Before the battles with Conquest, before the struggles, there was a time of peace and joy...
Set a few months before the main story, we visit the world of Starfleet before Conquest's war. We spend a day looking into the lives of three ponies as they look upon the world that is before them and the future that lies ahead. What does Hearth's warming bring to our friends and heroes.
As Usual, don't own Starfleet characters. That is Mykan.
It was founded on Equestria and therefore it was FOR Equestria. It plays no part for Unicornicopia or anything related in such a way.
Applejack let out a sigh as she stood in the falling snow, watching her breath come out in a big puff of white. Looking around the quiet streets of Ponyville as the snow fell around her in small flakes, she felt an almost eerie calm around the town. One look to the darkened library told her why, “It’s seems rather quiet around here nowadays. Especially around this time of year.”
“Yeah, too quiet for Hearth’s Warming eve,” Rainbow Dash said, landing behind Applejack and shaking off some excess snow that fel on her mane.
Applejack turned around with a start, “Rainbow, when did you- How? I thought that Lighting had ya on patrol duty.”
“AWOL,” Dash smirked, “I spent every HEarth’s warming around here ever since I came to Ponyville and I’ll be damned if I can’t join my friends this year.”
“Those of us that are still around,” Applejack said with a frown. Straightening her hat, she began to walk around Dash, making her way to the street leading to her farm, “Pinkie’s at the shrink, Fluttershy is with Rhymey, Rarity is busy with Spike, and me...Ah’ve got an important appointment to keep. Sorry Rainbow Dash, It looks like you went AWOL for nothing.”
“Damn it,” Rainbow Dash cursed, lightly kicking the snow. “This blows, big time. Bad enough Grand Rotten hates the idea of us celebrating Hearth’s Warming, and that when we try to decorate it’s like the entire planet hates us, but now we’re all separated? It’s not fair!!!”
“Ah, know,” Applejack said, looking at the darkened town, “It should be livelier, Pinkie should be jumping about, Rarity should be decorating, and Twi-” there was a pause as she looked at the tree, “Ah won’t lie, Dash. It feels like ever since she died...she took a lot of what kept us together with her. We’re just starting to separate, heck the last time we had a talk like this was when we had to help Pinkie Pie.”
Dash let out a sigh and looked up to the still starry sky, “ If only there was a way I could remind them that we are all still together. That we are still,” when she got sight of a twinkle in on one of the stars, she gasped, “I have an idea, just keep an eye on the sky for me, ok?”
“Uh, sure thing,” Applejack said as she watched Rainbow Dash take off into the sky. With a sigh, she turned to walk down the road to her far,
It took a few minutes to reach her destination, two trees, a pear and an apple twisted together. The snow had covered the ground around the tree, except for a small marker that had two rose laid upon it. Applejack looked down at the marker with a long look as she read the names silently to herself.
Bright Mac and Pear Butter Beloved Parents, loved son and daughter, Remembered forever
“Hey, ma and pa. It’s me, Applejack. Ah know it’s a little weird seeing me this time of year, alone. But, I just needed to talk to you both for a few moments, just you and me,” she sighed as she sat down in the snow and looked up at the stars. Lifting her hand up to examine it, Applejack began to talk, “It’s just that...my life has been through so many changes lately, that Ah needed someplace normal to talk to for a bit. Ah’ve been turned into some sort of freaky thing, Starfleet keeps telling me everything that Ah believe in is wrong, and worst yet,” Applejack snorted and let out a breath.
“Worst yet, my family is falling apart,” Picking up a clump of snow, she crushed it, “Twilight died and now we are just drifting away. Ah haven’t seen my friends in such a long time, Ah am almost afraid that sooner or later...Ah’ll lose them forever. Almost makes me wish that something big like a war would hit us and bring us all back together. Ah just want something, a sign that shows us that we are still one.”
