//------------------------------// // Arc 4 Chapter 1: Giving Opportunities // Story: Ring eyed Shinobi // by Seeker Of Knowledge //------------------------------// (Ponyville) (The next day) Zeko had been walking through the market with a satchel and a bag of bits, purchasing various goods from vendors but ran into some issues. “Why is it five bits for a bushel of carrots? I just saw that guy pay three!” Zeko was angered at having to pay more for apparently no real reason and the mare only made him more irate with her response “Well you’re a weird creature that lives in the Everfree and you scared the town away with your pet Cragadile, you want something from me you have to pay extra.” The salesmare said with slight irritation causing Zeko to lose his anger and replace it with a blank expression “I did that since you were swarming Twilight over her spare Gala ticket. And I have to pay more since I’m different? Doesn’t sound right to me...” Zeko said to the mare who looked at him in disbelief “Don’t think it’s just that you’re a different species, you’re a young stallion too. Since you think you’re too old to need your herd mothers then you can pay the full price.” At this Zeko paused to contemplate what she had just said to him, not understanding what a “herd mother” was he decided to indulge in his curiosity “What in the six paths is a herd mother, that supposed to be like my mom or something?” The mare was speechless at this and decided to give the ignorant Zeko a visual aid “Ok you really aren’t from Equestria are you? I want you to look around and see how many females there are compared to males.” Zeko didn’t have to look around to remember that he noticed the gender ratio was incredibly uneven but still didn’t notice how that tied into his question. “What does that have to do with me needing a herd whatever?” “So you noticed there’s way more mares, to deal with the problem of more mares than stallions it was made legal for one stallion to marry up to nine different mares so he and his children could be taken care of.” This made Zeko close his eyes and think on what she just said “That’s a lot to unravel...so polygamy is not only legal but it’s more or less applauded. Also you said that a... stallion and his children could be taken care of?” Zeko finished more shocked by the phrasing but would only be taken back more by the next statement from the mare “Well yeah, for the most part you stallions are weaker and you need to be protected.” Zeko stopped his confusion and looked back and received a sheepish expression “I did say for the most part. Not always and...” She didn’t finish since Zeko walked off without any further words and he walked on further until he noticed that the denizens were packing up stands and shutting doors as if there were a plague “What’s going on today? Everyone’s locking up like the seven swordsmen are coming by.” Zeko looked around and saw Twilight and Spike headed his way and decided to go towards them but was nothing short of surprised when they were both pulled into Sugarcube Corner. “Well it’s the end of the town after all.” Zeko continued to the door and heard talking from inside “That creepy Zecora should be coming by anytime and we gotta hope Zeko doesn’t get a curse put on him.” A certain Farmer said to Zeko’s distaste. “Curses aren’t real Applejack, they’re just a myth...” Twilight said but noticed that the door opened and it turned out to be Zeko who was swiftly tackled by Pinkie Pie who was hysterical to the point where Zeko couldn’t understand her and had to substitute himself with a shadow clone “So what’s her deal? Why is she so... I wanna say acting strange but...” The others noticed that there were two of Zeko and one had asked a question while the other continued handling Pinkie’s onslaught “Another sand replacement? Pinkie you might want to move.” Twilight said which broke Pinkie from her hysterics and made her jump back once she remembered what happened last time but to her surprise the clone disappeared in a cloud of smoke rather than leaving sand on the floor “It was just a shadow clone this time but why are you all hiding in here anyway? Last I checked it’s a normal sunny day and there’s no reason to panic.” “We’re hidin because of her.” Applejack pointed out a window to a cloaked figure. “Once I saw that it was about that time that she comes round I grabbed my sister Applebloom and ran here, she was scared of that creepy Zecora so bad she couldn’t run.” At this a girl walked from behind Applejack with a pout “I wasn’t scared, you picked me up and just...” she stopped once she saw Zeko and promptly ran over to him. “WOW! It’s you again! I never thought I’d see ya after what happened that day but here you are like a-“ Applejack put her hand over her sisters mouth to muffle her voice and not give up their position “Yeah I remember you, so you’re Applejack’s sister? Nice to meet you again but anyway, why are you all hiding from... Zecora?” Zeko has noticed