Day One

It was three o'clock in the morning. Twilight Sparkle was sitting at her desk by the window. She was staring at a book on magical wildlife, but was unable to retain any information from the words passing under her gaze. Often times, she read through a whole paragraph before realizing that she had no idea what it had been about. Come on, she thought to herself. Focus! But she was so incredibly tired that her thoughts simply drifted about uncontrollably. Sighing in surrender, she marked her place in the book and closed it. She leaned forwards onto the desk, resting her chin in her folded forelegs and staring out the window. When she stopped trying to marshal her thoughts, a hitherto unnoticed buzzing in her ears had died. Twilight breathed in the silence, and the air felt fresher than usual. So this is what relaxing feels like, she mused. I think I like this. Nothing was moving outside her window. Just a gentle breeze, and a cricket chirping. The book can wait. Just until the morning.

But then, something caught Twilight's eye; a small shadow, just barely noticeable, was stirring in the distance. She didn't want to lift her head - she wasn't sure that she could have - but her eye followed the shadow. It rose above the horizon, and was silhouetted against the calm, moonlit sky. It has wings. What could it be? Twilight's fatigue-addled brain took longer than usual to put two and two together. It's coming from Fluttershy's house... yes, it's definitely Fluttershy. Her interest was immediately piqued. What's she doing out this late? And where's she going? Fluttershy - The shadow - flew along the horizon, and passed out of Twilight's vision. In order to continue watching her path, Twilight would have to physically stick her head out of the window. The prospect of this exertion was too much for her, and she let her eyes close, pondering what she had seen. Maybe she heard a bunny stub its toe on the other side of town. She giggled softly to herself. Fluttershy had a good heart, I'm sure of that. Whatever she was doing, Twilight was confident that it wasn't anything suspicious. And on that comforting note, she drifted off to sleep.

Day Two

When she stepped out of her tree the next morning, it was to find Ponyville already full of ponies. She had slept in, and was getting a late start to her day. Applejack will already have been out by now, and Rainbow's probably still asleep. Pinkie will be at Sugarcube Corner. I may run into Fluttershy, though. I can ask her about last night. And as if fate had heard and obeyed the unicorn, Fluttershy turned around a corner and into view at that very instant. Huh, lucky.

"Fluttershy!" Fluttershy looked around at the sound of her name, found Twilight Sparkle, and began to trot towards her. Twilight's eye was immediately drawn to the dark green dress that Fluttershy was wearing. She had been wearing dresses like this for months now, and nobody bothered questioning it anymore. When asked why, she merely responded, "I just feel like getting dressed up sometimes." Naturally, Rarity wholeheartedly approved.

"Hey Fluttershy. How are you?"

"Oh, I'm very good. How about you?"

"I'm fine. Just a little tired."

"Really? Why?

"Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. You see, I was up really late last night, and I saw you flying outside my window. What were you doing?"

"Oh!" Fluttershy was taken aback. "Well, I was making a late-night visit to a berry patch. Angel woke me up and told me he wasn't feeling well, and berries always make him feel better when he's under the weather."

"I see..." Twilight trusted Fluttershy, but she did seem a bit too surprised. "And you didn't have any at your house?"

"Oh no, I was all out." Twilight studied her carefully. Something suspicious is definately going on here. Fluttershy smiled nervously, uncomfortable under her penetrating stare. Well, no good to be done in asking her again. I'll have to find out on my own. You're hiding something, and I'm gonna figure out what.

"Okay, just wondering. I'll see you later!" Twilight said cheerily. And then, she walked away, into the bustling town square. She was aware that she had been rather rude to Fluttershy, but she wanted some time alone to think. Fortunately, she was not yet deep enough into detective mode to prevent her conscience from kicking in, and she was seized by a desire to look back over her shoulder to see if Fluttershy was angry. As surreptitiously as possible, Twilight glanced backward. Fluttershy was standing where she had left her. She did not look angry. She just looked worried, and glum. Feeling a bit guilty, Twilight set her sights on the restaurant she had been meaning to visit.