“Heh,” Applejack chuckled, ‘Guess it’s like the song says, “We need a little Hearth’s Warming, right this very minute.” IT’s not much, but it’s something to-”
An explosion knocked Applejack out of her talk and forced her to look to the sky When she did, she saw a giant rainbow of light overhead. But, instead of a circle, it was instead, a giant rainbow starburst of light. Applejack smiled, “Ok, nice Rainbow. Real nice.”
Little did she know, two other ponies had seen this light that day.
Rarity had to step back from the passing by purple and green blur as it made it’s seventh lap around her kitchen. Stepping in carefully in her red and green dress, she had to stifle a chuckle as she watched Spike hard at work on all facets of the kitchen, “Ok, are the biscuts ready? No, good, that means I can handle the mashed potatoes and leave time to cook the celery. Oh, maybe the tofu could-”
“Spike, dear, You need to calm down,” Rarity siad, stifling a giggle as she watched Spike race from stove to cuttting tool and back to the table.
If Spike heard her, he did not show it in his eyes as he ran to to a bowl, “IS the punch any good? Oh, I maybe put too much cherry juice in it.”
Rarity sighed as she fixed the table, sighing at the smell of food as it cooked and simmered in the warm kitchen, “Spike, precious scales, you simply must stop this running around. It’ll tire you out before mother, father, and Sweetie Belle gets here.”
“Sweets! Of, did I remember the cookies?” Spike said, racing to the evon.” Still baking? Good. Now where did I put the pineapples for the pink salad?” Spike asked as he looked around, only to find it floating in front of him, enveloped by a purple aura held by his marefriend.
“Looking for this?” Rarity asked, looking into Spike’s eyes with a warm smile. Kissing his nose, she set it down with the cottage cheese and pink yogurt. Then she looked to Spike and winked, “Now that I’ve got your attention, will you please calm down?”
“I’m sorry Rarity,” Spike said with a sigh, rubbing the back of his head, “It’s just that, you know, this is our first hearth’s warming as a couple and I want to make a good impression.”
“You've already won over my sister. Why she jumped for joy the day we announced we were going out together,” Rarity said.
“Yeah, but your parents. What if they don’t like me? What if they see me as a monster trying to steal you away or something,” Spike said, looking away. He sighed, “I just want to prove myself.”
Rarity could see a look in Spike’s eyes that told her who else he was trying to impress and she calmly laid her hands onto his shoulders, “Spike, you risked your life for me. You fought nobly for your lady. You can’t get more impressive than that. TRust me, you are going to wow my parents.”
“Well, if you are-” Spike was interrupted by a soft kiss from Rarity.
“Tut tut, no more of that. Let us get prepared for the parents. And more of this,” Rarity said, leaning in and kissing Spike once more.
“It’s ok! They’re just smooching, you can come in,” Sweetie Belle exclaimed from the kitchen door. Looking back at her sister, she leaned her head to the side and said, “You could’ve waited until after we left before sucking lips.”
Rarity blushed and then looked to Sweetie Belle with a frown, “SWeetie Belle! That is rude. You do not intrude unannounced like that during private moments.”
“Well now, I wouldn't be so quick to complain there. I remember a certain little filly who used to step between me and your dad for kissing because you thought I was drink his blood,” a light purple unicorn with a beehive said, walking into the kitchen. This comment made Rarity blush as she was caught up in the embrace of her mother, “Now how about you give your dear old mom a hug?”
“Hello mother,” Rarity said, hugging Pearl back.
A slap on Spike’s back surprised him and made him turn around to face a tall unicorn with a bushy mustache. The white unicorn laughed as he shook Spike’s hand, “Ah, you must be the young dragon who done stole my little Rare-bear’s heart. Couldn’t be prouder of her, you seem like a right nice young man. Doesn’t he Pearl?”
“Oh I know. Just look at his cute little face and muscles. Why I could just eat him up there,” PEarl said.
“Um, t-thank you, Mr. and MRs. Belle,” Spike said.
