The dust drifted on a breeze, to land in a pile on the outskirts of Canterlot. It bunched and swirled into the forms of Simon and Bet, before their color returned and they faded to normal.

Simon muttered, “That's always creepy.”

Bet grinned. “You're one to talk. But yes... it is rather strange, isn't it?”

Simon patted himself all over. “I can never tell if you put the right bits in the right places...”

Bet chuckled. “Come on, we need to head back to Ponyville.”

As they started walking, Simon was annoyed. “Let me recap, shall I? We were transported to a land filled with technicolor ponies. We picked up a couple of hitchhikers while in the 'void.' We then landed in an old ruin, walked outside into a forest. On the way out, we met a talking zebra. Afterwards, we walked to town. Switched places with our Fey at that point, and we finished our trip. Soon after reaching the town, we met the group that the Fey call the 'Mane 7.' The next day, we met two semi-divine beings of a sort. Afterward, we nearly got vaporized by the apparent elder of the sisters. Then, after that, you calmed her down somehow, we shared secrets, talked shop with the two and declined a dismissal right back to Ponyville. Did I miss anything?”

Bet chuckled. “You left out where you nearly molested the Princess of the Moon... and that about sums it up, yeah.”

Simon sighed. “Alright, what do I have to do to live that down?”

Bet was silent for a moment. “Let's put it this way. Neither of the Princesses are going to kill you.”

“That's good... right?”

“I wouldn't hold my breath.”

“But I don't need to breathe?”

“Right now you do.”

“Ah, right. Bummer.”

Later...

“Are we there yet?”

“No.”

“...How about now?”

“No.”

“... … How about now?”

“NO! And if you ask again, you'll regret it.”

Simon stopped. For all of two minutes. “...Are we there yet?”

Bet grunted in annoyance, then blew away as dust like he did before.

Simon grinned. “This is too fun! Yay! Tag!” He glowed gray and sunk into the ground. (If it so amuses you, you could find Yakety Sax and play it during this part.)

The dust swirled at the top of a hill, forming Bet. Simon followed, clawing his way out of the ground.

Bet sighed, then repeated the maneuver. Once more, Simon followed. They kept this up for over an hour, through hills, valleys, once in the middle of another city.

They eventually ended up in Ponyville, Bet in front of the plot of land that the Princesses had given him for a house. A short walk outside of the town, only a few minutes at most, enough for a house of significant size.

(You can stop the Yakety Sax now.)

Simon climbed out of the ground again, bored more than anything. “Are we done?”

Bet sighed. “Yup. We're here. This...” he motioned towards the plot of earth and grass, “Is our new home... for now.”

Simon put a hand on his chin. “Hmm... A bit too natural for my tastes... but I can make do. Dibbs on the pillow-bush!” He jumped and charged towards a small bush in the clearing.

Bet reached into his pocket, pulling out a few seeds. “Then I guess that makes the house mine?” His hand glowed green, then he tossed the seed, and after a few moments, a tree began to grow.

Simon chuckled sheepishly, moments from pouncing on the poor bush. “Ah... druid... right...” He quickly scampered back over to where Bet was standing. After a moment of silence, the tree still growing, Simon asked, “So... any chance I can decorate? ...at least, my room? ...a small corner? ...of my room?”

Bet closed his eyes, then darkly muttered to Simon, “Shut up; we're concentrating.”

Simon was quiet for a moment... then, “...the cellar that nopony is going to?”

The grass under Simon's feet suddenly grew to over thirty times their original length, then tripped and bound him. Bet uttered an exasperated “Thank you.” at the silence.

The tree, meanwhile, was growing. It was an oak, strong and firm. As it grew, the trunk became much, much wider than an ordinary oak. There were sounds of cracking, and snapping, from inside the tree.

Grumbles were heard from Simon, “hmphmhmh gruhmhmhmhmhm hehmhmhmh” and were promptly ignored.

The tree kept growing, until the thickness of the trunk was easily fifteen yards across. However, as it grew wider, it also grew taller. It now stood over five stories tall.

The growth slowed as the tree stopped it's initial spurt. A door carved itself into being at the front of the tree, facing the road. There was no handle, but there was a small indentation of a hand, as well as a hoof-print, on top of each other.

Bet walked up to the door as the leaves and twigs grew into the canopy a tree of this size was known for. Simon whistled. “Wow. Even I've got to admit, that's impressive.”

