Twilight Sparkle receives an interesting package...
What would you do if you had three wishes? Anything you wanted, and all you had to do was ask. It'd be pretty awesome, wouldn't it? Well, it seems to be Twilight's lucky day, because a mysterious lamp delivered to her doorstep just happens to contain a genie who is willing to grant her those three wishes.
However, there is always a catch. For unbeknownst to Twilight, the djinn has some plans of her own, mainly involving a great evil locked away in Tartarus. Now the question remains: Who is the mistress, and who is the servant?
This was nothing new. The twin-headed Hound of the Moon had been frustrated ever since he was locked away in Tartarus a thousand years ago. He could've easily overpowered his brother Cerberus thanks to the enchantments bestowed upon him by his mistress, Nightmare Moon. If she had only won against her sister, he would've overpowered her as well and taken over Equestria. But, as history has shown, Celestia won the day, and the ambitions of Nightmare Moon and Orthrus were crushed. He had been frustrated ever since.
But this time, he had something to take out his frustrations on.
Snarling, he slowly paced the floor of his prison, his star-speckled manes bristling and his ebony fur rippling with tension. His four red eyes were glaring at a small golden oil lamp.
"You have failed me," the great dog's right head growled. "Your little plan didn't work."
"Excuse me? My plan?" said a voice from the lamp, sounding agitated. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but it was your idea to break out the Chimera and have it do your bidding in the first place!"
"Yes, because you couldn't break us out!" the left head barked back.
"Listen, if I could break you out of Tartarus, would I be stuck in this lamp?" the voice said. "I told you before, the enchantments on you are too strong. I can't work against magic stronger than my own."
"Yes, I know that," said the right head. "That's not the reason I brought you here."
"Well, you could've fooled me," said the voice.
"You misunderstand," said the right head. "It would be too easy to simply wish myself out of Tartarus. If I could do that, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now. I wouldn't have even needed you."
"But this place weakens our dark magic," said the left head. "It took all of our strength just to bring you here from Saddle Arabia without our inferior brother noticing."
"Uh huh," said the voice. "So, why do you need me again?"
"I thought that would be self-evident," said the right head. "You are not a prisoner of Tartarus. Your magic is not suppressed like mine is. With your help, Equestria shall be mine!"
"Ours," the left head corrected.
Orthrus shrugged his right shoulder. "Six of one, half a dozen of the other," the right head said.
"Yeah, there's a slight hitch in your plan there, Orthrus," said the voice. "We had a deal. You used two of your wishes already: One to free the Chimera, and the one to give him the fire rubies. You promised me that your last wish would be my freedom."
"Oh, come now," said the right head with a chuckle. "Did you really think I would go back on our deal?"
"You're a monster driven mad by dark magic who planned to overthrow your mistress once she became ruler of Equestria; you tell me," the voice retorted.
Orthrus slammed his paws against the stone floor and snorted. "Now look here, you worthless puff of smoke!" snarled the left head. "We did not use our dark magic to bring you here just to hear your backtalk! Now show some respect, or we'll rip you to shreds!"
"I was going to say tear you asunder, but the sentiment remains the same," said the right head.
"I'll respect you once you respect our deal," said the voice. "Now are you going to free me or not?"
"Actually, I have something else planned for you," said the right head.
"WHAT?!"
The lamp seemed to glow bright red and began emitting steam.
"You two-faced double-crossing snake! We had a deal!" the voice from the lamp shouted.
"I said that my last wish would be to set you free," said the right head. "I didn't say when I would use it."
"Gee, that's reassuring," said the voice sardonically. "You're not the first master I had who promised me my freedom, you know. Plenty of ponies told me that two wishes were enough for them and that they would gladly set me free, but none of them really meant it. I guess you're no different."
"Oh, our deal's not off," said the left head, leering at the lamp with hungry eyes. "Not if you know what's good for you."
The right head cleared his throat. "What I meant to say is that I will uphold my end of the bargain. You just have to do something for me first."
"Um, hello? You're down to your last wish," said the voice indignantly. "And don't give me that 'wish for three more wishes' malarky. That won't work."
"No, that's not the plan," said the right head. "In fact, I am not going to make a wish at all."
There was a pause. "Wait, I'm confused," said the voice from the lamp. "How am I going to do something for you if you don't make a wish?"
"Simple," said the left head. "You are going to find somepony who can break us out of Tartarus."
"You're joking, right?" said the voice in a deadpan tone. "What pony could possibly want to break you out of here? Not even your mistress wants anything to do with you."
"This is true," the right head admitted. "But regardless, that is my favor. You will find a pony, and you will have them free me. After that, I will free you."
"And if you double-cross me?" asked the voice.
Both of Orthrus's heads smiled sinister smiles. "Then we/I double-cross you. It's not as though you have a choice in the matter." they said in unison.
Before the voice could protest, Orthrus reared back and let loose an ear-splitting howl. From his mouths, sparkling smoke flowed and enveloped the lamp.
"Wait! What the hay am I supposed to do?!" the voice shrieked.
Orthrus kneeled down to the lamp, as if he was about to share a secret. "Use your imagination," said the right head.
With that, Orthrus exhaled a gentle breath that carried the smoke out of Tartarus, and the lamp along with it. As the smoke disappeared, the great hound broke into a fit of nefarious laughter that echoed throughout the prison.
As Celestia's sun began to set, Twilight Sparkle was hard at work organizing and reorganizing her shelves, as was her wont. She groaned.
"Spike, how many times do I have to tell you?" she said. "Sea Pony Tales goes in the Myths and Legends section, not the Equinpology section."
"Really?" said Spike, scratching his head. "Pinkie Pie says they're real."
Twilight gave her number one assistant a deadpan look.
"I'm just saying that not everything she says is crazy," said Spike with a shrug.
"I know, but really, Spike," said Twilight. "Everypony knows that there's no scientific proof of sea ponies."
"Same thing goes for Pinkie Pie's Pinkie Sense, but you don't complain about that anymore," said Spike.
Twilight was about to comment when there was a sudden thump outside her door.
"Spike, go see who that is," said Twilight. "I'm trying to work."
"Fine. Run away from my winning argument," Spike said jokingly. Twilight had to smirk. She could tell when the baby dragon was being silly.
"Just go," she said, rolling her eyes.
"Right, right. I'm going," said Spike. When he opened the door, he saw a grey mailmare sprawled out on the ground. Slowly, she got to her feet.
"They say the secret to flying is missing the ground," the pegasus said, her yellow eyes spinning in opposite directions. "So why do I keep hitting it?"
"Don't ask me," said Spike. "Can I, help you with anything?"
The pegasus looked around before asking. "Um, yeah. Where's your mailbox?"
Spike raised an eyebrow. "Mailbox? We, actually don't have a mailbox. All of our mail comes from the Princess, and she delivers it through me, so..."
"Oh, so you're the mailbox?" asked the mailmare, staring intently at Spike (in the loosest definition of staring).
"Um, technically, I guess..."
"Okay then!" said the mailmare. She then reached into her satchel and pulled out a package. "Open up, Mr. Mailbox! It's time for your breakfast!"
"Wait, wha—?"
Before Spike could protest, the wall-eyed mare jammed the package into his mouth. The commotion between the two got Twilight's attention. When she saw what was happening, she didn't know whether to laugh or sigh in exasperation.
"Hello, Derpy," she said, recognizing the mailmare right away. "You have a package for me?"
"Oh, Twilight! I didn't know you were home," said Derpy Hooves. She then pried Spike's mouth open and retrieved the package, which was now covered in dragon spittle. "Here you go!"
"Um, thanks," said Twilight, using her magic to pick up the package. "I, actually wasn't expecting a package. Any idea who it's from?"
Derpy placed a hoof to her chin. "Hmm. Now that you mention it, I actually have no idea."
Twilight raised a skeptical eyebrow. "What do you mean you have no idea?"
"Just what I said," said Derpy with a shrug. "Sorry. I just don't know what went wrong."
"No, it's fine," said Twilight, looking over the small brown box. "Well, there's no return address, so I can't send it back."
"But it's addressed to you. I got that part right," said Derpy, pointing at the sticker on the package. Sure enough, there was Twilight's full address.
"This is most peculiar," Twilight mused. "Well, I'll just have to look into this. Thanks, Derpy."
"No thanks is necessary. It's my honor and duty," said Derpy with a salute. She then began to fly off, but then stopped in midair. "Wait, I think Fluttershy's cottage is in the other direction." She turned around and flew smack dab into one of the branches of Twilight's house. "Oops! My bad!" she said as she got herself free and flew off.
"Spike, remind me to let Derpy know that you're not a mailbox," said Twilight as they went back inside.
"Duly noted," said Spike, still recovering from the ordeal. "Blech. I'm never gonna get that taste out of my mouth."
"I'll let you have some ice cream for dessert tonight," said Twilight. "Now, let's see. What am I going to do about this package?"
"Maybe it's from a secret admirer," Spike suggested, to which Twilight gave him a look. "Hey, it could happen."
"It's not very likely, Spike," said Twilight with a sigh. "Well, I guess there's only one way to find out."
Carefully, she opened the flaps of the package. After digging through the bubble wrap, she found what appeared to be a dusty oil lamp.
"Okay, now this has gone from peculiar to just plain weird," said Spike. "Who in Equestria would send you something like that?"
"You're asking the wrong pony," said Twilight, observing the lamp carefully. "Hmm. There seems to be some sort of design here, but I can't quite make out what it is. Spike, go get my book on ancient Equestrian artifacts so that I can make a cross-reference."
"On it," said Spike as he began searching through the library. As he searched, Twilight got a dishrag from the kitchen and began cleaning the lamp. Just as she got it to a shine, a fine mist seemed to pour from the lamp's spout. The mist grew and grew, swirling and spiraling in front of the lavender unicorn's eyes. Suddenly, there was a burst of steam from the cloud that knocked Twilight onto the ground.
"Twilight!" Spike called out as he rushed in. "Are you alright? What hap—?"
As Twilight shook herself, she saw what caused her assistant to stop in his tracks. There standing before her was a beautiful mare with a luxurious peach-colored coat, beautiful eyes of jade, and a flowing light brown mane. From the waist up, she was dressed like an exotic dancer, complete with a translucent pink veil that barely covered up the golden reins wrapped around her muzzle. From the waist down, however, she was something else entirely. She had no hindquarters to speak of, only a wispy tail made entirely of mist. Twilight stood there, her mouth agape.
"Twilight, am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?" asked Spike.
"I-I don't know," said Twilight. "I don't know what I'm looking at right now."
"To tell you the truth, neither do I," said the mare, looking around. "I'll tell you one thing, though. It looks like I'm not in Saddle Arabia anymore."
The enigmatic pony's comments caused light bulbs to go off in Twilight's head. "Wait, you're from Saddle Arabia?"
"Well, yes," said the mare.
"Spike, quick! Get me my book on Saddle Arabian folklore!" Twilight ordered.
"Um, sure thing," said Spike, still very dumbfounded. When he didn't make a move, Twilight's pet owl swooped in and dropped the book in front of his owner.
"Oh. Thank you, Owlowiscious," said Twilight as she began flipping through the book. "Let's see here... Ah-ha!"
"Ah-ha what?" asked Spike, confusion snapping him out of his shock.
"Right here," said Twilight, pointing with her hoof. "It says here that there are legends about mystical spirits that live inside oil lamps. When a pony frees them, they are obligated to grant that pony three wishes."
"Story of my life right there," said the mare.
"Wow," Twilight said in awe. "So, you really are a...?"
"I sure am," said the mare. "I'm the genie of this lamp, and you have set me free, Mistress."
Twilight's eyes sparkled. "This is amazing!" she exclaimed. "I mean, I've always read about genies in books, but I never thought I'd actually meet one!"
"Well, today's your lucky day, o lovely mistress of mine," said the genie with a bow.
"Oh, you don't have to call me that," said Twilight. "My name is Twilight Sparkle, but you can just call me Twilight."
"But of course, Mistress Twilight," said the genie.
Twilight gave an embarrassed chuckle. "Just Twilight, please," she said, blushing slightly.
"Alright then," said the genie. "So, what'll be your first wish?"
"Just a minute," said Twilight, looking back in her book. "It says here that genies have a set of guidelines for their wishes."
The genie stared at Twilight for a moment. "Yes, and?"
"Well, aren't you going to tell me what I can't wish for?"
"Oh, right!" said the genie with a nervous giggle. "Ah, silly me. I, must've been stuck in that lamp for longer than I thought."
"Spike, you might want to write this down so we don't forget," said Twilight.
"Uh, sure thing, Twi," said Spike, and he hurried back to Twilight's study. When he returned, he had a piece of parchment and a quill in claw. "Alright, ready."
"Very well then," said the genie. "First off, I can be many things, but there are three things I cannot be. I can't be a hitpony, I can't be a matchmaker, and I can't be a necromancer."
"Necro-whatzzit?" asked Spike.
"It means she can't bring the dead back to life," Twilight explained. "Please, continue."
"Right," said the genie. "Second of all, I'm no Discord. There's a lot he can do that I can't. If something is too difficult for me to handle, I'll let you know so that you can retract the wish. No harm, no foul."
"Nothing that's beyond your powers. Got it," said Twilight. "Anything else?"
"Just one," said the genie. "Don't ask me for anything you can't already do yourself. Trust me, the last few masters I had were all lazy bums that wasted their wishes on me getting them things just so that they wouldn't have to get out of bed. Ugh, it's so annoying."
"I don't think that'll be a problem," said Twilight. "Spike, you got all that down?"
"Sure thing," said Spike.
"Good," said the genie. "Alright, now. What shall be your first wish?"
Twilight thought for a moment. "Um, actually, I can't think of anything right now."
The genie blinked. "You can't?"
"Well, I have to be careful what I wish for, don't I?" said Twilight. "This is a lot of power in my hooves, and I need to use it wisely."
"Oh, come on now," said the genie, placing an arm around Twilight's shoulder. "There has to be something you want. Infinite wisdom? A room full of gold? Maybe to be an alicorn for a day? I'm just spitballing here."
Twilight gently pushed the genie back with her hoof. "Look, I don't know how it went with your other masters, but I need time to think this over," she said firmly. "So please, just let me sleep on it. I'll give you my first wish when I'm good and ready."
"Are you, sure about that?" asked the genie.
"I'm sure," said Twilight with a nod.
The genie shrugged. "Well, I'll give you this, Twilight Sparkle. You're a lot brighter than my other masters. Fair enough, I can be patient."
