400,500 kilometers west were eight gigantic boats of the cats, still quite far from the land of crocs. The entire crew were dressed in fancy black Velvet coats and jackets, swords in their paws. Leo, of course, was the one leading the ship.
Siloam made a command to the rest of the crew, and then turned over to his captain, who gazed forward, his eyes searching for the end of the sea. His chest was puffed out, brooding with confidence, his fur blowing against the wind. Though Siloam couldn’t help but admire his confidence, he did not agree with this plan, it just seemed way too ambitious.
As his hand, he knew he had to reason with him again, or at least try to convince him to turn back. “Your furiness.” Siloam approached Leo, his paws tied together, Leo turned back at him and jumped off the deck in an epic fashion, which Siloam claimed to be unnecessary, but Leo said otherwise. He then walked over to the edge of the boat, looking down at the water below.
“So, what do you need?” Asked Leo, tipping his hat.
“Please don’t take this the wrong way, your furiness,” Siloam said, hesitating with each word. “But, it’s still not too late to turn back.”
Leo took his gaze off the ocean and back at Siloam with defiance. It was only for a moment, but in the short time, his face spoke so many words of annoyance. "Why do you worry so much?" Leo asked, annoyance dripping from his voice.
"It's my duty as your hand, my king." Siloam answered, the nervousness of his voice lessening. "And I hope that you hear me out."
"Go on." Leo sighed, gesturing his right paw.
"Like my brother Liam said, this plan most likely won't go as planned. The Crocodiles aren't known for being good negotiators, they're known for their ruthlessness. And besides, what could we possibly offer them that they already have?" Siloam asked.
The two then broke into a short silence, and Siloam began to doubt his question. Leo then sighed and walked over to Siloam, putting a paw on his shoulder with a reassuring smile. "We have the best ships to ever set foot onto this sea. What creatures could turn down such an offer?"
"The wielders of the sun and moon!" a crewmember said nearby, Leo laughed and Siloam chuckled slightly. "Ah, that is true!" Leo laughed.
"Your furiness." Siloam said again, his voice carrying a heavier weight. "The Crocodiles are feared by even them. What makes you think they'll accept cheating creatures like us? What if they assassinate you? There'll be no cat to lead the golden islands."
Leo smirked and leaned forward towards Siloam's face, his gaze more serious and determined as ever. "Well that's a risk I'm willing to take." He said, patting him on the back before walking back onto the deck.
Siloam didn’t know what else to say. It just seemed like that no matter what he said, the stubbornness of the king would not allow him to listen. He groaned in anger and went to the bottom of the ship, cats of all colors talking to each other in unison while giving toast. Siloam awkwardly took a seat next to an orange cat named whisker, who sat silently.
“You look troubled.” He said. “What’s the matter?”
“The king still refuses to listen to me.” Siloam complained, his paws moving with his words. “I’m supposed to be his hand, and yet, he still refuses to listen to me. He just doesn't understand… he's not his father."
"Can't say that I don't agree," Whisker said, adjusting his posture. "But, the king's not dumb either. I'm sure he knows what he's doing."
"I wish I had your optimism, whisker." Soliam scooted over. "There's just way too much at stake here. I understand that our ancestors were greedy, manipulating, risk-taking conquerors, but we're not that anymore. We've just been feeding on the resources of other creatures. And we all know the damage that can happen when the island is when there is no cat to rule."
"I wouldn't stress too much about it," Liam said. "He's trying to bring back our old ways, remember? We can't just sit around and expect some other creature to help us, or the Lions to rebuild their military. No amount of tuna will help that, for sure."
Siloam sighed and looked back down at the ground, his face shrouded in doubt and confusion. "I hope the king's words are right." Siloam said.
Zebraska
A day passes from when the three unicorns were welcomed into the home of Zebraska. The first day was so different, yet so welcoming. Everyone in the land gathered around them, handing them bracelets of gold, purple, and red, along with beautiful necklaces of the same color. The food was very different than it was back home. It wasn't hayfries or lettuce, instead, there were peas, corn, noodles, soup, and many more. They were reluctant to taste it at first, but eventually gave in, and It tasted great. Unfortunately, due to all of the town's teachings of their culture, they didn't get to spend much time with the family who brought them in. Zebulon was glad about that, but his siblings were the opposite.
