A few days later...
Twilight led her class through the royal equestrian gardens. “Try to keep up everypony.” Twilight said, leading them past other classes. “Today is a very special day. Today you will each receive a dragon assistant.”
“I thought that dragons were mean, evil creatures.” one student remarked.
“Not since the treaty with the Clans of the North.” Starshine replied. “They've vowed to leave us alone, as long as we do not threaten them.”
“Very good, my young apprentice.” Twilight led them to an open space, where they were supposed to meet the class of dragons. “Now, where are they?”
“Twilight?” someone asked. She spun around to address them. She was met with a purple dragon with green spikes running down his back.
“Spike?” Twilight said, shocked. She ran up and threw her hooves around him. “It's so good to see you again!”
“It's good to see you too.” Spike replied.
Twilight turned back around to address the class. “Everypony, this is Spike. He used to be my assistant.”
“And this is Twilight Sparkle.” Spike said, introducing her to his class.
“Now, go ahead and partner up! You all have your assignments!” Twilight turned back to Spike. “I didn't know that you were in charge of a dragon class.”
“Yeah, been doing this since the pact. One of the first ones. Suppose they all thought that it would make sense, being royal blood and all.”
“I suppose.” Twilight had almost forgotten about that. It wasn't that long ago when Spike found out that he was a descendant of some of the most powerful dragon-kings that had been known. With that knowledge, he helped return power to his family and reunite the warring dragon clans.
“Anyway, I heard about what happened in Manehattan. Is everypony alright?”
“Yeah. Still a little shaken up about it. We're still trying to figure out exactly who was behind it.”
As if on cue, a royal guard approached the two friends. “Mrs. Sparkle,” he spoke, “The princess wishes to see you at once.”
“I'm sorry, but I'm sort of in the middle of a class right now.” she replied. “Can't it wait?”
“She says it's urgent. It has to deal with the assassination attempt.”
“Well, I can't just leave my class here.”
“Don't worry, Twi.” Spike interjected. “I'll take over from here.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course. I don't mind.”
“Thank you, Spike.” she hugged him again. “I owe you one.”
“Don't mention it. I'll see you sometime later.”
Twilight followed the guard back to the castle, where the princess was already anticipating her arrival.
“Thank you for coming on such short notice.” The princess said, walking with Twilight through the castle. “I'm sorry about pulling you away from your class.”
“It's alright. The guard told me that it has something to do with the assassination.”
“Oh yes, it has a lot to do with that. But I won't bore you with the details. Just pack what you need, as the carriage to Ponyville leaves in two hours.”
Twilight was taken aback. “Why Ponyville?”
“He revealed that that is his hometown. He may have been recruited there. No matter what, it is a start, and I want you to find out what is going on.”
“Right. I'll do what I must.”
“Excellent. I have already contacted the mayor, and he has prepared the library for your arrival.” The mention of the library brought back some fond memories for Twilight. “Unless there was someplace else you wanted to stay.”
“No, that will work.” Twilight looked to the princess, who had a grim expression on her face.
“Listen here my faithful student, time is of the essence. I fear that if we do not act quickly, there could be a repeat of those events. Do what you must to uncover this plot, before anything else happens.”
“Yes ma'am!” Twilight said, saluting to the princess. She walked off to gather some things for her trip.
“Good luck.”