//------------------------------//
// Bk13/Ch5 An Unwelcomed “Welcome Home” 
// Story: Love's Lost Decade 
// by Priceless911 
//------------------------------//

Bk13/Ch5
An Unwelcomed “Welcome Home”
 (Year 09, Month 10, Day 17)

Zeil stumbled up the stairs as he climbed his way back onto the main deck of the Bloody Tide. With the hurricane still blowing around them, Zeil struggled to keep himself steady as he was met with a rushing wave as it ran over the deck nearly knocking him over. As the wave passed, Zeil made his way to the mast as he quickly grabbed a lifeline and tied it around himself as he looked to the main deck above as captain sail stood firm while yelling his order, “KEEP THAT SAIL UP!!! The winds are still too strong to let loose the main! We can only keep moving on the fore and aft sails!”
With the captain yelling orders, Zeil made his way onto the upper deck as Captain Sail smiled, “Ah mage Zeil… how was your rest?”
Zeil rubbed his head, “Noisy and nauseating… how long was I out?”
Captain Sail replied, “Little over half a day, ya couldn’t tell it from the storm but it’s about ten in the mornin’.”
Zeil was surprised, “Really? And the storm is still going on?”
Captain Sail smiled, “It’s a rough one, but she could last as long as a month. But no worries… she’s not merciful enough to end us here.”

He looked to Powder Keg who was also on the top deck as he called through the storm, “Mr. Keg! What’s the status on our pursuers?”
Powder Keg looked out passed the stern’s railing as the whipping winds and falling rain completely masked all visibility of the perusing vessels. The only thing visible were the lanterns that were lighting both sides of the bow, the stern, and the base of each mast. However as he saw the lights of the last perusing ship, he could make out their actions as the lights rolled over each other and vanished into the waves indicating the end of their pursuit. Seeing the lights vanish into the waves, Powder Keg called, “Capt’n! The storm seems to have claimed our pursuers! Looks like we managed to escape the Storm Kingdom after all! A fine story to tell the lasses waitin’ for us back at the cove aye?”
Captain Sail called, “We ain’t out of the storm yet Mr Keg.” He looked to the barrel colt, “Jimbo! Get your plot down here and secure your lifeline!” he looked at the rest of the ship, “That goes for the rest of you! Secure all lifelines and bring in the sails!”

Zeil spoke, “Captain! You need me to do anything?”
Captain Sail replied, “You did a fine job getting’ us out of that concrete box. So you can go below and rest more! I made a promise to get ya back to your lass, and I aim to keep it!”
At that moment a massive wave hit the ship from the starboard side as the water rushed over the deck causing a number of sailors to fall over and slide against the ships railings. Barely able to keep himself standing Zeil replied, “I appreciate it, but I'd rather help you out here! Just give the order and I'll follow it Captain!”
Smiling at the loyalty of his friend, Captain Sail replied, “Well, if ya have any magical mumbo jumbo that can help us out of the mess we’re in, then I’d be much obliged.”

The ship jerked at the impact of another wave as Zeil kept himself from falling over and replied, “I don’t have the ingredients to settle a storm…”
“Storm?... A storm is what we left rioting in that prison back there. This lad, is a hurricane! And a strong one at that.”
“A hurricane…”
“Aye lad, I smelt her miles off. Why do ya think I chose this as the day we busted out?”
The ship rocked again as a massive wave crashed against the other side tossing a few sailors onto the water as Captain Sail called, “COLTS OVERBOARD!!! Mr. Keg! See to your quartermaster duties!”
Powder Keg nodded and started trotting down to the main mast as he called to the crew, “Grab those lifelines and pull them back to the tide! Capt’n ain’t told you to take a break yet so get them back here and back to it!!!”
As Powder Keg worked to save the sailors, Zeil thought to himself as he spoke, “Actually I think I do know a spell that can help… but I'll need some sea water.”

Captain Sail gave him a dumb look as he replied, “Well help yourself laddie… ain’t like I got none to spar!”
Zeil nodded as he braced himself against a railing to look through his bag of ingredients, “By the way… We need to get to the eye of the hurricane!”
Captain Sail was confused, “The eye?... Granted it’s a sunny place to be, but the eye of a hurricane is the most dangerous place when you’re out at sea. Figured your memories of the mage pirate could tell you that.”
Zeil pulled out a jar and scooped up some water from a wave that crashed into the ship and ran across the deck as he replied, “It’s her memories of this spell that make me think of it. Trust me! I wouldn’t suggest it if it wasn’t crucial.”
Captain Sail saw the determined expression on the disguised face as he sighed, “Fine… but you better not lead us to our doom lad. I ain’t come this fare to die now.”

