//------------------------------// // Happy Hearth Warming (II) // Story: The Second Revival of a Heart: Ponyville Days // by TheMessenger //------------------------------// Happy Hearth Warming (II) "It's bigger on the inside," Ash noted aloud as he made his way through the toy store and past the crowd of foals and their parents. Teddy bears and cotton crocodiles sat on the shelves or in the hooves of children, waiting to be bought and loved and played with. Model chariots were guarded by tiny figurines in armor. Several sets of building blocks were scattered on the ground, along with dolls of ponies which hid behind the wooden constructs. In every aisle sat a group of fillies and colts surrounding a board game and the clatter of dice rung throughout the store, blending with the shouts, pleads, and cries of rowdy children. "This is a nightmare," Ash said, rubbing his forehead. "I can barely hear myself think." "I know! Isn't it wonderful?" Ash turned, startled. A tan stallion with a brown mane stood behind him, grinning madly. "Why, hello there," he said in an accent Ash was not entirely familiar with. It was a little similar to how that little colt he had met before Nightmare Night spoke. "And how are you doing today?" "Is this your store?" "Oh dear, no. I'm just looking after it for the day. Did you know we have automatons? It's nothing fancy, mind you, dolls that move a little, wave a bit and do a little dance, but I just had to see how it worked. I don't know if I'll ever understand how all this magic business works. Anyhow, the owner should be back yesterday." "Er, yesterday?" "Yes. She'll be back then but if you can't wait for then I suppose you could always check tomorrow. Now, what can old Time Turner do for...say, did I ever catch your name? No? Well, I'm sure it's nothing important. But back to the matter at hand." The stallion suddenly ducked just as a big red ball flew over. "Now, you don't look like the type who'd be interested in a doll, automatic or not, but I've been wrong before. Not very often, of course, but enough to make a point." "I'm not look for a toy," Ash said, having recovered from the erratic stallion's appearance. "A filly I was looking after ran into this store and I'm trying to find her. She's an Earth Pony and-are you okay?" "Y-yes. Just...Earth...hee. It's nothing, just an inside joke. It's not even all that funny when you think about it. Earth does also refer to the ground after all." "...right. Anyways, Earth Pony-" Time Turner snorted again. "-red mane tied back by a bow, tan-cream-ish coat, wearing a brown scarf." "She's in the back," the stallion said, pointing. "Apple Bloom correct? Yes, you'll find her in the very back of the store, just past the colouring books and mind teasers. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find a mop." Ash stared at the retreating pony humming to himself before he shook his head and head to the direction Time Turner had given to him. As he walk, the sounds of retching echoed through the store, followed by screams of disgust. He expressed his silent gratefulness that the sounds were coming from behind him. Vomit puddles or not, the trek through the store proved difficult as Ash struggled to pass by without stepping on foals or damage merchandise. At last, he found the filly sitting in front of a shelf of rag dolls. "Apple Bloom." "Oh, hi Ash," Apple Bloom said, waving. "Are you and Spike done with whatever you had to do?" "Yeah. I thought I told you to stay with Fluttershy." "Ah did. Or, Ah tried to, but it wasn't 'til Ah got here when Ah realized Fluttershy wasn't behind me." The filly shrugged. "You should not run off by yourself," Ash said sternly. "I left you three with Fluttershy for a reason." "Sorry, Ash. Ah didn't mean to cause any trouble or nothin'." "As long as you're safe," Ash said. "I just hope Spike and Fluttershy are having an easier time than me." ***** Fluttershy's eyes desperately scanned the ground below for a glimpse of a saffron coat, a hint of a dirty-gold feather, a tuff of reddish pink mane, any sign of Scootaloo. It was proving to be a challenge as the market square was crowded, ponies finishing their holiday shopping no doubt. The sight of ponies scurrying about with bags filled to the brim reminded the Pegasus of the several items in her closet that still required wrapping. Oh, how she hoped her friends would enjoy her presents to them... Fluttershy shook her head suddenly. There wasn't time