Fury of the Storm

I look on at the the steady stream of pony and zebra guards carrying supplies across the bridge from the tower: generic supply crates, barrels of more liquid fuel, things to that effect. There was quite a large quantity of that liquid fuel being rolled over: no doubt to keep the vessel going for both it’s trip into Zebrica and it’s return, since it was highly unlikely they’d be able to source the strange substance back in my homeland.

All the while, those pony mares and Zelac continued talking, mostly about the island. Zelac seemed to be asking questions more to sate my curiosity rather than his, inquiring mostly about this island, it’s former occupants, and of course, that Storm King figure who laid a prior claim to it. While they didn’t know much about the island, they did know a great deal about the beasts and said King. This gave them an ample segue into speaking on his invasion of their land.

The moment they mentioned that Anonymous creature spearheading the invasion was the moment I turned to the group and gave them my undivided attention.

True to what little I witnessed from their flight over Farasi, their forces attacked Canterlot with a great armada of sky ships—or airships, according to them—filled to the brim with those hulking bipedal creatures they interchangeably referred to as storm beasts, storm creatures, or any such synonyms they have on hoof for ‘monster’, the true name of their species apparently unknown to them. Either way, said beasts were led by two individuals: the aforementioned Anonymous, which they focused primarily on, and a pony, of all things, calling herself Tempest Shadow.

Hah. A name that over-corrects the laughably cutesy names of ponykind, wrapping solidly back around to being ridiculous again. Still, the way they spoke of her was curious: she was—and presumably, still is—a very dangerous pony, but there was a softness to their words about her, suggesting they may have actually befriended the pony after all was said and done. I’ll admit, that level of forgiveness was somewhat unbelievable to me: any given Zebrican faction would have sentenced any such traitor to death for such a move. And that undertone of forgiveness didn’t escape Zelac’s notice either, though he certainly seemed to resonate with the idea. Befitting of his naïveté, I suppose.

Of course, it didn’t take long for the subject to shift back to Anonymous: the primary antagonist of the attack on their lands. He was chiefly responsible for hunting them down and cornering them at every turn, but interestingly enough, they weren’t making mention of him utilizing his Gift. Of course, nozebra and nopony have actually said that he has the Gift, and it’s highly likely they’re keeping that fact concealed at the Princes’ request. But from the way the group was still naturally telling their story, it sincerely sounded like he deliberately concealed his Gift, relying instead on physical prowess and superior tactics to outfox the ponies.

That was... concerning, to put it lightly. He had every right to use his power, as the Princes so flagrantly did, and yet he chose to conceal it until it was tactically sound to no longer do so. Which means he’s a very competent tactician at the very least, and is likely an excellent strategist on top of that. Elysium help me, do I even want to know what he’s currently planning?

I see that Rarity mare looking at me from the corner of her eye, no doubt studying my expression to gauge my interest and identify any tells. My expression, while openly intrigued, was otherwise neutral, with no tells forthcoming for her to study. Though she does look away with a small, apologetic nod when I look back at her with a questioning expression: no doubt trying her best to appear polite. Still, she was hardly the first to notice my attentiveness: the others were cluing in to my investment as well.

The ponies begin to talk about a ‘Mt. Aris’, the homeland of those hippogriffs, and how Anonymous had laid waste to it long before turning to Equestria. More specifically, they talk about how they tried to enlist their aid, not knowing they had fled their ruined capitol and sought safety under the sea. Just as they begin to explain just how in the hells a race of feathered avians can shelter under the sea, however, my attention is rudely yet silently wrested from the discussion.

That prickling, tingling sensation on the back of my neck makes it’s return: invoked once again by the Princes. What takes me thoroughly aback, however, is what else I feel: unlike all the other times, the sensation was now reverberating between my upper spine and my heart. The similarity to the sensation in my dream only registers for a split second before it is fully confirmed.

Warning. Unexpected visitor arriving to see captive statue. Pony, female, acquaintance of Twilight Sparkle.

