//------------------------------//
// Zebras Zebras Zebras! 
// Story: Undertales of Friendship 
// by ngrey651 
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Twilight was busily rushing about her library as was usual in situations like this. But this time at least she was not alone, having assistance from Alphys and Frisk as they looked for some materials on the coming event.

This was the sight a rather surprised Zecora walked into, returning Asriel from his check up. GIven the choice between Doctor Whooves and Zecora, Asriel often preferred the more magical styled ways of Zecora. If only it didn't look like she was making goatboy stew sometimes....

Then AGAIN, maybe she was.

"Twilight, my dear pony friend, what must you find for your worries to end?"

Twilight stopped and beamed. "ZECORA! Just the zebra I needed to see. We have a special group coming to make a peace treaty with Equestria, and I have been trying to find books on the cultures and methods so I do not offend them and make them feel welcome.

"This seems familiar when I think back, you did the same thing when visited by the Yak."

Twilight nodded. "Yes, but this is different. We know more about this race because of you and..."

Zecora went wide eyed. "Wait.... you mean to say...."

Twilight smiled and finished the rhyme. "Yes Zecora, zebras are on the way!"

Zecora looked positively freakedout, and began to shake. There was only one word she managed to say which shocked everyone.

"Horseapples..."

******

At the docks of Equestria, not too far from Manehatten, Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Toriel, and Asgore waited, as well as representatives from other groups loyal to Equestria: Cadence fro the crystal ponies, Gilda for the griffons, Stout Heart for the buffalo, Yakita for the Yakistanian government, Chrysalis for the changelings, and Spike for the dragons. They waited there on the dock, Twilight surprised at how Zecora was. She seemed... nervous.

"Zecora.. .are you alright? I mean it has been a long time since open relations with Zebraca ever occurred, and I think that this is a momentous result. It will be nice to meet your kin. I bet your family is looking forward to this meeting!"

Zecora shook her head. "Oh Twilight my friend, you don't understand, I fear a great calamity is at hand."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Really? What kind of calamity could that be?"

Zecora however did not get to answer, as from the group another figure called out. Friskhad come more out of curiosity than as an ambassador, though many monsters felt he was a good choice if he was to be one. His voice pierced the crowd and filled Zecora with dread at the words.

"They have arrived! The flag of Zebraca is flying over the ship!"

Zecora swallowed. She was about to see her family again, and odds are this would not be a good reunion. From a nearby hill, the infamous Error Sans and Sombra watched, the former confused.

"So, we are just going to sit here and watch?" Error said. Sombra chuckled.

"Be at ease my friend. We want this world purified. This little act will cause that sooner than they realize. These fools have already shown their weakness, their spineless ways. Well that will prove to be their downfall when they see the truth of the Zebras. There was a reason Fallout Equestria was so close to becoming true."

Error was confused, but watched as the ship reached port, and a gangplank extended. From it emerged a figure clothed in golden robes and wearing a crown of feathers of a bird from a foreign land. His look was fierce, imposing, and it made some looking shy away. Beside him lay two female zebras clothed in leather barding, and a large zebra clothed with golden jewelry.  Following behind was a figure few in Equestria had seen before, a large warthog with a small crown. The figured approached, flanked by zebras with terrifying looking claws  and fangs on their hooves. These were warriors, and their leader was the greatest of all.

"Supreme Chieftain of the Zebracan lands, welcome to Equestria."

Zecora gulped as Twilight gave her greeting. This would not end well.

"A female. Addressing me. Neferti." He turned to the side as one of the females stepped forward. She took a small scroll with peacock feather soon it and unrolled it.

"His mighty eminence, Lord Khan Zephyr Windslayer IV, and his party consisting of his brides Neferti and Nagas, his chancellor Razorback, his commander of the guard Bloodstripes, and his supreme bodyguards, brings forth good tidings and extends welcome to the king of Equestria."

Everyone blinked as Zephyr approached Asgore, everyone shocked at what was said next.

"That, I assume, is you, and that these.... FEMALES... are your brides and servants from many lands." He then looked to Spike. "And that this is your pet? Rather adorable if I may say so, King Celestia."

