> Turn of Luck
>  by David Silver
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 1 - Trick or Treat
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya patted her brother forward. "Go on," she encouraged, tossing her head at the house ahead of them. "This one feels good." The boy giggled, charging ahead to try his luck with knocking on the door. She was to lead a few eager children along as a favor for her mom. She didn't regret it. Kids were fun to hang out with.

She was even dressed for the role! It was amazing they had the perfect outfit, Posey Bloom, from that show she liked. That pony was usually dour, for good reason. Maya wasn't that, but she understood the feeling, and felt a connection with the animated pony. "If we were in the same world, I'd sit you down and have such a chat..." Oh, that'd be such a great first client. But it hadn't worked that way so far.

She even had a tail to sway with her steps, fake as it was, but it had a ribbon, and it came with a clover necklace. Maya loved it. "So good." She fiddled with it as her brother rushed back to her side with the others, weighed down with some new candy. "Good haul! Onwards!" She pointed the way, corralling them all towards the next house. "Ooo, look at that one."

The kids laughed and cringed in equal abandon at the spooky house she had pointed towards. It was all in good fun.

A pity it had to come to an end. She was frozen in place. No, the entire world was frozen. The only movement were strange runes that glowed and sizzled, forming around her in patterns too complex to even imagine drawing. They ran in a circle around her, then raised, creating a beam that ran over her form. Scanning? Taking a picture? As soon as it ran up and back down, darkness came.

She hit the ground with a loud clop, several of them. She lashed her tail. "What's going on?" she demanded, her voice sounding a bit off. "Where am I?" She didn't see any of the kids, let alone her brother. "This isn't good."

"This isn't good," echoed a voice. Looking up, Maya saw a unicorn looking confused. It was a familiar unicorn. A mare that had shown up a few times. "This was supposed to... Hm..." She looked towards a book, peering at notes. "Spike!"

"Yeah?" A small dragon peeked into the room. "Oh, hey." He was looking at Maya. "Um. You have company? Hi."

"Hi?" ventured Maya, raising a hand... That was not a hand. She had no hands. That was a hoof. She had several of those. She had twitchy ears and an equally eager to swish tail. "What is going on?! Why am I in front of Twilight Sparkle?"

Spike fired a thumbs up. "Great, at least you know who she is. I don't know the specifics, but pretty sure this is an accident. We'll send you home in a moment."

"It's not that easy," sighed out Twilight. "If she was a pony, sure, but she isn't."

Spike rolled a hand at Maya. "Looks like a pony to me."

"She isn't." Twilight stood up and circled to in front of Maya. "Are you?"

Maya blinked, looking down at her hooves again before raising her eyes back to Twilight. "I...I don't know what's going on," she stammered. "Last thing I remember was taking my little brother and his friends trick-or-treating. I was dressed up as Posey Bloom for Halloween."

She gestured awkwardly with her front hooves at the flower-patterned outfit she now wore. It certainly looked like something the dour pony from that show would wear.

"Now I'm here, and you're Twilight Sparkle, and I'm some kind of pony too apparently?" Maya shook her head in disbelief. "This has to be some kind of crazy dream."

Twilight nodded thoughtfully, her horn glowing as she levitated her spell book back over. "It seems my transportation spell must have accidentally pulled you here from another world," she murmured. "But turning you into a pony is unprecedented..."

"Another world?" Maya interjected with alarm. "You mean like the human world? Where the show comes from?" She had so many questions swirling in her head.

Spike stepped forward curiously. "You look like an earth pony to me. But Twilight says you aren't? How does that work?" He cautiously reached out a claw to poke at Maya's shoulder. It certainly felt solid.

"Well in my world, I'm a human...not a pony," Maya explained slowly. She tenatively tried standing up on all fours, wobbling a bit. This would take some getting used to. "Can you really send me back?"

Twilight rolled a hoof at Maya. "She's from another world. Like the mirror, remember that?"

Spike suddenly looked less confused. "Oh, yeah! The mirror. Are you from Canterlot High? We should get her to the mirror so she can go back to normal. Wow, you must be so disoriented right now."

"I am!" Maya stomped a hoof, but immediately began breathing patterns, calming herself. "I am... Sorry... This is a lot, but I can take it. I can take it... So..." She turned to Twilight. "You can send ponies home, but not me. Let me guess. You can teleport me to somewhere in Equestria, but not somewhere on Earth."

Twilight inclined her head. "Basically, yes. Exactly that. You're catching up with this quickly. Now... This is my responsibility." She raised a hoof to her chest. "I won't abandon you. You're not alone."

Maya smiled at that, sinking to her haunches. "That... is actually comforting. Look... I just need to know my brother's alright. I'd be a terrible big sister if I just forgot him. Can you help me make sure he's alright?"

Twilight clopped her hooves together. "Anycreature more worried for their little brother than themselves right now is a creature I want to have as a friend. Now, I have a spell that may help. If you would, keep the image of your brother centered in your mind." She trotted off, looking around for a particular book.

Spike stayed with Maya in the spellcasting room. Similar runes were on the floor Maya stood on, circling her. "So." He was orbiting Maya slowly. "Human, huh? Fingers, arms." He wriggled his own fingers. "Bet you miss those."

Maya cocked a brow at the dragon. "Yes." She raised a hoof and shook it around slowly. "It's like my hand is stuck inside a mitten, forever... I can't say I'm a fan of that." She lashed her tail behind her. "You're showing off, finger-haver."

"Guilty." Spike grinned at Maya, chuckling. "Really though, you okay?"

"Getting used to standing. How about..." She took a step and almost toppled over. But she was trying and pressing despite it. "One step at a time..."

"Nice. I was clumsier when I was a dog. Say, you look... kinda like Fluttershy?"

Maya perked a yellow ear. "Flutter... I know I heard that name before..." But she was too young to really be into G4. Still. "Right, the toy! The, uh, pegasus? I don't know her very well..."

Twilight returned levitating a large mirror, its surface swirling with magical energy.

"This scrying spell should let us peek at your world and see that your brother is okay," Twilight explained. She set the mirror down in front of Maya. "Just focus on him and the image should appear."

Maya stepped forward anxiously, concentrating on her little brother. Suddenly the mist in the mirror cleared, revealing a street at night filled with kids in costumes. Maya gasped as she saw her brother happily walking down the sidewalk, bucket full of candy. Next to him was...herself? The human Maya laughed and smiled, continuing the trick-or-treat route.

"What? But how?" Maya blinked in confusion at the sight before her.

Twilight peered closer. "Fascinating...it seems when I summoned you here, it created some sort of residual echo of you in your own world. Like a temporary magical projection." She tapped at her chin. "Or... this one is the magical projection of that one?" She looked between the two Mayas. "I can't say for sure which is which."

Maya let out a sigh of relief. "So he's okay...and I'm somehow also still with him. This is so strange." She shook her head, missing the existential horror of the situation.

"It confirms the transportation spell is functioning bidirectionally between our worlds," Twilight mused, scribbling notes with her magic quill. "Don't worry, once we return you, your echo will vanish. The connection is still intact."

Maya managed a small smile. "That's reassuring at least. Thank you for showing me he's safe." She paused, thinking. "So then, any idea why or how you summoned me specifically? And  if I'm the echo--" She had heard that. "--Sending me back means I vanish... I'm not sure I like that idea..."

Twilight tilted her head apologetically. "I'm afraid I don't know yet. But now that I've seen the bridge between our worlds, I can study it until we find a way!" Her tone was optimistic.

Maya nodded slowly. "Well, one step at a time then..." She glanced down at her hooves. She sure hoped the answer would come soon, but the ponies seemed friendly enough, to her relief. She might have to get to know them a lot better. "Look." She turned to Twilight fully. "Right now, there's two of me. Creepy, but we're in different worlds." She cycled a hoof, balancing awkwardly on the other three. "It hardly counts. Once you get past 'there are other worlds', then there are infinite mes. There are infinite yous. One more isn't hurting anything. The choices you're giving are 'maybe get rid of one of me, and oops, that one may be this one talking right now.'"

She took a slow breath. "So... Better idea. If I can peek in on my brother once in a while,  I can see what's going on. If the other me suddenly vanishes, then you send me back." She thrust a hoof at Twilight so hard she toppled over with a thud of hitting the crystal ground. "Ow... Then, only then. Until then... Well..." She cycled a hoof from the ground, in no risk of toppling then.

"Until then, guess it's time to figure out a new life."

Twilight nodded at the life she may have created accidentally. "I am so sorry, for all of this. I can offer you a room, at least." She waved over her castle. "I have plenty of room, and you're welcome to share it with me. We'll get you settled in. I have some great friends who will be so eager to meet you."

Spike chuckled at that. "You're from a human world. Like comics?"

Maya climbed to her hooves. "A little, why?"

Spike clicked his tongue on his teeth. "I have just the thing then. Prepare for a comic bonanza!" He ran off, giggling.

Twilight rolled her eyes at that. "He's not kidding. Let's get you a room to read in." She led the way, taking her time for the slowly moving new pony behind her. "I'm Twilight, by the way." She paused. "And you know that. How do you know that? And what's your name?"

"We'll start with the name." Maya did her best to keep up with Twilight. "I'm Maya. Nice to meet you, Twilight. Where I come from, you're children's media."

Twilight turned an ear back at Maya. "Children's media? Really? Not to... brag, but I go through a lot of genuinely terrifying things. You share that with foals? Your people must be very brave." She willed open a door with her glow. "You can have this room, if you like?"

Maya advanced to see the room. It smelled... of stone, actually. That made sense, as it was made of some kind of crystal. The bed, thankfully, was not. It looked soft and inviting. There were books, there was a desk. There was... a quill? "No pens? Is that for show?"

Twilight inclined her head. "Oh! Right. Those are expensive. Only city ponies make use of them."

Maya laughed nervously. There were things to get used to beyond being put in a pony's body.

She still had to explore that part of things...
> 2 - Glam Up
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya looked intently in the mirror. The pony in it moved as she did. She tried each leg, and it imitated each perfectly. She tried poking the reflection, but it was safely behind the glass. She turned her attention to herself, feeling her face, ruffling her fur and patting herself down.

"Thank God..." She could feel through her hooves. Whatever she pressed them against, she could feel the texture and warmth and everything one would expect placing fingers on something. "Could be worse..." She had imagined hooves just not feeling much. They didn't in real horses, right?

Real was a bit of a tricky concept... Surely she was real? She could feel her pony self, see it, smell it, touch it... It was hard to argue. She was a pony. A yellow pony with a pink mane and tail. She still had those ribbons holding her mane in a pony tail and her tail in... also a pony tail?

She even still had her dangling clover and a basic dress. She was a pony. "I did not sign up for this..."

"I hope you're ready to sign up for this." Spike staggered into the room, burdened with a sizable box of comics that he spilled all over Maya's new bed. "Because I have a big treat for you!"

Maya blinked down at the pile of comics now scattered across the bed. "Oh, uh, thanks Spike," she said, picking up one of the issues with her hoof to examine it closer. The glossy pages and colorful panels showed what looked like pony superheroes battling villains.

"Yeah, I figured with you being from a human world, you must have some cool comics there too!" Spike said enthusiastically. He held up one titled 'Power Ponies.' "This one's my favorite. Maretropolis gets attacked by monsters like this evil mane-iac stylist."

Maya chuckled, settling in on the bed to flip through the comic. She took a moment to amaze that her hoof seemed to be pretty dextrous despite being firm and immobile. It was like whatever she wanted to do, she could, to things touching her hoof. The pony heroes did remind her a bit of comic books back home. She felt a pang of nostalgia looking at the vibrant pages, a piece of familiarity.

"We've got tons of great series here in Equestria that I can lend you," Spike continued. "Just say the word if you want mecha, magic academies, pony noir..."

"Those sound amazing, Spike," Maya said sincerely. As bizarre as her situation was, she found herself comforted that this world had its own unique culture. She wasn't totally alone. Turning a page, she asked, "So which Power Pony is your favorite?"

Spike's eyes lit up eagerly. Finally, someone who spoke his language! He plopped down on the bed beside Maya and launched into an excited description of each hero, happy to share his passion with a new friend.

Maya nodded along, listening, but also scheming quietly. "Spike."

"Hm?"

Maya waved a comic at him. "May I ask how old you are? Are you...A young child? An older child? A..." Was teenager the right term? "Young adult? Adult?"

Spike frowned at the question. "Wow, not many would ask that, uh..." He stroked at his chin. "And I'm not 100% sure... We don't have a lot of dragons to compare to." He spread his wings wide. "I got these a bit ago. I was told they're a sign of... puberty. It means I'm growing!"

Maya clapped supportively at Spike's sign of growth. "Good for you, very nice." She meant her words, feeling warm in joining the little celebration. Spike was a child, reaching a new level of maturity. That was always worth being happy about. "We'll put you around... 15?"

"Uh..." Spike shrugged helplessly. "Sure. Your guess is as good as mine. Twilight hatched me, so... Uh, I could be a lot of things. Dragons don't normally hatch by pony magic, you know?"

"I don't know," admitted Maya flatly, but her smile returned. "That must make you and Twilight very close."

"We're sibs!" He fired both thumbs up at his own chest. "She's my sister, I'm her brother."

"That's so sweet." Maya reached a hoof to rub along Spike's fins. They were softer than they first appeared, bending around the touches and springing back upright. "Thank you. You've been very inviting, especially now that I know more." A child of his develpment? It would have been very easy for him to be guarded, maybe jealous? Of anyone just... walking into his life and taking up space like that. "You're a nice dragon."

Just then, Twilight popped her head into the room. "Oh good, you two are getting along!" she said, smiling as she saw Spike enthusiastically showing Maya his comic collection.

"Yeah, Maya thinks the Power Ponies are really cool!" Spike clapped his hands with a bright smile. "Did you know she comes from a place with human superhero comics too?"

"Fascinating," Twilight entered the room, ears perked and alert. "I'd love to learn more about your world, Maya. But first, are you settling in alright? I know this is still a lot to take in."

Maya gave a small smile. "It's...strange, but everyone has been really kind." She gestured to the comics. "Spike was just telling me how you hatched him when he was an egg. That's amazing, and it's clear you two share a special bond."

Twilight laughed. "Oh yes, it was... almost a miracle it happened like that. But it was worth it." She nuzzled Spike affectionately. "I hope you'll feel at home here soon too. Friendship is the most important thing in Equestria."

"Well, you've all already made me feel very welcomed." Maya meant it sincerely. She was still reeling internally, but the ponies' openness and Spike's enthusiasm warmed her heart. This truly was a land centered on harmony.

Twilight nodded gladly. "Have you given any thought to what you'd like to do here? I'm sure we can find a way for you to pursue your passions, even if they're different from back home."

Maya paused. She hadn't expected an opportunity like this. "Well," she began thoughtfully...

"Darling," called a new voice, hoofsteps coming closer in the hallway. "Where are you hiding? Have you forgotten?"

Twilight winced. "I did forget," she miserably sighed. "In here," she called out to the new voice. "This is Rarity, a dear friend of mine."

Rarity walked in with a bright smile. "There you are, and with somepony new." She looked Maya over curiously. "A fine time for introductions, hm?"

Twilight nodded quickly. "Of course!" She waved at Maya. "This is Maya. She's from a human world, not the one I've visited before, near as I can tell... She's out of place, so be gentle with her." She switched hooves to wave at Rarity. "As I mentioned, this is Rarity. She's a close friend of ours."

"Oh dear." Rarity came in closer, ignoring the idea of personal space. "You must be quite upset, poor thing. Did Twilight lend you those clothes?" She glanced away and back. "Very kind of her," she whispered harshly. "But she has no sense of style."

"I heard that." Twilight rolled her eyes. "You two get to know one another. I should..."

Rarity grabbed Twilight by the shoulder. "Our date?"

Twilight sighed. "Maya's appearance has thrown off my calender, I'm afraid... But she could use your help?"

Rarity twirled on Maya with a beaming smile. "That I can do. Are you ready for some fashion?"

Maya blinked slowly. "The way you say that makes me a little nervous..." The pony who she had only seen once, in a movie, was living and standing before her, acting like a living thing. "How do I 'do' a fashion?"

"Fashion is my life's passion, darlng!" Rarity declared. Her horn lit up as ribbons flew around Maya, taking measurements. "I design the most glamorous outfits in Ponyville."

The ribbons tickled as they wrapped around Maya's legs, chest and neck. She couldn't help but giggle and squirm a little.

"Now now, do stand still," Rarity gently chided. "Hmm, you seem a slim figure. Perfect for showing off the lines of a dress."

More ribbons surrounded Maya, floating fabric samples in different colors and patterns. Maya blinked, amazed by the shimmering magic display.

"Perhaps a nice spring green to complement your coat..." Rarity murmured to herself, critically comparing her selections.

As the ribbons swirled around Maya taking measurements, she found herself occasionally distracted by the unfamiliar feeling of having four legs. Lifting one hoof off the ground to reposition herself made Maya suddenly aware of how ponies balance on the remaining three. She wondered how ponies coordinated their gaits and movements so seamlessly compared to humans.

When a ribbon tickled her back leg, Maya involuntarily twitched it. Having two more limbs she was unaccustomed to controlling would clearly take some practice. At least she didn't have to stand fully upright and rigid like real horses. The pony way of resting part of their weight on all fours came more naturally.

Catching herself getting lost in thought, Maya tried to focus again on Rarity's creative process unfolding around her. The beautiful shimmering fabrics and flashes of magic were mesmerizing. Maya felt optimistic that Rarity could help her adjust to having not just arms and legs, but front and back hooves working in concert. But she waited for the dresswork to be done first.

"Let me start with a thank you." Maya stepped foward, moving to the mirror to behold herself in her green dress, tailored for her body specifically. "Wow, that was fast... Do you always make dresses in minutes?"

"No." Rarity tucked her things away, somehow getting needles and thead and fabrics away into herself, vanishing into her form. "That was a favor for a new friend, dear. It takes a bit of effort to work that fast, so don't become accustomed to it."

"Wow." Maya tried to imagine a human going that fast. No, impossible... "Wow... Um, so." She cycled her hooves off the ground. "I'm new with these, and everything else." She lashed her tail. "That too. Pony, in general."

"Don't ask me." Spike slid to the ground. "Happy being a dragon. Tried a dog for a while, no thanks." He bat his lashes at Rarity. "Need anything, Rarity?"

Rarity ruffled Spike's head much as Maya had earlier. "I'll be fine, Spikey-Wikey. Go on and play."

Spike rushed off with hearts in his eyes.

Maya inclined her head at that. Would that humans showed their emotions so clearly... "Rarity, how old are you?"

Rarity recoiled. "Darling! That's an imporper question to ask a mare, especially one you're just meeting."

"Oh gosh, I'm so sorry!" Maya apologized. "I didn't realize asking a pony's age was rude. Where I'm from, it's just a normal way to get to know someone." That wasn't entirely true, but it felt like a safe little lie to take pressure off.

Rarity's expression softened. "No need to apologize, darling. You're still learning our customs." She gently touched Maya with her hoof. "If I may ask, why were you curious about my age?"

"Well, back in my world, I was studying psychology," Maya explained. "So I'm interested in understanding personalities and how age shapes life experiences."

"How fascinating!" Rarity replied. "We ponies certainly gain perspective as we mature as well. I'm considered quite youthful for all I've accomplished." She flipped her mane proudly.

Just then Spike returned, carrying a towering stack of books. "Hey guys, Twilight wanted me to...whoa..." He stumbled, sending the books crashing down around Maya and Rarity.

Rarity sighed, her horn glowing as she neatly re-stacked the books. "Thank you Spikey, but do be more careful."

Spike rubbed his head sheepishly. "Heh, sorry about that!" 

"It's okay to slow down a little." She ruffled him anew, but let him scurry on with what he was up to. Her attention slid to Rarity. "I was more curious if you were an adult, or not an adult."

"Well, that's a fair enough question. Far less troubling. Really, dear..." Rarity fanned herself with a hoof. "I am an adult. You'll get nothing more specific than that."

Maya smiled gently, laughing on the inside. Pony females were like many human females, not eager to share their specific age. "A young one, obviously."

"Obviously," sang out Rarity in agreement. "Now, let's talk about getting you comfortable in Ponyville. Are you a creature of culture?"

A creature of culture? "I like fashion enough."

"That's a start." Rarity walked from the room, waving with her tail for Maya to follow. "But  how about plays, having one's hooves done, being pampered, and sharing the juiciest of gossip." She was more excited with each thing she went over. "Are you a city pony, or a country pony, to put it simply?"

Maya followed where Rarity led, soon stepping out of the castle Twilight lived in. That let her take in Ponyville in the fading light of late afternoon. It was the same time she had been trick-or-treating before... Everything... "Wow..."

"Hm?" Rarity turned to see what Maya was looking at, then turned back to face Ponyville. "Welcome to Ponyville, our home." She waved out at it. "Quite charming, is it not?"

Maya took an uncertain step forward. "I really am here... I... am here..."

"You certainly a..." Rarity didn't finish her word, seeing that Maya was crying silent tears. "Darling? Are you alright?" The answer to that was quite clear. Maya was falling apart, where she had been fine a moment before. "Dear? Oh my..." Rarity floated out a napkin and gently dabbed at Maya's face, at least trying to clean things. "We can wait..."

Maya's new reality was crashing on her. She had been strong, but she had limits. She had tried to act firm, but she was glass. She was shattering. Just as hard, but broken. She was a pony, in a world of ponies. There was a little pony town, right in front of her. She lived in magic pony world. She was probably never going to get back to Earth. She was never to be a human again. All her plans, lost.

Rarity's heart ached seeing this poor creature so distraught. She knew the pain of having a dream snatched away all too well.

"There there, let it out," she soothed, floating over the handkerchief for Maya to dry her eyes. "I can't imagine how difficult this is for you. But you don't have to face it alone."

Maya dabbed at her eyes, taking a few deep, shaky breaths. "I'm sorry, I just...it finally sunk in that everything is different now. You've all been so kind, but..." She trailed off, tears welling up again.

"Of course, darling. We may be ponies, but we understand heartbreak." Rarity gestured towards town. "Come, walk with me. The fresh air will do you good."

As they slowly wandered the streets of Ponyville, Maya found herself comforted by Rarity's presence. The elegantly dressed pony just listened, letting her share fears, hopes and memories when she was ready.

