“Okay class,” Apple Bloom announced to her students. “Today, we’re going to dabble a bit with the fundamentals of coloring potions. So, I hope y’all don’t mind dying your coats, scales, or feathers, because today, there’s gonna be a lot of that going on.”
Her students grouped at tables with sets of bio parts, tools, and chemicals propped in the center. At one of the tables sat Luster Dawn, who gingerly took notes of Apple Bloom’s lecture in her notebook. To be honest, this was information that Luster had already delved into. However, it’s moments like these that gave her a breath of fresh air from the unending chaos she endured.
“Color dyes, huh?” a mare spoke from a seat beside Luster. She was thin with thick-rimmed glasses. Apple Bloom had assigned her as Luster’s partner for today’s project. It was a lucky pick in Luster’s case since their teacher would make constant rotations between teams that were frankly too random to predict. From what Luster has observed, this mare was quite knowledgeable in this subject.
“I’ve actually learned the basics of color pigmentation back at my previous school,” Luster whispered to the mare. “The key ingredient is chameleon scales that need to be powdered and mixed with ingredients that match the color you’re looking for.”
“Is that so?” the mare grinned at her. “I doubt that it requires the scales of just any chameleon. Magic potions tend to require items within the irregular.”
“Oh.” Luster widened at the mare. “Well, my school did have a collection of a specific species of chameleons. Namely, prism chameleons that you would commonly find lurking around the Winsome Fall. Probably should have mentioned that, huh?” Luster nervously chuckled.
“From what our teacher is saying, this potion is able to change the color of any creature.” The mare began to rub her chin. “That may be of some use. Though, I wonder about the application. Would a subject be required to ingest the potion to feel the effects, or could it also take effect through contact with the substance?”
“My name is Luster by the way,” Luster interrupted the mare’s thought process. “I’m glad that we finally have the chance to work together. I can tell that you’re really passionate about this.”
The mare rolled her eyes. “I’m aware of who you are. I figure every creature in this school would know of the princess’s star pupil.” The mare trained her attention back to Apple Bloom, leaving Luster with a fading smile. From the mare’s indifference, it became clear to Luster that her first impression was a resounding failure.
The class proceeded with the experimentation when Apple Bloom passed a sheet of paper that gave instructions for developing a particular dye for each group. The process was foal’s play for Luster and the mare. In mere minutes, they’d already made the measurements and the mixtures to concoct the potion in a small vial.
“It’s as simple as I thought it would be,” Luster commented. “But it was nice to have a partner that can move at my pace. Usually, I would have to mentor my partner through the process.”
“You had to guide a creature on something so basic as this?” the mare questioned. “They should find a new profession if that’s the case.”
Luster raised a brow at the mare’s comment. “You know, you kind of remind me of another creature that I know.”
“Another creature?” the mare perked her ears. “Do tell.”
Luster gaped at the mare’s sudden interest. “If you know me, then I don’t think it’s a secret about who my roommate is. She’s a bit of an anarchist with a terrible mix of obnoxiousness and prude personality that could drive any creature insane. But she is quite resourceful.”
The mare raised a brow. “Resourceful? That’s all you can say about her?”
“Well, no.” Luster shook her head. “I think there’s more to her than just being a scoundrel. Believe it or not, she does have a nice side. She’s just really stubborn about showing it.”
“My, that sounds awful,” the mare commented. “And would you call that friendship?”
“…I don’t know?” Despite her declaration after their bonding session with Lil’ Cheese, Luster couldn’t help but wonder about its merit.
The topic of her roommate had remained the talk of the school throughout the week. Not surprising, given that this changeling had not only ransacked the school twice but also assaulted the Princess of Equestria.
A normal creature would have been thrown into the pits of Tartarus for such a crime, and yet here she was attending the School of Friendship. If not for Luster’s unique connection with the changeling, she’d most likely be up in hooves or claws with the students that want her out of here.
But this connection was what bothered Luster. It’s something that she’s been pondering about over the course of this week. There was something about Wist that felt oddly familiar to her and many things that baffled her. Just what sort of life did Wist have that led her to act this way?
