It was a partially cloudy, but still mostly Sunny day in Equestria. Bandit and Twilight were admiring the sunshine as they were headed to lunch.
“Wow. What a gorgeous day.” Twilight said.
“Rainbow Dash must have gotten up early for once and cleared all the could away.” Chad guessed. He and Spike were both on Bandit's back as they walked.
“I bet all of Ponyville is gonna be out enjoying the sunshine.” Twilight said.
"Uh...where is everyone exactly?" Chad asked as he looked around.
Bandit looked around and saw one mare closing the windows to her building before seeing a mare yank her foal back inside.
“Is it some sort of pony holiday?” Spike asked.
"Ooh, tumbleweed." Chad said as he followed the bouncing tumbleweed. "Wait. Why do tumbleweeds start bouncing around the town whenever no one's around? And who the heck is letting these tumbleweeds shrivel up and die just to let them start bouncing around?"
"Wait….those are dead tumbleweeds?" Spike asked.
"Yeah. Wait, you don't know what a live tumbleweed looks like?" Chad asked. Spike shook his head. Chad pulled a piece of paper, drew it as photo realistic as possible and showed it to Spike.
"You think anything spooked them into hiding?" Twilight asked Bandit.
"I'm not too sure. For all I know, it could be zombies." Bandit joked a little. Accidentally spooking Spike.
"Zombies!?" He exclaimed.
"I'm kidding Spike. The chances of there being zombies is highly unlikely." Bandit said, which gave Chad ample opportunity to scare Spike.
"The chances are low, but they are never 0." Chad said to Spike in a sinister voice. Spike shoved him back.
"St-stop that." He stuttered as Chad chuckled a little. Then they all heard Pinkie's voice.
"Psst." Her voice said. Twilight and Spike looked around for her, as Bandit and Chad looked right at the door of Sugar Cube corner.
"Bandit! Twilight! Spike! Chad!" Pinkie whisper yelled from the door's top half opening.
"Come here! Hurry! Before she gets you!” Pinkie whispered. Bandit placed Chad and Spike on Twilight's back as he turned around to watch their backs as Twilight jumped inside. Bandit waited a few seconds before going in himself.
Pinkie shined a flashlight on the four, Bandit and Chad shut their eyes until she moved it back on herself. Bandit looked around and double taked right behind them.
“Who? The zombie pony?” Spike asked as he hugged Chad.
Pinkie Pie brought the flashlight to her face. “Z-Zombie pony?” She said in a horrified voice. This caused Spike to tighten his hug.
“Spike, there are no zombie ponies.” Twilight told him, causing him to let go of Chad and get off. “Pinkie, what are you doing here alone in the dark?” She asked her.
"She's not alone." Bandit said as he turned Twilight around to look at the rest of the eight, in addition to Apple Bloom, who saw Chad and tackled him off with a smile.
Twilight gasped in surprise.
“Okay, then, what are you all doing in the dark?” Twilight asked.
“We’re hiding from her.” Lightning Sprint said, pointing out the window. Apple Bloom let Chad up as He, Bandit and the rest of the group walked to the window.
They all saw someone alone in the middle of town wearing a brown hooded cloak. The figure appeared to be digging for something with her hoof. The cloaked figure turned around and looked at them with yellow glowing eyes, causing most of the group to become scared. Bandit and Twilight did not look phased OR amused.
My Little Pony,
My Big Changeling too
Ahh, ahh, ahh, ahhh…
[Bandit]
(My Little Pony)
We used to wonder what friendship could be
(My Big Changeling too)
[Twilight Sparkle]
Until you all shared its magic with me
[Rainbow Dash]
Big adventure
[Pinkie Pie]
Tons of fun
[Rarity]
A beautiful heart
[Applejack]
Faithful and strong
[Fluttershy]
Sharing kindness!
[Lightning Sprint]
Motivate the team
[Bandit]
Heroics makes it all complete
You have my little ponies
Do you know you're all my very best friends?
“Did you see her Bandit? Did you see… Zecora?” Apple Bloom asked Bandit, climbing on Chad's back to look up at him.
“Apple Bloom, I told you never to say that name.” Applejack told her, sounding fearful and agitated.
"Is that name the Voldimort of Ponyville?" Chad asked.
"Who?" Lightning Sprint asked before Bandit answered the question.
“Well, I saw her glance this way.” Bandit answered.
“Glance e-e-evilly this way.” Pinkie Pie added.
“And then a bunch of you flip out for no good reason.” Twilight told them.
“No good reason?!” Applejack exclaimed. “You call protecting your kin no good reason?" Applejack asked as she pulled Apple Bloom close. "Why, as soon as my sister saw Zecora riding into town, she started shaking in her little horseshoes.” She said as she hugged Apple Bloom and started shaking her.
“Did not.” Apple Bloom said otherwise.
“So I swept her up and brought her here.” Applejack finished after she scooped Apple Bloom on her back.
“I walked here myself.” Apple Bloom said.
“For safekeeping.” Applejack told her.
“Applejack, I’m not a little baby. I can take care of myself!” Apple Bloom told her.
“Not from that creepy Zecora.” Applejack responded.
“She’s mysterious…” Fluttershy said.
“Sinister…” Rainbow Dash added.
“And spooooky.” Pinkie Pie finished. All Bandit could do was roll his eyes, he looked back out the window with Twilight. The others zipped over and looked as well, shoving against them both.
Zecora pulled back her cloak’s hood and revealed her face. Her coat and mane were black and white in a strip pattern, and her mane was a mohawk. She wore golden earrings and several more gold rings around her neck. The group gasped again.
“Will you cut that out?” Twilight told them
“Just look at those stripes. So Garish.” Rarity exclaimed. Bandit raised an eyebrow at her.
"She's a zebra." Bandit said.
"A what?" Everyone but Twilight, Spike and Chad asked.
“A zebra.” Twilight continued for Bandit. “And her stripes aren't a fashion choice Rarity, they're what she was born with." Rarity fainted at the thought of being born with stripes.
“Born where? I never seen a pony like that in these parts, except… her.” Applejack asked, quivering at the end.
"Zebrica." Bandit said. Eyes fell on him. "It's a continent about 250 miles from the country of Shesepankh. Mostly occupied by Zebras, Kelpies, Abadas and Okapis. If I had to predict, those rings on her neck and hooves tell me she's from Farasi." Bandit told everyone.
"Also, it's where my nickname comes from. Chad's a country in Zebrica." Chad said.
"How do you know so much about this…. Zebrica place?" Lightning asked.
"I've been there. Momma took me when I was ten. It's where I learned Chewa and Swahili. It's also where Chad's egg was laid, hence the reason why his nickname is one of the countries in Zebrica." Bandit answered. Chad smiled pridefully. "She's probably trying to make friends while she's away from home."
“That’s just it. She lives in… The Everfree Forest.” Applejack answered. Suddenly, there was a large crash in the kitchen.
“Spike!” Twilight yelled. In the kitchen, Spike was around the pans he knocked over as he had a candy cane and a cupcake in his claws.
“Uh, sorry.” Spike apologized.
“The Everfree Forest just ain’t natural. The plants grow…" Applejack started.
"..animals care for themselves…" Fluttershy added.
"and the clouds move…" Lightning Sprint added.
"all on their own.” Applejack, Fluttershy, and Lightning Sprint said. Rarity fainted again at the thought of living in the Everfree Forest.
"All three countries of Zebrica I've been to have those quali-" Bandit tried to say.
“And that wicked enchantress Zecora lives there, doing her evil…stuff! Why, she’s so evil, I even wrote a song about her.” Pinkie Pie interrupted before she began singing.
"Wait. You wrote a song about someone you never met?" Bandit asked.
“Here we go.” Rainbow Dash groaned.
"She's an evil enchantress
She does evil dances
And if you look deep in her eyes
She'll put you in trances
Then what will she do?
She'll mix up an evil brew
Then she'll gobble you up
In a big tasty stew
Soooo... Watch out!" Pinkie sang. During the song, Applejack was hugging Apple Bloom, who pushed her off. Bandit was, again, not amused.
“Wow. Catchy.” Twilight gave her opinion of the song.
“It’s a work in progress.” Pinkie said happily.
"You didn't write a song about me did you?" Bandit asked.
"Oh! I did!" Pinkie said before singing again.
"This is our bestie Bandit
No need to start a riot
He may look mean and scary
But he's a gentle giant
He's smart, he's cool, he's sweet and kind
All things I say are true.
