Discord sat on an upside – down tree stump, his head in his hands.

''First, my niece,'' he uttered, ''now my children! What have I done?! Oh, Cherry, if you're still there, please…. forgive me.''

As he spoke, Zany and Zanabelle appeared in his lap before him, bringing a smile to the Draqonaquus' face.

''Ah my Boy!'' he exclaimed. Zanabelle gurgled. ''And girl!'' he finished. ''you'll never leave me, now, will you? You miss your duncle don't you?''

Had he not been caught up in his joy, he would have seen the devious smile on the twin cousins' faces.

Mothball and Screwdriver hiked through the forest, carrying the unconscious mares on their backs. Their ears perked up when they heard a group of changelings nearby and quickly hid behind the bushes. Screwball and Cherry Blossom groaned. They silenced them with their hooves.

''They must be around here somewhere!'' one of the soldiers said. ''I smell chocolate milk!''

The princes exchanged nervous looks, but had an idea. They both took the form of a soldier changeling and leapt out of their hiding place.

''you dumb bugs missed them!'' they said, pointing to the direction they had just come. '' they went that way!''

One of the changelings sniffed the air. '' they're right! The trail is fresh! We can still catch them!''

As soon as the three were gone, mothball and screwdriver picked up Cherry Blossom and Screwball and ran as fast as their legs can carry them. After a while, they came across a strangely decorated hut inside a grand tree. Screwdriver's jaw shot right open, but mothball closed it right back. The light was on, so whoever lives there was home.

Maybe they can help, they thought.

Mothball was about to knock when his brother poked him. That reminded him that they were still in their changeling guise. He waited until Screwdriver transformed into a blue stallion with black hair and has a music note for a cutie mark. Mothball transformed into an orange stallion with white hair and a flower for a cutie mark. Mothball knocked on the door.

''Who is knocking so late?'' a deep, female voice called from inside. ''I am coming, please wait!''

A black and white pony opened the door.

''Who are you strangers? Do you not know this forest is filled with danger?''

''Please!'' begged mothball and Screwdriver. ''please help us! Our friends here, they….''

The pony's eyes widened at the sight of the unconscious mares. '' Screwball! Cherry Blossom! Bring them in, place them on the beds, and tell me why they look near-dead!''

She guided the disguised princes over to the bed and helped him in setting Cherry Blossom and Screwball down.

''Can you help them?'' Mothball begged.

''Yeah!'' Screwdriver pleaded. ''Can you?''

'' I can, do not stress. But what is the cause of this sickness?''

They bit their lips. If this mare knew they were changelings, she would kick them out and keep them away from Screwball and Cherry Blossom.

''they… well… um'''

''Do not speak!'' the pony commanded as she examined her patients. ''they are weak, I can barely feel their heartbeat. I shall make a soup for them to eat and to help them get well. When they will recover, only time will tell.''

Mothball watched curiously as the striped mare searched her shelves for her bottles and flasks. While, screwdriver gently stroked Cherry blossom's mane.

''I've never seen a pony like you before,'' Mothball observed.

''that is because I am a zebra, not a pony,'' she said, turning to him with a bow. ''I am Zecora, the one and only!''

''Oh. Well, how do you know Screwball?'' Asked Mothball.

''And Cherry!'' finished Screwdriver.

The zebra answered their question as she pulled a bottle from a shelf. ''Seventeen years ago, their fathers came to me for advice, not everything was sugar and spice. When they met their mothers and reunited, I know they could not have recited.''

Mothball blinked, while Screwdriver spat out the chocolate milk he was drinking. ''you got their parents together?!''

Zecora chuckled throatily as she poured the contents of a bottles into a pot of boiling water.

''That, you could say, oh I shall never forget that day,'' she was about to pick up another ingredient when she noticed mothball standing and screwdriver sitting with nothing to do. ''how rude of me. Would you like some tea?''

''No thank you,'' Said Screwdriver. ''I appreciate the offer, but I already have a drink. So, I'll pass.''

Mothball sighed as he took a sip out of the tea. He was not a fan of tea, but he could not decline the zebra's kind offer.

