The Zebra Kingby Dragon FruitChaptersPrologueChapter 1Chapter 2Prologue"Thanks for letting us come with you to see Zecora Twilight." "My pleasure Sweetie Belle, I just hope she'll have that book I've been looking for." "Yawn" chorused Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. Twilight flashed them an annoyed glare as they hoof-bumped. "Ah just hope we ain't being a bother to her, us just showing up like this." Applejack said. She stepped carefully in order not to jostle the sleeping Apple Bloom on her back. "Yeah, I hope it won't be too much trouble," Fluttershy softly mumbled. "Darling, we're just popping bye," Rarity chided, "We won't be there for too long...we won't will we Twilight?" Rarity wasn't trying to be rude, but the Evergreen Forest was so...dirty. "Don't worry girls, we'll just be in and out" "What'd ya need from Zecora anyway Twi?" "A book on ancient Zebra magic. Ever since that last battle with Trixie, I figured it'd be a good idea to have a few tricks up my sleeves. Zebra magic is rare at best in Equestria, so it'd be a real advantage." "Yeah! You may even learn a spell to make the ground grow gummy bears!" Pinkie squealed, licking her chops at the thought. Everyone just gave her blank stares. "Yeah...maybe Pinkie." Twilight turned her head as Spike let out a giant snore. Everyone laughed. A few minuets later, they approached a hut in the middle of the forest. Sitting on a rock not far behind it was a gray Zebra, staring into a shallow pond. Scootaloo jumped excitedly, her wings buzzing. "Zecora!" She shouted. The zebra jerked her head up in surprise. "Huh? Wha's going on?" Apple Bloom yawned loudly. Catching sight of Zecora however, she immediately shook of her grogginess, and the cutie mark crusaders rushed to meet their stripped friend. The older ponies quickly trotted after them. "Why isn't isn't this a surprise. Your here for a book, am I right to surmise?," Zecora brightly rhymed, turning to a lightly blushing Twilight. "Your right, I was hoping to borrow a book on Zebra magic. It really helped last time with Trixie." Zecora replied merrily, "Of course you may use my book, come inside and take a look." __________________________________________________________________________________ Inside the hut, Zecora was showing Twilight and Spike a Zebrican book of spells, and the older ponies were chatting amongst themselves. In the meantime, the trio of fillies were looking around Zecora's hut. "Zecora sure has some real interestin' stuff" Apple Bloom observed. "Yeah, check out these spears!" Scootaloo grabbed one in her hooves and jabbed it at an imaginary monster, nearly poking Sweetie Belle in the process. "Hey! Watch where your aiming that!" Sweetie squealed. "Heh, heh, sorry" Scootaloo apologized sheepishly quickly putting the pointy stick down. "Hey guy's look ah this!" Apple Bloom was staring at a huge black book on the floor, a huge ancient looking symbol on it's cover. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo trotted up beside her, staring at the symbol in confusion. Sweetie cocked her head and scrunched her eyes. "It sort of looks like a zebra." Scootaloo opened the book and stared at the strange symbols in confusion. "What the heck is this?" "It is a tale of adventure, betrayal and romance. This book is indeed far more than at first glance." replied an amused voice. The fillies quickly jerked around to a smirking Zebra and a bemused looking group of ponies (and a baby dragon). "Sorry Zecora" The trio mumbled. "Sorry? What for? It's natural for fillies to explore." "What's that book about anyway?" Apple Bloom asked. "This book as black as coal, was a story told to me when I was just a foal." "Wait a sec," Rainbow Dash hovered over the the huge text, eyeing warily. "This is a fairy tale?" "I suppose that is one description, however it is a bit of a oversimplification" "What do you mean Zecora?" Zecora chuckled. Twilight Sparkle, always the curious one. "It is as I said before, this tale has a lot in store." Zecora closed her eyes. "It is a story of a prince, a story of strife, it's a tale of redemption, and the circle of life. This is a fable which every tribe tells their foals, to keep their minds in the light, and to keep pure their souls." Zecora was lost in thought, memories of her homeland enveloping her. Everypony stared at Zecora curiously. They rarely heard her speak of her homeland, and it seemed sort of rude to interrupt her now. Zecora opened her eyes a blinked as if suddenly remembering herself. She saw the ponies staring and blushed. "I am very sorry to digress, but this tale tends to make my mind quite a mess." "That's alright Zecora. Say do you think you could tell us that story sometime? Ow!" Twilight smacked Spike with her wing. "Spike don't be rude. You know that Zecora's busy" The CMC and Pinkie Pie however ignored her and rushed to Zecora who tried her best not to back away. "Would ya please tell us the story Zecora?" "Yeah pretty please!" "That story sound's awesome! Come on please?" "Pretty pretty please, with rainbow sprinkles, gummy bears, and cupcakes on top?" Applejack stepped between Zecora and the mini mob swarming her. "Now hold on just a minuet. We shouldn't impose on Zecora like that. She's got better things to do than tell ya'll stories all day. Now come on, let's get goin'. " So saying Applejack began herding the dejected dragon and ponies to the door, the others following behind. Twilight turned to Zecora apologetically. "I'm sorry about that Zecora, we'll just be on our way now. Thank you for the book." As she was about to leave with the others, she heard the zebra rhyme, "There is no problem I assure, to tell the story as a cure, To the possible dangers that I can see, That results from a pony's curiosity." Zecora looked past Twilight to the now hopeful looking dragon and ponies. "No trouble will telling the story be, But only if your sisters will agree" Pinkie Pie, Spike, and the Crusaders turned their ultimate puppy dog pouts on their friends and siblings. Rarity shifted nervously, glancing towards Twilight. Fluttershy looked to Rainbow who just shrugged her shoulders in response. Applejack shifted glances between the hopeful foursome and patiently waiting Zecora. Finally, she sighed in defeat. "Is it alright if we stay an' listen to you story Zecora?" Rarity was quick to interject. "We?" "Well I ain't leaving my little sister to walk through the Everfree Forest by herself." She waved to the others. "Ya'll can go, Pinkie and I'll make sure everypony gets home safely." "Yep yep!" Pinkie piped, jumping around the hut, "We're gonna hear a story, we're gonna hear a story." Rarity looked at Applejack irritated. "Well I'm not going to leave my little sister either." So saying she grabbed Sweetie Belle and sat down in front of Zecora. Sweetie could hear her mumble, "Not that anyone cares about what all this dust and dirt does to my mane." Sweetie held back a giggle, while Applejack rolled her eyes, taking a seat next to Rarity with Apple Bloom. Scootaloo trotted up to Rainbow Dash, eyes sparkling excitedly. "Are you staying Rainbow Dash? Are ya?" Trying to sound nonchalant but her eyes glittering with curiosity she replied, "Sure squirt I'll listen for a bit. But I doubt it'll be any Daring Doo. Hey Fluttershy," The yellow mare flinched. "You're gonna stay or head back home?" "Well...if everypony else is staying....then I guess I'll stay here. The animals don't need me home till dark at least." "Whoo hoo!" Scootaloo cheered, zipping towards her friends. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash took a seat on each side of her. Zecora turned to Twilight. "Well Ms. Sparkle can you say, That you may join your friends and be willing to stay?" "Yeah, common Twilight, it'll be fun." Spike spoke up, his eyes begging. This is where being a baby dragon has it's advantages. Twilight tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I guess it would be interesting to hear myths from Zebrica. Their culture is so different from our own and-" "Hey egg head, just admit you just want hear the story" Rainbow called, fluttering above them. Twilight glared at her and grumbled, her horn glowing. Rainbow's wings snapped to her sides making her fall to the ground with a loud thud. Twilight trotted past the mumbling cyan pony with her head high. "And your being rude." Spike followed behind sniggering. Rainbow resumed her place in what was now a semicircle surrounding Zecora, growling under her breath. Zecora sat down and cleared her throat, as if she had done so many times before. The book was left untouched. "Hey aren't you going to read?" Sweetie asked. Zecora shook her head."In my homeland you see, There a tradition be. We pass tales down by way of tongue, To keep the attention of ones so young. She could see Twilight rapidly taking mental notes and smiled, hoping that the lavender mare understood the story beyond than the mere words she would hear. Zecora turned to the expectant faces and smiled. It had been a long time since she had shared this tale, she hoped she could still tell it right. But as she began, the words and rhythm fell from her lips as if they were never forgotten: Now let me tell you the epic tale Of Ujasiri a zebra male, A tale of his journey bright, And his duty to set things right. Let me tell you of the King of the plains, Who freed his soul bound in chains, It be not lion, fox, nor snail It is the Zebra King, with his stripes from head to tail. So let's start from the beginning shall we? Allow me to let you come and see The time of calm before the storm, On the day the Zebra King was born...... Author's Note Here's a translation of any unfamiliar names. Most of the names in the story are Swahili. Ujasiri (Ooo-ja-see-ree)- Courage Just so you know, there will be parts of this story similar to the Lion King Movie, but I plan to only use that as the inspiration. Zebra's are much different than lions, so this story's going to take quite a few sharp turns from our beloved classic, so let that be a warning to ya! Chapter 1The sun rose in the plains, bathing the savanna in the warm, glowing light of dawn. The rhino raised his head as the meerkats stood at attention, with the leopard gazing down the hill, her tail twitching. The storks took flight from the river, flying above the the raging waterfalls, the rising sun painting the raging white water, the pinkish hue of a new day. The elephants marched past the mountains as the small birds flew across the marsh lands ahead. The gazelles bounded through the foggy air and high grasses as the giraffes stared down into the marching herds in valley below, guarding their eyes from the ever rising sun. The zebras trotted towards their destination as the ants busily worked, unconcerned with the momentous occasion that was at hoof. The ostriches hurried to stay out of the way of the elephant tribe's mighty feet, and the zebras led the way as the herds of beasts crossed the river. All had one destination in mind: Usawa Mti, a towering tree in the heart of the savanna, with its leaves and branches seeming to spread miles, barely covering the large flat plateau on which it grew. The sun was now high in the sky, and the animals were lined up by tribe; the mighty Tuskegee Elephant tribe of the west, the quick Swift Foot Gazelle tribe of the eastern river, the Water Bird tribes of the northern marsh, and many of the zebra tribes that covered Zebrica. However the most distinguished of the tribes were standing on the hills above: The Claws of the South, the jungle cats. Leopards, Jaguars, Cheetahs, and at the head of the pride, the Lions. Their leader Heshima, looked down at the huge Zebra standing above the tribes on the plateau. A meerkat scurried up the rocks onto the plateau. He bowed before the huge Zebra before him. Built like a wildebeest, King Kifalme was a force. His skin was as white as snow, but his stripes were as black as night and on his flank he bore the mark of the tribal spear and crown. His emerald green eyes regarded his steward warmly as he smiled and nodded. A murmur rushed threw the crowd as a the shaman passed. Busara the Wise was an old baboon, his face gray and blue with a nose of red, rumored to be as old as the savanna itself. He had performed the ceremony for Kifalme, and Kifame's father, and his father before him, at least according to legend. In his right paw he wielded a walking stick twice his size, with many gourdes tied to its top. The tribes cleared a path for the ancient shaman to the base of Usawa Mti. Kifalme's warm smile grew as he saw his old friend and teacher approach. When the Busara ascended the plateau, he opened his arms wide, wrapping his arms around Kifalme, who wrapped his front leg around him in return. They looked to the herd of Zebras at the base of the tree, in particular the mare lying on the floor. Kifalme affectionately rubbed his head against his wife's. Uzuri returned the gesture. She was lighter than the typical grey zebra, with stripes the color of dusk, rather than a starless night like her husband. A graceful mare, she was tall and sleek, hiding powerful muscles. Her eyes were the gold of the tall grass, with a flower wrapped by a black vine on her flank. Moving her forelegs, she revealed a pure black and white foal nestled against