"Thank you," said Twilight. "Oh, I forgot to ask. Do you have a name?"
The genie gave Twilight a quizzical look. "A, name?" she parroted.
"Yeah. What do ponies call you?" asked Twilight.
The genie sheepishly brushed back her light brown mane. "I, actually don't have a name. It's not like I need one or anything."
"No name?" said Twilight, aghast at the prospect. "Now that's just ridiculous. How can ponies address you if you don't have a name?"
"Again, it's not exactly something I need," said the genie. "Why are you concerned about this, anyway? None of my other masters cared."
"Well, I guess I'm the first then," said Twilight. "I'm really not comfortable just calling you 'genie' or 'hey, you.' Hmm, let's see. How would you like to be called Misty?"
"You're going to insist on this name thing, aren't you?" said the genie. "Listen, you don't need to..."
"I know I don't need to, but I want to," said Twilight, standing her ground. "So, do you like the name Misty?"
The genie sighed. "Alright, if you insist, Mistress Twilight. From now on, you may call me Misty."
"Perfect!" said Twilight, clapping her hooves. "Well, I'd better get supper on the go. Would you care for anything, Misty?"
Misty raised an eyebrow. "I think you'll see in that book that genies don't need to eat anything."
"Oh, you're right! Sorry," said Twilight, sheepishly brushing the back of her head. "Well, I guess I'll be seeing you then. I'll let you know when I think of my first wish."
With that, she trotted off past Misty and into the kitchen with Spike at her heels. Misty simply floated there for a moment, not sure how to feel. Only one thought crossed her mind:
Okay, looks like this is going to be more complicated than I thought it would be...
Chapter 2: Twilight's First Wish: Good Morning BBBFF
The next morning, Twilight awoke to the sounds of birds chirping and the rays of Celestia's sun shining through her window. She yawned and stretched, and then nudged Spike with her hoof.
"C'mon, sleepyhead. Up and at 'em," she whispered. "We've got a big day today."
Spike turned over in his bed and sighed whimsically. "I'm so glad you like my ice cream house, Rarity," he muttered in his sleep.
Twilight rolled her eyes and shook her head. "You and your ice cream dreams," she said with a smirk. "Alright. Once I get breakfast ready, I know you'll come running."
With that, she got out of bed and trotted downstairs, where Misty was waiting for her.
"Well, good morning, Mistress Twilight!" said the djinn cheerfully. "Given any thought about that wish yet?"
"I thought I already told you, I don't like being called 'mistress,'" said Twilight, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Sorry. Old habits die hard," said Misty, sheepishly rubbing the back of her head. "So, about that wish..."
"Maybe after breakfast," said Twilight, making her way to the kitchen. "I hate thinking on an empty stomach."
Misty zipped over, appearing in front of Twilight in a puff of mist. "Oh, I can make you breakfast!" she offered.
"Um, no thanks," said Twilight. "I can handle that on my own."
"Are you sure?" asked Misty. "Maybe there's something extra special that you've always wanted but you haven't been able to cook yourself."
"Like what?" asked Twilight, raising a skeptical eyebrow.
Misty began sheepishly twiddling her hooves. "Um, well... Maybe some grass pancakes!"
"I can make grass pancakes," said a deadpan Twilight.
"Can you make them as big as a house?" Misty countered.
Twilight sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose with her hoof. "Look, Misty. I thought I made this clear, but it appears you didn't get the message. I'm not comfortable with you giving me wish ideas. I'll tell you my first wish when I'm good and ready."
"Alright, alright. I'll back off," said Misty reluctantly. "After all, you are my mistress."
"Why are you so anxious to make me use my wish, anyway?" asked Twilight as she started making breakfast.
"Um, no reason!" said Misty nervously. "It's just that, I've never had a master like you before. Usually my masters just ask for the first thing that comes to their minds."
"Without thinking? That's not very smart," Twilight said plainly. "I bet they all regretted making wishes so recklessly."
"Meh, some did some didn't," said Misty with a shrug. "Oh, by the way. That owl of yours is a really curious fellow."
"Oh, you mean Owlowiscious?" said Twilight. "Well, I don't blame him. After all, you did arrive in a mysterious package with no return address. Still, I'm sorry if he kept you up."
"Oh, it's no problem," said Misty. "Just, ask him not to peck my lamp so much next time. The noise I can live with, but the dents are another story."
Twilight smirked. "Alright, I'll let him know," she said as she laid out two stacks of piping hot grass pancakes. "Spike! Breakfast!"
When there was no response, Twilight sighed. "Heh. That must be one good ice cream dream," she said, shaking her head. She then turned to Owlowiscious, who was asleep on his perch. She batted him awake with her tail. "Owlowiscious, would you be so kind as to wake Spike? His breakfast will get cold."
Owlowiscious yawned and hooted, stretching out his wings and ruffling his feathers before flying upstairs. Misty glanced around awkwardly as Twilight waited for Spike. Finally, she decided to break the ice.
"So, um... I forgot to ask," she said. "Where am I, exactly?"
"Oh. Well, this is Ponyville," said Twilight. "It's a quaint little town with a lot of nice ponies. All of my best friends live here."
"You don't say," said Misty, finding herself at least semi-interested. "And, you live here by yourself?"
"Technically," said Twilight, pouring herself some tea. "I have Spike and Owlowiscious, after all. And I'm never alone thanks to my friends."
"I, see," said Misty, biting her lip. Before Twilight could notice, she cleared her throat and continued making small talk. "So, did you always live in Ponyville?"
"Oh, no. Not at all," said Twilight. "I used to live in Canterlot."
"Really?" said Misty. "And what made you decide to move here?"
"It's a long story," said Twilight. "You probably wouldn't be interested."
"Alright, alright! I'm up!"
The conversation was interrupted by Spike's protests upstairs. Twilight stifled a chuckle as the baby dragon lumbered on downstairs, Owlowiscious not far behind.
"Glad you could join us, Spike," said Twilight cheerfully. "I was just telling Misty here about Ponyville."
"Mmm," Spike mumbled, still feeling very groggy. "Whasfer breakfast?"
"Grass pancakes." said Twilight. "I made yours extra crispy, just the way you like it."
"Mmph," Spike grunted, sitting himself at the table. He then stretched himself out and yawned deeply.
"You can probably tell, but Spike's not much of a morning person," Twilight whispered to Misty.
"No, really? I never would've guessed," Misty whispered back dryly.
"So, Twi. What's on the agenda for today?" Spike asked, still in a half-asleep daze as he ate his breakfast.
"I'm glad you asked," said Twilight. She then used her magic to bring in a scroll from the study and unfurl it. "Let's see here... Oh! Today's our Pony Pet Playdate! That should be fun, right Owlowiscious?"
Owlowiscious hooted with approval.
"Alright, what else?" said Twilight, looking back at her list. "After that, I have to place another order for parchment and quills, pick up some tea from Zecora, reorganize my books..."
She continued to rattle down the list. As she did so, Misty made a little gesture with her hoof.
"...make my first wish— Hey."
Twilight looked up at the genie, slightly annoyed. Misty simply avoided her gaze, looking out the window and whistling innocently.
Twilight sighed. "Look, if it'll make you feel better, I'll try and think of something after breakfast."
"Um, sure," said Misty. "I mean, I don't want to rush you or anything. I'm, just not used to this. Yeah."
Twilight shrugged, and began eating her breakfast. Misty turned to Spike, trying to find another way to kill some time.
"So, um, Spike was it?" she said. "Is she always like this?"
"Hmmph? Alwayph like wha?" asked Spike, his mouth full of food.
"Is she always this, I don't know, cautious?" asked Misty.
Spike swallowed before answering. "Well, she always likes to have a plan," said he. "You should've seen her before she visited herself from the future trying to stop herself from worrying about everything, only causing her to fret over this disaster that didn't even exist."
Misty stared blankly at the baby dragon. "I'm sorry, run that by me again?"
"Spike, what did you tell her that for?" asked Twilight, blushing madly. "I'm sorry, Misty."
"Uh, it's fine. Really. I don't mind at all. It's none of my business anyway," said Misty. She then played Spike's story back in her mind, and turned back to Twilight. "Did you, really go back in time? I mean, how far back did you travel?"
"About a week," said Twilight.
"Wow," said Misty in awe. "I can only go back an hour myself. I gotta say, I'm impressed."
"It was just a matter of finding the right spell," said Twilight with a shrug. "Besides, it wasn't really my proudest moment. I nearly drove myself crazy trying to prevent that non-existent disaster."
Misty wasn't sure how to comment on that, so she simply floated there quietly as Twilight finished her breakfast.
"You know, you're pretty impressive yourself. After all, there must be a ton of things you can do that I can't," said Twilight, wiping her lips with a napkin. "My friends are going to flip when they meet you."
Suddenly, there was an epiphany seen in Twilight's eyes. "Wait a minute! That's it!"
"What's it?" asked Misty.
"Spike, take a letter!" said Twilight. "I need to tell my brother about this!"
Misty smiled slyly. "Why write to him, when you can just wish him over here?"
Twilight thought about it. "Yeah, you're right. He probably wouldn't believe me if I just sent him a letter."
"So, shall I bring him here?" asked Misty. "Just say the word, and it'll be done."
"Actually, wait. That won't work, either," Twilight mused. "It's a pretty long way between here and Canterlot, and I don't want to just teleport him here without warning. He'd probably get mad."
"You can always wish him back," suggested Misty.
"And waste two wishes? I like to think I'm more careful than that." said Twilight. She thought and thought, and then pounded her hooves triumphantly. "Eureka!"
"What? What is it?" asked Spike.
Twilight turned to Misty and smiled. "Misty, I wish for a mirror."
Misty gave Twilight a look. "A mirror."
"A magic mirror," Twilight clarified. "One that would act as a communication portal to any reflective surface in Equestria! That way, I can talk to Shining Armor without teleporting him here!"
Misty paused for a moment. "That is, actually very creative. I gotta give you props, Twilight. You are a bright cookie," She then lifted her veil and blew a cloud of mist at a mirror in Twilight's study. The mist completely enveloped the mirror for a time. When it dissipated, the mirror appeared unchanged, save for a sparkling aura around it.
"Your wish has been granted," said Misty with a bow. "Go on, give it a go."
***
Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Shining Armor was just sitting down to breakfast.
"Mmm-mmm. Looks good as always, Cadence," said he.
As if on cue, his wife trotted in, carrying her own plate with her magic. "Only the best for you, Shining. So, any big plans for today?"
"Ah, just the usual," said Shining. "What about you?"
"I figured I'd visit the Crystal Empire, see how things are going," said Cadence. She then giggled. "Actually, Celestia suggested that we move there. The Crystal Ponies have been so attached to me after that incident."
"Hmm. I'll have to find a good replacement for the captain of the Royal Guard first," Shining mused. "I think Holy Lance might have some promise."
"Well, you'd know better than I," said Cadence with a shrug. The two then continued to eat their breakfast in peaceful silence. As soon as Shining Armor cleaned his plate, it began to shimmer and glow. Curious, he stared at it for a bit until his own faint reflection began to become clearer and clearer. As soon as it looked just like he was staring into a mirror, the image changed and distorted.
"What's wrong, honey?" Cadence asked.
"You, might want to come see this," Shining Armor responded. But before Cadence could get up...
"Good morning, BBBFF!"
Shining was so startled, he fell from his chair to the ground. Cadence quickly flew to her husband's side and helped him to his feet.
"Are you alright?" inquired Cadence. "What happened?"
"Sorry sorry sorry!" said a familiar voice. "I didn't mean to frighten you like that!"
Curious, Cadence looked over at Shining Armor's plate and gasped. In the reflection of the plate was the inside of Twilight's library in Ponyville, with Twilight Sparkle standing there looking quite apprehensive. She was about to question this odd phenomenon when Shining fully recovered from the fall.
"Nngh," he grunted, shaking himself and looking into the plate. "Twilie? I-is that you?"
"It sure is!" said Twilight. "How are you, Shining Armor?"
"A bit confused, actually," said Shining. "What are you doing in that plate? Did you perfect a new spell for Celestia?"
"Oh, nothing like that," said Twilight. "It's my new magic mirror! It lets me communicate through any reflective surface in Equestria! Pretty neat, huh?"
"Yeah, I suppose," said Shining, giving his wife a shrug.
"And I got it thanks to her!" said Twilight. With that, she pulled Misty into the frame. "Shining Armor, I'd like you to meet Misty. She's a genie!"
"A, genie?" asked Shining, becoming more confused. "Twilie, where did you find a genie in Ponyville?"
"Well, that's the odd thing," said Twilight sheepishly. "Somepony actually sent her to me in a package with no return address."
Shining raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that suspicious to you at all, Twilight?"
"Well, it was at first," said Twilight. "But, you know what they say. You shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. Don't worry, I'm being careful with my wishes."
"I know you are, Twilight," said Shining, his tone becoming serious. "But still, you should probably keep your wits about you."
Twilight gave her brother a look. "Shining, this is your little sister we're talking about. Usually, you're complaining to me about being too careful."
"Oh, right," said Shining with a laugh. "Well, it's nice to hear from you, Sis. And, I suppose it's nice to meet you too, Misty."
"Pleasure is all mine, good sir," said Misty slyly, fluttering her eyelashes.
"Um, Misty? He's married," said Twilight.
Misty's face turned red behind her veil. "Oh. Terribly sorry, Mr. Armor. Old habit."
"It's alright. No harm done," said Cadence, walking into frame. "Twilight, are you sure you're alright? Genies can sometimes be tricky."
"Hey, I resent that!" said Misty with a pout.
Twilight giggled a little. "Don't worry, Cadence. I've got everything under control," said she. "Well, I gotta go! I'll, try to give you an advanced warning next time I do this."
"That'd be most appreciated, Twilie," said Shining Armor with a smile. "Take care."
"You too, BBBFF."
As Twilight waved goodbye, the image shifted back to normal. A heavy silence filled the dining room.
"Well, that was interesting," said Shining, breaking the silence.
"It most certainly was," said Cadence. "At least it was nice to see her, even if it was a bit unexpected."
Shining chuckled a little. "I suppose you're right," said he.
***
"That was amazing!" Twilight cheered. "Spike, did you see that? I was actually talking to Shining Armor and Cadence!"
"I saw, I saw," said Spike. "But next time, maybe you should give them a heads-up."
