“I’ve heard about the new flu from the newspapers, but I had no idea it was so under-researched,” Twilight muses. “We’ll probably have to travel to the frozen north ourselves if we want to look into things...Are you interested in that little adventure?”

“Of course!” You declare loudly. “I live for adventures like this; especially the dangerous ones!”

Twilight giggles in response, and you would definitely be lying if you said you didn’t find it exceptionally endearing. “Alright...but just to let you know, the trip there is very safe. The train routes have really expanded since the return of the Crystal Empire!”

“It’s not the trip that will get us, Twilight,” you grin, beginning to pace slowly around her. “A few days there, and we might start to feel a bit like something is wrong. Then we’ll notice a sore throat, and a fever in the morning.” You cock an eyebrow in excitement as Twilight eyes you curiously. “If we’re lucky, that will be all...But if we’re unlucky, no amount of magic or pills in Equestria will relieve the crippling body aches that follow. Then, the enlargement of the liver, gross hemoptysis…” You walk forward, halting with the tip of your muzzle just an inch from Twilight’s. “And at that point, the only place where in all of Equestria where we’d stand a fighting chance would be the ICU at Canterlot Clinic.”

Twilight’s pinprick-sized pupils quiver ever so slightly as she processes this new information. Swallowing loudly, she grins awkwardly. “O-oh, that’s what you meant. I, uh, hadn’t considered that.”

“It’s exactly why it’s so important that somepony does the work to characterize the disease!” You smile. “The adrenaline rush doesn’t hurt either.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Twilight accedes, although her voice betrays a hint of trepidation. “We have the chance to make a big impact. We’ll get started tonight on setting up our trip and getting in contact with the local physicians. For now though, let me finish showing you around the castle!”

“Sounds great, thank you!” You follow Twilight down a long hallway adorned with a lush carpet and crystalline arches.

Suddenly, she stops mid-step and glances back at you. Slowly, a smile takes over her muzzle. “The prospect of a vitally important, dangerous journey is a little bit exciting, isn’t it?”

Proceed to Chapter 12.

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