An Affluent Zebra

It did take a while. Eventually, finally, after what felt like ages and with a heaping helpful of judgmental stares as they processed his numerous answers... Ronnie was permitted access. His papers were stamped with a very official looking seal, and his portal-pass approved.

With that behind him, the other hurdle was the physical kind, the type that took a toll on the body. Portal travel wasn't for the faint of heart, to say the least. The Zebras, native to this plane and magic in itself, didn't seem too phased about it. Supposedly that's because of the magic already innately coursing their systems helping equalize their insides or whatever the Portal Officer on the Earth side explained, something that was a constant for all of Equestria's creatures, whether they horns or not.

Humans aren't lucky enough to have access to such a thing, if the lack of horns or wings didn't make that painfully obvious, so they didn't make it through the big shimmering portal of raw chaotic magic to another planet/dimension/reality/whatever the classification was, quite as easily. No big health risks, but a vicious bout if what feels like brutal combination vertigo, sea sickness, the wind getting knocked out of you, and a swift kick to the nuts that would leave anyone tired, groggy and regretting your choices.

Overall, a great time.

Just like the first time he and his coworkers came through the portal for Mister Banks event, Ronnie was slumped back on a pony-sized chair, practically spilling out from it as he groans. A pair of Portal-Officer Ponies readily offering sugary food and water, staring at him attentively, apparently quite used to seeing the effects. It'd be a few minutes before he stopped feeling too sick, so he doesn't rush it. Not that he can. Still felt a bit weird being the only one going through it in comparison to his first time, having the other guys to grumble and groan with, his current companions were trotting about without issue.

The attendants were also a lot more bubbly and polite, processing them with a wide smile and an excitable interest in Jiggles, but that might just be a pony thing. This side of the portal seemed a lot less like an airport or governmental building, and more like a... train station. Probably just basing their infrastructure off of what they know, but at least the chairs were comfier. Ronnie sinks in further to the undersized, glorified cushion he'd claimed in his attempt at recovery, chewing on a pack of some kind of sour candy as he's nearly flat on his back at this point.

Hang on... he doesn't feel swarmed by attentive ponies. Something isn't right. Ronnie, for a moment, emerges from his delirium to try and take in his surroundings... and to Ronnie's surprise, the only one looking over him is a familiar, stern-faced Zebra. Zabra had pushed in between the attendant Ponies that were trying to make sure he wasn't going to get sick on their floor, shooed them away and demanded to be the one to ensure his health, taking over the task of getting him back to normal and keeping the insides of his stomach where they belong. The gesture would have been sweet, but Zabra turned out to be a little... forceful in his efforts, startling Ronnie by nearly jamming the entirety of a bottle of water in Ronnie's mouth with his hooves. He still wasn't sure if this was out of sheer obligation to Zharris, or if they'd actually bonded a little bit.

Judging by the face he's making as Ronnie sputters, probably still just obligation.

"Forgot how... bright everything here is." Ronnie idly comments once he's done being waterboarded, sputtering and glancing around at his surroundings as they become clearer. His hand is currently holding back a second water bottle, trying to push it away from himself despite Zabra's pushiness.

"The Equestrians... do love their... colors." Zabra grunts, forcing the bottle closer to Ronnie's mouth.

"I mean, the entire world seems so much more... saturated." Ronnie objects, ducking to the side as he plucks the bottle from Zabra, relenting to have yet another drink under Zabra's expectant glare, but at his own pace.
"Water poisoning is thing for humans, you know." Ronnie bubbles quietly.

"You'll be fine. Drink up." Zabra tsks, glancing back. Zar and Zor are still sorting Ronnie's belongings through this side of the portal, slowly gathering his luggage beside him once the Portal-Ponies have approved of their contents. Everything made it through without issue, including an exasperated Jiggles, who was going through a similar experience as Ronnie. Water, treats, and dry heaving.

"...I did notice your world felt like it lacked a certain... color."

"Weird, isn't it?"

"It is."

"Wonder if that's from the whole magic thing?"

"Perhaps."

...

