//------------------------------//
// Chapter Four 
// Story: Cutie Mark Crisscross 
// by Everyday 
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	Princess Celestia was enjoying a moment of serenity with her younger sister, as she often did at this time of day. The time to lower the sun was nearly upon them, meaning that Princess Luna would have to be nearby to raise the moon. The two royal sisters always enjoyed this opportunity to discuss the events of day—a tradition that they mirrored each morning to discuss what happened the previous night. But it was never merely talks about royal business or some bothersome member of the nobility. More often, they enjoyed their tea as they felt two sisters should: quality time to get to know the other better. No matter how long they have known each other, there was always more to discover. They each possessed a wealth of stories to tell the other, and even if a story had been told before, each retelling only proved more insightful and enjoyable than the one that came before.

The sudden appearance of sparkling green fire through the balcony doorframe interrupted tonight’s tea. A scroll materialized itself before Celestia, which she promptly gripped in her golden magical aura. Her eyes brightened and a smile graced her lips at the arrival of this report.

“Look, Luna,” she said pleasantly, “it’s marked from Scootaloo and her friends.”

“Splendid!” Luna said brightly. “May I read it with you, dear sister?”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Celestia smiled as Luna came around the table to sit with her. The magic enveloping the scroll broke the seal and unfurled it before them.




	Dear Princess Celestia,

Today we learned a valuable lesson about being true to yourself. Sometimes, when you really want something, you might try taking the easy way to get it, even if it means becoming something you’re not. But even if you do get what you were hoping for, you can’t really enjoy it since you didn’t earn it in the first place. In the end, it’s better to stay who you are.

We also learned a lesson about appreciating the things you have. It’s easy to think about the things you really want. But when you focus on things like that, you lose sight of the things that you do have. Losing those things, even if you didn’t appreciate them before, can be a lot worse than missing out on what you want. You should always be thankful for what you have, and work hard for the things you don’t.

Signed, your loyal subjects,

The Cutie Mark Crusaders

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle




“Such wonderful lessons to have learned!” Luna said.

“I agree,” Celestia said with a nod, “but I do often wonder what it was that happened to teach my little ponies these lessons.”

“ ’Tis a mystery,” she said casually.

Another scroll suddenly appeared before the sisters. This one, however, did not arrive by enchanted dragon fire. This one had simply appeared. Perhaps stranger still was the fact that it seemed to be floating before them of its own accord, as if patiently waiting to be opened. They exchanged an odd look of confusion.

“Who is this one from, sister?” Luna asked, eyes fixed on the scroll.

“It does not say,” she answered, studying the scroll with careful consideration.

“Should we open it?” They looked to each other one more time, unsure of how to proceed. Celestia gripped it in her magic and unfurled the scroll.




	Dear Celestia,

Today I learned a valuable lesson about

Blah blah blah.

Anyway, I understand that you want to be told whenever I stir up a little mischief, so I thought I’d save somepony else the trouble and come clean with what I did.

I recently changed the race of three little ponies, but I’ll have you know I had a good reason.

It was funny To teach them a valuable life lesson.

Now before you say anything, you should know that I did this after my vacation started, and vacations are about enjoying yourself, am I right?

Of course I’m right.

My vacation’s going well, thanks for asking. With all of the interruptions at the beginning, though, I might have to request some more vacation time sooner than expected. Remind me to have a chat with you about that student of yours.

And don’t you worry about those little ponies—the Cutie Mark Chrysanthemums, or something like that. I changed them back after they learned their lesson. There was smiling and cheering and they all lived happily ever after.

Probably.

I didn’t really stick around after that.

Here’s to hoping I can enjoy the rest of my vacation in peace. I’ll see you at the end of the week.

Wish you were here,

Discord

P.S. Tell Luna I’ll return her sunscreen when I get back.



Celestia and Luna stared at the letter before them, eyes notably wider than usual. They turned their gaze to each other for a prolonged moment, waiting for the other to break the silence. Luna was the first to speak.

“I told you my sunscreen was missing.”