Emerald's Struggle

by The Zebra Hybrid

Chapter 13

Everfree Forest
Present Day

Emerald and Zecora made their way through the Everfree with the tribal zebra telling him the ins and outs for the forest. She would tell them which was the best paths to take during the time of day. She told him of the different plants to watch out for when he collected herbs for her especially a plant called, Poison Joke. He let out a laugh when she told him that Twilight and her friends were caught in the blue flower and she had to develop antidote for them. Emerald couldn't help but smile while walking though. Zecora is the first zebra he actually got to meet and she was everything he read about in his books and scrolls. Including the golden rings, the black, grey, and white coat, to him it was a beautiful sight. Not in a romantic way, even though she was a cute mare, but in a more natural beauty. He could only hope that other zebras and the rest of Zebrafrica was like this.

"Hey Zecora?" he said to her gaining her attention.

"Hmm?" She answered.

"I was wondering why you don't live in town with the other ponies?"

She smiled before answering, "It is closer to my line of work. Even if this is where the beasts lurk."

"But don't you get, kind of lonely? All out here by yourself most of the time?"

"It does, sometimes indeed. I do miss the lands of Zebrafrica across the big blue sea. However it does not affect me as much you see. Especially with you here now to accompany me."

Emerald gave a light blush in embarrassment and rubbed the back of his head with a forehoof, "Your welcome Zecora. The ponies here seem to be nicer than the ones in Canterlot."

"They are, but not all say who they say they are."

Emerald blinked, "What's that mean? Are you saying that ponies here are just like the ponies in Canterlot?"

She nodded, "Not all as you are aware, but there are a select few that do not like our kinds affairs."

"I guess there is always a pony like that. Is that another reason you live out here by yourself?"

"It is, but do not worry. I am a strong zebra and the creatures in this forest fear my fury." she joked a bit making Emerald laugh a bit. However he couldn't shake his mind of ponies being just a cruel here like back in Canterlot, even if its just a select few here compared to Canterlot it still put him on edge. He had terrible memories with Blueblood and his gang. To be honest if it wasn't for a select few of ponies that actually cared for him, he probably wouldn't be here right now. On the bright side he didn't have to worry about the white unicorn stallion anymore . He was off over seas dealing with politics, but that didn't stop the other prejudice ponies in the city to target him as well.

he still remembered when Mrs. Fleur and Mr. Fancy Pants took him in their home to keep him safe until his mom got out of work.

---

House of Fleur De Lis and Fancy Pants
17 years ago

Emerald had an awe expression when he approached the house with Fleur. She couldn't help but giggle at the young colts expression. The seven year old colt hadn't seen a house so big before, however he did live in the poorer district of Canterlot, but he house he was looking at was like a smaller version of a castle. He watched as Fleur walked up to the door and he quickly moved his small legs to catch up with her and stay close by her side.

She opened the door and allowing Emerald to walk in. His hooves instantly felt the soft velvet carpet beneath him as he looked at all the furniture and paintings. It was so fancy! He remembered the times he visited the castle with his mom while she was working, but it wasn't this fancy.

"Impressive isn't it?" said Fleur beside him making him slightly jump.

"Y-yes," he answered shyly, "It's really pretty."

"Yeah, how about you take a seat and I'll try to get in touch with your mother okay?"

Emerald nodded as Fleur walked to another room as he climbed on to a nice cushion chair. He didn't know why but so many thoughts ran through his mind concerning his mom. Was she going to be mad at him for talking to strangers? Was she going to take him out of school because of Blueblood!? Then how would he talk to Twilight, Sunset, and Sunburst again!? Then he would have broken his promise to Princess Celestia about doing his best at making more friends! Emerald then smacked himself out his mental breakdown and took a deep breath. He needed to calm down, other than his dad, he knew his mom better than anyone else and he knew she would never blame him for what happened. Especially with how nice Mrs. Fleur has been. He felt weak running from Blueblood and his friends, from his mom's stories, his dad would've stood and fight and he would win!

