Misty was relieved to be home.

The cavernous ceilings of Opaline's Castle arched above her. The gentle dark and soft glows of the lanterns and crystals was comforting. Sugar Spice's hoof steps echoed as the earth pony approached.

"Comet Chaser's talking to Opaline right now," Sugar told her. "We'll have to wait."

Misty's ears perked up. "Comet's back?" He'd been away for quite a while this time.

"Yeah, he wouldn't tell me where she sent him," Sugar said, annoyed. "I don't think he found anything useful." Her sour mood suddenly melted away. "Not like you, Misty. Ugh, you did such a good job. You played those ponies like a violinist." She grinned viciously. "I'm so proud."

"Oh," Misty blushed, brushing her mane back bashfully. "Thanks Sugar. It wasn't so great. You would have done a better job."

"Obviously," Sugar agreed breezily. "But you can't always compare yourself to the golden standard. It's just not healthy. You did everything you were supposed to. Mission success."

"I was so awkward though," Misty groaned, burying her face in her hooves. "And Zipp was so suspicious of me."

Sugar smirked but hid the expression quickly. "She seems like a naturally distrustful pony. I'm sure Comet will be thrilled to help us deal with her." A snicker escaped her lips. "And you did make her look like the bad guy by the end. You need to be more confident Misty."

"I'm such a klutz though," Misty sighed. If she had even a fraction of Sugar Spice's grace…

"I mean, yeah," Sugar shrugged. "But you can still use that. It makes you seem sweet and endearing." She pinched Misty's cheek. "It makes you look cute and innocent." She let go and gestured to the banner of Opaline hanging above them. "Remember Misty, you serve an alicorn. That makes you better than every other cretinous pony out there."

"I guess," Misty nodded. She knew Sugar was trying to make her feel better, but being reminded how important their mission was and that they were depending on her to do her part only made her more nervous. She didn't want to let Opaline down.

"Speaking of those sad little ponies," Sugar continued, sliding closer. "Now that we have the time and we don't have to worry about eavesdropping, give me the juicy details." They had traveled here separately to avoid suspicion so they hadn't been able to talk then, but Misty didn't understand what Sugar was asking.

"Um, I think I told you everything already," Misty told her.

"No, you only told me the basics of what happened," Sugar protested. "I need the deeper stuff. Crushes, dirty secrets, relationship status, who doesn't get along with who, phobias. That stuff's all valuable, Misty. You talked to them, maybe overheard a few things, you've gotta have something."

"Oh, um, okay," Misty nodded, trying to quickly recall if she knew any of that stuff. She ended up just repeating every conversation she could remember; Sugar would know which ones were important. The earth pony nodded along, occasionally asking a clarifying question, a predatory gleam in her eyes.

"So, little miss pop princess has a flying insecurity, huh?" Sugar grinned. "How interesting. That's good, Misty. Very good. Well done. And landing a flight instructor job too? You built so many ins for yourself. But-" she shifted to a more serious tone. "-be careful about letting your ancient Equestrian knowledge slip. You can't exactly explain to ponies you learned it from an alicorn."

"I know," Misty assured her. "I'll be careful." She hadn't even realized pegasus had forgotten so much until Pipp acted so confused. She'd be super careful in the future.

They both turned at the sound of the large throne room doors opening. Comet Chaser stepped out, his eyes landing on them right away. "Opaline's ready for you," he told them, nodding back behind him.

"'Kay," Sugar replied, tossing her hair back, not looking even a little nervous. "C'mon, Misty."

As they passed Comet, he whispered to Misty. "We'll talk when you're done." Misty nodded. She was curious about where Comet had been this time.

Parts of the tree that encompassed the castle wound along the throne room's walls, blue and pink crystals were the room's main light source beside the windows. It was all so grand and majestic. Misty had been in this room many, many times but the feeling that she didn't belong here never fully went away. She'd done nothing to deserve it.

Opaline was sitting on her throne when they walked in, looking as regal as ever. Misty and Sugar walked around the Pool of Arcane Waters in the center of the room and came to a stop at the stairs that led up to the throne. "Welcome back, Misty," Opaline greeted. "I'm eager to hear your report."

