"You what?" Twilight peered suspiciously at Moon. "Can you elaborate?"

Moondancer sighed. "I ran some experiments. I believe that Pinkie Pie's reality distorting abilities are based in alternate perceptions. She is perceiving our own plane of existence in ways we cannot and do not, and so she's not bound by our rules. Her special sense is a form of spatial awareness. Or, at least, I think." She shrugged with frustration. "It would take an experienced researcher years to even begin to unravel such a mystery properly."

She huffed softly. "But it is a deliberate force, with provable means and results. Which leads me to believe it could be learned." She bit her lip thoughtfully. "The question is: can Pinkie teach? As far as I've seen, it hasn't happened. So maybe they have to be receptive on a level beyond the normal ponies in Ponyville." She rubbed behind her head a moment. "If we can't duplicate this ability, its uses are far more limited, but not zero."

Twilight paced the length of her study. "I believe we should leave that matter alone for the time. If she wants to learn about her talent, we can assist, but forcing it won't help."

Moon smiled at Twilight's sensible words. "I wouldn't dream of forcing her. Besides, forcing seems to run counter to the nature of this ability. It works better the less she considers it." She put a hoof to her chin. "A very intuitive sense. If she has a mishap, it is usually when she's trying too hard."

Twilight hummed with consideration. "Interesting. Yes, if you notice such a pattern, there may be cause to investigate more deeply." She gestured for Moondancer to join her. "This calls for an investigation. There may be more going on."

Moondancer brightened, moving to Twight's side. "So, you approve of this?"

Twilight lifted an ear at Moon. "Of course?" She huffed gently. "Don't tease me. I didn't understand her, and still don't, but you've made it far more, hm. I feel like it's actually a thing to consider, instead of simply accepting. I hope that doesn't sound too cold."

"No, that sounds perfectly sensible." Moon hugged Twilight tightly. "Thank you for your patience."

"Always, for you, and always, for anypony." She rested her chin atop Moon's head. "Now, I'd like to investigate your investigations, if you please." She presented a hoof.

Moondancer backed a step, looking confused a moment before she perked up. "Oh! You wish to see my papers? Of course!" She rushed off to find them. She returned moments later with a large stack of books. "Here they are. I think I'm on to something." Her eyes glittered. "We'll figure it out, I assure you. Together."

Twilight picked a tome off the top. "Together. Indeed, Moondancer. Indeed we will." And they descended into the tomes to work the rest of the night away. This would prove to be one of many sessions to come where they worked on mysteries that defied them both.

"Sleep."

"Hm?" Twilight glanced over at her research buddy.

"We need sleep." She tapped at her head. "One thing I have learned from Pinkie is how to observe. We are both displaying marks of fatigue, and we cannot research at full capacity under this condition. We should sleep."

Twilight drooped gently. "You are correct. Good idea, Moondancer." She stretched and yawned, shaking herself awake enough to walk up the stairs. "After you."

***

Diamond considered what was in front of her a moment. "Not bad." She twirled a hoof. "Turn."

Spike did as ordered, smiling with a blush. "Really?"

"I wouldn't lie to you, Spike." She came in to touch her nose to his cheek. "You're looking sharp. Love it. Now, let's talk presentation." She adjusted his hat and poked his sides.

He jumped up and stood ramrod straight. "Yes'm!"

Diamond winked. "Perfect. Okay, you are my date." She stepped back and indicated herself with both forehooves. "A lucky dragon. Don't forget it, and don't try to push for anything. We've done nothing yet."

He blushed. "I-I, um."

"Don't stress it." She waved it off. "But we're going to that dance, and we're going together. We're going to have a good time, and show ourselves off while we're at it. Get it?"

He nodded firmly, saluting. "Absolutely, Diamond Tiara."

"Oh stop." She slugged his arm lightly. "Let's get going." She gestured towards the door. "Off to the barn we go."

The dance was in no opulent dance hall. Ponyville had far more spacious barns for such activities. Music played on an elevated stage, strings and pianos and gentle horns flowing in concert.

Diamond strode calmly among the throngs, smiling to every pony. "Hello Fillies and Gentlecolts."

Pinkie was there, unable to resist the call of a party, even one she didn't personally plan. She waved vigorously. "Hi, Diamond! Spike! I love your outfits!" She bounced up to give Diamond Tiara a hug, squeezing the little filly to herself. "You look fantastic."

Diamond looked sour a moment before the unasked-for hug stopped. "Thanks." She waved to Spike. "Sharp, right?"

Pinkie gave a thumbs-up to Spike, an act unusual for a pony to give. "Always has been."

He smiled warmly. "Thanks, Pinkster."

She kissed his cheek. "Now go have fun, kids."

Diamond Tiara swished her tail and walked off, but hesitated after a few steps. "Is that? Why is he here?!" Mixed in with the country folk that made up the majority of the ponies there, Vigorous was sampling a drink. She ducked behind Spike. "Nopony told me there'd be a rich pony here, besides myself that is."

Vigorous saw them, waved cheerfully, and came sauntering over, holding his drink carefully aloft. "Hey, it's the Ponyville girls, Diamond and... was it Golden Glory?"

"Spike." He looked Vigorous over critically. "Hey again. It's been a while."

"Oh ho, it has. Tell me, Spike." His voice dropped. "Is your sister around anywhere?" He wiggled his ears at the couple. "I don't see her, and I've been looking since I arrived."

"Moondancer?" Spike did a turn in place to join in the search. "I didn't bring her, and she didn't mention coming. She's not as big on places with a lot of noise and ponies in it, especially at the same time. It bothers her."

"Pity." Vigorous leaned down to pat Spike's head. "That mare could use a good romp. She's wound tighter than a bow string."

