[Ponyville:Ten years ago...]

Earlier that night, Spike the Dragon had just revealed to everyone his decision to leave Ponyville to join the Royal Guard. Not too long ago, he had already packed and departed for the Crystal Empire to start his training. Unfortunately, not everyone was happy about his choice. In fact, five angry mares were now on their way to talk to a certain library pony and voice their frustrations.

*Knock!*

*Knock!*

*Knock!*

''Open up, Twilight! We need to talk to you!'' Rainbow Dash screamed while wearing a sports bra and shorts, knocking on the door vigorously.

As Rainbow Dash was beating on the door, the castle's window sprung open to reveal an exhausted purple pony looking down at the five mares with an annoyed look on her face.

''Will you girls keep it down, it's 11:50 at night! What is wrong with you guys?!'' Twilight shouted. While Twilight reprimanded her friends, she unknowingly found herself surrounded by a light blue aura and pulled through the window down to the ground.

''So sorry about that darling, but you had it coming, letting Spike leave Ponyville to join the Royal Guards and not telling us about it,'' Rarity chided, grinning menacingly at her purple friend.

While trying to shake off the stars from her eyes and recover from the fall the fashionista just inflicted on her, Twilight explained to her friends the reason she didn't tell them. ''Look, girls, I understand why you’re angry, but this was Spike's decision and I promised him I wouldn't tell you all before he did. Pinkie Pie, you of all ponies can respect that, can't you?'' she said, looking at her pink, cotton candied-haired friend for confirmation about the matter.

''Well yeah, a broken promise is like a broken heart that never heals. So if Spike wanted to keep it a secret from us, we shouldn't be mad at Twilight for keeping it,'' Pinkie replied, helping Twilight back to her feet and giving her a warm bear hug in the process.

''Thank you, Pinkie Pie,'' Twilight said, patting Pinkie's head, feeling the bouncy locks of her friend's mane.

''Well, I guess if Spike wanted to keep this a secret, we should respect his wishes,'' Applejack sighed, wearing a tiny white T-shirt and ripped jean shorts that showed off her midriff. She took off her hat, clenching it between her hands before apologizing to Twilight. ''But I still don't get why Spike would want to leave Ponville and become some fancy guard?'' she asked, looking at Twilight for an answer.

''I don't know, either. He just said its something he has to do.''

Everyone wondered why Spike would want to leave Ponyville. Everypony there recalled the time they spent with the drake, wondering if their actions had somehow driven him away. Then they looked up at everypony else and a certain feeling of betrayal started to build up inside of them. Not wanting to accuse their own friends of Spike's departure, they kept it to themselves.

[Ponyville:[Ten minutes ago...]]

While Twilight’s friends remained inside the Castle of Friendship--speculating about the return of their favorite dragon--the Princesses made their way to the local bakery, Sugarcube Corner. The shops' owners had the store designed to look like a giant gingerbread house with a cupcake on top. It looked so sweet as if taking a single bite out of it would leave you with a sugar rush for a whole day, and you’d still come back for more. That’s probably why Pinkie is always in such a hyperactive mood.

Upon arriving, the Princesses make their way inside only to find a note on the sales counter that read,Out to Lunch -- Be Back in a Few!Ordinarily, this would be enough to make the three royals politely leave, however, Princess Celestia caught sight of the cake of her dreams left unguarded in the kitchen. She tried to sneak her way there but was stopped short by her meddling sister.

''Sister please, this is quite unbecoming of you,'' Luna groaned, enveloping her sister in her cobalt blue aura to pull her away from the four-layered cake. It wasn’t easy, as subduing her sister during one of her confectionary cravings was always a tremendous ordeal. The lunar alicorn tried to stand her ground, attempting to find a firm foothold for her black heels while she tugged on her struggling older sibling.

''Just one itsy-bitsy bite, dear sister. The Cakes won't even notice anything amiss,'' Celestia pleaded, trying to convince Luna to let her go while slowly inching her way to the cake.

''Maybe not, butIwill! Twilight, if you would be so kind as to help me stop my foolish sister from devouring this cake whole and making a mess of the festivities for tomorrow night,'' Luna fretted, looking over to the lavender alicorn as she began to lose her grip on Celestia.

