> The Big Orange
>  by Lexomancer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> First Impressions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The light spilling out the train’s only uncovered window lit up a solitary square on the tunnel wall. This patch alone amidst the inky blackness, showed how fast the train was moving. The stonework raced in and out of illumination, as if scurrying for the cover of darkness. The lavender colored pony staring out the window concurred with the masonry. I just want to race back to Ponyville, she thought. I don’t need all this attention.
She sighed as she ran her hoof through her main, brushing it past her horn. “Remind me again, why are we going to Manehattan?”
A chuckle sounded to the left of her. “’Cuz Twilight, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna agreed, t’would be a good idea for you to get some practice being a princess, somewhere they aint constantly lookin or’ your shoulder.”
Twilight turned to look the speaker. To the rest of the train car, it looked as if the orange pony was taking a nap. She had her tan Stetson pulled down over her eyes, and she was taking up an entire train bench, as she dozed on her back. Her blonde mane was bunched beneath her head.
Twilight turned back to the window. Of course Applejack is relaxed. She doesn’t need to impress all of Manehatten.
Applejack snorted, “Don’t you roll them peepers at me, Twi.”
Twilight looked at her friend again. The brown hat still covered Applejacks eyes. 
“How could you possibly know that I rolled my eyes?” Twilight questioned. Twilight’s horn glowed pink, and a matching glow surrounded her friend’s hat. The hat floated off of Applejacks face, revealing that the farmer’s eyes were closed.
Twilight released the spell as Applejack grabbed the hat in hoof, and sat up.
“’Cuz I know you,” she replied. “Calm down, everything is gonna be A-Okay.”
Twilight looked her friend in the eye. “That’s easy for you to say.”
“How d’ya reckon that?” Applejack asked.
“Because, you aren’t going to be the center of attention,” Twilight cried. “Everypony in Manehattan is going to be looking at me. I’ll be hounded by ponyrazzi whenever I set a hoof outdoors. How in the hay, can I be calm.” Twilight covered her face with a fetlock. “Oh, if only they had consulted Princess Cadence, I might not be in this mess.”
Applejack chuckled again. “They probably did,” she answered, still laughing. “And I’d bet Sweet Apple Acers’ next harvest that Cadence said it was a grand ol’ idea.”
Twilight removed her foreleg from her face. “What makes you say that?” she asked, giving Applejack an incredulous stare.
It was Applejacks turn to roll her eyes. “Princess Cadence thinks you’re the best thing since apple cider.” Applejack placed a hoof over Twilight’s mouth when she tried to interrupt, and the continued. “And she’d a said that, e’en before she married that brother of yours.” Applejack removed her hoof. 
Twilight took a deep breath, “I don’t know why she thinks so highly of me.” Twilight looked at the floor and continued, “I mean, she’s Princess Mi Amore Cadenza--”
“And you’re Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Applejack cut her off. She pressed a hoof to Twilights chin and lifted twilights head. When they were staring eye to eye, Applejack continued. “Your name may not be as highfalutin, but you’re a princess too now. You earned those wings, of yours,” she poked Twilight in the one of the mentioned limbs. “That makes you an Alicorn Princess.”
Twilight smiled at her friend. “Thanks Applejack.”  Then Twilight’s expression, turned grumpy. “But, I still don’t understand why I need to go to Manehattan. I mean Canterlot is closer to Ponyville. Why can’t I practice there? Or just practice in Ponyville?”
Applejack smiled knowingly. “That there is precisely why.”
“Huh?” Twilight asked as she scratched her chin.
“Twilight, sugar cube, how do I put this tactfully?” Applejack asked. She stood, chin in hoof, as she thought. “Ah got it,” She said after a moment’s pause. “You get a mite twitchy when you think the Princess is passing judgment on everything ya do.”
“I do not,” Twilight said calmly.
“Oh reeeeeeeeeally?” Applejack asked smugly. The earth pony smiled widely, and continued, “I seem to recall a certain incident with a certain doll named Smarty Pants.”
Twilight pawed at the ground as a slight blush crept into her cheeks. “Oh…yeah,” she said abashedly.
“But that’s why I’m here,” Applejack placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “To help, ‘sides, it’ll only be for a little bit. She sent you here just to oversee some things, meet the Mayor and such. She didn’t intend for ya to move here.”
Twilight smiled at her friends sincerity. You can always count on Applejack to tell it how it is. “Thanks, I feel better. Though I still wonder why she picked Manehatten.”
“Oh, I can answer that,” a third pony interjected excitedly. Twilight and Applejack looked at the rainbow maned pegasus who had spoken up from the bench across the aisle. 
“Really, care to enlighten us Miss Rainbow Dash?” Twilight said with mock decorum.
Dash responded in kind, sweeping a fore leg across her chest, while she bent the other one into a bow. “But of course, Princess Sparkle.”
Applejack nickered, “Y’all are so lucky Rarity aint here ta make a fuss about your lack of formality.” 
Twilight shook her head. “I still can’t believe she roped Spike and Fluttershy into staying behind with her, to help her pack.”
“I can,” Rainbow Dash said with a roll of her eyes. “Flutershy can’t put her hoof down to save her life. Her friends lives yes, hers no.” Dash’s smile morphed into a smirk. “And everypony knows that Spike has a monstrous crush on Rarity.” Dash shook her head. “Any who, the reason we’re going to Manehattan, three words: the Manehatttan Cyclones.”
“Huh?” Twilight asked, a puzzled look on her face.
Applejack was equally confused. “The who now?”
Rainbow Dash shook her head, and gave Applejack a disappointed look. “I can make an exception for Twilight, but really AJ? I know you don’t live under a rock.”
“And I do?” questioned Twilight.
Rainbow Dash gave her a flat look. “Before you moved to Ponyville, yes.”
The princess got a sheepish look on her face, “I’ll concede that point.”
Rainbow dash brightened up as she got back on topic. “Anyway, the Manehattan Cyclones are Equestria’s premier professional acrobatic flying team. They are the best in their league. Canterlot and Cloudsdale aside, Manehattan boasts the best flight training facilities in all Equestria.”
Twilight was impressed, “Wow Dash, you seem really passionate about this…and knowledgeable.”
“Hold on a sec, partner,” Applejack scratched her head. “Aint you always going on about how the Wonderbolts are the best?”
Rainbow Dash shook her head again. “I said ‘The Cyclones are the best in their league.’ The Wonderbolts are so far above the Cyclones league that comparing them is even fair.”
Applejack still didn’t follow. “So then why are you so excited about them, if you want to be a Wonderbolt?”
Dash slapped her forehead with her fetlock, and drug it slowly down her face. “Really, you two need to follow sports more.” Dash began prancing in place, the light blue pony’s wings twitching anxiously. “There are several professional flying teams throughout Equestria; the Las Pegasus Harlequins, the Vanhoover Nightwings, the Phillydelphia Haleets, the Baltimare Finches,” Dash paused to take a deep breath. “The team to beat is always the Manehatan Cyclones.”
