Twilight sat in the cabin on the train and looked out of her window as the landscape passed at moderately high speeds. A letter lay in front of her seat and Twilight began to read the letter again for the tenth time that morning.
Dear Twilight,
Come to the palace immediately, there is something I need to discuss with you personally.
Your Loving Mentor,
Princess Celestia
"I wonder what happened that caused the Princess to need my presence." Twilight thought as the familiar shining spires of Canterlot came into view from her window. Twilight looked on at this sight and sighed as memories of her former life as the introverted bookworm came to mind. She cleared her mind with a noticeable shake of her head and secured the letter as the train pulled through the checkpoint at the city's entrance.
The Friendship Express pulled into the Canterlot station and stopped with a loud hiss as various ponies on the platform waited for the doors to open. A bell rang from the train as the doors slid open and ponies from the train poured out into the station. Twilight Sparkle maneuvered around the mass with the practiced ease of a local. She moved with a sense of determination toward the Royal palace in the center of Canterlot. Twilight walked through the royal palace guard checkpoint without stopping as the guard on duty made a quick note and got to her side as she passed.
"Princess Celestia has been expecting you, she's in the library." The guard said as he walked in stride with her.
Twilight nodded. "Thank you."
The guard gave a curt nod and did a 180 to return to his post. Twilight came to the library with its ever winding bookshelves and saw her long time mentor sitting by the window near the entrance with a cup of tea on a table between the two seats. The unusual thing was her mane wasn't flowing in the wind and a blanket covered the Princess.
"Twilight, I'm glad you were able come here so quickly." Celestia said as she levitated the tea cup to her lips.
"Are you okay Princess? You don't seem like yourself?" Twilight as she took the seat next to her mentor. Twilight looked upon Celestia's face and found the telltale signs of the common cold. "Oh... That's why."
"Don't worry I'm not contagious." Celestia said before sipping more of the tea.
Twilight nodded before partaking in the view from the window and watched some dark rainclouds come rolling in from the east.
"Now for the reason I called you for today. It seems some ponies have stumbled upon some ruins out west a week and half ago and the Canterlot museum research team arrived just yesterday and sent a very interesting report about their initial findings. They suspect the ruins to be by Starswirl the Bearded as his insignia is etched all over the place." Celestia said in a quiet tone.
Twilight gasped as thoughts of the multitude of knowledge that could be unearthed at this site.
"This could finally explain so many of the unfinished spells in all of his personal journals or what he did during the second griffon uprising or..." Twilight said as she suddenly starting listing off her personal theories.
Celestia smiled at her student's antics. Memories of years past have many instances like this where the curiosity of Twilight was so vocal that's on par with an avalanche in size and speed.
"Twilight..." Celestia said quietly.
"It could explain the lack of time travel spells or an explanation of the higgs boson theory or maybe..."
"Twilight..." Celestia huffed in annoyance.
"There is SOOO much we could learn..."
"TWILIGHT SPARKLE!" Celestia bellowed out before going into a sneezing fit.
"Oh whoops...I did it again didn't I?" Twilight as a blush of embarrassment formed on her cheeks.
Celestia gave Twilight a disapproving look and Twilight shrunk under the gaze.
"Back to what I was saying." Celestia said before returning to her quiet tone. "I have proposition for you. The research team is lacking an expert on Starswirl the Bearded and I know for a fact that you are one of the very few ponies in Equestria with such knowledge on him. How you would like to help this team for the next two weeks while the other expert from makes his way from Stalliongrad."
A synapse misfired from Twilight's brain and her eyes widened as she drew in a deep breath. "Oh pony feathers..." Celestia thought as she cast a quick noise reducing spell before the inevitable occurred. A girlish squeal of joy erupted from Twilight as she sprung from her seat and started to hop around the Princess.
"Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes..." Twilight exclaimed with every hop. Celestia released the spell and smiled at her student's excitement.
"Twilight." Celestia said and Twilight stopped mid-hop. "I'm glad you accepted but now you need to go and pack for the trip, I'll have a transport arranged at Ponyville tomorrow morning to take you to the ruins. I'll send instructions when its arranged."
"Thank you for this opportunity, I won't let you down." Twilight said before sprinting out back to the train station.
It was in the afternoon and clouds have come in from Cloudsdale for tomorrow's rainstorm, Rainbow Dash floated on one of these clouds above the library blowing her mane around in utter boredom before she heard a ruckus below her. She stuck her head over the edge of the cloud and watched Twilight hauling flank toward the library. Twilight looked excited as she got into the library and slammed the door behind her, causing Rainbow to fall in surprise. Dash righted herself a few feet below the cloud and she glided down toward the ground. "What's gotten into her?" Rainbow thought as she walked to the front door.
knock
knock
knock
"Twilight, can I come in?" Dash yelled from outside.
A few moments passed before Spike opened the door and motioned her to come in. Dash saw a very strange sight, books floating and bouncing around as if in song, a large duffel bag in the center of the room is filled with a few dusty old books and writing supplies and Twilight stood upstairs controlling the chaos like a conductor.