the figure removed her hood and revealed a familiar Mohawk and striped fur “That’s right, we’re hiding from Zecora so we don’t get some strange curse out on us or anypony else!” Applejack said “Also look at her fur, those stripes are ghastly.” Rarity added “She was born with them, she can’t help that.” Zeko clarified making the fashionista pass out. “And what’s so bad about Zecora? She’s a really nice alchemist in fact I think Twilight would get along with her best since she lives in the Everfree.” “That’s just it! She lives in that forest and it’s-it’s unnatural!” Rainbow Dash got into Zeko’s face but was gently pushed back by him so he could respond “I live in that forest and I don’t see anything unnatural about it, except Ano...” Zeko whispered the last part but his statement was still enough to make five of the mares around him appear surprised while he noticed Spike walk off into the kitchen “That forest isn’t safe at all... it acts on its own! Nopony controls the weather.” Rainbow stated “The plants aren’t cared for by anypony either.” Rarity added “And the animals all have to fend for themselves.” Fluttershy finished while Rarity fainted, leaving Twilight and Zeko with deadpan looks “On my world that’s exactly what nature is. Humans can imitate it but we aren’t as good as the real thing.” “I remember you telling me that which is why I can say that Zecora living there isn’t odd at all since Zebra’s can’t manipulate the weather like Pegasi. She’s used to being with nature.” Twilight followed “It doesn’t matter Twi, we’ve been over why she’s so strange and I’d rather that my sister doesn’t end up being hexed by her.” Applejack had taken the liberty to grab her sister and hold her tightly “Ladies calm down, I live almost next to Zecora and she’s really nice when you get to know her. Maybe you should stop with the crazy assumptions and try talking to her?” They all looked at the floor and idly twiddled their fingers, realizing that Zeko was right that they shouldn’t be so quick to judge Zecora since they’d never even spoken to her but didn’t notice him walk out to the Zebra in question, leading her to Sugarcube Corner “Where did he go?” Applejack asked but an answer was given by the sound of the door opening and Zeko speaking “Maybe dial back the rhyming since they already aren’t too familiar with you.” Zeko came in with Zecora directly behind him which made everyone excluding Twilight tense up but Twilight took this opportunity to converse “Hello! My name is Twilight Sparkle and I want to apologize for the treatment that everypony has given you. They just didn’t know how to give you a chance to become a new friend.” Twilight said with joy present in her voice “Hello ponies, I would appreciate if it were kindness you showed me.” Zecora spoke in her typical rhyming while Zeko walked into the kitchen and what followed were various *THUD* *THUD* *THUD* Before Zeko came back with a bruise on his forehead that he hid once he came into sight but after that debacle the group talked about Zecora’s exploits in the Everfree and how she came to met Zeko which made Rainbow Dash fly around and crash into pots and pans in disbelief over how Zeko beat a Cragadile. The fun was only so long lasting as Zecora had to return home but the others promised to convince merchants and civilians to give a better impression of friendship “Spike take a letter.” Spike had promptly pulled a quill and parchment from seemingly nowhere; “Dear Princess Celestia, today I’ve learned that you should never judge somepony without trying to know them first and that your friends can be there to help you know them faster.” Spike finished the missive and sent it to the Princess “Funnily enough I have to go see Celestia so I’ll see you guys later for the party.” Zeko left leaving five confused mares and Pinkie Pie “Does that mean he saw the cake?” Pinkie gestures to a case with Zeko’s name on it while the others just started to laugh ============================== (Canterlot) (Golden Blade Base) Celestia and Luna were leading Zeko through a building with a few dozen fighters who stopped whatever it was they were doing to bow to the Solar Princess and glare at the young fighter tagging along. “Alright one of the commanders here should be through this door.” Celestia motioned to the door ahead of them printing Zeko to continue while the Diarchal rulers walked back out carrying the same grace as before. Before Zeko could make it to the door he was stopped by a blue Pegasus stallion with leather armor “Whoa there little guy, you can’t just go in there. This isn’t an orphanage so you might have to keep looking for a place to stay tonight.” He said while patting Zeko’s head in a brotherly way but was speechless when Zeko slapped his hand out of the way “I’m here to join the guild, and before you ask I’m seventeen so move.” Zeko tried to push through but the stallion was steadfast in stopping anyone from bothering his superior “Ok kid playtime’s