He trotted up to a quaint cafe and entered. He looked around the cafe, crowded by the lunch rush. A familiar hoof waved in his direction. A darker blue pegasus stallion waved and exclaimed, “Over here, Drake!”

Drake approached the stallion. He recognized this as one of his friends; Balance Keeper. As he approached, Drake could finally see half of his mane matched Balance Keeper’s coat, yet the other half of the near zigzagged mane was a deeper red than Drake’s own mane. Balance Keeper’s red eyes locked onto Drake before they turned to the three others who sat at the table.

Sitting next to him was a smaller unicorn with a near monotone yellow coat. Her mane held two tones, a chocolate brown and some thick cream colored highlights. Her mane was simple flowing down to her legs. A cream highlight covered her bangs. Her tail poofed behind her, almost as though she sat on a fluffy bed. Some of the puffy mane was disheveled. Drake knew this pony as Promised Angel. He always found the name of this pony strange considering she wasn’t a pegasus.

Next to her was another mare, this one an earth pony. Her coat was a dark grey color. Her mane was an evenly distributed light blue and pink. Despite the light tone of her mane, her blue eyes were even lighter. Her mane flowed and puffed, but not as long as Promised Angel’s mane. Scribbler was this pony’s name.

Lastly, another male unicorn. His coat and mane were simple; a teal blue and a light brown respectively. He was the only pony wearing clothes, only wearing a simple red shirt. His brown eyes were not hidden behind his black, large-framed glasses. Drake knew this pony, Thespio, well.

Drake sat down at the table with a sigh, “Sorry I’m late, everypony.” Scribbler shook her head and held up a hoof, “We’ve only just arrived ourselves.” Promised Angel spoke dryly as she closed her menu, “You’re fine, Drake.” Drake turned to Thespio and Scribbler, “I… I hope I didn’t drag you away from your busy schedules…” Thespio waves a hoof lightly, “Not really. I’m free this afternoon so this was easy to fit in." Scribbler nodded, “It’s the weekend, unless I’m involved with a huge project, I always have the time.” Drake gave a relieved sigh, “Thank goodness.”

He frowned. His ears drooped slightly as he began to speak, “It’s just that… I’m so lucky to have found new friends so quickly after I was banished.” Balance Keeper snickered, “Yeah, these have been a busy few months with everypony.” Promised Angel raised a brow, “You… never told us why you were banished in the first place…” Thespio gently, and quickly, intervened, “I… don’t think that’s important right now.” Drake nodded, “Not as important as thanking you for all your help adjusting to Equestria. I am really grateful to you four and everypony else, too!” Promised Angel snickered, “Is this why you invited us to lunch? To thank us again?” Balance Keeper frowned and replied dryly, “I invited you two… Drake invited Scribbler and Thespio.” Promised Angel lowered her head, almost chastised, “Oh.” Drake laughed, “Why wouldn’t I thank you? Where would I be without you all?” Promised Angel replied with a raised eyebrow, “I thought Princess Celestia was helping you a lot?” Drake motioned a hoof in a circular manner, “Eehhh, sort of? She’s incredibly busy, so I don’t want to ask too much from her.” Scribble sipped from her drink before she spoke, “Well, I’m glad we can still help when we can.”

Drake sniffled, “Gosh it’s so great to hear that. I can’t wait to celebrate my birthday with everypony next week!” The table went silent for a moment. There was naught a smile on anypony but Drake. The rest held varied levels of shock. Balance Keeper broke the silence, “Your… birthday is next week?” Drake’s expression evened before he nodded, “Yeah. One week from today.” He tilted his head in confusion, “Did I forget to mention that before?” Promised Angel piped up nervously, “I mean, we probably heard you say something about that before? And I forgot?” She rubbed her head slightly, “We know how forgetful, I am! Hehe!” Thespio quickly recovered, “I-I knew there was something important next week!” Under the table, Thespio nudged Scribble with a hoof. Scribbler perked up and nodded adamantly, “Y-Yes! Gosh, I’ve been so busy, I’d nearly forgotten!” Drake relaxed, “That’s okay. I just hope I can hang out with as many of you as I can!”

