//------------------------------// // S6 E8: A Hearth's Warming Tail, Part 2 (What If?) - Redo // Story: My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 15 // by SuperPinkBrony12 //------------------------------// Starlight Glimmer was currently pacing the floor in the library of the crystal tree castle that she lived in, waiting impatiently for Twilight Sparkle and Spike to come back. The reason for this was because, when last we had left Starlight, she had been in the middle of being read a story about the holiday of Hearth's Warming. It had all started when Twilight had asked Starlight if she was looking forward to celebrating the holiday of Hearth's Warming Eve, especially since a huge party was going on in the castle and Twilight was hosting it. "You ready to celebrate your first ever Hearth's Warming here in Ponyville?" Twilight had asked her student. Starlight had been quick to answer. "I was thinking maybe I could just skip the whole thing." "Skip Hearth's Warming?! Are you crazy?!" Spike had demanded upon hearing the unicorn's declaration. In response, Starlight had replied. "The holiday just doesn't do anything for me anymore, the magic's gone away." Not one to give up at the first sign of adversity, however, Twilight had proposed to her student. "Maybe you just haven't heard the right Hearth's Warming Eve story yet!" And she quickly revealed what story it was that she had in mind. "A Hearth's Warming Tail!" Twilight and Spike had then adjourned with Starlight to the castle library, allowing for the alicorn to retrieve the aforementioned story, which took the form of a well worn, heavy book. And when everyone was comfortable, Twilight had begun to read. "This is the story of a unicorn. Not just any unicorn, but a very powerful unicorn named Snowfall Frost." It wasn't long before the story began to take shape in the minds of all who heard it. In particular, Snowfall Frost was imagined to look a lot like Starlight Glimmer herself. "Bah humbug!" Snowfall had snapped in response to just about anything to do with the holiday, soon it making clear how she felt about it. "Work hard, learn and use your skills to better Equestria. I prefer to use my bits for far more productive measures." Yet after sending her assistant Ash (short for Ashley) Hatchet home, Snowfall had greeted by none other than her old partner, a creature who was a missmash of other creatures. "I was once your partner, Mr. D," And he soon explained the reason behind his visit, and his state of appearance: Namely his ghostly form and the chain he wore around his whole body. "I come back only to warn you, friend. You are headed down a dark path, one from which there is no escape." "What's with that wretched and horrible chain around your body?!" Snowfall had demanded of Mr. D. With a groan and a moan Mr. D had explained. "I wear the chain I forged in life. You wear such a chain yourself, you just don't realize it." "Speak comfort to me, old friend!" Snowfall had pleaded upon hearing such a statement. And Mr. D had replied. "Tonight, you will be haunted by three spirits." The first of the spirits arrived soon afterward, just as Mr. D had said. But not before Snowfall Frost had taken it upon herself to do something drastic. "I HATE Hearth's Warming! I hate it all! Everypony would be much better off if we just skipped the day entirely." But before the spell to erase the holiday could be cast, the first spirit arrived. It took the form of a young and slender looking pony with the wings of a pegasus and the horn of a unicorn, coated completely in white. "I am the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Past," It had introduced itself, before explaining. "You don't think a spell like yours could get by without some powerful forces noticing? You've certainly gotten our attention, Snowfall Frost." And before Snowfall knew it or even had a chance to react or protest, she was led along by the spirit into her past. Soon, she was seeing her past self attending a boarding school in a one room schoolhouse. All the while, she was told. "These are but shadows of the things that have been." Yet that did nothing to prepare the unicorn for the memories she was forced to relieve. The painful memory of her favorite teacher and father figure in Professor Flintheart coldly telling her. "That story about the windigos? It's just that, a story we tell little ponies to make them behave. I've never met a windigo and neither has anypony else. Real magic takes time to learn, it's not some fairytale." Things only got worse when Snowfall had to watch her past self fall in love with a red coated earth pony stallion named Peter, only for Peter to break off the engagement on Hearth's Warming Eve. "I fear an idol has replaced me in your heart. A golden idol," He had told her, and then left her after saying. "It's over, Snowfall. I release you." And then the present Snowfall had demanded of the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Past! "Show me no more." The spirit had obeyed, though not without telling Snowfall. "There are still two spirits you've yet to meet. Learn from them as you have learned from me." And it was the last thing she did before Snowfall placed a covering cap over the spirit's head, bathing her surroundings in blinding light! It was then that the story had been abruptly interrupted by a crash from downstairs and a voice calling out. "Oops, my bad!" Starlight had practically all but begged to hear the rest of the story. "What happens next?! How does the story end?!" And Twilight had reassured her student by making a deal with her. "If I go down there and see that my help isn't needed, I'll come back and we can finish the story together." So now, all Starlight Glimmer could do was to just stand around and wait. Wait for what felt like an eternity. But she had to know how the story ended, what supposedly would cause Snowfall Frost to change her mind. Little did the unicorn suspect how the story would progress. Just as Starlight had given up hope of ever hearing the rest of the story and had resigned herself to having to read the book herself, she was greatly relieved when her moderate blue persian eyes beheld the sight she'd been hoping to see: Twilight and Spike both returning to the castle library. And in Spike's case, he had a freshly filled mug of hot chocolate complete with two marshmallows floating at the top. "So, you really wanna hear the rest of the story, Starlight?" Twilight eagerly asked her student with a smile. Starlight Glimmer firmly nodded. "It was a slow start, but I'm definitely