Mystic laid on her bed that she’d been sleeping in for the past several days. She intended to fall asleep earlier that night but she couldn’t.
Dang it, two hours in bed and no sleep has come to me yet, she thought.
Not even warm water or counting sheep in her head helped her either.
Is it because I told the pink one off like that? Mystic furrowed her brows.
Mystic couldn’t get that sad, defeated look out of her mind, and she’d never seen a pony’s mane deflate before.
Well, Mystic turned over to her side, She should’ve been more respectful to my space. She’s got a ton more ponies to make friends with.
She began to feel a little reassured again. The unicorn hated being tugged in different directions away from her resolve.
Her mind began to drift, deciding to focus it more on planning what she’ll do if Applejack allowed it.
But there was, throughout the night, that small sense of regret.
Finally, morning came and Mystic was out plowing the fields Applejack had requested for her to do. She huffed as she pulled the plow, but the adrenaline coursing through her system made her go all the more. The sun began peaking over the orchard’s canopy and bathing Mystic in its warm light.
“Mystic!” a voice called.
Mystic’s ear twitched in the direction the sound came from. Not now, I’m in the middle of this. When she really knew she was almost done.
“Mystic! A moment please?”
The unicorn heaved as she slowed to a stop on the field. She turned to see Twilight coming in for a landing, a disappointed look on the alicorn’s face.
“What is it?” Mystic asked.
“I want to talk to you about a couple of things,” said Twilight as she walked over.
“Look, I’m trying to finish work here.”
“Applejack said I could go through with it,” said Twilight, stopping in front of her. “After all, I think I should because I saw Pinkie last night.”
Mystic blinked. “Oh.”
“Oh, is right,” Twilight’s look slightly hardened. “She told me that you had lied about going to the party she spent so much time and energy preparing for you.”
Mystic ran a hoof down her face, “I apologized to her. But that pink one just came out at me from out of nowhere when we met!” About every time we met. But she omitted that from the princess.
“That might be,” said Twilight, “However, she asked what you wanted for your party and you kept telling her lie after lie. She was sobbing in the street when I arrived from Canterlot last night.”
Mystic winced, taking a step back.
“Even if she was like she was from your point of view,” Twilight stepped forward, giving her a glare and flaring her mighty wings, "What you did to her was completely uncalled for! She worked hard for you and you just made her cry!”
“I...”
“I'm the Princess of Friendship, Mystic,” said Twilight, “And I won't stand for ponies badly treating my friends.” She pointed at Mystic, “Got it?”
Mystic, despite wanting to object, just nodded. “Got it.” Twilight put her wings back down.
“I also wanted you to know, that in order to appease to that general-” Twilight continued. Mystic looked at the ground, squeezed her eyes shut, and clenched her jaw. “-Is that I’ve begun a bit of a program for you. I’m going to get the whole thing done soon but we’ve got the Gala coming up.”
“What do you want?” Mystic asked through clenched teeth.
“I want you to complete the assignments I give you, and your first one is to go out into Ponyville to make a new friend when you’re done here.”
Mystic looked back up at Twilight. “A friend?”
“Yes,” Twilight nodded, she looked disappointed but caring. “You’re lucky Pinkie decided to give you some space today. Normally, I would have you hang out with her and make up for your mistakes.”
“She gave me space?” Mystic asked, a twinge of guilt pecking her heart.
“Because she felt like she should. I’ve managed to comfort her and I hope you will one day let her throw you that party,” Twilight said. “But for now, Spike will accompany you into helping you find a friend.”
“The little dragon?” Mystic’s eyes slightly widened.
“Yep. He’ll give you some tips along the way. Now,” Twilight began to turn around, “I need to go and handle things. Spike will be by in a few minutes.” With that, she flew off.
Mystic facehoofed. “Great, what else has Hong forced upon these ponies?”
A couple of hours later, in the Castle of Friendship’s basement sat a mirror. A device hooked up to the mirror began churning and forming a pink portal on the mirror’s surface. A few seconds later, two orange hooves stepped out as if she were bi-pedal before landing firmly on her forehooves, the way she should be walking in Equestria.
