1
February 3rd, 1008,
Guess who’s birthday it is! That’s right, I’m turning eighteen today. It’s strange - surreal, even. I’m an adult now. Nopony can tell me what to do. Well, except mom and dad. Their house, their rules, after all.
Still, I wish Frost were here to see me turn into the young mare I am. Or, would I even be me if he was? Would I be completely different? Would my cutie mark? Everyone has a special talent, of course, but is it shaped by destiny, or is it set in stone?
Ugh, too many questions. I’ll always be Snow Storm, and now I’ll always be the Mare do Well. Sometimes I can hardly tell the difference, myself.
That’s okay. I’m happy with who, and what, I am.
-Snow Storm
2
Snow Storm lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling and contemplating existence itself. It was strange, honestly - she had woken up this morning, some miniscule part of her expecting some sort of metamorphosis when she became an adult. Possibly unlocking all the secrets of life, even.
However, she was exactly the same as she was yesterday. Older, but none-the-wiser. She felt a small twinge of disappointment at that fact, as though eighteen was just another number and not the beginning of a brand new chapter in her life.
She closed her eyes with a smile, feeling fully relaxed for the first time in over a year. Luna had blessed her dreams the night before, keeping away the nightmares of her final encounter with the Red Hoof, for which she was grateful.
The smell of a baking cake wafted upstairs, caressing her nose with its sweet scent. The window showed her a light snowfall, giving the orange grove a picturesque look. She felt as though nothing in the world could possibly ruin this perfect day.
“Snow!” Annabelle Orange shouted. She jumped out of bed immediately, reacting to the panic she heard in her mom’s voice. She ran around her room, vaguely putting on some clothing and thundered down the stairs. She exploded through the kitchen door, her senses heightened.
“What’s wrong!?” she demanded, looking around. Everything seemed quite normal… except for the Oranges themselves. Both were pale as ghosts, staring blankly at each other. At the sound of Snow’s voice, they turned slowly to her, their eyes wide and worried.
“Mom, what is it!?” Snow asked, rushing over to them. “Tell me!”
“I…” Annabelle started, her mouth moving quickly. “I never thought this would happen…”
“What!?” Snow could feel her control slipping away. She was on the verge of panicking now. “Please! Dad?”
Mosley Orange closed his eyes and slid an envelope towards Snow. “This,” he answered, wearing a pained expression. “This is for you.”
“For me?” Snow asked, looking down. There were only two names on the envelope: hers, and somepony called ‘Maelstrom’. “I don’t understand.”
“Snow…” Annabelle said softly, running her hoof through Snow’s mane. “This… this is from your mother. Your real mother.”
Snow Storm looked dumbfounded. “You had me freaking out over a letter?” she asked, taking deep breaths. “I thought you were, I don’t know, being attacked again!”
“Believe us, dear, we… in all our years as your parents, we- we never expected this,” Annabelle murmured, still trying to wrap her head around the reality of the situation. “Could she really be trying to reach back out to her…?” she asked Mosley.
“It seems so,” he said, turning to Snow. “Go on, honey. Open it.”
She did so, tearing open the top and unfolding the letter within:
‘To my precious, beloved daughter-
I know this comes as a shock after all these years, but I couldn’t bear the silence another day. I need to see the mare you’ve become… the one I had no choice but to give up in the hope of giving a chance at a better life.
All I ask is for a few minutes of your time… all I want is to see my little snowball again.
-M’
“Snowball…” she repeated quietly. “Frosty always called me that…”
Annabelle gingerly stepped forward, wrapping her forelegs around Snow’s frame in a loving embrace. “I know this is a lot… but I want you to know that if you want to go see her, we will not take offense to it. We love you more than words, Snow… but a mother’s call is hard ignored, and if you want to go see her, we support it,” she said as she kissed the side of Snow’s head.
Snow Storm shook her head. “No. I don’t want to see her. Why should I? She left my brother and me and now suddenly she wants back into my life? She abandoned me! … Us.”
Mosley stepped over to her, his gaze stern but understanding. “This may be a lot to ask of you, Snow, but put yourself in Maelstrom’s position, even if for a moment- you are a mother, living on the streets with not two bits to your name, a colt to feed, and a filly on the way, with your husband nowhere to be found. You know that while you may be able to feed him and yourself for a few days, when the filly arrives, that will change. You will have to make unfathomably difficult decisions. You will have to live with the idea that your children will suffer, and the hardship may never end,” he said, his gaze unwavering. “Then, the filly comes. You have two children to look after… and an opportunity appears, one that may not come again, one that will give your children, the ones you swore to yourself to love and look after no matter what, a chance at a life you cannot provide them yourself…” he paused. “What would you do? Would you make the reckless, even life-threatening decision to try and care for them with no assistance, or do what you must as a mother, and give them a chance?”
