'Another day, another friendship problem...' Twilight thought as she awoke, 'But a day closer to justice nonetheless.' She twisted beneath her sheets, trying to stretch, but had to stop as her stomach burned in protest, causing her breath to hitch in her throat as she relaxed again, 'Wow, thanks a lot, Pinkie. It might not be permanent but it still hurts like hell.' She proceeded to lift a hoof to her face and check for any bruising after her 'encounter' with Rainbow Dash. When she found no indication of such, she deemed it safe to facehoof, and did so. She had absolutely no idea how she would go about finding the pegasus, let alone have a civilised conversation with her. Her next thought was to find Scootaloo, but upon remembering that Sweetie Belle hadn't even seen her, she facehoofed again. 'Nothing can be simple, can it?'

Twilight climbed out of bed and stretched - carefully this time - as she considered her options. 'So, it looks like I'll be spending a while trying to find wherever Rainbow is, I've got that promise with Rarity to keep and I should probably check up on Fluttershy too, just in case.' She cast a cursory glance at Spike's basket, unwilling to be pulled into the inevitable spiral of happy yet painful memories that accompanied it, before heading downstairs to the kitchen, intent on eating something proper before embarking on what she was sure would be a difficult search.

She was right. Four hours in, and she still had no leads. She'd already asked a few passers-by if they had seen Rainbow Dash, but she just received the same answers each time, "Oh, Rainbow Dash? Can't say that I have."

"Only on the job, and she's not doing a particularly good one of late."

"Not since a while ago, Twilight. Well, I've caught glimpses of her, but that's all. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful..."

The list went on. Twilight trotted to a bench and slumped onto it, deep in thought as she revised her strategy, 'I need a better method. Who!? Who would know where Rainbow Dash is? Scootaloo didn't seem to be having much luck, according to Sweetie Belle at least. Still, it could be worth a try, if I can find her. Who else? I don't really know anypony on her weather team by name, and it's not as if I'm going to try the wing spell so I can fly up and ask them, not after what happened the last time I gave Rarity wings. She cursed herself for not looking where Rainbow Dash flew off to the day before. Even if nopony had seen her, somepony in Ponyville must have some way of finding her, somehow, despite how impossible it seemed.' Her stupidity came back to hit her so hard it would've knocked a less intellectual being dead, 'If it's the impossible I need, then I need look no further than-'

"Heya, Twilight!" Pinkie's voice shrieked from right behind her. Had Twilight not half-expected it then she would probably have suffered a heart attack, "What're you sat there all grumpy-like for? That was my job only yesterday! Oh, I just gotta' say I'm sorry about the whole punchy-punchy surprise attack your friend thing again, like seriously. I mean, imagine if I did that to all my friends, well, I guess they wouldn't be my friends for much longer after that. Oh no! Twilight! Please tell me you're still my friend! You're still my friend, aren't you!?"

Twilight began to turn her head, but only had to look around about half way, Pinkie had somehow appeared on the bench beside her without a sound, "Yes, Pinkie, I'm still your friend." Pinkie looked as if she were about to start another outburst, causing Twilight to interject quickly, "Actually, I was hoping you'd be able to help me with something. I'm looking for Rainbow Dash, but I haven't seen her anywhere. You don't have any idea where she could be, do you?"

Pinkie rubbed her chin with a hoof for a moment, "Dashie? Well, I did have a twitchy tail, tickly hoof, itchy nose combo just before I got here, but I don't know if that'll help..."

"Why? What does it mean?"

"Oh, it means Dashie has opened her fifth bottle. It's been happening a lot since I left Sugarcube Corner yesterday, it's getting kinda' annoying, y'know? But yeah, I don't think that helps much, does it?"

Twilight sighed, "Not really... Anything else?" As Twilight spoke Pinkie's body went rigid and she bounced up and down like a jackhammer for several moments before proceeding to roll one eye and sneeze. Twilight stood from the bench and took an alarmed step backwards before Pinkie returned to 'normal'.

Pinkie shook her head rapidly, "Wowww. I never did like that one..." Twilight just raised an eyebrow, unwilling to get her hopes up just yet, "Dashie just walked into her front door." Out of nowhere she repeated the exact same sequence as before, "Twice."

Twilight jumped so that she was almost muzzle to muzzle with Pinkie, "She's at her home!?"

"Of course she is, silly! It wouldn't be 'her' door if it was in somepony else's house would it? Unless she decided to take her door to somepony else's house for some reason, hmm..."

Twilight hugged her friend before taking off, "Thanks so much, Pinkie!" she called back.

Pinkie barely registered it as she pondered over the benefits of using one's own door in another's house, "Maybe something magical would happen. After all, doors are magic, they let us walk through walls..."

Twilight was beginning to wonder if the throttling she had received yesterday had starved her brain of oxygen, 'Stupid, stupid, stupid! Who looks for a pegasus on the GROUND!? Obviously she has a home! Just because she sleeps on trees and stray clouds during the day, doesn't mean she does it at night too! Stupid, Twilight, stupid!' This continued in much the same fashion throughout the balloon journey. She even almost forgot to cast the cloud-walking spell before disembarking, earning her a swift slap to her own face as she tried to snap herself back to her senses, accompanied by a new wave of more profane self-insults, 'Fall to my death? Good plan! As you can clearly see, Twilight Sparkle, the Bearer of the Element of Magic, is tremendously fucking intelligent! Nice going, brain, any more bright ideas?' She stopped to take deep breaths and focus. Once she was relatively calm, she proceeded to ask passers-by for directions to Rainbow Dash's house.

Twilight hadn't been sure what to expect. Perhaps the residence of Rainbow Dash would be extravagant beyond measure? Or maybe abstract beyond any recognition of it being a home? With Rainbow Dash, who knew? Could it even be a Wonderbolts shrine? So when she arrived, what she saw was not at all what she expected. She even re-checked the address just to be sure. The house was just like any of the others in Cloudsdale, save for the rainbow that merged with the design and somehow ran off the edge of the cloud as a liquid stream. It followed the same architectural design, and hovered at the exact same height as all the nearby houses. Only the rainbow intertwined with it could distinguish it from the others, and it was entangled so flawlessly that one wouldn't even notice the other houses didn't have one, unless they were actually looking for a rainbow snaking around all the houses in Cloudsdale. Rainbow Dash's house was... average, by Cloudsdale standards. It didn't seek to be the best, or stand out as its owner did. Twilight was having trouble getting her head around it, 'In everything else she goes out of her way to grab the spotlight, but her house doesn't? Is she trying to hide something?' She caught herself, 'I'm here to help Rainbow Dash, not delve into her personal life, or stand out here staring at her home for that matter.'

Reaching the doorway, she noticed it was slightly ajar, but knocked anyway out of politeness, "Rainbow Dash? Are you in?"

She heard something topple over inside, "Whoisit?" the pegasus slurred in response.

