Two weeks and half a week later – Southern Equestria; 4:00pm

News have come from Applejack’s cousin Braeburn that the tracks to Appleloosa are done now, so deciding to give the recently new settlement a gift from Applejack’s family, she, her friends with Spike, decided to transport one of Applejack’s trees – Bloomberg. Coming with them was Zen, though they haven’t found out why he came along, but said that he had business at Appleloosa; while the girls with Spike would stay in the first train cart, Zen stayed in the second last one that was close to Bloomberg’s cart, alone.

The train would arrive at Appleloosa by tomorrow morning due to the fact that while the train tracks were done, due to no schedules being made to Appleloosa, the visit was sudden for the train workers, so the train was moved by sheer earth pony power. While the girls were up and conversing with one another, Zen however slept early… well… he looked like he was resting; Zen was going through something in his tablet’s databases while in a state that made his body immobile.

Energy spikes are coming from the Forbidden Jungle, and somewhere up in the Frozen North. The situation in Appleloosa so far is mild at best as the only thing that the buffalo has slow down the attempts for the Appleloosans to gather their apples. I have also received reports of strange figures being spotted near the Badlands, and the reunion is coming soon – just one month left, seven hours, fifty-eight minutes, and fifty-seven seconds left.

Zen sighed internally to himself, before he felt a tapping sound; refocusing around his surroundings, Zen saw a curious Rarity looking down at him. The second his orbs came back to focus, Rarity took a few steps back as Zen stood up and sat on his bedding. “Is there something I can help you with Lady Rarity?” asked Zen.

“Oh its nothing dear, but is it necessary for you to… well, sleep here?” Rarity was referring to Zen sleeping in a storage room; due to the girls, Spike, and Zen being the only passengers, the other train carts other than the one they slept in and the one Bloomberg was in, the other carts were full of supplies for the town they headed to. Due to there being not enough beds for everyone, Zen stayed at the storage cart beside Bloomberg’s, sleeping on some sturdy crates with only a piece of cloth for bedding and a sack of hay. “I know you decided to sleep by yourself here for our sake, but I don’t think someone like you should be sleeping in such conditions. You are the princesses' elder brother, shouldn’t you use that to your advantage?”

Zen seemed to shake his head at the idea, not liking it the slightest. “I rather not abuse the authority given to me by Celestia and Luna, I use my responsibilities for the betterment for Equestria and the other nations. Do not worry yourself Miss Rarity, I can handle these conditions – I’ve been through worse,” said Zen.

Rarity seemed to have her ears flatten at that, before they perked back up as a thought came to her. “Oh, actually there was something I needed to speak to you about – it is about your suit. I have almost done and should be ready before the gala… though I know you don’t plan to go, but are you certain you aren’t going?”

“As I said before, I won’t and the reason behind it is personal… Though if it makes you any better, I won’t stop you from finishing it.”

Rarity smiled at that, and reached a hoof onto Zen’s lap with a caring touch. “You know – from one elder sibling to another – your a good brother, I can see why Celestia and Twilight love you so dearly… but you have to know that you can carry all the burden on your shoulders; we all know what happened with poor Applejack.”

“What’s this about me?” At that very moment, Applejack came from the train cart Bloomberg was kept, carrying a book on her back.

“Oh nothing dear, I was just complimenting Zen here how dedicated he is to those he cares for… almost how you are when it comes to you keeping promises.”

“Don’t remind me, though Zen if you’re going to be keeping promises, you should know that could come back biting you in the plot. You should ask for help once in awhile.”

Zen seemed to glance away from the girls and into the cart’s window – his eyes gazed with a mile-long stare, as if what he was gazing at was far and distant, no matter how much distance he made. “The promises I keep are more than just something than simply responsibilities… I am what stands between the edge of complete nothingness – an absolute void. While Celestia and Luna have been through their fair share of pain and strife, the things I’ve witnessed changes you… you don’t walk away from such a path… sooner or later you have to face what choices you made in life… or risk dragging everyone to a fate worse than-”

Zen was interrupted when the door came bursting open with Twilight. “Hey girls, what’s taking you so long, we’re about to play cards soon and… Did I interrupt something?” asked Twilight. Rarity was trying her best to not sniffle while Applejack had her hat tilted down but the light pitter-patter of teardrops fell on the wooden floor of the cart. “Um, girls, are you… alright?”

“We’re fine darling; come, let’s start playing some cards, let’s go Applejack.” Applejack nodded, as she followed behind by Rarity as they left, leaving Twilight and Zen alone.

