A human has returned to equestria. Little does anypony know, that this human, will be the down fall of a kingdom. And finally reveal Celestias dark secret.
Celestia. A "good" pony. Always helping her subjects. Yes, she has done a good job keeping up that image. But her secret will tear the country apart. A war, mayhaps? A skirmish, a political debate? No, something much more.... Powerfull. And this human wont go down without having revenge.
He heard the whisper of the tree's branches swaying in the gentle wind. He forced himself to open his dry, crusty eyes. He realized that he was in the woods, laying down on his side. The human had a dizzy feeling. As he attempted to stand, he fell, and it dawned on him that his entire body was like fire and ice, clashing in a feice battle that would not end for a millennia. It was at this moment that the human made a sound.
"Uuuuhhhhh..." he groaned. While it was lower than a whisper, the effects were that of an earthquake. The simple act of speaking just that small, pain-filled, sigh, made him want to die right then and there. He thought, 'Water.' Yes, thats what he needed. How he knew what this thing was, was a question for another day. Despite the pain, he rose and stumbled. Ramming his body on a nearby tree, to steady himself. He lifted his head and looked around with his eyes, deathly afraid of the pain overtaking again if he moved his head. Then, steadying himself first, took a step into the forest. The pain seemed to calm down, if only a little.
"Keep.........Moving....." He gasped. The man continued for about 7 feet more, until he collasped from exhaustion. But as he felt he was slipping away into unconsciousness once more, he heard a faint growl; or something of the sort. Despite the lingering pain the man was feeling, he forced his body to move. Surprisingly, the pain seemed non-existent. Unsurprisingly however, was the sound of fast feet (or were they paws?) chasing after him, while it growled angrily.
"Help!" Was what he wanted his lungs to shout, but it proved little to no avail. For all that came out was a strange coughing sound. Knowing he could not outrun the creature and could not get assistance, he devised a plan. He would try to take shelter in a mess of vines and moss, which were scattered around the dense forest. There was one problom however, the creature was gaining on him.
Fast.
His legs were already burning and he was slowing down. But just in the nick of time he found an, as fore mentioned, bundle of damp moss and twigs and other things of the like. It was a bit on the left of him.
'Even better.' He thought triumphantly. 'That'll get me out of his sight.' Emboldend, he jumped and rolled into the small pile. However he forgot a small detail, his scent. While the greenery did offer some covering of it, the beast's nostrils were sharp.
As the man was getting ready to die, knowing his mistake, he took a glimpse at his adversary. It was a massive beast, which was orangish-yellow and crimson in color. The beast had bat-like ears, a mane and body of a lion, wings, with a scorpion stinger for a tail.
The beast must have hurt itself because he looked in pain and very angry. It sniffed the air, wanting to find its victim before it escaped. Suddenly, there was the sound of glass breaking and a burst of flame. The beast seemed frightened and fled the scene quickly.
"Is anypony there? Do not worry, I shall treat you fair." A woman-like voice called from the forest.
The human was terrified, and joyous at the same time. Terrified because, a woman made fire appear from nowhere and joyous because he was not alone. Besides, she seemed to want to help.
Feeling like the most idiotic person in the world, the human stood up.
"I'm here......" he was cut off by two things. First being the human's throat was extremely dry, and the second being the person, no not person, zebra? Whom was speaking. She spoke again.
"There you are. Come, my home is... not.... far?"
Now it was her turn to be stunned. She had never seen a creature so strange before, and she had seen MANY stange things. This however was a first for them both. The pair just looked on at eachother in confusion, trying to make sense of what was happening. The zebra (mabye?) was the first to recover.
"I have never seen something like you! Co......."
She may have said more, but the human didn't hear, he was too busy fainting.
I stared at a wooden ceiling. It seemed like pine, or perhaps oak? It was hard to tell, due to the only light in the room being to my far right. I could smell something burning from that direction too.
'Oh. It must be a bonfire.' I thought happily. 'I can't beieve I fell asleep at it. Yeah, they'd be mad.' I wanted to sleep more as I had that other happy little thought.
'Wait........ Who would be mad?'
