Chapter 8: A Heart's Warming Tale
It was another Hearth's Warming Eve. Snow covered the rooftops of houses and decorations were being set up for the holiday season.
[Ponies - The Cutie Mark Crusaders sang as they rode the back of a wagon being pulled by Hondo Flanks with Cookie Crumbles walking alongside of her. In the foreground, some mistletoe had been set up in the foreground as the wagon went by. A mare gave a stallion under the mistletoe a kiss. It was then Twilight and Chase's castle appeared in the distance and was being decorated by some local Pegasi. Some other ponies watched while another pony wrapped a cloth around a pole to make it look like a candy cane. Octavia was directing some carolers as Rainbow soared into the fore-ground.]
Ponies' voices fill the night
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again
Happy hearts so full and bright
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again
Oh, what a sight
Look at the light
All for tonight
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again
[Fluttershy - she was helping Rainbow set up some clouds.]
Clouds arranged so they're just so
[Pegasi]
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again
[Rainbow Dash - She frog-leaped from one cloud to the next.]
Gonna make some awesome snow
[Pegasi]
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again
[Sokka - He hovered a wagon in the air filled with firewood toward the castle with Soarin helping him.]
Some firewood to keep us warm
[Pegasi]
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again
[Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash - they sang together from cloud above Sokka and Soarin.]
The chill wind blows
Making a show
Snowflakes aglow
[Ponies - as they finished singing, a red and green ribbon flowed across the foreground and into the background to bring the scene inside of the castle.]
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again
[Pinkie Pie - Inside the castle, several ponies were decorating the inside of the castle. Cranky was looking rather grumpy until Pinkie put a hat on his head, bounced around with bells around her stomach.]
A day that's filled with songs to sing
[Ponies - The earth ponies wearing bell belts trotted past Cranky, who was now smiling.]
Ding-dong, ding-dong-ding
[Applejack and Clay- They stood next to a cart beside the Cake Family and showed off their delicious treats.]
Cakes and pastries we shall bring
[Ponies -As the ponies can sing, a Pegasus flew above wrapping a string of lights over some bells hanging on the ceiling. Then one pony gave another pony some cider to drink.]
Ding-dong, ding-dong-ding
We're so busy making merry
Windigos should all be wary
[Stallions]
As our mighty voices carry
[Ponies - As they were singing, the tree was brought in for decorating and a few others brought in some wrapped presents.]
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again
[Rarity - As she sang, she was sewing some fabric together.]
Decorations we shall make
[Ponies - Three Pegasi hung up some other garland against a wall.]
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again
[Antonio - As he sang, he used his magic to give some large red ribbons and streamers for the other ponies to hang up.]
Streams and ribbons for the take
[Unicorns - they were also hanging and adjusting some more ribbons in various holiday colors on some other columns.]
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again
[Rarity - She put a hat on a stallion's head.]
Perfection you just cannot fake
[Ponies - they stood before another decorated tree. Muffins then hovered over with a string of lights around her body and wearing the tree topper on her head. She also carrying a large ornament.]
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again
[Rarity - She sang as she pressured Muffins to place the ornament properly, but Muffins ended up dropping it and the ornament shattered. Rarity face-hooved herself as Muffins just shrugged apologetically.]
Not one mistake
Don't let that break
Oh, goodness' sake!
[Ponies - At the entrance, Big Mac came charging with a wagon loaded with presents. Granny Smith started tossing gifts to some ponies and a few landed on top of them. Muffins then sat on top of the tree she had tried to decorate as Rarity, Fluttershy, Sokka, Soarin, Rainbow,and Antonio gathered around the tree.]
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once a-
Happy, happy Hearth's Warming Eve
Happy, happy Hearth's Warming Eve
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again!
Everypony cheered.
"Great job, everypony!" Antonio said to the others, "Nice work!"
Everypony smiled back in return as Starlight just watched the decorating from the upper balcony. It wasn't long when Chase came up from behind and gave her a hug.
"You alright, Starlight?" Chase asked gently.
Starlight just gave him a sheepishly smile.
"Hey, Starlight!" Twilight as she appeared behind the two ponies with Spike and Nyx at her side holding a wrapped package, "Ready to celebrate your first Hearth's Warming Eve here in Ponyville!"
"I was thinking I might just skip it," Starlight said dismissively.
"GASP!" said Twilight, Nyx, and Spike in shock as the latter dropped his candy cane. Chase was taken aback himself hearing Starlight say that.
*Main theme*
Spike was still in shock when he recovered.
"Skip Hearth's Warming Eve?!" Spike exclaimed as he found his voice.
"That's not right." Nyx said with concern.
"Why would you wanna do that?" Chase asked in a calmer tone.
"I just find it all a little silly," said Starlight as she walked off with a bored look on her face, "It's mostly a day dedicated to presents and candy, isn't it?"
"And why would you deny yourself presents and candy?" Spike asked, "That's crazy talk!"
"I think what Spike means to say is Hearth's Warming is about more than presents and candy," said Twilight as she pushed Spike away.
"Yeah. Hearth's Warming is more than just presents and candy." Nyx added as she joined his mother with her father joining them.
"Nyx is is right," said Twilight, "It's a time to spend with friends and family when we celebrate a very important day in Equestria's history."
"I think to most ponies," said Starlight and tried to walk away, "it's just an excuse for silly songs and fun, not a day to remember some old story."
Twilight then smiled and teleported in front of Starlight.
"Maybe you just haven't heard the right Hearth's Warming Eve story yet!" Twilight told Starlight.
That's when Chase realized what his wife had in mind.
"Earth ponies, Pegasi, and unicorns sing songs around a hearth to fight back an eternal winter caused by the mythical windigos?" Starlight proposed, "Ha! Every foal and filly knows that story!"
"Not that one," Twilight replied, "My favorite holiday story, "A Hearth's Warming Tale"!"
"Oh, I love that one!" said Spike excitedly as he stood between Starlight and Twilight.
"Me, too!" said Chase with Nyx standing beside her father.
"Me, three!" Nyx added with an excited smile.
Starlight just had an unamused look on her face.