her chest. Both parents proudly smiled at their newborn son. The foal turned to his parents and rubbed his emerald eyes. Seeing his son made Kifalme's heart swell with joy and pride. This was his son. This was the future king of the Herdfields. He watched as Busara moved past him. Staring down at the young foal, Busara smiled, and began waving his stick and paw above the child, the gourds shaking and rattling above his head. The colt eyes followed the shaking gourds growing closer and closer, reaching out a tiny hoof to batt the largest one above him. Busara cracked open the gourd and with his thumb, wiped the red juice from the gourd, onto the child's forehead. Then shaking on some dust from the earth in front of him as well, Busara smiled as the young prince sneezed. His parents nuzzled each other in delight as they watched the process. Busara gently lifted the foal from between his mother's legs, holding him against his chest with a smile. Looking to the approving parents, he turned and walked to the edge of the plateau, into the view of the waiting masses below. He stopped, and staring down at the tribes, he lifted the colt high into the air for all to see. The effect was immediate-the beasts cheered, a deafening melody of bellows, chatters, neighs, and squeals. Even the the Claws let loose mighty roars and screams, all the while the foal was staring at the procession curiously from his high vantage. As the Herdfields bellowed at the presentation of their new king, the branches of Usawa Mti parted, and the beams of the sun bathed the foal in its light. Beginning with the zebras, then the elephants, and the giraffes, one by one the beast tribes of the Savannah bowed to their new prince. The Claws stared at the foal, some respect, and some with disgust. Heshima finally bowed low his head, and the rest of the Claws followed suit, many with reluctance. This was not lost on Kifalme, who in turn gently nodded his head in return. The chants of the were in clear and in usion. Long Live the Zebra King. All hail Prince Ujasiri. Author's Note I know it's a bit of a slow start, but ambiance people! And if your wondering why no one was singing "Circle of Life" it's because I have plans for that song later. Oh here's the name translations Usawa Mti (ooo-sa-wah mee-tee) -Balance tree Uzuri (Ooo-voo-ree) -beauty Busara (boo-sah-rah) -wise Heshima (heh-she-mah) -Honor Kifalme (kee-fal-meh) -Royal Before anyone says my character naming is lazy, please remember that Sombra is Spanish is Shadow. So he is literally King Shadow. Foreign words sound cool that's all so don't judge :) ! Chapter 2In a cave at the base of Usawa Mti, a grey parrot squawked in its cage. The sound of hooves echoed across the cave's walls, and the parrot began to shake. With a panicked squawk, the bird was grabbed. It was brought face to face with red eyed zebra. His skin was as black as moonless night, with stripes as white as the clouds. He grinned mockingly at the struggling bird, walking toward a cauldron filled with a boiling substance. "Life's not fair, is it?" He cooed to the terrified creature in his grip. "You see I -- well, I... shall never be King." He sighed woefully. The parrot struggled even harder. "And you... shall never see the light of another day." He chuckled as he lowered the bird into the boiling pot. "Adieu..." He quietly laughed. "What are you doing Giza?" The zebra flinched in surprise, releasing the bird. The parrot darted away. Giza sighed in annoyance, looking down at the disproving meerkat. "What do you want Kero?" " I'm here to announce that King Kifalme is on his way." Kero glared at the bored looking zebra. " So you'd better have a good excuse for missing the ceremony this morning." Completely ignoring the chattering rodent, Giza stared at the black dot that was his potion ingredient. "Oh now look, Kero; you've made me lose the my lunch." Kero gasped "Wha-wa;Your Majesty!" "Oh shut up you blithering muskrat. I was joking. The bird was merely potion ingredient." The meerkat was not reassured. "Well, you'll lose more than that when the King gets through with you. He's as mad as a rhino with hoof rot." The zebra faked a shudder, stalking towards the nervous rodent "Oooh... I quiver with FEAR." He towered over the now very concerned meerkat. "Now Giza, don't look at me that way... HELP!" Giza swiftly pounced, catching the terrified creature by his tail in his teeth. He made a movement as if to throw Kero in the boiling cauldron beside him when- "Giza! ..." His teeth still clamped down on Kero's tail, he replied, "Mm-hmm?" "Drop him." Hanging from Giza's mouth, Kero quickly and gratefully gushed,"Impeccable timing, your majesty." Giza rolled his eyes and dropped Kero on his head. Shaking his head, he took inventory of his tail. There was a sizeable teeth mark. "Eyyccch". Giza trotted up to his irritated older brother, sarcastically overjoyed. " Why! If it isn't my big brother descending from on high to mingle with the commoners." Kifalme didn't rise to the bait. "Uzuri and I didn't see you at the presentation of Ujasiri." Clutching his head in mock astonishment Giza gasped. "That was today? Oh, I feel simply awful." He turned and bucked the cavern wall. An antelope skull fell to the floor from the shelf above them. Kero jumped and hid behind Kifalme's leg. Picking up the skull, Giza admired it, adding in a bored voice, "...Must have slipped my mind." Kero peeked from behind his king's legs, irritation etched across his face and wagged a finger. "Yes, well, as slippery as your mind is, as the king's brother, you should have been first in line!" Giza stepped forward, Kero once again took cover behind Kifalme's foreleg. Giza bent down to his eye level. "Well, I was first in line," he calmly explained, and with an edge of irritation he added,"until the little hairball was born." Kifalme lowered his head, meeting his green eye to his brother's red. His voice was measured, but dangerous. "That 'hairball' is my son, and your future king." Giza stood, his face and mocking. "Ohh, I shall practice my curtsy." He dramatically bowed. As he passed his brother to exit the cave, Kifalme called out to him, his voice full of warning. "Don't turn your back on me, Giza." Giza looked back, his voice harsh and low, "Oh, no, Kifalme. Perhaps YOU shouldn't turn YOUR back on me." Kifalme leapt in front of his brother, his muzzle inches from Giza's. He bared his teeth, showing his anger for the first time. "Is that a challenge?" Giza's face was calm and patronizing. Backing away, he tutted at his older brother. "Temper, temper Kifalme. I wouldn't dream of challenging you." Kero scurried up beside the