On this day, however, the unicorns would be sent into the custody of Zecora and her family. An order given by the king. The unicorn's didn’t know whether to feel excited or scared, but they had no choice but to accept the order.
The two king's warriors led them to their house at the break of day, bathed in the light of Celestia's sun. The house was made of ancient cobblestone, tall and wide, its triangular roof filled with hay and its walls covered in lush moss. It stood out amongst the other houses of Zebraska, a perfect blend of old and new.
The two children, Zofran and Zakaria, stood outside of the house, seemingly eager for their arrival. The three unicorns felt their hooves shiver ever so slightly, but they were able to push themselves forward.
"Come, don't be afraid!" Zofran urged as Twilight walked closer. She stopped for a moment and looked at him for a moment. Zofran was worried that he had started her, and stepped back a little.
"Ssh! Don't startle her, brother!" Zakaria said, hastily.
"I'm not trying to!" Zofran spat back, calling over to Twilight once again. Twilight looked over at her friend, Sunset Shimmer.
"Should we… go?" Twilight whispered, nervously. "They seem like they want us to go to them."
"If they are, then I think we should." Trixie answered. "They don't seem like bad creatures at all, and they helped us, so it's only fair, right Sunset? What do you think.."
"...I think so." Sunset said, uncertainty in her voice. "It's an order from the king, so we must follow it."
They took a deep breath and began approaching Zofran and Zakaria, the royal guards following in their hoofsteps. "They're coming towards us, stand still!" Zakaria commanded, her voice trembling in excitement
Taking a deep breath, Twilight approached cautiously. "Um, hello," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm Twilight Sparkle. It's nice to meet you."
Zofran, the middle child with a calm demeanor, looked up and smiled warmly. "Greetings, Twilight Sparkle. I am Zofran. You may enter our space!"
"How did you… know my name?" Twilight asked, stammering.
"The townsfolk talked about all three of you, including your names." Zofran answered. "Sunset, Trixie, and you, Twilight Sparkle. Those are your names, correct?"
They three all nodded in unison.
"Good," Zofran and Zakaria turned around, looking back at the three unicorns. "Come, we'll show you around our household."
The unicorns followed through zebras into the home. The place was well cleaned and maintained, with candles placed onto the wall, and old pictures of the family along with them. There was also a red carpet in the heart of the living room in the shape of the square, nearly covered by the wooden circular table and the brown couch that was behind it. It was barely visible, but Twilight could see the golden Zebra head symbol adorned into the carpet. That must be their sigil! Twilight realized.
They then showed them their small kitchen and bathroom, which both had the same variation of their supposed sigil on the floor, as well as the very same candles hanging on the walls. Zebulon stayed in his room and did not participate in their tour. After the tour was over, the two zebra siblings decided to show them their rooms.
"Come, I'll show you my room." Zofran told Twilight.
Curiosity sparked within Twilight's eyes as Zofran led her through the trees. They arrived at a small, cozy dwelling made of woven vines and adorned with vibrant flowers. Inside, Twilight's eyes widened in awe as she saw ancient weapons displayed on the walls, each with a story etched into their surface.
"These are the weapons of my ancestors," Zofran explained, his voice filled with reverence. "They were warriors, protecting our lands and preserving our traditions. Each weapon holds a tale of bravery and honor. For example:"
Zofran picked up one of the spears hanging on the far right of his collection. It was adorned with purple stripes and had a gold blade which sat in the light of Celestia's sun through the window. "This one belonged to my grandfather, but he handed it to me after I was chosen to be lord commander. I must say, it's quite the responsibility. I almost feel myself nearly crumbling under the weight each day, but I have to persevere. It's what we do as warriors."
Twilight listened intently, her nervousness fading away as she engrossed herself in Zofran's stories. She asked questions, and Zofran patiently answered, fostering a small connection between them. "Are you a warrior too?"
"Why yes." Answered Zofran. "My grandfather molded me into one, and my brother Zebulon tagged along. I'm not too high up in the ranks, but I hope to become a lord commander."
"And what of your brother? Is he a good warrior?" Twilight asked.
"A great warrior, but not exactly the nicest." Zofran said, his tone hinting bitterness. "I had to stop him from seriously hurting you before you woke up, he's rarely happy about visitors."
"And why is that?"
