Chapter 2

~Train Pooling~

It was bright outside when Twilight opened her eyes. Having finished the last great tome of the series she had been reading late the previous night, she had decided to reward herself by sleeping in. Not quite wanting to leave the warm confines of her bed just yet, Twilight let her eyes slide shut once more. Sitting in the blissful state on the verge of consciousness, Twilight began mentally going over her checklists of things yet to do. Twilight always found it rather relaxing, and was truly engrossed in the process when she was startled by a light knocking at the door. "Twilight?" Came the muffled sound from beyond the door. Yawning slightly, Twilight responds with a smile playing across her face "Come on in Spike." Upon hearing this, the door swung inward revealing a small purple and green dragon. "Sorry to wake you up, but this looked important." Holding up a claw clutching a scroll loosely.

Fully awake now Twilight scrambled out of bed. Then, lifting the scroll lightly with magic, Twilight unrolled it and began to read. Her eyes darting left to right, drinking in the words.

My most faithful student,

For some time I have been deliberating the direction your studies should take next. Would you be interested in participating in politics with me here at the castle? I shall need to know within the week however, if you are to make it to your first assignment, so please reply once you reach you decision.
Princess Celestia

Twilight lowered the scroll with a thoughtful expression on her face. "What does it say Twi?" asked Spike. "The princess herself is offering to teach me politics..." Her eyes widening as the implications sank in. "Spike take this down!" ordered Twilight. After a brief rushing to gather the familiar items from their locations, Spike nodded his readiness. Quill scratching furiously, the reply took form as Twilight spoke.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I would be honored. I shall be arriving via the train in a few days.
your student,
Twilight Sparkle

With a swift nod from Twilight, Spike sent the scroll off in a light puff of green flame. "Thanks my number one assistant!" Chimed Twilight. She trotted upstairs to check the section on politics for any new books. With a smile, Twilight could already see the outlines and checklists forming for her trip to Canterlot and she almost couldn't wait to get started.

"Spike!?!" Shouted a frantic purple unicorn. "Have you seen that old copy of Animal Farm?" An audible sigh was heard followed by "Third bookcase in, 4th shelf up and 7th book from the right." as Spike once again tried to rub the sleep from his eyes. "Had she been up all night?" wondered Spike. With a shrug, he turned making his way toward the kitchen. The sounds of pots and pans shifting announced the start of breakfast.

A wave of intoxicating smell washed over Twilight as she made her way down the stairs carrying a precarious pile of books. "Are those pancakes?" she asked. Finishing her descent carefully. "Yea! My own recipe." Twilight carefully slid a few things out of the way on her desk, balancing the pile on one of her forelegs. "Those are my favorite!" She had never been able to explain it but that dragon could make a mean stack of pancakes. Twilight had just successfully managed to place her books when a thunderous sound shook the once tranquil library. Eyes widening in horror, Twilight stood frozen watching as the tower of books began almost a leisurely tilt, then fell like an avalanche on top of her.

After a few minutes had gone by she managed to gain a proper sitting position. This unfortunately gave her a better view of the mess. A small frown creased the small unicorns face. "Heh. Sorry Twilight." Raising her eyes she caught sight of a rather sheepish looking Rainbow Dash at the library threshold. "I misjudged the crosswind and..." Twilight interrupts with a wave of her hoof and small smile. "No need to explain. Now what can I help you with?" Scratching the back of her head, Dash replies "O... Right. I just came to get the latest Daring Do book." Turning back to her now messy library Twilight said: "O, right! I almost forgot! I'll be right back."

Rainbow Dash followed Twilight into the foyer and settled into a clear area out of the way. Meanwhile, Twilight began sifting through the books, lifting them off the floor with her magic and upon glancing at them returns them to their proper places. Glancing at the titles of the books that had made their way back to the desk, Rainbow Dash chuckled. "Such an egghead." She thought to herself. "What’s so funny?" Asked Twilight without turning from her work. "Um... It's Nothing." Rainbow Dash said unknowingly resuming her sheepish look. Twilight had not noticed and was nearing the last few books.