hooked now! I just have to know how it ends! Who are the other spirits?! What is it that makes Snowfall Frost change her mind?!" Twilight grinned as she motioned to both Spike and Starlight. "Well, everyone get comfortable, and I'll pick up where we left off. Trust me when I say, the best is yet to come!" Spike briefly sipped hot chocolate from his mug as he nuzzled close to Twilight. "I'm ready when you are! This is just like old times!" The young alicorn chuckled. "It certainly is." The unicorn mare couldn't help but comment. "I just can't believe I've never heard of this story until now." Twilight somewhat sheepishly admitted. "It is hard to find, admittedly. Not many copies of it still exist. I'm just lucky enough to have a copy that's been in the Sparkle family for generations," Then she cleared her throat and began to read aloud as the story resumed. "The flash of light eventually faded. And when it did, Snowfall Frost found herself back in her study, as if she'd never left in the first place." And the story began to again take shape in the minds of all who heard it. Snowfall had to take a moment to gather her senses. Everything she'd just witnessed, everything she'd been told. There was no way it could've been a dream, it all felt so real. But nothing had deterred her. "If that spirit thinks she can just persuade me not to cast this spell, she has another thing coming!" She vowed, readying her horn for the task at hoof. But just then, a clock inside of Snowfall's house struck the hour, chiming twice in the process. And when the clanging chimes fell silent, there came the sound of loud booms not unlike thunder. But these booms sounded more like the hoofsteps of something, of someone. Yet Snowfall Frost couldn't see anything or anyone. The booms grew louder, shaking the ground and giving the unicorn quite the fright as she dove to the floor and covered her ears! At last, however, the booming stopped. Snowfall slowly rose to her hooves. In the distance, a door magically appeared where it had not been a second ago. And there was a strange, warm glow surrounding it, like a fire or a brightly lit interior. "Enter, Snowfall Frost. Do not be afraid," A booming, jolly voice echoed from the other side of the door. "Come in. Come in and know me better, mare." Now remembering what Mr. D and the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Past had told her, Snowfall concluded that this was the calling card of the second spirit. This one sounded far more inviting. So she trotted over to the door, opened it and stepped through into the other side as the door swung shut behind her. Now Snowfall found herself in a room that sported a huge tree decorated with lights and with a shining star hanging on the top. There was a large fireplace with a splendid fire crackling away, giving the whole room a warm and comfortable feel to it. And when Snowfall looked up, she gasped at the sight that her eyes beheld! There stood a truly massive pony, this one having wings and a horn just like the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Past. But although this pony had a beautiful white coat, she did not appear to be transparent or see through. Her coat looked all too real, even though she had it drapped in a long, flowing, dark green robe. Atop the spirit's head was a reef, and in one hoof she held a torch. The winged unicorn/horned pegasus looked down, locking eyes with her visitor through her pale, light grayish pink eyes. She gave a hearty laugh and flashed a bright smile as she spoke in a jolly, cheerful tone. "I am the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Present! Look upon me, for you have never seen the likes of me before!" Snowfall Frost could not look away from the spirit. In fact, she found herself admitting. "Forgive me, spirit. I was not expecting you to be so... big." The spirit laughed again as she replied. "It's okay, I get that a lot," But then she commented. "You truly haven't seen the likes of me before. And therefore, I'll bet you've never walked forth with any of my elder sisters." Snowfall gasped in amazement! "I didn't know spirits could have siblings! How many older sisters do you have?" The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Present giggled. "Oh, far more than I can remember off the top of my head. But I know it's been almost a thousand. But I'm the lucky one, because I get to meet you. And I have so much to show you!" "You too wish to teach me something, spirit?" The glasses wearing unicorn inquired. "You bet your brass bells I do!" The spirit declared before unfurling her robe. "Here, touch my robe! Come on, I haven't got all night." Hesitantly and reluctantly, Snowfall reached out one of her hooves to touch the exposed rope. And as soon as she did so, she felt something take hold of her and then she was whisked away! When Snowfall Frost opened her eyes again, she found herself standing beside the Spirit of Hearth Warming's Present on a street corner just as the sun was beginning to peak over the horizon. "Welcome, Snowfall Frost, to Hearth's Warming Day!" The spirit proclaimed! And within seconds, the street corner was teaming with life from ponies of all ages and species. They trotted to and fro, chattering either amongst themselves or to and with others. But there was something Snowfall couldn't help but notice about the ponies she was seeing, particularly due to their choice of wardrobe. "You've brought me to the poorest district in the entire city, spirit. Why?" She questioned. The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Present retorted. "You misunderstand, Snowfall. This is the richest district! Rich in spirit, for they keep Hearth's Warming close to their hearts. They are the ones all my elder sisters have always been with since the beginning. They include the blind and the crippled, the ones deemed 'outcasts' by society." "But... how can there be so many of them here in Canterlot, Equestria's capital city?" Snowfall pondered. "How is it that the most affluent place in all of Equestria could be so full of those with nothing? Is there no help available to them?" "Are there no poor houses? Are there no prisons?" The spirit retorted, echoing Snowfall Frost's earlier statements, much to the unicorn's shock. "It is true that Canterlot is home to the richest of ponies in wealth and material things. But there are still those who struggle to make ends meet, those who have fallen behind through no fault of their own. They are always there whether other ponies see them or not. And yet, it is often those who