Equestria Girls: Love Is Magic

by onekface

Inside Job

Everton was everything Twilight imagined it would be, and then some.

She visited the place frequently back when she was still in Crystal Prep but this was perhaps the first time she entered the school grounds properly. It had a really tight security system which only permitted visitors on a certain basis. But nonetheless, she was here now, and it was huge. Precisely four times larger than CHS or Crystal Prep for that matter.

They had every kind of facility dedicated to one field of science or research, a library so large that you could end up getting lost in, a private dormitory where all the wonderful thinkers meet up, and don’t even get her started on the cafeteria. It was a first class five-star restaurant. The meals they make in there were fit for kings. Everything a bright mind like hers needed was all within metaphorical-arm’s reach.

She can’t wait till graduation. To be studying here would be her dream come true.

“Twilight… darling.” Rarity spoke, tapping the girl by the shoulder. “Keep your head up dear. You’re standing out.”

Twilight quickly stood up straight, but again couldn’t help but marvel at the sign. They were just standing by the gate and already she could feel the knowledge streaming out of it.

“Sorry. It’s just that I’m so excited. This will be the first time I get to see the inside of the school itself. Can you imagine? The next generation of the greatest thinkers in this corner of the world all come through these doors. And in a few months, I’ll be one of them!”

“Yes dear. Like you’ve said a dozen times already. But honestly you can stand to be a bit more whelmed. Your jittery expression is weirding everyone out.”

“No I’m not.”

“You’re drooling.”

Was she? Twilight checked her chin anyway just to confirm and found her sleeves moist. Her cheeks turned red just as Rarity offered her a napkin.

“I gotta hand it to ya, Twilight. This place really is amazing.” Sunset added joining the row of students and visitors alike. “It kind of reminds me of my school back in Equestria. Though… not as grand. And speaking of which. Where are the rest of the tour group? You’d think there’d be a lot of students coming to check the place out.”

“Oh I’m sure there are other tours.” Twilight waved it off. “We probably got the early group.”

That made sense. “So… are you sure we’ll be able to find out where the magic is coming from?”

“Don’t you worry. I got everything covered.” The nerd gal quickly brought out a device from her pocket and handed it over to the rest. “These are the same tracking tools we used to search for magic. I’ve tuned it to detect both Yaztec and Equestrian Magic. If you hear it ping, that means you’re close. And as for Rainbow Dash.” She turned to the girl in question pulling even more palm sized gizmos. “These are my personalized magic scanners. Once the tour goes half way for its break time, you’ll place these on the roof of the tallest buildings. That way, I can scan the whole school from the safety of my lab. Think you’re up for it?”

“Oh please.” Rainbow Dash scoffed confidently, flexing her arms. “Getting around the school in 15 minutes? I can do that with my eyes closed.”

“I’m still not liking this.” Sunset chimed just as the students began to funnel in through the gate. “This could still be a trap, so we should all be extra careful.”

“I’ve already got Applejack and Pinkie Pie on backup duty. Fluttershy is with them too, but I doubt she’ll want to be put in harm’s way. If they don’t hear from us, they’ll head straight to Vice-Principal Luna.”

“Alright everyone.” A young gentleman in a green blazer called out to them. He looked like a teacher. A little on the young side with a nice suit, hair waving pleasantly just above his shoulder and a bright purple eyes. And judging from his frantic expression he must be somewhat new. “Sorry for the delay. We had a little problem with the faculty. A… are you the girls who signed up for the tour?”

“Yes sir!” Twilight responded eagerly, a wide childish grin on her face.

“Great! Um… my name is Thorax. And I’ll be in charge of showing you around.” He laughed out awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry. We weren’t really expecting such a large group to come by. My brother was supposed to do this with me but…”

Were they a large group? There were only four of them.

“Ahem. Anyway. Welcome to Everton Academy. The greatest educational institution in the western hemisphere. As you may know, our school will have the honor and privilege to host the first half of the B & B Regional Tournament. I have no doubt that this tour will answer all your questions of what the tournament entails and what our beloved academy has to offer. By the time you finish this tour, you’ll see that this place has everything you need to give you the edge in advancing your future.”

Twilight was the only one who applauded, nudging the rest of the gang to followed suit, though they couldn’t really offer anything more than just a slow polite clap just to add the mix. Rainbow Dash made a comment but none of them really heard it.

