Product of Friendship

Chapters

02 - The Key Ingredient for Devil's Dust (2e)
03 - The Impish Witch, Wisteria
04 - Looking For Home
05 - Mom?
07: School Disturbance
08: Paradoxal Bonding
09: Swiss Cheese
10: Candy Shop
11: Animal Sanctuary
12: The Sisterhood
13: Hivemind
14: Smolder's Revenge
15: Monster Brawl
01 - Motherly Choices (2e)
06: School Admission

02 - The Key Ingredient for Devil's Dust (2e)

“Hold still,” a purple mare instructed a filly who was shifting about as she steadied the needle upon the filly’s foreleg.

“But I don’t like how it feels," the filly argued as she fruitlessly shuffled her hoof from the mare’s hold. "I don’t want to do it.”

“Look Wisteria,” the mare started. “Either you let me collect your blood or I cut your whole leg off and take it out then.”

“You won’t do that,” Wisteria called the mare’s bluff. “You wouldn’t be able to get much out of me on a weekly basis anymore.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll get that leg pumping good again with blood when I re-attach it.”

“You don’t know how to do that. I’ve never seen you do something like that before.”

“Will you just shut up and hold still already, Wist!?”

Wist shut her eyes tight as the purple mare poked the needle inside the filly. Green flames then aroused from the filly’s body as she revealed her jet-black skin and long fangs.

“Why in Equestria are you even in disguise right now,” the mare questioned. “No creature but us are welcome in this hut.”

This mare that has taken upon herself to become the guardian of the nymph referred to herself as Poison Peck. She had told Wisteria that she discovered her a long time ago in an empty cave and had decided, in her so-called "generous heart", to care for her since no creature else was not around to do so.

“Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow,” Wist shuddered at the pricking of the needle as its streamed milliliters of her blood into its capsule.

After moments of her slow torture, Poison finally removed the needle from the nymph changeling as Wist rubbed her stabbed hoof. “See,” Poison said. “That wasn’t so bad.”

“I like to see you try it,” Wist mumbled.

“Stop being a baby,” Poison laid the syringe on a table in the middle of the hut and picked up the nymph. “You never see me complain when I feed you.”

“That’s different,” Wist argued.

“Course it’s not,” Poison said. “There’s only so much love you can take out of me before I run dry.”

“That’s not true. You love me so much that you never get tired.”

“Now that’s a mighty strong claim you’re making there,” Poison raised a brow. “I could just be putting up an act just so you won't cry about how hard I’m struggling.”

“I’m not a crybaby,” Wist retorted.

“Course you are,” Poison hugged her. “You’re my precious little gem of a crybaby.”

“Why can’t you just admit you love me?”

“Not every creature gets what they want," Poison said. "Some of us have to work hard to get the things they desire.”

“So, if I don’t complain, then you’ll admit you love me,” Wist widened.

“Don’t get your hopes up, but I guess that'd be a start...Are you good now?”

“Yup,” Wist confirmed and then Poison let the nymph down the floorboard.

“Good, cause I got to hurry and make this new batch.” Poison returned the table and levitated the syringe in a purple aura as she shifted close to a beaker with boiling black liquid.

“Does my blood really help make so much money,” Wist asked. “Cause if so, why don’t we have a bigger house? I want to have my own room.”

“Stop sounding so ungrateful,” Poison scolded. “Besides, I already told you that the stuff I make is not accepted by many. Do you know how much trouble I could get in if the authorities caught wind of where the devil's dust came from?”

“If it’s so bad, then why do it?”

“It’s a gold mine Wist,” Poison said. “I’ve already told you this. There’s something special about your blood that no other changeling has. With just a dab of it, you can have an earth pony levitating objects about and also bring so much joy in the hearts of creatures.”

“You're also forgetting that it can drive them insane,” Wist added.

“Only if they take in too much,” Poison said. “It’s their fault if that happens, I already gave them fair warning of the effects. Besides, you can’t tell me that you find it hilarious.”

“Well, they are kind of funny when they go nuts,” Wist admitted.

“You’re a devious little thing,” Poison commented. “But you’re my daughter, so what can I do?” Poison slightly pushed upon the syringe with her magic as a bit of Wist’s extorted blood trickled down into the beaker. The moment her blood entered the liquid, a black smoke gushed out of it and then quickly dissipated as Poison removed the beaker from the burner it laid atop of the table.

“Can you teach me more hex spells now?” Wist suddenly asked.

“What?" Poison faced her head to her daughter. "Wist, I don’t have time for that right now. My clients from across the border are gonna come here in a few days. You wanna learn more spells from me, then go fetch more ingredients for me.”

“Oh, come on,” Wist complained. “Isn’t my blood the only thing you need?”

“That may be true, but no creature is going to drink plain blood. Now stop complaining and go get me those ingredients. You know where to find them.”

Wist flew over the branches and crawled through hollow logs as she scavenged for herbs and plants that she was positive her mother would need to cook another pile of devil's dust.

For years, Wist has played and explored the lengths of this forest. Through her countless journeys around these woods, Wist was able to remember the location of all the ingredients she ever needed to find for her mother. A convenience to Poison that saved her time from dirtying her own hooves. Regardless, Wist did enjoy this time of freedom. Her mother trusted her a lot to walk these woods on her own, confident of her daughter's skill to watch over herself after years of raising her.

Finding a small patch of fungi growing atop a tree and throwing pieces of it into her small saddlebag, Wist perked her ears upon a voice. “We’re really going in far. You sure this is fine?”

Wist peaked below to a dirt road where she saw a group of four foals. There were two colts within the group that was a few distances ahead of two fillies as they appeared to be mouthing off at each other.

“Not until he admits that I’m the braver pony,” one of the colts argued.

“Well that ain’t happening,” the other colt argued. “Cause I’m the bravest in the class.”

“You guys are being a bunch of twits,” said a pink filly that sighed at the colts’ competitive conversation. “Can’t you both just agree that you’re both brave?”

“That won’t cut it, Luster,” one of the colts argued. “I need him to realize that I’m bravest of them all. You can go if you want, but I’m gonna show what I’m made of when we find the monster of the forest.”

“They say that the monster of the forest is as big as an Ursa Minor,” said the other mare. “It made this whole forest its territory and it gets really upset when some pony comes in when they’re not welcomed.”

“Don’t worry,” one of the colts voiced. “When that monster shows up, I’ll protect you.”

“Yeah right,” the other colt retorted. “You’re the one that’s going to be chickening out while I’ll be the one saving the day.”

“You two are going to end up being its lunch if you keep this up,” Luster groaned. “Come on, it’s not too late to turn back now. I promise I won’t tell the teacher.”

“Will you stow it, Luster,” said one of the colts. “I ain’t leaving till he does.”

“You two are impossible,” Luster growled. “Are you really going to go that far just to look cool in front of her?” Luster pointed her hoof to the filly that swayed her sights around for the creature.

“I just want to see if it's real,” the filly said.

“Even if it meant getting eaten?” Luster asked the filly.

“I’m not all that scared,” the filly responded. “I have you with me. You know all sorts of magic.”

“I-I know some too,” one of the colts voiced.

Wist couldn’t help but grin at the nervous colts that were clearly putting up a bravado. If they wanted to see the monster so badly, then she had no objection to oblige. Besides, it would be wrong of her not to put their words to the test, wouldn’t it?

Wist placed her saddlebag aside atop the branch as a stream of flames enveloped the small changeling's body as she descended into the bushes. The group of foals paused at the rustle she made from the leaves.

“What was that,” the filly asked as the colts gathered in front of her as a defensive line. Wist became giddy of the terror she would strike upon those phony colts trying to be heroes.

Wist emerged before the foals, horrifying them with her large body. As tall as the filly had described, Wist earned a scream from the foals in her large body as a black boar. The multiple black rings that surrounded her pupil was an added touch to really give those colts a fright.

As Wist had expected, the colts screamed and immediately fled at the sight of her as the filly followed behind them. Luster, however, stepped back carefully with her horn lit.

There was indeed fear in her eyes, but there was also an intensity that warned Wist that she would expect resistance from the filly if she took a step towards her. Wist faltered back, not expecting this from a creature her age.

At her sudden shock, she quickly noticed the green flames enveloping again. Her form was dissipating only after a moment's loss of concentration. Wist lacked the training to maintain such a large form; even the slightest disturbance could undo her transformation.

Luster widened at the inflamed boar and scurried around to find any water to douse the flames with. Wist attempted to flee but then began to feel herself become lighter as her body rolled across the dirt against her will.

Luster gritted her teeth as she tried to grind the flames off of the boar. Completely frenzied by the filly’s action, Wist lost all grasp of her magic as the flames deteriorated her form, compacting her down back to her original state.

“What the…” Luster paused at the creature before her.

Wist immediately raised her body and leaped into the bushes to hide before another word came from the filly.

“Wait,” Luster called to her. “Don’t go!”

Wist hid low underneath the bushes, carefully observing the filly through the leaves. She made a big mistake just now. Out of everything her mother has told her, there was one rule that she must follow no matter what: never let any creature see her. Her presence in these forests was meant to be unknown to creatures. Her mother would surely be upset with her for this.

Wist’s mind scrambled to find an immediate solution to her problem, but she couldn’t think of anything fruitful.
“Hey,” Luster continued to call. “Are you still there? I just want to talk to you.”

Wist concluded that it was best to bring the filly home somehow. Maybe she can catch her as a creature with a large mouth. She’ll just need to wait for the perfect—

“There you are,” Luster said as she crouched her head to the bush Wist hid in. The nymph faltered back at the filly’s sudden appearance, letting the fallen leaves fall into her mouth for her to spit out. “Wait, don’t go,” Luster voiced as her horn illuminated again to whisk the nymph off the ground and pulled Wist before her.

“Let me go,” Wist flailed her body. Luster adhered to the nymph's demand and released her grip of Wist, causing the nymph to fall on the ground.

“Sorry," Luster hurriedly apologized. "I didn’t mean for that to happen. I just didn’t want you to run away.”

Wist picked herself up quickly and jumped back into a defensive stance. Her horn illuminated green as Luster lifted a hoof up. “Wait,” Luster voiced. “I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to talk.”

“Talk?” Wist asked while keeping her magic readied. Shapeshifting now would take too long to give the filly more than enough time to respond. However, Wist does have a hex spell she learned that could make the filly more compliant. Well, as long as she cast it right.
“You’re a changeling, right?” Luster asked.

“...That’s what my mom tells me.” Wist hesitantly answered. She’s never been given a question by a creature before. Those that visit her home are never given the chance to see her since Poison hides her under their floorboard. Although those she comes upon alone have either fled for their life or passed out for her to carry out of the forest when she gives them a fright with her numerous large forms she had seen from books.

“I knew it,” Luster’s eyes sparkled. “That had to have been shapeshifting that you did earlier. But I’ve never seen a changeling so black. Are you perhaps a different breed?”

“Uh...I don’t know,” Wist admitted. “Does it really matter?”

“Of course, it matters!” Luster blurted as she suddenly approached Wist. The nymph faltered back, but Luster still closed the distance between them as she grabbed one of Wist’s hooves. “I’ve never seen a creature with holes through their body. What’s the purpose of them?”

Wist gazed at Luster, enamored by the filly’s curiosity in her. “Can... can I ask for your name?”

“Hm,” Luster raised her face to meet Wist. It was so close to Wist that she could see the depths of the filly’s eyes. “Oh right, I guess we should introduce ourselves. Well, you can call me Luster Dawn. I live in a town outside of this forest. What’s yours?”

“...I’m Wist. I live in this forest with my mom.”

“You live in this place,” Luster widened her eyes. “Don’t you think that’s kind of dangerous?”

“Nuh-uh,” Wist shook her head. “I know the in and out of this place. Nothing here can touch me. Plus, I have my mom here to protect me.”

“Then what’re you doing here alone?” Luster asked.

“I’m picking up ingredients for my mom,” Wist answered. “She needs them for her special drug.”

“A special drug?” Luster wondered. “Sounds like a specific potion-making. Can I help?”

“Mom doesn’t like any creature she doesn’t know to come into her home.”

“Aww, but I really want to see it. Well, can I at least help you find the ingredients?”

"Why?" Wist was befuddled by the filly's request. "Shouldn't you be more concerned about those foals?"

"I'm sure they've long left this place after the scare you gave them. Also, I'm really curious about those ingredients. So, can I come?"

“Maybe...but you can’t slow me down.”

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. You will find that I can take care of myself.”

“Are you sure I won’t fall?” Luster anxiously asked the nymph as she was pulled atop a branch far above the ground. “Why do we have to be so high? Are you sure this is the only place where it grows?”

“You sure ask a lot of questions when you’re scared,” Wist commented as she ripped a patch of red mosses from the bark of a tree and tossed it in her small saddlebag.

"I'm well within my right to when I'm over a yard above the ground."

"You won't be going far with the attitude. My mom says that those who can't rise to the challenge are always destined for failure."

"Well what I have planned for the future won't have anything to do with tree climbing; at least I hope so."

"Really?" Wist startled the filly when she approached her, wobbling the branch a slight. "What do you want to be?"

"Easy, Wist," Luster voiced. "You're the only one with wings here."

"Come on, tell me. I want to know."

"Okay, okay, just stop moving about like that." Luster made a mistake by dawning her eyes below, taking in how high she climbed. Her hooves immediately latched onto Wist. "Sweet Twilight, why did I let you talk me into this?"

"Luster," Wist whined. "Why won't you tell me?"

"C-can you hold me first?" Luster asked. "If you do that, then I'll tell you."

Wist adhered to the filly's request and pulled the filly close to her as she leaned to the bark of the tree.

"Wow, how do you feel so cold in this heat?" Luster asked.

"Luster," Wist eyed at Luster.

"Oh, right… Well, I've always envisioned doing great things. I don't know what that is exactly, but I'm hoping that the Princess will one day point me in the right direction."

"The Princess?"

"Yeah, Princess Twilight has done a lot of great things for Equestria. Plus, she's said to possess a vast knowledge of magic, surpassing even that of the late Starswirl the Bearded. If I can just have her look my way, I bet she can make me a wise wizard."

"So, you want to be a wizard?" Wist concluded. "That almost sounds like what I want to be."

"You want to be a wizard too?"

"Well, not that. What I want to be is a witch."

"A what?" Luster widened at the nymph. "You can't be a witch? A witch is the complete opposite of a wizard. They're bad creatures."

"Witches aren't bad," Wist retorted. "My mom is a witch and she hasn't hurt a single creature. Well, except for bugs and animals, but those don't count."

"Your mom is a witch!?"

"Cool, right?" Wist smiled. "I'm going to be just like her when I grow up. Sprucing up drugs and potions and learning all sorts of magic."

"..."

"Don't give me that look," Wist glared at Luster's concerned face. "Being a witch is ten times better than being some wizard. Mom said that there's like hundreds of them. But not many can be a witch."

"You have a lot of faith in your mother," Luster frowned. "Don't you?"

"That's a weird question to ask," Wist furrowed her brow. "Don't you have a mom as well?"

"I do...," Luster admitted. "Hey, I have something I want to share with you."

"You do?"

Luster lit her horn as a pocket within her small saddlebag glimmered, whisking out a necklace with strings of seashells.

"Here," Luster floated the necklace around Wist's neck. "I want you to have this."

"What is it?" Wist used a hoof to examine the necklace.

"It's something I made from school today. I was planning on giving it to my mom, but I think you'll need it more."

"Wow, I've never gotten a gift from a stranger before, thanks."

"You know my name," Luster voiced. "And we're not strangers anymore. We're friends."

"We are? When did that happen?"

"Wist, we've spent the whole afternoon together collecting plants. Don't you think we've bonded enough to be pals?"

"I don't know," Wist answered. "I've never had a friend before. It's always just me and my mom."

"Well, I promise it'll be more than that from here on."

"Ugh, I hate promises, they're always so hard to keep."

"Well, you'll find that I don't go back on mine." Luster proudly said.

"If you say so," Wist grinned. "But don't expect any from me."

"You're being selfish, Wist" Luster voiced.

"No, I'm not. If I was, I would've let you fall already."

"Hey, don't joke about that," Luster tightened her grip around Wist. "Can we please get off this tree already? We already got what we came for, right?"

"I'm not carrying you," Wist pointed out.

"You have to," Luster argued. "That's what a good friend would do."

"Golly," Wist gave a sadistic smile. "I guess I'm a bad one then. Have fun living off the mosses and leaves."

"Wist!"

Luster hugged Wist after being led out of the forest. The love exuding from the filly was enticing to the nymph, but she didn't want to exhaust Luster while on her way home. Wist awkwardly waved at the filly as the sun was beginning to descend from the land. Now was a good time to return home.

Her travel back to her hut was brief after taking the shortest route back. Wist knocked on the door and immediately it opened to a pair of hooves that snatched her inside.

"Where have you been," Wist perked to a broken voice as her body was being squeezed into another. Wist raised her head and noted the sobbing mare that was her mother. "You had me so worried. I thought something bad must've happened to you."

"You snorted some of it, didn't you?" Her mother was prone to sample the drug herself on occasion to test how it fares on a pony. Wist believed that it was an excuse for her mother to relish on some of it.

"Don't ever leave my side again," Poison continued. "Don't you know how much your mommy loves you?"

Poison has always told her that the devil's dust is supposed to arouse high levels of joy to those that ingest it. However, there are some exceptions to that, like Wist's mother for example.

Poison gets really emotional when she ingests the dust, sobbing about her feelings. To many, it could be seen as an inconvenience, but Wist really likes this side of Poison. To her, the dust simply made Poison honest about her feelings.

"I know you do mom," Wist hugged Poison. "I love you too. But look, I brought all the ingredients just like you asked."

"You are such a good filly," Poison kissed Wist's forehead, earning a giggle from her daughter.

"Stop that," Wist giggled. "Your love is ticklish when you do that."

"And you'll be getting many more as punishment for giving your mother a scare."

"Noo," Wist playfully voiced as she became smothered by many kisses from her mother. The sound of her laughter resounded across the hut, but she enjoyed it oh so much.

“Ugh,” Poison craned her head as she watched Wist mix a black liquid within a beaker with a thin rod. “Why does my head still hurt?”

“That depends,” Wist said as she kept her attention on the pot. “How much of the dust did you snort?”

“Don’t be asking me questions little filly,” Poison leered at the nymph. “Don’t forget who’s the adult here.”

“Yes mom,” Wist blankly said. She then pulled her thin rod out of the pot. “Hey mom, I think I’m finished.”

“I’ll be the judge of that,” Poison stepped beside Wist before the table as she tapped her hoof on the liquid and placed her soaked hoof into her mouth. Slurping the liquid to her mouth, Poison clicked her tongue to bask in its taste.

“Come on mom,” Wist became antsy of Poison’s prolonged analysis. “I know it just as well as you do it. I’ve seen you make it a hundred times.”

“Wist,” Poison pulled her hoof from her mouth. “There is no room for mistakes for the kind of job I do. The slightest sign of skepticism could run the risk of ruining everything I got going here.”

“But I made it right, didn’t I?”

Poison sighed, “It’ll do. Well then, I guess now is as good a time as any to start on your lessons.”

“Yes,” Wist pumped her hoof.

Wist was giddy to practice more on the bountiful of curses that her mother knew. Poison had displayed numerous sorts of horrors upon test animals that left Wist in awe. She couldn’t wait to plot on numerous pranks and chaos to set upon the trespassers that would dare to step into their sanctuary.

Her mother said that she learned all of these curses from a grimoire that had long been burned to ashes by Celestia. She never provided details as to why the former Princess would do such a ridiculous thing as to get rid of Wist’s best possible reference book, but it matters not since Poison happened to memorize its texts.

After Poison gave Wist a lecture of a certain spell she was eager to learn, Poison placed a cage with a hamster before Wist. “Alright,” Poison said. “Let’s do a hooves-on work to make sure you paid attention. So, tell me what’s the first thing I need to do?”

“Why don’t I do it,” Wist raised her hoof. “I think I got the gist of it.”

“Oh no,” Poison shook her head. “I’m not letting that happen again. You have way too much magic in that small body of yours. You might give this critter enough anger to break out this cage and choke the life out of me.”

“It was only one-time mom,” Wist rolled her eyes.

“You had a bird eat and poop an entire hut,” Poison raised a brow. “Something like that should be impossible.”

“Yeah,” Wist chuckled. “That bird was really hungry, wasn’t it?”

“Look, Wist, I just need you to pay close attention. I don’t want to spend another week building another hut.”

“I got it, mom,” Wist sighed.

“You better. Now, what’s the first step?”

“The first step is to imagine the emotion in your body and mind. The spell must emulate from the caster in order to pass on to the target.”

“And what emotion is it that I need to develop?”

Wist sighed and then answered, “Rage.”

“Anger,” Poison voiced. “Rage is too extreme of a word. You’re likely to get carried away with it.” Poison lit her horn in a purple glow that gradually turned pitch black. “Once you’ve created the hate to birth the spell, all that is left is to insert into your target.”

The black glow upon Poison’s horn floated off of her and appeared as a black wisp that flung upon the hamster. The eyes of the small critter glow red as it bore its buck teeth and rushed upon the gates of the cage, gnawing viciously upon it.

“The intensity of the anger depends on the amount the caster puts into the spell and the limit that the target is potential to possess,” Poison said. "Be sure that you remember that."

“This a lot like the other spells you’ve shown me,” Wist said. “You just create the emotion and then slap it onto some creature.”

“Wist, there’s a method for creating each emotion. Why do you think I give you those long lectures? You gotta be mindful of how much you give and how exactly to do it or else you're gonna put some creature into the deep end.”

“I got it, mom,” Wist harrumphed.

“Good, now be a good filly and calm this thing down.”

Poison was well adept in placing curses on creatures, but the one thing she lacked was undoing them. Luckily for her, Wist has a convenient ability to suck emotions out of creatures.

Wist lit her horn and beamed it upon the feral hamster. The light she enshrouded the critter in pulled out a red aura from its body as Wist inhaled it into her body. Wist canceled her spell immediately and spat her mouth.

“Ugh,” Wist spat. “It’s so spicy.”

“Stop your complaining and finish eating the rest.”

Wist groaned and then began feasting on the critter’s anger again. After surviving the tangy taste burning her tongue, her mother offered her a cup of water that Wist immediately chugged down.

“See, that wasn’t so bad.”

“I like you to try it and tell me that again,” Wist complained.

“Oh Wist,” Poison smiled. “You know ponies can’t eat emotions. I’m afraid it’s a curse for only you to bear.”

Wist proved herself to be a fast learner as she went through a dozen spells that morning. Poison would give her snide comments, but deep down, Wist knew that Poison was proud of her. She could give Wist all the salty words she wanted, but her feelings were nakedly exposed to the nymph’s senses.

“Why are you so eager to learn all of these spells?” Poison asked as she packed fresh new piles of devil's dust into zip-lock plastic bags.

“It’s because I want to be a witch,” Wist answered as she helped her mother store the piles of dust into bags. “Just like you.”

“Yeah, I get that. But why?”

“Why not? There’s no other better pony I want to be like. I don’t know any other creature who’s cooler than you?”

“So, you think I’m cool, huh?” A weak smile was plastered upon the mare. She then turned her head and mumbled, “you could do so much more for yourself than follow my example?”

“Hm?” Wist craned her head to Poison. “Is it snack time already?”

“No, you stupid leech.” Poison sneered. “You know what, I need some fresh air. You keep packing the dust.”

“Aw, but there’s so many.”

“What did I say about making—” Before Poison could finish her words, she paused at the front door as a spark briefly lit upon her horn. Her eyes widened as she gasped, “What? But...why are royal guards…”

Poison looked to Wist, who pouted as she continued packing the dust. Her head craned back and forth between the door and her child. A moment passed as she then gritted her teeth and approached her daughter. “Wist, I need you to go out and find more ingredients for me.”

“Why?” Wist tilted her head. “Haven’t we already made enough?”

“No...no, we haven’t. Uh...I just remembered that the client actually needs at least one more box. This much won’t cut it.”

“So what? One less box isn’t going to hurt him.”

“What did I tell you, Wist,” Poison voiced. “You can’t make any room for mistakes; else you risk ruining everything.”

“Fine,” Wist groaned as she left the table and lit her horn to whisk her saddlebag onto her. “I’ll go get some more.”

“Good,” Poison smiled. “And don’t rush, I want all of it neatly organized.”

“Okay, okay, I got it,” Wist said as she made her way for the front door. But before she left, she felt her mother’s hooves wrap around her from behind. “I thought you said it wasn’t snack time.”

“Take it for the road,” Poison said. “Take as much as you like. But be quick about it.” Poison felt her body get heavy as she felt the intense emotions in her body soak inside to her daughter.

“Mom, why do you feel sad?”

“Because,” Poison's voice suddenly broke, but then she grunted and tried to voice her words out again. “Because I feel so ashamed for this mix-up. You know how much of a perfectionist I am.”

“Sure…”

“Hey, you know I love you, right?”

Wist perked her ears as a smile suddenly raised upon her face. “What was that?”

“Ugh, it figures you would do that.”

“But mom, I didn’t hear it quite clearly. You’re going to have to speak up.”

“I love you, Wist,” Poison finally admitted. “There, are you satisfied now?”

“I knew it,” Wist couldn’t hold back the big smile she had on her face. After many times to goad her mother to say those words while not drugged, to hear them come out her mouth made her feel so validated. Validated that she was indeed loved.

“Now go on,” Poison prodded her daughter to the door. “And go through the back, okay?”

“Yes mom,” Wist giggled as she exited the hut. Poison followed her daughter’s movement through the window as she sighed in relief that Wist went through the back as she instructed.

Poison walked back to the table and gazed at the piles of dust that she created with her daughter’s blood. This stuff has made her a fortune, yet she did not risk using the bits anywhere. A rich pony is bound to get attention and she wouldn’t risk that for anything.

There was also no way for her to have neighbors. She would attract too much attention because of the daughter she was raising.

The only life she could have was here in this lone forest with her daughter. But she had to admit, it was a very eventful one. That mischievous little brat had a talent for creating so much chaos, so much profit, and so much cherishing memories.

A tear inevitably escaped the mare. Wist would never have a normal life if they knew she was her daughter. She missed out on so many things because the career Poison chose for herself. She never got to show her hometown that Wist was so eager to know about. She never got to show her the giant cities in Equestria that Wist could only ogle at through posters that Poison brought back from her stealthy travels. She never even got her to make a friend. Celestia knew that she should’ve at least found her one. That may be her biggest regret.

Poison perked her ears as she rushed to peer through the windows. There they were, just as the perception spell she set miles around her home had shown her. A group of royal guards stepped out of the woods to the front of her hut. She didn’t know how they found her, but they will find that she won’t be going anywhere without a fight.

Poison retreated to the table and glared at the pile of dust. She doesn’t know how much she can handle, but regardless of what happens, the first thing that she must do is get rid of all of the dust along with everything in this room. She can’t give them a single trace of Wist’s existence.

Poison grabbed a hoof-full of the dust and breathed it into her nose. “Destroy everything,” she said. “Destroy everything, destroy everything, destroy everything.” She repeated like it was a mantra. A heavy number of tears fell from her eyes as her voice cracked more and more.

“Destroy everything, *hic* destroy everything, destroy everything,” Her sad face then lifted to a smile and then to a burst of frantic laughter. Her eyes then gleamed bright green like her daughter’s mane, as a disturbing smile grew upon the mare. “Destroy everything!”

Wist was careful to organize all the ingredients in each compartment of her saddlebag. Her mother will give her a mouthful of praises with how tidy she made things. Wist’s careful placing and travels to the various locations in the forest took her hours of labor as the night inevitably dawned upon her during her travel back home.

However, when she finally returned to the hut, she discovered that there was no longer one. All around, she could see remnants of her home sprawled all across the clearing that was her yard.

Wist furrowed her brow in confusion as she stepped atop the floorboard that appeared to be the only thing recognizable. All of the furniture and decoration that she and her mother had collected over the years were now gone. Her home was in complete ruin.

“What in Equestria happened here,” Wist wondered. Her eyes flailed about, trying to find where her mother was. But no matter where she looked, she was nowhere in sight. “Maybe she went to find material to make a new hut. I really hope she doesn’t expect me to help…Who am I kidding, of course, she’s going to.”

Wist widened her eyes when they dawned upon a black blanket that was stuck upon a broken beam of the hut. Wist lit her magic and brought the sheet before her. It was her bedroom sheet, now torn apart.

Wist frowned. Her mother knitted this blanket. It was poorly made, but the love that came from it made it better than any other her mother bought for her. Maybe her mom could fix it when she comes back from collecting materials. But for now, it was still large enough to cover her body.

After placing the saddlebag off of her, Wist lit her horn and pulled a loose floorboard aside. Underneath was a small hiding place that Poison instructs her to go into when she has visitors.

Within her hiding place, there laid the necklace seashell she received from her friend. Placing it around her neck, Wist hid underneath the floorboard and pulled the blanket with her to wrap herself around. Though battered, Wist could still clutch upon the residual love that warmed her body.

When she wakes up, she’s going to hear a mouthful from her mother and get worked to death making a new home for each other. But as long as she has her mother, that’s all she will ever need.

03 - The Impish Witch, Wisteria

Twilight sparked her existence upon an uncomfortably quiet village as she made a swift descent upon the streets. Her eyes were fierce as she tried to take note of her surroundings. It brought her distraught to see her ponies so fatigued upon their porches and streets as some slept and groaned in exhaustion.

Twilight grew anxious when she saw a trail of changeling guards immobilized along with her ponies as they appeared to have fallen asleep. She needed to find Thorax fast before he suffered the same fate.

Twilight had just recently finished her meeting with the council of friendship when she received a sudden scroll from Thorax. She struck again and Thorax was about to make contact with her.

Twilight did not anticipate that she would make it this far into Equestria. Only days ago did Thorax inform Twilight about her passing across the Changeling Kingdom. Twilight had collaborated with Thorax to set their guards across the borders of Equestria and nearby towns to confront her, but somehow she managed to slip through the cracks.

This normal village of ponies held no chance to resist the creature that came before them. She had failed to protect them, but that is not to say that she can still not save them.

Crossing another street full of fatigued ponies and changelings, Twilight perked her ears upon a familiar voice. “You can’t continue to do this. Sapping the love of other creatures is no longer the way of the changelings.”

“Why are you lumping me with your whole group of followers?” That voice, it must be her. “I am me, no creature else.”

Before Twilight stood Thorax, absent of fatigue or bruises, gazing upon the roof of a house. Atop that roof was her. The creature that has caused recent chaos in Twilight’s kingdom. The sight of this being gave her an uncomfortable nostalgia, but she was determined to not let the same disaster repeat itself.

Twilight flew to Thorax’s side as she called to him, “Thorax, are you okay?”

“Princess Twilight,” Thorax said. “So glad you’re here. Maybe you can help me reason with her.”

“Princess Twilight?” the creature atop the roof spoke. “So you’re the ruler of Equestria?”

“I am many of its protectors,” Twilight spoke. “Might I ask who you are? It’s not often one comes across a changeling queen.”

“Huh?” the creature appeared befuddled. “Why do creatures keep calling me that? I’m not some prissy queen, okay? I am a witch.”

“A witch?” Twilight raised a brow and then turned to Thorax. “You didn’t mention that in the scroll.”

“She’s just misguided,” Thorax said. “She is a queen, but she is also very young. Her ways are just influenced by the hive she resides from. We just need to give her a helping hoof in the right direction.”

“Oh my goodness,” the witch rolled her eyes. “Please tell me this is not another of your preach about friendship. I already told you that I don’t care about that.”

“Then what is that you care for?” Twilight asked. “Why have you come to Equestria?”

“To find home of course,” the witch said. “It’s got to be somewhere here in these lands.”

“Then this is not the way. Harassing my citizens will only make them fearful of you. You have to be willing to open yourself to friendship if you truly wish to belong here.”

“I’m not trying to belong here you dunce,” the witch retorted. “I said I’m trying to find home. I could care less about how any creature feels about me.”

“Find home?” Twilight paused on the witch’s words.

Thorax on the other hoof stepped forward and voiced, “Please, you have to stop what you’re doing. We can help you find this home you speak of if you promise to stop this raid on the homes of creatures. This will only complicate things if you continue this behavior.”

“Golly,” the witch grinned. “You must think I’m so hopeless on my own. But you should know that one’s appearance can be deceiving. I don’t need your help to find it because I already know where it is.”

“Then why are you sapping the love of these ponies?” Thorax retorted.

“Why not?” The witch shrugged. “Feels natural to me, so why stop it?”

“Don’t you see that you’re going to make an enemy out of every creature because of this?”

“Why in Abyssinia should I care about that? I was hungry, so I got something to eat. Sure I could go for regular food, but they don’t fill me faster compared to this. Besides, It’s not like I’ve killed any creature.”

Thorax gritted his teeth. “They’re just no reasoning with her.”

“We skipped over this,” Twilight asked. “But can I ask for your name, please?”

“You’re really polite for a ruler,” the witch raised her brow. “It’s honestly kind of weird. But, since you asked so nicely again, I will tell you. My name is Wisteria, the wicked witch of the East.”

“Of the east? Is that where you hive came from?”

Wisteria sighed. “This conversation is really getting boring. I only chose to entertain it because I’ve never seen anything like the two of you. Welp,” Wisteria clapped her hooves. “I gotta be going.”

“Wait,” Twilight unfurled her wings. “I believe it's for the best that we have this conversation through to its conclusion.”

“Well, this is it then.” Wisteria unfurled her wings and attempted to make her ascent, but then a violet bubble suddenly enshrouded her and left her trapped. “Hm?” Wisteria tapped on the bubble. “What kind of magic is this?”

Twilight flew before Wisteria. “I would advise not to resist. I need you to understand that I can’t have you run free when you are so lenient to harm my citizens.”

“Your horn is lit,” Wisteria pointed at Twilight’s horn. “The spell is coming from you, isn’t it?”

“You don’t know about the shield spell?” Twilight was a bit surprised to hear this assessment from a changeling queen, regardless of how young she was. “Foals and nymphs are usually trained to use the basics of spells.”

“Is that so? I guess I missed those lessons.”

“...Have you been on your own?”

“Twilight,” Thorax voiced as he ascended to approach them. “Maybe we should cuff her horn so she won’t try any funny business.”

“I’m afraid it’s too late for that,” Wisteria grinned as her horn lit a dark ominous aura.

“Ow,” Thorax flinched at sudden pain that pricked upon his hind as he took notice of a dark circle that engraved upon it. Black flames immediately billowed out from the circle that quickly turned to dust that dissipated just as fast.

“Thorax!” Twilight shouted as the leader of the changelings fell to the ground. Twilight turned to Wisteria with an intense look. “What did you do to him?”

“Don’t you worry Princess,” Wisteria smiled. “He’s gonna feel really good in a few seconds.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight’s question was immediately answered when she noticed Thorax starting to giggle as he lugged himself back to his feet. His voice bellowed into laughter and the tears exuded from his eyes became endless.

“Thorax,” Twilight called to him, befuddled by Thorax's sudden behavior. But, it also appeared similar to symptoms of a… “No…”

Green flames shrouded the changeling leader as a large green dragon emerged, looking down upon Wisteria and Twilight with a disturbing grin. Its eyes gleamed a powerful green light that disturbed the Princess of Friendship.

“You drugged him,” Twilight said. “But how—when?”

“Well,” Wisteria tapped her chin with a glee. “I may not know the basics, but I can assure you that I am well versed in other magics. Ones typical of a witch, you can say.”

“You have to undo this,” Twilight urged. “Don’t realize the danger you’ve created by doing this?”

“I’d worry less about me and what that big fella is about to do. You are one of many protectors of Equestria, aren’t you?”

Twilight gritted her teeth at this witch’s antic. However, she lacked time to scold the young one after Thorax blew a large gust of wind as he ascended to the sky. “Thorax, wait!” Twilight called to him, but he did not respond as he then alerted Twilight when he took a deep breath.

Twilight briefly looked back to Wisteria, “This won’t go unpunished, I hope you know that.”

“He’s seconds away from burning the village, Princess,” Wisteria informed Twilight with a witty grin.

Inevitably, Twilight had no choice but to release Wisteria and fly underneath Thorax to cast a large shield around herself. Thorax exhaled and released a massive flame upon the Princess, but Twilight stood firm as best as she could to deflect the flames from the village below.

And while Twilight struggled to fight off Thorax’s flames, Wisteria made her undisturbed mistake, passing by the unconscious changeling guards that Thorax had previously sent upon her.

“Have fun, Princess!”

“I hope you enjoyed your tour around the school,” Starlight said to the pink mare as they walked through a long hallway. “I know my school has some radical differences from Canterlot, but I believe you will come to love them.”

“Don’t worry, Headmare Starlight,” the pink mare assured. “I realize that the School of Friendship possesses a far different curriculum from Twilight’s School for Gifted Unicorns. It’s only natural since magic spells are a core part of its subjects. It would be strange not to think that there would be many key differences to accommodate friendship.”

“You’re very understanding,” Starlight smiled. “So then, I can assume you find these differences satisfactory, yes?”

“Of course, I can’t wait to experience everything this school has to offer.”

“I like that energy of yours,” Starlight said. “Reminds me much of myself when I was younger.”

“You were eager to learn about friendship at a young age?”

“Well, not that far back, but—Hey, would you like at that, we made it to your dorm room.” Starlight levitated a key into a doorknob and opened the door into an empty with two beds on opposite ends.

“Wow, it’s kind of small,” the pink mare commented.

“Yes, well, I’ve tried to build funds to expand the rooms here, but so far I’ve only managed to do so for ooms shared by four. This will suffice though, right?”

“That’s fine with me,” the pink mare entered the room. “Maybe a small room can provide more opportunities for me to bond with my roommate...Where is my roommate by the way?”

“This is one of the vacant rooms,” Starlight said. “So I’m afraid you’re the only one that will be living here at the moment.”

“Oh...Well, that’s all subject to change, right?”

“If you like, you can ask for a classmate to move in with you? I’m more than willing to accommodate the change.”

“I think I can manage that. Asking a friend to move in, that doesn’t sound too hard...That isn’t hard right? There’s not a lesson I have to go over first to do this effectively, right? Wait, maybe I can refer to a textbook. Maybe I should go to the library for momen—”

“Luster Dawn,” Starlight voiced as she laid a hoof upon the pink mare’s shoulder. “Everything will be fine. We’ll make it happen one hoof at a time, okay?”

“...Okay,” Luster sighed. “Sorry about that. I tend to overthink things a lot.”

“I can understand, I had those moments as well. Well then, your things will be arriving in the morning, but I will provide sheets and pillows for the night. Think you can manage?”

“I wouldn’t mind sleeping in the library, but I did overhear the area to have a closing time.”

“We have our reasons. But I promise things will be exciting for you in the coming weeks. We have an event to be hosted by Fluttershy where she will have students help around at the animal sanctuary.”

“Oh, I’ve heard of that place. It said to have a collection of creatures from all across Equestria, doesn’t it? I even hear there’s an Ursa that lives there.”

“That is true, but it will inevitably have to be released when it comes to age. But besides that, you will be given the opportunity to adopt an animal from the sanctuary to raise in your dorms. It's a fun project that Fluttershy had thought of for the school that will help students learn responsibilities in caring for others.”

“I can have a pet?” Luster said. “Does that mean I can get a cute little piglet?”

“Hmm, don’t they tend to chew on everything? It would drive me nuts if they touched my books.”

“I’m sure I can chew-proof my things before that day arrives.”

“Well then, I guess I will leave you to get used to your new room. I’ll be back with the sheets and pillows.”

“Thank you Headmare Starlight.”

Starlight nodded and left the dorm room. Luster glanced at the door the headmare left for a few moments and then gazed through the window to see the massive town that was Ponyville. This was the place where the magic of friendship came from, where Princess Twilight began her rise to greatness. If Luster hopes to be anything like her teacher, she will need to learn all she can about friendship...

She’s already made some friends. They are a fun bunch to be around, but with so little experience and knowledge, could she maintain those bonds long enough to know its magic? Luster would have felt more assured if she gained encouragement from a roommate.

But who should she ask to be her roommate? Will her other friends be okay with her taking a roommate from them? Would they even accept her request? No, stop, you’re overthinking things again. Remember what Headmare Starlight said, take things one hoof at a time.

Luster hopped atop a bed and gazed upon the empty room. This place will hold a lot of memories for her in the future, for this will be her beginning just as it was for Princess Twilight. Luster took a deep breath and then exhaled. “Okay, I’m ready for this.”

“Princess Twilight,” a royal guard saluted to the Princess of Friendship. “Um, are you okay?”

Twilight garnered a ruffled coat from her bout with Thorax, but thankfully, she was able to restrain the changeling leader and hold him down long enough for her guards to fetch the depressant to cure him.

“I’m fine,” Twilight assured the guard. “But more importantly, how is she?”

“There hasn’t been much change to her condition. She still occasionally laughs and has that creepy smile, but at least her mind is still stable.”

“At least there’s no relapse,” Twilight sighed. “I need to speak with her, alone.”

“As you wish princess.” The guard stepped aside from the Princess’s path as she walked the long narrow path up to a platform elevated by the tall rocks of Tartarus.

Upon the platform, Twilight heard the snicker of a purple mare that was trapped within transparent walls. The mare leaned upon one of these walls as she grinned at the presence of the princess.

“Hello Poison Peck,” Twilight stood before the wall. “How are you feeling?”

“Annoyed,” Poison Peck smiled. “But I’m sure my face says otherwise. Give a minute, won’t you?”

“That’s quite disheartening. Even after how hard we’ve tried to cure you of your condition.”

“Don’t act like you’re doing it simply because you care about me,” Poison leered at the Princess. “We both know you just want information out of me.”

“And I won’t deny that is another reason why I’m doing this.”

“Hmph, you’re so honest and upfront, it’s strange how no creature hasn’t put a knife in your back yet.”

“Because I like to see the good in creatures; however, I know it can be impossible for some. But, I like to think there is still hope for you.”

“Please don’t tell you’re gonna go about that friendship spiel again?” Poison rolled her eyes.

“You’re the second creature to say that today.”

“Oh really, well it’s nice to know that not every creature is a part of your cult.”

“It’s not a cult, Poison. Creatures always have the choice as to whether they desire friendship or not. I advised against the latter, but that’s not my call in the end.”

“I bet if I became a zealot of your ideals, you’d let me free.”

“I would be very skeptical of the sudden change. But even so, I still couldn’t let you free after the deeds you committed. You harmed a lot of creatures selling those drugs, you know?”

“It’s their own fault. It’s not like ever deceived them of what the dust did. They bought it, knowing full well what they were getting themselves into.”

“What you sold spread chaos across my country with creatures getting overdosed and harming the public. We’ve finally managed to create a counter drug against it, but those drugs are still getting trafficked. Not just in Equestria, but even across our borders. The matter is getting out of hoof.”

“—”

“I want to stop the production of the devil’s dust. I still don’t understand why you won’t give me any information. You have no means of profit out of it anymore. Are you perhaps trying to defend your collaborators?”

“I don’t have friends, Princess.”

“Then who is Wisteria?”

“Wha...I don’t know who you are talking about.”

“Well, I think you do. I remembered that name being mentioned in the report, though it was written about a foal being named Wist. We never managed to find this foal, so we kept a missing post out across towns. Though, it proved pretty useless without a face.”

A chuckle escaped Poison. “Is there a point to this conversation, Princess?”

“Poison, how do you suppose I know the whole name?”

“I don’t know, maybe you heard rumors. I’m not interested in guessing games.”

“I met her.”

“...And how was this Wisteria?”

“Fairly young, brash, and very stubborn like some other pony I know. But most importantly, she appears fine.”

“...” A smile appeared on Poison’s face. Twilight would expect Poison to think the Princess would chalk it down as a side-effect from her unique overdose, but Twilight held another view.

“I want to help her Poison. Right now, she’s causing problems for creatures by raiding their homes. And there’s also the issue of her possessing devil’s dust. I can’t ignore her.”

“...Is she a witch?”

“She likes to refer to herself as the wicked witch of the east.”

“That’s so cheesy,” Poison chuckled.

“I want to make peace with her. But I’m afraid I know too little to get through to her. Won’t you tell me about her? About her origins? Her goals?”

“I’m afraid I know just as little as you.” Poison grinned. “Seems I’m just useless to you, aren’t I? At this point, you might throw me to those three-headed pups down below. Those wretched litters always make a racket in these caverns, I’m sure I could make the perfect chew toy to shut them up.”

“Will you stop with the suicidal thoughts!? This is already punishment enough for what you’ve done. I refuse to do anything beyond this. Wouldn’t it hurt Wisteria if you spoke that way?”

“Hah,” Poison guffawed. “You speak as if I have some sort of relationship with this witch. I’ll have you know that we witches prefer to work alone. Partnership is not something we like to practice. We only accept the servitude of others.”

“Things would be so much simpler if you just let down your walls.”

“Well, these you have around me would be a start, don’t you think?”

“And give you the chance to jump off this platform again? You may have those thoughts, but I do know you want it done quickly. Which is why you won’t do it right now.”

“You know me so well.” Poison was unamused.

“If you’re not going to tell me, then I’m just going to have to stop Wisteria the hard way.”

“And how is that?”

“I’m going to catch her...though that’s going to prove a lot difficult given what she has in her arsenal. I’ll have to think of a way around it, so I’ll be off if you’re not interested in telling me anything.”

Twilight began to walk away from the cage, but before she could descend the narrow path, Poison voiced, “Wait.” Twilight stopped and looked back at the mare. “Did she ever mention what her purpose could be?”

