Lying on her stomach on the cold floor of the castle ruins, Princess Luna attempted some form of sleep once more. Her nightmares would just have to be ignored.

A scroll appeared before her, in a whisp of flame that didn't belong to a dragon. Curious, she snatched the scroll with her magic, and brought it forth to read.

Dear Princess Luna,

I can't help but notice that there is something very wrong going on here, and I have a feeling that you know as well. I would ask Princess Celestia, but I currently have my doubts that she would tell me everything.

If at all possible, I request an audience with you. I know we've had our differences in the past, but now isn't the time to bring up such things. I need your help.

Your Faithful Friend

Twilight Sparkle

Luna couldn't help but smile at that last line. Twilight Sparkle really did consider her a friend. She bit her lip, indecisive on rather she should explain what was going on in great detail. She didn't even fully know herself.

But, if it was an audience she wanted, Luna couldn't deny. She needed someone to talk to herself, and who better than the pony that almost went down the same path that she did? They were more alike than Twilight realized, but had two very different outcomes. As repayment for her salvation, Luna couldn't say no to lending a hoof when possible.

Summoning her quill and a blank parchment, she began writing her reply.

With that done and out of the way, she returned to her fitful slumber, confident that her night would maintain itself for now.

Meanwhile, the ragtag group of ponies...and one griffon...continued to forge the friendship needed to be successful. Gilda would recount all the times she and Rainbow Dash got in trouble. Vinyl Scratch would talk music, and Octavia would try to instll some culture into the unicorn with what she knew.

The Doctor had the strangest stories of all. But given the current situation, nothing seemed to unbelievable anymore. He even offered to invite them all along on an adventure sometime, as long as they promised not to touch anything, of course.

Bubbly stood there, a smile on her face as she listened intently. The Doctor noticed this, and approached the gray Pegasus.

“Here now, what's with all the silence?”

“She's a mute.” Vinyl Scratch explained.

The Doctor nodded, and returned his gaze to the blonde pony. “Is that so? Or you just don't have anything to say?”

Bubbly glanced away, unsure of herself.

“Come then, you're among friends! Can you speak?”

Bubbly nodded.

“Then say something!”

After a momemt of silence, Bubbly opened her mouth, and spoke to her new friends for the first time.

“Muffin....”

“BRILLIANT!” The Doctor exclaimed. “Well, now that we've gotten that out of the way, tell us a little about yourself.”

Bubbly glanced up at Gilda, who was staring back at her. Though her face showed a scowl, the griffon was also curious about what her new “friend” had to say. Bubbly didn't realize this, and shrank back.

“Oh come now! Gilda isn't going to hurt you! Tell us about yourself.”

“I don't remember.” Bubbly replied, her voice tinged with sadness.

“Oh....oh dear. Well, I can fix that if you want.” the Doctor offered.

Bubbly nodded slightly, not sure if she wanted to remember. Maybe there was a reason she forgot.

“We can all help.” Octavia added.

The Doctor nodded in agreement. Something purple caught the corner of his eye, and he looked out the window of the candy shop to see Twilight Sparkle walking through the dark, heading towards the Everfree Forest. What could she be doing out at such an hour? And going there of all places!

“Tell you what, Bubbly. All of you come meet me at the Ponyville Library tomorrow, and I'll see what I can do.”

“You sure Twilight won't be mad about us coming over uninvited?” Scratch asked, a frown on her face.

“She has more important things to worry about. We'll be fine.” the Doctor reassured, waving a passive hoof. “Besides, she's the only one who knows how to work that contraption of her's in the basement.”

That was a lie, of course. He knew how to use all that machinery in Twilight's basement. It was an impressive set up to be sure, for an otherwise magic based society. The perfect place to store his own devices. But, any excuse was better than none.

After a moment of thought, the others nodded in agreement. The Doctor nodded in approval. Won't Twilight be surprised at all his new companions!

“Very well then, see you all tomorrow! Allons-y!”

The three ponies and the griffon all left Sugarcube Corner, leaving the Doctor to think about how to spring this on Twilight.

“You could say it's a party.” a voice grabbed his attention. The Doctor turned to see Pinkie Pie once more, still as depressed and flat maned as ever.

“Sorry?”

“You could say it's a party, and that's why they're coming over.” the pink pony repeated herself, her stare from the darkened kitchen unsetteling.

“Yes...I suppose that could work.” he mused.

“How did you get in here after hours anyway?” she asked, picking up a large cake knife with her mouth.

“Uh....the door was open...”

“Oh.” she paused for a moment. “Well, guess I'll see you around.”

“Sure...?” the Doctor was confused. Pinkie still appeared depressed, yet was slowly regaining her personality back. Perhaps this was a sign things were going to look up.

“Want a cupcake?” she asked.

“Uh...no thank you...”

Elsewhere still, Trixie knew she had to have looked like a wreck. After that terrible dream with that dark cloud doing unplesant things to her, she felt dirty and somewhat guilty. It was strange, feeling guilt over something that didn't really happen. But in her gut, she had a feeling that it did, her brain was just trying to deny it.

Forcing herself out of bed, she trotted over to the mirror, and gasped in horror at what she saw.