Twenty minutes later, she was sitting at a table with a grass sandwich in front of her. Still not convinced that Fluttershy was telling the truth, she munched thoughtfully on her food. What would she be doing at three in the morning that she doesn't want to tell me about? Maybe I should ask somepony else. But who? Twilight continued to mull the matter over as she ate. Maybe Rainbow Dash. She's the only other Pegasus I know. Yes, I'll ask her. Bolstered by the thought of a plan, a clear next step, Twilight finished her sandwich, left a shining pile of bits on the table by way of payment, and took off toward her next adventure.

Her destination was Sugarcube Corner. After a quick and relatively painless negotiation with Pinkie, who seemed to be in something of a bad mood, Twilight obtained the hot air balloon for her own use. And so, some minutes later, she was floating up towards Rainbow Dash's castle. As she rested in the basket, she felt more relaxed than she could remember feeling for a very long time. Interesting, considering this is the most exciting thing I've done for a long time. It's like I'm a detective. There is a mystery to be solved, and I will not rest until I've solved it! And yet, I'm resting right now. Perhaps it's the pursuit of knowledge that's relieving the stress. But I'm always pursuing knowledge; I spend all day reading, learning... so why don't I enjoy it? But Twilight Sparkle shook herself. Come on, focus. That's not why you're here. You're here to solve a mystery. You're here to uncover the truth. You're here on a quest for knowledge. I can't afford to get sidetracked.

And then, she arrived. The hot air balloon, which she had been steering lazily by means of magic, came to a halt just outside Rainbow Dash's front door. Twilight leaned over the edge of the basket, reached out a hoof, and knocked. Rainbow Dash was at the door startlingly fast.

"Hi Twilight!" Rainbow grinned at the sight of Twilight in this uncomfortable position. "What're you doing up here?"

"I just wanted to talk to you."

"About what?"

"Well, it's about Fluttershy." At these words, Rainbow Dash looked much more shocked than was appropriate in response this rather mundane comment.

"What about her?" Twilight repeated her story to Rainbow Dash. And then, on a sudden inspiration, she added:

"I haven't asked Fluttershy what she was doing, because I didn't want to pry. But I thought maybe you could shed some light on the situation."

"Why'd you go straight to me?" And now she's getting defensive. What is going on?

"Well, since you're both pegasi, I thought maybe you would have the best idea. Y'know, maybe something unicorns wouldn't understand." This was an honest answer, but Rainbow Dash still looked very suspicious. They looked at each other for a while, neither of them trusting the other. Twilight was beginning to feel uncomfortable, a feeling which resulted from both the awkwardness of the situation and having to lean over the edge of the basket to talk. She wished Rainbow would hurry up.

"Well, I don't know where she goes." Twilight considered pressing the matter, but she was beginning to ache, and the basket was cutting into her skin.

"Okay, thanks anyway." Twilight sat back in the balloon, and flew off.

On the way back, she thought again about what had happened. Well, she definitely knows something, and she doesn't want to tell me. What's going on? Twilight was a smart unicorn. "I don't know where she goes". That's an odd thing to say, considering she only went once. This must be a regular thing. So, I know what I have to do. I have to follow her the next time she goes out. Of course, she thought, that means I'll have to stay up 'till three A.M. again. It was a sickening prospect, but it must be done. For science!

The rest of the day seemed to drag by, and she wasn't sure how well she handled it. She was rude to Pinkie Pie when she wouldn't leave her alone, and she snapped at Spike when he tried to tell her about somebody who came to visit. This is what having friends is about, she thought to herself as she climbed up the stairs leading to her bedroom, but they really are ridiculous, that bunch. There's some kind of drama going on between Rainbow and Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie can't keep her mouth shut for five seconds, and Spike thinks I want to hear about every pony who walks past the door. And I'm sure if Applejack or Rarity were here, I'd be mad at them too.

