My Little Pony : Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver : Chapter 11
A wish for the impossible
“Well Fluttershy, are you feeling any better now?” Rarity asked as the two departed from the Ponyville Spa. It had been customary for the two mares to spend an hour or two each week getting pampered and prettied up while filling each other in on what had been going on in their lives, however, now that they were both living together in a castle big enough to contain a spa of its own such routines had found themselves relegated to the past. That said, the convenience of having one’s own luxury accommodation readily available was no replacement for the skilled hooves and tempered know-how of the ponies who worked at their old haunt, and given the turmoil that had been upending their lives as of late, the two mares had decided it was time to renew some old habits.
“I guess. I mean, it’s nice that Aloe was able to get some of the tension out of my joints, and the mud bath was lovely but…”
The shy yellow pegasus averted her gaze, a move the white unicorn beside her recognized as a sign that her mind was troubled.
“You’re still worried about Discord?” Rarity asked.
Fluttershy gave a meek nod, her head doubly burdened by the weight of guilt that she had left the chaos god when he needed her most, and the disdain that she was ruining the mood of what was supposed to be a relaxing day out.
“He’s sicker than I’ve ever seen him, and nothing seems to be helping. I’ve taken him to see every doctor I know, I’ve had Zecora try every remedy she could think of, and he’s still showing no signs of improving.” Fluttershy sounded close to tears, evidence of how worried she was for the well-being of her friend. Rarity found it deeply ironic considering that same ‘friend’ had had her and all her friends imprisoned and nearly killed no more than a few months previously, but then again, Fluttershy had a knack for being able to forgive and forget that the rest of the Mane Six sadly lacked.
“Well, let’s not forget he agreed with me that you needed a break from tending to him. Clearly he’s as concerned for you as you are for him.”
Fluttershy’s shoulders eased up a little as she acknowledged this.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I just…I wish there was something else I could do.”
With a sigh and a smile, Rarity patted her friend on her flank.
“You’ve already done plenty for him, indeed it’s a testament to your kindness that he’s actually acknowledged that you need time to yourself. I say let him rest for a while and see if that helps.”
Looking into the unicorn’s eyes, and seeing the concern they held, Fluttershy made herself smile, a gesture that was all Rarity needed to beam like a star with satisfaction.
“I will. Thank you, Rarity. I don’t know what I’d do without you sometimes.” The yellow pegasus said.
With a chuckle and a roll of her eyes, Rarity shrugged.
“Truthfully, sometimes I envy how you can see the good in even the worst souls. I just don’t want that gift to be abused.” Straightening up and tossing back her flowing purple mane, the unicorn bade her friend to follow her. “Anyway, that’s scarcely a matter for us to be discussing now. Come, the day is young and I could use your help picking out something special for Spike.”
That was enough to spur a giggle out of the pegasus as the two headed through the bustle of Ponyville. With the celebration of Equinox over and things finally back to normal, there was a sense of cheer on the air that had long been absent from the community. Ponies were going about their daily tasks with a spring in their hooves and a smile on their muzzles, happy that today was the beginning of a new and better chapter in their lives.
Two such individuals caught the mares’ attention as they came to the familiar stomping grounds of Sugarcube Corner, the distinctively contrasting figures of Mr. and Mrs. Cake setting up a table outside their shop with a variety of baked goods that were labelled as ‘FREE SAMPLES’.
“Well, now isn’t this a pleasant sight: Rarity and Fluttershy come to say hello?” The round blue mare gleefully exclaimed.
“Well for you, Mrs. Cake we always have time to.” Rarity said while eyeing the tempting sweets. “What’s the special occasion that you’re giving out free samples for?”
“Oh just a little impromptu celebration, of sorts. We wished to share the joy that was recently bequeathed to us.”
“The joy?” Rarity cocked her head as she studied the older earth pony. “Wait, there’s something different about you today. You look….like you’re positively glowing.” A curious smile broke out across her muzzle. “My word, what has happened to you?”
Giggling like a mare half her age, Mrs. Cake looked affectionately at her husband as he brought out another selection of samples.
