The Youngest Alicorn

Soon, the month of April had passed, and it was the night of Lily's birthday party. She fidgeted nervously as Rarity prepared her for her birthday party. She had gotten Lily into her outfit with the help of Rosebud, Foamy, Lav, and Morning, and had asked for some privacy with Lily to give her advice.

"Please stop fidgeting, Lily, darling."

"I understand your nervousness, but acting so will not solve your problems." Rarity smiled reassuringly. "I felt the same way when I first made my debut into Canterlot's society." She frowned slightly, and mussed with Lily's mane, before smiling with satisfaction. "Just have confidence, darling!"

Lily swallowed. "B-but, what if I make a fool of myself? What if I say something stupid? I'll be laughed at forever!"

"Hush now, dear. Yes, you may do something silly or embarrassing, but you should not be worrying. All you have to do is walk into that ballroom like you own the place, which technically, you do! Besides, all that matters is that it is your birthday, and to act like yourself."

"Okay..."

Rarity brought Lily's face up. "There's a dear. Now, smile, hold your head up high, and make some friends! I asked Princess Celestia, and she told me that there would be many fillies and colts here tonight that could be your friends."

Lily frowned. "I'm not really comfortable with being friends with a bunch of stuck-up prissies."

"Yes, yes, many of the nobles are annoying. I'm also sorry that we had to invite many of the annoying ones and their children, but I assure you, Lily, that we also invited foals with your same interests. I also know quite a few of their parents, and rest easily, because they're all very nice." Lily nodded, and put on a confident smile. "Good girl!" Rarity carefully smoothed Lily's mane. "Now, look at yourself in the mirror!"

Lily did so, and was pleased with she saw. A turquoise blouse with a flipped collar rested on her torso, with a long, dragging gray skirt behind it. The end of the skirt had silver coloring that went up and down the skirt, with eighth notes on it, just like her cutie mark. Her hair had been put into a ponytail, and a small, golden crown was on her head.

"Follow me," said Rarity, smiling.

Rarity led Lily out of Lily's bedroom, and into another room just outside of where she, the Elements of Harmony, and the Princesses would all enter. Twilight, AJ, and Rainbow all smiled comfortingly at Lily, who smiled somewhat weakly in response.

"Are you ready, Lily?" Fluttershy softly hugged the slightly trembling Lily, who let out a meek "yes." Fluttershy giggled.

"I'm really, really really, *really, REALLY, REEEEEAAALLLLLLYYY*** excited!!!!!" Pinkie Pie suddenly burst out behind Fluttershy and Lily, who both let out startled "eeks!" Pinkie chuckled nervously. "Eh heh heh, sorry 'bout that!"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Just calm down, Pinkie. After what happened at the Gala, I don't think that the guests out in the ballroom will be too pleased to see you again."

"Yeah, Pinks," agreed Rainbow. "You need to take it down, like, 20 or so notches."

Pinkie pouted. "Aww, but calming down is soooo boring!"

"We ain't sayin' that ya shouldn' act like yerself," AJ said, "but ya really should respect their personal space. Just 'cuz we're used to yer random hugs doesn' mean that they will."

Pinkie nodded sharply, and saluted. "Roger that!" She then turned to Lily. "Don't worry, I'll try my extra bestest not to let ANYTHING ruin this party!"

"Thank you, Pinkie." Twilight sighed. "It's a shame that Cadance and Shining Armor couldn't be here, though."

"How come?" Lily asked her.

"Well, they wrote to me about a small pocket of Windigos up in the North. The Crystal Heart can repel them, but Shiny felt that it would be smarter to deal with them before they turn their eyes to the south..."

Celestia cleared her throat, and they turned to face her. "Alright, everypony, they'll announce our entrance soon."

"Do not be fearful, Lily," said Luna. "After all, this is a party for you."

A soft knocking came at the door, and Celestia smiled at those gathered in the room. "I believe that this is our cue."

"FILLIES AND GENTLECOLTS, THE HEROES OF OUR KINGDOM, THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY!"

Twilight, AJ, Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Spike all stepped out into the ballroom, and the three princesses heard the cheering and hoof stomps of the guests of the party. Luna quickly grasped Lily's hoof, and gave her a look of encouragement.

"THEIR ROYAL MAJESTIES, PRINCESSES CELESTIA AND LUNA!!"

"Break a leg, Lily," whispered Celestia quickly. She and Luna stepped out of the room as well. There was a slight pause before the cheering this time, which was most likely everypony bowing to the two of them.

Lily, who was very nervous, took large breaths to prevent herself from hyperventilating.

"FINALLY, THE HOST OF THIS PARTY, PRINCESS LILY NOTE!!!"