“She said that she’s looking for home.”

“—”

“I truly hope she finds it.”

Twilight then descended the narrow path out of Tartarus, leaving the witch pony in her lonesome. The mare contemplated in her mind for a long moment. A mixture of happiness and despair passed upon her face.

She raised a hoof close to her face. She brushed upon it with another hoof to reveal a scar on her skin. A wound that pretentious brat gave her during her larvae stage. Poison brushed the scar upon the snout, hoping to get at least a whiff of her scent.

“You idiot.” A tear inevitably fell upon the mare’s eyes as she began to flood more and more in her lonesome.

Wisteria descended upon a branch as she gazed in awe of the massive town that laid before her. “This place is huge.” Her snout widened as she smelled the air around her. “But this has to be it. What else could this scent be? It has to be home.”

Her eyes dawned upon a large sign next to the dirt path leading to the town. “So it’s called Ponyville,” Wisteria deduced from the writing. “So this is where home is.”

04 - Looking For Home

“Thank you for guiding me here, Headmare Starlight,” Luster Dawn acknowledged as she took her seat before a table. “I think it would've taken me hours to find this place on my own.”

“I can understand,” Starlight Glimmer nodded as she took her seat on the opposite end of the table. “Ponyville was never this large years ago. It would be overwhelming for any newcomer that isn’t familiar with our home. I imagine would be the same for a pony on their first visit in Manehattan”

“Each of these buildings must have a lot of stories to tell,” Luster said. “Some of which the Princess must have taken part in. I hope that I can learn all I can from them.”

“Then how about we start by taking our orders, shall we? I like to try this new entree the Hayburgers have recently made. It’s apparently a burger with mixtures of vegetables and pineapples.”

“Pineapples in burgers?” Luster raised a brow. “Well, that sounds...extrinsic.”

“Come now Luster,” Starlight chuckled. “You should open yourself to new things while you’re here in Ponyville. Think of it as an opportunity to engross yourself to new cultures.”

“I guess that’s one way to look at it,” Luster said. “Okay then, I would like to order this special pineapple burger as well.”

“...What in Abyssinia are they doing?” A green mare took a seat at a far off table from the two unicorns. The sight of her befuddled the green mare. She doesn’t believe she has ever seen this mare before, but the green mare couldn’t shake this feeling of familiarity she had with her.

The green mare unfolded the menu that was on the table to mask her face as she frequently peered out of it to catch glimpses of the two unicorns. The mare perked her ears at the sound of their voice. “What’s a burger?”

“Hello miss,” the green mare was startled when a blue mare, garnered in a black apron, approached her. “I’m so sorry miss," the blue mare apologized. "Were you still selecting your order?”

“No, no,” the green mare assured. “I think I know what I want.” The green mare skimmed through the menu, but she couldn’t understand the dishes that were written. Many, if not all, appeared completely foreign to her. “Umm, I think I’ll go with the pineapple burger.”

“The new special,” the waitress said. “Coming right up. And would you like any drinks?”

“Just water,” the green mare groaned. She wanted this conversation to end already. There was only one that she was fixated on at the moment.

Once the green mare was finally left alone, she gazed her sights on the two unicorns again. She tried to recall her memories if she had ever met either of them. To her dismay, her mind could only go back to her mother and those...unpleasant memories that came after her disappearance.

But she did feel an arousing emotion. It was so strong and intoxicating, but the mare couldn’t figure out what exactly it was. What is this strange emotion she’s feeling?

Through her dine at the Hayburgers, the mare attempted to ruminate on these emotions and hoped for an answer to come her way. Sadly, she was still confused and the unicorns seemed to have concluded their stay at the restaurant.

The green mare smacked her teeth when she noticed the two leaving the restaurant. This place was ideal to grasp as much information about them. Them going to this “school” will surely complicate things for her.

The green mare left as many bits as the older unicorn had left on her table and followed the two unicorns out of the building. The green mare was a bit rattled when the waitress voiced her gratitude for her payment. Not like it mattered to the green mare; it's not like it was her money.

Regardless, the green mare exited the restaurant and saw the two unicorns walking through a small crowd of creatures. The green wasn't concerned. As long as she held the scent of that mare, she was guaranteed to find them. Better to let them distance themselves from her; just as a precaution to not draw any unnecessary attention.

“Hi there,” the green mare craned her head to a blue changeling that suddenly greeted her. “You must be new here, right? You have those eyes of a newcomer.”

“I do?” the green mare wondered.

“Not really,” the blue changeling admitted. “It’s just a saying of mine. But, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you here before. Are you visiting some creature?”

“I guess you can say that,” the green mare said.

“I don’t mean to pry, but who might this creature be? I could be of some help.”

“That’s awfully nice of you,” the green mare raised a brow. “Is there a reason for that?”

“We’re all neighborly here in Ponyville,” the blue changeling smiled. “I definitely won’t be the last to give you a helping hoof.” The blue changeling’s smile weakened as she continued, “Well, if you want it at least. I don’t want to force you into telling me if it makes you uncomfortable.”

“...I’m looking for a mare. Her name is Starlight Glimmer. I think she’s the Headmare of a school, right?”

“Headmare Starlight,” the blue changeling said. “The Principal of the school of friendship?”

“There’s even a school for that nonsense,” the green mare cringed. “

“Why do you want to meet Starlight?” the blue changeling asked.

“That is between me and her,” the green mare said. “So then, can you tell where to find this school?”

“I can take you there if you like,” the blue changeling offered. “Though, we would have to take a quick detour first. I have an errand I need to finish.”

“A detour? Why is that?”

“Well, I happen to teach at the school of friendship,” the blue changeling revealed. “Oh, we haven’t even introduced ourselves yet. I’m Ocellus. Can I ask your name?”

“No,” the green mare blankly answered.

“Oh,” Ocellus was drawn back by the mare’s answer. “...okay then.”

“It’s Wist,” the green mare answered.

“What? Then why did you say no if you were going to tell me?”

“Why not?” the green mare shrugged with a grin. “You looked so depressed by my rejection; I couldn't resist.”

“That’s not very nice, Wist. You shouldn’t play with the emotions of friends.”

“Well, maybe Starlight Glimmer can enlighten me then.”

“Wait, do you intend to enroll in the school? Is that why you wish to meet her?”

“We should really attend to that errand of yours, Ocellus,” Wist said. “I don’t want to miss my chance to speak with the Headmare.”

“I promise it won’t take too long,” Ocellus sighed. “But, this could also be a good opportunity to give you a tour around town. It couldn’t hurt to be more familiar with Ponyville if you become my student.”

“What do you mean your student?” Wist raised a brow.

“Come now Wist,” Ocellus smiled. “We should really finish my errand before it’s too late.”

“Oh,” Wist grinned. “Trying to be witty, are we?”

“I want you to know that I didn’t agree to this tour idea,” Wist voiced as she followed Ocellus. The errand that the blue changeling promised to be short turned into a whole field trip across parts of the town, presenting places to Wist that she could care less about right now.

Wist was at first elated when Ocellus guided her to a schoolhouse but felt egged on when the blue changeling revealed it to be a separate campus from the main school building. Ocellus explained that it once was an independent school that educated young foals of Ponyville, but merged with Starlight’s school a few years back that welcomed all juvenile creatures to develop their bonds at a young age. However, since Starlight Glimmer wasn’t there right now, this was all useless information to Wist.

Their next mark under Ocellus's errand led them to a flashy building with a large gamepad placed atop it. Strange how Wist could've missed this. Then again, all these buildings appeared exotic in their own excessive way.

Ocellus pointlessly informed Wist that this building is a renowned game corner that many young creatures of Ponyville gather to play in. The owner happens to be dating one of Ocellus's associates at the school. Wist would find it more enjoyable to meet this mare at that school then gush about her relationship.

…Why is an adult showing a minor a nightclub? Wist had to admit that the place looked tempting, but she had other things on her mind right now.

Is this really turning into a field trip? So what this place was founded by a famous DJ that hosted parties across Equestria and beyond? What does that have to do with the errand?

"Are we there yet!?” Wist voiced behind the blue changeling. “So far you’ve been lugging me around this place instead of finishing this errand you mentioned.”

“Don’t worry Wist,” Ocellus. “It’s just around the corner.” Her words proved truthful as Wist awed at a surreal building that looked to be made of literal pastries.

“Is that a house?” Wist wondered.

“It’s also a bakery,” Ocellus added. “The Sugarcube Corner to be exact. Let’s go in, I’m sure the Cake twins have prepared the cake. Since you were patient with me, I think I'll buy you some sweets.”

“You better,” Wist voiced. “I didn’t ask for an overview of the whole place.”

Ocellus was kind of enough to open the door to the building for Wist, but before the green mare could enter the building, a sudden yellow blur lurched upon the mare and toppled her to the ground. Wist immediately lifted the figure off her with her hooves and bore her fangs. Though, her ferocity abruptly quelled when she realized that she was holding a yellow colt above her.

The innocent colt giggled atop the befuddled mare, which earned the colt a chuckle from Wist.

“Lil’ Cheese,” Ocellus voiced. “That’s not a normal way to greet creatures.”

“It’s okay Ocelli,” Wist perked to a new voice. A pink mare emerged from the building and then grabbed hold of Lil’ Cheese when the yellow colt reached out for her. “He doesn’t seem to mind the surprise, don’t you?”

“I'd be lying if I said I didn't find any amusement," Wist admitted as she raised back on her hooves. The green mare then glanced at the happy colt gazing at her and then the pink mare. "Um, is he yours?"

“Yuppie,” the pink mare confirmed with a smile. “His name is Lil’ Cheese. He's always brimming with energy. Kind of work the nerves of his foal sitters, but I wouldn't want him in any other way.”

"I think my mom is the same way," Wist smiled. "Though, she made it difficult for herself to admit it." Wist's eyes met the colt again, which prompted the colt to extend her hooves toward the green mare.

Pinkie noted her son's movements. “You want to hold him?” the pink mare offered.

“You sure?" Wist raised a brow. "I mean, I'm just a complete stranger to you. Aren't mothers supposed to be defensive against creatures they don't know?"

"I don't see why not," Pinkie shrugged. "Lil' Cheese likes you; that's all I need to know."

"Well," Wist started. She was a bit taken back by this mare's forwardness. "Since you're offering…"

Pinkie brought her son to Wist's hooves as the green mare seemed shaky with her hooves. Ocellus seemed befuddled by this and felt compelled to ask. "Is your first time holding a child?"

"He…feels more fragile than I imagined." Lil' Cheese pecked her snout upon Wist's, goading the green mare the press his in return.

Ocellus couldn't help but chuckle at the innocence between the two creatures. But then a thought came back to her, "Oh, that's right. Pinkie, do you have the cake Starlight ordered?"

"Starlight?" Wist perked her ears at the name.

"Well of course I do," Pinkie confirmed and then suddenly disappeared into the building and back out in a span of a second. The motion looked so unnatural from what Wist has ever seen. "Still fresh and boxed like I had it an hour ago. I can't wait for Luster's First Day of School party, I'm going to pull all the stops for her."

"I wouldn't go that far," Ocellus said as she floated the boxed cake before her with her magic. "Despite how spirited she shows herself to be, I can tell Luster is anxious around others. If I heard right, she didn't have that many friends back at her previous school."

“Now that’s a surprise,” Pinkie voiced. “You figured Twily, the Princess of Friendship, would have students do friendship, don't ya think?”

“I think it’s because the curriculum at her school did not change much from how Princess Celestia managed it. I mean, the School for Gifted Creatures is only limited to creatures that excel in magic.”

“That’s nice and all,” Wist voiced as she lowered Lil’ Cheese to the ground. The colt then hopped and skipped around the field. “But I do have a meeting with Starlight that I need to go to.”

Pinkie gasped and spoke, “Are you a new student as well?” Before Wist could answer, the pink mare lifted her and gave her a bear hug. “That means I got two first day parties I got to host. Oh, and two welcome parties. Maybe I should put them together and make a first-day-of-school-and-welcome-to-Ponyville party.”

“Title too long,” Wist gasped for air. “Also, can’t breathe.”

Pinkie let go of Wist and said, “I’m sorry about that. I’m just so excited to welcome so many new creatures.”

“You’re always excited though,” Ocellus voiced.

“Well duh,” Pinkie said matter-of-factly. “Cause it’s always nice to meet new creatures. There’s always new smiles and experiences to have with them.”

“New experiences…” Wist strangely pondered on those words. However, her thoughts were interrupted when Lil’ Cheese again leaped upon her and landed atop Wist’s head. “You really are brimming with energy. Maybe I should tucker you out.”

Wist lowered the colt before her and gave a devious grin. “I’m giving you a five-second head start. After that, I’m gonna get ya.”

The yellow colt smiled gleefully and galloped away from her. Seeing that the small foal was faster than Wist initially expected, cartoonishly, in fact, Wist decided to take back her promise and sprint off after her. “Come back here!” Wist cried as she chased off after the yellow colt.

“That Wist sure has a thing for Lil’ Cheese,” Pinkie commented. “Maybe I should have her foalsit her on occasions.”

“Pinkie Pie,” Ocellus's demeanor became serious. “Something is off about Wist.”

“What?" Pinkie wondered. "You mean the fact that she's a changeling in disguise?"

“...Yes,” Ocellus didn’t bother to ask how Pinkie knew. It’s just a Pinkie thing; something you don’t bother questioning. “But her magic is far more unusual from changelings. A normal changeling probably wouldn’t notice it unless they were searching for it hard enough. That’s probably why no other changelings have been looking her way.”

“Really? What’s so weird about Wist?”

“I’m not sure,” Ocellus admitted. “Her magic just feels to have some sort of great malevolence and darkness. It honestly spooked me when I took notice of it. But when you look at her, it doesn’t really seem to be the case. At first, I thought she was just putting up an act. And yes, she is lying about her identity, but I don’t think she’s faking her attitude.”

“Woah, that is kind of strange." Pinkie admitted but smiled. "But I’m sure that she’s not here to cause trouble...well not that big of a kind.”

“You think so? Why do you say that?”

“Just take a look at her.” Pinkie pointed at Wist and Lil’ Cheese that appeared to be laughing about as they ran across the street. Wist finally managed to catch Lil’ Cheese and the green mare goaded in triumph. “Doesn’t she seem like a good bug in her heart?”

“I hope so," Ocellus sighed. "Things have been peaceful at Ponyville for quite some years. I would like for all of us to just stay happy like this."

"Oh Ocelli," Pinkie chuckled. "You're so adorable when you're serious."

"But this is serious," Ocellus voiced quietly for Wist not to hear. "She's unlike anything I've sensed and I don't mean it in a good way. There's obviously something dark within her. I just hope she doesn't direct it at any creature."

"Then it's a good thing she has you for a teacher." Pinkie noted her son and Wist laughing loudly as the green mare hoisted the colt high. "Lil' Cheese really does like her. Hey Ocelli, think I can borrow Wist on occasions?"

"Um, maybe when she's no longer a potential threat to the town."

"Hey," Ocellus perked her ears to Wist's voice. The green mare returned to her with the yellow colt bouncing on Wist's back. "Are we going anytime soon? Starlight isn't going to stick around at the school forever, is she?"

"R-right," Ocellus said. "I did get what I came for, so our next stop would be at the school."

"Finally," Wist voiced. "For a moment there I thought you were stalling for time."

"What?" Ocellus widened her eyes. "Me? Noooo…" Pinkie couldn’t help but chuckle at how badly Ocellus was trying to feign ignorance. You'd think all changelings would be adept in deception, but apparently, Ocellus was too innocent for those sorts of things.

"... So, are we going?"

Starlight entered her office with a sigh and took her seat before her desk. She was happy to hear how Luster was ecstatic to learn all the complexities of friendship that turned Starlight's life for the better. And it's an honor that her mentor and Princess entrusted her to teach Luster those valuable lessons. But…she was hoping for more.

Starlight wondered if she was being too selfish. But it felt only right to follow in Princess Twilight's hoof step; just as she followed from her mentor, Princess Celestia.

"Peers, huh," Starlight sighed. She knew that Luster said it with good intentions, but honestly, it was disheartening to her hope. If only Starlight could have one of her very own--

The door to the office suddenly opened and a blue mare garnered in a formal attire appeared. "Starlight," the mare voiced. "There you are. Trixie has been looking for you."

"If it's about Luster, she's in class with Applebloom. I think I've bought enough time for Smolder and Silverstream to prepare the surprise."

"Hm?" Trixie tilted her head. "Oh, that! That's not what Trixie is here for."

"Can it wait then?" Starlight asked. "I need a moment alone."

"Trixie cannot allow that. It's rude enough to have the Princess wait this long."

Before Starlight could ask, her mentor and Princess, Twilight Sparkle entered the room. "I'm sorry if this is an inconvenient time," the Princess apologized. "But I'm here for a serious matter."

"Princess Twilight!" Starlight immediately raised from her seat. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon. Yes, please, come in."

"We can skip the formalities, Starlight," Twilight said and took a seat on the opposite end of Starlight's desk. “We have a far more important matter to discuss.”

“Well, I hope that important matter justifies having the humbled and generous Trixie to serve as an errand filly,” Trixie said as she walked to Starlight’s side. “We already have Ocellus for that, today.”

“Where is Sunburst?” Twilight asked. “I was hoping he would be with you so I can tell the three of you at once.”

“He’s been called to the Crystal Empire again,” Starlight informed. “Flurry Heart is falling behind in her studies in magic again. And we both know how productive she gets when Sunburst is her tutor.”

“But why only him?” Twilight complained. “When I offered my assistance, I really hoped it would give me more time to bond with my niece, but she ended up spacing out during our session.”

“C’mon Twilight,” Starlight grinned. “You know why she’s more focused when he’s around.”

“...No,” Twilight said. “I don’t approve of that. She should be looking for ponies of her own age.”

“That’s for Flurry and her parents to decide," Starlight said. Besides, it’s not like Sunburst is aware of her advances. He may be one the smartest pony there is, but he’s also really dense when it comes to complicated emotions.”

“Trixie can’t see it,” Trixie sighed. “Flurry Heart is a princess. Any stallion would fawn over her. Why would she be fixated on a pony as plain and nerdy as him?”

“We can gossip about that later,” Starlight said. “What’s this important news you needed to tell us, Twilight?”

Twilight took a deep breath and exhaled to calm her nerves. “There’s been the arrival of a Changeling Queen in Equestria. She says her name is Wisteria. She’s very young, but has a destructive personality that has already harmed fractions of creatures in Equestria.”

“A changeling queen!?” Starlight was alarmed. “I thought there was only one.”

“As did I and Thorax,” Twilight said. “But her existence shows that there may be other hives across the lands. But more importantly, Thorax and I have teamed our forces to find her, but she has managed to elude our guards and even us. And now, there’s a possibility that she may be here in Ponyville.”

“Here!?” Trixie slammed on Starlight’s desk. “You’re saying that this fiend is already sneaking about in our home? No, no, no, Trixie can’t do this again.”

“Calm down Trixie,” Starlight placed a hoof on Trixie’s shoulder. “I’m sure Twilight has come up with a solution.”

“I’m doing my best,” Twilight said. “But she’s been frighteningly clever in avoiding my reach. I have reinforced Ponyville and nearby settlements with platoons of guards to find her, but I’m afraid they won’t have much luck.”

“Are you telling Trixie that there’s no hope!? Trixie needs assurance to calm her mind.”

“If this Changeling Queen can hide from Thorax’s guards," Starlight started. "Then there has to be particular magic she’s coating herself in to prevent herself from being sensed.”

“Then that’s it,” Trixie made a hopeful smile. “We figure out the spell she's using and then flush her out for the taking.”

“Unfortunately, that won’t be possible if I don’t have a single clue what her magic is. We’d have to find her first. Unless...Twilight, do you have any idea what magic she may be using?”

“I’m sorry,” Twilight said. “I didn’t get the chance to study her magic. She caught Thorax and me by surprise when we cornered her. Thorax might have an idea, but he’s in recovery right now.”

“Thorax is hurt?” Starlight widened.

“Thorax was drugged,” Twilight answered. “But he doesn’t have any injuries. He just needs some rest.”

“What did this changeling drug him with?”

“With Devil’s Dust.”

Starlight sighed. “So, we have a Changeling Queen in Equestria that’s also in possession of the Devil’s Dust.”

“Until she’s in custody, I need for you and other trusted creatures to stay vigilant. Don’t tell every creature about this else it will raise hysteria. The royal guards will help the best they can.”

“And what about you, Twilight?”

“I have to visit the other settlements. They’re in a similar danger as Ponyville.”

“I get it, the Princess has to protect every creature of Equestria. Not just Ponyville.”

“Which is why I need you to do so in my place if I’m not here on time.”

“This is rather inconvenient news,” Starlight said. “But I promise that I and our friends will do our part to protect Ponyville.”

“I know you will,” Twilight said. She then raised back to her hooves and began her exit from the room. “I’ll be heading to the town hall to share this news with Mayor Pip Squeak. I hope for your safety, Starlight.”

Starlight nodded as Twilight left the room. A bright purple light that flashed from the opening of the closing door indicated to her that Twilight had left the building.

“Starlight,” Trixie voiced. “What’re we going to do? Trixie can’t deal with rabid changelings again. Trixie still hasn’t gotten over when they swarmed Trixie when they were following under Chrysalis. It was so dark and prickly!”

“We can only do what we can,” Starlight sighed. “Tell all of our teachers of what’s going on. They may be able to pick out any students that might be acting out of character.”

“Trixie guesses that’s a start,” Trixie admitted. “Okay, Trixie will inform every teacher as fast as the speed of light.” Trixie hurried out of the room, leaving Starlight in her lonesome.

She remained before her desk, contemplating why this changeling has come here and what she could possibly do to stop her. Inevitably, nothing useful came to mind. Only memories of her bout with Chrysalis. The only Changeling Queen she thought to exist that rejected her hoof of friendship.

Twilight mentioned that this changeling was young. Perhaps her ideas are not as stapled as another queen she knew. Maybe this time may be different. Perhaps all that changeling needs is a little guidance. Maybe she can be her...

Starlight frowned at herself. “I’ve become so desperate over these years. I may be a Headmare, but maybe I was never meant for my own pupil. I should be happy with what I have now…”

05 - Mom?

When Wisteria came to the School of Friendship, she knew to expect a crowd, but to still see such a vast throng of young creatures trotting around these halls left her a bit unnerved. Were all of these creatures zealous of friendship as Ocellus?... Who is she kidding? Wist considered it best not to roam around for too long else they have her all rah-rah for friendship as well.

“So what do you think about our school?” Ocellus asked the unsettled mare. “We teach everything from the cores of friendship to the studies of various skills collected from all the lands from Equestria and beyond.”

“Wait,” Wist perked at the blue changeling's latter statement. “You teach things besides friendship!?”

“Well, yes." Ocellus said matter-of-factly. "Friendship is something we hope for creatures to aspire to, but there have to be places where it can be applied to.”

“Yeah,” Wist tilted her head. “I’m not following where you’re going with this.”

“Think of it like this: friendship gifts harmony. Harmony gifts unity where all creatures can work together by resolving their conflicts. And in daily life, it improves teamwork and encourages creatures to become whatever they wish to.”

“Teamwork and validation then,” Wisteria sighed. “Not sure I get the whole value in it. I think I’ve been doing pretty well on my own.”

“Is that true?” Ocellus gave a worried glance at the mare. "You've been on your own?"

“Okay, I wasn’t always on my own. I did have a pair of caretakers, but they don’t count as friends. They’re other than that.”

“Sounds like it was more," Ocellus happily suggested. "Well, I’d be happy to enlighten you about friendship if you’d like.”

“Thanks but no thanks,” Wisteria whisked a hoof. “I’m only here for Starlight Glimmer. So, where is she exactly?”

“At this hour, Headmare Starlight is likely in her office right about now,” Ocellus answered. “But how about we hide that cake away before a certain mare catches a glance of it.” Ocellus pointed at the cake that she had Wist lug around on her back. Its brightening glaze caught the eyes of many students, but Ocellus kindly turned them away. Less stress on Wist's part. If it was left to her, she would've lashed at them with a small hint of a hex. Nothing like magic to solve all of your problems.

“You said she’s occupied with this class thing you spoke of,” Wist pointed out. “We should have plenty of time.”

“It’ll ease Starlight’s mind if she knows it’s well and hidden.”

“Ugh," Wist groaned. "So we’re going for another detour?”

“Don’t worry Wist, I promise it’ll be the last.”

Ocellus and Wist traveled the halls and reached a door that led to an office. Wist noticed pictures of Ocellus with groups of numerous creatures and also a tall green...isn’t that Thorax?

“Hey, who’s the green bug in that picture?” Wist asked Ocellus as she set the cake on the blue changeling’s desk.

“Oh, that’s Thorax. He’s the leader of the changeling hive in Equestria. He’s a little awkward at times, but he’s very caring and firm when he needs to be. I should introduce you to him when we get the time.”

“Is that so?” Wist guessed that makes sense given how her bout with him played out. Still, it’s quite astonishing he turned into such a massive dragon. The other changelings she drugged never reached that kind of height. “Well, since we dropped off the cake, that means we can finally go and see Starlight. C’mon, you’ve already had me waiting long enough.”

“I’m sure you could’ve gone to her anytime if you wished to.” Ocellus said as she took a seat before her desk. Wist paused at that response and raised a brow at the changeling. “When you followed me on my errand, I noticed that you would take constant glances at another direction. Those glances always seemed to line towards the School of Friendship. Changelings have the ability to focus their smell on a specific love of a creature, but it’s something that one would have to train themselves to master. Usually, that role would go to foragers.”

“So you knew then?”

“I did,” Ocellus nodded. “But I didn’t want to say because I was worried about how you would react. Though I do have to ask, why did you go along with my errand if you can track Starlight?”

“Does that really matter at the moment?” Wisteria gave Ocellus a keen look. There was a hidden intensity in Wist’s eyes that Ocellus sensed.

“Wist,” Ocellus started. “I didn’t bring you in here to trap you. I just want to talk with you.”

“And I don’t want any creature to know I’m in disguise. Sounds kind of difficult if there’s one that knows walking around, don’t you think?”

“I don’t know why you came here and why you’re looking for Starlight, but I saw from how you acted with Lil’ Cheese that you’re not a bad changeling. Whatever you have against Starlight, I’m sure we can sort it all out.”

“If I wanted your help, I would’ve asked. What I want is for no creature to get in my way.” Green flames suddenly emerged around the green mare as the form before Ocellus turned to ash, revealing a black changeling with a glimmering green mane.

Ocellus widened at the changeling’s appearance. “A queen changeling?” Wist did not provide Ocellus a chance to react as she quickly cast a blue wisp upon her. The wisp entered the blue changeling and then she faltered and felt her pectoral before glancing at Wisteria again. “What? What did you do to me?”

Wisteria grinned. “While I’m with Starlight, you’re going to behave yourself by taking a good nap. By the time you wake up, I should already have what I want.”

Ocellus let out a yawn as she struggled to keep her head craned above her desk. “No...Wist, it doesn’t have to be this way.”

Wisteria shushed the older changeling by placing a hoof onto Ocellus’s lip as Wist gently rubbed upon the back of Ocellus’s neck. Wist’s touch felt strangely calming, tricking Ocellus’s body to relax as it seemed inevitable that slumber would claim her. “You’re a very kind creature, Ocellus, but you should know, too much of that can make one gullible. I had to learn that lesson the hard way.”

When Ocellus finally succumbed to her slumber, Wist changed back into her pony form and made her way out of the office. But before she left, she took one last glance at the sleeping changeling. “You know, I didn’t really hate your little errand…”

She then paused for a moment before shaking her head. There was no point dwelling on it anymore. She’s already made her move, now it’s time to see it through.

Wisteria carefully opened the door, cautious of students that may look her way. When she shut the door, her nose went awry for that scent. She’s still here.

“Hmm,” Luster mumbled to herself as her classmates raised from their seats and made their way out of class. Her class with Ms. Applebloom had concluded, but Luster was left baffled throughout the course of her lecture. Not of the content of the lesson, no, but of its purpose.

Luster was to last to raise from her seat as Ms. Applebloom was erasing the markings she made on the chalkboard. Ms. Applebloom turned to meet Luster’s way when her student called for her.

“Ms. Applebloom,” Luster started.

“Luster Dawn, right?” Applebloom responded. “Starlight did say you a bit of a bookworm. Come to ask for some more answered questions I reckon.”

“I won’t deny that,” Luster admitted. “There are plenty of things that caught my attention in your lecture. But my main question would be, how does it all matter to friendship?”

“Is that what’s been eatin at ya?” Applebloom asked.

“Well, it’s a bit difficult for me to link friendship with potion-making. Where would a creature attempt to apply the concept?”

“Likely never,” Applebloom answered. “But I think it's a fun topic to teach creatures who are interested and the course does encourage student collaborations for upcoming projects. You see where friendship plays now, don’t ya?”

“I’ve done potion-making before, but never with another pony. I hope I can find some creature that can keep up with me.”

“Well aren’t you confident in your skills,” Applebloom smiled. “If that’s the case, you’re going to have to learn to be patient with others and learn to divide responsibilities..”

“How would I even begin to do that!?” Luster faltered. “I don’t even know any of my classmates. We haven’t even established friendship yet.”

“This would be a great opportunity wouldn’t it?”

“Um, okay, so, the first thing I should do then is...um…”

“I’m right here if you have any questions?” Applebloom pointed out.

“I think I need a visual example of this.”

“I’ll do ya one better,” Applebloom walked to a long desk that stood before her teacher’s desk. On it was variants of chemicals and tools that she had utilized for today’s lecture. “Let’s concoct a potion together.”

“A practical example would stand more beneficial," Luster rubbed her chin. "Alright then, what are we making then?”

“Well, since you’re likely ahead of all of my students in this subject, we could go for a more intermediate product. Let’s see, based on what we have here...” Applebloom then clapped her hooves. “I know, how about we spruce ourselves a love potion?”

“Love potion?” Luster’s cheeks held a red blemish. “W-we’re not planning on using this, aren’t we?”

“Course not,” Applebloom waved a hoof. “Forcing love on others is wrong. It just takes me back is all.”

“You have a history with that kind of potion?”

“Yeah…” Applebloom rubbed the back of her head. “Not something I'm really proud of, but it was a very insightful lesson.”

“I see,” Luster walked to Applebloom’s side. “So where do we begin?”

“So it’s as I feared,” Twilight sighed as she loomed over the mare on a stretcher. Just when Twilight concluded her meeting with Mayor Pipsqueak, news of an incident at a market was addressed to the two of them.

Twilight was anxious about what she might find and to her dismay, it turned out to be her worst-case scenario.

“Diamond,” Silver Spoon rushed to Diamond Tiara’s side. “Please tell me you’re going to be alright?”

Diamond managed to halfway open her eyes as she tried to give her friend an assuring smile. “It’s okay...I’m...tired.” Her eyes shut again and she appeared to have fallen asleep.

“What happened to her?” Silver Spoon asked the Princess.

“Princess Twilight,” Gallus approached the Princess. “We both realize whose work this may have been, right?”

“Some creature did this to Diamond!?” Silver Spoon was alarmed. “Who was it? That creature is going to get a mouthful out of me!”

“Calm yourself Silver,” Twilight placed a hoof on Silver’s shoulder. “Your place should be with Diamond. Don’t worry, her condition is not severe in any sort. She’s just fatigued, that is all.”

Silver looked back to her sleeping friend and then nodded at the Princess, “You’re right Princess. It’s just such a shame. We had plans with Twist to discuss the opening of her candy store. Today was supposed to be its opening event, and now we have to postpone it because of this.”

“I’m sorry for this inconvenience,” Twilight said. “When this issue has been resolved, I promise that the perpetrator and I will do our best to make this up to you.”

“Are you saying you plan to endorse Twist’s candy store?” Silver widened her eyes. “That is guaranteed to attract customers. Diamond might think of this as a good enough tradeoff.”

“Well before any of that, how about seeing to your friend's recovery.”

“Yes Princess,” Silver bowed and then left with a group of ponies that escorted Diamond to the hospital.

Mayor Pipsqueak, who was observing from the sideline, then approached the Princess. “She’s here, isn’t she?”

“There’s no other way to explain this,” Twilight said. “There hasn’t been any other creature that shares this kind of M.O. since Chrysalis had led the hive.”

“What do we do?” Mayor Pipsqueak asked in a lower tone, cautious of the neighboring ponies that viewed the incident from afar. “Increasing the number of guards even more than you suggested earlier would no doubt cause concerns. It would likely get this changeling to leave town.”

“Not to worry,” Twilight assured. “Since we now know she’s here, this is a great opportunity to try out this artifact that I had Moondancer to personally craft for me.”

Twilight withdrew a green string from her saddlebag.

"That's an artifact?" Mayor Pipsqueak wondered.

"I know it's not all that impressive, but this string should lead me to her with the remnant of magic she left upon her previous victims. She appears to be adept at inserting emotions into others. Terrifying as that might be, it does take time for that spell to dissipate. More than enough time for me to extract."

"Princess," Gallus voiced. "If that is the case, then why haven't you been using it?"

"This tool is a rush job on Moondancer's part. She guarantees that it will work, but she also said that it's so fragile that it will shatter after an hour of use. Plus, its range is not particularly great. So, I only get one chance until Moondancer can make another.

"Then I will believe you will find this Wisteria." Mayor Pipsqueak concluded. "But going by what you said about your encounter with her, my mind would be in a lot more ease if another alicorn was here."

"Luna was a great teacher to you in the matters of politics and leadership, but we should be understanding that she no longer holds that obligation to be wary anymore."

"I know Princess, but she still visits Ponyville quite often. I just wished it was conventionally at this time."

"If we're done talking about your favorite Princess," Gallus voiced. "We have a dangerous changeling on the loose that we should take care of."

"You are right," Twilight nodded. "The threat has to be contained before anything else. Mayor Pipsqueak, I suggest you have creatures return to their homes, but don't tell them the true reason as to why."

"Or else Wisteria catches wind and will escape," Mayor Pipsqueak said. "Got it." The stallion headed to the group of creatures watching from the sideline and spoke to them.

Princess Twilight held one end of the string and walked about until she could get a reaction from the string. A few yards away from Diamond's market, the green string glinted and perked towards a direction.

"Got a hit?" Gallus asked.

"I do," Twilight confirmed. "Let's hurry before the string dies. I don't want Wisteria to complicate things more than she already has."

Wisteria let out a yawn as she continued walking through the halls. For some odd reason, Wisteria feels as if she's been walking in circles.

Starlight's scent is prevalent wherever she went in this school, making Wisteria anxious if she can pinpoint the mare's exact location.

This was rattling the changeling's mind. It shouldn't be this hard. She's already done it plenty of times in the past. Why is it different with her?

"..." Wisteria didn't like the conclusions she thought of. There's a chance…that she's letting her senses go awry. She's able to tweak it if she's like, but at most times it's just to save herself from boredom.

If that's what is going on, then does that mean Wist is just prolonging her meeting with the mare?...No, no, no, she couldn't be nervous. That wouldn't make sense. She's already so close. She should be ecstatic…

"Looks like it's a success," Wisteria perked her ears at a voice. She filled it to a door that revealed two mares. And before them was a table full of--

Wisteria burst into the room, alarming the two mares. "Are you two making potions!?"

"Uh," Applebloom started. "We were. But we're done now."

Wisteria approached the table and observed all of the tools and ingredients propped atop it. She can make sorts of spells with this stuff. Especially with rainbow flows. That stuff is nearly impossible for her to extract.

Her eyes then dawned upon a vial with a thick pink liquid. "Did you guys make a love potion?"

"Huh?" Luster was shocked. "How do you know? It's near impossible to comprehend a potion without an appraisal spell."

"Well, it's not all that impossible," Applebloom voiced. "You just need to have good eyes. And I'm thinkin this miss has a good pair as well."

"If you two are finished," Wist started. "Think I can have a chance to craft some stuff?"

"Students are not allowed to craft potions alone," Applebloom said. "It has to be a party of at least two around for it to be permitted."

"For real?" Luster and Wisteria voiced.

"Yes, for real. Some creature has to be around if something goes wrong. But that's beside the point right now. I've already stuck around long enough. I should really be going to my office."

"Wait, Ms. Applebloom," Luster voiced. "I would like to see what this mare is capable of. She sounds to be quite good with crafting potions."

"That's because I am," Wist proudly said. "I've basically been doing it for my whole life."

"Then I think we should compare our talents," Luster said. "This could be a good learning experience for both of us."

"This would meet the requirement of that rule," Wisteria considered.

"Okay," Applebloom waved a hoof. "I'm happy that you two are passionate about this topic, but you two are still new students to this school." Applebloom glanced at Wist. "And I don't think I've met you before, so you gotta be new as well. What's your name?"

"It's Wist. And if you're going to keep saying stuff like that, then you might as well stick around."

"Wha?" Applebloom faltered. "But I can't. I have documents in my office to file out."

"Please don't go Ms. Applebloom," Luster grabbed onto Applebloom's hoof. "Don't you think this is a great opportunity for friendship for me?"

"T-true…," Applebloom admitted. Luster and this Wist character do happen to share a similar passion. This could be the friend that Luster needs to break into things here at School. But... Applebloom shouldn't be neglectful of her other duties.

Applebloom's ears perked when she heard a lock click. Her eyes tracked to the door where Wist stood. "Then it's decided then."

"Wait, now hold on a minute! I--"

"Ooh," Luster clapped her hooves. "This is going to be so much fun."

"Now, where should we begin?" Wist wondered as she returned to the table.

"We have to try something unique. You've studied potion-making your whole life, so there have to be some rare products that you know."

"I have many I can think of," Wist confirmed. "Hmm, how about we try a hair growth spell."

"Isn't that the same as doing mane magic?"

"I'm not sure how that works in horn magic, but brewing a potion to do the same is fairly easy if you know the right measurement of ingredients."

"There's actually such a thing," Applebloom was astonished. "Rarity would be mighty interested in it if that really exists."

"So this intrigues you then?" Wist grinned.

Applebloom sighed. "I can't say I'm not anymore. I'm gonna be mighty late at Sweety Apple Acre for sure. I sure hope Big Sis doesn't get too riled about it."

"We need a list of the ingredients, Wist," Luster voiced. "I'll write it down for you."

“...”

“We’re not just going to stand here,” Smolder asked Ocellus. “Are we?”

“I think we should just wait,” Ocellus recommended. “Wist isn’t hurting any pony. And it looks like she’s enjoying herself.”

“But she’s still here for trouble if she has all that hate in her like you said she does.”

“It is concerning,” Ocellus admitted. She and her dragoness companion peered through the narrow window of the door to catch a glimpse of Wist with Luster Dawn and Applebloom. Ocellus had conveniently set off an alarm on a locket that Smolder gifted her that lets the dragoness know if she’s ever in need of help. Ocellus made sure to keep a hold of it in her drawer when she sat at her desk. Sensing that her talk with Wist was likely to fail, she needed to ensure that there was another creature around to be aware of the potential danger.

As soon as Wist had left, Smolder came into Ocellus’s office seconds later and woke the changeling. Tracking Wist was simple at that point now that she has become familiar with the scent of her emotions. But to think that Wist could be so easily distracted…

“Look,” Smolder said. “I’m going in there. I’m not going to risk this kid acting up here in my school”

“No Smolder, I think our best option is to bring Headmare Starlight here. She is who Wist is looking for after all.”

“Then you bring her. And while you’re at that, I’m going to hold her down.”

“But Luster and Applebloom are already doing that for us. Don’t you think you’d be endangering them if you stepped in?”

“It’s okay, I got this.”

“Smolder, you’re not listening. They’re...She’s...is she looking at us?” Ocellus backed from the door when she noticed Wist looking at their way. The disguised changeling looked unamused.

“No choice now, right?” Smolder stated as she broke through the door. “Hey!”

As soon as Smolder bashed the door open, a green circle lit beneath the dragoness and released a black gas that enveloped around her. “What is this stuff?” Smolder masked her face, but she already breathed in the smoke before it quickly dissipated.

“Smolder,” Applebloom voiced as she tried to approach her.

“I wouldn’t get too close if I were you,” Wist informed.

“Wist,” Ocellus spoke. “What did you do to Smolder?”

“Wait,” Luster voiced. “What’s going on?”

During their confusion, Smolder began to giggle and then sputter into a burst of uncontrollable laughter. The dragoness faltered to the ground, clenching upon her stomach. The dragoness gritted her teeth, trying her best but failing to hold in her voice.

Wist glanced upon a window in the classroom. She assumed if she simply flies to the highest floor of this building, she will likely find her.

“Stay right there Wist,” Ocellus told the disguised changeling. “You have to undo this.”

“Oh don't fret yourself,” Wist said. “What I gave her isn’t that strong. She won't cause more than a few...oh…" Wist widened at the emotions that were emanating wildly from the dragoness. "Ew, I don't be around to see that. I would've just thrown the love potion of I knew that would happen."

A green light emitted from Smolder's eyes as a toothy smile was plastered on her face.

With every creature now shocked by this, Wist transformed into a bird and soar out of the window.

Ocellus attempted to pursue her, but Smolder grabbed her leg. Ocellus looked back to the dragoness and was appalled by the saliva slipping out of Smolder's mouth.

"Smolder," Ocellus struggled to escape Smolder's grip. "Please, you have to let me go."

"Smolder…wants…Ocellus," Smolder said and then gleamed her face before Ocellus's. "Now!"

Ocellus was becoming more and more unnerved by Smolder's behavior. She attempts to cast a spell to make her escape. However, before the blue changeling could complete the spell, the dragoness crashed her lips upon Ocellus's own, surprising not only the blue changeling but the other two mares that bore witness.

"Luster," Applebloom voiced. "Close your eyes!"

"I…are they using tongue?" Luster's cheeks flushed red.

Applebloom rushed to cover the eyes of the enamored mare. "Dagnabbit you two," Applebloom leered at the two teachers. "Don't you two have any shame?"

Ocellus managed to push Smolder's face inches away from her. "She's not doing it on purpose," Ocellus shouted. "Help me get her to st-"

Ocellus's mouth was smothered again by Smolder that bore her claws into the ceramic floor, making her impervious to Ocellus's push, as the blue changeling's hindlegs dangled about.

"Smolder, stop that right now," Applebloom decided to leave Luster's side to try to pull Smolder back. "You're going to end up suffocating her."

Luster couldn't help but stand there in a stupor as she became witness to something quite scandalous. Her only movement was a brief turn to the window where the mysterious creature flew out of. What was that black smoke she trapped the dragoness in?

"Luster," Applebloom called. "We'd really appreciate it if you could give us a hoof here!"

Wist ascended to the highest floor of the school, looking through each of the windows to find Starlight. Wist was starting to get anxious that she made a bad call stopping to steal some potions. Well, at least she managed to snag a vial of rainbow flow on her way out.

Still, she was peeved that she couldn't finish the hair growing potion. It does wonders to hold a creature in place.

"Wisteria!" Wist stopped at the sound of a familiar voice. Looking down behind her, Wist was surprised to be faced by the Princess again.

Wist perched upon the branch of a tree to camouflage in the setting, but Twilight's gaze did not avert from the disguised changeling. At a closer look, Wist can see a strange green thread being held by the Princess's magic. One of its ends was pointing towards Wist.

"I know that's you, Wist," Twilight said. "You might as well come down. And don't think about setting your traps again."

Wist descended before the Princess and revealed her true form to Twilight. "How'd you find me?"

"Through a pony, you've already harassed. But that's beside the point. Wisteria, please stand down. You can't continue to do this to creatures."

"You've caught me at a bad time Princess," Wisteria said. "I'm already so close, there's no way I'm going to leave now."

"Not if it means sapping the love out of another creature."

"I don't know what I'll do," Wisteria confessed. "I just have to see her."

"So it is a creature," Twilight said. "But who do you know that lives in Ponyville?"

"Hey!" Wist shouted. "Don't you go extracting information out of me!" Wist's horn lit green as bunches of blue wisps emerged from her and shot towards Princess Twilight.

Though Twilight was startled by Wist's sudden reaction, she still evaded the wisps with ease. However, when she looked from behind herself, she saw the group of small blue flames turn the course and follow behind her.

"A hex spell," Twilight deduced. "But how is it following me?"

"Don't expect to get any more answers out of me," Wist said. "You're a smart mare; figure it out yourself."

The wisps Wisteria summoned can passively act on its own since she has already placed a mark on Twilight. Every creature seems to be so oblivious of Wist's glyph spells.

With them, she has either the option to tag an item along with it to make contact upon whoever she sneaks it on or to tag a bullseye on them to make it easier for her spells to hit its target. It's inevitable for creatures to be tagged by her. After all, she has found a way to cast the spell without providing a hint with a glow. It's a unique camouflage spell she learned that she's only been able to apply to her glyphs. Just think how terrifying she'd be to approach her without knowing whether she's casting a spell or not.

Wist's snout suddenly flared and she secretly cast another glyph spell that motioned beneath the ground and went towards a nearby bush next to the school.

A blue griffin suddenly emerged from the bush and ascended above from Wist's glyph. "Guess it is impossible to mask my emotions from a Changeling Queen."

"This is getting nowhere," Wisteria groaned. "Will you two just leave me alone!?"

"Not until you've atoned for what you did to those creatures," Gallus scolded. "They were just going about their daily life, and you had the gall to muck up their day for a simple meal."

"Spare me the moral high ground," Wist rolled her eyes. "Life is never fair to others. Every creature is going to have bad days. If not me, then eventually something else."