Don't be afraid, he just wants to be friends with you!" Pinkie sang.
"Pinkie, hum or sing both songs to yourself until you find the irony in them." Bandit said. Pinkie saluted and began doing just that.
“This is all just a lot of gossip and rumors.” Twilight said.
“Yeah, it’s not like anypony actually saw her doing things evilly.” Chad said, as he took a cupcake and was about to eat it, but Twilight put it back.
“This is all just a lot of gossip and rumors.” Twilight said.
"Now tell me, Golden Girl Gossip Group; what exactly have you actually seen Zecora do?" Bandit asked.
“Yeah, well…once a month, she comes into Ponyville.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Ooh!” Twilight sarcastically said.
“Then…she lurks by the stores.” Rarity said.
“Oh, my.” Bandit sarcastically added.
“And then she digs at the ground.” Fluttershy said.
“Good gracious!” Twilight said sarcastically again.
"Oh come on, you seriously think someone like that is up to any good?" Rainbow dash asked.
"The menacing look, the mysterious nature, the dangerously unknown behaviors. There is no way anyone like that is up to…" Rarity stopped as she and Rainbow dash turned to look at Bandit, who wasn't happy about any of this. Considering he was menacing to look at, he knows very little about his own species, and he had a lot of behaviors ponies don't do or know about. In other words, they basically insulted him too
"I mean-" Rainbow dash was gonna attempt to save.
"We didn't mean-" Rarity said, talking at the same time as Rainbow dash.
"Stop talking." Bandit interrupted.
"Okay." They both said.
“Okay, I’m sorry, but how is any of this bad? Maybe she came to town to visit.” She said.
“And she's just trying to be neighborly.” Chad said.
“And maybe she’s not lurking by the stores. Maybe she’s going to them, lurk-free, to do some shopping.” Twilight said.
"Hard to do when no one is in the stores." Bandit added.
“Yeah. everypony likes to shop. You know what I think-” Apple Bloom tried to say.
“Apple Bloom, Chad, hush and let the big ponies talk.” Applejack told them.
Chad pouted and folded his hooves.
"I am a big pony." Apple Bloom muttered.
"Applejack, do NOT talk to my brother like that." Bandit nearly snapped, making her flinch. "All of you are fearful of someone none of you know anything about. Silencing those with common sense helps no one."
“What about digging at the ground? You’ve got to admit that’s weird.” Lightning Sprint said. Apple Bloom was walking towards the door. Chad looked out the window before walking towards Apple Bloom.
“What if she’s digging for innocent creatures?” Fluttershy added, worried. Meanwhile, Pinkie was still singing both songs to herself.
“I am sure there’s an explanation for everything Zecora does. And if anypony here were actually brave enough to approach her, she would find out the truth.” Twilight told them.
"Heck, Chad and I are Changelings. Change-Lings. You guys aren't scared of us, so what's the issue?" Bandit added.
Apple Bloom and Chad looked at each other and smiled.
"We're brave enough." He said.
The two of them snuck outside and hid behind a tree. Apple bloom peeked out. Zecora looked in her direction, making her retreat into the same spot. When she looked back, she saw Chad was replaced by a dummy. She looked back past the tree and saw a box scooting towards a box. Chad came out wearing a grey bandana and looking towards Zecora with a pair of binoculars. Apple Bloom got to him.
"Psst hey!" She silently called. Chad turned to her.
"Make some room for me." She said. Chad made the box bounce and flip over to the open end down, covering both of them.
Chad used his magic to pick the box up as they walked behind Zecora, who didn't turn around for the most part, so she didn't see the box.
They followed her to the forest.
Back in Sugar cube corner, Bandit and Twilight were still in defense of Zecora.
“You ponies are being ridiculous!” Twilight continued.
“Well, I heard that Zecora eats hay.” Pinkie Pie said.
“Pinkie, I eat hay. You eat hay.” Twilight pointed at her.
“Yeah, but I heard it’s the e-e-vile way she eats hay.” Pinkie countered.
"I literally eat meat and all of you are unbothered by that." Bandit pointed out. "I'm starting to think the only thing keeping you all from avoiding me was the fact that I arrived with Twilight." Bandit said.
“Hey! Where’s Apple Bloom?” Applejack exclaimed.
"Chad's gone too." Spike said as he walked around the corner, a pan on his head.
Fluttershy gasped as she saw the door was open.
“The door’s open.” Fluttershy pointed out fearfully.
“She went outside!” Rarity cried out.
“And Zecora’s still out there.” Rainbow Dash asked in fear.
“That silly little filly. I told her to stay put.” Applejack said.
"You also told her, 'hush and let the big ponies talk'. You didn't wanna listen so she didn't." Bandit said before turning to Spike. "Spike, you stay here in case they come back."
“Will do!” Spike saluted. The group ran out.
Chad and Apple Bloom made it to the entrance to the Everfree forest. Chad took the box off and teleported it back to the treehouse. He walked into the Everfree forest before turning back to look at Apple Bloom. She was scared at first, but sucked it up and hopped inside, walking beside Chad.
They continued to follow Zecora, through a patch of blue flowers before their names were called.
“Apple Bloom?!” Applejack called out. Apple Bloom stopped and turned her head around. “You get back here right now!” She shouted.
"Chad!? Are you okay!?" Bandit called out. Chad nodded in response to him before hearing Zecora talk.
“Beware! Beware, you pony folk! Those leaves of blue are not a joke!” Zecora exclaimed. Bandit looked down at the patch of flowers he was about to step into and then went around. Applejack, like the others, didn't heed the warning and walked through the patches and scooped Apple Bloom onto her head.
“Y-you keep your mumbo jumbo yourself, you hear!” Applejack yelled. The others except Twilight began to shout in agreement, Pinkie was even reciting her song….well, the wrong one anyway.
“Beware! Beware!” Zecora warned us before she disappeared into the mist.
“Yeah! Back at you, Zecora! You and your lame curse are the ones who’d better beware!” Lightning Sprint yelled.
“And you!” Applejack why couldn’t you just listen to your big sister?” Applejack asked Apple Bloom.
“I-I…” Apple Bloom tried to say something.
“Who knows what kind of Nasty curse Zecora could have just put on you?” Applejack said. Bandit checked Chad for injuries, upon seeing he had none, he scooped him onto his back and looked at the others.
“Just like in my song.” Pinkie Pie exclaimed before singing her song again.
"Hey, guys. I don't think you should be standing in those flowers." Bandit said.
"What makes you say that?" Rainbow dash asked.
"I don't know, maybe the words 'beware pony folk' and 'leaves of blue not a joke'. There's something about these flowers Zecora was nice enough to warn us about." Bandit answered.
"Pfft. Nice Schmice. She probably tried to put a curse on us." Lightning Sprint said.
“You guys, there’s no such thing as curses.” Twilight told them.
“Well, that’s interesting to hear coming from Mrs. Magic Pants herself.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew to Twilight through the blue flowers.
"Mrs?" Bandit and Twilight asked, then Twilight shook her head and got back on topic.
“My magic, real magic, comes from within. It’s a skill you’re born with. Curses are artificial, fake magic. It’s conjured with portions and incantations, all smoke and mirrors meant to scare. But curses have no real power. They’re just an old pony tale." Twilight said.
"No Twilight, whatever the tophet Trixie does is fake magic. Curses are real, we just haven't seen one yet." Bandit told her. Twilight only rolled her eyes before Applejack spoke up.
“Just you wait, Twilight. You’re gonna learn that some pony tales really are true.” Applejack said as everyone else was leaving.
Bandit growled. Them judging Zecora without meeting her was bringing back some bad memories for him. Twilight saw his face and grabbed his hoof to lead him home.
Later on that night, Twilight was hearing everything replay in her head. The things her friends were saying, and what Zecora had said.
"Beware! Beware!"
"If you look deep in her eyes, she will put you in trances!"
"Wicked, wicked zebra!"
"... it's a curse."
"This is our bestie Bandit!"
"Just you wait, Twilight; some pony tales really are true."
"Then she'll gobble you up in a big tasty stew! Soooo... Watch out!"
It all ended when Zecora let out an evil laugh.
Twilight Was able to sleep until morning, having a serious case of bed hair as she woke up.
"Ugh... what a dream... Curses, schmurses." She said as she got out of the bed.
