//------------------------------// // Chapter 11: Hearth's Warming Eve (S2:E11) // Story: My Little Pony: Nine Elements Book 2 // by BlueBioWolf //------------------------------// My Little Pony: Nine Elements Book 2 Written by Brandon Nell and Blake Hawkins Chapter 11: Hearth’s Warming Eve It was Hearth’s Warming Eve in Equestria and Spike and Twilight were on the train to Canterlot to visit their family. Twilight held the dragon close to her. “Is this warm enough for you, Spike?” Twilight asked. “It sure is,” Spike said. “I’m looking forward to spending time with your family. I just hope Rainbow will be okay without Tank for the winter.”* “I’m sure our Ponyville friends are doing their best to help her through, even with their own holiday plans,” Twilight said. “I made sure to leave everypony the presents we have for them so that even when we aren’t here to celebrate with them, they’ll know we still thought of them. And they gave us presents to open tomorrow when we get there.” “I’m not used to getting this many presents on Hearth’s Warming,” Spike said. “They feel awful missing your birthday,” Twilight said. “And we weren’t in Ponyville to get gifts from them right away. This year, they made sure to give us our presents before we left.” “Well,” Spike said. “I’ll just have to wait and see what they are.” “Tell you what,” Twilight said. “You can open one gift tonight and open the rest tomorrow, our little tradition.”** “Aww, thanks, Mom,” Spike smiled. “I’m sure I’ll figure out which one to open while we’re making our way there.” Soon, the train arrived at the station, where Twilight’s parents were waiting for them. “Hi, Twilight,” Velvet smiled. “Hi, Spike. We’re so glad you could make it.” “Wouldn’t miss it, grandma,” Spike said. This earned him a warm embrace from Velvet. “Let’s get you two back to our place,” Night Light said. “Wouldn’t want to be stuck out here in the cold.” As they made their way to the home of Twilight’s parents, Spike grew drowsy from the cold. Twilight noticed and she wrapped Spike in a blanket she had brought for emergencies. Upon arrival, Twilight saw mugs of cocoa waiting for them. “Surprise, Twily,” Shining Armor smiled. “All nice and warm, perfect to melt away the chills of being out on a winter day.” He noticed Spike struggling to stay awake. “And perfect to wake a dragon from his cold sleepy state.” He levitated a mug with extra marshmallows to Spike. Spike sleepily took the mug and sipped the sweet contents it held. Slowly, his eyes opened wider and he felt much better. “Thanks, Uncle Shining.” “No problem, little buddy,” Shining Armor said. “This was the only reason why I didn’t meet up with you guys at the train station.” “Can we talk about comics?!” Spike asked excitedly. Shining Armor chuckled. “Sure thing.” I think I may have accidentally added a little too much sugar, he thought to himself. “While you two are doing that,” Twilight said. “I’ll take a nostalgic look around the house.” “Okay, mom,” Spike said eagerly. He then met up with Shining Armor on the couch. Twilight went to her old room, which her parents kept just as she left it. “Boy, this really takes me back.” She then saw a file on the desk beside her old bed. “That’s the file on my entrance exam,” she said. “I kept it to remember my success, but, never actually got around to reading it. I guess now’s as good a time as any.” So, Twilight gently levitated the file off of her desk and she sat on her bed. She then began to read the entrance exam file. She had a nostalgic smile on her face as it aligned with her memory. However, that changed when she saw something she didn’t remember, which surprised her greatly. “What?” she said in disbelief. “Then, all this time—” “Twilight!” Velvet called. “We’re about to read the story about the founding of Equestria!” “Coming~!” Twilight called. She then set the file back on her desk and walked out of her fillyhood bedroom. The file was open to the last page she looked at, which had a highlighted section reading, “Despite the dragon egg not being fertilized, the young filly managed to hatch a dragon from it. Princess Celestia confidentially stated that Twilight Sparkle created the dragon by accidentally using her magic to fertilize it with her personal particles.”*** Meanwhile, Twilight had gathered in the living room with her family. A roaring fire in the fireplace helped to keep the room warm. Twilight sat next to Spike. “Ready?” she asked. “I am,” Spike said. “I love our traditional storytime.” Twilight then opened an old dusty book that she took off of a shelf. And this was the story that was read: Long ago, before Princesses Celestia and Luna were born, Equestria was known as Ponyland. While there were still three pony tribes, they lived in harmony thanks to the mediation of a bipedal creature who possessed virtually no magic at all. She was known as Megan and ponies revered her for her loving and unselfish ways. Unfortunately, after Megan passed away from old age, her influence was lost upon the general ponies. Years later, her ways were all but forgotten and the tribes grew distrustful of each other.