(Scene changes)
A few minutes later, Twilight grabbed a book from the shelf and headed back toward a sofa where Spike and Nyx were sitting along the edges holding a cup of cocoa. Chase and Starlight were each sitting on some single side chairs opposite a low table. Twilight had barely taken a seat when Nyx wasted no time resting her head against her mother's side. Twilight just smiled and held her daughter close with one of her wings.
"This is the story of a powerful unicorn named Snowfall Frost," said Twilight, "who hated Hearth's Warming Eve. It all began many moons ago in Canterlot..."
(Scene changes)
It was then the scene was transported to the setting of the story, which was Canterlot in the 19th century.
"Every home in Canterlot was filled with holiday spirit," Twilight continued to narrate as several ponies were walking about the area. It was then a grey building came into view that stuck out from all the other lit up and decorated buildings, "Every home...except one."
It was then a pony that looked like Starlight appeared wearing a 19th century shirt and glasses, plus her bangs were cut the way Starlight used to have them...in her more darker days.
"It was said of Snowfall that she was almost as studied as Star Swirl the Bearded," Twilight continued as Snowfall Frost continued to manage some weights and sternly glared at her bookshelf as she grabbed a book, "Almost, since everypony knows that Star Swirl was an expert at everything from transfiguration, dimensional calibration, teleportation-"
The scene then froze.
"We get it," said Spike, "Star Swirl's awesome."
"Yeah. Can we please move along now, Mom?" Nyx asked.
"Right," said Twilight as Snowfall smirked to herself, "The point is, Snowfall was also a powerful unicorn. She wanted to be perfect. Anything that got in the way of that was a waste of time."
It was then Snowfall tried to turn some lead into gold, but then she heard the sound of some bells ringing that made her cancel the spell and drop the rock. Snowfall glared as she looked out the window to see that some stallions wearing some bells were responsible for the interruption.
"Well, that batch is ruined, " said Snowfall indignantly before yelling, "Snowdash!"
It was then a pony that looked like Rainbow Dash appeared with a short mane and wearing a 19th century shirt, vest, and bowtie appeared.
"Snowdash was Snowfall's loyal assistant," Twilight narrated.
"What do you need?" Snowdash asked.
"Get this mess cleaned up," Snowfall ordered as Snowdash got to work, "Those foolish ponies were ringing those blasted bells outside the window and I lost my concentration!"
Snowfall then stomped away indignantly as Snowdash rolled her eyes and continued sweeping.
"Whoa, ponies actually enjoying Hearth's Warming Eve," Snowdash muttered under her breath, "Where did they get that crazy idea?"
"Celebrating the holidays isn't anything crazy at all," said a voice with a British flux. He looked just like Sokka wearing a 19th century suit with a festive scarf around his neck.
Standing next to him looked just like Clay wearing a 19th century jacket with a dark green scarf around his neck.
"It was at that moment Douglas Fur and Henry Headlights appeared in the doorway," Twilight narrated, "They were brothers and were Snowfall's nephews and were always very kind and cheerful to everypony they met."
"What's up, Dougie and Henry?" Snowdash replied as they shared a hoof bump.
Snowfall was quite annoyed.
"What are you and your brother doing here, nephew?" Snowfall asked rather rudely, but Douglas Fur took no notice.
"Well, Aunt Snowfall," said Douglas Fur, "Tonight is Hearth's Warming Eve and my wife and I are hosting a little party at our home this evening. Henry is joining us as well"
"Oh yeah," said Snowdash, "It's gonna be awesome!"
"How can you and Henry even afford to host a party?" Snowfall remarked, "Especially when you wasted your time marrying a mare with no wealth to her name instead of doing something more productive with your life!"
"What can I say?" Douglas Fur replied, "I fell in love. Surely you must have had your eyes on some pony in your life!"
"Bah!" Snowfall snarled, "Love is big waste of time, just like this blasted holiday!"
"Hearth's Warming is not a waste of time, Aunt Snowfall," said Henry Headlights, "it is a special time of year in which ponies are meant to celebrate with the family and friends. You are more than welcome to join us."
"You talk like a fool, my nephew," said Snowfall darkly, "now get out!"
"Douglas Fur was disappointed while Henry Headlights was angry, they didn't let Snowfall's sour mood ruin their holiday spirit," Twilight narrated, "it hadn't been the first time Snowfall had turned them down."
"Very well," said Douglas Fur with a sigh before cheering up with his brother, "Happy Hearth's Warming to you, Aunt Snowfall."
Henry then turned to Snowdash.
"Will you still join us!" Henry asked with a hopeful smile.
"Duh! Totally!" said Snowdash as Douglas Fur and Henry Headlights smiled as they took their leave. Snowfall groaned and rolled her eyes irritably.
"Today is nothing to celebrate," Snowfall said bitterly, "Hearth's Warming Eve is a menace. A dangerous day for all of Equestria."
"Dangerous?" Snowdash retorted in the background, "It's awesome! It's the day we remember how unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth ponies came together in friendship to defeat the windigos!" In the foreground, Snowfall was losing her patience.
"That silly legend is the problem!" said Snowfall sternly, "Telling everypony that "singing songs and being nice" will solve anything? I've spent years studying magic, and that's now how it works." Snowfall stomped her hoof firmly to emphasize her point.
"I think you might be missing the point," said Snowdash as she held a dustpan in her fore-hoof. Snowfall then teleported to Snowdash, staring her down.
"Work hard, learn, and use your skills to better Equestria," Snowfall said firmly, "That's a worthy goal for anypony."
She then stomped off.
"But, by all means, if you want to go home early," said Snowfall in a very sarcastic tone, "ignore all the hard work you have, and spend the rest-"
"SWEET!" Snowdash yelled before zooming away.
Snowfall rolled her eyes as she looked out of the window and saw Snowdash disappear behind some buildings. A few other ponies were chattering happily on the streets.
"I hate Hearth's Warming Eve!" said Snowfall bitterly as she turned away from the window, "All of Equestria would be better off if we just skipped the day altogether."
[Snowfall - As she sang in a sickingly sweet tone, she closed the curtains behind her, and stood on the tip of her hooves to pick up a square bottle. Then she grabbed a few more items with her magic.]
