//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: New lessons ahead // Story: A Baby Zebra's Apple Turnover // by Foal Star //------------------------------// The Cutie Mark Crusaders arrived at Zecora’s old hut a short time later. They were in awe as they entered, and gazed upon the shelves of books on potions. The fillies began to whisper amongst themselves as Sweetie Belle turned to Apple Bloom and asked, “So, you think the cure is written in one of these books?” Apple Bloom looked among them and replied, “Well, not exactly. I think that if I take my time and read them, we can find somthin’ that’ll be able to cure Zecora.,“ She then turned to the big cauldron in the middle of the room. She looked inside and saw it was empty, she then skipped over to a cupboard full of ingredients and potions and mumbled to herself, “I think we can start here. But we're probably goin’ to need to go into the Everfree Forest for more ingredients.” Scootaloo gulped, before she quickly added. “Yeah, that’s fine. I’m not scared of the Everfree Forest!” Sweetie Belle nodded. “Just tell us what you need, Apple Bloom, we can help. Heck, maybe we can all get our cutie marks in making potions!” Apple Bloom turned and smiled as she chirped, “That would be cool! But we should head back before Applejack gets suspicious.” The farm filly then went under the cupboard, taking some more books, potions, and ingredients, and stuffing them into her saddlebag. While that was going on, Scootaloo looked around. She noticed some weeds growing through the floorboards, and some holes in the roof, so she asked. ”Hey, Apple Bloom. This place is looking kind of bad. You think maybe we should fix it up a little?” Apple Bloom examined the state of the hut, and nodded. “Of course! How about next time we come, we grab some cleanin’ supplies and get this place all fixed up?” Sweetie Belle happily agreed. “I wouldn’t mind doing that. I’m sure Zecora will appreciate having a nice, clean hut to come back to when she goes back to being normal.” Having agreed to the restoration plan, Apple Bloom turned to her friends and suggested. ”How about this? I’ll look over the ingredients and potions I have now, and see what I can make. I’ll keep ya two updated on what’s goin’ on, and if I find somethin, then we can make the potion here together.” Sweetie nodded as she then suggested. “Alright. How about tomorrow we come back and clean this place up?” Scootaloo chirped. “That sounds like a great idea.” Apple Bloom gave the two a hug and squealed. “You two are the best!” They all giggled, then Apple Bloom broke the embrace and continued. “Alright, here’s the plan. We'll come here after school tomorrow with the cleanin’ supplies, and I’ll bring some tools too. Now come on, I have to be home before Applejack knows I'm gone.” Then the three ran off back into the forest. At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was coming back from a long day of Applebucking, to see Cheerilee feeding Zecora pieces of apple pie. Applejack gasped a bit, she hadn’t expected the teacher to be around this late. Still, she politely greeted. “Cheerilee, it's so good to see you.” Cheerilee turned and chirped. “Yeah, it's great to see you too, Applejack.” Applejack came over and hugged the two, nuzzling Zecora as she checked her diaper and asked. “So, Zecora, how are your lessons goin’? The little zebra giggled and exclaimed. “Is goin’ great! I wearned at weast thwee to five wetters awweady!” Applejack dawwed and nuzzled her, “That's wonderful! Good job, Zecora!” Cheerilee added, “Zecora is a very smart foal, at this rate I'm sure she’ll be able to start reading in a month or two.” Applejack turned to the teacher and thanked her, “You're doin’ so much helpin’ Zecora like this, I can’t thank you enough.” Cheerilee just cooed, “Oh it’s no problem. In fact this is quite extraordinary, for a one year old to even know their ABC’s, we could make some real breakthroughs in foal development.” Zecora gasped in surprise and asked with curiosity gleaming in her eyes, ”Weaway?! Wiww I be famous ow somthin’?!” Cheerilee shrugged as she continued, “Who knows? But we’ll have to see how long you’ll be a foal. But until you're cured, there's no telling what we can learn.” The baby zebra giggled, “I hope so, it sounds wike a wot of fun.” Applejack eyed Cheerilee skeptically and responded. “Now, Cheerilee. I don’t mind ya helpin’ Zecora, but I don’t want her bein’ some sort of guinea