“Next stop, Ponyville!”
Yawning, Twilight Sparkle opened her droopy eyes to see the passenger car she sat in. She could hear the train chugging as it traveled down the tracks. The alicorn looked out the window to see, under the rising sun’s light, the familiar rolling hills and plains just outside of Ponyville.
Just over the horizon, Twilight spotted a tall mountain and the city of Canterlot. A few seconds later, it was obscured by the cottages of the town she loved so much.
She frowned, hating that she’d left before everything was repaired but she couldn’t get Celestia and Luna insisting she’d go home and take it easy.
Still, it would be nice to catch up with her friends, handle the school situation as she goes, and talking with Starlight. Her frown deepened. She hadn’t heard much from her former pupil but she’d practically become a recluse, avoiding contact with mostly everypony around her.
Then, she felt the passenger cart jerk, the wheels squealed as Twilight felt the train coming to a stop.
Standing up and stretching, Twilight took a quick look around the cart to see that she was the only one there. Levitating her bags, Twilight made her way out of the train car and onto the station platform.
The streets were mostly quiet. Twilight lightly smiled, enjoying the cool misty morning. She took in a deep, long inhale of air, savoring Ponyville’s peaceful atmosphere.
As much as she wanted to be in Canterlot, it felt wonderful to be away from all of the excitement for a few minutes.
She had a lot to get unraveled for her and her friends. The School, rebuilding their lives, and getting ready for another exciting event.
I can’t wait for the convocation! Twilight giggled. It’s going to be so wonderful to have creatures of all kinds as our friends!
Twilight walked past the town market, hosting the few ponies that were getting their stalls set up for a new day. Maybe I need to do a little shopping later...
Starlight came to her mind. The alicorn sighed, she hated that she couldn’t be there as much she wanted but Starlight insisted that she’d help Canterlot and she’ll be with her friends to assist her.
That wouldn’t have her worried if her friends had told her that they managed to comfort and help her. She would be speaking with her as soon as possible.
And there was also the program Twilight had worked out with General Hong just after they stopped Nightfall. The alicorn slightly shuddered at how much vigor the general seemed to contain and he was very thorough when it came to Mystic. On top of that, he also wanted to form an allegiance with Equestria.
Finally, the glistening tips of her castle peeked over the cottages of Ponyville. She smiled, relishing that she was almost there and could see Spike again. He was probably so busy when she was gone. The thought made Twilight chuckle...
Then, the alicorn suddenly realized she had to get Mystic enrolled into the program she’d discussed with Hong and his representatives. Shudders went up her spine, recalling how long the meetings were.
Walking up the stairs, Twilight opened the door to her castle. Ah, home sweet home.
Her hooves click-clacked on the crystal floor--
“Twilight!” a voice cried. The alicorn beamed, looked past the main lobby, and saw Spike flying from the opposite corridor. “You’re home!”
“Yep! I’m finally back!” replied Twilight, levitating her satchels and placing them aside.
Spike flew up to Twilight and hugged her neck, the alicorn returned it with a giggle.
“Have you been behaving yourself?” Twilight asked, pulling away from the hovering drake.
“Of course! I just ate all the ice cream and cookies that were in the fridge!” Spike beamed. Twilight lightly punched him on the shoulder in response. “No, but for real, I cleaned up the library, the castle, and double-checked the books to see if they were organized.”
“Oh, Spike, I’m so proud of you!” Twilight laughed.
“And I helped Fluttershy take care of Discord until he got better and Big Mac and I had a Guys’ night so he could observe and have fun.”
“Well, sounds like you have a lot to tell me,” said Twilight, walking forward, “Let’s fix ourselves up some treats and catch up.”
“Yes ma’am!”
Spike and Twilight neared the library, the alicorn having used the past few minutes to just relax.
“How’s Starlight doing?” Twilight asked, eager to know yet unable to help feel nervous.
“She seems fine physically and does talk to me, but I think she still might be distant,” said Spike.