After Mixing Several Herbs and Spices into the cauldron, Zecora mumbled a language the princes could not understand. Mothball sipped his tea in disgust. While, Screwdriver pecked Cherry Blossom's cheek. He carefully lifted her hoof and gazed at her hoof. All that matter to them is that how fragile their friends looked as they laid motionless in the bed beside them. Mothball held his cup in one hoof, and held Screwball with the other.

In a few minutes, the soup was ready. Zecora poured it into a bowl and approached the sick mares.

''Tilt their heads back'' she said to Mothball and Screwdriver.

Mothball nodded and tilted Screwball's head. Screwdriver tilted Cherry Blossom's head. Their mouths shot right open. Screwdriver's Jaw once again shot right open, Mothball Closed it back as he stared at Screwball's Open mouth. He felt like kissing her, but he knew he was a danger to her. Zecora put the bowl to the young mare's lips and slowly poured it into her mouth. She did the same with Cherry Blossom. When she was done, Mothball and Screwdriver carefully released the mares' heads and they closed back again.

Mothball and Screwdriver looked at Zecora. ''Are they going to be ok?''

Zecora Sighed as she pulled a purple blanket over Screwball and A Sky Blue, Soft blanket over Cherry Blossom. '' I do not know, I fear. For now, they must rest here.''

Mothball and screwdriver locked eyes on the mares. Screwdriver carefully lifted half of Cherry Blossom's body and hugged her gently. ''please get better guys.''

Zecora picked up mothball's Teacup and examined the tea leaves. Her eyes widened in fascination, her lips curling into a smile.

''Fascinating.'' She murmured.

''What?'' asked Mothball. Screwdriver only turned his head. ''what is it?''

''it is noble for you to help Screwball, I did not expect it from a changeling, Prince mothball.''

Mothball's jaw dropped.

''HOW DID YOU KNOW MY BROTHER IS A- '' Screwdriver started. He put his hoof to his mouth. Zecora chuckled.

'' And you, rescuing your princess is noble and triver, your brother is very timid, prince Screwdriver.''

''and how did you know I call Cherry Blossom princess?'' he covered his mouth again.

''You can drop the charade,'' Smiled Zecora. ''I promise, you can stay.''

They stared at each other, then at the zebra, then reluctantly changed back into themselves.

Screwdriver stepped forth. ''how'd you know? D-did our eyes give it away?''

''no,'' Zecora held out the teacup. ''The leaves told me all. Very clever. There is no tricking me prince Mothball and Screwdriver.''

The two brothers looked at each other, nodded, and faced the zebra.

''Please, it's just Mothball,'' Started Mothball.

''And Screwdriver,'' continued Screwdriver.

'' we're no princes. We're traitors to our kind.'' Mothball finished.

''Yes,'' Zecora nodded. '' You two did it because you fell in love with the mares you are to dispose of.''

"you don't have to tell me twice,'' Screwdriver admitted. ''she was the one for me ever since I laid eyes on her. I tell you, She's the mare of my dreams!'' he paused. '' my brother on the other hand….''

Mothball raised an eyebrow at Zecora. ''Are you psychic or something?''

Instead of answering, the zebra gestured Mothball to sit at the table and Screwdriver to stay where he was. Mothball hesitated to part from Screwball, but did as he was told. After a few seconds, Zecora and Screwdriver joined him. Zecora had a stack of cards in her hoof.

''well, your guess was only half right,'' Mothball claimed. '' Changelings can't love, let alone fall in love. We don't even have hearts.''

''Are you sure? After bringing Screwball for a cure?''

'' She's the only friend I've ever had. What was I supposed to do?''

Zecora shook her head. ''you are so blind to what made you betray. Let us see what the cards have to say.''

She shuffled the deck in her hooves and spread them on the table.

''Take three. For they will tell, the past, the present, and the future as well.''

Mothball shrugged and decided to humor with her game. Screwdriver watched closely as his brother took three cards. Mothball gave the cards to Zecora. The brothers watched as the zebra spread the cards and face them down. She flipped over the left card. It showed a dark figure with red glowing eyes which made the colts cringe.

''hey that looks like Screwball and Cherry blossom's dads.''

''The devil,'' Zecora explained.

''This represents the hell of your past. You two have been scolded and harassed. A demon took control of your minds, shaping you to be blind to your hearts, quite cleverly. As a result, you've been treated unfairly.''

