MLP: Tales Beyond Equestria

by Kenan von Kaiser

Chapter 6: Saddle Arabia Origins.

Pinned downed by overly jacked pegasus, swords being place under my neck as I stare into the eyes of the Saltan awaiting my sentence. I felt sweat dripping all over my body, however it was not my sweat that was covering my body. The fear was reduced and the feeling of disgust and anticipation took over. As I expect the worst, I start to think about all that I left behind my family, my home and home land of Guardania figuring out if it was all worth it. That I gave up a long life with a family for the life of exploration and adventure, with nothing to show for it, but sweat coming from this jacked pegasus. My thought was interrupted by the clearing of Sultan Figgy Pudding's throat as I focused back on him.

"So what do with this kid?", Skarr said enjoying the predicament I was in.

"Throw him.." Figgy Pudding paused as I stared back at him giving him a stern look hiding the fear of being imprisoned for a long time, while Skarr slowly approaches me waiting to throw me away, "...a feast?.

"You heard him throw him a- a- FEAST" Skarr yelled surprised by Figgy Pudding answer which made Skarr stop giving the order to lock me up and turn to look at the Sultan. Skarr was not the only one supplied every SASF including me was surprised by his sentence. I took a breath of relief that I wasn't going to locked up and what's even better FOOD.

"Yes a feast this poor young lad must be starving. Arid Dunes would you escort him to the dining hall?", Figgy Budding said with a grin on his face as he heads into the dining hall.

"Yes my generous Sultan. Come along my little friend.", Arid Dunes said as he picks me up with one hoof, away from the swords and carried me to the dining hall.

"Ewww! before that can go to a shower.", I said in disgust smelling his sweat soaking from his pit to all across my body as I am being carried into the royal dining hall to get some well deserved FOOD. Skarr followed behind us, groaning the entire way, unhappy for the fact that I wasn't sent to prison and instead I was getting treated to dinner. Well I am not complaining. We soon went down a few spiral stairway and went down a hallway until we arrived at the dining hall. It had purple crystal chandelier, a long rectangular table that can probably hold all the SASF and those fluffy chairs which is good for my plot.

"Arid Dunes if you would be so kind as to set our little guest down right next to my seat and fetch us something for him to eat.", Figgy Pudding asked Arid Dunes in a polite tunes as he sits down in a bigger throne that can support his chubby body.

"It would be my honor your majesty." Arid Dunes gracefully bowed and turn his attention to me, "So what would you want little colt", finishing that question with a wink.

I shivered at that disturbing weird and as soon as recovered I said without a doubt, "EVERYTHING YOU GOT!", my mouth started to water at the mere thought of eating everything.

"Such a big appetite for a tiny colt", Arid Dune said as he patted my mane which felt like little punch with his massive size.

"OK don't patronize me.", I said with a growl and snarl look in my face as I feel like he isn't taking me seriously.

"My he sure is.", Figgy Pudding agreed with Arid Dunes with a small chuckle as he returned his gaze towards Arid Dunes to give out his order, "Just give me a usual flan pudding."

"Right away your majesty, it should take a while to get everything ready, so enjoy yourselves until I get your late night meal ready." Arid Dunes replied with a added bow, before flying gracefully into the kitchen to prepare our meals.

"Err, that stallion is really weird,", I said creeped out as I watched Arid Dunes fly gracefully into the kitchen.

"Don't mind him, he is just full of joy,", Figgy Pudding said while drinking his coffee.

"Yeah and looks like he has a ton of it,", I answered as I rolled my eye letting out a small chuckle.

"Now then.", Figgy Pudding said after he finished chuckling after my remark about Arid Dunes size. Figgy Pudding set his coffee down to ask me something. "What brings a lonely, starving colt into my kingdom, where did you come from and what colt has a unusual magical sword and armor?" He stared at me with wonder like he has never seen anyone like me, which must mean he has never heard of Guardania.

"Um, well I am from Guardania and you may not believe it, but I am a trained by my dad to be a elite soldier.", I answered his question nervous at first, then I replied to the other answer by bragging about my skills. Figgy Budding chuckled at my answer which made me feel embarrassed and pissed off that he thinks that a little colt like me can't be a soldier. "What's so funny fatty don't believe me" I angrily replied to his chuckle.