But, said another little voice inside her, maybe that means that the problem is on your end. Twilight wasn't sure which voice was really hers. They were speaking independently from her conscious thoughts. This was her soul speaking to itself, and she had no part in the conflict.

Maybe I was a bit rude, but come on! Every day, Pinkie comes up with some new scheme, and I have to be punished for it. That's completely unreasonable!

But that's just Pinkie being her normal self. She's always unreasonable. They're all unreasonable. So why is it bothering you today, of all days?

Maybe I just haven't gotten enough sleep?

That's enough! This was Twilight's voice, Twilight speaking to herself. It's not about me being angry, or tired, or annoyed. It's about the truth! The truth must be found. At any personal cost.

When the sun had set, and Spike was already asleep, Twilight was at her desk. It was 11 o'clock. She needed something to do, something to occupy her for four hours, but there was nothing. All she wanted was to go to bed, but no! Fluttershy, and her secret affairs, and Rainbow Dash's lies, they kept her awake, deprived her of that sweet necessity, sleep. The minutes ticked by, and Twilight sat, tapping her hoof, thoughts racing around inside her head. Her thoughts were harried, fleeting, as if they were in some kind of rush, and she was having trouble pinning them down. Focus! But with data or without, she found no joy in theorizing, or deducing, or organizing. What happened? I was having a great time on the way to Rainbow's. I was as relaxed as could be. But everything went downhill from there. Why is this so hard? Finally, when she thought it must be nearing 3 A.M., she pulled her head off the desk and into the air. She looked around at the clock. It was 12:30.

At 1 o'clock, she began pacing back and forth around the library, for fear of falling asleep. At 2, she ran her face under cold water. At 2:30, she returned to her desk. It was 2:55, and she was leaning out the window, straining her eyes for a speck on the horizon. Then three in the morning came. There was nothing. Twilight's head hit the desk with a loud clunk. It would have been very painful had she been awake to feel it.

Day Three

When Twilight woke up, most of the next day had passed. She was hungry, thirsty and sore. But she felt good. The previous night had been living hell, but she was stronger now. The moment she regained consciousness, a thought flew into her head. Fluttershy wasn't there. So, what could have happened? She immediately hopped to her hooves and began pacing excitedly. Okay, possibilities... possibilities. She might have stopped because she knows I saw her. Or, maybe the time switches every night, and she went later. Or, perhaps it doesn't happen every night. Maybe, every other night, or every third night, or every week. What might it be, then? Perhaps she's buying something... something illegal. But Fluttershy? Se doesn't seem the type... unless, maybe it was some kind of medicine for an animal! That could be it. I'll have to check my books, maybe it's in there somewhere. Or... it could be that-

"Twilight?" Twilight looked around, distracted, and found Spike looking up at her.

"Oh, hi Spike." He looked more than a little uncomfortable, shuffling his feet and wringing his claws nervously.

"Are you okay?" This took her utterly by surprise.

"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well, it's just, you've been sleeping all day, and everypony's been wondering where you were and why you hadn't left the house, and you're acting a bit odd, and... well..."

"What do you mean, 'I'm acting a bit odd?'" said Twilight, two hooves still off the floor in mid-pace.

"Never mind. Just wondering if something's wrong."

"No, nothing's wrong. You can tell the others that I'll be out, at some point."

"At some point. Got it." Spike walked out, still looking uneasy.

Huh, what was that about? Sure, I slept in a bit, but that's not anything strange. Well, never mind. It doesn't matter. So what was I thinking about? Right, Fluttershy.

