Mystic had already slipped out of her clothing and sank into the warm water of the tub. As it soaked into her coat, she smiled a little to herself, feeling the warm water take away some of her achings and helping her relax some.
Grabbing a soap bar with her magic, she put it in the water to get it wet, pulled it out and it bubbled some. She began scrubbing her body and smiled a little wider, enjoying herself for a change.
When she finished scrubbing, she lowered herself into the water, getting her head underneath it. She reemerged and ran a hoof through her mane to make sure it thoroughly wet. Satisfied it was, Mystic grabbed the shampoo and rubbed it in. She’s not had a warm bath before. Sure, she’s used lakes and rivers, but nothing like this. Not to mention, getting a bed? A real bed?
She has slept on lumpy mattresses, on the ground, and on hard rock. She hasn't had a regular bed before, so she was happy, at least with that.
However, just as she rinses off her mane, the thought crosses her mind that she has to do applebucking tomorrow with those ponies. She snorted, annoyed at the thought. Mystic leaned back into the bath, not as relaxed but still enjoyed the warm water.
In the hallway, Apple Bloom has finished all of her chores and has gotten a fresh bow on as well, the one earlier needs washing, and she hates going without a bow. She saw the guest room and knew to give Mystic her space, she began to turn but froze when she saw Mystic who looked a little damp, but without her usual attire on. The older pony stopped in her tracks and turned back around to her room. Apple Bloom caught a glimpse of Mystic’s blank flank.
Her eyes widened, and she froze on the spot.
Did Ah just see what Ah thought I saw?! she thought. She thought back to it and clearly saw that Mystic had no cutie mark.
She let out a squeal and she turned and ran to the stairs, nearly tumbling down them before she managed to pull herself together and reach the bottom without issue.
Ah’ve gotta tell Sweetie and Scootaloo! she thought excitedly, An older pony without a cutie mark?! Oh, my Celestia!
Before she could head out the door, she slammed right into Applejack’s chest.
“Whoa nelly!” Applejack yelped as Apple Bloom grunted. The youngest apple looked up at Applejack with wide eyes.
“Apple Bloom!” she scolded, “What have Ah told you about running in the house?”
“Ah’m sorry sis! Ah was jus’ gonna tell the girls somethin!” Apple Bloom apologized.
“Now? It’s almost supper time.”
Apple Bloom pulled her sister outside, making Applejack yelp in surprise.
“What’s got yer bow in a bind?” Applejack asked, then she noticed Apple Bloom was excited, very excited for some reason.
“Applejack... Ah noticed somethin’ about our guest!” Apple Bloom said, trying to keep her tone down but remained excited.
“Didja disturb her?” Applejack raised an eyebrow.
“No! Ah was jus’ putting on a new bow and she was about to come out of her room, she turned around to head back in and...” Apple Bloom squealed in excitement.
“And what?” Applejack asked, clearly invested now.
“She...” Apple Bloom leaned in and whispered, “She don’t have a cutie mark.”
“What?!” Applejack shouted, pulling back.
Apple Bloom made an excited noise, “Ah can’t believe it either! A new unique problem for the CMC!”
“Now, hold on,” Applejack said, “Ah don’t want ya disturbing her at the moment.”
“Ah wasn’t Ah was jus’ gonna tell the girls about it so we can find ways to talk to her about it,” Apple Bloom explained.
“Well, maybe some time, but Ah don’t know...” Applejack looked uncertain.
“Oh, it’ll be fine! We can just mention the CMC and...”
“Apple Bloom,” Applejack said firmly, causing the little filly look at her in wonder, “It’s about supper time, how about we just try to eat before we go and asking her about... that? And Ah’m sure the girls are havin’ supper, too.”
Apple Bloom drooped in disappointment, but nodded, “Okay.”
“She’ll be here a while, Ah’m sure you’ll find time to talk later.”
Apple Bloom nodded.
“Okay, let’s head in and have supper,” even though she's wanting to proceed as normal.
The duo headed back in and saw Granny Smith heading to the table while Big Mac placed the apple pie on the table as dessert. He sat down in his place and Apple Bloom sat down right next to him, still having trouble containing her excitement.
Applejack made sure Mystic’s chair is ready, and she looked just in time because Mystic just stepped down, not wearing any of her usual attire. She walked over to the table, Big Mac and Granny saw that she didn’t have a cutie mark. Their eyes widened and Granny's jaw fell agape.
