“Now, swine, stand and deliver.” Blueblood was trying to psyche Jay out, but he didn't know that I'd gone sifting through the Marehouse's ashes in search of something my friend could use. While not overtly large or ornamental, the sword packed a hidden punch. On the blade's pommel rested a dial, with the purpose of regulating the weapon's power output. A handy note written around it said that if the wielder were to ever fight heretics, set it to Purge.
“Who're you calling a pig?” Jay cranked the dial, and a blue aura surrounded the blade. I have no idea what he did to the powersword after I handed it to him, but it would likely involve fire. I hoped it would, anyway. Thankfully, I would get the chance to find out, because Blueblood has more balls than brains.
Equestrian steel can't beat raw science, as exemplified by the powersword's ability to slice through the metal with no effort. At that moment, the arrogant asshole decided dueling would be a good idea, and tried to run for it. A bullet from my .38 reminded him that if either ran, they would be shot by me, but that was just a warning.
“Princess Celestia, I am still getting over your pet humans.” Gurabba, one of the zebra ambassadors, wasn't quite used to the thought of humans being equal. In his homeland we were considered little more than pariahs, left behind by society to become bandits, marauders, and mercenary warlords.
“Yes, they're quite violent.” Qintar, a female zebra (which I have no idea what the term for is), cowered in fear from my gun, and at the display of violence that played out before her eyes. Jay scored the first point by cutting Blueblood's forehead just under the base of his horn.
“Jay and Taylor are not pets, they happen to be two of the most capable fighters I've met.” Celestia and I both knew that was a lie, my friend and I could barely pass any test of survival if we couldn't bullshit our way through it. True or not. The words sent a glimmer into Guraba's eyes, the sort of glint a man gets when he's about to say something stupid and crazy, but that just might pay off in the end.
“So, they are for hire?” While I did not appreciate my work being equated to a prostitute, the ambassador was correct. When the princess nodded, the striped stallion almost fell over as he went for a bag of coins at his sides. The motion was ignored as Blueblood was cut again, right under his foreleg, so maybe the equivalent to our armpits? “You, how much for your services?”
“Whats the job, and how long will it take?” My stoic response was muted when Jay decided to be serious about scoring the final point. I saw him set the sword to Purge, and a wreath of golden flames enveloped the blade. I pointed the revolver at the unicorn in case he decided to run, but I think he was too stunned at the display of human engineering to even attempt escape. Right as the blade cut a swathe through the vain pony's cheek, Celestia pulled Jay aside, firm in his victory over Prince Blueballs.
“Aw, come on, I was about to use a fatality.” My human friend crossed his arms in frustration, put out by being torn from his Kombat-won honor. Guraba almost had a stroke when he realized he would be hiring the two of us for the price of one, so I wonder how he would react to seeing the others we would probably be bringing along. Speaking of others, I haven't seem Cadence or Shining Armor in a few days, I wonder where they got off to.
“Just listen to the business proposition.” With Celestia having put Jay in his place as her bitch, there was nothing stopping the ambassador from telling us our prospective job. That was assuming the princess gave us a choice in accepting.
It's white, but less so than before. I could plainly see the white marble that made the floors and vaulted ceiling, though the stone seemed oddly soft. The massive, world-encompassing chapel was complete with a gilded crucifix on the wall nearest in front of me. A golden throne sat beneath the holy symbol, and the statue from before reclined within. The fear of an elderly monstrosity was still present, but it was diminished by the calming nature of the titanic cathedral. The inhuman human's blank face seemed to contort into a smirk as I approached, the porcelain visage being more refined than the before.
I wanted to yell at it, but no words came, only the howling of wind and the sound of gunfire. The smell of death and trenches filled the room as the scenery changed, now a savannah that stretched as far as the eye could see. There were other humans here, as well as zebras, and a skirmish was playing out in front of my very eyes. Bullets from decades-old machine guns sprayed through the air, sending up plumes of dust as the impacted the dry soil. A young zebra, no older than eight, ran from behind a rock to escape, and was cut down without remorse. An anger filled the air as the scene changed, but whether the rage was mine or the statue's, I cannot be sure.
There were mountains everywhere, and humans were camped in a large canyon. Griffons flew overhead and rained burning arrows upon the resting army, intent on driving them away. This may have been a reason for the griffons hating humans, or at least a byproduct of it. The carnage of battle was not what surprised me, but a familiar black shape moving through the swarm of iron-age troops caught my eye. The statue had been here, maybe even led the fighters against the griffons. A razor-sharp arrow came down and slammed into the statue's head, only to deflect like it was a piece of straw. In the blink of an eye, I was back in the chapel, staring at the mysterious nonhuman. A hairline fracture appeared in one of the places where an eye should have been.
After being shown so much, he single, inky-black tear that ran down its face sent a chill down my spine.
$%$%$%$%$%$%
My eyes scanned the sun-baked dust of the savannah again, searching for anything that may try and attack the caravan.
“I will never get how you talked me into coming.” I couldn't understand why Lyra invited Bon-Bon, but I guess everyone needs something to fight for.