two, his paws on his hips, disappointment etched on his face. "Pity! Why not?" Giza looking down at Kero replied, "Well, as far as brains go, I got the family stripes. But, when it comes to brute strength," He pointedly looked at his disapproving older brother,staring to walk past, sounding morose, "...I'm afraid I'm at the shallow end of the gene pool." He stalked off without another word. Kifalme watched his younger brother's retreating figure with a sigh. Kero patted his foreleg consolingly."There's one in every family, sire," he thought for a moment "...Two in mine, actually." He clambered on Kifalme's back. "And they always manage to ruin special occasions." Kifalme shook his head dejectedly. "What am I going to do with him?" "I don't know your Majesty, I don't know." They looked back at the boiling pot, and the skull as white as its owner's stripes. __________________________________________________________________________________ "I don't understand why we had to come" "That's enough Moto." The red lion growled at his leader. "Heshima, we should not have to bow before a zebra. An infant no less!" Heshima's patience was wearing thin. "That infant, Moto is the Prince of the Herdfields, where we reside." "We should not be playing underlings to those equines! We eat them for Bast's sake!" "The zebras have not only numbers, the have magic, as well as the support from all the other tribes on the savannah. They understand stepping across the gorge is our hunting boundaries-" "Which was set by the zebras in the most desolate sections in the land!" "We have enough" "We barely have anything! If you had any pride as a leader of the Claw-" Moto wasn't able to finish. The huge golden lion roared, pinning the smaller under a titanic paw. "If you have any complaints Moto," he growled, "Feel free" he pressed his paw into Moto's throat. Moto clutched the paw cutting off his air. "No Heshima" he choked out. Immediately he was able to breathe once again. Watching his fellow tribescat hacking Heshima growled in satisfaction. "Good" Turning, to the rest of the onlooking tribe, he roared, "The zebras are not our enemies. However, we'd be fools to not to regard them with caution. They wield magic unique to their own kind, unseen anywhere else in the Herdfields. They nearly wiped out our clan in the past, and any attack on them, or any of the other tribes will only lead to a war we will not win. We shall stay within our territory. We will hunt in the hunting grounds. We must do this if we wish to survive." Heshima turned, facing the sun. "We are heading home" he said with finality as he and the tribe marched. Moto sulked at the back of the moving pride, grumbling. A beautiful leopard and black jaguar patiently waited for him. "You let your temper get the best of you once again" the leopard observed. "Shut up Aisu" he growled. "Your father doesn't trust you Moto," she growled irritated. "If you don't tread carefully, you'll lose your chance." "You think I don't know that?" he snapped, teeth bare. "But my father is a fool, and if I wait till I'm leader to act, we may all very well be doomed." "I couldn't agree more" The trio spun around, their hackles raised and their claws out. The first thing they saw were gleaming red eyes and white stripes glowing from the deep shadows of the gorge's canyon like walls. Giza emerged from the shadows, something large flung across his back. The cats could smell blood from him. The jaguar immediately blocked his friends protectively. "Oh calm down you overgrown throw rug, I come bearing a gift." He flung the burden on his back in front of the three predators. What they saw both enticed and repulsed them: It was the corpse of a zebra. Aisu glared at the bored looking Zebra. "Where did you get that?" "Does it matter?" Giza glanced at the cautious trio, the jaguar still baring his fangs. Giza gave an exasperated sigh. "Fine, let's just say one our visiting zebra tribes is missing a member shall we." Moto stepped forward. The jaguar tried pushing him back until he snapped, "Mavros get back." The jaguar reluctantly stepped back. Moto once again faced Giza, who was studying a hoof. "What do you want zebra?" "Oh, someone is cranky today. Lack of food maybe?" Giza pushed the carcass forward. "You didn't answer my question." The black zebra snorted. "Fine, if you must know, I've come to enlist your...help." Moto gave a dry laugh. "Me help a zebra? Haven't your kind done enough." "Then allow me to make amends" was the reply. Aisu swore she could see silver on this zebra's tongue. there was blood dying the white stripes on his back, and she could smell it on his hooves. However at the same time...even she couldn't help but listen. "Give me the aid I need, and I can give you what you need." Moto thought it over. Aisu hissed, "You can't be serious." Her words fell on deaf ears. "How can I trust you?" Giza flashed a smile that filled Moto with dread. He trotted over to the zebra carcass on the ground. Placing his hoof on his dead breatheran's chest, his eyes never leaving those of the red lion. Slowly he pressed down, each crack of bone echoing of the walls of the gorge. With a final crack and a wet squish, his hoof fell through the chest, blood splashing his chest and chin. The Claws eyes widened in horror, unable to look away. It seemed however, the worst was yet to come. Eyes still locked with theirs, Giza slowly lowered his muzzled in the mangled bones and remains. He pulled his head up and with a meaty snap, had the heart of the corpse in his jaws. His maw dripping red, and with a sadistic grin, he swallowed the heart whole, baring a red smiled at the disturbed Claws. He licked his lips. "How can you not?" "Moto, we need to get out of here. Now." Aisu almost begged. Predators eating a zebra was one thing. but this...this...this was cannibalism! She was afraid. Marvos was tense beside her. Moto unfortunately, had a sick smile creeping on his face. Approaching the blood stained zebra, he bared his own white fanged grin. "How can we help?" Author's Note Giza (gee-zuh)- Dark Kero (kee-row)- nuisance Moto (moe-tow)- flame Aisu (ah-ee-sew)- ice Mavros (mah-ver-os)- black Well this went darker than I expected. This is not, I repeat, this is not a grimdark fic. This is probably the most graphic thing I'm going to write...probably. As some of you can tell, most of the conversation between Giza, Kero, and Kifalme is copied/paraphrased from the Lion King. However, this is just the beginning so I'm not going to do this often. BTW if you don't like the story that's fine but if your going to dislike it can you please let me know why? It'll help me improve the story and my writing skills. Thanks!
