//------------------------------// // Chapter 12 - Leaving // Story: Wherever the Light Shines: Part 2 // by MLPSolarDash1907 //------------------------------// Mystic came upon the antique store. She considered throwing the door almost off its hinges when she arrived, but she didn’t and just simply opened it, acting like a regular customer. When she got there, it smelled musty and antiques of all kinds were lined up in the store’s many aisles and some laying on a couple of tables in front of her. Not wanting to waste any time, she an earth pony with a brown mane, a greyish-blue coat with an apron on. He dusted off some antique candles. “Hey,” Mystic said, causing him to jump and look right at her with wide eyes. “Oh my! You startled me!” he said, composing himself, “Welcome! What can I do for you?” “You’re the manager?” Mystic asked. “That I am!” Mystic rubbed her chin, pretending to think, “Hmmm, well, I’m looking for what was... recently brought into the store. A friend... yeah a friend or acquaintance suggested I’d look for some values that recently arrived within the past few days.” The manager smiled, “Well, you’re in luck! We just had some trinkets arrive lately.” He began trotting, “Follow me, ma’am.” “Gladly,” replied Mystic, getting ready to swipe what she’s come for. She followed the manager as he headed to the back of the store. Mystic noticed that it seemed bigger than what it was on the outside and filled with countless antiques. Mystic did like looking into some history about places, but she’s almost never been inside an antique shop. Then she saw the manager behind a counter, looking through some boxes. He lifted one up. “Why don’t you have a look? This is all that came in the last few days,” he said. Mystic nodded and lifted the box with her magic, she opened it up, magically levitating different necklaces, a figurine of Starswirl, some books, and a couple of maps. She didn’t find the medallion. She levitated the content back into the box and looked at the manager. “What I’m looking for isn’t here,” she said, getting annoyed. “Well, that’s all we received, anything, in particular, you’re looking for?” “Yes,” Mystic straightened herself up, “I’m looking for a medallion made out of pure gold, known to be pretty rare in these parts.” She leaned forward, “I think it has a lion engraved on it.” The manager’s eyes widened, “W-Well I don’t know if we have that...” Mystic glared at him, “Don’t play dumb with me. I know it has to be here or you sold it to somepony.” The manager began to sweat a little, “Where is it?” “Again, I’m sure you’re mistaken,” the manager assured her, “I can show you some rare platinum.” “I am not interested in anything else other than what I described, and I believe a map leading to somewhere in Equestria was found along with it,” Mystic stomped around the countertop, facing him, “I lost those two items a few nights ago.” She could see the manager was very nervous now, “W-Well somepony I knew did find a map dropped near the Everfree, but I don’t know about the medallion.” Mystic took a deep breath in, calming herself and then smiling, her glare gone. “Look, sir,” she said in a casual, dangerous tone. “I like you, you’re shaky.” She wrapped a foreleg around him, “But I’m on a bit of a deadline, and if I don’t get those things now...” She smiled deviously, “How about I just crush that platinum you mentioned as well as some other valuables here? You’d lose quite a bit of money.” “No no!” the manager replied, backing up from Mystic, “Somepony donated that to me and that map surely has to be some old treasure map and the medallion must be a clue! We have to find it for untold riches!” “It’s not a treasure map, you idiot,” Mystic casually stated, anger boiling beneath her tone. “Now just quit your procrastinating and get your flank over to those items,” She leaned close, “Right now.” The manager gulped and began babbling incoherently as he pulled out a key and reached for a locked box under the countertop. He shakily unlocked it and opened it, allowing Mystic to see the medallion and the rolled-up map she’d collected. Grabbing it with her magic and a bag from the side, she placed them in there. “You’re stealing from me!” the manager forced out. “My partner and I need that treasure!” “Oh, shut your mouth,” Mystic growled, not hiding her fury anymore, “Ponies and money, sheesh! I could say the same about you stealing. I could report a manager trying to keep two values for himself and not selling them when donated to be sold to somepony else.” “No! Don’t do that!” “Then shut up and keep your mouth shut! I’ll keep mine shut about you!” The manager nervously nodded vigorously, “Right! Sure!” Mystic nodded, but she did believe he would spill the beans, so she’ll spill the beans about him later. Flicking his face with her tail, she trotted herself out of the antique shop to get her satchel and weapons. Twilight’s eyes were wide as she finished reading the letter for the fourth time. Celestia had sent her one of great importance and requested that she’d gather her friends up at once. Luckily it was the end of the school day, so there wouldn’t be that to worry about. Spike has been sent out to gather up their friends. Suddenly, Twilight caught glimpse of a pink wavy mane, and she saw Fluttershy running right to