When she looked in a mirror, she saw how her hair looked.
"Whoa." She said before chuckling. "Maybe Zecora cursed my hair."
Twilight used her magic to pick up her brush and brush her mane back to normal, upon doing so she gasped. "Or my horn!"
Bandit walked into the main floor of the treehouse with a yawn before seeing the books all sprawled out on the floor.
"What the-"
"No no no no no! None of these books have a cure! Ugh! There has to be a real reason for this!" He heard Twilight panicking.
"For what?" Bandit asked.
"This!" Twilight exclaimed as she pointed to her floppy, blue polka-dotted horn. Bandit bit his own lip to keep himself from laughing.
"There has to be a real reason for this! An illness? An allergy?!" Twilight asked.
"A curse?" Spike said.
"I said a real reason. Something that points to something real." Twilight said.
“How about this one.” Spike said, showing her the book.
“Supernaturals?” Twilight read the title. “Spike, the word supernatural refers to things like ghosts and spirits and zombies, which are as make-believe as curses. This book is just a bunch of hooey.” She said, pointing at the book.
“But what if you’re wrong, Twilight? What if this really is a…”
"A purse!" Pinkie said, her tongue large and polka dotted.
“A purse? How could it be a purse?” Spike asked.
"Curse." Bandit corrected Spike, which was usually Chad's thing. Chad zipped into the room at that moment.
“Pinkie! What happened?” Twilight asked her.
“Pee pah pah pfurse pah! Pee pah pah pfurse pah pah!” Pinkie Pie tried to say as she was spitting. Spike was standing in the spits path.
“Hey, say it, don’t spray it, Pinkie!” He said.
"She said, 'It was Zecora, she put a curse on me'." Chad translated. Pinkie nodded to confirm. Then the group heard thuds outside. They turned and saw Rainbow dash flying into the window.
"“She’s…trying to say…ow! Zecora…oh. She slapped us all." Rainbow tries to say.
"Chad already translated Pinkie, you don't have to say anything." Bandit said as Rainbow dash crashed throughout the door, and into him. Again, he didn't even move. "Zecora has to be behind this."
“I’m afraid I have to agree.” Rarity was heard saying. They turned around and saw that Rarity’s mane and fur were all frizzled up and soggy, covering up her body and face.
“I hate to say I told you so, you two, but I told you so!” A squeaky voice said from the back of Apple Bloom. Everyone looked and saw that Applejack was much much smaller and on the back of Apple Bloom. Bandit, Chad and Spike were trying very hard not to laugh. “It’s a curse, I tells ya!” She said.
Lightning Sprint and Fluttershy were standing together and looked pretty much fine, however LS had a bed sheet wrapped around her.
"But Fluttershy and Lightning Sprint seem fine." Twilight pointed out.
“Yes. There doesn’t seem to be a thing wrong with them.” Rarity added.
"So, no one notices the bedsheet?" Chad asked.
"Are you both okay? Are you hurt?" Twilight asked.
"We're fine." Lightning Sprint answered.
"Then why are you all covered up Lights?" Applejack asked. Lightning Sprint let out a defeated sigh.
"You uh..... might wanna shield your eyes." Lightning Sprint said. Bandit and Chad did exactly that. She briefly opened up the bed sheet and a bright light shone from her. It seemed like her fur was extremely bright.
"Gah! Turn it off! Turn it off!" Rainbow exclaimed.
"It's so bright!!" Applejack exclaimed.
"My eyes!" Rarity, ironically, said.
"I told you!" Lightning Sprint said as she wrapped herself back up.
"She's been like that all morning." Fluttershy said in a very masculine voice.
The others all stared at her in disbelief.
"I was like that when I first heard her talk too." Lightning Sprint said before seeing Rainbow Dash and Spike smirking at her. "Either of you try and swaddle me and I swear to Celestia-"
Bandit broke down laughing. Chad followed suit. Spike also burst out laughing. "This is hilarious!"
"Look at all of you! We got hair-ity, Rainbow Crash, Spitty Pie, Apple-tini, Flutterguy, Lightning Glint and this one's my favorite. TWILIMP FLOPPLE!" Bandit fell down laughing, Spike heard Twilight's name and dropped on his back laughing.
“Ah-ha-ha-ha.” Twilight said sarcastically. “This is no joke, Bandit. Now, start looking for more books so I can find a cure.” She told him. Spike was holding his laughter as Twilight’s horn was wobbling.
"I'm not done laughing." Bandit said, as he was still laughing. Although he still helped Rainbow dash to her hooves.
“I think we’ll find a cure to this curse at Zecora’s place!” Rainbow Dash said while flying unbalanced.
“It’s not a curse!” Twilight told her before Rainbow Dash flew into the shelf.
“I agree with Dash. We’ll go to Zecora’s and force her to remove this hex.” Applejack proclaimed.
“It’s not a hex either!” Twilight yelled.
"Guys, I think I know what-" Bandit started to say before everyone began to argue over one another. Apple Bloom looked at Chad. Chad made the head gesture to follow him and started to head out to the Everfree forest.
"Where do they think they're going this time?" Applejack said, too high to be heard over the shouting. She hopped towards them and dove into Apple Bloom's tail. Meanwhile, the group was still arguing.
"I'm sorry but I can't agree with you. It's time to pony up and confront Zecora. Come on girls!" Rainbow Dash said.
"So, none of you are aware that Chad, Apple Bloom and myself are unaffected?" Bandit pointed out.
"Well look at you? Do you think anypony would try to hit you with a curse?" Rarity asked.
"I'm pretty sure I'd be the 1st creature someone would aim at if they're throwing around curses." Bandit said, very unamused. "Look, Zecora said Something along the lines of beware, leaves of blue not a joke. Considering myself, Chad, and Apple Bloom were the only ones not standing in that batch I would say those flowers had something to do with it."
"Zecora could've been the one to plant those flowers there. She knew about them, so obviously she knows the cure for them. What do you think Applejack?" Rainbow dash asked before realizing Applejack was nowhere to be seen. Everyone looked towards the location Applejack was in last.
"Pf-she's gone-pft!" Pinkie said.
“Aah! Somepony stepped on her!” Rarity exclaimed as she checked her back hoof. Bandit checked all his hooves, making sure he of all creatures didn't step on her.
“Or sat on her.” Twilight added. All mares checked their flanks. Bandit was too busy averting his eyes to do so.
“Rarity’s hair!” Rainbow Dash suggested.
Pinkie Pie began searching through Rarity’s hair. “Oh! Oh! Pinkie, what are you doing?” Rarity gasped. “Really, ow! Ever hear of personal space?!”
“Nope.” Pinkie Pie replied, shaking her head.
“Apple Bloom and Chad are gone too!” Twilight exclaimed.
“I bet they went after Zecora.” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
“Well, we’d better go find them.” Bandit said as he began walking out. “Come on everyone. Let’s go.”
Rarity tried to move, but was stopped because Pinkie Pie was stepping on her hair. “Oh, dear. Oh, this is so unseemly. Aah!”
Pinkie Finally realized that she was the one stepping on her hair and decided to let go. She began following as soon as she was free.
“Hey, a little help here?” Rainbow Dash asked, flying upside down on the floor.
Bandit ran back in, picked her up by the scruff and began to run back out.
Meanwhile, Chad and Apple Bloom had gotten back to the Everfree forest before hearing Applejack.
"Stop right there!" Applejack said, making both of them slide to a stop. Both of them looked in Apple Bloom's mane and saw Applejack.
"You two turn around right now ya hear!?"
Apple Bloom smirked at Chad before answering. "No."
"No?! You can't ignore a direct order from your big sister!"
"Sorry Applejack but I'm the big sister now." Apple Bloom said, picking AJ up and putting her on a branch.
"And also, Bandit told you not to talk to me like that." Chad added before walking away. Apple Bloom stuck her tongue out at her.
"Apple Bloom, you come back here right this instant! I'm gonna tell Big Macintosh on you!" They both kept walking. "Aw, pony feathers."
The group galloped into the forest as quick as possible.
“Come on, everypony. We’ve got to get to Zecora’s.” Twilight announced.
Unfortunately, Rarity tripped on her loose strands of hair. “Easier said than done.” She said, after she got some leaves and dirt in her hair. Bandit continued running with Rainbow dash still being held by her scruff. He then saw Applejack on the tree branch and slid to a stop. He put Rainbow dash down and looked at Applejack. Bandit got to her and smirked.