Bet chuckled, “He's not finished. He's still guiding the spell, carving the rooms and even a basement, I think.” He placed his palm over the indentation; the door was just big enough so that he could walk inside easily.

Simon spoke up, “You think?” He then approached the door, himself. “I like the door. Though, the sheer size of the house will attract attention. Ooh, slumber parties!” As an afterthought, he added, “Hmm... I wonder if Pinkie takes commissions?”

Bet elaborated on what he said before, “Right now, I'm only giving it power; my Fey said he had a few ideas of what to do, and to leave it to him. He also mentioned something about a surprise?”

Simon's interest was piqued. “Ooh, a surprise? I wonder what it is...”

Bet chuckled, Simon's childish demeanor was fun to watch. “Whatever it is, it will have to wait. Perhaps your own Fey could help us figure out what to do next?”

Simon scratched his chin in thought. “I don't know... Maybe we can- no, hmm... one moment!” His posture drooped for a short time, before he groggily stood up straight. “Woah, that's weird for the second time. Hello there, Bet! I'm Simon's Fey!”

Bet didn't know whether to be relieved or worried. “Uhm... hello?” Simon's body waved. Bet hesitantly waved back.

Simon spoke, “So... what do you want to do?”

Bet decided. He was worried. “Well... I can't leave. I have to stay here for a little longer while your... ah, 'buddy' guides my spell.” As if to punctuate his point, there was a large crack from inside the tree-house. “And that means that you do as well, Fey.”

Simon pouted. “Aww, no fair!” His face brightened. “Whatever! My dreams are coming true, so I don't care!”

Bet paused, “...Pardon?”

Simon grinned, “I get to meet the Ponies! Oh, by the way... did you ever ask my fey friend how he can guide your spell, even though he can't use magic himself?”

Bet blinked. “...You raise a good point. I'll ask when he finishes.” The wood cracked again, this time from above them.

Simon fist-pumped, “Yes! Two floors has been confirmed!”

Bet only sighed.

A few minutes later, the tree-house spell had stopped, final touches being added moments before. They explored the house, finding that there were a total of five floors; the ground floor, two on top of that, and a large basement at the bottom. Between that large basement, and the ground floor, was what appeared to be some sort of... they weren't sure. But it had a door, some strange carvings, and a few other things in the stairwell.

The top floors held four bedrooms, and above that there was a hidden balcony, they discovered had a great view of the area around them. Simon whistled, “Wow, he wasn't kidding.”

Bet's brow knitted. “What do you mean?”

Simon chuckled, “Well... back before... this, he always had creative streaks when presented with the right opportunities. I guess he took your spell and ran with it.”

There was a soft silence. A small breeze drifted through the balcony, bringing a smile to both faces.

Then, suddenly, a set of knocks sounded from below.

Simon grinned. “Ooh! Company! I'll get it!” He skipped down the stairs to the front door, Bet following behind him.

Bet walked across the room as Simon bounced at the door, giddy with excitement. Simon opened the door to find none other than Vinyl Scratch. “Hello! How are you today?”

Vinyl's reaction was to pause, shrug, then say “Pretty good, I guess. Though I did see something that was quite impressive not but a short while ago.”

“Was it... well... me, I guess, coming out of the ground? 'Cause I had a view of it and it was kinda awesome. Hey... don't I know you? Loves the shades, by the by.”

“Uh, thanks? But that's not what I was talking about. I saw the tree grow. That's pretty amazing.”

“Yeah, I guess that is cool. Hey, you wanna meet the guy who grew it?”

“Sure!”

“I've got to warn ya though, he can be a bit of a stick in the mud... but he's cool at the same time, ya know?”

Vinyl chuckled, thinking of a certain gray mare. “I think I know the type.”

Simon motioned for her to come inside, so she followed. Inside, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, was Bet. Simon pointed, “He's the one who did it.”

Vinyl froze up as how big they were actually hit her. The door was large enough so that they could easily walk through; and now she knew why. They were huge! Twice her height, by a quick guess.

Bet's expression changed; he was conversing with his Fey. Simon enlightened Vinyl, “He's having a little chat with a friend of mine. Don't worry, he'll come out of it soon.”

Vinyl was a little worried. While Simon had an air of kindness, Bet was somewhat more intimidating. “If you say so... Anyway, how did he grow this tree? Especially into a house? I don't think I've ever seen anything like it... at least, not this natural.”

