//------------------------------//
// Arc 16-7: Winter Wrap-Up 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Trials of Friendship" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


	Winter Wrap-Up



Wanda Young woke up that very fine morning.  She sat up and stretched out her limbs.  Nearby, Golden Lace, Starlight Glimmer, Spike the Dragon and Abigail Albright slept on her bed without making a sound.  Near her laying on the floor were Sunset Shimmer, Snips, Snails, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Juniper Montage, Cozy Glow, Granny Smith and Silver Banks, fast asleep as if they were exhausted.  On the small table next to the bed were the empty mugs and tea kettle, once containing hot cocoa.
“Wow,” Wanda whispered.  “I didn’t realize we all had a blast last night.  Guess Friendship truly is magical.”
But Wanda’s ears picked up the sound of birds chirping.  Slowly, she got out of bed and walked up towards the window before taking a look outside.  But one glance out into the Golden Land, and her face beamed with excitement.
“Oh my goodness,” Wanda whispered.  “Can it be?”
Outside, the foliage of the Golden Land shined once more as the snow was slowly melting away.  The skies above were clear once more and many birds and animals gathered around in harmony.
Wanda couldn’t hold herself in.  She looked around inside her room and saw a path around the sleeping ponies.  Slowly, but surely, Wanda tip-toed around her friends, all the way up to the doorway.  Then she got one more look at them.
“I’m sorry to have to leave you all,” Wanda whispered.  “But this I’ve got to see up close.”
With that, Wanda left the room and walked down the hallway, her excitement increased with every step forward.
Soon, Wanda made her way downstairs where ponies slept together in the halls of the Golden Palace.  Their faces looked as if they were satisfied.  Nearby, Wanda noticed Danged Spell, Moondancer, Sunburst, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Spitfire, Flim, Flam and the Dazzlings were sleeping right next to Bright Mac and Buttercup.
“Wow,” Wanda whispered.  “Guess they were right about the others.”
Wanda slowly made her way through the hallway, keeping her footsteps quiet as possible.  She made her way to the front door without breaking a sweat.  Once there, she turned towards the ponies, who were still asleep.
“Thank mommy,” Wanda said.  “I didn’t want to bother them while they slept.”
Wanda turned around and made her way through the front door.  But unknown to her, Princess Celestia opened her eyes and saw her adopted daughter make her way out.
“If I didn’t know better,” Princess Celestia whispered, “I swear Silver Banks’ tactic worked like a charm.  Guess I better go greet her before waking everyone up.”

Outside, Wanda ran through the open plains of the Golden Land, only a small distance away from the castle.  She giggled at the restored golden environment, as it shed the last of the snow, before dancing around on the grass.
“This is amazing,” Wanda said.  “It’s as if winter has finally left the Golden Land and spring has finally sprung.  I’m glad it’s no longer cold.”
“And I’m glad you no longer need to bundle up, my Darling Wanda.”  Wanda turned around to see Princess Celestia standing over her with a warm smile on her face.
“Mommy,” Wanda said, surprised.  “Am I in…in….”
“Trouble?” Princess Celestia responded.  “No you’re not.  In fact, I’m glad you are able to come out once more into the sunlight.  And you can thank Silver Banks for breaking the curse of the Venom Frost.”
“Curse of Venom Frost?” Wanda asked.  “What’s that?”
“A hex created by Coldnelius Snap by extracting pure hate from any one,” Princess Celestia said.  “And it was Gold Banks that provided the fuel to power the Venom Frost curse needed to enhance the Windigos.  When Silver Banks figured it out, he allowed his daughter Golden Lace to be with you in hopes it would break the curse.  And it worked.”
“Wow,” Wanda said.  “Guess I do owe a big thank you to Mr Silver Banks.”
“You do,” Princess Celestia said.  “And while you’re not in trouble for anything, there is one thing you do owe me.”
“And what would that be?” Wanda asked with a slightly nervous tone.
Celestia picked up Wanda with her magic and extended her left wing.  She placed the tip of her wing on Wanda and rubbed it back and forth, causing the little girl to laugh out loud.
“Knock it off, mommy.” Wanda giggled.  “That’s ticklish. ”
Celestia slowed down on tickling Wanda before she folded her wing back.  Wanda continued to laugh out loud until she came to a stop and looked up at her adopted mother.
