It was the evening time and I heard a knock on the door, answering it, I'm guessing it was one of the mares.

"Evening Bond, are you ready to come watch the meteor showers?" Twilight asked.

"I sure am...just hope I don't have to be the one who clears up the mess."

"No dude, they're like shooting stars but bigger." Spike corrected, pulling a cart behind him with books and some punch.

"Oh I see now...for a minute I thought Armageddon existed in Equestria."

They both shook their heads at my randomness, but they knew I was joking...or was I? Anyways, we walked along to one of the hills overlooking the mountains, probably where the shooting star event was going to take place and we saw hundreds of other ponies present.

"I was sure I put the astronomer's guide back, the book would've helped me identify different planets and stars tonight." Twilight said who seemed to be concerned about the book.

"Well, maybe someone borrowed it. Besides, you don't need that book, you can already name the planets and stars cause, you're super smart and astronomically awesome." Spike complimented.

Woah, what's with the loving compliments Spike, you're supposed to have a crush on Rarity, I thought to myself.

"Thanks Spike, you're such a flatterer."

"Yeah I'm a sweet talker."

"Only because you learned from the best, right?" I asked, tapping Spike on the shoulder.

"And a number one assistant, right?" Twilight asked.

"Check."

We walked further to the top to greet the others and the CMC's.

"Howdy you three, that's some good apples and what's that drink?" Applejack asked.

"It's apple punch." Spike answered as he laid out a picnic blanket and placed the food and drink on it.

Dash then took an apple with her mouth and ate it.

"Wow Twilight, you're lucky to have a rad assistant." Dash commented, "I wish I had somepony to do whatever I told them."

"Oh, oh, oh, me me me!" Scootaloo jumped. "I'll do whatever you want Rainbow Dash."

"Oh yeah pipsqueak?" Dash said looking at her, "How about taking out the trash?" she asked throwing the eaten apple at her.

"Yes mam!" Scootaloo replied, grabbing the apple and galloping off.

"Do we have to thank Spike again for this amazing spread, isn't he simply amazing?" Rarity asked.

Soon, he was surrounded by Pinkie, Rarity, Twilight, Dash and Fluttershy.

"I should be quite jealous you know, but I'm not...I have my reasons and standards." I intervened.

"Oh come on..." Spike replied doing a lip signal as if he's looking for a kiss from Rarity...fat chance of that happening. "I said come on."

"Little Spikey wikey!" Pinkie said, giving him a noogie on the head. "Who knew that big ferocious dragon  started off being cutesy wootsy?"

"Spike, you are such a little star, that I had to make a little bow-tie for you." Rarity added as she presented a red bow-tie with small gems covering it.

"Oh girls you're embarrassing me, stop it."

"It's okay Spike, I know how you feel..." I assured him. "But I don't need the kind of affections and gifts you're getting, being around Ponyville is more than enough for me."

"Twilight, your turn." Spike said, pointing at her.

"Spike, that's enough." she replied firmly.

"Oh right, that's enough."

"Hey everypony, the show is starting!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, pointing up in the sky and seeing the first shooting star zoom by.

Soon, nearly of us in Ponyville looked at the night-time sky to watch the shooting star event...one by one they zoomed by. Of course astronomy isn't my kind of thing, it was still cool to watch shooting stars go by...it reminded me of an old classic dance track about a shooting star, but that's for another time.

After it was over, I looked behind to see Spike sleeping away inside the punch bowl.

"Hey girls, check this out." I said as they turned around to see the same thing.

"Oh poor little thing." Rarity said.

"Ohhh, he's worked himself to the bone." Twilight added.

"And now the punch..." I said before putting on my shades "...has been spiked!"

Soon, we all laughed at my 'punch'line...okay, that wasn't my best but come on, it's who I am.

"Alright everypony, it's time to go home." Twilight stated as all of us walked back to Ponyville.

After exchanging our goodbyes, I went straight to my home and I then noticed a letter on the table, upon walking in. I looked at it to see what it was about before opening it. It was an invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala that was due to take place in five days from now and it had the special Celestia mark on it, meaning that I had the Princess's top priority approval. It filled me with excitement for some reason, but that can wait for now as I placed the invitation letter by the bedside table, before getting into bed and looking at the pocketwatch before closing my eyes to sleep.

