//------------------------------// // Chapter 17 - Working things out // Story: Wherever the Light Shines: Part 3 // by MLPSolarDash1907 //------------------------------// For the next hour, Mystic had helped out with getting things ready for the school’s celebration. She tried her best to cut out paper dolls of the different students with some of their help. She didn’t do too good so she moved on to another project. Instead, she got into moving tables into the lobby of the school as several students were carving a statue out of a large slab of marble. From what she could tell, it looked like it was going to be of all of their professors. But one thought kept entering her mind. The mirror. Were there really alternate dimensions out there? If so, that would mean all kinds of new possibilities she hadn’t thought of. She ran into a pillar causing her to grunt. Dang it, Mystic. Mystic shook her head to find something else to do. However, she saw Gallus and Silverstream decorating the fountain in the square. Just carry on your work, just carry on your work, Mystic thought. The first attempt to get the creatures to talk with each other didn’t work and was what Mystic considered a waste of time. Why do I want to help these creatures? Mystic thought, Do I really care for them? The fact that Hong is probably watching her every move and the program she’s in flashed through her mind. Honoring Sunshine’s memory and doing good for her did, too. But when she looked at herself, she couldn’t determine what was what. Is this for her? Or them? Both? She let out an annoyed huff, the old conflict raging within her, recalling Meng’s words and how much the black earth pony hated different species other than ponies. That’s one thing that always stuck with me... After working some more, Mystic sat in the back of Rainbow’s loyalty class and she was reminded again of how loyal she once was to the Liberators. But what she had been learning her entire time here was on her mind. I’ve noticed so far, I’ve listed things good on Sunshine’s part when looking at everything... Mystic thought, not paying attention to what Rainbow was saying. But the Liberators and I did have good times. We partied. We looked out for another and comforted each other. But what was the answer? How were things different here if things were the same as the Liberators? That afternoon, the preparations were nearly complete and Mystic found herself no longer needed. In the school lobby, Mystic looked around at the decorations Twilight allowed Ocellus to put up. There were paintings of the Tree, the walls from the corners to the ceiling and floor had multicolored trimmings along them. And the light above shimmered the different colors of the Elements of Harmony. Frustrated she hasn’t gotten any ideas on what she could create, Mystic decided to head to the students’ lounge and maybe get some ideas there. When she entered, she saw a very familiar changeling sitting on the couch nearby. “Hi Ocellus,” said Mystic. “Oh, hello Mystic,” Ocellus greeted with a light smile. “How’re you holding up?” Ocellus frowned, “I... not good.” “I understand,” said Mystic, hopping up onto the couch next to Ocellus. “But I have been thinking of lessons I’ve learned that are very important,” said Ocellus. “What’re those?” Ocellus smiled again, “I’ve learned here recently that if you have all kinds of rules and even codes, and yet lack love your philosophy is nothing.” Mystic paused. “What’re you talking about?” “The ponies taught us changelings how we can share the love and not harm anycreature else,” said Ocellus. “I did some research into changeling and ponies to test a little hypothesis.” “Well, I’ve learned that throughout history, ponies have founded different civilizations from distant past and even today. They had good morals, laws, and sometimes good communities. But,” Ocellus frowned, “Most of them either failed or were abandoned because they didn’t understand what we do today. The lack of love, cooperation, common interests with unique ponies caused them to eventually fall.” “Wow.” But another thought came to mind. Did the Liberators... not love each other like Sunshine and I? Mystic thought. No, that’s impossible! I felt the emotion! We were close! She remembered the chats she and Cierra talk about motivating her and how the mare comforted her during times of hardships. “There is something else I want to tell you,” said Ocellus. “Okay,” replied Mystic, feeling unsure of herself. Ocellus solemnly smiled. “I don’t mention this outside of my group of friends, but.” She sighed, wiping her one of her eyes, “You see, I had a group of close friends before Chrysalis was overthrown. We did a lot together. Hunted, patrolled, and how we could appease the Queen.” “What happened?” Mystic asked. Ocellus sighed, “They became high officials in the army and left me in the dust. And even when most changelings reformed and changed, some of them didn’t and my closest friends