Originally this was supposed to be an Applejack and Applebloom focused chapter, but I realized the premise didn't really have something I could do in terms of dialogue or development for them. So yeah, hopefully I can come up with other ideas for them in the mean time.

Equestrian Heroes

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Naruto x Rarity x Twilight x Fluttershy x Applejack x Pinkie Pie x Rainbow Dash x Ditzy x Luna x ? x ?

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For Normal Speech

Inner thoughts, Text read, Italics used to represent characters speaking in different language.

Demonic rage, Demonic characters, Kurama Speak

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Story Start

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Naruto arrived just in time to see Big Mac and Applejack working on the tractor. Looks like the damn thing broke down again. He approached them and made his usual greetings as he struck up a conversation.

Around the corner Applebloom appeared with a basket filled to the brim with various plant leaves, flowers, and a pair of apples. She bounced forward, her young face all but pleading with Mac. "Fore ah go ta school, can ah take these over ta Miss Zecora? Ah promise to head right over to school afterwards!"

Mac shook his head. "Sorry sweetie, but yer already late to school. Plus, you know how ah don't like ya heading into Everfree Forest without somepony lookin' after' ya."

Naruto saw the disappointment on the young filly's face. He cut in before lil seed could start her futile pleading. "I have free time, I'll deliver it for you Bloom."

"Thank ya Naruto," though from her expression it was obvious she wanted to go. "Could ya tell 'er ah said hi?"

"No problem." He said as the filly darted off.

"Ya gonna be back in time?" Applejack asked him, after all today was his time to spend with her.

"I'll be back in no time AJ." Walking over and placing a kiss on her cheek.

"Ya better." She said adjusting her hat slightly. There were still duties she had to attend to that morning before they could have the day to themselves.

Naruto bid his farewell to the elder sisters before making his way down the path. It had been awhile since he spent any time with Zecora.

It wasn't a shame he didn't spend more time talking with her. She was wise and adding an interesting parallel to his life. If there was every an ailment that befell him or the herd, there was Zecora with her advice or a potion.

Naruto continued through the shadowy forest. There was no fear in his heart. After all if there was something more dangerous than him in the forest he would have encountered it by now.

It didn't take him long to reach Zecora's hut. With a polite rapt on the door he called out to the Zebra. "Hey Zecora, its Naruto. I'm delivering some stuff Applebloom planned on bringing to you."

"A surprise that you came by my friend, if you do not mind please come in." Naruto entered her domicile and placed the basket on the nearest table.

The Zebra was sitting on a chair, one leg over the other as she was going through a book.

That's right, Zecora wasn't just smart, but exotic as well. That long and silky, gray-with-white striped mane may have been odd on a pony mare, but the zebra really made it work. She was dressed in her usual style with large hoop earrings, golden necklaces, and loose-fitting fur skins that showed off her Amazonian features.

"So what brings you here to my neck of the woods?"

"Dropping off some items. Applebloom says Hi."

"Adorable child, I always look forward to her visits. In fact I was just on my way out to collect a vital ingredient. Would you mind accompanying me?"

"Sure that's no problem."

The Zebra shut the book and placed it back as she stood up. He couldn't help but take noticed of her toned stomach and the way her, prominent breasts hidden only by a thin cloth bra jiggled slightly from the action.

But to his surprise he wasn't raging with overwhelming desire, but what was considered normal lusting. Finally having gotten a handle on those sexual urges.

She led him down the path deeper into the forest where they came across an oddly colored blue tree with fruits colored green, yellow, and orange. They were shaped like pears, but about the size of a walnut.

Leaping up Naruto easily snatched a few of them from the branches.

"Quite the little display. Is this how you impress all the mares? Showcase your prowess?"

A faint blush appeared on his cheeks as a rich laughter boomed from Zecora's lips. Her laugh was hearty, deeper than the giggles, cackles, or snorting mirths he was used too.

She paused, as her attention turned to the woods. "It appears we have stumbled into trouble. We must be keep to flee."

"You have no need to fear, there is no predator in this jungle my equal." He calmly spoke.