A dead ringer. This was like that dream communication, and my prior theory on this sensation was right! But this sensation was different: it was much richer, and markedly more detailed, as evidenced by the genuine tonality and inflection present in the ‘voice’. It was even ‘spoken’ in the voice of the communicator, giving the ‘speaker’ away as Zakurai!

Concealing my utter shock at this new development is challenging, but is made far easier when not even a second later, that pink mare jumps high into the air with an enormous gasp, her mane appearing to briefly expand. When she hits the ground, she begins twitching and moving around in erratic, random patterns, as if possessed by something.

(“Uh-oh,”) that Applejack speaks up. (“What’s the forecast this time, Pinkie?”)

I do not like whatever is happening. And the silent response from Zabraxas does not improve things.

Negative. Turn her away, came Zabraxas’s silent, frustrated response. No visitors under any condition. You know this.

(“This one’s a doOoOoOoOozy!”) the pink one manages to get out, caught in the throes of gods-only-knows whatever mental illness is gripping her.

Not my decision, Zakurai replies. Made by Twilight Sparkle.

(“New...”)

Do not care. Visitation is not permitted. If she attempts to visit, I will not allow it.

(“Old...”)

Reconsider. Zakurai felt nervous, cornered. Mare appears dangerous. Unlikely to accept denial.

(“Friend...!)

In an instant, the pink mare’s bizarre twitching ceases, and the gasp she emits this time is a voluntary, overjoyed one.

Repeat. If she attempts to visit, I will not allow it.

(“‘New old friend’?”) Rainbow Dash asks, her face twisting into realization a moment later. (“Wai-wai-wait, you don’t mean...?!”)

As soon as she said that, my ears pivot back towards the sounds of metallic hoofsteps on the connecting bridge. My head is the first to turn, and the others follow suit, gasping and exclaiming with surprise and familiarity at the... unusual sight before me.

A new pony was crossing over towards the ship, but one very unlike the others that I’ve seen so far. The armoured mare on approach was a darker, more subdued purple colour, and her shorter tail and mohawk-styled mane wouldn’t be out of place on a zebra at all, light purple colour notwithstanding. Her muscular physique was indicative of a great deal of combat training, but curiously, despite being a sorcerer, her horn was actually broken. Everything about this new mare screamed ‘danger’, and were she a zebra, she could easily pass as a Zhaanephi Templeguard: A Shimmering Path Templeguard, at that.

I immediately make the connection upon seeing her: this had to be that ‘Tempest Shadow’ mare they were talking about. And following right behind her was Zakurai and that Twilight Sparkle, the latter of which seemed legitimately nervous about her. Indeed, the other heroic ponies nearby seemed quite taken aback by her presence.

“Wh-who is that?” Zelac stammers.

(“Tempie!”) exclaims Pinkie Pie, jumping high into the air and waving her legs to get her attention.

Twilight Sparkle was visibly relieved to see her friends, and the pace of that Tempest mare slowed upon seeing them as well, giving them ample opportunity to flock towards her, greeting and questioning her in equal, amicable measure. I, however, keep my distance, continuing to observe her.

The glow in Zakurai’s eyes terminate, along with part of the sensation, and he clears his throat to get the dangerous mare’s attention. (“Miss Tempest, I’m afraid that it won’t be possible for you to visit our captive.”)

Credit where it’s due, that mare is very good at intimidation: she had the perfect slow turning rate of her head, combined with just the right lidding of her eyes. And her low, smooth, and distinctly sensual voice really completed it.

(“And why, exactly, would that be?”)

(“My compatriot will simply not permit it.”) Nonplussed by her intimidation, he furrows his brow a bit. (“And frankly, given the suddenness of this visit, I’m not sure I would permit it, either.”)

Unknowing or uncaring of who she was speaking to, she simply resumed her course to enter the ship’s interior, brushing past the other mares. (“I don’t recall needing your permission.”)

