( A/N (Author Note))

The following story is based on MLP: FIM which I do not own nor have the intention of purchasing. My story will deal with  the proper ages of the mane six. The story is constructed on this theory. According to the series the age of Twilight Sparkle when she hatches Spike is five to seven. In this story I am building from her being age five; therefore there is only a five year difference between their actual ages. Additionally, to this I am making the average age of the mane six during the first season of the series 14-16. To this end Applejack and Rainbow Dash are 14; Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity are 15; and Fluttershy is 16, last but not least a Spike who had his 10th birthday before the summer sun celebration. The next birthday would be Spike's 11th  when he gave that very beautiful unicorn the heart shaped fire ruby which ended up saved the town from full destruction. This story takes place in a Ponyville that is seven years after Twilight Sparkle came to town and saved Equestria from Nightmare Moon. I'll leave you to do the math on their current ages. The story is at another birthday party of Spike's this one starting in the evening. I realize the ages I have mentioned may not be precise or 100% accurate but they are simple observations gleaned from personal understanding of the series. My first point of my reference is based on the fact that the Summer Sun Celebration that happened in the first episode of season one. Then in “Secret of my Excess” in season two Spike mentions it is his first birthday in Ponyville. I have personally for the sake of this story determined that Spike's birthday is before the Summer Sun Celebration. A secondary point some will bring up is this is contradictory to the episode “The Cutie Mark Chronicles.” In response, I say that there is no specific time-line to Twilight's story, for this story then I shall say that Twilight was four when she saw that first Summer Sun Celebration. She then spent time studying over the next year by her self. Her parents seeing her put everything aside for this get a registration form for Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. The entrance exams taking place a month before the Summer Sun Celebration so that the Princess will have time to set up a personal curriculum for each student. These are personal observations and for the purposes of this story this is how I've set things up. On one final side note I am following the theory that all the dragons that were seen on the dragon migration had wings so Spike must obtain wings at some point. Another note about dragons in this Equestria there are two ways of growth one is the greed path, and the other is the age path. The part of the age path of dragons in this Equestria we're concerned about works like this: (0-5) baby dragon; (6-15) child dragon; (16-100) teen dragon. This means that Spike would unlikely show any changes in growth during most possible cannon scenarios. I felt like giving a little back story to set the atmosphere for Ponyville and the days leading up to the party. This is primarily based on events coming out of season's one and two. Anything else I refer to outside that time line is personal fiction made by me. Now onto the story so please hold all comments until the end.

The years in Golden Oaks library had been good to Spike, as well as to his mentor, sister figure, and best friend Twilight Sparkle. Spike had started his first natural growth spurt since he was a kid last year, spending part of it in the library molting all of his baby scales to allow for growth in size and new stronger scales. Part of his growth spurt included the sprouting of his wings, they were large set of bat like wings with a green film. The growth of his body allowed a change in size to the point where standing upright on his back legs he is now as tall as Big Macintosh able to look the stallion in the eyes, Spike's green head scales added enough to his height now that most doors he had to duck. His tail now longer, flowing like a river scales to a spade tipped end. All of his muscles strengthened maturing in this new form he had grown into. At the ends of his long strong lanky arms his claws had grown out to very dangerous tips. His teeth had always been the strongest part of him, now it felt like when he was smiling he was showing off a row of knives. The new form also held improved control of his fire breath which he had managed to improve greatly with Twilight's aid.

Spike had started to feel like a monster after the first set of changes to his appearance in Ponyville. His new size only served to make his chores at the library easier, keeping up with Twilight even when he had to triple check the checklist for her. He was most thankful that his new size brought on no sleep deprived blackouts. He had started to be accustomed to helping almost all of Twilight's closest friends on at least one day each week. All his friends still managed to make him feel welcome in their presence. No pony who knew the Spike personally would even say that the new size did anything to change who he was on the inside, and that's what really mattered to him. Things in Equestria had gone pretty well for him over the last year, with no national threats to Equestria in the recent years.