"I know, I know," said Twilight before turning to Misty. "Thanks a lot, Misty."
Misty blinked. "Excuse me?"
"Um, I was just thanking you for granting my wish," said Twilight. "Is there something wrong with that?"
"Only that I usually don't expect it," said Misty. "Seriously, it catches me off-guard every time."
"Oh," said Twilight. "Well, thank you all the same. Now then, it's time to start the day. After I get some things sorted here, we can all go out for the Pony Pet Playdate."
"Awesome!" said Spike. "I'll go wake Peewee."
With that, he dashed back up to the bedroom.
"Well, I guess I'll just stay here," said Misty.
"What? Oh, no," said Twilight. "You're coming with us. I just have to introduce you to my friends!"
"Oh," said Misty. "Um, sure. It is as my mistress commands, so I shall obey."
"Great!" said Twilight. "Now, just wait right there while I get myself organized."
The purple unicorn then got to work organizing her books. Misty sighed. "Why do I feel like I'm going to end up regretting this?" she muttered to herself.
"I'm serious, Applejack! I taught Tank a new trick!"
"I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash. I'm just havin' a hard time believin' that."
"Oh, don't be like that, Applejack. I'm sure it's a wonderful trick."
"You bet it is! Alright, Tank! Loop-the-loop around!"
When Twilight and Spike arrived at the park, the Pony Pet Playdate was already in full swing. They were just in time to see Rainbow Dash's pet tortoise flying through the air with ease and grace, something which no tortoise should be able to do.
"Well, looks like you guys started early," Twilight said, making her way onto the scene. "What'd we miss?"
"Just the most awesome trick ever!" said Rainbow Dash with her usual complacent attitude. "I'm telling you, Twilight. Tank here has really gotten used to that helicopter propeller you made for him."
"I'm glad he likes it," said Twilight.
"So, Applejack. Still think that Tank can't learn any tricks?" asked Rainbow, giving the farmer pony a nudge with her elbow.
"I gotta admit, Rainbow. That's mighty impressive," said Applejack. "Y'know, I've been teachin' Winona here a few tricks myself."
"Ooh, ooh! Gummy learned a new one, too!" said Pinkie Pie with her usual enthusiasm. "Go on, Gummy! Show 'em what Pinkie taught you!"
The toothless alligator waddled up to Rarity's pet cat Opalessence. Fearing that Gummy was going to take away her toy mouse, the white Persian hissed and bared her claws. As she took a warning swipe at Gummy, the alligator caught Opal's paw in his mouth faster than anypony could blink.
"Ta-da!" cheered Pinkie. "Fastest jaws in the west! Maybe in the east, too. We haven't tried that yet."
"That's a neat trick, Pinkie," said Spike, cradling little Peewee in his claws.
"Oh, hello Spike. Have you taught Peewee any tricks yet?" asked Fluttershy, giving her pet bunny Angel a hoof as he tried to free Opal from Gummy's grip.
"Nah, not yet," said Spike, looking down at the baby phoenix. "He's still too young."
"What about you, Twilight?" asked Rarity, cleaning Opal's paw of alligator spittle. "Has Owlowiscious learned anything?"
"Not really. He's still just my nighttime assistant," said Twilight. The other girls then noticed something peeking out of the studious unicorn's saddlebag.
"Ooh! Whatcha got in the bag?" asked Pinkie. "Please say cupcakes, please say cupcakes!"
"No, it's not cupcakes," said Twilight with a giggle. Using her magic, she opened the saddlebag and took out the lamp.
"Ooh! Is that a tea kettle? Are we having a tea party?" inquired Pinkie.
"I don't think it's a tea kettle, Pinkie," said Rainbow Dash, looking over the lamp carefully. "It looks more like one of the mystical artifacts Daring Do was searching for during her trip to Saddle Arabia. It's all part of her latest adventure, Daring Do and the Minions of the Scarab. Did you get that at a book signing or something?"
"No, Rainbow," said Twilight. "Honestly, would I go to a Daring Do book signing without inviting you?"
"Good point," said Rainbow. "So, what is it?"
Twilight beamed. "Well, as it just so happens, it's the home of somepony I'd like you all to meet," she said. She then rubbed the lamp with her hoof. "You can come out now. Don't be shy."
Sure enough, the lamp expelled a plume of mist from its spout. From the mist appeared none other than Misty. Her very presence left all of Twilight's friends in awe.
"Whoa nelly."
"Oh, my..."
"Where did she get such a beautiful outfit?"
"Awesome."
Pinkie merely gasped.
"Everypony, this is Misty," said Twilight, making some general introductions. "Misty, I'd like you to meet all of my friends."
"Allow me!" said Pinkie, rushing up to the genie and shaking her hoof. "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie! I love making friends with new ponies! Welcome to Ponyville!"
"Um, thank you," said Misty apprehensively. She then floated close to Twilight. "Is she always like this?" she whispered.
"You have no idea," said Twilight with a grin.
"Oh, and these here are Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity!" said Pinkie, pointing out each pony in turn.
"Howdy, partner," said Applejack with a tip of her hat.
"It's, nice to meet you," said Fluttershy, nervously brushing the back of her foreleg with her hoof.
"Hey, what's up?" said Rainbow Dash with a friendly wave.
"A pleasure to meet you, darling," said Rarity. "And if I do say so myself, you are absolutely gorgeous. Who styles your mane, dearie?"
"I do it myself," said Misty with a shrug.
Rarity's sapphire eyes sparkled. "Oh, you must tell me your beauty secrets, darling," said she. "Twilight, however did you two cross paths?"
"Actually, somepony sent her to me in the mail," said Twilight. "No idea who yet."
Applejack raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Ain't you the least bit curious 'bout that?" she asked.
"You know, Shining told me the same thing this morning," said Twilight.
"I didn't know your brother was visitin'."
"Oh, he's not."
Applejack blinked in confusion. "Wait, then how...?"
"Oh, didn't I mention?" said Twilight. "Misty's a genie."
"Yeah, we kinda gathered that from the smokey tail and the fact that she lives in a lamp," said Rainbow Dash, rolling her eyes.
Twilight cleared her throat and continued. "Anyway, since I freed her from the lamp, I now have three wishes. I used my first wish to create this magic mirror that lets me communicate through any reflective surface in Equestria, and I used it to talk to Shining Armor! Pretty neat, huh?"
There was a general muttering of agreement, punctuated by a squeal of glee from Rarity.
"Oh, you have no idea how lucky you are, Twilight!" the unicorn fashionista exclaimed. "I would just love to be in your horseshoes right now! Oh, the things I would wish for! First, I'd ask her to tell me her beauty secrets..."
"Um, there's not much to it..." said Misty as Rarity prattled on.
"...then I would ask her to find me the perfect stallion..."
"Um, yeah. I can't really play matchmaker..."
"...and then, since asking for three more wishes is so cliché, I would wish for three more genies!"
"Three more gen— Who do you think I am, Discord?!" Misty yelled, rubbing the bridge of her nose with her hoof. "Sheesh, I'm glad you're not my mistress."
"I'll admit, Rarity can be a bit demanding," said Twilight. "But even so, she's the most generous and thoughtful pony I know."
"Oh, goodness," said Fluttershy. "I'm glad I didn't find that lamp. I wouldn't be able to think of anything to wish for that I couldn't already get for myself."
Misty stared at Fluttershy as if the pink-maned pegasus had three heads. "Nothing? Really, you wouldn't be able to think of anything?"
"Not really," said Fluttershy. "Why? Is that bad?"
"No, not at all," said Misty. "It's just, weird. All of my previous masters wanted at least something."
"Well, no offense, sugarcube, but if I ever wanted somethin', I'd prefer to earn it myself," said Applejack. "Right, Winona?"
Winona barked in agreement.
"Yeah, same goes for me," said Rainbow Dash. "I mean, it'd be awesome if I could just be the captain of the Wonderbolts with a clap of my hooves, but that wouldn't really be fair to everypony else."
"I'd wish for a talking monkey!" Pinkie Pie interjected randomly. Everypony stared at her blankly.
"Why a talking monkey?" asked Spike, breaking the silence.
"Because monkeys are always funny, especially when they can tell jokes!" said Pinkie. "So, Twilight. Are you going to wish for a talking monkey? Huh huh huh?!"
"Pinkie, I don't have a need for a talking monkey," said Twilight.
"I don't know," said Misty thoughtfully, rubbing her chin with her hoof. "It might have some appeal."
"You stay out of this," said Twilight with an exasperated sigh. "I thought I told you; I'm not comfortable with these wish suggestions of yours."
"Right, sorry," Misty apologized.
"So, what are you gonna wish for next?" asked Rainbow Dash playfully. "C'mon, you can tell us."
"I, haven't really thought about it yet," said Twilight.
"Oh, great," groaned Misty. When everypony gave her an odd look, she quickly changed her demeanor. "I mean, oh great! It's so refreshing to have a mistress who thinks things over like this! Ha ha..."
Twilight sighed, clearly not buying the genie's act. "Look, Misty. I'm sorry if this is making you uncomfortable, but I don't want to make any wishes that I'll end up regretting. I want to make the most of this. You understand, right?"
"Oh. Eh, yeah. Of course I do," said Misty with a sigh. "Alright, you win. On my honor as your genie, I promise not to bring this up ever again."
"Thank you, Misty," said Twilight, giving the genie a warm smile. "Don't worry. When I make my wish, I'll make sure it's a good one."
Misty smiled back. "Thank you, Mistress— I mean, Twilight. Just, Twilight," she said. "I am never going to get used to that."
"It's okay," said Twilight. "Now then, let's get back to our Pony Pet Playdate."
"Ooh, ooh! I bet Tank could beat Owlowiscious in a race!" proclaimed Rainbow Dash.
"Angel, would you mind playing with Peewee? Be gentle, he's young."
"Oh, oh! Maybe I should test if Gummy has the fastest jaws in the north, too!"
As the ponies went back to playing with their pets, Misty sat back and watched. She couldn't help but smile.
She's a good pony, she thought to herself. It almost makes me wish that she wasn't. That would make this so much easier...
"Well, that was fun," said Twilight as she, Spike, and Misty started heading home from the Pony Pet Playdate. "Did you have fun, Owlowiscious?"
Owlowiscious simply gave a tired hoot and perched himself on his owner's back. Twilight couldn't help but giggle.
"Yeah, I can see how racing against Tank would be tiring," she said. "Never thought I'd say that about a tortoise."
"I must say, your friends are certainly an interesting bunch, Twilight," said Misty. "I can honestly say that I've never met ponies like them before. Well, except maybe Rarity."
"Are you kidding?" said Spike. "Rarity is truly one-of-a-kind." He then sighed whimsically as he allowed Peewee to perch on his shoulder. "She's gorgeous, she's generous, she's elegant, and did I mention she's gorgeous?"
"Do I want to know?" Misty asked Twilight.
Twilight looked over to her assistant for approval, but Spike was too busy daydreaming. She sighed.
"I think it's pretty obvious," she said, dipping her voice so that the baby dragon wouldn't hear. "I'm not sure if he still keeps it a secret or not, since he told her already, but to be on the safe side, don't let him know that you know."
"Gotcha," said Misty with a wink. "So, what's next on your agenda?"
"Well, let's see," said Twilight, taking her planner from her saddlebag and looking it over. "I still have to place that order for some new quills and parchment, and I'm picking up some tea from Zecora this evening. Hmm. Anything I'm forgetting?"
As if an answer to her question, Spike let out a fiery belch. The plume of green flame swirled and sparkled, finally materializing as a scroll.
"Hello, what's this?" said Twilight, picking up the scroll with her magic and unfurling it, only to reveal a blank page. "Hmm. It looks pretty important."
"Pretty important?" asked Misty, looking over Twilight's shoulder. "It's just a blank piece of parchment."
"It's encrypted," said Twilight. "I've been expecting this letter. Come on, Spike. We have to get home and decrypt it."
"Right," said Spike with a nod. He then braced himself as Twilight prepped a teleportation spell.
***
In the blink of an eye, they were all back in Twilight's library. Wasting no time, Twilight set the letter onto her stand next to the fireplace and quickly used another spell on it. Sure enough, words began to materialize on the page, letter by letter.
"Just as I suspected," said Twilight. She looked over the letter carefully.
"Well, what does it say?" asked Spike.
Twilight turned to Spike and shook her head. "They haven't been able to figure anything out yet," she said somberly.
"Sorry, I'm a bit out of the loop here," said Misty. "What's this all about?"
"Nothing you need to know, Misty," Twilight said firmly. "This is top secret information from Canterlot concerning the security of Equestria. I can't share it with just anypony."
Misty thought for a moment. "Well, anything I can do to help?"
"Thanks, Misty. But I doubt even your magic would be of much use," said Twilight. "Spike, send the standard reply, and then burn this letter. I'll put Peewee back in his nest."
"On it," said Spike. As Twilight took Peewee upstairs, Spike took out a fresh piece of parchment and a quill and jotted down a quick response. When the letter was finished, he breathed a small plume of emerald flame that carried the letter straight to Canterlot. He then crumpled up the secret document, lit the fireplace with his breath, and tossed it into the hearth.
"There. Done and done," he said just as Twilight returned.
"Alright, Peewee's asleep," said Twilight. "We should move on to the next item on the agenda." She then turned to Misty. "I'm stepping out for a bit. Think you'll be fine on your own?"
"Um, sure. No problem," said Misty. "I'll just go back into my lamp and come out when you need me."
"Good," said Twilight. "See you later."
With that, she and Spike were out the door. When Misty couldn't hear her hoofsteps anymore, she floated over to the hearth. Carefully, she used her magic to take the burnt document from the flames and reconstructed it. When she read it over, she almost couldn't believe her eyes.
Dear Twilight Sparkle, My Most Faithful Student:
I regret to inform you that we have made no progress in the investigation into Tartarus. We still have no idea how the Chimera was able to escape. We tried truth spells as you suggested, but they seem to be ineffective for reasons yet unknown.
We have no proof yet that Orthrus is behind this, as your friend Rarity mentioned. As you can imagine, he has been massively uncooperative. As have the Diamond Dogs, who have all gone into hiding after the incident. Even so, we will continue trying until we get to the bottom of this. If you have any other suggestions, please let us know.
Best regards, Princess Celestia
***
That night, Misty was wide awake. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get the letter out of her mind. She had no idea that Twilight was looking into the whole incident.
