The Zebrican Ambassadorby Arcane_SigilChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 1Celestia stared wide eyed at the display in front of her. Luna was half asleep, yet still entranced. A smile played at the corners of Celestia’s mouth as she fought to keep her wings from stiffening, a “wing boner” as many a Pegasus called it. “I will never understand the strange customs of Zebras.” She thought to herself as the Zebra Prince spent his seed in the third of seven mares. It wasn’t a mating ritual, to prove the prowess of the Zebra Prince to the Princesses of Equestria. They weren’t there in order to be bred. They were there for diplomatic reasons. This was just a monthly celebration. Each of these mares had come of age to bare a foal. Zebrican Age at least. While in Equestria, it was proper for a mare of adult age and no younger to bare a foal, in Zebrica, the rules were very different. Zebrican Princes were required to breed with each mare that came of age, no matter how many there were. Not even siblings of the Prince were forbidden. Any of his younger sisters were required to allow their big brothers to breed them. Leaning to the side, Celestia asked the question she knew was burning in her sister’s mind. “Is it impolite to request a private audience with the Prince when this is all over?” she asked the senator that had come with them. She merely shook her head, her eyes closing for just the briefest moment. Celestia knew she’d get a proper answer after the display, but until then they merely had to enjoy the show. “I am very thankful I didn’t bring Twilight with me. The poor dear would be beside herself, if she hadn’t fainted by now.” Celestia thought as the Prince spent his latest load inside the womb of his current partner. Three to go. She noticed a smile form on Luna’s face out of the corner of her eye as the Prince sauntered around the room again, as was custom. Unlike the old tradition in Equestria involving public orgies, where the lucky stallions would just move on to the next mare, in Zebrican Tradition, the Prince would strut around the room, his cock hard and ready for the next mare, while attendants assisted his previous partner in leaving the building. Celestia couldn’t help but admire the length and girth of the Prince’s equipment, and knew that if she had the gall to look away and check, her sister would be just as drenched as she herself felt. The fourth mare walked in and Celestia’s eyes widened. This young filly was the picture of Zebrican beauty. Where her stripes were sparse, her coat was as pure white as Celestia’s own. Her stripes were as dark as the deepest black, and her eyes drew Celestia’s attention the most. A bright, vibrant blue, almost silver in color. The tribal marking on her rump looked, for all the world, like the sun surrounding a vial or medical bottle. A scientist devoted to the sun. Celestia watched as the mare followed the Prince’s path before walking to the center of the room, turning to face the Chieftain and his guests, and lifting her tail. Immediately, Celestia cast the subtlest, quickest spell she could. Time Manipulation. Everything around her slowed to the dullest crawl, as if the world were attempting to slog through thick molasses. She had to check. Just had to. Leaving her seat, she walked over to the mare and crouched down, mirroring her posture. Her eyes were in fact completely silver, not vibrant blue. They were so silver they were almost white. Possibly the rarest beauty she’d ever seen in Zebrica. Making a mental note to ask the Chieftain about her, as well as Twilight’s Zebra friend Zecora when she returned, she slowly walked around the mare. When she got behind her, she noticed a small mark on her rump, near her plump, mid wink pussy. Bending down to get a better look, Celestia nearly gasped, barley managing to hold it back, before teleporting back to her seat and ending her spell. As if nothing had happened, the Prince stepped up to the mare, positioned himself, and plunged into her. She shouted in ecstasy as he began pistoning into her, but Celestia’s mind was no longer focused on the ritual. That mark on the mare’s rump. As if seeing her sister lost in thought, Luna nudged her and snaked her own mind into Celestia’s. “What is it sister?” Luna asked mentally. “That mare, sister. When this is over, I must speak with her. It’s important. I can’t tell you why, but you must help me with this.” Celestia responded and Luna shot her sister a strange look but nodded before turning back to the display. Later that evening, Luna “distracted” the chieftain while Celestia used a spell to turn invisible, as well as a second spell to change her appearance to that of an albino zebra mare with a golden mane and tail, and followed the mare she’d been focused on. She had to be sure. Once she’d left the tent, she canceled the invisibility spell and followed the mare. Ignoring the looks and whistles she got from the stallions around her, albino zebras being both rare and status symbols, she followed the mare from the ritual to a tent near the outskirts of the village. Approaching the tent flap, Celestia swallowed and carefully peeked inside. “Zinia?” She asked and the mare looked up and turned to look at her. “Ah. I apologize. You must have been at the ritual. Did you... not get a turn?” “No, it’s not that. You are Zinia, aren’t you?” Celestia asked again and the mare nodded. “Yes, I am. Do I know you?” Zinia asked and Celestia felt tears come to her eyes as she rushed forward, her disguise forgotten as she swooped her dearest Zebra friend into her forelegs in a crushing hug. “Tia? But... I thought... aren’t you...? Shouldn’t you be with the chieftain? I thought the agreement was that after the ritual, he would summon one of the performers to join himself and the two of you in his chambers.” “Zinia, I just had to be sure. I’ve missed you so my friend.” “I’ve missed you too but... Mmf!” Zinia exclaimed as Celestia’s lips claimed hers. Only a moment’s hesitation passed before the Zebra dancer returned the kiss with just as much zeal as the Princess. When the two of them parted for breath, Zinia felt Celestia’s head against her shoulder, her horn draped over. “Tia, I missed you, but you must remember. I went to Equestria to escape my village, and you convinced me to return. You convinced me to forgive them.” “I know, Zinia, I know. I just... I didn’t think I would miss you this much. I wish there were a way I could take you home with me. Things are so different in Equestria now.” Celestia said as she trailed kisses along Zinia’s neck. Hearing hoofsteps approaching, they parted and Celestia cast her invisibility spell again. “Dancer Zinia, you have been chosen to partner with the Chieftain and the Princesses tonight. They expect you at the tent at dusk.” A Zebra warrior said and Zinia nodded, unconsciously moving to stand between him and the invisible princess. The warrior retreated and Zinia turned around to speak again, only to be interrupted by a surprisingly forceful kiss from Celestia, the Alicorn’s tongue finding its way into the dancer’s mouth. Zinia returned her former lover’s attentions, pressing as close as she could to Celestia without straining herself too badly, before breaking the kiss and stepping back. “Tia, you heard him. I have been chosen by the Chieftain. I will bear his next son, and then I am useless to the Tribe.” “What do you mean?” “I will be sent into exile after the birth. No Zebra Stallion wants the used mare of the Chieftain. If I hadn’t been chosen, I would have had my pick of the warriors, or I could have left of my own accord. After the birth of the next prince, I will be exiled.” “Then you will come to Equestria. You can be with me again.” Celestia said, attempting to pepper the mare with kisses. “No, Tia, you don’t understand. I may be exiled from the tribe, but they will still keep tabs on me. They will keep sentries watching me when they go hunting. Until the day I am eaten by a lion, I will have eyes on me.” “There must be something I can do...” “There is nothing, Tia. I cannot go to Equestria, or they will send the Zeru after me. Hunters who specialize in assassination. Everyone would be in danger.” “Zinia, I can protect you. I am the Princess of Equestria. If you are with me, they wouldn’t dare harm you.” Celestia said and Zinia smiled and shook her head. “There is no point, Tia. I’m sorry.” She said and Celestia stared at the floor, her eyes darting left and right as she attempted to remember everything she knew about the Zebrican continent. As her eyes fell on a small ivory claw, she followed it up to the head of an immaculately carved ivory statue. Of a wolf. “That’s it. The wolf clan here in Zebrica. They’re cousins of the clan that lives in Equestria. If you can make it to them, they can help you get to their cousins. You would be free.” “Tia I...” “If you are sold as a slave to the Shadow Clan in Equestria, you will no longer be a Zebrican citizen, and even if the Zeru come after you, your ‘masters’ will protect you. The King of the Shadow Clan barely lets ponies into his citadel. A group of Zebra Assassins wouldn’t make it past the front gate without being shot down by arrows.” Celestia said and Zinia sighed and pressed her lips to Celestia’s to silence her before she rambled on further. “Tia... even if I go to the Zebrican wolf clan, I will still not be safe... it could take months, even years, before they can transport me to their cousins in Equestria. By then, the Zeru would have found me and done their jobs.” She said and Celestia stared at her lover and friend. “I wouldn’t be too sure of that.” A voice said