//------------------------------//
// Most Excellent Princess 
// Story: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (Alternate Season Six) 
// by FlareGun45 
//------------------------------//



(Celestia facehoof by AxelGold)

One very early morning at Canterlot castle, Princess Celestia was fast asleep in her chambers. She was snorting real loud, her hair wasn’t waving and was all messy, she even started to droll a little. Princess Luna knocks on the door and opens it. “Sister?” she asked. Celestia was still asleep. “Dear sister, it is time to rise from the shine… or… however you say it.” Celestia moans a bit as she turns around, still trying to sleep. “Sister! Celestia! Wake up!” She still didn’t wake up.

Luna sighs and shakes her head. “Ok, sister. You asked for it. I didn’t want to do this, but you left me no other option.” Luna’s horn begins to glow as a glowing beam shined on Celestia’s head and into her ear. Luna then suddenly gets sucked into Celestia’s ear and everything starts to fade. Inside Celestia’s head, Celestia was skipping along lollipop fields. She then jumps into an ice cream sundae and starts swimming around in it. She laughs as she has fun in her desert dream. Just then, Celestia bumps into Luna who was in the ice cream bowl with her.

“Luna?” Celestia asked surprisingly.

“GET UP!” Luna yelled just as the dream suddenly fades and Celestia falls off her bed. Celestia moans as she wakes up.

“What is it, Luna?” Celestia asked in an annoyed tone.

“Oh good you’re awake, dear sister.” Luna said calmly. “Now if you be so kind, I already lowered the moon. Now it is time for you to raise the sun. C’mon, sleepy head, it’s almost 6 AM. Princesses don’t play hooky.” Celestia groans as she flops her head on the floor.



So Celestia finally got up, got dressed in her golden shoes, necklace, and crown and she heads out to her balcony to raise the sun for the morning. When the sun finally rises, the birds chirp, the roasters yodel (or whatever they do), and the ponies in Canterlot begin to do what they do best – being stuck-up. Celestia rubs her eyes in exhaustion as she walks down to the dining hall for breakfast. When she gets down there, she spots Princess Luna and Princess Cadance at the table.

“Princess Cadance? What a pleasant surprise.” Celestia said.

“Good morning, Aunt Celestia! How did you sleep?” Cadance asked.

“Like a baby pretty much, thank you.” Celestia said as she takes a seat. “Speaking of babies, how’s Princess Skyla coming along?”

“She’s doing very well!” Cadance said. “Shining Armor is taking care of her right now as well as the Crystal Empire. I really think he’s going to muck it all up!”

Luna chuckles. “Yeah you can’t trust that pony for anything, Cadance.”

“HA! Ain’t that the truth?” Cadance laughed.

“So what are you doing here anyway?” Celestia asked.

“You don’t remember, sister?” Luna asked. “You’ve been planning this for weeks.”

Celestia yawns and asks, “Planning what for weeks?”

“Uhh… the royal summit?” Luna reminded her.

“Ahhh, the royal summit. How pleasan- THE ROYAL SUMMIT?!” Celestia yelled.

“Something wrong, sister?” Luna asked.

“I completely forgot about the summit!” Celestia yelled as she gets up from the table and starts pacing. “I’m completely behind schedule right now! There’s so much I have to do!”

“Now, now, Aunt Celestia. Calm down.” Cadance advised her. “Deep breathes. Deep breathes.”

Celestia takes a couple of deep breathes and calms herself down. “Thank you, Princess Cadance. I don’t know what went over me.”

“It’s ok. We all get stressed out at times.” Cadance said. “We get behind schedule all the time.”

“You’re right.” Celestia smiled. “I’m sorry, Cadance. I’m not much of a morning pony as you just witnessed here today.”

“We all have our moments.” Cadance said.

“But there is no time to waste.” Luna said. “The delicates from the other cities will be here at noon.”

“You’re right, sister.” Celestia said. “It is time to get started on setting up for the summit. Princess Cadance, you think you can set things up in the ballroom?”

“You can totally count on me!” Cadance said.

“Good.” Celestia said. “Sister, I want you to be in charge in making sure the food and sculptures get prepared for the summit. You think you can handle that?”

“I’ve been handling it for as long as I’ve been around.” Luna said.

“You mean like three years?” Celestia teased.

“Yeah, ha ha ha, that was so funny I forgot to laugh.” Luna said sarcastically. “Anyways, what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to handle the guests when they show up.” Celestia said. “Ponies are still going to come to the castle for plans. I need to be there for them.”

“As you wish. Best of luck to you today, sister.” Luna said.

“Ooooh, Luna, Luna, Luna.” Celestia shakes her head. “I’ve been handling it for thousands of years. I think I know what I’m doing.”

So Celestia walks to her throne room along with her advisor Raven, and her pet phoenix Philomena. She sits on her throne and awaits ponies to show up. Celestia inhales, then exhales, and then she smiles and says, “What a wonderful day today! We got a big day ahead of us, Philomena.” Philomena screeches. Celestia then chuckles and said, “Of course, Philomena! It’s nothing we haven’t done before.” Philomena then screeches again. “Yes, Philomena, I’ll make sure if there are left over cannolis at the summit, you’ll be the one to have them.” Philomena then smiles.

“Your highness?” a royal guard bows.

“Yes, Golden Knight? Who’s our first guest?” Celestia asked.

“Well, umm…” Golden Knight stutters, “it’s not so much of a guest as it’s-“

“CELESTIA!” Discord teleports into the room at excitement, causing Golden Knight to gasp and faint at his entrance. Discord looks down at him and says, “Wow, pretty fragile nerves if I do say so myself.”

“Ah, Discord. What a… err, pleasant surprise.” Celestia said with a smile.

“Of course! It’s always a pleasant surprise when I’m around, Celestia!” Discord said as he wore a party hat, and streamers started blowing all around and confetti dropped from the ceiling, and a banner popped out with the words ‘It’s a boy’.

“What kind I do for you?” Celestia asked.

“Well I heard there was a summit going on today.” Discord said as he sat on top of a mountain that magically appeared in the middle of the room. The mountain disappears and then he said, “And I thought it would be a good idea if I came to participate!” he said as a participation medal appeared on his chest and a crowd cheers in the background when the medal appears.

“Well you are always welcomed to lighten the mood, Discord!” Celestia said. “But just remember, there is a limit.”

“Oooh, and what if I don’t obey that limit? Are you going to pull me over it?” Discord asked as he sat in a car and a police car suddenly pulls up behind him with its sirens on.

“No.” Celestia said. “I know I can trust you now, Discord. You are a good friend! But you know, sometimes you can get a little… out of control.” 

“Oh do I?” Discord asked as a kuku clock bird kukus out of his forehead.

“Just don’t bother anypony too much, alright?” Celestia asked.

“As you wish.” Discord shrugged.

“Good.” Celestia said. “Maybe you can help Princesses Luna and Cadance out if you want. Cadance is in the ballroom and Luna is in the kitchen. Perhaps could help them out?”