Simon thought on it. “I'm not too sure, exactly... but between Bet and my friend, they grew the tree-house. It's really something. Want a quick tour?”

Vinyl nodded. “Why not? This seems like a pretty cool place.”

Simon paused. “You know... I don't think we've introduced ourselves. My name is Simon. Or maybe I should say this body is Simon? I don't know. I'll ask Bet – the tall one over there – when he comes out of that trance.” He knelt and extended a hand. “Nice to meet ya.”

Vinyl returned the hoofshake, “Vinyl Scratch, and likewise.”

Bet stood from his spot against the wall, shaking his head. He opened his eyes and turned to greet Vinyl. “Sorry for that, he had a few questions. He should be finished any minute.” Another loud crack sounded from below. “I don't think we should go downstairs quite yet.” Bet cleared his throat. “Anyway, my name is Bet,” he knelt and offered his hand, as Simon did earlier. “And it's a pleasure to meet you, Vinyl.”

Vinyl returned the shake, and grinned. “And you as well. Now, let's get on with this tour, shall we?”

Simon lead the way, heading up the stairs two at a time. Bet chuckled as Vinyl followed; he brought up the rear. “So eager, that one.” he said to himself.

From above, Simon called down. “Come on you slowpokes!”

Bet just smiled. Vinyl was lead throughout a good deal of the house. It was currently unfurnished, for the most part, and the furniture that was there was part of the walls or floors.

As they showed Vinyl the masterpiece, Bet's Fey was finishing the house. Things such as the tree's leafy canopy, the roots below the ground, were the final touches that needed intricate attention.

The last place they visited was the balcony. Vinyl was stunned by the view. “Woah... I've not seen something like this in a long time.”

Expanding from the balcony, there was a great view of a wide open area; sparse roads lined the scene, one leading to Ponyville, another to Fluttershy's cottage, and a third outwards to places unknown.

Rolling green plains and hills were much of the landscape; Ponyville visible off to the side. From so far up high, Sweet Apple Acres was visible a few kilometers away.

Bet smiled. “A great view, isn't it?”

Vinyl nodded. Simon added his piece, “Well, I believe we should head downstairs. I think we have a few things to discuss.”

Vinyl grinned sheepishly. “I'm guessing you want to know what I was doing, right? Hehehe, well...”

They walked downstairs to the ground floor. Surprisingly, the moment Bet sat foot on the floor, a small orb of light appeared, floating a few inches from the ceiling. “I'm thinking that means he finished?” Simon commented.

Bet nodded, “Yes, he's finished. I think we should check it out later. Back to what you were saying, Vinyl?”

She chuckled. “Ah... well, I was taking a break from all the parties and such, to clear my head, maybe find some inspiration, that kind of thing. I eventually found my way Ponyville. I've not been here in a while, so I thought I'd check up on the town and see if anything new had happened, and... well... I saw the tree growing from nothing, so I came to see what was going on, and that's that.”

Bet grinned. “In that case, I'm happy you stopped by.”

Simon added, “Ditto.” He then asked, “So, what is it that you do? You said that you were looking for inspiration, and your Cutie Mark is musical notation, so... I'd guess something with music.”

Vinyl laughed, “I guess you could say that. I'm a DJ – and one of the best! It's just that I've hit a bit of a rut lately, and I've not been... well, inspired, ya know?”

Simon grinned, “Yeah, I know the feeling. This one time, I wa-” He went limp, only to be hastily steadied by Bet. After a moment, he looked up, shook away the metaphorical cobwebs and blinked. “...Did I do that?” He turned to Vinyl. “Ooh! Another pony!” He tried to jump forward, but Bet held him still.

“Stop it, Simon. We don't want to freak her out any more than we already have.” Vinyl looked nervous, or rather, as nervous as a pony could while still behind sunglasses. Bet turned to her. “I'm guessing you'll like an explanation now.”

Vinyl's flat look told him everything.

“Okay... where to start... we-” He motioned to himself and to Simon, “Are humans. We're not native to this world, and under strange circumstances, we were brought here half against our will.”

Simon continued, in a moment of rare seriousness. “After we entered the portal of sorts, we grabbed a pair of tag-alongs in the Void between the universes.”

Bet followed through, “Which would be the friend that Simon was talking about. They joined us in a manner unusual to many; they are separate consciousnesses within our minds.”

