The clock struck six, Twilight awoke to the sound of the foals crying. She got up to check on them and Spike woke up. Spike yawned and a green fireball flew out of his mouth. A letter materialized in the flame. When the flame died out, Spike handed the letter to Twilight. She gasped after she read i to herself.
Dear: Princess Twilight Sparkle,
Luna and I have had the same dream for the past three nights and we are starting to believe it bears some significance to the near future. We will be stopping by this afternoon, along with Princess Cadance. No need to get the palace all spruced up, it will just be a friendly visit. I will, however, be bringing one of my most trusted guard captains with me. I have instructed Luna and Cadance to do the same. I feel as though somepony might interrupt our time together, that is my reason for the guard. Also, I have sensed a change in the flow of magic lately and am wondering if you have too. We can discuss these matters when we meet at around four.
Your Friend,
Princess Celestia
"Spike, I need help to get the palace ready for a visit," Twilight said with worry.
"Who's coming over?" Spike asked rubbing his eyes.
"Celestia, Luna, and Cadance all at once!" Twilight exclaimed. "And we have two foals to take care of!"
"Don't worry," Spike yawned. "I'll see if the girls can help."
"No, don't! Then we'd have to explain the foals to them!" Twilight exclaimed. "Besides, we need to get the foals something to eat, they're probably crying because they're hungry."
"Okay, what do we do?" Spike asked looking around. "It's not like we have any baby bottles around."
"Just go to the Cakes’ house and ask if they have any spare baby bottles," Twilight said pushing him to the door, "and if they ask why, just tell them we're looking after some of my second cousins, okay."
"And if they ask whose they are?" Spike asked.
"I hate it when you make more sense than me," Twilight grumbled. "Just come-up with something!"
"I can't ad-lib, you know that!" Spike exclaimed.
"Come on, you're not that bad," Twilight said rolling her eyes.
"Remember my version of the 'Cloudsdale Anthem'?" Spike asked, a bit smart-alack-y.
"Oh, right," Twilight said giggling under her breath. "Um... Just hope Pinkie's there looking after Pound and Pumpkin while Mr and Mrs Cake are out."
"Um, I don't think it's their resupply day," Spike said crossing his arms.
"Fine, go see Elaina," Twilight grumbled opening the door. "She might have some baby bottles from when Button Mash was a foal."
"And what do I say to her?" Spike said walking over to the two baskets.
"I don't know! Just... Just... Fine!" Twilight yelled. "I'll get them while you look after the foals!"
"Okay, that I can do," Spike responded looking into Myx’ basket.
"You're just happy not to get in a sticky situation," Twilight said waving as she trotted out the door.
A short while later, across Ponyville, Twilight arrived at Elaina's house. She knocked on the door three times and in a few minutes Elaina was there.
"Yes? Oh,my! Princess Twilight! Is there anything I can do for you?" Elaina asked bowing.
"Yes, there is," Twilight said as Elaina got back to her hoofs. "Do you have any baby bottles left from when Button Mash was a foal?"
"Yes, I certainly do," Elaina replied letting the princess into her house. "Though, I can't see why you need them. But I'll go get them anyway."
"Thanks, I only need two," Twilight said closing the door behind herself.
"Only two? Okay then. If you don't mind my asking, are you looking after some foals?" Elaina asked opening a cupboard; there were no Bottles, just pots and pans.
"N-no, I'm not looking after any foals!" Twilight exclaimed. "What makes you think that?"
"Dear, when you've been a mother for ten years you get to know how others act when they’re looking after foals and aren’t used to it," Elaina simply stated.
"Well, I guess I can tell you," Twilight said. "But you have to keep it a secret."
"Oh, don't worry," Elaina said while opening another cupboard. "I won't tell a soul, " She said while closing the cupboard.
"Two foals were left by my doorstep this morning," Twilight said, "and I have to look after them."
"Do you know who left them?" Elaina asked raising her left eyebrow.
"Yes, but that I can't tell you," Twilight said. "Even if I wanted to, I couldn't."