“I…” Snow choked out. Her eyes were wide and red, and her face felt hot. “I didn’t know… I thought we were just forcefully dumped on you…”
“No, you did not, and no, you were not. Your mother came to us in the dead of night, begging us to take you and your brother in and give you a good home…” he said, his gaze wavering. “I have never in my life seen a more broken-hearted mare, and by the powers that be I hope to never see it again. Even to this day I remember the look on her face as she gave you and your brother up, as though she were leaving her very heart in our hooves before disappearing out into the bitter cold.”
“But did she have to go?” Snow asked, trying to compose herself. “She could’ve worked in the grove. We could’ve helped her, too!”
“Because she thought herself to blame for your misfortune,” he said simply. “She thought herself to blame for her husband leaving her and abandoning you three. By the time we had you and your brother settled in… she was gone. Slipped out the front door and off into the blizzard. We sought her out for days, but... nothing.”
“I…” Snow chuckled weakly. “I guess, if I’m gonna meet my own mom, I need something nice to wear.”
3
This is the place, Snow thought, staring at the nondescript restaurant. Her heart had caught in her throat - was her mom really in there? What was the mare expecting? For that matter, what was Snow expecting?
You can do this, she told herself, pacing in front of the door. You looked the Red Hoof dead in the eyes. This has got to be easier, right?
Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself, and stepped through the doorway. “Reservation, ma’am?” the Maître D asked, grabbing a clipboard with his magic.
“I’m meeting somepony,” Snow replied, looking around. She only now realized she didn’t even know what her own mother looked like. “Uh, name Maelstrom?”
“Maelstrom, Maelstrom…” the Maître D repeated, looking over his list. “Ah! Table nineteen. Right this way, please.” He started off, grabbing a pair of menus on the way.
Snow followed, her heart beating violently against her chest. A thousand scenarios ran through her mind, each one more emotional than the last. Her brain scrambled itself trying to figure out the first thing she would say. Hi? No, that was too basic. How are you doing? It sounded too fake. Maybe she should just bail while she was still ahead, try for another day when she was more prepared? But the Oranges had set this up specifically, and if she did that they’d be mad at her.
Besides, it was too late now. She could see a mare looking around anxiously. The mare looked like an older version of her, just with a darker mane that lacked the grey streak. Snow could feel her chest hitch; she began to hyperventilate, and the room seemed to spin rapidly around her. Her stomach tightened, and looped around itself. She wanted to faint and throw up at the same time.
And then, suddenly, she was at the table. Maelstrom stood up, wrapping her forelegs around Snow in a tight embrace.
“Happy birthday, Leibchen,” she said, sniffling. Snow Storm stood there, completely frozen in place.
“Thanks, mom,” Snow whispered, which caused Maelstrom to hug tighter. The Maître D disappeared, replaced by their waiter.
“Let me look at you!” Maelstrom said, finally pulling away to take in all she saw. “Such a beautiful young mare.”
Snow said nothing, merely taking the compliment. The two mares sat down, opening their menus.
“Drinks, ladies?” their waiter asked.
“Raspberry lemonade,” Snow and Maelstrom both said. They looked at each other comically for a moment, and then laughed.
“Right away.”
* * *
“So…” Snow Storm said, taking a sip of her lemonade. She stared at the table, racking her brain to find the right words. “So… why?” she asked.
Maelstrom sighed. “It was no easy decision,” she said. “I came to Equestria for a new life, and found warmth and kindness here in Manehattan. The Oranges, they gave me a job in the grove, picking their fruit. All was well. And then I find love! Or, so I thought… We lived together, and eventually had Frost Storm… how that stallion was so elated to have a son of his own. I believed, for sure, his happiness would double with your announcement. Instead, it was the opposite…”
“So,” Snow said slowly as their food arrived, “it was my fault?”
