It was time.

The library was deathly quiet, not a sound had been heard for an immensely long amount of time.

The gentle thud of hoofsteps where nowhere to be found.

Not a single word had been uttered.

Not even the soft quiver of a turning page had been detected.

It truly was time.

The silence of the afternoon indicated that Spike was finally alone.

Jittery with excitement, the young dragon paced the bathroom, waiting ever so impatiently for his bubble bath to finish running, it wasn't every day that he was left alone in the library, but when he was Spike was adamant that no amount of time would be wasted.

Hastily, he twisted both taps as far as they would turn and the trickle of water that fell into his bathtub grew into a slightly bigger trickle of water. A freezing cold trickle of water.

Spike was not amused

"Darn it…" he muttered to no-one in particular. "I thought Twilight was joking when she said she was limiting my bath water."

He tried turning off both taps, and then turning them back on again.

Nothing different happened.

He tried switching the water supply off and on again at the mains.

Still, nothing changed.

Enraged, Spike finally gave up and grumpily made his way towards Twilights bedroom, her bed was so much more comfortable than his and it was of paramount importance to Spike that he could sleep on it at least once a week… just to feel what it was like…

This week, he planned to violently fluff the pillow and burrow deeper in to the duvet with his claws that were still notably wet from the tap water, just for good measure.

He had just managed to pull himself up onto the mattress when the front door burst open and a rather excited Twilight charged inside.

With a display of stealth skills he wasn't aware he possessed, Spike dropped down form the bed and rolled underneath it. This was where he would wait until he could formulate a plan to explain why he was lacing his best friend's bed sheets with cold tap water.

"Spike!" called Twilight in a somewhat urgent voice! "Spike I need you down here!"

The purple dragon pulled himself out from under the bed and glared at Twilight with an extreme amount of resent. He disliked her quite a lot at this particular moment, she had ruined his relax time and then gone on to completely butcher his act of revenge.

"Why did you turn the water of?!" snapped Spike slumping down the stairs.

Twilight Sparkle turned to face the fuming dragon and smiled at him happily, despite his angry demeanour.

"Spikey I can't have you in the bath today! I need your help!" The young alicorn effortlessly lifted a large book off her shelf and dropped it to the floor with an ear splitting bang! Spike flinched at the noise and bent down to examine the book, even through his anger, he could see that Twilight was excited about something and he didn't want to ruin that. Excitement where Twilight was concerned was a rare occurrence now she was a princess, there was just too much to focus on. Even during the rare occasion when Twilight was able to relax and have fun it was always with her friends and not him.

Mustering up as much of his own excitement as he could possibly manage, Spike moved closer to the book and started to inspect it.

"What is this Twi?" he asked wincing as a coat of dust formed on his claws.

Twilight tapped the cover of her book gently and lifted it so Spike could easily read the title.

"Wow!" he gasped, not having to act at all now. "Twi, this is the Equestria Princess Guide! It details everything, and I mean everything, about Princess hood, where in the hay did you find this?"

"Celestia gave it to me! It was the book she learned all her skills from! The exact same book! I am really going to learn from the people who taught my ultimate role model Spike!"

The young princess spiralled around her dragon friend, pure elation enlightening her face.

"I'm going to study this all night! Care to stay with me?"

Spike felt his face physically droop; he knew that once Twilight got started on something like this, it was near impossible to get her to stop. If he was going to agree to this and make it out alive, he had to set some guidelines.

"I will happily study with you Twilight," he began cautiously. "But… I need you to promise me not to go worked up if you don't understand things immediately. This book was written a pretty long time ago, and some of the language may be pretty dated ok?

Twilight nodded and nuzzled Spike's cheek appreciatively.

"Thanks for looking out for me buddy." She told him. "I have motivation anyway! I'll be fine!"

"Motivation?"

"Yeah! I'm going out for a picnic tomorrow with the girls! I can just look forward to that whilst I'm studying!"

"Very nice!" Spike gushed, his eyes widening to an almost unhealthy level. "Will...you be bringing...food to this particular outing...you know...good food?"

A hasty nod from Twilight confirmed Spike's fantasies and he found himself dropping to the floor and beginning to beg almost automatically. "PLEASE CAN I COME TWI!" he wailed flailing his arms around in as many directions as physically possible "I'll study with you ALL night just like I said! I'll-I'LL EVEN PRETEND NOT TO CARE ABOUT YOU RUINING MY BATHTIME!"

Twilight grimaced at the young dragon's enthusiasm for food and shot him a rather hesitant nod, which he accepted with a joyous squeal.

The large book was set out on a table and two seats were messily dragged up beside it, one notably taller than the other to accommodate for Spike's pathetic height. Placed next to the book, was a role of parchment, a quill lazily balanced atop it, and a glass of water. It was of great importance to Twilight that her study environment was as prepared as possible after all; she did plan to spend long hours revising the text and making notes. Spike scrambled onto his own seat, he was wearing his beloved Rarity T-shirt in an attempt to retain his sanity, despite it now being much too small! He turned to look over at Twilight, a fiery determination burned deep in her eyes, a look that told Spike that he had nothing to worry about, that they would both make it to the picnic tomorrow alive. "Ready?" he asked, his own determination growing by the second. Twilight shot him a confident wink: "You bet Spikey!"