Ronnie jingles the purse of gold coins in his hand, trying to get over the medieval feeling. The exchange rate of dollar to equestria-buck didn't quite feel right, but he wasn't going to argue about how much in solid gold coins he got handed. Every bit as weirdly heavy as he expected them to be, and there was a pleasant feeling to it. They continue to distract Ronnie, turning one of the 'bits' over in his hands until Zabra's glare has him drop it back in the bag hanging from his belt. Carrying a little leather pouch full of the stuff definitely felt a little odd. Medieval, even. All part of the fun, he supposes, but its already pulling at his pants. How did Ponies manage this?

"No time for souvenirs?" Ronnie jokes, shifting his grip around Jiggles' carrier in his other hand. No coins for Jiggles, but he doesn't really need them.

The moment they got to this side of the portal, the Equestrian side, Zabra had stepped right back up as their guide and would accept no substitutions as trip leader. He seemed far more comfortable being the one to lead the way, even if he'd gone back to being snappier, ordering Zar and Zor around a fair bit. They seem to fall right in, almost outright enjoying the command structure, eager to please.

"No." Zabra retorts simply, leading the others as they trot towards Canterlot's Rail Station. At least Zabra knew where he was going -- though Ronnie misses the vague wandering of months prior that he'd done with Zharris, still fondly and clearly remembering that day. Still, there'd be time to explore. Farasi, and Zharris, was waiting, and there was plenty for her to show him that he didn't know.

"Not a fan of Equestrian goodies?" Ronnie tries prompting, to get something out of Zabra.

"Your bags have already been packed to their optimal limit. If we stop for anything else, it will require another bag to be purchased as well." Zabra again, bluntly shuts his ideas down, a master at being the mud-stuck stick. Unfortunately, Ronnie was a little bit of a shit, especially now that he wasn't responsible for getting them where they were going.

"Even if I wanted to get a gift for... Zharris?" Ronnie counters.

"You already have, if I recall. I remember the book of Earth insects during your bag checking. Nothing you could buy here would compare to what you've brought with you." He explains, which surprises Ronnie somewhat. This time, it hardly sounded like a shutdown, and more like an admittance that what he already got was a good choice. Though that was probably just to keep Ronnie moving.

"She likes bugs that much, huh?"

"You have no idea."

"Not even... stopping for a quick pack of sweets?"

Zabra is quiet for a moment, nearly pausing in his steps.
"...That might compare, but she recently visited Mister Banks to discuss alterations to their shipping routes following a shift in where the Griffonians fish a few weeks prior. She doesn't need any such things brought to her, as she's likely already recently partaken." He tries to justify, but Ronnie has his opening.

"Gonna tell her you said that." Ronnie comments, idly glancing away.

Zabra's pace slows, looking over his shoulder. He's quiet, before looking forward again.

They pass a bakery, the smell of freshly-made pastries wafting through it's open window, an apron-bound pony beating into some fresh dough with a roller visible through the doorway. Ronnie coughs into his fist, throwing expectant, nosy side-eyes at Zabra.

A bead of sweat rolls down Zabra's brow, but they persist in his maintained stubbornness, finding yet another excuse not to stop.
"Nothing here would survive the trip." He quickly explains, picking up the pace.

Ronnie only hums, following as Zor and Zar dutifully trail along with the rest of Ronnie's luggage. Mostly silent they're simply engaged in witnessing the challenge to Zabra's clear-cut structure.

But no matter how stout Zabra was in trying to route their way through Canterlot to avoid any more potential promptings, the Equestrian love for sweets was nigh insurmountable. Not long after deflecting the bakery, one of Canterlot's numerous candy shops sits just to the side, door ajar to invite those who might be passing by. There's a small collection of young ponies inside, excitedly bickering over what to spend their limited bits on. The attention it draws is unavoidable.

Zabra tries to keep going, but a long, exaggerated hum of interest slips from Ronnie, finger tapping his chin. Zabra is already groaning as he braces for the inevitable.
"You know, these might last the long, harrowing trip overseas. Oh well, I'm sure Zharris will understand."