Twilight sighed, recalling how her former pupil requested time away from Trixie and all of her closest friends to recover. The alicorn frowned, hating the thoughts of what Nightfall could’ve done to her. “She mostly stays in her room all day and when she goes out, it’s to the edges of town away from everypony.” Spike sighed. “Even Pinkie’s attempts to talk and cheer her up have failed.”
“Oh, Pinkie...” Twilight murmured.
“Have you been able to get anything out of her after you brought her home?” Spike asked.
“She told me a little, but it sure wasn’t good,” replied Twilight, opening the door to the library. “I’ve got to say if Mystic hadn’t helped us get to Oogundaa...” She looked at Spike, “Say, how has she been doing in Ponyville?”
“Far as I could tell, Mystic was helping on the farm or hanging out with the CMC,” replied Spike, flying ahead and pushing Twilight’s comfy chair forward.
“Huh?” Twilight inclined her head at the last part.
“Oh! I forgot to say that I’ve got some letters from the wolves and impalas,” said Spike.
Twilight’s eyes snapped wide open. “Really?! Where are they?”
“I placed them on you’re the table here,” Spike picked up a couple of letters. Twilight beamed, eager to read them. She opened the first one.
Dear Princess Twilight,
Hi, well, this is Gunnolf, and I’ve not written much other than reports to our Majestic, but that’s not the point. Anyway! Well, as we expected, our Society is divided. The side that supports Tokuta labels us all traitors but our side has managed to remain strong and take a stand for introducing our new way of life.
Some are unfortunately considering war against the ones who side with you but we’re trying to get a grip.
As for Accalia, she’s gone traveling back to Oogundaa to do more research about it and its past. As well as that mysterious briefcase that you ponies stumbled upon. So, we’ll try and use this strange fire to send you another message whenever we have more developments!
Regards, Gunnolf
Twilight was smiling a little after finishing the letter, a sense of worry came over the alicorn at the possibility of civil war amongst the wolves.
Deciding to put that aside, Twilight opened the second letter.
Dear Twilight Sparkle,
This is Chief Faraji thanking you once again for the liberation of Oogundaa from King Clawdius! I must say you all look like a very gifted and special group of friends. Give my best to Mystic, because I heard great things about her. Treat her well and we look forward to being closer than ever!
Also, on a side note, all kinds of activity have popped up from citizens all over Oogundaa because of your actions. Some good, some not. But we’re in the middle of it all trying to stay smart.
Keep at it!
Faraji
Twilight finished the letter. Her smile had grown wider.
“Good things I presume?” said Spike.
Slightly startled out of her thoughts, Twilight looked up at him. “Yeah, there are some problems but they’re on board with being friends and working things out for all of us.”
“Great!” Spike pumped a fist into the air.
“And I have some exciting announcements to make when we get the School up and running,” said Twilight. “And the other kingdoms are sending their students back, too.”
“What kind of announcements?” Spike asked.
“You’ll find out,” Twilight winked.
Both were silent for a few seconds.
“I heard about rumors,” said Spike, a frown taking his features. “Are you okay, Twilight?”
Twilight inwardly cringed, trying to not think about them. Why did they have to start popping up after our recent invasion attempt? She put on a smile for her little drake. “Of course, Spike. Celestia and I are working on dealing with them.”
“I heard someponies talking around Ponyville, too,” Spike frowned.
“Let’s try and think about something else,” Twilight wrapped a foreleg around his shoulders, “Why don’t you get our favorite tea and we’ll read the latest issues of Power Ponies together?”
Spike’s face lit up like a Hearth’s Warming Tree, “I’ll go get them now!”
He flew out of the room in a hurry.
Twilight walked over to her comfy chair and sat in it.
The only way for those rumors to be so weaved into Equestria... is they had to be going around for some time... Twilight thought, stress built up in her chest. The alicorn couldn’t silence the fact they not only surrounded her and her friends...
But Princesses Celestia and Luna as well.
The tickling on her nose was relentless.
“Mmmhm...” Mystic wrinkled her nose, trying to ignore it.
The tickling came again, she squinted her muzzle but it never left.
