Princess Celestia calls upon Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends for an important mission. Something big is coming to Equestria. And if they are to have any chance, they will need the only one who has any knowledge of what they will face.
Princess Twilight Sparkle is more than eager to seek out the keys to the mysterious chest from the Tree of Harmony but there is another pressing matter at hoof. Upon hearing of an attack on one of the Royal Guard Watchtowers, Princess Celestia calls upon Twilight Sparkle and her friends to investigate. When Twilight learns that they will be heading towards territories outside of Equestria, she finds herself wondering what the true purpose of their mission is. And what makes Twilight more curious is why Celestia specifically requested that Zecora accompany Twilight and her friends into lands unknown, unexplored, and unvisited by ponykind for hundreds of years.
Far past the southern borders of Equestria in the Badlands stands the Royal Guard Watchtower. As in many locations outside of Equestrian territory, the sole purpose of Royal Guards of the Watchtowers is to patrol the area and keep an eye out for ponies in need, for suspicious activity, and to watch for any invading enemies. Considering the Changeling Attack on Canterlot and word of the Everfree Forest Invasion on Ponyville, there was plenty of reason for the soldiers of the Princesses to stay on high alert and to be ready for any enemy. But this day has been a long one, and even loyal soldiers need rest every now and then.
On this particular night, there are five Royal Guards posted at this Watchtower. Two pegasi, two unicorn, and one earth pony. All are wearing the shining golden armor worn by many of their comrades. The pegasi have white coats and blue-colored manes and tails, the unicorns are grey with white manes and tails, nothing out of the ordinary. The earth pony however is quite different from the rest. His fur is a tannish brown, his eyes are gold-yellow, and his helmet plume is red. His armor is shining silver and he also wears a small crimson cloak over him. In one hoof he holds not a spear but a long halberd with a small red flag bearing the cutie mark of Princess Celestia. He stands inside the top of the Watchtower looking outside the window. He pulls up a spyglass and looks around at the landscapes. In his sights sees Timber Wolf Territory, the Ursa Major Caverns, and the mountains further south. Standing out from the rocks he sees what looks like a pony’s head. With an air of nobility and awe, the Knight's Peak looks as though it was carved out of the mountains themselves. The sound of hoof steps echo loudly as the two unicorn guards approach the earth pony. He turns his head just in time to see them come to a stop and salute him.
“Sentinel Alaris, we have just returned from our patrol and there is no sign of suspicious activity.”
The earth pony turns around and sets down his spyglass on a small table and nods in approval.
“Very good. Any word from the pegasi?” “Not yet, they are on their way back now.” “Very well. Carry on.”
The unicorns salute and turn to continue their patrol. Sentinel Alaris turns around and looks up at the sky to see two armored pegasi on their way back to the tower. A small smile forms on his face and he reaches for the spyglass when suddenly everything seems to be shaking. The spyglass shakes and rolls off the table and soon the whole tower seems to be shaking. Alaris and his soldiers look around in confusion. Earthquakes do not happen in Equestria without some kind of outside cause. Alaris does the only thing he can think of and calls to his comrades.
“Brace yourselves!”
They each pin themselves onto the wall in hopes of getting good footing. Alaris however loses his balance and trips on his spyglass sending him toward the window. Disoriented and unable to react he is unable to stop himself from falling out of the tower. His comrades cry out to him as they see him disappear.
“ALARIS!!!”
As his helmet flies off his head, Alaris screams falling down to his doom. But he never hits the ground. Just in time, the two pegasi guards Alaris had spotted arrived just in time to save him. He looks up at them with relief in his face. Then he turns to look at the tower as it continues to shake intensely. He sees a flash of light as the two unicorn soldiers teleport themselves out of the tower and out onto more open ground. They look around frantically for their superior’s body. Once they see his helmet, their faces become grim and they fear the worst. But Alaris calls out to them and they look up and relief washes over their faces. Alaris looks on to see the ground, the forests, and even the mountains shaking intensely.
“What in the name of Equestria is going on?”
One of the pegasi holding Alaris turned his head toward a particular spot in the forest not far from the Watchtower.
“I’m not sure sir, but whatever is causing this seems to be coming from the forest.”
Alaris turns and sees that indeed the forest seemed to be shaking with great ferocity as though something were ready to burst from it.
“What are your orders, sir?”
Alaris furrows his brows as though he is ready for battle.
“Take me down, and bring me my helmet.”
The pegasi bring Alaris down and soon the unicorn soldiers join his side bringing with them his helmet and halberd. Alaris takes his helmet, places it on his head, grabs hold of his halberd and points it toward the forest. The unicorn soldiers hold their spears ready and their horns glow in anticipation. The pegasi hover above them ready to support their colleagues from the air. The forest then seems to shake even harder and whatever is making them move is heading closer towards the location of the guards. Alaris yells back to his soldiers.
“Steady!!! Steady!!!” The shaking grows even louder and birds fly out from the trees. Then finally something comes bursting out of the forest and it is not at all what the Royal Guard had expected.
A zebra.
This particular zebra was running frantically for his life as though something was chasing him. His head was turned looking back behind him. As he turns his head forwards he realizes he is running straight towards the weapons of the fully armed Royal Guards of Equestria. His eyes widen and he comes to a sudden and rough stop stumbling and rolling into the ground right at the feet of Alaris. He looks up in fear as he sees weapons pointed at him and he pulls up his front hooves shielding himself.
“P-please, I understand you are in a state of alarm but I do not wish you any harm!”
Alaris quickly analyzes this zebra now that he had a better look at him. He has a spiky and messy-looking mohawk, his eyes are emerald green, around his neck are colorful beads of orange, blue, and red. Around his right forelimb is a bamboo band with red feathers attached to it. His cutie mark is covered by saddlebags filled with what appears to be maps, bottles, pots, and pans. His stripes are a dark shade of gray and his tail is as messy as his mane. The zebra himself is not of a great stature but was most certainly no young colt. He seems to have the average build of a pony stallion. Alaris then realizes that the ground and forest ceased shaking as suddenly as it had happened. The guards look around in confusion. Then they all turn and look down at the shivering zebra. They were not about to believe that he was the cause of all this commotion. Alaris pulls back his halberd and lowers his head to the zebra glaring into his eyes.
“Who are you, what are you doing here, and what is going on?”
The zebra looks up nervously at Alaris. Then his eyes begin to shift around, his head desperate to turn around and look back at the forest.
“Do not waste your time with me! Please, you must hurry and flee!”
Suddenly the ground shakes once more but not with the same intensity as before. This time the ground shook as though something heavy was moving and a low but loud growl rumbled in the air. And to the surprise and fear of Alaris and his guards, it was to their side. Slowly a large shadow had engulfed the ponies and zebra on the ground. The guards turned to see what it was that had approached them and their eyes widened and their jaws were about ready to fall off their faces. The zebra shook with eyes as big as dish pans and gasped frantically as he sped off away from the guard. The Royal Guard themselves are frightened at this foe they had only heard of in legends and stories from foalhood. But before them is indeed the very creature they recalled from forgotten histories. Alaris gasps deeply as his eyes reflect the beast rising with a terrifying and loud trumpeting roar that had not been heard by anypony for hundreds of years.
The day brightens nicely and the birds sing as always in Ponyville. And Twilight Sparkle paces around in her library with a pencil behind her ear and a floating notepad before her. Around her are stacked piles of books, maps laid out across the floor, compasses, and scrolls. She looks down at the map, eyes narrowing in deep focus. Her head rises and her face brightens briefly and with her magic she pulls out the pencil to jot down notes. Then a loud slam startles Twilight as Spike walks back into the library with a paper bag in one hand.
“Hey, Twilight! I’m back!”
Losing her focus, she loses control of her magic momentarily and the notepad and pencil fly across the room. The pencil in particular flies toward Spike. His eyes widen and he lets out a small scream and shields himself with his arms. The pencil hits its target on the mark. To Spike’s relief, it didn’t hit him. It hit the paper bag in his hand and stuck it right into the wall next to the door. He pulls out the pencil and opens the bag checking inside. He lets out a sigh of relief as he pulls out some cookies.
“Whew! That was close!”
Spike looked at the state of the library recalling one of Twilight’s obsessive research studies. He cocks one of his eyes in confusion as he approaches Twilight.
“Again? Twilight, I thought you said you couldn’t find anything in your books about the keys or the chest?”
With a proud smile, Twilight walks to Spike and magically pulls the pencil out from his hand and places it behind her ear.
“I did, Spike. But I figured since Princess Celestia mentioned the possibility of information from the ancient castle of the Everfree Forest, there may be other ancient locations that I may have overlooked!”
Spike eyes one of the large maps spread out across the floor with several pins placed in different locations.
“Uh, like...”
Twilight places her hoof onto the map and bends her head down scanning the map and the different pins.
“The Crystal Empire! Considering it came back after a thousand years, there’s probably tons of valuable information in the library! There may be books on ancient cities and kingdoms from those time periods! We can visit the Library while we’re there for the Equestria Games.”
Spike walks to the table in the center and places his bag down and pulls out a cookie. As he eats it he watches Twilight flying all over the place using her magic to pull up her maps and books placing them in saddle-bags.
“Well, that does sound like a good idea...” “Good? It’s perfect! Just imagine, forgotten lands in Equestria or even beyond!” “Uh, yeah but Twilight...” “I know the games don’t start for a good long while, but it’s just so exciting!” “Twilight...” “Maybe we could make for an early trip? The sooner we get started...” “TWILIGHT!!!”
Startled out of her rant, Twilight drops everything she was carrying with her hooves and her magic. After everything has fallen down, Spike walks over to pick up some of the books and maps.
“Look, I know you want to find those keys but it’s not going to do any good to freak out about them. And I don’t want to see you bummed and tired out after traveling all over Equestria and not finding anything. Don’t get me wrong, if anypony can find the keys it’s you Twilight. Just try to take it easy, ok?”
Spike looks up at Twilight with pleading eyes. Twilight hovers down onto the floor and looks down at one of her maps. She eyes all of the pins across the map and realizes that Spike is right. It won’t do her any good to build up too much hope that any of her leads could be right. If she only knew exactly where to find them, it would save her the trouble of researching and traveling. Remembering the stress of not finding anything specific in her own library before being sent to Everfree, she could not imagine how disappointed she would be if she travelled to every library only to find nothing. Not to mention remembering how she gets when she obsesses herself with something. It is a good thing that Spike is here, she thought to herself. He truly has lived up to his title as Number One Assistant. She looks to her Number One Assistant with an appreciative smile.
“Thanks, Spike.” “No problem, Twilight! And hey, maybe something will come up when you least expect it!” “I’m sure you’re right, Spike! If living in Ponyville has taught me anything it’s that you never know what’s going to happen!”