The colt's eyebrows lowered and scrunched slowly. ''Our mother.''

''you see yourselves as demons as well. Two monsters that belong in hell. You think that you are heartless, emotionless and bad. These are the feelings that make you sad.''

Mothball said nothing. Zecora flipped the middle card. It showed a white Pegasus white light purple eyes and yellow cotton candy like hair.

Mothball pointed '' now that looks like pinkie pie.''

''your present involves temperance, a symbol of balance.'' Said Zecora.

''what?'' Screwdriver questioned.

''You two have given up your habits of a changeling and let your true emotions take wing. All your lives you followed your mother. You left that mare for another. The Pegasus' eyes are purple, representing 'desire' but it is white from head to hoof representing 'purity'. You have combined both with maturity. You are creatures that feed on love, but now you share it with those doves.''

She pointed to Screwball and Cherry Blossom.

''but, what does it have to do with- '' mothball began. He was stopped when his brother put a hoof to his mouth.

Zecora sighed. '' of this, you are not sure, now we will see your future.''

The last card showed a picture of two mares and two colts, staring intensely at each other. Their hooves entwined and horns touching. On top of their horns was a glowing pink heart. Zecora smiled at this one.

'' The Lovers.''

Screwdriver blushed and blinked awkwardly. Mothball looked at him only moving his eyes and back at Zecora two times.

''when it comes to love, your future is bright. Now do you believe I am right?''

''they are just a bunch of cards. They mean nothing.''

Zecora sighed. She circled around the table and without warning, placed mothball's hoof on her chest.

''hey, what are you- ''

''what do you feel?'' asked the zebra.

''your…. heart?''

''Yes, now come.''

As the two brothers followed her, Mothball realized something.

'' why aren't you rhyming anymore?''

Zecora did not answer and pulled the covers off Screwball. She then placed his hoof to her chest.

''What do you feel now?''

''Her heart. But what does this have to do with- ''

He was cut off when Zecora laid his hoof on his chest. She did the same with Screwdriver.

''And now?''

Something thumped wildly in their chests in a similar way in Screwball and Zecora's. they had felt It many times before, but they told themselves that it was just the love pulsing through them. Then why is it in the same spot as Screwball and Zecora's.

Where the heart should be?

Mothball and Screwdriver looked up at Zecora. ''there has to be another explanation. We're not supposed to have hearts.''

''That does not mean you cannot,'' Zecora said. ''What else could fill that spot? If you are heartless, Mothball, how do you explain your feelings for Screwball? And You Screwdriver, blushing like opossum, can you explain your feelings for cherry blossom?''

The Princes looked at the mares in the beds. Some of the color had returned to their cheeks, giving them a gentle glow. This made them smile, but also sad that they still weren't awake.

''I can't explain it.'' Screwdriver admitted. '' When I laid eyes on her, I was bewitched. Sometimes I wonder if she cast a spell on me, but the more time I spent with her, the more I was compelled to stay with her. I tried not to, because I didn't want to hurt her, but I kept coming back.

"I know she loves me. I've always known. I was supposed to feed off it, but you know something? No matter how much time I spent with her, she never seemed to wither, not in the slightest. I felt her love transfer to me, but her energy never diminished. I began to assume she was immune."

He hung his head. "That was clearly not the case, after what our mother did to her."

Mothball noticed Screwball shivering, so he pulled the covers back over her body.

"I can't stop thinking about her," he continued. "Everything about her: her laugh, her smile, her sense of humor, her hair, her eyes..." He sighed. "Oh, what I would give to see them again. Do you think she'll get better soon?"

When he received no answer, Mothball and Screwdriver turned their heads. The zebra was no longer behind them.

"Zecora?"

"Do not fear! I am here."

They glanced around the room and found her stirring her cauldron. As he approached her, Zecora took the tea-cup he had drunk from and dumped the leaves into the boiling water.

"What are you doing now?" Mothball asked, peering inside.

Zecora took some green powder from a jar and blew it into the brew. Green images started to form, making the changeling gasp. Soon he was gazing at four silhouettes, two that resembled Screwball and Cherry Blossom and others themselves. The figures embraced each other and bent their bodies in a way that they formed a heart. Suddenly, the image evaporated into thin air and all that remained in the pot was green liquid.

