Price of Life

by Myst Ninja

A Second Chance

Chapter-2 A Second Chance

Myst woke to find the sun cheerfully shining down into her clearing. Despite the softness of her bed, her back was extremely sore. It took a minute for her to remember where she was. Unfortunately it only took fifty-nine seconds to roll off her cloud. In the second before she hit the water Myst tried to use her wings. This attempt to save herself failed miserably; it actually made the situation worse. Everyone who has ever tried diving knows that belly flopping hurts. Wings are infinitely more sensitive than the human belly, a fact Myst found out firsthand when her awkward flapping put them in between her and the water.

With a pained cry quickly cut off by water rushing over her head, Myst let the world know exactly what she thought about wing flopping. Awkwardly Myst pulled herself out of the frigid water and tried to shake herself off. She was able to get some of the water off of her coat and mane, but her wings proved problematic. When she fanned her wings she could still feel the feathers sticking together. She couldn’t close her wings either since the feathers wouldn’t layer correctly while sticking to each other.

After shivering for a few seconds, Myst decided that now might be a good time to go visit the town. It would give her a chance to dry off in the sun and offer a feel of what this world was like. Before she left, Myst camouflaged her crystal to make sure that it wouldn't walk away while she was gone.

After walking to the town Myst had stopped shivering, and though they were still sore she could once again fold her wings. Myst began wandering through the town trying to get a feel for the place, looking for anything that might help her understand this society. She stopped and observed as several ponies approached an apple stand. After a little conversation they placed what appeared to be coins on the stand, took some apples, then left. It was then that Myst noticed that the pony running the stand was the same one whom she had met yesterday. Myst turned away quickly hoping that a missing knife wouldn't be tied to her. In her haste to escape Myst ran straight into a bouncing pink pony.

“Oh hi there! I am so glad to see you! I have been having these twitches for days and days and days and days, telling me that a new pony is coming to town, and here you are! I just have to throw you a huge Welcome to Ponyville party! What's your name?”

This information disturbed Myst. It wasn’t surprising to find that some ponies could sense the future; it was surprising that they would throw a party for someone they didn’t even know. Unsure whether the ‘party’ was actually a party or something else she hesitated before replying, “My name is Myst.”

“Oh goody! Here, take this cupcake. Be sure to come to Applejack's barn at three p.m. sharp. You don't want to miss your party!”

With that the pony shoved a cupcake into Myst's open mouth and bounced away. Completely at a loss for words all Myst could do was watch as the pony left. The cupcake was the sweetest thing that Myst had ever tasted. There was so much sugar that she was sure that she would have a heart attack and die if she ate so much as half of it. Spiting out the cupcake left Myst's head clear to wonder just what had happened. Before Myst could decide what to do about a party invite from a bouncing pink menace, a pair of orange hooves stopped beside her.

Myst looked over to see Applejack's stern face looking back at her. “Now listen here Sugar Cube, knives don't just up and walk away. Ponies also will do some strange things after getting hit on the head. So if after the party I walk into the kitchen and find everything the way it was before you came I won't have to talk to any pony else about this.”

Myst meekly nodded her head.

“One other thing. Pinkie Pie has been going on and on about some new pony that is coming to town. Normally she only notices things a short while before they happen, so I get the feeling that you are something different. Not sure just how yet—after all you only just showed up. I don't know why you are here, but know this: if you mean my friends any harm, you will have me to answer to.”

As she said the last words, she reached one hoof over Myst's shoulder in a friendly hug. At least that is what it looked like. In reality Myst was temporarily crushed by a pony much stronger than herself.

“Well, I got to get back to tending my stall. See you at the party!”

After that conversation, the orange pony's cheerful voice left Myst deeply rattled. It was all she could do to avoid retaliating during that hug. However it simply wouldn't do to hurt or kill a pony in public, especially when she still had very little idea of what this society was like. Myst decided that she had better make it to this party and hope that she would meet a sane pony who did not threaten her or stuff her full of sugar. Myst resumed her tour of the town, trying to find someplace like a library where she could hopefully find an explanation for all the crazy things that she was seeing.

Her search, however, was interrupted by a growling sound emanating from her stomach. At this cue, Myst decided to find something to eat. Seeing a large grassy park where a few families were spending the day she decided that was as good a place as any to sate her hunger. Myst had only taken a few bites of the luscious green grass when a white mare with a horn came up to her.

“Now really, darling, must you be so boorish as to eat the grass in the park? Don't you have any respect for keeping the place nice? Just think, what would happen if every pony started eating the grass? Why the whole park would become a mud pit! Besides, grass doesn't even taste that good! Really you should learn some manners.”

