Chapter 18

“Huff huff huff huff!”

My lungs burned as I kept up my sprint. The cool early morning air blew against me as I ran as fast as I could around the lake. I had rounded the large body of water for the tenth time this morning. I saw the tree where I began my sprint close in, and I pushed myself to run faster for the final stretch. I grit my teeth and held my left hand out towards the incoming tree while I simultaneously pulled out my phone with my right hand. Just as I reached my goal and touched the tree, I pushed a button on my phone at the same time. I ran past the tree and slowed down my run while taking deep breaths. Sweat dripped down my skin, and my leg muscles felt like they were beaten and tenderized with a meat hammer. My heart was beating at least a hundred times a minute as I tried controlling my breathing to calm it down. When I looked at my phone’s screen, I saw the stopwatch time read fifteen minutes and four seconds.

“Not bad, just four seconds short of my record.” I panted as the sun began to rise over the hills and a gentle breeze began to blow in from the west. It felt good to be out of the hospital after what I went through but all that time in bed had seriously cut into my workout regime and I needed to get back in fighting shape if I was gonna face any more dangers like those bandits on the train.

I walked back over to the tree I passed as I put my phone back in my pocket. I put my hand on the bark and glided it along the rough exterior of the large plant. My hand stopped when I ran it over a spot on the tree. I then made a fist and pressed it against the spot, which was a perfect fit for my fist. I closed my eyes and widened my stance, straightened my arm, and raised my other hand to my side. I cleared my mind of any outside distractions and focused on my ki. My body moved on instinct as I reeled my fist back and delivered a punch right on the tree’s bark.

The blow was strong enough to shake the tree but not enough to destroy it and only allowed a few leaves to fall and I repeated the process until all of Ponyville was up and about. By that time, I was drained and decided to take a little nap back at Twilight’s place after wiping the sweat from my body.

I looked down at my hands and noticed a few splinters sticking out of my knuckles. I carefully picked the splinters out, which caused a little bit of bleeding.

“My progress is good but not good enough,” I said to myself. “I need to push myself further.”

I then thought about my sparring match with Shining and how he mentioned there’s a difference between fighting for sport and fighting like your life was on the line. He’s a soldier, which isn’t surprising why he’s got way more experience than me. It actually reminded me of a conversation I once had with Ivan years ago.

Flashback

“Ivan?” I asked, making my sensei pause from punching a wooden plank. “Have you ever fought outside of karate tournaments?”

“Do you mean, have I killed anyone?” My sensei replied while maintaining his focus. “To answer your question, my pupil, I have not. At least not intentionally.”

“So, that’s a yes?” I asked. “Why? You always said the art of karate should never be used dishonorably.”

“That I did. But one night, I met a group of drunks who were looking to cause trouble. I, of course, tried to mind my own business and went along my way but they, in their drunken stupor, accosted me and demanded I give them money. I refused and so they sought to beat me to a pulp not knowing I was a master,” Ivan said as he stopped to wipe the sweat off his brow. “In the scuffle, one of them pulled a knife.”

“Seriously?” I said, imagining what that must’ve been like. “Knives are scary…”

“Indeed, and dangerous if used carelessly.” My sensei then showed me a horrid scar on his right arm as he rolled up his sleeve. “After I received this blow, I struck my enemy down without holding back. When I came to, he was covered in bruises and was bleeding from his eye and lip, his face was so swollen that he didn’t even look human. By the time the police arrived, the other two were gone and I was arrested.”

“What?!” I yelped. “But…but they were trying to mug you! They’re the ones that should’ve been punished!”

“That did not change the fact that I did not restrain myself. In my rage I became my enemy and acted in haste and anger.” Ivan walked up to me and bent down on his knee to look at me at eye level. “Never forget, my pupil: Martial Arts is a means to defend yourself and those around you, never use it for vengeance.”

Present

“Not for vengeance, huh?” I said to myself as I quietly opened the door to the library. “You make it sound so easy, Ivan.”

Two Hours Later
3rd POV

Spike sluggishly walked down the stairs and yawned loudly. Twilight was sitting at the table sipping coffee while reading over some scrolls.

“Morning, Twilight…” Spike said.

“Morning Spike, sleep well?” She asked as they greeted each other with a hug.

“Well enough, I saw Will go out for his morning training earlier,” Spike said with another yawn.

To this, Twilight sighed knowing Will was supposed to be taking it easy after getting out of the hospital.

“Where is he now?” Twilight wondered.