Lily closed her eyes, took one last deep breath, and stepped outside. Luna and Celestia were on her left, both smiling at her. On her right stood Twilight and her friends. As for what lay below...

Countless amounts amounts of ponies, both young and old, were dressed in the finest that the Canterlot nobles could buy. Well, except for her friends from High Hopes. Lily had asked Luna if they could donate some outfits to them (nothing too fancy, but something that none of the nobles could insult). Luna had agreed, and sent invitations via Silver to Sunny Smiles.

Lily found more nervousness creeping into her mind, making her want to hide in a corner, but she quickly pushed it out of sight for the time being. Now was not the time to give up. She was surprised when the guests cheered her arrival, seeing as how she had only been a member of royalty for under a month, and she had been spending almost every second of it being prepared by Luna and Celestia for this moment. She had not met any of the nobles at all, except for Fancy Pants, who Rarity had stressed upon that he be the first one Lily should meet. He had been very pleasant, and Lily was looking forward to seeing him again, and to meet his wife, Fleur Dis Lee.

Luna and Celestia stood at the center of the balcony, on either side of Lily.

"Thank you, everypony, for attending this party," announced Celestia to the crowd, once they had calmed down.

Luna nodded. "Indeed. We look forward to a night full of pleasantries. Let the festivities commence!"

Twilight and her friends immediately descended the stairs, giggling and chattering all the while. Once they had reached the bottom, Lily, Luna, and Celestia also descended.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't say something myself," said Lily to Luna as they walked down the stairs. "I got too nervous."

"It's quite alright, Lily," said Luna easingly. "It's perfectly understandable. Just tell Celly and I when you are comfortable, and we'll let you announce openings to parties! Now, brace yourself..."

Lily gulped, and did so, as a crowd of nobles descended upon the three princesses.

"How did you become an alicorn, Princess Lily?"

"Oh, your mane looks ever so beautiful, Princess!"

"How did the Princesses find out about you?"

"Princess Lily, it would honor me if you could talk with my filly!"

The nobles kept talking over each other, until Lily could barely make out a sentence. She tried to respond politely, but she found herself becoming frustrated as none of them ever let her finish.

"Princess, I-"

"Princess, my children would-"

"Oh, Princess Lily, what a marvelous gown-"

"Princess-"

Princess-"

Princess-"

"Alright, my friends, I daresay that this is enough for the new princess."

Lily turned around to thank her sudden savior, and was overjoyed to see that it was Fancy Pants. He was wearing a well-tailored tuxedo instead of his signature tail-coats jacket look today. His wife, Fleur Dis Lee, was wearing an elegant champagne pink gown that clung attractively to her body, showing off her natural curves. It had a slightly dragging skirt, and the whole dress was embedded with pearls here and there. Luna and Celestia also smiled at his well-timed interruption.

"Ah, Fancy Pants," said Celestia. "It is good to see you again."

Fancy Pants smiled at the three princesses. "The same to you three." He turned to his wife. "I don't believe you've met Princess Lily Note yet, right Fleur?"

Fleur smiled. "Not yet, my love. Happy birthday, Princess," she said, turning to Lily.

"Thank you," replied Lily.

Celestia began a conversation with Fancy Pants and Fleur, leaving Luna and Lily to leave and socialize. Eventually, they found Sunny Smiles.

"Princess Luna! Lily! Oh, it's so good to see you again!" Sunny bowed to Luna, and hugged Lily. Luna smiled as the pair chatted.

"Are Gumdrop and Bluebelle here?" asked Lily excitedly.

Sunny merely smiled, before calling out to two ponies somewhere behind her. Suddenly, two fillies galloped out of nowhere, and tackle hugged Lily. Some of the guests around them started to step forward, but Luna help up a hoof for them to stop, so that they did not ruin the moment. Gumdrop, Bluebelle, and Lily all stood up.

Gumdrop was a light, bubblegum pink with a short, light green mane tied up into a ponytail. She had shining violet eyes, and a small smattering of freckles on her muzzle. She appeared to be a quiet filly, but got quite energetic and friendly once she had warmed up to a pony.

Bluebelle was, well, blue. She had a slightly pale blue coat with a darker blue mane with purple highlights tied into a braid. Her sleepy looking eyes were a deep green. Although she emitted an aura of peace and serenity, Lily knew that she had anxiety and abandonment issues. Bluebelle also did not like being alone, and often craved some sort of physical contact with those she was around.

"Lil'!" cried Gumdrop excitedly. "Why didn't you ever tell us!"

Bluebelle turned from happy to worried. "Yes, Lily, why didn't you? We are your friends, right? U-unless..."

