//------------------------------// // Subject 207: Battle Preparation // Story: Interviews With Equestrians // by Jmaster49 //------------------------------// They knew it and so did I. It was time for action. I galloped with reckless abandon through the South Zebrican town until I reached the capitol building. With a swift flick of my horn, the doors were flung open via my magic. “Lord of this land, show yourself!” I shouted as I ran inside, “We will tolerate this nonsense no longer! Give it up. Your slaves have all been removed!” The same hooded zebra from before sat above me in a stand. But now, they were accompanied by three others--all in the same white hoods. “...so we have noticed,” the first one replied, “Daring. This is exactly why we have taken to restricting them in the first place. In the event that any of those halfbreeds rose to a position of prominence, they’d attempt to tear everything down. It is...unfortunate.” What surprised me was the fact that no one had appeared to attack me yet. Did they have something else planned? “Why exactly do you hate halfbreeds? What have they done to you?!” I pointed up at them as I shouted. “Isn’t it obvious?” their leader responded with a shake of the head, “It’s surprising that somepony such as yourself doesn’t realize it yet, given that you are a halfbreed.” They opened up a scroll which showed diagrams of both species--an Equestrian pony on the left, and a Zebra on the right. Another one of the hooded zebs spoke up--a mare from the sound of it. “When a zebra and a pony mate, the traits of both species are equally passed onto their children. Earth pony durability, pegasus agility, or unicorn magic plus...zebra magic.” Made sense to me. However, I was admittedly out of touch with the full details on zeb magic. I hadn’t actually unlocked all of my own traits yet. “...And with zebs, it...varies, doesn’t it?” I asked. “Smart boy,” she went on, “Indeed. Zebra magic is an entirely different beast. One that has been kept sacred to this continent for generations. Different zebra tribes have different skills. And you...since your father was from this land, you will have inherited the traits that he was born with.” The traits me dad was born with? That sounded...right mental. Pops never told me about what abilities he had. Whenever I asked, he always had this...empty look on his face. One that expressed shame and disinterest in the hope of moving on from the past. “Father. I heard rumors that zebras can do magic like mum and other ponies. Is that right?” And I still remember what he said to me. “...Son. Some forms of magic are beautiful and can be used to create wonderful things. Others...can be used to destroy or cause pain.” That’s right...he stopped, and put down the newspaper he read from to pick me up and put me on his lap. “When you get older, you’ll find out more about yourself and our family’s magic. Then, you’ll be able to make your own decisions.” I tilted my head like the innocent little goblin I was. “...Decisions? You mean like...between good and bad?” He smiled and pat me on the head. “That’s right my little mamba. Now let’s dinner ready for your mother, yes?” “Oh! Righty-o, father!” Well pops...while we can’t cling to the past, we had to comprehend it in order to pave the way towards the future. And I was about to do just that, with your blood as well as mum’s unicorn blood. “...I get it now,” I replied with a sigh, “If that is indeed the case, then I’ll use my own abilities to make this land fair for everyone. Not just one group.” A pause lingered in the air. I awaited a response from them, only to be hit with something I didn’t quite expect. The first leader pointed towards a door that led into the room. “...There is one other thing.” Out of that door came my brother--Neon. He was held captive with ropes that tied his wings down, and chains along each hoof. And just who escorted him in? Kwaade... “Bruv!” I shouted. My brother looked up at me with a defeated smile. “Hey....looks like I finally found ya.” Immediately, my eyes shifted up to the zebra leaders. “If you’ve laid a hoof on him, you’re going to wish you were never--!” But I was cut off by a female one. “Save yourself the trouble, boy. We are making a proposal.” I cocked a brow upwards. “Oh really?” “Indeed,” she continued, “While we appreciate the efforts you’ve made to end this in a civil manner, you are the one with more to lose. We can always hunt for more servants. But we are more than positive that your brother can’t be replaced.” I took a step back, and huffed. Like it or not, she had a point. I had little to no sway over this conversation given that Neon was in their clutches. As a result, I had to play by their terms. Terms which...I could already predict. “...too right,” I said with the tiniest of growls, “So what’ll it be, then?” “Fight,” the leaders all said in unison. “Fight for this land,” the first one spoke up by themselves once more, “If you win, we will submit everything. If you fail, we will not only retain control of this land, but we will also proceed with our plans to bring Grogar back from the plane of limbo.” As much as I didn’t like it, there was nothing that could be done. However, I just had to know. “...why do you want to resurrect Grogar?” “Fight and win,” the mare said, “Then you shall be offered what you seek. That is all.” The group of hooded zebras disappeared behind the door from which they stood. Kwaade meanwhile, shot me a cocky smirk. “If you’re lucky, I might allow you to be my servant once you lose,” she said. I rolled my eyes, and paid her no mind. There were more important things to deal with. “Bruv. Don’t lose your head, eh? I’ll be back for ya.” Naturally, Neon responded as amicably as ever. “Pshaw, mate. Don’t fret yourself. Remember, I’m their insurance policy. If anything happens to me, all bets are off. Don’t forget that.” “I won’t, bruv...I won’t,” I made peace with my decision, and fled out of the town hall. This would be over soon.