You've Been Summoned!

Chapters

I Can't Shake These Monday Blues
Tuesday Morning, Head in Hooves
Stuck Inside On A Wednesday
Thursday's Child Has Far to Go
Today is Friday, It is My Day to Disappear
I'm Waiting In Saturday's Dream

I Can't Shake These Monday Blues

Monday morning

Castle of Friendship, Ponyville

Twilight Sparkle yawned, stretching as she got out of bed. She smiled at the beautiful summer weather outside her window. Looks like another perfect day in Ponyville.

“Twilight!” Spike's voice echoed through the castle halls. “There's something you need to see in the throne room!”

She sighed. “So much for a slow morning,” she murmured and teleported herself to the castle's throne room.

Appearing in a flash of purple light, Twilight looked around, quickly taking in the situation. The cutie map looked active, with a glowing cutie mark floating above it. Beside the map table, Spike and Starlight Glimmer stared at the cutie mark with identical puzzled expressions on their faces.

“Good morning,” Twilight said with a smile, trotting the last few paces to the table. “So it looks like another map mission is ready. I know I'm not glowing. Who are the lucky ponies going this time?”

Starlight shook her head slowly, raising a hoof to point at the floating mark. “I'm not really sure.”

Twilight stepped right to the table's edge and peered closely at the cutie mark swirling over a small neighborhood in Vanhoover. It looked like a deep-blue glass pitcher. She frowned, glanced at her friends, then joined in their perplexed expression.

“Who the hoof is that?”

Tricky Pickle diner, Baltimare

Dusty Rose sipped tea at her usual booth, glancing from the door to the clock on the wall. The rest of the regular morning crowd busied themselves around her, eating their breakfasts and having the same old conversations to pass the minutes before the day's activities began. She set down her cup and ran a pink hoof over her pale-gold mane, brushing some errant strands back from her face. “Where is he?” she wondered aloud, glancing at the door again.

The earth pony was just taking the last bite of her haycakes when the bell over the door jingled and a stallion covered head to hoof with a heavy cloak pushed his way inside. He looked immediately at Dusty's booth and let out a relieved sigh, pushing back his hood to reveal the smile on his off-white face under a messy orange mane.

“Dusty!” he called, trotting over breathlessly. “I'm glad I caught you here. The weirdest thing happened.”

“Cobalt, what kept you? I waited, but I'm going to be late to work if I don't get going. So will you, by the way. I ordered your usual, but you're gonna have to eat it on the way at this point.”

“Dusty, that's not important right now.” He glanced at the other patrons of the busy diner. “I have something I need to show you. Come into the restroom.”

Her brow arched slowly. “Cobalt! We're friends, sure, but I'm not sure I like where this is going.”

He wrinkled his brow at the response, then gasped with understanding. “Oh! No, it's nothing like that. I just can't show you out in the open in front of everypony. It's a little weird and kinda embarrassing.”

“It's sure sounding like something like that.”

“Dusty, please! I'm a little freaked out right now-”

“I got that.”

“-and you're my best friend. I really need your help on this.”

“I just don't know.”

“Please!”

Dusty Rose sighed and glanced at the clock. “Alright, Cobalt, I'm late now anyway. A couple more minutes won't make a difference.” She got up from the booth, gesturing toward the restroom for her friend to go first.

“Thank you!” Cobalt trotted ahead, leading Dusty back out of sight inside the restroom.

Dusty closed the door behind her as she entered, seeing the nervous tension in her friend as he checked the stalls. “So what's this weird, embarrassing thing you have to show me, Cobalt? And, by Celestia, if this is what it was sounding like-”

Cobalt cut her off by pulling his cloak up off his flank. There was his cutie mark, a deep-blue glass pitcher, glowing brightly in pulses. As she watched it appeared as if each pulse of light came from little copies of the cutie mark seeming to radiate out from the center before disappearing again.

She stared at his flank, mouth hanging open. “Whoa... how is it doing that?”

“I don't know,” he replied nervously. “I was getting ready to meet you for breakfast and it just started glowing! I tried washing it off in case I got some strange, glowing chemical on there, but it didn't do anything.”

“Is it doing it on both sides?” she asked, walking around to get a look. “Wow, yeah, it is! This is really weird, Cobalt.”

“See? I told you it was.”

Dusty reached up and gingerly poked Cobalt's flank. “Does it hurt?”

He shrugged. “It doesn't hurt, exactly. It more sorta... twingles.”

She looked up at his face, raising a brow. “Twingles?”

“Yeah.”

“What's a twingle?”

“It's kinda like a twinge, but also kinda like a tingle, just not quite either one.”

Dusty rolled her eyes. “OK, as long as it's not hurting you.” She circled him again, watching the pulsing mark for several long moments. “What are you going to do?”

“I don't know! That's what I wanted to ask you.”

“How should I know what to do? I'm a florist, not a doctor or a wizard or anything.”

“Dusty, that's it! You're a genius!”

She grinned, polishing a hoof on her chest. “Well, yes, I am pretty amazing.” A second later she frowned. “What was I a genius about?”

Cobalt pulled his cloak over his haunches again. “I'll go see a doctor. This must be some weird illness. A doctor will know what to do.”

“But Cobalt, what about work? You're late as it is.”

“I'm sure my boss will understand. I can't blow glass all day if my flank keeps distracting the rest of the crew. I'll just run over to the hospital and get this checked.” He trotted to the door. “I'll bet they can cure this right away!”

Monday afternoon

Jane Horsekins Hospital, Baltimare

“I don't have a cure for this,” said Doctor Fetlock before writing a note on Cobalt's chart.

Cobalt sat up on the exam table, pulling his examination gown over his pulsing cutie mark once more. “But Doc,” he pleaded, pointing to the glow still visible through the thin fabric. “There has to be something you can do. You can't tell me this is normal.”

The doctor shook his head, hanging the chart on the door. “Oh, it's definitely not normal! I've never seen anything like it in my entire career. That might even be the strangest thing I've seen in my life.”

Cobalt winced a little. “Not really helping, Doc.”

“Ah, yes, sorry about that.” He cleared his throat. “While it's not normal, I can assure you it's also not an illness of any kind, nor is it any form of injury. Physically you're fine, Mr. Cobalt.”

His shoulders sank. “So that's it? My flank will be a beacon for the rest of my days?”

“Now, I didn't say that, Mr. Cobalt. I just said it isn't a physical problem.” He put a hoof on his shoulder, showing his most practiced and sympathetic bedside smile. “It's likely a magical phenomenon. Do you know any wizards you can talk to?”

Cobalt stared back at him. “I'm a glassblower,” he said flatly. “Where would I meet a wizard?”

Fetlock nodded sagely. “Of course. Lucky for you I happen to know a highly-rated wizard who should be able to shed some light on this situation.”

“Shedding light is what I want to stop doing, Doc.”

“Yes, well,” he wrote a few lines of information onto a bit of paper, handing it to Cobalt. “If it's a magical problem, I'm positive Comet Tail will have an answer for you.”

Jane Horsekins University – Astronomy Department, Baltimare

“I don't have an answer for you.” Comet Tail turned away from Cobalt, shifting the huge stack of books and scrolls suspended in the magic aura of her horn. “If you'll excuse me, I have a lecture to prepare and lab notes to review.”

“But, Doctor Fetlock said you'd be able to help. Please! Nopony can tell me what this is.” Cobalt pointed back at his flank and the flashing cutie mark. “It's been doing this all day.”

The teal unicorn stopped, her shoulders tensing. “Fetlock sent you to me?” she asked without looking back at him.

“Yes. He said he was positive Comet Tail would have an answer for me. He, um, seems to think very highly of you.”

She looked up to the ceiling, grinding her teeth. With a swallow she steadied herself. “Oh, yes, he thinks so highly of me that he doesn't bother to learn my specialty.”

Cobalt frowned, cocking his head to one side. “He did say you're a wizard.”

Comet Tail turned back to face him, visibly struggling to contain her frustration. This pony just got here, she reminded herself. “Yes, I'm a wizard. A research wizard specialized in astronomy, with a focus on the magical influences of recurring stellar phenomena.”

He stared back at her blankly. “I don't understand anything you just said,” he admitted, then perked up. “Oh, except wizard! I know that part.”

She sighed. “What do you do for a living?”

“I'm a glassblower,” he replied slowly, uncertain what this had to do with his problem.

“So you make glasses and vases and the like?”

“Yes.”

“What would you say if I came to your shop and asked you to make me a dress?”

“A glass dress?”

“No a proper dress out of fabric.”

“But I don't know anything about making dresses.”

Comet Tail smiled. “Exactly! You and a dressmaker are both craftsponies, both make products for your customers, but you use entirely different knowledge and skills to do so. Just like a magical researcher like me has a whole different set of skills from a therapeutic wizard, which is what you really need. See what I'm saying?”

Cobalt's shoulders slumped and he nodded. “Yeah, I see. That makes sense.” Sighing, he added, “I just have no idea where to go from here. I can't just keep glowing everywhere.”

She reached out a hoof and lightly patted his shoulder. “Look, I sympathize, I really do. I just don't know anypony at the university who studies cutie mark magic. It's mostly a settled subject and there aren't a lot of wizards who deal with it at all, really.”

“So there's nopony who can help me?”

Comet thought for a moment, chewing her lip out of habit. “The only real research on cutie marks I've even heard about lately is a paper presented a couple years ago in Canterlot, by Princess Twilight Sparkle, but even that was about simultaneous cutie mark acquisition in relation to her specialty of friendship magic, not cutie mark related ailments.”

Another blank stare met her answer.

“I'll see what I can do,” she promised, floating a pencil and a bit of parchment in front of her and jotting down a note. “I'll ask around with some of my colleagues to see if they've heard about something I haven't. If that doesn't turn anything up, I'll write to Princess Twilight and ask if she knows anything.” She glanced up at him. “Where can I reach you?”

Cobalt told her his home and work addresses. “Thank you so much for doing this. I know you said it's not your specialty, but it means a lot to me.”

Comet Tail smiled. “I'm glad to help. I'm sorry I was so curt with you before. It looks like I've got to have a long talk with Dr. Fetlock, again.”

He turned to go but stopped after a few steps. “When should I expect to hear from you?”

She pursed her lips. “Hmm, I should be able to ask around within a day or so. If I have to write to the Princess, likely a week.”

“A week?”

“It's the best I can do,” she told him with a smile. “Try and get some rest. Maybe it will clear up on its own. You never know.”

Monday evening

Cobalt's apartment, Baltimare

Cobalt sat on his couch, staring at the flashing light on his flank with half-lidded eyes. He pulled his thickest blanket over his flank, despite the summer heat. The flashing continued, with the same twingle feeling he'd felt all day, the light only slightly obscured by the covering. With a sigh he dropped his head back onto the pillow laid over the arm of the couch.

“Get some rest, she said. Maybe it will clear up on its own, she said.” He pulled the pillow out from under his head, pressing it down over his eyes. “I'm never gonna get to sleep again.” The light kept pulsing, over and over.

A loud knock at the door prodded a groan from Cobalt's lips. “Go away!” he called out, holding the pillow down with both hooves. Great, now it's waking up the neighbors.

“Cobalt? It's Dusty!” came the answer from outside. “I wanted to see how things went with the doctor. I picked up your favorite from the diner on the way, in case you didn't get supper. Can I come in?”

He groaned and lifted the pillow. “I'm really not in the mood right now, Dusty. I appreciate the-” He was sitting up to get a clear shot to the door when the door opened with a rattle of keys and Dusty Rose pushed inside, carrying a couple large Tricky Pickle Diner bags and a small bouquet of pale roses.

“Sorry, I couldn't hear you through the door over the sound of my keys, Cobalt.” She set the bundles on the kitchen counter, then opened one of his cabinets and pulled out a small vase. Moments later she had it filled with water and roses, and placed it on the table. “There! Nothing like a nice rose to help a pony feel better after a rough day.” She smiled and walked around in front of the couch, glancing at the flashing light of his cutie mark under the blanket. “Come on over to the table and eat something while you tell me what the doctor had to say.”

“Dusty, I really don't feel up to entertaining anypony right now,” he said with a groan. “I just want this crazy day to end.”

She grabbed the blanket and pulled it away to the floor. “I'm not anypony, I'm your best friend who's worried about you, you dope.” She raised a brow, giving him her best “problem customer” stare. “I know you skipped breakfast and probably lunch, too. Now get over here and eat something so you'll feel better.” She started opening bags and pulling out to-go boxes, opening them up.

Cobalt sighed, laying his head back. “Dusty, I appreciate your concern, but what I really need is...” He sniffed at the succulent aromas wafting over from the table. “Is that-”

“Pan-fried oat cakes with mashed potatoes and glazed carrots with slivered almonds,” Dusty said, cutting him off. “And I got a peach pie for dessert. But if you're too tired, I could just take this all home.”

She didn't get any further as Cobalt shot up from the couch and trotted over to the table, smiling at the feast in front of him and taking another deep sniff. “Dusty, you're just too good to me.”

“Yeah, I am,” she agreed with a grin. Opening her own salad, she sat down across from Cobalt and watched as he practically dove into his meal. “So tell me what the doctor had to say. How long will the treatment take?”

Cobalt groaned around a mouthful of oat cake, either really enjoying the taste of the dish or strongly disliking the topic of the question. “It's a really long story,” he said once he swallowed.

She smiled. “Then eat your dinner first, and we'll talk after. I've got all the time you'll need.”

He smiled at his friend. “Way too good for me,” he murmured before digging into the potatoes.

“I know,” she said with a smile, pouring some dressing on her salad. “But you can keep telling me all you want.”

Tuesday Morning, Head in Hooves

Tuesday Morning
Castle of Friendship, Ponyville

Twilight Sparkle paced back and forth in front of the map table. "Alright, everypony," she said to her assembled friends, each sitting on their respective thrones (except for Starlight Glimmer, who sat on Twilight's throne.) "I've checked with Mayor Mare and she has no record of a pony with that cutie mark living in Ponyville. What have you all found?"

"That's no surprise," Pinkie Pie chimed in with a smile, "since I know everypony in Ponyville and I didn't recognize that cutie mark so you could have just asked me, silly!"

Twilight stopped and glared at Pinkie. Her expression was the opposite of amused.

Pinkie caught the hint, settling back in her seat. "I mean, I asked Maud and she never saw a mark like that when she was researching her rocktorate dissertation. So I wrote to Cheese Sandwich to see if he's met a pony with that cutie mark while throwing parties all over Equestria, but he hasn't written back yet."

Applejack noded. "I asked Granny Smith and she's doesn't remember a mark like that." She sighs. "And Granny was feeling extra alert, too! I only had to remind her of what we wanted four times."

Rainbow Dash jumped in. "Well, I asked the Wonderbolts. But, um, none of them know that mark either."

Twilight pressed a hoof against the bridge of her nose. "Rarity, please tell me you have better news."

"Oh, I would love to, darling," Rarity began brightly, causing Twilight to lean in with a hopeful expression. "But I'm afraid I can't. I don't know the pony in question. I will write to all my assistants, as well as Fancy Pants, and ask if it's anypony they know."

Twilight gave an exasperated groan and dropped her face against the map table. "Fluttershy," she said without looking up, her voice muffled by the table. "I don't suppose you've heard anything."

Fluttershy's ears drooped and she shook her head. "I'm really sorry, Twilight. None of the animals at the sanctuary have seen a cutie mark like that. Although most of them lived in the wild, so they don't know a lot of ponies."

Twilight desperately turned to Starlight.

Starlight was wiggling back in Twilight's throne, smiling. "I could get used to this," she muttered quietly. Seeing Twilight looking at her, she sat up and cleared her throat. "I already told you I don't know them," she said. "I can write to the ponies of my old village, but it's not a big town. I'll write to Sunburst, too. Maybe it's a pony he's seen around the Crystal Empire…" She added quietly, "In the library."

Twilight took a deep breath, lifting a hoof to her chest and extending it out with her exhale. "Alright," she said in a confident tone. "We'll just have to look farther out. I just don't know where to start."

Spike piped up. "Maybe you can write to the other princesses. Even if they don't know this pony, they might be able to help search."

Twilight pressed her lips together and took a slow breath. "Yes, good idea, Spike," she said. "I mean, that's an obvious place to start. Anypony could see it right away "

The others all exchanged concerned glances. "Are you alright, sugarcube?" Applejack asked carefully.

Twilight sighed. "Yes. I didn't really sleep last night is all. Why don't you all reach out to the ponies you know? Let me know right away if you find anything." She turned to Spike. "Let's go start those letters, Spike. I'm sure the princesses can help."

Cobalt's apartment, Baltimare

Cobalt sat with his face down on the kitchen table, groaning in frustration. His flanks continued to flash and glow. He opened an eye and glared down at his cutie mark. "Why do you hate me?" he grumbled. "Haven't I always taken care of you?"

There was a jangle of keys and a click of the door lock. A knock came as the door was opening. "Cobalt? It's Dusty," called Dusty Rose as she stepped inside.

Cobalt lifted a hoof in a half-hearted wave, moaning out, "Hey Dusty," without lifting his head off the cool wood.

She turned to the kitchen with a big smile. "Good, you're up!" she said brightly, carrying a couple carryout bags over and setting them on the table in front of him. "I brought breakfast." She finally stopped and looked him over. "Wow, you look like Tartarus."

He sighed against the table, closing his eyes again. "I can always count on you to help me feel better, Dusty," he murmured.

She let the comment pass, unloading carryout boxes. "Didn't you get any sleep last night?" she asked, sliding a delicious-smelling box in front of his nose.

"I don't know which was worse," he said, reluctantly lifting his head. "Waking up and realizing it wasn't all a bad dream, or that I'd only slept an hour."

Dusty shook her head. "Maybe you should stay in today, Cobalt," she said while setting out a thermos. She waved at the box in front of him. "Eat up while it's hot," she added and got cups from his cabinet.

Cobalt opened the box with a weary sigh. "I can't stay in. I already missed one day of work." The smell of hash browns and eggs perked him up. "I was just thinking hash browns sounded good before you arrived. You are amazing, Dusty." He eagerly took a bite.

"I'm glad you noticed," she said with a smile, setting two cups in front of him and one for herself.

He raised a brow, still chewing on his omelet. "What's with the two cups?" he asked.

She opened the thermos, pouring a fragrant tea into her cup and one of his. "We always have breakfast tea, Cobalt," she said with a smile.

He nodded slowly. "Yes, but why get me two cups?"

Dusty reached into the bag and removed a second thermos. "And then you stop and get coffee on your way to work. I had a feeling you might not listen to great advice and insist on going in today."

He stared at her as she poured a cup of dark coffee. "How do you know me so well, Dusty?" he asked.