“Oooh, I do love being helpful!” Discord said excitedly. “Maybe I can help Cadance out with the decorations, or help Luna make the best stew ever made!”

“Hi, my name is Stew.” A pony that magically appears said.

“Whatever you want, but just keep to your limit.” Celestia instructed him.

“Oooh BLAH with the limit!” Discord said as he barfs up the word ‘blah’. “Fine, we’ll do it your way, but only because I like you.”

“I like you too, Discord!” Celestia said as he then teleports away.

“Ugh!” Golden Knight moaned as he rubbed his head and got back up. 

“Sleep well, Golden Knight?” Celestia teased.

“Oh, uhh, yes your highness.” Golden Knight bowed.

“Any other guests?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, your next appointment is – Fancy Pants.” Golden Knight reads his list.

“Probably asking for privileges again for the summit, I presume.” Celestia said in an annoyed tone. “Alright bring him in.”

The guards open the doors and Fancy Pants along with Fleur Dis Lee walks inside the throne room and bows to Celestia. “You may rise.” Celestia said.

“Your highness. I come to you today for a, how you say, very legitimate request.” Fancy Pants said.

“No, Fancy Pants, you cannot have special privileges again.” Celestia said.

“I beg your pardon?” Fancy Pants asked.

“If I’m to be completely honest with you, Fancy Pants, you show a great deal of popularity towards ponies, and you’re quite fair to them as it were.” Celestia explained. “But it seems to be out of the question that you just call an appointment with me just to request special permissions that you do not have a reason to earn, so I’m going to have to decline your request.”

Fleur then whispers in Fancy Pants’ ear. “Yeah, I was going to get to that, Fleur. Relax!” Fancy Pants whispered to her. Fancy Pants then fixes his tie and says to Celestia, “I’m prepared to pay you a small fee if you let me have special privileges at the summit.”

“Hmm…” Celestia thought. “Sounds tempting. How much are we talking about?”

“500,000 bits.” Fancy Pants said.

“Hmm…” Celestia thinks again. “No thank you. I’m good. Next!”

“Oh, your highness, I urge you to reconsider.” Fancy Pants persuaded her.

“I said… NEXT!” Celestia repeated herself. That’s when the guards start to escort them out.

“Alright, alright! I’m going!” Fancy Pants complained as he starts to walk himself out along with Fleur. They walk out with their heads up high as the door opens and Filthy Rich comes in. Filthy Rich and Fancy Pants both glare at eachother.

“Fancy Pants.” Filthy Rich said.

“Mr. Filthy.” Fancy Pants said angrily as he and Fleur walk out.

“How mature.” Filthy Rich commented as he walks inside. “Greetings, your majesty!”

“Filthy Rich, compared to Fancy Pants, you are a sight for soar eyes.” Celestia said with a smile.

“Your compliment was most dearing to me, princess.” Filthy Rich bows.

“What do I owe the pleasure?” Celestia asked.

“I’m actually interested in investing some property in Canterlot, and I wanted to have your permission to buy it.” Filthy Rich said.

“What part of Canterlot would you like?” Celestia asked.

“I’d actually like to buy the stadium where the rodeos and Wonderbolt shows are.” Filthy Rich said. “It would be a very fine investment to Barnyard Bargins as I can host some conventions there to sponsor my businesses.”

“Well, as you may know, you can’t officially ‘buy’ the stadium, as it belongs to the city of Canterlot.” Celestia said.

“Understandable.” Filthy Rich said as he takes out a briefcase and shows it to the princess. “I would just like to make a small investment on it, so I can get funds needed for my businesses. I’m going to be expanding my business in Cloudsdale soon, and it’s not very cheap to own a business that belongs to an earth pony in a city where the pegasi live.”

“Hmm…” Celestia thinks it out. “Raven?”

“Yes, your highness?” Raven asked.

“Will you pass me his briefcase, please?” Celestia asked. Raven walks over to Filthy Rich’s briefcase, picks it up and starts to walk over to the princess, but before she could give it to her, Philomena flies over and picks it up and gives it to the princess herself. “Thank you, Philomena!” Raven then sighs. “And thank you, Raven.” Celestia opens up the briefcase and takes a look, but just as she opens the briefcase – SPLAT! A pie pops out and splats Celestia in the face.

Just then, Filthy Rich starts to laugh. Just then the doors to the throne room open and another Filthy Rich starts to walk in with a briefcase. “Your highness!” the second Filthy Rich said. “I am here to make an investment for-“ Just then, he gasps when he spots the other Filthy Rich in the room. He then freaks out and says, “Umm… on second thought, I’ll… I’ll come back later.” He then runs off.

The first Filthy Rich continues to laugh as he changes back into Discord. “Discord?!” Celestia yelled.

“HA! You should’ve seen the look on your face!” he laughed. “Classic!”

“Discord, I was in the middle of a legitimate business deal.” Celestia said angrily.

“Oh I’m not really Discord.” Discord said as he unmasks himself to reveal Luna’s head. “It’s actually me, dear sister!”

“Luna?!” Celestia gasped. “B-but… h… how could you do this?”

“Nah I’m not really Luna, sister.” Luna said as she unmasks herself to reveal Cadance’s head. “It’s me, Cadance!”

“Umm… ok, I’m officially freaked out now.” Celestia said.

“Ok this isn’t fun anymore.” Cadance said as she unmasks herself to reveal Discord’s head. “Jokes run their courses, but sometimes they must end.”

“Discord? I thought you were helping out Luna and Cadance?” Celestia asked.

“Oh I did, but things got a little bit out of hoof so I decided to keep you company instead!” Discord said. Just then, the throne room doors open showing Luna covered random foods and Cadance was covered in confetti and had make-up similar to those from KISS. They both appear unamused. “See what I mean?” he asked Celestia. Celestia then sighs and facehooves herself.

After a while went by in the ballroom, Cadance was making final adjustments to the decorations, and Luna was placing food on platters on the tables. Celestia walks in and looks around. Cadance asks, “Sooo… what do you think?”

“Perfect! Absolutely perfect, Cadance! You never seize to amaze me.” Celestia said.

Discord then teleports in and says, “Although it could use some more cats.” He then snaps his fingers and cats start to appear all over the room. “There! That’s better! Everypony loves cats!”

“Not everypony.” Luna said in an annoyed tone as a cat pulls on Luna’s tail. “OW!”

“Eh, everyone’s a critic.” Discord shrugs.

“Um, Discord?” Celestia asked. “I think it’s best that we… not use cats on this summit.”

“Why not? Nopony’s going to mind.” Discord said.

“The delicate from Baltimare is allergic to cats though.” Celestia informed him.

“Oh… well, that changes everything.” Discord said. “I guess I’ll give to give that delicate a gas mask then.”

“No, no, just… get rid of the cats. We’ll use them… at our next party.” Celestia promised.

Discord sighs and says, “Fine.” He then snaps his fingers and they all disappear. All but the one on Luna’s tail.

“There. But next party, ok Celestia?” Discord asked.

