Angel looked up at his owner as she carried a tray of food back up the stairs, her face full of worry and sorrow as the two approached Kipo's room who hadn't left her room for two whole days. Which didn't go unnoticed as the Crusaders and the rest of Fluttershy's friends had stopped by one day to see what was going on. Fluttershy and Full Moon simply didn't have the heart to tell the Crusaders so they just told the three fillies that Kipo was sick, their friends however, Fluttershy couldn't keep the truth from them so they told them everything.

Needless to say, they weren't at all happy. Rainbow Dash even wanted to fly all over the forest just to find a Cultist and beat them to a pulp. The only reason why she didn't was because her friends managed to talk her down since they, specifically Fluttershy and Full Moon, knew that the Cultists were very dangerous to monster ponies. They dare not imagine how a regular pegasus would be able to stand against them. Once Rainbow Dash was calmed down, they all agreed to stop by every now and then just to check up on Kipo and comfort her whenever they do.

Fluttershy sighed, she was glad to have such great friends such as them. Always being there when you needed them. Especially during times like these. Angel squeaking caught her attention and when she looked at him, she noticed that she had stopped walking. Shaking her head, she continued walking towards her daughters room. When the two reached the door, Fluttershy put the tray down before knocking on the door.

It was quiet for a moment before a response came from inside. “Yes momma?” Kipo’s voice called out and Fluttershy became confused. What confused her was that Kipo's voice didn’t sound scared or sad like the previous days. Frowning in worry, she opened the door and saw her daughter sitting on her bed with a book in her lap. The vampony stared at her daughter as she showed no signs of fear or sadness like before.

Kipo looked up with a smile, showing off her regular human eyes instead of her usual jaguar ones. “Hi momma, is it breakfast time?”

“Y-yes, it is.” Fluttershy said, completely taken aback by Kipo’s otherwise cheerful attitude as she picked up the tray and walked in before Kipo took it.

“Thanks momma!” Kipo said before she began eating her breakfast while Fluttershy looked down at Angel who was just as taken aback as she was.

Angel shrugged his shoulders, unsure of how to react to this sudden change in Kipo. Turning back to her daughter, she nervously asked, “A-are you feeling alright?”

Kipo stopped eating and looked at her mother with confusion in her eyes. “Um, yeah? Why?”

“W-well um…I am worried about you…after what happened at the castle.” Fluttershy said gently and she barely noticed the small twitch one of her fingers did.

“At the castle?” Kipo asked.

“Yes…I…do you not want to talk about it?” Fluttershy asked gently as she placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“About what?” Kipo asked, making Fluttershy even more worried until what Kipo said next surprised and confused her. “Sorry momma but I don’t really remember much of the castle. All I remember is having fun at the party and then being sick for a while.”

Angel looked at Fluttershy. ‘Did cub hit head?’

“No I didn’t Angel. At least, I don’t think I did.” Kipo said, now growing confused on if she had hit her head or not. Fluttershy however was just silent. She knew Kipo couldn’t have forgotten what had happened last night, especially not after hitting her head. Something like that could not be forgotten so easily so it made Fluttershy worried.

The two heard knocking and looked over to see Full Moon knocking on the door frame. “Are my girls decent?”

“Hi Mr. Moon!” Kipo happily called which stunned the werepony.

“Kipo…you are…ok?” He asked as he walked into the room then shared a worried look with Fluttershy.

“Um, yeah? But are you and momma ok? You two seemed awfully worried for some reason.” Kipo asked, wondering why the two were so worried about her when nothing was wrong with her.

Full Moon pulled Fluttershy out of the room for a moment. “What do you think is going on?”

“I-I don’t know. Nothing in the books said anything about this. M-maybe she’s just locking away her trauma?” Fluttershy said, unable to find a good answer to Kipo’s unusual behavior.

“Maybe, it is the best explanation that we have, so maybe we should just pretend it didn't happen for her sake.” Full Moon said with a sigh.

“B-but it did happen! We can’t just p-pretend like it never happened!” Fluttershy whisper shouted, not liking the idea of pretending a massacre didn’t happen even though they were right in the middle of it.

“I am just suggesting…we let her act normal and tell the therapist about it.” He said while scratching his head.

Fluttershy really wanted to say something but knew that a talk with Dr. Brum would help answer the many questions she has about what has happened to her daughter. “O-ok.”

“Hopefully we can get some answers soon.” Full Moon said before he kissed Fluttershy’s cheek. “I did a check around town, no sign of them.”

“Not a single trace?” Fluttershy asked though she wasn’t surprised. Given the fact that they hunt monster ponies, they would have to be good at hiding to avoid expert trackers like wereponies and vamponies.

He shook his head. “Nothing, I couldn’t even find tracks other than the creatures that were at the party.” He looked over his shoulder and down the stairs. “One of us should stick with Kipo today when we can.”

She nodded her head. “Agreed.”

“Do you have any plans? I could shadow her for the day if you are busy.” Full Moon said softly.

“I-I'm afraid so. I've been so worried about Kipo that I have been neglecting my duties." Fluttershy said, gesturing to the animals that made her cottage their home.

Full Moon nodded in understanding. "I understand, you can take care of everything here while I shadow Kipo.”

Fluttershy looked unsure of that idea. “I don’t know, a-are you sure you can handle e-everything alone?”

“Of course.” He smiled and tilted his head. “Don’t trust me?”

“I-it’s not that. You know I would always trust you. It’s just I’m worried that something would happen and you won’t know what to do.” Fluttershy said worriedly.

“If that happens I will ask our friends.” He said with a soft smile.

“B-but-” Fluttershy began, starting to go into full panicked mother mode but Full Moon stopped her.

Full Moon kissed her on the lips before saying. “I can handle it, Flutterpie.”

Fluttershy still didn’t look sure but trusted him enough to leave Kipo in his hooves. “A-alright, I trust you.”

“Thank you, now let’s go back to our eavesdropper.” He said with a smirk and looked at the door where a purple jaguar ear could be seen peeking around the doorway which disappeared in an instant.

Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle a bit before the two walked into Kipo’s room where said girl was trying to look innocent. “Kipo-” Fluttershy began but Kipo quickly said,

“I wasn’t eavesdropping!” she said quickly.

“Then how did you know we were about to talk to you about eavesdropping?” Full Moon asked with a smirk that says ‘got ya’.

“I uh….” Kipo stopped when she realized she couldn’t think of a good excuse and pouts. “Ok maybe I was listening a little bit.”

“Kipo, you really shouldn’t listen to other ponies' conversations.” Fluttershy said as she pulled Kipo into a hug.

“I know, I couldn’t help it. You and Mr. Moon were acting all weird and I wanted to know why. I’m sorry.” Kipo apologized.

Full Moon shook his head with a chuckle. “You don’t need to worry about us pup, how about you eat your breakfast and go play with your friends?”

“I’m already done eating.” Kipo said, pointing to the empty tray.

“Oh alright, well if you want you can go out and play with your friends.” Full Moon said.

“Thanks Mr. Moon!” Kipo said as she hugged him before running out of the room.

“You know she’s gonna know you’re following her if she heard our conversation.” Flutttershy told the werepony.

“She will know I am following, but not where.” He said with a smirk. “I taught her everything she knows about hunting, but not everything I know.”

“That’s true but you have to remember, her nose can pick up any scent.” Fluttershy told him.

“Only if I want her to find me, I know how to avoid predators.” He said with a chuckle.

Fluttershy sighed and shook her head. “Ok, just please be careful and don’t embarrass her.”

“Now when have I ever embarrassed her?” Full Moon asked her.

"True but still, I'm sure you'll find a way." she said then nuzzled his cheek. "Be careful, ok?"

He just chuckles and kisses her cheek. “I promise." he then turned and left, leaving Fluttershy alone in her cottage. She looked at some of her animals and knew she had a bit of a long day ahead of her. Sighing, she got to work.

Kipo was walking through the town looking around for her friends. “I wonder what we will do today.” She then noticed Sugarcube Corner and decided to check inside for her friends. Once she entered she looked around for any signs of her friends until she spotted the familiar purple messy hair of Scootaloo. Grinning, she quickly rushed over. “Hey Scootaloo!”

The filly looked over and smiled. “Kipo!”

Kipo hugged her friend who returned it. “How are you doing Scoots?”

“I am good just picking up some snacks for our…our…” Scootaloo stopped when she noticed the bandage around Kipo’s arm.

“What’s wrong?” Kipo asked, tilting her head in confusion when she saw Scootaloo trail off.

“Y-your arm…wh-what happened?” Scootaloo asked as her ears folded back in worry.

“Huh?” Kipo asked and looked at her arm. “I don’t know. I think I cut myself last night by accident. I’m ok though.”

“O-oh ok.” Scootaloo said softly. “Do you want to join me in going to Sweetie’s place?”

“The Boutique? Sure!” Kipo said with a smile. “I wanted to hang out with you girls anyways.”

“That's good because we were going to see if you were able to hang out with us after I picked up the snacks.” Scootaloo said with a smile, then Pinkie popped up with a to-go bag.

“Here ya go Scoots! Oh, hi Kipo!” Pinkie said upon noticing Kipo.

“Hi aunt Pinkie!” Kipo greeted happily.

“Hi Kipo!” Pinkie said before giving Kipo a smaller bag. “These are for you.”

“Really? What’s in it?” she asked as she opened the bag and peered inside.

Inside were a few cookies with red crosses on them. “They are my special get well cookies.” Pinkie said with a smile.

“Thank you aunt Pinkie but why are they get well cookies? I’m not sick.” Kipo asked, a bit confused.

Pinkie pointed at Kipo’s bandaged arm. “You are hurt so these can help speed up the healing.”

“Really? They can?” Scootaloo asked the pink mare.

“Yep!” Pinkie said with a wink. “But they are tricky to make so I don't make them often.”

“How’d you make them aunt Pinkie?” Kipo asked as she took one of the cookies out and began eating it.

“It is a secret recipe.” Pinkie said with a giggle and wink.

“Ok.” Kipo said though she was curious on how Pinkie made them.

“Go have some fun with your friends.” Pinkie said with a smile.

Kipo nodded her head. “Ok aunt Pinkie.” she said and after Scootaloo paid for the snacks minus the cookies Pinkie gifted Kipo, the two walked out and began to make their way to Carousel Boutique. “So how have you been Scoots?”

“I have been ok, me and the others have been trying to come up with ways for us to get our Cutie Marks like always. Do you have any new ideas?” She asked with a smile as they walked through the streets.

Kipo hummed in thought. “Hmm, well we tried a lot of things to get you and the others Cutie Marks. I’m not really sure what else we can try.”

Scootaloo thought for a bit before a light blush appeared on her cheeks. “Wh-what about maybe…something to help couples?”

Kipo looked at her with a slightly confused look. “Help couples? That’s a new one. What brought up this idea?”

Scootaloo rubbed the back of her head. “I don’t know, I just thought…maybe we could try helping others.”

“Hmm, ok. I guess we can try that.” Kipo said with a grin.

Scootaloo smiled and they got to the door of the Carousel Boutique. “Cool, we can bring it up with the others.”

“Alright.” she said just as the door opened to reveal Rarity. “Hi aunt Rarity!”

“Oh hello Kipo, Scootaloo, how are you two?” Rarity asked as she stepped aside.

“We’re doing good.” Scootaloo said as she and Kipo entered the Boutique. “Is Sweetie Belle here? We want to try getting our Cutie Marks again.”

“Yes, Applebloom is also up in her room with Sweetie.” Rarity said with a smile.

“Cool! This will make things a bit easier! Come on Kipo!” Scootaloo said as she rushed up the stairs with Kipo chasing after her. Rarity just shook her head with a smile before closing the door and went back to her work.

Both Kipo and Scootaloo entered Sweetie Belle’s room, seeing their two friends sitting around but they had turned their heads to look at them before smiling. “Hey Kipo! Did Scootaloo go pick you up?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“No, I was already looking for you girls and found Scoots at Sugarcube.” Kipo told them.

