A1: V1 - 2 - Into the fire

Year 10 - Day 4

She panted and wheezed in fear, panic, and hopelessness as the soldiers kept an eye on her. The dungeon cell smelt musty and like urine. It made her gag for the umpteenth time. She dared not get close to the small blocks in the corner of the cell. That almost made her vomit.

She looked down at her chained hooves lightly rattling them. Not only are they in hoofcuffs there are chains keeping her to the wall.

She’d already tried begging the soldiers and explaining about what she thought she was doing with those ponies but they wouldn’t hear any of it. They told her to save her breath for the General.

He’s been gone for a while to a place she isn’t sure of.

“What did I do to deserve this?” she whispered, “I haven’t done anything wrong! I just woke up with no memory about myself!”

“You have the right to remain silent!” a soldier boomed. She jumped. “Do NOT let me tell you again!”

Mystic nodded vigorously, “Sorry.”

“No more talking!”

“Sorry!”

“Why are you still talking?!”

Mystic shut up and looked down at the rocky floor.

Hoofsteps began to walk down the creaky stairs. She looked up and saw the soldiers straighten up.

“Any problems?” a voice asked. The General.

“Other than speaking she’s not been a problem,” said the first soldier.

“I’ve submitted my report to the Leader of our...” he cleared his throat, “Fair City.” His voice sounded lower and bitter at the mention of him.

“And?”

“Now I’m going to interrogate the prisoner. Bring her to a more suitable environment. I can’t stand this place much longer.”

“Yes, sir.”

The soldiers opened the door and opened the cell. Mystic tensed up at their hard faces.

“Do not resist,” one of them threatened.

Mystic didn’t respond she just stayed frozen. They undid her chains connecting to the wall and began pushing her forward.

Mystic kept her eyes to the floor. What was the point of looking where she’s going? This is horrible! She was wrong! This is a lot worse than being on your own!

She was led out of the dungeons and through some hallways. Mystic kept whimpering and letting out small cries.

Soon, they entered a room and one of the soldiers sat Mystic down in a chair. She heard the soldiers depart and the door close.

“Look up at me,” a voice commanded.

Reluctantly, Mystic looked up to meet the General’s cold eyes. Now having a clear view of him he has a dark orange coat, a black mane, mustache, and goatee.

“What is your name?”

“M-M-M...”

“Speak up!”

“Mystic!” she cried, “My name is Mystic!”

“Very well, Mystic,” he said, shifting in his seat, “My name is Hong. I am the General of this city and I keep it in order. Do you know what that means?”

“I...do...”

“Evaluate.”

Mystic gulped. “They...command soldiers and keep the law?”

“Exactly!” Hong growled. “You broke the law little missy by robbing the Luxury Resort and you broke through the wall on the east side, didn’t you?!”

Mystic winced. So, they do know! How?!

“You should know how grave of an impact you helped those three get away with a crime!”

“I didn’t know that they were robbing a place!” Mystic cried.

“You didn’t know?!” Hong growled incredulously.

“They took care of me and used me!”

The stallion rubbed his temples and began breathing in and out.

“You look just like those ponies on the east side,” he growled, “All bruised up and filled with poverty.”

Mystic looked up at him, “B-But I wasn’t trying to hurt anypony. I was just trying to live.”

“That’s what they all say!”

Mystic gulped as her heart throbbed, “Wh-Why is there a wall up?”

Hong looked at her incredulously, “Seriously?! Everypony in this city knows why that wall is up!”

“I-I don’t...”

SLAM!

Mystic jumped as she squealed.

“Horseapples, filly!” Hong scolded, “You know darn well why it’s up!”

“I don’t!” Mystic cried.

Hong growled, “You need a refresher huh?” He leaned back in his chair, “That wall is to keep the troublemakers and those who deserve punishment. Those who break the city’s rules. Not enough for prison, but enough to be kicked out.”

“But...that’s awful.”

“Not as awful as they are! They’re distasteful for our city and it’s my job to keep this place together and keep our stupid incompetent leader in order!”

Mystic couldn’t speak. This stallion is hard and quick to the point.

“Now,” he said, “What do you have to say to theft, resisting arrest, helping rob the Luxury Resort and violating the law of getting through the wall?!”

Her body filled with chills as he bared his teeth again. This is so unfair! So scary!

“I...”

“Speak! Don’t whimper now! Speak! About where you came from!”

“I don’t know!” Mystic cried. She felt tears rolling down her face.

“What do you mean you don’t know?!”

“I woke up without any memory of where I’ve come from or how I got here!” Mystic cried, not caring about withholding the truth, “All I can remember is my own name and things around me! Honest!”

Hong let out a harsh laugh, “All my time as general and I’ve never heard a more ridiculous statement from a prisoner!”

“It’s true! Honestly!” Mystic cried, “You don’t understand what it’s like to wake up in an unknown location without knowing who you are or where you came from!”

“And I can’t understand how you could’ve come up with such a tall tale. How old are you? Seven?”

“Ten!”

Hong paused.

“Wow. And I was seriously lying about the seven.”

The filly sank into her seat, trying to make herself look as small as possible, “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. Just please, listen to me and-”

“You’re in my domain, filly!” Hong shouted, “You listen to ME! And ME alone! I make the calls around here!” He leaned across his desk. “Understand?!”

“Yes! Yes! But please!”

“Shut it! Maybe I should put you under the jail!”

“NO!”

“Oh, yeah, and the Leader won’t be too pleased about your antics once it all comes forward!” He clamped down on her left foreleg, “Then I can carry out my threat!”

“AHHH! Mean stallion!” Mystic squealed, “Get away from me!”

The door opened. Both ponies froze as a soldier entered.

“General, the Leader wants to see you,” he said.

“Already?!” Hong shouted, “Can’t he understand I’m dealing with a pony in custody now?!”

“He does and that’s why he wants to speak with you. Now.”

Hong let out a loud groan, let go of Mystic, and began stomping out.

“He also said to bring her with you.”

Hong froze.

“Seriously?!”

“Yes. His orders. He wants to confirm himself whether if she’s truly a threat or not.”

Her eyes locked eyes with his cold gaze and shivered again. She saw a bit of a deranged look in them. It seemed fitting for his attitude!

“You’re lucky, filly,” he growled. “Not many get to see him face to face.”

The soldier helped Mystic out of the chair and nudged her forward. Hong stomped off and Mystic followed suit.

Mystic is filled to the brim with dread and the queasy feeling that caused her stomach to swirl grew. She did glance around at the artifacts aligning the polished jade walls and hardwood floors in the various hallways they passed through towards the center of the palace. The large jade doors crept open revealing a throne room.

With a large gulp, the filly’s eyes locked onto a somewhat overweight, nonchalant green unicorn. His yellow eyes locked onto Mystic as he brushed his black mane.

“You will only refer to him as the Leader,” Hong whispered to Mystic.

The Leader’s eyes looked down at her as she came to a stop. Hong pushed her down into a very awkward bow.

“Is this the one that had robbed the Resort?” the Leader asked.

“An accomplice,” said a soldier, “She also claims she wasn’t aware that they were robbing the Resort and that she has no memory of who she is.”

The Leader raised an eyebrow, “Does she now?” He cleared his throat, “Let her rise.”

Mystic felt a hoof clutch her back and force her up to her hooves. She let out an involuntary whimper.

“What do you have to say to the charges and your story?” the Leader asked.

Mystic gulped, “N-Nice to make your...acquaintance. I am...truly sorry about what happened...”

“Start speaking faster!” Hong growled, “He doesn’t have all day!”

“I don’t know where I am! I don’t know what’s going on here!” she cried, “I’m just a poor lost soul that hasn’t the slightest idea of this city or about herself! Please,” she lowered her head in shame, “I just want to go home...”

She glanced up at him and his features had softened a little bit.

“See how ridiculous this sounds?” Hong asked, “I’ve never heard such crap in my entire life.”

“She appears genuine to me,” said the Leader. “I’ve read the report and what she'd stated when she was seized.”

“Seriously?! We don’t know how or why she’s doing here! She’s gotten past the wall in a crafty way and helped a wanted group of criminals in the region!”

“I told you I didn’t know that they were!” Mystic cried, “They took care of me and used me!”

“On top of everything, she’s totally an uncooperative prisoner,” Hong explained. Liar! “And the ponies she helped drugged are going to be out for a few days.”

“I see.”

“She’s just a little brat as far as I’m concerned.”

The Leader sighed, brushing his cheek.

“Any idea where she came from?”

“No.”