“I promise. We’ll have cats at your birthday party next week.” Celestia promised.

“Um, Discord?” Luna asked showing him the cat scratching on her tail. “You missed one.”

“Ah well, you see… umm… my magic doesn’t affect princess magic so I cannot remove the cat from your tail. Sorry, Luna.” Discord fibbed. Luna then gives Discord a glare as she uses her magic to remove the cat from her tail and place it on the floor. “It already touched your tail. We need to wait a half-hour before I can make it disappear.”

“Well now that we are prepared for the summit, are we ready to start?” Cadance asked.

“Yes. I believe we are.” Celestia nodded. “Guards, let in the guests!” The guards play their trumpets as some other guards by the doors open them up and the delicates from the other towns walk inside. Celestia and the other princesses stood still and smiled at the other delicates. Celestia mumbles to the others, “Just smile and stand still.”

When all the delicates walk in, they all walk over to the princesses and bow to them. “Your highnesses.” One of the delicates said.

“Welcome to the summit, delicate from Baltimare.” Celestia said to her.

“I must say, I am pleased to be here and-“ the delicate sniffles, “and it is such a privilege to be…” she sniffles again, “Oh dear me, my allergies are acting up a bit.” Luna looks back and sees the cat was still on her tail. Celestia saw it too, and she had to get the delicate out of there as soon as possible. “Um, would you like to come with me and get some punch?”

“Well I say, I do enjoy a fair glass of punch every now and again.” The delicate said.

“Right. Please excuse us, sister, Cadance.” Celestia said as she leads the delicate over to the punch counter.

“Now, your highness, I do hope it wasn’t too much getting this party set up for the summit.” The delicate said.

“Oh leading the set-up isn’t always easy, I have to admit, but it’s all worth it in the end.” Celestia said.

“Well that’s fine to hear!” the delicate said. “Because I have a little proposition to-“

“Umm, your highness?” another delicate asked.

“Delicate from Cloudsdale. What can I do for you?” Celestia asked.

“Umm, weren’t we just talking?” the Baltimare delicate asked.

“Um, right.” Celestia understood. “I’ll be with you in a minute, Cloudsdale delicate.”

“Oh no, your highness, this is much too important. I have to speak to you right away!” the Cloudsdale delicate said.

“She can get back to you in a minute, good sir.” The Baltimare delicate informed him.

“This won’t take even a minute.” The Cloudsdale delicate said.

Celestia takes a deep breath and says, “Ok, fine. What is it?”

“We’re in the middle of a finical crisis right now after the whole incident at the Cloudsdale Weather Factory,” the delicate explained, “so we need a small pay rise to-“

“Sir, I’ll let you know that Princess Celestia here is not a bank.” The Baltimare delicate informed him.

“Well, I-“ Celestia was about to say but the two delicates started to argue which keeps getting her cut off.

“But the factory is in need of repairs!” the Cloudsdale delicate said. “We still don’t know who did it, but we’re still in need of repairs before the next rainy season comes!”

“I’m sure we can all work something out.” Celestia said.

“Princess Celestia, if I may?” another delicate asked.

“What do you need, delicate from Trottingham?” Celestia asked trying to keep a smile on her face.

“I’m having some trouble with crime in Trottingham right now. We need to double the police force.” The delicate said.

“Princess Celestia?” the delicate from Manehattan asked. “Will yous please ask the delicate from Mareami to quit breathin’ down my shoulder?”

“But bro, you have, like, the wackiest tie in the whole room!” the delicate from Mareami said.

“Princess Celestia?” another delicate asked.

“Princess Celestia?” yet another one asked. All the delicates keep saying Princess Celestia’s name as she couldn’t hear all of them at once. She started to really get stressed out and lose her patience over all the attention, and suddenly, she finally snaps.

“ENOUGH!” Celestia yelled in a royal Canterlot voice. Everypony in the room suddenly went silent, even the other princesses were shocked. Discord started clapping his paw and claw in happiness, but as Luna and Cadance both glared at him, he suddenly stopped in embarrassment.

Celestia took a deep breath and then she turned around and left the ballroom professionally; even though deep inside she was feeling embarrassed. The other princesses felt bad for what went down, so after the summit ended a little earlier than usual, Princess Luna herself decided to pay Celestia a visit down in her chambers. She knocks on the door and Celestia calls out, “I’m sorry, but I am not accepting any visitors right now.”

Just then Luna opens the door slightly and peeks her head in. “It’s me.” she said.

“Oh… Luna.” Celestia said.

“May I come in?” Luna asked.

“Very well.” Celestia accepted as Luna walked inside and sat down on the bed next to Celestia who was lying down facing away from Luna.

“Are you ok, sister?” Luna asked.

“Not really.” Celestia said.

“Care to explain what happened down at the summit today?” Luna asked.

“I don’t know what went over me.” Celestia said. “I usually stay calm and collected during these events. Somehow… I suddenly just snapped.”

“What happened down there wasn’t your fault, dear sister.” Luna said. “You had no control over your emotions. I would understand, as I once shared a similar experience.”

Celestia sighs and turns over to Luna and asks, “Luna? What’s happened to me? I’ve been more stressed now than I have ever been since I became princess. I always plan the summits, I provide services for my subjects, and I protect them from harm in any way I can.”

“That’s because you’ve been doing it for so long.” Luna said.

“How come you’ve been calm all this time?” Celestia asked.

“Because I’ve had time to think about my actions when you imprisoned me to the moon.” Luna said. “You, on the other hoof, have been princess of Equestria for over a thousand years without break.”

“I know I have.” Celestia said.

“Why have you never bothered to take a break?” Luna asked.

“Because I must be there for my subjects in their times of need.” Celestia said as Philomena flies over to her and rubs her cheek with her beak. “I have to watch over Equestria 24/7 – protect it from danger. Ponies have to keep coming to me for advice, and if I fail them… I don’t… I don’t know what I would do. I would fail them as a princess and a leader.”

Luna places her hoof on Celestia’s shoulder and smiles at her. “You are a good princess, Celestia. You have never failed Equestria once. Sure, you may not be perfect, but neither am I. Nopony is. Not even you.”

“I’m not trying to be perfect, sister.” Celestia said. “I just want the ponies of Equestria to know that I can protect them. They know that I give them hope. It’s a big responsibility, as I am sure you are aware.”

“I am aware.” Luna said.

“Oh Luna…” Celestia places her hooves on her eyes. “Doing the same job for thousands of years… it takes a lot out of you. I have fulfilled my destiny as a princess, and I will be doing so forever more, for as long as Equestria shall stand. If by any case something happens to me… you would be the one to keep charge around here, Luna, and if not either of us… Princess Twilight Sparkle would have to. I wouldn’t want my star pupil to have to go through this stress. But one day…” Celestia turns towards her nightstand and looks at the photo of her and Twilight. “she would have to.”

“But that time has not come yet, sister.” Luna said. “But… perhaps you should use this opportunity to… no… forget I said anything.”

“What? What was it?” Celestia asked as she sat up on her bed.