“But what about the Wonderbolts?” asked Applejack.
Twilight answered the question. “The Wonderbolts are Princess Celestia’s personal acrobatic flying team; she uses them to respond to emergencies when speed is of the essence.”
“Precisely,” agreed Rainbow Dash, as she smiled at Twilight. “They are more an extension of the royal guard than a sports team.” Dash turned back to Applejack. “If you look at the Wonderbolts roster for the past 60 years, you’ll see more members come from the Cyclones than any other flying team. Captain Spitfire herself used to be a Cyclone, once upon a time.”
Applejack whistled. “Whoa.” 
Suddenly daylight burst through the window.
The three friends gathered to look at the hilly countryside rolling past.
Something odd struck Twilight. “Hey Dash, what do the Manehatan Cyclones have to do with us going to Manehatan?”
Rainbow Dash slapped her forehead again. “Sorry, kinda lost my train of thought.”
“Here it is!” cried a pink pony that was right behind them.
“AHHHHHH,” all three friends yelled in unison. Twilight’s new wings spread out in reflex, knocking Applejack and Rainbow Dash over, while propelling herself backwards across the Aisle.
“Ooops, sorry Dash,” the energetic pony enthused. “This is just a regular train. Don’t worry though, I’ll find your train of thought, or my name isn’t Pinkie Pie Private Eye.”
“Uh Pinkie,” Applejack stated, holding a hoof to her chest to make sure her heart was still beating. “That’s not your name.”
“Hmmmmmmm,” Pinkie said as she processed the comment. Her three friends were amazed she could stand still for that long. Everything about Pinkie Pie, even her poofy hair screamed vitality and gusto. “You’re right Applejack.” She then turned to Rainbow Dash, and with more vigor said, “Don’t worry Dashie; first I’ll change my name to Pinkie Pie Private Eye, then I’ll find your train of thought, or my name isn’t Pinkie Pie Private Eye.”
Rainbow Dash stood up and shook her head from side to side. “More importantly, how in the sweet name of Celestia did you pop out of nowhere like that?”
“I don’t know!” Pinkie answered happily as she bounced away from her friends. “Anyway, I’m going to go see how many cupcakes I can eat before we get to Manehattan, while searching for your train of thought.” With that, she disappeared in the direction of the dining car.
Once her heart stopped racing, Twilight re-asked her question.
“Oh yeah,” Dash started. “Princess Celestia wanted me to make sure you got some mileage on those wings of yours, so for the duration of our stay, I’m your flight instructor. We’re going to use every tool in the Cyclone’s training arsenal.”
Oh dear, Twilight thought.



The first thing Rainbow Dash noticed about the train station was the roof.
“Why would they put a roof over the train station?” She wondered out loud. “Pegasi would have a hard time flying in and out.”
“Manehatan is known for more than just its Cyclones,” Twilight answered, even as she admired the arched roof. She could barely see light coming in through the shielded ventilation slits. “Manehattan is the heart of pony fashion. If I recall from my readings correctly, the roof was added at demand of the fashion industry, so they could wait for a train in wet weather, without getting rained on.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Dash exclaimed, raising an exasperated hoof.  “No group of sane ponies should care about their appearance that much.”
Applejacks eyes widened. “Oh, mah word. It’s a city full of Rareities. Ah swear, if ah hav’ to hear one more comment about mah hat…”
A passing stallion whistled. “Nice hat, good looking.”
Rainbow Dash and Twilight tried to contain their laughter as the crimson faced Applejack, pulled her hat low over her eyes.
“’kay, maybe if ah hear two more comments about mah hat…”
The trio walked through the enclosed station, Dash still chuckling. 
“You should have seen the look on your face,” Dash said to the still blushing Applejack, walked down a nearby ramp. “What I wouldn’t give for a photo-”
A blinding flash of light and the sound of a shutter opening and closing, fulfilled Dash’s wish.
The khaki unicorn who took the photo, released his magical hold on the camera. It dangled by its strap around his neck, as he rapidly approached them. “Excuse me, Princess Twilight, Snap Shot of the Mannehatten Sun." His horn began to glow as out of his bag he levitated a pencil and a spiral notepad that matched the cutie mark on his flank. “I was wondering if I could have a quick word.”
This is exactly what I wanted to avoid, Twilight thought.  “Actually-” she began to say.
“Perfect,” Snap exclaimed as he flipped open the notepad. “Would you care to confirm the rumors that Princess Celestia sent you here to replace Mayor Rook, as the official leader of Manehatten?”
“What?” Twilight was flummoxed. Her response seemed to get stuck in her mouth. “That’s not-I mean no-”
Snap steamrolled over her answer. “Is it true Celestia feels it’s time for her to take a more direct approach to controlling Manehatten.”
Twilight was mortified. She stared mouth agape at the newspony.
Applejack came to the rescue, stepping between the reporter and Twilight. “Listen, Twilight has had a long trip. She’ll be happy ta talk ta ya-”
Snap wormed his way around AJ. “Oh don’t worry Peachjill, I’ll interview you too.”
Applejack glared at the pushy unicorn, and stepped between him and Twilight again. “It’s Applejack, and-”
“Whatever,” snapped Snap. He moved to circle around, only to be blocked by a very irritated Rainbow Dash.
“What we’re saying is we never agreed to this interview, so take a-”
Snap stamped a hoof on the ground. “You can’t silence me.” He tried in vain to get past Twilight’s friends. “Ponies deserve the truth.”
“Didn’t sound like you care much about the truth,” Applejack replied as she stared him straight in the eye.
“Oh he doesn’t,” said another pony. “He cares about pushing whichever rag hasn’t fired him yet.” The four ponies turned to look at the newcomer, who had a coat several shades darker than Applejack’s. 
He looks a bit uneasy, Applejack thought as she saw Snap’s eyes dart from side to side, looking for an escape route.
“Look, Lorain,” Snap oozed, trying to sound confident. “I have my press pass-”
“Which is good at a press conference,” the new pony replied, as she glanced around the entrance to the train station. “This is obviously not a press conference.”
Snap had the gall to not look sheepish, until Lorain dropped her bomb. “So if you don’t want to be banned from the Cyclone Dome for the rest of the season, I suggest you give me your film, and your notes.”
Snap flinched as if hit. “You’re bluffing,” he said with fake confidence. “You can’t do that.”
“I can’t,” she agreed. “But Captain Squall can.” Her turquoise eyes narrowed into slits. “And who do you think he will side with, hmmmm? Me? Or the yellow journalist who likes to take a run at his good buddy the Mayor every other week?”
Color drained from Snap’s face. With no further complaint, he tore a page out of his notebook, and the film out of his camera, and placed both in Lorain’s waiting hoof.  Then with a mumbled, “I’ll see you at the press conference later this week,” he ran off, tail between his legs. The newcomer watched him disappear, and then turned to Twilight. 
