In Her Element

by TLATopHat

Rating: everyone
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Slice of Life, Twilight Sparkle, Original Character
Length: 6471

An unexpected letter sends Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash to Canterlot on the kind of adventure nopony ever wants.

Everything is perfectly fine in the town of Ponyville until an urgent and unexpected letter sends Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash rushing to Canterlot, straight into the jaws of an adventure neither of them are remotely prepared to face. Their friendship will be tested in ways no villain has yet, and the consequences will be dire for one of our heroines should the duo fail that test.

(Chronologically set in the interim between Seasons 2 and 3; Cover Art by TLATopHat)

Published 2014-01-06 03:10:07 UTC
Last updated 2014-01-20 02:05:47 UTC

A New Day Dawns

The morn approached. She looked over her shoulder expectantly, shifting her weight from one hoof to another. Celestia, Princess of the Sun, would be there soon. The night was old, and a pale mist clung to the hills and valleys of Equestria; the time was fast approaching for the Princess of the Night to retire her pale moon to make way for her sister’s glorious day. Luna had always treasured her nights, but working with her sister, weaving their magics together... those were the moments she especially cherished. Luna looked up to watch the small stars glitter against the deep purple of the nighttime sky, a soft smile pulling at the corner of her mouth.

The soft clop of hoofsteps from behind broke her reverie. Celestia's graceful form appeared at the door, stepping lightly into the open air, her white coat contrasting starkly with the deep red of the carpeted stonework. "Good morning, sister! How farest thou this day?" Luna asked, turning to smile at her older sister. Celestia chuckled briefly at the greeting.

"I'm fine, Luna. You don't have to be so formal." She stepped up to her sister and nuzzled her neck. Luna flushed in mild embarrassment.

"Of... Of course, Tia. We... I mean... I am sorry. I have not yet completely broken the old habits." She returned the embrace with one of her own before stepping back to give Celestia a playful glare. "It did not help that you let me visit Ponyville without first warning me. We made a downright fool of Ourselves in front of everypony." This brought another melodious laugh from Celestia.

"Oh Lulu, surely it wasn't as bad as all that? You got to make some friends there, if I recall correctly; my most faithful student, Twilight, among them." Luna smiled warmly at the memory. The whole ordeal that Nightmare Night had been confusing, awkward, and at times... frightening. If it hadn't been for that young lavender mare, she didn't know what might have happened. She didn’t really want to dwell on it, either.

"We... I suppose you're right, Tia. You still should have warned Us, though."

"You're right, Luna." Celestia smiled. "I'm sorry I didn't mention it. It wasn’t something I thought of at the time. After all, I haven’t used the Royal Canterlot Voice for well over three-hundred years now.” She gave her younger sister a playful wink. “Now then, how about we get the sky set for the new day?" Luna nodded enthusiastically and the two walked side-by-side to the end of the balcony. Only a short time ago, she would have only come up to her sister’s shoulder. Now, with her powers and magic fully restored, she stood only a head shorter than Celestia. There was a kind of comfort in that.

With a nod from Celestia, Luna closed her eyes and raised her horn to the skies, wrapped in a pale blue light. Beside her, Celestia did the same, a golden glow pulsing into being around her own ivory horn. Luna felt her magic leap skyward, and she followed its path with her mind's eye, guiding it with practiced skill, ensnaring the Moon in the shroud of her magic. Gently, she prodded the great orb towards the horizon, hastening its descent from Equestria's skies to bring its softer light to the other side of the world.

The stars shimmered in the brightening sky and began fading fast as Celestia drew her Sun to the edge of the horizon. Like heralds, warm colors announced the arrival of the Sun to Equestria. At last, the Sun's disc broke above the eastern mountains, casting the first rays of sunlight on the still-slumbering towns and cities.

Luna released her magic as she felt Celestia do the same. She smiled as she looked over the lands below the great mountainside city, its rich greens and browns brightening as the Sun began its ascent. "I wonder what your student is doing today, Tia. It has been a while since we last heard from her." Celestia followed Luna's gaze down to the small village of Ponyville in the valley below. If she knew Twilight as well as she thought, she was likely already awake and preparing for the day ahead.

"I'm not sure, Luna," the elder sister admitted with a soft smile. "But whatever the day has in store, she's sure to handle it well, as she usually does." She paused for a moment, eyeing the little town pensively. Luna tilted her head in curiosity.

