Emerald's Struggle

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 2
Chapter 13

Prologue

25 years ago
Canterlot Train Station

The sun blazed over the city known as Canterlot, ponies going about their usual routine for the day and the train's whistle singing through the air. The train came to a slow stop as it's doors open allowing it's passengers to come and go as they please, among these ponies came a zebra wearing a feather like crown with a red jewel as the center piece, red and grey royal garments, and a jeweled neck piece. Princess Zahara looked around the station with a tired look on her face, it had been a long trip from Zebrafrica and she just wanted to get this meeting with Princess Celestia over with as soon as possible.

As she stepped out the train four more zebras followed her, to her left was Princess Zahara's royal adviser Arbez who had a black cloak, with light red and black armor underneath, and a metal head piece under his hood. Zahara had known Arbez ever since she was a child, when back then he was only a rookie in the Zebrafrican military, but he quickly passed the ranks to become royal adviser to her parents and now her.

To the princess' right was her witch doctor, Rayas, she wore a bone like mask, red robes with a bone necklace, and rings on her neck and ears. The witch doctors were like the unicorns of zebras, but instead of using horns to cast their spells, witch doctors like Rayas would have to be in deep concentration and chant.

Behind the tree were two more zebras, who were both soldiers and siblings, Zooma was a female who wore light combat clothes with a grey head circuit and finally Zanzabar wore a heavy red and black clothing with pouches on the side, he wore a headset on his ear and a Zebrafrican rifle across his back. Zan and Zooma are part of the elite guard for her highness they had always dreamed when they were younger to be close to the royal family and now here they are living it to their fullest.

The group of Zebras walked out the train station were they were stopped by a group of Equestrian guards standing by a carriage, "You must be Princess Zahara, may I ask where the king and queen are." asked one of them.

"Indeed," replied Princess Zahara, "unfortunately my parents couldn't make it, due to some political matters back home. So I'll be steeping in their place."

"Alright, if you would follow us we would escort you via carriage to the castle grounds."

The Princess nodded as she and the other zebras followed the guards in the carriage, once they were all in the carriage started to move along the streets of Canterlot. "I never been to the capital of Equestria," mentioned Rayas, "It truly is lovely."

"You're right about that," replied Arbez, "But I prefer the plains back home, I was never a city person."

"Well your missing out," Rayas said as she glanced out the window, "I love traveling to new places, but that's just me."

"So Princess, " started Zooma, "How does it feel being in your first foreign meeting?"

Zahara sifted in her seat nervously, "To tell you the truth I'm a little nervous."

"Don't worry we've all been there, " commented Zanzabar with a warm smile, "remember they might be royalty, but that doesn't mean you have to act all proper and high top."

"I'm glad I chose you four to accompany me."

"Thank you princess."

"How many times do I have to say it, just call me Zahara, I might be a princess but we are all still friends." Zanzabar nodded in understanding, truthfully Princess Zahara had just turned twenty and had gained the ability to travel to foreign countries for negotiations. For her Zanzabar and the others were always their for her when she was growing up as and learning how to be a princess so she could one day inherit the throne from her parents.

Which is why she chose them specifically to accompany her to Equestria to meet with Princess Celestia. Zanzabar had never seen Princess Celestia he had heard stories back in his village about her defeating the tyrant Sombra and the spirit of chaos Discord. Even her banishing hr own sister to the moon. It was an understanding why Zebrafrica wanted to ally themselves with Equestria, they might have more advanced technology but the Equestrians were more advanced in magic and power.

"You doing okay Zan?" asked his sister looking at him with a worried expression.

"I'm fine, just wondering what Celestia will be like."

"I'm sure she's nice..hopefully."

"Hopefully? What happened to that positive attitude you always have?"

"Well, this is our first time meeting her so we don't really know what to expect."

"I agree, " said Arbez, "I recommend we stay on our guard just in case things go south."

Rayas rolled her eyes, "Oh hush you two, I'm sure everything will be fine there is no need to be paranoid. To be honest they have more reason to be scared of us than we are of them."

"Being paranoid and being prepared are two different things."

The carriage came to a slow stop as the doors came open revealing two guards motioning them out. The zebras complied and looked in awe at the castle in front of them, they didn't really fell that interested when seeing if from a distance while on the train, but to see it up close like this was a whole different story. The castle itself was huge probably bigger then the royal palace back in Zebrafrica and that was saying something.

The group of zebras followed the two guards inside the castle doors, once inside the first thing they noticed was the smooth tile under their hooves. On the walls were a massive variety of paintings and pictures with expensive looking decorations one pedestals, Zanzabar noticed that their seemed to be a guard at every corner they turned. Probably part of a security measure when a foreign official arrives, they had to do the same drill back home.

Zanzabar watched as they were led into what looked like a dinning room judging by the table and the massive amount of food. His eyes widened when he saw a pony but she wasn't like the others, she was way taller with a white coat and a multi-color mane that blew in a nonexistent breeze, she had a large horn and feathery wings, and wearing golden garments and crown. She had a big smile on her face as they walked in, he watched Princess Zahara bow in respect and soon he and others bowing as well. 'This must be Princess Celestia,' thought Zanzabar as they approached the mare.

"It is great to finally meet you Princess Zahara." complimented Princess Celestia.

"Likewise, my parents weren't exaggerating when they said you were a sight to see." replied Zahara causing Celestia to give a light laugh.

"Thank you, would you mind introducing me to you friends?"

"Of course, this here is my royal adviser Arbez, my personal witch doctor Rayas, and my most trusted and loyal guards Zanzabar and Zooma."

"It is an honor to meet you Princess." greeted Arbez.

"Indeed, we had heard stories of your accomplishments and are very grateful for your service." added Rayas.

"Me and my sister will also thank you as well, we know how it is when facing a powerful enemy." commented Zanzabar as Zooma nodded in agreement.

Celestia only smiled at the group, she had always admired the zebras and their customs, they were similar to Equestria and they are not arrogant fools like the griffons or the minotaurs. She watched as the zebras took their seats at the long table with Princess Zahara sitting at her side. "Now that we all seated," announced Celestia, "let this meeting begin."

One hour later

Zanzabar picked with the remains of his food as he tried to get some of it out of his teeth, he paid no mind to the conversation Zahara and Celestia were having for he thought it was no importance to him. Plus whatever the princess' talked about was between them and them alone he was only a guard and a friend nothing more. The zebra took another sip of the glass of wine of wine in front of him as he felt it's delicious taste rush down his throat.

"Hey Zan, what's the matter?" asked Zooma with a worried tone.

"What do you mean?" asked Zanzabar with a confused expression.

"Well, you've been quiet most of the meeting and you're never this quiet, at least when I'm here."

Zanzabar just shrugged, "There's no need to worry, I'm just bored that's all."

Zooma just rolled her eyes at her older brother, "You really need to get out more."

"Why do you say that?"

"Oh come on Zan! All you do most of the day is work and when you don't you just look over military strategies."

"That's not true, I've done other things."

Zooma gave Zanzabar a blank look, "Really? Name one."

Zanzabar was about to answer, but couldn't. Damn, she was right he hasn't really relaxed and now that he thought about it when was his last vacation day? He looked back at his younger sister who had a smug look on her face, Zanzabar stuck his tongue out at her which she did in a childish manner. "Fine, maybe I have been.....busy lately." admitted Zanzabar with an annoyed expression.

"Damn, right you are," replied Zooma, "Hey you know what you need?"

"What?"

"A date."

Zanzabar growled in annoyance, Zooma would always pester him to find a mate when she could get the chance. It annoyed him greatly, it's not the fact that he didn't want a mate. It's just that most of the zebras where they were from just weren't his type, he had thought about what will happen if he did find the girl of his dreams.

"How many times do we have to go over this," sighed Zanzabar, "I'll find the right girl when I'm ready."

"And when will that be?" asked Zooma, "because every time I bring the subject up you either push it away or you say the exact same thing you just said now."

Zanzabar stood from his seat causing all attention to turn to him, "I hope you don't mind Princess, but I have to use the bathroom." he said in a serious tone.

"Of course," replied Celestia, "Lemon Pine, would you come here please."

At command on of the maids walked up she was a unicorn mare and had a bright yellow coat with her mane and tail a darker shade of yellow as well, even her eyes were a bright yellow. Zanzabar made a mental note to why they called this mare Lemon, but something about this mare seemed to make him feel off for some reason. It wasn't in any way of threat, but he just couldn't explain it to himself. He watched as the maid bowed toward Celestia and the princess motioning for her to rise.

"What is it you request Princess." asked Lemon with a warm smile.

"Can you please accompany our guest here to the nearest bathroom." replied Celestia gesturing over to Zanzabar.

"Of course," Lemon Pine then walked over to Zanzabar, "Are you ready to leave?"

Zanzabar simply nodded and walked off with the bright yellow mare, he could feel Zooma glaring daggers at the back of his head, but he paid no mind to it. He mentally thanked whatever higher being that was watching over him for getting him out of that situation with his sister, he let out a sigh of relief and chuckled to himself. The mare named, Lemon Pine, seemed to notice this and gave him a warm smile.

"You don't really need to use the bathroom do you?" Lemon asked snapping Zanzabar from his thoughts.

"Is it that obvious?" replied Zanzabar as Lemon nodded, "Well, I just needed some space from my sister."

"Ah, sibling troubles I can relate to that. I had to live with three brothers and let me tell you it wasn't the best experience in my life."

"I'm sure you had some time to yourself."

Lemon shook her head, "Nope. I'm the oldest so that meant I had to take care of them while mom and dad were at work. Sooner or later I moved out and started working here under her royal highness."

"That reminds me, how are you treated?"

Lemon gave Zanzabar a surprised look, nopony has ever asked her that. Who would care for a simple maid and house cleaner anyway "If you're implying me if I'm a servant then no. We are fairly treated by the guards and princess, yeah there are some nobles who came and are real jerks but other than that it's just a normal job. If you don't mind me asking why care?"

Zanzabar gave the maid a confused look, "What do you mean by that?"

"W-well, usually nopony but the princess cares for maids so why are you so?"

"I was just wondering, I hate to see others mistreated for any reason. It's kind of one of the reasons I joined the military, I wanted to make a difference."

"And your sister?"

"She just wanted to tag along, but no matter how annoying she gets at times I still love her."

"Oh my! We've been talking and I never asked your name."

Zanzabar put his hoof up in a comforting manner, "It's fine, it's Zanzabar, but most just call me Zan for short."

"Zan," Lemon repeated, "that's an interesting name. Well you probably already know but I'm Lemon Pine, but you can just call me Lemon."

Zan just nodded and smiled, the two then just walked through the halls of the castle in deep conversation. Zan had told her about Princess Zahara, Arbez, Rayas, and his sister, Zooma. Lemon looked like she was stuck in a trance as she listened to his story, she noticed that for a zebra he was quite handsome and she admired that he put others before him. She felt her heart skip a beat just thinking more about Zan, the two then passed a window and noticed that the sun was setting.

"Oh! It seems we've been talking quite a while." commented Lemon.

Zan nodded, "Yeah."

There was an awkward silence as they just stared at each other not knowing what to say, Zan had never felt this way for a mare before. He didn't even expect him to feel this way for a pony, he wanted to know more about her. He cursed silently in his head thinking about his sister pestering him about dating and it seemed she won this battle.

"U-uh, Lemon." stuttered Zan as he looked down with a light blush on his cheeks.

"Y-yeah." Lemon said back.

"I was just wondering if y-you're not doing anything later-"

"YES!...I-I mean...sorry I got a little excited."

Zan chuckled at Lemon's embarrassment, "It's fine, so...uh...when do we leave?"

"We can leave right now if you want, I just ave to checking wit my supervisor."

"Alright, I'll go let Princess Zahara that I'll be gone for a while."

Lemon gave him a worried look, "Are you sure you'll be able to do that? With you being her guard."

"Zooma, can handle it. Plus we're close friends so I don't think she'll mind, so it's a date?"

Lemon nodded, "It's a date."

Seven years later
Canterlot

"And after that, me and daddy started seeing each other more and then we had you, but then he had to leave." said Lemon as she laid next to a small colt in a small bed. The colt was a had a milk chocolate coat with lighter brown stripes, he had a horn, a black and yellow mane styled in individual braids, and bright yellow eyes.

"Why did daddy have to leave? Where did he go?" asked the small colt with an innocent expression.

Lemon tried not to show a sad expression in front of her child, the truth was Zan had decided to stay in Canterlot with Lemon an the year later she had a young beautiful foal and the three lived happily, but when Zan was called back to Zebrafrica for a temporal assignment, she was worried about him going but he rest assured her that everything was going to be fine and he'll be back soon, but when she got the letter informing her of Zan's....passing-

"Mommy, why are you crying?" asked the now worried colt.

"J-just had something in my eye, Emerald." she lied rubbing the tears out of her eyes.

"Oh, okay. Hey mommy?"

"Yes?"

"C-can you sleep with me tonight?"

"Of course, sweetie."

Emerald gave a bright smile as he watched his mother get under the blankets, she gave a light nuzzle to him as he gave on back. The small unicorn colt gave a light yawn before snuggling close to Lemon's chest. "Good night mommy." lightly said Emerald before dozing off in a deep slumber. Lemon could only smile and wipe another tear when she heard the cute little snores from her colt.

"Good night, my little Emerald." she whispered before pecking him on his forehead and laid her head on the pillow and falling asleep as well.

Author's Note

Hey guys I hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter! I always wanted to write a story for my OC and here it finally is!

Comment below on what you think so far!

For those who want to know what the characters look like because I am terrible with description:

Princess Zahara

Arbez

Rayas

Zooma

Zanzabar

Lemon Pine

Emerald Crescent(Colt)

Chapter 1

Two years later
Canterlot

"Emerald! Wake up or you'll be late for your first day!"

The small colt, known as Emerald Crescent, eyes shot open, he had totally forgot that this was his first day of school! He quickly hopped off his bed and ran to the bathroom, he grabbed his toothbrush from the cabinet and quickly brushed his teeth and spat it out. He wiped his face with a nearby cloth and ran out the room. Only to run back in to get his golden collar on his dresser and slipping it around his neck, with it secured he ran back out of his room and ran down stairs to see his mom cooking breakfast.

"Hey mom! Sorry I almost forgot my collar." apologized Emerald as he sat at the table.

"That's fine honey, but please make sure you set your alarm next time." replied Lemon as she walked over to the table with two plates of eggs and toast enclosed in a green magical aura. She set one of the plates in front of Emerald as she placed the other across the table at her place, Lemon sat down and gave a light smile to her son already devouring his food.

"Slow down Emerald," giggled Lemon, "You don't want to choke on your food, do you?"

"No, I just don't want to be me late for my first day at magic school!"

Lemon just smiled at Emerald's joy for his first day at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, he had just earned his cutie mark, which was a golden eight-pointed star, a few weeks ago. She had to admit she was surprised to see his special talent in magic, she didn't have any special magic users in her family, not that she knew of. Maybe Zan is related to a famous zebra witch doctor or shaman? She let out a sad sigh as she thought about the zebra, she hoped he was here to see his son growing up.

Emerald did as his mother asked before and started to eat a little slower than he was before as he thought about what magic school would be like. What kind of spells would he learn? Is the princess going to be his teacher? Is he going to make an friends? All these thoughts swarmed through the little colt's head as he ate his food. Emerald decided to put it behind him for now and worry about that when he went to school, he scooped the last bit of eggs and and swallowed it. His small horn glowed a bright yellow encasing his dirty dishes and quickly putting them in the sink.

"Come on mom! We're going to be late!" he whined as he hopped of his chair and started to dance around the front door like a dog about to go for a walk.

"Alright, alright. Just let me get my uniform for work." said Lemon as she went upstairs leaving Emerald to look at the clock nervously. They still had plenty of time, but he wanted to go so bad, and all this waiting was soon going to make him explode like a balloon. He watched as his mother finally descended the stairs with her cleaning uniform on.

"Are you ready yet, mom?!" complained Emerald with a bead on sweat going down his forehead.

"Yes, I am Emerald. We still have plenty of time." replied Lemon.

"Yeah, I know! But I just want to get there early so I can see what other unicorns are there!"

"Then we shouldn't keep them waiting should we?"

Emerald shook his head as his mother opened the door leading him out the door, she closed the door and locked it before motioning Emerald to follow her down the road. The small zebra, unicorn colt stayed close to his mother as they walked through the crowded streets of Canterlot,even though it was to safest place in Equestria it still had crime here and there and for somepony of Emerald's...heritage he was an easy target. That's what his mother always told him, that's why he had an interest in magic because if he could be a master in magic he could be just like his dad.

Emerald watched as ponies walked by and when about their business, some now just opening shops and customers flooding inside. He observed the high-class ponies walking about and noticed that most of them were unicorns, he always wondered why that was but he never asked. He and his mother stopped in front a fancy looking building that had a sign in front saying 'Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns', Emerald shifted nervously.

"M-mom?" stuttered Emerald.

"Yes, Emerald?" replied Lemon with a comforting smile as Emerald gave her a pleading look, "You want me to go in with you?"

The small zebra nodded as he stayed close to Lemon as possible making her giggle at how excited he was for school only to look like a scared puppy when arriving. He stayed behind her as they walked inside the building where they were met with a red mare wearing glasses at a desk looking at what looked like registration papers. She noticed the two walk and gave them a polite wave, "Hello," she greeted as Lemon and Emerald stopped in front of the desk,"let me guess, a new student?"

Lemon nodded, "Yep, this is his first day."

"Okay, what's the name?" asked the red mare as she flipped through the papers on her desk.

"Emerald, Emerald Crescent."

"Emerald, Emerald...Ah, here he is. He'll be in classroom B," the red mare handed Lemon the map of the building as she took it with her magic, "I hope you have a good first day!"

"Thank you, what do you say Emerald."

"Th-thank you." quietly said Emerald.

Lemon and Emerald then started to follow the path marked on the map given to them by the red mare at the desk, they stopped at a door with the label saying 'Classroom B'. Emerald looked through the nearby window to see other fillies and colts having conversations with one another. Emerald hadn't met that many fillies or colts his age, he would always stay home and help his mom around the house and when he wasn't doing that he would read different kinds of books that has to due with magic.

