Author's Note

Sorry for the fluff chapter, wanted to get back into the swing of things, but still struggling to write through this rut I'm in. This was going to be a longer chapter, but I figure I can split it, and maybe do smaller chapters to get them out quicker. This past year has been f*cked all to hell; but things are stabilizing for me.

Currently building a large 10x16 shed to get all this crap out of my new house; which is mainly the thing keeping me from writing. All I want to do afterwards is nap or lay on the couch binge watching tv. I haven't' even really gamed in the past year either, even that little bit of effort is too much for me... never thought I'd see the day.

Anyway, hope ya'll enjoy!

The Alchemist's Tree

Atchmon's mind was distant as he thought of what transpired outside of Twilight's castle. He stared at the ground, while absentmindedly following behind Rarity towards her next errand.

"She'll be okay, won't she?" He dared to ask, knowing he was the cause of her predicament; being threatened with a dishonorable discharge and losing her place as a Wonderbolt.

"For the dozenth time, darling, I don't know," Rarity answered him. Her fur looked more like a lime green in the sunlight.

"But, I mean, she's famous; like you, right?" He asked, looking to assuage his guilt.

Rarity felt embarrassed. "I'm flattered you'd say that, but we're all famous in our own way, I suppose; however, even if I weren't a humble pony, I'd say Rainbow Dash is easily the most famous pony in our group."

They were outside the town proper, following a beaten dirt path as Rarity continued her explanation. "Excluding the Princesses, of course, since they're in a class of their own; which Twilight is proven to be the most popular among them."

Atchmon's head was starting to hurt from all the guilt and buzzing thoughts plaguing him.
"So they won't kick her out for missing a bit of practice... would they?"

Rarity sighed. "She didn't just miss a few training days, dear, she also didn't show up for a scheduled event; and that, my dear, is a major violation of her contract." She added. "And that isn't the worst part."

"What could be worse than that?" His voice cracked.

Rarity trotted ahead and turned to face him as she flourished dramatically. "Imagine it, darling, a stadium full of little colts and fillies, their spirits so full of hope and wonder, all looking forward to seeing their favorite Wonderbolt with their bright, innocent eyes; only to be so crushed with disappointment when she didn't show up to dazzle them with her amazing display of aerial acrobatics, choreography, and flying prowess; not to mention her signature stunt 'The Sonic Rainboom'! Their tiny tear drops could fill a lake; some may have spent all their hard-earned bits, or waited for years to finally meet the one and only Rainbow Dash." She finished, holding a hoof to her chest and looking sorrowful. "And scene." She added, and returned to her bright, cheerful self.

Atchmon didn't think his guilt could get any worse, but his gut felt like it turned to solid lead after imagining everything that Rarity told him. Now he was responsible for crushing all those little pony's hopes and dreams.

"What if I came forward, and admitted to everything?" He questioned anxiously. "They'd have to let her off the hook then." He nervously trotted in place.

Rarity thought for a moment as they approached the beginnings of a wooded area. "Really, you'd turn yourself in, and admit to everything?" She questioned skeptically, getting a nod from him. "Including your plan to ponynap me, and take me to your world; where I would surely be trapped forever, and parade me around like a freak-show attraction, while you reap the rewards... did i get most of that right?" She asked sweetly.

His eyes widened in realization. "Hrck!" Atchmon's voice caught in his throat as his chest felt like it was stabbed. He hadn't thought that far ahead, and blanched. "You're right, I'm sure with how famous she is, they'll probably just give her a slap on the wrist; no reason to put myself on the chopping block, if that's the case, right?" He chuckled nervously.

Rarity shot a miffed look back at him. "Famous though she may be, none of us are above the law, Atchmon." She emphasized. "Fluttershy was almost forced into indentured servitude, because of a bad trade agreement. But the point of that story is that's the law, and we're all subject to it." She finished firmly.

