//------------------------------//
// Chapter Two: "Happy Eve of Anniversary?" 
// Story: MLP: Believing in the Impossible 
// by Spirit of Destiny 
//------------------------------//

Chapter Two: "Happy Eve of Anniversary?"

"When in the company of those you adore most, you can't easily find a better place. In fact, silly me, no better place exists." – Mi Amore Cadenza, the Crystal Princess


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Looking as gorgeous as the first time she'd welcomed the two into her own home of Carousel Boutique on the eve of the thousandth Summer Sun Celebration, framed spectacularly in the doorway like a picture, elegant Rarity seemed to glimmer in the brightness Princess Luna's full moon cast. No matter what she did, the Element of Generosity was absolutely perfect! This, in the least, was how paralyzed Spike saw the white unicorn as she charmingly fluttered her sapphire eyes at him. Twilight, doing her best not to explode into fits of giggles, watched the scene unfold from close by.

"Oh, Spikey," Rarity said to the stiff dragon, happily taking in the sight of him being as red as his gifted Fire Ruby to her which she currently wore around her neck, "shame on you, indeed! You've always been quite the looker! Surely you don't think that you've always gotten along with everypony by mere coincidence, have you? No, with your big heart of gold, charming personality, and handsomeness… you have nothing to question about yourself. Nopony anywhere at any time can say otherwise."

The Element of Generosity cocked her head attractively to one side while watching her favorite dragon try to find his voice. When he couldn't, she just tittered before bringing him back to reality. Swiftly yet tenderly, she planted a quick kiss on Spike's cheek and then requested, "Now, would my champion care to welcome myself and my belongings inside?"

"Y-yes! Of course!" Spike instantly answered, trying to act as "champion" as he could when called such by his love, "Here! Let me get your stuff! After all, the champion does the carrying and his girl does the, uh, um… well, you know, you're not my girl. No, you are! Just not yet – Well, I just meant that… You know what I mean, right?"

As Twilight – who was trying her hardest not to laugh – was ridiculous in being picky, Rarity was just as ridiculous in packing. She was attending a simple sleep over yet, with what she'd dragged along in a wagon behind her, one would think the end of the world was at hand. Nevertheless, for the love of his life, nervous Spike paid that fact no heed. Without any complaint, he managed to gather the enormous pile of luggage Ponyville's fashionista had brought along to the library. Next, under the stress of hauling the mountain of baggage, he moved aside for his lady whom, with grace only matched by those in Canterlot high society, stepped through the threshold.

"Once born a champion," Rarity chimed in Spike's direction once inside, "always a champion. You, my little Spikey-Wikey, are the perfect example of such. Never question that. Am I clear?"

"Y-yes. Thank you, Rarity." The dragon answered while trying to keep any of his crush's bags from tumbling out of the wagon's rim.

It was when Twilight used her magic to assist him with his load that she noticed Spike was plainly very inspired by Rarity's generous words. Everything about him, formerly fatigued, had brightened. When given the chance though, he admitted humbly, "But tonight, I think it's safe to say that Twilight is the real champion. If not this night, then she will be tomorrow. That's for sure." At Spike's statement, the Element of Generosity let out an excited squeal! She tackled the Element of Magic in a tight embrace and, in turn, Twilight lost her magical hold on what bags she'd taken from Spike!

The result was that he was momentarily buried by the stuff while the two mares remained in an enthusiastic hug!

"Ooh, Twilight," Rarity exclaimed practically in a scream, trying to hold back some tears too, "Spike is right! You are a champion! Tonight is the eve, the buildup, the opening act, for what may very well be one of your, our, most fantastic memories! I shant deny that I'm so incredibly happy for you, my dear! I also shant deny that I cannot believe that you've already been a princess for a whole year! A whole year! Why, what grand memories this entire anniversary endeavor is bringing back to me! What memories it will bless me with too! Ooh, it's just too wonderful to describe!"

Caught up in the whirlwind of the moment, the Element of Generosity then whipped around to where her bags rested. She intended to show her friends, especially her little Spikey-Wikey, something worthwhile! Yet, at seeing her belongings were getting the best of her champion, she delicately asked of him instead, "Spikey-Wikey, ah, um, can you really handle all of that stuff, my little champ?"

"Yeah! No problem!" Spike immediately answered through his straining, trying not to appear to be too inferior to handle a bunch of luggage in the name of love, "Just give me a minute. Where do you want everything?"

"It wouldn't hurt anypony to put everything in the kitchen." Twilight answered ahead of Rarity, knowing Spike would only have to go a few feet with minimal risk of hurting himself while bringing the wagon there, "Everypony is going to be sleeping out here in the living room so it'll be convenient to have the belongings nearby rather than upstairs for no reason." At this, Ponyville's princess along with fashionista even looked to help their scaly friend using their magic. 