"That's a pathetic excuse to make for harming creatures."

He's so lucky he's up there. If my glyph was just a few seconds faster, I'd have him eat his own words. And he would be enjoying every moment of it.

Princess Twilight shot a blue beam upon the wisps, dissipating specks of them away. Wisteria smacked her teeth at this. "So she knows a counterspell to my wisps then. And I can't really do much while she's in the air like that."

Wisteria hated to admit this, but she concluded that it's probably for the best that she makes her escape. With possession of only spells that alter emotions and only two last satchels of Devil's Dust, she doesn't have much to pick from to stop this alicorn. If Wist desires to find an opportunity alone with Starlight, she has no choice but to retreat and try again later.

"I was so close," Wisteria growled. Wist looked towards a forest from afar. Wherever it leads, it's better than being under the eyes of the Princess.

"Where do you think you're looking at?" Gallus said as he made a quick descent upon Wist.

"Oh, well thanks for making this easier for me." Wist had already pulled the glyph back to collect the Devil's Dust back into a satchel in her saddlebag. But, since the troublesome griffin is willing to approach her so stupidly, then she must oblige to give him his deserving punishment.

The glyph lit a dark light as it streamed black smoke around Wist. Gallus was surprised as he shot through the smoke and fell to the ground.

The griffin coughed and heaved as he struggled and failed to pick himself back up. Wist wanted to wait for the eventual laughter, but it'd appear that the griffin was closer to losing his consciousness than anything else. Wist was unamused by this, but at least she can take solace that she made a fool of the griffin.

Wist smirked at the struggling griffin and then made her way to leave the school grounds. But just when she thought she was in the clear, a purple light briefly blinded the Changeling as she appeared before her.

"What in Equestria is going on out here!?" Starlight demanded.

"..."

"Hm?" Starlight noted Wist's presence and then widened her eyes in surprise. "You're a Changeling Queen. Then that would mean you're Wisteria."

"..."

"Why have you come here? You better not be here to hurt any of my students."

"..."

"Hey, are you going to say anything?"

"..."

Starlight was befuddled by the blank face on this Changeling. It's almost as if her entire body had shut down. Starlight looked at her surroundings and noticed Gallus and Twilight's predicament.

Her eyes tracked back to Wisteria and took a step towards her. Though she may be a queen, Starlight stood the same height as her. That probably means that she's still growing. That's right, she's still young.

"Look," Starlight started. "I don't know what sort of problems you may be dealing with that led you to act this way with others, but I can help you if you like. Just undo the spells you've cast and we can go to my office and have a talk, alright?"

"..."

"It'd be nice if you could say something," Starlight said.

"...Mom?"

"Uuh, what?"

Before Starlight could ask the Changeling to expand on her words, Twilight suddenly tackled Wist from the side.

"Hey!" Wist had snapped to her senses and tried to leer at the Princess that constricted her body behind Wist. "Let me go!"

"I'm so sorry about this," Twilight apologized. "But I'm not dodging these flames all day."

At the mention of flames, Wist became aware of the incoming wisps that Wisteria had honed towards Twilight.

"That's going to hit both of us!" Wisteria warned as she continued to try to shake Twilight off of her. "Get off of me!"

Failing to remove the Princess, Wisteria decided to undo the incoming wisps, but then she felt the Princess's horn touch her own. Whatever magic the Princess surged into Wist, it was completely ruining her concentration.

"You're crazy!" Wisteria shouted. Wist resolved to gnaw the Princess off of her, but she already lost too much time. The first row of wisp shot into Wisteria, and then the others that followed flowed past her and entered the Princess.

Wisteria widened her eyes in surprise of what just happened. To think that she would be bested by a creature with her own magic. Poison would be so disappointed in her…

Twilight fell to the ground as Wisteria followed suit atop the Princess. Their eyes were half-lidded as Wist felt the Princess place a hoof over her. Determined to hold her down till the very end.

Starlight rushed before them and spoke, What just happened? You two are going to be fine, right?"

"Wist," Twilight yawned. "Casted sleeping wisps upon me. With this many…I'm certain we'll be immobile for a few days...I leave things to you, Starlight…"

Twilight's head fell to the ground and succumbed to slumber. Wist on the other hoof clenched her teeth and hissed. She tried her hardest to fight the slumber back, but she knew deep down that this was a fruitless struggle.

Starlight startled the sleepy Changeling when she crouched before her and held her face up when a hoof. "It's okay Wisteria," Starlight spoke softly to her. "I'm going to keep you safe. So just rest."

What are these emotions that were surging inside of Wist? Such hatred, such longing, such bliss. How in Abyssinia is she supposed to describe this?

Wist's head rubbed upon Starlight's hoof. Did she do that on purpose? It sort of felt instinctual. Like something she wanted to do for a long time, but something was always blocking her way. Her way to feel her mother's touch.

07: School Disturbance

Luster’s eyes fluttered open at the brisk of the morning light. After a groan, she pulled her sheets over her head to protect herself from the Princess’s encroaching light. It had taken her hours to finally find solace in her slumber after enduring her apparent new roommate's incessant curiosity about her belongings. Thank Twilight that she finally relented and understood the rudeness in her invasion of privacy.

“Hmm,” Luster’s ears perked to the hum of a voice. No doubt it was the voice of that intrusive changeling, but what was that sound of flipping pages? Luster did not recall her having anything of the sort with her when she arrived here last night...

Luster immediately threw her sheets aside and sat up as she witnessed the changeling fumbling through her books again. Sitting on her bed, Wist was merrily flipping through the contents of Luster’s books!

“I thought I told you not to do that!” Luster shouted. She jumped out of her bed and immediately attempted to snatch her book from the changeling's hooves. However, much to her annoyance, Wist fluttered her wings and floated out of Luster’s reach. “Wist!”

“Guess you’re awake now,” Wist said without removing her sight from Luster’s notebook. “And I was enjoying myself so well as you lost yourself in your lofty dreams. Would’ve been more pleasant for me if you weren’t speaking your princess’s name every five minutes though.”

“I did no such thing!” Luster defensively voiced with a blush. “Wait, don’t go and try to change the subject. Give me back my notebook.” Luster’s horn harnessed a yellow light that enveloped the notebook in Wist’s hooves. She tried to tug the notebook out of the changeling’s grasp, but a green aura enshrouded her notebook, thwarting Luster’s attempt.

“Give it back already,” Luster demanded, struggling to overcome Wist’s herculean grasp of her notebook. Just how much magic did this changeling have in her reserve?

“Strange,” Wist said without a struggle in her voice. “I could have sworn that sharing was an important aspect of friendship. You’ve written here in this very notebook...”

“It’s not sharing if you didn’t get my permission,” Luster argued. “Now quit it already and give it back!” Luster heaved her head back to increase the pulling force of her magic. But suddenly, she lost the feeling of Wist’s opposing force and inadvertently lunged face first into her bed.

Pulling herself away from her bed, Luster looked back to where she once saw Wist but the changeling had disappeared. Flailing her sights about, she located the changeling before the open door of their dorm room.

A devilish smile crept upon the changeling as a rush of fury enveloped the mare’s face. “Then let’s say that I’m borrowing this. I'm nearly finished with it anyways.”

With a wink, Wist flew off through the hall of the dormitory. Luster quickly chased the changeling, hoping to exact her justice for the creature’s infringement on her privacy.

Rushing through the halls, the two passed through waking creatures that were surprised at their lively energy. Luster apologized to the creatures she bumped into and kept pace with the changeling that flew above them.

“Wist,” Luster shouted. “Will you stop this already!? We have classes to get ready for.”

Wist gingerly flipped through the pages of Luster’s notebook, seemingly ignoring Luster’s voice. This riled the mare even more. The changeling then let out a sigh, “Seriously, how many times are you going to mention the princess in your notes? You’re like a frantic stalker. It’s actually starting to get creepy.”

Luster’s eyes gaped at the changeling’s insinuation. She then gritted her teeth and lit her horn as she shot a short beam at the changeling.

Wist effortlessly leaned out of the path of the beam as it bounced from the ceiling and struck a passerby that was exiting their room. The beam encapsulated the creature in a yellow aura, holding its body still.

“Nice aim—Not,” Wist laughed as she picked up some speed to distance herself from the raging mare.

“Just wait till I get my hooves on you,” Luster seethed as she shot another beam at the changeling. Again, Wist dodged it and yet again it immobilized another innocent bystander. But even so, Luster persisted as she shot more and more beams at the changeling, hell-bent on capturing the disrespectful bug she was forced to call her roommate.

The two rushed through the halls and stairs, descending down the building while leaving behind shackled bystanders through their morning chaos. The two had descended to the foyer of the building when Luster began to show her fatigue, breathing hoarsely for air.

Wist grinned at the mare’s failing strength as she finally decided to stop fleeing and look down upon the mare from the air. “Running out of steam,” Wist mocked. “And just when I was starting to have fun.”

“What is it that Starlight sees in you?” Luster berated in between her huffs. “How can you just float right there and find amusement in bullying me like this?”

“You’re the one that brought this upon yourself by not letting me read your notes,” Wist argued. “It was almost a waste, to be honest. All these frivolous notes about friendship don’t mean anything compared to the magic and ingredient I managed to find.”

“Friendship is the cornerstone to the teaching of this school,” Luster reminded. “It’s in its name! And you’re doing a terrible job of learning it.”

“Am I now?” Wist wondered matter-of-factly. “Well then, how would you remedy this situation with your vast knowledge of friendship?”

“Oh, I’ll tell you,” Luster leered at Wist. “I’m going to—” and before Luster could finish, the two glimmered with blue light. Confused by their sudden glow, the two again were caught by surprise when it pulled them together. Their faces mushed upon each other as Wist dropped the notebook to the ground.

“Hey,” Wist irritably voiced. “What gives?”

“You two are a real doozy duo,” the two perked to the voice of a Kirin that appeared before them. “But I can't have you two getting too caught up in the fun. You don’t want to be an inconvenience to every creature, do you?”

“Ms. Autumn,” Luster voiced in shock. “Oh no. I’m so sorry about this. It’s just that my roommate stole my notebook and wouldn’t give it back.”

“You mean borrowed, right?” Wist corrected, earning a leer from her roommate.

“You must be the new student I heard about,” the Kirin gawked her face before Wist’s. “Wisteria, right?”

“Just call me Wist,” the changeling nonchalantly said.

“Well, Wist,” the Kirin said. “My name is Autumn Blaze. But you can just call me Autumn. Or maybe you prefer Ms. Fall. A lot of the students like to call me that. But if you can come up with something special yourself, I don’t mind you calling me that either.”

“You like to make tangents, do you?” Wist wondered.

“It’s a force of habit,” Autumn admitted. “But enough about me. We should really talk about the loud noises I heard upstairs. The students seem to be talking up a storm up there right now.”

“Oh, right…” Luster cringed, remembering the frantic use of her magic in her path down to the foyer.

“Just a little game my roommate and I were playing,” Wist answered. “Though, my roommate got it a bit too passionate about winning.”

“That is a lie and you know it,” Luster angrily voiced.

“Well, regardless of what it was,” Autumn said. “I think you two owe a lot of creatures an apology. I’ll also have to pass this on to the headmare.”

“But, but—” Luster tried to make an argument, but was halted when Autumn raised a hoof.

“No time to dilly-dally,” Autumn stated as she floated the two around her. “We got some chaos to undo.”

At that, Autumn began her way up the stairs with the two floating behind under the whims of her magic. Wist however managed to shimmer her green light upon her horn as she hovered Luster’s notebook into her roommate’s grasp.

“You can have it back,” Wist said. “I’ve already finished the last page on the way here.”

Luster gripped hard on her notebook. Her eyes were beaming hot as flames at the changeling that had now utterly ruined her entire morning.

“Why?” Luster thought. “Why of all creatures in this school did it have to be her?”

“Because I believe you’re the perfect friend for her,” Starlight answered. The headmare sat before the desk in her office as she gently smiled at her troubled student.

“Yes, you’ve said that before” Luster started, trying her best to quell the frustration that still lurked in her body. “But what about me suggests that I’m the perfect fit?”

“You have to understand,” Starlight responded. “Wist is…well, she is a changeling with a rather colorful personality. Some might find it hard to approach her because of this.”

“That’s a light way to put it,” Luster mumbled, but then gaped when she noted the headmare’s disapproving gaze. “I’m sorry,” Luster apologized. “It’s just that she keeps provoking me and it’s already working my nerves.”

“I understand,” Starlight sighed. “But I am holding onto hope that the two of you can turn things around. The main reason I selected you, is because you two are fairly new to friendship. As such, I wish for the two of you to grow closer as you learn more about friendship together.”

The confidence that her headmare had in Luster was flattering, but this task seemed beyond anything she had ever had the displeasure of dealing with. Why would her princess allow some creature so dangerous, so rude, so annoying to run freely after all the chaos she had caused?

“Wait,” Luster thought. “Is this perhaps a test that the princess is giving me? Why else would she allow Wist to be admitted into this school and have the headmare select me of all creatures to endure this torment?”

“I know that I’m asking a lot from you,” Starlight continued. “But I believe there is potential for a genuine friendship between the two of you.”

“I understand, Headmare Starlight,” Luster nodded. “I promise that I won’t let you down. But, what should I do about her? She constantly goes around and does as she pleases.”

“I would suggest finding something where the two of you share a similar interest,” Starlight advised. “Try to talk and find out what you two have in common. If that doesn’t work, why not try activities in and out of the school that catches your eyes?”

“I guess that makes sense,” Luster tapped her chin. “And I think I already know one thing we have in common.”

“That’s perfect,” Starlight clapped her hooves. “Then the two of you should find time to engage in it.”

“I don’t think I can trust her around potions anymore,” Luster said. “Not after what she did to Ms. Smolder.”

“Oh,” Starlight perked at the realization of what Luster meant. “Right…Well, there are still loads of other things the two of you can try out.”

Though Starlight wanted to imbue her student with some confidence, Luster was not oblivious to the hefty duty that was thrust upon her. Enduring an association with a creature so crude would certainly push her to her limits. However, Luster was given the hope of both her headmare and the princess. Because they held so much belief in her, there was no way she was going to let them down.

With a heavy sigh, Luster entered her homeroom class. As she expected, her classmates welcomed her with glaring eyes before returning to their conversations.

“You heard how she froze like a dozen students at the dorm house this morning?” Luster’s ear perked to the gossip of one of her classmates as she quietly made her way to her desk. She couldn’t trace where the voice came from due to the countless others that cloaked it.

Many of them voiced her name as if she couldn’t clearly hear them. She lowered her face to her desk, wanting to shut out their voices. The last thing she wanted was to be reminded of her embarrassing lapse of judgment this morning.

She had already endured more than enough of it when Ms. Autumn had Wist and her undo her spell upon the innocent victims of their misdeeds. Luster had profusely apologized to each and every one of them, but Wist’s disinterest made her intentions seem insulting. Does that changeling know nothing about civility!?

“Alright class,” Luster and her class paused when their teacher, Ocellus, entered the class. “Take your seat. We have a new student I’d like to introduce.” An immediate echo of voices mumbled throughout the class. “Now class,” Ocellus raised her voice. “I know that you might have felt some unease over the last few days, but I want you all to give her a chance as we do with every creature. So please, be kind and respectful.”

The echo of mumbles continued again, straining the smile that Ocellus displayed. She was hoping for a wholesome morning where she would introduce Wist in the best light after the gossip had finally died down from Wist’s incident. But to think that her student would waste no time to cause another array of disharmony had soured the fruitfulness of a fresh start.

Regardless, Ocellus welcomed Wist into the class, earning rigid stares from the students. Even so, Ocellus persisted with as much resolve as she could retain, “This is our new student who will be joining us for the year, Wisteria.”

Luster raised a brow at the changeling’s indifferent face. How was it that this creature could hold her composure so well when she played a key part in wronging these students this morning?

“Psst,” Luster perked to the sound of a black female griffon whispering next to her.

“Yes?” Luster responded in a low voice.

“Heard you went on a rampage this morning,” the griffon whispered. “What was that all about?”

“You see that changeling there,” Luster nodded to Wist standing before the class. “She’s my roommate.”

“Seriously,” the griffon said in amazement. “How’d you get stuck with Ms. Witch of Lust over there.”

“Witch of Lust?”

“C’mon,” griffon sighed. “You haven’t heard what creatures have been saying about her after what she did to the P.E. coach?”

“I don’t do well with gossip,” Luster argued and then placed her attention back to the front of the class.

“Wisteria,” Ocellus voiced. “Would you like to introduce yourself to your classmates?”

“Why?” Wist wondered. “You’ve already told them everything. My name and my position.”

Ocellus’s brow jerked but persisted to retain the caring smile on her face. “Come now Wist, there’s more to you than just your names and titles. Why not share something about yourself to the class?”

“Is this another rhetorical question?” Wist asked. The echo of the voices of the class circulated through the room again.

With a sigh, Ocellus relented, “No, I don’t want to force you to do anything if you’re against it.”

“Golly, you’re so kind,” Wist gave a youthful smile to her teacher. Ocellus was stunned by how innocent it was. However, knowing this changeling’s deceptive ways, Wist was likely trying to take a jab at her. “Maybe I should return it in kind.”

“Thank you,” Ocellus said, but now she felt a course of uncertainty from her student. "Please," Ocellus hoped in her thoughts. "For the love of Equestria, don’t do anything that'll make things worse than they already are.

Her hope proved hollow when Wist began her introduction with an unnervingly cute voice, “Hi you guys. You may know me as Wisteria, but you can all call me Wist if you like. That is only for my close friends since we’re going to be spending an oh so lot of time with each other. I know how to make all sorts of kooky potions and curses that can do the most unimaginable of things, so I know we’re going to have the best time together. Isn’t that just wonderful?”

Her pert smile earned the silence of her classmates, appalled by the dark undertones this changeling displayed behind her overbearing voice. It was the sort of paradox that should belong to a maniac. Heck, from their perspective, that’s exactly what they were looking at.

“I think that’s enough for introductions,” Ocellus concluded with a defeated sigh. “There’s an empty seat beside Luster Dawn, please take your spot there.”

With a triumphant nod, Wist strode through the seats of her classmates, averting their gaze as not to meet hers. However, when she took her seat next to Luster, she was welcomed by a glare from her roommate.

“What was that?” Luster hissed. “You just scared the entire class. Are you trying to make it impossible for you to make friends?”

“What makes you say that?” Wist leisurely placed her chin on her desk. “It looks to me like every creature has already made their judgment about me. At least now they’ll think twice about trying anything funny.”

Trixie frequently fumbled through her papers and utensils on her desk. Every time she heard footsteps outside of her door, she immediately stared at the doorwith a drop of sweat.

If Trixie was honest with herself, she didn’t want to be in her office right now. She felt like a feeble animal being used as bait for a much bigger, more ferocious, more sadistic one.

“Why must Starlight do this to Trixie?” Trixie contemplated. “Trixie would much rather go out for rock tea with Maud then deal with this.”

The decision from Starlight to lock her humbled and magnificent counselor with an unstable force of chaos that had the temper to be the incarnation of Discord was downright the most horrid thing she could do to Trixie. Does Starlight honestly believe that creature won’t try anything against Trixie, after what she did to Smolder? Goodness, Trixie could only fear the humiliation and pain that changeling will exact upon Trixie. She’ll definitely savor it too after those potshots Trixie made at her.

“For Celestia’s sake, why couldn't Trixie have just shut her mouth,” Trixie scolded herself after slamming her hooves to her desk. A series of breaths followed from her before she took a deep breath and exhaled. “No, it’s okay. As long as Trixie is calm and collected, Trixie can get through this. Trixie just needs to think happy thoughts.”

Trixie closed her eyes and repeated, “happy thoughts,” to herself like a mantra. Diving steadily into her thoughts, a memory of her famous seminar from last year appeared in her mind. It was one of Trixie’s few favorite moments where Trixie had the chance to dazzle Trixie’s students with Trixie’s awe-inspiring greatness. It was a shame however, that Trixie couldn’t have Starlight as Trixie’s assistant. Starlight would’ve looked so nice in a bunny suit. Thankfully, Trixie had Silverstream in Trixie’s pocket to be Trixe’s jubilant assistant.

“Aw, good times,” Trixie said, reclining fondly in her nostalgia. “What Trixie would give to do it all over again.”

“Maybe this session can be a fair trade?” Trixie heard the suggestion from a voice. Her eyes bolted open and then flinched appalled by seeing Wisteria sitting before her on a star-patterned couch placed before her desk.

Trixie flinched so far back that she inevitably pushed her chair over and fell to the blue carpet. She quickly picked herself up, pulling up her body with her hooves heaving upon her desk.

“If you're done playing the clown,” Wist said as she impatiently tapped her hind hoof on the couch. “Can we hurry up and get this over with?”

“Why didn’t you announce yourself!?” Trixie voiced loudly. “You can’t sneak up on Trixie like that! You’ll give Trixie a heart attack!”

“You’re the one that was lost in your thoughts,” Wist argued. “You only have yourself to blame for slacking off while on the clock. Maybe I should report this to your employer.”

“Don’t you go making threats against Trixie,” Trixie sneered at her. But then she closed her eyes, inhaled, and then exhaled. “You know what, it’s not important.”

A pink light harnessed from Trixie’s horn as it latched a larger collection around her chair to lift it back up. After taking her seat and clearing her throat, Trixie spoke again with a more welcoming tone, “Let’s discuss the matter of our sessions.”

“Like what?” Wist asked but displayed no interest as she began to scratch her hoof upon Trixie’s couch.

“For starters,” Trixie continued after relenting to a raised brow. She also whisked a pen above the notebook she opened before her. “We should establish some clarity about our contract and our boundaries. As you may recall, Headmare Starlight would like our sessions to be done weekly as a means to review your growth and mental state. You won’t be meeting Trixie on the first day of the school week like this, however. No, it shall be done at the end of the week. Which means Trixie will have to do this again later on this week…joy.”

“You don’t sound so happy about it,” Wist pointed out, still focused on the couch she was scratching her hooves on. “Not a very inspiring thing to see in a counsellor, don’t you think?”

“You’ll have to excuse Trixie,” Trixie said. “It’s not often that Trixie is given a student with such an extreme pension for anarchy.” After scribbling notes into her book, Trixie continued, “Now, moving on to our sets of boundaries. Trixie’s goal is to help you find inner peace with yourself as you continue your enrollment in this school. This means that we will engage in personal topics about yourself, so Trixie would like to know what you are comfortable about sharing with Trixie. Do know that whatever is discussed here will not leave this room.”

“Why would I tell you anything?” Wist argued. “I barely even know you.”

“Then would you like for Trixie to introduce herself?” Trixie slipped in a fervent smile. Trixie lived for the moments where she can freely gloat about her greatness. “As you may already know, Trixie works as the counsellor at the School of Friendship. Many of the students have found much clarity with themselves thanks to Trixie’s guidance. But beyond Trixie’s role at this school, Trixie garners a grand status as Equestria’s most coveted magician. Trixie’s shows have dazzled the eyes of a thousand ponies and other creatures alike.”

“I don’t see it,” Wist shrugged after finally looking her way, but with skepticism. “Can’t see how some creature that shakes their hooves before a fair creature can be considered desirable.”

“Trixie thinks it has been established long ago that you are by no means a fair maiden,” Trixie retorted.

“Really?” Wist grinned. “Then can one that snobbishly likes to exult about herself be considered a maiden then? It’s rather a trait one would like to see the downfall of, wouldn’t you agree?”

“That tendency of yours to provoke others will come back to bite you should you keep it up,” Trixie warned. Seeing that her warning earned nothing but a toothy grin from the changeling, Trixie sighed and continued, “Let’s just move on to the first topic of discussion.”

“Oh wow,” Wist feigned a fascinated voice that Trixie immediately took exception to. “You already have one in mind? Please enlighten me oh coveted magician/ counsellor.”

“Why do you believe none of your classmates will befriend you?” Trixie asked, melting away the fake astonishment from Wist. Her face was now replaced with such a daunting smirk that Trixie would have taken solace in making a flawless comeback if said creature did not have sets of hexes and curses in her arsenal.

Wist paused her leer upon the mare before finally speaking, “And where might I ask did you get that idea?”

“Just an intuition Trixie had,” Trixie lied. “And it would seem Trixie guessed right. So then, mind sharing your thoughts?”

“I don’t see the point in answering something as trivial as that,” Wist declined. “I figured you would ask about things like my origins and whatnot.”

“Trixie could,” Trixie said. “But then how is Trixie to know if you are telling lies?”

“And how do you know that I won’t simply feed you lies to your pointless question?”

“Because it is a thought that is weighing heavy on your mind right now,” Trixie argued. “You might find it refreshing to simply talk about it with somepony. Trixie won't interrupt if that’s what you wish. Trixie will listen to everything you have to say.”

“I don’t need to tell you anything!” Wist raised her voice. “Everyone has already made their ideas about me, so what’s the point in changing it? Besides, it’s always the nice ones you have to be the most careful of. Always trying to deceive you with their smile and kindness.”

“Trixie sees,” Trixie said. “So, there was a creature that you once trusted that betrayed it.”

“…” Wist briefly gaped at the mare’s words. With a smack of her teeth, Wist hopped off the couch and began her exit of the room.

“Where are you going?” Trixie asked. “We still have half an hour left till this session ends.”

“I see now that there’s more to you than meets the eye,” Wist spoke when she opened the door. Her eyes then met Trixie with a sharp glint. “You’re quite clever with emotions. I’ll have to keep an eye out for you if this little play of ours does not work out.”

With that, Wist exited the room and shut the door. Trixie’s hooves shivered at Wist’s claim. And those eyes that could only belong to a ferocious predator…

“Maybe Trixie should move the next session to next week instead,” Trixie stammered.

Wist exhaled slowly as she made her way into the open field of the school grounds, where her next class was scheduled to take place. To put it honestly, seeing creatures flocking through the track field did not arouse any amusement from her. Working up a sweat for essentially nothing proved to have no interest for the changeling, however, given who was the apparent instructor, she was better off not avoiding any more than she already had.

“There you are,” Wist had readied for the ringing snarl of an orange dragoness that took notice of her walking down the field. The dragoness wasted no time in waiting for Wist, ascending to the air and bolting in fast to stand before her. “You got a lot of nerve coming to class late! Don’t think Ocellus could keep you away from me!”

“I’m sensing a lot of rage within you,” Wist pointed out. “Are you certain that I am owed this much malice?”

“Owed!?” Smolder raised her voice. “You’re darn right you are and loads more than that! Do you realize how irritating this have been for me after you pulled that dumb trick on me!?”

“From what I heard, you had a moment of passion with my homeroom teacher,” Wist answered. “I must say, you are a rather bold dragon. I would think most creatures would do such things in private.”

“Don’t act like you didn’t have any part in it!” A whiff of flames snorted out of Smolder. “You drugged me into doing that. And now because of that, I’ve been hearing my students calling me a succubi dragon!”

Smolder’s frequent hollering earned the attention of her students that were jogging through the field track. They had all stopped and gathered from the distance to witness the drama.

Among them was Luster, who grabbed a towel with her magic to brush off her sweat. However, once she realized who was getting the scolding from her P.E. coach, Luster dropped her towel and sighed, “Oh no. Not her again.”

Luster rushed over to the two as more flames flared from Smolder’s nostrils. If the changeling continued her snide provocation, their coach might launch herself to the air with a trail of flame.

Doubling her steps, Luster stepped before her angered coach and voiced, “Wait, please. You have to forgive her, she’s just really bad at being sociable.”

“Luster,” Smolder reigned in her flame. “What are you doing? You and the rest of class still have laps to run.”

“I know,” Luster nodded. “And I will. I just don’t want things to escalate between the two of you. Isn’t there any way we can work this out?”

“I have an idea,” Wist raised a hoof, earning a raised brow from Luster and Smolder.

“You do?” Luster questioned.

“You bet your pink flank I do,” Wist confirmed with a smile. “I propose we settle our difference with a contest.”

“You mean like a friendly competition?” Smolder wondered. “Alright, I’m game. But how about we add in a bet to spice things up. That is unless you're afraid of losing?”

“I like that confidence of yours,” Wist grinned. “I guess it’s really true that dragons are prideful creatures. What are your terms?”

“If I win, then you’re going to spend the entire week being my assistant to make up for what you did. From cleaning the sporting teams’ uniforms to whatever I deem necessary for you to do.” A cocky grin fell upon Smolder as she crossed her arms. “I hope that doesn’t give you any cold hooves?”

“You already so certain you will win,” Wist snickered. “I haven’t even told you what the contest will be.”

“A simple trek across the field can do,” Smolder suggested. “I’m sure that’s not too difficult for you, is it?”

“I actually have a far more interesting idea in mind,” Wist effused. “One that is convenient for a dragon such as yourself.”

“I’m listening,” Smolder nodded.

“I propose a competition in fire breathing,” Wist patted her pectoral. “We shall see who can spew the largest flame to name the winner.”

“How is that a fair competition?” Luster argued. “Can’t you transform into a giant dragon?”

“If you’re going to throw a hissy fit over that then I won’t transform,” Wist said. “My base form is all I will need to best the illustrious succubi dragon.”

“You’re going to be eating those words in a few minutes,” Smolder swore and then distanced herself from the two. “I’ll start first.”

Smolder ascended a few feet above the air before she took in a deep breath. When she exhaled, a large mass of flames soared to the sky, inching high above the roof of the school. The surrounding students awed at their coach’s massive flames and then clapped and cheered for her.

The proud dragoness then descended before Luster and Wist with a grin. “See if you can beat that.”

“My, those were some nice baby flames you have there,” Wist voiced in a complementary voice. “I’m sure the little ones must have boasted how grand those were.”

Wist was the one that now distanced herself from the group and floated above the field. She inhaled a large pack of air and then all at once released a massive emerald flame that briefly gleamed the land around them in green. The fire extended wide and far into the sky, eclipsing Smolder’s flame.

The surrounding students went silent as Wist descended before Smolder with a wicked grin. “I hope you’re not getting cold feet; I’ve heard how troublesome that is for your kind.”

“Heh,” Smolder grinned back at the changeling. “Don’t get too sure of yourself. We’ve only just started.”

And as Smolder stated, the two continued their contest of flames, spewing giant masses up into the sky. At each round, Luster became more and more amazed that creatures of such small size could naturally breathe such ridiculous sizes of fire.

The activity the students were previously doing was completely ignored as the students gathered with Luster to watch the performance closely as they cheered for their coach’s victory. However, at the end of their 9th round, the two competitors fell to the ground with ragged breath.

“You…” Smolder breathed. “You’re way better…at this than I thought.”

“Does that mean…” Wist breathed. “That I…win?”

“Not by a long shot,” Smolder snapped. “But…maybe we should…call it draw. If we get anymore bigger…I might end up burning down the school.”

“…fine,” Wist said. “But that means neither of us gets an assistant.”

“I can live with that,” Smolder said as she picked herself back up. She then extended her claw to Wist for her grab and pulled the changeling back up. “I’d actually like to see what other surprises you have. There’s no way I can let a creature this talented slip from my claws.”

“Thanks,” Wist huffed. “But if it’s all fair, I’d like to go to the restroom for a moment.”

“Almost tuckered you out near the end,” Smolder held a proud smile. “Didn’t I?”

“Too bad for you we have settled for a draw,” Wist countered as she strode around her classmates and entered the school.

Luster keenly kept her eyes on Wist through her walk back into the school. Through the midst of their contest, Luster had taken notice of a peculiar phenomenon in Wist’s breath. Despite her breathing green flames, Luster had seen small residues of red gas dissipating out her mouth.

At first, Luster thought she was imagining things, but the more she watched Wist after her shots of flames, the more her concern was validated. With a frown, Luster excused herself from the field and followed Wist into the school.

Wist spat erratically into the restroom sink as she tried to remove the spicy taste still lurking on her tongue. She washed her tongue with the faucet water, but the burning and prickling sensation wouldn’t budge off of her.

“If I knew it was going to be this spicy,” Wist complained as she looked at her tongue through the reflection of the mirror. “I would’ve mixed in something to tone it down. No, that probably would’ve ruined it.”

As Wist was contemplating in her mind, it was all disrupted when she heard a loud burst of the restroom door opening. Observing through the mirror, she saw her roommate barging in with an evident lividness in her eyes.

“Explain to me what this is?” Luster demanded as she walked beside Wist and presented a vial. Within it lay a miniscule volume of an orange liquid, that immediately stung Wist’s nose.

“You’re the one showing it to me,” Wist argued as she averted her nose from the stinging aroma. “You tell me.”

“Don’t try to feign ignorance,” Luster retorted. “You know good and well what this is. This was in one of my notebooks for Apple Bloom’s class on how to produce a fire breathing potion. You used this to cheat in the competition with coach Smolder, didn’t you?”

“Aren’t you the perceptive one,” Wist grinned, but then immediately dunked her tongue back into the running water. After tapping her tongue upon the top of her gums, she continued, “But I don’t recall there ever being rules in my match.”

“You had that fire breathing contest planned from the start just so you could get coach Smolder off your back, didn't you?” Luster realized. “Don’t you feel the least bit guilty for deceiving her like that?”

“On the contrary, I think this has been a productive use of my time,” Wist argued. “I have never concocted something like that before, and it was rather convenient that all the ingredients I needed were already stored at the lab.”

“You mean the ingredients you used without the permission of the staff,” Luster pointed out.

“What does it matter?” Wist said after dunking another stream of water upon her tongue. “It all worked out in the end. I should be getting praised for this. I did solve a friendship problem after all.”

“You can’t solve friendship problems with lies,” Luster voiced. “All it will do is exacerbate the problem. Just what do you think is going to happen when Smolder finds out about this?”

“Oh,” Wist eyed at Luster. “So, you’re going to snitch on me? You would rather hurt Smolder’s feelings by unraveling my little white lie then let her be happy?”

“What I want,” Luster voiced. “Is for you to go back on that field and apologize to her. Take responsibility for your actions for once in your life.”

“And what will you do if I say ‘no’?” Wist prodded her eyes close to Luster, causing the mare to retreat a few steps. “Will you go flee to the grownups like a little coward, or would you rather make me?”

“I…” Luster started but then paused before the changeling. The nerve of this creature to be so uncaring, so selfish about her actions made Luster want nothing more than to put her in her place. However, this same creature was able to have a standstill with her princess. And more importantly than that, she had Luster create disharmony this morning. “I don’t want to cause another feud in the school,” Luster said. “I really want to be your friend, but this nonchalant attitude about others makes it really difficult for me. Can’t you just try to be a good changeling?”

“So, you choose to do nothing then?” Wist held a wicked grin upon Luster. After turning off the faucet, the changeling proudly strode past the mare. “I figured as much. You creatures that are so avid for peace and decorum are always such pushovers.”

Luster stood aghast at the changeling’s words. Luster tried to be reasonable with her, but again, she continued to flaunt her uncaring demeanor. Upon every creature that she wronged.

Luster’s blood riled as she shot out of the restroom. Outside, she saw the apathetic bug walking down the hall. Luster wasted no time stretching a yellow light from her horn that enshrouded around the changeling.

“Hm?” Wist voiced as she turned to see the determined mare.

Luster lifted Wist above the floor as she said, “I won’t let you go around and do as you please. Whether you like it or not, you’re going to learn to be considerate of others’ feelings. And that’s why I’m taking you straight to Starlight.”

“So, it’s a half-measure then,” Wist said. “But, if you plan to drag me around, you’ll have to try harder than this.”

A green glow discharged from Wist’s horn, shattering Luster’s magic. Wist took her spot on the floor as she charged a hazy glow of wisp from her horn that glided towards Luster.

Luster blasted the wisp with a magic beam, but her spell simply went through it and exploded upon the ceiling far behind Wist that fell down to the floor. Luster lacked the time to regret her action as she dived out of the way of the incoming wisp.

With her back against the wall, Luster gaped at the looming wisp that changed course and went straight for her again. Luster teleported behind the wisp before it could touch her as it phased through the wall.

After a huff of air, Luster voiced, “What kind of spell is this?”

“I hope you’re not expecting me to give you an answer,” Wist scoffed. “You still have another to worry about.” Wist shot out another wisp that Luster instinctively shot at again before diving out of its path again.

Luster’s eyes trailed back to the wall she was previously at, when the first wisp returned and came straight for her. And with the second and even a third that Wist had shot out gunning for her, Luster fluttered in panic as her horn shone bright and discharged bright light that blinded the hall in complete white.

When the light had cleared, Luster gaped at the destruction she made. The walls and locker rooms had been crushed back from the sheer force of the magic she unleashed. The long windows that revealed the empty classrooms shattered into pieces and scattered inside.

The only silver lining to this was that the wisp that Wist had released had now disappeared. However, Luster frowned and voiced, “What have I done?”

“You countered my hex?” Wist approached the crouched mare. “I didn’t think that was possible. What kind of spell did you use?”

“I—” Before Luster could continue, a large blue light shot over the two, wrapping the two in a thick bubble that their body bounced briefly as it hurled them to the air. “—huh?”

“What do you two think you’re doing!?” the voice came from their very angry headmare as she reeled the two bubbles before her.

“Headmare Starlight,” Luster gaped with distress. “I’m so sorry about this. Don’t worry though, I can fix this.”

“The only thing you two will be doing is coming into my office,” Starlight snapped.

Author's Note

This chapter was proofread by the following:

08: Paradoxal Bonding

“Do either of you realize the trouble you two are threatening the cause?” Starlight’s voice ringed into the ears of Wist and Luster as they grounded themselves before the Headmare’s desk. “I chose to be lenient of your actions this morning due to Ms. Autumn’s handling, but this ignition to violence the two of you have for each will likely crumble my school to the ground. Literally!”

Luster felt small and pathetic as she endured a lecture from the mare that had placed a respecting expectation on her. She was never one to disappoint ponies at their tasks, but to fail so dramatically and blatantly left a horrid scar in her pride. What would the Princess think of her if Celestia heard that she picked a fight with the creature Celestia desired for her to befriend? And what of the princess’s school? Her conduct reflected poorly on all the staff and students of how they guided her

The thought of their shamed names hastened the cadence in Luster’s breathing. Her chest heaved out and in, having only a small chance to calm her now rapidly beating heart.

“Luster,” she jumped at the call of her name. She met her gaze with Starlight, who frowned at her. “Please, calm yourself.”

“If your nerves were this dainty,” Wist voiced. “You shouldn’t have incited the fight in the first place.”

“I—” Luster started and then slammed her hoof to the floor. “—No, you’re the one in the wrong here. You should have apologized to Ms. Smolder for cheating in your match.”

“You’re right about that,” Starlight concurred. “You shouldn’t try to deceive your teachers like that, Wist. However, that still doesn’t excuse all the property damage that the both of you caused. Two wrongs do not make a right.”

Luster rage smoked out into a cold melancholy at the reminder of her mistake. She would have loved nothing more than to point all the fault at Wist. That changeling was so unapologetically mischievous, it’s like she didn’t have a semblance of conscience in her mind. However, Luster knew she had one and even with it, she had allowed the creature to guide her along into her destructive path. She should’ve known better than to do that.

“The two of you toppled a large chunk of the second-floor hallway and bowed the walls in the first,” Starlight said. A sigh escaped the Headmare before she pressed on, “Just when I finally had the place repaired after Smolder’s incident, I thought I wouldn’t have to worry about another reconstruction in the next few months.”

“You’re all knowledgeable with magic,” Wist pointed out. “Can’t you just put it all back together yourself?”

“Yes,” Starlight answered. “I could. I try to make a habit of not using magic to solve all of my problems. No, I think I’ll just call in the construction workers again. Hopefully, they’ll give me a discount despite the princess not being involved this time around.”

“I’m sorry,” Luster apologized.

“I can tell this is weighing on your heart,” Starlight said. “But mistakes are things that happen to everypony. What matters is that you take the opportunity to learn from it afterward.”

Her Headmare’s touching wisdom brought a gentle smile from Luster. However, the soothing wound to a complete halt when Wist joined the conversation again. “So, does that mean we’re off scot-free then?”

“Of course not,” Starlight answered. “You’ll get the consequences along with the lesson.”

“That’s a lame bundle,” Wist complained.

Luster eyed the mare. The ire she had for Wist was coming back. Just how uncaring could a creature possibly be?

“It will take me some time to find a fitting punishment for the two of you,” Starlight said. “I think it will be a good time for the two of you to finally get along.”

“What do you mean?” Wist feigned a smile. “I absolutely adore her. She’s just so full of lofty justice and honor. It’s nearly impossible to hold myself back from crumbling it all down for her.”

“Am I a joke to you!?” Luster asked in a demanding tone. Before she could realize it, she was caught into the whims of Wist’s influence, her head thrust upon the changeling’s.

“Knock it off you two,” Starlight’s horn lit with her magic pulling the two away from each other. “You two are roommates now. You have to learn to get along.”

“It’s an ongoing process,” Luster said when Starlight dropped her hold of both of them.

“Wait,” Wist chuckled. “Don’t tell me that she’s the one that every creature is expecting to convert me,” Wist emphasized her last words with flops of her hooves.

“I selected Luster because I believe the two of you can become good friends,” Starlight said. “The only conversion that will take place in you will be the result of your own volition.”

“The only reason I’m still here is because I was promised I’d be told about the findings of my home,” Wist said. “The idea that I may go under some personal transformation is an assumption that you are all banking on. However, I don’t see anything wrong with how I am now. So why not just give me the punishment already, and I’ll go on my way?”

“How can you say that to the Headmare?” Luster stood appalled by the changeling’s transgression. Deceiving a teacher was already one thing that she couldn’t forgive, but to be so disrespectful after Starlight was trying to be understanding was going beyond the apex of her toleration. “Headmare Starlight only wants to make you happy and you just sit there and mock her.”

“Guys,” Starlight voiced but was blurred by a rising voice from Wist.

“And her idea of making me happy is having me learn to tolerate you,” Wist rose to her hooves and approached the lecturing mare. “Tell me, without the influence of Starlight and no doubt the Princess, would you still try to continue this laughable effort of becoming my friend?”

“I—”

“You wouldn’t,” Wist snapped. “Because all you’re trying to do is get some dumb brownie points from ponies you admire like gods. You’re not in this out of the care in your heart, you’re in it for a reward.”

“That’s enough,” Starlight slammed her hooves on her table. The students met their eyes with the upset Headmare. “I understand that the two of you are not seeing eye to eye right now, which is why I want for the two you to find your own reasons to be friends. I’m not expecting it to be forced and neither do I expect it to happen anytime soon. But I won’t allow the two of you to have these constant fights. We just need to find something that can be a good start.”

“Ooh ooh,” Pinkie Pie mysteriously sprouted out from behind Starlight Glimmer. She dangled her hoof high in anticipation to be picked out. “I want to pick.”

Wist and Luster gaped at the suddenly appearing mare. They looked back at the entrant door but saw it had remained closed. How in Equestria did she get around the two of them?

“Pinkie,” Starlight gaped at the party mare. “How did you…What are you doing here?”

“I heard that Wisteria was having her first day of school, so I wanted to see her again,” Pinkie answered. “I was really worried about her when Wist and Twilight were in a deep sleep those last few days. So, I was thinking of making a wake-up party for the two of you. I had all the streamers and cakes ready, but by the time I came back yesterday, you guys had already woken up and left the castle. Hey Wist,” Pinkie announced the befuddled changeling. “Do you like chocolate mint? I have this feeling that you love those, so I made a whole four-layered cake for you to eat.”

“Why four-layered?” Wist wondered.

“Let’s move back to the important part,” Starlight voiced. “You were saying that you want to pick a punishment for them, right?”

“I wouldn’t call it a punishment,” Pinkie said. “More like a learning experience that the two could share. A really fun one with all its whacks and joy.”

“That sounds like fun,” Wist voiced.

“Are you sure that’s fair after the things we’ve done?” Luster asked, earning a snort from the changeling that she did not take kindly to.

Pinkie suddenly hopped over Starlight’s desk and wrapped her hooves behind the two students. The whimsy of this mare was pulling them out of their composure, however, their Headmare looked rather indifferent to the whole thing.

“Don’t you worry your wonderful mind about it,” Pinkie assured. “I’m super duper confident that the two of you will look back on it fondly as the start to a great friendship.”

The door to the Sugarcube Corner opened with the bedazzlement of confetti and peppy pink blur. “I’m baaack!” Pinkie Pie announced herself.

“Auntie Pink,” a stallion voiced from behind a counter. “I was wondering why I didn’t hear any party cannons in the kitchen.”

“Wait,” Wist emerged from behind Pinkie. “You have a cannon? Can I see it?”

“Let’s just focus on the task at hoof,” Luster emerged from Pinkie’s other side.

“You must be Luster, right?” The stallion strolled around the counter and greeted the three. “We didn’t get a chance to talk the last time you visited. I’m Pound Cake. I run this bakery with my aunt and my sis.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Luster greeted with a hoof shake. “I’m sorry I didn’t stay long enough for us to chat last time. The tour I had was rather melodic.”

“Whoa,” Wist voiced after she strolled off to observe the cakes in the glass shelves of the counter. “These cakes look crazy. How did you make them look like that?”

“Wist!” Luster voiced. “It’s rude not to introduce yourself to others.”

“Oh,” Pound perked his ears. “So this is Wist. Auntie Pink has been talking about her a lot ever since the welcome cake was sent out.”

Pound walked to Wist’s side. The changeling’s attention to the display of pastries was like a moth to a flame.