"Huh?" Twilight, who’s seemed to be pondering something, was shaken from her thoughts at the sound of Luna’s voice. "Oh! Sorry, Luna, I guess my mind was somewhere else,'' she said, igniting her horn and surrounding her mentor in her purplish aura to secure her in place. With the burden now lifted, Luna took a seat in one of the chairs in the kitchen to recover some of her strength.

"So my dear student, would you mind saying what has your mind in such a fixated mess?''Celestia asked while sticking out her tongue to get a lick of the marvelous cake.

"Well, you know, it's been a decade since I last saw Spike, so...'' Twilight said, looking down at the floor while still maintaining her magic grip on the Princess.

"You're scared he has grown up and will no longer need you in his life,'' Luna finished, a look of exhaustion still on her face. Twilight nodded in confirmation. "So that's how much faith you have in Spike. Truly a disappointment, Twilight," Luna said, getting up from her seat and walking towards the younger alicorn.

"But Luna, it's been a wholedecade!Who knows what he could have turned into. What if he became his greedy self again, got himself banished, and became too afraid to come back? Or, what if he got kidnapped by other dragons and was bullied and just barely escaped after all these years? What if-'' Before Twilight could finish her panic-driven rant, her mouth was covered by the blue, manicured hand of Luna.

"What if Spike became a handsome, reliable, dragon soldier for the Crystal Empire and, after his training, is finally given the chance to come back home to meet up with his closest friends?'' Luna prompted, now kneeling in front of Twilight and pulling the young mare into a hug.

After a moment, Twilight eased into Luna’s embrace, her head now resting against the blue alicorn’s impressive breasts. ''Thank you, Princess Luna. That really helped me calm down,'' Twilight said, still nuzzling between Luna's breasts.

"Or, you know, Spike got himself a marefriend and knew you would freak out, so he kept it a secret for all these years until he thought you could handle it,'' Celestia mused, munching down on the last piece of the Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness with a fulfilled smile on her face.

''TIA!How the bucking Tartarus did you get a hold of that cake?!'' Luna demanded, looking baffled by both her sister’s escape from Twilight’s magical hold and the speed at which she destroyed the cake.

''Oh my dear, naïve sister, I can raise the motherbuckingsun.Did you honestly believe any of you could have actually held me with such weak magic as that?'' Celestia chuckled, licking her fingers of any remaining cake bits while smiling ear-to-ear at her sister's annoyed face.

''Well then, why didn't you just do that in the first place?'' Luna huffed, rolling her eyes at her older sister’s annoying antics.

''Because ofthis,,'' Celestia replied, pointing a spit-covered finger down towards Twilight, whom now laid curled-up on the floor. Her mane was frazzled, her pupils had shrunken to pinpoints, and her knees were hugged tightly to her chest.

''Spike has a marefriend before I have a coltfriend. There's no way...there's no way...'' Twilight mumbled as she started rocking back and forth, thinking about the possibility.''Come on, Twilight. Spike having a marefriend is ridiculous. He's in love with Rarity, and you know how that's been going.'' Now talking to herself, her mind began switching between sound logic and insane paranoia. ''But it’s been a whole decade. Do you honestly believe that Spike didn't leave, at least in part, to get over his crush with her? That he wouldn’t have found someone new after ten long years?''

''Oh my, this is awful,'' Luna said, looking at Twilight with horror.

''What? No, this is hilarious! Why do you think I kept her as my student all these years? It's fun to watch her panic,'' Celestia chortled, eating popcorn while laughing at her former student’s frantic state.

''Where'd you get that popcorn?'' Luna asked, both disgusted and worried that her sister could find this amusing.

''Uh, teleportation magic. Duh,'' Celestia answered, looking at her sister like it was the most obvious thing in the world. She proffered the bag to Luna, holding in the blue alicorn’s face. ''What? You want some, sis?''

''I'd rather not,'' Luna snorted, pushing the popcorn away from her face.

''That's it!" Twilight suddenly shouted, popping up onto her feet and gaining the sisters’ attention. "Celestia, Luna, let's teleport to the Crystal Empire right now and see if Spike has a marefriend or not!'' Twilight cried, looking at her former mentor with bloodshot eyes.