"How many questions will you ask me before you eventually kill me?" Zofran asked with a hint of annoyance and full of amusement.
Twilight looked down in shame and embarrassment. "Sorry," she said, faintly.
"There's nothing to be sorry about, Twilight. I was simply joking, that's all… well, that's half of it."
"Forgive me for asking, but… may I hold it?" Twilight asked, her pupils widening. Zofran looked at her with confusion and concern. He noticed that she was staring directly at his spear, and slightly began to move away from her.
"The power of this object is far too great for even a young crocodile to wield, let alone a pony of your stature. It would be best if you focused your efforts on helping the residents of this town by folding their clothes." Zofran said, turning around and putting the spear back in its place.
"But any creature could do such an easy task," Twilight argued playfully. "I think it's much more exciting and interesting to experience and explore the culture of other creatures firsthoof."
"You're quite the curious filly." Zofran stated in a tone of amusement, Twilight blushed in embarrassment.
"I've yet to read about your culture back home. Before then, I've heard a little bit about creatures like you." Twilight said, Zofran's expression sparked in interest
"Is that so?" He asked.
"Yes," Twilight replied. "I heard the rumor that you had the physique of a pony, but with a coat of white fur and black stripes. It was only a whisper among the ponies of Ponyville, but when I stepped into the herd, it came rushing back to me all of the sudden."
"May I ask, what did they say?" Asked Zofran.
"Well… one of my teachers said that you were the closest creatures to Elohim, even closer than us ponies." Twilight answered. "The others just talked of your ability to see the memories of other creatures, as well as your ancestors."
"While we're on the subject of your hometown, I'm dearly sorry about your family." Zofran said. "It must hurt for them to not know of your well-being."
"Yeah… it must be." Twilight said.
Zofran turned back and saw the gloomy look in Twilight's eyes and walked over to her. Once close enough, he bent down and stared deep into Twilight's eyes with sincerity. "Do not worry, unicorn." He assured her. "We will raise you well, and soon, once this world is finally at peace, you will be reunited with your loved ones back home."
Twilight smiled back, but couldn't find hope within his words. She didn't want to be a pessimist, but because of the war between the Lions and Ponies, nothing told her that the war would end soon. Yes, it had ended, but what had come of it? More suffering.
"Are you sure about that, Zofran?" Twilight asked.
"I'm not going to make any promises, unicorn. But, I do have faith. That's what carries me on." Zofran answered.
"Faith? What do you mean faith?" Twilight asked.
"I believe in the creator. I have faith that he will bring order back to the world once he returns." Zofran answered. "I can not speak on the creator's behalf, or give the specific day of his return. But I sense that it's soon."
Faith? Any faith Twilight had of the Creator's return was diminished the moment her ship had sunk. Even then, faith changed nothing. It didn’t stop anyone from dying on that ship. Twilight didn't want to speak these thoughts out loud, knowing of their faith to Elohim, but she questioned it.
"So is it true, are you the closest creatures to Elohim?" Twilight asked.
Zofran turned his gaze back into his collection of spears. "All creatures are close to Elohim, we're all equal." Zofran answered, he then walked over and stroked her hair with his right hoof . "No creature is better than the other, that's how Elohim created us, and the very thing Discord tried to achieve years ago."
He then walked over to a red box in the right corner of the room, Twilight's eyes and ears perked up with curiosity. "What do you mean he tried to achieve? I thought he did, didn't he?"
"He didn't, unfortunately. One good look at the world could show you that much." Zofran answered. "You'd have to talk to our mother about this, my knowledge of the Antediluvian Era is miniscule at best."
"Oh, of course." Twilight muttered as she looked down aimlessly at the floor. She thought dearly of what the king said regarding the relationship between ponies and zebras. It made sense why the relationship between the two would be quite indifferent, considering Celestia and Luna's claim that they are the true children of Elohim and no one else.
Zofran noticed Twilight's gloomy look, and felt regret. What was I thinking, she's just a filly, he thought. "Sorry… I didn't mean to—"
"No, don't be. I understand." Twilight assured. "Luckily enough, my parents taught me that too."
"May I see another spear?" Twilight continued.
"Sure." Zofran replied, grabbing a green spear from his collection.