“KING CELESTIA?!" Everyone said in shock, but Zecora made a motion to keep quiet about it. Asgore swallowed nervously as he looked to Celestia, who was sincerely offended. It looked as though somebody had slapped her in the face, then asked her to pay for the privelege. 

"We feel that Equestria has done many great things in the past few years. I have heard the terror of the Nightmare has been restored to her former beauty." He glanced over at Luna. "And I see she stands among you as a fine bride. I have also heard Chaos has been tamed, and even the consumer of energy is imprisoned forevermore. You truly are a great ru-" The king then stopped, spying Zecora. He approached her, wide eyed, as his brides also walked with him.

"Zecora? Is it really you?" He said. Zecora looked at the ground as she spoke.

"Yes, father, it is me. It is your princess that you see." She said, shocking everyone yet again.

"PRINCESS?!" Frisk said. The warthog hmphed.

"Former if you recall your majesty. She would not agree to the arranged marriage to your captain of the guard, nor would see admit her wrong when she accused me of conspiracy. She was banished by my decision as was given right by your greatness, snort." Razorback snorted out.

Zecora glared at the warthog chancellor. "My feeling about you still stand! You have no place in Zebracan land!"

"ZECORA!" The lord of Zebras said. "The law of our land is clear, males are NOT to be addressed unkindly! And he is right, you are no longer a daughter of mine." He turned to the ponies. "If this fugitive was any trouble for your kind then make it known. We have... ways...of dealing with traitors."

Frisk spoke up. "Zecora is no traitor! She is an incredible alchemist! She can do anything with her potions!"

The zebra lord looked at Frisk. "And.... WHAT are you supposed to be?"

Asgore spoke. "This is Frisk Dreemurr.... my son and the ambassador of monsters."

Frisk glared. "Just because she is female doesn't make her wrong or weak, and she is no criminal!"

The warthog spoke up. "Mind your tongue, snort snort! By Zebracan law, all females are to obey the will of their husbands, and those who refuse a marriage are to be exiled from Zebraca on pain of DEATH."

"Wonder you have any females LEFT with those laws." Frisk said boldly. Everyone gasped, especially the king. He narrowed his eyes and stared at Frisk.

Frisk did not flinch once. He was not ever one to FIGHT, but he was no coward, and stood for what was right. The staredown lasted sometime, until finally...... the zebra king smiled.

"Brave child." He said finally. "You stand for what you believe, even knowing I could order you killed. Yet you still stick to your belief. I admire strength like that." He turned to Asgore. "You raised a warrior I see. I am impressed. A child like this will have many wives." He turned to the ponies and pondered. "Perhaps these ponies are his wives then?"

Everyone giggled as Frisk was wide eyed. Even Zecora managed a smile. She lost it as the king turned to her. "Still, know this Zecora. You are still in violation of the law. Do not expect comfort from me."

Zecora fumed. "The one who used to do so is dead, and you let her killer lead us instead." She turned to the warthog, who snorted once before walking off with the procession. Everyone watched as Asgore became the one they followed, Celestia and Twilight looking to Zecora.

"I think you have some explaining to do, Zecora." Celestia said, not in anger or in pity, but with concern. Zecora sighed and nodded, spinnin a tale...

WHen I was younger, my ponykin,
In a vast palace I once lived in,
My father the king, Zelda his bride,
Our joy and love we could not hide,
But one day my happiness ceased to be,
When a dark event happened to me,
Our chancellor Razorback, scheming for power,
Committed a dark act on the midnight hour.
He entered the chambers of my mother the queen,
and all that he did I was unlucky to have seen.
He gored my mother, and took her head,
Then told the guards an assassin had left her for dead.
When I tried to tell father, he refused my sight,
For in my land, a woman can NEVER be right.
I grew and watched as Razorback schemed,
And his evil was such I could never have dreamed.
He brought in that captain, who beat me sore,
And forced my father to say I must endure,
But the act he did next, to make me his bride,
Released all the anger I had inside.
I openly accused him of murder and deceit,
But everyone listened instead to that cheat.
By his order I was banished and sent to this land,
And the captain was made the king’s new right hand.
But the king has two more brides, and if the king dies,
The wives will resist all the warthog tries.
So I kept myself hidden, deep in the Everfree,
Which tells the whole past of my live, as you see.

