Author's Note

Wow! I did not expect to see any faves this soon. Well as gratitude here is another chapter for ya! Remember helpful criticism is nice but flames will be used to heat my home.

An Apple a Day

Just like the phases of the moon, darkness gives way to the light.

Location: Ponyville Outskirts

As Zen-Aku and Rarity make their way to a location that Rarity said was safe for the time being, they conversed as to what has happened to Equestria. Zen-Aku learned about Dain and how he had conquered this peaceful land. He also learned of what has happened to Rarity's friends the renowned Elements of Harmony. To say that the news upset him was saying that snow is just a bit cold. It was then that he came up with a plan.

"The first thing we must establish is a means to restore the mares of this world back to what they once were, Rarity." Zen-Aku stated as the continued down the unused path. "Then we can begin plans to restore order to your home."

"Unfortunately the only ones that may be able to help us are the princesses and they are all red collars." Rarity said while her eyes kept darting from Zen-Aku to the world around her.

"I do not believe that they're our only hope my friend."

"What do you mean?"

"From my understanding Equestria was created by the three tribes correct?"

"Yes, and they were the Earth pony, Pegasus, and Unicorn tribes. But what does that have to do with our current dilemma?"

"It means that while they have united, it doesn't mean that all of their individual secrets were shared."

"Are you saying that maybe there is some form of ancient magic that can work?"

"It could also already be in use right now."

Rarity gasped when she realized what Zen-Aku was implying. "Of course the Crystal Heart and Discord's magic!"

"Indeed."

"So what can we do?"

"Well first we must free your friends that are not corrupted by this spell."

And so they continued on their path until they came across a huge red barn. This barn used to belong to the entire Apple family but when the caribou came only Big Macintosh can own the land. This land used to produce the freshest and crispest of apple this side of Canterlot. Now it is full of pods that spout out tentacles that seek out a lone female that stumble upon them. Big Mac was not like the other males though. He tried to keep his family, and any female that he won through auction, safe from those of ill intent. He did not enjoy watching the females work the farm as though they are lowly servants. He did not enjoy red and purple collar mares trying to get into his pants. And he especially did not enjoy seeing his sisters being forced to walk in public completely exposed and just take any male that wants them on their knees. But he must be careful or else he would be dragged off to one of the caribou's centers to become a mare and be raped repeatedly.

Today was inspection day for Sweet Apple Acres and all the mares were lined up in front of the barn, hands behind their back and breasts out front. Among them was Applejack and the former Cutie Mark Crusaders Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. The caribou doing the inspection was really looking forward to these fillies. Big Mac was standing to the side fist clenching and face hard. The caribou and his guards going from mare to mare groping their breast and fingering the pussy. The mares forcing themselves not to moan at the intrusions. Even Applejack was forced to endure this humiliation. But before they began with the CMC they heard a haunting melody flowing through the air. The melody promising justice against the caribou.

Five minutes before

Zen-Aku and Rarity sneaked through the trees and in the shadows they gave. When they found their objective the inspection was already underway.

"Which one is Applejack?" Zen-Aku asked as his eyes were scanning for the mare.

"That would be the orange Earth pony and *gasp* Sweetie Bell!" Rarity answered before seeing her sister and friends.

Zen-Aku followed her gaze and growled at the sight before him. "Stay here and hidden Rarity. I am going to send a message to the fool of a king."

Back to present

The caribou turned to see Zen-Aku approaching them. His eyes glowing like a golden moon. His posture regal and gave the air of a warrior ready for battle. His weapon in hand ready to cut down his enemies.

"Uh what brings you here stranger?" the caribou asked as his eyes locked on the weapon.

"Why justice brought me here cretin." Zen-Aku snarled as his weapon was poised for attack.

"Justice! Against your fellow men?"

"You and I are not the same. A man defends the helpless. A man does not strike a woman. A MAN IS NOT WHAT YOU ARE!" Zen-Aku roared as he charged at the caribou.

"What are you waiting for you fools? KILL HIM!"

But before his guards can charge Big Mac saw this as his opportunity for some payback. He grab the two guards by the head and slammed them together resulting in a double knockout. The inspector turned just in time to see Zen-Aku right in front of him grabbing his throat.

"You shall live if only as a messenger."

"What do you mean?" The inspector choked out.

"Tell your king that the wolf is now on the hunt and that he is in the mood for some caribou." Zen-Aku ordered.

"Y-y-yes sir."

"Good" Zen-Aku then tossed the caribou away from him before turning to the fool's guards. "and as motivation for you. I believe a demonstration is in order." Zen-Aku took his blade and ran it through the two guards with practiced ease. The remaining caribou looked on in horror as this monster turned to him. "Well, what are you waiting for?" The caribou ran in shear terror and kept running until he was out of sight.

"Thank you kindly uh... sir." Big Mac said uncertain of this stranger's true intentions.

"You are welcome but do not be so humble about your actions my friend." Zen-Aku then turned towards the mares that were staring at him with wide eyes. Some with amazement while others were with terror. "I have come with a familiar face to you as a traveling companion and I find myself in need of others to assist me in my quest to bring freedom to Equestria." He then spotted Applejack and the crusaders. AJ put herself in front of her sister and friends. While she was grateful for his interference he was still male and therefore untrustworthy. Zen-Aku understood the stance and commended her for it. To him it means that there is hope for the future of this land he found himself in. "I understand your skepticism Applejack, so as proof of my sincerity allow me to reintroduce your friend." Zen-Aku turn toward the direction he came from and called out Rarity from her hiding spot.

When AJ saw Rarity and in her current attire, she did not care if she was nude. She ran towards Rarity like a bat out of Tartarus. After much time catching up and introducing Zen-Aku, they agreed to help him on his quest but on one condition. That condition was that the Crusaders were going with them. Zen-Aku tried to dissuade them from coming however he was convinced after hearing the treatment of children by the caribou. And so what was two is now six as Big Mac decided to stay behind as a means of information for Zen-Aku and his companions. Who will be next on their journey? Well only time will tell.