Martial Arts of Friendship

After the first round ended, the contestants left the stadium.

Rainbow winced in pain from a bruise on her side as she walked the street with the other girls. “Dang! That Ahuitzotl creep really did a number on me.”

“I’d be careful, your neck might go out of place if you don’t watch it.” spoke Spike.

“With injuries as severe as those, I think it best you pulled out of the tournament.” Twilight spoke.

“Hah! Not happening, I still need to show you we Ponyville residents can beat anyone.” Boasted Rainbow. “I just need to get some Bomba Herb from Doctor Horse and I’ll be fine.”

“Reminds me of the time you dared me to see who could handle more.” Spoke Applejack with a grin. “Last time ah checked, ah won.”

“Bomba Herb? What’s that?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Sounds like something you put in a salad.” Spike remarked.

“It's a really really really really hot herb!” Spoke Pinkie. “It helps someone get healed up real fast! But it tastes too spicy and hot!”

“There’s the clinic now!” Rarity pointed to an upcoming building. “Ladies, I think these two see how effective Bomba Herb can be.”

“Heh, if it’s really hot, I can handle it.” Grinned Spike.

Fluttershy opened the door so Rainbow Dash could enter.

“Yo doc, you here?” Rainbow called out. “I need to get my hands on some of that Bomba Herb.”

A man with light amber skin with brown hair walked out with a doctor’s coat on. “Goodness!” he ran around the counter to look her over. “What happened?”

“Got into one heck of a fight and my body’s killing me.” She grunted rotating her arm.

“It was more like she was dangled upside down by her ankles and got beaten like a punching bag.” Said Spike

“I was thinking more like a ragdoll.” Spoke Pinkie.

“Thank you!” Rainbow cut them off and looked back to the doctor. “I just need a little Bomba Herb.”

“Mmmm, sorry, but I can’t get you any of that.” Replied the doctor. “My supply is nearly depleted and I need to save what I can for my more seriously injured patients, it’s... unlikely I'll ever have any more.”

“What? How come?” Asked Applejack.

“Well, you see, the thing is,”the doctor scratched his neck. “I get all my Bomba Herb… from Zecora.”

“ZECORA!” they exclaimed.

“Oh no.” spoke Fluttershy slightly shaking.

“Yes she brought it to my clinic one day saying it would help, I was hesitant at first, but in desperation to save a patient's life, I took the chance and I have been using it ever since. Normally Zecora brings me jars full of the herb that last a whole month, but today when I asked for some as she passed by she screamed at me, saying that she was cutting me off.”

Twilight turned to the girls. “Mind explaining why a so called woman like her, who apparently spreads curses, would willingly give medicine to this place?”

“We didn’t know.” Applejack spoke up “We always thought you grew it Doc.”

“No,” Doctor Horse I never told anyone where it came from because, I was afraid of how people would react.”

“Like it was too crazy to hear cause she’s apparently dark and evil?” Spoke Twilight while glancing at the girls.

They started feeling awkward under her gaze and looked away or shrunk back.

“Alright alright!” Spoke Rainbow. “We might have…..gotten ahead of ourselves. Doc if you can spare just one herb we think we can get Zecora to hook you up with more.”

“Sorry Rainbow, but those herbs are needed for some serious patients after I just got a call. I need every one of those for them. You’re just going have to try and deal with it another way. I do have some muscle cream you could try out, but it takes some time to really kick in.”

“Alright,” Rainbow sighed lowering her head. “Can you tell us where she lives?”

“Sorry, I can’t. She always came to me.” Horse replied. He turned and walked to the cabinet before reaching in and grabbing a jar of the cream. “It’s well known that she lives in the forest, but no one knows exactly where she lives.”

“Just great.” Groaned Rainbow before accepting the container.

“The forest is extremely large, we’ll be searching for hours.” Rarity whined.

“Not to mention all the monsters, dark trees, and spooky sounds.” Spoke Pinkie listing off her fingers.

“Maybe I should stay here and… um… help Doctor Horse.” Fluttershy turned and was about to walk away.

“Hold on there.” Spoke Applejack grabbing the back of her gi. “We need as much manpower as possible, and that Pansy Shield of yours might come in handy.”

