Chapter 23: Medical Creatures

One sunny day, Spike, along with some of the young students: Yona, Smolder, Gallus, Silverstream, Moon Shell, Dark Abyss, Crescendo Wave, and Ocellus are hurring to Zecora's hut in the Everfree Forest.

Smolder asks, "You think Zecora is going to help us?"

"Zebra has to. Zebra may know what to do," Yona says.

"I hope so. I don't want to get sick," Crescendo says.

"Me ether," The rest replies.

They soon reach Zecora;'s hut, which is a large tree.

Spike bursts in and screams, "Zecora!"

Zecora turns to see the small dragon and the others, "Why, Spike! You and your friends are in quite a hurry!"

She uses her teeth to grab a ladle and serves the tea in cups.

Then says, "Here drink this, and calm your worries…"

"We have no time for tea!" Gallus says.

"Yeah. We have an emergency in Ponyville," Smolder says.

"I think we can spare a second," Silverstream says, picking up the cup and drinking the tea.

Every creature else does the same.

Once they're done, Spike screams, "Everypony's sick!"

"It's some kind of sickness that spread throughout the whole town!" Moon Shell says.

"Everypony's sneezing and covered in red spots, and they're too tired to get out of bed," Dark Abyss says.

"But for some reason, we seem to be the only one. Only the ponies appear to be sick. Twilight and her friends," Ocellus says.

"Sandbar and Cozy Glow, and all ponies from school," Yona says.

"Even Sun and Regana are sick," Crescendo says.

"Do you know what it is?" Spike asks.

"There's many illnesses it could be… I'll just have to come with you and see," Zecora says.

Then begins to gather bottles of potions and medicines. Hearing that Zecora plans to go to Ponyville has the group concerned.

"Are you sure, Zecora? What if you get sick too?" Crescendo asks.

"Yeah. Aren't Ponies like Zebras or something?" Gallus asks.

"To tell you the truth, I'm not quite sure…" Zecora says.

Then brings out a leaf, "But an ounce of prevention's worth a pound of cure!"

She then ties them with vines and uses them to put it over her mouth.

Then says as she puts on her cloak, "My cloak and this mask should provide protection and help to reduce the chance of infection!"

"Great!" Spike cheers.

Zecora comes out of her hutand says, "Just one more thing and my outfit's complete, I'll need to quickly send a tweet…"

She then whistles and a little pink bird flies to her and lands on Zecora's hood.

"A bird?" Gallus says, confused.

"How's she going to keep her from getting sick?" Spike asks.

"Oh, she'll play her part. Now we're ready to start," Zecora says.

Then every creature begins to head back to Ponyville to see the situation.

Zecora asks, "So everypony now has this disease? And it spreads just with a simple sneeze?" Zecora asks.

"Yeah! And I can't find anything useful in any of Twilight's books!" Spike says.

"Not even at the school had anything useful," Smolder says.

"I've sent messages to Princess Celestia… but the Canterlot Disease Corps might not be here for days! And in the meantime, well… see for yourself" Spike says.

The group arrives at Ponyville to see that practically everypony in Ponyville is sick with the strange disease. They're all covered in red spots, and are sneezing and coughing like every second.

"My goodness! It's just as you said, Spike! I confess I've never seen the like!" Zeocra says.

"Yeah. It's pretty awful," Spike says.

"Very awful," Dark Abyss says.

Suddenly Silver Spoon walks to Zecora and about to sneeze on her. When she does, the bird flies in front of Zecora and flaps her wings to get to block the sneeze.

Silver Spoon coughs, and says, "Thorry, Thecora."

"Don't worry, Silver Spoon! I hope you feel well soon," Zecora says.

-Then the group continues to see the situation of the town.

"So that's what the bird is for. You should show that trick to Fluttershy!" Ocellus says.

"I'm afraid you've got it backwards, chum! She's the one I learned it from," Zecora says.

"Cool," Gallus says.

Zecora brings out her bag, "For our first step in fighting this awful disease, I'll need some room. Step back, every creature, please."