**** Despite this, they worked together to survive. Earth ponies tended to the ground to plant crops, pegasi controlled the weather so said crops could grow, and the unicorns raised the sun and moon. The earth ponies would give the other tribes food in exchange for their services. Sadly, there was still a lack of trust between the three separate tribes. Over time, Ponyland was slowly but surely overwhelmed by a terrible blizzard. The pegasi attempted to stop it in vain. Eventually, it got so bad that the tribal leaders agreed to a summit. Representing the unicorn tribe was the daughter of the then unicorn king Bullion, Princess Platinum. Representing the pegasus tribe was Commander Hurricane. And representing the earth pony tribe was Chancellor Puddinghead. Commander Hurricane was a stallion of a dark gray coat adorned with scars from countless battles and his jet black mane and tail hung loose. His stern blue eyes reflected back a look of seriousness and it was well known that the commander had a very short fuse, it did not take much to set him off. His cutie mark depicted a swirling circle of clouds with an eye in the center, a reflection of his unrivaled speed and strength that even among pegasi was legendary. Princess Platinum, the youngest of the leaders, was filling in for her ailing father. She was inexperienced, but, her appearance made her a sight to behold. Her beautiful silver coat glistened as she strode into the room, decked out in a white and purple robe and a matching crown. Her powder white mane and tail were styled into a lovely set of curls and she had beautiful ruby red eyes. Her Cutie Mark, fittingly, depicted a platinum crown. Chancellor Puddinghead (so named because of the bowl of pudding he wore for a hat) was reputed as a doddering eccentric. Though a stallion, he had an unusually pink coat. He had a dark brown mane and tail, which had slight noticeable curls to them. He also had a ruffled collar, a yellow blouse with darker pink puffed sleeves, and dark brown pantaloons. He also possessed green eyes that seemed to convey he was not all there. The only thing that made even remote sense about the chancellor was his obstructed Cutie Mark that depicted a long scroll. Despite some allegations, he'd managed to win the election in his own right. Together, the three tribe leaders gathered to see what they could do to figure out how to overcome this situation. Unfortunately, once they had all gathered, they started to argue against each other. "Chancellor, I will only say this once," Hurricane warned Puddinghead. "Stop hoarding all the crops and give back what you owe us pegasi!" “I would~” Puddinghead said. “Only if you Pegasi will stop all of this snow!” “Do you not think we haven’t already tried?!” the pegasus bellowed. “The unicorns must be plotting this since they can move the sun and the moon!” Princess Platinum gasped in shock. “How dare you insist that we noble unicorns are responsible! Yes, we are able to raise the sun and the moon, but, it is extremely taxing. Over half our kingdom is unicorns drained of magic. Storms are unpredictable. I would think that you would understand that.” “Why should we heed the words of an inexperienced child like you?” Chancellor Puddinghead challenged. “Well, you’re here,” Commander Hurricane smirked. “You tried to pass a law mandating your tribe to have carrot juice for every meal!”***** “The only reason I’m representing the unicorn kingdom is due to my father falling ill,” Princess Platinum said. “Even if it’s only to gain a little bit of experience, it would still prove to be more than enough to help solve this problem.” “Bah!” Commander Hurricane said. “Bullion’s****** too scared to see me face-to-face.” “How dare you!” Princess Platinum snapped. “If my father was well enough, you would be the one who was afraid!” “You unicorns don’t have the nerve to fight,” Puddinghead said. “You think you’re better than us just because you have magic!” “That’s the thing,” Princess Platinum said. “We know we’re better.” “Better nothing,” Hurricane said. “If that were true, you would be planting your own crops even if you got dirty!” “Like you’re any better yourself?” Princess Platinum retorted. “If you think it’s so simple, why don’t you try planting?” “Crops don’t grow on clouds!” Hurricane snapped. “Well, since we can’t solve this problem,” Puddinghead said. “Then, I’m just plumb out of ideas.” “Shocker,” Hurricane said, sarcastically. “An Earth pony without ideas.” “And I suppose you airheaded pegasi have a better idea?” Princess Platinum challenged. “I did NOT come here to be insulted!” Hurricane snapped. “Oh?” Puddinghead asked. “Where do you usually go?” “This has been an utter waste of time!” Princess Platinum shouted. “That,” Hurricane snarled. “I can agree with.” The leaders stormed off, leaving the ponies in the gallery worried. Back at the unicorn kingdom, Princess Platinum entered her castle in a distressed manner. “Clover the Clever!” she called, wearily. “I need you, quick!” Entering the throne room was a unicorn stallion. He had a mint green coat, a lime green mane and tail with a yellow streak. His eyes were a bluish green. Though he wore a tattered brown cloak with a rope fastener, his Cutie Mark depicted a four-leaf clover. “Has my father’s condition improved?” Princess Platinum demanded. “I’m afraid his condition continues to worsen,” the stallion, whose name was Clover, said sadly. “He has