The books he read though weren't only about unicorn magic, he would read about the theory on alicorn magic, the buffalo and their connection with spirits, and even the potions that zebras would make. Now that he thought about it, he hadn't met another zebra before, he couldn't even remember his dad, Zan, since the last time he was with him and his mother was when Emerald was a foal. Emerald was snapped from his thoughts when he he was suddenly pulled in to an embrace with his mother.

"You be good alright?" said Lemon with a tearful smile.

"Yes, mom I will," cheerfully said Emerald hugging her back, Lemon hesitantly broke the embrace and gave her son one last nuzzle.

"I'll be off early, to come pick you up okay?"

"Okay!" replied Emerald waving at his mother as she waved back and disappeared down the hallway. Emerald gulped as he watch her go, he turned back to the door with a nervous expression before using his magic to turn the handle and opening the door slowly. He poked his head through the crack of the door and sighed in relief that the other fillies and colts didn't notice his presence. He slowly slipped in and closed the door behind him, Emerald discreetly made his way to the empty table in the classroom and took his seat.

The young zebra colt congratulated himself for a job well done as he sat down and looked around the classroom. "HI!" cheered a voice next to him as Emerald almost jumped out of his seat by the sudden greeting. Emerald composed himself and looked to see an orange filly with turquoise eyes and and a mane and tail that kind of reminded him of ketchup and mustard. "Oh, sorry if I scared you." apologized the orange filly with an apologetic smile.

"N-no, it's okay!" replied Emerald, "my name is Emerald Crescent."

"Emerald, huh," Sunset Shimmer, but you can just call me Sunset. I've never seen a unicorn like you before?"

"Really, how so?"

"Well, you have stripes and your mane is different.Not that there is anything wrong with that!"

"It's fine," said Emerald rubbing the back of his head with a bright smile on his face, "It must be because that I'm part zebra."

The filly known as Sunset eyes widened at the response,"You're part zebra!?"

"Yeah, but I never met another zebra."

"But what about your parents?"

"Well, my dad was a zebra, but...he's away." Emerald said solemnly, he had learned the truth about his father for about a year when he found the letter that was given to his mother informing her of his passing. To say the least, Emerald was devastated, he cried himself to sleep for a while and wouldn't speak to anypony but his mother, he wouldn't even eat for a while and got sick because of it. He did get better eventually after a long talk with Lemon, he felt even better when his relatives back in Zebrafrica sent him and his mom gifts and money to help them out. Meanwhile Sunset caught on with his tone and knew what he meant.

"O-oh, I didn't mean-" she said quickly.

"It's fine, it still hurts but I'm getting used to it now."

"T-that's good, so why do you want to learn about magic?"

Before Emerald could answer a new voice came into the conversation with a light 'excuse me' he and Sunset turned their heads to see an orange colt with a trail of white going down his face, turquoise eyes like Sunset, and an orange mane. Emerald noticed that he looked a lot like Sunset. "Hi, I'm Sunburst but did I hear that you were part zebra?" asked the colt.

Emerald nodded, "I'm Emerald, and yes I'm part zebra..."

"That's so cool!" shouted Sunburst making Emerald jump back a bit, before the little zebra colt could be pelted with questions another orange hoof went up to his muzzle cutting him off.

"Sorry about that," apologized Sunset with an embarrassing expression, "Sunburst and I are cousins."

"Wow, no wonder you guys look so similar! I thought you two were twins!" excitedly said Emerald.

"Yeah, we get that a lot." replied Sunburst with a deadpan expression.

Over the next couple of minutes Emerald had learned a bunch about the two cousins, Sunset came here so that she would some day be protege to the princess himself, she almost jumped out of her seat when he told her that his mom worked in the castle. Sunburst explained how he wanted to be a great wizard and that he came from a small town and was even surprised that he was able to apply here. Emerald never knew that magic school would be so much fun, even though it didn't start yet he already made two friends!

The filly and two colts were cut off by the door opening and revealing an old looking unicorn with a brown coat and yellow mane. The unicorn told the class to take their seats so that class may begin for the first time this year. Of course Emerald was sitting by Sunset and Sunburst, the young zebra colt couldn't bare his excitement any longer. He was attending magic school and made two friends all in the same day, there was absolutely nothing that could go wrong that could ruin his day.

"This is going to be the best...day....ever." quietly said Emerald as he glued his yellow eyes on the old looking unicorn in front of him.

Author's Note

Hey guys here is another chapter of Emerald's story! Sunset and Sunburst have been revealed and Emerald's day seem to be running smoothly so far....or is it?

Comment below on what you think!

Also I will try to update every chapter as soon as possible!

Chapter 3

16 Years Later
Present Day
Canterlot

Emerald walked down the streets of Canterlot with a bright smile on his face, he had a pair of saddle bags across his back with a variety of scrolls inside them, each containing a different kind of spell varying from casting shields to advanced enchantments. Ever since his talk with Princess Celestia as a kid he had been able to get through her school with ease. Blueblood or should he say Prince Blueblood would still pick on him from time to time, including other ponies, but thanks to Sunburst and Sunset he was able to just ignore them.

He let out a sad sigh from thinking about his old friends, Sunburst to his surprise had trouble in school even though he knew almost everything about magic. But he just couldn't cast the spells right, Emerald chuckled to himself as remembered Sunburst almost blowing up the classroom. It's too bad he couldn't stay in Canterlot though, he believed if he was going to be a better unicorn he'll just have to figure it out on his own. If Emerald remembered correctly he went to the Crystal Empire, he wondered how he was doing.

Sunset however made his smile go away a bit, he knew she was always stubborn and persistent, she was like that throughout their days in school. Especially when she would tell him and Sunburst about her private lessons with Celestia, it was going well at first but soon she began to be distant from Emerald and Sunburst because of her studies. It got even worse when Princess Celestia found another pupil and started focusing more on her instead of Sunset. Emerald had never seen Sunset so angry before even Sunburst had to believe it was surprising to see Sunset act like this.

She explained to the two unicorn colts that it wasn't fair that somepony else was getting more attention than her, she definitely didn't take it well when Sunburst told her that she was overreacting and acting selfish causing Sunset stormed off after that leaving the two colts. When they were teenagers, Emerald and Sunburst hadn't seen her as much after that and when they tried to talk to her she would just brush them off. Emerald was worried for his friend and decided to confront Sunset himself, Sunburst warned him it was a bad idea, but the zebra ignored him. Emerald hated to seeing Sunset like this, he knew it wasn't her, she was better then this, but whatever he said to her didn't get through and she ended up arguing with Princess Celestia herself and was expelled as her student and suddenly left....without saying goodbye to him and Sunburst.

He was snapped from his thoughts when he accidentally bumped into a stallion, "Why don't you watch where your going, peasant!" yelled the stallion.

"I-I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention." apologized Emerald.

"It better not! Or i'll have you on a one way ticket back to whatever hut you came from!", Emerald watch the stallion bump past him with an agitated expression making the zebra, unicorn hybrid let out a sad sigh.

"It's alright Emerald, almost out of here." Emerald said to himself as he continued to walk, after magic school had been working in the magical archives and library in Canterlot, his boss was some what nice to him but at least she was better than most of the ponies in this city. He came to a large building with a giant telescope peeking from the top of the roof with the sign 'Canterlot Library and Archives'.

Emerald smile came back to his face as he walked through the doors and was met with rows if books and scrolls, "I really am going to miss this place." he said to himself.

"Emerald is that you?" came a voice behind one of the shelves as a white unicorn mare with glasses and a red and purple mane came out.

"Yeah, just dropping off the stuff I borrowed."

"I can't believe you're leaving! We had so much fun here together, who else am I going to test my spells on."

Emerald gave the mare a nervous smile, "Yeah, it was GREAT times Moondancer."

Moondancer rolled her eyes, "Hey, I messed up that spell one time!"

"I also croaked like a frog for a week."

"How was I suppose to know it was a language spell!"

"Well, let me tell you my mom did not take it well."

Moondancer giggled, "I bet she didn't. Hey how about you keep those scrolls, just to remember me by.", Emerald smiled at this, Moondancer also went to magic school, but they never really talked, they saw each other some times but never really had time to start a conversation. It was when he was trying to find a job, but got turned down because of his....heritage. Thanks to Moondancer though he was able to work for her at the Canterlot Library and Archives.

Emerald had been alone since Sunset and Sunburst left, he would try to make friends but like most he would just get turned away or picked on. Moondancer is probably the only friend he has in Canterlot.

"No it's fine, besides Ponyville isn't that far from Canterlot plus I'll be back to visit." assured Emerald, "Also I heard that they aren't like the ponies in Canterlot."

"Just take the scrolls," deadpanned Moondancer, "I have plenty of more like them."

"Alright, if you say so. Hey, thanks for everything."

The white unicorn gave him a confused look, "What do you mean I didn't do anything?"

"Are you kidding? If it wasn't for you I'll probably be still be living with Mom, and helping her clean the castle."

"it doesn't really sound that bad if you think about it."

"And deal with those stuck-up nobles? No thank you, I just don't know how Princess Celestia can stand those ponies some times."

Moondancer shrugged, "Who knows."

Emerald glanced at the clock and realized what time it was, he was supposed to meet Lemon at the train station before he left, "Well, I gotta go now. I guess I'll see you later?"

"Yeah," said Moondancer in a disappointed tone. Emerald notice this and put a hoof on her shoulder.

"Hey, don't be like that. Like I said I'll be sure to visit at least once a month."

"Twice."

"Deal." Moon dancer pulled Emerald into a tight embrace as the zebra didn't hesitate t return it. He could tell that Moondancer didn't want to let go so he broke the embrace himself. He gave her a warm smile as she did back as he started to head for the front door.

"Hey, Emerald," Moondancer called out making the unicorn stop in his tracks and gaze back at her, "Since your going to Ponyville, tell Princess Twilight I said 'Hi'"

Emerald gave her a surprised look, "You know Princess Twilight? Why didn't I know this?"

"I thought I told you?"

"No, you didn't." replied Emerald giving her a teasing look.

"Just shut up, Lemon is probably at the train station by now."

"Alright, catch you later Moondancer."

"You too Emerald."

Emerald nodded with a smile as he headed back to the front doors and exited the building and quickly started to walk down the streets of Canterlot desperately making his way to the train station before Lemon Pine, his mother, got worried.

Train Station
Canterlot

"You have your toothbrush?"

"Yes."

"Make sure you shower every day."

"I know, Mom."

"Make sure you write to too."

"Okay."

"And for the love of Celestia, don't go in the Everfree!"

"Mom!", Emerald snapped, stopping Lemon, "I know your worried, but I'll be fine Ponyville isn't that far. Plus from what I've heard Ponyville is the nicest town in Equestria."

Lemon gave her son an apologetic look, "I-I'm sorry honey, i just can't stand the fact that your moving."

Emerald then pulled the yellow unicorn in to an embrace, he felt kind of guilty that he was leaving, but he couldn't stay in Canterlot forever and luckily somepony in Ponyville offered him a job. He had already paid and had all his furniture sent to the house their, so all he had was his saddle bags with his scrolls and books inside. He broke the embrace with Lemon as his horn started to glow taking a handkerchief out of one of his bags and wiping a tear from his mother's cheek.

"Mom, it's fine You won't be alone, Moondancer is always here. Also I'll be back to visit at least twice a month."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Lemon nodded as she then got a serious look on her face, Emerald had a curious expression as he raised an eyebrow at his mother's sudden change in attitude, "Emerald, you have grown into a nice young stallion, and I couldn't be any happier, It pains me to see you leave but I knew that you would someday leave the nest."

Emerald noticed the disappointment in her voice, "Mom-"

"Emerald," interrupted Lemon, "I am getting older as the days go and so are you and I think....it's time you find a somepony."

"But Mom, I don't have time for somepony like that. Plus who would like somepony like me?"

"Don't say that! Don't let the fact because your part zebra and unicorn stop you from finding love. It didn't stop me and your father did it."

Emerald shook his head in defeat,"No. Okay, mom I'll at least try, but I can't guarantee anything."

The whistle of the train caught their attention as it came to a slow stop in the station, they watched as the doors slid open allowing ponies to depart and board the train. Emerald gave his mother one last glance and pulled into an embrace as she didn't hesitate to return it as tears began to escaped from the yellow mare's eyes once again. Emerald could feel the wetness on his shoulder but ignored it, after a few more moments Emerald noticed that if he didn't board soon the train will leave without him.

He broke the embrace with Lemon as the two sets of yellow eyes stared at each other, "Remember, no matter what you'll always be my little Emerald. I love you."

"I love you too mom."

With that said Emerald turned around and headed on the train, but not before turning back Lemon and waved as she waved back with a tearful smile. The doors to the train closed in front of him and he heard the whistle blow once again and the cart slowly move, the zebra took his seat next to a window and watched as they began to pass the station and watch it slowly decrease in size the farther away they got from it.

"Excuse me, sir." Emerald was snapped from his thoughts as he glanced at what looked like the conductor of the train, behind him was a aqua colored pegasus and an orange mane. Emerald expression turned to worry as he noticed the faces of the two ponies weren't happy ones.

"Hello, is there a problem?" asked Emerald with a nervous smile.

"Actually there is, all foreign visitors must sit in the back of the train."

Emerald eyes widened, "What? But I paid for this seat."

"And now he's asking you to get out the seat!" stepped in the aqua mare.

"And who are you?" asked Emerald with a slight agitation in hid voice.

"You really don't know who I am?! I'm Lightning Dust, best flier in Cloudsdale and Wonderbolt. You heard the conductor all foreign visitors in the back!"

"But I'm not a foreign visitor! I've lived in Canterlot my whole life! Plus why do foreign visitors have to be in the back? That's not a law the last time I checked."

"Sir, let's be real," stepped in the conductor, "With what you look like there is no way you could live in Equestria, let alone Canterlot."

Emerald was shocked at this, first they try to get him out the seat that he paid for and now they are profiling him, "What's that supposed to mean!? I'll let you know what, I've attended 'Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns' and graduated at the top of my class, if you didn't notice the horn atop my head or the cutie mark on my flank then it should be pretty obvious that I'm from Equestria."

Emerald didn't even notice the attention he was gathering, but he didn't care. There was no way just because somepony was a Wonderbolt doesn't mean you can just take ponies' seats. It was silence between the three ponies, Emerald could see in their eyes that they weren't going to change their mind. He didn't want to make a more of a scene then he already has so he picked up his things and headed to the back of the train.

He could hear the mare call him a name as he left, and he wanted to turn back around and show her a piece of his mind. But he wasn't that kind of pony or zebra, he took his seat once again, but this time with a sad expression as he looked down with his ears folded to the back of his head.

"I really hope, Ponyville isn't this bad."

Author's Note

Hey guys we finally get Emerald in Ponyville and now the real story can finally begin!

Comment below on what you think! And I'll see you all next chapter!

Chapter 4

Ponyville Train Station
Ponyville

Emerald felt the train come to a completely stop as he was awoken from his sleep, he watched as ponies grabbed their bags ready to depart. He let out a yawn and grabbed his saddle bags from under his seats, he was still ticked off about earlier but he knew he couldn't stay mad forever, at least he made it to Ponyville. He levitated the bags over his back and strapped the buckles before following the ponies off the train, he didn't see the conductor or that Wonderbolt, Lightning Dust, which was good because he did not want to deal with those two.

The zebra unicorn stepped off the train and observed his new surroundings, the train station here was more.....casual than the one in Canterlot and most of the ponies here don't wear clothes here either. He figured since a Princess lived here then ponies would be all fancied up but it just looks like your average town. And for the first time he never got any strange looks like he did in Canterlot, he made his way through the station and noticed as well that it wasn't as crowded as he expected.

"This place is so much different than Canterlot." Emerald said to himself as he mad his way out of the train station, where he was met with a dirt road that led to Ponyville, where he noticed what looked like Town Hall and Princess Twilight's new castle. Emerald took a deep breathe, "Okay, let's do this."

The zebra unicorn then started to make his way down the road, passing on coming ponies, he noticed to his right an orchard filed with apples with a big red stallion bucking the trees. Emerald was so memorized by his surroundings that he didn't notice he already walked into town, everypony here seemed...happy...like super happy. He never knew that a place could have this much life.

"Okay," said Emerald as he pulled out a journal from his saddle bags and looked over the list of things to do when he got to Ponyville, "Let's see here, first I need to go to Town Hall and see where my new house is, then unpack, and lastly if I have time get some groceries."

Emerald nodded to himself as he placed his journal back in his saddlebags and continued his walk toward the Town Hall. As he was walking the zebra suddenly got the feeling that he was being watched, he turned around but was met with only ponies going on with their lives. Emerald shrugged and continued on, until he finally came to what he assumed was city hall. Once he entered he was surprised to find not that many ponies here, there was a few including the mare at a desk, but that was it.

He approached the mare, who's head was down, and gave a polite cough gaining her attention, "O-oh, hello there. Sorry, what may I help you with today." She says with a smile.

"Well I was wondering if my house was ready."

"Hmm," thought the mare as she flipped through the papers on her desk, "May I have the name, please?"

"Emerald, Emerald Crescent."

"Ha! Here it is, it seems they just finished, lucky you. Just head north down the street and it'll be on you're left, Mr.Crescent."

"Okay, thanks!"

"No, problem sir!"

As Emerald made his down the street he couldn't shake the feeling like he was being watched, he turned around once again to find nopony behind him, besides the ponies going about their day. He shrugged as he kept on his path until he got to a house with the same description he got from the mare at City Hall. Smiling and letting out a breath of relief that he finally made he took the sign down from the front door and placed it in one of hiss saddle bags.

"if I'm correct they would have left the key....Ha! Under the mat!" exclaimed Emerald in victory as he took the golden key and placed it in the keyhole unlocking the door and entering the house.

The house itself was an average size, with a kitchen, living room, bathroom on the bottom floor, and two bedrooms and bathroom on the top. He smiled as he noticed that the ponies that shipped his furniture and other items placed them exactly where he wanted. "Thank Celestia, I did not want to arrange all this furniture."