In his own respectful way, meanwhile, Spike insisted on doing everything himself, "It's okay you guys! Really! I can take care of the luggage while you enjoy yourselves. This isn't called a girl's night out for no reason, after all. As a guy, why should I stick around? Why am I even here in the first place?"

"What?! Why shouldn't you stick around? Why should you even be here?" Rarity questioned aghast while entering the kitchen behind Twilight, "Spike, if only the Canterlot stallions took after your humbleness! Tell me if I'm wrong but have you not repeatedly said it yourself?" The white unicorn nuzzled the dragon's cheek with her own as she insisted next, "We girls are your family! And, as such, we stick together! Including you! This is your night as well as ours!"

With a throwing back of her amethyst mane next along with a flash of her horn, Rarity then set down what bags she had in her arcane grasp. Twilight did the same, feeling heartened to see Spike thoroughly enjoying himself. It seemed he wouldn't be falling asleep again for a while. Not if his crush, bless her heart, continued to shower him with praises anyway.

"No, no," Spike exclaimed as the mares looked to venture back out into the living room for the remainder of the bags, "I can handle the rest! Really, don't worry about it. Go ahead, talk and enjoy what the Cakes brought too. I insist! That's what tonight is meant for!"

With that, without waiting for any possible arguments, the dragon rapidly disappeared into the living room to leave the Element of Magic along with Generosity momentarily alone. Together, the ponies shared a bright smile at Spike's enthusiastic friendliness. Then, having missed it back in the living room, Rarity took advantage of the opportunity handed to her.

"Twi, darling," The white unicorn said as she rummaged about with a specifically set aside bag, "honestly tell me how adorable as well as charming you think our little Spikey will look in this during your anniversary celebration?"

From the luggage, the fashionista happily produced a little yet fine black tuxedo with a red rose in its chest pocket, a white formal undershirt underneath, and a proper top hat to finish the assemble off. Instantly, Twilight joined in with Rarity's quiet squealing at the sight.

"It'll look absolutely perfect on him, Rarity! More than perfect!" Ponyville's princess exclaimed. Then, the lavender alicorn questioned playfully, "But, hey, what pony hasn't ever looked their best when you're involved, hm?"

"Oh, darling, please! You know I don't deal well with such praise! Heh heh, look at me turning red already! Besides, as I have done with all of my works, this wasn't made for the recognition. No, it was made solely for the best little dragon I can call a friend." Rarity gestured to the Fire Ruby necklace at this, "You see, I never have gotten around to properly thanking little Spikey-Wikey for this fine necklace of mine. Not until now, anyway. Truly, this suit may not be the exact equivalent of his gift to me but I certainly tried my best to match his kindness."

The white unicorn assumed a caring expression as she softly added, "You must agree with me when I say it's hard to match Spike's generosity, no? He's such a very caring soul."

Twilight grinned when she replied, "Who better than the Element of Generosity to match him then, right? Plus, as you said; born a champion, always a champion. Since he hatched, Spike has had his off moments, true. Nevertheless, those are vastly outnumbered by his good ones. It's undoubtedly made him the best dragon in Equestria to have around. Practically the best brother, in my case."

During the following laughter, the Element of Magic next looked onto Rarity's Fire Ruby along with Spike's custom made tux when she stated, "So don't worry about it, Rarity. Trust me when I say that, one way or the other, your work with the tuxedo is going to pay off. Everypony knows that Spike is already in love with you," Rarity turned a bit pink when told this, knowing it to be true, "so he's definitely not going to not love your gift. That and, hey, he won't leave you alone for the rest of the night. That is if you're going to give his suit to him tonight, correct?"

"Yes indeed. I meant to give this to him out in the living room but, heh heh, he needed some help carrying my things first, didn't he? After all, what good would my hard work have been if he bent himself in half then, hm?" As she giggled with her odd humor, Rarity assumed a worried expression, "My only worry is that this suit is a complete surprise. So I hope it fits Spikey as good as my measurements estimated. Since he has no idea about this, I've practically guessed with all of this uniform."

"It'll fit him, Rarity. You haven't ever failed in that regard." Twilight encouraged, "It'll fit him and he won't forget this. In fact, even if it didn't fit, I'd listen to him admiring your generosity for the next month to come. Well, either way, I'm going to have to listen to him after this. I might as well prepare myself."

"Oh? Ha ha, truly? I suppose I did that same thing to Sweetie Belle when he gave me this ruby. I'm guessing I must have ranted about this gem to her for much too long. Not that I don't now, mind. It still inspires me to know that he could have eaten this perfection but, instead, gave it up solely for myself."