from the tent flap behind them, causing Celestia to actually jump. “Sorry, couldn’t help but overhear. Name’s Luma. I’m from the Light Clan. Miss Zinia, correct?” The wolf asked as she strode forward. Zinia nodded and Luma stopped a couple inches away, Zinia leaning back as much as she could. “Hm, yes, I can see how this could work.” She said as she sat down. “You’d be as safe as a new born pup in the Shadow Clan’s citadel. No one gets through their borders without permission from the King or the Prince. Even the Zeru would find it impossible to infiltrate.” Luma said and Celestia stared at her. “But...” “Why am I here? I’m participating in the ritual. After the Zebra mares get all filled up, the rest of the studs get to go about the town and find a female they want and just go to town. And, as a wolf, even if one of the Zebra Studs here knocks me up, I get to leave. Diplomatic immunity princess.” Luma said and Celestia stared at her. “By the way, your sister is already in the queue to go first once the ritual is over.” “I thought she might be. She had her eyes on the Prince.” “I noticed. So, what’s your word, pretty mare?” Luma asked, looking at Zinia. “I... I don’t... I’m not sure I could... leave...” “Hey, if it makes you feel better, they’ll think you’re dead.” Celestia’s eyes widened before narrowing as she stared at the wolf. “After all, t’ get ya outa here, I gotta eat ya.” “What? But that’s impossible. Zinia is the same size as you are, and she would die in your stom...” Celestia froze as Luma produced a vial with a reddish purple liquid in it. “What is that?” “A shrinking and acid-immunity potion. The acid immunity is for your benefit, the shrinking is for mine. Like you said Princess, she’s the same size as me. I’d be lucky if I could get her leg own my throat whole. If I shrink her, down she goes, easy as that. As for the acid immunity, well, sneaking her out of Zebrica in my stomach runs the risk of her melting down unless she’s immune to the acids, right?” “Where did you get that? Zecora doesn’t have the herbs necessary in Equestria to make one of those.” “Did I mention my cousins in the Shadow Clan are assassins who brew this stuff up for a living?” Luma asked as she downed the potion, letting out a grape scented belch. “Pardon.” “How long exactly does that last?” “Two years. Normal food, I can eat. Living objects will be safe. Um... demonstration... demonstration... ah... Princess, take off your shoe.” The wolf said and Celestia merely twitched her ear, nodded and removed one of her shoes. Luma then proceeded to take Celestia’s hoof, gently, and slowly begin to swallow it. Her throat bulged seemingly painfully, and Celestia could feel the wolf female all around her leg. Before too long, Luma’s muzzle was pressed against Celestia’s side and her foreleg was resting in the wolf’s stomach. A few moments later, long enough that the acids would have started melting away at Celestia’s fur and skin, Luma moved backwards, Celestia’s foreleg coming free with a pop. “There, see. Completely safe, if a little slimy.” Celestia nodded, levitating a cleaning rag over to her and wiping her leg clean. As Luma promised, there wasn’t even a blemish on the Princess’s leg. “So? We have a deal?” Celestia contemplated for a moment as she turned to Zinia. The Zebra mare stared at Luma for a moment before nodding. “When my child is born and I am exiled, you may swallow me to transport me to Equestria.” Zinia said and Luma smiled and nodded. “Excellent. Now, I hate to do this princess, but my fee...” Celestia sighed and looked at Luma expectantly. “Three days with your student.” “I’m sorry?” “I want three uninterrupted days with Twilight Sparkle. I know a few spells that I’m sure she’d love to study, and if I’m be honest, that mare makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. I don’t need bits, the Light Clan has thousands in gold bars, so I just want three days with Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia thought for a moment then nodded. “I will run it by Twilight.” The Princess said and Luma smiled as her tail wagged through the dirt behind her. “Perfect. That’s all I ask. A year and one month. Once the child is born, you’re all mine Missy Zinia. I’ll be here for another couple weeks, then I’m heading out on a safari with a couple others from my Clan. We won’t be easy to miss if you head east when you’re exiled. Just look for the tents with white wolves emblazoned on the sides.” Luma said before disappearing out of the tent. “Are you sure you want this Zinia? I know she promised you would be safe but...” “Tia... if it means I can be with you when all of this is over, then I will risk anything.” Zinia said, claiming Celestia’s lips with her own. Chapter 2Zinia stared at her reflection in the polished obsidian her “betrothed” had given her as a gift. It wasn’t truly for her. It was for the child in her womb. A child who was to be born soon. Today was her last day with her tribe. The moment her child was born, she would be exiled with just enough food and water to last her a week. In that time, she would have found Luma, and her time in Zebrica would be over. That was her hope at least. Her stomach was heavy with child, her teats had swollen to produce the milk her new baby would need. “No, you mustn’t think like that Zinia. This child is not yours. It belongs to the chieftain. You are worthless in his eyes.” She thought to herself. Today, the medicine mares would induce labor. She would give birth to the child and be exiled. Then she would follow Luma’s path, and be taken away from here. To Equestria. To her Tia. Hearing the beads on her tent flap rattle, she turned around and nodded. Two mares, wearing clothe masks with fertility symbols on them, entered silently. They were there to escort her to the Medicine Mare. Turning around, she walked to the tent flap, peeked over her shoulder, and bade a silent goodbye to her home of the last sixteen winters. Following the mares, Zinia couldn’t help but notice their markings. The Twins. Hesta and Decca. The personal attendants of the Medicine Mare, as well as her own personal partners. Each marking was a compliment of the other. Hesta’s marking was a half-moon with half of a heart in its center. Decca’s marking was the opposite side. Studs and other mares stepped aside as the two approached, Zinia in between the two of them. The Twins weren’t forbidden by any means. They had their trysts, as well as their times in the breeding ritual, but the two of them together were too much for any one stud. They came as a pair. If a stud wished to bed one, her twin would join them. Keeping silent, Zinia walked with them to the birthing tent, where the Medicine Mare stood silently outside. Mevali, the Medicine Mare, as well as Hesta and Decca’s mother. The most respected, and feared, mare in the entire tribe. It was joked, though only slightly, that Mevali was capable of murdering a zebra and getting away with it. A mistress of all things medicinal and mystical, Mevali knew how to utilize the parts of a body for food and brews and make it appear as though they’d merely vanished. Stopping in front of Mevali, Zinia stared as the Medicine Mare stood on her hind legs and began the Fertility Dance. It wasn’t entirely necessary, as Zinia was already pregnant, but Mevali said it helped make the birthing process easier. While Mevali danced, Hesta and Decca helped Zinia lay on her side, her tail tied in a tight loop so it wouldn’t get any dirtier than it needed to be. By the time Zinia was relaxed and ready, Mevali’s dance had ended. Unbidden, Zinia began to push. Two rituals before, she had been allowed into the Medicine Mare’s tent to assist. Her foal sitter had been chosen and was going through this. She’d wanted Zinia there. Decca stood behind Zinia, her face hidden beneath the mask, while her sister stood at Zinia’s tail, a small rag in her grasp to clean the foal or filly. It made the expectant mother flush, knowing she was this exposed for a mare her own age. It wasn’t very long before the ritual was done. Zinia heard the wails of the baby and looked over her shoulder to see Hesta wrap her little one in the rag, cleaning its face so it could breathe and see. “You must go now.” Mevali said, causing Zinia to jump. The Medicine Mare was rumored to be mute, having never spoken to anyone before. “If you are here when the chieftain arrives to claim his child, you will be taken to the front gates of the camp and cast out. You must go now if you wish to escape here.” “Thank you... Mevali.” Zinia said as Decca helped her to her hooves. “My daughter will escort you to your friend’s camp. From there, you are on your own.” Zinia nodded and struggled against hugging the old medicine mare before she and Decca walked out of a flap in the side of the tent. Once through it, Decca through a cloak over the soon to be exile and the two of them walked to the front gates. “Thank you Decca...” Zinia said and Decca shushed her with a look. Of the two, Decca was mute, but she made up for it with her gentility and passion for life. They only stopped once as guards walked passed the path. If they were caught, Zinia would be taken before the chieftain and killed. Following Decca’s path, Zinia stayed close on the other mare’s tail. When Decca stopped, Zinia stopped. When Decca crouched, Zinia crouched. The path they took was long and winding, but it was necessary. If it was discovered that Zinia had escaped the tribe, they could trace the trail back to the Medicine Mare and her daughters. When they reached the gate, Decca looked around and nodded then stepped aside and wrote goodbye in