requested to see you as soon as you returned from the summit.” The princess entered the quarters of an ailing white unicorn stallion. He was resting in his bed with deep blue bedding and he was breathing heavily. He weakly looked upon the princess. “My daughter,” the stallion said. “How was the summit?” “Simply dreadful,” Platinum said. “Father, those other tribe leaders are impossible to reason with.” Bullion, though ill, managed to put on a stern face. “Daughter,” he said sternly. “Must I resort to my Mystic Eyes of Interrogation?” Princess Platinum knew at once her father suspected she wasn’t telling him the whole truth and began to lose her nerve. “N-no, Father.” She explained what exactly happened, making the king’s blood boil. “Clearly, I’ve made mistakes raising you,” King Bullion said. “Because you have grown into a short-sighted fool!” “But, Father,” Princess Platinum began. “No buts,” King Bullion said, coughing a bit into a handkerchief. “Must I remind you that both the Pegasi and the earth pony tribes are just as important to Ponyland as we unicorns are? The earth ponies are the only ones capable of growing all of the crops, including the medicinal herb to help with my ailment. And without the Pegasi helping to control the weather, it will not flourish. Yet, you allow your petty pride to get in the way of saving your father, who raised you since you were a foal.” Hearing this, Princess Platinum began to regret the insults that she said to the Pegasus and Earth Pony leaders. “Until you can swallow your pride for the greater good,” Bullion said. “You are not welcome in my kingdom!” Princess Platinum gasped. Tears welled in her eyes and she put her head down. “Very well, Father,” she said, sadly. “But, where would I go?” “If you were wise,” Bullion said. “You would go to the Earth Ponies and apologize for your foolishness.” “Yes, Father,” Princess Platinum said. “To make doubly sure you do not fail again,” Bullion said. “You are to bring Clover the Clever with you and obey his orders.” With that, she turned around and left her father’s boudoir. Clover could see that the Princess had been lectured. “What did His Majesty say, your majesty?” he asked. “I must swallow my pride and apologize to the Earth Ponies for my foolishness and collect herbal medicine only they can provide, bringing you with me and following your orders,” the former princess explained. “Oh, my,” Clover said. “I haven’t been to the Earth pony area since I was a foal. I believe I still remember the way.” Meanwhile, Commander Hurricane returned to Cloudsdale to find everything in disorder. It seemed that his fellow pegasi had all but stopped working in his absence. And that was something the commander would not tolerate in the slightest. He gave a whistle and bellowed out. "Private Pansy! Front and center, this instant!" At the order, a pegasus mare appeared before Commander Hurricane nervously. She had an apricot colored coat and a rusty red mane and tail. Her deep indigo eyes shimmered. “C-commander Hurricane!” she said before saluting her superior. "Private Pansy, what be the meaning of this?! I thought I entrusted you to hold down the fort while I was gone!" Commander Hurricane growled. "Yet I return to find my fellow pegasi lounging about and doing nothing productive!" “My apologies, Commander, sir,” Private Pansy said. “We were scouting for so long that we’ve grown exhausted from the fierce winds, sir. Our forces grow tired and hungry. I’ve had to instate mandatory rest breaks to conserve energy.” She quickly changed the subject. “Did the summit go well?” “No, it did not!” Exclaimed Commander Hurricane suddenly. “And those other ponies are to blame!” “Sir,” Private Pansy said. “Do you think it’s possible that you’re projecting your own feelings of helplessness onto the other tribes?” “A proud Pegasus commander does not project!” Hurricane snarled. A pegasus pony who was in the gallery flew up. “That is precisely what happened,” he said. “General Typhoon*******,” Hurricane said. “Why do you defend the other tribes?” “I’m defending no one,” General Typhoon said. “All tribal leaders allowed their pride to get the better of them.” I can believe that Commander Hurricane allowed his pride to get the better of him, Private Pansy thought to herself. Aloud, she said, “Commander, sir, perhaps we can negotiate with the other tribe leaders together. As you’re keenly aware, there is strength in numbers.” “Bah!” Hurricane said. “The unicorns are pompous snobs and the earth ponies are numbskulls only good for planting crops!” “Crops are rather essential,” Private Pansy said. “Without them, we have no food. And without the unicorns to bring forth the sun and the moon, we wouldn’t know when to rest or when to battle.” “Indeed,” Typhoon said. “If this animosity continues, your actions will be tantamount to our own genocide. No army would condone a commander who puts his pride before the need to feed his army.” Surprisingly, Commander Hurricane considered these words carefully. Reluctantly, he gave a sigh of defeat. “It pains me to admit, but, you’re right, Typhoon,” Hurricane said. “But, if we go back, we will look like fools.” “You’re a fool if you don’t go back,” Typhoon argued. “We are on the brink of starvation.” Hurricane groaned. “Very