Prologue"Thanks for letting us come with you to see Zecora Twilight." "My pleasure Sweetie Belle, I just hope she'll have that book I've been looking for." "Yawn" chorused Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. Twilight flashed them an annoyed glare as they hoof-bumped. "Ah just hope we ain't being a bother to her, us just showing up like this." Applejack said. She stepped carefully in order not to jostle the sleeping Apple Bloom on her back. "Yeah, I hope it won't be too much trouble," Fluttershy softly mumbled. "Darling, we're just popping bye," Rarity chided, "We won't be there for too long...we won't will we Twilight?" Rarity wasn't trying to be rude, but the Evergreen Forest was so...dirty. "Don't worry girls, we'll just be in and out" "What'd ya need from Zecora anyway Twi?" "A book on ancient Zebra magic. Ever since that last battle with Trixie, I figured it'd be a good idea to have a few tricks up my sleeves. Zebra magic is rare at best in Equestria, so it'd be a real advantage." "Yeah! You may even learn a spell to make the ground grow gummy bears!" Pinkie squealed, licking her chops at the thought. Everyone just gave her blank stares. "Yeah...maybe Pinkie." Twilight turned her head as Spike let out a giant snore. Everyone laughed. A few minuets later, they approached a hut in the middle of the forest. Sitting on a rock not far behind it was a gray Zebra, staring into a shallow pond. Scootaloo jumped excitedly, her wings buzzing. "Zecora!" She shouted. The zebra jerked her head up in surprise. "Huh? Wha's going on?" Apple Bloom yawned loudly. Catching sight of Zecora however, she immediately shook of her grogginess, and the cutie mark crusaders rushed to meet their stripped friend. The older ponies quickly trotted after them. "Why isn't isn't this a surprise. Your here for a book, am I right to surmise?," Zecora brightly rhymed, turning to a lightly blushing Twilight. "Your right, I was hoping to borrow a book on Zebra magic. It really helped last time with Trixie." Zecora replied merrily, "Of course you may use my book, come inside and take a look." __________________________________________________________________________________ Inside the hut, Zecora was showing Twilight and Spike a Zebrican book of spells, and the older ponies were chatting amongst themselves. In the meantime, the trio of fillies were looking around Zecora's hut. "Zecora sure has some real interestin' stuff" Apple Bloom observed. "Yeah, check out these spears!" Scootaloo grabbed one in her hooves and jabbed it at an imaginary monster, nearly poking Sweetie Belle in the process. "Hey! Watch where your aiming that!" Sweetie squealed. "Heh, heh, sorry" Scootaloo apologized sheepishly quickly putting the pointy stick down. "Hey guy's look ah this!" Apple Bloom was staring at a huge black book on the floor, a huge ancient looking symbol on it's cover. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo trotted up beside her, staring at the symbol in confusion. Sweetie cocked her head and scrunched her eyes. "It sort of looks like a zebra." Scootaloo opened the book and stared at the strange symbols in confusion. "What the heck is this?" "It is a tale of adventure, betrayal and romance. This book is indeed far more than at first glance." replied an amused voice. The fillies quickly jerked around to a smirking Zebra and a bemused looking group of ponies (and a baby dragon). "Sorry Zecora" The trio mumbled. "Sorry? What for? It's natural for fillies to explore." "What's that book about anyway?" Apple Bloom asked. "This book as black as coal, was a story told to me when I was just a foal." "Wait a sec," Rainbow Dash hovered over the the huge text, eyeing warily. "This is a fairy tale?" "I suppose that is one description, however it is a bit of a oversimplification" "What do you mean Zecora?" Zecora chuckled. Twilight Sparkle, always the curious one. "It is as I said before, this tale has a lot in store." Zecora closed her eyes. "It is a story of a prince, a story of strife, it's a tale of redemption, and the circle of life. This is a fable which every tribe tells their foals, to keep their minds in the light, and to keep pure their souls." Zecora was lost in thought, memories of her homeland enveloping her. Everypony stared at Zecora curiously. They rarely heard her speak of her homeland, and it seemed sort of rude to interrupt her now. Zecora opened her eyes a blinked as if suddenly remembering herself. She saw the ponies staring and blushed. "I am very sorry to digress, but this tale tends to make my mind quite a mess." "That's alright Zecora. Say do you think you could tell us that story sometime? Ow!" Twilight smacked Spike with her wing. "Spike don't be rude. You know that Zecora's busy" The CMC and Pinkie Pie however ignored her and rushed to Zecora who tried her best not to back away. "Would ya please tell us the story Zecora?" "Yeah pretty please!" "That story sound's awesome! Come on please?" "Pretty pretty please, with rainbow sprinkles, gummy bears, and cupcakes on top?" Applejack stepped between Zecora and the mini mob swarming her. "Now hold on just a minuet. We shouldn't impose on Zecora like that. She's got better things to do than tell ya'll stories all day. Now come on, let's get goin'. " So saying Applejack began herding the dejected dragon and ponies to the door, the others following behind. Twilight turned to Zecora apologetically. "I'm sorry about that Zecora, we'll just be on our way now. Thank you for the book." As she was about to leave with the others, she heard the zebra rhyme, "There is no problem I assure, to tell the story as a cure, To the possible dangers that I can see, That results from a pony's curiosity." Zecora looked past Twilight to the now hopeful looking dragon and ponies. "No trouble will telling the story be, But only if your sisters will agree" Pinkie Pie, Spike, and the Crusaders turned their ultimate puppy dog pouts on their friends and siblings. Rarity shifted nervously, glancing towards Twilight. Fluttershy looked to Rainbow who just shrugged her shoulders in response. Applejack shifted glances between the hopeful foursome and patiently waiting Zecora. Finally, she sighed in defeat. "Is it alright if we stay an' listen to you story Zecora?" Rarity was quick to interject. "We?" "Well I ain't leaving my little sister to walk through the Everfree Forest by herself." She waved to the others. "Ya'll can go, Pinkie and I'll make sure everypony gets home safely." "Yep yep!" Pinkie piped, jumping around the hut, "We're gonna hear a story, we're gonna hear a story." Rarity looked at Applejack irritated. "Well I'm not going to leave my little sister either." So saying she grabbed Sweetie Belle and sat down in front of Zecora. Sweetie could hear her mumble, "Not that anyone cares about what all this dust and dirt does to my mane." Sweetie held back a giggle, while Applejack rolled her eyes, taking a seat next to Rarity with Apple Bloom. Scootaloo trotted up to Rainbow Dash, eyes sparkling excitedly. "Are you staying Rainbow Dash? Are ya?" Trying to sound nonchalant but her eyes glittering with curiosity she replied, "Sure squirt I'll listen for a bit. But I doubt it'll be any Daring Doo. Hey Fluttershy," The yellow mare flinched. "You're gonna stay or head back home?" "Well...if everypony else is staying....then I guess I'll stay here. The animals don't need me home till dark at least." "Whoo hoo!" Scootaloo cheered, zipping towards her friends. