I'm currently hiding in the Cutie Mark Crusaders' Clubhouse as I write this entry. Once I finish it I have a small burlap sack that I'll store the book, ink, quill, and emergency scroll in, and I'll stash it in the bushes adjacent to a nearby tree before returning here to sleep. I don't like to think about being captured again, but separating the materials from my person seems to be a good idea if I can camouflage them well (and I'm sure they'll go unnoticed, just like before).

There are some blankets here, but it isn't exactly comfortable. But beggars can't be choosers, and right now neither can mages in hiding.

After Spike woke up again, we had a small chat during brunch.

"I missed when Rarity cast that spell last night," I said to him, between bites of salad. "I still don't know how she did it. I'm wondering if there's anything else I might have missed. Was there something you noticed going on last night that wasn't totally obvious? Think hard."

Spike narrowed his eyes. "Hmm. Oh, one thing maybe: I saw Big Mac's cutie mark change, near the end after he'd transformed," he said. "I didn't see exactly what was different, but it definitely changed shape a little."

I nodded. "Like Flutterbat and Vampinkie," I said. "I didn't see it, but that makes sense. You know, at first I wasn't even sure that the stallions were becoming vamponies, but I suppose the gender differences aren't along the lines I'd originally conjectured."

"Well, your brother did seem to lay it out as a colt vs. filly thing," said Spike, "and it's clear he was the one in charge, which is pretty strange, especially when you're married to an alicorn. But I think that conversation was doomed from the start when you started on about the wolf-whistle."

"He clearly had a chip on his shoulder, and I just inadvertently happened to strike it," I said. "I don't think the entire shape of the discussion was my fault. That was going to come out regardless."

"I didn't say it was," said Spike, who then began munching on a pile of cupcakes he'd made (I've given up on trying to monitor his diet). "But like you said, we don't have a lot of information to go on," he added, with bits of cupcake flying out of his mouth and onto the table (I've also given up on trying to correct his table manners—it's simply no longer a priority).

"Since you've been meeting with Rarity, I assume your whereabouts aren't a mystery to anypony in Ponyville," I said. "Do you think you can gather intel on Rarity and Mac without running the risk of being caught?"

"Why don't I just go talk to Rarity? I know you're opposed to us spending time together—"

"That's not the problem," I said. "I don't think you're going to be safe much longer, Spike. She's been toying with us both for a while, but eventually she'll spring the trap. Now that she's certain I'm in the library you're probably more use to them coltnapped than free."

Spike looked frustrated. "Dammit, I don't want to admit it, but you're right," he said. (I decided against reprimanding him for cussing; I almost think it's a good thing at this point.)

"Just be careful, and see what you can find out without running any risks. If you watch them from public places you should be safe."

"Sweet Apple Acres won't be safe at all," he said. "I think I'll stay in Ponyville for the time being. Maybe I can sneak out to the barn after dark."

"Don't do it until I've talked to the Cutie Mark Crusaders," I said. "Apple Bloom should be able to help keep you safe."

Spike nodded, and after stuffing three cupcakes into his mouth at once, he left through the balcony exit.

I did a little more research, and eventually decided I wasn't making progress. It was time to speak with Zecora about her plans.

I went into the basement and found her brewing tea.

"Ah! I see that you are up. Twilight, would you like a cup?" she asked.

"Of course," I said, smiling, so Zecora poured me a hot cup of tea.

"Wow. I've never seen blue-shaded tea before!" I remarked. It was sweet, and a little bitter.

Zecora smiled as she sat with me. She said nothing, but looked deep into my eyes, and I started to feel a little strange. I nervously swallowed a large sip of tea, and then I felt very dizzy...

I woke up in my bed, with Zecora beside me. I had a slight headache.

"Ow," I said. A hoof pushed a pill into my mouth, and I swallowed.

"Sorry for the headache, dear. Your relief should be quite near," she said.

I realized we were lying under the covers. That Zecora smell was strong, but even as pungent and earthy as it was, it felt welcoming. I realized she was holding my side. A moment later, I knew something was very wrong about all this.

"Zecora, what's going on?" I asked nervously. I felt weak, though I wasn't paralyzed or anything like what my parents did to me. My horn definitely didn't feel right, though, and I couldn't activate it.

"I went to the trouble to fix up your teeth. But as for my teeth: there's a secret beneath."

Zecora leaned down and kissed me on my nose and smiled a fangy grin.

I almost panicked, but something stopped me. I liked this. I liked being this close to my friend. I realized this is something that I'd always wanted to happen, but I never had the insight to try. Even though I was probably doomed, I loved this zebra.

I shut my eyes tight. "Of course," I said. "Pinkie Pie bit you. It makes perfect sense, there's no reason she wouldn't have."

Despite my fear, I ran my tongue across my front teeth, experimentally. I don't know how she did it, but they're like new.

Zecora nodded. "Yes, my little pony, dear. I'm sorry to spook you here, but I've always wanted to get to know the real you."

"This is it, then. You're going to turn me, and then it's all over," I said. I actually felt relieved, because this meant I wouldn't have to fight anymore, and it was wearing me down so much.

Zecora shook her head. "I think I will let you go," she said, to my surprise. "But, as you do, I need to know if you believe that I am cursed. Or has your judgment been reversed?"

I took a deep breath, and her musky scent filled my nostrils. It was a little too powerful for comfort, but it quickened my pulse nonetheless. "I can't give up," I said. "Don't you think I want to? Even if I thought the vamponies weren't hurting ponies, I can't let them have their way with Spike, or make sex with my family the 'new normal'. It goes against everything I believe in."