When Zecora finished, everyone just stared. Twilight could not believe she had missed that about Zebras, how females had no rights or abilities. This was something that had to be changed, and fast. But there was another, more close danger. If the chancellor was indeed a criminal...

"Tell me Zecora.... what would be the chancellor's goal if they came here?"

Zecora sighed. "Only one thing I know for sure. He has come here not for peace... but for WAR."

Celestia cringed, given recent events. This was worse than she imagined. Something had to be done, and fast.

******************

Asgore felt on the spot as he walked by Luna and Toriel, mistakenly both called his wives. Still he did the best he could, showing off many things for the Zebras. Of particular interest were things like the Wonderbolts. Spitfire told the king all about them, and he was impressed.

But...

"So being in service of Soarin here, clearly he has chosen well. Your flying is admirable."

SpitFire was wide eyed in shock, looking to an equally shocked Soarin. HE was in charge in the zebra lord’s eyes?!

But the zebra lord continued. "I am surprised at how open this nation is with their females. Making them run all the businesses is admirable, but to me I feel that such a thing is foolhardy."

Asgore spoke. "Well, we find their talents based on their cutie marks, and encourage them to go into those fields."

The king chuckled. "For a male that is a sure fired success, but females should be allowed to get them. I was shocked when the glyph of my daughter showed her as a lightbringer, or teacher. A female in a leadership role.... absurd! Female glyphs are primarily for service and home based skills, NOT for leadership."

Luna spoke up. "Do you not feel a female can be a capable leader?"

Zephyr was about to answer when Razorback did for him. "The king does not answer the questions of females. But I can for him. In the king’s opinion, females are a weak, subclassed race of housewives who have no place in leadership. The day we see a great female leader will be the day I take a bath, snort snort."

The king chuckled. "A just answer my chancellor. You will forgive Luna, but part of the reason there was Nightmare Moon was because you had no king. Now I see why this land prospers...a strong king to lead them." He motioned to Asgore, many ponies trying not to laugh. Asgore blushed slightly as he lagged behind, looking to Toriel.

"Well this is awkward... REALLY awkward...." He said to her. Toriel sighed.

"The man is the head to him... but remember the woman is the neck, Gori. We support and guide the head when needed. He will learn that I think."

“Gori” was about to say more when Zephyr asked THE question. "I do have to ask Asgore... why do you decorate your women in such fine attire? Females look fine as they are if they are cared for right, and your princesses and your bride I see no reason to cover their obvious beauty."

Toriel DEEPLY blushed and was offended at the same time. Frisk nearby only sighed. He really hated this Zebra.

But something about the warthog was bothering him. As he walked along, the warthog was barely paying attention, more looking at all kinds of buildings. He seemed to be loking for something.

Frisk looked over at Pony Joes, where Chara and Asriel were watching the whole procession, and signaled them to come. Something was up, and it seemed the three of them had to be heroes yet again.

******************

Some time later, when he was alone in one of the guest rooms of Canterlot palace, Razorback lost all of his attire and looked to his lacky Bloodstripes. He snorted once before speaking.

"That was supposed to go wores e than it did. The king was supposed to be so offended by seeing ruling females that he declared war, snort. HOW did Celestia find a king?!"

Bloodstripes, so named for the red stripes he seemed to have, chuckled. "Relax. So we were unprepared. The king is a male supremacist fool. He will soon see Equestria as a weak land of women, and will want your war. Then we can utilize the new weapons given to us by the shadow king."

"SHUSH!" Razorback said, placing a large hoof on Bloodstripes mouth. "Those are to be kept hidden, snort snort! If Celestia learns the truth about you and I,  we will be destroyed! I will NOT let that...

"She is a WOMAN. We have nothing to fear."

Razorback managed a smile. "Good point. Still seeing Zecora here makes me leery. She knows my past, and knows you work for me."

"But they cannot know our plan here."

Razorback was about to speak as a form emerged from the shadows. Razorback eeped as the shadow took the shape of Sombra, who smiled.

"Well... did you find what you needed?"

Razornback snorted. "We can't meet here!! Someone could be listening!"

"Answer my question. Or would you rather I see to it the king knows of your plans?"

The warthog snorted. "Fine..... no I found no place to commit the act. Even so the king is too well guarded. He is no fool."