"Ho ho it's not that I don't believe you.", Figgy Pudding answered with a jolly laugh as he then said, "I am just fascinated that a colt could be this skilled and eluded my best SASF for a week, quite a remarkable accomplishment for somepony of your age."

"Well, um thanks." I said calming down blushing, feeling embarrassed again as I calmed down and return to my seat.

"I must say I never encounter any pony from a highly militarized land like Guardania. I hear that not only is it magnificent but it is quite strict.", Figgy Puddy said still sipping his coffee as he thought about Guardania a bit more. "Why did you decide to leave your home in Guardania? Does your family miss you?", Figgy Pudding asked, making me remember the horrible events of my mother's death that made a deep impact in my life.

"Well...um I want to explore the world.", I Lied to the Sultan as I look down with sulking look in my face not feeling comfortable to tell him the truth.

"I see, its their anything else you wish to tell me.", Figgy Puddy respond as he examines me reading my emotion and I can tell he wasn't buying my full story. "I understand that if you don't want to tell me, if it's too personal. When you feel ready, I will be here to listen.", Figgy Pudding said with a smile of sympathy. A few minutes of waiting and Arid Dunes finally brought a huge plate of food that towers over me and Figgy Pudding as he announced, "Our Midnight feast has arrived, excellent work Arid Dunes.".

"It was nothing your majesty.", Arid Dunes replied blushing as he set the food down on the table.

"HOLY WOW!", I screamed in shock as I looked at the mountain of food that was presented to me. It had wide variety of exotic fruit, pastry of all kinds and food I have never seen before.

"Will you be joining us Arid Dunes.", Figgy Pudding asked Arid Dunes as I just dig into my food and hope that he doesn't join in and devour this entire meal.

"I am honored, but can't. I have to watch my figure and it's past my scheduled bed time.", Arid Dunes humbly declined as he shows of his figure which made me shiver in disgust.

"Come now surely, you can have a little bed time snack.", Figgy Budding goating Arid Dunes have a small mid night snack.

"Well I can partake in one.", Arid Dunes said as he was persuaded to grab a banana from right next to me and flew out the door way, wishing me and Figgy Pudding a graceful good night as he returns to his room.

"That dude freaks me out.", I said shivering after that weird good-bye Arid Dunes made. I return to enjoying my free buffet yelling out, "More for me, then.".

"Since your from Guardania, I wondered if you encountered a mystical guardian that has said to protect the forest and all its creatures. I heard rumors that one existed and I was quite fascinated about it. Unfortunately, Guardania has such a strict security that none of my researchers and SASF scouts are able to investigate. Have you ever seen her.", Figgy Budding asked me as I chowed down on this flat bread with melted cheese and some zucchini in them.

"Oh you mean my mom.", I answered not caring about the question and more about this melty cheese delight.

"YOUR MOTHER?", Figgy Pudding shouted with shock while little bit choking on his yogurt as I finally realized what I said and just buried my face in flan.

"Ugh dang it.", I said groaning that told him a personal question as I then asked, "Was this buffet a trap to get me to talk, very low old dude.".

"Well sort of. I find most ponies are to busy to respond correctly when their more focused on eating and then anything else.", Figgy Pudding said after recovering from his little choke to later chuckle.

"Alright my dad is the grandmaster of the guardania army and I have a unicorn and pegasus brother and we live in a cabin in the forbidden forest.", I replied giving him the answers that I believe he wanted, hoping he wouldn't ask anymore so I can eat and not think about the reason I left, "Alright can I eat now?".

"Sorry but I have one more question and then I will let you eat.", Figgy politely said hoping I would answer his last question.

"Go ahead.", I replied slowly rolling my eyes, groaning and wandering if I will ever eat in piece.

"With a caring mother, a strong father and brothers why would you leave your family?" Figgy Budding asked with a concern look on my face. I stopped eating and looked down at my food as I start to think about my mother's death by my hooves and leaving my family behind to start a new. Figgy Budding glanced at me, spotting my frown as that question he asked was difficult to stomach as he replied, "No need to answer, I apologize for asking. I will let you finish". He got up from his chair and said in caring tone after he let out a yawn, "I'm gonna turn in, when your done you can use the guest room. It's down the hall and the last door on the right. ".

"Thanks.", I said feeling not all that hungry to finish so I continue to eat as much as I can.

