//------------------------------// // Chapter 35 // Story: Rise of an Empire, Fall of Another // by Kyuubi325 //------------------------------// Zebrica Crimson Plateau (150 kilometers from New Timbuktu) Safe House 5:11pm Young Princess Azizah of Saddle Arabia was currently looking out over the balcony of her current domicile. It was strange having water come at the twist of a knob. She didn't fully understand how it worked but the books her hosts had graciously given her were slowly filling in the gaps. It seemed she and her country had much to learn but every colt and filly had to learn to trot and so must her kind to modernize. She let out a soft sigh looking out at the plains far below her as they slowly swayed in the wind making them almost appear as the gold in her fathers vaults. A soft cough woke her from her daydreaming and she removed herself from the iron railing. The sandy coated brown maned filly turned around to see her loyal servant Abdul holding a platter of hoof made hummus and pita bread. The stallion had basically raised her since she was born and she had grown used to seeing his dark black coat and braided raven mane. "My princess I have brought your snack would you like any else? I know you have grown quite fond of that glass bottles fizz drink." He asked as he slowly made his way over to her while she gave him a soft smile. "You don't have to call me that you were more of a father to me then Abdulaziz II. After mother died I was under your care and I thank you for everything you have taught me." She says taking a small piece of the pita bread and scooping a small amount of hummus onto it before tossing it into her mouth. "You humble me princess but I only exist to serve you." He says neutrality but the soft look in his brown eyes said otherwise. The light brown filly flipped her brown mane out of her green eyes with a smile. "I think it's time I see this country for myself tell me do we still have those makeups and dyes?" She asked while brining another slice of pita bread to her mouth. As she ate the Arabian stallion sighed. "I don't believe that would be wise, your safety is paramount. The only way we can do that effectively is to keep a low profile until Saddle Arabia is free from your father and siblings, while I'm still wary of the Zebra and Dogs they represent the greatest chance of reform. But that can't happen without you, the key to change lies with you." She finishes her small snack and licks her lips. "I understand that Abdul but I can only learn so much from these tombs. If I'm to be the first mare sultan of Saddle Arabia I need first hoof experience in order to understand the changes that have happened and to be sure that they are right for my homeland." She says looking back over the stone balcony down at the grass lands. Adding a small smirk "Besides I think a little exploration would be entertaining perhaps I can make some friends." Equestria Ponyville Carrots Home 5:39pm Carrot smiled as she carried out a Birthday cake for her little nephew while all his friends sang happy birthday to the skinny colt. "Happy Birthday too you, Happy Birthday too you, happy Birthday Dear Pipsqueak, Happy Birthday to you. From good friends and true, From old friends and new, May good luck go with you, And happiness too." A number of his class mates sang together with bright smiles, most notably the former Cutie Mark Crusaders. Carrot couldn't help but swell up with pride as she rested the cake on the solid oak table infront of the bouncing colt. "I hope you like the cake Pip! I made it special using only fashioned recipes none of that store bought stuff!" She ruffled the mane of the little colt making he smile as he looked at the candles on the triple chocolate cake with homemade vanilla bean frosting and his name spelled out with strawberry butter cream icing. "Don't gawk at it all day! I make it to eat now make a wish and blow out your candles." She says while the small colt seemed to think for a moment before taking a deep breath and blowing out the candles while everypony stamped there hooves in celebration. "Let's eat everypony!" Carrot said while she started to cut the cake after Pip blew out the candles making sure to give her nephew a large slice before moving on to serving the rest of the guests. She eventually nodded her head saying that everyone had a large slice of the cake and started to make her way to the back of the room where Filthy, Big Mac, and the two currently free members of the flower trio were currently waiting. While they all seemed to be smiling she could tell this was about business and not just a friendly visit. Carrot only gave them a knowing look as she approached before Big Mac seemed like he had something to say. "Carrot it's been months..... when will we see that Royal endorsed guard backing off? Sure he's been keeping to himself but he still ain't let Lilly go. We might have to to turn up the heat a bit, but that's got its own problems, we could take it too court but...... well we all know how biased the courts are when it comes to these things......." The most worrieing thing wasn't what Big Mac was saying but what Daisy and Rose weren't saying the normally very........ direct mares just seemed to smile while the look in their eye say something different. "We won't wait much longer we need to step up the protests unless you want that guard post to become...... a national news story........." Rose finally spoke with a calm that was somewhat discerning. "...... Agreed we can't afford to wait much longer Mayor Mare has started to isolate herself more and more while refusing to listen to any petitions....... While I am impressed with her sudden fortitude I fear that the protests may start to disrupt business. We must step up our game and trigger something that will make her run out of town........ I fear my last resort maybe the only option at this point....." Filthy sighed he hated smeer jobs but there was plenty to work with when it came to the mayor. Carrot and Big Mac looked at filthy with intrest. "What could you possibly have that could top embezzlement? Pomies always get up into a frenzy about bits....." Big Mac asked before Carrot could open her mouth. "Before she took office in her mothers stead her and her sister left for a camping trip into the whitetail woods......... supposedly there was a Timber Wolf attack and only Mayor Mare managed to escape. However the details about this attack are sketchy at best especially since her older sister was in line to take office. It's also doesn't help that after a short investigation the case was dropped by the local guard.... while no one can be sure what happened this was hushed up by both her and the guard post, supposedly in respect of her sister. But a few rumors here and there...... well I have a feeling that she will no longer be a problem, the towns ponies are already on edge and having a supposed murderer in office will be a tipping point." Filthy sighed a bit looking over the party. "I would recommend keeping family and friends close these next few days....." Zebrica Zara Military Base (South of Boarder Crossing) Special Cases office 7:20pm "Pale Ale" rested in a rather uncomfortable wooden chair while she waited for the decorated Zebra general to say something. He had signs of greying around his mane and a tired look that only came with those who had seen far too much in their lifetime. On either side of her masked Zebrican Soldiers stood silently while watching her closely. It was somewhat unnerving being close to them Pale Ale was used to feeling something from fellow equines...... but they gave off nothing..... no scent..... no mana........ no emotion..... it was as if they weren't there at all. The elderly zebra sighed and started to place the papers onto the desk after looking them over for what seemed to be the fifth time since she was dragged to this place. Rubbing the side of his head and shaking it he finally looked up at her. Taking a deep breath he finally spoke to her. "Pale Ale...... of that name I have my doubts and I trust you understand you having left me with quite a conundrum." Pale Ale leaned forward while attempting to hide her own unease. "I don't see why is changes anything...... is Zebrica not a place for second chances for others to flock and prosper?......" she swallowed. The zebra general didn't seemed amused the and shifted in his chair giving her a slight better view of his metals and decorated tan uniform. "Nearly strait out of the brochure most just go by ear. But you are not just some filly looking to start a new life... your..... personal identity is... troubling... never mind identity fraud your facing." He looked her over with a wary eye. She could only swallow in response to this. "I am here to request asylum.... I'm a... political refugee..." "I see I'm guessing the considerable amounts of Equestrian Bonds hidden in your luggage was for bribes?" He pulls out a considerably thick stack of paper. "Let's see..... oh my....... an estimated 350,000,000 bits worth of bonds...... or just a little more then 200,000,000 Shillings..... quite a considerable sum one could buy much with that kind of money..... why if we didn't start searching for false bottoms in trunks we likely would have never found it..... though trying to convert those paper bonds into currency would have raised some attention......" he looks over the paperwork again. "We also found three sealed containers of..... NightShine Berries of a variety undocumented.... maps of the SilverSage province..... and oddly enough an Ursa Teddy... all hidden under cheep nicknacks and the usual odds and ends immigrants carry......" he slowly placed it back down rubbing the side of his face again. "So tell me....... Princess Luna what do you expect us to do?....... having a missing member of the Equestrian Government let alone one of the Celestial Sisters...... is troubling." "I have stepped down as a member of the Equestrian Nobility and a member of the Government. I have liquidated my assets in Equestria and destroyed everything else. As of this moment there is nothing to connect me to Zebrica for all the Equestrian Government and my own sister knows I was the victim of a nasty fire. All o wish is to leave Equestria has..... too many Bittersweet memories for me....." she sighed leaning forward as her midnight blue coat could be seen under the yellowish light from the hanging lamp. "I don't know what you hope to accomplish with me I-...." he stoped as a loud ringing was coming from his desk. ".... one moment....." he pulled open a drawer and pulled out a phone and answered it. "Sir?...... yes she's here....... what?..... this is highly unusual........ sir I must..... understood....." he swallowed and slowly placed the phone back into his desk. "You will be taken to the local branch of the Identification Bureau and will be given a new identity afterwards you will get periodic visits from the local officers to ensure your...... discretion.... so what will you do with you time?..... sell berries?" She smiled softly though she couldn't help but wonder who was on that phone line who changed his mind. "I plan to produce a lost treasure of the ancient world. Traditional Alicorn Ambrosia...... after my sister banned the production and consumption of alcohol the process was thought lost...... luckily I never forgot.." she says with a hint of mirth remembering her first sip of the strong yet sweet beverage. "I always thought it was just a legend...... but if your sure we have liberal laws on alcohol consumption and production the trouble is starting out I can only wish your the best. You will be assigned a live in guard and your..... identity will be repurposed..... i suggest using makeups and dyes for your persona as magic gets weaker as you leave Equestrias boarders....... were you not an Alicorn I doubt your internal reserves would have lasted so long.." he rubbed his face again looking tired. "We will send you to a local Inn and send you some property listings in our wine country......... have a good day." He stamps her founder with a an approved mark. "Make no trouble....." Zebrica New Timbuktu Equestrian Embassy 8:15pm "Twilight! Twilight! I'm back and I have news!" The purple drake skipped past the doorway into the large Early Unification styled building into the sitting room where three exhausted ponies were currently laying on there sides with bags under their eyes. The sleepy Alicorn mares eyes widened seeing her longest friend and former number one assistant. Slowly getting up onto her hooves and rushing over in a surprising amount of energy she pulled the little dragon into a smothering hug nuzzling him into her barrel. "I was so worried Spike where have you been? You should have back hours ago! We just got back a little while ago!" She continued to smother the poor Drake in affection before realizing she was preventing him from telling her anything. She finally relented a bit but continued to hold him close. "Sorry Twilight I got a little carried away with helping another student with her scones....... I didn't realize how late it was till I had to turn on the electric lamps......" he rubs the back of his head blushing looking a bit guilty making her worry. "But what about you guys? You look like you have been run through Sombras Door all over again!" A soft moan was heard from the two nobles in the room as they both started to pull themselves together. Blueblood was the first to register that their youngest had returned. "Spike?...... oh! How was class? Wasn't your final exam today?...... well don't leave me and my mentor in suspense how did you do?" He gave Spike a tired smile sitting up from his Canterlot Velvet chair while rubbing his neck. Spike couldn't help but beam brightly. "Highest score in the class! That old fart actually enjoyed it without giving me that sour look he gives everyone!" He laughed while Twilight gasped but was beaten to the punch by Fancypants. "Young Spike calling someone an old fart is hardly called for. Having the patience to teach so many young aspiring chiefs should be admired especially at his age. Besides I have seen a definite improvement in your skills since joining the academy so I suggest you revere his teaching ability." Fancy said while a certain white stallion only scoffed before letting out an amused snort. "Didn't you used to say your tutor was a bitter as a Gryphon in the winter time? Or what about how you called your nanny a-" Blueblood found a brown hoof shoved into his muzzle while twilight seemed to be covering Spikes head fins. "Well talk about this later Spike but I'm very proud of you how about we celebrate tomorrow at that nice restaurant and see a movie? But for tonight I think you need to head to bed" Twilight smiled nuzzling his head before ushering him to bed before sending Blueblood a look singling he was in for it when she got back. Zebrica New Timbuktu Night market 9:03pm Princess Azizah was currently wrapped in a number of colorful sashes while her bodyguard stayed close to her. The night markets were strange. Normally a market would close as the lights of the sun started to dim but above her bright electric lights shined as bright as the stars themselves! The large open area had a number of zebra, Diamond Dogs, and even some minotaurs selling everything from from spices to jewelry. She was in paradise after all every filly enjoyed shopping. She stopped seeing a zebra with a tin cup and some bandages around his head sitting against one of the stone walls of the market place. She smiled pulling out a golden Lira coin from her sash dropping it into the zebras cup while he sat there in shock before finding the generous filly had disappeared into the crowd while a large stallion chased after her. The tall muscular stallion managed to catch up to the small filly was was currently looking over some expensive fabrics in a stall. "Your majesty I must ask that you refrain from running off for your own safety it's hard enough protecting you from danger in such congested streets." He says in a hushed whisper while the filly just giggled and looked at him. "So? To these Zebra I'm nothing but another filly out shopping with her guardian you must liven up after all I am learn far more out here then on that safe house." She gave him a gentle smirk while the large stallion just sighed softly he never could say no to her. It was amazing she didn't end up like her siblings. "Yes young miss....... I suggest we go and look at the food stalls we haven't eaten in awhile and I don't what you waiting till your crabby from hunger." He said while they followed there noses in search of something good to eat. Wading through the crowds then ended up at a strange food stall with a rather husky Shiba Inu dog expertly making noodles behind a wooden counter with his bear paws stretching them out before folding it over and repeating the process before dropping it all into a massive pot. The princess quickly sat down with her guardian following suit beside her. "Hmmmm?........ what can I intrest you in?" The dog asked heavily accented while he continued to cook not missing a beat. "What sort of noodle dish are you preparing?......" the princess asked while sniffing the air dreamily. "Hmmmm? Ramen........ noodles served in a broth with things such as vegies, tofu, and meats mixed it to add extra heft, for those who like more protein, some egg." He says while pulling out two large bowls. "Well have what ever the special is!" She gave the dog a big grin while Abdul started to pull out local currency. "Hmmmm? Sure and just for you little one I'll give you some extra." He smiled softly at the cute fill while her started to fill two bowls with noddles, celery stocks, veggies, and large chunks of tofu. He also placed a large raw egg near each bowl while the two just looked at it. "Crack it over the ramen trust me it's good." He smiled while they hesitantly did so before starting to eat rather awkwardly. The shine in there eyes could be seen as they both lifted up the large bowls and started to guzzle it down before coming back up for air. "Hmmmm? Care for some drinks? I have some ice cold Royal Cola." He smiled softly lifting up to glass bottles cracking them open and passing the bubble drink over to them. "No extra charge." They started to follow their meal down with the sweet drink. "You wouldn't happen to be willing to give us the recipe for such a wonderful dish would you?....." Abdul asked while the dog just shook his fluffy head. "Sorry but I make my living off my cooking, but I am available for catering." He said simply. "I suppose that makes sense." She looked disappointed before smiling again. "Could you at least tell us where we can find more of this Royal Cola?" Azizah's eye sparkled as she drank from the cool bottle. "That I can tell you, you won't find cases of it in the open air markets but a few blocks from here you'll find the local grocer they sell it by the case along with other brands, the zebra actually started to make there own local brands, a popular one right now is called Fruit Stripe! Made from local fruits and sweet as candy. Too sweet for my tastes but it's getting popular up in Equestria too. I swear equines eat more carbs and sugars then anyone iv ever met." He chucked softly. While the two just shared a look at eat other. Britannia Province of Germany Isenstadt Castle Wolfenstien High security testing labs 1:50am Totenkopf stood in front of his little Schnuckelschneke, the Mare layed on the floor with her new limbs staring at him blankly while slowly tilting her head. The room was fairly simple just concrete walls a reinforced bulkhead door, a school desk, a chalkboard, and some toys to help relearn motor function. The yellow tinted lights above them shined flickering a bit while he looked down at her. "Stand......." he said softly while watching her take a moment to comprehend his command before her dark steel limbs started to slowly move. The sound of customized hydraulics and hand made servos filled the room as they started to function for the first time. The slim legs struggled to lift her before she fell on her side. The symbol of Germany's flag adorned her Left flake while the emperors crest adorned her right flank where the artificial limbs fused with the chitin. The limbs themselves unlike the prototypes that were used during the war lacked the boxy bolted look, instead these were far more refined. They were curved after an equines natural limbs with a few enhancements that she would have to learn later. The dark colored metal mixed well with her chitin as it grew against the unnatural appendages not quite forming above it but just enough to form an area where the hard material was just lightly raised above the metal. "You can do it.... stand......." she slowly started to shake as her limbs started slowly slowly raise her above the floor. The limbs struggling to hold her steady, she looked up at him for support but he only offered his stern yet gentle gaze at her while she continued to rise the gentle curve of the limbs apparent to make them appear organic as apposed to just pure strait lines that would make them look..... disconcerting to the host. She finally stood shakily but she was standing while she gave him a gentle smile. "I..... do........ well?......." she asked tilting her head while the doctor just gave her a wolffish grin. "Yes..... we have much work to do...... an if you do well I'll let you make a new friend......" he digs into his lab coat pulling out a black and white photo of a pony looking blankly at the camera it was a pony..... complete with colored coat, soft fur, and hooves, but the eyes....... they lacked any pupil. "A friend?........." she smiled brightly, to any normal person it would be disturbed by a obviously grown mare sounding more like a lost filly...... never mind the sharp defined fangs in her maw. "Yes I hope you two will learn much from each other....... now why don't we proceed with our lessons?...... after all I know how much you enjoy learning about your home....." he reached out a hand and slowly caressed her cheek while she leaned into it, treasuring his touch. "Yes my Obergruppenführer......." she said gently as she was led to the desk and sat down a bit awkwardly but somewhat comfortable while he slowly picked up some chalk and started to write on the board. "That's my girl........ now let's first teach you the history of our great nation....." he smiled as he started to draw early war maps and began his lesson. He couldn't help but look forward to his time teaching his.... student.