Life sure has a cruel sense of humor, she thought, pacing back and forth. That unicorn is searching for answers, and they're right in front of her nose. What the hay am I supposed to do now? Tell her the truth? Tell her that the Chimera's escape was my fault? That Orthrus ordered me to do it? Yeah, right. Next I'll tell her that she's not really my mistress, and that I've been playing her for a fool.
She heaved a great sigh. "It's just not fair," she whispered to herself. "Why did she have to be so nice? Why couldn't she be a jerk like my other masters? Why must fate toy with me so?"
Just then, the genie heard a sinister howl, just outside of the window. The sound caused her to freeze.
Oh, don't tell me that flea-bitten hound is monitoring my every move, she groaned inwardly.
As if in response, another howl was heard.
Okay, apparently he is, she thought. She then straightened herself up and looked out towards the window with an air of defiance. "Listen, pal. I don't care how impatient you are, I'm working on this as fast as I can. The whole thing is kinda out of my hooves, anyway."
Another howl echoed from outside.
"Betray you?" said Misty, placing her hooves on her hips. "Forgetting for a moment that you're calling the kettle black, what would possess you to think that? Genies can't betray their masters. Unless they're masochists, which for the record I'm not."
Another howl.
"Second thoughts? What second thoughts?"
Another howl.
"Well, pardon me for having some moral qualms with playing a sweet, innocent pony like some cheap fiddle!"
Another howl, this time louder than before.
"What? No, I'm not going to tell her. What do you think I am, stupid?"
Another howl.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I not allowed to feel guilty? Just because you don't have a heart doesn't mean I can't! Now get the heck out of my head! I don't need you hovering over my shoulder, you stupid mutt!"
The howls outside became longer and more pronounced. Misty was brought to the ground, covering her ears with her hooves and clamping her eyes shut.
"Shut up, Orthrus," she muttered, her voice slowly becoming shrill. "Shut up, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!"
"Misty, are you alright?"
The glow of Twilight's firefly lantern caused Misty to open her eyes. She looked up at the lavender unicorn standing at the top of the stairs. Hastily, the djinn composed herself.
"I'm, sorry Twilight," she said, catching her breath. "Did I wake you?"
"No, not at all. I was working when I heard you screaming," said Twilight. "Is something wrong?"
"What? Oh, nothing. Nothing's wrong," said Misty. She heard another howl from outside.
"Wow, it sure is windy tonight," said Twilight.
Misty's face flushed red. Great, now I'm being paranoid, she thought. "It's alright, Twilight. I was just talking to myself."
Twilight gave the genie a look.
"What?" said Misty with a shrug. "I've been living alone in a lamp for several centuries, and I get bored easily. Cut me some slack."
Twilight made her way downstairs and over to Misty. "Hey, do you want to sleep in my room tonight?"
Misty blinked. "I'm sorry?"
"Well, if you're talking to yourself, you must be pretty lonely," said Twilight, as if it was self-evident. "I figure you could use the company."
Misty felt even worse than before. Do you see what I have to put up with? she asked Orthrus mentally. "No, it's fine. Don't worry about me. I've lived alone for centuries. One more night isn't going to kill me."
Twilight shrugged. "Okay. But you're more than welcome to come upstairs if you change your mind."
"You're too kind, Twilight," said Misty. Really, you are.
"Well, goodnight," said Twilight as she trotted back upstairs.
"Yeah, 'night," said Misty. As she went back into her lamp, one last thought crossed her mind:
This all better be worth it. Otherwise, I'm never going to forgive myself.
Twilight was awoken by a knocking at her door accompanied by an all-too-familiar voice. Groggily, she stumbled out of bed and down the stairs. When she opened the door, she saw Pinkie Pie bouncing up and down, as happy as can be.
"Good morning, sleepyhead!" said the bouncy pink pony.
"Mmph. 'Morning, Pinkie," mumbled Twilight, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "What's going on?"
"Well, remember yesterday when you introduced us to that genie of yours that you got in the mail?" asked Pinkie.
"Um, yeah."
"Well, after you guys left, I just remembered: I didn't throw a welcome party for her! But, I know some ponies like to be left alone, so I thought I'd ask your permission first. So, do you think Misty would like to come over to Sugarcube Corner for a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party?"
"Pinkie, she's been here for nearly two days," said Twilight with a yawn. "It's a bit late for that, don't you think?"
"Oh, it's never too late for a party!" said Pinkie, not willing to back down. "And it's certainly never too late to make a pony feel welcome!"
Twilight paused to think for a moment. "Well, she was talking to herself last night," she mused. "She said it's because she gets bored easily, but I'm not so sure."
"Well, if she's bored, what better way to cure the boredom than with a party?" said Pinkie with a shrug.
"Okay, good point," said Twilight, shaking herself and stretching herself out. "Just give me a moment to get ready."
"Okey-dokey-lokey!" said Pinkie Pie. "Just, don't tell Misty, okay? I want it to be a surprise."
"Yeah, sure thing," said Twilight, still stretching.
"Great! Seeya later!" said Pinkie. With that, she bounced off humming to herself. Twilight smiled and shook her head.
"Well, looks like there might be a change of plans this morning," she mused to herself. "I'd better see if Spike's awake."
***
When they arrived at Sugarcube Corner, the bakery was pitch black. The only sounds she heard were a collection of giggles, most likely from Pinkie Pie.
"Yep. This is a Pinkie Pie surprise party, alright," said Spike.
"Hush," hissed Twilight. "We don't want Misty to know."
"Right, sorry," Spike apologized.
Twilight then ventured inside and rubbed the lamp. "C'mon, Misty. Rise and shine."
In a burst of steam, Misty appeared.
"Huh, what? Is it wish-granting time yet?" she said groggily. Before Twilight could answer, the lights came on and several ponies jumped out.
"SURPRISE!"
Misty sprang up into the sky. She would've crashed through the ceiling if she weren't ethereal. Floating back down, she looked down at the ponies below in confusion.
"What in the wide, wide world of Equestria is this?" she inquired.
"It's a surprise party, silly!" said Pinkie Pie. "A 'Welcome to Ponyville, Misty the Genie' surprise party! Were you surprised? Were you, were you?!"
"Oh, I hope you were surprised and not startled," said Fluttershy, looking a bit guilty.
"No, no. It's fine," said Misty, floating over to Twilight. "You didn't plan this, did you?"
Twilight giggled. "Oh, no. This was all Pinkie's idea. She always likes to throw parties for ponies who are new to Ponyvillie."
Misty stared blankly at Pinkie Pie, still processing the spectacle in front of her. "You, do realize I'm a genie, right?"
"Yeah, so?" said Pinkie with a shrug.
"What's bein' a genie got to do with anythin', sugarcube?" asked Applejack. "You're new here, ain't ya?"
"Well, I suppose," said Misty, sheepishly rubbing the back of her mane. "It's just that, nopony has ever done anything like this for me before."
"Why? Just because you're a genie?" asked Pinkie. "That's silly. You're silly."
"Indeed," said Rarity, nodding in agreement. "I'm not sure how they do things in Saddle Arabia, but you're not in Saddle Arabia anymore, darling. You're in Ponyvillie, and here we make sure that everypony feels welcome. Especially gorgeous genies like yourself."
Misty gulped. This stupid ruse just keeps getting harder and harder, she thought to herself. "Well, I really appreciate the gesture. Really, I do."
"I knew you would!" cheered Pinkie. "Now c'mon! Let's party!"
With that, the party kicked off into high gear. Misty looked over to Twilight, who smiled back.
"Go ahead, enjoy yourself," said Twilight. "I don't mind."
Misty sighed. "As you wish, Twilight," she said with a bow.
"Oh, stop that," said Twilight with an embarrassed chuckle.
"What? You told me to enjoy myself," said Misty playfully, to which Twilight had to laugh.
"So, Misty," said Rainbow Dash, zooming up to her. "What's Saddle Arabia like? I mean, I read all about it in Daring Do and the Minions of the Scarab, but I've never seen it for myself."
"Hmm? Oh, there's not much to tell, really," said Misty, relaxing herself a little. "I'll tell you this much, it's very sandy and hot. Except at night. Then it gets sandy and cold."
"That's it?" asked Rainbow, sounding disappointed. "But Daring Do found all this awesome treasure and secret magic and stuff. She even had to fight the Scarab King."
"Oh, please don't remind me of that guy," groaned Misty. "Worst master ever."
Rainbow Dash's magenta eyes widened. "You mean, he actually exists?!"
"Probably not the one you're thinking of," said Misty. "But yeah, I did once serve a sultan who was called the Scarab King. He said it was because of some heirloom passed down in his family, but I still maintain that it's because he smelled like a lazy dung beetle that got too involved in its work. Seriously, three wishes and the guy didn't even think to wish for a bath."
"Oh, how positively dreadful!" proclaimed Rarity in a melodramatic fashion, making her way into the conversation. "How in Equestria did you put up with him?"
"Sarcasm, mainly," said Misty with a shrug. "It's not like I had any other choice. Genies can't simply betray their masters, after all. Well, unless they ask for something ridiculous. And trust me, I've gotten a lot of ridiculous wishes."
"Were all of your masters like that atrocious Scarab King?" asked Rarity.
"Oh, nopony was nearly as bad as him," said Misty. "But pretty much all of them were jerks. Except for a few times when I was found by poor kids who just wanted simple things like food and shelter."
"That must've been awful," said Rarity. "Well, you don't have to worry about that anymore, dearie. I know Twilight Sparkle will treat you properly."
"Yeah, sure," said Misty, casting her gaze downward and flattening her ears.
"Yeah, I'm fine," said Misty. "This is, just a lot to take in, y'know? I'm not used to this."
"Hey, it's cool," said Rainbow. She then glanced over and smirked. "Oh, man. Looks like Lyra is gonna trigger one of my pranks! C'mon, Misty, you gotta see this!"
Before Misty could say anything, Rainbow grabbed her by the hoof and dragged her away. Twilight smiled to herself.
"You know what, Spike? I'm glad I brought her here," said she. "She really needed this."
"Yeah. Even if it was like eight o'clock in the morning," said Spike with a light yawn. "Seriously, I think I'm gonna sleep in tonight."
"Hi, Twilight!" exclaimed Derpy Hooves, flying into the floor in front of the lavender mare. "Great party, huh?"
"Um, sure," said Twilight. "Say, Derpy. Did you ever figure out where that package you gave me a couple days ago came from?"
Derpy's face fell. "Sorry, I didn't. It's weird. I didn't even have it on my clipboard or anything."
"Hmm. That's odd," Twilight mused. "Well, when did you first notice it?"
"Well, I just found it in my saddlebag while I was flying," said Derpy with a shrug.
"Uh huh," said Twilight. "Derpy, have you delivered any packages from Saddle Arabia by any chance?"
"Not that I remember," said Derpy, placing a hoof to her chin.
"I see," said Twilight. "Well, thanks anyway."
"No problem!" said Derpy with a grin. Her attention was then drawn to the buffet table. "Ooh, muffins!" she said, flying over.
"It's probably nothing to worry about," said Spike with a shrug. "You said so before, remember? You're not looking this gift horse in the mouth, and you're being careful with your wishes."
"You're right, I did say that," said Twilight. "But I don't know anypony else who would know anything about the package. I don't think even Misty knows. Remember, she was asleep the whole time. That means that this mystery is going to remain unsolved. And you know how much I don't like unsolved mysteries."
"All too well," said Spike, looking over at Pinkie Pie, who was busy setting Misty up for a round of Pin the Tail on the Pony.
"I gotta say, Twi. That Misty is a swell gal," said Applejack, trotting over to Twilight. "It's jus' a shame that you're the first mistress she's had that treats her right."
"I've noticed," said Twilight, looking over at the genie as she talked to the other ponies. "She's really been pushing me to make wishes, and got confused when I said I needed time to think. That's another thing that I've been wondering about, to be honest."
"She also doesn't seem to like to talk about you much," added Fluttershy, joining the conversation. "I asked her what she thought of you, and she just got all quiet. She looked nervous, too."
"Now that's strange," said Twilight, brushing her chin with her hoof. "I thought she'd be proud of me, seeing as I'm being so nice to her and all."
"Well, maybe there's something about genies that we don't know," suggested Spike. "I'm sure we can look it up when we get home. It's not like you had anything important to do today."
"Ooh, they've gotta be here somewhere! Owlowiscious, do you think Starswirl the Bearded wrote anything about this?"
When Fluttershy and Spike got back to the library, it was already a mess. Books lay strewn all over the place, and Twilight was at the center of it all, frantically flipping through tome after tome.
"My goodness," gasped Fluttershy. "What's wrong, Twilight?"
"What's wrong? WHAT'S WRONG?!" Twilight screamed. "What's wrong is that today I promised Princess Celestia that I would work on this important report on how order and chaos can coexist! I told her I'd have it ready by this afternoon, but because of Pinkie's party, I completely forgot!"
"What's the big deal?" asked Spike. "It's just a dinky little research paper."
"Oh, it's not just a research paper," said Twilight, still sifting through books. "This topic has been heavily debated by sages and philosophers since time immemorial. I have to go through every single one and form my own opinion! Do you know how long that'll take?! I should've started this first thing in the morning!"
"Twilight, you're making a mountain out of a molehill. Again," Spike said sternly, crossing his arms. "You can just ask Princess Celestia for an extension. She'll understand."
Twilight's ear twitched, and she turned to Spike menacingly. "An extension? Spike, how long have you known me?"
"Um, since I was born?" said Spike, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
"And how many times did I ask the Princess for an extension?"
"Um, uh..."
"That's right. NEVER! I've always made it a point to hand all of my reports in ON TIME!" Twilight yelled, paranoia creeping into her voice. "If I ask for an extension, then the Princess will think that I'm not taking my studies seriously! I can't let her think I'm slacking off! If I don't turn this in by four o'clock this afternoon, I'll be tardy! TARDY, I TELL YOU!"
"Um, Twilight? Could you, please calm down?" Fluttershy asked meekly. "You're, scary when you panic like this."
"No time! I have to hurry and get this report written!" said Twilight. "Wait, not hurry. Then it won't be good. Oh, but if I don't hurry, I'll miss the deadline! I-I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO! ARGH!"
In a fit of frustration, she tossed the book she was reading into the air with her magic. Spike managed to make a diving catch.
"Um, I'm sure it'll be fine, Twilight," said Fluttershy, flying over to her frantic friend and draping her wing around her.