(“Tempest, wait!”) Twilight called out, but to no avail.

(“Twilight,”) Zakurai warned.

His meaning was clear: he wanted her to stop that Tempest mare before...

Before things came to blows.

A sinister smirk splits across my face as the realization dawns on me.

“Oh, I have to see this,” I mutter, unable to keep the smile off my face as I immediately step forward.

“S-sir?!” a nervous Zelac bleated, falling in with me. I hadn’t realized he stayed behind. “I-I don’t think we should—”

“Oh, I think we should,” I interrupt, my tone thick with barely restrained anticipation.

Outside of a nervous little whine, he says nothing else as I follow after that Tempest mare at a safe distance. Or rather, her friend group, themselves trailing after her with obvious concern for their friend. She didn’t appear to need any directions, finding her way towards the heavily guarded cargo bay with no issue. As expected, the guards let the group through, though I detect some visible nervousness on the pony guards’ faces when they see their dangerous guest. As expected, they deny entrance to me and Zelac, but I hardly cared: I could see and hear them from this distance regardless. Just being a fly on the wall for this exchange was good enough for me.

Already, I’m treated to an incredible sight: that Tempest mare and Zabraxas glaring at one another, their noses almost touching. Sadly, they were too far away for Zelac’s translating sorcery to discern the mare’s words, but the low, threatening, even faintly suggestive tone she took said more than enough. Zabraxas, as expected, flatly denies her request to see the statue, ordering her to turn away. He was either incapable of picking up on the danger she represented, or was indifferent to it. Given what I’ve seen, it’s likely the latter.

The friend group tries to defuse the situation, along with Zakurai. Nothing, however, makes them budge. Indeed, things get more tense between the two opposing forces as time goes on. I’m certain that she was threatening him at this point, if Zakurai’s refusal to translate is anything to go by. Still, Zabraxas remains immobile, yet becomes increasingly frustrated. Things worsen to the point where, save for the other members of royalty, they’re forced to back away as the mare’s broken horn begins to fizzle and arc with raw, sorcerous power, and the floor around Zabraxas begins to freeze over from his Gift’s power in response. I stood there with a full, wicked smile, eagerly waiting for the fighting to start.

Unfortunately, I knew it was not to be the second I saw the look that Twilight Sparkle and Zakurai shared: that flat, frustrated expression that epitomized just how done they were with this. As Twilight left to begin unlocking the enclosure, Zakurai tossed his scarf aside and finally allowed himself to express his anger and frustration in full as he stomped towards the two like a furious parent. Only, furious parents don’t normally have their manes and tails ignite into raging red flames.

“That is enough!” he roars with surprising intensity, every syllable and change in volume creating a corresponding blast of hot air.

“Do not interfere,” Zabraxas replies. “This matter—”

He was cut off by Zakurai’s flaming hoof coming down hard onto his withers: the only thing that made the larger Prince look his way.

“Stand. Down.” It’s not uncommon for zebras to become frightening when they’re pushed too hard. Somehow, Zakurai was more frightening than Zabraxas in this moment. “Now.”

I have to hoof it to that mare: she certainly had more stones than most stallions, choosing this moment to try and move past the two while they were having their little moment. Zakurai, however, was having none of it: he immediately blocked her path with a flame-covered foreleg, and began accosting her in their language as well. Yet whatever he was saying didn’t faze her in the slightest. The words of the Princess, on the other hoof, very much did, revealing a softer and more emotionally compromised side to this pony. In the end, she actually tendered an apology to the two, which Zakurai accepted. Zabraxas, however, continued to treat concession as unspeakable blasphemy, but expressed it in a more... silent manner.

I will not apologize for protecting our objective. He glared down at Zakurai with genuine anger. The Elders will know of your actions today.

Yes. I am sure they will love to hear that you came close to compromising the mission on more than three separate occasions now. Would you like to make it a fourth, or are you quite finished disrespecting the Third Line today?