Happy Hearth's Warming, they say in the street
Happy Hearth's Warming, they think they're so sweet
Words said so often that they lack any meaning
Why should I join in when I could be intervening?
[Snowfall - She began mixing various ingredients into her cauldron, which made a huge cloud of green smoke cover the area, making things more ominous as Snowfall smirked evilly as she approached the foreground.]
Everypony loves this cursed holiday
But would they be better off with it out of the way?
Well, okay
[Snowfall - She then peeked outside her front door to grab a wreath. Then walked out from a dark alley as she grabbed some hanging decorations above her. Then as a couple was giving a little colt a teddy bear, Snowfall walked past with a smug look on her face as she took the teddy bear away, leaving the foal on the verge of tears.]
Say goodbye to the holiday
With my magic, I'll erase it
The greatest gift that I give today
And everypony will have to face it
[Snowfall - She stood at the edge of the balcony while carrying various objects in her magic grip.]
No more little games for you to play
After you say goodbye to the holiday
[Snowfall - She burst inside and dropped the items she was holding on the floor. Once the door was closed, she dumped all the items into her cauldron. Ghostly forms of the wreath and a present rose out of the brew before they were gone with the wind.]
Goodbye, Hearth's Warming, you had a good run
Goodbye, Hearth's Warming, it's over, your done
Finally set free from your forced celebrations
No need to reply to your trite invitations
[Snowfall - She holds a calendar as she ripped a single page out of it. Then grabbed some other bottles before heading back to her cauldron.]
Calendar shorter by a single day
Is my magic up to the test?
Time to see, I can't delay
[Snowfall - She dumped some red, green, and blue potions into the cauldron. As she dumped a yellow potion in, two windigo shaped clouds appeared as she stood on her hind legs to keep singing.]
Say goodbye to the holiday
Prepare the spell, no hesitation
All memory shall fade away
See Equestria's new transformation
[Snowfall - She sang deviously before doing a sinister laugh and then stood on her hind legs to sing a long note as the windigo clouds wisped back into the cauldron. She smiled evilly as she gazed at the magic brew.]
No more shall anypony say
Happy Hearth's Warming...
...After today!
"After today..."
"Once the spell is cast, all of Equestria will be better off," said Snowfall, "and they'll have me to thank for it!"
It was then the scene froze.
"Wait a minute," said Starlight, "Snowfall doesn't like Hearth's Warming Eve so she decides to cast a spell to get rid of it altogether? That sounds a little extreme."
"Says the pony who tried to make everypony the same by replacing their cutie marks with equal signs," Spike muttered as he sipped his cocoa.
Yet the little dragon was loud enough to be heard as Chase smacked the back of his head very hard.
"OW!" Spike yelped as he rubbed the back of his head in pain.
Twilight raised a wing over him.
"I think what Spike is trying to say is that everypony has their reasons for doing things," said Twilight, giving him a couple of glares. Chase and Nyx were glaring at him as well, "Even Snowfall. And if I could continue the story, we might just find out what they are."
"Proceed," said Spike, making Twilight roll her eyes and put her wing down.
"Yeah," Nyx added, "The way you tell this story makes it alot more exciting."
Twilight chuckled.
"Snowfall was all set to case her spell that would erase Hearth's Warming Eve for all time," Twilight read aloud as the story scene continued, "when a voice from the hearth caught her attention."
"You sure you wanna go through with this?" said a voice that sounded similar to Applejack's, which startled Snowfall.
"Huh?! Who's there?!" Snowfall asked. It was then a ghost pony appeared from the cauldron who looked like Applejack, wearing a dress with a country hat, short boots with snowflakes, and her mane in braided pigtails appeared.
"The Spirit of Hearth's Warmin' Past, that's who," the ghost pony replied, "and you and me have got to have a little chat."
"A spirit?!" said Snowfall suspiciously, "I didn't cast any spirit summoning spell. What are you doing here?"
"You didn't think a spell like that would get by without some powerful forces noticin'?" the Past spirit replied, walking right through the unicorn, leaving Snowfall shell shocked and frazzled, "You've got our attention, Snowfall Frost, and we've got some plenty strong opinions on this spell of yours."
""We"?" Snowfall asked puzzled as she recovered.
"They'll be along in a bit," said the Past spirit, "For now, it's just you and me." She then opened a window, which caused Snowfall's top hat to appear on her head.
"Let's get a move on," said the Past spirit, "We got a ton to see and barely any time to see it."
"I'm not going anywhere," said Snowfall indignantly as she stomped away, "I've got a spell to cast, and I don't need a history lesson about Hearth's Warming Eve."
"We aren't going to the past to learn about the holiday," said the past spirit, "We're going to learn about you." She then made a rope appear and magically made the rope to lasso Snowfall, who yelped and then wailed as she was towed right out of her window and into the winter's night sky.
[Spirit of Hearth's Warming Past - Some sparkles filled the air as she and Snowfall hovered across the sky. Then a bright light appeared as they arrived at a small secluded village. Then they circled around a tree, making it turn back into a sapling. They soon reached the outskirts of the village.]
As a young thing, life sure is somethin'
You go makin' choices large and small
Always growin' like a seedin'
And playin' is like a dreamin'
And before you know it, big and tall
[Spirit of Hearth's Warming Past - She and Snowfall make their way into the village. It was then three foals walked up to filly Snowfall, who was wearing a blue schoolgirl's outfit and straw boater hat. Filly Snowfall then used her magic to set up some decorations.]
And every little bitty choice you make
Sends you down a path to who you are today
So let's take a little trip down memory lane
And see just what the past has to say
"Aw, look how cute you were," said the Past spirit as Filly Snowfall gave the three foals each a present, "Looks like you're not too upset it's Hearth's Warming Eve either."
[Spirit of Hearth's Warming Past - Snowfall just had a sad look on her face as she saw her filly self walk right through her with her box filled with decorations. Filly Snowfall headed inside the schoolhouse and started setting up her decorations.]
The seeds of the past
They grow pretty fast
Just look at who you were back then
The seeds, as they grow
Look what they can show
Reveal the truth time and again
Just then a grey unicorn with a black suit and a stern face came into the room.