As Spike went back to give Twilight an update, Mystic stood in front of the Castle of Friendship, plopped down on her flank, and rubbed her temples.
“Ugh!” Mystic groaned loudly. Why was it so difficult to find a friend?!
Nopony so far seemed to be the right type for her. Twilight told her this was the “friendliest place in Equestria” but why can’t she simply click with somepony? Of course, she was hoping that she just would just to fill an assignment. It was an assignment and she won’t fail it, even though it’s not really in her nature to try this, she’d rather take this and not the other option to go against Imperial City.
“Darn it all to heck!” she groaned, “Why is this so dang difficult? I can meet ponies! I mean dang, this village is supposed to be an easy place to make friends! “I mean it’s not like I’m going to crash into somepony that’ll be my friend!”
She stood up, stomping hard and--
CRASH!
Mystic let out a grunt and fell flat on her flank.
“Hey! Watch where you’re going!” Mystic growled as she rubbed her sore head.
“Well, sorry I didn’t see you...” the other mare started but then she trailed off.
Mystic raised her hoof but stopped when she saw the mare. This mare had a blazing red and yellow mane and tail, turquoise eyes, and a yellow and red sun for a cutie mark.
Both of them locked eyes with one another as if processing on who was in front of them. None of them blinked for a while.
Mystic didn’t know why she couldn’t take their eyes off her. The mare’s surprised look reflected Mystic’s, almost speechless. The mare slightly tilted her head in curiosity while Mystic rubbed the back of her neck. Finally, after what seemed like hours, Mystic spoke up.
“Uh... hi?” she managed to say, surprised at how soft her voice was.
“Hello,” replied the mare, rubbing her shoulder, “Sorry about that, I should’ve been looking where I was going.”
Mystic waved her off, “It’s okay. I was rambling.”
The mare chuckled, “I can do that a little bit.”
“Oh, you don’t know about a certain mare I know that does that,” Mystic smirked.
“Princess Twilight?” the mare asked, slightly smiling.
“Yes, how did you know?”
The mare’s smile grew, “Let’s just say from knowing her for a while, I’ve heard a few rambles and babbling.”
“How do you know her?”
The mare paused, awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck, “It’s a long story.”
“Likewise, with me here.”
The mare picked up her book with her magic, her horn glowing red.
“Where’re you from?” Mystic asked.
“I’m from out of town,” the mare replied, “I’m just visiting for a spell.”
“A spell?” Mystic asked, having never heard that saying before.
The mare smiled again, “For a few days.”
“Oh.”
“Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself,” said the mare, standing up, “I’m Sunset Shimmer.” She smiled wider, offering a helping hoof to Mystic, “And your name is?”
Mystic glanced at her hoof and then back at her a few times before she took her hoof and Sunset helped her up.
“I’m Mystic,” the young unicorn said, “My name is Mystic.”
“Mystic, huh? I like that,” replied Sunset.
“Thanks,” said Mystic, surprised she said the word ‘thanks’ to this mare she’d only just met, she only said it to Twilight and Fluttershy only once.
“So, what’re you up to?” Sunset asked.
“Oh,” Mystic rolled her eyes, “That purple princess recently gave me an assignment to try and make friends.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, and I just became an oh wonderful student of hers!” Mystic threw a hoof in the air, “I also had to read some of her technical friendship stuff!”
Sunset giggled.
“What?” Mystic asked, annoyed.
“Hey, Twilight may get like that, but she does her best,” she leaned forward to Mystic’s ear, “She even has some massive meltdowns that’re sometimes fun to watch.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah, Pinkie and I told one another that we should make her a verb.”
Mystic couldn’t help but smirk, “What kind of verb?”
“It’s called ‘Twilight-ing,’” Sunset said with a small laugh, “The definition of a pony getting massive news, charting, hyperventilating, trotting, pacing, and forming plans on top of plans on top of plans.”
