//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 - Far from Paradise // Story: Conflict of Elohim // by MangaBro //------------------------------// Zebraska (Northeast Across the Magic Sea) The forest air hung heavy with anticipation as Zecora and her small tribe of zebras cautiously made their way through the dense foliage. Their ears perked up, and their eyes darted around, searching for any signs of danger. Fear and curiosity mingled in their hearts as they followed the trail of a bright purple light that had landed in the heart of the forest. As they approached the source of the radiant glow, their eyes widened in shock and awe. There, in the middle of a small clearing, lay a single, small unicorn, no older than ten, its shimmering lavender coat contrasting against the earthy tones of the forest floor. The unicorn's eyes were closed, and it lay motionless, seemingly unconscious. Zecora, the wise and experienced herbalist, took a step forward, her hooves treading softly on the fallen leaves. She extended a cautious hoof and gently nudged the young unicorn, hoping to stir it awake. The other zebras gathered around, their concern evident in their eyes. "Who is this creature, so small and frail? A unicorn in our forest, it seems quite the tale," Zecora mused, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of worry.  "Descendants of Phoenix." Zycrono said, his faced etched with amazement. "One of the sun goddesses subjects." The youngest and smallest member of the tribe approached, her spear at the ready in her mouth. "But unicorns have never been seen this far out from the majestic sea…" She said. "Could it be an orphan of the Lion war?" "Possibly." Replied Zycrono. "Where is its mother?" Asked the male member of the tribe, Zofran, who had a long black mane and dark green eyes. "Probably dead somewhere near here." Scoffed his elder brother, Zebulon, who had short curly hair with black and white stripes. "Well, if it's here, its mother's corpse must be nearby." "What will we do with it, mother?" Zofran asked, his gaze turning over to his mother. "It will not survive out here for long without its mother." Zebulon smirked mischievously, and looked over at Zofran. "I'd say we kill it." He said.  "No, we will not," Zakaria stated, giving Zebulon a look of annoyance. "We let it live." "Why?" Zebulon asked. "Better for it to die a quick death then starve out here all alone." He slightly moved closer to the pony with his spear. Zofran immediately went over to stop him, putting out his spear in front of Zebulon, causing him to look at his brother in bewilderment. "Don't take another step closer, brother." He demanded. "What kind of soldier kills a mere baby? At least check their memories first, you unkempt fool!” "A soldier who knows what he's doing, obviously." Zebulon scoffed. "Why are you so concerned about a creature who doesn't belong here? What information could a foal like this possibly have?!" Zakaria angrily stomped her hoof, catching the attention of both of her brothers. "Stop it, both of you!" She commanded, and then turned to their old family friend, Zycrono. “Zycrono, what do you suggest we do with it? Can we please keep it?" Zycrono turned his gaze over to Zakaria, then the pony. “Zebulon does have a point.” He said. “It will definitely not survive out here alone. That said, we should at least check its memories.” "Not like it matters." Said Zebulon. "Sooner or later it'll meet the creator and be reunited with its mother. Doesn't that sound like Happy ending?" "Will you shut up?!" Zofran spat back. Zecora nodded in agreement and placed a hoof on the unicorn’s muzzle. She closed her eyes, causing her black stripes to glow with a bright green aura, putting her in a trance like state. Within seconds, she entered the mind of the Unicorn. Small spheres of five memories appeared right in front of her, bringing light into the dark void that surrounded her.  After a few minutes of waiting, Zecora broke out of her trance and looked over at her family. "She was on a ship with four others... three were her friends and one was her mother... she was supposed to be sent to Galloptoia, the eastern Continent of Equestria. However, a storm hit their ship, causing them to crash, which I'm assuming got them in this ditch...." "That doesn't explain that bright purple light we saw, or how she was able to make it this deep into the rainforest." Zebulon said. "Are you sure that's it." “Unicorn horns glow in times of need, so others who are nearby can see their pleads.” Zecora explained. The young unicorn stirred, its eyelids fluttering open to reveal vibrant violet eyes filled with confusion. It took a few moments for the unicorn to gather its bearings, but