But... Scootaloo wasn't unwanted... and I guess Sweetie Belle wasn't either... Apple Bloom continued her mental debate with herself. What am I thinking?! Sweetie's new friend, Irothrust, gave me a bloody nose! She knocked me out... and stole some seeds! And Sweetie took up for her...
Apple Bloom shook her head. Only four minutes had passed- it was now 5:41. The sun hadn't yet risen, but yet the earth pony was wide awake. In fact, she had never gone to bed last night- she was too worried. All night questions ran through her mind, but they were never answered. What will they think if I tell them I'm going back... to being the uncool Apple Bloom? Will they tease me? Will they embarrass me? Will they be mean again? Oh Apple Bloom, what are you saying? These are your friends you're talking about! You can't leave them... after all, they should make me happy. But... why do I feel sad? A single tear ran down Apple Bloom's cheek.
Why did I listen to her? Why did she ask me, anyways? Out of all ponies that Diamond Tiara bullies, I was picked? Why did they want to be my friend? Her mind pondered these strange thoughts.
If Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara were really mean and didn't like me, they wouldn't have ever accepted me as a friend. And Loviatar, especially. I haven't even known her for a week and I can tell she's somepony to not play around with. If they really think this highly of me... I mustn't let them down.
The filly climbed out of bed and wiped away her tears. She began to get ready for school as Celestia raised the sun. If only I didn't have to go to school today... at least tomorrow's Friday.
"What do you mean the tree is dying?!" Ryon yelled as he passed through the Sunset Gates. Inside was Loviatar and Irothrust.
"No, Ryon! You really need to get out more. This tree is magical! It doesn't drink or die or get sick or wither! The leaves don't fall! Branches don't break! It doesn't act like a normal tree! It's the Untied Sorcerers Tree for crying out loud!" Loviatar quickly cooled her tempter, "Irothrust, do you have any idea of what we can do to save the tree?"
Irothrust sighed.
"I can do my song, and I can see what's wrong with it." She paused, and glanced at Loviatar. A smiled creeped upon Loviatar's face asIrothrust's eyes had the feeling of worry in them.
"Well, what are you waiting for, Tree Tender?" Loviatar asked in a rude tone, practically spitting the words.
After sighing again, the caped pony began singing.
"As the world lights candles
and the friction collides,
the bronze and the gold
seem to combine,
they are the colors of fire,
and the fire is mine..." Her voice faded. Loviatar had not stolen any magic from her... and this was a huge surprise. Magic is the most powerful when a pony sings, so why didn't she abduct?
The tree illuminated as a white glow appeared around it. Suddenly, an orange mist covered the aura around the tree, and then the magic caught on fire. Then, in the blink of an eye, it turned to ash, and the tree underneath was the same as it was before.
"Well, what was wrong with it?" Loviatar asked impatiently.
"Magic problems. First, there is a huge magic imbalance. Second, there is... dark magic. Dark Magic causes the tree to wither and die- the only way it dies. Otherwise, it will live on forever." Irothrust said in a scratchy yet monotone voice.
"Magic problems? How's that even possible?" Ryon asked, taking a deeper look at the tree's roots.
"Loviatar, you're the Magic Keeper. What do you think has caused this?" Irothrust asked, acting like as if she had no idea what was going on.
"I- I don't know. I certainly don't have dark magic. If I did, I'd be some evil villain somewhere using my powers as an advantage to rule over everything! Heh, heh. But, seriously guys. Who's done this?" Loviatar asked.
Both Ryon and Irothrust had blank faces.
"Fine. Ryon, since you're the Sorcerer's Field Guardian, you must now make sure to lock the Sunset Gates whenever you leave. You aren't to let us come in anymore. The tree might just need rest. Sometimes magic can refurbish itself over time." Loviatar decided.
"Alright." Ryon replied with a smile.
"Good, now, we need to get to school." Loviatar said, prancing out of the garden known as the Sorcerer's Field. Irothrust followed, and as Ryon sang his song, a magical key appeared in front of him. He locked the gates shut, and then continued on his way to Ponyville's school.
Little did he know, the mares knew that magic didn't refurbish itself. Irothrust was wondering why Loviatar had lied; did she not want her brother to know the truth? Irothrust thought that Loviatar had told Ryon what had happened to her so long ago, right after they were ranked.
Irothrust suddenly realized what her tricky cousin had planned up her sleeve.