Atchmon hung his head in defeat. "Rare... about what I did, what I tried to do to you, I wouldn't have- I mean, I really thought we could-"

Rarity turned and placed a hoof gently on his chest, halting their trot. "I know you're feeling responsible for the... predicament Rainbow Dash is in, and that you regret the poor choices you've made in the past."

Atchmon avoided her eye contact and nodded.

"But I forgive you, darling." She emphasized.

Atchmon winced. "How... how can you just 'forgive' me for somethin' like that?" He met her gaze.

"It's because you feel responsible, and regretful for your actions; that you want to make things right." She answered. "You're a good pony, Atchmon."

He scoffed a laugh. "I sure don't feel like one." He said grudgingly.

Rarity gave him a little push with the hoof still on his chest to get his attention. "I wasn't finished," she raised a brow at him, as if daring him to interrupt her again. "You know better than to interrupt a lady when she's not done speaking; haven't I taught you better than that?"

Atchmon gave her a ghost of smile.

Rarity took a breath, looking up at him with caring eyes. "You took care of me, and nursed me back on my hooves; you taught me things I never would've bothered to learn, simply on the off-chance I would need those skills, and you were right to do so; you were my fierce defender, and gave your life to save mine; all to uphold a promise to get me home," Rarity removed the hoof from his chest.

"Now, that all seems like something a good pony would do; does it not?" She suggested. "Why shouldn't a pony like that be forgiven?"

Atchmon shifted in place, pride tainted with shame welled in his heart at her praise, and gave a mirthless smirk. "Yeah, but that doesn't change how I feel." His head shaking in disagreement.

Rarity spoke sympathetically. "I think that's because you need to work on forgiving yourself now, darling; everypony makes mistakes."

Atchmon scoffed. "No Rare, what I did wa'n't no 'mistake'; what I did was downright... evil." He forced the word out as a pit formed in his stomach from his admission.

Rarity sighed. "I think you're being too hard on yourself; but if you believe coming forward is the right thing to do, then I'll support your decision; I just fear it'll all be for naught."

"Why's that?" He questioned.

"It was Rainbow Dash's choice to ignore her obligations as a Wonderbolt, and continue her search for me, after the search was officially called off; but don't get me wrong, I am incredibly grateful for her efforts; however, I wish she didn't jeopardize her career for me." She finished sadly, laying her ears back.

Atchmon sighed in resignation. He knew exactly what she meant. Jobs, or society in general, cared little for the personal hardships that individuals go through; and often punishes those who make the morally right choice.

His ears perked, just now realizing a thing Rarity said. "How'd Fluttershy 'almost' become an indentured servant?" He asked skeptically. "You mean like a slave, right?" He vaguely remembered the meaning back in one of his history classes.

After meeting the fragile yellow Pegasus, it wasn't hard to imagine someone taking advantage of her meek nature. She seemed like such a frail and fragile little mare.

Rarity tittered. "Oh my apologies, it wouldn't have gone to such an extreme; but the terms behind the trade were dubious at best." She said, before explaining what happened.

Atchmon looked skeptical. "So... Princess Twilight was just gonna let it happen?" His voice raised in disbelief. "What happened to Rainbow, did she get in trouble? Isn't slavery illegal here?"

Rarity backed away sheepishly. "Nopony broke any rules or laws, but that's mainly because there was no rule against it; however, Twilight did push for an amendment afterwards." She explained. "Now, if anypony's services are offered as part of an exchange, that pony must also be in agreement that the trade is fair; that way, nopony is accidentally put into indentured servitude without their consent."

Atchmon blew a horsey snort of disbelief. "Ya'll needed a rule for that?" He said sarcastically under his breath.

Rarity continued. "Perhaps in an ironic twist of fate, you could help Rainbow out of her predicament, and correct your mistake in the same way she did for Fluttershy." She nodded in approval, now realizing Atchmon's choice was the right one after all.

Atchmon was less confident it was the right decision than before, especially if it won him a one-way ticket straight to the slammer. He doubted he'd be so lucky as Rainbow. She was a celebrity and he was a nobody; they'd lock him away for life if they could, he was sure of that much. Famous people could get away with anything short of murder... actually, some got away with that too, he remembered.