“Any relatives? Parents? Cousins? Friends?”

“None of the above.”

“Does she really not know who she is or where she is?”

“You tell me.”

Mystic’s stomach swirled. The Leader gaze back down at her, “I just want to confirm this. You don’t know what this place is? You don’t know anything or where you’ve come from?”

“No...” Mystic whispered, “I just...want to know why...I’m scared...” She sat down on the floor but Hong forced her back onto her hooves.

The Leader sighed, “You’re in Imperial City. A proud city of unicorns that thrives on pride, passion, and order.”

“Order?”

“We’ve had a lot of problems lately. But we’ve been trying to get everything back together.”

“We?!” Hong scoffed, “You haven’t done much other than bathe and eat all day!”

The Leader growled at him and looked back at Mystic with a softer look, “And I’ll ask you again; you didn’t think in the slightest you were helping rob the Resort?”

“No! Honest!”

“This is just a waste of time,” Hong muttered, “I think she should be thrown in prison.”

“HONG!” the Leader roared, “Remain silent until I speak to you!!”

The general growled, “Sir.”

“Now filly,” said the Leader, “Answer me.”

“I didn’t mean to rob the Luxury Resort!” Mystic insisted, “I said that those ponies brought me in, fed, cared, and got me feeling better! They used me!”

“Somepony as smart as getting through the wall and yet you let yourself be fooled by the Triple Trio?” the Leader asked.

“I’m desperate! I was hungry and wanting out of the cold!”

“And about drugging the ponies in the courtyard?”

“I didn’t know they were drugged!” Mystic cried, tears rolling down her face, “I was just wanting to thank them for being such caring ponies! This is so unfair! NONE OF THIS IS FAIR!”

The Leader has turned from looking nonchalant to sympathetic. What is he thinking?

“I believe you’re a fine Leader...” Mystic whimpered, “Please, just hear my voice and judge rightly...”

She took a backward glance at Hong and saw he’s just as hard as ever. The unicorn looked back at the Leader as he appeared to be processing. The atmosphere made her shiver as she felt as if she’s going to pass out.

“You know,” said the Leader, “As much as you’ve done...you appear to be remorseful of your actions.” Mystic didn’t say anything as he continued, “We do allow prisoners to be rehabilitated in some cases.”

“Sir, please think of what you’re suggesting,” said Hong.

“Be quiet, Hong!”

“She’s talking crazy, sire!”

“HONG!”

The general shut up but his hard gaze focused right on Mystic.

“Here’s what I’ve decided,” said the Leader, “Because of her remorse and genuine emotions, there’s no evidence to confirm whether she’s a threat or not. While she did commit some crimes, I advise you’ll make her a worker to the city. She is open to making a friend of her choosing, but she’s to stick to the schedule as is,” He glared at Hong, “And you will be watching over her. And because of your hostile actions to an amnesiac filly, you will be taking care of her and raising her as if she were your own.”

“What?!” Hong gasped, “I’m to be saddled with a worthless maggot?!”

“And if you have any problems with it!” The Leader shouted, “You will answer to me! We can be better than this, and your behavior lately from being the general you were has greatly deteriorated.”

“But sir! We don’t know if she’s telling the truth!” Hong insisted, “I have to deal with all the wrongdoings in this city! Murderers! Junkies! Looters! Gypsies! The Liberators! You name it!”

“And she doesn’t fit any of those categories! She’s just lost and scared! Just look at her!”

Hong scoffed and rolled his eyes, “Sir! Please!”

“You will not only raise her but you will rehabilitate her so she lives a proper life here in the city! I don’t care how long it takes but she is in your care!”

“I can’t believe this! And you put this on me?! Why can’t you take care of her?!”

“Because I have responsibilities of my own!”

“Responsibilities?!” Hong barked, “You barely have lifted a hoof to help this city!”

The Leader stood up from his throne, furious at Hong, “I want you to shut up and listen!” He pointed at Mystic, “I want you to get her washed, fed, hydrated, and a place to rest! She will begin in a day or two!”

“But Sir!”

“This discussion is over! Hong, you will raise her as your own! No more questions asked or so help the gods and goddesses above!”

Mystic let out a loud whimper as Hong slammed his hoof on the ground.

This cannot end well.

With Mystic and Hong

Neither of them spoke a word to each other. Mystic is very tense and while grateful that she’s out of chains, she has to be in this stallion’s care?! While the Leader seems like he might have a good heart his judgment could’ve used some revision! She did take note of his behavior of being nonchalant and a little distant but when he was accused by Hong he got all defensive.

Mystic saw they’re heading down towards the west part of the Palace where it’s labeled “For Workers only” and it doesn’t look as nice as it does in the main part of the palace.

“He might have saved your skin,” Hong spoke up, venom clearly behind it, “But let me make several things clear. He never said that you were to speak up, and if you do speak up against me, you will suffer dire consequences. He’s not your friend.”

Mystic wanted to speak up, but she didn’t out of fear of this shrewd General.

“Regardless of what title you have of this city, you are my tool for this city. You’re to do what I say when I say it. I am in control of you. No questions asked. Do you understand?”

Mystic solemnly nodded.

“You’re my slave. Not my daughter. But I will be known as your adoptive uncle. You’re to call me ‘Uncle Hong’ and nothing else.”

“I...understand...” Mystic muttered.

“Good.”

Hong opened a door they came upon and revealed a modest-looking bathroom that had a medium-sized tub. It doesn’t feel warm like the previous tub she’d seen and been in.

“Bathe,” he said spitefully, “Then we’ll get you to your room.”

Mystic nodded and closed the door behind her. The unicorn hesitantly walked over to the tub and turned the water on. She spotted a bar of soap that looked crusty and hard.

During her time in the bath, her mind wouldn't let her fully process her situation and the feeling of needing to vomit never faded either.

Soon, she finished bathing and that bar of soap wasn’t pleasant to use. She can feel some chunks of it in her mane and doesn’t feel clean.

A harsh knock pounded on the door.

“Are you finished?” Hong demanded.

“Y-Yes!” Mystic meeped, “I’m just drying myself off!” She immediately levitated a towel over and began drying herself vigorously. Within a minute she finished and opened the door.

“You look a tad better,” he said gruffly. He motioned her to follow him. She did and began walking down the hall again.

“I...why?” she muttered.

“Why what?” Hong demanded.

Mystic meeped again, “I mean what’s with you and the Leader?”

Hong sighed, “That fool thinks I don’t have what I used to have when I first became general. But for the past decade or so, this city has been going through a really rough time. I try to keep this place in order while he just lounges around on his chair all day.”

“He-He seems fair...”

“Fair?!” Hong snapped. Mystic yelped, “That wasn’t a fair trial he gave you! He’s just a lazy fool that doesn’t know or do the first thing to help our city!”

Mystic noticed a bit of a crazed look in the General’s eyes. He looked a little deranged. He seems a little fidgety and on edge. His body language caused Mystic to wonder if the Leader is the only reason for the city collapsing?

Soon, the duo arrived at a door in the basement. The basement is cold and a bit wet in places (due to the snow outside). Hong opened the door and revealed a room with a desk, a mirror, some books on a shelf, a mattress for a bed with an itchy blanket folded on it and a table to have meals.

Mystic shuddered at the sight of it. At least it’s better than sleeping outside, right?

“Now,” said Hong, “This is where you’ll be staying. We’ll escort you some food so you can recover from being outside for a while.”

“S-Sure...”

“Very well. Now, get used to your new place,” he placed a hoof under Mystic’s chin and harshly made her look at him, “Because you will begin your work soon.”

Mystic weakly nodded as a whimper escaped her throat.

“Good,” Hong pulled away, “I’ll see you soon. There are some books over there if you’re into history.” He shrugged, “I don’t know what kids like.” He walked towards the door and shut it behind him.

The mare took a look around the room she’s in. She felt her eyes welling up. She ran towards the mattress and buried her face into it suppressing her cries because of that awful General. Now, she’s being forced to call him Uncle?! The need to vomit caught up with her and she let out her materials into the corner.

She had little hope for thinking things would get much better after that. She was grateful to get a real meal of sandwiches and drinks. She never left the room (other than to use the restroom) as the next few days rolled on. The scrape on her leg has almost healed and she can use the leg normally now. Hong came by once in a while to ask for updates on how ‘ready’ she is but she lied a few times to make it look like she wasn’t quite ready to work for him. She’s buying time. Trying to think of another way and to stay out of work.

