The purple body collapsed under a fruitless tree. “Too... tired... for... vengeance.”

“What was that Twi?” Applejack asked as she was bucking the last tree. She looked back and spied a tuckered out Twilight, snoring loudly.

“Hey BP, ain’t that the cutest sight?” Applejack struggled to keep herself from bursting with laughter.

“I don't know Applejack; it seems a bit undigified the way she’s all spread out like that,” replied a dark pink mare, who looked at Twilight’s body in slight revulsion.

“Well Berry, are you gonna help me with this, or would that be fraternizing with the enemy?”

Berry Punch waved her hooves defensively. “Oh no, the last thing I want is to pick sides. I was just here to make sure Twilight didn’t use her magic.”

“So why is this up to you all of the sudden?" Asked the farm pony with skepticism.

"I get fruits and veggies from both your families for my business, so I can be seen as a neutral party. You and the Carrots must understand, I can't afford to choose sides here."

"Right, right, just help me out here.”

The exhausted unicorn was hoisted onto Applejack’s back with the assistance of Berry Punch.

"I bet it was a lot easier to buck all those trees when you weren't causing a stampede of bouncing bunnies, poisoning pitiful ponies, or sending Rainbow Dash ricocheting across town," Berry teased as she helped.

“Ha ha. As true as that is, I couldn't have done it without Twilight. I can’t believe she was able to buck a bit less than half the east field. It's like she was possessed or something. She must have read some books on hard work.” Applejack gave an exaggerated wink to the pink mare.

Berry Punch smiled slightly. “You know what I can’t believe? After all this time I’ve worked with your two families through my juice and wine business, you guys still don’t get along better. I mean you’re both hard working farmers, have large close families, run successful businesses selling your crops in Ponyville—”

“You do make a good—” Applejack started to say.

“—and don’t forget, you also practice overly complicated traditions and are stubborn as boulders.”

“Hardy har, I’d love to stick around for more of your witty insults, but I need to get Twi here back to the library and hit the hay.” The orange mare yawned deeply before wearily trotting off towards town, the limp unicorn slung over her back.

“Would you quit calling me Berry, and just call me my full name? Berry by itself sounds like a colt’s name, and BP sounds like it’s short-hoof for some corporate thingy.”

“Sure thing BP, maybe later,” said Applejack, over her shoulder. She wasn’t really paying attention.

Shrugging slightly, Berry Punch muttered to herself, “Dealing with these two families is going to make an alcoholic out of me.”

Spike crept closer to his caretaker’s bed with an anxious look on his face. He stood a few feet away debating on whether he should wake her. Spike always enjoyed the sight of the peaceful bundle of fur that was Twilight slumbering, especially because it meant she wouldn’t yell at, scold, or order him around to clean up after her.

Twilight’s disheveled form rolled over, sending the star and moon patterned bed sheets to the wooden floor.

“Luna, scoot over, you’re hogging all the covers.” Celestia opened her eyes and shook her head, quickly remembering who and where she was. Noticing the purple dragon staring in her direction, she spoke, “Spike, were you just watching me sleep? Because that is really creepy.”

“Were you just dreaming about being in bed with the former terror of the night? Because that could be considered creepy too.”

Twilight’s form jerked. “You should refer to her as Luna or Princess Luna since she is... forget it, it was just a dream.” Now is definitely not the time to speak in my sister's name.

“A dream or a fantasy?” Spike asked, a teasing look on his face.

The baby dragon stopped chuckling upon receiving a stern glare. Celestia rolled away from Spike and pretended to sleep.

“Okay okay, it was a bad joke. I’m sorry, just please get up.” Spike nudged at Twilight’s body. "I know you’re faking; we're going to be late.”

The fake snoring noises ceased. “Late for what? It’s only 1:30 in the afternoon and nothing on the list has a set time, except my experiment”

The young dragon began twiddling his fingers. “Well, there’s no reason to keep Rarity waiting, and you have to leave time to get back to your experiment, which you still haven't told me anything about.”