"The amount of guards does not matter. Twilight Sparkle is able teleport, and since she was witness to your king’s actions all along the tour, and how he spoke ill of her friends and home, it gives motive for assassination. By your laws it will make Bloodstain the new ruler, as you hoped."

Bloodstain nodded. "And with the weapons you gave us, Equestria will submit fast. The plan that these Caribou left behind for the females is... commendable. I must duplicate it for Zebras, and with it and your weapons Zebraca will conquer all nations." Sombra gave him a slightly disgusted look that briefly flashed across his face, but he hid his disdain for the…”man”...as he nodded.

"But what about that king?" Razorback pondered.

Sombra smiled. "Leave him to me. Asgore will not be hard to kill. If a child can do it.... so can I."

He was about to say more when he turned towards the door. "We are not alone...." he suddenly forced open the door... revealing a small cat. Sombra hmphed some and frightened it away, the cat running down the hall. Sombra had not noticed a transceiver pinned to her collar, giving data back to the source: Alphys, Chara, Asriel, and Frisk. As the cat, Opal, came in, Chara smiled with his spooky smile, Opal returning it.

"Good girl." He said, petting the cat. Opal and Chara both were a little mischievous, and if anyone could get Opal to do what they wanted, it was Chara. Asriel meanwhile looked at the data that had been recorded.

"So... they plan to kill the king.. and Sombra is in on it. We can't let them do it!" Asriel said. But Alphys sighed.

"YEah...b-b-b-but we don't know where they are going to try it.... and  even if we did... how could we stop something that can move through shadows?"

Chara smiled. "I know someone who is very good at sneaking up on things.... even in armor."

Frisk nodded. "Undyne!"

Chara nodded. "If she and Zecora team up, I bet no assassination attempt would work."

Frisk smiled. "And it would show Zephyr that his daughter and women overall are pretty awesome!" He looked to Alphys. "Not that we don't already know that."

Alphys blushed. "Awww, you guys...."

***************

The time had come. After what was clearly more aggravating  communication with locals, many still not agreeing about women being a subspecies, Razorback knew his chance was about to occur. Twilight's look all day was getting more and more fuming.

She would be the perfect scapegoat.

It was the perfect setup. He wanted to meet with King Asgore and Chief Zephyr, and would be fashionably late. That was when Bloodstripes would strike. Hard to believe everyone bought he was actually a zebra! But a little transmutation magic had made a fine zebra out of a lion, and soon bloodstripe would live up to the REAL reason for his name.

"Almost time now." The warthog said, watching from a safe location so he could get the story straight. Oddly, he noticed two suits of armor in the meeting room that was not there before. He paid it no mind as the room, a simple room for a game of chess, was setup. Asgore and Zephyr entered, and amidst several angry female servants being accused of wearing too much clothing and not serving in... other ways, the two had some tea and a chess game all set.

It was too easy.

"Now." He whispered, Bloodstripe moving in. How the fake zebra had hoped for this for so long. He hated living among tasty zebra flesh, but soon that would change when he would demand ritual sacrifices. And the first would be Zecora, served on a plate and bound. Yes, it would be a feast to remember.

Except... as he entered....

"Ah, Bloodstripe. Didn't expect you here until later. You here to inform us of something?"

Bloodstripe knew this was it. "Yes.... I am." He focused as he felt the transmutation wear off. Surprise was everything. Surprise would get them both.

And surprise was what HE was in for. As he changed, shocking the two, he was suddenly pelted with spears, making him duck for cover.

"RUN, your majesties!" The suddenly alive armored warriors said in strangely higher voices. Asgore nodded, taking Zephyr and takingflight. But did not get far as he was slammed into by Razorback.

"Going somewhere?" The traitor said, snorting as he made to gore Asgore.. forgetting the goat monster always wore armor. Asgore fumed some as his trident appeared.

"So, Zecora told the truth!" Asgore said, not really doubting it.

"Yes, I killed the fool’s wife and made it seem like he needed a better guard. That was how I got Bloodstripe in. But now his true form is known so neither of you will... ACK!"

He was cut short as the armored pony suddenly bucked him into a wall, The lion meanwhile getting held down by the other bipedal knight. Zephyr awoke to this, trying to figure out what was happening, as a shadow appeared behind him, a knife clenched in the shadowy forms teeth.