Rarity pointed out landmarks and waved to neighbors, subtly assuring Maya she had a place here. Eventually Maya's tears dried, and she managed a small but genuine smile at a group of fillies playing tag.

"Better?" Rarity asked gently. When Maya nodded, she smiled. "Don't lose heart, my dear. Though the path ahead is long, with friendships such as ours, you'll never walk it alone."

Maya waved the fillies closer. To her amazement, they came, no fear in their eyes. She was a total stranger, but they came rushing up like they were all old friends. "Hello there." Her smile grew by the moment. "I'm Maya."

One of the fillies nodded, her bow dancing. "Ah'm Apple Bloom." She pointed to the others. "That there's Sweetie Belle." She pointed to Rarity. "Her little sister. And that one's Scootaloo."

"Yo." Scootaloo bounced in place. "What's up? Nice to meetcha."

Rarity nodded at them. "You getting into any trouble, Sweets?"

Sweetie giggled. "As usual."

Rarity rolled her eyes at that. "At least you're honest about it." She slid in closer to Maya. "Feeling better?"

"A little, yeah... Yeah..." She took a slow breath. "Yeah. Hello girls. What game are you playing?"

"We're playin' hide and seek!" Apple Bloom explained. "Do ya wanna join our game?"

Before Maya could respond, Sweetie Belle rushed up and pointed to Maya's flank. "Hey, why doesn't she have a cutie mark ?"

Scootaloo gasped. "Whoa, you're right! She's a blank flank." The three fillies circled around Maya excitedly.

"A cutie mark appears when a pony discovers their special talent," Rarity explained kindly to a confused Maya. "These three are specialists when it comes to that. Why, they're called the Cutie-Mark Crusaders for a reason, dear."

Maya looked over her flank, noting the blank yellow coat. "I guess becoming a pony made me a blank flank too." She smiled softly, realizing how little she knew about this world and herself then.

"Awesome, you can be part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Scootaloo cheered.

"We help ponies find their cutie marks," Sweetie Belle added. "And maybe find yours too!"

Maya laughed as the infectious enthusiasm of the fillies lifted her spirits higher. "I'd love that. Lead the way!"

Rarity slid a hoof between Maya and the Crusaders. "Darling, don't be too hasty. That sounds like a very productive meeting, and you really should consult with them, but... let's put a pin in that, as a friend of mine would say." She reached to pat each Crusader gently. "Our friend here has just arrived. They weren't a pony before."

All three fillies blinked in confusion. Sweetie inclined her head. "She's one now."

"That she is." Rarity gestured with a toss of her head. "But she wasn't before. So she isn't a lost soul just yet. We should give her a chance to discover herself at her own speed before you all hurry it along."

Apple Bloom curled a hoof to her chin. "Huh, good point. She don't need us jus' yet."

Scootaloo flashed a smile. "That doesn't stop her from playing if she wants to."

Maya felt that smile catching. Such lovely energy the fillies had. Such a wonderful world they must have grown in. Was that the world she was in? Maybe it wasn't... all bad... "I want to join your games, but Rarity's showing me around, so let me do that. Later?"

"Later!" all three cried with perfect harmony, giggling and hurrying back to their games.

"Darling." Rarity resumed their trip through the town. "Pardon for assuming, but were you a teacher, or a foalsitter? You strike me as a pony that gets along quite well with foals. It was lovely to see, that natural connection."

Maya felt her ears go up without her input, that was an odd sensation. "Y-yeah, sorta..." She wobbled a hoof, managing to walk and do that at the same time. "I'm someone--"

"Somepony," corrected Rarity.

"Somepony." Maya coughed into a hoof. "That helps other... ponies... to understand themselves and the world around them. If they're feeling sad, I'm there to help. If they don't understand something, I try to help bridge that. Beat bad habits, figure out why they think a certain way... Do ponies have that?"

"A therapist?"

Maya blinked dumbly. Oh, they did have those... "Yes, like that." She bounced with joy. "I learned how to be one of those! Can I still do that job here then?" Her spirits felt lifted. Perhaps her dreams hadn't been entirely dashed!

Rarity considered Maya's question carefully. "While harmony is our ideal, ponies still face struggles like any creature. Some may cope with anxiety over cutie marks. Others have self-doubt. speciesism and even tribalism and prejudice exist, if less than in darker times."

She gave a sad smile. "I confess, in my youth I contributed to the bullying of a dear friend for being different, allowing my ambition to blind me. It is a shame I carry to this day. So I understand the need for those like yourself who guide others towards compassion."

Maya listened thoughtfully, reminded not to view this pony world through too rosy a lens. Where there were thinking beings, there would be misunderstandings and pain, if unintentionally.

"I appreciate you being open about that," Maya said. "It's important I don't make assumptions. Each world has its challenges, but I want to believe kindness and empathy can prevail."

Rarity nodded. "As do I. My friends and I strive to foster those values in Equestria. Your profession is so vital to that cause." She rested a hoof on Maya's shoulder. "I have faith you can make as much a difference here as in your world." She patted Maya gently. "But put those thoughts aside. This evening, we're going to soak in some culture."

Maya followed curiously behind. "What kind of culture?" Well, pony culture, clearly. But Maya had no clue what that could mean.

"Music." She led Maya to a grassy field where ponies sat, facing a stage. "Your timing is fantastic. They're doing a show tonight, and I insist you enjoy it." With a pop of her magic, a blanket appeared and sank to the grass, making a clean place to sit herself. "Oh, hello Octavia!"

The pony she had greeted nodded just slightly. The earth pony mare's attention was largely on her cello. She tuned and prepared it and herself along with the other orchestra members. They began playing, producing sweet and gentle notes the lifted into the evening air.

Maya began clapping her new hooves gently to the beat. "I love classic..." It wasn't an earth song. She had no idea what song it was, but the melodies were delightful, and just sitting still and letting it wash over her felt nice enough. "You are a real treat, Rarity."

"I do try, dear." Rarity smiled knowingly. "Would you care for a treat while we enjoy this?" She inclined her head at some street faire being offered.

"I'd love a treat, thank you," Maya said, touched by Rarity's hospitality. As the fashionista trotted off, Maya let the music wash over her. She was accustomed to blaring pop songs and car horns, not gentle strings played in the open air. It was peaceful.

Rarity returned levitating two ice cream cones and passed one to Maya. "Vanilla chamomile - a delightful melody for the palate."

Maya took an experimental lick, ears perking up at the sweet floral flavor. "Mmm, that's really good!" The cold sweetness lifted her spirits even higher.

As the performance went on, Rarity pointed out ponies in the crowd she recognized. Maya got to know more of the vibrant personalities around town. She waved to a boisterous pegasus named Rainbow Dash flying overhead. They didn't get to meet, but at least she saw them.

By the time the musicians took their bows, Maya felt far more at ease. For the first time since arriving, thoughts of home didn't weigh on her as heavily. She had a full belly, a clear sky above, and a new friend at her side. It was enough for now.

"Did you enjoy yourself, dear?" Rarity asked as they strolled back.

Maya smiled warmly. "I really did. Thank you, Rarity. I needed this."

Rarity gave her a gentle hug. "It was my pleasure. I know the path ahead is long, but you needn't walk it alone. You have ponies in your corner now."

The hug reminded Maya just how... different things were. She was an alien, being hugged by another alien. Still, the emotions were all positive. It was an alien embrace of kinship and kindness. It was one part lovely and another part terrifying.

"Dear?" Rarity noticed the tenseness in her new friend. "Are you alright? Don't push yourself on my account." She stood up. "Is it time to retire?" She pointed up to the tall tower of Twilight's.

Maya's new home. "Y-yeah... Good idea." She took a shuddering breath. "But thank you, again. This has been wonderful. I'm the problem here, not you."

"Perish the thought." Rarity tapped at Maya's chest. "You've been through quite a bit. Having feelings about it doesn't make you a bad pony. You go back  up there, get some rest, and look forward to what tomorrow will bring." She kissed either of Maya's cheeks. "I had a lovely time. The original plan was to haul Twilight out her for it, but that mare, I swear..."

Maya shook herself out, getting her legs working after lounging through that show. A brief glimmer got her attention. Why did her hooves glow like that? It was a fleeting moment, there and gone again. She hadn't seen any other pony with glowing hooves.

What was up with hers?
> 3 - Really Stepping in It
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya should have returned to her new home, that twinkling tower of a castle that belonged to Twilight.

Surely she had been just told that, to go rest and recover from quite a hectic day.

But she wasn't doing that.

She was walking down the road, aiming for no particular place. Her eyes were locked on her hooves, each step leaving a glimmering pattern of a hoofprint that faded moments later.

The fact that they glowed at all captivated her. "I'm magic..." Was there another possible reason? Surely it wasn't some strange disease or other malady. "I'm magic."

But what did that magic do, besides leave vibrant hoofprints behind? If that was the limit of her power, it was neat, but also mostly useless as those things went.

In the darkness of the evening, she sank to her haunches and turned a hoof to examine the bottom of it. The heart-shaped frog of a pony greeted her, and made her laugh. "Silly thing." Ponies in G5 had literal hearts on their hooves.

Real ponies had hearts on their hooves. They were facing the wrong way, but normal earth horses weren't around to chastise her on having them facing the wrong way.

"I'm not a normal horse. I'm a magical pony." She brushed her hooves together, encouraging that glimmering green magic. "This magic is mine... Ponies in the show, earth ponies, which I am... They could make things grow. They could control plants..."

Maya stared intently at her glowing hooves, a multitude of thoughts and questions swirling through her mind. She knew she should return to Twilight's castle to rest, but curiosity compelled her to explore this startling new development. 

Kneeling down, she turned her hoof over, taking in every detail. The heart shape that would be backward on a real horse marked her as something different - something magical. 

She swept her hooves together, willing the green glimmer to shine brighter. If the Earth ponies of this world had plant magic, what could she do? Make flowers bloom? Manipulate vines? So many possibilities.

Maya glanced around the quiet dirt road, bordered on both sides by wildflowers and overgrown grass. She focused on a drooping daisy near her knee, brow furrowed in concentration.

"Grow," she whispered. The daisy trembled but remained motionless. Maya gritted her teeth, straining as she repeated the command more forcefully. "Grow!"

The daisy's stem stretched upward by an inch, petals unfurling wider. Maya's eyes went wide, and she broke into an astonished grin. Her heart pounded with excitement. She had done it - used real magic!

Buoyed by success, Maya sought a new test. Spying a wayward vine trailing across the road, she ignited her hooves and swept a beam over it. The vine trembled and snaked slowly across the path, centimeter by centimeter. 

Maya panted from the effort, but delight shone in her eyes. Perhaps she could find purpose for this gift. She thought of the CMC's blank flanks - what wondrous things she could make bloom for those fillies.

The thought made her remember something. She turned quickly to have a look at her bottom. Yep. She had a mark.

She had Posey's mark.

This made sense, in a way. She was Posey. Sure, she was also Maya, but she was borrowing Posey's body. Why not share a cutie mark?

It was a circle of flowers, and that could mean many things. "I am a druid, controller of plants." She clopped her hooves. "I am a tender of minds, that they grow tall and powerful at my hooves." She clopped her hooves harder. "I will grow a circle of friends around me to treasure!"

She paused at that last one. "Where did that come from?" She stood up, shaking out her strange pony body. "Let's calm down. I have a power, and it's kind of neat. I won't be taking this as a reason to abandon what I like to do. I want to help people, and I still can. I can do that and also be a magic gardner."

Maya took a deep, centering breath and considered her next steps. The evening sky glimmered with stars and moonlight above the silhouette of Ponyville. Most ponies were likely settling in for the night.

She knew she should do the same in her new quarters at Twilight's castle. But the quiet streets seemed inviting for practicing her blossoming abilities away from prying eyes.

Maya noticed a neglected planter box lined with drooping petunias outside a bakery. She cautiously approached and ignited her hooves, channeling energy into the wilted flowers. They perked up noticeably, growing bushier as their leaves reached for the sky.

Satisfied, Maya moved further down the road, finding other plants to secretly nourish. She repaired a broken trellis for a climbing rose. She revived a vegetable garden flagged by the heat. For one home, she grew a flower box into a burst of colorful dahlias that she hoped would brighten the residents' morning.

By the end, Maya was exhausted but fulfilled. She had cultivated beauty and life around this community, even if they didn't know its source yet. As she finally returned to the castle and collapsed into her bed, Maya felt she had taken the first steps in balancing her old purpose with that new gift.

Drifting to sleep, she wondered what other ways she could put her blossoming magic to use for ponies here. Perhaps this world held possibilities she never imagined - she need only nurture them with an open heart.

"Uh."

Maya snapped awake. "Sp-- Oh." She saw what had made him produce that odd noise. Her room was filled with plants as if her crystal room were more of a green house than anything else. She hadn't been spared.

She was in a cot of vines, dangling from the ceiling. The oddest part was that the vines were comfortable, if not for the fact that she was dangling far over the floor. "Oops."

"Oops?" Spike peered up at her. "Not the response I was expecting, gonna be honest. Uh... So... Have fun with Rarity?"

Maya laughed at the sharp change in topic. "I did, actually. Thank you for asking."

"So... I want to ask more, but first..." He rolled a small hand slowly. "How are you fixing this? Should I get Twilight?"

Clopping softly, Maya sat up with glowing hooves. "I got this. I practiced."

"Practiced wh--oh." Spike gaped as she commanded the plants to withdraw and receed, gently lowering her to the ground and freeing up the room. "Neat. Woah, you're, like... a superhero!" He grabbed for one of his many comics, waving it as her.

"Like the maneiac, but with plants! Um, you're still a good guy, right?" He glanced nervously about, as if that was a very real possibility that Maya had changed sides.

"Silly." Maya nudged him with a hoof. "I'm still the same person. Just with a trick. So... Wait." She hiked a brow. "You know earth ponies, right?"

Spike nodded quickly. "Yep, friends with a lot of them, why?"

"So don't any of them do what I just did?" She waved a dimly glowing green hoof at him.

Spike nudged the hoof away, as if it were a loaded weapon. "Nope, not one of them. Earth ponies don't have magic, silly."

Maya waved the hoof all the more emphatically, glowing brightly with a moment of annoyance. "You're saying that to the earth pony that just did magic."

"True..." He tapped at his chin thoughtfully. "Well, you've clearly got some special kind of magic. But maybe we should keep this between us for now?"

Maya nodded, relieved. "I agree. This is all still so new to me. Let's figure it out before I become some magical pony spectacle."

"Ooh, secrecy! I like it." Spike grinned, making a zipping motion across his mouth. "What are assistant dragon-friends for? But we should totally see what you can do!"

He grabbed a large flower pot and set it before Maya. "Grow something huge in here! Like a beanstalk to the moon or a giant venus flytrap that eats pegasi!"

Maya laughed. "Maybe I'll start smaller." She focused on the soil, her hooves illuminating. A green stem slowly spiraled up, sprouting leaves and colorful petunias.

"Amazing!" Spike clapped. But the exertion exhausted Maya. She wobbled and he supported her.

"I think that's my limit for now," Maya panted. "But with practice..."

Spike squeezed her hoof. "We're gonna have the coolest magical gardening team Ponyville's ever seen!" The future looked bright to him. 

At least until he thought about it a little harder. "I mean, that's cool and all... But I want to do more than just grow random plants."

Maya shrugged with a chuckle. Kids. "Well, so do I. I want to talk to people."

"People?" It was like Spike hadn't heard the word before.

Maya blinked and pointed at Spike. "People." She pointed at herself. "People. Twilight people, Rarity people. Octavia people?"

"Ponies." Spike nodded, his order returned. "You want to talk to ponies."

Maya clopped her newly-discovered magic hoof to her face. "Ponies, sure, yes. I trained in how to help people, ponies or not, deal with their issues. I'm working through mine, but working through someone else's would be even more fun."

"Huh, neat." Spike set the comic he had been looking at on Maya's bed for later reading. "Twilight does that too, so do the other girls."

"They do?"

"All the time!" He threw up his hands. "They run into ponies having all kinds of issues and help them work through it. It's, basically, half of their 'thing' if you get down to it. I hear Twilight's building a school so she can help 'growing young minds' right from the start."

Maya smiled at the thought. What luck was it to run into exactly that. "Then I am in the right place. But, if that school isn't finished yet, why don't we start with a school that is?"

"Like?"

Maya arched a brow. "The one you should probably be at, Spike. Where do little children go to school?"

Spike started. "Me? I'm way too advanced." He polished a hand on his chest. "There's Cheerilee's school. She teaches foals. I'm not a foal. I'm a dragon, duh."

Maya and Spike made their way to the quaint Ponyville Schoolhouse. Maya peered through the windows, smiling as she watched the young ponies enthusiastically raise their hooves to answer Cheerilee's questions.

"Looks like class is in session. Let's come back later," Spike said, already turning to leave.

"Wait." Maya stopped him. "Why don't we introduce ourselves to the teacher first? I'd love to observe."

Spike shuffled nervously but followed Maya inside. Cheerilee looked up in surprise. "Oh, hello there! Can I help you?"

Maya waved. "I'm Maya, new in town. I was hoping I could sit in and watch your teaching for a bit. I used to be a counselor back home."

Cheerilee beamed. "Of course! We're always happy to have guests." She turned to the foals. "Everypony, this is Miss Maya. Let's give her a warm welcome!"

The class chorused cheerful greetings. Maya smiled, feeling an instant rapport with the bright-eyed ponies. "It's wonderful to meet you all!"

As Cheerilee's lesson resumed, Maya marveled at her kindness and skill engaging the students. Spike eventually relaxed too, pointing out the cutie mark crusaders to Maya with a grin.

Maya looked to them to find they were looking right back at her just as eagerly. That they remembered her hardly seemed in doubt. She waved back at Cheerilee, lest she keep them distracted.

They pouted in unison, but returned their attention to their teacher.

"Hey." A little round colt was looking up at Maya curiously from his desk near her. "Aren't you a bit large to be in school?" His tone was thick with his doubt and confusion. "This place is for foals, which you ain't."

"Don't be mean, Snips." A lankey and dopey unicorn rubbed his head lightly. "She looks nice."

"I try, but focus on the te--"

"Snips. Snails." Cheerilee was scowling at the two of them. "A guest is no reason to misbehave. Eyes forward."

"Yes ma'am," they sullenly agreed as one, the crowd giggling at their misfortune.

It was at that moment that Maya realized she was distracted. She had eyes more like an herbivore. She could see all around herself, minus directly in front of her nose and behind her tail. Eyes forward?

Eyes to the side felt easier. Inclining her head slowly to the left, she found it so much simpler to focus one eye on Cheerilee as she went on about Equestrian cities.

Maya tried to focus on Cheerilee's geography lesson, but Snips and Snails kept tossing wadded up papers at her to get her attention.

"Is there a problem back there, boys?" Cheerilee asked, frowning.

"No ma'am," they giggled. But as soon as Cheerilee resumed teaching, the paper missiles continued.

Maya stood and quietly moved to a vacant desk at the front, hoping proximity to the teacher would deter them. But the disruptive duo just started making silly faces instead, trying to get a reaction.

Finally Cheerilee had enough. "Snips, Snails - go stand out in the hallway this instant!" she ordered. "I will not have you disrespecting our guest."

The two hung their heads and sulked out as the class tittered. Maya felt bad, but Cheerilee gave her a sympathetic smile and continued on energetically with her lesson.

After class, as ponies filed out, Cheerilee approached Maya. "I'm so sorry about those two. They're rambunctious but mean no real harm."

"It's alright," Maya said. "I appreciate you letting me observe today."

"Of course! It's always wonderful to share knowledge." Cheerilee gestured out the door. "Can I treat you to coffee? I'd love to chat more."

Maya smiled. "I'd really enjoy that."

She fell in alongside Cheerilee. "You are an earth pony."

Cheerilee quirked a brow. "So are you." She paused to close the door and lock it. "What brought that up?"

"N-nothing." Maya choked back her question. "Just funny, how two earth ponies are equally committed to helping."

Cheerilee brightened at that. "I hadn't thought of it like that. Hm, I suppose we are two earth ponies that..." She failed, turning to a little frown. "I'm sorry, but what do you do?" She glanced back at Maya's cutie mark, but the ring of flowers was not immediately obvious. "Flower garden... Kindergarten? Are you a teacher too?!"

Maya almost felt guilty at the excitement she saw growing in Cheerilee. "Not a teacher, specifically, more of a counselor. A therapist?"

Cheerilee let out a loud 'oh!' "Yes, silly me. You do tend to needing minds, just, usually, grown ones. I understand." She nodded as they walked down the Ponyville street. "Spike came with you, and he's following us... Should he be a part of this?"

Maya waved Spike forward to join them, just to jump in surprise. Spike had scrambled right up onto her back.

That was an entirely new sort of sensation, serving as a literal steed. "This is Spike, you know that."

"Hey, Cheerilee." He waved at the teacher mare. "Maya wanted to visit the school, I don't know why."

"To start." Maya leaned in closer to Cheerilee, not that she could escape Spike on her back. "Why is this young child--" She threw her head in Spike's direction. "--not with the other children in school?"

"To be simple." Cheerilee waved at the waving Spike. "Twilight never brought it up. He never brought it up. I assumed they had other arrangements and nopony talked about it, so it was just never a topic. Spike, did you want to join the school?"

"Uh..."

Maya held up a hoof. "Bad question. It's a new, scary, thing. Of course he'll vote against it. But, making friends with peers around his own age, and spending time just dealing with his own development?"

Cheerilee put a hoof to her chin. "You are speaking reasonably enough, but I'm not Spike's parent or guardian. The best I can do is talk to Twilight about it. Now, let's put that aside. This cup of coffee will not drink itself."
> 4 - Green Hoof
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Slower is faster."

Or so Maya had discovered in her experiments. When she encouraged plants to grow instead of forcing the issue, they could swell and sway and dance gently with an easy pouring of her magic. It didn't feel like she was running a marathon with each feat.

It was a normal earth pony thing to do, and she was an earth pony. "This is so..."

A thought crashed into her thoughts. "Ugh, I'm awful." She returned from her short distance from the castle to seek out Twilight.

"There you are." At the very top, at an observatory she wasn't using yet, sat Twilight reading a book. "Do you have a moment?"