“Now if you follow me. We’ll have our first stop at the school library.”

They trailed the older man, with Twilight giddying every step of the way.

Luna couldn’t help but contain a smile as she wandered down the field of her school that afternoon. No matter how many times she sees it, it never cease to amaze her how her sister manages to arrange everything on such short notice. In just a few days she managed to convert the school’s football field into a mini flea market. The amount of stalls erected here could compare to that of a fair down by the docks on New Year’s Eve.

An array of colorful banners dangled from rooftops and pavilion stands, a mixture of perfume and home cooked meals lingered in the air making people drool. The shrimp dumpling stall at the corner was especially enticing. And the amount of noise and music was enough to attract passerby and curious citizens alike just to see what the whole thing was all about.

It was also nice to see students and teachers from her school and Crystal Prep were getting along. The atmosphere here was way more manageable than the time during the Friendship Games. You can even tell the difference between the stalls of the two schools.

While CHS were more on the imaginative and creative side of art, you can’t really deny that those kids from Crystal Prep had their head in the game. Everything they had looked professionally done, like something a corporation would mass produce for big bucks. From their confectionaries to their games, and even a few activities. All of them seemed to possess a degree of ‘Gaudiness’. These rich kids really got style. Heck, even their prizes looked more appealing. From game consoles to……

… IS THAT A CAR!?

Luna snapped her head so quickly that it was a miracle that it didn’t fall off. She blinked twice just to make sure she wasn’t seeing things – and then a third time for good measure. But no matter how many times she blinked, the darn thing was still there. It was an honest to god car. A rather old model but still…… that can’t be real, can it?

“Yo~~~ It’s the VP. Welcome~~~~~.” A groovy gal waved at her, earphones blasting music so loud that she could hear it from a distance. Lemon Zest was her name, if she recalled. She was one of the competitors during the Friendship Games. “Came to try your luck on our biggest raffle? Only 50 bucks a ticket. 1^st Prize is the legendary Hooverton Vintage model.”

“Raffle?” She balked, finger pointing at the car. “You mean this thing is…… real?”

“You bet’cha. Drove the thing all the way here.” Lemon Zest grinned. “This thing is about as old as my dad. Roughly 80 horsepower engine, reinforced tires, spoilers for maximum air time, and wicked decals to go with the rider. You’re guaranteed for a fun experience no matter where you go. Oh. And it’s got awesome mileage too. Pretty rad, right?”

Rad indeed. Who in their right mind would raffle their car off in a school fundraiser? What idiot would even give away such a prized vehicle for such a mundane event?

“Like what you see?” Her answer came in the form of that ‘Idiot’ walking up to her with a wide eyed smile on his face. “Pretty awesome, eh?”

“Sombra.” She mumbled under her breath. “Of course. I should’ve known you’d be the one to do something so brazen.”

“Are… you talking about the prize?”

“No. I’m talking about the background. Of course I’m talking about the prize!? Why in the world are you giving away this… beautiful piece of machinery!?” And it really was beautiful. She could really see herself driving this thing on the countryside with no one stopping her.

But unsurprisingly the older man simply shrugged. “It’s an old model from back in the day. It’s a little used up but it won’t breakdown along the way. There’s no need to worry. I have six more back home. Besides, it’s one of our biggest attraction so far. It’ll definitely raise a lot of money for the school.”

“You can probably sell this thing online and make a thousand times more than the whole event! You could’ve just done that and give the money.”

“That… is true. But…” His eye wandered to Celestia who was speaking with Dean Cadance in the corner. The latter looking rather gruff and haggard. “I highly doubt your sister would accept such a gift.”

Ah… right. That actually made sense. Despite the two of them unofficially dating, Celestia had a bit of a pride side in her. Gifts and presents were always welcoming, but she would never take a handout even if it was offered on a silver platter. Luna was conflicted to say if that was one of her better or lesser qualities.

She smacked her forehead, grunting. “Yeah that sounds like her. That girl really doesn’t know to take the easy way.”

“It’s one of her charms.”

“More like one of her faults.” Luna smirked. “I’m gonna have a word with her after today.”