Every creature does what Zecora says and Zecora pulls out what looks like a sheet and poles. The next moment, the items form together to become a tent. The creatures are astonished to see Zecora's work.

"Whoa!" Gallus says.

"Amazing," Zecora says.

"Zebra uses magic?" Yona asks.

"I must disabuse you of some incorrect notions: Zecora magic is more than just potions," Zecora says.

Zecora enters the tent and says, "These sick ponies still need to eat…

The group enters the tent and Spike along with the other creatures are shocked to see that it's big on the inside. It's full of shelves that are covered in potion bottles, first aid kits, towels, and more. There's a table that has potions and stuff, and a cauldron in the middle of the room.

"We should feed them before their illness is treated," Zecora says.

"Gotcha! I'll start making some burdock broth!" Spike says.

Ocellus says, "I'll help Spike."

"Me too," Silverstream says.

"Me too," Smolder adds.

"Sounds good! A simple meal will help these ponies deal," Zecora says.

And so they get right to work, Spike and his group begin to make the broth for everypony to drink. At the same time, Zecora and the others are doing what they can to figure out a cure for the illness. Time has gone by and they head out to giver the sick ponies the broth that will make them feel better. At the same time, the potion for their illness has also been made. After they're done, the group travels throughout Ponyville giving every pony the soup for their illness. Time has gone by, and they reach the outskirts of Ponyville.

Gallus groans, "I can't believe we gave all those ponies some broth. My wings can't keep up."

Then flaps his wings in exhaustion.

"Me too. But it will be worth it once every pony in town gets better," Smolder says.

"The apple family got sick, too. If they don't get better soon, their entire apple crop will go bad before they can harvest it," Spike says.

"This fever struck the Apples down? But how? They live so far from town?" Zecora asks.

"I don't know… maybe the mailpony or a deliverpony brought it," Spike thinks.

"But when I visited earlier, they were all in bed, coughing and sneezing," Spike says.

"And have red spots," Ocellus says.

"It's good that you can't catch this disease. You can travel back and forth as you please," Zecora says.

"And it's good none of us caught it," Dark Abyss says.

"Yeah… You know I've always thought of myself as a pony, not a dragon… when I was younger. I remember I got sick with the Sapphire flue, I was so worried that I might give it to Twilight… and I was relieved when she told me I couldn't. Ponies and dragons are just too different, and yet, they are also the same," Spike says.

"I guess so. I think we're just lucky that we're the only ones who aren't sick," Smolder says.

"Yona hope Apple Pony feels okay," Yona says.

Spike knocks on the door and calls out, "AJ! It's Spike! And I've got Zecora and the others!
The top door opens to reveal Applejack who is very sick, "Howdy, Thyke… c'mon in, y'all."

Every creature entering inside to see the entire Apple Family is sick.

"The whole Apple family got bit by thith bug, just like the rest of Ponyville. 'Fraid we won't be much help to y'all."

"Calm yourself, Applejack, dear! That's why Spike, the young students, and I are here," Zecora says.

"Thank you kindly, Thecora. It'th lucky you, thpike and the others didn't get thick too," Applejack says.

"Yona and friends are here to help," Yona happily says.

They soon give the broth to the sick Apple Family. Granny Smith sneezes, but Spike and Gallus aren't affected. Soon, the group leaves the far.

"Bye Applejack, we'll check in tomorrow!" Ocellus says.

"Something that Applejack said gives me pause. It's true, we're not sick… but luck's not the cause," Zecora says.

"What do you mean?" Moon Shell asks.

"Well, you all are different creatures, so pony ills hold no fear. But I make my home in the forest, far from here. So it's not luck that kept me safe and sound. It's just that there's nopony else… around."

"Gee, that sounds…" Silverstream says.

Then Ocellus sadly says, "Lonely."

"Oh, please don't mistake… I don't feel alone. My friends have made Ponyville into my home. The line between zebra and pony has blurred, and Ponyville has made me feel a part of the herd. But even though friends and acceptance I'll find… I'm still the only one of my kind," Zecora says.

Then sadly says, "No matter how much I love this place, I'm still the only Zebra face."