"What's the matter champ, did you get lost on the field trip?" He teased.
"Very funny." She said before hopping on Rainbow dash, making a makeshift halter from a stick and vine, and placed it on Rainbow Dash’s muzzle. “I need to get to Zecora’s pronto! Giddy up pony!” She said as she got onto Rainbow Dash.
“Excuse me?!” Rainbow Dash said irritated.
“Yee haw!” Applejack yelled before she kicked Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash instantly started flying after that. “What the…” Bandit watched as she flew backwards. He groaned and ran back towards his friends.
“No, Rainbow Dash! Other Way!” Applejack exclaimed, making Rainbow dash steer towards the hut. But the fact that she was crashing every 5 seconds very much delayed their time. Bandit followed the scent of the others in front of him.
The group all arrived at the hut except for Applejack and Rainbow dash for obvious reasons.
“Oh! I look horrible!” Rarity exclaimed, having leaves, twigs, and mud in her hair.
Pinkie Pie lifted Rarity’s hair to see Zecora’s hut. “Plis place plooks horrible!”
“Oh, my. That place really does look horrible.” Rarity said.
"Actually, this place doesn't look all that bad." Lightning Sprint said as she observed it. "Could use a few more windows though, maybe a skylight."
The group got to the window and looked inside. There were many tribal masks and a large cauldron in the room.
“Nice decorations; if you like creepy!” Rarity said, looking at the decorations.
Zecora walked in, carrying a bowl. They group quickly hid so Zecora wouldn’t see them. She poured what looked like purple beads in the and started chanting in her native language, all while Chad began to stir.
“Pfhe whole my psung! She split mm mm!” Pinkie Pie spat angrily.
“She stole your song?” Rarity asked.
“Oh, Pinkie. It doesn’t sound anything like your song.” Twilight responded.
Pinkie Pie nodded in anger at her before looking over at Fluttershy. She ran over to Fluttershy and begged her. Even going so far as using the puppy dog eyes on her.
Fluttershy let out a sigh of annoyance.
"She's an evil enchantress
And she does evil dances
And if you look deep in her eyes
She will put you in trances
Then what would she do?
She'll mix up an evil brew
Then she'll gobble you upIn a big tasty stew
Soooo... Watch out."
"Pinkie. Continue to hum the song about me and the song about Zecora until you find the irony. You're not allowed to say anything else until you find out why." Bandit said.
"But-" Pinkie began
"Ah ah!" Bandit said. "None of the sass."
Pinkie pouted, blew a raspberry at him, but hummed the songs.
"You saw those terrible things. Now do you believe us Bandit?" Rarity asked.
"N-O-P-E. Nope." Bandit answered. "Chad is in there helping her with the cauldron literally as we speak. If she was as dangerous as you guys say she is, he wouldn't be standing there."
"Yeah, well...what if she's making him prepare to throw himself in the stew?" Rarity asked.
"He's young. Not stupid." Bandit responded.
"Mmm! The perfect temperature for ponies, I presume. Now, where is that little Apple Bloom?" Zecora asked, looking around. The group gasped.
"Or maybe she's making Chad turn Apple Bloom into soup!" Rarity said. Bandit was about to object, but everyone began to scream. Making him cover his ears as the loud scream began to disorient him. Twilight ran over to help with his ears.
Chad's ears twitched as he turned to the door. His shell then shook.
"Hit the deck!" Chad told Zecora. He dove down and covered his head. Zecora did the same right as Rainbow Dash crashed through the door. Rainbow Dash was crashing into almost everything. Zecora was speaking in her native tongue as she quickly grabbed Chad to protect him.
However, in doing so, it made her look like she was trying to keep him away from the others. A gesture even Twilight fell for.
"Hey! Let him go right now!" Rarity exclaimed to her. Chad was trying to say something, but her protection ended up covering his mouth. Which made it look like she was trying to foalnap him even more. In turn, Applejack lassoed her ear and began to wrestle it. Twilight ran in right as Rainbow dash knocked over the cauldron.
"Put! Him! Down!" Twilight said. Zecora put Chad down and placed him behind her to protect him.
“We’re onto you, Zacora. I didn’t want to believe that you cursed us, but the evidence is overwhelming.” Twilight told her.
“You made me look ridiculous.” Rarity accused.
“You made me sound ridiculous!” Fluttershy accused. There was a brief silence as Pinkie was still humming both of the songs to herself.
"You made Pinkie speak ridiculous!" Lightning said for her.
“You ruined my horn!” Twilight accused.
“How dare you! You destroy my home, destroy my work, then rudely accuse me of being a jerk?!” Zecora defended in anger.
“You put this curse on us, now you’re gonna un-curse us!” Rainbow Dash demanded.
"It is unwise to venture down this road. Your actions will make my anger explode!" Zecora said. Twilight stepped forward and was head to head with Zecora, both pushing against each other.
"Now step away from Chad and tell us what you did to Apple Bloom." Twilight said aggressively.
Chad got between them both.
"She didn't do any of that." Chad defended before Apple Bloom walked in.
“Zecora, I think I found all the things you asked for.” Apple Bloom was heard saying as she came in the front door and noticed the situation. “What in Ponyville is going on here?” She asked.
Applejack gasped. “Apple Bloom! You’re okay!” She exclaimed, still holding onto Zecora’s ear.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” Apple Bloom asked smiling.
“Because Zecora is an evil enchantress who cursed us and was gonna cook you up into soup.” Twilight said after she grabbed Chad and jumped in front of Apple Bloom.
Chad, Apple Bloom and Zecora all started laughing at the ridiculous accusation.
“Oh, Twilight. Did those silly fillies get in your head? You know there’s no such thing as a curse.” Apple Bloom said.
"Oh no, there is Apple Bloom. This just isn't one." Chad said.
“Apple Bloom, sweetie. You can’t just stand there and tell me this isn’t a curse.” Twilight said, gesturing to our changes.
"Then I'll tell you. This isn’t a curse.” Chad said as he wriggled out of Twilight's protective grip.
"Remember when she said the whole, Leaves of Blue are not a joke schtick that all of you assumed was a curse, but then I pointed out how it had something to do with a batch of flowers and you guys still dismissed it? Guess what?" Bandit started.
"You were right?" Twilight asked in an annoyed tone.
"I was right." Bandit said with a smirk.
"He was right." Chad and Apple Bloom said.
"That plant was called Poison joke." Chad further explained.
“That plant is much like poison oak, but its results are like a joke.” Zecora added.
“What in the hay does that mean?” Applejack asked, still standing on Zecora’s head.
“It means this plant does not breed wrath. Instead, this plant just wants a laugh.” Zecora tried to explain.
Applejack paused for a moment, trying to understand what Zecora just said. “Will somepony please talk normal?” She said.
“I think what she’s saying is that when we ran in to save Apple Bloom, we ran into the poison joke. All our problems are just little jokes it played on us.” Twilight responded.
“Little joke?! Very funny.” Applejack said sarcastically.
“Okay. Fine. But what about the cauldron?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“And the Chanting?” Fluttershy asked.
“And the creepy decor?” Rarity asked.
“Treasures of the native land where I am from.” Zecora said as she looked over at a couple of masks leaning against the wall. “This one speaks hello, and this welcome.”
"Hey, I remember this one." Bandit said as he pointed to the one that represented welcome. "One of the Zebra's I roomed with had this on his wall. What was his name? Zane, Zeb, Zen- ZEN! Zen, That was his name. We were best friends for like the entire 3 days I was there."
“Not welcome at all, if you ask me.” Rarity said, looking at another tribal mask.
“The words I chanted were from olden times. Something you call a nursery rhyme.” Zecora explained.
“But the cauldron, the Apple Bloom soup?” Twilight questioned.
“Looky here, Twilight, that pot of water wasn’t for me. It was for all of these herbal ingredients. The cure for poison joke is a simple old natural remedy.” Apple Bloom explained as Twilight walked over to the book Apple Bloom gestured to. “You just got to take a bubble bath.” Apple Bloom finished as she picked Applejack up with her hoof.
“But I tried to find a cure in all my books and couldn’t find anything. What book has this natural remedy?” Twilight asked.
"In this book Twi." Chad said as she showed the exact book she shunned when Spike gave it to her. "We have this book in the library don't we?"
