Skycoaster

Flurry would nod before she quickly levitated a stack of plates over to her mother. Her stomach would rumble as the smell of frying eggs graced the room. She would hover over her mother for a few moments, nodding to the answer she gave. "I guess your right. Magic beams probably fall more under target practice anyway." As Cadance suggested Flurry retrieve her father, she'd nod before zooming up the stairs to his bedchambers. Upon hearing Shining greet her, Flurry would launch herself at him like a hug seeking missile, wrapping her hooves round his neck. "Excited is an understatement!" she'd say, still latched onto him. "Mom's even making us omelets this morning for for energy!"

Flurry was surprised by a familiar wing embrace as she heard her mother's voice. "I....um.... yes please. I though you and Dad where still asleep. I though since I was up early I could try my hoof at breakfast. The second batch of toast turned out better at least. I was hopping to give the burnt pieces to Dad.... At least I didn't mess up the cereal." Flurry would look away from her mess in the kitchen. Giving her mother the sad eyes, she'd ask. "Do you know how to make cheese omelets? From the book I was reading, it says magic takes a lot of energy and we'll need a lot today." "Speaking of today, what spells am I going to learn? I hope the 'pew pew' spell is on of the first ones. Gotta learn to defend the Crystal Empire. Then maybe I can show Aunt Twilight all the stuff I've leaned on her next visit." Flurry would tap her chin for a moment. "So, when dose Dad normally wake up?"

Flurry Heart's eye shot open even before her alarm went off. "Today is the day!" she'd exclaim as she shot out of bed. It was like Hearthswarming, except better. Today was the day she'd start to learn advanced magic! A odd quiet hung over the Crystal Castle as she could hear every tick of her clock. What time was it anyway, she would wonder. Walking over to her balcony, she'd open the curtains and open the door with her gold aura. When she saw sunlight barely begin to crack the horizon she'd sigh deeply. "Ugh. Everypony is still asleep," as she rolled her eyes. "I wonder who's supposed to teach me today anyway? Mom? Dad? Maybe Aunt Twilight? That'd be fun." she'd say to herself. It had been a while since she had seen her aunt. With time to kill, Flurry had an idea....well her stomach had an idea. Flurry would find herself in an empty kitchen as her stomach rumbled. Being up before the staff had even arrived created a bit of a problem, though as a princess, it was her job to fix problems, right? Before long, the smell of burnt toast was lofting from the kitchen. "Hmm, next batch will be better," as she put butter on it and placed it on a tray. With a tray now loaded with butter heavy toast, she'd eat a few pieces herself before making her way to her parents bedchamber. The door would open with a creak and let just enough light in to show her silhouette as the smell of the burnt toast would entrance the room. "Guess what day it is!" Flurry would say excitedly, waiting for her parents to awaken.

Blizzard Blitz had arrived to the ruins of the Castle of the Two Sisters ahead of schedule. Today was going to be an interesting day as he and a team from the Lunar Guard where finally going to search for the missing magic volumes that had thought to have been lost all those moons ago. One book in particular was his top priority….Luna’s spellbooks from her early years. He’d set up his tent just outside of the ruins and would start small campfire as he waited for the rest of the team. Levitating out a pocket watch, he’d joke even he saw the next member arrive and wait for them to set up their own campsite.

Candy would smile at Crystal. "I'd like that. I know a few places around town that we might be able to try. Heck, I even know the owner of the casino across the street. She's my landlord for the time being...till I can pay her back for the building and renovations, then it will be all mine. Part of it was because I hate to see old historic buildings torn down when they can still serve a purpose. In Bittsburgh, where I'm from, we hardly ever tear anything down." she'd giggle. "Bittsburgers hate change after all....and E-Dot." She'd laugh even harder. As Candy rang out Crystal, she'd continue. "I'd hate to have you wait around for two hours. Just meet me out front a little after 6 when I lock up. Do you want me to have your things sent to your hotel room? It's a new service I'm trying out, seeing as I know two of the main hotel owners in the city." Candy would almost forget something as she quickly looked around. "I almost forgot the taffy for Flurry and her Dad. They where one of my opening day customers and loved the banana taffy. On the house of course." Though she didn't say anything, the relief on her eyes of having something to do on Hearts and Hooves Day was apparent, and she feared being the third wheel with Windy and Sky on such a special day for them as well.

