//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 - Going to Sweet Apple Acres and Escaping // Story: Wherever the Light Shines: Part 2 // by MLPSolarDash1907 //------------------------------// Fluttershy and Mystic didn’t speak for a while as the pegasus pushed Mystic out of the marketplace. The unicorn just kept her mind on the ingredients she needed. “That idiot was asking for it,” Mystic stated. “Well, I appreciate you standing up for me,” Fluttershy started, “But-” “What was I going to do? Just sit there?” Mystic asked, flicking her bangs again, “I had to do something because he was wasting precious time.” “Again, I appreciate it, but you can’t just go wrecking other ponies’ stands,” Fluttershy explained, Mystic slightly looked up at her, “He might’ve been rude but we can’t just attack him.” “Hey, all there is in life is winning, losing, surviving or not,” Mystic explained, “It was either him or us.” “Even in situations where it isn’t life or death?” “Right. Nopony should interfere with what’s what, he was just a waste of time and space.” “I’m not sure if I really agree on that,” Fluttershy mumbled. “Well, I’m sorry if you didn’t like the way I handled things,” Mystic said sarcastically, “I thought you said you were more assertive.” “I am,” Fluttershy replied in a serious tone and a bit of a glare, “But I try to resolve my problems peacefully and not use bruteness like that.” “You’re you and I am me.” Mystic huffed as she looked down the street, “Do you see the ingredients I mentioned earlier?” “Oh,” said Fluttershy, pausing for a second. “I’ll look for them as we walk,” she said. Mystic slightly rolled her eyes, Fluttershy’s flying and she’s in a wheelchair, not exactly “walking” as she’d said. Fluttershy pushed Mystic to the edge of the marketplace, Mystic looked around for the ingredients, then she eventually saw some comfrey next to a stand. “Over there.” “Okay,” said Fluttershy. Mystic sat back in the wheelchair as Fluttershy took her over to a green earth pony mare. “Hi there,” Fluttershy said to the mare salespony. “Hi,” the mare replied, “Do you need anything?” “I’m looking to buy some comfrey and Aloe Vera,” Fluttershy explained, she pointed to Mystic, “My friend here needs some of them.” The mare slightly frowned, “Well, I’m sorry, but we’re fresh out of Aloe Vera, but we have some comfrey.” “Aw, what?” Mystic groaned. “Well, I’m sorry, but we’ll have some Vera in a couple of days.” Mystic groaned again and facehoofed. Great, more time in this town and more time with mushy friendship and flowers and sugar. “We’ll take a couple of comfreys,” Fluttershy piped up,. The mare smiled and gave them a couple of comfreys, Fluttershy paid for them and the mare put the plants in a bag. Fluttershy thanked the salesmare and went on her way with Mystic who gave the mare an annoyed look. “Is this going to help any?” Fluttershy asked, concerned. “Well, I guess I’ll see what I can do when we get back,” replied Mystic, “I don’t want to do anything in town.” “Okay,” Fluttershy agreed, looking into her bag, “We’re heading into Sweet Apple Acres to drop off some fruits for Granny Smith to give to some of her friends.” “Wait what?” Mystic asked, confused, “I thought we were heading back to your cottage.” “Oh, you must’ve not heard me explaining we’d be heading that way while you were looking.” Mystic sighed, “Okay, let’s head over there.” She looked down at her wounded foreleg and muttered, “That way I can get the heck out of here and leave this town with supplies I need for my journey.” She had been able to keep going along with the situation in order to get out of it sooner, it's something she always did to ensure she'll get through something she can't get out of. She's mostly been able to play this mare like a fiddle. “-and that’s how Ponyville was founded,” Fluttershy finished. Mystic couldn’t help but be impressed. There was an original founder of the town and it started with this farm? “Well, that’s quite a story,” Mystic finally said, looking around at the apple trees. “Just wait until you hear about the Zap Apples,” said Fluttershy. Mystic’s eyes slightly widened. She’d heard of Zap Apples but never had seen them before. But, she brushed the thought aside, levitated her comfreys, and looked at her foreleg. “You might want to stand back a bit,” she said to Fluttershy as she concentrated her spell. The pegasus did so as Mystic’s magic