“Oh, that's good, we were gonna find ya after we came up with a plan.” Applebloom said before pointing at a paper filled with some drawings of Cutie Mark ideas.

“Well Scoots came up with one on our way here.” Kipo said, making their friends turn to said filly.

Scoolaoo blushed and fidgeted. “Um…I thought maybe we could help couples?”

“Couples? As in ponies who are together couples?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Why or how did you come up with that?” Applebloom asked next.

“I just thought it would be a nice thing to do ok?” Scootaloo said as she started to blush more.

“I think it’s a good idea. Not only will it keep you girls from getting in trouble, like always, but we get to help other ponies too!” Kipo said.

Sweetie Belle tapped her chin. “Hmm yeah that is true. I vote for Scootaloo’s idea.”

“Well shoot, we got no other ideas so why not?” Applebloom said.

“Alright then let’s go!” Kipo said with a smile. The four of them then ran out of the room, down the stairs and out the front door.

“Be careful girls!” Rarity called out before the door closed.

The four Crusaders kept running through town. “So who should we help first?” Kipo asked her friends.

“How about mister and misses Cake?” Sweetie Belle suggested.

“The Cakes? What can we do to help them?” Scootaloo asked as they started to slow down so they won’t get tired too early.

“I don’t know.” Sweetie Belle said with a shrug.

“Maybe we can go and check and see if they need any help?” Kipo suggested.

“That is the plan.” Applebloom said before she smiled. “Ah know how to cook!” Her friends just stared at her, making her look at them in confusion. “What?”

“Um, last time we cooked in their kitchen, you three made a mess out of the place. You even covered Ms. Cake in cake batter.” Kipo said.

“That was because we got over excited.” Applebloom said dismissively.

“Sure it was.” Kipo said.

Applebloom puffed out her cheeks. “It was!”

Kipo just giggles and pats her head. “Yeah yeah, I believe you.”

Applebloom huffed and started running. “Ah’ll show ya!”

“Hey wait up!” Her friends called out before chasing after her.

The four of them ran till they got back to Sugarcube Corner. “Oh welcome back Kipo, Scootaloo. Was there something wrong with your food?” Pinkie asked.

“No, we just came here to help Mr. and Mrs. Cake.” Kipo answered.

“O-oh uh…” Pinkie looked around nervously before she got an idea. “How about you help them by foal sitting?”

“Foalsitting? You mean watch the twins?” Scootaloo asked and Pinkie nodded her head.

“Yep! I am sure they would be grateful if you could watch them.” Pinkie said with a smile.

“I think we can do that.” Sweetie Belle said and her friends nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, let’s go ask them!” Kipo said then looked at her aunt. “Do you know where they are?”

“They are upstairs taking care of the twins.” Pinkie said with a smile she peeked over Kipo’s shoulder and winked.

“Why did you wink?” Kipo asked as she turned around but saw nothing.

“Oh nothing.” Pinkie said with a giggle. The Crusaders were confused but shrugged.

“Can you take us to them Pinkie?” Applebloom asked the overly pink mare.

“Sorry girls, I am busy running the shop.” She said before rushing over to the counter.

“That’s ok, we can find them on our own.” Scootaloo said before running up the stairs. “Come on girls!”

“Hey wait up!” Kipo followed the fillies. “It is rude to go into somepony’s home without permission!”

The four of them got upstairs and found Mrs. Cake in the hallway. “Oh my, hello girls, what can I do for you?”

“Hi Mrs. Cake, we’re just here to help with the twins.” Kipo said.

“Really?” She asked surprised. “Well…I suppose that will be ok, go ahead and help Carrot Cake while I help Pinkie.” She said with a smile.

“Ok. Where is he?” Applebloom asked her.

“He is in the twin’s room.” Mrs. Cake said with a smile as she walked around them.

“Bye Mrs. Cake!” Kipo said with a wave before she and the others entered the twins’s room, seeing a slightly tired Carrot Cake holding Pound Cake while Pumpkin played with some blocks.

“Hi mister Cake, Mrs. Cake said we can help you.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile.

“Oh she did? I don’t know. I kinda got it handled.” Carrot Cake said only for Pumpkin to throw a rattle at him before giggling.

Sweetie Belle picked up the rattle and shook it in front of Pumpkin's face. “Look, Pumpkin, your rattle.” Pumpkin coos as she watches her rattle before giggling and reaching for it.

Sweetie smiled as she gave the rattle back. “We can help you with them.” Scootaloo said with a smile.

“Yeah! We can watch them while you rest.” Applebloom said as she sat next to Pound Cake.

“Well….I don’t know girls. These two can really be a hassle.” Carrot Cake said, nervous about leaving his kids with the Crusaders, knowing how the twins can get.

“Mr. Cake, I promise we can handle them.” Kipo promised with a reassuring smile.

He still looked unsure but looked into Kipo’s eyes and saw she was being truthful about being responsible so he nodded slowly. “Ok, but call for help if anything happens ok?”

“Yes sir!” Kipo said, giving a playful salute as she did before giggling.

He smiled softly and rubbed her head. “Thank you, you four are good fillies.” He then walked out of the room before peeking back in as the girls played with the foals who were all sorts of giggly.

Sweetie Belle sat down in front of Pumpkin and covered her eyes, “Where’s the baby?” she asked and Pumpkin look confused for a second before Sweetie Belle quickly uncovered her eyes. There she is!” this sent the foal into a fit of giggles.

Kipo smiled and played with Pound by using her tail and tickling him, making him start giggling as well as he grabbed onto it. “Foals are adorable.”

“That much is certain.” Scootaloo said.

“Just be careful Kipo, you don’t want him pulling on yer tail.” Applebloom said as she held Pumpkin.

“I’ll be fine. He’s just a baby. It’s not like he’s gonna pull that hard.” Kipo said.

“Maybe.” Applebloom said with a smile. “But they can surprise ya.”