As Zeil used another empty jar he had to mix the ingredients needed, Captain Sail looked to the main deck to see his crew as they finished recovering the overboard sailors. Then he called, “Quit you’re slouchin’ and open all sails!”
Though many were exhausted and annoyed to be accused of slouching, they still nodded their heads as they went back to work while Powder Keg called, “You heard the capt’n get your sorry jailbird plots back to it!”
As the crew started unfurling the sails, Powder Keg rushed to the main deck, “Sorry to question you capt’n… but what’s the plan? If we keep the sails open in a storm like this, the wind will tear ‘em to shreds.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye I know, but we need to get to the eye of the storm. Our enchanter friend has a spell that can help.”
Powder Keg looked at Zeil and nodded, “Do ya now?”
Zeil finished placing all the ingredients in a jar as he closed the lid and started shaking it up, “Well… more or less.”
Both officers spoke, “WHAT!?!”

The now nervous Zeil shrugged his shoulders and he replied, “Well… it should work, though I’ve never attempted it before. I'd say… maybe a fifty-fifty… or… thirty-seventy.”
At that moment the sailors trying to unfurl the sails on the first mast lost grip of the leads as the sail fell open causing the wind to catch it with so much force that the mast started cracking as the fore-mast crumbled and fell over the portside of the ship. Seeing this the sailors quickly worked to cut the tied lines so it wouldn’t roll them over as the mast passed by the upper deck of the ship. Knowing that they were now in the thick of it, Captain Sail looked at his missing mast as he looked back at Zeil and replied, “I’ll take those odds.”
With that the captain turned the ship into the wind so that it could catch the sails slowly and bring them closer to the eye of the storm. As the Bloody Tide eased closer and closer to the eye, the waves started to get fiercer as the crew tried all they could to keep themselves aboard. Finally as they continued, they could see a light through the darkness of the storm as Captain Sail called, “There she is lad… the eye! Are ya ready for what you need mage?”

The Enchanter looked at the jar of ingredients as it started to glow with the same color as the sun’s light before replying, “Not yet… we need to break through the wall of the eye, we aren’t close enough yet.”
With this, the captain looked forward as he saw a massive wave that towered hundreds of feet high coming right towards them as the size of the wave blocked out what light they could see from the approaching eye. Seeing this, Captain Sail called, “ALL HOOVES BRACE YOURSELVES FOR A CLIMB!!!”
Seeing the incoming wave, the crew immediately grabbed onto masts, railings, and anything they could hold onto as the Bloody Tide hit the wave and began its clime. As the Tide climbed, the ships deck started to rise higher from the front as cargo lines started to break loose causing unsecured cargo to fall passed ship’s Captain and into the sea behind them. Luckily with the wind pushing against the remaining two masts, The Bloody Tide was able to push through the crest of the wave as the crew looked over the other side to see what would make them all nervous. When they reached the top, Captain Sail looked over to see that not only was the wave massive to climb, but on the opposite side it was almost twice its height as the Bloody Tide slowly caressed the top of the wave before tilting forward as Captain Sail called, “EVERYPONY HOLD ON!!!”

Doing as they were told, every sailor on the ship braced themselves as the Bloody Tide started careening down the massive wave as its speed quickly increased causing everypony aboard to feel worried as they all started screaming in fear from their semi freefall from the top of a tsunami. As the ship fell, the winds started increasing more and more as Captain Sail looked to the sails to see that now instead of pushing from behind, the winds were now coming from in front as he could hear stress in the ships masts starting to increase with their speed. As the ship fell with the crew screaming in fear, they all braced themselves as the stem of the Bloody Tide crashed into the water of the next wave as hundreds of gallons of water rushed over the deck hitting both the crew and sails as the impact caused the Main mast to snap and crash into the aft mast as both started to give way and lean towards the ship’s captain and helm. Seeing the falling objects, Captain Sail quickly released the helm and jumped out of the way as the aft-mast fell in and crushed the helm snapping it from its base and causing the rudder chain to fall free of its supports. As soon as the masts hit, the sun started shining down onto the Bloody Tide as Zeil spoke, “NOW!!!”