were among those who didn’t change.” Mystic’s face fell. “Oh, no.” Ocellus wiped a couple more tears away, “I wanted them to change after I did. I begged. I cried that they would. But they never did and took off into the night. I never saw them again.” She choked, slightly shaking. Mystic couldn’t help but put a comforting hoof on the little changeling’s shoulder. “I don’t know what became of them or the changelings that never changed.” “Why put yourself through that pain again by telling me?” Mystic asked. Ocellus looked up at her with a soft, solemn smile. “Because it was the reason why Thorax chose me to come to the School of Friendship. I thought it was crazy but I’m so thankful that I came.” She sighed, “I just wish things ended differently between us.” Mystic nodded. “I wish it ended differently, too.” She thought of the Liberators and wished they could’ve gotten out of the situation. “But it taught me a lesson I’ve slowly learned over the years,” said Ocellus. “What’s that?” “To treasure those who love me. Not the memory of or those who pretended to.” Mystic froze like an icicle. The words echoed in her mind. Why had she reacted this way? Her insides began to twist into knots. What is becoming of my life? Mystic thought, her heart sinking. Have I utterly failed to see something? “When all of us creatures came into the school,” said Ocellus, “We all felt like we would never fit in or ponies would even get us. Like nocreature could understand us and our pasts.” She gently looked into Mystic’s eyes. “Have you ever felt that way Mystic?” Mystic felt tears welling up in her eyes but she didn’t bother to stop them. Her heart slightly raced as Ocellus’ face turned sympathetic. “I...” Mystic’s voice cracked, tears rolling down her face, “I believe so, Ocellus.” Mystic didn’t have enough time to react as the changeling wrapped her forelegs around the unicorn. Mystic lightly returned the hug, feeling weak and vulnerable. She began to compose herself as she let Ocellus hug her tighter. In one of the art rooms of the school, Mystic continued carving a golden statue she had gotten after speaking with Ocellus. She was still unable to believe that shy changeling was able to make her cry and she didn’t fully understand why. But the reason Ocellus came to the school made her think of how much their friendship meant to the changeling. “These creatures have been trying to tear at each other, and yet they've not abandoned each other entirely,” said Mystic. She tapped her chin, turning away from her project. “Maybe they do want to reconcile, but they need to find out what that is.” She formed a determined look. And I’m not one to give up. I will not let this continue like this. “You know you wouldn’t be able to help those creatures,” said a voice, like a ghost from her past. Mystic wasn’t scared. “I know you’re not really here,” Mystic growled, not wanting to turn around. “I’m not. But how you feel to these creatures is very real,” said the pony. Mystic turned around to see Meng who was sitting in a nearby chair. “I don’t even know if you sound like this.” “It has been too long, hasn’t it, Mystic?” Meng asked. “Why waste your time with them?” “Because I...” Mystic gritted her teeth, “Maybe it would be a good thing of helping them and forming connections.” “That’s balderdash, Mystic,” Meng’s look hardened. “We tried reasoning with such creatures in the North and all of it was for naught.” “It doesn’t seem to be here with all of the other creatures,” said Mystic. “There’s a convocation coming up.” “And how will it last forever, Mystic? By your word?” “Maybe instead of assuming all creatures are exactly the same, maybe we should broaden our approach a little,” said Mystic, glaring at Meng. “And I will help them get some sense into one another.” “Go ahead,” Meng huffed, “Their friendship and all of this is a fabrication and you know it.” Mystic sighed, frowning, “I guess we’ll find out.” “We shall.” Without another word, Meng vanished from view as there was nopony really there. Friendship is quite something... Mystic thought, But is it a lie like I think? She turned to the door and left to go find the Young Six. I don’t want it to be. Mystic stomped through the school corridors, looking for each of the creatures. “I think it’s time we all had a proper chat,” Mystic said to herself. She first entered the library and saw Ocellus sitting close to the second window from the door. Mystic stomped up to her, “Meet me in the students’ lounge.” “What?” Ocellus looked up from her book. “Get in the lounge, I want to have a meeting,” said Mystic. “Okay?” said Ocellus, fluttering her wings and leaving the library. Mystic began stomping forward again. She looked around the various rooms as she passed by. She barely noticed three sets of hooves trotting up to behind her. “Mystic, what’re you doing?” Scootaloo asked. “The unique set of friends are having friendship issues and have been for a while,” Mystic