Vinyl took off her sunglasses, revealing red eyes, and stared. “...I'm not sure if I should be worried about your mental health, or if I should just walk away.”

Bet sighed. “I don't want to do this, but I doubt you'll believe us any other way.” Bet's body drooped in a similar manner to Simon's did, before he stood up a moment later with Simon's help. “Thanks for that.”

“No problem.”

Bet shook his head. “Now that Bet and I have switched places... Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Bet's Fey, but since I'm in this body, you can still call me Bet. Trust us, it will be much, much less confusing if you do.”

Vinyl nodded, confused. “Uhm... okay?”

Bet grinned. “Good! Now, to prove that we're not from around here, as well as not from where our buddies are from...” He glanced towards Simon. “Pay attention, you guys.”

Bet sat down on the floor and crossed his legs. “Let's begin. First, you are Vinyl Scratch, one of the DJs of Equestria, who goes by the stage name of DJ PON-3. Your talent is centered around the creation and remixing of music through the use of your equipment – including, but not limited to: a mixing table, recording setup, turntables, lights, and speakers of various sizes. You are currently single, though you are very social. You dislike large crowds, but don't mind being the center of attention. Finally, you harbor a secret liking of classical and other 'weird' music for one in your position. Did I miss anything?”

Vinyl was frozen. She shakily spoke, “I... how... how do you know all that!? I've never told anyone that!”

Bet only grinned a knowing grin. “Knowledge is power, my little pony.” He smiled softly. “Don't worry, though. Your secret is safe with me. I wholly swear that I shall not tell a soul what secrets have been exchanged today. I suggest you do the same; the less ponies that know about the other voice in my head the better.”

Vinyl was still shocked. Bet frowned, Simon mirrored it.

After a moment, Vinyl moved again. It was completely unexpected. She fainted from the sudden stress.

Bet deadpanned, “What is it with us and causing ponies to faint?”

Simon chuckled. “I blame Bet. Not you Bet, Bet Bet. ...The voices in my head agree.”

Bet sighed, and closed his eyes in thought. After a moment, he came up with something. “Come on, we at least need to get her to a bed.” He picked her up, making sure to grab her sunglasses, and brought her upstairs.

Turning inside the first room on the right, Bet came upon an empty room. He closed his eyes, his hands glowed green, and a seed grew out of his pocket into a vine that climbed onto the floor. The vine crawled its way to the wall, pierced the wood slightly, then turned into wood itself. It soon grew, taking the shape of an average human-sized bed.

He muttered under his breath, “Guess I'll have to make due...” From the bed grew a large makeshift mattress of leaves, thatch and other fibers. Bet carefully put her down on the freshly grown bed.

He left the room and closed the door, waiting for her to come to.

...

Back downstairs, Bet met with Simon. “You said that you wanted to know how I guided his spell even though I can't use magic?”

Simon nodded.

“It's a simple, roundabout way. Even though I don't have the capacity Bet does, I still have my own mana – because it's the energy of the mind – and through that, plus the experience of using his spells when we first came here, let me guide his spell. It's simple enough... for me, at least. I don't know how you would fare using Simon's spells, but it should be simple enough to cast the easiest ones.”

Simon paused. After a moment, he conveyed a message, “Okay, he says... something about you cheating – sounded kinda garbled – and that when is it his turn to learn to use spells and stuff.”

Bet blinked. “You won't actually be able to use them under your own power unless you had your own body or something. And I'm not cheating; Bet used the spell, and I guided what it did. Not quite as difficult as casting it myself... but much harder to guide it. I grew quite a few things under my own power – nowhere near the capacity Bet can do.”

Another moment passed. “Well, he is more experienced... Whatever.” There was another pause. “So what now?”

“Well, Simon, we need to wait for her to wake up.”

“That brings something to mind... why did she freak out?”

“Equines are skittish and easily scared; to be honest, I'm kind of embarrassed that I forgot.”

“...I see.”

“We'll have to explain things when she wakes up. It shouldn't be long.”

“If you say so... Also, he calls you stupid.”

“I try my best, Simon.”

There was a sudden sound from upstairs. Bet started walking. “I got it.”

After he went up the stairs to the second floor, he knocked lightly on the door. There was an awkward pause. Vinyl's voice came muffled through the door, “Uhm... come in?”