Twilight spent the rest of day inside, pouring over books about illegal substances, the history of Equestria law, different herbs and fungi, and anything else she thought may provide answers. Several times during the day, ponies knocked on her door. She ignored them. The day seemed to pass in a haze for Twilight Sparkle, looking through book after book, trying to find answers. When the sun had begun to set, she had looked through almost every book in her library which was even vaguely related to the matter at hand. She found absolutely nothing. When she looked at the clock, it was nearly midnight. At that moment, she made a decision. I'm going to stay up and look for Fluttershy again. An entire day of no progress had greatly unsettled her. She would do anything it took to find out more. And so, she sat at her desk and waited. It was very boring, but much less torturous than the previous night, since she had gotten about fourteen hours of sleep last night. When it was nearly three, she leaned out the window, anticipation making her giddy. Tonight. She'll come out tonight. I know it! And she looked. And looked. And then, she found.

A shadow was rising above the horizon, as it had two nights ago. Now that she looked carefully, it could not have been anypony but Fluttershy's silhouette. Her long, distinctive mane was just barely visible, swinging beneath her head. Her tail was also visible, leaving a silky wake as she moved through the air. Then, she flew forward, and the moonlight cast her face into sharp relief. On a sudden whim, Twilight closed her eyes, and marshalled a small burst of magical energy. Every lamp in the library was instantly extuinguished. To the untrained eye, Twilight could now have been asleep. But a more attentive watcher, who took the time to look closer, would see Twilight leaning out her window, still very much awake. Her gaze followed Fluttershy as she drifted forwards, and up. Twilight leaned further, nearly falling out the window in her desperation to see where she was going. And as she neared it, Fluttershy's destination became clear. She was going to Rainbow Dash's.

Day Four

Twilight Sparkle was at her wits' end. She had woken up bright and early in order to shop, and the entire day had been miserable. When she stepped out of her house, everypony wanted to talk to her. This idea couldn't have been less appealing to Twilight, who really just wanted to buy some hay and get back home as quickly as she could. She had to physically fight off Ditzy Doo the mail pony on the way home, yelling, "Get off me, Ditzy! We'll talk later!"

But when she finally got home, she was not relieved. She was just glum. Alright. So what could be going on? She really didn't want to be a detective right now, but it's not like I have a choice. This mystery is too interesting to leave now. She spent the entire rest of the day making half-hearted attempts to think. But nothing came. Maybe... they're building something? Or maybe... they're planning something? But what would they be building? Neither of them are exactly craftsponies. Maybe, they're practicing a trick... but why wouldn't they want to tell me? They could be planning a surprise party, like they did for Pinkie. But why wasn't everypony else in on it? And my birthday isn't even close.

She continued in this manner for hours, coming up with increasingly ridiculous theories. Weapons testing for the military... Interpretive dance...Cheering lessons...

But there was no burst of realization, no euphoric wave of understanding as there had been before. She had reached a dead end. I need help. She looked at the clock. It was almost midnight again. I need help solving this mystery. Who could I ask? I'm not sure it's safe to tell any of my friends. Pinkie would be useless, Rarity would tell me I'm wasting my time. And Applejack... she thought for a while, picturing her honest, caring friend's reaction... Applejack would tell me to nose out.

Would she be right? The same, small reasonable voice was back again.

Of course she wouldn't be, Twilight chided it. I don't know what's going on, but it's important. It must be important. It's the truth! At this word, Twilight slammed a hoof against her desk. Spike rolled in his sleep, and Owlowicious hooted in protest. But she didn't care. This will be solved! And yet, who could she turn to? Alright. I have no choice. I have to ask Princess Celestia. Even as Twilight magiced a blank scroll out of its drawer, she had some doubts. She didn't know why, but she had a feeling that Celestia wouldn't provide the answers she was looking for. But I have to try. She's a wise pony, and even if she doesn't give me what I came for, she'll know what to do. And at that comforting thought, she began to write.

Dear Princes Celestia,

There is a mystery occurring over here in Ponyville, with which I hope you can help me. I have tried my utmost to unravel it myself, but it is beyond my abilities. I think you are the only one I can turn to. I would like to request a meeting with you some time tomorrow, if you are not too busy.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle

She looked at the letter proudly. Not bad. After waking a grumbling Spike to send it, she settled into bed. I wonder how soon she'll reply? Probably not until morning. But, I'd better be up early to catch it.