the dirt with her hoof. “Goodbye Decca... thank your mother for me...” Zinia said and Decca nodded, jerking a little as Zinia leapt on her and hugged her. Of all of the mares in the tribe, Decca and her sister had never been touched before. Reluctantly, she returned Zinia’s hug then watched as her new friend disappeared into the savannah. “Are we friends?” Decca thought to herself as she turned around and made her way back to her mother’s tent, following the same path. “I would like that...” Luma stretched and yawned, her stomach firm and hard after a good meal. The hunt had been a success. Ten water buffalo. Their hides and meat would feed and clothe the clan for months to come. They’d celebrated by cooking some water buffalo steaks. As well as participating in some frivolity and frolicking. When you were camped near a Zebra tribe, the males were wont to “sample the local flavors”. Sighing, she relaxed on her side near the fire to keep warm. It was dusk. The last day of her hunting trip. Zinia was expected soon, and they would leave first thing in the morning, Luma one passenger heavier. She hadn’t informed Zinia of exactly how she was going to transport her, but she had made mention of the shrinking potion for a reason. It wouldn’t shrink the Zebra Mare enough to be swallowed whole and not make some sort of bump, so her companions had come up with a better solution. They’d been out here for months now. It wasn’t beyond the realm of possibility that, in her boredom, Luma had lifted tail for one of her escorts. The only ones who would know better were her two cousins. The pompous ass who called himself the Prince of the Fire Clan, and the gorgeous hunk of a wolf who ruled over the Shadow Clan with his father. Luma didn’t take males into her bed. Strictly females only. Hearing the clopping of hooves, Luma looked up, expecting to see Zinia. Instead, two other Zebra ran up, both of them panting and struggling to stay standing. “Well? What did you find?” Luma asked in their native tongue, the only tongue they understood. “The tribe... sent hunters. Find Zinia. Execute.” “Have they already found her?” Luma asked and the first one shook his head. “No. Tricky. Helped by Shaman’s daughters.” The first one said, the second one nodding so rapidly, Luma felt he would need a massage. And a damn good fucking. They’d done well and deserved a reward. But first. “Go find her. Escort her here. She just gave birth, she shouldn’t be out there alone. I know you don’t like them, but take my weapons.” She said and the first one looked at the pipe lying next to Luma’s cot. Her gun. A weapon developed by an Equestrian business-stallion for use in the Zebrican wild-lands, in case of lions. “I know you don’t like them. I wouldn’t tell you to take them if it wasn’t an emergency.” She said as she stood and touched their shoulders. “I’ll tell you what, if you get her back here before dawn, I’ll let you have a reward before we leave. “I know you’ve been eyeing my medic. If you get Zinia here before dawn, I’ll let you bed her.” Luma said, ignoring the sputter from the other side of camp. “Deal?” Both Runners nodded before turning on their heels, Luma’s guns over their shoulders, and taking off to get Zinia. “Luma... why would you do that...?” The medic asked as she crawled over. “I’m the one that did their medical examinations... their dicks are as long and thick as your foreleg... there’s no way...” “I guess you should be practicing then, instead of complaining. I’ve seen you eyeballing them Ell. You don’t get to complain when you want to ride the Zebra’s just as bad as they want to rut you.” Elena groaned and turned around, swatting her friend in the nose with her tail. “You fuckin’ owe me Luma. Cripes I’m gonna be walkin’ funny for a month...” she complained as she walked away to set up her cot. Luma just smiled. She knew she’d gotten to her friend when she’d heard the twang. A member of the Farmer Guild of her Clan, Elena of the Light was one of the toughest, strongest, and most well versed medical warriors she’d ever met. If Elena couldn’t handle a couple rowdy Zebra Stallions, she had no right to complain about how hard the males in heat rammed her. Hearing a howl from the direction her escorts had run off in, Luma knew Zinia had been spotted by her own scouts. A second howl rang out further from the first. She was being followed. With how quickly that howl rang out, Luma knew she was in trouble. Swearing to herself, she rummaged through her bag and pulled out a vial that gave of a strange blue glow. “Luma, what is that?” One of her allies asked and Luma looked up at him. Strong build, well-muscled, sturdy, and he could take an impact. That had been proven when he’d staved off a Rhino by ramming his shoulder into its charging head, narrowly avoiding the horn. “I need to borrow your strength for a moment.” She said as she downed the vial, turned to him and plastered her lips against his. He groaned in pleasure for a moment before slumping over, unconscious. As he dropped, his body changed. His muscles vanished, his frame became less and less stocky as her own changed. Her muscles grew and she became a female version of him. Racing down the path, her legs carrying her faster than they ever had before, Luma kept her eyes straight ahead. They weren’t firing, but her guns were catching the moonlight in such a way they were like beacons. And if they weren’t firing, that meant one thing. It wasn’t Zebras. Ducking her head, Luma poured on the speed and rammed shoulder first into the Hyena at the head of the pack. The two of them went tumbling and Luma came out on top, growling down at him. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, easy cousin. Easy. We were just going to make a meal of this here exile. No biggy.” He said, holding up his forepaws and shielding his throat. “No, very biggy Gusto. That zebra mare is under my protection. I’m escorting her to Equestria, where she can be with Princess Celestia and be safe.” Luma growled and the Hyena stared up at her before chuckling a little. Her stare never broke and his laugh died down. “You’re not kidding? Jeez Cousin, she’s just a Zebra. It’s not like she can rock yer princess’s world or anything like thaeep.” Luma cut him off with a bite to the shoulder that she knew would keep him from running for a while. “Ok ok. I get it. She’s under your protection. Take ‘er and go.” Luma stepped off of him and stared at him as Gusto crawled to his feet and backed away towards his own pack. “Remember this little Zebra, one day you’ll come back here and ya won’t have yer wolf bitch t’ protect ya.” He snarled at Zinia until Luma snapped at him. Yelping, Gusto and his pack turned and peeled off, racing away. “Sorry about that Zinia. I should have had more escorts out there.” Luma said as she walked over to Zinia, her physic shrinking back to normal. “Let’s get you back to camp.” She said as she helped the shaking mare to her hooves. Zinia just nodded and leaned on Luma as the two walked back to the camp. Dawn would break in just a couple hours, and Luma was sure the Zebra was exhausted. A nap was definitely in order for her. Later that evening, the wolf clan expeditionary team packed up their gear on the transport and took one last look at Zebrica. It would be another six months before they could return. Things would have changed by then. Likely the tribes would have new leaders, new foals and fillies for the males to frolic with. Luma shook her head at the wistful glances of her companions before ever so carefully climbing the ramp onto the ship. Her stomach swayed just slightly, and one stallion at the top of the ramp offered his hoof to help her. “Oh, thank you.” She said with a smile. “My pleasure ma’am. A pregnant... wolf... such as yourself should not have to carry those heavy bags anyway.” He said and Luma smiled as he lifted the bags off of her back with his magic. Now she could relax somewhat, and take some weight off of Zinia. “Thank you again. My cabin number is on my bag. Could you leave them there?” She asked and the attendant nodded and strode off, head held high, tail whipping around to show off his equipment. “You really shouldn’t get him riled up like that Luma. What with your... condition.” Snow said and Luma huffed at him. “Yeah yeah, whatever. Get the rest of the gear packed onto the ship. It’s gonna be a long journey.” She said as she followed the path the attendant had taken. “Hang on Zinia, once we’re in my cabin, I’ll let you out for a couple hours while I shower.” She thought to herself, feeling her stomach roll a little as Zinia turned in her sleep. Chapter 3Stealing from the Sun is Treason. Celestia relaxed on her throne, the sun shining on her from the stained glass windows. The image was sheer beauty. In the eyes of a single wolf. The only other occupant, visible at least, in the room. Luma stared at Celestia and had to lick her lip to keep herself from drooling. If she had her way, she’d have the Princess screaming for release under her talented tongue. Sadly, the Princess had other plans. The first of which was to finish the cake sitting in front of her. Two more bites. Luma watched in silence as Celestia polished off the fork, fidgeting in place. “I swear, she does this on purpose...” Luma thought and Celestia smirked at her, as if hearing her thoughts, before finishing off the cake. “You bring me news, Expedition Captain Luma?” “I do, Princess Celestia. Um... you’re sure the guards aren’t going to burst in on us?” She asked and Celestia smiled, her horn lit, and the door flashed. “A spell of silence, as well as a lock. No one can come in, and no one will