Celestia strolled down the halls of Canterlot castle, her headache getting worse with every step.

“Oh, for the love of all things good and holy, when I find that nephew of mine, there will be Tartarus to pay.” She rubbed her temple with her hoof. “Is it so hard to get him to do one chore while he’s over here. Just one! Wash the dishes and sweep the kitchen floors. I guess it’s just too much to ask.”

She continued down the halls, on a mission to find the room where her nephew, Prince Blueblood was staying. She stormed up to the designated door and pounded on it a few time.

“Yeah?” a voice cried out from the inside.

“Blue? It’s Celestia.”

“I figured,” the voice called back. “Can you come back later? I’m kinda busy, right now. Important things going on in here.”

Celestia felt a vein bulging from her head. She had no time for this nonsense.

“Blue!” With a blast of magic, the door flew open. “What are you doing?”

The Prince in question was slouched into his easy chair, donning a full snuggy and bunny slippers. “I’m reading my book. What does it look like?” He held up a copy of ‘Love Like The Stars’. “I’m just about at the part where they’re gonna find out who Marco’s twin brother cheated on the mare with. So, you know, can I have some privacy, please?’

Her jaw was scraping the ground. “What? No! I gave you a simple task to do today! You’re here for the week, and all I asked was two simple things to help out the kitchen crew. Two things! Don’t you remember? Something involved with dishes?”

Blueblood rubbed his chin before a lightbulb went off in his head. “Oh, yeah! Thank you for reminding me!”

Celestia let out a sigh. “There you go! Now, if you would, pl—”

Blueblood levitated an empty cereal bowl over to her. “I forgot to take this to kitchen this morning. Can you take care of it for me, auntie?”

It took all of two seconds for the cereal bowl to explode against a wall in a burst stream of destruction magic.

“Ahh!” Without another word, Celestia stormed off back down the hall.

Blueblood blinked a few times and went back to his book. “Crazy Princesses. Why can’t anypony act normal around here?”

---

Celestia stirred her coffee with angst, her brain going into overdrive. “We have to do something about him, Luna.”

Her sister, sitting across the table from her, sighed and took a sip of her own beverage. “Sister, I understand your frustrations, but we must be patient. You know his parents and how they gave him everything and expected nothing. It’s not his fault.”

“I try to remember that,” Celestia said. “That’s why I continually invite him over here and try to give him simple jobs to do. So he learns some semblance of responsibility! But even the simplest task proves to be impossible for him.”

“Sister, please remain calm,” Luna stated. “You’re doing your best, which is a lot more than most could say. Frankly, your patience in the matter is nothing short of astounding.”

Celestia nodded and took a swig of her coffee. “Thank you, sister. But I feel there’s only so much I can do. He has no real friends, no structure with his family and no meaningful work. I can try all I want, but at the end of the day, there’s only so much I can do.”

“I understand, sister. Now, why don’t we change the subject to what you called me to the meeting room for. I assume there is a task at hand?”

“Yes, there is,” Celestia said. “We have reports of bandit raiders harassing a town on the outskirts to the North. The town is called Hooffalls, to be exact.”

“Thieves?” Luna said. “That sounds serious.”

“I’m not terribly concerned, to be honest,” Celestia said. “You know we get reports like this left and right from the small villages around. A barrel of apples goes missing, they call it an emergency, then find it in somepony’s basement a week later. I’m thinking we just send somepony there to alleviate their fears then move on.”

“Shall we send one of the Princesses? I believe the town lies within Cadance’s district, does it not? Or, if they’re free, one of the elements could go, like usual.”

“Yeah, I’ll probably mention it to Cadance and let her decide what to do.” Celestia’s brain suddenly jumped from the conversation at hoof back to the visage of her nephew, entranced in his book. “Actually, I think I may have a better idea.”

“Yes, sister?” Luna asked.

“You will find out soon enough, Luna,” Celestia stated, rising from her chair. “In the meantime, please gather information on the directions to get to Hooffall. I need to send some letters out to Cadance and Twilight. I believe I have the perfect idea to solve our Blueblood problem.”

Luna nodded. “As you wish, Celestia. I’ll meet with the cartographer immediately and get a map drawn up.”

“Very good.”

With any luck, this plan of Celestia’s would work wonders.

---

Spike and Shining Armor walked side by side through the entryway of the castle, both a bit confused.

“So, Shining, any thoughts on why Celestia had us come out here all of a sudden,” Spike asked.

“Beats me,” Shining said with a shrug. “All the letter I got said was there was an urgent matter my expertise was needed for.”