“Zen… do you… wanna join us?”

"I’m fine Twilight, go ahead and play your game…" That’s what I like to say. Zen stayed silent his gaze never faltering as he continued to stare outside. The silence continued a little longer before, Twilight rubbed her leg and turned around to leave.

“Well… just come if you feel like playing… …Have a good afternoon Zen...” Twilight closed the door behind her and went back to her cart. Zen seemed to stare coldly toward the horizon, as different shapes of the terrain moved by, the bare land resembling exactly to Zen himself – something with many possibilities… but empty and void of everything that it could give.

I had no purpose when I came to this world, so I’ll make one and own to that purpose until my days are over. Zen went back to his silent state as the world moved on while he meditated in the quiet surroundings, the clatter of the train being the only sound to be heard.

The next morning – Southern Equestria, Train to Appleloosa; 8:15am

All things were quiet at first, but soon a new sound came to Zen; two loud thumps could be heard on the train carts’ roofs until a voice could be heard – it sounded like Rainbow Dash. Zen decided to investigate this, and when he climbed out to the roof he saw Rainbow facing what appears to be a young buffalo calf; to the right of the train were a stampede of buffalo, and they didn’t appear to be friendly.

Before anything could be done, the buffalo calf bounded over Rainbow Dash and headed to the cart that Bloomberg was kept. Detaching the link to the other carts, Bloomberg’s cart was slowly left behind by the train… but it wasn’t just Bloomberg in that cart. Banging on the small window at the cart’s door was Spike, a panicked look in his eyes before the cart grew smaller and smaller as they distanced themselves from it.

Rainbow Dash followed the receding cart and buffalo stampede, leaving Zen to stand on the roof of the still moving train. Well this is a problem.

Some time after the robbery of Bloomberg – and unintentional kidnapping of Spike – the group got off the train. As Zen examined carefully, he noticed that Pinkie was also absent, which only left himself, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy the only ones in Appleloosa, the others somewhere in the plateau.

“Zen isn’t it possible for you to find Spike and the others? Can’t you do a scan of the area?”

“I could but it take to long, and the only way I can do a more efficient scan is back at my compound in my Map Room. Hopefully Rainbow Dash and possibly Pinkie Pie may find Spike, for now we should find out what this whole buffalo debacle is about.” And fast.

Twilight gave in and agreed that they could do nothing but see how things would go, soon as the group exited the train, they were greeted by what Zen had to assume was Applejack’s cousin. Applejack’s cousin also wore a stetson, a vest, and was as hospitable as Applejack was when Twilight came to Ponyville for the first time.

Zen didn’t stay focus to what AJ’s cousin said – his name being Braeburn from what Zen could hear – as he needed to see the town’s law enforcement. During their tour however, they were introduced to a stallion called Sheriff Silverstar, so during the tour Zen slipped away unnoticed and approached Silverstar.

The stallion was currently leaning against a wooden beam, but the two saw one another; Silverstar approached the statuesque Zen, no fear at the slightest, though there was a tinge of suspicion in the stallion’s eyes. “May I help you?” asked Silverstar.

“Indeed; there appears to be a recent theft of an apple tree that was going to be transported to this town, and with one of the passengers in the train also gotten themselves caught as well too. Since you’re the local law enforcement, I would you ask for your help.”

“And you are?”

“I am Royal Adviser Zen, you must of heard of me?”

For a second the sheriff thought of this for awhile, but a spark of recognition came to him, soon he gave tilt of his hat in greetings. “Ah so your that ‘Zen’, well nice meetin yeah. Name’s Sheriff Silverstar, but considering you came to me without asking for my name, you must know me already; now what’s this about a robbery?”

Zen explained to Silverstar the situation and soon the sheriff nodded in understanding. “I see, well we can’t do anything until this friend of yours is safe. You mentioned two of your companions already went to go save him, well while I wouldn’t let civilians go out and alone, but since these are the same girls who managed to beat Nightmare Moon then its already with my book, but as soon next sunrise comes we’ll head out and head to the buffalo tribe’s camp. Just let me rally a few others to come and I should be ready by tomorrow morning – as early as I can be.”

“Thank you for assisting with the rescue.”

“Oh shucks, any friend of Braeburn’s cousin is a friend of mine.” Soon the sheriff went off to gather some more ponies, so Zen went back to Twilight and the girls to tell them what he told the sheriff.

“Zen, where die you go?” asked Twilight.

