Zayna continues to run for several minutes before you finally realise that you're not being chased and bring her to a halt. Climbing down from her back you pat her neck and stroke her nose. "Good girl, Zayna," you say proudly. "I think we're safe now."
"Thank you for your praise, master," she replies. "But I am now certain that we are well and truly lost in this forest."
"Details, details." You wave your hand dismissively. "We just need to find the place where we first met those crazy mares. Once we've done that, it's just a case of retracing our steps back to the stables, and then everything will be normal again, thankfully."
Zayna turns her head to look at you, her soft brown eyes locking with yours. "Even me?" she asks. "Because 'normal' implies that I will be unable to speak once we get home."
You rub the back of your head and sigh. "I would imagine so," you reply. "Though I have to admit that it has been rather nice hearing how much you care about me straight from the horses mouth... pun not intended, of course."
"You are my master," Zayna says. "You have cared for me since I was a filly, always with my best interests at heart." She nuzzles your face. "I truly appreciate everything you have done."
"Thanks, Zayna," you say sheepishly. "It makes me happy to hear you say that." And that was something else you thought you'd never say in your life. "Come on, girl, let's get out of here."
"Taking shelter first, to you I would advise," a new voice on the wind calls out, taking both of you by surprise. "For travelling in the dark is most unwise."
You slowly turn around and start scanning the surrounding area, looking for the owner of the voice. Your eyes soon come to rest on yet another quadruped, this time wearing a hooded cloak.
"Who are you?" you say bitterly. "Are you another one of those ponies hell-bent on driving us away again? If you've got a problem, then you'd better make it known."
"The townsponies see you as a foe?" the mysterious figure sounds alarmed. "That was feeling I did once know. For a great of time that did last, but I thought for sure that was a thing of the past."
From the voice, you have determined that you are talking to a female. There's a slight accent there, but you can't place it. As you ponder the meaning of her words, she lowers the hood to reveal that she is a zebra. Makes a change from a pony, that's for sure.
"Zecora is my name, and potions are my game," she says pleasantly, to which you nod politely. "I was once in your situation, feared by a part of this equine nation. But that trouble time has come to an end, for they now see me as a friend."
"Well, that's all very well and good for you," you reply. "But I don't see how that helps us." You point at Zayna. "Look, we just need to find some way of getting home. Can you help us or not?"
"That depends upon you, my dear." Zecora replies. "Tell me, why do my friends treat you with fear?"
You sigh and tell Zecora everything that happened up until the point where you met her. She takes it rather well, even going so far as to laugh when you tell her about the volley of stones that were thrown at you prior to your departure from Ponyville.
"The tale you tell is quite grand," she says. "Though you both look... exotic to this land." You're about to ask her to elaborate on this, when a piercing howl cuts through the still forest air. Zayna shuffles a little and moves closer to you, while Zecora looks around worriedly for a moment before she speaks in a hushed tone. "To sleep out here, it would mean your doom. Please come to my home, for there is plenty of room."
You don't hesitate and nod feverishly, taking a hold of Zayna's bridle and following Zecora down a path. You're not sure why you are doing this, but she seems genuine enough for you to trust her. After all, anyone who has been through the same hell you have regarding those crazy ponies is a friend in your book. But at the same time you're hoping that if Zecora does have anything nefarious in mind, she leaves it until after you've eaten something.
***
You soon find yourself approaching a hut. It looks rather quaint, and the smoke coming from the chimney tells you that, one, it's warm inside, and two, Zecora is cooking something nice. It smells like a stew of some kind. There's probably no meat in it, but that doesn't mean you can't salivate at the thought of eating some.
"I welcome you both to my humble abode," Zecora says as she opens the door. "Please come inside and take off a load."
The doorway is a bit small for you, but that's nothing a bit of stooping can't fix. However, this does reveal a bit of a problem: as you stand in the middle of the room, your head only just scraping the ceiling, you hear a frustrated snort from behind you. You turn around to see that Zayna can't fit through the door — something she clearly isn't happy about, judging by her frustrated whinny.
"Hey, Zecora," you wonder. "Are there any other ways into this place? I really don't want Zayna staying outside, especially after you implied that there are things around here that can kill you."
Zecora pokes her head around a doorway leading into what smells like the kitchen. "Do what you need to," she replies. "But have swiftness, for the beasts of the forest are relentless."
You study the door for a moment, Zayna on the other side looking around nervously. "Please hurry, master," she says. "I really don't want to spend any more time out here."
