Chapter 1 – If I Had a Dime for Every Rhyme…
“You’re saying I need to stop speaking in rhymes to feel better?” Zecora asked, glancing back at Twilight and looking completely aghast.
The purple unicorn frowned, trying not to make Zecora feel unsound.
“Well, from what I can perceive,” Twilight stated, continuing unabated. “Your stress is caused by the constant necessity to need to think for words that rhyme. That’s giving you anxiety because it makes speaking aloud much more difficult.”
The zebra shifted in discontent, unsure if she could speak lacking an artful extent. Her eyes drifted around the interior of the tree in anxious curiosity, scanning the shelves of books lined as far as she could see.
“I have spoken only in rhymes for as long as I can remember, Twilight. I don’t know if I can change overnigh... drastically.”
She delivered the last word with pessimistic doubt, frightened by having to take this new route. Though, Twilight had trouble sympathizing with the zebra's plight. Throughout all of her problems, she managed quite all right.
“I suppose it's something you will learn as you practice.” Twilight said, nodding her head. “For now, you should just relax, and go get something to eat.”
Zecora’s expression changed to a smile, rising to her hooves all the while. The thought of a meal did sound really pleasant, and it might even work as an antidepressant.
“I really appreciate it, Twilight. I’ll do my best to follow your... a-advice.”
The zebra offered a courteous nod, hoping she didn't seem too odd. As she turned to the exit, a purple glow telekinetically enveloped it. It swung open quite a bit, letting the her split.
“Take Care!”
No longer accepted as Twilight’s guest, she began to trot. For now, avoiding conversation was best, or so she thought. It would be tough to adapt to this change so soon, especially on an empty stomach, as it was nearly noon.
Equestria’s environment, she noticed, was a particularly beautiful sight today. She couldn't lounge around though; it was best to grab a bite of hay. Zecora let her eyes search for a restaurant along the trip, checking up and down the local Ponyville strip. Most places, however, weren't very attractive. They were all full of ponies, heavily active.
No less than three minutes in a trot, the zebra was caught. A pony stood directly in her way, preventing her from a meal of hay. Creating a severe obstruction, this intrusive pony gave her introduction.
“Hiya Zecora! Whatcha up to?”
The pink pony beamed with energy, having approached the zebra cleverly. She was carrying a neatly wrapped gift on her back, its colour sparkly velvet with a ribbon shaded black.
With an unselfconscious frown, Zecora looked down. It was all too soon for her to be chatting, as this pony didn't know the experience she was lacking. Pinkie, though, was certainly considered a friend. No matter how much the zebra vocally embarrassed herself now, that wouldn't end.
“Hi Pinkie Pie,” She said without a second thought, glancing past her for an adequate feasting spot. “What can I do for you?”
Pinkie Pie chided, keeping her attention undivided. “Oh, I'm fine, silly. I'm actually here to do something for you, though. Since you're stressed out, I got you a present!”
The zebra froze in total surprise. How could Pinkie have known about her stress that managed to arise? She had only told Twilight several minutes ago, and it only started severely just last night, so how could Pinkie know?
“Wow, thanks a lot!” She expressed, accepting the gift from Pinkie, and smiling nonetheless.
The joyful pony turned, trotting away and looking casually unconcerned. Before she skipped out of earshot, the zebra could hear her humming a tune that sounded a lot like she ought to have heard it previously.
Zecora was swift to scoop up the gift.
Her plate of hay could certainly wait, as her curiosity had become great; she would go straight home. Shifting to a steady trot, she thought about what Pinkie could have bought. In all truth, this was the first present she had received since she was only a youth.
The stressed zebra entered the Everfree forest, hoping for the best. Against a pleasant breeze, she pressed and manoeuvred throughout the trees, mindfully travelling west. She had gone home many times without the aid of roads and signs, but the stress was beginning to mess with her directional prowess.
Hoofing the door behind shut, Zecora entered her homely hut.
Flasks and vials of all shapes and sizes, hoof-crafted masks exhibiting wide smiles, potions placed in piles clustered the room in rows and aisles. Scattered candles were lit, committing a little bit of light to the room until they had to quit. All the while, it compiled to shape an eerily witchy style.
The anxious zebra set the box on a table, and took off its complimentary label.
It was a cute and picturesque card in the shape of a balloon. As if magically though, it seemed to light up the room. Opening it, Zecora eased a little bit. The card gave off a distinct scent of cupcakes, and it was quaintly coloured, with no noticeable mistakes. Under the picture of Pinkie and Gummy, she could see a short soliloquy.
As she comfortably read, it said:
To Zecora, my favourite zebra in need!
I truly hope this gift helps you with your stress.
I know you'll love it. Enjoy!
-- Pinkie Pie
She set the card aside and eyed the gift that Pinkie had provided. It glistened with wonder, surely holding something precious under. Zecora let her speculations run wild, and she couldn't resist a smile. Although silly, she felt somewhat like a filly again.
Anyhow, what did Pinkie think would be best for relieving stress? Perhaps, some beautiful dress, she guessed?
The intrigued zebra tugged on the lace of the bow, finding it impossible to do so very slow. Whatever was inside, she was brightly aglow with wanting to know.
Pulling the lid off, Zecora couldn't help but scoff.
Author's Note
You're free to leave a comment below, but please, try your best to rhyme though. Thanks!
