//------------------------------// // The Fun Will Never End // Story: Guardian Angel // by Mayhem Darkshadow //------------------------------// Written by: Mayhem Darkshadow Edited by: TimeLord_Whooves and SirTruffles Chapter 12: The Fun Will Never End Twilight was as comfortable as one could possibly get when sleeping. The blankets were warm and her pillow was soft. Last night had been a very late night, the family didn't get home until three o'clock. Twilight was quite content, snuggled up under the blankets. That bliss, of course, was rather short lived. "Hearth's Warming Day! Hearth's Warming Day! Time to wake up! Time to wake up!" Twilight's eyes slowly opened. Who in their right mind was awake already? "Sc...Scootaloo? How are you even awake?" Twilight grumbled as her vision adjusted and she saw her daughter grinning at her. "Because it's Hearth's Warming Day, and I'm just so excited!" Scootaloo shouted. “Shhh” Twilight hissed, fearing that Scootaloo was going to wake everypony else up. Twilight then turned and looked at the clock, and her face fell. "Scootaloo, it's only six o'clock," Twilight groaned, "Everypony has only gotten three hours of sleep. You need to come back to bed." "But I'm wide awake," Scootaloo whined. "I can't sleep because I'm too excited." Twilight grumbled and put her head back on her pillow. Hopefully she'll tire herself out and go back to bed. "Come on Mom just wake up," Scootaloo grunted as she shoved and against Twilight's side impatiently. Twilight mumbled something and her legs shot out from under the blankets, grabbed Scootaloo around the middle, and pulled her under. "Shh shh just go back to sleep my little chicken," Twilight whispered as she closed her eyes. "Ga! Can't...breathe...Mom...holding me...too tight," Scootaloo gasped. Twilight smiled and loosened her grip just enough so Scootaloo could breath, but not enough to where she could escape. Scootaloo struggled to break free, but after struggling to pry her mother’s legs apart she gave up. "We can...wake...few hours," Twilight yawned as she drifted back into slumber. Scootaloo frowned and decided she might as well get comfortable while she waited. It was a few hours later when sunlight finally started to fill Twilight’s room. As the light hit her face, Twilight's fluttered open. She stretched and suddenly remembered she was holding Scootaloo. Upon further inspection she found the filly had passed out. Good she fell back asleep. Twilight, with great care, unwrapped her legs. Scootaloo didn't even stir. Twilight smiled and quietly hopped out of bed and went to peak out the door and see if anypony was awake. All the bedroom doors were still shut and it didn't sound like anypony was downstairs. Twilight shut the door and then tried to decide what to do while she waited for everypony to wake. You know what? A hot bath sounds really good right now, she thought to herself. Twilight slowly crept along to the bathroom and got the water running. As the tub filled up it occurred to her that she had never taken a bath with Scootaloo before. Smiling at just the thought she went back into the bedroom to retrieve the filly. Twilight carefully picked her up and then went back to the bathroom. Once the tub was full she climbed in. "Just perfect," she said quietly to herself. Twilight then levitated Scootaloo over to her chest. Twilight smiled at her sleeping angel and splashed some water over Scootaloo's body with a hoof. Scootaloo’s eyes fluttered open when felt the warmth. "Morning sleepyhead," Twilight whispered. Rubbing her eyes, Scootaloo's vision cleared up. "Morning," Scootaloo replied softly, "Why are we in the bathtub?" "Well, nopony is awake, so I figured we could have some mommy daughter bath time," Twilight explained. Scootaloo smiled and then closed her eyes. "For a second there, I thought my dream about going to the beach had come true," Scootaloo mumbled. Twilight patted her on the back. "We will certainly go to the beach sometime. Once the weather warms up a bit," Twilight replied playfully. "Have I ever told you how much I love you Mom?" Scootaloo asked quietly. "I'm not entirely sure you tell me that enough," Twilight snickered. Scootaloo splashed some water in her mother’s face, which earned her a splash back. The two of them giggled. Twilight then grabbed a bottle of shampoo and lathered up Scootaloo's mane. Scootaloo rested her head and let her mother do all the work. Twilight rinsed the soap out and then took care of her own mane. "I find it funny that you were wide awake just a while ago, and now you can't even keep your eyes open," Twilight chuckled as they relaxed in the water. All Twilight got in response was a grumble. "Maybe my tired little baby should go back to bed for awhile then?" Twilight