“You do that.” He sighed. “In the meantime though. Why don’t you and I enjoy the festivities while it last? It’s not every day we get to hang out in such a pleasant circumstance.”

“That’s… nice. But I’m on duty right now.” Keeping watch on the crowd and a certain Neighsay who was casually browsing the stalls at the corner of her eye. “Wouldn’t you rather spend your time with my sister instead? It would certainly look good for our students knowing that the Principals of both schools were on good terms.”

“I tried that already. But Celestia is quite adamant on keeping our… relationship… a secret from the others. She simply gave me pleasantries and told me to wander.”

“So what? I’m your backup choice?”

“Well… yes.” Wow. He said that without a hint of remorse. I feel so special. “If it makes you feel better, I can offer you a treat from one of the stalls.”

“Oh~~ so you think I’m a cheapskate? Some girl who’ll just give you a pass just because she gets a gift out of it?” Luna turned away with a grumpy look on her face. There was no way in heck she was gonna give this guy the satisfaction of her company. Not after such an insulting remark. There was no way in heck she was gonna even look at him or even entertain the idea of splurging his money. Pfft. She wasn’t a skank. Even a girl like her had some sense of pride.

But oddly enough the aroma of the food by the corner broke that sense.

…

… damn it.

“I want the shrimp dumpling.”

The Principal smiled victoriously.

“Come and get your cupcakes here! Delicious, nutritious, and absolutely ridiculous cupcakes! Now serving with tissues. And~~ it also comes with edible sunscreen! You can eat them. You can wear them on your skin!”

Pinkie shouted with absolute enthusiasm as she ran around the open field tossing flyers out to the people, whiles wearing the school’s fluffy mascot costume. The thing was heavy as a dumbbell, but it certainly looked adorable to boot. It’s no wonder the people who wear this thing get tired after a few hours. Still… it was no match to the limitless bubble of energy like her.

“Don’t forget to try one out from our sample basket.” Fluttershy added, casually handing out pamphlets to wandering patrons. “It now comes in six different flavors.”

The two of them and Applejack were running the bake sale which was pretty much one of the best attractions in the fundraising event. While everyone else were running their games and prizes, everyone here would have to energize to participate.

“Alright ya’ll. Break time.” The cowgirl announced, pulling two leftover cupcakes for them to snack on. “Great work out there girls. This whole advertisement thing is pulling in more customers than I thought. We’re already down to half our stock.”

“No trouble, pardner.” Pinkie replied, leaning on the kiosk as she inhaled her share of the snack. “Wearing adorable costumes, shouting to the top of my lungs while I run around the field can’t even be considered work. I do the same thing every Monday.”

Fluttershy tilted her head down. “You do?”

“Yup. It’s called lung exercise! I find that screaming to the top of your lungs just to hear the echo come back at you is the perfect way to start the week. It’s both relaxing and exciting. You should totally try it!”

“I think you have a different way of relaxing than most people, Pinkie.” AJ chuckled. “Speaking of which. I just got a text from Twilight. They’re in Everton Academy. So remember: It’s our job to keep an eye on Neighsay and make sure he’s not doing anything suspicious. So try to blend in.”

“No problemo~ I can do it. I’ll blend in better than Gummy in my backyard after a long sunny day. I even brought a disguise!” She pulled out a fake mustache looking more like an old movie villain than anything else. “See? No one would even recognize me.”

“Sure you do. But he ain’t gonna be hanging around here for our sakes. Which means one of us will have to keep an eye on him just in case he tries something.”

“Oh dear. Th… that sounds dangerous.”

“It might be.” AJ glanced around. “And since I’m needed here to man the booth, and Pinkie is about as sneaky as a sheep on sheering day, the only one who can do it is you, Fluttershy.”

“Me!?” The girl in question gasped, spilling her stack of flyers. “B… but I…”

“Whatdaya say Fluttershy? You think you can tackle the mission?”

“NO! It’s too much for my fragile-self! I’ll crack under the pressure. I’ll snap like a twig!”

“Great! Then you’ll be the one to keep watch over Neighsay.”

“B… but… but I… I don’t think I can handle it!”

“Don’t you worry your biscuits. Pinkie and I will be right here. And we’ll have our phones with us at all time. If you see that guy up to no good, give us a call. We’ll be on by your side in a moment’s notice. And if he does see you, just tell him that you’re handing out flyers for our cupcakes.”