Soon, it became apparent that she had more energy than she’d let on. Hong lectured her to never lie to him and to always be on track for the City.

“I’ll have to discipline you if you ever do something like this again, Mystic,” he had said, “Get me?”

What had he meant by discipline? Some kind of torture? Spanking to keep a child in order? Not that she can recall having any.

Recall...

She’s still unable to recall anything before she’d woken up. On top of living off scraps and now this situation. Despite her little understanding of the Leader, she had some hope that he would help her through some rough times and see how horrible Hong is.

But that hope began to dwindle when she began her first day of ‘rehabilitation.’

Hong awoke her at the crack of dawn and gave her cold porridge to eat. It tasted awful but she had to get moving. The jobs he gave her were “nothing” compared to some other jobs as said by him.

She started out with scrubbing the bathroom floors by hoof using water and cleaner. It was hard work and the bathrooms were smelly. It took her about an hour just to clean one section of the bathroom due to the specific instructions given to her by the ponies that usually clean them.

When she finished the floor, she had to clean the sinks and then plumb the toilets. How gross! And this is the first day?!

To make things worse ponies whispered behind her back about her lack of cutie mark.

Cutie mark?

Is that what the stallion she’d taken the jacket from meant about being “talentless”?

When she asked about a cutie mark the ponies laughed her off.

“She doesn’t know what a cutie mark is?!” one had laughed.

“How old are you, three?!”

“Everypony from a toddler knows what a cutie mark is!”

It was embarrassing but she found out that a cutie mark represents what a pony is meant to do in life and relates to who they are.

It fully clicked in her mind what the stallion meant. How insulting and rude! But...is she really not special?

She spent a few minutes crying after they’d left.

Some time passed and she finished the restroom. Hong eventually came in and told her “Good enough. For a first timer.”

Mystic stupidly thanked him and he told her never to thank him on an “average job” and if she wanted to impress him, she’ll “Have to do the real hard work efficiently and without complaint.”

The next job involved clearing out the chimneys and after that, she’ll have to go around the Palace and take out the trash. She wasn’t allowed to speak to anypony who mattered of “great importance” and “builds their pride on the city.”

It seemed like a bit of a warning (or that was her hopeful thinking) because she stupidly went to talk to some of those ponies.

“Oh, my dear, what an abomination,” one scoffed.

“She looks like she belongs in a mud pen,” said another.

They were posh and snooty. Hong heard about this and he scolded her for it calling her “foolish” and “naïve.”

She had to clean two other restrooms and they were even worse than the first one.

She asked why they weren’t so maintained as a Palace would have them but found out from an amused Hong that they were for ponies like her. Servants. Workers. They can be quite messy.

It was disgusting!

When the day was over, Mystic had a few apples for supper and hit the bed, falling asleep within seconds.

This continued for the next couple of weeks. She had to clean the same restrooms, chimneys and deal with those snooty ponies.

She was growing stronger as the days went on and the work became a little easier but the environment never did.

Sometimes she did extra chores such as washing the dishes and help move furniture. Nopony was friendly to her or seemed to have any real relationship with one another except when it comes to how important that they and the city is.

She knew she had a limited point of view on things but she just kept hoping somepony was decent and knew that the city needs improvement.

During the evenings, Hong stuck around to see how well she’s coming but that was the worst part of the day. Whenever he didn’t like how something was being done, he would make her do entire work over again.

“You need discipline, young filly!” he had said, “Discipline is a key factor in becoming a mature pony!”

He told her that every time he didn’t like how she was doing her chores.

After the fifteenth day of her job with nothing but work and below average food to eat, she collapsed onto the bed completely exhausted.

She began to whimper and felt tears stain her cheeks.

When will it ever end?

Just when she was about to drift off a soldier entered the room.

She straightened up.

“I wanted you to know something,” he said.

“Y-Yes?” Mystic asked with trepidation as she wiped her cheeks.

“The Leader wants me to send ponies to give you proper education from time to time,” he said, “He felt pity for you, apparently and thought he’d have ponies teach you. He didn’t say how though.”

“I...understand...”

“Good.”

He pushed the door aside and revealed a large dinner filled with sandwiches, fruit, and vegetables. Mystic’s eyes lit up at the sight.

“He also told me to bring this down here to keep your strength up,” he said. “I'm not allowed to think much of workers but you do need to carry out your jobs.” He looked at her in the eye, “I want you to carry out your jobs and work as if you deserve this. Do you understand?”

Half listening Mystic nodded.

The soldier levitated several plates of fruit and vegetables over and sat them down in front of her. He left with the rest.

Minorly disappointed it wasn’t all for her she brushed the thought aside and began eating the food like a wolf.

The next week passed and despite her hardships, Mystic is almost completely used to her bearable daily routine.

However, she was told by some soldiers that her routine is being changed.

What?!

She’s no longer cleaning the sinks or scrubbing the restroom floors. Now she’s going to be helping with some restoration projects (which involved some heavy lifting, moving furniture, painting, and holding heavy wood in place.)

One day, Mystic is quivering underneath the weight of a massive beam. She’s trying to keep it held up as part of a ‘renovations’ project for the Palace.

The leader is currently present as he monitors the project. The wind tore at Mystic’s coat as she stood on her hind legs.

“Keep that beam up!” Hong ordered, “Do NOT drop it!”

“I’m trying!” Mystic cried. She’s been holding it for the past 10 minutes and feels as if it’s about to slip out of her hooves!

“She’s shaping up!” she heard Hong say, “She might be weak now, but these heavy lifting jobs will begin to get her stronger!”

“Keep that beam up!” the Leader shouted.

Mystic grunted as she shut her eyes tight. Her forelegs felt like noodles and her entire body burned and ached. She has to keep this up! She has to keep this up! She--

“GAH!!”

Her hooves gave out from underneath her, sending her towards the ground and the beam crashed next to her! She heard ponies screaming and looked up to see the beam she’d failed to hold up caused a section of the upper floor to fracture.

“GREAT!” somepony shouted.

“Now we have to replace that!”

Mystic heard the Leader and Hong talking to one another as she pulled herself up. The unicorn hid her blush as some ponies ridiculed her for failing to keep the beam up.

Hong began stomping over.

“I think it’s time for you to be disciplined, Mystic!” he shouted.

Mystic’s blood turned ice cold. “What?! Wait!!”

*CRACK!*

Her entire back stung like it’d been struck with a whip. She felt as if her flesh began to tear from her body. Her screams echoed through the halls of the Palace.

*CRACK!* *CRACK!*

Mystic felt onto the ground.

*CRACK!*

“AAAAAHHHH!!!” Mystic wailed.

“Enough!” the Leader shouted. “Let her recover from the pain and get back to work! Then we’ll worry about getting her back in top shape!”

She felt her heart drop to her pit. Get back to work?! After that?!

Her situation is hopeless now.

It’s brutal.

It’s torture.

Her back continued to sting like a thousand hornets as she felt a liquid begin to trickle across her back while Hong stood over and yelled at her.

An hour later

“Aw, you’re fine!” Hong stated. “It’s just a few scratches!”

A few scratches? Mystic thought. She was afraid to open her mouth.

Looking at a mirror she examined the swollen red marks zigzagging across her back. She’s been recovering but she isn’t so sure if she’ll be able to work for a while because of that.

“You haven’t grasped that you need to straighten up and push through your days!” Hong went on, “You will continue today!”

Mystic loudly gulped. For the remainder of the day, she had to work despite her stinging back and always looked over her shoulder if Hong was about to whip her again.

Soon, she finished the day and threw up in a toilet and began sobbing.

As the seasons went on, the situation never seemed to let up. Hong was just as awful (if not worse) than when he first “adopted” her. He did have some soldiers go in and teach Mystic about the world and history of the City.

The pain Mystic felt every day, physical and emotional, never let up either. Mystic is scared, having to labor, and nopony bothers to even look at her to see how she’s suffering. She has thought about ending her own life to end all of this but for some reason, she can never find herself to do such a deed.

Day by day she had to keep going in order to keep herself from Hong’s wrath as much as possible. But no matter what, he seemed to want to punish her within the legal boundaries of her “rehabilitation” program. He hated her. He hated how he had to raise her. But even then, he insists that he “Keeps her, teaches her, and feeds her.” When he doesn’t do any more than 10 percent of it.

He’s likely assuring his dominance over her. She figures that’s why she’s being forced to call him “Uncle” in the first place.

The only thing that seemed to keep it from getting any worse was because of the Leader. He’s the “nicest” pony Mystic knows of. If there are any nicer ponies then she sure as hay that they’re avoiding this place to keep themselves safe.