glowed a little brighter and the comfrey turned into some kind of clear liquid. Mystic took her bandages off her foreleg and placed the liquid on it. She slightly cringed but rubbed it in with her other hoof and it seemed to vanish. The pain slightly went away, but no improvements were made to the wound. She sighed. “I figured that wouldn’t be enough,” she muttered. “Enough?” Fluttershy repeated. “I was hoping the wound would close up some, but it didn’t.” “Well, that means I’ll just make sure you get better until the Aloe Vera comes in,” said Fluttershy before pushing her again. “Great,” Mystic deadpanned, “Just... great.” Fluttershy turned a curve in the road. Mystic first saw the big barn, a few other buildings, and some cornfields. She saw a big muscled earth pony stallion plowing a field and a little yellow filly with a red bow on her head feeding the pigs. “So, this is ground zero for Ponyville,” Mystic commented. “Yes, and I love coming here when I get a chance,” replied Fluttershy. “Hey, Fluttershy!” called a familiar country voice. Both mares turned to see Applejack coming over, she’d just set up some buckets to buck the apples into. Mystic raised an eyebrow, recognizing the mare. “Oh, hi Applejack,” Fluttershy replied delightfully, “I’m just here to drop off fruits for Granny Smith.” “Oh, that’s great, the Golden Horseshoe Gals and the elderly home are both lookin’ forward to trying them out!” Fluttershy giggled, once every two months Granny Smith makes multiple fruit-flavored pies, each one is different every time and the elders love it. Applejack saw Mystic, and her cheery demeanor changed into one of slight wariness and a frown. “Oh, it’s you,” she said. “Thanks for the warm greeting,” Mystic replied sarcastically. “Look, Ah ain’t got anythin’ against you,” Applejack explained. “But try to show Flutter some more hospitality after what she did for you.” Mystic just looked the other way to the apple trees in response. Applejack sighed. “How’s she treatin’ you?” Applejack asked. “She’s getting there, we are talking at least,” replied Fluttershy, looking at the unicorn, “Some good things, too.” “Any problems?” Mystic waited for the pegasus’ response. “Uhm, no,” Fluttershy lied, Mystic raised an eyebrow without looking at her, “We’ve been getting along and I plan to take good care of her. Hey, we even found an ingredient she used to help herself.” “To heal herself like she did earlier?” Applejack asked, inclining her head. “Yes, but-” “Okay!” Mystic shouted, “It didn’t work as much as I wanted.” She looked at Fluttershy, “Shall we get these fruits delivered and back as soon as possible?” “Of course,” replied Fluttershy, “Let’s get to it.” She turned to Applejack, “We’ll talk later, good luck with the harvest.” “Thank ya, Flutters,” said Applejack as Fluttershy began pushing Mystic again. At the entrance of the Barn, Fluttershy parked the wheelchair right outside of it. “Now, I’ll be back in a minute, you stay here,” she said. “Fine.” With that, Fluttershy walked in with her bag and she greeted a pony inside. When Mystic began stretching good foreleg, she looked to her left and saw the little yellow filly. Her eyes slightly widened. “Howdy there,” the filly said with a grin. “Ah’m Apple Bloom. What’s yer name?” Mystic didn’t know how to respond. She’d hardly been around kids recently, and what would Applejack say about this little filly talking to her? “Uh, kid? Shouldn’t you be working on the farm?” she asked a little awkwardly. “Ah’m done fer the day,” Apple Bloom replied, “Ah’m gonna go meet the Crusaders a little later to find other ponies to help.” “Crusaders?” Mystic tilted her head. “My friends, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and I are a group called the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Apple Bloom jumped, a bright smile on her face. “And we go around helpin’ ponies find their purpose in life!” She smirked, “Or, we’re called the CMC for short.” “Cutie Mark Crusaders huh?” Mystic smirked, “That’s adorable.” “It ain’t adorable! It’s a catchy name fer our club!” Apple Bloom stated with pride. “So, the group helps ponies get the tattoos for their butts?” Mystic asked, pointing to Apple Bloom’s flank, causing the filly to look at it. “They aren’t tattoos, they represent what each pony is meant to do in their life,” Apple Bloom looked back to Mystic. “So, it’s not just some decoration for your