"I guess we all kind of understand how you felt once. Each of us are the only creatures in Ponyville at some point. Now there are many different creatures," Smolder says.

Then Spike says, "Me too. I've met other dragons before, and well… we haven't always got along, but it was nice not being the only dragon for once. That is, until I met, Ember and Smolder, who also came here from time to time."

"Yeah. It's nice having a dragon around," Smolder.

Zecora smiles and giggles. Then every creature in the group continues forward.

Soon, they reach Fluttershy's cottage, and all of her animals are worried about her. Turns out, Screwball, Cosmos, and Discord are taking good care of her, and they aren't sick either.

Ocellus says, "Hi Fluttershy?"

"Ocellus… is that you?" Fluttershy asks, with a sore throat.

Cosmos pats her head, "Now Fluttershy, you shouldn't talk in your condition."

"Oh… sorry. I shouldn't speak or it'll hurt my throat," Fluttershy says.

"Don't worry Fluttershy, we got the perfect medicine to make you feel better," Silverstream says.

"We'll serve you some tea with some honey," Ocellus says.

"Thank you. I've been so sick I haven't been able to take care of my animals… I haven't had time to cook for them, so Discord and the others just leave out bowls of food for them while they take care of me," Fluttershy says.

"Yes, and we told you not to talk too much," Discord says.

"Yeah. You look terrible," Screwball sadly says.

"This tea will help you breathe easily and also if you feel queasy," Zecora says.

Spike then pours Fluttershy a cup of tea.

"Oh good…" Fluttershy says.

But Cosmos places her finger on Fluttershy's mouth to silence her.

"Say Zecora, do you know your bird is stuffing its face with seeds?" Screwball asks.

Zecora turns her head to see the bird with a stuffed stomach. Suddenly, Fluttershy sneezes on Zecora, making Spike drop the cup.

Spike becomes shocked, "Zecora! You've been exposed!"

"Emergency eye wash!" Silverstream screams and throws a bucket of water at her.

"I'll get that covered, "Cosmos says.

Then make a teapot and teacup appear. Spike and the others hurry to leave Fluttershy's cottage with Zecora on Yona's back. They rush back to Ponyville and take Zecora to the medical tent.

Spike brings out a magnifying glass and says, "Germ check!"

The others also look at Zecora to see that she hasn't been affected.

"Wait a minute… you're fine. You're not infected!" Spike says.

"Do you feel sick?" Ocellus asks.

"Not a bit. I feel quite fit," Zecora says.

"Everypony else was sneezing in seconds…" Moon Shell says.

Then Dark Abyss says, "So Zebras must be immune!"

"Oh" Zecora sadly says.

The group looks to see the sad look on her face.

"What's wrong? That's great, isn't it?" Spike asks.

"Well yes, it's good news. But it's… not what I'd choose," Zecora says.

"Huh?" The group replies.

"Have faith, I'm glad that I'm not sick. It's not that I don't care… but if I were, then that would be… something ponies and zebras share."

"Oh, I think I get it. If you had gotten sick then it would mean you have something in common with other ponies," Ocellus suspects.

Zecora nods her head in reply.

"True, but if you did, then you won't be able to help," Gallus replies.

"That is true that if I were sick, I'd be unable to work… so let's do it! And our duties not shrink," Zeocra says.

"Yeah!" Every creature cheers.

Then Smolder asks, "Wait, what? What does 'shrink mean?"

"Ignore the wording. Let's just get curing," Zecora says.

As time goes by, they test the different potions, check the charts of the ponies who are sick. They mix, stir, and pour in the cauldron, and anything that can be done to cure the ponies of Ponyville. Soon, the group wakes up the next day, feeling tired.

"I'm exhausted," Gallus says.

"I agree. I never knew making medicine is this much work," Moon Shell says.

"We've been working for hours on this ill, and yet we're no closer to a cure still," Zeocra says, tired.

"Is it similar to any zebra disease?" Dark Abyss asks.

"No. I'm afraid it's unfamiliar and also quite peculiar. Though I haven't been among zebras in ages. Who knows? Perhaps their disease books have some new pages," Zecora says.