Zecora's face fell. "Everything, you say? Bah! Exaggeration, this zebra, believes your claim to truly be. Give us a chance, and you will see."

I shook my head. "No. And it's hard to say that, because..." I hesitated to say it because it added to my vulnerability, but I had to, "...I think I might love you. I think I always have, but I didn't know what it was. I know that sounds stupid."

The zebra smiled and hugged me briefly. "You are too good for this world, dear. The end of your suff'ring is near, but I will let you suffer more. You must first do the acts you swore."

"Do you already know how this is going to end?" I asked, fearing the answer, so I added another question instead: "Why would you support this kind of sexualized madness?"

"Your culture is so hard, I find, to rectify body and mind," she said. "I come from lands beyond the trees, and zebras don't so tightly squeeze the sex out of our daily lives. And, many sires have several wives."

I felt a warmth entering my core, and realized the pill Zecora had given me had a mild narcotic effect. It wasn't helping my resistance. I felt super-cuddly all of a sudden.

Then I sighed as I realized the obvious. "You have a golden collar and earrings, too. You never needed the accessories, because you were already marked."

"Too late, I see, the insight come. But I don't think that you are dumb. Your mind blocked that epiphany because you did not want to see."

I tried to focus magic through my eyes, but it didn't work. "It's poison joke, isn't it? My horn is completely flaccid."

Zecora chuckled, and I realized that word might have been allusory to something phallic. I blushed.

"When can I leave?" I asked.

"Do you need to leave so soon? If yes, with the rise of moon."

"And what now? Are all those supplies you put together for the vamponies instead of the good guys?"

She nodded. "Of course, silly horse."

"Shit. I can't believe I didn't see this, but you're right. I don't think I wanted to, deep down, even though it was obvious," I said. "So, what now? Are you just going to rape me like everypony else?"

I saw Zecora's eyes mist up, and a wistful look crossed her muzzle. "I'd never do what you resist, but I don't think I must insist. You need my comfort, I can see. So I will act, that it may be."

She leaned down toward me, and her lips met mine. I didn't resist one iota. I wanted this even more than I realized.

Zecora's kiss wasn't hard or pushy, but very soft. I moved my quivering lips back against it, gently, and then our mouths parted. Her tongue gently touched the edges of my lips, sliding left and right with a tight flicking motion of the tip. My heart was pounding in my chest, but I wasn't afraid. I gently touched my tongue to hers, and she slid it just a little ways into my mouth.

It was simple, yet incredible.

I was awestruck by how gentle she was. It wasn't forceful or anything, even though she undoubtedly had a vampony's tongue and drive. She was letting me enjoy myself, and it was working. I gently caressed her shoulders with my forelimbs, and she pulled back to break the kiss.

"W-wow," I gasped.

"Twilight would you like to see a wildmane: zebra vampony?" she asked.

I nodded. "I'm... curious," I said. What I meant was different, though. I meant that deep down I wanted her to turn me and end my suffering. Somehow I knew she wasn't going to, though. In a strange way, she had too much respect for me.

Zecora smiled and her eyes glowed and the change took her. Her ears were absolutely adorable all poofy like that (despite myself, I think I have a thing for batpony ears now), but aside from the fangs and eyes and ears, something strange was happening to her mane. The hair lengthened and twisted like it was alive, and part of her mane curled around and brushed aside my forelock. The black and white hairs were mixing in a way that should have been impossible, and as I stared at it I swear I could see tiny bits of color emerging from the black-and-white patterns. This was an effect I was familiar with, but until now I'd never believed it could occur naturally. I guess this wasn't natural, though.

"You're so pretty," I murmured, staring into the twisting abyss of her mane.

"Thank you for those kindest words. I fear I look a bit absurd, but I enjoy the beast within. Someday, you will become my kin," she said, with a voice as deep and rough as hoofblown, tinted glass.

I panted softly, squirming a little beneath her. "I, I need to go or I'll be here forever," I whispered, my voice rather horse.

Please don't let me go, I thought. I'm ready to give up. I want to be underneath you for all eternity. I was frightened by my feelings, but I couldn't control them. Zecora was the wisest pony I'd ever met (even though she's not a pony), with the possible exception of Princess Celestia, although I'm starting to doubt some of that. If Zecora supported the vamponies, this was a strong indication that they weren't as evil as they seemed to be.

She kissed my nose again. "Twilight, you must rest for now. When the night comes, I'll keep my vow."

Her mane retreated to normal as she shifted back, then she held me close and lay with me. I cried a little, and she kissed my tears away. Then I dozed off briefly.

I woke up alone, in bed, at night. I didn't see Spike or Zecora, and I didn't want to go into the basement to confront her.

As I stood up, something fell off of my barrel. I picked it up: a tiny, fragrant pouch. I still couldn't believe she would leave me the antidote, because the poison joke was, at least for Twilight Sparkle, a perfect suppression of my magery. It wouldn't be long before the rest of the vamponies realized it could be used on me for that purpose.

I drew a hot bath and emptied the pouch. My horn felt floppy and strange to the touch, though it was almost erotic in a bizarre way. I guess it was just so otherworldly, and such a personal violation, an impotence that rivaled unfortunate stallions—I don't really know, though.

After my soak, I toweled off, then looked around and found the burlap sack. I took a quill, a small quantity of magic ink, this journal, and the emergency scroll I'd prepared, and stuffed them into the sack, then flew out here.

Tomorrow I head to Canterlot to find my BBBFF and gather supplies for communicating with Celestia. Stars above help me, I am at my wits' end.