//------------------------------// // Episode 54: Perfect Hearths Warming? // Story: My Little Pony: Sparkling Harmony: Season Two // by Captain_Cosmos //------------------------------// It was busy in the town of Ponyville on cold winter day. It was a few days before Hearths Warming and everypony was hard at work with last minute preparations. In the Carousel Boutique, a certain Alicorn couple were in the middle of the final fittings for their Yule Ball attire. Sparkler stood on the stage in front of a bunch of mirrors. She examined her outfit for the Yule Ball. It wasn’t a dress as many would think she would wear, but rather a Tuxedo. An eye matching blue shaded Tuxedo with black collar wings and black flaps on either side that give the illusion of pockets, and a pin shaped like her cutie mark to the left of the row of buttons. Underneath was a typical white button down shirt, and around the collar was a bow tie that was colored the same as her eyes, And to cap it all off, her wings were proudly displayed through wing holes on the sides, not covered. “You did a nice job with this Tux Rarity.” She complimented her friend, who was busy pinning up the tux to fit Sparkler perfectly. “Thank you darling.” Rarity replied. “I will admit that I have not made many Tuxedoes before, but I nevertheless shan’t refuse a challenge.” She stated proudly, before frowning. “Though are you SURE you wouldn’t rather a beautiful dress? It is not too late for me to make one.” She told Sparkler. Sparkler refrained from letting out a loud groan. She had gone to Rarity a day after Twilight and Sparkler returned from their friendship mission to commission the tuxedo, and ever since then, Rarity had been trying her absolute hardest to get her to switch to a dress. “Rarity, I already told you why I much prefer a tuxedo.” She simply stated. “Yes yes. You want to blend in just enough that only Twilight notices you. Honestly Sparkler I do understand where you are coming from, considering your past experiences with these kinds of events.” Rarity replied. “But for the love of Celestia, just PICTURE it! You and Twilight, out on the dance floor, wearing a pair of dresses that compliment each other and scream to the crowd that your hearts belong to each other. How could you possibly think a Tux is better? Especially since this isn’t Saddle Arabia and you now KNOW that you can be yourself?” Rarity asked. Sparkler was about to answer, before a new voice beat her too it. “Because the Yule Ball is gonna be filled with Anti-Sparkler Nobles and they’ll be expecting her in an elaborate, easy to spot dress.” Said Twilight, who entered the room. “And I for one would prefer if she stayed as incognito as possible so that we can have a peaceful, romantic evening.” She finished. Twilight took the words right out of Sparkler’s mouth. They did talk about how the Nobles were in an uproar over her decision to remain out of royalty. “Don’t worry Twi, I certainly won’t be looking to talk to any of those—oh my Faust!” Sparkler caught one look at Twilight and her jaw dropped hard. Twilight was wearing one layer dress that went over her tail, the main color a dark shade of lavender, with accents varying in lavender shades. The sash was also the same color as one of the accents, just more glowing, and a gold badge with her star on it seemed to act as the non-centered centerpiece of the dress. In short, Twilight looked breathtaking in the dress that Rarity made for her. Twilight saw Sparkler’s reaction, and heard it, and giggled as she decided to do a slow 360 degree turn so that Sparkler could get a good look from all angles. “Like what you see?” She asked as she completed her 360. Like it? Sparkler LOVED it! “You looked absolutely STUNNING in that dress Twi!” Sparkler replied. “Of course she does!” Rarity chimed in. “This dress may just be my finest work! And to think, you could also have a dress like this, but in complementing colors, and a badge with YOUR Cutie Mark.” Rarity hinted towards Sparkler in another attempt to get her to change her mind. Sparkler sighed. “Look, Rarity, it’s not that I disagree with you. It’s just that I’ve always had bad experiences with dresses and I’m more a tux mare anyway.” She explained. Rarity sighed. Sparkler was very obviously not going to change her mind after all. “Very well darling. The Yule