Holy shit. I did not expect that kind of backchat from Zakurai of all zebras. And I don’t think I’ve seen Zabraxas quite this angry before, either.

This mission— he tried to begin with a low, threatening tone.

Is a cooperative effort. Not a sole effort. No matter how much you try to make it one. Whether you like it or not, compromise comes as a matter of course in such endeavours. He snorts with frustration, some of his flame receding. Yes, that mare should not have come in unannounced like this. That frustrated me as well. And yes, she should never have threatened you so. But you are a Prince. It is your duty to be above such things.

The dangerous mare’s sombre tone drew the Princes’ attention. She was looking off at the unlocked yet unopened cage of the statue as she spoke. Unable to understand her words, I instead study her emotions and actions. The statue seemed to cause her a great deal of turmoil, as every time I heard the phrase ‘Anonymous’ in their language, I could hear the subtle hitching of her words and tone. It was as if she were speaking of a deceased friend or a loved one, and—

The realization hits me like a sun-bleached brick.

No.

This mare, did she... care for that Anonymous creature? Did she love him?

Now I couldn’t not see the obvious signs of it in her voice, expression, and motions. And the metal of her armour was exposed in places: the same metal I saw in the armour of those bipedal creatures, the plating of their sky ships, and making up the towers on this very isle! Damn it, I was too absorbed by the idea of her fighting Zabraxas; I should have noticed such an obvious detail sooner! But then, what does that make her? She was Anonymous’s ally at one point, obviously, but was there more to it? Was she his lover? Mate, even?

I clamp down on those thoughts, placing them high on the list of questions to ask the ponies later. But already, this was a massive piece of useful information regarding that Anonymous, one that almost begged to be followed up on.

Sadly, the events in the cargo bay continued to trend downhill in terms of entertaining volatility: the mare didn’t linger for long once the door to the statue was opened, though both Princes reeled a bit at the unleashed presence of Anonymous. Seems whatever they’re using to contain him mutes his presence somehow, which explains why it lessened when he was loaded aboard. Fortunately, his muted presence remained constant for me, so there was nothing for me to suppress a reaction to. She needed only about half a minute to say what she needed to, at which point the statue’s containment was restored. As she left, she even apologized to Zabraxas once more. I make sure to step well out of her way as she returns this way, with the rest of her friends in tow. The Princes remain behind in the cargo bay, their powers now fully receded, silent communication and all.

“Oh thank goodness,” Zelac exhales at last, falling back onto his rump. “I’m so happy things didn’t turn ugly.”

I snort. “I’m not.”

Zakurai makes to leave the cargo bay next, but pauses for a moment, a pang of guilt on his face. Shortly after, he looks back at Zabraxas, reestablishing his silent communication. I apologize for insulting you earlier.

I respect your diplomatic abilities, Zakurai, Zabraxas replies, taking up his post once again. They have always benefited Zebrica. My contention is that you confuse conciliation with diplomacy in matters relating to these ponies.

Zakurai looks forward again, sighing through his nose. After these events, I fear you may be right.

I do not doubt the intentions of these Element Bearers. Beyond small interpersonal squabbles with me, they have never acted to compromise the containment of Anonymous. That Tempest Shadow mare used the Element Bearers to brazenly compromise his containment, all to fulfill a selfish, personal goal.

She did, he agreed, his brow furrowing with anger. That was not acceptable. And under normal circumstances, I would have denied her access alongside you. I do not intend to let this stand as a precedent.

“H-hey, let’s go find the ponies,” Zelac murmurs.

“Not yet,” I quietly reply, gesturing for him to wait. “I’ve a strange feeling about this. I want to see where Zakurai is going next.” As good an excuse as any to continue my eavesdropping. I never expected to realize the ability to pry into their private, Princely communications, but already it was proving to be an extremely useful tool.

I will trust your judgment on how to resolve the issue. For my part, I will not allow any further unscheduled access until our arrival at the Quaternary Palace. I will use deadly force to enforce this restriction, if I must.