Bet opened the door. Vinyl was sitting, but flinched as he came in the room. Bet sighed, then he closed the door and sat with his legs crossed on the floor. Putting his hands up as if to surrender, he calmly said, “I'm not here to hurt you, nor am I here to give away all of your secrets. If you want to leave after our chat, by all means, you're free to go. I don't want to make enemies, but I would love to make friends... and I think it would be best if you tell me why you freaked out.”

Vinyl tensed for a moment, then relaxed with a frustrated sigh. “Fine, I'll tell you. It's because I'm... well, popular, ya know? I'm a party pony, I love loud music, having a good time... It's just that if it got out that I love Classical music too, it would ruin my image. Classical music isn't... 'cool' to some ponies.”

“...That's it? That's seriously the whole reason you freaked out? Because you thought you would become 'uncool?' Vinyl...” He put his head in his hands and sighed. “Classical music is a favorite of my own. Back home, as it were, I was friends with the strangest people, with completely different musical backgrounds. One of them was a 'metal-head' that loved the genre. Another loved rock, and jazz. Just because you like different music doesn't mean you can't be cool.”

Bet smiled, and Vinyl returned the gesture. “I... thank you, Bet.”

Bet grinned, then stood up. “Let's get back downstairs, shall we? Don't want Simon thinking something else is going on.” Vinyl blushed.

Bet opened the door, and Vinyl stood. She immediately flinched in pain, and lifted her left foreleg in the air. “...You hurt your leg falling out of the bed, didn't you?”

Vinyl laughed sheepishly. “Ah, well... yes. I did.”

Bet chuckled. “Then let me carry you, you probably shouldn't walk on that anyway.”

Vinyl blushed again, a deeper red than before. “I... ah, well...” Bet picked her up, and she let out an embarrassed squeak. Bet chuckled again.

Bet carried her downstairs, being careful of her leg. Simon was keeping himself entertained by staring directly at the werelight. His pupils were pinpricks, and his eyes were very red. He growled out, “I will not lose! I will not blink!”

Vinyl stared. “Is he always like this?” she whispered to Bet.

Bet stifled his laughter. He answered in a whisper, “This one is. The other one is... significantly more intelligent.”

Vinyl giggled. Simon looked over to the sound, and blinked because of it. A moment later, it hit him. “Nooooo!” he cried in anguish at his loss. “I lost! This is the Worst! Possible! Thing!” He fell over expecting to hit some sort of furniture, but instead slammed almost face-first into the floor. “Ow.”

Vinyl and Bet shared a laugh. Simon sighed, then stood up again. “So! How's the situation? And why are you carrying her?”

Vinyl looked embarrassed. “Ah... well... I hurt my leg because I fell off the bed.”

“...Seriously?”

Bet gave him a look. “She probably twisted her ankle a bit or something. Want to come with us to Twilight's?”

Simon jumped into the air. “Adventure!”

Bet sighed. “Not quite. We have to ninja.”

Simon jumped a little higher, almost striking the ceiling. “Ninja!”

Bet glared. “That means shut up.”

Simon deflated. “Aww...”

Vinyl giggled again. “You're funny, Simon.”

The weird one in question puffed out his chest in pride.

Bet started to walk to the door, Vinyl still in his arms. “Let's go, Simon.”

They walked outside. The sun was perhaps an hour from setting. “Woah, we were inside for a while. It's going to get dark soon.”

They walked towards Ponyville, chatting about Simon's antics and telling jokes.

As they reached the town, surprisingly few ponies were out and about. They managed to reach the Library without being seen by anypony; perhaps their luck was finally turning around.

Simon knocked on the door. It was soon opened by Twilight, who complained, “It's a Library, you don't have to knock!”

She recognized two of the three at the door. “Hello Bet, Simon. Who's this?”

Vinyl grinned. “I'm Vinyl Scratch.”

Bet chuckled. “And this is Twilight Sparkle.”

“So... what brings you to the Library?”

Vinyl looked embarrassed again. “Ah... well... I sorta hurt my leg.”

Twilight was aghast, “Oh! That's not good. Come on inside, I'll help you.”

Bet looked to Vinyl. “Your call.” She nodded.

They walked inside, Twilight searching the bookshelves for medical books, and spellbooks with healing magic, and more. Bet sighed. “You don't change fast, do you Twi?” he muttered to himself.

Bet sat Vinyl down on a couch in the room. “Can I see your ankle? I'd like to see it before Twi goes crazy.” At her worried look, Bet added, “Don't worry. She's a bit eccentric, but she means well. You won't get hurt.”