As this alarming idea formed, I had a horrible splitting pain in my head. "AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" I screamed in agony. I heard a startled gasp. I, however, did not give it much thought due to me writhing on the floor.
"Are you alright? Just lie down, and stop giving me such a fright!"
'Was that a rhyme?' I asked myself. 'Wait, now the pain is gone...... WHAT IS HAPPENING?'
I eventually calmed down and opened my eyes. It was then I saw a zebra-like-thingy? It wan't a normal one, I know that much, because it didn't have the usual plain black and white stripes, black eyes, and short verticle mane. This particular zebra had at least five golden rings around her neck and foreleg. It also had strange symbols on it's fur, not following traditional stripes of a zebra, an almost mowhawk-like mane, and huge earings. But the most unusual thing about this zebra was it's eyes. The usual dull, pitch black eyes were replaced by strange human-type eyes and irides that were a combination of dark blue and green. The strange zebra then began to speak.
"Are you ok? I wonder why you were brought to me this day..." She spoke the last part of the rhyme quietly to herself.
"Wha-... Um.. Who are you?" I spoke uncertainly, not sure if that was the best question I could have asked in this situation.
"My name is Zecora. This is my home, surrounded in flora."
"Ok then....." I muttered, confusion all too evident in my voice.
"Now it is my turn. Who are you; please, I wish to learn."
"Oh, alright. Um......... Who am I?"
This single realization terrified me more than any I had that day, or whenever that stuff with the lion-bat thing happened. It was hard to breathe. In fact, I couldn't breathe! My pulse was racing and my mind spinning as I tried to remember my past. All that came up was another spliting pain that only sunk it's claws deeper the more I dwelled on the subject.
"AAAAAAHHHHHH! GET OUT! OUT!!!!" I cried in agony for the second time today.
This went on for about 20 minutes until the pain had been supressed. I had almost forgotten about Zecora, who had been watching the specticle with a panicked expression.
"I am so sorry." She said pitifully.
"It's fine. I wouldn't know how to help either. However," I continued, "I am concered that you didn't speak in a rhyme, as per the usual."
"Well..... I....." She then shrugged uncertainly.
"Doesn't matter." I spoke plainly, "The important thing is that I find a way to stop having those pains in my head."
"Of course. And..... Um..... You should lie down some.... Morse?"
It's been a year since that fateful day. The day where I was being hunted, found a talking zebra, and told said zebra to shut up. Yup, fateful. Through this year I have learned much about this world and it's inhabitants, thanks to that talking zebra, Zecora. I learned about the 4 princesses, how the sun and moon are raised, the elements of harmony and their owners. And some other essential pieces of knowledge to get me through this world.
But the most life changing lesson I have ever learned was this: Every, some, and anypony. Which I still manage to get wrong.
And while all of that was helpful, I most enjoyed the alchemy lessons that Zecora provided. I learned how to make potions that created fire, ice, and other natural elements. Alchemy had it's dangers, sure, but if you were able to hone the craft, you'd be unstoppable. Many have tried to become proficient in the way of alchemy (Or so I am told). But only a few have been known to be true masters of the art; and it just so happens that Zecora is one such master.
Zecora has another student under her wing as well as me. She is a small pony with a yellow fur coat, red mane, an adorable bow, and a fitting southern accent. I believe that her name is Applebloom. It is a shame I can't speak with her, as I am very curious and want to learn all I can about this fascinating world. Yet Zecora insists that I not make contact and don't leave the forest. Why is this? Because, allegedly, humans are pony eating creatures, that want only to destroy and pillage. (Only told in not very known and remote folktales, of course.) And while it's true that I do like me a steak or more questionable meat foods that Zecora throws my way, I really don't think pony would taste very good.
Apart from my disconnection to the outside world, I suppose everything has been going good for the past year, until today.
Now you have to understand, I am very curious. So, I sometimes do things I shouldn't do, just to learn. So I just couldn't pass the opportunity when Zecora needed to get supplies for Applebloom's lesson on alchemy. This was my chance! I told myself that it wouldn't be as bad as Zecora thought it would be. So when my talking zebra friend was far enough away, I got out of my hiding spot behind the wooden shack I call home, I called out to Applebloom.