“Don’t forget to take free samples~~” Pinkie added in a song, grinning like her usual self.

“Uh… I don’t know if this is such a good idea.”

“Sure it is! That guy is like super mad suspicious of everything and everyone. Look at him! He’s like the type of villain that you see in movies. If anyone even looks at him funny, he’ll blast them all with his magical powers! But you on the other hand are the least suspicious person on the planet. He would never hurt you. I mean you’re Fluttershy. The most inconspicuous person in CHS! There’s no way anyone here would suspect you of anything bad. Right Applejack?” The cowgirl simply responded with a positive hum.

Fluttershy croaked under her breath. “I honestly can’t tell if I’m being praised or insulted. And… I still don’t want to go it alone.”

“You won’t be.” Pinkie then produced her pet alligator from her hair and handed it over. How it got there, was a question best left unanswered. “You got Gummy, silly. If anything happens, just toss this green gobbler and he’ll take care of the rest. Ain’t that right, Gummy?” The said gator blinked incoherently. “Now go out there and break a leg! Metaphorically speaking of course.” Without even waiting for a reply, she quickly pushed the panicking girl over to the general direction of Neighsay handing her the free sample basket and a stack of flyers like they were her weapons and armor. “Good luck now! Don’t forget to hand out the flyers! We need more customers over here!”

Fluttershy could do nothing but whimper back as she sucked up whatever courage she could muster and walked off, her body shivering as she went.

“Let’s hope nothing does happen.” Applejack whispered. “Now. We should probably get back to selling these cupcakes. We got a ton of dough to make and these bad boys ain’t gonna sell themselves.”

“I’m on it!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Can I still keep the mustache?”

“Eh… sure… why not?”

“Yes! Time to work some of that Pinkie Pie magic. Breathe in all that air. Hang on to your hats, cuz this party’s about to r—oomph!” Her exciting tone was quickly halted when she slammed onto something.

… or to be more precise: Someone.

“Hey girls.”

“Timber?” The two of them blinked, looking somewhat surprised of his presence. He wasn’t exactly someone any of them get to see every day. The green haired fella looked like he was dressed for a date, wearing a swag jacket.

“What are you doing here?” AJ asked, breaking from her earlier shock.

“Just browsing.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “I heard about the school fundraising event from a friend so I thought I’d surprise Twilight with a visit.” He leaned in to whisper. “It’s our two year anniversary. I wanted to do something special for a change.”

“Anniversary?”

“The day we officially began dating.” He explained, still smiling. “Or… at least that’s what she said last time. Anyway, is she around?”

Oh…

“She ain’t exactly… here here.”

“What?”

Pinkie decided to step in and provide a quick explanation. “Yeah. This new Guidance Counselor Neighsay told us about magical mumbo jumbo that caused the big earthquake the other day and asked Twilight and Sunset for help because they had experience in hunting down anything magic related, so Twilight is probably in Everton Academy right now, taking a tour to blend in with the crowd while investigating the whole thing and we’re back here keeping watch over the somewhat ‘evil’ organization that’s bent on ruling all of mankind.”

The boy simply blinked, having lost track of her words half way through. “Uh… what now?”

“Sorry about Pinkie.” AJ grunted. “The filters between her brain and her mouth are out of order.”

“It’s true!”

“She’s not here.” AJ clarified. “She’s investigating some magical mishap in Everton Academy with Sunset and the others. It’s a long story.”

“Everton Academy?” He asked, eyes sharpening in confusion.

“It’s a magic thing.” Applejack explained. “Not really sure about it myself. But apparently something big is going on over there so Twilight and the others are investigating. Apparently it had something to do with the earthquake the other day. I can’t really keep up with all that mumbo jumbo they go on about.”

“She never said anything to me.” Timber scratched his head confusingly. “Actually, she hasn’t been answering much of my calls these last few days.”

“Yeah… we’ve got an unspoken rule between us. We don’t talk about this with other people. Wouldn’t want folks’round here to think of us as a bunch of crazies.”

“But she should’ve at least told me. I could’ve helped out.”

“I’m sure she just didn’t want you to worry. Trust me. I know the feeling. I don’t even tell my family about this whole magic mumbo jumbo. If Granny knew half of the weird stuff I do, she’d lock me in the barn till I graduated.”