butt?” Mystic asked. “No! Ah-” Apple Bloom stopped and chuckled, “Oh, Ah see what yer doin’.” “I didn’t say I was doing anything,” Mystic's lips slightly curving up but going back down. “Suuuurrree,” Apple Bloom sarcastically replied. “Anyway, we’re proud and happy to help others!” Mystic slightly rolled her eyes. Great, more mushiness. “Ah hope ya get better soon,” said Apple Bloom, pointing at Mystic’s bandages. The unicorn looked at them and back at her. “Me too, kid.” She looked into the barn and saw Fluttershy walking back. “I’ve got to go when your friend gets here, have fun.” Apple Bloom beamed, “Oh, we will! Come see us again!” But then she dropped her smile, “But hey, what’s yer name? Ah didn’t get it.” Mystic sighed, “My name’s Mystic, okay?” “Oh, awesome! Can’t wait to see ya again, Mystic!” Apple Bloom beamed again. The filly excitedly ran off before Mystic could say anything, the mare only sighed again and saw the big muscled red earth pony walking over. He didn’t say anything but he did give her a nod as he headed to the barn. Fluttershy came out and almost bumped into him. “Oh, sorry Big Mac!” she said apologetically, carrying a couple of apple tarts, “Granny got me into another one of her stories after I dropped off what she needed for the Horseshoe Gals.” “Eeyup,” said Big Mac, smiling. “Anyway, I’ve got to get Mystic back to the cottage, she needs healing,” said Fluttershy. “Okay,” said Big Mac, he looked at Mystic, “Name’s Mystic?” “Uh, eeyup?” Mystic replied with uncertainty again. Fluttershy and Big Mac chuckled. The red stallion rubbed Mystic’s mane and headed back into the barn. “He’s a quiet one,” Mystic commented. “He is,” said Fluttershy, pushing the wheelchair again, “But his actions speak louder than his words. He’s really sweet.” “Like an apple pie?” Fluttershy giggled loudly, “I guess so. I think we can meet the Apple family after the harvest.” Mystic looked at the apples again. Ah, maybe I can take some of these before my leave, they’ll give me energy for sure. She planned to leave tonight, these ponies don’t need to be up in her business as sweet and mushy they try to be, maybe a bit much for her tastes. Meanwhile, while she does her weather routine, Rainbow Dash watches like a hawk. With things going on at the School and Mr. Bullion on her mind, she doesn’t want any more trouble, and this pony looks like trouble to her. She grits her teeth as Fluttershy shared one of the apple tarts with her. In Twilight’s office, Twilight is sitting in her headmare’s chair while Filthy Rich is sitting in the chair across her desk. The school is out for the weekend, but Mr. Rich was insistent he’d come over. Twilight learned he’s about to head off on one of his business trips tomorrow and he didn’t have enough time to go to the School to discuss what’s been on his mind for a while. “-and I’ve been growing ever concerned for my daughter and her friend’s safety when information about what’s been happening here,” Mr. Rich finished. “We’re working on everything we can,” Twilight assured him, “We even managed to seal up the pipes, repair the wall and the water damage.” “But,” Mr. Rich said, raising an eyebrow, “There’ve been multiple issues beforehoof, and I don’t think these solutions will last for long.” He shifted and cleared his throat, “Spoiled and I have been talking, and we’re thinking we should pull Diamond out of the School.” “What?” Twilight asked, a little surprised. “And Silver Spoon’s parents agree,” Mr. Rich went on, “I don’t dislike you or your friends, Princess, but we have to think about my daughter’s safety as well as her friends.” “I... I understand if you want to pull her out,” Twilight said, regaining herself, “It’s just Diamond’s been so wonderful, and I’m trying everything I can.” “I don’t think she should stay here, and besides, things aren’t looking good for you,” Mr. Rich sighed, “I think this School could be shut down.” Twilight slightly tensed, not wanting that, she wanted to lecture Mr. Rich that it wouldn’t be shut down, but she knew she couldn’t lash out. She sighed, “I’ll be sure it doesn’t, shall I let Diamond know?” “Not yet,” said Mr. Rich, “Diamond is heading out with us on our trip to Horseshoe Bay next Wednesday, and Silver has a doctor’s appointment to get new optics that same Tuesday, so unless I hear of more info, they will stay. But if I do hear of something...” He stopped. The princess sighed