Twilight places one of her wings on Spike’s head, roughing up what would be a mane if he was a pony. Spike couldn’t help but laugh a little and soon Twilight laughed lightly.
“Hehehe! Stop it! Your feathers tickle!”
Suddenly Spike’s face contorts with widened eyes and his head reels back. Then a loud belch with green fire bursts from his mouth. Twilight shields herself with her wing, as the fire was a little close. But when she notices the scroll on the ground, she levitates it, opens it and reads aloud.
My Dearest Twilight,
I have a very special request for you. Please arrive with your friends at the edge of Everfree Forest as soon as possible. It is of the utmost importance.
Your faithful friend,
Princess Celestia
Faithful friend. Twilight was still having trouble wrapping her head around the fact that she was no longer a student of Princess Celestia. But it was nice to know that just because the Princess was no longer her mentor did not mean that they would no longer be friends. Spike cocks his eye and walks to Twilight trying to get a look at the letter.
“Is that it?” “That’s all there is.” “Seems kind of rushed. Maybe it’s some kind of emergency?” “Or it could be a lead to the keys! There’s not enough from this letter to know for sure but we have no time to lose.”
By midday, Twilight Sparkle and her friends are gathered not far from the Everfree Forest. Twilight Sparkle is pacing back and forth as Spike follows along not too far behind her with his arms behind his back. Pinkie Pie bounces in pace with a big smile on her face while Rainbow Dash lies on the ground tapping her hoof and looking around at the sky in anticipation. Fluttershy sits patiently as Rarity brushes her mane and Applejack stands by looking around. They had been waiting for quite some time. Finally Applejack speaks up.
“So somepony want to tell me why we’re all gathered up here in the first place?”
Rainbow Dash rises to her hooves and raises her wings.
“Yeah, there wasn’t really a lot to go on with that shady letter.”
Rarity breaks from brushing her mane with widened eyes and a mouth agape.
“Rainbow Dash, this is Princess Celestia we are talking about! True, the letter was rather vague but I am positive that it will be a matter of utmost significance!”
Pinkie bounces in with a loud yell.
“YEAH!!! Maybe it’s going to be a surprise party! Or a secret gift exchange! Oooh! Maybe she has a vacation planned for us! This is so exciting!”
Fluttershy shifts her left foreleg behind her other foreleg nervously.
“Or maybe something dangerous has happened and she needs our help. Although, I don’t really know what good we can do now that we don’t have the Elements of Harmony.” Applejack walked to Fluttershy with a smile and determined look.
“We may not bear the Elements anymore but that doesn’t mean we can’t take on whatever comes our way!”
Rainbow Dash flies down and hoof-bumps with Applejack.
“Aaaww yeah!”
Twilight stops pacing and looks to her friends smiling fondly. It was true, even without the Elements she and her friends were a force to be reckoned with. Together, they could face anything. Suddenly the sound of wings flapping comes near and Twilight and her friends turn to see Princess Celestia carried down in her chariot by her Royal Guard. Twilight’s friends bow as Princess Celestia’s chariot lands right in front of them. Princess Celestia wastes no time hovering down from from her seat onto the ground and walks to Twilight.
“Twilight, it is good to see you again! But now is not the time for pleasantries. There is an urgent matter at hoof.”
Twilight looks up to Celestia with eyes of concern and uncertainty.
“What’s going on? Is there a lead to the keys?” “The news I bring are in no way related to the chest or the keys that open it. One of the Watchtowers on the borders south from Equestria has been attacked.”
All of the girls along with Spike gasp in unison. Some of them step back or raise a foreleg in disbelief. Fear is especially present in Fluttershy.
“A-attacked? By what?”
Celestia turns toward Fluttershy with worry visible in her face.
“I am not sure myself. Though my Royal Guards stationed there have returned safely, they are too afraid to speak of anything that had happened. Only one of them was willing to say anything. His name is Alaris. He is the Sentinel of the Southern Watchtower near the Macintosh Hills.”
Applejack buries herself in deep thought before looking up to Celestia.
“South of Macintosh Hills...isn’t that not too far from the Badlands we travelled to when Chrysalis captured my sister?”
Rarity steps forward with a fierceness in her eyes.
“And mine as well!”
Rainbow Dash hovers up as though ready to take off.
“And Scootaloo! Did that creepy Queen and her Changelings escape?! Because if she shows her sorry muzzle again...”
Princess Celestia raises a reassuring hoof in the air.
“While Queen Chrysalis would be a likely threat, I strongly believe that she and her Changelings had nothing to do with this particular attack.”
Twilight cocks an eye in confusion.
“What makes you say that?” “If they had escaped, they would have taken on pony disguises and gone on to infiltrate us, take prisoners, and attack just as they did before. But the reports say nothing that would match a Changeling attack.” “What exactly did happen?”
Celestia turned her eyes to the ground with grim thoughts in her mind. She shut her eyes and breathed in deeply.
“That is exactly why I have called upon you, Princess Twilight Sparkle. You and your friends must investigate the scene and find out exactly what Equestria is up against. If we do not know soon, we may find ourselves at war with a new and dangerous enemy.”
Spike placed his claws to his face nervously beginning to shiver with fear.
“W-w-war?”
Rarity had her hoof over her mouth and her eyes had widened. She gasps and faints with her hoof now raised to her head. Applejack moved to Rarity’s side in time to catch her and took off her hat to fan her. Twilight Sparkle’s ears drooped and her face grimaced. True, Changelings had invaded, shadow spirits targeted Ponyville, Sombra had threatened to reconquer the Crystal Empire, and Discord’s seeds attacked from the Everfree Forest but most of those conflicts were settled in a relatively short amount of time and in most cases they did last for very long. But the idea of being at war, of being in a lingering conflict with a deadly enemy was terrifying enough. Such a thing has not happened in a very long time, probably not since before the Reign of Discord. Princess Celestia placed her hoof under Twilight’s lowered face and raises her chin up so they can see each other. Celestia smiles warmly to comfort Twilight.
“Though war is my greatest fear, it is my deepest hope that it will not come to that. Not only will you be sent to learn who or what attacked the Watchtower but it is also in your mission to reason with them and learn about them. As a Princess, you will represent Equestria and you will show to them that we are a nation of peace, friendship, and harmony.” Twilight finds herself smiling and looks down to the side in thought. While the thought of war was scary, she was thankful to be reminded that Equestria was not a military nation. They were better than that and were more than willing to try and make peace instead of war. Twilight’s eyes turn up to meet the Princess‘ and she nods confidently.
“We won’t let you down. You can count on us, Princess Celestia!”
Suddenly Pinkie Pie bounces down next to Twilight waving her forelegs in the air.
“Wait a minute! What if these guys don’t want to make peace and hold hooves? What if they’re all tough and mean and angry and not nice? I mean, we can be tough and angry too but what if we needed to use the Elements of Harmony against them and we really can’t do that anymore and if the bad guys knew that we would be in big trouble!”
Princess Celestia still smiles and lowers her head to Pinkie Pie and Twilight.
“True but for now let’s keep that between us, shall we?”
Applejack steps up to Twilight’s other side with her hat back on her head. She almost seems angry.
“With respect your highness, I may not be in touch with my Element anymore but I am still in touch with my sense of honesty.”
Twilight almost seems shocked that Applejack would be this bold to Princess Celestia herself! Princess Celestia however does not react to Applejack and still carries her warm smile on her face. Then Applejack’s face softens and she places her hat over her chest.
“Although, I do understand what you’re saying. I suppose that could be something kept from common knowledge. So long as I don't have to be the one to lie about it!”
Princess Celestia laughs lightly.
“It is good to see that losing touch with your Element has not made you lose touch with who you are. Remember this, all of you.”
Each of the girls, including a recovered Rarity, stand proud and nod firmly. Twilight turns to her friends.
“Alright girls. First we need to pack things up and be ready to leave as soon as possible. There’s no telling how long we’ll be gone but we have to be ready for anything!”
From behind Twilight, Princess Celestia’s voice fills the air once more.
“There is something else I need to ask, Twilight.”
Twilight turns around slightly surprised but listens intently.
“Anything!” “From one of your friendship lessons, you wrote of a zebra by the name of Zecora?”
Twilight is slightly confused, unsure of where Celestia is going with this.
“Yes? What about her?” “I strongly suggest that you bring Zecora with you on this mission.”
Twilight’s confusion had transformed into curiosity.
“Zecora? But why would we need to bring Zecora?” “From what you had told me, the six of you had quite some trials when you first ventured into the Badlands. And Zecora knows the dangers of the wilds in Everfree and possibly beyond. With Zecora to guide you, you could make it to your destination much sooner.”
Rarity steps between Twilight and Pinkie chiming in.
“I have to agree on this, Twilight. I for one would very much enjoy not having to deal with trolls, giant spiders, vicious wildlife, or tasteless ruffians again! What if daresay we ran into a giant and monstrous dragon along the way? (No offense, Spikey-Wikey.) It would do us some good to have a guide who knows her way around such dangerous things.”
Pinkie Pie jumps up smiling wildly as confetti flies and a party horn blows loudly.
“Yeah! Maybe with her help, we can find a nice forest village, stay at a cozy cabin, ride some barrels, and have the road trip of a lifetime! Maybe we can find cool souvenirs along the way! Sounds a lot nicer than a war that could affect the whole world! Not to mention having a not-evil enchantress join on a team in a quest is always a big plus!”
Applejack turns to them smiling.
“Zecora may not be that social and in some ways is still mysterious but she does mean well and I’m sure she’d be willing to help.”
Princess Celestia smiles with satisfaction.
“Then it is settled!”
Celestia turns her head to her chariot and levitates a small pack from it to Twilight.
“Once you go to Zecora, tell her everything I have told you. This is for her to use. It has the most updated maps of the territories outside of Equestria.”
Then a small letter floats out from the bag. Though Celestia’s voice is still gentle and soothing, it seems to sound slightly firmer.
“This letter is for Zecora and for Zecora alone. Once she agrees to join, send me a letter immediately.”
Twilight looks at the pack and the letter, then up at Celestia with understanding. She uses her magic to take hold of the letter placing it into the pack. Then she places it onto her back, tying it around her firmly. Celestia looks down at Twilight proudly. Twilight smiles back confidently.
“Understood.”
Celestia lowers her head around Twilight placing a foreleg around her. They embrace not as teacher and student but as friends. When they break, Celestia returns to the chariot and as it takes off she turns to Twilight and her friends waving.
“Good luck on your journey, my little ponies!”
Twilight and her friends smile and wave back saying their good-byes. Once Celestia is out of sight, Twilight Sparkle and her company turn to the Everfree Forest and begin marching inside.