"Psh, calm down Bellie," said Gumdrop to Bluebelle. "I'm more concerned with why you didn't tell any of us that you're an alicorn!"

"Well," Lily began, "Miss Sunny just wanted me to have a normal foalhood without the pressure of the responsibility of wearing a crown - well, as normal as living in an orphanage."

Bluebelle's face lit up lightly. "It's okay, Lily. I forgive you." She hugged Lily once more, who returned it. Gumdrop joined in as well.

"We saw some delicious looking cake over there," said Gumdrop, gesturing off to the right. "I think it's your birthday cake. C'mon!" The three fillies giggled, running off towards the cake. They did not notice a unicorn couple frowning at their quickly retreating backs.

A light green-blue unicorn filly sat at a table, sighing with boredom. She had a pine green mane and tail, with golden highlights, and reddish-brown eyes. A mahogany coated, red-maned unicorn colt with deep blue eyes sat across from her, frowning.

"What's wrong, Orchestra?" asked the colt.

Orchestra sighed. "I'm just... bored. I have to wait a while before I perform, and I hardly know anypony here, except for you, Heart."

"What about the daughter of Jaunty Tune... Bluesy Tune, was it not?"

Orchestra lifted her head up, giving Heart a look. "Didn't you hear? She and her family couldn't make it tonight. They're vacationing in the Crystal Empire right now." She paused for a minute, before gaining a sly smirk. "Why did your thoughts turn to her first, anyways...?"

Heart merely rolled his eyes. "I find her company enjoyable and her features attractive. I don't see what the big deal is, Orchestra."

Orchestra smiled genuinely. "That's what I love about you, Heart Throb. You're never abashed by anything."

"I wouldn't say everything. I just see no need for embarrassment over certain things."

The two chatted and laughed together some more, until Heart Throb's eyes widened at something behind Orchestra.

"Hey... isn't that the new princess?"

Orchestra blinked in surprise, and looked behind her. Sure enough, the gray and silver Lily Note was walking by, chatting animatedly with two other fillies: a light pink unicorn filly with a light green mane and tail, and a blue unicorn filly with a darker blue for her mane and tail.

"Why don't we introduce ourselves to her?" suggested Heart Throb. "I heard that she's into music. She might be into theatre as well!"

Orchestra and Heart Throb got up to go head over to Lily Note, when out of nowhere, an aqua-green mare with golden curls done up into a fancy mane-do snatched Orchestra's hoof. She let out a small cry of surprise.

"Orchestra," snapped the mare waspishly, "where do you think you are going?! I told you to sit at your table until you perform, which is NOW!!!" The mare, most likely her mother, trotted off importantly, Orchestra right behind her. She looked behind at Heart apologetically, and waved, before her mother dragged her off once more.

Lily, Gumdrop, and Bluebelle all waited excitedly for the performance to start. Lily had introduced the two to the Elements (Gumdrop liking Pinkie Pie especially), and then to Luna and Celestia. The two nearly died upon personally meeting the two rulers of their land.

As for the performance, the child prodigy - Orchestra - would be singing for Lily's birthday. She was an exceptional singer, having done shows on Bridleway since she was only a small filly. Recently, she had also started to look into opera, at the young age of 14!

Soon, the young Orchestra walked out onto the stage. She was tall for her age, and had a slightly slimmer body shape than most fillies her age. She waved to her audience, and bowed to the princesses.

"Hello, everypony, and happy birthday, Princess Lily Note!" The audience stomped and cheered for the blushing Lily. Orchestra levitated the microphone out of its stand, and tapped it with a hoof. "Okay, in honor of tonight, I am singing 'The Mare in 14G.'" She nodded to her accompanist, a pianist, who began to play the song.

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Orchestra had a beautiful voice, hitting every single note with perfection. She was particularly talented at the operatic section on the song, stunning everypony in the ballroom. Lily watched in awe as Orchestra subtly interacted with the audience, sometimes looking at ponies as she sang, and gesturing with her hooves as she sang with everything she had. Once the song was over, the audience cheered loudly and enthusiastically for her performance, as Orchestra bowed, and then placed the mic back on its stand. The members of the string quartet that had been playing earlier picked up their instruments, and began to play once more.

Gumdrop turned to face Lily. "Hey, Lil'?"

"Yeah, Gummy?"

Gumdrop's ears flattened. "I thought I told you that I hate that nickname," she whined, causing Lily and Bluebelle to giggle. "Anyways, why don't you go talk to some other ponies?"

Lily's face drooped slightly. "You... you don't want to hang out together?"

Bluebelle frantically shook her head, looking panicked. "No no no nononononononoo!!! She just meant that you should, y'know, mingle."

"I guess so..."

