//------------------------------// // Chapter 16: Troubles // Story: A special request // by chaos2012 //------------------------------// The line of carts and tents bundled contained an amazing assortment of different things that Applejack had never seen before. Inside one tent, she saw a potion that when it was poured into a glass of water, the once clear liquid turned darker, swirling around until it became wine. Another shopkeeper was trying to convince her in buying a new mask, which confused her since she had noticed some zebras dressed in in what looked like old tribal outfits. “So, what are they all dressed up fer?” she asked the owner. The stallion gave her an almost perplexed look at why she would ask that. “It’s the annual chief festival. The capital leader is preparing to leave for his usual month long journey to the next head village to conduct meeting with that clan. Don’t you remember?” “Uh, no ah don’t. Ah am not from here.” “Oh really? Alright then, I should have figured by your different accent.” Applejack nodded and continued on down the path. As she walked on, she noticed one thing that caught her eye about the inhabitants here. While she always knew Zecora was slightly bigger than herself, Applejack was the smallest one in this entire area besides the fillies. Most other zebras were only a few inches taller than her, but some of the stallions were massive, even larger than her brother Big Mac! All zebras had much thicker bodies than the average pony, which also added to their stature. Applejack felt like a small filly in the mix of a mass of adults. One thing that Zecora’s potion did not change about herself was her body size, which was still its normal pony frame. For some reason after that, she felt really insecure about being all alone in this place with nopony she knew around her. Deciding that she had enough of walking around here, she turned around and began to walk back towards the main street and the inn. Weaving in and out of the crowded groups entering, Applejack finally found herself outside of the market and on the street leading up to the main road. Walking along the side of the street next to one of the buildings, her path was suddenly cut off by a large zebra. Looking up to her obstacle, she felt a small lump grow inside of her throat. The stallion in front of her was enormous, easily bigger than her brother. Standing over five feet tall, the zebra towered over her with broad shoulders and a thick barrel chest. Below its narrow and trimmed low Mohawk it had across its left eye a scar running down to its chin. Its fur was a light brown mixed with black. Draped over its shoulder seemed to be a golden strap that traveled down to its waist where it held an assortment of small dagger like needles and a large knife. On his flank seemed to be a jewel from what Applejack could tell. And across its muzzle was a big grin. Applejack stared at a moment before speaking up. “Can ah help ya with somethin’?” The big zebra nodded as he leaned his frame against the barrel next to him. “I was hoping to ask why have I not seen a sexy young mare like you around here before?” Applejack rolled her eyes at the comment, now realizing that this was a pick up attempt. “Ah am not from here. Just passing through.” “Oh, you are a visiter? Hmm, interesting, from what region?” “The Everfree forest.” The stallion lifted an eyebrow to that answer. “That is interesting. Perhaps me and you could talk more about yourself in the bar near here. My treat.” Grunting, Applejack frowned at this attempt. “No thanks, partner. Now if ya could excuse me, ah have to go.” She began to try to step around him, only to Have the stallion step out in front of her. The grin across his face caused a chill to run up her spine. "Can ya move, please?" "Come on now, why don't you come enjoy some time with me? I know you would love it if you came down with me." The stallion grinned as he took a step in her direction. "I can give you a good time I assure you." Applejack felt the sweat begin to form under her fur as she stepped back. "Ah said no, so why don't ya just let me go where ah need to go?" She attempted to go between him and the building, but was met his his strong leg stuck out against the wall stopping her once again. She was beginning to get scared as she realized this zebra was determined in what he wanted. Looking around, she saw several other zebras watching the small predicament she was in, but turned their heads and looked away. She felt betrayed at why these zebras were refusing to help her, but the stubborn zebra answered that for her. "I don't think you know who I am, do you? You should realize it would be better for you to just say yes and join me." "I believe she said no." Both Applejack and her roadblock turned to see another zebra stallion walking towards them. He was taller than Applejack, in between the size of her and the stubborn stallion in front. His golden eyes shined in the light of the sun as he walked. His Mohawk was similar to Zecora's, except it ran farther down his neck to the beginning of his back. His stripes were much more defined than most zebras around, the lighter fur nearly pure white. On his flank was a tribal cutie mark of a drum. Around his waist he also sported a belt carrying a dagger along with several other hidden items. The large zebra glared at the newcomer. "What do you want, Graylin ?" Graylin simply walked up until he was several feet from the two. "I think the mare said that she wasn't interested, Krelack. You should learn to respect the simple answer she had." Krelack snickered. "I asked politely. She was going to say yes. She just didn't know she was going to yet." He turned his gaze down to Applejack and grinned as he watched her huddle under his eyes. "You should know that I have not seen a mare as nice as yourself in a while. You would love to come with me and- Graylin stepped between Krelack and Applejack with a threatening look in his eyes. "I will ask you now. Leave." Applejack looked back and forth between the two zebras as they stared each other down. She was afraid of what might have happened any second until Krelack stepped out away from the wall to allow passage. As Graylin stepped past his opposer, Krelack whispered out. "You are going to regret getting in my way again. Don't forget what I am capable of." Not even looking his direction, Graylin spoke out. "I know what you are capable of, Krelack. I have seen it several times. And I do not care who you may be related to, I don't bow to you." Turning his head around, he nodded to Applejack to signal her to follow. Applejack was hesitant at first since she had no idea who this zebra was either, but seeing that he helped her gave her enough trust to go with him. As she walked up by his side, her eyes met up with Krelack, who stared her down as she and her aid walked down the path.