Fluttershy stuffed an extra scarf into her saddlebag and did a quick sweep of her home to ensure everything was well in order. She pat her pet bunny on the head and fluttered into the front room.

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Fluttershy asked the sweetest baby dragon, who used his arms as perches for the many birds that flew freely through the home.

"Don't worry about me. I've got it all under control. Spike's Pet Watching business is back and better than ever!" Spike exclaimed just before stumbling forward and face-planting.

Fluttershy cringed and bit her lip as her pets fluttered away. Twilight Sparkle then placed a hoof on her shoulder and chuckled.

"Don't worry about a thing, Fluttershy. I'll make sure there aren't any complications. Are you about ready? Your train should be arriving soon." Twilight checked the wall clock and shrugged.

"Yes, it'll be here soon, but I'm still waiting for—"

"Let's move out!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she skidded up to Fluttershy's door. "We don't wanna miss the train!"

Twilight giggled, then her eyes popped open. "Oh wait! I wanted to mention so etching about those caterpillars you guys are looking for. I read a small article about them in Strange and Rare Insects, a book of mine. Apparently these caterpillars were poached back in the day due to their valuable cocoon shells. After metamorphosis, the cocoon loses all of its luster and color, but during metamorphosis they can be harvested and preserved, then sold as jewelry for high prices. Tragic, because now they're officially endangered and nearly impossible to find."

Fluttershy lowered her ears and glanced to the floor. "Oh... I see. I didn't realize that."

"Psh, who cares about some lame little worms anyway? There's plenty of awesome wildlife and scenery for us to check out while we're up there. So let's get a move on." Rainbow Dash tightened her saddlebag and took flight.

Fluttershy smiled and nodded. "You're right."

Twilight held her hoof up and waved them off. "One last thing; the researcher said that seeing the caterpillars was—and I quote—a truly magical and life changing experience. I wish you two the best of luck. Make sure to take lots of pictures!"

Fluttershy tapped her camera with a nod and trotted up to her friend. "I will, Twilight. And thank you so much for your help. I know my pets will be in good care with you around."

"And me!" Spike added mid-pursuit of a ferret dragging an angry cat's toy in its mouth.

"And you too. Thank you, Spike." Fluttershy giggled with Twilight, then Rainbow Dash stepped up to her.

"I'm gonna miss you too, Twi. Try not to go on any epic adventures without me!" Rainbow Dash hugged her and tapped her back.

"I'll try not to," said Twilight as she returned the farewell-hug. "You two need to get going, though."

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy each nodded to the other and headed out the front door. They took flight and carried on towards the train station.

"I'm looking forward to this. I haven't been up to the lake since I was just a little filly. I barely remember it, but I know it was awesome!" Rainbow Dash beamed as she hurried along.

"I've never been there before, but I know that there are all sorts of wonderful animals that don't live around here. I can't wait to see them." Fluttershy closed her eyes and hugged the camera hanging around her neck. "I can't wait to make a scrapbook to show all the great memories and moments we have on the trip. The Northern Circle is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places in Equestria."

"That's right. I wish I could remember it better, but it guess that doesn't matter. I'll make plenty of new memories with my best friend." Rainbow Dash slowly landed on the road and trotted up to the train platform. "It's too bad we might not see those caterpillars you're so interested in."

"Yeah." Fluttershy sighed. "It's okay though. The trip with you will be more than enough to make this a great vacation. Pretty bugs or not."

"Take me with you!" a mare cried out from behind them.

"Pinkie Pie? What are you doing? You can't come with us, you don't even have a train ticket." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as her enthusiastic friend latched onto her with a constricting hug.

Fluttershy covered her mouth and giggled. "I'll miss you."

Pinkie Pie then turned and grabbed ahold of Fluttershy. "You don't have to miss me. Let me hide in your bag!"

Fluttershy pulled away as her friend shoved her muzzle into her saddlebag. "I don't think you'll fit..."

Rainbow Dash chuckled and nudged Pinkie back. "Hey now. We'll be back in a week. You already said goodbye a billion times at the 'Goodbye Party' yesterday. Just try not to think about it. We'll miss you, but we'll be back before you know it!"

Pinkie Pie wiped her tears and sniffled. "Will you write?"

"No mail service."

Pinkie Pie's mane flattened as she fell to the floor.

"Oh quit it, you. You've got a big party welcome party to plan, don't you? We'll be back soon, and we need to be welcomed, right?" Fluttershy smiled and tilted her head.

"Oh my gosh you're right!" Pinkie Pie jumped into the air and zipped out of sight.

"Nice one." Rainbow Dash wrapped a wing over her friend's back.

"Thanks. Oh look." Fluttershy pointed a hood down the tracks towards a passenger train rolling in.

The steam engine car screeched to a halt, and two conductors switched places. A moment later, the doors slid open.

"All aboooooard!" the conductor shouted.

Rainbow Dash took one last look at Ponyville, then followed her friend onto the train. With a plume of steam and a echoing whistle, the doors slid shut and the train departed.

"Next stop: Winterburg Station!"

Rainbow Dash took the window seat and sat her bag in her lap. "What sorts of animals live there?" she asked.

Fluttershy beamed and quivered at the thought. "All kinds. Snow foxes, white squirrels, seals, walruses, lots of different rabbits, snowy owls... not to mention the mysterious creatures that live in the forest there. There are all sorts of rumored magical critters like wisps, fairies, treefolk and who knows what else? I don't think we'll see those things, but some ponies say the forest is enchanted."

"Hope we see some cool stuff. I want to find a frost troll and beat it up!" Rainbow Dash punched her hooves together, and Fluttershy winced.

"Oh my... That'd be scary. I just want to stick to nice, cute animals instead." Fluttershy nodded and pointed the camera at Rainbow Dash, whe stuck her tongue out and grinned. "Say cheese."

With a flash of light, Fluttershy giggled and Rainbow Dash rubbed her eyes.

"One memory down, a million to go."