again. “I understand.” “Good,” said Mr. Rich, standing up, he headed to the door and looked back at Twilight, “Good luck, Twilight.” Twilight nodded before he headed out the door. When he did, the alicorn slumped her head down onto her desk, apparently tired of all of this drama going on as Rarity would place it. Mystic has been resting in Fluttershy’s chair as she was earlier that day. She’s just relieved to be away from everypony else. In addition, she’s happy to be out of her wheelchair. Fluttershy told Mystic just to make herself at home. The younger mare has replaced her bandages after putting her ointment on, and it still hasn’t made much progress in healing. Mystic kept an eye on all of the animals, especially that little bratty Angel, who doesn’t seem like a real angel to her, and just planned on what she’s going to do next. She didn’t want to stay here much longer, but it seemed as if the animals just are constantly watching over her. Though her savior didn’t plan on imprisoning her, she felt imprisoned. If there was only a way- Wait. She remembers a spell that might help. Fluttershy had to feed all of her animals later and she could sneak some magic into their food before then so it’d knock all of them out so she can escape. She slightly smirked to herself, happy to think of that idea. She looked into the kitchen to see Fluttershy preparing supper, it looked like daffodil and daisy sandwiches, and she prepared more tea, which Mystic can’t help but admit it’s delicious. Her host flew into the den, smiling softly as she always does and placed a sandwich in front of Mystic. “Go ahead, dig in, Mystic,” she said softly. Mystic levitated the sandwich up to her muzzle and took a bite when she did, her eyes widened, “Whoa, this is good, too.” Fluttershy giggled, “I had a feeling you’d like it, you loved my tea, too.” “Wait, I didn’t say I loved it, I liked it,” Mystic tried to play her off. “Besides, I made it clear I was proving it wasn’t something I wanted to do.” “Oh, sure,” Fluttershy said with a sly smirk. Mystic rolled her eyes and ate more of her sandwich before levitating her teacup to her lips and taking a sip. “So, why’d you do that?” she asked. “Do what?” Fluttershy asked, a little confused. “Lie to one of your friends about what I did to that loser of a pony.” “Oh, I’ll tell them about it later, but I think they should warm up to you a bit,” Fluttershy explained while Mystic raised an eyebrow, “I just want you to have a good impression on them is all.” “Okay?” “I don’t want your chances of having some friends in your life be ruined by a bad impression.” “Oh please, I don’t think I need friendship from them.” Fluttershy’s eyes slightly widened, “Oh, but everypony needs friendship. It’s truly magic.” Mystic scoffed, never hearing such a term to describe friendship, “Magic? Sure.” She ate the last of her sandwich, “From what I’ve seen, friendship’s not the answer all the time, it’s good for some ponies like you, but I’ve seen others get along without it just fine.” She didn’t seem happy when she made that statement, but it was genuine. “I’m sorry you feel that way,” Fluttershy frowned. “It’s not your problem,” replied Mystic. “I’m here for you, you can talk to me about anything.” Mystic just looked out the window to the Everfree as Fluttershy finished her sandwich. It’s around twilight time outside. “Even if we aren’t friends, you could try talking with other ponies,” Fluttershy suddenly said. She stood up and walked back to the kitchen. While she did so, Mystic heard her telling her animal friends she’s going to feed them. Mystic slightly perked. Her horn glowed, making sure no animals were watching her, she pulled out a clear container, her horn mixed a pink and white color magic before she placed it into the container before it escaped. She stood up and placed the container in one of her pockets. Limping, she entered the kitchen. “Hey Fluttershy,” she said, the pegasus looked over at her. “I may not be able to lift the packages of food, but I believe I can help levitate them over to you.” “You want to help me feed the animals?” Fluttershy asked a little surprised but delighted. “Yes, and I think you’re right, I’ll start trying friendship by helping you feed your animals,” Mystic slightly smirked. “Oh, that’s wonderful!” Fluttershy said happily, “The food’s in the pantry behind the other kitchen door!” Mystic nodded, “All