Twilight got out of the shower, feeling refreshed and relaxed. She smiled, then stretched, yawned and cracked her neck. She grabbed her "Do Not Disturb" sign and hung it on the doorknob. She walked over to her bed, then crawled into it with a sigh of contentment. She fell asleep within minutes.

The next morning, Twilight woke up slowly as the morning's sunshine spread its warmth on her face. She shielded her eyes, blocking the light's direct contact. She got up out of her bed and went into the bathroom, then put her glasses on. So glad it's Saturday, she thought. I can go over to Canterlot High, and nobody but me will be there! I hope...

Twilight got dressed, then heard little sniffs and paws scratching at her door. She giggled, then walked over and opened it. Spike ran inside nearly full tilt, his tail wagging as he panted excitedly. She bent down to pet him and was yet again caught off guard by a series of puppy kisses. She giggled again, then gently pushed him away. Spike sat for a moment, yawned, then followed her.

Twilight ran down the stairs, then greeted her parents and brother with hugs. She grabbed her breakfast, then sat down next to her mother at the table. Her dad and brother sat on the opposite side.

"So," Night Light said as he looked away from the newspaper he was holding. "Any plans for today?"

Twilight nodded. "It's a nice enough day for some field research," she said.

Night Light raised an eyebrow. "'Field research'?"

"Just studying the flora of the neighborhood."

"Didn't you already do that last week, Twily," Shining Armor asked.

"Yes, I did," Twilight admitted. "But I think it's important to collect data on a regular basis." Night Light simply shrugged, then went back to reading the paper.

"Don't stay out too long, honey," Velvet said, putting a hand on Twilight's shoulder.

Twilight smiled warmly. "I understand your concern, mom," she said as she rested her head on her hands. "But I can take care of myself just fine. It's not like I'm going to any bad parts of the neighborhood."

"I guess not," Velvet said.

"But if it makes you feel better, I'll check in with a text every now and then." Twilight reassured her mother.

Velvet smiled. "I'd like that, Twilight."

Twilight smiled, then went back to eating her breakfast. She didn't like lying to her family like that, but she felt that it would be worth the trouble she might get into if it meant discovering something truly groundbreaking. She finished her breakfast, then grabbed her backpack from the closet next to the front door. She then ran into her lab and grabbed some measuring equipment, stuffed them into her backpack then ran off.

Twilight took a deep breath, then exhaled with a smile. Truth or not, I really should take a look at the plant life to see if the unusual energy from Canterlot High has affected them. She checked her map app on her phone to get a feel for the distance between her house and the school. She had a feeling she'd be doing a lot of back and forth between the two in the coming days ahead.

Twilight blanched when she saw that it would be a three mile hike. She wasn't used to walking that far, and getting a taxi each way would end up costing far too much! It couldn't be helped. Sometimes pains had to be taken in the name of scientific progress! She sighed, then began to walk to Canterlot High. At least the weather was nice. The birds were chirping, cicadas were buzzing...

"Twilight!" A vaguely familiar voice called out. Twilight turned her attention to the voice's owner and found Lemon Zest.

Twilight smiled with a wave. "Hi, Lemon."

"What brings you out here?" Lemon asked as she walked towards Twilight.

"Oh, just scientific research, investigating a school, detecting abnormal activities." said Twilight. Ack! Why did I say that?! Lemon blinked. She laughed awkwardly as she pulled at her hair. "Kidding!"

Lemon laughed and pat Twilight on the back. "I didn't take you for a jokester, Twilight!"

Twilight shrugged with her smile remaining awkward. "What can I say? I guess I'm just a natural!" she said as she again laughed nervously.

Their conversation was interrupted by an all too familiar voice. "Aww, look at you two!" Lemon and Twilight both turned their heads. Twilight tensed up. There, standing in front of them, was Sour Sweet.

Author's Note

Six days until the Friendship Games.