her. “Twilight!” she cried. “Fluttershy! Good! We need all hooves on deck!” said Twilight. “Oh my!” Fluttershy said, completely surprised, “But I have something-” “Twilight!” came another voice. She and Fluttershy looked to see Spike flying over with the others and they looked ready for whatever was coming. “We got your message, Twilight!” said Rarity, coming to a stop, “What’s going on?” “Yeah, do we have somepony’s flank to kick?!” Rainbow asked, ready for action. “Let me explain everything,” said Twilight, she magically held up the letter, “I got a letter from Celestia telling us a general from Imperial City has come to Canterlot to explain a situation.” “Imperial City?!” Rarity gasped, “One of the most closed-off yet exquisite cities in the world!” “Yes,” said Twilight, “But let me read the letter.” The other ponies listened intently, if a city like that has sent a general, it must be of great importance.” “Dear Twilight, I hope you are doing well, but I recently had a meeting with a general named Hong and he let me know that there were sightings and pawprint marks as seen around Equestria. He told me that a wild beast attacked and injured some ponies, causing them to go after it. They considered it as an act of war against the city and have tracked it further inland to Equestria. This wild beast is believed to be a lion.” “A lion?!” Rarity and Pinkie gasped. “Yes,” replied Twilight. “Wait a minute!” Applejack realized, “Didn’t Mystic say she fought a wild beast?” “Yes, but it couldn’t have been a lion,” said Fluttershy, but then she formed a look of uncertainty, “Could it?” “Let me continue please,” said Twilight, reading on. “As they realized this and headed to Canterlot to inform us, they have a rough idea of where the lions might be heading so they can catch them off guard in an ambush to end their threat before it begins. I told them about all of you, and after considering he’s agreed to come down and meet you all to discuss the situation.” “He’s coming here?!” Rarity asked, surprised. Twilight nodded and read on, “He’s well respected in his city, so show him some respect and help him out so you’d help Equestria out, too. Oh, and Flash Magnus will be joining you at a meeting point so you can take some of our soldiers to deal with the lions. Faithfully yours, Celestia” It still felt a little odd for Twilight to get a letter from Princess Celestia and write only “Celestia” she honestly still feels like her student from time to time. “So, when is he gettin’ here?” asked Applejack. “This letter was sent soon after he left, so he should arrive soon,” said Twilight, “If I’m right he could have a chariot carried by some pegasi.” “Twilight, I need to say something!” Fluttershy cried urgently. Everypony else turned to face her, but before they could ask, “Mystic is gone! She left!” “What?!” the others cried out in unison. “How could she do that again?!” Rainbow growled. “I don’t know, but she let me a note,” Fluttershy explained. She flew up to Twilight and gave it to her. “Thanks for the day out, Fluttershy. However, something’s come up and I have to go. Stay safe. – Mystic,” Twilight read. Twilight looked up at her friends, Pinkie and Fluttershy were both surprised while Rainbow had a look of annoyance and Rarity and Applejack looked unsurprised. “Oh no...” Fluttershy frowned. “This is my fault...” “How do ya mean, Flutter?” Applejack asked. “I let Mystic walk around town...” “You did what?” Rainbow snapped. “I was just trying to be friendly...” “Let’s not dwell on that now,” said Twilight. “Oh,” said Rarity, “I did hear the manager of the antique store complaining to the mayor and Ponyville police about some values being stolen.” “Granny said she saw Mystic rushing upstairs and comin’ back down with her satchel. She thought she was headin’ out to pick up more supplies,” said Applejack. Twilight gasped, “Do you think Mystic could’ve known about the lions?” “If she did, she didn’t even say a word about it!” Rarity gasped. “She should’ve told us!” Rainbow declared, “We’ve gotta find her!” “I agree, but let’s try to think about how we approach her,” said Twilight. “What do you mean?” “I think we should approach Mystic not like we did when we first met her,” said Twilight, “Let’s just see what’s going on first before doing anything rash.” “Got that, Rainbow?” Rarity asked. Rainbow rolled her eyes in annoyance, “Fine. Whatever.” “I agree with Twilight,” Fluttershy spoke up, “We should approach her in that direction.” “Approach who?” asked a masculine voice. All of the ponies froze and turned to see a silver chariot being pulled by two pegasi landing close by. Then, the tall orange unicorn with a black mane with some grey in it and blue eyes stepped out. His general outfit and leadership were made very evident. “General Hong?” Twilight asked. “Yes,” he said with a bow before Twilight could anything, he stood back up, his expression grave and determined, “I am General Hong, residing in and protector of Imperial City as I’m sure your Princess friend explained.” “Yes sir, we were told you were coming to meet us and discuss the situation about the lions.” Hong rubbed his head, “Ugh, those things have given me a headache. They endangered and injure some ponies close to the city’s border. A cowardly act it would seem.” “Sounds like it, were the injuries