Ball shall be graced with your presence in a tuxedo. But…maybe think about wearing a dress for the next Yule Ball?” She asked hopefully. “Let’s see how this one goes.” Sparkler said. She couldn’t place a hoof on it, but she had a mildly bad feeling about this. Rarity nodded, taking it as a step in the right direction. She lit her horn and two small boxes came floating in. “Now, for the final pieces. Sparkler are you gonna where a bow to the Yule Ball?” Rarity asked Sparkler. “Yeah. The one that you made me for my birthday.” Sparkler replied. She had decided that the shinier blue Bow Rarity had gifted her, as well as the sweater, would be for special occasions. “Right.” Rarity responded. She hoofed the two boxes to Twilight and Sparkler. “The night of the Yule Ball, remember to wear these manepins.” She told them. Sparkler and Twilight took the boxes in their magic and opened them. Inside Twilight’s box was a manepin that resembled Sparkler’s Cutie Mark, and Sparkler’s Manepin resembled Twilights’. “Though one can always hope otherwise, those nobles are unfortunately likely to walk up to you, since Twilight is a princess. When that happens, these should help make it clear that you two are together.” Rarity explained. Twilight sighed. Rarity was right, those Nobles were sure to bother them. She shook her head and smiled. “Least now I have a piece of you with me Sparky.” She said with a giggle. “Same here Twily.” Sparkler replied with a giggle of her own. Rarity just smiled and shook her head. Knowing that the two would be wearing them from now on. “I shall admit Sparkler that I had wanted to add color to Twilight’s pin to really let it pop. But I decided against it for accuracy’s sake.” She explained, clearly talking about the fact that Sparkler’s Cutie Mark lacked color. Sparkler giggled and rolled her eyes. “Yeah yeah I know Rarity, my Mark isn’t the most colorful.” She said. “But it’s still yours and I prefer accuracy to color.” Twilight added, trotting up and pecking Sparkler’s nose with her lips. Sparkler giggled. She went to return the action, before she was stopped by a tingle in her horn, indicating an arriving Horn Pulse. Airwave: Sparkler. You done at Rarity’s? The Release Party is starting and we’re due to go on stage to start it off. Sparkler’s eyes widened. The Release Party! “Rarity are we done here?” She asked. “I believe so. Why?” Rarity responded. Sparkler nodded and lit her horn, changing out her tuxedo for her shiny blue sweater and Bow. “Because I need to get to Town Hall for Airwave’s Release Party.” She explained as she pinned her new mane pin into her mane. “Right. Airwave’s party is today.” Twilight remembered. Sparkler nodded and pecked Twilight on the nose. “I’ll see you there I hope?” She asked. “Don’t perform without me there.” Twilight responded. “Then be quick. Thanks for the Tux Rarity, but I gotta dash.” With that, Sparkler lit her horn and teleported away. Rarity smiled as she took Sparkler’s tuxedo, which she had saved from being discarded on the floor, and secured it to a ponnequin. “She seems excited about this party.” She commented. “It’s her label’s first ever release party. Wouldn’t you be excited?” Twilight asked with a giggle. “Indeed.” Rarity responded. “So, I trust you two have been practicing the Alicorn Winter Waltz?” She inquired. “We have.” Twilight replied. The Alicorn Winter Waltz was an ancient Alicorn tradition performed around this time of year. A tradition to be performed with a significant other. A stipulation that Twilight could now FINALLY uphold with Sparkler as her marefriend. “Although it’s strange.” She commented. “Strange Darling?” Rarity asked, not understanding what Twilight meant. “When I first told Sparkler about it, she was all for it. But also said that she had never done it before. And yet, when we did it the first time, she seemed to already KNOW what to do, which would mean she HAD done it before.” Twilight explained. “Really?” Rarity asked. “Yeah.” Twilight replied with a nod. “And she even admitted that she already knew what to do, but also said that she didn’t know where she learned it before. Or how.” Rarity listened to Twilight, and agreed that it was strange. “Now that is rather odd. Could the Waltz perhaps be something that’s just hardwired into the brains of natural Born Alicorns?” Rarity asked. “I don’t