“Why do you want to go to Rarity’s so badly? ...ohh ...ouch.” Celestia hissed as she was roughly forced into a sitting position. Her back legs failed her, thanks to all the hard work at the farm. That’s right. Spike has a crush on Rarity. Looking back at her hind legs, Celestia winced in pain. Twilight may be feeling this later. I don’t know if I can even walk to the boutique.

“I can’t imagine there being much you can do to help with Rarity’s shipping order, but you may come along if you wish... lover boy.” Celestia said, shakily getting to her hooves and wobbling a few steps towards the stairs.

“How much help can you be with your rear end out of commission?” Spike laughed.

“Hey, I still have my magic. I can teleport most of the way.” As the words left her mouth, the unicorn stumbled painfully down the steps, landing in a heap at the bottom. ”Make that, all the way.”

“Hi there!” A pink pony’s face filled her vision.

“How did you get in? The door was closed the whole time.” It’s like she’s a child of Discord. I'll just take Twilight’s advice and ignore it.

“Are you trying new ways to get around? You should try hopping. It hurts less than using your face, and it’s super fun!” In a blur of pink, all the window curtains were pulled closed and the door locked.

“No Pinkie Pie, I’m on my way to—”

“Help Rarity, I get it, but could you help me first. You’re the only one who can solve my problem. Well, maybe not the only one. I mean, I could get ‘him’ to help, but then we would all have to do ‘all that stuff’ over again...mmh ph uhn...”

Pinkie continued to speak even after Celestia placed a hoof over Pinkie’s mouth.

“I’m going to remove my hoof, and when I do, I want you to tell me exactly what your dilemma is, okay?”

Pinkie gave a nod of understanding, staring to speak after Celestia let go. “First we need to be alone.”

“Aww man, this was gonna be good. I’ll be upstairs. Just let me know when you’re done.” Spike sauntered up to the study. As soon as he was out of earshot, the pink mare dropped to the floor, grasped the violet mare’s shoulders, and her eyes became bloodshot.

“I AM ADDICTED TO CHOCOLATE RAIN! I’m not talking about the song here. Before Discord became a statue again, I hid one of those succulent clouds in the everfree forest, and now it’s all dried up.”

“So you want me to cast a new one?” Discord did teach me that spell when we were dating, but feeding somepony’s addiction might be a bad idea. “Why don’t you just throw some chocolate milk in a strainer or something, and why does this need to be a secret exactly?”

“It's just not the same, I need the real thing. Everypony might think that I’m in cahoots with Discord, which I thought about doing, until I learned he was a big meanie pants.”

“When you say it like that, it doesn’t sound so bad. Now if everypony thought you were in league with a mastermind of chaotic mayhem and hoped to bring on a new world order of disharmony, then you would be concerning me."

“Isn’t that what I just said? That’s what I meant when I said big meanie pants. Duh!

“Fair enough, but wouldn't I be risking my reputation as well?”

“That would be a problem if everypony wasn’t still mad about yesterday. Reputations aren't the worst part. Ever since that little precious cloud fizzled, I can’t concentrate on planning parties, and I NEED TO PLAN PARTIES or I might go insane!”

And she isn’t already? “Fine.” I just hope I don’t completely ruin Twilight’s delicate reputation by doing this. I’ll have to make it up to her somehow.

Pinkie Pie finally let go of her shoulders and looked at the floor. “Thank you so much. I just need you to make another cotton candy chocolate cloud to quench my needs, until I finish planning this next really big party. After that, I Pinkie Promise to figure a way to get over this.” When the party pony looked up, her eyes were as bright and cheery as usual, and Celestia was surrounded in an awkwardly long hug.

Pinkie became serious for a moment and whispered in Celestia’s ear. “Oh, one more thing, my nose has been itching since I got here, and you know what that means.”

“Actually I don’t.”