hear us.” Celestia said and Luma nodded before sitting back and pressing hard on the bottom of her stomach. “Would it be easier to use one of your potions?” “It would... but I left them in my room...” She said and Celestia sighed and shook her head, a smile still gracing her face, as Luma’s bags were teleported into the room. “Ah... thanks. That works I guess.” She said as she stood up, her bulging belly swaying, and looked through the bags. Celestia watched as she removed several potions before coming to one that was pink-ish in color. Close to the same color as Cadance’s coat. Downing the bottle, Luma coughed once, hiccupped, and suddenly she had sprouted a single tentacle from her back. Opening her mouth wide, the tentacle forced its way down her throat. Celestia watched, almost enraptured, as the tentacle bulged out Luma’s throat, traveled down into her stomach, and seemed to wrap around something before shrinking, her stomach reverting back as if she’d just rapidly digested the contents. Celestia watched as the tentacle traveled out of Luma’s throat, wrapped around something before expanding dramatically. With a slight pop and a puff of smoke, the tentacle vanished and Celestia had to cough to cover a gasp. Standing in the middle of the throne room was a Zebra Mare with the sun emblazoned on her rump. Luma coughed slightly and rubbed her throat. “Easiest way to transport her, Princess. She is technically a fugitive from Zebrica right now...” She said and Celestia nodded as she approached Zinia slowly. Zinia, for her part, stared up at Celestia as if waking from a dream. “Thank you, Luma...” “My payment?” She asked and Celestia nodded. “Of course.” Passing her a note, she smiled. “Show this to the guards at the door. They will take you to the treasury and you are welcome to as much as you can carry. In a bag. I know how your potions work Luma.” Celestia said and Luma smiled and nodded, taking the note and walking to the door. Picking Zinia up in her magic, she held the Zebra mare close to her. Zinia, for her part, still seemed dazed but as she woke out of it, she wrapped her forehooves around Celestia. “I missed you Tia...” “I missed you too, my flower...” Celestia said, holding Zinia close to her. Several of the guards muttered to themselves, but the older ones knew this little zebra. The Zinia Celestia had spoken of often. Her flower. A Zebra mare who had stolen Celestia’s heart in exchange for her own. Many miles away from Canterlot, in a cave, an orb soared across the ampitheater and shattered against the wall, several living corpses shying away from the pieces. “That blasted mare... finding a lover... she does this to spite me.” The stallion in the throne growled, being answered with silence. “Agree with me!” He roared and all of the corpses groaned in agreement, several merely nodding their heads, their voice boxes having rotted away. “Perhaps a reminder...” he said to himself as he waved a hoof, black smoke mingling with the necromantic green magic in the air keeping his army of corpses alive. The smoke twisted and rolled with the necromantic magic before slowly forming into a pine green stallion with a jet black mane and tail. “Travel to Canterlot. Woo Princess Luna. Breed with her if you will. Fill her belly with the corrosion of Necromancy. Remind Princess Celestia that it is I who should be sharing her bed, not some feckless Zebra mare.” He ordered and the stallion bowed and raced out of the cave. The stallion in the throne slumped slightly, resting his cheek on his hoof before pointing at one of his ghouls. “You. Fetch me another crystal. I wish to watch this.” He ordered and the ghoul jumped up, raced off, and vanished around the corner. Later that night, Luna walked the dreamscape, watching the dreams of all of her subjects carefully. Coming to a particular dream, she peeked in only to get slapped. “No peekies Princess.” The white wolf inside said and she blinked as the door closed in front of her. Luna blinked and sighed as she sat down outside of Luma’s door. She knew the wolf was expecting her now, but what did she have in mind in the dream realm? Hearing a knock, she looked in and her jaw went slack. Luma was wearing tight leggings in the same black as Luna’s regalia, a mask as dark as Luna’s collar, and a collar of her own. The emblem on the collar made Luna’s breath catch in her throat. A crescent moon. The same as her cutie mark. “So, coming in to claim your wolf? Or are you just gonna stand there and let the dream realm seep in and corrupt our space?” She asked and Luna strode into the room, slammed the door shut and pushed Lumina onto her back, the wolf yelping as Luna climbed atop her and kissed along her neck. “Remember our deal? I bring back something interesting from Zebrica, and you treat me like your personal little bitch? I waited until we were in a dream for a reason.” She said and Luna looked down at her canine lover. “I do not understand. What did you return with?” “I’m sure the news has reached your ears by now. The Zebra sharing Celestia’s bed. The same Zebra mare whose muzzle is currently buried in Celestia’s snatch.” She said and Luna blinked and looked to the side, a window peering into Celestia’s living realm room appearing. Just as Lumina said, there was Celestia, lying on her side, a Zebra mare’s head locked between her hind legs, the two of them sleeping soundly. Luna smiled as she saw how happy the Zebra mare made her sister. “Very well Lumina, you have earned your reward. What would you wish of me?” She asked and the wolf smiled and padded up to her. “One night alone with you is enough, my Goddess.” She said and Luna blushed as Lumina nuzzled against her. She’d heard that the wolf clans worshiped her moon as their Mother Goddess, but to hear it from Lumina herself that at least one wolf saw her as a Goddess was mildly unsettling. Despite the gentle nuzzles Lumina presented her Princess with. Luna stood still as Lumina nuzzled gently at her, moving only slightly as the wolf’s muzzle came near her jaw. “Do I not please you, my Goddess?” Lumina asked and Luna stepped back just slightly and looked down at the wolf. “It is not that, Lumina. I am... unused to attentions such as these.” “After one thousand years on the moon, it is understandable.” She said as she nuzzled against Luna’s chest before stopping. “Would you... like to dominate me?” She asked and Luna blushed. “Beg pardon?” “Dominate me. Command me. Order me. Make me do whatever you wish.” Lumina said and Luna’s blush deepened. “I... do not know if I would be comfortable with that.” She said and Lumina looked up at her. “Shall I... assist you, Princess?” She asked and Luna nodded slowly. Lumina rolled onto her back and looked up at her Goddess. “Order me to do whatever you wish. Whatever comes to mind.” She said and Luna looked at her from head to tail before coming to a conclusion. “Remove my regalia.” She said and Lumina jumped too her feet, eager to obey. “Yes Goddess.” She said as she ever so gently unclasped Luna’s collar with her teeth before going down one her belly to gently remove her boots. Luna stepped out of them as Lumina removed them, moving them to the side. “I... I know this is only a dream but... I will do anything for you, my Goddess.” Luna stared down at the wolf and nodded, her eyes closing momentarily. “Turn around, Lumina.” She said and Lumina stared at her for a moment before turning around slowly. Before Luna could get started in on her pet, she was roughly forced out of the dream realm. Looking up, she noticed one of her Night Guards panting in her door way. “Speak quickly. You interrupted a lovely dream.” She said and he looked up. “Princess Luna, the Zebra, Zinia. She is missing.” The guard said and Luna’s eyes widened as she leapt from her bed, ignoring her regalia and raced to Celestia’s side, the guard following. “Go and find Lumina the wolf. Order her to meet me in the throne room.” The guard nodded and peeled off as they came to a corridor while Luna flew to the throne room. If Zinia was missing, Celestia would be there organizing the search effort. As she burst into the room, she saw two guards fly out of the opened window, Celestia’s normally controlled mane whipping wildly. “Sister. I am here. I sent a guard to fetch Lumina.” “Thank you Luna.” Celestia said and Luna nodded. “If anyone can find Zinia, Lumina can.” She said as she approached Celestia slowly. “Sister, you must tell Twilight Sparkle. If Zinia entered the Everfree Forest, she will wish to know of another Zebra near Ponyville besides Zecora.” She said and Celestia nodded and levitated over a scroll, her magic shaking so badly she nearly dropped the ink. “Allow me. You are distracted.” Rather than wait to hear Celestia’s protests, she wrested the scroll, ink and quill from her sister and set them out on the table. Within a few moments, Luna had written the letter and sent it off with a burst of magical fire from her own horn. “Luna... how did...” “I observed you when you cast the spell. It was no trouble to replicate it.” She said and Celestia smiled and nuzzled her sister. “Thank you.” “We will find her, Sister. I promise.” Luna said and Celestia nodded, a map of Equestria floating over to her and creating a table below it to rest on. “Where could she be...?” Celestia asked herself as she scanned the map for any sign of a possible hide out for kidnappers. Author's Note Dun dun dun.. (dramatic reverb). Zinia is missing. Also, Luna and Lumina are an item. A SECRET Item. Hush Hush. Do not let the Guards know. Or anyone else. If you do, Lumina will eat you. You have been warned. Anyway, next chapter, we have the reveal of who our baddy is. Be waiting.