Outside of the stone house, a large, mystical, majestic tree that stands tall, reaching for the heavens in a mystical realm. Its trunk, adorned with intricate patterns, seems to be woven from ancient wisdom and magic. The branches of this fantastical tree spread wide, their delicate leaves shimmering with ethereal hues of green, gold, and silver. A lake of sparkling water sat in front of the tree, adding to its mystical nature. It called by the zebras "God's Tree", which they claim that the tree was built by Discord himself.
As usual, Zecora found Zycrono sitting up against the tree, reading the same book: Book of Harmony. She had never seen him read anything else besides that book even though he had finished reading it long before. Does he ever get tired of reading that same book? That was the only question that crossed her mind every time she came across him.
Zecora steadily approached him, hoping not to disturb his peace. Zycrono heard the sudden sound of a hoof stepping on a leaf, and instantly spotted Zecora.
"I apologize," Zecora said, nervously chuckling. "Please, go on."
"No, no," Zycrono refuted. "There is no need to apologize. Anyone is welcome at Elohim's tree."
Zecora smiled and Zycrono smiled back. He then scooted over from his spot, offering a seat for her near the foot of the tree. Zycrono gestured his right hoof at the patch of leaves right beside him, and Zecora was quick to accept his offer.
"If everyone is welcome, then why do I still feel like a stranger in the presence of the tree after all these years?" Zecora asked, pleasantly.
Zycrono took his eyes off his book and looked over at Zecora with a confused expression. "Why so hard on yourself?" He assured her with a smile. "You have three children, and now take care of three unicorns. You're no stranger?"
"Do you think Elohim agrees with that? Let alone, Discord?" Zecora asked, her voice dripping with amusement.
"Of course he would!" Zycrono exclaimed, smiling along with Zecora. "We've welcomed three creatures from the south of the sea into our land. That's the way of Elohim."
They both had a moment of laughter before Zycrono eventually turned his attention back to his book.
"I'm a bit worried about their safety." Zecora admitted. "If news of their existence reaches the south, there will be conflict."
"Everyone who was aboard the ship is assumed dead." Zycrono said, flipping to the next page. "There is no need to worry."
"Besides, I'm sure the king is taking extreme measures to assure their safety." Zycrono continued.
"But we essentially stole them from their homes." Zecora argued. "Do you honestly think they will accept us?"
"What else were we supposed to do? Sail a ship and take them back? Celestia and Luna will see them as ponies of sin and wreak havoc upon our ship before we would get the chance to even reason with them." Zycrono said. "Celestia and Luna despise ponies who come in contact with other creatures, they think we're all devils."
"That is true." Zecora said, looking down at the lake, her reflection staring back at her. "I just hope that these ponies will be able to trust us. They've gone through alot."
"They will," Zycrono assured, putting a hoof on her mane. "They have you, the best mother across the entire sea. I have no doubt that you'll be able to raise them into great ponies. Why else do you think the king entrusted you to take care of them?"
Zecora gave him a faint smile. It felt great to hear such words. "I deeply appreciate those words, Zycrono."
"Wow."
"What?" Asked Zecora.
"This is a Rarity. You're not speaking in riddles for once." Zycrono said, chuckling slightly. Zecora laughed with him.
"The ponies will be annoyed if I spoke to them like that." Zecora said, controlling her laughter. "They're still young."
After their laughter died down, Zycrono slowly turned his attention to the book in his hands. He carefully flipped to the next page, holding it close to his face. Zecora tried to adjust her position to get a better look at the words, but it seemed the book was held too close for her to get a clear view.
"Why do you always read that book? Do you not get tired of it?" Zecora asked.
"Why would I?" Zycrono asked. "The Antediluvian Era is so vital to the way the world is now? It's filled with wars, myths, and legends. It's fascinating."
"Fascinating, yes. However, I just thought reading about it constantly would get tiring after a while." Zecora replied.
"History is never a bore." Zycrono claimed. "It's the very foundation of this world. The more we understand the world, the better the world can be."
"Hm." Zecora nodded. She then stood up from her spot, catching the attention of Zycrono.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
"To the house." Zecora answered, looking back at him with a smile as she began to walk away. "I suggest you read the book to the kids once you're done. I'm sure they'll enjoy it."
Zycrono nodded and began reading his book once again. Meanwhile, Zecora made her way back to the home.
Chapter End