Twilight gulped as she realised that the pegasus was either seriously hung over or drunk, "It's me. It's Twilight. Can I come in? I need to talk to you."

Silence. Then, "Idon'twanna... talkaboutit, Twilight."

Twilight took a deep breath before pushing the door open and began searching for her friend inside. The stench of alcohol was overpowering as she made her way inside, but she shut it out as she scanned for her friend. All she could see were empty glass bottles. Everywhere. She turned into what she presumed was the living room and saw her. Rainbow was sat against the far wall, head slumped, a half-empty bottle still cradled in her hooves. "Rainbow Dash!" Twilight darted over to her friend and sat on her haunches in front of her, shaking the pegasus gently with a hoof.

Rainbow wearily lifted her head, "Twilight... What'reya... Doin'here? Idon'twannatalk... Twilight." Her head tilted backwards as she lifted the bottle above her head and began to drink heavily, almost downing the remaining contents in one gulp.

Twilight just watched her friend, horrified. All thoughts of the purpose she had actually tracked her friend down for had vanished, "Rainbow Dash, please, stop this! You're destroying yourself! You HIT me last night, don't you remember?"

The pegasus slumped her head again, and a few tears began falling from her muzzle to the floor as she spoke, "Yeah. Iremember. Iwasn't. Thinkingstraight. Ihurtyou... Please. Twilight. Justleave." The guilt seemed to have sobered her up, at least a little, her sentences becoming slightly more coherent, "I'mdone. I'vehad. Enough. Leaveme. Alone."

Twilight shook her head and lifted Rainbow's head, tears in both their eyes, "I can't. I won't! You're my friend, Rainbow Dash! I won't jus-"

"GET. OUT. TWILIGHT." She pointed sluggishly towards the door with one forehoof, holding the other ready to strike her if she didn't comply.

Tears still streaked down both their muzzles as Twilight stood and left without a word. Rainbow tried desperately to resist the urge to call out to her. To ask her to come back. To help her. Just as she was about to, the front door clicked shut. Silence roared through the building for several minutes, then she couldn't stand it any longer, and cried out, rolling waves of tears falling from her muzzle and breaking onto the clouds beneath. "I'msorry, Twilight! I'msorry! I'msorry! I'msorry! Ididn't. Meanto!' But her friend could not hear her, so Rainbow turned to the only form of solace she could find, and opened another bottle.

Twilight stood by the grave in silence. Rarity stood beside her, and both were deep in thought. 'I'll try again tomorrow.' Twilight thought sadly, 'I just have to be patient.'

Rarity spoke, shaking her from her thoughts, "I'm worried, Twilight."

"W-What? What about?" Neither's eyes left the grave.

She brushed her mane to the side, with a sad flick of her hoof, "About everything. About the Boutique. About my sister and her friends. About our own friends." She gasped, "I-I've not seen Fluttershy since... since the memorial! Two months, and I'd completely forgotten about her the whole time! And our other friends! Pinkie tried to cheer me up at first, and I ignored her, and Applejack too! I saw what was happening to Rainbow Dash, but I didn't say anything. What have I done?"

Twilight spoke soothingly, "It's alright, Rarity. Fluttershy hasn't even left the cottage since that day, and from what I've heard, she wasn't letting anypony in either. I've spoken to her, Applejack and Pinkie, and all three seem to be faring better now."

Rarity nodded solemnly, "And Rainbow Dash? Could you even find her?"

Twilight shook her head, "I found her alright. Yesterday. Drunk. She swore, backhoofed me in the face then flew off." her tone was clipped, but undoubtedly more sad than angry.

Rarity's eyes widened, "W-What did you do? Where did she go?"

"To her house. Don't ask my why, but I think she's been flying away from Ponyville to throw anypony looking for her off-track. She's been sneaking back into her house all this time."

"Why?"

A heartfelt sigh escaped Twilight's lips, "I found her there this morning. Everypony thinks she has a drinking problem, right? Well, it's much worse than just that. The house is absolutely filled with empty bottles, it looks like a factory." Rarity gasped, but Twilight continued, "I think she's been in her house all this time to try and hide it, Rarity. She doesn't want to admit what's happening to her. She almost hit me again when I refused to leave. I think she's scared. She's drinking to cope, but she's too ashamed to admit it."

"I see." Rarity's tone was pained. She was trying to find a solution, but this certainly wasn't her area of expertise.

"I'm doing what I can to help her, but I don't know if it's enough." Twilight whispered sadly.

Rarity placed a comforting hoof on Twilight's shoulder, "I'll do what I can to help if you need me, but in the end we can only hope, darling. It's down to her as much as it is us." The conversation died there. Both had yet to look away from the grave when Rarity spoke some time later, "Why do we do this, Twilight?"

"Huh?"

"Every time we speak here, we just stare at the grave. Is there a reason for it, or is it just something we do?"

"I don't know. I think, maybe, it's because we just want to involve him in things, y'know? Just in case he can hear us wherever he is now." Twilight drew her features tight, unwilling to cry in front of Rarity, whom she was there to provide support for.

Rarity sniffled, "I hope so, dear, I really do."

After the visit with Rarity, Twilight had headed to Fluttershy's cottage to ensure that everything was fine. When Fluttershy appeared, she seemed in much higher spirits, and was looking much healthier than she had before. After an hour or so Twilight had left feeling rather pleased with herself, Fluttershy was doing alright again. Then she remembered Rainbow Dash, 'I won't give up on you that easily, Rainbow. Everypony else is healing and you're just getting worse. You're not going to be the only one I can't help.' She trotted back to the library purposefully. 'Before the month is over I WILL have all five of my friends back.' She smiled, 'And hopefully, five allies for my quest. But one step at a time, Twilight.'

The next day, Twilight found herself outside Rainbow Dash's house again, though the door was closed properly this time. She knocked and waited. "It'snotlocked!" came the voice from inside, Rainbow's words slurring into one once again. Twilight made her way inside quietly. Rainbow Dash was in the living room again, but this time she was reclining lazily on her sofa instead if slumping against the wall. "Whatisit?" Rainbow opened her eyes and saw Twilight standing before her. For a moment her expression became pained, but then it was wiped as she stared blankly at Twilight, "Whatisit, Twilight? Don'tyoudare. Lecturemeagain."

The unicorn tried anyway, "Rainbow Dash, all your friends are worried about you. I'm worried about you. Please, just try and stop drinki-"

"OUT." Twilight complied. If what Rarity said was true, this would have to be done on Rainbow's own terms, so she just accepted it and left without a word. Rainbow watched her go, the urge to call out to her more powerful than yesterday, but she suppressed it, 'I don't need any help...' She saw straight through her own lie and reached for the nearest bottle.

Twilight approached Rarity, now standing by the guards at the gate to the memorial. The seamstress spoke first, "Thank you for coming again, darling. I know how time-consuming this must be."