“Yeah, and it’s not like the monsters are big enough to eat you with their giant teeth.” Pinkie bit down to emphasis.

“Alright girls let's get going.” Twilight pointed at the door. “We have a lot of forest to cover.”

They walked out with Applejack dragging Fluttershy who looked ready to run under a rock.

“Wow!” Spike looked in awe. “Living in the city, you don't normally see this many trees.”

“Yup! If you’re not careful, you could end up lost in there forever and ever.” Spoke Pinkie with a smile.

“Pinkie Pie!” Applejack scolded. “Don’t go scaring the little fella.”

“I’m not scared.” Spoke Spike with a frown. “I could go in there blindfolded and come back out no problem.”

“Let's just get going, I need to get me some some Bomba Herb.” Rainbow urged. “This muscle cream isn’t doing much at all.”

“We don’t even know which way to look.” Spoke Twilight.

“Fluttershy, be a dear and see if you can spot something from the air.” Rarity instructed. “We can’t have Rainbow exacerbating her injuries.”

“Um...uh….alright….” Fluttershy brought her energy out and slowly flapped up into the air. She looked around and saw little to nothing but trees before her gaze fell in something, “I see some kind of tower over there. It looks really far away though.”

“Then that’s the way we go.” Spoke Applejack.

“Spike stay close okay?” Twilight looked down at her little brother.

“Don’t worry Twilight, if anything comes out, I can take them.” He grinned as he followed them into the forest.

“Don’t get a big head Spike, otherwise you’ll end up like Rainbow.” She muttered the last part.

The seven youths trekked through the forest. Rarity was trying her best to avoid all things icky and slimy.

“You know, it’s just mud. It’ll wash off.” Spoke Twilight with a deadpanned expression.

“I would have thought the pupil of the grand master would be more accustomed to things being clean and tidy.” Rarity jumped over a puddle and shivered.

“A true fighter deals with sweat and blood in the harshest of training, so obviously I wouldn’t worry over this.” Twilight rolled her eyes while only trekking through mud if she couldn’t walk around it.

“Rarity only fights to show off her outfits.” Rainbow said. “That's why she's not so upset about being disqualified.”

“To me, a great fighter should look their best while in battle.” Smiled Rarity with pride. “That’s why I make sure all clothing made by me is perfect for fights while looking splendid!”

“Hopefully Rover got that message.” Pinkie skipped.

“Why do you fight anyway?” Asked Twilight. “You don’t exactly strike me as the sorta person who would wanna hurt people.”

“I like to make people smile, and laugh, so I do tricks in my fights to put a smile on the crowds-” she stopped.

“What is it?” Asked Twilight.

“My knee feels twitchy.” she looked around.

“So?”

The the other girls became defencive and looked around nervously.

“What are you all doing? I don’t hear anything nearby.” She spoke looking around the trees.

“Never underestimate Pinkie's senses Twilight, you'll live longer.” Applejack spoke keeping her guard up.

“RROOOAAAARR!”  A manticore came running at them.

“See?” Spoke the farm girl before getting in a fighting stance.

“Fluttershy, Shield!” Rainbow called.

“But Rainbow Dash-”

“ROOAAAR!” The beast cried out before raising its claw.

“EEK!” she covered her eyes and channeled her energy before creating her Pansy Shield. The claw hit against the shield and bounced off harmlessly.

“Now hit it!” Rainbow called.

Fluttershy though kept the shield up as the Manticore kept hitting at it in anger.

“Ugh, Fluttershy!” Rainbow groaned. “You need to hit him!”

“I got it!” Applejack charged and kicked the manticore in the side. It reeled back a little before launching its scorpion tail at the girl.

“Woah there!” Applejack jumped back while the tail embedded itself in the ground.

“HIYA!” Pinkie lands a blow to its head. It reeled back a little while Pinkie struck a pose. “Taste the power of Pinkie Power!”

Fluttershy opened her eyes and watched the manticore stumble to the ground before noticing something and dropped her shield. She started walking towards the creature as it let out a growl.

“Fluttershy! don’t-” Spike tried calling out, but he was cut off as it lunged at her.

Instead of bringing out her shield, she grabbed it's paw before flipping it in the air and on its back. It groaned before Fluttershy jumped up and landed on its stomach.