The zebra made his way up stairs, and made his way to the master bedroom, dropped his saddle bags on the ground, and plopped on his bed and let out a groan of pleasure as the soft sheets touched his fur. He had finally made it to Ponyville, he'll have to unpack the rest of his stuff later, but now he just wanted to lay down and rel-

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Emerald groaned in disappointment as the knock on his door, interrupted him of his thoughts, he slowly rolled off the bed and went down the stairs and opened the front door. A confused expression came on his face as he saw nopony there, with a shrug he shut the door and turned around to head back to his comfortable be-"

"HIYYAA!" exclaimed a familiar pink mare, scaring the soul out of Emerald as he fell back on his rump with his hoof on his chest. Standing before him was a pink mare with a puffy pink mane and tail, light pink coat, and light blue eyes. He knew this mare all too well, the Element of Laughter, Pinkie Pies the craziest party pony around.

"Hi! I noticed that you're new, and I love meting new ponies! But now that I think about it we haven't gotten a pony like you before? That means you must be a SPECIAL NEW PONY. Which means you can have a SPECIAL NEW PONY PARTY!! OH! I almost forgot! My name's Pinkie Pie, but wait you already know that. What's your name?"

Emerald just looked in confusion as he picked himself up off the ground, "U-uhm..Emerald. If you don't mind me asking though, how did you get in here?"

Pinkie poked his nose, "The door silly!"

"Yeah, but...never mind."

"Anywaaayyyss...I just came to give you a warm welcome to Ponyville!"

Emerald gave a warm smile,"Thanks Pinkie, bit I'm a bit tires from the trip. So if you don't mind-"

"Oh! So you want your 'Welcome to Ponyville Party' earlier!"

"What? No...I..-"

"Okey dokey! I'll see you later Emy!"

Before Emerald could explain himself, Pinkie Pie zipped out the front door leaving a trail of pink behind her. The zebra let out a defeated sigh knowing that he is going to have company over. Knowing Pinkie and her reputation here she would most likely plan a surprise party, in that case he'll take a quick nap and head out to get some groceries for the kitchen.

He wobbled up the stairs and headed back to his room and then collapsed back in his soft bed before closing his yellow irises and falling into a deep slumber.

Author's Note

Hey guys sorry for the late chapter, I am salvaging on internet right now since mine is down for a while. I will try my best to update till then but I don't know when.

Anyways as usual comment below on what you think.

Chapter 5

Emerald looked at the clock on the stand, and saw it read five-thirty, he didn't want to get up, but the bed was to comfortable to depart from. But alas his mind won the battle, by telling him that he had to buy groceries for the kitchen. He groaned to himself as he slid out the bed and used his magic to levitate his saddlebags across his back. he only had a few hours until the party that Pinkie had said was going to happen, so he had to hurry up and get back before that happened.

The zebra-unicorn gave one final stretch before making his way out of his room and making his way down the steps of his house, he had to admit , even though he just got here he felt kind of lonely. But he quickly dismissed it as just a him being nervous about arriving to a new town and made his way out of the front door and using his magic to lock it behind him. Placing the key back in his saddlebags he started toward the ,market place hoping that most of the stands were still open.

As Emerald walked his mind began to drift back to his memories in Canterlot, he wondered how his mother was doing and also Moondancer. He still remembered the first day he applied to work for her, she wasn't really the nicest pony around but she was one of the few who actually didn't care on what he looked like and gave him a chance.

5 years ago
Canterlot

Emerald glanced at the paper that was held in his magic one more time confirming that he had the right location. It had been three years since he graduated 'Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns', although he still hadn't been able to get a job. Luckily he had the spare bits to purchase a house but it won't help if he doesn't make bits. Lemon had told him that the library had been on need of some help, he wasn't really sure at first.

The zebra unicorn believed that there was no way he could get a job at the library, if a simple cleaning service wouldn't hire him why would the library? But here he was, Emerald let out a sigh and entered the building instantly noticing the lack of ponies inside and the plethora of books stacked on the bookshelves.

"Hello? Anypony here?" Emerald called out walking down the aisle of books.

He didn't get a reply, but kept on walking. Somepony had to be here, the door was open. Maybe they went out for lunch? No that can't be right, it's only ten-thirty in the morning. It was then he turned down an aisle with books littered all over the floor and some hanging off the shelves. Showing a nervous look Emerald kept on moving forward.

"Hello?" called out Emerald again.

"Just hold on! I'm coming!" shouted a dismembered voice that made Emerald flinch a bit. He stood in the same spot before a cream colored unicorn with a red and purple mane walked from around the corner, pushing her glasses to the bridge of her nose and a tired and irritated look plastered on her facial features.

"What do you want?" she says in a disguised tone.

Emerald gives her a curious look, "I'm here for the job offer?"

"You are? Why would you want a job like this?"

"Uhh....because I need bits. Are you doing okay?"

The mare rolls her eyes, "Does it look like I'm okay!? Oh yeah, I can totally run a library this big by myself I don't need any help at all."

"Well, there's no need to be sarcastic about it." snapped back Emerald.

The mare gave him a stern look through her glasses, "And why not?"

"Well, I don't know, but that's what i'm trying to find out!"

"Then if you must know, all the ponies that WAS working here quit! Leaving me by myself! Those ungrateful bastards!"

Emerald put his hooves up in defense as an effort to calm down the raging mare, "Hey, hey how about you go and get some air and try to clear your head."

The mare scoffed at him,"Pssh, and who's going to watch the li-" the unicorn was cut off as all the books in the area were encased in a yellow glow and were levitated back on the shelves leaving a clean, neat aisle of books. The mare's eyes widened in shock it was as if there wasn't a mess in the first place! And all the books were in the correct spots as well.

"I can look over the place," suggested Emerald with a smile, "but you need some rest."

For the first time Emerald actually saw the mare smile, "You're right, thank you. I-I'm sorry for how I acted earlier....I'm afraid I didn't catch your name."

"No worries," grinned Emerald, "My name is Emerald, Emerald Crescent."

"It's nice to meet you Emerald, I am Moondancer, but back on the topic at hand. Are you sure you can handle this by yourself? I don't want you to be stressed when I see you tomorrow."

"Don't worry I-...wait, did you say 'when you see me tomorrow? Does that mean-.."

"Yes, you have the job."

Present
Ponyville

"I'll have to make sure to send mom and Moondancer a letter letting them know I made it in alright." Emerald said to himself as he walked through the markets. From the looks of it, most of the stands had already closed down for the day much to his disappointment, "I guess we'll just have to come back tomorrow morning."

As the zebra turned around he collided with somepony walking his way knocking the two both over in opposite directions. The force called Emerald's saddle bags to fall out off his back. Still feeling dazed Emerald still didn't notice the pony standing before him, whom he just knocked over. Once he came too his eyes widened in surprise, the first thing he noticed was the light grey fur and black stripes, then the golden rings along the forelegs and neck with earrings.

Emerald slowly got back to his hooves, still observing the zebra in front of him, his yellow eyes staring at her turquoise ones and from the look of it she seemed to be surprised as well. The unicorn suddenly realized he had been staring blushed a bit, "S-sorry. about that," started Emerald rubbing the back of his head, "I wasn't paying attention."

The zebra shook her head with a smile, "It is alright there is no need to apologize, but I was not paying attention as well and was simply taken by surprise."

Emerald looked in confusion at the rhyming tone, but decided against himself to ask about it. He wondered if most zebras talked in rhyme or if it is just specific ones. A cough snapped him from his thoughts as he focused his attention back on the zebra, "Are you alright, you seem to be frozen by fright?" she asks.

"No, I'm fine..it's just...this is my first time seeing another zebra."

"Ahhh, so you are a zebra as well, may I ask how you became to dwell?"

Emerald nodded and started from where his mom, Lemon Pine who was a unicorn maid, met his dad, Zanzabar who was a zebra guard, during a royal meeting with princess Celestia; to their first date; to being married; and then him being born. Although his mood suddenly changed when he mentioned the passing of his father and him being harassed back in Canterlot. The zebra gave him a sympathetic look.

"I am deeply sorry for your troubled past, is there anything I can do to make any happiness last?"

Emerald shook his head, "No...actually I was looking for a pony named Zecora for a job, I talked to her via letter last week saying that I could work for her and that she lived somewhere in here in Ponyville."

The zebra let out a chuckle as Emerald gave her a look in confusion, "Is something the matter?" he asked coking his head to the side.

"Ahem," coughed the zebra regaining her focus, "It is funny I must tell the truth, for I am Zecora that stands before you."

Emerald did a double take back, "W-well, it's nice to finally meet you! I'm Emerald Crescent and it'll be nice to be working with you."

"Thank you you for the nice meeting, when I first came here I did not get such a greeting."

"Really? Everypony here seems so nice."

The zebra known as Zecora nods, "They were at first afraid and left me alone, but after an apologetic conversation I was soon accepted into their home."

It was at that moment when Zecora said 'home' when it clicked in his mind, Emerald resisted the urge to facehoof as he noticed that he had to get back home and write the letter and send it off to his mom and Moondancer. Moving quickly he levitated his saddlebags and placed them over his back and placed the spilled materials back inside.

Zecora watched in curiosity as the zebra hybrid hurriedly strapped on his saddlebags, "Hey Zecora, I almost forgot I have to send my folks back in Canterlot and tell them i'm alright."

Zecora nodded in understanding, "That is quite alright my friend, I bid you farewell and can't wait 'till we meet again."

"Thanks Zecora." said Emerald before galloping off toward his house. As he was running he took a one more glance back at the zebra and flashed a smile before focusing his attention back on the path in front of him. he hadn't even noticed the sun setting and the moon starting to rise, he just hoped he could make it home in time before it was too late.

He knew how protective his mother was over him and he had to admit it scared him sometimes. Like the one time he took her out for lunch and was stopped by a guard who accused the zebra of stealing from a random store he hasn't even been too. It was not a nice day for him when Lemon found out it was all a misunderstanding.

Emerald snapped himself from his thoughts as he made it to his front door, he was such in a rush he didn't even noticed that the door was already unlocked and the windows closed. Not to mention that the inside was pitch black, quickly grabbing his saddlebags on the ground and shutting the door behind him he used his magic to flip the switch of the nearest light then-

SURPRISE!!!!

And fall right on his back.

Author's Note

Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait! The main characters will be making an appearance next chapter for those who have been asking.

As usual comment down below on what you think, I t really helps me get motivated to update more earlier.

Chapter 6

Emerald opened his eyes, and immediately closed them due to the bright white light, he opened them more slowly this time to get a better look at where he was. He was in a bed, but not his bed. The zebra-unicorn looker to his right to see a desk with a vase of flowers on top, and judging from the white sheets and blankets, and tiles, he was in a hospital room. He groaned as he lifted himself up and looked toward the clock on the wall.

"I've been out all night?" Emerald asked himself, "What happened?"

He winced as he felt his hoof touch the back of his head causing it to let a sting in response. Emerald looked to the nearby window and noticed his reflection had bandages around his head. He sat himself up still groaning from the pain in his head, the sound of a door opening caught his attention as a mare with a white coat, pink mane made into a bun, and blue eyes walked in. The mare's eyes met his and she let out a warm smile.

"I see you're finally awake." said the mare.

"Ugh," groaned Emerald, "What happened?"

"You took a fall and a blow to the head. Luckily Pinkie was there to bring you here."

"Oh.."

"But don't worry. You should be able to leave this afternoon, but in the mean time I brought you some breakfast."

Emerald watched as the mare walked in, judging by the hat on her head she was a nurse. He observed her as she brought over a tray filled with an apple, a piece of toast, and a glass of juice. The nurse sat the tray in his lap with a smile, the zebra's thoughts wondered back to last night, he felt kind of embarrassed at what happened. His first impression and now he was going to be known as the pony who almost got a concussion and sent to the hospital.

"Are you alright?" asked the nurse snapping Emerald form his thoughts.'

"Huh? Y-yeah, thank you for the food." thanked Emerald.

"No need to thank me, I'm just doing my job. But if you don't mind me asking..."

"Don't worry I get this question a lot," says Emerald, "Yes, I'm part zebra, from my dad's side while I'm a unicorn from my mom's."

"Interesting...oh my..how rude of me I didn't even introduce myself and here I am questioning you," said the nurse as she extended a hoof, "Ahem...I am Nurse Redheart, but you can just call me Redheart."

Emerald shook her hoof with his, "It's nice to meet you Redheart, I'm Emerald Crescent."

"It's nice to meet you Emerald." replied Redheart with a smile.

2 hours later

Emerald walked out the hospital, head still bandaged up, squinting a bit as the afternoon sun struck his face. He had gotten to know Redheart a lot more during his time in the hospital. She sure wasn't like any of the nurses back in Canterlot, all they cared about was their pay check at the end of the day, but unlike them she actually made him comfortable. His thoughts traveled to his mom back in Canterlot and sighed, she was going to have a fit if she found out that he ended up going to the hospital on his first day here.

Emerald chuckled at the thought of his over-protective mother, he started to walk back to his house ignoring the looks he got from other ponies as he walked by. They would usually make him nervous and bother him, but he soon got used to it the longer he stayed in Canterlot, plus he had some friends that had his back.

"That reminds me," Emerald says to himself, "I should send a letter to Sunburst and see how's he doing. Last time I heard he was doing some important stuff in the Crystal Empire."

As he walked up to the door to his house he stopped for a second remembering last night and he did not want to make a second trip to the hospital. He slowly enveloped the nob with a magical yellow aura and carefully opened the door, to his surprised his house was actually clean from the party decorations.

Save for the lone letter on his table.

"What's this?" asks Emerald as he picked up the letter from the table and opening it.

Dear Emerald,

I am super super super super sorry about what happened! I didn't mean to hurt you! I took you to the hospital and told Redheart to make you feel better. To make it up to you I made you a super deluxe chocolate cake in your fridge and I'll be throwing another party for you! But it's just going to be a small one with only me and friends! Maybe gummy too!

Anyways I hope we can be super duper friends!

Your soon to be bestest bestie,

Pinkie Pie!

Emerald chuckled at the letter and place back on the table. he made his way over to the kitchen and opened his fridge and was surprised to actually see a chocolate cake sitting there. It was nice actually meeting new ponies who were nice to him, he snorted at the thought of a sudden Prince living in Canterlot castle. His mom was always telling him about how Blueblood treated the maids and that he actually tried to hit at her once.

Luckily Sunset was there at the time to stop him.

He sighed at the thought of his old best friend, it still pained him to see her leave and till this day. He had to admit he did have a small crush on the unicorn, but he didn't have the courage to tell her how he really felt due to the fear of him messing up the friendship they already had.

"Me, Sunset, and Sunburst," Emerald said quietly, "Those were the days."

15 years ago
Celestia's School For Gifted Unicorns

"Are you sure were supposed to be adding that?" asked a young Emerald.

"Of course!" replied a young Sunburst.

"I don't know," said a young Sunset, "It doesn't say that on the directions."

The three foals were currently working as a group in their potion making class, following the directions on making a type of special serum. Sunburst had decided that the directions was explaining the method wrong and decided to do it himself, much to Emerald's and Sunsets protests.

"And now a pinch of dust." said Sunburst as he put the ingredient in the test tube in front of him.

"Sunburst maybe we should start following the directions." Suggested Sunset.

"No! All these calculations are all wrong! The dandelion should be placed in before the ivy, while we mix the crushed crystals with the roses."

"But the teacher made the instructions himself?" added Emerald, "And he's smarter than us."

"Come on Em!" said Sunburst as Emerald gave him a glare at that nickname, Sunset and Sunburst always used that nickname on him to get him to do stuff. He was embarrassed by it, he maybe a colt, but he was no foal!

"FIne..." sighed Emerald.

"Alright! How about you couz?" asked Sunburst to Sunset.

"Ok I guess we'll follow your lead, but if this ends up as a bust it's all on you!" warned Sunset.

"Alright! Alright! Now just a drop of hot sauce-"

"Hot sauce?" asked Emerald, "Where did you get hot sauce from?"

"I brought it here for my lunch!" answered Sunburst with pride, "Good thing I brought it too."

Sunburst put a drop of the hot sauce in the bottle and Emerald's and Sunset's eyes both widened when they saw the bottle start to glow in rainbow colors. The zebra colt couldn't believe that it actually worked and that his teacher, Mr. Haze, was actually wrong.

"Wow!" Emerald and Sunset say at the same time.

"Don't cheer yet!" exclaims Sunburst as me and Sunset look in confusion, "It's not done yet! Emerald I need you to do a tiny zap in the bottle."

"Really?" asks Emerald, "Because I think it's already done."

"Yes really! Do it!"

"Wait Emerald, maybe we should-" Sunset tried to say but it was too late.

*spark*

BOOM

Present Day
Emerald's House

The zebra unicorn, chuckled at the memory, Mr. Haze had told the three of them to clean up the mess they had made in the classroom and got detention for not following directions. Sunset sure chewed Emerald and him out for not thinking things through that's for sure, he really missed them, Sunset the most though. He could visit Sunburst anytime he wanted since he hadn't seen him since he graduated, but Sunset....he doesn't even know where she went.

"Come on Emerald," Emerald says to himself, "You had a long day yesterday and just got out the hospital, no need to being a downer."

The zebra hybrid then levitated a piece of cake from the fridge and sat down at his dining table and hummed in delight as the flavor met his tongue. His thoughts automatically went back to Sunset as he smiled to himself.

"Where ever she is. I hope she's happy."

Author's Note

Hello guys I am so sorry for that late chapter! Expect the next one to be out sooner than you think! Anyways, Redheart is introduced and we see a little more backstory from Emerald!

I was also thinking on doing a side story with Sunset meeting the human counter part of Emerald, but what do you guys think? I'm all ears! :derpytongue2:

As usual comment on what you think below! It always helps! :pinkiehappy:

Chapter 7

Emerald's House

Emerald laid on his soft new bed reading on his magical scrolls, he had removed the bandages from his head due to it feeling a bit better. It was still a little sore but should be fine, he just hope it didn't bother him when goes to see Zecora for work tomorrow. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard three knocks on his door. He used his magic to roll up the scroll and place it back in his saddlebags. The zebra unicorn made his way down the steps of his house approached the door, he turned the handle.