Day Five

Twilight did indeed wake up early that morning. She had to roll herself off the bed and onto the floor to avoid the temptation of just falling back asleep. However, despite her early wake-up, Princess Celestia's reply was on the table by the time she had dragged herself downstairs. Seeing the scroll, a promise of fresh progress, gave her the strength to hurry over to the table and open it.

Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student,

I received your rather late letter last night, and am prepared to meet with you immediately. I shall send a coach for you at 11 o'clock today. Meet with it in the town square, and it will take you straight to my palace in Canterlot. I hope to be of assistance.

Eagerly awaiting your visit, Princess Celestia

Startled at the swiftness with which Celestia had prepared a meeting time, Twilight looked around at the clock. It was 10:45.

The next fifteen minutes were a blur of activity. Her brain was not prepared for this kind of jolt, and she felt dizzy as she freshened up at the sink. A blast of cold water tore through her fatigue, and her pace only quickened as time sailed onward, and the coach flew closer. By the time she hurtled out the door, she was nearly late. She raced down the streets of Ponyville, just barely slowing down to aboid barrelling over pedestrians. Heads turned as the purple blur whizzed by, and somepony screamed her name. But she didn't stop, or look back. By the time she reached the town square, it was 11:04, and the coach was gleaming like a statue in the center of the clearing. She skidded to a halt outside its golden door, and pulled it open. Now that she had stopped running, she realized how exhausting her sprint had been. The moment she collapsed onto the cushy backseat of the chariot and slammed the door behind her, it took off on its own, powered by some reserve of magic within Equestria's royal palace. Inside the carriage, Twilight found no shortage of shiny surfaces in which to appraise her appearance. She looked a bit messier, and sweatier than she would have liked, but at least I'm not late.

The chariot bumped a little as they passed through a cloud, and the palace came into view. The blue-grey towers with sparkling golden heads overlooked Ponyville and many other villages around Equestria. Her little town seemed smaller and humbler than ever when compared to the intricate twists and turns of architecture that were Celestia's castle. It was built into a mountain side, a rather ingenious way to keep out unwanted earth ponies and unicorns. There were guards stationed around the doors, and their glowing golden armor could have been part of the palace itself, which they had torn off and worn on their heads. Water streamed around the palace, gathering in pools, which were filled with fish of all variety. Trees had been planted of the edge of some of these pools, completing the atmosphere of zen tranquility. It was truly a magnificent sight, both awe-inspiring and calming. Beautiful, and a little bit frightening.

Twilight landed on a deck, protruding from one of the many large towers. She was surprised to find nopony waiting for her. Dismounting the coach, she looked around, searching for some indication of where to go next. There was a splendid view of Canterlot from up here; the city, which was built on top of a mountainside plateau, was the home to Equestria's best and brightest. Despite having lived here for the majority of her life, Twilight still found herself awestruck by its sheer expensiveness. It seemed as if every surface in the city was either blue or gold, and polished to a mirror shine. Ponies, tiny as parasprites, buslted down the uniform city streets. I used to be one of those ponies. I wonder if Princess Celestia ever used to look down on me from up here.

Come on, no time for reminiscing. You're late. She looked back towards the castle, and the large golden door inlaid in the wall. Let's go! Past the imposing entranceway, there was a deceptively quaint little living room. It was small and comfortable, and looked like it belonged in the home of a kind old lady rather than the royal palace. There was red wallpaper and carpeting, a small brown coffee table, two red poofy sofas, and even a fire crackling in a grate. The only thing in the entire room to suggest that she was in a castle was the alicorn sitting on one of the coaches.

"Princess!"