With that, the Zebrican mage threw the shining glass vile against the deck as it shattered and sent the glowing contents to shoot up from the deck as it flew into the sky causing a massive barrier to form behind the Bloody Tide as it spread across the wall of the eye causing all the waters in the sea within the eye immediately settled down as if the storm had completely ceased. With the waters inside the eye calm, Powder Keg helped Captain Sail to his hooves as the old sailor looked around, “What?... what in the leviathans graces did you do?”
With the ship now calm and all the sailors checking themselves for wounds, Zeil spoke, “That’s a very special spell used for sailing. It makes the sea within the eye of a hurricane as calm as its weather.”
Powder Keg replied, “There ain’t no such thing. The eye is the most dangerous part of a storm. Every sailor knows that.”
Zeil pointed behind the Bloody Tide, “See for yourself.”

With that, the entire crew looked behind them as they saw a massive barrier wall and large crashing waves on the opposite side as they collided with the barrier as if it were a massive sea wall. Seeing this, Powder Keg took back his last statement, “Okay… maybe it does exist.”
Captain Sail looked to Zeil and asked, “So… how long does this spell last.”
The zebra replied, “About twelve hours or so… but… it follows the storm so at the rate it’s moving… we
have about thirty minutes before its back on top of us.”
Captain Sail looked at the damaged helm as he replied, “Aye… and without any masts, sails or even a helm… we’re caught dead in the water.”
Powder Keg started to ask, “So… what do we do ca-“
“Captain! Island of the bow!”

At that moment the entire crew looked ahead as they slowly saw an island emerge from the opposite side of the eye as Captain Sail smiled, “Looks like luck is on our side.”
He looked at Powder Keg, “Mr. Keg ready the long boats and load everypony aboard… its time… to abandon the Tide.”
Powder Keg thought he heard wrong, “What… abandon th-“
Seeing that they were wasting time, Captain Sail called over the ship, “Ready the long boats and prepare to abandon ship!”
Jim replied with concern, “Abandon the Tide?... But captain w-”
“Now don’t be givin’ me that look. The Bloody Tide has taken us through a lot. And though we have sailed her through all seven circles of hell, we can’t forget that she is over fifty years old…” He placed his hoof on the side railing, “She’s tired… and… I feel it’s time we let her rest. I'll give ya four minutes to get the boat ready. Work smartly and g-”

At that moment, Captain Sail thought he heard a faint but familiar sound from beyond the barrier as he looked at the magical sea wall in confusion. As he looked at the wall, Powder Keg felt concerned, “Capt’n you alright?”
Confused Zeil watched Captain Sail’s expression as his emotions shifted, first to concern, then to confusion and final acceptance as Powder Keg spoke, “Capt’n?”
Snapping out of it, Captain Sail looked at Powder Keg and replied, “Get these sailors on that boat as soon as you can… I… need to retrieve some things first.”
With that, Captain Sail made his way into his cabin as Powder Keg looked around and spoke, “You lot ready the boat on the port side, Mr Zeil help me here, we need to ready this boat to launch. As Zeil helped the crew ready the boat, Zeil looked to Powder Keg as he spoke, “Mr. Keg… The captain’s expression… have you ever seen him like that before?”

Powder Keg shook his head, “No… whatever it was, it concerned him a bit… and nothing concerns Captain Sail.”
Zeil asked, “Should we be worried?”
Powder Keg shook his head, “The capt’n has made many decisions through the years. Some odd, and many downright daft. But through them all, Captain Sail has always made his decisions with his crew in mind. So no matter what’s on his mind… I will stand with him in his next decision.”
Zeil smiled, “I agree… but… remember whatever his next action is… he will expect loyalty as our response.”
Feeling an odd sense of foreshadowing in his tone, Powder Keg could only nod as they along with many more of the crew finished raising the longboat over the railing as it hung alongside the Bloody Tide just above the calm waters below. Once the boat was ready, Powder Keg gave his order, “All crew gather into the boats! Portside can lower once full but the starboard needs to wait for the captain!”