The tirade from this irate mare was just a little more than Myst could stand. She had only just started to come to terms with the idea that magic existed, that she was a pony, and had wings. To top this all off she had already been accosted by two ponies today. She hadn’t realized how much of a toll all of these incidents had taken. As she flared her wings aggressively pain seared through them reminding her just how bad this day had been. After two days in an alien world the pressure just became too much, so Myst yelled.

“Yes, I must be so boorish! Clearly you and your perfectly kept mane would know nothing of what it is like to live without anything! If you are so worried about this place looking nice then you can do some work one day in your perfect life and go get grass from outside the town to fill in the grass I eat. Clearly you have no reason to worry that I will turn this place into a mud pit since I am the only one eating here! I do agree apples taste better than grass, but they cost money! Furthermore I have no idea how you expect me to learn manners when I don't even have a house. Manners are all well and good when you can afford something other than a campground and aren't dependent on the generosity of stray plants for your survival!”

After shouting Myst felt a little better, but decided to drive home her point by defiantly taking another mouthful of grass, and chewing with her mouth open to thoroughly insult the mare. The mare looked completely mollified, much to Myst's satisfaction. But nothing could have prepared Myst for what was to follow.

“Oh, you poor dear. I am so sorry to have been so thoughtless. I really should have been nicer about this whole thing. Come along, I will make it up to you. After all, I wouldn't be bearer of the element of generosity if I didn't at least get you a proper meal.”

At first Myst was too surprised at the sudden change in this mare's attitude to follow, but she quickly overcame her surprise and followed the disappearing figure. Myst was led to a dressmaker's shop. There her guide stopped to open the door. Myst was surprised when instead of pushing the door, her guide's horn lit up and a blue aura enveloped the door's handle.

“We are here,” the unicorn said cheerfully.

The shop was split between pristine neatness and total chaos. About half of the store had dresses on display, the other half was obviously where the dresses were made. Bolts of cloth spilled over the floor. Mixed in amongst them were balls of yarn, spools of thread, and a cat who was determinedly making the situation worse by chasing odd scraps across the floor. Myst had no idea how the beautiful dresses on display could have come out of that chaos.

Myst followed her host through the shop and into the kitchen behind it. There the white unicorn mixed up some salad, then split it evenly between two plates. “Well, now that we have some food I should probably introduce myself formally. My name is Rarity. What's yours?”

In between bites of the most luscious salad Myst had ever eaten she managed to speak. “I'm Myst.”

At this revelation Rarity exclaimed, “Oh, how wonderful! You are the new pony that Pinkie Pie is throwing that party for. I simply must make you a dress, and style your mane.”

“Um... that won't be necessary.”

“Nonsense dear. It is your party. You absolutely must look your best. Besides I never pass up an opportunity to make a new dress.”

“Really I don't need a dress. Besides, if you remember, I don't have a house. A dress is the least of my worries right now. If you really must make me something a leather vest with lots of pockets would serve me much better. Furthermore it wouldn't get torn up when I go back to my campground in the forest.”

Myst finished her salad, then looked up at Rarity to find her with her mouth hanging open.

“How... How could you?”

“How could I what?”

“Leather. Camp in Everfree Forest. Are you crazy!? Everyone knows Everfree is dangerous. And leather! Why would you want to wear another animal's skin? It is barbarous! Just... How could you?”

Myst had not anticipated such a reaction, but in retrospect, the pony's objection to leather at least made some sense. How anyone could be so flabbergasted that someone would actually stay in a forest was beyond anything Myst could piece together. “Well, the forest doesn't seem that dangerous to me. I heard some wolves howling, but nothing a little fire won't take care of. Besides I slept on a cloud several feet off the ground. It's not like they can jump that high. As for the leather, it is durable and, I think, quite comfortable.”

This did not seem to alleviate any of Rarity's anxiety. “The wolves are only the start of problems with the forest. The weather isn't controlled by pegasi. The animals take care of themselves; it is a horrible place, so unnatural. And your parents—how could they raise you with leather? I have half a mind to go talk some sense into them.”

Despite her best efforts Myst started grinning, and by the time Rarity was done it was all Myst could do to avoid laughing in her face. “Where I come from everything you just called 'unnatural' is the natural way of things. And you might have a hard time talking sense to my parents seeing as they are dead.”

Rarity stopped. She just sat down and tried to gather her thoughts. Clearly she was having a hard time processing and accepting what Myst had said. Finally she spoke. “I am so sorry about your parents. If you don't mind my asking, where exactly are you from?”