Candy would chuckle at Crystal's comment about not being the health inspector. When she heard her say she was from the Crystal Empire, she had to winder if the little princess, Flurry Heart had something to do with all the tourists that seemed to be coming to her shop lately. She'd have to send that filly a nice Hearts and Hooves day sweet as a thank you. When Crystal did say her job, Candy raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Cupid? I bet your busier today then any other day of the year. Somepony must have really wanted some of these sweets," she'd laugh. When Crystal mentioned her dress, Candy would blush again for a moment. "Thank you. It's based off outfits that where worn around the time this building was first built. I wanted to keep everything in that time period in the shop. It's kinda like my little gimmick in a city full of gimmicks," she'd chuckle. "The kitchen is modern though," she'd say with a wink. "I think you may need a few of these," as she levitated five heart shaped boxes of chocolates from behind a case. "The Hearts and Hooves day special. Kisses, Peanut Butter Cups, and Caramel filled candies." She'd also levitate a smaller one out. "This one is for the Crystal Princess. Just let her know it's from Candy's store. She'll know. As for your order," she'd levitate a medium sized plan box of kisses to put on the order. "More for less. I think those heart boxes cost me more the all the ingredients to make the candy in them," she'd laugh. As the talk turned to the holiday itself, Candy would sigh, but force a smile. "With all the work in setting this place up, I haven't exactly had much of a social life. In the city that's famous for it's nightlife, I have none," she'd try to joke. "I sill have lots of time though, I'm still young. Hard to believe I just finished my apprenticeship myself under a year ago. And all the local colts game me the nickname Eye Candy when we opened," as she blushed before pointing to a painting of herself on the wall, wearing her opening day outfit. "That was a fun day though as I had a lot of friend helping before we knew just how busy this place could get."

Candy would blush as she greeted her newest customer. "Th..thanks. I'm Candy Corn, but you can just call me Candy. Are you looking for something special Crystal? Everything in this shop was hoof made by ether me or one of my apprentices." Stepping out from behind the counter, She'd levitate a few samples of chocolate, a few pieces of taffy, and a few pieced of hard candy to Crystal. "Those chocolates are something new for Hearts and Hooves day that are very popular in Bittsburgh and Filly. They are called a kiss." When Crystal mentioned she was there for her job, Candy would jump back a bit in a joking manor. "Your not the health inspector I hope," as she giggled. "I take great pride in my shop and my employees. For ponies to be talking about us all the way in..." she'd pause. "Where did you say you where from?"

Hearts and Hooves Day was a busy day for most shops, however being a store that sold sweets made this day one of the busiest days of the year for the Kandy Kaleidoscope. The turn of the century themed shop had been thriving in city of Las Pegasus. She had seen all types of customers within her first few months of operation. Normally she'd let her staff handle running the sales aspect of the shop and focused on the actual making of the candy, with her apprentices. She had planned ahead for this day however and had created a large inventory just for Hearts and Hooves. If she where to be honest with herself, one of the reasons she was looking forward to today was getting all dressed and watching the reactions of her customers. She loved to see the smiles that her sweets brought, however one thing about this day always bothered her...the heartache of being a single mare on Hearts and Hooves day.... None the less, she had bits to make and keep a smile on as she personalty greeted each customer that came into the shop. The shop was lively with patrons as the old player piano kept the atmosphere light with it's ragtime versions of classics, however one sound made Candy's heart sink a little with each hour chime of the old clock, an hour closer to the 5 p.m. closing time. She'd force through it and continue to greet everypony who come through the door. "Welcome to the Kandy Kaleidoscope. Can I help yinz find anything special for your....Special Somepony?" she'd say to the pegasus whom entered the shop.