While Drake relaxed, most of the table felt awkward and stressed. A heavy silence coated the table, despite the noise of the cafe. It was nearly a minute of silence. Finally, Promised Angel broke the tension, “So… is everyone ready to order?” Balance Keeper, Scribbler, and Thespio relaxed, They all gave confirmation and quickly ordered. Thankfully, the lunch held no other stressful events.

——————————————————————————————

Drake waved a hoof to his friends, now all in front of the cafe, “See you later!” Thespio, Balance Keeper, Scribbler, and Promised Angel all waved their goodbyes to their kirin friend. Once he was out of earshot, Balance Keeper turned to the group, “So… who else forgot Drake’s birthday was next week?” Promised Angel raised and hoof with a groan, “I did… Celestia, I’m bucking stupid for forgetting something like that…” Scribbler grumbled, “To be honest, I’d forgotten as well…” Thespio’s tone was calm and collected, “Well, maybe we should use this time to make up for forgetting? It is his first birthday in Equestria, after all.” Balance Keeper raised an eyebrow, “So… like a party?” Thespio shrugged, “Well… yeah? That’s what you do at birthdays. How about a surprise party?” Scribbler beamed, “I think that’s a wonderful idea!” Promised Angel mused, “Yeah, it is, but… can we even get a party planner so soon?” Scribbler gave a calm smile, “If we can’t, we can make the party ourselves!” Thespio mused, “Hey… isn’t Drake good friends with Rainbow Dash? Maybe she could help!” Promised Angel perked up, “Yeah! And maybe she can help us ask Pinkie Pie for some help, too!” Balance Keeper shrugged, “Alright, so… is there any other friends Drake’s made while he’s been here that can help out?” Promised Angel nodded, “There’s been a few.” She lifted her hoof and moved it as though she counted in the air, “There’s us, Madluck, Star Song, Dusk Beats, Ghost Catcher, that sheep, I think his name is Piximal? Oh! And that up and coming DJ; Luck Rock!” Thespio nodded, “That’s a nice gathering of ponies! And… a sheep… Um.. Promised, why don’t you go find all of them and invite them?” Balance Keeper perked up, “I’m seeing Star Song soon, so maybe I can tell him and Madluck.” Promised Angel frowned, “And I don’t know how to contact Luck Rock…” Scribbler mused, “That shouldn’t be too difficult. I can take care of that.” Thespio gave a determined gaze, “Okay. I’m going to talk to Rainbow Dash, anyone want to come with me?” Balance Keeper raised a hoof, “She knows I’m friends with Drake, so I guess I should come, too.” Scribbler calmly explained, “Ok. I say we all try to meet in a few days in person. In the meantime, we have letters. Does everypony have a way to contact each other?”

The group began to exchange information in quiet whispers. They all soon went their separate ways, only Thespio and Balance Keeper stayed together and trotted along to find Rainbow Dash.

——————————————————————————

“Are you sure she’s here?” Thespio tilted his head in confusion at the building he was looking at. A bookstore, one with a long line of ponies with books in mouth, satchel, hoof, or magic, waiting to get in. A few were in a costume of some explorer pegasus. Balance Keeper gave a sly smile, “Trust me. If there’s a new Daring Do book coming out, Rainbow Dash is going to be at the first day of release.” Thespio slowed and watched Balance Keeper confidently trot into the bookstore. He sighed then smiled, “Alright, if you say so.”

