//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 - Temporary life in Ponyville // Story: Wherever the Light Shines: Part 3 // by MLPSolarDash1907 //------------------------------// She ducked behind a bush. Her sharp eyes looked around for any hostiles in the woodlands that surrounded her. Sweat trickled down her forehead as she let out a breath, the adrenaline flowed through her body. It should be here around somewhere... she thought, running a hoof through her black mane. About half an hour of searching and no such luck. The enemies had infiltrated her territory before, but now it’s time for her to repay the favor. There wasn’t any indication anypony else was in the vicinity, or hiding... She heard giggles and some whispering. Shoot! She forced her orange legs to move forward, her eyes set on a nearby hill. Maybe that would give me a better vantage point. Swerving around a couple of trees and leaping over a large rock, the unicorn landed on her hooves, rolling across the ground and ducking behind another tree. Close to the bottom of the hill, she saw a tree and a glimpse of a multi-colored flag that bore a particular cutie mark. Her target. I still don’t know how this game of extreme capture the flag will help me get my cutie mark, Mystic thought, rolling into another bush and coming to a stop. But this is kind of fun. She couldn’t spot her “enemies” but she had to move fast. So, she decided to risk it and run down the hill. You’ve got this, Mystic! Mystic galloped down the hill, her gaze glued to the flag waving in the tree. Suddenly, she sensed somepony to her right. Looking over to a log-- “Gotcha!” Scootaloo leapt out. “No!” Mystic cried as the filly tackled her and both tumbled across the ground. Both ponies landed in a heap, the older unicorn on her back. Mystic grumbled under her breath. “And I win!” Scootaloo cheered, shooting up to her hooves. Mystic facehoofed and sat up. “You were so close!” came a new voice. Mystic noticed a white filly trotting over. “Scoots, ya were nearly bested!” said a country voice, a yellow filly with a red bow joining the other filly. The orange filly puffed out her chest. “But I wasn’t! Nopony can beat me at my own game!” “That’s why you chose it! To rub your ego in Mystic’s face!” the white unicorn known as Sweetie Belle accused but with a playful smirk. Scootaloo shook her head vigorously. “Did not!” “Did too!” “Okay!” Apple Bloom shouted before they could get in a shouting match. “Ah think we’ve had an excitin’ day so far.” She pointed to her left at a nearby hill. Mystic looked over to see there was a picnic basket on top of it. “Let’s have a small break before our next wave of Crusadin!” Almost on cue, Mystic’s stomach rumbled. To hide her slight blush, she stood up. “I agree,” she said and began walking over to the basket. “And so does your stomach!” Scootaloo chuckled. A few minutes later, the Crusaders and Mystic all had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with some fruit punch out on the picnic towel. “Chow time!” Scootaloo shouted and took a big bite out of her sandwich, splattering some jelly onto Sweetie Belle. “Scootaloo!” the white filly cried, “Manners please!” “Manners schmanners!” Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “I can eat however I want!” “But it isn’t proper! You must eat it delicately as to not seem rude to the other guests,” Sweetie lectured. Scootaloo gave her a deadpan look. “Wow. You’re sounding just like your sister.” “Now, that’s just going too far!” Sweetie said with a devious smile. Mystic just silently shook her head and turned her attention to her sandwich. As she took a bite, she noticed Apple Bloom looking at her. “I still don’t know how this is going to help me get my cutie mark,” Mystic mumbled. “Especially extreme capture the flag.” “Aw, but we Crusaders have ta try everythin’!” Apple Bloom asserted. “Even if it involved bungee jumping over a river?” “Eeyup!” Apple Bloom nodded curtly. “Along with tightrope walking? And zoo keeping?” “Ah still don’t know how ya made it across on the tightrope so fast...” Mystic had to hold back a shiver. “Yeah, me either.” “I still think we should do some tree climbing!” Mystic heard Scootaloo. “Or some song writing!” Sweetie chimed. “Boring!” “Okay you two!” said Mystic. The two friends looked