"Right, yes, okay," Misty nodded, suddenly very grateful she'd just practiced doing this with Sugar. She described what had happened the best she could, Sugar sometimes interjecting to clarify or add something. Opaline was quiet as they spoke, listening attentively. When they'd finished, she let out an amused chuckle.

"So, these 'unity' crystals were what trapped the magic," the alicorn said, seemingly more to herself than to them. She shook her head. "How ironic. Despite all their protests, they did it to themselves in the end."

"It sounds like the barrier is the only real obstacle," Sugar observed. Then she scoffed, "The ponies don't have a clue about anything. Unicorns can barely levitate a feather, most pegasus can't even move a cloud, and earth ponies are eternally useless." Misty stared down at her hooves.

"Yes," Opaline agreed, lip curling. "It's sad really. They steal the magic and then don't even bother to remember how to use it. Alicorns ruled for a reason." She glanced at Misty, and her eyes softened a bit. "For now," she continued, "we will take time to observe the situation. To learn. You two shall remain in Maretime Bay for now under the cover of Sugar Spice's bakery. The primary objective is to gather information on these 'unity'-" her tone was mocking as she said 'unity' "- crystals and the false alicorn. Any information gained should be promptly reported."

"Of course, your highness," Sugar said, bowing.

"I'll do my best," Misty promised, mirroring Sugar's bow.

"In order for a successful subterfuge," Sugar said, straightening again. "We'll need a couple things."

"Oh?" Opaline hummed, raising an eyebrow. "You told me I'd already given you all you required Sugar Spice."

"It's not for me," Sugar explained. She gestured to the unicorn beside her. "For Misty." What?! Misty cringed inwardly. Had she already done something wrong? Or, well, done more, new things wrong?

"I suppose Misty needs all the help she can get," Opaline sighed. "State your suggestions."

"First, Misty's going to need a phone," Sugar began, and Misty's eyes widened. Misty had never had a phone before. Sugar and Comet had them but Opaline had always said the locket was all Misty needed to communicate.

Opaline's nose scrunched in distaste. "A phone? What for? Her locket is perfectly functional. Far more reliable than this new technological crutch."

"Everypony's got a phone now," Sugar shrugged. "It will look weird if she doesn't have one. Ponies have already been asking her for her number." Sugar was right. The 'I forgot my phone' excuse wouldn't work forever.

"Hmm." Opaline didn't look happy about it but nodded. "That can be arranged."

"The other thing I'd recommend," Sugar continued, "is to give Misty permission to use magic."

…what?

The world around Misty seemed to dim as she waited for the answer and her heart began to beat rapidly. Pages from spell books flashed before her eyes. Did Sugar mean it? Misty had been desperately hoping for permission to use Opaline's magic ever since the magic reawakened. When she'd found out Comet had been given permission to fly her hopes had skyrocketed further, but no one had ever brought it up and she'd never dared ask herself.

"Ponies will notice if they never see her using any," Sugar finished, like she hadn't just asked for something huge.

Misty hardly dared to breathe as Opaline considered the request. Long minutes stretched on. Then- "I will allow levitation, nothing more."

Elation burst through Misty, and she had to stop herself from leaping in excitement. She'd be allowed to do magic! Just like her and her mom had always dreamed! Yeah, it was only one spell, but how could she not be grateful for it? And maybe if she proved herself with levitation, Opaline would let her use the dozens of other spells Misty had studied when she was a filly. The mere thought made her hooves tingly.

"Thank you, Opaline!" Misty gasped, eyes sparkling.

Opaline frowned. "I'll show you how to do it in the morning. Don't try until then."

Despite being pretty confident that she could already do the spell now if she tried, Misty nodded. "I won't."

"Well," Opaline sniffed dismissively. "Now that that's settled." She leaned forward. "You said the crystals' keepers invited you to another event already. When will this take place?"

"Oh, the friendship party?" Misty checked. "Um, I don't think they have an exact date yet."