Spike would spend his Monday's assisting Twilight in the library. This usually consisted of the following; making her checklists for the week, consulting on schedules, re-shelving the returned books, and making sure supplies were fully stocked. Spike's Tuesday's after breakfast and the morning sweep of the library, would cause him to head over to Sweet Apple Acre's to assist Applejack in anyway she saw fit. These chores began with setting up buckets, rounding up bruised apples, bringing full buckets back to the house, and ended with some apple bucking. With his new found strength and body size though he did it in a way no pony could. After morning chores on Thursday's, Spike would usually be seen heading over to Fluttershy's cottage. While under Fluttershy's work load he would usually be watching over Angel's kids, or an injured animal, and setting out filled food bowls for hungry animals. Meanwhile Fluttershy did something on her own outside of her house for hours at a time. Her animals had become much more accommodating of Spike over the years yet the size change did set him back a bit with some. Fluttershy would sometimes only come back right before or after sunset. Spike wasn't one to pry into the sweet shy mare's private life, but he had observed her returning close enough to the cottage once with a certain big red stallion before quickly parting company.

On Friday's he was under the employ of Pinkie Pie and The Cake's, Carrot and wife Cup, whom he had been helping out the most other than Rarity over the years to payback the damage he did to Sugar Cube Corner. They always had him make a few sets of his dragon fire pastries which were some of the best sellers they had since he started helping out more. He would always make enough to make sure they would have enough for the next day at least. With help from Apple Bloom babysitting relieving some of the stress from the twins, Pound and Pumpkin, from the Cake's backs.  With the help from Spike and Apple Bloom the Cake's work load was much easier on them and Pinkie Pie as a result. Sunday's were the day's that he had promised to aid Rainbow Dash in any stunt that she could use his help with. Primarily consisting of him setting up flaming obstacles for her to fly through. She had upped her training since the realization that the Wonderbolts didn't take any applicants under the age of twenty one. Spike had set up one week's obstacle course in a very tricky section of Whitetail Wood ending in a triple fire loop. Rainbow Dash still went through them with speed and accuracy blowing out each flame as she went through finishing with an astounding aerial loop the loop. She would be a promising recruit for certain if she made it to the tryouts this her first year.

Saturday's were Spikes only real day off from this work schedule though these day's along with Wednesday's were usually spent with Rarity. Saturday's he would always bring her a red rose from the flower vendor Rose. Wednesday's were the day's that Spike would spend at Carousel Boutique assisting Rarity with her most urgent projects. Though he had assisted his over organized “sister” for most of his life, assisting Rarity came like a second nature to him. She had even asked him to aid her in prep work for a few of the fashion shows she'd be out of Ponyville for a few days on. He had become very familiar with her work space after all, and being able to get her what she needed as quickly as she asked was only expeditious to her cause. With Spike as her assistant she never got a questioning remark about her styles, only giving assistance in getting her everything she needed to complete her visions. It was like watching two halves of the same whole to watch them working on a project together.  

Spike had begun to notice almost every time that he went to Carousel Boutique recently to help Rarity with her designs, that something had been bothering her despite all her successes. Boutique's all across Equestria handled some of her best old and new designs. Elite from every corner of Equestria had come to her shop to ask for personal ensembles. Though she still hadn't found that prince charming she had been looking for, finding it quite was lonely at the top with out someone there to share it with you. She had friends sure, yet, she longed for that special somepony that would make her feel like a real rarity though. Somepony to like her for who she was, and to treat her like a lady should be treated by a real gentlecolt. She had turned down pretty much every stallion who had came asking for her for one reason or another. She hardly went on dates anymore every stallion who had been turned down had started to call her the “Ice Queen of Fashion.”

Even if she would accept she would find something inexplicably wrong with the stallion wanting her attentions. The stallion either ignored her interest in fashion, or was too caught up in himself to treat her like a lady, or he was only there looking to get under her expertly made by her own hoof dresses. She hated the latter the most these brutes most since all of them didn't take her rejection kindly. Making her very glad Twilight had taught her the teleportation spell during a rainy afternoon she had to get home to finish a custom order. She only had to basically focus on herself  and the image of where you wanted to go to have it take her straight back to her home. Most of the failed dates left her locked up in the boutique's bedroom for a few days. She only ever opened the front door to Spike on these days keeping all others out even Fluttershy, the boutique was otherwise closed on days after date's that had gone horribly wrong. Spike could tell her stallion troubles had started to depress her even more over the past year. Even in this last Wednesday's design session had been slow going for her. He tried to talk to her about it directly as a friend, but she said she didn't want to discuss it with him right now. Saying she needed to create today, and Spike knew when she said that there was nothing he could do or say to stop her focus.