right.” With that, the unicorn made her way to where Fluttershy told her, she saw all of the animals’ food containers, packages, and bags. All right, indeed. Mystic opened the bottle and magic seeped out, hitting everything with the animals’ food in it, they gave off a slight glow before it faded away. Mystic managed to put her container away before Fluttershy entered the room. “Okay! Let’s get started,” said Fluttershy, grabbing a bag of bird feed while Mystic levitated some boxes. “Yes, let’s,” said Mystic. Fluttershy had to tuck her animals in early for the night because they began falling asleep. She never had any suspicion of Mystic ever having anything to do with it. Mystic did help her tuck them in and gave them some warm pillows to help them, Fluttershy was grateful for all her help. The pegasus yawned, “Shoot, Mystic, I’ve got to get to bed. I can’t believe the day’s almost over.” Mystic looked out the window to see the black sky with twinkling stars, “Me either, a bit exciting earlier today.” “Mystic.” “I’m just kidding, really.” “Well, do you want to sleep in my bed tonight? I can sleep on the couch,” Fluttershy offered. “No, no, I think I’ve imposed too much. I mean you did so much already,” Mystic assured her. “I insist you’re not imposing, I’m happy to help,” Fluttershy smiled. Mystic sighed, keeping her frustration down. Such a kind soul. “Look, I know you’re wanting to help, but I’m fine down here. Please, Fluttershy, let me sleep down here.” Fluttershy’s smile grew. That worked, Mystic thought. “Okay, have a good night,” said Fluttershy. “Sure,” Mystic nodded. With that, Fluttershy headed upstairs and shut her bedroom door behind her. “Well, that was easier than what I thought it’d be,” said Mystic. Now outside the cottage and waiting for about an hour and a half, Mystic was sure the animals were asleep. She saw Harry and the rest of the birds sleeping as well. All eyes are off her, no animals to raise an alarm. Fluttershy had been sleeping for quite a while, too and briefly thought how the pegasus would react when she’s gone by morning, but she quickly dismissed it and began making her way to town, fully intending on taking some food for herself. But wait. She remembered the apples on the farm she'd been to earlier. The journey there would be discreet and she doesn’t want anypony else asking her questions. Making sure she has her machete and her knives, she tightened her belt and satchel, it was a bit harder to do because of her injury but she managed. “Okay, this has been a massive delay, but I can get my flank out of here no problem,” she said with determination. She limped off, she saw Ponyville’s cottages in the distance and intends to go around it. Thanks to Fluttershy for taking her to that apple farm she could find her way around to some easy food. Nopony else seemed to be out and that was good. The moon shined down on Mystic, annoying her some, she quickly limped into the shadows and moved rather swiftly having been injured. Mystic made her way down to Sweet Apple Acres, and she didn’t see anypony but she couldn’t take any chances with anypony seeing her. It took her about half an hour, but she didn’t care as long as it was dark. Now, she’s looking at several apple trees with apples not completely ripe yet, so she had to go a little deeper into the orchards to find what she needs. After limping for a little bit, she did find some fully ripe, ready to be picked apples. She slurped her tongue as she smelt the delicious fruits on the trees, just calling her name. Without a second thought, using her magic, she plucked the apples from the tree and fifteen more to ensure she has enough for her long journey. “Pft, this is like taking candy from a baby,” she chuckled to herself. Then, she heard barking. Startled, she jumped, dropping some apples by accident, she whipped around to see a white and brown dog barking right at her. “Stupid mutt! Get outta here!” she whispered harshly. The dog didn’t stop barking. She looked around vigorously, hoping to silence the dog with a spell or something. Then dog ran off, she gasped and took off after it, working around her injured limb. “Get back here!” she called, mentally cursing for raising her voice. Mystic ran for a short bit, calling for the dog to stop. Finally, she had enough of this. She levitated the dog off the ground to silence it, but it kept barking. Before Mystic could do