The Cursed Eater

by Transformersfan123

When the Zebras trick First Squad into releasing a terrible monster, Sparky Black and Sparky White face unintended consequences. Not all of them are bad, and First Squad learns a few things about the Zebras they've never known before. But releasing the monster? Yeah, that was bad. Now the Zebras have to team up with First Sauad again. This time, things may end differently for them.

5. The Story of the Zebra Brothers

Sparky White awoke first, and he blinked his eyes open to see the top of a tent. His mind was sluggish and he looked around, wondering where HighRoller had sent them now. As he sat up, he heard a pleased exclamation.

"Oh good. You're awake. We were starting to worry."

Sparky White turned to see Woo the Wise sitting at a bench and peering at him. He set his brush aside and capped the ink then hopped down and hurried over. He busied himself in taking Sparky White's vitals before he marked them down and focused on his patient's face.

"Can you speak Human or do I need to get the commander?"

"I think I can manage," Sparky White said hoarsely. He rubbed his throat and Woo ladled up some water in a spoon for him. He helped the Zebra drink then eased him back.

"My brother?" Sparky White asked.

"Still asleep," Woo said, gesturing to the other side of him.

Sparky White turned and saw his brother peacefully sleeping. He relaxed and thought about sleeping some more then decided to get some answers first. "Are we okay?"

"You're probably weak from hunger," Woo replied. "But physically, you have no injuries."

Sparky White let out a breath then sat up slowly. "Ow," he moaned. He stretched out a bit. "I take it we won?"

Woo twirled his mustache, grinning. "Most definitely. And your bravery is to be commended. Both Jun and Lin Chung told us that you thought you would die in saving Hidden Kingdom, yet you did it anyway. We owe you our lives."

Sparky White gave a sheepish smile. "After what we've done for HighRoller, we knew what we deserved. But we were granted mercy."

"Commander ApeTrully thinks your part to play in Hidden Kingdom is not over. You may have an important role to play yet."

Sparky White nodded then saw his brother squirm. "He's waking up," he said.

Woo hurried around and helped rouse Sparky Black. After taking his vitals and repeating the same points with the black and white Zebra that he had with the other, Woo helped the two Zebras up and over to the cushions. He served them bowls of noodle soup on small, foldable tables then stepped back.

"I'll be back momentarily," he said. "I'm going to inform the commander that you're awake. Excuse me."

Woo left the tent, and the two Zebras contented themselves with slurping up noodles with their tongues. Woo hadn't given them chopsticks and it was simply too much effort to get up and find some. It didn't matter, though. HighRoller wasn't looking at them with disgust as they ate naturally for Zebras. Indeed, when they looked up to see Woo had returned with ApeTrully, neither of them even looked at them funny.

"Oh, I forgot the chopsticks," Woo muttered. "Sorry."

"If it's not a problem for you, it's not a problem for us," Sparky White assured him.

"I take it HighRoller disapproved of eating without chopsticks?" ApeTrully asked.

"Yes, Commander," Sparky Black said, but he didn't elaborate.

"Unsurprising," ApeTrully said. He filled a bowl for Woo and one for himself then sat across from them. "First and Second Squads will be here momentarily."

"What for?" Sparky Black asked.

"I believe you promised us an explanation for how you ended up working for HighRoller," ApeTrully said, a bit of frost edging into his voice.

"Oh. Yeah, guess we did," Sparky Black said.

"We just thought we wouldn't live to see it," Sparky White explained.

ApeTrully thawed out again, and he began to eat. Jun and the elderly servant walked in, and they headed straight for the Zebras.

"I heard you were awake," Jun said.

"We're awake," Sparky Black agreed. "And alive."

"Yes. That, too," Jun said. He placed his hands in his loose sleeves and gazed at them. "I hear you are going to tell your story. I would like the honor of listening. You won't even know we're here."

"Certainly, Jun," Sparky White said. "And feel free to ask us questions. You, more than most, have a right to know what happened to us."