The next late morning came and I decided that I should catch up with my cousin as I promised but first, I had to turn in my invitation which I accepted to attend. Leaving the home and packing a few bits in my pocket for lunch later, I walked into town with my smile and I spotted Twilight with a few bags.

"Morning Twilight." I greeted happily.

"Morning Bond, you're cheerful today." Twilight replied, "What's the occasion?"

"I received an invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala."

"Really? So have I."

"You got one as well?"

"I did, in fact I think all seven of us and Spike got one at the same time." Twilight explained, "I'm going to the Town hall to turn them in as confirming our attendance, want me to take it in for you?"

"That would save me a bit of time, thanks Twilight."

"No problem, I've gotta go and collect the others's invitations, see you later."

"Same to you." I replied as I gave the invitation to her and waved.

With that out of the way, I could go straight to my cousin's home. I knocked on the door and it opened...but it wasn't her.

"Hello...yes?" a grey mare with light black mane asked me.

"Oh hello there, is Vinyl Scratch here?" I asked.

"She is, but she's going through one of her hangovers...ugh." she then put a hoof in her face.

"I'm guessing you two are roommates?"

"We are...but we're very different."

"I see, mind if I come in and wait for Vinyl, I need to talk to her."

"Alright, come on in and wait by the sofa, she'll be down shortly."

I then walked on in to find the house looking elegant, I took a seat by the sofa and waited for her.

"By the way, what's your name and why do you need to see Vinyl?" she asked me.

"I'm Bond Racer...and I'm Vinyl's cousin." I replied.

"Ohhh, so you're the pony who saved her DJ gig a long time ago?"

"That's me and who are you?"

"I'm Octavia Melody, I'm in the world of music too, but in a different field if you follow my meaning."

"I understand, what kind of music do you do?"

"I play the cello in an orchestra band, we normally play together at the important events at Canterlot."

"That's cool I guess."

Octavia then noticed my wings and my horn. "Are you an alicorn?" she asked noticing my features.

"Yeah, I am indeed but it's nothing special, I'm just like any other pony."

"Why the modesty? You deserve to have more than what you give yourself credit for."

"Maybe in time, I will...just not now."

Then, we heard hooves coming down the stairs.

"Morning...Tavi...another day, another headache." a voice said, I assumed it was Vinyl.

"That doesn't surprise me, Vinyl and where are your manners, your cousin is here to see you." Octavia pointed out.

"Oh hey cousin...great to see you, man...ugh."

"Here Vinyl, let me help." I said as I walked to her and moved my horn slightly down and used a bit of magic on her.

"Huh...I suddenly a lot better around my head, what did you do?" Vinyl asked.

"Anti-headache spell, I learnt it from my school in Fillydelphia."

"Sweet...thanks man."

"Well, I've gotta go to band practice, we have a few days before The Grand Galloping Gala, don't mess up the house please." Octavia requested as she left the house with her cello carry case.

"I guess she's the landlady of the house?" I asked.

"Yeah."

"I see. So how have you been, Vinyl?" I asked whilst offering a hug.

"It's been good, cuz." she answered accepting my hug.

"Your friend Octavia seems nice."

"That's because she noticed your alicorn status and you're quite lucky, she's not that positive when it comes to me and other ponies."

"I'm sure it's not that bad. Besides, you'll always have me to back you up." I assured.

Vinyl smiled, "Thanks again. Mind if we head out, Tavi would appreciate a clean home after all."

"Sure, we can do that, let's head to the nearest cafe."

"Sweet, man."

We then left her home and walked to the nearest cafe for lunch and afterwards, we headed back to her home, talking about several stories and reminding ourselves of that one gig where I got my cutiemark.

"That reminds me, cousin. When are you gonna start being my DJ partner again?" Vinyl asked as we walked inside.

"I don't know, I've been so busy with helping out my friends here as well as solving personal stuff." I answered.

"Well, I hope we get to do a DJ gig together soon."