The unicorn gave Spike another slap on the back,” Ah, don’t go around needing to add the mr. to anything. The old boys in my Hoofball team just called me Mag, but you can call me Magnum. Of Course, when you marry my little Rarity, you can start calling me pop.”
“Sure thing, Magnum,” Spike said.
PEarl smiled as she made her horn glow, “Now, see, that there is a perfect gentle drake. Now, how about you come and help me with the cooking.”
Rarity nodded fervently, “Yes please, Spike. Help her out.”
That was when th doorbell rung, attracting the attention of Sweetie Belle. Runnin to the door, she opened it, and then let loose an excited gasp that attracted the attention of her sister, “UNCLE ESTEEM!!”
Rarity stepped into the living room of the boutique and let out a gasp of joy when she saw her younger sister hanging of the arm of a white unicorn. As the younger sister hung off the arm of the unicorn, Rarity politely bowed ot her uncle, “Uncle Esteem, it is a pleasure to see you again., I am glad that you have made it here from the Royal Guard.”
“Greetings Rarity,” Esteem said, smiling as he ran his hand through his well kept red hair. His canterlot accent was thick when he looked to his younger niece and kindly booped her nose with his finger, “Sweetie Belle.”
Sweetie Belle let out a giggle as she dropped from her uncle’s arm and ran back to Rarity’s side. The next to to come out were the elder belles, “Well, hey there Esteem. How is my little brother doing!” Magnum said, walking over and giving his brother a big hug, almost crushing his bones.
“H-hello, brother,” Esteem said, barely finding the strength to hug back. When he could breathe again, he smiled at his older brother, and then walked to his sister-in-law and kissed her hand, “PEarl,, good to se you.”
“Well now, it’s a good thing to see you again too, Esteem. Haven’t seen you in quite a while don’t you know,” PEarl said, a blush coming to her cheeks.
Spike stepped next to Rarity and leaned in, “Your uncle? General Esteem? One of the best swordsponies in Equestria, a freaking knight?!”
“Why yes,” Rarity said with a smile, “Mother and father traveled a lot thanks to his games, so they left me in the care of my uncle. He taught me everything in manners of archery and nobility. Of course, I try to teach Sweetie Bell, but...” she paused as she looked at her sister talking a mile a minute at her uncle.
“Yeah, I know the feeling. Twilight had-” he paused and looked down as he mentioned Twilight's name. Then he found his vision blocked by Esteem.
“So, you are the young drake who stole my niece’s heart?” Esteem said with a glare.
Spike nodded, showing no fear as he said, “Y-yes sir. And I promise to love, cherish, and comfort her with every fiber of my being.”
Esteem narrowed his eyes into Spike’s, “Actions speak louder than words, drake. And you have proven yourself by protecting her with your life. That was very noble of you and I approve of you both. But, be warned.”
“Warned?” Spike gulped.
“Hurt her heart, even think about betraying her trust, and I will have a new draconic shield in my room,” Esteem said, walking away from Spike.
“Oh that brother of mine, such a kidder,” MAgnum said, nudging Spike in the shoulder.
Spike sighed and gulped in response, “Didn't’ sound like a joke.” Shaking his head, he went to work in he kitchen alongside PEarl.
And so it went. Songs were sung, food was eaten,and gifts were exchanged. Stories were told and the family began to laugh about fun memories. For Spike, he began to feel an old familiar feeling in his chest as he hear the laughter being held between family members, that of family. It was a feeling he had long since felt lost with the loss of his mother figure. Spike smiled warmly as he heard Rarity tell a story of her dress shop to her family. He would have stayed to listen to the story, but his ear finn caught the sound of a soft singing voice.
Sweetie Belle let out a squeak and blushed as she hid by the curtain, “Spike, you weren’t supposed to be listening to hat.”
“Why not?” Spike asked with a warm smile as he sat with Sweetie Belle, “You’re a great singer.”