This prompted Applejack to give them a stern look not to mention it. She mouthed “Act normal” before she sat down at her place.
Big Mac put Granny's jaw back up and tried to act normal as Mystic began eating her daffodil and daisy sandwich. She didn’t want to sit down with the family, but Applejack was insistent that she did so because all family and guests sit together at the table.
“So, yer the youngin’ the kin have told me about?” Granny Smith asked.
Mystic looked over at her, “Yes. Apparently.”
“Ah hope ya enjoy yer supper, finest meals you’ll have ‘round Ponyville,” Granny said with a hint of pride.
Mystic looked to her plate that had some roasted squash, six-layer bean dip, some toast, and an apple wrap. There was some an apple next to her plate, too.
“You ponies like apples, huh?”
“Sure do!” Granny chirped.
Applejack cleared her throat, trying to act natural, “So, Mystic...about you and I earlier...”
Mystic sighed in annoyance and looked at her, “Look... I apologize for my outburst earlier...” But she only said it because she had to.
However, Applejack felt some tension come off her as she relaxed some. Big Mac smiled a little.
“Thank ya, Ah didn’t mean to...”
“It’s fine.”
Mystic continued to eat her sandwich and lifted a spoon, taking some of the bean-dip and took a bite.
“So, Apple Bloom,” said Granny, “How was yer day today?”
“Oh, it was great!” the filly replied happily, “We had several ponies that needed tutoring and we helped Ambermoon learn some more about kindness and gentleness.”
“That’s good.”
Apple Bloom glanced at Mystic but tried to act normal.
“Oh!” she said suddenly, “And remember we have that camping trip two nights from now. Gilded Lily is also comin’ over!”
“Ohhh, I’d forgotten all about that!” Granny said.
“But what about the timberwolves in the Everfree?” Applejack asked, concerned.
"Don’t worry, sis, we’ve got Big Mac comin’ to watch over us and we’ll be on the edge of the farm,” Apple Bloom assured her,
“Eeyup!” Big Mac affirmed.
“Watch over them, please,” Applejack said.
“Ah will.”
“Big Mac, did ya find out when yer special one will be coming?” Granny asked with a wink.
Big Mac blushed as he turned away, mumbling something under his breath, while Mystic continued to eat.
“We’ve gotten a substantial bit of the trees harvested, but we still got a lot in the east ta get,” said Applejack.
“Good, good, we’ll need a ton of those apples as well a ton to get to the Gala,” said Granny Smith.
“Ah still can’t believe it’s come ‘round again,” Applejack sighed, “And maybe ‘another year of ‘excitement.’”
“So, you youngin’,” Granny said, turning to Mystic, causing the young mare to look at her, “Are ya makin’ any plans for the Gala?”
Mystic’s brow furrowed in confusion, “Gala?”
“The Grand Galloping Gala, of course,” Granny said with a smile. “It’s supposed to be bigger than last year.”
“I don’t follow.”
It was Granny’s turn to furrow her brow, “Do you not know of the Gala?”
Mystic shrugged, “No, I don’t.”
This caused Granny’s eyes to widen in surprise as well as the other Apples.
“It’s basically a high-class party that the capital of Canterlot has to celebrate the capital's founding,” Applejack explained, “And... the times we been have been rather... interesting.”
“Ya mean like the birthday cake incident with Pinkie last year?” Apple Bloom asked.
Applejack cringed, “Ah can sometimes think Ah have some of the icing in my mane.”
“High class huh?” Mystic asked, glowering a bit as she turned back to her plate and ate some squash, “Sounds like a party for stuck up ponies who want to feel good about themselves.”
“Some of them aren’t stuck up, some do want to have a good time with somepony else,” Applejack explained.
“Whatever suits them, I guess.”
“Uhm Mystic?” Apple Bloom said, “Can you tell us where you’re from?”
Mystic looked up at the filly with a raised eyebrow.
“Y-Yeah,” said Applejack, “We here at the table love to chat and we’d love to get to know you a bit more.” She glanced at Big Mac, having taken his advice in, but still felt uneasy because the unicorn isn't easy to talk with.
Mystic sighed and answered. “I’m not from anywhere nearby. But I move around from one home to another.”
“So, you move around?” Apple Bloom asked, obviously interested.