"I don't see how," said Twilight glumly. "Oh, if only I hadn't forgotten. If only I had more time."
"INCOMING!"
Just then, Rainbow Dash came crashing through the window, flying straight into a pile of books and scattering them every which way. Twilight groaned.
"Rainbow, how many times did I tell you to use the door?" she scolded.
"Yeah, yeah. I know, I know," said Rainbow, shaking herself and getting to her feet. "But I figured you wanted this as soon as possible."
She then showed that she was carrying the magic lamp in her hooves.
"AJ told me and Misty about your little panic attack, and she suggested that you might need her help," she said.
Twilight beamed, and tackled Rainbow Dash into a hug. "Oh, thankyouthankyouthankyou, Rainbow Dash! You're a lifesaver!"
"Urk. No prob," Rainbow grunted. "Look, you'd better get to work on whatever you're doing, so..."
"Oh, right!" said Twilight, releasing the cyan pegasus. "Sorry."
"Again, no biggie," said Rainbow, brushing herself off. "I'll catch you later, Twilight!"
With that, she zoomed off. Twilight wasted no time rubbing the lamp and summoning Misty.
"Yeesh. When did this place become a disaster area?" the djinn said, looking around the library.
"Misty, thank Celestia you're here!" said Twilight. "I need to make a wish!"
"I, figured," said Misty. "Go on."
"Well, I have this very important and very labor-intensive report for the Princess due this afternoon," Twilight explained. "But because I forgot, I don't have time to finish it and do a good job. And I can't ask for an extension, or else the Princess will think that I'm not taking my studies seriously! And if she thinks I'm not taking my studies seriously, I'm in big trouble! Of course, she'll think that if I turn in a rushed report or if I turn it in late! But I can't turn it in on time without sacrificing quality, and I can't do a good job unless I'm tardy! Either way, I'm doomed!"
"Alright, alright. I get it," said Misty. "You want me to fix this somehow. Alright, what's your wish?"
"Okay," said Twilight. "I wish to stop time."
Misty raised an eyebrow. "Stop time."
"Yes," said Twilight. "I want time to stop for everything except me and everything I need to write this report. And, I want time to remain frozen until I say the word 'done.'"
Misty's jaw dropped. "My word. Even when you're in a panic you think things through! I would really like to know how your mind works."
"Never mind how my mind works!" Twilight yelled. "Can you do it or not?!"
"Well, sure I can," said Misty. "At least I think. I've never had a time-stopping wish this specific before."
"Can't you at least try?" Twilight pleaded.
"I wouldn't be much of a genie if I didn't," said Misty. "Alright, let me run through this again so that I don't mess up. You want time to stop."
"Yes."
"For everything except you and the stuff you need for this report."
"That includes books, parchment, quills, and ink."
"And you want time to start again when you say the word 'done.'"
"That's correct."
"Alrighty then," said Misty. With that, an orb of energy formed in her hooves. She began to kneed it and mold it, and as she did, it grew bigger and bigger. "As we say in the trade, your wish is my command."
She then splayed her arms outward, and the orb exploded into a brilliant flash.
***
When Twilight's eyes recovered from the flash, she couldn't believe her eyes. She saw Fluttershy crouched on the ground, shielding her eyes. But the yellow pegasus didn't even shiver. Spike was frozen mid-fall, recoiling from the flash. Twilight could even see the individual specks of dust that the baby dragon kicked up as he stumbled. She looked out the window, and saw several ponies frozen in place. Some were talking to one another, others just going for a light stroll. The hands on the clock tower did not even move an inch.
"Well?" asked Misty. "What do you think?"
Twilight decided to put the wish to the test. Using her magic, she lifted a book from the ground. Sure enough, it obeyed her levitation spell. She then focused on a blank piece of parchment that lay on the ground. It followed her as well. She smiled.
"Right. Time to get started," she said, determination in her voice. She got right to work, flipping through books and writing everything down. With time no longer being an issue, she was free to put all of her effort into her work. Gradually, she began to relax and take her time, considering each argument and formulating her thoughts in a clear manner. She even had time to proofread her work. After what felt like hours, she had written the last of her thoughts and closed the last of her books.
"And, done," she said.
As soon as she uttered those words, the world around her came alive. Spike completed his fall to the ground, and Fluttershy began to shiver with fright.
"Whoa. That was freaky," said Spike. "Well, did it work?"
"It sure did!" said Twilight with glee, clapping her hooves. "Spike, send this report to the Princess, pronto!"
"Huh?" asked Spike. "But that only took a second."
"Further proof that it worked," said Twilight with a shrug. "C'mon, Spike. Don't dawdle."
"Um, right," said Spike, snatching the report from Twilight's desk. He then bathed the parchment in emerald flame and sent it on its way.
"It's, over?" inquired Fluttershy, peeking over her hooves. "Goodness. I thought that would take longer."
"It did. You just didn't feel it," said Misty. "That's usually how it works."
"Well, thank you very much, Misty," said Twilight, beaming at the genie. "You really came through for me."
"Aw, shucks. It was nothing, really," said Misty sheepishly. "If anything, I should applaud you for making such a smart wish."
"It's just how I think," said Twilight with a shrug. "Now then, it looks like my day has been freed up completely. What should I do now?"
Her stomach then growled.
"Guess that's your answer," said Spike.
"Oh, I'd love it if you had lunch with me," said Fluttershy. "I promised Angel we'd go on a picnic this afternoon, and I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you're there."
"Sounds good, Fluttershy," said Twilight. "You want to come with us, Misty?"
"Me? Oh, I couldn't," said Misty. "Trust me, that last wish took a lot out of me. I think it's better if I just take a nap and recover my strength."
"I see," said Twilight. "Alright, I understand. Thanks again."
With that, she galloped off with Spike and Fluttershy. Misty gave them a wave goodbye, and sighed.
She really doesn't deserve any of this, she thought as she went back into her lamp. I just hope she makes that third wish soon, so that I can get this over with...
As soon as Twilight got home from her luncheon with Fluttershy, she trotted up to her room and cracked open her book on Saddle Arabian folklore.
"Getting a head start on your next assignment so that you don't have to stop time again?" Spike joked as he followed the lavender unicorn upstairs.
"Ha ha," Twilight said dryly, setting the book down on her desk. "Actually, since I'm down to my last wish, I want to figure something out before I think about what I'm going to wish for."
"Figure something out?" asked Spike.
"I want to know why Misty was so insistent on me making wishes."
Spike scratched his head. "Why do you want to know that before you make your last wish?"
Twilight turned to the baby dragon, her eyebrow raised. "I thought that'd be obvious."
"Huh?"
"She was pestering me about wishes for a reason, Spike," Twilight explained. "And if it's something that genies typically do, I want to know what it is."
"You don't trust Misty then?"
As Twilight and Spike continued to talk, Misty stirred from her slumber and crawled out of her lamp. Becoming curious, she floated upstairs and peeked through a small crack in the door.
"Well, I don't completely trust her, if that's what you're asking," Twilight admitted. "After all, I still don't know who sent her to me, and what's more, I have no way of finding out."
"There's a 'but' in there, I know it," said Spike.
Twilight sighed. "Maybe it's because I'm the first pony to treat her nicely, but she's just been so nervous and confused this whole time. And knowing that, I kinda feel bad for her."
Hey, the feeling's mutual, kiddo, Misty thought as she continued to eavesdrop.
"And you think it has to do with how genies typically act?" Spike inquired.
"It's possible," said Twilight, continuing to flip through her book. She then spotted something that caught her attention. "Wait. Spike, take a look at this."
She levitated the book with her magic and lowered it to the ground for Spike to read.
"It says here that genies are actually tragic creatures," said she. "There is nothing more precious or more sacred to a genie than his or her own freedom. But they can only be free if their master desires it. Sometimes, a master will promise a genie freedom, but will break that promise because they forgot, or even just to spite the genie."
"That's terrible," said an aghast Spike.
Oh, you have no idea, Misty thought.
"It all makes sense now," said Twilight somberly. "Misty was pestering me about wishes because she wants her freedom. And she's been acting nervously because she doesn't want to force my hoof."
"Sure seems like it," said Spike. "Well, what're you gonna do, Twi?"
Twilight closed her eyes and thought for a moment When she opened them, they reflected a mixture of warmth and determination. "I've made up my mind, Spike. Tomorrow morning, my third and final wish is going to be for Misty's freedom."
Misty gasped, unable to believe what she was hearing.
"Just like that?" asked Spike.
"Why not?" Twilight said with a shrug. "I don't want anything else, and I think she deserves it."
I have to be dreaming, Misty thought. This can't be real, it just can't be. She actually cares about how I feel? Nopony ever cared about how I felt.
"Well, why not wish for it now?" Spike inquired.
"After that time-stopping wish? I think she's had enough for one day," said Twilight. "I think it'd be better if I let her rest up and get her strength back."
Misty took her veil and dabbed a few tears from her eyes. She, really cares. She cares about me. She wants to free me. It's really going to happen, after all these centuries.
She floated back downstairs, smiling to herself and praising her good fortune. But then, the wind howling outside snapped her from her reverie. Her smile faded, and a new set of tears welled up in her eyes.
Oh, right. I'm not that lucky.
***
It was another sleepless night for Misty as she sat in the middle of the floor, wondering what to do.
"How did I get myself into this mess?" she muttered to herself. "I've been putting on this charade for my freedom, which is what Twilight wants her last wish to be. Except I can't grant her that wish, because I'm still indebted to Orthrus. But if she tries to wish for my freedom and I can't deliver, she's going to get suspicious, and then, what? I can't tell her the truth. Not now. Not when I'm so close. Oh, what do I do?"
A howl echoed from outside.
"Hey, I don't need suggestions from you, pal!" Misty snapped. She then thought for a moment. "Wait, that was just the wind, wasn't it? Great, I'm being paranoid again. Just what I needed. I mean, it isn't bad enough that I'm in the middle of this stinking rut."
She got up and began pacing. "Well, does it really matter where I get my freedom from? It's not like I trust Orthrus anyway."
But you're still his genie, her inner voice argued. You can't run away from that, no matter how hard you try.
"What's he going to do to me? His dark magic is being suppressed by Tartarus."
Genies cannot disobey their masters.
"So, what? Am I supposed to just flail around like an idiot when Twilight tries to free me?"
Twilight cannot free you.
"I know, I know. But she wants to. She cares about how I feel."
And because of that, you would defy your master?
"Hey, Orthrus is not half the master that Twilight is!"
She's not your mistress.
"Oh, thank you for reminding me. I almost forgot that I was taking advantage of an innocent unicorn's trust!"
She doesn't trust you.
"She trusts me enough to try and free me."
Well, she shouldn't.
"Yeah, I know. But, what should I do?"
There is only one solution.
"And that is?"
Force her to wish for something else.
Misty gasped. "What? No, I couldn't do that. It's not right."
You have no choice.
"But if she finds out..."
She won't. Not until it's too late.
After some more debating with herself, Misty finally relented. "Heh, how ironic. Me, trying to keep somepony from wishing for my freedom when that's what I'm doing all this for."
She raised her hooves into the air, creating a cloud of mist. She swirled the mist around and around until it became a thick fog.
"I'm sorry, Twilight," she murmured, blowing the fog away. She then sighed and went back into her lamp, unaware of a pair of beady brown eyes watching her from the window...
Chapter 8: Twilight's Third Wish: A Major Change of Plans
Twilight was awakened by a powerful roar from outside. It was indeed far too loud to be the wind.
"Nngh, mmph," mumbled Spike, roused by the noise himself. "Who turned off the sun?"
"It's not daytime yet," said Twilight. "Goodness, what could be making such a racket?"
She then peeked out of her window, and her purple eyes became as wide as dinner plates. "Sweet Celestia above!"
"That's not good, is it?" Spike asked groggily.
"More than you know," said Twilight gravely. "C'mon, Spike! There's no time to lose!"
Before the baby dragon could protest, Twilight scooped him up with her magic and ran out the door.
***
Standing right in the town square stood none other than a very angry-looking Ursa Major. The large bear with fur that matched the purple night sky let loose a loud roar sure to wake up anypony within earshot. Twilight noticed her friends rushing alongside her, and deduced that they just woke up, too.
"Oh, you gotta be kiddin' me," said Applejack as she saw the source of the noise with her own eyes. "Is that what I think it is?"
"I'm afraid so," said Twilight, unable to believe it herself. "That right there is an Ursa Major."
The Ursa Major roared again, swiping its large paw at a small house and batting the roof clean off. Its rampage sent many ponies into a panic.
"Of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE, WORST, POSSIBLE, THING!" screamed Rarity in a very melodramatic manner.
"Okay, everypony, show of hooves. Who wants to panic with me?" asked Pinkie Pie, raising her hoof.
"This ain't the time to panic, Pink!" Applejack scolded. "We gotta think of somethin'!"
"Hang on! I know just the pony who can help!" said Rainbow Dash, radiating a take-charge attitude. "Back in a jiffy!"
The cyan speedster zoomed off. Pinkie, meanwhile, began shrieking and running around in circles. Finding her antics annoying, the Ursa Major lumbered towards the pink pony, barreling through any building in its way.
"Pinkie, cut it out!" admonished Twilight, using her magic to keep her hyperactive friend still. "You're just making it madder!"
"Yeah, and I don't think we want that," said Spike with a gulp. "It looks plenty mad already."
"Well, we can't jus' stand around doin' nothin'," said Applejack. "Oh, where is that Rainbow Dash?"
As if on cue, a beam of myriad colors zipped onto the scene. Rainbow Dash was carrying none other than Fluttershy in her hooves. The timid yellow pegasus was curled up into a ball, holding a teddy bear close to her chest and sucking on her hoof.
"Sorry I'm late, guys! It took me a while to get her out of her closet," said Rainbow. "Luckily, Angel was willing to help."
"Of course!" exclaimed Twilight. "Fluttershy is a natural with animals! She can tame this Ursa Major no problem!"
"Um, Twi? Maybe you should tell her that," said Spike, pointing at the cowering pony.
"Oh, right," said Twilight, rolling her eyes. "Um, Fluttershy?"
Fluttershy looked up. Seeing her friends, her face turned bright red. "Um, this is not what it looks like..."
Another roar from the Ursa Major startled her into the air. Seeing the beast for herself, she breathed a sigh of relief.
"Oh, is that all?" she said. "I thought it was a dragon. Well, don't worry, girls. I think I can handle this."