“Sorry about that, Princess Sparkle,” she said. “I was supposed to meet you at the platform, but I lost track of time.”
Twilight found her voice. “It’s okay…” Twilight paused.
“Lorain Cloud,” The orange mare replied. As an afterthought Lorain bowed, and tacked on, “Your highness.”
Twilight stared at the pegasus in front of her. She had mane that was a pale violet-red; it had been woven into a simple braid. A golden ring glinted at the bottom of the braid. Her tail was cropped much shorter than her mane, and was obviously windswept.
“It’s fine,” Twilight replied. “I’m just glad you got here when you did.”
Applejack punched the mare in the shoulder. “That was mighty impressive, how you handled that reporter.”
Lorain snorted. “I’d hardly call Snap a reporter; rumor monger is more like it.” Lorain glanced Applejack over. “You must be Applejack.” Lorain gave the earth pony a big smile. “Pleased to meet you.”
“Likewise Miss Cloud,” Applejack responded.
Lorain turned back to the princess. “So Princess Sparkle, would you like to see where you’ll be staying for the duration of your visit?”
“Well,” Twilight began.
“Or we could go to the Cyclone training facility. Get some practice in now.”
“Definitely the training facility,” Dash said excitedly.
Lorain looked at Rainbow Dash as they stepped out of the train station. “I don’t know why you would be exited to go there.” 
Dash’s response was covered by an excited shriek.
“Couzin Applejack!” A blur of orange and salmon tackled the country pony. 
“Oooomph,” Applejack grunted as she was hit. She looked down and realized that the blur was a young freckled filly with a dark orange coat.
The young pony stopped hugging Applejack, and took a step back.
“Cousin Babs,” Applejack said with joy. She then turned to her friends. “Twi, Dash, you remember mah cousin Babs.”
“Nice to see you again,” Twilight said with a nod.
“Hey squirt, give me some hoof,” Rainbow Dash extended her forleg.
Babs and Dash bumped hooves. 
“Why didn’t you tell me  you was comin’ to Manehattan?” Babs asked her older cousin.
Applejack rubbed the back of her neck, and looked at the ground. “Well, ah wanted ta surprise y’all.”
Babs chuckled, and punched Applejack in the shoulder. She shook her head, “Well you surprised us alright. Aunt and uncle Orange are out of town,” Babs Rolled her eyes, and blew a lock of salmon colored mane out of her face. “Somethin’ about their orange plantation.”
Apple jack gave her cousin a weird look. “Hold on; if'n ya didn’t know ah was coming, how come ya are down here by the station.”
“That’s simple,” Babs stated, as she blew futilely at the rogue lock of mane again. “Me and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders volunteered for liter patrol togeder.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Liter patrol?”
Babs nodded vigorously, and yelled, “Cutie Mark Crusaders, liter patrol cutie marks!”
Applejack smiled, as she noticed the two other ponies flanking Babs, one of whom had joined in her yell.
Babs followed her cousins eyes. “Oh where are my manners?” She pointed to the filly on her left. “This here is Cashmere Flair.”
“Babs,” hissed young midnight-blue unicorn. “How many times do I have to tell you, call me Shade.”
“Who insists on going by her nickname, Shade,” Babs continued.
“You would to, if your parents were pretentious to name you ‘Cashmere’,” Shade muttered, under her breath.
Babs gestured to the bluish gray pegasi to her left. “And this here is Jet.”
Jet fluttered his wings, and nodded at Applejack and company.
“He doesn't say much,” Babs replied to her cousins questioning glance.
Jet stared at Babs with his aqua eyes.
“What?” asked Babs. “I didn’t say you were shy.”
Jet continued his stare. 
“Don’t give me that look,” Babs responded. Jet continued to watch Babs, expectantly. “Fine,” Babs said, as she blew the mane out of her face again. “He wants me to say he’s not shy, he just doesn’t have much to say.”
Jet smiled and nodded his head vigorously. He then turned and started rummaging through his light gray bag.
Babs pointed at each of Applejack’s friends in turn, “This is Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight waved, “Nice to meet you two.”
“Like-” Shade trailed off, as her eyes fell on Twilights wings. They shifted back to Twilight’s horn, and then again to the wings. “-wise,” Shade finished with a whisper, as she moved partially behind Babs.
Dash felt something touch her elbow. She looked down, to see Jet gently head-butt her again. He then stared at her keenly, a small notebook grasped in his mouth, a pencil in his extended hoof. 
“Uhhhhh,” Dash stared at the young colt for a second, and then turned to Babs in confusion. 
Babs Sighed. “He wants you to sign his note book. Something about you being the best young flier in the Young Flier Completion.”
Dash’s expression was replaced by a confident smirk. She tousled his mane with a hoof. “Sure thing kid,” She grasped the pencil with her mouth and balanced the notebook on one hoof. With practiced ease, she scrawled her name on the notebook, and returned the pencil and paper to Jet. “Anything for a young flier.”
Jet shook his head sadly, after tucking the pencil behind an ear.   
Understanding dawned on Rainbow Dashes face. “Not yet huh?”
Jet nodded once, slowly.
“Don’t worry about it,” Dash replied positively. “I wasn’t always this awesome. You just need to be willing to put in the time when those wings can get you of the ground.” Rainbow looked Jet right in the eye. “Promise me you’ll do that; when you get off the ground, you’ll practice the other pegasi into the dust?”
Jet smiled, notebook still in mouth, and nodded vehemently. 
Dash grinned widely, “Then you got what it takes kid.”
A look of shock crossed her face, as Rainbow Dash glanced from side to side. “Uh-oh guys,” she said with a touch of concern in her voice. “I think we lost Pinkie.”
“Don’t worry Dashie,” giggled a voice to her left. “I found you.”
Dash jumped sideways, and placed her hoof over her heart again.
Jet’s eyes widened as he jumped in the air, wings flapping furiously. He hovered for a second, and then fell back to the cobble sidewalk.
Dash smiled at Jet, “See, you’ll get there.” Dash then turned to Pinkie.
“Unfortunately, I have yet to find your train of thought,” Pinkie said, with the smallest of frowns. “But never fear, Pinkamena Diane Pie Private Eye is on the case. The lost train of thought shall not stay lost forever.”
Dash took several deep breaths to slow her racing heart. “That’s okay Pinkie, I’m sure it will turn up.” Besides, she thought, I’m not so sure how much searching my heart can take.
“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie exclaimed, smile back with a vengeance. She continued in sing-song, “but only if your suuuuuuure.”
“I’m certain,” Dash answered. She then turned to see Jet approach Lorain, notebook still in mouth.
Lorain shook her head with regret. “I’m sorry, little guy; I can’t sign that for you.” 
Jet cocked his head slightly to the left, while opening his eyes as wide as possible.
Lorain shook her head again, her frown, bigger. “I still can’t do it. I’m sorry.”