"Same here...speaking of which, are you going to the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"Nah, I can't man, I've been booked for a filly school party in Cloudsdale on that same day."

"Oh right, well I'm sure it'll be fun for you when the day comes."

"I'll make sure of that. Thanks for stopping by, Bond."

"It's no problem, I'll see you soon, Vinyl."

We shared a hug before Vinyl nodded as I walked out of her home. I decided to check up on the others, so I walked to the treehouse to find all of them present, apart from Spike, along with an owl.

"Hi again girls...and who's that?" I asked, looking at the owl.

"Ah Bond, this is Owloysius." Twilight answered, "I recruited him to take care of my assisted work at night time so that Spike wouldn't be tired in the morning."

""Oh, what a fantastical, fluffelicious feathery little friend!" Pinkie Pie commented. "I'm HOOked!"

I then performed a rimshot scene which everypony laughed.

"He's just wonderful." Fluttershy added.

"'He's just wonderful.'" We heard a mocking voice above us, causing us to turn our heads toward it. There, up on a tree, we saw Spike lying down on a branch reading a book. He noticed us stare at him. "Uh, yes. Wonderful. He's quite... the charmer." Spike ended with an irritated tone to his comment.

"And Owloysius is just such a star I just had to make this little bow for you." Rarity pulled out another bow studded with gems and placed it on the owl. It looked just like the bow that Rarity had given Spike the night before. The owl looked down to observe the bow for a second, and then looked back at Rarity with no significant change in his expression.

Spike had seen that and immediately filled his face with redness that he stormed back into the library and slammed the door shut.

"What's he all saddle sore about?" Applejack asked.

"He's probably just jealous of Owloysius." Rainbow Dash answered.

"Maybe Spike feels threatened or worried that Owloysius will replace him?" Fluttershy offered a suggestion.

"Replace him? Hah! That's crazy! Spike knows he can't be replaced." Twilight responded with confidence. "Well it's been fun talking with you guys, but I have to finish some work."

"Bye Twilight!" The ponies waved goodbye to her as she walked back inside the home with her owl.

"I need to go back to Sugarcube Corner to make more cakes, laters!" Pinkie said before bouncing away.

This left Rarity, Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and myself.

"Alright ya'll, Pinkie's birthday is tomorrow, how are we doing with the presents?" she asked.

"I've got a fabulous bracelet for her with one of a kind red gems." Rarity answered first.

"I have a basket full of sweets that Mr. and Mrs. Cake gave to me in secret so we could bring it to the barn." Fluttershy added.

"I got her a ticket for a free tour around wonderbolts academy with me." Dash said, showing a ticket that had been wrapped in a bow-tie.

"Shoot! I knew there was something I forgot to get today. I promised Pinkie I would get her a bag of bits so that she can use it towards helping her look after her pet Gummy." I said, reminding myself.

"Don't ya worry, sugarcube, you still have time...and as for me, preparations for the party at the barn is halfway finished, but ah'll need a bit more help tomorrow morning as ah'm a little tired with that and of course working on the farm too." Applejack said.

"That's good to know." Fluttershy commented.

"Okay, we'll meet at the barn tomorrow and don't worry, Twilight knows about it too." Applejack assured.

We all then said our farewells and went our own ways. I trotted back to my home for an early dinner and placed a hundred bits in a bag and placing the bag in my suit pocket, reminding me to give it to Pinkie when it's her birthday tomorrow. It was around sunset when I came out of the house again, when I saw Twilight with Owloysius, but she didn't seem to be smiling.

"Twilight, what's the matter?"

"I just found out that not only did Spike sneeze and burnt the pages of the book I was looking for last night, but he tried to set up Owloysius with a stupid plan, all because he let his jealousy get the best of him." Twilight explained.

My sister Sweet Chocolate knows how that feels too well, I thought to myself.

"So I am really disappointed in him. Could you go and try and talk some sense into him?" she asked.

"I guess I could try, maybe a talk with me would help him see the error of his ways."

"Maybe, thanks Bond, I'll be back later this evening."

"Okay."

I then walked over to Twilight's home, I knocked on the door, but there was no reply.