Twilight realized this and looked disappointed. “We do. But I didn’t look inside because the title was so…weird.” Zecora opened the book again, showing Twilight a page. “Supernaturals: Natural remedies and cure-alls that are simply super.” Twilight read out loud. “I…I… I’m so sorry, Zecora. I had the answer the whole time, if only I’d bothered to look inside.” Twilight admitted.
"So you mean to tell me this entire thing would have been prevented had you guys not judged the book by its cover?" Chad asked in the most condescending, monotonous tone.
Zecora laughed. “Maybe next time you will take a second look and not judge the cover of the book.” Zecora told them, making them feel disappointed for their behavior.
"Zecora, would you be kind enough to mix up another batch of the herbal bath?" Bandit asked her.
“Mix it up, I certainly will. Yes I am missing an herb from Ponyville.” Zecora said.
“But whenever Zecora comes to town, all the shops are mysteriously closed.” Apple Bloom explained.
"We can fix that I'm sure." Bandit said with a smirk and a nudge.
The mane 8 plus Chad and Apple Bloom walked back into town. They ponies in town saw her and began to panic.
"Look Rose! How awful!" Daisy exclaimed.
"The wicked enchantress has cursed them all." Roseluck exclaimed.
"The horror, the horror!" Lily exclaimed as she started running. Other ponies began running and panicking as well.
"Run, ponies! Run!" Daisy exclaimed.
Twilight walked up to the flower shop and knocked on the door. The door opened up slightly showing Daisy, one of the owners.
“Daisy, we need to talk.” Twilight said.
In the Ponyville Spa, Rarity and Fluttershy were sitting in, relaxed. Twilight dunked her head under the water and came back up. Her horn back to normal as Pinkie cannonballed into the water. Apple Bloom, Chad and Zecora poured the herbs into the water.
"Dear Princess Celestia,
My friends and I all learned an important lesson this week: Never judge a book by its cover. Someone may look unusual, or funny, or scary. But you have to look past that and learn who they are inside. Real friends don't care what your "cover" is; it's the "contents" of a pony creature that count. And a good friend, like a good book, is something that will last forever. Your son Bandit is a walking example of that.
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle." Twilight said as she wrote the letter.
“Miss Zecora, I would love to get the recipe for this bath. It’s simply luxurious.” Lotus requested.
“Applejack! Hey! Where’s Applejack?!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. Everyone began to look for her in a panic.
"Over here." Bandit said as he helped her out of the cup.
"I ain’t tiny no more.” Applejack announced with a smile.
“Oh! I have never felt so lovely in all my life.” Rarity said. Pinkie hopped out and landed next to Bandit.
"Bandit, I found the irony in those songs! Pinkie started. "The song that I made about you was all about how we shouldn't judge you based on how you look because deep down you're really a nice stallion with a heart of gold. Meanwhile the song I made about Zecora was literally just me judging her based on how she looked without getting to know you."
"You hit the nail right on the head." Bandit said as he ruffled her mane.
"I also never realized how horrible it is not to be able to talk. I mean, I love talking so much, and when I couldn't talk anymore, my tongue was all 'ehhhh'! It was the worst! Don't you agree, Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked. There was a small pause before a quiet answer.
".... Yes." She answered. The group laughed.
Great chapter and shows some backbone of bandits life before episode 1!
Keep it up
10577715
Thank you kindly. That means a lot. Did you catch the reference to the OG My Little Pony I put in there?
Don't you mean Pinkie?
10577738
Yes I did, and fixed!
10577725
not really
10577807
Zeb. That's the name of an antagonist that was in the original My Little Pony. Back in G1
10577810
Coolio
10577986
Thank you.
Pinkie...just why
10578280
Was that a good Facepalm moment?
10578293
yes it was
mmh...really Rainbow and Rarity
hello Integra from Hellsing Ultimate Abridged
10578968
Someone caught the reference!
10581588
Yes you did.
In a way, this episode is ironic with Bandit. I mean, he's a changeling, so seeing zecora, another non-pony/equine-related creature shouldn't be that much much a surprise.
And with him grabbing others by the scuff, you could make a cat joke out of this
I was wondering how this one would go with Bandit, considering that he’s a different species than basically everypony else.
I’m surprised he still managed to consider the rest of the cast his friends after their displays of idiocy in this chapter (except for Chad, Apple Bloom, and (initially) Twilight).
Finally got to this one, before I start though I want to do a little scene with Silver Flame and a new OC who we'll meet in a second.
Silver was sitting at the train station on a bench, waiting for the morning train. He didn't have to wait long as it pulled in and passengers started filing out but before he could stand up there was a loud "Uncle Silver!" and the next thing he knew was a face full of Bat Pony Filly. Silver for his part just laughed as he removed the Filly from his face.
"Hello Lilly, how's my favorite niece?"
"I'm good Uncle." Lilly said bouncing in his hooves, Lilly Rose was a Bat Pony Filly around the same age as Chad and had a deep blue, almost black coat with a navy blue mane and tail which both had a spiraling red stripe running from base to tip. Her stilted eyes were a Sapphire blue and she had no Cutie Mark. Her bat-like wings were a few shades lighter than her coat
Silver smiled happily at Lilly, then tickled her belly as the Filly made squeaking laughs. After they were done they talked to Lilly's mother and Silver's Aunt who soon left for home and the two of them walked into Ponyville, with Lilly ridding on top of Silver's head.
I wanted to add Lilly Rose as somepony for the Crusader chapters, now on to the rest of the comment.
I don't think so Spike, what holiday involves locking yourself indoors? Monster Invasion Day?
Okay I thought tumbleweeds were already dead, you don't want them catching on fire either, and Chad has some wicked art skills.
Well considering Ponyville is next to the Everfree Forest...
Even low chances can be enough, and although the comics aren't considered canon there were zombies in one of them.
Are you sure about that Twilight.
Chad: "Fillies! My one weakness! (Other then a few other things.)"
Before anypony could answer the door opened and Pinkie shined the flashlight towards it, revealing Silver Flame with a Bat Pony Filly on his head. Both of whom let out pained hisses as the light hit their eyes, the Filly ducking into Silver's mane as he covered his eyes.
Silver: "TURN OUT THAT LIGHT!!!"
Everypony winced from the shout as Pinkie did so, Silver and the Filly blinking their eyes before Silver glared.
Silver: "What. The. Hay. Was. That. For?"
Pinkie: "Sorry." *They notice the Filly on his head.*
Lightning: "who's the Filly Silver?"
Silver: My hat here is my niece Lilly Rose, her parent's, my Aunt and Uncle, are going through a shortage of bits right now and they asked me if I could look after her and I said yes so she is going to be staying with me for the foreseeable future."
Lilly standing on Silver's head, waving her hoof: Hi everypony." *Sees Bandit* "You as big as my daddy."
Silver isn't either while Lilly just looks confused.
The verse's Harry Potter books.
Not gonna lie, I would have given Rarity a good slap upside the head there.
Silver: "Rarity, Zebras have stripes as camouflage to confuse predators. The stripes confuse them so they can't tell where one Zebra starts and other ends when in a herd.
Also I've been to Zebrica, was there years ago for my lessons in potion making. The Zebras, at least in the area I was, were quite friendly and welcoming. Though they are... *Casts a spell which causes a blindfold to appear over Apple Bloom's Lilly's, and Chad's eyes as Silver made a certain gesture with his hooves before ending the spell* ...very causal about that."
Twilight: "Really? How causal?"
Silver: As causal as a hoofshake would be to us. I never got involved with that but a friend of mine did."
Bandit: "What happened?"
Silver: "He spend two weeks trying to figure out how to explain to his parents why they suddenly had nine Grandfoals."
Oh, so that's where the name comes from.
How many languages does Bandit know?
Silver: I'm quite fluent in Germane and Stalliongrad myself, and that would make sense; Zebras live in groups of friends for mutual benefit and protection."
Silver suddenly noticing Lilly's not on his head: "Lilly! No candy canes!"
Lilly with a candy cane in her mouth: "Awwww but Uncle-"
Silver: Don't "But Uncle me. You know what happens when you eat them."
Lilly makes the puppy-dog face.
Silver: Lilly, you know I'm immune to that." *Lilly points her nose behind him, Silver turns to see the others but Bandit and Twilight Dawwwing.*
Silver Facehoofing: "Alright, but JUST ONE!"
To quote another of my OCs in The Dragonfly Hive: "Take a trip to the homeland of the Western Kirin for a week, then come talk to me about scary."