“Pound and Pumpkin are finally sleeping soundly through the night, which means we finally got to remember what it was like to do likewise. I tell you, getting the proper 8 solid hours in again after so many months, we’ve never felt more alive!” The lanky orange stallion declared, to the combined pleasure and confusion of his visitors.
“That’s wonderful, Mr. Cake! But, didn’t you say it’d be another year or so before they got to that stage?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yeah, that’s what we thought, but then a certain special somepony arrived in town that fixed that for us!” Both Cakes nuzzled each other affectionately, leaving Rarity and Fluttershy cocking their heads in bewilderment.
“A certain special somepony?” Rarity asked. “Who might that be?”
“Why, Calypso the Wish Weaver!” Mrs. Cake said with a grin. She was met with Fluttershy’s bewildered stare and Rarity’s furrowed brow, until something clicked for the latter and she traded brow for wide open eyes.
“Calypso? Wait, did you say Calypso?”
Both Cakes nodded enthusiastically.
“That would be the same Calypso that was mentioned during the Equinox celebration?”
More nods.
“Seems she saw fit to pay Ponyville a visit, lucky for us.” Mr. Cake said with relief.
Fluttershy and Rarity traded glances, neither willing to believe what they were hearing.
“She’s here now?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yep, got a tent set up on the other side of town. If there’s anything you need done that’s outside the normal realm of magic, you might want to snag a spot. Last we heard she’s getting pretty booked up.” Mr. Cake replied.
Cynicism warred with disbelief, who warred with amazement as the two mares processed this. Giving each other another glance, they settled on a course of action.
“I…guess we’ll do that. Uh, thank you for mentioning it.” Rarity said. She was promptly handed a box full of cupcakes.
“Perfect. If you wouldn’t mind giving these to her, we’d like her to know how thankful we are for what she did!” Mrs Cake replied.
Accepting the gift, Rarity and Fluttershy headed for the indicated part of Ponyville while still turning over what had just been revealed.
“Rarity, do you think…?” Fluttershy asked, breaking herself off in mid-sentence when she realized she had no idea what to think, let alone what her friend might be thinking.
“Honestly, I haven’t the foggiest idea. Star Gazer said Calypso was the one who may, emphasis on the ‘MAY’ part, have been instrumental in Equinox’s coming to Equestria, yet after Equinox’s….ermm…breakdown, she backed Twilight up on that most likely NOT being the case.” Rarity scratched at her chin, dwelling deeply on her own thoughts. “Then again, considering what we just heard, I suppose it’d still be worth our time to check this out.”
The two walked into Ponyville’s residential area, taking note that the mood here was even more jovial than in the town square, and with good reason if the ambient chatter was anything to go by.
Hey you’re out of the hospital already! And your wing is all healed up?
Yep, went to that mare in the tent on a whim. Wished for a speedy recovery and, well, she definitely made it speedy! Wing is as good as new!
So you just made a wish for that mane style and she made it possible? How is that thing even staying balanced on your head?
Don’t know. I admit, I’m a little afraid to shower or disturb it…but still, got my wish so I can’t complain!
Seriously I couldn’t believe it myself. She told me to just give it a night to work, and the next morning I woke up and my eyes had changed color just as I wanted! No really, on my life I swear these aren’t contacts!
Rarity’s ears swiveled like satellite dishes to hungrily absorb as much idle chatter as they could, her intrigue growing with each declaration that a Celestia-given miracle had indeed been blessed upon Ponyville.
“Yes, very worth our time.” The white unicorn observed.
The two finally came to the edge of town, finding the tent exactly as described. Granted it was fairly hard to miss given its size and the huge wooden sign perched above its entrance, not to mention the line of ponies looped around the exterior
“Calypso, Wish-Weaver Extraordinaire. Wish as you may, wish as you might. Wish what you will, it shall be right. Hmm, how poetic.” Rarity commented upon reading the sign. She studied the entrance and took note of the two fire pits that were blazing silently to light the rich weave of the tent cloth, a weave that not only exploded with hues of red and gold but also sparkled in the sunlight as if every thread was infused with magical energy. “Well it seems she’s definitely got the exotic design aspect down pat.”
“And she’s as much a hit as the Cakes said.” Fluttershy commented as she gauged the length of the line. “Do you want to grab a spot, Rarity?”