“Applebloom is right, he may just grab ahold of you and start flying around the room.” Scootaloo warned Kipo.

“Girls, he’s a baby. He’s not gonna be able to pick me up.” Kipo said though she did snicker at the thought of a baby being able to fly around the room while carrying her.

However while she was snickering, Pound grabbed her tail and started laughing, his wings also buzzed to life and lifted him into the air which in turn caused him to pull Kipo up by her tail. “We warned you.” Scootaloo and Applebloom said together.

“Wait, how is this possible??? He’s a baby so he shouldn’t be able to lift me up like this! Right???” Kipo said, completely confused by this impossibility as she was lifted higher before Pound began flying around with the gobsmacked Kipo while her friends and Pumpkin watched in amusement.

“Kipo, when ponies are young our magic can act strange, heck my mom told me I once teleported myself inside of a cookie jar.” Sweetie belle said with a giggle.

“Yeah and I flew around the house so fast I made a small tornado.” Scootaloo said with a laugh.

“Now you tell me.” Kipo said before Pound accidentally bonked against the crib. “Ow! Someone, please help.” Pound then flew out of the room while babbling happily.

Scootaloo shook a toy as she followed them. “Pound, look I got one of your toys.”

Pound stopped flying and looked at the toy before dropping Kipo and flying over to it and taking out of Scootaloo’s hoof before shaking it around. “Thanks.” groaned Kipo.

Scootaloo walked over and helped Kipo up. “Are you hurt?”

“I’m ok. Though I wish that I knew about babies being way stronger than they looked earlier.” she said as she rubbed her head.

“Sorry, I thought you knew.” Scootaloo said with a small sigh.

“Nope, first time I’m hearing about about it.” she said before she grabbed Pound Cake, who was too busy playing with his toy, and the three of them walked back into the room, seeing Pumpkin attempting to eat one of her toys while Sweetie Belle and Applebloom tried to stop her.

“Pumpkin no, this isn't food.” Sweetie Belle said as she pulled but the little foals magic was much stronger as Pumpkin kept a firm grip on the toy.

“Wow, you girls weren’t kidding about the whole magic being stronger as a baby thing.” Kipo said as she watched the tug of war between Sweetie Belle and Pumpkin.

“Yeah, just be glad they ain't earth ponies. Mah sister told me when ah was little ah once lifted the whole barn to get to a ball.” Applebloom said while shaking her head.

Her friends stared at her in disbelief. “Yeah I ain’t buying that. What about you girls?” Scootaloo asked Sweetie Belle and Kipo.

“Nope.” both responded in unison.

Applebloom blushed and pouted. “Fine, it was just the shed.”

“Yeah that’s a bit more believable.” Kipo said and Applebloom pouted a bit and the two foals laughed at the face she was making.

“Aw, babies are just so cute!” Kipo said.

“Yes.” Sweetie and Scootaloo said with smiles. And that’s how the four of them spent most of their time, simply watching over the twins and keeping them from causing too much trouble though there were times were the two foals would cause a bit of trouble for them but it wasn’t anything they couldn’t handle.

Soon enough Mrs. Cake came into the room with a plate filled with snacks on her back. “Lunch time for the babies, I can handle that. You girls can take these snacks and take a break.” She said with a smile only to stifle her laughter when she saw Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo being spun around in the air by Pumpkin while Kipo was once again in Pound Cake's clutches as he flew around the room.

“Help.” Kipo said before she was swung into the crib which caused her to bump her head on it.

Mrs Cake blinked at the sight before shaking her head. “Pumpkin, Pound, put them down please.” she said in a slightly stern tone which made both foals look at her before cooing in delight. They dropped their temporary babysitters and made their way over to their mother who promptly picked them up in her hooves.

“Thanks Mrs. Cake, things were going well until that happened.” Scootaloo said while rubbing her head.

“Someone make the world stop spinning.” groaned Sweetie Belle, her eyes having turned into swirls.

“I see that.” she said, stifling her giggles at the sight. "Though you did do a good job watching over them that me, Pinkie and Carrot were able to get some work done, so thank you.”

“You’re welcome Mrs. Cake.” Kipo said with a smile as she stood up.

“Hey, let’s see if we got our marks!” Applebloom excitedly said and her, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo checked to see if they had gotten their Cutie Marks but saw that they did not.

“Aww.” They said and pouted when they saw their flanks were blank.

“I guess babysitting foals isn’t your girls special talent.” Kipo said to the dejected fillies.

“It’s ok, we still had fun.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile.

“Yeah, even if there were a couple of mishaps it was still fun.” Kipo said.

“In any case, thank you girls.” Mrs. Cake said with a smile.

“You’re welcome Mrs. Cake.” all four of them said at the same time. After Mrs. Cake took over taking care of the twins in order to put them down for a nap, the Crusaders left Sugarcube and were now walking through town.

“What should we do now?” Applebloom asked her friends.

“I’m not sure. Our Cutie Mark idea didn’t seem to work so now we’re stuck with trying to come up with a new plan.” Scootaloo said as they walk in front of an alley.

“I’m sure we’ll come up with some-” Kipo was cut off when a loud bang was heard from the alley, causing the jaguar hybrid to quickly turn towards the noise. Her friends stared in shock at their friends' sudden change in demeanor. Her pupils had shrunk a bit while her teeth were slightly bared as she growled lowly, revealing much sharper teeth. They also saw her hands had gained much sharper claws as well. Overall, she looked like she was ready to attack something.

“A-are you ok Kipo?” Scootaloo asked as she moved in front of Kipo. Kipo’s eyes glanced down at her before she shook her head. Her eyes and hands returning to their previous state.

“Y-yeah, sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” Kipo said as she rubbed the back of her head.

“Maybe we should take you to see a doctor.” Sweetie Belle suggested.

“No, I think I’m fine. Honest.” Kipo said, giving them a reassuring smile.

“If ya are sure.” Applebloom said with a frown.

“Of course I’m sure. It’s probably something that happens once and won’t happen again.” Kipo said before they continued walking only to bump into someone. “Oof! Sorry about that I-” Kipo stopped when she realized who it was she bumped into. “Ms. Zecora?”

