Morning Practice

"OH NO! I'M LATE!"

The sound of hooves thumping on the wooden floor echoed through the entirety of the Ponyville library. The door flew open and Twilight Sparkle ran out. She held a piece of toast in her mouth as she raced from the library and out into the morning.

My name is Twilight Sparkle, she thought to herself. I just moved to Ponyville with my big brother, Shining Armor, and today is-

A rosy pink aura of magic wrapped around the filly and lifted her up. She let out a gasp as she floated upside down, dropping the piece of toast on the ground. She swung her legs back and forth, trying to get traction as she was levitated back toward the open door of the library.

"Twiley?" Shining Armor asked as he looked at upside-down floating filly. "What are you doing?"

"Well," Twilight responded, tapping her hooves together, "as you know, school starts soon. So, I thought it was time that I started getting ready."

"And you're doing that by intentionally starting the morning late and running out the house with just a piece of toast?"

"...yes?" Twilight said with a grin, shifting. She watched as her big brother rolled his eyes and let out an audible sigh.

"Have you been reading those high school romance comic books again?"

"No," Twilight said, shaking her head. "No no no. No." She shifted. "Maybe....yes." She gave a smile, ears shifting to pin back against the top of her head.

"Twilight," Shining Armor said in a big brother voice, "what's the rule?"

Twilight groaned and rolled her eyes.

"Do I really have to say it?"

"Yes."

She let out a huff of annoyance, crossing her front leg.

"Just because I read it, doesn't mean I have to try it myself," she grumbled, brows furrowed.

"And?" He looked at her, raising an eyebrow.

"And," she huffed, "that goes especially so for things I read in comic books and comic strips."

"Right," Shining Armor said, "and we have this rule for a reason."

Twilight grunted but said nothing. She was not really in any position to argue. After reading some comic strips about an earth pony and his stuffed toy sidekick, she had taken Miss Smartypants and tried to jump from the roof using a sheet as a parachute. She was lucky that she had managed to land without breaking any bones, but her parents were so mad they had made the very rule she had just recited.

Shining Armor rubbed his chin as he looked at his little sister. He gently lowered her back to the ground on her hooves before letting her go completely, the magic disappearing from around her.

"Although you do bring up a good point," Shining stated. "Classes will start soon, so we probably should get you some new supplies."

"YES!" Twilight shouted, bouncing up and down as she circled her brother. "New pencils, and quills. New bottles of ink. Lots of new paper. And books. New books for work and classes." She perked up even more. "Maybe I can even get a new abacus!"

"After we finish some chores around the library," Shining said, causing Twilight to stop where she was. "Seeing as you're so hyper and ready to get going," he grinned as he started walking back inside, "I guess you wouldn't mind filling in for Spike so he can sleep in." He let a chuckle.

"...Ah saddles sores," Twilight groaned, following after her brother. It was going to be a long morning.

Empty Pony Town

"Where is everypony?" Shining Armor asked. His head shifted as he looked back and forth, scanning the empty streets.

After breakfast and chores, he, Twilight, and Spike had all gone to do some shopping. Normally at this time of day, the street were crowded with busy ponies bustling about their business. Today, for some reason, the streets were empty. The entire time they had been walking, they had not seen another pony out. Although they have seen some shutting doors and windows.

"Is it a holiday?" Spike asked, looking around.

"No," Twilight answered. "And I would know. I have all the upcoming holidays marked on my calendar."

"Of course you do," Spike said, rolling his eyes. "Is it my breath?" He let out a burp, a burst of green dragon flame escaping his mouth with it. Before it completely faded, the young dragon leaned forward to sniff at it.

"Spike," Shining said, "I don't think you could be offensive enough to send the whole town into hiding if you tried."

"Maybe there's...." Spike let out a gulp and moved closer to Shining Armor, "zombie ponies."

"Zombies don't exist," Twilight said. "Well... as far as we know anyways. I mean there are stories about ponies who were able to reanimate the dead, even though they're fiction. There are also some true stories about ponies that were trying to find immortality. In theory, if those attempts went wrong, I suppose it-"

Twilight Sparkle stopped talking when Shining Armor placed a hoof over her mouth.

"I think that's enough of that for now."

"Shining," a voice called out. It sounded like someone was trying to shout while whispering. The three of them looked around, trying to find the source.

"Twilight," the voice called out again. The sound seemed to come from Sugarcube Corner.

"Spike," it called out once more. There was a sign of movement during the stage whisper, but the bakery was too dark to see who it was.

"Over here!"

The three looked at each other for a moment, trying to figure out what was going on. Shining took a deep breath and headed toward the dark doorway first, Spike and Twilight not following far behind. Before they could figure out what was going on, the three of them were grabbed and disappeared into the darkness.

Shining Armor gave his head a shake as he came to his senses. He channeled magic through his horn, creating a faint rose colored light. Standing directly in front of them was the grinning face of a blue-eyed poofy-maned pink pony.

