Bon Bon excitedly trotted back from the salon she had just been at. The workers had told her what her target pony now looked like. She was happy to inform Twilight. She trotted into her and Twilight’s room. “I learned some new info, Twilight.” Bon Bon stared at the white-furred plushie in Twilight’s hoofs. “Where did you get that pegasus plushie?”
Twilight smiled proudly. “I created her. She is my experimentation partner. I’ve been practicing transformation spells on her.”
Still staring at the plushie, Bon Bon asked, “Is she a real pony?” The plushie happily waved a hoof at Bon Bon. “Did she agree to this?” The plushie nodded, her purple mane bobbing in the air. “Twilight, I’m happy you’re getting some practice, but what about the spell you said earlier, the foresight one?”
“Failure,” Twilight said with a frown. “I tried it out. I looked into the past at exactly when the first train this morning came in. I watched for our subject... never saw her. She obviously knows a few tricks. I needed a new plan. Practicing the transformation spell seemed like the best option. So I went and asked for help. What’s your news?”
“There’s been a change in appearance for the one we are looking for. She went to a salon, having her mane and tail dyed. Her mane and tail are now light-blue and yellow. How are we supposed to find her? We can’t just go around asking... takes too long.”
Snow Charm, the pegasus plushie jumped into the air. “The princess and I have a good idea where to look. Try the farthest west side of town. There are some homes near White Tail Woods that are used for new towns folk and homeless ponies.”
Bon Bon threw down the scroll from in the saddlebag. “Won’t be needing that outdated pic anymore.”
Twilight quickly levitated a saddlebag to herself. “I should go with you. I can’t let you face a unicorn alone. If you do find her, there is no guarantee that she will still be there by the time you come get me. Especially if she figures out why you’re looking for her.”
“No, Twilight. We need you here perfecting the transformation spell. If she sees us before we see her, she might run away in fear. If you really want to help…” Bon Bon shuffled her forehooves nervously. “You can cast a... protection spell over me.”
“Bon Bon, are you sure?” Twilight put a concerning hoof around Bon Bon.
“Yes... maybe, probably, most definitely. I would rather have your magic protecting me over a different unicorn’s magic attacking me.” Bon Bon closed her eyes. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself. “I’m ready, Twilight.”
Lyra and Snow Charm watched as a purple magic surrounded the only earth pony in the room. Bon Bon trembled under the feeling of magic. Even with the knowledge of knowing that Twilight would never hurt her, magic being used on her still brought fear.
“Done,” replied Twilight. “I also recast the come-to-life spell.”
Bon Bon opened her eyes, slight confusion showing in them. “I can feel the magic on me, but I don’t see a shield. I assume its cloaked. Time for nervous candy pony and plushie pony to leave.” Bon Bon left the room and motel.
Bon Bon could see the edge of White Tail Woods. Already being on the west side of town, she began her walk to the farther west side of town. She paid no attention to the strange looks she got from unicorns. It didn’t take long for her to reach her destination. Bon Bon felt the trip was longer because of the magic constantly protecting her. Her fear of magic would not let her be happy.
Bon Bon took in the sight of apartments lining the edge of the woods. “Apartments are so bland when they are all painted the same color.”
“True dat,” replied Lyra.
Bon Bon sighed. “You should probably stay hidden in the saddlebag and not say a word.” Lyra vanished into her hiding place.
Many ponies were wandering around the dirt road in front of the apartments. Bon Bon began following the road, looking for anything that might help.
A mare began to walk alongside Bon Bon. “You look lost,” she commented.
Bon Bon forced a smile. “Not lost, just don’t know where to go. I’m looking for somepony.”
“Keep walking and you’ll get to a round building. If you need to find somepony who lives around here, that’s the place to start.”
“Thanks,” replied, Bon Bon before she broke into a gallop.
Four minutes later, Bon Bon reached her target. She entered the circular structure.
The mare at the reception desk greeted her. “Hi,” the pegasus said with a wave of her wing. “What can I help ya with?”
Walking up to the desk, Bon Bon put a forehoof on it. “I’m looking for a mare with dark-green fur. Her tail and mane are light-blue and yellow. She would be a brand new resident.”
The pegasus at the desk shuffled through some paperwork. “We got a new resident that fits your description. Why do ya want to see her?”
Thinking fast, Bon Bon came up with a lie. “Just an old friend wanting some help.”
“You’ll find her in apartment ninety-four. It’s right across from here.”
