the Crown of the Royal Sisters. There was no trickery of confession that Clyde was several certain governments on Earth would pull.
Clyde signed his full name below Sheriff Silverstar’s signature. The stallion quickly pulled the report away and put it in the desk drawer. He put his hat back on and said, “That’s it, Sunny. Go out and enjoy the rest of your day.”
Clyde tipped his hat to the Sheriff, saying, “Hope nothing like this ever happens again.”
The Sheriff nodded before taking another shot of bourbon and relaxing in his chair. As Clyde left the station, the town was still busy despite the sun setting in the day. As he walked back towards the Rodeo grounds to finish his work, the stallion’s words continued to ring in his mind.
”So Applejack’s single...does she really fancy me? No, she was just mighty glad Ah helped her out with practicing. Now she’ll be really grateful AH saved her. There’s no way mare would fancy a man...would she?”
Clyde’s mind was busy thinking if Applejack’s reaction to him hanging with Arizona meant something more. Her outfit, her stressing of how important to making his dinner was to her, and the fact she cooked him meat of all things said a strong message. Then again, she was dressed up nicely, as was expected for a dinner with guests. She was as much of a country gal as he was a countryman. It was unlikely it was anything more than that.
Shaking such thoughts from Clyde’s mind, he found the last bullpen that needed to be completed and quickly went to work. He didn’t get much done as a new voice interrupted him.
“Need help there, Partner?”
Turning around was another bull and a very large one at that. And Clyde knew exactly who it was, Arizona’s father. The man put his hammer down and greeted, “Mr. Texas.”
The bull laughed before saying, “Mister Texas? That’s nice a young man like you has manners, but you can call me Texas from now on. I see you’re trying to make up for lost time and all. Especially with that killing, you did.”
”Shoot, did I upset the Cattlefolk? Better hear what he has to say.”
Seeing the man tense up, Texas put him at ease and said, “No need to worry or get upset, sonny. I heard what that stupid steer tried to do. Us Cattlefolk don’t claim a dung head like him. You did everyone a favor, even to that mare you saved.”
The man sighed in relief and lay against one of the sturdy fence posts. Clyde looked at the elder bull and said, “Everyone keeps saying that, but it’s weighin’ heavily on mah mind Ah took a life. Ah’ve killed dangerous predators before but never a feller that can talk and think.”
Texas sighed before walking over and taking a hammer with one of his forelegs. Seeing a bull taking a tool before hammering down a nail the man missed amazed the man. Texas continued, “That just means you have a soul and sense of right and wrong. Completely normal no matter what you are or where you’re from. No shame since you did it for a just reason. I can see why my daughter respects you.”
”Arizona? Respects me? All Ah’ve done is be nice and help her for the Rodeo.”
“Respect me? That’s nice, but all Ah’ve done is-”
Texas laughed as he picked up another hammer and nailed down a latch bracket for the gate door. Cldye no longer cared about the irony of a bull helping him build a pen designed to contain cattle. He was no longer on Earth, and the many strange and ironic sights he had seen for the past few years got old. The cowboy was simply grateful he was getting help, as Clyde wished the day to be over already.
Texas continued to talk while nailing down the door latch, “You don’t need to be humble. You’ve done quite a bit around these parts and should be proud. I can’t say I know what killing is like, but I have given a whooping to others who deserved it. What I’m trying to say is, don’t be ashamed or guilty. It’s okay to be proud of your accomplishments. You already know not to let things go to your head; I certainly can tell that about you. My daughter’s done stuff similar to you, in a way, that is.”
Clyde picked up the door, with the hinges ready to be put into place. He aligned it with the fence hinges while Texas hammered the bars into place. After several loud clanging, the door was in place and given a quick dab of grease. Texas tested the door and closed it on the latch. Clyde was happy to have Texas help him finish the pen with the door, which was the most annoying part. The cowboy then asked the bull, “Similar to what Ah’ve done? What has Arizona done that’s so similar?”
Texas then said, “Predators. Foenum got invaded by sharp tooth predators from another world. Arizona helped seal them back away for good. I didn’t want her to be one of the Champions the counsel summoned, but my wife overrode my wishes. Good thing too, because she succeeded. Speaking of which...”
Texas put the hammer down and said, “We’re having dinner tonight as a family, and it would make my daughter very happy if you joined us.”
Clyde’s jaw dropped as he asked, “But what about Daisy-Jo and Dakota? Ain’t they needing their restin’ with the baby?”
Texas grinned before saying, “Ever so considerate, that’s good. But they’re doing just fine and they’re on board too. Us Cattlefolk are tougher than you think. A cattle mother doesn’t need a whole lot of rest. Besides, she had the best sleep in the world last night, and is wide awake with lot's of energy; espescially little Kansas. It isn’t a bother to us at all.”
”Ah’m gonna have dinner with cows...fuck it, Ah don’t care anymore.”
Clyde smiled before saying, “Ah’d certainly appreciate it. What time do you want me to head over?”
Texas grinned and said, “We’re gonna eat a little bit earlier, around 6 pm. Dress nicely if you can.”
The cowboy nodded before looking around the Rodeo grounds. Everything was almost completed for the day, and Clyde was ready to nap before getting dinner tonight. The cowboy wasn’t sure why, but he was excited to have dinner with Arizona and her family. He tipped the bull and said, “Ah gotta put these tools away and get ready for later. Thanks for the help, partner. See you later.”
Texas nodded as he watched the man walk off with the tools. The bull grinned as he was satisfied with his mission to help out his daughter. Just before returning to the house, Texas said, “A little nudge in the right direction wouldn’t hurt. Don’t worry, Arizona; you ain’t alone in this fight. Pa is gonna watch out for you.”
The bull was in such a good mood he didn’t even bother stopping at the Salt Block.