You can't refuse that pleading face, so you nod in determination. "The door looks pretty weak," you surmise. "Maybe if I took it out you'd have room to move." Zayna shrugs – or does something that at least looks like a shrug – as you grab the door with both hands. "One... two... three!" you count before taking the door clean off its hinges, making the space slightly larger. Zayna trots in with a large grin on her face and nuzzles your cheek, at which you smile back and put the door in its rightful place.
"There's not a lot of room in here," Zayna muses as she looks around. "My stable is bigger than this." she catches sight of Zecora looking at her. "But it is still a very lovely home you have, Zecora. My master and I appreciate your extremely generous hospitality."
"My home is modest, but it suits me just fine," Zecora says as she waves a forehoof dismissively. "Now the time has come for us all to dine." She goes over to a cauldron and removes the lid, revealing the contents to be a hearty vegetable stew. "Dig in, eat up, and enjoy this fine stew." She continues. "And maybe you can tell me of your relationship, too?"
You and Zayna exchange a glance. "I guess I could do that," you reply. "But, first of all, I have to ask you something. Why do you talk in rhyme? No offence, but it does seem rather unusual."
"No offence taken — not even a bit." Zecora laughs. "As for my method of speech, I was born with it."
"Oh, right," you say as you prepare a bowlful of stew for yourself and another for Zayna, which she devours ravenously. You take a spoonful and are taken aback by the fresh taste of it. "Anyway, Zecora, thank you for your hospitality. We really appreciate it."
Zecora simply dips her head in response. "Sadly, to the Everfree my pony friends don't often roam," she replies. "So it’s nice to have some new company in my home." She clops her forehooves together for a moment. "Now, tell me of your home — all that you know. Your relationship with Zayna, it intrigues me so."
You smile and pat the horse in question as she continues to slurp noisily at her soup. "To cut a long story short, I rescued her from a bad place — and ever since then she's been an integral part of my life." You let out a small chuckle. "Because she was so friendly, I started using her to give riding lessons. Everyone loved her, and said she was the nicest horse they'd ever met."
Zecora's ears perk up at this. "I have to admit, that is indeed a strange job," she says with a small smile. "But, lucky for you, I am not part of the mob."
"Wait... so you don't care about the fact she's a horse? A pet I use to give riding lessons? A living creature I control using these things?" You point at the saddle and bridle, at which Zecora shakes her head. "Well then, thank goodness for that. When those ponies found out, they flipped their lids."
"The ponies tend to fear things unfamiliar or new," Zecora says mournfully. "For me, that was something I personally knew. There was a time when they would lock themselves away in fear, upon spotting my form draw near." She seems upset as she says this, but her gloomy facade soon gives way to a smile. "It took some time, and a lot of jokes, before they accepted me as a friend. Be patient, and soon these troubled times will end."
"I'll believe that when I see it," you reply. "In the meantime, however, I have to say... this is some really nice soup."
"My master is correct," Zayna chips in as she looks up from her bowl with the remains of her dinner all over her face. "It certainly was a lovely meal, and makes a welcome change from grass."
Zecora laughs. "Thank you, you're far too sweet." she shrugs. "When you live alone, you tend to learn how make things to eat."
Zayna nods. "My master would know all about that." she looks at you. "Isn't that right, master? I can't remember the last time you brought a woman who wasn't a client out to see me."
Your face turns bright red at this statement. "I'm... I'm a busy man, Zayna," you stammer. "I don't have time to go on dates every single night, I've got a business to look after."
Zayna giggles. "Whatever you say, master," she replies, before letting out a loud yawn. "Oh, my, excuse me. Zecora, if you don't mind, I would very much like to get some rest."
"I don't mind in the slightest at all," Zecora says. "In fact, I think we all can hear slumber’s call."
"Sounds good to me," you add. "We'll sleep through here." Zecora goes to say something, but you stop her. "Don't worry about us, Zecora — Horses can sleep standing up, and I'll be fine on the floor. You go to bed, and we'll see you in the morning."
"To my chambers I retire, to dress in my attire," she says cryptically. "To bed I will go, and prepare for a show."
You have no idea what she's talking about, but you smile and nod nonetheless as she heads into her bedroom. You lie down on the floor next to Zayna and stare at the ceiling. With nothing to occupy your mind, you soon fall asleep.