He wasn't surprised to see Pinkie on the other side, he was shocked to see Zecora, Nurse Redheart, and a new pony with her that he hasn't met before. The mare had a pink coat, purple irises, and a dark purple mane with light blue streaks, for some reason he thought he heard or seen this mare before but he couldn't put his hoof on it.

"Hey Pinkie," greeted Emerald, "Can I help you?"

"Emmy did you forget? You had a party remember!" replied Pinkie.

"Oh yeah, it must've slipped my mind. Is it just going to be the five of us?"

"Yeperoonie! I thought we have a party with ponies you already met! Well besides Starlight...Oh no! You wanted more ponies at the party did you!"

"No, No...it's fine, I'm not really good with crowds."

Zecora gave a chuckle, "I understand your plight, crowds can give one quite a fright."

"Yeah, do you guys want to come inside?" the group of mares nodded as Emerald motioned them inside. He noticed that the pink unicorn mare hadn't said anything. Maybe she was just shy? He couldn't blame her, he was shy also when it came to meeting new ponies, especially Canterlot ponies. As he closed the door and his eyes widened when he turned around, there was Pinkie in what looked like a DJ booth, and started to blast music from the speakers.

"How did she get that in here?" asked Emerald as he heard Redheart giggle beside him.

"It's best not to question it," she says, "You'll get used to it though. How are you doing in Ponyville so far? Well, besides ending up in the hospital."

Emerald chuckles in embarrassment, "Well, going good so far. I start working with Zecora tomorrow, so I'm kind of excited for that."

Redheart gave him a worried look, "What's wrong?" ,Emerald asked.

"Well, it's just that Zecora lives in the Everfree, one of the most dangerous places in Equestria. She's been fine because she used to that kind of environment but, your just from Canterlot."

"Hey," said Emerald in a comforting tone, "I'll be alright, but if it makes you feel better I'll ask Zecora to guide me through."

"Alright, sorry if I acted a little protective."

"That's fine, my mom acts the same way. Plus you're a nurse so it's kind of a habit."

Redheart giggles, "Yeah, I'm going to get some punch."

Emerald nods as he watches Redheart head over to the counter where a line of cups present, he glanced around and saw that Zecora and Pinkie were dancing to the music. The pink unicorn from earlier though was sitting alone at the table, she looked like she didn't know what to do. Now that he thought about it Pinkie said she bought ponies that he had already met but he never talked , let alone, seen this mare before when he came here.

She kind of reminded him of when he first started Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, how he was alone around ponies he didn't know and how they would think of him. Emerald gave a sad sigh at the memory and made his over to the table, the pink unicorn was reading a book. "Uhm...excuse me." said Emerald catching the mare's attention.

"Oh!' said the surprised mare, "Hello...can I help you?"

"Well, you just seemed lonely so I just thought we got to know each other." replied Emerald with a nervous smile.

"Thank you...that's really nice of you. I don't think I caught your name?"

"Emerald," the zebra-unicorn replied sticking out his hoof, "Emerald Crescent."

"Starlight, Starlight Glimmer," said Starlight as Emerald's ears perked up a bit.

"Excuse me, but what was your last name?"

"Glimmer? Is something wrong with it?"

"N-No! Not at all, it's just sounded like somepony I used to know."

Starlight tilted her head at this, "Really? who?"

Emerald bit his lip, he really didn't like talking about Sunset, every time he did his mind would drift back to the last time he saw her and how they didn't really leave off on the best of terms.

5 years ago
Canterlot Library

"And here you go, 10 Facts About Griffonstone" said Emerald as he handed a stallion the checked out book. The stallion thanked him and left the library as Emerald went back to stacking books with Moondancer. He had been loving his job so far, some of the ponies that came in were actually respectful toward him and Moondancer was fun to be around with.

Well, besides the experiments they would do, which would sometimes end up with him being transformed into something or something literally blowing up in his face just by sneezing. There was even that time when she 'accidentally' turned him into a mare, he shivered at the thought and was thankful they were able to find a reverse spell. That would have been an awkward talk with his mother. Sunburst and Sunset would come by also, but Sunset would always come by complaining on how Celestia kept treating her like a child and he would always tell her the same thing, which was to be patient.

"What am I going-"

"Emerald!" he was caught from his train of thought as he heard Moondancer call out to him. Emerald put his books down and went to the front desk of the library to see Moondancer trying to calm down an angered Sunset. Emerald let out a defeated sigh as he made his way over to the two mares.

"Here we go again.." muttered Emerald.

"M-Mrs. Shimmer if you'll just calm down-" stuttered Moondancer.

She was cut off as Sunset, growled in anger, "I'll calm down when Emerald gets here! It's urgent that I talk to him!"

"Sunset.." Emerald said in a serious tone, gaining Sunset's and Moondancer's attention, "I got this Moon."

Moondancer nods before giving a nervous look at Emerald before heading toward the rows of books, "You wouldn't believe what happened this time Emerald!" exclaimed Sunset.

"What is it this time...." said an annoyed Emerald.

"It's that Celestia! She moved me back from the advanced spells! Telling me that 'I'm not ready' or that 'I need to understand friendship better'. I know everything about friendship!"

Emerald rolled his eyes, this was getting ridiculous, "First off, Sunset, your in library so can you keep your voice down. Second why is all this Princess Celestia's fault?"

"Are you serious! Were you listening to anything I said?"

"I did, but....I have to be honest with you Sunset. Me and Sunburst are worried about your behavior."

"What about it?!"

"You complain about everything especially Celestia, and you've been kind of selfish."

"I should've known..."

"What?"

"You two are on Celestia's side! Turning against me!"

Emerald felt his anger start to build up, "Sunset I'm not on Celestia's side!"

"Then your on my side?"

"I'm on nopony's side! Sunset...you've been blinded by being the best so much you forgot about why Celestia chose you as a personal student."

"Of course I know why she chose me!"

"Then you you should know that what you're doing right now is not friendship!"

"Ugh, your starting to even sound like her!"

"Maybe that's a good thing! Maybe it could finally get through that stubborn attitude of yours!"

Sunset's anger got the best of her as she slammed her hoof down, as a small flame can be seen in her eyes, "You know what! I can't believe you can take her side! This is probably why your dad isn't with a stupid zebra like you!" Sunset instantly caught herself realizing what she just said. She put a hoof over her mouth as her hateful gaze turned into one of sorrow. Emerald felt like someone just pierced his chest, he had been insulted by many ponies in his life, especially the nobles. He's been called abomination, stripey, and a bunch of other malicious things. He ignored them though, but when it came from Sunset his friend he knew since he first started Celestia's School For Gifted Unicorns, it made him feel like somepony crushed his heart, chewed it, and then spit it in the trash. He put his head down fighting the tears that were trying to escape.

"Emerald...I..." said Sunset softly.

"Get out..." whispered Emerald.

"Emerald...I didn't mean...I wasn't..."

"Get out!" screamed Emerald as Sunset took a few steps back at the unicorns outburst, She could have sworn she saw his horn glow a bit which was a sign that he wasn't kidding around.

"Emerald, I'm sorry..I was angry and..." Sunset tried to explain.

"I don't want to see you again! Me and Sunburst tried to help you but you just won't listen! So now I want you out!" yelled Emerald again as tears began to flow down his cheeks.

Sunset trying to fight her own tears ran out of the library, leaving Emerald to fall in a sitting position, he felt a hoof on his shoulder and looked to see Moondancer giving him a sorrowful look. He sniffed and wiped his tears trying to compose himself.

"Emerald..." Moondancer.

"I'm fine Moon, I'm just..."

He was cut off as Moondancer pulled him into a hug, he returned the embrace as tears began to escape once again. The two stayed like this for a few moments before separating.

"Look, Emerald...you can go home early." Moondancer suggested.

Emerald wiped the last of his tears, "N-No I'm good."

"No, I know how touchy you with your...father. And you just lost a friend that you knew since...ever."

"What about you?"

"Don't worry, it wouldn't be the first time I ran this place by myself."

Emerald nods, and stands and makes his way back to the front desks and grabs his things. The pain in his chest was till present but at least he wasn't crying. He slung his saddlebags across his back with a flick of his horn and was about to leave the library.

"Emerald, remember I'm always here when you need me." comfortably said Moondancer.

The zebra just nodded as as he went through the from doors of the library and started his dressing walk home. Not caring of the usual hated and prejudice stares he got along the way.

"Emerald?"

Emerald was snapped out of his flashback as he heard Starlight call out his name, "I'm sorry what did you say?" asked Emerald a little embarrassed at the situation he was now in.

"I asked, who I reminded you of." she replies.

"Just...an old friend." replied Emerald.

He could tell that she didn't buy his answer just by the look in her eyes, but instead of pushing him further she just smiled. "That's nice....you were from Canterlot right?"

Emerald nods, "Yeah, attend Celestia's school. Why do you ask?"

"Did you meet anypony by the name of Sunburst?"

"Oh yeah! Me and him were pals back then!"

"Really?"

"Yeah, he was one of the first friends I made, how do you know him?"

Starlight smiled at the sudden change in attitude, "Well, you could say that I was his old friend too."

"Nice! Have you talked to him recently?"

"I just visited him in the Crystal Empire not too long ago." , Starlight let out a sigh of relief as she gave Emerald a smile making him tilt his head in confusion, "I never knew making a friend was this easy."

"What do you mean by that?" asked Emerald still confused.

"Oh! Don't take it the wrong way! I'm the student of Princess Twilight Sparkle and I'm learning what friendship really is.....we are friends right?"

Emerald paused as her purple eyes locked on to his yellow ones, he had to admit they were cute. He had to admit he was actually having deja vu but decided that it was probably nothing.

"Yeah, we're friends."

Author's Note

Hey guys sorry for the long wait, had a little writers block. But expect the next chapter to be out sooner than this one! This gives a little preview on why Sunset left Emerald and Sunburst, and before you guys say anything, I have not figured out who to ship Emerald with so in the mean time I am going to just have him have little moments with each character until I figure it out. :twilightsmile:

Comment on what you think! It really motivates me to write the next chapter! :pinkiehappy:

Chapter 8

Emerald's House

"So how's lessons with the Princess of Friendship?" Emerald asked taking another sip of punch.

"It's been alright, I'm still getting used to this friendship thing. Are you sure your okay with my past and me trying to literally enslave everypony?" replied Starlight.

"Well I have to be honest it did catch me off guard, but that's back in your past and your pretty fine now. Plus you already making amends to everypony, so that has to count as something right?"

"Yeah, i guess your right about that. So what made you come here to Ponyville? I'm sure Canterlot has so much more to offer."

"That's true but, not that many ponies really....accepted a pony like me."

Starlight gave a confused expression before realizing what he meant. Canterlot was a beautiful city but the ponies, mostly the upper class, always looked down and treated others unfairly. With Emerald's appearance he was for sure a moving target for them.

"I-If you don't want to talk-" stuttered Starlight before Emerald cut her off.

"It's fine I don't mind talking. My dad was a body guard for the Zebrafrican Princess at the time, he and my Aunt Zooma and some other zebras were in Canterlot at the time meeting with Princess Celestia. That was when he met my mom, Lemon Pine, they started to date a while and had me they were going to get married but..."

Emerald paused and took a deep breath.

"Emerald?" asked Starlight.

"My dad got orders from Zebrafrica to return at once," continued Emerald, "My mom told me he had promised once he was done over there he would comeback to Equestria and marry her. He didn't though... he was captured and assumed killed."

"I-I'm so sorry."

"It's fine, i was just a foal at the time, but I eventually found out years later and...it really took a toll on me. I soon found out my special talent is magic and applied for Celestia's School for gifted unicorns, where I met Sunburst and his cousin."

"Cousin? You mean Sunset?"

Emerald's eyes widened slightly, "You knew her?"

"Yeah, she would come down from Canterlot to visit Sunburst where me and him grew up together."

"Cool, those two were the first friends I ever had. When I first arrived I was a bit of anti-social not wanting to talk to the other fillies and colts, and even though other ponies didn't say it out loud. I could tell even at a young age that they didn't like me because I was different. Sunburst and Sunset didn't care what I looked like and if it wasn't for them I would have never made it."

"Whatever happened to Sunset anyway? I know Sunburst is doing just fine in the Crystal Empire, but Sunset just...vanished."

"I don't know, me and her had a...disagreement and we went out separate ways."

Starlight gave the zebra a sympathetic look, "I'm sorry Canterlot was so hard for you."

"It wasn't that hard as I got older," replied Emerald, "I just tuned out the ponies that tried to bring me down, plus I made more friends. Like my old boss Moondancer and Fancy Pants."

"You knew Fancy Pants!"

"Yeah, I worked in the library when he came in looking for a book. It turned out that not all nobles are judging and he told me that if there was anything I needed just ask him. Is it really a big deal?"

"Yes!"

"Well, any way I made enough money to move out of Canterlot and start a life of my own. Don't get me wrong i loved my friends and Mom in Canterlot, but i couldn't stand the memories that was there, so here I am in Ponyville."

"Wow, you make my past look like paradise." giggles Starlight.

Emerald chuckles with her, he had just noticed how dark it was getting outside and was surprised that the both of them were actually talking for this long. Form the sound of the music becoming low Pinkie is almost finished or about finished with the party and ready to go home, it was impressive to see the pink party pony pack her things in such a short amount of time. To be honest he never really had friends throw him a party before, at least after Sunset and Sunburst.

Now that he thought about it, aside from being sent to the hospital, his first day in Ponyville could be better than any of the days back in Canterlot, but this was the first and who knows what might happen during his time here. The zebra was snapped from his thoughts when Pinkie dropped down in between the two.

"This party was super duper fun Emmy!" exclaimed Pinkie, "We should totally do it again sometime!"

"Yeah," added Redheart as she and Zecora walked over, "thanks for having us Emerald."

"Agreed," also said Zecora, "I'll see you for work tomorrow at three."

"I should be thanking you guys," replied Emerald, "If it wasn't for you five throwing me a party...again. I would have just been locked in here doing nothing."

The five mares gave him warm smiles at his response. Emerald then guided the five mares to the front door and saying one last good night, but he noticed that Starlight hadn't moved from her spot. He gave her a confused and curious glance as she had her head down trying not to show eye contact.

"Hey Starlight," said Emerald, "did you forget something?"

Starlight jumped at his voice, "N-No...well since I'm doing friendship lessons and that we're friends....I-I was wondering if you could come by the castle so I could show Princess Twilight that I'm making progress."

Emerald eyes widened at this, was he just invited to meet Princess Twilight? The memories of him being a colt and talking to Princess Celestia came flooding back in his mind. How she told him to be himself and not worry what other ponies thought, it was that advice that allowed him to make it through magic school, not counting his mother and few friends. Looking back at Starlight hr examined the hope, but nervousness on her face.

"Sure," Emerald nodded, "I'll swing by before I meet Zecora."

Starlight's eyes lit up, "Oh, thank you! I can't wait! Well...um...good night...friend!"

Before Emerald could answer back the pink unicorn was already racing down the street. He never seen a pony so excited to make a friend....well besides Pinkie Pie of course. The zebra closed the door and and let out a yawn as he sluggishly made his way up stairs to his room. His eyes feeling heavy, he decides to just wash up in the morning and get some rest.

He made his way over to his bed and laying on the soft sheets and mattress before pulling the covers over his body. It sure was an interesting day. He laid on his back looking at the ceiling making a mental list on what he has to do tomorrow.

"So I'm visiting Starlight tomorrow at the castle and then heading over to Zecora's for my first day on the job around three. I can head over to the post office to send the letter back to mom and Moondancer."

It was a shame that they wouldn't be able to come with him, but he'd promise he'll come back to visit frequently, especially with his mother, Lemon Pine, living alone now. Putting the thoughts to the back of his mind he closed his eyes and allowed sleep to take him, and ready to wake up in the morning to start his new life in Ponyville.

Author's Note

Hey guys here is another chapter! To be honest I kind of rushed this one because it was so late! Sorry about that! :ajsleepy:

Comment down below on what you think of the chapter! Also if there are any mistakes as well. :pinkiehappy:

Chapter 9

Canterlot

The sound of knocking caught the attention of Lemon Pine's ears, as she was doing laundry. While humming a quite tone she placed down the cloths and made her way to the front door. She was pleased to find Moondancer on the other side, with a warm smile pasted on her face. Moondancer was always a joy when she came over, and she was especially grateful for her to give her son a job at the library not caring for his heritage. She still wondered to this day why her son never asked her out yet.

"Moondancer dear," greeted Lemon, "What brings you here?"

"Hello Mrs. Pine, just stopping by to check in on you." replied Moondancer with a warm smile.

"Why thank you sweetheart, come on in. Your no stranger in this house."

Moondancer nodded and followed the yellow mare inside, she noticed that nothing had really changed since her last visit. She spotted the pictures on the walls with some of them being of Emerald when he was young. She had to admit he was a cute kid, but from what he and his mother told he didn't have enough friends and he was being picked on constantly.

"So how is it at the library?" asked Lemon snapping Moondancer from her thoughts.

"Oh...it's going fine. Just a little quiet with Emerald being gone." said Moondancer.

"I can relate, but a bird has to leave the nest sometime or later."

"Did he make it to Ponyville alright?"

"Of course, I just recently got his letter this morning, but there was a slight complication when he first got there though."

"Really? What was it?"

"Well, he did have to spend a night in the hospital-"

"What!? Is he okay!?" exclaimed Moondancer in a concerned voice making Lemon giggle.

"He's fine, just a little bump on the noggin," explained Lemon as Moondancer sighed in relief, "You know I'm kind of surprised."

"Huh? Surprised about what Mrs. Pine?"

"That you an Emerald aren't dating."

Moondancer choked on her own breath as Lemon finished her sentence, she felt the blood rush to head as her cheeks began to heat up with a heavy blush. She didn't really thin of Emerald that why, don't get her wrong, he is a handsome looking stallion. But they were just co-workers and good friends, and even if she did feel some kind of attraction would he ever share those feelings back? To be honest with herself she did get a tiny bit jealous when Sunset was here and would always visit Emerald at the library, and she was a tiny bit relieved when she left. Moondancer shook her head from the thoughts as her blush began brighter. No Emerald is just a friend.