anything, she noticed the barn is fairly close by. Her eyes widened. She let out a gasp when she saw a light turn on. “Dang it, stupid dog!” she said before letting the dog go and limping/running back the way she’d come from. When she arrived back at them, she scooped up her dropped apples and limping/running off before they could see her. The dog quit barking, she looked back to see the door opening, meaning she had to get out of there fast. Mystic made her way back to Ponyville, deciding to hide in the alleyways so the dog wouldn’t find her in the orchards, and she hopes that the scents of Ponyville would detract the dog from her own scent. But there’re the apples she has, so that’s a problem. She had to think about this. Mystic scampered through the town’s alleyways a little more to get away and came to a stop next to some barrels. She panted, pulling herself together. "Okay, Mystic, you can handle this, you've been in tighter situations before,” she said. “Where do you think you’re going?” an ominous voice asked from nearby. Mystic immediately tensed up, almost thinking she’s been caught, but realized it wasn’t from any of the ponies she’s come across. She turned around to face another dark alleyway. She grasped the handle of her machete in her magic and glared. “Who’s there?” she asked with great caution. “I believe you have something that belongs to me, little pony,” the voice said. “Like what?” Mystic snarled, in return, she heard a growl, that of a predator. “Like a map and a medallion, I believe,” the voice replied. Mystic’s eyes widened in horror as she realized what this was, she didn’t have a chance to say anything as a lion with a brown mane, brown eyes, a deep glare and snarl on his features, he’s suited up with bronze armor and had the lion symbol on his cape, the same as the medallion. The lion snarled deeply at her. His eyes full of hatred. “Oh no,” Mystic whispered to herself, knowing that she’s right in Ponyville with a menacing lion glaring right at her. “I still have the wound you gave me when you attacked me,” the lion said, moving his cape and showing a patched-up area on his back. “Looks good on you,” said Mystic, causing the lion to growl deeply at her. “You have taken where I was supposed to meet a pride and now, I’m coming to take it back! I’ve tracked you down for days.” “Well, sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t have them anymore,” Mystic replied. “What?” the lion growled, “Where are they?!” “Gone. Disappeared when I was attacked,” Mystic explained, showing him her bandaged foreleg. The lion smirked deviously, “Ah, a wounded opponent.” He lowered himself, “Such easy prey.” Mystic’s eyes widened before the lion leapt right at her, but Mystic dodged him and he crashed into the alley. Mystic ran out of the alleyway and the lion came out right after her. “Give me my things!” he demanded. “I told you, they’re gone!” Mystic replied “Don’t lie to me, you little pony!” The lion leapt at her again, but she kicked him in the face and slid right under him and kicked his backside. The lion growled, keeping his voice down and Mystic threw a couple of knives at him, he dodged them with ease. The lion tackled Mystic and squeezed the breath out of her, but Mystic ignored the pain in her foreleg and kneed the lion in the gut and made her horn glow brightly, blinding the lion, forcing him to let go. The lion threw a massive swipe at her, she dodged it and kicked him right in the face again. Mystic jumped over him and kicked down a stand with multiple barrels on a stand, causing them to tumble right on top of the beast. Mystic climbed stacked boxes and leapt to the top of a roof and winced in pain. “How am I gonna get rid of this thing?” she asked herself. She didn’t have time to think because the lion leapt right onto the roof, Mystic ran and leapt to another rooftop. The lion followed her as they both leapt from rooftop to rooftop, the lion threw a spear at her, but she dodged it, grabbed it with her magic, threw it back and slid off a roof to the street below. She rolled to a stop before looking back to the rooftops. The lion’s coming fast, so Mystic looked to her right and saw a vegetable stand. Grabbing it with her magic, she hurled it right at him. The lion punched it, causing it to come back at her, but Mystic dodged it. The lion grabbed her leg and threw her into a jewelry store window, shattering it and causing