well. Private Pansy, I must ask that you join me for backup.” That’s the first sensible choice he made all day, General Typhoon thought. “Understood, sir,” Private Pansy saluted. And with that, the two pegasi set off, leaving General Typhoon, as appointed third-in-command, to look after the Pegasi land. Meanwhile, Chancellor Puddinghead returned home. He climbed through the chimney of his office. There to greet him outside of the fireplace was a plump earth pony mare. She had a dusty gamboge coat, olive green mane and tail, deep blue eyes. She wore a simple tunic and hat. “Ah,” the chancellor said. “Smart Cookie, my advisor.” “Not to question your methods, your chancellors-ness,” the mare, whose name was Smart Cookie, asked. “But, couldn’t you have entered through the door?” “Under normal circumstances, yes,” Puddinghead said. “However, the door was blocked by snow.” “Ah,” Smart Cookie said. “So, how was the summit?” "Those greedy pegasi and those nasty unicorns didn't even want to discuss solutions,” he said. “They had the gall to accuse us of hoarding food! Never mind the fact that I told them we actually can't grow crops in these frigid conditions! They're just jealous because I worked hard to earn my title, whereas they got in through connections, family, prestige, or any combination thereof." “You do have to admit,” Smart Cookie pointed out. “That the pegasi and unicorns are just as part of growing our food as we are. The unicorns bring the sunshine that our plants need to grow and melt the snow, while the pegasi bring the rain and wind to help our crops grow healthier. Perhaps it would’ve been better if I had gone to the summit in your place. No offense, but, your policies have caused our citizens to question your sanity.” “Offense very much taken,” Chancellor Puddinghead gasped. “My methods may come across as questionable, but, I must do everything I can to ensure that the earth ponies are happy and healthy.” “Which you are clearly failing at,” Smart Cookie said. “If you really want to ensure the earth ponies’ happiness and health, we go back and apologize to the pegasus and unicorn tribes leaders. Then, we can coordinate a better plan that works well for all of the tribes, not just our own.” “Give me reasons to entertain such an idea,” Chancellor Puddinghead challenged before a deep, loud rumble erupted from Smart Cookie’s plump belly. “Such sound is becoming increasingly common among our tribe,” Smart Cookie said. “The rations we’ve stored are depleting and with recent weather, we are unable to grow more crops. If a well-fed mare like myself is going hungry, imagine how much worse off the thinner ponies here are. Without cooperation with the other tribes, all of Ponyland will starve to death, let alone our own. What more reason do you need?” Chancellor Puddinghead took this in. “None,” he said. “I’ll go, but, I want you to join me. With you being my advisor and secretary, I’m counting on you to assist me.” “That is a very wise decision,” Smart Cookie said. “We must work things out without pride getting in the way before the citizens act upon their decision to impeach you.” “Understood,” Chancellor Puddinghead said before opening the front door. Unfortunately, a large mound of snow splattered inside. “Anypony got a shovel?” And so it was that the three tribe leaders each decided to strike out on their own in search of new land to recuperate until ready to face each other. None of them seemed to suspect the true nature of the blizzard or that it would follow them to the new land they would seek. With Princess Platinum and Clover the Clever, they were trekking outside of the unicorn kingdom and making their way into a deep forest. Despite the inclement weather, Princess Platinum hardly seemed to notice. The words her father told her still rung in her ears. She knew her father to be a wise stallion. If he told her off, it meant she was failing to live up to the example he set for her. Clover could see how upset Princess Platinum was. “Your father wants you to be a good leader for our tribe,” he said. “The fact that you’re willing to make this journey proves that you do take his words to heart, even if you do make mistakes.” “I realize now that my prideful sins are costing our tribe’s survival,” Princess Platinum said. “Regardless of my pride, I never intended to doom the tribe. I cannot let the entire tribe pay the price for my foolishness. I thought I could handle my father’s responsibility of diplomacy, but, clearly I was wrong.” “But, you’ve come to understand your mistake,” Clover said. “That proves that you’re willing to listen and willing to make amends. That aspect is what will make you a great leader.” “All the same,” Princess Platinum said. “I feel it’s too soon to face the other tribes right now. Ideally, I would propose we find a patch of land to recuperate until we’re ready. But, what do you think?” “I think,” Clover said. “That the sooner we make amends, the better. If we prolong our endeavor, there is a chance your father’s condition will worsen until he succumbs to the disease and he’ll…” He lowered his head mournfully. That was all Princess Platinum needed to understand. Quietly, the two unicorns continued on their quest. Back in present day, Twilight and her family took a brief pause to make more cocoa. “You know,” Spike said. “The portrayals of the tribal leaders in the play version seem a lot more petty.