to be distracted; she had a job to do. Find Scootaloo first, then contemplate whether Rarity would prefer her hoof-knit sweater red with green stripes or green with red stripes. Wiping a few white flakes out of her eyes, she continued her search. "Oh Scootaloo, where could you be?" she asked. She hadn't expected an answer and the loud crash that seemed to echo in response surprised the Pegasus. She would have jumped if she hadn't already been in the air. "Could that..." "It's not my fault!" "Oh dear." Fluttershy raced toward the source of the cry at a speed Rainbow Dash was more comfortable with than she was. A small crowd had already formed, blocking Fluttershy's view. Seeing no other option, she sighed, breathed in deeply, and pushed past the ponies, apologizing all the way. At last, Fluttershy found herself in the front of the crowd. "Scootaloo!" she cried as her eyes fell upon the young filly cowering before a very large mare. Cans of soup rolled every which way. Fluttershy flinched as the mare turned her attention away from the filly and onto her. "This your kid?" she demanded gruffly. "I-I'm just taking care of her for the day," Fluttershy managed to squeak. "I'm so sorry for any trouble she's caused." "It's not my fault," Scootaloo said again. "Honest. Some pony who should been paying attention walked into me and pushed me. It's not my fault your stand is made out of flimsy cardboard." "What I'm sure she means is that she's very, very sorry for the damages," Fluttershy said quickly, grabbing Scootaloo and pulling the filly behind her. "It won't happen again, I promise." "Hmph, it better not lady," the mare nearly growled. "Don't touch," she exclaimed as Fluttershy bent down to pick up one of the fallen cans. "But I-" "Just let me do my job, alright miss? Unless you want to buy something, leave. That goes for the rest of you," she directed toward the crowd, which quickly dispersed under the grumpy pony's glare. "So much for the Hearth Warming spirit," Scootaloo grumbled when she and Fluttershy were no longer within hearing distance. "What a jerk." "The holidays can be stressful, especially when you have to work while everypony else gets to play. You really should have apologized." "But it was an accident," Scootaloo protested. "I didn't mean to knock over all those cans, I was pushed. Besides, didn't you see how mean she acted toward us?" "It doesn't matter. That poor mare probably worked really hard today and we've just made her day harder. I think I'd be pretty upset too if I were in her shoes. What about you?" "Well, I guess," she conceded. "But I still think he's a jerk." "That's fine, though I think jerk might be a bit strong." Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sure. Anyways, thanks for the save Fluttershy. Now I've gotta-" "Hold on." One of Fluttershy's wings flew open, blocking Scootaloo's path. "I am very disappointed in you, Scootaloo, running off like that in a busy marketplace. Don't you know how dangerous that is? You could have gotten lost or hurt. Do you know how worried Ash and I were when we didn't know where you went?" "But..." Scootaloo hung her head. "I'm sorry. It's just...I guess I got a little excited." "Excited?" Fluttershy said. "Did you see something you wanted?" "Not really. I'm just really excited to finally buy a present for Rainbow Dash. The market's so big, I'm sure I'll find the perfect gift here. I've been looking for weeks. Um, don't tell her, okay?" "Of course I won't. Rainbow loves a nice surprise." "It's not just that. It's..." Scootaloo leaned forward and began to whisper. "Please don't tell her I got all excited over something like shopping." Fluttershy giggled. "Don't worry, I promise. But we should really head back. Ash needs to know you're safe." "Can't we just look around for a little while? Just ten minutes?" pleaded Scootaloo. "Please?" "I don't know. I don't think it's a very good idea for us to stay separate." The mare tightened the scarf around her neck, then did the same with Scootaloo. "But I suppose we can spare a few minutes. No running off though, okay?" Scootaloo nodded furiously. "Yeah, come on," she said, tugging the older Pegasus toward the center of the market. The chilly winter air did little to discourage the merchants of Ponyville. As usual, stalls and booths filled the area, though none sold the fresh produce normally found in the summer, spring, and even autumn. Instead of celery stalks, cane sized candy canes. Instead