Rainbow Dash walked over. “What’s the big deal?” she questioned. “It’s just a piece of paper and your name. It will take you all of five seconds.”
Lorain glared at Dash. “I wouldn’t expect you to understand, but it’s the rules.”
“Oh yeah?” Dash snapped.
“Yes,” Lorain replied curtly. “Captain Squall has a policy that outside of scheduled appearances, we are not to give out signatures. This way team members don’t get swarmed everywhere they go in public.”
It was the second time Rainbow dash had heard Lorain mention Captain Squall: something in her head clicked. “You’re a Manehaten Cyclone?” Dash questioned, in awe and disbelief.
Lorain took a shallow bow. “You are looking at the new Vice-captain of the Manehatten Cyclones.” 
Applejack and Twilight both let their jaws drop at this revelation. Dash simply stared. 
“In fact, that’s why I greeted you at the train station,” Lorain continued. She smiled at Twilight. “I have the pleasure of being your personal flight instructor for the duration of your stay in Manehatten.” 
> Boil and Trouble
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight was floored. “You don’t need to do that,” she said to Lorain.
“Oh it’s no trouble,” Lorain said sincerely. “I am happy to do it. No need to worry about inconveniencing me.” 
Rainbow Dash stepped between the princess and Lorain. “No really,” Dash said with determination. “Don’t worry about it.”
“I’m not worried,” replied Lorain with no small amount of confidence. “I know the princess just needs a nudge in the right direction.”
Dash took a step towards Lorian. “That’s not what I meant,” she said a bit more forcefully. “Twilight doesn’t need another instructor.”
Lorain's face became puzzled. “The Princess doesn’t need an instructor?” she asked, baffled. 
Rainbow shook her head. “I said she doesn’t need another instructor. She already has one.”
Lorain was even more befuddled. “She already has one? But I thought she didn’t know anyone in Manehattan.”
Dash rolled her eyes. “That’s why she brought me with her.”
“Oh.” Understanding dawned on Lorain. “Ooooh,” she repeated knowingly, with a bit of condescension. “Whatever gave you that idea?” She asked, as if she found the idea of Rainbow Dash teaching Princess Twilight anything amusing.
Twilight looked between the two arguing pegasi, uneasily.  She fake yawned, “You know what, I feel bushed. Maybe you could take us to the hotel after all?”
Applejack concurred. “And Ah am plum tuckered out myself. Ah reckon that’s a grand ol’ idea.”
“But this is so exciting to watch,” whispered Pinkie Pie. “How could you possibly want to-Oooooooh, bakery.” Pinkie was off like a shot.
Dash and Lorain seemed oblivious to both Twilight and AJ’s discomfort, and the promise of cupcakes. “I’m the best flier in Equestria,” Dash said with pride. “And I’m her friend, so of course I’m going to teach her.”
“Best young flier,” Lorain responded factually. 
“Huh?” was Dash's response.
"You are the best young flier in Equestria." Lorain's repeated. "And that's assuming everyone in your league went to that competition." 
Jet seemed to share Twilight's feelings of unease. He glanced between the two older pegasi, the turned to Babs.
Babs wholeheartedly agreed. “Well, would you look at the time,” she said as she glanced at her non existent watch. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders have another appointment. See ya later cuz.” With that, the three young ponies were off.
Dash and Lorain remained unaware of who was watching their not so private conversation. Dash was obviously irritated. 
"You weren't there," she said. "You don't know how good I am."
Lorain was straight faced. "You seem to have a high opinion of yourself."
"Why didn't you enter, huh?" challenged Dash.  "Were you afraid of getting showed up?"
Lorain shook her head. "I didn't enter because I couldn't. Members of pro-flying teams are ineligible. Otherwise you wouldn't have won."
Rainbow Dash almost exploded. "You don't know the first thing about me; what gives you the right to pass judgement?"
"I know that you have a small amount of very raw talent," Lorain stated. "That doesn't make you a teacher."
Dash flared her nostrils. "Well your opinion isn't worth a hill of straw," she huffed. Dash calmly continued. "Princess Celestia herself told me to teach Princess Twilight Sparkle to fly."
Lorain had had a level, but amiable tone up to this point. Her eyes narrowed as her tone harshened. "I can't believe you would lie like that."
"WHAT!?" Dash lost all civility as well.
"You heard me," was Lorain's answer. "We got a letter from Princess Celestia. It requested that we provide Princess Twilight with, and I quote, 'access to your facilities and her trainer'."
AJ and Twilight inhaled in unison.
"You're calling me a liar?" Rainbow Dash growled, as she stepped forward. The space between her and Lorain was as small as possible, but still existent.
"Yes, yes I am." Lorain glared back. "Even if you are best Young flier in Equestria, I'm still leagues above you."
Dash stamped a hoof. "Why don't you put your wings where your mouth is?"
"Oooooookay," Twilight stepped between the two athletes, and gently pushed Lorain back. "We all need to take a step back."
Applejack mirrored the action with Dash. "Y'all take some deep breaths."
Dash looked at her friend, "She called me a liar." Dash tried to move around Apple jack, but AJ blocked her path.
"And Twi'll get to the bottom of it," AJ said as she put a hoof on Dash's shoulder. "Just take some deep breaths, and calm down sugar cube." Applejack looked Dash right in the eye. "Reacting this way won't help."
Lorian Cloud seemed to be trying to take AJ's advice. "I'm sorry Princess Sparkle," she said with forced serenity. "I shouldn't have, lost my temper like that."
"Apology accepted," Twilight said, as she eyed the pegasus uneasily. "We all need to just too get some distance. I don't think training today would be a good idea."
Lorain glared daggers at Rainbow Dash momentarily. Dash returned the favor.
Lorain snorted and turned to the princess  "Very well, I will take you to the hotel."
"Cupcakes anypony?" Pinkie questioned as she rejoined the group, a large white pasty box balanced on her head.



The Manehatten Spire Hotel reminded Twilight of the Royal castle in Canterlot in two ways; it was tall, and it was ornately decorated. However while both clearly displayed wealth, the Spire's interior decorators had none of the tact of their castle counterparts. The decor of the suite that Twilight and her friends were staying in was like Rainbow Dash's foul mood. Over powering. 
"Lands sakes," Applejack said as she studied the room a third time. "Ah reckon that there's enough ruffles and frills here to make every dress in  Rarity's shop feel plain."  
Dash ignored the attempt at humor. "She had the nerve to call me a liar to my face." She stamped a hoof in irritation. The fluffy carpet denied her the satisfaction of a resounding crack; it mockingly absorbed her abuse.
A sugary scent wafted through Dash's nostrils as Pinkie waved a cupcake under her nose.
Pinkie swallowed her dozenth mouthful of desert. "Eat a cupcake Dashie," she said, staring intensely at the poly-chromatic pony. "They're goooooooooooooooood. I promise you'll smile, smile, smile."