Twilight perked with a smile. "A pleasure to see you, Maya. Are you getting along? You look less frazzled today."

"I feel less frazzled." Maya shook herself out from front to back, tail lashing as she smiled. "I've decided being a pony has its perks, but... I need to check in on home. Just because I'm here doesn't mean I stopped being responsible for friends and family."

"Ah, yes. One moment." Twilight's horn glowed and she closed her eyes with concentration. A mirror floated up from the depths of the castle, coming to a rest between them, facing Maya. "You remember how to use this, I hope?"

Maya peered into the mirror, relief washing over her as she saw her human echo walking down a familiar neighborhood street back home. Her echo smiled, seeming to converse casually with a friend. Everything appeared perfectly normal.

"Good, it seems your world is still in order," Twilight said.

Maya just nodded, still sorting her conflicted feelings about her echo. Twilight tilted her head, regarding her new friend with curiosity. "I must ask - what is your world like? As similar and different to Equestria as mine was to that...Canterlot High place?"

The question snapped Maya's attention back. "Oh! Well, it's rather different than here," she started carefully. How much to reveal? And did she even know enough of that Equestria to answer competently?

"There's no magic for one. But we've advanced a lot technologically - science and inventions humans use to make up for what we lack naturally." That felt comfortably safe.

Twilight leaned forward eagerly, always fascinated to learn of other realms. But further inquiries were cut short as Spike came barreling onto the balcony. "Twilight! I had the best idea for..." He skidded to a halt, registering Maya's presence. "...for organizing your bookshelves! Heh, I'll...tell you later!"

He shot Maya a covert wink. Maya inclined her head at him. "You are so adorable."

Twilight tucked the mirror away. "I feel like I missed something."

"Nothing!" squeaked out Spike nervously.

"We can tell her." Maya tossed her head at Twilight. "I have magic."

Twilight looked Maya over. "You have magic? Earth ponies have very subtle magic. They have an affinity for plants and some with animals. They tend to be stronger and tougher than other ponies. Subtle magic. Did you hear an animal talking?"

Maya raised her brows together. "I did not. I'm actually kinda glad I didn't.... I already have grown and young ponies to consider treating. Trying to diagnose why a rabbit has parent issues feels a bit overwhelming."

A soft breeze made some flowers on the sill sway. Maya perked. "Yeah, perfect." She trotted over to them with green glowing hooves. "Let me show you."

Spike elbowed Twilight with a silly grin. "This is so cool, watch!"

Maya closed her eyes, channeling power into her glowing hooves. The flowers on the sill began to slowly bloom brighter, their movements gaining vigor. Gossamer green tendrils emerged from the soil, intertwining gracefully. Buds dotted the vines, popping open to reveal an array of dazzling colors.

Spike and Twilight watched slack-jawed as the planter became a resplendent bouquet. Maya finally ceased, smiling at the result of her work. The floral display remained, magical in its vitality. "Ta da!"

"How did...you're an earth pony!" Twilight exclaimed, telekinetically swishing the flowers about to inspect them. "I've never seen your kind wield such abilities! Especially so quickly, and powerfully."

Maya rubbed the back of her neck. "Well...where I'm from, in a show, it's something earth ponies can do. I can make plants grow, manipulate them to a degree." She shuffled her hooves, flushed from revealing her secret.

"Fascinating!" Twilight circled Maya, scrutinizing her. "You seem to generate botanical energy from within. I wonder..." Her horn flashed as she attempted scanning spells. "Your magic seems...integrated somehow. This requires further study!"

Maya backed up a step from the eager unicorn. "I'm still getting the hang of it. But I wanted to be honest."

Twilight just grinned wider. "And I'll be happy to help you master these gifts! For science and friendship!" Spike facepalmed, knowing that scholarly enthusiasm meant more magical experiments were coming.

Maya stepped forward instead of backing away, nose to nose with Twilight. "I want to learn more, but I want to learn on my terms. I'm not an experiment, but if you'll help me figure this out?"

Twilight nodded slowly. "Oh, alright." She raised a hoof to her own chin. "That's reasonable... But you do want to know more?"

"Yes!" Maya bounced once in place. "I want to get better at this, to add it to my collection of tools. Glad we agree." She twirled to Spike. "You." She snagged him with a small vine that hadn't been there a moment before, preventing his escape. "I wanted to talk to you about Spike."

Twilight blinked at the sharp turn in topic. "What about Spike? Are you alright, Spike?"

"I'm fine." He reached down to work the vine free. "Ugh, is this about the school?"

"This is about the school." Maya nodded lightly. "Why isn't Spike attending school as a developing young boy?"

Twilight rolled a hoof at Spike. "Well, to start, he's already been homeschooled past anything Cheerilee is offering. He joined me as Princess Celestia's school for gifted unicorns, and was home schooled by me in addition. I dare say his education is quite thorough."

"I'm kinda smart." Spike looked quite smugly sure of this fact. "With a little help from Twilight. Some of her genius rubbed off, without the Twilynanas part."

"Twily--" Twilight shook her head. "In either event, his education is complete. What brings this up?"

Maya considered how to delicately press her point about Spike's socialization. "I don't doubt Spike has received an excellent magical education from you," she began gently. "But there are certain lessons that come from interacting with peers your own age..."

Twilight tilted her head, not following.

"Well, you went to Princess Celestia's school. So you must have made friends, gotten into shenanigans." Maya gestured out at Ponyville. "Don't you want Spike to have those kinds of fun school memories too?"

Spike rubbed his neck self-consciously. "Aw, well when you put it that way..."

But Twilight waved a dismissive hoof. "Spike has plenty of young friends here he plays with. Why without provocation insert him with rambunctious foals for forced socialization?"

Spike raised a finger. "Technically, I hang out with adults most of the time."

Maya felt her persuasive councilor side awakening. "True organic friendships are different from occasional bumps on the road." She met Spike's eyes warmly. "What do you feel is missing from only hanging around adult ponies?"

Spike shuffled his claws together, a yearning in his eyes he couldn't articulate. Maya had struck a nerve.

Twilight read Spike's expression with surprise and dismay, not realizing this need in her number one assistant. Perhaps she had been denying him healthy development.

Unsure who to please, Spike mumbled excuses and slipped off. But Twilight watched him go thoughtfully. "You may... have a point." She grunted and shuffled in place. "But if he does that, he isn't here."

Maya gently patted Twilight's shoulder. "If that scares you that much... that could be part of the problem?"

Twilight took a step back, ears folded flat. "Oh... Oh." Her ears sagged as she looked to the ground. "I'll miss him," she admitted. "Even if it's for a few hours every day... He's a constant.... And that's not fair... to him."

Maya dared a little smile, feeling she was pressing in the right way. "We want what's best for him, right? It's our job, as the caring adults next to him, to help him grow into the best version of him possible."

Twilight let out a long, reluctant sigh. "You clearly understand young minds." She managed a rueful smile. "Very well. For Spike's social-emotional development...I can consult Cheerilee about placing him in her class part-time."

Maya smiled but asked gently, "Only part-time?"

Twilight scuffed a hoof awkwardly. "Well, his assistance organizing my research is rather invaluable..."

Maya tilted her head knowingly. Twilight huffed a laugh. "Yes yes, cold turkey it shall be! I suppose can manage this... What's adapting my schedule a little more for his future happiness?"

A loud crash followed by scrambling echoed faintly below.

Twilight winced. "That came from my potions lab. I likely have a panicked baby dragon to console right now. But thank you, Maya." Her tone turned earnest. "For opening my eyes wider to Spike's needs."

"Anytime." Maya meant it. She may know the minds of fillies, but understanding these ponies she'd bonded with mattered too.

As Twilight descended to check on the noise, Maya noticed a wispy shadow flit past the balcony. She ran to peer over the ledge curiously. There was nothing to see, at least that she could find. Shaking her head, she went down to see what was happening.

Spike was there, cleaning the mess he had made. "I was jut sorting things and I tripped. Sorry."

Twilight went over, her magic snatching the dustpan Spike had been using. "I can take care of this. You go and play."

Spike crossed his arms with a scowl. "Oh, no you don't! I like helping out, Twi. Don't treat me like a little foal."

Twilight skewed an ear to the side. "I didn't mean..." She took a step back. "This is hard. As your big sister, I care. I've been... selfish." She shook herself out suddenly. "I've been selfish," she repeated more firmly. "I want to fix that. Spike, sorry."

Spike rubbed behind his head. "Uh... Okay." That he didn't see it as a problem was clear. "Look, you want me to go to school, fine, whatever. I'm not going to learn anything there."

Twilight sat beside Spike. "Your academics are exemplary for a creature your age."

"You bet." Spike's expression lightened into pride. "I'll just make the foals look bad."

Twilight leaned gently on Spike. "So help them."

"Hm? What do you mean?" He hiked a brow at Twilight.

"I mean, be the older brother they wished they had." Twilight gethered Spike into a soft embrace, hooves pressing into his back. "Help guide them so they can catch up. Don't be too insistent. Just like right now, you don't want somecreature assuming they know what's best for you."

"Like a certain unicorn I know." He didn't resist being hugged, even returning it. "I get it... Look, I'll try..."

"All I can ask."

Maya smiled at the exchange between siblings. She could think of not a thing she could say and slipped from the room. "That went well," she spoke to nothing. "Therapist pony, powers activate!" Sure, therapy lacked glowy magical effects, but it was surely a powerful magic that could bring good to the world.

"Can't wait." Maya stepped outside with a bright smile. "Magic is growing all around me lately."

The sunny warmth outside filled Maya with contentment. She tilted her face skyward, breathing deeply. So lovely to have this quiet moment reflecting—

A rustling interrupted her thoughts. Maya spun, peering into the bushes. Had that been the wispy shadow from the balcony?

"Hello?" she called gently. "Don't be afraid, you can come out."

The branches trembled as a slender figure slowly emerged. Maya blinked in surprise at the tall creature before her with the torso of a pony but the lower body of a deer. His dusty brown pelt blended well with the woods.

"Greetings," he spoke in a gravelly baritone. "Forgive my intrusion. I've wandered these woods for decades alone. Yet now, such magic stirs..." His eyes seemed to pierce through Maya.

"Are...are you a deer?" Maya ventured. "I mean—of course you are part deer." She shook her head self-consciously. "I've never met someone like you." Curiosity mixed with wariness. "I am Maya. And you?"

"A deer indeed, though my kind have our own name." His expression softened, intuiting Maya's good nature. "Some call me Aurelio. And I must know - what pony wields the powers I sensed from afar that made the very trees tremble?"

He took a step closer, eyes alight with keen interest. "Could it truly be...you?"

Maya flicked an ear back, examining the strange tauric creature. Tauric, but the upper body had no hands, just more hooves. Sure, they were pony hooves, while the lower ones were deer hooves. Single up top, cloven hoofed at the bottom. Their body was.... Was there a better word than chiseled?

Maya blushed, even laughing at herself. She was looking at some strange new creature and part of her was attracted to the wierd thing. Was it her pony body? "Nice to meet you, Aurelio. I'm a pony, an earth pony. You are...?"

"There is only one of me." He directed a hoof at himself. "So what you call more of me is a bit... moot. I have watched earth ponies, quietly. Their hooves tremble, soft whispers amid the trees." Aurelio nodded at Maya's hooves. "Yours shout, sometimes louder, sometimes quieter, but every step is a cry, and the forest calls in turn, not entirely displeased."

"I'm still learning it, to be honest." Maya shrugged with a nervous little laugh. "Is it really that special?"

"Beyond your imagination, from the sound of it." He circled her to point ahead at the Everfree. "The forest yearns for healing. Chaos has wounded it for over a thousand moons. You could help."

Maya's laugher elevated to almost hysterics. "Seems like there's a lot I could help with." As nice as it had been to lend a hand, er, hoof with the Spike situation... "You're asking a lot. Seriously, still learning it."

Aurelio sprang forward with the dexterity befitting a deer. "Then I will return. Continue your studies. The forest has waited this long. It can wait a moment longer." He said this as he fled, bouncing off in a spirited pronk towards that sinister forest.
> 5 - Welcome to Ponyville!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya turned back to the castle, but there was something in the way. That something was pink and smiling. "Pinkie Pie?"

Pinkie gasped, but did not look unhappy. "You already know me? Did Twilight mention me? She told me about you!" She pronked around Maya much as Aurelio had done. "Your party's tonight! But I need to know a few things."

"Party?" She did not know G4 nearly as well as G5. "What party?"

"Your party, silly." Pinkie wriggled her nose. "You are very silly. But.... You're also kinda special." She grabbed one of Maya's hooves with stronger hoof-grasp than most ponies seemed to show, far closer to G5 standards than G4. "I can feel it."

Maya wrenched her hoof back. "What can you feel?"

"You are an earth pony that feels earthy." Pinkie bounced in place. "Those are rare. Most of them are Pies! Are you a Pie? Maya Pie? Hello, cous'!"

"I don't think we're related," got out Maya between little laughs. "But it's nice to meet you. Now, party? When did I get one of those?"

"Everypony new absolutely needs a super spectacular welcoming party!" Pinkie proclaimed, bouncing around Maya in a circle. "How else will you make lots of friends right away and feel happy and smiley in your new home?"

She suddenly gasped dramatically. "Unless...you don't LIKE parties?! Not liking parties is absolutely positively the most tragic thing ever!" She leaned in, scrutinizing Maya's nervous smile. "You...DO like parties...right?"

"Of course!" Maya tried to match Pinkie's over-the-top enthusiasm. "Who doesn't enjoy parties? I'm, uh, just a little overwhelmed still getting to know Ponyville. But I appreciate you throwing one for me, really."

Maya hoped that would relax the intense pony. Sure enough, Pinkie broke into a wide smile. "Yay! This will be the funnest party for the most special pony!" She leaned in to loudly whisper. "Wanna know a secret? I have like a sixth sense for cool ponies with super awesome talents! And YOU'VE got one bubbling under the surface!"

She winked conspiratorially as she bounced away. "Ooh, I need to make sure we have a chocolate mud fountain..."

Maya could only chuckle and shake her head. Well, she had certainly made an impression on the local party planner. But how exactly HAD Pinkie sensed something odd about her new talents? This strange town continued to surprise her. Wait.

"Did Twilight tell you about me?" Maya glared up at the tower. "I only just told her. That secret didn't last long..."

"I would never break a secret." Pinkie crossed her heart and that somehow ended with poking herself in the eye. "She didn't tell me anything but that your name is Maya and you're nice and you like talking to ponies, which makes you already a friend of mines."

She spread her arms wide. "So bring it in!"

Maya snorted softly, but did take that last step, giving Pinkie a hug and getting it back. Pinkie smelled... Sweet. It was a nice hug...

"You alright?"

Maya started, stirred awake. She only realized then that she had just... hugged Pinkie and basically zoned out into the hug. "How much time did I just lose?"

Pinkie waved a hoof dismissively. "Oh, just a minute or two! But it was a super good hug, huh?"

She nudged Maya playfully. "Guess you were relaxed as relaxed can be! Which is exactly what parties are meant for too - relaxing with fun and friends!"

Maya blushed, embarrassed to have gotten so suddenly comfortable around the effusive pony. But she did have to admit - it was probably the most content she'd felt since arriving here. Something about Pinkie's aura just radiated warmth.

"Well, um, thank you," Maya managed. "I guess hugs aren't something I thought I really needed. But yes, it helped."

Pinkie grinned. "Hugs help everypony! Now come on..." To Maya's astonishment, Pinkie lifted her easily onto her back. "Let me show you around while we get party supplies!"

Before Maya could object, Pinkie took off bouncing down the road, nimbly balancing a shocked Maya. "That building's Sugar Cube Corner - best bakery in Equestria! Oh and there's where I first met Twilight and had to sing a biiiig welcome song to get her to smile..."

Despite the dizzying ride, Maya found herself smiling too. She had never met someone who lived so fully in the moment, embracing joy. She rested her head against Pinkie's, perfectly content to see where this new friend bounced next. Something told her this party might be just what she needed.

The oddest part was that she somehow didn't bounce right off Pinkie. It felt like she was attached somehow, riding Pinkie along without a worry. She put her hooves down on Pinkie's shoulders, making little riding motions with her knees. As it turned out, Pinkie turned when guided, like a trained horse.

Pinkie turned an ear back. "You're good at that."

Maya inclined her head. "You shouldn't... know that." She nudged for Pinkie to stop, and she did. "How?"

Pinkie half-curled to face Maya. "You're talking with your legs. Lots of ponies talk in different ways. If you want to talk with your legs, I'm listening!"

Maya nudged Pinkie forward. "You are a very special pony."

"Aw, thanks." Pinkie stopped to grab a bunch of party favors she tucked right into herself like it was no big deal. "I think you're pretty special too. I hope you show me how! Maybe at the party?"

As Pinkie effortlessly maneuvered left and right responding to Maya's slight leg nudges, Maya pondered just how the pony seemed so instinctively conditioned to be "ridden" already.

Had Pinkie been trained for dressage competitions in some former life? Her gait and balance hadn't even shifted adjusting to a passenger. No, Pinkie simply moved as though somehow intrinsically knowing what every subtle signal from Maya meant, like they shared one mind.

Maya leaned forward experimentally. As easily as bending to a jockey's urging, Pinkie gradually picked up speed until the town was just a blur around them. Maya's astonishment grew.

Something extraordinary connected them - she could feel it in her bones. It was as though Pinkie could read her body's unspoken desires and translate them seamlessly into her own intuitive motion. They were physically attuned beyond what should be possible between strangers. Just what WAS this pink pony? There were clearly more mysteries in Ponyville than just her own...

As they finally slowed to a trot, Maya ventured, "Have you...always been so perceptive to ponies' silent guidance?" She had to know if this was somehow related to her empathic talents lying dormant in this world too.

"Yes and no." Pinkie made an unfolding gesture, unfolding the whole set of Maya's party with a sharp snap around them. "Sometimes, but not always." She leaned to the side. "This is your stop," she sang. As soon as Maya slid free, Pinkie grabbed for Maya's hooves. "Now stop teasing me! What's the secret? Tell me!"

Maya considered the almost vibrating pony. So far, telling people hadn't really caused a fuss... "Well... Okay."

"Yes!" Pinkie pumped a hoof. "Thank you. Go on."

"Watch." Maya planted all her hooves firmly and let out a slow breath. She imagined her power rolling out into the grass. "Grow," she whispered gently, and the plants beneath and around her gladly obeyed, gaining inches in moments until they nudged up at her belly, tickling her. That made her stop in a patch of tall wild flowers and grass. "See?"

Pinkie stared wide-eyed at the flourishing flowers and grass now swirling around Maya, jaw dropping in astonishment. Her expression then morphed to pure elation.

"I knew it, I knew it!" she cheered, pronking over to Maya heedless of crushing vegetation underhoof. "Ever since I first saw you, I just had this wiggly little tickly feeling that you had some super special talent hidden away!"

She extended a hoof to gently poke an overgrown daisy as the plants retreated back to normal at Maya's subtle signal. Pinkie met her new friend's gaze with sheer wonder shining in her eyes.

"Most earth pony magic helps tiny bitty things grow slowly over time. But YOU - " She reared up on her hindlegs with an excited flap of her front hooves. "- you made a whole meadow just burst into life instantly! You're like a magical plant fairy!"

Maya flushed, not used to such wholehearted awe of her uncommon gift. She scuffed a hoof self-consciously. "It's still so new to me. But yes, manipulating plants comes...unusually easily."

Pinkie just grinned and pulled Maya into another sudden, crushing hug. "I can't wait to see everypony's faces when you spruce things up at your party tonight! It's gonna be the bestest blast ever!" She twirled off, no doubt planning decor adjustments to highlight her wondrous new friend.

Maya simply watched her go, shaking her head and laughing softly. Her secret admirer was certainly one-of-a-kind.

Not that they had been secretive. Not that... "Pinkie!" She took a few steps, but Pinkie was long gone. Her secret was likely quite done. "Smooth," she sighed to herself. She had not a single other person to blame.

For just one moment, Maya wondered if Pinkie had a talent of her own.

But then a list of things Pinkie had already done tumbled in her mind. "No... That mare had plenty of tricks."

She turned in place, admiring the party area that had been set up in a split second. "Like this..."

"Howdy!"

Maya twirled to see a filly waving at her. Apple Bloom, she swiftly remembered. "Hello," she eagerly greeted in kind, walking towards the filly on her other legs. "What are you doing here?"

"Was just walkin' past." Apple Bloom waved out over the clearing. "What's all this fer?"

"Well, apparently." Maya chuckled lightly. "It's where my party will be, to welcome me to Ponyville."

"Oh! Good timin'!" Apple Bloom bounced. "Pinkie loves settin' those too late fer the foals to show up, but here ah am! Just ain't gonna go home so ah can be part of yer shindig."

On one hand, or hoof, that was adorable, on the other... "I don't want your parents to be worried for you. You shouldn't just vanish on them, Apple Bloom. I am happy you want to be there though."

Apple Bloom winced. "Oh, um... That ain't a problem." She cleared her throat. "My parents ain't 'round no more."

Would that there was a hole large and close enough to jump into and vanish from the world. Maya sank heavily to her belly. "I am so sorry!"

"Ain't nothin'. That was a while ago... Ah know ya didn't mean a darn thing by it." She nudged for Maya to stand. "This here's a fun time. So let's have some fun! 'Sides, AJ'll be by, no way Pinkie would let that slide, so she'll see me and nopony'll be worried."

Maya managed a small, sympathetic smile, touched by Apple Bloom's maturity and resilience. Still, she felt awful having brought up painful memories.

"Hey, I've got an idea!" Maya offered, hoping to shift focus. "Since you're here early, want me to pretty up the party area some more with my...special talent?"

She winked, igniting her hooves with a soft green shimmer. No need to hide anything while that exuberant Pinkie Pie was spreading word of her unusual gift.

"Oooo!" Apple Bloom's eyes went wide with awe. She had never seen an earth pony's magic manifest so vividly. "That's amazin'! Can ya make flowers 'n vines n' things sprout just like that?"

She clasped her hooves eagerly. "Could ya grow me some new big golden marigolds? Or a purty garland o' morning glories on a trellis?" The country filly was practically drooling imagining botanical wonders.

