Y/n went into Ponyville, his burn fully healed. He looks around, but sees no one around.

Y/n: Strange. Usually, these streets are filled with ponies and Pinkie Pie would normally try to talk to me as soon as I walk in this village.

He continues walking until he sees Twilight and Spike.

Y/n: Twilight Sparkle and Spike, nice to see you.

Twilight: Oh, hello, Prince Y/n. Do you know what's going on.

Y/n: No. I just got here.

???: Psst!

They turned to the direction of Sugarcube Corner to see Pinkie peeking from behind the door.

Pinkie: (Whispering: Twilight! Spike! N/n! Come here! Come here! Hurry! Before she gets you!)

They went inside where it was pitch black until someone turned on a flashlight.

Spike: Who? The zombie pony?

Pinkie: Z-Zombie pony?

Y/n: The Tartarus is a zombie pony?

Twilight: There are no zombie ponies. Pinkie, what are you doing here alone in the dark?

Pinkie: I'm not alone in the dark.

The room brightened up a bit to show the rest of the mane six and a filly.

Twilight: Okay, then, what are you all doing here in the dark?

Applejack: We're hiding from her.

Applejack pulled back the curtains a little bit to show a pony like figure in a brown cloak digging up the ground with her hoof then looked up at their direction.

Everyone except Y/n and Twilight gasped and got down.

Filly: Did you both see her? Did you see... Zecora?

Y/n took a better look at the filly.

Y/n: And who are you?

Applejack: This is my little sister, Apple Bloom. And I told you never to say that name, Apple Bloom.

Twilight: Well, I saw her glance this way.

Pinkie: Glance e-e-evilly this way.

Twilight: And then a bunch of you flipped out for no good reason.

Applejack: No good reason?! You call protecting your kin no good reason? Why, as soon as my sister saw Zecora riding into town, she started shaking in her little horseshoes.

Applejack began shaking Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom: (shakily) Did not.

Applejack then put Apple Bloom on her back.

Applejack: So I swept her up and brought her here.

Apple Bloom: I walked here myself.

Applejack: For safekeeping.

Apple Bloom: Applejack, I'm not a baby! I can take care of myself!

Applejack: Not from that creepy Zecora.

Fluttershy: She's mysterious...

Rainbow Dash: Sinister...

Pinkie: And spo-o-oky.

Twilight rolled her eyes and looked out the window with everyone else to see Zecora lower her hood.

Rarity: Just look at those stripes. So garish.

Y/n: She's a Zebra.

Mane six/Apple Bloom: A what?!

Y/n: Don't tell me none of you know what Zebras are.

Twilight: I know a little about them. And her stripes aren't a fashion choice, Rarity. They're what she was born with.

Rarity fainted.

Applejack: Born where? I never seen a pony like that in these parts, except... her.

Y/n: Zebras aren't classified as ponies. They have small villages all around Equestria. Me and my sisters met a few during the earlier years of our rule.

Twilight: I've never seen her in Ponyville. Where does she live?

Applejack: That's just it. She lives in... the Everfree Forest.

There was a loud crash which turned out to be Spike knocking over a few pans.

Twilight: Spike!

Spike: Uh, sorry.

Applejack: The Everfree Forest just ain't natural. The plants grow...

Fluttershy: Animals care for themselves...

Rainbow Dash: And the clouds move...

Mane 3: All on their own!

Pinkie: And that wicked enchantress Zecora lives there doing there, doing her evil... stuff! Why, she's so evil, I even wrote a song about her.

Y/n: You're not gonna sing it, are you?

Rainbow Dash: Here we go.

Y/n: Girls, have you forgotten that I also live Everfree Forest?

Rainbow Dash: Well, you're different. Even though you're a total bummer, you're all right. While I've heard a bunch of creepy stuff she's done.

Y/n: So, let me get this straight. You think she's evil because of things she "might" have done.

Twilight: Y/n's right. This is all just a lot of gossip and rumors. Now, tell me, what exactly have you actually seen Zecora do?

Rainbow Dash: Well... Once a month, she comes into Ponyville.

Twilight: Ooh!

Rarity: Then... she lurks by the stores.

Twilight: Oh, my.

Fluttershy: And then she digs at the ground.

Twilight: Good gracious. Okay, I'm sorry, but how is any of this bad Maybe she comes to town to visit.