Gumdrop smiled sadly, and picked up Lily's head. "Hey, don't worry about it. We'll still be here until Miss Sunny takes us back home before our curfew. She extended it to 11 pm tonight."

Bluebelle nodded. "If you don't want to hang out with some new ponies, you'll be able to find us again."

Lily sighed, and paused for a moment, looking away. She finally looked back, and smiled happily. "Sure thing. I'll make sure to introduce you to any new fillies and colts I meet! Especially the colts~" she teased. Bluebelle blushed, but Gumdrop merely smirked.

"Pshh... I don't need help." The two of them hugged Lily, and reluctantly ran off. Lily waved goodbye to them, turned around, and almost immediately crashed into a red and mahogany pony. They were both flung back somewhat by the momentum of crashing into each other, Lily going further away because of her smaller weight.

"Oh, dear, I am so sorry, Princess Lily!" cried what sounded like a colt. He lifted her off of the ground, and dusted her off. "Are you alright?"

Lily took a quick second to get a better look at him. His dark red mane and tail were expertly styled, and had heart-melting blue eyes.

"Y-yes," she stuttered. "I-I'm fine."

The colt smiled. "That is a relief. My name is Heart Throb. My friends call me 'Heart.'" Heart Throb held out a hoof for Lily to shake. She gladly grabbed it and properly introduced herself.

"I'm Lily Note, but you can call me Lily. Is it alright if I call you, like, 'Heart,' or something?"

Heart Throb smiled in relief. "I was hoping you'd say that! Anyways, what's your cutie mark?"

"A black eighth note. Yours?"

"A beating heart with the comedy/tragedy masks."

Lily's face brightened with interest. "Cool! Your special talent is acting?!"

"Yeah, and I have great charisma as well," answered Heart, who also gained interest. "You like to act as well?"

"Big yes!"

The pair giggled, and chatted some more. Lily learned that he was 14, and had already been in a few shows on Bridleway, such as playing Gavroche in "Les Misérables," and Jack from "Into the Woods." Right in the middle of a discussion of Lily's favorite musical, "Miss Saigon," Orchestra appeared right next to Heart Throb.

"Dear Faust above," she sighed in exhaustion. "Those frickin' ponies won't get off my back about having me perform for theee------" She trailed off as she finally noticed who had been talking to Heart. "OH MY GOSH," she cried, bowing hastily. "I-I'm so sorry, Princess, I-I-I didn't notice y-you there!"

Heart rolled his eyes, and levitated Orchestra into a standing position. "Calm down, Orchy, she's really cool."

Orchestra shakily stood up, and looked Lily up and down. "Hmmm... Ok!" She brightened considerably. "You don't carry yourself smugly like most of the other nobles of Canterlot do." The three giggled at the jab. Orchestra and Lily also traded some information about each other, Lily learning that her cutie mark was a blue heart with a golden edge around it, forming an eighth note as well. The three of them were laughing and chatting away, until suddenly, four ponies trotted importantly right behind Lily. Orchestra's and Heart's faces betrayed a hint of annoyance, but they both kept their composure. Orchestra cleared her throat, alerting Lily of the newcomers. Lily turned around, not knowing who she faced.

Two adult ponies, a mare and a stallion, and two fillies stood in Lily's line of sight, all four of them being unicorns. The mare was a pale yellow, her mane a pale indigo with white streaks, and she had moderate persian blue eyes. She was wearing a frilly purple dress with pearls embedded into the fabric. The stallion had a coat of light gray, a mane of dark gray, and azure eyes. He was wearing a traditional black tuxedo, albeit looking very expensive. The two fillies were practically carbon copies of each adult, except with the colors swapped.

Lily, noticing the less-than-friendly looking posture of all four, smiled nervously. "May I help you?"

"Oh, of course, Your Highness," said the mare with a simper. "You see, my name is Upper Crust, this-" she gestured slightly to the stallion next to her "- is my husband, Jet Set, and these two precious fillies are our daughters, Pretty Picture and Devil Devine." Upper Crust smiled smugly, as if introducing one's offspring to a princess was no big deal.

Pretty Picture (the pale yellow one), flipped her expertly-styled, dark gray bangs artfully from her eyes, and smiled, although it lacked any sense of warmth. Devil Devine (the light gray one) shifted uncomfortably, itched her right foreleg, and smiled shyly.

"Happy birthday, Your Highness," said Pretty Picture. "It is the highest of pleasures to meet you this fine evening." Heart and Orchestra struggled to contain snorts of laughter at her exaggerated speech. Lily merely smiled awkwardly.

"Thank you, Pretty Picture."

