Solaris caught up with Spike and the rest of the gang a minute after they left Luna to slumber. Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Rarity were talking about something, with Spike and Shooting Star watching in the distance. When they saw him coming, they all turned to him and smiled at him.

Twilight approached Solaris, her eyes filled with understanding and sympathy. "You did something amazing back there, Solaris. You helped Luna see the light and forgive herself. That takes a lot of strength and compassion."

Rarity added, "Indeed, darling. Your words and actions helped save Luna from her own torment. We're all very proud of you."

Solaris gave a small smile, his heart warming at their words. "Thanks, everyone."

Although they were happy that the nightmare was over, Rainbow still had a question. "Solaris, I still have a question. What exactly happened back there? We saw Princess Luna's eyes glow after you gave her a small 'pep talk' and she suddenly hugged you like you haven't seen each other for over a thousand years."

Solaris sighed at this. "I suppose what you saw does require some explanation, and I hope you believe me. If not, I understand. You see, me and Luna used to be great friends over a thousand years ago. I even helped her come out of her shell when she was just a young filly, her and her sister, C-Celestia."

Twilight was astounded. "You knew the princesses when they were just young fillies? How old are you?"

"I don't think you will believe me. Despite my size, I'm pretty old." Solaris said.

"Of course we will believe you silly. I always believe when it comes to birthdays." Pinkie reassured.

"If you say so." Solaris sighed and admitted, "I am over twelve thousand, four hundred seventy eight years old."

The group stared at Solaris in shock and awe, trying to comprehend the immense span of time he had lived through. After a while, Spike walked up to him and broke the silence.

"Tha- That... That is incredible, how could you age this much and be this size though?" Spike asked, a little bit skeptical still.

"Let's just say... there was a bit of a curse put on me. I was cursed to stay young for my whole life, and it was hard." Solaris continued. "Staying young while watching my friends and family grow old and die peacefully, leaving me behind."

The group fell silent, absorbing the weight of Solaris' revelation. Each of them tried to imagine the loneliness and sorrow he must have endured through the millennias.

Shooting Star stepped forward and placed a gentle hoof on Solaris' shoulder. "That must have been so hard for you. I'm so sorry you had to go through that."

Solaris gave a small, sad smile. "Thank you, Shooting Star. It has been difficult, but I've also learned a lot. I've seen the world change in ways you wouldn't believe. And now, I have amazing abilities not even Luna and her sister have."

"Wow, that's amazing. Do you think you could show us one day?" Twilight asked.

"One day, but not today."

"That's ok Sugarcube. I hope you don't mind me asking, but when is your birthday?" Applejack asked.

"It was actually 4 days before Spike and Shooting Star went to appleoosa, so about 6 days ago."

Pinkie gasped for a long time before she unexpectedly rushed out the door, leaving Solaris confused. "Uhhh, what just happened?"

"It's just Pinkie being Pinkie darling. Don't question her." Rarity said.

Solaris chuckled softly at Rarity's comment, feeling a bit lighter. "I guess I'll have to get used to that," he said, glancing at the door Pinkie had rushed through.

"Trust us, you'll never get used to it," Rainbow Dash joked, earning a few laughs from the group.

"Me and the rest of us will go catch up with Pinkie." Twilight informed. "Spike, can you stay behind while we find Pinkie?"

Spike's eyes widened at the request. "But why can't I come with you guys to help?"

"Sorry Spike, but there is something that needs to be done by us. Besides, I think this castle could use a good cleaning." Twilight informed.

Spike sighed, knowing he wasn't getting out of cleaning her castle. "Alright." He said, faking a smile. "I'll do it."

"You're a good dragon." Twilight told him while looping a foreleg around him. She then released him and went to her friends.

"Come on girls. Let's do this." the girls cheered and they went out the door, leaving Spike, Shooting Star and Solaris alone.

Spike turned to face Solaris and Shooting Star with a glare. "I really hate when they do that." he then sighed in defeat. "I guess I should get started then."

Before he could start however, Shooting Star stopped him. "Aw, don't be like that. We can help you clean."

Spike smiled at them. "Thank you, you are too kind."

"I'll do you one better. I can instantly clean the castle with a snap of my claws." Solaris said while they looked at him with intrigue.

"Really?" Spike asked. "If so, that could save us a lot of time."

"You guys saw me defeat a lot of monsters by summoning things and using fire too when we first met in my true form, so you can believe me when I say I can clean this place with a snap of my claws." Solaris told them. He then led them to a dusty counter and snapped his claws. Before he snapped his claws, the counter was as dusty as can be. After he snapped his claws however, the counter was as shiny as a piece of iron.

Spike and Shooting Star were amazed, and they now knew cleaning the castle could be as swift as snapping your claws, literally, At least with Solaris around.

"That's amazing. We can clean the castle by snapping your claws and then we can see what the rest of the day will bring." Spike said. So Solaris snapped his claws and suddenly, the whole castle even felt cleaner. They looked around the room they were in and saw that it was clean.