Mystic chuckled, “Wow, that sounds a bit like her.”
“Oh, it’s definitely like her! She double checks, no triple checks her files and papers from time to time!” Sunset laughed.
“Shut up!”
“No, it’s true!” Sunset laughed, “But she’s a good friend, she just has processes.”
“I can believe it.”
“You better believe it,” Sunset lightly punched Mystic on the shoulder.
“Well, I guess I’ll just have to see such a freak out myself.”
“Fair enough, but it’s like a one pony show. Much like Rarity’s, only more... Twilight.”
The young unicorn smiled again, causing Sunset to mirror it. Mystic sighed, dropping her smile, and looked back towards the town.
“Well, I’d like to chat longer, but I’ve got that assignment I need to finish.”
“The one Twilight gave you?”
“Yes, and I’ve not been able to make a single friend out of anypony here in this village,” Mystic gestured to Ponyville, “And she said this is the ‘Friendliest place in all of Equestria’ and yeeeett I can’t find anypony to connect with!”
Sunset tapped her chin in thought. Mystic slightly slumped, wanting to give up. Suddenly, she felt a hoof on her shoulder.
“Come on, let’s get out and about,” said Sunset.
“What?” Mystic asked, confused.
“Let’s head into town, clear your head a bit.”
“But I need to get this done. I’ve been at it for a few hours.”
Sunset smiled, “Then I guess Twilight won’t mind a short break.” She began walking forward, “Come on, Mystic.”
Blinking twice, Mystic didn’t think on it much before she began following this new pony she just met.
“So,” said Sunset, “What do you think of Ponyville?”
“It’s all right, I suppose. Filled with a lot of ponies that seem a little... out there.”
“They can be, but they’re very welcoming and friendly.”
“Not to me.”
“Oh, why not?” Sunset raised an eyebrow.
“Mostly because I accidentally trashed the village and had to repair it when Skittle Head framed me.”
Sunset let out a laugh, “What?! Seriously?”
“Yep.”
“Is...” Sunset giggled, “Skittle Head a pony named Rainbow Dash?”
“Is that her name? I keep forgetting,” replied Mystic.
“Oh, come on.”
Mystic scoffed, “Well, I did get this place fixed up and it’s probably improved some.”
“Try having to fix an entire school’s front walls you destroyed,” said Sunset.
“Wait, what?”
“Again, a long story, but it wasn’t fun...I had to work over a week to finish that,” Sunset sighed, “Even with my new friends’ help back then.”
“Sounds like you’ve got a little history,” said Mystic.
“Believe me, I do, but hey, I’m a much better pony now than what I was then.”
“You must be, happening to be friends with Twilight and all.”
“Yep,” Sunset smiled, remembering when Twilight befriended her after her defeat, “She’s the one who got me started on the right path.”
“Nice.”
Mystic looked at the book Sunset was reading, “Equestria and the development of Magic over the Centuries.”
“You like to read?” Mystic asked.
Sunset nodded, “Yes I do.” She levitated the book in front of herself, “Though not as much as other people, I still do find some books very fascinating.”
“People?” Mystic asked, “What’re people?”
“I meant ponies,” Sunset quickly said.
Mystic arched an eyebrow. “Still, I’ve never heard a word describe...creatures or ponies like that before.”
Sunset awkwardly chuckled. Mystic furrowed her brows curious at this mare. Then, Mystic decided to change the subject. “Isn’t that a new book? I can tell by the smell.”
“Yes,” Sunset smiled. It’s a newly released edition, Twilight recommended I read it to catch up.”
“On what?”
“Equestria. It’s changed quite a bit since I’ve left. I thought about getting this sooner, but I had other things going on. Plus, I love magic.” She paused, “What about you, Mystic? Do you read?”
Mystic thought for a moment, but all she could really think were the Friendship Guides and the scrolls about the mythological creatures. She didn’t know what to really say other than those.
“I mean, besides the Friendship Guides you mentioned,” said Sunset, as if she read her mind, “I’ve gotten a glimpse in them, too. Fascinating, but it’s specific.”