The two managed to push past the crowd of ponies, all of whom glared at the possible trespassers to their place in line. Near the center of the bookstore, Thespio and Balance Keeper spotted a table where the ponies would eventually reach. Behind the table was a heavy clothed pony, A.K Yearling. On both sides of the table were security ponies, yet to her left was one other pony; Rainbow Dash. She and A.K were chatting away in-between A.K’s signings. Rainbow Dash noticed Balance Keeper and Thespio approach. She waved in recognition, “Oh! Hey, Balance!” She frowned, “Sooo, if you’re here for a signature… you’re gonna have to get in line like everypony else…” She points a hoof at herself proudly, “I’ve been here since last night!” Balance Keeper and Thespio approached the table on Rainbow’s side. The security ponies glared at them. Rainbow Dash was quick to notice this and waved a hoof to them, “It’s ok. They’re fine.” The security ponies looked at A.K Yearling nervously. She gave them a calm nod in response. The security ponies relaxed. Balance Keeper spoke, with a hoof rubbing his mane, “Actually, we need to talk to you about something.” Rainbow Dash raised a brow, “Huh? What about?” Thespio answered nervously, “Well… a few of us… forgot that um… Drake Emberheart’s birthday is next week-" Rainbow Dash jumped into the air and nearly shouted, “Whoa- Seriously?!”

A.K Yearling gave the group a smile, “Well, this seems important. Rainbow Dash, we can continue our conversation later.” Rainbow Dash frowned at first, but then gave A.K Yearling a smile, “Sure! I’ll catch up with ya later!”

Thespio, Rainbow Dash, and Balance Keeper all exited the bookstore and found a nearby bench to sit at. Rainbow Dash began, “So, Drake’s birthday is next week? I do remember him saying it was really soon, but I didn’t think it was that soon!” Thespio nodded, “Yeah. He said it was in exactly one week.” Rainbow Dash sighed, “Dangit. I’m pretty sure Pinkie Pie’s booked that whole day!” Thespio gave a reassuring smile, “I’m… sure we can make all the plans ourselves if we need. If we can get everypony who knows, and everypony Promised Angel mentioned… we’d have…” He silently put his hoof in the air and counted in his head before he spoke again, “Eleven of us. All the ponies Drake knows. One of which is a DJ, so we have music covered.” Balance Keeper raised a brow, “So, do you wanna help?” Rainbow Dash beamed, “Of course I wanna help! Drake has been awesome since he’s arrived! Of course I want to help with a party where everypony is going to be there!

Balance Keeper slapped his hoof to his face, “Buck! We forgot the most important pony! Princess Celestia!” The three of them were dazed silent for a moment. Thespio broke the silence. He posed a question to Rainbow Dash “You know Celestia pretty well, right?” Rainbow Dash grimaced lightly, “Not as well as, say, Twilight…” She regained her confident grin, “But, I do kinda know her.” Balance Keeper sighed in relief, “Good. Do you think you can ask her if she wants to help, too?” Rainbow Dash blinked. She reared back slightly in surprise, “You want me to ask Celestia to go to Drake’s party?” Balance Keeper nodded seriously, “I think it would mean a lot to Drake if she was there as well. Don’t you think? I mean, he does kind of see her as a mom, sort of.” Rainbow Dash ‘hmmed’ for a moment. She put a hoof to her chin. She smiled, “Alright! I think I can convince her. For Drake. It’s uh… next week, right?” Thespio confirmed, “One week exactly.” Rainbow Dash flew a couple feet into the air, “Okay! I’ll see what I can do!” Thespio shouted up to her, “We’ll get together sometime in the next few days to set everything up, okay?” Rainbow Dash nodded, “Right! Catch ya later!” Rainbow Dash quickly flew into the distance towards Canterlot.

———————————————————————————————

Celestia’s calm exterior hid the tiredness she had begun to feel. It was mid-afternoon and she was already tired. She sat in her throne room, papers before her encased in her magic to hold them and a quill aloft. Things were quiet for a few more minutes.

One of her guards quickly rushed into the throne room, “P-Princess Celestia.” Celestia looked up from her papers at the stallion guard. Her tone was calm and regal, “Yes, is something the matter?” The guard sighed, “I… I know you are busy, but you have a visitor who says she needs to see you as soon as possible.” Hints of worry began to leak through Celestia’s gaze. Was it Twilight? No, she would send a message through Spike first. It couldn’t be Drake, the guard said ‘she’ for certain. Celestia paused only a moment before she asked, “May I ask her name?” The guard nodded, “It’s miss Rainbow Dash.” Celestia blinked in surprise. Of all of Twilight’s friends, for Rainbow Dash to approach her was not something she had expected. This could be potentially very serious. Celestia set her papers down at the side of her throne. Her gaze turned serious as she nodded, “Let her in.” The guard bowed lightly before he turned back to the door. He opened it and spoke, “Come on in-“ In a flurry of wind, the familiar blue pegasus flew past the doors into the room. A few guards had to brace from the wind. Celestia’s mane only moved for a second. Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she landed, “About time! I told you she’d want to see me!”