Rarity purposefully looked over the tux her blue magic held before she stated next with a determined huff, "Now to repay his kind favor towards me as best I can! With Celestia as my witness, I shall not fail!" With that off her chest, she then glanced at Twilight with a struggling look.

Slowly, the fashionista's sapphire eyes seemed to cloud over with other thoughts than Spike as she breathed, "Oh… how I wish I could show you what you'll be wearing tomorrow too, Twi, darling."

"Well, you can." Ponyville's princess pushed mischievously, even though knowing she wasn't going to get anywhere meanwhile, "It's just us here. I have a paper and pencil in the study and you could draw me a rough draft of the design."

"No, Twilight, you're such a sly thing!" Rarity exploded, shaking her head while giggling, "No, no, I must resist the excitement and anxiety building up in me! Celestia's orders, you see. After all, you'll see it soon enough. But I can tell you this… the perfection I made to fit you tomorrow will also fit the anniversary, the ceremony, the memory, everything, just swimmingly."

"Ha ha, Rarity, you didn't need to say that." Twilight chuckled, suddenly pulling her fashionable friend into another hug with her wings.

"Oh? I didn't?" Rarity wondered with some confusion, "And why not?"

"Well, duh, because I already knew! Be it pony or not pony; when have your works not fit everything swimmingly? Come on." 

When she had finished, Twilight laughed as the Element of Generosity gave her the most amazed expression before nearly crushing her in an equally amazed embrace!

"Oh stop it, Twilight! Ha ha, stop being such a good friend! You're going to make me look like a strawberry before I can present Spikey with his gift! Stop it!"

"Rarity, have you ever thought that maybe I want you to look like a strawberry while giving Spike is tux?"

"What? No, stop saying such things! Why, you sly timberwolf - I'm already nervous and red enough as it is!"

Having been silent for the longest time, the kitchen had erupted into something like a madhouse as mirth escaped Twilight and Rarity during their playing around. However, it eventually turned out that they would have to wait a tad bit longer on presenting Spike with his formal wear for the next day.

As the Elements of Magic and Generosity continued to enjoy each other's company, they nearly jumped out of their skins next when an explosion of sound suddenly went off in the living room! A series of shouting followed. Fearing that Spike might have hurt himself doing what he couldn't with the wagon, the mares in the kitchen bolted out onto a rather unexpected, entertaining, scene.

Smashed ajar, the library's front door was crooked. At its aid was an unscathed Spike trying to estimate its damage while, fumbling amid the last of the upturned wagon's luggage along with some party decorations, appeared to be somepony wrapping him or herself into a tedious knot.

"What in Equestria," Rarity began as she looked to get her luggage off of the wrapped up stranger, "is the meaning of this? You barbarian! Who are you to ransack my belongings?"

"Oh, come on guys," Spike laughed uncontrollably from his own spot, "it's not a ransacking! Think. Who else can make a crash landing look so bizarre? Well, if you'd of been here to see it, it had some style. I suppose."

At this, Twilight immediately caught on.

Having blustering Rarity help her move the bags, Ponyville's princess began, "A crash landing? Is that what made all the noise out here? Well, I can think of only one pony – actually pegasus – that can make one this memorable." When there was a flash of rainbow amid the moving of luggage, Twilight chimed, "Welcome back to Ponyville, Rainbow Dash! Oh, wait, shouldn't I say Rainbow Crash for this certain incident? Didn't the academy fix that speeding problem of yours a long time ago?"

After further tossing along with adjusting, the cyan pelted, rainbow maned, Element of Loyalty was allowed some breathing room. Getting a hold of her panting breaths while freeing her wings from the party ribbons she'd involuntarily gained while slamming through the front door without warning, noble Rainbow Dash grumbled, "We're back to Rainbow Crash, are we? I suppose I partially deserve that but it's not all my fault! If Pinkie Pie hadn't come out of nowhere then this wouldn't have happened and I wouldn't be the party crasher!" The Cloudsdale pegasus now was on her feet to shift her wings, shake out her windswept mane, along with remove her goggles to blink her maroon eyes clear of spots.

"Did you say Pinkie Pie made you do this, Rainbow?" Rarity inquired as she delicately looked over her bags to see they were unharmed.

"That's right!" Rainbow Dash instantly answered up in the fashionista's face, making the white unicorn stop what she was doing with her magic, "Yes, darn her, that's right! How can she be so crazily unpredictable? It's not natural! I mean, seriously, I know she's the Element of Laughter but she came out of nowhere! She literally came right out of the freaking dark, the freaking clouds, and blew her stupid little horn and made me spiral out of control and, before I could manage to get a grip, I-"

"You made the joke worthwhile and started this party off on the best hoof possible!" Pinkie Pie abruptly cackled into the library at the front door!