"Okay, well let me go see if I have any upstairs," Elaina said. "I'll be right back."
It took five minutes for Elaina to find and give the bottles to Twilight. She also gave her some changing supplies and a baby bag. When Twilight got back to the palace she went straight to the kitchen. She put some milk in both bottles and put them in the microwave to warm the milk.
Twilight then went to her bedroom where she found Spike and the foals asleep. Spike had a foal on either side of him keeping him warm. When Twilight set the bottles on the dresser the foals awoke and started crying. This, of course, woke Spike.
"What time is it?" Spike asked yawning covering his ears.
"Let's see. Eight O'Clock," Twilight said looking at the large crystal grandfather clock in the room.
"Did you get the bottles?" Spike asked climbing out of the bed.
"Yeah, it was easy!" Twilight replied with a nervous giggle.
"You told her, didn't you," Spike said crossing his arms.
"No," Twilight said nervously looking around but never making eye contact with Spike’s.
Spike glared into Twilight's eyes when they did meet, keeping them fixed with his unnerving stare. It took two seconds afterward for the mare to go straight.
"Okay, a little," Twilight said ears flat against her head.
"Well, look at the time," Spike said cringing at a particularly loud wail from Nix. "I bet those foals are hungry."
Twilight took a bottle and gave it to Spike. Spike took Myx and cradled him in his arms while letting the foal suck on the bottle. Twilight took Nix and lifted the small filly with her magic and set her on the bed. She then took the blankets and cradled Nix with them and started to let her suck on the other bottle. When both foals gave a little burp, Twilight started to put them in their baskets.
"I'm going to sing the lullaby again, Spike," Twilight said as Nix sucked on her hoof, much to Twilight’s alarm. "You better not fall asleep this time."
Twilight then sang the lullaby and both foals fell fast asleep in their baskets. Spike was half asleep but could still manage to work.
"Okay, time to get busy cleaning," Spike said after a quick yawn escaped his lips.
"Hey, Spike," Twilight said looking into Myx’ basket. "Is it just me or do the foals seem... you know, bigger?"
"What do you mean, Twilight?" Spike asked bringing Nix’ basket alongside Myx’.
"Their size, you know," Twilight said. "Height, weight, volume.."
"Now that you mention it," Spike said, "they do seem a bit older looking."
"Oh well, guess we'll know later," Twilight said turning to the staircase. "Right now you need to go get the girls."
"What, me?" Spike said in a blue tone, jumping onto her back almost hitting his tail against her wing.
"Yeah, you," Twilight said rolling her eyes as she descended the stairs. "I just spent an hour and a half walking through Ponyville like a ditsy mail-mare."
"Whoa now," Spike said crossing his arms and throwing his head in disgust. "Derpy Hooves, Ditsy Doo, Bright Eyes, and Muffins all would take offense to that."
"Sorry, but it's the best expression I could find," Twilight said as she reached the mane floor.
"You might want to think before you speak," Spike said jumping off Twilight. "Anyway, I'll go get the girls. But what about the foals?"
"I'll explain when the Princesses get here," Twilight said opening the huge doors for the dragon. "All I ask of you is to keep them quiet while we clean the palace."
"Okay, I'll be back in about half an hour, a full hour at the most," Spike said stepping outside.
"Okay," Twilight said waving as the dragon disappeared into the busy streets of Ponyville.
Spike left Twilight and headed for Rainbow Dash's aerial practice area. When he arrived, Rainbow Dash was practicing her "Sonic Rain-boom." When she had finished, she noticed Spike by a tree watching. To her, this doesn't usually happen, so she went to Spike to ask what was up.
"Hey, Spike," Rainbow Dash said. "What brings you out to the course?"
"Twilight needs you and the girls to help with the palace," Spike said. "It seems Celestia, Luna, and Cadance are coming to visit."
"Okay, hop on and we'll go get them," Rainbow Dash said setting her hoofs on the ground.
"Thanks, Rainbow Dash," Spike said climbing on but hit his tail on her wing. Now the wing needed to be preened; something a Pegasus does in the safety of their house.