“No… no it’s not such a good idea. I shouldn’ve started the subject.” Luna said.

Celestia paused for a moment and then she chuckled and playfully smiled as she said in a teasing tone, “Hey… Luna?”

“No.” Luna said as she crossed her arms.

“Hey, Lunaaaaaa.” Celestia said again in a teasing tone.

“You’re not going to break me, Celestia.” Luna ignored her.

“C’mooooon… please?” Celestia begged. “I promise I won’t be mad.”

“You sure about that?” Luna asked.

“As sure as I could ever be.” Celestia said.

“Well…” Luna thought it over. “Ok then. Here’s what we should do.”

After a little while, as Cadance and Discord waited outside, they heard Celestia yell from inside, “ABSOLUTELY NOT!”

Back inside, Luna asked, “Why not? It would be good for you.”

“Sister, I must protest.” Celestia said.

“What? Like I said, nopony’s perfect, and you say you agree with me.” Luna said.

“I know, but what kind of princess would I be if I took a vacation?” Celestia asked.

“What? I’m not trying to ask you to give up your position as the leader of Equestria.” Luna explained. “I’m just saying that all this stress is mainly because you overwork. You’ve been doing the same job for thousands of years, and you need a break.”

“I’m… sorry, Luna. I just… I can’t.” Celestia said, trying to act professional. “Our subjects of Equestria need my allegiance, as well as yours too.”

“They didn’t need my allegiance for a thousand years.” Luna reminded her.

“Look, I don’t think it’s such a good idea. I mean, don’t you remember saying that princesses don’t play hooky?” Celestia reminded her.

“This isn’t ‘hooky’, sister.” Luna corrected her. “It’s just you taking some time off and rest. Get your mind off Equestria, off the subjects.”

“Oh yeah? And who should take over my position while I’m gone?” Celestia asked.

“I will.” Luna said.

“By yourself?” Celestia asked. “Look, I appreciate all you’re offering, but I do not want the burden of my position to stress you out too.”

“Not by myself.” Luna said as she opened the doors to her chambers that leads out into the hallway, and Cadance and Discord smiled and waved at her.

“Helloooo!” Discord said.

Celestia looks at them with an unamused look. “Really?”

“Well… not Discord.” Luna corrected herself.

“HEY!” Discord complained.

“Cadance and me.” Luna said.

Celestia began to chuckle. “You cannot be serious.”

“As serious as I can ever be.” Luna said.

“Don’t worry, Aunt Celestia!” Cadance said. “I agree with Luna 100%. If a week off is exactly what you need, then I’m willing to look after all of Equestria for you.”

“Yes… I also agree!” Discord said as he wore a king’s robe, a crown, and a golden staff with his face on it. “Equestria will remain safe in your absence.”

“Not with you in charge it wouldn’t.” Luna said angrily at him.

“Oh c’mon, Luna! I’ve done so much good in Equestria recently. I deserve as much.” Discord said.

“We’ll do fine, sister. I assure you.” Luna promised.

“Are you sure?” Celestia asked. “Are you sure that I should be the burden of Equestria in your hooves?”

“I’ve been watching you and your royal duties for years.” Luna said. “I pretty much know what I’m doing now.”

“As of I.” Cadance said. “We can totally handle this. I’ve been watching over the Crystal Empire with barely any problems.”

“And I’ve been watching over the night, looking through ponies’ dreams, and in all honesty, it makes the nights much longer than even a few of your days, sister.” Luna said.

“Yeah, and I’ve been watching over ponies that have arguments, mostly for my own amusement, but it also teaches me to know what NOT to do when ponies come to us for advice.” Discord said.

“Well…” Celestia thinks it over. “A week sounds a little long. How about a weekend for starters?”

“Five days.” Cadance suggested.

“Including the days I leave and come back?” Celestia asked.

Cadance and Luna both look at eachother and shrug, and then Cadance says, “Ok.”

“Then I guess I’ll get packing tonight and leave tomorrow.” Celestia said.

“Hey, at least you’ll be relaxing. That’s the important thing.” Cadance said.

“And we’ll make sure Equestria stays on its hooves.” Luna promised.

“Yes, about that… I’ll have to explain some things to you before I go, so we know you know what you’re doing.” Celestia said.

“It’s not too much, is it?” Luna asked.

“Meh, just a few.” Celestia said as she unscrolls a list so long that it rolls out into the hallway. Cadance and Luna both look at eachother worryingly.

The next day came, and Celestia was just finishing up packing her stuff, which wasn’t much. Why would a princess need clothes on a vacay, huh? Luna and Cadance were re-checking the list real quick before Celestia leaves. Celestia immediately closes her suitcase, puts on some sunglasses, and a Hawaiian lei around her neck as she walks out to check up on Luna and Cadance real quick before she leaves. “Ok, so it says here we need to host fundraiser ceremony for the animal shelter in Rainbow Falls?” Luna asked.

“Umm… yeah, I think so.” Cadance said. “Perhaps I should volunteer for that.”

“Good idea.” Luna said. “That would give me more time to make a public appearance for the Canterlot Garden party as well as take a quick breather before I’m needed for the grand opening of Donut Joe’s expansion.”

“No, Luna, you read it wrong.” Cadance informed her. “Donut Joe’s not opening the expansion. Gustave le Grand is. Donut Joe is actually having the huge sale for… wait, he’s donating to the animals in Rainbow Falls. You think it would be better if I volunteered for Donut Joe and then go to Rainbow Falls after that?”

“I can see you two are making your schedule for when I’m gone.” Celestia said.

“Well, we learned it from you, Aunt Celestia!” Cadance said. “Sometimes your constant need of organization rubs off on other ponies.”

“Some more than others.” Luna said.

Celestia smiles. “So I guess I can trust you for keeping Equestria in order?”

“Sister, I told you many times already, we have it under control.” Luna informed her.

“Then I leave the fate of Equestria in your hooves. Particularly you, Luna.” Celestia said. “Please… don’t fail me.”

“Oh please! Have I ever failed you before, sister?” Luna asked. Celestia gives Luna a funny look. “That was a rhetorical question.”

“So you just go and enjoy your vacation.” Cadance said. “Hey, before you know it, it’ll be over and you’ll be back to work!”

“Yeah, you’re right, Cadance.” Celestia said. “Well, I must be off then.”

“Don’t worry, Celestia. Just relax and enjoy yourself. We’ll see you when you get back.” Luna said.

Celestia was about to walk out, but then she stops herself and says, “Though I should check real quick to see-“

“It’s fine, Celestia!” Luna said as she starts pushing her out. “We have it under control. Don’t worry about us.”

“Well… ok then.” Celestia. “I guess there’s nothing more left to say other than by-“ Before Celestia could finish, Luna closes the doors and wipes her sweat.

“Well… at least that’s that.” Cadance said.

“Yeah.” Luna said. “Now… it’s 8 AM, what’s the first thing we need to-“

“But before I go,” Celestia continued as she walked back inside, making Luna and Cadance both groan. “No, no. This will only take a second.”