“Sorry,” Celestia said. “Just wanted to make sure you were in a great mood.”
“Well I already am,” Wanda said before she lunged out and gave Celestia a hug.  “Even before you tickled me, mommy.”
“Well my Darling Wanda,” Celestia said.  “I think it’s time we woke everyone up and gave them the good news.”
“Actually, we’re already up.  It was Wanda’s laughter that caught our attention.”   Wanda and Celestia turned towards the entrance of the Golden Palace, where Princess Luna, Moondancer, Sunburst and Danged Spell stood by with smug looks on their faces.
“And I see the snow and the Windigos are gone,” Sunburst said.  “Bout time, too.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “I guess this moment was thaw-dropping.”
Moondancer and Sunburst glared at Danged Spell, who stared back with his smug smile still intact.
“Don’t push it,” Moondancer said.
Princess Luna walked up to Princess Celestia and said “So it’s true?  Silver Banks’s suggestion to send the Windigos fleeing paid off?”
“It did,” Celestia said.  “Guess the rumors of the Venom Frost were completely accurate.”
“And I owe Mr Banks a thank you,” Wanda said.
“We all owe him a thank you for his help,” Luna said, giving Wanda a noogie.
“But first,” Wanda said.  “Isn’t this the time we have our Winter Wrap-Up?”
“By goodness, you’re right,” Princess Celestia said.  “While we only had one evening of snow here in the Golden Land, there should be plenty of snow to clear out now that spring is here.”
“I almost forgot that Spring has arrived,” Luna said.  “And what Coldnelius Snap did nearly made us miss the Winter Wrap-Up.”
“Then let’s get everyone ready for the Winter Wrap-Up,” Wanda cheered.
“We must,” Celestia said.  “But first, breakfast.  Everyone should be getting up and they will be starving.”
Wanda looked down at her tummy as it growled loudly.
“Oops,” Wanda said.  “Guess I am hungry.”
Wanda held onto Princess Celestia as she and Princess Luna walked up to the Golden Castle, where Moondancer, Danged Spell and Sunburst waited.

Later that day in Canterlot, the skies were cleared up like in the Golden Land, and the snow started to melt away around the landscape.  Ponies marched out from Canterlot’s front gates, joined by the younglings of both Canterlot and La Maresa with Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Karen the Bulldog  and Spike the Dragon by their side wearing green vests.  The Wonderbolts flew out from the windows and landed next to their fellow brethren.  But emerging from the group were Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Chancellor Cinch, Bright Mac, Buttercup and Silver Banks, who looked up at the sky with pride.
 “I never thought my plan would actually work out,” Silver Banks said.  “Coldnelius Snap’s Venom Frost is as good as gone.”
“And we have you to thank, Mr Banks,” Wanda said.
“Oh you don’t really need to thank me,” Silver Banks laughed.  “It is the spirit of friendship within your friends that you have to thank.”
“But it was your idea to channel that warmth into your daughter,” Princess Cadance said.
“Well regardless of who it was that saved us all,” Princess Celestia announced with pride, “One thing is clear.  The Windigos are gone once more, Coldnelius Snap’s plan has been foiled, and spring has sprung across Equestria once more.
The crowd burst out cheering, with every pony jumping up and down with a renewed vigor.  Even the younglings danced in celebration.
“And now,” Princess Celestia said.  “My daughter Sunset Shimmer and my prime student Twilight Sparkle will explain the Winter Wrap-up that we will do in both Canterlot and Harvestia..”
Princess Celestia stepped aside as Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle took the stage, armed with a long checklist.
“Fellow citizens of Canterlot,” Sunset said.  “We will split into three teams for the ponies of Harvestia and we have compiled a list of tasks to do, and we have assigned certain ponies the following.  Those who are on the blue team will be in charge of clearing the skies and defrosting the lakes.  Those on the green team will be assigned to plant the food within.  And those on the tan team will handle waking up hibernating animals.”
“This tradition was given to us by the ponies of La Maresa,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “For they believed that it takes more than magic to bring spring to Equestria.  It takes teamwork that requires the help of everyone around us, be it pony, dragon, cat, or human.  And together, we’ll bring spring back to Equestria and bring us a new day.”
