//------------------------------// // Preparations // Story: Revenge of the Windigos // by Solid Script //------------------------------// Ponyville It was around late December in Ponyville and everypony was finishing their decorating for Hearth’s Warming Day decorations were being hung, food was being made, and presents were being bought. However, nopony was more excited than the foals at the school taught by Ms. Cherilee especially a little filly alicorn named Nyx. She and her classmates squirmed in their seat with excitement over what they would do over their break. Ms. Cherilee could not help but smile at the memory of another little filly that would practically be bursting at the seams moments before winter break. “Okay class, remember to have a good and safe Hearth’s Warming vacation and as a special treat I’m releasing you all early enjoy your vacation,” Ms. Cherilee said as she leapt out of the way of her stampeding students. “Out of my way Nightmare Moon unlike someponies me and Silverspoon have a family to get too,” Diamond Tiara said as she pushed Nyx out of the way followed by her lackey Silverspoon who looked back inwardly glad that Nyx was not hurt. Ms. Cherilee shook her head at Diamond Tiara’s behavior and at times like this; she wished that teachers were still allowed to spank the flanks of fillies like her. She trotted over to Nyx and helped her to her hooves. “Are you alright Nyx?” Ms. Cherilee asked. “Yes, Ms. Cherilee I’m fine,” Nyx said as she put her saddlebag on her back. Even though things had gotten better for Nyx in Ponyville there were still a few that still gave the poor filly a hard time. “Do you want to me tell your mother about this Nyx?” Ms. Cherilee asked. “No its Hearth’s Warming season the time for forgiving. Besides even if my mommy convinced Mr. Rich to tell Diamond Tiara to stop, I doubt she would,” Nyx said. “Well, have a good Hearth’s Warming Nyx,” Ms. Cherilee said putting on a smile for Nyx. “Thank you Ms. Cherilee,” Nyx said hugging her teacher. Ms. Cherilee watched as Nyx walked out the door and seriously hoped that this year’s Hearth Warming for Nyx would be better for Nyx unlike last year with that whole news reporter fiasco nearly ruined the holiday for her and her family. Ow well things just might be better this year after all what could possibly go wrong. Nyx ran to the back entrance of Sweet Apple Acres making sure that Granny Smith was not around and headed towards her Cutie Mark Crusaders or CMC for short she entered the where saw some of her friends Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Twist and Apple Bloom where waiting for her. “Nyx what took you so long? We were getting ready to start without you,” Scootaloo said. “You mean you were going to start without her,” Sweetie Belle said. “So wat was the holdup partner?” Apple Bloom asked. “Come on Nyx tell us what’s wrong,” Twist said. “It was just Diamond Tiara,” Nyx said as she explained what happened. “Why that snooty…boy what I wouldn’t give to make that tiara a permanent fixture to her head,” Scootaloo said. “Guys it’s alright I’m used to it,” Nyx said. “No its not alright just say the word Nyx and every apple from this farm that winds up in her daddy’s store will have a mealy worm in it,” Apple Bloom. “Or I can ask my sister to make Diamond Tiara’s entire clothes clash with each other with a spell. She’ll look hideous,” Sweetie Belle said. “Actually Sweetie Belle that might actually be an improvement,” Scootaloo said. “That and a miracle,” Twist said. The fillies burst out laughing at that thought. Nyx went up to her friends and hugged them. “What did I ever do to get friends like you?” Nyx asked. “Yeah, yeah, don’t get all mushy on us. Now the first order of business,” Scootaloo said. Apple Bloom took out a blue print from her saddlebag and unfurled it on the ground; it was a blue print of a snow mobile. “Sometime during the next few months after winter break we will work to get our snow mobile cutie marks,” Scootaloo said. “Didn’t the mayor say we weren’t allowed to operate machines in the confines of the town anymore after the steamroller incident,” Nyx said. “I thought we’d agreed to never speak of that incident again,” Sweetie Belle said cringing at the memory of trying to get the tar out of her mane. “That’s why we’re operating it outside of the city limit,” Apple Bloom clarified. “I motion that if we don’t get a cutie mark in snow mobile I think that we should give figure skating another try,” Sweetie Belle said. “Ow no you are not getting me into those sparkly