“South,” was Myst's laconic reply.

“Just how far south? I have been as far as Apaloosa and it was nothing like what you described.”

Myst was unsure just where Apaloosa was, but she figured it had to be fairly close to the border if Rarity was using it a measure of south. Myst wasn't about to tell Rarity that she was a being from a different dimension, so she decided to adapt her life story and make appropriate substitutions. After all, a story with a grain of truth is far more convincing than a complete lie. So foster care became tigers, and shady government organizations became gryphons. “Well I was born about five hundred miles south of Apaloosa. I don't remember my parents. I was raised by tigers. I never really fit in, so I ran away. After that I met some gryphons; they took care of me and I did their dirty work. Finally I left them and came here.”

Rarity did something completely unexpected—she hugged Myst. “I am so sorry you had to go through so much. It must have been horrible doing the gryphon's dishes and laundry. I simply must help you get acquainted with civilization.”

Myst was too surprised by the hug to correct Rarity's misinterpretation of 'dirty work', and after thinking on it she realized that if leather had been a sore topic, assassination would be much worse. “It's ok. Really. I may just be getting to know about ponies, but I am fine I promise.”

Rarity finally released Myst, an act Myst was very grateful for. However, that was not the end of Rarity's quest to civilize Myst. “Myst darling, you simply must go the spa. After living in such dreadful conditions you simply must get yourself groomed properly. I will take your measurements. Then after you are done at the spa, come back here and I will have something ready for you. I promise it won't be too frilly. After that we can go to your party and introduce you to all the other ponies!”

Following this statement Rarity made Myst stand still while she measured her in every way imaginable. Myst was grateful that she had had training as a sniper. Otherwise she was sure she would have gone insane just standing there without moving. Her abilities were put to the test while the measuring tape moved across her body, tickling her. After that ordeal was over Rarity gave Myst some local currency—called bits—and told her where to find the spa. Myst left the dress shop and started walking towards the spa. Before she got there, she realized that she still had a few things to take care of. Myst flexed her sore wings tentatively before taking off. Her first stop was returning the knife she had borrowed. After that, she checked her crystal to make sure it was still safe. All told, she only took about five minutes to accomplish those quick errands.

Finally Myst entered the spa to be greeted by Lotus and Aloe. After paying them Myst was treated to one of the most luxurious experiences she had ever known. After having her coat brushed, and her mane washed she was treated to the best massage she had ever had. Overcome by weariness, and the relaxing experience, Myst found herself fast asleep. The spa ponies didn't see fit to wake her until after her mane was styled.

When Myst woke up she was greeted by her reflection. At first she could not believe that the beautiful mare looking back at her was herself. Myst had never really thought of herself as pretty, and had only had a few missions where good looks were important. Besides you don't go hang out with your friends and give each other makeovers when you are an assassin. So for the most part she had just ignored her hair. That didn't mean that she couldn't appreciate good looks, she had just never expected to see them on herself.

Her mane was pulled back behind her ears. It had been fastened on each side with some clips. It gently curled into very loose ringlets that fell down the side of her neck. The contrast between the deep purple of her mane and her dark gray coat was truly magnificent. Her tail had been braided and had a gray bow that matched her coat tied to its end. Still as her eyes roamed across her body, she noticed that her coat was marred by several scars. Each scar was a silent reminder that she was not immune to mistakes.

Myst sighed, realizing that each and every scar was a testament to the fact that she did not belong here. She could never truly be a part of this society. From what she had seen, these ponies were almost entirely untouched by the woes of her home dimension. It almost felt wrong to go to this party. Myst worried that some of her would rub off on these happy little ponies. The thought that she could corrupt them almost made her leave, never to see any of them again. A stray thought that perhaps these ponies needed a protector made her stay. She could never forgive herself if she ruined these ponies either through her action or her inaction. With that thought on her mind, Myst flew back to Rarity's shop.

When Myst arrived she was enthusiastically greeted by the unicorn. “You look so pretty! Come here and try this on, I think it will suit you quite well.”

Myst followed Rarity to a ponyequin that had a sky blue trench coat on it. Myst was surprised; she had expected something a little—different. But she obligingly tried it on. Myst was delighted to find that inside of the trench coat there were several pockets. Upon seeing that, she smiled. Rarity had been nervously hovering until that smile, worried that Myst wouldn't like her work. But after seeing her eyes light up as she smiled made all her efforts worth it. Rarity then smiled in relief before glancing at the clock. “We simply must get going. Otherwise we will be late for your party!”