Just Spike's luck that his party would fall on on a Saturday and not a day he could get out of a bit of work. Spike had Pinkie promised, Pinkie on the Friday before he would consult her for set up. He wanted to make this party special though so he had to call the shots. He had something very big planned for this party. Either making it the best night of his life, or a reason for him to turn away from being a pony leaving Equestria.

On the Monday before the party he had sent out his own invitations to most of his friends in Ponyville and some from Canterlot. He even went so far as to invite the Royal Alicorn Sisters, Twilight's brother; Shining Armor, and his wife; Princess Cadence. On Tuesday he asked Applejack for use of her barn on Saturday. He said it would make the perfect place to have the party he was planning. She happily agreed even saying that use of the space was on her for his gift. He had been avoiding gifts since his eleventh birthday fiasco. Each of Twilight's friends had since found their own way to show him they cared about him with out a real physical gift. On Wednesday he gave Rarity her invitation in person with a rose continuing to assist her that day even with her down mood he had made her just a bit happier by the end of the day. He mentioned to Fluttershy in her invite that he wouldn't have time to spend with her on Thursday if he wanted everything to go smoothly as possible on Saturday. On Thursday Spike went straight to Sugar Cube Corner to spend the better part of the day finalizing his plans with Pinkie Pie.

The final touch he wanted was to make sure that as the sunset that night that Octavia would appear on the stage, and for Rarity start a song that he had only heard once. He had found a sheet music book for the song thanks to Twilight's help. Needing it to be perfect for Rarity that night, and Octavia was the only musician in Equestria in Spike's mind who could pull off the song perfect for Rarity. Spike was finally going to tell her about his feelings in his own rare way. With most of the things he had to do for The Cake's tomorrow done today in congruency with planning with Pinkie Pie. He spent all of Friday getting ready at the library for his solo on Saturday. Twilight could hear the singing coming from the basement in almost every variance of pitch. She left Spike to his own devices figuring that he'd be better off if he was alone today.

Spike had become more competent at raising earlier in the library, ever since he now has to sleep on the spare bed in a room separate yet across from Twilight. As Celestia's Sun rose on this day the light seemed to drift across the room and come into his eyes. Spike shook his head gently it was the big day he was going to tell the mare he loved that he loved her today. No reservations, no backing down, no interruptions, he was going to say it today in his own way he felt like nothing could stop him. Spike came out of his room he slowly made his way down to kitchen trying to not awaken Twilight just yet.

She has a pile of books around her bed again, and Spike knew she had stayed up late studying another magic spell of some kind or another. He knew that Twilight really needed to start having better sleeping hours, or at least a special somepony to get some time out of the library with. He moved down the stairs silently, the last stair creaking rather loudly under his weight as it almost always did now. He moved quickly to the kitchen, though, starting a fresh batch of cinnamon apple pancakes. Hoping the scent from the kitchen would be enough to rouse the sleeping unicorn from her bed. By the time the pancakes were finished, they ended up having the desired result on the sleeping unicorn. Spike brought two plates of three pancakes to each plate into the main area of the library. Setting his plate on one of the study tables. As Twilight had started down the stairs she sniffed at the aroma that had awoken her again saying,“Happy Birthday, Spike! You're up early today. Mmmm Spike those smell delicious. My pancakes never turn out like yours. Which just another reason why you're my number one assistant.”

She slowly levitated the plate Spike was motioning for her to take with her magic the lavender aura bringing it to just in front of her letting her get another whiff of the aroma before setting it on the same table. Having the aura move up to the top dice the top pancake gently with her steady concentration. Then bringing a piece of the pancake to her mouth with the aura she let out another very pleased. “Mmmm.”