The guards in the room were on edge. They held their weapons tightly and waited. Celestia was quick to notice this and spoke to her guards, “It is alright. In fact, may we have the room?” The guards paused, but eventually relaxed. Each nodded silently before all the guards filed out of the room. After a moment, Celestia relaxed with a sigh, “Out of all of Twilight’s friends, I must admit you are one of the last ponies I expected a visit from.” Rainbow approached the foot of Celestia’s throne, her hoof jostled her mane slight. The movement was accompanied by a nervous chuckle, “Yeah, sorry for showing up like this, but it’s kinda important.” Rainbow Dash stiffened and waved a hoof nervously, “I mean- It’s not ‘fate of Equestria’ important, but- I mean!” She calmed with a frown, “It’s… it’s about Drake…” Celestia’s gaze widened slightly. She stood from her throne and began to descend from it, “Drake Emberheart? What happened? Is he alright?” Rainbow Dash nodded, “He’s fine, but… his birthday is one week from today.” Celestia paused in front of Rainbow Dash. She was relieved this visit wasn’t for anything grave, yet it still was important. Celestia smiled calmly, “Is it that soon already?” Rainbow Dash sat her flank on the floor, “Yeah. A bunch of us were gonna throw him a surprise birthday and Balance Keeper thought you should help out. I mean, he said Drake does think highly of you- more than a ruler.” Celestia sat as well. She gave a nostalgic smile, “I have done what I could to help Drake adjust to life here in Equestria. Even the charm that gives him his pony form was created by my order.” She chuckled slightly, “His reaction to the charm was endearing.”

Her expression evened out. She looked down at Rainbow Dash, “I must ask; how is Drake adjusting to Ponyville? Has there been any trouble?” Rainbow Dash rubbed her chin with a hoof, “Well… nothing major. He did freak out a few ponies by breathing fire upwards when he was stoked about something. And there was that time Drake was so hungry he almost attacked a cow, but he made up for that, too.” Celestia chuckled, “He can be energetic, can’t he?” Rainbow Dash gave a determined gaze, “Don’t have to tell me! He’s a really fast flier when he does use his original form! He still struggles to beat me, though!”

Rainbow Dash digressed, “But, anyway. Like I said, a bunch of us are starting to pull everyone Drake knows into a surprise party for him next week. I agree with Balance Keeper that you should come, too!” Celestia beamed, “I would be more than happy to aid! I think I have a few ideas, already. Why don’t you spend most of the day with Drake while I help everypony else set up the party?” Rainbow Dash blinked in surprise. She spoke incredulously, “You want me to be the distraction?” Celestia replied dryly, “I trust that there will be no issue with it? He does look up to you as well.” Rainbow Dash replied nervously, “N-no, ma’am! I can do it! I-it kinda came out of nowhere!” Celestia stood with a frown, “It’s alright, you have time to think things through, even if you don’t want to lead him to the party. After all, we all have a week to plan.”

—————————————————————————————————

The week had come and passed. All of Drake’s friends were busy with the party planning. A few had visited him throughout the week, but most of their spare time was dedicated to the party. Despite this, the party still needed set up, and many of the ponies still had things to pick up.

Drake eagerly trotted through Ponyville. Rainbow Dash approached him yesterday and said to meet her tomorrow for a birthday surprise. Ecstatic, he immediately accepted. All he had to do was meet up with her at the train station. On his way he noticed two of his friends; Dusk Beats and Ghost Catcher. Dusk Beats was a unicorn stallion, almost as thin as a mare. His coat was a near sky blue. His mane was simple, with stripes of punch pink and flamingo pink. His eyes were the punch pink color. His cutie mark was a digital equalizer. His companion, the mare next to him, was an earth pony of black fur. Her mane swirled with neon blue and green, akin to ghost tails, which matched her ghostly cutie mark.