“It’s written inside that notebook, in that pocket dimension under your bed.”

“Do you mean my diary?” I don’t think telling Twilight to move it will do any good.

“If you call all that technical whotsawhatsit a diary, then yeah. We better get going if you want to be just on time.” Pinkie hopped out the door towards the forest, followed by the telltale flash of teleportation.

On the way Pinkie finally told her what an itchy nose meant. ‘It’s so obvious that it meant somepony was following her.’ At least thats what she seemed to think.

Celestia took one last look at the cloud she had just conjured, and shook her head free of the scene of the crazy pink mare that replayed in her head. It is possible Pinkie is a ‘product’ of Discord. Celestia sighed. Will my involvement with Discord ever cease to haunt me?

“Okay Celestia, let’s put that oddity you just witnessed behind us and get going to Rarity’s.”

There was definitely a sense of tension from everypony as Celestia teleported across Ponyville in short jumps. Especially since every time she popped into existence she gasped in pain from her hind legs. She headed across town to the Boutique, away from the Everfree Forest. The looks from Mayor Mare and Bon Bon seemed especially unpleasant. Judging by the glares and whispers of the townsfolk, Celestia realized Twilight's reputation had plummeted a bit more than she had thought. The constant teleporting probably isn’t improving their opinion, but it might lose whoever is following me.

When she arrived at Rarity’s storefront, a delivery trailer was parked out front. It was being loaded by a couple pegasi and a gruff colt. The round-chinned colt and a white unicorn were scolding a grey pegasus for directing the trailer into the side of Rarity’s shop. Celestia thought her job would be simply organizing and loading the boxes, but Rarity had a “more personal affair,” as she called it.

“When you asked me where Twilight went, I wasn't expecting you to use that information to stalk her every move,” Spike said as he turned his head away from the boutique and folded his arms in frustration. He had to speak carefully, while balancing himself on a tree limb. “I just came to see why Twilight didn’t tell me when she was going to Rarity’s. I don't want to jump to conclusions until I have all the facts. Maybe it’s not what it looks like.”

“Oh Spike, don’t be so naive. A spa trip together, the nudges and embraces she gave to Twilight’s sides all the way to said spa trip, the outrageous outfit changes, I mean, look how Rarity is all over her. Just think, if I expose this relationship, then you can have a chance with her again.” The mare reached over to the purple dragon. “Just pass me the camera.”

Spike looked crushed. “Twilight is still like family to me, and eww, now I’m definitely not going to look. I don’t think this blackmail scheme is going to... hey the strap is still around my... choking!”

“Sorry, I’ll just undo... that.” The spy bolted up into the leaves as the camera strap came loose from the purple dragon’s neck. She was worried that the noise of his fall would attract attention.

After a groan of pain, Spike stood up at the base of the tree and cupped his hands to direct a hushed voice up the tree.

“I won’t say anything, but that’s only because I could never explain what I was up to without letting Twilight know I was spying on her. I’m tired of getting choked by everypony today.” The heartbroken dragon sulked away, kicking a pebble. Maybe I should go check on that experiment. Twilight was really specific about checking on it at exactly 3:22. It isn't like her to miss her own deadlines. Something isn’t right. Maybe I’ll send a letter to Celestia.

Celestia removed some prop reading glasses, shifting her position amongst the lacy bed sheets and books strewn about.

Rarity paced around the bed anxiously. “There is just something wrong with this whole thing. Your back leg is just not sitting right and I have to make sure this all comes together seamlessly.”

“I’m sorry Rarity, my leg fell asleep because you’re taking forever!” It also really hurts. “Why are you doing this again? It would be faster if you used magic,” Celestia said impatiently. It became increasingly awkward, as the mare attended to her with hooves and mouth.