The alicorn would smile at Primrose. "Tis a shame that I did not get to properly meet you when the Lunar Guard was active, however I am glad that your dedication to Equestria continues. You should be honored. Ice Storm only selects the best of the best. Equestria is in good hooves." As Primrose finished giving her order, Luna would chime in. "I'll take two of the same, and Midnight here will have a sauerkraut, chili, and cheese footlong. Also a large order of chili cheese hay fries. Three extra large colas as well please." Luna would levitate the required bits, plus a tip to the vendor as they awaited their food to be prepped. "Tell me Primrose, would you like to join us in my penthouse in the Fire and Ice? Or do you have other plans? If so, I hope you do not mind us tagging behind."

Tarot would raise an eyebrow. "Oh. Perhaps I did forget the SHOW to go along with reading." She'd give a crooked smirk. "Tell ya what... Let's make our own little deal...and by the way, that was the discounted rate. Since you are sooo gun ho about leaving your life in Ponyville behind, why don't I give you a preview of what your family would be like without you!" as she gave a menacing laugh. "On the house." A dark shadow would envelop the whole room. The only light coming from Tarot's glowing green eyes, as well as her horn as the crystal ball would flash. Filthy would be shown sitting at his desk, going over a few basics of business. The room would pan around to show a new portrait of the Rich family, without Spoiled. Their facial expression was that of natural happiness, unlike the old one that hung there....with forced smiled. Next to it hug a degree from a prestigious university with Diamond's name on it. Next to it was a certificate from the Ponyville 4-H club. "Seems they are doing alright in your absence. But wait, what's this?" Filthy's secretary would enter the room and give him a letter. He'd smile as she left. Opening it, he'd read it aloud. The image on the crystal ball would rotate to be behind him so the letter could be seen. "Dear Dad, I'm having a great visit on the farm with grandma and grandpa. It's hard to believe that Mom never let me visit. I've had so much fun. Today a new caff was born. We named it after my mother. If you can, please send the attached photo to her. Love Diamond. Be home soon." The shadow would fade returning the room to normal. "Seems like the sooner you plan to break the news to them, the better. Oh, by the way, when is your term up as mayor? I'm pretty sure there is something in your oath about your resignation? I hope your deputy mayor is up to the task."

Tarot would sigh deeply. Spoiled had made up her mind, or perhaps even had it made up before they even met. "The catch? THE CATCH?" She'd say before lowing her voice back down. "Starting over may not be as simple as it seems. Have you done your research on this new life of yours? It may seem like a dream now, but wait until the hardships, and there WILL be hardships." She rolled her eyes before continuing. "Not even alicorns have the perfect life you seek." Scoffing, she'd levitate Spoiled an old golden mirror. In it, Spoiled would be able to see her 'new' self, as Sphinx kittens ran amuck in the background. "Tarot would laugh. "I hope your ready for many litters of little ones." "Now then," as Tarot would look her dead in the eye. "There is the matter of my fee..." She'd chuckle. "1,000 bits. I mere inconvenience for somepony, somesphinx of your standing." as she'd laugh, her eyes glowing a soft green."

Tarot would rub a hoof to her head. "I see," before she would re-stack her deck of cards. "I guess it is true. You can choose your friends. You can't choose your family....though it appears that is exactly what you are trying to do, isn't it." She'd raise an eyebrow as she would pull the top card off and fling it at Spoiled. It would land face up just in front of her. It was a card that was not in a normal deck. It showed Somnambula and the Sphinx. "This will be the final nail in the coffin between Diamond and yourself should you choose it. Vous avez obtenu ce que vous vouliez mais vous avez perdu ce que vous aviez. You get what ya wanted, but lose what ya had." She'd sigh, leaning back into her chair. "I swear, all Equestria would be happier if everypony was a changeling." Tarot would begin to laugh manaicly. "And to think, all my happieness cost me was my soul," as her laugh would change in tone to a more joking tone. "Did you ever think your family chose your name based on the life you would lead? I often wonder how our parents seem to know what our talents will be when naming us. Now then," she'd say, standing and walking toward the foyer once more. "I can only hope for your sake that you and your parents can make amends. Guilt is a two way street you know......"

