“You all realize that if we don’t get any answers out here, we’re in… like… the most trouble of our lives, right?” Scootaloo pushed some vines out of the way as the Crusaders traveled farther into the Everfree Forest. When class had been dismissed, Sweetie Belle and the others had hung back until Miss Cheerilee walked out to the front steps to see the class off. Then, the trio had crawled out the side window. Not the most graceful as far as escape plans went, but it had done the job.

Sweetie Belle was sure they’d get answers, but she wasn’t as convinced that they’d like them. For example—why hadn’t Lilymoon been at school today? She hoped nothing bad had happened to her friend.

“I got a better question,” Apple Bloom said. “How are we s’posta find this peryton? Anypony remember what we’re s’posta say?”

Sweetie Belle had been thinking about that. They didn’t have Auntie Eclipse’s spell book, or cupcakes, or any other things from the night before. But Sweetie Belle wasn’t sure they needed them.

“I think we just have to find a place that’s dark and quiet,” Sweetie Belle said. She took in her surroundings. The trees blocked most of the late-afternoon sun. “Like somewhere over—” Apple Bloom covered Sweetie Belle’s mouth and made a shushing noise. Sweetie Belle listened. She could hear ponies nearby, whispering! But before she could even think about what to do next, Scootaloo threw herself on the ground.

“You found us!” Scootaloo wailed. “I’m sorry, Rainbow Dash! Please don’t tell Auntie Lofty and Aunt Holiday! I don’t want to be grounded foreverrrrrrrrrr!”

Lilymoon and Ambermoon stuck their heads out from behind a large oak tree and stared at Scootaloo.

“What are you wailing about?” asked Ambermoon.

Scootaloo jumped up and dusted herself off. “Nothing,” she said quickly. “I knew it was you.” The sisters joined the Crusaders. They were both wearing packs. Nopony said anything for a few seconds. Sweetie Belle could feel the tension in the air.

“We were worried when we didn’t see you at school today,” Apple Bloom said. Lilymoon glanced at her sister. Ambermoon nodded.

“Mother made me stay home,” Lilymoon explained. “She wants to take me out of school for good.”

“She told us we weren’t allowed to leave the house,” Ambermoon added grimly.

“So… what are you doing out here?” Scootaloo asked.

“Listen. You accused our family of a lot of things last night—” Ambermoon began.

“Because—” Apple Bloom tried to cut in, but Ambermoon held up a hoof to stop her.

“But you’re our friends. The first friends we’ve had in a long time. Lilymoon and I think maybe you were right to question the things that have been going on. So when our parents left for the market, we went out to get some answers.” Lilymoon used her magic to pull Auntie Eclipse’s spell book out of her pack.

“We thought we would start by—”

“Finding the peryton!” Sweetie Belle finished. “Same here. We sneaked off after school. We’re grounded, too.”

“Well then,” Ambermoon muttered, “let’s get moving.” She began lifting supplies out of her pack. Lilymoon opened the spell book. Apple Bloom looked at Sweetie Belle and nodded as if to say, Speak up. Sweetie Belle cleared her throat.

“I… don’t think any of that is necessary,” she said. The sisters stopped what they were doing.

Lilymoon glanced at her cutie mark and sighed. “I was hoping finding the peryton again would help me understand my cutie mark. But you obviously have more of a connection with it. Tell us what to do.” Everypony turned to Sweetie Belle expectantly.

She wasn’t sure her idea would work, but there was only one way to find out. Sweetie Belle closed her eyes.

“A rose has thorns to keep it safe,” she whispered, “but ponies have not one.” The Forest seemed to grow quieter around her. “A wild rose blooms where it is placed, but ponies seek the sun.” She could hear the faintest tinkling of bells. “A rose is sweet and beautiful; its scent is lush and rare. But a pony’s love is greater yet, and nothing can compare.” The bells grew louder. “So if I had to choose between a rose and pony friend, I’d throw away the flower quick, and keep you till the end.” Sweetie Belle looked up to see the peryton’s glowing white eyes staring at her. It glanced at the others and pawed the ground nervously.

“Wow,” Scootaloo whispered.

“Hey, Smarty-hoof,” Sweetie Belle said, grinning. “We were hoping you could help us get some answers.” The peryton turned and studied Lilymoon and Ambermoon, unsure. Suddenly it leaped into the air and flew deeper into the Everfree Forest. It landed a short distance away and turned back to the fillies. The bells chimed impatiently. Sweetie Belle looked at the others. “I guess we’re going that way.”