“Thanks,” said Bon Bon as she turned to leave.
Once outside, Bon Bon had no trouble spotting her new target. She excitedly trotted over to the apartment. Excitement turned into fear as she stood in front of the door. Not knowing what to expect, she quickly knocked three times.
The door opened, revealing an annoyed recognizable unicorn “What do you want?”
Bon Bon swallowed her fears. “I need your help... and I’ll pay for it.” The unicorn motioned for Bon Bon to enter. Closing the door behind her, Bon Bon sat down on the welcome mat. “You have to promise that you won’t freak out when I tell you what I want help with. Do I have your word on that?”
Raising an eyebrow, the unicorn replied, “Sure... I’ll do my best. My name is Minty.”
Bon Bon smiled awkwardly. “My name is Bon Bon. Remember, no freaking out. I need your help... with... a transformation spell.” There was an awkward silence for a moment. “It’s actually my friend who needs help.”
With doubt in her eyes and skepticism in her voice, she replied, “Friend? This... friend of yours, is she a unicorn?"
“Yes,” gulped Bon Bon.
Minty’s horn began to glow with magic. “You really should have used a different name, Bon Bon. I really wish you had chosen not to follow me.” Minty took a deep breath before continuing. “Not freaking out yet. Might freak out soon, so tell me what you want.”
Bon Bon started shuffling her forehooves. “I just have questions. I want to know how to remove the spell on my friend.”
“Not possible,” chuckled, Minty. “Unless you know the words to remove the spell, all you can do is transfer it.” The magic around Minty’s horn faded. “Are you willing to sacrifice some other pony’s life for your friend’s?”
“No,” said, Bon Bon. “I would never do that, unless it was my own. Unfortunately that would only move the problem.”
Rubbing her chin with a hoof, Minty smiled. “Not necessarily. If you are willing to make a sacrifice, I might have a solution. Side effects include loss of memory for your friend and loss of your rights to be a pony.”
“What?! Explain, please.”
Still smiling, Minty began the explanation. “Using a more powerful magic, I can transfer and change the spell. It would free your friend and change you into another animal. Doing this would use all my magic, thus killing me on the spot. I’ll make sure I disintegrate, so nopony will blame you.”
“Why would you agree to die so fast?” Bon Bon unconsciously tapped a hoof on the floor.
“Simple!” snapped Minty. “Being trapped as a conscious inanimate object is a fate worse than death.” Minty’s eye twitched. “I’m not afraid of death. At this point in time, I don’t have much to live for. You have a life, I don’t. Accept my offer before I change my mind.”
Bon Bon’s saddlebag shuffled slightly as Lyra’s head popped out. “I don’t agree with this plan.” Minty stared at the small plushie that had just spoken. Lyra crossed her plush forehooves. “I want to keep my memories.”
Bon Bon put plushie Lyra on the floor, staring ominously at her. “You get no choice. I promise to get your memories back.” Without looking away from Lyra, Bon Bon asked, “What do we need for this spell, Minty?”
“First, we need to remove the come-to-life spell on your friend. It is a come-to-life spell... right?” Bon Bon nodded her head, but said nothing. “Good, replied Minty. “Next I’ll need to go pick up a few things from the main building across the street. It will take less than two minutes. You should stay here with your friend. Write a letter to the other friends helping you, telling them not to worry about you two.”
Minty closed her eyes, levitating her saddlebag, quill, and a sheet of paper over. She then focused her magic on Lyra. Lyra waved goodbye to Bon Bon. Bon Bon closed her eyes as the light around the plushie became a little too bright.
A moment later, the removal of the come-to-life spell was complete. Bon Bon moved to let Minty leave.
Looking to her left, Bon Bon saw a kitchen. “Looks like a kitchen and a living room are the only rooms here.” To pass the short amount of time, Bon Bon hummed her favorite song that Lyra usually played on the lyre.
The door opened, revealing Minty. “Phase three can start,” she announced. Bon Bon nodded, but simply kept humming to herself. Minty shrugged and levitated a medical needle over. “I need to take some blood for the magic to work.” Bon Bon stuck a forehoof out for the blood draw. After taking some blood, Minty went to the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Minty opened her saddlebag and began putting the ingredients from it into a small bowl, blood included.
After mixing up a potion, with nice background music from Bon Bon, Minty felt some tears form in her eyes. Immediately, she smacked her face with a hoof. Not now, emotions! No time for remorse. Must go through with plan.