I will be sure to inform our allies. Zakurai’s brow rises again, this time in thought, followed moments later by his eyes lighting up with an idea of some kind. “Allies...” he murmurs out loud, a small smile developing on his face at whatever he’s just thought of. Thank you for the talk, Zabraxas.

With that, all silent communication was cut off, and Zakurai trotted forth, leaving the cargo bay properly. He doesn’t give us more than a passing glance as he takes the path the ponies had left through.

“I thought he might try to catch up with them,” I hum, setting off after him at a fair distance.

“W-wonder what he’s going to say to them?” Zelac murmurs, falling in nearby, always minding his distance.

“If I had to guess? I don’t think that strange pony’s arrival sat very well with him.”

And that only makes me curious about how his little talk with them will go, especially with that furious, literally fiery outburst of his fresh in my mind. Fool’s hope though it may be, I did hold onto hope that things might turn violent after all.

Still, while I expected our destination to be the Quaternary Palace, ‘hearing’ it confirmed was more than a little disquieting. I’ll need to think of a way to escape before I get there.

Tempest continued to calm herself, leaning against the ship’s railing as she took slow, controlled breaths through her nose, exhaling through her mouth. Applejack and Fluttershy’s presences beside her did little to help her in that regard, though goodness knows they were trying,

“I’m sorry,” she softly admitted again, still visibly upset.

“Tempest, you can’t do that!” Twilight exclaimed, trying to be both sensitive and chastising at the same time. “I know that he meant a lot to you, but—”

The sound of heavy hooffalls from behind interrupted her, and Twilight’s ears fell a bit when she heard Zakurai clearing his throat moments later. Her stomach sank when she turned to see his frustrated frown and angry glare, fixed firmly ahead at Tempest. Seeing him genuinely angry was a shock unto itself, as was the way he brushed past her to reach the subject of his ire.

“I am going to make this as clear as I can, miss Tempest.” His tone was like that of an angry father, and even Tempest wasn’t quite prepared for how intense he was, especially as he got right into her face, the two mares at her side quickly moving away. “What you just did was an unconscionable breach of not only our security, but of your friends’ trust. My compatriot had every right to deny you access to that statue, and had you not manipulated the princess into helping you, I’d have had no compunctions about denying you alongside him. And had you necessitated it, I would have used force to remove you.”

Tempest couldn’t get a word in edgewise: he simply spoke over her attempt to do so, firmly and authoritatively.

“If you, or any other, ever tries something like that again, my compatriot and I will consider you an enemy. And will use any means at our disposal to neutralize the threat you may pose to our mission, miss Tempest.” Parts of his mane and tail briefly ignite with red flame, as if to punctuate his point. “Is that understood?”

Guilt was the predominant emotion on Tempest’s face, warring with surprise, indignation, and sadness. She said nothing for a while, her mouth hanging slightly open. But after a few moments of stunned silence, she took a short, calming breath before answering.

“Yes,” she responds softly. “I’m... sorry. I’d have done the same thing in your position.”

Zakurai says nothing for a while, opting to study her expression. Satisfied with what he saw, the pressure of his power begins to abate, and a small smile plays at his lips. “If you wish to make amends, there is something I’d like you to do for us.”

Twilight blinked in surprise, as did Tempest.

“I’m sure you know already, but that hippogriff captain Sky Walker intends to escort us across the sea. I want you to lend us your airships and forces as an additional escort.”

Their surprise manifested further in their expressions.

“You want my help?” she softly replied, understandably in disbelief. “After what I just did?”

“It’s because of what you did that I’m asking.” He gives her a cheeky smile. “If you’ve the stones to look a Prince in the eye without backing down, and if you’re even half as good at vanquishing the evils out at sea as you claim, then I’m positive you will be of great aid to us on this stretch of our mission.”

Twilight stood there, silently impressed with Zakurai. He’d not only defused the situation, but turned it around to their benefit.