Or is that just another wishful thinking on her part? Is the world really this cruel?

She has heard of criminal activity in and out of the city wall bordering the East off (the wall’s been more secured because of her breach) and the soldiers have been trying to keep it under control. The main part of the city was safer and had less criminal activity. It’s the Eastside and the outskirts that saw the most.

So, she’s at least not in danger from them. Yay?

Year 11

Mystic grows stronger day by day. The work she’s been doing has gotten easier but that's because of her efficiency.

Hong still whipped her whenever he could but it barely even phased her. Sure, the scars kept coming along her back, torso, and even some of her face. But she’s not the same scared wimpy pony she was when she was taken in. Her attitude has changed and yet there was always some glimmer of hope within her that things would get better. She couldn't explain it.

She’d learned a secret. Instead of resisting the pain and being scared she decided to embrace it. She gets stronger day by day as she learns to live with the pain, being belittled and not valued rather than let it hold her back. One day, she volunteered for heavier work to get stronger and build her stamina. Those jobs included working in the coal and gold mines, moving boulders, and pulling carriages either full of prisoners or materials to deliver all across the city.

Year 11 – Day 30

Mystic opened her eyes. Another day. Another tenth of a dollar. She got up from her bed and stretched. She got a glimpse of herself in the mirror and all her scars she’d gotten over last year. But she lightly smirked at her firm muscles. However, it faded when she began processing what she’s going to be doing today. More mining for coal. Great. Now she’ll have to wash for hours when she’s finished.

Suddenly, she noticed something wrong.

Why is it still nighttime? She heard the sounds of hooves clip-clopping up and down the hall. Looking up to the clock on the wall she noticed it’s 6 am. It’s the hour she always gets up. Out of curiosity, she walked over to the barred window of her room and saw the moon.

“What?” she whispered, completely taken aback.

It’s not what she saw on the moon but what she didn’t see on the moon.

“Where’s the Mare in the Moon?” she asked herself.

It’s just gone! How can such a feature disappear?! Is she dreaming?!

Heart slightly thudding, Mystic slapped herself. She felt pain. She’s not dreaming! Her pupils dilated at the moon again. What is this sorcery?!

Trying to calm down, she decided to listen around the Palace for answers on what’s going on. But she needs to report in and receive her assignments. Oh, forget about that! They can wait for a bit!

Later

On the first floor, her other “fellow” workers weren’t in their usual assignments but instead talking amongst one another as to what’s going on out there. Mystic rolled her eyes. They have been known to come up with crazy theories and conspiracies so she ignored them.

The pony in charge of giving her assignments isn’t anywhere to be found. Feeling determined and a bit defiant, Mystic decided to find answers elsewhere.

The mare made her way into the main part of the Palace and saw some ponies scrambling and thinking that the world is coming to an end. Soldiers are trying to calm them down but to little avail.

Curious, Mystic walked over to a window and saw a bunch of ponies looking up at the moon. The city seems to be on edge and she’s beginning to feel a little panicky, too.

“Calm down, Mystic,” she whispered, “Calm down.”

She turned around and began thinking about how she can find answers. She assumes Hong would be out keeping order and the soldiers probably won’t give her any satisfactory answers.

“I know where I can find the answers,” she told herself.

She began making her way towards the throne room and hid whenever somepony had come along. Fortunately, most of them seemed preoccupied with the situation and she was able to reach the doors.

With a quick glance at her surroundings, she cracked open the doors and slipped in.

She heard voices and hid behind pony’s armor. The Leader is speaking with several soldiers.

Dang it. She can’t hear anything they’re saying.

She watched them as she tip-hoofed over. The Leader looks to have his full attention to the soldiers. When she could hear what they’re saying she ducked behind another suit of armor.

“What have the spotters come back with?” the Leader asked.

“Apparently there was some sort of ‘Moon Goddess’ that was locked away in the moon for a millennium and now she’s out to make the night eternal,” the soldier explained.

“And do we know the name of this ‘Moon goddess’?

“Reports came in about a purple unicorn telling the Goddess in question that she’s the Mare in the Moon, Nightmare Moon.”

“I have no knowledge of such a figure.”

“Apparently nopony else in Equestria did other than the one pony.”

Equestria? That other land filled with ponies? She's heard bits and pieces about it other than it supposedly being a land of harmony.

“Well we cannot allow this Goddess to get away with this!” the Leader growled, “She will not be allowed to shroud us in eternal darkness!” He stood up, “Get a message to the spotters and tell them we’ll be putting together an army to bring her down!”

“Yes, your Majesty!”

Mystic watched the soldier leave. Her mind was running about what she’d heard. Spotters? Nightmare Moon? A purple unicorn? Is this originating from the land of Equestria?

“You can come out now, Mystic,” said the Leader.

Mystic froze.

“You don’t think I didn’t see you? Get out here now!”

Her legs wobbling, she stood up and gave herself up. The Leader had a hard look on his face.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I was just wanting to know what was going on,” she quickly explained.

“But you should not intrude on me with my staff!” the Leader snapped.

“I’m sorry!” Mystic bowed.

“Whatever! Just get out of here! I’ll decide your punishment later but let us handle this!”

With a quick nod, the mare left the throne room.

A little late, while doing her chores, she later found out that the situation of the Mare in the Moon has passed on. The details were vague (and she didn’t know why) but felt as if a worldwide disaster had been avoided.

Year 11 – Day 50

“Keep going everypony!” Hong ordered.

With a loud grunt, everypony shoved the final beam into place.

Nearby, Mystic loaded the packages into a wagon and they took off with them. All of the deliveries have been sent out.

“HEAVE!” she heard Hong shout.

Ignoring them, she drank a small glass of water and looked over at the ponies build the foundation of an apartment complex.

I hope I don’t get into that, she thought, Getting all those deliveries out was hard enough and that’s not including the organizing.

Does that General do anything else other than command his soldiers and going around tormenting ponies? Her blood has been boiling against his unfair treatment and abuse of her. To top it off, she recently found out the Leader isn’t as into helping the city more than he lets on. Both of these ponies aren’t good for the city.

“Unicorn!” came a voice.

Break’s over.

Mystic turned to face the pegasus in charge of the deliveries.

“Yes? Anything else, your majesty?” Mystic gave a mocking bow.

“I’m not going to dignify that with a response,” he said, “But you didn’t do bad. I appreciate it.” He ran a hoof down his face, “Most of these losers don’t move as fast as I hope.”

“I hoped I didn’t disappoint.” A lie but the blunt and up-front attitude works best in this environment.

The pegasus cleared his throat, “I need to get back in there and I suggest you do as soon as you can.”

“Why not now?” Mystic asked pushing herself past the pegasus.

The pegasus didn’t reply and Mystic looked back to see him following her.

“You might want to get something to cover those scars,” he said, “You don’t look decent.”

“Thanks,” Mystic remarked sarcastically.

Suddenly, she bumped into somepony. She stepped back to see a troubled looking earth pony.

“This is bad!” he cried, “This is really bad!”

“What’s wrong?” the pegasus asked.

“Some of the locations got the wrong deliveries!”

“What?!” Mystic and the pegasus cried.

“You’re sure?” the pegasus asked.

“I triple checked to be sure!” said the earth pony looking through his sheets.

The pegasus gave a hard look at Mystic, “Did you label and organize the deliveries wrong?”

“No!” Mystic insisted, “I clearly followed the directions you gave me!”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Hong has his attention turned towards them. Oh, this is just perfect!!

The pegasus’ eyes softened and examined Mystic. He sighed and looked at his employee.

“Maybe there was a mix up in the system,” he said, “We need to find out who got what and get back on track.”

“I’ll help too,” said Mystic.

“Good.”

“What’s going on here?” Hong asked.

Mystic held back a growl. Here we go!

“We had some mix-ups with the deliveries,” said the pegasus.

“Oh? You did?” Hong glared at Mystic. The unicorn’s blood began to boil.

“Yeah, it won’t be a problem to get back on track.”

“But your organizer failed utterly to ensure everything got where it was supposed to go!” Hong hissed at Mystic.

“I did NOT!” Mystic cried, “I did everything I could!”

“Well, obviously you didn’t! As soon as you’re finished with this I want you to meet me for your next added assignments!”

“Sir,” said the pegasus, “It’s not that big of a deal.”

“But she’s not learned!” Hong snapped, “Get moving, Mystic!”

With a suppressed growl and hard look, the unicorn turned around.