added. "Not a baby...Mom," Scootaloo yawned. Twilight chuckled and rubbed Scootaloo's back slowly. Soon they heard the sound of doors opening and shutting. "Sounds like everypony is starting to wake up," Twilight said," I suppose we can get out of the tub and go downstairs." Scootaloo perked up immediately and jumped out of the tub. "Oh boy! presents!" she shouted before bolting out of the bathroom. "Wait sweetheart I still need to dry you off!" Twilight called. All she heard was a screech and then a thud. "I'm okay!" Scootaloo announced after some silence. Twilight rubbed her temple and pulled herself out of the tub. Honestly, I will never understand how that filly goes from tired to alert in an instant, she thought to herself as she grabbed a towel and made made a beeline for Scootaloo. She also took a moment to prod Spike in an attempt to wake him up, which he did after a few pokes. The rest of the family was already downstairs by the time the three of them finished getting ready. The smell of cinnamon rolls teased their nostrils as they got closer to the bottom of the stairs. Night Light had his eyes glued to a book but they kept shutting every so often. Cadence was leaning up against Shining Armor, and she was clearly trying really hard to fall back to sleep. Shining Armor himself looked awake and alert, but upon closer inspections his eyes were completely bloodshot and there were bags under them. "Everypony looks like they're dead," Scootaloo whispered to her mother. Twilight nodded as they reached the main floor. Nopony seemed to take notice that they were even there, they all seemed like they were in a trance. "Umm...morning everypony," Twilight finally said. They all just turned their heads, so slow they should have been creaking as they moved. "Morning you two," Night Light yawned, "Sleep well?" "This little missy here decided to wake up at six o'clock and bounce on top of me until I was awake," Twilight complained while looking at her daughter. Scootaloo smiled innocently, and Twilight to roll her eyes. "Well your mother is about done with the rolls," Night Light explained, "Where's Spike?" "He was right behind us," Twilight said as she looked up towards the second floor. "I guess he went back to bed. Scootaloo can you go get him?" Twilight asked. Scootaloo nodded and bolted up the stairs towards the bedroom. "Just wake him up don't do anything to make him angry," Twilight shouted. Oof! Too late. Scootaloo came flying down the stairs and hid behind Twilight. Spike stomped down the stairs, staring malevolently at Scootaloo. "Next time you want to wake me up try not jumping on me," he growled. Scootaloo stuck her tongue out at him and Spike lunged. Twilight kept the two of them apart as they flailed arm and leg at each other. "Scootaloo," Twilight grunted, "Apologize." "I'm sorry Spikey Wikey," Scootaloo giggled. Spike's cheeks went pink and he sat down without saying another word. Twilight rolled her eyes and pulled the two of them closer to her. "I love the two of you but you're both going to drive me up the wall someday." Both Spike and Scootaloo struggled to get out of Twilight's maternal grip, but when were unable to break free they accepted their fate with fallen heads. Twilight gave each of them a kiss on the temple, and then let the them go. As she did Velvet called all of them into the kitchen to plate up. "Oh thank Celestia I’m so hungry I could eat a hydra," Shining Armor groaned as they all walked into the kitchen. Velvet rolled her eyes and let out a powerful yawn. Everypony quickly filled their plates and then went back out into the living room. "Alright let’s get started with presents then," Night Light announced after everypony had sat down, “As per family tradition we start with the youngest. Looks like Spike doesn't get to go first anymore." Spike had the most crestfallen look on his face, for a few seconds anyway. "Well I suppose it does mean I'm not the baby in the family anymore," he said while looking at Scootaloo. Scootaloo stuck her tongue out at him before taking the present being handed to her. "This one is from your Aunt and I," Shining mentioned as Scootaloo tore into the package. "Official Wonderbolt's Goggles!" she screamed with joy. "Take a look at the headband," Cadence told her. Scootaloo tilted the gift to the side and about lost her marbles when she saw what was written on them. "Each of the Wonderbolt's signatures," she cried in delight before jumping at her Aunt and Uncle and embracing them, "Thank you thank you thank you thank you!" "You're welcome," they both said. "By the way, that’s magic ink that won't fade over time. Those signatures will look that good for an eternity," Cadence added. Scootaloo smiled and put the goggles on top of her head. "Well looks like