“I...” Tempest takes a moment to compose herself. “My ships only just came back for repairs. They’re just not ready right now.”

“When they are ready then, can I count on you to be there to assist us?” he presses, unbothered by the new information. “Just in case we are attacked out there?”

“You will be attacked out there,” she states with complete certainty. “There’s no way the Storm Remnant won’t know that you’re moving their old leader.”

“All the more reason, then, to ask for your aid. Will you?”

She briefly exhales through her nose. “Fine. Fine, I’ll help you.”

“Excellent!” Zakurai beams. He extends his hoof out, intent on bumping it with hers. Still somewhat flustered, she pauses to sigh with slight exasperation through her nose again before sealing the agreement with the hoof bump.

“I’ll need to go and speed things along,” Tempest says, pulling away and beginning to walk back towards the drawbridge. “See if I can’t bring two days of service down to just one.”

“Of course,” Zakurai hummed. “Don’t let me keep you.”

“Wait,” Twilight calls out. “I-I still haven’t had the chance to talk to you.”

“Another time, Twilight,” she softly responds, pausing her walk to look back at her. “Right now, this is more important.”

Though there was obvious pain on her expression with regards to Anonymous, she was also determined to see her duty through in spite of it. She doesn’t wait for Twilight to muster up a reply, quickly taking her leave across the drawbridge.

Rainbow Dash let out the breath she was holding in. “Sheeeesh. Talk about tense!”

“Tell me about it,” Applejack added. “Ah thought fer sure things’d get physical back there.”

“Well I, for one, am beyond pleased that they didn’t,” Rarity hummed, her brow knitting with worry soon after. “Still, it can’t have been easy for her, knowing he is finally being... dealt with.”

“I think it’s about time I heard more about this strange pony,” Zakurai says next. “After all that, I believe I’m entitled to it.”

Twilight and her friends had no arguments there, and gave him the quick version of Tempest’s story: how she participated in the attack on Equestria, how she cared very deeply for Anonymous, how he tried in vain to restore her horn, and how Twilight and her friends had forgiven and reformed her.

It was that last part that truly took Zakurai by surprise. “You mean to tell me that you... forgave her? Just like that?”

Twilight nodded. “Everypony deserves a second chance. And she needed a friend.”

The sound of light sniffling from behind drew her attention. Turning to look at it’s source, she saw Zelac at a fair distance behind her, weeping gently at what she’d said. However, it was who was next to Zelac that really drew her attention: it was that zebra prisoner she’d seen with him when they first met.

The stallion was large, easily the same size as Shining Armour, but that was where the similarities ended. Though she didn’t quite understand what made every zebra’s sizes and stripe patterns different just yet, no species-specific knowledge was needed to see how muscular and well-built he was. His mane was, like Zakurai's, on the longer side for a stallion, and she had to admit that his facial structure was... somewhat attractive to look at. Twilight didn’t know if the marks on a zebra’s flank were comparable to a pony’s cutie mark—yet another thing she had to ask about—but his, like Zelac, the Princes, and Zecora before them all, was sufficiently abstract enough to make her unsure of it’s meaning, yet distinct from his fellows all the same.

What made her pause, however, was the look in that stallion’s bright, fiery yellow eyes. His gaze was hardened and guarded, studying everything as if it were an eminent threat to his life. Yet there was also a calmness to his eyes as well, and there was no mistaking the glint of a high and calculating intelligence deep within, either. But when their eyes briefly locked, she saw... something else in his gaze, too. Something odd, almost piercing, about the way he was looking at her, almost as if he were looking through her. It was something she couldn’t quite identify, but was unnerving and mysterious all the same.

Of course, Twilight wasn’t the only one to notice Zelac’s emotional display, and Fluttershy was quick to dart over to offer some comfort to the friendly zebra, who was quick to return the offered hug. All the while, the other zebra kept his distance from the ponies, continuing to be on his guard about what were, to him, the strange and potentially dangerous new equines.