***
"They have to be here somewhere, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash grumbles. "Are you sure that your animal friends haven't seen them? You have to admit that it's kinda hard to lose sight of a human and his pet ‘horse’."
Fluttershy shakes her head. "Sorry, Rainbow, but there's no sign of them," she replies. "Maybe they took another path to — wait, what's that over there?" She flutters over to some tracks in the dirt and looks at them intently. "These are hoofprints, but, as far as I know, there's nopony else here."
Rainbow Dash follows the tracks with her eyes, coming to rest on smoke in the distance. "They probably belong to Zecora," she says. "She spends enough time in this forest, but I don't think she'd know about those two." she lets out an exasperated sigh. "After what we did, they're probably avoiding anything with four legs. But Twilight says we've gotta find them, especially after Sweetie Belle explained how we got the wrong word, so that's what we're gonna do. And I hope we find them soon because this place is creepy even during the day, never mind at night!"
"You're right," Fluttershy sighs. "Come on, let's look somewhere else. I just hope we find them, and that they accept our apologies. But even they'll have to admit that 'horse' and 'whorse' sound so alike, it was only natural we'd get confused."
Rainbow Dash nods and the two pegasi fly away just as the moon’s first light enters the forest, touching the tracks and revealing the footprints within.
***
"It is time to wake up, my brand-new friend," the voice rouses you from the wonderful embrace of sleep. "For as I have said, there is a show to attend."
You blearily open your eyes and look around. Zayna is still asleep, occasionally whinnying softly, while Zecora is calling to you from her bedroom. You stand up and stretch before looking at your watch, which tells you that it's just after five in the morning. Had you been home you'd still be asleep, so you curse under your breath at the early wakeup and walk over to Zecora's bedroom. She ducks back in as you approach and enter.
"Okay, Zecora," you say wearily. "What is it? Are you needing help with something?"
The door closes behind you and you freeze. "Thank you for coming. It really was bold." Zecora's voice is almost sultry. "Now turn around slowly. There is a sight to behold."
You do as you are asked, your pulse going a mile a minute and your nerves on high alert. When you do turn around, your jaw nearly drops to the floor and your heart leaps into your throat as you take in the sight which has greeted you.
Zecora. Wearing a saddle and a bridle. And carrying a whip.
"What the hell..." you can't believe what you are seeing. Zecora doesn't say anything as she starts advancing on you, the faintest trace of lust clearly visible on her face. Putting two and two together, you come to the fateful conclusion that, like those ponies, she is confused about what your job actually involves, although, as you desperately try to come up with an escape plan, you can't help but be grateful to the zebra.
Because, while there may not have been a movie, at least you can take comfort in the fact that she gave you dinner first.
... no comment ...
oh man yes. i really like where this is going.
and Zayna will watch. silently.
my brain is full of
conundrumsrhapsody.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/tumblr_m56c9avrmo1rtvb1so1_500.gif?w=824
I thought you said that this story won't continue......
meh, at least it is a good story and I must find out more!
this cant end well also maybe try to bring celestia in this somehow, maybe make her make a bit of role reversal with our poor protag so he gets transformed into a horse and Zayna becomes the human. as for right now maybe zayna doesn't like Zecora hoggin' all the spotlight=cat-fight...err horse-fight?
then take it from there? maybe make this story slightly comment driven? its hard to continue a former oneshot so if you really want, maybe lay off it for a while to figure out an extended storyline. if you want that is. you have a real unique Concept here and im very impressd with your execution of it the best of luck from a continued stalker
Lol.. omg Even Zecora took the term 'horse' for 'whorse' but she wants some of the human's tail.
Miscommunications can work both ways it seems
Help...? oh mai...
I want them to get out of this sooo bad.
Well, at least he'll have a more.... pleasant time than with the ponies!
I have been lolling just about every minute I spent reading this. Please continue.
Well then dude, What the hell are you waiting for, RUN! Run for your life
Geez, using the words "her species is called a" before horse might clear up a lot of things you know?
The ending left an image in my head, funny.
Gnarharhar ...
And you did good on Zecora .... well good enough for me, that is.
More to come ?
Awesomeness, ahoy!
3110229
Oh yes. More to come... just not like that, if you catch my drift.
This is when you make a critical decision, explain, or enjoy yourself, I suggest explain first so things don't go down the shithole more latter.
3110347
Oh, that's quite alright.
Zecora can be quite a plight.
Ch. 1 was insta-fave, so all i can do now was upvote and wait for more.
I... what?!
