The Band of Loyalty

As promised, Rainbow was back in control the next morning. Pulling Sweetie Belle off of her, she stood up. How King could stomach being covered in so much sticky residue was baffling. Rainbow didn't even like being excessively sweaty after a workout. It was well beyond time for a shower.

Rainbow flew home as best she could. Some of her feathers were sticking together, and every flap sent an uncomfortable chill down her spine. The sooner she could wash up, the better.

She arrived at her house to find several things knocked over. Picking them up quickly, she soon found the source of the problem. Tank was out of food, and had been for a few days. With Fluttershy unable to care for him, and King not caring at all, Rainbow was just happy to know he was still kicking.

"Sorry, bud," said Rainbow, refilling his food and water. "I tried to have Fluttershy come out to help, but she just couldn't. I'm here now, though." Tank wasn't paying attention. He was very hungry, and had his face buried in his food. "There won't be any playdates for awhile yet, either. Not until I can fix a rather pressing problem." Tank looked up from his food. "To that end, I'm going to bring you down to Spike. I think I might be able to have Fluttershy take over in a bit, but for now, I just need to make sure you're kept safe." Tank slowly nodded, and rainbow came over to give him a kiss. "Thanks for understanding. I know this won't be easy for you."

Moving into the bathroom, Rainbow stripped down and stepped into the shower. As she was lathering up, an idea occurred to her. "King?"

"Calling on me already, Rainbow? My, my, we're eager."

Rainbow shook her head. "I want to propose something to you, something that I think will benefit both of us."

"By all means, tell me about this plan of yours."

"You need to return my friends to their regular activities."

"Why?"

Rainbow scowled. "Think about it. If they all start disappearing, ponies are going to wonder where they went. If they find out about your little sex cult, the entire Equestrian military will come down on you. They'll kill us both. The only way to keep them in the dark is to return all of your slaves to their duties. Applejack, Apple Bloom and Big Mac are responsible for so much of Ponyville's food that if they don't do their work, starving ponies will descend on the barn. And Twilight's a princess. When a princess goes missing--"

"You've made your point," interrupted King. "I'll send them all back home to resume business as usual. Anything else?"

Rainbow shook her head. "Nothing. Go back to sleep."

An hour later, Rainbow was walking Fluttershy back to her cottage with Tank in tow. They'd all been hosed down en masse before redressing themselves. The buck stayed in the loft, as did Sweetie Belle. There was no need for them to go back into town, as the deer didn't live there, and Sweetie had been hiding at Sweet Apple Acres, anyway.

"Thank you for your herbs and time," came a familiar voice. "Your efforts have made this trip sublime." Zecora turned and stepped away from the market stall she'd been shopping at. "Fluttershy, it's good to see that you were not ignoring me. I stopped and knocked upon your door, but it seemed you were not there anymore."

"I was a little busy," blushed Fluttershy. "What did you need?"

"I was in need of trimmings of claw and feathers from a scarlet macaw. I thought you might be the best one to ask; the most likely to have what I need for this task."

"Of course," replied Fluttershy. "I'll prepare them for you immediately after I've checked on all of them. I haven't been back home for two days, you see."

Zecora smiled. "I understand your concern for your friends. Go. I'm in no rush to meet my ends."

"Thanks," smiled Fluttershy. As they walked on, Rainbow was formulating a plan.

When they arrived, Rainbow helped Fluttershy as best she could. Not being particularly well-versed in animal care, she wasn't much help, but she needed to be there when Fluttershy was finished. Gathering up the trimmings, Fluttershy made her way to the door, but Rainbow stopped her.

"Are those the leavings you were about to take to Zecora?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I want to be finished with that before nightfall. I really don't want to be out in the forest when it's dark."

"I'll take them for you," said Rainbow. "I want you to pay special attention to Tank. Besides, I need to have a word with Zecora, away from the ears of the populace at large."

Fluttershy cocked her head to the side questioningly. "Is something wrong?"

"Not wrong, per se, I just want to ask her something very personal, that's all."

Fluttershy nodded. "Okay. Just make sure to give her that bag."

Taking the bag, Rainbow made her way into the forest. Zecora was likely already home by now, Rainbow just had to go there. However, rather than flying, she opted to walk. The less attention she drew to herself right now, the better off she'd be. Even though she was on foot, and moving slowly, it wasn't long before she found herself face-to-face with Zecora's hut.

"King?" she whispered. "Are you listening?"

No response came back. It was almost as if he was asleep. That was good. Moving slowly and carefully, Rainbow approached and rapped on the door.

"Rainbow Dash?" asked Zecora, opening the door. "I was not expecting you. Did Fluttershy have too many things to do?"

Rainbow brought her index finger to her lips. "Please, I need you to keep your voice down." Rainbow stepped inside, placing the bag on the table. "Fluttershy could have come out here instead, but I need to talk to you. It's personal, and rather urgent."

Zecora nodded and sat down across the table from her. "Whatever you need, I'd be glad to assist. But a name for this problem, I'll have to insist."

Rainbow took a deep breath. Zecora knew all sorts of strange cures. Potions of all variety lined the walls. No doubt, many of them would be useful to becoming a truly impeccable star athlete, but that wasn't important right now. Besides, it felt like cheating. However, this visit wasn't for a muscle-building potion. This was to cure an illness. "Zecora?" she whispered. "Have you ever heard of an incubus?"