“I don’t think I should be friends with a creature that calls themself a witch,” Luster said. “But now that I’ve been stuck with her for this long, the idea of being separated from her doesn’t sit well with me. So, I’m just going to commit to my friendship with her and hope for the best. I just wish there was some way I could learn more about her then maybe we could grow closer.”
“I don’t think that’s any of your business.” Luster flinched at the sudden poison that stained the mare’s voice. The narrowing glare she gave seemed unnatural to the stoic mare that she’s known for weeks.
It then clicked in Luster’s mind. “Wait a minute. Is that you–”
The classroom door suddenly slammed open with a peeved looking Ocellus stomping inside. “Ocelli,” Apple Bloom started in surprise. The loud bang Ocellus made shook Apple’s hold of her clipboard and dropped it on the floor. “What’re you doing here?”
“I’m sorry for barging in like this, Apple Bloom,” Ocellus apologized. “But I have a student that had the bright idea to skip my class for potion-making.” Her eyes were fixed upon Luster and the mare.
At first, Luster was unnerved by Ocellus’s gaze. But, after noting a snapping of teeth from her partner, Luster realized the truth of this predicament. “Wist, what are you doing here!?”
The mare groaned. “Couldn’t you have waited till the end of class? Don’t you think it’s a bit rude to intrude–” Ocellus’s magic pulled upon the disguised Wist’s ear, forcing her to trot to Ocellus’s side. “–ow, ow, ow! Hey, easy on the ear!”
“You’re coming back to class with me,” Ocellus stated. “And you’re going to tell me where you hid our missing student.”
The students sat dazed for several seconds after Ocellus led Wist out of the class. All but Luster that pondered back to Wist’s glare. “Why are you against opening up?” Luster wondered.
Starlight Glimmer craned her head after being welcomed to yet another troublesome act of a certain student of hers. “Are you intentionally trying to make this an everyday ritual of ours?”
“Hello to you too,” Wist said and then sat before the Headmare’s desk. “Might I say that you’re looking dashing today.”
“I would be happier with the pleasantries if you had stayed in your class like you were supposed to. Is it really so hard for you to just behave yourself?”
“What?” Wist blurted. “And stick around for that boring spiel about some reading?”
“What’s wrong with the reading material?” Ocellus questioned Wist from behind. “Did you even read it?”
“Of course not,” Wist stated matter-of-factly. “Why would a silly story about some romance between a rich stallion and a donkey benefit me in any way?”
“The core of the story is to show that bonds can transcend social status,” Ocellus answered. “No matter what walk of life you had, you can still spark a relationship with any creature. In the case of this story, love.”
“Yeah, and that helps me how?”
Ocellus sighed. “It’s a chance for you to participate in a conversation with your classmates, which would help to break the ice with them.”
Wist snickered at Ocellus’s argument. “No thanks. I don’t see any use in befriending any of those critters whatsoever. My time would be way more productive in Apple Bloom’s class.”
“You didn’t even give it a chance,” Ocellus argued. “You can’t just denounce it without trying.”
“She’s right you know,” Starlight concurred. “Besides, I can’t let you attend Apple Bloom’s class.”
“And why not?” Wist narrowed her eyes at the Headmare. “If I had a cutie mark, it would clearly be related to potion-making. You can’t take that away from me.”
“May I remind you that you used that talent of yours to cause destruction in my school and harm a number of creatures. No creature will walk around with an easy mind if they can’t trust you around potions.”
Wist crossed her hooves together and pouted. “And why should I care how they feel? It’s not like they would ever trust me anyway.”
Knock knock.
The thudded sound of the door interrupted the conversation. “Come in,” Starlight announced. Entering the room came Luster Dawn, passing her sight passing all the creatures inside. “Can I help you?” asked Starlight.
“I’m sorry for intruding like this,” Luster apologized. “But I overheard you talking about how Wist is not going to be allowed to attend the potion making class.”
“I don’t appreciate you listening in to our conversation.” Starlight glared at Luster. “But yes, that is correct.”
Luster approached the Headmare’s desk, standing by Wist’s side. “And this is because Wist is untrustworthy in the eyes of creatures at School, right? Well, what if Wist was somehow able to earn their trust?”
“You think creatures will change their opinion about me so easily?” Wist chuckled. “Aren’t you the naive one.”