“And while I’m at it I might add a few whippings too!” Hong finished.

Finally having enough of Hong’s unnecessary punishments, she turned around and snapped at him.

“You know what, General?! I think YOU are standing over the line!”

"GET TO WORK!" Hong ordered.

Mystic levitated the whip out of his grasp and threw it aside causing everypony to gasp at her actions!

“You dare fight back against your uncle?!” Hong barked, “Your own master?!”

“I don’t care who you are or what you’ve done you can NOT treat me like this anymore!”

“I can have you thrown in prison or executed!” Hong warned.

“I don’t think so!”

“You’d better listen to me!”

“NO!” Mystic scolded, “You LISTEN to ME!”

“How dare you!!”

“How dare I?! How DARE YOU!!” her outburst caused Hong to take a step back, and her frustrations finally spilling over, “I’ve realized that underneath all this fear and uncertainty is that I HAVE RIGHTS!” She stomped up to him, “I am NOT your slave! I was meant to be a worker for this city! And you treat me like you owe me! And I am CERTAIN that you aren’t being the General you were signed onto be, you heartless brute! I was put here to be rehabilitated and yet you treat me as if I’m the lowest of the low in the whole darn city!!”

“Lower your voice!!” Hong commanded.

Mystic glanced to her left and noticed that everypony is watching in bewilderment.

“I don’t need to listen to you!” she shouted and prodded him in the chest, “I don’t have anything to lose at this point! I am just a blank flank that is being abused by a know it all general whose name isn’t so great to the city!”

Hong growled but she kept going.

“And I hate all the meals you give me! You and your troops don’t even get them done right! And if you should know, I’ve gotten used to the whip, the pain, the belittling, and the suffering and all because of YOU!!”

Her loud and sharp voice caused him to take another step back.

“And I’ve been too ashamed and scared to make friends because of how much you abuse me and continue to do so when this was a rehabilitation program! And I think I get it now! You hate raising me and you want to keep your stupid ego alive and abuse ponies to get what you want! YOU MAD IDIOT!!”

Hong shoved her to the ground! Mystic looked up at him, not phased at all.

“What are you going to do, huh?! Punish me?! Kill me?!” she shouted, “I don’t even care anymore! But you should know-” she stood up, “I SHOULD HAVE RIGHTS!”

She looked at the gawking general as if he’d never expected anypony to speak to him in a tone like this before. She glanced over at the ponies and saw they’re whispering and marveling at her gutsy actions.

Mystic felt some excitement come to her. She’s never felt a thrill in a long time! A chuckle almost escaped her throat. She felt foolish, yet alive! She doesn’t have anything to lose!

“You think you can just tell me off like that?” Hong asked her, a rumble in his throat. “The very pony who took you in? The very pony who feeds and...”

“The very pony who never wanted anything to do with me?” Mystic countered. “I think you’re just building yourself up on nothing.”

Hong growled. “You little...”

“You little what?” said a voice.

Hong froze and stood straight up. Mystic’s heart soared as the Leader’s advisor showed himself with a full-on glare on his face.

“The Leader wanted to see Hong for an important matter,” he told Hong, “But now there’s something else that’s come to my attention that the pony under rehabilitation is receiving punishments while under good behavior.”

“That’s not what’s happening here!” Hong insisted.

“Oh, spare me the talk!” the Advisor barked, “I saw what happened in the last few minutes! Get to the throne room now!”

This is sweet!

“I’ll gladly come along,” Mystic spoke. She joined his side and gave a small smug smile at the gawking general.

Soon, they arrived in the throne room. There were several other ponies in the room to judge the situation between these two ponies. Mystic made sure they could clearly see the many scars along her back and neck. She could’ve sworn she saw one of them cringe.

Hong gave his side of the story that Mystic is “talking crazy” and “just upset” that she has to be disciplined. Mystic did try to object but she was shut up so he could speak. Mystic, while feeling excited, did feel some nervousness come to her.

“-and that’s why she must be rehabilitated this way,” Hong said, “She’s just like I said she is. She’s crafty, she’s probably evil and waiting to get at us.”

“And you’re going by your gut on this?” the Leader asked.

“No. I’ve observed her and seen that she’s trying to find a way out. I didn’t want to bring it to your attention at first because I know you wouldn’t believe me at first glance.”

Mystic noticed he was slightly tense. She lightly smirked. She’s totally got him in his place.

“Very well, Hong,” said the Leader, he turned to Mystic, “Now, for you.”

Mystic nodded and frowned.

“Well, you know how I was brought in after foolishly entering the wall when I wasn’t supposed to...you know my story of how I’d woken up and can’t remember how I’d gotten here...”

“And you’re still not able to remember anything?” the Leader asked.

“Yes, and believe me, I want to remember,” Mystic sat down on the floor, “I just...can’t and things have gotten a lot worse and abusive because of this stuck up, mad idiot!” she pointed at Hong. The Leader’s look hardened at him.

“Sir, please just don’t think she’s right,” Hong inquired.

That’s enough from him!

“And I’ve been pushing my flank harder and harder day by day!” Mystic cried, “But no matter what, I just can’t get anypony to appreciate the gestures! I’ve nearly broken bones, I’ve bled, sweated and worked myself almost to the grave because of the audacious schedule this General has put on me! I’ve been a good pony!”

She stood up, “And to top it off, he tries to ‘discipline’ me whenever something isn’t exactly the way he wants it!” She turned around and showed him the scars on her back, “Look at these! These came from because he just wants to get to me whenever he can! I’ve been so blinded by fear I didn’t think to speak out.” She turned around, tears in her eyes, “This city is lovely but I don’t like the way I’ve been treated and I should have rights!” She sulked onto the floor again.

She left out the parts about everypony being awful and lied about the city being “lovely” but she gets the feeling she’s never liked cities.

“Is this true, Hong?” the Leader asked.

“No!” Hong bellowed, “She’s talking crazy! I’m telling you, she’s a crafty pony! Would you believe her over somepony who’s been loyal to the city for over thirty years?!”

“Only for you to deteriorate and not be the General you should’ve been!” the Leader scolded, “The city is a disaster! You’ve broken more protocols than you care to admit!”

“The city requires an iron grip! I’ve been trying to keep it together!”

“And I haven’t?! You’re not the only one concerned about it!”

“Then why did we waste money on the wall?! Why did we have to do our best to ensure ponies should have trust with one another?! We had that until you came!”

“I don’t know what you’re implying,” the Leader said, a furious quiver in his tone, “But I don’t think you just supported your case.” He leaned forward, “You’re so blind to get what you want that you don’t use your brain.”

“He’s impulsive!” Mystic spoke up, “I’ve always seen a crazed look in his eyes! He’s demented!”

“I see.”

“Sir, try and think about what’s best for the city!”

“Best for the city? Or best for you?” the Leader asked.

Suddenly something came to Mystic’s mind. This could be the final nail in the coffin!

“I’ve been considering making a friend lately!” she said. It was a lie but it’s necessary.

“You have?” the Leader asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah!” Mystic bowed, “I have seen how lovely this place is and I’m sure there’s probably somepony out there for me.”

She looked up and the Leader examined her. Searching her for any kind of dishonesty. Mystic had a desperate look on her face yet she appeared as honest as she can be.

“I promise I’ll make a friend that’s suitable for both me and that’ll meet your approval,” she said trying to get Hong to see who’s really in charge.

“She still has her duties to do for the rest of the week,” said Hong. Darn it!

“He’s trying to get at me!” Mystic cried.

“But you do,” said the Leader, “And I’ll make sure that you’re not treated poorly as you’ve claimed.” He gave a look to Hong.

Mystic sighed, “All right. I’ll do whatever needs to be done...” She gave him pleading eyes, “Just don’t let me suffer anymore from this monster.”

The Leader looked down at her and behind her a few times before he spoke.

“Fine. Mystic, you will continue your duties for a little while longer and then you’ll be free to explore the city. You’ll find a friend and see just how life can be outside of breaking the rules.”

He looked at Hong.

“How dare you abuse her in violation of the rehabilitation program! I should suspend you right here and now!”

“But there’s nopony better than me keeping the city together! It’ll throw itself into chaos without me whipping my soldiers into shape!” Hong protested.

“You’re on the brink now, Hong!” the Leader snapped, “And if you break protocol anytime soon, I will revoke your General status and put you in the same program she’s been put in! Understand?!”

Hong slightly wilted. A defeated look in his eyes. “Yes, sir...”

The look on his face made Mystic’s heart soar. A small victory!