With the paperwork laid out before her, Tarot would quickly read over every paragraph, making sure there was no fine print that she wasn't prepared for. Nodding, she'd levitate an ink well and an old quill over to sign her name with a flourish before levitating the documents to Spoiled. "Now then, follow me." Tarot would move to the den where her main reading room was. "So, shall we began?" She would levitate the deck of tarot cards to her, her eyes matching the glow of her green aura. The first card she drew was the lovers, in the reversed position. "Hm," she'd say looking over Spoiled. "Marital problems I see." The next three cards she drew would only have her shaking her head. "Two paths lie ahead, both with their own pain." She'd pull one final card, looking Spoiled over from ear to tail. "It appears that your brain has made a decision, though can your heart handle it." Flipping the card, she'd sigh. "A deviance is in your future. Though civil, it will bring much heartache. Though you will be well off financially...still the richest mare in town, you will be lonely. A child chooses her father as her bond with him will only grow. Though you and your husband may remain friends, your friends an colleagues will fill the need to choose sides." Flipping the last card, Tarot would laugh. "It would appear that your parents are coming to Ponyville, expecting one happy family. For their sake....and yours...hold off on any action till after their visit."

Tarot would give the mayor a fake smile as she mentioned ageing. "If only I would have had the luxuries while I was a way from Ponyville to hone my craft. Comforts such as spa treatments where not as common in Hayseed Swamp and Neigh Orleans as they are in Canterlot or even Ponyville, though I found other ways to keep myself youthful," as she'd smirk. "As for Apple Bloom, she has such a talent with rare plants, I feel rather proud to have her help tame that conservatory while I work on...other aspects of the restoration." Tarot would tap her chin though as Spoiled would talk about maid services. "Perhaps I shall have to wright the agency in Canterlot then. At my rate without help, I may have the first floor done in a year, and this ballroom....maybe a year on it's own." She'd laugh. "Once the spring comes, I'll need a contractor of course to repaint the manor in it's entirety, sticking to the muted color pallet it was built with...." "Now then, before I boar you any longer with history, let's head back down to my library and get that paperwork out of the way, shall we? We both have things we must do today....Unless you'd like a card reading after...you know, as my first 'official' customer." She'd chuckle, motioning for Spoiled to follow down the back stairway. "I wonder, dose Ponyville offer historical status for structures? Maybe we can get that paperwork rolling as well?"

Tarot would chuckle at Spoiled's words. "I've come home to my inheritance," she'd say with a grin. "At to keep this house from falling into further shambles. It's a long, tedious process to get everything just right after all." Talking a deep sigh, she would continue, "But yes. I do plan on offering my talents to ponies near and far." Standing, she'd smirk. "How about a tour before we do the paperwork? There are some rooms in this house that haven't been seen by non family members in many moons." She'd give a chuckle before pointing to her own portrait over the fireplace in her parlor. "I bet you have never seen of these. This is a legacy portrait. An enchanted piece of art that becomes more complete based on the actions of the subject." She hoped that the Mayor would ignore or not see how it had interpenetrated her with horns, however she'd be quick to thrown in her common defense. "As you can see, I had quite a few bad mane days when I was younger. Now then," as she looked around the parlor, "This is the first of the rooms I've restored by my own hoof. I've gotten almost three rooms done of the first floor....oh and the conservatory, with the assistance of that nice Apple mare, Apple Bloom." "Follow me please." as she began walking back to the foyer. "This room is next on my list, but I fear it will require the assistance a craftsmare with all this wooden paneling. I also need to move my parent's portrait's to the hallway we just walked through, as tradition. Now then," as she went up the foyer staircase before standing by the large oak door, "This is a rare occasion," Her horn would glow as the door swung inward revealing a dining room that doubled as a ball room. "Name me a house outside of Canterlot nobility that has it's own ballroom?" she'd joke before walking in. "Mind the dust. My mother wasn't the best housekeeper....Speaking of, would a pony of your pedigree be able to recommend a good maid?"