Jun and the elderly servant bowed then slipped into the shadows and sat down. ApeTrully brought them both food and returned to the Zebras. Soon after, First and Second Squads came in together, all of them arguing. The Zebras watched with interest as they got their food and joined the group. Mr. No Hands was getting more adept at his chopsticks, but he was still awkward.

"It's nice to not be cursed, isn't it?" Sparky Black asked.

Mr. No Hands paused and stared at them. "I suppose so," he admitted. "But also a bit unnerving."

"Yeah. We know what you mean," Sparky White said, sipping at his broth.

"Do you now?" Mr. No Hands asked skeptically.

"I believe they do, as a matter of fact," Lin Chung said. He leaned forward and gestured with his chopsticks for emphasis. "They were cursed, too, Mr. No Hands. And just as your curse was removed by the beast, so was theirs." He paused for emphasis. "But I must admit, that's as far as my knowledge goes. I'm afraid I don't know the specifics of the curse that was upon you two."

The Zebras glanced at each other and down again. "If we may tell the story our way, I think things will become clearer, commander," Sparky White said.

"Very well," ApeTrully said. "Tell it your way."

The Zebras finished off their broth then set aside their bowls. "First tell us what you know about the Zebras," Sparky Black said.

ApeTrully's eyes lit up at the challenge and he popped to his feet and began pacing with his hands behind his back. He muttered to himself in a low tone for a minute or two then planted his feet in front of them.

"If I am not mistaken, the Zebras are temple guardians. They guard the knowledge of the ages, the lore of Hidden Kingdom and all its people, and the legends of magic and the gods. But then I met you two, and I fear it gave Zebras a bad impression. For so long now I have thought very little of you two. Perhaps I was wrong in switching my judgement."

"After all HighRoller has made us do? Yeah, you weren't wrong," Sparky White said softly.

"You say HighRoller made you do it," ApeTrully pressed. "What do you mean?"

The Zebras looked tired. "If we had our lanterns, this would be easier," Sparky Black said.

"Oh, then let me retrieve them," Lin Chung said. He stood and hurried away.

The Zebras were stunned. "You actually found them?" Sparky White asked.

"Took awhile, but yeah," Mystique Sonia said, waving her hand as if it were no big deal.

"They were whole?" Sparky Black asked.

"Completely," ApeTrully said. "The magic is whole and strong and pure, as far as I can sense."

"We'll see," the Zebras said together.

When Lin Chung returned with the lanterns, both Zebras reached out and took one. At once they made faces and switched them.

"That's better," Sparky Black said.

"Much," Sparky White agreed.

They looked over the lanterns, running their split hooves over the sticks and then the face of the lanterns. The full moons on the front glowed brightly at their touch, and they both sighed heavily and shook their heads.

"I can't believe we get to keep them," Sparky Black said.

"I know. And they're pure again, just like ApeTrully said," Sparky White said. They both grasped their lanterns and began to sway them back and forth, almost hypnotically, and fog began billowing out.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Mighty Ray demanded.

"Telling it our way," Sparky Black shot back. "Now relax and sit back. It's story time."

Everybody automatically looked to ApeTrully to see if he objected, but he settled in and gazed at the Zebras as the fog continued to fill the tent. Everything and everyone faded until all anybody could see were swirling clouds of white. Then two bright pinpricks of light came from the full moons on the lanterns and color seeped into the clouds. It ran like spilled ink, filling the clouds around them gradually, the colors bleeding together before becoming sharper to reveal bushes and trees.

"ApeTrully is right about the Zebras," Sparky White began. "There are few of us here because we aren't native to this land, but a herd was here when Hidden Kingdom was formed, and so they were granted the magic, too."

"The Zebras were a curious folk and loved to hear and tell stories," Sparky Black continued. "Right after Hidden Kingdom was formed, they were nomads, flitting from place to place across our land and absorbing the stories, big and small. When writing became known to them, they took the chance to write down the stories they were collecting."

"Eventually, the load of stories became too much for them," Sparky White said. "And so they decided to build a temple to store them in. The Zebras worked for many years, building a temple that would stand the test of time. When it was done, they filled it with their parchment and scrolls. Many Zebras went forth to gather more stories, but some stayed back to guard what had taken so long to gather."