It was then his eyes widened at the sudden realization. He was going to be the zebra his dad was and be as brave and strong as him. He wouldn't let anypony else bring him down he would stand up to himself! Fleur's voice caught his attention as he hopped out of his chair and peeked into the room where he could see her horn glowing and her magical aura encasing the phone by her hear.

"Yes, the poor little colt was scared out of his mind." said Fleur to the phone as a voice which he assumed was Fleur's fiance Fancy Pants.

"I see, fortunately I haven't left the castle yet. I'll go to the head staff and ask for the boy's mother." said Fancy Pants over the phone.

"Thank you Fancy, and please hurry."

"Of course dear."

Fleur hung u the phone and turned around to meet a pair of yellow irises. She smiled as she walked over to Emerald who had a hopeful expression on his face, "So is my mommy coming to get me?" he asked.

The white unicorn nodded, "Yep, she should be here soon."

"Ok..um...thank you for doing this for me."

"Well aren't you the polite one and you are very welcome."

"Mom said I should always be nice to mares. Even the princess!"

Fleur froze for a second as her eyes had a flash of shock, "Wait, you've met the princess?"

Emerald nodded, "Uh, huh! I go to her school and my mom works for her in the castle. I only met her once though but she told me to make as many friends as I can when I was very sad."

"Why were you sad?"

His face fell as Fleur cursed to himself. Stupid Fleur! Why would you ask that! She heard a little sniffle form the small colt and she quickly wrapped him into an embrace, "I'm sorry Emerald, you don't have to answer if you don't want to." she said as he wiped a tear from his eye.

"I-Its ok," he said, "My dad was a zebra.....and when I was a baby he left and...never came back."

"That would explain the pretty stripes you have, " replied Fleur as she stroked his head she instantly knew what happned with this colt's father, "It's ok Emerald. I'm sure your dad is in a better place."

"Y-You think so!"

"I know so and I'm sure he's proud seeing how handsome and big you've gotten." she teased making the small colt blush from embarrassment. She giggled and broke the embrace as she realized something. She was getting attached to this colt way too fast. She had always wanted a foal when she got married to Fancy, but after seeing Emerald, it only want one even more. After she saw him afraid on the streets and running for his life, it almost felt like.....some deep motherly instincts took over. The mother of this colt was very lucky to have him. A sudden growl snapped her form her thoughts as Emerald looked away with a deeper blush.

"Are you hungry Emerald?" she asked as the colt nodded, "Follow me then. I might not be the best cook but I know a thing or two around the kitchen."

Emerald followed as he couldn't believe how nice she was being. Other than his mom, Celestia, and his teacher she was one of the only adults that actually cared for him. He ran to catch up to her with a big smile on his face, maybe he should ask his mom to visit here often.

---

Everfree Forest
Present Day

"Here we are, after walking so far" said Zecora snapping Emerald form his memory. He looked in front of him and he noticed that a old looking tree was in front of them. However the inside seemed to be some sort of hut with light peering from the windows. She led him inside and his eyes widened as he looked around like he was a foal in a candy store. He had never seen any Zebrafrican things in person let alone this many in one place. Zecora giggled at until she the stallion untilshe remembered something.

"Emerald," she called out gaining his attention, "Your last name is Crescent, isn't it?"

Emerald nodded with a confused expression, "Yeah, why?"

"Then you are the son of The Mighty Zanzabar!"

Emerald's eyes widened in shock as he ran up to the zebra, "You knew my dad!"

"Not specifically, but he was my idol as a filly. he was a very strong warrior of the princess and was known throughout Zebrafrica as a champion of contest."

"Yeah, my mom used to tell me stories all about him." he said with a sad smile.

Zecora noticed this and put a hoof on his shoulder. The way they were close with there muzzles inches apart made the zebra hybrid give off a light blush, "I am sorry for your loss Emerald,if you need anything the way to me is not long."

Emerald nodded and smiled, "Thank you Zecora, I'll keep that in mind."