when it finally noticed the zebras surrounding it, a mixture of surprise and relief washed over its face. "Hang on.... who are you...?" the baby unicorn whispered softly, her voice carrying a touch of vulnerability. "It talks!" Zebulon exclaimed. Zecora approached with a soothing smile, her voice calm and comforting. "Fear not, little one, for fate has brought you to our land. We found you lying unconscious, guided by the light so grand." Zebulon sighed in annoyance and walked over to unicorn, staring down at her angrily. "Say your name, unicorn!" He commanded. "Quiet, brother!" Zafron shouted stepped foward in front of Zebulon. "Let mother handle this!" The baby unicorn, still weak, struggled to stand. With the zebras' gentle support, she managed to rise to her hooves, her small frame swaying slightly. Her eyes darted around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings and the curious faces of the zebras. "I am.... Twilight Sparkle," she introduced herself, her voice slightly gaining strength. "I have idea how... I got here." Zecora's eyes sparkled with wisdom as she studied the young unicorn. "Twilight Sparkle, you say? A name that carries much mystique. We shall help you find the answers you seek." “Mother!” Zebulon called out, causing their attention to focus on him. His confused gaze was focused on a small bush in between the numerous rows of trees that covered the forest. He heard the faint, mumbled sound of what sounded like whimpering. “I hear something in the bushes over here!” “Is it another?” Zaikaira asked. “I’m not sure.” Zebulon replied. “Let’s find out.”  He cautiously walked over to the bushes, and leaned his ear toward the bush to analyze the sound. He looked back at his mother, who gave him a nod of confirmation. With that, he slowly leaned his head into the bush. For a second, there was nothing in sight, and was about to tell his parents that it was nothing. However, two big eyes, that were blue and red, slowly made their way into the light, causing Zebulon to jolt back in shock. "What is it?!" Zakaria asked with a look of concern. "They're two more! Inside of the bushes!" Zebulon said.  Everyone's eyes suddenly lit up in shock and amazement. Zakaria excitedly jumped up and down. "More?! Really?!" A small smile appeared on Zofran's face. "Not your luck today, huh? Big brother?"  "In the name of Elohim, shut your mouth!" Zebulon said, standing up as he spit the dirt out of his mouth, causing his two siblings to laugh uncontrollably. "Zebulon, please get those two out of there." Zecora demanded, nicely. Zebulon was too angry to resist the offer. He quickly did what he was told and went back over to the bushes and grabbed the unicorn by their necks using his mouth. He firmly laid them onto the ground in front of Zecora. "So there was another." Said Zycrono. "Both Unicorns as well. Could this be a miracle from the creator?" Zecora slowly approached the two frightened ponies. One of them had an orange colored fur coat, with hair that matched the color of Celestia's sun. Its eyes were bright blue. The other had Grey hair, with piercing red eyes, and a grayish blue coat. "What are your names?" Zecora asked. They both hesitated to answer, but the sun haired pony stepped up first, her voice quivering in fear. "Sunset.. Shimmer." She stutterd. "I'm... Trixie Lulamoon..." The other claimed. Zycrono then walked up besides Zecora, and studied the two ponies before whispering in her ear, "What shall we do with them, malady?" Zecora's gaze swept between Zycrono and the ponies, her mind whirring as she deliberated on what course of action to take. "We should just send back to Equestria, where they belong." Zebulon suggested, getting mean looks from his siblings. "Not as easy as you think, my friend." Zycrono claimed. "We Zebras aren't allies of the pony land. If we did send them back they'd assume we're monsters and kill us." "Then we'll hear the king's opinion of these three, maybe he will have the answer we need" Zecora stated.  "But, mother! Why-" "That’s final, my son." Zecora stated, interrupting Zebulon "Now I want all three of you to help carry one." Zafron and Zakaria giggled in excitement, while Zebulon sighed in annoyance and looked over Zycrono to help. When Zycrono noticed, and smirked and said to him, "You heard your mother, boy. Pick them up." "Fine!" Said Zebulon, stomping his hoof. "In the name of Discord, I swear..." He thought. Zafron picked up Twilight, while his sister carried Sunset Shimmer, leaving Zebulon left with Trixie. He snarled with indignation, his gaze locked with her deep, almost otherworldly eyes. He felt a blend of emotions, unsure if his feelings of rage or sympathy should be given precedence. He