“Back in bed I think.” Spike yawned once again while digging through the fridge for some breakfast.

“Still?” Twilight said, looking out the window. “The sun’s already almost fully risen.”

“Guess he must’ve really pushed himself,” Spike shrugged as he pulled out a few fruits.

“Well, that’s no excuse for sleeping all day,” Twilight said and stood up. “I’m gonna go wake him up. I still have a lot of questions for him about humans.”

“I’ll be down here stuffing my face,” Spike said with a content smile as he pulled out a cupcake and a glass of milk as Twilight stormed upstairs.

Upon nearing Will’s room, she swore she could hear the sound of an engine revving up as Will snored away much to her annoyance.

“Will?” Twilight called out and knocked on the door but received no response. “Will! Wake up!” Still nothing. “I’m coming in, Will! You don’t want to experience how I wake up Spike sometimes when he oversleeps!” The threat fell on deaf ears, which made Twilight stamp her hoof irritably. “You asked for this!” Without hesitation, Twilight opened the door to Will’s room and stepped inside. The librarian saw Will laying on his side on the bed with his back turned to Twilight. Will was snoring like a train so loud that she could swear she heard the window shake a little.

“Honestly, Will…” Twilight sighed as she approached the snoring human. “You can’t just sleep all day, you need to wake up and-!”

Twilight’s voice was suddenly brought to an immediate end when Will rolled over on his back. Her eyes went wide and almost popped out of her skull when she saw Will’s bear chest on full display. Twilight had seen Will without a shirt on back at the hospital but she wasn’t really paying any attention to his physical features. Now, however, she was alone and in the same room as her human roommate. Heat began to rise in Twilight’s cheeks as she found herself staring at Will’s body.

“No…shirt!” she squeaked while staring at his chiseled body as he snored away and grumbled.

“Haaa…aaaabs~,” She said with a bit of drool trailing down the side of her mouth while fanning herself.

“Wait…what am I doing?!” Twilight yelped quietly. “This is so uncouth!” She paused and mentally facepalmed. “Ugh, I sound like Rarity.” Twilight shook her head and then found herself staring at Will’s chest again. The way it rose and fell with his breathing made his abdomen muscles flex a little every so often.

“Okay, maybe a few minutes more,” the blushing mare said, once again losing herself to her desires. “Who knew humans could be so…physically fit.” Her observation was cut short when a rooster let out a loud crow that roused will from his sleep.

Will 1st POV

“Mmf…” I mumbled a little and slowly opened my eyes. I sat up and stretched my arms over my head while smacking my lips. It wasn’t until about a minute into me waking up did I finally notice I wasn’t alone. I looked to my left to see Twilight standing stiff as a statue.

“Uh…morning?” I said to Twilight but she didn’t answer. “What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?”

“Oh! Uh N-N-Nothing’s wrong, I just didn’t wanna disturb you!” She replied while darting her head the other direction leaving me a bit confused as I got out of bed to find a shirt.

“Sorry if I slept in, I was out doing some training,” I said as I sat on the edge of my bed.

“I-I-It’s fine,” Twilight stammered.

I stood up and stretched my arms out to the side and yawed. “So, what’s on the agenda today?” I asked with a smile.

“Oh, well, to be honest you should just rest. Doctors said you need time to fully heal before doing anything…extreme,” Twilight said, having completely forgotten the glorious sight she had witnessed earlier.

“Eh, I’m fine,” I shrugged. “In fact, I gotta get back out there.”

“Uh uh uh! not until you’ve had a proper breakfast,” Twilight objected just as my stomach started to growl.

“Well…I guess I do need some sustenance,” I shrugged. “Need to keep my ki levels full, after all.”

I walked past her and she flinched when I accidentally bumped my elbow against her arm.

“You coming?” I asked as I slung a fresh shirt over my shoulder.

For some reason, when I turned around Twilight looked like she was in some kind of trance and I could swear I could see little hearts floating above her head.

“Hello? Earth to- uh, I mean Equestria to Twilight!” I said, waving my hand in front of her face.

“Huh? what?” She snapped out of her trance and shook her head.

“We gonna grab something to eat or what?” I asked again.

“Oh! Uh, sure!” Twilight said before suddenly darting ahead of me, almost like she was avoiding me or something.

I headed downstairs after Twilight while Spike was in the middle of mixing batter. “Morning, Spike, what’re you making?” I asked.