know.” Twilight replied. “It’s another piece of the mystery surrounding her.” “More questions arise as time goes on, but no answers.” Rarity commented. “What ever the answer is must be big.” “But do we want to know?” Twilight asked. “I suppose time will tell. Now, I believe you have a party to get to?” Rarity asked. “Right.” Twilight responded as she lit her horn to remove her gown and replace it with a Hearths Warming sweater. “Thanks for making us our Yule Ball outfits Rarity.” She said. “Your very welcome Twilight.” Rarity replied as she took Twilight’s gown in her magic. With that, Twilight trotted out of the boutique, leaving Rarity with her gown. “Tis most definitely the season.” She commented with a chuckle. Meanwhile, in Ponyville’s Town Hall, it was filled with the press, a few big names in music, and of course, Airwave, Sparkler, Flappy, and Lyrica, who were all backstage. All of them were there for one reason. Airwave’s Release Party. “Anypony else getting cold hooves?” Sparkler asked. “Squawk! Oh relax Sparkler. It’s Airwave that has to do most of the performing. Squawk!” Flappy replied. “Not for the first song.” Sparkler shot back. Lyrica and Airwave chuckled. “You’ll be fine Sparkler. You and Airwave sound amazing together.” Lyrica said. “Don’t you think we would’ve made the song in the first place if we didn’t?” Airwave asked. “Good point.” Sparkler relented. Flappy giggled. “Squawk! Alright, time for me to introduce you.” He said. He flew over to the mic and cleared his throat. “Squawk! Yo everypony! I’m Flappy Medley! Squawk!” He introduced himself. That got the crowd quiet as Flappy continued. “Squawk! You all know the reason we’re here. So I’m just gonna get to the good part and call to the stage the one, the only, Airwave! Squawk!” He said as he flapped away from the mic, the crowd cheered. “Ok Wavy! Time to rock this house.” Lyrica said, pecking him on the cheek. “Oh Sparkler and I are gonna rock it, just you wait..” Airwave replied with a chuckle as he winked at Sparkler. With that, he trotted up on stage to address the crowd. “What up everypony!” The crowd cheered in response. Airwave smiled. “Hope everypony’s having a great day. I just want to thank everypony for coming here. Today’s the day that my newest album drops and there’s actually a little surprise in there.” He revealed. “As all of you know, Lyrica and I have been working with Sparkling Harmony Records to continue on where we left off with Star Records. But while working with this new Label I met somepony very special, a pony who I’ve come to see as a star just waiting to shine. So today, you all are gonna meet this shooting star as she and I sing our first official joint song which is on my new Album. without any further ado, please join me in welcoming my friend, colleague, and producer, Sparkling Medley!” As the crowd cheered when Airwave introduced her, Sparkler took a deep breath. This was it. Hyping herself up, she trotted onto the stage, smiling and waving. “What up everypony? I just want to say it’s truly a real honor to work with Airwave. Our joint song is called Perfect Hearths Warming. We hope you enjoy it!” With that, Flappy started the music. 🎶Holidays are made for Happiness and cheer Ringing sleigh bells means A special time is near When I see the snow fall All around the tree That's the only gift I want this Hearths Warming When I wrote up my wish list To Santa Hooves this year I told him you're the one I'm missing And now that you're here This is a perfect Hearths Warming And I have all I need Now I know what it means To have a perfect Hearths Warming Everypony's side by side Living the dream of my Perfect Hearths Warming Oh, Perfect Hearths Warming Let's unwrap the presents Watch movies all night long You wear that ugly sweater We'll sing Hearths Warming songs We can build a snowpony Stories round the fireplace Cover the house with lights Catch every last snowflake This is a perfect Hearths Warming And I have all I need Now I know what it means To have a perfect Hearths Warming Everypony's side by side Living the dream of my Perfect Hearths Warming🎶 The lyrics came to an end and Sparkler and Airwave parted to reveal something that really made the crowd go awww. Kicker and Maddy trotted past them wearing Jingle bells. The next few seconds were Sparkler and Airwave following