She smiled again, giving her mane a flip with one hoof. "You said it yourself, I am amazing." She winked and poured some cherry syrup on her haycakes. "Now eat your breakfast or you'll be late."

Tuesday Afternoon
Clear Casing Custom Glassworks, Baltimare

Soda Lime poked her head out from the office into the oven-like heat of the glassworks. The large fans venting hot air out of the building were the only thing keeping it tolerable for the dozen ponies blowing and shaping glass vessels on the production floor.

All but one of them.

"Cobalt!" she shouted. "I told you to take that cloak off. That's the seventh time you caught fire today,"

Cobalt beat on the singed edge of his cloak with a wooden block, sending embers flying off the fabric. "Sorry, boss," he called back. He wiped away the sweat pouring over his forehead then flicked his hoof at the last cinder on his cloak, which extinguished with a hiss. "I've got it under control."

"No, you don't," Soda Lime said as she stepped out onto the catwalk. "You're distracting everypony here."

Colbat turned to look at his coworkers. Each one quickly resumed their tasks when his attention landed on them. Hen Shawl hid a bucket of popcorn behind his kiln.

"It won't happen again, boss," Cobalt promised, looking back to her. "I'll be careful."

She nodded. "Yes you will, and you'll start by taking off that cloak. You're gonna pass out, or burn up… or pass out then burn up. Whichever it is, it's not happening in my shop!"

He winced. "Do I have to take it off, boss?" he begged. "I really don't want anypony to see—"

"Cobalt!" Soda Lime shouted. "Take off that cloak or get out of my shop!"

"Yes, boss," he grumbled. Reluctantly, he pulled the cloak off and revealed his glowing flanks.

There was a collective gasp from the assembled ponies. Then the sound of glass shattering on the concrete floor, *crash*. And again, *crash*. Over and over, *crash, crash, crash* the sound kept coming.

Cobalt winced with each sound until they stopped with the tenth one. He waited, hearing no more, and finally relaxed his shoulders. "Sorry, boss, I—"

*Crash*

Soda Lime and Cobalt both turned and glared at Hen Shawl. He smiled nervously. "I thought it was a team building activity," he said, then quickly grabbed a broom and started sweeping.

Soda Lime sighed. "Cobalt, my office, now." She stepped back through the door.

Cobalt lowered his head, ears drooping, and trudged to the catwalk stairs. As he reached the top he glanced out at the others. They turned back to their work immediately. He sighed and stepped into the office, closing the door behind him. "Yes, boss?"

Soda Lime stood next to her desk, looking at him. "Have a seat, Cobalt," she said and moved around to her chair.

He sighed and sat on the chair in front of the desk. "Boss, I can explain," he said plaintively.

She raised a brow. "This should be good," she said. "Alright, explain."

Cobalt opened his mouth, and paused. He raised a hoof like he was about to make a point, but still nothing. "You see, I…" he began, then stopped. "The truth of it is…" He put his hoof to his chin, looking down at the desk, then sighed. "Y'know, I really thought you would have interrupted me by now."

Soda rolled her eyes. "Why don't you start with why your flank is glowing and when it will stop?" she suggested.

"That's just it, boss," he said. "I don't know why this is happening! The doctor didn't know, even the wizard he sent me to didn't know. It just started glowing yesterday morning and won't stop!"

She nodded slowly. "So that's why you were out yesterday," she said quietly.

Cobalt nodded quickly. "I didn't have a choice, boss," he pleaded. "I thought I could get it taken care of, but instead I can't hardly sleep."

Soda raised a brow. "So why did you come in today if it wasn't taken care of?"

"I couldn't just leave you in a lurch. We have that big order for the mayor's charity gala for homeless fillies! That's a lot of custom champagne flutes to make."

"Cobalt," she said, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "How many flutes did you have to get done today to stay on track?"

Cobalt winced. "Twenty."

"And between putting out fires and nearly passing out from the heat how many have you finished?"

He lowered his head, ears drooping again. "One," he admitted.

Soda Lime sighed and stood, stepping around beside him. "Cobalt, how long have you worked for me?" she asked.

"Ten years, boss," he muttered, still looking down at the desk.

"And in that time have I ever had a problem with you taking time off when you're sick?" she asked.

Cobalt looked up. "There was that one time—"

"A hangover from a bachelor party trip to Las Pegasus doesn't count."

His ears drooped again. "Then no, boss."

Soda put a hoof on his shoulder. "Cobalt, you're one of my best glassblowers. Right now it's clear you have a lot to work out." She glanced at his glowing flanks. "Really clear. I want you to take some time off until it's sorted out. With pay."

He nodded, standing up. "Yes, boss," he said sadly, walking to the door.

She sighed. "Cobalt, after all this time, I think you can call me Soda. Don't you?"

Cobalt paused with his hoof on the door handle. "Yes, boss," he said and opened the door.

There was a clattering of hooves on the catwalk as ponies hurried away from the door and back to their work stations, and Hen Shawl fell forward through the door onto his ear. Popcorn spilled over the office floor from the tub he was holding.

Cobalt stepped over him and slowly headed for the exit. He heard Soda Lime clear her throat as Hen Shawl stood up. "Popcorn?" Hen Shawl offered, holding the tub out to his boss.

Best Buds Florists, Baltimare

Dusty Rose smiled and passed the bouquet of marigolds to the pegasus standing at the sales counter. "Here you are. Your marefriend is going to love them," she said brightly. "That's four bits."

The pegasus dropped the coins on the counter. "I sure hope so," she said. "I've forgotten birthdays and anniversaries before, but I never saw her as angry as this. I mean, her pet cricket's adoption day? Is that even a thing?" Taking the bouquet, she flew out the door with a wave.

Dusty held her smile until she was gone, then swiped the coins into the cash drawer with a sigh. She shook her head. "She should have sprung for the roses," she said. "Her marefriend is going to tear her apart. Never mess with the pets." She turned back to the flowers on display, looking for any that needed to be replenished.

The door chime rang and Dusty adopted her polite and welcoming "service" smile before turning back to the door. "Welcome to Best Buds! How can I help— Cobalt?" She dropped the smile in favor of a more honestly confused expression. "Shouldn't you be at work? I thought we were meeting at the diner for dinner."

Cobalt stepped through the door, looking down at his hooves, with his singed cloak covering his flanks. The light from his cutie mark flashed from underneath. "Hey, Dusty," he said dejectedly. "I wanted to tell you I won't be at the diner."

She stepped out from behind the counter, hurrying to his side. "What's going on?" she asked and resting a hoof on his shoulder. "Did something happen at work?" She furrowed her brow and sniffed. "And are you smoking?"

He looked back and swatted at the smoldering ember on his cloak. "Yeah, sorry. It kept getting into the furnace."

Dusty sighed. "Don't tell me you tried to wear a heavy cloak inside a glassworks," she said with a frown. "Are you trying to end up in a burn ward?"

He gave her a sidelong look. "No, mom," he said sarcastically. "I was just trying to avoid distracting everypony else."

She gave his shoulder a light shove. "I don't have to be your mother to care about you, you dope." He turned his head away at the admonishment. She lifted her hoof to his cheek and turned him back to face he. She smiled softly. "Tell me what happened."

Cobalt took a deep breath before starting. "My cloak kept catching fire so Soda Lime told me to take it off. So I did and my glowing flanks distracted everypony just like I was afraid they would and she called me into her office and told me to go home."

Dusty gasped. "Soda fired you over this?"

He shook his head. "No, but she might as well have. She told me to go home until I can get it sorted out."

Dusty frowns. "And what if it takes a while? How does she expect you to pay the bills?"

He looked down at his hooves, which he scuffed against the floor. "Actually, she said I would still get paid while I was out."

Dusty cocked her head to one side, looking at him closely. "So, let me get this straight. Soda saw you risking severe burns to cover up and told you to stop. Then when she found out you had a thing happening that affected your work she told you to take time off to deal with it, with pay?"

He nodded, grimacing at the plain description. "Well, when you say it that way it doesn't sound so bad."

She stepped beside him and bumped his flank with her own. "That's because it's not bad, Cobalt. That's called paid leave! It's like getting a vacation to get this fixed."

"That's the problem," Cobalt said in exasperation. "I don't want a vacation! I don't want time off or to have to think about what's happening. I just want to do my job and have breakfast at the diner with you and be able to sleep at night." He rubbed his forehead and sighed. "I just want my life back to normal."

Dusty put a foreleg over his shoulder. "That's exactly what this will let you do," she said softly. "Somepony somewhere has to know what this is. We'll figure it out and you'll have your life back."

He lowered his head and stepped out from under her embrace. "I'm just going to try to sleep, I didn't want you to think I skipped out on dinner." He trudged towards the door.

"That's alright," she said quickly. "I'll pick up takeout again and bring it by your place. How about pizza? I know you love a good mushroom with extra cheese."

His shoulders drooped. "No thanks, Dusty," he said without looking back. "I don't feel like eating. I just want some sleep."

Dusty's brow wrinkled with worry. "Cobalt, wait!" she said quickly and rushed back behind the counter, searching the flowers. By the time Cobalt looked back she was smiling brightly. "Here." She held out a single pink rose, the same shade as her coat. "Nothing like a nice rose to cheer a pony up. On the house."

Cobalt looked at the rose for a moment, then turned back to the door. "I still have the ones you brought yesterday," he said and opened the door. "Good night, Dusty." He walked slowly out to the street.

Dusty stood there, the rose still held out toward him, and watched him leave while her smile melted away.

Author's Note

I promise the next installment will be much sooner than this one. Enjoy!

Stuck Inside On A Wednesday

Wednesday Morning
Castle of Friendship, Ponyville

Starlight Glimmer yawned as she trotted through the castle hallway toward the kitchen. Too bad Twilight won't let me teleport into the kitchen anymore, she thought, shaking her head. I mean, you accidentally make her faceplant into a blueberry pie one time! The stains came out of her coat… eventually.

She was just passing the library when a loud crash and clatter rose inside. She raced to the door, pulling it open with her magic. "Is everypony okay?" she called, looking around.

Spike set an easel back up from where it had fallen. Above it a chalkboard floated in a field of purple magic, covered in scraps of parchment. Twilight scrawled another note, fixing it to the board before Spike guided it back into place.

Looking at the door, Spike stepped over to meet Starlight half way. "Morning, Starlight. I'm glad you're here. Maybe you can get her to take a break."

Starlight saw the books stacked on the table as well as the numerous notes. "Twilighting?"

He nodded. "Still around a stage one, but growing fast. I tried to get her to come to breakfast, but no luck."

"Got it," she said, then cautiously approached Twilight, who pored over a scroll with Celestia's seal. "Hey, good morning, Twilight."

Twilight looked up. "Is it morning already? I hadn't noticed. I'm glad you're here, Starlight." She floated a stack of scrolls over. "I need you to cross-reference these reports from the office of Trends and Population Statistics to make sure I didn't miss a reference to that cutie mark. Just write up a cover page for each summarizing what you find and stack them over there."

Starlight took the scrolls in her magic, giving her mentor a side-eyed look. "Yeah, I'm not doing that," she said and dropped the scrolls on a chair. "How long have you been up, Twilight?"

"Oh, I haven't slept," she said, making notes on a map of Equestria. "If I sleep and the pony who was summoned shows up, I might miss them. Then they might leave and never answer the summons. Then the map might never stop glowing, or never work again, or the castle might mmf mmmf—"

Starlight's horn glowed as she held Twilight's muzzle closed. "Ok, Twilight, you're coming with me." She floated her mentor in the air, walking towards the door.

Twilight's legs waved helplessly. "Mmf mmmm mmmmf mmf mmm?"

"Nope," she said with a shake of her head. "You're having breakfast with me then getting at least four hours of sleep. If the pony shows up Spike or I will come get you."

Twilight sighed, eyes narrowed. "Mmmfmmmmf." Starlight looked back to see her gesturing at her mouth. She rolled her eyes and released her muzzle. "Alright, Starlight," Twilight conceded. "We'll eat breakfast and I'll get a nap. Will you put me down and let me walk?"

"Nope," she said and floated her down the hall.

Cobalt's Brain, The Dreamscape

Cobalt pushed open the door of the Tricky Pickle diner and stepped inside. The room was dark. Shadowy figures sat in the booths all around. He approached his usual table and a light turned on directly above it, showing Dusty Rose sitting in her usual spot.

"I ordered your usual, Cobalt," she said casually. "Now what's this thing you want me to see?"

He turned without a word and raised his cloak. The glowing cutie mark on his flank lit the room. The ponies in the rest of the booths turned to look at him as one and started laughing. Feeling embarrassed, Cobalt dropped the cloak. The light went out and the laughter stopped immediately. He raised it again in the laughter returned until he dropped it again when it stopped cold. He lifted the edge again for just a moment and the laughter returned, stopping the second the cloak dropped again. He flapped it up once and back down immediately, creating a short burst of laughs.

"I don't have a cure for this," he heard. Looking back, Dusty Rose was gone, replaced by Dr. Fetlock, wearing surgical scrubs and a mask. Cobalt turned towards the restroom, looking for Dusty, instead finding Comet Tail juggling three tiny moons. "I can't promise anything, but I'll ask around," she said.

The door to the back room swung open, revealing Soda Lime in a chef's hat and apron. "I can't have you distracting everypony. Why don't you head home."
The bell chimed and he looked, seeing a pale-gold tail disappearing through the door. "Dusty, wait!" he called and hurried over, only to come muzzle to muzzle with Hen Shawl. "Popcorn?" he offered, holding up an overflowing tub of it.

Cobalt pushed past him and rushed out the door. "Dusty!" he yelled, taking several steps out into the street. His hooves crunched on something and he looked down. Cut pink roses covered the ground in all directions.

"Nothing like a nice rose to cheer a pony up," Dusty said, her voice coming from all around. Cobalt took another step then started sinking through the flowers. "You've got to answer it, you dope," he heard her say from all around him. He opened his mouth to speak only for the roses to cover his head completely.

He fell through the underside of the flowers, roses raining down around him as he tumbled through the air. He screamed as he fell, first towards Baltimare, then towards a small town he'd never seen before. He pressed his eyes shut as the ground raced up to meet him… but didn't hit. He opened one eye to find himself hovering just above the surface. Gingerly, he touched his hooves to the ground and sighed in relief.

He heard hoofsteps approaching and turned around. The skyline was dominated by a huge crystal castle with a six-pointed star covering the tallest tower. Up the road walked a purple alicorn with her wings outstretched. Reaching him, she smiled and opened her mouth to speak.

"Cobalt, wake up," she said in Dusty's voice. "You're going to miss breakfast." He felt something pushing on his shoulder. The world faded away with the last thing he could see being the alicorn's smiling face.

Cobalt's Apartment, Baltimare

Cobalt opened his eyes, feeling the sheets wrapped around his hind legs. A little light leaked around his curtains, but the most illumination came from his flashing cutie mark. He turned his head toward the door and jumped when he saw Dusty Rose standing near the edge of the bed, smiling softly. He yelped and tried to scramble to his hooves, but the sheets around his legs sent him tumbling to the floor. "Oww," he said quietly.

Dusty's smile disappeared and she rushed to his side. "Cobalt, are you okay?" she asked while untangling him from the sheet. "You looked like you were having a nightmare or I would have let you sleep."

He stood up with her help, stretching his sore knees. "Dusty? What are you doing here so early?" He tried to shake the sleepy haze from his thoughts.

She raised a brow, a grin returning to her lips. "I made breakfast, and it's not all that early. You really needed the sleep."

He furrowed his brow and turned to his nightstand. "Huh? What time is it?" He looked around the room. "And where's my alarm clock?"

"Judging by the dent in the wall," Dusty said, pointing across the room. "That's a piece of it over there, and there, ooh, and there." She draped a foreleg over his shoulder. "My guess is that you left it on and really didn't want to get up."

Cobalt shrugged out from under her leg, trotting toward the living room. "Dusty, that's not funny," he grumbled. "How late did I sleep?"

She sighed as he moved away. "About ten-thirty," she said, following after him. "I told you, you needed the sleep."

He spun around, eyes wide. "Ten-thirty?! Why didn't you wake me?"

Dusty reached up to pat his cheek. "I just told you, you dope." Her smile returned as she trotted past him toward the kitchen. "You needed the sleep. It's not like you have anywhere to go today."

He groaned, walking slowly after her. "Thanks for reminding me," he said, inhaling the delicious smells from the kitchen. His sleepy brain chugged through everything happening and he stopped a few steps later. "Wait, you have somewhere to go! Shouldn't you be working right now?"

"I took some time off," Dusty called from the kitchen. He rounded the corner to find her spraying whipped cream on a stack of pancakes. "Marigold picked up my shifts this week."

"Why did you do that?" He trotted to the table. Another bunch of pink roses in a deep-blue vase adorned the center, and teacups were set out at their places.

Dusty raised a brow as she laid out berries on the top of the stack. "I know you just woke up, Cobalt, but even you should get why." She carried over the plate and set it in front of him. A smiley face of berries and cream stared back at him. "I'm here to help my friend."

Cobalt frowned while she poured syrup over her own pancakes. "I really wish you hadn't, Dusty. This whole… thing already has my life upside down. I don't want it to ruin yours, too." With a sigh he cut into the smiley face, taking a large mouthful. "I mean," he said while he chewed. "How are you going to pay your bills?"

Dusty sat down, a little smile on her lips as he kept eating. "I had some vacation time coming. I'm using that, so I'll get paid." She poured some breakfast tea for them both.

His brows furrowed as he chewed. "Wait." He swallowed before continuing. "Didn't you say that you were saving your vacation time to visit your mother?"

She shrugged, sipping some tea. "Now I'm using it for this. It's not a big deal. Mom will understand." She cut into her pancakes. "Now eat up. We've got a big day ahead."

"Big day?" Cobalt asked before taking a bite and continuing around it. "What do you mean?"

Dusty finished chewing. "Just what I said. We're going out and get some things done, starting with a visit to that wizard you saw on Monday."

He cocked his head. "Why her? She said she couldn't do anything."

She raised a brow. "You told me she said she would ask around and send a letter to the Princess if she had to. And you said she was really busy. She might need a reminder."

He sighed and looked down at his half-eaten pancakes. "Fine. We'll go get this done after breakfast."

"After breakfast and a shower," Dusty corrected.

Cobalt frowned, "Dusty, I just want to get this done. I don't need to shower first."

Dusty smiled softly. "Cobalt, I'm saying this as a friend and with love: yes, you do."

Cobalt furrowed his brow and turned his head, sniffing over his foreleg. He winced and turned away quickly. "Ugh, okay, after a shower."

Dusty chuckled and they both returned to their meal… after Cobalt took a quick sniff of the roses on the table.