''Twilight, let’s calm down and think about this. We’re going to see Spike tomorrow night. If he does have a marefriend, then I'm pretty sure that he will tell you,'' Luna consoled, gently patting the top of Twilight’s head in an effort to get the lavender princess to calm down.

''But Celestia said-''

''Are you seriously going to believe my sister, whom just snuck into the Cakes’ kitchen and ate an entire four-layer cake by herself in mere seconds?!'' Luna exclaimed, pointing her finger at a slightly pudgy Celestia. She was baffled that Twilight still saw her sister in such a golden, angelic light.''You must be kidding me, Twilight.''

''Hey, don't you try to turn my former student against me!'' Celestia reprimanded, coming over to stand by her sister. She bent down until she was eye-level with Twilight, then placed her hands on the lavender mare’s shoulders. "Twilight, sweetheart, have I ever lied to you about anything?''

''No, Princess Celestia!" Twilight answered immediately, looking at her former mentor with a few tears in her eyes. "Not even when I was your student. You were always truthful with me.''

''Then listen to me carefully," Celestia said, returning to her full height. "Spike will have a marefriend before you even get a chance with a stallion. I would even bet my kingdom on this being a fact,'' she declared, puffing her chest out with a grin on her face.

Twilight placed her hand on her former mentor's shoulder. ''Well, let's do it then. If you’re right about Spike, then I will organize an annual cake festival and make participation mandatory for every mare and stallion in town. Not only that, but I will make you the official judge, allowing you access to every cake for your “appraisal.” But if you’re wrong, then I get to rule over Equestria...or at least over your Day Court. So, what do you say, Princess?"

Luna was perplexed by the young princess’ change in demeanor. No longer was she the shivering, insecure wreck she was a minute ago. Now, she was facing her former teacher with a newly lit fire in her eyes and a devilish grin on her face.

Laughing at Twilight’s proposal, Celestia returned the grin three-fold. ''Twilight, you little shit, you know I can never refuse a bet. You're on.'' With a bang and a flash of white light, Princess Celestia teleported Twilight, Luna and herself to the Crystal Empire.

[The Crystal Empire:Now]

Cadence was walking around outside of the castle when a sudden flash of light blinded her for a second. When she regained her eyesight, she saw her other three alicorn Princesses standing before her.

''Celestia, Luna, Twilight!'' Cadence called, running over to Twilight to do their special ladybug dance. Twilight returned the greeting and then hugged Cadence. ''It's so good to see all of you, but what's the special occasion?'' As if being snapped back into reality, Twilight’s victorious smile returned to her face.

''Well, Princess Celestia said Spike would have a marefriend before I have a coltfriend and knowing Spike better than anyone, I said it's fundamentally impossible. So here we are to see who's right and who’s not.'' Being quite proud of herself she walked over to the others only to be stopped by Princess Cadence’s remark.

''I see, but wouldn't asking Spike be easier than spying on him?'' Cadence asked, looking at the two alicorns with a look of confusion while silently wondering how they overlooked such obvious choice.

''Thank you!Now do you two see the error of your ways? Even Cadence thinks this bet is stupid. So can we just go back to Ponyville and apologize to the Cakes for destroying their cake before Spike shows up?'' Luna pleaded, hoping they would finally listen to reason. Unfortunately, her hopes were dashed by Cadence herself, whom suddenly grabbed her shoulders.

''Wait a minute! There's a bet? What kind, and what are the stakes?!'' Cadance demanded, completely flipping sides from the sane to the chaotic side of reality.

''Nothing too major, Cadence my dear. It’s just that if Twilight wins, I hand over my portion of the kingdom to her, and if I win, she hosts an annual cake festival in Ponyville with me being a permanent judge,'' Celestia said, explaining the situation and how it came about.

''I see. Well then, this is definitely a fun idea you two have come up with.'' Putting her hands together, the pink alicorn looked up with sparkling enthusiasm in her eyes and a dazzling smile on her lips. ''Oh, and here he comes now.'' Cadence declared, pointing at the upper parts of the castle. The others turned their heads skyward and saw a purple green dot about to take a step off a balcony.

''Oh my gosh, Spike!'' Twilight cried.