"Is something wrong, Tia?" she asked with a measure of concern. Celestia blinked and shook her head slightly.

"No, no. Of course not, dear sister." Her eyes lingered a moment longer on the town before turning to her younger sister with a smile. "Come, let's have breakfast. The chefs in the kitchen worked extra-hard this morning." Luna nodded in agreement and moved close to Celestia's side. Together, they returned to castle interior, just as the dawn brushed the rooftops of Ponyville with its warming light.

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"Spike~! Time to get up!" Twilight called in a sing-song voice as she trotted across the library floor. She had been up for over an hour already; clean, groomed, and ready for the day. Spike, however, was not so quick to shake off sleep, and the only reply she got from the young dragon was a muffled grumble from upstairs. Twilight rolled her eyes and proceeded up to where Spike was sleeping in his basket at the foot of her bed. "C'mon, Spike, we've got things that need to get done this morning." Spike just groaned and stuffed his head under his pillow.

A note of annoyance played across Twilight's features. Her horn lit up with a purple aura as she stripped the blankets off of Spike. The dragon just curled up tighter and refused to move. With an exasperated sigh, the unicorn lifted the basket off the ground with her magic, then neatly up-ended it. Spike dropped from his overturned bed with an audible 'oomf'. He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes.

"Alright, alright. Jeez, Twilight. Why'd you have to go and do that?" Spike asked as he clambered to his feet.

"Well, somepony was being extra-stubborn this morning, so I just provided a little extra incentive." Twilight replied with a mischievous smile. "Besides we have a lot to do today." She led the way back down to the library's main floor and magicked over a logbook from off her desk. "A new shipment of books is coming from Fillydelphia later, so we have to go over our inventory to see what's missing or overdue. Then we have to go out and collect up the overdue books." She flipped open the logbook and began scanning the pages. "And finally, we write up a checklist of what we're missing and go meet the shipment at the train station."

Spike, despite his lazy start, was already in full motion, dutifully going over the books on the shelves to see if he could spot any missing volumes. "So... when is the shipment arriving exactly?" He asked, jotting down the names of missing books on a scroll as he moved to the next shelf.

"The letter I got said Phineas Bookworm, the librarian from Fillydelphia, would arrive with the shipment on the 3 o'clock Pony Express." Twilight explained, setting the logbook down on a podium as she kept flipping through its pages. Spike froze mid-step in surprise.

"Holy Guacamole, Twilight! That's not a lot of time! That means we have..." He paused, counting on his fingers. "...less than eight hours to get everything done!" Twilight just smiled confidently, a note of pride in her voice.

"Don't worry about it, Spike. I have it all planned out. If we stick to my plan, we'll have everything done in time to meet Mr. Bookworm on the platform when he arrives. In fact, if it goes as smoothly as I hope, we'll even have time to grab a bite to eat around noon!"

"No breakfast!?" Spike asked in shock.

"Of course there's breakfast, silly. It's right there on the table." She pointed a hoof at the still-steaming tray of sweetrolls, still dripping in warm icing. "Fresh from Sugarcube Corner. I already had some, so go ahead and help yourself." Spikes eyes lit up as he zipped over to the table, snatching up one of the gooey confections. "Just don't get icing all over the books." Twilight warned pointedly, pulling out another logbook with her magic.

"You got it!" Spike replied, enthusiastically stuffing the treat into his mouth. Twilight couldn't help but smile at the look of pure bliss on Spike's face. She wouldn't trade Spike's dedicated companionship for anything in the world.

The two of them spent the rest of the early-morning hours going over the shelves and combing through records. Surprisingly, by the time the task was done, they found that there were only five books that were still overdue; each taken out by one of Twilight’s closest friends in Ponyville. It was a fact that did not go unnoticed by the young librarian. “How about that,” she noted with a wry smile as she looked at the list. “I guess that’s what happens when you lend things to your best friends.” She rolled up the list and tucked it into her saddle bags. “How about the list of missing books, Spike?”