For context, Western Kirin in the story live in a land that wouldn't at all look out of place in the Monster Hunter games. With creatures like the Toxicshadow Wyvern and the Bladed Serpent.
I'm with Dashie here, that song was just... cringe for me.
I saw the irony immediately after I read them.
Silver: *Sneaks Chad a mini-cupcake, Bandit notices but Silver sneaks him a cherry one.*
Silver: "Zebras do that to look for water, which is on the rare side in Zebrica.
Twilight: "How Rare?"
Silver: "If I remember my history correctly, wars have been fought over clean drinking water sources."
Yea... open mouth, insert all four hooves.
Lilly adding her own thought: "She hasn't harmed anypony yet either so-"
Applejack: "You to Lilly."
AJ, do you really what to cheese off the giant of a Changeling?
Silver's response to AJ hushing his niece;
Immediately after Applejack hushed Lilly a loud hiss sounded towards her, causing not just her but most of the others to jump. Silver had his back arched with his mane flared out making him look bigger while his pupils had narrowed to the point were the looked like slits and his lips were pulled back fully show his teeth, including a short and small but razor sharp set of fangs that were normally hidden.
"Applejack. Never. Ever. Talk to my niece like that again! Only me or my family are allowed to do that."
Silver: "As I said before, they d that to look for water."
I want to do one of those Metal Gear calls but don't know what to put in it.
That and the fact that you are Celestia's son Bandit, and when you arrived do did also have two guards.
Silver: "I eat both meat and insects on a regular basis as well and nopony's had any problems." *Turns to Bandit* And I don't eat Changelings, besides I think I'd break my teeth if I tried to bite you Bandit."
Silver whispering to Bandit: "Does it seem like you, Chad, Twilight, Spike, Lilly and I are the only ones with their head on straight?" *Turns to get Lilly.* "Now I need to get Lilly settled in-" *Sees his niece surrounded by numerous candy cane wrappers.* "Lilly! How many have you eaten?! I said just one!"
Chad: "Just as fine as a fresh lemon."
Bandit knows the flowers, so does Silver since he actually uses them in a few of his potions (their effect is taken out by some of the other things he uses).
Are you sure about that.
A hit to Bandit's past, wonder just how many felt Celestia's wrath.
Read the full title ya nitwit, for one how is suppose to be book smart Twilight sure is quick to dismiss it. Though to be fair this is only the first season.
This video, that all I can say.
Silver comes in at the moment with Lilly on his head: "Hey guys what was that bright- What in the name of Luna's moon happened to you guys?!"
Both Silver and Lilly follow suit.
Lilly laughs even harder, while Silver was wiping tears from his eyes.
Silver: "Bandit, what happened?" *Bandit gives him a quick recap* "Oh, I know what happened, those flowers were- *Gets interrupted*
Silver facehoofs while shaking his head, Lilly notices Chad and Apple bloom and follows them.
He would be right, I would aim for him first.
Silver noticing Lilly is gone to: "Figured she would go as well."
Twilight: "You're not worried about her?"
Silver: "Lilly may only be a Filly but she learned how to use her teeth before she crawl and those wings of her's may be small but they pack a serious wallop. The last one to bully her found that out the hard way and got all four of his legs broken. She can handle herself in a pinch."
Lilly ducked as things few, but she wasn't fast enough as Rainbow was swinging wildly and ended up striking her in the eye. Lilly let out a shriek of pain as she covered her left eye, the sound was lost in the chaos but Silver heard it and rushed to her side, worry clear on his face.
Wonder if you'll meet him again Bandit.
Chad: "Wait... is anypony else getting an ominous vibe?"
The sound of a low growl cut off any response and everypony turned to where Silver and Lilly were, the latter with an ice pack over her left eye and tears coming out her right, her body shaking a little. It was Silver however that caught their attention: He looked like he did when AJ had told Lilly to hush the day before but his body was tense, the hair on his back was fully raised, and his horn was spitting sparks and tiny bolts of lightning-shaped magic.
All of which combined made the normally very relaxed, if sometimes absent-minded, Unicorn look absolutely terrifying.
Silver looking at Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and Lightning: "You. Hurt. My. Niece!"
Rainbow: "Now Silver, it was ju-"
Silver roaring:"YOU! HURT! MY! NIECE!! No one! And I mean no one! Hurts my niece!"
And useful for anymore Poison Joke-related incidents.
And there you have it.
Silver then walks in: Lilly's okay, the hit wasn't bad." *Glares at the ones he was angry at before*
Well I had a fair bit of fun with this one, I think I might have missed a few things to comment on but you let me know and I'll add them to my response.
Looking forward to Swarm of the Century because I have an idea with this one. Here's a little hint: It involves Silver's Grandmare.
10785048
Fun fact. Back when I first thought of this idea, in 2018 before I went to basic training, my idea was to give Bandit two younger siblings. A little Brother named Chad, and a little sister named Iota, who was a bat pony. The idea was to give Spike both a brother, and someone his age to be shipped with. However, Iota was scraped as a potential love interest for Spike and I went with Chad and Spike being Bandit's only younger siblings.
The more you know.
She'll fit right in, especially with Chad by her side.
Depending on who you ask, Halloween.
Oh yeah, the ones you see bouncing about are dead ones. Live ones are green before they shrivel up and start moving.
That's fair.
As someone who has won against odds in blackjack, low chances are all you need. trust and believe me.
Seasons 2 and 3 will wisen her up.
Keep in mind how strong Chad happens to be, tackling him isn't easy unless he lets you...hint hint.
Chad: *waves* Hiya!
Bandit: hello there little one. *He loafs* Nice to meet you, I'm Bandit.
I feel like Lilly's dad is gonna be pretty disappointed when he figures out Bandit isn't quite done growing yet.
Never judge a book by its cover, I like these two.
One of only few harry potter references I'll make, given I've never watched the films or read the books.
Good thing Bandit's the polite type, otherwise, Rarity's head would've been knocked clean off.
Chad: "I know what gesture you made."
Rarity: "What!? How!?
Chad: "Everyone covers my eyes when they make that gesture. I know what it means and what it's for."
Also, I was hoping the Shesepankh line would have caught your attention. Maybe you should google that word. It might hint for the future.
Eeyup. Also, in some areas, the name Chad means love. Most commonly it means Battle warrior. Both describe Chad. As a matter of fact, all of Chad's names: Kama Ezio Clyde Armasta Laska Chadwickson the IV, describe Chad.
A lot.
Lightning: "Not all of them it seems."
Eeyup, it settles it, Chad and Lilly are gonna get along great. Also, Rhino's words hold lots of truth there it seems.
And to quote a future line from Cadance. "See what happens when Bandit gets angry, THEN talk to me about fear."
You just described the living conditions for 4 of the 15 Changeling Species I've created.
Pretty sure it was cringe for anyone who wasn't in the show.
Glad you did, those I would be surprised if someone didn't.
Smart, bribing Bandit with Cherries. But do remember, that won't work every time.
Oh boy, season 5 and 6 aren't letting that comment age well.
dang my mind goes places it shouldn't.
Another character-defining moment that often slips under the cracks here. It's small but subtle that Bandit, despite his protectiveness of his brothers, doesn't dismiss them because they're young like a lot of adults or 'big ponies'. He doesn't treat them like they don't know any better and gives their opinion value. As an older brother should.
Short answer no.
Long answer, absotively positutely not.
uncle's gotta uncle.
Yet again, a comment that will not be aging well.
At least you got the reference!
Another fact some people in this story will overlook.
Or Bandit would break them. (I hope that doesn't sound like I'm saying my OC is stronger than yours, it wasn't supposed to come out like that)
At least it wasn't Chad and Lemons.
Of course Chad would say that. You know him so well.
Bandit doesn't exactly 'know' the flowers. He just took the warning as a warning rather than a direct threat like the others did.
Season 2 and 3 will wisen her u- wait, I said this.
I'll let you guess. it's a number between 10 and 21.
Stubborn as a bull charging a waving cape.
Yet another reference you caught.
All but Bandit and Twilight: "A curse!"
That was a hilarious scene.
I feel like if these two shared this universe with Bandit and Chad, nothing would keep them down ever.
Wow, interruptions are so trouble-causing, yet so frequent.
