| My Little Pony: Maretime Mysteries #4 | |
|---|---|
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| Issue №: | 4 |
| Published: | September 11, 2024 |
| Writer: | Stephanie Williams |
| Artist: | Abby Bulmer |
| Colorist: | Valentina Pinto |
| Letterer: | Neil Uyetake |
| Editor: | Bixie Mathieu |
| See also | |
| Credits • Gallery • Allusions | |
| Issue guide | |
| Previous Maretime Mysteries #3 |
Next N/A |
My Little Pony: Maretime Mysteries #4 is the fourth and final issue of IDW Publishing's My Little Pony: Maretime Mysteries comic miniseries. In this issue, Misty delves into the relatable past of the spirit of the cursed board game in order to find out how to break the board game's curse on Maretime Bay.
Summary[]
As a dark mist slowly consumes Maretime Bay, the spirit of the Maretime Mysteries board game laments that he has "messed everything up again". When Misty and her friends offer to lend an ear to his woes, the spirit introduces himself as Raneigh and explains how his insecurity, impatience, and jealousy caused him to become a spirit in the first place.
Long ago, Raneigh and his best friend Kyren were a prominent duo in the world of competitive board games. One day, the Maretime Mysteries board game had released and a tournament for it was going to be held. However, participants could only enter as individuals and not teams, and Raneigh was hesitant to compete against his best friend. While Raneigh struggled to learn the game's rules, Kyren quickly proved to be a natural expert, causing Raneigh to get bitter with jealousy.
That night, Raneigh wandered into a store of magical artifacts, and the shopkeeper, sensing Raneigh's frustration, gave him a "Gem of Transformation" - the flame-shaped crystal from the previous issues - with the promise that it would free him of his inner turmoil. Later, Raneigh made a wish on the crystal to become "the only master" of the board game, and the crystal granted his wish by trapping him within the game.
Misty, having also wrestled with feelings of self-doubt, sympathizes with Raneigh, and she and her friends offer to help him overcome his pain and break the curse he unleashed. However, by this point, the dark mist engulfing Maretime Bay closes in on the ponies, and Raneigh starts to slowly disappear. As Hitch Trailblazer and Sunny Starscout try to keep the mist at bay, Misty tells Raneigh to make another wish on the crystal but to be more honest with himself about his troubles this time.
Raneigh wishes upon the crystal again and vows not to let his jealousy control him anymore. His confidence wavers, but Misty supports him with her magic. Little by little, the crystal cracks until it shatters; the black mist disperses, the curse is broken, and Raneigh is freed from the board game. Raneigh thanks Misty for helping him finally free himself of his self-imposed suffering. Some time later, he joins Misty and the rest of the Mane 6 for their game night.
Quotes[]
- Misty: What's your name?
- Raneigh: It's Raneigh.
- Misty: I like that name!
- Raneigh: I once had a friend who was like you all. And I...I let my insecurity, impatience, and ultimately, my jealousy get in the way...
- Kyren: Great move, Raneigh.
- Raneigh: Thanks, Kyren! Gotta make sure we stay on our A game.
- Raneigh: We've always played twin tactics together...We'd be competing against each other.
- Raneigh: I can't believe this. I'm never going to learn this game.
- Kyren: Don't be so hard on yourself. You're getting better.
- Raneigh: How can you seriously say that, Kyren?! I haven't even come close to beating you.
- Earth Pony: Kyren, you're a Maretime Bay Mysteries master! You're going to win the tournament for sure.
- Kyren: I'll try my best.
- Raneigh: Get real, Kyren. You know you're gonna win.
- Shopkeeper: This is a Gem of Transformation. It has the power to transform your frustrations into your heart's true desires.
- Raneigh: I wish for the clarity of mind to see beyond confusion, the intuition to navigate the board with ease, and the ability to become the only master of this game.
- Raneigh: I've been stuck like this every since, the master of this game.
- Misty: Everyone makes mistakes, Raneigh. We're officially in this together.
- Raneigh: After what I've done...how can you still want to help me?
- Sunny Starscout: Because we know you're stronger than you think.
- Hitch Trailblazer: We want to be your friends. You shared your story with us, which took a lot of courage.
- Misty: Come on, Raneigh! Speak your truth aloud and with conviction.
- Raneigh: I have allowed my jealousy, impatience, and selfishness to control me, but I am committed to changing. I admit my flaws and vow to pursue a more selfless path.
- Raneigh: Kyren... I know you're long gone, but I will always cherish our friendship.
- Raneigh: I'm glad you found your way to me.
- Misty: So am I.