“Well if she’s garnered this much attention in such a short time frame I have to see what all the fuss is about.” The white unicorn said as she ran to get behind the last of the equines. “Not to mention this is giving me an idea, come on.”
Fluttershy got in line behind her friend and thus began the game of waiting while ponies slowly advanced forward into the wonders that lay within, then walked out either baring evidence that their time had been well spent, or wearing an expression that conveyed as much. Rarity watched with deep fascination as a fellow unicorn passed by with a newly acquired circlet of diamonds and rubies adorning her brow, with several more gems fastened around her horn. After her came an earth pony who’d gone in on crutches, and walked out under his own steam. He threw his now useless support devices in a nearby garbage can for good measure and smiled in victory.
“I can’t tell who’s going to face more competition here, Zecora…or Celestia.” The unicorn pondered. “Still, it seems I shan’t be making the most excessive request after all…”
“What are you going to ask for?” Fluttershy queried as the two drew close to the entrance. “The placard there says there’s a limit of one wish for each pony.”
She pointed to a smaller sign propped by the doorway, stating what the price of service was, as well as a request to please be sensible in what one asked for.
“Oh several things come to mind. First though, I really want to have a few words with this so called miracle mare.” The unicorn said as her turn finally came and she stepped beyond the veil. Inside both mares were immediately hit with the strong smell of incense. Smoke wafted from brass braziers tactfully placed around the room, giving it even more of an otherworldly atmosphere than the outside. Taking up center place in the tent was a small wooden table, adorned with several cups centered on a copper tea pot as if the occupant had been expecting guests to share a nice brew and some idle chatter with, rather than customers. A rug of similarly rich color as that of the tent spread out to provide a comfortable seat for the ponies as they took in their surroundings, spying various wooden chests around them that foretold of the nomadic lifestyle that their owner lead.
“Please help yourself to some mate! I’ll just be a moment!” Came a voice from further back in the cloth confines of the tent. Now more intrigued than ever, Rarity levitated the pot to pour herself a cup, and gasped as the smell of freshly brewed herbs and fruit spilled out with the liquid.
“Someone has certainly traveled from a distant land.” She mused while taking a sip of the delicious beverage. That someone soon revealed herself, in the form of the heavily robed and veiled mare as she stepped out while mopping her brow.
“Hello! Welcome! And sorry about that. Needed to quickly deal with something in the back.” She sounded quite flustered as she sat herself down.
“Miss Calypso, I presume?” The unicorn said while extending a hood. “My name is Rarity, owner of the Carousel Boutique, and this is my dear friend Fluttershy. We heard of the splash you’ve been making among the locals and simply had to come by to see what all the fuss was about.”
Calypso laughed politely as she poured some mate for herself. “Who hasn’t today? I was told your town was in need of aid, but this has so far been the most demand I’ve gotten anywhere. Barely even had time to set up and unpack before the crowds began to amass.”
Rarity nodded enthusiastically as she sipped her drink. “Well, from what we saw outside, you’ve got quite a unique gift. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it.”
“I sure hope not. I’m worried enough over being the only one.” Calypso replied, much to both of the mare’s surprise. “I mean don’t get me wrong, I take it as a blessing that I can help ponies as I have, but with the wishes I’ve been getting I fear over what may happen if things get out of hoof.”
Taking a long drink and letting the infusion of spices calm her soul Calypso set her cup down.
“To just give you fair warning, I still consider myself a novice, albeit it one with tremendous potential, hence why the limit on wishes and the request to keep things small. I don’t want to inadvertently grant something that’s going to turn around and cause problems further down the road. What’s more, I’m only one pony so ideally others could acknowledge that I’m not their personal problem solver for everything that plagues them in life.” She said.
Rarity and Fluttershy looked at each other. While before this might have confused them, the unexpected show of humbleness had now instilled a sense of quiet amazement.
“I see. Wow, I never thought I’d hear something like that from one with such magical talent.” The white unicorn said.
Calypso hid her face behind her cup again.
“Let’s…um…let’s say I have cause to be careful.” She said while finishing her drink. Pulling her veil down again she cleared her throat and sat up straighter. “Heavens, listen to me babbling on while I have clients waiting for me. It’s been that kind of day.”
