“My name is Samura, Chieftain of Sand Hunters.” A heavily armored and “Geschmückter” stallion introduced himself while I was busy scratching my butt in secret.

I may now have upgraded my throne with the invasion of the Pillows but that still doesn’t mean I am immune to butt itches. Even for a couch potato like me.

Besides satisfying my bad habits, word has spread super quickly of our recent victory over the Minotaur’s. Certain tribes scattered throughout the lands where apparently so impressed that their chieftains have personally travelled to the old capital to personally speak to me about reunification. These tribes seemed to have seen this victory as a sign that I was truly fit to rule them. Something that honestly works for me.

Samura being one of them, and even being the head honcho of that rhyming fellow I met in the beginning. The same guy who is currently standing behind the chieftains with a curiously looking munchkin standing close to him.

I would guess that this is his child, or at the very least a nephew or some distant family member of sorts. I mean, it certainly doesn’t take a lot of imagination to imagine who or what this child is standing next to him.

I nod while retreating my hand discreetly from its task. “Ah, so are you the one Akuezzar has talked about when he mentioned about lending a couple of scout’s?” I questioned while giving Penelope another gem for her to snack on.

I have ordered a sizable pedestal and pillow for her to sit on next to me. So whenever I have to waste my time with meeting or (god forbid) day court, then I have at least something to distract myself with while someone else is talking.

He nods. “Indeed that was I.” He responded before getting back up from his bow. “There was obviously no room for decisions making when there was an incoming army marching on our door steps. For me personally, it was just in everyone's best interest to lend some of the best scouts to intercept the enemy. No point in continuing our bickering with one another when the old capital falls into enemy hands, hooves or claws.” He explained.

I could only agree to that. But on a side note I wasn’t even that aware in just how prominent their power struggle with one another really is.

Obviously not all of the tribes immediately decided to place their trust into some hairless ape sitting on the bronze throne. I have quickly learned from one of the other chieftains that they have been in a blood feud with another tribe for quite some time. Constant dispute of lands, resources and of course more power.

This just immediately complicates things for again obvious reasons as it meant that I will have a lot more work under my belt to try and get everybody on my side. According to Aku, only a full reunified Zebrica can re-activate the hidden powers of the phoenix crown that every monkey king wore. An item I have totally forgotten about until Aku brought that thing back up again.

A very convenient coincident as we do have two daughter of a very influential Gazelle chieftain still in our possession. Apparently to Aku’s account the Phoenix crowns whereabouts’ were last heard from deep within Gazelle territory, which again is kind of good, especially since according to Little Steppes, the Zebras have something of great importance to the Gazelles in their own possession as well. We might be able to come up with some kind of trade if that is the case.

Why spur another war when it can be avoided, right? I kind of did the same during many strategy games I played, Total War, Civilization and what not. Getting a lot of nonaggression pacts to open up trade and get more of that needed MULLAH into my covers, which I would use to upgrade my infrastructure, get new tech and of course make my armies even more OP than they already were.

See, also a broken clock can tell the right time once and awhile. Now I am not fully referring myself as a broken clock, but those that understand it will know what I mean.

But I am just rambling on again. Let’s get back to the real world.

I blinked myself back to reality before looking down at my guest.

I smiled. “Well it’s good to know that some of the best trackers and hunters are going to be part of this massive project. The project of rebuilding this shattered land back to its former glory, perhaps even beyond that.” I declared.

Rule number… uh whatever number, get yourself as many Allies as you can in case things eventually go south. I mean having a couple of meat shields to use when shit hits the fan can only be helpful. Just go ask the Romans during the closing years of their empire.

HAH, what noobs.

Samura nods to that. “Not to mention increasing the size of possible soldiers and warriors for further conflicts that eventually happened. Again, as the attack of the Minotaur’s have shown, there are old enemies of ours that have absolutely nothing to gain from a re-unified power to the south west. Less competition means less problems after all.” He added which again was another good point I had to agree on… again.

Man this guy seems to make a lot of sense now does he?

Even though we might have shown the world that we perfectly capable of defending ourselves doesn’t truly mean that we are out of the frying pan yet. A healthy number of nations, and probably the Minotaur as well, will view this victory more as a threat and a sign to double their efforts in taking actions.

Like that assassination incident, which thankfully has been taking into investigation by Bakuss and the two fuck twins… against their will of course.

As for the Gazelle sisters, well, I have other things to momentarily worry about. As Samura has stated, it would most likely get even more hectic from this point on which means the military has prime priority at the moment.

Which is sad because I was originally planning to do the infrastructure next after the battle was over. Actually… I might still be able to do that.

I hummed. “Hmmm, well I did came across a lot of ruins and abandoned structures that kind of resemble forts or whatever. Do old structures like those exist along the serpent sea? Because if yes then we might be able to create a buffer zone there to avoid any more future surprises coming from the north or east via land.” I suggested out loud.

Granted questions like these would most likely be better ask towards Aku our loremaster, but since he is not here but attending a council of the aforementioned arrived chieftains and high shamans, I might as well ask this dude instead.

Samura looked lost in thought for a second before looking back at me. “Well, I am well educated on the existence of these old and long forgotten military structures. Especially when one near our city is still in use. But I am unaware in just how many forts, and settlements and whatever else have been lost to the sands of time. I personally don’t have any personal knowledge about such derelicts also existing along the east coast as well, but I can send out my scouts to comb through that area for anymore ruins if you want to.” He explained and suggested which quite an interesting proposal.

For two reasons, one I will have the chance to get a more up to date map of that particular area which could be useful, and two his account of many of these military and communal installations meant that there past was quiet more militaristic then I thought it was. Whoever those past monkey dudes were clearly had a purpose in constructing so many military installations across the land. It’s either a sign of imperialism, the existence of a large empire prior to today or just a security measure thanks to an overabundance of enemies and rivals. A theory which could be possible considering the pre-emptive strike of the Minotaur’s and the very words of their commander.