Opaline's expression darkened. "'Friendship' party," she spat. "What a joke. The three tribes will never be friends." Her wings flared out, making her look even larger. "Not without an alicorn to guide them." The ponies Misty had met seemed to be doing okay, but Misty knew they were probably an odd case. Anger was seeping into Opaline's voice and the alicorn rose from her throne. "My father gave his life to destroy the primordial curse of the wendigos. And what did the ponies of Equestria do to honor his sacrifice once the frozen winds subsided?" She stomped a hoof on the floor and the whole room shook. Misty and Sugar flinched, crouching to the ground. The Pool of Arcane Waters behind them went from a glass-like stillness to a turbulent churning. "Their fighting only grew worse," Opaline shouted, enraged. "Their actions turned to treason!"

"They were ungrateful, traitorous imbeciles," Sugar agreed, not getting up from her half crouch, half bow. "King Aegis was one of the noblest heroes in Equestrian history. We'll ensure justice is done."

To Misty's relief, Sugar's words seemed to calm Opaline somewhat and the alicorn sat back on her throne. The pool grew still again. "Yes, we shall." The alicorn made a shooing gesture. "We're done here. Leave me." Misty and Sugar bowed and began to leave. They were halfway to the door when Opaline added, "Oh, and Misty, do your chores while you're here."

"Of course," Misty nodded.

Once they were back in the hallway, Misty let out a sigh of relief. "It's a bit scary when she gets mad like that."

Sugar shrugged. "She has every right to be mad. She wasn't angry at us."

"She'll be mad at me if I mess up this mission," Misty fretted.

"Ah, you don't have to be so nervous, Misty," Sugar assured her, patting the unicorn on the head. "We'll be in Maretime Bay, which is ninety-nine percent earth ponies and earth ponies are dumb as dirt. They aren't hard to trick."

Misty frowned. Sugar always said earth ponies were idiots, but the earth ponies Misty had met had seemed… at least normal. "But you're an earth pony, Sugar," she pointed out. "And you're, like, the smartest pony I know."

"I'm the exception, Misty," Sugar drawled. "Trust me, I lived with them most of my life, I know what they're like."

"I, well," Misty stumbled to get out her question, hooves fidgeting. "Like, what do they do? Or, um, what about the rest of your family? They must-"

"Oh, shut it, Misty," Sugar snapped, cutting her off. "Don't act like it's weird. I don't see you running back to live with the unicorns again."

Misty's ears drooped and she shrunk against the floor.

"Wait, no, I'm sorry," Sugar apologized, rare guilt appearing on her face. "I didn't mean- they were so awful to you and your mom. You shouldn't be going back to them. I was just trying to say, I have my reasons and you of all ponies should understand."

"Yeah," Misty whispered softly, trying desperately to not think back to her terrified dash through a swampy wood, the feeling of-

"Starry Dawn would be proud of you, you know?" Sugar said kindly. "Helping an alicorn like this. Doing what's right."

"You think?" Misty sniffed.

"Yeah, definitely."

"Spice!" Comet's voice came sharply, and they looked back to see the blue pegasus flying up the hall towards them. "Why are you making Misty cry?"

"Ugh," Sugar rolled her eyes. "I wasn't making her cry you airhead."

"Yeah, she wasn't," Misty confirmed, pulling herself together and pushing the bad memories away.

The pegasus landed beside them, skeptical. "Sure."

"So, Comet," Sugar prodded, eyes gleaming. "No luck, huh? Even Misty did better than you this time 'round. Flying doesn't seem to have made you any better at your job."

Comet didn't rise to the bait and rolled his eyes. "You wouldn't do any better, Spice."

"Yes, I would," Sugar asserted, oozing confidence.

"If that were true, Opaline would send you and not me," Comet told her drily.

Sugar scowled. "I'm just busy with other things."

Comet Chaser and Sugar Spice had been rivals for as long as Misty could remember, both competing for Opaline's favor. Sugar was the more aggressive of the two. Thankfully, they'd always left Misty out of it.

"Where were you, Comet?" Misty asked, hoping to cut off their argument before they really got going.

"Winsome Falls mainly," Comet answered, pointedly turning away from Sugar. "I also swung by the Autumn Expanse on the way back."

Both Misty and Sugar's ears perked. "The Autumn Expanse?" Sugar repeated. "All the way to the Deadlands?"

