Chapter Preview: Best Gift Ever · 3:33pm Dec 1st, 2021
Alright, present for my 'special pony' set. Alongside, one extra for my special sompony. Perfect.
Now, with that out of the way, I could get to work doing what Twilight was too busy to; decorating the castle. Should be eaiser now, with magic's help, and for this holiday I didn't feel particularly nitpicky about using just my hoofs. Thus, wings and horn.
By contrast, my Princess, too preoccupied being herself, was trying to craft up the best present for whomever she got. I didn't ask; I'm sure there'll be a likely guess when I see what Twilight's been cooking up. Spike was wherever he was-
Door burst open. "Hey Dad, do you-?"
"Don't have Rarity."
"Oh." Door slam, and I rolled my eyes humouredly, continuing the work above. Apply red brow to the blue bow in pattern of the upper corners to the dining room, then a dab of pink with some yel- Actually never mind the yellow, pure pink will do. Streams of red going over the ceiling.
Or would navy blue work? Maybe.
I personally feel the blue compliments the ceiling.
True enough; blue works on almost anything anyway. Now for the floor; a recoloured carpet will work. Chairs shaded with a velvet curtain, mixed with a dash of white fluff.
While some would consider this a tedious part of the ceremony, I consider it just as essential. My mentor remarked warmly from the depths of my mind, merriment sung in that aged voice. After all, there would be no payoff without effort in the beginning. Ponies coming together in harmonious celebration of an old time event, brought with unity of kindness and expressing their love for one another.
Yep, yep. Before you go into a long speech about the joys of Pony Christmas, Starswirl, let's just not get distracted getting things done as Twilight won't.
Now then, where would these blinking lights go-?
Whoops!
Flying up then in speed, clutching the bow connected to a stream threatening to fall off the upper edge of the wall, then another with my rear hoof. And another, and another, before having to resort to my head. Huffing from my rather embarassing disposition. But that wasn't the end of it.
"Do you require some assistance?"
What? "Sombra- Whoa!" One of the streams catching my back leg, causing a sudden pull and having me descend right to the floor, left suspended mere inches from it, upside-down. Decor falling around me from above.
Sigh.
Bemused green eyes gazed down at my state from approach, the former King of the Crystal Empire perking a brow as he remarked dryly, "I can't leave you alone for long, can I?" Magic pulsating from his curved horn, and moments after, I was released and turned back on four legs.
Without another word, already redoing my work for me. Effortlessly, I might add. Tch.
He does have more- I know I know!
Exhaling in faint amusement, I regarded the old friend-once-enemy, smirking lightly. "Not that I'm not appreciative of your help, Sombra, but I'm surprised you're even here. I thought you and Radiant were looking at hidden treasures outside Equestria."
"That was the plan." The unicorn affirmed with a nod, satisfied when retying the last bow and turning to face me, and my mind half-expected a cold sneer than that warm expression. "But upon hearing the holiday was around the corner, she desired for us to spend our Hearth's Warming Eve surrounded by friends."
Heard from who? I shrugged, nodding with a grin. "Well, it's a nice idea certainly. Shining, Cadence and their daughter will be around later, if you and Radiant don't mind any initial awkwardness."
His emotiones spiked up then, but not those reminders. Something else. "It's funny you mention awkwardness..." Sombra started with a rough cough in his grey hoof, glancing away briefly, embarrassment clear in his heart and on his features. "While Radiant is looking through that relic store, I excused myself to come here, to you... Because I need your help."
My help? Huh. My smile widened, but not in mockery, just pleasantly surprised. "Well, this IS new. You were always fiercely independent, Sombra, but I sense it's about something you have scarce experience with?"
The stallion huffed in humour. "It seems your acquirement of extra appendages have enhanced your senses." Nodding to the wings that twitched in acknowledgement, and I chuckled.
"I call one Star and the other Dust."
"Very original for a 'writer.'" Sombra drawled, rolling green eyes before returning back to his uncharacteristic sheepishness. Shuffling his hoof slightly. "I... Seek your expertise on this holiday... I wish to get something special for Radiant, but I have zero ideas as to what. Hence, I require your assistance..." Sighing softly, jade stared in hazel in hopeful expectation. "Will you help me find a present for her, Jack?"
Heh... Heheh.
"Sorry, enjoying this a little too much." Nonethless, I was grinning wide, nodding once in confirmed willingness to aid a good friend. "Of course I'll help you."
Had plenty of spare time anyway, as my presents for others were prepared. I can spare some time helping Sombra find the perfect gift for his soulmate.
AJBS
December 25th
“We can cook up a meme and it will be the best .gif ever”
-DWK
Hmm, so, the first chapter on Christmas? Quite a gift!
5613178
Not the first chapter of S9, but the Christmas Special.