of broccoli, ponies sold evergreen trees waiting for adoption and decoration. Beautiful crystal ornaments were bought instead of fresh tomatoes, though canned tomatoes could still be found if you were that desperate. Some stands even sold toys, competing against the local toy shack by offering a cheaper alternative if you didn't mind a dip in quality. "Do you see anything yet?" Fluttershy asked. "No, not yet," Scootaloo replied, setting down a knockoff walleyed Wonderbolt doll. "It's kinda hard finding a gift awesome enough for Rainbow on a filly's allowance. I wish I could afford tickets for the Wonderbolt's show. That would have been perfect." "I'm sure Rainbow Dash would be fine with whatever you get her." "But I want her to be more than fine. This is my chance to show her what she means to me. It's got to be something amazing. Something awesome. Something super-ultra-extreme-awesomazing." "Scootaloo..." "Come on, this place is huge. There's got to be something here for Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy's hoof stopped Scootaloo from running off. "Please, slow down," she said. "Sorry. I'm just getting a little nervous. I never thought getting somepony a gift could be so stressful. Wait!" The young Pegasus grinned and grabbed hold of Fluttershy. "Eep!" "Fluttershy, you knew Rainbow Dash since you two were fillies, right?" "Y-yes, we knew each other when we were young." "Then you've got to know what she likes. Like, her secret desires and stuff. You've got to tell me, what does Rainbow wants for Hearth Warming this year." "Well...I don't think I should tell you." "What? Why? Come on Fluttershy, help me out here." "I'm sorry, Scootaloo, but I made a promise not to tell you." "Oh. Wait..." Scootaloo squinted at Fluttershy. "Me specifically? Does it have something to do with?" "...oh pony f-" "Wait, what Rainbow Dash wants has to do with me?" She gasped. "Oh no, she expects something really, really awesome from me doesn't she?" "No, no, it's not that-eep!" Fluttershy covered her mouth. "T-then, could it be...does she want me to leave her alone? I-I didn't mean to be annoying, I-I just..." "No, it's nothing like it's-no, I promised her I wouldn't tell! I promised! I promised!" A few ponies wandering close by gave the shaking Pegasus worried looks. Some considered notifying the hospital that the holiday strain had claimed other one this year "Come on Fluttershy," Scootaloo urged. "I won't say a word to Rainbow if you tell me. Please? I need to know." "I can't! I've said too much already! I promised Rainbow Dash I wouldn't tell you anything about the present she got you!" "S-she got me a Hearth Warming gift? Rainbow got me a present?" Scootaloo's questions couldn't be heard over Fluttershy's screams of anguish. "Fluttershy?" Scootaloo said, shaking the mare. "Ponies are looking." Her screams grew a little louder. "Fluttershy!" Scootaloo exclaimed, this time more forceful. Though the screaming did not end, Fluttershy at least turned her head to face the filly. "I promise I won't tell anypony that you told me all that." "Promise?" Fluttershy whimpered. "I promise." "O-okay," she said unsteadily. "Okay. Oh, Rainbow will be so disappointed. She wanted it to be a surprise." "What did she get me anyways?" Fluttershy shook her head furiously. "Oh no, at the very least I can keep that a secret." "Can't you just give me a hint?" "No," Fluttershy said. "Rainbow Dash spent so much time and worked so hard trying to decide what to get you. She wanted you to enjoy it so badly. I'm not about to ruin the surprise." "Wait, she had trouble finding me a gift? Why?" Fluttershy groaned quietly. Well, she already knew too much. "Rainbow Dash wanted to make sure you got the perfect present," she explained. "This was going to be her first gift to you and she really wanted it to be special." "But it's Rainbow Dash! Anything from her would be special." "Well, anything you get her will be special too, because it's from you. You're special to her," Fluttershy said, smiling. "And she'll love anything you get her. So please stop, um, worrying, okay?" "But..." Scootaloo sighed. "Well, I still want to get her something awesome." Fluttershy laughed softly. "Of course. You know, Rainbow has lots of Wonderbolt souvenirs but she's also a big fan of Daring Do." She picked up the cheap Fleetfoot plush. "She doesn't have much to show it though because merchandise is rare. I mean, if you wanted to, we could always make