In the midst of a Hearth's Warming crisis, Rarity steals Spike away from Twilight to help resolve her dilemma. One lesson and two happenstances later, the situation leaves them somewhere neither of them could have predicted.

The first story in The Twelve Days of Ficmas. You can read the second one here. Happy holidays!

Thanks to Pinkie Pie for the stellar reading of this story!

Twilight punches Flash Sentry in the face.

Several times, actually.

Once the magic from a spell leaves its host, it has to go somewhere. Unfortunately for Spike, his stomach got in the way of the dark magic returning to the infamous spellbook.

For Spike, the Summer Sun Celebration was more than the celebration of the summer solstice. It was the day he and Twilight came to their new home in Ponyville, the day the Elements of Harmony were rediscovered, the day six mares found a bond so powerful, it would define their entire world.

For Spike, today was a day of remembrance.

Art by MrDaviez

This is 100% approved by Twilight's Library - Miss Dark Angel

An unnatural winter has fallen over Equestria, freezing the hearts of her ponies along with her roads. Angry shouts and screams fill the streets of the cities along, blending with the howls of the wind as snow piles over heads. Once again, Equestria must rely on Princess Twilight Sparkle and the former bearers of the Elements of Harmony as these six mares journey into the heart of the storm to discover the source and put an end to the eternal winter.

This is not their story.

This is a story about the ones waiting for their safe return.

Based in the kilala97 universe

Claire and Illusion have a bond that cannot be shaken, they have shared in each others happiness and shouldered one another during times of great grief. They have encountered many challenges during their time together, and together they faced them head on. And now life has chosen to throw them their greatest challenge yet, but are they truly prepared for the trials they will face?

They don't know, but they will brave the challenge, together.

Cover art belongs to Kilala97

Private's Grandfather invites him to attend visit the family in New Orneigh for the first time in over a decade. Private's mother's side of the family has always been distant from the detective following Sparrowheart's death. Private and Twilight venture to New Orneighs and discover that all is not well for the Hearts. Somepony is trying to make sure that Blueheart never recovers from his recent illness. Private will find dark secrets in his family, betrayal, and old grudges before the day is up...

Something strange is going on in Ponyville. The other elements of harmony have all fallen into a deep slumber, trapped in Nightmares without end. Private and Twilight seek Luna to aid them, but find that she too is trapped in a Nightmare. Locked in a dark slumber. It's up to Private and Twilight to seek out the Bat Pony king Tenebros, an old flame of Luna, who is the only other pony with the knowledge to enter the dream realm. But just what dark secrets lie in the dreams and nightmares of their friends, just waiting for more victims to come to play?

One normal and completely average morning, everything went wrong. Rarity arrives at the Castle of Friendship to pick up Spike for their weekly gem hunting trip, only to find that Spike has locked himself in his room and Twilight is working herself into a frenzy in the library. As she tries to piece together what happened that morning, and mend a damaged friendship, she'll make a number of startling revelations.

Some of them bigger than others.

Cover art used with permission of Kilala97.

Thanks to The Albinocorn for proof reading.

Rarity has estranged herself from her friends for nearly 3 years. The most anypony ever hears from her is a Hearth's Warming Eve card and her name all over designer clothing from Manehattan. Spike travels to Manehattan in search of his beloved friend. What secrets are being hidden behind all the tall skyscrapers and bustle of "The Big Apple?"

Thank you, psp7master, for the conversation that sparked this idea, nearly a month ago.

Thank you, starlight blaze, for helping to refine my ideas into a proper story.

This story was also partly inspired by the lyrics to this song