Again, need to try and learn their ancestral writing so that I can personally have a read on their past history. But for right now I have completely different fishes to catch and to fry.

“Well please do so then. If they don’t exist or are built in locations that are unusual for our current needs then we shall just build them ourselves. Use these moments of peace to preparing and make sure that any future conflicts with other nations will heavily favor us instead of the enemy, in a defensive war that is.” I proposed which in turn caused Samy to nod.

“It shall be done, your highness.” He bowed before trotting off and giving his high shaman one last look before passing by, leaving me and Penelo along with, Gilgi and of course that young mystery child right next to him. Also the Palace guards flanking the walkway, but I don’t focus on those.

This alone was Gilgi’s cue to step up himself and first greet me with a bow.

“Greeting my young king, how has your time since my absent bin? I have heard a lot of tails about both glories and fails, most of them regarding you scaly new creatures with sharp nails.” He poetically rhymes which, I have to be honest, I kind of missed ever since his sudden departure.

I am a sucker for poetry after all.

I just smiled. “Ahh yes, you must be referring to Penelope over here.” I gestured towards her. “The latest and certainly HOTTEST additions to the continued on goings in the Palace.” I stated while the drake in questions was happily chewing on some gems.

Penelope, as a response, just momentarily stopped her nibbling and looked up at me, before continuing on with zero fucks given.

She is learning so fast, even though I haven’t taught her one single shit since she was born.

It’s called passively learning, not sure if that is even a thing but that’s just what makes immediate sense to me.

Gilgi just smiled himself before looking over his shoulder. He ushered the young thing over to him which she or he did. Gilgi immediately looked back up at me when the little Zebra kid was back at his side, keeping close to its guardian.

I perked up at this and did my best Jarl Balgruuf pose while looking at the child with interest. “And do pray tell, who might this little thing be that you have brought before me Gilgi old pal?” I questioned which in turn just caused the kid in mentioned to huddle closer to its guardian.

Gilgi just kept his smile as he rubbed the little munchkins head in a calming and reassuring manner. “Well this young king is my own kin, Zecora is her name and just as talented in the alchemy arts as her old mane.” He introduced before looking back up at me.

I query an eyebrow. “So I was right, this is the old rhyming bastard’s child, and a daughter to boot too. Quiet interesting.” I thought to myself as I gave the little thing my best, none-maniacally grin. Only to watch her shuffle closer to her old man which was typical.

Why did I think that she would immediately trust me even though she already show signs of her intimidation before me? I don’t know, kids usually either love me or fear me. One even straight out hated me the moment he laid his young eyes upon me when I was just having a nice, sensible stroll through the park back in my world. Saying things like that I was nothing but the physical form of chaos and that he shall glance the world with order by getting rid of chaos beings like me before running off.

Certainly some of the strangest encounters I had during my self-centered life, but I didn’t gave it much thought at the time as stranger things have happened to me before.

Like all the time.

Especially now since I am in a world that’s straight out of some furred up version of final fantasy.

The child just kept close to her father despite his insurance that I was someone she can trust which in my books can be considered either good thing or bad thing.

I sometimes even don’t trust myself, like how I one time didn’t trust myself enough to get on that big ass roller coaster my cousins wanted me to board with them.

That’s probably a completely off target comparison here but the point still stands… whatever that point was. No, wait the point was that I had just eating three full footlongs all by myself and I didn’t wanted to risk losing all three of them and having to waste another 10 bucks to just get them back.

Efficiency is what I call this. And yes, theme park food IS fucking expensive kids so don’t plan on buying any of them if you are also planning on climbing on any of these rides. Especially in theme parks that have loopy loop roller coasters or whatever.

Ahh for fuck sake I am losing my focus again, quick where is the resume button on this imaginary remote.

Thankfully I managed to quickly find this remote and play button within my mind and blinked myself back into standard. Apparently I was out for a healthy amount of time as Gilgi just looked up at me with a curious look on his muzzle.

I just responded with my usual grin as I tried to re-engage my Jarl Balgruuf pose, only to miss my mark on the armrest which caused me to fall forward out of my my throne with a few of my oversized pillows fallowing to my demise.

This though had the immediate effect of a certain child to find my unintentional accident to be hilarious as she giggled happily at my misfortune. No, not Penelope because she was still in “No fucks given” mode thanks to her gems.

No, it was actually the little daughter of mister “Dichter” who was having the bad case of the giggles at someone's expense. Granted I did managed to once again fall head first onto the floor, which of course was painful, but the sounds of her enjoying my pain was still somewhat numbing that.

I always knew that I was fit for comedy one way or another, though I personally would have preferred a different genre besides slapsticks.

Slapsticks hurts man.

“Well, even though your methods of breaking mistrust is a bit to be discussed. At least it does its thing to make my daughter sing.” Gilgi commented while picked myself back up.

I just waved it off. “Yes, yes I know, I am very popular with foals apparently. Though is it worth it in regards to my health and dignity is a completely different matter altogether. Let’s just get back on track shall we?” I responded while slowly climbing myself back up onto my throne and fixing up my paddings.

Gilgi nods as I sat up straight. “So… about your alchemy skills…” I began.

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“Because the two of you ARE the most available and direct source when it comes to the undergoing of the city better than any of us here. Being previous streets hawks and market thieves and what not.” Bakuss repeated for like the third timed in a row.

He, the two twins and a couple of his most trusted guards were busy with the more properly approached investigations in regards to the still unidentified assassin that attacked the king a week before. As predicted, the two siblings or more primary the stallion where not happy to be forcefully dragged out there “comfort zone” in order to help with something that they have no involvement in. Well until the issue of the almost burned down bed chamber was brought up.

In other words, both Najero and Nami basically managed to get the short end of the stick with that accident, despite the fact that it was one of the Gazelles that complete ignored the instructions that was given to them by the two previous caretakers.