Vinyl let Bet examine her foreleg. “It doesn't really hurt, but it stung when I stood on it.”

Bet made a thoughtful noise. “It's probably a minor thing, so staying off it a day or two should let it heal. I'd heal you myself, but I lack the experience and knowledge to do it correctly.”

Simon grunted, “What do you mean? You've healed me plenty of times.”

Bet chuckled, “That's because you've gotten hurt so much that healing you comes as a second nature. Ah, excuse the pun.”

The three shared a short laugh. Twilight eventually found the book she was looking for, Preparing Poultices, Readying Remedies, and Magical Medicine by White Mage. Bet and Simon laughed at the author's name.

Twilight didn't get it, and neither did Vinyl for that matter. Twilight still spoke up in the book's defense, however. “Stop laughing! This book has directions for some of our best medicines!” Bet and Simon only laughed harder. “Stop it!”

Bet stopped to catch his breath, explaining between gasps. “Sorry... but... It's something... from... our home... hahaha... oh wow, I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.”

Twilight blinked. “You're not Bet, are you?”

Bet grinned. “Nope! I'm the Fey. But still call me Bet, it will make it harder to reveal, and less of a headache on you guys, ah, girls.”

Vinyl cocked her head. “Fey?”

“Ah, sorry. That's what we call ourselves for easy communication for the others.”

“I see. So, 'doc,' what's the verdict?”

“I'm not a lawyer.”

“Okay then, what's the damage?”

“...You just hurt your leg. We've been over this.”

Vinyl grinned. “Come on, Bet. Don't be a stick in the mud!”

Simon beamed. “Yes! Someone agrees with me!”

After a moment, Vinyl giggled again. “Just kidding!”

Simon hugged his knees in a corner, looking depressed again.

Bet chuckled, “Don't worry. She's just messing with you.”

Vinyl grinned. “Sorry, but... it's just so easy!” She laughed.

Simon grinned back and stood up again. “I know. I was playing drama queen! ...or so says my Fey.”

Bet's tone turned serious. “Alright, for real now, all you've done – from what I can see – is twist your ankle a little bit. I won't be sure until I can examine it better, but keeping off it should be plenty enough for it to heal.”

Vinyl sighed. “Aww... So how long should it take?”

Bet made a thoughtful noise. “Let's see... injuries of similar nature could take weeks to heal depending on the severity... but if you actually listen and stay off of it, you should be healed in a day or two.”

The three turned to see Twilight still looking through books; a large pile of them was on the floor behind her. Vinyl called out, “Come on, Twilight. I think Bet already figured it out.”

Twilight turned at hearing her name, and saw the huge pile she'd made. With a sheepish laugh, she began returning the books to the shelves. “Ah, sorry. I kinda got... carried away a little bit.”

Simon smiled. “It's okay, happens to the best of us.” He smirked. “Especially you, from what I've heard.” He got smacked again for his trouble. “Stop that!”

“When you learn your manners. Be nice,” Bet chastised. “Back to business... Twilight, do you have any books on Magic? I want to get started as soon as possible.”

There was a gleam in her eyes. “One moment!” Twilight was off raiding the bookshelves and grabbing books again.

Simon idly commented, “You know... for all her organization, she's not very organized.”

Twilight paused in her search, and gave a sheepish laugh. “Ah... well...”

Bet helped her save face. “It's probably because she's still somewhat new to the library here, Simon. That, and excitement tends to force one to ignore reason. Please, Twilight, continue your search.”

She did so with gusto. Bet gave Vinyl a short lecture on staying off her leg, and Simon stared at the grains in the wood. He found a weird pattern, but it must have been uninteresting to him because he passed it over.

After a few minutes, Twilight had a large stack of books on the table, and she asked Bet to come discuss the magics of their respective worlds. Simon groaned, uninterested, but at the pressing of the Fey, he walked over to listen in. Vinyl was interested, and swayed her head to a melody heard by only her.

Twilight spoke first, “Alright, Bet. First, there are a few questions before we can truly start. One, the method of magic you use, Second, the restrictions of your magic, and third, how it is learned and if it can be taught to anyone.”

Bet closed his eyes for a moment, and put a hand on his chin in thought. “Our magic is one of the most versatile types I know of.” He paused a moment. “There are many uses, as well as many schools – and further, there are many spells shared between all of them... the base of them, anyway.”