Spike didn't respond to her but felt glad that his big sis was enjoying his cooking. Beginning to slice his own pancakes with his big sharp claws. He had added a few garnet's from his private gem stash to his pancakes he felt the flavor meshed well with apples. He slowly began to eat them focused on getting his energy for the day right now. Spike figured after he finished his breakfast that he needed to take a shower today as well. He finished up quickly and took his plate back to the kitchen and went to the bathroom in the library. Spike wanted to smell his best today. He knew he has a long day ahead of him today since he was overseeing a party going up. After his shower he did a very through inspection of his scales for stray dirt.

Spike put on the formal wear Rarity had made for him after his new transformation still fitting perfectly over his wings. It was a black top coat with emerald buttons that had a lime green undershirt that matched his ear frill's color. She had decided against pants for the ensemble telling Spike it made him look like a real gentledrake just the way it was. The party was scheduled to start at four o'clock pm. He left Golden Oaks library looking ready for anything his formal wear feeling like armor. Spike knew Twilight would be behind him shortly, as he needed her help in setting up too. He was ready to get started on this endeavor, however and couldn't wait for her to get ready as well. Spike began making his way to Sweet Apple Acres with thoughts of the beautiful mare of his dreams on his mind.

As the morning seeped into Carousel Boutique it was followed by a faint warm smell of quiche. Rarity was however still in slumber land, she tossed and turned on her bed. She felt as if she was tied up with rope hanging by her wrists. A black dragon having captured her, pulling her away from her friends before they could use the Elements of Harmony to banish him. The black dragon knocking Twilight and the others to the ground with a swift whip of the tail. Before the dragon could get very far with the ensnared pony though, a knight wearing plate mail came in to block his passage. Proceeding to deliver a powerful head thrust tackle at the dragon's underbelly with the spiky sharp helmet he was wearing. The face guard on the helm was down so Rarity couldn't see who was saving her. The black dragon reeled from this blow and his claws snapped through the rope bindings holding Rarity. The knight moved and caught her in his large strong front arms. He quickly charged on his back legs to bring her back to the other elements to get them ready to remove this menace from Equestrian borders. As this was happening though she tried to look at her saviors face only to find there wasn't enough light in the cave but she could see his emerald eyes. He was about to say something to her, as something out of place wafted through her nose something that shouldn't be there the smell of... quiche?

Rarity slumbering her eyes hidden behind a eye mask, she started to inhale the scents that reminded her of her favorite kind of quiche. Causing her eyes to blink open under the mask wondering who could be using her kitchen right now. Sweetie Belle was supposed to be with the rest cutie mark crusaders at a sleepover on Sweet Apple Acres. She slowly roused her self from the bed a little disappointed that she didn't get to see her dream stallion's face. Putting on her robe she slowly made her way down the stairs. Crossing the boutique's main floor slowly then opening the door with her magic to the kitchen to see who was responsible for breaking her from her dream and finding out who was her rescuer.

As the door opened she saw Sweetie Belle but couldn't believe she was here.  Rarity leaned against the kitchen door in the doorway and tapped her hooves on the ground. Distracting her sister from putting the final touches on the plates on the kitchen table. Rarity then said with a bit of contempt in her voice. “I'm glad to see those cooking lessons I gave you improved your skill so greatly sister dear. ”

Sweetie Belle startled by this turned to see her sister looking at her in her robe as Sweetie looked back at her sister, she responded with. “How do you always know!? Whenever I'm cooking in your house sis, it is practically impossible surprise you with breakfast! I hope it came out alright...” The last sentence came out a bit quieter almost like she shouldn't have said it.

Rarity looked back at her sister shaking her head, and walked over the set table. She slowly looked over the plate, and noticed that Sweetie Belle had even managed to take the time to slice individual portions of her favorite quiche into eighths. Rarity levitated one of the slices up with her blue magic aura, and proceeded to take a very lady like bite out of the pointed side. She let the taste roll over her tongue slowly, as she chewed and proceeded to swallow the small bite of food. She said with much delight. “Sweetie Belle this is best job you have done with this recipe ever.” As Rarity took another bite she noticed something very unique to the taste of the quiche, and quickly had a new question for her sister. Looking at her with a pair of very questioning eyes.“Also how did you ever get Spike to give you his recipe?”