With a look of horror, Twilight saw her number one assistant was about to fall off of the balcony to his doom. Spreading her wings, she was about to take to the skies and save him, but she was abruptly stopped when Princess Celestia pulled her towards the shadows of a nearby alley. Twilight cast a panicked and slightly irate look at her former mentor.

''What are you doing?! Spike is going to fall, I need to go save him!''

''Shut up and look,'' Celestia whispered, pointing a slender finger at Spike as he was falling feet first from the balcony. Unwilling to watch her precious friend become a smear on the ground, Twilight turned her head and tightly shut her eyes. As a result, the lavender mare missed the sight of her draconic friend unfurl his leathery wings, catching enough air to slow his descent and land safely in front of the castle.

Though she failed to hear a splatting sound, Twilight hesitated to open her eyes, too afraid of confirming her friend’s possible suicide attempt. Losing her patience, Celestia grabbed her former pupil by the head, turned her around, forced her to look. The lavender mare stood in awe at the sight that awaited her.

Spike had significantly changed from his small, pudgy,winglessversion she was so accustomed to. He now stood taller than herself by at least two feet, rivaling even Celestia with his height. He no longer had that soft, chubby belly he gained from years of snacking on sweets and gems. Instead, his body was lean and toned, with a subtle musculature that reminded her of her older brother. A set of purple, powerful-looking wings clung to his back, and his tail looked so strong and beautiful, shining like a piece of crystal.

''Wow, Spike really has grown up,'' Twilight said, with a slight blush on her face. So lost was she in her friend’s new physique, Twilight missed Cadance going up to say her goodbyes. She was finally shaken from her thoughts when Spike was about to make his departure.

''Ok, I'm out of here!'' Spike yelled, springing into the air as he unfolded his wings. It took him mere seconds to become a twinkling speck in the sky, leaving the Crystal Empire behind on his return trip to Ponyville.

''Alright, he's gone'' Cadance announced, shifting her gaze over to her fellow alicorns’ hiding place. “You can come out now, you three.” Celestia, Luna, and Twilight stepped out from the darkness, joining their pink friend.

''Do you think he noticed us?'' Luna asked, looking at her sister.

''I doubt it. He never was one to pay attention to his surroundings, and I doubt that that’s changed,'' Twilight answered.

''So, did you figure out anything?'' Cadance asked.

''Yes, Cadence. I believe it’s safe to say that Celestia should start packing. Oh, but Luna can stay since she had nothing to do with it, after all,'' Twilight crowed, pumping a triumphant fist in the air. ''I hope you’re ready to hand over your kingdom now, Celestia,'' Twilight purred, pointing her smug grin at the white alicorn.

''Now, now, Twilight, the game has only just begun,'' Celestia replied. ''I believe the terms of the bet consisted of Spike having a marefriend before you have a coltfriend. That fact still remains to be seen.'' Celestia took a few moments to relish the sight of Twilight’s bravado deflating from the sudden realization. Then she turned to the sky with a grin on her face. ''Glad to see Shining didn't gotoohard on you, Spike,'' Celestia muttered to herself just above a whisper.

''Dang it. Now what?'' Twilight groaned, sitting crisscrossed on the ground before blowing a strand of her hair out from in front of her face.

''Return back to Ponyville and APOLOGIZE!!" Luna screamed in frustration at the two alicorns. Her face was so stern that you could have sworn she was turning back into Nightmare Moon.

''Oh sweet me, Luna. Why are you still here and complaining? I’d have thought you would have just left and apologized for me by now,'' Celestia groaned, digging a finger into her ear to alleviate the ringing. She stared at her younger sister as if she had gone insane.

''Well yes, as a matter of fact, I did. And they accepted my apology gratefully, only on the condition that I help out by watching their twins while they worked on a new cake.''

Luna turned around to show two very familiar faces hanging off her back: the Cake Twins, both of whom were clutching their ears and grimacing in pain. One is a unicorn filly with a light yellow coat and brilliant orange mane styled in a braided ponytail. She wore a light blue dress and matching hair bow that she placed towards the end of her ponytail. Next to her was her brother, a pegasus colt with a light goldish gray coat and brown mane styled in a mohawk. He wore a simple white T-shirt and black shorts that reached his knees.