Damn.

In his mind, Atchmon had committed a crime, and even if Rarity forgave him; he couldn't forgive himself until Rainbow was spared as well; but he wasn't going to jail for her.

He didn't feel that sorry.

So maybe it was best to see how things played out, before making a decision.

"Where're we goin' anyway?" Atchmon asked, realizing they were at the border of the dark forest.

"To see a friend about some healing salves," Rarity answered.

"In the forest?" He questioned in confusion.

"I don't believe I ever told you about her," Rarity explained as they approached a pathway leading into the woods. "She really is a fantastic alchemist, her poultices are made from exotic plants you can only find inside the Everfree Forest."

Atchmon examined the pathway, his hunter's intuition took over from there. He noticed the ground was more sandy than the beaten dirt path running along the forest's border. He assumed the sandier path must go all the way to the alchemist's shop.

'But like all animal paths, if it's been used for any length of time; animals would know this is a place to find food.' He thought. 'At least the sandy soil will dampen any sound we make.

There were strange masks positioned to each side of the trail, he assumed marked the correct pathway towards the alchemist; and there were others further ahead that he could see. A sign pointed the way, with a white painted symbol of a swirling line of a circle with triangles arranged around it.

Rarity trotted on unimpeded, before turning back, and noticing Atchmon wasn't following her.

"Aren't you coming?" She asked curiously.

Atchmon took a few hesitant steps forward, as if expecting to be assaulted by an animal the moment he stepped onto the path. "Do you usually walk up this way?" He asked, following after her.

Rarity stopped and gasped as she realized something. "Oh darling, I'm so sorry, it just slipped my mind; you probably don't want to be anywhere near the Everfree Forest for the rest of your life!" She checked to make sure he was okay. "I don't need to get medicine right now, I can do this later, if you aren't comfortable coming with me."

Atchmon felt indignant. She was completely right, but that didn't mean he was completely helpless. "Nah, we came this far; and if you think it's safe, there's no sense in turning back now." He replied.

"I assure you, darling, it's quite safe; I've visited Zecora's hut on many occasions." Rarity went on ahead. "And thank you, dear; normally I'd wait until Zecora brings her wares into town for peddling, but I don't have much time, and much less a clue when that'll be; she really does make the best potions Bits could buy." She praised.

Atchmon only half listened as the ever-present grip of fear tightened around his chest. He quickly trotted to walk slightly ahead of her; keeping one side of her safe from harm as they faced the forest once more.

Rarity noticed his serious expression, and let a knowing smile grace her lips, but remained silent.

Zecora's Hut

Atchmon was awestruck at the literal tree-house in front of him, while Rarity stepped forward to knock on the door.

A moment later, a black and white striped horse answered with a mildly shocked expression. "Rarity? Kutomba takatifu, ni nini kilikupata!" She greeted rapidly in an exotic accent.

Not a horse, a Zebra, so cool!

"Hello Zecora, it's nice to see you again too," Rarity leaned forward and kissed each side of her cheek.

"Busu zako bado zimelowa sana," Zecora wiped her cheeks like she was wiping tears away. "Rarity, from this world I feared you had depart; seeing you alive, brings warm feelings to my heart."

"Ooh Zecora, you're gonna make me cry; I missed you too while I was lost." Rarity cooed while fanning her face, trying to prevent tears from falling; lest she ruin her mascara.

Zecora glanced in Atchmon's direction. "Many times you've come to see me, but never in stallion company." She stated curiously.

He stepped forward while Rarity introduced him. "Zecora, I'd like you to meet Atchmon." She said proudly.

"Atchmon," Zecora regarded him, before giving a small bow. "Kama mrembo asingekuwa hapa, ningekupeleka kitandani kwangu."