“I just finished it! Looks like we’re missing seventeen books from our inventory. I have them all listed here.” He unrolled the paper and held it out for Twilight to read. Twilight studied the list for a moment, then smiled smugly. “Excellent! These books are sure to be in the shipment, so there’s no problem. Ponyville’s library will be up-to-date in no time!” She trotted happily to the door, flinging it open with her magic. “C’mon, Spike! Let’s get those overdue books back from the girls.” Spike hopped up onto Twilight’s back, and together they left the library, heading out into the beautiful summer day.

And what a beautiful day it was. Celestia’s Sun was now well on its way to its apex in the sky. The pegasi of the Weather Patrol had pulled out all the stops and had crafted beautiful thin wafts of clouds that floated lazily across the sky like giant feathers in the breeze. Even from where the pair was standing, they could see Ponyville’s main thoroughfare was fairly packed with ponies. Everypony, it seemed, wanted to be out and about that day. Twilight couldn’t help but look around and smile at all the ponyfolk merrily going about their business as she cantered her way through the crowds. There was something wonderful about the people here that Canterlot didn’t quite have, though she couldn’t quite put a hoof on it. Spike’s boyish rasp cut into her thoughts as he read off the first book.

“Let’s see... ‘Perfect Party Pastries Properly Prepared’.” He chuckled at the name. “Yep, that sounds like Pinkie Pie’s kind of book alright. To Sugarcube Corner!” He exclaimed pointing dramatically towards the building in the center of the town square. Twilight diverted her path towards the iconic building for the second time that day. Already, the smell of baking bread and the heady scent of sweet cakes wafted around her.

The bakery always had a small group of ponies moving in and out all day long. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were well known for their simple but delicious goods, making the bakery a favorite stop of travelers going to or from Canterlot. Of course, Pinkie Pie had built herself quite the reputation as an expert party planner and budding baker, and the Cakes were glad for the extra set of hooves in the kitchen. Living near the bakery was one of the perks of living out here that Twilight was quite happy to take advantage of, though she admitted that she missed the late-night study sessions she used to have over at Pony Joe’s while she was at the University.

As she approached the bakery steps, the door swung open and out came Bon-Bon, a cake box balanced carefully on her back, with the mint-colored Lyra only a few steps behind. Twilight courteously stepped aside to let the ponies go by. “Morning Bon-Bon! Morning Lyra!” She said cheerfully.

“Morning Twilight!” the two ponies replied in chorus.

“What’s with the cake, Bon-Bon?” asked Spike, eyeing the box with unmasked curiosity.

“Oh! Well, it’s Lyra’s Birthday today. We just finished going over the party plans with Pinkie Pie,” Bon-Bon replied. “It’s going to be in the park this afternoon. You wanna come?”

“Do I ever! We’ll be done with our work by then, won’t we Twilight?” Spike asked, hopefully. Twilight tapped the tip of one hoof on her chin for a few moments, going over the timeline in her head. Finally, she gave a shallow shrug.

“I guess we can hold off on re-shelving the books until tomorrow.” She turned to Bon-Bon with a confident nod. “We’d be happy to come to the party. When does it start?”

“Five o’clock.” Lyra chimed in.

“We’ll be there.” Twilight said with a smile, turning to climb the steps into the bakery. “Oh! And Happy Birthday, Lyra!”

“Yeah! Happy Birthday, Lyra!” Spike chorused, waving at the two ponies.

“Thanks, you two! See you at the park later!” Lyra called back as she followed Bon-Bon out into the street.

Twilight pushed the doors aside and stepped into the bakery. By now, the smells were overpowering; cake and frosting, cinnamon and sugar, fresh fruit and bread. Mr. Cake himself was there to greet her at the front desk. “Why hello again, Ms. Sparkle! What brings you back here this morning?” He asked, taking a moment to shelf the tray of cookies he was carrying. “Anything I can do for you?”

“Good Morning, Mr. Cake! I was just wondering if Pinkie Pie is in yet.” Twilight explained, trotting over to the counter.

“Pinkie Pie? Sure! She’s back in the kitchen with the missus. Watch your step, though! She’s trying out a new cupcake recipe. No telling what she’s got laying about back there.” Mr. Cake cautioned motioning to the kitchen door with a hoof. Twilight gave him a thankful smile and made her way into the kitchen. Just what kind of new recipe was this, Twilight wondered? She sure hoped there was a batch done already. It was sure to be delicious.