After a moment of silence, Bet chuckled at Twilight's face. Her eyes were shining, and she was nearly splitting her face with her smile. He continued. “At the basic levels, our magic is limited to spells, but as a magic user grows in prowess, they are less and less restricted by the normal spells.”

He held out a hand, palm up. After muttering under his breath, Bet formed a small flame, floating a few inches above his outstretched limb. “This is a common spell; it goes by many names, but the one we learned it as was 'Embers.'”

“Why is it called that?” Twilight asked.

Bet grinned. “That's easy.” He canceled the spell, and it left behind small glowing sparks floating above his hand. “It leaves embers when the initial flame goes away.”

Twilight's interest was piqued again. “How does it do that?”

“It's hard-wired into the spell itself. It's simple enough; I'll explain in a moment. Now, back on topic. This is one of the smallest spells taught in my school, and is the 'first step' of sorts to a much larger repertoire of skills.

“Now, like I said earlier, as users of our magic grow with prowess, they can... 'personalize' spells, somewhat. Here's an example.” He dispelled the embers floating above his palm, and cast forth another small ball of fire. “It looks very much the same, correct? There is, however, one key difference. When this one is dispelled...” He did so, “It simply splits.” The original flame split into two flames, each one half the size of the first. “And it continues on and on.” The two flames split into four after a moment, then into eight, then sixteen, and so on until they were barely sparks. “There are more dangerous versions of it, of course, but I don't think it would be a good idea to play with more than these little sparks inside your tree.

“Back on track. After learning to change the spells a little bit, most students are taught some runes, along with the more advanced spells. One moment...” He closed his eyes. When he opened them, they glowed a slight tinge of blue. With a finger glowing a light purple, he drew in the air a strange symbol. “This is one of the runes taught. This one is 'spark' which refers in specific to the small ember than can start a flame.

“As you can see, our magic can be exceedingly complicated. These runes, and incantations that are rarely used, can help a magic user improvise a spell. By drawing a circle, and filling it with runes representing the objects or forces they represent... and then thinking hard on their intentions... they can guide a spell from scratch.

“Even further along, the masters of our magic, can simply use their Mana – the energy we use – to directly carry out their intentions. For example...” His hand glowed green for a moment. “You remember the vines?”

Twilight blushed a moment at the memory, and shivered.

“You liked it that much, huh?” Bet grinned. Twilight's eyes widened, before she covered her face. “Don't worry, I'm only messing with you.” He chuckled.

Twilight's face stayed tinged a bit pink, but she uncovered her face. “That wasn't funny.”

“Then why were you laughing?”

“Because it tickled!”

Simon butted in, “You do realize that you just admitted to being ticklish, right?”

Twilight's eyes widened. “Oh, ponyfeathers.”

Bet smacked Simon again. “Stop that. We're distracted enough as it is. Anyway, our energy – Mana – is powerful and versatile. And from what we've experienced, it's found in almost every living thing. So yes, our magic should be teachable. I don't know to what capacity, but ponies could be able to learn it.”

Twilight beamed. She was obviously elated. “Yes! I can be the first unicorn to learn a new magic... Ever!”

Bet sighed and stopped her. “Stop that. You won't be able to actually learn anything useful until I can figure out the differences between our magics, and how you control your own magic so I can teach you correctly. Bet may not be the best teacher, but I prize knowledge, and don't give it lightly, nor to those who don't deserve it. Especially the harmful knowledge.”

Twilight deflated. “I see...”

“That doesn't mean we won't teach you, however.”

She grinned again, eyes shining.

“That's better. You look cuter with a smile.” Bet grinned at making Twilight blush again. “Now, on to those books...”

Vinyl was deep in thought during their conversation. She owed Bet a lot, and his Fey even more. But... She sighed. It was a lot to take in all at once. There was a positive side, however. While she was hurt, she could still use her magic, and she could still play with the music in her head.

She hummed a broken melody, trying to turn it into something interesting as the others discussed magics that she didn't really care for.

Simon payed attention to the conversation at the direction of the Fey in his head.

Twilight had explained what she knew of the unicorn's magic. “From my studies under Princess Celestia, and my own experiments, I've learned a good deal about magic. There are two things to keep in mind; unicorn magic is restricted by spells, unless it's related to one's special talent... and the average unicorn isn't very powerful by themselves.