Wednesday Afternoon
Jane Horsekins University – Astronomy Department, Baltimare

Comet Tail scanned the scroll floating in front of her, a quill spinning slowly in her magic. She dipped the tip in a jar of red ink and scrawled notes along the margin. She let out a sigh, shaking her head. "I don't think he's even looked at the night sky," she muttered.

There was a light knocking on the door of her small office. "Office hours are posted by the door," she called out, floating up another scroll.

The door opened and a pink mare with a yellow mane peeked in. "Comet Tail?" she asked hopefully.

She sighed, floating the scroll and quill back to her desk. "I'm sorry, I'm too busy for off-schedule student meetings. You'll have to sign up for one of the slots on the board there by the door." She finally looked at her visitor and frowned. "You're not in one of my classes?"

"No, I'm not. I'm Dusty Rose," she said with a smile, stepping just into the room. "I just want to talk to you —"

"It's far too late for a transfer this semester," she interrupted. "You'll have to look at next term."

Dusty laughed softly. "While it's flattering to know I look that young, I'm not a student at all, I'm a florist."

Comet raised a brow, glancing at Dusty's saddlebags. "Did somepony send me flowers?"

She shook her head, smiling. "No, no. My friend here came to see you the other day."

Comet looked at the empty hall behind her. "Ahh, what friend where?" she asked.

Dusty turned her head and sighed at the empty space behind her. She leaned back and looked down the hall. "Cobalt," she whispered and jerked her head toward the office. After a moment she put on a pleasant smile and turned back to Comet Tail. "Will you excuse me for a moment?"

Dusty ducked out into the hall and Comet Tail listened to the hushed conversation that echoed through the open door.

"Cobalt, get in here."
"Dusty, I told you I don't want to be here."
"Well, we're here, so come hear what she has to say."
"Can't I just go home? She already said— hey! What are you doing!"

A few seconds later she saw a familiar off-white stallion slide sideways over the tile floor and into the doorway with a resigned look on his face. Dusty Rose pushed him along with her head against his side. Once he was in place she raised her head and smiled brightly at Comet again. "Comet Tail, you may remember my friend Cobalt. He came to see you a couple days ago about," she flipped up the edge of his cloak, exposing his flashing cutie mark, "his problem."

Comet bit the inside of her lip to keep from laughing. Smiling instead, she stood up and stepped around the desk. "Ah, of course, Mr. Cobalt. I see you haven't found a solution yet."

Cobalt lowered his head, ears drooping. "No, not yet," he muttered. "Nopony knows what to do."

"We were hoping you had heard something back," Dusty added positively.

She sighed and shook her head. "I asked around with my colleagues and it's a mystery to them. I even asked a few therapeutic wizards when I was introducing them to Dr. Fetlock." She sighed, rolling her eyes. "Again. They hadn't heard of anything like it."

Cobalt nodded slowly. "I had a feeling they wouldn't know, Professor. Thanks for checking."

Dusty looked down at him with concern. "Cobalt mentioned something about writing to one of the princesses?" she asked, turning her attention back to Comet Tail.

Comet nodded. "Princess Twilight Sparkle. She presented a paper on cutie mark magic a few years ago. Writing her is on my to-do list for tonight. It'll go out tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow?" Cobalt groaned, looking up with his eyes wide.

She raised a brow and waved a hoof at the pile of scrolls on her desk. "It's the best I can do, Mr. Cobalt. I have to finish grading these in time for my four o'clock class, and I have time on the main telescope at seven. There's a comet I have to observe this evening that won't come around again for fifty years."

Cobalt sighed. "I was hoping to hear something, anything, sooner."

Comet Tail nodded. "I sympathize and I want to help, I really do. I have an obligation to my students and my research that has to come first, though."

Dusty cut in, saying, "We really appreciate all you're doing. Thank you for your help." She put a foreleg around Cobalt's shoulders and guided him back out and down the hall.

Comet Tail walked back around to her chair, shaking her head. She just sat down when she heard somepony clearing their throat. She looked up to see Star Struck, one of her four o'clock students, standing in the doorway.

"Um, Professor?" she started, managing to sound both hopeful and sheepish at the same time. "I know I didn't sign up for this time, but I saw your door open and those other two ponies leaving. I hoped I could talk to you about my paper."

Comet Tail looked back at her flatly, eyes narrowed. Her horn lit up and the door closed firmly.

Wednesday Evening
Dusty Rose's Apartment, Baltimare

With a jingle of keys, Dusty Rose opened the door of her apartment and trotted inside, two pizza boxes and bundle of flowers balanced on her back. "C'mon in," she called cheerfully, heading into the kitchen.

Cobalt drudged along behind her, his head low and sweat dripping from his chin. Once the door closed he pulled off the heavy, singed cloak from over his back and hung it by the door. His flashing cutie mark sent bursts of blue light over the entryway.

Dusty put the flowers in a vase in the center of the table before setting about getting dinner ready. The pizza went on the counter, plates were laid on the table, and juice poured into glasses. "Make yourself at home," she called. "Dinner won't take a minute."

"I still don't know why you wouldn't let me go home, Dusty." He wandered into the living room and was met with the intense fragrance of flowers. Almost every flat surface had at least one vase filled with flowers of different types. On the walls were tasteful paintings and pictures of even more flowers of exotic and rare varieties.

"Because you need some time out of that musty place, Cobalt." She looked out around the corner. "Seriously, when was the last time you opened a window?"

He stepped over to a section of wall with smaller photos. "My window looks over the alley, and the dumpster for the noodle restaurant next door is right under it."

Dusty smiled. "Ooh, I love that place. The noodles taste so good."

"You wouldn't think so if you could smell their week-old garbage," he said with a sigh. Looking over the photos he saw they were all images of Dusty with various other ponies. He spotted her mother with a shoreline behind them, as well as several mutual friends. One photo caught his eye and he grimaced.

Dusty stepped back into the room. "Everything's ready. We can eat whenever you want." She smiled when she saw where he was looking. "Oh, do you like it? It's all my family and friends."

"Why did you have to use this picture of me?" he asked, pointing at the photo. In it, a slightly younger Cobalt and Dusty sat next to each other in front of a half-painted house with splotches of paint on their faces. Dusty smiled brightly while Cobalt looked queasy and a little green around the muzzle.

Dusty looked and grinned. "What's wrong with it? We look adorable."

Cobalt frowned, eyes rolling. "You look adorable. I look like I need to puke. And I did a minute later." He turned to face her full-on. "Don't you have one of me that's less… humiliating?"

She looked at him patiently. "Cobalt, it's my wall. It's my memories on that wall, and I'll choose which ones go up there." She cocked her head toward the kitchen. "Now c'mon. There's a garden lover's supreme with extra cheese with your name on it."

"Dusty, I just don't know about this."

She grinned, stepping towards the kitchen. "No, it really has your name on it. They spelled it out with green pepper slices."

Cobalt followed her, shaking his head. "No, not the pizza. I meant the picture." Entering the kitchen he saw a place set for him at the table with a glass of cranberry juice. On the counter he saw the two pizzas: one very cheesy with bits of mushrooms and onions showing through, and the other piled high with various vegetables and "Cobalt" spelled out on green peppers on top. "I really think you should use a different one."

Dusty sighed and looked back. "Cobalt, that was the day we met. That's the moment I choose to see up there. My wall, my choice." She handed him a plate. "Now get your pizza."

He grabbed the plate and sullenly took a couple slices then sat down. "I just had enough humiliation today," he said before taking a bite. "I don't know why we had to go out."

She served up her own slices and walked to her place at the table. "You know we needed to check in with Comet Tail."

Cobalt snorted, taking another big bite. "For all the good it did," he said around the mouthful of pizza. "She's not going to help."

Dusty furrowed her brow. "She's doing all she can, Cobalt. She checked with the other wizards and she's going to write to one of the Princesses for help."

"She's going to forget. You saw how busy she was." He poked at a slice, not looking at her. "Even if she does, what can the Princess do? I bet she'll be as clueless as everypony else."

She rolled her eyes. "Cobalt, she's saved all of Equestria, like, a dozen times. Even if she doesn't already know what it is, I know she'll be able to figure it out."

Cobalt shrugged and pushed right past her objection. "Then you kept me out in public all day, where ponies could point and laugh at me."

Dusty deliberately kept him waiting, taking a bite of pizza. She chewed slowly, swallowing down the less-helpful responses with her food, then took a sip of juice. "All we did was take a walk in the park then pick up the pizza. Nopony was laughing at you the whole time."

"But there was pointing!" He pounced on the opening eagerly. "Pointing was happening. You can't deny that. I saw them."

Dusty cocked her head, looking back at him like a parent hearing the same fake excuse for the fourth time. "I told you before, they were pointing because you were wearing a heavy winter cloak on the hottest day of the year. You were sweating like you ran a marathon. They probably were worried you were going to collapse." She raised a slice and added, "I know I was," before taking another bite.

They ate in silence for a while, Cobalt looking anywhere but at Dusty's face while the tension grew within him. After finishing a slice he took a drink and stared at the flowers on the table for a minute. "Dusty?" he said, sounding contrite.

She let a tiny smile cross her lips. "Yes, Cobalt?" she asked hopefully.

He took a deep breath. "I still think you should change the picture."

She dropped her hoof to the table, letting her muzzle lift towards the ceiling. "Oh, for the love of Celestia!" she snapped, looking at him full-on. "Will you just forget about the picture? It's not any of your business what I put on my walls."

"Well it's embarrassing," he said, meeting her gaze.

"It's an eight year old photo," she asserted. "A memory, nothing more. Get over it."

Cobalt sighed and looked at his plate, poking at a crust. "I thought you'd care about your friend's feelings."

Dusty narrowed her eyes at him, sitting back. "Do you just want to go home?"

He opened his hooves out to the sides, eyes wide, and nodded. "Yes! I've been saying that all day. I never wanted to leave in the first place."

"Well nopony is stopping you," she shot back.

"Fine," he said, pushing back from the table. He stood and stomped to the entryway. He swung his cloak over his back

She glared as he got ready. "Take your pizza," she said tersely. "You know I won't eat it."

"Thank you," he answered, sounding just as terse. "I was still hungry!" He closed a box and balanced it on his back.

"I'll see you in the morning," she said angrily.

He grabbed the door handle. "Don't come before noon! I want the morning to myself!"

"Fine!" she nearly shouted. "Sweet dreams!"

Cobalt pulled the door open and stormed out.

Dusty sighed. She stood up, walked into the kitchen, and closed the box of the garden lover's supreme pizza. She carried it to the entryway and waited just a few seconds before opening the door. There stood Cobalt, ready to knock, the other pizza box in hoof. Dusty handed him the correct pizza, took hers, and closed the door again.

Setting the pizza in the kitchen, she walked slowly out in front of her photo wall. She picked up the picture of Cobalt and herself, staring down at his face. "Damnit, Cobalt," she whispered as a couple tears rolled down her cheeks.

Thursday's Child Has Far to Go

Thursday Morning
Castle of Friendship, Ponyville

Starlight Glimmer slept soundly in her bed, dreams of flying kites with her friends dancing in her head. She was just getting a green and purple kite ready to fly when a face appeared on the side. "Starlight, wake up," it said, and the beautiful spring day vanished.

She jumped up from her pillow, hooves flailing. "Wha, who, what, where?" she mumbled as reality replaced the dream and she found herself in her bed with Spike hovering over her. She groaned and laid her head back on the pillow again, draping a foreleg over her eyes. "Ohh, please tell me you woke me up to say Twilight decided to sleep in and I can do the same."

"No such luck," Spike said, sounding worried. "You might want to get to the library, quickly. She's come up with a new plan, and she's Twilighting hard."

Starlight raised her leg from her face, looking Spike in the eyes. "How hard?"

Spike pressed his claws together. "Stage three, at least."

She sighed and got out of bed. "Alright. Can you send word to the other girls? We might need them." Without waiting for an answer, her horn glowed and she vanished in a pale-blue flash.

Starlight reappeared in the castle library, looking around for her mentor. "Twilight!" she called, walking towards the central table. It was stacked high with spell books and books on magical theory, as well as roll after roll of paper and dozens of broken quills.

"Oh, good, Starlight, you're here," Twilight answered from above, flying down from one of the higher shelves with another book floating after her. It hovered in front of her after she landed, opening to the middle. "I think I came up with a way to find the pony who was summoned. It should be simple. I don't know why I didn't think of it before!"

Starlight approached cautiously, careful not to spook Twilight while she's in the manic stage. "I can see you've been busy." She paused, raising a brow, when Twilight floated up a lavender quill and made some notes on the paper. "Wait, Twilight, is that one of your feathers?"

Twilight looked up at her, then over to the quill. "Hmm? Oh, yeah, I ran out of quills last night. Don't worry, they aren't my primary feathers."

"They?" Starlight looked closer at the table, seeing at least a dozen broken purple feathers among the usual red quills. "Okay, Twilight, it's time to take a break. I'm sure you made lots of progress, but you can pick it up again after breakfast." When Twilight continued writing, she lit her horn to float her over, but she couldn't seem to get a grip.

"I cast an anti-levitation charm on myself to keep you from interrupting again," Twilight said casually. She then jabbed a period at the end of the line and smiled. "And besides, it's done!"

Starlight frowned, but walked around next to Twilight, looking at the page she'd written. "What's done, Twilight? What were you working on?"

She grinned back at Starlight, looking smug. "Only a locator spell to find the owner of that cutie mark."

Starlight's eyes widened. "Twilight, you know that's not how locator spells work." She stepped closer to read Twilight's hornwriting. "They can only find inanimate objects, not ponies."

Twilight nodded. "That's what all the theory books said, so I modified one."

She glanced at the book Twilight had left open on the table. "And how does the history of glass making help with that?"

Twilight giggled, taking the paper and pointing at it with her quill. "That's the genius part! With these details about the process of making this kind of blue glass, I can filter out any other kind of glass when searching for this cutie mark. Since the castle was grown from the Tree of Harmony, I can use it as an amplifier to search all of Equestria at once!"

Starlight sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Twilight, you know better. This isn't going to find that cutie mark. It's going to fill your head with the location of every blue glass pitcher in Equestria."

Twilight blew a raspberry, waving off the idea. "Just watch, you'll see. Get ready to be impressed." She started powering her horn.

Starlight shrugged and floated over a chair. Sitting back, she conjured a bucket of popcorn and tossed a few pieces into her mouth. "Alright. Impress me."

Twilight focused on the scroll, her horn getting even brighter, then looked up at the peak of the crystal ceiling of the room. A steady beam of purple magic shot from her horn, saturating the crystals and quickly spreading through the walls. Outside, the entire castle pulsed with energy before it discharged out in all directions.

Twilight smiled smugly as the spell went out. "See? What'd I tell you? I should have the location any minute."

Starlight smirked. "Wait for it…" she said slowly.

Just then the wave of magic rebounded back into the castle and beamed straight into Twilight's horn. A bright flash filled the room before fading away.

Papers floated down over the books now scattered over the floor. Twilight lay on the floor, her eyes unfocused and her whole body pulsing with magic. A deep and pained groan rose from her lips.

Starlight stood and walked over, still munching on her popcorn. "Twilight? Are you okay down there?"

Twilight pressed a hoof against her forehead, trying to hold her brain inside her skull. "Ugh, I'm alright," she muttered. "I just never thought those blue pitchers were so popular."

The doors of the library burst open and their friends hurried in. "What in Equestria was that?" Rarity asked in disbelief.

"It's alright," Starlight called, helping Twilight to her hooves. "It was just Twilight's latest attempt to find the pony who got summoned." She helped her to lean against the table, then turned to the others. "I'm glad you're here, though. Twilight's a little wound up. She could really use some breakfast, and maybe a day at the spa."

Twilight groaned and tried to stand up straight, then fell back against the table. "I'm alright. I'll get it right the second time."

Starlight looked at Twilight when she spoke, then back to their friends. "Maybe not in that order. I'll clean up here and see if they arrive while she's away."

With a general cacophony of agreement, the five of them surrounded Twilight and guided her out of the room. Starlight looked around at the scattered books and papers, and sighed. "At least nothing exploded." She floated over the popcorn and ate a few more pieces.

Thursday Afternoon
Cobalt's Apartment, Baltimare

Cobalt lay on his couch watching the clock on his living room wall. The hands stood at 11:59 and the second hand swung up toward the top. "What will she make me do today?" he grumbled. "Five, four, three, two, one…"

The door unlocked with a jingle of keys. A perfunctory knock sounded as the door opened and Dusty Rose stepped inside.

"Hi, Dusty," Cobalt called wearily, not looking but raising a hoof in a lackluster wave then letting it fall back to his side. "What fresh humiliation do you want to do today?"

Dusty frowned and moved through the kitchen. He heard water running as she said, "Cobalt, please tell me you haven't been lying on the couch all morning." The water shut off and she stepped into the living room with a vase full of roses.

"Of course not," he said with a yawn. "I was lying here most of the night, too."

Dusty sighed, setting the vase on the end table and turning it just right. "There's nothing like a nice rose to cheer a pony up." She looked at him. "Did you do anything other than lie there this morning?"

He shrugged. "I thought about my life."

"Oh, that's encouraging," Dusty said with a smile, sitting on the floor beside him. "Did you figure anything out?"

Cobalt gestured down at his glowing flank. "This is my life now. I'll never figure it out and I'll flash forever."

Dusty smirked. "Did you replace your cloak with a raincoat?"

He rolled his head over to look at her, eyes squinting in confusion. "Huh?"

"Nevermind, bad joke," she said, grinning. She patted his knee. "Now get up. We're going to be late to lunch."

"I'm not hungry," he grumbled, lying back on the arm of her couch. His belly rumbled, but he ignored it and pressed on. "You go ahead, I'll stay here."

Dusty sighed and stood up. "Did you even eat breakfast today?"

"Yep," Cobalt answered immediately. "I cooked up some oats."

She just looked at him, raising a brow.

He sighed. "Alright! I finished the pizza."

Dusty rolled her eyes. "You know that'll give you heartburn, eating pizza that early. Even with all the veggies."

"I know, I know," he sighed. "I already took some antacid. I'm fine."

She stepped toward the entry, smiling. "Good, then you'll be ready for lunch. Hurry up. We can't keep Marigold waiting."

Cobalt sat up and looked at her, brows furrowed. "I thought you said Marigold was covering your shifts this week."

"She is," Dusty answered, looking back. "I saw her at the shop when I picked up the flowers. We got talking and she asked if you and I wanted to join her at the diner for lunch."

"I really don't want—" he started to object.

"So I said yes," Dusty finished.

Cobalt stared, open-mouthed. "Dusty! Why did you do that?"