Maya laughed affectionately at the innocent excitement. "Well I don't see why not! Just sit back and watch..." She focused her power, feeling Apple Bloom's sadness fading behind artful displays of nature's beauty as colorful blossoms burst into being all around them.

Soon the pair frolicked in a meadow of Maya's spontaneous creation, all troubles temporarily forgotten. And an unlikely new friendship took root, as tender and lovely as the first shoots of spring.

"Oh, my." Fluttershy came in for a gentle landing. "Pinkie wasn't lying."
> 6 - Blown Secrets
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"About my gift?" Maya looked about nervously. Fluttershy looked familiar. Which pony were they?

"Oh? No." Fluttershy trotted closer with a gentle expression. "Pinkie said there was a pony waiting here for a party. I don't know why I'm one of the first." She nodded at Apple Bloom. "But not the first, that's good. Why are your hooves glowing?"

Maya's face paled. Had Pinkie not been spreading the news? Had she, Maya, been blowing her secrets all on her own. Dang it... "Um..."

Apple Bloom grabbed for Maya's hoof between both of her own. "She's got earth pony magics, times a eleventy-bllion! She can make things grow inna snap! It's amazin'!"

Any chance of not spreading it, dashed. Maya laughed nervously. "Yep..."

Fluttershy gave a soft gasp, not scandalized, more simply amazed. "That's wonderful. Can you make any plant grow?"

Maya blinked at that question. "That's a really good question! You're smart."

Fluttershy darkened at that. "Oh, my... It was... just an idea..." She hid behind a wing. "You want Twilight for smart things."

Apple Bloom slid between the two. "Try somethin' rare!"

Maya blinked. "Um... what's rare? What I know may be really common, or not... I don't know?"

More ponies were starting to show up, and they were drawn towards the party pony, which was Maya.

Applejack joined them. "What's this 'bout growin' things? AB? Ah thought you'd be at home 'bout now."

Apple Bloom pointed at Maya swiftly. "Ah'm here fer her welcome party. Ah already know her. Ah should be there tah say howdy!"

Maya inched back, lest she get in the middle of that, only to thump against another pony. She wheeled to find a pony with a grey mane and tail. "I welcome you," spoke the mare. "I am Mayor Mare, and you are Maya? A delight."

Maya smiled at the... elderly? Middle-aged? Mare. "Nice to meet you too." She offered a hoof, shaking with the mayor. "This is a lovely town you have here."

Mayor Mare smiled all the brighter. "I do take pride in Ponyville, but it's all of our efforts, together, that make it shine! I'm just one small part of that."

Maya wondered if the mayor meant that or if that was political speak. "Good job so far. So... Maybe you know, but I'm a therapist." She pointed at herself. "Any room for one of those around here?"

Mayor Mare tilted her head curiously at Maya's introduction of her profession. "A therapist? Well, while Ponyville offers comforts like a spa for relaxation, we don't have any specialized care for the mind. At least, nothing formal."

She tapped her chin thoughtfully with a hoof. "Princess Twilight provides guidance, of course, as do all her friends. And we take care of each other as neighbors and friends. But counseling troubled minds in an official capacity?" The Mayor shook her head. "I can't claim we've ever had need of that before. Ponies here are quite harmonious!" She smiled at the buzz of happy party preparations surrounding them. "But harmony takes work too. If anypony HAS been struggling alone, your unique skills would surely be of use!"  

Maya glanced around as more cheerful ponies congregated, buoyed by laughter and easy smiles. It seemed an idyllic community on the surface. But even in bright Equestria... She wondered what might lurk just beneath that saccharine surface.

"Well, I'm happy to listen and support any pony who needs it - just let folks know I'm here." A familiar face caught Maya's eye, waving eagerly. "Oh! If you'll excuse me, Mayor."

Maya trotted over to where Apple Bloom was animatedly recounting the flowering tale to an astonished Applejack. The farm pony caught sight of Maya's glowing hoofprints and whistled. "Never seen plant magic quite like that! Reckon even my family might ask yer help on the farm someday. Glad to meetcha proper." She tipped her hat, smiling warmly.

She leaned in at Maya. "That there's an earth pony trick." She raised a hoof. "All earth ponies got it, to an extent... But most aren't any good at it, and even those that are, tend to be kinda focused." Applejack thumped her chest. "Take me, an' most of the Apples! We're all 'bout apples! Can't make a full grown tree grow outta nothin', but there ain't nopony else that could tell ya 'xactly what an apple tree might be hankerin' for better than an Apple."

Maya considered apples, and the trees they came from. "Part of me wants to try that, but the other part wants to not make a new friend angry at me for showing her up, which I don't want to do."

"Sugarcube." Applejack swatted at Maya's shoulder. "If you can make apple trees sprout outta nothin', ya got yerself a job, not no angry words."

Apple Bloom bounced eagerly in place. "Ain't rare, but still wanna see! Do it!"

"Do it!" joined Pinkie, bouncing at perfect counterpoint with Apple Bloom. "What are we doing?"

Maya laughed at Pinkie's antics. "You are so silly... Really extra. I was just... This." She clopped her hooves, both glowing green with potential for plant magic. "Applejack wanted to see if I could make an apple tree."

"It's not a secret then." Pinkie inclined her head sharply. "I thought it was a secret."

Maya buried her face in her glowing hooves. "It was. I messed that up. Not a secret anymore." She rubbed her hooves, encouraging the green brighter. "Not looking for an apple-growing job, but..." She pressed her hooves to the ground.

As Maya focused her power into the soil, tendrils of green magically burst forth, rapidly growing and intertwining. With a bright flash, a lush young apple tree emerged before the astonished ponies' eyes, leaves rustling as red fruit swelled plump and ripe among the branches.

Pinkie's eyes sparkled with reflected green magic as she gazed in wonder between Maya and her creation. Applejack let out an impressed whistle, trotting up to inspect an apple. "A little small, but sweeter than a June bloom! Can't believe that just sprang up quicker than eggs 'n hay-bacon. You really are one special pony, Maya!"

Maya flushed at the praise, scuffing a hoof self-consciously. "Oh, well, it's nothing that imp—"

"Nothing?!" Pinkie interjected, throwing confetti around the new tree. "This calls for a celebration!" Grabbing Maya's hoof, she proudly presented her to the guests. "Everypony, put your hooves together for the amazing flower pony of Ponyville!"

As the crowd cheered, Maya's embarrassment turned to shy delight. These friendly ponies really did embrace each new citizen - and her blossoming talents - wholeheartedly. Surrounded by smiling equines rather than wary looks, Maya felt her old apprehensions about revealing too much too fast finally fade away. Her secret was a gift to nurture bonds here, not something to hide.

"Three cheers for Maya!" proclaimed Pinkie, proudly pronking beside her honored guest amidst new flower garlands matching Maya's cutie mark. "Best! Party! EVER!"

Maya simply chuckled, heart swelling at such instant, joyful belonging. In that golden moment under her little tree, it felt less an echo of a lost past life, more the first sprout of a bright future.

But she still wanted to do what she spent years learning... "I want to help the trees up here grow." She tapped at her head. "If you feel down, or lost, or just need some...pony... to talk to, you find me."

Mayor Mare pushed through the crowd. "Rarely do I hear such a strong voice for taking up a profession." She turned her eyes to Maya's cutie mark, the ringlet of flowers. "And aligned with your cutie mark, wonderful. Swing by the town hall when you have a moment and we can see about getting you a building to use for that business, and your stipend begun."

Maya started. "Stipend?

Mayor Mare nodded firmly. "Of course. All working ponies, whatever their profession, get a stipend to make ends meet. Depending on your job and--"

Applejack pushed Maya back. "Hold on there. We Apples been workin super hard! Where's our 'stipend', huh?"

"Yeah!" joined Apple Bloom, both Apples frowning at Mayor Mare.

"Hold on." Mayor Mare made placating gestured with her hooves. "We're here for Maya tonight, let's focus on her." She laughed nervously and made herself scarce before more difficult questions could come her way.

Applejack watched Mayor Mare beat a hasty retreat, then turned back to Maya with a rueful chuckle. "Didn't mean to put ya on the spot there, but Ponyville politics ain't always sunshine and rainbows."

Not far off, Rainbow Dash glanced up mid-loop from demonstrating tricks. "Hey, I heard rainbows! Somepony call?" Applejack just rolled her eyes with a smile as the blue pegasus zipped over.

"Heya Maya! Name's Rainbow Dash - fastest pony in Equestria!" She hovered with a cocky grin. "Pretty cool flower power ya got there! Makes me think of Fluttershy's pal, Tree Hugger." Her face lit up. "Ooh, bet you guys would get along great! She's super laid back and into nature and junk."

Applejack gave her sky-bound friend a wry nudge. "C'mon now, let Maya settle in 'fore ya go matchmakin' her with strangers." Turning apologetically back to Maya, she added: "Really though, we country ponies need to stick together in this crazy town. You ever need anythin', give a holler!"

As the friends traded good-natured back-and-forth barbs, Maya found herself smiling, tension dissipating. Whatever Equestrian bureaucracy she'd have to navigate, at least she'd gained staunch allies already. Applejack's steadfast support meant more than any official stamp of approval ever could.  

Still, questions lingered about whether Ponyville's harmony was less complete than it first appeared. And what other secrets might lurk behind the Mayor's genteel facade? Maya sensed she still had much to learn about her quaint adopted home.

But that night was for merriment, not mysteries. As lively music struck up, Maya gladly let herself get swept up celebrating with new neighbors whose warmth and humor had worked magic swiftly chasing away old doubts. 

The party had erased Maya's sense of time flowing by. She met so many friendly ponies and enjoyed the bountiful snacks and drinks they kept cheerily plying her with through game after game. It was only late into the evening, after the excitement finally wound down, that Maya began tipsily staggering her way home.

Rainbow was at her side, keeping the weaving mare propped up. "I know that look," she said with an amused snicker. "Somepony went a little too hard on the cider!" Still, her tone was kind rather than chiding as she kept Maya balanced on the walk back.

"That was... hard?" Maya raised a brow lazily, all of her felt lazy at that point. "They didn't tell me."

"You didn't ask." Rainbow walked along up to Twilight's castle. "One delivery! Here you go."

"You're so... great." She hiccuped, and blushed for doing so. "I'm not usually like this."

"It was a welcome party." Rainbow waved it off. "It doesn't count. Go get some sleep, and keep a glass of water nearby."

"Good idea." She smooched Rainbow on the cheek and headed inside.

Rainbow was left, blushing. "Kissing drunk... Not the worst kind." She rubbed where she had been kissed. "Nice mare..." She lifted into the air and darted off with a rainbow streak.

Maya stumbled blearily through the castle halls, giggling tipsily to herself. What a magical evening! She felt so welcome and accepted by the delightful ponies of this town. And that cider certainly hadn't hurt matters...

As she neared her room, Maya paused, a tickling sensation running across her back. She glanced down the shadowy corridor behind her. Nothing there...must just be the cider playing tricks. 

Except the pleasant tingly feeling persisted, spreading down her legs. Maya peered closer at her faintly glowing limbs, laughter fading. That almost felt like her emerging magic....but she wasn't using any plant powers at the moment. Where was this glow coming from? Had something awakened inside her?

The glow suddenly flashed brighter, as if in response. Maya gasped, stumbling back against the wall. Strange images flooded her mind - ponies in colorful costumes, landmark buildings awash in dazzling lights. Costumed performers sang joyfully on fantastic float processions. Confetti rained down on cheering crowds along festooned avenues.  

Maya's head spun. Had the cider caused vivid hallucinations? But no, this magical place felt familiar somehow...like half-remembered childhood dreams suddenly vivid again. The sensory details were too intricate, resonating deeply as though...memories?  

"What in Equestria was that?" Maya murmured in astonishment. The mysterious vision had faded as quickly as it came, leaving her wide-eyed. Her new magic clearly still held unexpected secrets. Secrets that might reveal more of her role and purpose in this world than she imagined...

But first, sleep. Maya headed into her room and flopped over onto her bed. In a moment, she was gone to the world even as plants curled around her, cradling her fondly in her sleep.
> 7 - Get a Job
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya awakened with a groaning yawn. She felt, well, groggy, but no headache. A tall glass of water was resting next to her, so she grabbed that and chugged it down. The grogginess began to fade as she emerged from her room, wondering if ponies were somewhat resistant to hangovers. "I went too far."

Spike was coming down the hallway, towards her. "Pinkie throws some wild parties, huh? Expect one at least once a year when your birthday rolls around."

Maya inclined her head at that. "That's going to be hard. Even I don't know what my birthday is on any calendar any...pony uses around here."

"Crazy." Spike went right past her. "I'm making breakfast, want some?"

Maya thought of that, realizing she was, in fact, quite hungry. "Yes, please." She followed him downstairs where Twilight was already seated at a table. "Good morning," she called to them both with friendly waves. "I have a busy day ahead of me. How about you, Maya?"

Spike went past both of them, vanishing into the kitchen to prepare that breakfast.

Maya hopped up near Twilight, sinking onto the chair. "Me too! I'm going to take the mayor up on her offer, see if I can't get an office." She frowned with a sudden thought. "If that... space has a bedroom..."

Twilight rolled a hoof. "Then you may move out. That is your choice. I welcome you spreading your wings though, just don't feel like I'm shoving you off a cliff. Do it if you feel ready, whenever that is. As roommates go, you've been entirely reasonable."

Maya smiled, touched by Twilight's understanding. "Thank you. It does feel like time for me to stake out my own space here." Her expression turned thoughtful. "And having an office will lend some...professional legitimacy versus the idea of counseling ponies out of your castle."  

She chuckled wryly. "Not that credentials from my old world carry much weight in Equestria. It's a whole new start on establishing my reputation." The reality of that sank in, ears dipping. She'd be building totally from scratch.

Noticing Maya's flagging enthusiasm, Twilight gently lifted her chin. "Consider your natural talent blooming all around last night quite the colorful résumé. And I assure you, word of mouth spreads swiftly here. Why, I hadn't met Pinkie Pie for even a day before all of Ponyville greeted me as her boastful boasts promised!"

Remembering the party pony's effusive advocacy brought a renewed smile to Maya's face. "That's very true. I guess I should take a page from her book and just...leap in, making connections." 

She met Twilight's kind gaze. "What do you have planned?" As Spike emerged with plates of syrup-drenched pancakes, for a moment the unlikely trio felt just like old friends starting their morning routine together. But the future called for all of them.

Twilight lifted a pancake delicately. "I'm helping mayor Mare with some organizing in the town hall records room."

Maya blinked. "Oh! Then we have the same place in mind. When are you going? I was thinking to head over there right after breakfast."

"Lovely." Twilight chomped her pancake, making a mess, and just taking another big bite. "Mmm, lovely, Spike."

"Your favorite word for this breakfast." Spike got to eating, far less messily. "Hope it goes well, Maya. Oh, you're always welcome to visit, whether you move out or not. You don't stop being a friend just 'cause you moved out."

Twilight quickly nodded. "Of course. Now..." She stuffed the rest of the pancake into her ready mouth. "Mmm, shall we visit a mayor?"

"Please." Maya only finished half her pancake, but she didn't feel too hungry. "Last night was a feast. I'm not starving." She slid to her hooves. "Lead the way." She casually assumed Twilight had a better mental map of the town.

Twilight magically cleared the dirty and abandoned dishes with a flash of violet energy. "Excellent! Let's be off then while the morning's still fresh." After bidding Spike farewell for the day, she and Maya trotted along the sunny Ponyville streets.

As they passed other ponies milling about their business, Twilight couldn't help notice ponies doing occasional double-takes at her companion. Whispers followed in their wake, tones intrigued with dashes of excitement or skepticism.

"Word certainly travels fast..." Maya muttered under her breath as another group of mares across the way conspicuously nodded their direction.

Twilight blushed, giving a helpless smile and shrug. "I did try to warn you. In such a small town, a visiting princess and magical pony claiming unique talents were always going to attract attention."

She patted Maya's shoulder consolingly. "At least it seems more curious than alarmed so far?" A familiar voice suddenly cried out "Twilight!" as Pinkie Pie came bounding over.

"Ooh, is Maya coming to help fix stuff at the Mayor's office? How fun!" she cheered, before gasping melodramatically. "Unless...she's in trouble for growing plants?!" Her eyes went wide with alarm. "That's not fair! Maya should get a medal for perking up Ponyville with pretty petunias!"

Maya laughed lightly at Pinkie's antics. "Silly thing. I'm going to get an office. Mayor Mare offered it last night... before I drank too much." She rubbed behind her head at that fuzzy memory. "Let's avoid repeating that part."

Pinkie bounced alongside Twilight's steps. "She must need help with pony records. She knows I am the best when it comes to that. I do it on my own! How else can a pony keep track of who needs a party when?"

Twilight gave Pinkie a doubting look. "You have curious hobbies, Pinkie." She waved ahead as they entered the town square. The town hall was not far ahead of them. "There it is. We'll get to work on our own things. You see about that office."

Mayor Mare had a warm smile waiting as the trio entered the modest town hall. "Ah Princess Twilight, Maya, a delight!" She gestured to the back room behind the public wicket counters. "Come see your new Haven Counseling office, dear!" They left Twilight and Pinkie behind, referring them to another office worker, and started down the road.

The Mayor led Maya down the street to a cozy free-standing building with a small apartment upstairs and professional office space below. "Here we are, your new Haven Counseling office and home, dear!" she proclaimed with pride. The building was cozy looking and a soft pastel shade, like many around it.

Maya stepped inside the welcoming downstairs parlor, sunlight streaming through lace curtains. The heavily varnished oak finishes and sage green walls with pastoral decor invited clients to unload their troubles on the cushy furniture. As Maya peered behind a door, she found a humble kitchenette and bathroom rounding out the counseling office amenities.

"The apartment for you is just upstairs, fully furnished," the Mayor explained. "And your first month's stipend to settle in." Her tone turned apologetic. "I know it's quite modest..."

"It's perfect!" Maya quickly assured, gratitude welling up all over again. This space felt just right to launch her new life helping ponies. With a warm office and cozy home of her own, she could fully plant roots in this community.

She couldn't help giggling as she wandered around the new space. "In, um, where I came from, getting a space like this would be a huge step. And I'd need so much money... Here, you're just..." She stopped, wiping a tear away. "Sorry... This is like a dream..."

Mayor Mare gently strokes along Maya's back. "We're thrilled to have you here. I think you'll be a fine addition to Ponyville, and help grow the community. That's worth giving you a building that's fallen out of use, hm? I'll take a pleasant neighbor over an empty house any day of the week."

Maya leaned into the Mayor's reassuring touch, emotions settling. "Well, either way, I can't thank you enough for this opportunity." She gazed around the cozy space that was somehow wholly hers. "It's still incredible to me that every pony gets provided for. Back home it was..."

She trailed off, discussions of capitalist systems perhaps too heavy. But the Mayor gave a sage nod. "I sensed as much from the surprise in your eyes. Equestria has flaws, but our rulers have ensured no pony sleeps uncared for on the streets." Her eyes took on a faraway sadness. "If only leaders beyond our borders felt as strongly..."  

The moment passed as she met Maya's eyes again with a chuckle. "Ah, but you've enough to adjust to already! Go, settle in upstairs. Once you've unpacked, do pop 'round my office for bureaucracy's sake." Her tone softened. "And know my door's always open if you need, dear."

Maya's gratitude swelled anew. With a final squeeze, the Mayor saw herself out while Maya explored her new apartment. It was compact but cozy, with cute antique furnishings and charming accents like a porcelain frog statuette on the bedside table. Almost like this space had been awaiting her whimsical touch all along.

With giddy optimism, Maya began personalizing the cute bungalow with her own infusions of plants. This dwelling felt like the first place in ages she had total dominion over. As greenery spilled from baskets under her guiding hoof, Maya felt her destiny coming into full bloom.

"Excuse me."

Maya perked in surprise at the call, scurrying down the stairs. "Yes?" She hadn't hung an 'open' sign or anything just yet!

There was a mare. She was smiling nervously. "Hello... I'm told you're a pony you can... just talk to... May I... talk to you?"

Maya blinked. A customer? A client! Somepony in need! She rushed over to the chair and waved at the couch. "I would be delighted! We should start with names." She pointed at herself. "I'm Maya, and I am a pony you can talk to, and we'll try to sort things out, hm?"

"Oh, good." The mare stepped up onto the couch and sank on it. "I'm Roseluck." Her mane reminded of those rose. Her pelt was a light yellowish tone. She had green eyes and a guarded smile. "And... change scares me."

Maya nodded at that. "First, a point to you for admitting that. Many have a hard time doing even that." That Roseluck looked pleased at the praise only made Maya smile. "Second, that is a very common fear. You don't like it, and who does, but fewer like it when things shift out of their comfort zone."

Roseluck giggled gently, wriggling her hooves but looking pleased. "Thank you, but it's a little more than that... When something surprising happens, I just... freak out... Like... I'll lock up. I'll pass out..." She rubbed at her neck from the side. "It's... I feel awful, afterwards, but I can't even help myself!"

Maya's expression softened with empathy. "Oh Roseluck, that anxiety response sounds so distressing. But the first step is self-awareness, which you demonstrate in abundance by coming here." She inclined forward, holding the nervous mare's gaze gently. "The first thing I want you to know is that you have done nothing wrong. Our minds and bodies can react intensely to perceived threats without our conscious control."

She had no notepad. She decided to try cheating. Pressing a hoof to the ground, she caused a plant to erupt with a notepad, of various thicknesses of wood, to emerge. She plucked the notepad fruit.

Equipped to continue, she cleared her throat. "Fainting or paralysis in response to stressful surprises means your nervous system overrides logic. It misidentifies those events as danger based on past trauma or wiring. But with care and training, such reactions can improve."  

Setting her notes aside, Maya refocused fully on Roseluck. "The goal ahead is not to berate yourself for how you respond now. Be proud for prioritizing healing." She extended a comforting hoof. "With time and tools, you can thrive. But first, simply breathe. And know you never stand alone."

Roseluck grasped Maya's hoof as if a lifeline, eyes shimmering with fragile hope. She had expected dismissal, not immediate empathy. Each shaky exhale eased tension from her frame. This compassionate stranger saw her, truly saw the pony behind the condition. And still, she offered a hoof up, not down. It was everything.

"One thing..." Roseluck glanced at the door and nodded.