Said zebra looked down at Kipo and raised an eyebrow. “Young child of the feline, what are you doing out? Are you feeling fine?”

“I am. Why do you ask?” Kipo asked her.

“You and the other little ones near a dark alley where danger could be.” Zecora said and looked down the dark alley.

“Oh, we’re fine Zecora. Well, I think most of us are anyways.” Scootaloo mumbled the last part to herself but Zecora heard her.

“Are you sure little one?” Zecora asked.

“H-huh? Um, yeah. Everything’s fine. At least I think so.” Scootaloo said nervously while her friends looked at her.

“What’s wrong Scoots?” Kipo asked her.

“It’s nothing. I swear.” Scootaloo said.

“Come now young one, share your woes.” Zecora siad with a kind smile.

“Well…” Scootaloo said then looked at Kipo who looked back at her in confusion.

“What?” the jaguar hybrid questioned.

Scootaloo sat down and rubbed her tail. “I am worried one of the babies drooled on my tail.” She lied.

“Really? That’s all?” Applebloom asked though Zecora knew that baby drool wouldn’t warrant such a worried look in the fillies eyes but decided to drop it for now.

“Yeah, it feels weird.” Scootaloo said while rubbing her tail.

“Maybe it’s just a knot in your tail. That can happen when you don’t brush it.” Sweetie Belle said.

“I know the feeling. I sometimes get knots in my hair.” Kipo said, pointing at her crazy head of hair.

“Maybe.” Scootaloo said with a frown as she looked at Kipo. “Do you girls want to go back to Sweetie’s and get cleaned up?”

“Yeah, Pound decided that my tail would be good to nibble on.” Kipo said, looking at her tail.

“And getting those plushies out of Pumpkins mouth is not a clean job.” Sweetie Belle said, grimacing a bit in disgust at the memory.

“Hey miss Zecora do ya think we could help you after we clean up?” Applebloom asked.

“Hm, I could use a hoof or two while I am busy with my brew.” Zecora said but added, “But ask your families first. If they do say yes, then come meet me by the edge of the forest with one or all of your guardians.”

“Ok!” Kipo said with a smile and looked at her friends. “Do we go as a group or split up?”

“Let’s split up! That way we can get our families faster!” Applebloom said.

“Alright, see you girls at the edge of town.” Sweetie said with a smile before she walked off.

“See you all soon.” Scootaloo ran off stopping only for a moment to look back at Kipo with worry but went back to running off. Kipo was a bit confused by this behavior but shrugged it off and began running back to her home.

“See ya Ms Zecora! I’ll be back soon!” she waved back at the zebra.

“We will try ta hurry.” Applebloom said before she ran off.

“Take your time.” she said to the retreating fillies. She then hears a commotion a bit aways from her and looked over to see two ponies she didn’t expect to be fighting. Big Mac and Full Moon. Her curiosity piqued, she walked over to them, managing to hear their conversation.

“How about you back off normie!” Full Moon shouted at Big Mac.

“I don’t want yer girl around ma sisters no more got it?” Big Mac said while leaning closer.

“Why?! Because she’s different?!” Full Moon demanded.

“Because she is dangerous!” Big Mac shouted back with a glare.

“Dangerous?! She wouldn’t even dare hurt a fly!” Full Moon shouted angrily and Zecora stepped in before things got too heated.

“Enough! Both of you must calm yourselves before either of your charges come back and see this.” she told them.

Big Mac frowned at her and it was at this point that she could see four claw marks on his face which were still bleeding. “Stay out of this Zecora, I am speaking with Full Moon.”

“No, both of you are to separate at once. Otherwise you both will get in trouble.” Zecora said, making sure to stay in between the two stallions. Big Mac glared at Full Moon once more before he turned to leave.

“Don’t trust him Miss Zecora, he and his Daughter are dangerous.” Big Mac said as he left.

“I do not believe such a thing. Go and stop with your nonsense.” Zecora said before Big Mac was gone. She sighed and turned to Full Moon. “Tell me, what had started this fight other than Big Mac accusing you and young Kipo of being dangerous?”

Full Moon watched Big Mac leave before he let out a frustrated sigh. “An old family feud got reignited.”

“I see.” Zecora said, not needing any further explanations as she knows how family feuds can be. Especially concerning wereponies.

Full Moon sighed and started to walk off. “I need to get back home before Kipo does.”

“You may be already too late on that as young Kipo is heading to her home to request permission from her mother to come to my hut.” Zecora told him.

“Buck.” He cursed before he ran off to try to beat her to the house. Zecora watched him run off before shaking her head and went back to waiting by the forest. Back with Full Moon, he kept running towards the cottage while thinking to himself. ‘Damn it, that was too long and I lost sight of Kipo, I hope it worked though.’

He eventually reached the cottage and proceeded to enter only to bump into Kipo who fell on her butt. “Oof! Sorry about that.” Kipo said, looking up at who she bumped into before smiling. “Hi Mr. Moon!”

“H-hey pup.” He said while trying not to pant from how fast he ran. “What are ya doing home so early?”

“I came back to ask momma if I can go with Ms. Zecora to her hut to help her.” Kipo said just as Fluttershy came out.

“I see, well be safe and if you are going with friends keep them safe too ok? Normies aren’t as used to the forest as we are.” Full Moon said before he patted Kipo’s head with a smile.

“I promise Mr. Moon, but Ms. Zecora said to also bring either my momma or guardian too if I want.” Kipo told him. “So I wanted to know if you or momma want to come with?”

Full Moon tapped his chin before he smiled. “How about both of us, if she is free that is.”

“I-I am.” Fluttershy said, making Kipo smile happily just before snorting could be heard as Mandu ran over to them.

“Hi Mandu! Do you want to come too?” Kipo asked the pig mute.

She nodded and nuzzled Kipo’s leg while Fluttershy giggled. “Make sure to keep her safe outside.”

“I will momma!” Kipo said as she pets Mandu.