Sweetie Belle gulped at her sisters revelation. She looked back at her with a bit of anxiety in her body. She had not felt as nervous as this since her first gig. Sweetie Belle had been the first of the cutie mark crusaders to get her cutie mark.  A microphone with a bell for the tip, a stretch of lace that matched her mane around the underside of the bell connecting it to the microphone base. She had discovered she really loved to sing the lace strip represented the wonderfully sweet sound of her voice no matter the song. She quickly gained a lot of popularity even recorded her own first single at her sister's request. Which managed to get her on her way to being a young pop sensation her big sister even designing her first stage outfit.

She just stared back at Rarity and said nervously. “Well... sis, it was just after sunset yesterday that Spike came by Sweet Apple Acres. He asked if I would bake the two quiche's he brought with him for our breakfast today. I was going to decline but after insistence from him and Apple Bloom I agreed. Sounds like I managed to get them to turn out OK then.” Sweetie Belle moved over to her position at the table and started to eat her quiche. Her sister had been right the taste was just divine for having been prepared the night before.

Rarity sat in silent reflection of this information as she continued to finish the main course of her meal for that morning. As she thought about the nice gesture Spike had done for her, and even on his birthday. She couldn't help but pensively think that Spike had emerald eyes though she never really thought about it before. Her heart started to beat a bit faster at this thought. Only after the fact that Rarity was still staring at her empty plate had Sweetie Belle said. “Equestria to Rarity... Are you there sis? I need to go do a few errands before the party, but I should see you there at four.”

Rarity responded with “Hmm?... What?... Yes... Sounds fine. OK...” With that Sweetie Belle left the kitchen quickly and proceeded to leave the boutique. Rarity figured that Sweetie Belle had some things to finish up with her friends when she left. Rarity picked up both plates with her magic, and slowly took them over to the sink rinsing them off a bit before putting them down. Sweetie Belle had put out Opal's milk bowl, and Rarity turned her self around going back upstairs to start getting her self ready for this afternoon. She has a new ensemble that she did design around the fire ruby Spike had given her all those years ago. She took the necklace from a specially fitted jewelry box slowly and steadily putting it on the ponyquin with her outfit with her magic. Making it look like a final touch to the ensemble not the driving force. Rarity went to go begin her daily beautification rituals she knew Spike would always be happy to see her no matter what she wore, but today was the first time she felt a bit self conscious of what he might think of her in this outfit.

Pinkie and Spike had been over at Applejack's barn for about an hour before Twilight showed up to help. Spike was very thankful when she did arrive, since he was counting on her making the dance floor expand over the entire barn to ensure minimal dirt contact for that special mare of his. Pinkie's party cannon had done a great deal of the setting up already. With Twilight's help Spike managed to direct her in hanging a banner from the loft with her magic that he had worked on personally yesterday along with getting his voice in tune. There were no words on it only an image. The image was one of his old body on one side and his new body on the other side with an intricate green fire pattern between the two. Set up on top of the tables were plenty of candles that were ready to be lit by his green flames when the time was right. Suddenly the dragon let out a belch of the green fire to have it produce a scroll with Princess Celestia's seal on it. He opened the letter quickly it read as such.

Dear Spike,

It pains me to be the one to inform you that Shining Armor and Princess Cadence are unable to attend, however Luna  and I will still be able to attend. Please tell my faithful student Twilight Sparkle that I look forward to speaking to her personally. I'm also very glad to hold the sunset long enough for your plans this evening. Princess Luna wishes to  speak with you after your show. We'll see you this evening.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia  

After Spike had read the letter Twilight snatched it from his claws with her magic reading it her self then shouting. “Spike! You didn't tell me you were inviting my brother or Cadence.”

Spike shifted on the spot feeling a bit embarrassed responding with. “Well I thought it would've been a nice surprise for you if they had been able to make it Twi. I know it's hard for you get to see them outside of visits to the Crystal Empire. I know you miss Shining Armor a lot, and I know you like seeing your nephew as well.”

Twilight just looked at him and back at the letter slowly, proceeding to gave him a big hug knowing he had done it with the intention of making her happy made her glad she had such a thoughtful assistant. Spike holding her back gently rubbing her coat softly as they hugged. Knowing how much she really missed her big brother words could not express, but today it looked like she'd just have to do with her little brother. After this short embrace Spike got right back to directing Pinkie and Twilight to setting up the stage, dance floor, and tables taking about till noon.