done, you gotta go home and... is that Princess Celestia?” “She escorted me here so I could join, she thinks I’d be able to bring this place to its former glory or something.” The stallion looked somewhat convinced and decided to let Zeko go through “This kid... bring us to glory? Has to be a joke.” ============================== (Waterfall Overlook) (Hours later) Four Red Claw members were present, three were Unicorn mares assessing the damage done to their underlings and one a Griffin looking over the cliff side. “That kid they were tailing did this? Guess we should’ve been keeping a closer eye on them so we could’ve helped.” He said turning back to the Unicorns who placed the bodies into wooden coffins “I’ll never get used to this, I’m still shocked that this colt can summon a Cragadile.” The shortest mare said while holding a coffin in a red aura “I’m glad we don’t need to pick up those pieces but it sucks we lost Mist, she was one of the best field agents.” Another Unicorn stayed while placing runes on the coffins “We should find Pod’s notes on the target so we pay him back for hurting our family like this.” The Griffon walked over and picked up the last two coffins while two of the Unicorns charged a spell in their horns. “My little brother died to this kid so I wanna watch the hope leave his eyes before I kill what he loves.” The spell finished and the group teleported away in a crimson flash leaving almost no trace of their presence =================================== (Golden Dagger Base) (Commander’s Quarters) Zeko walked into the room and saw glass cases containing multiple weapons and shields but his attention was placed back on the trio of seated older stallions having a conversation; “What we have can’t be considered a gift, I mean yes it gives strength and incredible speed but at the cost of our very souls. That ruin where you can go to- Oh hello young one, how can we help you?” The oldest one broke himself off to offer his help to the surprise of everyone else “I was sent here by Celestia, she wanted me to join and change this place for the better.” While explaining himself Zeko produced a letter with a seal on it and offered it to the stallion who quickly opened and read it over before looking back at Zeko “Well this is unexpected but we always welcome new members to the Golden Blade guild, my name is Fortis and I’m the leader of this guild in Equestria.” Fortis spread his arms expecting Zeko to be impressed “Neat, so what do we do now?” Zeko said abruptly “Hm... I believe you should get acquainted with the others at some point but for now Hunter can show you where you can sleep. Hunter!” Fortis called and not long afterwards a Pegasus stallion in Manticore fur with a bow came in “You called? Who’s this kid?” “He’s our newest member and I need you to show him where he can rest his head.” Hunter nodded and motioned for Zeko to follow him. The duo walked back down the hall and made a turn and came upon a room lined with bunk beds “You’re ever tired just come lie down here, pretty much any bed is open so long as no one else is there.” Zeko wasn’t listening to his guide as he was more focused on the piece of conversation he managed to pick up on while in Fortis’s quarters “What gift is he talking about that isn’t a gift?” Hunter finished talking but noticed Zeko had a thousand yard stare forming and tapped his shoulder but ended up with Samehada in front of his chest “Don’t stop me when I’m in deep thought.” Hunter was eyeing Samehada with curiosity although he was nervous about a weapon coming so close to him in a non playful manner “What kind of weapon is this?” “One of a kind, maybe you’ll get to see what it really looks like if we go on a mission together someday.” Zeko said as he put his weapon on his back once again, Hunter looked relieved that he wasn’t at risk of being hurt anymore but the adrenaline reminded him of something “Speaking of missions you go to either the board in the grand hall that has missions posted or you come to me or any of the other higher ranked members. After a while Fortis might have something for you to do but for now...” Hunter pulled a letter from an inner pocket out and gave it to Zeko. “A Manticore’s been sighted around Appleloosa so you have to go there and get it back to where it belongs or take care of it yourself, consider this a first test.” Hunter walked off to where Zeko believed his room would be and Zeko looked at the paper which held a small map and a note “We here in Appleloosa are being disrupted by an angry Manticore, we can’t have our peaceful lifestyle with it around so somepony please take care of it signed Braeburn.” Zeko read to himself as he walked to the door to leave the guild. “This could be a really fun opportunity to fight new things!” Zeko opened the door and made a cloud of sand to the shock of his guild mates and floated off “That was something I never thought I’d see.” Fortis said to which everypony around him agreed =======