something. I could help with the needlework..." ***** "There you are!" Sweetie Belle turned around. Spike stood in front of her with his arms crossed. "Were you looking for me? I told Fluttershy I was going to be here." The Unicorn looked around. "Hey, where is she anyways?" "She went to chase after Scootaloo while Ash's looking for Apple Bloom," Spike said, joining Sweetie Belle in front of the large glass display case, in which dozens of gems encrusted necklaces and jewels of every name. Opals, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, glittered in the light against the velvet background embraced by golden chains. "Spike, you're drooling." "Sorry." The dragon quickly wiped his lips with the back of his claw. "You can't blame me though. We never had lunch." "Can I help you?" The two youngsters looked up at the bespectacled clerk, who seemed to be having some trouble deciding who deserved his attention more: the gem devouring dragon or the trouble causing filly. Both had a tendency to leave businesses like his own in ruins. "Just making sure she's out of trouble," Spike said with a shrug, to which Sweetie Belle responded by sticking out her tongue. "I'm looking for some kind of jewelry," Sweetie explained to the clerk. "Something that'd make a really nice gift." "Is there something you're looking for in particular?" "You know." Sweetie Belle motioned aimlessly in the air. "Something nice." The clerk rolled his eyes and marched off to the back of the store. As the stallion shifted through boxes of lockets and brooches, Spike turned away from the tantalizing jewels protected only by a simple glass shield. "That's going to be a really expensive gift," he said. "If you're looking for some nice gems your sister could always help you find a few." "Yeah, but Rarity can't know about it." "Why not?" "Because it's for her." "I thought you were going to give her that card you made," Spike said. "The one covered in stickers and with all the sapphires on the edges that was shaped like a liver." "It was suppose to be a heart," the Unicorn grumbled. "Yeah, that one. What happened to it?" "Rarity's dumb cat got to it," Sweetie Belle replied with a sigh. "This is way better anyhow. So what did you get my sister?" "I, uh, don't know yet," the dragon admitted. "Now might be the perfect opportunity to look around actually." "Wow, really? Smooth." Spike opened his mouth to protest but was interrupted by the return of the jeweler with a few boxes in tow. "Have a look, miss," he said, setting a box on the counter before the young filly and opening it. Sweetie Belle had to lean forward against the display case to see the golden chain with accented by a small heart shaped amethyst. She gaped at the necklace as another box joined the first, this one holding a pair of opal earrings. "Wow," Sweetie Belle breathed. "They look so much more prettier up close." "And delicious." The clerk pulled the sparkling articles closer to him. "How much for the necklace?" Sweetie asked. "It's perfect. I know she's going to love it." The jeweler gestured to the price tag attached. Her jaw fell at the sight of the cost. "Whoa," Spike whistled. "Isn't that a little extreme? I mean, amethysts aren't that hard to find." "The art of gem cutting is often overlooked," the jeweler sniffed. "Acquiring the gem may not prove difficult but effort that must be put into shaping the amethyst so that it fits is immense. This is no mere gem. This is jewelry." "Well, how much is those?" Spike asked, pointing at the earrings and taking out his money pouch. "They're so small. It can't be that much." The clerk told him and the dragon began to count out coins. "Just enough! Good thing I thought that quill was more expensive than it actually was," he exclaimed triumphantly. "I'll have to live without rock candy for a few days though." "Don't you have anything, um, cheaper?" Sweetie Belle asked. "What sort of price are you looking for, miss?" "Uh, do you have anything that's only two digits? Guess not," she mumbled when the clerk gave her a look of incredibility. "Well then, sir, would you like your purchase gift wrapped?" the clerk asked. "Huh? Oh uh, yeah, sure," Spike said, turning away from the crestfallen filly next to him. "Sweetie Belle, are you-" "I'm fine," she said. "I just thought...maybe I shouldn't have bought those new packs of crayons." Sweetie Belle smiled weakly. "I'll just have to find something else for Rarity..." "Well, maybe I-" "Here you