Spike and Twilight's jaws dropped from the sight.

Fluttershy moved her other hand to the pew and pulled out a thorn. The creature let out a surprised growl before slowly calming down as Fluttershy started rubbing his belly. “There now, all better.”

“Since when can she do that?” Asked Twilight in surprise.

“Fluttershy can be a pretty good fighter, when she wants to.” Applejack smiled. “She’s just too darn timid to fight in a serious competition.”

Said girl smiled as the manticore started purring from her rubbing. “Have to go now, but from now on stay away from thorns.” She climbed off its belly and patted its head.

After getting back on its feet the creature walked away.

Fluttershy turned around, coming face to face with a frowning Rainbow Dash who tapped her finger on her arm. “Uh, hi?”

“Fluttershy, if I were anyone else I would have given up on you years ago.” Rainbow tried speaking calmly. “But after seeing that, now I remember why I’m so firm and trying to make sure you learn how to fight.”

“That was splendid darling.” Smiled Rarity.

“Yeah, yeah, she did fine, can we move on?” Rainbow shook her head and turned to continue. “Unbelievable.”

“Sheesh, impatient.” Twilight muttered as they resumed walking. The lavender girl looked back to the disheartened Fluttershy every now and then looked back to Rainbow Dash with a glare while walking up next to her with spike. “Okay Rainbow, I wanna know, why are you so mean to fluttershy?”

“From where you come from, it might seem like I’m being some kind of bully, right?” Frowned Rainbow. “Well get that out of your head now, I'm her mentor.”

“You? A mentor?” Spike laughed. “That's hilarious.”

“Hey! I'm a great mentor.” Rainbow shot back.

“Well a real mentor would actually be glad to see her do that move.”

“It's not the first time she’s done something like that. She can take down a fully grown bear just to work out the knots in its back, literally.” replied Rainbow. “She needs to learn how to be more confident whenever she goes out walking, not when she’s in danger. Better people than me have tried teaching her to fight, but they eventually lost patients. The kids at Cloudsdale made a game out of throwing rocks at her to try getting past her shield.”

“What?!” Twilight gasped. “T-That’s sick!”

“Yeah, so I pounded them, and took Fluttershy under my wing. For over eight years I’ve been trying to get her to fight, but she just freezes up. All her other masters gave up around eight weeks, not me though. I know she can do better, she just needs the right push.”

“That’s pretty different compared to how you usually act.” Remarked Spike.

“I do everything in my power to help those I care about, especially fluttershy. I’d never leave her hanging.”

“Is it just me, or did it get darker?” Spoke Rarity in a nervous tone looking around at the trees and sky.

“Use your threads to cut through this foliage.” Rainbow pointed around.

“I’ll try.” She manifested her threads and sent them flying out to the trees. She clapped her hands and branches broke away letting the sunlight shine in and opening a path. “Much better.”

“Nice work Rarity.” Twilight said walking through the opening. “Hopefully we’re almost-” the girl gasped and stared up. In front of her was a large structure built like a castle.

“Wow! Look at the size of that.” Spoke Pinkie.

“This must be Celestia’s old monastery.” Applejack gazed up in wonder.

“You mean the one with the Heretic Master trapped inside?” Fluttershy shivered.

“We might have gone the wrong way.” Remarked Rainbow. “But… I say we take a look inside.”

“Eeep!” Jumped Fluttershy who hid behind Twilight.

“Rainbow Dash have some respect. This is a sacred place.” the brainiac spoke “Grandmaster Celestia would have a fit if she found out we trespassed.”

“So don’t tell her, don’t you want to see the place your master trained?”

Twilight was silent as she mulled it over before shaking her head. “No! A true student does not venture where they’re not allowed. Let’s just turn around and search somewhere else.”

“Okay you do that.” Rainbow ran to the building and smashed the rusted lock on the door to bits with her bare hand. “I on the other hand am gonna take a quick peek at this Heretic Master.”

“I can’t believe she just did that!” Twilight squeaked. “Grandmaster Celestia will have our heads!”

“Woah! Hey come on guys, you gotta see this place!” Rainbow called.

Pinkie walked in and gasped. “This place is amazing!”