“Too specific.”
“Okay, now you’re sounding like...” Sunset snorted, “‘Skittle Head.’”
“Don’t compare me with her,” Mystic glared.
Sunset threw up a hoof, “Sorry, sorry. I thought it’d be funny.”
Mystic sighed, “Well if you want to know, I haven’t really read many books. I’ve read scrolls with different mythological creatures in them.”
This peaked Sunset’s interest, “Really? Things like cockatrices, timberwolves, rocs, and maulwurfs?”
Mystic raised an eyebrow, “I don’t know what that last one is, and the second only recently. I’m talking about the deadlier beasts like the wendigo, the Eloko, skinwalkers, hellhounds and the like.”
“Windigo?” Sunset said, smiling, “The ones that caused a blizzard on the first Hearth’s Warming?”
“What? No, the wendigo is something entirely different.”
“What can be different than the wintry beasts?”
“Something a bit more dangerous and gross than them.”
“I don’t think I know of any other creatures that’re different than the one I described.”
“I heard of windigoes, but those weren’t what I was speaking about.”
Sunset let out a groan, “If there’re two creatures, both have very similar sounding names.”
Mystic nodded, “Let’s just stick with that.”
“Okay, it almost sounded like we were getting into a debate.”
Mystic smirked, “I thought it was one.”
Sunset playfully punched Mystic on the shoulder again, “Fair enough. What was the creature you were talking about?”
Mystic slightly cringed, “It’s... a vile beast... worse than the ones you mentioned.”
“Oh? Aren’t you going to tell me?”
“I don’t know...”
“Give me a basic summary then.”
Mystic sighed, she leaned forward towards Sunset’s ear and whispered exactly what the creature was. Sunset’s pupils slightly shrank and she pulled back with a slight grimace.
“Eeew, that’s messed up.”
“Uh huh.”
“Why look into something like that?” Sunset asked, trying to regain herself.
“I’ve told others that I find creatures interesting, even those that may or may not be real. Even ones like that one.”
“I guess this is a different creature than the other ones.”
“Yep.”
The two ponies were silent for a little bit as they continued their walk through Ponyville. Sunset gave small nods to some ponies that waved. Mystic glanced over at Sunset.
“I apologize if I freaked you out...” she said awkwardly, “I tend to... have different interests than other ponies you’re familiar with.”
“Oh, it’s not that big of a deal,” replied Sunset. The young unicorn’s eyes slightly lit up, “Really?”
“No, I was just surprised. But, let’s hope those things aren’t real, okay?”
“Okay. I probably should’ve just mentioned vampires or Chupacabra.”
“Those last two I know of.”
“I see.”
“Well,” said Mystic, looking around at the different ponies as they came upon the Town Square, “There’re certainly a lot of ponies around, but I don’t know who could possibly be my friend.” She sighed, “Provided if I can actually make one.”
“What about Twilight and her friends?” Sunset asked, tilting her head slightly.
“More of acquaintances than friends,” replied Mystic, “As with pretty much everypony else I’ve met.”
“I’m actually surprised you’re not considering them friends,” Sunset said in an honest tone.
“Yeah, they’re hospitable enough, but I don’t think I should consider them ‘friends’ at the moment.”
“I know how hard it can be to make friends,” said Sunset, remembering back when she used to walk the halls timid and ashamed of her past mistakes, no one didn’t want anything to do with her until she helped the Rainbooms defeat the Dazzlings.
“But if you just give it some effort, you can find somepony to connect to,” she said.
“It might work well for all of you, but I’m just a lone pony, Miss Shimmer,” replied Mystic.
“Please, just call me Sunset,” Sunset smiled.
“Fine.”
“And what about you being a lone pony?” Sunset slightly frowned, “Don’t you wish you had friends and ponies to talk to?”
Mystic shrugged, “I guess just traveling across lands and learning about the world around me just got my mind off of it.”
“Is there any more to it?”