skirts again,” Scootaloo whined. “Come on Scootaloo you didn’t look that frufuuuuuuuuu……………I ‘m sorry scoots I couldn’t say that with a straight face,” Nyx said as she laughed. As the CMC got into the meeting, Nyx looked around her and smiled. Diamond Tiara was wrong she did have a family and she could not wait to go to Canterlot to see her grandparents again or aunt Cadence and uncle Shining. Nyx hoped that this year she and uncle Shining would really bond this year it was all so exciting especially since her mom became a princess. Except for when she got that crystal heart necklace from aunt Cadence that was nearly a disaster but like always her mother always came through. Nyx looked at the clock in clubhouse and realized that she was late getting home. “Guys, I have to go, mom is expecting me in a few minutes to begin planning our trip to Canterlot,” Nyx said. “Oh come on Nyx you worry too much. So what if you’re a few minutes late how worried can Twilight get, relax,” Scootaloo said. “Ah Scootaloo yu du realize tis iz Twilight we’re talking about ere right?” Apple Bloom reminded Scootaloo. “On second thought hoof it girl before she calls the royal guard,” Scootaloo said. “Okay see you guy,” Nyx said as left the tree house. Nyx once more checked for Granny Smith, seeing that the cost was clear she ran through the back entrance into town. Out of the corner of her eye she sees a pony completely covered in a cloak made of Ursa Major’s fur and a long white spiral horn protruding from its confines. When she blinked, the unicorn was gone. “That’s odd I’ll ask Pinkie Pie about the new unicorn later,” Nyx asked as she continued on her way. On her way, home Nyx passed by the cakes bakery and saw Pinkie Pie outside dressed in winter attire with a plate with an airtight dome on it. “Free samples! Get your free samples here! They’re scruptalicous and in case you didn’t hear me the first time they are FREEEEEEEEEEE!” Pinkie Pie shouted. When she saw Nyx, Pinkie Pie zipped over. “Hey Nyx how’s it going, where’re you coming from school, a club meeting, an ice skating rink, or were you under the mistletoe with a special somepony?!” Pinkie Pie asked in her hyperactive way. “No, Pinkie Pie I was at a CMC meeting besides I’m too young to have a special somepony,” Nyx said laughing. “Riiiiiiiiiiiight, don’t worry Nyx your secret is safe with me,” Pinkie Pie said with a wink. “Anyway, what are you doing out here?” Nyx asked. “Ow I’m handing out free samples of the Cakes owie goey strumchilous ginger bread cookies! So far, I’m not having any luck. Hey there’s somepony now!” Pinkie Pie said as she zipped over to the old father stallion. She zipped up behind him and took out a megaphone. “Hey, wanna try a free sample of ginger bread cookies!” Pinkie Pie shouted through the mega phone. The father pony jumped up into the air and zipped away in fright, making a note to himself to pray for Pinkie Pie and to hire the next available exorcist as soon as possible. Pinkie Pie sighed as she turned back to Nyx. “See what I mean, I thought everypony loved ginger bread. Ow well I’ll get em next time,” Pinkie Pie said with a laugh. “Ow Pinkie Pie I need to ask you something, have…wait don’t tell me you saw a sparkly fur cloaked covered mare with a long spiral white horn that seemed to vanish in the snow,” Pinkie Pie said finishing Nyx’s sentence with a huge smile. Nyx starred in wonderment at Pinkie Pie wondering just how she knew that, looks like there was more to the pinkie sense than they knew. “Yeah that’s her, so do you know her?” Nyx asked. “Huuuuuuuuh…no never seen her before, wait a minute if I’ve never met her that means she’s new and a new pony means a new friend, I have to start planning a Welcome to Ponyville party right away that way she can make lots of new friends!” Pinkie Pie said jumping up and down excitedly. “Pinkie you do know that you’re still on the clock right?” Nyx reminded Pinkie Pie hoping to give the mare a few more hours to settle down before she met Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie stopped jumping in midflight and laded back on the ground. “Oh yeah well better get back to work the faster I do this the faster I can make a new friend,” Pinkie Pie said with glee. “Good luck Pinkie Pie,” Nyx said. As she was about to trot off Pinkie Pie zipped in front of her. “Wait Nyx before you go would you like a gingerbread cookie?” Pinkie Pie asked as she took the lid off. Delicious aromas filled the air as the steam from the gingerbread cookies filled the square. Each one was decorated