Twilight had confirmed the basics of the upcoming party with Pinkie, leaving the exuberant earth pony to handle the details, since she was the best party-thrower in Ponyville.
Returning to Carousel Boutique, she collected her modified dresses, at the same time informing Rarity of the situation.
"You know, I think Pinkie may actually be on to something." The fashionita mused. "Nothing like a good social event to let ponies know what you're like. Why, I remember when I was staying in Canterlot. Whenever I attended a function or event, I always let my fellow guests know exactly who they were dealing with."
"Let's hope that's all I need to do." Twilight sighed.
"Well, whatever happens, you will at least be in style." Rarity smiled, levitating Twilight's dresses over to her.
"Thanks, Rarity." Twilight smiled, "catching" the dresses with her own magic. "See you at the party."
Twilight made her way out of the Boutique, stopping only to drag the smitten Spike out by the tail. Once the baby dragon had overcome his indignation, he was quite hopeful about the party.
"Ain't no party like a Pinkie Pie party, 'cause a Pinkie Pie party don't stop!" He cheered. "It's gonna be awesome!"
"Naturally." Twilight agreed. "I just hope it helps with my problem."
"Yeah, that's the part I don't get." Spike shrugged. "All those ponies treating you different, just cuz of a pair of wings. Nopony would treat me any different if I got wings."
"Lucky you." Twilight sighed.
The next morning, Twilight travelled to Sweet Apple Acres, so as to inform Applejack of the party, and ask if she had any of Sweet Apple Acres' famous cider for refreshments. She bumped into the workhorse just outside the barn.
"Howdy, Twilight." Applejack greeted her.
"Morning AJ." Twilight smiled.
"Mornin', Twilight." Applejack smiled back. "What brings ya here?"
Twilight quickly explained.
"Interestin' idea, there." Applejack admitted.
"It was better then anything I had." Twilight admitted. "The best idea I had was ordering the citizens to treat me like a normal pony. Of course, that would defeated the whole purpose..."
"So it's the party or nuthin', huh?" Applejack asked. "Couldn't hurt ta give it a shot, Ah always say."
"Either way, we're going to need some cider." Twilight explained. "I don't suppose you have any to spare?"
"Ah think we might have a few bottles left." Appleack mulled. "Lemme check."
Applejack went down into the apple cellar. Moments later, Apple Bloom appeared, joined by Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.
"Hi, Twilight!" Apple Bloom smiled.
"Wow, it really is true." Sweetie Belle gasped as she marvelled at Twilight's wings. "You are a princess now!"
"Wait 'til all the kids at school hear about us being friends with a princess!" Scootaloo smirked. "Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are gonna flip!"
Twilight shook her head wearily.
'I can't really blame them.' She thought. 'They are kids, after all. It's the adults that are the real problem.'
Applejack rose up from the cellar.
"Good news, Twi!" She called. "We got just enough bottles ta spare! Ah'll bring 'em other tomorrow."
"That's great, AJ!" Twilight smiled.
"Wanna stay for lunch?" Applejack asked. "We're havin' zap apple pie!"
"I'd love to." Twilight nodded.
"Can Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle join us?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Sure thing, sugah cube." Applejack smiled.
"Yay!" The Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered as one. "Zap apple pie!"
After the delicious lunch, Twilight returned to the library, bringing back with her a slice of zap apple pie for Spike.
"Thanksh, Twi!" Spike said between mouthfuls. "You're the besht!"
"Don't mention it." Twilight chuckled. "Especially with your mouth full."
During the afternoon, Twilight decided to visit Fluttershy at her cottage.
"Oh, hello, Twilight." Fluttershy smiled. "Do come in."
As usual, Fluttershy's cottage was occupied by all sorts of animals. They all chirped and squeaked at Twilight's arrival.
"Would you like some tea?" Fluttershy asked.
"I'd love some." Twilight nodded.
As Fluttershy went into the kitchen, her pet bunny Angel hopped up to Twilight, scrutinising her carefully. Feeling mischievous, Twilight opened her new wings. Angel squeaked in surprise, and collapsed to the ground in a faint.