"Pinkie Pie?" he asked. "What are you doing here alone in the dark?"

"I'm not alone," Pinkie answered.

Shining Armor looked at her a moment before looking around. He put more energy into his horn, making it glow brighter. In the faint light he could now see that there was also, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack with Apple Bloom behind her. Twilight perked up at the sight of her friend, heading over to her.

"Okay," Shining said as he looked at the faces of the other ponies, "so what are you all doing here in the dark?"

"We're hiding," Fluttershy answered. "From..."

"Her!" several of them whispered together, pointing at the window.

Shining Armor got up and started walking toward the window. Twilight turned to Apple Bloom.

"What's going on?" Twilight asked.

"Mah sister is being weird," Apple Bloom replied, looking over at Applejack.

Shining Armor looked out the window. Standing in town near some of the shops was a figure about the size and shape of a pony. It was hard to tell too much specifically since it was covered in some sort of traveling cloak. The figure pawed at the ground, pushing at the dirt and digging. The figure suddenly stopped and turned around. Shining Armor was only able to catch a flash of yellow before being pulled back by the gasping mares behind him.

"Did you see her evil glare?"

"I saw her turn to look this way," Shining answered, moving to get back up. "Who is it?"

"She's a strange pony," Rainbow Dash said.

"Who nopony knows," Pinkie Pie added.

"And she's said to be a powerful witch," Applejack said.

"They call her..."

"Zecora!" the five of them called out at the same time.

"She also looks so strange," Rarity said as she moved back to the window. Shining looked out at the figure again.

Zecora had resumed digging. Once again she stopped, this time taking the hood down. The figure had a coat white with black stripes. The mane was sticking up in a mohawk, and gold rings shined from around her neck.

"I mean black and white," Rarity continued, "how outdated."

"She's a zebra," Shining Armor stated.

The five mares all turned to look at him curiously. Spike, meanwhile, slowly backed up toward the doors for Sugarcube Corner's kitchen. Twilight perked up, looking at her brother. A grin spread across her face before she started slinking for the door.

"I've never seen one before," Shining continued. "I've only read about them in books. They come from a faraway land."

"But she's strange," Rainbow Dash nearly shouted.

"And creepy," Fluttershy added.

"And evil," Pinkie Pie said. "I'm even writing a song about it."

"Here we go," Rainbow Dash groaned as Pinkie Pie started

"That's enough!" Shining Armor shouted, feeling his face heating up. "I can't believe you. I thought you were better than this." He turned to Pinkie Pie. "Especially you. I mean you're supposed to be friends with everypony in Ponyville, but you don't even get to know..." Shining stopped talking as he looked out the window.

During the conversation, Twilight Sparkle had snuck out of Sugarcube Corner. She now ran up to Zecora, looking at her with wide-eyed wonder.

"Wow," Twilight said. "Are you really a zebra? I've never seen one before. What are you doing in Ponyville? Or in Equestria for that matter? Are there winged zebras? Zebras with horns? What about potions? Why haven't I seen you in Ponyville before?"

"A great many questions you have asked me," Zecora replied. "Even if I had caught them all, answering them would not be easy. You must have a very kind heart, although others will think approaching me was not smart."

"Twilight!" Shining Armor shouted as he ran up to his sister. "What have I told you about pestering ponies with questions." He turned to look at Zecora. "I'm sorry if my sister..."

But she was gone.

"Come on," he said, turning back to his sister. "Let's get Spike and head home. I don't think we're going to get any shopping done today."

Twilight watched the horizon where Zecora had ran off. She then gave a nod and started back toward Sugarcube Corner. Her ears drooped as she walked.

"I wanted to learn about her," the filly said with a pout.

"Well..." Shining shifted. "Maybe we'll get another chance some time."

The two of them stepped back in to Sugarcube Corner, four pairs of eyes were watching them. Applejack was looking around, her face shifting with worry.

"Where's Apple Bloom?"

Tracker Bloom

Earlier that day:

Apple Bloom ran back and forth along the road between Sweet Apple Acres and town. After having finished the morning chores around the farm, the filly was going with Applejack to town to pick up some things that Granny Smith wanted. Apple Bloom, being an energetic filly, felt like she could run all the way to Ponyville and would have if she was on her own. Unfortunately, Applejack was not willing to move at such a quick pace. So instead of just keeping up with her sister, the filly would run ahead along the road before turning around and running back to where Applejack walked.

It was during one of these runs that Apple Bloom stopped. A figure was walking across the field from The Everfree Forest to the road the ponies were currently on. It was shaped like a pony, but Apple Bloom could make out nothing else because it was covered in some sort of fabric.

"Hey, Applejack," the filly called out as she turned toward her big sister. "Who's that?" She pointed at the figure.