“Want a slice?” he asked. Wist plastered her face upon the glass display attempting to pierce through it with her forked tongue. Pound gazed at the moth-like changeling in confusion. “I take it, that's a yes?”

After gifting Wist with a pumpkin cake with rainbow frostings, Pinkie gathered the group into a room upstairs.

The moment Pinkie opened the door, a yellow blur pounced past her and glued onto Wist’s pectorals. Already sensing the vigorous love coming her way, Wist had already hoisted her plate of pumpkin cake above herself with her magic.

“We really need to stop meeting like this.” Wist grinned at the small yellow colt that strapped his body onto her. His eyes sparkled anticipation as his tail wagged wildly like a pup.

“Lil’ Cheese,” Luster identified the foal. “You have to stay away from her. She’s a deceitful creature.”

“You say it like it’s a bad thing.” Wist rolled her eyes. Luster leered at the carefree changeling.

“Auntie Pink.” A yellow mare appeared at the entrance at the door. “There you are. I was wondering where you disappeared off to.”

“I’m sorry Pumpkin,” Pinkie gleefully apologized. “But I couldn’t wait anymore to see Wist again. “She’s been a real doozy for my little colt.”

Pinkie stepped away from the door to give the mare a view of Lil’ Cheese clutching upon the changeling. Wist lowered her neck to give the colt the reach he needed to climb onto her back. Lil’ Cheese then proceeded to enwrap his face in Wist’s long leafy mane.

“He never did that with me,” Luster mumbled.

“Is that jealousy I sense?” Wist smirked. “Maybe if you learn to not be such a buzzkill, you’ll have all the stallions flaunt over you.”

“I didn’t ask for your advice!”

“Are they the new foalsitters you were thinking about?” the mare asked.

Wist and Luster paused from their foalish argument and voiced in unison, “Foalsitters?”

“Oh well,” Pinkie sighed. “I guess I didn’t try hard enough to make it a surprise. That’s right, I would like for you two to watch over Lil’ Cheese for me.”

“That’s it?” Luster said. “We just have to foalsit Lil’ Cheese?”

“She did say it would be full of whacks and joy,” Wist said. “Were you not paying attention?”

“I know she said that!” Luster voiced. “I just didn’t think it would be something so...simple.”

“Simple?” Pound said. “Well, I guess you two will find out soon enough.”

“I’m actually in a rush right now,” Pinkie confessed. “Twi is asking everypony in for an emergency meeting. Can’t pass up on another chance to see everypony together again.”

“An emergency meeting?” Luster repeated. “Did something happen?”

“No idea.” Pinkie confessed with a jovial voice.

“The Princess has told me that the Council of Friendship gathers to discuss the nature of friendship around the lands,” Luster pondered. “So, there must be a friendship problem of some sort.”

“While I’m out,” Pinkie spoke. “I need somepony keep Lil’ Cheese company. I would ask Pound and Pumpkin, but they have a business to run. So, I was hoping that you two wouldn’t mind.”

“Are you sure about this Auntie Pink?” Pumpkin asked. “Watching Lil’ Cheese is a really big responsibility. A lot could go wrong if they make a mistake.”

“It’s okay,” Pinkie chuckled and pat Pumpkin on her back. “I trust the two of them. Gotta have faith if you want success.”

“That’s what you said about the other dozens of foalsitters,” Pumpkin mumbled.

“If you believe that this is the needed punishment for me, then I accept,” Luster decided. “I promise that I won’t let you down.”

“You will,” Pinkie’s eyes sparkled and rushed before Luster to give her a big hug. Though, if Luster had to describe it, it was more of a bear hug. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“Hope those brownie points are worth a broken back,” Wist teased.

Pinkie Pie bounced through the gates of Canterlot Castle with a pair of guards to follow her. In her mouth, she carried the handle of a picnic basket that held slices of caramel creme pie that she intended to share with her friends. Twilight would especially appreciate the walnuts Pinkie accumulated for the Princess’s slice.

She wasted no time bursting through a door and giving her cheerful greeting to her friends. “I’m back!” Pinkie cheered after dropping the basket before her. Picking it with a hoof, she skipped to a table within the chamber where all of her friends had gathered. Each welcomed Pinkie with a warm smile.

“How’re you the last one to show up?” Rainbow Dash voiced. “You’re usually the first among us to be here.”

Pinkie took a seat on the table. Fluttershy and Rarity nodded at their friend. “Being the first all the time is so boring. We oughta give our entrance a change every now and then. Besides, I had to find myself a pair of foalsitters for Lil’ Cheese before coming here. He tends to run off when things sound serious.”

“Found some new helpers did ya?” Applejack said. “I sure hope you told em about your son’s special quirk.”

“I couldn’t do that,” Pinkie waved her hoof. “They wouldn’t learn the lesson then.”

“Wait,” Rainbow raised a brow. “You didn’t tell them? Oh man, he’s going to drive them insane when they lose track of him.”

“Pinkie, dearie,” Rarity said. The fashionista mare greeted her friend with a wry smile. “Don’t you think withholding the fact of your son’s unique gift is a tad sadistic?”

“We’ll come back to this discussion after our meeting,” Twilight voiced.

“That’s if they survive long enough,” Rainbow said.

After the Princess let out a sigh, she began the discourse. “First, I would like to thank all of you for coming so soon. I know this is sudden, but this matter cannot be ignored.”

“Oh my, then something has happened?” Fluttershy wondered with an anxious smile.

“Yes,” Twilight confirmed. “Through constant patrols and reporting from settlements across Equestria, it has been found that there has been a steady drop in incidents of magic discharges. I can only surmise from this that the use of Devil’s Dust has diminished.”

“Really?” Rainbow said. “Geez Twilight, I thought you were going to give us some bad news.”

“Does this mean that this whole thing is going to be behind us soon?” Applejack asked.

“That would be nice,” Twilight said. “But things don’t simply just go away. We still do not know how the Devil’s Dust is produced and where the Sisterhood produces it. Though I would like to think that their production has dropped as perhaps a matter of resources, I can’t help but think that maybe they are allocating them.”

“Allocate?” Fluttershy wondered. “Well that doesn’t sound pleasant.”

“Honestly,” Rarity sighed. “These witches have been bothersome to the harmony we’ve striven for. Everywhere they go, they test out forbidden magic and cause trouble for creatures everywhere.”

“We still don’t even know where they’re coming from,” Rainbow said. “Ever since this whole Devil’s Dust became a thing, witches have been coming out of the woodwork all over the place.”

“So what do we do now?” Applejack asked. “We still have no clue where they’re hiding, how they make the stuff, or what they will do next.”

“Pretty much how things have been for the past decade,” Fluttershy summarized and then sighed. “I feel awful that there’s nothing more we can do to help every creature.”

“Not necessarily,” Twilight voiced. “We do have a lead.”

“We do?” Rarity wondered. “Then haven’t you opened with that already? Come now, tell us.”

“It’s Wist,” Applejack guessed. “Isn’t it?”

Twilight nodded. “That is correct. All of you may have known this by now, but I was out of commission for a few days after an incident at the School of Friendship.”

“Wist is that changeling you caught, right?” Rainbow asked. “Whatever happened to her?”

“Yeah,” Applejack voiced. “I have been wondering about that. The last time I saw her, I was hoof-feeding her my apple soup.”

“Starlight and I decided that it was best that Wisteria attends the School of Friendship to establish bonds with other creatures. However, her attendance was possible only as long as I helped find her missing mother.”

“Her mom is missing?” Applejack said.

“She must feel so lonely without her,” Fluttershy commented.

“She does?” Pinkie wondered. “It looked to me that she’s having fun.”

“You’ve met her already?” Twilight asked.

“Sure have,” Pinkie confirmed. “She’s actually one of the foalsitters I have watching Lil’ Cheese for me.”

“What!?” Rainbow raised her voice. “Are you out of your mind! Why would you leave your foal with a creature that practically raided a school!?”

“It’s fine,” Pinkie assured Rainbow with a gleeful wave of her hoof. “She and Lil’ Cheese get along so well. Besides, I also have one of her friends to help her out.”

“This friend wouldn’t happen to be Luster Dawn, would it?” Twilight asked.

“It sure is,” Pinkie confirmed with a smile.

“If Twilight’s pupil is there too,” Applejack said. “Then I guess things might be okay…”

“No way.” Pinkie shook her head. “Those two can’t stand each other.”

An uncomfortable silence filled the room after Pinkie’s words. Each of them sat dumbfounded to the chaos that must be ensuring at Pinkie’s home.

“It’s gonna happen,” Rainbow spoke. “Isn’t it?”

Pinkie nodded. “Yupper-rooney.”

“I see,” Twilight said. “So you’re hoping for them to lose track of him. All so they can learn a lesson.”

“Well, I did promise Starlight to give them a punishment. And it wouldn’t be much of one if it doesn’t teach them anything.”

“Speaking of which,” Applejack interjected. “Twi, you were hinting something about Wist being a lead, right?”

“Yes,” Twilight said. “I did. In two of my contacts with Wisteria, I have come to find that she was in possession of Devil’s Dust. She has used them to drug Thorax and Smolder.”

“You mean she’s a witch too?” Rainbow said.

“She has proclaimed herself as one,” Twilight admitted. “Though her definition of one differs greatly from the ones we have been dealing with.”

“So that makes her the second sane witch we have,” Applejack said. “All the others we managed to get our hooves on overdosed themselves and fried their minds.”

“I know that they’ve done bad things against other creatures,” Fluttershy voiced. “But I feel so sad that they threw their minds away like they did.”

“You must still be visiting them at the mental hospital,” Rarity said. “Why do you keep going there if it always saddens your heart?”

“Well, it’s just that they get no visits from their friends or family. There has to be some pony that comes by to check on them.”

“Sweet and kind as always.” Rarity smiled. “Discord is so fortunate to have you as a partner.”

“We’re doing a lot of tangents here,” Rainbow pointed. “How about we focus on the meeting before we get into all of this.”

“From what I’ve learned from Apple Bloom,” Twilight proceeded. “Wisteria appears to be knowledgeable in potion making. If so, then it’s likely that she may know how to produce the Devil’s Dust herself.”

“If that’s true,” Applejack said. “Then she can tell us where we could find all the ingredients.”

“Perfect,” Rarity said. “Then that would mean we can put a stop to the production of it completely.”

“Not only that,” Rainbow said. “We might also figure out where all those witches are hiding and round them all up once and for all.”

“That is all true,” Twilight said. “But it’s doubtful that she will simply tell us. She’s still distrustful of creatures in Equestria. So, what I’d like for all of you to do is to help prove to Wisteria that we are creatures that she can trust.”

“Basically be friends, right?” Pinkie concluded. “Ooh, I’ve been wanting to throw her a welcoming party.” Pinkie pie clapped her hooves excitedly.

“Not only that, but I also need for many of us to keep an eye on her. If she knows how to produce Devil’s Dust, then it’s likely she may have the eyes of witches on her.”

“Oh,” Fluttershy said. “So that explains why there’s still so many guards in Ponyville.”

“Wist may be strong, but she won’t be able to last alone for so long without a group of friends to watch her back. That’s why I’m trusting the creatures of Ponyville to give Wist those friends she needs.”

“That’s if she survives the chaos that Lil’ Cheese must be giving her right about now,” Rarity said.

“Don’t worry,” Pinkie assured. “I’m sure it’ll bring the two of them together.”

Author's Note

Chapter proofread by Sweetolebob18

09: Swiss Cheese

Author's Note

Wisteria
A self-proclaimed witch that has become the latest student at the School of Friendship.

Luster Dawn
Favored pupil of Princess Twilight that now attends the School of Friendship to learn the meaning of bonds.

Lil' Cheese
Son of Pinkie Pie with a prone for fun and wonders.

Pinkie Pie
The former element of laughter that runs the Sugarcube Corner with her niece and nephew.

09: Swiss Cheese

Their giggles and cheers rippled around the room. To Luster, it was a surreal sight that she had to question if it was reality or sheer fantasy. The latter would make so much more sense, but the constant ringing in her ears provided an asinine deterrence.

The colt and changeling played a game of surprise. Lil’ Cheese would count to ten while Wist would hide as an inanimate object within a room. It would always be the room they were currently in, which they would shift every few rounds.

Luster became more complacent about the game the more she realized how innocent it was. A word she wouldn’t think to associate this wicked bug with.

In Lil’ Cheese’s room, Wist hid as a pony ranger in the colt’s toybox. In the restroom, she hid as a mirror over the real one attached to a cabinet.

In each room, Luster would observe Wist’s transformations and watch the young colt innocently stroll about looking for the intricately hidden changeling. What made it so strange was how helpful Wist was. Always would she give hints with a sound of her voice Always would she emerge with her eldritch flames and toss the colt into the air, congratulating him for his astuteness. Was this really the same changeling she had fought with hours ago?

“Are you just going to stand there and watch all day?” Wist asked the pondering mare after placing Lil’ Cheese back on the ground. Their current round ended within a hallway on the second floor of the building. “Why not join us for a bit? You could use the fun way more than him.”

“Seems to me that you have a soft spot for foals,” Luster surmised. “I doubt I would receive the same kindness if I dared to join.”

“How astute of you,” Wist said after patting the colt’s head. “At least you’re not spoiling the fun for us.”

“The goal of foalsitting is to ensure that the foal is safe and well,” Luster informed. “I’m surprised you haven’t done anything to endanger him yet.”

“You wound me,” Wist dramatically said and mushed the cheeks of the colt’s together. “How could I ever hurt such a sweet and vulnerable creature as this?”

“After the things you’ve done at school, I wouldn’t think it would be beneath you.”

“You’re so quick to judge every creature,” Wist gave a toothy grin. “Ever think that could be why you’re so lacking at friendship?”

“What would you know about friendship?” Luster challenged. “You don’t even want to learn it.”

“Why bother learning when I’m already so good at it?” Wist shrugged. “If I can play creatures like a fiddle, then I must already be a natural at it.”

“Manipulating others doesn’t make you great at friendship.”

“Bonds and friendship pretty much go hoof in hoof together, right? I can’t imagine changelings being the disguisers without knowing how to play into that value you creatures hold so dear.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Luster voiced. “Princess Twilight and her friends defeated a changeling queen with the use of friendship. How do you explain that?”

“Simple, that queen was a dullard,” Wist scoffed. “The whole nonsense of friendship is so easy to manipulate. If a changeling can’t do that, they might as well not call themselves one.”

“It’s that kind of narrow mindedness that makes you terrible at friendship,” Luster argued.

“Your desperation to clap back at me is so pitiful,” Wist teased. “If I gave you a cookie, would it calm your feeble mind?”

“Don’t you go treating me like a foal!” Luster voiced. “If any creature is one, it’s definitely you.”

“Clever deflection there,” Wist sarcastically congratulated. “A fine argument to make as the awe-inspiring hoof licker of the princess.”

“What is your problem!?” Luster raged as she butted her head upon Wist’s. The changeling only stirred her fury more with a toothy grin.

From the side, Lil’ Cheese observed from the distance with a rubber chicken bouncing from his hoof. Growing bored with Wist’s distraction, the colt went to humor himself by bouncing the toy boy, steadily drifting down the stairs of the building as he became enthralled by his game.

The smell of berries welcomed the small colt downstairs as he bounced his rubber chicken about like a soccer ball. The growing number of customers assembling in the room masked the colt's presence, but he didn’t escape Pound’s eye. The rubber chicken constantly peaking out from the crowd exposed the colt as he sauntered away to the exit of the building.

Pound could only let out a sigh. “Well, that didn’t take long.”

“You know what your problem is?” Luster voiced before the impish changeling. Her voice etched out leaks of poison. “You lack empathy for others! You go around without the slightest care for the feeling of other creatures. It always has to be about you!”

“You can’t care about other creatures without caring about yourself first,” Wist stated. She shut her eyes and held a smirk that oozed of superiority.

“You’re only committed to half that rule!” Luster argued.

“You know, I do not take kindly to the tone of your voice.” Wist opened her eyes. Her smug grin still held bare. “I can’t help but get the feeling that you don’t want to be my friend.”

“You have the gall to say that after what you’ve done!” Luster leered at the changeling. “I wanted to be fair with you, but at every turn, you spit on every chance of my kindness. You’re the one that’s not looking for a friend!”

Wist gaped her eyes then shifted her sights around the hallway. “What?” Luster said. “You’ve only just realized that now!?”

“I thought something was strange,” Wist said. “Where did my little Cheese go?”

“Lil’ Cheese,” Luster corrected. “The least you could do is remember—” Luster’s body flinched and then turned about across her surroundings. “—Wait, where’d he go? He was just here.”

“Must’ve gotten bored by your little tantrum.” Wist shrugged. “I can’t say I really blame him.”

“Will you just stop already!?” Luster voiced. “This is serious. We need to find him.”

“You’re right,” Wist nodded. “We should definitely find him before Pound and Pumpkin catches on that you lost him.”

“Why is it only my fault!? You know what, I don’t care! Let’s just split up and find him already.”

Before Wist could respond, to Luster’s delight, the mare already ran off and entered a room. Had Wist been a changeling that likes to have the last say, she would be appalled to a frenzy. However, some last says come best with action.

Wist strode calmly through the hallway and stopped before a window. After a sniff, she looked at the window and found the colt out in the open, bouncing his little goose toy like a dolphin.

“You’re having so much fun with that toy of yours,” Wist commented. “It almost makes me jealous.”

Luster emerged from the door and regrouped with Wist. “Hey, did you find him yet?”

“I’m afraid not,” Wist lied. “I’m starting to get worried about him. Who knows what could happen to him on his own?”

“It’s nice to know that at least you care about him,” Luster sighed. “But don’t worry. We just have to keep looking. We’ll find him eventually.”

“Yes, you are quite right,” Wist said. “It’s too soon for us to give up.”

“Okay then.” Luster nodded. “I’m going to check the room from the other side. You should look through the ones here.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Wist concurred. And at that, Luster went off again to another room. The changeling held a proud smile and continued to observe the colt from afar.

Eventually, Luster would emerge from the door and note that Wist had not moved from the window. Befuddled, Luster approached the changeling again. “Why are you still there?”

“Me?” Wist said. “Oh, I’m just enjoying the view. It’s so so bright out.”

“What?” Luster narrowed her brow. “We’re supposed to be looking for Lil’ Cheese. Why are you through the window?” Luster basked in the sight before the window with Wist and there she realized the reason for the changeling’s fixation. “He’s right—“ Luster glared at Wist. “—Why didn’t you say anything!?”

“Now where would be the fun in that?” Wist asked as she strode past the offended mare. “Now hurry it up, I still have more rounds to play with that colt.”

Ignoring another session of Luster’s scolding, the two foal sitters discovered the colt still skipping about at the front of the bakery. The colt’s mastery of his menial game was an astonishing sight as he flipped and twirled beneath the rubber goose.

“He’s a nimble little fellow, isn’t he?” Wist commented.

“Let’s just bring him back,” Luster snapped and walked past Wist. When Luster drew close to the playful colt, a mass shadow mysteriously cast over them. Luster looked up to find the source and her eyes shrunk to see a massive figure descending upon them at a swift speed.

It all happened so quickly. A heavy wind blew and forced Luster and Wist to shield themselves. The next thing they knew, Lil’ Cheese was gone.

They trailed their sights to the sky where a giant bird apparently held the colt in its talons. A predicament that the colt seemed to take joy in as it waved its hoof excitedly at the two.

“Is that a roc?” Wist breathed with the lack of amusement from earlier. She shared in Luster’s utter shock that a huge predator had just swooped past them.

“We,” Luster started. “We have got to save him!”

The peaceful goings in the streets of Ponyville were rattled by the shade of the Roc that soared past the settlement. Creatures gaped at its presence, hiding beneath their bartering counters, jumping into bushes, and even one diving into a large fountain.

Behind the Roc, Wist and Luster galloped in pursuit. The chaos from the morning proved to be a helpful practice session for Luster as she juked past the stunned residents.

“Why couldn’t you have just told me earlier where Lil’ Cheese was!?” Luster shouted at the changeling.

“How was I supposed to know that a giant bird would swoop by!?” Wist argued.

Chasing the Roc down the streets, a pink mare with luscious violet mane eyed Wist from the entrance of a building. “It’s you!” The mare pointed at Wist.

“Not in the mood for lunch right now!” Wist kept her sights upon the Roc.

“Did you just treat me like food!?” The mare voiced appalled. “Hey, get back here!?”

Obviously, Wist would never do that and left the seething mare at the distance. Her only focus was the colt that cheered at the two of them from the Roc’s grubby talons.

“We’re not getting him back like this,” Luster voiced. “One of us has to go up there and grab him.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Wist groaned and began to flutter her wings. “It’s not like you’re any good here.”

Wist rose to the sky with the Roc, working here wings to great heights to close their distance. Lil’ Cheese “awed” excitedly at Wist’s hurdling feat; never a dull moment for this colt. She had no time for any quips as she summoned her strength to inch closer and closer to the Roc’s talons. Her hooves were only inches away from nabbing the colt when it all went terribly wrong.

For reasons she could not explain, nor could any sane creature in the land, a large pink bear had suddenly leaped upon Wist and clutched her back to the ground. She had little time to be shocked when the creature gripped her in a passionate bear hug so strong that she could feel her soul seeping out of her mouth.

Luster stopped before the spellbound creature that cuddled the overwhelmed changeling with its Herculean strength. “What is a Cuddlebear doing in Ponyville!?” Luster voiced.

“Get,” Wist started with a croak. “Get me out!”

“Oh,” Luster said with an indifferent look that Wist could really do without right now. “Didn’t you claim to be a natural master of friendship? Why not use it to trick the bear into letting you go?”

“We don’t have time for this!” Wist tried to push the Cuddlebear away, but its ridiculously strong yet warm and fuzzy body was starting to break her spirit.

“You’re right,” Luster nodded. “So, I’m going to hurry up and save Wist.”

“Wait, no!” Wist angrily pleaded. “Don’t leave me with this thing!”

“Don’t worry,” Luster started as she began to continue her chase for the Roc. “They’re herbivores. The worst it will do to you is eating your leaf-looking mane.”

With the fall of Wist from the chase, it was all left to Luster to be the responsible pony and rescue the colt. She should have relied on her magic from the beginning instead of providing chances for that pestering changeling to redeem herself. A creature as uncaring and careless as her was doomed to fail.

Luster charged her horn in yellow light. If her magic could reach the Roc, she could trap it in a magic bubble and scoop the colt out. It’s a spell that she went to great lengths to modify in many of her researches at Canterlot.

She shot a line of yellow light that stretched towards the Roc. Only a few feet more and she could initiate the bubble. Enshrouding a creature of that size required a higher amount of concentration than she could expend carelessly.

However, that concentration was ruined when a woodpecker landed on her head. Luster raises her eyes to meet the Woodpecker. “What the—“ The bird proceeded to peck upon Luster’s head before she could sound another word. “—Hey!”

Luster raised a hoof to swat the woodpecker away. Thankfully, her hooves scared it away with ease. However, she had picked up too much speed to stop from crashing into a nearby dining table of an outdoor restaurant.

Her body briefly flew into the air after tripping upon the table and then her back slammed upon another table where two ponies had taken their seat.

“Ow,” Luster groaned.

“What in Equestria do you think you’re doing!?” A mare asked and pushed Luster off the table. “You’re ruining our anniversary!”

Luster picked up her ragged body that was now bruised and smudged with dirt. She saw the angered mare about to confront her more before a stallion stood in her path. “Honey,” the stallion said with an assuring voice. “It’s okay. We haven’t ordered yet.”

Luster wasted no time leaving the premises. However, once back into the streets, she was welcomed by the impish changeling’s glee. “My,” Wist started. “Is this what they call ‘karma’?”

“If you’re done,” Luster said. “We have a colt to rescue.” Luster looked at the sky but could no longer see the Roc anywhere. “Where did it go?”

“I saw it land in the forest,” Wist answered and pointed at a clustered build of trees within the distance. “It’s a rather eerie looking one at that.”

“Why the Everfree Forest of all places?” Luster groaned.

“Will you stop with your complaining already?,” Wist asked. “I don’t want to be the one to tell his mom that he became lunch food.”

“Don’t even joke about that!”

The eerie shade of the bundled trees did nothing to calm Luster’s nerves. Everywhere they went she could see an endless hall of trees, shrubs, dirt that hinted nothing about the whereabouts of Lil’ Cheese. All she could depend on was Wist’s proclaimed reliable nose to sniff the colt out. A fact that Luster grew to question more and more by the second.

“I swear if this is another of your tricks…,” Luster growled.

“You’ve still failed to explain to me how a Cuddlebear ended up in the middle of town,” Wist reminded her.

“There’s not supposed to be a Roc either,” Luster said. “They’re things you would usually find in the wilderness, not above the streets. It doesn’t make sense.”

“Hold that thought.” Wist stopped Luster with a hoof. She then pointed to an opening from their path to a river. There, they discovered the Roc perched before a river with its head bent down to scoop the water.

Wist and Luster gathered a shrub to peek from. Lil’ Cheese tossed his rubber duck about with his forehooves while still trapped within the Roc’s talons. His ears then perked to Wist and Luster’s direction.

“The element of surprise is on our side here,” Luster whispered. “All I have to do is use my magic to shimmy Lil’ Cheese out those talons and whisk him here for our escape.”

“How practical,” Wist commented. “And here I thought you would use another overly complicated spell.”

“I wouldn’t have to if all you knew were hexes,” Luster sneered and then began her spell. Her yellow light shimmered across the colt’s body and slowly she began to tug him. The colt giggled excitedly at his glowing body. “No Cheese,” Luster whispered. “You’ll give it away.”

“He’s way too carefree for his own good,” Wist commented with a chuckle.

Luster carefully shifted the colt’s body to slip through the Roc’s hold. A movement too abrupt could earn the creature’s undesired attention.

“Almost there,” Luster whispered. Despite the colt’s audible fascination, she was nearly there in freeing him. A feat that complimented the precision of her magic.

She was now near the yoke of success. However, to her dismay, it was all stripped from her by a single leap.

A large body had passed through the shrub that Wist and Luster hid in. It came in a blur of movement and took Luster with it out into the open before the Roc.

Yet again, Luster’s back was against the ground. When gaping up at her unknown assailant, she quickly shielded her face from the massive pair of tongues that slathered her.

“Hey, stop it!” Luster protested, but the creature continued its ravenous tasting of her with its drooling tongues.

“An orthrus?” Wist said. “Seriously, where are all these animals coming from?” Wist surveyed the terrain behind her for any other lurking creatures.

“What are you doing!?” Luster voiced. “Get Cheese before the Roc takes him away.”

“Golly, what a noble sacrifice you’re making. But I think I’ve grown weary of this charade.” Wist charged her horn in an ominous green light. “With a dab of a hex, I can simply make the dumb bird lose interest in him.”

Wist shot a green wisp toward the Roc. Once it enters the Roc, it will toss away Lil’ Cheese, leaving Wist as his sole savior. Wist would love to use that clout for more cake if it didn’t reveal the fact that they had put him in this situation in the first place. Well, at least she could hold this victory over the know-it-all.

However, yet another unforeseen event had taken place. With timing that Wist did not prefer, the Roc raised its head from the river and spread its wings wide. With only a few gusting flaps, it ascended into the air.

“Oh come on!” Wist voiced and hopped out of the shrub. Her wisp is able to act as homing missiles that can act autonomously to reach her foes. However, the spell can only retain its existence if its caster is within close range.

Wist chased after the Roc that had now risen above the trees and floated in the open sky. After she soars from the river, she will have to begin another chase for the bird. This time, however, there won’t be a random animal that will catch her off guard. And my how quickly she failed.

As soon as Wist hovered above the river, a massive jaw had emerged from the waters and snatched her from the air. A small moment passed before a large cragadile emerged from the river with Wist trapped within its jaws.

After a series of coughs, Wist attempted to push its jaws open. Unfortunately for her, she was left to the mercy of the creature's devastating hold. However…

“It’s not trying to eat me,” Wist said after noting it has yet to chew her. Looking through the openings of the cragadile’s craggy teeth, she saw that the othrus had finally spared Luster its wet tongue and had now cuddled around her body.

“You find this all weird too, right?” An unamused Luster asked.

“You mean how all these random creatures keep interfering with us?” Wist said. “Yeah, it’s hard not to notice.”

“It’s like every time we try to get Lil’ Cheese away from the Roc, some unknown force brings these animals to stop us.”

“Okay, but why exactly?”

“I don’t know. But if we’re going to rescue Lil’ Cheese, we’re going to have to change our approach here.”

“I think I have an idea, but it hinges on one thing in order for it to work.”

“And that is?”

“Our cooperation,” Luster sighed.

“You mean working together,” Wist said. “How cheesy.”

“I know that you would prefer to do things on your own and you don’t like me,” Luster said. “But we’re going to have to put our differences aside if we hope to—”

“What’s the plan,” Wist said.

“...really?” Luster gaped at Wist’s sudden compliance. “You’ll go along with my plan?”

“Luster,” Wist said. “I’ve been treated like a chew toy by two random creatures I hope to never see again in my lifetime. I’m not going to risk a third. So, tell me about the plan.”

“Good enough for me,” Luster resigned. “Alright, so here’s how this will work.”

Within the mountainous region of the Everfree Forest, the Roc had finally settled upon a large nest upon a burrowed peak where a trio of pony-sized eggs were clustered together. The Roc released Lil’ Cheese before the eggs and nested its body over them.

From afar, Wist and Luster observed the Roc. They had settled upon a separate mountain that gave them a wide vision of their surroundings.

“You remember the plan, right?” Luster asked Wisteria.

“It’s pretty straightforward,” Wist scoffed. “I don’t know how any creature could forget something so practical.”

“Then you’re up.” Luster pumped a hoof. An act Wist knew that had the intention of motivation but was honestly an annoyance.

“You’re only pumped because you’re not the one that has to be the bait,” Wist remarked. “And a rather ridiculous one at that.”

Wist fluttered her wings out from their post and descended under the Roc’s nest. She then transformed into a goat and scaled up the mountain swiftly and quietly.

She reverted back upon reaching the edge of the nest. To her delight, the Roc had fallen asleep. Climbing atop the edge of the nest, Wist was able to peek underneath the Roc to where the trio of eggs lay.
And then he saw Lil’ Cheese, splayed upon the nest with his rubber chicken cushioning his chin.

“Alright brat,” Wist whispered. “It’s time we put an end to this game.” Eldritch flames consumed Wist’s body and expanded. The flames caught the colt’s attention and then his mouth hung open at the figure above him.

Featherless, saggy, and ultimately ridiculous to the highest sense of the word, Wist dawned herself as a jumbo-sized replica of his rubber duck. How humiliating this was for the self-proclaimed witch, but at least it stirred excitement for the colt to crawl from the Roc’s side and rushed over to pounce upon her.

Wist let out a sigh as she extended her flabby arms to hold the colt. “Honesty, what appeal do you see in this?”

Wist stiffed her body when she sensed a stir of the Roc’s body. Its yellow sclera eyes opened upon Wist’s position. However, it saw nothing but the numerous mountains and trees in the distance.

Before Wist braved atop the nest, Luster had tagged her magic upon Wist, making it easy for the mare to modify Wist’s body regardless of the distance. When Luster noted the Roc’s opening eyes, she immediately cast an invisibility spell upon Wist. Sadly, Luster lacked the knowledge to spread it over Lil’ Cheese as well, leaving Wist to turn her body to mask Lil’ Cheese’s presence.

Wist focused her sight upon Luster, waiting for the signal to move. That moment came when the Roc returned to its slumber, prompting Luster to wave her hoof to Wist.

Wist hopped off the nest and descended fast down the mountain. The eldritch flames consumed her again and reverted her back to what Wist considered to be her natural beauty. She hurried her wings to regroup with Luster on the other mountain.

“That went better than I thought,” Luster said when Wist landed by her side.

Wist cradled the colt in her hooves, who had wrapped his body over his rubber duck. His cheeks expanded like balloons with an obvious disappointment in his eyes.

“Quit your complaining,” Wist said. “Stay a good colt and maybe you can play with the superior Boneless again.”

“Are you having a competition with a toy?” Luster chuckled.

“Of course not!” Wist loudly refuted. “A flabby thing like that could never hope to compare with me!”

A sudden screech rang in their ears. They looked back at the nest from the distance and saw the Roc glaring back at them with its predatory eyes.

“You gave us away!” Luster voiced. “We need to run!”

“I’m done with this nonsense,” Wist said. “Here—” Wist placed Lil’ Cheese into Luster’s hooves. “—Hold this for me.”

Both the Roc and Wist ascended from their spot and came upon each other. When Wist had flown a safe distance from Luster and the colt, the eldritch flames consumed her again and expanded. It extended beyond its previous feat to point it shadowed the lands beneath it. And what emerged out of it was a lustrous dragon.

Its skin was dark as obsidian and green glow shimmered from the ridges of its scales. The sheer size of the creature eclipsed the mountain that the Roc nested upon, causing the proud beast to quiver to a stop.

Wist’s massive slit eyes shook with a wave of ravenous anger that sent coldness to the depth of the Roc’s soul. As natural selection goes, the Roc knew it had become prey at that very moment. To see to its survival, it flapped its wings and flew away, faster than it had ever done in its whole life. Wist watched it flee, not bothering to look back at the eggs that it left behind.

Once the creature faded in the distance, Wist reverted back to her original form and joined her group again at the other mountain. Wist was greeted to the dumbstruck of the two ponies. “Just how much magic do you have in you?” Luster asked.

“Who cares?” Wist shrugged. “Can we just get out of here already before some other stupidity happens?”

Their journey out of the Everfree Forest was uneventful, but after the chaos that they had to deal with earlier, they were more than pleased. Lil’ Cheese walked between the two, never leaving their sight for a single moment.

“You know,” Luster started. “What you did back there was really impressive. I don’t think I've ever seen a changeling transformed into something that humongous.”

“Probably would’ve saved us more time if I had done that from the beginning,” Wist grumbled.

“Are you still upset about transforming into that rubber duck?” Luster questioned. “I swear, you can’t make up your mind on how to feel about things.”

“Sorry for being such an enigma,” Wist sarcastically said.

“No, I think it’s fine. That just means I have more to learn about my friend.”

“...Huh?” Wist stopped her hooves, followed by the other two. “When did I ever become your friend?”

“After what we went through together, it’s inevitable now that we’re friends.”

“No it isn’t,” Wist protested.

“I would say the opposite.” Luster grinned. “Whether you like it or not, we’re friends now.”

“Just because we worked together this one time doesn’t mean anything. You’re reading way too much into things.”

“Come now Wist,” Luster said. “I thought you knew how friendship works. Surely you know the premise that we’ve set for each other.”

“If you keep teasing me like that I’m gonna give you another rude awakening tomorrow!”

“I think you would’ve done it either way. Unfortunately, it’s going to have to be one of those things we have to work on together.”

“You’re putting a sour end to my day,” Wist growled. “You better stop with this right now.”

“Oh but Wist,” Luster chuckled. “Where would be the fun in that?”

“Cheese!” Pinkie cheered with hooves opened wide for her son to be snatched in. The Cake twins had called Wist and Luster to bring the colt downstairs to welcome back his mother.

Lil’ Cheese hopped atop his mother’s cradling hooves, pecking the cheek of his mother. “Oh, I missed you too,” Pinkie Pie said and returned the favor to her son.

“How was your trip?” Luster asked. She and Wist took their steps before the mother.

“Dandy like a dandelion pie,” Pinkie Pie. “Ooh, speaking of pie, I should make some for the two of you. I can tell Lil’ Cheese had so much fun with the two of you.”

“Another one of those pumpkin pies would be nice,” Wist suggested.

“I’m happy that we met your expectation,” Luster said. “Lil’ Cheese did give us a few hurdles, but it all worked out in the end.”

“A hurdle huh?” Pound Cake chuckled. “So that’s what you call running across town and facing bunches of animals.”

Wist and Luster stiffened their bodies. Both gazed at the grinning twins with utter shock. “That,” Wist started. “Is oddly specific?”

“Did...did you guys know?” Luster asked.

“I think it’d be hard to miss a Roc swooping down in front of our home,” Pumpkin answered.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Wist waved her hooves. “If you two knew, then why didn’t you come to help us? Isn’t he your nephew?”

“They knew it would be alright,” Pinkie said. “Every animal around Ponyville has been pretty much tamed by Fluttershy. Even the ones from the Everfree Forest. No creature was ever an actual danger.”

“Huh,” Wist breathed. “Well, that would explain why that Cragadile didn’t chew me up.”

“Don’t just take it so easily!” Luster argued. “Why didn’t any pony tell us about this!? As a matter of fact, why did it happen in the first place?”

“Cheese sense,” Pinkie answered.

“Cheese...what?” Luster said.

“My Lil’ Cheese here has a special talent for attracting all sorts of creatures around him,” Pinkie explained. “All sorts of exotic creatures would come out from the woodworks to play with my son. Though, that usually only happens when he’s all on his lonesome.”

“I see,” Wist said. “So when he got bored with Luster’s little tantrum, he went off to call in some creatures to play with him.”

“How does that make sense!?” Luster voiced. “Ponies don’t just make pheromones to attract creatures. That lacks any logical sense.”

“Some things are just incapable of being understood,” Pinkie said with a smile.

“What?” Luster stood stunned. “No! There’s an explanation for everything in the world. There has to be!”

“Okay, I’m not gonna sit here for another one of your tantrums,” Wist said. “I’d like some pumpkin pie now.”

“Okie Dokie,” Pinkie said. “But first, I’d like to know if you’ve learned anything from this experience.”

“Never lose sight of the colt for a single second,” Wist answered.

“No, no, no,” Pinkie shook her head. “That was inevitable going to happen from the beginning. What did you learn during that experience?”

“We learned…” Luster started and then drifted her gaze to Wist. With a single glance, it all made sense. Though, she had to debate whether or not she took delight in that. After a sigh, Luster gave her answer. “We learned that not all problems can be solved alone. Sometimes a helping hoof can make all the difference.”

“Ugh,” Wist groaned. “Don’t tell me this whole event was to teach me a friendship lesson?”

“It would’ve defeated the whole point of the punishment if it wasn’t,” Pinkie gleefully answered. “But now that you had your first day with Lil’ Cheese, I can expect for things to be smooth sailing for the rest of this week, right?”

“Wait,” Luster gaped at the mare. “We have to do this whole thing again?”

“Well of course,” Pinkie said. “You didn’t think the punishment would be done in just a single day, did you?”

“I have to do this again…” Luster mumbled.

“Quit your complaining,” Wist scoffed with a haughty grin. “It just means more time for us to bond as friends, right?”

“I know you don’t mean it in the bright sense and that bothers me,” Luster sighed. She didn’t want to bother looking at her friend’s imposing sneer upon him. “But this is my life now.”

10: Candy Shop

Author's Note

Characters

Wisteria

Self-proclaimed witch that attends the School of Friendship as an apathetic student of friendship.

Luster Dawn

Princess Twilight’s star pupil who attends the School of Friendship to study friendship.

Starlight Glimmer

Headmare of the School of Friendship that has been given a hard time due to Wist’s antics. But it’ll take more than property damage and complaints to make her give up on her.

Diamond Tiara

A mare of high status that has placed investment in many of the new establishments in Ponyville.

Twister

Recent owner of a candy shop that she opened at an unfortunate time. Thankfully, her investor, Diamond Tiara, has a solution for her.

10: Candy Shop

“Okay class,” Apple Bloom announced to her students. “Today, we’re going to dabble a bit with the fundamentals of coloring potions. So, I hope y’all don’t mind dying your coats, scales, or feathers, because today, there’s gonna be a lot of that going on.”

Her students grouped at tables with sets of bio parts, tools, and chemicals propped in the center. At one of the tables sat Luster Dawn, who gingerly took notes of Apple Bloom’s lecture in her notebook. To be honest, this was information that Luster had already delved into. However, it’s moments like these that gave her a breath of fresh air from the unending chaos she endured.

“Color dyes, huh?” a mare spoke from a seat beside Luster. She was thin with thick-rimmed glasses. Apple Bloom had assigned her as Luster’s partner for today’s project. It was a lucky pick in Luster’s case since their teacher would make constant rotations between teams that were frankly too random to predict. From what Luster has observed, this mare was quite knowledgeable in this subject.

“I’ve actually learned the basics of color pigmentation back at my previous school,” Luster whispered to the mare. “The key ingredient is chameleon scales that need to be powdered and mixed with ingredients that match the color you’re looking for.”

“Is that so?” the mare grinned at her. “I doubt that it requires the scales of just any chameleon. Magic potions tend to require items within the irregular.”

“Oh.” Luster widened at the mare. “Well, my school did have a collection of a specific species of chameleons. Namely, prism chameleons that you would commonly find lurking around the Winsome Fall. Probably should have mentioned that, huh?” Luster nervously chuckled.

“From what our teacher is saying, this potion is able to change the color of any creature.” The mare began to rub her chin. “That may be of some use. Though, I wonder about the application. Would a subject be required to ingest the potion to feel the effects, or could it also take effect through contact with the substance?”

“My name is Luster by the way,” Luster interrupted the mare’s thought process. “I’m glad that we finally have the chance to work together. I can tell that you’re really passionate about this.”

The mare rolled her eyes. “I’m aware of who you are. I figure every creature in this school would know of the princess’s star pupil.” The mare trained her attention back to Apple Bloom, leaving Luster with a fading smile. From the mare’s indifference, it became clear to Luster that her first impression was a resounding failure.

The class proceeded with the experimentation when Apple Bloom passed a sheet of paper that gave instructions for developing a particular dye for each group. The process was foal’s play for Luster and the mare. In mere minutes, they’d already made the measurements and the mixtures to concoct the potion in a small vial.

“It’s as simple as I thought it would be,” Luster commented. “But it was nice to have a partner that can move at my pace. Usually, I would have to mentor my partner through the process.”

“You had to guide a creature on something so basic as this?” the mare questioned. “They should find a new profession if that’s the case.”

Luster raised a brow at the mare’s comment. “You know, you kind of remind me of another creature that I know.”

“Another creature?” the mare perked her ears. “Do tell.”

Luster gaped at the mare’s sudden interest. “If you know me, then I don’t think it’s a secret about who my roommate is. She’s a bit of an anarchist with a terrible mix of obnoxiousness and prude personality that could drive any creature insane. But she is quite resourceful.”

The mare raised a brow. “Resourceful? That’s all you can say about her?”

“Well, no.” Luster shook her head. “I think there’s more to her than just being a scoundrel. Believe it or not, she does have a nice side. She’s just really stubborn about showing it.”

“My, that sounds awful,” the mare commented. “And would you call that friendship?”

“…I don’t know?” Despite her declaration after their bonding session with Lil’ Cheese, Luster couldn’t help but wonder about its merit.

The topic of her roommate had remained the talk of the school throughout the week. Not surprising, given that this changeling had not only ransacked the school twice but also assaulted the Princess of Equestria.

A normal creature would have been thrown into the pits of Tartarus for such a crime, and yet here she was attending the School of Friendship. If not for Luster’s unique connection with the changeling, she’d most likely be up in hooves or claws with the students that want her out of here.

But this connection was what bothered Luster. It’s something that she’s been pondering about over the course of this week. There was something about Wist that felt oddly familiar to her and many things that baffled her. Just what sort of life did Wist have that led her to act this way?

“I don’t think I should be friends with a creature that calls themself a witch,” Luster said. “But now that I’ve been stuck with her for this long, the idea of being separated from her doesn’t sit well with me. So, I’m just going to commit to my friendship with her and hope for the best. I just wish there was some way I could learn more about her then maybe we could grow closer.”

“I don’t think that’s any of your business.” Luster flinched at the sudden poison that stained the mare’s voice. The narrowing glare she gave seemed unnatural to the stoic mare that she’s known for weeks.

It then clicked in Luster’s mind. “Wait a minute. Is that you–”

The classroom door suddenly slammed open with a peeved looking Ocellus stomping inside. “Ocelli,” Apple Bloom started in surprise. The loud bang Ocellus made shook Apple’s hold of her clipboard and dropped it on the floor. “What’re you doing here?”

“I’m sorry for barging in like this, Apple Bloom,” Ocellus apologized. “But I have a student that had the bright idea to skip my class for potion-making.” Her eyes were fixed upon Luster and the mare.

At first, Luster was unnerved by Ocellus’s gaze. But, after noting a snapping of teeth from her partner, Luster realized the truth of this predicament. “Wist, what are you doing here!?”

The mare groaned. “Couldn’t you have waited till the end of class? Don’t you think it’s a bit rude to intrude–” Ocellus’s magic pulled upon the disguised Wist’s ear, forcing her to trot to Ocellus’s side. “–ow, ow, ow! Hey, easy on the ear!”

“You’re coming back to class with me,” Ocellus stated. “And you’re going to tell me where you hid our missing student.”

The students sat dazed for several seconds after Ocellus led Wist out of the class. All but Luster that pondered back to Wist’s glare. “Why are you against opening up?” Luster wondered.

Starlight Glimmer craned her head after being welcomed to yet another troublesome act of a certain student of hers. “Are you intentionally trying to make this an everyday ritual of ours?”

“Hello to you too,” Wist said and then sat before the Headmare’s desk. “Might I say that you’re looking dashing today.”

“I would be happier with the pleasantries if you had stayed in your class like you were supposed to. Is it really so hard for you to just behave yourself?”

“What?” Wist blurted. “And stick around for that boring spiel about some reading?”

“What’s wrong with the reading material?” Ocellus questioned Wist from behind. “Did you even read it?”

