Introduction: The Hours Preceding

The summer was drawing to a close, Hearth's Warming Eve just around the corner. Princess Twilight Sparkle had just met with her brother and sister-in-law at the Ponyville train station. While they mostly only left the Crystal Empire on earth ending business, this was one of the few times they both were able to travel for fun. This was the day that Spike was hatched, the savior of the Crystal Empire, he deserved the royal visit.

"I really appreciate you guys making the trip, and I know Spike will be just as excited to see you two."

"Of course sis, Spike is like family!" Shining Armor replied, "Cadence and I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"As long as that world wasn't being destroyed again." Cadence interjected.

The three reminisced over defeating old enemies, and using crystal formed maps to make new foes.

Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were setting up decorations amongst the castle to prepare for the big night. While Spike has always gotten a hatchday, this year the main six truly wanted to make him feel special.

"Sooo, what'd you guys get him?!" Rainbow Dash said with her usual inquisitive nature.

"OHHH OH OH! I found this one hair designer who makes fake moustaches and had her make SEVEN different styles OF MOUSTACHES! He is going to be SO EXCITED!" The pink pony exclaimed her gift, turned to face them with one of the fake moustaches on.

"Oh my!" Fluttershy, impressed by the quality of Pinkie's moustache.

"Well what'd you get him Fluttershy?"

"Me? Well, I had one of his dragon code cards. So I thought I would have it detailed and print multiples for him, that a way he can give them out instead of just showing one off." Fluttershy replied. "You don't think that's too much do you?"

Rainbow, shocked by the thought put into Fluttershy's gift, glided to the ground close to her.

"I think you may have me beat on best gift this year Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash continued "and I was actually trying SUPER hard to win!"

"Rainbow Dash, not everything has to be a competition y'know." Applejack shouted to her, while pushing in some catering.

"Yeah yeah." Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes out of sight of Applejack.

The party was to begin when the sun started to set. While everyone was preparing for the party, Rarity and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were entertaining the hatchday boy himself. While their duty was to keep him away from the castle, the party itself was not a surprise.

"While I must say, you do look ravishing in your elegant attire," Rarity paused, removing Spike's bowtie. "but we want you to be as… well… YOU, as possible!"

While removing his top hat Spike replied, "Aww, but Shining Armor and Princess Cadence will be there! They'll be dressing formally! I just know it!" He pushed his lower lip out in an attempt to coerce her.

"Fine, you can wear the top hat." She gave in quickly at the sight of those sad eyes. "However, nothing more! While I won't spoil it, you may be receiving something quite striking from a certain fashionista you know."

"Yeah! I know what it is and I've got a great match for it in my present! It's a…" Sweetie Belle was cut short by Applebloom shoving an apple into her mouth.

"Don't tell him! It's supposed to be a surprise!" added Scootaloo.

An indistinguishable sentence can be heard from the gagged Sweetie Belle.

"Sweetie Belle, don't talk with food in your mouth." Rarity, amused by the situation, added to the teasing.

Spike, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo laughed together while a frustrated Sweetie Belle tried to remove the apple from her mouth.

It seemed as almost everything was coming together smoothly. Perhaps too smoothly for Twilight Sparkle's liking. Spike didn't want to run away and become a full-fledged dragon, there was no great return of an evil doer, and as a matter of fact the biggest problem was Princess Luna and Princess Celestia were unable to attend due to scheduling differences.

The decorations were scattered amongst the halls, the dance room set up with a disco ball and record player, and the catering in the dining room all brought together by Applejack. Underneath the roots of the great oak sat the presents for Spike, perhaps his favorite room of the night.

Five of the main six, along with Shining and Cadence were awaiting the arrival of Spike, Rarity and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. This would be all the guests whom were attending that night. The twelve souls, coming together at the sunset, unaware of the beckoning danger looming in these hours.