"So where are we off to now?" Spike seemed eager to get going, and I couldn't blame him. It was still morning, but the midday sun would be glaring down on us before long. We'd have to make quick work of our travels.

Trouble was, I didn't even know where we were supposed to go. Fortunately, Rarity spoke up.

"Might I suggest sending a letter to the princess requesting advice?"

Facehoof. Of course, that would be the obvious first move. If anypony would know what's going on, it would be Princess Celestia. In my haste to go in search of the answer, I had completely overlooked the obvious.

Yes, writing to Princess Celestia would be a good place to start. But then I realized - Spike probably wouldn't have brought any scrolls or ink. Why would he?

I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask, though.

"Spike, you didn't happen to bring paper, did you-?"

"Twi, you're lucky you have the best assistant ever. I almost didn't pack it."

He pulled from his backpack a roll of paper and an ink quill. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Go ahead," he said, putting the quill to the page.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

It has come to my attention that an odd disturbance has arisen in the social

tendencies of Ponyville, and likely all of Equestria, in the past week and a half.

Most of the ponies in Ponyville have developed what I now refer to as "Shipping

Syndrome", an emotional development which alters a pony's sexual preferences,

and increases their desire thereof, leading them to almost immediately enter a

romantic relationship with another pony, regardless of their gender or their

original orientation. The likelihood that this is a serious issue and not just a

coincidence is very high. I have set out upon a quest to discover the origin of this

"Shipping Syndrome" and humbly request your advice as to what action might be

ideal to take in order to unearth the root of this problem. I await your quick

response.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle"

When Spike had finished writing, he breathed the letter into emerald flame. I watched as the resulting cloud of smoke drifted off toward Canterlot castle. About five minutes later, Spike coughed up the reply from Canterlot. Much to our surprise, rather than the typical teal scroll with golden-yellow seal Celestia usually sent in response, the parchment was indigo, with a silver-white seal. Spike began to read aloud.

"It says... 'Twilight Sparkle, my elder sister is currently away from Canterlot on urgent business, and has left me to answer her letters for her. Although I am not nearly as knowledgeable or powerful as my sister, I will assist you in any way I can. Though my hooves are tied at the moment as it were, I will inform the guards here that they are to allow you and your traveling companions into the castle if you should come to Canterlot Castle seeking use of the library. Until my work has finished, however, I will be unable to assist you in any other manner. But make no mistake, I do acknowledge that this is an issue which may potentially impact Equestria's economy, and that at the heart of it all must be a source of change which may impact elements of Equestrian society even more influential than romance and desire. I do sincerely wish to assist in any way I can. Signed, Princess Luna.' Man, of all the times for Celestia to be out of town!"

"I don't think it'll be too much of a problem," I said, "Celestia tells me she spends majority of the daylight hours studying magic and Equestrian history. I get the feeling Luna is much more knowledgeable and skilled than she lets on. Anyway, we should get going to Canterlot. It may take us a few days to get there even if we make good time."

Midday was brutal, as expected. The journey took us through flatlands and grassy fields, but insects were everywhere and the humidity was high. It was a welcome reprieve when Luna took over the sky at dusk. I conjured up a couple tents and we settled in for the night. Rarity agreed to share a tent with Zecora, and Pinkie Pie was paired with me so I could keep an eye on her like she requested.

That night I lay awake, and my thoughts drifted to Pinkie Pie, who was already fast asleep. Her breathing was hypnotically rhythmic, and I felt like I could sense her very existence. Her personality seemed to flow through every breath she took. I lay there, listening, for many hours. It was comforting to have Pinkie Pie there. To know that she placed her full trust in me...I did love her...

NO! Pinkie was counting on me. I couldn't let thoughts like those worm their way into my mind if I was going to help her. If I couldn't maintain self-control, how would I help her maintain her own?

I closed my eyes and tried to force myself to fall asleep. I fell into a dream, but all I could see was darkness. I felt myself stand up, move over slightly, and settle down again. I felt a gentle warmth. The dream remained like this for some time, until I eventually felt a soft, frizzy mane against my face.

I woke up and jumped back.

This couldn't go on. I was losing control, I was falling victim to the same problem Pinkie Pie was having, but it was worse. I didn't have the self-control to stop it when I was asleep. How would she have reacted had she woken up during my momentary transgression?

I needed to fix this, and I needed to do so quickly.