As Twilight and her friends walk through Everfree Forest, she finds herself wondering about everything Celestia had said. Soon enough it becomes obvious to everypony that she is in deep thought. Spike looks to Twilight with concern as he rides on her back.
“What’s wrong Twilight?”
Twilight sighs deeply and turns her head to answer Spike and to address the girls.
“I can’t help but think that there’s a lot more to this than we thought.”
Dash spins in flight towards Twilight and positions herself just above her side.
“We haven’t even left Equestria yet and you’re already thinking too much into this? Ha ha ha! Good old egghead Twilight!” “Well, there is a lot to think about because there’s a lot we don’t know about.”
Applejack stops her walk and rubs her chin with one of her hooves in deep thought and with skeptical eyes.
“Do any of ya’ll reckon that maybe the Princess is hiding something from us?”
Rarity chuckles lightly and levitates a small handkerchief to wipe a tear.
“Why, Applejack! Princess Celestia would never lie to us! Goodness, the very idea!” “I ain’t saying she’s lying, I’m saying maybe she knows more than she’s letting on. Didn’t she say there was only one guard willing to talk? Why didn’t she bring him?”
Rarity sighs sadly.
“That is a shame indeed. He sounds like a handsome and strong fellow...”
Rarity bats her eyes up at the sky daydreaming. Fluttershy perks her head up.
“Maybe he was too frightened to come. I don’t know what he saw but I’m sure I wouldn’t want to see it again if I were him.”
Rainbow Dash hovered back to Fluttershy and Applejack.
“I’m with AJ on this one. I mean if that guard knew something, it would help if he was here to tell us anything!”
Pinkie Pie stops bouncing and rises up on her hind legs while raising her forelegs moving them as she talks.
“Maybe it’s all part of a big fun surprise! Like a welcoming party, a diplomatic party, a left and right wing party, a military party, a national party, an international party...”
Twilight listened to all of her friends intently. Twilight did see that Applejack was on to something but lying seemed so unlike Princess Celestia. Discord is the one who lies. He lied about not having anything to do with the dark plants attacking Ponyville, capturing the Princesses, and the Tree of Harmony! But despite him being difficult, in a way he did help. And though Twilight is a Princess instead of a student, there is probably still a lot to learn. She hopes that if Princess Celestia is indeed hiding something from her, it will be for the sake of learning to be a Princess. From the sound of it, this is going to be a serious undertaking of international importance. Twilight turns her eyes back forward to focus on their current objective at hoof. And as though right on cue, she sees Zecora’s hut in sight.
“Well, here we are!”
Twilight was the first to approach the door. Raising a hoof, she knocks on the door three times.
“Hello? Zecora?”
Twilight knocks again but again there is no response. After a few moments of silence, Twilight turns back to her friends shrugging her wings. Spike steps down from Twilight and walks to the window to take a peek. Fluttershy cocks her head at the door.
“Maybe she isn’t home?”
Spike jumps up and grabs a hold of the window pulling himself up to look inside. He looks around to see that the place seems to be a little messy with pots, vials, and potions all over the place. He sees Zecora’s large cauldron with steam rising from it. The bubbling liquid inside appeared to be orange. The sound of hoof steps catches Spike’s ear and he spots Zecora approaching the cauldron with with what appeared to be make-shift goggles above her head and ear-muffs. Then she places them on her eyes and pulls up a small bag with one hoof. With the other she pulls some kind of yellow dust and sprinkles it into the cauldron. Spike turns to the girls to let them know about Zecora. Unfortunately, as he turns his head he fails to notice that Zecora has ducked down.
“Well, looks like she’s here! But it looks like she’s kind of busy...”
BOOM
The force of the explosion resonates throughout the forest, shaking up the hut, and knocking Spike down from the window. The noise was enough to startle the girls and a bright light had also shined from Zecora’s hut, making them react by shielding their eyes. Their ears ring and they’re practically blinded. Once the light dies down, Twilight removes her wings from her eyes to see Spike down on the ground. She wastes no time running to him.
“Spike!”
Once the girls notice, the gather around Spike too with worried faces and concerned eyes. Twilight places her hooves down to help Spike get back on his feet. He groans and holds one claw to his head.
“Oh, Spike. Are you alright?” “Uuuggh...” “Spike, are you hurt?”
Suddenly Spike perks his head up and raises a hand to his ear.
“WHAT?”
Twilight and the others look down at Spike with puzzled expressions.
“I said, are you alright?”
Spike cocks his eye at Twilight in confusion, blinking after a few moments.
“WHAAAAT?”
Out of nowhere Pinkie Pie sticks her head down to Spike’s ear with a loudspeaker. The force of her amplified voice seemed to push Spike backwards.
“SHE SAID, ARE YOU ALRIGHT???”
Spike helps himself back up and looks at Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and the rest of the girls. Patiently they wait for him to respond but he continues to look at them blankly. After a few moments of silence and occasional blinking, Spike again puts a hand to his ear.
“WHAAAAT???”
Suddenly a loud creak of a door catches the attention of the girls as they see Zecora walk outside with her goggles on and her ears covered. She raises her goggles above her eyes and lets out a relaxed sigh. Then she moves her hoof to remove her earmuffs. As she does this, she turns her head to the direction of the girls and her eyes widen when she realizes the scene before her. She gasps and runs over to them analyzing the state of Spike.
“We have no time to waste, bring him inside!”
With haste, everyone went inside of the hut with Spike in tow. Twilight places Spike onto the bed and watches as Zecora rapidly puts some kind of potion together. It happened too fast for her to notice but she could have sworn she saw colors changing and small puffs of smoke rising. Zecora yells out to Twilight as she continues working.
“When I give the word, have his mouth open wide!”
Twilight nods and looks to Spike with worry while Spike looks around with confusion. Then Zecora turns and raises a funnel. Twilight takes this as a sign and turns to Twilight, slowly mouthing out so he can read her lips.
“Spike, say ahhhh!”
Spike seems to understand and does as she says.
“Aaaaa...mmph!”
The funnel is stuffed into his mouth and Zecora begins pouring her concoction down into it. Spike makes loud gulps as he swallows. Then as he finishes, he begins to make disgusted faces, looking like he was about to be sick. Then he lets out a loud and long belch with green fire spouting out of his mouth and steam puffing out of his ears. Twilight, Zecora, and the others take cover. As he finishes, Spike sits himself up and shakes his head.
“Oooohh...”
Twilight looks at Spike waiting in worry.
“SPIIIIIKE, ARE YOU ALRIGHT?”
Spike winces and covers his ears.
“Aaah! I hear you loud and clear, you don’t have to yell!”
Twilight grabs Spike giving him a big hug as the rest of the girls cheer in joy and relief. Though Zecora seems relieved, she looks to Twilight with apologetic eyes.
“I thought I was careful, I did my best. Please forgive me, I was not expecting guests.”
“Spike’s alright, that’s all that matters. Thank you, Zecora.”
Rarity turned to Zecora and looked at her potion.
“But do tell, what in the world happened?”
Zecora walked over to her cauldron, the liquid now turned into a violet hue.
“As you can see, I was working on a concoction my friend.”
Zecora then stretched out her hoof to present her goggles and earmuffs.
“But I had to be prepared, lest I be blind and deaf for weeks on end.”
Twilight looks at the cauldron cocking her head before turning to Zecora.
“Blind and deaf? But he could still see us.” “If he shielded his eyes or turned away, then his vision was only in slight disarray.”
Spike brushes a hand over his head as though to wipe away sweat.
“Whew, that was a close one!”
Zecora smiles warmly and chuckles lightly. Then she looks to Twilight and the rest of the girls.
“It is good to have company and not be alone. What brings you all to my humble home?”
Twilight lets go of Spike and stands up in a more official stance.
“The Royal Guard Watchtower in the south has been attacked. Princess Celestia is sending us to find out who or what is responsible. And we need your help to do it.”
Twilight waited patiently for Zecora to respond. Zecora then said it plainly.
“This is serious news that you have brought. But in terms of joining you, I simply cannot.”
Twilight stares at Zecora in disbelief. She had come to her many times before for help and Zecora never turned her down.
“But we’re going to be heading into lands unknown! Well, actually we’ve been down there before, but we need a guide. Somepony, um, somezebra who knows her way in the wilderness.”
Zecora walked over to some shelves pulling down flasks and empty bottles.
“While I would gladly come to your aid, there is much to be done here and many more brews to be made. For example, I have here a potion to heal wounds and scars. And also some foul-tasting medicines disguised as candy bars.”
Pinkie Pie sticks out her head towards the mentioned bars with wide eyes.
“Ooooohhh!!! Did someone say candy bars???”
Pinkie Pie snatches one and gobbles it up in seconds. Then seconds after her eyes go bug-eyed and her nose scrunches up. With a closed mouth she tries to sound out words and points to her mouth. She runs to the window and sticks her head out spitting the bar out.
“Bleeeeccchh!!! Eeeew, eew, eew, eeeeeeewww!!!”
Zecora smiles and shakes her head. Twilight cocks her eye at Pinkie for a moment and turns back to Zecora.
“But what if we lose our way out there? What if something happens?”
“Princess Twilight, you have journeyed far and faced many dangers of all kinds if I recall. You are resourceful ponies, I am sure I am not needed at all.”
Twilight realizes that there is some truth to what Zecora had said. Though there were those times Zecora proved to be a big help to Twilight and her friends, there were many more times when Twilight and her friends took on challenges head on. Not to mention the Princess did give Twilight updated maps. But Princess Celestia did seem to strongly want Zecora on their team. Then something catches Twilight off-guard. Spike taps Twilight on her wing and stands up on his toes to whisper.
“Twilight, the letter!” “Oh! Right!”
Twilight’s eyes widen in realization and she uses her magic to pull out the letter from the small pack. She walks over to Zecora giving her the letter.
“Well, thanks anyway for your time. And thanks again for helping Spike. Before we go, this is for you from Princess Celestia.”
Zecora takes the letter in her hoof and smiles at Twilight.
“Safe travels on your journey, Princess. I wish you and your friends all the best.”
Spike climbs up onto Twilight’s back and in single file Twilight and her friends exit the hut. Zecora smiles and waves to the girls as they leave. When her front door is shut, Zecora looks at the letter flipping it twice in her hoof. She opens it up and begins reading. After a few moments of carefully scanning the letter, her eyes widen and she drops the letter raising a hoof to her mouth as she lets out a loud gasp.
Twilight and her friends are still walking through the Everfree Forest back to Ponyville. Though Twilight’s head is not hung low, she does have disappointment on her face. Spike notices and tries to reassure her.
“Hey, don’t worry Twilight. It was worth a shot, right?”
Applejack moved up to catch up to Twilight.
“Besides Zecora’s right. We are quite the group of ponies! We’ve traveled to all sorts of places, faced many nasty critters, and took down all sorts of no-good villains!”