“Same here.” Pinkie hummed and flicked the loose strands on her hair. “I mean… I tell my family a lot of things, but I’d never bring up magic. Unless it’s Maud of course. I tell her everything! Though she might think I might’ve gone a little coocoo.” She saw them stare at her. “What?”

“See? No sweat. I’m sure they’re fine.”

“But I’m her boyfriend.” He reasoned. “She could’ve at least be a little open to me. I mean… we’ve been dating for over a year now. Doesn’t that mean something?”

The two girls shared an awkward glance. They weren’t entirely sure on how to answer that. Relationships weren’t exactly their forte.

“Sorry Timber. But I don’t think we’re the best people to ask that. Why don’t you ask Twilight when she gets back? I’m sure she’ll be happy to know that you came to see her.”

“Yeah! Totally!”

“Anything?” Twilight whispered to which Sunset shook her head in reply. The tour was progressing smoothly with the whole group following the guide without much of a hassle. Thorax would say something, the gang would respond politely while they pull out their scanning device for any trace of magic.

“Nothing.” The redhead replied shrugging. “That’s the fifth building we’ve checked. I’m starting to think that this whole thing might just be a hoax.”

“It’s only the start of the tour. We can’t rule everything out just yet.”

“I dunno. A magic that can cause an earthquake of that scale would leave a big trace. And so far everything we’ve seen doesn’t have a lick of magic.” Sunset tilted her head. “Neighsay was pretty suspicious. He might be planning something.”

“That’s what you said the last time with Professor Cinch.”

“And I was right.”

“Hmm touché.” Twilight admitted. “But I get a feeling that he isn’t lying. He doesn’t seem the type. And he did say that his organization was made to better mankind.”

“Are you kidding? Have you forgotten Cinch or Hoity Toity and what they did to us? You can’t take their words for granted.”

“Those were separate actions. Completely isolated results.”

“That’s what Neighsay claims. For all we know, he’s probably trying to enslave the world, or brainwash everyone in school like Adagio and her cronies.”

“Or like you.”

Sunset gave her an annoyed look. “Hey! I might’ve turned everyone into zombies, but I turned my life around. Besides, you endangered everyone by trying to merge this world and Equestria.”

“Hey, I was under pressure. It was the Friendship Games. How was I supposed to know that unleashing all that magic would create a cleaving of both our worlds? And technically that wasn’t me. That was Midnight!”

“Oh sure. Blame me for all your wrongdoings why don’t ya?” Hush you.

“Will you two keep it down?” Rarity hissed from the front. “You’re being too loud back there and you’re garnering attention. Normally I wouldn’t mind, but this is supposed to be a stealthy mission.”

The two bickering girls jerked up and slowly scanned their sides noticing a few staff members and students staring oddly at them. Their argument must’ve been way louder than she realized.

Still… Sunset wasn’t wrong. They’ve been here for about an hour now and so far the only magic they can detect were the ones emanating from them. A spell that strong would’ve left traces of itself around here. But so far nothing major has shown itself. Heck the place itself looked pretty much ordinary.

What if she was right? What if Neighsay really was just sending them out here for a wild goose chase while he was performing some evil deed back in CHS? She wanted to trust the guy, giving him the benefit of the doubt. But maybe… just maybe… he could be different. Twilight wanted to believe that the organization he represented really did have mankind’s best interest at heart.

The tour continued for a few more minutes before Thorax gave a humorous chuckle, laughing at a joke he made, which didn’t seem to amuse her friends. Something about maple trees. She wasn’t really paying attention. Her focus was more on the large structure in front of them.

“And this, my fellow guests, is the school main library.” Thorax explained. “It’s the largest private library in all of Canterlot City. Every field of knowledge you could ever hope for lies within these walls. These are only available to students and faculties with proper identification.” He paused for a moment when he noted someone exiting the building. “We have original volumes of nearly every book in the world and in a variety of languages too.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled. “I can already tell what they don’t have: A full collection of Daring Dos first-edition.”

“W… well. No. But we do have signed copies special-edition of that series.”

“Wait. Really?” She blinked.

“Of course. A.K. Yearling is actually one of our top contributors when this school first started out. We dedicated an entire wing of the library to her. On occasions, we even get advance copies of her latest work, months ahead of release.”