Finally, Mystic’s eyes flew open. She sat up and let out a loud sneeze.
“Gaahhh!” somepony cried.
The unicorn wiped her nose as she heard laughter from the other side of the room. Almost right away, on the other side of the room, she spotted Sweetie and Apple Bloom flat on their stomachs and hitting the floor as harmonious laughter escaped their lips.
“Girls?” Mystic asked.
“She-she got you, Scoots!” Sweetie howled.
Mystic looked to her left to see Scootaloo’s face was half-covered by a white foam and had an annoyed and embarrassed look.
Mystic’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”
“Yeah, you were supposed to touch your face!” Scootaloo complained.
Mystic smirked and touched her muzzle with her right hoof, the one Scoot didn’t touch. “There.”
The orange pegasus collapsed onto the floor in defeat as the other two fillies laughed harder.
Mystic felt almost as if she were about to vomit her recently eaten breakfast up.
She followed the hopping fillies down a grassy hill as a lake came into view.
“We’ve got all our gear down there now! We managed to find one of Applejack’s old gear so you could use it too, Mystic!” said Sweetie.
“S-S-sounds nice?” Mystic stammered, her legs becoming like noodles. She forced them to keep moving, determined to be strong for herself.
“I’m looking forward to these! The fillies and colts enjoy them at the camp I run!” Scootaloo added as the lake grew ever close. The pit in Mystic’s stomach grew. Her heart hammered as she bit her tongue.
“So, we definitely think this will pave the way for your cutie mark!” said Sweetie.
“Uh-huh...” Mystic nodded.
“You okay?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Yeah,” said Mystic, “Just miles away.”
The farm filly beamed and hopped along.
Mystic watched as all of them put on their snorkels and swimming fins on their hooves.
“Come on, Mystic!” Scootaloo called. “We’ve got a lot to see down there!”
“C-Coming!”
Mystic walked over, swallowing her fears. She slipped on her swimming fins and looked at the snorkeling mask she needed to put on.
“Hey,” she said, getting an idea. “Why don’t all of you show me how it’s done?”
“It’s swimming and exploring new possibilities,” said Sweetie.
“Yeah, we all gotta experience the wonders down there!” Apple Bloom curtly nodded.
“W-Well, I think I’ll be fine with just watching you!” Mystic nervously laughed, taking a step back.
“Mystic, that’s not the idea here,” Scootaloo frowned.
“I just think we should maybe move onto something else!”
“Are you okay, Mystic?” Apple Bloom asked.
“I’m fine, really!” Mystic insisted.
“But we haven’t gotten scuba diving or any other swimming activities down!” Sweetie protested.
“I just don’t think I need to!”
She tensed when she felt Scootaloo beginning to push her to the water, Mystic had to keep herself from yelping when she got closer.
“Why aren’t you wanting to go on in?” Sweetie asked.
As her swimming fin touched the water, she couldn’t handle it anymore.
“I can’t swim!” Mystic shrieked.
The unicorn kicked off her fins and galloped off in the direction of the trees, ignoring the surprised cries of the Crusaders.
Panic surged through her body as she reached the tree line. The unicorn ducked behind one and curled herself up into a ball, embarrassed that her secret has been revealed to fillies.
She didn’t know how long she’d stayed there. Seconds? Minutes? Hours?
Her cheeks burned as she trembled.
“Mystic?” a small voice asked.
The unicorn curled herself further, feeling ashamed and wishing she could bury herself and hide forever.
She nearly jumped when she felt a hoof touch her shoulder.
“Please, just leave me alone...” Mystic pleaded burying her face in her hooves.
“We ain’t gonna make fun of ya,” Apple Bloom assured her. The unicorn only winced.
“Please, can you just talk to us?” Sweetie asked.
Mystic could hear she was wanting to help. Slumping her shoulders, she unveiled her face and opened her eyes to see the sympathetic looks of the Crusaders.
She dryly chuckled. “Yeah, hard to believe isn’t it?” None of them responded. “So, the great, brave, able to kill an alpha timberwolf Mystic cannot swim,” the unicorn lightly smacked her head. “What’re the odds?”