After the first boat was lowered, the crew worked carefully to load the second as Captain Sail exited his cabin. As Zeil looked to Captain Sail he was surprised by his appearance. Before, Captain Sail entered his cabin wearing only a simple brown vest. But now along with his vest, Captain Sail wore a black tricorn hat, a crimson cape, and a belt with a sheathed dagger on his side. Over his shoulder was a draped black flag which Zeil could only assume was the Crimson Pirates Jolly Roger. With the last of the crew piling into the boat, Zeil also climbed in as Powder Keg looked to his captain and smiled, “Seeing ya like that captain… brings back all sorts of memories.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Good, then be sure to pass them on…”
Before Powder Keg could reply, Captain Sail looked at his changeling friend as he spoke, “Mage Zeil?”
Zeil replied, “Yes captain?”
Captain Sail smiled, “I apologies, I can’t see ya back to Equestria like I said… but at least you’re much closer now than before. When you meet with your lass, be sure to hold her close and never let go. Take it from an old fool, if she is the one… don’t let her slip away.”

Feeling the captain’s emotions told Zeil exactly what was going to happen next as he nodded with Powder Keg replying to his earlier statement, “Capt’n? What did you mean by… pass it on?”
Captain Sail smiled, “Its time I meet with the lass. So… my last order to you… Get this crew to safety.”
Powder Keg was confused but before he could reply, Captain Sail drew his dagger and swung the blade as it cut the hoists holding the boat up as the long boat fell into the water ten feet below with a splash. As the boat rocked to the impact, Powder Keg called up to the main deck, “Capt’n! Don’t do this please come with u-”
Captain Sail interrupted in anger, “You ain’t captain enough to give me orders Mr. Keg! Now get that boat to that island now or so help me, I'll use these cannons to BLAST YOU ALL TO KINGDOM COME!!!”
Seeing the anger in their captain’s eyes made it clear that this was what he wanted as Powder Keg sighed, “God speed Capt’n.” he looked over the boat, “Let’s go lads, Capt’n Gave his orders and this storm ain’t gonna wait for us!”

With that the long boats started rowing towards the island as Captain Sail smiled and spoke silently, “Good luck lads… it’s been a pleasure sailin’ with ya…”
As the two boats rowed away from the Bloody Tide, Zeil held his silence as Powder Keg asked, “Mage Zeil… what you said earlier… did you know the captain would choose to stay behind?”
Zeil shook his head, “No… but when the captain looked out to sea before he went into his cabin there was a sense of peace on his mind. I’ve felt it before, but usually on those who choose to sacrifice themselves for another purpose.”
Powder Keg was surprised, “An emotions of one who is sacrificing himself?... exactly how many times have you felt this emotion?”
Zeil sighed, “Too many times… in just the last decade alone. Far too many times.”
Powder Keg nodded, “Whenever we made port, Captain Sail had a number of pirate rivals that he occasionally spared with out of sheer impulse. His main rule was always the same… Captain’s fight be his fight… meaning we can watch, but we must stay out of it. I know that look on his face… that dagger in his hoof… this is a fight he has been waiting for a long time.”
Zeil replied, “Then… I guess it’s good that we are following his final order. He was always a fan of loyalty.”
Powder Keg shrugged his shoulders, “Aye… we all have loyalty for our captain… Just as… he had loyalty to his crew… you included. I’ve heard him say a number of times that if every you wanted, you would have a place aboard the Tide. In fact after that scuffle at the Bastille, I think you are just as much a member of this pirate crew as I.”

As Zeil looked back to the Bloody Tide, he saw Captain Sail raise the Crimson Jolly Roger on the toppled mast as he picked up the damaged helm and held it as if it were still operational. While standing at the helm Captain Sail could only smile, “Looks like this storm will be merciful after all… I'm ready lass, sing me your song.”
Back on the long boats, Zeil and the rest of the pirates watched, as the barrier encasing the Eye of the hurricane crossed over the Bloody Tide’s bow as a cradled wave on the opposite side, dipped the Bloody Tide downward, as it pulled the ship out of the eye and back into the rough seas outside. With the rowing of the two boats slowing, most of the sailors looked towards the Bloody Tide as the vessel vanished into the darkness of the surrounding hurricane, leaving only a faint light from the toppled mast lantern which also vanished a few moments later. As the Bloody Tide was last seen entering the storm, Powder Keg stood up in the boat, removed the bandanna on his head and placed it over his heart before bowing his head, as every sailor aboard the two long boats did the same leaving all members of the Crimson Pirates paying respect to their captain’s final decision. After a moment of silence, Powder Keg spoke, “Be proud lads… be proud that on this day, you were the last sailors to sail under the greatest sailor and pirate on the sea. We can take pride, knowing he went down with his ship, with cannons loaded and at the helm.”
Remembering the story, Zeil nodded, “Just as she did… Siren.”