“Eah, but it’s just that,” Sweetie blushed and then shruk a little as she whispered, “I’m a little shy about it/”
Spike shook his head, “Why? Your friends know you are awesome at it, your parents think that you are great, and I know for a fact that Rarity thinks you are the best she has heard since Sapphire shores.”
“But, it’s just that, you know,” Sweeite walked a little away and frowned, “It’s my sinding, and it's my voice. I just get nervous that if I start singing professionally and try to get my voice out there, other ponies will ruin it. They’ll want me to agents, to moderate my songs, and tell me what to do! I love singing too much to ruin it like that.”
“Hry. I wouldn’t worry too much about something like that. If ponies start to pressure you, I’ll take care of them,” Spike said with his thumb to his chest, looking confidently.”
“Really? How,” Sweetie asked.
With a chuckle, Spike rubbed the back of his head and said, “Well, I may not know much about law, but...who’s going to mess around with a scary dragon? Raw!” then he tickled Sweetie with his tail. A soft expression grows on his face, “Besides, Rarity is a smooth business pony. If you think a deal is shady, we could work it out together. This is your git, you should use it how you want to.”
With a smile on her lips, Sweetie Belle hugged her friend, “Thanks Spike. I hope this works out, because you will make an awesome big brother.”
“Yeah,” Spike looked down in his pocket at his gift, smiled and then followed Sweetie Belle into the living room, catching the end of a story.”
“-And so, Esteem walks over to me in the middle of the college campus, brings out a foam sword and said ‘For the right to woo the lady pearl, I challenge you to a duel!”
Rarity put down her hot chocolate and giggled, “And did you accept father?”
“Well of course I did. I never miss a chance to play and have fun with the little brother. HE can be such a hoot when he acts like a big knight,” laughed MAgnum, much to the annoyance of Esteem.
“That is the way knights are meant to duel when they love the same woman. Besides, the ending was the more embarrassing part,” Esteem said, looking away/
“What happened?” Spike asked.
Pearl smiled and snuggled up to MAgnum, “He lost to the hoofball player. I had to come and beg for Esteem’s life. Just getting into the spirit there, you kno0w. And that is how we ended up dating.”
“Um, speaking of that,” Spike said as he took Rarity by the hand and led her to a spot near the fireplace, “Rarity...I know that you were the one who caught the bouquet back at Fluttershy’s wedding, and I know I caught the garter, but I want to make it offical between the two of us. And I want to do this in front of your family, so if they have any challenges for me, I’ll face them for you. Rarity Sapphire Belle,” he then pulled out of his pocket, a red ruby done in the shape of her cutie mark, “Will you marry me?”
Rarity tackled him to the floor, kissing him deeply as she shouted, “Yes!”
As the parents watched the kiss with a smile, PEarl was the first to speak up, “Well now, ain't that a wonderful HEarth’s warming present.”
“The threat still stays, broken heart,” Esteem was about to say, but was nudged by MAgnum.
“Ah, hold off on it there and let them enjoy their moment,” smiled Magnum. A sonic boom then shook the house, bringing out everyone's attention.
Rarity was the first to make it to the window, and when she saw
I was playing Santa Hooves Down on Hearth's Warming Eve When a filly of three or four Sat on my knee I asked her what her name is And would Santa do for you
She said, “My name is...:
Buddy’s eyes opened wide when he saw the laser blast coming at him, moving to dodge the blast in time. Panting, he brought out his whip and threw it at the gun that was in front of him and pull it away, letting it fire at its companion and destroying it. For a few brief seconds, he prayed that meant that the scenario was over; however, the sound of a buzzsaw at his back quickly threw that hope away. Jumping away with inches to spare, he watched as the saw was blocked by a staff, “Off your game today?” Artie asked, smiling warmly.