"Okay, where to first?" Rainbow Dash asked with a groan as she flapped the mess of feathers that was once her wing.
"A.J.'s place," Spike said. "It's furthest from town."
"Okay, first stop: Sweet Apple Acres. Hold on tight!" Said Rainbow Dash as she took off on hoof.
When they arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was in the East field bucking trees. They stopped about twenty feet away, as not to disturb her concentration.
"I saw ya' commin’. I'll be there in a minute," Applejack said as she bucked the tree she was near.
"Okay," Spike said.
"Hey, Spike," Rainbow Dash said as the dragon climbed off her back. "Can you remind me why we are here again?" looking at the mess of her wing again
"I told you, we are here to get the girls and clean the palace. Okay?" Spike said sheepishly.
"Huh, what? Oh, never mind. I'd ask you to say it again, but I'm deaf to stupidity," Rainbow Dash said a bit playfully.
"Sometimes I wonder about you," Spike responded.
"Okay,what do y'all need?" Applejack asked.
"Twilight needs you at the palace," Spike said
"I'll be over there as fast as I can," said Applejack. “Just as soon as I finish this last row of apple trees.”
"Thanks," Spike said. "Rainbow Dash, Do you think you know where Fluttershy is?"
"She said she'd be over near Everfree Forest," Rainbow Dash said.
"Good, let's go get her," Spike said.
“Hey Aj? I’m going to your barn for a minute, I need to get my wings back to their glorious state before the accident of ‘Spike the Dragon’,” Rainbow Dash said heading towards the barn after a nod from Applejack.
When they arrived at the edge of Everfree Forest, they found Fluttershy singing with the birds. They landed about thirty feet away as not to disturb Fluttershy's song. Although, she did see them land.
"Okay, let's take a break," Fluttershy said turning to the duo. "I'll be back tomorrow."
The birds tweeted and flew away as Fluttershy waved them a goodbye.
"Hi, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash said rapping a wing around the fellow Pegasus.
"Um... hello, Rainbow Dash, Spike," Fluttershy said nervously pushing Dash’s wing off her with a blush.
"Twilight needs you at the palace," Spike said looking at the two.
"Well, okay," Fluttershy said. "I'll be there in a little while, I mean, if that's okay with you."
"Thanks," Spike said. "Okay, Rainbow Dash. Next is Rarity," he said pointing into the Everfree forest; then quickly pointing out the right direction.
"Okay, hold on!" Rainbow Dash said after rolling her eyes. She then gave Fluttershy another quick hug as another blush came from her.
They took off for Carousel Boutique, which was only two minutes away. When they arrived, Rarity was in the back taking inventory on her stock. Rainbow Dash and Spike walked in and a small bell rang.
"I'll be with you in a minute, Darling," said Rarity with a cheery tone.
"Okay," said Spike jumping off the mare.
"Hey, Spike," Rainbow Dash said. "Do you think this would be a good look for me to wear on Nightmare Night?"
Spike paused and looked at the Daring Do costume she was pointing at. He took a while to examine it, and then picture Rainbow Dash wearing it.
"No, because the wings are fake and it would hurt you to wear it," Spike said.
"You do know I could just dye my fur and wings, right?" Rainbow Dash said rolling her eyes.
"Oh yeah, I forgot," Spike said face-palming.
"And I could draw you a false cutie mark," offered Rarity.
"Oh hi, Rarity. We didn't see you walk in," Spike said hugging the mare.
"I know, I was practicing my teleportation magic for Nightmare Night," Rarity replied hugging him back.
"Come on, Spike, tell her why we’re here," Rainbow Dash insisted.
"Oh, right," Spike said. "Um, Twilight needs you at the palace."
"I'll be right there," Rarity said teleporting to the back room. "Just let me finish counting how much orange body paint I have."
"Ooh! Can I get some?" Rainbow Dash asked trotting to the Doorway.
"Certainly, how much do you need?" Rarity asked as Spike entered the room behind Rainbow Dash.