have nothing who find the most reason to be thankful at this time of year." The unicorn could only scratch her head with a hoof. "I don't understand, spirit." The spirit only replied. "You may not understand it yet, Snowfall, but I tell you that before the night ends you will understand all too well. To be rich in wealth is not the same as to be rich in spirit. To live is not to be able to be truly alive," Then, suddenly, she noticed a pink coated earth pony filly whose coat was stained by dust and scratch marks. Despite this, the filly's innocent blue eyes were filled with wonder. "Ah, here comes a truly gifted pony. Watch her, Snowfall. And you will see what I mean," She smiled. "I think a song is coming on!" And sure enough, the filly began to sing as she bounced and trotted along, even if nopony but her was singing along. It was a performance for an audience of one, and a performance she was happy to sing loud and proud: Just take a look at everything around you. All the smells that surely will astound you. Open up your heart, and it will surround you. In the magic of Hearth's Warming! It's the little things that make it better. Little ponies spreading cheer. Give a toy, a hug, or a sweater. Memories will last all year! The present's always filled with presents! Large, medium and small! And sometimes the most important things. Aren't very big at all! As the filly sang, however, it was possible to see her joyous attitude spread to other ponies left and right. Before long, everypony on the street corner was singing and dancing to the imaginary beat, as the filly did a tap dancing solo. Then, the filly's eyes lit up with wonder as she passed a house and gazed into its brightly light window, observing a Hearth's Warming party that was ongoing! She fondly sang to herself! What a party, there's so much to see here. Who wouldn't want to be here? You'd have a blast, that I guarantee here. For this is the spirit of Hearth's Warming. Cider's flowing, this is living. Come on, feel the beat! Life is better when you're giving. And each time you do it feels sweet. The present's always filled with presents! Come on, open up your eyes! Spend time with ponies just like you. And watch as your spirits rise! The present's always filled with presents! Take a look around! The reason for the holiday. Is quite easily found! Yes, the real reason for the holiday. Is quite easily found! And the reason is to be with your friends! As she finished singing, the filly put her hooves together and made a shower of confetti appear between them where that hadn't been any confetti just a minute ago! "And the reason is to be with your friends!" Twilight sang out, her tone of voice making it sound like she was trying to imitate Pinkie Pie. However, she stopped upon noticing that Starlight was giving her an odd look. "What? Was it something I said?" Starlight shot her teacher a funny look as she seemed to be trying hard not to grin. "When Spike said you did voices, I didn't think he meant it like this. You were doing a Pinkie Pie voice just now. You did know that, didn't you?" "What?! No I wasn't!" Twilight insisted even as her cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment. But she knew it was a futile gesture when even Spike was laughing hard. So she instead coughed into a hoof. "A-anyway, let's get back to the story, shall we?" And she began to read again. "It was indeed a Hearth's Warming party that the little filly saw. And before Snowfall had a chance to react, she found herself not just looking at the party but actually witnessing it in its entirety." What surprised Snowfall Frost the most about the party was who the host was. It was a familiar unicorn mare with a snow white coat and sapphire blue eyes that sparkled like diamonds! It was her Cousin Glow, her only living relative! This was the Hearth's Warming party she'd invited Snowfall to the day prior. "Yes, yes, it's true, I tell you," Glow giggled while chattering with some party guests. "Auntie Snowfall really did declare the holiday a humbug. And she found it silly that I'd fallen in love and am going to get married. Can you believe it?" And several of the party guests broke into fits of laughter. However, Glow then commented. "I only wish Aunt Snowfall could be here to see this party. I think she'd agree that her vision of a perfect Equestria looks a lot like this party. We've all worked hard over the year, learned a lot, and used our skills to host this party and just gather here," Then she added. "And upon my wedding, I am going to establish my very own boutique right here in the city! There are so many ponies who can scarcely afford a good meal, let alone clothes to protect them from the elements. I truly believe I could make a difference in their lives. Far more of a difference than Aunt Snowfall hoarding her bits all to herself." Snowfall felt a pang of guilt hit her square in the muzzle. Was this how other ponies saw her? As somepony to be made fun of? To speak ill of behind her back or when she was not there? "It's funny," The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Present spoke up, snapping Snowfall out of her mental ponderings. "For a pony who wears glasses, it seems there's much you can't see." "I... never knew others felt this way," Snowfall confessed as she struggled to find the words. "But, I thought my work could make a difference. If I could learn how to cast spells, I could unlock the secrets of life. I could transform anything into whatever I wanted. Have I been throwing away my talents all these years?" The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Present just replied. "Nopony is an island, Snowfall Frost. Nopony is meant to do everything by themselves. One little pony all by themselves cannot change the world. It is only when their actions inspire others, that one little pony can make a difference in the lives of their fellow ponies," Then she gestured to the window. "You must be curious about that filly. About who she belongs to." Snowfall nodded her head. "The thought had crossed my mind." "Well, come along, then," The spirit instructed as she held out her robe again. "There is one more stop we have to make. But be warned, you may not like what you see." Still a bit hesitant, Snowfall Frost nevertheless touched the spirit's green robe and felt herself flying along through the city skyline. But the journey soon ended as pony and spirit touched down outside an inconscipicuous house far away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Canterlot. It was very much on the city's outer