Brenda tried to work the mop and bucket, finding the task quite arduous, though she succeeded in cleaning up her mess. It took her about half an hour to accomplish the mission, but she performed it well enough. She pushed the bucket with the mop still in it to a corner of the room and left it there. She trotted to the bathroom to take a shower, but not before relieving herself on the toilet. She cursed her luck, reminding herself to keep quiet as much as possible. Can't afford to make the Princess angrier with me, she thought. How am I supposed to get out of this mess? That's the last time I let Mike trick me into doing something stupid.
Freshening herself up was almost as difficult as mopping the floor, though she succeeded in making herself somewhat presentable. Upon finishing, she was greeted at her door by a Royal Guardspony who was to be her chaperon during her training and education. The stallion held the rank of corporal and wore no armor. His coat was a tawny brown, his mane and tail a mix of darker brown and burnt orange. He greeted her curtly, informing her that his name was Steady Aim. He was a slightly larger than average unicorn, his cutie mark appeared to be a red circle with a black horizontal and vertical line intersecting in the center of the circle. He escorted the zebra to her first training exercise, located in a courtyard surrounded by high walls. Several rooms in the castle overlooked the training area and at the very top was the Solar Princess' Royal Bedchamber. Brenda was intimidated by how high the walls extended, though when she was introduced to her training instructor, her apprehension intensified.
An older, grizzled dull grey stallion entered the courtyard, his mane very close cropped to his head. He was a veteran of the Royal Guard, already having retired. He immediately called Brenda to attention, though she had no military experience whatsoever. He trotted over to her to inspect her.
"So, we have a zebra here," he stated flatly. He prodded her with his right fore-hoof. "Say! What's your name, filly?" he barked, right in her left ear. She reared up on her hind legs and struck him in the face with her right fore-hoof.
"My name is Brenda, you asshole!" she shouted back at him. He chuckled a little.
"I'm Ten Hut, and I've been assigned the task of being your training instructor. You've got spunk, Brenda -- I don't like that. You hit me one more time and I'll show you just how much I don't like spunk," he growled menacingly, his face set in a grim scowl. "Since you don't know how to stand at attention, I'm gonna show you -- you will follow my example and hold that stance until I tell you otherwise. You've already pissed me off, so that's one strike against you." He finished by showing her his pose at attention, then reiterated his command to her. She moved into position hesitantly, glaring daggers at him.
"I've never been in the military -- and I was only supposed to be doing training and education," Brenda said sternly, maintaining her stare.
"Consider this part of your education and training then, Brenda. I don't want to hear any more backtalk from you -- I won't put up with that. Princess Celestia chose me specifically for this purpose, and any insubordination will be directly reported to her. She has already informed me that you are on very thin ice with her and she is seriously considering changing your sleeping arrangements," the old stallion stated flatly. "Don't mess with her -- she can be pretty mean when she wants to. That means, don't mess with me, either!"
"Okay," she replied curtly. Ten Hut frowned deeply and trotted up to her again, nearly mashing his muzzle against hers.
"I see I'm gonna have to train you a bit more. You will respond to me by saying, 'Yes, Sir,' or 'No, Sir.' You got that?" he hissed through clenched teeth.
"Y-yes, S-sir," she replied timidly, trying to back away from him. He let a smile grace his lips very briefly before he regained his military bearing, his gaze hardening once again. "You are to obey my commands without question! You will do as I direct you and if you don't, I will report your actions to the Princess! We will start with some calisthenics," he announced. Brenda eyed him warily and waited for his command, then shuddered when he ordered her to do fifty push-ups. She dropped into position as best she could, then found that her strength as a zebra was considerably greater than that of a human. She was able to do the exercise rather easily.
Ten Hut put her through several more exercises, each more rigorous than the last until she was covered in sweat and breathing heavily. "I need a smoke break," she stated flatly, causing him to glower at her.
"I don't know if the Princess told you this or not, Brenda, but you will not be allowed to smoke. Any more," he replied sternly. His statement elicited a wail of frustration from the zebra, then a scream of rage. She rushed the old stallion with fire burning in her eyes. He took a few steps back, a look of apprehension on his face. "Brenda, STOP! Do you want the Princess to come down here personally?"
The zebra skidded to a halt mere inches from his face and glared daggers at him again. "I don't care too much about that, you asshole! I NEED a cigarette!" she shouted in his face.
"I don't have any, and the Princess forbids it. You will return to your previous position, NOW!" he barked at her.
"You just wait," she growled at him, earning a smug grin.
"Oh, you wanna challenge me? Heh, heh, heh. You think you can beat me? Give it your best shot!" he chuckled, taking a fighting stance.