Apple Bloom: Yeah. Maybe she's just trying to be neighborly.

Twilight: And maybe she's not lurking by the stores. Maybe she's going to them, lurk-free, to do some shopping.

Apple Bloom: Yeah. Everypony likes to shop. You know what I think?

Applejack: Apple Bloom, hush and let the big ponies talk.

Apple Bloom: (under her breath) I am a big pony.

Rainbow Dash: What about digging at the ground? You've got to admit that's weird.

Fluttershy: What if she's digging for innocent creatures?

Y/n walked towards the exit.

Twilight: Prince Y/n, where are you going?

Y/n: Where do you think? To sort out all this Zecora business.

Pinkie: What?!

Applejack: Are you mad?!

Fluttershy: You can't!

Y/n: Are you questioning me?

Fluttershy: N-no.

Pinkie: Not at all!

Applejack: Kinda!

Y/n: Hmm. As if there's a creature in existence that can pose a threat to me.

Y/n walked out and approached Zecora.

Y/n: Excuse me, miss. May I have a word with you?

Zecora took down her hood and looked at him.

Zecora: You may indeed, noble steed.

Y/n: (sigh) I forgot you Zebras had a rhyming habit. My name is Prince Y/n the Destroyer. You were doing somethings that were making most ponies around here feel uneasy, I came here to confirm if you had any ill intentions or not.

Zecora: I am terribly sorry, but you may not worry. I came here to get things for my brew, you understand, don't you?

Y/n: I do. May I see what you're working on?

Zecora nodded and looked behind Y/n.

Zecora: Why this is quite silly, you've been followed by a sweet, little filly.

Y/n turned and saw Apple Bloom had followed him.

Y/n: Apple Bloom, right?

Apple Bloom: Uh, yes, your destructiveness. I came to see if Zecora really wasn't as bad as everypony said she was. So, may I come with you?

Y/n thought for a moment.

Y/n: Try not to get in the way.

The three walked to the Everfree Forest.

Y/n: Listen, kid. This isn't a safe place, so stay close to me.

Apple Bloom: All right.

They walked into the Everfree Forest where Apple Bloom kept giving Y/n side glances.

Apple Bloom: Uh...

Y/n: If you have anything you'd like to say to me, I suggest you say it.

Apple Bloom: It's just... I want to thank you for helping out during Applebuck Season.

Y/n: Think nothing of it. I couldn't help but notice the relationship between you and your sister, Applejack.

Apple Bloom: Yeah. (sigh) I love my sister, but she's way too overprotective. I'm a big pony and I can perfectly take care of myself.

Y/n: I can see your frustration. And even though I don't agree with the way Applejack plays her role as elder sister, I'd be lying if I said I didn't understand.

Apple Bloom: What do you mean?

Y/n: Well, there's still a lot about my past life I don't remember, but I do remember I was extremely protective of my own younger sister, Luna, but she was nothing like you. Luna, in her foalhood, was extremely timid and she had trouble learning magic so I felt I had to protect her. But then she grew up and no longer needed my protection. Seems to me that Applejack is just having a hard time letting go. Apple Bloom, trust me when I say, you most certainly will not be treated like a foal by me.

Apple Bloom smiled warmly and gave him a hug.

Apple Bloom: I really appreciate it, Prince Y/n.

Y/n: (simply looks down at her) Please release me.

Apple Bloom let go.

Apple Bloom: Sorry.

They kept walking until they came across a bunch of blue flowers.

Apple Bloom: What are those?

Y/n looked at the flowers with disdain.

Y/n: Nothing we should associate with.

Zecora: The flower of which you spoke, it is known as Poison Joke. It is why I am making a cure, that will work for sure.

Y/n stopped walking and looked at Zecora with a slightly crazed gaze.

Y/n: What did you say?

Zecora and Apple Bloom looked at Y/n confused as he slowly walked towards Zecora.

Y/n: You knew there was a patch of these worthless things here, and that isn't the first... (grabs Zecora by her cloak with a look of pure rage) bucking thing you tell me?!

Zecora and Apple Bloom were taken aback by his sudden outburst which he quickly calmed down from.

Y/n: (deep breath) I apologize for my outburst.

Zecora: That is quite all right, though you did give me quite a fright.