Zabra freezes, face scrunched in a furrowed glare that throws itself Ronnie's way, who innocently glances over.

"Hmm? Something the matter, Zabra?" Ronnie asks, playing innocent. But both know that Zharris' love for sweets, with Ronnie's promise to tattle, has Zabra in a bind.

"...Something small. Get it quick." Zabra slowly relents through gritted teeth, each pronunciation a hiss of unwilling defeat.

"Will do!" Ronnie grins, practically skipping into the candy store. Zor and Zar are about to bound in after him, but a stern hoof stops them right in their tracks.

"Not you. Wait here." Zabra snaps at Zar, about to follow Ronnie in.

"Aw." Zar pouts, ears drooping and head hanging low. Zor waddles over to comfort Zar, the two pouting together.

Zabra does not budge.

...

Light chatter from the crowds around them in one of the many train cars, as the crimson-uniformed attendant passes them by, checking for tickets. Zar snores quietly, while Zor picks through a crossword puzzle, tongue stuck out the side of his mouth in thought.

"So much of your technology is like ours, but... not altered to consider that you have hooves. You just... use it anyway, without fingers." Ronnie mumbles, watching out the window as the vast Equestrian plains fly past, jostling softly on the train seat. Canterlot already grows distant, a place that had such an impact on his life already nearly out of sight. With Zabra sat beside him, Zor and Zar sat across, they're bound to entertain themselves to help the next several hours of train-riding pass.

Lucky for Ronnie, the seats were much bigger, more like couches to account for enough room to fit ponies comfortably and their way of sitting. Ronnie kind of preferred it, honestly. The train cars were shorter and chunkier, to account for the change in seating. Only a few other specklings of guests in the same car as them, though they made up for it by quite excitedly and loudly chatting.

Zabra is content with silence, but present company does not permit this, questions abound thrown his way. And yet, he still answers them, no matter how much he rolls his eyes, huffs, pouts or grumbles.

"I wouldn't know." He says simply, glancing over, watching out the window with Ronnie.
"Our technology makes sense to us. I've heard that Human trains use... engines, to pull their trains?"

Ronnie nods, looking away from the window to meet Zabra's stare. Pull was an odd choice of word.

"Coal, Steam... lots of kinds power lots of vehicles. Do you know what this one uses?" Ronnie asks, pointing forward towards the front of the train, trying to imagine what kind of pony-crafted, hoof-maintained piece of magic-bound machinery keeps this entire thing running.

"Oh, they just pull it." Zabra shrugs.

"...Huh?"

"Equestrian trains are pulled by a team of ponies, typically stallions. It's a physically demanding, but well paying career. Lots of travel." Zabra continues, looking at Ronnie's confusion with his own.
"Which is why I was confused at first at the human creation of the engine, when you already have a species like Ponies on your world. Why your kind haven't simply had them pull the trains is an odd choice to me, but..." Zabra shrugs, like the idea was simple and clearly the better option.

"Are you messing with me?" Ronnie squints.

"I do not enjoy jokes. Comedy is one of my least-appreciated crafts." Zabra tsks, looking down and rustling out a newspaper he purchased on the way to the station.
"Miss Zharris is the one with the sense of humor."

Ronnie is left to consider the implications of just how weird this colorful world is, and how little of it makes sense. Watching Zabra provides no answers, his stern face not even cracking a hint with his words. He's actually serious. What a bold statement.

The rest of the ride eastward is spent imagining just how many ponies it takes to pull a multi-car train like this. Ronnie doesn't ask any more questions, though. The one would be enough to keep him distracted for this length of the trip.

...

They had to move pretty quick once they got off the train in Fillydelphia, as the ferry would be leaving pretty shortly after. No time for sight-seeing, Ronnie jogging with an unbothered Jiggles' carrier in his arms, Zor and Zar managing a mixture of carrying and pulling his luggage, and Zabra leading them up and down each street. Compared to Canterlot, this place actually seemed... well, not quite modern, but more like a late-colonial dockyard town. Heavy on the waterbound infrastructure, and the smell of the sea was strong in the air as comically-era-accurate ponies made their midday way around them.