Chapter 1Celestia stared wide eyed at the display in front of her. Luna was half asleep, yet still entranced. A smile played at the corners of Celestia’s mouth as she fought to keep her wings from stiffening, a “wing boner” as many a Pegasus called it. “I will never understand the strange customs of Zebras.” She thought to herself as the Zebra Prince spent his seed in the third of seven mares. It wasn’t a mating ritual, to prove the prowess of the Zebra Prince to the Princesses of Equestria. They weren’t there in order to be bred. They were there for diplomatic reasons. This was just a monthly celebration. Each of these mares had come of age to bare a foal. Zebrican Age at least. While in Equestria, it was proper for a mare of adult age and no younger to bare a foal, in Zebrica, the rules were very different. Zebrican Princes were required to breed with each mare that came of age, no matter how many there were. Not even siblings of the Prince were forbidden. Any of his younger sisters were required to allow their big brothers to breed them. Leaning to the side, Celestia asked the question she knew was burning in her sister’s mind. “Is it impolite to request a private audience with the Prince when this is all over?” she asked the senator that had come with them. She merely shook her head, her eyes closing for just the briefest moment. Celestia knew she’d get a proper answer after the display, but until then they merely had to enjoy the show. “I am very thankful I didn’t bring Twilight with me. The poor dear would be beside herself, if she hadn’t fainted by now.” Celestia thought as the Prince spent his latest load inside the womb of his current partner. Three to go. She noticed a smile form on Luna’s face out of the corner of her eye as the Prince sauntered around the room again, as was custom. Unlike the old tradition in Equestria involving public orgies, where the lucky stallions would just move on to the next mare, in Zebrican Tradition, the Prince would strut around the room, his cock hard and ready for the next mare, while attendants assisted his previous partner in leaving the building. Celestia couldn’t help but admire the length and girth of the Prince’s equipment, and knew that if she had the gall to look away and check, her sister would be just as drenched as she herself felt. The fourth mare walked in and Celestia’s eyes widened. This young filly was the picture of Zebrican beauty. Where her stripes were sparse, her coat was as pure white as Celestia’s own. Her stripes were as dark as the deepest black, and her eyes drew Celestia’s attention the most. A bright, vibrant blue, almost silver in color. The tribal marking on her rump looked, for all the world, like the sun surrounding a vial or medical bottle. A scientist devoted to the sun. Celestia watched as the mare followed the Prince’s path before walking to the center of the room, turning to face the Chieftain and his guests, and lifting her tail. Immediately, Celestia cast the subtlest, quickest spell she could. Time Manipulation. Everything around her slowed to the dullest crawl, as if the world were attempting to slog through thick molasses. She had to check. Just had to. Leaving her seat, she walked over to the mare and crouched down, mirroring her posture. Her eyes were in fact completely silver, not vibrant blue. They were so silver they were almost white. Possibly the rarest beauty she’d ever seen in Zebrica. Making a mental note to ask the Chieftain about her, as well as Twilight’s Zebra friend Zecora when she returned, she slowly walked around the mare. When she got behind her, she noticed a small mark on her rump, near her plump, mid wink pussy. Bending down to get a better look, Celestia nearly gasped, barley managing to hold it back, before teleporting back to her seat and ending her spell. As if nothing had happened, the Prince stepped up to the mare, positioned himself, and plunged into her. She shouted in ecstasy as he began pistoning into her, but Celestia’s mind was no longer focused on the ritual. That mark on the mare’s rump. As if seeing her sister lost in thought, Luna nudged her and snaked her own mind into Celestia’s. “What is it sister?” Luna asked mentally. “That mare, sister. When this is over, I must speak with her. It’s important. I can’t tell you why, but you must help me with this.” Celestia responded and Luna shot her sister a strange look but nodded before turning back to the display. Later that evening, Luna “distracted” the chieftain while Celestia used a spell to turn invisible, as well as a second spell to change her appearance to that of an albino zebra mare with a golden mane and tail, and followed the mare she’d been focused on. She had to be sure. Once she’d left the tent, she canceled the invisibility spell and followed the mare. Ignoring the looks and whistles she got from the stallions around her, albino zebras being both rare and status symbols, she followed the mare from the ritual to a tent near the outskirts of the village. Approaching the tent flap, Celestia swallowed and carefully peeked inside. “Zinia?” She asked and the mare looked up and turned to look at her. “Ah. I apologize. You must have been at the ritual. Did you... not get a turn?” “No, it’s not that. You are Zinia, aren’t you?” Celestia asked again and the mare nodded. “Yes, I am. Do I know you?” Zinia asked and Celestia felt tears come to her eyes as she rushed forward, her disguise forgotten as she swooped her dearest Zebra friend into her forelegs in a crushing hug. “Tia? But... I thought... aren’t you...? Shouldn’t you be with the chieftain? I thought the agreement was that after the ritual, he would summon one of the performers to join himself and the two of you in his chambers.” “Zinia, I just had to be sure. I’ve missed you so my friend.” “I’ve missed you too but... Mmf!” Zinia exclaimed as Celestia’s lips claimed hers. Only a moment’s hesitation passed before the Zebra dancer returned the kiss with just as much zeal as the Princess. When the two of them parted for breath, Zinia felt Celestia’s head against her shoulder, her horn draped over. “Tia, I missed you, but you must remember. I went to Equestria to escape my village, and you convinced me to return. You convinced me to forgive them.” “I know, Zinia, I know. I just... I didn’t think I would miss you this much. I wish there were a way I could take you home with me. Things are so different in Equestria now.” Celestia said as she trailed kisses along Zinia’s neck. Hearing hoofsteps approaching, they parted and Celestia cast her invisibility spell again. “Dancer Zinia, you have been chosen to partner with the Chieftain and the Princesses tonight. They expect you at the tent at dusk.” A Zebra warrior said and Zinia nodded, unconsciously moving to stand between him and the invisible princess. The warrior retreated and Zinia turned around to speak again, only to be interrupted by a surprisingly forceful kiss from Celestia, the Alicorn’s tongue finding its way into the dancer’s mouth. Zinia returned her former lover’s attentions, pressing as close as she could to Celestia without straining herself too badly, before breaking the kiss and stepping back. “Tia, you heard him. I have been chosen by the Chieftain. I will bear his next son, and then I am useless to the Tribe.” “What do you mean?” “I will be sent into exile after the birth. No Zebra Stallion wants the used mare of the Chieftain. If I hadn’t been chosen, I would have had my pick of the warriors, or I could have left of my own accord. After the birth of the next prince, I will be exiled.” “Then you will come to Equestria. You can be with me again.” Celestia said, attempting to pepper the mare with kisses. “No, Tia, you don’t understand. I may be exiled from the tribe, but they will still keep tabs on me. They will keep sentries watching me when they go hunting. Until the day I am eaten by a lion, I will have eyes on me.” “There must be something I can do...” “There is nothing, Tia. I cannot go to Equestria, or they will send the Zeru after me. Hunters who specialize in assassination. Everyone would be in danger.” “Zinia, I can protect you. I am the Princess of Equestria. If you are with me, they wouldn’t dare harm you.” Celestia said and Zinia smiled and shook her head. “There is no point, Tia. I’m sorry.” She said and Celestia stared at the floor, her eyes darting left and right as she attempted to remember everything she knew about the Zebrican continent. As her eyes fell on a small ivory claw, she followed it up to the head of an immaculately carved ivory statue. Of a wolf. “That’s it. The wolf clan here in Zebrica. They’re cousins of the clan that lives in Equestria. If you can make it to them, they can help you get to their cousins. You would be free.” “Tia I...” “If you are sold as a slave to the Shadow Clan in Equestria, you will no longer be a Zebrican citizen, and even if the Zeru come after you, your ‘masters’ will protect you. The King of the Shadow Clan barely lets ponies into his citadel. A group of Zebra Assassins wouldn’t make it past the front gate without being shot down by arrows.” Celestia said and Zinia sighed and pressed her lips to Celestia’s to silence her before she rambled on further. “Tia... even if I go to the Zebrican wolf clan, I will still not be safe... it could take months, even years, before they can transport me to their cousins in Equestria. By then, the Zeru would have found me and done their jobs.” She said and Celestia stared at her lover and friend. “I wouldn’t be too sure of that.” A voice said from the tent flap behind them, causing