As Twilight and Spike walked into kitchen, they were greeted by a very familiar voice singing a very familiar song. “All you have to do is take a cup of flour; add it to the mix! Then you take a little something sweet, not sour. A bit of salt; just a pinch!” There was Pinkie Pie, her bubbly voice filling the kitchen as she bounced to and fro, somehow managing to be everywhere at once. Mrs. Cake was there too, carefully pulling a fresh tray of cupcakes out of one of the bakery’s many ovens. Twilight inhaled the heavy smell the wafted from the open oven. They smelled heavenly, but she couldn’t quite place exactly what kind of cupcakes they were. They didn’t smell like any cupcakes she had ever had. Eager to find out more, she approached the two bakers just as Pinkie finished her song with a long, drawn out “Cupcaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaakes!”

“Wow, Pinkie Pie!” Spike said, eyeing the spread of confections on the counter. “Those cupcakes sure smell delicious!” The pink pony perked her ears at the compliment, bouncing over to the pair.

“Well hi there, Spike! Hey, Twilight!” She exclaimed happily. “Whatcha doin’ here?”

“Hello, Pinkie Pie. Actually, we’re here to...” but Twilight’s explanation was cut off by a sudden gasp from Pinkie.

“OOH! Hey! Twilight! Do you like bananas?” Pinkie asked, grinning from ear to ear.

“Wait... I... Huh?” Twilight stuttered, a little confused by the sudden question.

“Do you like bananas?” Pinkie repeated. Twilight opened her mouth to formulate a response, but the pink earth pony barreled on. “‘Cause you’re gonna go bananas for my new super-duper-most-awesome-delicious cupcakes of ALL TIME!” In usual Pinkie Pie fashion, she was instantly holding out one of the fresh cupcakes to Twilight for her to try. Twilight looked from the cupcake to Spike, who just shrugged. Levitating the treat, she took a bite off one side of the cupcake.

“Wow! Pinkie, these are really good! What’s in these?” She asked, passing the rest of the cupcake back to Spike, who happily indulged himself. Pinkie giggled at the question.

“Bananas, silly! They’re my new Super Banana-Chocolate Swirl cupcakes! I’m making them for Lyra’s Birthday Party this afternoon!”

“Wow, Pinkie! These are delicious!” Spike managed between bites. “Where did you come up with this?” Pinkie pointed a hoof to a blue book on the countertop.

“Easy-peasy, Spike! I found a great chocolate cupcake recipe in that book. I just gave it a little Pinkie-style spin!” So saying, Pinkie spun off like a pony-sized tornado. Mrs. Cake was chuckling at Pinkie’s antics, watching her whirlwind through the bakery.

“Oh my, you should have seen her when she first got the idea. My goodness, I thought she was going to put a hole in the ceiling she was bouncing so much,” Mrs. Cake explained, laughing. Twilight walked over to the book and flipped it closed with a wave of her horn. On the cover, in bubbly lettering, was ‘Perfect Party Pastries Properly Prepared’.

“Yep, that’s our book alright,” said Spike, hopping from Twilight’s back to the counter and scooping up the book. “Hey Pinkie!” He waved at her, trying to catch her attention. The pink whirlwind spun to a stop, leaving a very disoriented and dizzy Pinkie. After a moment, she grabbed her head with her hooves to stop her eyes from spinning.

“Wassup, Spike?” She asked, as if nothing had happened.

“Mind if we take this book back to the Library? It’s kinda overdue.” Spike explained.

“Oh sure! I mean, I don’t need it anymore. I got all my recipes up here in the old Pinkie noggin’.” She tapped her head with a hoof, which made an oddly hollow knocking sound. “I’m sure somepony else needs it more than me.”

“Cool! Thanks, Pinkie Pie! And thanks for the cupcake!” Spike happily hopped back onto Twilight's back, sliding the book into Twilight’s saddle bag.

“See you at Lyra’s party later, Pinkie.” Twilight said as she headed back out of the bakery and out into the hubbub of Ponyville’s town square.

An Unscheduled Arrival

“Chin up just a teensy bit more, darling. Wouldn't want to nick you, now would we?” Rarity intoned. Twilight complied, lifting her chin a few centimeters as the bobby pin drifted uncomfortably close to her throat. The specific chain of events that led up to her modeling swaths of blue satin with lace accents on Rarity’s fitting platform was a tad murky to Twilight. All she knew was that she had barely gotten two words in edgewise before the fashionista took total control of the situation.