'Whoops.' Twilight thought. 'The one time I try to be funny, it backfires on me...'
Fluttershy hovered into the room, carrying a tea tray in her front hooves. She quickly noticed Angel lying on the floor.
"Oh, dear." She sighed. "Were you up all night, hopping again? I've warned you about that before, mister; If you keep moving around at night, you'll have no energy in the morning."
Nervously, Twilight joined Fluttershy at a table, where they began drinking their tea. Twilight took the opportunity to inform the animal caretaker of the party.
"...And I was wondering if you could have your songbirds sing at the party." Twilight finished.
"I'm sure they'd love to." Fluttershy smiled. "Singing is one of their favorite things. They are songbirds, after all..."
"Great." Twilight smiled back. Finishing her tea, she declared. "Well, I have to go. Wish me luck on the party front!"
"Luck." Fluttershy chuckled.
Twilight made her way out of Fluttershy's cottage, edging around the revived Angel, who was giving her a very sour look. Clearly, he did not enjoy her little jape earlier.
'Memo to self. Twilight thought. 'Never try to be funny again. Especially around rabbits.
Returning to Ponyville, Twilight made her way to the town hall, where she had an appointment with the Mayor.
"Good afternoon, madam Mayor." Twilight greeted her.
"Good afternoon, you highness." The Mayor gushed, bowing once again.
Holding back an annoyed sigh, Twilight pressed on.
"Anyway." She said firmly. "I was hoping to book the town hall for a... function, this saturday."
"A royal function, I presume?" The Mayor asked.
"You could say that." Twilight chuckled.
"Consider it down, Princess!" The Mayor declared. "I shall clear the entire day for you!"
"Thank you, madam Mayor." Twilight nodded. "I hope to see you there."
"I wouldn't miss it!" The Mayor smiled obsequiously.
"Wonderful." Twilight beamed.
As Twilight exited the town hall, a rainbow-colored blur almost knocked her down.
"Hi, Rainbow." Twilight said nonchalantly.
"Hey, Twi." Rainbow said. "What's this I hear about a party?"
"It was Pinkie's idea." Twilight admitted.
"And you're actually going along with it?" Rainbow asked. "And I thought you were smart!"
"Pinkie ideas may be a little... odd, sometimes, but mostly, they tend to work out." Twilight declared. "Remember the parasprite invasion?"
"Don't remind me." Rainbow groaned. "Either way, count me in for the party. But I wouldn't get your hopes up about it helping your Princess problems."
"I have to." Twilight sighed. "I don't know how much more of this bowing and kneeling I can take."
"Yeah, I can see what you're talking about." Rainbow noted as a random Pony bowed to Twilight. "I like a little recognition as much as the next Pony, but getting it twenty-four/seven would be a little much."
"Exactly." Twilight nodded. "And I've never really been one for public adulation. This party has to work."
"You can count on me to help." Rainbow declared. "Never let it be said that Rainbow Dash lets down a friend in need!"
"Alright, I won't." Twilight smiled. "Can I count on you for a perfect day of weather?"
"You know it." Rainbow grinned. "There won't be a single rain cloud in the sky. Nothing but bright, warm sunshine, and that's a Rainbow Dash guarantee!"
"Thanks, Rainbow." Twilight smiled. The pegasus didn't wield the Element of Loyalty for nothing, and every so often, she proved why.
"No prob, Twi." Rainbow chuckled. "Catch ya later!"
And with that, the cyan pegasus took off into the afternoon sky.
The rest of the week passed by uneventfully. The only thing of note was the near-constant reverance the residents of Ponyville insisted on giving Twilight. It made her wish saturday would come sooner. But, that friday night, Twilight found herself hoping the morning wouldn't come. She was struck by doubt and anxiety. If Pinkie's idea didn't work, Twilight would be a veritable outcast, placed apart from all but a few of her fellow ponies, for the rest of her life.
'It will work.' Twilight told herself. 'It has to work...'
And with that thought on her mind, Twilight drifted into an uneasy slumber.