Apple Bloom placed a hoof on his shoulder as to tell him everything's gonna be okay.

Y/n: Let's just keep going and-

???: Apple Bloom?!

They turned to see the Mane six standing in the Poison Joke.

Zecora: Beware! Beware, you pony folk! Those leaves of blue are not a joke.

Y/n: Zecora, go fix that brew you were talking about. If my memory serves me right, the effects will take place by tomorrow.

Zecora nodded and went into the mist and Applejack put Apple Bloom on her back.

Applejack: Y-You keep your creepy mumbo jumbo to yourself, you hear!

Zecora: Beware! Beware!

Rainbow Dash: Yeah! Back at you, Zecora! You and your lame curse are the ones who'd better beware!

Applejack: And you!

She looked back at Apple Bloom.

Applejack: Why can't you just listen to your big sister?

Apple Bloom: I-I...

Applejack: Who knows what kind of nasty curse Zecora could have just put on you?

Pinkie: Just like in my song.

Before Pinkie sang, Y/n stopped her with his magic.

Y/n: Enough! Listen, that Zebra isn't dangerous or evil and she can't put a curse on anypony.

Applejack glared at him.

Applejack: How dare you side with her and even lead my little sister into this dangerous situation!? Did you not hear her creepy rhymes?!

Y/n: That's just something her race does.

Applejack: You just can't get your facts straight, can you?

Y/n: I don't have time to convince you, you stubborn mare. I'll be taking my leave.

Y/n turned to walk away.

Applejack: You just don't understand the need to protect family! Of course, I'm not surprised. Considerin' what happened with Luna.

The others looked at her and gasped while Y/n just stopping walking with his eyes turning violet for a split second.

Y/n: Sorry, but could you repeat that? So many noises go on in this forest, so it's hard to hear sometimes.

Applejack: I said, I'm not surprised you know nothin' about protecting your kin, considerin' what happened with Lu-

Y/n stepped into the Poison Joke and put Apple Bloom on his back before slapping Applejack so hard, she fell to the ground causing everyone to be more shocked.

Y/n: You think you can talk to ponies anyway you want, like you know better? And I'm the bad sibling, when you smother Apple Bloom to the point she can't breathe.

Applejack got up while spitting out some blood.

Applejack: She understands I'm just tryin' to protect her! Don't yah, Apple Bloom?

Apple Bloom finally looked at Applejack with determination.

Apple Bloom: Actually, no! I don't need your protectin' all the time, sis! I'm not a foal, I'm a filly!

Applejack's jaw dropped hearing that.

Y/n: Now, if you'll excuse me. I'm gonna bring Apple Bloom back to your home, where I suggest you don't talk to her until you're willing to let her grow up.

Y/n and Apple Bloom teleported back to Sweet Apple Acres.

Apple Bloom: We could've just walked, ya know?

Y/n: That was faster.

Apple Bloom looked down.

Y/n: What's wrong?

Apple Bloom: I'm just wonderin' if I said the right thing.

Y/n: I think it's great you finally spoke your mind to your sister.

Apple Bloom: But what about you smackin' her?! I mean, I know she definitely spoke out of line, but don't you think that was takin' things a little too far?

Y/n: Well, they've got to learn some way. Otherwise, they'll think they can get away with doing whatever they want. Besides-

Y/n stopped talking when he saw Apple Bloom looking sad which made him see a younger Luna for a second.

Y/n: Hm. Maybe I did get a little hostile. I'll talk about it with her tomorrow.

Apple Bloom: Okay. Goodbye, Prince. Be safe.

Y/n gave her a small wave before walking back to the forest.

In the middle of the night.

Y/n was surrounded by beaten up, destroyed trees.

Y/n: What is this frustrating? They're just flowers.

Y/n put a hoof to his head and heard a maniacal laugh which made him scream in anger before punching down a dozen more trees.

Y/n: (panting heavily) I- I think I need some sleep.

Y/n fell onto the ground and practically passed out.

The next morning.

Y/n woke up, but something felt off.

Y/n: What's wrong with my face?

Y/n walked towards a river and looked at his reflection to see he was grinning ear to ear.

Y/n: What the buck?

He teleported to the library where he saw Twilight had a problem of her own.

Twilight: Uh, are you smiling?

Y/n: Do you think I want to?