“Yes. I’m a traveler that wants to better understand and see things.”
“What do you like to see?”
“Well, I like to see different creatures and look into folklore, too.”
“Really?” asked Applejack, “What kind of folklore?”
“Things like mythological and mysterious creatures,” Mystic explained, a small grin grew on her features. “I don’t care if they’re real or not, I find them fascinating.”
“Hey, I know a couple of friends that like creatures, too!” Apple Bloom chirped excitedly.
Mystic looked at her with some interest, “Really?”
“Yeah! And I bet they’d love to meet you sometime!”
“Well... we’ll see I guess?”
“Do you work out?” Granny ask, poking Mystic’s left foreleg. The young mare lightly grmiaced and pulled away.
“I-I do,” Mystic replied. “I’m not just a traveler, I fight those who get in my way and cause me problems.”
“Do you... just only fight them?” Applejack asked, trying to word it right.
“I do get extreme in some circumstances,” Mystic replied simply, her focus going back to her food.
Applejack inwardly gulped, not wanting to assume the worst, at the moment this mare didn’t seem like a danger, but she still had to be on guard.
“Look, I stink at words in situations like this,” Mystic said suddenly, “I shouldn’t be imposing on your family time. Or let my time interfered by you.”
“Well, yer a guest and all family and guests sit together,” Granny insisted. Mystic sighed as she took a bite of her apple. Apple Bloom was shaking, still thinking of the exciting opportunity for the Crusaders, Big Mac placed a hoof on her and she calmed down a little bit.
“Anythin’ else you can tell us to get to know ya more?” Applejack asked.
“Not really. I don’t really disclose much about myself,” Mystic replied.
“Why not?”
“When you live a life like mine, you don’t count on anypony out there but yourself,” Mystic explained, finishing up the squash and taking a bite out of her apple.
“But there are surely some ponies you can trust out there,” Applejack reasoned.
“You can’t ever truly tell, so it’s best just to not trust or rely on anypony out there,” Mystic finished up the last of what’s on her plate. The Apple family had been so into talking to her, they haven’t touched theirs as much as she did.
“Yer a fast eater,” said Granny.
“I’m a mare who keeps moving, so I try to eat to keep energy up.”
“Do ya want some apple pie as dessert?”
“No, I’m not a sweet eater.”
Mystic got up from her chair, and Apple Bloom’s eyes wandered to her blank flank once again.
“Look, I appreciate the meal, but I’ll let you get back to familiying.”
She turned and began to head to the stairs.
“You have a blank flank!” Apple Bloom squeaked out but covered her mouth right away as her eyes widened and pupils dilated to pinpricks.
“Apple Bloom!” Applejack scolded as Mystic froze on the spot.
“Sorry!” the filly whispered, feeling ashamed.
Mystic turned around and looked at the filly right in the eye, “Blank flank, huh?”
“Ah’m sorry, Mystic!” Apple Bloom cried, “Ah was jus’ curious and...”
Mystic walked over to the table, not looking angry or sad, “You think I should be angry or offended, don’t you?”
“Uh...”
“Look, she didn’t mean anythin’ by it,” Applejack said, trying to defuse the situation as Mystic's eyes never left the nervous Apple Bloom, “She’s jus’ a curious filly.”
“But I’m not offended or angry.”
That took Applejack and Apple Bloom by surprise. The little filly expected their guest to be upset, but she just addressed them in a neutral tone. It wasn’t calm, but her voice wasn’t raised either.
“I’ve not really been concerned with it,” Mystic explained, causing Apple Bloom’s eyes to widen, “I do know about Cutie marks, but I’ve accepted my life that I’ve told you about. I don’t need a mark to tell me who I am.”
She turned to the side, showing where her cutie mark should be, “I may not have one. I just don’t think there’s one for me.”
Apple Bloom gasped as Mystic just stood there, completely neutral. After a few seconds, she began walking back to the stairs.
“I’ve got to get some rest,” she said before she headed up the stairs to her room.
The Apple family sat in stunned silence at what happened before them.
A lot of thoughts were going through Apple Bloom’s little head. A pony who’s never worried about her destiny? Does she think she knows who she is without a cutie mark?
Sure, Gabby didn’t need one, but ponies have them by nature. And to top it off, she believes there isn’t one out there for her? Then she snapped out it and looked at her older sister.