With that, Rarity ran out of the shop. Myst quickly followed Rarity. As they approached the barn, Myst began to second-guess herself; she tried to understand why she was feeling so protective of these ponies. She hadn't even been aware they existed a few days ago. Since then she had only spent half a day in their company. But even as she tried to dismiss her feelings, she knew that it was a futile effort. In half a day she had seen and received more kindness than she had for five years. Myst knew her feelings were irrational, but after years of being treated like a tool and nothing more, the fact that anyone cared about her overruled all her logic.

As Myst entered the barn, she resolved to put her past behind her and embrace her new life as a second chance. Unfortunately, that plan fell apart almost as soon as she entered the building. For some reason a young filly thought it would be a good idea to jump on Myst's back. Startled, Myst reacted just like she had trained. She flung the filly to the ground then moved to finish her opponent. The filly was only saved because she slid under Big Mac. This resulted in Big Mac receiving a sharp blow to his ribcage as Myst dove at the frightened filly.

After impacting with the much larger pony, Myst realized what she was doing. She saw the helmeted orange pegasus filly look at her, eyes full of fear. She backed up only to be fixed with an angry glare by Big Mac. “I'm sorry—I'm so sorry. This was a mistake. I should go before anyone else gets hurt.”

With that, Myst fled from the barn. After leaving, she started flying. It was nothing like her first flight. Instead of a euphoric rush, she felt empty. She wasn’t sad, angry, or anything else. She was simply empty. Weather it was her training or a defense mechanism she didn’t know. Flying helped to bring a little peace, but the emptiness was still there, following her as she fled. Finally Myst landed in a tree. She sat there for a few minutes seeing nothing but the face of that filly contorted in panic. Myst remembered seeing her the day before happy and safe. When she realized that she had failed in her self-assigned mission as a protector something snapped inside. Instead of the emptiness she felt sorrow mixed with anger—sorrow about the pain she caused that filly and anger at herself for failing. She felt a warm tear slide down her cheek.

Myst completely gave herself over to her emotions, sobbing softly. She had been crying for at least a minute when a large purple wing wrapped itself around her. Myst half-heartedly tried to shove her unwanted companion away. But when the presence did not immediately leave, she leaned into the other pony and cried even harder with her head buried in her companion's chest.

The two ponies sat like that for some time. The purple fur offered Myst a sense of security and comfort. After a while Myst stopped crying. She simply had no more tears left. The pony who had embraced her gently asked, “Do you want to talk about it?”

Myst didn't know why, but she felt that she could trust the mare who had tried to comfort her, so she simply nodded. The purple mare led Myst inside of the tree. Now that Myst was not hysterical she realized that the tree had been hollowed out and turned into a comfortable home. There were pillows on the floor and shelves upon shelves of books around the central room.

Twilight led the strange mare into the library. She did not know what had upset her so much but she felt it was her duty to try to help her through whatever was bothering her. Ever since she had become a princess it was her duty to try to care for her subjects, and this mare seemed as though she really needed someone right now. As the gray mare sat down Twilight asked, “Tea?”

The mare simply nodded. While Twilight was getting the tea ready, she asked, “What is your name?”

“Myst,” was the quiet reply.

Twilight let silence permeate the air until the tea was finished steeping. She came back holding two cups with her magic. One she passed to Myst, and one she kept herself. After a few moments, Myst spoke, “What is your name?”

“Twilight.”

“Well then, Twilight, thank you for being there for me. Though I can't help but think you might have been better off to just ignore me.”

“Nonsense! You clearly needed some pony.”

“Yeah...” Myst's voice trailed off. “I just... just messed up big time. I hurt an innocent little filly. That is all I have done for the past five years—hurt others. Do you know what it's like to live with that on your chest? To be a monster so hideous you can't stand to look at yourself?”

Twilight was shocked. The mare before her was not at all what she had expected. She had expected a love problem, or perhaps the death of a family member. But not this. This was something that Twilight had no idea what to do with. But the pain that was written across Myst's face made it clear that she had to say something.

“No... No I don't. But I don't think you do either,” Twilight wasn't sure where her words were coming from. She felt lost without some quote or fact to help her. But she couldn't just stop, so Twilight proceeded.

“If you were truly the monster you think you are then you wouldn't be so worried about it. The fact that you realize you have done wrong is the proof that you aren't the monster you think you are.”

“Ha. That’s easy for you to say. You haven't tried to kill an innocent little filly! You haven't personally ended two hundred and one lives! The first one was five years ago. I was fifteen.” At this, Myst paused for a second and took a drink of her tea and a haunted look filled her eyes, only to be replaced by pain when she resumed her tale.