"See, I told you I can do that. Did you ever doubt me for a second" Solaris asked.

Spike and Shooting Star looked around the now spotless castle with wide eyes, clearly impressed by Solaris' abilities.

"That's incredible, Solaris!" Shooting Star exclaimed. "You really do have some amazing powers."

Spike nodded in agreement. "Yeah, this is going to make things a lot easier around here."

Solaris smiled at their reactions. "I'm glad I could help. Now, let's make the most of the day. Any ideas on what we should do next?"

Spike thought for a moment, then his eyes lit up. "How about we check out the town? It's been a while since we've had a chance to just relax and explore."

Shooting Star agreed. "That sounds like a great idea. We could all use a break after everything that's happened."

Then Spike stopped. "What about Twilight? I don't think she will be happy about me leaving the castle."

"Don't worry Spike, I can spawn in a note for them." Solaris closed his left eye and a flame appeared in his right, letting him spawn a paper in front of him. "So what would you like it to say?"

Spike was in awe. "You still surprise me Solaris. I think the letter should say, 'Dear Twilight. I have finished cleaning, so I am going to spend the day with my friends. Hope you like the clean castle. From Spike."

Solaris used his magic to put Spike's words on the paper and put the letter on the table. "Now that that's out of the way, let's go exploring."

The trio made their way out of the castle and into the bustling streets of Ponyville. The town was lively as ever, with ponies going about their daily routines, chatting with friends, and enjoying the beautiful weather.

"How about we introduce you to the ponies that took me in, which are Derpy and the Doctor." Shooting Star suggested.

Solaris' eyes widened at the offer. "You mean THE Derpy and THE Doctor?"

Spike and Shooting Star were confused at this. "Well, yeah. Are you saying you know them?" Spike asked.

"Of course I do. The Doctor is a time lord and both Derpy and the Doctor are the knights of time and space. They even have a song about being knights of time and space. I won't sing it though because copyright infringement laws."

"Copyright infringement laws?" Spike asked.

"Yeah, the song was created by a different Derpy and Doctor from a different universe, so I'm not allowed to sing it or else I could be punished, but damn, its a good song." Solaris said.

Spike and Shooting Star, although disappointed that they couldn't hear the song, they were still intrigued about seeing Derpy and the Doctor again.

"Follow us Solaris." Shooting Star told him. So Spike and Shooting Star led Solaris to Derpy's and the Doctor's house. Once they were there, Spike knocked on the door.

After a few seconds, it swung open to reveal Derpy, with her trademark crossed eyes and a warm smile. "Hi guys, how are you guys doing after that nightmare last night? And you know you don't have to knock since you're staying with us."

"I'm doing well, Luna stopped the Tantabus and I'm doing much better after being possessed. Also, I guess I don't have to knock, but it would still be polite." Shooting Star told her.

"Anyway, welcome back you guys." she then took sight of Solaris. "and... who's this handsome fellow?"

Solaris chuckled nervously, stepping forward. "Hello, Derpy. It's been a while. I'm Solaris."

Derpy's eyes widened in recognition. "Solaris?! Oh my stars! It's really you!" She enveloped Solaris in a tight hug, surprising him with her enthusiasm.

"It's good to see you, Derpy," Solaris said warmly, returning the hug. "And Doctor?"

At that moment, the Doctor appeared behind Derpy, adjusting his bowtie with a grin. "Well, well, well! If it isn't Solaris, the phoenix with secrets as old as time itself! Welcome back, my friend!"

Solaris smiled genuinely, relieved by their warm welcome. "It's good to see you both. I hope my unexpected visit isn't too much trouble."

Derpy shook her head vigorously. "Nonsense! It's great to have a great friend back."

"Please, come in and make yourselves at home," the Doctor said, gesturing to a comfortable seating area. "Can I offer you some tea? Or perhaps something a bit more exotic?"

"Tea would be lovely, thank you," Solaris replied, taking a seat.

As Derpy bustled in the kitchen preparing the tea, the Doctor sat across from Solaris, his keen eyes studying him. "It's not every day we get a visit from an old friend. How have you been, Solaris? Still keeping secrets as always?"

Solaris chuckled. "Some secrets are being revealed but the rest will be revealed in due time, Doctor. But I've been doing well, considering everything."

"Considering everything?" Derpy echoed, returning with a tray of steaming tea. "What do you mean?"

"Let's just say I've had a few... eventful encounters recently," Solaris said, accepting a cup of tea.

"Eventful encounters? Like what happened with the Tantabus?" Derpy asked.

Solaris nodded. "Yes, and helping Luna find peace within herself, along with plenty more things that would be too much to explain right now. It's been quite a journey."

The Doctor leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. "You always did have a knack for getting involved in the most interesting situations. But it's good to hear that Luna is doing better."

"She is," Solaris said, a soft smile playing on his lips. "She's finally starting to forgive herself, and that's a huge step forward."

Spike, who had been quietly sipping his tea, spoke up. "It's amazing how much you've done, Solaris. You've helped so many ponies, including us."