“My signature pancakes! extra fluffy,” Spike said while humming a tune as he stirred the batter while Twilight set up the table but once more she seemed to be daydreaming and was setting up the tableware in the wrong places.

“Hmm…mind if I add something?” I offered while opening some cupboards. “You got any spices?”

“That cupboard on the left,” Twilight said.

I opened it up and looked inside to see different bottles of spices. Surprisingly, they had similar spices like the ones back home. I reached inside and grabbed the cinnamon and nutmeg.

“Here, allow me,” I said and stirred the bowl for Spike while adding the spices.

“Ooh you cook?” Spike asked while taking the used dishes to the sink.

“Did it a lot with my mom, back home. She made the most phenomenal breakfast your taste buds ever tasted! it took me years to perfect her recipes,” I said as I rolled up my sleeves.

As I stirred the bowl, Spike was buttering the pan for me while Twilight read a scroll. I added a spoonful of honey to the mix to give it that extra sweet taste.

“So, Will. Now that you’re out of the hospital, you gonna go back to work with Applejack?” Spike asked me.

“Not exactly. I’m gonna go find this Zecora Twilight told me about,” I said as Spike flipped on the stove and placed the pan on top. “She’s a shaman right? Which means she’s big on meditation.”

“And potions,” Spike added while the first of the batter was poured. “Did you know she actually found a cure for a chicken’s sore throat? She’s awesome but not as awesome as Rarity.”

“Alright I get it, lover boy,” I teased.

I waited until the pancakes were done on one side and flipped them with a spatula. The sides were golden brown and the room was filled with the sweet aroma of the pancakes and spices I added.

“I’ll make another batch after this one,” I said. “Does anyone want me to add fruit? Or perhaps chocolate chips?”

“ME!” Spike cheered with his hand raised.

“I’ll get the whipped cream,” Twilight smiled while going to the fridge as the first stack was laid on the table.

“Wow, these smell great!” Spike was preparing to dig in before noticing me fold my hands as I closed my eyes.

“Thanks for the food!” I said before digging in.

The minute I tasted the pancakes, it reminded me of my mother’s recipe and back home. I smiled ear to ear as the sweet taste of pancake, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey spread across my mouth. I then noticed Spike and Twilight looked awestruck as they had yet to finish their first bite.

“Something wrong? I’m sure I got the recipe right,” I asked before they resumed their meal in earnest with Spike stuffing his cheeks to the brim with every bite.

“So GOOD!” Spike cried

“This is amazing!” Twilight said while savoring her meal.

“Wait, are you telling me you don’t put any spices or sweeteners in pancakes?” I asked.

“Not like this!” Spike said with his mouth still full.

“This recipe is amazing! You gotta teach me!” Twilight said in earnest hoping I would divulge my family secrets but much to her disappointment I zipped my mouth shut with a smug grin.

“Sorry but family recipe means family only,” I proclaimed proudly.

“Then I guess Twilight should marry you, huh?” Spike joked.

Twilight choked on her pancake and began coughing up a storm while holding her throat. I reacted quickly by jumping from my seat to the mare and wrapped my arms around her stomach.

“Breathe, Twilight! Breathe!” I yelped while giving her the Heimlich maneuver.

“MM! PLECH!” The bit of food that was jammed in Twilight’s throat came out like a shot and allowed her to catch her breath.

“What was that about?” Spike asked in confusion while she tried to compose herself.

“Spike, never EVER joke about stuff like that!” She scolded with her cheeks turning pink.

Twilight sat down to catch her breath and I poured some water for her and rubbed her back.

“You okay?” I asked out of concern.

“I-I’m fine. Just a little startled, that's all.” Twilight fanned herself before resuming her breakfast. “We should finish up if we wanna stay on schedule.”

“Can I have some more?” Spike asked.

“Sure,” I said while shooting Spike a deadpanned look. “But after that comment, you’re on dish duty.”

“Aw man…” Spike grumbled.

When our breakfast was finished, I made my way towards the Everfree Forest and followed Twilight’s directions as I headed through town and was greeted by everyone I passed by.

I followed the path that led me on the outskirts of town. The trees were beginning to get a little thicker but I managed to stay on the path. As I walked, I heard the sounds of someone humming a tune. When I looked up, I saw Fluttershy flying above me carrying a basket.

“Fluttershy!” I called out.

“AH!” Fluttershy quickly ducked behind the nearest bush and dropped her basket.

“Oops, sorry,” I apologized sheepishly.