"Pinkie!" cried Twilight. "You'll spill!" And I don't think the generosity of the mayor will extend to paying for damages, Twilight thought.
"What!?' Pinkie said. "And waste crumb of these delicious cupcakes? I say NEVER!"
Twilight had to admit, she'd never seen Pinkie eat so carefully or tidily before.
Dash stared at the pink pastry enthusiast. 
Pinkie quickly retracted the cupcake, eyed it, and swallowed it whole, without the wrapper. "MMMMMMMMMMMMM," she hummed contently.
Dash started pacing again. "Why would I lie about something like that?" A hoof was placed gently on her shoulder. Dash looked up to see Twilight's concerned face. 
"I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding," Twilight said with a smile. 
"We'll get to the bottom of this tomorrow," Applejack added, as she put a foreleg around the pegasus. "For now, just enjoy the luxury."
Rainbow dash glanced around the bedizened room. "How did we end up in a place this gaudy?"
Twilight turned red. "Something about the mayor...wanting to make sure that the official representative of Celestial was comfortable."
Dash whistled. "Sounds like the Mayor thinks your pretty special Twi," she said knowingly, as she nudged her friend. 
"Wh-at?" Twi's blush deepened.  
Applejack joined in the good-natured ribbing. "Looks like ya found a very special some-pony."
"He's put you up in the swankiest hotel," Dash added.
"Had the vice captain of his flying team pick you up at the station," Applejack continued.
"Girls," Twilight pleaded.
"Hey, were just saying," Dash said.
"As your friends," Applejack added.
"Can I host the bachelorette party?" Pinkie cut in.
All three ponies smirked at Twilight, who's face was so red it clashed with the rest of her body.
"They always do this when royalty visits Manehattan on  official business," Twilight said weakly.
"Riiiiiiiiiight," Rainbow Dash said while rolling her eyes.
Pinkie had a more pressing concern on her mind. "Anypony else want the last cupcake?"
> The Mended Spine
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"What in the hay do you mean, I can't come in?" Dash asked angrily. She wasn't shouting, but she wasn't talking either.
"I'm sorry miss, but I believe the meaning is obvious," the guard replied, as he eyed the three ponies in front of him.
The four friends had woken up that morning, and eaten a luxurious breakfast (courtesy of Mayor Rook's pocketbook). Pinkie Pie had babbled something about searching for castanets, Rainbow Dash's train of thought, and acquiring more cupcakes, before disappearing as only she could.
Twilight, Dash, and Applejack had come down to the training facility so that Twilight could get some practice in. That, is when the morning had turned south. The stocky pegasus security guard refused to admit Rainbow Dash into the the large hanger like building.
Twilight looked between the guard and Dash. "It's okay Dash, we can go do something else." 
"I appreciate what you're saying Twi," Dash said. "But I'm not going to put you in that position." She took a deep breath. "Princess Celestia sent you here to learn to fly. Go on in, I'll be fine."
Twilight wasn't convinced. "Princess Celestia also said that you were supposed to be my teacher."
"'Sides," added Applejack, "Ah'm not so fond of ponies that are so exclusive."
Twilight looked at the tall buildings that surrounded them. "You can teach me to fly out here."
Dash gave a very dry smile. "I wasn't kidding when I said these facilities were top notch." She then glanced at the tall buildings around them. "Besides, these buildings act as a wind funnel. They are the last place a beginner should learn to fly."
Twilight decided not to question Dash on this point. She still felt uneasy leaving her friend outside, however. "I'll go talk to Captain Squall right now, and sort this out."
The guard shook his head. "You wont be able to talk to him right now. There is an exhibition race later this week against the Las Pegasus Harlequins; he's in meetings with public officials until much later in the day."
"Would I be able to schedule an appointment with him?" Princess Sparkle asked. "This is very important."
"Almost definitely," the guard replied. "It wouldn't be until much later in the day, though." 
I can't believe I'm saying this, thought Rainbow Dash. "Just go get your training done for the day, and talk to the Captain later. I'll be fine." It'll kill me inside, but other than that fine.
It wasn't the first time Twilight had seen Dash put her friends first, but she could hardly believe that she was going to let this go.
"Are you sure?" Twilight winced as she asked the question. It sounded weak to her, but what else could she say?
"I'll keep her company," Applejack said. "You go get a flyin'..." She trailed off as the guard cleared his throat into his hoof. "Ya' have a cold there, pardner?" The country pony asked.
"Actually, I believe Vice-Captain Cloud wanted to speak with you, Miss Applejack." For such a big stallion, the guard looked surprisingly sheepish as he said this.
"Aww, seriously?" Rainbow Dash was incredulous.
"Yeah," added Applejack. "What gives?"
The guard looked sadly at Dash. "I'm truly sorry, but I don't give the orders, I just enforce them."
"Whatever," Dash growled. "You two go, I'll be fine." After assuring her friends that she would indeed be fine, Rainbow Dash watched them disappear into the building. Without a second word to the guard, Dash took off, leaving a distinct contrail in her wake.



As soon as she stepped through the door, Twilight ran into a familiar face. Literally.
"Ow," the other pony grunted, taking a step backwards down the hallway to steady herself.
"Ohmigosh," Twilight cried as she saw the other pony grab her muzzle in hoof. "Are you all right? I'm so sorry."
Lorain shook her head, and then seemed to notice who exactly she ran into. "Your highness," she said with a slight bow. "Completely my fault. I should watch where I'm walking."
Twilight's eye twitched slightly. She took a deep breath. "So what's first on the training schedule today?" Twilight cringed as she imagined what Stygian horrors she would be exposed to today.
"Stretching," Lorain said.
"Stretching?" Twilight took a deep breath of relief. That doesn't sound too bad. "I can do that."
Lorain smiled. "Good to hear princess. I'll show you where you will begin stretching."
"You won't be stretching with me?" Confusion was evident in Twilight's tone.
"Not at first, I need a brief word with Miss Applejack."
"But what about my..." Twilight fluttered her wings nervously.
"Stretch everything else first, then I'll show you how to stretch your wings," Lorain said.
Lorain led the two ponies down several flights of stairs, and through a maze of boring grey hallways. She stopped in front of a door no different from dozens that they had passed. "This is the place, your highness," Lorain said to Twilight. "If you'd care to get started in here, I'll only be a moment."
Twilight walked into the room and blinked. Why are we in a classroom, she wondered. Oh it was lacking desks, and the school foals nervously awaiting the start of class. Those elements aside, it could have been any classroom Twilight had been in before, from the light fixtures, to the chalk board, to the brand of chalk. White lightning, that brings back memories. Twilight shook herself out of her daydream. Focus, she commanded herself. With that she began to stretch.
True to her word, Lorain entered the room before Twilight had even finished stretching. Lorain joined her for the finishing leg stretches, and afterward showed Twilight several ways to stretch out her flight muscles. Lorain then gave Twilight a notebook, emblazoned with the cyclones logo, a grey tornado.