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash took a seat on each side of her. Zecora turned to Twilight. "Well Ms. Sparkle can you say, That you may join your friends and be willing to stay?" "Yeah, common Twilight, it'll be fun." Spike spoke up, his eyes begging. This is where being a baby dragon has it's advantages. Twilight tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I guess it would be interesting to hear myths from Zebrica. Their culture is so different from our own and-" "Hey egg head, just admit you just want hear the story" Rainbow called, fluttering above them. Twilight glared at her and grumbled, her horn glowing. Rainbow's wings snapped to her sides making her fall to the ground with a loud thud. Twilight trotted past the mumbling cyan pony with her head high. "And your being rude." Spike followed behind sniggering. Rainbow resumed her place in what was now a semicircle surrounding Zecora, growling under her breath. Zecora sat down and cleared her throat, as if she had done so many times before. The book was left untouched. "Hey aren't you going to read?" Sweetie asked. Zecora shook her head."In my homeland you see, There a tradition be. We pass tales down by way of tongue, To keep the attention of ones so young. She could see Twilight rapidly taking mental notes and smiled, hoping that the lavender mare understood the story beyond than the mere words she would hear. Zecora turned to the expectant faces and smiled. It had been a long time since she had shared this tale, she hoped she could still tell it right. But as she began, the words and rhythm fell from her lips as if they were never forgotten: Now let me tell you the epic tale Of Ujasiri a zebra male, A tale of his journey bright, And his duty to set things right. Let me tell you of the King of the plains, Who freed his soul bound in chains, It be not lion, fox, nor snail It is the Zebra King, with his stripes from head to tail. So let's start from the beginning shall we? Allow me to let you come and see The time of calm before the storm, On the day the Zebra King was born...... Author's Note Here's a translation of any unfamiliar names. Most of the names in the story are Swahili. Ujasiri (Ooo-ja-see-ree)- Courage Just so you know, there will be parts of this story similar to the Lion King Movie, but I plan to only use that as the inspiration. Zebra's are much different than lions, so this story's going to take quite a few sharp turns from our beloved classic, so let that be a warning to ya!
Chapter 1The sun rose in the plains, bathing the savanna in the warm, glowing light of dawn. The rhino raised his head as the meerkats stood at attention, with the leopard gazing down the hill, her tail twitching. The storks took flight from the river, flying above the the raging waterfalls, the rising sun painting the raging white water, the pinkish hue of a new day. The elephants marched past the mountains as the small birds flew across the marsh lands ahead. The gazelles bounded through the foggy air and high grasses as the giraffes stared down into the marching herds in valley below, guarding their eyes from the ever rising sun. The zebras trotted towards their destination as the ants busily worked, unconcerned with the momentous occasion that was at hoof. The ostriches hurried to stay out of the way of the elephant tribe's mighty feet, and the zebras led the way as the herds of beasts crossed the river. All had one destination in mind: Usawa Mti, a towering tree in the heart of the savanna, with its leaves and branches seeming to spread miles, barely covering the large flat plateau on which it grew. The sun was now high in the sky, and the animals were lined up by tribe; the mighty Tuskegee Elephant tribe of the west, the quick Swift Foot Gazelle tribe of the eastern river, the Water Bird tribes of the northern marsh, and many of the zebra tribes that covered Zebrica. However the most distinguished of the tribes were standing on the hills above: The Claws of the South, the jungle cats. Leopards, Jaguars, Cheetahs, and at the head of the pride, the Lions. Their leader Heshima, looked down at the huge Zebra standing above the tribes on the plateau. A meerkat scurried up the rocks onto the plateau. He bowed before the huge Zebra before him. Built like a wildebeest, King Kifalme was a force. His skin was as white as snow, but his stripes were as black as night and on his flank he bore the mark of the tribal spear and crown. His emerald green eyes regarded his steward warmly as he smiled and nodded. A murmur rushed threw the crowd as a the shaman passed. Busara the Wise was an old baboon, his face gray and blue with a nose of red, rumored to be as old as the savanna itself. He had performed the ceremony for Kifalme, and Kifame's father, and his father before him, at least according to legend. In his right paw he wielded a walking stick twice his size, with many gourdes tied to its top. The tribes cleared a path for the ancient shaman to the base of Usawa Mti. Kifalme's warm smile grew as he saw his old friend and teacher approach. When the Busara ascended the plateau, he opened his arms wide, wrapping his arms around Kifalme, who wrapped his front leg around him in return. They looked to the herd of Zebras at the base of the tree, in particular the mare lying on the floor. Kifalme affectionately rubbed his head against his wife's. Uzuri returned the gesture. She was lighter than the typical grey zebra, with stripes the color of dusk, rather than a starless night like her husband. A graceful mare, she was tall and sleek, hiding powerful muscles. Her eyes were the gold of the tall grass, with a flower wrapped by a black vine on her flank. Moving her forelegs, she revealed a pure black and white foal nestled against her chest. Both parents proudly