//------------------------------// // Zebra Jasper // Story: Equestrian Gems // by Serenade Sketch //------------------------------// In the Everfree Forest, Applejack and Fluttershy were leading Chrome Diopside to Zecora's hut. While walking through the forest, it became a little hard to see. "It's so dark, I can barely see past my own muzzle," Applejack said. "Here, I know just what to do," Chrome Diopside replied. The green gemstone on her chest area then emitted a green light like a flashlight. "Wow, I didn't know your gem could do that," Fluttershy said surprised. "A gem can be used for lots of things," Chrome Diopside said, "So, how much farther 'till we get there?" "Not far now, just up ahead," Applejack answered. A minute later, they came across Zecora's hut and then knocked on the door which was opened a few seconds later. "Applejack and Fluttershy, good to see you again. Care to introduce me to your new friend?" "Name's Chrome Diopside, nice to meet you Zecora." Zecora then smiled, "Any friend of Fluttershy and Applejack I will offer my friendship back. I would like to know you more, please come and step through the door." While the group was walking inside, Chrome Diopsidethen whispered to Applejack, "Does she always rhyme when she talks?" "Don't worry, you'll get used to it," Applejack replied. After everyone got settled inside, they then explained to Zecora about who Chrome Diopside is and why they came in the first place. "That is quite the tale, I never knew that so much tragedy befell upon you." "It's fine, I know their not really gone, thanks to that spell Tanzanite created," Chrome Diopside reassured. "And you say I carry the power of one of them? Then tell me, what is the name of this gem?" "Zebra Jasper, a strategist during the war and one of the best we knew," Chrome Diopside said remembering her. "What was she like?" Fluttershy asked. "She was very smart, she knew about a lot of specific gem weaknesses. A few thousand years later, when alchemy became a thing, she wanted to study it herself." Applejack then asked, "Alchemy?" "Yeah, you know, chemistry and potion making." "I must admit it sounds a lot like what I do, I never would have thought. This Zebra Jasper sounds like quite the master," Zecora said pondering. "Whenever she was in her room studying different chemicals, it usually lasts for hours until she decides to take a break," Chrome Diopside joked. "All that time in her room without anyone else and very few breaks?" Fluttershy asked. "We used to check on her, see if she needed anything, we got used to it after two weeks though," Chrome Diopside answered. "I can see she found it quite enthralling, seems like she found her calling," Zecora responded. "Yeah, but not only was she a great alchemist, she used that talent to help on mission," Chrome Diopside said with a smile. "You don't know how useful all those formulas were." Chrome Diopside's smile then became a frown, "Well... almost all." "What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked with a worried and saddened tone. "There was one mission she was on where we found a corrupted gem and had to go and retrieve it, I was on that mission with Zebra Jasper and Grey Tourmaline. We found that gem and Zebra Jasper tried to use one of her chemicals to paralyze it, but it saw it coming and avoided it... then... it attacked her and... her gem cracked." Everyone was shocked, "It got cracked?" Applejack asked. Chrome Diopside nodded and said, "When a gem cracks, that gem's physical form becomes unstable, until it shatters completely and that gem is gone." Chrome Diopside then started shedding a few tears. Fluttershy then hugged her while also crying. "I'm so sorry you lost her." "No, it wasn't your fault, I just wish I was able to protect her back then." "Hey, it wasn't your fault either, and it wasn't Grey Tourmaline's, the only thing you can do right now is to stay strong," Applejack reassured. Chrome Diopside wiped her tears away. "Thanks Applejack, I needed that. Also, thanks for the hug Fluttershy." Both ponies then smiled at her. "A great tragedy indeed, but to the future you must proceed. Living in the past will not help at all, it will only result in your own downfall," Zecora said. "Your right, I need to keep moving on not just for me, for everyone," Chrome Diopside said relaxed. "I think it's time we get going, but before we do that, Zecora, you know that we came here because you have Zebra Jasper's power, we were hoping that you would come with us to the temple so you can learn more about what she could do." Zecora smiled, "I accept your offer my friend, we should get going before day's end." The group of four then headed out of the Everfree Forest and were on their way to the Gem Temple wondering how the others were doing.