Not only had the Element of Laughter jumped out of practically thin air with her announcement, she had also made everypony skip a heartbeat! It was as Spike clutched at his chest that, with her laughing away, the pink earth pony literally rolled up a bigger than needed cannon into the front doorway!

While she grabbed onto the pull rope that would fire off her weapon trapping everypony, she sang out before her uncertainly cornered audience inside, "Happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, toooooooo," and, after the cannon fired off vast amounts of confetti into the library as well as onto everypony, Pinkie finished simply, "you, Twilight Sparkle! Oof!"

Even though covered in glitter, ribbon, décor, plus more, it didn't stop Rainbow Dash from speeding out the back kitchen window and coming around to precisely tackle the pink party animal onto the ground outside! In 2.3 seconds flat, mind! A new record or close to one!

Either way, gritting her teeth along with beating her wings, the cyan pegasus snapped down at her captive, "Pinkie, what is wrong with you?! First you send me whirling down to earth for a laugh and, next, you blast me with this stuff?! Are you trying to tell me you want me to make you go through a Rainboom with me? I'd gladly oblige then!"

"Ha ha, oh Rainbow Dash! You're not upset with me because I made you whirl down to earth!" Was Pinkie's immediate cheery reply, "You're only angry because I interrupted you while you were snuggling with – Mmf!"

Snuggling? Wait, the fastest pegasus in Equestria had been snuggling? As they moved her cannon aside, had everypony heard Pinkie correctly? Maybe so.

Even as she silenced the pink earth pony with a firm hoof over her mouth, was Rainbow Dash actually adopting a red tint into her expression? In fact, the cyan pegasus sounded a bit unlike herself when she attempted to snap viciously, "Don't – just – shut it, PINKIE PIE! Shut it!"

Freeing herself from being quieted, Pinkie Pie giggled out innocently, "Okay, okay, okay! If that's how it's going to be, if you want to stay elusive, alrighty-tighty then! Ha ha, do a Rainboom with me though, Rainbow! Do it, do it, do it! Wake up the entire town because everypony knows that the more friends there are around, the merrier a party is!"

"No, Rainbow Dash, don't! Everything is fine. Your crash here will be our little secret, okay?" Twilight intervened after Pinkie Pie who, with a sparkle in her eyes, looked to blow a horn in her holder's face.

It was as Rainbow Dash brashly knocked the instrument out of the Element of Laughter's grip that Ponyville's princess investigated curiously, "Besides, ask yourself this. When does Pinkie Pie not do what others can't? She's just crazy enough to make Equestria's fastest pegasus, anyone, fumble once in a while. But, Pinkie, how did you get the jump on Rainbow Dash in the first place? How were you in the sky when lacking wings?"

"That would be due to my intervention, Twilight Sparkle."

With her lunar guards looking over her wagon while she trotted forth to converse with the few precious friends she had, Princess Luna happily spoke for Pinkie Pie's behalf.

Immediately at noticing the arrival of royalty, what Elements of Harmony that were present assumed respectful bows. As for Pinkie Pie, she could only helplessly look around with Rainbow Dash over her. Nevertheless, having her reasons, the keeper of the moon did not see herself above the bowing ponies. Instead of commanding for their respect as dreadful Nightmare Moon would have at one time, the true Luna stated then, "Rise, elements. It is not you who should show such manners but myself. For what you have done for Equestria, for me, you all have always deserved the highest regards."

At this, as everypony straightened up, Luna cast a humorous glance unto Rainbow Dash as she admitted, "Nevertheless, forgive me Element of Loyalty, but when fair Pinkie Pie saw a moment for laughter… I couldn't resist aiding her in jumping you. There was no disrespect intended. I am sure you, whom is best at such gags on Nightmare Night, understand my mischievousness, no?"

"Oh, uh…" It took her some time to understand what she had been told but the Wonderbolt Academy pegasus gradually slipped into laughing up a storm, "Yeah, I completely get it if you were involved, your highness! Ha ha, now I can't help but laugh at it! You got me really good back there!"

"And you are not hurt, correct? I apologize for putting you into possible harm or if I mindlessly interrupted anything." Luna admitted worriedly.

"Uh, um, NO, you didn't interrupt anything! Ha ha, uh, just my rush was all!" The Element of Loyalty awkwardly laughed out while trying, for her own personal reasons, not to turn red in front of her growingly curious friends, "But, hey, do I look hurt? Nah, even if my arrival was a crash landing, I did it with style! Nopony here can disagree, right? Nope. So, everything is cool… At least until the next Nightmare Night."

At this, Rainbow Dash became herself again as she gave Pinkie Pie along with the keeper of the moon a devious look, "You'd better prepare yourselves for then. Just saying."

At the fun threat, everypony took part in the laughter afterwards.