“Nein!” Maelstrom responded sharply. The waiter looked at her, cautiously slinking away. “No, no, no! Whatever snapped in that… that arschloch will never be your fault! You and your brother both were the most precious gifts I could have ever been granted. But that… that creature didn’t see in such a way. He only saw us as baggage, holding him down and eating away all of his bits. To Tartarus with him! But those times were hard, and I could not support the both of you myself. Frost was hard enough alone, and I knew when you finally came it would be impossible. And so I did the very last thing I wanted to do: I begged, pleaded, and cried for the Oranges’ help. They were the kindest ponies I had ever met, and I knew they would not turn you away. I could sleep on a bench knowing that you and your brother would be in beds every single night, with food every single day. Things I could not give you, and so much more.”
Snow sighed. How could she fault this mare? It wasn’t even a choice at all. Could she honestly say she wouldn’t have done the same?
One thing did nag her, however. “... Do you know? About Frost?”
“Of course I do,” Maelstrom said quietly, closing her eyes. “I could not believe it. I refused to believe it. I have wondered how, and why, all this time. I was so afraid you had been a part of it. I witnessed his burial, from afar, and that was the only time I’d ever seen you. I wanted to say something then and there, but for what good? And then you left the city, and I was afraid that would be the last I ever saw of you.”
“But it wasn’t,” Snow Storm said. “I came back.”
“Yes. A fully grown mare, her hooves turned into deadly weapons. Pick Pocket has been a good friend to me for years, and he told me of you. He told me about how you had become this… this hero, this creature which stood up for the innocent. That you were alive and well was enough for me, but to know this was to know true pride.”
“But… why now? Why not earlier? Why when I turned eighteen?”
“I…” Maelstrom looked at her daughter, and the sorrow Snow saw tore her heart open. “I was afraid you’d hate me. I still am. For all I have done to you. But when Pick Pocket told me you were going to sacrifice your entire life against the Red Hoof, how could I not? I wrote the letter… and then I held onto it. We all waited to know the outcome of your fight. I was so afraid of losing you, as I had lost Frost. When you had defeated him, against all the odds, I knew I had to send you the letter. It was my one chance.”
“I… don’t know what to say.” Snow Storm wiped her eyes, taking a deep breath.
“Say nothing, my dear,” Maelstrom said, smiling. “Know that I am proud of you, and who you’ve become.”
Silence passed as they finished their meals. Snow Storm had a thousand more questions, but all she could think was, “... Mom?”
“Yes, my darling?”
“Would you… would you consider working the grove again? I’d like to… you know, have you closer.”
Maelstrom’s jaw dropped. “Truly?” she whispered, unable to believe it. It was the last thing she had ever expected.
“Truly,” Snow affirmed, swiftly hugging the mare. “We have a lot more to catch up on.”
4
Mother and daughter parted ways as the sun set low. Their meeting had seemed so quick, yet the entire day had passed by. Maelstrom made her way back to wherever she lived, to get herself in order to meet with the Oranges again.
Snow Storm, meanwhile, took to the streets, setting a leisurely pace. She had held herself together throughout the dinner, but now she let herself cry freely, not caring who or what saw her. It was a good cry, one she needed to get out of her system, especially after the entire last month. She used to think the entire world was conspiring against her, but now it seemed as though everything was falling into place perfectly, and she was the happiest she had been in years.
Unthinkingly, she stepped onto a patch of ice and fell on her rump, falling into the stallion in front of her. “Please, sir, I’m so sorry- Joules!?” she blurted out, becoming immediately defensive. “How do you always manage to get in my way?”
“Wha- oh, hey,” Joules said, taking a step back. “Why’re you so upset? I really didn’t-” he started, but stopped. “Snow, are... are you crying?” he asked.
“...” She sighed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be mean. I’ve had a long day.”
His expression softened. “I can see that,” he said sympathetically. “I don’t mean to pry, but… I’m willing to listen if you need an ear,” he murmured.
“... You got any place to be?” she asked, her face turning a mild shade of red. “I wouldn’t mind some company on my way home.”
“Nope, I was just out for a stroll,” he said, bringing his wingtips to her face to dry her tears. “All right, so why don’t we start from the top?” he asked as they began to walk together.
“Hm.” Snow stared ahead, trying to figure out where to start. “You ever have your life turned upside down?”
“Yup.” He nodded. “More than a few times, truthfully.”
“I thought everything was getting back to normal after the Red Hoof. And then my mom comes out of the woodwork.”
He looked at her, eyes wide. “Oh…” he murmured. “I’m going to guess you just came from meeting her? I think the only time I’ve seen you shed a tear was back when you were getting your foreleg fixed.”
