Twilight Sparkle was enjoying a much needed day off with her friends. Applejack and Pinky Pie had laid out a nice spread of cupcakes, apple pie, apple fritters and several other goodies for them to enjoy. Flutter Shy seemed content to nibble on some salad and sip her tea as she listened to Rarity talk about her latest dress design. Rainbow Dash looked bored and kept interrupting with jokes she had heard from the Wonderbolts. Twilight was just enjoying the company when there was a loud bang that seemed to make everything shudder around them.
"Look at that!" Rainbow Dash called out.
Twilight looked up in time to see two streaks in the sky going in opposite directions.
"Ooh, looks like the pegasi are having fun." Pinky Pie hopped up and down in excitement.
"Any pegasus going that fast wouldn't end up pretty." Rainbow Dash looked solemn, so Twilight took her words seriously.
"How curious." Rarity exclaimed.
Just then everyone's attention was brought to their cutiemarks which had begun to glow.
"Curiouser and curiouser." Twilight remarked.
"You don't suppose that this has anything to do with those streaks, now would you?" Applejack asked as she began gathering up all the food.
"Guess we'll find out." Twilight helped them clean up. They hurried to the castle in Ponyville and watched in awe as their cutie marks hovered over two cities on each end of Equestria.
"Looks like Apple Jack, Flutter Shy and I are going to Starlight's old town. While Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinky Pie are going to the Crystal Empire." Twilight observed as she sat in her seat.
"Oh, I do love visiting the Crystal Empire." Rarity looked thrilled.
"Interesting." Twilight studied the map. "I think your observation was correct, Apple Jack. These line up with the streaks in the sky.
"What do you think they are?" Apple Jack wondered.
"Not sure. Only one way to find out."
Just then the doors burst open and Spike, Twilight's purple dragon, ran in. "Twi . . ." then he belched a great green flame where a scroll appeared. Twilight instantly used her magic to snatch it out of the air and began reading it out loud.
"Twilight, Canterlot is under attack with creatures I have not seen in some time. I am writing this as I am about to be overtaken. Bring help as soon as possible. Signed, Princess Celestia."
"Well, what are we waiting for, let's go." Rainbow Dash flew up ready to take off.
"Wait." Twilight called out. "What about the map?"
"What about it? We can solve friendship problems later. We're under attack." Rainbow Dash argued.
"Twilights got the right idea, Rainbow." Apple Jack reasoned. "The streaks, the map calling us, and Princess Celestia's letter: they can't all be coincidences."
"I agree with Apple Jack." Twilight studied the map. "Whatever is attacking Canterlot is linked to the streaks in the sky, which is where the map leads to. We need to solve this mystery girls. We'll notify everyone along the way to prepare for war and to go to Canterlot's aid. Agreed?"
"Agreed." Everyone chanted back with a late and reluctant affirmation from Rainbow Dash.
"Then we don't have a moment to loose. Everyone get packing." Twilight ordered.
The reaction was instant as everyone ran out to get ready, leaving just Twilight and Spike.
"Going on a mission? Can I come?" Spike said hurriedly.
Twilight looked at him and then the map. She normally didn't take him on missions, but for some reason she couldn't say no. "Alright, Spike."
"Yes!" He fist pumped the air.
"I'm not sure what we are going to find, but it would be good to have your company."
"I'll help pack." he said as he ran off.
Twilight looked over the letter again. Fear gripped her heart for her mentor. She hoped she was making the right decision.