her to tumble into multiple displays. Shaking the stars out of her vision and pulling herself up, she growled and levitated some of the wooden displays and hurled them back at the lion. The lion swiped his great claws and they broke with ease. “Give me back my things!” he demanded. Mystic groaned and ran out the other door, not knowing a diamond necklace is around her neck and a sapphire ring on her horn. The lion didn’t go through the store but went around it and pounced right at Mystic again. The unicorn threw a bunch of rocks at his face, causing him to lose focus and he crashed into a cinnamon nut stand. “If you keep making noise, everypony will find us fighting,” Mystic said with confidence. The lion growled. Mystic snickered, “Rookie, aren’t you? Not able to fight an injured pony, right?” “Oh, and you’re any better? You’re running like a coward!” the lion shot back. “I’m no coward!” Mystic growled. The lion shot back up again, and Mystic grabbed several pots before throwing them at him, he knocked them to the side. Mystic threw another punch, but the lion grabbed her hoof and slung her right into flowerbeds and kicked her right across a couple more. Mystic, now dirty, stood up and clutched her machete. “I’ve had it with you!” she said. “I'm only just getting started!” The lion charged again, and grabbed Mystic’s wounded foreleg, the unicorn yelped in pain before the lion twisted his paw on it, causing Mystic to hold in a scream but she slung the machete into the lion’s side, causing him to let go once again but he quickly tackled her and pinned her to the ground! Mystic had to think fast. She looked at the bag of apples she’d picked, and inwardly groaned before levitating them up and hitting the lion right in the face, kicking him off her and punching him right into some boxes filled expensive oats imported from Appleloosa. Mystic limped off, examining her wound. It began to bleed some, she inwardly cursed it, thinking why does she have to have it now? At the sound of a crash, she turned around to see the lion charging at her again. Despite her pain, she managed to jump over him and slice his back again. He let out a cry of anger, turned back around and swiped at her leg again. Mystic howled in pain. "You're such a coward and disrespectful to your opponents!" "Respect to pony opponents doesn't apply for lions!" he lunged at her again, only to be met by a blast of magic and a knife to the torso. He roared in pain as he tried to pull himself together. Mystic limped away again, hating to feel so weak and vulnerable with this leg. She wished she didn't run out of those healing potions! Curse that wooden beast! Deciding to face the lion again, she dodged her knife she'd lodged into him as he came again. The unicorn threw some punches and the lion swiped at her, but neither made direct hits. Mystic fired a beam of magic right into the lion's face, causing him to cry out in pain before she headbutted him and slung him to the ground with her magic. The lion roared in anger as Mystic backed off, grabbed more barrels and hurled them at the feline. The lion swiped them, but one hit him smack in the face, knocking him into another produce stand. Mystic's about to attack until a barrel came flying right at her! She failed to dodge, it slammed into her, knocking her aside and into an alleyway! The lion got up and made his way over to face his opponent. He saw her in a fighting stance, but before he could do anything, a flower pot fell right onto her head, knocking her out. The lion’s eyes slightly widened at this stroke of luck. ... But then he sighed. “I guess I am a rookie,” he muttered. The lion looked around the village and noticed the damage done. He thought about using some magic to fix the damage but wait...the lion smirked deviously. “Since she did most of the damage, and with that diamond necklace around her, I believe I can frame this troublesome pony for her troubles,” he said to himself. He looked at her before grabbing and searching her satchel. He found glass containers, scrolls, food, but didn’t find any of his things. He growled, “Yeah, I’ll do that, she didn’t have what I need.” The lion chuckled sinisterly before he began thinking of ways to make his opponent look bad in this village’s eyes. As he did, a white-backed vulture watched the lion below, monitoring the situation. He flapped his wings and headed off to the Pride's camp.