“Honestly,” Mystic said, slightly annoyed, “I’m not even completely sure why I am even trying to make friends.” She briefly cleared her throat, “Probably just to... I don’t know get that Princess off my back?”
“I see. I used to not want anything to do with friendship and knew nothing about it, but now I love it, and I believe you can find true friendship, Mystic.”
Mystic looked at the smiling mare. She didn’t know what to fully make of this situation, but she did like how this mare is trying to keep her mind off that assignment.
“I think it’s... nice that you think that way, but I’ve always thought...” Mystic sighed, looking ahead, “I always thought friendship would just slow me down.”
Sunset’s eyes widened, “What?”
“Yep.”
“But I don’t think it will,” said Sunset, causing Mystic to look at her again, “Everypony deserves friends and with them, by your side, you can do just about anything.”
“Sounds a little like my Friendship Guide book.”
“Hey, they’re specific but they hold a ton a truth,” Sunset winked.
Mystic didn’t reply as they walked past Town Hall, Mayor Mare handing out fliers for the Gala so ponies would consider going. She turned to Sunset.
“So, the Grand... Gala or something, huh?” Mystic asked.
“Oh, yeah, I’ve been a few times, but this time I’m going to be attending for the first time in a long time,” Sunset smiled, “I’m actually excited for it. I heard from Twilight that it’s going to be the biggest one yet because of the leaders from the other kingdoms are going to be attending.”
“You mean dragons, yaks, and changelings?”
“Along with griffons and hippogriffs,” said Sunset, “Their leaders will be experiencing the biggest event of Equestria that happens every year.”
“How come?”
“Twilight told me it’s sort of an ‘exchange of culture’ type thing where everycreature is to experience the unique cultures of their lands. They’ve done it with the other creatures and were able to work out the other leaders attending the Gala.”
“Sounds interesting.”
“Have you considered going to the Gala?”
“Oh no,” replied Mystic, “I’m not one for any type of party.” She slightly grimaced, “Or putting on frou-frou dresses.”
“You don’t have to put on dresses, you just need to look nice.”
“By putting on somewhat fancy clothes? I don’t think so,” Mystic motioned to her outfit, “I think I’ve got quite a decent outfit.”
“If you say so,” Sunset smiled, “But try to consider it. It’s only a few days away.”
“Okay?”
“Hey, how about we head over to Ponyville’s park? I love going there to relax.”
“Sure. Lead the way.”
Later, Sunset and Mystic sat on a bench looking over a field with a lake and playground close by.
“Your interests are well... interesting, Miss Shimmer,” said Mystic, taking a sip of her drink Sunset bought, “And I think I got into painting a little bit yesterday.”
“Really?” Sunset’s eyes lit up, “What did you paint?” She took a sip from her own cup.
“Tried to paint Ponyville, but I wasn’t too good at it,” Mystic smiled sheepishly.
“But you enjoyed it?”
“I believe so,” replied Mystic, levitating some hayfries up and eating them.
“You never know what you’d like if you try,” said Sunset. Both ponies were silent for a little while.
Mystic gasped, “Oh, no! I forgot that I need to find a friend!”
Sunset smiled, “Oh yeah?”
“Yeah! I need to...” Mystic stopped, “Wait...”
“What?” Sunset asked innocently.
“I need to do my assignment! I got so into talking with you that I forgot about it!”
“Uh huh.”
“Why’re you so nonchalant?! Did you do this on purpose?” the unicorn’s eyes were lit with concern.
“A little bit.”
In ordinary circumstances, Mystic would’ve demanded why, but for some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to raise her voice. The mare she’s known for a little while kept smiling.
“Why?” Mystic simply asked.
“To get your mind off things.”
“I know that, but I should’ve been out and looking for friends.”
Sunset rolled her eyes, “Oh, you don’t get it do you?”
“Get what?” Mystic tilted her head, not understanding.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Sunset said in a teasing tone, “I mean you decided to talk with me, share your interests and got really into the conversation. Didn’t you?”
Mystic blinked. “Yes. I did?”