"Spike, are you in there?" I asked, no reply again.

I then opened the door and walked in, "Spike, it's me Bond Racer, Twilight wanted me to talk to you."

Again I got no response, it looked like the place was empty...

"Uh oh! Don't tell me that he's just gone and run away." I said out loud to myself.

But then I noticed patches of red ketchup shaped as claw prints which led outside, I decided to follow it to see where it led. It went out of Ponyville, through the Everfree Forest which at night-time there was no way I was going to walk through that, so I leapt up and flew whilst looking down at the claw prints which got more transparent by each second before it was no more. There was a slight shower coming in which didn't help, but I came across a big cave, so I took shelter in there quickly.

As I caught my breath and entered the cave, I stopped dead in my track to find... a big green dragon that seemed to be protecting countless amounts of gems, this must be where Spike ran to and sure enough, I found him cornered by the dragon.

"You leave Spike alone you green nobody!" I shouted at the dragon which got both of their attention.

"Bond Racer, you're here!" Spike exclaimed.

I then flew around the big dragon, hoping to keep it distracted whilst Spike could escape.

"Run Spike, get out of here-ARGH!" I yelled as I got smacked down to the floor by the big dragon's tail.

"Hoo Hoo!" an owl called out of nowhere.

Owloysius had come to the rescue...as if right on queue...damn I'm good at this rhyming. Owloysius had him distracted whilst I got back on my hooves and galloped out of the cave along with Spike.

"Grab on Spike, we're flying outta here!" I yelled as he got on my back and flew up into the sky and out of the forest as fast as we could. It may have been the beginning of night-time, but I was able to see Ponyville from where we were. Soon, Owloysius joined us in the flying, confirming that he was safe too. When we reached Ponyville, I landed down and Spike got off me whilst Owloysius perched on a tree branch.

"Spike, are you alright?" I panted, trying to catch my breath.

"Yep, I'm completely alright." he replied.

"Good, now Spike, I was looking for you but you weren't home, so I was worried about you and it seems Owloysius came here cause Twilight was worried about you too, why did you run away?" I asked him.

"I thought she didn't need me anymore and that she didn't love me anymore." Spike replied, feeling sad.

"Aw man, sure Twilight was disappointed, but you're her number one assistant and always will be." I then explained the real reason why Owloysius was recruited by Twilight, "It's just that Twilight sometimes needs help during the night, but she can't keep asking you to help, you're a baby dragon and you need your rest. Whilst owls are nocturnal, so she asked Owloysius to help, but not to take your place."

Spike then perked up, "Twilight could never replace you, Spike, especially when you're being a jealous numbskull."

"Thanks Bond, you're a real great friend." he said.

"My pleasure, man."

We then bro-hoofed.

"Come on, let's take you home."

We then walked back to Twilight's home, I opened the door.

"Twilight, I found Spike in a cave and thanks to Owloysius, we're both safe and sound." I said as we walked in.

"Oh thank Celestia, I am so glad you're alright." Twilight said as she walked forward.

"Yeah Owloysius was a life saver." Spike added before he felt a little guilty about his behaviour.

Spike then went in for a hug which Twilight accepted.

"I'm sorry Twilight, I should've never been so jealous." he apologized.

"And I'm sorry too, Spike, I should've been more sensitive." Twilight replied.

"Well, I think it's time I went back home." I said to them. "I haven't forgotten about tomorrow either."

"Oh yes, Pinkie's birthday tomorrow. Spike and I will see you later when we're at Applejack's farm tomorrow."

"Okay, see you then." I replied as I waved and walked back on home.

Heading inside and back to my home, I could only think of going to bed and look back to what I've gone through. Seeing a shooting star event was kinda cool, catching up with my cousin earlier today and meeting her friend Octavia was a real pleasure. Of course, rescuing Spike from a big dragon was not what I had in mind originally, but it seems that Spike and Owloysius will get along better from now on...even if the owl cannot speak English. Oh well, one sleep and it'll be all systems go for Pinkie's birthday party! Next Chapter: Party Of One Estimated time remaining: 23 Hours, 55 Minutes