said, not looking at them, “I’m looking around for them so we can put them to rest.” “That’s very nice, Mystic,” said Sweetie, “I’m proud of you.” Mystic glanced at her, “Well, it needs to be done. It’s not good for the school or their relationship.” “Ah agree,” said Apple Bloom. “I think they might feel like... like outcasts,” said Mystic. “They’re far from home in a pony culture.” “Can we do something to help?” Sweetie asked. Mystic stopped in her tracks and turned to face them. “All right. Bring them to the school lounge when you find them.” “We’re on it!” the Crusaders said in unison. They galloped off and Mystic continued on her way. A minute later, she found Smolder near the edge of the buckball field munching on some gems. She didn’t say anything as she stomped over to the dragoness and grabbed her with her tail with her magic. “Whoa!” Smolder cried as Mystic began heading back to the school. “Come on, we need to go,” said Mystic, shaking the dragoness. “Hey!” Smolder whined as she dropped her gems, “Those were my snacks!” “Snack time can wait,” replied Mystic. “Where are you taking me?” “Somewhere you need to be.” “What’re you going to do?” “Something that’ll put you in a place you need to be at,” said Mystic. “Now shut your mouth before I do it for you.” “Don’t speak to me like that!” Smolder hissed. Mystic ignored her and continued onward into the school. Eventually, she found the students’ lounge that had the rest of Smolder’s friends sitting in chairs around a table. Mystic was pleased the Crusaders were efficient in gathering them. She plopped Smolder onto the floor and let out a huff. “Okay,” said Mystic, “I’ve gathered all of you in here again so we can discuss things like gentlecreatures!” She glared at them. “No arguing. No trying to leave until it’s all out.” The Crusaders stepped out from behind Mystic. “We’ll get started,” said Apple Bloom. “Fine with me,” replied Mystic. “Look, we know of the tension between you all,” said Scootaloo. “You don’t want to just be at each other’s throats when you’ve been such good friends, have you?” Sweetie asked. “Yona confused why friends upset,” said Yona. Silverstream sighed, “I just think...” “Of what?” Mystic asked. “That we creatures could get better recognition,” said Ocellus, “I’ve heard it from Smolder multiple times.” The dragoness just crossed her arms in frustration. “Really?” Mystic asked, a little confused. “I mean, why would you feel that way?” “Please try to open up to us,” Sweetie encouraged, Gallus, Silverstream, and Ocellus looked regretful. “I just... feel like I deserve more than what I’ve gotten,” said Gallus. “What I don’t get is with this Convocation coming up and the school celebration honoring all species of all kinds is that you would all be upset,” said Mystic, “Isn’t that what you’re here for?” “You don’t understand,” Gallus glared. “What isn’t there to understand? Are you just going to let your friendship suffer because of pride or something?” “No, it’s because we get nothing!” Smolder shouted, shooting up from her seat. Mystic paused. “What?” “I mean, how would you feel if you were sent from another nation to learn friendship and even help save the day multiple times, only to receive nothing?!” Smolder pointed at her. “Yeah,” Yona said, frowning, “Friends all want to be like professors!” “Going on dangerous adventures?” Mystic asked. “Yeah!” Gallus said, crossing his forearms, “We need to be recognized because of that light show we performed against Ghadra!” “Wait, what light show?” Mystic asked, surprised. “I’m sure it was...” Ocellus started. “Something that all of us creatures gained and fought back against that awful bear hybrid!” Silverstream chined in. “We would’ve been roasted if it weren’t for that!” “Wait, wait, wait,” Mystic waved her hooves, “What are you talking about?” “We were running from Ghadra after reaching the Changeling Hive to find help,” said Sandbar. “Go on,” said Mystic. “And while we were cornered by Ghadra, he was about to finish us, but then suddenly a mysterious light source surrounded us and lifted us into the air.” “We released waves of attacks on Ghadra,” said Ocellus. Mystic’s eyes widened, remembering a similar event. “Did you mention any of this to your principal?” “We did!” Smolder said with a puff of smoke, and sat back down in her seat, “But she chalked it up to more just the magic of friendship and our friendship being strong!” She crossed her arms as fire escaped her nostrils, “It was just like the incident with Cozy Glow draining the magic!” “I think you’re overreacting,” said Sandbar. Smolder scoffed. “The Headmare’s been under a lot of pressure.” “And I don’t think she said it that way,” said Ocellus. “Anyway, the magic of friendship never let us release waves of attacks on armies before or a powerful enemy,” said Gallus, “We still don’t know what happened that day.” Twilight might have some explaining to do, Mystic thought, tapping her chin. Mystic wanted