“And now, everyone,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Put on your assigned vests, and let the Winter Wrap-Up begin.”
With a loud cheer, everyone poured away from the capitol and down towards the town of Harvestia.  The pegasi and alicorns took to the skies to clear up the remaining clouds that hover over Canterlot.  Some ponies remained in the capitol to shovel out the remaining snow from the streets, while the rest of the group left the capitol to head down the path to the town of Harvestia.  But Wanda did look a bit confused.
“Miss Cinch,” Wanda said. “Wasn’t the town of Harvestia destroyed by bandits?”
“It was,” Cinch said.  “But thanks to Princess Celestia, they were able to rebuild the town into its former glory.”
“Wanda,” Sunset said.  “You’re not forgetting this stuff, are you?”
“With all the madness that we had to go through,” Wanda said, “Yes.”
“Fair enough,” Sunset replied.”

As the ponies made their way into the town of Harvestia, everyone got to work planting new seeds into the ground.  Chancellor Cinch led some of the ponies down to the very town with Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Karen the Bulldog, Bright Mac, Buttercup, and Shining Armor following behind.
“Never knew you to be a pony that’s capable of planting,” Bright Mac said.
“Where I grew up,” Chancellor Cinch said, “I knew everything it took to grow olives, be it for casual consumption, for exquisite dishes or for oil.  It was a Cinch family tradition until I lost my entire family.”
“That’s a lot to know,” Shining Armor said.  “And knowing is half the battle.”
But nearby, Fluttershy looked into the burrows of the various animal holes, making chirping noises with Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell nearby.
“I take it that’s how you bring out the animals during Winter Wrap-up,” Moondancer asked.
“It’s a natural talent,” Fluttershy said.  “Even before I got my cutie mark.”
In an instant, some rabbits popped out of the hole and hopped out, seeing the snow around them melting into water.  Fluttershy pulled out a carrot and placed it in front of the rabbit, who sniffed it before taking a bite.
“Now isn’t that wonderful?” Fluttershy said.  “You’re already enjoying your first day of spring.”
“Who knew that all it takes to get those rabbits out are carrots,” Sunburst said.
“I’ve seen daddy do something like that when we had to do our Winter Wrap-Up,” Moondancer said.  “These critters have a taste for carrots.”
Danged Spell noticed a stack of lettuce nearby and a burrow where woodchucks were sleeping.  He grinned a bit before grabbing a head of lettuce nearby.
“Well if it’s easy to bring out the rabbits,” Danged Spell said.  “Then maybe it’s easy to bring out the woodchucks.”
“Spell, be careful,” Fluttershy said.  “Woodchucks can’t resist the taste of lettuce.”
“All the more worth it,” Spell said, holding the head of lettuce in front of the woodchuck’s burrow.
Suddenly, the earth beneath Danged Spell shook violently.  Spell looked down the woodchuck’s burrow and he gulped loudly.
“I think I may have overdone it,” Danged Spell said.
In an instant, a whole school of woodchucks bursted out from the burrow, knocking Danged Spell into the air and snatching the head of lettuce that he had, tearing it to shreds and eating the scraps.
“I knew this was going to happen,” Fluttershy said, covering her eyes.
“Spell,” Moondancer said, hanging her head downwards.  “You had to go and mess that up.”
As the woodchucks enjoyed the scraps of lettuce, Danged Spell landed right near them with a loud thud.  The woodchucks looked at Spell and laughed loudly.
“Oh hah hah,” Danged Spell said, sarcastically.  “It is to chuckle you menacing woodchucks.”
Spell suddenly felt a pig nose bump up against him.  He turned to his right and saw a pig looking down at him, oinking with curiosity.
“What are you snorting at, Frumble?” Danged Spell said.
Nearby, Moondancer, Fluttershy and Sunburst’s disgusted look suddenly turned to laughter, as the trio couldn’t hold in their chuckles.
“You know what,” Moondancer said.  “I changed my mind.  This is too hilarious.”
“That’s not the only thing that is hilarious,” Sunburst said, pointing to a nearby forest.  “Look.”
Immediately, Fluttershy and Moondancer turned towards the forest, where Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk were running for their lives as a herd of wild pigs chased after them and the lettuce heads they were holding.  While Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze were scared for their lives, Sonata Dusk was looking at the incoming porkers with curious eyes.