Drake perked up and nearly galloped over to the two of them. He called out, “Dusk! Ghost!” Dusk Beats and Ghost Catcher immediately stood on end. Ghost Catcher seemed to fiddle with her saddlebags as Drake approached. Dusk Beats at first seemed nervous, but soon calmed. He exclaimed, “Hey, Drake!” Ghost Catcher calmed after that. She  spoke, “Happy birthday, Drake.” Drake beamed as he reached the two. He spoke happily, “Thanks so much! Are you two busy? I’m meeting with Rainbow Dash, but maybe we can all hang out together!?” Dusk Beats gave an apologetic look, “Sorry, I wish we could we’re just…” Ghost Catcher finished, “We’re a bit busy at the moment! But, I swear! We’ll do something later tonight, okay?!” Drake’s smile descended to disappointment. His head knelt down slightly. His voice quieted, “Oh…I see…” Dusk Beats smiled, “We’ll see you tonight, okay?”

Drake nodded silently, disappointment strewn across his face. Dusk Beats and Ghost Catcher quickly gave Drake a quick hug before they left. Drake stood there for a moment before he proceeded towards the train station. There, he saw another friend of his; Promised Angel. Her horn illuminated a list he could not read. She appeared to be talking to herself quietly, too quiet for Drake to hear with the chatting ponies around them. Drake smiled and approached her. He could her say, “And I still have to get that…” She sighed and pouted. Drake spoke, “Thinking out loud again?” Promised Angel nearly jumped. She turned towards Drake. She gave a heavy sigh, “Oh, it’s just you Drake, don’t scare me like-“ Her face turned nervous for a second. Drake was quick to notice, “Are you okay?” Promised Angel nodded quickly, “Y-yeah! Oh! Um, happy birthday!” Drake smiled, “Thank you! Hey, I’m supposed to meet Rainbow Dash here, did you want to hang out with us?” Promised Angel huffed and pouted, “I can’t. I got a lot of errands to run today. I should be free later on… I’m just waiting for the next train.” Drake’s ears drooped, as did his expression, “Oh…” Promised Angel’s pout turned apologetic, “I should be free sometime in the afternoon.” Drake explained, “You’re… not the first to say something like that today…” Promised Angel stood on end. Her voice shook, “Oh… really?”

Promised Angel fell silent for a few moments. She then smiled, “Well! That just means you can have a big party with everypony later!” Drake blinked in surprise. He then smiled brightly once more, “Yeah! You’re right!”

A third voice poked into the conversation, “Hah! Never takes much to find you in a crowd, Drake!” Drake and Promised Angel quickly noticed the blue pegasus that budded into the conversation. Rainbow Dash. Promised Angel gave a sigh of relief, “H-hi Rainbow Dash.” The next train could be heard in the distance. With the noise of the train, Promised Angel mouthed something to Rainbow Dash quickly. Rainbow Dash turned to Drake and shouted over the train’s horn, “C’mon! Let’s fly!” Promised Angel panicked, “Although you might want to move away from the station before you transform!” Rainbow Dash nodded, “Over here!” Rainbow Dash lead Drake away from the train platform. She looked back at Promised Angel with a nod.

Drake stood at a decent distance from the train station. He breathed in deeply before he concentrated. His sun charm began to glow softly. In the same shining light, Drake’s pony form changed. His face and chest jutted out, slowly more draconic in nature. What was once the hair of his coat became hard scales. His crimson hair melted into flames that whisked off his head gently. His horn disappeared, but the sun charm stayed. Untouched by the flames that surrounded it. From His back, two wings of burning flames jutted out. Finally, his cutie mark disappeared from sight.