we have the next Wonderbolt right here," Night Light said with a whistle. Scootaloo smiled and then look her seat, waiting slightly impatiently for it to be her turn again. "Alright Spike this one is from your sister," Twilight said as she dropped a gift into the dragons lap. Spike raised an eyebrow. The shape of the gift sort of gave away what it probably was, but he was not expecting the item hidden behind the wrapping paper. "The Complete Power Ponies Encyclopedia A to Z," he read out loud, "So that's why I couldn’t stand in line to wait for this the day it came out." "Yeah because I went and stood in line to get it for you," Scootaloo told him. Spike gave her a smile and thanked her for the gift before he opened the large book up and began to read from it. It only took about two seconds for Spike to stop paying attention to his surroundings. "Spike...Spike...Spike!" "Wa what?" he fumbled, snapping back into reality. "Put the book away you can read it later," Twilight said calmly. Spike gave his best attempt at puppy dog eyes but Twilight didn't budge. The baby dragon sulked and set the treasure aside, for now anyway. Gift unwrapping went on and before Scootaloo knew it, it was her turn again. Excited she took the gift passed to her and opened it sporadically. When she saw what was inside she couldn't believe her eyes, neither could Twilight. "Hold on a moment," Twilight said, in complete shock, "That isn't the new Daring Do book that doesn't come out for another month is it?" "It just so happens that it is," Velvet told to her daughter. Twilight was baffled and Scootaloo was stunned. "You owe me twenty bits," Cadence whispered into her husband’s ear quietly. Shining Armor rolled his eyes and everyone went back to watching Twilight and Scootaloo. Finally they got a reaction. "This...is...so...awesome!" Scootaloo shouted at the top of her lungs," Thanks Grandma and Grandpa." "You're quite welcome, sweetheart," Night Light said, "By the way open the cover. There's a little surprise inside." Scootaloo did what she was told and found some text on the inside cover. "To Scootaloo," she read out loud, "Go for the gold and never give up. Sincerely, A.K. Yearling." "I don't believe it," Twilight said in shock, "Mama may have to borrow your book and never return it, Scootaloo." The filly wrapped her hooves around the treasured item. Twilight poked and prodded at Scootaloo's sides but the book remained guarded from prying hooves. "And now you owe me forty bits," Shining Armor whispered into Cadence's ear. It was now Cadence's turn to roll her eyes. Twilight eventually stopped and Scootaloo put the book well out of her mother's reach. Gift giving continued, Spike got more comic books and The Gem Hunters Basic Guide to Hitting it Big, Twilight got a large tome to replace one of her old ones that had fallen apart, Cadence got jewelry and, and some foal clothes. That earned Shining Armor a well deserved smack on the head. Soon they were down to the last few gifts "Okay you two, I have a few things for you to open together," Twilight said as she passed a few gifts to her children. "Start with this card." Spike took the card and opened it. Scootaloo looked over his shoulder while he read it aloud. "I know you two sometimes complain about how the only thing to do at home is read. So I caved in and got us a TV. Enjoy the mind numbing pleasure. Love, Mom." Spike and Scootaloo dropped the card and embraced Twilight. "Best gift ever!" "Well it's a gift for me too," she told them, "Now I don't have to listen to the two of you complain about only being able to read books. It should be there when we get back. Now I have one more gift for each of you." Twilight grabbed the last two gifts and gave them to Spike and Scootaloo. They opened them up together. "Oh my gosh a JoyBoy 3D," Scootaloo shouted with glee. "And it's the Ponymon edition." "The complete first three season of The Power Ponies! These aren't even on sale anymore," Spike said with a smile on his face. The two of them put their gifts down and hugged their mother once more. "You're the best, Mom," Scootaloo said. "No kidding," Spike added. Twilight gave each of them a kiss and nuzzled them on the cheek, but the tender moment was cut short by Velvet. "Okay everypony we need to all get ready for the day and start preparing for tonight's dinner." There was a unanimous wave of moans and groans, but Velvet wasn't having any of it. "Come on all of you. Chop chop. We're having Royalty over for dinner tonight so we need to make sure that everything is perfect.” This time there was a collective sigh from everypony, as they all knew arguing with Velvet was always a losing battle. “Shining and Cadence I would like it if you can clean upstairs for me. Twilight, would you