“Oh, it’s you, Will.” She came out from her hiding spot after recognizing my voice and collected her basket.

“What brings you all the way out here?” I asked.

“Just picking up some vegetables for my little friends,” Fluttershy said. “What about you? Shouldn’t you be resting?”

“I’m actually fully recovered,” I said. “It was thanks to my power that I was able to heal so fast. I’m off to see this Zecora person to see if she can help me with something.”

“Oh, well, in that case could you ask if she can make some potions for my animals? A few rabbits have a case of the sniffles.” She asked with a polite smile.

“Of course. Well, I better get going.” I waved goodbye as I continued to the forest.

“Be careful, Will!” Fluttershy said.

“Man, this forest is nuts!” I said as I pushed more tree branches out of the way.

It had been an hour since I began my trek through a thick brush of trees and it felt like I wasn’t making much headway despite staying on the path. Not to mention the fact that I felt like I needed to keep my head on a swivel because of all the unsettling noises I heard around me. It was as if the forest had eyes and they were all staring at me from every corner.

“I better be getting close…” I grumbled. “I wonder if it would be easier to fly there? Even though I have no idea what her place looks like.”

My train of thought was interrupted when I tripped over a root and fell into a puddle of what I hoped was mud.

“If there were three guys following me right now, they’d throw their heads back and laugh…” I grumbled.

I stood back up and saw a big mud stain on my shirt and frowned.

“Man, I just got clean!” I complained, getting a bit irritated. “Just where the heck is this Zecora anyway?! All I see is forest!”

In my frustration, I noticed a smoke stack not far off and could smell something brewing. I figured I was getting close as I kept moving towards the smoke and found myself staring at a small hut made of straw and twigs decorated with masks. and inside a large bubbling cauldron.

“A hut?” I said aloud and approached it. “What’s a hut doing in the middle of the forest?”

“What do we have here?” A sudden voice said behind me. “A visitor far from anywhere near?”

I turned around to see a mare walk out from the brush with a satchel on her shoulder. She had gray fur with darker gray stripes on the sides of her arms, legs, body, and neck. Her black and white striped hair was styled in a mohawk, her eyes were a darkish turquoise color, and she wore golden rings on her neck. However, the most noticeable thing about his mare was her attire. The zebra mare wore what could only be described as a bra made out of fur and a loincloth that wrapped around her waist to cover her front and back, just enough so it wouldn’t show anything private. The fur bra, however, looked like it was holding up her admittedly large bust firmly enough so it would provide enough cleavage for the imagination.

Impure thoughts, begone! I thought to myself before clearing my throat. “Um…are you perhaps Zecora?”

“Indeed that is my name, I trust there is a reason that you came?” She asked while sauntering over to the cauldron with a sway in her hips as I found myself being drawn in by her ample flank and tail.

For god’s sake, why is she wearing something so freaking exposing like that?! I screamed internally before speaking. “My name’s William, ma’am,” I said politely. “William Saber. I’m a friend of Twilight.”

“Ah yes. In many a tale your name was told so tell me what brings you to my humble abode?” She asked before sampling her brew and added a few more ingredients.

“It’s kinda a long story,” I said, scratching the back of my head.

“Then all the more reason to listen to your tale, for I am accustomed to aid in any avail,” Zecora said.

“Before I start, may I ask why you rhyme like that?” I asked, curious of her speech. “I’ve never met anyone who talks like that.”

“A tradition from my homeland far, for when we tell stories under the stars. To entice young ones and enchant their mind, we learned to speak in rhythm and rhyme.” Her response was so poetic I almost lost myself.

She’d make a killing at poetry clubs, I thought. “I don’t mean to be rude, but is there any way you can speak without rhymes?”

“It is not a difficult task, all you need to do is ask,” zecora said, making me facepalm myself before she let out a short laugh. “Forgive me, I couldn't help myself!” She finally spoke without rhyming much to my relief.

“Twilight never mentioned you were also a teaser,” I said with a smile as I sat down by her.

“And she never mentioned you were so handsome~.” She winked as she finished her brew and wiped the sweat from her curvy body. I couldn’t help but notice the gleam from her boobs before slapping myself in front of her.

“Uhh mosquitoes!” I said sheepishly while she blinked at me.

“I see,” she nodded.

Get it together, Saber! You’re here for a reason! Not to ogle at the pretty zebra lady! I thought.