"What was that?" the prince questioned, still in awe.

"That," Zecora replied, "is what happens when two become one, when they possess a magic more powerful than the sun. What you think as a weakness is not so. Strength is what comes with the glow."

"Do you ever give a straight answer?"

"No."

They stared at her and then at Screwball and Cherry Blsoom.

"If nothing changes, I could make more stew," the zebra said, "but I'll need some herbs, and help from you."

Mothball and Screwdriver turned back to Zecora. "How can we help?"

As Cherry Blossom gained consciousness, everything came flooding back: her father's mental breakdown, her unpleasant encounter with Dinky, her twin cousin's brother turning out to be Chrysalis, Her sister gone missing…

Her sister.

"Zanabelle," she murmurred.

She and Screwball felt something cool on their foreheads, causing their to slowly open her eyes.

"Zany," Screwball said.

"Shhh," a warm voice whispered. "Take it easy, my little fillies."

When Screwball and Cherry Blossom's vision came into focus, they saw the zebra smiling over them and pressing a wet cloth to their foreheads.

"Zecora?"

"It is good to see you awake. Tell me, does anything ache?"

The young mares groaned. "Our headx."

Zecora left for a moment and came back with a cup of tea. "Drink this, but not too fast. You lack your strength, but the worst has past."

Screwball struggled to sit up. "How did we get here? How long were we out?"

"For an hour you have been here. It was one of your friends that brought you, dear."

"Really?" Cherry Blossom asked, sipping the tea. "Who? Dinky? One of the twins?"

The zebra was about to answer when a voice interrupted her:

"Hey, Zecora! I think I got the things you asked for!"

A gray stallion and a blue stallion carrying a saddle bag stood in the doorway. Not knowing Screwball was awake, he transformed into Mothball. The young mares gasped.

"YOU!"

The changelings turned in alarm, but then smiled. "You're awake! Thank goodness!"

Screwball looked accusingly at Zecora. "How could you let him in here?! Do you have any idea who he is?!"

"He is the one who saved your life," the zebra replied. "I do not know why this causes you strife."

"Humph!" the mare huffed. "Saved my life, my hoof! What happened, your highness? Didn't want to lose your primary food source?!"

Mothball's grin had faded. "What are you talking about?"

''Screwdriver?'' Cherry Blossom asked. ''Why are you here? Why did you bring me here?''

Screwdriver hung his head and drew a circle with his hoof. ''Cherry If you can let me explain…''

''Don't try playing innocent with my cousin, you traitor!'' Screwball scowled defensively. ''You corrupted her innocence once, I'm not letting you corrupt it again!''

''Please, listen…'' Mothball started.

"Don't play dumb! You've been using me all this time! You told your mother all our secrets! You betrayed us! I thought you were our friends!"

The prince was confused. "Screwy, let me explain..."

"we hate you!"

"Screwball, Cherry Blossom please lie down..." Zecora started to say.

"No!" Screwball screamed. "I won't be in the same room with him!"

Suddenly, the pillows flew off the bed and zoomed toward Mothball and Screwdriver. He managed to duck in time.

"Screwy, please!" he begged.

But the mare was already up and running toward the door.

"You don't have the strength!" Zecora yelled.

Mothball moved in front of the mare. "The changelings are looking for you! It's not safe out there!"

Screwball scowled at him. "I don't care, so long as I'm away from you!"

''Cherry?'' Screwdriver begged.

''We trusted you.'' Cherry blossom muttered to him before she followed her twin cousin.

Screwball pushed him back and raced outside. She did not know where she was going. She just wanted to get as far away from him as possible. And yet, her heart was telling her to go back, but she would not listen. She did not trust her heart anymore.

It did not take long for her to run out of breath. Cherry Blossom had gained some strength during her rest, but not enough to teleport. She panted with thirst and then spotted a river nearby.

As Cherry Blossom knelt down for a drink, she caught her reflection, making her pause. The mare in the water looked just like her, only paler and...broken.

She sobbed. "This is all my fault. If I hadn't been so foolish, if I had listened to Daddy, none of this would've happened. I'd still be at home with my family, my friends...Zanabelle."