“They will if you make an effort.” Luster looked at Wist with an unrelenting gaze. Despite the mask Wist held on her face, it did rattle her a tinge. “It’s obvious it won’t happen in one day, but with time, I’m sure you can prove to every creature that you’re a changeling we can have faith in. And I’m willing to help with that.”
“Are you serious?” Wist stared, baffled at her roommate’s claim.
“I think it’s worth a try,” Ocellus spoke. “It’s far too soon to think of it as an impossibility.”
“You can’t be serious?” Wist questioned.
“They’re quite right,” Starlight said. “We would have come to this eventually. Might as well start now.”
“Hold on.” Wist waved her hooves. “You all know this is me you’re talking about, right? Do y’all honestly think any of them would truly like me?”
“Trust me, we know very well how you are.” Ocellus walked over to Wist and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “But despite that, we have faith that it will all work out in the end.”
“That makes no sense whatsoever,” Wist grumbled. “But I can see that there’s no way out of this for me, is there?”
“We’ll start off with the creatures here in Ponyville you have wronged the most,” Starlight stated. “Lucky for you, it’s only a list of three.”
“Oh joy,” Wist sarcastically cheered. “That’s just wonderful news.”
“Those three being Smolder, Ocellus, and Diamond Tiara.”
Wist’s fake smile unraveled fast into an anxious frown. “The dragon? I don’t think forgiving me would be the first thing running through her mind.”
“Don’t worry,” Ocellus assured Wist. “I know Smolder and she wouldn’t try to hurt you. But if it makes you feel better, I’ll have a talk with her.”
“It’s okay, Wist,” Luster said. “I’ll be right by your side through the whole thing. Trust me, this will all be worth it.”
“Pick up the pace!” Diamond Tiara commanded Wisteria, who was lagging behind her. Wist and Luster followed the business mare through the streets of Ponyville after making their unfortunate visit to her office. The devilish smile painted on Diamond’s face left Wist to dread her fate.
Wist observed the paths around her. There were so many escape routes she could take. Neither Luster nor the earth pony could do anything to stop her if she went now. But then, she wouldn’t get her potion-making lessons.
Wist let out a sigh. “Can’t you just take an apology? Aren’t you ponies supposed to be the forgiving types?”
“Oh ho ho,” Diamond chuckled. “You have quite the imagination. I don’t know what ponies you’ve met, but if you want me to accept your apology, you’re going to have to work for it.”
“Oh c’mon,” Wist complained. “So, I sapped a little love out of you; at least I didn’t leave a mark on you.”
“On the contrary, you did.” Diamond stopped to leer at the faltering changeling. “Not only did you rob me of my time, but also of my wallet. You think I didn’t notice you taking bits out of my registers?”
Wist could only give a sheepish smile at the angered mare. “Oh, yeah…that.”
“You stole bits from her!?” Luster shouted. “Why would you–”
Wisteria immediately pounced before Luster to clamp her mouth with a hoof. “Hey, hey, don’t go saying that out loud. I have a reputation to repair, remember?”
Luster pushed Wist’s hoof away and sneered at her friend, “Why did you do it? Don’t you know that’s a crime?”
“Because I needed the bits, okay,” Wist confessed. She then approached Diamond Tiara and lifted her pouch to pull out dozens of bits. “Look, I’ve barely used any of them, so how about I give you back the rest, and you can be a little bit easier on me. Sounds good?”
“Oh no,” Diamond rejected. “I’m not letting off on this. You’re going to work off every bit you took from me, plus interest.”
Wist gritted her fangs at the smell of vengeance seeping out of the business mare. She could tell now that there was no weaseling her way out of this predicament.
Diamond guided the two into a building with checkered tiles and isles of candies. Wist found baskets, containers, and pots of candies laid out around her. A creature could spend an entire month feasting upon this ridiculous mass.
“I was hoping to open this store last week as a special event for a friend,” Diamond said. “I had everything set up nicely, but then I was ambushed by a certain changeling before I could arrive for the ceremony.” Wist averted her gaze from the mare’s glare.
Luster on the other hoof began to explore the store, observing the diverse number of candies. “You opened a candy shop?” She wondered. “If I can be frank, this is not what I would imagine a pony like you to be running.”
“Oh, I’m not the owner. I simply made an investment to get the cogs started. The real owner worked for a long time to get to this moment.”