"Hi! You must be Applebloom! Pleased t-" Was all I got out before I heard a terrified scream and hoof beats sprinting away.
I was stunned. I stood there for minutes on end until Zecora came back, looking very out of breath. She was about to speak, then she saw me. She gave me a look of pity, of which I wanted none.
"They really do fear me." I said, hatred and sadness all too evident in my tone.
"They would not be filled with fear, if only they would hear." Zecora protested.
"It's a shame they will not."
"Indeed it is. Their simple minded emotions only fizz." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applebloom didn't stop running. Even when her legs were going numb and her stomach felt queasy. She had to find help. A weird monster was inside her alchemy teacher's hut, and may have even found her already! That thought was terrifying for the young filly. She eventually slowed down and tried to think of ponies that can quickly help. 'What about Applejack?' She thought hopefully.
"Fiddlesticks! She and rarity were going to the spa today!" She suddenly shouted. "Okay Applebloom, think." She whispered calmly.
Different ponies all started forming in her head. All of which were not an option. 'Okay, Twilight, Pinkie, and Rainbow are too far away. Big Macintosh would get hurt with his large frame, and he's scared silly of this place. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo both had a cold, so they weren't options. Who was good with big scary animals?' She pondered frustratingly. Then the answer hit her in the face.
"Fluttershy!!!" She screamed in glee. "She'll know what to do!"
With that, Applebloom started towards Fluttershy's home. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Angel Bunny! Eat your dinner!" The yellow pegasus said sternly to her rabbit; whom was glaring daggers at his mother figure.
Angel responded to her command with a turn of his head. Now, with no other option, Fluttershy pulled out the big guns. "Eat your dinner or no carrot cake for dessert!" Angel snapped his head back in the direction of his owner, only to find the half-crazy stare and smile that she was wearing. Angel knew all too well that when she got like this, nothing good came out of it. Yet, despite the fear he had, Angel decided it was time to stand up for himself. The bunny puffed out his chest and looked defiantly at Fluttershy. She gasped. ' This has never happened before.' she thought. So as the two prepared for the most epic argument that only included one voice, the outcome was unclear. What was however, was that neither would be getting out of this anytime soon. That was until a certain somepony barged in to Fluttershy's home and stunned the both of them.
"Fluttershy! I need your help!" Applebloom exclaimed.
"EEEEEEEP!!!" Fluttershy screamed in fear.
"Zecora is being attacked by a big monster-animal thing! You gotta help me!" Applebloom pleaded.
This caught Fluttershy's attention. She jumped up from under the table she was hiding under and started asking questions with a glint of interest in her eyes.
"Really? What animal?" Fluttershy eagerly questioned.
"I don't know! Please!!! Ya' gotta help me!" Applebloom pleaded.
"Take me to this animal." The yellow Pegasus demanded.
"Thank you so much!!! Come on, it's this way!" Applebloom cheered.
And so the two ponies went to Zecora's home in the hope that they might both understand what is going on in the Everfree Forest. What they did not realize however, was that this search would mean a complete change for Equestria. And serve vengeance that is centuries overdue. This vengeance may include a certain bunny eating all of the carrot cake while his owner is gone, but probably not.
"Now that's just crazy talk!" Applebloom protested.
Fluttershy didn't agree however. To her, it looked as if the old, wooden shack was commanding shadowy minions to come and take her away. She could feel it's grip tightening around her, squeezing the air out of her. It's cold and unforgiving aura dragging her down unto eternal darkness.
Applebloom could tell that Fluttershy was becoming scared again, so she used the stratagem that had seemed to work before.
"Fluttershy! You can't afford to be scared! What if the animal is just as scared as you are? It needs your help, and you can't help it by being scared!" Applebloom encouraged, although she may have gone a little overboard.
Fluttershy gasped and a tear filled her eye.
"You're right! It must be scared all alone in that creepy shack!" She suddenly exclaimed. The usually shy and timid Pegasus took a breath and let out a battle cry. "DON'T WORRY SCARED CREATURE! I WILL SAVE YOU! CHAAAAAARRRGE!!!!!!!"
