Canterlot Academy Trials

“Eoliseoggo hyeongpyeon-eobsneun wonsung-i,” Mei huffed in her native tongue, locking everyone else out of the conversation entirely. Her horn started to light up…

“Ruòxiǎo kělián de qílín,” the monkey woman huffed back as she grit her teeth, seemingly preparing to reach for something from behind her back…

All the while, everyone else stood there in confusion.

“...any idea why they hate each other for some reason?” Blue muttered softly.

“I read about this,” Nebula replied, “Something about how the Kirins and Monks hate each other for constant transgressions their ancestors committed against each other in the past?”

Cayenne sighed as she confirmed it. “...it’s true. There’s a long history of Eastern nations like the kirins, monks of the Wukong Province, and the ponies from Mistmane’s village being at odds with each other for the last few centuries. War, pillaging, slavery…” she shook her head. “It was only until recently when Equestria intervened and became their allies during the worldwide conflict against threats like Tirek and Queen Chyrsalis did we establish relations with them.”

Blue rubbed the temples of his head as he rationalized it all. “So…the kirins and monks both like the rest of the West…but not each other. Damn…they trust foreigners more than their own neighbors.”

“I can’t blame them,” Grimrose added, “Usually, it’s better the devil you know. Seeking aid from halfway across the world in times of need in order to appear kinder to us was a risky option for both nations that ultimately paid off in the end.”

Nebula grit his teeth as he looked at the kirin and monkey woman who continued to stare at each other intently. “Well we certainly don’t wanna start Dimensional War III up in here!” Against his better judgement, the unicorn stallion quickly leapt between the two young women. “...why don’t we settle down and sleep for the night, guys? It’s been a long day and I’m sure we’ll get answers from Miss…?” he looked at the monkey lady, hoping she’d tell them her name.

“Hm?” the monkey lady’s expression changed when addressed by the pony. She smiled and happily answered him. “Oh. Sorry. I am still learning language of the West. My name in your language is Fěnhóng Liánhuā.”

Blue would attempt to pronounce it, “Fen…fen…wha?”

Only for the monkey woman to coil up her tail like a spring and sit on it with a giggle. “Lóng man is funny! My name isn’t very easy for you. I apologize.”

“I’m--what?” Blue raised a brow at her words.

“It means ‘dragon’ in her language,” Grimrose whispered, earning an understanding nod from the dragon in response.

“I know!” Fěnhóng came up with an idea on the spot, “You can call me Li Li as a shortened version.” In ther words, she essentially repeated the first syllable of her surname twice.

Nebula tapped his hoof in the sand for a moment until he came up with a good way to transliterate it. “Ah! Lily, then. Does that work?”

“Yes! Yes!” she agreed with a smile as she performed a cartwheel towards them all and went around hugging each of them. “I appreciate your help, Westerners! But I don’t know how to get home….”

Cayenne came up with a plan. “Alright. Seeing as she’s from the Wukong Province, we should inform them that one of their citizens was captured and nearly killed. Do they understand our language, Ms. Lily?”

“Hm? Oh, yes! Emperor Chang has all schools teach us foreign language! I’m…still learning though.”

Blue gave her some words of encouragement. “You speak it pretty darn well, I’d say. Don’tcha think, Mei?”

The kirin in question was nowhere to be found.

“...Shit. Maybe have crossed a line there,” he muttered once he realized she had likely left.

“Don’t sweat it,” Nebula replied, “We’re all likely just tired from the craziness we dealt with today.” He then looked at Lily. “Miss, we all just got through a hefty battle and we need to report our efforts to the Somnambulan Council so they can decide on what to do with these criminals. Would you mind coming back with us to Equestria once we’re done?”

“Ooh!” she clapped her hands and cheered, “Seeing more Western culture? Yes!”

“Then it’s decided,” Nebula looked at Cayenne, “If that’s okay with you, ma’am.”

The mare chuckled. “I was just about to say ‘who put you in charge?’ but then I remembered that Tungsten trained you. Anyhow, it’s no problem at all.” She paused to yawn and flick her tail. “Blech…but I’m beat after all that excitement. Let’s catch some shut-eye at the inn, hm?”

And so our heroes would all retire to the inn with a new member of their party. Of course, both Lily and Mei went to great efforts to avoid speaking to each other as much as possible to avoid any further conflict.

The next morning…

York and the rest of his gang of bandits were turned over to, and imprisoned by the Somnambulan Council at the Town Hall. They were all rewarded with a rather hefty bag of bits each for their efforts. And before they left, they gave the Council an advisory letter on the type of security they should hire…before they were quickly ushered out.

“Yikes,” Blue muttered as they made their way to the train station, “It’s like they didn’t even wanna hear what we had to say.”

“That’s how it is out here,” Grimrose replied, “They ask for your help and refuse any criticism.”

As the group continued walking, Nebula couldn’t help but notice Mei and Lily speaking to each other in a hushed, yet hostile tone…

“Do not speak to me in front of the Westerners,” Lily grumbled, “I don’t want to be acknowledged with your kind.”

“Mutual. Your folks have been nothing but trouble to us in the past,” Mei spat back.

Lily refuted her statement, “Qilins are the ones who started it. Quit your lies.”

“Wonsung are the problem,” Mei went on. “But your foolish banana brain doesn’t get it.”

Lily’s eyelid twitched, “...what you say to me?”