“Trust Trixie, Lyra's the only one that wanted you here.” My blue friend was resolute in her belief, but I could tolerate the candy maker for extended periods of time. Whether that held true for Jay and Chrysalis remained to be seen.
“Would you two shut up?” Jay was such a morning person, wasn't he? On my next sweep I noticed a few red stains on one of the sparse trees, punctuated by a few holes in the wood. Only bullets could make something like that, and I was instantly reminded of my nightmare. When I blinked, they were gone, replaced by a snake climbing to get some shade.
I was already regretting taking this job.
$%$%$%$%$%$%
Right, so you guys get to pick what's going on in the Zebrican savannah that requires such force.
Better yet, explain the reasoning behind your idea.
Bonus points to whoever can guess what the nightmares are about.
I vote it's communists, because it's a well known fact that zebras are a prey species to communism.
(Before you ask, yes, I'm drunk)
Think of the molotov jokes!
What if Human war lords are taking all of the food tugged zebras are growing, and they are fighting for it?
The Zebras are at war with... hmmm.... either some feline or dog race, or hell, maybe some reptile race that live in the savannah as well. Cheetah people, Jackals, Foxes, Lions, or big slithering half-snake people. Take your pick. And maybe not at war, but being heavily raided.
Supplies are limited in the savannah, and the Zebras are one of the few races to produce their own food, through irrigation or some other means. The other Cat/Dog race is more nomadic and war-like. They have, and still do, view the Zebras as nothing more than prey, so they have no qualms about killing them or stealing their things. The Zebras want the humans, who according to all the old stories are masters of all things death dealing, to stop them.
As for the nightmares, honestly, I'm not sure yet. Sometime in the past when humans were more numerous but still technologically advanced? Is the statue the Deceiver? I'm not sure yet....
I say Viking. because Viking are baws, and pros at wrecking shit.
Dreams are obviously about the deciever.
ΔΓ
The ambassador wants the humans to fight off the zebra terrorist-poacher-pirates.
I'm not sure about the dream. I'm pretty sure it's part of the overreaching story of who was controlling the changelings in the past.
As for who is attacking the zebras, I'm willing to bet that it's the work of griffons. The zebras have heard of the dislike between humans and griffons and decided that the best way to fight off griffons are to use humans against them. In that instance, the dream is more of a premonition and can lead to him having more concern of the other parts of his dream.
Zebra caravans have been attacked lately by hyena tribe raiders. Therefor the zebra Empress' military leaders have pieced together a plan to lure the raiders into a trap, by using one caravan as bait by spreading rumours that it is carrying something extremely valuable. Hencewhy the humans have been employed.
They hope to catch some of the hyenas, to find out where the raider camps are set up, so they can prepare a retaliatory strike.
As for the dreams, beats me. *Shrug*
Why am I getting the feeling the Deceiver is a analogue for our Lucifer? Maybe the dream is his way of saying he is still around, or at least his influence.
"inhuman human's" ...All I can say is, either double negative, or epic fail on words. Also, Lyra is ninja pony... the lyre is only a cover! Beware...
1637700
Alright.
Cool.
A freaking cartel would do good
Well, extra points to you for introducing Slender as the Deceiver, but I´m not sure I like you closing the distance between you and him just yet and through dreams in which he shows you stuff. But meh, I guess you´ve got a reason for it.
Cool story bro. Needs more borderlands references.
I'm guessing he's seeing a possible future that the deciever is showing him where his world comess into contact and arrive there to take control of a new and fertile world that is rip and easy to take over except the fact that you can drive a.bayblade half the size of a house and as wide that is now very clean and is also very keen on protecting his new master that actually understands its needs and wants
the popular vote is for war against humans, humans being as badass as we are are whooping zebra ass and they need help leveling the playing field. and if you let the Zebra's win i am going to dial my sword to purge and shove it up your arse
Wait a minute......You're not trying to get us to do your job for you, are you?
........I vote Nazi zebra's have found the pony equivalent of the ark of the covenant and are melting faces left and right. But you know, better written and more in depth. Also with some kind of twist, like apes are attacking but they are a primitive form of human and Jay and Taylor have to decide whether they let this violent race continue living or destroy them with some kind of magic nuclear bomb to ensure the safety of the pony races. I also vote that you give the Nazi zebra's walky-talkies that shoot lasers and let George Lucas nowhere near your keyboard. My reasoning for that is Star Wars Episodes 1-3.
And as for the dreams, I'll have to go reread them, but something with the Deceiver and him dastardly deceiving while doing dangerous and daring deeds?
Crap, I'm speaking in alliteration again, time to go to sleep.
A single angry marine, everypony is fucked, no survivors.
Slender man is the deceiver and he used fear or other things to lead the army or taylor is having many deja-vus
Well if it's this "Deceiver", then his dream/nightmare makes it seem regretful for what it has done.
And they wanted humans to protect the caravans, because who better than them to fight other humans.
Plus Taylor has Baneblade, unless he left it behind!