limits, and was the only house at this odd hour with lights still on. "Wait!" Spike called out as he interrupted the story again! "Could we take a quick break? I need to refill my cocoa." "Again?" Twilight questioned. "Didn't you refill your mug during our last break?" Spike willingly admitted. "Yeah, but I already drank it all. I promise, I won't chug it all down this time!" He jumped down from the sofa and ran off while shouting! "I'll be right back!" Reluctantly, the alicorn agreed even as she groaned. "Fine, but hurry up. You know we're getting to the best part of the story! And the most important part, I might add." Luckily for the ponies, Spike was indeed back quick as a flash and with a fresh mug filled to the brim with hot chocolate. He got back into his earlier position, got comfortable and nodded to Twilight. "Okay, I'm ready. Proceed." "Okay then," Twilight Sparkle agreed and cleared her throat. "Snowfall eyed the humbe little brick building with curiosity. Something about it nagged at her, refusing to leave her alone." Snowfall Frost was deep in thought as she looked into a first floor window, pressing her face up against the glass. She could see what appeared to be a kitchen, and in it stood a tall and lanky earth pony stallion with an orange coat. His mane and tail were also orange, though not the same shade of orange as his coat. He had eyes an unusual shade of green and a cutie mark depicting three cut carrot cakes. He was wearing a brown jacket that looked torn in many places, and offered very little protection against the cold. To either stand of the stallion stood two foals: One was a pegasus colt with a light goldish gray coat, dark grayish-brown eyes and a brown mane and tail. And the other was a unicorn filly with a light yellow coat, brilliant blue eyes and a light orange mane and tail. Their cutie marks depicted some type of cakes or treats. "Father?" The pegasus colt asked out of the blue. "When will Mother be coming home? I'm getting hungry." "Yeah!" The unicorn filly chimed in. "Me too!" And she licked her lips and sniffed the air. "Oh, the food smells so good!" The stallion looked up and lightly laughed as he playfully scolded. "Now Tim, Tilly, you know the rules: We must wait for the whole family before we eat. Your little sister especially needs as much nutrition and energy as she can get," In a more serious tone of voice he added. "Maker knows she has enough trouble as it is with her condition, especially when she gets excited." Just then, Tim looked out the very same window Snowfall was looking into. He couldn't see her or the spirit, but he could see the faint outline of two earth ponies in the distance. He buzzed his wings in excitement as he shouted! "I see her! I see Mother! And she's got Tiny Timantha with her!" Tilly ran to the same window, and sure enough she could see a plump earth pony mare with a frosting blue coat and a pink mane and tail made to look like cupcake frosting. Atop her mane was resting a pink coated filly with a mane and tail also pink that looked like cotton candy. Said filly was holding onto a crutch as she bounced up and down on the elder earth pony's mane with every step. It was then that Tim got an idea! "Quick!" He shouted to his sister and his father! "Let's hide! Oh, it'll be the perfect surprise!" "What a great idea, Tim!" Tilly agreed! "Come on, Father, I know the perfect hiding place!" And all three earth ponies quickly ducked under the table in the room adjacent to the kitchen. As all this was unfolding, the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Present was looking to Snowfall with the most unusual expression upon her face. It was one that seemed to convey a look of "I know something you don't know". But all she said in reply was the following question. "Have you visited this dwelling before?" "No, spirit, not once." Snowfall truthfully confessed. The spirit seemed to snort a bit even as her overall cheerful attitude did not fade. "Just as I thought," And then she said to Snowfall Frost. "Do you not know the home of the family of the pony who has worked so hard for you these many long years?" At that, the unicorn gasped! "You mean... this is Ash Hatchet's place?! She has a family?!" The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Present nodded. "Indeed it is, though few would ever know. Yet is it here you will see what the true spirit of Hearth's Warming is like," And she brought up a hoof in a shushing motion. "Now, let us watch and observe." Ashley Hatchet and the filly Snowfall assumed was the "Tiny Timantha" the colt had spoken of approached the Hatchet house. When they were close enough, Ash let Timantha down gently and trotted alongside the little filly as the two made their way to the front door. The door swung open slowly, and a light flickered on. That was when Tim and Tilly emerged from their hiding place, shouting together! "Surprise!" And Ash Hatchet's husband trotted up a moment later, nuzzling his wife and kissing her on the cheek. "Welcome home, my dear," Then he asked. "How was little Timantha today?" "Oh, she was as good as gold, really!" Ash Hatchet said with a sincere smile while patting the little filly gently on the forehead. "I wish you could've seen it, Bob. The way she carried herself while we were coming back from seeing her relatives, it was enough to make the blind see and the crippled trot." "And I saw the biggest, bestest, most awesomest Hearth's Warming party ever!" Tiny Timantha excitedly exclaimed, only to start coughing consistently as a result. Ash Hatchet quickly spoke up to settle the filly down. "Now now, Tiny Timantha. That's quite enough. You know what happens when you get excited. It's not good for you. You must let your lungs rest, doctor's orders." The pink coated filly seemed to reluctantly agree, ceasing in her excited prancing and taking a few deep breaths. "I know, Mommy. I know. But that party was just so... incredible! I wish I could throw a party like that for all of us! It would be so much fun." "As much fun as a big Hearth's Warming Day feast with your whole family?" Bob Hatchet inquired. "I made all your favorites, including the desserts." At that, Tiny Timantha's eyes went wide! The same look she had displayed when seeing that Hearth's Warming Party earlier were now displayed in her innocent blue eyes. They sparkled and shone so brightly they could've lit up the entire sky at any time of day or night. "Oh, Daddy, you shouldn't have!" She lept up and immediately gave the stallion as big a hug as her little body was capable of. Bob Hatchet