At which time they were interrupted by Applejack asking if they wanted some lunch. Who brought in some of the best apple treats the farm had to offer the three hungry party workers. Spike only took an apple fritter, a simple apple, and a bottle of the apple juice for lunch. Pinkie pie took the remaining four fritters, and managed to down two bottles of the juice for her lunch. Twilight took a zap apple jam sandwich, and a single bottle of the apple juice for lunch. Applejack took the same lunch that Twilight had, and said she was available for anything else they needed help with. Spike actually gave her a bag of bits saying. “I would really appreciate it if you could get me a bouquet of white roses from Rose's stand a total of nine if possible Applejack. This bag of bits should be enough for it if I know her prices well enough. Be careful with bringing them back.” Applejack nodded taking the bag of bits, and galloped out of the barn at her top speed figuring it would be best she got back with them before Rarity showed up.

Just after Applejack left was the same time that Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash arrived. Spike came up to Rainbow Dash asking her the following right after she came in. “Tonight is supposed to be clear right Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash rolled her magenta eyes at him but said in a very clear tone with a mock salute. “I had to get a shower changed to yesterday but tonight should be all clear Spike. I hope it's everything you wanted.”

Spike chucked as he watched her salute with fake determination. “Should be if you cleared the sky, thanks again Rainbow. Oh here I got this for you while I was in Canterlot last weekend.” Spike smiled holding out a large folder filled with many pieces of parchment. The front of the folder read “Wonderbolts Registration Form” as she looked over it his hand beckoning her to take it. Rainbow almost couldn't believe her eyes putting it gently into her hooves with one last bit advice Spike said. “The form needs to be turned into Spitfire before the Summer Sun Celebration which gives you about a month.  They rarely accept more than one new recruit at a time Dash, so make sure you show them your best in your flight test, Rainbow. Your time at the academy was training you for this moment.”

“OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh!!!! Spike this is the best thing ever. Thank you!” After giving the folder to Fluttershy to hold Rainbow Dash proceeded to tackle hug the dragon. Both of them tumbling to the ground with the speed at which her wings had moved her.

“Ow! Hey, you're welcome.” Spike smiled returning the hug of one of his better friends in Ponyville.  After the great dragon migration Spike had formed a new bond with Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Twilight. Which made what he was going to do tonight all the more special for that white unicorn. After a few moments they released each other letting Spike get back up on his legs.  As they both stood up, was just about the time when Applejack made her way back into the barn.

“Nine white roses just like ya asked Suga' cube.” Applejack had said after setting them down on the nearest table. He smiled and was glad he had such good friends to help him out. He could really do anything for Rarity with their help. He took out another bag that was filled with twenty seven small light blue diamonds. Taking him nine large diamonds to personally cut and divide them up properly. He spread them out on the table with the roses three to each flower and then said. “Twilight? Think you can put these diamonds on the petals?”

She put down the checklist she was working on and looked at the roses and diamonds and said “Hmmm. I'll need your help, if you have an image in your mind of what you want the final result to be, that would be best. Other than that it's a simple spell with full concentration.”

Taking the better part of the remainder of the two hours till four, and Rainbow Dash gathering Pinkie Pie's attention. In order for Twilight and Spike to finish the spell on the roses which after the transformation looked astounding. The three largest outer petals now had their own diamond pattern in the center giving each of the roses a look that matched the female unicorn of Spikes affections cutie mark. All the roses together in a bouquet had almost a delicate shimmer that seemed to be pulled from every light source.

While Spike and Twilight were distracted with the spell for the perfect bouquet, Octavia and Vinyl Scratch had showed up and were being shown in by Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. Pinkie had high hoofed with Vinyl upon arrival. Taking to helping her move her turntables and stereo system into the barn. Putting them so that the speakers were on either sides of the stage, and the turntables were off to one side of the stage. With Vinyl owing Pinkie a favor and Octavia owing her oldest school friend Vinyl a favor Octavia had agreed to perform for this low class venue. Octavia wasn't too thrilled about seeing the bright pink party pony again, as she always felt uneasy around Pinkie Pie. Octavia had been asked by Vinyl to do a love song right at sundown. Having been told that person who wanted her specifically loved the way she handled a cello, and that no one could make the strings sing like she did. Pinkie had pointed over to Spike when they had asked just who was going to be singing the song that Octavia was playing.