Because there is a lot of 40k stuff around ill just throw a wild guess and say the Deceiver is the actual Deceiver that would explain this metallic skin and no features because hes a C'tan and they can change their shape as they like and the Deceiver was particulary adapt at manipulating from the shadows.
I think you mean "wouldn't"
Shouldn't that be a comma?
You dropped a t
Shining Armor and Cadence are gone?
I see you just created the set up to implement the 3rd season premiere on your story.
Okay, I had one more idea. Bear with me now.....The Zebras are fighting....bunnies.....
I mean, what's more terrifying than a hoard of something adorable?
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Oh, and a twist. Angel is their leader. He learned "The Stare" after spending so much time with Fluttershy. He has decided the time for bunny domination is now and has declared war on the Zebra nation. The Zebra ambassador contracted the humans to move a new chemical weapon from an R&D lab to a rocket facility for deployment. It is similar to the Gay Bomb that they were kicking around in the 90's only it targets Rabbits specifically. It forces them to mate with same gender's only, thus nullifying their ability to replace rapid rabbit losses.
Um. I actually have a lot more ideas rolling with this. When I have time, maybe I'll expand upon this.
1643748 Well, there are two Decievers in the Wh40k universe: the first one is the C'Tan, and the second... Well, it's his title and, if it couldn't be any more appropriate, one of his demons is The Changeling... I think I spoiled his name already. Well, nothing simpler than to look it up now
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Actually the Deceiver isn't one of his titels even if it would fit, but i see what you mean.
Against that speaks that the form that appears in those dreams is way to simple to be an avatar or representation of him, also the events that are taking place on equestria are to insignificant in the grand scheme to be worthy of his attention.
The C'tan on the other hand does things like plunging plants into civil war or overthrowing regimes as a hobby besides supporting his personal goales.
I won't bother guessing anything.
What I'd really like to know is if you're able to get more bullets for that .38.
Including this chapter, I've counted that you've used either 2 or 3 bullets.
I say, that there is a race of arachnida, possibly coming from the scorpion, that preys on zebras, and the arachnida race, aside from being sapient, lived by way of brutal tribes, where the way of nature prevails, and only the strong survive. They take great glory in the hunt, use a language made of chitters and clacks (that perhaps Chrysalis could imitate?) and they have no words for any of the following- injustice, unfair, gratitude, remorse. And finally, they are around 4 feet tall (Excluding the tail), can reach up to 8 feet tall on their rear four legs, and can use the small breaks in the chitin on their tails to hold things.
As for their weaponry...Well, they'd probably use quite a few spears, as they would be relatively easy to hold given their build, and I imagine they could have concentrated poison in their tails, and possibly venom in any fangs they may have.
The relative diplomatic position they may have with the zebras would probably be a sort of raider-village type relationship, with the generally non-negotiable scorpion race (We could totally call them scorpios, as the name of the race, in singular, sort of like a Greek pronunciation, with the plural being scorpei?) demanding tribute, at the best of times, but they would likely just take things that they want.
The scorpios would probably live underground, in Scorpion made cave systems, possibly similar to ant colonies, and it would probably include wide open 'hubs' where they would spar, fight, or hold tournaments, or even buffets.
The music they would have would probably bear resemblance to Native American style drumming, possibly using the tanned hides of Zebras. I also imagine that they could possess marimba-like instruments made out of bones, and possibly an instrument that uses skulls filled with various amounts of differing liquids to create certain sounds? And they would likely take advantage of the acoustics of Scorpion-made caves to give their music a more guttural, and atmospheric feel.
I doubt they would have very complex courtship rituals, though they would probably involve dance, and possibly the exchange of prey (maybe birds, in the same way we value diamond jewelry, as birds would be amazingly hard to come by for such a race) as a sort of initiation of said courtship ritual.
I also imagine that they would probably have very little technology, aside from basic musical instruments, possibly stone or basic metal picks, as they would mostly use their own bodies.
They would likely have very little intelligence, though the smart individuals among them would likely be the musicians and artisans among them, while the rest would have a sort of hierarchy based around strength, and possibly another one based around stealth and dexterity.
As for their 'government' if they had one, would possibly be based around a General who is the strongest, an adviser, who is the smartest and (if the stealth-based hierarchy I mentioned was accepted) there could possibly be a sort of 'special ops' leader, who would probably be considered the lesser of the three, though they would likely control the raid parties and how to cover up the bases.
This was WAY to in-depth for something that might not be implemented, wasn't it? Ah well, I laugh, knowing that you'll feel obligated to read it all for a good idea.
And finally, as for the dreams, I think either a) someone here was re-incarnated *hint hint* or b) a certain someone is having visions of a future. Where they go back in time.
Please, oh please let it be skags! Why skags? They piss me off.
1657988 Actually, it is off white, and a very light and pale blue
1643229 Dat comment made this evening.
i think the nightmares might be about discord because of the statue with no face
Omnifire, I think it's Slenderman.
1641530 RUNESCAPIAN!!!!!
the smooze!
Good that the griffies apparently raped the humans a new arsehole.
Cya
Raziel-chan