//------------------------------// // I Believe in Santa (W)Hooves // Story: Let It Snow // by Jade Ring //------------------------------// The little violet unicorn awoke, sat straight up in bed, and looked over to see a stallion standing by her bed. Any other filly's reaction might have been to scream, but Dinky Hooves was not any other filly. She knew things others her age didn't know, like how to multiply and the names of ponies summoned to the very first Court of the Full Moon over a thousand years ago. She knew exactly who the chest-nut stallion with the long white beard by her bed was... even if she couldn't see him clearly without the glasses he was now examining closely on bedside table. “When did you start wearing glasses?” He asked in a deep whisper, the faintest trace of a familiar accent tinging his words. “Since last month, Santa Hooves.” She blushed and rubbed her eyes. “I found some kids from school messing with a spell-book and planning on messing with my... messing with another pony.” “And you took the spell instead?” “I deflected it.” Pride snuck into her tinny voice. “The light just did some minor damage to my retinas.” Santa Hooves laughed and ruffled her mane. “I'm sure you look adorable in them.” “Thank you.” She drew a circle in her blanket with a hoof. “Santa Hooves, why are you in my room?” The stallion clad in red sat heavily on the side of the bed and smiled at Dinky. “You never sent a letter off to me. I have no idea what to get you for Hearth's Warming.” Dinky's mouth dropped open. He was right. With all the hustle and bustle, she'd completely forgotten to write her yearly letter to Santa Hooves. “I'm sorry, Santa! After the spell incident, Miss Cheerilee talked to Princess Twilight and...” “Oh, so she did ascend already? A bit later than expected...” “...huh?” “Never mind, go on.” “Well... I got moved into Miss Cheerilee's class while they wait for a spot to open at Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.” “That's wonderful, Dinky!” Santa Hooves clapped, then paused. “Why Miss Cheerilee's class? Doesn't she teach fillies and colts a little older than you?” Dinky felt that swell of pride again and smiled. “Yep. I'm the youngest filly in class. Smartest too.” “Wise beyond your years.” Santa Hooves marveled, patting her mane again. “You get that from your father.” “...you knew my dad?” “...moving on. What does an extraordinarily bright young girl like you want for Hearth's Warming?” Dinky closed her eyes and thought. She thought and thought and thought until her thinker was sore. She looked up at the blurry Santa Hooves with sad eyes. “I can't.... there's nothing really I need.” “Nothing?” An idea popped into the brilliant little one's head and her horn flashed like a bulb. “Can you give something to somepony else for me?” Santa Hooves put a hoof to his chin and considered. “Perhaps... the filly would have to be worthy of such a gift.” “Oh, she's more than worthy. And she's not really a filly.” “Huh?” “It's my mommy.” Santa Hooves stiffened. “...your mother.” “Derpy Hooves.” “I am aware.” Dinky cocked her head. “Do you know her?” “I'm Santa Hooves, love. I know everypony. But that might be a tall order.” “I know; she doesn't believe anymore. But can't you make an exception, just this once?” Santa Hooves stood and began to pace. “What do you want me to give her? No, wait, before that; why?” Dinky Hooves motioned at the framed picture by her bed; Derpy and Dinky at the lake. “She's so sad all the time. She hides it really well, but I can see it behind her eyes. She's been that way since the big Apple wedding. Since Uncle Doc left.” “...and what can I give her?” “Do you know where Uncle Doc is?” A long pause. “...yes.” “Can you bring him home to my mommy?” “...no.” “...but why?” “You must understand, Dinky. Your Uncle Doc misses you and your mother very much. But he can't come home. Not yet.” Dinky started to cry. “I don't understand.” He wiped the tears from her eyes. “Don't cry, little one. These things were not meant for the hearts and minds of children.” He pondered his next course of action and thew caution to the wind. “Dinky, being as smart as you are, could you remember a message for your mommy?” Dinky nodded. Santa Hooves smiled, leaned close, and whispered one sentence into her ear. When he pulled back, Dinky looked at him in confusion. “Why can't you tell her yourself?” “Trust me, it'll mean more coming from you.” He hugged her and felt her tiny forelegs wrap around his neck in return. “Now back to dreamland with you, Dinky Hooves. Otherwise you won't find squat 'neath the tree come morning.” Dinky smiled and snuggled back into her pillows. “Happy Hearth's Warming, Santa Hooves.” He paused on his way out the door and smiled back at her. “Happy Hearth's Warming, little one.” ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// He closed the door behind him and glanced down the hall towards the room where he knew she was fast asleep. For an instant, he considered forgetting everything to do with the Guild, throwing open her door, and proposing to her right then and there. His left hoof actually lifted, ready to carry him to her side. Four hard knocks came from the roof over his head. He sighed as the familiar blue of the Time Spell surrounded him and transported him to the top of the house. It pulled away his disguise, leaving him clad in his familiar green tie and starched white collar. There was a pony waiting for him in the lightly blowing snow dressed as he had just been dressed, his coat and mane so white they seemed to blend in with the blowing flakes. “That makes two imposters in one night.” He laughed. “But at least you weren't spreading Hearth's Warming cheer all over the furniture of Carousel Boutique.” Time Turner, alias Doctor Whooves, glared at the real Santa Hooves. “Did Colgate send you?” Santa shook his head. “Lad, I haven't been a part of the Guild proper in close to a century. Nopony sent me.” “Good.” “She did ask me to come here tonight, however.” Turner snorted. “Of course.” Santa Hooves shook his great head and lay a hoof on Time Turner's shoulder. “The Guild's orders are absolute; there can be no contact between you and Derpy Hooves between now and the end of the Great Storm.” “But why? Can you at least tell me that since the confounded dentist refuses to?” Santa Hooves considered the request... then nodded. “Both Derpy and Dinky are integral to ending the Great Storm, but it is the fiery love of the mother, forged in years of lonely sadness, that will save Equestria.” “...that's it?” Santa Hooves shrugged. He looked at the roof beneath his feet as though he were looking through it. “She's a remarkable little filly, isn't she?” Time Turner nodded. “You must be very proud to be her father.” Time Turner staggered and stared at the Patron Saint of Joy in astonishment. “How did...?” “I believe that's my question.” Time Turner sighed and lowered his head. “Because of what I am, from time to time I must... change in order to save myself from death or grievous injury. Each time I change, my face, attitude, and even some of my most basic characteristics change. I fell in love with Derpy wearing an old face. When I changed, I convinced her that I was her lost love's brother, sent to take care of her and the little foal she now carried.” “Why not tell her the truth? Your real name?” “Because if I did, I would lose my place in the Guild. There are so many threats to Equestria... it would be selfish to give up my duty for something as simple as a mare.” “A mare you love. And your own daughter.” Time Turner shrugged. “Can't win them all.” “It is done.” Time Turner looked at him sharply. “What is?” “If you are true to your creed and stay from Derpy Hooves until the Great Storm has passed, then you have the Guild's leave to reveal your true name and give up your place as a defender of time... unless we need you again.” Time Turner's jaw dropped. “How are you allowed to...?” Santa Hooves smiled, his eyes twinkling. “I may not be on the Guild anymore, but I'm still chief gift giver in Equestria. And that is my gift to you.” Time Turner bowed and when he stood back up the rotund stallion was gone. He smiled and looked over the roof's edge and into the silent bedroom of his little one. “Happy Hearth's Warming.” he whispered. “Peace in Equestria, good-will to all ponies.” Time Turner and Dinky Hooves. Father and Daughter. Waiting.