in white and brightly colored frosting swirled into festive designs, each cut into their own shape, they were almost too beautiful to eat. Nyx really wanted one but sighed. “No thanks Pinkie Pie mommy wouldn’t be happy if I spoiled my dinner,” Nyx said. “Okay then I’ll save you a few though,” Pinkie Pie said. Nyx nodded and went off. As Nyx trotted through the snow, she thought of the reason why she didn’t take a gingerbread cookie. She had nearly revealed a secret that she had kept since the Tirek Inceident, something that if discovered would plunge Ponyville and possibly all of Equestria into chaos. She was slowly starting to regain her powers. Whenever a unicorn or alicorn needed to pick something up they used their power of levitation, it can even happen without them realizing it, to them it’s like a fifth hoof. “If I hadn’t caught it in time,” Nyx said to herself. Many of the ponies in Ponyville and in Equestria in general still feared and hated her. If it got out that, she was getting her magic back it would bring never-ending trouble to the Princesses and a whole lot of grief to Twilight. Nyx could not put her mother through that. not again. Moreover, she was getting along so well with Uncle Shining, if he knew that some unknown and probably dangerous power was growing inside they would be back to square one. No, it would be worse this time, her family, friends, and even the ponies that had forgiven and accepted her would shun her. “What if I turn into Nightmare Moon again?!” thought Nyx, as she began to panic. “I’ll be imprisoned in the moon or banished from the solar system or be imprisoned in the solar system I’m banished to!” Feeling a panic attack and magic surge coming on Nyx stopped and began to practice the breathing exercises her aunt Candence had taught her. As Nyx inhaled and exhaled her fear and magic surge began to be calmed, however, inner turmoil still raged within her. Nyx knew she could not keep suppressing her powers forever but what else could she do. As Nyx continued on her way she became lost within her thoughts trying to answer that question. A strange chill entered Nyx as she felt that she was being watched by something or somepony but every pony on the road was going about their business. Nyx shrugged to herself thinking that it was the winter wind as it started to pick up blowing snow in every direction. Soon Twilight’s Castle came into a view. It resembled a tall crystalline tree with a multi-level purple castle in its branches with a great balcony, two golden spires, and a tower that flew a violet banner with a white star on it. At the top of castle was a large crystal star, while two sets of five strings of beads hang off the side lower branches of the castle. As Nyx approached the golden stairs of the castle, she could not help but feel a small sense of loss. It is not that she didn’t like the castle she loved it and it suited her mother’s personality perfectly but she still missed the Golden Oaks Library, it held so many memories for her a few were bad but many of them were good. Nyx was pulled out of her nostalgia by the sound of the doors opening and feeling of warmth that radiated inside. Greeting her at the doorway was a purple and green-scaled baby dragon. “Nyx hurry up and come in the snow’s starting to come down,” Spike said as Nyx entered the doorway. Nyx took off her snow gear and put them in the dragon’s arms, while Spike put the winter gear by the fire to dry Nyx was greeted by a hoot from Owlowiscious who flew down from the castle rafters, he landed onto Nyx’s back and nuzzled her. “Hey Spike, where is mom?” Nyx asked. “She’s in the throne room reading up on royal etiquette,” Spike said as he rolled his eyes making a vomiting motion with his claw. “Why, mom knows everything there is to know about royal etiquette,” Nyx said. “That’s what I said. You know Twilight she just had to make sure that the same rules apply now that she has her own kingdom and all. You would think that becoming the Princess of Friendship would have made her less high strung but she’s still the same old Twilight,” Spike said. “Yeah she’s still my mom,” Nyx said. Spike noticed the relief in Nyx’s voice. For months now he and Twilight had been sensing Nyx’s insecurities and had tried to get her to open up to them but she wouldn’t give. So Spike did what any other big brother would go and put his arm around her neck and hugged her. “Hey now, you know that she doesn’t care what those elites think or say. Even if it means turning in her wings, she’ll always love you,” Spike