A few ponies stared at the transformation. However, many of those same ponies became distracted by the train. Rainbow smirked at Drake, now that his true form had been unmasked, “Think you can keep up this time?” Drake returned with a determined grin, “No problem!”

The two jumped into the skies. Each raced side by side. The flames on Drake’s form barely flickered, though hints of embers trailed behind. Inch by inch the two practically danced in the sky. It wasn’t long before Rainbow Dash pulled ahead, much to Drake’s surprise. He couldn’t catch up. Rainbow Dash soon slowed enough to allow Drake to keep pace. Rainbow Dash smiled, “Been a while since we had a race, huh?” Drake chuckled, “Yeah! You’re still fast, as always!” Rainbow Dash smiled for a moment. She turned forward, “Sooo, about that surprise, you can probably see it by now!” Drake raised a brow, “Huh?”

Drake turned his gaze forward. The two had been flying towards a large stadium. A few ponies had begun to set up a few obstacles. Many ponies seemed to patiently wait outside the stadium as well. Drake recognized this well; this was a setup to a Wonderbolt performance. His eyes lit up, “YOU’RE TAKING ME TO A WONDERBOLT PERFORMANCE!?” Rainbow Dash nodded, “Not only that, you’re in the VIP, buddy! Enjoy it!” Drake suddenly breathed a torrent of fire upwards. He roared out, “THANK YOOOOUUUU!!!” Rainbow Dash dodged the flames with a bit of panic. Once she was safe from the flames, she laughed, “You’re welcome! Enjoy the show!”

——————————————————————————————

The crowd cheered heavily as the Wonderbolts finished their performance. Drake had returned to his pony form as to not draw attention from the crowd. After a large round of applause, the crowd began to disperse. Rainbow Dash flew down to Drake’s seat. She removed her goggles and tugged on Drake, “C’mon! I convinced the team to stay a bit and talk with ya, too!” Drake smiled and hopped out of his seat. Rainbow Dash flew low to the ground as Drake trotted nervously towards the Wonderbolts in this show; Spitfire, Thunderlane, and Soarin. Spitfire was the first to notice Drake and Rainbow Dash approach. She gave an authoritative, but disappointed tone, “So, this is your friend? Kinda disappointing he’s not a pegasus; we could use the fresh meat at the academy.” Drake chuckled nervously before he responded, “Well, actually, I can fly.” Rainbow Dash landed and affirmed, “Yeah, he’s pretty good, too.” Thunderlane pointed a hoof toward’s Drake’s back, “How can he fly without wings? Does he float with magic or something?” Drake closed his eyes. He once more concentrated on the sun charm and transformed to his true self. Spitfire, Thunderlane, and Soarin all gaped in shock. Soarin exclaimed, “No way! I real life kirin! That’s awesome!” Rainbow Dash smirked, “Yeah! He totally is!” Drake blinked in surprise, “You’re… not afraid?” Spitfire shrugged, “Some ponies might be afraid, but we’re in a dangerous business. Gotta have some backbone to survive the academy. Maybe we can show you around this evening?” Drake noticed the sun had begun to lower in the sky behind Spitfire. He frowned at Spitfire, “I… I would love to, but… I should probably go find some of my friends. Everyone was so busy this morning, I hope they’re all free.”

Rainbow Dash came up to him with some stress in her voice, “Uh, hey? What’s the rush? You just got offered a free tour of the academy!” Drake sighed, “I saw Promised Angel, Ghost Catcher, and Dusk Beats today. They all were very busy, but they said they’re be free later. I haven’t heard from anypony else either… I just… want to know why everyone but you is busy today…” Rainbow Dash frowned. She looked at the sky and grimaced for a moment. She spoke out, “Um… I dunno. If they seemed that busy, then maybe we can stick around for a little bit.” Drake shook his head, “Promised Angel is usually quick about things. Dusk Beats and Ghost Catcher get things done because they’re together. I know Thespio and Scribbler are always busy, but they make time for things like this…”