They stepped through the gates, "Not at all, Rarity. Besides, it gives me time to clear my head. Honestly, it's what I need if I'm going to visit Rainbow Dash every day."

"You visited her this morning?"

"Yeah..."

"Care to tell us about it?"

Twilight seemed confused as they came to a stop by the statue, "Us?"

Rarity smiled slightly and gestured to the grave at the statue's base, "Just me, you, and him."

This cycle continued for five days. Each day, Twilight would attempt to get through to Rainbow Dash, with little success. Each day she was 'kicked out' of the pegasus' home, and would then visit the memorial with Rarity to gather her thoughts. On the sixth day, however, Twilight had an idea. As she trotted into the living room, she proceeded to stand before Rainbow as per their now unofficial 'routine'. "Whatnow, Twilight? Thisisgetting. Boring."

Twilight gave her a concerned look as she spoke, "I won't lecture you again, Rainbow Dash. You've made it clear that you want neither those lectures nor myself in your house for long, so I'll just say this." Rainbow's ears perked up, this was new. "Remember who you really are." Twilight turned and left, leaving Rainbow more than a little confused. It was the first time the unicorn had not mentioned her problem, and she had left willingly this time.

'Just what is that supposed to mean? I know who I am, I'm Rainbow Dash. Duh. What is she getting at?'

Twilight brooded as the balloon drifted her back towards Ponyville, 'I hate to make it look like I'm not interested any more, Rainbow Dash, but if you have to make the decision, then who better to convince you than yourself?' She wondered if her plan had worked, if she had 'set the ball rolling', as it were. From there Rainbow Dash could do the rest.

'I'm Rainbow Dash. I know I am, so what does she mean!?' She had unknowingly spent the last two hours trying to figure out an answer. In her concentration she had even shut out the temptation to drink, if only for a while, and had sobered up surprisingly quickly. "I'm Rainbow Dash for crying out loud!" she cried out loudly, "I definitely know who I am! Everypony does! I'm the fastest flier in all of Equestria! I'm the only pegasus to ever perform a sonic rainboom! I'm the Bearer of the Element of Loyalty! I'm awesome! And I'm a winner!" Before she realised what she was doing she had climbed onto the sofa and was standing in a victory pose. She looked down at the bottle she had placed on the floor after Twilight had left, "I'm a winner..." she repeated to herself. She slumped back into her previous position and held the bottle in her forehooves, bringing it up to eye-level. "If I'm a winner, do I need this?" She was drawing it towards her mouth regardless. "One more can't hurt." she said as she tipped her head back along with the drink.

Only to have it knocked from her hooves at the last moment by a large object. Rainbow looked around in surprise and saw Tank spiralling off into the wall on her left. She trotted over and held him still before he could cause any further damage, "Let's get you something to eat, huh?" He nodded in response and the two headed into the kitchen. Rainbow turned her head to where the bottle had landed, but already the dregs were spilling through the clouds beneath. Strangely enough, it wasn't as painful to watch as some of her other spilt drinks had been. 'Remember who you really are.' Rainbow's face became all-business as she trotted into the kitchen. 'I'm a winner. But I can't win if there isn't a challenge.' So she set herself one.

Twilight knocked and called out, "Rainbow Dash? It's me, I'm coming in." She almost backpedalled when the door suddenly opened to reveal said pegasus waiting inside with a large and almost victorious grin on her face.

"Heya, Twilight! Come on in!" She beckoned her jovially with a hoof.

Twilight, on the otherhoof, was unnerved. Whilst Rainbow was obviously less intoxicated than she had been previously, she somehow looked even worse. Her eyes seemed more sunken and were now completely bloodshot, and her mane was a frazzled mess. It almost looked as if she'd been tugging at it. "Uh, Rainbow Dash?" The pegasus had already trotted into the living room. Twilight gulped and stepped inside, closing the door behind her before following her friend.

Twilight was shocked by what she saw, or rather, what she didn't see. All the bottles were gone, their absence making the room seem much larger than Twilight remembered it. "Not bad, huh?" Rainbow asked as she waved a hoof across the room before literally collapsing onto the sofa.

Twilight darted to her friend, "Rainbow Dash! Are you alright?"

The pegasus groaned slightly, "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just. I really want - really need - a drink. But I don't feel too good. Could you grab one from the back please, Twilight?"

'She's so close! I won't let her stop now!' Twilight shook her head, "No, Rainbow Dash."

The pegasus looked as if she was on the verge of tears, "But why, Twilight? I just need one, I promise! After that I'll stop!"

She sat down by the sofa and looked her friend in the eyes, "Rainbow Dash, how have you gone this long without a drink?"

Rainbow pulled a small grin, "After what you told me yesterday I set myself a challenge to see if I could still be the best I can be. I told myself I wouldn't drink another drop until I saw you again." Pride radiated from the pegasus, "But seriously, could you please grab-"

"So why settle for not being the best you can be when you know it's within your grasp? You have to keep trying, Rainbow Dash!"

Rainbow shook her head, "I can't, it's not that simple, Twi. My head hurts and I don't feel well. And it's getting worse. It's making me sick, Twilight! I just need one to make me feel better! Then I can stop for good!"

'I should have known. I have to do whatever I can to distract her.'

Twilight sighed, "I was afraid this would happen, you're suffering from withdrawal symptoms, Rainbow. You've drank so much over the past two months that your body has become accustomed to it. Now that you've stopped, your body thinks that something that is supposed to be there is missing, that's why you feel so bad. It will pass, you just need to wait a few days. You have to push through it. You can do this."

"I can't, Twilight! I just can't! I'm weak! I'm pathetic!" She looked away, ashamed, "I'm afraid!" The pegasus curled herself up and began crying quietly into her hooves. Twilight moved herself so that she was sat on the sofa beside her friend, comforting her as best she could, "It's alright, Rainbow. We all were. We still are. So much has changed, and we all feel the need to escape, but this isn't the way to go about doing it. You're hurting yourself and, by extension, your friends. They miss you, Rainbow, but you can't see them yet, if they saw you like this they'd be heartbroken. We care about you, and we're behind you every step of they way. You just have to be strong, Rainbow Dash."

Almost half an hour later, as the last of her tears stopped, Rainbow Dash jumped to her hooves, swaying slightly as a wave of dizziness hit her. Twilight moved to her and steadied her with a hoof, "Where are you going in such a hurry?"

The pegasus just gave her with a defeated look, "I'm sorry, Twilight, I really am, but I can't do this any more." She began trotting towards the kitchen.

Twilight's mind kicked into overdrive, 'I have to think of something, quickly!' Of course, she could just immobilise her with magic until the symptoms wore off, but she doubted Rainbow would be too pleased about that, and she didn't have the time to be re-building bridges with the ponies closest to her. One memory jumped to mind. Realising she couldn't think through what she wanted to say, she just blurted out what came to her, "Spike wouldn't have wanted this!" Rainbow stopped dead in her tracks, "You said he was your hero. You said you wanted to be like him! Yet here you are, giving in! Did Spike give in? No! He fought until the very end!"