Two other ponies came in. "These are my sisters in my craft. We are the flower mares."
> 8 - Working Together
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I am so proud of you all." Maya nodded at each of the three. "Coming here took a lot of bravery."

Daisy rubbed nervously at her cheek. "It did? We're not... brave."

"Cowardly is a better description." Lily nervously chuckled. "But you can help? Maybe?"

Maya tapped her hooves in thought. "I want to help. First! I am new around here. Please please please don't take this in a bad way, but how do ponies pay for mental help around here? We didn't go over that, and we're already dipping our little hooves into it."

Roseluck turned a dark red. "Oh, that would be my fault. I came in on you so suddenly... and you were so nice..." She cleared her throat into a hoof. "I will handle their fees."

"Great, good." Maya nodded with a smile. "But I didn't work that out yet. We'll... have to handle that afterwards, but knowing you're the pony I should be talking to helps a lot. Let's put that right aside. Tell me what happens, right now, when something scary happens."

"Roseluck's the fearless one, really," Lily whispered. "Once a bee flew into my hoof and we all freaked out and hid under a park bench for an hour, too scared to move..."

Daisy suddenly yelped, cowering as the notepad Maya had sprouted began to droop from lack of sunlight. "S-something's falling!" she cried before fainting dead away. The other two swiftly followed suit, collapsing against one another in a melodramatic heap with wailing moans of despair at the sudden noise.

As the three mares collapsed in a fainting spell, Maya swiftly knelt beside them. She ignited her hooves with emerald light, pressing them to the drooping notepad. Slowly the plant revived, leaves perking back to full health under her gentle encouragement.

As the last tiny flower bud reopened, three sets of eyes also blinked groggily back awake. Still disoriented from their abrupt episode, the mares softly shuffled themselves up from the tangled pile they had collapsed into.

Calmed by the return of stability in Maya's flowering aura, their panic had dispersed. Yet uncertainty lingered in their posture as they settled nervously back together on the couch.

"I want to try something." She pointed upstairs. "Lily, Roseluck, head up there." And they left Daisy behind.

Maya smiled at Daisy gently. "Alright, now, I'm going to boo." She said the word firmly and scarily, and it made Daisy jump. But she didn't pass out. "How did that feel?"

"Frightening." Daisy put a hoof over her chest. "Why did you do that?"

"Because I think this isn't a one pony problem." She whistled for the others and they rejoined them. "I think this is a group problem. A flower mare problem."

Daisy nodded hesitantly as her sisters shuffled back downstairs. "I...I suppose you're right. We've just always been this way, the whole family. Any little shock and we wilt like daylilies in frost."

Maya smiled encouragingly. "And separating you made facing that surprise less overwhelming, yes?" The ponies exchanged thoughtful glances as realization dawned. 

"Hey yeah...alone it was scary but not as paralyzing with my sisters out of sight..." noted Daisy.  

"Fascinating..." murmured Maya. "Then it seems your shared traumatic response has become something of an echo chamber over the years. Each bout feeding off and amplifying the others' reactions until you collapse collectively."  

She began pacing, mind whirring professionally. "If we disrupt that cycle, each learns to sit with uncertainty alone. Those feelings become less frightening without the whole group's escalating panic lending them false power."  

Maya brought her hooves together. "A question. Are you a family?"

Roseluck blinked. "Technically... no."

"But not-technically?"

Roseluck shook her head. "We've been together since we were foals. We were always best friends, and it just kind of..."

"Stuck," finished Lily. "We love each other so very much."

Daisy giggled with a growing smile. "I don't regret that part even a little. They are such fine friends and lovely mares."

"Let's not change that." Maya looked over her notes critically from the start. "I think we need to change that pattern. The first of you gets scared, but not just scared for you. You think of how scary it is for your beloved sisters. You can't handle them getting hurt, or you getting hurt. It's all too much..."

The three flopped over, knocked out just from Maya's explanation. "And then that," laughed out Maya. "Good, means I'm on the right track..."

As the flower mares came to, Maya helped the disoriented trio back onto the couch. "Yes, precisely that," she affirmed gently. "It seems your trauma response ties intrinsically to those familial bonds."  

She gave them a reassuring smile. "Which is perfectly understandable! You three clearly share a profound connection most ponies envy." Her tone softened further. "My goal is absolutely not to undermine that closeness sustaining you."

Maya retrieved her notepad, adding some scribbles. "Quite the opposite, in fact. By reframing panic triggers as protecting that relationship, we can begin rewiring instinctive reactions."  

She tapped her chin thoughtfully with the pen. "So becoming overwhelmed is not weakness, but love overwhelming you. Once that love is seen as strength, you learn to channel it as the comfort it is meant to be."  

Setting down her notes, Maya took each mare's hoof in turn. "When anxiety grips, remember you face darkness as one. The light of your sisterhood will see you through." Resolve kindled in their wet eyes. They had found their guide out of the woods at last.

"But how," insisted Daisy. "How do we do that? Do you know a spell?" She waved at Maya's glowing hooves. "Can you just touch us and make us grow bravery?"

Roseluck raised a doubting brow. "That sounds amazing, but I doubt it's that easy."

"It never is." Maya clapped her book shut. "We need to practice. We need to practice you three being strong, not for yourself, but your sisters. You are the pony that can protect them, not somepony else. Instead of fearing for them, think of how you can get them to safety."

"Get them to safety?" echoed Lily uncertainly. "But we're just flower sellers, not rescuers."  

Maya smiled patiently. "The path is one of small steps. Simply guiding your thoughts is the seed first planted."

Daisy scrunched her snout. "Well how can thinking happy thoughts stop me passing plum out from a bee sting?"

"you can't instantly erase years of conditioned response," Maya explained. "This is about building emotional resilience through reconsidering your core motivations."

Lily tilted her head. "I think I understand...trying to be brave for each other, not scared." 

Maya nodded. "Yes, precisely! Make that care the anchor, not the hazard."

Daisy still looked skeptical. "But panic just takes over! How do we make the jump from faking confidence to actually staying conscious when something freaky happens?"

Roseluck grabbed Daisy, hugging her. "Daisy, I love you." Daisy colored sharply. "If it meant... a thousand bee-stings... if it meant I could... stop you from getting hurt..."

Maya applauded gently. "Bravo, Roseluck. What bravery! That is exactly what I'm talking about. Turn your thoughts that way. Talk about how you can help each other, even through uncomfortable things. Then, when the scary thing comes up, you'll be starting from a better place."

Daisy flushed under Roseluck's sudden embrace. "I...well that's mighty sweet, Roseluck. And real brave-sounding and all." She smiled bashfully, then worry clouded her eyes again as she faced Maya. "But even just picturing that many nasty bee stings made my knees go all wobbly..."

Lily gently squeezed Daisy's hoof. "That's why it takes practice! We aren't gonna retrain our noggins overnight." She playfully booped Daisy's nose. "I'll walk with you to the market tomorrow, how's that? Then we look after each other if any bees buzz by!"

Daisy giggled anxiously. "Promise you won't let them get near my precious petunias?" At Lily's affirming grin, her posture softened slightly with fragile trust.

Maya beamed proudly at the little breakthrough exchange. "There now, you see? Mindfully redirecting your thoughts to selfless protection of one another lays fresh neural pathways in time." She gathered the three in a tight hug. "Have faith in the power of your devotion as nurturing nourishment, not weakening poison."

The emboldened ponies all exchanged teary but resolute smiles in the counselor's warm embrace. The months ahead would challenge their metamorphosis like strong winds. But cocooned in compassion, their flowering sustains. For when love is the light kindling courage through the dark, no night stretching out endures forever.

Daisy and Lily wandered out, talking about errant bees. Roseluck remained behind. "I feel awful, throwing myself on you before you even had a chance to settle in." She curled back and grabbed a bag from some unseen pocket. "I insist." She got some bits out of it and set them on the couch. "Here. Is... Um... I'll talk to you if we want to talk again."

"And you should." Maya waved a hoof at Roseluck. "These things aren't fixed overnight. I'd like to see you all at least once a week. Two weeks if you can't do that... Weekly would be best."

"Weekly," breathed out Roseluck with obvious consideration. " I'll talk to them, but I think we can do that. Thank you." She rushed in and hugged Maya, then fled without further word.

Maya slipped to her hooves with a smile. "That went well." She collected her coins and looked them over. "Now what did she pay me?"

Looking them over closely, she could see they had numbers. They weren't all the same coin. She had been given 2 10s and a 5. 25. "Is that... good?" Well, on one hoof, of course it was. They were the first bits she had earned. Just holding them filled her heart with joy.

Maya allowed herself a few moments to simply enjoy those glittering coins resting in her hoof - the first fruits of her counseling talents taking root in this strange new world. 25 bits...it seemed a respectable sum. That alone spoke volumes of the comfort Roseluck and her sisters had found in just one session together. 

Tucking away the precious coins, she grabbed a light shawl and headed out to further explore her adopted hometown. The market stalls and eateries would offer ideal spots to subtly observe economic exchanges and gather context on bit currency. She might inquire directly if it wouldn't draw undue attention to her newcomer status.

And she could pick up some household staples while out rather than conjuring everything by hoof! Though a little creative gardening was probably inevitable regardless. Maya chuckled softly to herself, embracing the delightfully strange coexistence of produce shopping and magical plant summoning as ordinary errands here. This world's wonder would keep her present.

One thing was clear, the local economy was strange. A fine dinner, two bits. A cozy chair, four bits. How did that make sense? Still, it meant the 25 she got was a lovely amount. It gave her something to work from to figure out her own prices. Oh. She stopped by Rarity's boutique. It was open, so she went inside.

Rarity looked up from her sewing machine. "One moment," she sang out, finishing her work enough to pause it. "Now, how can I... Maya!" She hurried up with a smile. "How lovely. I had no idea you were coming, darling. What brings you about this fine evening?"

"I had a business question, if you have a moment?" Maya hugged the white unicorn gently. "Sorry to bother you."

"Bother me? Dear, please." Rarity fanned at herself. "I have so few ponies that stop by wanting to talk about such things. As a self-employed mare, I have so much experience. Are you also becoming self-employed? Opening a business? Tell me!"

"I did!" Maya pointed to where her office was. "I already had my first client. I helped..." She paused, frowning. "I shouldn't give away their details, but I helped them. I need to know how much I should be charging,  as a rule. I was hoping a fellow business-mare could set me straight."
> 9 - Horse Cents
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya produced one of her larger bits, the 10, and set it down on the counter next to Rarity's sewing machine. "I was paid 25 bits today. I gave therapy for three ponies in a group, one session, half an hour? Did I do good, or was I ripped off?"

Rarity set her hoof on the bit. "That is a more complicated question than I think you realize, dear." She slid the coin off the counter, floating in her magic. "You seem to be trying to price things based on how hard they are to make, but that isn't how it operates, darling. Basic things, things a pony needs to survive, they are cheap, always. The throne subsidizes them to keep them that way, and regulates the price along the way. If you make staples, you'll never be rich."

She put the coin on Maya's hoof. "But you'll never be poor either. You." She pointed at Maya directly. "Are not offering a basic."

Maya's ears danced. "Mental health is a re--"

Rarity popped a hoof into Maya's mouth. The most surprising part of that was that it didn't hurt. Maya expected having a hand abruptly shoved in her mouth to be far less pleasant, but it was instead just annoying, and an invasion of space. She ducked back, but let Rarity speak.

"Dear, you heard the mayor. You're the very first in this town." Rarity smiled brilliantly. "You are a luxury. Price yourself accordingly. If you feel bad about it, and I suggest against that, use the bits you earn to offer services to those that can't afford it."

Maya's eyes widened as she processed Rarity's guidance. The elegant pony made a compelling case - with no existing mental health services in Ponyville before her arrival, Maya's counseling genuinely was a premium offering. She had skillfully, or luckily, tapped an unmet need.

"A luxury..." Maya murmured, gazing at the bits with fresh perspective. For all the village's harmony, anxiety still festered for sensitive souls unable to find support previously...until fate dropped the perfect confidante into their midst. 

Perhaps she had been thinking too small-scale. Was she not the sole pioneer on the mental health frontier in these parts?  A renewed sense of self-worth straightened Maya's posture. She was no mere gardener or guru. This was bespoke care crafted for evolving Equestria into its best self...one listener at a time. 

"You make an excellent case, Rarity," Maya said with a growing smile. "I clearly underestimate the value of my services since they've never been available here before."  

She turned a resolute look back to her mentor. "I will take your advice and price accordingly as a luxury. And your suggestion about discounted rates for struggling ponies is a great idea." Her eyes shown with purpose anew. "Ooo, I can even model that, make the ones paying full price proud to know they're funding community services."

Rarity grinned, seeing her new friend finally grasp her worth. "That's the spirit, darling! Oh, and if you ever want help advertising with some eye-catching flyers, you need only ask." 

Maya gladly took the creative pony up on that offer as their chat stretched long into the starry evening. It felt so heartening to see this quaint village through freshly appreciative eyes, and two mares well on their way to becoming the staunchest of friends.

Rarity smooched Maya on either cheek. "Darling, we have some lovely things." She paused to yawn into a hoof. "But it grows late. We industrious mares must rest for the evening, hm? Go on. I know you'll knock it right out of the park tomorrow."

"You are the best." Maya hugged Rarity tightly, tail wagging behind her. "The best. Seriously." She fell to all fours and gathered everything up, waddling towards the door.

"Dear..." Rarity caught up with her easily and grabbed her things in glowing horn magic. "Use your pockets." She showed Maya how to get things in there properly, a skill a former human still had to practice. "So much easier. Poor thing, watching you..."

Maya blushed, but dipped her head. "The. Best... Good night, Rarity."

Her work done, Rarity drew Maya into one more fierce hug. "You were made for greater things here. Never doubt that, my dear. And never doubt you've a friend always ready to catch you if you stumble."

Maya returned the embrace fiercely, throat catching at such unconditional support. For all the alien changes, this anchor of camaraderie made it feel truly possible she could rebuild an extraordinary new life.

With twin kisses on the cheek, mentor and student at last parted ways to let rest replenish their hungry souls. The future shimmered with promise when gifted givers uplifted as one. 

Maya scurried home with a cheerful whistle on her lips. "I have this," she promised herself as she headed inside and locked the door behind her. She hadn't locked it before, but Ponyville didn't feel like a dangerous town. "I... probably don't need to lock it now even..." But she left it locked, retreating to her bed to collapse on it.

And face her first night of sleeping entirely on her own. "This is new..." Even home, she had slept with her family, then her college roomies, then back with her family. She had always been with someone. That building just had her, alone.

Maya curled up in her cozy bed, the unfamiliar silence settling heavily around her. How long had it been since she had truly slept alone without family, friends or even strangers just on the other side of a wall? The isolation felt strangely vulnerable after a life surrounded by kin and community.

She fluffed her pillow, seeking comfort from its plush softness. At least creating familiar furnishings had proven easy enough thanks to her emerging gifts. Surely that practice summoning indoor gardens had prepared her to conjure whatever creature comforts she craved?

Yet as Maya nestled under the covers, she realized no amount of magical greenery could replace living bonds that eased restless minds. Even the gentle croaking of frogs or chirping crickets refused to manifest at her silent behest.

With a discontented huff, she rolled over and stared out the open window instead. The twinkling stars over Ponyville soothed her somewhat, imaginings of the other villagers she had connected with thus far like Rarity, Pinkie and the flower mares wrapping around her heart. 

She wasn't truly alone, not anymore. Just on her own, for the time. That independence was cause for celebration, not clutching fears of isolation! With a resolute nod, Maya affirmed her choice to believe in community carrying her through the voids yet echoing unfamiliar. She breathed deep of the fresh air carrying scents of friendship on its breeze and gradually surrendered to sleep's soft reknitting...





Maya opened her eyes to find pink. She blinked as the pink drew back into a face, Pinkie grinning at her. "I locked that door." She pointed at where the locked door had been.

"Morning!" Pinkie grabbed maya in a tight hug. "You felt like you needed a hug or three, so I stopped by."

Maya sat up onto her haunches even as several vines tickled at Pinkie. "You didn't say how you got in. I know I locked that door. Surrender your secrets, pink menace."

Pinkie squealed and giggled, wriggling at the tickles but looking only amused by it. "Stop it! I'll talk! I'll talk."

Maya let up with a nod. "So, talk. How?" She peeked past Pinkie. The door was closed and looked unharmed.

"Chimney."

Maya frowned. "I don't have a chimney."

"Oh, right." Pinkie tapped at her chin softly. "Look, earth pony magic." She pointed at one of Maya's glowing hooves. "You can make plans grow. I end up in places ponies don't expect me. Same thing."

Maya's eyes narrowed, not quite buying the too-convenient comparison. "So...you're saying you appearing uninvited inside my locked home is just your...special talent?"  

She folded her forelegs skeptically. Pinkie's permanent smile managed to look a little sheepish. 

"Welllll when you put it like that, it sounds kinda bad! But I really DID feel a big ol' wave of lonely sads from here and just had to rush over to help!"

Pinkie suddenly gasped, face lighting up. "Waitwaitwait - can YOU sense feelings with your earth magic too?? Is THAT why you're so amazingly awesome at hugs and helping ponies?"

She began rapidly prodding various parts of Maya's body as if searching for an emotion antenna. "C'mooon, you gotta tell me all your magical secrets!" she begged with a winsome grin.

Maya swatted the probing hooves away, unable to hold back an amused smile herself. She supposed that boundless enthusiasm and brazen boundary pushing came from a place of care. 

"Alright alright, enough guessing," she chuckled. "I can't just magically...detect feelings. But I did train for years to understand minds and trauma so I could help."

Maya took Pinkie's hoof gently. "So try to trust that I appreciate you caring, but won't always need bursting in on, okay?" She hesitated, then pulled her into a fierce hug. "But for today...thank you. This helps."

Sometimes, one just had to embrace Hurricane Pinkie's unique rhythms. And for now, the sunlight streaming around that fluffy pink mane soothed lingering alone-ness. Maya sighed, willing vines to brew them some nice chamomile tea for a slow morning's communion.

Pinkie watched the vines work with an impressed Ooo of a noise. "That is very neat, not gonna lie." She bounced around the vines as they began to waft with the scents of tea. "Very earth pony, I approve. I bet Maud would love it too. Have you met her?"

"I have not?" Maya offered a cup to Pinkie and held one for herself. "Are they a friend of yours?"

"Sister, like a friend, but better!" Pinkie sipped the tea, then chugged it down, ignoring its heat. "Mmm, good! I'll send her by later, okay? She's hard for a lot of ponies to get a read on, but that's your specialty, right? I bet you'll see through her if you try."

"Your...sister." Maya eyed Pinkie uncertainly as she sipped her own still-steaming tea. Given this pony's peculiarities, what might her relative be like? Some manic force of chaos unleashed?

"Well...I suppose meeting more of Ponyville's residents would be worthwhile," Maya said evenly, not wanting to risk offending Pinkie by expressing reluctance. "Does your sister also have unusually 'energetic' talents like you seem to?"

Pinkie snickered. "Nah, Maud couldn't bounce to save her life! She's super duper laid-back and monotone about pretty much everything. Ponies sometimes think she's emotionless but that's just 'cause they don't get her subtle signals."

She loudly slurped the rest of her drink. "She's an expert on rocks - moved out of the Pie family rock farm and lives close by in her personal cave."  

Maya wasn't sure an introverted rock farmer would have much interest in befriending Ponyville's resident counselor. Then again, monotone? Hard to read? Emotionless even? "Is your sister... autistic?"

Pinkie blinked softly. "I have no idea what that is, but if it's a good thing, then yes." She put the cup down. "I gotta go. Somepony has to bake things up, and that somepony is me." She pointed at herself, then dashed for the door. To her small credit, she unlocked it before charging through it. "Bye!" She waved energetically, vanishing towards Sugarcube Corner.

That left Maya to consider the day. "First step..." She grabbed a board and a marker and began to scribble, writing up the prices she'd work with. "Luxury... Luxury... Wow." She rubbed at her cheek. "I thought I'd be offering the opposite of that... They look so happy, but they have no one to talk to about these things?"

She folded her arms with a soft hum. "I didn't ask for this, but maybe that's why I'm here at all. They need a friendly ear." She smiled, sinking to her haunches. "--and I have two. Ponyville, prepare to be listened to!"
> 10 - Stuck Between a Rock and a Maud Place
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya looked up at a soft knocking at her door. "Come in," she sang out with a smile. "Ponyville heard about me so quickly."

"Hello." A grey earth pony stepped inside with a placid look. Maud rarely gave other sorts of look, and her looking at Maya was no exception. "My sister suggested I stop by. I'm not sure why."

Maya waved at the couch. "Come on in, Maud? Nice to meet you, Maud. I'm a pony that talks to other ponies. I try to help them with their problems, on the inside." She tapped a hoof on her chest. "Sometimes, just having a place to talk about things can really help."

Maud stepped up and sank onto the couch, tail curling behind her. "Huh. I'm Maud. Maud Pie. I am Pinkie's sister. I assume you know her?"

"Yup." Maya examined Maud with a soft hum of her own. "You two... Forgive me, but the family resemblence--"

"Pinkie is the pink wolf of the family." Maud smiled just faintly. "She only has two settings, and you probably only saw one, happy."

Maya scribbled a note quickly. "And what setting would you say you usually have?"

But Maud just looked at her, silent and flat.

"Maud?" The silence dragged on. "You're in a safe place. You're not here to be judged."

"This is my setting." Maud inclined her head faintly. "I could say it, but ponies never understand when I do." Her words carried a pain, but the tone was entirely flat, as if reading a weather report of some light rain.

Maya tensed, resisting the urge to hop to her hooves. "Be professional," she reminded herself in a soft whisper. "I'm very sorry you've felt that way before, but I want to help. Can you tell me, in your words, how you feel? I'm listening."

Maud gazed back levelly at Maya. "I feel fine. This is my normal." 

She idly tapped a hoof on her chest in echo of Maya's prior gesture. "Ponies seem to think if you aren't loudly emoting or smiling all the time like my sister, something must be wrong inside. They project their own discomfort with stillness."

Maud slowly swept her eyes across Maya's office space. "Do the plants make ponies feel calmer when they visit you? Is that why you make them grow in here?"  