''Hi, Twilight!'' the twins chimed, happy to see one of their regular babysitters.

''Pound and Pumpkin, it's so good to see you guys again,'' Twilight greeted, picking the two off of Luna's back and hugging them tightly. ''How have you two been?'' She finally released the twins and placed them on the ground.

''We’re fine. It’s good to see you, too.'' The twins gasped, smiling at Twilight though trying to regain their breath.

''Um, Twilight, is Flurry heart around somewhere?'' Pound Cake asked, looking around the area.

''Oh? And why do you want to know where she is Pound cake?'' Cadence inquired, looking at the young colt.

''Because he's got a crush on her,'' Pumpkin said, showing no hesitation for her twin's feelings.

''No I don't!'' Pound denied.

''Yeah you do~,'' Pumpkin sang with a sly grin.

''Well, it seems someone's doing better in the dating department, eh Twilight?'' Celestia jeered, bending down to mock her former student.

''...Shut up.'' Twilight snapped, quickly dismissing Celestia's teasing.

[Spike's POV]

''Man, it’s been a while since I last used my wings,'' Spike thought aloud. After he finally grew his wings, Spike spent months building up his wing muscles and learning how to fly. But once his aerial skills were deemed acceptable, Shining Armor had him more or less grounded to focus on other skills. Now that his training was over, it felt good to feel the air beneath his wings once more.

As he cut through the air at high speeds, Spike began to wonder about his friends back in Ponyville and what they could be up to after all these years. ''Pinkie Pie is most likely still her hyperactive self. Twilight has hopefully been able to eat and clean the castle without me. I know how hard it is for her to remember to do those things when she gets in one of her study binges.'' Spike recalled the time Twilight asked him to blend her food together to save time on her studies.

''I hope Fluttershy got over her timidness about her chest. They were D-cups when I left, so who knows how big they are now,'' he chuckled. ''I gotta remember to challenge Rainbow Dash to a race when I get home. I bet she’s gonna be stoked to finally have someone who can actually keep up with her. And I should congratulate Rarity on the successful expansion of her business. She actually managed to open a boutique in the Crystal Empire. Sucks that I was always too busy with my survivalist training to stop by and see it. Come to think of it, she’s not the only one to expand her business. Applejack’s family apparently trades their cider all over Equestria now...It’s amazing how six mares who are so different can still be best friends even after all these years.''

As time rolled by, Spike began to feel tired from his long trip. He found an open field below him, so he decided to take a break. He gently coasted down to the ground for a smooth landing.

[Ponyville]

''Alrighty then, that should do it Mr. and Mrs. Cake,'' Applejack said, putting the finishing decoration on the new cake.

''Thank you so much, girls. We never would have finished making a new MMMM in time without your help,'' Mrs. Cake said gratefully, wiping a sweat drop from her head.

''No problem at all. It's kinda my fault for forgetting that the princess had just as big a sweet tooth as me.'' Pinkie said, rubbing her hand behind her back. ''It's a good thing I ordered double the ingredients, just in case.''

''Sure is. Man, I can't wait to take a crack at this cake,'' Rainbow Dash grinned, hovering to the top of the cake. The blue speedster was giving the cake a ravenous look similar to Celestia’s.

''Well, we'll have plenty of time to do that later. For now, it's time to get this place decorated!'' Pinkie Pie chirped, pulling Rainbow's tail back to the ground. The peppy pink pony pulled her athletic friend into the dining area, her other friends in tow. With everyone assembled, Pinkie reached into her puffy mane and pulled out a list of tasks.

''Okay, AppleJack your on cider duty. Rarity and Fluttershy, gather up the Pony Tones for a welcome home song for Spike. Rainbow, think you can get a clear night sky for a sonic rainboom?'' Rainbow nodded her head, her eyes brimming with confidence. ''Alright. And Pinkie Pie, you're on decorations and gathering everypony in Ponyville to celebrate.''

''Let's get to it ponies! 3...2...1...andbreak!'' Pinkie cheered.