Tarot would smirk at Spoiled as she began to walk towards her, closing the doors behind the mayor with her aura. As she would approach, the natural light from the windows would reveal Tarot to be just a unicorn, not some ghost. "Welcome to my home Mayor Rich. I didn't mean to frighten you..prematurely," she'd chuckle. "It appears this house has gathered quite a few legends about it since my father's disappearance and my mother's passing. Even when I was a foal, having playmates visit was rare. They all would prefer I went to their homes for some reason." "While we're in the foyer, perhaps I can give you a quick history lesson," as she pointed to a large painting of the house just after it was built, Apples and Spells in front of it. "My family built this home with the assistance of the Apples long ago. My great grandfather was a somewhat famous astronomer back in Canterlot, and my great grandmother made a name for herself telling fortunes." Smiling, she'd motion for Spoiled to follower her. "Most of the contents of this house came from Canterlot. Between my grandmother and great grandmother, it's amazing what a collection of antiques they amassed, though most of them in their day where new. When I was a foal I'd always be afraid to touch things for that reason." As she reached the parlor, Tarot would smile. "Please, have a seat. So, what brings you to Spell Manor? Do you seek one of my services, or perhaps a tour? You know, this house used to be the tallest building in Ponyville for many years till the current town hall was built, and even then some would say that's only because of the balcony. The highest room in this house is on the fourth floor of the tower after all."

Sipping her tea, Tarot would nod. “Strange as it sounds, everypony is assigned two cards at birth. These can be used in many ways to predict a pony’s future in a way. Though accurate, they leave plenty of room for interpretation of the reader or the recipient.” She’d chuckle. “Now if you want the most accurate prediction… but I’m sure you must be on your way.” Standing, Tarot would follow Applejack to the door. “You may be seeing me sooner than think. Maybe all our old classmates can get together. I haven’t been able to get out much since returning to Ponyville. It might be fun to compare how everypony turned out compared to those early predictions I made in grade school, don’t you think?” She’d wave to her old friend as she left. “I will see you and Rainbow Dash in two weeks,” she’d say with a wink. With Applejack now on her way home, Tarot would go back to her parlor. Looking at the chair where Applejack sat, she’d smirk as she levitated a few stray mane hairs and would put them in a jar before labeling it. “These might come in handy,” she’d say to herself before placing the jar back into the hidden room. Not long after, as Tarot finished a daffodil sandwich, another rap would come at her door. She’d look up and sigh as she placed her leftovers into the fridge. “Coming,” she’d call out, almost singing it.” Tarot horn would glow as she stood at the end of the foyer hallway, her eyes matching the glow as the large old double doors would open to o her next customer…no guest. “Please enter, and welcome to Spell Manor. And who may I ask are you mayor? I don’t believe I recolonize your face from my foalhood in Ponyville.”

The alicorn would take a step back as Prim addressed her as Night Mother, and she would blush slightly before offering her own greeting, trying to alleviate the awkwardness. “Oh, greeting. Please just call me Luna.” She would flip down the hood on her cloak seeing as everypony around her knew she was there now. She’d point a hoof at Midnight as she introduced him to Prim as well. “And this is Midnight Oil, one of my few remaining Lunar Guards since my retirement.” Midnight would give a slight bow. “And what shall we refer to thee as?” The line would move once more. “Order what you like, I will cover the cost for you.”

Midnight still hadn't gotten use to these random trips to Las Pegasus. If he where to honest with himself, he much preferred Canterlot, however where Luna went, so did he. Getting off the train, he'd throw his saddlebag over his cloak as he followed another cloaked figure, this one much taller. He knew that everypony knew it was Princess Luna, however he didn't dare to tell her that. Sometimes he thought this was all just because she liked that bat trick of hers. Luna and Midnight had gotten there just in time for the moon to enter the sky. She'd grin as she motioned for Midnight to follower her. It always amazed her at just how many things in this city could change in just a few weeks, even if it was just a new billboard for Wind Dancer and Sky Sailing's newest show. It was the neon however that always brought the alicorn the most joy. Before long her stomach would rumble. Ice's hotel always had enough food anytime she wanted, however she'd occasionaly be in the mood for the street fair food the city was famous for. Catching a gimps of a haydog cart, she'd motion for Midnight to follow. "It's on me," she'd say to him. He would smile and nod. The would enter the line just behind another bat pony. "Hmm. Chili hay fries sound good...and two chili hay dogs with extra cheese." she would say aloud to herself as the line would move. "I think I'll just get the footlong," Midnight would say. "Sauerkraut, chili and cheese." Luna would shake her head in amusement. "You and your sauerkraut...."