Rainbow turned to her once again, tears flowing anew, "I-I'm not S-Spike, Twilight. I-I'm not that s-strong."

Twilight shook her head, "No, you're not Spike. Remember who you really are. You're Rainbow Dash. You can never be Spike, that much is obvious, but you can be like him. You can be strong, and brave, and persevere against incredible odds. You can push through whatever the world throws at you, and still come out on top, because that's who you are, who you've always been. Because you're Rainbow Dash, and you're my friend." Twilight was crying now too as she trotted up to her friend, who was frozen by the words she had spoken. "This all happened because of what happened to Spike... My little brother, your hero. If you do one thing to remember him by, do this. For his memory, and for the rest of your friends." Twilight stared at her pleadingly, tears flowing freely from her eyes.

After a lengthy pause, Rainbow's croaked response broke the silence, "Okay..." The two embraced in a crushing hug and wept against each other. After another, even larger pause, permeated only by the sobs of the two, Rainbow spoke again, "I'm s-so sorry for what I d-did. For being such a j-jerk. F-For hurting you!" She buried her muzzle deep into Twilight's mane as the two continued to weep over their own losses, mistakes and wrongdoings. "I-I'll change. I owe you all that much. I'll be better. The best."

"I know you will." They each took a step backwards, and Twilight levelled her eyes with Rainbow's, "That's who you really are, and we all know it, even when you don't."

Rainbow hung her head, "Thank you, Twilight. But..." she glanced up at her friend ashamedly, "What I said was true. I'm not strong enough to do this. Not alone."

Twilight understood. The fact that Rainbow Dash was actually asking for help was enough to convince her, "You'll never be alone. We'll all help you through this, I promise. And thank you, Rainbow Dash. I know how difficult it is to ask for help, especially for you. Thank you for letting me help you."

Rainbow nodded sheepishly, a small grin gracing her features, "That's enough! No more sappiness, or I think I'm gonna hurl! Let's go find the others, I need something to take my mind off everything."

Twilight smirked, "You're not going anywhere until you clean yourself up." As she spoke a hoof mirror popped into existence, levitating itself before Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow shrugged, "I've looked worse." Twilight's flat expression bored into her. "... Fine. Give me a minute." She took to the air and swooped through the doorway. From upstairs, she shouted, "Oh, and Twilight?"

She trotted to the bottom of the stairs and called up, "Yeah?"

"No crying, hugging, or mushiness of any kind ever happened. Nopony has to know about that, understood?"

Twilight recalled how her conversation with Fluttershy had ended, and giggled at the irony, "Fine, but good luck inventing a believable cover story."

"Are you kidding? I'm Rainbow Dash! They wouldn't even believe somepony so awesome did any of that stuff anyway!" Twilight grinned and facehoofed. "Okay, I'm done, let's go!" Before Twilight could react Rainbow had swooped down the stairs, literally picked her off her hooves, and flown out the door.

Things had improved drastically in Ponyville over the week afterwards. The streets were once again lively and animate, courtesy of Pinkie Pie, the animals were returning to Fluttershy's cottage, both the Carousel Boutique and Sweet Apple Acres were back on top of their respective workloads, and the weather was actually being dealt with correctly. After over two months of separation, the six friends were nothing short of ecstatic when they were finally all together again in the library. After each pony had apologised for their absence, and thanked one another for their support (most of which was directed at Twilight), the six finally managed to share a few laughs, recall pleasant old adventures and just pass the time in general together just like they used to. For the first time in three months, things felt like they were finally returning to normal.

'Only, things never can truly return to normal.' Twilight thought sadly, though she hid it well from the others, 'There's always going to be that one final piece missing, and we're never going to get him back.' Anger towards her mentor stirred within her as it had done countless times already, but it disappeared quickly as Twilight reminded herself that she had a solution in the making. The other five burst into a fit of laughter, and Twilight couldn't decide whether to be excited or nervous as she came to another realisation, 'It's time to move things along...' She glanced at her friends and counted as she looked over each one, 'Pinkie and Fluttershy. That leaves Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity. But how do I convince them?'

"Twilight?" She was snapped from her musings and realised that the others were staring at her, "Are ya alright?" It was Applejack that had spoken.

"O-Oh yeah, I'm fine, just thinking."

Rarity smiled warmly, "What about, dear?"

Twilight blushed, flustered at the sudden attention, "I-It's nothing, really, I-I just... uhm... I..." Her blush intensified at her inability to explain herself, she wasn't about to plainly announce that she was planning on taking her friends on an anti-Celestia campaign.

A sly smirk plastered itself across Rarity's face, "Ah, I know what it is..." Twilight shrunk down in her chair a little at Rarity's almost predatory smile, "So, care to tell us?"

Twilight feigned ignorance like her life depended on it, "Tell you what? I-I've got no idea what you're talking about!"

Rarity slowly advanced towards her, "Oh, I think you do, Twilight."

Sweat was forming on her brow and she almost broke under Rarity's all-knowing gaze, "H-How did you know!?"

The seamstress waved a hoof as she trotted - deliberately slowly - up to her, "Please, darling, I can sense this sort of thing a mile away." Rarity stopped before her and pushed her muzzle right up to Twilight's. Twilight gulped and desperately tried to look away from the piercing eyes of her interrogator, but they constantly demanded her attention. Rarity's voice lowered to almost a whisper, so that the others could only just hear it, "So... Who's the lucky stallion?"

The other mares in the room gasped excitedly, and Rarity's victorious smile stretched even wider. Twilight blinked. Then her brain registered what Rarity was suggesting. Her blush covered her entire face, threatening to even spread to her horn as she jumped out of her seat, knocking Rarity to the ground as she did so, "WHAT!?" she cried as she dashed between her friends, "Nonono! That's not it at all!" Twilight glanced frantically around the room, Fluttershy was blushing herself, apparently embarrassed on her behalf, Pinkie was bouncing up and down whilst throwing heart-shaped confetti everywhere and Applejack and Rainbow Dash were in hysterics; either at her reaction or simply the thought of her even having a love interest. Either way, it didn't help.

Before she could even defend herself Rarity was draping a foreleg around her neck, "So, who is it? Caramel? Goldengrape?" She squealed with delight, "Is it Braeburn? Have you been longing to just leave everything behind, gallop back to Appleloosa and embrace him as the sun sets? Or maybe you're into the quiet type, is it Big Mac? What draws you to him? His gentle personality? Those dreamy emerald eyes? That impeccably toned muscular body?" Rarity was fighting the urge to drool as she spoke.