“Same here,” Spike replied. “And that's what caught me off guard. I don't really have expertise in anything outside of napping and comic books. Even Twilight was suspicious. She spent about thirty minutes investigating the parchment to see if it actually came from Celestia or if it was a trap set by some mentally deranged pony.”

Shining chuckled. “I know the feel. Cadance spent over an hour lecturing me on the pain I'd be in if I was lying to her about the letter and just wanted time away from Flurry Heart. She literally ordered a new couch for me to sleep on if that was the case. I love her, don't get me wrong, but it is nice to get out once in awhile. With my bro, no less.”

The two shared a quick fist to hoof bump.

“Fo Rizzle, or whatever it is the kids say these days, Spike replied.

“I don't think anypony says that anymore.”

“Well, i obviously need to get out more, too.”

The two continued walking and chatting whilst they made their way to Celestia’s throne room where they had been summoned. A pair of guards waited outside the door and opened it for them as they approached.

“Right this way,” one of the guards stated. “The Princess is awaiting you inside.”

“Thank you,” Shining said.

“Good luck,” the other guard said and both of them shared a snicker.

“That was strange,” Spike whispered to Shining. “What do you think they meant?”

“Who knows? Guards are strange, sometimes.”

As stated, Celestia and Luna were sitting atop their thrones at the end of the room, smiles on their faces as their summoned guests approached. Spike and Shining bowed briefly before them.

“Your Highnesses,” Shining said, kneeling down.

“‘Sup guys,” Spike said, bowing as well. “Er, Your Graces I should say, given the circumstances. Whoops.”

“It is quite alright, Spike,” Celestia said with a wave of her hoof. “It’s good to see you, again. You as well, Shining.”

“Yes, it has been far too long,” Luna stated. “How have you two been?”

“I’ve been great,” Shining said. “Cadance and Flurry, as well.”

“I can’t wait to visit her again,” Celestia said with a smile. “I imagine she must be getting big.”

“You have no idea,” Shining said. “Just between us and the walls, it’s kinda nice getting a break from the family for a bit, though.”

“Your secret is safe with us,” Celestia replied. “How are you, Spike? Twilight keeping you busy?”

“As usual,” the dragon said with a smirk. “But, thanks to your little summons, I got out of reshelving duty today, so that’s a plus.”

“Speaking of which,” Shining cut in. “What is this all about? I mean no disrespect, but I wasn’t sure what to think when you asked me out here.”

“Yeah, same here,” Spike said. “I’m actually curious what the situation is and why you think I have any sort of relevant ‘expertise’.”

Celestia and Luna looked to each other before Luna spoke up. “Well, you’d be correct. There is a reason we called you out here on such short notice.”

“Yes,” Celestia continued. “There is a mission great importance we need you for, as well as a third individual. Speaking of which, where is he at?”

Luna looked at her sister. “I’m not sure. I sent him the summons this morning like you asked.”

Celestia dropped her fact to her hoof. “Oh, It’s too early in the morning for this. Guards!”

“Yes ma’am!” one of them exclaimed.

“Please go get him and bring him here this instant. It’s a matter of great importance.”

“Right away, ma’am!”

Spike and Shining shared a worried glance.

“You mean there’ll be another joining us on whatever this mission is?” Shining asked.

“Yes, there will be,” Celestia responded, using every ounce of will she had to lift her aching head up from her hoof. “He’ll be here shortly, I promise.”

Spike was about to add his two cents on the matter, but was cut off by the sound of a loud yawn and the throne room doors opening up. “Oh, you gotta be joking,” Spike muttered out.

“As requested, here he is, your Majesty!” the guard said, making way for the third guest to enter.

Blueblood walked in shortly after, dressed in bright red hoofy pajamas and holding what looked to be a giant teddy bear. “Eh, what’s going on, Aunt Celly? I was just in the middle of that dream with the giant cheese wheel when Mr. Meany McMeanyton back there woke me up!”

All present watched with wide eyes as Blueblood strolled toward the front of the room in a half-awake stupor.

“Ahem, Shining, Spike,” Luna spoke up. “Prince Blueblood will be joining you on your mission.”

That woke the blonde-maned Stallion very quickly. “Excuse me?”

“Excuse you?” Shining and Spike both added on.

Celestia shook her head in a vain attempt to quell the rising pressure. “Yes, you heard correct, all of you. Blueblood will be joining with you two on an important mission.”