please take care of the bathrooms. Spike and Scootaloo, that leave the two of you to clean up the mess from opening gifts. Your father and I will clean up the kitchen and get the cooking started. Let's go," Velvet commanded. Needless to say chores were the last thing everypony wanted to do that day, but they all knew that if they did them it would be for their own benefit. Just before Princess Celestia and Luna were due to show up the finishing touches on the cleaning and preparing were being taken care of. Twilight, Scootaloo, and Spike were setting the table while Shining Armor and Cadence were putting out the Hor d'oeurvres. "Hurry up everypony the princesses will be here any minute," Velvet called from the kitchen. "Is Grandma always this excessive with attention to detail?" Scootaloo asked her mother as they finished up. "Every since she was your age according to your Great Grandma and Grandpa," Twilight mentioned as she made sure all the silverware was placed in the proper positions on the table, with the hope that she wouldn't be yelled at for doing it wrong. "Let’s go everypony I can see their carriage," Velvet yelled from the kitchen. A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door, which was answered by Twilight. "Happy Hearth's Warming Day everypony," Princess Celestia and Luna said as they entered the home. Twilight had to take a second to look back and forth between the two sisters. Princess Celestia looked no different than she did any other day, though Twilight noticed she wasn't wearing any of her regalia. Luna, however, was completely decked out in all sorts of holiday apparel. Everything from the stereotypical red and green sweater to a Santa Hooves hat that flashed "Merry Hearth's Warming" in big red letters. Top that all off with a fake red nose and magical lights wrapped around her horn and Luna was basically the poster pony for the holiday. "Well don't you look...festive Luna," Twilight said politely, all while trying to hold in her laughter. "Why thank you Twilight. Hearth's Warming time is my favorite time of the year, ever since I was a filly," Luna explained. Twilight swallowed struggled to contain herself. As Princess Celestia walked by her student she whispered in her ear. "There was no convincing her to take that all off, or at least the lights and the nose. She's really happy and cheerful though, more than she's been in a long time. So let's try and not laugh at her if we can." Twilight nodded her head and made a note to spread the word, starting with the two individuals who were most likely to do the laughing. "You both are just in time," Velvet said as she walked out into the living room, "Dinner should be ready in thirty minutes or so. So feel free to talk among yourselves and eat some appetizers while I finish the cooking." All the adults, minus Luna, gathered around the couch and engaged in simple small talk. Spike decided to move over to the fire and finally get to work on reading his new book. Scootaloo and Luna, meanwhile, nestled up on a loveseat together and entertained themselves with Scootaloo’s JoyBoy. As they waited there was suddenly a knock on the door. "I'll get it," Twilight said before trotting out of the living room and into the entrance way. Her mood quickly took a dive bomb when she saw who was at the door. "Good evening Twilight and a Merry Hearths Warming to you," Prince Blueblood said politely as the door opened. Twilight glared at him. "What do you want?" she spat. The Prince kept his composure and spoke. "I have come here to apologize for my behavior last night and for all the things I said about you and your filly. Would you mind if I stepped inside so we could talk about it?" Twilight shook her head. "Let's do this outside. I wouldn’t want my family to hear you blubber like a foal if I end up punching you again." Blueblood held his tongue once more and Twilight stepped outside. The two guards that were standing on the front porch eyeballed them as they walked away from the house. "Well then?" Twilight said with a raised eyebrow. The Prince cleared his throat before speaking. "I apologize for what I did last night. It was uncalled for. I shouldn’t have tried to hit your daughter and then go and insult the both of you. Can you forgive me?" Twilight wasn't really buying it though. She knew there was something going on. "Are you just saying this because Princess Celestia and Luna are making you do it?" Prince Blueblood shook his head. "I am doing this on my own accord. I feel bad for what I did last night and I want to make amends," he said. Twilight still couldn't believe it, but she also kind of felt like he was being sincere. "Well since you are apparently doing this on your own and not because you have to, I suppose I could forgive