Deep within the Everfree Forest, Zecora stood in front of a cauldron full of water. With her was a white earth pony mare with a pink mane and tail. She was hard at work splitting a series of brown vines as Zecora watched over her.
“Be thorough in your work, Redheart,” she said. “What you are doing is the most essential part.”
“This medicine that you’re teaching me to make, what is it?” Redheart asked as she placed her split vine onto a pile. “I’ve never seen anypony use this combination of plants before.”
“A brew, like all medicine, designed to heal.” Zecora lit a gentle fire under the cauldron. She blew on it making it spread. “One that if used well, can make the user’s will like steel.”
Redheart placed the last vine on the pile. “Where did you learn to make this?”
“Before I made my home here, I was showed how by a tribe of deer.” Zecora picked up the vines, dropping them in the cauldron. “Redheart, drop the chakruna into our pot. And do not be conservative, we need a lot.” Redheart picked up a pile of leaves on Zecora’s work table. As she placed them in the cauldron, Zecora stirred its contents with a bamboo pole.
“Many desire this brew,” Zecora continued. “But the brew is not the only thing that will help you.
“You must learn the traditions and to sing in pure sound. Only then will the healing be profound.”
Steam started to rise up from the cauldron followed by a bitter smell. Redheart pinched her muzzle, turning away from the steam.
“Wait,” Redheart said confused. “Traditions and singing in pure sound? What does that have to do with healing?”
“To be properly healed with this brew, you must practice all of the traditions and follow through.” Zecora pulled the bamboo out of the cauldron. She turned to Redheart with a dark expression on her face. “You cannot be a tourist among the spirits.”
“That’s preposterous!” Redheart yelled. “If this medicine is as effective as you say it is, then it shouldn’t matter if the ceremony is followed. Spirits have nothing to do with healing! They’re just made up tales to scare foals.”
“You’re young, and don’t understand.” Zecora shook her head. “Taking this will bring one to the deepest parts of their mind. They will face their demons and fears. It would be unwise to go in unplanned.”
“So you’re saying that singing in pure sound and these ceremonies will help with the healing?” Redheart asked. Zecora nodded. “That’s absurd. Studies show-”
“That your methods are faulty,” Zecora interrupted. “Isn’t that why you came to me? Throwing pill after pill at a pony can only do so much. It does work as a crutch, but one cannot rely on it without losing touch.” Redheart was silent. She opened her mouth for a retort, but no words came out. Zecora looked into the cauldron.
Redheart followed Zecora’s example. Inside was a dark brown liquid with the leaves and dried vines barely visible. The bitter smell was stronger, making Redheart’s eyes water. “What’s this used to treat?” she asked.
“The mind, the body, and the soul. Any broken part of us to make us once again whole.”
“The songs in pure sound and the traditions, can you show me how to perform them?”
Zecora smiled. “What kind of a teacher would I be if I didn’t show you what to do?” she said chuckling. “Is there anypony that you and your friends have failed to help?”
“There’s this one patient.” Redheart rubbed her foreleg. “She hasn’t responded to any of the medication that we’ve given her and the sessions that the psychologists with her do nothing. I think she might be getting worse.”
Zecora placed the bamboo pole back into the cauldron. “Bring her here and we’ll give her a taste. Hopefully our efforts won’t go to waste." Redheart nodded and headed for the exit of Zecora’s home. As Redheart was leaving, Zecora picked up a ladle. She scooped a small part of the solution in the cauldron, pouring it into a nearby bottle. She placed the bottle near a stone tea cup on top of her work table. Zecora continued emptying the solution into bottle after bottle. Once she was done, she moved around her home, looking for the materials she would need to help heal a sick pony.