"Thank you, Spike," Solaris said, his gaze warm. "But I couldn't have done it without the support of friends like you and Shooting Star."

Derpy beamed at them. "Well, you're always welcome here, Solaris. If you ever need a place to stay or just someone to talk to, you know where to find us."

"Thank you, Derpy," Solaris said, touched by her kindness. "That means a lot."

The group spent the next hour chatting and catching up, sharing stories and laughter. After that hour, Spike, Solaris and Shooting Star decided to get up and go back to the castle. Before they could go however, the Doctor stopped Spike and gestured to go over to him with a hoof.

"I meant it when I said that you remind me so much of Solaris when we first met, now you can see why." the Doctor told him while giving him a sly smile.

"Yes I do." Spike replied while going back to Solaris and Shooting Star. The trio left the house, but when they did, Solaris found himself subdued with a bag around his head. Spike saw this and they also saw that is was Pinkie that subdued him.

"Pinkie, what are you doing?" Spike asked.

"QUIET YOU!!" Pinkie yelled at Spike, Shooting Star stepping in between them just is case. "Now, follow me or bad things will happen.

With Solaris subdued, they had no other option, so they just nodded. They followed Pinkie who had Solaris subdued in her hair and followed her to the Town Square. They saw a bunch of ponies smiling with party favors and streamers around, leading Spike to guess this was like a party. Pinkie noticed this and put a hoof to her mouth, gesturing for him to be quiet. After that, Pinkie put Solaris down and took the bag off of his head.

When he could see clearly, everyone shouted, "SURPRISE!! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!"

Solaris blinked in surprise, taking in the sight of the decorated town square and the smiling faces of the townsponies. "A... birthday party?" he said, his voice a mixture of confusion and gratitude.

"Yes, a birthday party just for you!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, bouncing up and down with excitement. "I know it's a bit late, but nopony deserved to have their birthday go uncelebrated!"

Solaris smiled. "This looks great, but why did you subdue me and put a bag over my head like you were kidnapping me?" he asked Pinkie.

"Well, its a great way to surprise somepony, and it's also payback you yelling at me last night." Pinkie replied.

"Oh." Solaris said, looking down, shamed that he yelled at her last night. "I'm sorry Pinkie."

"Oh don't mention it Solaris." Pinkie reassured. "Besides, everypony makes mistakes."

Solaris walked over to Rainbow Dash and told her, "You are right Cyan, I will never get used to Pinkie's antics."

Everyone laughed while Rainbow looked at him because of her new nickname. "Cyan huh?"

"Yeah, because like I said, there is more cyan to you than rainbow." Solaris said

Rainbow thought for a bit. "I actually kind of like that nickname, it has a nice ring to it."

"I'm glad you like it. Now, how about we enjoy this party." Solaris declared. Everyone cheered, and started to party for a twelve thousand, four hundred and seventy eight year old friend.

While they were partying, Twilight went up to Spike. "I sure hope the castle got cleaned before you left." Twilight told him with a serious look.

Spike smiled confidently, "I'm sure the cleanliness of the castle will blow your expectations out of the water.

Earlier that morning in a different place

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty." Captain Valley ran into the throne room where King Naeus was hovering back and forth while gritting his teeth.

"What do you want, Captain?" King Naeus asked in an angry tone, scaring the figurative fire off of Captain Valley.

"Th-The plan failed. The Tantabus has been defeated." he said afraid.

King Naeus didn't say anything, which made Captain Valley even more afraid. After a minute and a half, he said "Captain, come over to me."

Captain Valley did as he was told, albeit a bit slow because he was terrified. Once he was there, a magic lasso of fire wrapped around his neck and levitated him in the air, strangling him.

"DO YOU NOT THINK I KNOW THAT?! DON'T STATE THE OBVIOUS!!!"

As King Naeus continued strangling him, another guard, this one a female, ran in. She saw King Naeus strangle Captain Valley with his lasso and yelled, "SIRE, SIRE PLEASE, LET HIM GO!!"

Upon hearing this, King Naeus reluctantly let him go, dropping to him to the floor with a thud. The female guard rushed over to Captain Valley and hugged him. "Valley, are you ok?" she asked.

"I am now that you're here." Valley told her.

King Naeus growled and said, "Corporal Pix, take Captain Valley and leave me be. I have another idea."

That made Valley and Pix grow concerned. "Wh- what is your idea your majesty?" Valley asked.

"I'm going over to Equestria myself, and I will kill those 3 myself." King Naeus informed

Looks of horror grew on Valley's and pix' faces. "You aren't really going to kill innocent young creatures are you?" Pix asked.

"You can come with me to watch me kill them."

"NO" Pix yelled, not wanting to see anyone die.

"THEN GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!!" King Naeus shouted. Valley and Pix just ran out of the door while King Naeus just smiled evilly.

"Your days are numbered you 3. I hope you have something on your side."

Author's Note

Looks like Solaris is hiding things, but he's gradually telling his secrets,