But then again, it was their job as well and all they did was either laugh or try to fumble around with something that no one knew how to use in the first place. Thanks to the neglect of nobody reading the instructions.

Because even in this world, everybody is just too lazy to read a manual.

Najero groaned. “Yes, I already know that, but still why? Why us, when they are much BETTER individuals that you could threaten or bribe to find these crooks for of yours. Yes we used to live in the streets, but that still doesn’t mean that we know every shady place or criminal loophole, let alone some kind of underworld under the city or something.” Najero answered which in turn caused Bakuss to stop, followed by the rest of his group.

He might have shot himself in the hooves here.

Bakuss turned around and glared at the now less enthusiastic stallion behind him. “What do you mean, Underworld?” He questioned which in turn caused Najero to look at him a bit awkwardly.

He just smiled, not really expecting such a hard and commanding glare from the captain. Ever since the battle, Bakuss just has been a lot more intimidating and authoritarian in general, especially in his tone and just the very air itself. A feeling that was completely new to the older sibling, a feeling that seems to work very well as he felt very much intimidated by the normal chill captain.

He just grinned awkwardly. “Well…” He began while rubbing the back of his head.” There is this underground network of chambers and tunnels that runs almost all across the city and even beyond, in fact…” Najero began but got quickly cut off by Bakuss as he grabbed the stallion in his surprisingly strong hooves.

He forced down a yelp as Bakuss just looked him deeper into his eyes. “The old forgotten underground tunnels and catacombs? Is that what you are referring?” He demanded which in turn forced Najero to just nod.

Bakuss eyes widened, only for them to harden once more. “What? That’s is ridiculous. From what I know those underground tunnels and chambers have been neglected and sealed off for decades. Thanks to a popular fear of it harboring evil spirits thanks to all the devious activities that used to take place down there from prying eyes prior to its sealing. Every major and minor entrances into the undercity have been walled off with meter deep layers of dirt and thick stone walls. No one should have access to them let alone know about them.” He explained as he unconsciously harden his grip around the poor stud.

Najero could easily feel it and Nami could easily see it from his brother’s expression. She was about to call it out or even run over to her brother to try and pry him from the captain grasp. That’s when Bakuss guards had a different say in that matter as they quickly blocked her path. Though thankfully Bakuss eventually let the stallion go as he fell to the ground.

Overall, the guards seemed a lot more serious than usual, something that is just new and alien to the two siblings.

Najero rubbed his sore neck as he just sat there. Bakuss on the other end was thinking heavily, trying to find an explanation as to how two simple street rats could even know about a place that has been otherwise forgotten to pretty much everyone in decades. The only reason why he know about it is because only a selected few do, and being the leader of the guard makes him one of the selected few.

Bakuss wasn’t one to believe in superstitions, but he has to admit that according to the old records he was once allowed to have access too during his initiation, is that in the past prior to the its eventual sealing that there was allot of shady activity happening down there during the slow decline of the old kingdom. What it specifically was has been kept quiet, even towards him, but that still doesn’t mean that he has to neglect his duties in make sure that it will stay that way. He will have to review those scrolls again just to be sure. He would need to ask High Shaman Akunezzar for access into the secret archives again, easier said than done, especially now that everybody is highly busy in ministration and counseling all of the newly joined tribes that have come to pledge leagency to the new king.

A lot now needs to be done, especially with old enemies gazing upon our shoulders.

He turned back to the stallion behind him as he picked himself up. “Tell me, how do you two even know of the existence of the under city in the first place. As I said, those mazes and tunnels have been sealed off and forgotten for decades, so how come that two simple market thieves know about them?” He question which in turn caused Najero to look at him again.

It’s actually a fairly good thing that they stopped right in a narrow alleyway aside in the middle of an open street, otherwise him spouting about stuff that was meant to be forgotten would have turned problematic. Not that it would have matter as Bakuss has previously stated. These places are long forgotten to the common populace, so him openly talk about it wouldn’t really be ringing any bells to anyone.

So again, them hearing him or not is kind of irrelevant.

Najero was about to answer, but it was to everybody’s surprise that Nami was actually the one to do it instead, especially considering that she had kept quiet this entire time.

She stepped up. “We know about its existence thanks to an old rocky cave we one day found far outside the city when we were younger. We entered it when we got curious and found this old broken down wall deep within the cave that just immediately seemed very out of place in comparison to all of the natural rocks and walls around it. We followed it in deeper and eventually came across a large open chamber with hoof made carvings and tall pillars. Over time, we occasionally came back to it and explored this place even further, even sometimes using it for shelter to have a roof over our heads. We weren’t aware that it was even a forbidden area to begin with before you openly told us just now.” Nami explain almost unhindered before she huffed and looked down at her hooves.

Again, this provoked some thought inside Bakuss as he processed the information that was given to him. He looked back over to Najero for confirmation on that story, which he got in the form of a quick nod.

This quickly puts a new light into things. “Have you two ever encountered anything else down there besides the two of you or where you completely alone down there? Also have you two encounter any other entrances outside or even inside the city?” He questioned once more.

If all of those questions proofed to be true that the very fact that there might be underground entrances leading into the city would mean a serious problem in the future.

That is, if more actually know about them in the first place, especially IF they are more paths into it. It is possible that more entrances outside the city might have opened up during the simple passage of time, duo to either large Sand worms or simply through natural forces. The former being more plausible as the sands do harbor some really BIG creatures under its surface. Thankfully they are rare and usually only ever found far outside in the most remote regions of the Zebrican desert, far away from any used roads or settlements.

But again, an investigation of the matter must still be conducted in the future. Though right now, they are still searching for leads on who these assailants where that are responsible for the attempted assassination.

Bakuss was about to just put this subject on the back burner when Najero added something that immediately gave him something else to chew on.

“Well…actually there IS an open up entrance here in the city as well.” He suddenly laid down which of course immediately got Bakuss attention.