She did not seem bothered, merely curious. But there was an unspoken vulnerability in Maud trusting Pinkie's insistence she meet this stranger. Perhaps she was as privately desperate for connection as anypony.

Maya chose her response carefully. "The plants help brighten the space, yes. But mainly I want visitors to feel comfortable opening up however suits them best." 

She met Maud's eyes again warmly. "Joy takes many forms. Not all of us shout it from the rooftops. What matters is that you feel at peace inside." Maya extended a gentle hoof. "I hope being here brings some of that peace for you, Maud."

Something behind the barest flicker in Maud's eyes suggested that Maya's patience and eschewing of assumptions touched her. She completed the offered hoof bump ritual as hints of common ground took tentative root between two unlikely new friends.

"It's quiet." Maud inclined her head. "Peaceful. Sister mentioned you had a very earth-pony talent."

"Oh! Yes." Maya rubbed her hooves together, then pressed them to the ground, bidding a little peach tree to sprout, one big fat peach dangling towards Maud. "For you."

Maud gazed placidly at the peach. "I prefer rocks."

Maya sat up at that. "Do... you mean that literally? I... can't summon a rock. A rock is not a plant."

"You can do any plant?" Maud slid to her hooves and reached up, prodding the peach that dangled there. "At least you picked one with a stone." She pulled the peach free and chomped into it, casually biting into that pit and through it with a loud crunching sound with each placid chew.

Maya blinked, taken aback as Maud casually devoured fruit and stone alike. Had that pit been crushed like a nutshell or actually...swallowed? Surely digesting solid rock couldn't be good for any creature. 

"I, uh...yes, manipulating plant life comes quite naturally it seems," Maya managed, diverting her eyes politely from Maud's consumption display. "As for rocks themselves, that exceeds my earth pony capabilities currently."

She tapped her hooves together thoughtfully. "But perhaps with time and practice. My talents are still blossoming in unexpected ways." Glancing at the placid pony thoughtfully, she wondered if nurturing barren stone might be possible one day.

Maud gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment, having neatly reduced the peach remnants to nothing but fibers dangling from her mouth that she drew in with her tongue. "You'll have to visit the rock farm then. Could be...inspiring." 

Maya sensed the slightest shift in Maud's energy on that last line, as if she was intrigued to witness Maya's reactions to the unique geological terrain that enthralled one Pie sister and baffled most others. It echoed Maya's own hope she might come to understand Maud's world better. 

"I would be delighted to see your farm whenever you'll have me." Maya's tone conveyed earnest enthusiasm. Where some perceived bleakness in Maud's stone sanctuary, she chose to expect hidden beauty awaiting one willing to search its depths without judging.

Maud nodded. "Good, you'll get to meet the rest of the Pie family." She raised a hoof, which did not glow. "We all have strong earth talents, but they are internal." She turned the hoof on herself. "I am strong compared to many other ponies, and tough. I'm not gloating." She went silent a moment. "I just am."

Maya leaned towards her curious patient. Was she a patient? Maya realized that hadn't been established. "Do you mean tough as in you could run a long time?"

"I could." Maud curled on herself, drawing out a needle one might sew with. "I meant this." She put the needle on the ground, then stepped on it. Maya cringed in sympathetic pain, but the needle just bent over and snapped, not injuring Maud in the slightest.

"Incredible..." Maya breathed. She had read earth ponies possessed greater physical power than the average race, but seeing Maud effortlessly snap solid metal was another matter!

"I can understand why you expected me to be unsurprised by such a display if this resilience runs in your family." Maya inclined her head respectfully. "Please know I meant no judgment at all saying rocks are just something I can't do, yet?. Your connection to stone is clearly profound."

She leaned in, eyes glinting with curiosity not unlike Twilight's scholar streak. "If I may, how did you discover such...gifts exactly? Did your parents and Pinkie also display similar affinities for objects aligning to their names from youth?"

"Maud isn't a kind of rock." Maud inclined her head with some mild confusion. "Marble is. Limestone is. Pinkie is not." 

"True." Maya forced a smile. "Sorry, got excited a moment there. You all have earth pony magic, you said?"

"Yes." Maud inclined her head. "Pinkie's is less obvious, but she has it, a lot of it.  It runs in the family. We are very earth ponies." She fixed Maya in her unblinking gaze. "So are you. Yours is very flashy. Not a bad flashy, but very flashy."

Maya stamped a glowing hoof, the verdant aura pulsing in tandem. "Maybe transformative magic awakened dormant energies when it changed me into a pony. Or something in the soil drew innate gifts to the surface."

She shook her head with a rueful smile. "Your family amazes, but what dwells inside me almost feels...separate. Not inherent earth power but another layer woven through me."

She met Maud's impassive gaze, hoping for a kindred spirit's insight. "Have you crossed other ponies touched by such unexpected forces?" Here she could share secrets and actually be heard.

"No." Maud advanced on Maya, almost nose to nose. "That is why I came. Are there limits?"

"Limits? Oh, yes, for sure." Maya nodded swiftly. "I can't make plants I don't already know, to start. I can't  just... imagine a plant I don't know and expect it to show up. I tried!" She laughed tensely, remembering those failed attempts. "And only about... this tall." She raised her hoof over her head, about six feet in total. "Aiming for a plant bigger than that just stops about there and you have a young plant, if it was going to get bigger later."

Maud hummed thoughtfully. "What if it was not supposed to get that large? Try a small plant."

"A small plant?" Maya pressed her hooves to the ground. "Like a flower?" And a flower budded and grew rapidly up, but flowers were not meant to support themselves so large. The whole thing tipped over and flopped to the ground weakly. "Oops..."

"Hm. Still interesting." Maud poked the defeated flower. "it's still as large as you wanted, even if it's not standing."

"True!" Maya blinked with shock. "I didn't even think of that. You are very clever, Maud."

Maud smiled in that subtle way she had. "Thank you. You have earth magic, but no knowledge. If you had knowledge, your magic may get even flashier. I would like to teach you."

"Teach me?" Maya echoed in pleasant surprise. She had anticipated needing to gently coax Maud to open up, not receive such a considerate offer to help expand her skills right off the bat.  

"That's remarkably generous of you, Maud," Maya said earnestly. "With all my counseling studies, I never pursued much botany or horticulture before, pop, I suddenly had that. Your expertise could be really handy."

Maud simply nodded. "It is practical. Your talents impact plants which impact my farm's crops and the local environment." Her tone remained neutral, but hints of altruism glimmered faintly in her eyes.

"We will start with soil composition and ideal growing conditions." As Maya listened intently, Maud launched into a detailed geological profile of the area, minerals that abounded, viability for certain fruits and vegetables over others, ideal watering and shade patterns based on topography...all factors the counselor hadn't even begun considering.

Maya scribbled notes eagerly, perceiving for the first time principles that had unconsciously guided local earth pony intuition for generations. "Is that why?" Maud looked at her curiously. "Some plants just grew well sometimes. It felt random... but now it doesn't. It was the dirt."

"It's always the dirt." Maud seemed self-pleased. "The dirt is where the plants live. It gives them strength and life. Even if you can't make dirt, and especially then, you are beholden to it."

"That makes so much sense," got out Maya breathlessly. "Wow, thank you so much!" She considered a moment. "Let's call today a trade."

"A trade?" Maud inclined her head. "What are we trading?"

"Your first session." Maya pointed at Maud, then herself. "For mine. We both got something out of it, I hope? I'd be glad to hear more from you, and maybe I can hear more dirt tricks?"

"I was going to teach you for free." She shrugged faintly. "But I do want to talk. I acccept your trade."

Maya felt a rush of gratitude for Maud's matter-of-fact generosity. In her own understated way, this supposedly emotionless pony overflowed with more unconditional kindness than most beings who smiled twice as wide.

"Well I appreciate that, but your time and wisdom are valuable too," Maya affirmed. "I don't give counseling freely because it's my livelihood...as farming is yours! So let this be an exchange between friends."

She smiled softly. "And one session was already worthwhile to better understand you. Not expressing feelings vividly doesn't mean you don't have them."  

Maud blinked slowly. "Other ponies often assume so. I do have emotions though. More than they realize." She idly tapped a hoof, brow slightly furrowed in thought. "It can be...frustrating when they get overwhelmed by me being overwhelmed...and I wasn't overwhelmed at all."

Maya nodded in dawning comprehension. Maud's muted reactions didn't align with expectations. "You process internally while others emote externally. Neither better nor worse, but it causes mismatched assumptions."

Maud's subtle smile returned. "Yes. That is why I came to you. Pinkie claims you...listen differently. It seems she was right." She suddenly tilted her head sharply. "Sometimes it is the other way. When I feel overwhelmed but ponies around me don't seem to understand. I am always the same rock to them."

"Not to me." Maya took Maud in a gentle embrace. "Let's talk more. We have so much to go over."

"You are a good listener." Maud turned to leave for the day. "I will return in a week's time."
> 11 - Gazing Into Stone
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya had other clients, but none were exactly as fascinating as the one that emoted the least. "Maud, I'm glad you came today." She pressed her hooves together. "I've been practicing what you showed me."

Maud nodded lightly. "Good. Grow a flower."

Maya hopped down and planted her hooves firmly. "Flower!" A sunflower erupted before her, growing tall and strong. It exceeded the height she had been limited to before, its base hardening with tree-like wood, stiff enough to press yet higher and higher as she focused on it. "And... That's... as tall as I can get."

Still, there it was, a flower growing along the roof, that had started on the floor. "How's that?"

Maud tapped at the floor. "Where does your flower get its food when you grow it inside?"

Maya blinked, stunned. "I never thought of that." She poked the tree-hard flower gently, but it didn't reveal its secrets. "The ground under the house?"

"You're guessing."

Maya wilted. "I am... It's the best guess I have."

"Maybe." Maud leaned back. "I would like a turn."

"Of course." Maya re-took her seat. "Please, tell me what's bothering you, or you just want to talk about." They traded turns like that, one seeing to the other back and forth smoothly. "I'm here to listen."

Maud settled back on the couch, gazing thoughtfully at some ferns Maya had manifested. "Listening is good. Most ponies think they listen by waiting for their next chance to talk."  

Her tone remained neutral, but there was a weariness that came from a lifetime of friends and family talked over or dismissed. Still, something kindled behind her eyes as they trailed back to Maya that hinted the patient counselor really did hear her in a way that resonated.

"Ponies also think if you listen while doing other things, that counts." Maud tilted her head faintly, almost accusatory. "But it does not. Listening with all of you matters."  

She idly tapped a hoof near the base of the towering sunflower sprouting impossibly from Maya's floor. "That is why your flower disturbs me. You made it listen with all of you, yet neither considered fully the how or why. Only the show of it."

It was the longest speech Maya had heard from Maud. But the words sliced cleanly - her stunt HAD ignored ecological responsibility in her zeal to perform magic augmented by Maud's guidance. Humility bowed Maya's head.  

"You are right, Maud. That was thoughtless of me." She lifted her gaze back to Maud's. "But I hear you now. My gifts must serve more than my pride. This exchange goes both ways." She let the showy plant recede back to dormant seeds, resolving to only coax life with good purpose. "Now, I am listening to you." She turned her ears on Maud directly. "What do you want me to hear?"

Maud considered that with a crossed hoof. "That's a big question. I love Pinkie Pie, but I hate how she runs me over sometimes... Please don't tell her that. She is so eager... It's her best part, but it can be..." She took a slow breath, though her face remained neutral. "It's frustrating." Her tone, ever steady. "I want to love her unconditionally, but... sometimes I love her more than other times."

"She is overwhelming." Visions of that pink ball of energy danced in Maya's mind. "But you're also right, it's one of her better parts." She put a hoof to her chest. "But... She cares for you so... so much. My suggestion... When you feel she's--"

"Don't say that."

Maya blinked, cut off. "Don't say what?"

"Don't say to tell her to stop." Maud inclined her head away from Maya. "When she's excited, it's hard to say even that and have her hear me. She has the problem I mentioned. Sometimes, most of the time, she's waiting, impatiently, for her turn to talk. She doesn't give her all to listening, ever. That's not Pinkie."

Maya frowned with consideration. "Pinkie... is a special creature."

"Yes."

"And tricky." Maya gently smiled. "I've been run over by that pink train before."

Maud performed her subtle smile. "She does that to a lot of ponies. I don't think I can change her. It's her. That isn't a very rock way. I tried... standing still. I tried not changing. It's not working. What do I do?"

Maud took a slow breath. "This is a big question."

Maya smiled gently. Maud coming to her with such open vulnerability showed great courage and trust. Avoiding pat reassurances, she considered carefully. 

"Change can be the only constant, the only thing immune," Maya said. "Pinkie is a force embodying joyful chaos. Rigidity shatters against that waterfall." 

She turned a hoof up in demonstration. "The willow endures storms that fell oak and spruce by gracefully bending. Be water shaping around stone, not stone damming water."  

Maud blinked slowly in thought, hoof sliding to the planted seeds. "So I should yield?"

"Yield strategically," Maya amended. "Discern when Pinkie's exuberance leaves space for you to redirect flow constructively. Meet her wavelength at times."  

She smiled. "As willow, be the first to sway toward her, inviting her exuberance into your orbit before getting bowled over. Then sway together more harmoniously!"  

Maud experimentally rocked side to side, considering. She was used to waiting immovable for her environment to change. But real change emerged within. "Dance with Pinkie and invitingly lead in directing us."  

She nodded firmly to herself, eyes glinting with dawning revelation. "I'll try." She pointed at Maya. "Your turn. You are an earth pony. You mentioned you felt as if there was 'another layer', as if it were detached from you." Maud stepped down. "That is the earth, and you. You are together. That seperation holds you back." She put a hoof to her chest. "I can feel the earth when I am quiet. Be quiet."

Maya knew enough to do just that, stilling herself. Both were silent and still, and felt for that earthen power that stirred in them both.

She focused inward, searching beyond the glow suffusing her hooves to connect with the deeper wellspring feeding it. The world fell away as Maya listened for the earth's ancient pulse.

At first she sensed nothing but her own breath and rhythmic heartbeat. Yet gradually an echo thrummed through her core in sync with the grounding hoof rooted below. Reverberations shifted from her form to the foundations beneath the cushions, stabilizing her.

Maya nearly broke focus in revelation before catching herself. Of course - she was OF this land now, not merely ON it! Rather than casting magic arbitrarily, true earth ponies manifested a part that was integral inside them. Her gifts flowed not from some arcane source apart from Equestria but elemental harmony with nature itself. She only had to hear the song of soil and stone resonating within.

Buoyed by breakthrough, Maya almost vibrated with questions once she finally opened her eyes. Yet the contented glint in Maud's gaze brought her joyfully back to the moment at hoof. Their connection congealed richer having guided each other closer to respective truths. She sent a silent prayer of thanks into the earth swirling new possibilities between them.

Maud nodded softly, watching Maya quietly until she looked recovered. "You saw it. We are the earth." She tapped her hooves softly. "The earth is us. We are not 'earth' ponies because we are stuck to it, but because we are it."

"I understand." Maya tapped her chin gently. "But I don't think most earth ponies do."

"They don't." Maud slid back up into her seat. "My turn. I find myself growing jealous." Her expression revealed none of it. "Other ponies have such flashy abilities. Pegasi can soar overhead, and unicorns, it's difficult to even begin." Her tone remained steadfastly even. "You, a sister of the earth, have far flashier abilities. Other ponies can see your gift and applaud it. I am just me."

Maya's expression softened at the quiet confession beneath Maud's impassive veneer. She who intimately grasped the earth's stoic perseverance still silently yearned for wings spread gloriously through sunbeams or iridescent arcs of magic conjured on a whim.

"Your family loves you deeply as only you," Maya gently offered. "But I understand longing for that special wonder in another's eyes instead of polite expectation. Just reliable, steady Maud." 

Idly swirling her hooves in a slow spiral, Maya summoned a few small pebbles to bob lazily in the sparkling aura. "I could use some of that steadiness myself. The pressures of performing novelty exhaust, make me neglect core duties."  

The stones plunged abruptly back into the dissipating energy field. Maya shook her head, clearing showy distraction. "What good to dazzle eyes while leaving relationships eroded? I must nurture roots before chasing flash."  

She took Maud's hoof between hers resolutely. "You are a lovely pony, Maud. I feel honored and privaleged to have met you, and each session we share, I feel happier. Now, there is something only somewhat related I wanted to bring up."

Maud inclined her head. "What is that?"

Maya took a step back from Maud. "Your boyfriend."

"Mudbriar? What about him?" Maud gazed at Maya evenly.

"I'd like you to bring him next time." Maya nodded with growing certainty. "I think you could make some progress with him. Does he understand what you go through?"

"He isn't understood very well, but it's different." Maud paused with thought. "Similar, but not the same. He does listen and wait for me. I appreciate that. He is very precise." She smiled with memories. "I appreciate that, except when I do not. They say 'all things in moderation'. He does not moderate." 

Maya hummed gently. "I think I see, but I get the idea I won't really see until he's in front of me. Do you think he'd be alright with coming here?"

"If I ask him, he will come, even if he doesn't want to." She inclined her head. "I like that. He will tell me afterwards. If I ask him up front, I can learn, but I have to ask, or he might wait. He will irritate you. He irritates everypony else I've introduced him to. Please don't be mad at him." Maud took a step towards the door. "Are we done for today?"

"One last thing." Maya gently reached to draw Maud in a warm hug. "You've touched and inspired me with our talks. Remember the seed within all of us longing for nurture...even the smallest shoot can break through time's stone." 

Releasing her slowly, Maya met Maud's eyes with quiet reverence. "As for next time, bringing Mudbriar will help expand my viewpoint immensely, irritating quirks and all." She chuckled softly to convey no judgment awaited the quirky stallion.

"We're fellow passengers just doing our best from inside our skins." She swished her tail towards the door. "The full picture builds only by blending unique viewpoints non-defensively, not demanding others bend to suit our notions."

Maud completed her subtle smile, the significance not lost on her. How relieving and rare for certain relationships to rest in such compassionate forehooves here. "I will ask him to visit with me soon then." 

With a final grateful glance back, Maud touched the flowering plants fondly as she exited, contemplating all she might nurture going forth. She left quietly, not even a sound as she closed the door behind her.

Maya scurried to check the sign to see it was set to open. "Will another adorable pony visit?" She hopped up into her chair. "I hope so." She clapped her hooves, but the motion stopped as a scroll dropped onto her head. "What?" She grabbed it with a hoof and unfurled it.

It was a letter from Princess Celestia.



Hello, Doctor of the Mind and Spirit,

I have heard you have been providing succor to my little ponies, and I am delighted. But, I am also informed you have not been informed of how these things operate. Ponies of my realm do not pay for help, especially for that of the mind or body. Physician, please stop collecting from them, but know that we will never leave you wanting. Your care eases their suffering, and so I, Princess Celestia, feel indebted to ease yours.

When next convenient, bring this letter to Mayor Mare. The sight of it should make it quite clear how I wish things to be handled from here forward.

Thank You For Your Service,
Princess Celestia


> 12 - Red Tape and Red Carpets
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya trotted up to the mayor's office, holding the letter in her mouth. She was sure she had the right place. She knocked on the door. "Hello? Mayor Mare?" She knocked again.

"Miss." Another pony, a stallion, was waving at Maya. "You shouldn't just walk up to Miss Mare's office like that." He waved her closer. "We should get you an appointment." He started. "Unless you already have one? Sorry for not asking."

"No, I don't have one. I just got this letter from Princess Celestia." She held it up in her mouth. "I'm supposed to give it to her."

"Oh, you're a courier?" The stallion accepted the letter and set it down to unfold it and give it a cursory read. "Oh! Oh, yes. This is quite important." He folded the letter up. "Let me see if she's open." He rose to his hooves and trotted over to the door.

He knocked just as Maya had, but he also opened the door and pressed past it, soon lost to sight and sound.

Maya sank to her haunches. "Hope that goes--" She didn't get to finish, the stallion waving frantically for her to follow him. "That was fast." She hopped up to her hooves and started towards the door. "She's in?"

"Maya," came the sweet tones of Mayor Mare from beyond the door. "Do come in. I hear you have quite the letter for me."

Maya stepped inside and found herself in a very nice office. "This is... a lot nicer than I expected." She looked around. "I'm not sure what I expected."

Mayor Mare waved Maya closer. "My office is the office of the ponies of this town, don't be shy. Show me this letter. I hear it's from a very important pony indeed."

Maya dropped the letter from her mouth onto Mayor Mare's desk. "It came out of nowhere. Is that normal?"

Mayor Mare unfurled it and had a look. "Oh, oh dear." She put a hoof to her face, looking aghast. "It seems I've made an error. I thought you were providing an elective service, a luxury service. This--" She pointed to the letter. "Means the princess is quite certain what you offer should be considered an essential one."

"An essential service?" Maya blinked. "I'm helping ponies, but I don't think I'm essential." She smiled though. "I'm happy she thinks so. If only they did back home. People, er, pony minds are just as important as their bodies."

"The princess appears to agree with you." Mayor Mare folded her arms. "But that means I have you classified entirely incorrectly. Your place of business is more akin to the school, or the hospital. There are very different rules governing those versus, for instance, Rarity's boutique."

"I see." Maya nodded. "So what does that mean for me? I've been charging ponies to come in, but I guess that's not allowed now." She laughed. "I'm glad I didn't get too far into the business before finding out."

Mayor Mare smiled gently. "If you're worried you've broken a law, you haven't. You were informed of the legal judgment.  If you cease collecting bits, there is nothing else to be done. We won't be arresting you today, hm? That would be awful." She patted Maya on the shoulder. "Our newest resident, treated that way? Perish the thought."

Maya chuckled. "That's good. I wouldn't want to be arrested. I was just trying to help." She glanced around the office. "So, what do I do now?"

Mayor Mare tapped her chin. "Well, first, no more asking for bits. Just take down their names and cutie marks,  if they have one, and make a list to give to me. I'll forward the list on to Canterlot, for record-keeping. The princess wants to know who's helping and where, so she knows what resources we have available." She considered with a narrowing of her eyes behind her glasses. "But, more important for you perhaps, it means your little office is now a municipal branch. You are a town employee, and will be paid by this office."