"Just what do you think you're doing, Snowfall?" he asked sternly.
"Decorating the classroom for Hearth's Warming Eve, Professor Flintheart," said filly Snowfall with a cute smile on her face.
"You said you wanted to learn to be a powerful unicorn, did you not?!" Flintheart asked her.
"I do!" Filly Snowfall replied.
"And what is the way that one becomes a powerful unicorn?" Flintheart asked bluntly. Filly Snowfall cleared her throat.
"Word hard, learn, and use your skills to better Equestria," Filly Snowfall replied with a big smile on her face. The past spirit smirked as Snowfall just smiled sheepishly.
"And how do these help you to learn magic?" Flintheart asked as he picked up an ornament.
"I want to be strong enough to stop windigos!" said Filly Snowfall.
"That's just a story we tell little ponies," Flintheart said sternly, "Real magic takes time to learn." He then dropped the ornament and let it shatter on the floor, leaving Snowfall upset.
"It's your choice," said Flintheart rather snootily, "Spend your time learning to become a powerful unicorn or play with your toys and making nothing of yourself." He then pushed the box toward Filly Snowfall and walked away.
[Spirit of Hearth's Warming Past - Filly Snowfall looked conflicted for a bit but then a stern look appeared on her face as she stomped away. The filly then looked out of the window as the three foals came up to it and smiled. Filly Snowfall glared at them and shut the curtains. She then dumped her box into the trash can, set up some books, and started to study.]
Then some distress, words so careless
Standin' there, you don't know what to do
Feelin' helpless, you can't make it hurt less
So you go and change your point of view
Snowfall and the Past spirit watched as she saw her filly self fighting back tears as she forcefully wiped her eyes and kept studying.
"It was for the best after all," said Snowfall with a rather shakey tone, "I couldn't keep wasting my time playing with toys, embracing the holidays, and being with friends if I wanted to be a powerful unicorn after all! I had to prioritize my studies. Not waste my time over candy and presents!"
"But y'all didn't give up on Hearth's Warming completely," said the Past Spirit. Snowfall gave the spirit a puzzled look before the scene changed. They were now standing outside another familiar building.
"I...I remember this place!" said Snowfall, "I was an apprentice here!" She and the Past spirit looked inside to find that the master of the building was hosting a Hearth's Warming party inside. Snowfall chuckled.
"Master was always so cheerful and encouraging," Snowfall continued, "and he loved Hearth's Warming as well. As much as I...wanted to keep studying, he always made sure to end the day early so we could celebrate." The Past spirit just smirked.
"And who might that be?" the past spirit asked as she pointed a fore-hoof towards a stallion that looked just like Chase, wearing a 19th century black shirt and vest. Snowfall smiled when she saw him.
"That was my magic rival, Snowsled Speed," said Snowfall, "we spent alot of time trying to see who could master a spell first and trying to memorize as many spells as we could." She then sighed contently.
"Seems to me he was more than just your rival," the spirit teased as Snowfall blushed.
Snowsled Speed walked up to Teenage Starlight, who was wearing a 19th century dark brown dress and had her mane in a pony tail, was just sitting near her study desk watching everypony have a good time. Her eyes darted back and forth quickly before she used her magic to sneak a book onto her desk. It was then the book suddenly was pulled away from her.
"Hey!" Teenage Snowfall exclaimed.
"I believe the master said you were to ease off the studying for tonight," Snowsled Speed teased. Teenage Starlight rolled her eyes.
"And if I don't, are you gonna snitch on me," Teenage Snowfall remarked and started pouting. Snowsled Speed chucked.
"I'm not tattle-pony," he replied, "but I'm worried."
"Worried?" Teenage Snowfall said smugly, "Worried that I'll surpass you in our magic studies?"
"No," said Snowsled Speed softly, "Worried about you."
"Me?" Teenage Snowfall replied, her cheeks turning light pink.
"There's more to life than just studying, Snowfall," said Snowsled Speed in a soft but caring tone, "And tonight is Hearth's Warming Eve. Come and dance with me!" Teenage Snowfall looked at him suspiciously.
"How do I know you're not trying to just distract me from my studies?" Teenage Snowfall asked with a smirk.
"Geez, ain't we playing hard ta get," said the Past Spirit as Snowfall just blushed and smiled. Snowsled Speed chuckled.
"If I'm dancing with you," Snowsled Speed replied, "Neither of us can possibly be studying now, can we?" Teenage Snowfall chuckled.
"Good point," Teenage Snowfall replied, "I supposed just a few minutes wouldn't hurt."
Snowsled Speed then gently guided Teenage Snowfall to the center of the room to dance. Teenage Snowfall was a little stiff at first, but she didn't take long to loosen up and was soon laughing and having a good time.
Once the music was over, they both took a moment to catch their breath and applaud the musicians. It was then they saw the other ponies were cheering for them. They both looked up and saw that they had danced right under some mistletoe. Teenage Snowfall looked rather shy until Snowsled Speed went to kiss her cheek, but Teenage Snowfall turned her head at the very moment so they ended up kissing on the lips. Both pulled away in shock, blushing heavily before they just smiled and shared a nose nuzzle.
"Now ain't that the sweetest thing," said the Past spirit as Snowfall just smiled at the sight. The mood soon turned somber as the Past spirit's smile flipped over.
"Too bad it didn't last," the Past spirit remarked.
Snowfall felt her heart skip a beat as they were teleported away. Snowfall was bit frazzled at first, but soon noticed that they were inside her office. The only difference was that the room was filled with still unpacked boxes. Snowfall was now wearing her current attire, but without her glasses to emphasize that she was still younger than present Snowfall. Young Snowfall was just reading another one of her magic books when Snowsled Speed, now wearing a formal suit and and scarf was giving the mare a stern glare.
"I don't understand what has gotten into you, Snowfall," Snowsled Speed said firmly, "Ever since you got your own study, you've been obsessed with doing magic day and night, day and night. We hardly have any time for each other! Do you even remember the last time we had a date?"
"I've been very busy lately," said Young Snowfall firmly, "You know my philosophy: Work hard, learn, and use your skills to better Equestria!"