"Indeed. Consider your challenge heard, noble Rainbow Dash." Luna chuckled with a beam, "Nevertheless, do not consider it one sided. I am quite willing to giving you a trial or two to fear too when the next Nightmare Night arrives."

"Ha ha, alright!" Equestria's fastest pegasus chortled, "Bring it on!"

"Ahem, your highness," Twilight interjected, being politely true to her nature to nobility even though so royal herself, "seeing as you're here, won't you stay with us for a little while? There will be plenty of food and stories to go around, I'm sure."

With that said, the rest of the ponies seemed eager to have the astonished night princess join them in the library. After all, considering her all time isolate role in Equestria, it was commonly known that Luna didn't often get many chances to not be a monarch but be her fun girly self instead. And, yes, when given the rare chance, her girly self was quite enjoyable company.

"You wish for me to… I am touched! Truly, thank you all. You represent the Elements of Harmony so effortlessly!" Luna exclaimed in utter wonder. She took absolute heart in seeing everypony wanted her to come have fun with them and felt her heart break with theirs when she had to state, "Yet, for reasons we all know, I must decline your most generous offer."

In a flash, Pinkie Pie sped out from under Rainbow Dash's feet! As the startled Element of Loyalty toppled to the ground, the Element of Laughter was already questioning Luna at her ridiculous top speed!

"Wait! You'renotstayingprincess? Notevenforabrownieoricecreamorcookieorcake? Butnoponysaysnotosweets! Noponysaysnotofun! Nopony-"

As the Elements of Harmony were just about to stop Pinkie from making herself or the keeper of the moon explode, Princess Luna beat them to it. By placing her hoof upon the pink earth pony's mouth, the princess of the night was allowed the quiet she needed to speak.

"Fair Pinkie Pie, I appreciate your large heart as well as need to make your friends always have the same. However, we both know that my task for you has been completed. You have been escorted to Ponyville in time for Twilight's private get together. Although I wish it was not, that will have to be all." Next, Luna actually beamed a smile that easily rivaled Celestia's, "Still, so not to end on a bad note, allow me to say that you have the royal family's thanks for all that you have contributed to the party planning. No revealing anything tonight to any of these ponies before tomorrow though, Element of Laughter. Am I clear?"

Immediately, the Element of Laughter literally taped up her mouth in reply.

"Heh heh, very good. And, although I must say no to Mr. and Mrs. Cake's treats tonight… there will be plenty of their grand creations to dine upon tomorrow, no?"

Finished with calming down Pinkie Pie as best as she could manage, Princess Luna turned her attention upon the rest of her friends. To Luna's continued shock, Twilight and the others still looked down that she wasn't going to be staying with them. Why did they, when she had hardly ever met with them apart for when being Nightmare Night, show such remorse at her departure? Well, they were her friends, weren't they? Yes, they always had been her, Equestria's, friends and would always be. In fact, they showed were the best kind to have and, at confirming this, the princess of the night approached them cheerily.

"Do not assume such disappointed looks, my friends." Luna comforted as she gently embraced every Element, "Such sad faces do not suit those who have saved Equestria, those who bear the Elements. We all know that, as my sister slumbers, I have a kingdom to watch over and I must also see to making the final touches to the celebration preparations for a certain pony amongst us." This was where Twilight shyly received grins from her friends.

Feeling the mood had brightened, Luna went on, "Excellent! Your smiles are so much better than your frowns! Now, excuse me everypony but I must return home and let you all carry on. Tomorrow is the time when we shall be together. Until then, perhaps you can now have a better time tonight knowing that I am watching over you?"

"Yes, your highness! We will!"

As she regally trotted back to her knights, everypony agreed that they would have a better time during the sleep over with Luna protecting them from her place in Canterlot. Yet, it was as the Elements of Harmony were actually going back inside the library that Twilight was suddenly called back. It seemed, as formerly thought, that royal business hadn't been fully finished between princesses. Thus, while the Element of Magic returned to Luna's side to see why she was needed further, the rest of the ponies stepped inside the tree-house to give the monarchs their privacy… or as much privacy as possible while Pinkie Pie bounced from window to window to try to eavesdrop.

"Pinkie, darling," Rarity finally spoke up from the living room floor as she went about helping Spike carry her luggage, "Come help me and my little champion with my bags, would you?"

"But I'm busy." Pinkie instantly responded, not even looking away from the window she intently searched through.

"Busy? Busy with what?" Spike countered, "Don't you know it's rude to snoop, spy, and all other deceitful things when your friends are involved?"

"Maybe in some cases, yes." The pink earth pony chimed back, still not looking away from her window, "But this just feels right! Something is going on out there. I want to know what!"