She charged him again, rearing up onto her hind legs and attempted to strike him with both fore-hooves. He easily dodged her attack and countered with a right to her midsection, causing her to lose her balance and fall to the ground. She quickly righted herself and charged him again, this time turning her back to him and recoiled her hind legs to give him both rear hooves to his midsection. Her attack missed again and this time he was on top of her and hit her in the head with his left fore-hoof. He took her to the ground again and wrapped his left foreleg around her neck, pulling it back a little.
"Let go of me, you asshole!" she screamed, kicking her hind legs in a futile attempt to get him off her back. He continued to chuckle at her feeble attempts to dislodge him.
"You've got spirit, I'll give you that! I'm gonna train you to be a real fighter -- you want that?" he asked as he released her. She trotted away from him and faced him once again, but a smile came to her face.
"If you can make me a real fighter, then yes, sir, I'm all in!" she chirped.
"Good. I'm gonna show you effective combat methods -- it's gonna take awhile, but if you're patient and persistent, it'll pay off for you in the long run. You okay with that?"
"Yes, SIR!" she replied almost gleefully.
"Good! We'll take a little lunch break before we resume your training," he announced, then motioned her to follow him. He led her to the dining hall and instructed the chef to prepare a special meal for her and to put her on a particular diet designed to encourage muscle build and toning. He took a seat and motioned her to sit beside him.
"So what kind of food is served here?" Brenda asked, a look of slight apprehension on her face.
"I've picked out a special diet for you, Brenda -- if you're gonna train to be a fighter, you need certain foods to promote the building and strengthening of certain muscles," he replied, smiling warmly at her. "Does that sound good to you?"
"Yes, sir!" she chirped.
"Y'know, I think I'm gonna like training you," he chuckled.
"I think I'm gonna like training under you -- but I'd kinda like to get to know you a little better. I can't stand my husband -- I think he's trying to get a little too close to some of those mares in Ponyville, especially Twilight," the zebra mused.
"Lemma guess -- you wanna get back at him, izzat right?" he chuckled. "I can help you," he ginned. She returned his grin, but hers was tinged with a hint of malice.
"You be careful if you're thinking about attacking him -- the Princess has already mentioned him to me and he's under her protection. There are other ways, though..." he chuckled again, his grin widening.
A serving pony brought their food to them and Brenda heartily tucked into her meal. A few bites in, her eyes widened in surprise at the food quality.
"I dunno what this is, but it's good!" she exclaimed through a few mouthfuls. She finished her plate quickly as the old stallion chuckled softly, savoring his food.
"You'll probably need another plate of food," he stated and whistled for the serving pony to return. "Bring the zebra another plate of the same thing, she's gonna need it."
The server disappeared and returned a few minutes later with another plate of food for Brenda. She devoured it almost as quickly as the first plate of food. Ten Hut finished eating at about the same time and motioned for her to follow him back into the exercise yard. This time, a different set of exercises was commanded of the zebra, who complied with gusto. Eventually she tired out again, but was given another break.
"Brenda, these exercises are designed to increase your stamina, endurance, agility, and speed. We will work on strength tomorrow, then return to speed. We will alternate these exercises to quickly build your metabolism," Ten Hut announced.
"Sounds good, Sir," she replied eagerly. He nodded in approval before starting her on another grouping of exercises. Once again, Brenda got tired, but she stated it was a good kind of tired. They broke for dinner at this point and were joined by the Solar Princess in the dining hall.
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"Ten Hut, what is your assessment of Brenda's progress?" asked Celestia.
"There was some initial conflict, but we seemed to have ironed it out, your Highness. I believe I have inspired her," he stated reverently, nodding his head slightly.
"That sounds promising," she responded before turning her attention to the zebra. "Brenda, I was watching your exercises today. I admire your willingness to train to be a fighter, but I must caution you against using your newly acquired skills to inflict physical harm upon your husband."
"Yes, your Majesty," she replied meekly.
"Twilight is reporting to me on his progress -- if he steps out of line, he will be punished," the Alicorn stated flatly. Brenda grinned at this.
"I certainly hope you punish him severely, your Majesty," she said somewhat cheerfully.
"I am a just and kind ruler, Brenda -- his punishment will be appropriate regarding the level of his transgression, depending on my mood. Do not presume to think I will single him out unfairly," she admonished sternly.
"Yes, your Majesty," the zebra sighed in defeat. "I am sorry, but -- I think it's unfair that he's being treated as kindly as he is."
"He has already been punished -- I have turned him into a pony," the Alicorn chuckled. "He'll find out sooner or later that he'll discover that being a pony is not as easy as he might think it is."
"So what? He's enjoying it, isn't he?"