Rainbow Dash flies up with a hoof in the air striking a pose.
“Yeah! We can take on anything!”
Fluttershy raises her head and smiles as her wings flap lightly.
“Yaaaaay...”
Rarity raises her head proudly smiling at her friends.
“Hear, hear! Considering everything we have accomplished and come across, I am sure we will do just fine!”
Twilight smiles with some comfort.
“You’re right, girls. But it’s just that this is a big wide world and maybe it would have helped to have a friend who can help us. There’s bound to be something out there that’ll surprise us.”
“SPEAKING of surprises! Look everypony! Look, look, look!”
Twilight and the rest turn their heads to Pinkie as she catches everypony’s attention. Pinkie Pie bounces around them in a circle before stopping behind them and pointing her hoof opposite of where they were walking. Twilight and the rest look towards the direction of Pinkie’s pointed hoof. Something was coming behind them and fast. When it came close it enough, it did surprise everypony when they could clearly see who it is.
“Zecora?”
They all say in unison. Zecora catches up to them with fully packed saddle bags and a small wagon behind her. Despite the fact that she ran a good distance with all of that in tow, she does not seem winded at all. If anything, she seems to be filled with a newfound sense of purpose. She walks toward Twilight and stood firm in front of her as though she were a soldier.
“In concern of your request, I have had a change of heart. Please tell me, when can we depart?”
Twilight can’t help but smile brightly to see her friend before her.
“Spike, take a note please! Inform Princess Celestia we head out at once!”
Cheers, yells, and soft yays rise from Twilight’s friends as Spike sends his letter.
Twilight Sparkle and her friends including Spike and Zecora are gathered in front of the Library with packed bags. Twilight looks around at her friends scanning their bags.
“Everypony ready?”
Each of her friends enthusiastically respond, lined up side-by-side.
“Ready!” “Um, yes...” “I should say so!” “Let’s do this!” “I’m ready-eddy-eddy!”
Twilight smiles and spreads out her wings and rears back.
“Then let’s move out, girls!”
Spike moves and jumps onto Twilight’s back as they begin to go back into the Everfree Forest. Twilight turns her head to Zecora.
“Lead the way, Zecora!”
Zecora nods and moves a head further in Twilight’s sight so that everypony in the group can see Zecora as they move. Spike turns his head to Zecora. Though he was glad to see her come along, something was nagging at him in the back of his mind.
“Soooo Zecora, what made you change your mind about joining us?”
Zecora turned her head back at Spike, then back towards Ponyville. Twilight was not sure but she almost seemed...paranoid.
“There will be plenty of time later to explain and shed light. Perhaps I can share once we stop to rest for the night.”
Pinkie Pie bounced along behind despite carrying what looked to be very heavy bags and her welcome wagon.
“OOOH!!! Like a campfire story! I love campfires! They make some of the best outdoor parties! I’ve got plenty to share, tell me when we stop to make camp!”
Rarity stops momentarily to brush her hoof through her hair and flutter her eyes.
“It has been a while since we have had such a lovely trip to the outdoors. I do hope I didn’t forget to bring my lotions and bug sprays.”
Zecora turned her head back towards Pinkie and Rarity in a serious manner.
“Take more care in yourselves than your brands. We shall be heading into dangerous and unknown lands. Or at least unknown to ponykind. Heed my word and do not fall behind.”
Rainbow Dash confidently glides past Zecora with her back facing the ground and her front hooves behind her head.
“Yeah, about these lands being dangerous and unknown...we know. We’ve travelled through crazy forests and dark caves to get to that nasty Changeling Queen.” “That may be so Rainbow Dash, but our path is different so we cannot afford to be brash.”
Rainbow Dash widens her eyes and turns at Zecora, watching as she continues to march on. She hovers next to Twilight sticking her head out near her ear.
“Pssst! Hey, Twilight! What’s got her tail up in a knot?”
Twilight turns and whispers back.
“I’m not sure myself. She’s always been wise and mysterious but right now she seems almost...” “Cranky?” “Distressed.”
Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow at Twilight.
“Distressed?” “I’m thinking maybe it had something to do with that letter I gave her. Whatever was in it must have really convinced her to come. Maybe even scared her...”
Suddenly the air feels warm behind Twilight and loudly by Twilight’s ears is another one of Spike’s fiery burps. Right before her is another letter. Twilight catches it with her magic just in time before it fell to the ground. Rainbow Dash scrunches up her nose and her eyes widen. She places her front hooves over her muzzle.
“Jeez, Spike! What’d you have for lunch?”
Spike blushes and rubs his claw behind his head.
“Eheh...sorry.”
Twilight waves her hoof in the air to get rid of the lingering smell. Then she opens up the letter. Spike leans beside Twilight’s head to look at the letter.
My Dearest Twilight,
Thank you for sending me the news of Zecora joining you on your journey. I am confident she will help you on your way through whatever path you take and face whatever you may come across. Let her know that I am grateful for her aid.
And there is one last detail I forgot to mention in my haste. I have sent for Sentinel Alaris to join your company as well so that he may shed light to what happened. He will be waiting for you at the Entrance into Macintosh Hills.
From here on out, everything in this journey will be left to your decisions.
Good luck, my dear friend.
Princess Celestia.
Twilight blinked and placed the letter into her pack.
“Huh. Looks like we’ll be meeting Sentinel Alaris after all.”
Suddenly all of the girls stop for a moment when they hear Twilight, even Zecora stops to turn her head back. Rarity’s eyes widen and her front hooves rise to the sides of her face as she gasps and nervously laughs. Then with her magic she pulls out a brush, a mirror, and perfume.
“Oh my!!! I’m not properly dressed! I need to change my hair, I ought to be wearing my newly imported perfume!”
Applejack places a hoof onto Rarity’s shoulder.
“Take it easy, sugarcube. By the time we get up to the mountain, all your prettyin’ up ain’t going to do much good.”
Rainbow Dash does a light flip above Applejack and Rarity.
“Besides, those guys are always so serious! He might just stare straight ahead all day! Ha ha!”
Rarity blushes and slowly puts her stuff back into her bag. Fluttershy smiles lightly and hovers up for a moment.
“It does sound nice to have a Royal Guard joining us. He could be a big help against scary monsters!”
Zecora shuts her eyes and shakes her head as she moves forward. Twilight speaks aloud to catch the attention of everypony.
“Actually, he’s a Sentinel! Though he probably had standard training like my brother, his role in the Guard is quite different. He’s trained to be stealthy as he keeps a sharp eye out for enemies but he’s also expected to fight alongside them and in some cases even lead them. I suppose you could say he’s like a scout, soldier, and leader all in one!”
Pinkie Pie pops up with widened eyes and a big smile.
“Ooooooh! Sounds like he’s quite the package! Kind of like a chocolate ice cream cake! You get the best of all three!”
Suddenly a voice catches the attention of everypony and they all turn their heads to see Zecora far ahead of them.
“Follow me now, this way! We have no time to delay!”
Twilight turned to her friends and they all looked at each other, some of them shrugging or lowering their heads. They pick up their pace to catch up to Zecora. Spike cocks an eye at Zecora as they get back on her trail. He crosses his arms and mumbles to himself.
“Jeez, I know we’re on a schedule but there’s no need to be pushy. I mean, what’s the big rush anyway?”
Far past the Macintosh Hills down in the grasslands where the Southern Watchtower once stood is now a large pile of rubble. Not too far from the ruin are broken spears that were wielded by Guard Ponies. Though the area is small compared to a castle and no corpses are present, it still has the look of a devastating battlefield. A small bird is hopping on one of the spears sticking out of the ground. It tweets a few times turning its head to different directions. The bird does not seem to notice that the spear is lightly shaking. As moments slowly pass the shaking begins to intensify to the point where it threatens to knock the bird off. The bird finally flies away from the spear, just in time as a large gray foot smashes the stick into splinters. A low but loud rumbling growl fills the air and the sound of metal and chain-mail clashes with the noise. Reflected in its eye is the sight of the Macintosh Hills. As it finishes growling, it lets out a loud and frightening bellow.
The sun is just beginning to set just as Twilight and her company reach a familiar path. After walking past the Macintosh Hills, the Appaloosan Mountain Range is in sight just a few yards away. Twilight looks up at the mountains with a nostalgic expression of wonder.
“Seems like only yesterday we came through here to rescue the girls from Queen Chrysalis.”
Applejack looks up and her face slightly warps into anger.
“Nasty changelings, snatching up my sister like that! Never been so worried in my life.”
Rainbow Dash flies beside Applejack with a smirk of pride.
“But we sure showed them! They should’ve known better than to mess with us!”
Rarity raises her head and stomps her hoof in agreement.
“I should say so! They underestimated the lengths a lady will go to save her family!”
Pinkie Pie bounces up wearing a dunce cap on her head with fake hole-riddled wings zipping back and forth to each of the girls while making wild gestures with her forelegs.
“Yeah! You’d think they’d have learned by now not to foalnap any of our family! I mean really, when that meanie Queenie had Princess Cadence locked up and Twilight’s big brother under a spell, and made Twilight go crazy on her when we thought she was just being clingy but she was right all along about the evil Cadence being evil and we ended up saving the day, and then she kidnapped your sisters and we went out to save the day again...”
“Girls, we’re here!”
Everypony turns their heads to Twilight and notice that they have arrived at the entrance into the mountains. As they look ahead, they also notice what caught Twilight’s attention. In front of the cave illuminated by a torch in hoof stood a pony clad in silver armor with a crimson cloak blowing in the soft wind. Zecora narrows her eyes at him in an almost suspicious manner. Twilight and her friends stop in their tracks ready to address whom they could only assume is Sentinel Alaris. Twilight takes a few steps forward towards him and stops at about ten feet away from him. He puts down his other hoof as he makes to bow.
“Princess Twilight Sparkle, it is an honor to be of service to you.”
Twilight turns her eyes away nervously. It was still going to take her a while to get used to ponies bowing down to her all the time. She regains her composure and looks to him with a sincere smile.
“You may rise. And please, just call me Twilight.”
He rises back up and looks at Twilight in the eyes. Now that Twilight had a good look at him, she could see his tan fur and his golden-yellow eyes. If it weren’t for the light of the torch, his red-plumed silver helmet would have completely covered his features. She smiles nervously waiting for him to reply or say something. He stood firm as though waiting for another order.
“You must be Sentinel Alaris.” “Yes, your highness. And I am at your command.”
Alaris turns his head to the rest of the girls. His eyes stopped at Applejack.
“And you must be the legendary Bearers of the Elements of Harmony.”
Applejack eyes widen and she nervously rubs the back of her head with one foreleg trying desperately to look anywhere but right in Alaris’ eyes. She makes for a small smile and chuckle.