pig.” Cheerilee gave Applejack a surprised look as she explained, “That's not what I meant at all.” Zecora turned to Applejack and added, “Yeah, I dun mind tat, Abbwejack. it sounds wike I cowd hewp awot of foaws with weawing how to wead.” Applejack turned to Zecora and reluctantly she gave her approval. “Well, alright then, but just don’t work too hard. You're only a foal, I don’t want all that teachin’ harmin’ your health.” Cheerilee smiled at Applejack and reassured her. “Don't worry, I'll be sure to take it slow, and ensure she has ample time to be a regular foal as well. If you want, you can be a part of our sessions. Some parents do that when I teach the kindergartners. I find it helps a lot if the parents take an active role in a foal’s development.” Applejack blushed and shook her head, still kind of uncomfortable of the idea of being a mother. “No, tha's fine. I was just a bit worried, that’s all. I trust you’’ know what you’re doin’.” Cheerilee got up from the table, and after thanking Granny Smith for the pie she said to Applejack, “If you need any help with Zecora, let me know.” Applejack gave Cheerilee an odd look, “Trust me, Cheerilee, my family and I have got this under control.” Cheerilee giggled then waved as she left, as Zecora waved back, “Bye bye Miss. Cheewiwee.” Cheerilee opened the door and was surprised to find Apple bloom standing outside with her friends, blushing as she waved a hoof. “Oh, hello Miss. Cheerilee.” Cheerilee gave the Cutie Mark Crusaders a big smile, “Hey you three.” But Applejack came out with Zecora on her back and gave the Crusaders a glare as she asked, “What have ya three been up to? It’s almost sundown.” Apple Bloom blushed, “Well, um...ya see…” Sweetie Belle chimed in, “We were studying cows for class tomorrow.” Scootaloo nodded and quickly added, “Yeah, we were really interested in what you said about cows, so we wanted to watch them up close.” Cheerilee beamed at the Crusaders and praised them, “That's wonderful, I hope you learned more about them.” Applejack gave Apple Bloom a skeptical look as she replied, “That's great and all, but Apple Bloom, I thought I told ya to tell me where you go.” Apple Bloom blushed. “Sorry, Applejack. But we were only talkin’ to the cows, I didn’t think I’d need to ask permission for that.” The little farm filly strolled into the house as she waved bye to her friends and Cheerilee. Cheerilee then replied. “Well, it was nice seeing you three. Now, I have tests to grade, but I will be looking forward to your report on cows tomorrow.” She then trotted off and the other fillies gave each other nervous looks and slowly walked away, leaving Applejack and her younger sister. Applejack closed the door and asked, “Apple Bloom, can ya play with Zecora for a little bit? I still need to buck some apples before sundown, but I can’t leave Zecora in just Granny’s care..” Apple Bloom gave a nod. “Sure, I wouldn’t mind that.” She then took ahold of the baby zebra who shouted happily, “Abbwe Bwoom, I missed ya!” And hugged the farm filly’s muzzle. Apple Bloom snuggled the foal, cooing. “I missed ya too.” Applejack eyed the two, as she told them. “Now, you two be good and listen to Granny. Ya better not give her a hard time.” Apple Bloom nodded and chirped, “Don't ya worry bout a thing big sis, we have everythin’ under control. I promise!” Applejack still eyed her little sister, but reluctantly left as Zecora turned to Apple Bloom and babbled at her. “So, wha ya want ta do?” Apple Bloom looked around, making she and Zecora were alone (and they were, Granny Smith was busy with baking). She then whispered. “Zecora, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and I went to your hut to see if we can find somthin’ to cure ya.” Zecora gasped before Apple Bloom silenced. She then asked in a softer tone. “So, did ya find someting?” Apple Bloom gave a smirk as she explained. “Well not yet, but my friends and I will go by and keep it clean while we try to make a cure on our own. Heck, we might even get our cutie marks for it.” Zecora squealed, only barely remembering to keep her voice down. “Tat sounds great! I hope ya get ya cutie mawks in potion makin! Then when I become a big zebwa, I can teach ya evewyday!” Apple Bloom blushed. “Yeah, it would be kind of cool to have a cutie mark in potion makin’.” Zecora babbled. “Weww, can I come too ten? I might be some hewp, I can’t wead vewy weww and I fowgot awot about makin potions, bu I can hewp with