smiled at their newborn son. The foal turned to his parents and rubbed his emerald eyes. Seeing his son made Kifalme's heart swell with joy and pride. This was his son. This was the future king of the Herdfields. He watched as Busara moved past him. Staring down at the young foal, Busara smiled, and began waving his stick and paw above the child, the gourds shaking and rattling above his head. The colt eyes followed the shaking gourds growing closer and closer, reaching out a tiny hoof to batt the largest one above him. Busara cracked open the gourd and with his thumb, wiped the red juice from the gourd, onto the child's forehead. Then shaking on some dust from the earth in front of him as well, Busara smiled as the young prince sneezed. His parents nuzzled each other in delight as they watched the process. Busara gently lifted the foal from between his mother's legs, holding him against his chest with a smile. Looking to the approving parents, he turned and walked to the edge of the plateau, into the view of the waiting masses below. He stopped, and staring down at the tribes, he lifted the colt high into the air for all to see. The effect was immediate-the beasts cheered, a deafening melody of bellows, chatters, neighs, and squeals. Even the the Claws let loose mighty roars and screams, all the while the foal was staring at the procession curiously from his high vantage. As the Herdfields bellowed at the presentation of their new king, the branches of Usawa Mti parted, and the beams of the sun bathed the foal in its light. Beginning with the zebras, then the elephants, and the giraffes, one by one the beast tribes of the Savannah bowed to their new prince. The Claws stared at the foal, some respect, and some with disgust. Heshima finally bowed low his head, and the rest of the Claws followed suit, many with reluctance. This was not lost on Kifalme, who in turn gently nodded his head in return. The chants of the were in clear and in usion. Long Live the Zebra King. All hail Prince Ujasiri. Author's Note I know it's a bit of a slow start, but ambiance people! And if your wondering why no one was singing "Circle of Life" it's because I have plans for that song later. Oh here's the name translations Usawa Mti (ooo-sa-wah mee-tee) -Balance tree Uzuri (Ooo-voo-ree) -beauty Busara (boo-sah-rah) -wise Heshima (heh-she-mah) -Honor Kifalme (kee-fal-meh) -Royal Before anyone says my character naming is lazy, please remember that Sombra is Spanish is Shadow. So he is literally King Shadow. Foreign words sound cool that's all so don't judge :) !
Chapter 2In a cave at the base of Usawa Mti, a grey parrot squawked in its cage. The sound of hooves echoed across the cave's walls, and the parrot began to shake. With a panicked squawk, the bird was grabbed. It was brought face to face with red eyed zebra. His skin was as black as moonless night, with stripes as white as the clouds. He grinned mockingly at the struggling bird, walking toward a cauldron filled with a boiling substance. "Life's not fair, is it?" He cooed to the terrified creature in his grip. "You see I -- well, I... shall never be King." He sighed woefully. The parrot struggled even harder. "And you... shall never see the light of another day." He chuckled as he lowered the bird into the boiling pot. "Adieu..." He quietly laughed. "What are you doing Giza?" The zebra flinched in surprise, releasing the bird. The parrot darted away. Giza sighed in annoyance, looking down at the disproving meerkat. "What do you want Kero?" " I'm here to announce that King Kifalme is on his way." Kero glared at the bored looking zebra. " So you'd better have a good excuse for missing the ceremony this morning." Completely ignoring the chattering rodent, Giza stared at the black dot that was his potion ingredient. "Oh now look, Kero; you've made me lose the my lunch." Kero gasped "Wha-wa;Your Majesty!" "Oh shut up you blithering muskrat. I was joking. The bird was merely potion ingredient." The meerkat was not reassured. "Well, you'll lose more than that when the King gets through with you. He's as mad as a rhino with hoof rot." The zebra faked a shudder, stalking towards the nervous rodent "Oooh... I quiver with FEAR." He towered over the now very concerned meerkat. "Now Giza, don't look at me that way... HELP!" Giza swiftly pounced, catching the terrified creature by his tail in his teeth. He made a movement as if to throw Kero in the boiling cauldron beside him when- "Giza! ..." His teeth still clamped down on Kero's tail, he replied, "Mm-hmm?" "Drop him." Hanging from Giza's mouth, Kero quickly and gratefully gushed,"Impeccable timing, your majesty." Giza rolled his eyes and dropped Kero on his head. Shaking his head, he took inventory of his tail. There was a sizeable teeth mark. "Eyyccch". Giza trotted up to his irritated older brother, sarcastically overjoyed. " Why! If it isn't my big brother descending from on high to mingle with the commoners." Kifalme didn't rise to the bait. "Uzuri and I didn't see you at the presentation of Ujasiri." Clutching his head in mock astonishment Giza gasped. "That was today? Oh, I feel simply awful." He turned and bucked the cavern wall. An antelope skull fell to the floor from the shelf above them. Kero jumped and hid behind Kifalme's leg. Picking up the skull, Giza admired it, adding in a bored voice, "...Must have slipped my mind." Kero peeked from behind his king's legs, irritation etched across his face and wagged a finger. "Yes, well, as slippery as your mind is, as the king's brother, you should have been first in line!" Giza stepped forward, Kero once again took cover behind Kifalme's foreleg. Giza bent down to his eye level. "Well, I was first in line," he calmly explained, and with an edge of irritation he added,"until the little hairball was born." Kifalme lowered his head, meeting his green eye to his brother's red. His voice was measured, but dangerous. "That 'hairball' is my son, and your future king." Giza stood, his face and mocking. "Ohh, I shall practice my curtsy." He dramatically bowed. As he passed his brother to exit the cave, Kifalme called out to him, his voice full of warning. "Don't turn your back on me, Giza." Giza looked back, his voice harsh and low, "Oh, no, Kifalme. Perhaps YOU shouldn't turn YOUR back on me." Kifalme leapt in front of his brother, his muzzle inches from Giza's. He bared his teeth, showing his anger for the first time. "Is that a challenge?" Giza's face was calm and patronizing. Backing away, he tutted at his older brother. "Temper, temper Kifalme. I wouldn't dream of challenging you." Kero scurried up beside the two, his paws on his