"Well, Twilight...what do you think?"

The young unicorn sat there as Rarity's question sank in. She was there with her, in the Carousel Boutique, right in the room where Rarity created all of her dresses. But the two of them were not alone here today. For there, in-between them, was Rainbow Dash, looking very unhappy. And it didn't take a genius to figure out why. For at this moment, the cyan pegasus was wearing one of Rarity's creations, a massive dress that would not be out-of-place at a centuries-old royal ball, complete with a massive white wig. Being barely able to move in the thing, Rainbow was, understandably, quite frustrated with her predicament. As for Rarity, she was simply pointing to the outfit she made, beaming at it while waiting for Twilight to give her answer. Twilight, during all of this, looked at the thing and felt, quite frankly, stuck. I know Rarity has a real eye for fashion...so I'm left wondering how she could ever have thought something like this would ever be remotely pleasing to look at, much less wear. I know she has a thing for nobility and all, but there is such a thing as going overboard with it. However, knowing her friend was waiting for an answer, Twilight simply cleared her throat before giving one.

"It's...definitely a sight."

Rarity, perhaps oblivious to the unspoken implications of her friend's words, squealed with joy over her assessment of it, turning to Rainbow and, much to the latter's chagrin, started tightening the dress even more. While Rainbow gasped for air, Rarity continued to smile for Twilight.

"Yes, I’m rather proud of it myself! I'm hoping to showcase it during the Princess' visit today."

Twilight's eyes narrowed at that. Yes...the visit. Today is when it happens, and when it does...she and I need to have words. However, Twilight buried that thought for the time being, putting on a smile as her alabaster friend turned to her once more. However, before either of them could say anything else, they turned as they heard the door open. There she is, Twilight thought. Sure enough, it was Fluttershy, walking in and looking as if she was very happy about something. And I know what it is. However, Twilight kept on smiling as her shy friend approached the group, before finally laying eyes on Rainbow Dash.

"Oh my! I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

Rainbow opened her mouth, perhaps ready to plead for help in this situation, but was silenced as Rarity tightened the dress yet again. As Rainbow continued to struggle against her clothing, Rarity and Twilight walked up to Fluttershy.

"Oh darling! You're just in time I was hoping you could help me with...um...oh my!"

Fluttershy saw the look on Rarity’s face, how she seemed to be transfixed on something just behind her. Turning around, Fluttershy broke out into a smile as she saw that it was a small object moving in her pink mane. Twilight, by contrast, narrowed her eyes at it. Okay, here it comes. As expected, moments later, a small creature popped out of the pegasus mare's mane. A tiny ball, with wings like a dragonfly and possessing massive eyes. Immediately, Rarity began squealing with delight over the tiny thing.

"Oh, but that is just the sweetest little thing I've ever seen in my life!"

Fluttershy, beaming at that remark, began nuzzling the tiny creature.

"Isn't he, though? I found him while I was picking flowers by the Everfree."

While both her, Rarity and even Rainbow began to look at the creature with interest, Twilight walked up to her friend whilst scowling at it. Noticing this, Fluttershy looked up to Twilight with curiosity, prompting Twilight to let out a sigh before speaking.

"Fluttershy...that creature can't stay in Ponyville."

As expected, the yellow pegasus let out an "eep" at that, and the other two looked to Twilight with raised eyebrows.

"What?! Why not?" Rainbow asked.

Twilight pointed her hoof straight at the small passenger in Fluttershy's mane.

"It's a parasprite. I've heard about them before. If you let them in here, pretty soon we'll have swarms of them eating crops and everypony's food. They multiply out of control, and we need to get it back to the Everfree before it's too late!"

Rainbow chuckled at that, as did Rarity. Fluttershy, but contrast, looked at Twilight with worry.

"But...but...it's all alone! We can't just let it go to that dangerous place!"

Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but was stopped by a sudden buzzing from Fluttershy's mane. The latter looked down and saw, to her shock, that there were now three parasprites emerging from her mane, buzzing about around her head after leaving it. Seeing this, both of the other mares stopped laughing, before turning to Twilight.