smiled as he gently set the fily back down on the ground. "I figured you'd say that. You and your siblings go wash up, then join your mother and I at the dining room table and we'll all feast together." The pink coated little earth pony gave a salute. "Yes sir!" Then, with the aid of her crutch she walked away as best she could, leaving the Hatchets alone to get lost in each others' gaze. Snowfall had seen the whole thing unfold, realizing that much like with the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Past she could see but not touch or speak when viewing the lives of other ponies. She and the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Present were silent, invisible observers. And there was something that kept nagging at the back of Snowfall Frost's mind as she watched the Hatchet family get ready for their big feast, especially since she could see they had very little in the way of food and that their "feast" was void of many of the usual menu items served for such an occasion. "I don't understand it, spirit," She willingly admitted. "They have so little. They're not like my Cousin Glow who lives in luxury. They couldn't even pass for middle class. How can they be so cheerful and full of life?" The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Present looked to Snowfall and said bluntly to her. "Their happiness lies in something apparently quite foreign to you, Snowfall." "And what would that be?" Snowfall pondered. "Love." Was all the spirit said in reply, and it was all she needed to say. That single, simple word spoke volumes. It was visible for all to see throughout the household. It wasn't long before the entire Hatchet household was reclining at table, settling in to sample their portions of food and drink. Yet before anypony could think of digging in, Ash Hatchet tapped a spoon against her glass and cleared her throat. "Everypony, before we enjoy this delicious meal together, I'd like to propose a toast." "A toast?" Tim, Tilly and Tiny Timantha all wondered. "To who?" Ash Hatchet smiled as she answered. "To the founder of this feast: My employer, Miss. Snowfall Frost." Yet Bob Hatchet immediately snorted and rolled his eyes. "Ashley, darling, must you joke on a day like this? You don't really believe Snowfall Frost could be considered in such a light." Ash Hatchet nodded back. "I most certainly do. After all, she was kind enough to give me the day off. The first day off she's ever given me in the long years I've worked for her. Anypony who could do that can't be all bad." Bob Hatchet's mood didn't change as he bitterly remarked. "'The founder of this feast' indeed! If she were here right now, I'd certainly give her a piece of my mind to feast upon! And I'd hope she would choke on it!" The plump earth pony mare quickly pleaded. "But my dear, 'tis Hearth's Warming Day." The stallion only replied. "Indeed. Only on a day such as Hearth's Warming Day could one possibly raise a toast and lift a glass to a pony like Snowfall Frost," And without being prompted to he laid bare his contempt for the rich mare. "She is selfish, stuck-up, self-centered, why there aren't enough in the dictionary to describe the kind of pony she is," Then he sighed deeply and sank back in his chair, perhaps resigning himself to the fact that he was the only pony in the room who thought the way he did. "All the same, I suppose you have a point, my darling Ashley." Ash Hatchet smiled. "Thank you, Bob. I'd rather not have to argue with you on Hearth's Warming Day." Bob nodded, though he still saw fit to give his two bits. "I'll toast to her health for your sake, and for the sake of the holiday, but certainly not for her sake," He reluctantly raised his glass, instructing the children to do the same. "Everypony, a toast: To Miss Snowfall Frost, who I'm certain will be very, very happy on this Hearth's Warming Day!" "To Snowfall Frost!" Ash Hatchet and the children all said in unison as they lifted their glasses, lightly tapping them against each other. Then they set them back down, and everypony began to eat their fill of the food on their plates and on the table. Unknown to the family of five, Snowfall had seen and heard everything. She hadn't expected the words to sting so much, yet like a barb they had pierced her icy heart. Looking down at her own hooves, she seemed to be thinking to herself. "Is this what it's like to care for others? To care what other ponies think of me? Have I truly convinced everypony that I'm a monster?" Suddenly, however, as if she knew what Snowfall was thinking (even though such a thing should be impossible), Tiny Timantha ceased in her eating. She swallowed her food and spoke up. "Miss. Snowfall Frost can't truly be an awful pony. It must be pretty lonely for her not to have anypony to call her friend, and to have only one cousin for family. Nopony should ever be alone, especially on Hearth's Warming Day," She then declared. "I think we should all get her a Hearth's Warming present, or at least a card. That way she'll know that she's not all alone." Ash Hatchet couldn't stop herself from tearing up a bit. "Bless your big heart, Tiny Timantha. Always thinking of others, even when nopony would blame you for thinking of yourself. Oh, Bob and I don't deserve to be blessed with a pony as pure and innocent as you." "Oh, there there, Mommy," Tiny Timantha spoke up as her smile grew wider and brighter. "There's no need to get upset. After all, it's Hearth's Warming Day, the most wonderful day of the year. Nopony in their right mind should be sad," Yet as she finished speaking, she began coughing once again. And in between fits she apologized. "Sorry. I promised to rest my lungs. I'll be quiet now." Now filled with a sense of dread, Snowfall Frost nervously turned towards the Spirit of Hearth's Warming present. Hesitantly, nervously and reluctantly she asked. "Spirit, tell me... and be honest. What's going to happen to that child? Will she be alright?" The spirit simply looked upon the little filly and then replied in an ominous, slow tone of voice. "The future is... clouded. It is impossible for me to say for sure. But I do know this, Snowfall," She looked towards the child and answered. "I see a vacant seat in the poor chimney corner. And a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved. If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, the child will not get better. The family will resort to desperature measures to try to save her, but they may not be enough." "No!" Snowfall gasped to herself, reacting as if she'd just been stabbed! The