“My parents died when I was twelve. After that, I lived in foster care until I was fourteen. After I turned fourteen I ran away. I had learned to program in school. I turned that knowledge to making exploits and viruses. I sold them to people on the black market. Some paid me lots of money to hack banks and transfer large sums of money to various accounts.

I didn't do half bad for a criminal. I had my own apartment and was getting by quite comfortably. One day I got a call. On my fifteenth birthday in fact. I was asked to meet a client in an alley not far from my place. When I arrived, I didn't find a client, I found a pimp. He thought I wanted to become a prostitute. I told him no. He just got mad. He tried to rape me. I tried to run away, but I wasn't fast enough. He caught me. I pushed him away and got just enough space to pull out my knife. I stabbed him again and again and again. He fell down bleeding. He asked for mercy. Then I slit his throat. I am not sure if I did it because I was angry or if it was to end his misery. That moment is a little hazy. After killing him, I fled the ally crying.

Outside the ally there was a van waiting. Men wearing vests with the letters 'NSA' emblazoned on them. I later found out that it stood for National Spy Association. I came to hate those letters. The men wanted me to work for them. They’d set me up with the pimp to see how I’d react. I passed their test. For one year I was a trainee. After that I became an assassin. My job was to kill threats to my country, or at least that was what I was told. I know I killed several dangerous people. They had the documents and weapons to prove that they meant ill. But one time I later discovered that not all of my targets had been bent on harming my country. I found out that some politicians had wanted to shut down the NSA, so the NSA made them my next targets. I killed them.

After that discovery I refused to kill anyone else. The NSA decided to use my computer skills for a while longer. I was reassigned to a lab which made a portal here. I programmed almost all of the equipment. Not as exciting as hacking security systems to spy on a target, but at least I was not hurting anyone. After we made the portal I accidentally got pulled through. After that I got used to my new pony body and ended up here.”

Twilight was shocked. There was a lot of information to take in all at once. Many of the things Myst had mentioned were a mystery to Twilight. They were so far outside of anything she had encountered or experienced. Twilight had a range of emotions swirling through her. At first she felt disgust at the idea of a killer. Then the analytical part of her mind kicked in, Twilight wondered what kind of world would have a government that killed its citizens. After wrestling with her thoughts, Twilight was no longer disgusted, and for the time being she put her curiosity on hold. Instead, Twilight felt pity. She realized that this mare was at least five years younger than herself and had been little more than a filly when she was pressed into the role of an assassin.

Twilight could not help but feel sorry for Myst. She tried to imagine what Myst's life had been like, but couldn't even come close. In that moment Twilight realized that she really only had one option: help Myst adjust to life in Equestria. After hearing Myst talk, Twilight knew that she did not want to go back to her old life. So she decided to start by helping Myst get a job.

“You have given me a lot to think about,” said Twilight softly. “I think it would be best for everyone if you wait here. I am going to call my friends over and see if we can find you a job. After all, if you are going to live around here you will need money eventually. Oh, and don't worry about your party, I will put in a word for you.”

Myst was again surprised at just how kind and accepting these ponies were. She couldn't imagine being in Twilight's position and doing anything other than call the police to get rid of the crazy assassin.

“You would do that for me? Even after knowing what I have done?” Myst's voice trembled with emotion as she spoke.

“Yes. I wouldn't recommend telling everyone what your life was really like though. Some ponies wouldn't be so understanding. But from the way you were crying when I found you, it is pretty clear that you are sorry and want a different life. I can't imagine being forced into such a life as a filly, and I want to give you the best shot that I can at becoming something better.”

With that, Twilight flew away, leaving Myst to ponder what she would tell the other ponies when they arrived.

A few hours later Myst was surrounded by six ponies and a baby dragon. She had been introduced to all of them. Myst had already met Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight. She was introduced to Spike (the dragon), Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash and Applejack had both been angry with Myst when they arrived. Apparently the filly that had jumped on her back was an honorary sister of Dash’s, and the large pony she had collided with was Applejack's brother. It took some coaxing from Twilight to get them to sit still and listen.

Myst told them the same story she had told Rarity earlier. She left out anything having to do with an alternate dimension, or assassination. Myst also added that her fighting instincts were developed by the gryphons since occasionally their young would try to have her as a snack. That neatly explained her jumpiness and aptitude for physical confrontation without greatly offending any pony.

After her tale Myst was surprised that all the ponies felt sorry for her, especially Fluttershy. After that, came the question of what kind of job she would be good at.

“So what is your special talent?” queried Dash.

“Special talent? I don't know. I am pretty good at surviving in the wilderness. But I wouldn't say that it is a special talent.”