"Today, Princess Sparkle," Lorain said. "We will be going over vital information. If we get all that covered, to my satisfaction we might even get to some flying today."
Twilight's eye twitched, yet again at the mention of her title.
"So, your highness," Lorain continued, "When was the last time you brushed your horn?"
"This morning," Twilight answered instantly. "Right before I brushed my mane." 
"Do you do this every morning?" was Lorain's follow up question.
"Yes," Twilight answered, unsure what this question had to do with flying.
Lorian looked Twilight in the eyes. "Would you ever skip a morning?"
Twilight was affronted. "Never."
"Why?" Asked Lorain.
Twilight felt like she was back in Mrs Catterbarks class. "Because proper horn care is vital, for a unicorn's magic." Twilight took a breath before continuing. "If one does not properly maintain the focus for their power, it becomes harder and more dangerous to cast spells, especially as the difficulty of the spells increase."
"Very good," Lorain said, obviously happy with what she had heard. "Now, when was the last time you preened your wings?"
"Uhhhhhhhhh," Twilight could not recall.
Lorain shook her head. "Your answer Princess Sparkle, from this day forth, should be, either 'This morning,' or something more recent. Just as proper horn-care is vital to magic," Lorain continued, "So is preening to flight." Lorain smiled. "Which brings us to today's topic; proper procedures for grooming your wings."



Rainbow Dash wasn't certain how many times she flew past 'The Mended Spine' before realizing it was a book store. 
Dash was frustrated. Not at her friends; Twilight had a lot on her plate right now. Gaining wings and becoming an alicorn, being made royalty, almost losing an element of harmony. For the same reasons, she didn't blame Applejack for going with Twilight. Twi gets a bit crazy when too many things go haywire at once, Dash thought.
No, Rainbow dash was frustrated with one pony in particular. She thinks she's so special because she's vice-captain of the Cyclones Dash thought. Ha! Vain is more like it. What non-unicorn takes enough time to braid her mane every morning?
Dash pushed thoughts of Lorain from her head, as she pushed open the door to The Mended Spine. I need a good book, thought Dash, as she failed to notice the tinkling bell attached to the door. One word filled her head, Wow.
The store's walls were bookshelves, each crammed to bursting with different tomes. Their variation in size and color made her mane seem boring. The state of the books showed just as much variety. Some looked ancient, while others seemed brand new.
It's as if the entire Golden Oaks Library was crammed into this room, thought Rainbow Dash. In the back corner she noticed a register and a counter. Both looked like after thoughts. Behind the counter on the opposite side from the store front, was a curtained doorway.
"I'm coming," a muffled voice called through the drapes. A pale green unicorn brushed aside the curtains, and stepped up to the counter. Rainbow Dash caught a glimpse of his cutie mark, a closed leather bound book. "Tell, me," he asked. "From where does the moon rise in these parts?"
"The east," Rainbow Dash said. That's a weird question. 
The shop keeper smiled. "That was my answer too. Some drifter asked me that the other day. Completely floored me." The unicorn the pointed to himself. "Xander O'Phil, at your service. What brings you to the mended spine today."
"I'm looking for a book to read," Dash said, as she eyed the shelves. "You don't happen to have anything by Scorching Quill, do you?"
"Big fan of his work myself," Xander acknowledged. "I'm afraid I don't currently have any of his books in stock." He gestured at the shelves surrounding them. "This is a used bookstore, and most ponies don't ever get rid of his work."
Dash nodded. "Yeah, I understand why."
Xander thought for a moment, before grabbing a good sized novel off of a shelf near the counter. "If you like his style, might I recommend the Anika Beck series, by E. Rook?"
Dash thought for a moment. "I've never heard of him before."
"He's not as widely read as Scorching Quill," said Xander. "but, I find his tales just as engaging."
"What's it about?"
"A young Policemare, Anika Beck, is the main character," Xander said. "It's a mystery series, and I just so happen to have the first book right here."
"Interesting, How much for the book?" Dash asked.
Before Xander could respond, the bell chimed. A faint gust of wind blew through the shop.
"Just a moment, miss," Xander said. Turning to the newcomer, "Glad to see you're back from your deliveries. I just finished the custom binding for Silkie Flair's copy of 'Beck and Call' and 'Death Beckons'. Could you take it over now?"
Rainbow Dash turned around to see who he was talking to. She saw a familiar grey-blue foal, with empty saddle bags.
"Jet?" she asked.
Jet grinned and nodded. He then gave dash a bro hoof. His eyes then fell on the book sitting on the counter. He pointed at it, then at himself. He repeated the action several times.
"Are you sure?" Xander asked.
Jet nodded furiously, and then walked around the counter and into the back of the store. He disappeared momentarily through the curtains, before reemerging, this time with noticeably fuller saddle bags. He touched his helmet in salute to Dash, before exiting through the door.
Dash looked at Xander. "Does Jet work here?" she asked.
"Oh indeed," Xander said vigorously. "My nephew is the best delivery pony I've ever had. He's fast as the wind on that scooter of his, and completely reliable. He's worth every bit," Xander paused for a second. "More in fact, but his dad wouldn't let me pay that much. How do you know him?"
"Oh I met him and a couple of his friends by the train station yesterday," Dash said. She went on to explain how she knew Babs.
"Did you sign his signature book?" asked Xander.
"Yeah," Dash answered slowly. "Why?"
"He floated home last night," grinned Xander. "He was happy, because his hero had signed his signature book."
Rainbow Dash blushed. "Anything for a future flier."
Xander was thoughtful. "That explains why he wanted to pay for your book?"
"Huh?" Dash couldn't believe it. "That's sweet and all, but-"
"Don't worry about it," Xander said. "I won't dock his pay. I'll give you the book."
"What?"
Xander was adamant. "It's perfect; he still earns money, and I don't feel like a tightwad."
"But-" Dash was at a loss for words. "Your shop-"
"Meh." Xander rolled his eyes. "I make all my money in restoration anyway. I have a contract with the museum."
Dash didn't know what to say. Thankfully Xander did.
"In fact," he said with pride, "You should see what I was commissioned to do to a Daring Do book. I can't sell it to you," he added quickly. "But I would love to see what a fellow fan thinks."
It's the least I can do, she thought. "Sure."
With that, Xander led her behind the counter to the doorway. "Step into my work shop," he said.
> Invitations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Where could she be?" Twilight wondered. She was anxious. The lack of flying had little to do with it.
Lorain had spent the entire day, save a brief break for lunch, drilling Twilight on proper wing care. Twilight had actually found the subject matter interesting. Only two thing marred the lessons. Her concern for how Rainbow Dash was first. Lorain's constant use of Twilights newly acquired title, a close second.
"Calm down, princess," began Applejack.
Something in Twilight snapped. "Don't call me that!" Twilight spun to face AJ, wings slightly flared. AJ's eyes shifted nervously between Twi's sparking horn, and her twitchy left eye. "I swear if one more pony calls me by that stupid title today, I'll-"
"Simmer down Twilight," said a surprisingly calm AJ. 
