Hours Loom

The summer was drawing to a close. Hearth’s Warming Eve was just around the corner. Princess Twilight Sparkle had just met with her brother and sister-in-law at the Ponyville train station. While they mostly only left the Crystal Empire on world shattering business, this was one of the few times they both were able to travel for fun. Today was the day that Spike was hatched, the savior of the Crystal Empire, he deserved the royal visit.

“I really appreciate you guys making the trip, and I know Spike will be just as excited to see you.”

“Of course sis, Spike is family!” Shining Armor replied. “Cadance and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“As long as that world wasn’t being destroyed again,” Cadance interjected.

As the three reminisced over defeating old enemies, they made their way to the castle.

Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were setting up decorations amongst the castle to prepare for the big night. This year was far more difficult with the expansive rooms of the castle. They had become use to the small, but cozy, Golden Oak Library.

“So, what’d you guys get him?” Rainbow Dash asked, with her usual inquisitive nature.

“OHHH OH OH! I found this one hair designer who makes wigs and had her make SEVEN different styles OF MOUSTACHES! He is going to be SO EXCITED!” the pink pony exclaimed her gift, turning to face the two pegasi with one of the fake moustaches on.

“Oh my!” Fluttershy said, impressed by the quality of Pinkie’s gift.

“Well what’d you get him Fluttershy?”

“Me? Well, I had one of his dragon code cards, so I thought I would have it detailed. Then I had them print off multiples, that way he can give them out instead of just showing one off,” Fluttershy replied, before asking, “You don’t think that’s too much do you?”

Rainbow Dash was shocked by the thought she put into her gift. “I think you may have me beaten on best gift this year, Fluttershy,” she congratulated. “I was actually trying pretty hard to win, too.”

“Rainbow, not everythin’ has to be a competition y’know,” Applejack shouted to her, pushing in some catering.

“Yeah, yeah,” Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes out of view of the earth pony.

Applejack lifted the trays of food, placing them on the table. “Plus, I know for a fact I’ve got the best gift,” she smugly said.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow, dropping the streamers and gliding down to the mare. “What’d you get him?” she excitedly asked.

“You’ll just have to wait to find out once we start the party,” Applejack replied, to which Rainbow let out an exaggerated groan.

The party was to begin when the sun started to set. While everypony was preparing for the party, Rarity and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were entertaining the honorable dragon himself. While their duty was to keep him away from the castle, the party itself was not a surprise.

“I must say, you do look ravishing in your elegant attire,” Rarity paused, removing Spike’s bowtie. “Though you should know, this isn’t going to be a fancy celebration. Perhaps you should wear something that is more, well, you.”

The dragon lifted the top hat off his scaly head. He then replied, “Aww, but Shining and Cadance will be there! They’ll be dressing formally! I just know it!” He pushed his lower lip out in an attempt to coerce her.

“Fine, you can wear the top hat.” She gave in quickly at the sight of those sad, green eyes. “However, nothing more! While I won’t spoil it, you may be receiving something quite striking from a certain fashionista. I’d rather not have it clash with anything you wear.”

“I can’t wait for you to open my present, Spike! It’s a-” Sweetie Belle was immediately cut off by Apple Bloom, shoving an apple into the young unicorn’s mouth.

“Don’t tell him! It’s supposed to be a surprise!” Scootaloo mentioned.

Sweetie Belle tried to speak, but only an indistinguishable sentence could be heard from her gagged mouth.

“Please, Sweetie Belle, don’t talk with food in your mouth. It’s rude,” Rarity teased, amused by the situation.

The mares and dragon laughed together, as a frustrated Sweetie Belle tried to remove the stuck apple.

It seemed as if almost everything was coming together swimmingly. It was almost time for Rarity to bring the foals to the castle, and there was still no sign of danger in the skies, attempting to ruin Spike’s hatchday. As a matter of fact, the biggest problem of the day was Princess Luna and Princess Celestia. Due to scheduling differences, they were unable to attend the little dragon’s party.

Nevertheless, the decorations were scattered amongst the halls, the dance room was set up with a disco ball and record player, and the catering was brought together by Applejack. Underneath the roots of the Great Oak sat the presents for Spike, which would become his favorite room of the night.

Twilight had brought her brother and sister-in-law back to the castle. Everyone was together, waiting for the sun to set so that the guest of honor would arrive. Today was going to be a special day, she could feel it. Everything looked perfect for her favorite dragon’s arrival.

Unbeknownst to her, the special day she had planned would become very special indeed, but for a very different reason. It was only a matter of time for these twelve party goers, as their final hours loom.