//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: Twelve Days of ChristMinty // by Twilyx360 //------------------------------// Minty was in the center of town. All by herself. She looked around and saw the tree. But she didn’t see any presents. But instead, she saw ponies in black robes in front of it. One of them spoke. “Why are you here?” Asked one of them. Minty was taken aback. She actually didn’t have a response. “I uh. Don’t know… I just want to see some old friends I guess.” She said. “Then go home. They don’t like you anymore.” Said another one of the figures. Just then they pulled out sharp blades that were painted like candy canes. “Get out!” They all screamed at her. “W-why?” Asked Minty. And then something terrible happened. The tree was on fire. “You ruined everything. Get out!” Said the figures. “But wait. I didn’t do that!” Said Minty. The figures ran up to her and stabbed at the ground as she ran off. Just then the snow turned into soap. And the figures appeared on either side trying to stab her, but they all missed. Until she bumped right into one of them. And it screamed. “You never improved! You always ruin everything! We hate you!” Said the figure as it slashed at her. === Suddenly Minty Woke Up. “Agh! Oh. It was a nightmare…” she said in relief. She looked at the clock and figured it was time to head out. She put on her socks and walked out of the room uneasy. === After a little stroll through the town. Minty and Derpy made small talk as They made it to the town center. Where a giant tree is set in the center with plenty of presents below. There was one noticeable detail though. The fire of friendship was missing. “Where is the tree topper?” Asked Minty. “Oh, they’re about to put it up today. That’s why I wanted you to come along.” Said Derpy. Just then three unicorns, earth ponies and pegasi held hooves around the tree and closed their eyes. And then it happened the three unicorns fired magic beams at the top of the tree creating the Heart shaped fire of friendship on top. And everypony cheered. And then ponies moved forward to place their presents under the tree. But as Derpy placed her presents Minty looked up at the tree and was somewhat puzzled by the topper. Minty walked over to Derpy and asked. “Don’t you think the tree topper looks a little crooked?” Minty and Derpy stepped back to look. “I don’t know. I’m not really the best judge though Minty.” Derpy said, pointing to her eyes. “Oh yeah.” Said Minty awkwardly. But she wasn’t wrong. The fire of friendship was leaning a bit to the right. “Ugh. I’m not just seeing this right?” Asked Minty. She had a right to be concerned though, as she realized a tree topper literally made of fire could prove disastrous should it fall over. Just then. She saw the mayor walking by to see the tree. Minty was a little hesitant, but she figured it was worth it. “Um, excuse me miss. But don’t you think the tree topper is a little crooked?” Mayor mare looked up and saw it. “Yes. It’s leaning a bit.” She said. And then. The topper started falling to it’s side. And now everypony could notice it. It stopped leaning but now it was at an angle. Mayor mare ran off. “The tree topper is falling!” Minty couldn’t help but be a little disturbed by it. Not just because of the disaster that could unfold. She started bunching up her socks and rubbing her hooves together and tried taking her eyes off of it. “Minty?” Asked Derpy. “Sorry, the topper just kinda…let’s just leave.” Minty said as she and Derpy walked off. “Say didn’t you say you wanted to find some old friends here? Who are they. I could help you find them.” Said Derpy. “Well yeah but what if they don’t want to see me.” Asked Minty. “Oh, I’m sure they would love to see you again! Come on Minty. I need to give you something after all you gave me.” Said Derpy with glee. “So, who are they?” Asked Derpy. Minty was nervous and she said. “Well…” === Later on, some ponies came by and put up a standing ladder to try and fix the topper. But nopony could really touch it so they needed a plan.