spirit then coldly went on to say. "But then, why should that concern you? Why should it concern anypony? What difference could your bits make? There's too many poor ponies in the world as it is," She spun around and fixed her gaze on Snowfall Frost as she concluded. "Or so I've heard." The glasses wearing unicorn realized in an instant what the spirit was doing. "You... use you my own words against me, spirit." The winged unicorn/horned pegasus pointed out. "Well, that's what you believe, is it not?" "Was what I believed, spirit, but now I know!" Snowfall admitted as the tears began to well up inside her! "She's not a broken toy or some face in the crowd! She's a child!" Desperately, she turned to the spirit and pleaded! "If she were yours, you would want to see her grow! You would want her to get better! Please, tell me that these things may yet be changed! That the child's future is not set in stone!" However, before the spirit could reply, the clanging chimes and the ringing bells of the local clock tower rang out! The clock was slowly but steadily moving towards the midnight hour! Had time moved that fast?! As the chimes echoed across the land, the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Present began to age and began fade as an ominous mist began to set in around her. "I cannot say any further. It seems my time has come at last." "W-what do you mean?! Please, spirit, don't leave me!" Snowfall Frost desperately pleaded! "I have to know about Tiny Timantha!" "It is out of my hooves, Snowfall," The spirit weakly replied as her long and flowing, rainbow colored mane and tail began to turn a dull shade of gray. "My time in this realm is very short. It will end upon the stroke of midnight. And so, I leave you in the company of the final spirit: The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come. Her lesson will be the hardest of all to bare. But bare it you must, if only for your own sake." "W-wait!" Snowfall pleaded as she tried to stop the spirit from leaving. But then her eyes noticed something. It looked like hooves sticking out from under the spirit's robe. "What's that underneath you?" "Oh, you notice them?" The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Present commented in a raspy tone of voice. "Not many do, even though they are always among us," She pulled back her robe, and out crawled a scrawny looking earth pony colt and filly. "The colt is ignorance and the filly is want. Fear them both, but especially fear the filly." Gulping, the unicorn nervously asked. "Are they yours, spirit?" The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Present could only reply. "They are pony kind's. Born of pony kind's inactions and neglect, willful or otherwise." And as she spoke, the colt and the filly underwent startling transformations, all the while the clock continued to chime and the bells continued to toll! Then, as quickly and mysteriously as they had arrived, the colt and the filly vanished. And when the last chime for the midnight hour had expired, so too did The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Present, who faded away in a glowing shower of sparkles. Snowfall was surprised when she was not brought back to her house and to her study as she had when the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Past had left her. Yet now she could hear the clock chiming again, this time it chimed and the bells rang out only three times. It struck Snowfall that the entire display she had just witnessed had taken only an hour, despite witnessing a full day's worth of Hearth's Warming festitivies. Now, however, she could see nothing at all except snow. Snow fell all around her, blown around by strong, bitting winter winds that stung at the exposed parts of her body. Fog lay everywhere. Suddenly, as Snowfall Frost took a step back, she felt something brush up against her. She turned around, finding herself facing a tall, dark figure whose entire body was obscured by a long, black cloak. And this mysterious figure spoke not a word despite how much it towered over the unicorn. Still, the glasses wearing unicorn gulped and plucked up courage. "Am I to assume that I am in the presence of the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come?" She asked, and received what appeared to be a nod even as the figure didn't say a word. "Spirit," She willingly confessed. "Know that I fear you more than I fear any other specter I've met tonight. But like the others, I know your aim is to teach me a lesson. I will not run from it, I will hear what you have to say. Your will be done. Lead me where you will. But... tell me one thing," Hesitantly, she inquired of her guest. "Are these the shadows of things that will be, or the shadows of things that may yet be?" The spirit merely pointed a hoof as the blinding snow and fog lifted a little, showing a very familiar looking facade in the middle of the city. Snowfall at once recognized the place as her own home. Except now it seemed that all light had been snuffed out. Looking back to the spirit, she realized that it wanted her to enter. "I would if I could, spirit," She admitted as she stood frozen on the spot. "But I've not the courage. I am afraid." Still, the spirit said nothing as it merely urged Snowfall Frost onwards. Soon, she was standing outside the door to her workshop. Instantly, a thousand horrible images flashed through her mind as the unicorn thought about what gastly sight might await her on the other side. And because of those images, she turned back to the spirit and pleaded with it. "Spirit, please, I do not wish to see what's on the other side. I know already that such a fate is what awaits me should I continue to neglect the holiday," Shuddering with fright she then insisted. "Show me some tenderness connected with a life, any life." Yet even though the spirit brought Snowfall back outside, it didn't show her anything further. "W-well?" Snowfall questioned as she looked up a the spirit. "Aren't you going to show me some happiness? Even if my own future is bleak, or," She gulped. "I have no future, surely others are not the same," An idea came to her then and there. "S-show me the Hatchet family! Show me that Tiny Timantha is okay!" However, it was then that the spirit chose to reveal its face, revealing itself as a dark blue coated winged unicorn/horned pegasus. Its gaze fell upon Snowfall as it spoke in an echoy, cold tone. "I cannot do that, Snowfall Frost. It is too late. The future has already been changed." "W-why? What do you mean?" Snowfall demanded. "And why