"But that doesn't mean just sitting here in the office from sun up to sun down studying your life away," Snowsled Speed protested, "There a whole world out there, Snowfall. A world full of love and friendship! And you're missing it!"
"Will you get your head out of the clouds!" Young Snowfall said angrily, "We live in a real world, Snowsled Speed! A world where working hard is what is going to make you a powerful unicorn! You could have been a powerful unicorn as well, but no! You threw it all away indulging in some stupid fantasy filled with pointless intangibles!"
Snowsled Speed looked hurt. The Past spirit was just watching the scene attentively as Snowfall was on the verge of tears.
"Is that what you think I did?" said Snowsled Speed darkly, "You think wanting to become a baker is a stupid dream! You think...falling in love with you and asking for your hoof in marriage so we could pursue something better than studying magic all the time are...pointless intangibles!" Young Snowfall was taken aback by the last statement, but then just gave Snowsled Speed an icy glare.
"If you really think I would be willing to do something like that," said Young Snowfall darkly, "Then you really are a fool."
Young Snowfall turned away to continue studying. Jingle Bell said nothing as he raised a fore-hoof, which had a beautiful gold ring that had a nicely sized diamond on it. Snowfall was fighting not to cry. Snowsled Speed then let the gold ring fall off his fore-hoof as he sadly walked away with a broken heart. The ring clinked about the floor a few times before rolling over to Young Snowfall's fore-hoof. She looked down and used her magic to pick up the now abandoned engagement ring.
"Go! GO!" Snowfall yelled to her younger self as tears streamed down her cheeks, "Don't let it end like this! Go after him! You know deep down that you love him! Go after him you fool!" Snowfall had forgotten that she didn't exist to her younger self and that her pleas were left unheard. Young Snowfall then threw the ring into the fire place and went back to her studying.
"NOOOOO!" Snowfall screamed as she lay on her stomach and started to cry, "No...no, no, no..." The Past spirit just looked at the now crying Snowfall.
[The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Past]
And in that moment, thought you didn't know it
Your defenses set up wall you built to last
Leading to the pony you've become today
And the spell you're about to cast
It all comes from your past
[Snowfall - She lifted her head, somehow singing in a broken tone as she watched her younger self now crying as well before her book.]
The seeds of the past
We grow up so fast
Some hurts never go away
[The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Past - Young Snowfall then angrily wiped her eyes before she found a picture of herself and Snowsled Speed. She tossed it into the fireplace as well. Snowfall just buried her face back into the floor and closed her eyes as her eyes shed some more tears.]
The seeds as they grow
They we can't let go
All tied to this one holiday
The story was paused again when the group heard some sniffling. Twilight was now crying.
"Sorry, everypony," Twilight sniffled, "That part of the story always gets me a little teary."
"Would it be because you nearly chose your studies over Daddy at one point of your life when he gotten over his crush on you long ago?" Nyx asked her mother gently.
Twilight just nodded as the alicorn filly gave Twilight a hug and kiss on the cheek.
"It's all in the past," said Nyx gently, "You love Dad and that's all that matters now. Right, Daddy?" Chase gave a firm nod before he hovered over to kiss his wife's cheek and dried her eyes before sitting back down. Twilight then felt better and went back to the story.
By the time Snowfall had opened her eyes, she found that she was in front of her cauldron. She looked around to find that she was alone again...and back in the present time...supposedly.
"Spirit?" Snowfall called out, "What am I supposed to-" Snowfall then stopped her question when she saw a giant present in the middle of the room.
POP WHISTLE!
The package opened and some confetti came out.
"Snowball Frost!" said somepony with a reverberating voice, "It is I, the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents!" It was then a pony that looked just like Pinkie appeared wearing a blue wreath around her head that was filled with candy and a yellow cloak with a candy cane colored belt. The spirit wasted no time getting into Snowfall's face, leaving her feeling a bit disturbed.
"Um, don't you mean "Present", like the time?" Snowfall asked.
"No!" The Presents spirit replied as she started poking about from random directions, "Toys, Hearth's Warming doll...Here, want a cupcake?" Snowfall just looked rather annoyed as she took the items the spirit gave her and dumped them into the trash.
"Fine, "Presents"," Snowfall remarked, "All of the pointless things ponies waste their time on."
"Oh, Snowfall," said the Presents spirit as she grabbed the items from her trash can, "it's not what the gift is that matters, it's what the gift means."
"It doesn't mean anything," said Snowfall, "It's just stuff!"
"Exactly! Sometimes a cupcake means "I love you!"," the Presents spirit explained, "Or a toy means, "Hi, how are you doing?". Sometimes a books means "Your mane looks amazing!". And sometimes a scarf means...Well, a scarf usually means you look cold. That one's easy."
"I don't understand anything you're saying," said Snowfall. It was then the Presents spirit started trembling.
"Whoa! Whoa!" the Presents spirit mumbled.
"What's happening to you?!" Snowfall asked with concern.
"My Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents Sense is going off!" replied the Presents spirit, "That means a song is coming on!"
[Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents - She pushed Snowfall into the open, showing her the sites as they both saw one pony holding lots of gifts and another stallion had some sweets in a wagon. The spirit then stood before a fountain as a banner was hung up and then put a wreath around Snowfall, who looked annoyed.]
Take a look at everything around you
All the smells that surely will astound you
Open up your heart, it will surround you
In the magic of Hearth's Warming Eve
[Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents - She and Snowfall saw a pony giving another pony a cup of cocoa to warm up. Then some carolers were singing outside the house of an elderly pony. The spirit then gave a foal a toy, another mare a hug, and then showcased another pony wearing a sweater. Then she started dancing around some ponies who were dancing in the street.]
The little things that make it better
Little ponies spreading cheer
Give a toy, a hug, a sweater
Memories that last all year
[The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents - Snowfall gave the ponies an awkward look and tried to walk away when the spirit got in front of her. Snowfall tried to walk away in the opposite direction, but the spirit got in her way and in her face. The spirit than showed Snowfall a large, medium, and small present. She then noticed a pony wobbling about on a crutch when she used her magic to heal him and put dancing shoes on his hind hooves. Then they did a tap-dancing duet together.]