“Sister, I hope you realize you’re wasting valuable relaxing time to keep checking on us.” Luna informed her.

“I just want to show you something real quick before I go.” Celestia said as she uses her magic to create some kind of device and wrapped it around her wrist.

“Yeah, ni-nice bracet.” Luna said.

“It’s a device I made that’s going to let me know if you’re not doing your job right.” Celestia said. “It flashes and vibrates every time you, Cadance, or even Discord do things you’re not supposed to, because if you mess things up, I would be held responsible for it.”

“You’re kidding, right?” Luna asked.

“And Philomena here is going to keep an eye on you.” Celestia said as Philomena lands on her shoulder. “Just in case something doesn’t go right, she’s going to alert me through this bracelet, and then I’ll be right back here to fix the problem.”

“Celestia, are you sure that’s such a good idea?” Cadance asked.

“Unless you’d rather me not go on vacation.” Celestia said.

“If you’re going to keep coming here when that bracelet tells you to, you’re barely going to relax. You’d be ending your vacation early.” Cadance informed her.

“Don’t worry. Once I check up on you, I’ll be right back to where I was before, relaxing, so it’s not like I’m wasting my whole vacation.” Celestia said.

“Understood. Now can you go now?” Luna asked.

“Don’t you two want to know where I’m going?” Celestia asked.

“NO!” Cadance and Luna both yelled.

“Ok, ok! I’m leaving! Bye! Don’t forget to write!” Celestia said as she slowly starts walking out. “I’m going now. See you soon! I’ll be back before you know it! I’m trusting you to keep watch over Equestria. Because… you know, I’m responsible for-“

“GET OUT!” Luna and Cadance both yelled as Celestia runs out and closes the door behind her. They both sigh.

“Ok… I think she’s gone now.” Cadance said in relief.

“Good. I’m telling the guards to keep her out.” Luna said.

“Ok… so what’s the first thing to do on the list again?” Cadance asked as she checks the list.

“You tell me. You have the list.” Luna reminded her.

“Umm… oh yeah, we’re both supposed to welcome the mayor of Manehattan at the trainstation in ten minutes before he gets to his business meeting.” Cadance said.

“Ok, that shouldn’t take too long. What’s next?” Luna asked.

“Next we’re supposed to say… how much we love Discord and appreciate all his friendship?” Cadance said weirdly.

“Wait, what?” Luna asked surprisingly as she takes the list and reads it. “That doesn’t sound right.”

“That’s what it says.” Cadance said.

“Well what can you expect from somepony that really enjoys my company?” Discord asked as he was laying on a daybed while wearing a Greek king outfit, while eating grapes and getting breezed by one of those old waving fans.

“Ah, Discord. We figured it would be your doing.” Cadance said in an unamused tone.

“Well, with Princess Celestia on vacay, it would be nice if I came in and helped out.” Discord said.

“Thanks, but no thanks. We got it from here. Right, Aunt Luna?” Cadance asked.

“Absolutely.” Luna said. “Even though we do appreciate your help and all, it would be bes-“

“Yes, you do appreciate my help!” Discord said from behind her and Cadance. “And I agree! I am a very helpful Draconequus. Don’t believe me? Ask my many friends?” Discord creates a laptop and shows his online account with his many friends on his list.

“Your many friends?” Cadance asked.

“Yeah, all eight of them!” Discord said. “Which is more than I ever had in the last thousand years!” Discord closes his laptop and it disappears.

“He’s not going to stop bothering us until he gets what he wants so we might as well have help us out.” Cadance said to Luna.

Luna sighs and says, “Fine, Discord. You can help.”

“Oh goodie!” Discord said as he wears a party hat, blows on a streamer, and shakes maracas. “So what should I help with? I’ve always wanted to be a princess!” He wears a pair of wings, a horn, and a crown.

“No you haven’t. I’ve seen your dreams, Discord.” Luna reminded him.

“Oh I know, but I did always want to rule with an iron fist.” Discord said as he shows off his iron fist which was also on fire and had spikes that immediately pops out of the knuckles after he finishes talking.

“Look, Discord, we said you can help, but that doesn’t mean you’re ruling over Equestria.” Luna informed him. “You’re just helping us run it.”

“Oh I know that.” Discord said as he started to chuckle. “Can’t you take a joke? I mean c’mon! I may have turned into a good guy now,” Discord shows a mini Discord angel on his shoulder playing a harp, “but that doesn’t mean the entire bad guyness inside me is 100% gone.” A mischievous devil Discord appears on his other shoulder. “Basically, I’m not good or evil. I’m just shades of gray.” His color disappears.

“We just need to get this list done ok? Can you handle it?” Luna asked.

“Oh of course.” Discord said as he takes the list and puts on some glasses as he starts reading it. “Now let’s see… hmm… boring, boring, boring, done that before, boring, boring, I’m not wearing the right shoes for that occasion, boring, boring, hmm… I supposed I can squeeze in some time to try out the cookies from the bakery shop. As long as there’s no nuts. I’m allergic to nuts.” He turns green and spots appear all over him.

“Ok, I guess you can do that.” Cadance said.

“So do we all know what we’re doing?” Luna asked.

“Absolutely!” Cadance said.

“Meh.” Discord shrugged.

“Ok good. Now let’s prove to Celestia that we can run the kingdom just as good as she can, if not better!” Luna said excitedly.

“YAY!” Cadance cheered.

“Yaaaay…” Discord said sarcastically. “Can I go now?”

“Yeah we should get started shouldn’t we?” Luna asked as the three of them look over at Philomena and she smirks at them.

After a while went by, Luna, Discord, and Cadance wait at the trainstation for the mayor of Manehattan to show up. Discord was getting a little impatient. “Ok how long does it take for a train to show up? I’m getting really bored right now like a game.” he complained as he rolls the dice of a game he poofs up. “Go to jail?! Ugh!” He flips the board game over and pouts.

“The train from Manehattan ran into some delays. It shouldn’t take too long.” Luna said.

“We should’ve done something else on the list.” Cadance said as she takes the list out and reads it. “Maybe I should go ahead to Donut Joe’s sale. You two can handle the wel-“ Just then, Philomena began to screech.

“UGH! What’s that bird’s problem!?” Discord complained as he poofs up some pillows on his ears.

“Please don’t tell me she’s calling Celestia!” Cadance hoped.

Meanwhile at a hotel on the coast, the bell-hop opens the door to Celestia’s hotel room. “Walla! Welcome to the Clam Bag Hotel’s Royal Suite! Perfect for a princess! I hope you enjoy your stay!” The royal suite was huge! It was such a huge hotel room that there was even a piano in the room, with a piano player!

“Thank you so much, good sir!” Celestia said. “But really, I would’ve been ok with just a plain room. You didn’t have to go through all that- ooo, is that a bowl of chocolates?”

“Freshly made from Griffonstone!” the bell-hop said.

Celestia starts eating up half of the chocolates in the bowl, and she says with her mouth full, “Oh yeah. I could definitely get used to this!”

