Eager sets the business card out, letting you grab it in your magic. "Here you go. She's crazy. She's sure she's part of an ancient order that knows the truth of the world, and she's the fastest way for you to get what you want." He sighs softly. "Take it... and go home. Yeah... Yeah... You won't do that, but I have to ask." His eyes wander over your form. "Sorry for asking, but should I refer to you as a lady or a guy?"

You read over the card. It has a phone number and an address. There's very little else on it. Someone else with this card would be helpless to remember who or what the card was for. Mysterious... "Thank you, and lady works." You turn for the door. "Before I go, how many people like me end up just going with lady?"

"Huh? Oh." He blinks, mind catching up. "Right! Actually... Most run as fast as they can to stop it being an issue, then go right back to being a fella." He rubs at the side of his head. "Afraid this means you had a little lady in you to start, or you wouldn't be easing into it so quickly. No offense! Lady people are cool too."

"Thanks." You rise up to regained human feet in shoes and head out to your car. You had a witch to visit.

You tuck the mysterious business card into your pocket as you head out to your car. A witch - the idea sends a tingle of apprehension and excitement through you. This Pauline could provide the key to unlocking the final pony virtue of Magic, but contacting her also opens the door to considerable risk.

As you start up your car and input the address from the card into your phone's map app, you consider whether this is a wise course of action. Your pony friend Eager Step clearly had misgivings about connecting you with Pauline. Perhaps there is good reason for his caution. Then again, when has playing it safe led to anything worthwhile?

With your destination set, you pull out of the driveway and begin the drive. You've come this far by embracing each new strange experience that has come your way. What is one more, when the prize could be so great? Answers, purpose, and perhaps the power to truly make a difference in this ailing world - aren't these worth pursuing?

The drive is not far, but your nerves make it seem longer. Eventually you pull up at a modest single story house in a quiet suburban neighborhood. Nothing about it stands out - nothing to suggest a mystical witch dwells here. Taking a deep breath, you walk up to the front door and ring the bell. No turning back now. The bell echoes within, and you hear footsteps approaching. The door opens, and you come face-to-face with your destiny.

"Can I help you?" asks the plainly dressed woman who appears. She shows no obvious signs of eccentricity or occult leanings. But you know better than to judge on appearances alone.

Clearing your throat, you hold up the business card. "I was hoping I could speak with Pauline."

The woman's eyes narrow, scrutinizing you closely. "Where did you get that?"

Your heart quickens. Here we go. How will you respond? "A mutual friend." Surely Eager knew her to get the card, right?

"In," she commands in a tone that offers no arguments. She snatches the card from you on the way past her and slaps the door shut behind you. With the clack of heavy metal, she seals the two of you inside. She smiles with a disarming kindness. "You've come all this way. Are you thirsty?"

"Um, sure." You step towards what seems to be her living room. There was so little there that'd hint the owner was anything but a random nice lady. A cat meows as you dare to enter its domain. "Hello there." You offer a hand towards it and soon enjoy the feeling of a cat nuzzling at the hand. "What a nice thing you are."

"He doesn't trust many." She wanders past, towards a small kitchen. "One point for you."

You smile as the cat nuzzles against your hand and you take the time to return the affection, rubbing the cat's head and tickling its chin. You decide to take its affection as a good omen. As Pauline wanders into the kitchen, you take the chance to glance around her living room. Aside from the cat, there are few signs of anything unusual - just ordinary furniture and decor.

You hear the sound of glasses clinking as Pauline prepares drinks in the other room. Soon she returns, handing you a tall glass of iced tea. You accept it with a murmur of thanks, taking a small sip of the refreshing beverage. It's... tart. Like fresh tea leaves had somehow been used, and not much sugar if any at all. Not a bad taste, but surprising.

Pauline seats herself across from you, regarding you intently. "So...you know Eager Step. Not too many ponies come around here. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Though her tone is light, there is a note of wariness in it.

You consider your words carefully. While honesty led you here, discretion may now be wise. "I've been exploring certain...esoteric arts. Eager Step thought you may be able to provide some guidance."

Pauline raises one eyebrow. "Is that so? And just what type of guidance did you have in mind?"

You meet her gaze steadily. "I want to understand the deeper nature of magic. The truth that lies beneath the surface."

Pauline is silent for several long moments. Just when the tension becomes unbearable, she breaks into a smile. "It's about time one of you found your way here. Finish your tea - we have much to discuss."

This is it - the point of no return. "One thing." She looks surprised at your call. "The tea." You raise the glass. "It has a curious taste. Did you make it yourself?"

"I did," she croons with a smile, as if pleased with the comment. "Like it? Go on."

You take another strong pull of it. It's nice... Why do you feel warm? You set a hand on your belly as you finish the tea. You feel so very relaxed, and warm, and maybe a little tingly?

Pauline catches the glass before you drop it and casually puts it away. You can see her and hear her, but your body refuses to do anything about it. You just feel so relaxed. Why bother moving?

She returns to stand in front of you, setting a hand on either of your arms. "But, you are a fool, or just... very brave. A pregnant pony, coming here, to dip her little hooves where they may be cut off?" The words are dire, but you can't feel that worry, too relaxed. "Do you even know? You're early yet, perhaps you don't..."