you," she told him. "Well, that is good to hear," he said with a smile, "I am glad we were able to work this out of the way. I'll let you return to your family then." Twilight stood there for a moment and looked at the Prince. She was pleasantly shocked. He wasn't trying to do anything. Prince Blueblood, for once in his life, was caring about somepony other than himself. "Well have a Happy Hearth's Warming then," Twilight said before turning around. "You too,' he called back, "Oh by the way." Twilight stopped in her tracks. I knew it was too good to be true. "Maybe one of these nights you can get a foalsitter for that daughter of yours and you and I can go out on a date. I promise I'll show you a good time." Twilight's cheeks went pink and she flipped around. "Here I thought you had actually grown up. Glad to see I was wrong." "What did I do wrong," Prince Blueblood snapped, "I just asked you out on a date. Is there something wrong with that? I'm just trying to show you that there is more to life than those books you like to attach yourself to. Most mares would melt if they could have me as there piece of hoofcandy." Twilight’s cheeks went red and she got up in the Prince's face. "First off I have a boyfriend. Second, I like ponies with a little brain, something you seem to lack. Lastly I would go on a date with any stallion in Equestria before I would go on one with you. If you were the last stallion left, well then I'd become a fillyfooler. That's how little of a chance you have." "You would be the last person in the world to have a boyfriend Sparkle," Prince Blueblood said with a snort, "You have the social skills of a wet towel and wouldn't even notice a stallion looking at you unless they were right up in your face. All I was asking was that you find a pony to look after your brat while I show you a good time. You're the only mare in Equestria that would ever turn down a romantic evening with royalty. How does the idea of lying down in bed with the most gorgeous stallion in all the land not..." The Prince could not finish his sentence, though. In fact he was about to experience some serious Déjà Vu. As quick as lightning, just like last night, Twilight's hoof made contact with Prince Blueblood's nose. Blueblood staggered back after the blow, covering his nose wit his hoof. The snow just below him was slowly being stained crimson. "If you ever come near me or my family again a broken nose is going to be last thing you'll have to worry about," Twilight snarled before turning around and trotting back into the house. Blueblood, struggling to keep pressure on his nose, looked at the guards standing in the doorway. "Aren't you going to help me?" he asked. "The whole guard has been instructed to not take orders from you anymore Prince," one of them said. The two guards eyeballed each other and smirked as they watched the beaten Prince slowly stagger away, cursing under his breath. When Twilight walked back into the house everypony was already at the table waiting for her. "Who was that, Twinkle?" her father asked her. She sat down next to her daughter and didn't utter a single word. "Twilight you seem rather bothered," Velvet commented. Twilight crossed her legs and her cheeks got pink. "Prince Blueblood came to apologize," she said with bitterness in her voice. Many at the table were surprised by this comment. "On his own accord?" Shining Armor asked curiously. Twilight nodded her head. Many at the table were actually impressed. "So why are you flustered then?" Night Light questioned. Twilight mumbled something that was all but understandable. "What was that, Twily?" her mother said with an ear raised so she could hear better. "Let's just say he said some things that got me pretty angry followed by a few insults," Twilight said with a growl. All the sympathy for the Prince was gone in an instant. "That boy just can't seem to learn, can he?" Princess Celestia said with a sigh, "I guess I'm going to have to have another talk with him." "Don't bother," Twilight replied, "I took care of it." Everypony in the room could tell Twilight was holding something back, but she wouldn't tell them what it was out of embarrassment. Still everypony was curious as to what happened, and thus the poking and prodding continued. "Twinkle, you're hiding something from all of us. Just tell us what it is and you might feel better," Night Light said calmly with hopes Twilight would open up. She sat there in complete silence for what felt like forever. Finally, much to everypony's relief, she told them what happened. "Let's just say he probably has a serious case of déjà vu right now," she told them. Complete and utter silence. Everypony was thinking about this and it didn't take long to figure out what Twilight meant by this. Shining