them in a mini parade, dancing until the music ended. After the music ended, the crowd cheered. Airwave smiled and trotted back to the stage. “Can we please take a moment and give Sparkler the round of applause she deserves? She’s the reason we’re all here today. You’re awesome Sparkler!” Airwave said as he clapped his hooves to her. The crowd followed suit, cheering and applauding Sparkler, who blushed. “Thanks everypony. Hehe.” She cleared her throat. While Airwave hopped off the stage and the party continued. Kicker turned and looked up at his mother. “Did Maddy and I do a good job?” He asked. “You two did wonderfully!” Sparkler replied as she nuzzled the both of them. “Thanks for doing that.” She added. “It was fun!” Kicker responded. Maddy barked happily and licked Sparkler’s face. She giggled in response. “Thank you too Maddy.” She said. “Sparkling Medley.” A new voice addressed her. Sparkler stood up and turned to see who said her name, and saw a pony coming up to her that she had caught a glimpse of, but didn’t believe had actually come until now. The pony smiled as he reached her and extended a hoof to shake. “Star Sound, formerly from Star Records.” Star Sound introduced himself. Sparkler somehow found it in herself to move her hoof to shake the hoof of quite possibly the biggest name in music. “M-Mr. Sound! I-I’m Sparkling Medley…Sparkler for short…uh…” He already knows your name! He literally just said it! Star Sound let out out a friendly chuckle. “I just thought I’d stop by and meet the mare who’s taking care of my favorite star in the absence of Star Records.” He explained. “Oh you have no idea Mr Sound.” Lyrica said as she approached them. “Sparkler’s been a MASSIVE help to us. Seriously, she definitely would’ve been a great music producer for Star Records if it hadn’t…well…” “I certainly believe it.” Star Sound replied. “You definitely have a talent for music Sparkler.” He told her. Sparkler felt like doing a loop the loop in the air. Was this really happening? Instead, Sparkler just smiled. “…Thank you Mr. Sound.” She said. “I look forward to following your career going forward Ms Medley. I see big things for your future.” Star Sound said, turning to Lyrica. “Do you know where Airwave is Lyrica?” He asked. “Over by the refreshments stand. Ooh! Try the Lemonade. It’s fantastic.” Lyrica responded. “I just might.” With that, Star Sound walked off to go find Airwave. Lyrica watched him go, and then turned Sparkler and smirked. “Never thought you’d meet him did ya.” Lyrica remarked. That broke all of Sparkler’s composure. “Oh my Faust that was Star Sound!” She exclaimed. Lyrica chuckled. “Yes that was. He’s great isn’t he?” She asked. “Is this what it feels like?” Sparkler asked. “That feeling you get when THE biggest name in music says that YOU have a special talent for music? Is this it?” She asked. Lyrica smiled. “Feels validating doesn’t it.” She said. Sparkler only nodded, still reeling from what just happened. She honestly never imagined that Star Sound, the biggest name in music, would praise her and her little operation. Yep. Today’s going in the record books as a high point in my life. She thought. Right then, she was brought back to reality by a loving kiss on the cheek. She blinked and turned to see Twilight smiling at her. “You and Airwave were amazing up there Sparky.” She said. Sparkler smiled. “So you did make it. What took you so long after the fact?” She asked. “You missed Star Sound praising me and my little operation.” She said. Twilight laughed. “I got caught by some press. Wanted my opinion on my marefriend and Airwave singing together.” That took Sparkler’s smile away and she started panicking for some reason. “D-Don’t worry Twi, Airwave and I are just friends, we’ll never—“ Twilight shut her up with a kiss on the lips, after a few seconds, she pulled away and smiled. “I know sweetie. Those press featherbrains can publish what they want. I know it won’t be true.” She assured Sparkler. Sparkler sighed and nodded. “Ok.” Kicker, who had remained quiet, and petting Maddy through all of that, smiled up at Mommy Twi. “Did you see me and Maddy out there Mommy Twi?” He asked. Twilight smiled down at him and leaned down to muzzle him. “I did. It was so cute!” She said. “Thank Faust I was already recording and taking pictures.” She said. Sparkler