"Oh, please, call me Picture," responded the flank-kissing Pretty Picture. "All my friends do." Lily noticed Devil Devine roll her eyes. Picture, never noticing, elbowed her, causing Devil Devine to let out a small "oomph!" of surprise. "Go on, now, Denny. Introduce yourself!" Lily noticed just a hint of mockery in Picture's voice. Obviously, she thought that she was superior to her sister.

"H-hello, Y-Y-Your Highness," the shy filly said. Devil Devine cleared her throat, and began to speak in a steady voice. "Happy birthday! I heard that you turned 13 today, right?"

Lily was beginning to prefer Devil over her snobbish sister. "Yes, I did! And may I call you something other than your full name? It sure is a mouthful."

Devil, who was starting to open up, giggled softly. "Of course. Just call me Dev."

Lily and Dev began to talk, but Orchestra noticed an annoyed looking Picture just off to the side. Jet Set and Upper Crust were long gone, probably schmoozing up to the princesses or somepony important. Orchestra and Heart shared a look, knowing that drama would most likely ensue if Picture remained to the wayside.

And man, did it ensue, alright!

Picture unceremoniously bumped Dev out of the way, causing her to yelp as she slid across the shiny floor for a few seconds. Lily, worried, began to start off towards her, but was stopped by Picture.

"I heard that you are quite the music-oriented mare, Princess Lily..." Picture went off on a rather one-sided conversation about topics relating to her, leaving Lily to attempt to get a word in here and there. Dev, resigned to let her sister win this battle, trotted off to go find her parents. Orchestra and Heart shared a collective giggle as Picture dragged Lily deeper and deeper into the sinkhole that was her narcissistic talkings.

Eventually, Orchestra and Heart also became bored of Picture, and decided to help Lily get out of the situation. Orchestra scanned the crowded ballroom for a server, and quickly grabbed a cup of punch with her magic. She walked by Lily, and bumped into her, maneuvering the drink so that it only splashed onto Lily's dress. Orchestra gasped dramatically.

"I am so sorry, Princess!" cried Orchestra, pretending to be mortified. "Here, take this." She materialized an ordinary-looking cloth, which Lily grabbed with her magic. "My mother gave this to me some time ago, for cases like these. You just have to wet it, dab the stain, and it will wash it away!" Lily gave her an appreciative look, and hurried away towards the bathroom.

Picture, annoyed that her talking had been interrupted, sniffed haughtily, and trotted off to go mingle.

MEANWHILE

A neon yellow filly sighed out of boredom. Her spiky mane was an electric green, with magenta stripes and dyed black tips. She was also wearing heavy eyeliner, mascara, and navy blue eyeshadow, and her eyes were a deep violet. To her right was an off-white unicorn mare with light green locks put up into an elegant bun kept glancing wearily at the filly. Next to that mare was another unicorn mare, with a yellowish white coat, an extremely spiky cobalt blue mane with lighter blue streaks, and moderate cerise eyes.

"I need to go to the bathroom," the filly suddenly announced. Before she could even get up out of her seat, her mother stopped her, and gave her a look.

"What do you want, Mother?" asked the filly in a tired sort of voice.

Her mother scowled. "I want you to take off that ridiculous amount of makeup while you are in there. What if one of the Element Bearers or princesses saw you? And do not speak to me with that tone of voice, Electric Glide!"

The other unicorn mare rolled her eyes. "Aw, lighten up, sis! I think she looks pretty cool."

The mare rolled her eyes, and glared at her sister. "Of course you would say something like that, Vinyl. She looks just like those... weirdos that you are always around at-" she shuddered "-rock and roll concerts."

Vinyl scoffed, and imitated a posh, Canterlot accent, over-exaggerating it. "Well, I never! I would like you to know that I know Miss Octavia Melody, the famous 'cellist herself! Who do you know, Miss Graceful Glide? Jet Set? Upper Crust?" Electric laughed with her aunt, but the mirth was soon silenced as Graceful Glide shut them both up with a silencing spell. She released it after a quick second, and grimaced.

"Would you please just take off that hideous makeup?"

"But-" Any argument that Electric could have conjured up was silenced forever at the look that her mother gave her. "Yes, Mother," she said with a resigned sigh. She got out of her chair, and left for the bathroom, never pushing it back into the table.

BACK TO LILY

Lily dashed through the door of the mares' bathroom, and was relieved to see that nopony else was in there. She turned on the cold water tap, and held the cloth under the stream. She started to dab at the stain, and was amazed at how quickly it vanished, but just when she was about to be done...

Flush.

She groaned inwardly as the presence of another mare/filly was made known to her. Resigned to her fate, she closed her eyes for a moment, and finished cleaning herself up. Lily looked in the mirror in front of her, and saw a painfully-bright filly walk out of a stall right next to the one behind her. Surprisingly, the filly paid no attention to Lily, and instead used a towel to wash off the amazing amount of makeup on her face. She must have noticed Lily looking at her out of the corner of her eye, because she paused, and looked right at Lily.