at her. “Can we please just worry about such games later?” Sweetie and Scootaloo briefly looked at each other then back at Mystic. “Fine.” “Nice fer ya to keep’em in line, Mystic,” Apple Bloom winked. “Usually Ah have to do that.” Mystic shrugged and ruffled the filly’s mane. “Well, I have some experience with dealing with such disagreeing foals.” “Were they as bad?” Apple Bloom giggled. “Worse,” Mystic slightly joked. “Don’t talk about how bad we are. We know how bad you are Apple Bloom,” said Sweetie. Mystic looked over to see a teasing grin on the filly’s face. The three fillies broke into giggles as Mystic took a bite of her sandwich. They all quieted down and began to eat their food. “Are you excited, Mystic?” Sweetie asked. “For what?” the unicorn asked. “For being in Twilight’s school in just a few days!” Mystic suddenly remembered that. She’s been hesitant to mention or talk about it because of her mindset about all creatures. Keep calm, she thought. No need to let them know now. She cleared her throat. “Well, I am certainly... interested?” The unicorn inwardly facehoofed. “Oh, y’all oughta be excited!” Apple Bloom stood up. “Especially when we, the Crusaders, are the best friendship tutors y’all will ever meet!” “Oh boy...” Mystic muttered. I just can’t seem to escape them. “Well, Twilight’s got to get her through some things first,” said Sweetie. Mystic looked back at her. “We can wait. After all, we still got Ambermoon and Lilymoon we’re tutoring,” said Scootaloo. “Weren’t those the two who’re into creatures?” Mystic asked. “Yeah!” Sweetie beamed. “You’ll really like them.” “I’m sure we’ll have things to talk about.” “What about Sandbar and his friends?” Apple Bloom asked. “Who?” Mystic furrowed her brows. “Oh, he’s the pony who’s friends with the creatures from the other kingdoms,” Scootaloo answered. Mystic held back a wince. She didn’t know how she’d even get along with creatures like that, especially since she’s not trustworthy of most ponies. “I think I’ll just find my own way around,” Mystic spoke up. “I don’t need to be drawing too much attention to myself.” She took a bite out of her sandwich, hiding a bit of frustration. I don’t need Hong standing over my shoulder during this process. She had no doubt that unrelentless monster would be though. At least the silly activities with the CMC were a nice distraction. “Oh, that won’t be a problem,” Sweetie assured her. “After all, you have us to keep ponies from looking at you too much!” “I’m sure...” Mystic muttered. “Enough of that,” said Scootaloo, “I think it’s past time we considered new crusader ideas to help her!” Mystic couldn’t help but smirk, she was amused by their constant ideas. “What about nature observation? A martial arts teacher or a novelist?” Sweetie suggested. “How about a scientist and potion maker?” Apple Bloom said. “I can make potions just fine,” said Mystic, taking a drink from her cup. “Oh, right. “Or scuba diving in the lake!” Scootaloo chimed in. Mystic nearly did a spit take, choking on her water and coughing some of it up. “Y’all okay, Mystic?” Apple Bloom asked. Mystic coughed into her foreleg and nodded. “Sure.” “I wouldn’t mind doing that again,” said Sweetie. Shoot! Shoot! Shoot! Mystic inwardly panicked. I need to save the situation. “How about we try some of the extreme sports Scootaloo suggested? She did mention how she’d love to do them more often.” “Oh, we’ll do that,” Scootaloo beamed. “But I think we all want to do the scuba diving stuff first.” Mystic’s heart thudded. “Yeah!” the other two fillies agreed. Oh, no... Mystic thought, her legs trembling. She cleared her throat and forced the rest of her sandwich into her mouth and drank the rest of her water. “Well, I’m sure there will be plenty of time for it...” said Mystic, “After all, I need to I need to get back to the farm and handle things there.” “Aw, but we can still do one session!” said Scootaloo. “No, Applejack wanted me to feed the chickens and collect their eggs afterwards,” lied Mystic. “Oh,” Scootaloo frowned. “Okay.” Mystic stood up, “Thanks for all the activities this past week.” “It was fun, Mystic!” Sweetie smiled. “We look forward to hanging out with you again soon!” Mystic nodded. “I guess you’ll have a ton more ideas for us to try.” “You know it!” As Mystic left, she