"For now, yes," Celestia replied, a mysterious grin on her face. A green light filled the immediate area as a scroll materialized in front of her. She used her magic to unwrap it, noticing it had Twilight's seal on it. She read it silently and frowned a little. "It seems your husband has certain ... ideas regarding my faithful student. This letter I have just received states that he has proposed marriage to either her or Rarity or both. If you'll excuse me, I believe I have some business to attend to in Ponyville."
"Your Majesty, may I accompany you? I'd like to see you punish him in front of my eyes!" Brenda exclaimed excitedly.
"Michael, why did you propose to me? You're already married," Twilight inquired, some exasperation in her voice. I gave her a warm smile.
"I already told you -- I would like to have some pony who respects me for who I am, not what she can get out of me. I feel that both you and Rarity would provide me the happiness that has been missing from my marriage for so many years," I replied, maintaining my smile. "I would be honored --"
Just then, a brilliant white light blinded me as Princess Celestia teleported into the main room, accompanied by my zebra wife. Not seeing us there, she called out. "Twilight, where are you? Michael, please show yourself."
"I apologize, Twilight," I offered before leaving my half-eaten dinner and trotted into the main room. My smile fell when I saw the Alicorn and the zebra. "Your Majesty, I apologize -- OW!"
I was interrupted by my zebra trotting up to me and striking my face with her right fore-hoof. "Brenda, I believe I warned you about that," the Alicorn admonished, giving the zebra a stern look. "Michael, I apologize for bringing her here -- it would appear she still harbors some ill will toward you."
"Your Majesty, I think I may have deserved that," I began. I was cut off by my wife screaming at me, yelling all sorts of obscenities, then finishing it off by tearfully asking me, "How could you? I thought you loved me!"
"Brenda, I'm sorry -- OW!" I said as I tried to apologize, but she struck me in the face again.
"Michael, why did you propose marriage to both Rarity and Twilight?" asked Celestia.
"I believe my exact words were, 'If I weren't already married, I'd be tempted to ask for your hoof in marriage', your Majesty," I stated reverently. "I didn't directly ask, I qualified it by stating -- OW!!" I exclaimed as Brenda struck my face again. The Alicorn placed a freeze spell on my wife to prevent her from hitting me again.
"That's enough, Brenda. You must stop hitting him -- I need to ask more questions and your behavior is too disruptive to allow you free movement for the time being. Michael, is it your desire to seek a divorce from your wife?"
I was taken aback by this direct question and had to pause to think about it. "Your Majesty, I need some time to ponder your question. There is a part of me that wishes for a divorce, seeing as there has been no passion in our marriage for more than fifteen years -- but by the same token, it would be wrong of me to ask for a divorce when we are no longer on the world we got married on, and there is no legal authority here who can proclaim a divorce."
Celestia smiled at me. "Michael, I am the ultimate authority here, and since you and your wife cannot return to your home world, I have the legal authority to allow for a divorce," she offered warmly.
"NOOO!" Brenda screeched. "Don't do it! Please!"
"Your Majesty, right now is not the proper time or place for me to make such a decision. I request more time to contemplate it, if you would be so kind," I responded, bowing before the Alicorn.
"Mike! Please give me a hug!" Brenda stated, smiling a little. I trotted slowly over to her, but Celestia erected a barrier between us.
"Brenda, we are returning to the castle now. I will have to make a slight change to the location of your bedchamber as a result of your actions. Michael, I must ask you to refrain from visiting your wife until such time as I allow it. Physical contact is another matter which will take some time before I allow that as well," the Alicorn stated flatly, giving my wife a stern look. As she was still under the effect of the freeze spell, she responded by shouting, "No, please!"
"You shouldn't have hit me, Brenda -- I'm sorry," I offered softly. I turned towards Twilight, giving her an almost sheepish grin. "Um, sorry about the confusion, Twi -- thanks for dinner, I guess I'll be heading off to bed now." I turned towards the stairs and was about to trot up them to the guest room when the Alicorn stopped me.
"Michael, I need to talk to you further about this matter," she stated somewhat sternly.
"Your Majesty, I am quite tired and desire a little rest," I protested.
"I understand you need to take some time regarding this decision, but I cannot allow you to marry my student. I can grant you a divorce from your wife, if that is your desire, but Twilight must make her own decision regarding her choice of marriage."
"I understand, your Majesty. Please show Brenda at least a little mercy, for my sake. I apologize for causing so much trouble."
"I will inform Twilight as to my decision, Michael -- she will then let you know when you may return to the Castle to see your wife."