"Moon sweeties, I was just kidding." suddenly said Lemon Pine snapping the cream colored unicorn from her thoughts.

"Y-yes, of course," stuttered Moondancer trying to figure out what to say, "Emerald is a good friend, no offense to you Mrs.Pine, but I don't think he's my type."

Lemon giggled at hoe flustered the unicorn was, she was young too and she knew Moondancer cared for her son more than she thought, Even if the librarian didn't want to admit it. It wasn't her place to interfere with love though, this was something she had to figure out on her own.

"That's perfectly fine dear," replied Lemon, "Just remember that if you like a stallion, don't wait too long." explained Lemon as Moon nodded, "Well, enough chit-chat how about you help me with breakfast?"

"I would love too."

Ponyville

Emerald made his way down the road of Ponyville taking in the surroundings, he never really got a chance to do that due to the events that had happened yesterday. He recognized Sugar Cube Corner, which Pinkie had told him where she worked at and also the hospital where Redheart's job was. The zebra hybrid took in the other sights the town had to offer from small cafes to a shop called 'Quills and Sofa's' which kind of confused him in many ways but decided not to think to hard on it.

As he made his way down he tried to avoid the looks he got from other ponies, but to his surprise they weren't a look of hate or disgust like in Canterlot, but one of curiosity and interest. I guess it could make sense, out of all the stuff that happened in Ponyville since the return of Nightmare Moon, it would make sense for them to be curious. He waved and greeted some of the ponies he walked by which they happily greeted back and went about their business.

Emerald looked in front of him as the familiar crystal like tree came into view. It wasn't exactly hard to find since the castle towered over Ponyville like some sort of beacon. He was kind of surprised that the castle had no guards, wouldn't a Princess need one? No wonder Ponyville was always getting attacked. As he got closer his eyes widened at how big the castle actually was and from what he experienced from Canterlot Castle is that it's actually bigger in the inside than the outside.

He had to be honest he was kind of nervous on coming here for Starlight. If it had been just a regular house he would have been okay, but to actually knock on a Princesses door! And this was only his second day here! He slowly lifted his hoof a gave three powerful knocks and began to wait. He shifted around nervously waiting for the door to open looking around at his surroundings as his heart rate began to sky rocket.The large door then began to crack open as Emerald held his breath for a second.

He let out a sigh of relief to see Starlight on the other side of the door. She must of noticed as she was giving him a confused smile, but he didn't mind.

"Hey Emerald, nice of you to make it. Are you okay?" she asked.

"No, I'm fine just...a little nervous." he replied.

"You're nervous!" exclaimed Starlight, "I'm the one who should be nervous, you're not the one taking friendship lessons."

"Well, it's not like your being graded."

"You'd be surprised."

"Really? What's to grade about friendship?"

"A lot trust me," the two shared a brief laugh, "Come on in I'm sure Twilight will be glad to meet you."

Emerald nods and follows Starlight inside and looks in awe at his surroundings. He knew that this was a crystal castle but literally almost everything is made of crystal! This was definitely different from the times his mom had taken him to Canterlot castle for work.

15 years ago
Canterlot Castle

A young Emerald sat in a lone chair in the hallway watching his mother cleaning various furniture and antiques. He had to come with his mom for work today since school was closed and there was no one to watch him at home. But why would anypony need to watch him he's a big colt who can take care of himself.

"Come on Emerald we have to go to the next room." called out Lemon, his mother.

"Okay, mommy!" said Emerald as he hopped down from the chair and went to his mother's side. He stuck as close to her as possible so he wouldn't lose her. He cowered behind her every time a guard walked by and looked at him with a suspicious stare, his mother noticed and sent one back at the guards we walked pass telling them to back off. He wished he had something to do, Emerald doubt that he would be able to talk with Celestia again since she probably has Princess stuff to do.

Wait, what about Sunset? She does come to castle for her lessons with Celestia. But it was the weekend though, which meant she wasn't here. He pouted at the thought which didn't go unnoticed by his mother.

"Don't worry Emerald, just about thirty minutes we'll be done." explained Lemon.

"But you said that an hour ago!" whined Emerald.

"I promise, this time I mean it."

Emerald just nodded as they made their way to their location, which was a lone bedroom, and his mom getting started on her maid work. Emerald sat in another chair and continued to watch his mother. His eyes grew heavy as he thought it wouldn't be bad if he closed his eyes for a while.

Twilight's Castle
Present Day

Emerald smiled at the memory as him and Starlight came to a large door, he instantly assumed that the Princess of Friendship was on the other side waiting for them. Before Starlight opened the door though he called out to her.

"Hey Starlight." Emerald called out gaining her attention.

"Yeah?" she answered.

"I just want to say thanks, for making me feel welcome."

"D-Don't worry about it Emerald," blushed Starlight, "Plus I wasn't the only one."

"Yeah, but I still appreciate it."

"But I should be thanking you."

"How?"

"Because you're one of the few to view me who I am now, instead of the past."

Emerald smiled, "No problem, I was never one to judge based on past mistakes."

Starlight smiled and pushed open the door motioning Emerald to follow her which he did. He observed the circular table with six seats around with what looked like cutie marks on each seat. In on occupied a lavender alicorn with a a dark purple mane and a pink streak and a six pointed star as a cutie mark, it looked like she was looking over various papers and note.s not noticing the two ponies entering the room.

"Hey Twilight," called out Starlight, "Here is the friend I was telling you about."

"Great Starlight! I can't wait to hear-" stated Twilight as she looked up only for here eyes to widen as she saw the familiar face of the zebra in the room, "Emerald?"

Author's Note

Hey guys PLEASE don't kill me for the long wait and that cliffhanger! But I hope you guys enjoyed!

Comment on what you think! :pinkiehappy:

Chapter 10

Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns
15 Years Ago

A young Emerald sat alone at a lunch table, watching the other unicorn fillies and colts play together. Sunset had to stay home with Sunburst due to him catching the flu. He sighed as he ate his sandwich, at least Blueblood didn't decide to pick on him today as usual....that's a plus. Maybe he should ask to call his mom to pick him up early, it wouldn't be the first time. However that would mean he would miss a half of day of school and he did not want to get behind on his studies. He groaned as he put his head on the table. He could try to make some new friends....but who else? Almost all of the other ponies in class barely want to talk to him and the rest are like Blueblood. It was then he actually noticed that he wasn't alone at the table. There sitting across from him was a purple unicorn filly with a dark purple mane and tail and with a pink stripe.

From where Emerald was sitting she looked just as alone as him. He also might be wrong since she was too busy reading a book to be paying attention. Well if this was a good as any chance to make a new friend it was now. He coughed to gain her attention as she looked up from the book she was reading.

"H-hi..." nervously greeted Emerald, "What are you doing?"

The filly tilted her head to the side, "Um..reading?" she answered confused.

"That's cool..."

There was an awkward silence between them.

"What's it about?"

The filly looked even more confused. Why was this strange colt talking to her? Not like she didn't enjoy the company but why talk to a book work like her? "It's a book about a stallion with two souls," answered the filly, "Each one of them trying to take control of his body"

"Cool!" beamed Emerald making the filly jump a bit,"I love stories, especially the ones about heroes saving the day and making the world a better place. My mom would read me those every night."

"You like to read too?"

"Yep! I mostly read fantasy and fiction what about you?" replied Emerald with a smile.

"I like all kinds of books, but if I had to choose it would have to be the stories with different kinds of magic. Oh! I don't think I ever got your name"

"Oh sorry! My name is..."

"Well, well.." came a voice from beside them as Emerald grit his teeth as he looked a Blueblood, "If it isn't the dirty little zebra. What happened to those two friends of here? Not here to protect you like they always do? Is that why your hanging with this pathetic book worm?"

The filly flinched at the insult and looked away sadly, "Just leave us alone Blueblood!" yelled Emerald, "We're just minding our own business!"

"And what are you going to do about it? Call your mommy? Or the teacher? You two are nothing compared to me! My magic is better, my Auntie is Celestia herself and I can make nopony miss you!" Blueblood horn started to glow and he picked up Emerald from his golden collar and lifted him close to his face, "And I'm tired of you and your friends getting in my way! I think its time I teach you a less-"

Blueblood was then his in the face by a cup of pudding splattering the contents all over his face. The other fillies and colts pointed and laughed at the bully as Blueblood screamed in a high pitch voice and ran off as he Emerald dropped to the ground making him grunt in pain. Emerald rubbed his head as he shook the dizziness from the drop as the purple filly came to his side.

"Thanks," thanked Emerald with a smile.

"Your welcome," said the filly, "I...I don't like bullies. Are you ok?"

"Y-yeah," Emerald stood up, "So...I don't think I got your name yet."

"It's Twilight. Twilight Sparkle," Twilight looked away and played with her hooves in a cute manner,"If you don't mind me asking...he called you a zebra, but aren't you an unicorn?"

Emerald nodded, "I'm Emerald Crescent and don't worry I get that a lot. I'm part unicorn and part zebra! Have the stripes to prove it." Twilight then noticed the light brown stripes on his dark brown coat and mentally slapped herself for not noticing it earlier.

"S-sorry.." he suddenly says gaining her attention.

"For what?" asked Twilight.

"For Blueblood, he usually picks on me but he turned his attention on you."

Twilight giggled, "I should be thanking you! You were the one that stood up for me, which made me stand up for you."

Emerald gave a light blush and smiled, "Alright...your welcome then."

Twilight smiled back, "Want to finish reading my book with me?"

Emerald embarrassed suddenly disappeared and a cheerful expression was replaced, "Alright!" he replied. The two sat at the table reading the book together and making small talk in between. Emerald told Twilight about his parents and how they met and also how he first met Sunset and Sunburst. Twilight told him about her brother being in the guard and how she was in the upper level classes.

The two talked for the rest of the lunch hour until the bell rang to go back to classes, The filly and colt groaned in disappointment.

"Aww! We were having so much fun!" whined Emerald.

"Yeah, hey we can always meet here tomorrow!" replied Twilight.

"Really!?"

"Yep! Just meet me here at the same spot."

"Okay I'll see you later Twilight!"

The two children parted ways before waving at each other and heading back to their classes.

Castle of Friendship
Present Day

"Emerald!" Twilight caught the zebra hybrid off guard and pulled him into a hug.

"Hey Twilight!" Emerald hugged her back, "It's great to see you again!"

Starlight looked between them with a confused and shocked expression, she was not expecting the two to already know each other.

"Wait, you two know each other?" asked Starlight.

Twilight and Emerald broke the hug and nodded, "Me and Twilight knew each other during magic school. We didn't really talk as much since we were always in different classes but we manged to find a way to have study sessions."

"Eventually though, I became to focused in my studies with Celestia that we didn't have any time to spend together." added Twilight., "Why didn't you tell me it was Emerald!"

Starlight giggled, "How was I supposed to know her was your old time friend?"

Twilight smiled, "I guess your right, well come in you two! We have a lot to catch up on Emerald."

Emerald and Starlight walked inside with Twilight shutting the door, "Thanks Twilight, to tell you the truth I didn't think I would have ever seen you again."

"Really?" said Starlight, "But if you moved here wouldn't you already know she was here?"

"Yeah, but she's a princess now. I wouldn't want to disturb her from the duties she has."

"Nonsense!" exclaimed Twilight, "My castle is open to everypony! Especially my friends, if you need anything just come knock and I'm sure you'll be coming often since you've made friends with Starlight."

Emerald chuckled, "Thanks Twilight."

"So how's your stay in Ponyville so far?"

Emerald chuckled and blushed a bit in embarrassment, "That's a funny story actually..."

Author's Note

Hey guys! I know its been a while but I'm back! I've been thinking of making this a main project of mine rather than a side project. However I planned to make this not that long of a story.

If you guys want this longer and the story to continue, comment your ideas below!

Chapter 11

"What do you mean you got sent to the hospital!" exclaimed a shocked Twilight, "So you were the stallion Pinkie met yesterday!"

Emerald gave a slight blush in embarrassment. Twilight hadn't changed a bit since they were in school, "Yeah, but it's all good now, Nurse Redheart patched me up good. Now I don't even feel like I ever got hurt."

"Well that's good," replied Twilight as she looked over to Starlight, "So I'm guessing you met Emerald while accompanying Pinkie?"

The pink unicorn nodded, "Yeah, to be honest I didn't really want to go in the first place but...I'm glad I went anyway. Now I know what it's like to make a friend on my own."

This brought a smile to Emerald, after hearing her back story and how she became Twilight's pupil. It makes sense why she would be nervous on making friends on her won. Yeah she had Twilight's friends as well but it wasn't actually the same of making them yourself. It kind of reminded him of how he became friends with Sunset and Sunburst, how he was nervous and the two brought him out of his shell and stood by him during tough times.

"So Emerald, where do you work at?" asked Twilight snapping the zebra hybrid from his thoughts.

"I actually work with Zecora. I'm basically her assistant when she does her practices. I haven't started yet but she told me that she'll pay me well."

"But doesn't she live in the Everfree?" asked Starlight, "Isn't it kind of dangerous to walk there by yourself?"

Emerald nods, "Yeah, but that's why she is going to meet me at my house for the first few weeks to show me the safest route to her place."

"I guess that's alright," said Twilight, "So tell me Emerald. How have you been?"

For the next hour or two Emerald tells Twilight, and Starlight again, about my time in Canterlot. He told them about his time with Sunset and Sunburst, which apparently Sunset is in another world and is doing great. he couldn't help but feel a little depressed at hearing that. Don't get him wrong, he was glad that she was doing ok, but if she really changed her ways why didn't she call? Well their last encounter didn't really end on the best of terms. Anyways he continued on how he got a job form Moondancer at the Canterlot library, leaving out his argument with Sunset, and how he made enough money to move to Ponyville to work with Zecora.

"Wow, it seems you've been through a lot." said Twilight.

Emerald gave a light chuckle, "Not as much as you. How many times have you saved Equestria?"

Twilight could only blush and wave her hoof at him, "Oh stop it!"

Emerald stood form his seat and gave the purple alicorn a quick hug, "Well it was nice seeing you again Twilight."

"You too, just remember your always welcomed back here. I would love you to meet my others friends."

"Let's just hope they don't put you back in the hospital like Pinkie."joked Starlight.

"Oh haha," sarcastically laughed Emerald, "Say Starlight, I was going to look around the town for a bit. Want to show me around for a bit?"

Starlight hesitantly looked toward Twilight for approval who smiled and nodded. Starlight smile back and looked at Emerald who's yellow eyes were staring at her with a curious expression, "Sure" she said, "I-I would love to. We'll see you later Twilight."

"Take care you two!" she replied as she watched them leave the room, "Don't have too much fun!"

Canterlot Library

Moondancer placed another book on the shelves of the library as she let out a small sigh. It had been two days since Emerald left and she couldn't help but noticed how quiet it was around here. Was it always this silent when she was working alone? She couldn't remember, but she did miss the zebra hybrid and his time working with her. Even though the two were the only ones working in the library they manged to get through it no problem. She remembered when he first started, they would have a little small talk here and there but at the most part kept to their business.

"Has it really been that long?" Moondancer says to herself.

However as time progressed, the two got more comfortable with each other and became the bestest friends. Moondancer giggled to herself as she thought of all the times the two would go out at night. They weren't one of the rich ponies living here so they went to the more middle class district of the city where the fast food and the average bowling alley was. Bowling....now that was something her and Emerald would do every Friday after work. She and him weren't good at it....as a matter of fact they were terrible but the fact they they were enjoying themselves was all that mattered. Except for the experiments she would put him through....she still felt kind of guilty for turning him into a mare that one time.

She still remembered the day he and Susnet had their big fight and how depressed he was. To be honest she didn't know what would have happened if she hadn't of seen him that night.

Canterlot
5 Years Ago

Moondancer quickly knocked on the door to Emerald's and Lemon's house with a worried expression. She had tried to work the rest of the day without Emerald but her thought s would always drift back to the zebra hybrid. The librarian had to close down early to make sure he was alright. It was all Sunset's fault, if she hadn't have come to library complaining as usual Emerald wouldn't be like this. She bet that the orange unicorn didn't even know that Emerald had a crush on her. Moondancer shook those thoughts away, she can't be thinking about her now. Emerald was her top priority right now.

She was snapped from her thoughts as the door opened revealing Emerald's mother, "Hello Mrs. Crescent, is it ok if I see Emerald?" Moondancer asked as the yellow mare nodded and led her her inside.

"Of course dear," Lemon replied in her motherly tone, "Emerald told me everything that happened. I'm glad your here. He could really use a friend right now."
,"
Lemon led Moondancer to Emerald's room and slowly opened the door, "Emmy" Lemon calls in the room, "You have a visitor." Moondancer walked in the room as the door closed behind with a soft click. The first thing she saw was her best friend looking at an old picture on his bed, From what she saw Emerald when he was just a colt with a filly and another colt which she concluded to be Sunburst and Sunset.

The zebra hybrid looked toward Moondancer and quickly wiped his face form tears and sat up on his bed next to him, "H-hey Moon" he greeted with a cracked voice, "What brings you here?"

"I came to check on you," she answered, "Are you doing ok?"

"I....I could be better."

"Look...about today-"

"Don't worry about it," said Emerald cutting her off, "I...kind of knew this would happen if Sunset kept acting like this. But I didn't know it would hurt this bad."

"You really liked her did you?"

Emerald gave a light blush and nodded, "Other than Sunburst, she is one of my first friends and have been by me ever since I started magic school. It eventually progressed for me feeling more for her, but I couldn't let her know that. Not only was she too focused in her lesson's with Celestia to even care, I didn't want it to ruin the friendship that we already had."

"Em..." started Moondancer, "I know this is tough for you and I just want you to know that....I'll be with you no matter what as your best friend."

Emerald smiled at Moondancer as the mare smiled back. It was nice knowing that he still had ponies who cared about him. He was certain Sunburst would've done the same for him if he was still here in Canterlot and not in the Crystal Empire. Which reminded the zebra that he had to write him a letter on what happened between him a Sunset. Emerald also knew deep down that Sunset didn't mean what she said, but she knew how much his dad meant to him and she crossed the line.

Emerald gave Moon a tight embrace making the mare lightly blush before returning the affection, "Thank you Moon," Emerald thanked as he tried to stop the tears form resurfacing, "You're the greatest."

