Discord's Day out

Twilight Sparkle was having a pretty good day. Sure, she had a minor freak out when she spilled punch on Cadance's new dress, and sure, she may have reacted somewhat violently when some ill-informed brats tried to picket to her a program which would turn all of Equestria's libraries into arcades, but she still felt she had a good handle on the day's events.

Spike was having a truly rotten day. Not only did he spend half an hour trying to calm Twilight down as she frantically apologized to Cadence for some reason, but he'd also had to explain to the Crystal Guard precisely WHY several colts had been sent flying out of the top of the crystal spire when only one of them was a Pegasus. On top of all that, the ball was boring and girly, and Rarity didn't even notice his smashing new hat.

It was getting late, and Twilight didn't understand why Spike was so down after such a wonderful party. Maybe he was still grouchy that Rarity didn't like the... Whatever that mess on his head was meant to be was... That he'd made during his sewing lesson.

It was getting late, and Spike wondered why Twilight was so chipper. He, Spike, was sore and tired. He was still annoyed that Twilight had palmed his gem treats off to some random pony who she accidentally tripped as an apology, as he'd been hungry all day. Of course, being a hungry dragon in a city made of crystal, none of which you're allowed to eat is one of the worst places to be, so Spike was, naturally, feeling down. Oh, and his claw still hurt from Twilight's mandatory lesson #49: Sewing.

Suddenly, Spike felt something. That familiar burbling in his stomach. Princess Celestia was sending him a letter.

Suddenly, Twilight felt something. That familiar tickling as spike rubbed a letter on her to try and get her attention. That could only mean one thing...

"A letter from Princess Celestia," Spike grumbled.

"A letter from Princess Celestia!" Twilight enthused.

They read the letter together.

Dear Twilight Sparkle

I regret to inform you about some odd behavior in our old friend, Discord.

My sister has been spending time in Ponyville today, and she has realized something: Discord is not his usual self. His pranks seem forced, as if his heart is not really in them. He's been seen all around town, and apparently he's been helpful and polite.

While this is definitely an improvement for us, Luna has also noticed that Discord seems much more on edge then usual. He seems to be... Almost depressed, if that is even possible.

I would be most pleased if you and your friends would investigate them problem, as Luna tells me that whenever she approaches Discord he seems to shy away, almost as if he is scared of her, although, as you well know, Discord did not previously act like that in her company.

It may be in your best interests to involve Fluttershy, as Discord may speak more openly to her.

I await your swift response.

Yours truly, Princess Celestia.

Spike and Twilight looked at each other for a moment.

"Do you realize what this means?" Twilight asked.

"I know..." Spike started, in an unenthusiastic voice.

"I... Have... HOMEWORK! YAY!" Twilight shouted, before jumping around in a small circle muttering "Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes..."

Spike simply rolled his eyes. It was going to be a looong night.