-------Meanwhile -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Figgy Pudding proceeded to walk down the hall to his room humming a little tune. He stopped walking to address somepony that was leaning on a wall saying, "It's getting late Skarr you should get some rest."

Skarr was leaning behind a wall as he replied after he let out a groan. "I don't trust that kid, and neither should you.".

"Oh. any reason why, Skarr?", Figgy Pudding asked still having that joyful tone in his voice.

"Are you serious, Did you hear that story he told?", Skarr angrily replied as he stopped leaning on the wall and step forward to Figgy Pudding, "The father one I might believe, but the mother being a guardian who probably exiles her self away from the town.".

"I agree it sounds unbelievable but..", Figgy Pudding said but was interrupted by Skarr loud tone.

"But what? I know your generous ruler, but I get a bad vibe from that kid. What reason do you have for believing him?", Skarr shouted at Figgy Pudding Questioning the reason to higher a potential threat to Saddle Arabia.

"You didn't see his face when I asked why he left.", Figgy Pudding turn to face Skarr his face no longer happy but changed to sincere as he continued to say. "I never seen such depression smeared across his face, whatever happened must have been very tragic".

"But sir..", Skarr tried to answer but now he was interrupted by Figgy Pudding.

"I want no buts, just please trust me on this one.", Figgy Pudding asked Skarr for his trust before changing his facial expression back to happy and replied, "Besides you have his weapon and he will is surrounded by SASF. If things go wrong, I can count on you to save the day. Now I don't wanna hear anymore of this, I need to get some rest."

Skarr took a deep breath as he complied with Figgy Budding request as he replied, "Yes Sir.".

"That's good to hear, Have a pleasant night.", Figgy Pudding said with a smile across his face as he heads to his room, closing the door and falls asleep.

"Night sir.", Skarr said back before grabbing the Damon schwart sword from his back to examine it. Skarr then proceeded to touch the sword which cause a burning pain to be inflicted of his hoof causing him to curse. "What are you Burning Blitz?" he said as he stare at Burning Blitz's sword.

------ Meanwhile at the dining hall--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I dropped the sandwich and got off the pillow with a full stomach and let out a long yawn, stretching my arms out as I said to myself "Wow that was good, I don't think I can eat another bite.", I left the table which had no food left, before returning to grab that sandwich for later. "I take it, you know bed snack", I said as I exited out the kitchen, heading down the hall to my guest room. "This must be the room." I said opening the room and turn the light to reveal a elegant fluffy sets of pillow, a stone sink, some drawers, and bathroom. "Woah nice place", I said in surprised as expect the room before yawning as the amount of food I ate made me very tired, "I'm tired, best hit the hay" , I said as I laid down on the piles of pillow and let out a moan feeling relaxed and even more sleepy before finishing my sandwich, SOOOOO COMFY AND SOOOO TASTY!." I closed my eyes slowly and fell asleep.

I woke up on a bright morning day feeling well rested. It was a feeling I hadn't felt in a long time as I let out loud yawn and fell back on my couch saying. "That was a awesome nap!", I shouted showing how refreshed I am. I laid back for a sec to and notice something was missing and after tossing and turning I realized that my sword was missing which I said in realization, "My sword! Skarr must have took it." I wonder where he put it", I said as I laid back on the fluffy pillow to think in comfort.

"He is keeping it in a locked closet" A female mare voice is heard to my left.

"Thanks.", I answered, but soon I wonder who said that as I replied, "Wait who said that?". I turn left staring at the cute filly alicorn that I saw sleeping in the room I snuck into who was looking at me with a playful smile.

"Hi!", she said in adorable and seductive tone.

I screamed wondering why a filly is in my guest pillow bed, "What are you doing here and who are you?".

"My name is Scarlet and I just wanna meet the new pony in the palace, What is your name?", Scarlet answered with a giggle as scoot closer to me.

"Um nice to meet you Scarlet I am Burning Blitz", I answered as I scoot back away from Scarlet. A door opens and It was Sultan Figgy Pudding as he saw me and Scarlet in the pillow bed together. I looked back at him and replied, "Hey Sultan it's not what it looks like.".

"Ho ho, relax my boy she gets that way when I bring new stallions into the palace.", Figgy Pudding said with a chuckle.

"DAD!?", Scarlet yelled while blushing.