Celestia to actually jump. “Sorry, couldn’t help but overhear. Name’s Luma. I’m from the Light Clan. Miss Zinia, correct?” The wolf asked as she strode forward. Zinia nodded and Luma stopped a couple inches away, Zinia leaning back as much as she could. “Hm, yes, I can see how this could work.” She said as she sat down. “You’d be as safe as a new born pup in the Shadow Clan’s citadel. No one gets through their borders without permission from the King or the Prince. Even the Zeru would find it impossible to infiltrate.” Luma said and Celestia stared at her. “But...” “Why am I here? I’m participating in the ritual. After the Zebra mares get all filled up, the rest of the studs get to go about the town and find a female they want and just go to town. And, as a wolf, even if one of the Zebra Studs here knocks me up, I get to leave. Diplomatic immunity princess.” Luma said and Celestia stared at her. “By the way, your sister is already in the queue to go first once the ritual is over.” “I thought she might be. She had her eyes on the Prince.” “I noticed. So, what’s your word, pretty mare?” Luma asked, looking at Zinia. “I... I don’t... I’m not sure I could... leave...” “Hey, if it makes you feel better, they’ll think you’re dead.” Celestia’s eyes widened before narrowing as she stared at the wolf. “After all, t’ get ya outa here, I gotta eat ya.” “What? But that’s impossible. Zinia is the same size as you are, and she would die in your stom...” Celestia froze as Luma produced a vial with a reddish purple liquid in it. “What is that?” “A shrinking and acid-immunity potion. The acid immunity is for your benefit, the shrinking is for mine. Like you said Princess, she’s the same size as me. I’d be lucky if I could get her leg own my throat whole. If I shrink her, down she goes, easy as that. As for the acid immunity, well, sneaking her out of Zebrica in my stomach runs the risk of her melting down unless she’s immune to the acids, right?” “Where did you get that? Zecora doesn’t have the herbs necessary in Equestria to make one of those.” “Did I mention my cousins in the Shadow Clan are assassins who brew this stuff up for a living?” Luma asked as she downed the potion, letting out a grape scented belch. “Pardon.” “How long exactly does that last?” “Two years. Normal food, I can eat. Living objects will be safe. Um... demonstration... demonstration... ah... Princess, take off your shoe.” The wolf said and Celestia merely twitched her ear, nodded and removed one of her shoes. Luma then proceeded to take Celestia’s hoof, gently, and slowly begin to swallow it. Her throat bulged seemingly painfully, and Celestia could feel the wolf female all around her leg. Before too long, Luma’s muzzle was pressed against Celestia’s side and her foreleg was resting in the wolf’s stomach. A few moments later, long enough that the acids would have started melting away at Celestia’s fur and skin, Luma moved backwards, Celestia’s foreleg coming free with a pop. “There, see. Completely safe, if a little slimy.” Celestia nodded, levitating a cleaning rag over to her and wiping her leg clean. As Luma promised, there wasn’t even a blemish on the Princess’s leg. “So? We have a deal?” Celestia contemplated for a moment as she turned to Zinia. The Zebra mare stared at Luma for a moment before nodding. “When my child is born and I am exiled, you may swallow me to transport me to Equestria.” Zinia said and Luma smiled and nodded. “Excellent. Now, I hate to do this princess, but my fee...” Celestia sighed and looked at Luma expectantly. “Three days with your student.” “I’m sorry?” “I want three uninterrupted days with Twilight Sparkle. I know a few spells that I’m sure she’d love to study, and if I’m be honest, that mare makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. I don’t need bits, the Light Clan has thousands in gold bars, so I just want three days with Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia thought for a moment then nodded. “I will run it by Twilight.” The Princess said and Luma smiled as her tail wagged through the dirt behind her. “Perfect. That’s all I ask. A year and one month. Once the child is born, you’re all mine Missy Zinia. I’ll be here for another couple weeks, then I’m heading out on a safari with a couple others from my Clan. We won’t be easy to miss if you head east when you’re exiled. Just look for the tents with white wolves emblazoned on the sides.” Luma said before disappearing out of the tent. “Are you sure you want this Zinia? I know she promised you would be safe but...” “Tia... if it means I can be with you when all of this is over, then I will risk anything.” Zinia said, claiming Celestia’s lips with her own.
Chapter 2Zinia stared at her reflection in the polished obsidian her “betrothed” had given her as a gift. It wasn’t truly for her. It was for the child in her womb. A child who was to be born soon. Today was her last day with her tribe. The moment her child was born, she would be exiled with just enough food and water to last her a week. In that time, she would have found Luma, and her time in Zebrica would be over. That was her hope at least. Her stomach was heavy with child, her teats had swollen to produce the milk her new baby would need. “No, you mustn’t think like that Zinia. This child is not yours. It belongs to the chieftain. You are worthless in his eyes.” She thought to herself. Today, the medicine mares would induce labor. She would give birth to the child and be exiled. Then she would follow Luma’s path, and be taken away from here. To Equestria. To her Tia. Hearing the beads on her tent flap rattle, she turned around and nodded. Two mares, wearing clothe masks with fertility symbols on them, entered silently. They were there to escort her to the Medicine Mare. Turning around, she walked to the tent flap, peeked over her shoulder, and bade a silent goodbye to her home of the last sixteen winters. Following the mares, Zinia couldn’t help but notice their markings. The Twins. Hesta and Decca. The personal attendants of the Medicine Mare, as well as her own personal partners. Each marking was a compliment of the other. Hesta’s marking was a half-moon with half of a heart in its center. Decca’s marking was the opposite side. Studs and other mares stepped aside as the two approached, Zinia in between the two of them. The Twins weren’t forbidden by any means. They had their trysts, as well as their times in the breeding ritual, but the two of them together were too much for any one stud. They came as a pair. If a stud wished to bed one, her twin would join them. Keeping silent, Zinia walked with them to the birthing tent, where the Medicine Mare stood silently outside. Mevali, the Medicine Mare, as well as Hesta and Decca’s mother. The most respected, and feared, mare in the entire tribe. It was joked, though only slightly, that Mevali was capable of murdering a zebra and getting away with it. A mistress of all things medicinal and mystical, Mevali knew how to utilize the parts of a body for food and brews and make it appear as though they’d merely vanished. Stopping in front of Mevali, Zinia stared as the Medicine Mare stood on her hind legs and began the Fertility Dance. It wasn’t entirely necessary, as Zinia was already pregnant, but Mevali said it helped make the birthing process easier. While Mevali danced, Hesta and Decca helped Zinia lay on her side, her tail tied in a tight loop so it wouldn’t get any dirtier than it needed to be. By the time Zinia was relaxed and ready, Mevali’s dance had ended. Unbidden, Zinia began to push. Two rituals before, she had been allowed into the Medicine Mare’s tent to assist. Her foal sitter had been chosen and was going through this. She’d wanted Zinia there. Decca stood behind Zinia, her face hidden beneath the mask, while her sister stood at Zinia’s tail, a small rag in her grasp to clean the foal or filly. It made the expectant mother flush, knowing she was this exposed for a mare her own age. It wasn’t very long before the ritual was done. Zinia heard the wails of the baby and looked over her shoulder to see Hesta wrap her little one in the rag, cleaning its face so it could breathe and see. “You must go now.” Mevali said, causing Zinia to jump. The Medicine Mare was rumored to be mute, having never spoken to anyone before. “If you are here when the chieftain arrives to claim his child, you will be taken to the front gates of the camp and cast out. You must go now if you wish to escape here.” “Thank you... Mevali.” Zinia said as Decca helped her to her hooves. “My daughter will escort you to your friend’s camp. From there, you are on your own.” Zinia nodded and struggled against hugging the old medicine mare before she and Decca walked out of a flap in the side of the tent. Once through it, Decca through a cloak over the soon to be exile and the two of them walked to the front gates. “Thank you Decca...” Zinia said and Decca shushed her with a look. Of the two, Decca was mute, but she made up for it with her gentility and passion for life. They only stopped once as guards walked passed the path. If they were caught, Zinia would be taken before the chieftain and killed. Following Decca’s path, Zinia stayed close on the other mare’s tail. When Decca stopped, Zinia stopped. When Decca crouched, Zinia crouched. The path they took was long and winding, but it was necessary. If it was discovered that Zinia had escaped the tribe, they could trace the trail back to the Medicine Mare and her daughters. When they reached the gate, Decca looked around and nodded then stepped aside and wrote goodbye in the dirt with her hoof. “Goodbye Decca... thank