//------------------------------//
// Friendship is Magic: Part 3 
// Story: A Twi-Viney System 
// by AnRin05 
//------------------------------//

This experience was absolutely terrifying!
 
Not only was I trapped on a challenging and high-pressure mission, but I also found myself having to fix something I had no clue about.
 
On top of that, I had to hide from my best sister/friend after she clearly saw me vanish before her eyes without any rhyme or reason.
 
And to make matters worse, I had to avoid my BFFS/F (Best Friend Forever Sister/Friend) when the system itself threatened me with obliteration.
 
Ugh, why did life have to be so complicated? While obliteration was such a massive way to make sure people did as they were told, but please! Wasn't this place supposed to be a kid's show!?
 
Wasn't this System too harsh!? Like the Chinese novel level system hard!?
 
Couldn't I just vent all day? I was pretty sure it was justified, and wait... Did this system even have a feedback feature?
 
If it did, I'd rate it 2/10 dammit!


Ugh...!


Releasing a deep sigh, I gradually forced myself to calm down after hastily leaving the castle and heading towards an abandoned alley.
 
Then, looking up at the sky with a weary expression, I inadvertently spotted their carriage in the distance. Squinting my eyes a little, I could see Twilight, although I couldn't discern her expression. Her ears were pinned down while Spike moved his mouth, likely consoling her considering my sudden disappearance, which made the situation (for them) even more horrifying.
 
Feeling a bit complicated at that thought, I sighed again, now feeling the apparent mounting stress more clearly and leaving me deflated a bit.
 
But, shaking my head, I forced myself to focus. I did realize that I had a little time to spare seeing the sun in its position, so with reluctance, I tapped into my magic. Preparing myself with folded ears, I took a deep breath.
 
Exhaling slowly, my eyes were soon surrounded by a familiar purple haze. I couldn't help but shudder at the intense sensation in my forehead each time I cast those powerful spells.
 
Magic still felt strange to me, especially with the new appendage on my head. Even after living in Equestria for years, I still couldn't help but feel weird. Honestly, I kind of missed good old technology, especially for entertainment. Of course, it was also because I hadn't used powerful spells due to the laid-back missions. Well, that was my own fault, I suppose.
 
Ugh... Learning and using magic was such a pain... and this situation was terrifying.
 
And of course, negative thoughts suddenly rolled in, wrapping around my head like a cocoon.
 

'What if I failed?'
 

'What if both Twilight and Spike got hurt?'

 
'What if somepony died?'
 

'Was I really cut out for this?'

 
But... As frightened as I may have been, knowing that there were troubles Twilight couldn't handle, I couldn't bring myself to fool around. If there was trouble I couldn't handle, I would just cross that bridge later.
 
So, taking a deep breath and maintaining my focus, I began gathering the magic I needed to cast a high-level teleportation spell. Concentrating the magic in one place with my trusty horn, I summoned a bright teal aura that enveloped my entire body.
 
As I focused on the spell, I felt a surge of energy coursing through me, followed by rapid flashes of light emanating from my horn.
 
Once I determined my destination, I closed my eyes and allowed my magic to take over.
 
With a gentle whooshing sound, I felt my hooves lift off the ground as I was enveloped in a bright light. A rush of wind swept past me as magic consumed my entire field of vision.


*Shhhk...!?
 

With a final flash of light, everything around me turned white, and then my hooves touched the ground. I opened my eyes to see a road bustling with ponies—mostly earth ponies going about their business, with a mix of unicorns and pegasi. They didn't even notice my flashy appearance as they walked by without batting an eye, which made me slump in exhaustion. I exhaled loudly in relief.
 
'Haa... I guess sometimes, being invisible has its quirks.' I thought to myself, pleased but also feeling tired. So, dusting off a few imaginary specks of dust from my chest, I took a step forward and headed towards my first destination.
 
"Oooohhhh~ well, this is new!" Only for me to stop as a bubbly voice suddenly spoke from behind, widening my eyes. I squealed in fright and jumped in the air in shock.
 
Once my hooves touched the ground again, I hastily turned to see a mare with a bright shade of bubblegum pink coat and curly mane and tail, a mix of light and dark pink colors. She had a cutie mark of three balloons and big, shiny blue eyes that gazed at my form in puzzlement and wonder.
 