“Oh, uh...that was us! The Bearers of the bonafide Elements of Harmony...ha ha...”
Sweat begins to drop from Applejack’s face and her mouth scrunches up. Rainbow Dash swoops down and pushes Applejack aside with an enormous smile and nervous eyes.
“YEEEAAAH, that’s us! I mean, that IS us! Heh heh...WHOA!!!”
Suddenly Rainbow is flying away from the scene but not of her own accord. In her place stands Rarity with a small trail of smoke behind her. Rarity bats her eyes and smiles seductively at Alaris.
“What they mean is that we usually don’t receive such recognition. We prefer to be treated as you would treat anypony but it is quite flattering that you noticed.”
Rarity giggles lightly as she leans her head closer towards Alaris at those last words. Alaris leans his neck backwards and smiles nervously as he steps away. His eyes turn and he notices the long pink hair of Fluttershy slowly approaching him.
“Um, it is...nice to meet you...Sentinel...sir...”
Alaris cannot help but smile at this adorable pony. She seemed so meek yet he felt there was some courage in her or else she might not have approached him at all. Most ponies tended not to, as they found him to be intimidating just like any other Guard. Each of the girls he met so far seemed to be even more beautiful and interesting than he had heard. He could not help but admire the orange pony’s strong yet lovely earth pony build. Plus, he found her cute when she was stumbling on her words. She definitely was humble about her status and he admired that in anypony, mare or stallion. Then there was the cyan pegasus. Her unmistakable multi-colored mane brought to mind the legendary Sonic Rainboom. He had heard the rumors and was certain that this was that very mare. She did seem to have the spirit to back them up. And the rather friendly white unicorn is certainly as beautiful as he had heard, perhaps even more so now that he saw her face-to-face. He heard that she was a fashion designer and wondered just how many outfits she wore herself. From the word of Canterlot Guards, he heard she often arrived in different styles every other time she was out and about. Though most Guards often put on serious faces and attitudes, they could not help but go on about her stunning good looks when they were off-duty. He also heard good word that she often went out of her way to help other ponies in need without expecting reward or compensation. It sounded like her lovely appearance was also matched by her wonderful heart. And of course there was Princess Twilight Sparkle herself. He did not know what to expect when he first met her, whether her hair would flow like the regal sisters or if her beauty would match Princess Cadance. She turned out to be not at all what he expected. She almost seemed to be a normal unicorn pony with wings and a slightly longer horn. But of course he still found her lovely in her own right. He had heard that even when Twilight ascended she did not let her new title and power get to her head. It felt comforting to be in the presence of somepony Royal who is still down-to-earth. But then something nags at the back of Alaris’ head. He could not help but feel he was forgetting somepony...
“HIIIII!!!!!”
Alaris’ eyes widen, his mouth grimaces in startled surprise and he almost stumbles backwards as he sees a bright pink pony pop seemingly out of nowhere. He vision is then engulfed by two large blue eyes and he feels his nose bumped by hers as she presses her face too close to his for comfort.
“It’s VERY nice to meet you! My name’s Pinkie Pie! OOOHH!!! I think they forgot to introduce themselves too!”
Alaris suddenly feels a foreleg wrap around him and he finds himself pressed by Pinkie’s side and he sees her foreleg pointing to each of the ponies he previously met.
“That’s Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy!!!”
At the last name, Pinkie Pie was suddenly away from Alaris and standing on her hind legs with her forelegs spread out presenting her friends. Alaris blinks his eyes and shakes his head to regain his composure. He takes a mental note to try to remember each of them, as Pinkie did go through them very fast. It seems that this pink pony is very hyper and quite friendly. A little too friendly. Not quite like Rarity, more like an energetic foal. Still, Alaris found himself fighting not to smile or laugh at her antics. Alaris turns his head back to Princess Twilight and he sees a small baby dragon sitting on her back smiling and waving.
“Hi! I’m Spike! Number One Assistant to Princess Twilight!”
At the last sentence, Spike stands up on his feet and lifts his hand to his head in a salute with a proud smile. Alaris smiles and nods at Spike as a small salute. Alaris turns his head back around and he notices somepony he missed. Or rather, somezebra. Alaris‘ smile fades and he goes back to being more official. His face carries the same seriousness as any other guard would.
“And you must be the zebra Princess Celestia mentioned.”
Zecora does not glare or narrow her eyes but there was something subtle in her expression that seems to appear offended. However, she replies with grace and politeness.
“I am indeed and Zecora is my name. Please do not forget, it would be a shame.”
Alaris slightly glares his eyes at her. He really did not trust zebras or think much of them. Twilight walks over between Alaris and Zecora with a friendly smile, oblivious to the tension that was slowly building between them.
“Now that everypony’s been introduced, shall we get started?”
Everypony starts to walk into the large and cavernous entrance into the mountains. Zecora and Alaris still have their eyes on each other, Alaris slightly narrowing his in a glare before he turns to join the group.
“Yes, your highness. The sooner we depart, the better.”
Zecora is at the head of the group leading them through the familiar dark and cavernous pathways. The pony’s nearest to her are Twilight Sparkle and Alaris, though Alaris keeps his distance nearer to Twilight than he does to Zecora. Twilight is using her horn to illuminate the path. Twilight turns her head back to Alaris.
“So, Alaris...I’ll just ask the questions I’m sure everypony has on their minds. What happened at the Southern Watchtower?”
Alaris looks down at the ground as he walked with a grim expression before he rises his head to look at Twilight.
“What do you know about the lands south of Equestria?”
Twilight smiles with a bit of pride.
“Well, quite a lot actually. There were all kinds of books I read when I studied under Princess Celestia and I learned even more from the places we saw when we first travelled here!”
Alaris narrows his eyes at Zecora and then looks back to Twilight.
“Have you ever been to the territories of the Zebras?”
Twilight’s wings rose in excitement and her face brightened.
“No but I’ve always been interested in their culture! True, there aren’t too many books about zebras but ever since I met Zecora...”
She turns her head to Zecora and smiles brightly. Zecora looks back to Twilight. “...I’ve been eager to learn more about zebras!”
A small smile forms on Zecora’s lips. Spike cocks an eye at Twilight in confusion as he clings onto her back.
“Then why didn’t you ever visit her more often and learn from her before?”
Twilight’s wings fold and her eyes hint at embarrassment. Her ears fold back and she chuckles and smiles nervously.
“Well, I guess I just kind of put it off for a long time. I mean, I’ve been meaning to but...hehe...sorry Zecora.” “Your apology has long been accepted already. The life of an Element, and now Princess, is not exactly steady.”
Twilight smiles lightly. Then she cocks a curious eye at Alaris.
“But what do zebras have to do with what happened at the...OOF!!!”
Twilight is suddenly stopped in place by something solid placed in front of her chest. It was abrupt and sudden but not enough to knock the wind out of her or make her stumble. Still, it caught her by surprise and Spike grabbed a hold of her neck to keep from falling down. They both look down to see a long bamboo stick. They turn to her left to see Zecora holding out the stick. Her face is expressionless and emotionless, her eyes looking straight ahead. Alaris from behind raises his head in alarm and gallops toward Zecora. He is a few seconds away from closing in on her.
“HOW DARE YOU LAY A WEAPON ON THE...”
A hoof is shoved into his mouth and all that comes out are muffles as he angrily reaches out for Zecora. Zecora, now between Twilight and Alaris turns her heads to one and the other as she pulls the bamboo away from Twilight and places it down on the ground to regain her balance. She leans it toward her mouth in a silencing gesture. Twilight quickly catches on and turns back to the rest of the girls spreading out her wings and using them to gesture to the girls as she whispers towards them.
“Girls!”
They immediately catch on and quietly hurry to group up right behind Zecora. Twilight turns to Alaris and whispers to calm him down.
“Please, be quiet!”
Alaris turns his angry eyes to Twilight. They begin to calm and soften and he ceases reaching towards Zecora. She still keeps her left hoof in his mouth. Twilight leans toward Zecora’s ear.
“Zecora?”
Zecora slightly turns her head to Twilight but her eyes still aim right in front of the path.
“Something is coming this way. Listen close and do as I say.”
The path Twilight, Zecora, and the rest were on is now empty. No lights from torches or magic are lit. Then from behind one of the large rocks near the wall, Zecora lightly sticks her head out just enough to peek at the path. She quickly turns her head back to Twilight who is just beside her.
“Everypony stay calm and steady. It is very close, be ready.”
From behind different-sized rocks, the rest of the ponies poke their heads out and give a confirming nod before returning to position. Applejack and Rarity are behind a large stone embedded into the wall. Applejack has her rope in her mouth while Rarity crouches down and readies her horn. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are above the group hiding behind stalactites just big enough to cover their bodies as they tightly grip it. Alaris is behind a large stone with one hoof under his cape ready to whip out whatever weapon he has hidden. Not far from him, a small rock suddenly raises from the ground with a pink hoof lifting it. Smiling brightly, Pinkie Pie sticks her head out from under the rock with goggles, a mining helmet, and a wink. Alaris cannot help but be surprised by Pinkie Pie coming out from what otherwise would be an impossibly small place for anypony to hide. But he quickly regains his focus to the task at hoof. Spike is right beside Twilight and Zecora with a large butterfly net in hand. Then a light sound is heard from the path in front of them. It quickly grows louder thanks to the echo but from the way Zecora’s ears were moving, Twilight could assume it was definitely coming closer. She wanted to say it sounded like hoofsteps, like somepony was running but remembering the Changelings and various other creatures in the mountains she did not want to make any assumptions. The sounds were getting increasingly louder, filling the whole cavern. Zecora raises her right foreleg just enough for everypony to see. They all ready themselves to strike. Fluttershy however shivers nervously and sticks her head out just enough to try to get a look at what was coming. She and Rainbow did have a better view from above. As she catches a glimpse of what is coming, Fluttershy makes a light gasp and hides herself back from behind the stalactite. She turns her head to Rainbow Dash who seems ready to launch herself to attack.
“Rainbow...”
At first, Rainbow does not seem to notice so Fluttershy calls out to her again. Rainbow Dash turns her head and glares as she harshly whispers.
Zecora throws her foreleg down and jumps out onto the path with her bamboo stick in hoof swinging it down low at the area where the ankles would be. They hit their mark and a dark hooded figure flies into the air from the impact. Rainbow Dash zooms down and creates a small tornado catching and spinning it in the air. All the while, grunts, cries and yells of confusion and surprise can be heard. Rarity uses her horn to freeze the culprit in place and Applejack uses this moment to swing her rope and lasso its legs together. Pinkie Pie pops out of the rock with confetti and balloons flying everywhere and shines the light on her helmet at what they caught. It seems to be completely covered by a large hooded cloak with large saddlebags. Once Twilight sees that the hooded shadowy figure has no way to break free, she calls for everypony to surround this mysterious pony or thing that has come across them. Spike swings his net and it lands on the covered backside.