"I believe that should be all from the checklist I just gave you Spike, can you check and then double check the bag while I grab the Starswirl the Bearded journals from the basement." Twilight said after she placed the books back onto their respective shelves.
Spike nodded slowly and Twilight disappeared into the basement. "What's up with her Spike?" Rainbow said as she walked up beside him.
"Princess Celestia got Twilight onto a magic research team on some Starswirl ruins out west. She's going to be gone for the next few weeks before the premier historian in Stalliongrad can get over there." Spike said as he did onceover on the bag and checked the list twice before retreating to edge of the library to sit on a cushion.
A sly grin appeared on his face as looked over to Rainbow Dash who was watching Twilight return to the bag with a collection of books floating next to her. "You gonna tell her your feelings anytime soon or do I have to get Rarity to help you along."
Rainbow's cheeks turned crimson red as she snapped toward the dragon. "Oh shut up, it's kinda hard to get the right words in my mouth let alone get into the right situation to ask her about it. Luna knows I want to tell her but I don't want to cause problems if she doesn't like me back." Spike smiled and nodded from the answer he got from the prismatic mare.
"How about you do it when Twilight gets back from this trip, two weeks should be plenty of time to sort through your feelings and find the right words to say." Spike said as Rainbow Dash was glaring holes into him.
She sighed "You're right, these next two weeks should be enough get my mind right."
Twilight walked up to the now silent pair. "Sorry about that Dash, an opportunity came up today that I just couldn't turn down."
"Yeah I heard a bit about it from Spike, what's so special about these ruins out west?" Dash asked.
Twilight's grin almost came off her face at the question. "It's hard to believe that these ruins could finally answer so many questions that his notes and journals couldn't tell us. It's a stupendous opportunity for the magic community." Twilight answered.
"So this Starswirl guy is like the epitome of awesomeness for you unicorns, right?"
Twilight agreed "In a way, that's right."
"Kinda like what the Wonderbolts are to the pegasi." Rainbow Dash summarized.
Twilight giggled at the comparison "Yeah, it's sort of like that... Rainbow can you help me tell the rest of our friends about this, rather not leave for two weeks and have them be worried sick about me."
"Yeah no problem, you do know when you tell Pinkie she going to want to throw a party tonight." Rainbow said.
"That's why I need you; I know you can convince her to delay till I get back. Celestia knows that I need the sleep tonight before I leave." Twilight said as she moved toward the door.
Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement and followed Twilight outside. Spike saw the two leave and went over to the bag to actually do his job with his checklist, groaning at the amount of books that need to be accounted for.
The day was nearing its end as Celestia's sun started to disappear under the horizon as Rainbow Dash started to fly back home. A small worry tugged at the back of her mind as she looked back at Twilight over her shoulder. "It's just some old ruins, I'm sure everything will be fine." Dash thought as her home came into view.
She unlocked her door and came inside to the usual messy state of her living room. She lay on her couch and sighed in relief as she got comfortable. She looked at some of the pictures of her friends adorning her shelves. The picture of the six of them together from a picnic a year ago was one of her favorites. Dash sighed "Nothing better go wrong..." she said as she stared at the Twilight in the picture.
The alarm clock rang at 5:30 am; Rainbow Dash peeked at the offending machine from under her covers before finally slipping away from the warm embrace of her bed. She calmly turned the alarm off before going into a small stretching routine. After that, an apple in the kitchen for Dash and gave Tank his morning breakfast. Rainbow exited her home just in time for the sunrise "And ponies wonder why I take a nap or two during the day." Dash thought as she saw the beautiful pink and blue sky that the only sun can create. She gave a running start and took off into the sky.
Dash flew over Ponyville and watched some of the other early birds starting their day. She landed in the park and sat by her favorite oak tree. Another pegasus landed near the tree, she wore a blue hat and had saddlebags on that had the greatest smell emanating from them.
"Hey Derpy."
"Hey Dash."
Derpy sat next to Dash and got out two muffins from her bag and handed one to Rainbow.
"So what brings you out to the park and not your usual training spot?" Derpy asked as she took a bite from her muffin.
"Twilight is leaving for some ruins about some Starswirl guy out west for two weeks and I just have this small worry about something real bad happening when she's out there." Rainbow answered, leaving her muffin untouched.
Derpy saw the worried expression on her friend's face. "Is this the same kind of feeling you get whenever one of friends leaves or is this worse?"
Rainbow stared up to the sky "This just feels bad. Kinda like when Discord attacked."
Derpy looked at her friend. "I'm certain Twilight can handle herself if anything happens. I know how it feels to worry about a loved one. Keep a positive attitude and come talk to me if the worry is getting to you." Derpy said as she gave Dash a reassuring hug.
Rainbow hugged back before Derpy had to get started on her route. Rainbow ate her muffin and walked toward to the library to see if she could catch Twilight before she left.