hips, disappointment etched on his face. "Pity! Why not?" Giza looking down at Kero replied, "Well, as far as brains go, I got the family stripes. But, when it comes to brute strength," He pointedly looked at his disapproving older brother,staring to walk past, sounding morose, "...I'm afraid I'm at the shallow end of the gene pool." He stalked off without another word. Kifalme watched his younger brother's retreating figure with a sigh. Kero patted his foreleg consolingly."There's one in every family, sire," he thought for a moment "...Two in mine, actually." He clambered on Kifalme's back. "And they always manage to ruin special occasions." Kifalme shook his head dejectedly. "What am I going to do with him?" "I don't know your Majesty, I don't know." They looked back at the boiling pot, and the skull as white as its owner's stripes. __________________________________________________________________________________ "I don't understand why we had to come" "That's enough Moto." The red lion growled at his leader. "Heshima, we should not have to bow before a zebra. An infant no less!" Heshima's patience was wearing thin. "That infant, Moto is the Prince of the Herdfields, where we reside." "We should not be playing underlings to those equines! We eat them for Bast's sake!" "The zebras have not only numbers, the have magic, as well as the support from all the other tribes on the savannah. They understand stepping across the gorge is our hunting boundaries-" "Which was set by the zebras in the most desolate sections in the land!" "We have enough" "We barely have anything! If you had any pride as a leader of the Claw-" Moto wasn't able to finish. The huge golden lion roared, pinning the smaller under a titanic paw. "If you have any complaints Moto," he growled, "Feel free" he pressed his paw into Moto's throat. Moto clutched the paw cutting off his air. "No Heshima" he choked out. Immediately he was able to breathe once again. Watching his fellow tribescat hacking Heshima growled in satisfaction. "Good" Turning, to the rest of the onlooking tribe, he roared, "The zebras are not our enemies. However, we'd be fools to not to regard them with caution. They wield magic unique to their own kind, unseen anywhere else in the Herdfields. They nearly wiped out our clan in the past, and any attack on them, or any of the other tribes will only lead to a war we will not win. We shall stay within our territory. We will hunt in the hunting grounds. We must do this if we wish to survive." Heshima turned, facing the sun. "We are heading home" he said with finality as he and the tribe marched. Moto sulked at the back of the moving pride, grumbling. A beautiful leopard and black jaguar patiently waited for him. "You let your temper get the best of you once again" the leopard observed. "Shut up Aisu" he growled. "Your father doesn't trust you Moto," she growled irritated. "If you don't tread carefully, you'll lose your chance." "You think I don't know that?" he snapped, teeth bare. "But my father is a fool, and if I wait till I'm leader to act, we may all very well be doomed." "I couldn't agree more" The trio spun around, their hackles raised and their claws out. The first thing they saw were gleaming red eyes and white stripes glowing from the deep shadows of the gorge's canyon like walls. Giza emerged from the shadows, something large flung across his back. The cats could smell blood from him. The jaguar immediately blocked his friends protectively. "Oh calm down you overgrown throw rug, I come bearing a gift." He flung the burden on his back in front of the three predators. What they saw both enticed and repulsed them: It was the corpse of a zebra. Aisu glared at the bored looking Zebra. "Where did you get that?" "Does it matter?" Giza glanced at the cautious trio, the jaguar still baring his fangs. Giza gave an exasperated sigh. "Fine, let's just say one our visiting zebra tribes is missing a member shall we." Moto stepped forward. The jaguar tried pushing him back until he snapped, "Mavros get back." The jaguar reluctantly stepped back. Moto once again faced Giza, who was studying a hoof. "What do you want zebra?" "Oh, someone is cranky today. Lack of food maybe?" Giza pushed the carcass forward. "You didn't answer my question." The black zebra snorted. "Fine, if you must know, I've come to enlist your...help." Moto gave a dry laugh. "Me help a zebra? Haven't your kind done enough." "Then allow me to make amends" was the reply. Aisu swore she could see silver on this zebra's tongue. there was blood dying the white stripes on his back, and she could smell it on his hooves. However at the same time...even she couldn't help but listen. "Give me the aid I need, and I can give you what you need." Moto thought it over. Aisu hissed, "You can't be serious." Her words fell on deaf ears. "How can I trust you?" Giza flashed a smile that filled Moto with dread. He trotted over to the zebra carcass on the ground. Placing his hoof on his dead breatheran's chest, his eyes never leaving those of the red lion. Slowly he pressed down, each crack of bone echoing of the walls of the gorge. With a final crack and a wet squish, his hoof fell through the chest, blood splashing his chest and chin. The Claws eyes widened in horror, unable to look away. It seemed however, the worst was yet to come. Eyes still locked with theirs, Giza slowly lowered his muzzled in the mangled bones and remains. He pulled his head up and with a meaty snap, had the heart of the corpse in his jaws. His maw dripping red, and with a sadistic grin, he swallowed the heart whole, baring a red smiled at the disturbed Claws. He licked his lips. "How can you not?" "Moto, we need to get out of here. Now." Aisu almost begged. Predators eating a zebra was one thing. but this...this...this was cannibalism! She was afraid. Marvos was tense beside her. Moto unfortunately, had a sick smile creeping on his face. Approaching the blood stained zebra, he bared his own white fanged grin. "How can we help?" Author's Note Giza (gee-zuh)- Dark Kero (kee-row)- nuisance Moto (moe-tow)- flame Aisu (ah-ee-sew)- ice Mavros (mah-ver-os)- black Well this went darker than I expected. This is not, I repeat, this is not a grimdark fic. This is probably the most graphic thing I'm going to write...probably. As some of you can tell, most of the conversation between Giza, Kero, and Kifalme is copied/paraphrased from the Lion King. However, this is just the beginning so I'm not going to do this often. BTW if you don't like the story that's fine but if your going to dislike it can you please let me know why? It'll help me improve the story and my writing skills. Thanks!