“Girls! The grandmaster said we’re not allowed in there.” Twilight tried hoping they see reason.

“Technically, she didn’t, she just said she closed it.” Applejack pointed out becoming intrigued herself and walked to the door. “A little peek won't hurt none, as long as we don’t touch nothin’”

“Rarity! Talk some sense into them.” Pleaded Twilight.

“Would you look at the stitching on those tapestries!” Pinkie cried.

“Stitching?” Rarity ran into the door. “Oh, my, stars.”

“Oh come on!” Groaned Twilight. “Ugh, I just know I'm gonna get yelled at for this later.” Twilight said to Fluttershy.

“Y-You mean you’re going in there?”

“Beats waiting for them out here in the open.” Twilight gulped and started walking.

Fluttershy gulped and looked around before running inside.

Twilight closed her eyes and walked with spike at her side. She waited until her fear fell in stone and opened her eyes slowly. The inside was dark and spacious with the girls spread out and looking around. Yet twilight found herself captivated by the elegance of it. “If these wall could only speak.” Twilight gazed around putting a hand to her chest.

“They’d probably say ‘Clean us! Clean us!’” Spoke Pinkie hopping into a stone throne with a sun on it. “Mhhh. Comfy!”

“That must be Grandmaster Celestia’s old throne!” Twilight cried out.

“Really, then who’s is this?” Pinkie pointed to the empty throne next to it with the back broken off along with half the crescent moon carving.

“That must have belonged to...Luna.” Twilight walked up with a thoughtful look. “But why would she have a seat next to the Grandmaster?”

“Oooh! Ooh! I know!” Spoke Pinkie waving her hand up and down.

“You do? How? What?”

“Well, either Luna was secretly Celestia’s wife or she was her student.” Pinkie spoke.

“Okay, the second is unlikely being that she was a Master, but the first…..what!?”

“Or she was someone close to Celestia, but not that close.”

“But where is she?” Rainbow questioned. “I wanna see that Heretic before we get going.”

“How about we just leave before we accidentally break anything.” Spoke Twilight.

“We won’t because we’re not gonna touch anything, Pinkie get off the throne, Rarity let go of the rag.”

“Rag!” the alabaster girl exclaimed with wide eyes. “This tapestry is master craftsmanship. I'm already getting inspiration for my next line.”

“Whatever, just come on!” Rainbow walked down a corridor.

“I gotta say, this place would look great with some sprucin’ up.” Spoke Applejack as the walked through the halls.

“I can only imagine what it looked like in its prime.” Fluttershy smiled looked around.

“The parties in this place had to have been kickin’!” Pinkie pumped her fists in the air as she walked backwards.

“Seriously girls! We should get out of here, now!” Spoke Twilight. “Spike back me up!”

“Are you kidding! I wanna see more of this place.”

“Hey guys, look.” Rainbow Dash pointed to a pair of large doors with a sun on the left and a moon on the right, down another hallway. “AJ can you help me get them open?”

“Sure ah can.” The farm girl replied.

The two went up and pushed on the door.

“Don’t hurt yourself Rainbow.” Said Fluttershy in concern.

“Use your legs darlings.” Spoke Rarity.

*creak*

“It's startin’... to budge.” Applejack grunted. “Push harder Rainbow.”

“I...AM.” The cyan girl ignored the pain in her muscles.

The doors slowly opened and the two gasped when they looked inside.

“Golly!”

“Woah!”

The rest looked inside and their eyes widened. Inside was a training hall with weapons on the wall and manikins with armor, but at the center was a sphere of light with a dark, winged silhouette inside.

“Oh no.” squeaked Twilight. “We actually found it.”

“The Heretic Master.” Rainbow Dash walked inside and gulped as she got closer.

“Frozen in mid attack, in a bubble of the Grandmaster’s own energy.” Twilight frowned. She ran over and grabbed Rainbow’s shoulder. “We’re leaving, now.”

“Twilight, chill. She’s been here for ten years,” Rainbow pushed the hand off. “It's not gonna kill us just to look.”

“Uh, just to be sure, I’m gonna go wait outside.” Spoke Spike turning and speed walking out of the room.

“Look at her,” Applejack walked around the bubble. “Her form is flawless.”