“How did I get roped into this?” she grumbled morosely.

“Well, after leaving Sweet Apple Acres, you asked me where to go next. Then I said, ‘To Carousel Boutique to visit Rarity.’ Then you said—”

“Spike,” Twilight interjected, giving him sidelong glower, “that was rhetorical.” Spike gave her a blank, uncomprehending stare. She rolled her eyes in turn, lowering her head with an exasperated sigh. Rarity clicked her tongue in disapproval.

“Twilight, dear, I must insist you stand still. The sooner I can get the shape and layering of this dress right, the sooner I can—”

“Rarity, I’m really sorry to have to cut you off.” Twilight hastily shrugged out of the layers of cloth, leaving Rarity visibly disappointed. “On any other day, I’d be thrilled to help you finish up your designs, but Spike and I are on a bit of a tight schedule, and there’s still a number of stops we still have to make.” This seemed to placate Rarity, as she immediately set her sewing tools aside.

“Come to think of it, Twilight, why did you stop by this morning? Is there something I can help you with?”

“Actually, there is. I’m updating the library today, and when I went over the records, I noticed that the book you borrowed is overdue. I believe it was called ‘Pre-Classical Fashions and Frippery’. Do you happen to have the book on-hoof, Rarity?” Rarity pensively tapped her chin with the tip of her hoof.

“I... do recall borrowing a book by that title, yes,” She answered at length. “Marvelous reference, if I recall correctly; very detailed. However, I don’t think it’s on the premises anymore, I’m afraid.” Twilight’s eyes narrowed.

“What do you mean? Where is it?”

“I lent it out, darling; to Fluttershy, I believe. Yes, she saw the book on the table over there and asked if it was okay to borrow it for a while. I didn't see any harm in it, so I agreed.” Rarity smiled apologetically. “I do hope that doesn't complicate things for you, Twilight.” Twilight, however, was already levitating her saddlebags over as she listened.

“Not at all! Actually, that makes things easier. I’ll be able to grab both books while I’m at her cottage. C’mon, Spike.” Spike hopped up on her back as she turned to leave. “Sorry about the dress again, Rarity.”

“Oh, think nothing of it, dear,” she replied, levitating the half-finished dress. “I have mannequins for a reason, after all, so I’ll make do. Good luck with the library project!”

“Thank you, Rarity! Have a good day!”

“Bye, Rarity!” Spike added, waving enthusiastically as the pair trotted back out into Ponyville proper. Once out on the thoroughfare, Spike pulled out the list of overdue books. “So I guess the next stop should be Fluttershy’s cottage, so we can pick up Rarity’s book as well as–” he squinted at the list “–’Obstinate Ostriches and Other Troubled Birds’?” Twilight giggled at the name. Yes, that was definitely the sort of book Ponyville’s resident animal specialist would have.

“Well then, we’d better get started. Fluttershy’s cottage is on the other side of town from here.”

It was one o’clock now, and the streets and byways of Ponyville were noticeably emptier than they had been earlier in the morning, as most ponies had gathered in their homes and favorite haunts for a midday meal. As she navigated her way across the town, Twilight caught the scent of cooking on the wind. She felt her stomach rumble hungrily at the thought of food, and made a mental note to swing by the café on their way back through town.

She wasn't the only pony still going about their business at this hour, of course. A few of the more dedicated stall vendors were still hawking their products, hoping to catch the late-lunch crowd and a few extra bits in the process. One particularly vocal farmer was still promoting his cabbages to a mostly empty street.

It was this particular lack of ponies that made the rainbow contrail that appeared overhead all the more noticeable. It flew past Twilight, clearing the nearby buildings by dangerously close margins, sweeping up the street towards the end of town. “Why is Rainbow out practicing at this time of day? Isn't she the first to go get food at mealtimes?” Spike pointed out, watching the contrail pull into a vertical climb.