The present's always filled with presents
Large, medium, and small
Sometimes the most important things
Aren't very big at all
[The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents - Snowfall then saw the spirit was now in the background and standing before a window. As Snowfall looked inside she saw Snowdash with a unicorn that looked just like Rarity wearing a satin red dress, a Pegasus that looked like Fluttershy wearing a white dress with tiny pink flowers with a green scarf, and her nephews. Snowdash then gave the four ponies a hug.]
What a party, there's so much to see here
Can't believe you didn't want to be here
You'd have had a blast, I guarantee here
This is the spirit of Hearth's Warming Eve
[The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents - She grabbed a mug of cider and gave a toast to another pony. She then bounced up to the musicians and started to dance. Then a stallion gave a present to another mare. The mare gave it to the spirit. The Snowdash gave another present to a nearby stallion. That stallion gave it to the spirit, who used her nose to place into a giant pile of presents.]
Cider's flowing, this is living
Come on and feel the beat
Life is better when you're giving
Each time you do it feels so sweet
[The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents - She then poked about the pile of presents and stood at the very top of it. Snowfall peeked inside the room and had a small smile on her face. Snowdash and her three friends were chatting with each other, the pile of presents tumbled over as ponies reached out to catch their own present.]
The present's always filled with presents
So come on, open your eyes
Spend time with ponies just like you
And watch your spirits rise
[The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents - A giant package appeared before Snowfall. The spirit then popped out of the passage, shocking Snowfall, and then bounced away. She then stood in the middle of the room on her hind legs before she got into the fore-ground and tossed some confetti into the air.]
The present's always filled with presents
Take a look around
The reason for the holiday
Is quite easily found
Yes, the reason for the holiday
Is quite easily found
And the reason is to be with your friends!
"And the reason is to be with your friends!" Twilight sing sang in a voice that was similar to Pinkie. She then found Starlight, Chase, and Nyx were smirking at her, "What?"
"You know you're doing your Pinkie Pie voice, right?" Starlight pointed out. Twilight blushed.
"I was not!" Twilight protested feebly as she hid her face behind the book. Spike, Nyx, and Chase laughed.
"Come on, honey. We're just having fun." Chase said to his wife assuringly.
"So, what happens next?" Starlight asked.
"Well, the party was-" Twilight tried to continue.
"Wait!" Spike called out, "Can we take a quick break? I need to refill my cocoa!"
"Mind if I grab a refill too?" Nyx asked since all the story had made her thirsty.
"Fine," Twilight groaned as Spike and Nyx rushed out of the room.
"But hurry back you two!" Chase called. "We're almost to the best part!"
It only took about five minutes, or the length of a regular television commercial, before Spike and Nyx returned. They each blew on their cups as they got comfortable back on the sofa next to Twilight. Twilight, Chase, and Starlight just looked rather impatient.
"Okay, I'm ready," said Spike.
"Same here, Mom," said Nyx.
Twilight smiled with a roll of her eyes before she continued on.
"The party was in full swing." Twilight said.
The story then resumed to show the inside of the home where the party was taking place. Snowdash was alone at the moment looking rather glum.
"Snowdash!" said the pony that looked like Rarity as she, the pony who looked like Fluttershy, Henry Headlights, and Douglas Fur appeared before her.
"Hey, Merry," said Snowdash in a rather quiet tone.
"Why, whatever is the matter, darling?" Merry asked with concern.
"Was it the eggnog?" Flutterholly asked with concern, "Oh, I knew I put in too much cinnamon!"
"Oh, no, the eggnog was awesome, Flutterholly," Snowdash replied, "I'm just mad at somepony who was complaining about how awful Hearth's Warming Eve is."
"I don't suppose that pony's name starts with "Snow"?" Merry asked.
"And ends with "Frost"?" Flutterholly added. Douglas Fur, her husband, and Henry Headlights, her brother-in-law, just sighed.
"What did our Aunt say this time?" Douglas Fur asked curiously.
"She said Hearth's Warming Eve is just an excuse to party," Snowdash said so loudly that everypony at the party could hear, "and we would all be better off spending time working to make Equestria a better place."
Snowdash didn't resist make a stern but also mocking face as she spoke, even shifting her bangs to look like Snowfall's. The others booed in agreement. Outside, Snowfall just winced as Pinkie just smirked.
"What does Snowfall think a better Equestria looks like?" Merry asked.
"Ponies working hard, learning, and using their abilities for the benefits of Equestria," Snowdash told them.
Flutterholly and Merry just giggled to each other. Douglas Fur and Henry Headlights just gave them both a worried look. Snowfall just winced again. It was then a snowball nearly hit her from behind. She turned around to give a glare when she found that some foals were just playing and making a snowpony.
"That's enough everypony," said Henry Headlights, "Our Aunt may not be the nicest pony in Equestria, but she is entitled to her opinions after all. We're sure even Aunt Snowfall has her reasons for how she feels about Hearth's Warming."
Snowfall was taken aback by her second nephew's statement.
"What good reason could she possibly have?" said Snowdash, "What good reason does anypony have to hate Hearth's Warming?"
Snowfall was now listening attentively.
"I do know for a fact that other than you, Snowdash," Douglas Fur replied in a stern tone, "She doesn't have any friends. Whether that is her own doing or not is not my place to judge, nor should any other pony bear any ill-will on her. That is not what Hearth's Warming is all about. If you had to spend your Hearth's Warming alone every year, you wouldn't see the value of the holidays either. I know I wouldn't." The other ponies shared sad looks of understanding with each other. Snowfall was stunned as the Presents spirit smirked.
"Guess he's not as dumb and clueless as you think," the Presents spirit remarked. Snowfall felt rather guilty.
"So rather than spreading ill will against her," said Douglas Fur as another pony handed him a cider mug, "I would like to propose a toast. To the goodwill of Snowfall Frost everypony!"
"Here! Here!" said everypony else as several others raised their cider mugs and took a drink. Douglas Fur just smiled as Flutterholly nuzzled his cheek.
"I can still remember how shy you were when we first met," said Flutterholly, "Now look at you, giving such inspirational speeches."