said. “How do you always know just what to say Spike?” Nyx said as she hugged her brother. “It’s a gift, now go say hi to Twilight and tell her not to strain her eyes,” Spike said as she went into the royal kitchens. Nyx flew up the stairs, headed towards her mother’s throne room, and opened the door. Sunlight streamed in from green glass windows making the throne room sparkle and shine. In the middle of the throne room were seven crystalline thrones about a star shaped dais on a golden dish. Sitting on the throne marked with the Element of Magic was a violet hide alicorn mare with a purple and pink stripped mane. On her back was a pair of regal wings. Her horn glowed with violet light as levitated the book she was reading using her powers to turn each page. Nyx looked at Twilight Sparkle in wonder she looked so regal in her appearance. When Twilight saw her daughter, she smiled and placed her book down. “Nyx you’re home, I’m sorry I didn’t hear you come in?” Twilight said as she leapt off the throne and landed gracefully near her daughter. “It’s okay mommy,” Nyx said as she hugged her mom. “So, how was school and the Cutie Mark Crusaders meeting?” Twilight asked. “They were great, especially the CMC meeting after the holidays we’re going to try to get the others snow mobile cutie marks,” Nyx said excitedly. “Why don’t we put a horse shoe nail in that one until you’re a little older,” Twilight said making a mental note to talk to Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack about this. Nyx knew from experience that that meant the snowmobile ride was never going to happen. Then Spike came bursting into the throne room with a scroll in his claw, slightly out of breath from long run. “Twi…light…this just…came from Princess Celestia?” Spike said. Twilight levitated the scroll from Spikes claw, opened it in midair, and began to read. Twilight’s eyes bulged as she read the letter’s contents. Suddenly, her legs buckled under her and she fainted to the floor. “Twilight!” Both Spike and Nyx called out in unison as the two went to her side. They checked to see if anything was amiss but Twilight was fine other than the fact that she had fainted. “What was on the letter?!” Nyx asked frantically. Spike picked up letter with the edge of his claws and began to read half through his eyes bulged in surprise. “Ah oh we’d better get the girls for this one Nyx, trust me we she’s gonna need her friends for this one,” Spike said. An hour later Twilight felt an overly sweet smell fill her nostrils as her eyes started to open. In front of her face was a little crystal bottle that lets out the aroma being levitated by Rarity under her nose. “It’s a good thing I always carry this smelling salts with me at all times. Don’t even think about it Rainbow Dash,” Rarity said. “What I wasn’t going to say anything,” Rainbow Dash said with a smirk that suggested otherwise. “Wish I’d brought my camera this is hilarious,” Scootaloo said trying not to laugh. “Scootalo!” Sweetie Belle and Rarity exclaimed at such a scandalous idea. “Stop yur fueding you three she’s beginning to cum around. Cum on sugur cube up at um,” Applejack said as she helped Twilight up from the floor. “Twilight what happened? I mean if you don’t want to talk about it I understand in fact forget I asked anything,” Fluttershy said. “It’s alright girls I was just overwhelmed by the news. Brace yourselves Princess Celestia has asked me to organize the Centennial Hearth Warming Day Celebration,” Twilight said. “What’s the big deal you organize things all the time Twilight this should be a piece of cake,” Rainbow Dash said. “Cake, I love cake, rich delicious moist cake let’s go get some!” Pinkie Pie said. “Why don’t we put a rain check on that one dear,” Rarity said as Twilight continued with her explanation. “You don’t understand this is the Hearth Warming party that comes once in a decade for it marks the anniversary of the Windigos defeat. This party will be happening all over Equestria. Delegates and their leaders from all over the world will come to Canterlot for this celebration and I’ll have to organize it all,” Twilight said in a panicky voice as she began pace about the throne room. “Darling relax you have nothing to worry about. I mean organizing is second nature to you. It’s a part of your charm if not somewhat disturbing. Anyway you put together an entire Crystal Fair, you fixed Ponyville’s winter wrap up system, planned the biggest wedding in Canterlot in spite of an invasion from a bunch of love sucking horrendous looking Changeling