“Wait, there IS?” He snapped back which caused the stallion to finch.

Najero just nods. “Well…yeah, kind of know by some underdog crooks. Or so I overheard. Not sure if it’s true though, neither I nor Nami have even seen this entrance ourselves. The only one we truly know of is the one far out into the desert.” He recalled.

Someone would guess that Bakuss much more intimidated nature is making the normally stubborn Najero cooperate and spill out more information, but then again who cares, especially with this information.

Bakuss of course looked determined. “Then we have no choice but to look into this as well. If what you say is true, then this could possibly be a lead into who these assailants where and where they might have silently escaped too when everybody was looking at the wrong places.” He announced before continuing to march on, his guards following him vigilantly.

Najero of course seemed somewhat confused by this as he and Nami followed as well. “What do you mean by that? How can THIS be possibly be a lead to your missing attackers?” He questioned smartly as they finally exited the alley and back into the open streets of the city.

Bakuss kept looking forward as he answered. “Simply, from what I know of the routine security measures that have stayed active ever since the old days is that nothing enters or leaves the city without going through the main gates. Flying over the walls might be an option, but those are being manned and patrolled 24/7. Even if some of these guards are somewhat incompetent newbies, they would still be able to spot something trying to climb up or fly over the walls, even at night. More importantly when one of them suddenly goes missing, knocked out or killed it would be known, especially since each and every guards schedule gets recorded and they usually always patrol the walls in groups. So really, from my experience nothing that travels above ground should be able to get into the city completely unnoticed. Even if magic was involved or not.” Bakuss fully explained as they continued to casually pass by busy citizens going through their daily lives, even some outsiders like gryphon, horses and very noticeable members of the other Zebra tribes.

“Oh…” Was Najero’s only response. To be granted he did know that the walls were constantly patrolled by lower ranked city guards, a detail he did momentarily overlooked with the whole “finding this assassin” debacle.

“Can you perhaps lead us to this spot where you overheard this conversation? I promise I will make sure to inform all of the guards to no longer watch you in the Palace. Which means that the two of you would be truly free and able to come and go without any hassle.” Bakuss offered after he once again stopped to look at the stallion in question.

Najero of course seemed a bit suspicious of the offer, it seemed a bit too good to be true, especially in comparison to everything that has happened so far. Especially things regarding the King.

“What about you’re King? What would he say to this proposal of yours when you actually do it?” He again, questioned smartly which in turn made Bakuss just chuckle to Najero’s surprise.

“Well… as far as I know him, from both self-observation and the accounts of others, I would say that he ‘wouldn’t give one quarter of a shit about it’ as he would most likely word it.” He assured which in turn did the trick in making Najero think.

He eventually sighed before looking back at the captain. “Fine, it’s over at this direction, at the eastern side of the city.” He responded before leading the way.

Bakuss, the guards and Nami followed him almost immediately. The group soon disappearing within the busy crowds of the city. Unbeknown to them, that they were being watched and followed from the shadows. A quick flash of yellow light momentarily emerged before a cloaked figure exited a nearby alley, the same alley that Bakuss group just passed through.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

“Because of the fact that you have failed your probation as… the kings… temporary babysitters, AND the fact that you two nearly caused another room fire within the Palace means that you two are now under continuous house arrest by the captain and the rest of the officer staff until his highness says otherwise… which I am sure he will…” The guards explained to the two Gazelles in the room while muttering that last part out to himself.

The one know is Mystic Gem just sat on her bed with a frown while little Steppes just nods to the guard.

The guard just shook his head before leaving the room with his comrades. Closing and locking the door behind him before turning towards the waiting Sergeant in in front of the entrance.

“Here you go Sergeant Liuanda. You’re Nethicite. As you predicted, the one known as Mystic Gem did try to use her magic at us when we escorted them to their new room. Thankfully your heirloom made sure that any further complications could be immediately avoided.” He stated before hoofing over the white crystalline stone to her.

Liuanda shock her head before pushing his offer back. “No Sergeant, it's better you keep it while you and your guards keep an eye on these two prisoners. As long as the Nethicite is in close proximity to her, all manner of magic she would most likely try to cast would immediately be negated and absorbed by the stone. Yes even through walls in case you are wondering.” She explained.

The fellow Sergeant nods before stashing the stone back into her pouch wrapped around his neck.

Though one curious question still remained from earlier though. “Well since we are assigned by the captain to guard these two prisoners while he is off conducting a more proper investigation to the king’s failed assassination, I don’t remember him giving you any personal orders during the end of the long briefing. What exactly will you be doing while everyone else has been assigned a job so far?” He curiously questioned.

Liuanda looked thoughtful for a moment, tapping her chin as she tried to think of what to actually do since she hasn’t been given any direct orders or tasks orders by her superiors. For all she knows, today might actually be her day off simply because nobody has given her any assignments.

She just shrugged. “Don’t know, maybe help out with the captain’s investigation maybe? But that would mean somehow tracking him down in the city below. Obviously easier said than done.” She answered before tapping her chin again.

“Well if you are going to do that than just go around town and ask about his whereabouts. The captain’s ordinated officer’s armor should be easily recognizable for all. Also, you could ask some of the guys back in the Barracks as well, I heard that they actually saw him last down in the city before retiring to their quarters.” He suggested which in turn caught Liuandas attention.

“Is that so? Well then I guess I have to hurry if I ever want to catch up with him.” She announced. “Just make sure to keep the Nethicite close to this room at all times. With it close, all possible magic will be negated by it, remember that.” She added before trotting off.

The guard just called for her good luck before position himself back to his station. Watching and guarding over the two remaining prisoners…how boring. After having experienced the serious and overall thrill first of a real battle, a lot of them now finding their normal jobs as “Guards” to be a bit too mundane now. Some of even seeking another chance out in the field to test their courage once more.

War is like a drug, once you taste it you just want more.