Full Moon smiled and rubbed himself on Fluttershy. “We have to talk when we get a moment.” He whispered.

“Is i-it about Kipo?” Fluttershy whispered back.

“No, but also yes.” Full Moon said with a sigh as the family left the house.

“No but also yes?” the confused vampony asked.

Full Moon saw Kipo had walked ahead of them a bit and whispered to Fluttershy. “I am doing something that could be a bit dangerous.”

That made Fluttershy gulp nervously. “L-like what exactly?”

Full Moon frowned a bit before he sighed. “I got into a fight with Big Mac.”

“You what?!” Fluttershy exclaimed in shock.

“Is something wrong?” Kipo asked her mother after hearing her shout.

“Nothing little pup, keep playing with Mandu.” Full Moon said with a smile.

“Are you sure?” Kipo asked before Mandu tackles her, making her erupt into a fit of giggles.

Full Moon smiled and leaned on Fluttershy. “She is so innocent, I hope she isn’t pulled into the trouble to come.”

“What do you mean? Full Moon just what happened while you were out?” Fluttershy asked him.

Full Moon frowned and let out a sigh. “I fought with Big Mac out in public, but it is being handled.”

“You fought with Big Mac?! But why?! Besides Applejack, he’s one of the only Apples that we know of that is friendly with us!” Fluttershy exclaimed, though this time much more quietly to avoid drawing Kipo’s attention again.

Full Moon was quiet for a moment before he said. “Stallion business.”

Fluttershy didn’t like that response one bit. “Stallion business? Full Moon you can’t just say that you fought with Big Mac and then say that it was stallion business and think that’ll be the end of it.”

“It is…complicated, but it had to happen.” He said with a frown.

“Full Moon, please. Tell me what-” before Fluttershy could finish, Kipo had shouted out.

“Hi Ms Zecora!” Kipo waved at the zebra shamaness that was still waiting by the forest along with Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and their respective guardians.

“We will talk about it tonight after Kipo goes to bed, I promise.” Full Moon whispered before he waved at the other mares. “Hey ladies, I see the fillies got you all to come.”

“Yeah well, I couldn’t let Scoots go into the Everfree by herself now can I?” Rainbow Dash asked as she hovered above the group.

“I wouldn’t be alone, I would be with my friends and Miss Zecora.” Scootaloo said.

“Even then dear, it’s best if we went along with you four just in case. Safety in numbers after all.” Rarity said.

“I kinda agree with Rarity.” Sweetie Belle said softly as she rubbed her leg.

“I’m sure we would have been fine.” Scootaloo said then she finally noticed Mandu. “Oh, you brought Mandu?”

“Yeah, she wanted to come with me. Plus, it’s been a while since she’s been out of the house.” Kipo said as she pets the Mute pig on the head.

“Hey Shy, can we talk for a spell?” Applejack asked as the group started to move into the forest.

“Of c-course.” Fluttershy said with a nod though she could guess what Applejack wanted to talk about.

Fluttershy and Applejack stayed in the back of the group and Applejack started with a slight frown. “I heard Full Moon and Big Mac got into an argument down in the market, do you know what it was about?”

Fluttershy shook her head. “No, the only thing he told me was that it was stallion business.”

Applejack sighed and frowned while shaking her head. “I saw Big Mac talkin’ with Granny when Ah followed Bloom here.”

“W-what?” Fluttershy asked in surprise.

“Yeah.” Applejack said with a sigh. “And she was smilin.”

That made Fluttershy worried. “O-oh dear. I’d hate to know what made her smile.”

“Me too, Ah hope Mac aint doin somethin he will regret.” Applejack said with a frown.

“I hope so too. Big Mac is a good stallion and I really don’t want to see him end up like the Cultists.” Fluttershy said.

Applejack let out a sigh. “An will try ta talk with em after this, maybe you and Full Moon should talk about this.”

“I will try.” Fluttershy said.

“Hey slowpokes! Hurry up! You’re falling behind!” Rainbow Dash called out to her two friends.

“Right, sorry RD.” Applejack said as she and Fluttershy trot to catch up.

“What were you and momma talking about Aunt Applejack?” Kipo asked the apple farmer.

“We were talkin about…” Applejack started before she bit her lip, unable to lie.

“Just adult stuff dear. That’s all.” Fluttershy said quickly, knowing how Applejack is when it comes to lying.

“Oh ok.” Kipo said with a smile. The group continued on through the forest, the CMC would pass the time by chasing Mandu around or she would chase them, either way, the forest was filled with their laughter.

Eventually they had reached Zecora’s hut. Most, if not all of them, had been to Zeocra’s hut before so those that hadn’t were a bit uneasy about the masks all over her home. “Miss Zecora, what do you want us to do first?” Kipo asked with a bright smile.

“Well, you can clean up the area over there and if I require it, could bring me some ingredients for the brew that I am making.” Zecora told them as she put her bag down and walked over to the cauldron in the center of the hut.

“Sure thing!” Scootaloo said as the girls started to clean.

“Cleaning dear?” Rarity asked Zecora as the shamaness lit the fire under the cauldron.

“It is the safest thing for them to do. And for us as well. After all, little fillies do tend to make a mess of things.” Zecora said.

“That is true.” Rainbow said with a laugh then looked at the cauldron. “So what are you making?”

“Just a simple potion, nothing more.” Zecora said as she grabbed some ingredients nearby and put them in the boiling liquid.

“What is it gonna do?” Rainbow asked while watching.

“Nothing worth explaining.” was Zecora’s response. She then looked at Applebloom. “Young Applebloom please hand me that root on that shelf.”

“Right away!” Applebloom reached up and got the root, then gave it to Zecora.

“Thank you.” Zecora said as she broke off a piece of it and added it to the brew. This caused a light green mist to rise from it followed by a foul smell which was bad for those with much stronger senses of smell like Kipo and Full Moon.

“Ack! My nose! It burns!” Kipo cried as she covered her nose.

“Gah!” Full Moon shook his head before covering his nose. “What was in that?”