Applejack caught up to her sister and looked at the figure. Her eyes went wide as her ears and mouth dropped. The orange earth mare grabbed her little sister and ran. She made her way toward Ponyville as quickly as her powerful legs could carry her.

"Zecora's comin'," Applejack shouted to any pony she came across. "Get y'rself someplace safe. Zecora's comin'."

Everypony that was warned ran and hid. Applejack continued to warn others as she kept going, making her way to Sugarcube Corner.

After Shining Armor's arrival:

During the conversation between Shining Armor, Applejack, and the others, Apple Bloom watched Twilight slip out the front. She watched her friend sprint up to Zecora and begin talking to her. More importantly, nothing bad happened to the purple filly. Apple Bloom considered going out to talk to the zebra as well when Shining Armor ran past to get his sister. While the ponies seemed distracted, Zecora turned and started to walk away.

So Apple Bloom would not have the opportunity to talk to Zecora. Although, she could follow after her. The other ponies in Sugarcube Corner came to the door, Apple Bloom slipped out and headed one side to keep out of sight. Slipping through the bushes and keeping toward the sides of the buildings, the young filly did her best to keep from being too noticeable while tracking after the mysterious zebra.

Before long, the two of them had left Ponyville and reached the edge of The Everfree Forest. The sight of it made Apple Bloom hesitate. She had heard stories of how weird it was nearly her entire life, and some of the creatures that came from it had even attacked the farm, which is what happened to...

Apple Bloom gave a hard shake of her head, trying to focus. If she was going to find out about Zecora, then she would need to follow her. Mentally bracing herself, she gave a hop forward and entered The Everfree Forest.

Nothing snatched her up and ate her as soon as she did, so this was already going better than expected. Feeling a bit more confident, she moved through the forest quickly to catch up with the zebra. Fortunately there was what seemed to be a path for her to follow. It started to seem like The Everfree Forest was not as scary as she had heard. There were even some pretty blue flowers.

"Apple Bloom!" Applejack shouted, causing Apple Bloom and Zecora both to stop and look back. Applejack ran forward, her hooves hitting the blue flowers and knocking its pollen into the air. Not far behind her were the others, trying to keep up with the worried orange mare. The six of them stopped as they reached Apple Bloom.

"Beware, beware, you pony folk," Zecora called out. "For the leaves of blue are no joke."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Rainbow Dash called out.

"You keep away from my little sister," Applejack shouted. She grabbed Apple Bloom, pulling her close.

"But Appleja-" Apple Bloom started before her sister cut her off.

"Don't you worry now. I've got you, and she ain't gonna get you without going through me."

"Bu-"

"Now c'mon," Applejack said as she gave her sister a yank. "Let's get out of here and back to the farm." Apple Bloom could only let out a huff as she was dragged back home.

A Morning Joke

Twilight Sparkle woke up and stretched, letting out a yawn. She had had a weird dream. It was hard to remember the exact details of it. There had been something about being an outcast. Was it her? A different pony? Pinkie had been in it, wearing some sort of scarf on her head singing something about notions. Was it notions?

Once she was up and her hair was brushed, she headed for the door. As soon as she opened it, she found Spike standing right in right in front of the doorway.

"Oh, hey Twilight," Spike said as he stepped into the doorway. "What's up?"

"Nothing yet," Twilight replied. "I mean I just got up."

"What a coincidence, so did I." He stretched out one arm, leaning against the door frame. "It was a little disappointing to. I was having this really great dream."

Twilight looked at Spike. She wanted to get out, but he was in her way. She tried to go around, but he moved to keep her blocked.

"Excuse me," she started to say.

"I was this big, brave, heroic knight," Spike continued, "and I was exploring this cave that was supposed to be full of treasure with...

"Rarity," the young dragon took on that familiar tone it did whenever he mentioned that particular mare.

Twilight tried to get past him again, but again he moved.

"So we were in this cave," Spike said, returning to his normal voice, "and we find this big room full of treasure. I think it had more jewels than I could eat in my entire life."

Twilight let out a huff of annoyance as Spike kept moving to block the door to her room. Lowering her head, he pressed it against the dragon's chest and started pushing. Her hooves slid along the floor but got not traction, and Spike did not move in the slightest.

"Then out of nowhere," Spike continued, not seeming to notice that Twilight was trying to push him, "this big spider showed up. Rarity was frightened of course, but I-"

"SPIKE!" Twilight shouted.

"What?" Spike asked, blinking at the filly.

"I need to use the bathroom," she snapped, "and you are in the way."

"Oh. Sorry." Spike stepped aside, letting Twilight pass. Twilight watched him as she went by, eyes narrowed and brows furrowed. Once past the young dragon, the filly continued down until getting to the bathroom. Once finished, she was stopped as Spike was blocking her again.

"So where was I?" Spike asked, rubbing his chin before remembering. "Oh, right. So, Rarity and I are in this cave full of treasure,"

"Spike..."