She beamed before turning around and walking to the black cauldron in the middle of the room and started to explain on what his new job was and what she expected him to do. During her instructional speech he had found out that she is only three years older than him, which he told her that he looked a lot younger, making her blush. Emerald then started his job with assisting Zecora with different potions and going out to acquire ingredients for her. It kind of reminded his time with Moonie. He should send her a letter to see how the library was doing.

He was really going to like this new job.

---

House of Fleur De Lis and Fancy Pants
17 years ago

The sound of the door slammed open as Lemon Pine rushed in the house with Fancy pants walking in behind her, "Emerald!" she called out as she heard his voice from the living room.

"I'm in here mom!" he shouted as Lemon's motherly instincts kicked in and ran into the living room to see Emerald sitting next to Fleur with a book in his magical grasp. Emerald smiled and ran up to his mother and the two shared a tight embrace.

"Emmy, I'm so glad you're ok!" she cried, "I heard everything that happened. Those mean colts didn't hurt you did they?"

Emerald shook his head and pointed to Fleur, "I'm fine mommy. Mrs. Fleur helped me and took me in."

Lemon looked at Fleur who had a nervous look on her face, "you have a very smart colt Mrs. Pine , " she said, "And he was a real gentlecolt."

Lemon smiled, "There is no need to be nervous. I'm glad you helped my son when you did. I don't know what I'll do if I lost him. Thank you."

"Y-You're very welcome. If you don't mind my concern. I'm afraid those bullies might come after Emerald again and with you working in the castle I fear the worst for him."

Lemon tilted her head quite suspicions on where this mare was going, "And what did you have in mind?"

"If it's alright with you. I would like to pick him up after school and help him with his lessons. He would be safe from those colts that tried to hurt him and I can teach him a thing or two about his magic when you are out working. Of course you are free to pick him up anytime."

Emerald gave a beaming smile and jumped up and down, "Oh can she mom! Can she! Can she! Can she!"

Lemon looked back at Fleur trying to read her for any malicious intent. How ever all she saw was a hopeful gaze, not toward her but towards Emerald. She knew a mother's smile when she saw one and it was no secret that she had grown close to her son while he was hear. It didn't seem that she was going to take him away from her, but she'll just have to be cautious when her little Emmy is here.

"Alright," she said, "Emerald seems to like you and trust you and you convinced me that you won't bring any harm to him."

"Y-yes!" Fleur stuttered, "I will never hurt Emerald!"

"Good," Lemon smiled, "You are young but remember. Emerald is my son, so try not to get too attached. I know this sounds rude but..."

"It's fine, really. I always wanted a foal for myself, but I see where you are getting at and you have nothing to worry about."

Emerald cheered as he ran around the room, "Yay! I can hang out with Mrs. Fleur again."

The two mares giggled at Emerald's happiness as Fancy Pants walked in the room and smiled at the three. His fiance needed this, she has been so depressed lately. He thanked Faust that she found the colt and his mother, because with him dealing with business Fleur was here all by herself. He knows that these two ponies would keep her spirits up, especially the colt named Emerald.

And Fleur was right, he was a cute little colt.

Author's Note:

BOOM! Chapter 13! Don't have much to say but to say thank you all for supporting this story!

As always comment on what you think of the chapter!

Comments

[Fluffy-Boi]

"Y-You're ver welcome.

Very. Love this chapter. Can't wait for more.

[The Zebra Hybrid]

8912387
Fixed! And thanks!

[Fluffy-Boi]

8912550
No problem.

[HolyCross9]

You know, I'm still leaning toward Emerald shipped with Zecora since they have things in common with their Zebrica origins.

[Amos Anon]

Zecora noticed this and put a hoof on his shoulder. The way they were close with there muzzles inches apart made the zebra hybrid give off a light blush, "I am sorry for your loss Emerald,if you need anything the way to me is not long."

This better not be another herding story. I'm already seeing hints at 3, maybe 4 possible love interests.