is it so cold and snowy?" The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come only coldly replied. "I'm surprised you haven't figured it out already for yourself. Why else do you think I was leading you towards that door? There are no Hearth's Warmings left for me to show. You will succeed in erasing the holiday for all time, as you wished." The glasses wearing unicorn gulped. "Then, what happens to everypony else?" But rather than reply with words, The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come sang in a dark and ominous voice: I see a cold wind blowing through. And I see days neither fun nor free. I see a future caused by you! Yet I also see a path not meant to be! But the days ahead are only dark and tragic. There's no time for hope when all is strife! Whatever there might have been. All the dreams that ponies share. Now, because of you, Snowfall Frost! The future is only a cold nightmare! As the spirit finished singing, Snowfall's eyes beheld a most eerie sight that almost made her drop dead from fright! Horses made of clouds, snow and ice. She knew at once what they were! "What?! Windigos?!" She gasped in disbelief, watching as the mythical creatures and the blizzards they created lay waste to everything and everypony in their path. "But... they aren't real! They're just a fairytale, a little filly's story!" The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come could only shake her head and firmly scold. "They are all too real, Snowfall, and your actions will allow them to return. The future of Equestria shall be bathed in a blanket of eternal snow and ice! That is the fate you've brought upon it. That is the future that awaits you and all of ponykind! I cannot change it or stop it!" Snowfall had heard enough! She immediately lept up and grasped the edge of the spirit's cloak, locking eyes with it as she desperately pleaded! "No! I never meant for any of this to happen! I didn't know! But I see now! I understand! I didn't see how important Hearth's Warming really was until now!" The Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come said nothing. Snowfall continued to drastically and desperately plead! "Please, spirit! I can change! I will live in the past, the present and the funture! Let me go back! I haven't cast the spell yet! Is there still time?! Tell me there's still time to make things right! I'm sorry! I won't try to erase the holiday ever again! Whatever wrongs I've done in the past, it doesn't have to define my future or Equestria's future! Please, send me back!" And then she fell to the ground with tears in her eyes. Then everything went dark. Slowly but surely, Snowfall Frost opened her eyes. She found herself back in her workshop in her own home once again. Looking down at herself, she saw that her hooves were solid. She was alive and well. Had it all been just a dream? A terrible nightmare brought about from stress? No, it had all been real. Snowfall was sure of it. And she knew immediately what she had to do! "What was I thinking?!" She said to herself as she used her magic to take the cauldron containing her spell off the burning hearth. She rushed out and into the kitchen, immediately pouring the concotion down the kitchen sink as she vowed! "Never again!" Snowfall was briefly terrified when she thought she saw a windigo emerge from the drain, giving off a faint whiny before it disappeared into thin air! With that little detail satisfied, Snowfall then ran to her bedroom and threw open the bedroom window as she looked down on the streets below! "You there!" She called out to a passing by earth pony colt with brown patches on his fur. The colt looked up at Snowfall. "Me, ma'am?" He asked with uncertainty. "Yes, you," Snowfall nodded. "What day is today?" "Today? Why, today is Hearth's Warming Day of course!" The little earth pony declared. Upon hearing this confirmation, Snowfall Frost became overjoyed as she whispered to herself! "They did it?! All in one night?! What am I saying?! Of course they did it! They're spirits, they can do whatever they like!" Then she appeared again at the window and called down to the colt. "Thank you, young stallion." And then, donning her top hat and straightening her scarf, she collected a huge sack of bits and set off to be on her merry way. There was lots she wanted to do! The unicorn's first stop was to greet the wall eyed pegasus mare, and the earth pony stallion accompanying her. "Excuse me, my fellow ponies." She cheerfully greeted as she found them on a street corner not far from her house. The wall eyed pegasus jumped back in surprise. "Ah, M-Miss Snowfall Frost. W-what a... nice surprise." "Indeed it is," Snowfall replied as she then declared. "I wish to make an adjustment to my earlier statement about donation." And she pulled the two ponies close and whispered into their ears. The earth pony stallion's eyes went wide! "Great whickering stallions! Are you sure, Miss. Snowfall Frost?! You wish to be put down for that?!" "Oh, you drive a hard bargain," Snowfall Frost laughed as she opened up the sack of bits. "Very well. I had planned on giving just half of this large sum, but take the whole thing if you insist. Spend it wisely, for I'm sure the poor will greatly appreciate it!" And then she trotted off with a spring in her step, all the while humming a merry little tune to herself. Soon afterward, Snowfall had the good fortune to bump into her Cousin Glow as the mare with a pristine white coat was on her way back to her house. "Aunt Snowfall?" Glow blinked in surprise. Snowfall smiled. "Indeed, it's me, cousin. And I want you to know, you can count on me for that big Hearth's Warming party you're throwing. I mean it." Glow could hardly believe her eyes and ears! "You... you wish to come and dine with me after all these years?! Oh, Auntie!" She exclaimed as she had to resist the urge to faint! "Whatever it is that has brought about this change in you, I like it! I hope this is permanent!" "Indeed it is," The glasses wearing unicorn admitted. "In fact, here. I got you a little something. It's the best I could I do on short notice." She sheepishly admitted. Glow ripped open a large package presented to her, and in her magic she took hold of a bottle of a strange, pinkish-purple colored liquid. She read the label: "Dragon Toenail", and blinked slowly. Snowfall Frost blushed. "Sorry. I promise I'll do better next time." Glow only chuckled. "Nonsense, Auntie. It's the thought that counts after all," And then she questioned. "When shall I expect you for the party?" "Not for a while