“N-no, just a little distracted. Today is kind of special and I-” a rocket quickly interrupted him as it sped towards him. Turning away from the blast, he sighed when Artie blocked the hit by spinning his staff in a circle.
Artie breathed slowly, watching as the wind from his staff blew away the flames. Then he looked to Buddy, “Special? Want to talk about it?”
“Um, no. IT wouldn’t be anything you are interested in,” Buddy said, getting up and looking around the training room. “Where are the others.”
Artie looked around, watching and listening to the fighting that took place around them,” You know Dyno and Myte, really focused on each other. Starla is busy keeping to Lighting, and Rhymey.”
Artie paused as he heard a loud, “Drill Quill” coming from above as Rhymey blasted some combat droids.
“Showing off, as usual,” Artie frowned as he watched the other unicorpian continue to fight in his training session.
Buddy got up, and nodded softly, “Artie...do you ever wish we were, you know, more like them?”
“Like the Equestrians?” asked Artie as he looked around them, and sighed as he responded. “You are thinking of how well they did some of these courses?”
“By working together, those six accomplished this course in five minutes!” Buddy shouted. “We work alone and we take about an hour to complete it! They,” Buddy sighed as he could hear the last explosions from the attacks of Lighting and Starla, “Just do it so differently than us.”
Artie looked at Buddy oddly, cocking his head to the side, “You saying that you want to fight with friendship, and have us work together?”
“I...I don’t know. I get-” a loud buzzer interrupted Buddy before he could finish. Smiling, he quickly demorphed and began to walk to the door.
“And where are you going?
Our results are showing?” asked Rhymey, looking at Buddy with a frown.
Buddy waved Rhymey off, “End of my shift. Which means I have some stuff to do. Talk later.”
“What does be mean stuff to do?
Just where is going to?
And today of all days.
Surely he is not celebrating the Equestrian ways.
Not if he has lost family
It would be shameful indeed.”
Artie shook his head and walked out, “Whatever it is, it’s his business.”
“Come on guys,” Lighting said, shaking his head and walking out of the training room, “We have things to do.”
(eight years ago)
“Mr. Rose, I am sorry to inform you,” said the officer as he looked away, “But, your aunt and uncle are dead. They died in a car accident an hour ago.”
Buddy shook his head in shock at the news, and lowered his head. Breathing slowly, he asked, “A-and what about Daphne? Is she alright?”
“Yes,” the officer said, “They pushed her out of the cart just before the train hit them. They...didn’t make it.”
“Where is she now?” Buddy asked.
The officer looked into the side room and nodded, “She’s in there, waiting for the orphanage to pick her up.”
My name is Daphine Dill
And I was born on a Holiday
I don’t know who my family is
Now that they’ve gone away
All I want now
Is for someone to take me home
Does anybody want a little girl
All their own.
Buddy looked at the cold and empty room, to the sleeping Daphine. Letting out a breath and smiling in sympathy, he said, “I’ll take her.”
(present day)
Buddy walked through the streets of Ponyville, listening to the sound of crunching snow beneath him. While the town was busy rolling up its streets for the night, it still had the feel of a small town ready to welcome all who would visit them. There was a calm feeling about the place, one that he had come to appreciate ever since he had come to live in the town.
As the sounds of the townsponies hit his ear, one conversation in particular caught him. It was a discussion between a father and daughter about all of the things she wanted for Hearth’s warming. It made him smile a little, thinking about someone else he loved that much as he walked into the store, “Excuse me, I heard you were selling findings from the Unicorpia ruins for cheap?”
“Yep, just making the last few sales. Why, ya want something?” asked the unicorpian, smiling and showing his perfect teeth.
Buddy nodded, “Yes, I want that doll. It’s kind of special.” he said pointing to an old, ratty,doll that was made out of straw and hemp. It’s red hair was made of yarn and resembled a little unicornpian. “For me.”
“Well, sure...but, what this raggedy thing?” The unicorpian asked as he handed the doll to Buddy.