“Well… umm…” the bell-hop continued getting covered in chocolate, “if you need anything at all, we offer 24 hour service specifically for the princess!”

“Thank you so very much for-“ Celestia continued, but before she could finish that sentence, her bracelet starts to vibrate and blink. “Oh you gotta be kidding me. Already?”

“Something wrong, your highness?” the bell-hop asked.

“Please excuse me for a minute.” Celestia said as she uses her magic to teleport away. Just then, Celestia suddenly appears at the trainstation with the princesses and Discord and she asks, “Ok, what did you do wrong?”

“Hey don’t look at me, I was just standing here for 10 whole minutes and my feet fell asleep.” Discord said as his feet were literary snoring.

“What happened?” Celestia asked as she glared at the princesses.

“Look, all I said was I was going to Donut Joe’s sale while Luna and Discord welcome the mayor of Manehattan.” Cadance said.

“No, no, no!” Celestia said. “You have to do everything in order. It’s the only way it works.”

“Sister, I assure you. Discord and I were going to be here to welcome him.” Luna informed her. “Cadance was just going ahead of us to make it on time to the next thing on our list.”

“But the mayor of Manehattan specifically said that he needs three Canterlot representatives to welcome him, and since I’m not around, Discord is going to have to be the third one, and Cadance, you have to stay and welcome him too.” Celestia explained.

“But then I might not be able to make it to Donut Joe’s sale on time!” Cadance complained.

“You have to make it on time. It’s in the schedule.” Celestia informed her.

“But… h-how? That’s impossible!” Cadance complained.

“Cadance?” Luna asked.

Cadance immediately takes a deep breath and calms herself down. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s quite alright, Cadance.” Celestia said. “But you’re a princess. You’ll find a way to do this. Now if you excuse me,” Celestia teleports the chocolate from her room back with her, “I have to get back to my vacay. Ta ta!” She teleports away again.

“Ugh!” Cadance groans. “So this is how she’s going to play it, huh?”

“I’m afraid so.” Luna said in an annoyed tone.

“Mind if I make a suggestion?” Discord asked as he snaps his fingers and then the train magically appears at the station.

“Huh? Wow, that was fast.” The conductor said in a surprised tone.

“Piece of cake.” Discord smiles.

“Well that solves one problem.” Cadance said.

“Yeah, but no doubt it’s just going to get harder, and Celestia’s pretty much going to be bothering us more than she’s going to relax, I’m afraid.” Luna said; and as luck would have it, she was right.

After the mayor of Manehattan was dropped off at his meeting, Luna, Discord, and Cadance go their separate ways to complete the list more professionally. Luna’s first destination by herself was to read some scrolls that were sent to her in the throne room. “…and that’s why we need some extra toothpicks in our restaurant. I hope you can fulfill our request. Sincerely, Big Buffs.” Luna immediately responds to the scroll and writes, “Dear Big Buffs, you don’t need our permission to have toothpicks. Just buy them and leave them on the front for ponies to retrieve and clean all the leftovers from their teeth. Hope everything goes well in your restaurant. Sincerely, Princess Luna.” She then sends the scroll on its way and she starts reading the next one. “Hello! You’ve just been chosen to win a new toaster for- oh forget that!” She then throws the scroll into a box near the throne with the word ‘SPAM’ on it. “Next scroll.” 

Just then, Philomena who was standing on top of the throne begins screeching, and Princess Celestia immediately appears again while wearing sunglasses, but she wasn’t the only one that appeared – her lounge chair also appeared with her. “What is it now, Luna?” she asked.

“All I did was throw some junk mail into the spam box.” Luna said.

“Did you read it at least?” Celestia asked while still relaxing on the lounge chair.

“Barely.” Luna said.

“You have to read the whole thing.” Celestia informed her. “It’s a princess’s duty to read all the mail, the whole thing, and respond to them.”

“Why bother? Some of them are just fanmail. They know we appreciate them. I only respond to the important ones. It’s exhausting enough thinking of what to say.” Luna said.

“I’ll say it again – read all the mail, the whole thing, and respond to them. Alright? Alright, I’ll let you to it.” Celestia said as she teleports away with her lounge chair. Luna groans as she picks up the spam scroll from the spam box and opens it up again. She rolls her eyes as she starts to read it again, “Hello! You’ve just been chosen to win a new toaster for- wait, what’s that bacteria stuff I see on the paper?” She looks real closely as a greasy stain on the paper. “Oh great! There’s a virus in this mail!”

Montague time! Meanwhile over at the sauna, Celestia was relaxing and drowning in her own sweat when suddenly her bracelet vibrates again. She teleports over to Donut Joe’s shop where Cadance was about to take a taste of some of his donuts, but the only thing stopping her was Celestia who was telling her that she needed to pay for it, and Cadance shows Celestia the small sack of bits that she gave to Joe. Celestia then teleports a giant sack of bits for the donuts and the rest to donate to the animals in Rainbow Falls. Cadance was very concerned why, but Celestia didn’t care, so she teleported away again, and Cadance felt pretty annoyed.

When Celestia was getting a massage over at the spa, her bracelet starts to vibrate again. She rolls her eyes and teleports to Discord who was dressed as a hobo clown, juggling chainsaws while balancing on a ball. The foals who were watching him at the birthday party cheered in excitement, but when Celestia glares at him, Discord rolls his eyes and turns his chainsaws into fish, Celestia was still glaring at him, and Discord was feeling quite annoyed, so he turns the fish into regular balls and sticks his tongue out at her. Celestia then smiles and teleports back to the resort. Discord embarrassingly smiles at the kids as they just yawned in boredom.

Celestia’s been good for a few hours. She’s been relaxing in a mud bath with a towel on her head and cucumbers on her eyes, but… well, you know what happens next. Luna was next to mess things up, as she was reading Daring Do: And the Marked Thief of Marapore to some students at a school. Celestia teleports into the room and replaces Luna’s Daring Do book with some children’s counting book, and then she disappears again. Luna immediately plants her face into the book knowing that these students were second graders and knew how to count. Daring Do is a child-friendly story. Every other time Celestia interrupts her vacation to check on the three, it was under similar circumstances, and they knew they couldn’t take it anymore, so later that night, the three of them tiredly met in the dining hall.

Actually, more like Cadance and Discord were waiting in the dining hall, but Luna has yet to show up. Cadance was asleep with her head down on the table but Discord was still awake, but barely. Luna eventually opens the door and flops right on the floor. “Oh, Luna, you’re here… good.” Discord said.

“What? No jokes this time?” Luna asked as she crawls over to the table.

“Oh you want a joke? Ok, knock-knock.” Discord said.

“Who’s there?” Luna asked.

“I’m too tired to make jokes.” Discord complained as he falls back towards the ground, buries himself with dirt on the floor, and a gravestone pops out that says ‘R.I.P. Discord’.

“So… did you get everything done on the list, Luna?” Cadance asked as she yawns.