She tilted her head, giving him that problem customer look. "Because she's your friend, too, and you haven't hung out with her in months. Now c'mon, she's working a double so she only has a half-hour." When he didn't stand right away she raised a brow. "Unless you want to make me a liar for saying you'd be there."

He sighed and stood up. "No, I don't want that," he grumbled. "Fine, I'll go to lunch." He grabbed his cloak off the chair.

Dusty frowned at the cloak, but held her tongue. She let him go out first, and closed the door behind them, locking it with her key.

Tricky Pickle Diner, Baltimare

The waitress approached the corner booth, her horn glowing as a tray floated in front of her. "Here you are, Mari. A clover, tomato and cheese on wheat, iced carrot juice, and…" Her smile turned knowing as she floated a very-full bowl to the table. "A double portion of mango slices."

Marigold smiled at the sight, her mouth already watering. "That looks so delicious. Thanks, Honey Shine."

"I'm glad to take care of one of my favorite customers," she said, then glanced at the clock. "Did Dusty say when she and Cobalt would get here?"

Marigold shook her head. "It should be soon. Would you put in their usual orders? Then we can skip fifteen minutes of Cobalt reading the menu before ordering the same thing."

Honey chuckled, nodding. "Sure thing, Mari," she said before adding in a sing-song voice as she walked away. "Enjoy your mangos."

She smiled. "You know I will." She picked up a slice and looked at the juicy, ripe fruit for a moment, then extended her tongue and laid the mango on it. She drew the slice into her mouth and her orange, feathery wings ruffled as her eyes rolled up, a little moan escaping her throat. "So good," she murmured after finally swallowing the mango down.

The door chimed and she looked up, seeing a smiling Dusty and a glum, cloaked Cobalt entering the diner. "Dusty!" she called and pushed out of the booth.

"Marigold!" Dusty called back, hurrying over to hug her friend. "Thanks for meeting us. Cobalt here…" she looked around, then stepped back to the door and led him forward. "Cobalt really needs to see some friends right now."

"I thought we were just coming to eat lunch," Cobalt grumbled, keeping his head down. He stopped when he saw orange legs, then looked up at Marigold's smiling face. "Hi, Marigold," he said flatly. "It's good to see you."

She chuckled. "Well you're a ray of sunshine today." She gave him a quick hug. "Come on. Honey is getting your usual together. Have a seat."

Cobalt sighed. "I don't have a usual. I like to order off the menu."

Dusty and Marigold exchanged a bemused grin. "Of course, Cobalt," Marigold said. "Honey left one for you. Slide in." She slipped back into the booth, quickly snatching up another slice of mango.

Dusty chuckled as Marigold savored the mango and Cobalt slid back to the corner. "Treating yourself today, Mari?" she asked, sitting opposite her.

"Mmm, I thought I deserved it with the double shifts," she said, brushing a few strands of her red mane away from her eyes. "Thanks for that. The extra bits will help a lot."

"Does that mean I can have a piece?" Dusty asked, putting on her sweetest smile.

Marigold narrowed her eyes and curled a foreleg protectively around the bowl of mango. After a moment she sighed, a smile turning up her lips, and slid the bowl between them. "Only because I love you, Dusty."

Dusty picked up a slice. "Love you, too, Mari." She made a show of slowly enjoying the mango in a startlingly good impression of Marigold, and they both laughed.

Pulling the bowl back, Marigold turned to Cobalt, finding the menu hiding most of his face. "So, what've you been up to, Cobalt? I haven't seen you in months."

Cobalt raised a brow, frowning. "Dusty didn't tell you?" he grumbled. On the other side of the menu, Dusty's eyes widened, her mouth opening in surprise.

Marigold quickly glanced at Dusty's reaction, then turned her customer service smile to Cobalt. "She only said you needed her help for a few days. I've gotta admit, I'm curious if there's anything I can do, too."

"I don't want to talk about it," he said, looking back into the menu.

Dusty and Marigold shared a look before Dusty softly suggested, "Maybe it's a good idea—"

Cobalt lowered the menu. "I said I'd come have lunch," he snapped. "I don't want to talk about my problem with anypony else. Let's just—"

"There's my favorite customers," Honey Shine said with a bright smile, a tray filled with plates and glasses floating alongside her. "Here you are, Dusty. Summer salad with raspberry vinaigrette and ginseng tea. And Cobalt—"

Cobalt pointed at the menu. "Yeah, I think I'll have—"

The menu floated out of his hooves and a couple plates of steaming food gently landed on the table. "Pan-fried oat cakes with mashed potatoes and green beans with slivered almonds. And some cranberry juice to drink." Honey smiled sweetly at him.

He narrowed his eyes, frowning. "Yes. That "

Honey tilted her head, her smile turning sad. "Aww, don't look that way, sweetie. You know if you want something different I'll swap it out for you right away."

Cobalt sighed. "This is fine. Thanks, Honey."

"Anytime, Cobalt." She looked him over. "You must be broiling in that. Do you want me to hang up that cloak for you?" Her horn lit and the cloak started to lift off his back.

"No! Leave it alone!" Cobalt said far too loudly, grabbing the cloak and pulling it back over his flanks. Conversation stopped through the diner as ponies looked at them. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "No, thank you, Honey. I'll keep it."

Honey took a step back at the shout and let go of the cloak. "Suit yourself," she said cautiously. "Just flag me down if you need anything." With a last questioning look at Dusty and Marigold, she floated the tray back to the counter and picked up a coffee pot.

Dusty turned back to him. "Cobalt, I know you're feeling down, but that wasn't called for. Honey's a friend."

He glowered at her. "She almost showed everypony here. All the staring was bad enough."

"Showed everypony what, Cobalt?" Marigold asked, a concerned look on her face.

Cobalt opened his mouth to answer, paused, then sighed. "Nothing. Can we all just eat, please?"

Dusty and Marigold shared a concerned look. "Alright, let's eat," Dusty said and poured the vinaigrette on her salad. There was silence for a minute broken only by the sounds of utensils on plates.

Cobalt was just taking a bite of his oatcakes when a bowl slid over from Marigold's side of the booth. "Want the last piece?" she asked with a soft smile.

He pushed the bowl back to her. "I don't like mango," he said through the mouthful of food, then returned his attention to his plate.

Marigold's smile faded and she glanced at Dusty, who shared her expression. With a slight nod, Marigold popped the last piece in her mouth. There was little more conversation as they ate their lunch.

Prancerson Park, Baltimare

Foals laughed as they ran over the grass toward the playground, older ponies strolling after them at a more leisurely pace, chatting. Pegasi soared through the clear summer sky, dodging around the colorful kites flying over the ponies below.

Dusty smiled and shaded her eyes with a hoof as she peered up at the kites. "Ooh, that one is gorgeous, isn't it, Cobalt?" she said cheerfully, pointing. "It looks just like a dragon."

Cobalt trudged along beside her, sweating profusely under his cloak. "They look fine," he replied without looking up. "Can I go home now? It's way too hot out here."

She glanced at him, side-eyed. "You know you can fix that problem anytime you want," She raised her head, mane waving gently in the wind. "The breeze is really nice."

"You know why I can't," he grumbled. "Everypony would see. It's too embarrassing to think about."

Dusty sighed and stopped at a carrot dog cart, buying a bottle of water. "I still think it won't be that big of a deal," she said, loosening the cap and handing the bottle to him. "Most ponies will hardly notice."

Cobalt took the bottle, looking at her incredulously. "They aren't going to notice somepony's flanks flashing like a strobe light?" He took a long drink.

She shrugged. "They may notice, but most won't care. There might be some looks, maybe a few questions, but then they'll go on with their day."

He gasped for air, most of the bottle empty when he lowered it. "And then they tell all their friends about the freaky pony with the glowing rump, and by the next day the whole city knows." He shook his head. "I mean, how would you feel if it was your cutie mark flashing and everypony saw it?"

Dusty raised a brow. "Cobalt, I'm a florist." She turned to the side and pointed at her cutie mark; two pink roses edged with pale gold, their long stems intertwined. "If this was doing what yours is doing I'd probably beat our Hearts and Hooves Day sales numbers."

"Great, so Soda Lime can make me a living billboard," he grumbled, walking on. "I want to make glass pitchers, not advertise them."

She rubbed her forehead, following him. "Cobalt, you have to stop seeing this as worse than it is. We'll work it out."

Off on the side a group of school ponies tried once again and failed to get a kite flying. After a moment of discussion, two pegasi flew up and started making a strong wind behind the kite. The gust lifted the kite, then blew hats off ponies and, finally, lifted Cobalt's cloak from his back, tossing it over his head.

Cobalt froze, his whole body tensing as he waited for the reaction he feared. He didn't have to wait, the murmurs of dozens of ponies reaching his ears. As he pulled the cloak off his head he heard a chorus of young voices saying, "Whoa, cool!" He looked and saw the forgotten kite crashing to the ground behind a half-dozen school ponies who stared with eyes wide as saucers. "How do you do that, mister?" a unicorn filly asked in awe.

He tossed the cloak back over his flanks and ran for the edge of the park at a full gallop. Dusty watched him go, then noticed the onlookers turning to her. "Um, next show is at 5, kids," she said uncertainly, forcing a smile. "Tip your waitress." Then she ran off after her friend amid many confused murmurs.

She slowed to a trot as she approached the edge of the park, looking from side to side for Cobalt. The sound of labored breathing brought her behind a groundskeeper's shed. Cobalt leaned against the wall catching his breath, sweat dripping from his muzzle. "There you are. If you're not going to take that off you can't go running around like that. You're going to pass out."

He shook his head, still panting for breath. "I couldn't, ah, stay there. Ah, it was just, ah, what I thought, ah, would happen."

Dusty sighed, positioning herself right in front of him. She smiled softly. "That's not what I saw, Cobalt. Nopony was laughing, just surprised. Those children even thought it was amazing. A few more minutes and everypony would have moved on."

Cobalt drew a deep breath, finally getting himself under control again. "It was excruciating, Dusty, having all those ponies staring at me. I couldn't take it even one more minute." He looked her in the eyes. "I just want to go home now."

She shook her head, standing up straight again. "Not yet. You need to cool off first. If you try to run home like this you'll fall over dead."

He rolled his eyes and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Dusty, please! I can't think of anything out here I want more than getting back to the apartment."

"I promise you'll like this, and it will cool you off at the same time." She held a hoof out to him.

Cobalt sighed and took hold, pulling himself up off the wall.

Dusty smiled back at him. "Now c'mon. I want ice cream."

Freezing Saddles Creamery, Baltimare

Mint Chip and his two employees hurried about behind the counter in the cool interior of the ice cream parlor, filling cones for the line of ponies coming in from the summer heat. They moved in a practiced dance, greeting customers, scooping up their orders, and sending them off with a smile. Nopony waited long or left unhappy, with Mint Chip greeting many customers by name.

The bell over the door chimed and he looked up, ready to offer a warm welcome. On seeing Dusty Rose and Cobalt walking into his shop, his smile grew even wider. "Dusty! Cobalt! It's been too long. Come over here." He glanced at the shrinking number of customers then nodded to the others, who seamlessly altered their pattern to keep the line moving.

Mint Chip stepped out from behind the counter, wiping his hooves on his apron. "Dusty!" Pulled her into a hug. "Good to see you again so soon."

"How can I stay away from my favorite treats?" Dusty said, smiling, before pulling back from the hug. "And my favorite ice cream maker."

Mint chuckled and turned to Cobalt. "Cobalt, buddy!" He hugged him briefly, then stepped back and looked him over ear to hoof. "Whoa, you look like a melted creamsicle."

Cobalt's ears drooped and he sighed. "Thanks, buddy. You always know the perfect thing to say," he deadpanned.

Mint chuckled. "For you? Of course." He ushered them over to a table. "Where have you been keeping yourself? I haven't seen you in months."

"Been busy," he mumbled, sitting down and carefully making sure his cloak stayed over his flanks.

Dusty jumped into the conversation, smiling. "With work, he means. But he just got some unexpected time off, so I'm getting him to catch up with his friends."

Cobalt shot her a look, eyes narrowed. "Yeah, I wouldn't want to just sit around in my apartment alone, would I?"

"We just had lunch with Marigold a little while ago," she continued, ignoring the comment.

Mint grinned, seemingly oblivious to the tension. "Ooh, if you see her again let her know I just put some of her favorite in the freezer to set. I'll save a little for her, but vanilla mango goes fast."

Dusty smiled brightly. "Oh, she'll be so happy. You might want to start on another batch before she gets here." They both laughed, while Cobalt sat there and frowned.

"We just came in to cool off," Cobalt said abruptly.

They both looked at him, Dusty's eyes narrowed and Mint raised a brow. "Sure thing, Cobalt," he said. "What's with the cloak? You'd be halfway there if you took it off."

Cobalt sighed. "Look, Chip," he said wearily. "We've known each other since we were foals. Can you just not ask about the cloak? Please, for me?"

Mint Chip looked into his eyes for a moment, then nodded. "Of course, buddy. If you don't want to talk about it, I won't pry." Then he smiled again. "But that means you need some ice cream! I know just the thing, your favorite." He turned to the counter.

"No, Chip, wait," Cobalt said urgently. "We just had lunch. I'm way too full for something that big. A vanilla cone would be fine."

"Oh, I can help eat it," Dusty chimed in, smiling at Cobalt. "It's just what I had in mind."

Cobalt stared at her for a moment, then his shoulders drooped and he rubbed his forehead. "Fine. We'll split it."

Mint Chip grinned. "There, it's settled. One Baltimare Mint coming up!" He trotted back behind the counter and started dishing up the ice cream.

Dusty turned back to Cobalt, her smile dropping away. "What's the problem?" she asked quietly. "You know he loves making Baltimare Mints for you. It's his signature dish, and you helped him develop it."

"I said it was fine," he grumbled. "I'll eat it if it makes you both happy."

She frowned. "Wait, if it makes us happy? What do you mean? It's your favorite."

"Dusty, just drop it!" he hissed, trying to keep his voice low. "Let's have the ice cream and cool off, then I can go home."

A puzzled expression crossed her face. "Alright, we'll get you home after this, if that's what you want. Let's just try not to weird Chip out anymore than you already have."

His eyes narrowed. "Fine "

Mint Chip returned with a big smile and an even bigger bowl of ice cream. "Here we are, The Baltimare Mint! Five scoops of various mint ice creams, whipped cream, gold sprinkles, and mint-chocolate bit coins covered in luster dust." He set the glittering dessert between them, along with two spoons.

Dusty smiled at him, digging into her saddlebag. "That looks fantastic! How much do I—"

Mint waved her off, shaking his head. "Put that away, Dusty." He gestured to Cobalt with an even bigger smile. "You know the co-creator of the Baltimare Mint doesn't pay for them."

Cobalt forced a smile back at him. "Thanks, buddy. You really don't have to do that, but I appreciate it."

Mint Chip glanced over his shoulder as the door jingled, about a dozen ponies walking in. "Alright, I need to get back. Good to see you, Cobalt, Dusty. Enjoy the Mint." With that he hurried back behind the counter, greeting a customer with a smile.

Dusty beamed, turning back to Cobalt. "He's still one of the nicest ponies I know."

"Yeah, he's a delight," Cobalt said flatly, picking up one of the chocolate coins and looking at it. "These used to be regular chocolate. Let's eat this thing so I can go."

Dusty looked at him as he popped the coin in his mouth. "Okay, Cobalt," she said, picking up her spoon. "Let's eat. It's been a long day for you."

Thursday Evening
Cobalt's Apartment, Baltimare

Dusty opened the door and let Cobalt by before bringing in some carryout bags. She turned into the kitchen while he eagerly pulled off his cloak, breathing hard, and hung it over the little table in the entryway. His saddlebags followed and he sighed. "That's so much better."

Dusty unpacked noodle cartons and sauces from the bag onto the table. "You know, Cobalt, I hate to see you torturing yourself with that cloak. I really don't think you need it."

"I wouldn't have needed it if you let me stay home today," he said, stepping into the kitchen. He opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of orange juice, taking a long drink directly from it.

She stepped into the living room. "I keep telling you, Cobalt," she called, returning a moment later with the vase of roses she'd brought, positioning it in the middle of the table. "It's not healthy for you to sit around in your apartment alone wallowing in misery. You need to get out some."

Cobalt groaned, getting down glasses. "Dusty, why won't you listen to me? I don't want everypony to know about this. Can you understand how embarrassing this is?" He poured a glass of orange juice, then held up the bottle. "Want some?"

Dusty looked at him and the drops of juice still on his muzzle. "I'll pass," she said with a little grimace. "And I really don't know why you think it's so embarrassing. Sure, you get some more attention, but that's it."

He set his glass on the table with a solid thunk. "I keep telling you, Dusty, I don't want the attention. I'm happy when I can just make things, and this took that away!"

"It doesn't have to, Cobalt," she pressed. "I know Soda Lime will let you come back, even if we can't figure this out."

"Yeah, and what if she doesn't?" He turned away, visibly shaking as he held on. "What if we never figure this out and I'm out of a job?"

She stepped up, placing a hoof on his shoulder. "We will, Cobalt. You, me, and our friends. That's why I took you out today, to remind you that you have friends willing to help."

He shrugged off her hoof, turning back to her. "And to humiliate me in the park? Was that part of your plan?"

"That was an accident, Cobalt!" Dusty insisted. "And nopony laughed or made fun of you. Those foals were awestruck by you."

He pressed a hoof to the bridge of his nose. "I don't care what the foals thought!" He shouted. Then he caught himself, lowering his voice again. "What have I said that even remotely makes you think I would be okay with what happened?"

She frowned, sighing. "I know you're not. I'm just saying what you said was the worst possible thing happened already, and wasn't nearly as bad as you thought. Try to see that."

"It was, Dusty!" He said, frustration in every syllable. "Everypony was looking at me. Everypony was judging me. Even Mari and Chip were, too." He lowered his head, ears dropping.

Dusty stepped in closer. "They weren't judging you, Cobalt. They were trying to figure out why you were suddenly being such a jerk to them!" She turned and stepped away, then stopped and looked back over her shoulder. "I am, too, by the way."

He furrowed his brows. "How was I a jerk to you?"

"Really?" she asked incredulously. "What was that about with Mari, saying that you thought I told her your problems?"

He rolled his eyes. "Well that's how you got her to come to lunch, wasn't it? So she could show some pity and take a peek for herself?"

Dusty listened, disgusted. "You are my best friend in all Equestria, Cobalt! You can't seriously believe I would tell anypony your business like that!"

"Then why did she come?" he shouted back.

She pulled her mane back from her face, giving a frustrated snort. "Because she's your friend, you dope! She said it herself. All I said was that you needed my help, and she thought of meeting at the diner for lunch to see if she or Honey could do anything."