to cut right to the chase and get to the core of the issue. But she learned over the years that to get to the core, was to peel back secondary issues first. “You’re not recognized for all of your efforts,” said Mystic. “Well, we should be!” Smolder declared. “When we saved Equestria from Cozy and helped get to the Hive, we get nothing! Nada!” She pointed right at Mystic, “Unlike you, a stranger who got glory!” “That wasn’t my original intention,” said Mystic. “Exactly! We’re just a few friends that help save Equestria like our professors,” Smolder hissed. “Didn’t we get some glory, too, Smolder?” Ocellus asked. “Even if we did, which we didn’t, we didn’t get enough,” Smolder growled. “All of you, are most likely mere novices, ruled by your strong emotions,” said Mystic. “And not thinking rationally.” “Why the heck do you care anyway?” Smolder demanded. Mystic’s heart leapt. “Because I think this needs further discussion,” Mystic hastily answered. “Yeeeaahhh, you don’t really care,” said Smolder. “I do care!” Mystic shouted, a look of distress on her features and taking a seat. “Just don’t push me aside so I won’t feel useless again.” She took a deep breath, “Look, I don’t know what problems you might have with one another about this or who’s right and wrong.” She looked right at Ocellus and Smolder. “I’m no expert at this friendship thing but I know all of you shouldn’t let your disagreements tear apart something special to all of you.” She sulked in her seat, “I might not know all of you like your Headmare, but don’t you want to make her proud instead of being at each other’s throats?” Everycreature looked at each other. Mystic hoped that they were listening instead of letting their pride get in the way. “But all of us want to help. We want to be like professors,” said Yona. “Yeah,” said Gallus, “Anycreature can be a hero.” “Well,” Mystic sat back down and crossed her hooves. “Just know, if you do want to help, you’ll know that you and your friends would be putting yourselves in grave danger.” “So?” Smolder asked, balling her claws into fists “Bring it on!” “You all might be led somewhat by raw emotions, but I can see your desires to see threats eliminated and desire to fulfill some purpose in your lives.” Mystic’s look softened. “The way I see it, if you go into adventures, you might be thrust into situations that’ll push you over the brink. Even some of you may not make it out alive.” Silverstream whimpered, hiding her face under her talons. Yona placed a comforting hoof on the hippogriff’s shoulder. “It’s okay to be scared. There will be times when you think you can’t do it and are letting everycreature down,” said Mystic, a slight frown forming on her muzzle. “But the main thing that gets you through that sort of thing is working through your problems and sticking together like glue instead of letting your fears and uncertainties get in the way.” “We’ll be ready to handle anything!” Smolder declared. “Do any of you think you can do anything to protect each other even when it seems like you couldn’t?” Mystic asked. “Yes!” said Ocellus. “What if one of your friends turned evil? What if Celestia or even your own Headmare?” Everycreature froze, a look of horror taking over their features. Mystic didn’t want to ask that, but she must dig deep. “I...” Gallus tried to speak. “How hard would that be?” Mystic asked, “And trust me,” she sighed, staring straight at them, “Be careful what you all wish for. I myself was once part of a group I considered family and I had to do some things that I never, ever wanted to do.” She lightly shuddered, “I will live the rest of my life with those actions.” “We’ll do our best to make sure we succeed in our missions,” said Silverstream, which caused her friends to look at her with wide eyes, “I-I might be a scared hippogriff, but I will not allow choices or actions to take away all that’s good in this world.” She began to shiver, tears rolling down her face, “The Storm King did that once.” A pang of sympathy shot through Mystic’s heart as she looked at the trembling hippogriff being comforted by her friends. However, Silverstream looked up with a determined look. “And I will never let anything take my friends away!” Silverstream stated. “Well said, Silver!” said Gallus. “Yeah!” Yona agreed. “Regardless of what kind of questions you bring up, we won’t back down from protecting all we love! You couldn’t stop us!” Smolder pointed at Mystic. Mystic paused and let out a sigh. “But I wouldn’t stop you.” “What?!” the Young Six exclaimed, all wide-eyed. “Why?” Smolder asked. “Because you remind me of myself when I wanted to go out and seek justice,” Mystic smiled. “If all of you are that determined, that shows you have great courage and guts. I agree you deserve more credit along with all of your kind, just don’t try to do anything stupid, your time will come.” All of them looked at each other, Mystic contemplated what she was seeing in front of her. She