Twilight was at home, reading a new collection of books she had bought from the Canterlot bookstore the last time she was there. She was reading "The History of Unicorn Magic - Volume 7", after she had already read the first six. She looked up at the remaining pile of books; volumes eight through to fifteen. She really wanted to get them done, as she wanted to learn as much as possible before Princess Celestia gave her another assignment.

As she completed her seventh book, she closed it and heaved it onto the pile of the ones she had already read. She pulled Volume 8 off the top of the other pile and began reading the first page.

"The History of Unicorn Magic, Volume Eight." she said aloud as she read the title. She flipped open to the first page and began reading. "In the year 1128, there were over four hundred spells known to ponykind."

As she was reading, Spike walked in, clutching his stomach. "Ugh. I don't feel too good."

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked, turning away from her book.

Suddenly, he belched, causing a letter and two other slips of paper to fly into the air. Twilight grabbed them with her magic and levitated them toward her desk.

"Hmm? These are tickets." she said. She read the label on the side of them. "The Annual Royal Ball - Entry for one pony."

"Royal Ball? That sounds interesting." Spike commented.

"Yeah, sounds like fun. I wonder what the letter says."

She unrolled the scroll and began reading.

Dear Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student,

As you may know, the annual royal ball in Canterlot is approaching. This is an important event, and this year I would like to invite you and one other friend to attend. I have sent you two tickets to attend the ball and you may choose whoever you wish to attend.

Unfortunately, I am unable to send you more tickets, as they are extremely hard to obtain. Even as the princess, I can't always help you. I apologise for placing you in the same situation twice. That said, please remember that if you can't decide between your friends, you also have the option to return the tickets and not go at all, as you were willing to do last time.

I hope you attend, I would love to see you there.

Your teacher and mentor,

Princess Celestia

"Oh. I only get two?" Twilight said, already thinking about the decision. "Well who do I take?"

"Maybe you should just send them back, like you did with the Grand Galloping Gala tickets." Spike suggested.

"I can't do that, Spike. I don't want to be rude to Princess Celestia. She said these tickets were hard to get, so I wouldn't want to turn down this offer."

Twilight put her hoof up to her chin and thought. She picked up one of the tickets off the desk.

"Hmm... I'd better make a decision fast, the ball is on tomorrow night!" she said.

"Well, it's not that bad. You only have five options." Spike added.

"Well... I know it's a very formal night."

"You have to make a decision, Twi. The princess wants you to go."

Twilight continued to think.

"Actually, now that I think about it, the royal ball tends to be a, you know... 'romantic' sort of night."

"Yeah, and?" Spike asked.

"Do you think I should take a... a stallion with me?" Twilight asked. "Like, on a date?"

A few months earlier, Twilight had met a pony called Time Turner. They soon became friends, and they started hanging out on occasion.

But over time, Twilight began to feel more than just friendship towards him. In fact, Twilight had just gotten her first crush.

Over time, Time Turner began to like her back, and also developed a crush on her.

They quickly became 'very fond' of each other, and although they weren't officially going out, it was quite obvious about their feelings toward each other.

"Spike, does my mane look okay?" Twilight said as she brushed it in her mirror.

"It looks fine, Twilight." Spike replied.

"Fine isn't good enough, it has to be brilliant! I've never asked a stallion out before, so it this to be perfect."

"Twilight, stop worrying. You'll do fine."

At that moment, Spike saw Time Turner walk past outside.

"Twilight," Spike said, nudging her on the arm. "There he is."

"Oh, this is it. This is my chance. How do I look?"

"Twilight, I told you. You look fine, just go."

"Time Turner, wait!" Twilight called out as he walked on by.

He turned his head to Twilight's front door. He saw the purple mare standing in the doorway nervously. "Oh, good morning Twilight. Lovely day we're having, isn't it?" Time Turner said as he stared into Twilight's deep, beautiful eyes.

"Yeah, it's really nice."

"So anyway, what did you call me for?" he asked.

"Oh right, yes." she said, remembering the reason she was out there. "I got a letter from Princess Celestia today, with two tickets to the Royal Ball in Canterlot tomorrow night."

"Oh, ok. That's pretty nice." he said.

"Well, the thing is, I got two tickets and I was thinking about who to take with me."

"Hmm?" Time Turner said, catching on to where this conversation was going.

"Well, I was wondering, if you weren't doing anything tomorrow night," She paused for a moment and tried not to blush. "if you would like to maybe go with me?"

Time Turner smiled. "Really? You- you want to take me?" he said as Twilight started blushing. "But what about your other friends? Wouldn't you want to take one of them instead?"

"Well, since this is a more formal sort of event, I was kind of hoping that we could go together. You know, as a... a date."

"Okay, su- sure." he stuttered. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Time Turner left, really excited. He had a crush on Twilight for ages, and now they were going on a date to a royal ball. He looked back at Twilight, who had left her house and was now heading down the street.

Twilight knocked excitedly on Rarity's door. Rarity stopped sowing and walked across the room and opened it.

"Hello, Twilight. How are you?" Rarity said.

"Oh, I'm doing great." Twilight replied, really excited for tomorrow night. "Rarity, I need to ask a favour."

"Of course, Twilight. Anything you need."

"Well, I have to go to Canterlot tomorrow night for a formal event," she said, leaving out the fact that it was a ball. She didn't want Rarity to get upset about Twilight not inviting her. "And I was wondering if you could make me a dress."

Rarity smiled. She loved making dresses for her friends.

"Of course I can make you a dress. I'll try and get it done before tomorrow night."

"Thanks, Rarity. I really appreciate it." Twilight said happily.

"What's happening in Canterlot tomorrow anyway?" Rarity asked.

"Oh, nothing important. Just a little 'get together' with the princess and a few other ponies." she lied.

"Alright. Bye." Rarity said as Twilight left.

Twilight smiled as she swayed home, filled with anticipation of the royal ball. She was imagining what it was going to be like. She had never been on a date before. She was lost in thought.

She arrived home and tried to continue of with Volume 8 of "The History of Unicorn Magic", but she couldn't. She was too excited.