“Of course not,” Wist stated matter-of-factly. “Why would a silly story about some romance between a rich stallion and a donkey benefit me in any way?”

“The core of the story is to show that bonds can transcend social status,” Ocellus answered. “No matter what walk of life you had, you can still spark a relationship with any creature. In the case of this story, love.”

“Yeah, and that helps me how?”

Ocellus sighed. “It’s a chance for you to participate in a conversation with your classmates, which would help to break the ice with them.”

Wist snickered at Ocellus’s argument. “No thanks. I don’t see any use in befriending any of those critters whatsoever. My time would be way more productive in Apple Bloom’s class.”

“You didn’t even give it a chance,” Ocellus argued. “You can’t just denounce it without trying.”

“She’s right you know,” Starlight concurred. “Besides, I can’t let you attend Apple Bloom’s class.”

“And why not?” Wist narrowed her eyes at the Headmare. “If I had a cutie mark, it would clearly be related to potion-making. You can’t take that away from me.”

“May I remind you that you used that talent of yours to cause destruction in my school and harm a number of creatures. No creature will walk around with an easy mind if they can’t trust you around potions.”

Wist crossed her hooves together and pouted. “And why should I care how they feel? It’s not like they would ever trust me anyway.”

Knock knock.

The thudded sound of the door interrupted the conversation. “Come in,” Starlight announced. Entering the room came Luster Dawn, passing her sight passing all the creatures inside. “Can I help you?” asked Starlight.

“I’m sorry for intruding like this,” Luster apologized. “But I overheard you talking about how Wist is not going to be allowed to attend the potion making class.”

“I don’t appreciate you listening in to our conversation.” Starlight glared at Luster. “But yes, that is correct.”

Luster approached the Headmare’s desk, standing by Wist’s side. “And this is because Wist is untrustworthy in the eyes of creatures at School, right? Well, what if Wist was somehow able to earn their trust?”

“You think creatures will change their opinion about me so easily?” Wist chuckled. “Aren’t you the naive one.”

“They will if you make an effort.” Luster looked at Wist with an unrelenting gaze. Despite the mask Wist held on her face, it did rattle her a tinge. “It’s obvious it won’t happen in one day, but with time, I’m sure you can prove to every creature that you’re a changeling we can have faith in. And I’m willing to help with that.”

“Are you serious?” Wist stared, baffled at her roommate’s claim.

“I think it’s worth a try,” Ocellus spoke. “It’s far too soon to think of it as an impossibility.”

“You can’t be serious?” Wist questioned.

“They’re quite right,” Starlight said. “We would have come to this eventually. Might as well start now.”

“Hold on.” Wist waved her hooves. “You all know this is me you’re talking about, right? Do y’all honestly think any of them would truly like me?”

“Trust me, we know very well how you are.” Ocellus walked over to Wist and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “But despite that, we have faith that it will all work out in the end.”

“That makes no sense whatsoever,” Wist grumbled. “But I can see that there’s no way out of this for me, is there?”

“We’ll start off with the creatures here in Ponyville you have wronged the most,” Starlight stated. “Lucky for you, it’s only a list of three.”

“Oh joy,” Wist sarcastically cheered. “That’s just wonderful news.”

“Those three being Smolder, Ocellus, and Diamond Tiara.”

Wist’s fake smile unraveled fast into an anxious frown. “The dragon? I don’t think forgiving me would be the first thing running through her mind.”

“Don’t worry,” Ocellus assured Wist. “I know Smolder and she wouldn’t try to hurt you. But if it makes you feel better, I’ll have a talk with her.”

“It’s okay, Wist,” Luster said. “I’ll be right by your side through the whole thing. Trust me, this will all be worth it.”

“Pick up the pace!” Diamond Tiara commanded Wisteria, who was lagging behind her. Wist and Luster followed the business mare through the streets of Ponyville after making their unfortunate visit to her office. The devilish smile painted on Diamond’s face left Wist to dread her fate.

Wist observed the paths around her. There were so many escape routes she could take. Neither Luster nor the earth pony could do anything to stop her if she went now. But then, she wouldn’t get her potion-making lessons.

Wist let out a sigh. “Can’t you just take an apology? Aren’t you ponies supposed to be the forgiving types?”

“Oh ho ho,” Diamond chuckled. “You have quite the imagination. I don’t know what ponies you’ve met, but if you want me to accept your apology, you’re going to have to work for it.”

“Oh c’mon,” Wist complained. “So, I sapped a little love out of you; at least I didn’t leave a mark on you.”

“On the contrary, you did.” Diamond stopped to leer at the faltering changeling. “Not only did you rob me of my time, but also of my wallet. You think I didn’t notice you taking bits out of my registers?”

Wist could only give a sheepish smile at the angered mare. “Oh, yeah…that.”

“You stole bits from her!?” Luster shouted. “Why would you–”

Wisteria immediately pounced before Luster to clamp her mouth with a hoof. “Hey, hey, don’t go saying that out loud. I have a reputation to repair, remember?”

Luster pushed Wist’s hoof away and sneered at her friend, “Why did you do it? Don’t you know that’s a crime?”

“Because I needed the bits, okay,” Wist confessed. She then approached Diamond Tiara and lifted her pouch to pull out dozens of bits. “Look, I’ve barely used any of them, so how about I give you back the rest, and you can be a little bit easier on me. Sounds good?”

“Oh no,” Diamond rejected. “I’m not letting off on this. You’re going to work off every bit you took from me, plus interest.”

Wist gritted her fangs at the smell of vengeance seeping out of the business mare. She could tell now that there was no weaseling her way out of this predicament.

Diamond guided the two into a building with checkered tiles and isles of candies. Wist found baskets, containers, and pots of candies laid out around her. A creature could spend an entire month feasting upon this ridiculous mass.

“I was hoping to open this store last week as a special event for a friend,” Diamond said. “I had everything set up nicely, but then I was ambushed by a certain changeling before I could arrive for the ceremony.” Wist averted her gaze from the mare’s glare.

Luster on the other hoof began to explore the store, observing the diverse number of candies. “You opened a candy shop?” She wondered. “If I can be frank, this is not what I would imagine a pony like you to be running.”

“Oh, I’m not the owner. I simply made an investment to get the cogs started. The real owner worked for a long time to get to this moment.”

“Hello!” a voice echoed into the room. “Is someone there?” A thin mare with glasses emerged from a door to the backroom.

“Good, there you are.” Diamond waved her hoof at Wist and Luster. “Twist, may I present to you your new employees.”

The three mares around Diamond gaped at her declaration. Twist was the only one to curve to a smile. “Did they answer my poster?” Twist asked. “That’s such a relief. I was getting a bit worried that my advertisement was lacking.”

“Unfortunately, it was lacking,” Diamond said. “I told you that you should’ve delegated that task to me. But moving on, these are two inspired creatures that are looking to help with the cause.”

Wist narrowed at this claim. “Cause? What cause?”

“Of bringing traffic to Twist’s candy shop,” Diamond stated. “Your little sabotage at the school ruined the profits I had projected on her opening day. It’s quite a chore to attract ponies when they’re all concerned for the safety of their Princess.”

“You’re just going to keep guilt-tripping me, aren’t you?” Wist deadpanned at the business mare.

Twist stepped past Diamond to stand before her new employees. “I’m sure you two have your reasons for being here. Either way, I’m glad that you’ll be helping me. Oh, my name is Twist by the way. I should have introduced myself sooner.”

Wist couldn’t help but cringe at the mare’s sheepish smile. Why in Abyssinia is she so nervous? Luster, on the other hoof, extended her hoof to bump with Twist’s.

“I’m Luster Dawn,” she greeted. “And this mischievous friend of mine is Wisteria.” Wist rolled her eyes at her friend’s introduction. “We’re new to Ponyville, but we’re committed to doing everything we can for your shop.”

Wist leaned into Luster’s ear and asked, “What’s with you? You seem a bit too comfortable with the arrangement here?”

“Our goal is for you to earn the trust of creatures,” Luster reminded her. “What better way is there than by providing quality customer service that will leave a smile on their face?”

“Only you would find amusement in being some creature’s maid,” Wist sighed.

“If you two are done with your chat,” Diamond spoke. “There’s the matter of work uniforms we need to attend to.”

“What?” Wist snickered. “Do you expect us to wear a silly cap with lollipops?” Wist didn’t know how nice that would’ve been at that time. Instead of a cap, Twist garnered her employees in a bow and dress that shook a core inside Wisteria.

Her eyes twitched at the outfit she never would imagine displaying her body in. She could feel all sorts of emotions whirling inside her that clamored her mind into dysfunctional chaos.

Luster on the other hoof was mesmerized by the plain cloth. “My own work uniform!” Luster awed. “I can’t believe I actually have one now. I need to take a picture of this.”

“You like it?,” Twist asked. “Diamond ordered them for me from the Carousel Boutique.”

“Dresses that oddly enough fit us to a tea,” Wist leered at a grinning Diamond Tiara. “You expected this to happen.”

Diamond sauntered around Wist, observed her form in her plain dress. “I must say, you look much more pleasing in that dress. Maybe it’ll do some good in redeeming that attitude of yours.”

Wist gaped a green glare at the mare, but then shut her eyes and took a deep breath. “Whatever,” she said before harnessing her horn to summon eldritch flames to consume her. However, before it could shower, Diamond stuck her hoof upon Wist’s horn, withering the flames to dust.

“Nuh-uh.” Diamond shook her head. “I won’t have any of Twist’s employees putting on disguises. You’re going to serve every customer just the way you are.”

“What!? You can’t be serious!?” Wist failed to hide a blush on her face. A tacky dress like this would no doubt place a scar upon her reputation as a witch. Giving a helping hoof was one thing but becoming a spectacle to others was not something she had signed up for.

“Oh, I’m dead serious.” Diamond glared into Wist’s eyes that left the changeling unnerved. Perhaps even fearful. “And if I get a single report of morphing about you, I’m docking your pay.”

“Are you insane? What kind of sadistic mare are you? Are you even a pony?” Wist lacked the time to compose herself before a bell rang throughout the store. The same sound that was made when she had entered the store.

A jolt surged through Wist’s body, prompting her to leap and hide behind a cashier counter. Wist could feel her heart pounding heavily within her chest. Her breath was ragged despite the short distance she trekked.

“Why hello there,” Diamond greeted a pony. “Welcome to Twist-a-Loo Sweets. Might I introduce you to our wonderful employees? They will help you with everything you need.” Wist then shook at a call she had hoped to never hear. “Oh Wist, would you kindly come to assist our customer?”

“I should’ve run when I had the chance,” Wisteria hissed.

The hours of darkness felt like an endless torture. But if there was one thing that could top it, it would be the heavy water that some creature disgracefully dumped on him.

“Wake up, Capper.” A stocky Abyssinian untied a cloth from Capper’s face, grazing Capper in his obese figure. “The boss is here.”

Capper gasped and coughed out water that had sunk into his throat. “Ugh,” he hurled. “Oh, it’s you again. Don’t you have any cute felines walking around here?”

“Shut up.” The stocky Abyssinian kicked Capper’s belly. He grunted and tried to console his abused body with his paws. However, he was reminded of the futility of this given that they were chained to a wall.

Accepting that he would have to leave his body unattended yet again, his eyes adjusted to the lighting in the room. His cell was coated in slabs of metal without a bed, sink, or toilet in sight. What kind of service do these cats serve here? Well, at least it beats being stuck in rough stones.

“Go easy on him.” A lean Abyssinian emerged from a door, the only exit out of this dump. “I still need him talking.”

“Ah, there you are.” Capper smiled at his captor. “You sure took your sweet time to come by and visit. I was starting to think that you didn’t care about me.”

“Still have time for your silly quips, eh?” The lean Abyssinian crouched before the constricted Capper. “Always trying to appear harmless, but always the kitten that I have to be to be watchful of.”

Capper shrugged. “Heh, you give me too much credit. I’m just your average yet dashing tomcat that all the felines flock over.”

“And you know me as Hop,” the lean Abyssinian responded. “I have risen from poverty and cured the streets of petty crimes. I’m looked upon by Abyssinia as a hero. But you–” Hope tapped upon Capper’s nose. “You happen to know of things that you are better off not to. And for some odd reason, you’ve dared to become a threat to everything I’ve built.”

“Have I now?” Capper questioned, feigning surprise. “Well, this is news to me.”

Hop grabbed Capper’s chin and leered into his eyes. “Enough with the coy, Capper. Now tell me, where did you hide her?”

“Her?” Capper raised a brow. “Oh, you wouldn’t happen to be talking about that bug I mysteriously ran into, would you? That was like weeks ago. And besides, that was the only time I’ve ever seen her.”

“You had no business taking her from me. She belongs at my side.”

“Hold on now,” Capper chuckled. “I just told you that I only saw her once. I doubt I would be lucky enough to see an odd creature like her again.”

Hop paused at Capper with a cold gaze. He breathed and stepped back from Capper. Hop then snapped his paw. “Bun.”

The stocky Abyssinian stepped before Capper with a grin. He clamored his paws together, resounding crackles.

He steered his gaze around the stocky Abyssinian to meet Hop’s gaze. “A bit unnecessary, don’t you think?”

“This is how I show my love,” Hop said. “And once I’ve finally stripped you away from all of your fame and fortune, you’ll be so thankful for my love that you will be dying to tell me everything.”

Hop left without another word. And then he became a punching bag for the stocky Abyssinian. He spared none of Caper’s beautiful figure, pounding nearly every part of Capper with his fists.

It was moments like this where he wished he was a masochist. And maybe replace the ugly tomcat with a luscious feline and he would have a silver lining to his predicament…No, there already was one.

He just wished that she had a little more faith in him than to go running off on her own. Her life would be so much more fulfilling if he had just managed to get her to Princess Twilight.

But at least she wasn’t stuck in this horrible place anymore. Despite the terrible food he’s served and the routine beating he gets from this ugly tomcat, he could take solace that somewhere in these lands, that changeling is happy somewhere.

I swear Rarity, you made me way too generous for my own good. But it’s okay. I wouldn’t change anything.

“Hi…” Wist timidly waved a hoof at a mare at the opposite of the cashier counter. Usually, Wist would be full of glee and chicanery, but the cloth haunted her with a wariness that left the mare concerned.

“Is this your first day?” the mare asked.

“Um, yes…” Wist answered. She only made slight eye contact with her customers that appeared to make a trend of asking this question.

“Well don’t you worry,” the mare assured. “I’m sure you’ll get the swing of things soon enough. You seem like a nice creature, so I know you can do it.”

Wist would normally laugh at these silly encouragements from ponies but it was rather difficult for her to give a laugh with a ridiculous garment on her.

When Wist managed to finish the transaction with her customer, she gave a wave to Wist on her way out prompting Wist to follow suit in her gesture. This was too awkward for Wist to endure.

Wist then saw Twist approach with a concerned face of her own. “Is everything okay?” she asked.

“Yeah.” Wist gave a sheepish smile. “I’m good. Just manning my post here like a good employee. Nothing wrong here.”

Twist stepped closer to Wist and whispered, “It’s okay Wist. There’s no shame in being nervous about your first job.”

Oh, for the love of Abyssinia, not this again. Wist looked over her counter and found Luster merrily guiding customers through the aisles. They’d only been here for a few hours and Luster had all the placements of the candies practically memorized. Does she even remember why she’s here in the first place?

“What’s got her in a good mood,” Wist grumbled. “All she’s doing is showing them to the candies.”

“I think she’s reveling in the feeling of putting a smile on all of our customers,” Twist said. “There’s just something about helping a creature that just makes you feel good about yourself; you know?”

“No,” Wist answered.

“Oh…Well, we could try it right now if you like?”

Wist gaped at the suggestion and hurriedly waved her hooves. “No, no, no. I think I’m good right here.”

Twist briefly observed Wist and then nodded. “Okay then. We can take things one step at a time.”

The bell rang again, alerting Wist of another creature coming inside. “So, this here is the new shop I’ve been hearing about.” An orange mare with a scarf and a Stetson hat entered the store. Her eyes lingered about the room until she met with Wist. “You?”

“What?” Wist raised her brow and then looked to Twist.

“Hello Applejack.” Twist waved her hoof. “Thank you so much for coming by. Do you like what you see?”

“Place looks pretty dandy,” Applejack commented as she approached the counter. “Good to see that your dream has finally come true.”

“You dreamed about opening a candy shop?” Wist questioned her boss.

“Ever since I was a filly,” Twist confessed. “I’m what you could a connoisseur of candies. Everything you see here is a collection imported from stretches of Equestria.”

“It just warms my heart when I see a pony finally get their due after their hard work,” Applejack said.

“Um, Ms. Twist,” the voice of Luster could be heard from an aisle. “Could you come over for a second? I need your help.”

“Coming,” Twist responded. “Enjoy the rest of your stay here,” Twist told Applejack and then disappeared into the isles.

“Name’s Applejack,” the mare introduced herself. “I’ve been in these parts all of my life as an apple farmer. If you need a pony to show you around the place, then I’m your mare.”

“Strange,” Wist said. “There’s something about you that feels familiar. Have we met before?”

“Must be the love,” Applejack concluded. “Starlight did say that you took a real liking to my apple soup.”

“That was you?” Wist honestly didn’t know what her anonymous cook would look like. But the love she put into that soup felt so warm and safe. It reminded her of memories of her past that she wished she could go back to.

“Yup,” Applejack confirmed. “But enough about me, I’m more interested in how you’re feeling.”

“About what?”

“Well for starters, how do you feel about Ponyville so far?”

“I feel like I’m surrounded by a bunch of crazies from all around Equestria..I find creatures here that are so different in erratic ways that it’s kind of hard to get my mind around it.” Wist then blinked and examined herself. Why did she even tell this mare that?

“I get ya,” Applejack laughed. “You find all kinds of creatures from every walk of life here in Ponyville. I think it is what makes this place so special. Maybe it can be a special place for you too.”

Wist then narrowed her eyes at the mare. “Okay, what’s your game here? I know that can’t be what you’re aiming for?”

“And what if I say that is?” Applejack gave her a smile. “From what I can tell, you’re in need of brighter days. I know every creature is willing to give it to ya. I know I am.”

“But what is that you get in exchange? I don’t get it, but I get the feeling that you won’t lie to me about anything. So, just give it to me straight.”

“Hmm.” Applejack began to tap her chin. “Well, if I had to put in a single word. I’d say, friendship.”

Wist bumped her head upon the register. “This place really is full of fanatics.”

11: Animal Sanctuary

Author's Note

Characters

Wisteria

A self-proclaimed witch that attends the School of Friendship for the promise of the whereabouts of her mother, Poison Peck.

Luster Dawn

The star pupil of Princess Twilight. She attends the School of Friendship to learn and embody its values.

Georgia

A student at the School of Friendship that became fast friends with Luster Dawn.

Trixie Lulamoon

A counselor at the School of Friendship.

Fluttershy

Owner of an animal sanctuary at Ponyville and wife of the lord of chaos, Discord.

Discord

The lord of chaos and husband of Fluttershy. He provides aid to Fluttershy’s animal sanctuary via managing the portals that connect to its numerous habitats.

11: Animal Sanctuary

“This way every creature,” Fluttershy announced to a group of young creatures entering through a luscious arch of greenery. What welcomed them was an amalgam of nature. Palm trees sprouted near small canyons and rainforests.

The young creatures stood dazzled at the menagerie of animals roaming the grounds and lakes. Toucans and flamingos perched around a bridge where rabbits and otters crossed. Giraffes feasted on treetops where koalas and chimpanzees were grooming each other.

A flock of red robins perched on Fluttershy’s back, chirping a tune. “Oh my,” Fluttershy said. “You all are so ecstatic to see me. Was I gone for too long?”

The graceful sight became sullied by a groan. “Seriously, why must Trixie devote precious time to this? Trixie had a spa reserved for today.”

“I’m so sorry for becoming an inconvenience,” Fluttershy apologized. “When Ocellus left to check on Thorax’s health, I was worried that would have to delay the event for the students. I appreciate it so much that you donated your time for this.”

Trixie let out a haughty chortle. “Yes, well, Trixie is a generous mare. Though Starlight may be callous of other pony’s time, Trixie does not make a habit of disappointing her students.”

Among the group of students, Luster gave wild coos at diverse critters dashing past her. Her eyes sparkled like a shining star. “This place has everything. Oh please, please, please, let there be a piglet.”

“Jeez,” a black griffon snickered at Luster’s side. “What is this obsession you have for piglets?”

“How do you not, Georgia?” Luster questioned her friend. “Don’t you understand the cuteness of their small size and dainty eyes that hunger for love and affection?”

“You probably shouldn’t ask that from a griffon. Something tells me you would start a complete revolution.”

“Okay, then what is that you see as a fitting pet?”

“Probably something exotic,” Georgia answered. “It’s got to be a creature that none of our classmates will get.”

“Ah, so you and Wist have the same thing in mind.”

Georgia arched an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

Luster pointed to a direction where Georgia discovered Wist picking through animals with her magic. The changeling scanned the critters with analytical eyes before tossing them aside with a disappointed grunt.

“No,” Wist said before tossing aside a squirrel. The critter waved its balled fist at the changeling before fleeing into a forest. “Come one, there’s got to be a good one around here.”

“Wisteria,” Wist dropped a raccoon when she heard Fluttershy’s call. “Please be mindful of their personal space. You’re startling them.”

“Yeah, Wist,” Luster said. “We just got here. There’s no need to rush to find your perfect familiar.”

“Familiar?” Georgia questioned.

“Ever since Wist heard about the adoption event, she’s been nonstop about deciding the ideal pet for a witch.”

Georgia snorted. “I doubt Mrs. Fluttershy has any animal that could match the chaos that is Wist. She should just settle for a black cat.”

Luster frowned. “Georgia, you at least have to give her a chance.”

“If you two are done with your little chat,” Wist spoke. “I still have evaluations to make.” Wist walked towards the entrance of a thick rain forest but was flanked by a teleported Trixie.

“And where do you think you’re going under Trixie’s careful watch?” The counselor asked.

“Finding something to adopt,” Wist answered matter-of-factly, passing her counselor nonchalantly. “Duh.

Trixie’s students gawked at her for a response. She simply shrugged. “Oh well, Trixie has done all she can.”

“Seriously?” Georgia questioned. “You’re not even going to try to stop her?”

“Oh yes, Trixie should definitely impede a creature capable of competing against an alicorn,” Trixie sarcastically said. “Trixie is certain that will go well.”

“Please play nice to them,” Fluttershy raised her voice for Wist to hear. The changeling waved back a hoof before disappearing into the forest.

“We all know she’s going to stir trouble around here, right?” Georgia said.

“Wist isn’t that much of a troublemaker,” Luster said. “… well, I doubt she will be here. She’s simply picking out through animals, what’s the worst she could do?”

Georgia grinned. “Wanna bet?”

“… No thanks.”

Wist continued her scavenge through the forest, lifting fleeting animals before her to examine. She skimmed through dens of snakes and colonies of bats and badgers. However, none suited her taste.

“No, no, no,” Wist grumbled, tossing aside a wombat. “Come on, I need something extraordinary, something that goes beyond the normal.”

The changeling stopped when she noted the animals hopping in out of many portals littered within the forest. A wobbly azure ring outlined them, shrouding black vortexes that look of space.

Mrs. Fluttershy had urged the students not to interact with them, but their bizarre presence fascinated the changeling. Just how and why do they exist here?

Wist shrugged and peered inside a portal. She couldn’t find much harm to it if the animals are gung-ho about entering.

Her head emerged to another side of the portal. The atmosphere showered an unnatural phantasm that weighed her heavy and fluttered her light simultaneously.

Her sight then fixed upon an odd creature sat on a recliner among an open yard.

“Honestly,” the creature grumbled as it thumbed through pages of a book. The creature wore the claws and talons of a lion and eagle. Its body riddled with contrasting pieces of animals that Wist wondered if some creature had designed it themselves. “Why did they have to make so many revisions to the magic system?” the creature continued, complaining. “There was nothing wrong with the old edition.”

“What are you?” Wist surprised the creature with her close presence at its side.

“Whoa!” The creature yelped and threw its hand up, knocking the recliner and himself to the ground. The creature warped back onto its feet and patted its head of grass. “Don’t you know any ethics, young lady? It’s rude to sneak up on someone when they're busy in their reading.”

“You look like one of those chimeras,” Wist commented. “Though I’ve never seen one of your compositions.”

“And I imagine that you never will. Well, that’s unless Fluttershy and I can fix the quirks.” The creature rubbed his tassel goatee, pondering the trials he must take. He noted the changeling still in wonder. “I don’t think I have introduced myself, where are my manners. You may know me as Discord, Lord of chaos, spouse to the spirit of kindness, and this week’s King of Ogre and Oubliettes. That last title I went through a lot to garner.”

“Lord of chaos,” Wist repeated, her eyes slit with hunger.

Discord failed to note this as he picked his recliner from the ground. “Now, if you don’t mind, I still have reading to attend to. You can see yourself out the door.”

Discord snapped his finger, intending to warp the changeling back into the sanctuary. Except that didn’t happen. Wist remained before the lord of chaos, sauntering around him and examining his features.

He snapped his fingers again, nothing happened.

Discord arched an eyebrow. “Well, that’s strange?” He summoned a magnifying glass in his paw and inspected his eagle limb. “This has never happened before.”

“Hmm.” Wist stopped in front of the confused Draconequus. “I think you will do.”

Discord raised his sight from his magnifying glass. “Do? For what exactly?”

“Congratulations, Discord,” Wist proudly announced. “I’ve decided upon you to become my familiar.”

Discord paused at the changeling’s declaration for a moment before descending to wild cackles. “Oh, ho ho,” Discord spoke in between untamed laughs. “That’s a good one. Do you think some random creature is fit to control the lord of chaos? Oh no, dearie, that is reserved to only one.”

Wist happily harnessed her magic and lifted the draconequus above her. “I can’t wait to show you to Luster. I can already imagine the sweet, sweet jealousy she will have compared to her silly piglet.”

“Hey now!” Discord yapped. “I never consented to this!” Discord tried to break out of the changeling spell, but his magic seemed unable to touch it. He summoned a portal beneath the changeling, but her body did not fall into its suction. It was almost as if she was immune to his chaos magic.

“You should feel honored,” Wist chuckled, making her way to the portal she came from. “I’m not your normal kind of witch.”

“Sounds nice, but unfortunately I’m already occupied with other commitments.” Discord snapped his fingers and summoned a large bucket above the two. It dumped gallons of water over them, forcing Wist to exert eldritch flames to singe the water to mist.

Discord seized the brief opening to break out of the changeling’s loose grip and slithered into a portal. However, his escape did not go unnoticed by the changeling.

“And where do you think you’re going?” Wist asked, pursuing Discord in the portal.

“Aw, you’re so adorable,” Luster cooed at a piglet she coddled in her hooves. She tickled at the small creature’s nibble upon her hoof as she rubbed its fur of brown and gamboge. “I’m going to call you Chester.”

Georgia scratched her cheek. “Not a name I would think for a piglet. Then again, I don’t make a habit of naming my food.”

“Just look at him.” Luster gestured the piglet before her friend. “Doesn’t he look like one big chestnut?”

Chester squealed at the griffon’s carnivorous eyes. Georgia snickered. “You’re lucky I don’t like chestnuts.”

Luster frowned, smothering the piglet in her embrace. “Georgia, stop scaring him.”

“Oh, I’m not the one he should be afraid of. I’m pretty sure Chester will figure that out fast when you-know-who starts the pandemonium.”

“She’s learning, Georgia. How do you expect her to change if none of you are willing to give her the opportunity?”

Georgia shrugged. “Yeah, well, I’ll consider that when she gives me a good reason to.”

The ground beneath Luster and her classmates rumbled when a sudden roar echoed loudly through the sanctuary. The birds flocked into the air and animals hid atop trees and dens.

Trixie hid behind Fluttershy, her body quivered wildly. “What was that? What was that? What was that?” Trixie swiftly repeated.

“Oh dear,” Fluttershy said. “Calm down students, it’s okay. I will take care of it.” She attempted to ascend to the air but was weighed down by Trixie’s grasp. “Um, Trixie, would mind letting me go?”

Trixie caught herself when noting the befuddled eyes of her students. She pushed away from Fluttershy and coughed into her hoof. “Oh yes, Trixie can handle things here. You can go ahead and resolve whatever that was.”

Fluttershy veered from the group, earning concerned eyes from the students. “So, are we just going to let her deal with that alone?” Georgia asked. “That definitely sounded like something big.”

“Of course not,” Luster said, whisking the piglet on her backside. “I’m going to help any way I can.”

Georgia grinned. “Well, aren’t you the brave one. I knew I like you for a reason.”

Luster and Georgia followed Fluttershy into a forest she disappeared into, but then Trixie interjected, “And where do you think you two are going?”

“We’re going to check if Mrs. Fluttershy needs any help,” Luster answered, keeping her pace. “We’ll be right back.”

“You don’t get to make that decision.” Trixie harnessed her magic, ready to reel her students back in the herd. However, another roar shook the grounds and sputtered Trixie’s magic to a halt. “Trixie shall permit this only once but be quick about it.”

Luster and Georgia trailed behind the direction Fluttershy went, dashing through shrubs and rounding trees in their path. They discovered a clearing where a large cave carved inside a small mountain. Fluttershy had descended inside.

Luster climbed up to rocks to reach the side of the entrance. Georgia was the first to get a peek inside and her mouth hung and gestured to Luster to have a look. Luster shared her friend’s astonishment when she discovered Fluttershy with an Ursa Minor coated in white.

The curious piglet tried to climb over Luster’s head to get a peek, but Luster pulled him back with her magic. She could not risk any rash actions to startle the large creature.

“Woah,” Georgia whispered. “I didn’t think those rumors about an Ursa Minor being here would be true. Mrs. Fluttershy is kind of a badass.”

“Did you have another bad dream?” Fluttershy whispered soothingly to the Ursa Minor, rubbing its face riddled with angst. The Ursa Minor whimpered, shifting back to retreat from the sunlight. “It’s okay.”

Luster leaned her head further into the cave to keep her sight of the creature, but to her misfortune, she accidentally kicked a large, pebbled litter on the ground. The pebble launched bounced off the ridge of the mountain.

Georgia and Luster reared their heads back after noting a heavy puff from the Ursa Minor. “Don’t worry,” they heard Fluttershy. “It was just a rock.”

The two never looked back inside and held their position for minutes, fearful of making a sudden sound. They listened to Fluttershy’s calm voice to the creature and to the Ursa Minor’s heavy breathing that gradually smoothened. “Sleep tight, young one.”

Fluttershy emerged from the cave and discovered Luster and Georgia. She descended before the two and smiled. “I appreciate the two of you for coming here to help, but I’m afraid this young one does not react well to new faces.”

“Why is it white?” Georgia asked. “Don’t they normally have a darkish blue color with those starry things on them?”

“It’s an albino,” Luster answered. “The process is commonly referred to as albinism where the child creature inherits one or multiple mutated genes from both parents that alters its production of melanin.”

“Okay… and what’s–”

“Melanin is what determines the color throughout your body.”

Georgia rolled her eyes and gazed at Fluttershy again. “Where’d you even find something like this?”

Fluttershy’s wry smile turned melancholic. “That… is a long story.”

“The story of the discovery of an albino Ursa Minor,” Luster said, her voice oozed with anticipation. “I’d very much like to hear this.”

Her story was one of tragedy. It began when Fluttershy one day visited the Crystal Empire. A mysterious earthquake had occurred during her visit and because of her natural concerns for the animals, Fluttershy ventured the wintry mountains with Princess Flurry Heart for any rescues.

They found hares, deer, and foxes trapped in mounds of snow, buried under broken trees, and outcast above frigid water. They never suspected to come across a white Ursa Minor during their endeavor. The young creature cloaked in the snow, catching the two off guard when it felt threatened, and assailed the pair.

The matter became more severe when a pack of arctic wolves entered the fray. Fluttershy instructed Flurry Heart to deter the wolves away with her skilled magic as Fluttershy went on to calm the Ursa Minor she discovered to be frightened.

The Ursa Minor left a wound on Fluttershy’s barrel, but she persisted in her caring ways and calmed the feral cub. And when Flurry Heart scared off the pack of wolves, they followed the Ursa Minor that walked off the bottom of a cliff where they found its mother.

Its body was massive enough to be considered to be a ruin. Its body frigid as the snow, bones littered and piercing out of the body. Large chunks of its meat missing from what Fluttershy surmised were in the belly of the pack of wolves.

The Ursa Minor howled in a somber voice. Fluttershy could not leave it on its own. It was much too young to fend for itself in the wild. And so, she brought it back to her animal sanctuary, hoping to raise it with the instincts and love to return to its homeland.

But in her efforts, she felt she had unfortunately domesticated the creature.

“He hates to leave his cave,” Fluttershy said. “I think his traumatic experience has made him afraid of the outside. I provide him with food, but never can I get him to learn to forage on his own.”

Georgia quirked a brow. “You mean you were going let it hunt the animals here?”

“Of course not,” Fluttershy assured. “I was hoping to take it out to the open wilderness and spend months teaching all the necessary skills to survive. It was meant to be a project of mine, but as you can see, it won’t ever leave the cave.”

“Then why not force it out?” Georgia suggested. “You’re pretty much enabling the thing to be lazy.”

Fluttershy shook her head. “It’s not that simple. Because of the mental scars he has, it has to be his choice to leave the cave. Else, he will never have the courage to face the outside world. Also, he will more than likely go on a rampage.”

“From his size, he could do serious harm to the animals and habitats,” Luster said. “Unfortunately, I don’t know any other way to coax an Ursa Minor.”

“It’s okay, you two,” Fluttershy said. “I’m sure I will figure this out in due time. You two should focus more on finding your own partners.”

Just as when the three began their exit, a portal suddenly appeared before the cave. Discord and Wisteria emerged out of it; the lord of chaos was pounced to the ground by the changeling. Discord wheezed heavy breaths.

“Hah!” Wist cheered. “Got you this time!”

“Will you please–” Discord wheezed. “–stop this already? This is already… getting out of… hand.”

Their ears perked when a heavy gust of wind blew upon them. Their eyes gaped upon the large snout of Ursa Minor and its crimson eyes looking down upon them.

Wist pointed at the creature. “What’s that?”

Discord slapped his forehead. “Well, this won’t end nicely.”

The Ursa Minor let out a piercing roar and swiped its claw at them. Discord grabbed Wist and teleported themselves out of its striking path.

The Ursa Minor gaped at the sudden disappearance, but his shock was replaced with another when a group of animals fell out of the portal and crashed upon the Ursa Minor’s face. The Ursa Minor yelped and jumped out of the cave, tearing down trees as it fled from the premise.

Fluttershy gaped at the destruction. “Oh dear, please come back.” Fluttershy flew in pursuit of the Ursa Minor, leaving Luster and Georgia alone in their shock.

Discord and Wist then reappeared outside of the cave, sprawled upon the rumpled grass. “I hope you're done with your little game,” Discord breathed. “Because now you have a new one to play.”

“Do you two realize what you’ve done!?” Luster shouted as she and Georgia stomped before them.

“See,” Georgia said. “I told you something like this would happen if you left her alone. She’s pure bait for trouble.”

Wist rose back to her hooves and looked upon the cave. “Where did that creature go? I got to know what that was.”

“That was an Ursa Minor,” Luster said. “And the two of you spooked it into a rampage with your shenanigan.”

Discord rose his paw. “In my defense, I was being chased around by this crazy bug.”

“I don’t care,” Luster said. “What matters now is that we work together to fix this mess.”

“That’s so cool, Ms. Trixie,” one of her students commented. Trixie had them dazzled by the pair of snakes on her person--wound around her hoof and neck like a long necklace.

Trixie grinned. “Oh, this. Trixie has held countless creatures in her shows. You might call Trixie their whisperer.

The quakes increased their rhythm, scaring the snakes off of Trixie. She frowned at the direction her students disappeared to, contemplating if she should go check on them.

No, no, Trixie, she assured herself. They have Fluttershy with them. Trixie is certain they are completely fine.

Her assurance was immediately squashed and punted when she heard the sounds of falling trees. From it, came a white Ursa Minor, emerging towards her direction.

Trixie let out a shriek as she and her students dispersed from the ground. To Trixie’s misfortune, the Ursa Minor trailed behind her.

Fluttershy emerged from the forest and flew next to the Ursa Minor’s ear. “It’s okay, young one,” she said. “You’re in a safe place. Just please stop.”

The Ursa Minor shook its head, knocking Fluttershy away with its large ear. She yelped as she became prey to her unbridled motion. However, before she neared a tree, Discord appeared beneath her and caught her in his hands.

She opened her fearful eyes and smiled at her savior. “Discord.”

“I would like to set the record straight that this was never in my intention,” Discord said. “But you do have to admit that this is some juicy chaos.”

“I forgive you,” Fluttershy said. “But first, I need you to help the young one. He’s going to hurt himself and the others at this rate.”

“Oh, Fluttershy,” Discord dramatically sighed. “You wound me to stop something so beautiful. Thankfully, I’ve already assembled a suitable trio.”

Discord points at the back of the Ursa Minor. Luster had teleported on its back alongside Wist and Georgia.

Chester squealed loudly on Luster’s back as squeezed its hold on her. Luster harnessed her magic and wrapped it on the piglet’s hooves.

“You should have left it behind,” Georgia said. “It’s bad enough we have her around.” Georgia gestured to Wist, who was inspecting the Ursa Minor’s body with her hooves.

“Are these stars?” Wist wondered out loud. “That’s so cool. I didn't know there were creatures like this.”

“Wist,” Luster called her. “I need you to focus.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m listening,” Wist said, continuing her examination of the creature’s body.

“I don’t think I have enough magic in my arsenal to stop the Ursa Minor on my own. So, Wist, I need you to tucker him out by sapping his love.”

“You might want to be quick about it,” Georgia said, pointing at the path before the Ursa Minor. “I don’t think Ms. Trixie has the stamina to keep herself from being flattened.”

“Do it now, Wist,” Luster urged as she summoned her magic upon the Ursa Minor. She tried to restrain the Ursa Minor’s movement, but its massive weight easily overwhelmed her.

“Okay, let’s see what you taste like,” Wist said before opening her mouth wide to suck a pink aura out of the Ursa Minor.

The Ursa Minor yipped and began rocking its body wildly like a rodeo bull. Georgia quickly sprawled over the two and clutched her claws into the Ursa Minor to hold them.

Georgia grunted at the wild force his body ached against. “Eat faster, Wist! I feel like my claws are about to tear off!”

As Wist sucked more of the Ursa Minor’s love, Luster noted tears forming down the changeling’s face. Her face filled with rhythms of fury and grimace.

Before the Ursa Minor, Trixie had found herself cornered by the walls of a canyon. There was no hole she could climb in. Not a tree or path she could flee in time before the Ursa Minor’s arrival. Trixie set her back against the wall, quivering at her coming end.

Trixie could see her life flashing before her. From a starry cape she got as a gift from her mother that set her path to becoming a magician. To numerous shows she held across Equestria, showered in cheers and jealousy from her audience. To her crowning downfalls in Ponyville that led her to new friendships and the future, she has come to love. And this is where it would end.

Trixie fainted, unable to bear the suspense of her predicament.

However, the Ursa Minor fell to its knees and Luster finally managed to reel the creature back before it could squash the counselor. Its snout laid only a few inches from the unconscious Trixie.

Luster and Georgia exhaled a breath of relief and slid off the Ursa Minor. Their body wobbled, strained from the task they endured.

Fluttershy and Discord had then descended in the area. “Is every creature alright?” Fluttershy asked, rushing over to examine each of them.

“I’ll live,” Georgia assured. “I just hope Ms. Trixie didn’t get a heart attack over there.”

“She’ll be fine,” Discord said. “A little cardio can’t hurt any creature.”

“Just to be safe, I'll take her to the infirmary.” Georgia trudged over to Trixie and draped Trixie’s body over her shoulder. “I leave the rest to you guys.”

Georgia ascended to the air and flew off with Trixie in her grasp. As Luster watched her friend depart, she noted Wist still standing atop the Ursa Minor.

Fluttershy joined Wist’s side and placed a hoof over her shoulder. “You feel his love, don’t you?” She asked. “Given his experience, I can’t imagine it being sweet.”

“I want to adopt him,” Wist declared, her tone serious.

“You want a pet Ursa Minor!?” Luster shouted. “Do you even realize how crazy of an idea that is!?”

“I’m happy that you care so much about him,” Fluttershy said. “But I’m afraid that is not possible. Not only is he too big, but he’s fearful of others. I don’t think he will adapt well in a school environment.”

“Then allow me to fix that,” Wist said. She and Fluttershy descended before the Ursa Minor. Wist summoned a green wisp that phased inside the Ursa Minor and lit its body in eldritch flame.

“What’re you doing!?” Luster asked but Discord an arm before her.

“It’s fine,” Discord said. “Just watch the show.”

When the flames had finally dissipated, the Ursa Minor was revealed small and fragile like a regular bear cub.

Fluttershy gaped at the mini Ursa Minor, astonished. “What did you do?” she asked.

“I’ve placed a curse on him,” Wist answered. “As long as the hex is in place, his size is all mine to manipulate.”

“Just how many hexes do you know?” Luster asked.

Wist grinned at her curious friend. “Now where would be the fun in telling you that?”

Wist crouched before the shrunken Ursa Minor and hurled a pink aura that infused inside the creature’s skin. Moments after Wist finished, the Ursa Minor fluttered its eyes open. They then gaped upon Wist; its body immobilized with fear.

Wist smiled upon the creature. A knowing smile fitting of a mother looking down on her child. “Life has been unkind to you, hasn’t it? I understand that pain so much.”

Wist held a hoof before the Ursa Minor. It growled and bit her, but she never wavered her hoof nor her smile. Its crimson eyes looked upon her again, confused and somewhat fascinated.

The Ursa Minor took a small step before Wist. And then another. And another.

It sniffed upon the changeling’s face and then licked her cheek. Wist chuckled, “Ugh, your breath is terrible.” But even so, she allowed the creature to slather her face while she rubbed its back.

Luster arched an eyebrow. “Did she just tame an Ursa Minor?”

Fluttershy shook her head. “No, she earned its trust.”

“So how about now?” Wist asked.

“He’s finally made a new friend,” Fluttershy said. “How could I possibly deny him from you?”

Luster raised a hoof, her other held Chester to her pectoral. “Wait, wait. Are you telling me I’m going to have to live with an Ursa Minor?”

“His name is Snowflake,” Wist said.

“What kind of name is that for an Ursa Minor?” Luster questioned. “Dang it Wist, why couldn’t you just get a normal pet?”

“Don’t be jealous.” Wist stood up proudly with the Ursa Minor standing by her side. “You should feel proud to stand near a rarity of a familiar such as mine.”

“This bug is just full of potential for some delicious chaos,” Discord said, smiling upon the delectable events to come.

“Taking care of Snowflake will be an enormous responsibility,” Fluttershy said. “I will teach you everything you need to raise him.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Wist admitted. “To be honest, I don’t know the first thing about an Ursa Minor.”

“And I help you every step of the way. Just as long as you promise me one thing.”

“Oh goody,” Wist sarcastically said. “So, there is a catch to this.”

“Promise me that you will always shower him with love. Treat like a precious family of yours.”

Wist widened her eyes, stunned at this simple request. “I… Yeah, I can manage that. What kind of witch would I be if I can’t take proper care of my own familiar?”

As Snowflake cuddled close to Wist, and Chester hid in Luster from the bear cub, they scavenged the sanctuary for the students to conclude their chaotic day at the animal sanctuary.

12: The Sisterhood

Author's Note

Characters

Potion Nova

Leader of the Sisterhood with a mission unfathomable to many.

Hop

Mayor of a city in Abyssinia that leads a secret underground drug trafficking of Devil’s Dust.

Pixie

A wild young feline that is the daughter of Hop.

Full (Commissioned) Character List - Here

12: The Sisterhood

The night was stained by grim clouds and stars. A radiant moonlight beamed into a large opening of the cavern. The room lit azure like a lantern.

A round of creatures gathered around the walls of the cavern. They stood atop circling platforms of stone like bleachers as they took each other’s hands, claws, and hooves.

A dark cloak concealed them, colorful yet sapped of brightness. Small features of scales, fur, or skin peeked out of their cloak, revealing themselves to hail from diverse origins.

They chanted a song. Their voice spoke an unknown language. One perhaps long forgotten, or never to have existed in this realm.

The stone platforms spiraled around the center where a black cauldron held orange liquid that rumbled like lava. Before, the cauldron is where their leader stood.

She was a mare that garnered a purple dress, eloquent and gothic. Her eyes shot neutral at the cauldron. Her ears were attuned to the vocal of her followers. She wondered if this would be enough.

Through many trial-and-errors, she strove to attain the desired result of her rituals. All of them have so far ended with failure. Most ended with injuries, some with casualties.

She held a pouch before her with her magic. For so long, she has desired to learn the origin of its content. Its composition was a secret that she has strived for months to unravel.

She harnessed her magic and pulled a green aura out of each of her singing followers. It flowed inside the cauldron, pigmenting the orange to shimmering green like a molten emerald.

She whisked the pouch above the cauldron and poured its content of dust inside the cauldron. The dust solute quickly in the bubbling liquid.

As her song of her followers chimed through the hollow cave, the cauldron became erratic. The liquid rumbled wildly, the cauldron itself shaking and bearing fractures.

And then a tentacle emerged.