“Those wings are almost as big as Celestia’s.” Fluttershy walked up to Rainbow Dash and held her arm. “But maybe we should listen to Twilight and leave.”

“You think she can even see us?” pinkie waved her hand in front of the bubble. “Or even hear us? Hey! You in there!”

“Ah doubt it, the energy looks pretty thick. But, if that were the case ah’d feel sorry for her.” Applejack frowned. “Imagine what it would be like frozen like that, conscious to ever thing goin’ on around you and just…. stuck there. That sounds like fate worse than death.”

“Yeah, a big shame, so sorry to leave, but we need to get out of here, NOW.” spoke Twilight trying to drag Pinkie out of the room.

“Alright Twilight keep your Gi on, we’re coming.” Rainbow replied.

“I wonder where Celestia hid the Elements of Harmony?” Pinkie looked around. “Oh well, maybe on our next visit.” the pink girl put her hands behind her head.

“No way. We found her, and I don’t want to push our luck looking all over the monastery for the things that did this to her.” Spoke Twilight.

“Don’t worry darling, we’ll leave and hopefully find Zecora’s home.” Spoke Rarity.

After walking outside Twilight sighed in relief. “I swear if you five don’t kill me, Master Celestia will.

“Like she’ll ever know.” Shrugged Rainbow.

“I'm sorry girls.” Fluttershy lowered her head. “It’s my fault we're here.”

“Don’t sweat it Flutters I would have made the same mistake.” Rainbow Dash patted the timid girls back.

“Uh, girls?” Spoke Spike.

“Yeah Spike?” Twilight looked at him.

“We were in there longer than I thought.” He remarked pointing out to the setting sun.

“Uh oh, we better to find Zecora and quick.” Applejack spoke. “I don’t want to be out here come nightfall.”

“But which way do we go?” Asked Rarity.

“Fluttershy, try looking around from the air again.” Said Rainbow.

“But...” she looked hesitant. “What if-”

“So you messed up once, big deal.” the cyan girl Spoke. “You can’t make things any worse at this point.”

“Alright.” She nodded and brought her wings back out before flying up to the air. She looked around and noticed some smoke billowing in the air not too far off between the monastery and the town. “That way, I see smoke.”

“Let’s go, book it.” Spoke Rainbow before they sprinted back into the forest.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” Spike remarked to his sister.

“It's okay Spike, all we have to do is apologize and we’ll be fine. To tell you the truth, I’m a little interested in this Bomba Herb.”

“And if need be, we’ll take it.” Spoke Rainbow.

“You wanna steal from a witchdoctor, are you loco in the coco?!” Pinkie cried out. “If you get cursed, can I have your Gis? Ooh! And maybe your trophies?”

“Pinkie, for the last time. There are no-” Twilight stopped her tirade and looked forward. At the strange hut built around a large tree. “Witchdoctors.”

“See? Told you.” Grinned Rainbow.

“Well….I must say say she has an….. Interesting taste in architecture.” Rarity gulped.

“See? Evil enchantress.” Spoke Pinkie. “There's even a bubbling cauldron over a fire.”

“Let get this over with…. You go knock on the door Twilight.”

“Why me? You wanted us to come out here, so you do it.” She spoke with her arms crossed.

“Well…. you were the only one who didn’t do anythin’, so she might talk to you.”

“Ughhh, alright.” she relented. “But you all have to apologize.”

“Fine.” huffed Rainbow.

Twilight walked up to the door apprehensively and gave a knock. She heard some footsteps and saw the door open by Zecora who frowned seeing her. “Zecora, we-”

*SLAM*

Twilight reeled back from the door slamming shut. She turned to the girls. “I think one of you should come up here.”

Rainbow marched up and beat her fist on the door. “Zecora! We know you give Doctor Horse the Bomba Herb! We need some now, especially me!”

“No Bomba Herb shall I give ever again! You will just have to live with your pain!” She roared.

Rainbow growled and looked ready to bring her power out.

“Woah now Rainbow.” Applejack grabbed her shoulder. “That won’t do nothin but make her madder.”

“Maybe you should, I don’t know, apologize.” Spoke Twilight.

“Yeah, your right. Zecora, look we're really sorry we made you and and said all them nasty words.”