I spent the next hour telling Zecora a little about myself and how I came to this world. I told her about my encounter with Nightmare Moon, my experience in Canterlot with the memories of Sir Rokai, my battle on the train, and even the dream I had about Faust. Zecora remained silent the whole time while closely listening to my story.

“So I came here to seek you out,” I finished. “I need to improve my meditation skills so I can increase my ki center’s strength and capacity.”

“I see. You came here so there would be no distractions to your training,” Zecora repeated my circumstance in a more simpler term while pondering how she could help. “Hmm I know a few places where you may train but the Everfree Forest is filled with many dangers. I myself risk my own life each time I go out to forage for ingredients.”

“Does that mean you won’t help me?” I asked nervously.

“I didn’t say that,” Zecora said. “I’d be more than happy to assist you. Which reminds me. You say you are a warrior, yes?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say a seasoned warrior, but I know how to fight,” I answered. “Why?”

“In my homeland, I hail from a village of well-renowned zebra warriors,” Zecora said. “I too am no stranger to hand-to-hoof combat.”

“Uh…” I mumbled, trying to process what she said. “You know how to fight?”

Zecora would then demonstrate her skills by grabbing a staff from the wall and began twirling it like a pro before pointing one end at my throat.

“Care to test your skills against mine?” She said with a smirk almost as if she were flirting with me.

“Woah…” I gulped but nodded. “Okay, I’m never one to back down from a challenge.”

I stood up while taking off my jacket and set it aside. We both stepped away from the hut and cauldron and we both took a stance.

“Are you prepared?” Zecora asked, pointing her staff at me.

“Sure am,” I said. “Here I come!”

I hopped in place while holding my fists up and shimmied towards Zecora. Once I was within range, I tried throwing a straight punch at her. In a simple sidestep, she dodged my attack and threw me to the ground using her staff. I felt like I had the wind knocked out of me as I stared up at the canopy in bewilderment when she stood over me.

“Are we done warming up or do you still not take me seriously?” Zecora asked with sarcasm in her voice as I got up and dusted myself off.

I shook my head and decided to get serious. I jumped at her while swinging my leg for a roundhouse to her head. Only she saw it coming and ducked out of the way like she slid past it. I landed on the ground and dug my foot in the dirt to try and deliver a back kick by thrusting my other leg backwards.

“Better,” Zecora said while blocking the attack. “But you’re wide open.” She then surprised me by slamming her staff right on top of my head before tripping me up and making me taste dirt once more.

“Never expose your back to your opponent unless they are on the ground!” She lectured as I got up. “And do not be so predictable with your attacks, throw your opponent off balance.”

“Ugh…how are you doing this?” I groaned. “Shining right all along. There is a difference between fighting for sport and fighting for your life.”

“For starters, I don’t use flashy moves and brute strength,” Zecora started while circling me like a real instructor. “Reckless attacks should only be used in desperation and secondly.” She pointed her staff at me with a smirk. “I don’t get distracted by my opponent’s assets.”

Zecora was right, and I knew it. If the train battle was any indication, I would probably be facing another situation like that again with my life on the line. Rokai was fighting for his life every day on the front lines. Even while beaten and bloodied, he still stayed strong for the sake of others. Meanwhile, I wasted a few days in the hospital after only a single fight with bandits. With my conviction heightened, I adjusted myself on the ground until I was sitting on my knees. I looked up at Zecora, and then bowed my head at the mare.

“Zecora, I, William Saber, do humbly request you make me your student,” I said formally. “Please teach me how to fight with my life on the line.”

“I suppose I could use an apprentice but mind you, I will not simply teach you combat. You will learn how to survive in nature, to thrive in it. Only by becoming one with the land can you truly rise to be its protector.” Zecora then stood me up and pointed me towards two empty buckets and I already knew where this was going. “For your stamina training, fetch water from the well without spilling a single drop.”

“Sounds simple enough,” I said, but she bonked me on the head. “Ow! What was that for?!”

“You must be humble even with the simplest tasks. Furthermore, you are forbidden from using ANY of your powers!” She said sternly while placing her staff against the hut. “Now go and do not dawdle.”

I rubbed my head and picked up the buckets. “Wait, are you talking about the river I passed by?” Zecora smirked at me as she resumed stirring her cauldron. “But that’s at least an hour away from here!”

“Better hurry then, the sun will be setting and that's when the timberwolves hunt,” Zecora said in a casual manner while stirring the pot. “There will be a nice dinner waiting for you when you get back.”

“Why am I starting to regret this already?” I asked while walking away.