still," The unicorn mare with the top hat and glasses replied. "There's something I need to take care of first. Something long overdue." And off she trotted again. Eventually, Snowfall Frost's journey brought her to the house of the Hatchets. This was the most important stop she had to make today. She took a moment to compose herself, adjusting her glasses and her top hat so that she looked her best. Then, hesitantly, she brought up a hoof and knocked on the door. The door was answered by Bob Hatchet, who took one look at Snowfall Frost and frowned. "Oh, it's you," He bitterly remarked with narrowed eyebrows. "Have you come here to force my darling Ashley back to work?! Well if so, you've got another thing coming! I've had it up to here with your treatment of her!" But the familiar voice of Ashley Hatchet insisted. "Bob, sweetie, it's okay. I can handle this," She slowly trotted up to the front door and locked eyes with her employer. "Uh, hello, boss. Is something the matter?" Snowfall only replied by asking. "What are you doing here on a day like this?" Ashley gulped and plucked up courage. "You gave me the day off, boss. Remember?" "Really?" Snowfall slowly blinked as she seemed to be struggling to maintain her composure. "I, Snowfall Frost, gave you a day off from work?" "Um, yes?" Ash gulped anew as she tried not to shrink from her boss' gaze. Snowfall Frost humphed and swished her tail! "Well, I won't stand for it, Ashley! Not a chance! I've had it up to here with the way you've been working! And therefore..." She paused, realizing she was sounding perhaps a tad bit more forceful than she wanted to sound. "Therefore, I am about to raise your salary!" "Oh, is that so?" Ashley remarked. "Well you can't fire me, I..." But then the words slowly sank in. "Wait? You're... giving me a raise?" The glasses wearing unicorn firmly nodded as she embraced Ash in a hug. "Indeed I am. And officially making you my parter: Snowfall Frost and Ashley Hatchet. I'll come up with a better company name eventually," Then she added. "By the way, I know about that child you and Bob are taking care of: Tiny Timantha." "Her?" Bob and Ashley blinked in unison. Snowfall Frost smiled. "I'll see to it that she has access to only the finest doctors in the land, the best medicine known to pony kind. And if that's not enough, I'll personally arrange for her to accompany me to the seaside. Baltimare's sea air should do wonders for her lungs." With tears in her eyes, Ashley had to pause for a moment to blow her nose. "Oh, Snowfall! You really shouldn't have! But I'm glad you did!" And it wasn't long before the entire Hatchet family knew of the happy news. "And from then on, it was always said that of all the Hearth's Warming Eve celebrations, Snowfall's was the Hearth's Warmingest." Twilight concluded as she finished reading the story, preparing to close the book and put it back where she had found it. But Starlight saw fit to ask. "Wait? What about Tiny Timantha?" Twilight smiled as she read a little bit further. "And to Tiny Timantha, who did indeed get better, Snowfall Frost became like an aunt to her. In fact, the filly was heard to say on that joyful day 'May Faust bless us, everyone!' The end." Then she closed up the book, and used her magic to carefully return it to the shelf from which she had retrieved it. "Wow!" Starlight Glimmer exclaimed as she slowly rose from her seat. "That was actually a really good story, Twilight. I wish I'd have heard it years ago." The young alicorn smiled. "Well, better late than never. And I hope you'll look forward to hearing it every year on Hearth's Warming Eve. You're part of the family now, Starlight." Spike nodded while playfully ribbing the unicorn in the side a little. "Yup. You'll make a great big sister." Then Twilight told her student. "Well, Starlight, you're welcome to come and join the fun downstairs if you wish. Or you can call it a night and go to bed. Spike and I will try to keep the noise down a little, no promises though." The unicorn mare then watched as alicorn and dragon left the library and headed back downstairs to join the gathered crowd in celebrating the holiday of Hearth's Warming. For a while, she just stood there. Then, she trotted over to a balcony overlooking the main foyer, content to be an observer for a little bit while she contemplated her options. Try as she might, Starlight found that she couldn't push her thoughts about the holiday away. And now, memories long suppressed began flooding back to her in an instant. Memories of Hearth's Warmings spent with Sunburst and his family, waiting long into the night and finding it hard to sleep as she waited for the coming day. Or memories with her own family, with her father coming home from work to spend it with her no matter what. Starlight soon realized that she longed for those joyful memories of yesteryear, to once again be part of the fun. It seemed the magic of the holiday hadn't truly left her after all. It had always been there, waiting for her to come back. And now she had. With her mind made up, Starlight Glimmer trotted downstairs as she was soon noticed by none other than Twilight Sparkle. With a smile on her face, Twilight extended a friendly greeting towards the unicorn. "Welcome to the party! Glad you could make it! Happy Hearth's Warming, Starlight." And Starlight replied. "Happy Hearth's Warming, Twilight." Then, with joy in her heart just like Snowfall Frost in the story, Starlight began to sing: Hearth's Warming Eve is filled with presents. And some take you by surprise. A story shared by your good friends. That makes your spirits rise. Sometimes you just let go of the past. And enjoy the present while it lasts. And really it's not that much to ask. With good friends by your side. Oh, now it's time to celebrate! "Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again!" The chorus chimed in! All together, feeling great! Starlight happily sang back, and joined the choir in singing! Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again! Then Starlight took the lead in singing her own part: Can hardly wait! We'll party 'til late! It's our favorite date! And then, joining hooves with Twilight, Spike and countless others, Starlight joined the crowd in singing triumphantly all at once!: Hearth's Warming Eve is here once a— Happy, happy Hearth's Warming Eve! Happy, happy Hearth's Warming Eve! Hearth's Warming Eve is here once again! Thus, Starlight Glimmer found herself expericing true happiness on Hearth's Warming Eve for the first time since she couldn't remember when.