Powder Kegs smiled as he put the bandanna back on his head, “Aye, just like the lass.” He looked to the land, “Work smartly lads!... Captain may be gone but I'll see his order through.”
The sailors in both boats worked hard to row the two boats back to shore as fast as they could. When the two long boats arrived, some of the sailors climbed out and tried to pull them in as Powder Keg stopped them, “Leave ‘em! We need to find a shelter soon before the eye moves too close.”
One of the sailors spoke up, “Mr. Keg! I know this beach! We are on the coast near Filleydelphia!”
Jim replied with surprise, “What? Are you sure?”
The stallion nodded, “Aye… I grew up near here.”
Powder Keg smiled as he looked to Zeil, “Hear that Mage? Seems Captain Sail kept his word after all.”
Zeil smiled, “He did… I'm back… Equestria.”

Powder Keg looked to the sailor, “You’re from here? Any hurricane shelters nearby?”
The sailor nodded, “Aye sir, there is one just down the shore. Follow me!”
Powder Keg nodded as he called, “Lets make for the shelter lads. While the eye is still upon us.”
Moving with haste, the crew of sailors followed the local as he showed them to a large bunker-like building that sat on the top of a high hill. As the group of pirates approached the large steel doors, Powder Keg knocked on them as they slowly opened as a unicorn looked at them and spoke, “What? A group of castaways? How did you make it to shore in one piece?”
Powder Keg replied, “Our ship went down with our captain just off the coast. We managed to make it ashore, but the eye is over us and it will pass soon. Let us in.”
The unicorn nodded as he opened the doors and allowed them to pass, “Of course… there should be room in the back off the shelter. Rest back there and we can bring you some blankets if you need them.”

As the crew entered, Zeil could see a large open bay filled with refugees that stretched throughout the entirety of the massive underground bunker. With a long open path leading all the way to the back of the shelter, Zeil, Powder Keg, Jim and the rest of the Crimson Pirates made their way down the aisle as they paid little attention to the surrounding refugees. Not far off the aisle, next to a second large set of massive iron doors, A familiar mare stood next to the city mayor as the mayor spoke, “I want to thank you once again. If I had let this little squabble between me and Caretaker continue. Then the zoo animals would have been left out to fend for themselves in this storm.”
The mare smiled, “Friends don’t always agree on everything. But if we let our disagreement effect our responsibilities then we may overlook those who rely on us for protection. I'm just grateful we were able to convince you before the hurricane hit the mainland.”
The mayor nodded, “Yes, and thanks to the Princess of Friendship, we can now ensure the animals are safe till this storm passes. Once again, thank you, Princess Twilight.”

At that moment, the large iron doors opened, as an earth pony, Two changelings, and a yellowish pegasus exited as Princess Twilight looked at the pegasus and spoke, “Fluttershy, are the animals alright?”
As they closed the large iron doors, Fluttershy replied, “oh yes, we made sure they were all extra comfy for their stay. And with Thorax and Ocellus’s help. We were able to calm them down before putting them away in their pens.”
The younger reformed changeling spoke, “You were the one who convinced them to come quietly. I don’t think the tigers would have agrees if not for your stare.”
The older changeling smiled, “I guess it was a good idea that the map wanted us to come along too. Even though we did little to convince the mayor he was overreacting.”
The earth pony replied as he placed his arm around the mayors shoulder, “Well at any rate, you helped me and the mayor Frank make up with enough time to save the animals. Thanks to you four, the Fillydelphia Zoo will be in business once the storm blows over. Thank you all, for your help.”
Princess Twilight replied, “Thank the map, it’s what guided us here in the first pla-“