"Mike! Please! Don't leave me! Princess! Please let me stay with him! PLEEEEASE!!" wailed Brenda as the Alicorn wrapped her left wing around the zebra and teleported back to the Castle. I hung my head at my wife's pleading, giving her a last baleful look.
"I'm really sorry, Michael, but I cannot marry you -- I am deeply flattered by your request, but I don't know you well enough to make such a decision," Twilight offered softly.
"I understand, Twilight. I apologize for making such a hasty request," I replied, nodding my head slowly. The lavender mare approached me to see if Brenda's attacks had caused serious injury.
"I had no idea your wife would be so mean to you, though. It looks like she left you a couple of bruises -- I'll get something for that. You head on upstairs to the guest room -- my guess is that you're going to need some rest."
"Thank you for your hospitality, Twilight," I said, offering her a smile as I started my way up to the guest room. "I suppose I'll still have to accompany Rarity to Canterlot, even if I can't visit Brenda while I'm there."
"You did promise her a shopping trip, didn't you?" the librarian asked from the kitchen as she fetched some ice.
"That's true, I did. I think she mentioned something about buying me stuff if it struck my fancy."
"Don't take advantage of her, Michael! She may be the Element of Generosity, but you'd better not push her too far -- maybe I'd better send Spike with you just in case," she stated loud enough for me to hear her as she began trotting up the stairs.
"I respect you and your friends enough to know better than that -- please give me at least a little credit, Twi," I chuckled.
"I'll trust you to keep your word then, Michael. Now let me see to your injuries," she intoned softly as she trotted right up to me, glasses perched on her muzzle as she inspected my face, dabbing at it with a wet towel in her magenta aura. I smelled rubbing alcohol on the cloth as she gently wiped my face.
"Thanks, Twilight," I grinned. I grimaced as she placed a bag of ice on my face in the spots where Brenda had struck me, hissing through clenched teeth at the sensation.
"You're going to be all right now, Michael -- this should keep some of the swelling down. I'll check up on you in the morning. Good night!" she smiled as she left the room, closing the door behind her. I drifted off to sleep, the dull ache in my face slowly fading as I relaxed in the comfort of the bed.
"Brenda, I am very disappointed in you," the Solar Princess stated sternly, almost glaring at the zebra.
"I can't believe he wants to marry someone else!" she wailed. "I thought he loved me!" she exclaimed bitterly as tears began to trickle down her cheeks.
"I understand your pain, Brenda, but that's no excuse to engage in violence. As I stated before, there will be a slight change in the location of your quarters. You will have to improve your behavior before other changes can be made, along with visits from your husband. While you are on punishment, you will be prohibited from receiving visits." As she spoke the words, her horn glowed with a golden aura, the same aura appearing around the zebra mare's hooves. Golden bracelets appeared after the aura disappeared, but the bracelets were linked with golden chains, preventing her from rearing up onto her hind legs.
"WHAT? You're making me ... a prisoner?" asked a very shocked Brenda. She tried to trot around, finding her movement severely restricted as the chains clinked and clanked on the floor.
"This is for your own good, Brenda. Depending on how well you cooperate, those chains will be removed and you will be moved back into more appropriate quarters. Guard, please escort Brenda to her new quarters," the Alicorn stated sternly.
An armor-clad unicorn guard trotted over to the Princess and saluted her, then took the zebra in his pale green aura, lifting her off the ground.
"Put me down! I can walk on my own!" Brenda protested as she was slung over the guard's back.
"Can't have you running off on me, even if you are wearing chains, miss," he stated gruffly, trotting a little faster down the hallways. He continued to ignore her repeated protests, sometimes wincing at the colorful language she used, then opened a door leading down a dark staircase.
"Where are my new quarters?" Brenda asked, traces of fear in her voice as she noticed the only illumination coming from oil lamps hanging on the walls. It took a few minutes for her eyes to adjust to the low light levels, and when she finally saw where she was being escorted, she started mewling and whimpering.
"These are your new quarters, miss," he said nonchalantly as he opened a door with a small window, vertical bars being the only decoration in the door. There was also a small rectangular slot cut into the bottom of the door to allow for meal trays to be slid under it. The stallion chuckled as he unceremoniously dumped the zebra on the cot in her cell. "I don't know how long her Highness intends to keep you down here for, but I'd try to stay on her good side from here on out if I were you," he advised before turning around and closing the cell door behind him. A loud thunk was heard as the door locked into place.
Brenda had to turn herself over to sleep, but her anger forced her up onto her hooves. She made her way to the door and started pounding on it with her forehooves, screaming obscenities until she lost her voice, cursing me for having tricked her into coming through the portal in the first place. Having tired herself out, she retreated to her cot, where she laid on her belly and cried herself to sleep.