"Hey! Ah'm standin' right here! Stop talkin' about my family like that!" Applejack's eyes shifted to Twilight nervously, "But, uh, t'ain't like Ah got a problem with it if ya do feel that way, Twi. Braeburn and Mac're free game, far as Ah know..."

Twilight shrieked and shook Rarity's hoof away, "I DON'T FEEL THAT WAY! I WASN'T EVEN THINKING ABOUT ANY STALLIONS, OKAY!?"

Rarity raised an eyebrow, "Alright, Twilight darling, relax, we understand." Twilight huffed and tried to bring her blush back under control, "There's plenty of mares available in Ponyville, I'm sure some of them are interested in you too."

That was the final straw. One moment Twilight's face was on fire with embarrassment, the next her mane and tail were literally ablaze. She pounced on Rarity and stood over her in a similar way to how Pinkie had in the bakery two weeks ago. Lowering her muzzle close to Rarity's she spoke quietly but threateningly, "That's enough. Stop talking, Rarity."

Rarity's eyes widened, "T-Twilight, dear, you're not coming onto me are you? I must say, you're coming off a little too strong, and I'm afraid I don't 'swing that way' anyway, so to speak." The others were absolutely hysterical now, even Fluttershy was laughing.

Twilight was at the end of her tether, and as she spoke Rarity swore she saw a faint flash of red behind her eyes, "Rarity, one more word and I swear I'll turn your mane into snakes! I WASN'T. THINKING. ABOUT. MARES OR STALLIONS! DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?" Rarity just kept her lips pursed and nodded. After several seconds of holding the stare Twilight stood and sighed in exasperation as her mane and tail fizzled out and reverted to normal. She trotted over to her chair and sank into it gracelessly, putting a hoof to her forehead as the other four continued to laugh. Originally she was glad that they actually could laugh together again, but at that moment she wished she could just make them all depressed again, if only for a few minutes while her furious blush subsided.

Twilight and Rarity stared at the grave. 'It's time.' Twilight thought to herself in an all-business manner. Another two days had passed since the meeting in the library, but Rarity was still trying to cut short her grave-visiting hours, so Twilight held true to her promise and accompanied her. Besides, it gave her the perfect opportunity to talk about it without it seeming strange. She had already planned her words carefully beforehoof, all that was left was to determine if Rarity would side with them or not. "There's something that's been on my mind a lot recently, Rarity."

"Do tell."

"It's just..." She paused in mock hesitation, "I can't shake the feeling that I haven't had... proper closure. After everything that happened, there was nopony with the answers I needed. Even when I went to Canterlot and asked Princess Celestia, she told me she didn't know how or why it happened. The more I think about it, the more I feel like something's missing, and it's tearing me up inside. Don't you feel the same way?"

Rarity sighed wistfully, "I know what you mean, Twilight, yes. I don't think we'll ever have all the answers."

Twilight pretended to brighten up slightly, "That's exactly what I thought, but then something hit me. There isn't anypony left to ask. But what if the one with the answers isn't a pony at all?" Rarity turned from the grave and looked at her in confusion. "What if we asked Discord? Calamity was his pet, he knows something, I'm sure of it. We could go and just ask questions. We wouldn't even have to release him, he can still hear us in stone form, remember? I'm sure there's a spell somewhere that would let him communicate without releasing him. I even asked Princess Celestia and she said it's fine. What do you say? Will you come with me?"

Rarity looked at her sympathetically, "Twilight... I know how much this means to you, and I won't try and dissuade you from seeking out the answers you need if they will grant you closure, but after everything that happened I don't think I could ever even look at that monster again, knowing he was partly responsible."

Twilight struggled to keep a straight face, 'That's exactly it! Celestia's the one responsible! She's the monster here!'

"Besides, even if he were to speak to us all he'd do is mock us and lie to make us feel even worse. I'm sorry, Twilight, but I don't think I could ever face that... that DEMON ever again."

Twilight gave Rarity a defeated look, "There's nothing I can say to change your mind? I could really use you there, Rarity."

Rarity shook her head, "I really am sorry, Twilight. But if I were there all I'd do is ruin your chances of finding anything."

Twilight forced a small smile, "I understand, Rarity. I won't pressure you into it, it's totally up to you." Inwardly, Twilight was kicking and screaming like a foal throwing a tantrum, 'All that hate is for what Celestia did, not Discord! If only I could tell you, Rarity! You'd join us for sure! Damn it!'

"Thank you for understanding, darling. If there's anything I can do to make up for it, just let me know okay?"

"Of course." They both turned back to the grave. Twilight nearly screamed aloud as she drew a line through Rarity's name on her mental check-list, 'So close... I can't afford to push it though. I'll just have to hope I get another chance before we go. Even so, I was SO close!'

Twilight followed her friend from tree to tree hurriedly, levitating buckets with her as she went. Applejack would buck a tree as she reached it, only to use the momentum from the kick to push her to the next even faster; Twilight was finding it hard to keep up. The farmer skidded to a halt and bucked the tree behind her, and Twilight only just managed to manoeuvre the buckets into place on time. Applejack turned her head skywards and whistled, "That right there's gonna be one heck of a rainstorm." Indeed, the whole reason the two had been darting around was due to the grey storm that loomed overhead. Twilight had trotted over to the farm after leaving the memorial intending to secure Applejack's support when the pegasi had towed the thunder head in from Cloudsdale, and she suddenly found herself volunteering to help her friend collect as many apples as possible while it was still safe, "We'd best be headin' back to the barn, don't wanna get caught out in this."

Twilight nodded, still slightly out of breath. The two cantered back towards the barn and had almost reached the door when a flash illuminated the entirety of Ponyville, followed by the distinct roar of thunder. They broke into a gallop for the door as the rain came down as one solid sheet, causing them to dive inside. As Twilight set down the dozen buckets of apples she had been levitating both ponies looked themselves over and were relieved to be only mildly soaked.

Applejack headed into the household in search of some towels, leaving Twilight time to prepare herself, 'Sorry, Applejack. I don't want to lie to you, or any of my friends for that matter, you're the Element of Honesty after all, but I need this, and I'm sure you'll agree it's for the best once you see things our way.'

Applejack returned to the barn and threw one of the towels draped over her back to Twilight, who caught it expertly with her magic and began drying herself. After the two had finished, Applejack tipped her hat, "Thank ya kindly, Twilight. It was real nice of ya to help out on such short notice."

Twilight smiled, "I'm always happy to help my friends."

"And don't we all know it? Ah dare say that we'd all be sat depressed out in that there rain if it weren't for you fixin' us up. Now then, why don't ya come on in and wait out the storm with us? We could use some fresh conversation, we don't get that many visitors all the way out here.

"Actually, Applejack..." she spoke with rehearsed hesitance, "I really need to speak with you about something in private."

Applejack smiled, "That's fine too, what's on ya mind, sugarcube?" she asked as she trotted over.

"It's just... I need your help, Applejack."