For a moment Zecora wanted to berate the blond for his arrogance, but then she remembered the remains of the Hydra he had brought her all those months ago. The blond was fearless. Strong. She would put her trust in him.

"I shall trust you, but do not let your power cloud your mind. Foolishness has brought the end of many powerful warriors."

A deep, guttural growl rumbled in front of them.

Zecora reached quickly into her robe, producing a dagger.

The creature was a Manticore and a rather big one at that. Naruto involuntary paused, wondering why he was feeling this weird sensation. Then he noticed the Manticore gave him a gaze of recognition.

Wait a minute. "Manfred?" Wasn't that the name Fluttershy gave to the Manticore she tamed.

The lion let out a low growl.

"Well I don't have any fo…" He paused and remembered something. Taking off his backpack the blond pulled out a container which contained the fish he was carrying and let out swore. The fish spoiled under the heat faster than he thought it was. Opening the container he tossed the spoiled fist to the creature who ate it up in one chomp and looked back expectantly at the blond. "I don't have anymore." The Manticore let out a growl. "Don't you growl at me. Do I need to let Fluttershy know about this?" The creature flicked its poison tail before trailing off to get more food.

Zecora let loose the breath she was holding. "Thank Zedora. I shudder to think if you had not arrived today."

'Zedora? Maybe that was the Zebras equivalent to Celestia or Faust.' There were other creators besides Faust with the existence of other realms being the biggest key element.

"Even the arguably friendliest creatures I know in here are still dangerous. There needs to be a way to make this area safer or at least develop paths." That sparked an idea in the blond. "Zecora, would you oppose to the creation of pathways near your home?"

"I do not condone the disruption of nature. As long as the local wildlife and rare treasure of this forest are unharmed I have no objections."

"No, maybe removing rotten trees to make a clearing for a small base. Also to set up some pathways."

The Apples could help when it came to the labor and building.

Fluttershy could steer the animals clear and help with Zecora in identifying what needn't be disturbed.

Twilight could cast protection spells on the pathways.

This could…this could work. Fluttershy and Applebloom could come and go as they please without fear of being attacked. Same with Zecora. Hell maybe even a small guard outpost could be placed here to help develop their patrols and keep an eye out for the Nightmare Enthusiasts. This was going to be indeed an amazing

They soon arrived back to the hut. "Well I glad I was able to help you Zecora. I would stay longer, but today is my time with Applejack."

'Brave, strong, and dedicated." She let out a laugh.

Her expression soured as she fell silent in obvious deep thought. After a beat, she continued. "You remind me of my intended. A warrior who puts family above all else.'

"W-What happened?"

'A hostile takeover attempted by a rival tribe when I was much younger. He refused to leave any of our tribe behind. He…he did not survive the fight."

"Oh Zecora."

"I have tried to move on. There were many suitors who tried to help me through it, but the pain remained. I put my focus into my craft and slowly drifted away from my tribe in the years to follow. Finally I left my home and migrated to this area."

He had no idea she was holding something like this in. It was a strength he hadn't seen in her before. Tragedies like that were always hard to bear, no matter how much time had passed, but she was able to still continue on with her life.

He placed a hand on her arm. "I am sorry you had to deal with that. I never wanted to draw out bad memories."

"It is not your fault." She wiped the lone tear that drifted down her cheek. "It is a pain that will never go away, but it has lessened in time. I have move on…let me show you."

She had leaned in and placed a tender kiss on his lips causing Naruto to freeze in surprise before placing his hands on her hips and returning the kiss as Zecora pulled back.

"You…you have not fully solidified your herd correct?" she asked as Naruto shook his head. "I wish to explore this possibility and see if these feelings will lead to something else. I shall go speak with your alpha about this when the time is right."

Well that was definitely a surprise, but not in a bad way. Naruto proceeded to go forth with his plan and make the suggestion to the others for this plan.

It took a bit of convincing but the plans to start building the structural pathways were well under way. Applebloom was especially enthusiastic because it meant she could practice her craft again. This would be the first of Ponyville's many improvements.