Twilight took a deep breath. Her expression went from equicidal, to frustrated and embarrassed.
"Sorry," Twilight said, rubbing the back of her neck with her hoof. "It's just all day with Lorain, it was 'Yes your highness' and 'no Princess' and frankly I'm sick of it." Twilight took a shallow breath, and continued. "Then there's the fact that the Cyclones let us into their training facility, and not Rainbow Dash." Twilight's eye, was twitching again.
"Deep breaths Twi," Applejack said.
Twilight's eye ceased jerking as she followed Applejack's advice: however, her wings picked up the nervous tic.
"Yeah," chimed Pinkie, from her spot on the fluffy couch. "Have a cupcake."
The coffee table in front of Pinkie was pilled high with a baker's dozen pastry boxes; each a different color and sporting a different logo. When they had met her back at the hotel room, Pinkie claimed that these 13 boxes represented the 13 best bakeries in Manehatten. Twilight and Applejack knew better than to question their friend.
"Hmmmm," Pinkie thought out loud. She was currently weighing a cupcake in either hoof, both missing a bite so dainty, it would make Rarity proud. "Would a Deborah J. Sucre cupcake cheer Twilight up more, or would Ivan Sing's?"
Twilight smiled at her rosy friend. "I appreciate the thought Pinkie, but I'm not really in the mood for a cupcake right now."
"Oh well," Pinkie said cheerfully. "More for me."
Applejack whistled. "Those cupcakes must be sumtin powerful, if Pinkie's not going ta try ta force feed ya one."
Twilight simply nodded in agreement. Then a look of surprise crossed her face. "I can't believe I forgot," Twi said as she face-hoofed. "What did Lorain want to talk to you about?"
"Oh, that." Applejack grinned widely. "Seems she witnessed mah performance at the Equestria Rodeo competition." Applejack flexed her hind legs. "She was so impressed with Bucky McGillycuddy and Kicks McGee, she wanted me ta show the other Cyclones exactly what ya can do with a pair of properly toned legs. I spent the whole day teachin' them proper applebuckin' techniques."
"Ooooh, ooh," Pinkie squealed joyfully as she interrupted their conversation.
Twilight eyed the mare as she joyfully bounced up and down. "What is it, Pinkie," she asked. 
"Pinkie sense," she said. "Let's see; numb tail, wiggly nose," Pinkie stuck out her tongue. "Twidgy twung." She stopped talking and emitted a happy squeak. "That means somepony is going to invite us to a party."
"Hold on a sec, there," Applejack said. "Why didn't ya get that there feelin' when we was plannin' your surprise party?"
"I did," Pinkie said, still bouncing up and down. "I just didn't know what it meant."
"Oh." Applejack shook her head and turned back to Twilight. "Any way, how did your meeting with Captain Squall go?"
Twilight let out a loud groan.
"That bad huh?" Applejack said knowingly. "Was he unhelpful?" 
"Not purposefully," Twilight said. "Turns out they didn't get a letter from Celestia herself. They got a official note from the mayor's office." Twilight continued, grimly. "Captain Squall even let me see it."
"Well," asked AJ. "What did it say?"
"It was all official, and verbose," Twilight said. "The important part is it did indeed say that Celestia asked that they provide me with, 'complete access to the training facilities and her trainer.'"
"Oh ponyfeathers," Applejack huffed. 
"So now I have to try to set an appointment with Mayor Rook," Twilight added.
A smirk appeared on Applejack's face. "Well that shouldn't be to hard, seen as he's sweet on ya."
Twilight was afraid if she blushed anymore, it might stain her coat. "I told you," she replied softly. "They do this for all visiting royalty."
Applejack rolled her eyes. "All Ah am sayin' is hes practically eatin' out of your hoof already. You just say Dash is supposed ta teach ya, and he'll-"
There was a knock at the door to the suite, sparing Twilight from hearing exactly what Mayor Rook would do.
Twilight let out a sigh of relief. That must be Rainbow Dash, she thought.
Twilight wrapped the doorknob in her magic as she approached it. "Where have you been...Rainbow..." Twilight trailed off. The blue-grey pegasus colt was not Rainbow Dash.
"Hi Jet," Pinkie called from the couch. "Come on in and have a cupcake."
Twilight decided not to question how Pinkie knew Jet was at the door, since Pinkies line of vision was blocked by the door itself, and by Twilight's body. It's probably better for my sanity.
Jet stepped into the room, and rifled through his saddle bags. He emerged with a folded sheet of paper in mouth: he promptly gave it to Twilight. After touching his black helmet in salute, he wandered over to Pinkie. 
"What have ya got there, Twi'?" Applejack asked. 
"I'm-not sure," Twi said. She didn't recognize the seal; it was a large bird, one whose name escaped her. If Fluttershy was here, she could tell me what it is. Twilight shook her head. Fluttershy, Spike and Rarity were going to join them in Manehatten tomorrow. The only reason Rarity had not come with them earlier, was her desire to bring everything she could possibly need in the Fashion Center of Equestria. Spike, and Flutter shy had both been roped into helping her pack. 
Wit another flash of magic, Twilight opened the message, carefully preserving the seal.



Princess Twilight Sparkle,

You are cordially invited to attend a party held in your honor. It will be held 6:00 Wednesday evening, in the Ballroom of the Manehattan Spire Hotel. Attire will be formal; refreshments shall be provided. We would be happy if you and your entourage would attend.

See you then,
Mayor Edgar Rook



The letter fell as panic filled Twilight's brain. "What do I do?" she asked no pony in particular. Something snagged inside her head. "WhatdoIdoWhatdoIdoWhatdoI-"
Jet starred at the princess, Applejack at the letter; thankfully, Pinkie acted. With a flick of her foreleg, she launched a bit of cupcake. It sailed through the air.
"Mmmmph," Twilight said, as something chocolaty with butter-cream frosting cut off her cry. 
Pinkie thrust both her forelegs in the air. "Woooohooo! Three points. Now chew," she commanded.
Twilight was happy to comply. This tastes divine.
"Good," Pinkie said happily. "Now swallow."
Twilight complied, as Applejack picked up the invitation and read it. 
"What's with all the panicin'?" Applejack asked. She smirked slightly. "Unless ya are sweet on this Mayor Rook fella."
The panicked look returned to Twi's eyes, though not as extreme. "It's a high society function," she said, as her wings began shaking nervously. "Need I remind you of the Gala?"
Applejack winced slightly at the memory. "That bad?"
Princess Sparkle nodded. "If not worse. We're in the heart of pony fashion in Equestria. The only place that might have fancier parties is Prance."
Pinkie gasped. "You just made a party sound-sound-un-fun!" Pinkie held her chin in hoof for a second. "I don't know Twilight," she said incredulously. "I've been club-ing in Manehatten before. Let me tell yooooooooooooooou," she continued cheeriness back. "These ponies know how toooooooooo paaaaaaaaaaaaaar-teeeee."