Luna's moon was just beginning to climb over the hilltops of Ponyville when the two friends finally completed the first chapter of the book. As Spike had predicted, the words in the book were the words used by ponies of old, hardly any of the language written in the book was still commonly used. This meant that as well as reading, retaining and recording the information, they had to first decipher it.

This proved to be no easy task.

To make matters even more problematic, as also predicted by Spike, Twilight was at breaking point. The young Alicorn had used up three rolls of parchment in the time that they had been studying and showed no clear signs of stopping. She was mumbling to herself in what seemed to be a foreign language and frequently let out long, rather pathetic sobs. Spike knew he had to intervene before Twilight completely snapped; he hopped up onto one of the bookshelves and fumbled around for a foothold. He slowly edged his way around the library, his eyes trained on the framed picture above the fireplace.

Only the sound of a quill scribbling furiously made Spike stop, he realized it would probably be best to engage Twilight in some kind of conversation. With a deep breath, he took the plunge.

"So…erm…What's Chapter 2 all about Twi?"

Twilight didn't look up, didn't react to his question. In fact, she carried on writing as if she was plainly ignoring Spike.

So, he tried again.

"Twi? What's Chapter 2 abo-"

"Yes Spike I heard you the first time!" It is about royal rules… I think…. Look! I'm sorry but I have things to do as you can plainly see and I would greatly appreciate if you just left me be!"

Spike winced, the harshness of the words hit him like recently sharpened blades but, he knew he had to keep trying. If Twilight was concentrating on him, then she wasn't concentrating on the book.

"Go on, go on and read me a sentence Twily!"

Twilight sighed and turned round to face her friend.

"If it will make you shut up, then I might as well!"

She flicked to the next page and scanned it thoroughly for something suitable.

"Here we go!" she announced after a short while.

[i]"It is of upmost importance that thou follow these rules. Harsh consequences will be inflicted upon thee if ye choose to disobey.[/i]

Spike began to laugh hysterically almost falling form where he stood upon the mantelpiece above the fireplace, he was almost there.

"Oh to hay with all that Twi!" he chuckled "Why can't they just say: These are rules, break them and you will be in trouble!

This remark finally drew a giggle out of Twilight.

"You sound like Maud Pie!"

Spike was on a role, he picked up a small pebble that had somehow found its way to the mantelpiece and looked straight ahead, a blank expression etched onto his face.

"Would you like to hear one of my poems about my favourite rock friend?" he asked in the most monotonous voice he could possibly muster.

Twilight was definitely laughing now, clinging onto the side of her seat to ensure that she didn't fall off.

"S-stop it!" she shrieked, an unmistakable giddy tone possessing her voice.

"Stop being mean Spikey, anyway what in the hay are you doing up there!"

"Nothing much!" replied Spike, wrapping his claws around the picture frame. "Oh and can you help me down… but DON'T SPIN ME UPSIDE DOWN I HATE THAT!"

"Sure! Come here!"

Twilight grabbed the young dragon, levitating him skywards in a shroud of purple light, before gently placing him on the ground.

"Why did you take my picture off the wall?" she asked, noticing it teetering dangerously on the edge of his claws.

"I need to remind you of something Twily" Spike grunted as he tried to lift himself onto the table. Twilight tapped him gently with the tip of her horn and easily lifted him to where he wanted to be.

Spike nodded his head in way of thanks and placed the picture down, right on top of the book.

"Look," he began. "You're going on a picnic with your friends tomorrow and let me tell you Twi they are so, so much more important than all this Princess hood junk…for now at least. So, why don't you stop revising for now…and you know… pack for the picnic?"

Spike couldn't help shielding his ears with his claws and closing his eyes, he had just told Twilight to stop doing what she held so near and dear to herself! Was he insane? Had his Rarity Shirt stopped working? However, to his surprise no shouting came. He waited longer but the room was now completely silent, apart from a muffled, shuffling sound. Spike slowly opened his eyes and saw Twilight speedily navigating her way through the shelves of the library, occasionally tipping things into a large wicker basket.

"What are you doing?" Spike asked, although he knew already. A smile tugged at his face, he had succeeded, oh Celestia he had succeeded!

"I'm packing for the picnic Spikey! What does it look like! I can't wait! It is going to be beyond fun! I'm going to have such a great time!"

The great thing was none of this sounded remotely sarcastic.

Spike gave himself a silent cheer, it was going to be fine, they had gotten through one whole chapter together and Twilight wasn't going to overwork herself! Now he could look forward to spending a whole afternoon in the sun alongside Rarity! He flopped down onto the rug and smiled. "Twiiii?" he called out. Without waiting for a reply Spike continued. "Twiiii can you pack the crackers?"

"Sure whatever!"

Spike was about to thank Twilight… buthe couldn't get his words out… it felt like something was blocking his vocal chords… His insides gave a rumble bringing on a beautiful spark of green flames flying out form his mouth and with that came the realization. "Twi!" Spike called urgently. "Twily, you have mail!"