and their somewhat portly queen and saved all of Equestria and the world from Tirek,” Rarity said. “Wow Rarity you’re so smart. Isn’t Rarity smart guys?” Spike said as little hearts appeared in his eyes. Nyx rolled her eyes at her older brother’s obvious crush on Rarity. Scootaloo made a gaging expression with her face. “Mommy you stopped me or Nightmare Moon three times from taking over Equestria, defeated Discord, saved Princess Cadence, and restored the Crystal Empire. Compared to all that this is nothing,” Nyx said. “Yeah Twilight this’ll be superupper snaperiffic easy for you,” Pinkie Pie said jumping up and down in excitement. “Besides I’m sure that Princess Celestia will be willing to help you anyway she can,” Fluttershy said. “Don’t forget that you have us to help you Twi,” Rainbow dash said. “Wit all of us wirking tugether there ain’t nuthing we can’t do,” Applejack said. Twilight smiled gratefully at her friends, happy to once again that becoming a princess had not once changed her friendships. “I’m so relieved especially since Princess Celestia had asked for each of you specifically,” Twilight said. The group gasped in amazement as Twilight read the instructions. “Rarity Celestia request that you make her and the royal family outfits for the Hearth Warming celebration,” Twilight said. Rarity gasped and began to swoon, her horn lit up a dark blue as she summoned her silk couch to Twilight’s room and fainted on it. “The entire royal families Hearth Warming wardrobe I feel so light headed,” Rarity said as put on her damsel face. “Not saprisin consderin ya heads full of hot air,” Applejack said. Everybody except Pinkie Pie resisted the urge to laugh as Rarity sent a scathing look at Applejack. Twilight then continued with the instructions. “Applejack and a few other ponies of your choice need to cater the event, the Princess asks that you keep in mind that every culture has different taste in food,” Twilight said. “Don’t worry Twi ya can count on me,” Applejack said. “Fluttershy rare birds are being brought worldwide to Canterlot and the Princess would love for you to turn them into a choir just as you did your birds,” Twilight said. “Oh my I hope I’m up for it, I’m up for it right?” Fluttershy asked her friends. “Rainbow Dash the Princess wants you to preform your sonic rainboom with the Wonderbolts,” Twilight said. “Will you excuse me for a sec?” Rainbow Dash said as she flew out into the hallway in a rainbow colored blur. “You know you’d think she’d be a lot more excited,” Pinkie Pie said. “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Rainbow Dash shouted in excitement at the prospect at being in a performance with the Wonderbolts. Rainbow Dash flew back into the throne room looking as if that squeal never happened. “Alright girls we have our assignments it’s time to start planning. Nyx why don’t you, your friends, Spike, and Owlowiscious go to your room and play, I’ll call you down when it’s time for everyone to leave,” Twilight said seeing the board expressions on the CMC’s face. “Ow thank Celestia come on Nyx let’s go have some real fun,” Spike said. Owlowiscious hooted in agreement and flew to Nyx’s room. “Race ya’ll up the hall,” Applebloom said as she zipped off into the hallway. “Hey, no fair you gotta head staaart,” Sweetie Belle whined as she chased after Applebloom. “Whoa no way am I loosing,” Scootaloo said as she buzzed off to catch up to the others. Even though Nyx wanted to stay for the planning, she had to admit she’d probably be in the way besides playing with Spike and her friends sounded much more fun. As she went after her friends, a strange feeling made Nyx look out one of the hall windows window and standing in the snow was the mare, she raised her regal head and looked directly at Nyx. Nyx backed away from the window completely unaware that Spike had come up behind her. “Nyx what’s wrong?” Spike asked. “Spike, do you see that mare out there?” Nyx asked. Spike looked out the same window. “What mare?” Spike asked. “What do you mean “what mare” she’s right out there I saw her at school today,” Nyx said. “Nyx there’s nopony out there see for yourself,” Spike said. Nyx looked out the window and sure enough, the mare was gone. “But I was so sure that I saw her,” Nyx said. “Maybe you were just seeing things, nopony would stand outside for long in whether like this,” Spike said. "You’re probably right Spike it’s just my imagination,” Nyx said with a smile. “Come on race ya,” Spike said as she zoomed off to Nyx’s room. Nyx smiled as she raced off after them.