The farmer spoke soothingly, "Sugarcube, ya know all ya have to do is ask. What's the matter?"

"It's... It's about Spike." She didn't have to act that part, three months on, and it still stung her heart like venom. "After all that happened, I couldn't get any answers from anypony. Not even the Princesses know how or why it happened. But then I thought about it, and there is someone that nopony would've thought to ask."

Applejack didn't see how she could help there, she was clueless but responded regardless, "Who?"

"What if we asked-" A flash of light flooded the barn, quickly followed by the tremendous roar of thunder overhead. "Discord?" Twilight was trying not to smirk and drop her act, 'If I didn't know better, I'd say it was Discord himself that did that, the timing was right when I didn't need it...'

Applejack seemed dazed for a moment before speaking, "D-Discord?" she gulped as Twilight gave her an affirmative nod, "Ah don't think that's a good idea, Twi..."

"Just hear me out, okay? I asked the Princesses before I left Canterlot, and they told me that there's a spell we can use to talk to Discord without releasing him, it would be perfectly safe. But to cast it we'd need your Element, Honesty, to give him the ability to speak. I just need answers, Applejack, answers I know he has. I just need closure so I can finally move on. Please, will you help me do this?" she pulled her best pleading expression.

The farmer pulled down the brim of her hat until it was almost covering her eyes, "Ah don't like it, Twi. Nothin's ever 'perfectly safe' with him. Besides, even if he could talk, even if he were under my Element's influence, Ah don't think he'd be obliged to tell ya the truth. He's a liar, and a darn good one at that. Even if Ah did help ya, Ah'd only go as far as usin' my Element then leavin'. Ah ain't even gonna lend an ear to that scum bag after everythin' he's done to us. Ah know how important this must be to ya, sugarcube, but all he's gonna do is lie and hurt ya even more."

Twilight's face fell without her even trying, "Applejack, please, I need you there! If anypony can convince him to tell the truth, it's you! Please give this a chance, I'm begging you!"

Applejack tipped her head forwards so that the shadow the hat cast now covered her face, "Ah'm sorry, Twilight, but that's where Ah stand on this. If it were anythin' else Ah'd do it right away, but Ah can't help ya with this. Ah'll use my Element, but that's all. After all he's done to us both, Ah just can't bear the thought of speakin' with him." She looked up, and Twilight noticed tears in her friend's eyes. "He turned me into a liar, Twilight! One of the only things Ah can remember about my parents is that they were good, honest folks." Her tears fell now, and Twilight felt absolutely terrible for pressuring her, "When they..."

Outside, more lightning forked down to earth, followed by the mighty thunderclap.

"When they died, Ah promised myself Ah'd never tell a lie to anypony. That Ah'd be good and honest like my parents were. Ya know, somethin' Ah felt Ah could remember 'em by. Somethin' Ah know they'd be proud of me for. Then HE came along." Twilight jumped at the ferocity in her friend's voice, "And wrecked everythin'! He turned me into a LIAR! Now every time Ah try and think of what my parents would think about me, Ah don't think good. Ah don't think proud. No. Ah think LIAR! Ah think DISAPPOINTMENT! AH THINK FAILURE! Now Ah'll always know that Ah let them down! All because of that no-good SNAKE BASTARD!" The farmer desperately tried to hold her composure as though she wasn't shaking with rage and weeping, "Then he kept lyin'! He lied to Fluttershy, the only one who ever trusted him! And murderin' Spike. That was the final straw! Twilight, if Ah'm gonna help ya with this, even if it is just with my Element, you have to make me a promise."

Twilight was still reeling from Applejacks relevation, and her heart was heavy with guilt at making her friend feel this way. She couldn't even formulate a response, so she just gave a single nod and hoped it was enough.

Applejack released a huge breath and took several more to calm herself sufficiently, "Ah want ya to keep me in check. 'Cause the next time Ah see that walkin' freak show Ah know Ah'm gonna try and break him in half."

Whilst Twilight doubted breaking Discord's statue form in half was a good idea, she wasn't about to say so. Applejack was serious, she could tell. She'd never seen the mare this angry in her life. Silence descended upon the barn as both tried to collect themselves. Another flash of light flooded through the barn, the following unholy crash - which shook the barn itself slightly - signalling that the storm was passing directly over them. Twilight gulped, "A-Applejack, I'm so sorry... I didn't know. I would never have asked so much of you if I had..."

The farmer managed a thin smile as she pushed her stetson up from her face, "It's fine, sugarcube. Ah shouldn't have lost my temper like that anyways..."

Twilight stepped forwards and nuzzled her friend, "Let's speak no more of it, okay?" Applejack nodded and looked through the gap in the door. Twilight followed her gaze and did the same. It wasn't all that pleasant to be out in, but from inside the barn the tempest almost seemed to provide comfort. They were shielded from it's cold winds and lashing, icy rain. They were sheltered from the terrible rumbling thunder overhead. They were safe.

Quiet regained its hold on the barn again, the only sound to be heard was the gentle ambience of the rain outside. After several minutes Applejack spoke quietly, "So, fancy comin' in now all that's over? Looks like this storm's gonna last a while."

Twilight smiled but shook her head, "Thanks for the offer, but I think I need to go and clear my head. There's so much on my mind at the moment, I might as well take advantage of being able to trot around Ponyville undisturbed."

"Ya can't be serious? You're not really considerin' goin' out in that, are ya?"

"Oh, don't worry, I know a shielding spell that should keep me dry."

Applejack coughed awkwardly, "Ya sure you're not just avoidin' Big Mac? No need to be shy, Ah won't hold nothin' against ya."

Twilight felt her eye twitch slightly, "Applejack, I already had this discussion with Rarity. I'm pretty sure you remember how that ended?" she raised an eyebrow.

The farmer forced a nervous laugh, "Uh, yeah, hehe... Just checkin' was all."

Twilight smiled sweetly, "Well, in the future, don't." She shook her head, "Anyway, I'm going, see you around."

Applejack gave a wave as Twilight stepped out into the rain, "Be careful out there Twi, I'll see ya soon."

Twilight was drenched by the time she'd reached the bottom of the path, not that she cared. She hadn't been totally lying when she said she knew a shielding spell, but using it would've required her constant concentration, which would've defeated the objective of using this as thinking time. She was trotting towards the centre of Ponyville now, paying no real attention to her route or surroundings, 'I don't think there's any way I can change her mind.' She wasn't anywhere near as angry with herself for failing this time, and she noticed such pretty quickly, 'Applejack has a solid reason behind not giving Discord another chance. It's not my place to interfere, mission or no.' She sighed, 'Discord, you've really shot yourself in the hoof here... Applejack would feel the same way I do if she found out the truth, she would've been a valuable asset, but now, thanks to your 'games', she'll probably never side with us.'