“Ah’m sorry, Applejack,” she said apologetically.
“It’s okay, sugarcube, Ah don’t blame ya,” replied Applejack, “Ah was a might curious, too.” She sighed.
Thunder rumbled outside. The family turned and saw the clouds building up at a pretty quick pace.
“Oh, no,” Applejack groaned.
“Storm from the Everfree?” Granny said more than asked.
“Eeyup,” said Big Mac.
“Let’s hope it passes overnight,” said Applejack.
“Let’s just finish eatin’ and head to bed later,” Applejack said again. As she and her family began to eat, her mind turned to the recently planted trees and decided to head out to secure them before heading to bed.
It’s the middle of the night. Bolts of lightning flashed across the sky, thunder boomed at seemingly every moment, lighting up the pitch-black sky like a natural firework show. The wind howled through the trees, that would give anypony chills, the wind knocked down some apples to the ground, some even shattered. It’s a scary picture as the farm’s residents (and Ponyville) hunker down for the night in such a storm. Despite their best efforts, Rainbow Dash and the pegasi team couldn’t stop it from reaching Ponyville. Fortunately, everypony was safely inside before the storm hit with full force.
However, something other than the storm has given the atmosphere such an ominous look and aroma to it. There seemed to be something dark lurking around tonight.
Creature from the Everfree Forest? No, this seemed darker and bone-chilling, even to the normal creatures. Closer to the barn and household of the Apple family, the storm seemed to get quieter as the wind turned into an eerie whistling sound, piercing through the cracks in the large barn. Not even a mouse or bugs were moving. No creature made a peep in the quiet household as the storm raged on outside.
Inside her room, Mystic sleeps softly on the bed, looking undisturbed. Lighting flashed; thunder rumbled as the wind continued to blow as the atmosphere seemed to get thicker. The mare was totally unaware of it. Mystic slightly turned in her sleep, facing away from the door that led into her room.
Thud...Thud...Thud.
Footsteps.
Heavy footsteps.
They climbed the stairs, not sounding like a pony or a creature on four legs. They sounded like two heavy feet were climbing the stairs.
Mystic continued to sleep as a light turned on outside the room.
The door slowly crept open as if it were trying to futilely hide its creaking until it opened all the way.
Lighting seemed to flash even more as a tall figure cast its shadow onto the floor, moving towards the bed.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
It got closer, revealing to be a figure standing much like a human, but appeared to more muscled and animal in shape on its upper body. Ears pointed straight up on its beast-like head. It loomed over Mystic as it stood right next to her.
Mystic immediately woke up with a startled expression as the figure raised a dark grayish, brown hand with five fingers and claws as lightning flashed again.
Mystic woke up and looked over at the door to see it shut. She took in her surroundings. Rays of sunshine streamed into the room, meaning the storm had passed. A bit relieved, she sighed and stretched before getting out of bed. The sun was barely over the horizon, and she knew Applejack would drag her out of bed soon, so she begrudgingly got up and walked out of the room.
As Mystic walked down the hallway, she heard a rooster crow, indicating the start of the farm’s day, as she presumed. She groggily walked down the stairs to the den and sat down on the couch.
“Mornin,’” said a deep voice, Mystic held back a gasp as she sharply turned to see Big Mac flipping some pancakes for breakfast.
“Oh,” she said, “Hi.”
“Yer up early, Ah expected AJ would be draggin’ you out of bed,” Big Mac said with a smile.
“Well...” she trailed off, just looking away.
“Weird dream?” Big Mac asked, causing Mystic to look back at him, “Ah can tell, AJ sometimes had that look in her eyes when she had’em.”
“Oh, yeah. Weird dream” replied Mystic, the picture of the figure in her mind. She slightly shuddered, starting to push it to the back of her mind, as she fully woke up. Big Mac continued to cook for breakfast as the mare continued to sit. She did her best to forget about the nightmare but it wasn’t going away so easily.
Get a grip, Mystic!” Mystic thought as she formed a glare, trying to assure herself, You are a warrior! A fighter and you don’t need anypony else! You’ve fought massive beasts! You’ve traversed mountains, chasms, and hot savannas! I am Mystic, nopony gets me scared and fearful! Not even a nightmare!
Her gaze lowered onto the couch she sat on. I can’t believe one emerged after for so long...
