//------------------------------//
// Misty's Redemption 
// Story: I Dream of a Genie with a Light Brown Mane 
// by Metool Bard 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 13:
Misty's Redemption


While Cerberus dragged his brother back to Tartarus, Twilight and her friends began the long journey back to Ponyville.  As they rode in the Ponyville hot air balloon, Misty told them all the truth about her actions.

"So you were the one who freed the Chimera?" Rarity asked.

"Yep, that was me," said Misty with a sigh. "I'll probably have to stand trial for that."

"I don't think so," said Twilight. "That whole thing was Orthrus's fault, not yours.  Princess Celestia would understand."

"You really think so?" Misty inquired.

"Even if she doesn't, we'll vouch for you," Twilight promised.

Misty began to tear up again. "Y-you'd really do that?  After everything I put you and your friends through?  Come on now, Twilight.  We all know I don't deserve it."

"Shucks, sugarcube.  Don't be talkin' like that," said Applejack. "We know why you did what you did, an' we forgive ya for it."

Misty shook her head. "You ponies are too nice for your own good, you know that?  I lied to all of you and manipulated your goodwill.  You shouldn't forgive me.  Heck, I won't even blame you if you don't grant me my freedom, Twilight."

"Applejack's right, Misty.  You shouldn't be so hard on yourself," said Fluttershy. "Everypony makes mistakes."

"Yeah.  And we know you're not a meanie-genie," Pinkie Pie chimed in. "You're actually very sweet.  Like chocolate cake!  Or maybe peach cobbler.  Ooh, or apple pie!"

"What you did was wrong, Misty.  On that, we can agree," Twilight added. "But I also think that you have a good heart, and you deserve better.  Which is why my second wish is going to be my final one."

Misty's eyes widened in amazement. "What?  Y-you really mean it?"

"You've suffered enough, Misty," said Twilight with a nod. "And I wish that you were free."

Misty stared back at her mistress for the longest time, her mouth agape. "I-I don't know what to say," she finally managed after a long pause. "Alright, that's not strictly true.  Twilight Sparkle, I wish I met you under better circumstances.  You are the best mistress I've ever had bar none, and I mean that most sincerely.  I guess this is the last time I get to say this, but your wish is my command.  Thank you ever so much."

"That's just what friends do," said Twilight as she began to blush.

Misty opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by a warm feeling radiating throughout her body.  Her golden reins slowly dissolved into nothingness, and she smiled.

"You, really consider me to be a friend, huh?" said Misty.

"I always did," said Twilight. "Honestly Misty, I was just like you once.  I thought I didn't need any friends.  But, these ponies here proved me wrong."

"And now, you've shared that wisdom with me," said Misty. "Heh, strange how these things work out."

She then struck a thinking attitude. "Speaking of which, there's one thing I don't get.  How'd you guys find us?"

"Oh, that was easy," said Spike. "Remember that magic mirror Twilight wished for?"

"Yeah.  What about it?"

"We used it to find her through the reflection of the lamp,"

"Oh," said Misty, beginning to blush. "So, you ponies saw everything, huh?"

"We saw enough, darling," said Rarity. "Enough to see that you needed our help as much as Twilight did."

"Seriously, though.  If you told us about all this sooner, we would've found a way to help you," said Rainbow Dash. "Genie or not, there's no way we'd leave you at the mercy of that jerk Orthrus."

"Well, you know what they say.  Hindsight is twenty/twenty," said Misty.

"Ooh, ooh!  I've got something for you!" said Pinkie Pie.  She then took out a piece of parchment and a quill and handed them over to Misty. "We figured that Twilight would want you to do this when all of this was over."

"Do what?" asked Misty.

Twilight smiled. "In Ponyville, we have a special tradition.  Whenever we learn something about friendship, we write a letter to Princess Celestia."

Misty smirked. "Okay, okay.  I see where this is going."  She took the parchment and quill in hoof and began to write.


Dear Princess Celestia:

Everypony has dreams, ambitions, and aspirations.  And it's always important to follow those dreams and do whatever you can to make them come true.  However, there are some things that are not worth sacrificing for the sake of a dream.  And one of those things is the goodwill of a friend.

In fact, friends can actually help steer you in the right direction, and they are willing to smack some sense into you if you're being stupid and forgive you for your mistakes.  But in order for them to do so, you have to let them be your friends first.

Yours most sincerely,

Misty the Genie

PS: I was the one who freed the Chimera from Tartarus under the command of Orthrus.  For that, I am truly sorry, and will do anything to make amends.  Also, keep your eye on Orthrus.  I don't trust that mutt any farther than I can throw him.


"How's that?" she asked.

"Perfect." said Twilight. "Spike, if you would?"

"No problem," said Spike, blowing a plume of emerald flame and sending the letter on its way.

"Well, thanks for everything, Twilight," said Misty. "But, I really must be going."

"Aw, already?" said Pinkie, sounding disappointed. "But we didn't even throw you a party to celebrate."

"I appreciate the gesture, but really, I'd like to get back to Saddle Arabia," said Misty. "Now that I'm free and have discovered the magic of friendship, I actually want to make some friends of my own."

"Ooh.  That's neat," said Pinkie with a nod. "Alright, I understand.  After all, I can never have too many friends."

"I think that's great, Misty," said Twilight. "I wish you the best of luck."

"Of course," said Misty. "Oh, and you can keep the lamp.  Think of it as a souvenir."

"Are you sure?" asked Spike. "Maybe you should keep it.  You know, as a way to remember us."

Misty laughed. "Trust me, after what we've just went through, it's going to be impossible for me to forget any of you.  How in Equestria could I forget the best mistress I've ever had, and all of her wonderful friends?"

"Yeah, my awesomeness is pretty hard to forget," said Rainbow Dash, to which everypony chuckled. "Oh, and Twilight's cool, too.  Yeah," she hastily added.

"Well, it's been wonderful, but I really must get going," said Misty. "Thank you again, Twilight Sparkle.  For everything."

With that, she flew off into the sky as everypony waved to her.

"You come back now, y'hear?"

"Don't forget to write, darling!"

"We'll be sure to throw a big party for you the next time you visit!"

"It was nice meeting you."

"See you around, Misty!"

"Goodbye, Misty.  And good luck."

As Misty disappeared over the horizon and the dawn began to break, the hot air balloon landed safely back in Ponyville.

"Y'know what, Twilight?  I think you've grown a little since you first came to Ponyville," said Spike as they all disembarked.

"I always am," said Twilight, rubbing Spike's head with her hoof.  She then stared off into the sky. "I'm just glad I could help Misty out.  I bet she's going to make a lot of great friends."

"Hoo hoohoo hoo."

"Misty.  Who do you—?  Oh."

As Owlowiscious hooted a few more time, Twilight and her friends shared a laugh.  It was the dawn of a new day in Ponyville, and things were peaceful.  As they should be.


The End