“I spoke to the sheriff, he said we should head to the buffalo camp by sunrise to get the others. For now let’s find some place to rest.” Zen then walked off to examine more of the town, recording everything – whether for tactical advantage, or to note the city’s size and infrastructure.

The girls then went to find a place to stay and await for tomorrow sunrise to go and save their friends. Zen decided to visit the local pub called, the Salt Block; stepping inside, Zen gazed around the various stallions and mares that sat down enjoyed their drinks and meals, as some music played.

Walking forward, only getting a few stares, but after reaching that pub’s bar, the barpony – a lanky mustached stallion wearing the sort of clothes you find on somepony who owns a pub – cleaning a mug looked up at Zen. He continued to clean his mug but did respond with a nod, followed by him speaking.

“What you want?” asked the barpony.

“Nothing in particular but I’ll have a glass of water… also, have you heard of anything strange around these parts?”

The stallion reached for an empty glass, followed by filling it with water; Zen placed a bit or two, before reaching for the glass and drinking… well his way of drinking. “Nothing out of the ordinary other than the buffalo problem we have… However… there been some strange lights and figures over by the mountains that head toward the Badlands.”

The Badlands… I’ve never been there during my many centuries in this world, and while I have only visited some of the Griffin lands, the Minos Empire, the dragon lands, and so forth… the south is the only place unknown to me.

“Anything else? Has anypony went to see what those lights were about?”

“Nope; it was pretty far away and nopony wants to go anywhere close to the Badlands. That’s all the news that came through here so far.”

Zen nodded in thanks, and left a few more bits for the information and left, the barpony giving a grateful smirk. Once out of the pub, Zen got a very strange notification that was coming from one of his hidden outposts – the notification originated to be from Outpost Sigma, located at the Celestial Sea.

Over the five centuries, Zen has built, planned, and set-up many outposts and creations across Equestria – most all hidden from prying eyes – the purpose of the outposts varied so Outpost Sigma purpose was… interesting to say the least. Zen had placed a project to be done there since… well it was a long time ago, but it appears that project was now done, sadly Zen couldn’t up and leave for it, so he may needed to postpone his visit for Outpost Sigma.

I’ll visit the outpost when things here cool down… though I wonder if I should check the other outposts?

Appleloosa, Tavern; 9:00pm

The girls decided to rest up at the local tavern, while Zen due to not needing sleep, checked a few things with Jiule and see the status of his other outposts.

Outpost Beta, Gamma, Delta of the Research & Development Sector; Beta’s project on the use of this world’s magic is doing fine, but so far nothing to update you on. Gamma’s research on the various artifacts you gathered and these “tokens” from other displaced. Delta’s development of tech has been going well, and they have finished creating Project: Crawler.

Outpost Epsilon and Upsilon of the Weapons & Strategy Sector; Epsilon has created weapons that rely on using the surrounding aura for energy, however the batteries needed to be recharged for a few hours. Upsilon has trained and prepared the “troops” – they are ready whenever needed sir.

Outpost Eta, Theta, and Iota of the Resources Sector; each outpost are at optimal use and ready to deploy at the ready.

Outpost Kappa, Lambda, and Omicron of the Medicinal, Health, & Rejuvenation Sector; Kappa and Lambda are currently creating some cures to any disease – both new and unknown. Omicron is working on Project: Phoenix, and is being moved to the northern hemisphere for better protection and secrecy.

Outpost Mu, Nu, Xi, and Pi of the Scouting & Mapping Sector; they are currently locating toward each of four directions, and have no issues so far.

Outpost Rho and Tau of the Aerial Support Sector; currently on standby for further orders.

Outpost Phi, Chi, and Psi of the Mass Production Sector; currently on standby for further orders.

Outpost Alpha, Zeta, Sigma, and Omega of Project: REWIND; Alpha is dormant, Zeta is still incomplete, Sigma is ready and on standby, Omega is dormant.

“Jiule, is the gateway to Omega done and have you linked the gateway at Alpha with my compound at Ponyville?” asked Zen.

Omega’s gateway is still under construction but Alpha’s gateway has been linked with the one at your compound, but the one at Sigma seems to be having issues so it is best you check on that one when you’re not busy. Zeta is still under construction as is the rest of the facility, though that may have to do with the location.

“True… Alright, after the incident her in Appleloosa, I’ll go to Sigma, and check things there, for now I want you to send orders to Outpost Phi and Chi. Tell them to build these plans, separately, you may decide which builds which.” Zen then sent two blueprint plans to Jiule, looking them over before accepting the order.