I'm not sure exactly how far this story can go--it's all based around one joke, after all--but I'm looking forward to seeing it through to the end, however far away that is.
And... Zecora.
You know, it makes sense that she'd be *cough*lonely*cough*, but I don't think I've ever seen that explored before....
You updated the story! I really am glad,
And this chapter was not at all bad.
Zecora's lines came right off the tongue,
Even if sometimes I needed to re-read some of what she had done!
The question is what happens next? What pushes the story along?
We need to keep this miscommunication up or else the premise of the story is gone!
We need to stay ahead of the news from the locals about this major misunderstanding,
Yet find new characters from different social standings.
Surely the news had not spread to Canterlot you see? No doubt those stuck up nobles will find much to chatter about thee.
Not to forget the trolling queens too, one subtle, one obvious, but both you should do. (We need each of them in this f-cked up stew)
They would need to act calm, ask questions and dispence wisdom over dinner as well,
On what they think the relationship entitles for the horse riding fellows.
After all, they wouldn't want to offend their new friends of the "nethers".
(Ok, that last bit didn't really rhyme,
what can I say? Is that a crime?)
A healthy dose of innuendos would likely follow too, but that my friend is the choice I hope you do.
3110652
I wish I could favourite comments...
Out of the frying pan, into the fire?
lol
3110780 yeah that guy has my idea in the bag too. I would also suggest at some point, Zanya being propositioned by some unsavory type only to get falcon punched by the anon.
Dude...
That was friggin' hilarious! (Also, when is Sweetie gonna get back with that dictionary? I seriously thought that was coming through in this chapter...)
3110952
Oops, I forgot to mention that in the scene with Dash and Fluttershy. I'll fix it ASAP.
3110989
Glad to help!
3110225 'Sup?
>>>Zecora. Wearing a saddle and a bridle. And carrying a whip.>>>
*wingboner*
To stumble across Zecora, the human had some luck.
Now it looks like they're both about to......have fun...?
LOL! Zecora is a FREAK! I mean that in a (mostly) good way, of course! XD
Thank you so much for continuing with this. Though I do wonder how long you can beat this joke into the ground. It's kind of like...
beating a dead horse.
YEAAAAAAAAAAH!
I thought this story was complete...
This story has got to become mature now! Please have him end up doing the unforgivable act! We'll love you for it!
Ugh, I know what you mean. Writing Zecora is such a bother. Sometimes it just feels impossible to convey a sentence in rhyme.
I think someone needs to explain to the Equestrians the difference between a 'whorse' and a 'horse.'
When will they think to wonder that the pink, hairless ape obviously from a completely different culture may mean something else by the word horse...
I like this story. The premise is unique, thus far at least, the protagonists are likebale and share a genuinely affectionate bond (that thankfully does not fulfill the expectations of the ponies). The main draw for me is that very premise and bond, as the basic miscommunication joke is not that great of a draw.
I want to see how a human and an Earth horse survive in Euqestria, what dilemmas they face and how they grow, but most of all how it all ends. After all, Zanya is now in a place where she can quite easily have a better life than what she had on Earth despite the affection of her master, however he holds a bond of loyalty to the protagonist. The protagonist thus far wishes to return home, however in this place Zanya is obviously better off, and even if she decides to come home with him out of loyalty could he really take such a chance from her?
I look forward to finding out the answers.
EpsilonWinter
500 likes and only 5000 words... ok read later
Your Story is Crazy. And I like Crazy. Thats why I will watch for more^^
You did it, mate! I knew you would keep it up!
Also, WTF ZECORA!
3113326 You read this right now, or Pinkamena will draw your number tonight.
I was not expecting a follow up chapter. And definitely not that ending.
One wonders just how long Zayna can remain oblivious to the situation you keep stumbling in to.
potential clop. I am... ok with this.
Oh, this is fantastic. I'm eagerly looking forward to more. Especially since Horse in Equestria is a subgenre I'd love to see explored more.
Well, that's...um...interesting.
I wonder how this will play out.
That was amazin, I can't wait for more chapters
3112341
If he actually did the deed, then this would not be funny. The humor comes from the disjunction of intents or viewpoints.
Its funny to see one struggle with miss-understandings, but not so much to see them spontaneously take advantage of them.
Plus, that would be out of character for what we have already seen. And this story, it seams, is supposed to be a lighthearted comedy anyway.
It just would not work.
3118360 I already knew that, but I had a small hope.