The five mares split off into different directions. Applejack headed home to the farm to get her family’s special stock of Sweet Apple Acres cider. Rarity left to find Toe-Tapper, while Fluttershy left in search of Torch Song. Pinkie Pie bounced upstairs to grab her party cannon, and Rainbow flew off towards Cloudsdale to request the Weather Bureau to clear the sky.

[AppleJack's POV]

"Applebloom! Big Mac! Could ya'll help me out with all these cider barrels?!'' AppleJack hollered, trying to lift a heavy cider barrel onto a wagon.

"Ah'm coming sis!'' cried a younger, feminine voice with a country twang.

From out of the small country house, a teenage mare with a yellow coat and red mane appeared. She wore a set of worn blue overalls which barely covered her soft, D-cup breasts. She ditched her trademark pink hair bow--stuffing it into her pocket for safe keeping--in favor of a pink, plaid bandana that she usually wore around her neck. After tying the colorful kerchief around her head, the young mare helped AppleJack lift the barrel onto the wagon.

"*Whew*Thank ya kindly, Applebloom. Now, where in the hay is Mac?''

"Do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-doooo~'' sang a deep masculine voice in a bass tone.

Approaching the two Apple mares was their older sibling, a tall stallion with a red coat and orange mane. He wore a dark red, buttoned-up, long-sleeve shirt with the sleeves rolled up past his elbows and a pair of blue, faded, worn jeans. While simple, his attire showed off his trim physique and bulging muscles that seemed fit to burst.

''Sorry, Applejack. Gotta practice for the song Pinkie wanted us Pony Tones to do,'' apologized Big Mac, blushing while rubbing the back of his head.

"Ya, sure it's not just to impress Sugar Belle, lover boy?'' AJ teased as she Applebloom amiably slapped their big brother on the back.

"...Eeyup,'' Big Mac admitted. ''She's gonna be visiting here for a while.''

"Well good on ya, big bro. I didn't think ya had it in you,'' Applejack complimented, giving her brother a thumbs up full of approval for bagging someone like Sugar Belle. ''Don't you worry about anything. I'll be leaving in a little while for Saddle Arabia, and Granny Smith went to Appleloosa to help Braeburn with his expanded orchard until he gets more help. And if Rainbow loses the bet with Pinkie Pie, then you won't even need to deal with Applebloom.''

''What do ya mean?'' Applebloom asked, looking at Applejack in confusion.

''Rainbow bet that if Spike hasn't changed in all these years, then she would babysit you, Sweetie Belle, and Scootalo all through our trip to Saddle Arabia,'' Applejack declared, trying to hold back her laughter. Thinking of the shocked look on Rainbow’s face if she loses was just too hilarious to the farm girl.

''Oh my gosh, I gotta tell the girls!'' Applebloom gasped, running out of the farm to go find the other crusaders to tell them the exciting news.

''So, ya think Spike’s changed after all these years, AJ?'' Big Mac asked, leaning on the frame of the wagon.

''Not really, but it would be in your favor if he did. You and Sugar Belle...alone in the barn...nopony to bother you for miles...you two could have a whole lot of fun. Just sayin’.''

Applejack lifted both of her hands, making a circle with the left and two fingers with her right. She slid the two fingers into the circle, then pulled them out. She repeated the action multiple times, making Big Mac’s face even redder than it already was.

''Now help me get these barrels back to Ponville, will ya?''

Big Mac nodded meekly, his head still full of the lewd imagery his sister had put in his head. He effortlessly picked up a barrel and placed it on the wagon.

[Rarity's POV]

''Toe-Tapper, darling, we have a singing event to prepare for. We need to go practice with the others,'' Rarity urged.

The fashionista was standing in the singer’s house after rushing home for a quick change of clothes. She was wearing a white button-up shirt beneath a dark cyan sweater with a bright gold collar, a long, amethyst skirt, and a bow tie with cyan and grayish gold stripes. Standing before her was a tall, lanky, blue stallion with a cobalt mane. He wore a similar outfit as Rarity, only he sported a sleek pair of black slacks instead of a purple skirt. He was currently brushing his mane while standing in front of a mirror.

''Sorry, Rarity. You know I gotta look my best for Torch Song for tonight,'' Toe-Tapper said, still looking himself over in the mirror while apologizing to the white mare.