"Er...what was that you said about multiplying, darling?" Rarity enquired.

Twilight turned from her to Fluttershy, and saw, as always, that she was regarding these creatures with the same motherly concern she did to all of her animals. Tough love, Fluttershy. Trust me, you'll come to understand that yourself one day. Stepping forward, she gently placed a hoof upon her friend's shoulder.

"Fluttershy...I need you to listen to me. These creatures can't be here in Ponyville. They belong in the Everfree. They can survive out there, trust me. You're not dooming them by letting them go there."

The timid mare looked form Twilight, to the parasprites, and then back to Twilight, looking deep in thought over what she'd been told. This'll be hard for her, but she has to bear it, Twilight thought. In time, Fluttershy gained a look of sadness, looking away from her friend somewhat.

"If...if you think it’s for the best, then...do it."

Twilight exhaled after hearing that, putting on a small smile for her friend. I'm sorry, Fluttershy. But there are some animals that were not meant to ever be near ponies. Slowly, Fluttershy began to step away from the three tiny parasprites, as did Rarity and Rainbow. Stepping forward, Twilight narrowed her eyes at them, who all looked at her in that oblivious way that only insects could do. Concentrating, her horn began to glow, and in mere moments, it wasn't long before the bugs were bathed in her aura. There was a brief flash of light and, when it died down, everypony saw that the parasprites had vanished. Seeing this, Twilight let out a sigh of relief. Back to the Everfree, where they belong. I can feel it now. My teleportation spells are working better and better these days. Turning, she looked out of the still-open doors of the boutique. I hope my message got out to the Mayor of Fillydelphia. With any luck, they'll take my advice on-board to deal with their own infestation. The last thing I need is for Celestia's visit to be cut short this time around. However, she then looked to her friend, Fluttershy, who was staring at the ground, still quite saddened by this. Approaching her, Twilight placed a hoof upon her shoulder, before giving her a smile.

"Don't worry, Fluttershy...they'll be alright."

It took a while, but Fluttershy eventually broke out into a similar smile, nodding in response to Twilight's words. However, the moment was interrupted rather suddenly, as a pink blur zoomed in past all of them, taking them aback and leading to Fluttershy letting out another "eep" of fear. Turning, Twilight saw that it was Pinkie Pie, who was currently panting furiously.

"You...guys! It's...the...Princess!"

Twilight's eyes widened at that. She's here? Already? But the visit wasn't supposed to happen until tomorrow! Turning, Twilight immediately began galloping out of the boutique, with Pinkie Pie in-tow. Rainbow, desperate to get out at this point, practically ripped herself out of her dress to fly off, much to Rarity's horror. Fuming, the white unicorn galloped after her, and it wasn't long before Fluttershy also joined them. With the five on the move, they made their way through the main street of Ponyville, where they soon bumped into Applejack. There were no words shared between them, but one nod from her made it clear to Twilight that she too had heard the news. With all of her friends now together, Twilight led the charge, running off towards the edge of the town, where Celestia was due to land. Many of the other ponies watched them go, looking nervous as the rumours of an early visit began to spread. In time, Twilight and the others reached their destination, and just in time. For there, flying straight to Ponyville, was the golden chariot of Celestia, pulled by the traditional pair of pegasus royal guards.

"This is it," Twilight thought out loud.

Turning to her friends, she gave a solemn nod before looking back to the skies. In just under a minute afterwards, Celestia's chariot made landfall, and soon came to a halt afterwards. Twilight and the others instinctively gave a sweeping bow in greeting to their monarch, and as Celestia walked off her chariot and towards them, she regarded each of them carefully. None more so that Twilight, who even now felt a slight chill go down her spine. You'd think I'd have grown out of feeling nervous around her after so many years. However, it was here that Twilight's thoughts were interrupted by the distinct sound of somepony clearing their throat. Looking up, Twilight saw that Celestia was smiling down on her. In stark contrast to how the two had last left each other, Twilight too began to smile, lifting herself up from her bow. It was not long before her friends followed suit, and with all of them here, Celestia finally broke the silence.

"My student...it has been a while."

Twilight nodded at that.