“Hello!” a voice echoed into the room. “Is someone there?” A thin mare with glasses emerged from a door to the backroom.
“Good, there you are.” Diamond waved her hoof at Wist and Luster. “Twist, may I present to you your new employees.”
The three mares around Diamond gaped at her declaration. Twist was the only one to curve to a smile. “Did they answer my poster?” Twist asked. “That’s such a relief. I was getting a bit worried that my advertisement was lacking.”
“Unfortunately, it was lacking,” Diamond said. “I told you that you should’ve delegated that task to me. But moving on, these are two inspired creatures that are looking to help with the cause.”
Wist narrowed at this claim. “Cause? What cause?”
“Of bringing traffic to Twist’s candy shop,” Diamond stated. “Your little sabotage at the school ruined the profits I had projected on her opening day. It’s quite a chore to attract ponies when they’re all concerned for the safety of their Princess.”
“You’re just going to keep guilt-tripping me, aren’t you?” Wist deadpanned at the business mare.
Twist stepped past Diamond to stand before her new employees. “I’m sure you two have your reasons for being here. Either way, I’m glad that you’ll be helping me. Oh, my name is Twist by the way. I should have introduced myself sooner.”
Wist couldn’t help but cringe at the mare’s sheepish smile. Why in Abyssinia is she so nervous? Luster, on the other hoof, extended her hoof to bump with Twist’s.
“I’m Luster Dawn,” she greeted. “And this mischievous friend of mine is Wisteria.” Wist rolled her eyes at her friend’s introduction. “We’re new to Ponyville, but we’re committed to doing everything we can for your shop.”
Wist leaned into Luster’s ear and asked, “What’s with you? You seem a bit too comfortable with the arrangement here?”
“Our goal is for you to earn the trust of creatures,” Luster reminded her. “What better way is there than by providing quality customer service that will leave a smile on their face?”
“Only you would find amusement in being some creature’s maid,” Wist sighed.
“If you two are done with your chat,” Diamond spoke. “There’s the matter of work uniforms we need to attend to.”
“What?” Wist snickered. “Do you expect us to wear a silly cap with lollipops?” Wist didn’t know how nice that would’ve been at that time. Instead of a cap, Twist garnered her employees in a bow and dress that shook a core inside Wisteria.
Her eyes twitched at the outfit she never would imagine displaying her body in. She could feel all sorts of emotions whirling inside her that clamored her mind into dysfunctional chaos.
Luster on the other hoof was mesmerized by the plain cloth. “My own work uniform!” Luster awed. “I can’t believe I actually have one now. I need to take a picture of this.”
“You like it?,” Twist asked. “Diamond ordered them for me from the Carousel Boutique.”
“Dresses that oddly enough fit us to a tea,” Wist leered at a grinning Diamond Tiara. “You expected this to happen.”
Diamond sauntered around Wist, observed her form in her plain dress. “I must say, you look much more pleasing in that dress. Maybe it’ll do some good in redeeming that attitude of yours.”
Wist gaped a green glare at the mare, but then shut her eyes and took a deep breath. “Whatever,” she said before harnessing her horn to summon eldritch flames to consume her. However, before it could shower, Diamond stuck her hoof upon Wist’s horn, withering the flames to dust.
“Nuh-uh.” Diamond shook her head. “I won’t have any of Twist’s employees putting on disguises. You’re going to serve every customer just the way you are.”
“What!? You can’t be serious!?” Wist failed to hide a blush on her face. A tacky dress like this would no doubt place a scar upon her reputation as a witch. Giving a helping hoof was one thing but becoming a spectacle to others was not something she had signed up for.
“Oh, I’m dead serious.” Diamond glared into Wist’s eyes that left the changeling unnerved. Perhaps even fearful. “And if I get a single report of morphing about you, I’m docking your pay.”
“Are you insane? What kind of sadistic mare are you? Are you even a pony?” Wist lacked the time to compose herself before a bell rang throughout the store. The same sound that was made when she had entered the store.
A jolt surged through Wist’s body, prompting her to leap and hide behind a cashier counter. Wist could feel her heart pounding heavily within her chest. Her breath was ragged despite the short distance she trekked.