"That's right, you've traveled all over Equestria. But you've never seen anything like this?" Spike replies.

"I've studied plagues, poxes, ague, diseases, and ills, and all kinds of cures, too… potions, powders, and pills. But this ailment I had yet to meet. So far, we can't cure… we can only treat," Zecora says.

"Well, I'm glad you're Zecora," Spike says, eating a gem.

"Yeah. We wouldn't get this if it weren't for you," Gallus says.

"Yona thinks Medical Zebra gives lectures at friendship schools," Yona says.

"What does medicine have to do with friendship?" Smolder asks.

"TLC," Yona says.

"I think she means, Tender, love, and care," Crescendo says.

"I'm glad too. It makes me…" Zecora say, but she sneezes.

Crescendo asks, "Zecora? Are you alright?"

"Well you know I'm feeling a bit purple. As if… there's something in my rhythm," Zecora says.

The group blink their eyes with confused looks.

"Okay, there is something wrong with her. That isn't even a rhyme," Gallus says.

Spike gasps, "Zecora! You're sick! You've been infected!"

"Nonsense! What bilge! I'm as healthy as a wolf!" Zecora says, but she begins to sweat and gain red spots too.

She begins to feel dizzy, "I'm suffused with warmth! What fun this illness prompts!" Zecora says, and begins to collapse.

Moon Shell and Sivlerstream quickly bring a cushion along Zecora to land safely on it.

"Great, now Zecora is sick, and she's like our only chance to figure out a cure," Smolder says.

"But it doesn't make sense. Zecora has been near so many sick ponies, and was sneezed on by Fluttershy. How come she got sick?" Gallus asks.

Ocellus begins to suggest, "Maybe she didn't get sick from Fluttershy, maybe there's something else?"

"Like what?" Smolder asks.

"I'm not sure," Ocellus says.

"Still, everypony was exposed to something that made them sick," Dark Abyss says.

Then Moon Shell asks, "How come we're the only ones who haven't got sick?"

"We've been with Zecora all day. We walked around town seeing the sick ponies, delivering them soup, and we ate with her…" Spike says, thinking.

Smolder then looks at the hay and says, "But we didn't eat the same thing?"

"What does that have to do with it?" Gallus asks.

"I think I know. Even though we get different diseases and such, the way we get them can be the same. It can be something in the air, something we eat, or drink, or even spread to another," Crescendo says.

Then Yona says, "And Medicine Zebra got sick after eating hay."

"Let's get this analyzed," Spike says, taking the strain hay.

He then uses a microscope to look at the hay strain he has. He then notices some strange black stuff on it.

"Ah-ha!" Spike says.

Spike looks into one of the books and says, "It's not a disease at all… it's…"

"In the HAY!" The group adds.

Sometime later, Twilight and Sun are sleeping in their beds. Soon, they begin to wake up to see Spike along with Gallus and the others.

"Spike?" Twilight softly asks.

"What happened?" Sun asks.

The baby smiles and giggles with glee.

"They're awake. It worked!" Spike cheers.

Yona happily says, "Princesses and baby are better! Yay!"

"Your highness, I'm with the Canterlot Disease Corps. Ponyville hay was contaminated with a fungus which cause your symptoms. Fortunately, it's easily treated. Mister Spike the Dragon and his friends connected us with the information we needed. They're quite capable researchers," The Pony says.

"Thanks," Gallus says.

"But we had help from Medicine Zebra," Yona says.

"Indeed," Zecora says, walking towards them.

"Thanks Zecora, we really owe you and the others for it," Sun says.

"In a way, but after you helped all of us, it's the least we can do," Gallus says.

"Sandbar and Cozy Glow better too," Yona says.

"Seems that we'll have quite a story once we're all feeling better," Twilight says.

"You can say that again," Smolder says.

"Yeah. Remind me never to eat hay until they're disinfected," Moon Shell says.

Soon, every creature in the room begins laughing with smiles on their faces. Every pony is better, and the creatures are happy that they are glad to help.