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“Well, I certainly believe that you are leading us on the right track here. This certainly is the more shady part of the city. Most guard don’t even patrolling this area as it does seem rather redundant by looks alone. ” Bakuss commented as he and his group passed by a few gryphons hauling up some cages.

They were empty now, but it really doesn’t take a lot of imagination on what these cages are for. It doesn’t have to be Lions again like the last time, but certainly something else instead, or gods forbid even slave trafficking.

Right now Bakuss is unable to do anything about these foreigners as they still haven’t done anything illegal within his sphere of influence… yet. Plus he is also busy with something else. Something more concerning and pressing in his eyes.

Najero continued to lead the group through the streets, passing by rundown shops, more crooks, beggars and even some seductive mares or two in one of the alleys. Eventually Najero and his followers ended up at a secluded yard hidden behind some narrow and confusing mazes of alleys. The main attraction of this yard was a large skunking in bar at one of its corners.

Thankfully, because it was still the middle of the day it meant that most of the nasty citizenry that calls these parts of the city their home meant that Bakuss and his guards had little to worry when it comes to unpleasant encounters. With most of them either still hiding in their dens or being out somewhere in the deserts doing something illegal.

A very indifferent situation in Bakuss eyes. As long as they keep their illegal shenanigans outside the populated areas then it really doesn’t matter to him. The Deserts outside the city are considered to be neutral grounds anyway.

The group stopped right in front the establishment. “Well this is it, this is the place where I overheard a group of Zebra’s talking about an underground passage into the city. If you want more information to that then just go consult with the bartender himself, he is the very chubby and tall looking stallion behind the counter, very hard to miss.” Najero informed right as a couple of drunk looking Zebra’s wobbled themselves out from behind the front door curtains.

Bakuss nods before making his way inside. “You three, stay outside and watch the perimeter. You two just wait here, I am going in alone if you don’t mind.” He ordered before finally disappearing behind the curtains himself.

Once inside, the bar pretty much mirrored its outside structure, bland, dirty and somewhat rundown, with the only notable features being the arranged pillows at the corners and low placed windows within the room, surrounding a small and low build table.

The bar itself was very low populated, in fact it was completely devote of anybody beside him and the bartender himself occupying this fair space.

Bakuss just groaned a bit at the thick stench that this bar harbored before navigating his way directly to the still oblivious bartender. He was currently busy cleaning up some used glassed in one of his sinks when Bakuss reached the counter. Knocking on the heavy wood with his hoof to get the big and fat stallions attention.

The bartender just grumbled. “I already bloody told you to get the heck out of my bar before I will chuck this bottle up you’re…” He tried to threaten before turning around and stopping himself at Bakuss sight.

Bakuss on the other end just raised a curious eyebrow at the surprised stallion in front of him which in turn quickly wore off as his surprise morphed into a knowing look.

He lowered his glass and dirty towel down onto the counter before addressing the captain with his deep and gruff tone. “Well in case you are here because of that one Minotaur that was trying to pick a fight with one of your guards then I am disappointed to say that I have nothing to do with that fellow. He was drunk, and all I did was throw him out of my bar as he had no longer any gold or silver coins to pay for his drinks. End of story.” He explained which in turn made Bakuss momentarily clueless.

“What? No, that’s not why I am here.” Bakuss casually responded.

The bartender looked at him curiously. “Oh? Then do tell what a captain of the guards is doing in my little and fairly quint bar of mine? Don’t you higher ups possess your own personal bars to get wasted in?” He questioned which just made Bakuss to shake his head.

“No, I am here on a more… official business.” He laid on which got the bartender's attention.

“Oh, what kind of business?”

“Information.” Bakuss casually responded which caused the bartender to raise an eyebrow.

“You want information? From me?” He started in surprise before dropping his expression. ”What makes you think that I will give you this information, let alone even knowing that I even have the information that you seek?” He stated which made Bakuss just scoff.

Faster than even the bartender could blink Bakuss jumped up onto the counter and drew his sword. The sharp edge of the blade just millimeters away from the now surprised bartender’s throat.

Bakuss just kept his casually look under his helmet and face guard as he stared down at the fat and greasy stallion. “It’s not really a question of if, but when you will give me this information. I already have taken more lives in such short moment of time then I would have ever imagine to do in my entire life, all just to protect my home and to perform my duties as captain. I will gladly do this deed again to smugglers and cutthroats like yourself in order to make sure that the common folk will have a better tomorrow for them to wake up to. I just managed to remember a report that was filed to me a couple of months back about a fat looking Zebra stallion with a half missing ear smuggling highly controversial liquor from an outside seller.

Gryphon in origin, fashioned from a unique plant that only grows in the gryphon highlands. Ok for their race to consume but causing… unintended side effects on Zebra’s. Causing temporary blindness or even in worst scenarios momentary paralysis when consumed on a daily bases. You, fine sir fit this description perfectly, especially…” Bakuss momentarily looked to his halve missing left ear before looking back at the slowly terrifying looking eyes of the stallion. ”…with that very obvious looking injury on your left ear.” He pointed out before his casual visage quickly faded.

He glared down at the now shocked stud and pressing his blade closer to him.

“Now, I am going to ask some question, and by the grace of the gods you better make sure that all of your answers are true or I will make personally sure that your illegal smugglings are no longer poisoning the eyes and nerves of fellow Zebra’s for the sake of a cheap and exploitable profit.” He threatened as Bakuss got closer to his face. ”Now, let’s take this from the top. I first want a complete list of both your regular and not regular customers to be written down, I am sure that there are more wanted individuals YOUR customer list for the sake of receive their kicks, and besides that you are going to also tell me which of them have ever mentioned something about an underground entrance into the city. Even with just one and a half ear you should be able to hear and remember some of the gossips that are being exchanged here. Do so, and I will look past your crimes and allow you to keep your shady little bar with a warning, if not…”He punctuated by pressing his blade deeper into the bartenders fat neck.” I won’t have to bother myself to personally find and prepare a prison cell for you in the near future.” He finalized.