The sports gal stifled a squeal, a wry smile showing itself on her lips. A typical reaction.

Twilight rolled her eyes and went on with the investigation. She waved her device sneakily at the library hoping to hear her device tick. But sadly, it simply let out a disappointing hum. Just like the last few times.

“Seeing as we’re already here. Why don’t you girls head on in and check it out? I bet it would be very enlightening. We’ll meet up right here in 10 minutes.”

The group nodded back to their guide and slowly went on their merry way. The library seemed like a good place to investigate but so far nothing seems to be ticking her scanner. You’d think a place as gigantic as this would have one or two magic books lying somewhere inside.

Ugh… maybe this was a stupid idea.

Hmm?

“Wait a second.” Twilight spoke up, flicking her glasses upward. She noticed a tick. “My scanner just picked up something from the library.”

Sunset scoffed. “It’s probably just detecting your geode again.”

“No I’m sure of it. And it’s close by too. I just need to check the…” But before she could finish, two large arms suddenly wrapped themselves around her waist raising her up. “Bwah!?”

“Twilly!” A familiar voice sang. “I knew it was you! I’d recognize that getup of yours anywhere.”

“Shining Armor?” She breathed after prying herself from his grip. “What are you doing here?”

“Well duh. I work here now.” Oh right. Why else would he be here?

“Your brother works here?” Sunset questioned from her position.

“That’s right. Didn’t my sister tell you?” He grinned. “You’re looking at the new substitute teacher of Everton Academy. I mostly just take over remedial lessons but it’s a big step up from my days in Crystal Prep. Not to mention the health benefits. The things around here work way smoother than my old job.” Twilight gave him a look. “So I’m guessing you’re here to scope out the B&B tournament.”

“Well… yes and… no.”

“That’s… partly it.” Sunset answered for her, though she held the truth back just a little bit. “Honestly we’re just giving this place a look.”

“Well you’re definitely gonna love it here. This place has everything. And the facilities are at the top of its peers. And don’t even get me started with the teachers. Many of them graduated from this very academy. You won’t find a better education center than here. It’s no wonder why my sister always go Twilly-nanas over this place. I mean… you were always crazy about it. But now I understand why.”

“Pfft Twilly-nanas.” She could hear her friends snicker behind her back. Thanks BB-BFF. Real smooth there.

“Ugh… stupid.” Timber huffed lowly just enough for some pedestrian to hear, kicking a pebble that stood in his way. Coming to this school was a mistake. He had hoped to make some great memories here with his girlfriend but instead he got stood up while Twilight went on some world saving mission.

It wasn’t fair.

He wasn’t annoyed by the fact he couldn’t join her, but more the fact she didn’t even bother to ask him for help. She should know by now that he would do anything for her. Sure he didn’t have magic, but that wouldn’t stop him from charging against a bulldozer with nothing but his pants. He even tried calling her a few times but his calls were going straight to voicemail. Either Twilight was in a situation that required complete silence or… she was ducking his calls.

And neither of those options were pleasing to him.

And to think he had a whole schedule made for her today. This whole fundraising event would’ve made up for the mess he made back in the New Year’s fair. He’d had enough money to get her to all the booths and all the games, and no stupid rich kid to muck it all up.

At least that Flash kid was keeping to his word and staying away from her – or… at least he hopes so. He didn’t exactly have the opportunity to ask around.

Ugh… this sucks. Today would’ve gone so well.

Out of frustration, he groaned out loud and kicked another pebble, hoping to smack it to the grass – only to find it mysteriously turn around and roll the opposite way… to a faintly familiar pavilion tent at the corner of the field.

“Is that…?”

No. It couldn’t be.

Timber rubbed his eyes, turning towards the old worn down sign just outside the tent.

‘Zecora’s House of Fortune’

Huh… talk about a small world.

“A small world it may be, but I assure you not everything is what you see.” The accented voice chimed from within with an unmistakable rhyming tone. “Come in and put your mind at ease, I assure you – you will not be displeased.”

Having seen what was inside already, the boy decided ‘Eh. Why the heck not?’ It’s not like he had anything to lose at this point.