"and we're facing this giant spider."

"Spike."

"Now here's where it gets a little weird."

"Spike!"

"Instead of pulling out a sword, I pull out this cupcake an-"

"SPIKE!"

"What?" Spike asked, blinking at Twilight.

"What's going on?" the filly asked.

"What? What do you mean?" The young dragon shifted, bringing his hands close as he started to look around.

"You're acting weird," Twilight said, leaning in close with her eyes narrowing. She pointed a hoof at the dragon. "You keep standing in the way and blocking me. You also don't normally get up before me. If you do, you're usually already downstairs eating breakfast."

"Heh," Spike chuckled nervously, grinning slightly. "You're being silly Twi. What could I possibl-HEY!"

Twilight darted past Spike and ran down for the stairs. As soon as she reached them, she went down as fast as she safely could. She could hear Spike chasing after her, but was faster and had a good lead on him. Hitting the ground, she started running to the main room of the library. As she came in, she caught sight of a blue mane and tail hiding behind a table and large amount of books.

"Shining!" Twilight shouted, causing the mane and tail to frizz out before disappearing behind the books and table. "What's going on?"

"Nothing," Shining said, "Nothing at all."

Twilight stared at the spot where her brother was, head tilting. Something about his voice sounded wrong, like he was trying to sound disguise his voice.

"Why don't you go ahead to the kitchen and get breakfast?" he asked.

"You're acting weird too," Twilight said. "What's going on?"

"Now's not really a good time Twiley," Shining responded. "So why don't you-"

There's was a knock at the door. Before any of them responded, the door to the library was thrown open and Pinkie Pie came in. She tried to say something, but her tongue stuck out. Instead, all that happened was a lot of spitting. Not far behind her was... Rarity? The colors were right, but the hair was so long and thick, it was impossible to see the actual pony. Behind them was what looked like a normal Fluttershy.

"Shining, darling," Rarity's voice said from the somewhere deep inside the thick fur coat. "Something's happened to... wait.. are you here? I can't see a thing."

"Mm-hmm," Pinkie noised in the affirmative and pointed Rarity toward the direction of Shining Armor.

"Oh my goodness!" Fluttershy suddenly blurted out in a deep, masculine voice. Pinkie Pie let out a gasp, eyes going wide.

"What is it?" Rarity asked.

"Yeah, what?" Twilight added moving to see.

"Twiley stop!" Shining Armor said, moving to keep hidden.

"Why? What's wrong?"

"There's nothing for you to worry about. I just don't want you to see me like this."

"Like what?" Twilight asked, trying to move again.

"Just trust me," Shining Armor said.

There was a loud thump from outside as something hit the library window, followed by an audible "oof." All the ponies in the room turned toward the window to see Rainbow Dash trying to get in. She slammed into it again. As she sort of backed up, Spike ran up and opened the window. The sky blue pegasus flew in through the window and crashed into the table. The impacted knocked it over and sent the books flying, exposing Shining Armor.

Shining Armor's eyes went wide, long lashes fluttering with each blink. the form was smaller and thinner, less muscular. The normally square jaw was softer, rounder. Shining's mane and tail were both thicker, the hair slightly longer.

"Oh my Celestia!" Twilight cried out. "Shining... you're a mare!"

Filly-citement

"Now Twilight," Shining started. The voice that came out was of a higher pitch and tone, and not as scratchy as normal. "I want you to keep calm and not-"

"This is great!" Twilight shouted bouncing up and down.

"...get too excited." Shining rolled his (currently her) eyes and gave his head a shake.

"I always wanted a big sister," Twilight said, shifting excitedly, "and now I do. This is the best thing ever." She stopped head lowering as her ears drooped. "But... that means I no longer have a big brother." She perked back up and grinned. "Hey, maybe there's a spell that will let me create a duplicate to keep being my brother."

"TWILIGHT!" Shining said. "Stop. This is not a permanent thing. So don't get too excited."

"But-"

"No buts."

"Aww." Twilight sat down, pouting.

"Okay," Shining Armor said. "So, is everypony here?"

"Everypony but Applejack," Rainbow Dash said from where she was pressed against the floor. The pegasus's wings stuck out from the mare's barrel. On her back, they looked to be right-side up.

"Ah'm here!" a voice called out, getting the attention of everyone in the room.

Apple Bloom stood at the door. On her back was what looked like Applejack, only she was about three inches in height. She stood there staring at all the others. The entire room had gone quiet as they all stared at the tiny Applejack.

The silence was broken as Spike fell back, laughing out as loud as he could.

"Spike!" Shining snapped.

"I'm sorry," Spike said, still chuckling, "but come on. We have" he pointed.

"Hairity, Rainbow Crash, Spitty Pie, Apple Teeny, Flutterguy, and..." the dragon stopped as he pointed a claw at the female Shining Armor. The look in the stallion turned mare's eyes made Spike think better about finishing the sentence.