"What, never seen a hygienic pony before?" The filly suddenly started as she realized who she was talking to. "Oh, yeah! You're that new princess. Filly Tote, or something..."

Lily giggled at the wrong guess. "No, it's Lily Note."

"Oh, right, right. Anyways, my name's Electric Crash." Electric held out her wet, makeup-smeared hoof to shake.

Lily smiled, and accepted Electric's hoof. She winced slightly as she saw the amount of makeup that Electric had been wearing.

"Geez, that's a lot of makeup!"

Electric smiled, and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, my aunt usually helps me put it on, but I did it myself tonight. Wasn't too shabby, either. Too bad my mom made me wash it off, though..." She shrugged, and pulled out a makeup kit from a fold of her dress. She put it down on the counter, opened it, and then paused. She turned to Lily once more. "Say, could you help me put it on?"

Lily started somewhat. "A-are you sure? I'm not completely confident in my makeup skills..."

"Psh. It's not so hard. Just put on a lot of mascara and eyeliner around my eyes, and then add some eyeshadow. Or maybe a lot."

Lily picked up a mascara brush, and began to brush it gently over Electric's eyelashes. Slowly but steadily, she had both eyes fully covered. She put it down, and picked up the waterproof eyeliner, and daintily dragged it around Electric's eyes, making it a bit thicker at the top. She added a bit more here and there, before she was satisfied. She then took up the small q-tip, rubbed it into the navy blue eyeshadow, and went to work. She first put it on the upper eyelids, but made long, wide, winged spikes on either side. Once she was finished, she carefully cleaned up any mistakes, and stood back. Electric turned back to the mirror, and looked surprised.

"Huh! You're pretty good at this!" Electric got closer to the mirror, and inspected her eyes further. "Nice touch, the eyeshadow wings. I'll have to do that from now on." She closed up her makeup kit, and tucked it back into its hiding place. She and Lily trotted out of the bathroom, getting to know each other as they walked back towards where Lily had left Orchestra, Heart Throb, and Pretty Picture.

"Orchestra! Heart!"

Orchestra looked up from her plate of salad to see a clean Lily hurrying back, with another filly in tow. The new filly was almost painfully bright to look at, but once her eyes had adjusted, Orchestra found her pleasant to look at.

"This is Electric Crash," announced Lily once she had arrived back at the table. Electric Crash nodded in greeting to Heart, and turned to Orchestra. The two's eyes met, and just then, they both felt... something between them. A visible blush appeared on Electric's face, and her eyes averted from Orchestra's gaze. Orchestra merely blushed and smiled, waving a 'hello.'

Lily, blind to this silent exchange, left in search of Dev.

"So," said Heart after a pause, "are you into musical theatre?"

Electric, whose blush had subsided by now, snorted and rolled her eyes. "Pfft, that's like asking if water is wet. Yeah, I dig it, but I personally prefer electronic music, remixes, and classic rock. Makes sense, seeing as how my special talent is mixing and elctronica-style music."

"What are your views on anime?"

"One of Neighpon's finest creations, in my opinion. Are you a gamer?"

Heart's eyes narrowed competitively. "Oh, please. The fact that I'm constantly being tutored how to function properly in the society of Canterlot has done wonders for my inner gaming strategist."

Electric looked impressed. "Didn't expect you to actually be into it." She turned back to Orchestra, blushing slightly. "How about you?"

"I don't really have time to play games that much, considering how often I'm performing, or on tour. However, nothing beats playing with your best friend." Orchestra paused, taking a sip of her new cup of punch. "Say, who are you related to? I don't recall a family with any 'Crashes' in their midst."

Electric's smile faded from her face, and her expression turned stony. "Oh, y'know... Graceful Glide and Perfect Duo are my 'rents..."

Heart raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that."

"Graceful Glide and Perfect Duo are my parents..."

Orchestra opened her mouth to question further, but Electric interrupted her.

"GRACEFUL GLIDE AND PERFECT DUO. I'M THEIR KID." Electric looked around nervously, before putting her head in her hooves, mortified.

Heart brightened. "You are? I've met your father before, and is was such an honor to meet one of Bridleway's biggest stars! Your mother is also such a great supp-" Orchestra snatched a cupcake off of a server's plate and shoved it into his mouth. He gave her a look, but it faded as he enjoyed the fluffy sweetness of the treat. Orchestra rolled her eyes. Heart always had a tendency to stick his hooves in his mouth.