"Dad!?", I replied surprised that they were related and blush after the situation I was in earlier with her.

"Yes that is my precious angel, now my boy come along with me" Figgy Pudding asked me while making lovey dovey face at her daughter while gesturing me to come with him. "As for you Scarlet please head to the dining hall your break fest is ready"

"Ugh, Fine dad.', she said scuffing at him then teleporting out of the guest room probably teleported to the dining hall.

"Someone has dad issues.". I said as I got up out of my piles of pillow bed and walked up to Figgy Pudding.

"Ah well I understand her feelings, things haven't gone well since her mother passed away.", Figgy Pudding said which made me depressed remembering that my own mother died.

"Oh I am sorry to hear that, so how did she died?", I asked Figgy Pudding curious of his reason.

"I don't want to sadden you with the details.", Figgy Pudding said as he turn to me changing his frown into to a smile as he then asked me, "I would like you to show you something,".

"Alright.", I replied still curious but like me I don't want to say anything about my troubles. He took me to his throne room and showed me a tapestry of this one alicorn holding a red jewel while the ponies of all race gathered around it.

"This tapestry is the origin of Saddle Arabia this tells the tale of one jewel that united fellow ponies together and protected our land from sand beasts."

"Cool,but why are you showing me this?", I asked but not really all that caring about the stories.

"Since your a honored quest from outside Saddle Arabia, you have to know our origin.", Figgy Pudding replied as he sat down on his throne and got comfy.

"Alright go ahead.", I said as I got comfy letting him tell the story.

Figgy Pudding clears his throat as he tells the tale of Saddle Arabia history, "Saddle Arabia was built on a land that was surrounded by ancient spirits that only rare breed of ponies can understand."

"The alicorns.", I replied

Figgy Pudding smiled and replied back, "That's right my boy. Alicorns have strong magical connection which allowed them to understand these spirits. One day, eons ago, a alicorn was born that could sense the spirits and the spirits started to communicate it. The spirits gave the alicorn some wisdom which the alicorn can use to help the ponies of Saddle Arabia. It was a bumpy start, but after the other ponies decided to listen to the alicorn, the ponies began to listen to the advises that the alicorn was giving that was said by the spirits. With the spirits help, Saddle Arabia began to develop into the town you see now."

"Wait, wait, where does the red gem come in and why is the west side a mess?", I asked because their some stuff that doesn't add up.

Figgy Pudding chuckled a bit as he replied, "Slow down, son, we are getting to that. I warn you this part of the story gets scary"

"Please, I am not gonna get scared, just spit it out.", I said as I rolled my eyes at the thought of his story being told by a jolly fatty to scare me.

Figgy Pudding smiled as he took a deep breath and continued his story, "You have been warned. Saddle Arabia was flourishing with live and culture as the ponies thank the spirits everyday. One day, the alicorn, now elderly, was contacted by the spirits once more, but this time the spirits was different somehow as it asked to build a shrine to show gratitude for helping the ponies of Saddle Arabia. The elderly Alicorn started to convince the ponies of Saddle Arabia to built a shrine on the distant deep desert outside of Saddle Arabia. It took many months and many ponies lost their lives due to heatstroke, exhaustion and cobras, but finally the shrine was finished. The alicorn teleported inside the sanctum of the shrine and gazed at the text he was told to write by the spirits. The spirits told him to read the text, but when he read it his horn glowed and fired beams at the three crystal eyes that was placed on each corner of the triangle shaped stoned text causing it to glow. What the alicorn saw he wouldn't wish on his worst enemy. Sand beasts of all sizes came out of the portal as they ran and flew past him and amongst these beast stood a shadow figure. It spoke to him, thanking him for releasing him, so that he can reclaim our world for his ancient beast of the sand. He felt deceived and angry, so to make things right he used every inch of his power to seal the portal up for good. Which he succeeded but at the cost of his own life. However the monster that escaped through the portal to refuge in the sand and began to breed and even cross breeding."

"Gross.", I said shivering at the thought of it.

"Indeed.", Figgy Pudding said as he continued his story, "When the guards of Saddle Arabia were searching for the alicorn they soon were ambushed by the sand beasts killing them horribly and those who survived were turned into bandaged covered undead ponies or as we called them mummies."

"Why mummy?", I asked Figgy Pudding weirded out by the name.