"But," Sparky Black said. "Their efforts had not gone unseen. The gods noticed and approved of their story keeping, and so they decided to test them. They offered them wealth and power and riches if they would turn over all the lore to them. Without hesitation, the Zebras tried to fight the disguised gods, who quickly revealed themselves. The Zebras were not punished. They were rewarded for their zeal and loyalty to their craft. Those who were given the task of guarding the temple were given magic of their own, full moon lanterns, which are granted by the gods only upon the recital of solemn vows. To break them would be to give up the gift."

"As time passed, the Zebras' numbers thinned," Sparky White said. "It was dangerous to face the curses and sort the magic and collect the stories. But always, two were set up to guard what was so precious to them. Our father and uncle were the guardians before us, until it became our turn. We swore our vows to protect what we had and were granted the full moon lanterns by the gods. And everything went well for several years. Until we got a visitor."

The two Zebras went silent and the colors began to change again. They realized as the colors melted and solidified that they were now inside the temple. Sparky Black and Sparky White were sitting at tables, writing without saying a word. Then there was a loud, firm knock. The Zebras looked up and frowned. They neighed to each other then shook their heads and stood, stuffing their lanterns into some kind of hidden pocket behind them.

"We weren't concerned that we had visitors. We often had visitors seeking knowledge of one kind or another. But this visitor was different," Sparky Black said quietly.

When they opened the door, HighRoller stood there. The Zebras perked with interest and began to neigh. Then HighRoller spoke.

"Oh, there's no need for a translation," he said, waving his hand. "I was struck by lightning and can speak all animal languages perfectly. I'm here to find out more about it."

The Zebras brightened and gestured for him to follow. They led HighRoller into the temple.

"We told him he could look all the wanted, but he wasn't allowed to harm anything inside," Sparky White said.

"And he did, didn't he?" ApeTrully asked angrily, unseen in the vision.

"No," the Zebras both said.

Neither of them said a word as the gathered group watched the past unfold before them. After showing HighRoller to a section, the Zebras left him to tend to their duties. They were settled back at their desks when HighRoller came back over.

"Cool lanterns," he said.

The Zebras glanced at each other then neighed.

"Oh no. But I'm here for more than one reason, now that you mention it," HighRoller grinned. "See, I've got an idea and I need some help. I think the humans are getting too cocky. They need to be brought down a peg or two."

The Zebras raised their eyebrows then nickered to each other. They stood up and pointed down the rows, talking for a few moments. HighRoller was clearly displeased.

"Well, I have to have you Zebras on my side. But I planned for this."

The Zebras watched as he pulled something out of his pocket. They grabbed their lanterns, ready to defend themselves and their people's work, but HighRoller lunged and grabbed their lanterns. They whinnied in horror, jumping forward as they tried to catch hold. They tackled HighRoller and ripped their lanterns back. By this point they were panting and outraged. They raised their lanterns and whinnied again, but HighRoller only smirked as they called upon the power of their lanterns. Neither of them noticed the faces that now glowed on the surface of their lanterns.

As soon as they lit up, the two Zebras were engulfed in the light and their screams of pain and shock filled the temple. Then they hit the floor and didn't move. HighRoller stood over them, cautiously peering at them.

"Can you hear me?"

The Zebras turned to him and nodded, their expressions puzzled.

"Will you do anything I say?" HighRoller pressed.

The Zebras nodded again, nickering.

"Ooh, Master HighRoller? I like the sound of that." The man laughed and rubbed his hands together then looked around. "My first order to you is… burn this place to the ground. I don't like the thought of reading all this trash, and nobody should ever have to read again!"

The Zebras stood up and walked over to a candle stand. They both reached for it then Sparky Black neighed and pushed Sparky White over. Sparky White retaliated with a big shove and both Sparky Black and the candle stand tumbled over. The candles scattered and all it took was one guttering flame to touch a single scroll. The fire started quickly and spread fast, eating up centuries of work from their ancestors. The two Zebras weren't even paying attention, still nickering and whinnying at each other as they fought. HighRoller stood there, looking around with glee at the chaos he'd unleashed, and he laughed.