She took a deep breath in, trying to calm down. Slowly breathing out, she did calm down and her look softened. She smirked to herself retained back to her old self.
“Uh Mystic?” said a voice. Mystic turned to see Big Mac looking at her as he placed the pancakes on the table, “Ah hope ya don’t mind, but ya left yer outfit out and Applejack washed it last night.”
Mystic shrugged, “It’s fine, I needed to wash it anyway.”
“And if ya also don’t mind, we’ll have Rarity fix that ripped off pant leg for ya, too,” said Big Mac.
“I do have an extra outfit in my satchel, I think I’ll fix the other one myself.”
“Oh, she’ll take good care of it, don’t you worry,” Big Mac smiled.
Mystic huffed in annoyance, “Fine. I’ll be putting it on later, even though I always wear it when I go out traveling.”
“It’s yer fighting and traveling outfit?” Big Mac raised a curious eyebrow.
“Yep. Or outfits in this case.”
Mystic leaned back into the couch, crossing her forelegs.
“Breakfast is almost ready,” she heard Big Mac say. Mystic only nodded in response.
A few minutes passed until Applejack came down the stairs.
“Hey y’all!” she greeted, “Mornin’ Big Mac.”
“Mornin,’” replied Big Mac.
Applejack turned to Mystic who hasn’t moved, “Mornin’ Mystic.”
Mystic didn’t reply, causing the farmer to sigh. She turned back to Big Mac and stepped next to him.
“Ah think she might have some hard feelings about what Ah said yesterday,” she said.
“Maybe,” replied Big Mac, “Just try to work ‘round her and open yerself up to her some. Maybe she’ll do the same.”
“Ah’ll try,” Applejack rubbed her chin some, “Ah think Ah’ll show’er that workin’ here isn’t labor, it can be fun, too.” She smiled, “Ah think Ah’ll show’er what Apple Bloom and Ah do when we pick up the bad apples.”
Big Mac smiled in agreement, “That’s a start, think of other things to do as well.”
Applejack nodded, then they heard Granny Smith shouting for Apple Bloom to get up out of bed. Soon, the table was set and all of them sat together to enjoy breakfast.
Now wearing her adventure outfit, Mystic followed Applejack and Apple Bloom out to the orchard. Apple Bloom skipped along happily as Celestia’s sun began to warm up the surrounding land. The storm has knocked down some small branches and apples from the trees, but it wasn’t too bad. Mystic saw Big Mac going around the farm to ensure everything’s stable.
“Mystic, have ya bucked apples before?” Applejack suddenly asked.
Mystic looked at her, “I’ve not bucked trees before.”
“Well, Ah’ll show ya how ta buck’em, be sure you get the bucking just right so you don’t twist a hoof or sprain it,” Applejack advised.
Mystic nodded, letting her know she got the message. The three ponies approached an apple tree and Applejack stood next to it.
“Okay,” she said, getting Mystic to pay attention. “First, make sure yer forehooves are firmly on the ground.” Applejack demonstrated by standing firm and turning her hind legs to the tree. “You want to have yer back legs aimed right at the tree,” she lifted her hind legs up and formed a look like she’s about to buck the tree, “Draw yer hooves back.” Then she threw her hind legs back, landing a firm kick on the tree, causing it to shake and the apples fall perfectly into the three buckets. Applejack smiled, proud of herself.
“See? That’s all there is to it,” she said, facing Mystic. “Any questions?”
“Not really,” replied Mystic.
“Okay, now you try,” said Applejack, she pointed at a nearby tree, “Go buck that tree.”
Mystic sighed before she walked on over and got into the position Applejack showed her. Apple Bloom watched with some anticipation as Mystic made sure she was properly positioned. Lifting her hind legs and throwing a solid kick to the tree, the tree shook and most of the apples fell into the bucket. Some landed outside of it, but one rogue apple happened to land on Mystic’s horn.
Apple Bloom giggled while Applejack smiled proudly.
“See? Not bad fer yer first tree!” she said.
Mystic annoyingly took the apple off her horn while Applejack chuckled, “Don’t worry, that’ll happen less often as ya do it more.” Mystic just tossed the apple aside.
“Now that Ah’ve shown ya how to buck, let’s get started on harvesting,” Applejack announced.
“Can’t wait,” Mystic replied with a deadpan voice.