shuddered. The thought of fillies... fillies of all ponies finding out she couldn’t swim scared her. She had to think of something to convince them to do something else... but, she sighed, and knew there wasn’t much of a chance she’d be able to. So, she decided to try and think of something else. As she set her sights on the town of Ponyville, Mystic couldn’t believe how much the activities they went through had exhausted her. She’s managed to hide her embarrassment of being with fillies their age but how did they manage to drain her of energy? They seem immature and can cause some trouble from her understanding, but they can also be mature when they need to be. A slight smile broke out on her face at the paradox. Mystic saw Twilight’s crystal castle twinkling in the distance. She lightly cringed. I might’ve gotten used to it, but it’s still a sorehoof, she thought. She looked to her left to see the golden and marble white city of Canterlot. The spires had columns and multiple levels surrounding around them to keep them from collapsing as they’re restored. She couldn’t help but be reminded of the fact she couldn’t ignore anymore. These ponies definitely are the heroines she’d heard of a long time ago. Even though she was proud to be a part of their mission, but even though they have saved this nation, how can they be sure that it’ll last? Will the creatures they’ve gotten acquainted with even want to stay in their ways for very long? She’d seen things come and go with the Liberators, from Cierra going to a mare of madness, how the resistance against the Northerners ended along with most of that civilization, and how such ideals ended up being folly in such situations. Mystic’s brows furrowed, and knew that the situation worked out well in several ways. The fact that Twilight got the wolves and everypony to work together to defeat Clawdius was a huge event for the land of Oogundaa. Not just for the continent, but for her. They seem to really believe in their ways, she thought. Never has she been challenged like she has to consider her worldview. But, unfortunately, even if their ways might have significance, it’s only a matter of time before darkness comes and chokes it out. Or could it? She let out an annoyed snort and felt as if she were being pulled in different directions. Another thought came to her. Hong. He’s been able to build rapport with the nation and she knows he’ll do whatever he can to get to her. A wave of nervousness washed over her. The unicorn bit her bottom lip and gazed down the path leading to the edge of town. I’ll try and keep him off my back, she thought, unable to think of the implications if Hong got his way. Not with just her but with the nation. Then, something began to rise in Mystic’s chest with all of her thoughts blending together. She began to hum as she began to trot. A harmonious tune formed in her mind and she felt her chest swell up. I feel like singing... she thought. Immediately she stopped and stood in the middle of the road wide eyed. She blinked. And again. “What the hay?” she whispered. Mystic looked around at cottages and ponies going about their day. The unicorn felt as if she were in the spotlight as sweat poured down her face. “That was odd...” she said, trying to suppress the need to hum again. The unicorn broke into a gallop and didn’t stop until she left town. As she came upon Sweet Apple Acres, she couldn’t help but think back to a certain yellow filly. Mystic frowned, recalling how her contagious joyful laughter made her follow suit. The times with Cierra and the Liberators all of those times for the most part made her life feel complete, loved, and as if she could be somepony. Only for all of it to be stripped away because of errors on all sides including herself. Mystic decided to look down at her hooves walking along the dirt trodden path. The memories from those times felt as if they were all mushed together and non-distinguishable from one another. But, ever since Clawdius’ defeat there have been questions echoing in the mare’s head. How does the friendships of these ponies and those friendships then compare to one another? Are they different or just the same? I guess I might find out soon, Mystic thought. It could be something more to discover... The mare paused. She’d never considered