Upon exiting the kitchen, Minty levitated the strange potion over to Bon Bon.
Bon Bon lightly tapped the bowl, causing ripples in the blue liquid. “How did you know my name?” she said with concern. “Do I need to drink all of this?”
Minty sat down in front of Bon Bon, the Lyra plushie in between them. “There’s only two ponies in your home. I was in your home for five days. Not hard to figure out. Yes, you need to drink it all.”
Picking up the small bowl, Bon Bon sighed before gulping the whole potion down in one shot. “That had an interesting taste. Not as bad as I was expecting. So... what now?”
Minty rubbed her forehooves together excitedly before teleporting a scroll to Bon Bon. “You need to sign this.” A small bottle of red ink appeared at Bon Bon’s side. “It’s a magic contract, a very old form of magic. It tells the ins and outs of the spell I’m going to use. More importantly, it binds you to the spell so that if anypony tried to reverse the spell, it wouldn’t work. You need this because I won’t be here to help you. Restoring your friend’s memories is the only way you will be able to keep you both as ponies.”
Bon Bon glanced through the scroll, seeing that Minty was not lying. It even explained how Lyra and Bon Bon could reverse the spell if they wanted to give up. Taking a deep breath, Bon Bon grabbed the quill she had used to write the letter and signed her name. Once finished, Bon Bon flinched when a quick burst of magic radiated from the paper.
“It’s done,” commented Minty. “We need to know what animal you will be turned into. Smaller makes things easier.”
Bon Bon pondered this for a moment. “I think I’ll take a dog. They are cute and small. Also, when will I send my letter to Twi, my friend? It’s ready to be mailed.”
Minty closed her eyes. “You and Lyra can mail it when the spell is complete.” With eyes still closed, Minty focused an immense amount of magic into her horn. It just vanished quickly. “You need to lower that protection spell of yours.”
Bon Bon stared blankly at Minty. “Oh... that. How?”
“Just focus on it going away. It’s cast to protect you. If you feel threatened enough by it, it will go away... naturally.”
Bon Bon did as told, focusing her thoughts on the protection spell. She was more than happy to have it not be there. A few moments later, the spell visibly shattered from around her.
Minty smiled. “Hope this works.” The magic returned to her horn and began surrounding all three of the ponies, forming a small tornado.
Bon Bon sat with her eyes closed as fear took hold of her. She could hear and feel the magic around her. She shivered in place as the whirlwind of magic intensified. She could feel the magic beginning to take hold of her body. Pain shot through her whole body as her bones began to change shape, putting great pressure on her body. “It hurts,” she griped.
“It will be over soon,” responded Minty.
Bon Bon whimpered in pain as her internal organs followed in the path of her bones. “It hurts! I feel like I’m dying! I feel like I’m being crushed from inside!” Her world went black as she fainted.
====================
Twilight quickly looked up from her notes with great worry on her face. Seeing this, Snow Charm asked, “What is it?”
“I just felt a new magic being used, new to me.”
With skepticism, Snow Charm asked, “You can sense when magic is being used?”
“Yes,” replied Twilight. “Magic is my special talent. This happens a lot with Lyra. I’m pretty used to sensing new or different magics. This was a powerful spell. Bon Bon could be in trouble.”
Snow Charm put a concerning hoof over Twilight. “Your protection spell will protect her. Stop worrying.”
Twilight looked at Snow Charm with concerning eyes. “Please go check on her. I’m asking you as a friend. It would be smarter for me to stay here. We don't know if that unicorn can sense magic too.”
“Fine, I’ll go take a look. I won’t be staying long.”
Snow Charm quickly trotted out the door and out of the motel, immediately spreading her wings and flying as she stepped out. Being a citizen of the town, Snow Charm knew exactly where to go. She made it to the reception building in less than two minutes.
Still in a hurry, Snow Charm glided to the reception desk, never touching the floor. “Have you seen a beige pony come in here? She has a blue and pink mane.”
“Apartment ninety-four,” replied the receptionist. “Across the street. The pony who lives there is leaving soon, so hurry.”
Wasting no time, Snow Charm zoomed out and toward apartment ninety-four. Hovering next to the door, she pounded on it with a forehoof.