"This is serious," Shining said, before taking a deep breath and letting it out.

"Darn right this is serious," Applejack shouted as he jumped onto the table. "That there Zecora placed a curse on us all."

"There's no such things as curse," Shining said. He lifted a book. "Now I think-"

Before he could get into it any further, the others began to shout and argue.

"Twilight," Apple Bloom said as she ran up to the unicorn filly. "This is all my fault."

"What?" Twilight asked. "Why would you say that?"

"I was the one that followed Zecora," Bloom replied, "and this happened because they came after me. We need to get out of here and talk to Zecora."

"Well now's our best chance," Twilight said. "Everypony is so busy arguing that they won't see us leave." Apple Bloom gave a nod and the two of them ran for the door.

"Now where in tarnation do they think they're going?" Applejack asked, before chasing after the pair of fillies.

Shining Armor let out a whistle, getting everyone to stop talking.

"Like I said," Shining repeated, "I don't think this is a curse." He picked up a book nearby and lifted it. "Now I've been looking, and Zecora-"

"Zecora!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "She's the one who did this. I say we go find her and force us to lift this curse." This was met by a round of consent from the others.

"It's not a..." Shining looked at them before letting out a sigh and rolling his eyes. "You know what, you're half-right."

"What?" Spike asked

"What?" Rainbow Dash also asked. "You mean you finally admit that the weird zebra did this to us?"

"No." Shining set the book down. "It's not a curse, but it probably does have something to do with The Everfree Forest. So, since Zecora lives there, she probably knows what did it and possibly how to cure it. That means we go to the Everfree Forest, find Zecora and-"

"Force her to lift the curse," Rainbow Dash shouted.

"Ask her if she knows an antidote," Shining finished, glaring at the pegasus. "Any objections?"

None of the ponies said anything.

"Where's Applejack?" Fluttershy asked. The five ponies and one dragon started looking around the room.

"Maybe somepony stepped on her?" Rarity suggested. All the ponies then began to look at their hooves and the floor.

"Guys," Spike spoke up, "Apple Bloom and Twilight Sparkle are gone as well."

"Well," Shining Armor sighed, "if I know my sister, it looks like we are going to be heading to The Everfree anyways. Come on." Getting up, he headed for the door. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were right behind him. Rainbow Dash was trying to come along, but the wings would not take her in the direction she wanted.

"Are you coming Spike?" Rarity asked.

"Nah," Spike replied. "Someone needs to pick up, or stay behind in case something goes wrong."

With that, Rarity left and went to join the others.

Spike watched her go then started to pick up books. One of them got his attention as it was on top of the others. It looked like it was the one that Shining had been holding before he left. Picking it up, Spike read the title: Supernaturals. Looking at it, he saw one of Shining Armor's bookmarks. Curious, he opened to it. The young dragon's eyes went wide at what he read. He then glanced toward the still open door.

"What are you up to?"

Ever-fearful Edge

"Come on Twilight," Apple Bloom shouted, "we're almost to The Everfree Forest."

Twilight ran after Apple Bloom, doing her best to keep up with her friend. The young unicorn started to slow down as they got closer to the forest. Her eyes went wide as she stared up at it, stopping just at the edge.

Apple Bloom ran in, following the path she had found yesterday. She smiled as she looked back toward her friend, and stopped when she realized she was alone.

"Twilight," Apple Bloom said as she went back toward the edge, "come on."

"...Maybe this isn't such a good idea," Twilight said. "I mean maybe we should get help. Like Pumpkin and Pound Cake."

"They're all the way back at Sugarcube Corner."

"We could go get them." Twilight grinned. "We could even have a snack first." She looked at the forest again, ears dropping. "And maybe we could bring some treats for the creatures in there to eat instead of us?"

"Come on Twilight," Apple Bloom said with a snort, "we need to hurry. Stop being so scared."

"I'm not scared," Twilight huffed. She straightened up and puffed out her chest. "I'm properly cautious. There's a big difference."

"Apple Bloom!" a voice called. "You get out of that forest this instant. You hear me?"

The two fillies blinked in confusion, looking around.

"Applejack?" Apple Bloom asked. "Where are you?"

"Up here," Applejack said. She stood on top of Apple Bloom's head, holding onto the bow and looking down. "Now, get your flank back over to the library."

"...No."

"What?" Twilight and Applejack both called out in surprise.

"Now you listen here!" Applejack continued. "I am your big sister and-HEY!"

Apple Bloom tilted her head to the right hard, causing Applejack to fall. The filly reached out a hoof and caught the miniaturized mare before setting her on the ground.

"Sorry Applejack," the filly said as she turned around, "but I'm the big sister now, so you can't tell me what to do. C'mon Twilight." With that, she started walking deeper into The Everfree Forest.