....Pffft—!? Drats!? Of all ponies to bump into... why her!?
 

Why Pinkie Pie!?
 

"Ooh! This is so weeeiiiiirrd, I can feel it in my Pinkie Sense! You must be the new pony in town this morning, I just know it! But wait, where are you? Hmm... let me try something." Pinkie then zoomed towards a bush near us and grabbed a stick in her mouth, then zoomed back with unbelievable speed. The mare drew a circle on the ground, completely encircling my form as she sat down on the road in front of me after she met the other end of her circle.
 
And I gaped silently in horror at the scene before me as she tapped her muzzle in puzzlement.

"Okay, now I've got you completely encircled, but you're not there. Like at all. See?" Pinkie prodded my sides, her hoof going through my body as I shuddered.
 
"But, but, but... I can definitely, absolutely sense you! Trust me, my Pinkie senses never lies! So you must absolutely be the new pony in town! Ohhhh, how exciting! I've never been friends with somepony invisible like you before! Or somepony who's a ghost! Ooohh~ Spoooky. Ahhhh! Let's gooo and have some fun together, new invisible ghosty friend!" She cheered loudly and spoke fast soon after, yanking her hooves from the ground as she clapped in delight while some passing ponies rolled their eyes at her nonsensical antics and carried on with their business.
 

"..."
 

While rebooting my mind, I couldn't help but take a step back, feeling a bit overwhelmed. But much to my dismay, Pinkie also moved forward.
 
"Hmmm? You don't really talk too much. In fact, I couldn't really hear you either. But I could sense you moving. Oh— how about you wave your hoof? Maybe I could do that... err, hooves sign thingy to communicate." The other mare brought her hooves to her face, folding them with a smile.
 
Blinking dumbly, I did what she said and waved my front hooves.

But seeing no reaction, I sighed a bit and silently summoned my solid vines instead. They were made small to make them unnoticeable and avoid unwanted attention, and they poked at her back. Pinkie jolted, jumping in her spot like a kangaroo, and looked down after she landed, seeing the tiny vines near her, her blue eyes sparkling.
 
"Woahhh...! Are you doing that?" The pink mare immediately crouched down, and as she saw the vine nodding to her answer—she stood back up, feeling giddy.
 
"Coooool~ hey, can you dance?"
 
Slightly manipulating the magic in my vine, I made it move as Pinkie gasped in delight, much to my amusement.
 
"Oh, oh! Lay down!" The vine suddenly went limp.
 
Pinkie's smile turned into an excited grin.
 
"Shake my hoof!" She stretched her hoof immediately as the vine went forward, gently wrapping Pinkie's hoof with its body.
 
As she giggled while playing with my vines, a warm feeling spread throughout my chest at that moment. It felt so nostalgic and novel that I unconsciously giggled along.
 
Suddenly, I realized that I was having so much fun just watching her silly antics while she was interacting with me. It was like a breath of fresh air in my routine.
 
Even if Spike and Twilight could see me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loneliness all the same. It was like I was invisible to the rest of the world, always standing on the sidelines, watching as others lived their lives and interacted with one another without any problems.
 
But now, seeing somepony else interact with me... Well, semi-interacting, I still felt normal, I guessed. It was like I was finally seen, even with limitations, but it still felt wonderful all the same.
 

*Sigh..
 

Being who I am now, It was impossible for me to be seen normally. Magic or any kind of magic wouldn't work on my form unless Twilight used points from the System.. Actually, the System is Twilight's OP cheat since she could get anything that she wants, but.. The only rule was how many points she had; the bigger the item or something she wanted, the more it would cost.
 
I guess that's the difference; Twilight was the one who got the benefits, she is the host, while I'm just one part of said System.. an assistant of some sort.
 
But even with that knowledge, I'm just glad that Twilight is a great host. She's a pony who could have anything, and I mean anything she wants... But she saves her points just for me to be— well, a pony. Prioritizing me in the end.
 
Of course, she sometimes spends some of her points on books and some of Spike's whims, but compare the price of getting a real, solid body to the price of everyday items.. was heartwarming.
 
Though even with my heavy thoughts, I only smiled as me and Pinkie played together. I found myself answering her with "yes or no" questions in the middle of the road, laughing with her in a way that felt so natural and easy.
 