Twilight: Right. Stupid question. I'm guessing you have a problem just like the rest of us.

Y/n: The rest of us?

Y/n looked around and saw Pinkie Pie with a swollen tongue.

He saw Rainbow's wings were upside-down, Rarity's mane and coat were overgrown and messy, and Applejack was the size of a marshmallow while Apple Bloom was holding her.

He finally looked at Fluttershy who looked normal.

Y/n: What's wrong with you?

Fluttershy spoke in a deep voice, stallion like voice.

Fluttershy: This.

Y/n: That's probably the second worst one. The first being this.

He points to the smile on his face.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah, your smile is a lot more creepy than I thought it'd be.

Twilight: I just don't see how this could be happening.

Applejack: Ain't it obvious?! It's a curse, I tells ya!

Y/n: No, this is the work of that plant you were all standing in and I stupidly stepped in.

Twilight: What plant? You mean that patch of blue flowers?

Y/n: Yes. It's known as Poison Joke. When you're exposed to it, you'll find that you have a strange effect that directly affects what you are most know for. For example, Twilight Sparkle, who is a magically gifted unicorn, now has a wobbly horn that makes it hard to do magic. Pinkie Pie, an annoying blabber mouth who loves to talk was given a swollen tongue, making it hard to understand her. Rainbow Dash, a fast flyer, had her wings flipped upside-down, making it hard to fly. Rarity, a mare known for always keeping her mane and coat in a neat, elegant style now has a long, messy style. Applejack, a mare known for having the strength of an everyday stallion, is now smaller than the apples on her farm. Fluttershy, a pony known for having a soft, quiet voice now has a deep, stallion like voice. And finally, me, a pony who doesn't show a lot of emotion is now forced to smile all the time.

Spike: That's a lot to take in. How do you know so much?

Y/n: They first came about when me and my sisters were at odds with a fool who fancied himself to be the Lord of Chaos.

Twilight: Who?

Y/n: No one important. In fact, I think there might be a book on it.

Y/n used his levitation to bring a green book to him.

Y/n: See? Right here.

He pointed to a page with the Poison Joke.

Spike: And it's in Supernaturals, the book I suggested.

Twilight: Oh... (nervous chuckle) right.

Y/n: I actually thought you of all ponies would've known not to judge a book by its cover, Sparkle.

Twilight: (sigh) You're right. I shouldn't have dismissed it before reading it.

Y/n: You are forgiven

Spike suddenly bursted out laughing.

Spike: This is hilarious! Look at all of you! We got Hair-ity... (points to Rainbow) Rainbow Crash... (points to Pinkie) Spitty Pie... (points to Applejack) Apple-tini... (points to Fluttershy)Flutter Guy... (points to Y/n) Y/n the Grinner... (points to Twilight) And... uh... I got nothing.

Y/n: You know, just because I'm smiling right now, do not think it means I'm enjoying this. And if you keep that up, (violet eye) you won't be laughing at all.

Spike gave a hard gulp at that.

Twilight: He's right, Spike. This is no joke. Well, technically, it is, but still. We need to find a cure.

Y/n: Luckily for us, Zecora has been working on a cure and I asked her to make it up for us yesterday.

Applejack: Hold on now. Couldn't this very well have been the work of Zecora. Maybe-

Y/n: Will you give it a rest Apple?!

Applejack stepped back in fear.

Y/n: Even after I explained everything to you, you still blame it all on Zecora? This is where your stubbornness is a problem, you disregard everyone else's feelings that don't involve you being in the right. I don't even know why I'm helping you after you dared to use my sister's name in same sentence where you insulted me. If you want to stay this way, fine by me. Anypony who's willing to see reason, follow me. I have a way to track Zecora's whereabouts.

Y/n was about to leave.

Applejack: Y/n, wait!

Y/n stopped to hear what Applejack had to say.

Applejack: (sigh) You're right. I was out of line. I was just so mad about you siding with Zecora and possibly putting Apple Bloom in danger that I said the first thing that came to mind. I'm so sorry that I was such a bad friend. Can you please forgive me, (bows) your highness.

Y/n: Hm. I guess I can this time. And I guess I was also in the wrong for hitting you.

Applejack: Nah. I needed it. And Apple Bloom, I'm sorry I was so overprotective and for constantly treating you like a foal.