are, sir," the bespectacled stallion said, giving the dragon a small black bag, which he placed under his arm next to Twilight's gift. "Have a wonderful Hearth Warming." The two walked to the exit in silence before Spike remembered Ash's orders. "We need to wait for Ash and Fluttershy here," he told her. "Fine." Unicorn and dragon waited quietly near the front. "Um..." "I hope Rarity likes your gift, Spike. Really, I do," Sweetie Belle said. "I just wish I was the one to give it to her." "Yeah, I hope so too." Silence grew again and the two shared a sigh. Spike looked at the little black bag in his hand, then to Sweetie Belle, then back to Rarity's gift. "Here," he said, holding out his head toward the filly. "Huh? But-" "As long as Rarity's happy, I guess." Spike tried his best not to sound too distressed. He wasn't sure if how convincing he sounded. "I can always find something on my own." Sweetie Belle took the bag and removed the little box. Slowly, she untied the bow and removed the gold and red wrapping paper. With a quick flick, she opened the velvet chest, revealing the shiny gems inside. "You know, Spike," she said. "There are two earrings." She pick up one of the opals and placed it in her draconic friend's open claw. "We could give the set to Rarity together..." ***** "What were you looking for anyways?" Ash asked, lowering himself next to the young Earth Pony. "Fluttershy said you were in a bit of a hurry." "Oh, it's nothin' really, just that." Apple Bloom pointed to a grey stuffed equine doll. Yarn served for the mane and in the doll's hooves sat a feather pen and a small notebook. Strangest of all were a pair of polka dot trousers that covered the doll's hind legs. "Didn't know you were still into these kind of things." "Ah'm not," Apple Bloom insisted. "Ah'd say Ah'm a little old for that but considerin' who it's for..." She trailed off. "Ah, so it's a present then." Ash set the toy back on the shelf. "I'm guessing it's not for Scootaloo." "Pfft, 'course it ain't. It's for mah brother." "...excuse me?" "Uh, can you keep a secret. Ah mean, it's not exactly a secret since the entire town knows but Ah don't know if they know this part." "What is it?" "Well, me and the rest of the Crusaders were trying to get our cutie marks in journalism or something like that and we kinda got a lot of ponies mad 'cause we spilled a bunch of embarrassing secrets. Like didja know the mayor dyes her mane grey?" "What? No. What color is it actually?" "Pinker than a county fair pig but that's not important. See, Applejack and mah brother got into the mess when we wrote a few things 'bout them. We had a hard time with Applejack 'cause she doesn't keep all that many things hidden but Big Mac had the motherlode of secrets. He..." Apple Bloom quickly looked around and gestured Ash closer. "He plays with dolls." "Oh. Yeah, I imagine he wasn't too happy with that being revealed," Ash said, stifling a chuckle. "Happy nothin'. He got madder than a rattlesnake that got stepped on. He and Applejack wouldn't talk to the three of us 'til we published an official apology, though Ah guess Ah kinda deserved it," Apple Bloom added with a sigh. "He had a doll that was just like this one," she continued. "A Smarty Pants doll he borrowed from Twilight. He gave it back after all this but Ah don't think he wanted to, more like he had to 'cause of pride or something." "Like he was doing it to save face?" "Exactly. Anyways, he forgave me and everything and says it's all alright but sometimes Ah can hear him tossin' in his sleep." Apple Bloom's voice grew quieter. "Ah think he's having trouble sleepin' without it." "So you're planning on buying a replacement?" Ash presumed. "Yeah. It took me forever to find another Smarty Pants. Ah missed his birthday. Apparently, they're awfully rare. Ah don't know if it was this doll specially or if Big Mac likes dolls in general but Ah'd rather not take any chances. Ah mean, Ah know he likes this one." "Well, you found it. Let's go buy it and get going. Fluttershy will want to know you're safe." "Well, there's a problem. Smarty Pants dolls aren't just rare, they're expensive too." "Do you not have enough?" Ash asked. He pointed to the pouch hanging from his neck. "I could always pitch in." "Ah'd appreciate that but it wouldn't be right, taking money like that for something Ah don't actually need. Ah have enough, it's just..." Apple Bloom gave the toy a small sad glance. "Ah've saved enough for the doll