"W-well," started Moondancer, "That what friends are for right? Hey....it is Friday. How about we go to our usual bowling spot?"

Emerald breaks the embrace, "Only if you're paying."he said with a teasing grin.

Moondancer gave one back, "Oh, I'm sorry. Who was the one that paid last time?"

"Good point, but I am in sooo much pain."

Moondancer only smiles at Emerald slowly coming back to his old self. She rolled her eyes and hopped off the bed, "Let's just go before they close."

"Right behind you."

Canterlot Library
Present

Moondancer sighed as she thought back to the memory. She placed the last book on the shelf and smiled not noticing the blush that crept on her cheeks.

"I'm not really developing feelings for him am I? No...we're just good friends...that's all."

It was then she thought about what Lemon said when she went to visit, "That's perfectly fine dear," replied Lemon, "Just remember that if you like a stallion, don't wait too long.". Too be honest she was still confused on what she actually felt for Emerald did she really have a crush on him or was she just giving pity for all that has happened to the zebra hybrid? She made her way to the front noticing the line of ponies wanting to check out books. Usually Emerald would take care of them no problem leaving him and her with a little more time together.

"I should probably go back to Mrs. Pine for advice."

Author's Note

Hello guys another chapter in the books! Just as a reminder this is just a little side project for my OC so chapters won't be as frequent like my other stories. But I hope you all are enjoying it so far!

I'll see you next time!

Chapter 12

Ponyville
Present Day

Emerald followed Starlight around the town as she pointed out all the point of interests. It was nice to have a guide showing him the ins an outs of the town. He was going to do that himself when he first arrived here but of course he was in the hospital. While walking the zebra hybrid would get the occasional glances but they weren't negative in appearance like the ones he would get in Canterlot. These were more curious and fascinated than anything else.

Too be honest he was getting kind of embarrassed from all the attention he was getting and couldn't help but blush. It was a good thing Starlight was too busy everything to notice. He was able to listen to her just fine, she showed him the market place, restaurants, grocery stories, the furniture shop, hospital, and where a place called Sweet Apple Acres was. He had to assume that Starlight must've noticed the looks that he was getting due to the fact that she lead him into the community park where there were less ponies, and found a nearby table to sit at.

"So, what do you think of Ponyville so far?" Starlight asked.

"Too be honest, it seems okay form what you showed me so far, but I've only been here for two days." he answered.

"I guess your right, but I will warn you that most of the....weird stuff...happens here."

Emerald smiled and shrugged, "What's so wrong about that? That means my stay here won't be so boring all the time. Although I am working in the Everfree with Zecora."

"That reminds me, if you don't mind me asking that is."

"Don't worry about. I can handle it."

"Well, urhm. Did you have any other friends after Sunburst and Sunset left? I know if that might come off as insensitive."

"No, No, its fine. Me and Sunburst would still send each other letters from time to time. However I have a best friend named Moon Dancer."

"Moon Dancer? The mare you worked for?"

"Yeah, her and I close when I lived in Canterlot. Probably because most of the ponies there are high class jerks,, but I didn't really care for them and neither did she. As long as we had each other everything was ok."

Starlight smiled and she couldn't help but feel a little jealous at how strong his friendships were, "From what I hear you two were almost more than just friends?" she teased as emerald face went slightly red as he held his hooves up in defense.

"O-Oh! W-We weren't like that at all! Yeah we were close but we never had those kinds of feelings you know? If anything she's like the sister I never had."

Starlight giggled and lightly nudged him snapping out the frantic stallion, "I was just teasing Emerald," she said, "I'm sure she probably thinks the same about you."

Emerald gave a sigh in relief that the situation was only a joke. Don't get him wrong, Moon Dancer is a cute mare especially with her hair down. However like he said they were just friends and at least the bestest friends. He had never had thought anything romantically about her not even while he was working. Probably because he was to busy thinking about Sunset at the time but even after she left he hadn't developed any feelings and if he knew Moonie as much as he did then he was not her type in the slightest.

He gave a nervous laugh and rubbed the back of his head, "O-Oh yeah. Sorry about that. I guess I over reacted there. Too be honest though the only ever crush I actually had was Sunset but you know how that turned out. After her I just...stopped looking."

Starlight gave him a curious look, "So you haven't had a special somepony? Or even tried getting one?"

The zebra shook his head, "No not really. Why try when almost every mare hated your guts? The three mares that actually cared for me in Canterlot was my mom, Moonie, and...temporarily...Sunset."

Starlight couldn't believe what she was hearing. Judging form what he has been telling her about his time in Canterlot it seemed to be way worse than her when she was a filly. Even if he did have a few friends, but he seemed to be unaffected by it all and it kind of worried for him. Either he was really optimistic or all the abuse and neglect hes had in Canterlot had happened so much that he doesn't even care anymore.

"You don't think that you might get married someday? And have fillies and colts of your own?" she asked.

He nodded, "Yeah, of course. I'm just not expecting it to happen anytime soon."

There was a short pause before Emerald's eyes widened, "Oh crab-apples! I'm supposed to meet Zecora by the Everfree! I had a great time Starlight! I hope we can do this again some time!"

Before Starlight could answer however his horn glowed a bright gold before he disappeared from her vision using a teleportation spell. She had a blank look on her face before smiling and letting out a small laugh, he sure was interesting that was for sure. She stood form her seat and walked back to the the castle. She couldn't wait to meet her new friend again.

Canterlot
17 years ago

A young Emerald ran through the streets of Canterlot as Blueblood and his two lackeys were hot on his tail. Sunset and Sunburst didn't show up for school today so he was any easy target for him in class. He was fine during lunch since he hung out with Twilight but after school was a different story. While making his way home he was cornered by the three bullies and was told to pour all his things on the ground. When he refused the two colts that were following Blueblood had pinned him to the wall in a nearby alley where no pony could see them.

The small zebra colt tried calling for help but all he got was a mouth full off hoof as a colt struck him across the muzzle. He felt dazed as well as the taste of iron in his mouth. He felt a sudden tug and something becoming loose around his neck. Emerald's eyes widened as he knew that they were trying to take the golden collar off from around his neck. Thinking quickly he ignited his horn and a small yellow beam blasted Blueblood and the other two colts off of him.

Emerald not wanting to wait around to ask how he did that grabbed his saddle bags and ran form the alley with the three following close behind. And here he was running through crowds of ponies who were giving him the same looks as always as he was being chased down by the three bullies in his school. He didn't understand why these ponies were only watching him, couldn't they see he was in trouble?

"Help! Please!" he called out to the ponies around him as he ran only for them to point their noses up and turn away.

"You're so dead zebra!" shouted Blueblood form behind him.

Emerald was feeling his lungs tighten and his small legs start to slow down. He couldn't keep this up forever and the sounds of the three were gaining. He felt tears cloud his vision, why did he have to blast him! He could've just taken the beaten and went home! Now those three might actually kill him! Emerald was in such a panic he didn't see the mare in front of him a ran face first into her hind leg and falling on his back.

Standing before him was a slender white unicorn mare with a long pink mane and tail. She stared at him with curious purple eyes before they were filled with concern when she spotted the tears now flowing down his cheeks. Blueblood and the other two colts seemed to have noticed Emerald's predicament and turned around before running off deciding that they will deal with him another day. The mare wiped his tears as she spoke in calm tone, that was not over shadowed by her accent.

"Are you alright child?" she asked, "Why are you crying?"

"Th-They.." choked out Emerald, "Want to...hurt me..."

The mare looked around before looking back at the zebra child, "Are your parents around?" she asked as Emerald shook his head.

"M-My mom is working....i-in the castle today." he answered as the mare gave him a solemn look. She couldn't leave a colt crying alone by himself. And if there were ponies trying to hurt him then they would surely be back once she leaves.

"What's your name little one?" she asks with a warm smile.

"M-My name is Emerald." he sniffed before rubbing his eyes with his small hooves.

"That is a beautiful name," she says, "My name is Fleur De Lis, but you can call me Fleur."

"O-Okay..M-Mrs. Fluer."

She smiled at his nervousness as she felt a bit of anger well up inside of her. Most of the ponies in this city she couldn't understand. This colt was probably running for his life and calling for help and they all turned a blind eye to him. She could tell just by glance that this colt was no ordinary pony which made him an easy target. And from what he said about his mother working in the castle means that she is probably a maid or a chef.

"Emerald," she said to him as he looked at her with his big golden irises, "Would you like to come home with me? Just inn case those bad ponies come back?"

She slowly held her hoof out toward him no wanting to scare him off. No doubt that even though he seemed calm he was still probably scared out of his mind and didn't know who to trust. As her hoof got closer he gave a flinch which made her recoil a bit.

"It's ok," she assured, "I'm not going to hurt you. I promise."

Emerald looked at her for a good minute before taking her hoof with his which made Fleur smile. The small colt stuck close to the slender mare making Fluer giggle at how cute he was being. She could feel the disapproving glares from the ponies around her but she paid them no mind. All she cared about was making sure that the small colt known as Emerald was safe and sound in her home so she could have her fiance, Fancy Pants, make a call to the castle.

Outside the Everfree Forest;
Present Day

A bright flash of golden brought Zecora's attention as Emerald appeared form the flash and clearly out of breath, "I'm so sorry Zecora! Me and Starlight were meeting with Princess Twilight, and then she showed me around the town, and then we talked, I lost track of time-"

Zecora put a hoof over his muzzle cutting him off form his explanation, "Emerald, it is alright. Your tardiness is no plight." she says as she took her hoof away.

The zebra sighed in relief, "Whew thanks. Moonie would have my hide if I was late to the library back in Canterlot."

The zebra giggled and started walking toward the forest, "Shall we get started?" she asked as Emerald nodded and followed her inside the dark forest. Both of their figures disappearing behind the vegetation.

Chapter 14

Emerald yawned as he took the cup of coffee, which was floating with his magic, and brought it to his lips taking a nice slurp. Today he didn't have to work, so he had decided to read some of his scrolls that Moondancer let him keep from the library back in Canterlot. Zecora had been great yesterday with starting him off on his new job, of course he had some mistakes but she was kind enough to help him through them. He took another sip of coffee as he thought back to the zebra.

"She's literally the first zebra I met. I wonder if she was born here or in Zebrafrica? She's a big fan of my dad, does she knows what happened to him? What are other zebras like? Would they even accept me for being part zebra?" Emerald said to himself as more questions swam through his mind. He took a deep breath and relaxed, his mind was getting to cluttered.

He set down his coffee and scrolls, "This is supposed to be me relaxing so I should do that. Maybe I can pay Redheart a visit and see if shes doing anything."

With that said the zebra hybrid walked over to his front door and entered the outside world. He locked his front door and made his way toward the hospital, while walking he notice that he was getting more looks than usual form when he first arrived. It kind of made him nervous due to the fact that these looks weren't friendly, but at the same time they weren't hostile either. Maybe it was curiosity? He did go up to the princess of friendship's castle and talk with her and her student, maybe they were just wondering why he was up there?

He gulped and straightened his golden collar, trying not to be nervous, "Why are most of these ponies staring at me? I really hope this doesn't turn out like Canterlot. maybe I should talk to Starlight or Twilight to see what's going on."

It has been awhile sine him and Twilight had their study sessions, the last one he remembered was back in Canterlot, but hen she got to into her studies with Celestia. At least it turned out well for...unlike a certain orange unicorn mare he once knew. To be honest Twilight was kind of like Moondancer, they both had the adorkable attitude, really smart, and pretty much loved their books. He wondered if they would get along if they had met. A shiver went down his spine as he thought of all the experiments he would have to come to. Moondancer would always experiment on him, however Twilight was much worse!

He still has nightmares from the one time.

Twilight's House
7 years ago

A teenage Emerald Crescent was sitting at a desk with Twilight Sparkle as the two unicorns were reading various spell books and scrolls. Spike was sleeping softly in her bed letting out cute snores, him and Twilight had decided to improve their magical knowledge together by checking out some of the advanced books from the library and since both of their special talents was magic they felt they could improve faster if they read through the books together.

Her parents seemed to be fine with him being here which surprised them. Not only was he a stallion hanging out with their daughter but also part zebra and they act like he was apart of the family. He'd never knew that these ponies would be so nice, however they said that her older brother would be another experience judging how protective he was over Twilight. To his relief he was out of the house training for the Royal Guard.

"What about this one?" Emerald says pointing to a spell on the scroll he was reading. Twilight leaned over and looked at it for a while before shaking her head.

"A teleportation spell," she questioned, "We already have that mastered Emerald."

"But this is a more advanced version. This one can probably teleport us to Las Pegasus and back."

"Tempting, but I was looking at this transformation spell, but the only problem is that the rest of the spell is missing its description. So I don't know exactly what makes it different from a normal one."

"Then we should do the teleportation spell since we know more about it."

"Are you kidding me! Great magic users always explore the undiscovered! We could make history by just doing this one spell!"

Emerald smiled and rolled his eyes, "Alright so what are we casting the spell on?"

Emerald noticed the purple mare giving him a hopeful smile as he titled his head in confusion. It was then it hit him like a ton of bricks. He gave her a stern look as Twilight started to sweat nervously.

"No..." he said making Twilight groan.

"Why!?" she protested stomping her hoof in the carpet.

"Remember last time you experimented on me!"

"I'll be careful this time promise! You know my magic has gotten a lot better since then!"

"I don't know..."

The next moment he knew Twilight was close to his face giving him the most cutest puppy dog eyes. He sighed as he failed to stop the blush coming on his face, "Fine...I'll do the stupid spell..."

Twilight smiled and gave him a hug, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

Emerald could help but smile as he hugged her back, "Yeah, no problem. Lets just get this over with."

The purple mare let go of him and took a few steps back before levitating the spell in front of her giving it one last look over. Emerald gulped as he fidgeted in the chair, she didn't look that confident. She put the spell down as she closed her eyes and her horn started to glow a bright magenta, "Alright Emerald, you ready?" she asked.

"Kind of...you can reverse what happens right?"

"Of course! Maybe.."

"Wait what..."

Before the zebra hybrid could say anything else Twilight had already casted the spell as I pink blast struck him making him glow a bright pink. He covered himself until the light died down, he looked around. He didn't feel different, if anything did feel a little lighter. He glanced over a Twilight who had a shocked and apologetic look on her face, did the spell not work?

It was then Twilight went into panic, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! We can fix this!"

This made Emerald's alarms ring in his head, "Twilight....what happened to me?"

"Don't be mad ok...."

"Twilight whatever happened won't be as bad as you done to me before."

"Well you're still you but at the same time...You're not you."

"What do you mean by tha-..." it was then Emerald noticed that his voice was lighter and softer. Fearing the worst Emerald ran to Twilight's bathroom and looked in the mirror. What looked back him was himself, but he was more slimmer and curvy. His snout was smaller and his mane was a long black and yellow braid, he started to sweat as he nervously looked down to confirm his suspicion and when a certain something wasn't where it was supposed to be he....or in this case she screamed.

Twilight flinched form the scream as Emerald walked out of the bathroom with a ghastly look on her face,"Tw-Twi....please tell me you have a reverse spell."

Twilight shifted her gave to the ground as she rubbed her foreleg, "Not really..."

"What do you mean not really!?"

"Well I have half of the spell. The other part was torn out. I-I'm sorry I didn't know it would end this bad!"

He saw her lip quiver as Emerald sighed, "It's ok Twilight, I can't stay mad at you. So how long can you figure out this reverse spell."

"Give me about two hours..."

"That's not bad.."

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow!? Twilight, I don't think you understand that I can walk in school being a mare tomorrow! There has to be another way!"

"I'm sorry Em," apologized Twilight, "The schools closed until tomorrow and Celestia is too busy for me to make a request to see her on short notice."

"This blows...."

"Aw Emerald. It''l be fine, too be honest you are a pretty attractive mare. I bet you'll have many stallions after you."

This made Emerald blush hard making Twilight giggle, "Twilight! That's not funny! I'm not even into stallions!"

"I'm just teasing Emerald. Just meet me after school tomorrow and I'll have the reverse spell ready."

"Fine...Just don't be late."

The next day, Emerald had just walked from 'her' house as she walked down the streets of Canterlot, making her way to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Last night when she got home was an...eventful one. It mostly consisted with her explaining to Lemon what happened over at Twilight's place,to her almost fainting, and Emerald trying to calm her for the rest of the night.

Emerald had finally made it to the school and took a deep breath before walking inside and through the hallways. Almost instantly a bunch of eyes went on her, especially the stallions. She was so embarrassed as she would here a whistle or another trying to flirt with her. Twilight was so getting it when she turns her back to normal. She quickly walked to the bathroom, the mare's room obviously, and had a sigh of relief.....Until er heart dropped to his stomach when she saw Sunset Shimmer staring right at her.

"E-Emerald...?" she slowly said as the stallion turned mare gulped. He could see the look in her eyes and he knew exactly what she was thinking.

"W-Wait Sunset!" she blurted out, "I-Its not what you think!"

"Then what is it?" Sunset gave her a stern look, "Because it seems to me that you turned yourself into a mare so you could peep in the girls room!"

"N-No! Not at all! This was all an accident and now I'm stuck like this until the end of the day!"

Sunset looked into her nervous gaze trying to find any form of deception ad when she didn't she sighed, "Alright Emerald, how did this happen?"

"Well..um...me and a friend might've did a transformation spell that was too advanced for us." she answered with a blush, "It's terrible! My mom almost had a heart attack whens he saw me come home! The stallions haven't taken their eyes off my flank and not to mention a certain part is missing from my body and...and..."

Sunset shook Emerald's shoulders snapping her from her mental breakdown, "Emerald get a grip. We'll figure this out! Does your friend have a reverse spell?"

"Well, she said that she would change me back at the end of the day."

Sunset giggled, before she burst out laughing and falling on the bathroom floor making Emerald's face become a bright red, "It's not funny!"

Sunset wiped a tear, "I-It kind of is. I'm sorry, but what are the chances of this happening. Anyway so what can I do to help?"

"Well make sure no one knows it's me and....try to keep me from the other stallions. Especially Blueblood."

Sunset nodded in understanding, "Right, I understand. Don't worry this'll be over before you know it."