Octavia went over to him after the magic had stopped glowing on Twilight's Horn. She had been given the music being quite confident in her ability to play it, but was not sure about the vocal talent of the person she'd be working with. With the aid of some of the books from the library Spike's vocal work out on Friday resulted in a sweet baritone. When he was asked if he would need vocal accompaniment by the classy cellist. Spike responded to her with a short sweet sample of the first two lines of the song. Everypony's jaws dropped, as they heard the sample from Spike.

Noon was approaching when Rarity had begun to feel lady like again. She had most of her makeup done and was putting on some final touches like adding her eyelashes on. As Rarity went through the boutique she touched up a few of her longer standing projects. She had a few dresses that needed to be done for Hoity Toity by the end of next week. She was not worried since she was sure that on Wednesday with Spike's help that she would have the rest of the dresses she needed to do finished. So they would be sent to Canterlot on Thursday two days a head of schedule. Rarity was always one for getting things done early if it was possible, as she has to be speedy and timely in the fashion business otherwise she might just get left behind. With all of her connections now she still managed to make things for the customers who kept her in bits during down times with their constant business.

Whether that was a fresh new couture for Hoity Toity, or something snazzy and sparkling for Sapphire Shores with costume changes of course, or a new matching male and female ensemble for Fancypants and Fleur de Lis, or even Photo Finish coming around to do photo shoots for the boutique's newest couture’s, Rarity always took every project seriously easily tailoring it to the needs of her customer while keeping her own unique flair to the project. She was just about to change another hem, and add a few more gems to an outfit, realizing that she now only had an hour to change into her outfit. In addition to getting over to Sweet Apple Acre's on time. Rarity quickly went straight up to her bedroom, starting to change making sure she would not be sweaty. She really wanted to do her best to look and smell her absolute best for Spike tonight. Rarity couldn't explain these feelings as her mind raced with thoughts of that wonderful dream, even if she wasn't sure who the knight really was. She was going to give Spike a chance to see if he was up to the task of being her knight in shining armor.

Rarity left the boutique wearing a cape, as capes were back in fashion again. She had decided to wear the cape that she had made for her self on the birthday of Spike's when he gave her the fire ruby. The cape was a light purple with slight ruffles around the collar. Of course it was more of an outer cape considering the ensemble. She was wearing a pair of  heeled shoes on her front hooves that matched the color of the cape. The rest of her outfit was in a color close to the shade of her mane. The sleeves swooping into a heart shape area over her chest coming around her neck from the opposite sides, ending in tear shape cuffs just above her ankles. As the dress connected the heart shape from the sleeve connections framing her neck connecting around the larger part of the upper torso connecting perfectly to the dress. The dress section had come down to a “fabulous” rose design with almost every shade of purple she could get her hands on it was a slow sloping outer ring of the dark purple that slowly lightened with every tone closer to the inner folds. The rose like design of the dress section left little to no train, and made it very easy to hide the holes for tail and back legs. Rarity rarely did it but this outfit required shoes for her back hooves as well these however matched the primary color of the dress. The dress had a myriad of amethyst gems attached in all the right spots to just gently catch the light. Just above the heart shape formed by the sleeves over her chest was the fire ruby necklace which cast a gentle red hue over chest providing a mid ground contrast of colors that had left her very happy with the final outcome of the outfit.

Carousel Boutique, the furthest building in Ponyville from Sweet Apple Acre's, Rarity had started out with only thirty minutes till four. She would arrive with about ten minutes to spare if she kept her pace steady with out getting her ensemble dirty. She had figured most of her friends would be waiting for her already at the party considering a lot of them were helping with the preparations. She had figured Spike might be planning something special for her when her invitation had read “Spikes 6th birthday party in Ponyville. Saturday starts at four goes till morning everyone is free to leave as they see fit. P.S. Rarity there is a red rose with this invitation I'm going to have something incredible just for you when you arrive at four.” She wondered what Spike could have had in mind. However just as she was about to think longer on it there was a tell tale loud thwack to the back of her head which made her world go dark.