“Well, what is your cutie mark?” the rainbow-maned mare persisted.

“Cutie mark?”

“You know, the picture on your flank,” Applejack interjected and gestured to her own cutie mark of three apples.

Myst looked blankly at the expectant ponies. “I don't have a cutie mark.”

At this statement a collective gasp issued from all their mouths (except Rarity). Rainbow rushed over to inspect Myst's flank to see if she was telling the truth. Fluttershy said, “I am so sorry for you. It must be awful not knowing what your special talent is.” The sincerity of the pity in Fluttershy's voice left Myst confused.

“What’s the big deal about a cutie mark anyway? I have gotten this far in life without one. I don't see how a picture on my flank would suddenly make my life any better.”

At this, the other ponies seemed stunned. They all stopped to consider her words for a minute. Finally Applejack tried to explain. “Well a cutie mark shows up when you discover your special talent. It is how you know what you are good at. It is something that you can do better than any pony else. It is kinda like your place in the world.”

“Well that is dumb. What if I wanted to write books and sing songs? But I had a cutie mark for flying. Should I just give up on the others and spend all day flying? Seriously—you should just follow your heart and ignore the stupid magical picture on your flank.”

Everyone in the room seemed shocked by the idea. After a few seconds of silence, Myst followed up with, “Spike you are with me, right? You don't need a cutie mark to figure out how to spend your life.”

Spike squirmed uncomfortably for a moment before saying, “Well cutie marks are just how ponies have been doing things like for forever. I can't say if you are wrong or right.”

After that non-answer Myst was about to pursue the matter further when she was cut off by Rainbow Dash.

“Look, you eggheads can argue about this some other time. I don't really care what silly theorem or whatever you come up with. We were trying to find Myst a job and since she is a pegasus I think she should help out with the weather. Since I had two pegasi move away we have been shorthooved and Myst can do the work with or without a cutie mark.”

At that, any hope Myst had had of discussing the philosophy of cutie marks was dispelled as she accepted the offer. “Sounds good to me. When do I start?”

“Meet me at town hall tomorrow morning nine a.m. sharp! Now that we have that out of the way, I am going to go practice my flying.”

With that, Dash left. The rest of the ponies also began to leave one by one until Myst was left alone with Twilight and Spike. As the other ponies were leaving, Myst began to comprehend the sheer volume of books that surrounded her. Myst asked Twilight “So why do you have all these books?”

“Well, this is the library. So they aren't really mine. I am the librarian—though I think I use the books more than any pony else in all of Ponyville.”

“So what are they about?”

“Well, a lot of them are about magic, though we also have fiction and other non-fiction sections.”

“Have you read anything about crystals?”

“Well, crystals can be used to conduct magical energy. A unicorn's horn is made up of a variety of crystals and minerals that allow it to store and channel magic. Also, some unicorns will use crystals as a way of shaping magic. This is done by carving runes into the crystal so that when magic is introduced to the crystal it is shaped by the runes. It is kind of like casting spells with your horn but a little less precise. While spells are based on language, they can also be shaped by the caster's emotions and thoughts. So usually rune crystals are used for simple things like magical locks, and the indoor lighting. About one hundred years ago some unicorns came up with a way to power rune crystals with the sun. That is how all ponies and not just unicorns have lights and appliances. Though I always thought it was a little weird that all ponies have a little magic in them but only unicorns can really channel it. I mean pegasi can interact with clouds, and earth ponies are really good at growing things; but it still is just a passive effect. The closest I have ever seen to a non-unicorn actively using magic is Pinkie Sense.”

Myst was sure that Twilight would go on forever if she wasn't stopped. So before Twilight spent the rest of their lives giving a dissertation on magical theory, Myst interrupted. “I have this interesting crystal that I would like you take a look at. If what you have been saying about magic is correct, I think it may store magic. It used to be a probe. But it was based mostly around a large battery, and magic sounds similar to electricity. So if magic is what we saw here and thought was electricity, perhaps the electricity, which was stored in the battery is now magic. Anyway, let me bring it back here so you can have a look at it.”

With that, Myst left the library and went to go fetch her crystal. When she got back she found Twilight dictating a letter to Spike. It had something to do with learning about princess duties. What really fascinated Myst was that after she was done, Spike burned the letter. Myst was confused by this, and was even more confused when a few seconds later Spike belched out a small rush of flames and left unharmed on the floor was another scroll. Myst made a mental note to ask about that later, but her first order of business was to show her crystal to Twilight.