********” “It was possibly due to the biases and prejudices being more emphasized for the challenge of the actors to convey more emotion,” Twilight suggested. “Though, personally, I like reading the book for historical accuracy.” “Of course you do,” Spike chuckled. “Plus, reading the book is part of our tradition along with A Hearth’s Warming Tale.” That was a book they typically read after the history of Hearth’s Warming Eve. “Regardless of the play’s historical accuracy or lack thereof,” Shining Armor said. “The story shows that pride can be dangerous.” “That’s true,” Twilight nodded. “The tribal leaders let their pride get the better of them and their tribes nearly paid the price for it.” “Only nearly, though,” Night Light said. “The only reason they actually made an effort to make things better was because of–” “Dad~!” Twilight interrupted. “Don’t get too far ahead of the story during extra cocoa time.” “Oh, right,” Night Light said, chuckling sheepishly. “Sorry, I’m getting a little ahead of myself.” After the cocoa was ready, Twilight continued reading. Commander Hurricane was scouting ahead with Private Pansy. Private Pansy was looking around cautiously. At last they settled on a patch of clouds overlooking beautiful mountains and a lush green valley. "Ah yes," Commander Hurricane smiled. "These clouds will make an excellent home for us pegasi. And the best part is, no other tribes can get to us without us knowing about it. We'll control the skies." “And,” Private Pansy started. “We can still fly down and meet up with them so we can make amends. Remember, we left to make things right. Our tribe is starving. It’s not fair for them to pay the price for your pride.” Commander Hurricane paused. He knew she was right. “As I said,” he said. “The best part is, no creatures of evil can get to us. And we’ll be able to protect the other tribes easily.” Private Pansy had a satisfied smile. I knew he’d still find some way to make it sound like he’s winning, she thought to herself. But, I do like the idea of each of us tribes looking out for each other. “We’ll call this place Pegasopolis,” Hurricane said. Meanwhile, Princess Platinum and Clover the Clever arrived at some mountains and a vast set of caves. Princess Platinum smiled as her reflection shone in all the gemstones. "My, just look at all these fine jewels," she declared. "They'll do wonders for our royal treasury." “And some of them would make good monetary units,” Clover figured. “They will also make fantastic gifts to the other tribes. These caves will also be the perfect place to hone our skills and perfect new spells. My mentor, Starswirl, will be up to his beard in new students.” “I propose we call this Unicornia,” Princess Platinum said. Meanwhile, Chancellor Puddinghead and Smart Cookie were looking for fertile soil. “Yes, we should be on the right track,” Chancellor Puddinghead muttered to himself. His concentration was impeded by a persistent groan from Smart Cookie’s belly. “Apologies, your chancellor-ness,” Smart Cookie said. “Seems my stomach is eager to find food. Don’t worry. I’ll try not to let my stomach interrupt our quest too much. The sooner we make amends, the quicker we can grow more crops.” “Ideally,” Chancellor Puddinghead said. “We’ll need to find us something edible already growing to sustain us before we can think about planting crops. Crops take time to grow.” “That’s going to be hard to do with all of this snow,” Smart Cookie pointed out. “It can’t be everywhere,” Puddinghead reasoned. I don’t believe it, Smart Cookie thought in surprise. A sentence from Chancellor Puddinghead that actually made sense to me! Soon, they came upon fields of green grass and freshly planted soil. To Smart Cookie, the grass looked very appetizing. “This is perfect,” Chancellor Puddinghead said happily. “The air is so fresh, the soil looks so fertile, and the grass is lush.” Smart Cookie’s belly gave another audible growl. “I suggest you eat some of the grass while you can.” “Oh, gladly, your chancellor-ness,” Smart Cookie smiled before she began to chomp at the long patches of grass. While she was doing that, Chancellor Puddinghead thought up names for the new land. “Let’s see,” he thought aloud. “There’s some really good dirt here in this village. Maybe I can call this place… ‘Dirtville.’ No, that’s too on the nose.” As he was thinking, Smart Cookie had swallowed one last mouthful of grass before pitching her suggestion. “Why don’t we call this place Earth, since we’re earth ponies?” Chancellor Puddinghead considered this. “Earth,” he figured. “I like the sound of that.” At that moment, all three leaders pitched their flags. Afterwards, they noticed their staked claims all shared a border with one another. “Oh, perfect,” Clover said happily. “This is our chance to-” “What are you doing here?!” Hurricane exclaimed. “This is our land to recuperate on!” “Sir,” Private Pansy whispered. “Have you forgotten why we set off in the first place?” “On the contrary, Commander,” Princess Platinum said. “We were here first!” “Your majesty,” Clover whispered. “We’re not supposed to confront the other tribes. That’s why your father