He noticed her annoyed face in the corner of the mirror’s reflection. With a heavy sigh, Rarity grabbed the brush from Toe-Tapper and led the anxious stallion over to a chair.

''Toe-Tapper, darling, if you keep brushing so hard, you’re going to cause a bald spot.'' Once the nervous stallion took his seat, she used her magic to levitate over a purple bottle of cologne, which she promptly sprayed Toe-Tapper with. ''A lady may like a stallion who looks well, but we appreciate it if the also smell delightful.*Sniff* *Sniff*Ahh, much better, sweetheart. Now, if I might add my personal opinion...?Youare a wonderful stallion, Toe-Tapper, and Torch Song would be a very lucky mare to have a special somepony like you,'' assured Rarity with an encouraging smile.

''Thanks, Rarity,'' Toe Tapper said, hugging the white unicorn in gratitude.

''Anytime, darling,'' Rarity replied, returning Toe-Tapper's hug in full.

[Fluttershy's POV]

''Um, Torch Song? Don't you think we should hurry to meet up with the others to rehearse?'' coaxed Fluttershy, waiting in the hallway of Torch’s home.

Much like Rarity, she had gone back home to her cottage to change into her own Pony Tones outfit, which was exactly the same as Rarity’s, save that her skirt was dark pink. Out from the master bedroom, appeared a lovely earth pony mare with a cream coat and a red and purple striped mane styled in a bun. She had a slight thickness around her waist, but also had a set of perky C-cup breasts and an ample, pear-shaped plot. Her outfit was similar to Fluttershy’s and Rarity’s, but with a plum colored skirt. She was affixing the last of her blue and teal beads to her mane as she joined Fluttershy in the hall.

''Sorry, Fluttershy, but I have to look my best for Toe Tapper tonight. I think he's finally going to pop the question.''

''Oh wow, Torch, you look amazing!!'' Fluttershy praised, applauding her friend's stunning appearance.

''Thank you, Fluttershy,'' Torch replied. ''I hope Toe-Tapper likes it, too.''

''It must feel wonderful to have a stallion who loves you,'' cooed Fluttershy with a slight blush. ''I wish I could find somepony like that.''

''Fluttershy, you are a beautiful, amazing mare, and someday, the time will come when a wonderful stallion will see that,'' Torch Song comforted, attempting to help her friend’s self-confidence.

''Thank you,'' Fluttershy said.

Looking over at the clock on the wall, the pegasus saw that it was now an hour past the meeting time. ''Oh no, were late!'' she yelped. Grabbing Torch Song by the arm, Fluttershy took to the skies, rushing to get to the meeting place.

[Center of Ponyville]

Pinkie Pie rushed all over town, handing out invitations to Spike’s welcome back party to the residents of Ponyville. Wherever she went, sounds of her party cannon would be heard as she decorated the streets top to bottom with streamers, balloons, and confetti.

''Alrighty~, this place is looking party perfect for tonight!'' Pinkie beamed, looking proudly at her work. ''Now then, let's see what else can I do. Hmmm.....I know! I'll make some gem cupcakes! I’ll use all of Spike's favorites, like Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, and Amethysts!'' she cheered, skipping merrily all the way back to Sugarcube Corner.

''Pinkie Pie!'' a trio of voices called. The party mare turned and found three familiar young mares running toward her.

''Hi, Sweetie Belle!! Hi, Scootaloo!! Hi, Applebloom!!'' Pinkie greeted, waving at the three Cutie Mark Crusaders coming into view.

Leading the charge was a teenaged, orange pegasus with a purple mane styled in a brushed-up mohawk. She was sporting a blue hoodie with a lightning bolt pattern--similar to Rainbow’s Wonderbolt uniform--that covered her C-cup breasts. She literally flew into Pinkie’s arms, making the pink pony spin around in place.

''Is it true that if Rainbow Dash loses a bet with you, she'll take us with you guys on your trip to Saddle Arabia?'' the young pegasus asked, staring up at Pinkie Pie with hopeful eyes.

''Yepperoonie, Scootarooney!'' sang Pinkie.

Scootaloo sprang into the air, pumping an orange fist of victory in the air. ''Yes! A whole four weeks with Rainbow Dash!*Squee*This is going to be so awesome!'' she exclaimed.

