Twilight returned early the next morning. Her flying had improved quite a bit and was now her usual transport between Ponyville and Canterlot when not accompanied by her friends. She was rushing, distressed by the news princess Celestia had just given her. In her worried state of mind she searched her castle for Spike before remembering that he had stayed with Rarity at the Boutique.

The lights were off when she arrived near sunrise. It was too early for Rarity to have woken up already but Twilight was frantic and the thought did not occur to her. She burst in and hurried through the back to the second floor, where normal customers would not be allowed. The bang of an opening door woke Rarity.

"Twilight?" she asked, sleepily

"Oh, Rarity, I'm so sorry, I wasn't even thinking. It's so early, I just..."

"Twilight, please calm down," Rarity said, much more awake now, "What's happened? Are you alright?"

She wondered what had happened during Twilights meeting with Celestia that had upset her so. Luna had assured her the vexion was smart and would not hurt Twilight... at least not yet. But what if they were wrong? Had that monster tried to harm her friend? Did Twilight know what was happening? Was she concerned for her old mentor? Rarity waited patiently for Twilight to explain before she offered any input. Spike had entered the room as well while Twilight was catching her breath.

"I'm afraid something terrible has happened. I don't know how, or why, but I know we will all need to work together to stop this disaster. Rarity, Spike, Nightmare Moon has returned."

Spike and Rarity were confused by Twilights last statement. "But whatever do you mean, darling?"

"The princess, told me when I arrived in Canterlot. She said that Luna was becoming Nightmare Moon again and that we must find and stop her immediately! I've already alerted Rainbow Dash and she is waiting in Canterlot for the rest of us." The dragon and the unicorn exchanged a worried glance. "What is it?"

"Well, you see, Twilight, I mean you know that I think Celestia is a wonderful princess, and I know you two are very close, but this whole business about Nightmare Moon is quite impossible."

"What do you mean?" Spike spoke up.

"Luna was just here. She arrived just after you left."

"Yes, and she certainly was not Nightmare Moon,"

"She was here!?"

"Yeah, I know, right? She had all these other ponies with her too, one was a royal guard and..."

"Oh no, Princess Celestia was right. She's gathering an army,"

"What? No, Twilight listen. I don't think that Celestia was being completely honest with you."

"Well she wouldn't lie. Why would she?"

"This may be hard to take, but Luna told us..."

"Luna told you? You're listening to her!? "

"Calm down..."

"I will not calm down! You're not joining her side are you?"

"Her side? Please, you're making it sound like we're at war."

"If Luna is gathering an army then it quite possible that there will be a war!"

Twilight stormed out of the boutique without giving either of her friends a chance to speak. Luna had gotten to them first, how many others was she convincing to join her at this very moment? How could Rarity and Spike betray her like this? No, these were her friends, they would come around. They would realize what was happening. Right now she needed to find the rest of her friends before Luna did. No, before Nightmare Moon did.

Then, the alicorn set off for her first destination.