Zor and Zar excitedly trot past them as the Baltimare docks come into view, offering the beautiful view of a busy port. Various vessels and ships of all sizes are making their way in and out of port, all equally themed for comparative time periods. Some of the ships are actually just sailing ships, something one might see right out of a pirate movie. Others look like those ferries with the big rotary paddles at the back, slowly pushing the ships in and out of port. All the while as they close in towards the docks, dodging sailors and cargo being shifted about, Zabra is adding a new hue of color to his coat to contrast the white and black.

Green.

Not a color Ronnie expected from their proud, veritable trip-leader, and Zabra didn't seem particularly stoked about it either, swalling hard as he tries to keep his eyes forward.

"...Do you get sea-sick or something?" Ronnie leans down, nudging his shoulder to snap him out of it. Zabra flinches at the touch, throwing a frown up at him.

"No." Zabra all-too-quickly retorts, clearing his throat and trotting forward.

"It's okay if you do --"

"I do not." Zabra hisses over his shoulder, hoping that to be the end of it. It is not. Ronnie continues.

" -- loads of people, and probably ponies, get sick on boats."

"I --"

"If you need me to like, hold your mane back while you barf --"

"Ew. No. I--"

"-- I can totally do that for you. I think we're that close, you know?"

Zabra's frown is deeper than it's ever been, glaring a hole into Ronnie so hard he might actually summon a horn out of his head to help him burn one right through him. He sternly waits until Ronnie's trap has ceased it's moving, waiting with suspicion until he's absolutely certain it won't move again.

"No. I do not." Zabra states very, very firmly.

"Sure thing. That's all you had to say." Ronnie shrugs, carrying onward.

A long, pained groan that strains the very patience of Zabra's soul slowly escapes his lungs, and doesn't stop until his hooves are on the deck of their chosen ship. It almost looked like a sloop, though the supplies they were loading on board told of the long journey ahead. With a pair of large billowing sails ready to cast off the wooden ship, a small crowd of a mixed number of Ponies, and a handful of other Zebra's that were likely headed home were all in line, eagerly awaiting the chance to board. There was even a pony that looked like they were made of water, their mane swishing around in the air -- one of those Kelpie's that Zharris talked about?

They file on board, Zabra securing their spots on board as they get settled towards their rooms. Some kind of passenger-ship with plentiful rooms below deck, meaning Ronnie had a few minutes to get situated, banking with Zor. Zar and Zabra had the room beside theirs, and Ronnie spent a few minutes letting Mr. Jiggles stretch his legs, the curious cat getting a good sniff of the room before curling up on the bed for even more sleep.

Once they left port, there wasn't anywhere that Ronnie could really go that would cause trouble that wasn't overboard, so he was mostly left to his own devices. Zor and Zar were exploring every inch that the ship had to offer, while Mr. Jiggles ensured that no magical rats found their way into their quarters. Zabra, however, was nowhere to be seen. Probably talking with the Captain about things, or inserting himself into the more important rooms on the ship.

The journey across the Equus waters westward wasn't as long as Ronnie had been expecting it to be, though he enjoyed the chance to sail. Food wasn't bad either, but it certainly lacked the diversity that Mister Banks party beheld for it's guests. According to the Captain and their ship-wide announcement, the journey to Farasi would take about a week, all in all, if the predicted weather patterns held true. A rather proud looking Pegasus made a few circles while the Captain talked, aptly named their weather scout.

While certainly no party cruise, the curious company kept him entertained all through the journey, even until the distant landscape of an arid coast come to view upon the horizon. Despite the not so great rations they packed, the fellow Zebra passengers still held the proclivity towards certain meat products like Zharris told him, and fresh fish managed to find it's way onto their plates.

Ronnie, leaning against the ship's edge, looks down towards an open window below deck, drawn by an odd noise. Is that a Zebra's head sticking out of a porthole? Looks kind of familiar. And looks like he's getting sick off the side. Huh. Probably not anyone he knows.