“We’ve got it!”
Twilight smiles proudly and victoriously uses her magic to lift up the hood. But once Twilight pulls it fully back, she, Spike, and her five friends gasp loudly. A terrified and shivering zebra is shifting his green eyes between Twilight and the rest of his captors. His mohawk is incredibly messy and around his neck are colorful beads of orange, blue, and red. Only now does Twilight notice that Rarity’s aura also caught what appeared to be pots, pans, bottles, and maps. Rainbow Dash hovers above and turns her head to Fluttershy with a nervous smile rubbing a hoof behind her head. Fluttershy looks less than amused but not quite angry or irritated either. But her expression said it all: That’s what I was trying to say. Rarity blushes as she uses her magic to gently lower the zebra down and undo his ropes. Her ears fold back and she lowers her head in embarrassment. Twilight raises her foreleg to the zebra and waves apologetically.
“Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry!!!”
The zebra quickly sits back on his hind legs, lowers his head and raises his forelegs to shield his face.
“Please, do not attack and leave me be! What have I done for you to do this to me?”
For a quick moment Twilight could see that on his right forelimb is a bamboo band with red feathers attached to it. His stripes are a dark shade of gray. She could also see the poor thing was scared out of his wits. What she did not see that Alaris is eying this zebra very carefully, as though he had seen him before.
“I’m so sorry, this is just a big misunderstanding! You see...”
Seeing his chance, the frightened zebra makes a break for it behind the group. The nervous zebra looks back at them for a quick moment before turning his head to the direction he was running into. Suddenly his eyes widen and he screeches to a sudden halt making him stumble over and fall down. He skids and slowly stops just at Zecora’s hooves. He looks up to see her holding her bamboo staff in one hoof and to see her blue eyes. But instead of fear in his eyes there is wonder in their place, almost as though he had seen an angel or a ghost. He even ignored the sounds of galloping hooves closing in.
“Zecora?”
Twilight and the rest of her group just stopped galloping in time to reach Zecora and the zebra at her hooves. Twilight heard the zebra just in time and cocked an eye in confusion at Zecora. The zebra on the floor raises himself to his hooves to get a better look at Zecora who also carries a look of bewilderment. It seems that she is just as surprised as everypony else to see this zebra. Finally she breaks into a small smile opens her mouth to speak but when she does, nopony can understand a word she is saying. The only thing that came to Twilight’s mind was when they first followed Zecora back to her hut and heard her speaking in another language as she made her brew. Thinking about it now, they did sound very similar. Zecora seems to be speaking in a friendly matter, much like she would to Twilight or any other pony. She sounds delightfully surprised. When she is finished speaking, the other zebra laughs heartily and replies back in the foreign dialect with a smiling face. Then they both laugh loudly and hug each other’s necks with one foreleg. Everypony looks at each other in confusion as they try to comprehend what is happening. Finally, Applejack steps forward towards them.
“Begging your pardon for interrupting but what in the hay is going on here?!”
Zecora and the zebra stallion turn their heads to Applejack. Zecora raises a reassuring foreleg waving up and down.
“This is indeed bewildering to anypony’s mind and brain. Please my friends, allow me to explain...” “YOU!!!”
Everypony whips their heads at the loud yell from Alaris. His eyes are glaring daggers at the zebra beside Zecora. The zebra himself notices Alaris and his eyes widen in recognition and his face grimaces in fear. He quickly hides himself behind Zecora. The poor zebra is sweating beads and eyes the menacing helmeted pony before them. He makes a small and frightened squeak.
“You...”
Fluttershy turns her head to Alaris surprised at the effect he had on the zebra. She looks at the zebra in sincere concern.
“Ohhh, please stop! Can’t you see he’s frightened?”
Alaris pulls out a small golden stick he had hidden beneath his red cloak. It then clicks and shifts as it opens up into a long and deadly-looking halberd.
“As he should be.”
Everypony gasps in shock as he moves to approach the zebra. Zecora however stands herself on her hind legs, swirls her bamboo staff in her front hooves and aims it right at Alaris. Both glare into each other’s eyes very fiercely.
“Stand aside, zebra.” “You do so first soldier, stand down. Or you will find yourself on the ground.”
Both refuse to back down, and both ready themselves for battle. Just when they are about to jump at each other with weapons in hoof, magenta aura surrounds both of them pulling them away from each other and stopping them as though they were frozen in time.
“STOP!!! Both of you!”
Alaris shifts his eyes to Twilight.
“But your highness...” “Sentinel Alaris, you will withdraw your weapon immediately until further notice! That’s an order!”
Alaris shifts his eyes to Zecora and the other zebra. He shuts his eyes and sighs.
“Yes, your highness.”
Twilight releases her magical grip on Alaris and Zecora. The weapon Alaris wields shifts back into a small stick in his hoof. Twilight then turns her attention to Zecora.
“Zecora, can you please tell us who this zebra is and what is going on?”
Zecora returns to a relaxed stance and gets down on all hooves as she places her bamboo stick into her saddlebag.
"I have made an error in judgement which led to this unexpected end. What I thought was a foe turned out to be a long-time friend." “Your friend? You know this zebra?”
The zebra behind Zecora nervously shakes his head up and down. Twilight notices he is still anxiously eying Alaris. She looks to Alaris and then to the zebra.
“And how do you two know each other?”
The zebra opens his mouth to speak but Alaris beats him to it.
“Your highness, I saw this zebra just before me and my company were attacked and the Watchtower was destroyed. I do not believe it is merely coincidence that he is here...”
Twilight turns her head to the shivering zebra.
“Is this true?”
The zebra shifts his hooves nervously.
“It is indeed true that I was there. But I had no ill intentions I swear! There is no treachery or ill action to be seen. In truth, it was for my life that I was fleeing!”
Twilight leans her head toward the zebra in concerned curiosity.
“Fleeing?” “Yes, and I am here because I had lost my way! I have been wandering frantically in here for perhaps more than a day!” “What were you fleeing from? What attacked the Watchtower?”
Everypony waits in anticipation to finally hear just what had attacked the Watchtower and what the big fuss was about. The zebra hides himself behind Zecora shaking almost uncontrollably, seemingly too afraid to speak. Then a voice breaks the silence.
“Elephants.”
Everypony turns their head to Alaris. Upon hearing this, almost everypony has no idea how to react. Spike bites his claws nervously. Then he grips Twilight’s neck from behind.
“Elephants! We don’t have a chance, we’re all doomed!”
Spike pops his head up with eyes wide in realization.
“Uh...what are elephants anyways?”
Twilight turns her eyes back towards Spike.
“According to old stories, elephants are large gray creatures with big ears, two deadly long tusks coming from their mouths, and a long flexible nose with opposable tips called a trunk. They are said to be larger than buffalo, some even as big as a pony’s house! Their hide is tough, their footsteps shake the ground, and they are very powerful!”
Applejack shakes her head.
“It can’t be! I heard about them from Granny Smith but I thought they were just old pony tales.”
Alaris turns his head to Applejack.
“You may find that there is so much more to the old stories than you know.”
Then Alaris turns his head to Zecora and the zebra with a glare.
“And no one knows more about the elephants than the zebras.”
Everypony turns their heads to Zecora and her friend. Zecora lowers her eyes to the ground. Twilight looks to Zecora, surprised at her almost guilty-looking expression.
“Zecora?”
Zecora then raises her eyes to look at Twilight.
“Let us make camp so that we are ready for bed. And before we rest, there is much to be said.”
The other zebra widens his eyes speaking foreignly again as he places a hoof on Zecora’s shoulder while pointing the other to the direction from which Twilight and the others came from. He seems terribly afraid, and it sounds like he is almost begging to Zecora. Zecora turns her head to him calm but stern. She says but a few words, the last ones almost sounding like a plea. Her friend continues to plead but once again Zecora speaks softly with but two words. He looks so anxious but he gives out a sigh and lowers his head. He speaks to Twilight and her friends without raising his head to them.
“With great reluctance, I too will stay. For I also have much to say.”
Twilight looks at both of the zebras who seemed to have a lot of explaining to do. But she was hopeful things were not as bad as Alaris was making them out to be. The zebra looks to the side avoiding the gaze of Twilight and her friends. A soft voice breaks the silence.
“Um, excuse me.”
Twilight turns her head to see Fluttershy walking towards Zecora and the other zebra. Zecora makes no reaction except for a few blinks but the zebra looks nervous to see Fluttershy approach them.
“Before we do anything, we should do something we should have done earlier.”
Fluttershy looks at the zebra behind Zecora who seems to have slightly relaxed and calm down now that he sees the pegasus before him being kind and gentle.
“We’re so sorry for all of the trouble. What’s your name?”
The zebra finally steps out from behind Zecora and places himself next to her. He seems a little more relaxed and calm. He looks to Twilight and the rest of the ponies present before turning back to Fluttershy.
“My name is long and difficult to pronounce I fear. But you may call me Zeb. That is, if it is alright my dear.”
Princess Celestia is standing at the highest balcony in Canterlot looking at the moon and stars. On her face is worry and uncertainty. From behind in the shadows, somepony else emerges.
“It is not often I see you watch the night sky.”
Celestia turns her head around to see Princess Luna walk towards her.
“Sister.”
Luna is now at Celestia’s side, looking into her eyes with concern.
“Heavy thoughts, Celestia?”
Celestia lowers her head as though ashamed.
“You know what troubles me.” “You wonder if it was wise to have sent Twilight Sparkle out there? In what may now be considered enemy territory?” “Not enemy territory. We have not been at war for a long time.” “But our relations with them have not been the strongest, nor the most peaceful. We are not allies, nor are we friends. No trade is open between our nations, no pony is to enter their lands and they do not enter ours. That was the Treaty.” “But the zebras, and Zecora...” “Are the only exceptions because they are equine. And even so, there is still strong tension and mistrust between ponies and zebras. Even in Ponyville, the ponies were suspicious and fearful of Zecora before Twilight Sparkle and her friends made peace. She was the last zebra willing to stay in Equestria. No pony was willing to give them a chance.”
Celestia looks into her sister’s eyes with a stern gaze of an elder sister but with her usual calm demeanor.
“If you recall, it was a young filly who sought out Zecora, who was willing to learn, to understand, and befriend her. A foal, Luna! This shows that there is hope, that our nations can be truly at peace and that we may welcome one another into our lands as friends. If many more young foals like this Applebloom can open their minds and hearts, then their generation will know a wonderful and new future unlike anything we can imagine. And Twilight Sparkle and her friends will be more than capable of proving that to the nations of the south.”