His eyes narrowed. "Well it looks like they didn't do a good job, did they?"

Dusty looked up, shaking with frustration. "For the love of…" She took a breath. "Let's just eat. I think we'll both be better off if we're not talking for a few minutes."

"Fine," Cobalt said, stepping back into the main part of the kitchen. "You get started and I'll find something in the fridge."

She furrowed her brow, gesturing to the noodles on the table. "Why? I didn't buy all this for myself."

He gritted his teeth, taking a deep breath. "Because those are from the place next door, and I told you yesterday that I don't like them."

She sat at the table, dishing up some noodles. "That's ridiculous. You said you don't like the smell of their dumpster. Their food is delicious. Come eat."

Cobalt stepped over, pulling back his chair. "Sure, why not. What you say goes, right Dusty?" He dumped some noodles into his bowl.

She set the container down, staring back at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, nothing at all," he said sarcastically. "I tell you I want to stay in, you guilt me into going out. I say I don't like the noodles, that's what we get. I say I don't want the Baltimare Mint, you tell Chip to bring it."

Dusty started to respond angrily, then frowned. "Wait, why wouldn't you want a Baltimare Mint? Didn't you help come up with the idea?"

He rolled his eyes. "I tossed some ideas around with Chip when he was getting started, and he ran with it. That doesn't mean I want to eat it."

"But it's all you ever get there."

"I don't like mint!" Cobalt shouted.

Dusty's eyes widened. "What? But he's your oldest friend!"

He shook a hoof. "Arrgh! Not the pony, Mint. The flavor, mint. I've never liked it!"

She stared back at him. "Why haven't you told Chip?"

"The same reason I go along with everything you say. I don't want to hurt his feelings." He shook his head. "What an idiot I am, huh? A real dope? Worrying about my friends."

Dusty's expression softened. "Cobalt, you need to say something. We can't—"

"Say something?" he interrupted, "I've said something all week! It doesn't matter. You always get your way."

She bit back her first response, swallowing the lump rising in her throat. "I'm just trying to help you," she said. "If you don't like it, you don't have to do what I say."

"Like it would stop you!" he shouted, standing up. "I kept telling you I wanted to stay in, but Dusty knows best and out we go!"

She stood up, leaning over the table. "You're a grown stallion, Cobalt! You have to stand up for yourself if you don't like something."

Cobalt glared at her. "You want me to stand up for myself?" he said. "Fine. I'm staying in tomorrow. I don't like these noodles." He grabbed the closest container and threw it at the trashcan, splattering noodles on the wall above as it fell in. "And I don't want a bunch of dying flowers all over my apartment!" He grabbed the flowers in his teeth, knocking the vase over and soaking the surface of the table as he turned to the trashcan and spat them in.

Dusty's mouth opened wide, shock on every bit of her face. She turned away, walking into the living room. "If you don't appreciate why I did all this, maybe I should go," she said, letting anger cover her hurt.

Cobalt followed close on her hooves. "Tell me why, Dusty. I really want to know why you did this."

She turned around with an exasperated growl. "Arrgh, because I'm trying to help you, you dope!"

"You're doing a terrible job of it," he spat the words back in her face. "I'd be a lot better off without a friend like you!"

Dusty gasped, her head jerking back like she'd been slapped. Her eyes glistened as she stared back at him, mouth open. She didn't speak, but set her jaw and turned around, walking briskly to the door. Grabbing her saddlebags, there was a jingle as she paused by the table. She set something firmly on top then pulled the door open.

Cobalt watched from where he stood, the anger slowly fading from his features. When the door opened he reached out a hoof. "Dusty? Wait, I—"

The door slammed shut, and hoofsteps quickly moved away down the hall.

He stood there, staring at the door with his hoof raised, his body shaking. Eventually he moved again, walking fearfully to the entryway table. There, right in the middle, was his spare apartment key.

Dusty's key.

Cobalt felt his heart pounding in his chest and his throat drying up. "Dusty?" he whispered, then swallowed down the lump in his throat. "Dusty!" he called out, opening the door and rushing down the hall. He nearly tripped down the stairs before pushing open the front doors, looking frantically up and down the block. "Dusty!" he shouted.

There was no answer, only ponies walking by and looking curiously at him and his glowing cutie mark. After a minute his ears drooped and he sighed, then opened the door and trudged back inside.

Around the corner, Dusty Rose leaned against the brick wall of the noodle shop and wept.

Today is Friday, It is My Day to Disappear

Friday Morning
Castle of Friendship, Ponyville

Spike flew down to the castle's main hall, stopping by the front doors. Landing, he placed a claw on the handle and waited, an ear turned to the entry. A few moments later a loud thump echoed through the large chamber.

He pulled the door open to find a grey, blonde-maned pegasus wearing a postal service uniform sitting on the steps surrounded by dropped letters, looking dazed. She shook her head and smiled.

"Good morning, Spike," she said, then grabbed a bundle of letters from her mailbag with her teeth, holding them out to the young dragon.

"Good morning, Derpy." He took the bundle, then looked at the others lying all over the steps. "Thanks. Do you want help picking those up?"

Derpy shook her head, her smile never fading. "That's all right. I've got it." She started stuffing letters back in her bag. "Have a good day, Spike."

He shrugged and smiled back at her. "You, too." As he pulled the door closed again she flew off… then turned back towards the rest of Ponyville.

Spike strolled back into the rest of the castle on his way to the library. He flipped through the stack of letters, sorting them as he went. Passing the throne room he heard voices within and stepped inside. "Mail's here," he called.

"Twilight, this is getting ridiculous," Starlight pleaded, standing next to Twilight's throne. "You're just winding yourself up. You need to relax and let things happen."

Twilight Sparkle sat on her throne, slouched forward with her chin resting on the map table. Her eyes remained fixed on the blue glass pitcher mark slowly spinning over Vanhoover. "There has to be a way to find them. What am I missing?"

Starlight placed a hoof gently on her shoulder. "You haven't missed anything. You've notified the leaders of every city, town, and village. The other Princesses ordered searches all over. Even Princess Luna is watching for anything like it in ponies' dreams. All you can do now is wait."

Spike raised a brow at the return address on one of the envelopes. "Astronomy Department?" he muttered. "Why would they be writing to Twilight?" He opened the letter with a claw, reading it over.

Twilight groaned and lay her head on the table, face down. "I can't just do nothing!" she said, voice muffled by the table. "There has to be a better way than just waiting for everypony else. I'm a Princess! What will ponies think if I can't solve something like this?"

"Um, Twilight?" Spike said, scanning more of the letter.

"Twilight, that's crazy," Starlight insisted. "You can't be expected to handle everything with no help. Not even Princess Celestia does everything on her own."

Twilight gave an exasperated sigh. "I know! That's what she has my friends and I for."

Spike cleared his throat. "Twilight, you should read this letter. It's from an astronomy professor at Jane Horsekins University—"

"Spike, I don't have time for astrological research questions right now!" Twilight rubbed her forehead before shouting at the table, "Haven't I always been good to you!?"

Spike flew up beside her. "Twilight, you really need to read this letter right now."

Twilight growled in frustration. "Spike! I said not—"

Spike slapped the letter in front of her face.

Her horn glowed and she floated the letter down. She gave Spike a side-eyed glare, eyes narrowed in annoyance, but then looked at the letter. As she read further into the letter her eyes grew wider and a smile grew over her face.

"What's it say?" Starlight asked, watching the gradual turn-around in Twilight's mood.

Twilight puffed out a giddy laugh. "We found him! Sweet Celestia, we found him!" She rounded on Spike and pulled him into a crushing hug. "Thank you, Spike!"

Starlight cleared her throat. "Sooo, all you had to do was wait and the answer came to you?"

Twilight blushed as she let Spike breathe again and he stretched his back. "Okay, yes, you were right, Starlight."

Starlight grinned smugly. "Thanks for saying it, Twilight."

Twilight turned to Spike. "Get the go-bags."

"Yes, ma'am!" he said with a quick salute and flew out of the room.

Starlight raised a brow. "Go bags?" she asked uncertainly.

Twilight trotted to the door, Starlight following behind. "When he didn't turn up the first day I had Spike pack a few things so we wouldn't have to wait when we found him." She turned back to her friend. "Can you keep an eye on things here? Oh, and let the girls know to be here first thing tomorrow?" She stepped into a hug.

Starlight hugged her back. "No problem. Everything will be ready when you arrive. Good luck."

Twilight smiled and flew out of the door, calling, "Spike, hurry up. We're going to Baltimare!"

Starlight grinned and trotted back to the table, trying out Twilight's throne again.

Cobalt's Brain, The Dreamscape

Cobalt walked through the streets of Baltimare, an eerie silence all around. Ponies crowded the sidewalks and the streets were filled with taxis and delivery wagons, but every one of them stood frozen in place, mid-trot. He frantically looked from one pony to the next, calling out, "Dusty! Where are you? Dusty!" A flash of pale gold disappeared behind the noodle shop, and he ran towards it.

He ran around a corner and found himself on an empty street in front of the Tricky Pickle Diner. Pushing open the door no chime sounded. The diner was empty, its colors dim, except for Marigold sitting still in their booth.

Cobalt approached her quickly, looking all around the diner. "Marigold! Did Dusty come in here? I have to find her."

She turned her head slowly, expressionless. "Cobalt, sit down and eat." Her voice sounded distant, and her lips didn't move. "It's time for lunch."

"Mari, didn't you hear me? I need to find Dusty."

"I brought your usual." Honey Shine appeared next to him, huge trays of food floating behind her. Her mouth didn't move, either, her voice coming from all around. "Sit down and you can eat."

"Sit down," Marigold repeated.

Cobalt backed away from the booth. "I don't have time for this. I have to find Dusty." The door chime sounded and he spun around, seeing a flash of a gold tail leaving. "Dusty! Wait!" He rushed through the door.

He found himself in Frozen Saddles Creamery, with Mint Chip pulling scoop after scoop of ice cream and placing them in a huge bowl. "Chip! Where did Dusty go? I just saw her come in here."

Mint Chip smiled at him, but kept scooping. "Cobalt! You look stressed. A Baltimare Mint will help you relax."

Cobalt gave a frustrated growl. "Chip, I don't want ice cream! I need to find Dusty." He turned to leave, but the floor vanished and he fell, screaming, through a rain of chocolate coins.

Just as suddenly as he fell, he found himself standing on a dirt road in a small town with wooden buildings. Nopony could be seen, all of the doors and shutters closed. A gust of wind blew motes of dust between the houses.

The sound of approaching hoofsteps echoed loudly from behind him. He spun around and saw a purple alicorn walking toward him with wings spread. The image blurred and for a moment they appeared to be on a rocky shoreline by the sea. The town returned, with the tall, crystal castle on the skyline. The figure focused again, but now he saw Dusty Rose in her place. She smiled, her coat sparkling in the sun.

He hurried over, stopping a few yards away as her expression didn't change. "Dusty! I've been looking everywhere. Where were you?"

She stepped closer, her smile never fading. "I am not Dusty Rose. I am only The Messenger."

"Ahh, alright," he said uncertainly. "You look just like her… and have the same cutie mark…"

The Messenger continued on as if he'd never spoken. "You have been summoned. Why have you not answered?"

Cobalt's brows wrinkled. "Wait, what do you mean 'summoned'? Am I in trouble?" His eyes widened. "Is that crazy singer suing again? We told her glasses would break if she threw them to her fans."

"Dusty" cocked her head to one side. "You have been summoned," she repeated and nodded to his side. He felt a familiar twingle, and looked back to see his cutie mark flashing again. "You must answer the call." She stomped a hoof on the ground with a resounding noise like a thunderclap.

Cobalt's Apartment, Baltimare

Cobalt jerked his head up from the kitchen table with a startled shout, "Dusty!" He looked around, dream images slowly fading into reality. The room was almost untouched from the night before, with carryout cartons spilled on the table and noodles stuck to the wall over the trash.

The biggest change was the vase of flowers returned to the center of the table. The roses draped haphazardly around the edge, half the stems broken to some degree. A noodle hung from one of the blooms like a curry-covered worm.

Cobalt stared at the damaged roses. For the hundredth time the argument played out in his mind. Every hurtful word he said ripped at him, making him ache again. A petal dropped from one of the most-battered buds, falling into a sticky, half-dried pool of garlic sauce.

"I have to fix this," he muttered, standing up. A groan left his lips and he rubbed at the back of his stiff neck. He stretched with each step over to the entryway, walking well enough by the time he got there.

Cobalt pulled on his saddlebags and looked at the cloak. After a moment he pulled it on, too. He turned to the door then paused, looking at the table and the key lying where Dusty had placed it. Setting his jaw, he scooped up the key and stashed it in the bag, then hurried out the door.

Dusty Rose's Apartment (Exterior), Baltimare

Cobalt stood outside the locked door of Dusty's place, knocking repeatedly. "Dusty?" he called. "Dusty, it's Cobalt. Please, let me in. Dusty, I'm sorry."

Only silence answered from behind the door. "Okay, you don't have to let me in. Please, just talk to me." He knocked louder. "Dusty, please, let me know you're hearing me."

He stopped knocking. With his hooves on the doorframe, he pressed his cheek against the door, closing his eyes. "I really messed up, Dusty," he said, his voice quieter. "It's all my fault. I was a jerk to you and all our friends. I was selfish and didn't see what was right in front of me." He sighed. "Please, Dusty, I need my best friend to help me figure this out."

"She's not home," said a voice down the hall. He looked up to see a unicorn mare closing and locking her door, a young foal in a carrier strapped to her flank. "She left early this morning."

He stood up, cheeks red, and brushed off his cloak. "Umm, thanks. Did she say where she went?"

She shook her head, walking past him to the stairs. "I didn't talk with her. I was just trying to get my little Moonbeam here back to sleep and I heard her in the hall locking up."

Cobalt sighed and nodded. "Thanks for telling me. No telling how long I would be knocking before I figured it out." He rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "Ahh, how much of that did you hear?"

She looked back at him with a brow raised. "Enough to know why she was crying when she left. Dusty is a good neighbor. She doesn't deserve this." With that she turned back to the stairs. Moonbeam looked back at him as they left, raising a brow like her mother.

Cobalt's ears drooped and he stared down at his hooves. "Damnit, Cobalt," he muttered. "You really messed up." Lifting his head he started pacing in front of the door. "Think. How can you fix this? Ahh, I wish Dusty was here to help figure it out."

He stopped and looked at the door to Dusty's apartment. "I need somepony else for this one." Suddenly his ears perked up and, nodding, he hurried to the stairs. "I hope he can help."

Freezing Saddles Creamery, Baltimare

Mint Chip hummed a happy tune while he worked, pouring a batch of vanilla ice cream base into one of his large , chilled mixers. One of his assistants pulled tubs of ice cream from the walk-in freezers, carrying them to the serving counter.

He just turned on the machine, making sure it was mixing at the right speed, when a loud knocking came from the glass door out front. His assistant was just stepping back in the freezer, but sighed and turned to the front. "I'll tell them we're not open yet, boss."

"That's alright, Scoop. I'll get it," Mint said, waving her back to what she was doing. "You can finish setting up." With that he wiped his hooves on a clean cloth and stepped out into the front. "We open at eleven," he called loudly. Looking up he stopped, eyes widening. "Cobalt?" The expression on his friend's face made him hurry to the door and open it, waving him in before locking it again. "What's wrong, buddy? You look like a colt that dropped his cone."

"Thanks, Chip," Cobalt said, stepping clear of the door. "I know you're busy setting up to open. I hate to ask it now, but I really need your help. Can we talk a bit?"

He nodded quickly, ushering his friend to a table. "Of course, Cobalt. I always have time for you." He looked over where Scoop was loading more ice cream inside the counter and trying to look like she wasn't listening. "Scoop, give us a minute. The chocolate supreme should be about ready for the chips." Looking mildly disappointed she nodded and trotted into the back room. "Alright, Cobalt, what's on your mind? I seriously haven't seen you look like this since your pet hamster died back in grade school."

Cobalt nodded, taking a deep breath. "I really loved Mr. Fluffy. She was a great hamster. This is worse."

Chip gasped, his eyes wide. "Oh, no, your Grandma didn't pass away, did she? I know she's in her nineties, but she seemed so healthy."

He shook his head. "No, my Grandma is fine. She's running another marathon next week."

"Not your Dad, then! You said he had a case of the trots, but I didn't think that was fatal."

Cobalt sighed. "Not my Dad. He got over the trots months ago."

Chip frowned, brows furrowed. "Your Mom?"

He rubbed his forehead, eyes closed. "Nopony died, Chip!"

Chip raised a brow. "Is somepony pregnant?"

"Chip, maybe you should let me tell you."

He sat back, nodding. "Ok, buddy. What's going on?"

Cobalt took a deep breath, looking down at the table. "I really messed up. I've been stressed out this week and not sleeping well." He closed his eyes and sighed. "But that's no excuse. She didn't deserve it."

Mint Chip reached out and placed a hoof on his shoulder. "It's okay, buddy. Just tell me what happened. Who didn't deserve what?"

"It's Dusty," he said, looking at the table. "We got in an argument, and I yelled at her. I said some hurtful things and she left and I don't think she's coming back."

Chip sat back in his chair, frowning. "Well that explains it," he muttered.

Cobalt looked up. "Explains what?"

"Dusty came in just before I closed up last night," he said. "She was pretty upset and looked like she'd been crying. She wouldn't tell me what happened, just bought four quarts of chocolate oat ripple and left." He looked his friend in the eye. "What's got you so stressed, buddy?"

He closed his eyes again, then reached back and flipped up his cloak, exposing his glowing cutie mark.

Chip's eyes widened and he leaned over, taking a long look. "Whoa. I thought those foals were making it up when they said they saw a pony with glowing flanks. Never thought it was you."

Cobalt winced. "It's been doing this all week. Nopony knows why or how to fix it. Dusty took time off work to help when she saw how depressed I was, and I shouted at her for it." He folded his forelegs on the table and buried his face in them. "I'm a terrible friend."

Chip shook his head. "Cobalt, buddy, you know that's not true. You're a really good friend who's having a rough time. How many times have you dropped everything to help me out over the years? You even helped paint my house when you knew the smell of paint makes you sick."

Cobalt raised his head, ears still drooping. "In all those times I never said I'd be better off without you as a friend." He stared down at his hooves. "She left her key on the way out."

"Whoa," Chip said, eyes wide. "Okay, yeah, that is really bad."

Cobalt dropped his face back to the table.

He gave Cobalt's shoulder a rub. "But you can fix it. You and Dusty are best friends, have been for years. I don't think she wants that to end any more than you do. Just get over to her place, swallow your pride, and apologize."