Zakurai clears his throat, drawing Twilight’s attention back to him. “Well, if you’re certain that she’ll be a trustworthy ally, I’ll happily defer to you on that. I only hope she’s wrong about the possibility of an attack.”

“Me too,” Twilight answered. “But I don’t think she is.”

Zakurai hummed his agreement. “We’ll keep an eye out in any case. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d quite like to coordinate our departure with that Sky Walker fellow. I’ll return as soon as I’m able.”

“Of course. Let me know how it goes!”

Zakurai nodded and took his leave, leaving Twilight and her friends alone again with Zelac and his friend. Or at least, she assumed he was his friend. She’d find out in a moment!

All right, Twilight. Time to do what you do best!

Elysium help me, that princess is going to try and befriend me, isn’t she?

Tch. I know I’m supposed to be making their acquaintance, so her seeking me out should be a benefit. But there’s no helping my aversion to sorcerers. I still didn’t have a good read on this Equestrian royal, either: what she lacked in the sharp social awareness of her white-coated compatriot, she made up for with a wide-eyed and naïve curiosity. Both were almost certain to be problematic. I just don’t know to what extent yet.

I suppose this is what I get for overhearing their little ‘chat’ about that Tempest Shadow pony, isn’t it? Well, there’s no putting it off now. I’ll have to just grit and bear it.

(“So.”) The voice of that rainbow-maned mare was directed at me, and sure enough, she casually flew her way over towards me, seemingly more comfortable with her wings than she was with her hooves. (“You must be the guy Zelac’s been talking about.”)

“Oh!” Noticing the interaction, Zelac is quick to perk up and dart over towards me, minding his distance as he faces towards the other ponies. “E-everyzebra— er, no, everypony, th-this is my friend—”

“Zobachi,” I interrupt with a small nod of my head. “Charmed.”

Seems that Applejack has my measure from the very start, if that ongoing look of suspicion and wariness is anything to go by. Annoying, but workable. That Rainbow Dash seemed intrigued by me, however, and the pink mare of the group was trembling with barely restrained excitement. The others didn’t know what to make of me just yet, but the approaching pony royal was clearly intent on making my acquaintance and finding out either way.

(“I’m really sorry that we scared you when we first met,”) Twilight began, her seemingly legitimate sadness expressed with an order of magnitude more intensity by that Pinkie Pie mare off to the side.

Gods, what a ridiculous name that is.

“Every time a zebra has jumped at me like that,” I state calmly and with the smallest of smiles, “They’ve always had a knife in their teeth, and every intention to gut me with it.”

Interesting. Just about everypony reacted badly to that statement, spanning the gamut of covering their mouths, gasping with shock, and the yellow and pink ones especially became teary-eyed. Is the very idea of violence unpalatable to their people, or is it just these individuals? Hard to say at the moment.

I offer a small shrug. “So you can imagine how I felt when your companion”—my eyes flick towards the pink mare—“rushed at me like she did.”

(“I’msosorry!”) said mare exclaims, bursting out from her friend group and sobbing before me. The suddenness of the display makes my foreleg reflexively rise in defence, ready to strike if needed. (“I’mreallyreallyreallysorryaboutscaringyoubefore! Ididn’tknowthatzebrasdidn’tlikebeingsurprisedlikethat! IjustwantedtobefriendlyandmakeagoodimpressionbutI—”)

Forcing my defensive hoof to relax, I instead raise it towards her in a quieting gesture. It has the intended effect, the mare falling silent while still being visibly upset.

“Miss... Pinkie Pie, was it?” Sweet gods, I can’t believe I just said that with a straight face. “I am quite willing to let bygones be bygones.” A small smile. “Provided, of course, that there’s not a repeat occurrence.”

She perked up far too fast and far too strongly at those words, and that damn smile of hers was unnerving in it’s size alone. I could tell she wanted to spring at me for a hug, but was holding herself back, trembling in place and silently requesting permission. I see little reason to deny her, so I grant it with a small nod. In an instant, she rushed over and clasped me in a hug far stronger than a mare of her size should reasonably be able to provide, emitting a happy squeak all the while. She smelled faintly of baked goods and tooth-rotting sweetness.