Twilight's mouth and brain decided to make a joint break for freedom. She started panting as if her lungs were trying to catch up. "I don't know if I can do this! Have every pony looking at me, expecting me to be the life of the party." She began pacing, as her breathing shallowed. "I'm not Pinkie Pie. If it were press conference that would be different. For that I just have to answer questions. But this, I need to impress everypony. What if they don't like me? If I make a bad impression Celestia could have imprisoned. Or banished! OrImpriosnedInThePlaceIWasBanishedTo!"  She Took a rattling gasp, that seemed to shake the room. "WhatdoIdoWhatdoIdoWhatdoI-"
Applejack gave her nervous friend a hug, as Jet looked at Pinkie Pie and raised an eyebrow.
"You know what Jet," Pinkie said as she handed the colt another cupcake. "I think you're right. Twilight is being super paranoid."
Jet's other eyebrow rose in shock, as AJ's and Twilight's jaws dropped.
"Ya can understand him?" Applejack said, as Twilight impersonated a fish.
Pinkie looked up from the cupcake she was unwrapping. "Well duh. He was being pretty clear."
Applejack turned to Jet who merely shrugged.  
"You are speaking plain equish," Pinkie replied to the young colt. "It's not like you were speaking griffin or something."
Jet nodded in agreement, then stood and headed for the door. 
"Oooooh, I totally understand Jet," Pinkie said, as she raced to open the door. "You need to get back to your deliveries, so you can go hang out with the CMC's. Thanks for carrying the invite up, I'm sure that the bellhop appreciated it."
Jet paused at the door to salute again, then turned and vanished.
Twilight decided to once again ignore Pinkie's pinkieness, for the sake of her sanity. She then groaned, remembering something from the invite. "Oh no."
"What?" Applejack and Pinkie said in unison.
"Jinx!" Pinkie cried happily. "You owe me some cider."
"The party is in two days," Twilight said. "That means tomorrow evening we'll have to go dress shopping."
"So-oh!" Applejack said as realization dawned on her. "Rarity gets in tomorrow, consarnit."
Pinkie vibrated wildly. "Don't worry about it," she said with her signature smile. "You don't have to go dress shopping tomorrow."
"Why not?" Twilight asked.
"I don't know," was her answer. "But the Pinkie sense is never wrong."
Before either mare could decide to comment, the door to the suite burst open.
"Hi Rainbow Dash," Pinkie squealed. "Want a cupcake?"
"een aw sehk," Dash muttered, around a mouth full of book. Realizing this, she grabbed the book in hoof, and gently set it down on an end-table. "Pwah, sorry. In a sec Pinkie." Dash turned to Twilight. "Twi, I just saw the most awesome thing ever!"
"Was it an aerial stunt show?" asked Applejack.
"What? No," Dash shook her head. "It-"
"Oooooh! Oooooh!" Pinkie interjected. "Was it a multi-layered mascarpone mint cake, topped with marshmallow frosting, marzipan and meringue?"
Dash rolled her eyes. "No. It-"
"How about a perilously perched peach pie pilled plentifully with plum preserves? Or a calefacient caballine chocolate cherrychanga?" Pinkie paused briefly. "Or would that be a calefacient caballine chocolate chimicherry? Chimicherry-cherrychanga? Chimicherry-cherrychanga? Chimich-"
Applejack placed a hoof over Pinkie's mouth. "Now don't be startin' that again." Applejack shuddered at the memory.
"Mmmmkhhhh," Pinkie promised.
Twilight turned back to Rainbow Dash. "What was it?"
"You know those old pre-equestrian books?" Rainbow asked Twilight. "The ones that where painstakingly crafted, not printed?"
"Yes," Twilight said, obviously puzzled. "I know the Manehattan Museum has several fine examples-"
"Imagine that," Rainbow said as she interrupted Twilight, "but it's a Daring Do book."
The princess let out a fillyish squeal. "Ohmigosh! That's-"
"Amazing!" Dash, Twilight, and a third pony finished in unison. 
"Jinx!" Pinkie continued happily. "Now both of you owe me some cider too."
"Where did you see it?" Twilight asked, ignoring Pinkie's outburst.
Dash smiled. "After you guy's went inside, I decided to fly around Manehatten."
Twilight winced as she thought about Dash being locked out of the training facility. Dash continued on cheerfully. 
"I saw this book shop downtown, and decided to see what they had." Dash pointed to the book she had set down on the end table. "I bought a book, the owner and I got to talking and he decided to show me a project he was working on for a private commission."
Twilight whistled. "That sounds great."
Dash seemed to realize she was talking about books. "It's okay: I mean, if your into that stuff."
Twilight shook her head. Rainbow Dash always has to keep up her cool appearance, she thought. Just like the time I introduced her to the Daring Do series in the first place.
"How about you?" Dash asked Twilight. "What did you do all day? I bet the training facility was awesome."
Twilight could hear a tinny bet of sadness in Rainbow Dash's voice. 
"I didn't see much of it," Twilight replied. "I spent the whole day in a classroom."
"Huh?" Confusion was apparent on Dash's face. "What did you go over today?"
"The importance of proper preening," was Twilight's answer. "I feel silly for never having done it before."
Dash's jaw dropped. "You've never preened your wings?" Her shock grew when Twilight shook her head. "But that something every peagsus foal is taught as-" realization dawned on Dash's face. "Oh...right, heh-heh. New wings."
"Yep," Twilight said. "Wait, you said you bought a book. Which one?" Without waiting for an answer, she looked at the cover of the book on the table. There was a silhouette of a unicorn mare, imposed over a grinning skull. "Death Beckons?" She asked.
"Yeah, the store owner recommended it. Why,"  Dash asked. "Is it good?"
"It's worth reading." Twilight had a happy look on her face. "E. Rook may not be Scorching Quill, but he has style. His Anika Beck series is his best work, in my opinion."
"Sounds exciting," Dash said. "Any way, what did you three do for the rest of the day?"
Dash listened patiently, as pinkie explained about searching for the train of thought, sampling cupcakes and questing for castanets; Applejack stated hesitantly what Lorain had wanted and Twilight told to her meeting with Captain Squall. 
"I knew she was lying," Dash said when Twilight finished.
"I'm not sure if you could call it lying," the princess responded. "I don't think she ever saw the letter, misinformed is more accurate."
Dash blew a raspberry, as Twilight continued. "So now I need to set up a meeting with Mayor Rook."
"That's silly," added Pinkie. "Why don't you just ask him at the party?"
Rainbow Dash wanted to know, "what party?"
Twilight face-hoofed, when Applejack answered. "Why Wednesday evening, the esteemed mayor is hostin' a shindig in Twi's honor."
Dash had only one more question. "So," she asked smugly. "You guys pick a date yet?"