“Rainbow’s a grazer like most pegasi, Spike. She eats a lot of small meals instead of three large ones like we tend to do, so I wouldn't be surprised if she’s already had her lunch.” Twilight watched the rainbow left in Dash’s wake vanish into a cloud overhead. “Although, I do have to wonder what stunt she’s trying out this time.” Twilight cantered closer to the middle of the street as she continued towards her goal, so that the surrounding buildings would not block her view of the aerobatics on display. Rainbow’s contrail reappeared, descending in a near-perfect vertical dive; a dive that showed no signs of stopping even as it rushed to meet the ground. Twilight watched as the leading edge of the rainbow trail vanished behind the rows of buildings ahead and winced, waiting for the sound of the nasty impact she was sure would shortly follow. Instead, her ears were greeted with a dull roar.

Straight ahead of her, and bearing down at an unbelievable speed, was Rainbow herself, kicking up a cloud of dust behind her as she tore down the street, mere inches from the dirt, directly towards Twilight. In that exact moment, Twilight knew she was going to collide with Rainbow if one of them didn't move, and she could see from her shocked expression that Rainbow had come to the same conclusion. Rainbow flared her wings and tried to stop her momentum, but it wasn't enough. As the two ponies were about to smash into each other, Twilight’s horn winked to life and she vanished in a flash of violet light. Rainbow touched down, hooves skidding along the dusty road for a good distance before losing her balance and tumbling head-over-hooves straight into the cabbage vendor’s wagon.

When the dust cloud settled, wood and cabbages had been scattered down the street in all directions, and in the middle of what was left of the vendor’s stand lay a very dazed, but relatively unharmed Rainbow Dash. Twilight reappeared a short distance away, Spike still hanging onto her neck, and galloped over to her friend. “Rainbow! Are you alright? Are you hurt?”

“I think I’m good, Twi,” replied Rainbow with a grimace as she used Twilight's outstretched hoof as leverage to extricate herself from the wreckage of the wagon. She flicked her wings experimentally and winced, turning to inspect her right wing. “Or not so good. I think I pulled something.” She gently stretched and flexed it. “Should be good to fly on, but I’ll have to back off the flashy stuff,” she sighed, “...again.”

“My cabbages!” the farmer lamented loudly, gesturing at the smashed and scattered vegetables that lay strewn all over the street. He rounded on Rainbow, eyes narrowing accusingly. “I hope you’re prepared to pay damages, young lady!” Dash swallowed nervously.

“D-damages?”

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Rainbow Dash flapped slowly alongside Twilight and Spike, leaving the irritated farmer behind counting bits. “Thanks for the bailout, Twi. I owe ya big time for that one.”

“I’ll say.” Twilight eyed the inside of her coin purse before putting it back in her saddle bags. “That came out of my library upkeep stipend, not to mention that I’m now even further behind schedule than I already was.”

“Hey, Twilight! I know a way Rainbow can return the favor. She can fetch the books we’re missing, while we… you know, grab a bite to eat,” Spike suggested hopefully. Twilight’s belly grumbled again at the mention of food. She had to admit, it was a good idea. Rainbow could collect the books much faster by flying than she could on hoof; not to mention it was now pushing two o’clock and they had to meet the train at three.

“That’s a great idea, Spike. Think your wing can handle some light errands, Rainbow?”

“As if a pulled muscle would keep me from helping out my friends! Of course I can handle it! Just say the word, and I’ll get it done.”

“Good. I need you to swing by Fluttershy’s cottage and pick up two books from her—she’ll know which ones—and drop them off at the Library along with your copy of ‘Daring Do and the Hippogriff’s Claw’. Then, meet me at the train station at three o’clock to help me deal with a new shipment of books. Do that for me, and we’ll call it even.” Rainbow Dash snapped a salute.

“I’m on it! I’ll have those books back to the Library in ten minutes flat!” Without waiting for a response, Rainbow shot up and away towards the edge of the Everfree Forest. Twilight let out a sigh of relief. Time to enjoy a well-deserved meal. She turned around and headed back towards the center of town with a little more bounce in her trot. Everything is still going mostly according to plan.

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It was just before three, and the trio stood patiently on the platform as the distant plume of smoke and cinders announced the arrival of the three o’clock Pony Express. The brightly colored train pulled into the station with many a squeal, squeak, and hiss as the brakes strained to stop the mass of metal. However, the highly competent conductors of the Equestrian Railroad Company knew their trade well, and the train came to a rest precisely where the platform markings said it should.