"Enough to cover me on Nightmare Night," Rainbow Dash said as Rarity took out her measuring tape.
"Okay, let's see," Rarity said unraveling it. "Let me measure you and I'll give you an estimate."
"Alright!" Rainbow Dash said standing still.
Rarity got her measurement book and measured Rainbow Dash. When she was finished, she gave the estimated cost.
"It'll take about two cans of paint," Rarity said adding everything together, "and at five bits a can, it'll be ten bits, Dear."
"Alright, can you put some on layaway for me?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Certainly," Rarity said. "Come back on the day before Nightmare night so the paint has time to dry."
"Thanks," Rainbow Dash said. "Okay, Spike that leaves Pinkie."
"Huh, oh, right. Let's go. Bye, Rarity." Spike said in a daze.
"Bye, Spike," Rarity said. "I'll see you at the palace."
Rainbow Dash and Spike exited the store and took off for Sugar Cube Corner. When they arrived, they entered and found Mr. and Mrs. Cake tending the store. They asked if Pinkie was there and were told she was in her room. when they arrived at Pinkie's room, they found her blowing up balloons.
"Hi guys!" said Pinkie "Wanna help me?"
"Sorry, Pinkie," Spike said. "We just came to tell you that Twilight needs you at the palace."
"Aww. I was hoping to get all these balloons blown up," Pinkie said. "But I'm having a little trouble with the pink ones."
"Sorry, Pinkie, but we need to get to the palace," Rainbow Dash said. "I'll help you after we're done there."
"Pinkie Promise?" said Pinkie.
"I 'Pinkie Promise' that I'll help you blow up all the pink balloons in the pack." Rainbow Dash said knowing she was probably going to regret it later.
"Yay!" Pinkie yelled. "Okay guys, let's go to the palace."
They left sugar cube corner and headed for the palace.
It took an hour for all the girls to gather at the palace doors. When they arrived, Twilight broke them into groups. Group One was Pinkie and Applejack. Group Two was Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. And that left Rarity and Twilight in Group Three. Spike just headed up to Twilight's room.
Group One focused on cleaning the floor and getting the rooms ready for the princesses’ stay. Group Two focused making sure there were no cobwebs in the rafters. And Group Three focused on making sure the stained-glass windows were well cleaned. It took until Three O'clock for the palace to get cleaned for the arrival of the Princesses.
"How much longer until th' Princesses arrive, Twi?" Applejack asked.
"About one hour, A.J." said Twilight.
"Good, that leaves us time to set up a surprise party!" Pinkie yelled.
"No, don't set up a surprise party, Pinkie, it'll be too noisy!" Twilight exclaimed.
"What do you mean 'too noisy', Twilight?" Pinkie asked. "I thought you enjoyed my parties."
"I'll explain later." said Twilight
"Twilight!" Spike yelled.
"Yes, Spike?" Twilight yelled back.
"I, uh... need to see you upstairs. Now!" Spike yelled in response.
"What's so important you need me now?" twilight asked.
"We got a little problem up here," Spike yelled trying to get Twilight to hurry up.
"Girls, please wait here and make sure nothing goes wrong with the arrival," Twilight said.
"Okay,Twi," Applejack said. "We're not going to go anywhere. Are we Pinkie?"
"Aw, I just wanted to see what was up," Pinkie said in dismay.
"Thanks, A.J.," Twilight said.
Twilight left the front of the palace and headed for her room. There she found Nix had transformed into a lookalike of herself. She quickly ran in and cast a light sleeping spell on both foals, causing Nix to change back.
"Thanks, Twilight," Spike said catching his breath. "I was starting to get freaked out."
"It's okay, Spike," Twilight said. "But at least we know they can change form."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Spike asked.
"I don't really know," Twilight said.
"Good thing the Princesses are coming they might get a better hold on the situation," Spike said.
"Yeah but they're not here y-" Twilight said before being cut off.
"Twi, there here!" Applejack said.
"Oh, dear," Spike said.
"Just look after them and I'll go great the Princesses," Twilight said.