Getting no response, Snow Charm shoved open the door. “Is anypony here?” Silence was the answer she received. “It sure is messy.” Doing a quick fly-through of the two room apartment revealed that no other ponies were there with her. “I should get back to Twilight.” She exited the apartment. Looking to her left, past her purple mane, she saw the mailbox flag on the mailbox was up. Opening the mailbox, she grabbed the letter in it. “It’s addressed to Twilight. I better deliver it.” She closed the mailbox and lowered its flag. With letter in teeth, she bolted away.
Snow Charm came into their motel room, slightly out of breath.
Twilight curiously watched as Snow Charm stuck her tongue out and peeled off an envelope from it. “It’s a letter for you. I was carrying it with just my teeth.” Snow Charm smiled awkwardly. “But I was flying too fast and the momentum pushed it into my mouth. Luckily, I caught it with my tongue before I choked on it.”
“Um... didn’t need to know that.” Twilight levitated the moist envelope into the air. Keeping it a good distance from her, she broke it open. Focusing hard, she slowly levitated the letter out of the envelope, trying to keep the actual letter from getting saliva on it. Having completed her mission, Twilight levitated the dry letter over to herself. “It’s from Bon Bon. It says she found a way to help Lyra. However, there was a complication, but nothing to worry about. She says she doesn’t know how long she will be gone. She wants Lightwing to be in charge of the restaurant and me to manage her mail... and it ends with her saying don’t forget to make cinnamon rolls in my name.”
“Do you believe any of that?”
Twilight rubbed her chin with a hoof. “Well, the writing is in Bon Bon’s hoofwriting. However, that does not mean she wrote it willingly.” Twilight suppressed a laugh. “Did you see anything on your paper eating adventure?”
“I didn’t eat it!” retaliated Snow Charm. “I accidentally almost choked on it. No, I did not see anything or anypony we were looking for. Who’s Lightwing?”
“Lightwing is a black-furred pegasus with a dark green mane. She met Lyra a few months ago. She’s the reason they have a restaurant. I think we need to go look for Bon Bon. I think she’s in trouble.”
Shrugging, Snow Charm asked, “How? We have no clues. We lost Bon Bon, Lyra, and that mirror. We have nothing.”
“We have my magic.”
Snow Charm replied with a roll of her eyes. “Your magic worked so well. That time seeing spell was a fail. We have no items for a tracking spell. Your magic won’t help.”
“You’re wrong!” Twilight pointed an accusing hoof. “My magic can fix this. I have a short time travel spell.” Twilight bolted out the door.
Snow Charm stared at the door in shock. “What just happened? I guess I’ll find out soon.”
Now outside of the motel, Twilight was preparing her time travel spell. She saw a train leaving the station. Because of the small wind her spell was making, she got a few looks from other ponies. Twilight then vanished.
Twilight appeared in the same spot. She looked over to see a train letting passengers out. She fluttered her wings in joy. “The first train of the day! A bit weird considering I technically just saw it leave.” Twilight’s beady eyes scanned the train station. There she is. The orange main is a plain giveaway. I can see why she changed it. In a whisper, she said, “Time for a tracking spell. Not much I can cast a spell on, only a bag of bits and a small necklace. Better get to it.” Twilight turned her head away from the crowd as she was casting her spell on the two items. After the spells’ completion, Twilight manically rubbed her forehooves together. You can’t escape the Element of Magic. Magic began to spark around Twilight, as her time travel spell was wearing off. A few seconds later, Twilight was standing in the exact same spot, not moving had that effect. Smiling proudly, Twilight went into the motel.
Twilight strutted into her motel room with more pride than needed. “Guess whose plan is a total success?” Before she got an answer she simply said, “That’s right, my plan was.”
“And what is that plan?”
Twilight answered, her face beaming with joy. “I just did the simple thing. I cast a tracking spell and I can feel where the target is. Isn’t it great?!” she said with a jump. Being too excited, Twilight did not realize she should have been sensing two targets, since she cast the spell on two items.
Snow charm allowed herself a smile “And where is our target?”
“Moving north, just outside of the town,” replied Twilight, still smiling.
Snow Charm shook her head. “Is the target picking up speed?”
Twilight’s pride, joy, and form fell as realization struck her. “The train is going north... the one that just left.” Twilight vanished in a purple light.
Snow Charm sat alone for two minutes before Twilight walked back into the room.
Twilight sighed in relief. “The train is going to Canterlot but will make a stop in Ponyville. I will issue a royal arrest warrant to search the train when it gets to Ponyville. Nopony will leave that train without my knowing.
“How will we get to Ponyville before the train?”
“Simple,” replied Twilight. “I can teleport us there.”