“And you smiled and shared some about yourself, I think you did good talking to me like a regular pony instead of worrying about trying to make friends.”
“It looks like it,” said Mystic, visibly calming down.
“Things like this happen naturally, Mystic. This assignment was to get to know somepony and become friends, it’s not like a regular school lesson,” Sunset’s smile grew, “Besides, if you want, I’d love to be your friend, too.”
Mystic blinked. “Friends?”
“Yeah. Didn’t you did enjoy our time together?”
“Yeah. Yes, I did.”
“If you want, do you want to be friends?” Sunset asked, outstretching a hoof.
Mystic looked at it for a second. Sunset could see how baffled the mare’s eyes are, she waited patiently for Mystic’s answer. Finally, Mystic looked back at Sunset and smiled.
“Yes. I believe I’d like that.” She shook Sunset’s hoof and the older mare beamed.
“There. Your assignment’s finished.”
“My assignment?”
“You didn’t think I’d try to take you back from doing your assignment did you? I know Twilight can be technical and she probably gave you that impression by accident,” Sunset smiled, slightly leaning forward. “But just taking your mind off things and talking to somepony seemed like a good way to start a path to friendship, huh?”
Mystic blinked again, dumbfounded, “I... what?”
“Come on, Mystic, you made a friend, I just simply needed to get you into a natural conversation.”
Everything made sense. Sunset had gotten to know Mystic a bit by forming a real connection and took her away to just hang out and talk. She never took her away from the assignment, she was helping her pass it.
“Oh, my stars,” she finally said, locking her wide eyes onto Sunset’s smug look, “You helped me make a friend.”
“With me, of course,” said Sunset, “I say my plan worked out well didn’t it?”
Still wide-eyed, Mystic rubbed her mane, processing what happened, “Wow. That was devious.”
“In a good way,” Sunset let out a small laugh.
Mystic couldn’t help but let out a small laugh as well. She has her first friend! She never expected to get attached to somepony so fast after all her time here.
“Just wait until Twilight sees who you made friends with,” Sunset winked as she got up, “I’ll be right back, I’m going to throw our trash away.”
As Sunset levitated the paper cups and walked off, Mystic was still surprised at what her new friend just did. She never has seen somepony pull off such a devious, yet helpful tactic. She’s just used to complete deviousness from ponies. Now that she had a friend? How will she be able to handle it? She hasn’t had...
Hearing somepony galloping over, Mystic looked to her right to see Twilight with a somewhat panicked expression on her face.
“Mystic!” she cried, “Oh, there you are!”
“What’s up?” Mystic asked.
“What do you mean ‘what’s up’?! I went to check in on you but I couldn’t find you!”
Mystic rolled her eyes as Twilight continued, “And to make matters worse, I completely forgot something totally important and you need to have it for the program!” Twilight stated, her eyes wide with panic.
Mystic couldn’t help but crack an amused smile, “Wow. One day and you think that?”
“Yes!”
Mystic snorted.
“Mystic, this is no laughing matter!”
“Wow, you seem to be,” Mystic held back a giggle, “‘Twilight-ing’ hard.”
“What?!” Twilight screamed in surprise, “Who told you about that?!”
“Just somepony,” Mystic simply stated.
“Who?!”
Mystic pointed behind Twilight.
“Hey Twilight,” said a voice.
Eyes wide and mouth agape, Twilight slowly turned around to face a smiling Sunset Shimmer.
“Sunset Shimmer!” she practically screamed, “Oh my Celestia! I totally forgot about you coming!” She paused, “Again!”
“Maybe?” Sunset chuckled.
Twilight began hyperventilating, “Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry, I’ve been so busy with the school and everything with the recent invasion attempt and settling other matters!” She collapsed to her stomach and began hyperventilating, “Oh, I should’ve been better prepared! So much is happening!”
“Is she usually like this?” Mystic asked Sunset.
“Sometimes, as I said before,” Sunset chuckled as she reached down and helped the alicorn up.