getting stuff.” Apple Bloom sighed as she reluctantly whispered in reply. “I don't think so. Applejack would probably stop me from goin’. And if I started takin ya there, she’s goin’ to get suspicious and probably find out what I'm really doin’.” Zecora frowned and crossed her forelegs as she protested, “Wha does tat have ta do with me? I can say I pwayin with ya ow somthin.” Apple Bloom smirked, Zecora had unknowingly given her a great idea. “Well, we can take ya once in awhile,” She whispered. “I was actually thinkin’ of takin’ ya tomorrow. We have a little surprise for ya.” Zecora shrieked, but somehow Granny Smith didn’t overhear. “Wha is it!?” Apple Bloom booped Zecora on the nose, shushing her. “That would spoil the surprise.” That made Zecora pout again, as Apple Bloom dawwed, lifted the baby zebra up onto her back and asked, “How about we go play somethin’ in my room?” Zecora hugged Apple Bloom’s mane as she babbled, “Otay, wha we gonna pway though?” As Apple Bloom walked up stairs she pondered for a bit, and then asked, “How about hide and go seek?” Zecora squealed in anticipation, her legs making her diaper crinkle. “Tat sounds wike fun!” Apple Bloom ran upstairs with Zecora, reached her bedroom, and settled Zecora near her bed as she asked. “Now Zecora, how about ya count and I hide?” The baby zebra nodded and babbled, “Otay, ya hide and I count ta ten.” Apple Bloom nodded. But as she was about to hide, she turned and asked the baby zebra, “Do you even know how to count to ten?” Zecora paused for a second and giggled as she shook her head, “Not weawwy, bu I’ww twy,” Apple Bloom shrugged and ran off, as Zecora waddled to the wall and started to count “One...two...thwee...uh...thwee...somthin...uh...ten! Hewe I come!” She started waddling around the room, digging through Apple Bloom’s closet, then looking under her bed. She then went out of the room and started going through the other rooms in search of Apple Bloom. She first peeked into Applejack’s room and waddled about, looking under the bed but only finding spare diapers which made her giggle. She then looked under her crib, but still nothing. She groaned and went out into the hallway while babbling. “Abbwe Bwoom has to be up hewe somewhewe.” She then went into Big Mac’s room, where she found him taking a nap. She giggled, crawling over to the giant stallion and wiggling herself onto his bed. She came up to his nose and snuggled him, making the big stallion giggle. The baby zebra then crawled up to his muzzle and booped, it making him wake up. Big Mac blinked a few times, before he gazed upon a baby zebra smiling and drooling on his chest, and he asked. “Zecora?! What are you doin’ in here?” Zecora shouted while bouncing. “Hey, Big Mac! Wanna pway with Abbwe Bwoom and me?! We pwayin hide and seek!” Big Mac blushed as he answered, “I...I...I would love to but...uh...I still have to help Applejack…” Zecora giggled, “Ten why ya takin a nappy?” Big Mac blushed and hugged Zecora close as he cooed, “I was just takin’ a small break, that’s all.” Zecora snuggled into him, “Uh huh, sure.” Big Mac reluctantly got up, still hugging her. “Alright, I’ll play.” He told her. Zecora jumped down, happily shouting. “Otay, now I gots to find Abbwe Bwoom!” She waddled off as Big Mac followed her, and they trotted to Granny Smith’s room. They both peered in as Zecora slowly crept to the closet and tried opening it. Big Mac chuckled and helped the baby zebra open it. Apple Bloom then suddenly pounced out and tackled Zecora, who squealed as Apple Bloom started tickling the baby zebra. She was bursting with laughter and kicking about frantically, as her diaper crinkled adorably, until an audible hisss could be heard. Zecora groaned, “Abbwe Bwoom, ya made me pee!” Apple Bloom got off the foal giggling and apologizing, “Oops, sorry Zecora,” She then turned to her big brother and gasped, “Big Mac, ya playin’ too?!” Big Mac blushed as he nodded, “Eyyup.” Apple Bloom happily shouted, “Great! This time, I'll find ya, and you two go hide!” Big Mac nodded, picking Zecora up he ran off with her on his back. He went into his bedroom, hiding under his bed with Zecora. She snuggled into his embrace as they waited and faintly heard Apple Bloom call out. “...Ten! Ready or not, here I come!” Soon, Apple Bloom came into Big Mac’s room and smirked as she looked down. “Found ya!” She shouted. Big Mac giggled, crawling out with Zecora who cooed, “Big Mac, ya so big ya gave us