As that was said, Flutterhy’s cutiemark and the orbs on Ocellus’s chest started glowing brightly as Fluttershy looked to her cutiemark and smiled, “looks like we are finished here.”
As Ocellus looked at her chest she too smiled, “I guess that’s mission accomplished.”
However, as Princess Twilight looked at her cutiemark she was confused, “What? Looks like I'm not finished here just yet.”
Thorax looked at his chest as he nodded, “Me neither… but, what else is there for us to do? The animals are safe, and the mayor and zoo keeper made up and are friends again.”
Ocellus thought to herself as she started to reply, “I'm not sure, is there another friendship problem nearb-“

All of a sudden, Ocellus paused as she looked away from the group as Thorax saw her expression and spoke, “Ocellus? What’s wrong?”
Ocellus replied, “There is another changeling here…”
Thorax started to reply, “Really? I didn’t know there were any changeling in- … wait…” he looked across the area at Zeil who was trotting by in the center aisle, “It… it can't be.”
Making his way through the crowded bay, Thorax stepped into the aisle a number of paces behind the moving pirates as he looked at Zeil and spoke, “Z-Zeil?”
As soon as his name was said, Zeil paused as he immediately sensed the changeling behind him as he slowly turned to his brother and spoke, “Thorax?”
Thorax smiled, “It’s really you! Brother it’s been a long time.”
Zeil started to reply with a smiled, “It has, it’s good to see-“

All of a sudden, Princess Twilight, Fluttershy, and Ocellus finished making their way into the aisle behind Thorax as they came into Zeil’s view. As soon as the princess saw him, she recognized Zeil’s zebra appearance as she spoke in disbelief, “Z-Zine?”
Zeil’s expression became furious as he replied, “You…”
As Zeil glared at Princess Twilight, the room seemed to fill with an unmistakable aura of darkness as the rest of the pirate crew felt it and turned to them as they all gathered behind Zeil as Powder Keg tapped his musket on the ground before speaking, “Mage Zeil… I see you’ve met the ruler of Equestria… She isn’t bothering you… is she?”
Another Sailor spoke, “Mage Zeil is a friend of the Crimson Pirates. Any who stand against him, stands against us.”
Jim spoke next, “Even a princess.”
Twilight was surprised, “M-mage? Zine… is the Mage of Zebrica?”
Thorax was confused, “Zine?… wait…” he looked at Zeil, “You’re Zine? The Changeling of the Everfree Forest?”

Zeil gave Thorax a curious look, “Changeling of the Everfree? I didn’t realize I was famous.”
Twilight started to speak, “When you left I-“
“I don’t want to hear anything from you! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO EVEN SPEAK TO ME!!!”
Hearing the anger in Zeil’s voice echoing through the shelter, Twilight silenced herself as Fluttershy hid behind her in worry. Ocellus on the other hand stepped forward as she spoke, “That’s not fair. Princess Twilight is on-“
Zeil looked to Ocellus and interrupted, “This doesn’t concern you little-“
As soon as he saw the young changeling, Zeil paused with surprise. Confused, Zeil looked to Thorax who knew what he was thinking as Thorax shook his head to keep quiet as Zeil looked back to Ocellus and finished, “… one. But I feel justified in my anger towards this… princess. So if it’s all the same… I’d rather continue this conversation with only silence from her.”
Although she felt insulted, Princess Twilight agreed that she had wronged him as she looked to Ocellus and replied, “Maybe its best we excuse ourselves for now and let Thorax and Zine-em… Mage Zeil catch up.”

With that, Princess Twilight, Fluttershy and Ocellus left the area as Thorax spoke, “Zeil… that seemed a little harsh don’t you think?”
Zeil replied with distain, “I have my reasons, you on the other hoof seem real chummy with her.”
Thorax nodded, “Well, we have you to thank for that.”
Zeil was confused, “me?”
Thorax nodded, “Yea, when the wedding attack failed, I went into hiding and eventually gained the courage to announce that I was going to be a friend to the ponies. And when a dragon friend helped me plea my case to Prince Armor he didn’t even question it. He immediately accepted me as a friend without even a hint of skepticism.”
Zeil didn’t like hearing Shining Armor’s name but he still replied with surprise, “That so…”
Thorax nodded, “Yea, I didn’t question it at the time. But later I asked why he accepted me so casually, and they said it was because a changeling in the Everfree forest saved him from the lingering effects of Queen Chrysalis’s spell. They said that Zine, the Changeling of the Everfree Forest saved shinning armor’s life and the life of a guard sent to capture him. Because this changeling proved that not all changelings are bad, they decided that if more came forward claiming that they were good, then they wouldn’t question it.”