The stallion beneath him just nods as a response which in turn allowed Bakuss to relax a bit. The bartender didn’t waste any time in trying to scrunch out some writing material around the bar to do as the captain wishes.

Bakuss was even surprised to know that such a messy looking stallion was even capable to reading and writing in the first place. Then again, as the owner of a bar you do need to have some knowledge of accounting and basic math, plus for him to actively smuggle these gryphon liquors he must be able to write and read letters towards his sources. So again, the fact that this crook was able to read and write should be to no ones surprise.

The stallion took his time in writing down the list. Either because it just is a really long list or he is just too nervous at the moment to properly grip the feather in his hoof.

Either way Bakuss was forced to be patient while the bartender just kept scribbling away. Eventually he let the feather dropped from his grasp and quickly presented the list over to the still agitated captain. Bakuss of course immediately grabbed it and proceed to scan it for its content.

There were a lot of names on the list. Most of them don’t ring any bells within the captain’s memory, but some did. He would need to mark these names for a later date but for now, he has another zebra to fry.

With the list not at hoof and the bartender now awaiting the upcoming interrogation there was obviously no point in wasting any more time. Sheathing his blade and stashing the scroll somewhere under his armor he was about to ask the first question when I ear-piercing scream suddenly echoed throughout the bar.

Bakuss immediately jumped into action as he re-drew his sword and began scanning the bar for any assailant. To his momentary confusion there was none, but what was there instead where the sound of fighting coming from outside.

Bakuss was about to rush outside and to assist on whatever it is that was happening there when all of the sudden a magic bolt came sipping through one of the windows and flew straight for the still shocked bartender. The spell hit him directly onto his chest, exploding and causing the poor stallions to instantly combust. Not in a normal fire as Bakuss first interpreted, but instead in a pure yellowish inferno that just seemed as unnatural as did the screams coming from the previously known bartender.

What used to be the fat, oily and messy stallion quickly took the shape of something that Bakuss has never seen before. His fur quickly darkened to a deep ebony, his mane and tail completely disappeared and were replaced by a silky yellow tail and a set of fins. Lastly, insect like wings started to appear on the things back same with a thick yellow shell. The final thing that changed with the previous bartender where its eyes, instead of having normal pupils its eyes swiftly changed into that of a solid blue shine.

His scream were no longer normal as well, it was distorted, stretched out and totally alien towards the captain ears. All of that quickly faded though as the thing suddenly stopped and fell backwards against the liquor shelf behind him. Lifeless and with a huge hole decorating the center of its torso.

To say that Bakuss was shocked would have been an understatement. So much happened in such a short amount of time that it was already difficult for his mind to even process what happened, let alone even recognizing his surroundings at the same time.

That’s when he did finally remembered that there was still a fight going on in the first place. He quickly shook his head before rushing out the main door. His blade firmly held within his grasp as he pushed through the curtains.

What he saw left his blood cold for just a moment before quickly starting to boil instead. One of his three guards was down for the count, blood coating the ground from a hidden wound he could not see, while the two thieves were slumped against a wall, snared up by some yellow goo but still very much alive and awake as well.

That was good at least.

The two reminding guards though where nowhere to be seen, even though the sounds of metal hitting metal could be clearly heard from somewhere.

His question was quickly answered though when he suddenly saw one of his guards fly past him from a side alley to his right and directly into a stack of crates to his left, breaking them instantly at his impact.

This was all the indication Bakuss needed as he quickly rushed into this side alley. What quickly greeted him at first was pretty much to be expected. Two individuals dueling out to the death in this narrow alley, one being a guard while the other being a dark brown cloaked figure wielding a short sword with some kind of magic, the hilt being enveloped in some yellow aura.

There was no time to evaluate the scene any further as Bakuss could clearly see that the stallion was starting to struggle judging by his heavy breathing and sloppy stance. Wasting no more time Bakuss began to directly charge the assailant from the back in hope to get a quick and surprising first strike and to hopefully end this with one quick swoop. That dream was quickly thwarted though as the assailants stance quickly shifted. The figure took one quick look over its shoulder before disappearing with a yellow flash.

Bakuss of course immediately skidded to halt as he felt momentarily confused at assailant’s sudden disappearance. Though his break was short lived as another flash appeared right behind him. Without even needing to think, Bakuss immediately reacted to this sudden change of events and turned himself around with his blade raised in a defensive position. And not a moment to late as the attacker’s short blade made contact with his almost in an instant.

The assailant grunted. “Well, you certainly are not part of the common bunch, especially now that I can see that you must be the captain.” It, or better, HE commented.

Bakuss still wasn’t really sure if he could call it a HE, especially in just how distorted its voice sounded. But just judging from its tone alone and how cracked in sounded in general, Bakuss was kind of sure that he was male just by that assumption. Plus it would give him something to focus on while not getting more confused as he already is about this whole situation.

One thing was clear, it certainly was not a Zebra, or heck even a pony either, just those glowing eyes alone are an immediate dead give away for that. Especially with the lack of pupils.

It was Bakuss turn to grunt. “Well I can show you even more surprises if you want?” He boldly stated before steadily repositioning his back hooves.

With a quick backwards retreat of his blade and himself which caused the tip of the short sword to narrowly miss his neck, he used that momentary opening to swap the blade away from the assailant’s magical gasp before giving him a strong punch directly at its head with his free left hoof.

The attacker was knocked off his hooves by this unpredicted move and fell backwards onto the ground. Bakuss could tell that it where hooves when he fell causing his cloak to reveal its legs with great clarity. Though, again, there was something strangely off about them, having some very obvious holes scattered throughout the lower end of its legs.

Bakuss of course had no time in properly evaluating these strange features as he immediately went and pinned down the attacker with the same hoof he punched him with while pointing the swords at the assailant’s face, ready to quickly plunge it down when needed.