sighed deeply before gripping her neck gently, lifting her up with ease. "Don't make too much noise, you." He said. Trixie just nodded in agreement. "Fear not, little ones. I promise, you will not be hurt after we're done." Zecora reassured. The zebras formed a protective circle aroun, their stripes blending in with the shadows of the forest. With Zecora leading the way, they began to make their way out of the forest and back into their village, singing tunes unknown to the three ponies. The only thing on the minds of the frightened and confused ponies were: I wanna go back home. The family walks throught the gigantic, wooden entrance door, which was covered with giant streams of moss and grass. The three unicorns stared in utter disbelief at the scenery. It was like a completely different world from their motherland. The Zebras wore cloaks, each differing in color and size. The majority of Zebras around them wore green with stripes of white, red, and black. They also wore fancy accessories like golden hoof rings, diamond-colored hoof bracelets, and golden earrings, which perfectly displayed their traditional charm. "Welcome to Zebraska," Zecora announced to the three with excitement. "The motherland of the world." "Welcome back, Zecora—my God!" Exclaimed a female Zebra with an appalled look. "The subjects of the sun goddess... but, how?" A group of locals soon gathered around the family, their gazes of bewilderment directed at the ponies. The three unicorns shivered and whimpered in fear in the sight of their confused faces. Zecora and Zycrono noticed this, and took action by trying to calm everyone down, while Zofran spoke in muffled voice, "Don't worry, they weren't hurt you." He said. "What is the meaning of this?" A deep voice shouted from afar. Everyone suddenly went silent, leaving the Unicorns confused. Everyone in the crowd turned around and dispersed into a small pathway, revealing the king of Zebraska himself. He dressed unlike any other Zebra in the crowd. He wore a purple robe which was accompanied by strikes of gold cords and chains, shining with grace and elegance. He wore metallic purple plates on his hooves, and a small gold crown on his head. The rest of the zebras, including Zecora and her family, bowed down to their king, the zebras who held the unicorns placed them on the ground as he approached them; his expression drawn in a combination of shock and concern as he focused his gaze on the unicorns. The king stopped once he was just a few feet away from the family. With concern in his voice, he asked the family, “The Unicorns… where in the world did you find them?” Zecora stood up and signaled to her family to do the same. “In the forest, your majesty.” She told the king.  “In the forest?” The king asked, appalled. “Why would three Unicorns be in our forest? They couldn’t possibly have crossed the magic sea by themselves.” “They didn't swim all the way here, your majesty.” replied Zecora. “Her memories were very vague, but from what I was able to see, their fleet to Galloptobia sinked into the sea, causing them to flee.” The king turned his stern gaze to Twilight. “I see, so your fleet sank?” Twilight nodded, and the king took one step closer. “So how did you get over the battlement? Wait, nevermind, poor thing, you probably don’t even understand what I am asking you.” He said, looking back over at Zecora “I… don’t know…” Twilight replied, her voice covered in nervousness, catching the attention of the king. “Ah, so she can talk.” The king said in realization, Zecora nodded in approval. He then scanned the three unicorns with a serious look. “Okay then, what are your names, and which side of Equestra are you from?” The three stayed silent for a moment, hoping that one of them would speak up first. Sunset Shimmer knew they had to say something, so she looked at Twilight and Trixie and nodded in confirmation, and then she stood up. “I’m Sunset Shimmer. I-um, I come from Canterlot, the heart of Equestria… and these two are my friends… Twilight Sparkle… and Trixie Lulamoon. They also come from Canterlot.” She spoke in stutters. “Hm, Canterlot.” The king muttered. “And you were all on the same boat that sank, correct?” Sunset Shimmer hesitated before nodding.  “And you don’t remember how you all got here?” The king asked, the three nodded again. There was then silence as the king stared aimlessly at the three unicorns, unsure of what to say or make of their sudden and rather mysterious appearance.  