discovering more about herself since, well, that time. Maybe she could find out what made her relationships with Sunshine and the Liberators in her early days so special. Mystic rubbed her forehead. The fact that she can’t remember what came before she’d woken up in the middle of the street came to her mind again. What even happened before then? Mystic looked up to see she was right up at the Apple homestead. She cleared her throat, putting aside the questions for now, opened the door and entered their den. “Applejack?” said Mystic. “Welll, howdy youngin’” said an elderly voice. Mystic looked to see, in the corner of the den was Granny Smith smiling and holding a book in her hooves. “Oh, hi,” said Mystic, “Enjoying the book there?” “Yes siree!” Granny beamed. “Ah read it five times this mornin’...” She paused, rubbing her chin, “Er, was it seven?” “Ah’m sure it was only twice, Granny,” said a new voice. Mystic looked up the flight of stairs to see Applejack descending with a box on her back. “Oh, fiddlesticks, Applejack!” Granny spat a raspberry, “Y’all know this is my favorite book!” “Ah know,” replied Applejack, placing the box down next to the stairs. “What’s the box for?” Mystic asked. “We’ve been meanin’ to clear up space in our attic fer ages, and Ah thought it be a good time to do it,” replied Applejack, who took off her hat and wiped her forehead. “Well, while you were working, the CMC had me tied up again,” Mystic rolled her eyes. “They’re very excited about workin’ with ya,” Applejack smiled and patted Mystic’s back. She looked closer at the mare. “By the way, why can’t ya take that outfit off? Don’t ya use it on adventures?” Mystic shrugged. “As if. It still feels as if I’m not ending my adventure any time soon.” Applejack put her hat back on. “Just know, yer ‘mong friends that’re like family.” Mystic nodded in response. That was another thing. They’re so caring and close... like she was with Sunshine and the others. “Twilight should visit ya soon,” Applejack spoke up, “She’s got things to discuss.” Oh, right, Mystic thought. She was reminded of being forced into a “rehabilitation program” of sorts arranged by Twilight. She hated feeling that her freedom to be herself was being stripped away, but she has to save face in front of the nation and that monster. Keep your head down, she thought. Then, she decided to change the subject. “You know... I had the strangest feeling come over me earlier...” she said. “Oh?” replied Applejack, putting plates away in the cupboard. “Yeah,” Mystic rubbed her chin, “When I was thinking... it was almost as if the atmosphere around Ponyville was beckoning me to break into song.” Applejack snorted. “What?” Mystic asked with a raised eyebrow. “Oh, nothin’ it’s just a common thing ‘round Ponyville,” Applejack explained. Mystic furrowed her brows in confusion. “What?” She shook her head. “You mean ponies tend to sing?” “Sometimes,” Applejack smirked as she closed the cupboard. “Pinkie sings practically every Tuesday and Friday.” “But why?” Mystic rubbed her temple, “Is it some kind of magic or some outside force that causes ponies to sing?” Applejack shrugged. “Life’s full ‘o mysteries.” She pointed at Mystic. “Y’all know that ta be true, huh?” “Fair enough.” The unicorn shook the thought out of her head. “Enough about that, what’re you about to do?” “Ah’m gonna go out an’ get mah apples and we’re gonna head out to Ponyville to sell’em,” Applejack began walking out of the kitchen. “Oh, okay,” replied Mystic. Then she paused. “Wait, what do you mean ‘we’?” Applejack gave her a knowing grin. Mystic sighed and facehoofed. “Of course...” “Wait!” cried Mystic. “What if I get the urge to sing?” A while later down in Ponyville, Mystic held her lips shut as she stood behind the apple stand. Applejack sold the last of the apples and when the last customer left, Mystic let her lips be free of her hooves. “I swore I had to stop myself five times to keep from breaking into song!” Mystic shouted as Applejack switched the sign to ‘closed.’ “Sounds like y’all have things on yer mind,” Applejack smiled. “Is that why ponies sing? What’s on their minds?” “Or what’s on their hearts,” Applejack winked. “Gah!” Mystic threw up her hooves. “I think I’m going to take Fluttershy on that tea offering this afternoon!” Applejack chuckled. “Oh, okay.” “What’re you laughing about now?” Mystic asked, slightly panicking. “Nothin’” Applejack replied, composing herself. “Just have fun. Don’t let things get too chaotic.” “Gah! This town is messing with my head!” Mystic stomped off, “I’m gone for now!” She swore she could she heard Applejack laughing again. How crazy do these ponies get in this town?! Mystic relaxed a little when the familiar cottage came into view. It was kind of where her stay in Ponyville began. The foliage on the rooftop and the soft yellow paint of the cottage made it look cozy and-- A sudden chill shot through Mystic’s whole body from head to rear. She froze. “What the hay?” she said aloud. The unicorn looked around to see what could’ve caused it. But she saw nothing but the luscious green yard with birdhouses hanging from the trees, some burrows and a stream under the bridge she stood on. “That was weird...” she muttered, turning her attention back to the cottage and walked towards it. She knocked on the blue door. “Fluttershy, it’s Mystic. I’m here for the tea party?” The door suddenly opened. “It’s open, come on in!” said Fluttershy from within the cottage. “Yeah, literally,” said Mystic, walking into the den. “You might want to get the door checked.” There wasn’t a response. Confused, Mystic walked over to a nearby couch and sat down in it. Only for it to lift into the air and turn upside down, dumping her onto the floor. “What the?!” Mystic cried, looking up at the chair. Suddenly, the furniture around the house began to float and fly around the den. “Would you like some honey with your tea?” Fluttershy called. “Sure!” Mystic answered, not knowing how Fluttershy would react to the scene before her. Suddenly, honey began to ooze out of the floor. Mystic gasped and jumped on top of a coffee table that wasn’t floating. The walls surrounding her began to turn into a brown liquid. Some of it splashed onto Mystic’s face and she ended up tasting it. “Chocolate milk?” Mystic asked, flabbergasted. The honey on the floor suddenly became a teddy bear and it began dancing across the den. Mystic’s jaw dropped. “Are you comfortable?” Fluttershy called. “I-I... never better!” Mystic answered. The table she was on turned into jelly, causing her to fall onto the floor and she was covered in jelly. She let out a scream, running from the honey bear. “Okay! Fluttershy, something weird is going on in the den!” Mystic shouted. “Is the house settling? It’s okay.” “I think it’s more than just the house settling,” Mystic called as another honey bear appeared dancing next to its counterpart. “Okay! Enough with the dancing bears!” She tried to fire magic at them, only for her horn to pop off her head and appear as a bouquet of roses. Mystic screamed, reaching for her horn only to not feel it there. “Fluttershy!” Mystic cried, “My horn fell off!” The bouquet of flowers began floating away, causing Mystic to go after it. “Come back here! I need my magic!” Mystic ran all across the den, avoiding the floating chairs as the bouquet circled the den, getting higher and higher. Mystic lunged for the couch, landing on it, but it felt sticky when she landed on it. Not deterred, Mystic reached forward, and grabbed the bouquet only for it to disappear and her horn reappear on her head. Before she could celebrate, she tumbled forward onto a slide and slid down it, landing in a pile of pillows. “Darn it all!” she shouted, emerging from the pillows, and when she did, her horn fell off her head. “Not again!” Mystic jumped up and grabbed it, clutching it close. “Oh, what’re you doing on the floor?” Fluttershy asked. She saw Fluttershy walk in with a tea cup and sit down in a chair she swore wasn’t there before. “Fluttershy, your house is going bonkers!” Mystic cried. “Oh? I don’t notice anything,” Fluttershy sipped her tea. Mystic saw that she wasn’t holding her disembodied horn anymore. She reached up and it was back on her head again. “How are you not able to see what’s going on?” Mystic demanded, looking around wildly. Three honey bears were now in the middle of the den dancing all the way. “Fluttershy?!” Mystic cried, “What the hay is going on around here?!” Then loud laughter began to echo through the cottage. It sounded joyful yet mischievous with a dash of edge onto it. Panic surged through