"I'm a town employee?" Maya blinked. "Wow, that's...wow. I don't know what to say. I just wanted to help." She smiled brightly. "I'm glad I can still do that. I'll be sure to make a list for you. I don't think I've seen anypony with two cutie marks yet, but I'll let you know if I do."

Mayor Mare nodded, just to shake her head. "No no, I don't think you will. I more meant to keep an eye out for creatures that come that may not have a mark at all. Dragons, griffons, donkeys? They should be helped as you can, but they won't have any marks to note down."

"Oh, I see." Maya nodded. "I'll keep an eye out for those too. Thank you for clarifying." She turned towards the door. "I should get back to my office. Unless there's anything else?" She paused with a new thought. "When do I get paid? Weekly?"

"Weekly," echoed Mayor Mare. "It'll be sent by mail courier to your office for you to enjoy. I'm sorry again for mixing things up."

"It's okay." Maya smiled. "It all worked out. I'm happy to help. It's what I do." She turned to leave. "Have a good day, Mayor Mare."

"And you as well, Doctor." Mayor Mare tucked the letter away, its business concluded. "Perhaps I'll visit then."





Pleased with herself and how things had gone, Maya trotted down the main road of Ponyville. "This world--" She twirled in place. "I didn't ask to get here, but it seems so nice. I could have ended up in worse places, for sure."

She was, in part, convincing herself. But, ultimately, she was looking on the bright side of things. "I have an office, and it's a government job, with a government that seems to care about it's people, er, ponies." She hugged herself firmly. "Even if I am a pony now, that isn't bad." She fell back to all fours. "And I'm fuzzy now."

She gazed down at her hooves, pondering. "I wonder if I'll ever find a way back. Maybe I'll never go back. I'm not really sure what I'd do if I did." She thought back to what she had seen, with that other her there, living her life. What would she do if there were two of her in the world, even if that had been her life.

"Heya!" Pinkie was trotting along with a heavy cart behind her. "You look like you're happy, but thinking big thoughts! What's up?"

"Oh, hi Pinkie." Maya smiled. "I was just thinking about how things are going. I have a job now, officially." She grinned. "I'm a town employee, so I'm not charging ponies to come in and talk to me anymore."

Pinkie gasped with joy only she could properly express. "Neat! Maud'll love to hear that." She paused. "Wait, she wasn't paying you. She mentioned that. Um, how was that working?" She leaned in curiously. "Tell me!"

Maya laughed at the antics. "Relax, and I shouldn't go telling secrets. What you tell to a therapist is private between you and them, and not a single other pony, creature? Anyone."

"Anycreature," provided Pinkie with a nod, looking proud of her helpfulness. "You take your job seriously. Me too! I have lots of secrets, but I don't think I'll tell you any of them." She smiled brightly. "But I'll tell you some of them. Like, I'm the Element of Laughter, and I know all the best jokes. But, that's not a secret, everypony knows that."

"It's true." Maya smiled. "I bet you know a lot of jokes. I don't know many." She considered Pinkie a moment. "Is you being the Element of Laughter a secret?"

"Not really." Pinkie shrugged, caught with having no secrets. "I'm actually kind of bad at secrets. Good thing we have you around! Oh, does that mean I can come tell you my secrets whenever I want?"

"You can come talk to me whenever you want," Maya said. "I'm glad you want to come talk to me. It's nice to talk to you." She smiled. "I like talking to you. You're a nice pony."

"Aww, thanks!" Pinkie bounced on her hooves. She pounced forward, tackling Maya to the ground in a brief hugging match. "And you hug back when I give surprise hugs. Not all ponies do that." She hitched herself back to her wagon. "So you get a Pinkie Point!"

Maya got to her hooves, dusting herself off. "A Pinkie Point? What's that?"

"It's a point for being super duper awesome!" Pinkie hopped in place. "Now, I'd love to hang out all day long, but I better get this delivery going." She waved and trotted along her way with a happy smile.

"Take care." Maya returned the wave and considered where she needed to go next. There were so many options in that little town. "How do you fit so many things in such a small village?" She considered the houses and businesses, feeling overwhelmed in the best ways as she considered what to do with her day.

"Maybe I should visit the library," she mused. "I could see if they have anything about my home world." She sighed. "But I don't know where it is." She looked around and it came to her. "Right." Her eyes settled on Twilight's huge tower of a castle. "Lots of books, and a friendly pony and dragon eager to help me find the one."

She started towards the castle, considering what she might find. "Maybe they have a map, and I can see where I am in the world." She trotted along, pondering. "What else is out there?" She imagined the world, though it was all a fantasy, as she had no idea what the world should look like, beyond what she'd seen of Ponyville.

Craning her neck around, she spotted a city, far up on a mountain. "Wow." She paused to gaze on the distant city of Canterlot. "What are you?" She pondered it and what it might be like there. "Maybe Twilight knows."

"She probably does." A voice spoke up from nearby. "She knows everything."

Maya jumped, turning to find a pegasus mare with a rainbow mane. "Oh, hello." She plumbed her memory before it came to her. "Rainbow Dash?"

"That's me!" Rainbow trotted up to her with a cocky smirk. "Why were you looking at Canterlot like that?"

"Like what?" Maya blinked. "I was just looking at it. I've never seen it before. I'm new here." She smiled. "I'm Maya."

"Yeah, I know." She pat Maya on the shoulder. "And you were staying with Twi before you got your own place. Nice job with that. Not that I need a place like that." She rolled her eyes. "My everything is tuned to top form! That includes what's in here." She tapped at her noggin. "But I'll let you know if something bad happens, but I doubt it."

Maya inclined her head at Rainbow. "It's not about when something terrible happens, though that comes up." She pointed at herself, then Rainbow. "We all, every one of us, have things to get off our chest and work past. There's no such thing as a perfect childhood or life."

Rainbow let out a hearty pfft at that. "Please. I'm doing just fine, trust me."

"I'm sure you are." Maya smiled. "I'm just saying, if you ever want to talk, you can come by my office. I'm there to help."

"I'll let other ponies get their turn." Rainbow laughed with almost a snort. "They'll need 'em before I do."

Maya watched her go, smiling. "She's a very interesting pony." She chuckled. "I wonder what Maud would say about her." She shook her head and continued on her way to the library.
> 13 - Therapeutic Counseling
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya trotted up to the castle, the doors opening for her. "Thank you." She stepped inside, finding herself in a large entryway. "Hello?" She looked around. "Twilight? Spike?"

"Hey, Maya." A different pony was walking past, on the way towards another room. "Nice to see you."

Maya inclined her head. "St--Star--"

"Starlight." Star paused in her trek, turning to face Maya. "We haven't talked too much, so I understand. Twilight got you into a mess, I hear." She smiled. "She does that."

"She does that," echoed Maya. "I'm getting used to it. I'm glad I'm not alone." She smiled. "I mean, about Twilight causing trouble for. That came out awkwardly, sorry."

"It's no problem." Starlight wandered closer. "She did cause problems for me, but she fixed them, and made it even better in the end. Is she doing that for you too?"

"Yeah." Maya sank to her haunches. "She is. She's good at that." She wiped the smile off her face, literally, with a leg. "Sorry, so, sorry for interrupting. What did I catch you doing?"

"Getting a drink of water." Starlight pointed the way. "In the kitchen. You looking for Twilight? Too bad, she's not here. She's at her school, being busy with school stuff. My job there's done with the last bell."

"I see." Maya smiled. "I was looking for her, but I'm also looking for a book." She got to her hooves. "Maybe you can help me."

"I'm not sure." Starlight tapped at her chin, but was also moving for the kitchen. "Depends on the book. I'm not a super librarian like Spike or Twilight."

Maya drifted after Starlight. "What do you do? You said you work with Twilight?"

"Sure do!" she sang out as she used her magic to pour out a glass of water. "I'm a student counselor at the same school. What do you do again?"

Maya blinked in amazement. "Me too! Um, not at that school. I'm a therapist. Like a counselor for adults of any age or profession."

Starlight took a sip of her water, then put it down. "That's cool. We're kind of the same then. I'm a counselor too, just for kids. And teens. But you're for adults. So, not the same." She smiled. "But close."

"Close enough." Maya leaned forward, tail swishing with building energy. "I would be delighted to help a few children if they came by. Oh, what ages are the school you work at? How small are these kids?" She held up her hooves, starting small and working wider and wider.

Starlight stopped the hooves about halfway out. "Teens. Older than Spike, but not adults yet, usually. Some of them are adults, but mostly teens. They're right in that most awkward phase." She picked up her glass for a fresh sip. "Good times."

Maya giggled. "I bet. I love kids. I was going to have some, but I got too busy with my career. Now I'm here." She smiled. "And I can still help kids, so that's good." She suddenly scrunched her nose. "And I'm really not sure if I'm ready to have pony kids."

Starlight inclined her head as she floated the glass to the counter. "What other kinds of kids were you thinking about? They're not on my current wish-list, not gonna lie."

"Oh, well, I mean, I'm human, but I'm a pony now, so..." Maya shrugged. "I guess I was just a little off-kilter, you know? My old dreams involved human kids, and this pony body isn't going to give me that."

"I imagine not." Starlight floated the half-filled glass towards Maya. "Want some?"

Maya's hooves glowed green as a helpful vine shot up, grabbing the glass and tilting it for her to drink from with a satisfied ah. "I needed that, thank you."

Starlight glanced down at the hoof, still glowing, and back at Maya's face. "I heard about that, but seeing it is another story. You know earth ponies don't normally do that, right?"

"I do." Maya nodded. "I've been learning a lot about this world. It's very different from my old one." She smiled. "I'm having a lot of fun learning about it." She tapped a hoof, banishing the tendril away. "But I'd love to hear how you're doing with those teens. Want to share a few war stories?"

Starlight lifted her brows together. "No offense, but I don't think you have any for me. You're new around here. I bet I don't even know who you've work with, unless you happened to talk to Trixie, Maud, or maybe Twilight already?"

Maya perked with surprise. "One of those." She considered a moment. "Is it considered okay, or very not okay, for a counselor to talk about their patients around here?"

Starlight waved it away. "Just two counselors chatting, no harm in it." She moved around to bump Maya, side to side. "Now spill the beans and I'll share too."

"Okay, okay." Maya laughed. "I've been talking to Maud. She's been coming to see me, and I've been helping her with a few things. She's a very interesting pony."

Starlight tapped her hooves together after sitting. "You don't say? Stoic Maud? I love her to pieces, but imagining her opening up to anypony is a bit of a stretch."

"It took a little talking to get her to open up." Maya took a slow breath. "But it's been a wonderful journey. I hope she continues coming for quite some time. She's been teaching me too! She knows so much about earth ponies, and dirt. I never thought I'd learn so much about dirt."

Starlight gave Maya a look. "I know, right? Dirt is great. She loves dirt, and rocks. Especially rocks. But what is dirty, if not mostly little rocks?" Starlight shrugged with a soft chuckle. "About that magic. What does Maud think of it?"

Maya curled a hoof back at herself. "She said I have 'very earth-pony magic', and she seems to like it. Which is good, since I like it too." She considered a moment. "You unicorns can do almost anything, it seems. I have one trick, but it's a good one. I can make plants grow, and control them. Make them go up, down, around. If it's a plant, I can make it go where I want it."

Starlight's eyes lit up with wonder. "That sounds amazing! I wish I could do that. I'm not much of a gardener. But I can do this." She focused her horn, a cloud of green sparks gathering and solidifying into a small tree, a perfect replica of the one outside. "That's pretty neat, right?"

Maya gasped. "Wow, that's amazing! You made a whole tree!" She reached out with a hoof to touch it, but her hoof went through it. "Wha?"

"Yeah." Starlight banished the image of a tree away. "I'm a unicorn, not a talented little Maya. I can't make a tree grow out of nothing. Still, neat trick, right?"

"Very." Maya tapped her hooves on either side of where the illusion had been, summoning a real version of the tree to erupt in its place. "There, we'll say you did that."

"Hey! Twilight'll get mad if I go putting trees right there." Starlight rolled her eyes. "You put that away." She waved a hoof at it. "It's a nice tree, but I don't want to get yelled at."

"I'll take care of it." Maya hopped down and pressed her hooves to the ground. With her magic, she could make trees, and also unmake them. The tree was soon returned to the earth. "There's a lot I want to learn, about my magic, and about the Everfree, come to think."

"Why there? That's a treacherous place for a nice little creampuff of a pony like you. You shouldn't be wandering in there." Starlight waved a reprimanding hoof at Maya. "It's dangerous."

Maya chuckled. "I'm sure it is. But I was told I could help it, somehow. I didn't understand at first, but I'm way better at my magic now. It's a forest. My magic is kinda forest magic. That part makes sense, to me. So--you know--I was thinking I should look it up a bit."

Starlight sighed with a roll of her eyes. "Of course you were. I'm not sure if that's a good idea. I'm not sure if that's a bad idea. I'm not sure if I should stop you or not." She smirked faintly. "Fortunately for you, I have awful impulse control, so let's do some reading, and if I regret it later, it won't be the first time."

The two set off together, searching through books. It was only after digging through so many dead ends did they find anything that gave a hint. It was about the time when there was a castle in that forest. "Princess Celestia," read Maya, eyes sweeping over the paper. "--struck an accord with the deer folk. So long as the forest was vibrant, both nations would celebrate it. So long as a single tree stood, and the forest could be called a forest, the oath would remain."

Starlight whistled softly. "I never heard of deer folk. I've seen a deer before, but they were a critter, not a creature."

"Pardon?" Maya inclined her head with obvious confusion.

"Critter is an animal that doesn't talk. Your average squirrel or rabbit, for instance." Starlight gestured with her hooves. "A creature is one that can talk, even if not your language. Then you  have monsters, who may or may not talk, but you're too busy running to care, usually.

"Oh, I see." Maya nodded. "So deer are critters, but deer folk are creatures?" She smiled. "I'm learning a lot."

"That's right." Starlight tapped her chin. "And the Everfree is a monster-filled forest, so I guess that means the deer folk are gone. Or they left. Or something."

"Maybe." Maya flipped through the book for more hints. "But I saw something like a deer folk. It was part deer! It talked! That means it was a deer creature, right?"

"Right." Starlight shrugged. "But doesn't mean it was a 'deer folk', which I'm guessing were, or are, a specific creature. This is complicated." She grabbed for the book with her magic, but rapid flipping didn't turn up too much. "So you met some kind of deer creature. What was it asking?"

"The way it talked--" Maya frowned, thinking back on that event. "They said every step I took was 'very loud', to the forest, somehow."

"You do have a plant specialty." Starlight began placing all the books they had removed back away on the shelves. "But, one thing to be sure of, you're not alone. If you want to go in there and check it out, take us with you. Twilight's on you side, I'm with you, and I bet Maud would be upset if you just wandered away and got hurt. So, as your therapist, I suggest you don't do that."

"You're not my therapist," laughed out Maya as she put back the last book. "But, good advice still. I'm not even sure if I want to go at all, but I'm getting more and more curious." She smiled. "I'll think about it. Thanks for the help."

"No problem." Starlight headed for the door. "I'll see you around, Maya."

"See you around." Maya watched her go and turned back to the library. "I should get back to my office. I'm sure somepony will be along soon." She nodded at the books, sure they were put away properly.

Having left the library as she found it, she descended the flight of stairs to the front door and headed out. The sun was heavy, and the sky was darkening. It was a good time to get home.

"A full day awaits tomorrow!" She hopped with a skip along her way, pondering who may be visiting, or what she might be doing, come the next morning.
> 14 - Playing Chicken
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya considered her newest client. They were small, had even smaller wings, and were smiling nervously. "No reason to be shy," she gently started. "This is a safe place, to share and be supported. Let's start with your name."

"Scootaloo," they squeaked out in a rush. "Ma'am. Um, hi."

"Hello, Scootaloo." Maya smiled gently. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Maya. May I ask why you're here today?"

"Well--" They fidgeted in place. "I heard you were a good pony to talk to, about stuff." She shuffled. "and things, you know?"

"I do know." Her hooves glowed green as she caused new flowers to bloom, spreading soothing scents in the room. "I'm listening entirely. What would you like to talk about?"

"I guess I should just come out and say it, huh?" They shrugged. "I think I like boys. I mean, I do like girls too. I like a lot of ponies!"

Maya inclined her head a little. "Does liking both make you nervous?"

"A little." Scootaloo rubbed one leg with the other. "Most just like one, or the other, right? It's just another way I'm an oddball."

Maya eased gently to her hooves and walked to Scootaloo. "You're not an oddball. Lots of ponies like both. It's not common, but it's also not unheard of." She reached out, placing a hoof on Scootaloo's shoulder. "Don't get me wrong. Most do like one, and are happy with that, but there's nothing wrong being open to either."

"Really?" Scootaloo glanced up. "I was so sure that I was just strange. I feel bad that I still like boys and girls."

"You don't have to feel bad." Maya sat back with a smile. "I like both too."

Scootaloo's eyes widened as if she had just beheld some mythical creature. "No way! A pretty mare like you? I doubt that."

Maya raised a brow. "Why do you think a pretty mare would, for sure, not like both? I think I do."

"Oh, uh." Scootaloo shuffled. "Well, I mean, I guess that's a good question."

"What is a good question?" Another pony poked her head through the door, but Maya recognized the voice.

Maya winced faintly. "Hello, Sweetie. I was just talking with your friend." She made a gentle shooing motion. "I love seeing you, but conversations I have in here are private. We'll gladly play with you later, alright?"

"I understand." Sweetie Belle turned for the door, but paused to look back. "May I come to see you when you're done? I have a question of my own."

"Absolutely." Maya wasn't sure when she became so famed among the foals, but she felt no need to argue it. "Where can I find you? I'll come when we're done."

Sweetie pointed the sweet. "I'll be at Sugarcube Corner. Thank you." She nodded at Scootaloo. "Have fun." And she scurried right off, door clicking behind her.

Maya went to properly lock the door. "Sorry about that. She's very excitable and very sweet."

Scootaloo shrugged. "She's always like that. I'm actually amazed she had a question too. What would she need to talk about?!"

Maya waved a hoof as she slid up into her seat. "You don't want her prying into your business. Let's leave hers alone too. Now, if you don't mind my asking, are there ponies you feel are—Do you feel attracted to any ponies right now?"

Scootaloo darkened swiftly. "Yeah, kinda, yeah. I, uh, don't know what I should do about it though."

"That's alright." Maya chuckled softly. "You're still young. You don't need to act on these feelings at all." She slid from her seat to go to a closet. "But you shouldn't hide from them. You think a pony's pretty, or handsome, or something else, and that's alright."

Scootaloo looked Maya up and down with a perking brow. "Uh huh. Is that what you do with your ponies? Think they're cute?"

Maya held the blush in as she came back with a small box in tow. "To be honest, yes. I do think most ponies are cute." She flicked her ears back, remembering her strange reactions around the deer. "But I know what it's like to feel that 'special' attraction." She set the box down on the floor in front of Scootaloo.

Scootaloo took the bait and opened it. "What are these for?" The collection of gems, shiny rocks, and other small trinkets within the box confused the little filly.

Maya dipped her hooves into the box, causing the trinkets to spill and tinkle about. "This is a delightful little present I am offering." She dug out a sheet of paper. "I want you to put pictures of ponies you're thinking about, and decorate those pictures with whatever rocks and things fit what you feel about them. Maybe the color, or the texture, or anything else. Let your heart decide, and don't judge yourself for it."

"What will this do?" Scootaloo cocked her head as she stared down at the box. "Are the colors special or something?"

Maya chuckled. "They mean what you decide they mean." She drew free a big red rock. "Maybe this is for fierce love." She waved it at Scootaloo. "Or maybe it just reminds you of their fur, or their eyes. Or maybe the color of some clothing they wear. What it means is up to you. It's for you. Do with it what you like."

"Oh, I get it." Scootaloo considered the box again, then grabbed for it. "So, if I say this is about the feeling I have, it's totally on the hush hush." She started picking through the contents of the box.

Maya set out a few sheets of paper. "Only you can know what they mean. If you like, bring them with you next time, and share, or don't, and keep it to yourself. It can be your secret, or ours. You decide."

"I don't think I could tell you right now, even if I wanted to. That's not easy." Scootaloo grabbed a paper and started scribbling with her pencil.

Maya trotted back to her seat, waiting to be shown or not. "It's more important that you open up to yourself. Telling me about it is not required." She smiled at the busily tinkering foal. "But I'll keep the secret. It would become our secret then."

"Neat." Scootaloo laid down the finished picture with a satisfied grin.

Maya peeked over to find a rather nicely drawn picture of a stallion and a mare. She wanted to ask about it, but that felt rude. She sat back patiently, letting Scootaloo decide what would be shared or not. "Can you tell me how you feel about what we discussed?"

"Yeah." Scootaloo twiddled her hooves a moment before shrugging. "I dunno, I guess I don't mind if you see the picture." She put her hooves and held up the picture. "But I have something else, um, I want to talk about. It's something I've had to deal with a long time."

Maya perked both ears. "That is a lovely picture, but, please, do share."

"Well." She looked over her shoulder at her wings, spread as they were. "These are too small. More importantly, um, my magic's too weak. I can't fly." She shrank, picture falling to the ground. "I'll probably never fly. It hurts a lot."

Maya hopped down and grabbed a blanket from her office couch and draped it around Scootaloo. "Let's cuddle under this together and talk, okay?" Soon the two of then were nestled together. "That must—" She caught herself, clenching her teeth a moment. "How does that make you feel?"

"I try not to think about it." She hugged herself, eyes closed. "But when I do, I feel like I'm just a broken pegasus, like I messed up, and I don't know how to un-mess it up. I'm just broken."

"You aren't broken." Maya nuzzled the crying filly. "You are a wonderful foal, loved and cherished by her friends and family. Flying is not the only thing that makes a pony, even a pegasus."

"I know that," Scootaloo wailed, guiltily shrinking on herself. "I know. I know up here." She tapped at her head. "But I don't always know here." She moved the same hoof to her chest. "I've done cool things, but I won't fly. I won't ever fly." She swallowed unevenly. "It hurts."

"It hurts." Maya hugged Scootaloo gently. "And it's alright to hurt. This is worth feeling hurt about." She rocked the foal slowly in place. "You aren't bad for feeling awful about this.  I won't lie and say I know how it feels, because I don't. I have all my parts, and they work. But, just imagining one of them not? It scares me. It scares me a lot. You are so brave, Scootaloo. You keep pressing on anyway."