Trying to break the silence Rainbow asked "So why are you reading all those political books anyway?" Twilight paused for a second before replying "Princess Celestia is going to teach me what she knows about politics! She is perhaps the most knowledgeable pony in the field of politics in all of Equestria!" A look of glee crossed her face. "I'm going to be leaving first thing tomorrow for Canterlot." Rainbow Dash, who had only been partially listening, perked up at the mention of the renowned city. "Can I come?" She asked obviously trying to sound aloof. "Well... I don’t think politics would be interesting for you… and Celestia didn't exactly say... Wait. Why do you want to go to Canterlot anyway?" Hovering slightly above the floor at this point Rainbow replies “The Wonderbolts are performing their newest routine! I wouldn’t have enough bits to buy a ticket to Canterlot and the performance but this way…” With a smile Twilight said “Of course I’ll help. Anything for my friends. I was going to be going to the train station at noon. Will you be ready by then?” With a spinning jump in the air Rainbow replied “THIS IS GOING TO BE AWESOME! I’ll be ready!” With that she flew by in a flash out the door towards her home doing barrel rolls all the while. “Wait!” Came a call from the ground. As Twilight, now standing in the doorway of the library held the book in her hands she sighed. Glancing at the cover proudly declaring the title ‘Daring Do and the Silver Serpent’ she thought “Well I’ll be seeing her again in a little while anyway.” Turning back to her home she resumed her packing, if at a slightly faster pace.

It was a clear and warm day in Ponyville. A large variety of ponies went along attending to their various daily tasks. The town had come to be Twilight’s home since that day she came here to prepare for the Summer Sun celebration. Reminiscing on the past and walking slowly through the streets, the beauty of the day was not lost on the purple unicorn. Smiling and waving she made her way through the familiar streets of her home town.

She turned towards the east rounding the last bend in the road that would take her to the train station when she was met with an unexpected sight. Lining the platform was all of closest friends chatting idly. She was to far way to make out what they were saying until she got closer. “… sure she won’t mind, darling.” Said a well kept white unicorn. It was at that moment that Pinkie Pie noticed Twilights approach. “HI TWILIGHT!” Declared the exuberant pink pony who was bouncing merrily in place. “Hi Pinkie.” She said before turning to the others. “What are you all doing here?” To which Rarity replied “Well darling, I was just finishing a new line of dresses. When I saw Rainbow Dash rushing by the store before stopping at the Sugarcube Corner. Normally I won’t stoop so low as to inquire in another ponies business but it was rather odd the… speed at which she did so.” “She was getting some cupcakes!” Interrupted Pinkie enthusiastically. As if that would explain anyponies rushing. “Yes, well.” Continued Rarity looking a little put off by the interruption. “I took a step outside to talk to Rainbow Dash. Much to my surprise I heard that you were going to Canterlot and didn’t stop by to get a proper attire.” Turning her head to get a better view of herself Twilight asked “Why do I have to dress up for a trip to Canterlot?” Looking shocked Rarity replied “My dear you can’t head to such a high class city without a dress at least!” Twilight opened her mouth to reply before she was interrupted. “Ah think we’re getting a mite off track.” said Applejack. “Sorry Sugarcube, but if we draw this out we might lose the train. Long story short, Rainbow Dash mentioned you’re going ta Canterlot and we thought we might tag along for one reason or another.” “And don’t worry about the tickets darling it’d be my treat.” Said Rarity before turning and making a beeline for the tickets booth.

Upon her return they each received their tickets and began talking excitedly of their plans. Rainbow Dash received her book and was placing it in her bag. Pinkie Pie was jumping and hopping around them talking happily. All in all just enjoying each others company. This continued until long after the train pulled into the station and the conductor announced that it was now boarding. “Getting to see the princess. To study politics. In Canterlot. With my friends. Could this day get any better?” Thought twilight as she made her way with her friends toward the train. “Probably not.” She thought, passing the unfortunate worker as he began loading Rarities vast luggage onboard. Twilight smiled and made her way up the ramp behind her friends.

Author's Note

Threw a couple references and puns in there, I tried to limit them. I hope it’s not too distracting. This chapter took me quite a while to write. The more I write this the more impressive other’s work becomes.