"Uh... thanks! Nice to meet you too." He greeted awkwardly, after the slow and borderline seductive way she spoke; but he chalked it up to it 'being her accent'; which was alluring on its own.

Rarity spoke. "I'm sorry to drop in unannounced, but would you mind if I purchased a few healing salves from you?"

"My friend, for you, I shall make a fresh brew." Zecora smiled.

"Oh you don't have to trouble yourself on my account." Rarity gave a flattered chuckle.

"It's no trouble at all, now while I bring the water to a steam; would you tell the story of why you are so green?" She asked, gesturing to the color of her hide.

Rarity considered the offer. "I suppose we could visit for awhile."

Zecora lead the way inside her home with the two ponies following after her, and asking what Rarity needed specifically. "Tell me, my friend, what ails you to purchase my odds and ends."

"Just this," Rarity answered and turned to the side, showing her rash. The scaled, grey, dry-looking skin affected her elbow and spread up to the shoulder.

Zecora examined it, then leaned back with a confident smile as she went to gather ingredients. "Rain Rot, I see; to cure this will be a breeze." She said coolly.

Atchmon gawked at the various potions and drying herbs strewn around the hut; many were hanging from the ceiling, which he later learned was how Zecora organized her supplies. Mainly for ease of access, it seemed; as he witness the Zebra tipped one hanging bottle and poured its contents into a mixing bowl.

Rarity borrowed one of Zecora's magazines to read while talking about herself, as Zecora worked. She talked about the adventure they had, and everything leading up to when she took the Dip.

Almost everything.

This time was a more abridged version than the last.

While the two mares conversed, Atchmon let his eyes wander around the tree-hut, before ending on the Zebra.

Atchmon thought Rarity was exotic, but she had nothing on Zecora.

She was larger than Rarity overall, taller, and her body had a lot more meat on her bones; her rump looked thick and juicy; whereas Rarity's were more rounded, slender, and womanly.

The Zebra's chest had surprisingly large fuzzy, fatty pads on her sternum, which was another thing Atchmon was beginning to notice on mares; giving the exotic equines a bit of cleavage.

Rarity also had a bit of a bust on her, but it wasn't over-emphasized like it was on Zecora or Fluttershy. The latter he assumed was just because she was a feathery Pegasus.

Zecora's monotone mohawk striped mane was attractive, only because it was so starkly different from all the coiffed colored hair of Ponies.

The long tassle-like hairs on her lion-like tail did a poor job of covering her modesty, he saw few details of her pitch-black vulva; a few yellow glints of gold piercings underneath her tail adorned her sex, which is what originally caught his attention.

The Golden beads of a barbell showed under her dock, and a small ring on her vulva lip; matching the other rings around her neck and ears, though in miniature.

Zecora reared up to reach another ingredient on a shelf, his eyes trailed up her supine striped back, and ended on her face just as she gazed in his direction, with a bottle grasped in her mouth.

Atchmon's ears swiveled to show his attention was fully on Zecora. She noticed this, and the corner of her mouth curled into a knowing smile at him.

"Isn't that right, Atchmon?" Rarity asked, shocking the stallion out of his guilty looks.

Atchmon's heart jumped into his throat, afraid that he was caught staring. He looked at Rarity in wide-eyed fear, before shooting a blind answer. "Huh, y-yeah that's right."

Luckily Rarity was too engrossed in one of Zecora's mare-magazines to notice.

Zecora tisked. "Pony healers are so mean, there was no need to turn you green."

"Those were my thoughts as well, but no matter; I'm glad to be finally out of that horrid place, no offense to those who choose to live here, that is."

Atchmon felt relieved, knowing they only reached the end of Rarity's story. "It was rough, but we made it out with our tails still attached; didn't we Rare?" Atchmon suggested.

Rarity was surprised and looked impressed by his word choice. "Indeed." She agreed.

"Not an easy feat, to survive in the Everfree Forest, I think," Zecora commented and served them drinks on a platter balanced on her back.