“THIS IS WHY STARLIGHT GLIMMER IS AFRAID OF PIGS!” Aria Blaze yelled.
“But they look so adorable,” Sonata Dusk said, staring at the pig while running at the same time.
“YOU WANNA GO PET THE PIGS?”  Adagio Dazzle yelled.  “BE MY GUEST!”
Sonata Dusk nodded as she jumped away from her fellow sisters and landed nearby.  She looked at the pigs coming at her and got up on her behind before holding her arms out.
“Come on,” Sonata Dusk said.  “I wanna hug a piggie.”
But the pigs ignored Sonata Dusk and ran past her, continuing to chase after Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze.  Sonata just looked at them with a disappointed look on her face.
“Aww nuts,” Sonata said.
Nearby, Danged Spell got up and walked towards Moondancer, Fluttershy and Sunburst, whose laughter grew by the sight of the Dazzlings’ screw up.
“Oh my gosh,” Sunburst laughed.  “I have never seen anyone screw up with pigs before and make it that funny.”
“I think I should consider helping them out with their pig problem,” Fluttershy said.
“Well look on the bright side,” Danged Spell said.  “They did bring home the bacon.  Get it?”
Moondancer just glared at Danged Spell with a smug grin on her face before throwing a pack of mud right at his face.  Spell just glared down at Moondancer with a cold look.
“Seriously?” Spell said.  “Mud slinging?  What is this a political debate?”
“What?” Moondancer said.  “I just wanted to get my hooves dirty.”
And with that, Moondancer, Fluttershy and Sunburst laughed out loud while Spell stood there with the mud on his face falling to the ground.

Nearby at a table, Rarity, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Cozy Glow, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse were weaving bird nests.  Rarity was decorating the nests with colorful ribbons, much to the confusion of everyone else.
“I don’t get it,” Golden Lace said.  “Why make a bird nest for the birds, especially one that’s dressed like that?”
“It’s a special tradition down in La Maresa,” Rarity said.  “When the birds do come by from their winter stay, we make them a place to live and lay their eggs.”
“Really fascinating,” Juniper said.  “Mom and dad used to make bird nest during our Winter Wrap-up.”
“I don’t know,” Cozy Glow said, holding up a jumbled mess that was supposed to be a bird nest.  “I’m not that good at making this stuff.”
Rarity laughed and said “Oh darling.  No one is perfect at making bird nests.  Lemme show you a few pointers.”
But just as Rarity was about to pick up the mess of hay and sticks from Cozy Glow’s hoof, she heard the sound of someone yelling out “BLASTED BIRD NEST!  CAN’T YOU GET IT RIGHT FOR ME?” She turned to see Short Fuse slam his mess of hay and sticks on the table.
“Short Fuse,” Rarity said.  “What happened?”
As Short Fuse breathed really fast, Rolling Thunder turned to Rarity and said “Well that’s the thing.  Short Fuse hates these kinds of projects that require precision and practice, practice, practice.”
“Wow,” Juniper Montage said.  “Talk about a lack of anger management.”
“Tell me about it,” Golden Lace said.  “He reminds me of my mother, and not in a good way.”
But as Short Fuse picked up his mess of a bird nest with his hooves, someone tapped his shoulder gently, calming him down, followed by the words “Let me show you how it’s done.”  Short Fuse looked up and saw Bright-Eyes Starshine looking down at him with a smile on her face.
“Uhhh,” Short Fuse said, holding out his mess of a nest.  “Okay.”
Short Fuse placed his mixture of hay and sticks on the table.  But before he could lift his own hooves, Bright-Eyes placed her hooves on his and directed him to rearrange the straw and sticks bundle, carving the nest out.
“Wow,” Short Fuse said.  “You’re showing me how it’s done?”
“It takes a lot of practice,” Bright-Eyes said.  “But in due time, you will be able to create the bird nest like my mom and dad used to.”
As Short Fuse continued to carve out his bird nest with the help of Bright-Eyes, Rarity turned back towards Rolling Thunder, who continued to shape out his own nest.
“Rolling Thunder, was it?” Rarity said.  “This is out of curiosity.  But how come you’re on our team compared to the blue team?”