Mystic’s system more as she looked around vigorously for the source. “My! My! I love seeing ponies react to unexpected chaos but I’d never had so much fun in a long time!” a masculine voice echoed. “Who’s out there?!” Mystic demanded. “Now, is that how to greet a new friend?” the voice asked in a fake offended tone. “I say you need to work on your manners, little Mysty-poo!” “Mysty-poo?!” Mystic cried, offended. The voice laughed even more as the cottage around her began dissolving. Mystic’s eyes widened as everything from the furniture, walls, floor and food began turning into what looked like soup. Mystic gasped when she saw Fluttershy dissolving herself. “What happened to Fluttershy?!” Mystic shouted. “Nothing, my dear,” the voice said. Mystic realized it was coming from the sludge that was once Fluttershy. “I would never in all of eternity do anything to the best pony I’ve ever known!” Mystic’s eyes narrowed at the sludge morphing into a tall creature sitting in the chair that remained untouched by the dissolving cottage. She gasped when the creature turned into a serpent-like being that looked like it was mixed together with all kinds of other creatures. His beady red pupils were locked right onto Mystic as a mischievous smile broke out onto his face, revealing a sharp tooth. “Wait a minute!” Mystic suddenly remembered seeing somecreature like this, “I’ve seen you before, haven’t I?” “Maybe,” the creature’s smile grew. “Or have you?” His head suddenly turned between Celestia’s, Twilight’s, and Starlight’s in a fast session. “Quit playing games!” Mystic demanded, “And put me down at once!” The creature did so, and she landed with a splat into the sludgy essence. “Gah! I meant onto a chair you idiot!” “Then you should’ve said so,” said the creature. Mystic opened her mouth to retort but she just facehoofed. “I don’t have time for these games and...” “Games?! Would you like to play Ogres and Oubliettes?” the creature asked, appearing in a ridiculous outfit. “No! I just want to relax! Who are you?” Mystic asked, getting to her hooves. “I am the most handsome creature you’ll ever meet!” the creature declared, “I’m also real accurate with a bow!” He pulled it back and shot at a nearby apple, causing it to explode into icing. “Who are you?” Mystic demanded, stomping a hoof. “Fine, since you’re so eager to know,” the creature stood up on the chair, and his outfit disappeared, “I am Discord! The spirit of chaos and disharmony! Now reformed and having tea days on Tuesdays.” He disappeared and reappeared very small in Mystic’s ear and whispered, “And helping Equestria with some of its problems they can’t solve on their own.” “Get out of my ear!” Mystic demanded, grabbing him with her magic and throwing him away. Discord reappeared on the couch. “My, rude much?” Discord asked, crossing his arms. “Look who’s talking!” Mystic pointed at him. All of a sudden, a confused Angel Bunny was in Discord’s place. Mystic growled. Then, Discord appeared a few feet away from Mystic. “How much do you really know about Fluttershy?” Discord leaned forward with a serious expression, “You haven’t known her as long as I have!” “Maybe not, but she sure as hay wouldn’t like her cottage being all chaotic,” replied Mystic. Discord laughed, doing a loop-de-loop in the air, “Silly filly! She doesn’t mind it as long as I clean it up when she asks!” “Then clean it up!” Discord grinned toothily, “Oh, but we’re not in Fluttershy’s place. We’re at my place!” Discord snapped his fingers, and the sludgy environment disappeared, revealing an 80s like house only with ginseng packs that are singing, a volcano oozing out lava from the ceiling, stairs that went nowhere, and a couch that looked like piano keys. “Did you kidnap me?!” Mystic demanded. “No! No! I merely wanted to envelop you into the world of chaos,” Discord said with a laugh. Mystic went to a window and she saw an endless void with floating isles of strange trees, and boardwalks held only by ropes connecting to a couple of them. “Welcome to my home in my own dimension!” Mystic turned around with wide eyes, amazed at this but also freaking out inwardly. Suddenly, a red blaring alarm went off. Discord stood up straight like a stick, he pulled a flat screen from the ceiling. His eyes widened. “It’s the Flutter-radar!” Discord