sent us away in the first place.” “Oh, but, you’re both very much mistaken,” Chancellor Puddinghead said. “We planted our flag earlier than first!” “Uh, Chancellor,” Smart Cookie said. “This is kind of undercutting what we were trying to achieve.” “If we’re to settle our differences,” Clover the Clever said. “I recommend that we all calm down. It’s clear that we’re all having problems that the summit clearly didn’t resolve. Getting angry at each other again isn’t going to solve anything.” The tribal leaders carefully listened to Clover’s sage words and took a deep breath before approaching each other while trying hard to keep their emotions in check. However, once they were close, they each felt that they stepped in something cold and wet. Looking down, they saw snow that wasn’t there earlier. “Hey,” Chancellor Puddinghead said. “Where did all this snow come from?” All ponies were suddenly filled with dread as they looked up and saw that the very weather they tried to escape had followed them. “Everypony!” Clover shouted. “Run for shelter!” The six ponies ran into one of the caves in ‘Unicornia.’ Again back to present day, Spike drank the last of his cocoa. “Uh, mom?” he asked. Twilight stopped reading. “Yes, Spike?” “Isn’t it about time for dinner?” he asked. “Almost, Spike,” Twilight said. “I can confirm that,” Velvet said. “I have vegetable stew in the slow cooker and it’s almost ready.” “Okay,” Spike said. “Continue.” And Twilight resumed the story: Inside the cave, the six ponies were in a state of confusion. “This just doesn’t make sense,” Commander Hurricane said, too confused to lose his temper. “How could the weather have followed us here? The pegasi in Cloudsdale were too tired and hungry last I saw.” “And the unicorns couldn’t be the cause because there’s barely enough food for them to keep their own strength up,” Princess Platinum said, equally confused. “And there’s no way earth ponies are responsible since we can’t even reach the clouds,” Chancellor Puddinghead said. “Much less touch them. Even if we could, we barely have enough food for ourselves.” “I do have a theory,” Clover said grimly. “This weather could be caused by not one of us… but, all of us.” “All of us?!” the tribal leaders spoke in unified confusion. “Well, think about it,” Clover said. “Before the feud started, these blizzards weren’t happening.” “That is true,” Private Pansy said. “I remember helping to bring easy breezes, but, nothing as fierce as the blizzards.” “I concede that this much is true,” Commander Hurricane said. “But, I fail to see what that has to do with anything.” “Don’t you see?” Clover asked. “The more we fought and the less we trusted each other, the colder everything became.” The leaders took a moment to digest this observation Clover made. They did have to admit that as their trust in each other waned, the temperature did drop. “You’re right as usual, Clover,” Princess Platinum said. “Though, I feel it to be more coincidence than anything. Not that it matters since the earth ponies were unable to provide the herbal medicine for my father.” “We can’t exactly grow crops with all this snow,” Chancellor Puddinghead said. “Why, just look at Smart Cookie. Our rations have gone so low that even she was going hungry.” The other ponies looked at Smart Cookie. Her plump body compared to the rest of them gave them the impression that she was well-fed. That’s when it started to sink in. If she was going hungry with her round figure, skinnier earth ponies can’t possibly be faring any better. “Whoa,” Commander Hurricane said. “Things really are bad!” “In Cloudsdale,” Private Pansy said. “Pegasi are hungry and tired because they haven’t been getting food. We tried to move the clouds, but, lately, it’s been costing us more energy than we have. I had to instate mandatory rest breaks to conserve energy.” As they spoke with each other, Clover noticed the entrance of the cave was freezing over. “Everypony, look!” Clover gasped. The ponies gasped in horror as they saw they were getting sealed in. “Oh, no!” Chancellor Puddinghead gasped. “We’re trapped!” The leaders were about to start arguing over whose fault it was when they suddenly discovered they were unable to move their hooves. They looked down and saw that their hooves were becoming covered in ice. “Wh-what’s happening?!” Commander Hurricane shivered. The six ponies looked up to see ghostly clouds in the shape of running wild horses with white empty eyes. They heard ghastly wails and frightful neighing as the cloudy vapors surrounded them. “What are these creatures?!” cried a distressed Princess Platinum. “They must be Windigos…” Clover the Clever shivered. “They’re creatures that are monsters of the weather. They thrive on conflict and hatred, freezing the land they sense it strongest. The colder ponies’ hearts are, the colder the environment becomes.” This explanation resonated with the leaders, who were now horrified by the realization that their pride allowed this to happen. “So, this really was all our fault,” Princess Platinum concluded. “My father was right to be disappointed with me.” She shed a single tear as the ice on her continued to spread. “H-hey, hey, don’t cry,” Chancellor Puddinghead said, hoping he sounded braver than he felt. “I shouldn’t have