Rainbow Dash sighed. She had no other option. She spoke, “Well… some of them could be at the next place we’re going to.” Drake blinked, “Wait, this wasn’t all? The show, and talking to the Wonderbolts, what else did you do for me, Rainbow Dash?!” Rainbow Dash looked away, “I um… convinced Princess Celestia to um… make time for a special dinner. We’re gonna meet with her later. I… I dunno if everypony will be there, but…” A few tears leaked from Drake’s eyes. Rainbow Dash grew concerned, “Are you ok, Drake?” Drake nodded, “I… I had no idea… so that’s why they were busy…” Rainbow Dash smiled and changed the topic, “So, we got time for a quick tour of Wonderbolt Academy, you still wanna do it?” Drake wiped his tears away. He nodded, “Sure!” Drake followed the Wonderbolts promptly. All of them had gotten to chat during the tour. Drake had never been so happy.

———————————————————————————

“So, where did you say we were meeting Princess Celestia?” Drake questioned Rainbow Dash. The two had landed in Canterlot after the tour had ended. The sun was hustled on the horizon; the evening had begun. Drake once more was in his pony form. Though it mattered little as this part of Canterlot was not as populated as the more mainstream areas. Up ahead on a nearby bench, Drake saw a pony that was cloaked. As the two drew nearer, Drake recognized this as Celestia. Drake smiled and gave a light bow, “It’s great to see you again, Princess Celestia.” Celestia chuckled, “My, you haven’t changed a bit.” Celestia stood from the bench, “Come, let us go.” Drake nodded and followed behind Celestia, “Soo, where are we having dinner? I thought the chefs at the castle made good food?" Celestia looked back for a moment, “They do, but only Luna will be enjoying their cooking tonight.” Rainbow Dash smiled, “I’m sure dinner will still be good without the royal chefs!”

The three happened upon a small, unmarked building. Celestia motioned, “Here we are.” Drake raised a brow, “This… doesn’t look like a restaurant. Is it new, or something?” Celestia’s horn went aglow with magic. She opened the door without hesitation. Inside, Drake could only see darkness. He stepped forward with Celestia. He was nervous. His gaze fluttered around the dark room until he fully stepped inside.

A click sounded. The lights turned on. Drake had to close his eyes from the sudden light. He heard a crowd shout out, “SURPRISE!!” His eyes opened. They widened with shock at the sight. Balloons and streamers hung high on the ceiling and decorated the numerous tables. A banner high in the air with the words “Happy Birthday Drake” painted on it. On a few of the tables were a large assortment of foods from appetizers to deserts. At the center of the deserts table was a large, three-tiered cake, each tier with a different color. But the thing that brought tears to Drake’s eyes was the sight of everypony there. Everyone he had grown to know during his few months in Equestria was there. All of them cheered for him.

Drake suddenly felt a weight on his back. He looked up to see Rainbow Dash smiling down at him. She spoke, “Bet you didn’t expect this!” Drake sniffled, “N-no… I didn’t…” Celestia, now uncloaked, pulled Drake into a hug. With a smile, she spoke, “Happy birthday, Drake. I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” Celestia pulled away from the hug. Thespio and Scribbler stepped forth from the crowd. Thespio exclaimed, “Yeah! Nopony would!" Scribbler smiled with a hoof to her face, “It was almost exhausting to put together, but everypony pulled through in the end.” Promised Angel chuckled nervously, “Sorry about all the deceit, Drake, but it wouldn’t be a surprise party if we told you…”

Drake’s tears flowed heavily. He almost felt as though he would burst from this kindness. He whipped his tears away and began to speak, “I… I was so worried when everypony seemed busy today. I was so scared I wasn’t going to see anypony today. But… seeing everypony here… I just… I never thought moving here would result in great friends like all of you!” Thespio smirked, “Well of course we’re your friends!” Scribbler chuckled, “You’ve always been so earnest and curious. I think we all took to that fondly.” Promised Angel shrugged, “I somehow get adopted by extroverts, it just happens.” Drake chuckled, “Yeah, but you party when you want to, so I hope you’re up for it now!” Thespio pointed to the DJ table, where a pony lay in wait, “You heard the guest of honor! Let’s get this party started!”