“It’s okay, Twilight,” said Sunset, “I understand and I’ve forgiven you.”
“But I’m still not prepared and...”
“I think you’re being a little overdramatic,” Sunset smirked.
“Excuuuuuseee me, Sunset! I’m just formulating here!”
“Besides,” Mystic spoke up, “You did tell me to make a new friend, right?”
Twilight looked at Mystic, “Tell me you did! Is he or she wonderful?! Are they nice?!”
Mystic simply pointed at Sunset, causing Twilight to look at the older mare. Then back at Mystic.
“You made friends with Sunset?” she asked, getting proud.
“Yeah, you didn’t specify if it had to be somepony outside ponies you knew.”
“Oh, this is wonderful!” Twilight beamed, forgetting about her hyperventilation, “You’re learning so fast, Mystic! And it’s only day one!” Some tears came to her eyes, “So proud of you.”
Mystic chuckled as Sunset spoke up, “Whoa, watch out, we’ve got a one pony theater here.”
Twilight froze before breaking out into a blush.
“So, how did you two get on?” Twilight asked, composing herself.
“Oh, we got along after we crashed into one another,” Sunset smirked.
“What?!”
“We didn’t see one another and crashed into each other before we began talking.”
Twilight blinked. “So, you crashed into one another, and began talking?”
“A little like that,” Sunset smirked, “Besides,” she looked at Mystic, “I guess you can say she’s been a real ‘smash’ with me.”
Mystic held back a laugh, but it came out as a snort.
Twilight just had a deadpan look, “Uh huh.”
“So, how are the rest of your friends doing?” Sunset asked.
“Oh, they’re doing great,” Twilight smiled, “They knew you were coming but I thought I’d get you to see them after you’d arrived and settled in.”
“That sounds good, is my room set up for the Castle?”
Twilight blushed, smiling sheepishly.
“Oh, I see,” Sunset replied with a teasing smirk, “Don’t worry, I’m not a five-year-old filly.”
“But you’re a guest! I should’ve straightened it out!”
“It’s going to be fine, Twilight. Trust me.”
“Hey! Look who’s here!” a familiar country accent rang out.
“Oh, speak of the devil,” said Sunset, looking over to see Twilight’s pony friends and her number one assistant galloping/flying over to see her.
“Oh, Sunset, darling!” Rarity beamed, “You finally arrived!”
“It’s great to see ya!” Applejack added.
“Great to see all of you too everypony,” Sunset greeted, she looked over at Spike, “And everydragon, too.”
“It’s good to see you again, Sunset,” the young drake said.
Fluttershy stepped forward and hugged the unicorn, which she returned.
“Time for a ‘Welcome back, Sunset Shimmer’ party!” Pinkie beamed.
“We’ll have time for a party, Pinkie,” said Twilight, “But for now we’ve got to get Sunset settled in.”
“Okie dokie lokie!”
“Hey,” said Spike, “How about I make us some dinner? And then we can settle Sunset in?”
“I can always go for some of your dinner, Spike,” Sunset smiled.
“Oh,” said Rarity, “You met Mystic already, didn’t you?”
“Oh, yeah, she and I got to know each other a bit.”
“And,” Twilight smiled, “Mystic is a part of my school now.”
“Really?” Rainbow asked, surprised.
“Yes. And she’s already made her first friend.”
“What?” Fluttershy asked she smiled brightly, “Who?”
“Who do you think just arrived?” Sunset asked.
The five ponies and dragon lightly gasped before looking between Sunset and Mystic, the latter nodded, confirming what Sunset said.
“Wow, seriously?” Rainbow asked, “I never thought...”
“That she couldn’t make a friend or something, Dash?” Sunset asked with a smirk, “Come on, she’s better than that.”
Rainbow said nothing in response.
“Well, I am happy for you, Mystic,” said Fluttershy.
“Me too!” Twilight beamed.
“Shouldn’t we be getting dinner?” Applejack asked, “I’m getting hungry.”
“Let’s all head to the Castle,” Twilight turned to Mystic, “You too.”