but if Ah go ahead and buy it, Ah won't have any bits to get mah sister anythin' this year, and after last year's disaster, Ah've gotta get Applejack somethin' good." "What happened last year?" "Ah bought some seeds from a pair of no good swindlers who said they were magically and would grow into the most beautiful golden delicious' ever that tasted like red galas. Granny took one look at 'em and said they were cooked pumpkin seeds." "And you've lived on an apple farm for how many years?" "Hey, Ah thought they were magic," Apple Bloom said in indignation. "Anyways, that's how Ah ruined Hearth Warming last year. Nopony ever said anythin' but Ah'm sure they were all thinkin' it. But year's gonna be different. Or, at least it was gonna be different," the filly finished sadly. "What were you going to get her?" "Ah don't know. Something amazin' that's for sure." "I could help." "Ah told you, Ah don't want any charity." The Unicorn shook his head. "No, I meant help thinking of a present," Ash clarified. "I have a little experience in gift giving on a budget. How about a card?" "A card? Are yah kiddin'? Who gives just a card on Hearth Warming?" "If it has the right message, the right sentiments behind it, a homemade card from the right person can the perfect gift. Just spending the time together can be enough too." "That just sounds cheap." "Cheap can be good." "Not like that though," Apple Bloom groaned. "How would that look, if Big Mac got a new toy and all mah sister got from me was a lousy card?" "So don't make it lousy," Ash replied with a shrugged. "You're pretty set on buying the doll huh?" "Yeah. Ah mean, Ah was but if it means Applejack doesn't get a good present, Ah'm not too sure." "Apple Bloom, whatever you get Applejack will be fine." "That's what Applejack said," Apple Bloom grumbled. "Ah want her gift to be more than fine. Ah know Ah can't get her anythin' too big or fancy but it has to be something. What's she gonna do with a card? We get plenty of those every year from family." "Yeah, but how many of those are from you?" Ash challenged. "Listen, I once had a...a friend. He was my best friend and we were close, as close as brothers. But the thing was, he was from a very rich family." "You mean you were friends with a snob?" "Hey, don't call him that! He wasn't a snob." "S-sorry. But the only rich ponies we know is Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon and you know how those two are." "Yeah, but this guy was different. He didn't wave his wealth in my face all the time. We didn't always have to do what he wanted. He wanted to be my friend even though I had nothing to offer. So what do you think I could give him for the holidays when his family had enough money to buy anything he wanted and I could barely rub two coppers together?" "What's a copper?" "Bits. I said bits." "A card?" Apple Bloom ventured. "Ha, not even. I didn't have the supplies to make one." Ash smiled. "I didn't have any paper for personal use so I had to tell him what I wanted to write in person. And you know what he did?" "What?" "He made me repeat it in front of the entire kitchen staff," Ash laughed. "That sounds horrible. Ah don't think Ah'd like this fellow very much." "Heh, probably not." He chuckled again, though it was a little more subdued. "It was a great distraction though and we each ended up with a pie apiece. The point is, a gift as simple as a meaningful message or just spending time together is more than enough. Remember how much fun you had earlier today?" "Yeah! Me and Applejack were unstoppable." "Well, how much fun do you think Applejack had?" Apple Bloom thought of her sister's smiles, her cheers and whoops as she ducked and hid from the snowy onslaught. She remembered the pride in Applejack's voice as she complimented the icy construct she had built and fortified. "I don't think you'll find any gift that could replicate those feelings today," Ash continued, breaking Apple Bloom out of her reminiscence. "There are plenty of supplies in the clubhouse. Make Applejack a card, tell her what she means to you, then spend the rest of the day with her. But if you don't believe me..." He jingled his money bag. "I will pay you to keep yourself, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle from running off again." Apple Bloom regarded the pouch warily. She reach out and grabbed the Smarty Pants doll from the shelf. "That's okay, Ah think Ah can find Applejack a present with what Ah've got."