“Now,” he said, “Get Mystic cleaned up and a proper meal before tomorrow’s work and when she’s finished once the week’s over, she’ll go into the city.”

Hong begrudgingly nodded.

“Good. Dismissed!”

Hong stomped away. Mystic looked up at the Leader.

“Thank you...” she said.

The Leader gave her a serious expression, “Don’t push your luck.”

Mystic nodded and left the throne room.

Had she been able to stand up for herself all this time? Had the General blinded her because of that? Well, if that is the case, then no more! She won’t allow him to rule over her! She has rights and will ensure she can have them!

Mystic felt proud of herself. She’d done it! She managed to keep him off her!

The best lies come from telling mostly the truth! She might’ve squeezed in a bit of false info here and there but it worked!

She did continue her hard work for the city and decided to be on “good behavior” throughout her work. She has some time to get through this program but she’s determined to push through. While Hong did stick around, he didn’t abuse her as much as he used to. He barked as ever but he never raised his whip at her again. Every time his wrath wilted, she felt it was a small victory and it felt good.

The day before she was going out to the city, she heard Hong was going to discipline her again but she grabbed the whip with her magic and tossed it aside. Hong scolded her but she didn’t listen and she finished her work.

The next day – Mystic’s room

She has already washed and groomed herself to at least look somewhat appealing to ponies out in the street. She glanced down at her golden necklace on the nightstand, smiled, and decided to wear it for the day.

Looking down at it, she’s grown used to being attached to it. It’s beautiful.

Sunny Star, huh? She thought. A smile spread across her muzzle.

She grabbed a brush and combed her mane. When she had finished, she happily trotted outside. Finally! Free from the Palace for a day!

Outside

He never gave her some clothes to hide her blank flank and he is tough but he is letting her do as much as she is now. Why take this for granted?

The unicorn didn’t pay attention to anypony other than going out and taking in the city. It’s not a bad city but one that could use improvement. Some ponies seemed bearable when they gave her a nod and a wave.

While she was having lunch at a food stand, some fillies were playing around with a tetherball. While she wanted to go join them, she kept back and observed as the ball vainly dangled from the air and not getting anywhere with their light punches and hits. It was quite amusing to watch. At least things are looking up for one day.

“Hey there!” somepony called.

Confused and a little surprised, she turned to see a few unicorn teens dressed up in fine clothes (and one mare wearing a red dress) walking over.

“Yeah, you!”

Mystic looked around at ponies surrounding her and back at trio approaching her.

“Are you...” she placed a hoof on her chest, “Talking to me?”

“Yeah!” the first colt spoke, “Name's Crescent! And these are my friends Hazel and Blakey!”

“Uhhh....”

The trio came to a stop and smiled at her.

“Don't be shy,” said Hazel, “It's always a pleasure to meet ponies.”

Mystic didn't reply. What's going on?

“Well, are you going to speak?” Crescent asked.

“Why are you talking to me?” Mystic cautiously asked.

The teens chuckled.

“What we can’t make a new friend?” Blakey asked. That idea sounded wonderful. Maybe there are decent ponies in this city?

“Besides, we unicorns need to stick together,” Crescent added.

“And you look pretty bad,” said Hazel, “We could freshen you up.”

“Last time I let ponies treat me they framed me for a crime I didn’t know I was committing,” Mystic admitted.

“Oh, gosh! That’s not cool!” Blakey cried and his friends agreed.

“It isn’t,” Mystic finished her sandwich. “So pardon my cautious ways.”

The three ponies looked at each other.

“This wasn’t what we anticipated,” said Hazel.

“Yeah, it won’t be as fun,” said Crescent.

Suddenly, Blakey lunged forward, grabbed Mystic’s necklace and snatched it right off!

“Got it!” Blakey cried as he and his friends ran off.

“HEY!” Mystic cried, “GIVE THAT BACK!!” She began chasing them!

Laughter erupted from the trio.

“Come and get it!” Crescent cried.

Mystic growled and picked up speed. Those foolish ponies are really going to get it now!

She followed them around a curve and saw that there are multiple ponies carrying or moving boxes! Oh, come on! More work for sure! Mystic did her best to weave and jump around the boxes.

“Sorry!” Mystic cried, “Excuse me!” She bumped into somepony, “Pardon me!” She saw several others with stacked boxes, “Coming through!” She zipped past them.

The thieves are faster than she is. No! She cannot let them escape!

She heard more laughter come from them and they knocked over several boxes spilling their contents all over the street!

“That’s just fantastic!” she cried as she leaped over the mess.

She chased them to a more active street and the trio leaped onto a moving wagon! With a frustrated shout, Mystic picked up speed. Her limbs ached, pinched and her lungs burned. It was supposed to be an easier day!

Adrenaline pumping through her system, Mystic leaped onto another moving wagon, climbed on top and saw her targets going down an alleyway. She jumped down, ran down to it and burst through to catch them!

A strong unpleasant smell hit Mystic’s nose. It was putrid and caused her to cough and feel nauseated to her stomach and cheeks. She swore she felt them turn green. Despite this, she kept going. With one final turn, she came to a stop and saw the unicorns cornered by a pit. They turned around and looked surprised, horrified, and sickened.

“Way to pick the route, Blakey!” Crescent coughed.

“I didn’t know it led to the pits!” Blakey hacked.

“Regardless of where it led you,” Mystic heaved, “Give me back my necklace!”

“Why should we?” Hazel asked, “It looks like any other old necklace.”

“You know darn well that it isn’t! That thing is solid gold and is truly precious to me!”

“And why is that?!”

Mystic opened her mouth to answer but her words died on her lips. She noticed the thieves have taken notice.

“Oh, you don’t know, huh?” Crescent asked.

“It’s...a long story,” Mystic answered.

“Then evaluate!” he stepped closer to the pit, “Or we’ll drop it!”

“NO!” Mystic shrieked, “Don’t drop it!”

“Then why is this precious to you? Why?!”

“Because it was given to me by somepony precious!”

“Who’s that?!”

Mystic paused again. Darn it!”

“Answer me!”

“I don’t know!” Mystic cried desperately, “But it’s the one thing that truly matters in this holy forsaken city! Please, give it back!”

“I don’t think so,” said Crescent, “You haven’t evaluated why it’s so precious!”

“If I did, you wouldn’t believe me!”

The trio chuckled and Crescent through it down the pit into the ‘dirt’!

“NOOOOOO!” Mystic wailed, running up to the edge and seeing it down there.

“It didn’t matter much so it belongs in that dirt! You belong down there too!”

Crescent pushed Mystic into the pit and she landed with a sploosh!

“GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!” Mystic wailed as the bullies howled with laughter.

Later

Eeeww, that was truly disgusting! It was like being in a very smelly gunk that never would relent from clinging to her coat! She had to hold her breath as she climbed out of the slick slope and fell back in a few times before she finally got out!

When she got out her offenders were gone. Cowards! She took to the streets and found a water hole to wash and did so thoroughly but never felt completely clean. Later she found a cape and draped it over her back to keep her flank and back hidden.

Mystic decided to avoid being seen. Did Hong and the Leader know she’d be ridiculed? Is this some kind of discipline lesson? As she walked down the streets she’d wandered away from the city’s center and sat down next to the road. Most ponies weren’t around.

“I’ll just stay quiet until my time is up for being out here...” she whimpered.

She closed her eyes tight. She’d thought the city would be better than being inside the Palace walls but she was clearly mistaken about that.

This world is cruel! This place is just awful! Why...? Her eyes welled up. Maybe nopony would bother to track her. She doesn’t have anypony that loves her!

Mystic kicked a stone and let out a cry.

She buried her face into her hooves. Would nopony care if she hurt herself? Died? Or...?

She shuddered at the implied thought before it entered her mind. It seemed scary but preferable. What is she thinking?

Mystic sniffed, not caring about what she might do next.

“Hello?” said a soft small voice.

Mystic gasped and sat straight up. She snapped her head to the right and saw a filly unicorn with a yellow coat and yellow-brownish eyes. Mystic saw the filly’s mane is a mix of yellow and gold and has a horn that’s curly instead of straight.

“Where did you come from?!” Mystic asked, almost shouting.

The filly cringed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Yeah, well, you need to think before you interrupt somepony in deep thought,” Mystic stated as she composed herself.

The filly nodded, “I understand.” She cracked a small smile.

“Can I join you?”

Mystic froze. Her gaze darted to the left and right. Is she with anypony? Before she realized it the filly sat down next to her.

“I didn’t say you could join me,” Mystic told her.