Apple Bloom: It's fine. I know you meant well. I'd hug you, but I'm worried I might crush you, "little sister."

Applejack: Hey, now.

They both gave a laugh.

Y/n: Well, now that that's settled, let's go find Zecora.

Later.

The mane seven and Apple Bloom found a hut in the Everfree Forest.

Y/n: Looks like this is the place.

Y/n knocked on the door and Zecora answered.

Zecora: Aw, you have come, Sire. I assume the cure is what you desire.

Y/n: Yes. Is it finished?

Zecora: Follow me, and you will see.

They all went inside where there were a bunch of mask hanging around.

Rarity: What is with this decor?

Zecora: Treasures of the native land where I'm from. (points to one) This one speaks "Hello," and this-"Welcome."

Rarity: not welcoming at all, if you ask me.

Y/n looked at Rarity, and even though he was smiling, Rarity could tell he was giving her a warning glare.

Rarity: (nervous) But I'm sure it works.

Apple Bloom looked at an opened book.

Apple Bloom: Is this your brew? It kinda looks like they have to take a bubble bath at the end.

Zecora: That's exactly what they need to do, but there's something that might make you boo. I don't have enough herbs or space. So, if you want to be cured, I'll need a bigger place.

Y/n: I can help with that.

Rainbow Dash: How are you gonna do that? In case you don't know, everypony in Ponyville aren't exactly big fans of Zecora here.

Y/n: In case you forgot, I'm the Prince. When I get involved, ponies can change their minds pretty quickly.

Later.

There was a huge gathering of ponies in town square.

Random pony: What's going on?

Random pony 2: No clue.

Y/n stood in front of everypony that are surprised by his smile.

Y/n: I know what you're all thinking. My friends also have similar problems.

The Mane six showed the ponies their state.

Y/n: But don't worry, we have someone who can help.

Zecora walked up beside him and everypony got terrified.

Random mare: Oh no! That wicked enchantress Zecora cursed our Prince!

Y/n: No, that is not what happened! We all walked into a plant called Poison Joke that did this to us. Zecora here is offering to help us, but she needs some things that you Ponyvillians have. Now, some of you maybe hesitant to trust her, but this creature is on our side and only has good intentions. So, as Prince of Destruction and Equestria as a whole, I ask you give Zecora a chance. If does anything wrong, I myself will deal with it.

The ponies all converse with each other and all gave a solemn nod.

Later

As the six mares are in the bath, Twilight is making her letter to Princess Celestia.

Twilight: "Dear Princess Celestia, My friends and I all learned an important lesson this week: Never judge a book by its cover. Someone may look unusual, or funny, or scary. But you have to look past that and learn who they are inside. Real friends don't care what your "cover" is; it's the "contents" of a pony that count. And a good friend, like a good book, is something that will last forever. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."

One of the spa owners, a light blue Earth-Pony mare with a pink mane, went over to Zecora.

Spa owner: Miss Zecora, I would love to get the recipe for this bath.

Applejack who was in a small bucket, grew back to normal.

Applejack: Much better.

Rarity: Oh! I have never felt so lovely in all my life.

Pinkie: Oh, my gosh! I never realized how horrible it is not to be able to talk! I mean, I love talking so much, and when I couldn't talk anymore, my tongue was all... aaaah! It was the worst! Don't you agree, Fluttershy?

Fluttershy replied in her normal voice.

Fluttershy: Yes.

They all gave a laugh at that, but then Twilight realized something.

Twilight: Hey, where's Y/n?

The other owner, a pink Earth-Pony mare with a light blue mane walked over to them.

(A/n: The blue one is Lotus Blossom and the pink one is Aloe.)

Aloe: His royal highness, Prince Y/n, left as soon as he had his bath.

Apple Bloom: Did he say where he was going?

Aloe: He just said he had to take care of some business.

Pinkie: Hmph. (quietly) I wanted to bathe with him.

Rarity: What was that, darling?

Pinkie: Nothing.

Meanwhile.

Y/n with his blank expression walked over to the batch of Poison Joke.

Y/n: I'm going to enjoy this much more than I should.

Y/n pointed his horn at the flowers.

Y/n: Hakai.

And with that, he destroyed the Poison Joke.

Y/n: I feel so accomplished right now.

To Be Continued.