She casually flew up to the Ursa Major while the other five shared a collective shrug. All eyes were on Fluttershy, a heavy tension in the air as they waited for results. To their horror, the tension was broken when the Ursa Major let out a powerful roar that shook the sky, its large fangs snapping at Fluttershy. It then swatted the pegasus out of the sky with one blow of its paw.
"Fluttershy!" her friends exclaimed, rushing to her side. The pink-maned pony was very battered and bruised, wincing in pain as she struggled to her feet.
"What the hay happened up there?!" asked Rainbow Dash, helping her fellow pegasus up. "Are you alright?!"
"I-I'm fine. Nothing broken," Fluttershy said with a heavy sigh. "I'm really sorry, girls. I tried to talk to her, I really did. But she's not listening to me. Or rather, she doesn't want to listen to me. It's as if her heart has been closed off. I-I can't reach her."
"This is most peculiar," Twilight mused. "Why would it..."
"She," Fluttershy corrected.
"...she, act like that?" said Twilight, concluding her thought.
"Maybe this is not the best time to be worrying about that!" said Spike. "What're we going to do now?!"
Twilight thought for a moment, and reached an epiphany. "There's only one thing we can do. Rainbow Dash, hurry to my library and get Misty."
"Huh? Your genie?" asked Rainbow. "Are you sure, Twilight? I mean, I could probably..."
"No, Rainbow. You'll only get hurt," said Twilight, shaking her head. "And it would take too long for me to gather energy for the proper spell, which I'm not sure is powerful enough, anyway. This is the only way."
Rainbow shrugged. "If you say so."
She then zipped off. In a few seconds, she was back with the lamp.
"Great. Thanks, Dashie," said Twilight, rubbing the lamp. Misty appeared in a burst of steam.
"Who what? Ugh, fine time to wake me," the djinn groaned.
"I'm sorry, Misty," said Twilight. "But I need to make my final wish, and I need to make it now."
"So soon?" said Misty. Twilight pointed at the Ursa Major rampaging behind her. "Ooooh. Yeah, I gotcha. Speak, and it shall be done."
"Alright," said Twilight. "My third and final wish is to send that Ursa Major back to where it came from!"
"As you wish," said Misty with a clap of her hooves. And just like that, the Ursa Major disappeared in a puff of smoke. Everypony breathed a sigh of relief.
"Wow. Thanks, Misty," said Twilight. "I don't know what we would've done without you."
Misty gave a sigh of her own. "Honestly, I think you'd be a lot better off," said she.
"Huh?" asked Twilight, confused.
"Here, catch."
Misty picked up her lamp and tossed it over to Twilight. The lamp suddenly sputtered, firing off glowing sparks and puffs of steam. Suddenly, it shot forth a thick purple fog which formed around Twilight in a great towering spiral.
"What in tarnation?!" exclaimed Applejack, unable to believe her eyes.
"Is, that supposed to happen?" asked Pinkie Pie, raising an eyebrow.
"Misty, what's going on?" asked Twilight, beginning to panic. "What's happening to me?!"
"It's a magic vacuum, Twilight Sparkle," said Misty. "Once a genie grants three wishes, the magic lamp sucks in the closest source of magic. It keeps genies from running away, you see. However, in this circumstance, the closest and most powerful source of magic near the lamp is, well, you. I don't think I need to explain the rest."
Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a powerful force tugging at her head. Looking down, she gasped in horror as a set of golden reins materialized around her muzzle. The force slowly became more and more powerful, pulling her towards the lamp. She struggled against the suction, but her efforts were in vain. "Help! Help me!" she screamed.
"Hang in there, Twilight! We'll save you!" proclaimed Spike. He quickly grabbed Twilight's hoof with his claw, and each of the five ponies gave him their assistance. They all pulled and pulled, but the magic vacuum was too strong.
"Spike!" Twilight cried out, feeling her grip weakening
"Twilight!" Spike called back, pulling with all his might.
But alas, it was too late. Twilight's hoof slipped out of the dragon's claw as she disappeared entirely into the lamp.
"Sorry, kiddo. It's nothing personal," said Misty, picking up the lamp. "I didn't really have a choice."
"Now wait just a cotton pickin' minute!" barked Applejack as she and everyone else got to their feet. "What the hay is this all about?"
"Yeah! And what did you do to Twilight?" snarled Rainbow Dash, getting in the genie's face.
"Me? I didn't do anything," said Misty with a shrug.
"Don't give me that," Rainbow Dash growled. "You tossed that lamp to her on purpose! You knew it would suck her up!"
"Look, this was the only way for me to get my freedom," Misty said sharply. "I don't expect any of you to understand."
"Well, of course we don't understand," said Pinkie Pie. "You were so nice before. We thought you were Twilight's friend."
Misty scoffed. "Her friend? Her friend? Perhaps you didn't get the memo, but I am a genie. I don't have friends. All I have are masters and mistresses. That's it."
"But Twilight treated you with respect and dignity," said Rarity. "Perhaps one of those uncouth ruffians who were your masters before deserved this fate, but not her!"
"You think I don't know that?!" Misty snapped, tears in her eyes. "You have no idea what a pain in the flank this entire ordeal has been! It would've been so much easier if she was just another jerk! It would've been so much easier if you ponies didn't pay me any mind at all! But no. You had to be nice to me. You had to trust me. You had to joke with me, share with me, stand with me, and for what?! Just so I could break all of your hearts at the end."
She sighed. "Well, guess what, girls? Time heals all wounds. Twilight Sparkle is mine, and there's nothing any of you can do about it."
"Wanna bet?" said Rainbow Dash, pounding her hooves together and cracking her neck.
"Twilight might not be your friend, but she's still our friend," said Fluttershy sternly. "And we're not going to let you take her away."
A chorus of agreement came from the other ponies, ending with a deep-throated snarl from Spike.
Misty chuckled sadly. "You really don't get it, do you? You have no idea what forces you're fighting against, how hopeless your situation is. Well, fine. If that's the way you want to play, then I'll just have to teach you all a lesson."
"You're the one who needs to be taught a lesson, you meanie-genie!" proclaimed Pinkie, charging for the genie. "Now give Twilight back this instant!"
Misty sighed, and gestured with her hoof. Just as Pinkie was about to tackle her, she disappeared in a puff of steam. Pinkie fell headlong, bouncing across the ground several times. When she recovered, her eyes widened as she saw several Mistys floating in front of her.
"Make me," said all of the genies in unison. "Or rather, find me."
"Heh! No problem!" said Rainbow Dash. With that, the cyan pegasus swooped down, flying through each djinn one at a time. One by one, they disappeared into puffs of steam.
"Let's see. Nope. Nope. Nope," Rainbow mused as she punched through illusion after illusion. Finally, there was only one left. "Ah-ha! There you..."
Poof! The last Misty disappeared in another puff of steam.
"...are? Yeow!"
To her utter amazement, Rainbow found herself flying straight into Pinkie Pie. Before she could adjust her trajectory, she crashed into the pink mare, sending the two ponies into a tumble.
"She's getting away!" Spike called out, pointing to Misty as she flew away with the lamp.
"Oh, no she ain't!" said Applejack, taking out a lasso and spinning it over her head with her tail. "Let's go, Rarity! Put 'em up!"
Rarity nodded, and galloped after Misty. The two were soon neck-and-neck, while Applejack followed from behind. Misty rolled her eyes.
"You all should just quit right now," she said, raising her voice over the thundering of hooves.
"Not a chance!" Rarity barked back, using her magic to try and wrench the lamp away from the genie. "This is what it means to fight for a friend!"
"I can see that," Misty grunted, pulling against Rarity's magic. "And I'm touched, really. But this is not a fight you can win!"
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Applejack tossing her lariat and smirked. "Case in point."
There was another burst of steam. When it dissipated, Rarity had switched places with Misty, and Applejack snagged the white unicorn with the lasso instead of the genie.
"Rarity!" Applejack exclaimed, shocked at the misfire. Quickly, she galloped to her friend's side. "I am so, so sorry, sugarcube. You alright?"
"Just, give me a minute," Rarity growled, none too pleased with her predicament.
"Well, you girls look like you're a bit tied up at the moment," said Misty. "I'd better take my leave."
"You're not going anywhere, missy."
Fluttershy flew right in front of Misty, not looking the least bit happy. Spike sat on her back, equally displeased.
"We're not going to give up," the baby dragon said with a snort, determination in his voice. "Not now, not ever. Twilight is more than a friend to me. She's my family. And if you think for one minute that you can just hurt her and I'll let you get away with it, you've got another think coming."
Misty sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose with her hoof. "Do you realize who you're talking to right now? I told you, there's nothing any of you can do to get Twilight back, and I meant it."
"This is your last warning, missy," said Fluttershy coldly. "You let Twilight go, or I'll give you the Stare."
Misty raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're going to stare at me? That's the best you can come up with?"
"Now you're in for it," said Spike, folding his arms.
Fluttershy scowled, her teal eyes growing wide and intense. The effect was immediate as Misty felt herself drawn in.
"Wh-what are you doing?" she asked, beginning to shake like a leaf. "S-stop it!"
"Not until you give Twilight back," said Spike.
"I-I can't!" Misty stammered, trying to avert her eyes. "S-stop! You're hurting me!"
"I'm sorry, but no one gets away with hurting my friends. Especially not you," Fluttershy said flatly, maintaining her stare.
Finally, Misty couldn't stand it anymore. "S-stop it! That's enough! I said STOP!"
She turned away and gestured with her hoof, creating a brilliant flash.
"Ah! My eyes!" Fluttershy screamed, clamping her eyes shut with her hooves as she fell to the ground. Misty took a second to recover her breath, and looked over the ponies.
"Let this be a warning to you all," she said darkly. "I don't want to catch any of you following me, or so help me, I'll make you regret it ten times over."
With that, she disappeared in a puff of steam, taking Twilight with her.
"Aw, shoot!" Applejack spat, throwing her hat to the ground in frustration. "Now what do we do?"
"You okay, Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked, flying to the yellow mare's side.
"Owie," Fluttershy moaned, rubbing her eyes. "Th-that was a dirty trick."
"I still don't get it," said Spike, clutching his head. "Why did she do all this? Why does she need Twilight?"
"Hoo. Hoo."
"Misty. Who do you think I'm...? Oh."
As the ponies recovered and licked their wounds, Owlowiscious flew in.
"Owlowiscious? What are you doing here?" asked Rarity, removing the lariat from her muzzle.
Owlowiscious hooted a few times. Fluttershy sat up, and listened intently.
"What? You're serious?"
Owlowiscious nodded and hung his head.
"What? What is it?" asked Spike.
"He says that Misty might've been the one who summoned the Ursa Major in order to get Twilight to use her last wish," said Fluttershy.
There was a collective gasp.
"Now, why in tarnation would she want to do that?" asked Applejack.
Owlowiscious hooted a few more times.
"He says he's not sure, but he saw her debating with herself earlier tonight," Fluttershy translated. "Something about not being able to grant Twilight's real final wish."
"Oh, right!" said Spike. "She told me this afternoon that she was going to wish for Misty's freedom because she felt sorry for her."
"Whoa, whoa. Time out," said Rainbow Dash, gesturing with her hooves. "If Twilight was going to wish for Misty's freedom, why did she have to summon the Ursa Major and make her not wish for that? It just doesn't make sense."
"I do believe you're right, Rainbow Dash," Rarity mused. "Something is not adding up."
Owlowiscious hooted again.
"He says we might be missing something," said Fluttershy.
"Well, whatever it is, Twilight's still in danger," said Applejack. "We gotta find a way to save her."
"But which way did they go, AJ? Which way did they go?" asked Pinkie, looking around every which way.
Owlowiscious hooted, and began to fly off towards the library.
"Owlowiscious says he might have a way to find out back at the library," said Fluttershy.
"Augh. Are we going to have to rummage through books again?" Rainbow Dash griped. "I'm so sick of doing that."
"Suck it up, Rainbow. Twilight's well-bein' is at stake here," said Applejack. "Now c'mon, everypony. Time's a-wastin'."
No one needed to be told twice. The five ponies and the baby dragon dashed off, following Owlowiscious back to the library.
Misty reappeared in a barren wasteland far away from Ponyville. Off in the distance, she could see the torches that lit the way to the Gates of Tartarus.
"Looks like the right place," she said to herself. She then rubbed the lamp. "Alright, kiddo. Time to wake up."
The lamp expelled a burst of mist, and from it Twilight emerged.
"Ugh, my head," Twilight groaned, shaking herself. "What happened? Where am I?" She then turned to Misty, confusion in her eyes. "Misty, what's going on?"
Misty sighed. "You still insist on calling me that, even now? You really aren't making this easy for me, you know that?"
"Making what easy?" asked Twilight, starting to lose her patience. "I think I deserve an explanation."
"Yeah, you probably do," said Misty thoughtfully, placing a hoof to her chin. "Alright, here's the simplified version. Our roles are now reversed. You now grant my wishes."
"WHAT?!" Twilight gasped, unable to believe what she was hearing. "What do you mean our roles are reversed?!"
"That's just how magic lamps work," said Misty with a shrug. "I don't know what to tell you."
"You can start by telling me why you trapped me in your lamp like that," said a very agitated Twilight. "I treated you well, probably better than any other master you ever had, and this is how you repay me?"
"I didn't ask to be treated nicely, you know," said Misty, folding her arms. "I'm a genie. I don't expect anything from anypony."
"Well, for your information, I was going to wish for your freedom," said Twilight. "If that Ursa Major hadn't attacked, you would've been free by now."
Misty turned to Twilight savagely. "And for your information, I'm the one who summoned that Ursa Major in the first place!" she snapped.
Twilight placed a hoof to her mouth, a bewildered look in her eyes. "Y-you did? B-but why?"
Misty sighed and turned away from Twilight. "Because I wouldn't have been able to grant your wish to free me."
"But why not? Isn't that what every genie wants?"
"More than you know," said Misty. "And that's why I did it."
"I, still don't understand," said Twilight.
There was a long silence. Although it was difficult to tell, Twilight thought she heard Misty crying.
"Misty? Are you okay?" Twilight asked, walking up to the weeping djinn.
"Why the heck do you care?" Misty shot back. "You shouldn't care! Not after what I did!"
"What do you...?"
"You're not really my mistress! You never were! This whole thing, it was just a charade! A ruse! A trick to get you into that lamp! There! Are you happy now?!"