"Likewise, Princess."

For a moment, Celestia actually seemed surprised at the warmth in which Twilight had spoken to her. Nevertheless, Celestia continued to watch her student with her usual affection.

"I apologise for arriving so early, but Luna offered to take on some extra duties today. As such, I found myself with a whole extra day to spend here. I hope this won't be too much of an issue for you?"

Twilight shook her head.

"No, not at all! We here in Ponyville would be honoured to have you here with us."

Looking up, Celestia watched as each of Twilight's friends nodded enthusiastically at those words. However, as she looked back down, she saw, to her confusion, that Twilight seemed to be uncomfortable about something. However, rather than enquire outright about it, Celestia remained silent, instead waiting for her student to speak up of her own accord. As for Twilight, her mind was racing. I know what I need to say, but...not here. Not while the others are watching. After a few false starts, Twilight looked up at her mentor yet again, her voice filled with nervousness.

"Um...Princess? Would it be alright if I had a word with you...in private?"

Celestia seemed quite taken aback by that request, as indeed were all of Twilight's friends. It took a few moments of uncomfortable silence, but eventually, the monarch of the sun gave a single, serious nod, giving her student the permission she needed. Nodding back, Twilight immediately turned around, and began walking back in the direction she'd come from, with Celestia not far behind her. The guards began to join them, but a single look from the Princess made it clear that they were to remain where they were for the time being. The other mares watched as their lavender friend and the Princess walked off, a look of concern crossing some of their faces. As Twilight and Celestia continued to walk through the town, they earned more than their fair share of odd looks. After all, this was the Princess in Ponyville, so this sort of thing was to be expected. Eventually, the two of them reached the Golden Oak Library, and Twilight opened the door before stepping aside, allowing Celestia in first. Entering, the Princess looked around, a small smile forming upon her face.

"I do believe this is the first time I've been in here. It suits you, Twilight."

Twilight smiled at that, but only briefly, for as she closed the door behind her, she walked right past Celestia, her mind still awash with everything she was planning to do and say. Celestia, during all of this, remained quiet, letting her student have all the time she needed to get her words out. After a massive length of silence, the young unicorn finally began to speak, and when she did, Celestia was surprised to hear a wobble in her voice.

"I...I...I need to say..."

Twilight spun around, and to Celestia's utter shock, she saw that tears had begun flowing down her cheeks.

"...I'm so sorry!"

Before the Princess could react, Twilight leapt forward, embracing her teacher in a warm hug. Although confused at this sudden behaviour, Celestia nevertheless began to get emotional herself, though not to the extent that Twilight was. Tears were there, but they did not fall. And, in that caring and nurturing way she was famous for, Celestia's wings stretched forward, holding Twilight close.

"Oh, my dear student...what's wrong?"

Twilight pulled away from her slightly, her cheeks still stained with tears.

"I'm just...I'm sorry! Everything I've said and done to you! Disobeying your commands! Talking to you like you were a stranger! I'm...I'm just sorry for all of it!"

Celestia looked down at her protégé, smiling warmly as she did so.

"Oh, Twilight. There's no need for apologies. You haven’t done anything wrong. You've gone through a lot of changes recently. I can't expect you to be the exact same kind of mare that you were when you left Canterlot. Whatever thing you think you did wrong, I assure you, it's nothing to get this upset about."

But, contrary to what Celestia might have expected, her words did not soothe Twilight. If anything, it made her feel worse. She doesn't know. And like an idiot I chose to keep it from her! I isolate myself in my lab, making my plans, trying to change the future, and all the while I let those memories of the future poison the kind of connection we had. But no more! I swear it. I allowed myself to let a rift form between me and her, and while she can’t see it...she will now. Looking up at her teacher yet again, Twilight shook her head at her words.

"No, Princess. I am a different kind of mare. More different than you could possibly understand. There's...there's something about me I haven't told you about. Something I should have told you from the start."

Celestia tilted her head, looking more than a little confused at Twilight's words. Taking a deep breath, the young unicorn steeled herself, looking at Celestia with determination blazing in her eyes.

"I'm going to tell you...everything."