“I’d rather go through that again…” Snow muttered dourly. “I just… I want to be mad at her. Instead I asked her to work with us again. What’s wrong with me?”
He thought about her words for a moment. “Honestly… nothing,” he said at last. “I’m kind of proud… and a little surprised... that you put your anger aside to take the steps towards healing.” He turned his head to look at her as they walked. “I know Missus Orange is your mom in your eyes, but… I dunno. If it were me…” he sighed. “I’d do whatever it took to see my Mom again,” he murmured. “You wanna know something sad?”
“What’s that?”
“You’re the only pony that knows this, but... I’ve kinda forgotten what my parents looked like. We have photos, but they don’t look familiar to me when I look at them,” he said. She could see a small twitch in his face, but it quickly disappeared. “I think you’ve got a good opportunity here, Snow, one that a lot of ponies don’t- or won’t- get.”
She shrugged. “And yet… some small part of me feels like I don’t belong anywhere. There’s always going to be that ‘adopted’ barrier… and Maelstrom giving me up, even if it was for the better. I dunno, I just feel like an outsider all the time.”
“I know how you feel,” he said, nodding. “Ever since we lost our parents, it’s just been my brother, my sister and I, all on our own, so believe me, I know exactly where you’re coming from.” He draped a wing across her back. She shivered, and for a moment he thought he’d crossed the line, but she only let out a quiet sigh. “I’m not sure how much value this has to you, but I’ll say it anyway- you do belong, and if nothing else, you’re not alone. Plus, you’ve got me, for whatever that’s worth.” He shot her a toothy smile, which caused her to chuckle.
“Honestly, I’m really only myself when I-” She stopped herself. He still didn’t know about her secret identity, and she was looking to keep it that way. Having a ‘normal’ friend was a nice change of pace. No expectations. “When I, uh, spar and stuff.”
“I know the feeling.” He nodded, his chest puffing out slightly. “Donning my guard armor feels good, y’know? Like I have purpose.”
“Hey, maybe I should be a Guard,” she thought out loud. “I’m going to the Captain’s Ball anyways.”
He looked at her, shocked. “That- that’d be great, honestly,” he said with a smile. “The Ball? Really?” he asked. Maybe… maybe I should ask her... he thought to himself, his cheeks flushing lightly. “Do you, um… d’you, by any chance… have a date to the Ball?”
“Not really,” she said flatly. “The Oranges are the guests of honor. I’m just kind of tagging along.” She flashed a smile. “The food is crazy, I hear.”
“I see…” he said. “Well… would it trouble you to… maybe go with me as my date?” he asked with bated breath.
“Nopony’s ever asked me on a date before,” she said with a devilish grin. “This has been one crazy birthday. Sure, I’ll go with you.”
It took a lot of restraint for Joules not to shout or leap upward in excitement. “Awesome,” he said calmly, smiling from ear to ear. “And happy birthday! I wish I’d have known, or I’d have-” he stopped, his smile turning into a mischievous grin. “Y’know what? You’ve had a long day, and I’m gonna make sure that your birthday at least ends on a good note. There’s a bakery not far from here that also serves as a pastry shop and restaurant. How about we swing by there and chow down on some fudge! My treat?”
She blinked at that. “... You remembered?”
“Well, yeah,” he said. “I remember fudge made you feel better on the train, so I figured it would help lift your spirits now.”
“You… I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t mention it,” he said with a warm smile. “If it helps you smile on your birthday, it’s worth it, I think.”
The next thing he knew, he saw Snow lunge at him, forelegs wrapping tightly around his neck in a hug. He blinked in surprise, about to speak, when he felt her trembling against him as her emotions began to get the better of her, tears streaming down her face. He gave a small sigh as he curled his forelegs around her frame, spreading his wings and bringing them around her. His wings engulfed her completely, shielding her from the outside world, even if for only a brief moment in time as she buried her face in his chest.
This… why do I feel so at peace like this? Is… is it him? I don’t want to let go… she thought to herself as she wept silently, Joules doing all he could to console her. After what felt like a long time, he felt her shift and start to pull away.
“Feel better?” he asked softly, using his wings to wipe her face clean. “I made sure no one saw.”
“Kinda,” she said, swallowing hard. “Do they… do they have peanut butter fudge…?”
“Why do you think I picked there?” he winked.
“Lead the way,” she said, leaning her head on his shoulder.
He blushed significantly at the affectionate gesture, before smiling and nodding as he draped a wing across her back, the two heading off together.