Twilight examined the crystal with her magic for some time only to have a perplexed look spread across her face. “Well it definitely holds magical energy but that doesn't make any sense. Every theorem made since Star Swirl the Bearded postulates that only unicorn horns are capable of actually holding large amounts of magical energy. Other species' magic is basically pulled out of the air and sourced from their own energy. Unicorns can actually store a little magic in their horn that they can use before they start to feed off of their own energy. Every attempt to replicate the effect in creating a magical container has failed miserably. But here this crystal is proving all those ideas incorrect.”

Twilight grudgingly gave the crystal back to Myst. “So what do you plan to do with it?”

“Well, I plan to learn about those runes you mentioned earlier, then use them to control the magic in this crystal. It sounds a lot like programming computers—something I have had loads of experience with, so if you don't mind could you show me all the books you have here on magic theory and runes?”

“Ok, but be careful with that. You should probably run your first few attempts by me before you do anything. It wouldn't be good if you accidentally turned yourself into a frog or something.”

After Twilight had given Myst a stack of books about introductory magic theory and runes Myst had just one more question. “I don't suppose you have any monsters in your fridge?”

“I don't think so. There are some monsters in Everfree Forest but none of them would be in my fridge. Why do you want a monster?”

Myst just laughed. It felt good after all the crying she had done to just laugh and not have to worry about anything.

“What's so funny?” Asked Twilight.

“I don't mean a live monster, I mean an energy drink. It is like coffee except it has other ingredients besides caffeine to help you stay awake.”

Twilight still seemed a little confused by the idea, but did offer Myst some coffee. Myst accepted. Though after receiving what Twilight called 'coffee' she realized that ponies were lacking any desire to stay awake or please their taste buds. “What is this? It tastes like dishwater! You need to let it brew twice as long and either get darker beans or add more of them. How are you supposed to stay up all night drinking this stuff?”

“We don't stay up all night. And we only drink coffee for the flavor.”

“You’re doing it wrong. Here, let me show you how to make a pot of coffee that will wake the dead, or keep you up all night while you cram a new programming language.”

With that, Myst took over Twilight's kitchen and made a pot of real coffee. Twilight remained skeptical until Myst finished and gave her a cup. It was a little bitter, but after adding sugar and a little cream it was actually a decent cup of coffee. After that Myst started studying the books despite Twilight's suggestion that she should sleep before her first day of work. Twilight herself went to bed, though at around midnight she came down to the library and admitted that the coffee Myst had made was a good study aid for all-nighters. So the two mares spent the night in company reading different books on magic, Twilight occasionally answering Myst's questions.

Both mares were so absorbed in their work that neither of them were aware just how much time had passed until a knock on the door interrupted them. After hearing the knock Myst looked up at the clock and panicked. It was 9:05; she was late. Myst ran out the door to find that Rainbow Dash was the one knocking.

“Hey there—you are late.”

“I know. I just lost track of the time. You see, I was reading this book about the principals of magical transference and cross referencing that with a book of basic spells and a book about runes. I am so sorry. I won't let it happen again.”

Dash smacked her hoof into her face and muttered, “Just what this town needs—another egghead. Twilight was bad enough, but with two mares constantly studying magic this town is sure to be the site of some huge accident that leaves it uninhabitable for the next thousand years.”

Myst decided to ignore that comment and went with Rainbow to learn the ropes of managing the weather. After a few hours, Myst got the hang of things and was arranging clouds with the best of them. After work Myst went out to Everfree and started work on a cloud house. She kept it below the tree line so that the uncontrolled weather didn't blow it around. By the time night had fallen, Myst had managed to finish the walls and roof.

So Myst's life fell into a routine. She would wake up and practice her martial arts to keep in shape, then she would go work on the weather. After that she would stop by the library and study more magic. After her first week, Myst had finished her house, and even managed to furnish it. The furniture was not perfectly crafted but she had made all of it herself out of compressed clouds.

On the second week she started to craft spells with rune crystals. One of the first things she did was take a hardening and strengthening spell and use it on some clouds. Her first project was a kukri. The hardest thing about the knife was the handle. Getting it to balance in her mouth and having a solid grip was difficult. In the end her work paid off. It was the lightest blade she had ever held and it cut through the plants around her house with ease. An interesting side effect of the spell was that non-pegasi could hold the blade despite the fact that it was a cloud. Though—as she discovered when she tried to make other things for some of the ponies around Ponyville—the clouds would slowly dissipate if they were not used by a pegasus. But the quality of her cloud items were so good that non-pegasi would buy them anyway. Soon Myst made enough money forging clouds she could quit her job managing the weather. Dash was sorry to see her go, but like everyone else was very excited about the new material.