But alas, time didn't stop for no reason.
 
And the fun times were cut short when a feminine voice shouted Pinkie's name.
 
Turning my gaze away from my new 'friend,' I saw a plump mare, older than Twilight and Pinkie, with a blue coat and a pink swirly-cream-like mane.
 
"Oh, Pinkie, there you are! We were looking everywhere for you."
 
Pinkie shifted her eyes to look at her employer, her smile still on her face. "Hey, Mrs. Cake. What's with the urgency?" She asked, her head tilting slightly from the side.
 
Seeing the mare coming closer with a worried face, I unwillingly let my vines disappear. Seeing Pinkie preoccupied and hearing her mention me, I suddenly remembered my stressful mission and its condition, almost making me slump in defeat.
 

Oops.
 

I forgot.

 
Sighing and giving Pinkie's turned back a final smile that she wouldn't notice, I left and teleported away to Sweet Apple Acres.
 
After all, there were many things I needed to urgently check before Twilight might arrive.
 
After a few hours of sitting on a stump, hiding away with the help of the canopies of trees circling the land, my eyes returned to their normal appearance, with the purple mist disappearing. I hummed a song I had long since forgotten the title of.
 
'There was nothing noteworthy to write home about.' I thought, squinting my eyes as if there was some monster hiding somewhere.
 
Only seeing huge expanses of apple trees as far as I could see, peacefully swaying with the gentle winds, and the sky suddenly spotless of clouds, I sighed. But soon after, I let my muzzle form a soft smile at the thought of Twilight interacting with Rainbow Dash.
 
My horn dimmed after my spell-checker detector finished its work. I scrunched up my face since there were no anomalies anywhere beyond the safe borders of this town. I was actually relieved.
 
I had already checked the heart of Ponyville after I cast a quick spell, so... That left... Everfree Forest.
 
I made a face at that. I knew I was hiding from the inevitable, but it was still in the job description to check every nook and cranny of Twilight's first plot. If somehow I missed something, then it was on my head, and every pony's keister for putting up with eternal night.
 
So, better play it safe... But having only one difficult place to check, a forest—mind you—that was said to not be easily influenced by either light or dark magic to its fancy and having monsters crawling everywhere to boot, didn't bode well in my mind.
 
While I was safe from actual harm thanks to my body and my job, that doesn't mean I couldn't be harmed mentally. Even I have fears in this cotton candy of a universe.
 
I doubted I would be able to handle monsters if things went awry. I would probably even faint at the sight of it.
 
Whohoho... But I just couldn't allow a disaster that could wipe out Equestria just because I'm scared.. I was wholly frightened, actually, so the only thing I could do was brace myself for what awaited me in the depths of the Everfree Forest.
 
With a heavy sigh, I set off towards the forest, hearing noises such as crunching against the leaves as I trod lightly, my eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
 
As I stepped into the shadows of the forest, a shiver ran down my spine, and an eerie feeling settled over me. The air felt heavy, and the sounds of rustling leaves and distant animal cries created an unsettling atmosphere.
 
But I had to press on.
 
With each step, I reminded myself of the importance of this mission. I needed to find any potential threats and ensure the safety of Ponyville and its inhabitants.
 
Navigating through the dense foliage, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. The forest seemed to have a mind of its own, with the trees whispering secrets and the ground shifting beneath my hooves.
 
My senses were on high alert as I cautiously made my way deeper into the forest. Shadows danced around me, and strange sounds echoed through the trees, making it difficult to pinpoint their source.
 
But I couldn't let fear consume me. I had to stay focused and vigilant.
 
Plus, I'm invisible.. I shouldn't be seen so casually.... Right..??
 
Troubled because of my messy thoughts, I shook my head and continued my search, I stumbled upon a clearing bathed in dappled sunlight. 
 
I took a moment to catch my breath and gather my thoughts. I reminded myself of the task at hand and pushed forward.
 
With renewed determination, I delved deeper into the heart of the forest, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I had to fulfill my duty and protect Twilight and Spike.
 
And so, with a steady pace and unwavering resolve, I ventured further into the depths of the Everfree Forest, prepared for whatever awaited me.
 
But not a minute later, seeing a huge black thing heading directly towards me, I, in my suddenly surprised state, shrieked.