“Root of a Timberwolf. Quite difficult to acquire but very useful in most brews.” Zecora said as she used a ladle to stir the cauldron. Then she grabbed a flower and plucked its petals and added them to the brew, causing the mist to change colors and the foul smell to disappear.

“Warn us next time please, that stuck to tartarus.” Full Moon said while still rubbing his nose.

“I think Kipo died.” Scootaloo said and everyone looked at Kipo who was laying on the ground, her eyes becoming swirls while her tongue stuck out.

“She is just in shock, take her outside to breathe some fresh air.” Full Moon explained before he sighed. “She has a stronger sense of smell than the average pony.”

“Even stronger than a wereponies?” Rainbow Dash asked as Scootaloo and Fluttershy brought Kipo outside.

“About the same, but I am used to getting surprised by strong scents.” Full Moon said while he finally lowered his hoof.

“That much is obvious. Kipo was KO’d by the smell instantly.” Rainbow Dash said with a snicker, making the other snicker or giggle as well.

Full Moon rolled his eyes. “Yes, well I may have to train her to get used to things like that. The Cultists use scent bombs to weaken wearponies and other creatures with sensitive noses.”

“Oh.” Rainbow Dash said, the mood dropping at the mention of how the Cultists use a wereponies sense of smell against them.

Full Moon let out a sigh. “Sorry about dropping the mood.”

“It’s fine Full Moon. No need to worry about it.” Applejack said.

He sighed and looked over at Zecora. “Hey Zecora, is there a spot in your hut where the adults can talk with a bit of privacy?”

“Hmm, sadly no as my hut is rather small.” Zecora said.

“I can use magic to give us some privacy but we will need to be out of the way so none of the foals walk into the area.” Rarity said with a soft smile.

“Do that.” Full Moon said.

Rarity walked over to a corner of the hut away from anything else and lit her horn with magic. She smiled and looked at the group before moving her mouth to speak but they heard nothing.

“Wow, that’s some advanced stuff.” Full Moon said then looked at Zecora. “Are you gonna be ok with the little ones?”

“Yes, I can keep them out of trouble for a while.” Zecora said with a smile.

“Thanks.” Full Moon said then he and the others walked over to Rarity.

“What did you need to talk about dear?” Rarity asked.

Full Moon sighed and sat down. “Me and Big Mac got into a fight regarding Kipo.”

This shocked all the mares, even Applejack who didn’t know the reason of said fight. “What?! What were you two fighting about?!” Rainbow Dash asked him.

Full Moon sighed and looked away a bit. “Big Mac said he caught Kipo looking at Applebloom strangely, like a predator. I tried to tell him he was wrong but he wouldn’t have any of it. I even tried to show him Kipo is a good girl but he saw her sharp teeth when her tail was pulled by a foal. That settled it for him. He doesn’t want Kipo or us around Applebloom or Applejack.” He explained, and even though Applejack didn’t feel any lies, she felt like he was somehow.

“But he was so fine with her being around! He even knows about her little jaguar traits.” Rarity said, distraught that someone that they knew and trusted to be a friend would suddenly hate Kipo like that.

“I know that, but…I kinda got upset and clawed his face.” Full Moon said with a sigh.

“You what??!!?!” Most of the mares shouted in shock while Applejack frowned, already knowing he lied.

Full Moon frowned and looked at the ground. “He wouldn’t listen to reason, and the moment he mentioned that damn religion I snapped.”

“Wait what? You don’t mean Celestiaism right?” Rainbow Dash asked, hoping she wasn’t hearing things right.

“I do.” Full Moon said with a nod.

“Now Ah know that’s a load of horseapples! Big Mac is against that blasted cult!” Applejack said angrily.

“You can speak with him if you don’t believe me.” Full Moon said with a frown.

“Ah will. Because Ah know for a fact that Big Mac is just as against the idea of killing innocent ponies as me.” Applejack said.

“I hope you can talk some sense into him.” Full Moon said as Fluttershy, Kipo and Scootaloo came back inside and started helping Zecora again while Fluttershy walked over to the group, noticing the distraught looks of Rarity and Rainbow Dash and the angry glare on Applejacks face.

“What happened?” she asked.

“I told them what happened between me and Big Mac.” Full Moon said.

“O-oh. I’m guessing the reason behind the fight wasn’t anything good.” Fluttershy said and they nodded their heads.

“Sorry Shy.” Full Moon said with a bit of a sigh.

“Just tell me what had caused the fight.” Fluttershy said while looking down. Full moon sighed, hating to explain what he told the others but knew he had to.

Meanwhile Kipo smiled up at Zecora. “What can we do for you now?”

“Well, one of you can stir the pot while I grab some more ingredients.” Zecora said.

“Ok.” Kipo said before Zecora gave her a large ladle and she started to slowly stir the pot. “Like this?”

Zecora nodded her head before walking over to a shelf full of different items. “Yes, keep stirring it just like that.” while she was gathering supplies, the other CMC and Mandu had huddled around Kipo and the cauldron to watch.

“What do ya think the adults are talking about?” Applebloom asked as she watched her sisters and others speaking but was not able to hear them.

“I don’t know. I can’t hear them which is weird since my ears can hear just about everything.” Kipo said, not taking her eyes off the pot but did try listening in to the adults conversation but couldn’t hear anything as well.

“It is Rarity’s privacy spell, she uses it late at night when she is getting ready for bed or speaking with a customer.” Sweetie Belle said as she looked into the pot.

“Eh? Why would she need to use that when talking with customers or even at night?” Scootaloo asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yeah, that’s so weird.” Kipo added just as Zecora came back only to add a couple of items into the brew before returning to the shelves.

“I don’t know but she locks the door when she does it.” Sweetie Belle said with a shrug.

“Huh, weird. Must be some lame adult stuff or something.” Scootaloo said then looked at the brew. “What do you think Zecora’s making?”

Zecora smirked a bit. “Some lame adult stuff, little one.”

“Aw man.” Scootaloo said with a pout, making her friends giggle a bit. “Can you at least give us a hint?”

Zecora peeked over at the other adults before she chuckled. “It is something to help stallions in bed.”