The mysterious thing was still in a state of confusion after Bakuss gave him that incredibly mean left hook. He eventually re-opened its clear blue eyes and glared them directly up at the captain with malice.

Bakuss of course didn’t cared as he had the obvious control of the situation, not to mention its life as well. But before he could even think about killing this…thing he would first need to somehow extract useful information out of it. Like what he is, what it is doing here and most importantly, why in Zebrica’s name he openly attacked one of his guards and killed one of his own kind.

At least that’s what Bakuss would assume. These two do share a common yellowish aura and the same pupil-less blue eyes.

But he was just drawing from conclusions at this point, plus if he really wanted to know then he could just uncloaked this thing and see what exactly it is.

With that idea in mind Bakuss did just that, moving the tip of his sword under the top of its hood and pushing it over its head. What Bakuss saw quickly confirmed his suspicion. He was staring at a carbon copy of the same creature he just saw being murdered by this individual beneath him.

What an unsurprising twist. At least its bend horn explains where the magic is coming from.

The creature below Bakuss hoof immediately hissed in pain when its face got exposed to the hot and bright desert sun, trying to use its hooves to block its rays from hitting its charcoal like face.

Bakuss used this opportunity to further enforce his control over this situation by increasing his pressure on the things chest while also moving his blade down to its throat.

Bakuss at this point wanted answers. “Tell me, who in the god's name are you and why did you kill one of your own kind? Also, why did you attacked my guards in the first place? What are you motives and who sent you?” He began to demand as the thing was busy trying to adjust itself to the new light level and heat.

He just continued to glare up at the captain with its pupil-less eyes. ”Kill me if you must, even if I tell you want I know it won’t really matter. I only serve my queen and to make sure that our activities and locations stay secret to you above world-lers. Your kind has been a wonderful food source for centuries, I will not risk it all by telling you even the smallest of details. So my death shall serve its cause.” The creature barked back which in turn just caused a few gears to turn in Bakuss head.

But again, thinking later and interrogation first, perhaps even getting him chained up for more info and future use.

Or just give him to the king. With his erratic personality, antics, and his rather unique and sometimes unorthodox ways of doing things, he would most likely have a much easier time to get into this things head then he or anyone else could.

Yeah, send him to the king, he could easily break him.

But first Bakuss needed to somehow get him there to be pestered by the king in the first place. Which means that he either needs to convince this thing to cooperate and follow him, or to just knock him out and transport him like that to the council.

The option was pretty clear, especially given the fact that this creature under Bakuss hoof doesn’t seem to be in any mood to cooperate in the first place, let alone allowing itself to be tied up, and then there is of course its magic…

“Knocking it out it is.” Bakuss thought to himself before quickly twisting his blade around.

With a quick and unsuspected jab at the creatures forehead with the pummel was all that it took to end its dagger filed stare and causing its head to drop back down.

The keyword being dropped down as Bakuss didn’t expect for its skull to be that thick. It was just dazed at first but with a much harder and much more precise hit got the creature finally unconscious to Bakuss’ relief.

He sighed before stepping off the now unconscious form of this black pony like creature. It was also at the same time when the guard who was previously occupied with this thing stepped up to have a closer look at the creature himself. He seemed just as confused at the being's appearance as Bakuss was, but also somewhat fascinated by the looks of it.

“What is it?” He casually asked.

Bakuss shook his head. “No idea, couldn’t really get much out of him as you must have seen. This one was ready to die before even giving up the smallest hint of information.” He explained before quickly remembering something else, something rather critical.

“You, go check on the twins and see if you can free them from there binds, but before you that go check if the injured one is still alive or not. If he is alive make sure to try and help him in any way you can by stopping his bleeding. I will try to tie up this… thing and get it ready for transportation.” Bakuss instructed to the still standing guard who just nods in confirmation.

The guards went off to do his job while Bakuss stayed behind, not DARING to let this thing stay unattended after everything it had just done. If its claims are true, then Achaemidas may be facing yet another threat. Especially with is stupid testimony of his kind using Zebra’s for some kind of food.

“Just perfect, just avoided or ignited a war and now this. I guess it’s true what they say, the road to success is blocked by walls and strife, can’t even have some free time to get myself some needed peace, especially with that mares death still haunting my mind.” He grimly thought to himself while just staring at the still unconscious thing beneath him.

How long will it actually stay unconscious is actually the question here.

Shaking his head, Bakuss immediately focused back on the task of getting this thing tied up before it would inevitably wake up from his trauma.

Looking around himself and finding absolutely nothing useful to tie the prisoner up with, Bakuss just grunted in annoyance. He decided to just momentarily drag the body back out into the small yard and to try find something inside the empty bar where the bartender’s carcass most likely still was. Even that needed to be wrapped up and transported back to the Palace for investigations.

A wonderful job for anyone unlucky enough to do it, a dead body does start to decompose rather quickly after death, which means that it will smell. Really badly.

Grabbing it through its hood with his teeth and dragging it slowly back out into the small yard, Bakuss eventually let go after he finally reached his destination. According to the guard, the one who got surprised by this thing was actually still alive which a relive was. But that obviously means that his heavy injuries were still a threat and needed some medical aid ASAP, otherwise that sense of relief would change into a feeling of grief rather quickly soon.

Bakuss had already seen enough death and grief for a while and he sure as hell doesn’t need more of it. Especially in such a short amount time.

Ordering the remaining guard to quickly lift and transport the injured guard to the closest temple, it was in the end up to Bakuss to do the cleanup work. With the guard gone and with him all alone, Bakuss immediately went back into the bar to search for something he could use to bind the prisoner with. Trotting past the still dead bartender and checking into the storage room behind the counter, he was quickly relieved to find a large bundles of ropes used to tie together barrels of coconut brandy during transports.