“Unfortunately,” Rolling Thunder said, “Short Fuse and I got the short end of the stick, and now we can’t clear the skies like the others.  But then again, I don’t mind these kinds of tasks.  They do remind me of the way I used to fly back in Zephyr Heights.”
“Hey Rolling,” Golden Lace said.  “I heard you once went to Coltsom.  How did you get there?”
“If I told you that it was just for our daredevil stunts,” Rolling Thunder said, “You wouldn’t believe me.”
“Actually I would,” Golden Lace said.  “I heard colts get put into that place just for even minor offenses, like merely whistling in public or eating candy during the day.  Thank Celestia, it’s shut down.”
“They actually do that?” Rarity said in a shocked tone.
“It was my mother’s favorite project,” Cozy Glow said.  “All because they could make money off of imprisoning little colts in there.”
“Oh dear,” Rarity said.  “After hearing that, I sure am a bit on the livid side.”

Meanwhile, at a nearby frozen lake near Canterlot, Pinkie Pie was skating around, carving the ice up as much as possible with the ice skates on all four of her hooves.  Joining her was Shining Armor, who was showing off with the skates on his hooves, while Princess Cadance struggled to place her hoof on the surface of the lake.
“Hey Princess Cadance,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Need some help?”
“Oh no,” Princess Cadance said in a hesitant tone. “I’ve got this.”
Shining Armor nodded his head in disagreement as he said “Caddy.  I thought you were an expert in skating.”
“Of course I am,” Princess Cadance said as she slowly stepped onto the ice.  
But the moment Cadance placed her hoof on the ice, she slid forward out of control at a brisk speed, sending her barreling down the lake screaming loudly.  Shining Armor saw her coming towards him and started to freak out.
“Caddy,” Shining Armor said.  “Look out.”
Shining Armor tried to move out of the way.  But Princess Cadance slammed right into him, sending the two sliding down the lake.   The duo could do nothing but scream as they slid down the ice before crashing into a snowbank, causing Pinkie Pie to stop and cover her face before they collided with the snow..
“Are you both alright?” Pinkie Pie asked as she slid back down the ice, just as Princess Cadance pulled herself out of the snow with a slightly disgruntled Shining Armor laying on his back.
“I’m fine,” Princess Cadance said.  “But that ice felt a bit unstable.”
Shining Armor got back on his four hooves and said “Stand back, fair lady.  I’ll handle this.”
Shining Armor scratched the skate of his front right hoof on the snow before dashing back towards the frozen lake.
“Wait,” Pinkie Pie said.  “That’s not a good idea.”
But the moment Shining Armor slid onto the ice, part of it broke off, creating a hole into the water under him.  Shining looked down with a scared gulp before he fell into the drink.
“Shining,” Princess Cadance yelled.  “Are you alright?”
Immediately, Shining Armor jumped out of the water, screaming in agony.  He ran up next to Princess Cadance, shivering like crazy.
“You know what,” Shining Armor shivered.  “I think carving out the ice was a bad idea.”
“Oh no, silly,” Pinkie Pie said.  “You don’t need to go like that.  As a matter of fact, take a look at those two and learn from their skills in ice cutting.”
Shining Armor and Princess Cadance looked onto the ice, where Snips and Snails were skating on it as if they were professional ice skaters.
“Hey Princess, hey Mr Armor,” Snails waved.
“Look at us,” Snips said.   “What do you think?”
As the two colts dashed through ice with no problem, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance turned towards Pinkie Pie.
“How the hay are they able to pull it off without breaking a sweat?” Princess Cadance asked.
“It’s all in the mind, Princess,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Or rather, it would be best not to think about it, and just go with the flow.”
“Go with the flow, huh?” Shining Armor said.  “It’s worth giving a shot.”
But just as Shining Armor was about to get up, Rainbow Dash landed next to him, Princess Cadance and Pinkie Pie.  The rainbow pegasi got up and glared up at the sky.
“Ditzy Doo you feather brain,” Rainbow Dash yelled.  “What did I tell you about moving the clouds over there?”
Pinkie Pie looked up at the sky where Ditzy Doo stood atop a cloud, to which Spitfire, Dumbbell and Score struggled to break out.
“Oops,” Ditzy Doo said.  “My bad.”