“It’s okay, Mystic,” Sweetie said in a soft tone.
Mystic shook her head. “As if.”
“Really, it is,” said Apple Bloom. “We don’t want ya to think yer gonna be judged because of... that.”
“Yeah,” Scootaloo spoke up, “I mean, just because you can’t swim, doesn’t mean you aren’t good at anything. Except maybe the aquatic sports we had planned, the fact you can’t do something athletes do.” She stopped when she saw her two friends giving deadpan looks.
“Not helping,” Sweetie said.
Scootaloo smiled sheepishly. “Sorry.”
“And her idol, Skittle Head, will probably not let me hear the end of it,” Mystic sighed.
“Not if we can help it,” Sweetie smiled. Mystic looked at her with a confused look. “Because the three of us are going to teach you how to swim!”
Mystic shook her head, completely taken aback. “Wh-what?”
“Yep!” Sweetie chirped. She turned to the others. “What do you say, Crusaders? Are we going to help Mystic swim?”
“Yeah!” Scootaloo and Apple Bloom cried. Then all three of them high-hoofed.
Mystic’s jaw slightly dropped. “Why?”
“Because we want to!” Scootaloo smiled.
“Why help me swim?” Mystic asked.
Sweetie placed a hoof on the unicorn’s shoulder. “Because you’re our friend and we don’t judge ponies just because of issues like yours.”
“Yup!” Apple Bloom nodded in agreement.
“Are you sure?” Mystic asked nervously.
“The CMC are at your service!” all three fillies chimed in.
At that, Mystic began to feel a warm sensation rise within her chest. She smiled at the three fillies.
Her legs still shook from the simple swimming lessons the fillies had given her. She felt as if the blush she had most of the time had never left her face.
“You couldn’t handle being in a four-foot-deep pool?!” Mystic scolded herself, “I took baths little springs and one in the jungle recently!”
The three fillies had taken her to the Apple family pool that Apple Bloom and Granny Smith use for swimming.
They had been basic floating lessons and learning how to drift across the surface of the water, but had been shaking like a leaf. In addition, she had to wear a flotation device to keep herself from sinking whenever she tried to quit floating and just swim.
It was so embarrassing. She had never felt so ‘un-Mystic’ like in a simple swimming pool.
She slapped herself and levitated up a barrel of corn. The afternoon sun threatened to bake her alive but she was determined to keep her outfit on since she’d gotten out of the water.
Still... it was nice they didn’t make fun of her... and they did promise to keep it secret.
“We’ll meet with you whenever we can to help you become an excellent swimmer!” Sweetie’s voice echoed.
Mystic placed the final barrel of corn on the wagon, and wiped the sweat from her brow, letting out a sigh.
“Mystic!” Applejack called.
“Yes?” Mystic huffed, looking over to her, spotting her just outside the homestead.
“Twilight’s here, she wants to speak with ya!”
Mystic stretched, cracking her joints and back. “I’ll be there in a sec.”
The sweat-drenched unicorn walked over to the hose laying close to the barn, turned it on, and sprayed herself. The water soaked into her coat and hit her skin, sending a chill down her spine as she relished in it. When she finished, she turned the hose off and began walking away. Just before she got to the homestead’s door, Mystic shook herself dry and entered.
Mystic saw Twilight speaking with Granny Smith about things. The elderly mare seemed to have a look of concern on her features.
“Ah know my grandyoungins’” said Granny.
“I’ll keep it in mind, thanks,” said Twilight.
“Oh, hello Your Highness,” said Mystic, gaining the alicorn’s attention.
“Mystic, you don’t need to keep calling me that,” replied Twilight.
Mystic tapped her head. “Right, Twilight.”
“Well, let’s get going. We’ll have to walk and talk on the way to our destination,” Twilight smiled and stepped towards the door.
“Where to?” Mystic inclined her head.
“You’ll see.”