“Why hello there,” Diamond greeted a pony. “Welcome to Twist-a-Loo Sweets. Might I introduce you to our wonderful employees? They will help you with everything you need.” Wist then shook at a call she had hoped to never hear. “Oh Wist, would you kindly come to assist our customer?”
“I should’ve run when I had the chance,” Wisteria hissed.
The hours of darkness felt like an endless torture. But if there was one thing that could top it, it would be the heavy water that some creature disgracefully dumped on him.
“Wake up, Capper.” A stocky Abyssinian untied a cloth from Capper’s face, grazing Capper in his obese figure. “The boss is here.”
Capper gasped and coughed out water that had sunk into his throat. “Ugh,” he hurled. “Oh, it’s you again. Don’t you have any cute felines walking around here?”
“Shut up.” The stocky Abyssinian kicked Capper’s belly. He grunted and tried to console his abused body with his paws. However, he was reminded of the futility of this given that they were chained to a wall.
Accepting that he would have to leave his body unattended yet again, his eyes adjusted to the lighting in the room. His cell was coated in slabs of metal without a bed, sink, or toilet in sight. What kind of service do these cats serve here? Well, at least it beats being stuck in rough stones.
“Go easy on him.” A lean Abyssinian emerged from a door, the only exit out of this dump. “I still need him talking.”
“Ah, there you are.” Capper smiled at his captor. “You sure took your sweet time to come by and visit. I was starting to think that you didn’t care about me.”
“Still have time for your silly quips, eh?” The lean Abyssinian crouched before the constricted Capper. “Always trying to appear harmless, but always the kitten that I have to be to be watchful of.”
Capper shrugged. “Heh, you give me too much credit. I’m just your average yet dashing tomcat that all the felines flock over.”
“And you know me as Hop,” the lean Abyssinian responded. “I have risen from poverty and cured the streets of petty crimes. I’m looked upon by Abyssinia as a hero. But you–” Hope tapped upon Capper’s nose. “You happen to know of things that you are better off not to. And for some odd reason, you’ve dared to become a threat to everything I’ve built.”
“Have I now?” Capper questioned, feigning surprise. “Well, this is news to me.”
Hop grabbed Capper’s chin and leered into his eyes. “Enough with the coy, Capper. Now tell me, where did you hide her?”
“Her?” Capper raised a brow. “Oh, you wouldn’t happen to be talking about that bug I mysteriously ran into, would you? That was like weeks ago. And besides, that was the only time I’ve ever seen her.”
“You had no business taking her from me. She belongs at my side.”
“Hold on now,” Capper chuckled. “I just told you that I only saw her once. I doubt I would be lucky enough to see an odd creature like her again.”
Hop paused at Capper with a cold gaze. He breathed and stepped back from Capper. Hop then snapped his paw. “Bun.”
The stocky Abyssinian stepped before Capper with a grin. He clamored his paws together, resounding crackles.
He steered his gaze around the stocky Abyssinian to meet Hop’s gaze. “A bit unnecessary, don’t you think?”
“This is how I show my love,” Hop said. “And once I’ve finally stripped you away from all of your fame and fortune, you’ll be so thankful for my love that you will be dying to tell me everything.”
Hop left without another word. And then he became a punching bag for the stocky Abyssinian. He spared none of Caper’s beautiful figure, pounding nearly every part of Capper with his fists.
It was moments like this where he wished he was a masochist. And maybe replace the ugly tomcat with a luscious feline and he would have a silver lining to his predicament…No, there already was one.
He just wished that she had a little more faith in him than to go running off on her own. Her life would be so much more fulfilling if he had just managed to get her to Princess Twilight.
But at least she wasn’t stuck in this horrible place anymore. Despite the terrible food he’s served and the routine beating he gets from this ugly tomcat, he could take solace that somewhere in these lands, that changeling is happy somewhere.
I swear Rarity, you made me way too generous for my own good. But it’s okay. I wouldn’t change anything.
“Hi…” Wist timidly waved a hoof at a mare at the opposite of the cashier counter. Usually, Wist would be full of glee and chicanery, but the cloth haunted her with a wariness that left the mare concerned.
“Is this your first day?” the mare asked.
“Um, yes…” Wist answered. She only made slight eye contact with her customers that appeared to make a trend of asking this question.