The door was yanked opened. “You people all think my worth is less than dirt. Do you have any idea how badly your words can hurt?!”

They jumped back with Spike gulping and trying. “Uh, Zecora?”

She looked down to the boy.

“I know what they said was beyond rude, really if I was you I’d probably set up traps.” He sighed. “But they acted like that because just like everyone, people jump right to fear about things they don’t know. Take me for example, when I was growing up, people didn’t know if I was gonna be a bad dragon like the ones at the tournament, or some brainiac like Twilight. That made me feel distant and a little bit alone amongst them.”

“I see you understand my feelings, but I still refuse to make any more dealings.” she stepped out and went over to the cauldron and formed a staff from her energy to stir at the green, bubbling concoction.

“I get that, and again, you have every single right to be mad. But I have news for you, when we found out what you did with all the other Bomba Herbs, that helped open their eyes. You could tell that they were confused and didn’t know what to make of you. That shows that all the rumors and what they thought you were, was nothing but lies because they didn’t know the real you.”

“The wounds are still very deep. Now I suggest you all leave and get your beauty sleep.” She looked back to the cauldron with the girls sighing.

“Well before we go,” pinkie pulled out a straw and slurped the substance in the pot. “Hmm, not bad.”

Zecora stared with wide eyes before covering her mouth as she giggled which soon grew to such intensity that she had to hold her sides and point to Pinkie.

“Uh, what’s so funny? Did you forget to add spices?” Asked the pink skinned girl before gasping. “Was that some kinda poison! Am I gonna turn green! WHAT DO I DO!”

“There is no need to be in such a quandary,” She summoned her staff again. “But you see what you were slurping is my Laundry.” Zecora pull a pair of pants out out of the pot.

“Ew!” the girls plus Spike grimaced.

Pinkie blinked before smacking her lips. “Yup, now I taste the soap. Pardon me.” She ran to a bush and emptied the contents of her stomachs behind it.

“EW!” The group grimaced with Spike looking green like his hair.

“AHAHAHAHAHA!” Zecora dropped to her knees and beat on the ground with her fists.

“Don’t taste the stew.” Groaned Pinkie walking back over while holding her stomach.

“You funny one have made me glad,” Zecora stood up. “No longer do I feel the slightest bit mad.”

“Well I do like to make people laugh.” Spoke Pinkie before groaning. “One sec.” She ran back and the others grimaced.

“So…. Can we have some Bomba Herb?” asked Rainbow Dash.

Zecora tapped her chin while the others held their breath. “I suppose I must or I'll feel rather crumby, but first let's see to you friends retching tummy.”

They nodded as they lead Pinkie inside.

“Wow you got a lot of plants in here.” said Spike. “Are they for other medicine?”

“Everyone believes I am about voodoo and chants, but in truth my life revolves around plants.”

“Ooooooh, now I understand!” Twilight spoke up. “Your a Herbalist.”

“Medicine is but one thing I work with, but people tend to see my skills like dark magic from myth.” the Zebra style fighter grabbed a few plants, grounded them up in a bowl, and added water. She stirred it up and handed the bowl to Pinkie. “Ingest this mix and your ailment it will fix.”

“Alright.” she gulped before pouring the bowl's contents into her mouth. She grimaced and made several faces before dropping to the ground. Once she stopped she blinked and felt her stomach settle.

“Wow, that stuff tasted bleh, but I feel all better!”

“Speaking of feeling better,” Rainbow spoke up. “Can I get some Bomba Herb now? These bandages itch like crazy.”

“I have the herbs you desire, but a sincere apology is what I require.”

Rainbow sighed. “Okay, I'm woman enough admit that I may have jumped the gun when I thought you were a witch doctor.”

“Go on, you're not yet done.” Smiled the Zebra fighter.

“I made a mistake and I take full responsibility for it.” Spoke Rainbow with a sigh. “You can stop me at any time.”

“Alright cream puff, I think you suffered enough.” Zecora smirked.

Rainbow glowered at the comment while Zecora walked off to a large a chest and pulled out a jar of small red herbs with black edges.

“Yes! Bomba Herbs!” Rainbow grinned.

“Those little things?” Spike seemed sceptical.