“Oh, come on, it’ll be fun!” Apple Bloom cheered as she hopped over to another tree, “And Applejack will later show ya something we usually do together!”
“Again, can’t wait.”
Applejack drank from her cup, savoring the water trickling down her throat. Big Mac had cleaned up all of the branches and apples the storm knocked down and all were working safely. The farmer watched Mystic going to another apple tree. The unicorn turned away from it and bucked it. Applejack smiled, impressed by Mystic’s stamina and strength to keep up with her and her siblings.
A chuckle escaped her throat, “Maybe we’ll have her help myself and Apple Bloom clean up the rotten apples.” Her smile grew, relishing in how many times she and her sister made that into a game.
“Keep at it y’all! We’re makin’ good progress!” Applejack shouted.
“Eeyup!” Big Mac said as he picked up three buckets on his back.
Applejack finished her water and turned to focus on where she should head next, but her eyes caught the unmistakable form of Twilight Sparkle standing a little ways off. When the princess noticed Applejack saw her, she waved her over. Knowing Twilight wouldn’t be here at this time, this must be important.
“Keep workin’ y’all, Twi wants to speak to me,” she said to everypony else.
With that, Applejack trotted over to her friend, a smile on her face.
“Howdy, Twi, what’re you doing here?” she asked.
“I got a message from Celestia. I’ve been telling the others,” Twilight explained.
Applejack tensed up a little, “Is it bad? Is Equestria under attack?”
“No, but it’s a caution.”
Applejack relaxed a little, but remained aware, “So, what did the princess have to say?”
Twilight leaned closer to Applejack, she wrapped a wing around her friend’s back and turned her away from the working ponies.
“There have been some strange sightings of figures going around Western and Northern Equestria,” she said, Applejack’s eyes widened as she went on, “They’ve not been seen around Canterlot or anywhere near here though, not even around major cities.”
“What are they?” Applejack asked.
“We don’t know, but they’ve caused a bit of alarm, ponies are watching but they’ve not caused anypony harm yet.”
Applejack sighed, “Ma sister and friends are goin’ campin just outside Sweet Apple Acres in a couple of nights, maybe Ah should have’em cancel it.”
“I’ll let you decide that, but Celestia does have soldiers patrolling around the sites and haven’t seen anything since,” Twilight explained. “There’ve been some pawprints seen, too, but it looks like they were purposely somewhat obscured.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Celestia will let us know because if there is a threat, we need to be ready,” Twilight explained, “Truth be told, I think your sister can have her campout since we’re keeping a close eye out.”
“Okay, Ah’ll consider it.”
Twilight unwrapped her wing from Applejack and turned to look at the working ponies. Applejack saw Twilight’s gaze had landed on Mystic.
“So, how’s it going with her?” she asked.
“There’ve been some ups and downs, but she’s not actin’ like she wants to hurt us. But she ain’t so friendly either,” replied Applejack.
Twilight sighed, “Well, she got her work in town done as I bet you know. We’ll show her what we are at our best. Plus...” She smiled a little, “Pinkie’s been eager to meet her officially.”
“She’s met her already, hasn’t she?” Applejack raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah, but she considers those not official meetings and wants to introduce herself one on one,” Twilight giggled, “If anypony can show a good time, it’s her.”
“Well, tell’er she needs to finish some work and maybe she could meet her before lunch.”
“I don’t think I need to, she’s Pinkie,” Twilight said simply.
“Good point.”
Mystic has moved to another part of the orchard while the apple family continued to work, but she’s not too far off as Applejack told her to go over here and not go wandering off. Mystic huffed as she wiped some sweat from her brow.
“Well, well, well,” said a familiar voice, Mystic turned to see Rainbow giving a cocky, yet victorious smirk, “Isn’t it, Miss troublesome?”
"Oh, look, it's Miss liar liar,” Mystic shot back, causing Rainbow to scowl.
“Hey, you needed to be handled! We’ve had enough trouble with the School and now something else’s come up! I’m glad I handled you before you could cause any more trouble,” Rainbow reasoned.
“Oh, trouble with the School? I wonder whose fault that is?” Mystic mocked, giving an implying look to Rainbow.
“It isn’t me, it’s bullies all right?!”
“Whatever.”
“I came here to make sure you’re doing your job and...”
Mystic formed a very hard glare, "Look, miss hotshot, you have nothing but a fat ego and big mouth. So, unless you have something logical to say to me other than verbally attack me, I suggest you move along."