“No, but you look lonely and I wanted to see if you’re okay,” the filly smiled.

What’s this filly’s game? Is there somepony out there watching the two of them? There can’t be any more things going wrong for her today!

“I’m...fine,” Mystic tried to affirm.

“Well, I believe you,” said the filly. “It’s quite a day, isn’t it?”

“It’s always cloudy and gloomy in these streets as far as I can tell.”

“Is it?” the filly giggled. Mystic blinked. Why did she just giggle? “Sure, I hadn’t noticed because I think the clouds had lightly parted and it is a little warmer today than a couple of days ago.”

“Where did you get that? A weather report?” Mystic scoffed.

The filly laughed.

Mystic shook her head, not able to believe hearing such a joyful laugh.

“I was kidding,” the filly giggled, “It might be gloomy most of the time but that doesn’t mean you can’t consider it a good day.”

“Uh huh?” Mystic looked around again.

“Never hurts to spread a little cheer and smiles,” the filly smiled. She reached into her bag and pulled out a few sunflowers. They’re withering but Mystic’s eyes slightly widened at them.

“You ever wonder about sunflowers?” the filly asked, “They just remind me of how bright things can be and make me smile.” She looked into Mystic’s eyes, “And I think they can help you smile, too.”

She held up a sunflower to Mystic. The older mare blinked.

Okay, this is enough.

“All right,” she said, standing up, “What’s your game?”

“A game?” the filly’s eyes lit up, “Were we going to play a game?” She stood up, “Oh! Oh! How about tag? Hide and seek? Or-or!”

“No not that kind of game!” Mystic snapped. “What are you up to?”

The filly just kept smiling, “What am I up to? I was coming to see you.”

“No!” Mystic groaned, “Look, are you with anypony?”

“I’m with you, silly.”

“GAH! That’s not what I meant!” Mystic sat down on the ground again. The filly followed suit.

“Look, I don’t know what you’re doing here,” Mystic went on, “But somepony like you shouldn’t be wandering around.”

The filly tilted her head, “But weren’t you doing that?”

“Well, yes, but...” Mystic paused. “Wait a minute! How old are you?!”

“Six.”

“Why would a six-year-old be wandering around in a city?!”

“Because you can walk almost anywhere.”

“I mean, do you have a home?” Mystic looked into her eyes, “Do you want some money? Do you want to get somewhere? Do you have a family?”

The filly stared into Mystic’s eyes with an unreadable expression. Okay, this is making her uncomfortable. She’s a hardened and slave driven pony, kids shouldn’t be talking to-

“Do you?” the filly innocently asked.

The question pierced her heart like an arrow. Mystic felt her eyes welling up again. She looked away and held back her whimpers.

“Are you okay?” the filly asked, concerned.

“I’m fine,” replied Mystic, “I’m worn out and want to get back home.”

Of course, what’s now considered her home.

She felt a hoof gently touch her cape and back. Mystic tensed and glanced behind her to see the filly stroking her. She’s never been so gently touched before.

“What’re you doing?” she asked, feeling uneasy.

“Comforting you.”

“There’s no reason for you to,” Mystic stood up, she looked down at the filly. Why would anypony, a stranger be coming to comfort her? Why do anything like that? “Look, kid, you might want to get back home. There are dangerous ponies out here.”

“They hadn’t touched me yet,” said the filly. She stood up and slipped falling flat onto her face.

Mystic watched as she wobbly stood back up.

“Sorry,” the filly smiled sheepishly, “I’m a little klutzy.”

“I see.”

“How about we accompany each other for a bit?” the filly suggested.

“Just go home. Where do you live?”

“I live just a few blocks that way,” the filly pointed to the east. “I live there with other fillies and colts but...” she frowned, “I just got out and I want to get away from there.”

“Won’t the ponies there miss you?”

“They don’t care. They mostly send us to the beds so they won’t have to take care of us.”

Mystic’s eyes bulged. “Seriously?! What kind of parents do that?!”

“Well...” the filly frowned. “They’re not my parents...”

What? What is she talking about?

“What is over there, anyway?” Mystic asked, feeling unnerved by the answer.

“It’s an orphanage...”

Mystic couldn’t help but take in a light cusp of air. Her blood froze at this revelation. Ponies have orphanages and don’t take care of the fillies and colts as they should?

How is she going to figure out this filly’s game? She’s not like any of the other ponies she’s encountered.

“Buuuutt,” the filly smiled, “That doesn’t mean I can’t learn to just be happy and hopeful in the midst of an environment that isn’t the best.”

That was interesting. How? How is she so optimistic? How long had she been living there? How was she made an orphan? How could she be so happy in such hostile conditions? And...

“What’s your name?” Mystic asked aloud.

The filly’s smile grew. “I’m Sunshine. Sunshine Smiles.”

Mystic couldn’t help but crack a smirk. The way the filly talks and acts seem to fit that name.

“I’m...Mystic,” said the older mare.

“Nice to meet you, Mystic,” said Sunshine.

Did she really care about her? How could she when she has her own problems to deal with?

“How about we walk a little bit and get to a better place to hang out?” Sunshine offered.

“Uh...” Mystic still felt a little uneasy talking to a filly five years younger than her.

“What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?” Sunshine asked. Did she just tease her?

“No, no. Let’s do that,” Mystic quickly nodded.

Time to put myself on guard and if this filly is trying anything. Just in case. she thought.

She shuddered at recent events and could still smell the contents within her coat.

“Yay!” Sunshine squeaked. She began skipping. Mystic stood there for a few seconds before she followed.

The questions kept coming to Mystic. She doesn’t care how she looks? About her lack of a cutie mark? About the scars? About...how she smells?

“Ever wondered about love, Mystic?” Sunshine asked.

“What?”

“About love,” said Sunshine, “I didn’t know it existed until I took a shot and learned that it does exist.”

She said nothing as Sunshine went on.

“It’s the most beautiful thing in the universe! Almost like eating candy that’s sweeter than a candy cane!”

Candy canes what are those? Is it a metaphor? If that’s the case it sounds silly.

“I just imagine myself eating as much candy canes and sweets as much as I can because of how sweet love is!” Sunshine laughed, “It’s not just sweet it’s also powerful! And-oof!” She tripped over her own hooves again. Mystic froze.

“Whoops!” Sunshine bounced back to her hooves, “How embarrassing!”

“Sunshine...”

“I might be a little wobbly but I get through it!”

Mystic sighed. She took her surroundings in but saw nopony else around. The alleyways looked empty and the sounds of ponies bustling around are a couple of blocks away.

“Anywho!” Sunshine chirped, “What’re you doing these days, Mystic?”

“Well...” Mystic trailed off. How can she tell a filly of the program she’s in?

“Busy playing? Writing a journal? Thinking about your life and what it could be?” Sunshine enthusiastically.

“I...don’t really play,” Mystic answered, “I never thought about keeping a journal...and not really.”

“Oh, that’s sad,” Sunshine frowned but then she smiled, “But hey, at least I can give you some pointers!”

“Maybe some other time.”

“Okay!” Sunshine giggled.

Mystic rubbed her temple. This isn’t cringy to her at all.

“I know I intruded on you and I am sorry about that but I just thought you could use a little chat with somepony!”

“Yes, Sunshine, I was there when you told me.”

“But the importance of it cannot be overstated enough! Hey, where did you get the cape?”

“Some fillies came along and things got a little messy and I had to put it on to cover it up,” Mystic retorted.

“Oooh! Sounds interesting!”

Mystic sighed again.

“What about you?” she asked, “Why’re you so positive?”

“Oh, that,” Sunshine held a bit of a sad smile on her face, “Such a shame she had to leave and go off...but one of my former caretakers taught me to be happy and not frown so much.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah,” Sunshine looked up at the sky as if she were remembering something, “She taught me so much about love and how ponies can come together. But you don’t see it so much these days.” She smiled, “Which is why I dream of going to a land called Equestria.”

Mystic paused. “Equestria?”

“Yeah, it’s supposed to be a very wonderful place! I’ve been trying to find details about it!”

Of course, it's that land where the Mare in the Moon stuff originated a while back.

“Do you dream of a wonderful place, Mystic?” Sunshine asked.

“Kid,” said Mystic, “While you are a dreamer and seem interested in me...I just don’t know how this whole thing will work out between you and me.”

“Oh? Why not?” Sunshine asked curiously.

“Because,” Mystic paused, choosing her words carefully. Keep it together, Mystic! You haven’t been around kids much!