It was octopus-like, with emerald eyes peering from behind its suckers. More emerged from the cauldron that disappeared underneath its hide. None could make heads or tails of its body. It was a creature of unknown origin, beyond the comprehension of a mortal mind. A creature that hails from the deepest secrets of magic.

The unfathomable creature released a shrieking cry that cast over the song of the mare’s followers. They craned their heads and shuffled about the floor, sharing their groans of pain.

The mare held her ground, her eyes cold as that of a corpse. “Creature of origins,” the mare spoke, taking a step before the creature. The creature whipped one of its many tentacles at the mare, but she summoned a partial barrier that deflected it aside. “Are you the one that I have sought?”

The unknown creature released another cry and dropped two of its tentacles upon the mare. She blocked them with a partial barrier but noted its static shift as if it was to phase out of existence.

The mare held her neutral gaze. “You are infecting my magic. Do you intend to corrupt me?”

She stood close before the creature, placing a hoof between its many eyes and teeth that lacked proportions and purpose upon its incomprehensible body.

Her eyes lit an emerald flame and then she finally smiled. “I’m afraid that’s impossible. My body has ascended beyond those concepts. Perhaps if it had a mind of its own, it would try to kill me because of it.”

Her hoof shimmered a purple light and permeated over the creature’s body. Its cry shriek of pain as it tried to bury the mare with its many tentacles.

However, the tentacles were pushed back and then rounded the creature’s single head that holds all its limbs. They tightened around the creature’s head as all its eyes gaped upon the mare.

“I’m just like you now,” the mare said. “No, I would argue I am beyond your comprehension now.”

The mare took a step back and harnessed her horn to sprout black iron poles from under the creature. They surrounded the creature as they connected, forming a narrow cage. The bars shrunk between its many tentacles, restricting its movement.

Her followers one by one recovered from their headaches and observed their leader at work. She summoned a syringe before her and penetrated its needle inside the creature. As she pulled back the plunger, black liquid filled its barrel.

When she withdrew the syringe, she petted the creature. “Good boy.”

She summoned a white feather onto her hoof and squeezed a droplet of the black blood atop it. It’s clear whiteness immediately soaked black and withered to ash in her hoof.

The mare glared at the dust, displeased.

“High Priestess Potion Nova,” a follower of the mare said and kneeled before her.

Potion approached the cloaked follower that revealed her scaled skin and claws. “My young sister,” Potion said. She placed the syringe on the follower’s claw. “Gather the acolytes to proceed with experimentation. I’m certain this creature can serve some use to us.”

“As you wish.” The follower bowed and then raised to speak with the other followers.

Potion has now concluded another summoning ritual has yet again been another dud. However, she cannot help but feel that she is getting slightly closer. But how long is her search before she could reach its end?

Potion Nova walked through the dark halls of the cavern. A glimmer of light lit through the darkness from violet torch lights propped against the stone walls.

They were a creation of hers that she took delight in a long time ago. The memories of her peers, her parents, and her beloved mentor remained vivid to her. She impressed them with her knowledge and so desired more of their recognition. She felt satisfaction with her ways akin to pleasing those she held dear. How could they have impeded her after guiding her towards this path?

She entered a chamber that stored a long stone table where many of her followers sat. They raised from their seat at her arrival and one closest to the opposite end of the table spoke, “High Priestess Potion Nova. We are honored by your return. Please, enlighten us of the summoning ritual.”

Potion sighed. “I don’t know why it’s so hard for all of you to call me sister Potion. We are known as the Sisterhood for a reason.”

She walked past her followers that took a bow before her — “I apologize, but none of us could possibly set ourselves as equals to someone as high minded as you”—and sat before the opposite end of the table.

“I founded the Sisterhood to gather creatures across the lands that share my interests in the secrets of the land and magic itself,” Potion Nova explained. “We have striven together in our many research to uncover information not known by many and some foreign to this world. I would like to think our endeavor has pushed our bonds beyond student and mentor.”

The regaling following pulled back the hood of her cloak and revealed herself as a longma. Her power blue face frowned before her leader. “I’m so sorry. We did not know this wounded you. Please, forgive our misconduct.”

Potion raised a hoof before the longma. “I have already forgiven you, sister. I view all of you as my family, an extension of myself as I am to you.”

The blue longma smiled. “Thank you, sister.”

Potion nodded at her — “Good, now then,”—and then harnessed her horn to pull a small pot that laid at the center of the stone table. “I need to make a call.”

Potion shot her magic inside the pot that held broken woods inside. They lit in blue flames as the smoke rose to the air. It mysteriously formed a circle before Nova and lit a small light within its misty ring.

The light beamed brightly before displaying an image of an office. A lean Abyssinian sat before a desk where he playfully swung a small pink Abyssinian about in his paws.

“Daddy, stop,” the pink Abyssinian laughed. “You’re not playing fair.”

The Abyssinian gave a grin. “Oh, and you expect me to let you simply tooth my coat. Mandy would be so shocked to see how wild our daughter is.”

“But I don’t want to be prim and proper all the time,” the pink Abyssinian complained. “You promise I could let loose when we’re alone.”

The lean Abyssinian sat the pink one on his lap. “Yes, yes. You deserve to be a child, but perhaps not in my office. You know this is where I work, right?”

“Hop,” Potion announced, earning a perked ear from the two Abyssinians. His eyes laid at Potion Nova while the small Abyssinian looked about.

“Hey dad,” the pink one said. “Did you hear someone?”

“Pixie,” Hop said, laying the pink one before him. “Daddy has an important call to answer. Why don’t you go play with Miss Birdy for a bit?”

“Aww, but you promised we would go to the fair today.”

“We’re still going, Pixie. This will only take a moment.”

The pink Abyssinian groaned. “Fine.”

When the pink one hopped out of his office, Hop glared at Potion Nova. “I distinctly remember arranging a specific time frame for our meetings. It saves me the concern of you snooping on my personal time.”

“Afraid I may find you frolicking with an anonymous maiden,” Potion said. “I’m certain a male of your status has a long record of debauchery.”

“Perhaps, in the past,” Hop said. “But there is no creature in these lands that could satisfy me like my wife. Never have I met a feline so innovative.”

“How about we shift to more important matters?”

Hop shrugged. “Your loss. I could have enlightened your clan of virgins so much of adult pleasures.”

“Hold your tongue, cat,” the blue longma sneered. “Lest, you invite our wrath.”

Hop tilted his head. “Is that long neck over there? Long time no see. I’ve been longing to see you in one of our transactions.”

The longma growled but Potion held her hoof before her to signal her to stop. “Hop, I require more of your Devil’s Dust.”

“Figured as much,” Hop said. “Among many of my loyal customers, none order as large as you. However, I’m afraid I will have to lower the stocks.”

Potion arched an eyebrow. “And why is that?”

“Sorry, Princess, but I’m in the midst of management with the inventory. And unfortunately, I can't spare you the details. I do hope that’s alright with you.”

Potion’s face was neutral. “... Fine then. Send me what you can. I shall arrange a team of my sisters to arrive for the transaction.”

Hop clapped his paws. “Sounds wonderful. I do hope to see Miss Long Neck. I really feel a spark to great friendship.”

Potion Nova swiped the smoke away, dispelling her magic communication.

“The nerve of that cat,” the longma growled. “If not for his resource, I would have long scorched his disgusting grin.”

“I want you to send scouts around Abyssinia,” Potion ordered. “Scavenge the land and bring me reports of anything out of the ordinary.”

The longma gaped in confusion. “Oh, yes, sister. But why?”

“The drug he creates requires the blood of a creature unlike anything of this world. If he’s in the midst of management with his inventory, then that could only mean two things. Either he is relocating the creature, or he has lost it.”

“The one we’ve been working hard to summon on our own?”

“If it’s out there, then I need to find it. Only then will we reach closer to discovering the origin of magic.”

13: Hivemind

Author's Note

Characters

Wisteria

A self-proclaimed witch that attends the School of Friendship for the promise of the whereabouts of her mother, Poison Peck.

Trixie Lulamoon

A counselor at the School of Friendship.

13: Hivemind

Thorax felt his bones rattle when he moved them. As if unmoved for years, they resounded a pop as he rose from his sheets.

He was in his bedroom. The sunlight revealing him atop his giant clam bed and the sight of a shelf collection of seashells made it clear.

They were a mix of gifts and spoils of his trips through the Seaquestria. The wonders beneath the sea had become a growing fascination to the changeling king. And each of his trinkets held treasuring moments with the Princess of Seaquestria, Skystar.

Swapping his sights from his shelf, Thorax noted movement from the other side of his room. Stone counters lined its walls where he would store grubs and refreshment when he lacked the fortitude to leave his bedroom.

But of course, whenever he dared to make that decision, there would always be a certain changeling to coerce him otherwise.

His brother, Pharynx, had finished mixing the soup with a spoon before whisking it off the stone counter with his magic. His luminescent eyes of lavender beamed neutral at the changeling king.

“Good morning, brother,” Thorax greeted him after a yawn. “Or, is the afternoon? What time is it?”

Instead of a response, Pharynx pushed Thorax flat on the bed. The cluster of pearl-like pillows cushioned his head.

“Who said you can move around?” Pharynx questioned. “Stay in bed.”

Thorax frowned at his brother. “You could’ve just said that. You don’t need to be rough with my body.”

Thorax noted a weight over his body. It felt like gravity had fixed upon him, taking more energy than he liked to admit moving his limbs.

“Let this serve as a reminder to have better foresight than to run headfirst into danger,” Pharynx remarked as he sat next to Thorax’s bed. He lowered the bowl of soup atop a nightstand set next to the bed. “Let this be a reminder that being an idiot will reward you your just prize.”

Pharynx manipulated the spoon to scoop the content of the soup. He gestured the spoon for Thorax to consume. And despite Thorax’s gripe with his brother’s insult, he resigned to take a bite.

After all, Pharynx went out of his way to make it for him. A herbal cuisine that Pharynx learned to brew from many of his mentorship across Equestria.

Thorax did not like his brother to be so grounded at home. Though Pharynx’s desire to protect the kingdom was widely respected, Thorax wished for him to find other joys in his life.

For that reason, Thorax convinced Pharynx to set out across the lands under a fabrication to gather intel. Thorax gave no specifics to the mission, only for him to find what he judged to be relevant.

For Pharynx, that was every combative art and customs he could find across Equestria. His meeting with generals and gurus within each race taught him skills and tactics unlike his own.

Another Pharynx aimed for were medicinal mixtures. Thorax was surprised at how calming his brother became with brewing herbs to nurse the sick and injured.

He hoped to share all that he found with his kind to fortify their home. As always, everything he did served to protect the changeling kingdom. Thorax at least took delight in his brother finding a new hobby.

Thorax accepted another spoonful of Pharynx’s soup before he spoke, “So, how long have you been taking care of me?”

“I do that on an everyday basis,” Pharynx remarked. “But in this instance, two weeks.”

Thorax lurched from his bed in shock. “What do you mean two weeks!?”

Pharynx immediately pushed his brother back on the bed and gave a glare. “I went through a lot of trouble fixing you up. Move about again and next time I won’t cool the soup.”

“How can I not be?” Thorax craned his head. “I didn’t think the Devil’s Dust could incapacitate me to this extent.”

The circulation of the Devil’s Dust had become a growing issue for his kind. Incidents of magic outbreaks and assaults from hysterical individuals had cast over them.

Thorax hoped their union with the other leaders would result in a swift resolution to the problem, as did with others. However, there were too many mysterious and few answers to arrive at a solution. And from Thorax’s recent experience with the drug, he did not like how things were faring.

“I’m worried that the Devil’s Dust has grown more potent over the years,” Thorax said. “The number of incidents continues to wave back and forth, but the extremity of each gradually increases. I don’t like where things are headed.”

“Things do appear hectic,” Pharynx said. “But I promised that I would get to the bottom of it. The Sisterhood can’t hide in the shadows forever from us.”

“And I recognize your efforts. However, I hope you let it consume you.”

When incidents of the Devils’ Dust became a pandemic across the lands, Thorax enlisted Pharynx and his trusted squadrons to abet its spread. His brother had been a play against the Sisterhood and third-parties possessing the Devil’s Dust for years. Constant reconnaissance and response to any magic outbreaks.

For many, it seemed like a conflict that would have no end. And Thorax held a slight concern that his brother would enjoy that.

His strategic battles against the Devil’s Dust held reminders of the old times when he would infiltrate settlements for the Queen. Thorax could sense anticipation within Pharynx. A thirst for violence and lurking in the shadows as he did under the brand of Queen Chrysalis.

Pharynx prodded another spoonful of the soup to shut his brother. “Those witches have the cunning and resource to become a serious bane to Equestria if left unchecked. With how long it’s taking us to end their little cult, I can’t help but feel that our pride as changelings is being tested.”

Thorax swallowed down the soup and gave his brother a dirty look. “This is not a contest, Pharynx. Our priority is the safety of changelings and all creatures.”

“And to preserve the pride of the changelings, I will make that so,” Pharynx countered. “So, the next time you come in contact with that changeling queen, I suggest you bear that in mind.”

Wisteria. The young and wicked changing queen proclaimed herself as a witch.

Memories of her reckless acts across Equestria had frustrated Thorax. And for her to Thorax against his friends and the innocent pang his heart. Not out of her manipulating him, but for how far she would go to neglect the well-being of others.

Thorax frowned. “She’s young and arrogant. I don’t know where she came from, but fall upon us to guide from her destructive ways.”

“You’re chasing a fool’s errand, brother,” Pharynx said. “Your endless desire to see the good in others will result in the harm of more creatures.”

“We know nothing about her,” Thorax said with more determination. “You’re too quick to assume the worst of others.”

“We know that she’s a queen.”

“Pharynx, you can’t base your perception of all queens on one.”

“Do you have evidence of why I should think otherwise?” Pharynx questioned. “Who’s to say that not all questions inevitably fall in the mindset of a conqueror?”

“Please Pharynx. I just asked for you to have faith in me.”

Pharynx paused at his brother’s pleading eyes. He then averted from them and picked another spoonful of the soup. “I can’t, brother. I truly believe that we should nip this danger now before it worsens. However, as the king, I must respect your decision.”

“Hold on, we don’t have to involve rank into this.”

Pharynx drops the spoon in the soup bowl and sighs. “Regardless, I leave the fate of that changeling queen to your hooves. In the meantime, I think it’s prime time you found a partner to birth an heir to the throne.”

“Not this again,” Thorax grumbled. “I’ve already told you I am not duty-bound to spawn a child. We live by new rules.”

“Don’t you realize that the other leaders will have heirs in mind as well? You won’t be sitting on the throne forever.”

“Then why not you birth an heir since it matters to you so much,” Thorax argued.

Pharynx quirked a brow. “Is that a serious question?”

“Look, brother, if we were to find a loving partner to devote our lifetime, I would like it not to be because of our job. It should be something genuine and desired from our own volition.”

“Then why not Flurry Heart,” Pharynx suggested. “She appears to take a liking to you.”

“What!?” Thorax gaped at his brother. “Ew, no! Flurry is like a niece to me!”

“Don’t let sentimental blind you. A creature with a vast source of love like her is more than suitable to be the partner of the changeling king.”

Thorax sighed and buried the back of his head into his pillows. “Is that all you see love as? Well, it doesn’t matter. If you ever paid attention, you would already know that she has her eyes set on Sunburst.”

“You mean that oafish vice principal,” Pharynx said, surprised.

“It’s a love that’s been dormant inside of her all of her life. It’s aged and amplified its potency like a fine wine.”

“I see, my condolences for your defeat,” Pharynx sighed. “I did not know of your rivalry.”

“It wasn’t a contest, Pharynx!” Thorax shouted and then groaned. “You know what, I give up. I’m going back to sleep.”

Thorax turned over and tried to return to his slumber. However, an olive hoof stretched over him and turned his body back over to Pharynx.

“Not before you finish this soup,” Thorax said in a gruff voice.

Pharynx pushed the spoon into Thorax’s mouth through their struggle against each other. Thorax coughed from its contents shot into his throat.

“Hey! Quit it!” Thorax said as he tried to push his brother away. He pushed against his brother’s face, but Pharynx’s overwhelming strength laid Thorax’s own to waste.

“Stop being a baby,” Pharynx said before shooting the spoon through another opening to feed Thorax. Even with Thorax at his keenest, his brother could get past his defenses.

Pharynx his strength clear when he climbed atop Thorax and restrained his hooves. Thorax tried to pull his hooves out of Pharynx’s hold, but he couldn’t so much budge against his brother’s grip.

“Don’t you think you’re taking this too far,” Thorax said. “I thought you wanted to handle my body with care.”

“That all fares upon your compliance. But I don’t mind getting rough if you force my hooves.”

Before Pharynx could chuck another spoonful of the soup into Thorax’s defenseless mouth, a door to the bedroom slammed open.

Ocellus had entered with her eyes closed and a blush of deep blue. “What are you two doing!? Brothers shouldn’t fondle in such ways.”

“Huh?” Thorax eyed confusingly at the blushing visitor. But he soon noted the sign of his brother strapping him down in his own bedroom.

“Wait, Ocellus,” Thorax hurriedly said with a blush. “It’s not what it looks like.”

“Who gave you permission to burst in the king’s bedroom?” Pharynx asked in a displeased tone. His glare sputtered Ocellus to a bow.

“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just that—”

“Why have you come here?” Pharynx asked. “Shouldn’t you be educating the young minds at the school?”

“I have permission to have days to come here. I wanted to see King Thorax was doing well.”

Ocellus’s eyes opened and immediately she blushed when she noted the compromising position of the brothers.

Thorax tried to slip from his brother’s hold, but Pharynx’s grip was overwhelming. “I’m doing better now,” Thorax grunted. “It won’t be long when I’m back on my hooves.”

“That’s great here,” Ocellus stuttered, casting a hoof over her eyes to block the sight of the brothers. “In that case, there’s another matter I would like to share.”

“Out with it then,” Pharynx demanded. “The soup is getting cold.”

“Soup?” Ocellus then glanced upon the bowl sitting on the nightstand and the spoon in Pharynx’s magic that prodded against Thorax’s cheek. “Oh, so that is what’s going on here.”

“I’ll finish the soup, brother,” Thorax promised. “Now can you please get off of me so I can talk with Ocellus? This is a bit too comprising.”

Pharynx narrowed at his brother for a moment before straddling off from the bed. “Try not to be difficult next time, will ya?”

With his brother out of the way, Thorax stretched his heavy hooves. Though, he remembered to keep his body sprawled on the bed to not earn another of his brother’s aggression.

“So,” Thorax began. “What is it you wish to share with me?”

“It’s regarding Wisteria,” Ocellus said. “For the last few weeks, she has enrolled in the school of friendship as a student.”

Thorax couldn’t help but rise from his bed again before being pushed back in by his brother. After a sigh, Thorax looked at Ocellus. “Please tell me everything you know.”

Trixie began her session with Wist minutes ago. It was quiet. It was tense.

Trixie was silent and anxious. Not because of Wist, of course. Trixie had survived a whole week with this lunatic. That was enough time for Trixie to adjust to her presence. However, Trixie may need months or years for the little beast coddled on her student.

“You’re such a baby,” Wist chuckled at the miniature Ursa Minor. It sprawled on Trixie’s couch, resting its head between Wist’s hind legs.

Wist groomed the Ursa’s neck as it shot licks on her belly. His owner did not seem to mind.

If not for the Ursa’s presence, Trixie would have been taken with awe at the genuine smile on Wist. Trixie could tell the difference between a fake and a real one.

Well, ponies say a dog is a pony’s best friend. Guess that now applied to Ursa. Minors.

“Um,” Trixie started. “Trixie understands that you have grown an affinity for the beast, but we have a session to hold.”

Wist batted an eye at her. Trixie saw the wicked grin forming on the changeling. “Whatever you can say to me, you can say in front of my cutie Snowflake,” Wist said.

Trixie arched an eyebrow. “Cutie Snowflake?”

“You sound confused. Do you not agree that he’s a cutie?” Wist rubbed on Snowflake’s chin. The Ursa let out moans and repetitively kicked its hind leg in the air.

“That’s not why we are here today, Wist. We are here to discuss your time in school.”

“How selfless of you,” Wist commented. “Choosing to ground your own pain for my sake. But don’t you think it’s unhealthy to burrow down those negative emotions? You’d stand to hurt yourself down the line.”

Trixie gave Wist a dirty look, anxious of a scheme sprucing in Wist’s head. Trixie readied her hooves on her desk. “Wist, don’t do anything funny.”

Wist shushed Trixie calmly. “It’s okay. Just trust me. You’ll thank me later for this.” Wist glimpsed into the eyes of Snowflake and lit an emerald glow in her eyes. “Snowflake, assure my poor counselor that there’s nothing to—”

“Okay!” Trixie shouted, putting a pause on Wist. “Yes, Trixie is afraid of Ursa Minors. I’ve had an unpleasant experience with their kind and it’s never left me.”

“Well,” Wist started, resuming her brush on Snowflake. “That was surprisingly honest. I figured you would have too much pride to admit.”

“Trixie has learned to humble herself over the years,” Trixie sighed. “It was Trixie’s first time at Ponyville when an Ursa Minor led to a falling Trixie’s career. It spiraled me to a dark place Trixie never thought she would come out from.”

“A dark place? What skeletons do you have in your closet?”

“You’re not the only one who’s challenged Twilight. Trixie fancied herself as a magician unmatched to all except the alicorns.”

“Then why challenge Twilight? You know she has a horn and wings, right?”

“Twilight was once a unicorn like Trixie. And when Trixie met her at Ponyville, she showed me up when she stopped the attack of Ursa Minor when Trixie could not.”

Wist had stopped brushing against Snowflake’s coat. Her emerald eyes fixated on her glum counselor.

“Her perfection riled a darkness in Trixie she never thought existed,” Trixie continued. “Never had Trixie thirsted for vengeance so much that she devoted to evil items just to even the odds. Looking back now, that had only exasperated Trixie’s insecurities.”

“Oh, wow,” Wist said with a flat gaze. “I didn’t think Snowflake could make you give up something like that.”

“You tend to push boundaries when you don’t have your way,” Trixie said. “But maybe that’s for the best between us. Trixie wants you to know that you can trust her. So, since Trixie has shared a bone from her closet, it’s only fair that you do the same.”

Wist blinked at Trixie and then sighed. “Way to reverse it on me.”

Wist resumed again on stroking Snowflake’s coat, sending the Ursa into gleeful moans and rewarding her with licks.

“Okay,” Wist breathed. “... So, I don’t think I’ve talked about my mother, have I?”

“You refer to her as your home, right?”

Wist confirmed with a slow nod. “She wasn’t one to show love for others. In fact, she could be mean and demeaning. But, even as harsh as she appeared to be, I could always find love in her.”

“When you say harsh, do you mean it in the physical sense?”

“Well, I have earned a few of her mighty chops on the head before,” Wist chuckled. “Though to be fair, I was probably the most troublesome brat any creature had ever seen.”

“Trixie can believe that. You’ve already spread so much chaos in one week to earn Discord’s respect.”

Wist gawked at Trixie. “I thought the point of a counselor is to make me feel good about myself?”

“We both know it wouldn’t be genuine.”

“Whatever.” Wist rolled her eyes. “But no, I’d never think she ever abused me. In fact, she gave me all the comfort and protection I could ever ask for.”

“Trixie sees. And whatever happened to your mother?”

“I... I don’t know. One day, she sent me to forage the forest and when I came back that night, she had disappeared. She and our home were gone.”

Trixie held an intense gaze. “You mean she left you?”

Wist shook her head. “That couldn’t be it. I’ve spent so many years with her and knew her love for me was genuine. I had figured she blew up our house, which wasn’t as rare as she would like to admit. I thought she would come back with wood for us to make a new one, but she never returned.”

“You mean to tell Trixie that you waited at that destroyed home? It’s not safe for a young bug to be on her lonesome for such a long time.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I knew how to take care of myself. Mom may be sure of that.”

“Even so, Wist, no child should be alone defending themselves.”

“I don’t believe she left me on purpose,” Wist argued. “I never saw her as the type to do that to me. So, when I inevitably left, I knew in my heart that something bad must have happened to her. I had to find and rescue from whatever that bad thing was.”

“And when you wandered off, you ended up in Abyssinia,” Trixie presumed.

“Well... yes. How’d you know that?”

“You say it pretty often,” Trixie answered. “How could anyone not make that link? So, did you find anything in Abyssinia?”

Wist grimaced. “I don’t want to talk about it. Maybe some other time.”

The whim on Wist ran low when she exited the School of Friendship. No ploy or prank could wound a wicked smile on her face.

And yet Snowflake tried to beat the odds by warming him with a brush of his ivory fur. Wist rewarded him with another rub on his chin and a small smile. But they both knew it was forced.

Wist eventually wandered into the streets of Ponyville. There was no purpose in being here. Her shift at the candy shop was tomorrow and Pinkie had taken her son to visit their family at a rock farm, whatever that’s supposed to be.

But even with these thoughts, her mind would wander back to the tale she told Counsellor Trixie. Of her mother, whom she longed to see again. Whom she wanted to spend another nostalgic time in the forest.

But Wist no longer knew where that forest was. And neither her mother, who was the only pony that made it whole.

Wist stared at the passing residents of Ponyville. Ponies dined outside a restaurant with feigned confidence. A griffon and pony pair lulled atop a rooftop, staring at the sky. Wist could see them going about their lives in this strange town of trusting creatures.

What shocked her was how none were taken aback by her presence. A week ago, she had assaulted their beloved princes and ripped the love of countless Equestrians. How was it so easy for them to pass that?

She found it so odd. But then again, it saved her a lot of stress to doubt them. It was strange.

If only mom could make sense of this for me. She wondered.

Wist perked to a call from Snowflake. His paw crawled onto Wist’s side, beckoning for her attention. Wist stopped and grabbed it.

“You’re such a baby,” Wist chuckled. “I’ve already told you I’m fine.”

Wist lowered Snowflake’s paw to the ground and then groomed his neck. He purred softly, like a cat.

As pedestrians walked past her, she made brief glances around her. She could still find no source of contempt fixed upon her.

However, she noted a light blue changeling walking among the crowd. Wist honed her sight upon the changeling.

“Ms. Ocellus?” Wist said.

Ocellus paused at the mention of her name and found Wist. After a surprising gander, Ocellus approached her student.

“I didn’t think I would find you in town,” Ocellus said. “Did you have a shift at the candy shop today”–Ocellus jumped back when she noted Snowflake at Wist’s side–Is that an Ursa Minor? “

Wist grinned. “Pretty neat, huh?” Wist took a step back and waved her hoof presenting at her pet. “I’d like you to meet Snowflake, my powerful and adorable familiar.”

Ocellus tilted her head. Her eyes fixed upon Snowflake as if she was piecing together an artwork.

Ocellus smiled. “I can see he loves you quite a lot. You must have showered with attentive care.”

Wist’s proud grin dulled into a frown. “Really? That’s what intrigues you? Not the part that I have a pet, Ursa Minor? Come on, you have admitted it’s an impressive feat.”

Ocellus crouched before Snowflake. The Ursa gave a growl at her, but Ocellus’s warm smile swung him perplexed.

“Oh my,” Ocellus said. “You’ve had such a hard life. I’m so glad that you found a pleasant home with Wist.”

Wist raised an eyebrow. “Huh? Did you do something?”

Ocellus raised before Wist and brushed her leg of dirt. “You know changelings can read the emotions of others. However, if one trains hard enough, you may have them tell stories about its owner.”

“Hold on, you mean to tell me you looked into his memories? You gotta show how to do that.”

“One day, maybe.” Her answer earned a pout from Wisteria. “But, for now, we have another matter to settle regarding your apology.”

“Seriously? And here I thought you would forgive me out of the kindness of your heart.”

“Favors are valuable resources to take advantage of, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Why would you think that? Because it’s something you think I would abuse?” Ocellus responded with a flat gaze. “Okay, so maybe I would!”

“Wist, I would like for you to meet with someone. All I ask is for you to be fair and open to him. Once you have done so you can consider my forgiveness earned.”

“That’s it?”

“That is it.”

Wist shrugged. “Fine by me. At least this one is straightforward.”

Ocellus guided Wist to a place out of town. Hidden behind small hills, an expansive lake laid before them.

But they were not alone. Wist found two changelings of odd stature standing near the bank. Among them held olive skin and antler-like horns. And the other…

“Hey,” Wist called. “Aren’t you the one I drugged into a dragon?”

The two changelings swiveled back and laid their sight upon Wist. The olive appeared peeved, and the other widened at her presence.

“Wisteria,” Thorax said. “You really are here. I’m so glad we get to meet again.”

Wist raised a brow. “I didn’t take you for a masochist. Do you not remember our last encounter?”

Thorax gave a sheepish smile. “Yeah, I guess that would be strange, would it? Um, how about we start over with introductions?”

Before Thorax could begin, the olive changeling stepped past Thorax and approached Wist. Thorax reached his hoof for the changeling, but he long passed Thorax’s reach.

“Hey, Pharynx,” Thorax called. “What’re you doing?”

Wist recoiled a step before the changeling’s approach. His face looked unfriendly and bore a presence of authority. Things on the bottom of Wist’s favorable list.

Snowflake growled at Pharynx. However, a simple glance from the changeling scared Snowflake behind Wist’s hooves.

Pharynx stood a few inches taller than Wist, however his presence felt overwhelming to Wist. If Wist didn’t know any better, she would’ve figured him for the king of changeling rath than the sappy one behind Pharynx.

Wist rattled her brain about how to respond to this. There’s no way she was going to rando jerk her about in a frenzy like this.

Wist waited for Pharynx to provoke her. She was ready to put him in his place with a hex.

But instead of a threat from Pharynx, he bowed and spoke in a soft voice, “My queen.”

Her expectations were so disillusioned that couldn’t help but crook her head. “What?”

It took a moment for Pharynx to realize what he did. He quickly raised himself with a blush. He coughed into his hoof before speaking, “I mean, I am Pharynx. I’ll give you only one warning not to try anything funny. Else you will have to deal with me.”

“Um, okay?”

“Don’t mind him,” Ocellus said. “He works as a general of the changeling kingdom. He may come off threatening but he’s a really sweet bug when you get to know him.”

“I resent that comment!” Pharynx protested. “I’m nothing like my wimpy brother.”

“Thank you for the compliment, brother,” Thorax deadpanned.

“Is this why you brought me here?” Wist asked Ocellus. “To talk to these dullards?”

Thorax joined his brother’s side. Snowflake noted his approach and jumped out from behind Wist to snarl at the Changeling king. Thorax flinched back from Snowflake, a rising proud grin on the Ursa Minor.

“Is that an Ursa Minor!?” Thorax asked. “Why is it so tiny?”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Wist assured. “He doesn’t bite… maybe.”

Thorax’s face soured at the provoking face of Snowflake. However, he repressed his pride. “Wist,” Thorax started. “I have come to Ponyville to confirm Ocellus’s claim that you are attending the School of Friendship. I am glad she spoke the truth. Tell me, how are you experiencing Ponyville?”

Wist gave a flat gaze at Thorax. She then looked to Ocellus, who gave her a nod. “It’s manageable,” Wist said.

“I see,” Thorax said. His face riddled with disappointment. Perhaps he hoped Wist to share more than just two words. “Well, I’ve also learnt you have employed yourself at a new candy shop in town. That must be nice.”

Wist rolled her eyes. “Oh please. The only reason I’m doing it is to get back into potion making. Well, that and I find my boss okay to hang around.”

Wist then neared her face to Ocellus to give a glare. “Have you been relaying my activity to him?”

“I told him everything when I met him back home,” Ocellus confessed. “You have nothing to worry about, Wist. He’s very understanding. You can trust him.”

“You should already know by now that trust is I don’t play with naively. Besides, why should I even bother with them.”

“We’ve heard that Princess Twilight agreed to find your mother in exchange for your attending at the school,” Pharynx said. “You should know that changelings are adept spies that can place their eyes in every crevice across the lands. Nothing would escape us.”

“Aren’t you guys already looking for her?” Wist asked. “You work under the orders of Princess Twilight, right?”

“Our relationship with Princess Twilight is of friendship and respect,” Thorax explained. “We changelings govern ourselves.”

“Then what’s even the point of us meeting here?”

Ocellus patted Wist’s shoulder. “Easy now, Wist. They’re here to offer you help.”

“To be specific,” Thorax said. “With your knowledge of changeling culture.”

“Why?” Wist questioned. “I already have Ocellus for that.”

“Yes, but I think a more practical approach with your kind will expand your mind. Which is why I dub thee citizenship at the Changeling Kingdom.”

Wist narrowed her eyes at Thorax. “Oh, I see. You're trying to butter me up so you can manipulate me, aren’t you?”

“What I’m trying to do is provide you with knowledge of our ways. As a Changeling queen, you have responsibilities to uphold.”

“I’ve already told you before that I’m a witch! I’m not this queen thing you’re speaking of.”

“I don’t speak it necessarily from status,” Thorax explained. “This is based on your biology.”

“I don’t follow.”

“Every changeling has a way of sensing the role of each other. And because we recognize you as a queen, we know that once you reach an age of maturity, you will give birth to a new hive of changelings.”

“… Huh?” Wist’s body stilled. Her body felt heavy and shaken within. She wondered if she heard Thorax correct. She played his words back over and over, hoping to extract different information. But they all came back the same.

“Thorax,” Ocellus said. “Don’t you think it’s a bit soon to tell her that?”

“She has a right to know,” Thorax said. “It’s better to not keep secrets from her.”

“I’m going to be a mother!?” Wist shouted.

Wist looked upon her body. There was no doubt she looked nothing like these butterfly creatures that claimed to be of her kind. But to think that her body possessed some strange nobility to grant her this hardship was unimaginable. Who made her this way!?

Wist didn’t notice her heavy heaving until her body stumbled onto the ground. She felt her stomach would burst open at any moment.

To her surprise, Pharynx was the first to come upon her. His hoof lifted her chin as he spoke. “Everything will be fine. I know this may be a lot for you, but trust not just us but everyone will do everything in their power to help you see this through.”

His hoof felt warm on her face. Wist could’ve fallen asleep in them, but she pushed them back and rose back up on her hooves.

Pharynx gave her space, though keen to catch her again if she fell. Thankfully, Wist composed herself.

However, Pharynx noted a beaming smile from Thorax and Ocellus. “What?” he asked.

“So,” Wist started. “This birthing thing. Is it possible for me to avoid it?”

“I’m afraid there’s nothing that can stop nature from taking its course, Wist,” Thorax said. “Like it or not, you will be the mother of a new generation of changelings.”

“Well, that blows,” Wist complained. “I want to be a witch. Not some mother of dozens.”

“Hundreds, actually,” Pharynx corrected.

“But there’s a way for you to do both,” Thorax added.

“Alright,” Wist sighed. “Let’s hear it.”

“We’ll share all that you need to become an effective mother of the new changelings. You will be provided knowledge of our history, our cultures, and all your abilities as a queen.”

“I have unique abilities besides being a birthing machine. That’s the first good news you’ve told me so far.”

“Please don’t describe yourself like that,” Thorax urged. “Anyway, a Changeling queen has abilities such as establishing a hivemind and creation of changelicites.”

“Never heard of those before. But why are you so willing to teach me all of this? What’s stopping me from using them against you?”

“Wisteria, I want to make my intentions clear. I want to ensure the safety of the new generation of changelings. Because they are your children, I need to ensure that you have everything in your resource to care for them. It may be rash to trust you with all of this, but I’m willing to take a chance of faith with you.”

Wist frowned. “I swear, nearly every creature here in these lands is far too trusting for their own good.”

“But it’s quite refreshing, isn’t it?”

“… Fine then. When can we start?”

“With me at another time,” Thorax said. “I have duties at home I need to attend to because of my long absence. Which is why I will leave you with Pharynx to offer you guidance and protection.”

“What!?” Pharynx and Wist said.

“I promise you that Pharynx will not impede on too much of your regular activities. Only the ones that would stir more chaos than acceptable.”

“Wait a minute, brother,” Pharynx said. “Since when was I supposed to be her bodyguard? I have a cult to chase down.”

“Think a change of setting would do good for you,” Thorax reasoned. “Think of it as a break.”

“This is already turning out to be a hassle,” Wist complained.

“I know this is a lot,” Ocellus said. “But you can believe they only wish to benefit you.”

“Not like I have much of a choice. You’re the one holding the cards here.”

Wist then noted Pharynx gave many glances at her through his argument with Thorax. His eyes stuck upon her longer than Wist deemed comfortable.

“What?” Wist asked him. “You got something you want to say?”

“Huh?” Pharynx said. His face blushed again. “Uh, no. I’m just… I just need to walk for a bit.”

After making his awkward excuse, Pharynx flew off over the hills.

“Hold on Pharynx,” Thorax called. “We still need to talk about this.”

Thorax flew off and chased after his brother. Ocellus, Snowflake, and Wist were now alone at the lake.

“Those two are a lively duo, aren’t they?” Ocellus chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll like them. “

“I still don’t get why all of you are so quick to trust me,” Wist complained. “I’ve given nobody a reason to think so, yet you give it so easily.”

Ocellus tapped her chin. “Hmm, how should I put it? When you see someone look lonely, you’d naturally want to accompany them.”

“Not for me. That kind of weakness will get you into trouble.”

Ocellus surprised Wist with a hug. Wist’s hooves rattled under the warm grip of her teacher. “But you must agree that it feels nice, right? To know you have someone at your side that truly cares for you.”

Wist felt intoxicated by the love Ocellus showered her with. And it was genuine. None of it was forced or feigned with ulterior motives. Wist knew Ocellus truly loved her.

But why? And why did Wist let Ocellus hold her for as long as she liked?

I don’t get it.

14: Smolder's Revenge

Author's Note

Characters

Wisteria

A self-proclaimed witch that attends the School of Friendship for the promise of the whereabouts of her mother, Poison Peck.

Luster Dawn

The star pupil of Princess Twilight. She attends the School of Friendship to learn and embody its values.

Hop

Mayor of a city in Abyssinia that leads a secret underground drug trafficking of Devil’s Dust.

Pixie

A wild young feline that is the daughter of Hop.

14: Smolder's Revenge

Wist, Luster, and Twist could only describe what they saw as a work of art. Never had they seen someone work so fluently with the most optimal of efficiency. It was like the creature they stared at was a literal part of the shop.

Pharynx displayed exemplary customer service. His memory of sundry candies within Twist’s shop was astonishing. It would lead one to think that he was the actual owner of the shop.

“Wow,” Twist said. “He’s a real natural.”

“Yeah,” Luster agreed. “I should ask him for some pointers.”

“Is it that surprising?” Wist questioned with her chin slumped on the checkout table. “Changelings are normally good at blending in the crowd, aren’t they?”

“I don’t know about that,” Luster responded. “With the way he’s maneuvering through customers, I’d say he’s the reason the crowd exists.”

“It’s just customer service, Luster. It’s not like he’s regaling them with grand epiphanies.”

What deserved more attention in Wist’s perspective was the spare uniform that fitted his size. It was a clear white shirt with a black bow tie. A plain and ugly fashion choice that boggled Wist’s mind of how he could walk around so proudly in.

“What I don’t get is why he’s acting like an employee when he’s supposed to be my bodyguard,” Wist raised her voice loud enough for Pharynx to hear. Despite it, Pharynx continued to aid customers.

“Don’t be selfish with him,” Luster advised. “He just wants to help us out.”

“He’s supposed to be observing me,” Wist retorted. “Not injecting himself in my daily activities.”

“So far you three appear to be lacking in your activities,” Pharynx said to the three. “Y’all are still on your shift. Get back to work.”

Luster and Twist flinched at Pharynx demand, causing Luster to slip her hoof off the counter and fall to the floor. Twist rushed to help her back up as Wist chuckled at Luster’s humiliation.

Luster and Twist quickly reported to Pharynx in a firm line as if he was their captain. His control over the two made Wist question exactly who the boss of this shop was.

“I really appreciate your help, Pharynx,” Twist thanked him. “Today has been booming since you’ve arrived. Oddly, with a spike of mares. I’ll be sure to compensate you for your service.”

“This place holds value to Wist,” Pharynx said. “Its success must be guaranteed.”

“And since when do you care what I like?” Wist questioned him. “You’re just Thorax’s watchdog making sure that I play nice in town, remember?”

Pharynx gave a brief glance at Wist before averting his eyes. His behavior only made Wist even more suspicious of him. Wist sensed his emotions to be sporadic and explosive, yet he did well to feign his stoicism.

Just what are you hiding from me, Wist wondered.

“Hey Pharynx,” Luster said. “Do you think you can teach me some of your techniques? You have a way to speak with so many customers in a short time that it’s astonishing.”

“I can do that,” Pharynx accepted. “But I have a question. Why has Wisteria spent her entire shift harbored behind the checkout counter?”

Wist narrowed her gaze at Pharynx. “Isn’t it obvious?” She said, “I’m the cashier. Where else would I be?”

“Wist is a bit shy about walking about in her uniform,” Twist revealed. “I hoped talking with customers from the counter would make her grow comfortable with it. Though, she’s become quite attached to that spot.”

“Twist!” Wist shrieked. “What the heck!? He didn’t need to know that!”

Pharynx raised a brow at Wist. “Why do you feel embarrassed in your uniform? As you’ve said, we changelings are exceptional in adapting to any environment.”

“Who can adapt to getting used to this ugly getup?” Wist retorted. “No disrespect to you, Twist, but this tacky thing is just not for me.”

Pharynx suddenly lit himself in eldritch flames. When the emerald fire dispersed, Pharynx garbed in a dress similar to Luster and Wisteria. The mares within the shop were floored to see such a masculine changing donned a feminine garment.

“Changelings should not take shame in the disguises to wear,” Pharynx lectured Wist. “It’s how we have survived for so long. Which is why no outfit is off the table when it serves a purpose.”

“Dear Celestia!” Twist blurted, slack jawed. “You look... I can’t. I love it!”

“Enough with the gushing,’ Pharynx commanded. “All of you back to work.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Twist saluted. “I will make you proud, my bug diva.” Twist then assisted the customers that took frequent glances at their odd conversation.

“Why is she going along with his orders?” Wist grumbled. “Doesn’t she remember she’s the boss here?”

“Luster,” Pharynx called. “I will give you some pointers in customer service, but first I would like you to operate the register.”

“Oh,” Luster said. “Uh, yes ma’am.”

“He’s a male,” Wist reminded Luster. “And what do you mean, she will operate the register? That’s my job.”

“And what good will that do for you?” Pharynx questioned. “You’ll grow no confidence in your uniform if you’re always hiding.”

“And who are you to dictate what I do?” Wist challenged. “You’re not the one in charge here.”

“I think Pharynx makes a good point,” Twist said, earning a twitchy eye from Wist.

“What the,” Wist started. “Whose side are you on?”

“Come on, Wist.” Luster returned to Wist’s side and wrapped a hoof behind her neck. It took a large semblance of Wist’s being not to shove Luster off. “This could be a good experience for you. There’s nothing like humility that builds character.”

Wist heeled her head away from Luster, disgusted that neither mare was taking her side. She darted her eyes across the shop, remembering the doors, windows, and vents she could use to escape.

There was no way she was letting this soldier bug lord over her with commands. There were already too many ponies that did that.

However, before she could plot her route, the entrance door slammed open. The customers and workers all stared, aghast, at the thunderous sound. Though their shock was immediately shifted to fuming dragoness that stomped inside the candy shop.

“Where is she!?” Smolder demanded. “Where’s that no-good narcissistic insect!?”

Wist immediately ducked underneath the cashier counter. Luster stared confusedly at Wist.

“Don’t tell her I’m here,” Wist hissed.

“Um, welcome, Smolder,” Twist greeted the angry dragoness, though, from a small distance. “How might I help you today?”

“I know Wist is here,” Smolder spat. “Bring her here right now. She’s in a heap of trouble.”

“She is?” Pharynx asked. “Can you tell me what she has done?”

“Something unforgivable! And I swear no magic in the world will fix what I do to her if she doesn’t bring her plot here right now!”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this angry before,” Luster said. “Wist, what did you do to her?”

Wist shrugged. “How am I supposed to know? You expect me to keep track of every little thing I do?”

“It can’t be little if I threw Ms. Smolder into a rage.”

“That lizard gets angry about the smallest things,” Wist retorted. “It’s not my fault she doesn’t know how to take a joke.”

Luster shook her head at Wist’s response, causing Wist to get anxious.

“H-hold on,” Wist said, reaching her hoof out to Luster. “I don’t like that look you’re giving me. C’mon, Luster. We’re friends, remember?”

“And as your friend, I have made sure you are reprimanded for your mistakes,” Luster said. “She’s right here, Ms. Smolder!”

“Traitor!”

Before Wist could crawl out of the counter, Smolder had leaped over it and landed before her. Wist could only stare aghast at Smolder. The dragoness’s slit eyes were sharp and quivering like rumbling lava.

“Found you,” Smolder hissed.

“Oh, hey Ms. Smolder,” Wist said with a sheepish smile. “I never figured you for a candy-lover. Would you like me to show you, our selections?”

Instead of a response, Smolder grabbed Wist’s hind hoof, “You got a lot of never smiling at me.” She then dragged Wist out of the counter and dragged her to the entrance door of the candy store. Wist tried to pull herself free from Smolder, but the dragoness’s grip was ridiculously strong.

“Hey, let me go!” Wist demanded. “I’m still on my shift!”

“If it’s so important, why not pull another one of your ploys to get away from me,” Smolder retorted. “You’re not the type to play fairly, right?”