"Twilight Sparkle." Applejack moved to stand in front of the unicorn filly. "If you go in there with her, you will be in so much trouble with your brother."

"I'm sorry," Twilight said, "but she might need my help. Besides, while I want a big sister, I don't want to Shining Armor to be stuck like a girl." She ran into the forest, chasing after Apple Bloom.

"Ah, pony feathers," Applejack grumbled, kicking at a rock in front of her. Normally it would be such a small pebble she would not even notice, but at her diminutive three inches, it was pretty good kicking size. Going after them like this would do no good. Not only was it impossible for her to catch up, but she would pretty much be a bite-sized morsel for anything that would attack them.

Her best chance would be to try and find a way to the others and tell them what happened. Hopefully she would be able to find a pony nearby that could carry her, but she could probably use a dog, rabbit, or even a squirrel to get there quicker. Kind of made her wish she had Winona with her. There was a dog that knew how to listen to a pony.

With no alternative for the moment, Applejack started walking back through the field and toward the road. It was not something she was looking forward to seeing how massive the field now seemed.

That no good Zecora! she thought. Making me small like this. When I get my hooves on her I'm going to show her what I think of her and her curses.

She stopped as a shadow overcame her. Looking up, she saw the looming figures of her friends.

"Oh thank Celestia," Applejack said. "Am I glad to see y'all. Apple Bloom and Twilight have gone into the forest after Zecora. We need to get them back before she turns them into a stew or somethin'."

"She's not..." Shining Armor groaned and rubbed his forehead. "Oh forget it. Come on." He picked up Applejack. "Let's get find Zecora and get this dealt with."

The six of them then stepped into the Everfree Forest and started down the path from yesterday.

Hut Hunt

The five of them reached a wide, twisted tree that had been built into a hut. Large wooden masks carved and painted to look scary was set up over the door and near the sides. Zecora was at the door, pushing it open as she stepped inside.

"There she is," Shining Armor said, and started heading for the door. Before he could more than three steps, his friends grabbed him and pulled him back.

"What the hay?" he cried out, turning to look at them.

"You can't just walk up to her," Rainbow Dash said.

"We should probably check and see what she is doing," Rarity suggested.

"So..." Shining lifted an eyebrow. "Now you want to spy on her?"

"Look at those masks," Applejack squeaked from Rainbow's back. "Ya can't tell me there ain't somethin' creepy 'bout them!"

Shining looked at the masks a moment. He gave a shake of his head and sighed.

"Fine," he admitted. "Yes, the masks look kind of scary."

Applejack puffed out her chest and stood as if she were four inches tall.

"But it doesn't mean she's evil." He moved so he was eye to eye with the miniature pony. "Maybe it's supposed to ward off evil. Or maybe..." he stopped and rubbed his chin, then stopped. It felt weird to have it be narrower and rounder, which was made weirder by the fact it was something he never thought he would notice.

"Okay," he continued, "I can't think of another reason off the top of my head, but my point still remains."

Pinkie Pie let out a gasp. The pink pony had been at the window and was now back with the other. She kept trying to say something, but the stuck out tongue and spitting made it difficult to tell. After three or four attempts, Shining was finally able to figure it out.

"She took your song?"

Pinkie Pie gave a nod and stood up. She then stopped and looked at her mouth. As much as she wanted to sing it, her current condition would nearly make it impossible. But there was somepony who could still sing it well. Pinkie Pie ran over to Fluttershy and grabbed the yellow pegasus hooves. The pink pony looked up at her friend with her big blue eyes. Nopony, not even Fluttershy, could resist the look of pitiful Pinkie. Fluttershy sighed and began to sing in her deep, masculine voice.

Shining Armor groaned and dropped his head into his hooves, the long feminine mane falling to cover his face.

"Look, let's just ask about an antidote, find Twilight and Apple Bloom, and go home." He stood up and brushed the dirt off his flank. "I just want to back to bed and forget this day."

Especially the fact that I was just thinking about how nice my own flank felt just now, he thought. But that was not something he was going to admit aloud to anypony. EVER!

"Shining Armor's right," Applejack said. "Let's go in there and force her to tell us what she did with Apple Bloom and Twilight!"

"That's not what I said," Shining Armor replied, but it did no good.

Soon as she finished talking, Applejack jumped onto Rainbow Dash's head and grabbed her ears. With a cry of "yah," the miniature pony pushed on one of the ears. As soon as that happened, Rainbow Dash took off. The pegasus flew backwards before looping around and crashing butt-first into the door of Zecora's hut. The other ponies chased after the pair.

"Woah!" Applejack shouted. "Woah there, Rainbow Crash!"

It did no good. Rainbow Dash continued to fly around, crashing into things and making a mess. Zecora stood there, eyes wide at the sight and shouting something in another language at the pair.

"Stop you two!" Zecora finally shouted understandably. "You know not what you might do."