"Isn't it obvious?" Rainbow Dash said as she hovered over to her own window to snoop on Twilight and Luna too, "Princess Luna is congratulating Twi on being a princess for a year and – Whoa! Uh, why do they look so serious?"

"See?" Pinkie piped up, "Pinkie Pie is never wrong when her Pinkie Senses go off! Something's up!"

"Girls, please!" Rarity announced as she trotted to the windows, trying to get her two friends away without being drawn in herself, "For Twilight's sake, we mustn't do this kind of sneaking around on her special night. Leave the princesses be and come help me move my things into the – Oh, my! They do look too serious, don't they?"

Left alone with his own curiosity along with the baggage, Spike couldn't keep from joining his fellows to see what had grabbed everypony's attention.

Long minutes passed by as the friends in the library discreetly observed the Element of Magic and the keeper of the moon closely converse outside. Both royals appeared to show tremendous happiness during some of their conversation, great sadness at another part, then grim seriousness last; a seriousness that suggested like there was something unfavorable, some ill storm, on its way toward them. Yet, what could make them look that grave when tomorrow promised to be so happy? In turn, quite abruptly, whatever Equestria's princesses had been discussing was cut short when Applejack and Fluttershy arrived upon the scene together!

Unaware of what they might have interrupted, the innocent Elements of Honesty and Kindness gave their respects to formerly grim Luna - who gladly returned it - before group hugging a bashful Twilight to the ground!

"Wait…" Rainbow Dash murmured loud enough to be heard, her wing beats increasing in speed, "Wait a minute… Is that apple cider Applejack is holding? No, wait, is that Apple Family apple cider?"

For his own personal reasons from previously that night, Spike couldn't help but collapse into a fit of giggles when hearing the now excited Wonderbolt Academy pegasus say this.

At the arrival of Applejack as well as Fluttershy, although unaware of having had an audience nearby the entire time, the odd business between princesses came to a supposedly secretive end. The snooping ponies in the library watched Luna gracefully begin her journey back north towards Canterlot in her carriage afterwards. However, it was quite noticeable that the princess of night's expression still appeared serious. Regardless, everypony speedily retreated from the windows – Pinkie had to be dragged, of course – as Twilight led the remainder of the Elements of Harmony inside where there was much hugging, laughing, along with congratulating as expected!

During the sheer excitement of all of the Elements finally being together, mostly everypony set aside their curiosity about the serious discussion that had just transpired between Twilight as well Luna in Ponyville's dark street. respectfully, nothing was asked nor said about the matter. It was only Spike, who closely watched Ponyville's princess innocently play along with the energy of the moment, that seemed to keep the odd matter in his mind.

Anypony could call him weird but he had a growingly bad feeling about the Equestria princesses' discretion. Such behavior from them wasn't normality and never was it a good omen whenever it came up, for sure.

Meanwhile, as the dragon fretted to himself, Rainbow Dash had somehow gotten her hooves on the Apple Family apple cider during the commotion! However, as she flew off with it laughing, Applejack exclaimed, "Hold up there, Rainbow! Ya'll want to stick around and listen here to what Fluttershy has to say!" With everypony's attention on her, the animal loving pegasus shrank back.

Giving a chuckle as she adjusted her hat, Applejack insisted, "Go on, girl. Everypony is going to find out tomorrow, anyway. Might as well as get the pressure off your little chest, right?"

"Oh, um, well, yes… I suppose. I guess." Fluttershy admitted softly, her wide cerulean eyes flicking uncertainly from expectant face to face in rapid succession.

Clearly, whatever it was that the Element of Kindness was being pressured to reveal was going to be quite the challenge for her. Still, what wasn't a challenge for her?

Anyhow, while shrinking back from her friends and tucking her wings closer to herself, Fluttershy began with a nervous squeak to her expectant friends, "Well, actually, um, it's about the anniversary dances tomorrow and… and… Oh, Applejack, do I really have to do this now? Why not later on while we're eating or when we're about to go to sleep or-"

"Come on, Fluttershy, come on!" Rainbow interrupted ahead of Applejack sharply, showing a bit of impatience at the animal lover's stalling, "The only thing that's keeping me from enjoying my favorite drink in Equestria is whatever it is that you're trying to say! So, spill the beans already! Sheesh!"

Pinkie Pie piped up with a shrill scream, "Yeah! Spill the beans! Spill, spill, spill em!"

"Girls!" Rarity quickly interjected, seeing that Fluttershy wasn't being encouraged but discouraged by her friends' demands, "Stop being ridiculous! Such rudeness! Now, Fluttershy, please… Tell us, whatever is the matter? Is it anything bad?"

"Oh, no, not at all! Um… quite opposite actually."

"Really, darling? Then there's no reason for the hesitation. Do go on. We're all ears."