“Because you don’t understand the real world,” she finally said, “You just don’t know who you can rely on.”

“I see...” replied Sunshine. She placed a hoof on Mystic’s side, “I’m glad I came along then.”

Mystic kept looking at the filly. That sincere smile and bright eyes seem to have so much life behind them. Should she share what’s been going on with her? How she’s suffered so much? Her gut told her to do so but she held back.

“Hey! Catch!” she heard Sunshine shout. She turned and gasped when a ball came flying towards her. She caught it with her magic and looked at Sunshine with a bit of a wide-eyed expression.

“Nice reflexes!” Sunshine giggled.

“You could’ve hurt me!” she would’ve handled it but she doesn’t want to put up with too many antics from her.

“You’re a big pony! You’re able to handle things!” It was almost as if she’d read her mind.

“Come on! Throw it!” Sunshine clapped her hooves.

Mystic glanced down at the dirty ball. Is this happening? She looked at Sunshine again and the filly is waiting in anticipation. She softly tossed the ball at Sunshine and the filly easily caught it.

“Oh, you need to step up your game!” the filly stated.

“Sunshine, I don’t know about this,” replied Mystic.

“Just get in the spirit, Misty!”

Misty? “

We can have fun!”

Well, there doesn’t seem to be getting out of this one.

“Okay...” she said hesitantly, “But I need to be back soon...”

“Where?” Sunshine asked curiously.

“An...” Mystic inwardly cringed, “Important place I can’t be late.”

“Then let’s burst our tails and get to playing!”

Sunshine threw the ball at Mystic much harder than she did the first time and it was caught once again. Mystic tossed the ball back to Sunshine and soon they began playing with the ball and even began kicking it back and forth to one another. Despite feeling uncomfortable with this interaction and little game she considers childish, the little one seemed to be having a good time. As long as the filly’s happy that’s good enough for her.

Later, Sunshine showed Mystic how to play ‘tag.’

“So, you run and when I touch you, you’re it and you have to get me,” Sunshine explained.

“I can run faster than you,” said Mystic.

“Then run slower!”

“How will that make the game any fairer?”

Sunshine laughed, “Silly! I am making it fairer! You’re the one with the longer legs here!”

Mystic cracked a smirk, “Or maybe you’re faster than what you look.”

“Is that a challenge?!” Sunshine challenged, “Because I like challenges!”

“Then try to catch me!” Mystic cried.

She took off and Sunshine let out a small cry before she bolted after the older mare. A giggle almost erupted from Mystic’s throat as she ran.

For about ten seconds Sunshine did her best to catch up, and though she did pick up speed she couldn’t catch up to Mystic. Mystic kept running and came to a stop.

Sunshine rounded the corner and had to come to a screeching stop.

“Hah!” Mystic cried, “I win!”

“No,” Sunshine smiled, she touched Mystic, “You’re it!”

“What?!” Mystic cried as Sunshine ran off, “But we were having a race!”

“Never said that we were!” Sunshine laughed.

With a groan, Mystic chased the filly down.

Thirty minutes later

Both ponies laid on their backs as they cooled down from their activities. The clouds are clearing up and starting to reveal the blackening sky. Mystic couldn’t believe she’d gotten into the spirit of playing games. How did she get roped into that? Maybe it was in her to play games? She supposes she does still hope there’s something out there that’ll tell her these ponies can be better. But that hope is dwindling for everypony else...except one.

“Look Mystic,” said Sunshine, “The stars are coming out.”

Mystic looked up and saw the clouds have parted ways and she could see the twinkling stars that began taking up the sky.

“Beautiful aren’t they?” Sunshine asked.

“I suppose,” replied Mystic.

“Whenever I get a chance, I always come outside to look at the endless beauty the stars provide,” Sunshine explained, “I only imagine what else is out there in the vastness of space.” She smiled, “So much to the imagination. They also help me relax and reflect on the good in my life.” She glanced over at Mystic, “Maybe they can do the same for you, my friend.”

Friend? Is she a friend?

“I don’t know if I have any good in my life,” replied Mystic feeling a pang of sadness come to her heart. All the suffering and pain she’s gone through including memory loss.

“Somepony always has goodness in their life,” said Sunshine.

“I’m not so sure about that...” she turned over on her side, “I...” She sighed, “No...Sunshine...”

“No what?”

“I don’t have a...” she held back her tears, “I don’t have a family.”

Sunshine lightly gasped and sat up, “You’re...an orphan?”

Mystic slowly nodded, “If I do have any family...they probably don’t know who I am...”

“Oh, Mystic...” Sunshine whispered, “I’m so sorry...”

“Don’t worry,” said Mystic, “I’ve grown used to it.” Which was partially true.

“I guess...we’re two peas in a pod, huh?”

“Huh?”

Sunshine cleared her throat, “I mean, we’re alike, huh?” She smiled sadly.

“Yeah...”

For a moment frozen in time, Mystic felt more comfortable hanging out with somepony else. It seemed...special in a sense.

Suddenly, she got her usual demeanor back and shook her head.

“I’ve...had fun today...” Mystic said, almost automatically. She glanced up at a clock tower. It’s within five minutes before she has to get back to the Palace. She frowned at the thought of it.

“I had fun too, Mystic,” said Sunshine, “You and I could use some brightness in our lives.” She smiled again and Mystic took another look at her.

There is no denying it. This filly is just being herself. Something she’s not seen in the other ponies she’d seen out on the streets. For one little moment, Mystic felt warm. It was an incredible feeling almost as if the world had been made brighter.

“Time’s up for me,” said Mystic, “I found our time...interesting.” She couldn’t understand this feeling. She hadn’t felt it during her time with Chen or his siblings.

“Oh, I understand,” Sunshine smiled, “It was a real treat speaking to you, my friend!”

There was that word again. Friend.

“Yeah, well,” she spoke, unsure how to respond.

“See you around?” Sunshine asked, hope present in her eyes.

Mystic gave an uncertain look, “No promises but...maybe?”

“Yay!”

Mystic began walking back to the Palace. She didn’t want to leave the feeling behind but she needs to avoid getting into trouble.

Before she left the area, she turned around and saw Sunshine waving at her. Mystic couldn’t help but smile a little before turning the corner.

Present day – Year 16: Day 364

The rain continued to fall and the wind began to howl.

“Shoot!” Mystic cried. “Stupid rain won’t you go away?!”

Undeterred, she knelt down and picked up the weaved hay and stepped back to look at the three of them.

“Okay, I think that should be enough,” she said.

Lighting up her horn, she levitated a ladder and placed it up against the abode to fix the roof. The rain is getting harder and the forest is beginning to get dark.

Meanwhile, in her dimly lit headmare's office, Twilight Sparkle let out a yawn. She's stayed up until the middle of the night, grading students, studying up on topics she has planned for them to learn about, and new school activities.. She closed the curriculum book and smiled. She knew she’s going to be tired tomorrow, but nothing a fresh pot of tea can’t fix!

“I know I shouldn’t be up so late,” she said to nopony in particular, “But I just love teaching to my students with my friends by my side.”

She’s very proud of how far they’ve all come. This school is a monument to that and she won’t change anything about coming to Ponyville and the journeys they’d been on.

In addition, there’s a very special event coming up for Equestria in nine days. She can’t wait! Provided it goes well.

“Twilight, you need to go to bed,” she said, almost mimicking Spike’s voice. She giggled and stood up.

Before she could leave, she noticed that some of her students’ files were out of place. Sighing, she walked over. Rainbow must not have organized them as she told her to. She levitated three of them out and paused when she saw the names “Starry” and “Lucky.”

She frowned at the student’s names she’s come across. Those two haven’t been on their best behavior and hasn’t improved any in the past few months.

She’s reminded of a businesspony that had gotten his sons into the school. And well-

She shook her head, daring not to think of his sons or him again. She’ll make sure their behavior changes! She’s got her friends by her side and everything will be all right! She organized her files and stepped out of the office. She headed back to her Castle, in order to get ready to teach again tomorrow.

End of Volume 1

Author's Note

First off, thank you RS-Belle14 for the suggesting the name Sunshine Smiles to my OC! I really appreciate it! Go check his stuff out!

Hey, everypony! I wanted to have this submitted before the US Thanksgiving holiday (I am from the USA but I know some of you aren't) So sorry if the chapter seemed lengthy (and a little brutal and gross) but I hope you enjoyed nonetheless.

I hope you also pay attention to the little segments with Twilight because they're setting up something with her and her friends sometime down the road.

Please review if you want!