"It's all thanks to you, my love," said Douglas Fur, "You inspired me to become more self-confident. And besides, somepony has to look out for Aunt Snowfall after all." Flutterholly giggled.
"You always had such a kind heart," Flutterholly chuckled as the two Pegasi shared a kiss.
Outside, Snowfall smiled, touched at her nephew's kind heart. It was then a small orange filly that looked just like Scootaloo came wobbling into the room, wearing a child's 19th century jacket and scarf with a small derby hat on her head. She was also using a small crutch to walk about.
"Little Tinsel," said Snowdash, "Why didn't you just call for me? You know you're in no condition to be walking around alone!"
"Sorry, Snowdash," said Little Tinsel, "I was lonely upstairs. I wanted to be down here with my friends and...oh!"
"Little Tinsel!" Snowdash yelped as the orange filly landed on her knees looking rather exhausted.
"I-I'm fine," said Little Tinsel bravely as she stood back up, "Just got a little woozy is all. It's nothing I can't handle."
Snowdash, Merry, Flutterholly, Henry Headlights, and Douglas Fur all chuckled. Snowdash then scooped the orange filly into her fore-legs and put the filly on her back.
"Of course you are, squirt," said Snowdash confidently, "you're tough. Just like me."
"You bet!" said Little Tinsel, "I'm gonna grow up to be just like you, Snowdash!"
Snowdash chuckled and rubbed the top of her head with a fore-hoof. The other four ponies smiled.
"It looks like we've got everything on Snowfall's list right here," said Rarity to Flutterholly and Douglas Fur.
"I think a perfect Equestria looks a lot like a Hearth's Warming Eve party," said Flutterholly as Douglas Fur nodded in agreement.
"Me too!" said the Present spirit as the curtain to the window suddenly closed.
"Um, what is wrong with that little filly?" Snowfall asked. The Presents spirit suddenly looked very sad.
"That's Little Tinsel," said Presents spirit sadly, "She was an orphan Snowdash took under her wing, but she's been very sick lately and the illness prevents her from even being able to fly."
"I don't remember Snowdash ever telling me about her," Snowfall thought aloud sadly.
"Plus when Snowdash asked you to make Little Tinsel a cure, you ignored her and told her only the strong survive in Equestria," the Presents spirit added in cheerful demeanor. Snowfall winced, now realizing just how cruel her own words sounded and the fact she had ignored Snowdash when she told her about the filly.
"But...she'll get better right?" Snowfall asked.
"This is such a great party!" said the Presents spirit, supposedly ignoring Snowfall's question...or avoiding it.
"Spirit, I asked you if..." Snowfall tried to repeat.
"Too bad it's going to be the last one ever!" the Presents spirit said ominously, "Ever! Ever! Ever!" Her voice then disappeared as a foggy mist suddenly began to surround Snowfall.
"Spirit? What do you mean?" Snowfall demanded, "What's going to happen?! And what about Little Tinsel?!" It was then a cold wind blew and a large dark cloaked figure appeared before the unicorn.
"Who are you?" Snowfall asked in a fearful tone.
"I am the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come," said the figure as she opened her wings to make her presence more frightening.
"Are you here to show me what future Hearth's Warming Eves are like?" Snowfall asked.
"No, for there are no more Hearth's Warming Eves for me to show," said the Future spirit, revealing her face and appearance were similar to Luna's.
"Why not?" Snowfall asked.
"You will succeed in erasing the holiday, as you wished," said the future spirit.
"And what happens?" Snowfall asked.
[Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come - The spirit showed Snowfall a land where everything was buried under several yards of snow. Cold winds blew across a deserted landscape, burying homes up to their chimneys and pipes. Only dead trees occupied the area with no ponies to be seen. The spirit then looked sternly at Snowfall, which made the unicorn back away nervously until she found herself against to the edge of a cliff.]
I see cold wind blowin through
I see days neither fun nor free
I see a future caused by you
I see a path meant to be
[Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come - The cold wind continued to blow as the spirit created an image of a Pegasus stallion and Pegasus mare dancing with each other. Snowfall looked upset at what she was seeing as the dancing ponies disappeared into the wind.]
The future should be filled with magic
Dreams and wishes brought to life
But the days ahead are dark and tragic
No time for hope when all is strife
[Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come - The spirit then towered over Snowfall as two windigos appeared and flew past the unicorn.]
Whatever might have been
All the dreams that ponies share
Because of you, Snowfall Frost
Now the future is a cold nightmare
"Windigos?!" Snowfall exclaimed, "They aren't real! It's just a little filly's story!"
"They are all too real, Snowfall," the Future spirit told her sternly, "and your actions will allow them to return. The future of Equestria shall be bathed in a blanket of eternal snow!" The Future spirit then disappeared into the background. Snowfall tried to follow when her fore-hoof bumped something. She looked down to find some sort of stick buried under the snow. She quickly dug it up and her heart sank. It wasn't just some random stick.
It was Little Tinsel's walking crutch.
"NO!" Snowfall cried out as she dropped the stick. Tears formed in her eyes as the windigos circled around her and she lay on her stomach, "I never meant for this to happen! I didn't understand! I didn't see how important Hearth's Warming Eve was! Please, spirit! I haven't cast the spell yet! Is there still time? I'm sorry!" Snowfall then covered her eyes and started to cry.
It was then a bright light flashed before Snowfall. She quickly looked around to find that she was back in her study room. She quickly opened the window and saw that the festivities were still in full swing outside.
"There's still time!" said Snowfall excitedly and quickly closed her window. She had some work to do.
(Scene changes)
Back at the party, the ponies were all enjoying themselves when Merry, Flutterholly, Henry Headlights, and Douglas Fur heard a knock on the door.
"Wonder who that could be?" Douglas Fur wondered aloud as the four ponies headed to the front door together. They were both shocked to see a familiar lilac unicorn standing outside.
"Oh, my," said Merry
"Snowfall Frost?" Flutterholly exclaimed as her husband was left speechless.
"What are you doin' here?" Henry Headlights asked in surprise.
"I was hoping I wasn't too late for the party?" Snowfall said timidly and then showed some poorly wrapped items in her magic grip, "I brought gifts."