Spitfire was fortunate enough to pull herself out while Dumbbell and Score struggled to break free from the clouds.
“Ditzy,” Spitfire said. “I think it’s time I taught you about directions.”
“Now go easy on her.  She’s new to this.”  Spitfire looked up to see Captain Airazor fly towards the fiery filly.
“I wish I could,” Spitfire said.  “But she’s been going all over the place with her confusing directions.”
Captain Airazor flew up to Ditzy Doo, who just looked up at the Wonderbolt leader and smiled embarrassingly.
“Let me show you a few pointers,” Captain Airazor said, petting Ditzy Doo on the head.
Airazor flew into the air with Ditzy Doo following from behind, leaving Dumbbell and Score stuck in the clouds.
“Hey,” Score said.  “Could someone get us out of here?”
“I wish Hoops was with us,” Dumbbell said. “Not assigned to planting seeds.”
Spitfire just sighed and began to separate the clouds from Dumbbell and Score.
“Don’t worry,” Spitfire said.  “I got this.”
Back near the lake, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Snips, Snails, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance all looked up at Spitfire, Dumbbell and Score, all while Rainbow Dash kept her eyes on Ditzy Doo and Captain Airazor.
“Well,” Rainbow Dash said.  “That’s Captain Airazor for ya.  A tough pony on the outside, but a real softie on the inside.”
“I doubt the current Captain of the Guards is like Airazor,” Shining Armor said.  “But at least I know there are ponies who truly care for one another.”
“I dunno,” Princess Cadance said.  “I heard Captain Thompson is both tough and kind like Airazor.  But then again, I’m just a mere Princess.  What do I know?”
“Well you’re still pretty smart, Miss Cadance,” Snails said.
“Aww,” Princess Cadance said. “You don’t have to be that nice.”
“But you are that smart,” Snips said.  “It’s too bad we’re not like you.  Then again, we happen to be a bit clumsy.”
“I beg to differ,” Shining Armor said. “Considering your skills on the ice, you’re not as clumsy as you appear to be.”
Shining Armor’s words caused him, along with Rainbow Dash, Snips, Snails, and Princess Cadance to laugh.  But Pinkie Pie was lost in thought, thought with a smile on her face.
“I wonder what Wanda would say about how Winter Wrap-Up is going along,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Too bad we can’t repeat this back in La Maresa.  But at least we know Princess Celestia is going to send the Royal Guard to take care of that.”

Meanwhile, at the fields of Harvestia, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, Applejack, Hoops, Bright Mac, Buttercup and Chancellor Cinch were all planting seeds into the ground, one by one.  Despite Wanda looking all worn out, she continued to go at a brisk pace.
“Don’t wear yourself out, Man’s Cub,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “If you’re feeling exhausted, you may want to rest and get some water.”
“I’m fine, Miss Cinch,” Wanda said.
“You know Miss Cinch,” Applejack said.  “For a unicorn, you seem to be more close to the ways of the earth pony.”
“It was because I was the only unicorn of my family,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Before I was adopted by Princess Celestia, I knew the ways of the Cinch family traditions of planting and harvesting.”
“Seems like you’re more in tune with the earth pony ways than the unicorn ways,” Buttercup said.
“What’s surprising is that despite being a unicorn,” Chancellor Cinch explained, “I also possess magic that is reserved for an earth pony.   Observe.”
Chancellor Cinch turned her attention towards the soil underneath her and stomped the ground with her hoof.  In a flash, Cinch jumped out of the way as a tree sprouted from the ground and grew tall.  Everyone looked at Cinch, totally surprised.
“Wait,” Bright Mac said.  “You possess earth pony magic?”
“Surprised?” Cinch smirked.  “Even I didn’t know what to make of being the only unicorn with earth pony magic.”
“That is so great and powerful,” Trixie said.  “A unicorn with the magic of an earth pony.”
“Who knew that old hag had the power to grow plants with a stomp of the hoof,” Hoops said.  “I wish Dumbbell and Score were here to see this.”
“Personally, we’re not impressed.”  Everyone turned towards the south, where Flim and Flam sat atop a mechanical contraption of some sort.
“And just what is that supposed to be?” Bright Mac said with a smirk on his face.
“Why it is our automatic seed dispenser,” Flim said.  “Tell him, brother.”