Luna furrows her brows truly considering the power of her elder sister’s words. True, even in this day and age in Equestria there was still prejudice among the ponies based on their race and class. This was especially prevalent in Canterlot and she can only imagine how non-ponies were treated. From what she heard they were in no way horribly persecuted but there were many cases in which they were treated unkindly. She knew all too well what it was like to be treated like she did not belong when she came to Ponyville during Nightmare Night. Luna could only hope for a new change. But there is still a serious matter at hoof.
“That may be possible for the zebras but what of the elephants? If they truly are responsible for the attack, it will have been a declaration of war. And by sending Twilight and her friends into their lands, you have put them in grave danger. You may as well have sent our entire Royal Guard along with them! We cannot afford to delay assembling our armies.”
Celestia looks at her sister momentarily in grave understanding but turns her gaze to the stars with hope in her eyes.
“Until we receive word from Twilight confirming that the elephants are indeed responsible, we cannot be so quick to declare war. Twilight and her friends will go under a banner of truce, so as not to spark anything. We have to hope that the elephants will see reason.”
Luna skeptically eyes her sister.
“And I assume this is also why you sent Zecora? To help put the elephants at ease to see an ally race standing beside ponies? You think it will make them less likely to attack citizens of Equestria?”
Celestia turns her head back to Luna.
“Equestria has been attacked before and we have repelled many enemies but we have not been trapped in a lingering war for a long time. The elephants had not dared to do such a thing since the Treaty was formed. They know it would mean certain destruction and death for them as it would for us. They cannot afford to risk their lands and the lives of their herds. It simply does not make sense for them to attack now.”
Celestia looks up at the night sky.
“What has changed?”
Luna joins her sister in looking up at the stars, taking in the calm and peaceful mood of the night. There is so much more to discuss, to wonder, and to decide. But for now, they simply wait. From behind the sisters hidden in the shadows of the balcony curtains, Prince Blueblood silently walks away. The wheels and gears in his head turning as he begins to form a plan...
The cavern path everypony was on is now empty. Not too far from it is a small cave area within one of the cavern walls just big enough for the group to fit into. Everypony is seated and waiting patiently as Zecora looks just outside the entrance to their spot. After turning her heads a few times and looking around, she walks back to the group and seats herself on her hind legs.
“Tonight we leave no torches, campfires, nothing to leave any traces. Or else we may catch the attention of unfriendly faces.”
Zecora looks to Twilight, then to everypony present.
“Now everypony listen well. There is little time and so much to tell.”
Zecora pulls out a small bag and reaches her hoof into it. She pulls out green powder much like the kind from Nightmare Night and throws it into the center of the group. While nowhere near as smoky and big, it was enough for only the ponies present to see and not catch any other unfriendly eyes. As Zecora spoke, scenes took place before them and shifted as she continued.
“Long ago in lands far away, there was harmony and peace everyday. There were zebras, gazelles, giraffes, and friends of every kind. Prejudice and pride had long been left behind.”
Indeed in the green smoke they are seeing vast different landscapes of valleys, jungles, and grasslands with herds of zebras, gazelles, giraffes, buffalo, even small creatures like warthogs and meerkats. Twilight is instantly captivated, only imagining what all of this would look like in real life. Then she sees a herd of large and magnificent creatures.
“The elephants were among the mightiest and friendliest folk, always up for a good time and enjoying a pleasant joke.”
Images of elephants playing in the water and mud began to show, along with much smaller elephants charging around with large ears spread wide. Twilight could only imagine that these were the babies. But the scenes quickly change to what looks like Equestria and the southern lands as though one was looking down at it from a mile or two high in the sky.
“Long had we ignored the conflicts of ponies in the north, until they arrived to our homes and brought war forth. Misunderstandings, or intentions of conquest, none knew for certain what was the matter. But many of them had suspected it was the latter.”
Unicorn, earth, and pegasus ponies clad in armor and with weapons are portrayed marching onto the lands as gazelles, buffalo, wildebeest, and giraffe flee.
“Many of the friendly folk left and took flight but only the elephants and us zebras were willing to fight.”
Now zebras were shown in wicker-made armor, some wearing differently designed feathered headdresses. Each one had their own set of leg bands, necklaces, and other personal bearings but most are wearing similarly styled armor. Many of them wielded spears in one hoof, while having what looked like scythed swords at their sides. Others wielded blowguns and smaller throwing spears. The elephants however are a different story. Protecting their heads are bronze armored helms and draped over their backs are what looks like tapestry with elaborate patterns and designs. All over their bodies and on their faces they wear intimidating warpaint and their tusks are decorated with bronze rings. The armies of zebras and elephants charge at the army of ponies.
“No zebra or elephant would surrender or run. The War of the Zebras had begun.”
Then the smoke began to depict large battles as ponies clashed with zebras and elephants. Zebras threw their spears at the unicorns only for them to be blocked by magical force fields. Pegasi were flying down at the zebras with spears dodging the darts and spears of the zebras. Some pegasi tackled zebras into the ground. Then there was a sight that nopony had seen in recent days. Earth pony soldiers. One could only assume they were used as ground troops against the zebras while the unicorns and pegasi used magic and flight to their tactical advantage. Though some scenes depict zebras using magic, such as tossing jars that with petals of Poison Joke. Other zebras wear hooded cloaks much like Zecora’s, distinguishing them as magic users. Some of them even summon roots and plants to aid them in battle. Though the zebra warriors looked brave and strong and the zebra enchanters seemed to match up against the unicorns, they were clearly outmatched. Until large hulking creatures came to their aid.
“Though unicorns wielded magic and pegasi had flight, even they were matched by pure elephant might.”
Everypony gasps and watches in awe and fear as the smoke depicts the elephant warriors sweeping away pony soldiers with a swing of their trunks and how their trunks grab at pegasi in the air and throwing them to the ground or to the side.
“But the conflict had drawn out for too long and with great cost. Both sides grew miserable and weary, their sight of their cause was lost.”
The smoke shifts and battlefields littered with shapes of fallen warriors beyond count appear before the ponies.
“But one elephant would not give in. A new stage in this war would soon begin.”
Not far from the bodies is a new army of elephants, this one very different from the elephants before. Each elephant is covered head to toe in scaled armor, even their trunks are covered. Twilight recalls from her books that this style of armor is called cataphract. The elephants’ heads are completely covered in metal helmets, their tusks especially sharpened for battle, and across their backs are also tapestries but less elaborately designed and with a symbol of a fierce elephant head on each side of the body. Around their front ankles are metal bracelets. Attached on their sides are quivers filled with spears. These elephants are truly menacing. But in front of them was a serious-looking elephant. He wears similar-styled armor but his helmet covers only the top of his head rather than his entire head and face. And sticking out atop the helmet is a feathery plume. His trunk is not covered by armor but it is decorated in warpaint. Across his chest just below his neck is a set of large metal emblems of fierce elephant heads. Across his back is a tapestry similar to his comrades but is bordered with torn threaded ends. At each corner of the tapestry, there hangs what looks like large strands of hair attached to the ends by small chains. The ends of his tusks are topped with sharpened metal.
“He was among the most fearsome and intelligent generals ever known. With his strategies, there was no battlefield he did not own. With his fearsome army of one thousand elephants strong, defeat of the pony armies would not take long.”
The smoke shows the elephant and his army using different strategies to defeat pony forces using the land to their advantage, tricking pony armies into traps, and ultimately crushing them. The elephant leader seems to be relishing in the battles before him and seems just as thrilled to partake in the battles himself.
“Legends said that he and the army were even immune to unicorn magic! A lesson for the ponies that was learned in ways very tragic.”
Unicorns are portrayed aiming their horns at the elephants, some creating force fields and others launching magical bolts. But the elephants pass through as though nothing was there and they were unfazed by any magical attack. “Immune to magic? That’s impossible...” Twilight whispered to herself.
“Upon achieving nationwide recognition and fame, everypony and every creature would forever remember his name.”
The smoke focuses on the elephant leading the army as he glares his eyes and raises his trunk.
“Barca.”
The smoke shifts and portrays armored ponies fleeing and scattering to the Appaloosan Mountain Range. Many zebras and elephants are cheering in victory but Barca and his army make no such commotions.
“At first, the zebras and elephants rejoiced with great cheer. But for Barca, the war would not end here. His thirst for battle would never again rest, his goal nothing short of total conquest. Barca was one of, if not Equestria’s most dangerous foe. Destruction followed wherever his army would go.”
Once again Barca and his army is portrayed in battle but this time they seem even more terrifying and brutal than before. A pegasus soldier is limping away with a broken wing as Barca is above him and about to crush him. Then something lands hard in front of the pony soldier with wings spread wide and a mane flowing across the wind. Princess Celestia. Both she and Barca rear on their hind legs raising their forelegs at each other. Celestia glows her horn at Barca but he swings his trunk at her, knocking her to the side. Barca makes his way toward her slowly, confident in his victory. But landing right beside her is Princess Luna, raising her wings as though shielding her sister and saddlebags on her back. Celestia weakly rises back on her hooves. Luna shoots bolts of magic at Barca but as before they have no effect. Barca then goes into a full charge at Celestia and Luna. Both take to the skies just in time. As Barca misses, he turns around and looks at the Princesses above him laughing at them. Celestia and Luna look around them to see a chaotic battlefield, knowing full well if their army loses then Barca and his army would conquer all of Equestria. They looked to each other and nodded their heads knowing what had to be done. Rising up from Luna’s saddlebags are the Elements of Harmony. Both Luna’s and Celestia’s horns glow brightly. Barca’s eyes widen and his proud face fades as he realizes what is happening. He reaches for a spear in one of his quivers and makes to throw it at the Princesses but he is too late. The Elements have already sent forth a large rainbow wave covering the entire battlefield. Every armored elephant is trapped in place as though frozen in time and their entire bodies are transformed into red clay. Barca raises one front leg as he is about to launch his spear but his skin and armor quickly transforms into the same clay-like form like the rest of his army. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna look all around them to see all one thousand armored elephants along with Barca turned into terra cotta statues. The pony soldiers on the battlefield look on at their foes in awe and then cheer in victory.
“Until at last the Royal Sisters used their power that day to transform Barca and his entire army into clay.”
The Equestrian army rejoices until they notice approaching them is a large group of elephants and zebras. They ready their weapons until they realize one of the elephants is waving a white flag with its trunk. Celestia and Luna hover down to meet this group, both looking very weary from battle. The elephants lower their heads in shame and guilt as they look upon the pony soldiers worn, tired, and miserable from war. Then one of them raises their heads to meet Celestia and Luna’s eyes. Her eyes plead for mercy, for an end to the war, and for understanding.