Mystic’s eyes slightly widened when she laid eyes on the School of Friendship. She was about to speak up but immediately figured out what this was about. She clenched her jaw and held back a growl for Twilight’s sake.
Hong is really a thorn in my side, Mystic thought, following the alicorn.
She'd been told about a "rehabilitation progress" Hong and Twilight worked out soon after the invasion and it made her stomach churn but also her cheeks flush with fury that horrible pony is forming an alliance with this nation.
“We all get caught eventually, Mystic,” Cierra’s voice echoed. “I guess the trick is to decide by who.”
Right now, it seemed no matter what, Hong would be the one to catch her.
She knew she had to keep Twilight’s uncertainties at bay as well as her from being overbearing.
“So, the School, huh?” Mystic spoke up.
“Yep!” Twilight chirped. “It’s a real monument to how far my friends and I have come ever since we met.” She giggled, “All of us enjoy being teachers despite our jobs and other responsibilities. But we’re more energized because of it.”
“And it began with finding some kind of jewels and defeating an evil mare of darkness, right?”
Twilight nodded.
“You see, Mystic,” Twilight’s smiled again. “When I started out, I was unsure about friendship. But when my walls came down, I saw the true magic of having friends and how exciting it can be.” Her smile grew wider. “Our friendships grew, weaved together, and strengthened. And we spread it amongst Equestria and beyond.” She placed a hoof on Mystic’s back. “The beauty of it all is the bond between how we learned from one another, experienced a lot of memorable moments, tried new things, gone on many adventures, and worked to maintain them even when things got hard.”
Mystic rubbed her chin, furrowing her brows. “That does sound wonderful.”
“And we can even help ponies like you, Mystic,” said Twilight. Mystic looked at the alicorn. “I know we’ve had our disagreements, but we try to reach out in the best way we can to form a connection.”
Mystic thought back on how she tried to hammer in her worldviews. They’re true as the sun and sky but... I wonder if there might be something else I’ve missed...
“My friends and I will try to help you in any way we can,” said Twilight. “And remember, there are some things you can’t learn with books.”
“Wow, I guess since I’m learning more of friendship, maybe they ought to make me an alicorn princess,” Mystic chuckled.
Twilight sheepishly laughed. “Well, let’s consider things in the future after we get you settled into the program I worked out with Hong.”
“This ought to be interesting...” Mystic said venom in her tone. She shook her head. “And when will the classes begin?”
“Everycreature will be back late tomorrow afternoon, so we’ll get into them the day after,” replied Twilight as they came upon the school doors.
Soon, they entered Twilight’s headmare office. Mystic saw Spike placing some papers down on the desk. He smiled at Mystic.
“Hey there!” he said, “How’re things going?”
“Fine,” replied Mystic, “Just getting here to get arrangements done it seems like.”
“That’s what I prepared you both for,” said Spike. He flew past her, “Anyway, I need to get going and make sure the classrooms are ship-shape!”
Mystic nodded in response as Spike left. She looked to see Twilight had sat down in her chair. The alicorn gestured to a chair in front of her desk which Mystic sat in.
“Well, before we get you signed in,” said Twilight, “I want you to know that I’ve started a search for your parents.”
Mystic’s stomach suddenly tightened. “You what?
Twilight clapped her hooves together, beaming, “We’ve just started asking ponies in Equestria who might know of you.” As Twilight went on, Mystic clenched her jaw.
“Twilight,” said Mystic.
“And I’m sure you’re excited to be reunited with them!”
“Twilight! Stop!” Mystic cried. The alicorn paused, a baffled look on her face. Mystic sulked. “Please, don’t...”
Twilight inclined her head. “Why not?”
Mystic rubbed her temples and looked back up at the alicorn with a frown. “I lied. I don’t have any parents.” Twilight gasped, her eyes flew wide open.
“What?!” the alicorn shrieked.
Mystic looked down at her hooves, feeling a little ashamed for not mentioning this sooner.
“Mystic,” Twilight said, causing her to look up at the alicorn’s sympathetic gaze. “I’m truly sorry about that. But, you can’t lie about things like that. Or withhold important information when we’re trying to get you situated with everypony.”