Rarity, still laying on the bed beside the unicorn, drew a white hoof through the air as if pointing to a crowd. “With all successful businesses one must appeal to all audiences and all demographics. A disheveled look is popular in Manehatten and other big cities. The librarian, intellectual ponysona are also in. Purple is the color of royalty you know? This makes you the picture perfect subject for modeling this new line. As for the lack of magic, it is difficult to get the wrinkles in the cloth right with magic.”

“That all makes sense, but why did you choose me? I thought Fluttershy was your top model? Also, isn’t the color of royalty white and midnight blue?”

“Fluttershy doesn't want the publicity anymore, remember?”

I was wondering why my subscription to that magazine was cancelled, thought Celestia. “Fine, just make it quick.” This cannot look appropriate. Has this mare ever heard of personal space?

After Rarity was finished, Celestia shed the designer garments and both of them headed out to check on the trailer.

After a few moments of silence admiring the fully packed trailer of boxes, Celestia spoke, “Wow, your fashion business seems to be picking up quite nicely.”

“I would never have time to complete all my work lately if you hadn’t helped me improve my skills in magic. We certainly had some splendid times. I am oh so looking forward to our next lesson tomorrow.” Rarity had a sweet, eager look in her eyes.

“Yes, I can’t wait to show you some new techniques.” A purple hoof was brought up to massage her temple. Is she trying to hint at something here?

Rarity looked introspective. “It’s a mixed blessing dear; being famous. I am most pleased with the desire for my designs, but I have less time for personal endeavours. This being so, I try to stitch work and pleasure together.”

“Seems logical to me.” ‘Work and pleasure,’ this is starting to sound suggestive.

“You would put it that way Twilight, always so
logical and orderly.” Rarity gave a sly smile to the violet unicorn.

Are Twilight and Rarity... involved? Celestia pondered with growing discomfort. This is getting weird. I am not pretending to be attracted to the Element of Generosity.

“Well it was nice helping you out but I have an experiment to attend to, and I’m already late, so...” Celestia was gone in a flash.

“She seemed a little odd,” Rarity remarked towards Opal, as the shipping trailer took off toward the sky.

“Spike. Are you okay?”

The baby dragon lay in a hospital bed, with a cast on his tail and bandages around an arm and head. Outside the window, the sky was darkening with the sun's final retreat below the horizon.

“...Aghh... if I was okay, would I still be lying here? Why... why did you do this to me, then leave?” Spike's voice was quiet and full of pain, but it was obvious he was pouring on the drama a bit.

“There is no way I could have done this; I was at Rarity’s.” I mean there was that one fiasco when I was sleepwalking and woke up on top of that casino in Los Pegasus, but this time I was definitely with Rarity. “I’m glad you’re well enough to make sarcastic remarks.”

Spike cringed at the mention of his crush. “If you weren't at the library, then why did a manic purple unicorn, with your cutie mark, bust down the laboratory door and trample me? You’re telling me you came in after this look alike, found me, and had nothing to do with this?”

“Those are both logical questions. I’ll get back to you on those, but I’m going back to the lab first.” This day has been getting more ridiculous by the minute. Why do the Elements of Harmony always attract so much... disarray?

Celestia sauntered towards the door and spoke in a whisper, “What are you up to, my faithful student?”

“What was that Twi...”

Spike cringed as a scroll forced him to painfully belch. After settling himself, Twilight’s assistant began reading out loud.

“Dear Twilight Sparkle.

Where politics are concerned, everything seems more complicated than it needs to be. Remember that I am doing what I feel is best for everypony. My actions recently may have brushed a few coats the wrong way, and I feel something is brewing on the horizon. In positions of power, it is hard to know who to trust. Sometimes I wish there was somepony to make these tough decisions for me.

Just some digressions I wished to share with my favorite pupil. I hope all is well in Ponyville.

Princess Celestia.

PS: Speaking of those you can trust, I hope your number one assistant is doing well.”

“Well that was an interesting letter. Do you think she expects a response?” Spike had a look of puzzlement on his face. Something... no, a lot of things, just don’t add up. Twilight knows I like Rarity and she rarely neglects experiments, and now she is getting a weird letter from the Princess. Plus, how in the hay did she buck all those trees?