Orchestra stood up from her seat, and walked over to Electric. "Hey, just ignore Heart. He has a tendency to say stuff without thinking, but he means well." She lifted Electric's head up, and giggled slightly as she saw her blushing face. "Besides, it doesn't matter who or where you came from. All that matters is what you think of yourself. Well?"

Electric hesitated, before smiling mischieviously. "I think that I'm the best, most good-looking remixer and DJ the world will ever see!" Her blush faded somewhat as she straightened her back. "And I've got you guys as friends." She hugged Electric, who returned it gladly. Suddenly, Electric must have realized what she was doing, because she practically catapulted herself backwards, her face a beet red.

Lily chose that moment to reappear with a happier-looking Devil Devine, and a new colt.

"I found her! What did I miss?"

Lily, feeling rather lost, looked confusedly about her trying to get her bearings. She had left Electric Crash with Orchestra and Heart Throb, and had immediately gone to the left of where they had been sitting. Occasionally, she would chat with a guest or two, often introducing herself to their children. Seeing as how she had to keep turning around to talk, she had lost her starting point at a rather embarrassing rate. She finally found a less crowded spot in the throng of guests, and sat down at an empty table. She was considering flying up near the roof to find her table, when she noticed a certain gray batpony guard at another table, and trotted over to it.

"Captain Felicia! I'm so glad I found you!"

Felicia looked up, and brightened. "A happy birthday to you, Princess Lily! I was worried that we wouldn't be able to find you."

Lily noticed that two other ponies were with Felicia. On her right was a stallion who looked around Felicia's age, and had the familiar tufted ears of a batpony, along with the slitted pupils and yellow irises. However, he had no wings, and instead had a unicorn horn. His coat was a navy blue, and he had bright blue hair. The other pony was a pegasus colt whom Lily could not guess his age. He was a tannish color, with a brown mane and tail, with black highlights. He also had dark brown eyes.

"Oh, forgive me for being so rude," said Felicia apologetically. "This is my fiancé, Comet Tail-" the unicorn batpony bowed his head in respect "-and this is my younger brother, Nimble Shield." He looked up as he was mentioned, and for Lily, it felt like the world had been paused.

His deep brown eyes seemed as if they were staring into her very soul, and they were so beautiful, as if they had specks of gold in them. She blushed, and looked away. His spiky, slightly unkempt bangs partially covered his eyes, heightening the allure of his face. Lily blushed harder as she thought this, wondering what the frickin' heck was going on with her. He had blushed as well, and averted his eyes somewhat.

Nimble had blushed because of Lily's face, as well. Her forelock stylishly covered her right eye, and her irises were a beautiful turquoise color. She was already cute enough, but her blushing just made it even cuter.

Unbeknownst to Lily and Nimble, Felicia and Comet Tail knew exactly what they were going through. Felicia coughed, getting Nimble's and Lily's attention.

"Comet and I actually have to meet up with some of our friends. And Nimble-" Felicia looked pointedly at her brother, causing him to shrink slightly under her gaze "-you'd better stick with Lily, because Mom and Dad will kill both of us if I somehow lose you."

Nimble rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I get it, sis." Lily's blush returned somewhat as he spoke.

Oh, feather down, his voice is so nice!! WHY DO I CARE?!

Felicia and Comet left, leaving Nimble in the hooves of a nervous, blushing, and 13 year old girl whom he had already noticed was pretty in her own right. Yeah, nothing could go wrong with THAT scenario!

"So..." said Nimble after an awkward pause. "You're Lily Note, yeah?"

Lily sputtered for a minute. "Y-yeah..." She blushed with embarrassment. "A-anyways," she continued, "I'm looking for my friend, Devil Devine. Wanna join us?"

Nimble nodded, and the two happily - and awkwardly - introduced themselves further. They soon found Dev sitting alone at a table, and the trio made their way back to the table.

"I found her! What did I miss?"

Lily squealed excitedly as she saw her birthday cake, which Pinkie Pie had called the Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness. While similar cakes had been prepared, seeing as how an entire party could not eat just one cake, this one had been specially prepared by the Cakes back in Ponyville (which most of the snooty guests frowned and whispered about). 13 candles had been placed atop the tower of a cake, which meant that Lily would have to fly up there to put them out. She looked off to the right, and saw Twilight and her friends all licking their lips expectantly. To the left, Luna also looked considerably interested, albeit not as much as Celestia, who was trying hard to not drool at just the sweet aroma of the delicious cakey goodness. Behind Lily was her new group of friends, which had also added a brother and sister named Improvise and Foxtrot respectively. All six of them were all staring wide-eyed at the amazing delectableness before them.

Lily flapped her wings, having gotten much better at flying during the month, and flew up to the top. She thought for a second, before blowing out all 13 in one breath. The guests all cheered, and she landed back on the ground.