Rainbow’s eyes widened in surprise and anger. A few seconds later, she opened her mouth to retort but Mystic sharply turned around and levitated an apple bucket alongside her, “Get off my back.” Mystic saw Applejack trotting over and she felt a gust of wind behind her, telling the unicorn Rainbow left in a huff.
Mystic trotted by Applejack with an annoyed look on her face, “Your pegasus friend harassed me.”
Applejack stopped in her tracks, “Who? Rainbow?”
“Yep.”
Mystic trotted back to the barn and placed the bucket down. Grabbing the hose with her magic, she turned it on and began drinking the water out of it. After a few seconds, she sprayed her head with it, cooling herself off a bit.
Suddenly, Pinkie leaped out of a bale of hay, “Hi!”
Mystic yelped, stumbling back, dropping the hose and landing flat on her back. She looked to see Pinkie beaming a big toothy smile, her eyes lit up with excitement, energy, and joy.
“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie! And I’ve been wanting to meet you properly for so so so so long!” she bubbled happily. Mystic grunted as she sat up.
“Do you not consider some ponies don't want to be startled by somepony else?” she grumbled.
“I wasn’t trying to startle you, I wanted to surprise you!” Pinkie beamed brighter, “Were you surprised? Huh? Huh? Huh?”
“Very...”
“Oh, good! I’m so good at surprises!” Pinkie stood on her hind legs, happily throwing confetti everywhere. Mystic began to feel uncomfortable around this excited mare. Pinkie looked down at Mystic excitedly.
“I know you were busy and probably still are, but I had I had I had to come see you!” she cheered, standing back on hooves but began bouncing in place. Mystic stood up.
“I am busy, and I don’t need you bothering me,” she said, trying to keep her cool. She turned and began walking away.
Only for Pinkie to pop out of an apple basket in front of her, Mystic jumped back with wide eyes.
“Oh, you can take a little while to speak with me!” Pinkie bubbled.
Mystic looked behind her and then back to the apple basket, “How did you-?”
“Anywho,” Pinkie said happily jumping out of the basket and in front of Mystic, who took a step back, “Since I’ve introduced myself, it’s time for you to introduce yourself properly as well!”
Mystic deadpanned, “I think you...”
“Oh, come on, tell me your name so we get an official introduction to each other!”
Mystic sighed in annoyance, “It’s Mystic, okay? Leave me alone!”
“Ohhhhhh!” Pinkie held her cheeks excitedly, “I love love that name! It’s so mysterious! No, no mystifying! No, just amazing!”
“Brilliant,” Mystic began walking off but Pinkie bounced happily alongside her.
“I’m Ponyville’s number one super-travagant premiere party pony! I always give ponies the most fun-mazing and unforgettable parties! I know everypony and I mean everypony in Ponyville!” Pinkie rambled on while Mystic maintained an annoyed look, “And I know we saw each other before but we just didn’t get a proper introduction so that’s why I came over here!”
“And you got that,” Mystic muttered, “And...”
“Aaaaannnnddd I cannot wait until you get your welcome party to Ponyville!” Pinkie declared, causing Mystic’s eyes to widen a little, “Everypony here loves them!”
“Do you ever shut up?”
“I do when I eat cakes and meals every day!” Pinkie explained, she stopped bouncing and continued walking, “Although I do need to sleep, I even talk to myself in my dreams! But hey, what would the world be like if I just shut up?”
Mystic growled, growing more impatient, “A heck of a lot more quieter.”
“I mean the world needs more excitement and fun from ponies like me!” Pinkie hopped in front of Mystic and began walking backward as Mystic walked forward, “Sooo, what’s your favorite food, Mystic? Do you like cake?”
“I like a lot of food, and no, I don’t like cake,” Mystic replied simply.
“Awww, so no favorite? And do you like ice cream? Cookies? Cupcakes?” Pinkie kept spilling questions onto Mystic, “My favorite food is jalapeño red velvet cupcakes!”
Mystic stopped, a disgusted look on her face, “Eeeww! What?! Who eats something like that?”
“What? Those things are delicious!” Pinkie stated cheerfully.
Mystic shuddered, feeling disgusted and more uncomfortable.
“I’ve had multiple friends try them but couldn’t finish them,” Pinkie shrugged, “Can’t imagine why.”
