“Ah, hello Twilight. What brings you here tonight?”
Having spent the past few hours thinking about it, Twilight had gone to Zecora’s hut. Spike was worried, of course, but a sleep deprived Twilight is incredibly menacing. He couldn’t have stopped her if he’d tried, and not even the Everfree Forest at night would keep her from getting the information she required.
“Well... Can we go inside first?” asked Twilight.
“But of course, Twilight dear. I can assure you nopony’s here. Please come in and stay for a spell and all of your worries, do tell.”
Walking in, Twilight saw the usual strange decor. There were many masks, plants, and bottles lining the walls. The giant cauldron stood in the middle of the hut, occupying the center of attention. Steam rose from it, carrying the scent of vegetable stew.
Zecora, shutting the door behind her, inquired, “So what brings you out so late? Fears that I can help abate?”
Glancing nervously around, she noticed that there were no other ways to see in. It would seem that Zecora had invested in curtains after the poison joke incident. The purple mare stuttered, “W-well, I’m sure that you’ve heard about Fluttershy going missing. I believe that I’ve found a way to get to her, but the only problem is that it involves Blood Magic.”
“About risky magic you needn’t be told. It drains the body and corrupts the soul.”
“Well that’s just it: I believe that the Element of Magic will protect me,” she explained, “but just in case I’d like to be able to alleviate the symptoms. Do you think that you can help?”
“For loss of blood, that’s for sure, but for heart and soul there is no cure.”
“So you can replenish the physical aspect of the magic, but you can’t solve the real problem?”
“I’m afraid I cannot help you, unless the princess is here too,” confirmed Zecora.
“Oh! But I did ask Celes—”
“Asking Celestia was wisely done, though you should have asked the other one.”
“Do you mean Luna?” she asked. “But Celestia is my mentor, and she put the ban into place, so why would I ask Luna?”
“But who else, of course, has used this force?” Zecora retorted.
“So... Nightmare Moon?”
“Ah Twilight, so quick with wit, why must you act like a twit? The only way to get such power is Blood Magic in a desperate hour. Nightmare Moon from Luna’s mind was indeed her magical fine.”
“If Luna agrees, can I count on you?”
“If my help, you truly need, you shall find me a friend indeed,” versed Zecora.
Twilight felt a cold prickle on her shoulder. Goose bumps trailed down her sides, driving a chill through her warm, sleeping body. A disembodied voice echoed through her dreams. “Wake up! The princess is here!”
Silence filled her mind. In the distance she heard a light tinkle. Cracks of light began to shine through the void of sleep, searing her mind. Her eyes opened wide, slowly adjusting to the bright surroundings. Soon more details became apparent.
The sun was in the sky, half past ten. Struggling to keep up, her sluggish train of thought puffed along, slowly recalling what had awoken her. It was something important, but what was it?
Then in a burst of speed, her train of thought leapt ahead, a sonic boom that tore through her delicate reality. Dozens of scenarios raced through her mind, adrenaline fueling the unnecessary imaginings.
“What!? Why didn’t you wake me up sooner? What about the book reorganizing, or helping Rarity’s search effort, or repainting the restrooms, or—”
“Calm down, Twilight. She says it’s not anything you should fuss over. I’m gonna go get the others, so just stall her a little, okay?” assured Spike.
“St-stall?” she gasped. “I thought you said it wasn’t important.”
“I said not to fuss. Nothing says it isn’t important. After all, you invited her here.”
Oh, the letter! “Please, it would be best if you report in person. I have many questions, most of which aren’t exactly appropriate for a royal letter.”
“Spike, I’ll get Pinkie. No sense in not having breakfast, right?”
“You sure? The Cakes might get worried, I mean, don’t you remember last time Celestia visited?” Spike looked truly worried. When is Twilight this calm?
“Yes, but we’re just going to get muffins. It’ll be fine, Spike. Meet us back here ASAP.”
“Okay,” Spike said, running through the door.
Twilight trotted into the small bathroom, quickly brushing out her mane. While she did so, she readied her toothbrush. There was little point to it, since she was about to eat, but the princess was here so she had to be at her best. She could always brush again later, anyhow.
Rinsing her mouth, Twilight quickly left the room, racing downstairs before pulling into a calm, relaxed walk. Celestia wouldn’t be fooled, of course, but it was best to show control. Mentally bracing herself, Twilight said, “Princess, I’m so sorry I slept in. Do you think we could go down to Sugarcube Corner? We have to get Pinkie and I could use some breakfast. Are you hungry?”