“Well don’t you worry,” the mare assured. “I’m sure you’ll get the swing of things soon enough. You seem like a nice creature, so I know you can do it.”
Wist would normally laugh at these silly encouragements from ponies but it was rather difficult for her to give a laugh with a ridiculous garment on her.
When Wist managed to finish the transaction with her customer, she gave a wave to Wist on her way out prompting Wist to follow suit in her gesture. This was too awkward for Wist to endure.
Wist then saw Twist approach with a concerned face of her own. “Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Yeah.” Wist gave a sheepish smile. “I’m good. Just manning my post here like a good employee. Nothing wrong here.”
Twist stepped closer to Wist and whispered, “It’s okay Wist. There’s no shame in being nervous about your first job.”
Oh, for the love of Abyssinia, not this again. Wist looked over her counter and found Luster merrily guiding customers through the aisles. They’d only been here for a few hours and Luster had all the placements of the candies practically memorized. Does she even remember why she’s here in the first place?
“What’s got her in a good mood,” Wist grumbled. “All she’s doing is showing them to the candies.”
“I think she’s reveling in the feeling of putting a smile on all of our customers,” Twist said. “There’s just something about helping a creature that just makes you feel good about yourself; you know?”
“No,” Wist answered.
“Oh…Well, we could try it right now if you like?”
Wist gaped at the suggestion and hurriedly waved her hooves. “No, no, no. I think I’m good right here.”
Twist briefly observed Wist and then nodded. “Okay then. We can take things one step at a time.”
The bell rang again, alerting Wist of another creature coming inside. “So, this here is the new shop I’ve been hearing about.” An orange mare with a scarf and a Stetson hat entered the store. Her eyes lingered about the room until she met with Wist. “You?”
“What?” Wist raised her brow and then looked to Twist.
“Hello Applejack.” Twist waved her hoof. “Thank you so much for coming by. Do you like what you see?”
“Place looks pretty dandy,” Applejack commented as she approached the counter. “Good to see that your dream has finally come true.”
“You dreamed about opening a candy shop?” Wist questioned her boss.
“Ever since I was a filly,” Twist confessed. “I’m what you could a connoisseur of candies. Everything you see here is a collection imported from stretches of Equestria.”
“It just warms my heart when I see a pony finally get their due after their hard work,” Applejack said.
“Um, Ms. Twist,” the voice of Luster could be heard from an aisle. “Could you come over for a second? I need your help.”
“Coming,” Twist responded. “Enjoy the rest of your stay here,” Twist told Applejack and then disappeared into the isles.
“Name’s Applejack,” the mare introduced herself. “I’ve been in these parts all of my life as an apple farmer. If you need a pony to show you around the place, then I’m your mare.”
“Strange,” Wist said. “There’s something about you that feels familiar. Have we met before?”
“Must be the love,” Applejack concluded. “Starlight did say that you took a real liking to my apple soup.”
“That was you?” Wist honestly didn’t know what her anonymous cook would look like. But the love she put into that soup felt so warm and safe. It reminded her of memories of her past that she wished she could go back to.
“Yup,” Applejack confirmed. “But enough about me, I’m more interested in how you’re feeling.”
“About what?”
“Well for starters, how do you feel about Ponyville so far?”
“I feel like I’m surrounded by a bunch of crazies from all around Equestria..I find creatures here that are so different in erratic ways that it’s kind of hard to get my mind around it.” Wist then blinked and examined herself. Why did she even tell this mare that?
“I get ya,” Applejack laughed. “You find all kinds of creatures from every walk of life here in Ponyville. I think it is what makes this place so special. Maybe it can be a special place for you too.”
Wist then narrowed her eyes at the mare. “Okay, what’s your game here? I know that can’t be what you’re aiming for?”
“And what if I say that is?” Applejack gave her a smile. “From what I can tell, you’re in need of brighter days. I know every creature is willing to give it to ya. I know I am.”
“But what is that you get in exchange? I don’t get it, but I get the feeling that you won’t lie to me about anything. So, just give it to me straight.”
“Hmm.” Applejack began to tap her chin. “Well, if I had to put in a single word. I’d say, friendship.”
Wist bumped her head upon the register. “This place really is full of fanatics.”