''I heard Saddle Arabia has some of the best musicians in the world!'' marveled Sweetie Belle.

The teenaged unicorn’s white coat was just as well groomed as her older sister’s. Her pink and purple mane was styled into silky curls that flowed down past her shoulders. She wore a flawless white dress--no doubt made by her sister--that showed off her B-cup breasts and moderately wide hips.

''And don't forget about the food there,''Applebloom chimed in, thinking about the nation’s exotic delicacies. ''Maybe Applejack and I could find some new recipe ideas for the next Apple Family reunion.''

''Yeah, like chocolate-covered plums, hay fries glazed with honey, or maybe a Richardia soufflé!'' Pinkie Pie said, her mouth watering with excitement at the thought of eating all of Saddle Arabia's signature cuisine.

''Yeah, sure Pinkie. Do you know where Rainbow Dash is?'' Scootaloo asked while making sure not to get any drool on her hoodie.

''She should be over at Cloudsdale, getting the weather ready for tonight.'' Pinkie answered.

''Alright Cutie Mark Crusaders, move out!!'' Scootaloo roared, hopping on her skateboard. Flapping her wings like a hummingbird, the excited pegasus propelled herself towards Cloudsdale, leaving the others behind.

''Wait up, Scootaloo!'' Sweetie Belle and Applebloom shouted, but it was too late. Their friend was already a distant orange speck on the horizon. ''*Sigh*Later, Pinkie Pie! Thanks for the info!'' the duo yelled, running off to catch up with their speedy friend.

[Cloudsdale]

''Alright, clear night sky, check!'' Rainbow laughed to herself as she descended from the cloudy city. Pinkie Pie’s request couldn’t be any easier to finish. With her request processed, she left the Weather Bureau and was already on a return trip back to Ponyville. ''Guess I got the rest of the afternoon to myself.'' She landed on a comfortable looking cloud and settled down for a well-deserved rest.

''RAINBOW DASH!!!!!!'' Scootaloo screamed, startling the cyan mare off her cloud. Rainbow Dash flapped her wings to regain her balance, then quickly descended to the ground, landing before her #1 fan.

'' Ugh, Scootaloo, how many times have I told you that cloud time is my time?'' she growled. She slumped her shoulders in resignation when she noticed the starry-eyed look of awe in the teenager’s eyes. ''*Sigh*Alright kiddo, what do you want?''

''Oh, right,'' Scootaloo said, snapping out of her starstruck daze. ''So what are we going to do in Saddle Arabia? Flying stunts, teach me how to sleep on clouds...oh!Are you going to teach me how to do a Sonic Rainboom?!'' Scootaloo rambled, trying to contain her excitement.

''Woah Woah what do you mean we're going to Saddle Arabia.''Rainbow cutting off the excited Scootaloo

''Pink-*huff*Pinkie Pie said that if you lose the bet with her,*whew*you have to keep an eye on us there?*huff* *huff*'' Applebloom wheezed, having finally caught up with Scootaloo. She was carrying an exhausted Sweetie Belle on her back.

''So you three think I'm going to lose the bet, huh?'' Rainbow said. She Jumping into the air, showing off a few flashy stunts. ''Well sorry to disappoint you girls, but there hasn’t been a single bet that I’ve lost,'' she bragged, now flying upside down.

When she looked at the trio, she thought she would see looks of awe at her awesome moves or disappointment at her words. However, much to her confusion, the crusaders were silently staring at something behind her with wide eyes. Turning herself right side up again, she turned around to see what they were looking at. Staring up into the sky, she saw a purple and green figure whizzing through the sky, fast approaching her.

''What the hay is that?'' Rainbow Dash asked, now staring in confusion at the approaching figure. As it got closer and closer into view, Rainbow’s eyes grew wider in shock. She recognized who the figure was, but she couldn’t believe it.

''Yo Rainbow Dash, how you've been?!'' greeted a familiar voice.

Coming into full view, a familiar purple and green dragon stopped a few meters before the cyan mare, hovering in place.

''Spi...Spike!!!!!!!!''

Author's Note

Edited again by the one and only

Starblade