"Well, yes, alright then… here goes…" The Element of Kindness whispered through the silence every waiting pony anxiously shared. The animal loving pegasus then went into quietly stretching her legs, wings, even spine, before taking in several deep breaths.

A minute passed with her doing this. Then two. Then, as the third neared, Applejack took the matter into her own hooves.

With an innocent look to the side, the Element of Honesty bumped the Element of Kindness who, in her surprise, shrieked out rapidly, "Big McIntosh asked me to attend the anniversary celebration with him tomorrow!"

As Applejack, who had pulled her hat down over her face to muffle her laughter, expected, there was a stunned quiet throughout the library at Fluttershy's news. After releasing a deep exhale, the timid tan pegasus looked around with a small smile. When noticing the shocked faces from everypony though, she questioned softly, "Oh, goodness. Didn't I say this was the wrong time to do this? I mean, I hope I didn't make anypony here jealous because-"

She didn't get to finish. Not when her friends regained their composure and, with unmatched joy, group hugged her with much commending! Well, as everypony else did the congratulating, Rainbow Dash had begun drinking the cider.

As she sipped her beloved beverage, the Wonderbolt worthy pegasus lazily commented from above, "So that's the big news? That's what I waited for and kept me from my cider? Wow, big surprise."

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight exclaimed in turn, "Quit being a wet blanket and join the celebration!"

"Yeah, you guys can hug all you like. I'm good up here. Anyhow, we all have known forever that Fluttershy and Big Mac have been making mushy faces at each other since first meeting. Wasn't it always obvious that they were eventually going to get around to starting a relationship? So, congrats and all but this has been a long time coming. If anything, Applejack, we should be happy that your brother acted as a stallion should and made my flying buddy's dream come true. It's about freaking time!"

"Yes, you're right about that, Rainbow." Applejack proudly concurred, taking off her hat and placing it sisterly upon blushing Fluttershy's head, "It is about time my brother became the brave gentlecolt and finally started something with good ol' Element of Kindness here. Honestly, Fluttershy, you're going to make his day tomorrow. He'll make yours too. No doubt about that."

"Oh, um, yes. Tomorrow will certainly be that much more special now." Fluttershy agreed happily with a growing smile. She then embraced every one of her friends individually for their true companionship towards her happy situation, "Heh heh, thank you, Applejack. Thank you everypony. Oh, and you too, Spike. Come here." The Elements of Harmony, with Spike pulled in, tightly hugged as one.

Then, suddenly popping her head up from the top of the group, Pinkie Pie turned to Rainbow Dash to inquire from her, "Wellllllll… Fluttershy has been honest with her friends. She has a stallion for the anniversary. Rarity has Spike. What about you, Rainbow Dash? Who are you going with?"

Before the paling Element of Loyalty could reply or do anything, before Rarity or Spike could keep from blushing at each other, the Element of Laughter chimed louder than ever, "Yeah, I think there's something you want to get off your chest toooooo, don't you, Rainbow? Yes, we'd all like to hear-"

"Pinkie-" Equestria's fastest pegasus hissed!

"We'd all like to hear about-"

"Don't, Pinkie-"

"*Inhale* EveryponyherewantstoknowaboutyouandthepegasusyouweresnugglingwithbeforemeandPrincessLunajumpedyouearlier! Ha ha, I said it! I said it before you could – Mmf!"

Even as Rainbow Dash stuffed her hoof into Pinkie Pie's big mouth, with what had been said earlier as well as now, everypony had already deciphered enough of what Equestria's fastest pegasus was trying to hide. Once more, like with Fluttershy, the library had gone completely quiet from surprise. It turned out to be Applejack who spoke first for everypony.

The Sweet Apple Acres farmer put on a wide grin as she sumgly chuckled, "Well, howdy shucks… Seems even the fastest, boldest, and most radical of Equestria's pegasus couldn't outrun the bite of the love bug forever, could she?" As the crimson faced Element of Loyalty shot daggers at Applejack for the comment, she only confirmed her friends' suspicions.

Hovering into the air too, Fluttershy questioned cutely, "Oh, goodness! Oh my! So I'm not the only one here going with a stallion to the celebration tomorrow, am I?"

"Ugh, no… No, you're not." Rainbow Dash sighed out in defeat, averting her eyes from her friends' slowly brightening faces.

"How wonderful!" Rarity squealed while bouncing on the spot, "Who has kept up with our Element of Loyalty, hm? What lucky pegasus has gained your affections, darling?"

"Don't say it like that, Rarity." The cyan pegasus requested with her ears lowering and face only getting redder with the continuance of the conversation, "None of that affection stuff, please. He's cool is all. Cool enough to hang out with me, anyhow. Fast enough too."