your mother for me...” Zinia said and Decca nodded, jerking a little as Zinia leapt on her and hugged her. Of all of the mares in the tribe, Decca and her sister had never been touched before. Reluctantly, she returned Zinia’s hug then watched as her new friend disappeared into the savannah. “Are we friends?” Decca thought to herself as she turned around and made her way back to her mother’s tent, following the same path. “I would like that...” Luma stretched and yawned, her stomach firm and hard after a good meal. The hunt had been a success. Ten water buffalo. Their hides and meat would feed and clothe the clan for months to come. They’d celebrated by cooking some water buffalo steaks. As well as participating in some frivolity and frolicking. When you were camped near a Zebra tribe, the males were wont to “sample the local flavors”. Sighing, she relaxed on her side near the fire to keep warm. It was dusk. The last day of her hunting trip. Zinia was expected soon, and they would leave first thing in the morning, Luma one passenger heavier. She hadn’t informed Zinia of exactly how she was going to transport her, but she had made mention of the shrinking potion for a reason. It wouldn’t shrink the Zebra Mare enough to be swallowed whole and not make some sort of bump, so her companions had come up with a better solution. They’d been out here for months now. It wasn’t beyond the realm of possibility that, in her boredom, Luma had lifted tail for one of her escorts. The only ones who would know better were her two cousins. The pompous ass who called himself the Prince of the Fire Clan, and the gorgeous hunk of a wolf who ruled over the Shadow Clan with his father. Luma didn’t take males into her bed. Strictly females only. Hearing the clopping of hooves, Luma looked up, expecting to see Zinia. Instead, two other Zebra ran up, both of them panting and struggling to stay standing. “Well? What did you find?” Luma asked in their native tongue, the only tongue they understood. “The tribe... sent hunters. Find Zinia. Execute.” “Have they already found her?” Luma asked and the first one shook his head. “No. Tricky. Helped by Shaman’s daughters.” The first one said, the second one nodding so rapidly, Luma felt he would need a massage. And a damn good fucking. They’d done well and deserved a reward. But first. “Go find her. Escort her here. She just gave birth, she shouldn’t be out there alone. I know you don’t like them, but take my weapons.” She said and the first one looked at the pipe lying next to Luma’s cot. Her gun. A weapon developed by an Equestrian business-stallion for use in the Zebrican wild-lands, in case of lions. “I know you don’t like them. I wouldn’t tell you to take them if it wasn’t an emergency.” She said as she stood and touched their shoulders. “I’ll tell you what, if you get her back here before dawn, I’ll let you have a reward before we leave. “I know you’ve been eyeing my medic. If you get Zinia here before dawn, I’ll let you bed her.” Luma said, ignoring the sputter from the other side of camp. “Deal?” Both Runners nodded before turning on their heels, Luma’s guns over their shoulders, and taking off to get Zinia. “Luma... why would you do that...?” The medic asked as she crawled over. “I’m the one that did their medical examinations... their dicks are as long and thick as your foreleg... there’s no way...” “I guess you should be practicing then, instead of complaining. I’ve seen you eyeballing them Ell. You don’t get to complain when you want to ride the Zebra’s just as bad as they want to rut you.” Elena groaned and turned around, swatting her friend in the nose with her tail. “You fuckin’ owe me Luma. Cripes I’m gonna be walkin’ funny for a month...” she complained as she walked away to set up her cot. Luma just smiled. She knew she’d gotten to her friend when she’d heard the twang. A member of the Farmer Guild of her Clan, Elena of the Light was one of the toughest, strongest, and most well versed medical warriors she’d ever met. If Elena couldn’t handle a couple rowdy Zebra Stallions, she had no right to complain about how hard the males in heat rammed her. Hearing a howl from the direction her escorts had run off in, Luma knew Zinia had been spotted by her own scouts. A second howl rang out further from the first. She was being followed. With how quickly that howl rang out, Luma knew she was in trouble. Swearing to herself, she rummaged through her bag and pulled out a vial that gave of a strange blue glow. “Luma, what is that?” One of her allies asked and Luma looked up at him. Strong build, well-muscled, sturdy, and he could take an impact. That had been proven when he’d staved off a Rhino by ramming his shoulder into its charging head, narrowly avoiding the horn. “I need to borrow your strength for a moment.” She said as she downed the vial, turned to him and plastered her lips against his. He groaned in pleasure for a moment before slumping over, unconscious. As he dropped, his body changed. His muscles vanished, his frame became less and less stocky as her own changed. Her muscles grew and she became a female version of him. Racing down the path, her legs carrying her faster than they ever had before, Luma kept her eyes straight ahead. They weren’t firing, but her guns were catching the moonlight in such a way they were like beacons. And if they weren’t firing, that meant one thing. It wasn’t Zebras. Ducking her head, Luma poured on the speed and rammed shoulder first into the Hyena at the head of the pack. The two of them went tumbling and Luma came out on top, growling down at him. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, easy cousin. Easy. We were just going to make a meal of this here exile. No biggy.” He said, holding up his forepaws and shielding his throat. “No, very biggy Gusto. That zebra mare is under my protection. I’m escorting her to Equestria, where she can be with Princess Celestia and be safe.” Luma growled and the Hyena stared up at her before chuckling a little. Her stare never broke and his laugh died down. “You’re not kidding? Jeez Cousin, she’s just a Zebra. It’s not like she can rock yer princess’s world or anything like thaeep.” Luma cut him off with a bite to the shoulder that she knew would keep him from running for a while. “Ok ok. I get it. She’s under your protection. Take ‘er and go.” Luma stepped off of him and stared at him as Gusto crawled to his feet and backed away towards his own pack. “Remember this little Zebra, one day you’ll come back here and ya won’t have yer wolf bitch t’ protect ya.” He snarled at Zinia until Luma snapped at him. Yelping, Gusto and his pack turned and peeled off, racing away. “Sorry about that Zinia. I should have had more escorts out there.” Luma said as she walked over to Zinia, her physic shrinking back to normal. “Let’s get you back to camp.” She said as she helped the shaking mare to her hooves. Zinia just nodded and leaned on Luma as the two walked back to the camp. Dawn would break in just a couple hours, and Luma was sure the Zebra was exhausted. A nap was definitely in order for her. Later that evening, the wolf clan expeditionary team packed up their gear on the transport and took one last look at Zebrica. It would be another six months before they could return. Things would have changed by then. Likely the tribes would have new leaders, new foals and fillies for the males to frolic with. Luma shook her head at the wistful glances of her companions before ever so carefully climbing the ramp onto the ship. Her stomach swayed just slightly, and one stallion at the top of the ramp offered his hoof to help her. “Oh, thank you.” She said with a smile. “My pleasure ma’am. A pregnant... wolf... such as yourself should not have to carry those heavy bags anyway.” He said and Luma smiled as he lifted the bags off of her back with his magic. Now she could relax somewhat, and take some weight off of Zinia. “Thank you again. My cabin number is on my bag. Could you leave them there?” She asked and the attendant nodded and strode off, head held high, tail whipping around to show off his equipment. “You really shouldn’t get him riled up like that Luma. What with your... condition.” Snow said and Luma huffed at him. “Yeah yeah, whatever. Get the rest of the gear packed onto the ship. It’s gonna be a long journey.” She said as she followed the path the attendant had taken. “Hang on Zinia, once we’re in my cabin, I’ll let you out for a couple hours while I shower.” She thought to herself, feeling her stomach roll a little as Zinia turned in her sleep.
