The sound of the bare feet could be heard in the air. If anypony was to interrupt their activities they would've noticed a small purple dragon running across the street.

Nevertheless the chance of the inhabitants paying attention to something so 'low' and 'mundane' was close to zero. Not because dragons were such a common sight in the city.

It was because the city in question was Canterlot. The capital of Equestria. Their matters were well above the matters of common ponyfolk.

But it wasn't important to the dragon. What mattered to him was finding his brother. With the constant high speed he finally reached their estate. A Yellow mare with blue mane greeted him.

"Hello there Spike."

"Hi mom!" He quickly replied to the mare while running past her. Young reptile run upstairs, to the highest tower in the residence.

Upon arriving he entered the room. It was dimly lit by one balcony window. All of the interior was covered in all manner of books stuck on top of each other and cobwebs.

It would've been completely empty, if it wasn't for a young yellow unicorn that looked strikingly similar to the mare Spike run by earlier. If it wasn't for the fact that this was a stallion.

The pony in question was peacefully napping on one of his books. Drool coming out of his mouth and leaving stains on the paper.

"Comet!" Spike shouted, which caused the equine to get up violently.

"Whass dis allbout?" He slurred his speech slightly.

"I've just got a letter from Celestia! She wanted to see you in fifteen minutes, but it took me five to get here!"

Stallion was immediately awake. He used his aura to put the young drake on his back.

"Wow. A free ride? Nice!"

"Don't get too used to it. It's an emergency."

With that the pony galloped out of his house and started heading towards the royal palace. On some point during the journey both of them noticed they were getting close to a group of ponies. Spike remembered them as Lemon Hearts, Twinkle Shine and Minuette. The three of them were talking until Minuette noticed the duo.

"Hi comet! We three were wondering-"

"No time! Sorry girls!" And with that he ran past them without even looking.

He went upstairs.

Turn right, left, right, up, down. Finally he was in the west wing.

That was it. The throne room.

With that comet entered the massive chamber. Inside of it, on the throne resided the aged ruler of Equestria. Of course you wouldn't be able to tell that due to the fact that princess looked thirty for the past few millennia.

Stallion bowed before his mentor and teacher.

"Your majesty, you summoned me."

Princess smiled warmly.

"At ease my hard-working student. I summoned you because we need to discuss a very pressing matter involving."

Comet gulped audibly. "Alright You Majesty. What is it? Am I banished? Was my latest assignment not up to your standards? Have you decided to demote me to your usual student and make Twilight your protege instead?"

Celestia laughed. "No, although if I had to name my protege somepony beside you that would be Twilight. I want to talk with you about… friendship."

Oh boy here we go again. Buck me.

"Oooh, friendship,... what about it?"

"You lack friends besides Spike and Twilight."

"Why would I need anypony else? I have my number one assistant and my best study-buddy.

"World doesn't revolve around studying. You need to meet more ponies."

"Why?"

"Because friendship, my little pony is one of the oldest forms of magic."

Comet tail considered princesse's words.

"This may be truth. However…" He pulled a book out of his saddlebag. "What we know for sure is that Nightmare Moon is prophesied to return on the thousandth moon after her banishment. This corresponds to this year's Summer Sun Celebration. I think-"

"I, on the other hoof while trusting you completely, think you should stop reading these dusty old books." Celestia interrupted him. "I think this calls for a royal decree.

She cleared her throat. "Rapid Quill?"

"Coming, Your Majesty!" Answered a voice from the other room.

A few seconds later a beige pegasus stallion with blonde mane entered the chamber. He pulled out a pen and parchment paper.

"In the name of Faust the all-mother and eternal alicorn rule. We Celestia Ruler of Equestria and the lands beyond issue an order upon Comet Tail to make his way to Ponyville and find at least one new friend while he supervises the preparations to the Summer Sun Celebration.

Rapid Quill wrote everything down on the parchment. Celestia smiled at Comet again.

"I wish you a merry time with the kind denizens of ponyville."

He bowed his head again. "Your Grace. I'm afraid that I won't be able to go as I stand. I'll have to pack a few things up."

She smiled again.

"Don't worry, pack everything you need."

With that he bowed for the last time and left the room with Spike and took a deep breath.

"Don't worry too much about it." Said Spike assuringly. "I'm sure you will complete the assignment in no time and be back in Canterlot."

"What assignment?"

Both drake and stallion turned their head to the source of the sound. It turned out to be unicorn mare of similar age to Comet. She had a lavender coat, dark purple mane and pink six-pointed star for a cutie mark.

"Uh-huh. I forgot about the queen of eavesdropping herself."

She bowed mockingly. "The one and only. But you didn't answer my question."

He sighed. "Princess is sending me to some middle of nowhere to make friends."

The mare giggled. "Seems like a great opportunity for a socially challenged pony like you."

Comet snickered. "Look who's talking. Twilight Sparkle, queen of eggheads, ruler of Bookwormia."

She raised her forelegs. "Guilty as charged. But I'm just a student of Celestia, not her personal protege. A little more is expected from you."

"You're… actually quite right in your assessment."

"Do you have any tactics prepared?"

Comet shrugged his arms. "Not really. Try to interact with other ponies, see how it goes. Not everything needs to be pre-organised, you know?"

"Oh I know. Your studying room can attest that."

"I believe they call it an artistic mess, thank you very much."

Both of them laughed at the remark but Twilight changed her expression to a more serious one after.

"Comet?"

"Hmm?"

"Can you… write to me while you're doing the assignment?"

"It'll be just a few days."

"I know but Canterlot without you, is just… not the same. I want to be reminded that you remember me, mkay?"

He looked at her. Faust one knew why but under this lighting she looked prettier than usual. He smiled warmly.

"Ok, I promise."

"Thanks." She replied. "I really appreciate that."

Twilight looked at the clock. "Oh my. Look at the time. I think it's time for me leave. See ya after the assignment." And with that she trotted away.

"See ya then." Comet said to himself.