"Cause they can use a moms care and I replaced o with u cause undead starts with a u.", Figgy Pudding answered my question with a sadden look on his face.

"Okay.", I replied understanding but weirded out.

Figgy Pudding returned to his story as he said, "An army was created to combat these mummies and sand beast as they make their way to Saddle Arabia. A battle raged for hundreds of years ponies were lost and cities suffered. Until the birth of another of a 2nd alicorn named Jasmine who received a message from the spirit of a way to beat the sand beasts, but with what happened to the previous alicorn so the Sultan Cactus refused the spirits help. Jasmine ignored the Sultan and listened to the spirits which led her to a mysterious red Gem which emitted tremendous power. The sand beast soon attacked her, but the gems power overpowered the beast either killing them or forcing them to retreat. Jasmine head back to Saddle Arabia and showed the Sultan the gem that could protect the city from the sand beasts. When the Sultan asked where she found it she lied and said just found it by chance. The Sultan was questionable at first, but believed her anyway and had one of his pegasus solider placed the Gem on the top of the palace which casted a force field that protect Saddle Arabia from the sand beasts. It was successful for countless of years until Jasmine finally told Sultan Cactus how she found the Gem, because it's been so long and the Sand beast were no longer attacking. He wasn't happy as Cactus grew so furious that he climbed to the top of the palace to grab the Gem and destroy it. Unfortunately, he had no idea how to climb down and he fell to this his death and the Gem was destroyed along with him.". Figgy Pudding stood up from his throne and wrapped up his story, "So with the gem destroyed, the sand beast and mummies were able to attack Saddle Arabia again and with Sultan Cactus no more, Jasmine took over as Sultan and she ruled the land with love, care and understanding for as along as she lived. That's the origin of Saddle Arabia so my young lad did you find our tale interesting!".

"Hold on for a sec!", I said as I come with a realization and asked, "If this story is true, then are the sand beasts and mummies still out their."

"I am afraid so.", Figgy Pudding said with sad tone of his voice, before cheering himself up, placing his hoof on my head and said, "I believe in hope and that is all we need.".

"Do you think their good and bad spirits cause it seems weird with all the good it to be for a bad thing and still at the end try to protect Saddle Arabia", I asked wondering about the spirits weird behavior and why it would help and hurt the ponies of Saddle Arabia it make no sense.

"That is one mystery that we are desperately trying to solve, I just hope Scarlet will one day give us that answer.", Figgy Pudding smiles as he walks down the hall. "Please follow me, I need of you Burning Blitz.".

"Alright.", I said as I followed him I still wonder if their is a way that I can do to fix this. this seems like the perfect adventure for me and I remember Scarlet who Figgy Pudding said that she might have the answers, but my faith in her isn't quite their she could receive the spirits message in both way, whether it's good or bad.

"Alright were here.", Figgy Pudding says as he took me to a open backyard field and judging by the dummies this must be the training ground.

"Cool, this must be where you train your soldiers.", I said as admired the wide open field and to my left was some obstacle course.

"Great observation, Burning Blitz. See I brought you here to examine your skills and Skarr recommended a sparring session.", Figgy Pudding said as he looked back at Skarr who glared at me giving a smirk.

"So I will fight Skarr, ha ha It's about time", I said as I roll my head and feeling pumped up ready to fight him.

"Woah relax, It won't be Skarr you will be facing", Figgy Pudding interrupted as he stopped Skarr from approaching me.

Arid Dunes soon showed up with a breakfast plate as he said to Figgy Pudding, "Sorry to interrupt your majesty, but you missed breakfast".

"Thank you Arid.", Figgy Budding smiled as he grabbed the breakfast plate, before he turned to face me and replied, "Now meet your opponent Arid Dunes!".

I glared at Arid Dunes as he stepped in front of meme as he started to bump his pecks and then start to flex and look back at me asking me, "Are you ready little warrior?".

I looked at the towering bulky stallion of Arid Dunes as I replied back not enjoying my situation, "you gotta be kidding me.".

"Now when you ready begin!", Figgy Pudding announced as he and Skarr head to higher ground where it is safe to watch.

"Prepare yourself", Arid Dunes said as gets ready for a fight.

I gazed at my opponent as he reminded me of my father and got me worried for a second, then I took a deep breath and said to myself, "Let's go you freak!".