laughed. “Wouldn’t want to miss a single memory now would we.” She said. “Squawk! Nope. No we do not. Squawk!” Flappy replied as he came in for a landing on Sparkler’s back. All of them started chuckling. Until something happened to stop it. After a few seconds, a puff of gold smoke enveloped All of them. It soon dissipated to reveal a truly shocking. There, hugging Sparkler’s neck, was Flurry Heart. Everypony was in shock, Flurry seemingly came out of nowhere, Flurry however was giggling as she clung to Sparkler. Kicker was the first to come out of his shock and smiled. “Hey! It’s Cousin Flurry!” He exclaimed. That broke Twilight out of her shock and she lit her horn to take Flurry in her own hooves. “Flurry? What the heck are you doing here?” She asked. Flurry just giggled in response. Sparkler and Flappy came out of their own shocks. “Squawk! Did that filly just teleport all the way from the Crystal Empire?” Flappy asked. “No, no that can’t be the case…can it?” Sparkler asked. Twilight glanced at her friends…before getting an idea. On the Crystal Express that was passing near Ponyville, Shining Armor and Cadance were panicking. Flurry Heart had just teleported away and they didn’t know where she went. “Darn it Flurry! We seriously need to think about a horn ring for her. Block her magic for trips like this!” Cadance groaned. “They don’t make Filly sized rings!” Shining countered. “It would have to be custom made!” “Plus we don’t even know if it-“ Cadance was cut off when both she and Shining felt a horn pulse incoming, From Twilight. Twilight: Hey guys! You must be passing by Ponyville because Flurry just teleported right to Sparkler. So don’t worry, she’s safe. Cadance and Shining blinked, before they both sighed in relief. “She did the same thing as last time.” Shining concluded. Cadance nodded, then got an idea. “Ya know Shining, I bet Flurry and Kicker wouldn’t mind some bonding time. They are coming to Canterlot in a few days.” Shining smiled. “I’ll get Flurry’s things. You Horn Pulse them.” He said. Cadance nodded and Horn Pulsed Twilight. Cadance: Thank goodness Flurry’s at least with you guys. We should either find out what attracts Flurry to Sparkler, or find a way to stop her from doing that every time she’s within Sparkler’s range. Since you lot are coming to Canterlot in a few days anyway, I think Kicker and Flurry would like to have some cousin bonding time. Twilight: Sure. Sparkler and I can take her for a few days. Though we don’t have anything like diapers. Cadance: Shining will poof over Flurry’s things. Thanks Twilight. Later on, Sparkler, Twilight, Spike, and Flappy were busy making dinner while Flurry and Kicker played with Maddy. Sparkler glanced into the living room and smiled. “They’re certainly having a blast.” She commented. “That’s because Flurry is so fun to play with.” Twilight replied. “Squawk! When she’s not being a brat I’m sure. Squawk!” Flappy jokingly commented. “Excuse me but my niece could never be a brat.” Twilight pouted, trotting over and picking Flurry up in her hooves. “She’s just carefree and loves hanging out with her auntie Twily.” She said, making Flurry giggle. Sparkler chuckled. “Well, for now it’s time for the fun to end and for us to eat dinner.” She announced. “Come and get it!” She called, setting the table up. Kicker smiled and ran over to sit in his usual spot, while Twilight started to bring Flurry over, before Flurry suddenly frowned. Twilight noticed this and raised an eyebrow. “Flurry? What’s wrong?” She asked. Without warning, Flurry sneezed. And her horn glowed and let out a blast of magic. What happened next happened so fast. Sparkler saw where the blast was going and immediately moved herself between Kicker and the blast. She wrapped her wings and forelegs around her son to shield him. The blast struck her and enveloped both her and Kicker in a giant puff of gold smoke. The others watched in total shock, too scared to even move. Finally, the puff of smoke dissipated and everypony saw Sparkler again. Sparkler opened her eyes, looked down to where Kicker was, and her irises shrunk in absolute horror. Twilight saw her unmoving Marefriend, and gulped. “Sparkler? Kicker? You guys ok?” She asked, very worried. For a few seconds, nopony said a word, and then, Sparkler screamed. “EEEK! KICKER’S MISSING!!!!!!” To be continued...