Rarity had carried her invitation with her and after a short examination of her heart shaped chest area with some hooves it was found. The earth pony who rendered her unconscious quickly lifted her onto his back, and moved away from the center of town past every house. He could tell the trail he was supposed to take it had been ingrained in his mind. It would allow him to escape Celestia's gaze, and get back into the Everfree Forest with no interruptions.  He had trained for weeks to do this dash with another pony on his back. He took her on his back at a gallop speed, and made his way to the drop off location. Dashing along the trail through the Everfree Forest that had been outlined for him during the training. Arriving after crossing a fairly new looking stone bridge to the location a rope bridge near by as well. A unicorn stepped from the shadows of the forest and levitated the unconscious mare to him with the invitation using his silvery blue magical aura, then levitated a message towards the stallion and said. “Good work. Now deliver this note to the party at the apple farm. I'm sure “Spike” will be eager to learn his love is missing. Your payment will be at the regular drop off.”

The earth pony nodded taking off towards the Apple family farm. He took the note to the barn where the party was being held like all parties to be held at Sweet Apple Acres. He ran in the direction of the farm and barn getting closer with every step of his hooves. When he got close enough he tossed  the note into the air and split it with a dagger he had retrieved from his saddle bags. He moved his neck tossing the dagger through one of the windows in one swift motion shattering it with the force of the throw. The dagger sticking into the other side of the barn with force of the throw the note about ready to slide off. After the throw the earth pony galloped at full speed in a different direction only to circle back through the orchard, and then into the Everfree Forest to the drop point.

As the clock tower in town sounded four there was a crash of glass along the sound of galloping hooves as everyone in the barn turned to see the dagger that was now sticking out of the wall. Thankfully no pony had been hurt but as Twilight took the parchment from the dagger with her magic she read the note silently to her self and was more than shocked when she read the demands of Rarity's kidnappers. She couldn't believe it she read it a second time and then she heard a voice say. “What dose it say Twilight?” She knew the voice of her number one assistant, letting go of a single tear she handed it over to Spike with her magic. Who in turn took the cue to read it aloud.

“If you want to see the fair lady Rarity again. “The dragon” will bring every bit & gem you and your friends can gather alone. To the original castle of the Royal Alicorn Sisters before sunrise. We have spies all over the Everfree Forest, thus we'll know if anyone is following you. Then she shall meet with a grim pony in a dark hood after slaking our lusts on her. Anything less than or equal to 1,000,000 bits of worth and we'll still slake our lusts on her with you watching dragon boy. 2,000,000 bits of worth even and we'll return her to you with out anything but a bump to the head.”

The more he read the shakier his voice became, the more his mind raced, the more a fire started burning in his heart, and tears had began trickling down his face. That anyone would do this to her in the middle of Ponyville, and during Celestia's constant watch was just unthinkable. Spike knew the Princess could not watch every last thing that happened in every part of her kingdom every moment. Seamingly unfair that she would miss this of all things she could miss. His heart breaking with every last word these villains had written, asking for easily half if not more of the kingdoms entire finance to get his love back unharmed. The only thing he could hope for was that the Princesses had something to offer him in aid.

Spikes mind was racing with possibilities his body twitching a bit tensing with anxiety and readiness. Only after Twilight came up to him and put her hoof on his shoulder that he started to calm down a bit, after turning it into big hug she said the best thing she could think to say as a big sister in this situation. “We will get her back, Spike, unharmed.”Twilight released him turning to adress her friends. “Rainbow, go see if you can catch who ever threw the dagger. Applejack, could you go check if you have any spare bits up at the farm house? Pinkie Pie, go check Carousel Boutique for signs of Rarity and gems. Then see if you can round up any bits from Sugar Cube Corner, and ask if any pony in town can help or saw anything. Fluttershy, do you think you can get Angel's kids and some of your animal friends to check out the path to the old castle? Together there is nothing that can stop us from getting our friend back.” Turing her head back to Spike. “We need to inform the Princess's think you can take a letter, Spike?”