//------------------------------// // Conspiracy // Story: Stuck in Equestria // by Mike the Red //------------------------------// Zecora allowed us to stay overnight in her hut, though the accommodations were quite cozy, to say the least. While we were sleeping, she had summoned a delegation from Zebrica -- she told us we were not permitted to watch her perform her summoning ritual, which was quite complex. "I thought I heard loud hoofsteps last night," I mused while we nibbled at a continental breakfast. "You must have trouble sleeping, Michael -- I have an herbal remedy for that," she stated, smiling cryptically. "How long before the delegation arrives?" asked Brenda. "I can hardly wait to see Princess Celestia's face when we meet her!" she added almost gleefully. "Brenda must stay here until the delegation arrives -- Michael, you must return to Ponyville until the time arises," Zecora stated firmly, eliciting a gasp from my wife. "Why can't he stay here with me?" she asked in exasperation. "Do you know what we've been through?" "Brenda, a detailed report must be made so the delegation can be prepared for the coming audience. Every instance of your mistreatment, everything she said, all the pain you suffered, all of it must be laid out in intricate detail. We must be fully prepared for this, an opportunity which must not be missed," she replied, her demeanor one of deep sincerity. "Michael is not a Zebra, so he cannot be with us until we travel to Ponyville to have him accompany us to Canterlot. Until then, he must stay away, though I know it hurts you a lot." "I just don't want him sleeping with Twilight," Brenda stated, a hint of anger in her voice. "So -- I recall you telling me about his infatuation -- on this matter I need more elaboration." Zecora turned to face Brenda with a stern expression. "You are still unaware of the customs of ponies? Many mares to a stallion leaves you feeling quite lonely?" "We're married! He can't be going around flirting with other ... mares ... ugh! Mike, you'd better behave yourself!" "I promise to, Brenda," I stated solemnly. "Don't need you getting locked away again," I added, eliciting a wry smile on Zecora's face. Brenda scowled at me again as I turned to leave. "I trust you know your way back to Ponyville?" asked the shamaness. "I don't remember the path back, I'm sorry to say," I replied. I flashed her a look of helplessness as she grimaced at me. "Very well, I shall escort you to the edge of the forest by Ponyville. Breathe not a word of this until the time is ripe," she admonished, her gaze hardening a little. "What about me? Can't I stay with him until the delegation arrives?" asked Brenda. "You must stay here, as I've already told you. There are plans to be made. Michael, tarry not on the path as it is quite dangerous to stray from it." Without uttering another word, the mystic zebra exited her hut, beginning a swift trot, Using some unseen magic, her door closed behind us, leaving a somewhat distraught Brenda staring through a window at us. Again I was forced to canter to keep up with Zecora, her smooth and seamless movements seeming to merge with the forest itself. It was supposed to be morning, but the dense canopy kept everything thickly shaded. After what seemed like another 30 minutes or so of trotting and cantering, we reached the clearing at the edge of the forest. I noted Fluttershy's cottage and commented on it. "This is the end of our little journey, Michael -- it may take some time before the delegation from Zebrica arrives. We shall have you join us when we journey to Canterlot as we will need your testimony," she said in a firm tone reminding me that this was not so much a request as it was an order. "And please respect your wife -- I have ways of finding out if you don't." "Yes, Miss Zecora. I hope to see you soon," I offered cheerfully as I began my trek towards Twilight's house. I stopped by Fluttershy's cottage and informed her that Brenda would be staying with Zecora for the time being before leaving and making my way back to town. I silently hoped I hadn't let too much information escape my lips, but the pegasus was rather insistent on knowing why Brenda was staying behind at Zecora's hut. I smiled and simply told her that something big was in the works and that I was sworn to secrecy on the matter, a fact which made the pegasus frown in concern. "Look, Fluttershy -- it doesn't concern you or your friends -- this is merely a matter about zebras," I added as I trotted towards Twilight's house. I thought I might have heard something she said on the breeze, but her voice was too faint for me to discern her words as I picked up the pace, making it to the library in short order. I just hope I don't have to give Twilight too much information -- she's always so curious about these things... I knocked on the door, unsure of whether or not to enter. Spike opened the door for me and let me in. The sound of my knocking had alerted Twilight, who came downstairs to see who had entered. Upon seeing me, she smiled softly. "You don't have to knock, as long as you're staying here in my house," she offered warmly. "So -- where's your wife? What's going on?" "Brenda's staying with Zecora for the time being," I replied. "I was told to keep the details confidential, though." "Hmm. I wonder what she has planned -- and what does she want with your wife? Or is it because she looks like a zebra?" "Twilight -- I can't speak about that -- but when the time comes, I'm sure I can tell you everything. So --" I began before I was cut off by a loud tapping at the door. Twilight opened it to reveal a zebra stallion about the size of Big MacIntosh. "Zecora sent me here to ensure you remain quiet about what's going on," he stated rather gruffly. He stared hard at me to emphasize his point.