Diamond Tiara crossed her forelegs over her chest. "What would you know about it? You're still a foal, and she's a grown mare."

"Hey now!" He held up his hooves, gesturing for calm. "I've learned a thing or two about mares. All I'm saying is, your friend could stand to loosen up some, that's all." He chuckled gently. "You're a mare too, and wound up, though I'm not sure what has you so tense tonight."

"It's a school dance." Diamond gestured to the other foals. "I have expectations to manage."

Spike gently touched Diamond's forehoof with his hand. "I'm your boyfriend. You said I have to come." Spike shrugged awkwardly. "That's, kinda it."

"Aw." Vigorous smiled gently at Spike. "Good for you two. Have a great night. Try the cider punch. Delicious." He waved to them and moved off, returning to mingling amongst the crowd.

Diamond leaned in closer to Spike. "He doesn't live remotely near here, and this isn't his social strata. He has nothing to gain. Why is he here?!"

Spike glanced around at the party, frowning a bit at some of the behavior going on. "Well, it might not be 'classy' to him, but the country foals really are having a blast." He reached for one of her legs, wrapping an arm around it. "Maybe he just wants to have fun with ponies who know how to have fun?"

She wrinkled her nose at the idea. "Rich ponies don't lower themselves. They mingle, but we'd never drop this low."

"Oh." Spike frowned softly. "That sounds really sad."

"Yeah, and really true." She rested against him. "He must have some reason we don't know." She lashed her tail. "And I want to know."

Spike covered his face as a nearby pony let loose a hearty belch and received a cheer from her cohorts. "Well, yeah. Maybe it has something to do with Moon. I mean, he brought her up really quickly."

"Good thinking." She moved Spike into dancing position and started to sway with him as a slower song came on. "If we're lucky, he'll let something slip eventually." Her smile turned cruel. "In the meantime, let's go dig for treasure." She tugged Spike towards where Vigorous was engaged in conversation with several ponies. "Dance and listen for keywords. I'll take point."

"O-okay." Spike drew Diamond closer as they twirled into the next beat of the song. "I'd rather enjoy our time together."

"Of course I'm not leaving your side. I don't trust half these ponies to know their limits. Too many flirty mares and stallions in here. Half drunk." She latched onto him possessively. "They're not getting their hooves on you."

Spike couldn't help but laugh softly at her jealous demeanor. "They'd have to catch us first, Di. I don't intend to lose at dancing with the cutest filly in town."

Her jealousy morphed into a bright blush. "Spike!" But she didn't argue the compliment. For a little time, they just danced and were happy in the presence of one another.

Vigorous was dancing himself, enjoying some rather energetic jigs with partners. He didn't seem to have his eyes set on any particular pony. The handsome stallion seemed content to simply flow with the motions of the music.

Diamond couldn't resist approaching for too long. She smooched Spike's cheek as she guided him towards the rich colt. "I need to know," she whispered to him harshly.

Spike sighed, but followed her lead. He felt her move forward and matched step, meeting Vigorous as the colt changed dance partners from a young earth to a unicorn mare.

Diamond coughed pointedly. "Nice to see you."

Spike nodded in agreement. "How are things? Enjoying yourself?"

"I am, yes, thank you." He stepped back, leading the unicorn filly along. "Ponyville certainly seems to know how to appreciate a good, how do they say, 'hoe down?'"

"Yes, yes we do." Diamond slid forwards with a light step. "Tell me, Vigorous. What brought you all the way out to Ponyville for an event as, rustic, as this one?" She examined her forehooves. "Most sophisticated types would steer clear of an event such as this." She cast the room a glance, clearly dismissing the simple decorations.

"Not necessarily." He flashed her a grin as they switched partners once again. "Ponies are ponies, whether in Canterlot, or down in Ponyville." He leaned in closer to Diamond. "And there are certain bits of fun you can only get when you get closer to the mud."

The filly he'd been dancing with looked offended, stomping off to find a different dance partner. "Aw, see what you've done?" He pointed after his lost dance partner. "You'll have to make up for it." He offered his hoof to her.

Diamond blushed. "I am already dancing with my date."

Vigorous looked to Spike with an easy smile. "Mind letting me borrow your lovely lady friend there?"

Spike laughed nervously. "Ah ha, well..."

"It is impolite to intrude on a lady's dance," Diamond pointed out stiffly, bringing her head up.

Spike nuzzled into her neck. "This is your chance to get him to open up to you. Go for it." He made a flourish of a move, offering Diamond to Vigorous.

Vigorous accepted, sweeping her away, which left Spike without a dancing partner. Fortunately, there were a few fillies about that were available. He accepted a shy invitation to a slower song.

Diamond huffed as she was swapped between the two. "I am a filly with a mind of my own, Vigorous. I will leave if you make things odd."

"I wouldn't dream!" Vigorous assured her smoothly. "Just tell me a little more about yourself." He considered her attire. "Seems you like nice clothes, hm? Me too. Let me guess." He drew closer and inhaled deeply, taking in her scent. "I know that scent. Treneigh #4?" At her nod, he chuckled. "Classy. Fruity notes, floral tones, subtle undercurrent of sandalwood." He lowered his voice. "Never let anypony tell you otherwise, Diamond Tiara: good perfume is unisex, and ponies who think it isn't are deluding themselves."

She let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness you have some sense. You are a little overdressed for the crowd though, don't you think?"

"As if you aren't?" He ran a hoof along the side of her dress, clearly a few steps above the ponies around them. "A glittering diamond among the coal."

"Well, if one doesn't make an effort, how can anyone else bother?" She grinned back at him.

"That's the spirit." He spun her. "Now then, shall we see what trouble we can stir up?"

Author's Note

Wait, what? A chapter that isn't an episode? Is that legal?! Let me check that.

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