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// Chapter Nine: Zecora 
// Story: Bramblestar's Pony Experience 
// by Flagstar of Flagclan 
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      The two ponies headed into the Everfree Forest. Last time he had been here was a bad experience. He had just been sent to this world by Bluestar when he had died during the gathering. When he appeared in the forest he almost got attacked by timberwolves but Applejack and Fluttershy had saved him. Twilight interrupted his thinking when she stopped at a hut.

“Here we are.”

“And exactly where are we? And who are we going to see?”

“We are in the middle of the Everfree Forest.” She began “And we are visiting Zecora, a zebra. She is going to help us make the potion we need to send a voice message to your clan.”

Bramblestar nodded. Twilight went and knocked on the door of the hut. A blue pegasus opened the door. She looked confused.

“Solar Wind? What are you doing here?” She asked.

He flashed a smile. “I decided to be Zecora’s apprentice so I can make potions too. Come on in. I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.”

Bramblestar followed the two ponies inside. The decor looked very interesting to him and it kind of reminded him of Discord. A striped pony was standing over a cooking pot. She seemed to be muttering to herself. He caught the words Poison Joke. Solar Wind headed over to a shelf and grabbed a bowl with blue flowers in it. He handed it to the pony. She poured all of it in there and then looked at him and Twilight.

“Greetings both of you. I see you’re here for my latest brew.”

Bramblestar nodded. “Will it really work?”

“As the cauldron starts to bubble, you will appear in a puddle. A cat will see you very soon, and then you can seal Squirrelstar's doom.”

He let out a sigh. Clearly this pony, zebra, whatever she was, was going to rhyme everything. The cauldron started to and he walked over to it. He instantly saw Spiderleg. He yelled for him.

“Spiderleg!”

The cat looked around and then saw the puddle. He walked over to it and gasped when he saw Bramblestar’s reflection.

“Who are you and how do you know my name?”

“It’s me Bramblestar. I’m in a different world as a different animal.”

Spiderleg narrowed his eyes. “How do I know that you’re not lying?”

“Would I really do this just to lie to you?” Said Bramblestar with a annoyed hiss.

“No I guess not. So what do you want?”

“I came to tell you that Squirrelstar wanted me dead. She just kept close to me so she would be leader.”

He nodded his head. “The whole clan knows but there’s nothing we can do. Without you here we have to listen to her. I’m sorry Bramblestar but unless you come back she’ll remain our leader.”

And then the cauldron stopped bubbling. Bramblestar sighed in defeat. Zecora gave him a sympathetic look.

“I feel sorry for you. This is something no one should do. Squirrelstar has now taken power, so I’m afraid this is Thunderclan’s darkest hour.” She said.

Bramblestar just got up and left. Twilight followed him after saying goodbye to Zecora and Solar Wind. When she caught up she looked at him. She started to say something but he hardly heard her. He was more focused on how there was nothing that could be done. He wanted more than ever to rip his claws down Squirrelstar’s spine until she screamed in agony but he couldn’t.

“I can’t believe there’s nothing I can do.” He whispered to himself.