Twilight had just closed the front door when Rainbow reached the library. Twilight was confused at appearance of Rainbow Dash."Rainbow, what in Tartarus are you doing up this early? Actually scratch that, can you help with my bag? My magic has been pretty iffy this morning."
"Sure thing, just wanted to see you off." Rainbow Dash said as she placed the bag on her back. She grunted in effort as she rose and straightened her legs.
Twilight blushed at Rainbow's gesture to see her off before making her way to the train station, going slow so Dash can be by her side.
"How did you sleep last night?" Rainbow asked as she slowly walked.
"Not that well, I always get nervous before big trips but it seems different this time." Twilight said as she saw the station come into view.
"Yeah I get a kind of weird feeling too when I leave for a new place or one of my friends does." Rainbow said.
"I hope this goes well to assuage both our worries." Twilight reasoned as she got to the platform and the sound of the train could be heard in the distance. Rainbow placed the bag on the floor and started panting from the strain she put on herself.
"Thanks for doing this Rainbow Dash. It feels good to have a friend that cares a lot." Twilight said as she confirmed the train's destination to the one in her instructions.
"If only you knew how much I do care for you." Dash thought as the train pulled into the station.
Twilight hugged Rainbow Dash "I'll try to contact you guys when I get there."
"Promise me you'll stay safe Twilight." Rainbow Dash said.
"I will." Twilight got on to the train and levitated the duffel next to her. Rainbow waved as the doors closed and Twilight waved back when she got to the closest window.
Rainbow Dash waved till she couldn't see the train any more. "I mean it Egghead, stay safe." Rainbow Dash yelled.
The next three days were filled with more bad feelings and trips to Derpy and Fluttershy to vent out her worries and frustrations. Rainbow Dash usually never let this kind of feeling ever overtake her this much ever since the Equestrian Best Young Flier Competition.
"This is insane, how the hay am I going to sleep when I feel like Twilight is in danger." Dash thought as she lay on her bed trying to fall asleep. As the dreams were about to embrace her, a series of knocks roused caused growl of annoyance from Dash. She walked to her door and opened it with her eyes closed, "You better be a Celestia damn princess or else I'm going to buck you off my property."
"And if I am a "Celestia damn princess", does that mean I get to come inside, Rainbow Dash." Princess Luna said as she looked down at her.
"Oh horse apples I'm screwed." Rainbow Dash thought as her eyes almost popped out of her skull as she showed the Princess of the Night into her home.
"I know it's late for you Dash but the castle has just received a disturbing radio transmission from the base camp at the ruins." Luna said and the color from Rainbow's face drained.
"Nonononono... Please tell me Twilight is okay?"
Luna didn't look at Rainbow Dash "I have a copy of the transmission that you need to listen to."
"That didn't answer my question, Princess."
"And I will tell you again, listen to this..."
Luna produced a small tape recorder from her satchel and placed it on the living room table. Rainbow looked at the little machine; feeling scared of what it would tell her. She took a deep breath and grabbed hold of it and pressed play.
It was static at first but a voice broke through in mild clarity. "This is the Canterlot museum research team. We need help!"
The voice was unmistakably Twilight's although the tone was scared and ponies were yelling in the background.
"I say again, send help! I don't know what happened but some moron let something loose here. It killed our guards and we have no bucking idea what or where this thing is. I don't know if anypony can hear me but whoever is receiving this, tell Rainbow Dash I'm sorry and that I..." static overtook the unicorn's voice and silence followed before the tape stopped rolling.
"Damn it. What was she gonna say?" Rainbow exclaimed as she slammed her hoof down in anger. Dash breathed deeply for a few moments, calming herself from the outburst she made.
"When did the castle get this?" Rainbow said as she tossed the recorder back to Luna.
Luna grabbed it and put it back in her bag."Within the last thirty minutes, it seems the radio that Twilight Sparkle used may have been destroyed or something is blocking the signal as the Guards have been trying to raise her ever since we got the transmission."
"There must be something I could do to help." Dash said.
"Normally I would say no because this situation would call for a search and rescue operation from the Royal Guard but Sister has deemed a smaller and more personal response due to Twilight Sparkle immediate danger. She wants you on the three pony team she is sending to the ruins to rescue her." Luna said.
"Wait a minute, Why me?" Rainbow said.
"It seems Celestia wants someone with a more... passionate connection to Twilight Sparkle then the other two she plans on to be on the team. It seems Sister is very confident that love will be a great factor in her student' s rescue."
Rainbow blushed. "How the hay does everypony know about my crush..."
"Why not Twilight's brother, Shining Armor? He's the captain of the Royal Guard; he's more qualified than me for this."
"Again normally that would be the case but his duties as the Captain have him guarding Celestia whenever she gets sick."
Dash sighed and thought of the oncoming ordeal ahead.
"So I'm going on a rescue mission with two ponies I don't know and save the love of my life from something that probably came from the deepest pits of Tartarus itself." Dash smirked at odds stacked against her.
"Wouldn't have it any other way."
"Let's go Princess."
Luna nodded. Magic surrounded them and the two disappeared.