“Why are you throwing such a temper tantrum!” Wist complained. “I’ve barely done anything to you.”

“That’s the point,” Smolder said. “I know about your little deal with Principal Starlight.”

“Oh...” It finally clicked to Wist. She had made headways to complete her apologies to Ocellus and Diamond Tiara. However, there was another she had not bothered to start with. “I was getting around to it. I just didn’t have time.”

“Then I’ll give you one right now.”

“You can’t do this,” Wist argued. “I could lose my job over this.”

“Um, Smolder,” Luster spoke, catching up to Smolder’s side. “Though I believe your feelings are validated, Wist has her duty to Twist’s shop.”

Smolder glared at Luster, making the mare falter back. “I’ve heard you have been helping Wist with her deal. You might as well come too.”

“Huh?” was all that Luster could say before Smolder carried Luster with her other arm. Luster dangled at Smolder’s side, shocked by the predicament she has now found herself in. “Wait! What’re you doing? Let me go!”

“You’re in just as much trouble as Wist is. None of you even bothered to talk to me about it. I matter too, you know!”

Luster tried to reason with Smolder, but the dragoness was in no mood for excuses. Wist looked to Pharynx, but the changeling general only stood idle at the chaos.

“Why aren’t you doing anything?” Wist asked. “Aren’t you supposed to be my bodyguard?”

“I think it’s best you appease the dragons now before things get worse,” Pharynx answered. “Don’t worry, I’ll help Twist with the shop while the two of you are gone.”

“No,” Luster cried. “Please save us Mr. Pharynx. I don’t deserve this!” But her plea was declined, and she disappeared into the light of Ponyville with her captor. Celestia knows what horror awaited from this malevolent dragon.

“I blame you for this, Luster!” Wist accused.

Smolder shot high above the town of Ponyville when she left Twist’s candy shop. The sudden turbulence gave Wist and Luster a fright, having Luster screaming her heart out.

Smolder zoomed through the sky fast as the pairs’ uniforms flap wildly against the rough winds. Wist pleaded constantly to the dragoness to let her remove the uniform, but Smolder allowed no mercy.

The only silver lining to it all was that the trip was short. Smolder descended before a glamour building coated in pink and pale blue. It gave the impression of a mini-castle that confused Wist. Then again, nearly every building in Ponyville held a wild uniqueness.

But Wist didn’t have to ponder on the design. Smolder kicked the door to the building open and tossed Wist and Luster inside. Their bodies rolled against the smooth wooden floor of the building and were shot with multitudes of colors within their sight.

Wist found it disorientating. Even when her body finally came to a halt, the constant swaying in her vision preserved her headache.

Luster sprawled her back on the floor, looking to pass out any moment. If her sudden flight in the air didn’t overwhelm her, then this one would likely do her in.

“I’ve brought them,” Smolder announced into the building.

Wist pushed through the headache and tried to get a clear look at her surroundings. What she first saw as random spots of colors were in fact hangars of dresses and accessories sorted across a room. There were also numerous curtains composed of different colors and materials concealing small rooms, Wist presumed to be changing rooms.

Everything held a profound quality that was apparent to Wist. She knew Mandy and Pixie to be fanatic for dresses. They would often drag her into their shopping sprees to serve as an audience to their mini pageant shows.

“Is this a clothing shop?” Wist asked.

“It’s called a boutique,” Smolder corrected.

Wist was ready to unleash her fury on the dragoness, but then her ears honed to the sound of incoming hoof steps. A green stallion emerged from the doorway leading further inside the boutique. His eyes wandered toward the three and then rushed before Wist and Luster.

“What happened to your uniforms?” the stallion asked. “It looks all frazzled.”

Wist noted many creases on her uniforms. No doubt a result of their hazardous ride here. “We had a terrible driver,” Wist answered, glaring towards Smolder.

However, Smolder did not seem to care. She approached the stallion and said, “Hey Sandbar, where’s Yona? I need her for this.”

Sandbar helped Luster and Wist back on their hooves. Luster wobbled on her hooves, prompting Sandbar to catch her. “Yona is in the stage room with the dresses,” Sandbar answered Smolder. “She’s putting on the finishing touches. So, I’m guessing these two are rather ones?”

“Why else would I be here?” Smolder questioned, and then grabbed hold of Wist and Luster again.

“Wait, not again!” Luster cried and then clamped her mouth; anxious she might hurl.

“We got hooves you know!?” Wist complained.

Despite their protest, Smolder pulled the two through a hallway past the doorway and entered a room within the far end. Smolder tossed the pair again inside. A small stage laid before them with many dressers hung near the walls in carts.

“Yona,” Smolder called. “You ready?”

A tall yak emerged from a curtain on the stage. She wore an alluring green dress and shining accessories of gold and sapphire. Wist felt overwhelmed by her glamor, something Wist would definitely recognize from a diva.

Although, all that aura went out the window when jumped gleefully off the stage and dashed before Smolder to give a hug. “Smolder,” Yona said. “Good to see you. Yona finished dresses as Smolder liked.”

“Okay, that’s it!” Wist cried, slamming her hoof on the floor. “What in Abyssinia is going on here!? I’m not some rag doll that you folks can experiment with!”

“Sometimes you have it coming, but sure,” Luster muttered and then clamped her mouth again.

Smolder approached Wist with an imposing gaze, which Wist counted with an intense glare. Wist expected a battle to brew, but the dragoness grinned. “You’re here to pay me back. And you’ll do that by performing at the Grand Galloping Gala.”

“The what?”

“Oh right,” Luster said, trudging next to Wist’s side. “Princess Twilight will host the gala at Canterlot next month. I can’t believe I’ve forgotten about it.”

“There’s a mare named Rarity that will host a ballroom contest and award a pair with the most beautiful dance and chemistry,” Smolder explained. “You two are going to enter together and win that contest.”

“And why would I do something as stupid and insignificant as that?” Wist challenged. “Do I look like a dancer?”

“I figured a changeling would know a little about that. But a month is more than enough time to teach you.”

“I’m not dancing at some stupid ballroom contest! I’m a witch!”

“Oh, is that right? Then I guess you don’t really care about enrolling in Applebloom’s potion-making class.”

“... Ugh, why does everyone always hang that over my head!?”

“There’s a lot of dresses here,” Luster pointed out. “I’m not sure I may fit all of them.”

“Luster doesn’t have to worry about a thing,” Yona assured. “Yona has made all the correct measurements to fit both of you.”

“You what?” Wist said. “How do you... wait, you’re going to dress us up!?”

“Well duh,” Smolder said matter-of-factly. “I didn’t commission sets of dresses for nothing.”

“You... you mean you ordered all these dresses?” Luster asked, astonished. “All for me and Wist to wear?”

“If you’re concerned about my purse then stop it,” Smolder said. “I rarely ever use my bits. Most things I want I forage for myself.”

“How did you even get our measurement!?” Wist asked. “I swear, if you snuck up me while I was asleep, I’m gonna—”

“From your physical exam,” Smolder said. “Obviously.”

“That’s an invasion of my privacy! You can’t just go around sharing that with others.”

Smolder crossed her arms. “Are you going to do this or not?”

“But that’s not fair! You know full well I can’t back out of this.”

“I guess so. Not so fun when the other creature has the handicap, huh?”

“It just had to be the ones to hold the biggest grudge against me, huh?” Wist complained. She then let out a sigh. “Fine, do your worst.”

“Yona promises you will enjoy this,” Yona promised. “Yona always looks for a smile in all her customers.”

Wist wholeheartedly disagreed with that notion but would have got to see this through, regardless. Yona and Smolder guided the pair to an array of dresses and adorned them in their frills and shine.

Wist bickered constantly but endured the humiliation of Smolder and Yona dressing her up like she was their personal doll. And that haughty smile Smolder wore only made it more demeaning.

Smolder had her vengeance, and there was nothing Wist could do about it. But Wist promised one day she will get Smolder back for this. She may have won this round, but their war has not been settled.

Wist and Luster were then guided to the stage in their dress. Wist wore a black and red dress that appeared beautiful yet threading like a thorny rose. Lust wore a white and navy dress that held an aura of innocence.

“I knew those were perfect,” Smolder proudly said.

“Yona agrees,” Yona said. “They match with Wist and Luster so well.”

“Okay, then let’s start our dancing lesson with something basic. I think the waltz is a good place to start.”

“What’s that?” Wist asked, though honestly, she couldn’t care less.

“It’s a basic ballroom dance many ponies practice at the gala,” Luster explained. “I know it pretty well so I can lead.”

“Lead? What’re you talking about?”

“Just follow my lead,” Luster said as she grabbed Wist’s hooves. Again, Wist felt the urge to push Luster away. However, if Wist wanted to gain access to Applebloom’s class, she needed to comply with Luster.

“This sucks,” Wist complained as Smolder gave instructions of their movement. Something told Wist that this would be a long day for her. And Smolder enjoyed every moment.

Hop stepped out of his luxurious carriage of crimson and gold. His driver gave a bow as Hop proceeded through silver gates into his home.

His lawn was vast with shrubberies and plants that could contest the gardens of Canterlot Castle. Only the most exotic plants were worthy to prosper in his land. He hired a group of gardeners to tend to its growth, expecting them to be polished like genes.

Hop then entered his mansion, standing five stories tall. It was made with smooth slabs and ornamented with the finest furnishing money could buy. It was also serviced by the most disciplined maids and butlers Hop could find in Abyssinia.

Hop had secured a home many could only dream of. But none was finer than his family.

Lines of maids and butlers standing patiently for Hop’s command greeted him. One maid came to Pixie’s side to collect his trench coat as he asked, “Where are Mandy and Pixie?”

“In Miss Pixie’s bedroom,” the maid answered. “Mrs. Mandy is reviewing Miss Pixie’s lessons from school today.”

“Thank you,” Hop said. “You are all excused from your tasks.”

Hop entered the left wing of his mansion and approached a door decorated with random ornaments of flowers and drawings. He leaned his head into the door and listened in for the voices inside.

“I want to meet all the ponies and dragons, mom,” Hop heard his daughter.

“And I think it’s a wonderful idea,” he heard his wife, Mandy. “But we should talk over this more when your father comes back, okay?”

“You think daddy won’t let me? But I want to go!”

Hop sighed and then opened the door, finding his wife and daughter seated before a desk. “Did someone call my name?” Hop asked.

“Daddy!” Pixie cheered. She leaped off from her chair and jumped into Hop’s grasp to give a hug.

“How’s my favorite wildflower?” Hop asked. “There aren’t any tomcats I have to make disappear, do I?”

“Cats can’t disappear, dad,” Pixie giggled.

Mandy raised from her seat and joined Hop’s side to kiss his cheek. “When did you get back?” She asked.

“Just now,” Hop responded. “Now, what is it I’m hearing about you wanting to meet ponies and dragons, Pixie?”

“I want to go to the school of friendship,” Pixie answered. “It’s supposed to have creatures from all over the world, right?”

“Maybe all but Abyssinians,” Hop corrected. “The school system is more than enough for our kind.”

“But all I ever meet are other Abyssinians,” Pixie complained. “I want to meet other kinds of creatures like Wist.”

Hop blinked at the mention of Wist’s name. He felt a sudden prick somewhere in his being that age him pause.

“I wish big sis didn’t leave us,” Pixie said solemnly. “Why would she leave and not even tell us? We’re supposed to be BSFL (best sisters for life).”

“Of course, you two are, Pixie,” Mandy assured Pixie and groomed her daughter’s ivory hair. “Wist just had to go out into the world to expand her horizons. There’s only so much she could do here as a witch.”

Mandy and Pixie knew Wist to be a whimsical soul that Hop had befriended long ago. He and Wist were a duo that tackled a shaky path to rise to the top in Abyssinia. There were many things he and Wist did that he could never share with his family. It was essential to happiness and reputation that kept them deep in the underworld where it belonged.

Hop rubbed Pixie’s cheek with a thumb. “Pixie,” Hop started. “Are you sure you’re fine with leaving your mother and daddy all on their lonesome? It wouldn’t be the same without you here?”

“But aren’t we rich?” Pixie asked. “We could arrange a first-class express to go anywhere in the world in a day with our kind of wealth, right?”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re too smart for your own good,” Hop said and then rubbed her fangs across Pixie’s neck, tickling her.

“I think we can make it work,” Mandy said. “Besides, it’s been quite some time since we’ve had the mansion to ourselves, wouldn’t you agree?”

Hop perked at the bedroom eyes Mandy was giving her. His tail waggled wildly at the delicious possibilities they could share. “Well,” Hop began with a cough. “It would be beneficial for Pixie to know more about the world. I can’t keep her sheltered in this castle forever.”

“Yes!” Pixie cheered. “And who knows, I might even find Wist along the way.”

“I don’t know about that,” Hop chuckled. “You know Wist is not friendly to new folks. In fact, with that country’s lofty culture about friendship, I seriously doubt she would ever walk her hooves in there.”

15: Monster Brawl

Author's Note

Characters

Wisteria

A self-proclaimed witch that attends the School of Friendship for the promise of the whereabouts of her mother, Poison Peck.

Luster Dawn

The star pupil of Princess Twilight. She attends the School of Friendship to learn and embody its values.

Pixie

A wild young feline that is the daughter of Hop.

Full (Commissioned) Character List - Here

15: Monster Brawl

Trixie found herself oddly tranquil at the train station. She sat beside her best friend, Starlight Glimmer, among a throng of creatures waiting for the train’s arrival. The creatures bantered amongst each other as if it was another normal day in Ponyville.

Honestly, Trixie found the whole thing boring. Patience was a value Trixie used sparingly. Trixie was in the midst of an intriguing romance novel before Starlight dragged her out from her cozy bedroom. If she weren’t such a generous friend to Starlight, she would have plotted a way out of this predicament. It was one of many inconveniences of friendship Trixie had to add to her bucket.

Well, Trixie supposed she could wait a few more hours given the blatant anxiety washed on Starlight.

Starlight’s constant tapping from her hooves gave away her unease. She frequently swiveled her sights from the train tracks towards town.

Trixie was practically forced to share her concerns. Trixie wasn’t particularly in the mood to be a therapist at the moment, but sadly, Trixie had left behind her book to distract herself.

“Will you relax?” Trixie urged Starlight. “She’s not even here yet and you already about to break down.”

Trixie’s well-endowed encouragement earned her an ire glance from Starlight. Such a disingenuous look was appalling to The Great and Consoling Trixie.

“Relax?” Starlight emphasized. “You do realize this will be the first Abyssinian in history to enroll in our school, right? This is a big deal!”

“Then why not put on a smile?” Trixie lifted Starlight’s lips to make a smile. However, it immediately dropped back into a frown when Trixie removed her hooves. “Trixie figured you would be happy about this.”

“Oh, I should,” Starlight agreed. “But that’s rather difficult when that’s going on.” Starlight pointed towards Ponyville where a pair of bugbears ascended atop the rooftops and dropped back down with their stinger at the forefront.

The sound of monsters roaring and spreading chaos about Ponyville was nonstop—Timberwolves leaping from rooftop to rooftop, an enormous snake peeking about buildings to skim the area, and a winged pig of all things gliding over town.

“You act like this is out of the ordinary," Trixie argued, earning another ire from Starlight. “Okay, okay, okay, Trixie understands your pain. This isn’t exactly the best first impression you want to give her. So, why not fix this now?”

“Pixie is going to be here in a few minutes,” Starlight answered. “Mandy specifically requested me as her escort. I can’t break my promise on short notice.”

“Then how do you plan on explaining the monsters raiding town?”

“Ugh, who am I kidding? Today is completely ruined.” Starlight frowned.

Starlight hid her face behind her hooves in shame. Her melancholy vexed her Trixie, so much that Trixie felt compelled to bop on Starlight’s forehead. “Stop looking so pitiful,” Trixie scolded. “My friend Starlight is far stronger than this.”

“But I really want this to work out,” Starlight said. “But it’s not like I can’t hide the fact that monsters are invading the town. No doubt Mandy will think this place is too dangerous for her child.”

“Trixie will admit Ponyville has a pension for danger. But you forget that it has special creatures to save the day. Isn’t that why you entrusted the monsters to Fluttershy and your students? Trust them, Starlight.”

Starlight dropped her hooves and glanced at Trixie with teary eyes. “I don’t doubt their strengths, Trixie. But I don’t think they’ll fix things fast enough before Pixie arrives. If only there was some way to hide this from them… that's it!”

Starlight clapped her hooves in excitement as her horn harnessed in the aura of blue. However, before Starlight could cast her magic, Trixie grasped upon the sides of Starlight’s face.

“Hold on,” Trixie hurriedly said. “Before you do anything crazy, why not tell Trixie what you’re about to do?”

“We may not be able to stop the chaos in time, but I can probably hide it long enough for the others to do so.”

“I need the specifics,” Trixie urged; however, Starlight unleashed her mysterious spell that infected Trixie with anxiety of her own.

Trixie guarded her body against an imposing light that consumed the area in its entirety. Trixie waited a moment for any pain to register in her body. When Trixie felt nothing, she finally dropped her hooves and noted nothing had occurred. “Ugh,” Trixie rubbed her eyes. “Was something supposed to happen?”

“It already has,” Starlight confirmed. “As long as we stay in my bubble.”

“Bubble, you say.” Trixie couldn’t trace where Starlight’s bubble was, however, Trixie realized the monsters at Ponyville were no longer in sight. “Well, that sounds like nothing can go wrong.”

“For Equestria’s sake, Trixie,” Starlight said defensively. “I’ve grown out of my freak-outs. What did you think I was going to do?”

“Something that might have backfired and escalated the problem,” Trixie plainly admitted, which made Starlight twitch at her friend.

“Well, sorry to disappoint you, but this spell is more laid-back. As long as we keep them in this bubble, Mandy and Pixie will only see Ponyville for the relishing environment it is. There won’t be any giant monsters or destroyed buildings to give them a fright.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Trixie questioned. “What if one of those monsters happens upon our bubble? We wouldn’t see it coming.”

“My eyes can see through my illusion. But just to be on the safe side, we’re going to take the scenic route around the chaos. Now, do you have any other lists of doubts that you would like to address?”

“Hmm,” Trixie tapped her chin and then raised a hoof. “Just one more. And it’s probably the most concerning one.”

“Fine, let’s hear it.”

“It has to do with Wist. Are you sure you want her at the center of our monster problem? Trixie doesn’t doubt her capabilities, but we both know she’s a whimsical kind of bug.”

“She won’t do anything bad. Not when she involves protecting a colt she happens to like. Besides, she won’t be alone.”

Their discussion came to an immediate end when the train finally arrived at the station. When it came to a complete stop, its door slid open. Ponies and creatures flushed out the train like a leak within a dam. Among them leaped out a small pink Abyssinian.

She waved her arms out as if she were about to give the world a big hug. “Hello, Ponyville! Pixie has finally arrived!”

Trixie blinked shockingly at the kitten as if she saw something unreal. “Trixie is surprised,” she admitted. “Trixie imagined Abyssinians to be a bunch of sly and classy cats.”

“Pixie.” The voice came from an adult white Abyssinian who exited the train and grabbed Pixie’s paw. “I specifically told you not to walk off from me. Please don’t make your mother worry.”

“But it’s Ponyville, mom,” Pixie responded excitedly, swinging her arms wildly like the tail of a happy dog. “It’s where the magic of friendship came from, right? There’s got be so many things to see.”

“In more ways than one, right?” Trixie whispered to Starlight but then realized Starlight had already walked off before the two Abyssinians.

“Hello,” Starlight greeted them. “You must be Mrs. Mandy and Ms. Pixie, correct?” All the anxiety she exerted before had entirely vanished from her. All replaced with a professional gait one would expect from a prestigious principal.

“Yes, I am Mandy,” the white Abyssinian confirmed. “And you must be Principal Starlight, yes? The mare I’ve talked with over our letters.”

“Indeed, I am. But you can call me Starlight. I’m honored that your daughter is interested in our school. I assure you that her time here will open her to many things about the world.” Starlight raised her hoof toward Mandy to shake with. Mandy reconciled the gesture with a smile.

“And a humble one as well. Though I shouldn’t expect less from the pony who runs the School of Friendship.”

“Hi!” Pixie blurted between Mandy and Starlight. Her cheery voice made Starlight flinch, making her ill-prepared for the sudden pounce Pixie made for a hug. “Thank you so much for inviting me here! This is going to be so much fun!”

Starlight’s shock calmed into a smile as she hugged Pixie back. “I’m glad to hear that. This is certainly becoming an exciting year for everyone.”

Trixie voiced her presence with a cough upon her hoof. Starlight looked at Trixie and then back to her guests. “Oh yes,” Starlight said. “I should introduce you to Trixie. She is our school’s counselor.”

“You will find there is none quite like The Great and Powerful Trixie,” Trixie boasted. “Rest assured that Trixie will be open to any problems of any kind you have.”

“A bold claim,” Mandy said. “But perhaps that is preferable. My Pixie is an optimistic kitten and I do hope she stays that way.”

“That almost sounds like a challenge.” Trixie guffawed. “Then Trixie wholeheartedly accepts.”

Pixie slipped from Starlight’s grip and rushed before Trixie with curious eyes. She then confused Trixie when she strode to her side and touched her cutie mark.

“Ms. Trixie,” Pixie said. “Can I get a cutie mark?”

“What?” Trixie said, baffled. “Well, no. That’s a pony thing.”

“Aww,” Pixie frowned. “That’s not fair. I want a mark of my own. I bet it would’ve looked pretty. Maybe pink flames with a ghostly touch like my sister’s.”

“Then we can make our own,” Starlight said. “But I hope you understand that our school does not guide you to a singular path. The School of Friendship hosts classes of all sorts of practices and cultures. You’ll come to find many hobbies that you never considered and meet creatures who will become longtime friends in your future.”

“Wait, so I can have more than one cutie mark!?” Pixie wondered. Her eyes sparkled so brightly that Starlight feared it might blind her.

“I guess so,” Starlight confirmed. “Nobody is subjected to just one thing. There are far too many possibilities in the world to allow that.”

As Starlight found joy in Pixie’s excitement, a quake suddenly shook their surroundings. Creatures around teetered on their feet as they looked confusingly at their surroundings. Well, all except the creatures plainly entering the train station.

“What was that?” Mandy asked.

Starlight’s smile cracked. Though her transparent bubble could hide the presence of the chaos outside, that was pretty much all it could do. She cursed herself for not learning to fortify the spell to account for geographic interference.

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Trixie spoke. “We just so happen to have an animal sanctuary in Ponyville. Its caretaker has recently shipped in a mass of large animals that are getting settled in their new environment.”

“Oh my,” Mandy gasped. “I’ve heard of this famous sanctuary, but I didn’t think its animals would be that exotic. For it to shake the grounds here of all places must make them quite the sight.”

“It will die down soon enough. Our caretaker is quite unique like Trixie.”

“Mom,” Pixie voiced as she grasped her mother’s dress. “I want to go to see the animals.”

“Maybe another time, dear,” Mandy responded and clutched on her daughter’s paw. “For now, we have a tour around your new school, isn’t that right?”

“Right you are,” Trixie said as she nudged onto Starlight. “We should definitely get our orientation on the way, shouldn’t we?”

“R-right,” Starlight said with a restructured smile. “Come right his way. I’m sure the school will be all to your liking.”

Starlight guided the group out to the train station. As she led them through the streets of Ponyville, her eyes flicked upon the distance where the chaos ensued.

Trixie walked to Starlight’s side and whispered in her ear, “Maybe you should focus on our scenic route. Fluttershy and the others have it covered, right?”

“Yeah,” Starlight mumbled. “I know they do.”

Lil’ Cheese let out a joyous chortle as he rode atop a leaping bufogren. A giant toad with six eyes and a horrid mouth of a leech. Residents gazed astonished at the little colt as he rode the creatures through the streets of Ponyville.

However, his joyride came to a swift end when Wist swooped above and swept him from the bufogren’s head. “I got you,” Wist said as she secured the colt in her hooves.

Lil’ Cheese kept his stupor, cheering loudly at his ascension above Ponyville. He stretched his hooves out to cut through the air.

“Glad someone is enjoying this,” Wist grumbled. She continued her ascension above the buildings but came to an abrupt halt when she felt something icky pulling down her hind hoof.

She looked and found the bufogren’s tongue wrapped around her hind hoof. Its warm saliva trickled onto her skin, making Wist tremble. “Ew!” Wist shouted. “Get your boggy swamp tongue off of me!”

Wist lit her hind hoof in emerald flames. The green fire came upon the bufogren’s tongue fast, searing its soapy tongue of its moisture. The bufogren quickly reeled its tongue back and whirled it wildly within itself to regain its dampness.

Lil’ Cheese glittered his eyes upon the Wist’s flames like it was a shiny trinket. He tried to reach for the fire, but Wist snatched his head onto her pectoral.

“Are you stupid?” Wist asked as she undid her flames. “You can’t touch that.” Lil’ Cheese only rubbed his face on Wist’s skin and then stared at her with his verdant eyes. Wist was so spellbound by his innocent glance that she couldn’t help pinching his cheeks. “Why do you have to be so cute?”

“Wist!” Wist perked to the sound of Luster Dawn’s voice. Wist found her galloping down a street with a face screaming of urgency. “Get down!”

As Wist glided through the air, confused by Luster’s warning, she finally noted the sound of a large buzzing. She looked above and realized a bugbear descending upon her fast. Its crimson eyes glowed with bloodlust; its stinger aimed upon Wist.

Wist didn’t have time to dodge it. She would need to rely on her hex to save her. And Wist grinned at the horrid curse she had in mind for this insect.

“You chose the wrong one to trifle with,” Wist claimed as she harnessed her horn in wispy blue flames. Her hex was near completion until a sudden occurrence disturbed her retaliation.

It was a giant roc, donned in black armor Wist could only recognize as obsidian. The armored roc tackled the bugbear, slamming it harshly to the ground where it left a noticeable crater.

The roc’s copper eyes shifted from the bugbear to Wist, though she wasn’t concerned. The roc became consumed in emerald flames and left behind a single changeling in its incineration, Pharynx.

“Take the foal somewhere safe,” Pharynx advised. “He’s a liability on the field.”

“He’s going to be on the field regardless,” Wist argued. “You do realize that all the creatures are here because of him, right?”

As Wist finished her sentence, she instinctively shot her body downward. A pair of tongues had shot above her. They retracted back to two bufogrens standing atop a building from afar.

The bufogrens launched their tongues again. However, their tongues were caught by the claws of Georgia before they could reach Wist. She held a tight grip upon them, having a tug-o-war against the two bufogrens.

“Ugh,” Georgia cringed. “This feels so gross.”

“Just hold on a bit longer!” Luster shouted as she harnessed magic into her horn. She blasted white beams upon the tongues that surged into the bufogrens.

When the light entered them, their eyes became clear white, and fell unconscious. Their bodies rolled down the rooftop of the building and fell over. However, before their body could crash on the ground, a lush bed had randomly appeared below to soothe their fall.

Georgia dropped the tongues that returned to the bufogrens and shook her claws about. She then noted Pharynx zooming towards a location far in Ponyville and gave chase to him.

As Georgia and Pharynx disappeared within the distance, Fluttershy emerged from across a corner. She looked upon the bugbear laid unconscious in its crater.

“Oh my,” Fluttershy gasped and flew to the bugbear’s side. She examined the bugbear’s body and found multiple bruises. “Discord, I need a spray and bandages.”

Discord suddenly appeared into existence beside Fluttershy in a doctor’s shirt. He pressed a stethoscope on the bugbear’s body and listened to its breathing. “She seems alive enough,” Discord said. “She might go a day without flying, but by the looks of her, she could use some cardio.”

“Spray and bandages, please,” Fluttershy repeated. Her eyes were fixed upon the bugbear’s wound and searched its body for more.

“Yes, yes, yes.” Discord rolled his eyes and snapped his finger. At the sound of his flick, a spray and roll of bandages popped into Fluttershy’s hooves. As Fluttershy tended to the bugbear’s wounds, Discord let out a groan. “Why is it that I have to play the healer here? There’s so little action with this role.”

The healer is the most significant part of the party,” Luster argued as she slid inside the crater. “There’s only so much magic we can use to manage the creature entering the town. Only you have the capacity for this.”

“Not entirely true.” Discord snapped his fingers again and summoned Wist and Lil’ Cheese atop his lion-paw. “Might I remind you that we have another member with a nuclear-size magic?”

“Hey!” Wist shouted as she quickly jumped off from Discord. “How about asking before you go teleporting someone.”

“Wist doesn’t know basic magic,” Luster argued. “She can’t even do a levitation spell properly.”

“I don’t need basic magic to put you in your place,” Wist retorted. “Just one hex is all I would need to make you subservient.”

“That’s not the point, Wist,” Luster said. “Discord is the only one here with enough magic to take however much creature coming our way back home. Hence why he is the healer.”

“Be that as it may,” Discord said. “I can at least take joy in all the delicious chaos brewing across town. And I have you to thank, Luster. My, to think that Twilight’s star pupil could raise such chaos. She never disappoints.”

“It wasn’t on purpose!” Luster shouted, defensively. “I only looked away from Lil’ Cheese for only a mere moment and he disappeared.”

“Will you quit with the excuses already?” Wist said as she cradled Lil’ Cheese in her hooves. “Just face the fact that you screwed up.”

“How was I supposed to know that looking away for a mere second would result in a horde of monsters invading town!?”

At the sound of Luster’s delirious voice, Lil’ Cheese giggled. Luster glared at the joyous colt beaming a smile amid the chaos. A chaos set by the colt’s innocent machination of which he had no control of.

Luster sighed, “Why does something so adorable have such terrible power?”

“I’d call it a blessing,” Discord commented. “Maybe I should enroll him under my tutelage.”

“I’d call it a hassle,” Wist argued. “I don’t want to be fighting monsters every time I have to babysit this cute little thing.”

“Let’s take solace that their attention is fixed only upon us,” Fluttershy said after wrapping the bugbear with bandages. “From what I’ve seen, their eyes are set on Lil’ Cheese and those who are stepping in their way.”

“Which is kind of weird,” Wist commented. “It’s like they all have a hive mind to let them know who to take out.”

“Trying to understand it is more trouble than it’s worth. Right now, we should continue calming the creatures.”

“And how much more are we going to take out?” Wist asked. “We’ve already been at this for two hours now.”

Pharynx and Georgia suddenly descended into the crater with the others. Georgia stepped before Fluttershy and informed, “Ms. Fluttershy, there looks to be another round of creatures coming out of the Everfree forest. We need to get ready.”

“This time we should set up some traps,” Pharynx suggested. “Wist, do you have any hexes in mind for that?”

Wist raised a brow at the changeling. “You’re oddly happy. Don’t tell me you’re having fun.”

“Go easy on them,” Fluttershy urged. “They’re not acting out of their own volition. Until the Cheese Sense ends, we’ll have to continue rounding them up.”

Fluttershy approached Wist and grabbed hold of Lil’ Cheese. She cradled him in her hooves, and the colt let out a yawn. Fluttershy smiled. “He’s falling asleep. That means we’re near the end.”

“You sure you want to be holding him?” Wist asked. “You’re pretty much asking for all the monsters to jump at you.”

“I can handle myself,” Fluttershy assured. “And I also have all of you to rely on.”

“Your funeral.” Wist shrugged.

“Mr. Pharynx,” Luster said. “What exactly are we dealing with this time around?”

“Multiple cockatrices, a cragadile, and a maulwurf,” Pharynx listed. “They’ve completely ignored the residents, but I still evacuated from the premises as a precaution.”

“Wait, did you say a maulwurf?” Fluttershy asked, confused. “They usually live in the badlands. What is one doing here in Ponyville?”

“Their hides are really thick,” Luster said. “Magic won’t work on them so easily.”

“Don’t worry about the maulwurf,” Pharynx. “That one is mine and mine alone.”

“You got a vendetta against maulwurfs or something?” Wist asked. “Whatever, I guess I can use this as an opportunity to test out some new hexes.”

“You have new ones?” Luster asked.

“Mommy,” Pixie said. “Do earthquakes happen this often in Equestria?”

The young feline asked this question as Starlight guided them around the edge of Ponyville. Despite Starlight’s endeavor to elude the chaos, the land around constantly threatened her ploy.

“The creatures must be going through mood swings,” Trixie suggested. “It can’t be helped, given they breaking into their new environment.”

Pixie perked her ears to the rumble from afar. Trixie and Starlight even noted her looking back to the source of the noise.

“So Pixie,” Trixie said. “What was it that made you interested to enroll in our school?”

“Oh, well,” Pixie started. “Honestly, I was just feeling a bit lonely at home.”

“What?” Mandy gasped. “But you have me to keep you company every day. Oh no, please don’t tell me you’re going through your teen phase?”

“Why do you feel lonely?” Starlight asked.

“It’s because of my big sis,” Pixie answered. “I always had her around to play with. We would play pranks and games every day. Some folks would call her wicked, but they don’t know her as I do.” Pixie drooped her ears and glanced at the ground. “But sometimes I wonder if I ask too much from her. She’s now gone off somewhere without telling me anything. It makes me wonder if I pushed her away.”

“Gone off, you say?” Trixie said. “Perhaps she went on a journey to learn more about herself. Trixie had done the same during my younger days.”

Pixie stared at the ground and rubbed her arm that was held by Mandy. “I wished she had brought me along. I know she always wanted to be a witch, but I didn’t think she leave me behind.”

“…Did you say, witch?” Starlight asked.

Suddenly, a large eldritch flame emerged high into the sky. Its emerald light shone brightly across the town, dazzling the eyes of onlookers.

Mandy gaped at the flame. “Was that I think it was?”

“Why does she always have to showboat?” Starlight grumbled.

“I know those flames!” Pixie shouted and then slipped her paw off from Mandy. She rushed and climbed atop and building.

“Pixie!” Mandy called to her. “Wait! Come back here!”

But Pixie continued forth, jumping through the building to the building to reach the origin of the emerald flames. And as she neared it, she held hope she would find what she yearned most.

A cragadile chased Applebloom down the street of Ponyville. She looked back at its sharp jaw opening wide to snatch her legs.

She cut into another street and briefly disappeared from the creature’s sight. It followed her to the next street but paused when it stepped upon a glowing glyph on the ground.

A black flame consumed the cragadile and disappeared as soon as it appeared, leaving the cragadile unharmed yet dazed. It sprawled to the ground, limp and lethargic.

“That was some fine work there, Wist,” Applebloom commented, emerging from a barrel leaned against a building.

Wist descended from a building and joined Applebloom’s side. “Like it? I could show you how it works. But only if you’re willing to share something in exchange.”

“Not a chance,” Wist frowned at the voice of Smolder who descended next to her. “You haven’t earned it yet.”

A maulwurf then suddenly emerged from the ground. Smolder was quick to breathe flames However, what did the maulwurf in was a large tentacle that drew the maulwurf back into the hole. Smolder and Applebloom stared aghast at what they had witnessed.

“What was that?” Smolder asked. “I don’t want to take about Pharynx’s odd hate boner for maulwurfs,” Wist interjected. “What you and Diamon have me doing is going to take forever. Isn’t there like a quicker task you could have me do?”

Applebloom laid a hoof on Wist’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Wist. I promise, it’ll all be worth it.”

“Why? I’d think I proved my worth already. With all the chaos over the week, I should be compensated with something.”

“Well, it’s not your worth they’re looking for. And if you want to talk about compensation, what about that cute little thing over there.” Applebloom pointed her hoof behind Wist.

“What thing?” Wist asked and followed the direction of Applebloom’s hoof. Her eyes gaped at her pet ursa minor, Snowflake, rushing over to her.

“Snowflake?” Wist blurted. Snowflake jumped up to Wist’s chest and gave her those puppy eyes that always found a way to break through her wicked heart. She hugged him and stroked the back of his head. “Why are you here? Didn’t I leave you with Ms. Autumn?”

“Not to ruin your reunion,” Smolder said. “But we have another bugbear coming our way. A big one at that.”

A bugbear had emerged from an intersection and flew towards the group. It let out a roar that rung through their ears.

“It must feel confident because of its size,” Wist said. “Well, how about I sap all of that away.”

Wist’s horn lit a green light and shot into Snowflake. The ursa minor became consumed in green light that expanded high and wide upon the street.

When the light dissipated, Snowflake stood gigantic in its original size. The bugbear came to a complete halt, horrified by the sheer size of Snowflake. And when Snowflake let a screeching roar, the bugbear scurried away fast.

“Hah, serves you right,” Wist rejoiced.

Snowflake then rubbed his head onto Wist. She clutched onto him and rubbed his head. “I knew you’d be the perfect familiar.”

“Bugbears, cragadiles, bufogrens,” Smolder listed. “Just how many more are going to come out to the woodwork?”

“Well, there’s a hydra over there if you’re looking for something new,” Applebloom said, pointing towards a large hydra skimming through town.

“When did that get here!?”

Wist ascended atop Snowflake for a higher view of the hydra. She discovered the creature chasing Luster, who was dashing through the streets and teleported whenever it lunged one of its many heads at her.

“Heh,” Wist darkly chuckled. “Looks like you’re biting more than you can chew.”

“What’s going on over there?” Applebloom asked from below.

“I got it,” Wist declared.

Wist soared off from Snowflake and zoomed through the air towards the hydra. Nearing the creature, she found Pharynx, Georgia, and Ocellus fluttering around the creature.

Ocellus saw Wist and shouted, “Wist, get Luster out of there. We’ll distract the hydra.”

Wist groaned at her command. “She’s a big pony. She can handle herself.”

“Please just do it,” Ocellus urged.

“Okay, fine!” Wist growled.

Wist harnessed her horn and glitched out of existence. She reappeared before Luster, crashing into her.

Luster craned her head to collect herself. When she realized Wist atop her, she gave a poisonous glare. “What are you trying to pull?”

“Ugh,” Wist groaned. “Okay, not my best performance. This teleporting is a lot more complicated than I thought.”

The many heads of the hydra lunged at Pharynx, Georgia, and Ocellus. However, a pair gleamed their golden eyes at Luster and Wist.

Luster quickly grabbed Wist and teleported before the heads lunged at them. Their large fangs clamped on the space where Luster and Wist were moments ago.

The two heads look about, trying to find where its prey had disappeared to. However, a rough tackle from an armored Roc Pharynx earned its furious attention.

Luster and Wist appeared atop a nearby building, hiding behind a thick railing.

“How’d you do it like that?” Wist asked. “You didn’t even look over here.”

“This isn’t a game, Wist,” Luster retorted. “Every week we cause all sorts of problems for Ponyville. We’re supposed to be learning about friendship, but all we’ve been doing is fixing problems made by our own hooves. Doesn’t that bother you?”

Wist rolled her eyes. “Oh, don’t be such a killjoy. We’ll get through this, no problem.”

“What’s joyful about monsters raiding town!? I’m supposed to be the protégé of the Princess of Friendship and all I’ve done so far is contributed to near destructions of Ponyville. How am I supposed to look at Princess Twilight in the eyes aga—?”

Wist stopped Luster’s tirade with a swift slap across her face. She then pulled on Luster’s should peer at her with glimmering emerald eyes.

“Nobody will hate you for this,” Wist argued. “Regardless of a stickler for the rules you are and how weird it is you worship Twilight as if she’s a god, we still want you here. At least I do. “Luster gazed incredulously at Wist. It wasn’t often she witnessed the wicked witch speak in such a serious tone. “…Are you trying to cheer me up?” Luster questioned, confused.

“You sure you want to look at it that way?” Wist questioned back. “Don’t you think it’s pathetic to have your own rival trying to encourage you?”

“You think of me as your rival?” Luster gasped. “Wist, I had no idea you had that much respect for me.”

Wist pushed Luster away, hard enough to throw Luster on her back. “You are reading too much into this,” Wist growled. “Are you going to help me or not?”

Luster raised back on her haunch, rubbing on the back of her head to smacked on the ground. “I hope you know I’m getting you back for that. This rival is one to hold grudges.”

“Hah, I like to see you try.”

They shook at the sound of the hydra’s roar. They looked upon the monster and saw it staring at them. It came rushing for them, despite the others’ effort to garner its attention via beams, slashes, and slams from heavy forms.

“How about after we’re finally rid of the hydra?” Luster suggested.

“Fair enough,” Wist agreed. “I don’t like giant creatures like that flexing their weight to everyone. Someone needs to take it down a peg.”

“Would happen to have a hex big enough for this?”

“Was that rhetorical question? There is no creature in this universe that can resist my hexes.”

“Good,” Luster said, standing on her hooves. “Give it the most traumatizing one possible. I’ll draw its attention.”

Wist blinked at Luster’s response. “Wow, you and Pharynx are really taking a turn for the dark side. And here I thought I was supposed to be the bad egg in the group.”

“It’s a group effort,” Luster quipped. “Learn to share sometimes.”

Luster disappeared and reappeared by the hydra’s side. She called for its attention with a beam upon one of its eyes. The hydra roared and gave chase to her.

“So now we’re sharing our mistakes now?” Wist chuckled. “Alright then, don’t go complaining if this leaves a mark.”

Wist harnessed a dark aura that surged around her body and funneled upon the tip of her horn. A barrage of black wisps erupted from her horn, circling around her like fireflies.

She then gathered the wisps together, forming a giant ball of flame. However, it then condensed to a tiny wisp. Wist held the tiny wisp on her hoof and gave a light blow to send it off.

As the hydra continued its chase for Luster, it failed to notice the tiny wisp Luster happened to pass. Luster however took note of it and waited for the hydra to lunge again before teleporting away from its course. The hydra failed to catch its prey again, however, the tiny wisp was now where Wisteria wanted it to be.

“Pray that an indigestion will be your problem,” Wist said before her horn emitted a flash of green light.

The hydra’s body suddenly shone green before a mass green flame consumed its body. The eldritch fire towered over Ponyville, appearing as a malevolent skyscraper that briefly glimmered the town in emerald.

When the flames dissipated, the hydra fell limp to the ground. Its orange scales were now a deep pink like a shaved dog. Snowflake then appeared from the side of the rooftop where Wist stood. Applebloom hopped off from the ursa minor and whistled at the spectacle.

“Good job y’all,” Applebloom congratulated. “We make a good team.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Wist rolled her eyes. “Can someone just get Discord to flick all these creatures away already? I know he can do it.”

“I think he’ll get around to it once Ms. Fluttershy bandages them all up.”

Wist then fell on her back. She took a breath and stared at the blue sky. Applebloom sat next to her.

“You doing okay there?” Applebloom asked.

“Why is there never a dull moment in this town?” Wist asked. “I swear, it’s always something crazy going on around here.”

“That’s just the magic of Ponyville.”

“You describe like it’s a good thing,” Wist laughed. “But you what, I can’t complain. Compared to Abyssinia, this is still light.”

“Big sis!”

Wist shot back onto her hooves and took a defensive stance. Her eyes darted across her surroundings.

“Woah there,” Applebloom said. “You lookin tense there.”

“Pixie, I know that’s you!” Wist called. “Wherever you are, I hope you remember to respect my personal space!”

“Too late!” Pixie had pounced upon Wist, knocking her body over the railing and falling over. Snowflake had rushed beneath them and caught them in his thick white fur.

Wist gaped upon Pixie laying atop her. The small abyssinian rubbed upon Wist’s face, the purring resounding across her cheek. “Big sis!” Pixie cheered. “I finally found you.”

The love fuming from the pink cat was dangerously intoxicating. So much so that Wist’s head lightened and her vision blurred sporadically.

“Wait, Pixie,” Wist pleaded, trying to push Pixie away. However, Wist could feel her strength escaping her. “Let me go.”

“How could you leave me like that?” Pixie hugged Wist tightly. “You didn’t even tell me goodbye. Well, I won’t ever let you out of my sight again!”

“I’m sorry, okay. Just please, let me go.”

However, her vision blurred even further. Her body went numb and then her vision shrouded in complete blackness.

Wist heard a voice within the darkness. It echoed in her ear, soft yet desperate. Wist tried to find its source, but all she found was an endless wasteland of black.

But then noted two orbs of light within the distance. They were shaped like eyes, observing her from the distance. Strangely, it felt familiar to Wist. As if this was not the first time she was met by those eyes.

“Who are you?” Wist asked, but it did not respond. Annoyed, Wist tried to soar towards the eyes.

However, when Wist drew near, she was met by a flash of light. Wist shielded her eyes from the light.

And when she looked from behind hooves, she found herself no longer within the blackness.

Instead, she found two abyssinians watching her from the side of a bed. Wist raised from the bed, shocked by the pair before her.

“Mandy?” Wist said.

Mandy smiled. “She gave you an overdose, didn’t she?”

Mandy slid a cup of water rested on an end table beside the bed. “Here, drink this. You sound parched.”

Wist glanced at Mandy for a moment and then grabbed the cup of water. She took big gulps and then laid the cup back on the table. Wist didn’t even realize how thirsty she was. In fact, she could go for another cup of water or two.

“I’m sorry big sis,” Pixie apologized, her face droopy. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“You’ve got a lot of gall claiming you hurt me,” Wist stated and tapped her hoof on Pixie’s nose. “I’m more resilient than you think.”

“So,” Mandy said. “I’ve heard that you’ve been attending this school for some time now. I didn’t expect you to venture out into Equestria of all places. I thought their talk about friendship disgusted you.”

“I told you she was a pony, remember?” Wist said. “I had to look for her. I couldn’t stay in Abyssinia forever.”

“I’m sure Hop has searched for her,” Mandy said. “Though perhaps the task proved far more difficult than expected.”

Wist gave a serious glance at Mandy. “Does he know I’m here?”