Feeling herself becoming awkward with the talk of her special "somepony", Rainbow Dash turned towards the kitchen with her cider, "Let's just leave it at that, okay? You can ask him your questions tomorrow. For now, isn't a party supposed to be going on?"

"Of course!" Cried out Pinkie Pie with much random confetti explosions!

However, it seemed even partying wasn't enough to throw her off the topic of Rainbow's revealed love interest for the pink pony questioned eagerly, "But, first, everypony knows Fluttershy is involved with Big Mac! Spike likes Rarity! Who are you involved with, Rainbow Dash? He had a black mane and soft blue coat, didn't he?"

"Jeez, Pinkie Pie," The Element of Loyalty exclaimed seriously, "Haven't you heard of respecting one's privacy? As I said, you'll be able to ask him your questions tomorrow!"

"He had a black mane and soft blue coat?" Applejack wondered aloud, "That wouldn't happen to be… that Soarin fella, would it?" When seeing Rainbow Dash show a bit of shock at her accurate guess, the Element of Honesty burst out, "It is! Landsakes, it definitely is! Hooey, girl, way to aim high! Nice!"

"Okay, okay, it is him but come on you guys! Knock it off! Let's just party and-"

"You were snuggling with Soarin?! Ooh, I agree completely with Applejack on the matter, darling! Being the best you, would only be interested in the best!"

"Rarity, stop being so dramatic! Yes, I am the best but I didn't invite Soarin to come with me to the anniversary because he's successful too! I like him due to – ugh, why are we even talking about this? Just drop it guys!"

At this, looking more like a flying cranberry, Rainbow Dash bolted into the kitchen! Closely following her, not at all ready to give up on the subject, every other one of her friends followed with a barrage of questions! However, caught up in their own thoughts, two fellows actually stayed behind in the living room.

One friend that remained behind the rest was Spike. Yet, he had only stopped in his tracks due to noticing Twilight looking as serious faced as she'd been when talking with Luna. Also, quite unnervingly, the purple alicorn was staring at the study room door again.

Ponyville's princess… what had she talked with the keeper of the moon about? Like how it looked to be now, was it going to affect her negatively for the remainder of the sleep over? For the celebration the next day? Hopefully not because the dragon hadn't worked all throughout the day as well as late into the night to see his best friend not enjoy the company of her friends! Therefore, gathering his courage and keeping to following Celestia's orders, Spike broke Twilight's trance with one firm word that never failed.

"Twilight?"

As he wanted, the dragon turned his best friend's attention from the study room door onto himself. At seeing him, Twilight's eyes gradually softened but, fleetingly, Spike guessed she hadn't been in the library. She had been far, far, far away in her thoughts. Too far away. Where too couldn't be answered exactly. Well, it could've been. However, knowing it wasn't his place to investigate as well as not wanting to dwell on anything possibly negative, Spike said, "The party is starting in the kitchen. You coming?"

"Ah, yes." Twilight answered with a quick exhale, "Yes, I'm coming."

She shook her head along with shifted her wings as, with what normality she could muster, trotted to catch up with her friends. It was as she was passing him that Spike purposefully stopped her progress though.

A bit taken back by this, the Element of Magic questioned her nervous companion, "Spike? What's the matter?"

What was the matter? Spike wanted desperately to ask that of Twilight. Only she had talked with Luna outside. Only she knew for certain what had been discussed secretly and dropped so suddenly with Applejack and Fluttershy's coming. Only she knew why she was now looking so grimly serious. The dragon knew there had to be a reason for her secrecy with Luna. Whatever it had been though, it had been enough to make Twilight look grimmer, too grim, than any other time in her life. Although she looked content, something just wasn't sitting right with her. Something felt odd, a bad odd, about her now.

"What's wrong, Twilight? Please tell me. You know you can. We've always been able to talk to each other, no problem." Spike wanted to desperately say to his very best friend. However, due to nerves, he just couldn't.

Presently, he would have to simply settle with keeping a close eye on Twilight, on her seriousness, and see to it that she enjoyed the rest of her night with the others. For now, he felt good enough in hugging her tightly before saying as they entered the packed kitchen, "What's the matter? Nothing, Twi. Well, I'm hungry for some ice cream. Aren't you?"

Somehow, this seemed to ease whatever tension was in the air. Spike couldn't have felt any more relieved in his life than at that moment when Twilight burst into laughter at his words. Soon, he had blissfully joined in with her mirth.

"Ha ha, you know, Spike… ice Cream actually would hit the spot right now. Best get some before Applejack and Pinkie Pie inhale it all, right?"

"Ha ha, yeah."

At this, as they got inside the kitchens, the library echoed with their combined outburst of, "We all scream for ice cream! Ha ha ha!"


++++++


End of "Happy Eve of Anniversary?"…