If there was one thing above all else that Pinkie Pie loved above all else, it's a party. But then, that would be along the same lines as saying that Rainbow Dash loves flying, or Fluttershy loves animals. It's so obvious that there's very little reason to even say it. And yet, despite that, the pink mare's love of such festivities was in the forefront of the gathering here today. Tucked away within the massive red barn of the Apple family, both she and her closest friends had all gathered to celebrate her birthday, with a massive cake right in the middle for all to see. Many of the ponies, Pinkie especially, were in the middle of some vigorous dancing, while others, like Rarity and Fluttershy, simply contented themselves to chatting while drinking some fruit punch. Even Trixie was here, actually seeming to be having a pleasant conversation with Applejack. As for Twilight, she was quietly eating a slice of the cake near the side of the room, watching happily as everypony else enjoyed the party. The look of sheer joy upon Pinkie's face brought a smile to Twilight's own, and as she downed her cake, her mind was thinking this whole thing over. Look at her. You'd think parties were the best thing in the world. Then again, Pinkie practically lives to make others happy, so I guess it's to be expected when she gets the same kind of treatment in return.

The young unicorn smiled silently as she continued on with her cake. I've changed many things recently in this town. I've shielded my friends from many things, and many threats. But today? Today...I don't think there was any needs to change anything at all. Everything is exactly as it was the first time around. As she turned her head, she looked upon the tables where the rest of the party food was located. There, talking amongst themselves, were the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike, all of whom seemed happy about being here. A small smile crept onto Twilight's face as she saw them. Well...maybe some things have changed, but the core of it remains. Pinkie is happy, her Birthday celebrations have still gone on, and everypony is enjoying themselves. That's what matters. As she kept her eyes on the youngsters further away, her smile became an affectionate one. It’s good to see Spike getting on so well with them. Can't have the future Princess of Friendship with a son who never had any friends his own age after all.

Her expression became a thoughtful one at that. My son...it still sounds strange to me. All those years where my future self regretted not making the decision to adopt him. More still, I wonder if this is something that, perhaps, Spike wanted all the time, but just never asked? A sigh escaped her as she dwelt on that. I guess...some questions just shouldn't be asked. As she levitated a nearby glass of punch, Twilight was then taken aback by the sudden arrival of Pinkie, who squealed happily before embracing the still-stunned unicorn.

"Isn't this great? All my bestest friends are here on my Birthday and we get a super-awesome party to boot! Whoo!"

Letting out a brief chortle, Twilight returned the hug before answering.

"I'm glad you like it, Pinkie. Me and the others spent a good long while trying to figure out what you'd like. With you being such an expert party planner and all..."

But Pinkie merely scoffed at that.

"Silly! You don't need to worry about my standards of parties! I'm just glad you put the effort in! That's what matters!"

A smile crept onto Twilight's face.

"I appreciate that, Pinkie. I really do."

The smile that Pinkie returned to her was so massive that it threatened to burst forth from her face, but thankfully, she resumed her normal-sized smile shortly before bouncing off to join her friend. Laughing incredulously and shaking her head, Twilight got back to her punch. It's good, seeing her so happy. Hard to imagine, that just a short while ago, she was so down. Upon thinking that, Twilight’s smile faded somewhat. The way she was back then...I couldn't believe it was actually Pinkie. A slight feeling of shame began to grip her heart as she considered that. I've always known that Pinkie had that side of her. That side of moroseness and unhappiness. It never came out, except when things got truly bad, but even so, it's so different from how she normally is that...it's like it's a whole other person. I never paid it much heed the first time around, but maybe, this time, I should. It suggests some part of her that, perhaps, she's struggled with for most of her life, some darker inner self that has been buried under all that fluff and bubbliness. As those thoughts passed through her mind, a brief giggle escaped her. Listen to me, acting like some psychiatrist or something. Whatever is going on with Pinkie, I doubt I'll be able to understand it with just a cursory glance like this. It'll take time.

However, as she looked amongst the crowd, seeing Pinkie there, with her joyous expression, Twilight's face began to soften. But...not today. Today is all about her and her happiness. Don't want to intrude on that with some kind of mental poking after all. She stopped drinking and looked up briefly, seeing the smiles on everypony's faces. All of them are happy, just like her. As far as any of them are concerned, the world is perfect. No problems. No conflicts to resolve. Just peace and friendship. Her smile faded as she turned, looking out of the open barn doors. But it won't stay that way for long. He'll be coming, and soon. I already have plans underway, and my friends will need to be a part of it. I just hope this works. Unfortunately, Twilight's train of thought was then interrupted by the feeling of somepony poking her in the side. Turning around, she glanced down and smiled as she saw that it was none other than Spike himself, who looked up at her with some concern.

"Twi...I mean...Mom? Is everything okay?"

Chuckling briefly at hearing her new title, Twilight raised a hoof and carefully placed it upon her son's head.

"It's nothing, Spike. I'm just a little tired from all this party planning, that's all."

While that statement was certainly true, it wasn't the real reason for her current concern, though she dared not tell her son that. Spike looked to her, still somewhat worried, and gave a single nod. Whether he believed her reasoning or not, she couldn't say. However, the smile he put on for her seemed to suggest that he was at least willing to accept it. Smiling back at him, she patted him again before walking off with him back towards the crowd. As he and Spike re-joined the group, with Pinkie especially seeming happy for them to be here, Twilight kept on smiling, her feelings of worry and foreboding gradually pushed back to the furthest corners of her mind.

Problems will be coming...but right now...I think we all just deserve a party.