“With just a push of the button,” Flam explained, “We can plant whole rows of seeds into the ground and enough fertilizer to give them life.”
Applejack just looked at the duo and said “Are you two kidding?  You need tender loving care to plant seeds.  Not some ridiculous machine.”
“Tomato, tomahto,” Flim said with a smug look on his face.  “Now observe.”
Flam placed his hoof on the switch, flipping it to on and causing the machine to humm with life.   Applejack turned her attention to her own father with a scorn on her face.
“The nerve of these hoodlums,” Applejack said.  “What makes them think that scrap of parts can do what we can’t?”
“It ain’t the first time I’ve seen this before,” Bright Mac said.  “And considering what these two remind me of, it will result in the same disaster.”
“What disaster, pa?” Applejack asked.
Suddenly, Applejack’s ears picked up the sound of a machine malfunctioning.  She turned towards the Flim Flam brothers, who were holding onto dear life as their machine was shaking wildly.
“What in the name of hee hay is going on?” Flam yelled.
“I swore I got the bugs out,” Flim yelled.
Wanda, Abigail, Starlight, Trixie, Hoops, Cinch, Bright Mac and Buttercup covered their eyes as the machine exploded in a cloud of smoke.  The group turned back as the dust disappeared, leaving Flim and Flam covered in soot.
“Oy,” Hoops facepalmed.  “Idiots.”
“What the hay just happened?” Starlight asked.
“Easy to explain,” Bright Mac said.  “The two young’uns wanted to show off with a machine that could plant seeds faster than we can.  But they unfortunately forgot to test the thing if it was safe or not.  And as a result, it blew up right in their faces.”
“Oww,” Wanda said.  “That has got to hurt.”
“Failure,” Abigail said.
“Maybe that will teach them a lesson not to showboat like that,” Applejack said.
Wanda, Abigail, Starlight, Trixie and Applejack broke out in laughter as Hoops buried his face into the dirt.
“Wow,” Starlight said.  “I’d hate to be in that situation.”
Suddenly, Starlight’s ears picked up the sound of a pig, causing her eyes to shrink down and for Hoops to pull his head out.  Starlight turned to her left, where a pig hovered over her, oinking loudly.
“A PIG!” Starlight yelled.
Starlight immediately jumped onto Wanda’s arms, much to the surprise of the Man’s Cub.
“Starlight,” Wanda said.  “You’re making me lose my balance.”
Wanda stumbled backwards, holding onto a screaming Starlight.  Her foot tripped over a rock, causing the two to fall backwards.
“WANDA!  GLIMGLAM!” Trixie yelled.
With a loud splorch, Wanda and Starlight fell right into a patch of mud, sending small bits of wet dirt right onto them.  Wanda shook some of the excess mud off of her face and looked at the pig.
“How did that pig get here?” Wanda asked.
“I don’t care,” Starlight said as she held onto Wanda.  “Get 'em away.”
Hoops burst into laughter as Bright Mac walked up to the pig and directed him away.
“Don’t worry, Miss Glimmer,” Bright Mac said.  “I’ll take care of this.”
Wanda looked up at Chancellor Cinch, who looked like she was on the verge of laughter.  The man’s cub just stared at her in confusion.
“Miss Cinch?” Wanda asked.  “What’s so funny?”
“Well not to cite that ruffian friend of yours,” Chancellor Cinch chortled.  “But you both are in a muddy situation.”
Wanda just looked at Cinch and laughed out loud.  Starlight looked up, confused by Wanda’s laughter.
“Wanda,” Starlight said. 
“It’s okay,” Wanda said.  “The pig’s gone and Miss Cinch cracked a joke.”
Immediately, Starlight bursted out into laughter as she held onto Wanda.  She slammed her hoof onto the wet patch of mud, sending it flying right into Applejack’s face.
“Oh real cute there, Starlight,” Applejack said.
“Well when we’re done,” Buttercup said, “I’ll get you both cleaned up.”
“Alright,” Wanda said.”
Abigail just looked at Wanda and Starlight before rolling onto her back and laughing out loud.

Later on, at another location in the village, Argyle Starshine had his journal and inkset on a bench, writing down on the pages once more.  Sunlight Starscout, Big Mac, Granny Smith and the foals were nearby, just enjoying the peace around them.
