Back in Ponyville, Apple Jack was explaining where Twilight had gone to the rest of the Mane Six. They all were shocked and concerned.

"Why didn't she ask us to help?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I think it was mostly because of her relationship with Cadence. She's family to her, and, in her worry, probably wasn't thinking straight and just wanted to get to the Crystal Empire as fast as possible so she could help find her. I think that, because it's the same thing I'd do if any of my family went missin'."

"In any case, I hope she finds her okay. I'd hate to hear that she was hurt or something." Fluttershy commented. The other four agreed.

"Hey, everypony." The dejected voice of Twilight sounded from behind the group.

"Twilight!" The others exclaimed in surprise.

"What are you doing back so soon? Did ya find Cadence?"

"No. I looked everywhere without a sign of her. I wore myself thin, and I thought it would be best to come back here, and start fresh tomorrow. I'm no use to Cadence if I'm exhausted."

The others gave words of comfort and support, agreeing that that was best. They all went to their separate homes, and spent the night peacefully.

The next morning was the day before the Autumn Evening Celebration. Everypony expected Twilight to go back out to look for Cadence, but she ended up caught up in last-minute arrangements for the ceremony. She didn't get any free time, even to the point when she and her friends boarded a private train to Manehatten. Twilight kept to herself on the train, only interacting with the attendant. None of her friends said anything, wanting to give her space since she must have been going through a lot then.

When the six arrive in Manehatten, they went straight to the center of the city, where the ceremony would take place. Celestia, Luna, and Shining Armor were already there. They all looked surprised at Twilight.

"Twiley," Shining Armor ran to his sister. "What are you doing here? I thought you left to find Cadence."

"I did, but I came back. I couldn't find her."

Shining Armor looked doubtful, but didn't pursue the issue. As Celestia and Luna walked Twilight through the ceremony, the other five followed Apple Jack, who was going to introduce them to her family who lived in the city. Afterwards, they went to dinner without Twilight, who was still busy with preparations for the ceremony. Shining Armor joined them.

"Hi, everypony," He greeted without emotion.

"Hi, Shining." The five greeted.

"Shouldn't you be helping with preparations for the ceremony? The sun will be going down in an hour or so." Rarity asked.

"The security is all set. They don't need me to be present right now."

"Why so down? Besides the whole Cadence-disappearing-thing, of course." Pinkie asked, gaining glares from her friends.

"Well," he hesitated. "Has anypony else noticed that Twilight has been acting strangely?"

"Well, yeah," Rainbow Dash replied. "I mean, her sister-in-law is missing, after all."

"I don't mean that she's been acting sad or worried. During the ceremony run-through, she was pretty short with everypony."

"I'm sure she must just be nervous," Fluttershy added. "This is her first royal appearance since her coronation. I know I'd be nervous and act a bit strange if I were in her hooves."

"Besides that. Twilight stopped looking."

"She was tired and stressed." Apple Jack argued.

"She said she couldn't find her, when she knew where Cadence would be. She came back without her. Isn't that odd?"

"Maybe she went there and when she didn't find her she came back."

"No. We were certain she was there."

"How?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"You know what? Forget it. I obviously can't convince you." He stood and walked off.