Chapter 3Stealing from the Sun is Treason. Celestia relaxed on her throne, the sun shining on her from the stained glass windows. The image was sheer beauty. In the eyes of a single wolf. The only other occupant, visible at least, in the room. Luma stared at Celestia and had to lick her lip to keep herself from drooling. If she had her way, she’d have the Princess screaming for release under her talented tongue. Sadly, the Princess had other plans. The first of which was to finish the cake sitting in front of her. Two more bites. Luma watched in silence as Celestia polished off the fork, fidgeting in place. “I swear, she does this on purpose...” Luma thought and Celestia smirked at her, as if hearing her thoughts, before finishing off the cake. “You bring me news, Expedition Captain Luma?” “I do, Princess Celestia. Um... you’re sure the guards aren’t going to burst in on us?” She asked and Celestia smiled, her horn lit, and the door flashed. “A spell of silence, as well as a lock. No one can come in, and no one will hear us.” Celestia said and Luma nodded before sitting back and pressing hard on the bottom of her stomach. “Would it be easier to use one of your potions?” “It would... but I left them in my room...” She said and Celestia sighed and shook her head, a smile still gracing her face, as Luma’s bags were teleported into the room. “Ah... thanks. That works I guess.” She said as she stood up, her bulging belly swaying, and looked through the bags. Celestia watched as she removed several potions before coming to one that was pink-ish in color. Close to the same color as Cadance’s coat. Downing the bottle, Luma coughed once, hiccupped, and suddenly she had sprouted a single tentacle from her back. Opening her mouth wide, the tentacle forced its way down her throat. Celestia watched, almost enraptured, as the tentacle bulged out Luma’s throat, traveled down into her stomach, and seemed to wrap around something before shrinking, her stomach reverting back as if she’d just rapidly digested the contents. Celestia watched as the tentacle traveled out of Luma’s throat, wrapped around something before expanding dramatically. With a slight pop and a puff of smoke, the tentacle vanished and Celestia had to cough to cover a gasp. Standing in the middle of the throne room was a Zebra Mare with the sun emblazoned on her rump. Luma coughed slightly and rubbed her throat. “Easiest way to transport her, Princess. She is technically a fugitive from Zebrica right now...” She said and Celestia nodded as she approached Zinia slowly. Zinia, for her part, stared up at Celestia as if waking from a dream. “Thank you, Luma...” “My payment?” She asked and Celestia nodded. “Of course.” Passing her a note, she smiled. “Show this to the guards at the door. They will take you to the treasury and you are welcome to as much as you can carry. In a bag. I know how your potions work Luma.” Celestia said and Luma smiled and nodded, taking the note and walking to the door. Picking Zinia up in her magic, she held the Zebra mare close to her. Zinia, for her part, still seemed dazed but as she woke out of it, she wrapped her forehooves around Celestia. “I missed you Tia...” “I missed you too, my flower...” Celestia said, holding Zinia close to her. Several of the guards muttered to themselves, but the older ones knew this little zebra. The Zinia Celestia had spoken of often. Her flower. A Zebra mare who had stolen Celestia’s heart in exchange for her own. Many miles away from Canterlot, in a cave, an orb soared across the ampitheater and shattered against the wall, several living corpses shying away from the pieces. “That blasted mare... finding a lover... she does this to spite me.” The stallion in the throne growled, being answered with silence. “Agree with me!” He roared and all of the corpses groaned in agreement, several merely nodding their heads, their voice boxes having rotted away. “Perhaps a reminder...” he said to himself as he waved a hoof, black smoke mingling with the necromantic green magic in the air keeping his army of corpses alive. The smoke twisted and rolled with the necromantic magic before slowly forming into a pine green stallion with a jet black mane and tail. “Travel to Canterlot. Woo Princess Luna. Breed with her if you will. Fill her belly with the corrosion of Necromancy. Remind Princess Celestia that it is I who should be sharing her bed, not some feckless Zebra mare.” He ordered and the stallion bowed and raced out of the cave. The stallion in the throne slumped slightly, resting his cheek on his hoof before pointing at one of his ghouls. “You. Fetch me another crystal. I wish to watch this.” He ordered and the ghoul jumped up, raced off, and vanished around the corner. Later that night, Luna walked the dreamscape, watching the dreams of all of her subjects carefully. Coming to a particular dream, she peeked in only to get slapped. “No peekies Princess.” The white wolf inside said and she blinked as the door closed in front of her. Luna blinked and sighed as she sat down outside of Luma’s door. She knew the wolf was expecting her now, but what did she have in mind in the dream realm? Hearing a knock, she looked in and her jaw went slack. Luma was wearing tight leggings in the same black as Luna’s regalia, a mask as dark as Luna’s collar, and a collar of her own. The emblem on the collar made Luna’s breath catch in her throat. A crescent moon. The same as her cutie mark. “So, coming in to claim your wolf? Or are you just gonna stand there and let the dream realm seep in and corrupt our space?” She asked and Luna strode into the room, slammed the door shut and pushed Lumina onto her back, the wolf yelping as Luna climbed atop her and kissed along her neck. “Remember our deal? I bring back something interesting from Zebrica, and you treat me like your personal little bitch? I waited until we were in a dream for a reason.” She said and Luna looked down at her canine lover. “I do not understand. What did you return with?” “I’m sure the news has reached your ears by now. The Zebra sharing Celestia’s bed. The same Zebra mare whose muzzle is currently buried in Celestia’s snatch.” She said and Luna blinked and looked to the side, a window peering into Celestia’s living realm room appearing. Just as Lumina said, there was Celestia, lying on her side, a Zebra mare’s head locked between her hind legs, the two of them sleeping soundly. Luna smiled as she saw how happy the Zebra mare made her sister. “Very well Lumina, you have earned your reward. What would you wish of me?” She asked and the wolf smiled and padded up to her. “One night alone with you is enough, my Goddess.” She said and Luna blushed as Lumina nuzzled against her. She’d heard that the wolf clans worshiped her moon as their Mother Goddess, but to hear it from Lumina herself that at least one wolf saw her as a Goddess was mildly unsettling. Despite the gentle nuzzles Lumina presented her Princess with. Luna stood still as Lumina nuzzled gently at her, moving only slightly as the wolf’s muzzle came near her jaw. “Do I not please you, my Goddess?” Lumina asked and Luna stepped back just slightly and looked down at the wolf. “It is not that, Lumina. I am... unused to attentions such as these.” “After one thousand years on the moon, it is understandable.” She said as she nuzzled against Luna’s chest before stopping. “Would you... like to dominate me?” She asked and Luna blushed. “Beg pardon?” “Dominate me. Command me. Order me. Make me do whatever you wish.” Lumina said and Luna’s blush deepened. “I... do not know if I would be comfortable with that.” She said and Lumina looked up at her. “Shall I... assist you, Princess?” She asked and Luna nodded slowly. Lumina rolled onto her back and looked up at her Goddess. “Order me to do whatever you wish. Whatever comes to mind.” She said and Luna looked at her from head to tail before coming to a conclusion. “Remove my regalia.” She said and Lumina jumped too her feet, eager to obey. “Yes Goddess.” She said as she ever so gently unclasped Luna’s collar with her teeth before going down one her belly to gently remove her boots. Luna stepped out of them as Lumina removed them, moving them to the side. “I... I know this is only a dream but... I will do anything for you, my Goddess.” Luna stared down at the wolf and nodded, her eyes closing momentarily. “Turn around, Lumina.” She said and Lumina stared at her for a moment before turning around slowly. Before Luna could get started in on her pet, she was roughly forced out of the dream realm. Looking up, she noticed one of her Night Guards panting in her door way. “Speak quickly. You interrupted a lovely dream.” She said and he looked up. “Princess Luna, the Zebra, Zinia. She is missing.” The guard said and Luna’s eyes widened as she leapt from her bed, ignoring her regalia and raced to Celestia’s side, the guard following. “Go and find Lumina the wolf. Order her to meet me in the throne room.” The guard nodded and peeled off as they came to a corridor while Luna flew to the throne room. If Zinia was missing, Celestia would be there organizing the search effort. As she burst into the room, she saw two guards fly out of the opened window, Celestia’s normally controlled mane whipping wildly. “Sister. I am here. I sent a guard to fetch Lumina.” “Thank you Luna.” Celestia said and Luna nodded. “If anyone can find Zinia, Lumina can.” She said as she approached Celestia slowly. “Sister, you must tell Twilight Sparkle. If Zinia entered the Everfree Forest, she will wish to know of another Zebra near Ponyville besides Zecora.” She said and Celestia nodded and levitated over a scroll, her magic shaking so badly she nearly dropped the ink. “Allow me. You are distracted.” Rather than wait to hear Celestia’s protests, she wrested the scroll, ink and quill from her sister and set them out on the table. Within a few moments, Luna had written the letter and sent it off with a burst of magical fire from her own horn. “Luna... how did...” “I observed you when you cast the spell. It was no trouble to replicate it.” She said and Celestia smiled and nuzzled her sister. “Thank you.” “We will find her, Sister. I promise.” Luna said and Celestia nodded, a map of Equestria floating over to her and creating a table below it to rest on. “Where could she be...?” Celestia asked herself as she scanned the map for any sign of a possible hide out for kidnappers. Author's Note Dun dun dun.. (dramatic reverb). Zinia is missing. Also, Luna and Lumina are an item. A SECRET Item. Hush Hush. Do not let the Guards know. Or anyone else. If you do, Lumina will eat you. You have been warned. Anyway, next chapter, we have the reveal of who our baddy is. Be waiting.