Shining Armor shifted and tried to catch the two of them with his magic. It was difficult to concentrate though. Something about the power felt... different. Jaw clenching, he pushed through, getting his horn to glow. Before he could cast a shield bubble around Rainbow Dash and the teeny Applejack riding her, the two slammed into the pot, spilling the contents.

"NO!" Zecora shouted before letting out a snort and glaring out the pair. "The foolish ponies you, for you have ruined the brew."

"Now you look here," Applejack shouted, pointing a hoof at the zebra. "I want you to break this curse and give me back my sister this instant or I-"

"Applejack?"

Applejack froze a moment, eyes going wide. She turned her head, seeing Apple Bloom and Twilight Sparkle at the door.

"Shiny?" Twilight asked. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Shining said, pointing a hoof at the filly. "Running out into The Everfree like this!"

Twilight shrank down and grinned, her ears pinning back against her head. Shining Armor looked at her and sighed.

"We'll discuss this later." He turned to Zecora. "Sorry about Rainbow Dash and Applejack messing up your hut, but we were hoping you would help us with a cure. Please?"

Zecora looked at them with her brow furrowed, her gaze traced from one of the ponies to the other. Looking at Applejack and Rainbow Dash, she gave a gentle smile and shook her head.

"Seeing ponies suffer is not something I wish to see," she said. "Making your cure, I did already agree. Your little sisters were giving me aid in working on the potion that was getting made. Although this antidote you would not need, if my warning of the poison joke, you all did heed."

"Poison Joke?" Rarity asked.

"Yeah," Apple Bloom said. "When you came to get me, you ran through a bunch of flowers called Poison Joke."

"It turns out its a plant that likes to mess with any creature that comes in contact with it," Twilight added. "Can do all sorts of weird things." She looked at the six mares. "Such as what it did to each of you."

"A warning I did give yesterday of the plant which was in your way," Zecora stated.

"Oh," Shining Armor said. "So it was a plant in The Everfree Forest that did this. And not a curse." He turned to look back at the others. None of them looked him in the eye. "Well we appreciate the help."

"Unfortunately it will take time for the request to be fulfilled," Zecora said, "as the part of the potion I started has been spilled."

"Oh," Rainbow Dash shifted, blushing. "Heh. Sorry?"

"Another batch, I will start." The zebra looked at the group. "However, to finish, I will need aid on your part."

"Just tell us what you need."

Busted By Spike

"SPIKE!" Shining Armor called as he entered the library. "I'm back. And back to normal I might add." Shining Armor grinned widely and gave himself a shake. It felt good to be himself again.

"Welcome back," Spike said as he came down the stairs. "Where's Twilight?"

"She went to register for school while we were at the spa," Shining answered, looking around. Spike had done an incredible job of cleaning the place up.

"The spa?" The dragon tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. "What were you doing at the spa?"

"Getting cured. Zecora couldn't get everything because the shops closed whenever she came into town, so she sent us. It took a lot of coaxing, but we convinced enough ponies to get what we needed."

"So everypony is back to normal?"

"Yes."

"And Zecora will probably be accepted by the town more?"

"I believe so, the spa ponies actually wanted the recipe for the bath. The said it was 'luxurious.'"

"And do your friends know the truth?"

Shining Armor stopped and turned to look at Spike. The stallion tilted his head and raised an eyebrow of his own.

"What do you mean?"

"I found this after you left." Spike held a book out for Shining Armor. The book had a green cover and the title Supernaturals across the front of the cover. "I also found the bookmark you put in it for a page about something called Poison Joke." He flipped it open. "According to this, it's a plant that grows in the Everfree Forest and has been known to change ponies in ways that are seen as funny." Spike shut the book and looked at Shining. "Sound familiar?"

"Oh." Shining grin and let out a chuckle. "So you found that. Actually... yeah. I did tell them."

Shining Armor got out of the bath and walked over to the mirror. He let a grin spread across his face. He did a half turn, checking himself out, then turned back around the other direction.

"There's the Shining Armor I know," he said. "Good to see me again." He finished drying off and headed to the spa's lobby to wait for the others. It took the better part of half an hour for Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Fluttershy to all join him after their own spa treatments.

"So everyone's back to normal?" he asked, looking at them.

"It would appear so," Rarity said.

'And I am more than glad," Applejack added.

"Me too," Pinkie Pie squealed, bouncing slightly. "I'm glad I can talk again. I missed talking so-so much. All I could do was" she stuck her tongue out and started making spitting noises.

"That's good," Shining said. "And... I think it has been established that Zecora is not a witch that lives in the forest and curses ponies."

None of them said anything.

"Well, since we all learned a lesson..." Shining Armor took a step back and grinned at them, "I guess it's fair to let you know. I had already found the cure."

"What?" the other five shouted.

Rainbow Dash flew forward, pressing herself nose to nose with Shining Armor.