Understood – Phi shall build these Aura Batteries while Chi will build the parts for the weapons that will accompany the Aura Batteries – orders received, and sent.

With that, Jiule “went” to check on other things, leaving Zen with his thoughts… and memories. This reminds me a lot about those days when peace was widespread and there were small incursions; conflict would arise like bouts of fire, only to die out and leave the embers and ash. Zen sighed, the memory of such a time while also uneasy to many, was some of his more… memorable moments.

Later in the day – Appleloosa; 6:30am

The girls with Zen and the sheriff with some volunteers were getting ready to head to the buffalo camp, however before they could take a few steps out, they spotted Pinkie, Rainbow and Spike approaching the group… but with them was the lanky buffalo from earlier, as she was shyly behind the three.

This of course didn’t stop the looks that the girls and the sheriff’s men were giving her, though Brauburn seemed the opposite as he looked at her with a smile making the buffalo blush a little.

“Girls, you’re alright! Spike are you okay, did they do anything to you!” said Twilight, coddling over Spike.

“I’m fine Twilight, they felt bad about taking me so I hanged out with them and they’re not so bad once you get to know them,” said Spike.

After everyone got to settle down, the buffalo called Little Strongheart, came here to tell them about why they should move the apple trees. This of course broke off with Applejack and Rainbow arguing – even though the problem does not involve them the slightest. It ended with Twilight suggesting they think of something else… and of course Pinkie was the one to have an idea.

After waiting for Pinkie to set something up, both Appleloosans and the buffalo awaited and watched this… show Pinkie set up… Let’s say it did not go well; both group leaders’ agreed it was the most horrendous thing they saw and heard but would still stay with their original goals.

Both sides returned to their camps with Spike and Rainbow trying to convince the buffalo with the others to convince the Appleloosans otherwise… leaving Zen both confused, ashamed – at the fact that an easy solution was possible – and somewhat entertained at these events to occur.

“If you can’t fight them, join them,” said Zen, muttering to himself. Walking off, he leaned against the clock tower and watched the whole town bustle with activity.

The next day later – Appleloosa; 7:00am

Both the buffalo and Appleloosans waited for the other side to make their first move, both preparing their defensive, with the other making an offensive move. However both sides started to waver with their conviction, and it looked like they would stop the fighting… that is until Pinkie decided to sing that infernal song which made ti the breaking point.

Soon the buffalo stampeded straight for Appleloosa – with Pinkie in the middle of it all – soon the Appleloosans prepared themselves as they flung apple pies, hid anvils in hay bales, jumped and rode on the buffalo. Complete and utter chaos was happening as both sides fought each other in a very… strange way; one buffalo was charging for the girls, when Zen stepped in front and with a simple movement, grabbed the buffalo by the head and flung him to a stand of apple pies.

Zen simply walked through the chaos nonchalantly without a care, as he dodged or simply allowed stampeding buffalo to past by him without him getting a single scratch. This continued until the commotion got wilder when Chief Thunderhooves began to charge at Sheriff Silverstar. The sheriff would have been trampled over if a stray apple pie didn’t hit the chief right for the dome as he slid o the ground.

Everypony – both buffalo and pony – began to weep for the fallen chieftain… when he licked some pie that fell onto his tongue and stood up immediately with vigor. “I HAVE A BETTER IDEA!” shouted the chieftain.

After cleaning up the town, the chieftain explained his plan that they would allow the apple trees to stay and in return they’ll help with the gathering of apples if they get – and in his words, “one of those delicious scrumptious” – apple pies.

Soon both groups made an agreement and lived with one another peacefully with such a choice; Twilight and the gang sighed in relief so after planting Bloomburg, the group was ready to leave… however Zen would not come with them.

“Huh!? You’re not coming; is there something you still need to do here?” asked Twilight.

“Something like that, though it isn’t here exactly...”

“Then why won’t you take the train with us?” asked Applejack.

“Well where I need to go is urgent, but don’t worry I have my own transportation coming for me.” At that same time, the group saw a cloud of dust slowly approaching them when suddenly coming to a halt was a black slender bike of some kind – it had two wheels like any other bike, but were big, as the seat was long as it was meant to be ridden by lying on it than sitting, and gave off a strange purplish glow around the mid-area where some sort of capsule was.