It was then a record-scratch was heard as the three ponies just stood in place with their jaws hanging open. Douglas Fur was the first to recover.
"O-o-o-of c-c-course," Douglas Fur stuttered, "So glad that you could come, Aunt Snowfall. P-p-please come in." Snowfall did as Flutterholly, Henry Headlights, and Merry were still left in shock. It was then Snowdash hovered in the background and did a spit-take when she saw who was at the door.
"Boss?!" Snowdash exclaimed.
"I was wrong earlier," said Snowfall, "about Hearth's Warming Eve. It's not all about singing and presents. The singing and presents are all about celebrating the ponies in our lives. The ponies we should listen to more often. Our friends."
Snowdash, Henry Headlights, and Douglas Fur both smiled. Snowfall then gave them each a present.
"Wow," said Snowdash in surprise as she quickly opened her to find a bottle, "Dragon toenail? Uh...thanks?" Snowfall smiled sheepishly.
"I was in a hurry," Snowfall replied, "I'll do better next time..."
"Ha. Are you kidding?" said Snowdash excitedly, "No one's ever given me dragon toenail before!" Snowfall just smiled but then blinked and remembered something.
"Actually, where's that little filly you told me about? Little Tinsel?" Snowfall asked, "I have something for her. Something you had requested a few months ago." Snowdash stared before she shook her head to recompose herself.
"Um...I-I'll go and get her!" said Snowdash as she zoomed upstairs and returned with the little filly on her back. She then set the little filly down gently. Little Tinsel gave a hard cough as she struggled to keep standing and leaned agianst her crutch. Snowfall couldn't help but smile.
"Little Tinsel," said Snowfall as she gave the little filly a tiny bottle, "I heard you weren't feeling well. This will help you feel better." Little Tinsel looked at the bottle skeptically before she bravely drank it. The others watched curiously at Little Tinsel when nothing happened. Suddenly sparkles appeared around her body. Her stance looked stronger as she tossed her crutch aside and then amazed everypony by hovering into the air. The other ponies gasped and smiled in amazement.
"I...I feel better!" Little Tinsel exclaimed happily in the air, "And I...I can fly again! I can fly! I can fly!" Snowdash smiled as she, Henry Headlights, Flutterholly, Douglas Fur, and Merry had tears in their eyes.
"It's a Hearth's Warming Miracle!" said Flutterholly. Snowdash gave Snowfall a hug as tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Thank you, Boss, thank you so much!" Snowdash croaked, "How much do I owe..." Snowfall put a fore-hoof to her mouth.
"It's Hearth's Warming," Snowfall said kindly, "and I was glad I could help." She was then surprised when Little Tinsel hugged her from the side.
"Thank you, Ms. Frost," said Little Tinsel, "You're potion made me well again."
"You're very welcome," said Snowfall as she returned the little filly's hug.
"Now we really have something to celebrate!" said Douglas Fur.
"You got that right!" said Snowdash before turning to Snowfall, "Now come get some eggnog!"
"And from then on," Twilight narrated as Snowdash gave Snowfall a mug of eggnog, "it was always said of all the Hearth's Warming Eve celebrations. Snowfall's was the Hearth's Warmingest. The End."
(Scene changes)
It was then the scene returned to the group. Nyx and Chase gave Twilight some small applause as Twilight closed the book.
"Wow, Daddy wasn't kidding when he said you were a great storyteller," said Nyx, "Thanks for reading the story, Mom."
"You're very welcome, sweetie," said Twilight as she gave her daughter a cheek nuzzle and then faced Starlight, who had stayed rather quiet, "Well, that's it! Thanks for letting me read you the story. Guess you can call it a night. Spike, Nyx, Chase, and I are heading downstairs, and if you wanted to, you'd be welcome to join us."
Starlight just watched as Twilight put the book away and left the room with Spike, Chase, and Nyx at her side.
"You know where to find us, Starlight." Chase said gently as the four made their way out of the room to join the party.
Starlight just sat alone with an uncertain look on her face, but she didn't need long before she realized something Chase had told her.
In the past, she was alone, but now, she had friends. Friends she could spend the holiday with.
(Scene changes)
It wasn't long before Starlight finally left the room and found that everypony was enjoying themselves. Twilight and Chase were the first to notice Starlight's presence.
"Hey, you're here!" said Chase.
"Welcome to the party!" said Twilight.
"Happy Hearth's Warming, Starlight," said Chase and Twilight together.
"Happy Hearth's Warming, Chase and Twilight," said Starlight with a smile before she eagerly hopped downstairs.
[Starlight - Rarity then gave her a cider mug and gave Twilight a toast with it.]
Hearth's Warming Eve is filled with presents
Some take you by surprise
A story shared by your good friends
That makes you spirits rise
[Starlight - She then walked over to the rest of the Apple family, who had a table set up with some apple pies. She then walked past Rainbow and Pinkie and several other ponies as they were gathered around a small stack of presents. She then walked up to two wires as Rainbow landed beside her and connected the wires together, making all the lights turn on, including the ones wrapped around Muffins. Then a pony put some bells around Starlight.]
Sometimes you just let go of the past
Enjoy the present while it lasts
And really it's not that much to ask
With good friends by your side
Now it's time to celebrate
[Ponies]
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again
[Starlight - She grabbed a cupcake from the Cake's table and gave it to Apple Bloom.]
All together, feeling great
[Ponies]
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again
[Starlight - Rarity puts a holly clip into Fluttershy's mane. Then used her magic to hold up mistletoe above Fluttershy, another above Applejack, another above Rainbow Dash, and another above Twilight as their respective husbands gave them a kiss while Soarin kissed his marefriend. Applejack and Pinkie then exchanged a cupcake and present respectively with each other. Jade then gave Starlight a present as Rainbow hovered over to Twilight and Spike ate all the candy inside a small bag in one bite.]
Can hardly wait
We'll party 'til late
Our favorite date
[Ponies - The Now Mane Fifteen stood in the center of the room with everypony else surrounding them.]
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once a-
Happy, happy Hearth's Warming Eve
Happy, happy Hearth's Warming Eve
Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again!
Outside the castle, the setting sun shined brightly against it.