My shoulders felt like they were going to fall off as I carried the buckets back from getting water from the river. I had a feeling Zecora made me use these large buckets on purpose because she knew how heavy they’d be once they were filled up. I had almost spilled the water no thanks to the uneven terrain of the forest so I had to walk as slowly and calmly as possible. Every step I took felt like it weighed more than the last until I somehow managed to make it back to the hut. Zecora was sitting in a lotus position.

“Made it…” I groaned, setting the water buckets down. “What do you need the water for?”

“To bathe of course,” Zecora said with her eyes closed. “I may live in the wild but even I am not foolish enough to wash in the river where I might be attacked by predators or peeked at by a certain someone.”

“I-I would never!” I said with my cheeks turning pink as she smirked at me with one eye open.

“Could have fooled me with the way you were staring at me earlier,” she teased.

“You’re such a tease, Zecora…” I scoffed.

“Bwana,” Zecora corrected as she stood up and picked up her staff.

“Huh?” I said.

“It means master in my native tongue. and that is what you will call me during your stay,” Zecora said before getting up to stretch.

“Stay? Wait, how long am I staying?” I asked, and she eyed me. “Um…I mean, how long am I staying, Bwana?”

“Until I say you are done. Now, go into the woods and find something for us to eat,” she ordered.

“In...there? Unsupervised?” I gulped, having not been in the forest at night before.

“Is that a problem?” Zecora questioned.

“No…I guess not…” I sighed and trudged into the forest.

Later

The sun had long since set and the stars illuminated the night sky. I honestly lost track of time since Zecora had me scrounge for food. I somehow managed to find some berry bushes and whole mushrooms all around and carried them in the bucket Zecora gave me. When I finally managed to return to the campsite, Zecora was doing some kind of motion with her staff that looked like tai chi.

“I’m back…again,” I groaned.

“Good, let us see what you brought,” Zecora said.

Without a care in the world, I dropped various mushrooms and fruits on the ground as I dropped to my knees and watched as she began inspecting my harvest.

“Hmm,” she hummed as she examined my loot.

“So…how’d I do?” I asked before she began chucking everything away. “HEY! What gives?!”

“Everything you brought was poisonous,” Zecora said while showing me some of the mushrooms I brought. “This causes hallucinations, this one causes paralysis, and this one slows your blood flow.”

I facepalmed and dragged my hand down my face with an exhausted sigh.

“We’re gonna starve…” I complained as my stomach growled. “I didn’t even have lunch yet.”

“Not to worry, I have a stew ready,” Zecora said, surprising me when I caught a whiff of her cooking.

“Then why have me forage if you already have food?!” I shouted in outrage as she prepared some bowls for us.

“A lesson in survival, young cub. Not everything in nature is edible,” Zecora smirked before we began to dine under the stars. “Also, be sure to take a bath after this. You smell.”

“Gee! I wonder why?!” I groaned as Zecora suppressed a laugh and handed me a bowl of stew. “I hope Twilight isn’t too worried about me…”

Meanwhile

Twilight had been pacing back and forth in her library as the hour grew late, she'd been waiting for me to return and figured I'd be back in no time at all.

“Ohh, where is he?” She asked herself when Spike came in wearing pajamas.

“Twilight? Why are you still awake?” Spike asked.

“I’m awake because Will isn’t home yet!” Twilight shrieked. “He should be back by now!”

Tap Tap, Tap!

Twilight paused her pacing and looked to see a crow pecking at the glass window. Twilight cocked her head and noticed there was a little piece of paper strapped to its leg.

“A crow?” Twilight wondered as she opened the window for it.

“CAW!”

The bird gave Twilight the scroll before giving a feathered salute and flew off as Twilight read the scroll aloud.

Twilight, this is from Zecora.

Due to some unforeseen circumstances, young William shall be staying with me until his training is complete.

No need to worry, it won't be long.

Your friend,

~Zecora.

P.S.

Don’t be shocked I didn’t rhyme.

“WHAT?!” Twilight shrieked. “DID ZECORA JUST FOALNAP MY ROOMMATE?!”

“Uhh…I don’t think this counts as foalnapping mainly ‘cause Will chose to go and he’s not a foal. He’s not even a pony,” Spike pointed out.

“NOT helping, Spike!” Twilight snapped.

Author's Note

Our Hero’s newest experience begins with his newest mentor.

Side Note:
Apologies for the extended wait on this. Ideas have been kinda stagnant but my cowriter and I are staring to pick it up.

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…