The inside of the tent was decked out with many of the same relics he saw before. Creepy masks, a soothing yet mysterious fragrant from incense candles, carpets and ponchos with variety of colors. And sitting by a singular round table, cloaked in a purple robe, staring widely at a crystal ball was none other than the proprietor herself.

“Ah… a familiar face comes by, come along now don’t be shy.” The lady with many earrings greeted, gesturing him to the seat that was open to him with her alluring fingers.

“Uh… hey…… Zecora.” He mustered the name, just barely. “I… wasn’t expecting to see you again. Especially here of places.”

“It is a small claim where I show my skill, not to mention that it helps pay the bill.” That’s one way of saying it. “I also believe fate is at work here, for that is the reason why you appear.”

“I don’t believe in fate.”

“You may not believe in it, but it certainly believes in you. Why else would you have come?” Her eyes glint as if prying into his soul. They looked dangerously like claws, wrangling his deepest darkest desires. “Ah… it seems your past woes have yet to be at rest, come come and let me hear you confess.”

“You can tell?”

“A man’s face can say a hundred words, if it can speak it can be heard.” Her smile widened just a tiny bit, like a cat who had a plan to catch the canary. “I can take a gander that this is about the girl, the one who has caused your emotions to swirl.”

Wow… right on both accounts again. “Yeah.”

Zecora bobbed her head. “Was the gift not enough for her attention? Or perhaps it was a failure of admission?”

“No. I… never had the chance to give it to her.” He admitted. “The gift is great. But… that’s not what’s happening right now.”

“Hmmmm…” She stroked her imaginary beard, humming. “It would seem there is more to this problem, perhaps you can elaborate this conundrum.”

“Well… it’s… complicated.”

“Perhaps some tea would help untangle, that of which you have to ramble.”

“No I’m f… ine?” He froze when he suddenly noticed he was holding a teacup. A warm aromatic smell emanated from it, which caught him puzzled. “Wait… how did you…?”

“A simple brew from days old, it is a perfect remedy for weariness and the cold.” She added with nary a hint of what just transpired.

Did she… do magic?

No. That can’t be. It must be a trick. A sleight of hand gesture that he couldn’t see.

He looked at the cup curiously for a brief second and drank it all in a moment later.

…

Oh?

It was surprisingly delicious. The whole thing went down smoothly like a dab of hot water on a cold evening snow.

“Well?” The lady asked, her fingers gesturing him to come closer, to which his body complied without his knowing. “Please. Speak.”

“It’s… my girlfriend.” He said finally, suddenly feeling somewhat lightheaded.

“The girl in which you wanted to be closer, have you not resolved to be better?

“No it’s not that. She and I are close. Really close.” Whoa… he felt feint for a moment there. “I mean… we’ve been dating for over a year now. And things have been going great. But…” There was always a ‘but’. “… there are… complications.”

The woman mouthed an ‘Oh’ and waved her hands gently. Her finger tapped forward to the teacup which had somehow been refilled. Timber blinked but was unable to see anything wrong with it. Even as the water mysteriously filled in like… magic.

“I don’t really know how to explain this. But there’s this ‘friend’ who she seems to be close with.” He rambled on, taking the teacup and sipping from it. “This Flash Sentry guy. And every time he’s around, she has this… glimmer in her eyes.” He gulped. “Then she starts talking about him like he’s the best guy ever. Oooh~ Flash Sentry is so cool. Flash Sentry is so awesome! She makes me feel like I’m not even there.”

“An admiration born from ties and time, perhaps your girl merely respects him and whine.”

Ha! He wished.

“No. It’s more than that.” Timber muttered, eyes fluttering weakly. “I think… she actually likes him more than she realizes.”

“Oh?” She made a weak gasp. “Such a feeling. Are you certain?”

“I… I’m sure of it.” He said, gripping the teacup which again suddenly refilled itself. He sipped. “She talks about him constantly, always praising everything he does over and over. Oh sure. He helped her and her friends defeat some magical organization hell bent on taking over the world. Pfft! I could’ve done that too if she asked. Even without magic. And the way she looks at him? Twilight never smiles like that when she’s with me. I mean… what would it take for her to give me some extra attention? What does he… what does he have… have that I don’t?”

“An interesting sentiment.” Zecora’s smile turn snake-like and cruel. Her face appeared from her cloak as she leaned in to hear him better. “Please… tell me more.”