"Come along, Zebras! We have work to do," HighRoller said.

The Zebras stopped fighting and obediently trotted after HighRoller as their life's work burned behind them. They didn't even look back, but clutched at their modified lanterns and followed HighRoller away from everything they'd ever known.

The world around them suddenly ran like hot wax, and the colors dripped down until all that was left was white fog. Then that, too, began to thin. As the Zebras came into view, nobody said anything. They both looked like they'd just seen somebody die in front of them. That wasn't too far from the truth. ApeTrully sat there, chewing on what he'd just seen as the Zebras waited for his verdict.

"When did you two take the speech classes with our laoshi?"

"Parrot King?" Sparky Black asked. He frowned. "Soon after he cursed us. He thought our language to be uninteresting and stupid. He likes Bear speak though. Never forced Bearstomp to speak Human."

"Probably was afraid of him," Sparky White said. "Remember, Bearstomp wasn't cursed. He was there of his own free will. And HighRoller always respected him more anyway."

"I wonder why that is," Lin Chung said thoughtfully.

"Oh, we can answer that," Sparky White said easily. "The curse didn't do exactly what he wanted."

"What did he want?" Woo asked.

"He wanted us to be under his full control so he could use the power of our lanterns whenever he wanted," Sparky Black said. "But it didn't quite turn out that way."

"How did it turn out?" Woo asked.

Sparky White shrugged, toying with the lantern stick. "Well, it altered the power, but not in the way he wanted. It affected our personalities, too."

"Curses are considered negative magic, thus they affect things negatively," ApeTrully said. "I have noticed a definite change in your attitudes this time around."

The two Zebras looked up and nodded. "Yes, commander. And we're grateful for your help," Sparky White said.

Sparky Black hesitated then cleared his throat. "What are your plans for us?"

"What do you want to do?" ApeTrully asked.

"What can we do?" Sparky White asked.

"We destroyed… everything," Sparky Black said, his ears sinking.

Both Zebras slumped there, their expressions haunted. ApeTrully thought about this as First and Second Squads gazed at the Zebras. Woo twirled his mustache thoughtfully for several moments then spoke.

"I have an idea for what they could do for Big Green."

"It might be what I have in mind," ApeTrully said. "What is it?"

"They could spend their time collecting stories from the members of Big Green, as well as whatever else they'd like," Woo said. "I see no reason they can't do their previous job of story keeping. In fact, I think it would be beneficial for many of our members to see how far they've come."

ApeTrully's eyes smiled at Woo. "Exactly what I was thinking." He turned to the Zebras. "Once again, I extend to you an offer to join Big Green. If you do, you will spend your days collecting and writing the stories of our members as well as whatever lore and legends you'd like to record."

The Zebras sat there for several moments then looked up with tears in their eyes. "Do you really mean it?" Sparky Black asked.

"After all the trouble we've caused?" Sparky White asked.

"We've done the same for dozens of animals who have attacked us," Lin Chung said. "And it would be an honor to have you with us. Your un-cursed state is much more agreeable."

"Part of the way the curse warped them," ApeTrully said. He sat up and gazed at them intently. "What do you say?"

The two Zebras glanced at each other then bowed low. "It would be an honor," they both said.

ApeTrully slapped his knees, his eyes beaming with joy. "Then it's settled. You two may rest for a few days before you begin collecting stories."

"Thanks, commander," Sparky White said.

"Hey, can we have some more food?" Sparky Black asked.

That seemed to be some sort of signal for First and Second Squads, as they stood up and carried their bowls to a bucket of water.

"I'll get it," Jun said, stepping out of the shadows.

"Oh! Jun. I didn't realize you were here," Lin Chung said.

"I asked him to be here," ApeTrully said.

They all set their dishes aside and Jun began to wash the dishes as the Squads headed for their tents. Woo yawned and stretched.

"I'm going to bed, commander," he said.

"Goodnight, Woo," ApeTrully said.

After Woo left, it was just the Zebras, ApeTrully, and Jun. The Zebras glanced at each other then spoke their native tongue.

"Can we talk about the Monkeys?" Sparky White neighed.