Twilight, Rainbow, and Spike, who were standing just outside the cargo unloading zone, scanned the crowd for anypony who matched the description they were given in the letter. “Excuse me, miss. Would you happen to be Miss Twilight Sparkle?”

“Yes, I would,” she replied as she turned to face the voice’s owner. “I’m guessing you’re—” She caught herself mid-sentence. The pony before her certainly matched the description, but still, he was nothing like what she expected. The Earth Pony was far younger than the letter seemed to indicate. When the letter said he was grey-maned, she expected an older stallion, but this was a pony not much older than she; blue-grey coated with twinkling turquoise eyes. Twilight mentally shook herself and smiled. “I’m sorry, you must be Phineas Bookworm. I must admit, you’re not quite what I expected from the letter I got.” Phineas nodded.

“Don’t worry, Ms. Sparkle. I understand your surprise. Grey manes are not usually associated with ponies my age. Quite frankly, I was just as surprised when I was told you were the Ponyville librarian. Seems a rather modest station for the two-time savior of Equestria.” Rainbow cleared her throat poignantly, drawing Phineas’ gaze. “And you must be her friend Rainbow Dash.”

“The one and only!” Dash replied with a cocky grin.

“I probably shouldn't tell you this, but my son is a pegasus who thinks the world of you. He’s always zooming around outside, pretending to be off on some adventure or another with you.” Rainbow’s grin grew wider as she struck a heroic pose.

“Don’t encourage her with undue praise, Mr. Bookworm,” Twilight interjected with a smirk. “Her head gets a little big for her shoulders often enough as it is.” Rainbow stuck her tongue out at Twilight, drawing a laugh from Phineas. “In any case, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bookworm.”

“Phineas, if you please.”

“Alright then, Phineas,” Twilight agreed with a nod, “I believe we have a manifest to comb through.”

In that moment, there came a cry of alarm from above and behind Phineas. Rainbow was the first to react. “Incoming!” she shouted, diving away from the train. Both Twilight and Phineas took a brief moment to glance at the source of the alarm before taking action themselves; Phineas stepping back into the train car behind him and Twilight taking a short hop backwards just in time to avoid a speeding blur of grey feathers as it tumbled head-over-hooves across the platform between them.

The mass of grey turned out to be a very familiar blonde-maned pegasus. Rainbow Dash was the first pony to help the mare to her feet. “Derpy, how many times do I have to tell you: watch your approach speeds!” Derpy Doo smiled sheepishly as she placed her mailmare cap back on her head.

“Sorry, Rainbow Dash. I was in a hurry because the letter I’m carrying needs to be delivered before three-fifteen.” She turned to look at Twilight with her good eye. “Hey, Miss Twilight! The letter’s for you, by the way.” Derpy reached into her mailbag with one wing, producing a rather official-looking envelope. Twilight took hold of it with her magic and brought it in for closer inspection. She frowned at it with concern. It bore the seal of the Equestrian Parliament.

“You said you were told to deliver this before three-fifteen today?” she asked, breaking the seal and opening the envelope. Inside was a folded letter and two train tickets.

“Yes, Miss Twilight. The instructions were really clear that it had to reach you before then,” Derpy replied emphatically. “When you weren't home, I kind of panicked. I had to ask around town a bit to find out where you were. That’s why I was going so fast. Sorry for cutting it so close.” Twilight nodded her understanding as she unfolded the letter.

To: Miss Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic and Royal Protégé, Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville

You are hereby summoned to Canterlot immediately by Parliamentary Order for reasons that may not be disclosed in writing; per Department of Law Code 43, §7, ¶4(c), amdt 2. You are permitted to bring one (1) close friend or acquaintance in whom you can place your trust. You are not permitted to bring a member of your family, immediate or extended, nor any person directly in your care. Enclosed are two (2) tickets for the Pony Express’ three-thirty departure from Ponyville for you and your selected friend. Failure to arrive in Canterlot aboard that train will be considered a single (1) misdemeanor count of Failure to Heed a Parliamentary Summons. Once in the city proper, an escort of Royal Guard will meet you on the platform to accompany you and your selected friend to Harmony Hall, where the purpose of these summons will be explained in person.

The duration of the summons is seven (7) days. The length of this summons may be extended at the discretion of the Ministers involved, should the purpose of the summons remain unresolved by the end of said period. Room and Board will be provided for you and your chosen friend for the duration of the summons at the expense of Parliament, the specifics of which will be disclosed upon your arrival to Harmony Hall.