“Trust me-”
(8 years ago.)
Well, all I could say was
that Santa would do the best he could
I set her down and held her
“Now you remember to be real good.”
She said “I will,”
Turned and waved bye
I was glad that she couldn’t
See old Santa cry.
“A gift? But...” Daphine said, looking down at she saw the box in her hand.
Buddy knelt with his cousin and put a hand onto her shoulder, “Look, I know it’s been tough without your parents. I miss your aunt too. But maybe...we can still have a family here.” Buddy smiled warmly as he looked to his little cousin.
Opening her package, Daphine smiled when she looked at the doll, “It’s cute.”
“Yeah, Starfleet doesn't pay much, but I hope-” he was interrupted by a hug from Daphine.
Tearfully, Daphine said, “I love it Buddy.”
Buddy sighed at the mention of his real name, and wanted to correct her. Instead, he just smiled and hugged her back.
Early Hearth’s Warming morning
I got up and called the phone
And made arrangements
With the local children’s home
They told me it would be alright
To pick her up today.
And now my little one
No longer has to say.
(Present day)
“Happy Hearth’s warming, Daphine,” said Buddy, handing the old doll to his little cousin.
“But, I thought Grand ruler always said-”
Buddy looked down at her, faking being hurt, “ Now, Daphine, who runs this house. Grand Ruler, or your old man?”
“You,” giggled Daphine, jumping up and wrapping her arms around his neck. “Thank you, Buddy.”
“I wish you would call me father, just once,” Buddy thought to himself. Just as an explosion rang out across the land. Curious, Buddy carried his cousin to the window and smiled. The brightest rainbow star that they had ever seen flowed across the land, letting all who looked at it, gaze in wonder.
It was not just our three protagonists who saw the beautiful rainbow star. There were others, some who were feeling miserable and lonely. Such as Pinkie Pie, sitting in the doctor’s room as she was being evaluated. Looking out to the world, she smiled at she saw the exploding star expanding outwards. A wide grin formed on her face as she looked out, seeing something that renewed the fires of hope in her heart, “Thanks Dashie.”
Or even Fluttershy, who sat in her hut, being lectured by Rhymey about the perils of Hearth’s Warming and why they shouldn’t celebrate. As she listened, her mind was too focused on a beautiful star that flowed out from the center of town. A warm smile graced Fluttershy’s lips.
A young mother, alone with her two daughters ad missing her husband. A musician, who was afraid of losing her lover. A teacher, who wanted to gain loss knowledge back. A Carrot Farmer who is afraid for her home, and a weather mare, who wanted something better for her brother. These five also saw the beautiful rainbow, unaware that the coming year would bring a new world of adventure to their lives. Also unaware, was the student of Luna, who was busy performing a show with a magician that she despised. She saw the rainbow and smiled, knowing that soon, she would be on the adventure of a lifetime.
Also, elsewhere, in Luna’s secret getaway in Whitetail woods, she heard a knocking on the door. When the princess opened it, the rainbow star was unleashed, revealing a young mare with purple skin and a grey mane, “Twilight?” Luna whispered as she looked on the mare’s face.
“I am sorry princess, but I am not Twilight Sparkle. She is dead,” the mare said, looking away. “My name is...” there was a brief pause in her voice before she said, “Shining Spark.”
“I see,” Luna said, sitting back and looking at her, “And what would bring you to my secret hiding spot?”
“I heard on the grapevine, that you are planning a rebellion,” Spark said, “I want to help you.”
“Well, I can’t trust just anypony with this,” Luna said. “Perhaps you would like to be a training partner for my student, Trixie Lulamoon. If you like, you can even have a code name: Shining Magic or Bright Spark, they seem nice.”
“I think I might use a codename, once in awhile. Until I get to know the others,” Spark said.
“Good,” Luna said, smiling, “Spark...I think this might the beginning of a wonderful adventure.”