Twilight closed her eyes, processing what Misty just told her. When her eyes opened again, they still reflected confusion. "I'm sorry, Misty. I still don't really understand. Why did you do this?"
Misty sighed. There was no use in hiding now. "It was all a scheme, cooked up by my real master. He's the one who sent me to you."
"Your real master?" asked Twilight. "Who is your real master?"
"Oh, you'll meet him soon enough," said Misty. "See, he needs your power. Mine's not enough to give him what he really wants. That's why we're here now."
She then picked herself up and dried her eyes, turning back to Twilight. "Well, there's no use dawdling. It's time you granted my first wish."
"Your first wish?"
"Yes. My first wish, Twilight Sparkle, is for you to free Orthrus from Tartarus."
Twilight gasped in horror. "What?! You want me to free the Hound of Nightmare Moon from Tartarus?! Are you crazy?!"
"You know what? I probably am," said Misty. "I ignored and manipulated the goodwill of a false master just so that I can gain my freedom from a real one. Oh well, what're you gonna do, huh?"
Twilight folded her forelegs in defiance. "Well, I'll tell you what I'm not going to do. I'm not going to grant your wish."
Misty flattened her ears and turned away again. "You really don't want to do that."
"I think I do," said Twilight firmly. "What you're doing is not right, Misty, and you of all people know it. There has to be a better..."
She was interrupted when the golden reins around her muzzle seemed to tighten. An invisible force pulled them back, causing her to rear back on her hind legs and paw the air.
"Trust me, kiddo. I'm speaking from experience," said Misty, keeping her back turned to Twilight. "Those reins around your muzzle are not just for decoration. They are a sign of a genie's servitude. If a genie actively disobeys their master, the reins pull back. And as you can probably tell, it hurts. A lot."
Twilight whinnied in pain, struggling against the reins. "I will not do this!" she grunted.
"You don't have a choice in the matter, Twilight Sparkle," said Misty sorrowfully. "Just like I don't. Believe me, I didn't want to put you through all of this."
"Misty, you don't have to do this! Think, is this really worth it?!"
"It'd better be. Otherwise, I don't think I could look at myself in the mirror ever again. Heck, I already can't look you in the eye."
"Misty, we both know this isn't what you want! Stop this!"
"I'm not doing anything. You're the one hurting yourself by disobeying me."
"I know you feel the same way, Misty!" Twilight cried, tears forming in her eyes. "I wish you would just understand!"
Misty looked at Twilight through the corner of her eye. "Sorry, kiddo. You already used your last wish," she said darkly. "Now, I'm the mistress, and you're the servant. Get that through your head and free Orthrus. Please."
"N-n-never!" Twilight whinnied.
Misty sighed. "I didn't want to do this, kiddo. Oh, who am I kidding? I don't want to do any of this. But you leave me no choice."
She then raised her hoof.
"I wish for Orthrus to be free from Tartarus," she said, cracking her hoof in a whipping motion. "Hup hup!"
With that, the reins cracked against the back of Twilight's neck. Twilight howled in pain, and almost blacked out. When she recovered, she found that her horn was glowing.
"Wh-what's going on?!" she said, beginning to panic. "I-I can't control it!"
"It's an ancient trick that ponies used when genies were being unruly," said Misty. "A crack of the reins, and the genie grants the wish whether they want to or not. The trick hasn't been used in centuries, mainly because most genies know better."
Twilight moaned and groaned, the magenta glow of her horn shifting to a sinister black. She scrunched her eyes shut as black wisps began to radiate from them. Try as she might, she couldn't cancel the spell. With one final scream, her eyes shot open, and a large black shock wave exploded from her horn.
When the dust settled, she stood in fear, unable to believe what she had just done. Towering over her and Misty was none other than Orthrus himself, starry manes and all. The great twin-headed hound chortled nefariously.
"Gaze upon us/me and know what despair truly is, Equestria," said both heads in unison. "For after a millennia in Tartarus, we/I have returned to take what is rightfully ours/mine."
"I-I can't believe this!" said an aghast Twilight. "Orthrus is your real master?!"
"I know. I'm just the luckiest genie in the world, aren't I?" said Misty sardonically.
The great hound knelt down towards Misty, stroking her chin with his enormous paw.
"You have performed well," Orthrus's right head said in earnest praise. "It took a bit longer than I expected, but I suppose you can't rush perfection."
"Oh, and how perfect this is," the left head added, looking over at Twilight. "We've heard many stories about you, Twilight Sparkle. Oh yes, many stories indeed."
The great hound left Misty and began circling around Twilight like a wolf circling its prey. "You are the one who purified our mistress, Nightmare Moon. You are the one who saved Equestria from the likes of Discord, Queen Chrysalis, and His Royal Eminence King Sombra. And now, here you are. Reduced to a mere slave at the whim of another slave. It has been centuries since we have been so amused."
"I'm glad you're amused," Misty grumbled.
The ears of Orthrus's right head perked up. "What was that?" he asked, turning his attention back to the djinn. "You seem somewhat, disappointed."
"I'm not going to gain anything by complaining to you," said Misty with a dismissive wave of her hoof. "Let's just say there's a reason it took so long."
"Oh? And what would that be?" asked the left head, glaring intently at Misty. "We would love to hear what the delay was."
"It doesn't matter," said Misty flatly. "Not to you, anyway. Now, unless I'm mistaken, we had a deal. I freed you just like you wanted me to. It's time you upheld your end of the bargain."
"Misty, wait," Twilight interjected. "Is this what you really want?"
Misty sighed. "I'm only going to say this once, kiddo, so listen up. There's only one thing I want more than anything else, and that's my freedom. And if I have to put my heart in a vice to get it, then that's the sacrifice I have to make. Maybe I will cry myself to sleep at night. Maybe I will hate myself for a while. But at least I won't be trapped in some stupid little lamp forced to bend over backwards for some stupid master. This is the way it has to be."
Orthrus's right head smirked. "Ah. So that was the delay," he mused.
"Like I said, it doesn't matter," said Misty, turning back to the twin-headed hound. "Not as long as you keep your promise."
"Oh, and I shall," said the right head. "I wouldn't dream of leaving you unrewarded."
He then stood at his full height and cleared his throat. "I wish for this genie to be free."
As the right head talked, Twilight saw the left head mutter something under its breath. She gasped.
"Misty, wait! Don't grant that wish!" she called out.
Misty shook her head. "It's too late, Twilight Sparkle. You can't talk me out of it. I'm sorry." She then turned back to her master. "Your wish is granted, Master Orthrus."
Misty spread her arms out and closed her eyes, waiting for the feeling of freedom to wash over her body. Suddenly, the golden reins around her muzzle changed to a black ebony color, and became more sinister in design. When she looked down, she was shocked. And that shock quickly turned into rage.
"Hey! What gives?!" she snapped.
"Why, I wished for you to be free, of course," said Orthrus's right head.
"Yes," the left head chimed in nefariously. "Free of your guilty conscience. Free of your sympathetic heart. Free of everything preventing you from enjoying this victory as our eternal servant."
Misty howled in pain as she felt a fire in her chest. She looked down, and saw her coat begin to turn as black as soot. "This is not what I wanted!" she cried. "You traitor! You snake! You cheated me!"
"Cheated you?" said Orthrus's right head, appearing offended. "You don't really have a leg to stand on for that one. Did you think I wouldn't notice?"
"Notice what?"
"Oh, don't play innocent, you underhanded wisp of vapor," the left head snarled. "You made Twilight Sparkle your servant instead of bringing her to us. You were planning to wish us back into Tartarus if we didn't give you what you wanted!"
"Well, the point is moot now," said the right head. "Because now you have your freedom. The freedom to follow my will, simply because you want to."
Misty squirmed and writhed as blackness spread all over her body. She sounded as though she was in unbearable pain. Twilight glowered at Orthrus, intense hatred in her purple eyes.
"You are not going to get away with this, Orthrus!" she shouted at the large hound. "I won't let you!"
Orthrus's two heads looked at each other, and then burst out laughing.
"You?! You plan to fight against us?!" the left head guffawed. "You little foal! You won't even be able to cast a single spell against us! Not while you are enslaved to our servant! Face it, Twilight Sparkle! All hope is lost!"
Twilight stood in silence, continuing to stare into Orthrus's red eyes. Deep in her heart, she held onto a small fragment of hope and didn't let go. Everything seemed hopeless, just as Orthrus said. But things were hopeless before, and she made it out okay. There was no reason to give up now.
As if to prove her point, a loud, angry roar shook the night sky. Recognizing the sound, Twilight's ears perked up as she strained herself to look behind Orthrus. Sure enough, another large black dog with multiple heads was standing there, looking absolutely livid. Orthrus snickered.
"My, my! You are quite shrewd!" the right head said to Misty, who was still writing in pain. "I had not noticed that you summoned me just a heartbeat away from Tartarus. You were counting on my inferior brother to notice that I was gone. Very clever indeed."
The twin-headed hound then turned to face his three-headed brother. "Well, it seems you caught me at a disadvantage, Cerberus," the right head said. "I have only been free from Tartarus for a few minutes. I have yet to recover my full power."
"It matters not," the left head growled, a gleam in its eyes. "You are still inferior to us, dear brother, and we can overpower you even at our current strength!"
Cerberus roared in response, arching his back and snarling.
"Eager for a real fight after all these centuries, brother?" said Orthrus's right head. "Well consider yourself lucky, for so am I. Have at thee!"
The two great hounds charged for one another. Twilight tried to gallop away during the commotion, but felt a sharp tug from her reigns. She looked back and saw Misty, using her magic to hold the reins and grinning evilly. Her coat was now completely black, and her eyes were bright red.
"Where do you think you're going, pet?" the djinn asked, a devious undertone in her voice. "It's time for us to play..."
Twilight stared back at Misty, unable to decide whether to struggle or stand in defiance. Either way, there was still a spark of determination in her eyes.
"Aw, what's the matter?" Misty said in a condescending tone. "My wittle pet doesn't wanna play? Well, tough patooties! You are under my power, so you do whatever I say!"
Twilight said nothing, dragging her hooves and the corrupted djinn pulled her by the reins.
"Stubborn as a mule, aren't you?" said Misty. "Tsk tsk. You're a naughty pet. And do you know what happens to naughty pets?"
Twilight didn't answer.
"They get broken!"
Misty made a whipping gesture with her hooves, and the reins cracked against the back of Twilight's neck. Twilight bit her lip, unwilling to give Misty the satisfaction of hearing her in pain. Seeing this, Misty floated over to the purple unicorn, taking her head in her hoof and forcing her to look at the battle between Cerberus and Orthrus.
"I bet you feel really stupid right now," the genie whispered in Twilight's ear. "You're thinking to yourself; 'How could I have been so careful, yet so naïve?' You were my puppet the entire time. Oh sure, you fought against the strings, but in the end, I'm the one who's free while you're stuck in the lamp. Tell me how it feels, pet. Tell me how it feels to be manipulated. I want to hear your pain."
Twilight continued giving Misty the cold shoulder as she watched the two giant hounds fight. Her expression remained passive despite everything that happened on the battlefield. She didn't cheer when Cerberus bit Orthrus right between his heads, nor did she gasp in horror when Orthrus managed to tackle his brother to the ground. She just stood there. Misty was starting to get annoyed.
"I told you to speak, pet!" she barked, cracking the reins again. "So speak!"
Twilight winced, a single tear of pain rolling down her cheek. She sighed.
"You want to know what I'm feeling?" she said as she recovered. "I feel pity."
"Well of course, pet," said Misty with a sneer. "You pity yourself for being such a fool. A fool who helped bring about Orthrus's freedom!"
"No," said Twilight, shaking her head. "I actually pity you."
Misty scoffed. "Me? Quite an amusing joke, pet, but I am not in the mood. I want to hear your suffering, not your humor."
"You think you're free just because Orthrus corrupted your mind?" Twilight said in an even tone. "Even if you are loyal to him, you are still a slave to the lamp. Anypony who picks that up will have control over you."
Misty began laughing. "Okay, I take it back, pet. Your humor is hilarious, not to mention just downright adorable! You think I'm afraid of somepony taking the lamp?! Does your naïveté know no bounds?! I only have one master, and that is Orthrus! If anypony thinks they can control me, woe be unto them!"
Twilight looked over at the lamp, which was sitting off to the side. "Why don't you put your money where your mouth is?" she asked.
Misty gave Twilight a knowing grin. "Nice try, pet," she said, folding her arms. "But you forget who's in control here. Even if I was afraid of somepony taking the lamp, which I am not, I wouldn't let you make the attempt."
"That's alright then," said Twilight, maintaining her passive-aggression. "Because I know my friends will be here any minute now to rescue me."
Misty rubbed the bridge of her nose with her hoof. "Okay, this isn't funny anymore, pet. You are starting to get on my nerves. I think it's time I made my second wish."
She pulled back on Twilight's reins, bringing the lavender librarian's ear close to her muzzle. "I wish for you to suffer as I have suffered, and then some," the genie whispered. "Know that you are at my mercy. Erase any hope of salvation from your heart. Watch as Orthrus destroys everything you hold dear, knowing that you caused it to happen."
Twilight shifted her attention back to the battle. She saw that Orthrus had Cerberus pinned, snapping at his brother with his two jaws. Cerberus barked back in defiance, fighting against his dark brother with all his might. Their battle was not over yet. And neither was hers.
"Your wish is denied, Misty," she said boldly. "Because I know it's not what you truly want. It's only what you think you want."
Misty's jaw dropped. "Th-that makes no sense!" she sputtered. "You can't talk back to your mistress like that! You will be punished!"
"Hoo. Hoohoo."
"You, you impudent foal! Who do you think I'm talking—?"
The realization came too late. Misty turned around and saw a familiar brown owl snatch up the lamp and fly away. He dropped it into the waiting claws of Spike, who was standing there with all of Twilight's other friends. The corrupted genie's eyes widened.
"What the hay are you all doing here?!" she yelled in surprise. "I thought I told you not to follow us!"
"Pfft, yeah. Like we were going to listen to you," said Rainbow Dash, rolling her eyes.
"You will pay for defying me!" Misty growled, turning back to Twilight. "Pet, attack!"
"Not a chance," said Twilight. There was a pause, and Misty's jaw dropped.
"What the—? Why aren't you in pain?!" she exclaimed. "You can't disobey me like that!"
"Sure I can," said Twilight, pointing over to Spike. "You don't have control over the lamp anymore. Not until somepony else rubs it."