"I tried that, Chip." He looked up from his hooves. "She wasn't home. I don't know where she went or when she'll be back or even if she's coming back."

Chip sat back, nodding. "Then you've got to go find her, buddy. You know where she's likely to go. Ask around. Just don't let it wait." He stood up. "Do you want me to go with you? Scoop can handle things here until the others get in." From the back room there was the sudden whining of an overworked motor, a panicked yelp, then the motor stopped. "I think Scoop can handle things…"

Cobalt stood up as well, letting his cloak fall over his flanks again. "No, Chip, stay here. I've got enough to worry about without taking you away from your shop. If Dusty comes back in, just tell her I'm looking for her."

Chip raised a brow at the suggestion, but nodded. "Alright, Cobalt. Just remember, the apology is about her, not you. I'd make it really special to her, too." He looked his friend over and smiled. "I'm guessing you skipped breakfast. How about I whip up a Baltimare Mint to tide you over." He turned toward the counter.

Cobalt called out, "Chip, wait! There's something I need to tell you, buddy."

Mint Chip stopped and looked back. "Alright, you've got my attention. What's up?"

He squirmed in his seat a bit, looking sheepish. "I... I don't really like mint ice cream. Mint anything, really. I should have told you sooner."

Chip stared back at him, his mouth hanging open in a look of astonishment. "After all these years, yeah, I think you should have. You let me serve you all those Baltimare Mints, and you ate them! Why didn't you say anything?"

Cobalt shook his head, blushing a bit. "You were so proud of it, Chip. I didn't want to hurt your feelings."

He cocked his head, a little smile on his lips. "That's so you. Cobalt, buddy, we've known each other almost all our lives. Did you really think I'd be upset about which flavor ice cream you like."

Cobalt rubbed the back of his neck. "When you put it that way, yeah, it does sound a little silly. Sorry, buddy."

Mint Chip laughed, nodding. "More than a little. So, if you don't want mint, what can I get you?"

He took a deep breath, smiling again. "Maybe just a vanilla cone?" As Chip turned away, his ears perked up and he nodded slowly. "Oh, and one other thing…"

Best Buds Florists, Baltimare

"And don't worry," Marigold said with a bright smile, a notepad tucked under her wing, as she walked a pair of unicorns towards the door. "We will have all your arrangements ready right on time. Your wedding will look gorgeous, I promise."

The mare beamed back at her, leaning close against her fiance. "Thank you so much! I've dreamed about this day for years. I'm so excited!" She kissed him, then they left with a wave.

Marigold kept her glowing smile until they were out of sight. Letting out a slow breath, she looked at her notes and shook her head. "That's got to be the ugliest color palatte I've ever seen." She trotted back to the counter, setting the pad down and turning to check the stock.

She just got a count of what needed to be refilled when the bell over the door jingled. She put back on her smile and turned around. "Welcome to Best Buds. How can—" She stopped when she saw Cobalt walking in. The smile vanished, replaced by a disdainful glare. "Oh, it's you. What do you want?"

Cobalt winced at the sudden change in tone. "Hey, Mari," he said, ears low. "I don't suppose Dusty's here, is she?"

She glared at him for a moment before answering. "You've got a lot of nerve. What makes you think she even wants to talk to you?"

"So, um, she told you about it, huh?"

She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Of course not. She's a good friend like that. But she'd been crying and after how much of a jerk you were being yesterday, it's not hard to guess why she was so upset."

He nodded, eyes downcast. "Yeah, that's fair. I'm really sorry I treated you so badly. All of you. You were trying to help."

Mari cocked her head, raising a brow. "And you think that's enough? Dusty was still crying when I asked what happened."

Shaking his head, he opened his saddlebags and pulled out a container, setting it on the counter. "I know it's not enough for Dusty, but I brought a peace offering for you. I really do want to make things right."

She stared at the waxed paper tub and the Frozen Saddles Creamery label on the lid. "Is that…"

"A quart of vanilla mango, yeah. Chip said it's a fresh batch made yesterday." He risked a little smile. "We both want to help Dusty. Is she here?"

Marigold sighed. "Alright, you and I are good, but ice cream isn't gonna fix things with Dusty."

Cobalt nodded, looking down at the counter. "I know. If I can just talk with her, we can… I don't know. All I want is to help her as much as she helped me."

"Well, she's not here, Cobalt," she said. "Dusty came in earlier to ask me to pick up her shifts next week. She said she had a lot to think about."

He grimaced, shaking his head. "She's not at home, either. Chip saw her last night after our fight, and she bought a bunch of ice cream."

Mari nodded slowly. "Yeah, that's what I'd do, too. I got the feeling she wanted to be away for a while. I'd say she'd go to her best friend for help, but given what's going on…"

"I'll find her, somehow," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "And I'll make it right by her. I promise."

"I hope so. You need to let her know how you feel, and make it good." She picked up the ice cream with a wing. "I need to get this in the freezer, and restock the flowers for the afternoon. Good luck." As he turned she added, "Oh, and Cobalt?"

He stopped, looking back. "Yeah?"

Marigold pointed at him with her other wing. "She's been my friend longer than she's been yours. If you hurt her again, you'll answer to me. Got it?"

Cobalt nodded. "Believe me, the last thing I want to— Wait, isn't it like, two days longer?"

She froze, suddenly on the rear hoof in the conversation. "Well, yes, but it's still longer, It counts. Don't change the subject!" She narrowed her eyes. "I'm watching you." She raised her wing, pointing at her eyes then turning the feathers toward him. With that, the stepped into the back room past the bins of flowers.

Cobalt watched her go. His gaze drifted to a bin of pink roses, their shade matching Dusty's coat. He thought about her, and the flowers she brought to cheer him up. In his mind, he saw the petal falling from the broken bloom on his table.

"That's it," he muttered, then hurried out of the shop.

Friday Afternoon

Clear Casing Custom Glassworks, Baltimare

Soda Lime sat at her desk, looking over the papers stacked neatly across it's surface. She stamped a page "Delivered" and lay it on the tallest stack, then stared at a much smaller pile. "Got to get on Cold Call about new orders. He's got to pump those numbers up."

A knock sounded from the door and she called out, "Yes?" It opened and a familiar cloak-covered pony stepped in. "Hey, boss."

"Cobalt! We missed you this week." She looked him over, nodding. "I was going to ask if you took care of your problem, but the cloak answers that question. What's up?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "Yeah, I even have new problems on my flanks. I'm here because… well, there's something I need to make. I can pay you for the materials and the furnace space. I just… it's really important to me."

She watched him as he spoke, a smile creeping over her lips. She stood and stepped around the desk. "So it sounds like what you really need is a favor from a friend. Is that right?"

Cobalt shifted uncomfortably on his hooves. "Um, yeah, I guess I do."

"Then how about you start calling me Soda and we'll see what we can do."

He let out a relieved sigh. "Thanks, bo— That is, thanks, Soda."

She chuckled and put a hoof around his shoulders, leading him back to the floor. "Okay, first, lose the cloak. You'll kill yourself trying to make anything in that. You've got the use of the furnace for free, and we'll see what materials end up being."

He smiled and pulled off the cloak and his saddlebags without hesitation. "That's really nice of you, Soda. It won't be a lot of glass, but the colors might take a bit." Approaching the furnace and kiln, he set them aside and pulled on his canvas apron, tying it in place. Moments later the furnace was lit and heating rapidly as he prepared his tools.

"What are you making, Cobalt?" Soda Lime asked. "Maybe I can help get the ingredients together."

He shook his head, already trotting to the raw material bins. "I appreciate it, but no. I'm kinda playing this by ear." Glancing back, he added, "And I feel like I've got to do this myself. It's important."

She raised a brow, but didn't push it. "Alright, it's all you. I'll be up in my office if you need anything."

Cobalt turned his attention to what he needed: the silica and the various coloring agents. "Got to get this right," he muttered, gathering them up. A few minutes later, silica was melting within crucibles inside the furnace.

He took a long, slow breath, letting the familiar scents of the furnace and molten glass fill his nose. His worries faded to the background of his thoughts, the careful steps to create the image in his mind coming to the forefront. Calm focus settled over him. Checking with a glance that the glass was completely melted, he took a long metal tube and began.

The process started simply, gathering molten glass on the tube and blowing through the other end to create a bubble within it. He rolled it, shaping it, stretching it out. Time and again he returned the glass to the furnace as it cooled, restoring it to radiance.

His thoughts drifted, his body going through the familiar process almost on its own. The past week played out behind his eyes, with his words rising to the surface.

Sure, why not. What you say goes, right Dusty?

I don't want a bunch of dying flowers all over my apartment!

I'd be a lot better off without a friend like you!

He didn't notice how his turning of the piece slowed as he focused on his memories. The glass bent down off the tube until, with a sharp snap, it fell to the floor and shattered. Cobalt's attention returned to the moment and he sighed. Quickly sweeping up, he returned the pieces to the furnace.

He focused his thoughts on the image of his design, oblivious to the glances of the other glassworkers. Every step played out until the image of the raw glass matched the finished piece. Only then did he begin again.

Slowly, deliberately, he worked the glass, following the steps in his mind. He flattened, bent, and snipped away pieces, setting them aside, before starting on a larger piece.

Despite his focus, his memories began to intrude once again. He pushed them away, paying attention to his technique, but some still leaked through.

You can't seriously believe I would tell anypony your business like that!

I said some hurtful things and she left and I don't think she's coming back.

I was selfish and didn't see what was right in front of me.

Damnit, Cobalt, you really messed up.

He was just joining one of the pieces he'd prepared, using a blowtorch to heat them to match the base. A loud crackling sound made his heart sink. Turning the piece, he watched a long network of cracks forming along its length.

Cobalt pressed a hoof to his forehead, eyes closed. Using the torch he removed the pieces he could before re-melting the rest in the furnace once again. He sat back on a stool, staring at the furnace door.

Soda Lime stepped out of her office, looking down at him from the catwalk. The looks from his coworkers grew longer and more frequent. Through it all he ran through what had happened, both with the glass and with his life. The image of Dusty's face appeared in his mind, followed by different words from the week.

I'm not anypony, I'm your best friend who's worried about you, you dope

Cobalt, that was the day we met. That's the moment I choose to see up there.

All I want is to help her as much as she helped me.

He stood up, opening the furnace and starting again. Instead of slow and methodical, his motions were smooth and confident as he worked the glass.

I don't have to be your mother to care about you, you dope

The parts came together quickly, being rolled, shaped, and twisted under his tools. He teased out every detail with sharp, deft motions.

I'm here to help my friend.

Dusty, you're just too good to me.

He added more color, fixing it in place with a fast dip into the furnace. Eventually he finished the piece in the kiln, stabilizing the temperature before carefully removing it from the pipe.

Nothing like a nice rose to cheer a pony up.

He set the finished glass aside to cool, only then letting himself notice the rest of the shop. Every one of his coworkers stood watching him work, expressions ranging from impressed to respect.

Soda Lime approached with a wooden box, opening it to reveal soft foam padding. "That's got to be the best work I've seen you do, Cobalt."

He rubbed the back of his neck, smiling. "Thanks, Soda. It had to be. It's for somepony important."

"Clearly," she said. "When it's cool you can have this to keep it safe."

Cobalt nodded, taking the box. "I appreciate it. What do I owe you for the glass?"

Soda held up a hoof, shaking her head. "Don't worry about it. Honestly, watching you make it was payment enough." A grin touched her lips. "Just, ah, clean up your station before you leave."

He chuckled. "Sure thing, boss." After a quick hoofshake, he set the box aside and set about putting away his tools. Before long the station was cleared and the furnace shut down. With the finished piece cool enough, he gingerly placed it in the box, arranging the foam padding before closing it up.

As his coworkers returned to their own tasks, he stowed the box in this saddlebag and turned to his employer. "Thanks again, Soda. I really appreciate this. I'll let you know when I can get back to work again."

She nodded. "Take your time. We can get by without you for a little while longer. I hope all goes well with your friend." She turned away, raising her voice. "Alright the rest of you, break's over! We've got orders to fill."

Cobalt smiled, carefully strapping on his saddlebags and double checking the box within before trotting out the door. "Now I just have to find Dusty."

Friday Evening

Tricky Pickle Diner (Exterior), Baltimare

The back door of the diner opened in an orange glow and Honey Shine stepped into the alley. "Good night, Mel," she called back into the kitchen. "Don't forget to unlock the walk-in." She giggled as a voice called back, "That's not funny!" through the closing door. Smiling, she turned away from the diner and strolled towards the closest street, humming softly.

"Honey, wait!" she heard from behind her, along with the sound of galloping hooves on the pavement. With a yelp she spun around, horn glowing, and grabbed the approaching pony in her magic.

Cobalt's legs waved helplessly as he lifted off the ground. "Ahh! Honey, it's me. It's me!"

Honey Shine let out a relieved breath, reaching a hoof to her chest over her racing heart. "Cobalt, what's wrong with you? Don't you know not to run up behind a mare in a dark alley like that? You're lucky I didn't just zap you."

He nodded sheepishly. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to catch you before you left. It's important."

"It'd better be. You scared me half to death." As her heartbeat slowed back to normal, she shook her head. "What's so important you had to jump out at me?"

"Um, Honey?" He raised a brow, pointing at the ground below. "Do you think you could put me down first?"

Honey glanced down and blushed slightly. "Oh, right." She lowered him to the ground and powering down her horn. "There. Now tell me what's going on."

Cobalt reached back, checking his saddlebag, and sighed. "Well, first, I'm sorry I snapped at you yesterday. I overreacted."

"Well, thanks, I appreciate that, but I just assumed you had a bad day." She raised a brow. "I hope that wasn't the whole reason for this."

He shook his head. "No, it wasn't. I'm looking for Dusty. We had a fight and I said some stupid, awful things, so I have to apologize and make it up to her."

She looked him over. "I can't believe you two had a fight. You've been friends for what, eight years or so? You two always got along so well."

"I know, I know," he said, wincing. "It was all my fault. I got wrapped up in my problems and lost my temper. That's why I need to clear the air. Have you seen her?"

Honey gave him a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry, sweetie. You missed her by a few hours. She was in for a late lunch, then said she was heading to the train station."

"What? The train station?" He paced around in front of her, brows furrowed. "Did she say where she was going? Or when she'll be back?"

Honey reached out, touching his shoulder. "Dusty said she was going to stay with her mother. She didn't say for how long."

He sighed, head, ears, and shoulders drooping. "Why didn't I think of that? Of course she'd go back to…" He trailed off, searching his memories. With a blush coloring his cheeks, he turned back to Honey Shine. "Umm, where was that again?"

She stared at him incredulously. "Really, Cobalt? You've known her this long and don't know where she's from?"

Cobalt pressed a hoof to his forehead as if he could draw the memory from his brain. "I know she told me, a long time ago. It's just not coming back to me."

She sighed. "Cob Run, sweetie."

"Right! Cob Run. I knew that." He smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Honey. You're the best. Do you, ah, want me to walk you home?"

Honey Shine smiled sweetly, shaking her head. "That's alright, Cobalt. I'll be fine. Besides, I don't want to keep you. I suspect you have some packing to do."

Cobalt smiled back at her. "Thanks, Honey. I'll see you soon." With that he turned and hurried back the way he came.

She watched him go, then chuckled and shook her head. "That stallion would forget his tail if it wasn't attached." She turned and continued home.

Cobalt's Apartment, Baltimare

Cobalt opened the door in a clatter of keys, hurrying inside. Cloak and saddlebags were carefully hung by the door and he wiped sweat from his forehead. "Okay, what do I need for the trip?" he muttered, walking back toward his bedroom. "Dusty's present, bits… I don't usually wear anything, so that lightens up the load." He paused. "Maybe I should, so she knows I'm serious… Nah, it would just be weird. Better to just go to Cob Run and…" He stopped in his tracks. "Where is Cob Run?"

A rapid knocking at the door snapped him out of his thoughts. "I'm busy. Go away." he called, looking around again before opening a closet.

The knocking continued. Pulling on a suitcase, he yelled over his shoulder, "I said go away!" The suitcase came out suddenly and he fell back, it and the dozen other things stacked on it falling over him.

Another urgent knock sounded as he pushed everything off, rubbing his forehead. "Nngh, what is so important?" He grumbled and stood up, heading to the entry. "Alright, I'm coming!" He pulled open the door. "Yes, what do you—?" He stopped when he saw his visitors: a purple alicorn and a small green and purple dragon.

"Oh, thank goodness!" she said with a relieved sigh. She smiled. "Are you Cobalt? We've been looking all over for you."

"Ahh, yes, that's me," he said cautiously. His eyes narrowed as he looked at her. "Have we met? I mean, you look really familiar, just not as… sparkly as I thought."

The dragon raised a brow. "Dude, you mean you don't recognize the Princess of Friendship?" he asked with a note of disbelief.

She nudged him with her hoof and shot him a disapproving look. Turning her attention back to Cobalt, she smiled warmly. "Yes, I'm Twilight Sparkle. And this is Spike." She nodded toward his flank. "We received Comet Tail's letter about your flashing cutie mark, so we got here as fast as we could. May we come in?"

He looked between them for a moment, processing the situation, before flicking his tail over his flank and stepping back to let them in. "Oh, um, yeah, Comet Tail said she would write you. Sorry, got a lot on my mind. Come in."

As they stepped past him Cobalt kept his tail over his cutie mark, although it didn't do much to hide the flashing. Twilight and Spike glanced around the small, simple living room. "Well this is cozy," Spike quipped, earning him another nudge from Twilight.

"Yeah, it's just me, and space costs a lot," Cobalt said, following them in. If he took any offense, it didn't show. "I'd show you around, but apart from the bedroom and bathroom, this is it." He stopped, a thought crossing his mind. "Oh, sorry, am I supposed to bow? I've never met royalty before." He started lowering his head.

Twilight held up a hoof. "No, please don't. I really don't care for it. Besides, I'm the guest in your home." She smiled comfortingly. She glanced around, searching for something remarkable. "Oh, those flowers are pretty… if a little broken. Do you always get roses?"

He stepped over in front of the opening to the kitchen, between her and the flowers. "I don't want to sound rude, but Comet Tail thought you might be able to help with my problem. Will the cure take long? There's really somewhere I need to be."

Twilight's eyes widened and she exchanged a glance with Spike. "Ahh, that's not why we're here. This isn't something you cure."

"So my flanks will do this forever?" Cobalt's ears drooped and he lowered his head. "Just my luck, I'm going to be a billboard after all."

She shook her head and stepped closer, stretching out a wing to gently touch his shoulder. "No, that's not what I meant. There's not a cure because this isn't a disease. You've been summoned for a mission, that's all."