She summoned a roll of parchment and a quill from one of the chests. Unrolling the parchment on the table, the mare set to work on writing up a contract. “What can I do for you two?”
Rarity made to respond, but then stopped herself. Her ears rotated outward as something new sprouted in her head. “Well, first off, what CAN you do?”
Calypso smiled. “Whatever you wish, Miss Rarity. Need a new mane style for an upcoming gathering? It’s done. Having a problem with dried hooves or your teeth not looking white enough? I can amend that. Don’t like the color of your coat? Pick something new and I’ll change it for you.” The smile vanished behind the veil. “Just again, don’t ask me to fill your bank account with bits or, deus forbid, tell me there’s somepony you’d prefer to be rid of.”
Rarity nodded as she puzzled and pondered.
“Fluttershy, may I have a quick and quiet word with you?”
The yellow pegasus looked confused as the unicorn made her turn around and whispered something in her ear.
“What? Oh no, Rarity I can’t do that…”
More whispering.
“But…”
More whispering.
“Well…”
Rarity gave her friend a pouty look that could easily have melted ice. With a resigned smile, Fluttershy nodded.
“I guess you’re right. What other option do I have left?” The yellow pegasus said before turning back to Calypso. “There’s a friend of mine, who’s been terribly sick for the last few weeks. I’ve had him looked at by everyone who could help, and none of them have been able to cure him.”
Calypso looked suitably concerned. “Were they able to at least diagnose what ails him?”
“Well…” Fluttershy nervously averted her gaze. “He’s not a normal…um…individual. His name is Discord…”
Calypso promptly jumped in shock at the name. Having expected this, Fluttershy winced.
“He’s not out for vengeance against ponies anymore, I promise! He and I, we’ve come to an agreement, and after recent events he’s been increasingly adamant about not going against that.” She said.
The hooded mare was not convinced. “This is still the god of chaos you speak of.”
“Yes but…he’s still so weak, and he keeps getting worse. I….I’m worried over what might happen if he doesn’t recover soon.” Fluttershy said.
Calypso looked down at the table. She poured herself another cup of mate and contemplated the steam swirling around the hot beverage.
“And you wish for me to see if I can perhaps help him?” She said.
Fluttershy nodded.
“You fear losing him, not just as a friend but as one you trust? Implicitly?”
Another nod, this one with notable resignation and fear that Fluttershy had overstepped her boundaries. Calypso moved her veil aside to sip at her drink, then closed her eyes and bowed her head. “Miss Rarity?”
The unicorn placed her hooves on the table and cleared her throat. “While I fully understand and share your concern, Fluttershy’s been good about keeping Discord on our side. He even lives with us now and hasn’t caused any problems yet.”
Calypso meditated on this a bit more, her hood shifting with the twists of her ears.
“Okay then. If that is your wish, Miss Fluttershy, I will do what I can to grant it. Bring him here after I’ve closed up for the day and I’ll have a look at him.”
Fluttershy looked immediately relieved. “Oh thank you! I just didn’t know what else to do!”
Rarity smiled brightly that her friend may at last have found the solution to her problem, then blushed when the robed mare turned to her.
“And what about you? You still haven’t made a wish yet.”
The unicorn hmmmed, though her attention seemed to be focused more on the mare than finding an answer.
“Honestly, I’m more intrigued by the exotic style of your attire. What say you drop by my boutique when you have a moment? I’d like to get some drawings and we’ll discuss what makes the most sense for me to wish for.”
Calypso blinked in surprise, then idly turned the cup around in her hooves as if bashful.
“I…could do that. I’ll just have to see what my schedule is like in the coming days.”
“Perfect! Here, take this as a downpayment and we’ll see you tonight!” Rarity poured several bits onto the table then bid the mysterious mare goodbye with a flourish.
"And these! The Cakes wanted you to have them for what you did." Fluttershy slid the box of cupcakes over and smiled. For the first time that day, she found cause to trot with the same light and perky spring as her friend. New hope had sprung from an unlikely source, and maybe, just maybe, it would help set things right.
Maybe….