Grabbing the ropes with his mouth and trotting back outside, Bakuss didn’t bother to waste any time and tying the prisoner up and tight before moving over the twins to cut them down from there gooey binds.

Najero huffed. “About bloody time.” He muttered as Bakuss drew his sword and started to try and cut through all of this organic mass. It was difficult and awkward at first, with the blade constantly getting stuck within the sticky but still solid substance that this stuff was made off. But eventually he managed to free the two twins from there binds which in turn forced them to start rubbing and picking off the remaining sludge that was still sticking on their fur.

Nami in particular felt extremely uncomfortable. “I think that there is some in my…well…marehood as well.” She pointed out which in turn caused both of the stallion to look at her with a weird look.

Najero sighs. “Well, in that case let me see if that is true and help you…get it out…somehow.” He suggested which in turn just caused Bakuss to shake his head.

“Anyway, you two stay here while I got back and pick up our new guest for transport.” He announced before trotting back to the prisoner to do just that.

Only to find out that he was fairly heavy and the fact that he had a lot of stairs to climb. Such is the life of captain, especially when being forced to watch the brother fiddle around his younger sister’s flank.

Ever since the Return of the new Monkey King, things have turned from normal to just downright unpredictable.

…………………………………………………………………................................................................

“I think I have seen the captain and his followers heading in that direction.” A simply citizens informed after Liuanda ask him about the captain's whereabouts.

She has been on her captain’s trail for some time now, and it seems that with every lead she gets, another is being presented almost immediately. She knew that an investigation does take a lot of time and most likely a lot of back and forth as well, but at this point it was starting to become a little bit ridiculous on her part.

Maybe she should have listened to the Alidar’s advice and just take the day off. This is what she gets for just trying to be useful. But she managed to get this far so she might as well keep going until she reaches her goal. No need to waste already wasted time. That would just be a double waste and nobody wants to have that much waste sitting around someone's front porch.

I think the king's crazy thought process is slowly getting to her.

Liuanda just smiled at the civilian before thanking him for his service. Heading to the pointed out direction she began to mentally wander off, especially to that battle she participated in. She was there, luckily or perhaps unlucky to be stationed somewhere in the back of the line, which obviously meant that she didn’t participated as much as she would have liked.

She was only able to hear the fighting way off in front of her, with the smell of blood sometimes entering her nostrils. She only realized after the battle was done in just how hard fought it must have been and just how serious her forces had managed to damage the enemies despite having the numerical and physical advantage.

It truly made her believe that her kind was capable of so much more than just infighting amongst each other. Not such a ridiculous thought especially when all of her nation's past was pretty much displayed all around her. The Ziggurats, the scattered cities and the many, many ruins that dot the desert landscapes.

She in particular didn’t know how far reaching her kinds Civilization was in the past, but from what she was taught and read about was that they used to dominate the entire continent and even some nations beyond.

All of that though came crashing down after the death of the last Monkey King which, according to some priests and Shamans, angered the gods for failing to protect one of their own and caused them to curse the Zebra race by creating mistrust and divide amongst her kind. Liuanda herself wasn’t very heavy on her peoples believe or superstitions, but she always did understood that there were forces out there beyond any mortal's comprehension.

Liuanda just shook her head, trying to get her thought together and focus back at the task at hoof. She didn’t even realized that she eventually managed to trot herself into the bad side of town.

“Well, this is the area that stallion pointed out at. If there was any place where the captain would be searching around it would certainly be this one. The shady world of those who call it their own do have the tendency to know things that most others do not… or should not. Pretty sure that Captain is sharing the same logic.” She told to herself as she gripped the handle of her sword before trotting in further.

Going alone without any backup in this area of the city can spell out some unwanted attention, especially as a guard and particularly a lonely mare like herself.

She kept on trotting further, eventually being forced to ask a beggar for clues regarding any guards having recently passed by. The beggar turned out to be helpful as he pointed at an alley where he saw a group of guards and two Zebra’s passing by a while ago.

Luianda gave her thanks to the poor soul by throwing a couple of bits in front of him and trotting off into the alley.

She immediately heard noises the moment she got further. Her ears immediately perked up. She was suspicious first when her suspicions suddenly gave away to confusion.

“Are… are those moans?” She wondered to herself as she continued on.

Her question though was quickly answered when she finally rounded a corner and entered a somewhat small looking yard surrounded by buildings.

What she saw almost caused her to lose her hoofing. The twins that the Captain took with him where fiddling around in front of her, covered in some yellow goo while the brother was doing something in between his sister’s flank with his hoof, completely ignoring her or generally everything that is around them.

The captain himself was standing not far off from the two, currently in the process in holstering up some clocked and tied up black thing onto his back. He quickly noticed her and perked up.

“Oh, Sergeant Liuanda, you are just in time.” He called out which forced her attention.

“Since you are here could you also go get the dead body inside the bar over there? The council would most likely love to have an unknown species to poke around at, specifically the shamans of course.” He added before trotting over to the still confused Liuanda with the thing on his back.

He just gave her a look as he passed her. “Hurry up as well will ya? You should know that dead bodies to decompose rather quickly. So if you don’t want to take a bath later on you might wanna do this assignment a little bit faster than normal.” He called out before disappearing around the corner.

Liuanda had to force herself out of her confusion by shaking her head and eventually groaning. “I really should have taken the day off just like how Alidar suggested. This is what I get for just trying to be so damn useful to everyone.” She mumbled to herself before passing the two fiddling twins and making her way to the bar as captain mentioned.

She actually might need a bath after all, though not for stench related reasons.

Author's Notes:

This chapter certainly took longer then I planned, mostly in length. Anyway I have allot of concept art to show you all.

First of all, the two Gazelle siblings.

Mystic Gem:

Little Steppes:

And also the two unit types that Alexander has to his disposal.

Like the Desert Phalanx:

And of course the Sand Hunters themselves:

All of these designs are final now, especially for the two siblings.