A splash at her hooves caused her to look down. Her distorted reflection in the puddle looked back up sadly. She stayed there for just a moment and imagined what it would be like if her mum and dad were gone, 'In all honesty, I'm glad there's no way to convince you, Applejack. You've suffered enough already, and you've never burdened anypony else with it, not once. It would be selfish of me to ask you to give up what you've worked so hard for just so I can have my own revenge.' She trotted on, brought up her mental check-list and smiled as she completely scribbled out Applejack's name, as opposed to putting a line through it. 'It's better this way.' The final name on her check-list was marked with the same 'HIGH PRIORITY' tag as Pinkie's, 'Persuading Rainbow Dash to be open-minded and not attack Discord on sight... This will be difficult.' She began formulating her story in her head, 'I swear, I'll be a better actress than Rarity by the end of the month at this rate.'

Three days later Twilight had finally caught Rainbow Dash off-schedule. She had been working overtime ever since Twilight's last visit to compensate for her inadequate performance over the last two months - and more probably to avoid being laid off - making reaching her nigh impossible. Even more so considering she was spending almost every single break sleeping to regain her energy. If she didn't have a deadline, Twilight would have left her to her work, but as it stood only a week remained until her time was up, she had to move now. She approached her friend who was lounging on a bench outside Sugarcube Corner, munching on a chocolate muffin at a leisurely pace, "Rainbow Dash?"

The pegasus looked up and gave a muffin-muffled reply, "Oh, hey, Twilight!" She swallowed the entire mouthful and grimaced as if it was painful. If Twilight had to judge by the sheer amount of food that had just forced its way down her friend's gullet, it probably was, "What's up?"

"Something quite important, actually. Can I speak to you in private for a moment?"

Rainbow Dash glanced around quickly, "Doesn't look like anypony's listening in, Twilight."

"I know, but I don't want anypony to overhear this and get the wrong idea. Please?"

Rainbow rolled her eyes, "Okay, fine, let's walk." The two proceeded towards the outskirts of Ponyville where things were significantly quieter, "So, what is it anyways?"

Twilight slowed her pace to a steady trot, and Rainbow Dash followed suit after trotting a few steps past her, "It's about what happened to Spike."

Rainbow grimaced slightly, "Oh... Okay. So what do you wanna talk about?"

"Well, I was in Canterlot a few weeks back to see if the Princesses had any information on how everything happened. Turns out they didn't. I thought I'd never have any answers, that I'd be doomed to never know exactly why Spike was taken from me, but then I realised that there was one key detail that everypony else had overlooked. Calamity served Discord, so why not ask Discord himself?"

If Rainbow hadn't finished her muffin already she would've spat it across the road, "Discord? Are you nuts? I can think of a hundred reasons why not!"

Twilight held up a hoof gently, "Please, Rainbow Dash, let me finish. I know it sounds like a bad idea, but I need to know why my little brother died, and if we'll ever be in danger from that monster Calamity again. Besides, the princesses have assured me that it's safe, they have a spell so that we can hear him but he can't escape his prison."

"I don't like it, Twilight. This is Discord you're talking about! 'Twists and turns' and riddles and all that crap! What makes you think he'll even tell the truth anyway?"

Twilight gave her an almost smug smile, "Got it covered. Turns out Applejack's Element will work perfectly with the spell. He won't have a choice but to tell the truth!"

Rainbow shook her head, "Still, it's Discord, he lives to make this kind of thing go wrong. Where do I fit into this anyway?"

"Well, if he does somehow break the spell and lie without us realising - which is very unlikely - I think you'd be able to fight his influence the most effectively, considering your loyalty. I also believe you should be the one asking the questions. You're definitely the most fearsome of the six of us by a landslide. What do you say?"

"I say no."

Twilight stopped in her tracks, "What? Why?"

Rainbow stopped too, "Because it's a bad idea, Twilight, that's why. Even I can see that for cryin' out loud! I'm not one to think about things this much, but this is Discord, he's dangerous! He's too smart for us to trick him, he'll just find one little mistake and 'BOOM' he's free. So he has to tell the truth, but what's to stop him from saying nothing instead? Technically he's not lying if he isn't speaking, is he?"

Twilight said nothing, 'Damn it! Of all the times she chooses to think things through she picks now!? Gah! Don't make things difficult, Rainbow Dash!'

Rainbow waved a hoof near Twilight's face at her lack of response, "That's exactly what I'm talking about, and that's just me thinking. Discord's way more devious. Imagine what he could do if he got free in Canterlot this time around? It's a bad idea, Twilight, and somepony could get hurt. After my time at the Wonderbolts Academy I learned enough to know that getting what you want isn't worth it if you're putting your friends at risk in the process."

Twilight feigned anger now, "This isn't about me just 'wanting' something, Rainbow Dash! I need this! I can't sleep at night not knowing why I lost Spike! Don't you see!? Don't you care!?"

Rainbow's own voice rose, "Of course I care! But it's not worth risking your life for! Or the lives of anypony else!" She sighed and looked away, "Look, Twilight, it's not that I think what you're doing is wrong, but you need more time to plan this out. If you discuss it with the princesses and can promise me that you've covered everything, THEN I'll help you, no problem. You saved me from myself, Twilight, this is me doing the same for you. Slow down, and do what you do best. Think." Rainbow turned and flared her wings.

'Discord needs her!' Twilight was becoming desperate, "Rainbow Dash!"

The pegasus had already took to the air, "My mind's made up, Twilight."

"But I-"

"You can't put answers before other ponies' lives. Think things through and maybe I'll change my mind." she flew off without another word.

Twilight watched her go, her jaw nearly hitting the floor as she did so, 'Did she actually just tell me to think things through!? Did she actually just do that!? Damn it, Rainbow Dash! Maybe she was right though, I probably could've come up with a better story if I'd spent more time thinking it through... But still!' Twilight vanished in a flash of light and reappeared in the library, "GAH! UNBELIEVABLE! ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE!"

A familiar 'who?' sounded from behind her. She took deep breaths to prevent herself from exploding at the owl before trotting into the kitchen to get him some food.

Once that was finished she stomped up to her room and slammed the door with her hooves, 'My mind's made up, Twilight.' The unicorn pounded her hooves against the floor, shouting aloud with each strike, "I'M! SO! USELESS!" She almost felt like crying from the pent up frustration as she drew a thin line through Rainbow Dash's name on the check-list, 'What will Discord say? Is it impossible now? Will he refuse to help me? Was it all for nothing? Damn it, Rainbow Dash!' She counted the ticks, 'Two out of five. That should've been four out of five! Only Applejack even has a legitimate excuse!' She dove onto her bed, thrashing around as she landed, "It's not fair!" She didn't leave the room for the rest of the day. She was far too preoccupied with thoughts of potential failure to care about much else.