Mandy blinked. “No, none of us did. Why do ask? Is there something I should know?”

“Just please don’t tell him,” Wist pleaded. “He wouldn’t understand.”

“…I don’t know to understand why you ask this of me, but I will honor your wish. I wouldn’t want to disappoint my stepdaughter.”

“You’re still calling me that?” Wist laughed. “You do know I view Hop as a business partner, right?”

“Sorry, but if I’m expected to clean after you and ensure you held a healthy diet, you might as well be my daughter."

“Hey, I’m not that messy!” Wist defensively claimed. “Tell her, Pixie.”

“Hmm?” Pixie turned her head.

“Don’t act coy with me. You’re the one that ransacks my room all the time.”

“Don’t go shifting the blame,” Mandy said. “Your room is your responsibility. I hope you’re taking proper care of your room. I don’t want your roommate thinking I raised a dirty daughter.”

“It wasn’t me!!”

From the other side of the door into the infirmary room, Starlight and Trixie had their hoof inches from the doorknob. The constant shouts within the room prompted a debate as to whether they should intrude.

“Maybe we should give them time to catch up,” Trixie suggested.

“Yeah…maybe…”

“Starlight, as much as I understand your thirst to get some dirt on our little witch, we should respect her boundaries.”

“I-I know that,” Starlight snapped, offended. “You think I would go around snooping on my students’ privacy.”

“Then to lay down your hoof from the doorknob. We can ask Mandy for details when they’re finished.”

Starlight frowned, recognizing the merit in Trixie’s suggestion. She lowered her hoof and walked past her friend.

“You know,” Trixie said. “If you really want Wist as your pupil, all you have to do is ask. It’s obvious she is fascinated with you. She did call you her mom after all.”

“I—what?” Starlight beamed at Trixie, a thick blush on her cheeks. “I never said anything about making her my pupil.”

“Trixie saw that board at the castle library,” Trixie revealed. “You’ve been brainstorming the perfect scenario to recruit her.”

“I made that days ago,” Starlight blurted. “When were you going to tell me?”

“Uh, never,” Trixie said matter-of-factly. “At least until you considered snooping in your plan. Just be upfront with her. Trixie is sure she would accept.”

“Do you really believe that?” Starlight asked. “She tends to do things on a whim. She could reject me just to get a reaction out of me.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Trixie assured. “Something tells Trixie that she has a soft spot some creatures.”

“Why are these two here!?” Wist shouted at Starlight, pointing at Pixie and Georgia dropping their luggage into Wist and Luster’s bedroom.

Their bed had been redesigned as a bunk bed where Georgia and Pixie laid their belongings on the top.

“Mandy specifically requested for Pixie to be kept under your watch during her tenure at school,” Starlight answered. “I think it makes sense.”

“Then why is she here?” Wist pointed at Georgia. “Doesn’t she already have a room?”

“My roommate had to go home for the rest of the year,” Georgia said. “Complications at home. Principal Starlight thought I’d be lonely without a roommate, so she recommended me to move here.”

“Don’t be a spoiled sport, Wist,” Luster said. “The more the merrier I say.”

“Anyways, I call for the bed on Luster’s side,” Georgia declared. “I don’t trust having Wist under me.”

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Pixie cheered as she jumped atop the top bed on Wist’s side. “Then I get to share this side with big sis!”

Georgia approached Pixie, confusing the kitten with her observation. “I’ve never seen an abyssinian up close,” Georgia said. “Definitely didn’t know y’all can be pink.”

Pixie poked on Georgia’s beak, baffling the griffon. “Wow, it’s thick. Hey, can I see your wings?”

“What, never seen a griffon before? Well, if you let me see your ears, I think that’ll make a fair trade.”

“This is an utter infringement to my privacy!” Wist complained.

“Don’t worry Wist,” Starlight said. “There’s always more joy to a bigger group of friends.”

Wist looked behind her and see Pixie getting chummy with Luster and Georgia. The little kitten harassed their many features as Luster and Georgia relished in her curiosity.

“Fine,” Wist sighed. “But don’t you think it’s unfair I’m being drowned with so much responsibility. When I’m finally going to get something in return. And no, I don’t just mean Snowflake.”

“Well,” Starlight started. “I could offer you some lessons in magic. I see that you’re still struggling with the basics. If you like, I could give you a better insight.”

“Deal!” Wist immediately said. “I’ll show up tomorrow morning.”

“Wait, really?” Starlight said, astonished. “You’re not going to ask why I’m offering this to you?”

Wist surprised Starlight again when she pulled Starlight’s collar and pulled the unicorn near her face. “You’re the reason I’ve been dragged around town with all of these endless tasks I never asked for. It’s about time you took responsibility for it. Besides, who’d make a better teacher than the principal?”

Starlight paused at Wist’s forwardness. She knew the changeling to be elusive with her intentions. There may be some truth in her words, however, Starlight held intuition there was more to it than just a tradeoff.

Starlight smiled and patted Wist’s head. “Fair enough,” she said. “Then I hope to see you at my castle tomorrow.”

“Good,” Wist said and released her grip on Starlight. “It’s about time you did this. I can’t believe it took you this long. What fool sits around when there’s a creature full of potential.”

“You wanted my attention that badly?” Starlight asked. “Oh, I’m so sorry to have neglected you for this long.”

“That’s not what I meant!” Wist shouted. “For Abyssinia’s sake, what is with you ponies in reading too much in my words! I hate it here!”

01 - Motherly Choices (2e)

Chrysalis entered her chamber after cautiously ensuring that her temporary allies did not follow her. She excused herself from the discussion of their plans to usurp the lands of Equestria without addressing a reason. As if they have the right to know the constant whereabouts of a queen. Besides, Grogar’s bell was left with them; she saw no reason for them to be concerned for deceit. For now, at least.

Chrysalis’s chamber was hollow of decorations and belongings. It felt somewhat nostalgic for her old bedroom when she was young. All they stood before her was a small purple log that laid atop a large slanted rock that she has been using as a desk. Chrysalis furrowed at the ignorant log and flicked it across the room as she said, “I’m not here for you fool.”

Behind the slanted rock, there was a small hole that widened when she pulled the rock aside. Beneath where the rock once stood lied a deep hole that minimized further inside; a precaution that Chrysalis to prevent the slanted rock from falling in far enough to harm what she hid inside.

A green glow emitted from the hole. Chrysalis grinned and used her magic to lift out an egg from out the hole. A common changeling egg would have olive pigments with stripes of darker tones of green; however, this particular one that Chrysalis caressed in her hooves was pitch-black with green stripes that radiated. Through those stripes, Chrysalis can grasp a glimpse of the larva that made subtle shuffles.

“How is my princess?” Chrysalis cooed as the green lines of the egg shone brighter. Chrysalis could feel her body getting heavy a slight as the egg hungrily sapped her of the accumulated love she collected. “You starved again, haven’t you?”

Seeing her precious youngling so desperate for nutrients made her feel bitter about the predicament she has placed her child in. There was a moment where she had liberated all of her obstacles in conquering Equestria and it seemed that the changeling race was guaranteed to thrive for centuries to come.

The moment was perfect for Chrysalis to lay a special egg that she held for years and finally welcome it to the world where it would live a life of luxury.

But reality played a cruel trick on its mother and stripped her of everything she had earned, leaving only the two to fend for themselves. Chrysalis’s egg was welcomed to a harsh environment where Chrysalis had to be anxious about everything to ensure its safety.

The countless months of relocating home due to nearing predators and fending them off have taxed the former queen’s mind and have festered her hatred of the ponies that have humiliated her to this state. Particularly of a mare that deprived her of her entire Hive. Burdened by her anxieties and paranoia, her troubled state of mind swayed her to seek companionship from a purple log that made snide comments of her quite some months ago. But no more.

“It won’t be long now my youngling,” Chrysalis whispered to the egg. “In the coming moments, I shall regain my rightful place as queen of not only the Hive but of the entire lands of Equestria. When you finally emerge from your egg, you will be welcomed to a home befitting of a princess. However, there are other steps that need to be taken.”

Chrysalis’s horn illuminated and released a black light that streamed into the egg. Chrysalis could feel the egg rumble, but she persisted, confident that her youngling could handle the power given to it. After half a minute, she finally stopped as the green lines of the egg flickered wildly and then remained lit brighter than before.

“I knew you could handle it,” Chrysalis breathed raggedly. “With Grogar’s magic as sustenance to your growth, I’m certain that you will surpass the power of all who stands in our way. Including our two aides.”

“Chrysalis!” Chrysalis’s ears perked at Cozy’s voice. She tried to put her daughter back in its hiding place, but she lacked enough time when Cozy Glow entered her room merely seconds later. “How long are you going to keep us waiting!? We have the conquering of Equestria to do, remember!?”

Cozy paused at the sight of the egg that Chrysalis was midway from laying back in its burrow. “Did you lay an egg?” Cozy approached Chrysalis to get closer to the egg, but Chrysalis warned Cozy with a hiss.

“If you value your life, then I suggest stepping away from me.”

“Will you relax,” Cozy rolled her eyes. “I just want to look at it.”

“Then you have seen enough. Now leave.”

“You know what I meant,” Cozy appeared annoyed. “Come on Chrissy, I promise I won’t hurt it.” Cozy continued towards Chrysalis’s proximity as she held the egg defensively from Cozy. After sharing a large pool of Grogar’s magic with her child, it’s likely that she no longer bore the power to match with Cozy. Sparking a fight now may risk her demise, especially for her daughter while in the crossfire…

“If I let you touch my child,” Chrysalis started. “Do you promise to leave us alone?”

“Golly,” Cozy voiced. “I can’t believe how defensive you are of little old me. Is this how mommy Chrissy is like around her kids?”

“Do you swear to leave us alone if you get to touch my egg?” Chrysalis asked again.

“Yes, yes,” Cozy flapped her hoof. “I, Cozy Glow, do doubly swear I shall not harm your egg.”

“…”

“I swear it! Now, will you let me see the egg already!?”

It took Chrysalis a moment to hesitantly open her hooves for Cozy to see the egg clearly. Cozy looked at it in awe and commented, “Wow, it’s kind of looks menacing.”

“It’s beautiful,” Chrysalis retorted. “I wouldn’t expect a child to understand.”

“Guess it’s a matter of perspective then,” Cozy concluded as she felt her hoof upon the egg. At contact, the egg brightened and Cozy yelped as she felt it pulling her. “What’s it doing? I don’t feel right.”

Cozy tried to pull her hoof away from the egg, but there was an unknown force that kept her stuck to the egg. She had to borrow a semblance of Grogar’s magic to gain enough strength to separate herself from the egg. When she finally released herself from the egg’s grasp, she fell on her back. Cozy rasped for air before glared at Chrysalis.

“What did it just do to me,” Cozy demanded an answer.

“It would seem that my daughter took a liking to your love,” Chrysalis grinned. “I guess a thank you is in order for your contribution.”

“I don’t recall agreeing to contribute anything!” Cozy stood up but faltered a bit before regaining her balance. “Ugh, I feel heavy. How much did that thing take out of me?”

“If you’re done moping, there’s a kingdom that we need to conquer.”

“Now hold on a minute!” Cozy held up a hoof. “I think I should be compensated for what that egg took from me.”

“Compensation? What do you think I could possibly give to you? And what makes you think I would be willing?”

“I can tell that egg there is something pretty special. And since I gave my fair share of contribution, I think it’s only right that I should be its godmother, don’t ya think?”

“You, a Godmother?” Chrysalis chuckled. “Hah, you wouldn’t have what it takes to raise much less a baby pony.”

“Hey, don’t cut me short. I’m known to surprise others.”

“Fine,” Chrysalis grumbled, not wanting to stir any fight while her youngling was still in her hooves. “Just go away before the other one shows up.”

“I’m glad we had this talk,” Cozy smiled as she flew out of the room. “I feel that we’ve become much better friends, don’t you agree?”

Chrysalis rolled her eyes at Cozy’s ridiculous comment and waited for the filly to leave the room. Once the filly was finally out of her sights, she laid the egg back in the hole. The egg began to flicker when it was no longer surrounded by its mother’s hooves.

“It’s okay,” Chrysalis whispered to the egg. “I won’t leave you alone for too long this time. I promise you will get everything you deserve my youngling.”

Chrysalis carefully slid the rock over the hole to ensure it doesn’t slant inside the hole. She takes one last look at her child before she conceals it under the rock again.

She takes a heavy sigh before exiting the room. She needs to focus on the matter at hoof. Her vengeance. Her birthright. Her conquest. All were now within her reach and she will attain all of it before she returns to her youngling.

It’s quiet. It’s always quiet in this darkness. Nothing for her to feel, nothing for her to hear within the pitch blackness.

She waited impatiently for that familiar warmth to return to her. She felt so hungry that she started shaking about to get out to go find it herself. But the invisible barrier that surrounded her kept her in place and so she continued listening to nothing. Until she heard a voice.

“Honestly,” she heard a voice. “I don’t see the whole point of this endeavor. We’ve already had our epic victory and our awe-inspiring finale. Why not throw an after-party rather than have me escort you to this dump?”

“The point,” she heard another voice. “Discord is for precaution of any dangerous artifacts they might have left. As the new Princess of Equestria, I need to do my best to prevent any danger from occurring before they escalate to something worse. And to do so, I need to be proactive in the possibilities that might occur.”

“Well aren’t you dedicated,” said Discord. “But going on with that mentality might make a pony paranoid. For you, I would give at least a week. It would be more fun if it were a day, but there’s nothing I can do against character development.”

“I know that I can’t stop everything from harming Equestria,” the other voice retorted. “But I should at least be able to stop any creature from obtaining whatever else those three found.”

“Well excuse my doubt, dear Princess of Equestria,” Discord said. “But if they had possibly—which I think is zilch—found another powerful usurping artifact, I’d imagine they would have used it already.”

“Are you going to keep complaining or are you going to help?”

“Ooh, I didn’t know complaining was an option. Well then, let me start off with my issue of—”

“Discord!”

“Fine, fine. But it’s your loss. No ruler can say that they had the god of chaos as their first guest of public counseling. But fine, see if I care.”

She heard them move across the room, resounding sounds that she was happy to finally hear. She tried to wiggle her way out of her confines to approach the voices, but this barrier was determined to restrict her movements.

During her struggle, she felt the presence of one of the voices. It felt only feet above her; the love she sensed put her in a hungry frenzy as her body glowed. A stream of purple aura entered through the bright lines of her confinement as it entered her, finally satiating the hunger that she had endured for weeks. She sapped for as much as she could until it came to an immediate stop.

“What?” the other voice spoke. “Why do I feel so tired? Was that you?”

“If I had done something,” Discord said. “I assure you; you would know. Now, are we done here? Cause there’s obviously nothing here as I already presumed.”

“…Let’s check the other rooms first.”

“Of course, you’d say that,” Discord sighed.

She can hear their steps fading after having a brief moment of bliss from her hunger. She shook wildly for their attention and her container illuminated as bright as it could. But then the steps disappeared, and it was quiet again. It was all quiet and dark again.

“Strange,” a hooded mare commented from within a bush. Her eyes furrowed as she witnessed the newly crowned Princess of Equestria, and the Lord of Chaos emerge from a creepy looking cave.

The mare was on her daily forage to spruce new products from interesting herbs she could find from this forest. Most of them turned out to be poisonous, making this search yet another letdown. And at the moment she would call it quits, she found two famous figures lurking in this forest.

Her curiosity was far too piqued to ignore them. She had to know why they were in that cave. So, when she was certain they were no longer within sight, she entered the cave to explore its depths. She checked through the halls and chambers for any clue of what took place here.

Her search led her to a small hollow chamber that held nothing but a slanted rock and a weird purple log that looked to have been tossed aside. “Now what’s this?” The mare picked up the small log and observed its features. No matter how she looked at it, it was a plain broken log. A weirdly shaped and colored one, but still plain one, nonetheless. “This day has been an utter waste of time!” She complained.

She concluded that there was nothing of value here and decided to return home for the day and try again tomorrow. However, her journey out of the chamber halted when she heard a muffled snarl. It was a weak sound, but very noticeable in this quiet cave. The mare traced the constant snarl to the slanted rock but saw nothing. Although, when she looked around, she noticed a green light emanating from a small hole.

The mare used her magic to shift the rock aside and realized that there was a deep hole beneath it. And within that hole lied a creature she has never quite seen in her life.

A large caterpillar-like creature wrapped in a white coating gazed at her. It flailed in a frenzy to get out of the hole, but there was nothing for it to latch onto to move its body. It hissed and cried loudly at the mare, but the hooded mare looked at a daze from this creature. However, her senses snapped when she noticed the mane of this creature started to glow bright green, forcing the mare to mask her eyes.

When the light subsided, the mare glanced at the creature that continued its attempt to climb out of the hole. “What are you?” she asked. Noting the cracked egg beneath the creature, she can guess that it was a newborn. “You’re definitely a rare sight. I might be able to find some use for you.”

The mare was careful to pick up the flailing baby, worried that it may use its small fangs on her. However, as soon as she touched it, the baby began to calm itself and the mare used that moment to pick it up from the hole.

The mare held the baby to her pectoral, careful to near its head to her own where it could possibly leap and bite her face off. She began to feel strangely heavy the longer she held the creature, but there was no way she was going to abandon a possible gold mine like this.

“You’re going to be a valuable asset to me,” the mare said.

06: School Admission

Wist waited for a long time for Poison to come back. The time felt endless as she stood at their ruined cabin through the suns and moons for her to arrive. She didn’t want to miss the moment of her return, but there were inevitable moments of hunger that Wist had to attend to by foraging the forest for love and berries. And whenever she returned to the cabin, she hoped that she would finally find Poison standing with hefty blocks of wood to enforce Wist to do labor with. She only found charred wood that was the remains of her home.

At night, Wist would seek shelter beneath the unmarred floorboards. Each night, it seemed that the darkness only got eerier with the shifts of leaves and cries of critters that resounded in the dark. It pricked the small changeling with a daunting feeling that something was always watching her.

At first, Wist thought she was going hysterical because she was getting impatient with Poison. But, when she took a peek out of the floorboard one night, she could have sworn she saw a misty being within the slim glimmer of the moonbeam. For only a small moment, their eyes had met. The creature’s eyes seemed hollowed out as if there was only a black void inside. Wist widened her eyes in utter horror as she immediately retreated under the floorboard and enshrouded her body in her tarnished sheets.

She never managed to find it again through the onward nights, but she couldn’t help but think that it was still there, somewhere observing her from the distance. Wist truly wanted to believe that her mind was playing tricks with her, but couldn’t find a way to dissuade herself. She needed her mother’s voice to assure her. She needed Poison.

How long does Wist have to wait for it? How long does she have to wait to see her again? She wanted her now. She needed her now. “Mom…” Wist uttered as her sight became rippled by her tears. And then it was followed by pitch blackness.

Wist’s body shuffled about before her eyes eventually opened to beaming sunlight. Wist shielded her eyes with a hoof and groaned as she picked her body on her haunch. An impulsive need to stretch her body overwhelmed the changeling as she relished in the crackles of her bones.

Her sight then finally set upon her surroundings, which only left the changeling baffled. Everywhere she looked, she saw crystals that gleamed annoyingly at her thanks to the accursed sunlight. She also happened to find herself atop some sort of roundtable also made of crystals.

Wist made an attempt to hop off of the object but was stopped when her head bumped upon an invisible wall. Wist craned her head and hissed at the brief pain. When she recollected herself, Wist placed a hoof forward and touched upon the strange wall again. It didn’t appear she was touching anything, but she did notice ripples reverberating around her hoof.

“A barrier?” Wist wondered.

Before Wist could have pondered more upon this phenomenon, a large door that stood before her suddenly opened. What came before it was a blue mare that appeared to be pushing a service cart inside. “Ugh,” the blue mare groaned. “Why does Trixie have to feed the menacing imp? Trixie is supposed to be the kind and insightful guidance counselor, not some nursemaid. Trixie ought to—yipe!”

Trixie startled back when her eyes met upon the confused changeling. Wist had been observing the mare complain to herself as she strolled the cart her way without giving the changeling a single glance.

“Hi,” Wist waved a hoof at the spooked mare. “So, are you the one that put me here?”

Trixie hid behind the stroller, craning her head down to the floor. “Why is she awake?” Wist overheard the mare panicking in her fruitless attempt of whispers. “Nopony said she was going to wake up today. Why did Starlight pick Trixie of all ponies to deal with this?”

“Starlight,” Wist perked at the name. “You know Starlight Glimmer? You gotta tell me where she is. I need to find her.”

“Oh no,” Trixie voiced as she backed away from Wist. “Trixie won’t have any part of this. This is Starlight’s problem, not mine.”

“Hey!” Wist unfurled her wings. “Don’t go running away from me.” Wist’s eyes then dawned upon the steaming bowl of a yellow liquid before returning to the steadily retreating mare. “You supposed to feed me, aren’t you?”

“No way,” Trixie declined. “There is no way Trixie is going near you. Trixie knows what you did to the others. You won’t be having Trixie as your next conquest of meals.”

“I promise I won’t bite,” Wist tried to sound sincere. “Just don’t go, okay?”

“...” Trixie looked back at the exit and then towards the changeling that confused her with a glum face. How can such a menace make such a woeful expression? Trixie couldn’t believe that her heart was actually taking pity upon this changeling. The troubled mare stood in place briefly, weighing her options, trying her best to persuade herself to play the smart move and leave...but…

Trixie sighed and gritted her teeth. “If you so much dare try something funny on Trixie, Trixie will make you regret it.”

Wist simply nodded as the blue mare hesitantly returned to the table. Trixie’s horn illuminated in a pink light that slathered upon the invisible wall. Trixie then picked the bowl of soup with a rag and carefully placed the bowl through her slathered magic and set it before the observant changeling.

“You’re sloppy with magic,” Wist commented. “Aren’t you?”

“You’re in no place to make judgments of others,” Trixie harrumphed as she pulled her hooves away. Once her magic had dissipated from her horn, so did her slathered pink magic. Wist prodded her hoof where Trixie’s used to be and confirmed that the portion of the invisible wall was back in place. “Now eat,” Trixie demanded. “Trixie is going to inform Starlight that her guest is awake.”

“Wait,” Wist placed both of her hooves upon the barrier. “You’re not leaving already, are you?”

“Trixie was only told to bring the menace food,” Trixie stated. “Trixie has no other reason to stick around. Besides, this is already cutting into Trixie’s free time.”

“But what about Starlight? Where is she?”

“Starlight will come to you” Trixie answered. “What’s the point of telling you when she’ll be here soon enough? Trixie imagined you would be more curious about what happened when you lost to the Princess.”

“I didn’t lose!” The pitch of Wist’s voice briefly rose. “She just caught me off guard, that’s all.”

“Isn’t that how you fight?” Trixie raised a brow. “Trixie knows what you did to Thorax. It seems to Trixie that you got a taste of your own medicine.”

“Whatever,” Wist crossed her hooves. “You’re just biased towards your beloved Princess.”

Trixie chuckled at Wist’s response, confusing the changeling. “Oh please, Trixie kisses the hooves of no Princess. Trixie will have you know that she was once the rival of Princess Twilight.”

“Was that official or just something you tell yourself?” Wist quipped.

“Hmph,” Trixie harrumphed. “Trixie doesn’t have to take this from the loser. Trixie will be going now.”

“Alright, alright,” Wist rolled her eyes. “How about we just forget about that for now. Why not tell me what happened after my tie with your Princess.”

“Sure, keep telling yourself that,” Trixie mumbled and then raised her voice. “Well, after your little prank at our school, Starlight called in the staff and guards to hide you and Twilight away from the public to avoid causing any panic. Though Trixie believes that was inevitable since you turned Smolder to a ferocious succubus for Ocellus.”

“Was it that bad?” Wist wondered. “I didn’t even give her a lot.”

“You shouldn’t have given her a gram of that stuff,” Trixie leered at Wist. “Trixie will have you know that Smolder burned the halls of the school while Starlight and Trixie were trying to separate her from Ocellus. Starlight had no magic to calm her down, so we were forced to use a containment spell on her until some creature brought the depressants."

"A containment spell similar to this I imagine," Wist tapped upon the barrier.

"Oh no," Trixie shook her head. "What you're in is more special. That table you're standing on is the cutie map that’s able to locate all sorts of friendship problems in the lands. It also happens to have an abundance of magic inside of it."

"And right now, its magic is being used to keep me in place," Wist concluded. "Right?"

"That, along with that suppressant ring on your horn."

"What?" Wist felt her horn and touched upon a strangely cold object. Using the reflection of the cutie map, Wist saw a light blue ring strapped to her horn. Wist quickly tried to pull the ring off of her, but then she shuddered to a stop when the ring released a small jolt of lightning that stung the changeling.

"Trixie would advise not to touch it," Trixie recommended. “We added safety measures to make sure you don’t lose it.”

"And you tell me that now!" Wist growled. "Get it off of me!"

"Trixie will do no such thing. That decision goes to Starlight and the Princess when she finally gets off her lazy plot."

"She's still unconscious? See, that totally means I won!"

"You shouldn't be so desperate for validation. It's not a good look for a Changeling Queen."

"I'm a witch!" Wist loudly corrected the mare.

“Fine, fine,” Trixie groaned. “If it’ll stop your whining, then you won. Trixie is so proud of you. Now if you don’t mind, Trixie has other matters to attend to.”

Trixie walked off to the exit again, goading the changeling to bang upon the barrier that held her. “Wait! You’re just going to leave me here?”

“You’ve been there for the last three days,” Trixie answered as she held a hoof upon the door. “Don’t feel so down, once I tell others that you’re up and about, I’m sure there will be another changeling that would be ecstatic to keep you company.”

At that, Trixie closed the door, leaving Wist alone with her steaming soup. Wist kept her eyes upon that door for a long while before groaning and staring down at the bowl. The changeling lowered her head down to it and gave the soup a lick. “Taste like apples…”

Wist continued feasting upon the soup, satiating the sudden hunger that suddenly surged within her. The liquid was soaked with a strong essence of love as if some creature put in an excessive amount of passion into making this food for her. Who would have so much love for a measly apple? Eh, who cares. Wist needed to take in all the love she can get. However, it would have felt a lot better if she did have to do it inside yet another prison.

Wist was dreadfully bored while waiting for any creature to appear through the door. The least Wist would have expected these Equestrians to do was provide their prisoner with something to keep them entertained. They are supposed to be creatures that show kindness to others, even to the mischievous, right?

Wist grew tired of spinning the bowl about as she found no way to slip through this barrier that they contained her in. Without her magic, the best option she had was forcing her way out, but there’s no way she could believe she could shatter the table made of crystal. She would only crack her hooves in the process.

Thankfully, her ears perked at the door finally opening again. The creature that emerged was the blue changeling that she recalled placing a sleeping spell upon. “Oh,” Wist was dissatisfied. “It’s you.”

“I know that you want to see Starlight,” Ocellus stated as she stepped before Wist. “But with the Princess out of it, you have placed her under more responsibilities that she would like.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” Ocellus emphasized. “That Starlight is temporarily the Princess until the real one is awake. Luckily, she has Ambassador Spike for guidance.”

“Hey,” Wist started. “I’m sensing some frustration in you. You don’t happen to have something against me, do you?”

“You mean besides placing the Princess unconscious and causing hysteria at the school?” Ocellus growled. “I wonder what it could be.”

“...It’s the dragon, isn’t it?”

“Her name is Smolder,” Ocellus corrected. “And what you had her do to me has become another talk of the school. Do you know how embarrassing it was for me to have so many of my students see me in such a compromising position!?”

“You Equestrians sure are strange,” Wist tapped her chin. “The Devil’s Dust is supposed to make creatures go wild in joy with a hysterical amount of added magic. Those other behaviors are normally not supposed to happen. And yet they’ve been pretty frequent with you all.”

“Who cares about that!?” Ocellus raised her voice. “You made me and Smolder look like sexual deviants in front of our friends and students. I don’t know if I’ll ever be looked the same way again.”

“To be fair, I only gave her a small push,” Wist argued. “Her reaction only shows that she had a lot of repressed urges. I would argue that it was a bit therapeutic for her.”

Wist’s excuse only earned herself a glare from Ocellus. “Okay, okay,” Wist raised her hooves. “I can clearly see that you’re upset. So maybe drugging your friend wasn’t all that great of an idea.”

“You’ve only realized that now?” Ocellus leered at the changeling.

“I’m sorry, okay!” Wist voiced. “Is that what you want to hear!?”

“...It’s a start,” Ocellus sighed. “At least you’re not one to think you’re always in the right.”

“So,” Wist started. “Any ideas of what you and your friends have planned for me?”

“That’s not up to me,” Ocellus stated. “That decision belongs to—”

“The Princess,” Wist finished. “Yeah, yeah, I heard that same spiel from another creature. Could you at least list me the possibilities here?”

Ocellus placed her hoof upon the barrier, matching them to the opposite side where Wist had hers. “Wist, I promise you that you can trust Princess Twilight. Despite the things you’ve done already, it can still be forgiven. Her judgment will be fair and I’m certain you will see that way as well.”

“Because of friendship, right?”

“And because she wants to help you,” Ocellus added. “You know, all of this could have been avoided if you just asked for help?”

“You expect me to trust creatures I’ve never met before. Yeah, cause that worked so well for me in the past.” Wist sarcastically said.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Wist averted her gaze from Ocellus then walked and lay on the opposite end of the table. “No.”

“Would like something else to eat?” Ocellus asked after noting the empty bowl.

“I could go for a refill. Whoever made that soup soaked it with a lot of love.”

“I’m not surprised,” Ocellus chuckled as she shot her magic into the barrier, creating a pink clear-cut portal for the changeling to stretch her hooves into to grab the bowl. “Applejack takes great pride in her apples.”

“Who’s that?”

“I’m sure you’ll meet her soon enough. Right now, I’ll go see if she’s still around in the castle. We can talk more when I come back.”

And again, Wist was left in her lonesome. It was a bit surreal to see her jailers be so kind to her. These creatures were far unlike the ones she dealt with back in Abyssinia. Of all of the kittens she dealt with in that land, there was only one among them she found trustworthy. “I wonder if he’s mad at me too.”

Young Wist hid underneath the floorboard of her destroyed home when she felt the presence of a creature. Nights have grown to be an ever-growing nightmare for the small changeling the longer she went without her mother’s presence.

Wist couldn’t see it without the aid of moonbeams, but she was certain it was there. Peeking above the floorboard, she could tell that the misty creature was there.

It gazed at her. It watched her. It observed her. And then Wist heard it walk towards her. How far was it from her? Its hoofsteps sounded so soft that it seemed to be far away from her. Wist listened closely and hoped for the sound to go away. But then she heard a creak upon the floorboard.

...It’s here, standing before her. It gazed at her as she gazed back. No words were spoken. No light was given. Only the pitch darkness to conceal the horror that Wist envisioned standing before her.

It touched her forehead. It felt warm and inviting. Something about this felt so familiar to her. Something she felt a long time ago.

“Mom?”

Wist’s eyes opened again to the annoying rays of the sun. She shielded her eyes with a hoof and let out a sigh. She didn’t know whether to be angered and relieved to be awakened from that dream. Somehow it all felt so real.

“Sorry,” Wist’s ears perked at a voice. “Did I wake you?”

Wist raised her head to find the source of this voice and discovered the mare she’s been searching for was sitting beside her. Settled atop the cutie map at Wist’s side, Starlight Glimmer peered at the surprised changeling.

“You…” Was all that Wist could voice out.

“I’m glad to see that you’re awake,” Starlight said as she began to stroke down Wist’s mane. “That hex spell you cast turned out to be really strong. Twilight was right when she said it would take a few days for the two of you to wake.”

“The Princess...is she still asleep?”

“She’s actually been awake for a few minutes now. We’ve been watching over her at this castle as well.”

“She’s been here this whole time?”

“She’ll be coming here soon enough,” Starlight informed. “You can imagine that she may have a lot to discuss with you. But let’s not worry about that right now. I would like a chance to talk with you before any of that.”

“Why are you petting me?” Wist asked.

“Oh,” Starlight pulled her hoof away. “Sorry about that. When I came in, you looked like you were having a nightmare. At first, I was going to wake you out of it, but then you seemed to calm down when I touched you. So, I figured if I kept petting you, your dream would be more pleasant.”

“Oh...okay.”

“This may be random, but Wisteria, could you tell me about your home?” Starlight asked. “I’m curious about where you came from.”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Wist averted her gaze from Starlight and lowered her head back upon the cutie map. The surface was strangely warm despite being made of pure crystals.

“I guess that's a touchy subject for you,” Starlight assumed. “Then how about we talk about something else. Like, say, your passions and goals.”

“Why should I tell you?” Wist raised her eyes upon the mare. “I’m certain that you’re just going to share this all with your Princess. And besides, every creature I tell always says I’m wrong for it.”

“Then I’ll be the first to not judge you,” Starlight laid a hoof on the back of Wist’s head. “Listen Wist, I don’t want you to be afraid to tell me anything. My outlook on you won’t change regardless of what you tell me...I think.”

“Do you promise?”

“I promise.” Starlight nodded.

Wist turned her face from Starlight, but eventually came back upon her and spoke.“...I want to be a witch. For as long as I can remember, my mom was one. She was ambitious and worked hard to be one of the best. So, I want to be just like her.”

“Twilight mentioned that to me before," Starlight said. "But tell me, what do you think it means to be a witch?”

“They’re smart,” Wist answered. “They’re cunning, ambitious, and work hard to unravel the mysteries of magic. Those that creatures are too afraid to explore themselves.”

“And what would you use that knowledge for,” Starlight asked, giving the changeling a careful glance.

“Nothing,” Wist blatantly answered.

“Really?" Starlight was taken aback by Wist's answer. "You wouldn’t make use of magic that no other creature has come to comprehend? I mean, even I would be tempted by the possibilities.”

“I just want to broaden my knowledge of all magic in the world just like my mother did." Starlight noticed a gloom in Wist's face. "But so far, I lack the basics. I can't even do a levitation spell and that's supposed to be one of the first things a foal should learn. But, I’m going to change that. I'll do everything I can to become an all-knowing witch, bewitching, and full of wisdom beyond that of the greatest wizard.”

“That’s a very admirable goal,” Starlight complimented. “It would be nice if all witches shared that mindset.”

“What does that mean?”

“I’m guessing your mother is the only witch you’ve known. Well then, I think you should know that you and your mother do not share the same sentiment as most witches do. They seek knowledge that is usually lost and forbidden, but their purpose happens to be selfish and place others in a lot of harm.”

“That's not what I've heard. Most of what creatures told me that we are disliked for delving to secrets that they believe are best hidden. In what way do they harm others?”

“Forcing ideals on others, manipulation, liberation, those sorts of harm. And sadly, they are fairly common in Equestria. There are even rumors of a sisterhood that gather these witches together. Who knows what they have planned if they're not stopped.”

“What does that have to do with me? I’m nothing like that. I just want knowledge, that’s all.”

“I know, but the title of witches is not well-liked by the public. So, I wouldn’t recommend telling others about it.”

“What are you going to do with me?”

“That decision goes to Princess Twilight,” Starlight raised to her hooves. “But I think this talk has given me an idea of what I should tell her.”

Wist watched Starlight shoot through the barrier and hop off the table. Seeing this mare close-up made her anxious if she really was what Wist hoped her to be. There aren’t any similarities she could point out. Just this prevailing feeling that feels nostalgic.

“I forgot to ask this,” Starlight spoke. “But before you fell asleep, you called me your mother. Do I have some sort of resemblance to her?”

“I…” Wist couldn’t find the right words to respond with. Her face heated as she found embarrassment.

“It’s fine,” Starlight smiled. “We can talk later about it if you like. I think now is a good time to bring the Princess.”

Wist glared at Princess Twilight carefully as Alicorn Princess was welcomed inside the chamber by Starlight and her associates. Twilight stepped before Wist and then nodded to Starlight.

Wist was surprised when the Headmare struck a beam upon the barrier, as it appeared to have dissipated within the purple glow.

Wist stepped back from the Princess and furrowed her brow. “What’s your angle here?”

“Nothing,” Twilight calmly answered. “I just prefer it that you have more freedom before we speak.” The Princess smiled and placed a hoof on the table. “I think both of us have slept in long enough.”

Wist jumped off the cutie map on the opposite end from Twilight and glared at the creatures around her. Behind the Princess stood Ocellus, Starlight, Trixie, and an orange stallion she doesn't recall meeting. The illeist mare took cover behind Starlight.

“I can understand your wariness," Twilight said. "I wouldn't expect it to be easy to trust creatures you’re not familiar with. But I would like it if you gave us a chance.”

“What? So is this a part of your Princess decorum to bring me into your side of friendship?”

“Please don’t think of it that way,” Twilight frowned. “I can assure you that no creature will force you into friendship. It wouldn’t even be called that if that was the case.”

“Whatever,” Wist hissed. “So, what now?”

“How about we change the topic.” Twilight suggested. "I can tell that you're new to these lands with how little you know about us. I would like to know why you chose to come to Equestria."

“I already told you that I came here to find home.”

“Yes, but I would like to know what this home exactly is.”

“It’s exactly what I said,” Wist said matter-of-factly.

“Wist," There was a slight crack in Twilight's soft demeanor before recovering. "I want you to describe this home you speak of. Where is it exactly? Or I should say, who is it?”

Wist was perturbed by Twilight's statement and had begun looking around for a way to escape the situation. Her eyes met with Starlight's, who smiled and nodded to the changeling. Wist paused at the Headmare's action. After a small grumble to herself, she faced the Princess again.

“There’s...two," Wist mumbled, but loud enough for the Princess to perk at. "One of them led me here. There's a familiar scent here that I remember. I remembered it to be calming, warm…" Her sight trailed to the open window that appeared to far too escape through. It's pretty pointless to try anything given that she has nothing under her sleeves to use. "And then," Wist continued with a sigh. "There’s another that I know very well. I want to go back to it, but I don't know where it is anymore.”

“I see,” Twilight nodded her head. “I’m sorry to hear that you were separated from them. But, I think I can help you, if you like?”

“Help me?” Wist narrowed her eyes at the Princess.

“As Princess, I have many connections and eyes I can place across the lands. You would have a better likelihood to discover the whereabouts of your home with the survey of my fleet.”

“And you plan to want to be rewarded with something from me in exchange, do you?”

“I heard that you lack basic knowledge of magic. I can assume that you did not receive basic schooling, right?”

“I was tutored.”

“Then how about an opportunity to fill in the gaps." Twilight walked around the cutie map to meet the Princess. Wist was a bit surprised how tall the Princess was up close. "While I have my resources search for the whereabouts of your home, I would like for you to attend the School of Friendship.”

“...You want me to learn about friendship?” Wist gazed at the Princess with skepticism.

“Why not give it a chance? You might turn out to like it. I mean, there will also be classes that will teach you about magic and many other facets that may peak your interest, but it couldn't hurt to try it out, wouldn't it?”

“This sounds like a win-win situation for me," Wist was puzzled. "Are all Princesses terrible at bartering?"

“That's because it isn't," Starlight stepped before the cutie map. “If you let us, we want to teach you all the things that you missed out on. And, I would really like it if the two of us have more to talk with each other. It may be some time before we can find either of your homes. But, in the meantime, you could see Ponyville as your third.”

“I don't know about that,” Wist said. "But, if you're really offering free lessons, then I guess I can entertain this. But," Wist fiercely glared at the Princess. "Let's get something clear here. I'll only play nicely as long as you keep me in the loop of your findings. If I feel you're not doing your end of the bargain, then I'll take the matter into my own hooves."

"Ugh," Trixie groaned from behind Starlight. "That snooty behavior of hers reminds her of another Changeling Queen I don't like."

"That better not be that attitude you're going to take with her," Starlight said. "I intend for the two of you to get quite acquainted with each other on the weekly."

"What!?" Trixie backed appalled. "You would lock Trixie with this fiend! Why would Trixie ever agree to such a reckless idea!?"

"Because it's your job," the orange stallion answered.

"Nopony asked you, Sunburst," Trixie retorted.

“Then we are at an agreement,” Twilight said. “From henceforth, Wisteria will be a student of the School of Friendship. I believe Starlight has already made the arrangements to assign Ocellus as your homeroom teacher. I hear that the two of you have already been familiarized with each other. The only pressing matter now is your living arrangement.”

“Don’t worry about that, Twilight,” Starlight said. “I already know just the perfect place for Wist.”

Luster laid on her bed one night, contemplating the event from her first day of school. She had never anticipated the number of class subjects to be so vast, an unexpected benefit that Luster fully intended to take full advantage of.

However, her mind drew to that Wist character that started an incident some days ago. The pandemonium she caused floored the scholarly mare. Headmare Starlight informed the students that they had nothing else to fear after they remedied the crazed dragoness that was her P.E. coach. She's actually been rather touchy about the event. And by touchy, Luster meant prone to threatening responses.

But now importantly, that changeling appeared to know a lot about potion making and also appeared to be strong with magic if she was able to give the Princess so much trouble. Thank Twilight that she’s no longer on the prowl anymore.

Although, there was a semblance in Luster's desire that wished she could have more time with her. Luster never met a creature that she had an affinity for so quickly. It was like she had a kinship with her. Though now her perspective is quite different knowing that the changeling is a deviant. Still though...

Luster’s thoughts sputtered to a close when she heard a knock from her door. How strange; Luster did not expect any visitors. Perhaps it’s one of her new friends coming to greet her. “Coming,” Luster announced.

Before Luster opened the door, she glanced upon a mirror propped atop her drawer to make sure her mane was fixed. When she answered, she stood astonished when she saw Headmare Starlight and the changeling that started an incident at school standing before her. “Headmare Starlight!? Wait, what is she doing here?”

“Good evening, Luster,” Starlight spoke normally as if there was nothing abnormal about this situation. “I trust that your classes went swimmingly today, right?”

“Yes,” Luster stuttered. “They did. But, why is the changeling that endangered the school standing beside you? I thought you took care of her.”

“And I did,” Starlight nodded. “I have come to a decision that I think will work out for both of you.”

“I don’t follow,” Luster frowned.

“I’ve noticed that you have made efforts in the last few days to invite a fellow classmate to become your roommate. By the looks of things, I can see that it’s proving rather difficult.”

“Well, yes,” Luster admitted. “Pitching other students to leave their roommate has so far proven to be an impossible task. It seems like they’ve all become the best of friends...wait,” Luster gawked at the Headmare. “You’re not about to do what I think you’re about to do, are you?”

“If you mean having Wisteria here become your roommate and classmate at the school, then yes.” Starlight smiled at the dumbfounded mare.

“What!?” Luster fell on her haunch. “You’re going to leave me with this lunatic!?”

“Oh,” Wist entered the room. “I remember you now. You’re the one I made mane potions with. Did you manage to finish it while I was gone? I’d really like to have a few since I’m apparently not allowed to have my old things.” Wist eyed at Starlight.

“You’ll get them back in time,” Starlight assured. “Minus Devil’s Dust. Those go with the Princess.”

“Why is she, my roommate?” Luster demanded. “As I recall, she assaulted the Princess!”

“Your Princess decreed me as a student of this place,” Wist approached Luster and poked her snout. Luster swiftly rubbed her nose. “Whether you like it or not, we’re stuck together. So, I suggest getting comfortable with the idea.”

“Why did you poke me like that?” Luster growled at the changeling. “I don’t know where your hooves have been. You probably still have residues of that drug on you.”

“Now that’s an intriguing thought,” Wist grinned at the concerned mare. “I wonder how a goody two-hooves like you would react to it.”

“Don’t worry, Luster” Starlight assured. “Wist was fully disinfected and cleaned days ago. I made sure of that.”

“What?” Wist now gawked at the Headmare. “You washed me while I was unconscious?”

“No creature was willing to step in,” Starlight argued. “We couldn’t leave your hygienes unattended. No, stop looking at me like that,” Starlight pointed at the two students. “It’s not weird.”

“Did you wash the Princess too?” Wist asked. “How did can you manage with how big—”

“Moving on,” Starlight raised her voice. “I will leave the two of you to discuss the arrangement of the room. Think of it as a start to a new friendship.”

“Are you sure about this, Headmare Starlight,” Luster asked.

“Oh I’m sure,” Starlight assured. “You two have a lot in common. I’m certain the two you will get along...eventually.” Starlight then clapped her hooves before Luster could respond. “Well then, I should probably head back to my office and get Wist’s things. I think we should go out for dinner after. Two bowls of soup aren’t going to be enough to satisfy a growing body.”

Starlight closed the door before the two students, leaving Luster with the gleeful changeling that immediately surveyed around the area. “What are you doing?” Luster asked the traversing changeling.

“Checking out my place,” Wist said matter-of-factly. “I thought that’d be obvious.”

“Don’t you mean our place,” Luster corrected. “And if I’m going to be living with you, we should set some ground rules.”

“Now what’s this,” Wist pulled out a book plastered with bunches of heart stickers from Luster’s drawer.

Luster’s face immediately reddened as she rushed upon the changeling to grab upon the book. “Hey, that’s my diary, give it back!”

Wist dangled the book above the embarrassed mare as she chuckled, “A diary, eh? You must have it filled with juicy secrets then, don’t you? A goody two-hooves like you have to have something in your closet.”

Their rowdy voices vibrated through the halls of the dorm as their poor classmates endured the two's frantic act, fearful of confronting the changeling that they heard rivaled against the Princess of Friendship. This moment would mark the day to a new friendship full of chaos and neverending shocks to Luster’s now fleeting peaceful studies at the School of Friendship.