away!” Big Mac just nuzzled Zecora as he said, “Eyyup.” Then Apple Bloom asked, “Why don't we play outside? Then we’ll have more room and we can find better hidin’ places?” Big Mac simply replied, “Well, we could tomorrow, but not right now. It's gettin’ late and I still need to help Applejack with the apple buckin’.” He placed Zecora back on the ground and Apple Bloom glared at her brother and exclaimed, “Fine then, tomorrow after school we play hide and seek, no excuses!” Big Mac gave his sister a nod, “That's a promise.” He assured her. He then trotted off, as Zecora turned to Apple Bloom, “So what ya want ta do now, Appwe Bwoom?” Apple Bloom turned to the little zebra, “We’d better go downstairs and see if dinner is ready. Also I think ya need a diaper change.” Zecora prodded her diaper with a hoof, “Nah, is fine. It can pwobabwy handwe one more soak. Besides, I pwobabwy gonna do a poopy soon. Tat appwe pie’s gotta be cwose to comin’ out.” “Guess it ain’t that soaked now that I look at it,” Apple Bloom concluded, looking at the diaper. “It’s too bad you’re not big enough for the toilet, I don’t think we have my old trainin’ potty, and I don’t think Granny or Applejack will like the idea of ya ‘fertilizin’ the soil’ as they call it,” Apple Bloom laughed picking the baby zebra up, “I tell ya, you’re adorable. You know that Zecora?” And the energetic farm filly skipped downstairs. Unaware of anything that was transpiring back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was busy Applebucking out in the fields as usual, when Pinkie Pie came out of nowhere shouting, “Applejack!” Applejack turned and grumbled in agitation, “What is it Pinkie Pie? Can’t ya see I’m busy?” She asked. Pinkie just shouted louder. “Why didn't you tell me Zecora turned into a foal and you're the one caring for her?!” She started looking Applejack over as the orange coated mare with a blonde mane rolled her eyes, lightly pushing her friend back as she asked, “What in tarnation are ya sayin’ Pinkie Pie?” Pinkie rolled her eyes and scoffed. “What am I talking about? It seems like everypony in Ponyville knew that you were a mom except me! I thought we were friends!” Applejack eyes went wide as she took hold of Pinkie, “You're sayin’ everypony in Ponyville knows about Zecora?!” “Duh, just about everypony in Ponyville has been talking about it,” Pinkie replied. “Heck I even told our friends so we can throw a birthday party for the little cutie!” Applejack mouth dropped down, the enraged farm mare shook her head and stomped her hoof as she shouted, “Pinkie Pie! Ya need to cancel the party right this instant! Ya hear me?!” Pinkie laughed as she asked sarcastically, “And why is that, Mom?!” Applejack, taken aback by the sudden remark, looked around as she thought. “What would be a good excuse? Come on, Applejack, think of something!” Suddenly, inspiration struck her. She then beamed as she replied to Pinkie, “Because, I think we might find a cure. And when we do, I'm sure everypony will be disappointed that Zecora isn’t a foal anymore.” Pinkie threw hoof as she scoffed, “Oh, don't worry, Applejack. It’ll still be a birthday party anyway. Besides, that's why it'll be in three days. I’m sure a cure won't be made by then. Also, don't tell Zecora! After all, we want it to be a surprise.” Pinkie then bounced off, leaving Applejack stunned as she whispered, “What am I goin’ ta do?” She then spotted Big Mac trotting up to her, so she went to him and frantically shouted, “Big Mac, I need your help!” Big Mac went wide eyed as Applejack explained, “Pinkie Pie is plannin’ a party for Zecora, and supposedly everypony knows ‘bout Zecora, which means everypony is goin’ to treat me like a mom forever! What am I gonna do?!”     “Applejack, if you're scared that everypony is goin’ to treat you differently, then just act as you always have and show that ya don't need help.” Big Mac suggested. Applejack thought for a second groaning, “I don’t know, Big Mac. I think I might have to do somethin’ drastic to get ‘em to stop.” Big Mac chuckled and asked sarcastically, “Like what exactly?” Applejack pondered for a few minutes, tapping a hoof to her chin. Then she lit up and gave a smirk as she replied, “I think I have an idea, Big Mac. Can ya finish the apple buckin’? I'm goin’ to be at Rarity's for a little bit.” Big Mac reluctantly gave a nod and said, “Eyyup,” He then watched his sister run off as Big Mac blinked and mumbled, “What is she up to?”