Zecora then spoke up, asking the king what he will do with the unicorns. Unable to find a better solution to this, he sighed deeply and turned his gaze over to the crowd of confused Zebras. “We should keep them!” Suggested Zakaira “Well, we can’t take you three back to your homes because of the disturbing relationship between our species, I’m deeply sorry about that.” He said. “However, as creatures who are dedicated to Elohim’s wishes, we will accept you into our home!” In response to the king’s announcement, every Zebra cheered in unison, including the family… except Zebulon, of course.  The king then turned back to Zecora. “You will all take care of them yourselves, you teach them our culture yourselves, and if they die, you will bury them yourselves. Understand?” he asked. "But, your majesty. You can't possibly be serious..." Zebulon said. "We." “We understand, your majesty.”  Zecora bowed deeply, her family joining in unison. She turned and walked slowly, her family drifting towards their respective homes.  "Why did he let us in?" Asked Twilight. "Luck, horse. That's what." Said Zebulon.. "We Zebras accept any creature from any place." Zecora said. "That was our creator's true intention, after all." Zakaria giggled in excitement as she looked at Sunset Shimmer, babbling on and on about how excited she was to show her certain things. Zofran kept quiet, and smiled at Twilight. Zebulon and Trixie just stared at each other. Trixie was expected him to pick her up by the neck, Zebulon was quite sure of that with how wide her eyes were.  "Oh why can't you just walk like the others?!" Zebulon shouted. "Go ahead, move along! I'm not carrying you!" "Aw, why not?" Trixie asked, pouting. "Because there's no need to! Your friends can walk, why can't you do the same?!" Zebulon asked. "Hurry up and pick her up already, Zebulon." Zofran demanded, turning back around and walking with the rest of the family through the crowd. "I don't wanna walk out here for much longer." Zebulon snarled and turned his gaze back to Trixie, her eyes piercing through his soul. He looked up at Zycrono, who awkwardly smiled and walked away. Knowing that the little mare wouldn't take no for an answer, with a blush of embarrassment, he picked her up by the neck again, resulting in a smile from Trixie. "Why is it always me?" Zebulon asked himself as galloped through the crowd towards his family. West Equestria, Galloptoia. House Silvershine. Galloptoia is a landscape of rolling prairies, towering mountains, and deep canyons stretching as far as the eye can see. The sky above is vast and seemingly endless, with vibrant hues of blue during the day and a blanket of stars twinkling at night. The majority of the buildings are built entirely out of sand, while the castle is much different. Nestled amidst the untamed beauty of Galloptoia, where rugged landscapes meet regal elegance, stands a majestic royal castle crafted from ancient stone. This castle of Galloptoia matched the scorching land and dryness of Galloptoia quite well as it was adorned entirely out yellow, ancient stone. Moss and ivy crawl along the crevices, adding a touch of nature to the imposing structure. The castle is strategically positioned atop a rocky outcrop, offering commanding views of the land. A drawbridge spans a deep moat, its waters reflecting the castle's magnificence. The bridge is adorned with ornate ironwork, accompanied by tall, sturdy gates of the exact same structure. Inside of the castle, cobblestone paths wind through well-manicured gardens, where vibrant wildflowers contrast with the arid surroundings. Fountains adorned with intricate sculptures of Equestrian battles from thousands of years ago, providing a soothing melody of cascading water, offering respite from the ruggedness beyond the castle walls. The main keep rises in the center, its imposing structure reaching several stories high. Windows with stained glass panels depict scenes of ancient legends, casting colorful hues across the castle's interior. Towering stone archways lead to opulent chambers, adorned with rich tapestries, gilded furniture, and chandeliers that illuminate the space with a warm, golden glow. "Rarity!" Sweetie Belle called out, trotting up the stairs, panting heavily. Rarity stood still, transfixed by the sight of the sprawling cityscape, the rays of the sun casting a golden hue across the skyline. The distant view of the horizon brought her thoughts to her upcoming marriage with Prince Blueblood of House Blueblood. The news of their engagement had been shared by her father only a few days prior, and now the thought of it filled her mind endlessly. Despite her sister's desperate pleas, Rarity was too lost in her thoughts to respond. "Rarity!" Sweetie Belle called out once again, this time, Rarity heard. "What is it, dear?" She asked, turning to see Sweetie Belle who was obviously exhausted. "Your prince is here, and father wants to see you." She said. Chapter End.