could see they still wanted to be with each other, yet they were hurting and letting pride and uncertainty get to them. “Your Headmare, professors, and I have experienced a mysterious event similar to yours,” said Mystic. “Seriously?” Gallus asked, surprised. “You’re kidding!” said Silverstream gasped. “No,” said Mystic, “When Nightfall drained us of energy to keep us from returning to fight him, a mysterious light reached down and charged us all back up.” Mystic thought back to it, recalling how wonderful it felt to get her energy and strength back. “Do you think it means something?” Ocellus asked. “Yona probably think so,” said Yona. “And don’t go with the whole magic of friendship thing,” said Smolder. “I’m thinking it has to do with something in addition to it.” “But what that could be, I have no idea,” said Ocellus. “Whatever it was, it’s not around for us to observe.” “If it does show up again, we need to know what it could mean,” said Yona. Mystic rubbed her chin in thought, “I think it’s a mystery worth looking into if we could find leads to it.” She wanted to understand it now. “I just feel like...” Ocellus frowned. “What do you mean?” Gallus asked. “I don’t know,” replied Ocellus, looking away. “Well, I have nothing to say,” Smolder said, crossing her arms. “But I feel like I have something to say,” Silverstream choked, and Mystic took that as her cue to cut to another one of her suspicions. “You all feel like outcasts, don’t you?” Mystic asked. All of the creatures frowned. “Most of you are creatures in a pony society and away from your species,” Mystic sat down. “And you not getting any credit adds to that, doesn’t it?” “Is that true, guys?” Sandbar asked with a sympathetic look. “Yeah,” said Silverstream, wiping a tear away “Sometimes I miss home.” “Ponies get scared of us changelings and our transforming abilities sometimes,” said Ocellus. Mystic looked at Gallus and Smolder. “I-I guess me too,” said Smolder, “Ponies around Ponyville can seem distant.” “Maybe it’s you who are distant from them, apart from your one group of friends,” said Sweetie. Gallus placed his head in his talons, “I’m being reminded of how I don’t have a family apart from the outcast part... I’ve always been one.” “I think Mystic right,” said Yona, “I hate fighting friends but Yona believe that we all feel more like outcasts.” Smolder and Gallus looked at each other with regretful expressions. “I agree,” said Silverstream. “But we know how much you’ve been learning and experiencing together,” said Scootaloo, stepping forward, “As do your Headmare and professors!” “Yeah!” Sweetie agreed, “And while there’s nothing wrong with having recognition like that, you shouldn’t let not having it damage or destroy your friendship.” “I think regardless of us being here in Ponyville, that’s all the more reason to make our friendship even stronger,” said Sandbar, smiling. “Yeah!” said Silverstream, getting her bubbly attitude back, “I can see it now. It doesn’t matter whether if we’re outside our kingdoms or not but it matters where all of our friends are. Because that’s our true home.” “And we’re surrounded by ponies who love and care for us,” Ocellus added. “And a lot of fun! There are so many things to see!” Silverstream chirped. “Yona fit right in with creature friends! Yona want to make yaks proud!” the young yak said excitedly. Mystic couldn’t help but grin as they continued to repair their friendship. “Guys, what are we doing? Why have we been sulking and being bitter with each other when all we need is one another?” Gallus asked. “Oh, now you’re being sappy,” Smolder said with a teasing grin, which Gallus responded with lightly punching her on the shoulder. “So, are we all friends again?” Sandbar asked. “Again?!” Yona asked. “Always!” The Young Six laughed as they went in for a group hug. Mystic watched on, impressed by their resolution between themselves. A burning sense of pride arose in Mystic’s chest for the creatures. All of them were in complete unity once again. She had seen it with the Mane Six as well as their close friends, and it felt good to see the same thing with these creatures. Unity looks amazing, she thought. All these creatures being friends like this. The idea of creatures and future generations learning from the School sounds like a wonderful idea. Mystic couldn’t help but allow her smile to grow as the six creatures of diverse kingdoms continued to embrace. Maybe there is something better for all of them. The creatures turned to Mystic. “So, we’re sorry we got caught up in our frustrations and wanting to impress you,” said Gallus. “Do you want to still hang out with us?” Sandbar asked. “You... want to be friends with me?” Mystic asked, eyes widening. “Sure,” they all said in unison. Mystic swore her disdain towards other creatures faded away like a black mist. She smiled. “I’d like that very much,” she said. “All right!” they cheered. Ocellus stepped forward, “Oh, Mystic, thank