"I hope so..."

"Which reminds me, we have to give you a name."

"A name?"

Sunset rolled her eyes,"Well duhh! you can't just call yourself Emerald the whole time!"

"I guess that's true....what did you have in mind?"

"Hmm, I was thinking of Emmy or Emeralda."

"Emmy is good, I'll just use that until I'm back to normal."

As the two mares walked out of the bathroom Emerald or Emmy had crashed into another object making her fall over on top of it. She grunted as she opened her eyes to see that she was on top of the last pony she wanted to see to day....Sunburst. With his muzzle one inches from her's. Emmy quickly picked herself up as Sunburst stood with a blush on his face.

"Oh Celstia no.." whispered Sunset trying to contain her laughter.

"H-Hi...sorry I bumped into y-you." said Sunburst.

Emmy felt like dying on the inside, "I-It's fine. I wasn't paying attention."

"A-Are you related to someponu named Emerald by any chance."

"Y-yes!" said Emmy instantly regretting it, "He's my..uhh..."

"Sister!" blurted Sunset, "She's Emerald's long lost twin sister."

Sunburst's eyes widened, "Really cousin? That's amazing! Where is Emerald by the way."

Emmy couldn't believe this, Sunburst didn't know who she actually was. She could sense Sunset beside her holding in her laughter and having a field day. She could obviously tell that Sunburst was into her with the way he looked at her, he did that with every mare he had a crush on or thought was pretty. It was then she noticed that Sunburst was waiting for her to answer as she perked up.

"O-Oh! he got sick , so he's staying home for the day."

"Aw, that's to bad," replied Sunburst, "I-Is it ok if I walk you to class?"

"A-Acutally I think Sunset..." when Emmy looked beside she found that Sunset was already walking away form them and too far for her to catch up. The orange mare gave Emmy a wink as she sent a hateful glare back, ""Y-You know what. That would be nice." Emmy answered making Sunburst smile. She couldn't reject him not with the fragile heart Sunburst already had with mares, she needs to find away to tell him the truth when the days over.

Emmy had the worst day at school, she passed another group of stallions who were eyeing her up and down, but she paid no mind to them. During class she would catch unburst making a few glances toward her and it made her uncomfortable. Not in a mean way but...she was a stallion! And this wasn't right! It was then her gaze found Twilight PSarkle who were sitting on a bench.

"Emerald! " she waved, "Just in time. How was school?"

"Terrible....Please tell me you finished the reverse spell?"

"Hehe, about that...."

"What is it Twilight"

"Well, it turns out there is no reverse spell but only a time limit. The spell should lose its effects by midnight tonight."

Emmy's jaw practically dropped to the floor, "What! That's ten hours away Twilight!"

"I know, but that's the best I could do at moment!"

Emmy put a hoof to her face as she groaned in annoyance. She had to go ten hours in this body, she wished her and Twilight would've done that teleportation spell instead. However now that she thought about it, that spell could've turned out way worse than the transformation spell. The stallion turned mare nodded as Twilight gave her a sympathetic look.

"It'll be fine Emerald, look you can stay at my place for the time being." Twilight said with a smile.

"You sure?" questioned Emmy, "I don't want to be a burden."

"Don't worry about. I'm the one who turned you into a mare so, it's all on me."

"Sunburst wait!" said a distant Sunset making Emmy and Twilight to see her chasing a love-struck Sunburst who was running toward them.

"I must do this Sunset!" retorted Sunburst, "This will be my one and only chance!"

The orange stallion came to a stop in front of Emmy and Twilight panting for breath as the latter of the two mares was scared out of her mind as the other was trying not laugh. Sunburst had finally caught his breath as he looked toward the zebra hybrid mare in front of him.

"Emmy...I know we just met," he started as the mare started to sweat, "But I really feel a connection between you and me. So...will you go on a date with me!"

Twilight and Sunset, who had caught up to hear Sunburst's confession, tried their best to hold their laughter. Emmy on the other hand was sweating bullets as she smiled nervously. She really was in a bind now, her best friend wants to go on a with her! This was going too far now, she had to tell him the truth.

"Sunburst," said Emmy gaining his attention, "You're a nice stallion but I have to come clean-"

"She has a crush on you too!" blurted Twilight.

"And she would love to go out with you!" added Sunset.

"Yeah-wait what!?" shouted Emmy as she glared at the two mares. What in Celestia's name were those two doing!? She could see the sinister grins on their faces and she could only fear the worst.

"Is that true Emmy?" said Sunburst in a hopeful voice as Emmy looked to the ground blushing madly and nodded.

"Y-yes...it's true."

Sunburst squealed in excite, the next thing Emmy knew she was wrapped in his magical aura and dragged off deeper into the city of Canterlot. Once the two was out of distance, Twilight and Sunset burst out laughing before looking at each other. Their laughter suddenly stopped as they eyed each other up and down.

"Do I know you from somewhere?" they both said.

The date with Sunburst was actually pretty fun for Emmy. It was kind of like any normal day where she would usually hang out with him. They went out to grab some ice cream, went to the Canterlot Museum and Statue Garden, and had a nice dinner. It definitely ate up the ten hours with only five minutes left till this whole nightmare was over. To be honest though being a mare wasn't so bad, besides his best friend hitting on him, it was the same as being a stallion.

The two were currently sitting in the local park looking up at the stars in the night sky.

"Emmy," said Sunburst, "I had a great time."

"Me too." replied Emmy.

"Looks like it's almost midnight."

"Yeah I guess so."

Before Emmy knew what was happening she found herself under Sunburst with a huge blush on his face. Emmy now started to sweat bullets, this was bad, really really bad! She wanted to do everything in her power to push him off but her body was frozen in shock and nervousness. Her hear started to race as she saw him close his eyes and lean forward. She had to do something quick but what?

Sunburst was getting closer with their muzzles only inches apart.

Three inches.

Two inches.

One inch.

The bell form the clock tower rang throughout Canterlot signaling that it was past midnight. Sunburst had quickly looked away from Emmy and looked at the clock. "Well that's a little distracting." he said before turning back only to find not the mare but his best friend Emerald looking back at him with a nervous smile.

"H-Hey.." said Emerald as Sunburst quickly got off of him as Emerald shot to his hooves. The two stallions stared at each other in silence and awkwardness until Sunburst spoke up.

"So you were..."

"Yep."

"And we were about to..."

"Yep."

"How..."

"A mix up with a transformation spell. Don't ask why."

"...."

"We never speak of this again."

"Agreed."

Ponyville Hospital
Present Day

Emerald chuckled as he thought back to the memory, he had already forgave Twilight and Sunset for putting him through so much trouble. Him and Sunburst didn't make eye contact for a couple of days until they were finally over the whole ordeal and back to normal.

The zebra hybrid walked up to the reception desk to see a familiar white mare with pink mane. She looked at the zebra approaching and smiled giving him a wave, "Hello Emerald," Redheart said with a smile, "Hit your head again?"

Emerald chuckles,"Not this time. I was actually here to see if you were free sometime to hang out. maybe catch a movie?"

"My, my Emerald. This wouldn't happen to be a date is it? We only just met." Redheart smirked as Emerald cheeks became flushed in embarrassment.

"N-No not at all! I-I just wanted us to go out as friends! I-I mean it could be a date, well i-if you want to."

The sound of giggling caught his attention as he saw Redheart stiffing her laughter with her hoof, "I'm just teasing Emerald, you are real easy to get embarrassed."

"It's a curse..."

"Aw don't be like that, I think it's cute. I'm off in another thirty minutes, would you mind waiting for me?"

Emerald smiled at the white mare and shook his head, "Of course not."

Author's Note

Hello guys! I had a fun time writing this! AND its a longer chapter! So I hope you all enjoyed!

Also what did you guys think of Emmy Crescent? Should I bring her back?

Chapter 15

Ponyville

"So what were you smiling about when you came in the hospital?" asked a curious Redheart gaining Emerald's attention.

"Oh, nothing important," he replied, "Just something back in Canterlot."

Redheart's ears perked up as she quickly stood in front of Emerald making him stop abruptly. The zebra was going to ask what was wrong until he saw the big smile on her face, "Now you have to tell me! I've always wondered what it was like to be in Princess Celestia's school!"

"To be honest it's just like any other school, except for advanced unicorns." replied Emerald, "and I wasn't the most 'popular' colt in the school."

Redheart nodded, understanding wear the stallion was getting at. She hadn't been to Canterlot as much in her life due to her house back at the Ponyville Hospital, but she heard enough that Canterlot was filled with stuck up snobs that weren't to welcoming of different races. She couldn't imagine the things Emerald went through growing up in a city like that, at least he had a few friends to have his back.

"Pleeease!" begged Redheart giving an adorable pout.

"I-It's not even that interesting..." blushed Emerald as he looked away.

"Why are you blushing?" asked Redheart as she gave off a sly smirk, "Was a mare involved?"

"Y-You could say that"

"Emerald as your friend, you must tell me the details."

"W-well...I did promise Sunburst that we wouldn't speak of it again, but you were one of the first ponies in this town to give me a warm welcome. Alright then, just don't laugh."

Sugarcube Corner

Emerald groaned as he placed his head on the table covering his blush as Redheart AND Pinkie were laughing on the other side of the booth they were sitting at. Emerald had told Redheart everything about the magical incident between him and Twilight, from him being turned into a mare, to Sunburst's crush on him, and then their 'date'. Turned out that somehow Pinkie was ease-dropping on the story and heard the whole thing. Now here he is now with two mares laughing out tears as he felt like casting a spell that would make him cease to exist.

"Come on you two..." squeaked Emerald, "It's not that funny.."

"But it IS!" exclaimed Pinkie as she now fell out of her seat making Emerald groan as now a couple glances were now sent their way.

"O-Okay, I'll stop," replied Redheart as she wiped a tear from her eye as Pinkie also composed herself shot back up in her seat, "Yeah, I can see why you wouldn't want to talk about that."

"Yeah," added Pinkie, "Twilight had made some really big mistakes sometime but this takes the cake!"

"That was one of the worst days of my life. Can we just talk about something else please?" pleaded Emerald.

"Well, if it makes you that uncomfortable I guess we can stop teasing you for now." winked Redheart.

"I have to go back and help the Cakes anyways. I'll see you around Emmy!" said Pinkie as she quickly gave him a quick hug and zipped to the kitchen. The zebra sighed and smiled as Pinkie left the table, only to catch a few stares from the other ponies. It wasn't the same stares that was on them before, but more like the ones....when he was back in Canterlot. The zebra did a poor job of hiding his concern as Redheart gave him a confused look..

"Everything ok Emerald?" she asked as the zebra nodded.

"Y-yeah," he lied, "Couldn't have been better."

Redheart looked around and noticed the stares they were getting and instantly knew why her friend was acting like he was, "Hey, you want to get out of here?"

"N-No, it's fine Red really. I'm used to the stares."

"Emerald, you look like your afraid that one of these ponies are after you. Come on lets go back to my place."

"A-Are you sure? I don't want to intrude."

"It's fine. Plus.....I'm worried about you."

Emerald couldn't help but blush before nodding. Redheart nodded back and the two rose form their seats and left Sugarcube Corner ignoring the stares as they left out through the door. As the two walked down the streets Redheart noticed that Emerald wasn't getting any better, it seemed that his paranoia only had gotten worse with him looking back behind him and jumping at the smallest sounds. Even though they were getting less stares then before the zebra's condition hasn't changed and it worried her.

She just hope the both of them could make it to her house to see if there was anything she could do. If not she's going to have to call Twilight since, from what he told her, is the only pony who is closest to him that he knows form Canterlot. Maybe Starlight also since the two have started to hang around more often. She took another glance at Emerald, who probably noticed her concerned expression, and gave her a fake smile. Redheart however could tell through his eyes that everything was far from ok.

Canterlot Castle
17 years ago

A young Emerald walked beside his mother as she made her way through the halls of the castle. The small zebra was on spring break from school and he had decided to spend the day with his mom. He had thought about going over to Mrs. Fleur's house again but then he heard that Sunset was having her magical lessons today so he had decided to come along. He had a bright smile on his face making his mom, Lemon Pine, giggle.

"And why are you so happy?" she asked with a warm smile.

"Well, Sunset was supposed to be at the castle! So I was hopping that I could have a few lessons with her!" excitedly said Emerald.

"You really like magic don't you sweetie?" Emerald nodded as Lemon picked him up and placed him on her back as they continued to walk through the halls. A few guards would stare suspiciously of the colt on her back but a quick glare from her caused them to back off. Ever since the incident with those colt's chasing emerald after school and Fleur having to pick him up every now and then caused her to become more protective. It made her blood boil just thinking of somepony hurting her a cute little colt, her colt no less. When she found out that it was a Blueblood that was bullying her son, it made her even more angry. The Bluebloods were the most popular family in Canterlot, if not all of Equestria. She remembered the times when those nobles would always flirt with her and the other maids in the castle. Thankfully she had Zan who quickly pushed them away and the Princess who finally took notice and put a stop to it all together.

She thought whether or not she should tell Celesta or not. The Bluebloods were powerful and if anything happened to their blood they might send a pony to 'take care' of Emerald. And she couldn't lose him, not after Zan. The both of them had made it to the throne room to see none other than the princess of the sun herself talking to her student, Sunset Shimmer.

"Sunset!" exclaimed Emerald as he hopped form her back and rushed toward his friend as the filly did the same with the two giving each other a quick hug.

"How about we take a break for now Sunset." said Celestia as the small filly nodded.

"Okay princess," Sunset said before turning to Emerald, "Hey Emerald! I have to show you all the new spells I learned."

As Sunset showed the colt her spells, Lemon walked toward Celestia and bowed before smiling. The two giggled at the filly and colt. "How are you doing today Mrs. Pine?" asked Celestia, "And I'm sure little Emerald is doing ok too?"

Lemon's expression fell a little, going unnoticed from Celestia, "To be honest princess, I'm worried for Emerald. He has been making friends but...he is still being picked on."

"This truly is a problem. Tell me Mrs. Pine, how bad is the bullying."

"Just the other day he was chased after school, if it wasn't for Fleur...he might've been.."

Celestia has a solemn expression as she sees the tears forming in Lemon's eyes. She tried her best not to pick favorites when it came to the staff and guards of the castle. However Lemon and her colt were a special case, it's been a while since she seen a family like her and her son and she knew what it was like to be treated poorly because you were different. The two had already lost Zan. She couldn't imagine the pain Lemon would go through if she lost her son as well, she took a quick glance at the small colt who was to busy having fun with Sunset to notice his mom almost in tears. She put a hoof on the yellow mare's shoulder.

"Let's step out for a bit Mrs. Pine," Celestia offered, "Like you I don't want anything terrible happening to your son. Maybe we can work out an arrangement that's good for both you and him?"

Lemon nodded and followed the princess out of the throne room leaving the two children. Emerald watched his mom leave with the princess and had a confused look. "Where is my mom and the princess going?" he asked as Sunset shrugged.

"Don't know, maybe they're probably talking about royal stuff." answered Sunset.

"Yeah, so are you still going to show me that new spell?"

"Oh yeah! Princess Celestia taught me a teleportation spell!"

"Really!? Isn't that supposed to be one of the advanced spells!"

Sunset nodded as her horn started to glow a bright turquoise, "The trick is to picture of the place you want to go to and then focus the magic right on the tip of your horn."

Emerald covered his eyes as a bright flash engulfed Sunset. When he opened his eyes he was surprised to see the the filly was gone, he was about to call out to her when a sudden tap on his shoulder made him let out a small yelp. He turned around to see Sunset with a huge grin on her face.

"Wow! That's amazing! Do it again! Do it again!"

"Alright l'll try. " Sunset focused more magic and again disappeared in a flash of light and appeared across the room. The zebra colt watched in awe as Sunset teleported continually around the throne room. He didn't know his best friend was this talented in magic! he couldn't wait to get to the level that she was at, and he was going to study hard to be one of the best magic users in Equestria! It was then he noticed that the flashes seemed to have stopped but Sunset wasn't to be found.

"Sunset?"

"Emerald! Help!" came a shriek from above as Emerald saw the small filly on the chandelier. Sunset hung on tightly to the hanging ornament as it swayed back in forth. She tried to teleport back down to the floor but she was to afraid to focus as tears began to form in the corners of her eyes. Emerald, seeing his friend in distress, sprang in to action as he called up to her.

"Don't worry Sunset! I'll get you down!" called out the colt as he tried to form a plan in his head.

"Hurry Emerald! I'm getting scared!" called back Sunset.

He could try to learn to the teleport, but it was too advanced of a spell for him and if he did manage to get up to her there was a chance that he might get stuck also. He obviously couldn't fly and casting a levitation spell on himself was more advanced than the teleportation spell. It then clicked in Emerald's mind, it was going to be a huge risk and his timing would have to be perfect but it was the only way he was going to save his friend.

"Sunset! you have to jump!" shouted Emerald.

"What!? Are you crazy!?" she exclaimed back.

"Sunset just trust me! You'll be fine I promise!"

Sunset bit her lip before nodding and then let go of the chandelier, she felt the air rush past her face as she fell. Tears flowed from her eyes as she was to scared to scream. Emerald grit his teeth as his horn started to shine a bright yellow, praying to anyone that was listening for his plan to work. Sunset watched as the ground got closer and closer as she shut her eyes and waited for the impact.

And waited.

She opened her eyes and was surprised to find herself just a few feet from the marble floor, floating in a golden magical aura. She looked over to Emerald who had a strained smile with his horn glowing brightly. The zebra gently placed her down as the aura around her and hiss horn dissipated. Emerald was exhausted from the amount of magic power he just used but he still had the strength to brace himself for the sudden hug that Sunset was giving him.

"Th-Thank you so much Emerald!" she cried in his shoulder as the zebra patted her back.

"I-I'm so sorry Sunset." said the zebra colt as Sunset gave him a confused expression.

"Wh-Why are you apologizing?"

"I-If I've never of distracted you during your lessons none of this would've happened."

"Emerald, it's not your fault. It's mine for pushing too far with the spell, but you saved me so thank you."

"Yeah, that's what best friends do right? We look out for each other. No matter what happens we will always be there for each other right?"