Taking a deep sigh, Tarot would answer. "To go back to our foalhood, yes. To be a foal in today's world....no thank you. I have seen first hoof the drama and problems that foals today have to deal with, and besides....what even is the new math I've heard of." When the talks turned back to Apple Bloom, Tarot would frown and nod. "On her journey it seems she picked up a case of minor bad luck. Something that just wearing a little trinket should ward off. I'll give you one as well just to be safe." A small smirk would grace Tarot's face. "She has done a wonderful job working in my conservatory. So much so that...." She'd levitate a bag of bits toward AJ to count. "I'd like to pay her to keep maintaining it. This big old manor needs bodies in it to keep it's history alive and maintained anyway." When the talk changed to the card that predicted her return with Dash, Tarot would give a chuckle. "The trance...that is a....well..." She'd sigh. "Telling the future with cards is simple with talent. The lovers represent you and your 'husband.' It was the 13th card when I shuffled which means you will be seeing me in 13 days." As she tried to demonstrate it by flipping the cards all on their face, a shocked expression would appear on her face as she quickly turned the devil card back over, hiding the card that represented her in this setting, before re-flipping them all, hoping her friend hadn't noticed the card the deck assigned to her.

Tarot raised an eyebrow as she could tell she hit a nerve. She would go into damage control mode as she sat back down in the parlor. "That ball only shows what the spirits wish to be seen. I myself do not blame anypony for anything." Sighing she'd look to the old chandelier hanging from the ceiling of the room. "Apple Bloom has been great help to me and she is growing into a fine, young, but somewhat unlucky mare." Waiting for AJ to pour some more tea, she'd then continue. "Sometimes that trance is a gift, others a curse... I don't know what's coming out of my mouth at times." Tapping her chin for a moment, she'd smile as she shuffled a deck and placed three cards on the coffee table. "Looks like I will be seeing you and Rainbow in two weeks." as she levitated the 'lovers' card to her, before she frowned. "I miss the days of simple card predictions. Now that I have inherited the mantle of Mistress of Spell Manor, things have gotten more complex, something that I'm sure you understand as the head of the Apple household now."

Tarot would smirk as she leaned back into her chair. "Well, I'm glad that you are satisfied with your reading. As for the other two cards, perhaps on another visit. I have a policy of one reading per pony per day. Nothing personal, It's just I find a single reading to be more accurate. Besides, this give me an excuse to perhaps meet the rest of your family. I wish that I could say the same for mine, but I'm all that's left now. The hazards of working with the supernatural I suppose....and in a way the main reason I'm back home. Oh the fun a mare could have had in Neigh Orleans.... and the things you can learn if you go deep enough into the bayous." Waving a hoof over her crystal ball, her horn would glow green. "How lucky you are," as an image of Zap Apple throwing an apple at his younger sister appeared. "Zap and Ambrosia, correct?" Leaning forward, she would wispier into Applejack's ear. "Apples and the number three do not go together," as the ball flashed to baby Apple Bloom. "And messing around with magic will only complicate things. If you wish a third foal," The crystal ball would flash black. "The pegasus must bare it, and endure all pregnancy involves." Standing, Tarot would motion towards the exit of the room. "Can I get you another cup of tea before you are on your way?"

