//------------------------------//
// The Town's Youth 
// Story: Too Young 
// by Swordoath 
//------------------------------//

	Quinn bit his lip to stem the oncoming flow of uncouth profanities that he so desperately wanted to release. Zack groaned inwardly, smiled outwardly, and continued to converse with the filly as the other girls were unleashed by Spike. Spike felt himself going numb. Now what? What could he possibly do now? Celestia herself was now a filly. He didn't know Luna's magical address. Maybe she'd come when she realized the sun had paused? It was a vain hope, but all he had.
"Spike," Quinn said suddenly. He was looking out the window, a worried expression plastered across his face. "You'd better take a look at this."
Spike's trepidation was difficult to overcome. When he looked out the window, he nearly fainted. He saw a near-fully grown Sweetie Belle, along with an equally-aged Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, none of which could he read the emotions. He composed himself as best he could, and opened the door a crack. 
"Can I help you?"
"Yeah, I think ya' can! Is Twilight here?" Apple Bloom requested.
"Yes." Spike said slowly.
"Can we talk to her?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Well... No."
"Why not?" Scootaloo Inquired.
"Because I think she's busy sucking her hoof." Zack said from behind Spike.
"What?!" The three exclaimed, pushing past the dragon.
She was indeed sucking her hoof. All six of them seemed to have further regressed. They were now small enough that Spike could hold one of them in each arm. They were no longer capable of climbing the stairs without having to reach up and pull themselves up, as noted with Pinkie Pie's attempt. It also seemed they were having difficulties with forming long sentences.
"I need da bafroom." Said AppleJack.
Well at least she didn't just dump on the floor, Zack thought absentmindedly. "I got it."
"How'd this happen?" Apple Bloom asked Spike.
"I... Uh..."
"Long story. The gist of it is that age potion has spread into the water systems, essentially reversing the ages of those who drink it, as is evident with yourselves, and your sisters." Quinn explained, taking down another picture book for Celestia. "Oh, and your primary ruler."
The three stood openmouthed, their jaws hanging like swings on a playground. Scootaloo was first to speak up. "How can we fix this?"
"Good question," Spike mumbled. "I mean, uh, the best we can think of is to wait for Princess Luna or Zecora. Hopefully one of them can figure out what to do. Until then, we just have to make sure everypony stays safe. Spread the word for us? Nopony believed Zack for some odd reason." He glared at the accused boy.
"I think it might serve us better if you two took your sisters as proof. No point in keeping that secret." Quinn added, accepting AppleJack into his arms from Zack, and beckoning Rarity over. 
"O-okay," Stammered Sweetie Belle, still processing what had just been revealed. She lifted up Rarity onto her back. She was still holding onto the scale Spike had given her earlier with her tiny hooves. Apple Bloom did likewise with Apple Jack. Scootaloo Shuffled awkwardly aside. Zack winked at her, and motioned for Rainbow Dash to come over. The filly lifted her idol up onto her back with her wings, much to both of their enjoyment.
"Well? What are you waiting for, a parting gift? Go!" Quinn rushed them out, slamming the door behind them.
"That was a bit rude," Observed Zack.
"Oh, hush. I'm a little tense, given our situation. They're still getting younger, in case you haven't noticed!"
"They are?" Zack mocked  surprise. 
"Not now guys. We need to go out and warn people too. We can each take one of the girls with us." Spike said. "I'll take-"
"I've got Twi." Quinn said quickly.
"Pinkie's mine." Zack followed up.
"... I guess I get FlutterShy, then." Spike said, a bit weirded out by the sudden favoritism.



The totaling-six set off on divergent paths to warn the citizens, but in nearly every place, they were too late. The Cake Twins were now fully grown, and their parents were infants, as Zack found out (He also noted that the twins were smart as any of that age, and as mature too, oddly enough). AppleBloom found her brother in a field, crying, and no trace of Granny Smith anywhere. Scootaloo went on to warn the citizens Cloudsdale to avoid Ponyville for a few days. Sweetie found all her classmates were the same rough age as her. Quinn checked on the mayor and town's shops, finding all had been affected. Spike checked the residential area with similar results. Late that night (though the sun had not moved, the clocks had), the six returned to the treehouse, making sure every child and every infant was paired with a responsibly aged adult. They were exhausted, and collapsed in their various respective parts of the library, (the girls on the couches and chairs, Spike and the boys in their beds) after tucking in the young ones in Twilight's now-comparatively giant bed.