“I’ll take care of that from here. You just get some rest, my number one assistant. I'll come back when I need the response sent.” Spike seemed to relax at this, and handed over the letter.

“Yeah... you go take care of that, but I have questions when you get back.” I have my own investigations to attend to.

Celestia hobbled into the hallway, meeting a stronger scent of antiseptic and the eyes of a concerned yellow pegasus with a pink mane. The mare squeaked in surprise. She was carrying some flowers and a huge bunch of balloons. The bundle of balloons tied around her waist was nearly lifting her off the ground.

“H... how is he?” Fluttershy stuttered.

“He’s awake now. He looks like he will be just fine.”

“You... you must be relieved.” The words seemed to release all the muscles in the shy pegasus, who was clearly set more at ease than Celestia.

“I am. You can go in and see him if you want.” No wonder Photo Finish picked her. She's so adorable when she is all meek and worried.

“Th... thanks.” Fluttershy half floated half scuffled through the door with her hooves barely contacting the white tile. When she was out of sight, Celestia noticed a small white bunny staring at her. As the small rabbit’s gaze bore down on her, they both had a realization.

Pink magic sprouted from Twilight’s horn, allowing the two beings to understand one and other. After a few minutes, Angel and Celestia shook hooves and paws. Celestia quietly opened the door to allow Angel Bunny to slip in after his caretaker.

Well, that takes care of the Carrots. I would call it even now. Who knew rabbits could be such good negotiators.

Celestia found herself passing through the heart of Ponyville once again, reading a small scroll of paper.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Where politics are concerned, everything seems more complicated than it needs to be. I sense some politicians are purely driven by money. Were you aware of this? I am doing what I feel is best for everypony, but I fear I am making some enemies. I feel I’m almost at the bottom of whatever is brewing on the horizon. I’m not sure I am qualified for this and I don’t know who to trust. I wish you were here, but you’re needed in Ponyville.

I finally figured out how to send you coded letters, but I may have upset a few random dragons along the way. Keep a lookout in Ponyville for a while. Dragons may not be the only threat.

Perhaps you could point me in the right direction. That is if you wouldn’t mind.

Twilight Sparkle.

PS: Speaking of those you can trust, how is my number one assistant? I would tell him our secret soon. I trust him completely. Also, please take care of ‘her’ for me. Oh, and see if you can close the portal I made in the Everfree Forest.

Celestia finished the magically altered letter on her way back to the library and set it on fire. This version of the letter sent her mind swimming with questions. Celestia smiled a little. Welcome to politics, my faithful student. I made the same mistakes my first time with the instant message spell too, but what do you mean, take care of “her?” I don’t even know who she is.

Celestia stopped for a moment. Does she mean take care of Rarity?

Back at the library, the door to Twilight’s underground lab lay in pieces next to where her assistant had been found. Hoof marks were dug into portions of the wood. Somepony or something had obviously burst out in a hurry.

Celestia moved through the gaping entry with caution. As she made her way down the steps, her legs shook from the earlier strain. The scene at the base of the steps set the princess on edge. Natural light was replaced by overhead lighting, and normal furniture was replaced by metal lab tables and complicated equipment. Scattered everywhere were gears, armatures, glowing stones, assortments of liquids in beakers and test tubes, along with other intricate parts and components. Scribbled notes and books spilled over the edges of any available flat spaces, while diagrams and equations lined the walls.

As she scanned the room, a sense of unease was building in her gut. This mess wasn’t merely left by some sloppy researcher. Somepony was searching for something. Some of the sketches on the wall had been torn down, many drawers lay open and some shelves were unhooked from the wall.

She noticed an open notebook on a desk and quickly moved towards it. Celestia jumped in surprise as she kicked some glass that had been spread around the floor. The open page was dated and titled.