You have been summoned. You must answer the call. The words of his dream echoed in his mind. "Right, that's what sparkly you said after you changed into sparkly Dusty," he said, sounding distant.

Both of his visitors furrowed their brows in confusion. "Umm, come again?" Spike asked.

Cobalt snapped back to the moment. "So, why would you summon me? I'm not any kind of hero or anything. I'm a glassblower. Did you need an emergency set of stemware or something? Because we do rush orders. There's a checkbox on the order form and everything."

Twilight shook her head, interrupting. "No, no it's nothing like that. And I didn't summon you. You were called for a friendship mission." She ended on a bright and positive tone, smiling warmly.

He stared back at her, waiting for more. When no further explanation came, he said, "Umm, but aren't you the Princess of Friendship? Who else would call a pony for something about friendship?"

"Let me explain," she said, then paused. She cocked her head, considering. "Eh, actually, there's a lot. Let me summarize. Somewhere in Equestria there's a friendship problem that you are the best pony to fix. To do that, you need to come to my castle in Ponyville to answer the summons and learn where it is, then go find and fix it. Understand?"

Cobalt started nodding, then stopped and shook his head. "Ah, no, that doesn't make any sense to me. I don't even know where to start asking questions."

Twilight nodded. "I understand. If you can gather what you need for a short overnight trip, I can answer all your questions on the way to Ponyville."

"No, I… I can't go to Ponyville right now." He paced in front of the couch. "I'm busy. I have something important to do. Maybe I can go in a few days."

She glanced at Spike, then back to him. "Ah, are you sure about that? It's the only way to stop your cutie mark from flashing. Nopony's ever taken this long to answer before."

"Never?" He stopped pacing, looking at her wide-eyed. "What will it do to me if I don't?"

"Admittedly, most of the ponies called live in Ponyville." She rubbed the back of her neck. "Honestly, I don't know what would happen. Probably your mark would just keep flashing, but it's hard to be sure."

Cobalt took a deep breath, looking back at his glowing flanks but thinking about Dusty. "I don't know… I really want this to stop, but I need to do something else."

Spike stepped forward. "What is it you need to do? Maybe we can help."

He shook his head, looking over at the roses. "You can't help. I messed it up, I have to fix it."

Twilight followed his gaze, her expression softening. "It's about the pony who gave you the flowers, isn't it?" she asked gently. "I don't want to pry, but if you're having a problem with a friend, I may be able to help."

"I just don't know," he said. "I don't want to go telling anypony about her problems."

Spike flew up next to him, resting a claw on his shoulder. "I get not wanting to tell a friend's secrets, but you literally have the Princess of Friendship asking to help you. Can you pass that up?"

Cobalt sighed and sat down on the couch, rubbing his forehead. "Alright. It's my best friend, Dusty Rose." Once he started, the words kept flowing. "She's the one I went to when my cutie mark started flashing, and she's the reason I ended up talking to Comet Tail about it, so I guess she's the one that brought you here. She saw how I was losing sleep and getting depressed and she took time off work to help me."

She sat down as he spoke, listening closely. "She sounds like a great friend."

He gritted his teeth, trying to keep back the tears threatening to flow. "She is. But I think I ruined it. I got so stressed and annoyed at what she did to help, and last night I started a fight with her." He closed his eyes, lowering his head. "I yelled at her and said… I said I'd be better off without her as a friend. She left behind her key to my apartment and left town to stay with her mother." He raised his head, looking between them. "That's why I have to go. I have to make sure she's okay, even if we're never friends again. She didn't deserve any of it."

Twilight reached out, resting a hoof on his shoulder. "I'm sorry that happened. It's clear you feel bad about it and want to make it right. If it helps, my friends and I have said lots of hurtful things to each other that we regretted over the years. If you're honest with her, I know you can work it out."

Cobalt stood up, nodding. "Exactly! That's why I need to find her, so we can work it out. I don't want her to feel this way any longer than I can help it."

She rose to her hooves as well. "I know you do. It's normal to want to rush into an apology. It's just not always the wisest thing to do."

Spike hovered next to her, nodding slowly. "I've seen that. Sometimes when a pony is still hurting they aren't ready to hear an apology. Trying to force one on them can just drive them further away."

He frowned, looking back at the flowers. "But how can I know when she's ready? What if I wait too long?" He looked back into Twilight's eyes. "I'm really scared of losing her."

Twilight nodded slowly, stepping closer. "I understand. The only way to find out is to do it, and that's where all the risk lies. You said she's with her mother, so she's safe and cared for, and working through it in her own way." She reached out with a wing and a sympathetic smile. "I know you've had a rough time with the summons, and that led to the problem with Dusty Rose. All I can promise you is that, whatever it is, this mission is important and you are the pony who can complete it. But the choice is yours."

He frowned, thinking it over, looking from Twilight and Spike to the flowers on his table. After a minute he sighed. "I guess I could give Dusty a day or two. It might even be better. Ok, I'll go."

She nodded, smiling. "You made a good choice. Can we help you pack what you need?"

Spike flew up to hover at eye level. "That's my specialty. Just point me to what you want."

Cobalt shook his head, walking back to the entryway and carefully putting on his saddlebags. "This is all I need. I'd really like to go quickly, so I can finish up and get back. Please?"

Twilight smiled. "Of course," she said, trotting to the door with Spike flying behind her. He let them out first, holding the door open. With a last look at the flowers, he stepped out and locked up.

I'm Waiting In Saturday's Dream

Saturday Morning

Castle of Friendship, Ponyville

Starlight Glimmer appeared outside the door to the castle's dining room in a turquoise flash. "I hope I'm not too late," she muttered before opening the door wide. "Did I miss–" She was cut off by a loud popping noise, a whistle, and a blast of little squares of cupcake-scented paper in her face.

"Happy first map… Aww, it's just Starlight." Pinkie Pie said, crestfallen. "I wanted that one for our visitor."

Twilight frowned, already floating confetti off Starlight's mane. "Pinkie! I said no party cannons. Cobalt's been through enough this week with this summons. He doesn't need any more surprises." She turned to Starlight, an apologetic smile crossing her lips. “Sorry. Pinkie’s a little excited about this.”

Starlight coughed, a puff of confetti raining down from her muzzle. “It’s alright, Twilight.” She winked at Pinkie. “It’s one of the hazards of being friends with a party pony, after all.” Pinkie giggled.

Starlight looked around the large table. Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash sat in front of clean and empty plates, and a large platter of pancakes rested in the center of the table, untouched. Nopony looked particularly joyful about the situation. “So, I assume our visitor hasn’t come down to breakfast yet?”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, cutting in before Twilight could answer. “Ugh! No, he hasn’t, and Twilight won’t let us eat without him.” Her belly rumbled and she added, “C’mon, I’m starving! I promise, we’ll leave enough for him.”

“That’s hardly the point, Rainbow Dash,” said Rarity, moving a flower in the centerpiece over a bit. “Cobalt is Twilight’s guest, and it would be rude to exclude him from breakfast. Or brunch, as it were.” She glanced at a pocket watch. “Perhaps an early lunch, now.”

Twilight sighed, walking back to her seat followed by Starlight. “I admit, it is taking Cobalt a long time to get going today. Maybe we should get started and–” She looked up at the sudden blur of movement before her to find Rainbow’s and Pinkie’s plates stacked high with pancakes and berries. “... and we can make sure he gets a good meal after.”

Starlight chuckled at Twilight’s reaction, sitting at one of two empty seats. The other ponies filled their plates, talking away, but Twilight stared down at the table. “What’s the matter, Twilight?” she asked, floating a couple stacks to their plates. “I thought you’d be happy to have him ready to get started on his mission.”

“That’s just it,” Twilight said, pouring syrup over her breakfast. “I was so happy to find him, I thought he’d feel the same way about learning why his cutie mark was glowing. Even after I explained everything, he still seems entirely indifferent about his mission.”

“Didn’t he say he wasn’t sleeping well?” Spike asked around a mouthful of food. His pancakes glittered with a dusting of small emeralds, and each chew brought a crunch of breaking stones. “I can’t imagine it was comfortable having his flank flashing for a week.”

Pinkie perked up, cleaning the whipped cream from her muzzle with a lick. “Ooh, yeah, and the twingle would be pretty distracting. I mean, it feels fun, but after a while it might get old.”

Rarity sighed, shaking her head. “Pinkie, darling,” she started, lowering her fork. “Please stop trying to make ‘twingle’ happen.” She looked Pinkie in the eyes. “It’s never going to happen.”

“In any case,” Starlight cut across them before Pinkie could respond. “He must have been exhausted from it. I mean, the second his mark stopped glowing he just passed out. I don’t think him catching up on his sleep debt is unreasonable.”

Twilight sighed. “I suppose it isn’t. I’m just worried it will delay him even more. He was pretty determined to get this mission over with.”

Applejack cleared her throat. “Speaking of which, Twilight, why was it you wanted all of us to be here to see him off? I mean, you don’t call in the rest of us when one of us gets a mission, or when anypony else does. Won’t it just slow things down?”

Twilight looked around at them all. “Maybe a little, but I think it will be worth it. This is the first time the map has called a pony with no connection to any of us. Even after the train ride here with him I don’t really know what he knows about friendship. I thought each of us could provide him with the benefit of our experience and perspective.”

There were a few uncertain glances around the table, then Fluttershy spoke up. “I’m sure it will help him a lot, Twilight.” As Twilight smiled at the affirmation, Fluttershy continued. “I mean, before I got to know you girls the idea of being called to a castle to go on an important mission for Equestria would have scared me enough, but then having to meet and talk with a bunch of famous ponies would have made me want to hide out in my room forever.” She smiled sweetly. “But I’m sure Cobalt isn’t feeling anything like that.”

As Fluttershy spoke, the smile on Twilight’s muzzle seemed to melt away until she stared blankly ahead. “Oh my,” she whispered, her tone full of her dawning realization.

Starlight stood up and put a foreleg over Twilight’s shoulders. “I’m sure it’ll be fine, Twilight. Tell you what. I’ll go up and see how he’s getting along, then we’ll see what he needs before heading out on his mission. Okay?”

Twilight nodded and Starlight trotted into the hall, the sound of their friends all trying to reassure Twilight following until the doors swung shut.

Castle of Friendship (Guest Room), Ponyville

The bright morning sunlight angled higher through the arched window of the castle guest room, bathing everything in its warm glow. Everything except for the snoring occupant of the comfy four-poster bed at the center on one wall, the bed’s curtains drawn almost completely closed. The minutes ticked by with the steady snores only broken by the occasional dreamy murmur that sounded like “Dusty”.

Eventually the sunlight moved over a well-polished bit of the crystal window frame, reflecting through the gap in the bed’s curtains to the sleeper’s face. Cobalt shifted in bed as consciousness returned gradually and he stretched where he lay. They must have put up that mirrored sign again at the noodle shop, he thought, lingering on the edge of sleep like a sun-warmed cat. I’ll have to close the blinds, I guess. Eventually.

He rolled onto his back, eyes still closed and smiling slightly. I haven’t slept that good in years. At least that nightmare ended so I could rest. It was so real. I’ll have to tell Dusty about it. His eyes fluttered open and he squinted against the bright light. “The sun is too bright on the crystal,” he murmured, then pressed his eyes shut again.

Five seconds later his eyes shot open. “Crystal?!” Cobalt shot upright in an instant, looking around the darkened confines of the shrouded bed. He struggled free of the luxurious sheets and yanked the curtains open, wincing at the sudden flood of light. Though beautiful and spacious, he found the room completely unfamiliar with its crystal walls and expensive furniture. Only when he looked toward the wardrobe and saw his saddlebag hanging there did he calm down a little. “Okay, not a dream,” he muttered, thinking hard about what happened.

He stood up from the bed, walking around as he spoke to himself. “So all that did really happen. My cutie mark flashing, meeting the princess, going to Ponyville…” His ears drooped. “Yelling at Dusty.” He glanced back at his flank, where for the first time in days the blue glass pitcher of his cutie mark wasn’t glowing and flashing. “I don’t remember that stopping. Weird, I kinda miss it.” He gasped as a thought flashed through his mind and he hurried to the wardrobe, opening his saddlebag and checking the padded box inside. “Whew, it’s still in one piece.”

Cobalt had just repacked the box when a gentle knocking sounded from the door. “Mr. Cobalt?” the voice of an unfamiliar mare called from the other side. “Are you up yet? May I come in?”

He sighed. “Better get this done and get to Dusty,” he muttered, then pulled on the saddlebag. “Yeah, I’m up,” he called, turning to face the door. “Come on in.”

The door’s handle glowed a pale blue and it swung wide open. The unicorn mare trotted in, smiling. “Good morning! I’m glad you’re up.” She offered a hoof. “Starlight Glimmer. We met last night when you arrived.”

Cobalt furrowed his brow as he shook the offered hoof. “Um, okay, good morning.” He peered at her for a moment longer. “I’m, ah, sorry, but I don’t remember meeting you.”

She chuckled. “I’m not surprised. I was in the map room when you walked in and your cutie mark stopped flashing. You, um, sorta passed out.” She added in a more sympathetic tone, “You seemed pretty exhausted. We put you here in a guest room to rest up.”

He felt a blush heating his cheeks. “Oh! Wow, I, ah, guess I didn’t get as much sleep as I thought last week.” He rubbed the back of his neck, looking away from her bemused smile. “I hope I didn’t cause any trouble with it.”

“No trouble at all, really. That summons has a way of grabbing a pony’s attention.” Starlight shook her head. “I can’t imagine having it going for so long.”

Cobalt raised his head, looking at her. “You’ve had this happen, too?”

With a nod she said, “Oh, yeah, a lot of Twilight’s friends have been called for friendship missions. It’s even how we met.”

“Wait, I thought you said it usually called her friends, but you didn’t know her when you were called?”

Starlight’s eyes widened a bit, her smile looking a bit more forced, and it was her turn to blush. “Oh, right, well, it wasn’t my mission, it was hers. And her friends. I was more of the subject of the mission…” She cleared her throat. “Y’know, it’s a long story. No need to get into it. Are you hungry? Twilight has breakfast ready. Well, brunch. Maybe lunch now…”

Cobalt opened his mouth to ask more about the mission Starlight mentioned, but his rumbling belly cut him off. “Ah, breakfast sounds really good. I’d like to get going early. I have something I need to do after I do this mission thing. Where do I go?”

“Um, early might be a little relative,” she said with a wan smile. “It’s already eleven o’clock.”

His eyes shot open wider. “Eleven?! I never sleep in that late. That’s half the day gone already.” His shoulders slumped. “I’ll never find her like this.”

Starlight let the tension in her shoulders free and stepped back into the corridor. “Let’s just get started and see. You never know how long a map mission will take. It all begins with breakfast. C’mon, I’ll show you the way. The castle’s a lot bigger than it appears from the outside, and it can get confusing.” With a chuckle as they started down the hall, she added, “When I first moved in here it took me weeks to learn my way around. I got to know more about Spike than I really wanted to know.”

He shifted his saddlebag, matching her pace. “Huh? What does that have to do with getting around the castle?”

“Well, I kept walking in on him while–” She paused, blushing again. “Actually, that’s another long story, nevermind. This way.”

Castle of Friendship (Dining Room), Ponyville

The pair turned into the final hallway with Starlight pointing out what rooms were behind the identical doors and Cobalt nodding along, looking more at the windows and decorations. "It's right in here," Starlight said as they approached the dining room door. They could hear voices while they were still three doors away from the dining room, loud and growing more distinct with each step.

“It sounds like somepony’s having an argument,” Cobalt said warily. “Should we wait until they finish?”

Starlight smiled, chuckling. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure they’re just discussing the best way to help you with your mission. We should get in there and get you a bite to eat.” Her horn glowed and the doors swung open wide.

“...doesn’t matter what we call it.”

“I’m only saying we’re well past breakfast or brunch now. We should call the meal what it is.”

“We’re having pancakes. That’s breakfast.”

“Well, we have pancake dinners on the farm now and then.”

“I’ll eat pancakes anytime if there’s whipped cream and chocolate chips!”

“Whose side are you on?”

Cobalt and Starlight exchanged a glance, the latter blushing a little and giving a nervous chuckle. “Or maybe it’s something less serious.” She stepped forward and loudly cleared her throat. “Girls, our guest is here!”

Six pony faces (and one dragon) turned to face Cobalt and the conversation stopped. Rainbow Dash, hovering next to Rarity’s chair, blushed softly and returned to her own seat. “It’s still breakfast,” she muttered, then smiled.

Twilight stood up. “Good morning! I hope you’re well rested. Please, have a seat and some pancakes.”

Cobalt rubbed the back of his neck and tried hard to focus on the stack of pancakes, shuffling over to a seat. “Thanks, that’s really nice. I wanted to get started right away, but I am pretty hungry.”

“It’s important to get a good breakfast before a big day,” Applejack agreed.

As he sat down Pinkie Pie slid a large stack of pancakes in front of him, decorated with whipped cream and strawberries into a smiley face that almost looked like her own. “Especially when that breakfast is my triple berry blast pancakes!”

Twilight tilted her head a little. “Although there might be a little delay in getting you going on your mission. The morning train there is already gone, so we’ll have to wait for the next one… in a few hours.”

Cobalt’s ears drooped at the news. “Hours? There’s nothing sooner?”

Starlight answered before anyone else could, jumping in to save his mood. “The express train left two hours ago, but that means there’s plenty of time to get you as well prepared as possible. That way you’ll be sure to finish your mission quickly and let you do what you need to do that much sooner.”

He sighed and nodded. “I suppose that makes sense.” He managed a little smile. “And I really did need the rest. Do you know how hard it is to sleep when your cutie mark is flashing and making that… twingle feeling?”

Pinkie Pie’s eyes grew as wide as her smile. She turned to Rarity who, in turn, pressed an exquisitely-polished hoof to her forehead, closing her eyes. With a sigh she opened them again, looking into Pinkie’s. “I’m still not going to say it.”

Cobalt looked lost while the other ponies giggled at the exchange. Staring at the whipped cream face on the pancakes, a twinge of guilt rippled through his thoughts. I’ll make it up to you, Dusty. I just have to.

Fluttershy’s soft voice broke through his brooding. “Um, if you don’t like pancakes, I’m sure we can get something else.”

He snapped his head up, seeing everypony watching him again. “Oh! No. I mean, I like pancakes just fine. My friend Dusty just made some like this for me a few days ago.”

“Oh, that was really nice of them,” she said, a smile replacing the look of concern. “It sounds like you have some good friends to help you out.”

Cobalt cleared his throat and looked to Twilight. “Anyway, what sort of mission is this? You didn’t share a lot of details on the ride over.” He took a bite of his pancakes as he waited.