“Though the war had at long last ended, there were some things that could never be mended. Many lives on both sides were lost and many hearts were hardened into frost. Trust was also lost to the war, hatred still lingering deep within the core. The Royal Sisters knew that peace would not easily last, so they had to take action fast.”
Celestia looks to Luna and they both nod to each other in agreement. The smoke changes and now the Royal Sisters along with a zebra and an elephant inside a tent looking at a large scroll on a table. The zebra is decorated in feathers, bands, beads, and rings while the elephant wears an elaborately detailed tapestry draped on its back and a decorated cap on its head. Somehow Twilight has a feeling this elephant is female. Celestia uses her magic to levitate a quill while the zebra has a bamboo brush in its mouth and the elephant carries a bamboo brush in its trunk. They all started to sign the scroll one-by-one.
“Thus the Royal Treaty was put into place, to bring peace between the pony, zebra, and elephant race. No pony would ever again enter into the southern realms, and against ponies no elephant or zebra would don their war helms. Trade, communication, and travel was banned, no one was to enter each other’s land. To break the Treaty a single time or more would once again bring Equestria into war. Both sides have honored the Treaty to this very day and age. Soon elephants became nothing more than legends on a storybook page.”
The smoke disappears entirely and everypony looks at Zecora as she finishes her story. Speechless, stunned, and without any idea how to respond, they simply stare in awe. Twilight recalled reading about the War of the Zebras but the books made little mention of the elephants. In fact, there were hardly any books on elephants at all! There are so many questions she has to ask, so many things going through her mind. But before Twilight can ask a single question, a timid voice rose up.
“Oh, those poor elephants. Poor zebras, poor ponies, it’s all so awful!”
Fluttershy places her face into her hooves, shuddering in horror and sorrow from seeing the battle scenes. Rainbow Dash wings keep her hovering in the air but her body and legs are slumped down towards the ground. She lowers herself down and sits down, staring at the ground.
“Jeez. I mean, that was really intense.”
Even Pinkie Pie is at a loss for words. Though her hair is not deflated, she looks as though she is on the brink.
“That wasn’t very nice. Nothing about any of that was nice at all.”
Applejack also looks down at the ground grimly. Suddenly her head perks up and her eyes widen.
“Wait a second! I thought you said the Treaty banned ponies from entering their land and zebras and elephants entering ours? If that’s true, then...?”
Zecora looks to Applejack knowing exactly what the question in mind is.
“Why was I living near Ponyville? A fair question to answer, and I will. Over the centuries new laws had been put into place. Equestria opened its doors to the zebra race.”
Zeb, who has been sitting still for most of the time, turns his head to Applejack with a somber expression.
“But our transition into Equestria did not turn out for the best. Suspicions, mistrust, and hate from ponies would not rest.”
Zeb’s face shifts into a deep sadness as though recalling dark memories.
“We are still suspected of evil crimes, even in such advanced and modern times. Most zebras struggled to have even one pleasant day. Almost all have returned home and there they stay.”
Twilight and her friends’ ears droop down instantly and their heads lower in shame as they recall how they first treated Zecora. Though Twilight was the one who saw reason at first, when they reached Zecora’s hut she actually believed the suspicions of her friends. Applejack takes her hat to her chest, ashamed for thinking Zecora would do anything to harm her little sister. Fluttershy felt horrible for not trying to show kindness to Zecora earlier. Rainbow Dash and Rarity stare at the ground in shame. Pinkie Pie’s hair deflates and straightens as she remembers that she was one of the gossiping mares spreading the nasty rumors about Zecora. No pony felt more guilty than her. They could not even begin to imagine how other towns or cities had treated zebras. It terrified them to wonder what ponies could have done or said to drive zebras out of Equestria. Twilight raises her head to meet Zecora’s eyes.
“We...we had no idea. We’re so sorry, Zecora...”
Zecora smiles lightly.
“Please dear Princess, no need to fret. It was a while ago, let us forgive and forget.”
“But the way everypony treated you! We shut our doors on you, gossiped about you, and thought you were evil! How could you take all of that? Why did you stay?”
And for the first time so far as Twilight had seen, Zecora droops her ears and her eyes hint at a deep sadness.
“It is true, I was not welcome to wherever I would roam. At times I was very tempted to just leave and go home. But I was determined not to let ponies break me. So I built myself a hut in the Forest of Everfree. Even so, for years my spirit hung by a thin rope. But something happened that rekindled my lost hope.”
Zecora turns her head to Applejack and her sad face is replaced with a warm smile.
“Your dear sister Applebloom came willingly to my hut, ignoring all fears and following her gut. All my doubts had come to an end, for at last I made a friend. Soon the rest of your town treated me as one of your own. Never again was I sad and alone. So please, let these guilty feelings go. I hate seeing my friends sad, you know.”
Everypony’s mood lifts up and Pinkie Pie’s hair poofs out and her face brightens with joy. Her arms stretch unnaturally and pull her friends including Zecora and Spike in for a big group hug.
“WOOHOO!!! PONY FRIENDS FOREVER!!!”
Everypony in her grip smiles and laughs lightly, stretching out their forelegs to return the hug. Though surprised by the gesture, Zecora seems delighted and enjoys the group hig. Zeb watches and smiles, appearing deeply touched by what he is seeing. Alaris though his face does not seem to be cold to what has happened, he still eyes Zeb with some suspicion. He turns his head to see the girls break from their hug.
“Permission to speak, Princess Twilight?”
Twilight turns her head to Alaris almost surprised. That was another thing she was having trouble getting used to, ponies asking for permission to speak with her. She was starting to wonder if she would ever get used to it. But she regains her composure and clears her throat.
“Yes you may, Alaris.”
Alaris bows his head.
“I mean no disrespect to your zebra friend but there is still a pressing matter at hoof. My comrades were attacked and the Watchtower has been completely destroyed, and I know what I saw. First , then came elephants. Why would a zebra flee from the elephants? According to Equestria’s secret military scrolls and your friend’s story, they’re supposed to be allies.”
Twilight is almost surprised that Alaris is still suspicious of Zeb but he did have a point. Before she has a chance to say anything, Zecora addresses Alaris’ question.
“Despite elephants being opposite of unkind or rude, their males occasionally are struck into a dark mood. It is something beyond their grasp, they break into a berserk lapse.”
Twilight became fascinated by this and listened intentionally.
“Really? Why does this happen? Is it a spell, some kind of curse, or does it have something to do with the sun or moon’s effect on them?”
Zecora continues.
“This process in the elephant world is called musth, though for elephants it is a more personal matter to discuss.”
Zeb steps to Twilight and holds up a hoof as he begins to explain.
“The bull elephants periodically become dangerous and wild, thanks to a rise in hormones that is not at all mild.”
Twilight turns to Zeb with intrigue.
“So this happens only to the males? Does it happen during mating season? Or is it a way of males establishing hierarchy amongst one another?”
Zeb raises his front hooves with a shrug.
“Even to us, the reasons for this is unknown. But when it happens, it is best to leave them alone.”
Fluttershy leans her head forward in concerned curiosity.
“So this is why you’re hiding in here? To stay away from the angry elephants? Goodness, how long does this musth last?”
Zeb sighs and looks to the side grimly.
“Sometimes these fits of rage last a few hours to even a day. In some cases, for months it is best to stay away.”
Twilight perks her head up as she starts to make connections.
“So you say this makes them violent and destructive? Could this be the reason they attacked the Watchtower?”
Zeb nods.
“When it comes to musth, that could very well be right. Elephants attack rhinos, each other, anything in sight.”
Alaris turns to Zeb unsatisfied with what he is hearing.
“But rhinos are far down in their lands! Why would elephants be up this far north?”
Zeb widens his eyes and nervously shifts taps his front hooves together.
“It is possible these were teenage bulls, perhaps? In some cases, the seriousness of the Treaty escapes their grasps.”
Alaris narrows his eyes fiercely at Zeb.
“Exactly how big are these teenagers supposed to be? How big can adult bulls get? Because until we know for sure, we still have to assume and prepare for the worst!”
Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes groaning in annoyance and places a hoof to her head.
“Uuggghh, it’s the Buffalos and Appaloosans all over again! And we haven’t even met the elephants yet!”
Pinkie Pie bounces up beside Rainbow Dash.
“Yeah!!! I mean, have we ever thought about what the elephants have to say? Or what they feel? Or if they’re sorry and want to prepare a big apology party?”
Rarity turns her head to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie with doubtful eyes.
“Well, after hearing about Barca and the whole musth issue, I’m starting to get quite nervous about the idea of seeing elephants at all! What if they did intentionally attack the Watchtower?”
Applejack rubs a hoof to her chin as her brows furrow.
“We also have to consider that they might not be happy to see ponies. In fact, I’m starting to wonder what kind of a mission we’re on right now! Didn’t the Treaty also apply to us not entering their lands?”
Rainbow Dash raises her front hooves in the air in disbelief.
“Are you two serious?! You’re telling me you’re taking his side on this one?”
Applejack raises her head and stomps her hoof at Rainbow Dash.
“Nopony is taking anypony’s side! I’m just saying there are some things we should be concerned about, especially considering we hardly know anything about the elephants at all!”
Zecora calmly addresses everypony as she raises her front hooves.
“Everypony, please remain calm before we say anything rash. I admit this quest of ours seems quite brash.”
She turns her head to Alaris but not with a glare and she raises her hoof in the air in a calming gesture. Her eyes hint at understanding, as though saying that there is some truth to Alaris’ words.
“Rowdy young calves would be logical for zebras to assume, but if we are wrong it will be our doom.”
Zecora then turns her head to Rarity and Applejack.
“And though the story was about them in war, when it comes to elephants there is so much more.”
Zecora places her hooves down and looks to Twilight with pleading eyes.
“Until we know the truth, our discussions should not go on. I suggest we rest now so we are ready at dawn.”
Twilight looks at Zecora and then down at the floor in thought wondering what decision she should make. It already seems like her friends are starting to take sides on this matter. Fluttershy however has remained silent and watched her friends with concern. Twilight is tempted to do the same and be quiet but knew she had to say something.
“All right everypony, listen up!”
Everypony turns their attention to Twilight.
“Zecora is right. There’s no use going on about this until we know all the facts. We have plenty to learn once we reach the Watchtower. Until then, everypony calm down and get some rest.”
Twilight levitates from one of her saddle bags a small pocket-watch and begins to wind it up. Everypony else looks to each other in agreement as they start to pull out sleeping bags from their traveling gear to get themselves ready.
“We’ll have just enough rest so that we can be ready for a big day tomorrow. Goodnight, everypony.”
Everypony chimes in their own goodnight wishes to Twilight as they set themselves in their sleeping bags. Alaris bows his head to Twilight and makes to stand guard. Twilight sets herself in her bag and looks over everyone with a smile before she sets her head down to rest.