“Are you kidding? I’ve never worked so hard in my life!” Luna complained. “AND I had to raise the moon too. I thought Celestia had it easy, but I’ve never been so wrong in my life!”

“How does she put up with this?” Cadance asked. “No wonder she’s so stressed all the time! Not to mention, this might all be in vein since Celestia keeps coming back from her vacation to check up on us.”

“Maybe its best if she just cancels her vacation and comes back.” Luna suggested.

“Yeah, but… look at the bright side, guys.” Cadance tries to be positive. “We gave it our best. Isn’t that what matters?”

“Gave it our best?” Luna asked. “All I did was raise the moon and blocked the sun. It’s not even set.” Just then Philomena starts screeching. “Oh… great. Me and my big mouth.”

Celestia then appears while wearing a Hawiian shirt, a tan beach hat, sunglasses, a lei around her neck, and she sips a drink from her glass that has a little umbrella on it. “Luna?”

“WHAT?!” Luna yelled.

“Starting an eclipse isn’t night time.” Celestia corrected her as she takes another sip from her drink.

“Oh for the love of…” Luna facehooves herself as she immediately uses her magic to drop the sun right from the sky, making it completely night time. “There! Happy now?!”

“That sun set a bit too fast though, but it’ll do.” Celestia shrugged.

Luna starts to spas out. She spases out very similar to how Twilight does. Her eyes derped, her mane was messed up, one pupil was bigger than the other, and she started to shake. “No, Celestia… no. You know what? I’ll just raise the sun again, and then set it slowly. How about that?”

“No, no. What’s done is done.” Celestia insisted.

“Noooooo… I would LOVE to make the sun rise again! I would love to do everything the way you do it, because I LOVE it so much! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!” Luna said sarcastically.

“Wow… you need to relax, Luna.” Celestia suggested. “Do you want me to cancel my vacation and come back?”

“No, Aunt Celestia.” Cadance said as she puts her arm around Luna, trying to calm her down. “It may be difficult for us, but we’re all new to this. Don’t worry about us. Just enjoy yourself. You don’t need to come checking up on us every five minutes. We’re doing fine. Right, Discord?” Discord was still buried in his grave, so he didn’t respond. “Yeah I’m sure he agrees.”

“Well… ok.” Celestia nodded. “But if you really want me to come back, just say the word. I wouldn’t mind one bit.”

“And we appreciate that.” Cadance smiled. “Now, after a good night’s rest, we’ll be ready for a new day. I assure you.”

“Ok.” Celestia smiles. “You all are doing a great job. Especially you, Luna.”

“Uh huh.” Luna said as she rolls her eyes. Celestia immediately teleports away again.

“I can’t take it anymore, Cadance. All this work is too hard.” Luna complained.

“I know, but what else are we supposed to do?” Cadance asked. “How are we to prove to Celestia that we can take good care of the kingdom while she’s gone?”

“Ok, the both of you are such liars.” Discord said as he emerges from his grave.

“What are you talking about, Discord?” Luna asked as she rubs her eyes.

“I mean the work is just fine.” Discord said. “We’re having the time of our lives. Having so much fun, are we not?”

“What are you talking about?” Luna asked.

“Wait… I think I get what he’s saying.” Cadance said. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

“That depends.” Discord said. “Did you think I was saying that it’s actually Celestia that’s making us tired because we keep doing things her way?”

“I was thinking the exact same thing!” Cadance said.

“No you weren’t you liar.” Discord glared at her.

“Whatever.” Cadance said. “So you think if we get Celestia out of the way, you think we’ll have an easier time to do her job?”

“I was making ponies smile for what I do.” Discord said. “Making them more child-friendly… umm… there is a limit to how child-friendly I should be.”

“I agree.” Luna said.

“And we all have our unique ways of doing stuff.” Cadance said. “If we do a job, we should do it right, but that doesn’t mean we can’t change it up a bit to what we feel more comfortable with.”

“So it’s agreed then.” Discord said mischievously. “We’re going to catch Princess Celestia off guard, and we’re going to DESTROY her!” When he says that, flames appear behind him as he starts to laugh evilly. Luna and Cadance both look at him awkwardly. Discord then glares at them as the flames immediately go away, and then he says, “Or, we can just try to disable that bracelet device. Y’know, that’s an option.” Luna and Cadance both look at eachother and then they nod in agreement.

The next day came, and Celestia was relaxing down at the beach under an umbrella. She sighs as she lies down under her nice warm sun. The brightness disappears as a shadow leans over her. That was when a little voice said, “Umm… excuse me? Are you Princess Celestia?” the little filly asked.

Celestia removes her sunglasses and looks up at her with a grin. “Who’s asking?” she asked.

“I’m Rainbow Berry.” The filly said.

“Nice to meet you, Rainbow Berry, and to answer your question – yes, I am Princess Celestia!” she said.

“Wow! Cool!” Rainbow Berry said impressively. “I love your sun, and you do a great job running Equestria!”

Celestia giggles and says, “Why thank you! But I don’t run Equestria alone. My sister Luna, she does just as well of a job as I do… perhaps, even better.”

“What makes you say that?” Rainbow Berry asked.

“Well… while I work only in the daytime running the kingdom, Luna works 24 hours.” Celestia said. “While she sleeps, she patrols other pony’s dreams.”

“I know! I saw her one night helping me out with a problem I had.” Rainbow Berry said. “You’re right, princess. She does do a great job! But that doesn’t mean she’s better than you.”

“Oh?” Celestia asked.

“Yeah. She might be better than you in certain things, but you’re also better than her at other things.” Rainbow Berry said. “Everypony is good at their own thing, that’s actually what Princess Luna taught me.

“Wow…” Celestia said impressively. “You’re right. I mean she’s not perfect, but… I’m not either. I’ve messed up things before when I run Equestria, and Luna… well… she hasn’t done one thing wrong all this time I was on vacation.”

“Oh you’re on vacation?” Rainbow Berry asked. “I thought princesses don’t take vacations?”

“Oh we do, young one.” Celestia said as she pats Rainbow on the head. “Only I haven’t because I didn’t think anypony else could run Equestria like I do, but… as it all goes to show… wow… Rainbow Berry, you have been an inspiration to me!”

“I have?!” Rainbow Berry asked surprisingly. Just then, Celestia’s bracelet begins to vibrate.

Celestia stands up and says, “I know what I must do now. I shall return shortly. Will you look after my stuff until I get back?”

“Of course, your highness!” Rainbow Berry said, and that’s when Celestia teleported away. After Celestia teleports away, the filly’s hair spike up like she’s been on a rollercoaster. “Whoa! Awesome!” She said.

Back at the castle, Philomena continues to screech as Discord was just standing around with his eyes closed and a smile on his face. Celestia teleports right in the room and says, “Discord. I can see Philomena isn’t impressed to… whatever you’re do- what are you doing?”

He shrugs. “Meh. Just standing around.”

“Umm… why?” Celestia asked.

“Because I can. Why not?” Discord asked as Cadance sneaks over to Celestia’s bracelet and begins to use her magic on it.