Her little sister was her deepest regret. The poor infant had done nothing wrong, and yet he was paying the price for her actions.

She shook her head. "No, this...this was all Mothball! He...he tricked me!"

If that was the case, then why could she not stop thinking about how hurt he had looked when she had rushed out? For that matter, why had he brought her to Zecora's in the first place? Why had he not taken her to Chrysalis?

Why did her heart still ache at the thought of him?

She looked at her reflection again and splashed the water furiously.

"I don't know what to think anymore!" she bawled.

She buried her face in her hooves, not hearing Screwdriver as he came out of the trees.

''I'm sorry, Cherry.''

Cherry Blossom turned to him, her eyes watery.

''Why did you betray me, Screw? Was it something I said? Did I do something wrong? Was I a bad friend?''

He looked at her with sad eyes, wanting to wrap his forelegs around her and assure her everything was alright. She had every right to be upset with him and he could not help but feel guilty.

He had to let her know how he felt, but he was not sure how. He was not disguised as a pony with nothing to lose. He was his changeling self. After what he had done, would she believe him?

He thought back to the night of the Grand Galloping Gala, when they had danced together. She had looked so beautiful. He then realized that at some point that night, he had fallen utterly and completely in love with her.

''I can't fully explain.'' He said, slowly approaching her. ''But let me tell you a story.''

Cherry Blossom turned her head and hung her head. Screwdriver was thankful, because they were in a direction of a starry sky.

''it's about a mare I met.'' He said.

The young alicorn did not dare to look at him. But Screwdriver would not give up.

''Fifteen years ago, I met some pony who every pony thought was evil, yet I found her quite interesting. She's funny, sweet, kind, I thought I was only imagining stuff, but this girl, like she said, she was ''one of a kind''…''

This time, Cherry Blossom turned her head to Screwdriver.

''At first, I thought ''Oh sure, sure. She's pretty amusing.'' But the more I spent time with her, the more I realized: She's the one for me.''

Screwdriver scooted closer to her and pulled her close. Cherry Blossom stared at him.

If I never knew you,

If I never felt this love,

I would have no inkling of,

How precious life can be,

Screwdriver laid Cherry Blossom's head on his chest. Cherry Blossom closed her eyes.

If I never held you,

I would never have a clue,

How at last I found in you,

The missing part of me.

Cherry Blossom placed her head up and looked at screwdriver with wide eyes.

In this world, so full of fear,

Full of rage and lies,

I can see the truth so clear,

In your eyes,

Screwdriver lifted her hair with his hoof and placed it over her ear. Cherry Blossom smiled a bit.

So, dry your eyes,

And I'm so grateful to you,

I'd have lived my life through,

Lost forever,

Screwdriver stood up and extended his hoof for Cherry Blossom. She looked at it and then at Screwdriver. She accepted it and stood up.

If I never knew you,

Cherry Blossom joined in, but sang it with more passion.

I thought our love would be so beautiful,

Somehow, we'd make the whole world bright,

I never knew that fear and hate could be so strong,

All they'd leave us were these whispers in the night,

But still my heart is saying we were right!

Cherry Blossom's heart pounded as they started dancing.

Oh, If I never knew you,

(There's no moment I regret)

As Screwdriver dipped her, They locked eyes with each other.

If I never knew this love,

(Since the moment that we met)

I would have no inkling of,

(if Our time has gone to fast,)

How precious life can be,

(I've lived at last…)

Their memories together had flown back into their minds. Cherry Blossom smiled after Screwdriver whirled her. She knew… he was the colt for her. Screwdriver sang softly:

And I'm so grateful to you,

I'd have lived my life through,

Empty, as they sky,

Cherry Blossom sang along:

Never knowing why,

They both sang together, as Screwdriver dipped her again.

Lost forever,

If I never knew…you…

Screwdriver and Cherry Blossom put down their heads on each other. When they finished, Screwdriver confessed:

"I love you, Cherry Blossom."

The young mare caressed his face. ''I love you more,''

She kissed his forehead.

Screwball and Mothball watched from afar, sighing at the scene. They looked at each other and grinned. They decided to leave them alone for a while.

This was an eventful night.

Author's Note

Do you like it when I put a little Pocahontas in there? Sorry, I just thought it would fit cutely in their relationship!😉