Of course she would follow them. Chad is one of those characters that you'd just follow knowing he knows what he's doing. (And if he's not that far yet, don't worry, you'll get their with him)
Never make the mistake of aiming at Bandit first. In later seasons, you'll see why I say that.
Fun Fact: You know how Bandit is 2.5 tons? 25% of that weight is in his wings. Imagine that flying at you.
Hearing the pain of a loved one through the chaos is one of my favorite tropes of all time.
Season 5.
If that's how he reacts to an accident, I don't wanna see what he does to someone who does it on purpose.
Very!
Another satisfied statement recognition.
Lilly is one tough cookie.
I'm looking forward to your SOTC review/comment as well.
Actually missed quite a few lines I wanted to see you review/react to.
The subtle scene where Apple Bloom shared a look with Chad before telling of Applejack, I kinda wanted your thoughts on that.
The Shesepankh line is actually a bit more than a one-off mention.
Zecora's first instinct being to protect Chad as soon as RD broke in, still protecting him after Twilight threw accusations.
and the:
line.
But I still love your reviews and am always grateful that you take the time out of your day to write these lengthy comments that I really do love. And you adding your characters makes me feel like this is an actual show and someone is self inserting their ocs into it. As for why I'm up so late, it's 23:23 right now, had stomach pains that woke me up and got a notification that you commented, so for once stomach pain did something good for me.
And oh boy does Swarm of the Century have a treat for you.
10785215
Indeed, though Iota could still make an appearance at some point as a different character.
Speaking of love interests funnily enough, I had the thought of Lilly looking a Chad then blushing shyly at him. But decided to leave it out.
I don't know why but I had the image of Lilly playfully rubbing her body all over Chad with him not sure how to react.
Right, had forgotten about that. Though I haven't been out for trick-or-treating in years so that might be why.
Oh right, I forgot they were actually their own plant. I had always pictured them being wilted remains of other plants that formed into a ball-shape.
Oh I do.
Can't wait to see her face.
I have no doubt, but in this case he knew Apple Bloom was only playing.
Lilly: "Hi Bandit, nice bandanna. Hi Chad, I like your hoodie."
Chad: "Thanks, how did you know my name?"
Lilly: "Uncle Silver told me."
I have to ask, what do you mean by "He loafs"? Never heard that one before.
If anything he'd just be impressed, Lilly's dad is a retired veteran and he's seen a few things but we'll meet him later on.
Though how tall is Bandit going to be at full height? Taller than his mother?
I've heard of heads going to roll but not literary.
Somehow I'm not surprised Chad would know, as I has said once before: Chad's a lot smarter than he appears.
I was hoping you'd comment on what happened to Silver friend though.
Well from what I found a shepsepankh is the original Egyptian sphinx, a creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion. My knowledge of egyptian culture is very limited so that's likely why I missed it the first time.
Well, this is interesting.
I can just picture Bandit and Silver talking in another language while the others, expect Chad and maybe Twilight, are confused as hay on what they're saying.
Silver: "It's rare but some time a few go on their own."
Like wings on a Pegasus, happy to see she's already well liked.
As for Rhino's words, he actually witnessed it first hoof. Here's what happened;
Rhino, under disguise, was in The Dragonfly Hive's Germaney helping an old friend and partner with a mission to retrieve Intel in a zombie-infested area (The Germanes don't like to talk about, its a long story and an embarrassing one for them.) when his partner suddenly doubled over, mush to his surprise. As it turned out, she was carrying and her water broke right then and there. How on one noticed earlier was a total mystery as she had kept quiet about it.
Anyway she started having her foal, right as a massive horde of zombies appeared. So he was busy fighting off that horde while helping his partner have her foal, he would later call it one most terrifying yet thrilling times of his life. Thankfully he held the horde long enough for the foal to be born nice and healthy, and the second the zombies saw the newborn they all started clutching their chest and fell to the ground likt flies. As Rhino put it;
"I think the cuteness was too much even for their unbeating hearts."
The two then got what they came for and made it back to base, the Mare got an earful for going out while carrying, though Rhino thinks her commanding officer was more angry at not being there for her than anything else, then her fiance proposed to her which she happily accepted by tackling him onto his back, after she asked Rhino to hold the foal first.
And that's why he said: "Never, ever underestimate the power of cuteness, it can in fact be used as a weapon."
I'm gonna guess she witnessed him genuinely angry at one point.
Do they hunt the creatures of their land(s) as well?
The show had good ones but also its not-so-good ones, my personal favorite is "Luna's Future".
Pinkie unintentionally insulting Bandit, at least she isn't actively doing it.
Silver: "Noted."
I just unintentionally guessed some episode(s) with that line didn't I."
It always happens to us doesn't it.
Agreed, Silver's the same way. Though he is the oldest of his siblings, more on that later.
Wrath worth of been a force of nature?"
Very true. He's also quite protective of Lilly, again more on that later.
Never played the games but I know enough, plus I remember the calls for Snake in Super Smash Bros Bawl.
Probably because we never got an episode around the guards.
No worries. I'll let Silver take over here.
Silver: "While I'm strong for a Unicorn, I know for a fact that Bandit would kick my tail in a real fight. He's bigger and stronger then me and has plenty of training to back that up. I'm a good fighter when I need to be but I do know my limits."
Lilly pops up in front of the screen with a smile and a wave.
"Hi Alpha!"
Fun Fact: Candy canes have different effects on Lilly depending on the flavor, with the normal red and white ones being like catnip and the more she eats the stronger the effect up to a certain point.
Seems I do.
Like I said once, he's more down-to-earth.
Hmmm... 19?
At least Lights still had her coat.
That would be quite the team.
That and Lilly's knows something's up.
That's... a rather scary thought actually. Bet more then a few in Canterlot leaned that the hard way.
One of mine as well, though I think Bandit would have heard it too and went over to check as well.
Oh...
More on that a bit later, and yea. Let's just say it wasn't pretty, dang near killed the target.
The crying and shaking was more from shock then actual injury.
Silver: "She once tore apart a small Timber Wolf pack with only scratches to show for it, no I'm not kidding."
Now for the "later" I mentioned before, as Silver explains a bit of his past;
Silver let out a sigh as he sat down.
"Girls, I'm sorry I snapped like that. I know it was only an accident but still. Truth be told, I have serious anger issues, that I thought I was over. That's actually the first time something like that has happened in years."
Bandit: "When was the last time?"
Silver: "It was back when I was a teen. You see... as you know I come form a large family and am the oldest of my siblings, which did put stress on me but that was unavoidable. The school we went to was for the most part okay, expect for two Ponies: The Jock and the Principal. The latter wasn't a nice Pony and was quite petty, as he would always try to fail me and my siblings just because my mother married my dad instead of him. The former, oh boy was he a piece of work. I know for a fact that Bandit here would have drooped him like a sack of hot potatoes. He was everything you would expect from a jock; arrogant, bullying, the works. He would always force my younger siblings to do his homework and schoolwork, never mine the fact that it was way out of their level. And he was a creep, the way he kept looking at my oldest sister,- *He lets out a low growl at the floor* -made me want to bite his face off."
#1 (The others' reactions here for you Alpha)
Silver after taking a breath to calm down: "As the oldest I had a lot of responsibility to look after my siblings as because of money problems my parents had to both work two or three jobs to make ends meet and couldn't be home much. (More on that in "Cutie Mark Chronicles") Eventually it all came to a breaking point, One late afternoon my oldest sister, stressed out from her own job, when for a walk to unwind a bit. However, my instincts told me something was wrong and I followed her at a distance, and it was a good thing I did. That jock had cornered her.
#2 (The reactions)
Silver: "They fought but he was stronger and knocked my sister down, I don't need to say what would have happened but at that point, seeing her pinned like that, was were I just snapped. All I saw was red."
Silver let's out a sigh as he looks at the floor with his head down: "Next thing I knew was walking up in my bed with my dad and a few guards who were friends of his. I asked what happened, then remembered my sister. She was okay, scared but okay. As for that Jock, I came very close to ending him right then and there. My other siblings, who had also being following, had to actually knock me out to stop me. I had to wear a tracking bracelet for awhile and have mandatory therapy or risk go to prison, but things worked out in the end. To make a long story short: The charges were dropped after my siblings spoke out, the Jock's record came to light, our parents pulled us all out of the school and sued it heavily which we won, the Principal was fired and last I heard he was stuck in a dead-end job somewhere, and we made the choice to move somewhere else. So things worked out fine."