Tomorrow was the day. The air in the library was thick with the anticipation exuded from those within. Twilight spoke first, "You both know why we're here. After today everything changes for us. Forever. If either of you want to opt out it's completely up to you. I could use your help, but I won't pressure you into it. This is a decision that will quite literally change your lives, it's certainly not one to be taken lightly. If you do decide against it then all I ask is that you keep quiet and let me do what I have to do, okay?"

Fluttershy gulped but stepped forwards, "I... I said it once, and I'll say it again." She looked at Twilight confidently, "I won't let you do this alone. My mind was made up the moment you told me you needed help, I'm not about to leave you now." Fierce determination burned in her eyes, even if she rest of her shied away from the sudden attention.

Twilight's heart was moved by the pegasus' simple display of courage, "Th-Thank you, Fluttershy. Thank you so much." After a moment she turned to Pinkie, "What about you, Pinkie? Are you in?"

Though she was obviously as anxious as the others, Pinkie seemed to shrug it off, "Discord says he knows how to help me. I might never get another chance like this." She paused for a second then tilted her head, smiled and hopped once on the spot, "I'm in!"

Twilight smiled too, "Thank you, Pinkie. I'm sure whatever it is, he'll be able to help you." She couldn't help but feel a tad confused, 'I can understand why he wanted Rainbow Dash, her loyalty would've proved valuable, he said as much. But what does Pinkie bring to the table that interests him so much?' She stopped her musings upon realising the two were waiting for her to say something, "Okay, we need to make our final preparations. You both need to tie up loose ends, if you haven't already. Bring anything you deem important in your saddlebags, but don't overdo it, it'll look suspicious... I take it he's coming too?" Twilight gestured to Angel, who had been sat on Fluttershy's back the whole time.

Fluttershy seemed as if she'd forgotten he was there, "Oh, yes, I mean, if that's alright with you? He wouldn't stay put, no matter what I told him." The pegasus seemed dismayed, "Even 'the stare' didn't work."

Twilight sighed, but forced a smile, her friend was going to give up so much just to help her, she could at least let this slide, "It's fine, Fluttershy. But he'll have to stay in your saddlebags until we get there, if the others see Angel questions are definitely going to be asked." The pegasus nodded in response, and surprisingly Angel didn't seem to mind, instead he simply hugged Fluttershy's neck. Twilight turned to Pinkie, "What about Gummy?"

"Oh, the Cake's know more than enough to take care of him, he'll be fine. I know they'll take good care of him, so I'm not worried."

Fluttershy tilted her head slightly, "What about Owlowiscious?"

"Well it turns out Derpy's been searching for an owl for quite a while now. I talked with her over some muffins and she agreed to take him. Hopefully he'll keep her out of trouble for a while." The three giggled despite the tension. After a moment Twilight coughed and spoke up again, "Okay, I'll let you get to it then. We'll meet back here in two hours. Fluttershy, can you bring Applejack and Rainbow Dash?"

Fluttershy nodded, "Y-Yes."

"Pinkie, can you get Rarity?"

"Okie, dokie, lokie!"

Twilight trotted over to the door and opened it, nodding to each of her friends as they left. Once the door was closed she trotted to her room and found the last thing she hadn't taken care of. Spike's basket. The weight inside her returned, 'I can't bring it with me, it's too big.' She thought for several minutes before coming to the best conclusion. She put it back where Spike used to sleep then pointed her horn at it. A warm violet glow enveloped the basket, then shimmered away. Twilight couldn't tell if it had worked. She reached out a hoof to touch the basket, only to be met with an invisible barrier that shocked her hoof slightly as she was about to touch it, "Agh! Yeah, it works..." Contented that the protection spell would preserve the basket for as long as it took until she returned, she gave it a final glance then headed downstairs to prepare her story.

The five were assembled before her, three of whom seemed slightly confused. "I guess you're all wondering why I called you here out of the blue?" She gave Fluttershy and Pinkie a 'play along' look, and was met with five curious nods, "I've just received word from Princess Celestia via messenger pony, she says we need to be in Canterlot tomorrow."

Rainbow Dash took a step forwards, "Is something wrong?"

Twilight waved a hoof, "No, no. Don't worry, I asked the same thing. The message said everything's fine, but she did say we'll need our Elements."

Rarity spoke now, "Whatever for? Not that I doubt the Princess's judgement, but why would we need them if nothing's wrong?"

Twilight shrugged, "Who knows? Maybe she just wants to check there isn't anything wrong. Either way, the messenger told me she needs to speak with you, Applejack and Rainbow Dash when you arrive." She saw Applejack tilt her head, "And no, I don't know why. What I was told is that you'll have to make the visit during day court, her schedule's been pretty busy lately, apparently there was a disturbance at the castle a few weeks ago that really ruined her plans."

Rainbow Dash groaned, "Noooo... I don't wanna wait in line that long!"

Twilight smiled sweetly, "Sorry, Rainbow Dash, Princess's orders."

Applejack eyed her curiously, "Ah thought the Princess wanted to see all of us?"

"The messenger said that she's going to see us all at the end of the day, but that she has something to tell you three in private. I guess day court's the closest thing to privacy she can get while she's so busy." Twilight shrugged. "Oh, and she said we need to bring our saddlebags. Again, I don't know, sorry."

"So when do we set off, sugarcube? Ah'm more than a little curious about what the Princess has to say."

"We'll leave first thing in the morning, I'll make sure to bring the Elements. Meet me at the train station, okay?" She was met with a series of nods and affirmative grunts before the five departed. She shared a nervous glance with Fluttershy and Pinkie as they left, but said nothing.

They stood at the station, awaiting the Canterlot express in silence. Rainbow Dash couldn't stand it, "What's eatin' you guys anyways? You're all just stood there like the world's about to end or something!"

Rarity rolled her eyes, "Hardly, we're all just wondering why the Princess would make such an... odd request, aren't we?"

Applejack tapped Twilight gently, "Ya sure ya don't have any idea why the Princess only wants to speak to us? It almost sounds to me like she doesn't want you three to hear what she's gonna say."

Twilight fought like she'd never fought before to maintain her façade, forcing a smile that she felt sick to her stomach wearing as she spoke, "I trust the Princess's judgement, Applejack. The message said it was important that only you three see her in day court. I'm not worried, after all, she has no reason to lie to us, does she?"

Applejack smiled back, "No, Ah guess not. Thanks, Twi."

Twilight held the smile for a few more moments, "Don't mention it."

"The train's here!" Rainbow Dash stuck a hoof into the air triumphantly.

Rarity and Applejack stepped forwards as it pulled in, leaving Twilight to share a nervous glance with Fluttershy and Pinkie before they did the same. Twilight whispered to them as they came closer, "Play it cool, okay?" They said nothing but nodded and stepped onto the carriage as the doors opened. The butterflies in Twilight's stomach wouldn't settle down as she watched her friends climb aboard. One simple thought took precedence as she followed.

'It begins.'