Mystic began trotting and came upon an apple tree. Suddenly Pinkie popped out from the tree’s branches.
“Here! Let me help!” she said.
Before Mystic could say anything, Pinkie began shaking the tree from within the branches. A bunch of rattling sounds came from the tree as apples fell. Mystic dodged some apples but one landed on her horn (again) and two landed on her head, knocking her to the ground. Mystic groaned as she sat up, a bit dizzy. Only to find Pinkie right in front of her.
She yelped again, completely freaked out.
“I finished getting the apples down!” Pinkie said happily.
Mystic groaned loudly, “But now they’re scattered everywhere instead inside the buckets!” She looked to point at them but saw that there weren’t any there.
“What?” she said, eyes wide, then looked and saw them all in the buckets, “Huh?!” She looked back at Pinkie.
“Want me to help some more?” Pinkie asked simply.
Mystic quickly stood up, “No no no! I think you did enough!” She rubbed her head, “How the hay did you do that?”
“Just trying to show some consideration for an extra friend,” replied Pinkie, happy as ever.
Mystic’s eyes widened again, somewhat in horror, “Uhm, no. We’re not friends.”
“Even if you don’t consider us friends now, we will be friends towards one another eventually!” Pinkie briefly frowned and began tapping her chin, “Preferably sooner rather than later.”
Mystic’s eyes darted back and forth, trying to find a way to get away, “Uh, look I need to...” She looked towards the barn, “I need to go do something else!” She took off like a bullet.
Mystic quickly ran around the barn and ducked into it, hiding behind some bales of hay. Huffing loudly, she tried to relax some.
“Oohhh! Let’s play hide and seek!” Pinkie appeared out of nowhere.
“Oh, come on!” Mystic shouted before running off again.
“Come on, I just want to have fun with you! I’m sure you do too!” Pinkie called in her chipper tone.
“I need to work to pay off my loan!” Mystic called back as she ran into the orchard.
“I can help with that too!” Pinkie insisted.
After running a while, Mystic climbed a tree and hid there. As she hid Pinkie hopped past her. Not wanting to take any chances, she watched as Pinkie hopped out of view.
She waited for a couple of minutes and didn't see her again.
Letting out a breath she didn’t know she’d kept in, she slipped down the trunk and landed without making a sound. She began sneaking off, making sure she didn’t make a single noise. Then, she felt a hoof tap her back. She froze and didn’t turn around.
“Oh, I completely forgot to ask if you like balloons and streamers!” said a familiar voice.
Mystic darted off again while Pinkie giggled, “Wow, you’re fast! But not as fast as Rainbow’s flying! She’s a real speedster!”
Mystic continued running, but then she tripped and fell flat on her face. Standing up again, she saw Pinkie again in front of her again. She turned away and was about to run but paused and knew Pinkie would find her again.
“Oh, what’s the point?!” she bellowed, and whirled to look right at Pinkie, nostrils flaring, “What?!”
“Oh, great! Done with your run? I’d love to get started preparing your party! Everypony including you’s gonna love it!” she jumped into the air and began excitedly flailing her hooves, “So what do you want at it?”
Mystic bit her lower lip and had a freaked out look in her eyes as Pinkie continued flailing her hooves. Not seeing a way out of this, she let out her answer.
“Fine! Just get me the best of what you think is the best! Streamers! Balloons! Get it!” she bellowed out without thinking, but lying about attending.
Pinkie gasped happily, she stopped flailing her hooves and wrapped her hooves around Mystic in a bone-crushing hug
“Oh, this is gonna be a special party for you! I cannot wait!” she let go of Mystic.
“Yeah yeah sure! Just let me work now and we’ll see about it later!” Mystic lied, trying to get rid of Pinkie.
“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie bubbled happily, “See ya at your party!”
Pinkie began hopping away humming a little tune. Mystic held her chest and began breathing in and out, trying to calm down from being faced with the energetic pony.
Idiot, she thought. How in the hay are those other ponies friends with her?! How do they not go crazy?!
“Oh, one more thing!” Pinkie asked from behind her.
Mystic jumped again, she whirled around to face the smiling pony.
“Which do you think sounds better? Chimicherry or cherrychanga? Chimicherry or cherrychanga?”
Mystic’s left eyelid twitched as Pinkie continued to repeat the question.