Oct 28th Project 352: TSR

Based on my calculations, she should have enough magic charge to power on by 3:20 tomorrow. I must be there to supervise.

It's going to be so fun to “teach” her.

Celestia wasn’t sure what to make of this and flipped to a few earlier dates.

Oct 20th Project 352: TSR

Unfortunately, not all the data and protocols could be transferred to her memory in the inactive state. For now, I was only able to give her my basic Identity.

Oct 12 Project 352: TSR

Finally, a sufficient energy source. Yes, the sample I obtained from the place called "The Crystal Scar" should do nicely. As long as it... no, as long as she. The pronoun seems appropriate now that I’m so close. As long as she doesn't completely drain her magic, everything should be fine. If not, there's only a 13 percent chance of violent explosion and a twenty-three percent chance of implosion.

Celestia flipped to what seemed to be the first entry. The rest of the title was globbed with ink.

July 4th Experiment 352 Twilight Sparkle...

After the many close calls, and all the dangers I have faced with the Elements of Harmony, I have realized how fragile this existence is. It would be a shame to lose all I have worked for and studied. Who would wield the Element of Magic in my stead?

Books, like flesh, don’t last. Except maybe the tomb of everlasting charms or the royal family. So maybe that isn't the best quote—

“Whatcha doin’?”

Celestia jumped around in surprise. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo stood staring at her expectantly.

Are theses ninja fillies?After the initial surprise, Celestia returned to the notebook and noticed a stack of scrolls and books, including all her friendship reports.

“I’m studying an experiment on the—”

“It took forever for us to find you,” said Sweetie Belle.

Celestia continued to pursue any information in and around the desk, only picking up phrases and words from the fillies. “Uh huh.”

Scootaloo timidly spoke up, growing nervous at the surroundings. “So... we heard that you know a time travel spell and we were wondering if you could teach Sweetie Belle.”

“Sure, whatever.” Who are these fillies? I only recognize Applejack’s sister.

“Do you Pinkie Promise?”

“Yes, I saw Pinkie Pie earlier today, now would you please leave me to my studies,” Celestia replied, misinterpreting the question.

“YAY! Cutie Mark Crusader Time Turners are a go!” The yell caused Celestia’s purple ears to perk up.

Cutie Mark Crusaders... CMC! ‘Time Turners?’ Uh oh.

Twilight’s figure turned to the three excited girls. “I actually can’t—”

“EVER break a Pinkie Promise!” Pinkie Pie poked up from the desk behind her.

“But I can’t give—” She could do well in pony special forces, Celestia thought.

“Never!” Pinkie Pie bore down again.

“Fine.” It’s not like this filly can cast that kind of spell anyway.

Celestia waved off the Cutie Mark Crusaders, having sent along a response letter to Canterlot. Delivering the letter had been the payment for the time spell.

Finally, after the fillies had gone, Celestia could finally get down to business. The bath that followed was the most fulfilling bath she had in countless years, which was followed by an early bed rest.

Celestia didn’t go to sleep too early to pass off Twilight’s diary of course. I have to get to know her better if I want to survive the next few days.

To be continued.

Chapter summary:
Celestia bucks half of the east field and passses out. She finds out that Pinkie is addicted to chocolate rain and makes a chocolate rain cloud near the Everfree Forest.
Octavia and Spike, spy on Celestia while she poses for a photoshoot for Rarity’s new fashion line. Celestia forgets to check on Twilight’s experiment on time. Spike claims he was trampled by somepony that looks like Twilight, which burst from the library basement earlier. Celestia makes a deal with Angle Bunny at the hospital after visiting Spike. Celestia receives a letter from Twilight, warning about dragons and other potential threats. Celestia discovers the library lab destroyed and the notes on experiment 352. There she accidently promises to teach teach Sweetie Belle a time travel spell for the CMC. Celestia sends a letter back to canterlot and starts reading Twilight’s diary.

Thanks for reading!