“I am one of the exceptions – or so says Spike – and my talent itself is magic. However, we're getting off topic. Unicorn magic for things related to one's talent – Rarity's aptitude for finding gemstones, for example – doesn't require a distinct spell, and more relies on the intentions of the user.”

Bet hummed as he took this in. “I see... that helps me even more with my theory, Twilight. Thank you. However... I can see your barely contained excitement. I assume that you want to learn a spell?”

Twilight smiled brightly, and bounced around, dancing crazily. “Woohoo! I'll be the first unicorn to learn the new magic!”

Bet gave a warm smile. “Calm down, Twilight. This magic isn't easy; Bet and Simon have had years of practice... probably more than you've been alive. And as their Fey, we leech off of their skill to cast spells of our own... and the spells we do cast cost us much more Mana to use than if Bet or Simon did it.” His expression grew grim as he spoke.

Twilight calmed down, and her face mirrored Bet's. “I see...”

After a moment, Bet's smile returned. “However, I can still teach you the very basics. The first step would be finding – and then manipulating – your mana pool. This will be the hardest part for a while. It requires introspection and meditation to do it alone... however, with some help from Bet... we can help you find your mana pool much faster.”

Twilight nodded, determined. “I can do it, Bet!”

Vinyl continued her humming, bored and not very interested with the discussion over magic.

Simon looked to Vinyl and offered her a smile. His Fey was on something it had called ‘autopilot’ or whatever, so he was free to whisper to the disc jockey... so long as he didn’t interrupt Twilight’s lesson. “So... any composers in particular that you like?”

Vinyl answered with a shrug. “Not really, no. At least, not the specific artists... more along the lines of the music itself, and the songs, ya know what I mean?”

Simon nodded sagely. “Aye.”

Bet had begun the first steps of the lesson, finding the pool of mana - or in some cases, causing it to form - and was swirling a tiny amount of mana in an orb hovering slightly above his open palm. Twilight looked into it, the barely-visible colors mesmerising her and stealing away her attention.

Bet placed his hand on her withers, bringing her attention back. “Pay attention now, Twilight. You’re going to look inside of yourself for a pool of energy similar to this. I can let this flow through you so you can get a feel for it, but I can only do it once. Pay very close attention. Are you ready?”

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded, sure of herself again. “Let’s do it!”

Bet nodded slightly himself, and replied. “Now, I need you to close your eyes, and breathe evenly. Breath normally, and keep a steady rhythm... yes, like that. Breathe in and out at the count... ready? one... two... one... two... in... out... in... out... yes, keep going... in... out... there. I’m going to inject you with the mana... in... out... here we go...” The mana orb in Bet’s hand shrunk to the rough size of a baseball, and he slowly pressed it against Twilight’s chest.

Twilight let out a small gasp at the contact, but Bet’s mantra kept her in time. “In... out... in... out...” He slowly pushed the orb inside of Twilight’s chest, and her eyes clenched shut with a grimace. Bet still continued the mantra, “In... out... calm down, Twilight, In... out...” After a few moments, Twilight opened her eyes with a big grin.

“I found it!” She exclaimed, proud. “I found the mana!”

Simon cleared his throat. “You do realize what that sounded like, right? We thought it was... that for a few moments and we were here watching it happen!” Vinyl next to him sported a rosy blush. “So Vinyl, do ya think a song about skeletons and bats would sell?” Simon attempted to break the awkward silence.

Twilight was sporting a blush of her own, though not quite as blazing as Vinyl’s. Bet chuckled mirthfully at the scene. He the opened his mouth to speak, but he slumped over before he could get out a word.

“Bet!” Twilight called out, startled and worried. She rushed to help keep him upright as he was sitting before, but she wasn’t quite as strong as required. Fortunately, Simon quickly dashed over and held him in place upright. After half-heartedly checking for a pulse he started shaking Bet’s shoulder.

A few seconds later, Bet shook his head and mumbled, “I’m alright... Just let me stand up.” The two stepped back, allowing the giant to raise to his full height. He rolled his neck a few times, and sucked in a deep breath. “Nice to be back!” he chuckled to himself.

Bet gave Twilight a comforting smile, “Don’t worry. We just... ah, ‘swapped places’ he says - and it wore off a bit later than we expected. It’s okay, we’re fine. It feels weird to speak for two...” He turned to Simon, “And he says not to make a pregnant joke.”

Simon in return offered him an innocent ‘who, me?’ look.

Then all five present, Spike having just come down stairs at the last minute, erupted into laughter.