Mystic nodded. “Right... I know I told a story then, but I really was treated like I said I was by that awful general!”
“And his records of your time in prison support that,” said Twilight. “But,” she looked right into Mystic’s soul. “Is there anything else that I need to know about? I know of the group you’d joined and committed other supposed crimes. So, don’t withhold anything.”
Mystic clenched her jaw, feeling slightly agitated and having to compose herself. How am I going to say, hey I just woke up in the middle of the street with no memories that came before? Who’s heard of something like that?
Mystic shook her head. “No. I believe everything’s been accounted for.”
Twilight stared at her a little bit longer. Her look finally softened. “I’m sorry, Mystic. I’ve just got to make sure because I want to help. Please, try to work with me as I go over this stuff.”
Mystic shrugged. “I’ll give it my best.”
“Anyway,” said Twilight, levitating up a roll of paper. “Hong was insistent you’d follow the rules I present here as well as agree to conditions on his side of the agreement of this process.” She looked at Mystic, “It’s very imperative you comply and your court case is in your favor.”
Yeah... like it’ll ever be... Mystic thought, growing bitter.
“And you’re to do some work for different clients around Ponyville to show your rehabilitation progress and how our ways and handling of you is working,” Twilight continued. “After seeing your efforts with the saving of Equestria and other honorable acts, they want to be sure you’re not just doing it for your sake.” She shot Mystic an apologetic look, “He wanted me to tell you this.”
I’m not really good at following the rules of programs, Mystic mused but nodded at the alicorn.
“So, please, for your sake, as he said, do what you’re told by both of us and maybe this will all go away,” Twilight spoke with a deep frown on her face. She sighed. “I don’t want to believe him, I believe there’s more to you than what he says.”
“At least you’re considering the other side,” replied Mystic.
“That’s what I try to do,” Twilight faintly smiled. “Anyway, when I look at all of the times my friends and I had together, you can say it was all one big adventure.”
“I’m not so sure if friendship can be described in that way,” replied Mystic.
Twilight gave her a smug grin. “Oh, really?” She leaned forward. “Then, how about you find out for yourself?”
Mystic paused. “What?”
“While you were refreshing yourself up after the excitement, Sunset Shimmer told me about you and how much you love traveling and adventure,” Twilight said, her grin growing wider. Mystic shook her head, astonished. “I guess if you’re so into that kind of stuff, maybe this is your chance to see what friendship is all about.”
Mystic’s eyes widened. “Oh, come on. I know what you’re up to.”
“Good. Then, I suppose you can just try and see what we’re really all about. You’ve got plenty of time to discover all about friendship as I did so long ago.”
“This really isn’t my idea of an adventure.”
“Then, maybe it’s time to broaden your horizons, huh?”
Broaden my horizons? Mystic thought, taken aback yet again. She wanted to retort that she had so been keeping her horizons broad. But... now she wasn’t so sure. Have they been closed and narrow-minded?
“Sunset told me you were a tough, determined warrior,” said Twilight, leaning back in her chair. “So, I think this will also test your durability in new places.”
Mystic opened her mouth, but what she wanted to say died on her lips. Crap, she’s got me... But something she wondered about yesterday came to her mind. What made her and Sunshine and the Liberator’s friendships so special? Were they different? If so, how?
Maybe I could figure out and compare them with these ponies and deter if... things will last... she inwardly frowned. Scratch that, I’m definitely going to find out and compare between the two.
“So,” said Twilight. “Do you think you can handle it?” Mystic looked up at the alicorn’s smug grin. How the tables have turned.
Mystic sighed. “Fine. You win.”
“Excellent!” Twilight chirped, clapping her hooves together. “I’ve already got your first assignment ready!”
“Wait what?!”
“Hee hee!” Twilight giggled, pulling out a couple of pieces of paper. She cleared her throat, gaining a more serious look. “I think this is long overdue. But if you can follow through this first assignment, you’ll be well on your way into an all-new, exciting adventure.”