serious?” “Thankfully no, but that doesn’t mean a couple weren’t put in the hospital just in case.” “Uhm, General sir?” Fluttershy spoke up softly. Hong gazed over to her, “Yes? What is it?” “Have you been able to deter an area where the lions are?” Fluttershy asked. “Yes ma’am, we believe they’re in the northern part of Equestria, roughly about sixty or so miles from Canterlot. But Princess Celestia told us you’d saved Equestria multiple times and your experience would be of great value to us, too,” said Hong, “As for my army, they’re heading to the meeting point where Canterlot’s squad is heading as well.” “Celestia told us about that,” said Twilight. “I was certain she did,” said Hong. “I value working together by all means as a group. I might be harsh on my troops and give them harsh punishments, but in dire situations, I get determined and upset if things aren’t going as smoothly as desired.” Applejack smiled, “Twilight can relate, she gets worked up once in a while.” Twilight was inwardly offended but she hid it by smiling sheepishly. “I understand,” replied Hong, looking around at the ponies around him, “You six don’t look like the most common saviors of a great land as this, but I’m not one to question high authority.” “That’s good, you seem like a dependable pony,” Twilight smiled. Hong’s expression softened some and he smiled a little, “I have a reputation for that and the safety of our city’s ponies.” “Anyway, shall we get moving?” “Yes,” Hong’s face became determined again, “Let’s go face this enemy of both our lands.” “But what about Mystic?” Rainbow asked Twilight, “Shouldn’t we worry about her, too?” Hong raised an eyebrow, “Mystic? Who’s Mystic?” Twilight turned to Rainbow with a scolding look, “Rainbow! Not now!” She turned back to Hong, “Oh, Mystic’s an old friend who travels. She might head in the direction we’re going.” “I wasn’t informed of anypony like that.” “She’s not going to be a problem, if we find her, we’ll handle it,” Twilight assured him. Hong looked a little skeptical, but he relented, “Okay. That’ll be something for you, but myself and the army have to get justice against these lions.” He turned and looked out to the north, “Let’s get a move on. The sooner we do, the more likely we are to catch them in their base camp.” “All right,” said Twilight, she turned to the girls, “Let’s go. And where’s Spike?” “He’s with the kids at the farm,” said Applejack, “He wanted to play with’em.” “Let’s just go deal with this, it’s a good thing we found a threat so it could be stopped before the invasion begins,” said Twilight. “I still can’t believe it about Mystic,” said Rarity, “As rude as she was.” “Yeah, you can say she was lying about the lions,” said Pinkie. “Pinkie, dear, now’s not the time for puns,” Rarity snorted in annoyance. “Whaaaat?” Pinkie asked in slight offense. “Princess Twilight,” said Hong, causing the alicorn to look at him, “Get the ponies who can’t fly into my chariot, all of those who can fly will fly alongside us while we head to the meeting place.” “Okay, General,” said Twilight, “And please just call me Twilight.” “No need for that, I won’t deny the authority of a princess whether or not if they want to be called that.” Twilight opened her mouth to say something else but she shut it. Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie climbed into the chariot. “Ooh! This is gonna be so much fun!” Pinkie cheered. Hong looked at her like she was crazy, “There’s nothing fun about this.” “Pinkie,” Twilight interjected, “I know you want to have fun, but focus here and don’t make the general uncomfortable.” “Okie dokie lokie!” Twilight let out a breath, “Sorry General, she can get a little carried away.” “I got the vibe just from the little outburst,” replied Hong. “Anyway, before we move on, I need to do a little reassessment with the lieutenant.” “Okay,” replied Twilight. “I’ll make sure everypony’s ready.” “Good, and when we get going. We should be at the destination in roughly fifteen minutes,” said Hong, “So keep an eye out for any suspicious activities.” As Hong left, Fluttershy stepped up to Twilight. “Twilight, I’m worried about Mystic,” she said softly. “I know you are, but we will find her,” Twilight assured her. “Why did she just leave?” “I think she thinks she can handle the lions herself,” Twilight said, tapping her chin, “Seems a little out there.” “Regardless of what she thinks she can do we need to look out for her. I fear she might be overconfident.” “Lieutenant Jia,” said Hong, stepping away from everypony else. “Sir?” the gray pegasus soldier asked. “I need to speak with you for a minute.” “Right away.” Jia made her way over to Hong and landed next to him. With a quick glance to the national heroines, Hong turned to face her. “Is everything all right, sir?” Jia asked. “We have a lead on the city’s most wanted criminal,” Hong’s eyes lit up. Jia lightly gasped. “Really?” “Yes,” Hong nodded. “I’m eager to finally end Mystic’s run and bring her in. But...” He looked back at the Mane Six, “We need to be careful on how we’ll approach the situation.” He let out a snarl, “Apparently, she might’ve built rapport with these fools.” “Will do,” replied Jia. “I’ll help in finding out what I can about the situation.” “Good,” said Hong. “Now, let’s get moving and end this invasion before it begins.”