"What was your wish?" asked Orchestra.

Foxtrot frowned. "You can't tell your wish! It won't come true!"

As the two started to bicker about wishes actually coming true, which caused the others to roll their eyes or chuckle, Lily smiled happily.

I wish that these are friends 'till the end...

Luna sighed with boredom as the pesky unicorn couple (Jester Cet and Uset Jrust or something) finally left her alone. She decided to get away from the general area before some other annoying pony tried to talk to her. She whispered something to Celestia, slipped back up the stairs, went into the chamber that she had been in before entering the party, and teleported to her private bathroom. She quickly cast an appearance-altering spell on herself, making her look like she had when she had been younger, only as a pegasus, and dressed in a form-fitting, black dress that reached the floor. Her navy blue coat had become much lighter, and her hair became light blue, and no longer flowed in an invisible breeze. Her cutie mark had been changed to a full moon, with a glow around it. She then cast an invisibility spell on herself, and teleported to the ballroom's mare's bathroom. She ducked into an empty stall, and flushed the toilet.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Luna sighed with content. It would be much easier to enjoy the party without a bunch of flank-kissers trying to curry her affections. She checked the clock, hurried over to a certain spot, and waited expectantly. After a few minutes, a flustered batpony in a traditional black tuxedo trotted over to her. He was a very dark purple, with a mane and tail that turned from light blue, to green, to pink.

"Hello, Lu-I m-mean-" he cleared his throat "-Moon Glow."

'Moon Glow' smiled, and blushed. "The same to you, Captain Nebula."

"Please," he said, fighting off a blush of his own, "call me Neb."

"Sure thing, Nebby." Moon Glow giggled as his ears flattened at the nickname. "And just call me Moony."

Moony moved to his side, the two of them blushing slightly, and they walked out together to the dance floor. They danced to a lovely waltz, and to a faster song, as Pinkie Pie and Vinyl Scratch took over, getting the younger guests attending the party to dance as well. Moony smiled to herself as she saw Lily Note dancing and jumping around with her new posse of friends.

When the song had ended, Nebula turned to Moony. "So... do you want to get something to drink?"

"I would love to, Neb."

Lily sat down, completely winded from the nonstop dancing. She could not recall how long she and her new friends had been dancing, but it must have been for hooouurrrrssssssss. It had been a lot of fun, but she had been very saddened when Miss Sunny Smiles had to take Gumdrop and Bluebelle back home. The three had said somewhat tearful farewells, but promised to meet up again some day.

As Lily quenched her thirst with her cup of apple juice, her new friends sat down with her. She found it faintly amusing, as if the entire group mentality was to do whatever the pony with most power happened to do. She had also not missed the way that Orchestra and Electric Crash (whose real name, she had found out, was Electric Glide. She had apparently knocked over and crashed into so many things when she was little, that her Aunt Vinyl had called her "Electric Crash," and the name stuck) kept looking at each other and blushing. Improvise and Heart Throb had started talking about symbolism in musicals, with Foxtrot and Devil Devine occasionally joining in. When her eyes got to Nimble, who had probably been looking at her due to his reaction, he shifted his gaze to the dance floor, blushing slightly.

"Ugh," said Foxtrot after a moment, "my hooves are KILLING ME. What time is it, anyway?" This question was aimed towards Heart, who for whatever reason carried a pocket watch with him.

"It's 11:37 pm."

Foxtrot banged her head against the table, but immediately regretted it, as she let out a muffled "ow." Improvise rolled his eyes at his younger sister, while the others giggled. However, the mirth was soon interrupted by various yawns all around the table.

"This birthday party was a lot of fun," said Lily, "but I really wanna go to bed..."

Electric nodded. "Same." There was a nodding by all.

"So," said Dev somewhat sleepily, "I guess that this is goodbye, for now?"

Orchestra nodded gravely, before perking up. "Yes, but we'll catch up some other time."

"Agreed!" exclaimed the whole table. They got up, wincing as they put pressure on their sore hooves, and said their good nights. Lily and Nimble made small talk as they went to go find Celestia, Luna, Felicia, Comet Tail, and the Elements of Harmony. It seemed as if the latter had also been tired out, as they were nearly asleep on their hooves. Nimble nearly bowled his sister over, and she chuckled as she held the half-asleep colt.

"You really aren't a night-pony, are you?" she joked. Felicia and Comet said good night as well, bowed, and left with Nimble. Celestia excused herself to thank the guests for coming (and also to later slip away to her royal chambers). Luna turned to Lily.

"How was your party, Lily?"

Lily thought for a second, before grinning massively. "It was the best night ever, Mom."