"No," Comet corrected, "just the edge of the expanse. It's still moving at a steady rate. It's passed a stream I was at before."

That must have been unsettling. Very few ponies lived on or by the Autumn Expanse and nopony lived in the Deadlands. The strip of land where it was eternally autumn wasn't bad really, pretty even. But nopony wanted to live anywhere near the barren, eerily still and quiet Deadlands. The Deadlands continued to expand into the Autumn Expanse and the Autumn Expanse kept expanding into the rest of Equestria. Opaline liked to track its progress.

"Hm, well, there's no point going that deep," Sugar shrugged. "Winsome Falls was a fair possibility, but I'm not surprised there was nothing there." She smirked. "Me and Misty will probably get Opaline's magic back before you find anything."

"Good luck with that," Comet said neutrally.

"Actually," Sugar added with a sly grin. "Maybe you could help. Your little friend is one of the main crystal keepers. How about it, Comet? You wanna reconnect with your old friend Zipp?"

For the first time since arriving, real anger flashed in Comet's amber eyes. Comet bantered a lot with Sugar, but his temper rarely flared. Annoyed, amused, bored, those were the usual emotions. Misty didn't really understand Comet's reaction. She hadn't even known he and Zipp knew each other until just now. How had Sugar known?

"I don't see why that would be necessary," Comet rejected coldly. "How are you liking setting up shop just down the road from Canterlogic?"

"It's great actually," Sugar shot back, "I can spit in their batter then laugh behind their back."

Comet scoffed. The two were slowly inching closer to each other as they argued, nearly in each other's faces now. "Oh, of course you'd-"

"I'm going to my room," Misty announced abruptly, not wanting to stick around if the two were just going to get into a shouting match.

The earth pony and pegasus paused briefly, glancing at Misty. Sugar shrugged, "Alright."

Comet sighed. "Okay. See you later, Misty. I'll come see you before you leave." Oh good, she wanted to hear what Winsome Falls was like.

Misty nodded then rushed off, Comet and Sugar's voices growing louder behind her as the argument grew more heated. She quickly retreated to her bedroom.

As she stepped through the door, she relaxed, letting out a sigh of relief. These had been a stressful past few days. Being back in her own space gave her a warm feeling of safety.

It was a very nice room. Not the biggest in the castle, but Misty didn't need a massive room, she didn't have a lot of stuff. Her room was in one of the towers so she had an amazing view, though the pink windows made the colors a bit funny. The pinks, blues, and purples of the stone walls held a cozy familiarity.

Flopping onto her bed, Misty picked up her satchel from her bedside. Was there anything she should pack for a longer stay in Maretime Bay? She dumped out the contents of the bag to restart the packing process. Using the back of a sheet of paper, she started to make a checklist.

A different piece of paper caught her attention though. Was that…?

Misty's cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment. The alicorn pages! She hadn't given Opaline the alicorn pages. She'd handed over the camera without really thinking about it, but she'd never taken pictures of the alicorn pages because she'd taken the pages themselves.

Nervously, Misty glanced at her door, her brain conjuring images of a furious Opaline bursting in and demanding to know why Misty had withheld information. The alicorn could do it, this was her castle and Misty's room didn't have a lock, but Misty knew the fear was irrational. Opaline had no way of knowing. Misty still rapidly gathered the pages and shoved them under her blankets, just in case somepony walked in.

What should she do? Misty cringed at the thought of having to go and admit to Opaline she'd slipped up. The alicorn already wasn't in a great mood at the moment. And for Misty to admit she was already making mistakes right before being sent out on a hugely important mission? Not great. Also, the pages were just alicorn stuff, right? Opaline already knew all about alicorns, she'd have no use for that information. She might even be insulted that Misty thought she might need that stuff. Oh, no, no, no, that would be so bad.

Coming to a decision, Misty gathered the alicorn pages, folded them up, and went over to a loose stone in her wall and hid them there. It was a hiding place Opaline had never found.

"Whew," Misty sighed. "Okay, that's dealt with. Now, chores." She'd think about her checklist as she worked then pack later. Yeah, that was a good plan.

By the time Misty got to washing the stain glass windows in the grand hallway, she had forgotten about the alicorn pages entirely.