While travelling through Ponyville, and just before arriving at the Carousel Boutique, Twilight felt a brief energy surge through the night air. It was faint, and appeared to originate from an unseen distance, but she was otherwise unable to pinpoint its exact source. “Huh” whispered Twilight under her breath. “That was weird.”

This of course got the attention of the little dragon that was riding on her back, who was now beginning to wonder as to why they had stopped. “What's weird?” Spike spoke with a quivering voice, looking around, half expecting for some unknown bogeymare to pounce out from the shadows.

“Relax Spike, it's nothing.” Reassured Twilight. “I just sensed a little bit of magic, which isn't unusual considering how many unicorns there are.”

Spike relaxed, and reclaimed his rightful place on her back. “If you say so, Twi. So, are we going to Sweetie Belle’s, or what?”

“First off, we're visiting Rarity, remember?” Spike tensed up on her back, which Twilight was keen to notice. “Uh, Spike? You okay?”

He was currently staring off into the distance, with a shocked expression painted across his face. Upon noticing this, Twilight focused her eyes in the same direction, and gasped at what she saw.

“P-PRINCESS!?” She shrieked in shock and alarm. “What are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming over until tomorrow? I haven't even cleaned my castle yet!”

“Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia chuckled. “I'm deeply sorry for the early intrusion, but given the situation, I felt it was necessary.”

“Situation? What situation? Is everything okay?” Asked Twilight in a panic.

“I'm afraid that's a conversation we’d need to have in private, and with the other elements present. Do you have anywhere we could go?” Celestia asked with a polite smile.

“Uh, sure. Rarity’s boutique is nearby, and we were heading there anyway. Spike, can you please find the others and tell them to meet us at Rarity’s?”

“Sure thing! Be back in a bit.” Spike said, before he bounced off in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres.

Author's Note

Alright, so. Another short chapter. As mentioned in my previous author's note, somebody recently died in my family, so I just wanted to get these two chapters out there as soon as possible, mostly as a way to get my mind off of... stuff.

I'll likely come back in and edit these "short chapters" once I'm back in my rightful state of mind.

Anyway, the next chapter should be ready soon. Hoping to make it longer as well.