"This room dates back to the founding of Ponyville. It was the first part of this house to be built after all. My mother always use to say the old Zap Apple tress roots encircle this house, giving it extra special supernatural abilities," she'd wink. As AJ selected her card, Tarot wold grin. "It seems you have selected Ace of Pentacles. A good omen for the future of Sweet Apple Acres." Tarot would levitate the card, as well as the rest of the deck to herself within her green aura, as her eyes glowed a matching green. She'd deal four cards, the first of which caused her smirk. "I see many bountiful harvests in your future. Plenty of bits to be made both in and out of Ponyville." As she moved on to the next card, she'd pause and take a deep breath. This card was delt upside down which was never a good thing. "I appears that a hardship is ahead for you. You must make a tough choice in the coming year. A record setting apple crop awaits, though unless something changes, many apples will rot on the trees. In your condition you will not be able to harvest them all on your own. It will require your whole family to complete, including your wife...er husband, brother, sister, and children if you hope to even get close to completing harvest." As she moved to the third card, she'd roll her eyes and take a deep breath. "The Zap Apples...this year it looks like the harvest falls on a holiday. I know that you are no stranger to working all hours of days, any day that it's required, but how will your family take to having be up all night just for one harvest." Finally she came to the last card. She'd look down to the card then up to Applejack then back to the card. "Start writing letters to all the Apple clan now. If you are to finish this record year, you will need every hoof you can get...or be prepared to hire a few farmhoofs on top of having your friends help...."

Tarot would listen to her old classmate, taking in every small detail as Applejack spoke. She’d take mental notes of Applejack’s reactions. Quick to the defense of her friends, but showing doubt. The unicorn’s brain would begin plotting just what cards to play…and how to interpret them for maximum effect. Saying magic was unpredictable… that was an excuse that most ponies used when they screwed up. Something being unpredictable, she’d scoff at the thought. “I seem to remember you saying your brother wanting to be a unicorn once in class and we all got a good giggle out of it.” “Hmmm,” she’d say as the conversation turned to Rainbow Dash. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her…er him. Must have moved here after I left for Neigh Orleans. I have read a few of her friendship letters from the book though. Prideful and boastful. Never a good combination. A risk taker as well if I remember correctly.” Tarot would smirk. “You know that book is quite the useful tool, even without reading your fortune.” She’d chuckle. “As for that Rarity production, opposites do attract, and I hadn’t fully discovered my talent.” Standing, Tarot would motion to a large portrait that doubled as a door. As it opened, she’d step inside. “A proper reading requires the proper tools.” Tarot’s horn would glow as the lights lit in the hidden room. She’d take a seat and wait for AJ to follow before placing three cards face down in front of her. “The card you pick will determine the fortune to be told.”

Tarot's eyes would narrow as she tapped her chin. "Ah yes, Rainbow Dash. I don't think I ever had the pleasure. I did read that Friendship book that was released a few years ago though...and all the stories of how you and your friends saved Equestria many times...I believe I know her well enough. As for the spell, I believe that would have been cast by Princess Twilight?" Lounging back into her chair, Tarot would take a sip of her tea. "I can only imagine what one would have to give up for such a spell to work, even if where cast to perfection. There's an old sayin dawn on the bayou about spells like that. Vous avez obtenu ce que vous vouliez mais vous avez perdu ce que vous aviez. You get what ya wanted, but lose what ya have." Tarot would look up at the portrait of herself over the fireplace as it added a few more brush strokes. Seeing it was painting her mane with the stray hairs reassembling horns, she'd roll her eyes before forcing a chuckle. "Enchanted painting. Said to capture one's true self. Must be all those bad mane days from when we where young." "You know... one thing about that story bothers me. Why did the princess not attempt a healing spell for a truly ailing friend?" Tarot would smirk. "I believe somepony may have their priorities mixed up. Captain of the Wonderbolts...Elite flyer... Seems like she was already top of her game. I hope she plans on using that new body of her...his do the tasks at Sweet Apple Acres that you can no longer do..." Tarot would levitate the pot of tea to refill Applejack's cup before continuing. "As for your alicorn friend, it would seem that she has an ego of her own. Magic has it's own risks consequences. It would seem this wasn't a lone incident. I seem to remember reading a journal entry about turning another friend into a bat... and at the expense of thousands in losses to your farm." She's sigh deeply before continuing. "You know, there are other ways to fix the predicament you are currently in. Ways that may be looked down upon in these modern times." Smirking, she'd begin shuffling a deck of tarot cards in her green aura. "You know, I've only ever gotten one prediction wrong since I found my gift. My second prediction when we both where in school actually. I predicted that you would end up with Rarity...though with the current trajectory of things...I may have just foreseen too far ahead...."