underestimated you because of your youth.” The ice on him continued to spread as well. “And I really was projecting my own frustrations because I didn’t want to be seen as weak,” Commander Hurricane said. “In the end, it didn’t even matter.” The remorseful commander saw the ice spreading, but, didn’t try to fight it. “And now,” Clover said grimly. “Our bodies will become as cold as our hearts, all because we were foolish enough to hate.” The three ponies untouched by ice got closer together. Private Pansy gave a little snicker. “What’s so funny?” Smart Cookie asked her, slightly confused. “If there was one pony I hated,” Pansy said. “It would be Commander Hurricane. But, I don’t actually hate him. I just don’t agree with his hard-nosed policies.” The three couldn’t help but laugh together. “Even if we’ve only personally known each other briefly,” Smart Cookie said. “I don’t hate you two. In fact, I wish I had got to know you both better before.” She held them close. “My body fat will keep us warm for at least a little bit longer.” “Thank you, Smart Cookie,” Private Pansy said gratefully. “And I don’t hate you two, either.” “Neither do I,” Clover admitted. “Whatever fate awaits us, we’ll face it together as ponies…as friends. Tribes don’t matter anymore.” The three ponies embraced each other. Slowly, the ice began to surround them, but, it stopped as it reached Clover’s unicorn horn. “At last, they understand,” a female voice said as Clover’s horn lit up. From it erupted a magical flame in the shape of a heart that dispelled the Windigos and melted the ice on the bodies of the tribal leaders’ subordinates. “That’s beautiful,” Private Pansy said. “Yeah,” Smart Cookie said. “What spell is this, Clover?” “I… don’t know,” Clover admitted. “But, I don’t think I managed to do it alone. By the way, did either of you hear that voice?” “I did,” Private Pansy admitted. “I don’t know who the voice belongs to, though.” “Neither do I,” Smart Cookie admitted. At that moment, a translucent figure clad in white robes appeared before the three ponies. This figure was unusual to the three as she stood on two legs while the other two limbs each ended with five strange digits. They saw no fur on the exposed parts of the limbs. A look at the figure’s face revealed a furless face vaguely like that of a primate topped with blonde hair. While this figure was strange to the ponies, they felt strangely at peace. “Who are you?” Private Pansy asked, somewhat nervously. “Fear not, little ponies,” the figure said gently. “You three are the first of your kind in many years to look past breed differences.” “And this heart-shaped flame is the result of that friendship?” Clover asked. “The Fire of Friendship, yes,” the figure said. “It has allowed me to reach ponykind once again.” “Fire of Friendship,” Smart Cookie said. “I like the sound of that.” “But,” Clover said. “Who are you? And pardon me for asking, but, what are you?” “In life,” the figure said. “I was known as Megan.” Clover gasped. “My mentor, Starswirl, told me of you. He said you were one of three founding deities of Ponyland.” “A deity, I was not,” Megan explained. “But, it is true that I worked with two others to make Ponyland. Since my time on the mortal plain had come to an end, I have waited for other wise ponies to remember the importance of seeing past the differences between the earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns. You three have done just that. All I ask is that you spread this lesson to others and encourage them to do the same.” The three ponies bowed their heads respectfully and said in unison, “We will.” “Words cannot express the pride I feel right now,” Megan said. “My spirit can rest easy knowing that my lessons will endure for generations to come.” With that, Megan faded from sight with a smile. So, the three pony friends kept the Fire of Friendship burning brightly all throughout the night. Together, they told stories to each other and they sang songs together, songs that would become the very carols that the ponies of today sing during Hearth’s Warming. In time, the tribal leaders were touched by the warmth of the Fire of Friendship. Not only did the ice around them begin to melt, but, any feelings of hatred and spite melted away from their hearts. They returned to their original homes and shared what they learned with their tribes. King Bullion, having heard his daughter finally learned the importance of ponies working together, made amends with Princess Platinum. With peace restored, the earth ponies grew the herbal medicine Bullion needed to recover. Together, the pony tribe leaders disbanded their roles and they, along with their assistants, decided to start the building blocks of changing Ponyland into the grand country of Equestria. Back to present day, Twilight closed the book “Boy, you really tell that story so well, Twilight,” Night Light smiled. “What do you think Megan was?” Spike asked. “She couldn’t have been a pony.” “I’m afraid I don’t really know,” Twilight admitted. “I have read a lot about ancient and pre-Equestrian history, but, I haven’t come across anything about what Megan was. At least, not yet, anyway.” “I don’t think it really matters if we learn what she was,” Shining Armor said. “It won’t really change anything.” “That’s true,” Velvet said. “Well, we better wash up. Dinner’s just about ready.” Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. “Who’s that?” Twilight asked. “Were we expecting anypony else?” Night Light looked at the peephole in the front door to see who was outside. On the other side were Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, and a fourth mare. The fourth mare was an alicorn. She was slightly taller than the other mares. She had a soft pink coat with her horn and wings tipped with a deep purple color. She had soft amethyst eyes and her long mane and tail had bold streaks of yellow, magenta, and violet. Her mane and tail were gently curled on the ends. Her Cutie Mark depicted a crystal ice blue heart with intricate gold decorations on the ends. Night Light opened the door to allow them inside so they wouldn't be out in the cold. “Hey, you’re some of Twilight’s classmates from magic school,” Night Light smiled. “And it’s good to see you again, Princess Cadance.” “Likewise,” the alicorn said. Twilight squeed. Cadance saw Twilight and she also squeed happily. The two faced each other. Together, they did something like a secret hoofshake the two of them had made up along with singing a rhyme. “Sunshine, sunshine Ladybugs awake Clap your hooves And do a little shake!” Twilight’s schoolmates went to Spike. “Hi, Spike,” Twinkleshine smiled. “Happy Hearth's Warming, little buddy,” Minuette smiled. She rubbed his left cheek. “We missed seeing you,” Twinkleshine said. “I missed you girls, too,” Spike said. “How’s life in Ponyville?” Lemon Hearts asked. “Have you seen my big sister?” “It’s going great,” Spike smiled. “And we have seen Lemony Gem a few times.” “Are you feeling warm enough?” Minuette asked. “With the fire in the hearth roaring and all of the hot cocoa,” Spike said. “I’m feeling good and toasty.” “Aww~!!!” the three mares said, sounding disappointed. “Hey,” Spike said. “That doesn’t mean I won’t cool down. I’m always open for Hearth’s Warming cuddles.” The three mares squeed and group-hugged the little dragon. “Can we get you girls anything?” Velvet asked. “Do you have any more cocoa?” Twinkleshine asked. “We certainly do,” Velvet smiled. “And plenty of mugs to serve it in.” The three mares take Spike to get him and themselves some cocoa. “Thank you, Mrs. Velvet,” Lemon Hearts smiled. While the three mares played games with Spike, Twilight turned to her family and Cadance. Twilight remembered what she had read earlier. “Now, I don’t want any of you to freak out,” she said. “But, Spike’s egg wasn’t fertilized. I didn’t just hatch him, I created him!” The four adults looked at each other before Shining Armor spoke up. “How long have you known?” “U-until just now,” Twilight said. “Wait, you know?!” “Yeah,” Shining Armor said. “We didn’t want the news to be too shocking, since you were six when you hatched Spike. That’s why we didn’t tell you.” “We wanted to wait,” Velvet said. “Until you were old enough to take it.” “Are you okay, Twilight?” Night Light asked gently. “How do you feel?” “This is a lot to process,” Twilight admitted. “And I don’t feel like I’ve been a very good mother since I confined him to my dorm for so many years and took him for granted for so long.” Velvet placed a gentle hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “You’re better than you give yourself credit for,” she said. “No matter how angry you got at Spike, you never resorted to hitting him. Neither your father nor I had the restraint you do.” “And even if you did keep him inside for as long as you did,” Night Light said. “You always made sure to keep Spike safe from the elitists who could have done serious harm to him.” “Besides,” Shining Armor said. “You taught him everything he knows. He’s smarter than most ponies his age.” “And now that you and he are living in Ponyville,” Cadance said. “You’re giving Spike a chance to make his own friends. So, I think that makes you an amazing mom.” Twilight took a moment to digest the comforting words of the older ponies. After a bit, she began to feel better. “I’m not sure I’m ready to tell him yet.” “That’s alright,” Velvet said comfortingly. “We won’t tell him, either. We won’t tell anypony you don’t want knowing. That’s ultimately your decision. For now, how about we enjoy dinner?” “Sure thing,” Twilight said. With that, Spike and the ponies enjoyed their dinner. Afterwards, Cadance and Twilight’s schoolmates left while Twilight, Spike, and Shining Armor stayed with their parents for the night. Twilight and Spike both shared Twilight’s fillyhood bed (Twilight made sure to close the file before Spike could see the contents she read). As the night went on, Twilight levitated the blanket over her and Spike before she looked at the sleeping drake resting peacefully on top of her belly. He had his arms holding onto her. Even though Spike doesn’t know it yet, Twilight thought to herself. He has more of a reason to call me ‘Mom.’ I’ll tell you soon, Spike. I promise. Just be patient with me. She gave him a motherly kiss to his forehead before holding him close to her, lowering the blanket, and falling asleep. The unicorn and the dragon were in a state of pure bliss that could only come from the bond between a mother and her child. End of chapter.