“Of course we can go, my faithful student. I don’t want anything, but I know you haven’t eaten yet, so of course I wouldn’t keep you,” replied Celestia, her regal chuckle reverberating throughout the room.
The day was fairly slow at Sugarcube corner and Pinkie wasn’t feeling quite herself. The store was entirely empty. Derpy had been in earlier—or was it Ditzy? She could never tell them apart—for her muffins, and Applejack had made a brief stop to drop off ingredients, but other than that, nopony was there. Even the Cakes were on vacation, and rather than leaving the children behind they had taken them with, so as not to burden the depressed mare. They hadn’t realized just how badly that plan would fail, but Pinkie couldn’t help but smile at the thought behind it.
A timer rang out from the kitchen, and Pinkie rushed in to retrieve her newest creation. It was an experimental recipe that mixed apples and bananas into a glorious blend—at least when raw—but Pinkie had just made the first real batch so she was hoping to attract some customers with it.
Placing the tray of cupcakes onto the counter, Pinkie went to open up the display window—where they always gave out samples of new recipes—but as she put her hooves to the glass panel, a light ringing came from the main room. Sighing, the pink mare made her way back to the register, saying in a fake cheer, “Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! I hope you’re here to buy some super-fantastically tasty cupcakes! I just took out a fresh batch—new recipe!”
Then she saw who she was talking to, and her mouth hit the floor. Her mouth, literally opened up wide enough to scrape the wooden flooring, but as surprised as she was, she didn’t even notice how this occurence contradicted common knowledge on anatomy. No, she was far more surprised that Princess Celestia, of all people, was in her shop.
“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!” Pinkie squealed, almost sounding like the mare who normally said it. “Princess Celestia! I had no idea you were coming! I’ll be right back.”
As Pinkie ran into the kitchen, Twilight gave her mentor a nervous smile. Celestia winked back. Loud crashes could be heard from the kitchen, as well as a few fake curses. Just as fast as she had left, Pinkie bolted back into the room with the cupcakes on her back. They had new frosting on them, in all the golden hues of a sunrise. Sweat beaded down her face as she asked, “Princess, would you like to try my new recipe? You’ll be the first one ever!”
“I would be honored, Pinkie.” Levitating a cupcake from the tray, she asked, “What kind did you say this was?”
“Banana-apple with peach frosting! Can you tell me if I overdid the peaches though? I always make that a little bit overbearing. Careful! They’re still hot!” replied the bubbly pink mare.
Tentatively biting into the cupcake, the princess’s eyes went wide with shock. Pinkie immediately looked down. Then she heard the princess, “Twilight! You must try this!” followed by a loud mmm.
Pinkie looked up, not daring to believe. She saw them both with auburn frosting smeared around their mouths, surrounding stupid grins. Twilight said, “Pinkie, this might be your greatest creation yet!”
Laughing, Pinkie managed to say, “Y-your face!”
Mildly embarrassed, both mentor and student wiped off their mouths. “So, did Derpy clear you out yet, or do you have any blueberry muffins left?” asked Twilight.
Beaming at her friend, Pinkie giggled, “Don’t you worry, silly filly. I never sell all the muffins!” Hopping over to the display case, she grabbed a few muffins, putting them in a bag. “Don’t you worry about these, either! On the house.”
“Thanks Pinkie. Do you think we could head down to the library now? I think it’s important.” Sparing a nervous glance at Celestia, Twilight chuckled. “The others are on their way now.”
“Okie dokie lokie!”
Barely remembering to put up the “closed” sign, the three left the store, just as a soft meow came from upstairs.
When they got back to the library, Rainbow Dash was already there. Silently bowing to Celestia, she sank down, head in her hooves. Twilight took the hint and sat next to her, waiting for the pegasus to speak her mind. Slowly the others filtered in, ending with Rarity and Spike. Finally, then, did she speak.
“Everypony, I have news. If anyone else has something to say, do it now. This will take a while.”
Raising her head slightly, Rarity said, “I think that she’s in Manehatten. I can’t say for sure, as my source isn’t entirely reliable. There were a few sightings near Canterlot as well. I’m thinking that she’s somewhere in between the two, camping out.”
Pinkie spoke up, “And I have a letter, but let Dashie go first. I’m not ready yet.”
“Okay. If everypony is done, I’ll start. You might want to find a seat for this. It’s a very long, sad story.”
Taking their seats, Spike and the five mares looked at her, letting their curiosity fill their gaze...