"FATHER!" The pony screamed... but it was no pony. Zecora lost her armor and dove at Sombra, sending the just solidified shadow pony into the wall. She beat on Sombra for all she was worth until she was thrown back. But the commotion had been made, several royal guards entering. Sombra knew he was beat.

"No... I was so CLOSE!!!!!!" He shouted, fading away, the warthog trying to follow but just wasting his chance, now surrounded by many angry ponies and two upset zebras... and a spear wielding knight.

As she took off her helmet, she revealed it was Undyne, who smiled nastily.

"Anyone for roasted pork?" She joked. The warthog thought she was serious and fainted right then and there, Zephyr still trying to figure out what had just happened.

*******************

"WHAT?!" Twilight said in complete shock. But the zebra lord was adamant.

"Do not get me wrong. I am grateful you exposed the traitor, and that you saved my life. But no female has any right to accuse a male, so I am setting Bloodstripe and Razorback free. As for YOU Zecora..." He stared at her. "I warned you about interfering. You even had the nerve to call me father. I am disgraced to have you for a..."

"OH SHUT UP!" Zephyr turned, his wives angrily staring at him.

"What?!"

"We have been tolerating your little 'Men are superior' schtick because we like serving men, always have, but you failing to see the wonderful creature you have for a daughter and how amazing these ponies are ruled by not one but TWO females is too much! If you want any supper tonight you had better apologize and give Zecora a full pardon."

The one said something more. "Besides.. I for one would like to know my stepdaughter, who clearly is as brave and as remarkable as her father."

Zecora was wide eyed. Was this really happening? Zephyr turned to his wives and asked one more question.

"And.... the traitors?"

The two wives smiled. "Well.... we heard in old days we were a cannibal tribe... Maybe we should take Undyne up on her offer of roasted pork?"

Everyone snickered as Razorback, held nearby, squealed in fear and tried to break free. Zephyr pondered, but managed a smile when he figured out what they were up to.

"Well..... I COULD take him back to be a bit of bacon...."

Razorback spoke up. "Please no! I beg you, your majesty!!!!"

"You killed my wife. You tried to kill me. You made me banish my only daughter. And now your begging for mercy?"

Razorback squealed pitifully. He turned to the ladies. "Roast him." He said, the two wives dramatically licking their lips.

"WAIT!!!!!!!" Razorback said. "I will go into exile! I'll stay in Equestria, and be guarded here!!!"

Asgore hmmed. "Well.... it might save your kind some trouble... and besides I don't think it would look good if Zebras ate meat."

Zecora chuckled some at that, considering what Ponyville did to Asriel for sometime!

"Ohhh.... alright. Henceforth Razorback you are stripped of your title, and you and Bloodstripe are banished from Zebraca. And if you harm any of our allies... I will kill you myself." He then turned to Zecora, and smiled.

"As for you.... please forgive me. I am still trapped in the old ways and as such I cannot let you come home yet.... but know I will try to learn. When I do.... I want you there for the peace between Zebraca and Equestria. But until that day... know Zebraca will always welcome you, even if I cannot."

Zecora embraced her father, and he held her. She spoke softly, for the first time in her life not in rhyme.

"I love you dad." She said softly, crying a little. He smiled and finally looked at her cutie mark.

"Guess you are a teacher in many ways my daughter. Never lose that." He smiled and walked away, stopping by Celestia, and kissing her hoof like a gentleman. Everyone gasped as he looked.

"Shut up." He said simply, making everyone laugh as he boarded the ship. Ashe did, a wife read another scroll:

"His highness has refused an official peace treaty with Equestria, for reasons of his own. However, he will return again in the future, as he has been blessed by Equestrias kindness, friendship, and hospitality. Perhaps on a future visit all wrongs will be made right, and peace can finally be achieved."

******************

Elsewhere, Sombra shook his head, Error chuckling.

"Told you we should have intervened more." the skeleton said. Sombra sighed.

"Even so.... this was not a total failure. Those two fools can be broken out of Canterlot prison easily, and we may yet have use for them."

Error nodded. "Indeed, and a lion can indeed be most useful. As for the warthog..... we can always use him as trade fodder."

Sombra nodded, considering what to do for the next move...