“Well… I mean it’s unnatural of you to just stand around without anything going on around you.” Celestia said. “What’s the catch, Discord?”

“What catch? I just feel like doing nothing. What are you to judge me?” Discord asked. “You going to sue me? Huh, Celestia? You taking away my right to do nothing?”

“I’m not saying that at all.” Celestia said. “I’m just saying it’s unnatural of you. Philomena seems to think so.”

“Well Philomena barely knows the new me. Not sure what that bird’s problem is.” Discord said. That was when Celestia catches Cadance messing around with her bracelet. 

“Cadance, what do you think you’re doing?” Celestia asked.

“Oh… umm… just… adjusting your bracelet.” Cadance lied. “It’s a bit crooked.”

Celestia starts to chuckle and shake her head. “Cadance, look, there is nothing you can do to remove or break this bracelet. Did you forget that I was the one that made it?”

“Yeah, I really didn’t think that one through.” Cadance said.

“Plan B?” Discord asked.

“Plan B.” Cadance said. That was when a magical cage falls right on top of Celestia and traps her inside.

“What the?!” Celestia gasped in surprise. “Cadance? Discord? What’s the meaning of this?”

“Don’t look at us. Ask the one who planned this.” Cadance informed her. Celestia immediately looks at Discord and smirks at him.

“Wrong devil, Tia.” Discord said as he had demon horns a tail and a trident, and then he stuck his tongue out at Celestia and hissed like a snake.

“It was I.” Luna said as she emerged from the shadows.

“Luna… you never looked a day older.” Celestia teased. Luna then gives Celestia an awkward ‘really?’ look. “I bet you know what I’m going to ask you next.”

“I do.” Luna said. “I put you in a cage because this has gotten way out of control. You’re going to relax, Celestia! You’re going to have your vacation, even if it is in a magic-proof cage! I won’t stand by and let your stress of overworking take control of you!”

“Even if it means you have to take the stress for me?” Celestia asked.

“I wasn’t stressed before you started having us to do everything your way.” Luna informed her.

“Yeah, Aunt Celestia.” Cadance agreed. “We had everything sorted out – we had everything planned. We were going to get all this done easily and professionally.”

“And the ‘non-boring’ way.” Discord added.

“We had everything under control, sister.” Luna said. “But when you kept postponing your vacation to check up on us, not only are you making it harder, but the main reason I’m getting stressed is because the whole point that we’re doing this is because it’ll give you a chance to finally relax! But…” she sighs, “…you keep coming back.”

“Not to mention your bird is giving us all a headache!” Discord complained. Philomena blushes in embarrassment.

“Luna?” Celestia asked.

“What?” Luna asked.

“Hey, Lunaaaaa?” Celestia asked in a teasing tone.

“What?” she asked again.

“Will you let me out of the cage please?” Celestia asked.

“Why? How do I know you’re not going to escape again and keep coming back?” Luna asked.

“You don’t.” Celestia said.

“Oh she’s good!” Discord said.

“Well…” Luna thought it over, but she didn’t know whether she should or not.

“Just do it, Luna.” Cadance said. “What good are we doing putting your sister in a cage?”

Luna looked back over at Celestia and saw a pleading look on her eyes, a look that Luna cannot resist. Luna sighs as she uses her magic to open the cage door. “There. I let you out. Now what are you going to do?” Luna asked.

“This.” Celestia said as she uses her magic to remove the bracelet from her wrist. Luna and Cadance both gasped.

“You… you removed your bracelet.” Cadance said in surprise.

“Noooooo really?” Discord asked sarcastically.

“Why did you do that, dear sister?” Luna asked.

“Because I shouldn’t worry about you.” Celestia said. “You obviously proven to me that you can handle running the kingdom without me; and in a way, I always knew that.”

“So why didn’t you believe me?” Luna asked.

“Because, I… I…” Celestia sighs. “I just don’t want you to be stressed over this job either. Taking care of a kingdom takes a lot of work, and patience. The only reason you’ve been losing your patience was because I kept checking up on you.”

“I just don’t want you to overwork is all.” Luna said.

“Indeed.” Cadance agreed. “It is good that you love your work, Celestia. Everypony should love what they do, but sometimes, everypony needs to take a break from it, no matter how important it is.”

“Yeah, even I have to take a break from being me sometimes. You know how exhausting it is to be me?” Discord asked.

“Do you?” a second head popped up on Discord’s neck and asked.

“Do you?” a third head asked.

Celestia lets out a chuckle and says, “Oh I believe you, Discord.” 

“We all do. Completely!” Cadance said.

“So… what are you going to do now, sister?” Luna asked.

“I’m going back on vacation.” Celestia said. “And this time, I’m going to stay there. No work. You’re right, Luna. This was something I needed for a long time, and it’s about time I officially got it done.”

“I wouldn’t deny that for the kingdom, sister.” Luna smiled as she and Celestia both hugged, and then Cadance joined in, and then Discord joins in and picks them all up. 

Philomena starts screeching in joy. Discord cringes and says, “Oh, and you’re taking your bird with you, Celestia.” 

Later that night, Celestia returns to the resort and relaxes on the bed. “Well, Philomena,” she started, “I have to say, vacation is much more enjoyable without worrying about work.” Philomena agrees. “I trust Luna and Cadance completely to run Equestria. Maybe I should vacation more often.” Philomena screeches in a concerned tone. “Discord? Meh… I wouldn’t trust him COMPLETELY to run Equestria. I mean as long as Luna and Cadance look after him, I’m sure it’s fine.” 

Philomena screeches again. “Yes, Philomena. I have learned an important lesson today. Hmm…” Celestia looks over on her end table and finds a piece of paper and a quill. She picks them up with her magic and started to write a message. It goes: “Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, I’m writing to you today because I wanted to tell you about an important friendship lesson I learned today.”

Meanwhile over at Twilight’s castle in the library, Twilight was reading some books while Spike was reading one of his comics. He started feel a little woozy as he barfs up a scroll from the princess. “Huh. It’s a letter from Princess Celestia.” Spike said as he gives it to Twilight.

“Really? It’s been a while!” Twilight said excitedly as she takes the scroll and opens it up. “I wonder what this is about?” She starts to read the letter. As she read the letter, she began to smile. “You sure learned an important lesson today, my faithful teacher.”

“What? What did it say?” Spike asked.

Twilight inhales in satisfaction and she says, “Pack your bags, Spike. We’re going to take a little vacation.”

“Really?!” Spike asked excitedly. “Oh boy!” He then quickly runs out of the room and comes back with a green bathing suit on with gems on it, he had a surf board with him, some sun screen on his nose, and some shades on. “I’ve been dreaming about this moment my whole life! So where are we going?”

“I dunno. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’d like to go somewhere away from books.” Twilight said as she stands up from her chair and begins to walk out of the library. Just as she walks out, we get one final moment to view a picture on one of the shelves showing Princess Celestia and Twilight. The exact same way from Celestia’s nightstand back at the castle.