“You’re really selling this adventure stuff, aren’t you?” Mystic deadpanned as Twilight levitated the papers to her.
“I’ve got to appeal to my audience,” Twilight winked in a teasing way. Mystic looked at the papers. It was a form for her to fill out for the School. The next page is...
Mystic gasped. She saw it was to apologize and to hang out with Pinkie Pie. She looked up at Twilight, slightly trembling. “You can’t be serious!”
Twilight straightened herself in her chair, giving Mystic a frown. “Yes. I believe I am. You know it, too.” Mystic looked at the floor. “Look up, Mystic.” Cringing, the unicorn did so.
Mystic began to speak. “Look, I thought she was all cool after the adventure and she seems her happy, cheerful self, and...”
“She does,” Twilight cut in. “But she can also be very insecure.” She sighed. “Pinkie knows her boundaries and sometimes she can go overboard but she learned through the years not to push so far. Mystic, Pinkie wants to respect you and she was really looking forward to having that party you’d lied about.” Even though Twilight hadn’t raised her voice, Mystic couldn’t help but feel as if she were. “She gets sad that nopony would love or appreciate all she does anymore. So, I want you to go and do your best to make amends with her.”
Mystic just stood there, not sure of how to respond. “But... she’s... energetic...?”
“Maybe, but please, please just try and apologize and be a friend to her.”
Mystic could see a somewhat pleading look in the mare’s eyes. The unicorn thought of Sunshine and Sunset and how their friendship meant to her.
“All right...” replied Mystic, seeing no other option. “I’ll try.”
Twilight smiled. “Thank you.”
Deciding to change the subject, Mystic decided to ask another question. “Any plans?”
“Working through some,” replied Twilight. “For now, I just want to relax and get back on my hooves before we do anything else.”
“I see,” replied Mystic. “Well, I’ll fill out this form and get on my way.”
“I’d love it if you could handle taking care of this assignment today,” said Twilight.
Mystic froze, dropping the form and assignment. She swallowed her pride and retort and just forced a nod.
“Good,” Twilight smiled. “Now, the sign the form.”
“Okay then.”
As Mystic picked up the pieces of paper, she couldn’t help but wonder; Did Sunset and Twilight plan this?
A little later, Mystic followed Twilight down a different part of the School. Student dorms lined the corridor both left and right. They reached close to the end of the hallway.
“We have a few spare rooms,” said Twilight as she opened one of the doors, “But try not to wake anycreature up since they need their rest for tomorrow.”
“Got it,” replied Mystic following the headmare.
The room had a window giving a view of Ponyville and the nearby Castle under the setting sun.
There was a bed with a nightstand next to it and a dresser on the opposite end of the room.
“It may be a bit barren, but it’s better than nothing,” said Twilight.
Mystic shrugged, “As long as I can sleep without disturbance, I’ll be fine.”
“Good,” said Twilight, “Now, I’ll escort whatever you need to make this place livelier. In addition, everycreature awakes at 7:00 am and has breakfast for half an hour before heading to class at 7:30. School ends at 3:00 pm. Any questions?”
“Not really.”
“Oh, and Mystic,” said Twilight, forming a frown, “I want you to be aware of something.”
“What is it?”
“It’s important that I remind you that we have a very delicate business going on here at the school. If you see a brown stallion with a black suit on by the name of Mr. Bullion and his two sons named Starry and Lucky, please try not to cause a scene with them.”
“Okay.”
“Great!” Twilight chirped, she pointed to the sheets on the bed, “I’ll give you a Friendship Guide to review, and let you write separate reports on it. Also, look and memorize the first sheet as it contains the basics of what is taught here.”
The alicorn levitated a piece of paper along with a journal that had, on its cover, a purple horseshoe symbol on it with individual colored stones from one side to the other. Just in the middle was a purple six-pointed star. Mystic took it and nodded.
“Now that everything’s in place, we’re mostly set up for you to become a student at the school!” Twilight beamed. “I’m looking forward to having you!”
“I’m sure you are,” replied Mystic.