Lightning: "And the Jock?"
Silver: "I was in Court while we waited for him to arrive and give his statement which was before his own record came to light, and I'm sure I would have ended up behind bars if that happened. He never showed up and once his record was shown all charges were dropped and I was free with just the bracelet and therapy. As for the Jock, he got on the wrong side of another and... let's just say they never found everything. I don't know all the details, and that's for the best. I'll need to send a letter to my therapist though, I truly thought I was done with that."
And that's why Silver snapped like that, and I don't blame him for it.
Edit: Just realized I missed the other parts after I posted, hold on a second;
Scary how foals seem to share a mind sometimes, though I think Apple Bloom is pretty safe with Chad.
As I said before my knowledge of the subject is very limited.
Zercoa has her priorities straight, moving to protect Chad from what she thought was a threat. And with poison joked Ponies blasting in I fully understand why, good thing they don't have shotguns in Equestria.
Well look at it this way Twilight, he didn't make you repeat it in several languages.
I quite enjoy it to Alpha.
Funny how that originally started as something for humor and it ended up like a role play sort of thing, not that I'm complaining it is fun to do.
Hope you're feeling better
Indeed, I'm looking real forward to it.
Okay there we go, accidentally pressed post which is the second time I've done that. The first being on another story when my dog came up behind me and let out a loud "WOOF!" which scared the crap out of me.
10786864
She is. She'll appear in season 6 and 7, alongside a character named Chip
Chad has that effect on fillies his age. Seriously, you're going to see that as seasons go on.
Chad would react by engaging in play. Pouncing, nipping, and chasing.
Yep, some people do not trust Halloween, or like it at all.
A lot of people do not know those are actual plants.
You'll have to, unfortunately.
Indeed. But did Apple Bloom know she was playing?
That's a cute interaction. Also:
This is what I mean:
derpicdn.net/img/view/2017/6/19/1465567.png
Bandit loafs like a cat.
That's nice to hear, also: No spoilers.
Roll? More like Fly.
Chad is one of those characters you should never say something you don't want him to remember while he's around. Because he WILL remember.
As for Silver's friend. Lavernius Tucker..........that is all.
Eeyup, the original Sphinx, a country in equestria named after them. Maybe that'll be a plot point in the future.
Just wait until you find out about Bandit's name.
Stop giving me comedic ideas! They're too brilliant for me not to do!
Rainbow Dash: "Like Rarity when she tries to cuddle Chad."
That one sentence to never underestimate cuteness will be aging like a fine wine.
Twice.
All 15 species do.
I liked that song too. Hearthswarming tail had a lot of good songs.
It is Pinkie after all. Unintentionally insulting or scaring someone is basically her schtick.
I actually have a saying for that. "The taste of bribery gets stale real quick."
Quite the opposite actually. Water in Zebrica isn't gonna be scarce in this rewrite.
It sure is.
Honestly, the whole 'let the big folks talk' trope needs to come to an end. In real life and in media. Just because someone is young it doesn't automatically mean they don't know what they're talking about. you gotta let them talk first before determining that.
No Spoilers.
I can't wait for that.
Super Smash Brawl was a fantastic game.
this series is gonna have 270 episodes and short stories on the side. An episode centered around royal guards will be one of them.
All good fighters know their limits.
"Hi Lilly! Hope you've been good."
Like Chad and the size of the lemon. Huh, Lilly and Chad are really similar.
Much more down-to-earth.
Close, it was 16.
That's also true.
Only One learned the hard way, most of them sake why his wings are so big.
considering his ears? Oh yeah, he would. He'd probably be more focused on Chad being safe to walk over though.
Like Celestia when someone hurts her baby nymph.
Agreed, but wrong scene. I was talking about this scene:
Understandable. I was just hoping someone would notice that a country named after a sphinx would figure out that sphinxes will be involved.
They do, it's just the earth ponies who own them. (That's a joke)
I feel like that's a reference to something, and I'm ashamed I don't get it.
And I enjoy your review comments.
It is very fun.
I hope I do too. I have to go to Indiana for training tomorrow, and I still feel horrible.
That humors me greatly. Way more than it should.
God I love a good story. I almost feel bad for the jock......almost.
I'm hyped up for your reaction to Swarm of the century.
10787876
Thought so, just because a character is scrapped from one role doesn't mean they can't be used for another.
If some of the pictures I've seen on the Positive Ponies forms are any indication I fully agree, makes me wonder how strong that effect will be when he's Bandit's age and size.
Now I can just picture Lilly, Chad, and Spike playing with each other as Bandit, Twilight, and Silver watch on with smiles on their faces.
Very true, and I can understand their views.
It's strange, one would think it would be more well know. Though it could be the name that causes that.
Figures, but I think it will be worth it.
You would think so.
And more are to come.
Ohhh, I get it now.
Not sure when he'll appear but I already have the scene planned out and it'll be this season. And that wasn't a no, so...
For Chad, as I said: A lot smarter then he let's on.
As for the other, yep. Though just for story sake he's actually doing well and lives in Dodge Junction with his Zebras and foals. So if we ever head that way I'll give him a quick appearance. At the very least it would give Silver and Lilly an excuse to head down there should "The Last Roundup" happen.
Do I want to know how long it is.
As I said before, no promises.
Indeed it will.
It sure did but that one's my favorite of the bunch, maybe because it was the only time Luna sang her own song.
Especially during the earlier seasons.
That's a good saying, maybe I'll borrow it sometime.
Ah good, was worried that the group would get caught up in a war.
I agree, and to quote Rule 12 of the Evil Overlord list:
One of my advisors will be an average five-year-old child. Any flaws in my plan that he is able to spot will be corrected before implementation.
Oh boy.
It sure was, could never beat the final boss though.
Sweet, and how Bandit interacts with them as well?
A quote I heard once: A good fighter knows no fear, but a smart one knows when to retreat.
Another one I heard that Pirate-related: Successful pirates know when to run.
Lilly: "I have!" *Jumps up onto you lap wanting to cuddle.*
In some ways, we'll see more of the differences in the Crusader Chapters.
Three off, ooh well. I'm guess that happened when Bandit was young?
Considering what his is capable of, it only takes one to get the message across. You know, now that I think about it; did any of the Nobles try to put Bandit in an arranged marriage or something similar? If they did I'm assuming Celestia put a stop to it really fast.
Makes sense, Silver had Lilly covered anyway/
I get the impression that happened once, and I quote: "Never get between a mother and her offspring, that is one of if not the most powerful force in the universe.
Doh'! You can tell they're planing something, that and they probably enjoyed telling AJ off like that. But the thing with siblings, they love each other but sibling rivalry is a thing after all.
Wonder if the group will meet any in the future.
Nothing like the sound of a shotgun pump to send uninvited guests runnin'. (That's also a joke)
I remember it from a show called "Jimmy Neutron", I can't remember the name of the episode but Jimmy was right about something and everyone else was wrong, He had them say "You were right and we were wrong." in English, french, and I think Chinese but at that point I think he was trolling them.
Who know's, he might end up in the story proper. (Just kidding, I don't want to ruin any plans or whatnot that you have.)
Yikes, good luck.
Pets are always funny, true be told I was surprised I didn't go through the ceiling or brake my chair on the way down.
At least Silver and his older sister made it out okay, and things did get better for them after Silver got his mark. More on that in "Cutie Mark chronicles". And thankfully Silver has a great therapist.
Here's hoping it live up to that hype.
About curses not being real magic...remember King Sombra? I really, REALLY hope that you have Bandit rub that fact in Twilight's face and then have him smack her upside her head when Celestia informs her that Sombra cursed the empire. Someone needs to put her in her place. Also...
...Funny, I remember Bandit saying the exact same thing, but they all didn't believe him. Why would any of them believe Zecora now? This is an inconsistency. Ooh, I'm gonna poke it! *poke*...*poke*...*pooooooooooooke* Poking inanimate objects and immaterial stuff is funny...to me, anyway. Well, not usually, but at random intervals, like right now, I find the strangest things to be hilarious.
10795427
Bandit's comments on them not seeing one yet is the conformation that he will rub this in Twilight's face.
10844092
The link is not working but I know its Bald Bald Bald
10987565
It is.
10795427
No, it's actually not! Remember, that before, they had absolutely no context to the situation, thus were relying on their assumption about Zecora! The second time, was when they already found out the truth! At that point, they would believe Zecora!