"Hello, Twilight Sparkle. Take a seat." Twilight quickly obeyed, occupying the seat opposite her. Princess Celestia looked perfectly at ease. It was odd, the way she didn't look out of place surrounded by this commoner furniture. She might have been a kind old lady herself, had she aged at all since reaching adulthood. Hard to believe she's a thousand years old. The things she must have seen in her time. Then, Celestia's voice: "I hear you have a mystery for me." Twilight's mind had inadvertently wandered for a few seconds, and she had to shake it back into order. Focus!

"Oh... um, yes. You see..." Twilight began to talk. She talked about seeing Fluttershy for the first time. She talked about seeing her on the street, and their talk. She spoke of Rainbow Dash's odd behavior, and about how she had tried and failed to think what she could be doing, and how she had tried and failed to find Fluttershy again.

Although Twilight had not realized it, she had stood up and begun to pace back and forth. She told how she had looked through piles of books, and how she had seen Fluttershy go to Rainbow Dash's.

"And I have no idea what's going on, and I think it's important to find out, and I can't, and... I'm scared." As she said these last words, her voice cracked. She was suddenly on the brink of tears. Pull yourself together, Twilight. This is the Princess of Equestria, don't make a fool of yourself. She continued pacing.

"Twilight... how much have you been sleeping lately?" This question surprised Twilight so much that she forgot her embarrassment. She stopped pacing, and gaped at Celestia.

"Well... not too much. I don't see why that matters right now."

"Mmm... when was the last time you really had a conversation with your friends?"

"Does it matter?"

"Yes, I think it does."

"I came here for answers, not to be cross-examined!" Her voice was rising alarmingly fast. Twilight, this is the Princess of Equestria. Control yourself, you don't want to get banished and locked up in the place you were banished to. But she couldn't control it.

"You want to know what I think about Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash?"

"Yes."

"I think you should ask them." For the second time, surprise took the place of any other emotion she might have had.

"Ask them?"

"Yes."

"But... I already did. They lied."

"Well, maybe that was because of the way you asked them."

"I'm... not sure that'll work."

"Well, that's all I have to say on the matter." Twilight looked at her for a moment, choosing her words carefully.

"You know what I've noticed? The wise ones are always the least helpful." At this, Celestia laughed.

"We can be infuriating sometimes, can't we? But you will understand why I do the things that I do someday."

"Okay. I trust you." It was true.

"Well then, have a good day." The meeting had been disappointingly short, but Twilight recognized the dismissal. She stood, and walked to the door. "Oh, and Twilight?" Twilight turned at the door.

"Yes?"

"For somepony who has dedicated their life to the search for knowledge and truth, you seem to be overlooking a rather large truth right now."

"I... I don't know what that means."

"I didn't expect you to. Good day."

The ride back in the coach seemed much shorter than the first had been. She spent it in thought. Ask them? How could that help? Maybe I just have to be nicer. I think I should be a bit more understanding. Maybe if I just start a normal conversation and ease into it? Oh, this'll never work. At least, not on Rainbow Dash. Maybe I can get it from Fluttershy? By the time she had landed in the town square, she had something of a plan formed. She would get off the coach, go straight to Fluttershy's house, and ask her what was going on. Gently, though. Don't pry. But try to be resolute. Ooh...

On the walk to Fluttershy house, she was getting more and more nervous. By the time she reached the bridge that led to her frond lawn, she was considering just giving up. No! Come on Twilight, you've done harder things than this. Focus! She steeled herself, and walked right up to the front door. But before she could knock, she heard hushed voices inside. She lowered her hoof and pressed her ear against the door, listening hard. Her heart leapt; the voices were unmistakable. It was Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.

"Look, I'm sorry, but it has to be this way."

"But…"

"No buts! I've enjoyed these secret meetings. I really do enjoy spending the night with you. But I need a break. Even if I didn't have to go, I need a break."

"So... is that it then? It's over?"

"Yes. It's over. I'm going to tell the others."

"What? No, you can't!"