Twilight entered the room just as Spike got hold of the letter himself, he gave it a skim read and felt his insides implode.

"What does it say Spike-o?" asked Twilight curiously. It wasn't very often she got unscheduled mail, in fact she wasn't sure it had ever happened at all!

"Hey, erm…erm…nothing…erm…well" Spike stuttered, feeling sweat literally drip down his spines.

Twilight detected the sheepishness in Spike's voice and became instantly concerned, very, very concerned.

"Spike what does it say?"

"Nothing"

"Spike it must say something."

"It's… Pinkie Pie's mail! We must have got it by mistake! ...heh…heh…"

"Princess Celestia doesn't make mistakes.

"Are you sure?"

"She doesn't! Spike…please just read it…"

Spike knew he had no choice; he was just stalling and therefore prolonging the inevitable. With a deep breath and a sigh, he began to read the letter:

[i]

Dear Princess Twilight,

You may be aware that tomorrow is the day of of the three year anniversary of the marriage of Shinning Armour and Princess Cadence. Unfortunately, due to some extremely important business that needs to be taken care of over in the Crystal Empire they are unable to have a celebration. So I am asking you write a speech for them, just a short speech, you can choose what you say, just ensure it is from the heart, it shouldn't take to long. Then tomorrow I would like you to come to Canterlot Castle and recite the speech, I'm sure your brother will be elated! You will then proceed to have lunch with Luna, Cadence and myself, it will be a fantastic celebration, even though it will be short.

Thank you for your understanding! Sorry for any inconvenience caused! And of course, I look forward to seeing you there!

With Love

Princess Celestia [/i]

To Spike's dismay, Twilight's eyes welled up almost instantly.

"Hey…Hey!" he gasped. "No need to get upset Twily! The picnic can be re-arranged easily you know! Those crackers have a pretty good expiration date on 'em!"

"I don't want to have it re-arranged…" whispered Twilight. I wanted to have it tomorrow!"

Spike shook his head.

"Hey Twily, things can't always go the way you want them to… you know that well!"

Twilight wasn't in a place where she could listen to Spike, she was beyond upset and also beyond scared too."

"Spike…" Twilight whispered, slamming her eyes shut so her tears wouldn't spill. "Spike I'm scared… I'm too scared to go to a formal dinner party!" I'm not ready! And give a speech? A speech I have to write myself… in formal language… Spike I can't do it!"

"What in the world do you mean Twily?"

"I have only read one chapter of the book! I don't know how to act…I don't know what to say, what to eat, how to eat, whether to be formal or to not be formal! I'm going to show the princess that she made a mistake turning me into an Alicorn!"

Spike rubbed his cheek against Twilight's main affectionately. "Oh stop being silly!" he soothed. "You've been to royal occasions before and I thought you said Princess Celestia never makes mistakes anyway!"

Twilight pulled away from Spike angrily, knocking him off his feet in the process.

"Well this time is different!" she snapped. "Yeah, Princess Celestia may not make mistakes but I sure wish she had! I sure wish she had targeted one of my lazy friends instead of me!"

This comment took Spike by great surprise.

"Lazy?"

"Well if you think about it…yeah lazy…"

Spike stood up, a strange kind of anger rising in his chest.

"Explain yourself Twi…"

"Well, if you think about it… All Rainbow Dash does it kick clouds for a living… a job that she boasts only takes her "ten seconds flat! Not very long now is it…"

Fluttershy plays with animals most of the day and at a stretch most of the night too… it's just unfair.

To Spike's absolute horror, Twilight began to raise her voice, continuing to complain about her friends as she did so.

"Applejack claims that apple bucking is the hardest thing in the entirety of the world but it's probably really easy!

I would be coloured surprised if Pinkie Pie even knew how to spell "work", party this, party that, it's just so easy! Bouncing around everywhere, not an absolute care in the world…

Who have I not mentioned… Rarity! Don't even get me STARTED on Rarity! She ju-"

"STOP IT TWILIGHT!"

Spike had cracked. Once Rarity's name had been mentioned in a negative way it was truly the hay that broke the dragon's back.

"TWILIGHT THAT IS ENOUGH!

Spike took a deep breath… he had to stop shouting...

"You…don't mean any of that Twilight… you're just tired and scared. It's ok… we can come up with a speech together a-"

"I don't need your help! I don't need ANYPONNIES help!" Twilight snapped, shaking with both fear and anger. "I am the only pony who has to work this hard, attending parties, studying, working on my "stance" or whatever, it's not FAIR!"

Spike stood his ground, refusing to crack again, not wanting to start shouting and be back where he started. Twilight continued with her seemingly endless lament.

"If I am the only person who has to work like this, then I am going it alone!" she huffed. "I don't need them!"

And with that… Twilight levitated her book off the table, spilling her glass of water as she did so. She did not react to this however, and dragged the guide upstairs to her room, 4 rolls of parchment and an assortment of inks and quills trailed behind her, bathed in a deep purple hue.

All that was left was a young dragon stood in the middle of the library, trying to process at exactly which point it all went so horribly wrong…