Twilight shared a glance with her friends before she answered. “That’s just it. We never really know what the mission will be until we find the creatures we’re supposed to help. The map just tells us where to go and who is needed.”

He frowned, slowly chewing and swallowing before responding. “Wait, creatures? I thought I was staying in Equestria.”

Twilight cut in quickly, nodding. “You are, definitely. While it’s usually a call to help ponies, sometimes the problem that needs to be solved is with other creatures. We’ve had calls to help griffons, hippogriffs, kirin–”

Spike jumped up on his chair, taking a dramatic pose. “One time I was even called to resolve a problem involving the Dragon Lord and the leader of the Changelings!”

Starlight sighed. “You caused the problem when you didn’t trust them, Spike.”

Without missing a beat he said, just as proudly, “And then I resolved it by being honest with them.”

As the exchange continued, Cobalt felt the rumbling in his belly growing stronger. The smell of the pancakes, berries, and cream soon got the best of him and he took a large bite of the stack on his plate. Then another. For a few moments, the simple pleasure of eating shut out his worries and the ponies talking around the table. He was still chewing happily when the conversation returned to him.

"I can't imagine having your cutie mark flashing for that long was easy," Rarity said. "While I wouldn't mind having every pony look at me, I know some ponies find it uncomfortable."

Cobalt chewed slowly to delay as he thought of the park incident. “It wasn’t so bad…” he mumbled.

Fluttershy gasped. “Really? Wow, that’s really brave. I would have been mortified and never left the house.”

His cheeks warmed as he cleared his throat. “No, actually, not really. It was pretty awful, truth be told. After I got sent home from work I didn’t want to go out at all.”

“So you just sat in your room all week until Twilight found you?” Rainbow Dash asked incredulously. When Applejack turned a hard glare her way she added, “What? He said he just wanted to stay home.”

Cobalt rubbed at the back of his neck. “I tried to, but Dusty wouldn’t let me.”

“Dusty?” Applejack asked.

“Dusty Rose. She’s my best friend.” The words picked up speed as Cobalt tried to explain. “She’s the one I went to when my cutie mark started flashing, and she gave me the idea of going to the doctor and that led to the letter Princess Twilight got. Dusty’s been looking after me all week, but I got frustrated and yelled at her and she left.” He sighed. “That’s why I want to get this all done, so I can find her and apologize.”

Nopony spoke for a moment as they took in his tale. Finally Twilight broke the silence. “And we all want that, too, Cobalt. Every friendship is important.” The others chimed in with their support.

Applejack leaned over and patted his hoof. “It’s a tough choice, I know, but the map wouldn’t have called you without a reason.” She showed him her most reassuring smile. “Buck up, sugarcube. Map missions are important, but sometimes they take ya away from other important things in your life."

Rarity nodded, adding in a bright tone, “"Ooh, yes exactly! Like when Applejack and I were summoned to Manehattan to help bring a whole neighborhood back together. But doing so meant we both had to miss taking our little sisters to the Sisterhood Social…" She trailed off, the confidence slipping from her voice with each word. She glanced at Applejack, who shrugged.

“Yeah, now that she said it out loud, that doesn't compare to your situation at all. Sorry about that."

Starlight Glimmer cleared her throat, standing up from the table. “If you’re done eating, why don’t we move this to the map room and get you the details we have about your mission. Sooner is better, after all.”

He nodded, popping the last berry into his mouth as he stood. “Yeah, it really is.” He picked up his plate, looking for a place to put it.

Twilight smiled. “Oh, don’t worry about that. Spike will clean up here. Won’t you, Spike?”

Spike looked around the dining room and sighed. “Yeah, I got it. No worries.” He then started stacking plates to take to the kitchen.

The others rose and gathered around, following Twilight, Starlight, and Cobalt into the hall.

Castle of Friendship (Throne Room), Ponyville

The double doors of the throne room glowed and swung open as the group approached, revealing the Cutie Map in the center of the seven crystal chairs. Not far from one edge, the tiny image of a blue glass pitcher floated ceaselessly.

The group strolled in, still mid-conversation, with Fluttershy giving Cobalt an earnest look. “So you really just kept eating ice cream you didn’t like for all those years?” she asked. “I can’t imagine hiding your feelings for so long.”

“I can’t imagine not liking ice cream, no matter what flavor,” Pinkie said. “I mean, it’s ice cream. C’mon, what’s not to like about that?”

Cobalt sighed. “It’s just that Chip is my oldest friend, and I really didn’t want to hurt his feelings.”

Rainbow Dash shook her head, hovering above them. “I know, but for that long? That seems a little excessive.”

Applejack raised a brow, a little smile curling her lip. “More excessive than distracting your friend then throwing away their pies and pretending you ate them?”

A deep blush colored Rainbow’s cheeks. “Heh, heh, oh, yeah, that might be a tiny bit more.”

After a general chuckle from the group, Twilight stepped forward. “Now that you’re rested and had a good breakfast–”

“Lunch,” Rarity murmured, gaining a sour look from Rainbow Dash.

Twilight cleared her throat, cutting off Rainbow’s retort. “Now that you’ve eaten, we can get you started with your map mission.”

“Right, my mission,” Cobalt mumbled, slowly stepping closer to the crystal table. “And you said you’re sending me all the way out to Vanhoover?”

Twilight smiled, gesturing to the table as the girls made their way to their seats. “Yes, but I’m not sending you there. The map is.”

He peered at the image of his cutie mark floating over the coastal city. “Oh, yeah, you said it’s the table that chooses the mission.”

Twilight moved in beside him, resting a hoof on his shoulder. “There’s a bit more to it, but the details can get a little confusing.”

Pinkie Pie popped up on the other side of Cobalt, a huge smile on her face. “It’s not confusing at all. The map grew out of the castle, which grew from the box with six locks that flew here and planted itself when we defeated Tirek after it grew from the Tree of Harmony, which also grew the Elements of Harmony, that grew up from the crystal seed that Star Swirl the Bearded and the rest of the Pillars planted a thousand years ago and has roots reaching out all through Equestria. See? Simple!”

Cobalt looked helplessly around the table before turning back to Pinkie’s smiling face. “Magic. Right.”

Starlight gestured to the map. “The point is, the missions are always important, no matter if they are big or small. It might be something as little as clearing up a misunderstanding, but it will have a big effect on the magic of friendship.”

Cobalt felt the weight of the box in his saddlebag as he stepped past Twilight to the table. “Alright, I don’t mind helping out. I really just want to get finished so I can get to Cobb Run as soon as I can.”

Behind him, Twilight gasped quietly and her eyes opened wide.

Starlight smiled brightly. “Well then, you’re in luck because…” She trailed off as she saw Twilight over Cobalt’s shoulder, rapidly shaking her head, waving her hoof in a side-to-side slashing motion in front of her neck, and silently mouthing the word “No.” Seeing Starlight’s confused look, Cobalt followed her gaze to find Twilight looking up at the dangling crystals above them, rubbing the back of her neck.

“Because we, uh, narrowed the location down,” Starlight continued, regaining his attention. “Instead of the whole city of Vanhoover, it looks like it’s going to just be this little neighborhood by the river. That should really speed things along.”

He nodded slowly, the smaller area easing some of the apprehension in his mind. “Well, that's good, then.” He looked around at the assembled ponies. “Do you have any idea what I’ll have to do?” The pause that followed wasn’t exactly reassuring.

After a few glances between the members of the group, Fluttershy softly and succinctly said, “Ah, no.”

“That's just it, darling,” Rarity said quickly on seeing Cobalt’s expression drop. “We never know exactly what a mission will call on us to do. We just know that we were chosen because we’re the right ponies for the job.”

Cobalt sighed. “Then how am I supposed to know where to start?”

Applejack smiled. “Well that’s easy. You just go where the map called you and start talking to ponies. In my experience, the problem you were called to solve has a way of just finding you.”

“Exactly!” Pinkie Pie added, making a smooth sliding gesture with her hoof. “You just go with the flow. Then before you know it, bam! Your cutie mark is twingling again to tell you the mission is complete.”

Twilight stepped forward, looking him in the eye. “I know you can do it. Just have a little faith that you were called because you are the perfect pony to make things right. The rest will tend to itself.”

Cobalt opened his mouth to object, but her tone eased his concerns in spite of his fears. “Alright,” he said. “When do I get going?”

Twilight smiled. “I can’t see any reason to delay. There should be enough time to get to the train station.” Her horn glowed and a slip of paper and a little bag appeared beside her, hovering in her magic. “Here’s your ticket,” she continued, floating the paper to him. “Sorry, but it’s an overnight route with stops in Canterlot and Whinnyapolis. Spike did arrange for a sleeper car for you, though.” She floated over the bag, which jingled softly when it landed on his hoof. “And this should cover your expenses. Good luck, Cobalt. I know you can do it.”

Starlight stepped up, gesturing to the doors. “I’ll walk you to the station. We can go by way of Sugarcube Corner and get you a snack for the trip.”

Cobalt turned toward the door with her, then looked back at the others. “Thank you,” he said as he stowed the bits and his ticket in his saddlebag. “I appreciate the advice. I won’t let you down, Princess.” They left to a chorus of goodbyes and waves.

After the doors closed, Applejack frowned and touched a hoof to her chin. “Say, Twilight,” she began slowly. “How is it you never give any of us spending money when we go on friendship missions?”

Twilight watched as her friends’ expressions turned puzzled. They looked at each other for confirmation, then turned accusingly toward her. “Well, you see,” she began, searching for (but not finding) support in any of their faces. “He had such a hard week already, with the flashing cutie mark and everything. I didn’t want to add to his troubles by making him pay for a trip all the way out to Vanhoover.” Seeing no change in the hard looks, she surrendered. “Oh, alright, I just can’t afford it! Do you know how long it takes to get expenses reimbursed from the Royal Treasury? You can’t expect me to keep covering Pinkie’s snack cart tab.”

“Hey!” Pinkie shouted, jumping up to her hooves. Her face quickly turned from indignation to deep consideration. “No, that’s fair,” she said at last.

Saturday Afternoon

Equestria Rail Service Train, Manehattan – Vanhoover (All Stops)

Cobalt waved to Starlight Glimmer through the window next to his seat in the club car as the train pulled away from the Ponyville station. He sat back and looked around, watching as the last few ponies moved on to other cars to find their seats. The conductor walked back through the train, calling out to each car. “Please take your seats. Next stops: Hoofington, Rockville, and Canterlot!”

Soon the commotion died down and Cobalt was left with the steady rumble of the train and his thoughts. He sat back and watched the scenery roll by. Finally, I'm on my way! Soon I'll be in Vanhoover, then I just complete this quest and I’m free to get over to Cob Run and find Dusty. I’ll apologize and give her the gift I made and everything will go back to normal.

He sat back and set a colorful little cake box on the table in front of him. Quickly fishing out one of the cupcakes Starlight had treated him to, he took a bite and chewed blissfully. Yep, just need to get to Vanhoover and then solve a friendship problem.His chewing slowed. I still don't know what the problem is… or who’s having it… He swallowed the mouthful of chocolate cake and buttercream. I don’t have a clue how I’m going to help anyone.

Cobalt stared out the window, turning the idea over in his mind again and again. By the time he finished the cupcake nothing was resolved. If anything, he felt even less confident that he could do this. He looked at his saddle bag on the seat beside him. I need to do it, so I can get to Dusty. He pulled the box carefully from the bag and opened it, inspecting his creation within.

“Wow, that’s beautiful!”

Cobalt startled, barely keeping his flank on the seat and his hooves on the box as he twisted to see the speaker. Behind him a beige earth pony took a step back from his reaction, a bemused smile on her lips. “Sorry,” she said.

"You came out of nowhere." He set the box on the table, steadying himself while his heart slowed back down.

"Yeah, I do that a lot." She rubbed her neck under her blue and pink mane. “I didn’t mean to surprise you. Ponies say I tend to blend in a little too much. Old habit.” She gestured to the box again. “Still, I really mean it, that’s a beautiful piece. Where did you get it?”

He looked from the box to her again, his brain finally breaking out of the shock of the moment. “Oh, um, nowhere. That is, I made it. For a friend.”

The mare tilted her head, appraising him anew. “You made that? You’ve got a lot of talent.”

Cobalt sat up a little straighter. “Ah, thanks. I appreciate you saying so.” He watched as she stood there, smiling. “I don’t want to hold you up from getting your snack or anything. It’s nice meeting you.”

She chuckled, glancing at the attendant loading the snack cart by the counter. (He smiled hopefully, holding up a bag of pretzels.) “Oh, I’m not in here getting snacks,” she said. (The attendant’s smile melted away and he returned to his task.) “I just needed to get out of my compartment for a while. Or, rather, I was told I needed to get out for a while.”

“Who told you that?” Cobalt asked.

She sighed. “My friend, Lyra. We got in a bit of a fight, and I need to let her cool off.” She shook her head suddenly. “Y’know what, I don’t want to bother you with it. I’ll go walk the train a little. I just wanted to say how pretty that is.” She turned and started walking.

They did say just to go with the flow and talk to ponies, Cobalt thought. A little practice couldn’t hurt. “Do you want to talk about it?” he called after her.

She looked back, her brows furrowed. “Ah, thanks, but we only just met. Why would I do that?”

Cobalt managed a smile. “I have it on pretty good authority that sometimes telling somepony you only just met about your friendship problems can help. If nothing else, I’m a good listener.”

The mare snorted. “That sounds like something Princess Twilight would say. Alright, I guess it can’t hurt.” She offered her hoof. “I’m Bon Bon.”

He shook it. “Cobalt. It’s nice to meet you.”

Bon Bon settled onto the seat opposite him, glancing back at one of the compartment doors. She watched while Cobalt carefully closed the box and returned it to his saddle bag. Silence stretched on for several uncomfortable seconds before she said, “So, how does this work?”

Cobalt chuckled. “Honestly, it’s pretty new to me, too. Um, let’s see… You said you and your friend got in a fight. What was it about?”

“Diving right into it, huh?” She sighed. “Basically, Lyra won’t listen to me about our travel plans, and when I suggested something she got angry at me and said I was being insensitive.”

He blinked, and when nothing more was said he sat back. “Wow, that escalated quickly. Does she always have a temper?”

It was Bon Bon’s turn to look surprised. “What? No, Lyra is one of the sweetest ponies you’ll ever meet! She’s been my best friend for years. Even when she’s really had reason to be angry with me I haven’t gotten much more than a cold shoulder. And we’re going to Canterlot to see her friends again. That always puts her in a good mood.”

“So you two go and visit her friends a lot?”

She nodded slowly, mixing in a little shrug. “Or they come out to see her. She’s really close with her friends from magic school, and they’ve kept in touch. Lately it's been more her going there.” She leaned forward over the edge of the table. “Every weekend for the last three months she’s been out there, and most of those were her alone.”

“That seems like a lot of visiting,” Cobalt said. “You must have missed her.”

Bon Bon sighed. “Yeah, I guess I have. But I understood why.” A knowing smile touched her lips. “One of her friends was a real recluse for a while after school. They only really reconnected a year or so ago. I guess she found a special somepony recently and all her friends are trying to help her build confidence and have her first date come off without a hitch. The date happened a couple days ago.”

Cobalt smiled a little, too. “That’s really sweet of them, helping her like that.”

“That’s my Lyra,” she said. “Always ready to help the ponies she cares about. That’s why I was going to take her on a picnic with all her favorite foods, to let her know how special she is.” She blushed a little. “And to finally spend some time with her again. But then she got a letter this morning and canceled everything so she could go to Canterlot right away. I wanted to salvage something about it, so I came with her. I suggested that maybe we could find some time to slip away to her favorite museum together, and she started shouting that I was being selfish.”

He raised a brow. “Was it just her shouting?”

Bon Bon cleared her throat. “Well, no, I guess I said a few things I shouldn’t have, at a higher volume than I should have…”

They both fell quiet for a few moments, with Bon Bon stewing over the situation and Cobalt wracking his brain for ideas. “What was the letter about?” he blurted out suddenly.

She blinked, refocusing on him. “What? Uhh, I don’t know. I saw it was from her friend Minuette, who was the one organizing the whole ‘Help Moondancer get a date’ thing, but I didn’t see what she wrote.”

Cobalt mused over that. “So, it’s from the pony running the dating help for their friend, right after that first date, and Lyra felt an urgent need to get there after reading it.” He looked over at Bon Bon. “Do you think something went wrong with the date?”

Bon Bon opened her mouth to reply, then paused, her eyes growing wide with understanding. She groaned. “Ohh, that’s got to be it. Lyra would totally want to rush over and help with damage control, and I was trying to pull her away from it. I am such a jerk.”

“Hey, I wouldn’t say that,” he said quickly. “I mean, it’s not all your fault. She really wasn’t giving your friendship the time it needed, either, from the sound of it.”

She nodded with a wan smile. “Thanks. Either way, though, I don’t know how I can fix it before we get to Canterlot.”

Cobalt nodded, thinking hard and looking around him, like inspiration would just present itself like a gift. Then his eyes settled on the box of cupcakes on the table. “How about this?” he said, sliding the box over. “Bring her these as a peace offering. They’re delicious, I know, I had a couple already, but there’s four left you can have.” Before she could protest he pushed on. “Once she’s willing to talk, just tell her what you feel about her, and maybe offer to help her help her friend. Then you can spend some time with her while she’s doing something important to her. How does that sound?”

Bon Bon found herself nodding along as he spoke. “Yeah, I think that might work. Thank you. You’ve been a really big help.” She took the box, standing up again.

He smiled and stood as well. Thank Celestia, he thought. I had nothing else. “I hope it really does help. I know what it’s like to mess up a friendship.

She stepped forward and hugged him. “She’ll love that present you made,” she said softly beside his ear before stepping back. “Maybe take your own advice and just tell her how you feel. Thanks again.” With that, she nodded and walked off back toward the passenger cars.

Cobalt sat back down with a sigh. “I hope I get the chance,” he muttered before waving down the snack cart.

Saturday Evening

Equestria Rail Service Train, Manehattan – Vanhoover (All Stops)

Cobalt looked out the window of his sleeper car as the train started pulling away from the Canterlot station. He watched as Bon Bon walked away from the platform close beside a mint-green unicorn he assumed was Lyra. They practically pressed their sides together as they walked in unison, smiling and laughing. Just before they disappeared from view, Bon Bon looked back and caught his eye, winking at him.

He couldn’t help but smile. He stepped back and closed the curtain over the window. Looks like they sorted things out.

A thought flashed through his mind and he looked back at his flank, watching his cutie mark. It remained stubbornly still.

Cobalt sighed and climbed into bed. “I guess it wouldn’t be that easy,” he muttered, then turned out the light.