cried. “What?” Mystic asked, even more confused. “Fluttershy’s almost home! Time for tea!” Discord sang. He snapped his talons again, and they reappeared in Fluttershy’s den. Mystic wildly looked around and saw where they were, and she let out a short sigh of relief. She saw Discord sitting at the opposite side of the room where he held a plushie of Fluttershy in his lion’s paw. The door opened, revealing Mystic’s hostess with some saddlebags on her back. “Oh, Fluttershy!” said Mystic, her voice full of relief, “Thank goodness you’re here.” Fluttershy looked up at Discord, “What happened while I was out?” “Just having a little bit of mischievous fun!” Discord chuckled. “Discooorrd,” Fluttershy said with a frown. “Oh, the ponies these days just don’t have a sense of humor,” Discord waved her off. “Well, I laugh at your jokes,” said Fluttershy, “But not Mystic or new ponies. They get freaked out or cry.” Discord just rolled his eyes in response. Mystic dared not to think of how weird this day had gotten. Fluttershy shook her head, apparently amused. She turned to Mystic. “It’s wonderful you could make it. Did you enjoy the walk over?” “You mean apart from wanting to let my heart out into song, I guess you could consider it peachy,” replied Mystic, fully looking at her. “Oh, a song?” Discord lowered his head next to Fluttershy’s “What’s it about?” “The day the draconequus took a hike and went home,” Mystic glared. “Oh, sounds awful, but I bet it’s catchy!” Discord laughed. “Good Celestia!” “Well, I’m going to get the tea fixed,” said Fluttershy, “Why don’t you two chat?” “I’ll help you with the setup!” Mystic volunteered, shouldering past Fluttershy and into the kitchen in a hurry. “She’s a feisty one,” she heard Discord’s voice. Mystic muttered something incoherent under her breath and wrapped her forelegs over her head, slumping over the countertop. “Is there something wrong, Mystic?” Fluttershy asked. “No, it’s just I had a weird day and it just got a hay of a lot weirder,” said Mystic, grabbing a tea plate. “I thought I told you about Discord being here.” “And I thought you were pulling my leg you have tea with him.” She leaned forward and whispered. “I don’t know how the hay I would put up with him.” “He’s messing with you because he likes you,” Fluttershy whispered back. “He won’t say but he does.” “Sure...” Mystic murmured, looking around at the floating kitchen utensils. “Can he please stop doing that?” “Is it too much for him to be here?” Fluttershy asked with a frown. Mystic was about to answer “yes” but she paused. She remembered how Fluttershy was excited for her to enjoy her tea party’s and they had spent some time planning out when she could be there. Swallowing her uneasiness, Mystic answered, “No. This was just unexpected is all.” Fluttershy weakly smiled, “All right.” For the next few minutes, Mystic helped Fluttershy prepare for the tea party. Mystic got the appropriate tea sets and utensils while Fluttershy made the sandwiches and tea. Mystic couldn’t help but notice it now. It looked like something was bothering Fluttershy, though the pegasus was doing her best to hide it. She was quiet but sometimes she caught a glimpse of a troubled expression. “I’m still not the most comfortable here in Ponyville,” said Mystic, hoping to start a conversation, “A lot of sweetness, silliness, and sometimes mushiness.” “You’ll get used to it,” said Fluttershy, “Ponyville’s the friendliest place in Equestria.” “And the fastest growing place in Equestria!” Discord chimed from the den. “But it does have a nice peaceful atmosphere,” Mystic admitted. She cringed, “When it’s not too wild.” “Mmm hmm,” replied Fluttershy as placed the tea pot onto the platter. Fluttershy spread her wings and headed into the kitchen, Mystic caught another glimpse of a troubled expression. Ignoring the floating objects around the kitchen, Mystic made her way into the den and sat down in a nearby chair. Fluttershy was right next to her as she placed the tea set onto the platter. Mystic wanted to comfort her, but she couldn’t because of a certain draconequus hovering nearby as he sipped his tea. “You certainly know how to throw a tea party!” Discord chimed happily. Fluttershy giggled, “And so do you.” “Oh, but not as much as you, sweet Flutters,” Discord winked. Mystic