Her words penetrate the warm haze surrounding your mind. Pregnant? You try to focus through the overwhelming relaxation, alarm rising within you. Your body remains unresponsive, but your thoughts race.

You realize with dawning horror that Pauline has somehow drugged you. And now she knows your secret - that you are carrying new life within you. Fear for yourself and your unborn child breaks through the tea's effects. You try desperately to move, to speak, but only manage a soft whimper.

"Shhh, be still," Pauline soothes, though her eyes are pitiless. "You've involved yourself in perilous matters beyond your understanding. But perhaps it's fate that brought you here now. Your child may be...useful."

Her hand moves to rest on your belly, and you feel the first sparks of her magic probing within you. Seeking, assessing. Invasive. Revulsion and fury boil up in response. You will not let this witch harm your baby!

With a monumental effort, you force your numb lips to shape a single word: "No." It emerges as a breathy moan, but the intent is clear. Pauline looks surprised, then thoughtful.

"Stronger than you appear," she muses. "But you cannot fight me in your condition. Be wise, and you both may yet survive this."

You glare at her with every ounce of defiance left in your paralyzed body. What will you do now, trapped and at her mercy? The fate of two lives hangs in the balance. Magic! Right! You have that too. Maybe not with the capital M, but still. You press your will against hers directly, pressing life to life. You can feel her power as you focus yours and... it stops. She draws her hand back. "Good."

Good?! Good?! She was attacking you! "None of that was good." Oh, you can move. "What were you doing?"

"Testing you." She sinks in her original seat. Pauline nods at you. "I had to be sure Eager sent someone who even had a hope of learning a damn thing from me, otherwise it's a waste of both our times, and I'd have to get myself a new rug for the living room here." She chuckles darkly, as if that wasn't entirely a joke.

You shudder at her words, realizing just how close you came to grave danger. But the immediate threat seems to have passed - for now at least.

Pauline leans back casually, as if she hadn't just invaded and threatened both you and your unborn child moments before. "You've got spirit and you're not entirely helpless. Good. That's the minimum required to survive what I can teach you."

You eye her warily, still shaken by the encounter. "And what is it you think you can teach me?"

She smiles cryptically. "The truth about magic and power in this world. Things hidden from most, things you must know if you're to achieve what you seek."

Her voice lowers, as if imparting a secret. "Tell me, have you heard of the Traditions? An ancient order stretching back centuries, dedicated to advancing humanity's connection to mystic forces through rigorous study and training. In modern times, much of their knowledge has been lost or forgotten. Most doubt they ever existed at all. But some of us still keep their secrets."

You sense she is testing you again, trying to gauge your reaction. You keep your face carefully neutral. "Go on."

Pauline seems pleased by this. "There are still those of us who walk the hidden paths, who seek ascension to the highest levels of magical mastery. The things I can show you go far beyond parlour tricks. But the way is perilous. Many have lost themselves along the road."

She leans forward intently. "So now you have a choice. Turn back to your safe little pony games, or walk with me into the darkness, toward true gnosis. But know that once you begin, there's no turning back. What will it be?"

Her eyes burn into yours, awaiting your decision. To accept may be madness - but it may also be your only chance at harnessing the power you need. What do you choose? "One thing..."

"You keep saying that," she laughs out. "You have nerves, and I respect that. Go on. What's on your mind?"

"I'm not trying to get involved in your... everything... I want to learn Magic, with a capital M. It's important, for my people." You sit up, taking a serious stance. "I don't mean to be offensive. We're all trying our best to do what we can see in front of us. It's all very important to us, all of it. I'm not saying your things are not important. But I have my important things."

Pauline nods along as you explain your perspective. "I understand - you're focused on learning Magic for the sake of your people, not to join some ancient mystical order. Your goals are your own."

She leans back, steepling her fingers in thought. "To be frank, much of our teachings would be wasted on one such as yourself. Your interests lie along a very specific path - one I doubt intersects much with our own."

Turning her gaze back to you, she gives a small smile. "But I can respect conviction and purpose when I see it. Perhaps I can still be of service."

Rising from her seat, she gestures for you to follow. "Come. I will show you something that may help unlock what you seek. But know that true Magic cannot be grasped in a single day. To wield it with wisdom and purpose requires dedication across a lifetime."

She leads you down a hallway to a room lined floor-to-ceiling with esoteric tomes and artifacts. Approaching a particular shelf, she retrieves an ornate box, murmuring a quiet incantation as she opens it. Nestled inside is a pendant engraved with arcane symbols.

"This amulet has been passed down through generations of adepts. It aids spiritual focus and channeling of mystical energies." She lifts the pendant delicately. "With this, you may find it easier to direct your will and perceive the secret currents that underlie existence. Use it as a lens to focus your intent."

She offers it to you solemnly. "Tread carefully. What you pursue now is no idle diversion. Do not lose yourself upon the path."

Her warning given, it is up to you now. Will you accept this gift, and all that may come with it? The choice is yours.

Author's Note

It's time to visit a witch! Surely she means well...

Do we take this? Is this the right way, or the easy way? Maybe both? Or neither?

Time to vote! Change, now they note, where applicable, what traits, if any, are sure to come up. Click here 👉https://forms.gle/FgNVT6yPk6ZdSAUY7

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