“What?” Blueblood cried out. “No, there must be a mistake! I’m not fit for such things. I could hurt! Or what if my mane gets dirty? I’ve never been outside for an extended period of time! Aunt Lunie, please, help me!”

Luna shook her head. “No, Blueblood. We need you for this mission. As a Prince, it is your duty to help the citizens of Equestria when called upon to do so.”

Spike shook his head and moved closer to where the Princesses were sitting. “No, it’s okay, Princess. Shining and I got this. Whatever it is, I’m sure we can handle it ourselves!”

Shining opened his mouth to make his case as well, but a stern glare from Celestia shut it right back up.

“Listen, all three of you, no more!” Celestia shouted. “You three are going on a mission together, like it or not. Now, if you’ll be quiet for but a moment, I can give you the details.”

The three dejected males pouted but kept their mouths shut for the time being.

“There is a town to the north, no more than half a day's travel by train and hoof. You will go this town, Hooffall by name, and investigate a report we got of thieves raiding the town. Once the investigation is complete and you have reported to the town leader, you will return here, let me know of what happened and then you’re all free to go back to your lives. Are we understood?”

The three looked at each other with pained glances.

“I said, are we understood?”

This time, the three nodded vigorously.

“Good,” Celestia said, attempting to compose herself once more. “Now, the train for your departure leaves in one hour, so head to the kitchen and gather the rations I had prepared for you. This should be a simple open and shut case, so I expect you back tomorrow afternoon at the latest. You’re excused.”

With heads drooped, the three walked away and exited the throne room.

“Are you sure this was a good idea, sister?” Luna asked. “I’d hate for anything to go wrong on the mission. Perhaps we should’ve sent a more experienced team, just in case.”

“Don’t worry, sister,” Celestia said. “This will be good for them. All three of them, especially our nephew. Besides, they’ll be gone for one day. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Luna smiled. “I suppose you’re right, Celestia.”

“Of course,” Celestia said with a smile. “Now, I’m going to the royal break room for more coffee before I send somepony to the moon.”

---

Spike and Shining just finished getting their bagged lunch from the kitchen and were about to head to the train station, but unfortunately, they were having to wait on the third member of their duo turned trio.

“Why is this happening to us?” Spike asked. “What did we do in our lives to deserve such a punishment?”

“Well, maybe we have the wrong attitude about this, Spike,” Shining said. “I’m sure Celestia wouldn’t have sent him on this mission with us unless he could provide valuable support. It probably won’t be that bad.”

“Shining, let me tell you a story,” Spike began. “I met him at a gala a few years back. He was in front of me in line at the drink area. There was just enough grape juice for two glasses left. It was quite popular that year. Now, what did he do? Did he get a glass and enjoy it? No! He gets his glass of grape juice, drinks it while still in line, and then pours the rest of it in his glass and walks off!”

“Yikes, that is bad.”

“Yep. Stallions like that… There’s no place for them in polite society.”

Shining sighed and shook his head. “Well, until we’re directly proven wrong, perhaps we should give him the benefit of the doubt. I’m sure he’s changed at least a bit.”

The two were interrupted by the loud hoof stomps of Blueblood storming into the kitchen. He used his magic to grab his lunch rations and peeked inside.

“Oh, this isn't nearly enough,” he said. He then proceeded to shove all the food within the bag into his mouth and swallowed. Before they could react, Spike and Shining’s lunches were ripped from their hands and stuffed into the satchel that he was wearing. “Yeah, I’m gonna need these, too.” He then walked out the door, not even casting a glance in their direction.

Shining looked at Spike, eyes wide as saucers. “...And I’m wrong.”

Spike deadpanned. “So much for positivity. Now we’re stuck with a loser and we’ll be hungry.”

Shining was about to respond but was cut off by the blonde-maned Prince peeking his head back through the door. “Uh, guys? I don’t want to be stuck with you lesser beings any more than I have to, so if you could stop lazing around and do something useful for once, It’d be much appreciated.” He then slinked his head back through the door.

“And now are feelings are hurt, too,” Shining said with a pout.

Spike sighed. “Well, Blueblood was right about one thing. The sooner we get going, the sooner we can come back home and regain our self-esteem… and possibly our sanity.”

“Fair enough,” Shining said. “Like Celestia said, this should be an open and shut mission. We got this.”

“That’s the spirit!” Spike said, forcing a smile. “Now let’s just grab the map, get to the train station and get this over with.”

“Sounds like a plan, brother.”

The two shared a quick hoof bump and exited the kitchen, ready for whatever awaited them.

Or so they thought..