Zebra Anthology

The defeat of the Storm King, while a victory for the good of the world, heralded a time of hardship for many. Though the ponies of the land had only just begun to suffer from his cruelty, the nations he’d subjugated hadn’t been so lucky. Refugees flooded into Equestria from all sides, desperate for help from their saviors, but there was only so much that could be done. With resources spread thin, and only so many willing hooves to give aid, many were turned away and forced to return to their ruined homelands.

Of all the survivors of the Storm King’s cruelty, the zebras had suffered some of the worst treatment. Their lands had been rich with resources, ores and fertile fields, which the villain had shamelessly plundered. Robbed of their crops, with strip mines marring the once beauteous plains, their country and economy had been devastated beyond belief.

The striped equines had hoped their colorful kin would support and nurse them back to health, but they’d been mistaken. Though they couldn’t explain why, the earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns seemed to view them with animosity, shooing them away without compassion. The harsh indifference created a schism between the nations, leaving the zebras bitter and contemptuous of ones they once considered family.

The hardships they faced were omnipresent, from lack of food to their economy being devastated, leading to a depression like they’d ever known. Hardships were commonplace, catastrophically affecting every class, leading to only the strongest and most resourceful surviving. Sadly, over the course of several years, the majority of the female population succumbed or, for a lucky few, found homes in neighboring nations.

Years passed, new enemies were defeated, and Equestria prospered, while Zebrica licked their wounds and slowly recovered. Their population had been heavily depleted, pushed to the brink of collapse, yet they found the strength to endure and carry on. It wasn’t until after the terrible trio of Tirek, Queen Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow had been vanquished to their stony prison did the Zebras extend the olive branch to their pastel cousins.

Princess Celestia turned down their diplomatic invitation, as did Princess Luna and Princess Cadance, giving them only a single option to pursue. Sending a letter to Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship and soon to be ruler of Equestria, they received no reply - no, they got something far better than that. Nearly a month after reaching out to her, the youngest alicorn royal showed up at their border - no entourage, no guards, just a single mare with a smile on her face and hope in her heart. Sending their lead ambassador to greet her, with nearly a decade of scheming behind them, the battered nation of Zebrica would finally be able to enact their revenge on the ponies who’d forsaken them…