“You mean to help them sleep?” Kipo asked the zebra shamaness.

She chuckled and smirked. “I will say no more little one.”

“Dang.” Kipo said, pouting a bit herself.

“Hey, maybe we can try earning our own potion brewing Cutie Marks after this if helping Zecora doesn’t get us our Cutie Marks.” Applebloom said.

Zecora’s eyes widened a bit. “Oh um…p-perhaps you can use the small cauldron over there.” She pointed at a small cauldron sitting upside down on a counter.

“Awesome! I wonder what kind of potions we can make!” Scootaloo said, her wings buzzing in excitement.

“Maybe we can ask Ms Zecora to teach us? That way we don’t accidentally mess something up.” Kipo said, knowing how that whenever her friends wing something, it usually ends in disaster.

“Um, I believe I have a beginners book in the cupboard.” Zecora said while pointing at another cupboard.

The other three Crusaders rushed over to it and opened it and sure enough, there was a beginners book to potion brewery sitting there. “This is great! Ah bet we can make all sorts of potions with this!” Applebloom exclaimed excitedly as she grabbed the book.

“Maybe we should wait on that? After all, we’ve been busy all day so we should take a break from Cutie Mark hunting.” Kipo said as Zecora took over.

“It would be a good idea to wait till your sisters are able to watch over you.” Zecora said.

“Yeah, I feel like that’s a good idea.” Sweetie Belle said just as the adults walked over to them, no doubt done talking.

“Hi momma.” Kipo said with a smile. “Are you all done talking?”

“Yes, we are.” Fluttershy said, giving KIpo a smile though Zecora could immediately tell that something was wrong based on the looks on all of them but decided to not speak up about it.

“Can you help us practice potion brewing?” Applebloom asked while holding up the book.

“Uh, maybe some other time Bloom. Ah got something to take care of back on the farm.” Applejack said, holding back her anger and sadness.

Applebloom tilted her head. “Does that mean we need to go home?”

“After y’all are done here.” Applejack said.

“They can go at any time.” Zecora said with a smile. “They were a great help.”

“You’re welcome Ms Zecora, we’re happy to help.” Kipo said with a smile of her own.

Zecora smiled and patted Kipo’s head. “Stay safe young one.”

“I will Ms Zecora.” Kipo said before she looked around. “Hey, where’d Mandu go?” Snorting was heard and everyone looked over to see the Mute Pig biting on one of the tables legs.

Zecora grabbed a broom and whacked Mandu on the butt. “No, bad pig.”

Mandu lets out a snort of surprise before biting the broomstick only for Kipo to grab her, making the Mute Pig let go. “Bad piggy. No eating Ms Zecora’s stuff.” Kipo said.

Mandu squealed and snorted. “Wonder why she did that.” Full Moon wondered.

“I don’t know, Cipher didn’t really give me any books about her.” Fluttershy said before looking at Zecora. “Sorry about her. I’ll try to see why she did that.”

“I would appreciate it.” Zecora said with a shake of her head.

“Hey Zecora, mind if Ah borrow this book for a bit?” Applebloom asked as she held up the book.

“I do not mind as long as you don’t attempt to make any potions without supervision.” Zecora said with a soft smile.

“Ah won’t. Ah promise.” Applebloom said with a smile.

“Have a good day young ones.” Zecora said as she got back to mixing the potion in the cauldron.

“Bye Zecora!” the Crusaders said all at once before leaving the hut with the adults following them.

Rainbow Dash flew next to Applejack. “Want me to come back as backup?”

Applejack shook her head. “No, this is family matters. Ah don’t want to get y’all involved.”

“I know but I want to be there for you if you need me.” Rainbow Dash said, concern in her voice.

“And Ah appreciate it but…” the apple farmer sighed. “This is just something Ah have to deal with myself.”

“Alright, but I will be above your farm in the usual spot if you need me.” Rainbow Dash said with a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder.

“Thanks Dash.” Applejack said with a small smile.

“You also have us too Applejack. If you need help with anything, we’re there for you.” Rarity said and Fluttershy and Full Moon nodded their heads in agreement.

“Thank you all.” Applejack said with a small smile.

Her friends all returned the smile, though strangely, Full Moon’s faltered a bit. “You’re welcome, Applejack. What are friends for?” Fluttershy said.

“I guess that is true.” She chuckled a bit. They then heard a commotion in front of them and looked over to see Kipo was glowing.

“Kipo!?” Fluttershy flew over to her with Full Moon running after her.

“What’s happening?!” Kipo asked in fear as she glowed even brighter while some sort of mist began to surround her.

“We got you Kipo!” Full Moon said before the mist swallowed the small family, leaving nothing behind.

“Kipo!”

“Fluttershy/Full Moon!”

Everyone shouted in shock and horror at the disappearance of their friends. “Where’d they go?!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she flew around they area where they were last seen.

Rarity lit her horn to search for Kipo’s necklace but her eyes widened. “I can’t find Kipo’s necklace anywhere!”

“What?! But can’t your magic find any gem no matter the distance?!” Rainbow Dash questioned, getting in Rarity's face. “How can it not find her?!”

“I don’t know.” Rarity said as she pushed Rainbow Dash back. “Let’s go to Twilight, maybe she can use a stronger version of the spell.”

“Then let’s get there now!” Rainbow Dash said as she flew off towards Ponyville, leaving a rainbow trail behind her.

“She does know none of us can move as fast as her right?” Applejack asked before she picked up Applebloom and Scootaloo while Rarity picked up Sweetie Belle and both mares placed the fillies on their backs.

“What about Mandu?” Rarity asked.

“Mandu can run really fast. I’ve seen her do it before.” Scootaloo said and Mandu snorts in confirmation.

“Well, alright then. Let’s get going, Rainbow will be getting to Twilight’s right about now.” Rarity said before she started to run. Applejack nodded before she and Mandu ran with Rarity to Twilights, hoping that she might have some answers to their friends disappearance.

Author's Note

Where did Kipo, her mother, and Full Moon disappear to? Find out in the next chap!