Thus Myst made a name for herself while further studying magic and runes. Her life was uneventful aside from her experiments with various spells. That changed about two and a half months after she arrived in Equestria.

A blue unicorn showed up one day. That would have been unremarkable, except he kept looking over his shoulder like he was scared some pony was following him.

This pony asked, “Could you make me some weapons?”

“Well I suppose I could. What do you want?”

The unicorn seemed unsure how to answer, then said, “What kinds of weapons can you make?”

“Well, I can make bladed weapons. I haven't had much success with making bows, though I can make arrows. Perhaps you can tell me what you want them for and I can better help you.”

At this, the unicorn looked around the shop before leaning in to whisper confidentially, “I want to raise an army to overthrow Celestia.”

Myst was taken aback by this statement. She had not met a pony who did not love their princess. So it was strange to hear one was planning to overthrow the sun princess. “Well, in that case, I can't really help you out.”

The unicorn was visibly angered at that response. His horn started to glow. Myst had seen enough people about to attack that she recognized the intent written in his eyes and across his face. Myst drew her kukri. But before she could bring it to bear, the unicorn finished his spell. She felt the unicorn reach into her mind and take control. The first thing he did was prevent her from swinging her blade. Then he began to examine her memories. Myst tried to fight the invasion of her mind, but she couldn’t even slow him down. She felt his laugh inside her head. It was the most disturbing sound she had ever heard.

“So you are from a different world.” The voice sounded inside her head. “What luck, I could never have hoped to find someone so capable in the art of combat. I think you will do more than be a smith for me. Congratulations, Myst you have just been promoted to vice captain of the Bluebell revolution.”

“I will never serve you. You invaded my mind, I will bucking kill you. Release me and face your end like a man.” Unable to speak, Myst thought back.

“Calm down. You are quite cute when you are angry. But this hatred of me will just not do. I think it would be best if you were to like me. I will give you a chance to join me willingly, but if you refuse, you will be forced to serve.”

Myst struggled with renewed energy against the foreign presence in her mind.

“Tsk, tsk. You know better than to try and resist.” The voice responded. Now listen to me, and I think you will find my cause has some merit. I see in your memories that you have not always agreed with authority. You have even risked your life for what you believe. So please listen to my reason before you judge me. Celestia has been princess for time immemorial. And during her reign there has been peace and prosperity for ponykind. But that peace has come at a terrible cost. Those who have resisted her mandates have been banished or worse. My brother was one such pony. He was a free spirit. He believed that all ponies should have free access to all knowledge. He felt that it was wrong for Celestia to ban knowledge and decide what schools of magic should be studied and which should be left alone. Worse still was allowing a select few elite mages to read these scrolls while denying all others access. He felt this was wrong and so he sought an audience with Celestia. She turned down his request to open the forbidden archives to the public. So he tried to sneak in, in order to copy the knowledge held within for all to see. However he was caught. I was told that he was banished, but that was not the case. He is in the princess's garden, turned into a statue. I saw him there—trapped for all eternity. Death would be a kinder fate. As it is, his soul will never pass beyond this world, yet he can't live a life while a statue. That was his reward for seeking equality among all ponykind.”

During this speech Myst had stopped struggling. After Bluebell finished, Myst had one question. “So, what is this 'forbidden knowledge'?”

“Among other things, necromancy, mind magic (my special talent), power transference spells (which is taking the life force of a living being and using it as part of your spell or absorbing it), spells for time travel, and summoning—usually demons such as windigoes, though other creatures can also be summoned from other worlds and planes of existence.

Myst replied, “So in other words the magic that could empower crazy ponies to wreak havoc on the world has been banned. I can't say I object. After all—if that knowledge had never left those archives I would be in control of my body right now. So, BUCK YOU! I will never willingly help you to make more ponies like yourself who have no regard for others and the power to bend them to their will.”

“So be it. I had hoped that you would help me willingly. But, perhaps after you help me overthrow the princess you will come around and agree to rule by my side.”

With that, Myst's mind exploded in pain as she tried to resist Bluebell. Slowly but surely, just as he promised, Bluebell placed spells that forced Myst to grant his every request to the best of her ability. The pinnacle of Bluebell's spells was one which left Myst unable to harm him and obliged to do everything in her power to protect him.

With a satisfied smile, Bluebell said, “Well, let's go home. I don't have a place to stay, so I will join you in your house.”

With that Myst left her shop to lead Bluebell to her home. It was like a nightmare. Some part of Myst's mind was in constant rebellion against Bluebell, but she was powerless to stop. Unfortunately, the worst was yet to come.