"I think we should. There's been enough secrecy."

"But... if I tell them, don't you think they might be mad? We've kept it secret for so long."

"Don't worry, I promise they won't be mad."

"But... but... I still don't want them to know. I just don't feel comfortable with it."

"Come on, Fluttershy!" Rainbow was nearly shouting in frustration now. "I know you're doing it out of love, but it's gone far enough. I'm going to tell them right now."

"No! I... I mean, can you please just wait a little bit? Until tomorrow? Pretty please?"

"Fine, until tomorrow. That's it!"

Twilight heard hooves clopping on the wooden floor, and she darted away from the door. She slunk behind a tree, and watched as Rainbow Dash practically kicked the door down. She walked out onto the front yard, bent her legs, and shot into the sky like a bullet. Fluttershy pulled the door closed from inside. Then, all was quiet.

Twilight's mind was full of fog as she slowly walked home. Every now and again, a distant, echoey thought penetrated the fog like a ghost's whisper. I never... Fluttershy... thought... didn't occur... love. At this word, images rushed into her mind, most of which she'd rather forget. Eugh... come on, Twilight, focus! But that familiar feeling of non-control was creeping over her. She shook herself, and the fog cleared slightly. But it only rolled back again, thicker than ever. The combination of pure shock and fatigue had delivered her thoughts from anywhere she could reach. She reached her tree, and dragged herself inside. It was quite early, but she made a beeline for her bed. I'll think... in the morning. And she fell into darkness.

Day Six

When she woke up, it was nearly 2:00 P.M. She got up slowly, the events of yesterday still spinning in her head. She was dazed, but as she began to get a firm grasp on what was going on, she felt a rising happiness in her stomach. I did it! I solved the mystery! I did it! At that moment, she wanted to leap for joy. It's over! I solved it! She did a little dance, one that she had surely learned from Pinkie Pie. She hopped about the room, her happiness uncontrollable. I did it! I did it! Eventually, she settled down. But as she washed and prepared for the day, she was still bursting with elation. And as she walked to her front door, she felt she could take anything the world had to throw at her. But as she stepped out of her house and into the fresh air, she was greeted by a dreadful sight. There were four ponies outside her house. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Rarity was acting panicky, and Rainbow Dash looked furious. Fluttershy looked even more worried than usual. She was wearing a bandage around one of her hind legs. But Applejack's condition scared her the most. She was bruised, and slightly bloody. She was also wearing a cast, this one around her front right leg. There were several band-aids all over her body.

"Uh... girls?" Everybody looked around at her. Most of them looked relieved, but Rainbow's face contorted with anger.

"You!" Before Twilight had any idea what was going on, Rainbow Dash had pounced on top of her.

"Where... in pony hell... have you been?" Rainbow yelled, as she throttled Twilight. "Been looking for you... for days! Missed my shift!"

"Rainbow!" Applejack stepped forward. "Rainbow, get off!" She looked around at Applejack, and this lapse of concentration allowed Twilight to kick herself free.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Me?" she panted, still visibly furious. "What's wrong with me? Nopony's been able to talk to you for days! It's been a disaster! But of course, you probably have no idea what's happened. It's fine, I don't care. Books come first, right Twilight?" These words stung her.

"I'm sorry, I've been busy. But I'm done now, so I can come out again."

"Oh, just great! Now you come out. That would have been helpful a few days ago. Well, it's all over now, so you might as well just go back inside. You weren't here when we needed you, so why should you be here anytime else?"

"Rainbow." Rarity spoke reproachfully. "This isn't all her fault. You played a rather large part in it, if I remember correctly."

"Yes, but it was different with me." Twilight had absolutely no idea what they were talking about. She looked around, trying to decide who would be best to ask.

"Rarity. What's going on?" Rarity looked at her. In her eyes, there shone a sadness so deep that Twilight suddenly wondered whether she'd really like to know.

"Pinkie's gone."