“They don’t seem very impressive.” Twilight added.

“Get ready to eat those words Twilight.” Applejack grinned.

Rainbow took one and popped it in her mouth before chewing and gritted her teeth as they saw her cheeks turn a little red.

“It takes thirty seconds for the spicy taste to go down but it's worth it.” said Rarity.

Rainbow stamped her feet while looking like she was ready to bolt out of the room. She tightened her muscles and the bandages were shredded. Soon her cheeks went back to their normal color and she let out a deep breath. “Wooeee!”

“Holy moly!” Spike gawked and pointed at Rainbow Dash. “You look all better!”

“That's Bomba Herb little man, Ponyville’s miracle drug.” She grinned flexing her muscles. “Endure the spicy taste and your body gets healed up in no time.”

“Incredible!” Twilight looked over Rainbow Dash. “Most of those bruises should have take days to heal!”

“Uh, Twilight, you’re getting a little personal.” Rainbow said to the girl who was looking down the top of her Gi. “I’m not judging you, but if you wanted to look, try to be discrete about it.”

“Gah!” Twilight jumped back and was mentally kicking herself. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”

“That's my sister for you,” Spike sighed “Once she sees something that interests her, common decency tends to go right out the window.”

Twilight blushed in embarrassment while the girls giggled.

“Take the rest to Doctor Horse if you please, with a promise of more next month to put him at ease.”

“Consider it done.” Spoke Rarity, “And if you ever need a new wardrobe or something patched up. I’d be more than happy to help.”

“Thanks again!” Beamed Pinkie before hugging Zecora. “I need to throw you a big party to show how great you are.”

“Um, speakin’ of showin’ can you show us the way back to town? It's kinda dark out there.” Applejack pointed out the window.

“Quite simple really, go down the path north and then east, and you will be there nearly.”

“Thanks Zecora!” they waved and made their way out of the forest and back to the clinic.

“So, what did we learn?” Teased Spike.

“Not to drink someone's laundry?” pinkie tried.

“I meant about judging someone different.” He deadpanned.

“We get it already, we jumped the gun, give it a rest.” Rainbow rolled her eyes as Fluttershy opened the door.

“Doctor horse? We're back.” the timid girl called out. “And we got the Bomba Herbs.”

“Oh thank the stars, you girls got it here just in time. There was an accident at the construction site and some of the men are badly hurt.” He spoke taking the jar. “This should get them up in no time.”

“Doctor, maybe it’s time you tell people where you get the Bomba Herb.” Twilight Spoke up. “Otherwise incidents like this might happen again.”

The doctor let out a sigh and nodded. “You’re right, it’s time people hear the truth, I should stop worrying so much and give Zecora her due.”

“Well catch ya later doc.” Spoke Applejack.

“Goodbye girls.” he waved to them.

Twilight yawned and stretched her arms “I'm gonna go home and get some sleep.”

“Ooh! I just had a great idea.” Pinkie smiled. “Slumber party at Twilight’s house!”

“Wait what?!” Twilight stared at her with wide eyes.

“You’re not gonna be in Ponyville forever so we need to have as much fun times with our new friends as possible!”

“You… you see us as friends?” the lavender girl blinked.

“Of course.” Applejack spoke. “After all we been through there ain’t no better word for it. and that’s the honest to goodness truth.”

“And coming from Applejack, who never lies, you know it's true darling.” Rarity said in agreement.

“But, we’re enemies in the tournament.”

“It’s more like rivals and we're not in the tournament right now.” Applejack pointed out. “So let's get going to Twilights.”

“But-” tried to say Twilight as the girls walked ahead of her.

They arrived at the golden oaks library while talking.

“Look this whole friends thing is still pretty new to me but from what I understand friends keep secrets, so if could you be kind enough not to mention my… indigent with Rainbow Dash at Zecora’s I’d really appreciate it.”

“Our lips our sealed.” Rarity replied.

“And under no circumstances are any of us breathe a word about the monastery.” Twilight said opening the front door. “Celestia would kill me if she found out.”

“If I found out what, Twilight?”

Twilight jumped and turned to see her master sitting in a chair in the library.

“Celestia.” Twilight squeaked with the others looking inside.