Zen clambered onto the motorcycle, and laid on it with his feet clamped into the back, and his hands gripping and sliding into two slots, as his whole body became one with the vehicle. “Well I’ll see you girls later; it was nice meeting those here in Appleloosa, the hospitality has been… ‘lively’.” said Zen. “Farewell for now – have a grand day.”

Soon he disappeared in a puff of dust as a trail of dust could be seen in the distance and headed east. One thought came to Twilight, and she knew that wherever Zen was going… it was probably what she may have seen back at Zen’s home back at Canterlot.

Does he have more of those… “things” other than Canterlot? Twilight was soon shook from her thoughts as the others got ready to leave; they waved farewell to the buffalo and Appleloosans, watching their figures disappear in the distance. Just another question to ask Zen himself I suppose.

Elsewhere – Eastern Equestria, Horse Shoe Bay; 12:00pm

Zen was over a cliff near the bay that was located by Baltimare, his motorcycle was sent back to his compound – this was possible with Jiule having control over any tech, and each vehicle being control with mental commands by Zen. He stood over the edge of the cliff, watching the sun set at its peak, as the waves crashed against the cliff wall, the smell of the sea was wafted into Zen’s sensors.

“Jiule… open the passageway to Outpost Sigma,” said Zen.

Of course – opening Outpost Sigma in three, two, one – welcome Master Zen. At first nothing happened but Zen could hear it; soon the waters before him seem to swirl and grow wildly before a tempest of powerful waves appeared as a whirlpool came to life. Not flinching at the slightest, Zen stepped forward and began to fall; as speed began to catch up with Zen as gravity overtook things, Zen plummeted and crashed into the whirlpool.

All that was seen was the rough waters crashing into him, the taste and scent of salt could be felt everywhere while at the same time they couldn’t be felt. Soon it stopped and when Zen opened his eyes, he found himself standing on a circular platform that was five meters in diameter as an almost solid barrier surrounded it pushing the water back and creating the whirlpool effect.

The platform lowered and two sliding doors closed which deactivated the barrier outside, making the water fill up the empty space, stopping the whirlpool completely. Once the platform began to lower itself, it stopped and then in a burst of speed sped forward down a tunnel that had glass; the glass allowed any who stood on the platform to view the sea-life out there as algae, fish, and various critters swam through its waters.

The platform began to slow down and come to halt before a pair of two large intimidating metallic doors stood before him. Beside the doors was a small pedestal that had various switches, buttons and a clear screen that was tinted green. From his right arm came out a tablet, holding the tablet he he connected it to the pedestal before several pop-ups appeared with loading bars on them; after several of these bars, a symbol of a lock appeared from red and closed to green and open.

What followed next was the loud gears of the two sliding doors opening to reveal a pitch dark expanse; Zen stepped into the darkness before the doors closed behind him, the only source of light coming from his two glowing piercing eyes and the tablet. Zen soon pressed some buttons on the tablet and soon lights began to flicker to life within the dark cavern-like room, as the lights engulfed a massive shape in the center of the room.

Sir Zen, behold, Outpost Sigma’s creation – Project: Behemoth is complete! Before Zen was a massive looking ship made of a black metal of some kind – the ship resembled that of an aircraft carrier but was three times larger and would best be described the size of a medium sized city by width and length. Other details was that the bottom while some what flat and round had bumps and sliding doors to show that something would come out, as six large cylinders were around the sides – three on each side – with one large tower-like dome on the top with an open flat space for any to walk on or land any form of transportation. Four thrusters were placed in what was assumed to be the back and were twice the size of the cylinders; at the front were several cannons and turrets, were a large massive turret with double-barrels and four smaller barrels around it.

Shall we do a test drive with it sir?

“I hope that was a joke because if we brought this thing out it’ll do more than displace the water but the fact a massive black object in the middle sea would cause some panic.”

Sorry, I was only trying to lighten the mood.

“It is alright… If possible, build two more of these if you can… Now then, time to check the facilities from within.” Zen floated to the massive carrier, checking out everything out… though he wasn’t alone as small shadowy figures floated and crawl around the carrier and room, minding their own business.

Zen examined the massive cannon, thoughts going through him such speeds it was impossible to tell from which thought came first and last. Soon… soon, the hour will come, and I will be ready.

Author's Notes:

Outposts? Project: REWIND? Project: Behemoth? So many questions, so little answers; well just another mystery to be solved next time.

Speaking of a next time - next chapter: Celestia visits Ponyville, but when Mayor Mare calls for both her majesty and Zen about some strange occurrences, certain memories from Zen's past begin to arise.

Thoughts: Zen
Twilight