Zeil replied with anger in his tone, “And did he tell you what happened to the changeling of the Everfree? Did they even admit their fault in the situation there?”
Thorax replied with concern, “What… exactly happened there?”
Wanting to forget it, Zeil waved it off, “Forget it… for now… tell me about that young changeling your with.”
Thorax replied, “You mean Ocellus?”
Zeil nodded, “Yes… her… does… she even know who she is?”
Thorax sighed, “No… we wanted her to be an ambassador to the ponies from the Changeling Kingdom. That means we allowed her to grow up in their school and learn from their culture so that when she was ready, she will be better suited to lead.”
Zeil shook his head, “So, you’ve just lied to her this whole time?”
Thorax shook his head, “Well no we just haven’t told her yet. We want to wait for the right time.”
Zeil replied, “A queen should know that she may need to take command of a swarm someday. It’s not fair to keep it from her. Especially since, she is technically Queen Chrysalis’s daughter, and the heir to our swarm.”

Thorax nodded as he looked down in disappointment, “I know… but we both know that if she take control of the swarm without building a good relationship with other races, then we could be putting another Chrysalis on the throne.”
Zeil sighed, “I guess you’re right, but if she is standing up for Princess Twilight, despite her ignorance, then obviously her relationship is good with the ponies. So am I to assume you rule the Changeling Kingdom for now?”
Thorax nodded, “Yea, after the queen attacked the second time, the rest of the swarm decided to stop fighting ponies and to befriend them instated.”
Zeil smiled, “So our swarm is now reformed too? I'm glad… even if I have no interest in returning to them. It’s good to see they have a brighter future.”
Thorax was surprised, “What? You’re not rejoining the swarm?”
Zeil shook his head, “No, I didn’t come back for the swarm. I left that life behind, now… I'm only back for her.”
Thorax was confused, “Her?... wait… you mean Queen Chrysalis!?!”

With his surprise, Thorax’s voice echoed in the room as Zeil felt nervous, “What? No, no, not her. I meant Zecora.”
Relived Thorax sighed with relief, “Oh… good… I was worried there for a second. Also you know that Queen Chrysalis is turned to stone, right?”
Zeil nodded as he replied, “Yea… about that… Where is she right now?”
Thorax replied, “The Canterlot garden. That’s where Princess Celestia had her put.”
Zeil asked, “And that doesn’t concern you?”
Thorax felt confused, “No… I'm pretty sure the spell used on her is strong. Why do you ask?”
Zeil thought to himself for a few second before disregarding it as he replied, “No reason… nothing too concerning for now anyway.”
That said Zeil looked towards Twilight as he spoke, “Either way, what’s with this whole princess thing with Twilight Sparkle? Since when was she an alicorn?”

Thorax replied, “Well it’s a long story but to shorten it, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna went into retirement and left their kingdom to Princess Twilight.”
Zeil was confused, “Why didn’t they just give it to Princess Mie-amor Cadenza? She is the actual alicorn here.”
Thorax replied, “Well, because they rule the Crystal Empire now.”
Remembering the name from a past mage’s memories, Zeil replied, “So the Cristal Empire is back is it. Well seems life is just that unfair.”
Thorax was confused, “Unfair? What do you mean?”
Zeil replied with distain, “Both of them are responsible for the past ten years of my life… they unjustly sent me clear across the world and their reward… a kingdom, and an empire.”
Thorax didn’t reply, instead he only gave Zeil a confused look, as Zeil sighed, “Never mind… I’m just complaining now. Guess I'll just have to look passed i- actually… No. No I'm going to deal with this myself.”

Zeil looked passed Thorax as he spoke, “Twilight Sparkle.”
Feeling somewhat nervous, Princess Twilight approached as Zeil spoke with authority, “Your brother, Prince Armor… He is the ruler of the Cristal Empire?”
She nodded as she replied, “Yes, he is.”
Zeil nodded, “Then we are going to go see him.”
Both Thorax and Twilight were surprised as they replied at the same time, “WHAT?”
Zeil replied, “You both wronged me… and I will not stand for it… not until this matter is balanced. We are going to go see him… and I want you to come too… but even if you don’t… I will be speaking to Shinning Armor, with or without you.”