"Or do they not know?" Sparky Black added.

ApeTrully spoke quietly in Human speak. "Jun and Hao are the only ones besides Parrot King who know that I am a Monkey. And now you two. But how did you figure it out?"

"You were always yammering away in class," Sparky Black said, waving his hoof.

"Best student by far," Sparky White added.

"I thank you for the compliment," ApeTrully said. He pressed his hands together, flexing them nervously as he glanced at the tent entrance. The elderly servant, Hao, walked outside without a word. ApeTrully relaxed a bit and reached up to remove his headpiece. The red Monkey hopped out and stretched then gazed at the Zebras and held out his arms.

"I cannot help what I am. And I am sorry."

The Zebras both understood quite well what he meant. Monkeys were feared and hated after what they'd done to rule Hidden Kingdom. To have one in a position of power over so many humans could have been a worrying sign.

"Just to be clear," Sparky White said. "You aren't planning on taking over from HighRoller? Because the gods wouldn't like that."

"I have no intention to rule anybody but my own people, eventually," ApeTrully promised. "I swore to Jun's father I would help him regain his throne, and that's what I'm doing. Once HighRoller is deposed, Jun shall be crowned and take his rightful place as emperor."

"Then I can't really find any fault in what you're doing," Sparky Black said. "Can you, bro?"

"Not a bit," Sparky White said. "But be careful, Blayze."

"Ha! You even remember my name," Blayze said, clapping his hands with delight.

The Zebras smiled, and Hao suddenly spoke from the tent entrance. "Woo? Did you forget something?"

Blayze jumped into his costume, yanking up the bottom half then placing the square headpiece on. Hao and Woo came in moments later, and ApeTrully smiled with his eyes at his friend.

"Forget something?" he asked.

"No. I thought I'd give the Zebras something to start with," Woo said, and he set down a satchel. "Here. This should work. This ink changes color in the right light, and these scrolls are all blank. Should be plenty to start with."

"Thank you, Woo," the Zebras said together, and Sparky White took the satchel.

"Now I think I'll be able to sleep," Woo said. "You two just rest where you woke up. We'll get you a tent when I no longer want to monitor your vitals."

The Zebras nodded again, and Woo grinned at the commander before he turned and left. ApeTrully relaxed and shivered.

"That was close," he murmured.

"Wait, Woo doesn't know?" Sparky Black asked.

"No. As I said, nobody besides Parrot King, Jun, and Hao know of my identity," ApeTrully said. "And now you two. I ask that you keep it to yourselves. There is no telling what would happen if it were to become known that I am a Monkey."

"If that's what you want, sure," Sparky Black said.

"Thank you. Now, I think it's time we get to bed."

The Zebras nodded and stood up. "Is there a bit more broth?" Sparky Black asked again.

"Certainly," ApeTrully said.

After getting the Zebras settled with another bowl each, ApeTrully, Jun, and Hao took their leave. The Zebras sipped at the broth in the quiet of the night, not saying anything.

"Whose story are you most excited for?" Sparky White asked.

"Blayze interests me a lot," Sparky Black said. "But so does Lin Chung."

"What about Jun and Woo?" Sparky White asked, excitement stirring in his heart. "Oh! There's so many stories, bro! And we'll get to collect them all!"

"Can't wait, but we have to," Sparky Black sighed. "I'm too tired to be able to write."

"Yeah, you're right," Sparky White said. They both lay down and closed their eyes.

"Hey, bro?" Sparky Black asked.

"Hm?"

"What do you think HighRoller is doing right now?"

Sparky White snorted and turned onto his side. "I don't care. We don't have to obey him anymore, and that's fine by me."

"Yeah. It's just he won't know the curse is gone. Because it's not technically broken."

Sparky White's eyes popped open then he began to laugh. "Let him fret. He'll figure it out eventually."

As they closed their eyes and slipped into dreams, they couldn't help but imagine HighRoller's displeasure when he realized they weren't coming back this time. When it didn't scare them to think of displeasing HighRoller, they knew that the curse really was gone. And with the thought of a HighRoller-free future before them, they fell into pleasant dreams.