Misty turned to Spike and snorted. "You will give that lamp back right now, or you will feel pain most dire," she said. Although she sounded angry, there was a clear undertone of panic in her voice.
"Sounds like somepony is talkin' outta two sides of her mouth," said Applejack with a knowing smirk. "Now how's about we stop all this horseplay and you jus' give Twilight back, yeah?"
"And lose my precious little pet? In your dreams!" said Misty with a laugh. "She is going help me aid the mighty Orthrus in his conquest of Equestria! Starting with getting rid of the lot of you!"
"You're forgetting that you don't have control over the lamp anymore," said Twilight frankly. "Besides, I thought genies couldn't kill."
"That was before Orthrus freed me," said Misty. "Now I can do whatever I want!"
"Ah-HEM!" said Spike, clearing his throat and holding the lamp aloft. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
Misty glared savagely at Spike, trying her best to hide her fear. "Give me that lamp, you scaly cretin!" she bellowed, sending a cloud of purple smog at the baby dragon.
"Rarity!" Spike called out, tossing the lamp to the white unicorn just as the smog knocked him to the ground. With grace and ease, Rarity caught the lamp on the end of her horn.
"You really learned nothing the last time, did you?!" Misty boomed, causing vines to form below Rarity's hooves.
"Applejack, darling!" Rarity called sweetly, tossing the lamp over to the farm pony. Quick as a whip, Applejack snagged the lamp with her lasso, and began spinning it over her head.
"All yours, Fluttershy!" Applejack hollered, cracking the lasso like a whip and flinging the lamp away before Misty got to her. The yellow pegasus fumbled with the lamp a bit.
"Careful with that!" Misty yelled. "If that breaks, you'll destroy both me and your friend!"
"Oh my goodness!" gasped Fluttershy, horrified at the prospect. "Here, Pinkie. You'd better take it."
She passed the lamp off to the poofy-maned mare, who loaded it into her Party Cannon.
"Hey, what did I just say?!" Misty shouted.
"Go long, Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie called out, ignoring the genie. With that, the cannon fired, sending the lamp soaring over the horizon. In a burst of color, Rainbow zoomed after it. Everypony watched as the streak of myriad colors dotted the night sky, making a u-turn in the far off distance and soaring right back.
"Heads up, Twilight!" Rainbow called out as she flew overhead. Twilight caught the lamp with ease, giving Misty a smile.
"Wipe that grin off your muzzle, pet! I still control you, lamp or no lamp!" Misty snarled. "Now, I command you to give that back to me this instant!"
"I think not," said Twilight, rubbing the lamp with her hoof.
Misty's eyes widened as the black color of her reins began to crack, revealing bits of gold underneath.
"What do you think you're doing?!" she screamed. "A genie can never have the same master twice!"
"But I was never your mistress to begin with," Twilight said slyly. "That was all a trick, remember? Well, I am now."
The ebony shell around Misty's reins shattered, reverting back to the golden reins she had before. But it was clear she was still under Orthrus's influence.
"This doesn't change a thing!" she said haughtily. "I will never bow to you! I will never bow to anyone!"
"Except Orthrus," said Twilight, raising an eyebrow.
"Th-that's different!" Misty spat. "I want to serve him! He granted me my freedom!"
"You call serving him freedom?" asked Twilight, pointing at the battle that still raged behind her. "Open your eyes, Misty! He's controlling you!"
"Stop calling me that!" Misty howled, covering her ears with her hooves. "That's not my name! I don't need a name! I am Orthrus's servant!"
Twilight took control of Misty's reins with her magic and yanked them back.
"Do you even listen to yourself talk?" she scolded, staring the genie in the eye. "You think that just because you're doing what Orthrus says that you want to do means that you're free? Because that doesn't sound like freedom to me."
"I-I command you to leave me alone!" Misty hollered. "Do it, or else I'll make Cerberus lose! I can do it, you know!"
"Not as long as I say you can't," said Twilight firmly. "Now, for my first wish. I wish for you to wish that I was free."
"Hmph. Sorry, no can do," said Misty. "I don't have control of the lamp, remember?"
"That's true," Twilight admitted. "Well, here you go."
She tossed the lamp to Misty, who caught it in her hooves. The djinn smiled and began to laugh maniacally.
"How can you be so stupid?!" she roared. "As if I am going to grant your wish now! You are at my mercy, pet! Just as you should..."
She was interrupted by an invisible force tugging at her reins.
"What the hay?!" she exclaimed in shock. "No! This isn't supposed to happen! Twilight Sparkle, I wish for you to bow before me!"
"I refuse," said Twilight, bracing herself. "Now, let's see who is truly the mistress of the lamp."
As soon as those words left her lips, her own reins began pulling her back. Both unicorn and genie struggled against their bonds, locked in a battle of wills. Behind them, Cerberus and Orthrus were locked in their own bitter struggle, with neither side backing down. Pinkie Pie suddenly was dressed in a cheerleader outfit, holding a pair of pompoms and jumping around.
"Brikker-bracker, firecracker, sis boom bah! Twilight and Cerberus, rah rah rah!" she cheered.
Her cheers were accompanied by other words of encouragement from the rest of Twilight's friends.
"Lick 'em good, sugarcube!"
"Both of you, show those uncouth scoundrels who's boss!"
"Um, don't give up. Woo-hoo."
"You can't blow your winning streak now, Twilight! Keep fighting!"
"You can do it, Twi. I know you can."
Strengthened by the words of her friends, Twilight refused to yield no matter how unbearable the pain got. After a bitter standoff on all sides, Misty was the first to crack.
"Alright, alright! I can't take it anymore!" she screamed. "I wish that you were free, Twilight Sparkle!"
Just as she commanded, the reins around Twilight's muzzle shattered into particles of light. Both she and Misty collapsed to the ground, panting heavily.
Meanwhile, behind them, Cerberus won the power struggle against his brother, shoving him to the ground. Orthrus snarled.
"You haven't won yet, brother! Our battle is only beginning!" the left head barked. "Come to us, loyal servant! Lend us your strength!"
But Misty was in no condition to do anything. She struggled to pick herself up, only to stumble every time and fall back to the ground. As she struggled, Twilight's friends rushed to the purple unicorn's side.
"You alright, Twilight?" Spike asked.
Twilight looked up and smiled. "I'll be fine," said she. Slowly, she picked herself up and trotted over to Misty. Her horn began to glow. Just as Misty looked up to see her mistress bearing upon her, she felt the unicorn tap her on the head with her horn. Her black coat gradually shifted back to its original peach color.
"What? What's going on?!" Orthrus's left head demanded. "Come to our aid, you worthless cloud of mist! We command you! You must obey!"
Twilight turned around, a blazing inferno in her purple eyes. "Her name is Misty," she proclaimed. "And she's not taking orders from you anymore!"
"Why you wretched—!"
Orthrus was interrupted by his brother pressing his full weight against the left head's jaw. Orthrus snarled and growled, struggling against the great three-headed dog with all his might. However, it was futile. He soon found himself completely spent. The right head glared up at Cerberus with all the scorn it could muster.
"Victory is yours tonight, Cerberus," the right head snarled. "But do not get complacent. Once I regain my full power, no matter how long it takes, I will make you and all of Equestria suffer my wrath."
The right head chuckled sinisterly before finally passing out. Twilight turned her attention back to Misty, who was still on the ground.
"Are you alright, Misty?" she asked, offering the genie her hoof.
Misty looked up at Twilight, her eyes beginning to water. She suddenly sprang up and wrapped her arms around her mistress, weeping into her coat.
"I'm sorry," the djinn wailed. "I'm so, so sorry."
"Shh. It's okay," said Twilight, returning the hug. "Everything is going to be okay."
Applejack took off her hat in reverence while Pinkie Pie let loose a fountain of tears and began bawling like a foal. Rarity and Fluttershy were misty-eyed as well, and Rainbow Dash brushed away a single tear.
"D-darn it. I-I've got something in my eye," she said with a sniffle.
Spike gave Rainbow a sideways glance, wiping away his own tears. "Sure you do, Rainbow. Sure you do," he said knowingly.
While Cerberus dragged his brother back to Tartarus, Twilight and her friends began the long journey back to Ponyville. As they rode in the Ponyville hot air balloon, Misty told them all the truth about her actions.
"So you were the one who freed the Chimera?" Rarity asked.
"Yep, that was me," said Misty with a sigh. "I'll probably have to stand trial for that."
"I don't think so," said Twilight. "That whole thing was Orthrus's fault, not yours. Princess Celestia would understand."
"You really think so?" Misty inquired.
"Even if she doesn't, we'll vouch for you," Twilight promised.
Misty began to tear up again. "Y-you'd really do that? After everything I put you and your friends through? Come on now, Twilight. We all know I don't deserve it."
"Shucks, sugarcube. Don't be talkin' like that," said Applejack. "We know why you did what you did, an' we forgive ya for it."
Misty shook her head. "You ponies are too nice for your own good, you know that? I lied to all of you and manipulated your goodwill. You shouldn't forgive me. Heck, I won't even blame you if you don't grant me my freedom, Twilight."
"Applejack's right, Misty. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself," said Fluttershy. "Everypony makes mistakes."
"Yeah. And we know you're not a meanie-genie," Pinkie Pie chimed in. "You're actually very sweet. Like chocolate cake! Or maybe peach cobbler. Ooh, or apple pie!"
"What you did was wrong, Misty. On that, we can agree," Twilight added. "But I also think that you have a good heart, and you deserve better. Which is why my second wish is going to be my final one."
Misty's eyes widened in amazement. "What? Y-you really mean it?"
"You've suffered enough, Misty," said Twilight with a nod. "And I wish that you were free."
Misty stared back at her mistress for the longest time, her mouth agape. "I-I don't know what to say," she finally managed after a long pause. "Alright, that's not strictly true. Twilight Sparkle, I wish I met you under better circumstances. You are the best mistress I've ever had bar none, and I mean that most sincerely. I guess this is the last time I get to say this, but your wish is my command. Thank you ever so much."
"That's just what friends do," said Twilight as she began to blush.
Misty opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by a warm feeling radiating throughout her body. Her golden reins slowly dissolved into nothingness, and she smiled.
"You, really consider me to be a friend, huh?" said Misty.
"I always did," said Twilight. "Honestly Misty, I was just like you once. I thought I didn't need any friends. But, these ponies here proved me wrong."
"And now, you've shared that wisdom with me," said Misty. "Heh, strange how these things work out."
She then struck a thinking attitude. "Speaking of which, there's one thing I don't get. How'd you guys find us?"
"Oh, that was easy," said Spike. "Remember that magic mirror Twilight wished for?"
"Yeah. What about it?"
"We used it to find her through the reflection of the lamp,"
"Oh," said Misty, beginning to blush. "So, you ponies saw everything, huh?"
"We saw enough, darling," said Rarity. "Enough to see that you needed our help as much as Twilight did."
"Seriously, though. If you told us about all this sooner, we would've found a way to help you," said Rainbow Dash. "Genie or not, there's no way we'd leave you at the mercy of that jerk Orthrus."
"Well, you know what they say. Hindsight is twenty/twenty," said Misty.
"Ooh, ooh! I've got something for you!" said Pinkie Pie. She then took out a piece of parchment and a quill and handed them over to Misty. "We figured that Twilight would want you to do this when all of this was over."
"Do what?" asked Misty.
Twilight smiled. "In Ponyville, we have a special tradition. Whenever we learn something about friendship, we write a letter to Princess Celestia."
Misty smirked. "Okay, okay. I see where this is going." She took the parchment and quill in hoof and began to write.
Dear Princess Celestia:
Everypony has dreams, ambitions, and aspirations. And it's always important to follow those dreams and do whatever you can to make them come true. However, there are some things that are not worth sacrificing for the sake of a dream. And one of those things is the goodwill of a friend.
In fact, friends can actually help steer you in the right direction, and they are willing to smack some sense into you if you're being stupid and forgive you for your mistakes. But in order for them to do so, you have to let them be your friends first.
Yours most sincerely,
Misty the Genie
PS: I was the one who freed the Chimera from Tartarus under the command of Orthrus. For that, I am truly sorry, and will do anything to make amends. Also, keep your eye on Orthrus. I don't trust that mutt any farther than I can throw him.
"How's that?" she asked.
"Perfect." said Twilight. "Spike, if you would?"
"No problem," said Spike, blowing a plume of emerald flame and sending the letter on its way.
"Well, thanks for everything, Twilight," said Misty. "But, I really must be going."
"Aw, already?" said Pinkie, sounding disappointed. "But we didn't even throw you a party to celebrate."
"I appreciate the gesture, but really, I'd like to get back to Saddle Arabia," said Misty. "Now that I'm free and have discovered the magic of friendship, I actually want to make some friends of my own."
"Ooh. That's neat," said Pinkie with a nod. "Alright, I understand. After all, I can never have too many friends."
"I think that's great, Misty," said Twilight. "I wish you the best of luck."
"Of course," said Misty. "Oh, and you can keep the lamp. Think of it as a souvenir."
"Are you sure?" asked Spike. "Maybe you should keep it. You know, as a way to remember us."
Misty laughed. "Trust me, after what we've just went through, it's going to be impossible for me to forget any of you. How in Equestria could I forget the best mistress I've ever had, and all of her wonderful friends?"
"Yeah, my awesomeness is pretty hard to forget," said Rainbow Dash, to which everypony chuckled. "Oh, and Twilight's cool, too. Yeah," she hastily added.
"Well, it's been wonderful, but I really must get going," said Misty. "Thank you again, Twilight Sparkle. For everything."
With that, she flew off into the sky as everypony waved to her.
"You come back now, y'hear?"
"Don't forget to write, darling!"
"We'll be sure to throw a big party for you the next time you visit!"
"It was nice meeting you."
"See you around, Misty!"
"Goodbye, Misty. And good luck."
As Misty disappeared over the horizon and the dawn began to break, the hot air balloon landed safely back in Ponyville.
"Y'know what, Twilight? I think you've grown a little since you first came to Ponyville," said Spike as they all disembarked.
"I always am," said Twilight, rubbing Spike's head with her hoof. She then stared off into the sky. "I'm just glad I could help Misty out. I bet she's going to make a lot of great friends."
"Hoo hoohoo hoo."
"Misty. Who do you—? Oh."
As Owlowiscious hooted a few more time, Twilight and her friends shared a laugh. It was the dawn of a new day in Ponyville, and things were peaceful. As they should be.