(“Ohthankyouthankyouthankyou!”) she squealed, prancing in place on her hindlegs.

I didn’t have to endure the overly affectionate display for long, however: once she had her fill, she darted right back between her friends. That pony is... unnatural. And the looks of amusement on the others’ faces suggest they’re all too aware as well, and are used to her behaviour by now. Why that type of instability is tolerated in a national hero is beyond me.

(“I’d like to start over again, if that’s all right with you.”) Twilight Sparkle began approaching me, but her eyes lit up a bit in realization, causing her to stop in her tracks. (“Er, a-are you comfortable around magic?”)

“Not in the slightest,” I flatly state, shaking my head slightly. “In fact, I’d go so far as to say that it scares the absolute shit out of me.” A tiny smile. “That said, I appreciate being asked.”

She shuffles a little, unsure on how to proceed. (“I... was warned that most zebras didn’t like magic.”)

“Accurate.” My eyes dart briefly over towards Zelac. “Well, aside from our mutual outlier.”

His cheeks tint a bit and he laughs nervously, rubbing the back of his head. Cute. Less cute, however, was seeing that Rarity’s knowing little smile at the display out from the corner of my eye. Already picked up on our little relationship, has she?

Twilight Sparkle extends her foreleg towards me, as if reaching out for a hoof bump, but doesn’t move from where she’s standing. (“I hope your aversion won’t keep us from talking a bit more, mister Zobachi. I’d really like to get to know you better.”)

I raise an eyebrow, equal parts amused and bemused. “You really want to know more about me? The prolific and unrepentant criminal prodigy?”

(“W-well, yes!”) Hah. She’s trying not to look put off. Cute.

(“Did y’all really just call yerself a ‘criminal prodigy’?”) that Applejack deadpanned, raising her own eyebrow.

(“Applejack!”) Twilight Sparkle whisper-shouted at her, trying to keep things polite.

Unbothered by her remark, I simply look over at the orange mare with a smile. “When we had these accursed collars put on, Zabraxas read all of our criminal records out loud. It took him nearly ten minutes to read mine.” The smile morphs to a smirk at her unimpressed glare. “And that’s just the things they knew I had done.”

(“There some reason ‘ya sound so proud’a that fact?”)

“Crime is a profession where colts die young.” I give a small mock bow. “As you can see, I’m well on my way to my thirties, with every intention to die from old age.”

She doesn’t offer more than a small huff, now that she knows that shame doesn’t work on me. But that Twilight Sparkle is quick to clear her throat and interject again, trying her best to stay diplomatic.

(“Anyways!”) She re-extends her hoof towards me. (“I still really want to know more about you, mister Zobachi. Even if, well, like you say, you’ve got a bit of a rough past.”)

She doesn’t know the eighth of it. Regardless, I re-raise my eyebrow at her.

“Are you sure? We’re very different equines, from polar opposite worlds. You and your friends are likely to hate most things about me.”

She tries to give a wise smile, but I can see the naïveté in it, clear as day. (“I think you’d be surprised.”)

I emit a small hum before giving a light shrug. “As you wish.” My own foreleg extends, mirroring hers. “I still think you’re making a mistake, but I’ll humour you, your majesty.”

Evidently, that Applejack feels the same, if that look of hers is anything to go by. The other mares, for the moment, still remain undecided. Twilight Sparkle, happy with this small victory, slowly approaches at a non-threatening pace to let our extended hooves finally bump.

Part of me expected there to be some kind of sorcery in her hoof, and I was starting to tense in anticipation of that. I was very relieved to find that it was in fact just a normal hoof.

Well. So far, so good, I suppose. Once the others introduce themselves properly, I can start ingratiating myself with them. And from there, ply them for the information I'll need.