“In conclusion,” Twilight said, using her implement to hit the chalkboard with a satisfying *THWACK*. “Using the data and insight we’ve gathered last night, the next logical step is for Rarity and Rainbow Dash to take the lead in the first phase of this operation.” She looked to said mares, who stared back with the most peculiar of expressions, their eyes following Twilight’s implement. Come to think of it, the other girls did too. Twilight did not allow this to break her stride and so she continued her instructions.

“Seeing as you two girls have a better rapport with Anonymous, you’ll be in a stronger position to determine the effectiveness of our strategies.”

“So,” Twilight said, looking expectantly at her friends. “Any questions?”

The girls’ eyes merely followed her implement.

Rarity cleared her throat. “Twilight, darling.” She pointed a hoof. “That’s a riding crop.”

Twilight gave it a cursory look. “Is that what it’s called? Well, thanks for gifting it to me, Rarity. It’s incredibly satisfying to use.” She punctuated this by slapping it across the chalkboard, with a resounding *THWACK* as her reward.

“...Yes. And I’m glad you like it, darling,” Rarity said delicately. “But... how shall I put this? Ahh. Do you... know how to use it?”

Twilight shrugged. “Seems simple enough.” She slapped the chalkboard again.

From beside her, Rarity could just about hear Rainbow’s poor attempts at hiding her laughter.

“Yes, well. How shall I put this?” She looked to Applejack for support, but the farmpony merely closed her eyes and shook her head solemnly. “You see, darling, that little tool you have there... well... it’s for extracurricular activities.” At Twilight’s blank look, Rarity repressed a sigh. “It’s a... marital aide.”

Twilight cocked her head in confusion, but then a look of realization dawned on her face. “Ohhh. You mean like when you or your special somepony want to make a quick presentation at breakfast? Or before bed?”

Rarity’s hoof met her face with an audible smack. Rainbow lost what little restraint she had and fell on her back, hind legs kicking the air as she let loose a coarse, full-bellied laugh. Applejack held her hat to her chest, fixing the befuddled alicorn with a look between compassion and despair.

“What’s so funny?” Twilight demanded, heat rising in her cheeks.

“Ehh,” Rarity groaned before once again turning to Applejack for help.

She merely shook her head and said, “I’m not taking this one.”

Rarity then turned to Rainbow. “Y-you’re on your own,” she said amidst the laughter.

Then to Pinkie. “Nnnnope!”

In desperation she then turned to Fluttershy, who refused to meet her gaze, instead paying close attention to the steaming cup of tea on her hooves.

With a heavy sigh, Rarity trotted with resignation to a baffled Twilight before leaning in and whispering in her ear. The other four mares watched with varying degrees of amusement as Twilight’s mouth opened into a perfect ‘O’, watching as her face and neck steadily grew redder and redder until the not-so-royal princess looked like a large, angry bruise.

“And that, young filly,” Rarity said as she put a hoof on Twilight’s withers. “Is how you use a riding crop.” With that she retreated back to the large floor cushion she’d been resting on, refilled her cup with a nearby teapot and raised it to her lips before draining the scalding contents in one gulp.

Twilight’s eyes turned to pinpricks, darting everywhere and nowhere as she assiduously avoided looking directly at her friends.

“Speaking of, Twi,” Applejack said. “I know Applebloom and her friends like to come to you for help every now and then.” Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t reckon you’ve... eh... used that ‘marital aide’ in your lectures?”

Twilight froze.

“Indeed.” Rarity sniffed. “I would be very cross if you’ve exposed my darling Sweetie Belle to such things. However unintentionally.”

“G-girls, girls,” Twilight said, forcing a smile and a small laugh that came out more as a wheeze. “Of course I wouldn’t do something like that,” she said, even as her mind frantically worked to determine the best way to bribe or coerce said fillies into silence. Rarity and Applejack were not impressed.

“Hehe...” a nervous Twilight chuckled as she levitated a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from her temple. “Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” Her friends were unmoved. “You know, I think we deserve a break,” she said desperately, throwing the ‘marital aide’ where it got lost amidst a pile of books.

“Who’s up for lunch?”

Author's Note

Next chapter should be considerably longer.