"I don't want to let them down," Scootaloo breathed out in a broken whisper. "My mom and dad. I want to live up to their example. I want to show them that, even if I can't fly, I'm still an amazing pony." Scootaloo rubbed behind her head. "If they even know I'm alive."

Maya jerked at that. "Do they not pay attention to you?"

Scootaloo snorted powerfully at that. "They're always off on some wild adventure or another. They—" Scootaloo suddenly hiccupped, tears welling anew. "That's why they left. I couldn't keep up with them, not with these." She flapped her wings even as she flailed at them as if she could knock them off. "That makes sense!"

"No! No, please." Maya intercepted the angry hooves with her own. "Hurting yourself won't help, please, Scootaloo."

The furious bout faded into a sullen misery, the two nestled together in defeat. 

Maya squeezed Scootaloo gently. "You are not broken."

"But—"

"But nothing. You are a wonderful pony." Maya nuzzled Scootaloo firmly. "And you're amazing at a lot of things, right?"

Scootaloo grumbled but nodded. "Y-yeah. The girls say so." She smiled awkwardly at that. "I think that, most days, but this hides underneath. What do I do? I don't want to feel like this."

Maya stood up and pointed to the box. "Take that with you, and make your pictures. Decorate them with your feelings, the good ones and the bad. No feeling is bad, on its own. They get bad when you bottle them up and don't face them." She stomped a hoof suddenly. "You are so brave for coming to me, feeling like all that. So very very brave."

"I'm brave?" Scootaloo watched the box get pushed closer to herself. "Thank you." She gently collected it, tucking it away against her chest. "I can be brave. I've been plenty brave. I've fought monsters and got cutie marks! I can be brave with this."

"Yes, you can be. You can be anything you want." Maya sat back with a little smile. "But if you feel sad, that doesn't make you any less brave. Be sad, or mad, or anything else. You're a pony. Ponies feel things. That's how it should be."

"I can feel things. I'm good at that." She rubbed her teary eyes on her foreleg. "I should go." She glanced towards the window, noting the angle of the sun.

Maya pointed towards the door. "Go on home then." She hesitated. "You have a home, right?"

"Yeah?" Scootaloo looked confused at the question. "I have parents, even if they aren't around much. I'll go home." She took as calming a breath as she could manage. "I don't need anypony seeing me like this."

"Come back, when you're ready." Maya extended her arms. "I'll be happy to talk with you some more, quietly, between us. Okay?"

Scootaloo hugged her tight before bolting for the door. "I like you." She didn't wait for a reply as she shot off.

Maya took a breath. "I like you too," she whispered with a smile. "Glad I don't have to charge you, or anypony else." She nodded with simple joy at that one. "Poor thing."
> 15 - Great and Powerful Visitor
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Thanks for seeing me." Trixie lowered herself onto the sofa with a sigh. "I wasn't sure how to say this, so I didn't, and now I am saying it." She shook her head with a grunt. "This isn't going to be a smooth session, is it?"

Maya considered the unicorn. "I'll do my best to make this an easy thing. I'm here to help. What brings you by?"

Trixie sat up, composing herself. "I am the Great and Powerful Trixie, as you surely know. Trixie was visiting a friend of hers, Maud?" Maya's nod kept her going. "She mentioned visiting you, and spoke well of you, so Trixie decided to come." She finally caught herself in that speech pattern. "I thought you'd be able to help me."

Maya tilted her head. "Help with what? Please, be as clear as you can." She gently pressed her hooves together. "This isn't a test you can fail. Just speak the truth as you feel it. What's bothering you?"

Trixie was quiet a moment save for some mumbling. "I am a showmare, that is my position, and calling. To entertain ponies and leave them gasping with wonder is what makes me happy."

"Is it?" Maya cocked her head. "You sound nervous. Relax. No pony here wants to judge you or embarrass you."

Trixie gasped with sudden pain. "You don't know what I've been through." She shrank, glancing around. "Look, a lot of ponies make assumptions about me. Some of them are right even." She ran a hoof across her face from the snout backwards. "Trixie is a bit selfish. She is the most important pony in her life, so why shouldn't she be?" She slumped. "Somewhat arrogant."

Maya nodded. "I'm sorry about the trouble you've gone through. Trouble finds many ponies, and I understand what that's like. I also understand that ponies can be unkind, and unfair." She shifted forward. "Is it the other ponies that bother you?"

"You have no idea." Trixie leaned back, her own hooves together. "All of my friends have very busy lives. They have boyfriends, girlfriends, or just, you know, friends. I just have one, and one other that's almost never in town, he hardly counts." She sank lower, muttering to herself. "Sometimes I wish I hadn't made myself such a villain in town."

"What did you do to make them treat you badly?" Maya took notes. "Was it a long time ago?"

"Long time. Long story." Trixie nodded. "I boasted about something I never did. It was a show! I was entertaining the crowd. Most of them were amused enough." She hung her head. "But some colts took it as a call to action and did something incredibly stupid, and I was left accepting the blame for it."

Maya wrote quickly. "I see." She stopped and looked at Trixie. "How do you feel about that? Did you truly have no part?"

"I had a part." Trixie sat up. "I am the one that told them I could handle such a thing. I never told them to invite that trouble to town, that was their idea, but I did tell them I could handle it."

Maya made a fresh note. "And this is why ponies are treating you badly?"

Trixie's mouth tightened, and her nostrils flared, but no words came.

Maya waited patiently, sitting forward. "How does that make you feel? Embarrassed, perhaps, for getting caught in a lie?"

"It wasn't just that," huffed out Trixie. "Trixie was so angry, she saved up, and got this stupid amulet to get revenge, and it just got her, and the town, in more trouble." She clopped a hoof to either temple. "That one was my fault, okay! I thought the amulet would let me do what I claimed I could do. It did, in the end, but so much more than that came with it."

"So much more?" Maya asked.

Trixie stiffened, shivering. "I got this stupid amulet. It gave me all the magic I could want, and took away my mind with it. I did... very foalish things, and may have held the entire town hostage for a little while." She worried her hooves a bit. "Trixie apologized afterwards. I really am trying to make up for that, and for what I said before that too, but they still hate me. It's not fair! I did nothing wrong!"

Maya pursed her lips, writing the whole thing down. "We can't say that is 'nothing', can we?"

"We can." Trixie seemed quite confident in her ability to say that.

Maya let out a little laugh. "You sure can, but, really, they do have some right to be a little mad at that."

"Forever?" Trixie threw a hoof wide. "Trixie apologized. She was ready to kill herself just for their entertainment, but no, their hearts are unmoving." She stamped a hoof. "It's like they want to hate me forever! But they just can't!"

Maya twitched. "Calm down, please. No pony likes to see their loved ones hurting, even if they have to pretend they do to hide the hurt." She reached out a hoof to place on Trixie's shoulder. "And that is a longterm solution to a fast problem. We can fix this, but we can't fix there not being a Trixie anymore. If you're upset, you can't just use the amulet to stop feeling it."

"I can't." Trixie took a deep breath. "I can't just go around threatening ponies for being mean to me. I get that. I got that! I returned the stupid amulet." She shook herself out, tail lashing. "I never got it after that time, never again. Trixie can learn from her mistakes." 

She met Maya's eyes. "I know it's not right to use that power. I know. But I don't like all the mean ponies saying mean things. Trixie likes attention, yes, but not all the attention." She rolled her eyes. "Specifically the bad kind. If they want to spend all their time complimenting Trixie, she will find the strength to deal with that."

Maya made a brief note. "Good. Sounds like you've made progress."

"Then you'll talk to them?" Trixie crossed her arms. "Tell the other ponies to stop picking on Trixie." She clenched her eyes shut. "Never mind, they won't listen. Even if you did talk to them, they'd ignore it, and maybe even get meaner."

Maya turned an ear back. "The ponies I've met so far—" She aborted the thought with a nod. "You said you had a friend?"

"I had forgotten one. Maud, you know. Starlight is another." Trixie seemed to spot Maya's reaction. "You know her then?" She brightened. "Yeah, Starlight. She's a wonderful pony. Kind and understanding."

"Very much." Maya smiled. "I really like Starlight."

Trixie beamed. "She has a troubled past too. She really messed things up for a whole town too, but they all forgave her. Hey, they seem to want her to come back, unlike my town of ponies." She flopped back on the sofa with a grumble. "Unbelievable. They won't forgive my mistake, but they'll forgive some other pony's! I just don't understand."

Maya softened, gently stroking along Trixie's shoulder and upper arm. "I'm not mad at you."

"You weren't there." Trixie perked an ear. "But thank you. Look, have you ever felt power, real power? Like you could do almost anything if you put your mind to it?"

Maya recalled her plant magic and how it seemed to grow with practice. "I have, sort of." She nodded. "I didn't abuse that, just to be clear."

"I know, you're a nice pony." Trixie stuck out her tongue at Maya. "Trixie has a hard time imagining you'd do anything on purpose."

Maya hopped to the ground. "It's how I was raised. Tell me about how you were raised. What were your parents like?"

Trixie tensed at that topic. "Trixie would prefer not to go into details."

Maya hummed gently. "I'm sorry. Were they hard to get along with?"

"You can't get along, or not get along, with ponies you barely see." Trixie hopped down, almost nose to nose with Maya. "My father is a showpony, like Trixie. He was, and still is. He'll be one until the end, Trixie imagines. He didn't have time for homelife. Trixie isn't even sure he knows Trixie exists."

Maya took a step back. "Do you have a mother?"

"Everypony has a mother." Trixie narrowed her eyes at the retreating therapist. "Mine was a dressage pony, but she went with my father, cheering on his shows. She cheered so long, Trixie happened." Trixie sat back against the couch, her back against it, rather than sitting in it. "And I was raised on wild tales and little else of him."

"That must have been rough." Maya stepped around, returning to her own seat. "It sounds lonely, and painful."

"I managed." Trixie leaned back to look at her. "What about you? Two happy parents that loved you a lot?"

Maya smiled gently at that. "I loved them, and still love them, a lot. And siblings, and..." She caught on a sniffle. "They're all so far away right now." Faced with the reality that she'd likely never see her family again, she shivered with rapidly mounting sorrow. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry. You didn't come here to watch me cry."

Trixie trotted back, standing with a foreleg on the chair. "Hey, we all cry sometimes." She sighed. "I'm sorry I brought it up. You don't have to answer anything you don't want to." She glanced away as Maya quietly tried to calm herself with very little success. "Would you like to see a trick?"

Maya perked, surprised from her funk. "What sort of trick?"

"A Great and Powerful one." Trixie hopped back, spreading her cape dramatically. "Since you helped Trixie, she will arrange a show for you. This is a fair trade, no, an unfair one, for Trixie. She is quite generous."

Maya lifted her hooves. "You don't owe me anything, promise. If you want to put on a show for me, I'd be glad to see it, but don't feel like you owe me anything at all. You came to talk, and you talked. I'll do whatever I can to help you. It's what I'm here for."

"Thank you, but I insist." Trixie danced a circle around the room, bringing out various props. "She will knock your horseshoes off! Have you been to a magic performance before?"

"Other than what I can do?" Maya tapped her glowing hooves together.

"What is that?" Trixie peered skeptically. "Nevermind, it doesn't look like stage magic at all. Show me that hoof."

Maya offered a hoof cautiously. "Here? It's not very good for tricks."

"Exactly." Trixie smiled. "Now, if you would hold this please."

Maya felt the weight of a solid lead ball dropped on her hoof. She had to bring in her other one to support the ball properly and not drop it to the ground. "Wow."

"Heavy, isn't it?" Trixie put a cloth over the ball and ripped it away. There was no ball. It took an instant before Maya even registered she could lift her hooves without the weight. "Did you drop it?" Trixie waggled her brows. "Silly assistant. I told you to be careful with that."

"You tricked me." Maya felt a smile crossing her face. "I'd be really impressed if it wasn't just a simple illusion."

"Illusion?" Trixie crossed her arms. "It's magic. Also, Trixie is pretty sure she knows where the ball is."

"Where?" Maya looked around, but saw no ball.

"Behind you." Trixie pointed.

Maya had to sit up and turn around, but there it was. The ball was right in the seat, where she had to have been practically sitting on it. "How did you get that there?!" She picked up the ball with effort. "Amazing."

"Just a simple trick, but very impressive. You've never seen that before?" Trixie shrugged. "Maybe a bit of stage magic and a bit of pony magic." With a glowing horn, she took the ball back from Maya. "Trixie knows dozens more. Just think, if you spend more time talking with Trixie, you get to see so much more."
> 16 - Lights Out
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya walked down the path, taking in the sights and sounds of the forest thickening all around her. The dense foliage left her wondering where she was going as she moved ever further from the heart of town. "I hope I'm going the right way. I'm not lost. I'm not lost."

The mantra helped ease her thoughts as she pushed further into the Everfree. "My steps are screams. I hope I'm not bothering things by being here." She glanced nervously up at the canopy. "I don't know. I don't know anything about any of this. I just know I have to try."

A crackling branch forced her to start walking again, her ears swiveled to pick up every little sound. "If you're hungry, I taste awful!" She quaked, but smiled, feeling a bit silly at that warding call. "I mean it!"

A little chuckle sounded in response, the voice familiar. "I bet you do. Are you sure about that?"

"I am sure." She peeked about, but saw nothing. "Are you the deer creature?"

"Perhaps. But today is not our day." Maya could hear the sounds of them moving about her. "You are due to meet another that requires you even more than I do. Be gentle with her."

The sounds of hooves retreated, and Maya was alone. "Okay?" She moved a few more feet into the forest before she stopped and called out again. "Hello?" Nothing responded. "Alright." She kicked at a small pebble. "Keep your secrets."

"Secrets are easy to keep." A mare stepped out with stripes across her form. "But what draws you to forest deep?"

Maya stared at the new pony curiously a moment before it clicked. "You're a zebra."

"Zecora is my name." The zebra smiled gently. "Of you, I would ask the same."

Maya bowed. "I'm Maya, a new resident of Ponyville." She straightened with a perking brow. "Why do you talk like that? You're rhyming."

Zecora chuckled with a faint shrug. "I only wish to rhyme. Rhyming is great fun. And the better rhymes you find, the greater your pleasure soon becomes." She nodded. "But why do you come here today? This forest is no kind play for prey."

Maya pinned her ears back. "You're one of those too. I came here because of this." She stepped from hoof to hoof, each glowing soft green hues. "I was told the forest can hear it, however much a forest can hear anything."

"I have heard whispers of such a tale." Zecora inclined her head. "But tell me what they did say. That will help me tell you what I may."

Maya flicked an ear. "I met a deer." She frowned, thinking of the odd creature. "But I don't want to be rude. It's nice to meet you. I'm Maya, and I talk to ponies to help them."

Zecora grinned wide. "And here I stand, beyond your scope. I am hardly the creature you wanted to help cope." She stepped in closer to Maya. "Let us go someplace near." She pointed the way into the forest. "Where I can give the all clear." She led the way with sways of her tail. "You strike me as a curious pony. Our meeting I did not foresee."

Maya followed the zebra through the trees, stepping with care as her hooves sunk into the soil. "I'm sorry I'm not what you were expecting."

"Few things ever are, I do suspect." Zecora turned to look back. "I am pleased you are here, that is why I checked."

Maya bobbed her head as they came into a bright clearing. There was a bubbling cauldron in front of a hut, with a big statue of a face nearby. "Your home?"

"Indeed, I enjoy the wilds. It has all I would ask to provide." She gestured at a tree stump. "Please, do have a seat. I will brew some refreshments for tired feet."

Maya hopped up onto the offered stump. "It's a pleasure. So, you're not a pony?" Zecora shook her head. "But a zebra?" Zecora nodded. "Do you know anything about these?" She held up her forehooves, glowing their soft green shades.

Zecora considered the hooves with a smile. "They look the same to me. I am a bit behind the times, you see." She chuckled and returned to her cauldron. "I once know a dear elder. It's been some time since I last beheld her. Her hooves glowed in much the same way. Whether it was night or the middle of the day."

Maya blinked, thinking back. "How old is that elder?"

"Older than me by several springs, I can assure you." Zecora tossed in a few bits of something from a box near her hooves. "But we are here to discuss your verdant hue. Your friend was not mistaken. Just you being here causes the forest to awaken." She stirred the pot and its contents gently. "The animals stir and move about. The plants are all in a tout."

Maya nodded slowly. "So the forest is reacting to my magic? Does that happen a lot? Or only here?"

"The here is not very special." She dipped a cup into the fluid and served it towards Maya. "It is the why with which we wrestle."

Maya took a gentle sip, only to perk and take a more eager drink. "Mmm, delightful. So, any clues what I should be doing? I want to help, if I can."

Zecora considered that, tapping her hoof on the ground. "You have a gift, this I cannot deny. There are many who wouldn't even try. I am emboldened at your bravery. Perhaps with your glow you can turn back old slavery."

"Old slavery?" Maya cocked her head. "This forest was enslaved? By whom? By what?"

Zecora patted Maya gently on he shoulder. "Have you not heard of him? I imagine not, going on a limb. Master of chaos, he left many marks. Cursing this forest is but one of Discord's arcs. He forgot it all long ago. And the answer comes, her hooves aglow."

Maya squinted, pointing a hoof at herself. "I'm the answer?" She snorted. "What can I possibly do about a demon of chaos that doesn't even know he did something?"

Zecora smiled, baring her teeth in the process. "Not all demons are creatures of night. But many can be turned away by light." She nodded towards Maya's hooves. "Place your hooves in the right place and sing a soft song. It will take effort, but I think you can be strong."

"A song, huh?" Maya finished her tea. "Well, I've heard that's good for a lot of things." She smiled brightly at Zecora. "Can I visit again sometime?"

"Whenever you do wish. But I thought today a curse you'd squish." She inclined her head into the forest. "A walk, side by side, we will do what we must. But only if in me you do trust."

"I trust you." Maya hopped free of her seat. "But do you trust me? We haven't known each other that long."

Zecora smiled as she gestured along the trail. "In my hut, I would not go. If I did not trust you, the least I would do would be to know." She secured things for the trip and blew out the fire. "Come." A single word, perhaps enough to dodge her rhyming need, she began a walk deeper into the forest. "And bring your green thumb."

Maya trotted alongside Zecora as the two wandered into the depths of the everfree. "There are things I don't understand, but I want to. Maybe I'll find a few answers here, with your help." She smiled wide. "Thank you for taking me along."

"I will not lead you astray." Zecora hopped up onto a log to walk along it gingerly. "At least, not this day. Our wishes are as one. But you have what will help a small ton." She leaped to the next, eyes focused forward. "Your magic, so strong. Your soul, so kind. And, at long last, a goal in mind."

Maya climbed up, following as best she could. "You don't talk like anypony I've heard." She chuckled a bit at her own joke. "No offense. I'm sure that's deliberate, right?"

Zecora didn't answer that, hopping down the other side and pushing through the bushes. Things cleared before them, revealing a massive ravine cut into the stone, the sky visible above them in the small break in the forest. Down at the bottom, water lapped and spilled into the cave entrance.

Maya gazed down into the ravine, marveling at the sight of it. "How does something like this even happen?" She trotted over to the edge of the cliffside, leaning to look. "Looks like I'd hurt myself falling into that."

"I recommend you do not." Zecora started down some stairs cut into the stone. "To get down without wings or these stairs, a long shot. Your talent, its place comes soon. Perhaps you can show this forest a boon."

Maya carefully made her way down the stairs, the steep grade causing her to stumble a bit. "Whoa! Easy." She slid to a stop at the bottom and shook herself off. "That was a bit hairy." She burst into snickers. "Wait, no I'm a bit hairy." She shook out her fur with a smile. "You know what I mean."

Zecora looked back and snorted. "Do not confuse, but I believe you mean 'hair-raising'." She walked over to the rocks lining the cliff face, examining them as she walked. "With your hooves, we will be trail blazing." She led the way to a cave. "In here, a tree of great import. It is time for an ancient curse to thwart."

Maya followed the striped mare inside, turning her ears to catch every sound. "Why here? What makes this tree so special?" She perked her ears, catching sounds in the distance. There, ahead of them, a grand tree grew without any sun. The massive trunk split off, branches reaching like fingers, and roots tangled in knots. "Is that it? What makes this so special?"

Zecora pointed to a bare patch of dirt, remaining still until Maya stood on it. She tapped at each of Maya's hooves and nodded, as if the meaning were obvious.

Maya looked down at her hooves and up at Zecora. "Alright? I don't know the song though."

Zecora reached a hoof for Maya's chest. "The song, it rests right here. Channel your glow and it will all become clear."

Maya looked up into the treetop, staring at the shadows as she took a breath. "Right. No pressure, right? Okay, it's fine." She let her eyes close, ears focusing on the gentle caress of the wind against her fur. She planted her hooves in as firm a stance as she could manage, focusing on letting that green power inside her come out, to flow into the ground.

At first it felt like a distant but warm trickle, flowing through her veins and seeping into the soil beneath her. As she continued to focus on the feeling of that energy, it intensified, spreading across her body. The sound of the breeze filled her ears, drowning out all else. She didn't even notice when the song came to her, and her voice raised to echo that breeze, to sing of the wonders of healing and regrowth.

Zecora clapped quietly along with the beat whenever her body wasn't taken along. The heartsong was impossible to turn away, the power surging through them both as they called out and danced in place. The tree above them glimmered as the roots pulled themselves free from their restraints, leaves and branches bursting into color as life returned to the mighty oak.

Maya didn't realize her dance had brought her and Zecora to a hoof hold, their bodies pressing against each other as the shared in the wonderous melody. She only realized in that instant that she had moved, finding herself hoof to hoof with the kind stranger. She blushed, but her eyes were wandering upwards at the magnificent sight.

Zecora stared as well, watching the tree become a beacon in the gloomy cave. "You are a masterful dancer. I know a great deal many. Few know how to match me." She drew her hooves back from Maya, sliding to her hooves. "Today we have done a great deed. Your magic did this tree feed."

Maya looked at her hooves, shaking a little. "I don't think I could've done it alone." She took a step back, feeling the strange power of the place fading. "But, hm, I'm happy, that we did it, together."