levitated her own tea cup and took a sip. Her eyes widened as its sweet taste with a dash of honey danced across her tastebuds. “How do you like it?” Fluttershy asked, a hopeful smile on her face. Mystic smiled, “It’s delicious. Best I’ve had so far.” “Thank you.” Mystic took another sip of her tea and enjoyed its flavor. She glanced over at Fluttershy and noticed the spark within her eye wasn’t as bright. Mystic looked at Discord as he ate one of the crusts of a sandwich. To heck with him, she thought, annoyed. “Fluttershy,” said Mystic, turning to her. “Yes?” “I uh...” Mystic cleared her throat, “You seem a little... off today? Are you feeling all right?” “What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked. “You seem quieter than usual.” Mystic waited for her response, but Fluttershy just shrugged and smiled. “I appreciate you trying to look out for me,” said Fluttershy, “But I am feeling fine.” “Yeah, and her real friends know exactly how to comfort her,” Discord said with a smug grin. “I’m sure you do,” Mystic grumbled. After an hour of hanging out, talking, and more chaotic antics, Mystic finally decided to take her leave. “I enjoyed the tea and sandwiches, Fluttershy,” said Mystic, heading to the door. “Maybe we could do this again sometime,” said Fluttershy. “Sure.” “And be sure you bring some extra cucumber sandwiches!” Discord chuckled. “Okay, I’m going to go back to Sweet Apple Acres and hopefully have a nice, quiet supper!” said Mystic. She opened the door and closed it behind her. Then the door opened up again. “Thanks for everything!” She closed it again. Fluttershy went to the window of her cottage and watched Mystic leave. She seemed friendly past the rough exterior, and Fluttershy hoped that the mare would be able to fully open up and become a better friend. But, as the orange unicorn vanished over the hilltop, dark thoughts about herself came to the timid mare’s mind. Peculiar words have sometimes repeated in her head. Useless. Helpless. A mistake. She knew they were lies but recent events were on her mind. How useless she felt to calm the wildlife of Oogundaa down to help them. She felt so helpless and felt useless again during the fights against Clawdius and Nightfall. “I’m not saying that they’re not special, I’m just saying maybe they should’ve considered staying home.” Was what Mystic said about her, Pinkie, and Rarity on the way to rescue Starlight. I can’t hate her... Fluttershy thought, reassuring herself, She just needs understanding. But was what she said completely false or not? “Fluttershy?” said Discord. The yellow pegasus looked over her shoulder to see Discord hovering nearby with a soft look on his face. “Are you going through the gloomy process again?” Fluttershy looked down at the floor. “Yes...” “Remember what my calming exercises have taught you,” said Discord. “Just think of yourself positively and don’t let mistakes or mishaps deter you from being the best you are.” Fluttershy chuckled. “You have done so much for me.” “Likewise,” replied Discord, now standing up. “You’ve done a lot for your friends in your life.” He smiled. “You even helped me see a better way in life. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.” Fluttershy smiled a little bit. As chaotic and immature Discord could be sometimes, he was very mature when he wanted to be. “Well, I know,” replied Fluttershy. “I just wish that...” She frowned again, “I felt like it more these days with all that happened.” “I may not be an expert, but I guess there are seasons in your life when you don’t feel as confident when you know what you’ve done, huh?” Discord asked, placing a comforting talon on her shoulder. “I believe so.” “So, keep being positive and yourself as I’ve learned from you,” said Discord. “I’ll try. Thank you, Discord.” “Any time.” Fluttershy knew that being the quiet one had its advantages and disadvantages. She frowned a little deeper, having seen her friends seem a little off and a little snappy to each other sometimes. Pinkie doesn’t seem as cheerful despite her efforts, Applejack was more worried about family, and the others just seem stressed about things relating to work or certain characters. Fluttershy took a sip of her now cold tea, but began worrying about Starlight and Twilight. What were they going through?