you.” Mystic shrugged but smirked. “I just gave you some reasoning, you all reconciled on your own.” “It means a lot though.” Before Mystic could react, the changeling flew towards her and enveloped the unicorn in a hug. Taken aback, Mystic managed to pat the changeling’s back in return. Before she could do anything, the rest of the Young Six embraced her and she joyfully accepted their group hug. All of the creatures pulled back, giving Mystic some space. “We have a lot to talk about sometimes during friendship, but friendship is hard work,” said Ocellus. “And like, really messy sometimes,” said Sandbar “But with a dose of forgiveness and communication you can make it work because it's totally worth it!” said Silverstream. “Uh oh, I guess we just learned something!” Smolder said with a teasing grin. Something rose within Mystic’s chest that she knew she had to get out. She saw the nearby Crusaders, slightly catching the unicorn off guard having nearly forgotten they were in the room. Mystic looked down at her flank covered by her adventuring outfit. She turned to the creatures who were talking with each other again. “Hey,” Mystic said loud enough for them to hear. Everycreature turned to her, and it was almost like spotlights were suddenly put on her. “Uh...” “What is it?” Smolder asked. “I want to say that...” Mystic facehoofed. “Well, I’m speaking up because I myself feel like...” “Because you what?” “I mean, I...” Mystic facehoofed, “Because I, I mean I don’t know...” “Maybe it’s time for us to hear you out?” Ocellus said in her soft tone. Mystic gulped, “Yes.” “What are you wanting to say?” Mystic glanced at the Crusaders and they gave her encouraging nods. “I feel like a bit of an outcast myself!” Mystic admitted. “What?!” the creatures asked with surprised looks. “I might not be a hippogriff, dragon, or another creature like most of you... but I do have a reason why I feel like this,” said Mystic. Did I always feel this way? “What is that reason?” Gallus asked. Mystic saw the Crusaders’ encouraging looks again. There was no longer any need to hide it anymore. The unicorn turned to the Young Six. “It would be better if I showed you,” said Mystic. Behind some changing curtains, Mystic finished removing her outfit. She looked at herself in the mirror, her orange coat for all to see, including her bare flank. I don’t know about this... she thought, not knowing how they’d take it. But why did she suddenly begin to feel this way about her lack of a cutie mark? She didn’t feel as numb before, but... “Mystic, are you ready?” Sweetie called. “Almost,” replied Mystic. She closed her eyes and did her best to push aside the uncertainty. “Okay, I’m coming out.” Mystic pushed the curtains aside and stepped out. All of the Young Six and the CMC members were sitting on the floor. The creatures’ eyes widened and Mystic turned to the side, revealing her flank. Aside from the Crusaders, they all gasped. “You... don’t have a cutie mark?!” Sandbar shouted. “That’s so weird!” said Smolder, causing Mystic to cringe. “Yona never seen anything like this before!” the yak said. Mystic looked at their astounded looks, the creatures that didn’t speak all had their jaws on the ground. “I...” Mystic sighed, “I’ve gone without one for so long, even when I think I have my destiny figured out.” She frowned, rubbing her foreleg. “I’m not so sure about my life anymore... Nopony else knew about it other than some of your professors and those three.” She pointed to the Crusaders. “And we’ve had a lot of fun trying to help you find your cutie mark,” said Scootaloo. “I haven’t really felt like this about my bare flank before,” said Mystic, “But recently I’ve just been wondering if there might be something else out there for me. And I guess I was worried others might judge me for not having one.” “I see,” said Gallus, “I guess you do know what it feels like.” He frowned and looked away. “Yona think orange pony more unique than Yona had ever seen!” Yona said proudly. “I... I am?” Mystic asked, taken aback. “She’s right!” said Sweetie. “Remember how we told ya how ya could be anythin’ even if ya don’t have a cutie mark?” “I do, I just wish I knew what I was supposed to do,” said Mystic. “You’re quite unique on your own, Mystic,” Ocellus smiled, “Cutie Mark or no Cutie Mark. “And if anypony or creature has a problem with that, we’ll knock them into next week!” Smolder declared. “Make them regret every second of it!” Gallus added. “Or, we could just talk to the teachers,” Silverstream said. The rest of the students murmured in agreement. “Okay, thanks,” said Mystic, a warm sensation rising in her heart. She felt herself pulled in for yet another hug, and this time she saw the Crusaders join them, all three looking up at her with proud smiles. “I guess we outcasts will have to deal with all that comes our way, won’t we?” said Gallus. Mystic smiled and nodded. “Yes. I guess we will.” And she returned the creatures’ hug.