"Right, and thank you." said Sunset as she placed a light peck on Emerald's cheek making his face go completely red.

"Y-You're welcome." he stuttered in embarrassment making her giggle, causing him to laugh as well. Not knowing the peaking eyes of Celestia and Lemon from afar.

"Sunset!"

The orange skinned girl was snapped from the memory, by the sound of Rarity's voice. The two were sitting in front of a coffee shop after a long day of school. Why did she have that memory now of all times? She felt a familiar ache in her chest as she thought of her friend long ago, she wished that they didn't separate the way they did. She looked over to Rarity giving her a concerned expression.

"S-Sorry Rarity," said Sunset, "I was spacing off for a bit."

"Sunset dear," started Rarity, "Are you doing ok? You haven't touched your drink. Not to mention your crying."

Sunset put a hand to her cheek and didn't even notice the tears that was flowing down her cheeks. She thought when she came to this world that she would be ok. That she didn't have to think about her old best friend but for some reason something triggered some old memories making her feel terrible and filled with guilt. She looked to Rarity and noticed her concerned expression.

"No Rarity....I'm not." she said as Rarity was now focused on her friend.

"What's the matter, darling?" she asked.

"It...has something to do with Equestria....." Sunset started as she started to tell on how she applied for Celestia's Magic School to meeting Emerald, to their crazy adventures in Canterlot......and to their fight in the library and her making one of the biggest mistakes of her life. She couldn't help but let out a sad laugh as she remembered Emerald, his love for magic, how shy he would be, but the most thing he admired about him was how he loved to help people even it it had nothing to with him.

"It seemed that this guy was really special to you." said Rarity as Sunset nodded.

"He was.....and I think deep down he still is. We were best friends and....I messed up when I let my jealousy get to me."

"That was back in Equestria right? So shouldn't there be another Emerald here also?"

"Yeah, but he doesn't go to Canterlot High, Too be honest I don't know where he is. It'll bring up too many memories if I saw him again anyways."

"Sunset, are you telling me that you don't want to be reunited with your best friend?"

"I-I do! Trust me I would love to see Emerald again! And Sunburst also! It's just....what if he's still mad at me? Zebra's aren't really treated well in Equestria, what if I go there and.. he's....gone?"

Rarity stood up and slammed both of her hands on the table snapping the orange skinned girl form her thoughts, "Sunset Shimmer! You are not the same person or pony that you were before. You changed and i'm sure that this Emerald Crescent would love to see you again. If he's as much of a gentleman as you say he is you don't have much to worry about and if things don't go as planned, you have me and the girls to always be there for you."

Sunset taken a back by Rarity's outburst smiled and nodded, "Thanks Rarity, you're right."

"And correct me if I'm wrong. It sounds like you and this emerald were more than friends once."

Sunset blushed and looked away, "W-Well, we never officially dated. He was too shy when it came to romance but i would be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about us being together sometimes."

"Then you should go to him."

"I-I don't know..."

"Sunset you are not going to feel any better if you keep these feelings bottled up inside you. You need to be face to face with this......stallion and work things out with him."

"Y-your right..." Sunset answered before going in her backpack and pulling out the journal she uses to contact Twilight, "Twilight and Emerald used to be study partners, maybe she has an idea where he is."

"You are doing the right thing Sunset, darling."

"I hope so." answered Sunset as she started to write in the journal.

Zebrafrica; Savannah Palace

"Are you certain this is a good idea?" questioned Princess Sahara as she walked back and forth in her chambers with Zooma standing by the door.

"I am," Zooma answered, "My brother gave his life protecting him and if they find my nephew before I do...."

"It won't come to that my friend." assured Sahara, "Shaman Zecora is keeping a close eye on him. She had never failed us yet."

"I'm still going to Equestria, he should at least meet his aunt for the first time."

"Alright...just be careful. you know how some ponies are in Equestria."

"Don't worry....I still remember when Emerald was a baby. Lemon and Zan was so happy, to be honest I was quiet jealous but it pains me that I had to stay away from them for so long."

"I understand your pain. Take as long as you need. And not to worry I have Arbez and Rayas to keep me company."

Zooma nodded before giving the zebra princess a quick hug before exiting her chambers and making her ways through the halls of the palace. She was afraid to see Emerald again, he most likely wouldn't remember her personally but it's better than never. She would have to stop in Canterlot and see how Lemon is doing, it was always a treat seeing her again. She gave a chuckle and looked out the windows, gazing at the plains of Zebrafrica.

"We'll bring him home. For you Zanzabar."

Author's Note

Hey guys! I thought it was time to get he plot started already! So a lot of stuff happened this chapter!

Who was Zan protecting Emerald from? What is wrong with Emerald in Ponyville? How will he react to his Aunt's and Sunset's return?

The next one should be out soon! I hope....

Chapter 2

Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns
Classroom B

Emerald tried to keep his eyes open as he almost banged his head on the table for the third time. He expected them to learn and test new spells, and also learn about some great wizard long ago, but instead he was hearing the backstory of his teacher, who introduced himself as Star Haze but to address him as Mr.Haze. He looked to his right and saw that Sunset was in a similar state as he was in, Sunburst to his left however was enjoying the lecture as he sat at the edge of his seat with a big smile on his face.

"Alright, class," he finally finished as Emerald and Sunset let out a breath of relief, "Before we get started it seems we have a new face joining us this semester."

Emerald mentally gulped as Mr.Haze motioned to him in that back of the classrooms as all eyes were now on the zebra colt. Emerald sulked in his chair in embarrassment, Sunset tried to pick him back up but he refused to move. "Come on, young colt. How about you stand up and introduce yourself in front of the class."

Emerald hesitantly looked to Sunset and Sunburst who both nodded, he slowly stood and walked to the front of the class. He could hear the whispers and see the stares that he got from the other students as he walked by.

"He looks weird."

"What's with the stripes?"

"That mane looks ridiculous."

He tried to tone out the other small unicorns whispers as he made it to the front of the class, he felt like he could pass out at any minute. He could see Sunburst waving in the back with an assuring grin while Sunset was giving him a comforting one. A cough from Mr.Haze snapped him from his thoughts, "How about you start with your name, young one." he said as Emerald nodded.

"U-uhm, my name is Emerald Crescent and-"

"Why do you look like that?" shouted a random colt.

Emerald flinched a little at the comment as Mr.Haze gave the student a stern look to keep quiet, "W-well I'm part zebra, and my dad is a zebra so yeah."

"But why would anypony want to be with a zebra? They're just no good troublemakers that nobody cares about." said the same colt.

Emerald was at a shock, "That's not true!" retorted Emerald, "Zebras are kind, and have been known to help others in need!"

"And where did you learn that?"

"I read it in a book!"

The colt just laughed, "You dolt! Just because it's in a book doesn't mean it's true! I bet your dad is just like the others!"

Emerald tried to say something back, but couldn't he never knew his dad. Lemon would always tell him stories about him and other zebras and he knows that she wouldn't lie to him. This colt was just being a jerk, Mr.Haze could sense the hostility and decided to step in, "Alright, Emerald I think you should go back to your seat," he announced as Emerald walked back. "and that'll be enough out of you Blueblood!"

Emerald meanwhile sat back down in his eat with a sorrowful look on his features, he could feel Sunset's and Sunburst's hooves on his shoulders. He wished he would have never went up there and just sat in his seat and kept quiet, he sniffed and wipes a tear at the corner of his eye. He could feel the colt, known as Blueblood, giving him a cocky grin as Mr.Haze started the lecture for the day.

Emerald just hope the rest of the day wouldn't be like this.

It was lunch time, Emerald wasn't as hungry after what happened in class, Sunburst ate his sandwich happily as Sunset just stared at the zebra with a worried look. "You know you don't have to listen to him right?" suddenly said Sunset.

"What?" replied Emerald with a confused expression.

"I said not to worry about that big bully, he'll go away if you'll ignore him."

"How do you know? What if he doesn't?"

Sunset put a hoof to her chin and was about to answer until Sunburst cut her off, "Why don't you just tell an adult? I'm sure they'll talk to him about it."

"Your right!" exclaimed Emerald, "Why didn't I think about that?"

"Do you even know who Blueblood is?" asked Sunset as Sunburst and Emerald shook their heads, "He's probably one of the richest ponies you'll meet excluding his parents, AND his aunt is Princess Celestia!"

Emerald and Sunburst sighed in defeat, well that plan was out of the question, the zebra colt had never faced a bullying problem before. Most of the ponies he met in Canterlot were kind to him, was it because he was just a kid? Will he get bullied even more when he get's older? All these questions ran through his head, it irritated him because he had no answers. So far Sunset and Sunburst were the only ones who were considered him as a friend.

Part of him kind of wished he never got his cutie mark so he wouldn't have to come to this school after what happened in class. Emerald let out a sad sigh as he thought what his dad would do in a situation like this. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks, his mom always told him how great of a guard his father was to the Princess of Zebrafrica, so if he could just have the courage like him he could stand up to Blueblood and maybe he'll leave him alone!

"Emerald?" the voice of Sunburst snapped Emerald from his thoughts as he shook his head.

"Are you alright you were spacing off for a while." added Sunset.

"N-No I'm fine it's just-"

"Well, look who it is." scoffed Blueblood who cut of Emerald's statement as he walked up to the table the zebra colt and his friends were sitting at. Sunburst and Sunset both glared at the white unicorn colt as Emerald just shied away in fear. "What do you want Blueblood." spat out Sunset.

"I have no business with you!" replied Blueblood, "My business is with the dirty zebra!"

"Hey!" called out Sunburst, "There is no need to be calling names!"

"Who said I was calling names? I was just stating on what he naturally is, everypony in Canterlot thinks the same thing. I'm just stating facts."

"Just leave us alone! We don't have to listen to you!" added Sunset.

Blueblood's face went red with anger as he grit his teeth, but then grew a smirk as he glanced at Emerald who was shaking in fear, "I don't have to listen to you, I'm the nephew of Celestia herself!" he turned his attention to Emerald, "And what about you! You were all high and mighty back in class, but now here you are cowering behind your marefriend and this geek!"

Emerald flinched at the insult, as Blueblood began to grin knowing that he hit his mark. But he was far from over, "Hiding like a coward! Heh, i bet your dad wasn't even what you said! I bet he's just a coward like the rest of your kind!"

The zebra, unicorn colt eyes widened as he felt a sharp pain in his chest and something heavy drop to his stomach. Sunset and Sunburst looked back at the colt and saw the tears starting to form at the corners of his eyes, Sunset glared at the white colt and was about to say something until she felt her cousin tap her shoulder and point back to Emerald. She followed his hoof and saw that Emerald had a stern look toward Blueblood and tears streaming down his cheeks, what worried her though was the yellow glow emitting from his horn.

"E-Emerald?" softly said Sunset snapping the zebra colt from his state. He had finally noticed that his horn was glowing brightly, he dimmed it down until it was back to it's normal state. Sunburst could only stare at what he just witnessed, he never knew that Emerald was this powerful in magic, Sunset walked over to Emerald's side and pulled hi in a tight embrace as he sobbed in her shoulder.

"Freak." muttered Blueblood as he walked away from the trio as Sunburst glared as he watched him go. He turned back to Sunset embracing Emerald embracing Emerald and joined in. His and Sunset's could only feel guilt as he kept repeating one word softly as he cried on to Sunsets shoulder.

"D-daddy."

Two hours later
Emerald's and Lemon's house

Emerald sat up on his bed, as he just stared at his plate in front of him. Sunset and Sunburst had been kind enough to make him feel a little better, but every time Blueblood would look at him in class it reminded him of how small he was to the white unicorn and after what he said about his dad....he just broke down. When Lemon had picked him up she noticed his solemn expression, she was shocked to hear what happened between him and Blueblood.

But at least he still managed to make friends, she felt a little guilty about what happened though. She should've known that their were some ponies who thought that way about zebras in Canterlot. What really broke her heart was when her started to cry for her husband Zan, she gave the little colt a nuzzle and picked him up and placed him on her back and headed home.

Now Emerald just sat on his bed, with conflicting thoughts on if he should go back to that school or not. He didn't want to see Blueblood again, but at the same time he didn't want to abandon Sunset and Sunburst. Emerald's horn lit up as he levitated a book with the label, 'Zebrafrica' on the front, he opened to where he last left off and started read. After a while a knock from his door snapped him from his reading as he looked at the door and saw his mom peek her head inside.

"Hey, Emerald feeling better?" she asked softly as she walked in the room.

"Y-yeah, a little." he answered with a sad smile.

Lemon laid down next to her son on the bed as she noticed the book in front of him, "Doing a little reading I see?" she said with a smile as Emerald nodded.

"Yep, I couldn't think of anything else to do."

"What about your magic lessons? I'm sure you had homework."

"I finished already."

Lemon's eyes widened, "Really? That fast?"

Emerald nodded as he levitated the scrolls he got from class by him and Lemon, "Yeah, they were pretty easy."

Lemon looked over the scrolls with a surprised expression still plastered on her face, for a colt Emerald's age these were pretty advanced spells and he said they were easy. Well, she should've expected this since his special talent was magic and could be able t use his horn with ease. "Oh!, Emerald," piped up Lemon catching Emerald's attention, "You have a visitor and she really wants to meet you."

Emerald tilted his head in confusion, "Really? Who?," he asked as Lemon just giggled. She hopped of the bed and opened the door as the zebra colt's eyes widened at who was standing in the door way. There standing was a tall alabaster alicorn mare with a rainbow mane and tail flowing in a nonexistent wind, and wearing golden royal garments and crown.

Princess Celestia smiled at the little colt's expression at her arrival, she watch as Lemon bow and give a little cough motioning Emerald to do the same. "You may rise my little pony," said Celestia as Lemon and Emerald rose, "Mrs.Pine would you mind if I spoke to your son alone?"

"Of course not Princess, take all the time you need." replied Lemon before giving Emerald one last nuzzle and heading out the door, leaving the alicorn princess and zebra colt alone in the room.

"Hello, and what might your name be little one?" she asked, although she already knew the answer from Lemon.

"I-I'm Emerald C-Crescent." replied Emerald a bit nervous.

"There is no need to be nervous, just think of me as any other pony," Emerald nodded, "I heard you didn't have a great first experience at my school."

Emerald flinched a bit, "Y-yeah, it was fun at first but...one colt just said really mean things about me."

"And what were these things, if it is okay to ask."

"W-well, he said that zebras was dirty, trouble makers and," Emerald eyes widened at who he was talking to, "You've met Zebras have you!"

Celestia flinched a bit at the sudden change of Emerald's tone but smile at his curiosity, "Yes, I have and they are one of the nicest creatures you'll meet, especially you father."

"You knew my dad?"

Celestia nodded, "I didn't know him personally, but from what I saw he was a selfless zebra who desperately cared for his family. I'm sure if he had the choice he would still be with us today."

Emerald tried to fight tears,"I-I just wished I knew what he was like, I h-heard stories from Mom but.."

"It's okay, Emerald I understand what you are trying to say, we all miss him and I'm sure whatever Blueblood said I can assure you that none of it is true."

Emerald looked at her with a confused expression as he still tried to fight tears, "H-how did you know?"

"A little filly named Sunset Shimmer was brave enough and inform me of the situation," Celestia says with a smile as Emerald's ears perked up at the mention of Sunset's name, "It seems you made a very strong friendship with her and her cousin for her to come all the way to my throne room."

"She really did that?"

"Mmmhmm, and because of that I have made her my personal student."

"Really! That's awesome! But if she's your student.."

"Don't worry she'll still be in your class, Mrs.Shimmer will just have private lessons with me from time to time."

Emerald let out a breath of relief, he didn't expect Sunset to do this for him, they just met. He's going to have to thank her when he goes back tomorrow. He stopped his train of thought, when he went back? Why would he go back when he knows he'll be picked on again, but then again....at least Sunset and Sunburst would be there with him and who knows maybe he'll make some more friends.

"You seem to be in a good mood." teased Celestia as Emerald blushed in embarrassment as he didn't even know that he was smiling to himself.

"Princess?" he asked.

"Yes, Emerald?"

"Do you think I'll be able to make friends?"

Celestia just smiled, "It is not up to me I'm afraid, that Emerald is something you must do for yourself."

Emerald nodded, "A-alright, I'll try to make as many friends as I can! A-and..and..if they don't want to be my friend I'll just find more!"

The alicorn giggled at the colts enthusiasm, it was cute and could tell that he inherited it from Zan. He looked just like him as well excluding the mane horn and color of his fur, she would have to keep an eye on him more as he grew up. She knew that ponies tend to be prejudice to things that are different and it saddened her that there wasn't much she could do about it.

"You are a very special child Emerald, I'm sure you'll be able to make more friends," smiled Celestia as she headed towards the door, "I'm afraid I have to be departing, but before I go I want to say one last thing."

"What is it?"

"It's not ponies who tell you what you are, it's you. You choose who you want to be."

"I-I think I understand, thank you Princess."

"You are very welcomed Emerald, and I hope we meet again."

Emerald watched the Princess leave his room leaving him alone, bur he wasn't feeling sorrow or remorse any more. He felt relieved and happy, the princess was right after all, only he can say who he truly is and nopony else. He levitated his book back over and continued his reading on Zebrafrica and then moving on with some extra studies on unicorn magic.

After a few hours he let out a small yawn and retired to his bed, he didn't even notice Lemon coming n his room as he was fast asleep. She smiled at the colt and gave him a peck on his forehead as his cute little snores filled her ears. She blew out the light and exited the room as Emerald laid in his bed with his eyes closed and a smile across his mussel.

Author's Note

HERE is another chapter! I hope you guys are enjoying it so far! I know I am! :pinkiehappy:

Comment below on what you think! I love the feedback!

Chapter 13

Everfree Forest
Present Day

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

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

"Hmm?" She answered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

House of Fleur De Lis and Fancy Pants
17 years ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Thank you Fancy, and please hurry."

"Of course dear."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Why were you sad?"

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

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

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

"Y-You think so!"

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

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

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

Everfree Forest
Present Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He was really going to like this new job.

House of Fleur De Lis and Fancy Pants
17 years ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Author's Note

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

As always comment on what you think of the chapter!