“I don’t know how Mr Silver Banks did it,” Argyle wrote.  “But the snowfall has disappeared and spring has sprung in Equestria once more.  I have never seen every individual celebrate this lively.  We had all partake in the Winter Wrap-Up in the town of Harvestia, located near Canterlot.  Some ponies are dedicated to clearing the skies and carving up the lake.  Some bring out the animals from their winter hibernation.  Others plant fields to bring in a new harvest of crops.  For the life of the pony, this is the way.”
Argyle dipped his pen into the inkwell and placed it onto the page once more.
“But no matter our celebration,” Argyle wrote, “We will always be presented with a new set of challenges.  No matter the difficulties our path lies, we will face it together.  No matter the uncertainties, we will stick together as one.  For to do so, we must remain loyal towards each other, be generous to those who need it, show kindness to friends and family, be honest with one another, and share in the laughter.  Only then, will that magical spark keep united together.  For there is more to our friendship, than meets the eye.”
As Argyle placed his pen back into the inkwell, Granny Smith looked up and smiled, for Spoiled and Filthy Rich walked on in.
“Filthy and Spoiled Rich,” Granny Smith said.  “I barely saw you during our time at the Golden Land.”
“We were trying to find out where you all were,” Filthy Rich said.  “But there were so many ponies, we had a hard time trying to find you.”
“We were all in the sleeping quarters of the castle,” Granny Smith replied.  “But that place was more confusing than Canterlot’s own palace.  Personally, the family house is the best place to be compared to that labyrinth.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac said.
Spoiled Rich looked down at Diamond Tiara, who looked up at her mother and giggled.
“Sorry we were away, my little Tiara,” Spoiled Rich said.  “But I’m glad we are able to see each other again.”
Spoiled Rich picked up Diamond Tiara, who squealed in delight, while Big Mac pulled the other fillies up, allowing them to hug the big stallion.
“It feels great to see everyone enjoying this moment,” Sunlight Starscout said.  “Especially after all we’ve gone through, yesterday.”
“Tell me about it, mom,” Argyle Starshine said.  “After that horrible snowstorm by the Windigos, I’ll take sunshine and lollipops over pure cold and ice cream.”
But as the group burst into laughter, Coldnelius Snap stood atop a nearby mountain, looking down at the ponies of Harvestia and Canterlot.
“I can’t believe that fool Silver Banks broke my Venom Frost,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “I assumed his heart had turned cold.  But it seems he has warmed up since his mistreatment by Gold Banks.  Nonetheless.  This was only a minor setback.  Next winter, I will find someone who’s heart is colder than ice, and I will bring the eternal winter to Equestria once and for all.  And as for you, Man’s Cub, you will serve the Windigo’s Guild and the New World Order.”
With that, Coldnelius Snap turned tail and ran off in another direction, just as the voices of ponies filled the air with joy, as they sang “Winter Wrap-up.  Winter Wrap-up.  Let’s finish our holiday cheer.  Winter Wrap-up.  Winter Wrap-up.  Our path has never been clear.  Winter Wrap-up.  Winter Wrap-up.  You don’t need to shed a tear.  Winter-Wrap up.  Winter Wrap-up.  Because now spring is here, because now spring is here, because now spring is heeeeeeeeeere.”

But meanwhile, in Manehattan, Gold Banks marched and screamed around outside.  The roof of her penthouse suite was crushed under the weight of now-melting snow.  All of the expensive furniture and decorations were ruined.  Her own pool had remains of her roof at the bottom.  Even the landing pad was in shambles.
“I can’t believe this,” Gold Banks yelled.  “My entire penthouse: RUINED!  And it’s all because of this blasted winter storm.  When I get my hooves on whoever did this, I’ll make them wish they were never born.”
Suddenly, Gold Banks heard something buzz nearby.  She ran up to her video phone and tapped on it before putting it to her ear.
“Gold Banks,” Gold Banks said.
“Mrs Banks,” a voice from the phone said.  “We regret to inform you that your daughter, Golden Lace, has been expelled from Daisy Joy Tech.  And you can thank your husband for the stunt he pulled.”
Gold Banks’ eyes shrunk down before she threw her phone down and yelled right into the sky.


	To Be Continued in….


	One Last Golden Day