I really didn't have much time to react to the strange and sudden burst of noise that smashed the door off of it's hinges. Nor anything else that happened, really. I'll give you summary of what went down.
Firstly, while sitting down and contemplating if I should ever make contact with ponies again, I heard a peculiar noise and watched as the door was smashed through by a pink and yellow blur. Then, just as I was getting up, I was immediately tackled down by that same pink and yellow blur. When I was hit I smacked my hand on a table Zecora had. I proceeded to scream in pain.
"Oh goodness! Are you okay? I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to! Can you stand? Why don't we-"
As the pink and yellow Pegasus ranted on and on, I looked at the stunned Zecora, who had just witnessed this entire event with an open mouth. Zecora then finally regained her composure and intervened.
"Fluttershy! Get off of him! You are about to kill this guy!"
"Wha... Zecora! Why are you still here?" Said a certain filly.
Zecora snapped her head in the direction of the voice. "He is not an enemy, but instead a friend. Now I ask again, get off! You're making his back bend!"
Which was actually true, as I felt tendons being ripped slowly and painfully. The Pegasus only then seemed to realize what was going on and, all in one fluid motion, simultaneously became red in the face, jumped at least 7 feet into the air, shrieked so loud that my ears hurt, and broke a support beam on her way up. This, subsequently, lead to the roof caving in and four confused creatures scuttling around, like lost puppies.
"AAAAAAHHHH!" Was screamed by Applebloom right before being shoved (or punched, I'm still trying to figure that part out) out the door by a familiar looking striped hoof.
Zecora then single hoofedly dragged both me and Fluttershy out through a new-found hole in the wall. After a few minutes of grasping the situation we had found ourselves in, Applebloom finally broke the silence.
"Is everypony alright?" The young apple wearily asked.
"My head hurts..." Whimpered Fluttershy.
"My home is in ruins! Applebloom! Was this your doing!?
"I'm so sorry Zecora! I really didn't think Fluttershy would do something so... Rainbow Dash-ish."
"Why did you come back in the first place? You seemed eager to get away as fast as possible, and at a surprisingly fast pace!"
"I thought ya'll were bein' attacked by that weird-lookin' thing!"
Fluttershy then shouted, "No creature is strange! You just need time to understand them. Then give them all the love and affection that they need. After all, they have the same emotions as us ponies, and should be treated with a certain respect! So he's not strange. Isn't that right?" Fluttershy looked at the human.
"That was overly dramatic." I said to the Pegasus. Not surprisingly, I was met with not love and affection, but instead a, "It can talk?! KILL IT!!!" Which 2 seconds afterwards, Fluttershy fainted.
As we looked at the still yellow Pegasus, we all thought of out own deep and thought provoking questions.
'Is this creature really bad enough to make the shy and kind Fluttershy faint?' Applebloom thought worriedly.
'Will he ever truly fit in? Ponies seem to treat him like he belongs in a trash bin.' Zecora thought with pity.
'Why the f*** was that so funny to me?' The human thought, whilst trying to hold in laughter.
"Your name's what now?" Applebloom replied to the strange sounding word that left the humans lips.
It's been around an hour since Zecora's home had collasped and Fluttershy fainted. In that time Applebloom calmed down enough to get used to my presence and understand that I am not a threat. After that, it seems we get along surprisingly well, despite our rocky introductions. As we were walking through the forest, back to Fluttershy's cottage, she asked if I had a name.
I replied with, "It's Trenton, nice to finally meet you."
"Thats a weird sounding name pal." Applebloom replied with a chuckle.
"Why?" Trenton asked the small pony.
"Its just... Pony names are normally two words that are objects, actions, and stuff like that."
"Huh. Didn't know that." Trenton said with a tone that emphasized he didn't really care, but Applebloom didn't notice.
"Welp, the more you know I suppose!" Applebloom cheerfully stated as they continued their walk.
And while all this was happening, there was Zecora behind them, looking angry. This may have to do with carrying a fully grown pony on her back, or that her home has been smashed to peices. Probably both. But maybe we'll never know.