Pending the outcome of the summons, you and your chosen friend may be entitled to back-pay, damages, and/or other forms of financial compensation for any inconveniences incurred as a result of being absent from your destined professions. Return transportation will also be provided, if necessary.

Signed and Sealed on behalf and with the authority of the Department of Internal Affairs,

Minister Top Hat, Ministry of Disaster Response, Department of Internal Affairs, Harmony Hall, Canterlot

Twilight read the letter over a second time, brows furrowing in concern. “I’m being summoned to Canterlot, and I have to leave now,” she announced to the gathered ponies.

“Summoned by the Princess?” Rainbow asked, stepping over to get a look at the letter.

“No, by Parliament, or at least a group within Parliament.” Twilight looked up at the station’s clock. “Shoot! The train leaves in fifteen minutes, and I’m supposed to bring someone I can trust with me!” She began pacing back and forth fitfully.

“Okay, who’s the best choice? That would be Rarity. She knows how to deal with Ministers and the like. Oh, but she has that trip to Baltimare tomorrow. What about Applejack? She’s level-headed, honest; but Sweet Apple Acres is too far away to fetch her and be back to the station on time. Well, there’s always Pinkie.” She paused mid-stride. “No. Definitely not Pinkie.” She resumed her pacing. “Fluttershy is way too demure to deal with professional politicians, not to mention that she’s all the way over by the Everfree Forest and—”

“And what am I, a side of hay fries?” Rainbow frowned indignantly at Twilight. “I’m right here next to you, y’know. A trustworthy friend, on the platform, ready to go.” She gestured towards the waiting train.

“Sorry, Rainbow. I didn’t mean to make it sound like I don’t trust you. It’s just that this whole business with the Ministers might be a bit, well, out of your element,” Twilight explain with an apologetic smile. Rainbow snorted.

“Look, you’re probably right. It sounds unquestionably, undeniably uninteresting, and I’ll probably wind up flying circles around some fancy-shmancy room out of pure boredom; but I’m your friend, for pony’s sake! Plus, you've got about ten minutes left to get on this train, nopony else can make it here in time, and I can’t let you leave by yourself; not when I’m right here.” She cracked a smile. “Besides, I still owe you for that bailout earlier today with the farmer.” Twilight smiled back. She had to admit, Rainbow was right. Neither of them had much choice in the matter at this point, and Rainbow was the Element of Loyalty. That had to count for something.

“Alright, Rainbow. Go on over to the ticket office, and I’ll meet you there shortly.”

“What about me? Can’t I come, too?” asked Spike.

“Sorry, Spike. The letter said that I couldn't bring family or somepony for whom I'm responsible. Otherwise, I’d take you along in a heartbeat. So instead, I’m leaving you in charge of the Library while I’m gone. Help Phineas go over the manifest for those books we need and get them back to the Library. Show him around the town and help him get settled in at the hotel.” Spike hopped down off her back, taking the list of missing books with him. “And don’t forget to have fun at Lyra’s Birthday party later, too.”

“You can count me, Twilight! I'm your Number One Assistant, after all. I’ll take care of everything, so don’t worry about a thing!” He gave Twilight a parting hug around the neck, drawing out a smile. “Take care of yourself, Twilight.” Twilight returned the hug with an affectionate nuzzle. She raised her head to address the other librarian.

“Phineas, it was a pleasure to meet you, and I’m sorry to have to cut our meeting short so unexpectedly and on such short notice.”

“It’s fine, Ms. Sparkle. You’re quite the important pony after all, and I wouldn't want to hold you up on account of a handful of books. Best of luck to both you and your friend in Canterlot.”

“C’mon, Twi! We need to get on the train now if we want good seats for the trip up to Canterlot,” Dash called from over by the ticket office.

“Alright! I’m coming!” Twilight tucked the letter and envelope into her saddle bag and cantered over to her friend. She hadn't wanted to say anything out loud where Spike or Phineas could hear, but it wasn't the summons itself that had her worried. There was a lot of odd wording in the letter that just didn't sit right with her. Unfortunately, the only way to get her answers was by following its instructions. Hopefully all would be made clear when they reached Harmony Hall that evening.