"You knew how to get us back to normal and you didn't tell us?"

Shining Armor's eyes were wide as he was suddenly face to face with the pegasus. His eyes narrowed as he looked at her, ears pinning back. He shifted to press forward, butting his head against hers.

"I tried to tell you!" he shouted. "But none of you would listen. In fact, you and Applejack both interrupted me when I tried to tell you so you could talk about going to get Zecora."

"Oh," Rainbow Dash said. She gave a sheepish grin as a small chuckle escaped her.

Shining Armor glared at the pegasus a moment, but really did not have it in him to keep mad. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly let it out.

"As I was saying," he said once he felt like he was in control, "I had been going through the books after I woke up as a mare, and found one that had Poison Joke in it. I tried to tell you all that I think Zecora was trying to warn us about the flowers we had run into. I had tried to tell you, but everypony was so mad and blaming Zecora, nopony would listen."

The others shifted, looking at each other and away. None of them were making eye contact.

"So I decided to have Zecora help." He let out a sigh. "I know it wasn't the nicest thing to do, but I couldn't think of another way to clear her name. So... I'm sorry I tricked you by keeping it secret, but I would do it again if it meant somepony like Zecora would be given a fair chance."

"Well..." Rarity said. "I suppose that we did kind of bring it on ourselves."

"I think we can understand," Fluttershy added. Rainbow Dash sighed and nodded, but said nothing. It was clear she was not happy about being chastised.

"Of course we forgive you," Pinkie Pie said as she gave Shining Armor a hug. "You're a friend, Shiny-hiney."

"Alright," Applejack said, moving forward. "I guess you have a point," she pointed a hoof at him, "but don't try somethin' like that again. If we're supposed to be friends, we should be able to trust each other."

"Cross my heart," Shining said, "and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye."

"So..." he shifted, "they're going to be a little mad at me for a while, but they seem to understand for the most part."

Spike looked at Shining Armor a moment, then gave a shrug.

"I guess," the young dragon responded, "but I would be careful if I were you."

"Why?" Shining Armor asked.

"Well Rainbow and Pinkie are quite the pranksters." He held out his arms. "I mean I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to cross them or they might do something as a way of getting me back."

Shining thought about this a moment.

"I guess I see you point," he said, "but they wouldn't do anything dangerous."

"No..." Spike agreed, "but they do know about the Poison Joke now."

That thought made all the blood drain from Shining Armor's face. How much trouble could those to cause with the Poison Joke? His mind could not even begin to figure out what they could do to Ponyville. What if they used it on the mayor? Pinkie Pie worked at Sugarcube Corner, she could probably put some in all the cupcakes. Rainbow Dash was on the weather team, she could possibly find a way to make the stuff rain on the entire town.

Before Shining Armor could slip into a total panic over the possibilities, the door opened. Twilight stomped into the library, ears back and head low. A scowl covered her face. She glared at the floor as she walked across it toward the kitchen.

"What's wrong Twiley?" Shining Armor asked, moving toward his sister.

"Nothing," Twilight huffed. "Just that I found out I won't be in the same class as Apple Bloom."

"You actually care about whose in your class?" Spike asked.

"Well now that I have friends, it would be nice," Twilight answered. She sat down and let out another sigh.

"Who's in your class?" Shining asked, moving to sit beside her. He placed a hoof around her, pulling her close.

"I don't know." She gave a shrug then leaned against him. "I only know Apple Bloom isn't because she told me her teacher was Miss Cheerilee."

"Well maybe you'll know someone else in your class," Shining told her. "And if not, well," he shrugged, "you'll just have to make some new friends."

"Yeah." Twilight nodded. "I guess so."

"Besides, you should probably be more worried about getting into trouble for going into The Everfree Forest."

"Oh," she said. She looked up at him, giving a nervous giggle. "You... you still remember that?"

"What could have made me forgotten something that happened this morning?"

"Well it has been a very busy day for you. I was hoping that between talking to ponies to help and no longer being a mare, you would have forgotten." Twilight grinned at him again.

"I didn't," Shining Armor replied.

"I think I'll... go be somewhere else," Spike said before running up the stairs.

"Would it change anything if I pointed out I went to Zecora to get help for you?" Twilight asked. She looked at her brother, making her eyes as big as possible.

"Yeah," Shining admitted. "You did." He rubbed his chin, thinking a moment. Several times he glanced as his sister, and each time she continued to stare at him with her big purple eyes.

"Okay," he said, "how about we call it a wash. You won't get rewarded for trying to help, but you won't get in trouble either."

"I'll take it!" Twilight shouted.

"Deal." He looked around. "You know... we never did finish getting those supplies. We should probably do that."

"SPIKE!" Twilight called out. "We're going shopping. Want to come with us?"

The two of them waited for Spike as he came back downstairs and joined them. The three of them head out once again.

"I just hope nothing else happens this time," Shining said as they left.