Atchmon chuckled in amazement, taking his cup. "How come you rhyme everything you say?" He asked curiously as Rarity floated hers and took a sip.

Zecora looked surprised.

Rarity choked on her tea and coughed, getting surprised looks from the other two. "Atchmon!" She pinned her ears at him, then turned to Zecora with a sympathetic look. "I am so sorry, darling; he doesn't know better, I swear."

Atchmon was left scared, panicked, and confused; double taking between the mares.

"No offense taken, there was no malice intended in his question." Zecora assured Rarity.

"What? What'd I do?" Atchmon whipped his head around in fearful confusion.

Zecora tittered. Even her giggle was lovely and exotic. "Zebra language is quite phonetic, I know not why my ponish is so poetic; some may think strange my words and accent, but the rhyming, I believe, is a happy accident.

"Ooh." Atchmon nodded in understanding, then took a sip of his tea. His eyes bulged and face contorted in disgust at the warm leaf juice; and subtly spat it back into his cup.

Rarity smiled and relaxed, enjoying her own.

Zecora spoke to them. "So glad I am of this moment you could share, but tell me; are you two a mated pair?" She asked curiously.

Rarity was taking a sip and suddenly went into coughing fits. Atchmon patted her back, albeit none too gently with his new Earth Pony strength and hard hooves.

Zecora looked on in concern. She saw Atchmon was poorly withholding his reaction, from the way he was darting his eyes away from Rarity, and Rarity was avoiding eye contact while fidgeting with her tea cup.

Luckily the pot of medicine came to a rolling boil, and Zecora went to tend to it. "Please forgive my inquiry, pony culture is still a stranger to me; now, come if you please, let's cure that ailment, Rarity."

Atchmon watched as Rarity got up and Zecora placed some green goop over Rarity's Rain Rot rash. The scaly grayish bald spot was located where shoulder met barrel. His jaw dropped as her afflicted skin healed from a dried grey to a healthy pinkish-white, then covered with new hair growth.

"That's some good stuff." He breathed in amazement, with a pinch of jealousy coming after. 'Where in the hell were those plants all my life?' Atchmon thought grudgingly, while remembering some of the more annoying injuries he would liked to have healed instantly like that.

He figured a few things out on his own, but nothing came anywhere close to what he just witnessed.

In just seconds, it was like Rarity never had the rash at all! But now she had a pure white spot among her sickly green coat.

"Ah, that feels much better; thank you Zecora." Rarity sighed in relief, and rubbed the spot where the rash had gone; still feeling a little itchiness from the new patch of hide, but it felt soft as a newborn foal.

Zecora excused herself and quickly bottled the remaining medicine. "No thanks necessary, if you'll allow for my earlier sass, perhaps the question was far too crass; Zebra culture does not always translate well, though I'm glad you both stayed for a spell."

"Oh please, you don't need to apologize for anything, Atchmon and I, we're still... sorting things out between us." She looked over at him as if seeking approval.

Atchmon nodded and rubbed his shoulder nervously. "Yeah, things are kinda hectic right now."

Zecora raised a hoof in objection, as Rarity hovered a bag of bits.

"Are you sure you don't want payment? I really don't mind, I have-" Rarity started.

"Bits I do not require, but instead, a chance to inquire; if I'm allowed to pry, I'd like to hear more about your guy." She smiled serenely at the couple.

Rarity's face became flushed, and glanced at Atchmon. 'I owe a lot of Ponies an explanation and spa date, what's one more?' She wondered.

The couple said their goodbyes and gave a final thanks.

Atchmon followed behind Rarity as they left Zecora's hut. He looked back, getting a warm smile and a wave goodbye from the Zebra.

Zecora placed a hoof on her chin in wonder, watching the stallion and mare leave her neck of the woods. "Hmm, just what are you... actually, what aren't you; a question to be answered another time," She whispered, watching the stallion's toned and bare rump shrink in the distance. "Where did Rarity get a stallion with flanks so fine." She chuckled at her devious rhyme. Forced as it was.