Armor was the one that broke the silence, because he couldn't contain his laughter. "Can we please swap bodies or something?" he joked, "Do you know how many times I've wanted to pop him in the jaw, but I couldn't? I'm pretty sure the tallies alone could fill a small book. Seriously, how can you get so lucky that you get to punch him not once, but twice in just two nights?" Twilight’s whole face went completely red and she took a rather large sip from the glass of wine sitting in front of her. "Can we...can we just pretend it didn't happen and have a wonderful evening?" For the sake of Twilight's mood for the rest of the night everypony dropped what she told them. Scootaloo had never seen her mother in a bad mood, and Spike told her that she ought to pray she never did. Dinner was rather uneventful. Velvet had made a traditional Hearth's Warming dinner, just like she did every year. Scootaloo asked if she could try her mother's wine, but was quickly told no. She got kind of sour when Spike was allowed to have a small sip. She was told when she was older she could try some. After dinner everyone retired to the living room for dessert and casual conversation. Scootaloo was wondering if they would be giving gifts, but Twilight explained to her that years ago they stopped doing it because it got too complicated. Therefore, it came as a surprise when Luna announced she had a present to give, to Scootaloo none the less. "Luna you didn't need to do that," Twilight said as the Night Princess levitated a rather large gift into Scootaloo’s lap. "Well after the fun we had yesterday I wanted to do this Twilight," Luna replied quickly. Scootaloo carefully opened the gift, and couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw what was inside. "I..." was all she could get out. Sitting in her lap was a Ponystation 4 box. "After I saw how much fun you had playing with this yesterday I knew that you should have this. I can wait to get another one when they come out," Luna explained. Scootaloo was lost for words. "I...Princess Luna, I can't take this," she said quietly. Luna smiled and put a pushed the gift a bit closer to Scootaloo. "Take it Scootaloo. I know how happy it made you to play it," Luna insisted, all with a smile on her face. In a flash the box had been carefully set aside and Scootaloo and Luna were locked into a rather tight embrace. "You are the best Princess. Thank you so much," Scootaloo said. "You are welcome my dear. Just know that when I do get a new system we are going to have another rematch. I promise that I will beat you," Luna said with a sneer. "You're on," Scootaloo giggled. Twilight walked upstairs quietly and carefully. Scootaloo was riding on her back and was passed out. Spike was walking next to her and was drifting in and out of sleep. The Princesses had left about ten minutes ago, along with Shining Armor and Cadence. Night Light and Velvet were downstairs cleaning the kitchen. Twilight planned to join them as soon as she put Scootaloo and Spike to bed. "Goodnight Spike," she said quietly as they walked into the room. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and tucked him into his bed. He was out in seconds. Twilight then walked over to her bed and got Scootaloo settled. "Goodnight princess," she whispered as she kissed her too. Scootaloo smiled and adjusted her position under the blankets. Twilight left quietly and then made her way back downstairs. What a vacation, she thought to herself, It's too bad tomorrow is our last day. The last day came and went and the following day everypony found themselves at the Canterlot Train Station saying goodbye to one another. "We promise we’ll come visit soon," Shining Armor said as he gave his niece a huge hug. "You better keep that promise, Uncle Shiny," Scootaloo responded quickly, causing Shining to chuckle and squeeze her even harder. "If you ever need someone to watch her, Twilight," Cadence mentioned as she and Twilight shared a nuzzle. "I will let you know immediately," Twilight told her for the hundredth time. "Hey don't leave us out of all this," Night Light and Velvet said together. Everypony couldn't help but laugh. Scootaloo was the center of attention once again. Twilight couldn't believe how well this vacation had gone. It had its moments, ones that she'd rather not think about, but overall she couldn't help but call it a success. Scootaloo bonding with her family had been the most important part of this trip, and bond she did. "I promise I'll try to get us up here more often," Twilight mentioned as she hugged her parents. "Of course Twinkle," Night Light said. "You don't even need to tell us," Velvet added, "Just show up whenever. We'd love to have you." Twilight smiled and hugged them all once more before herding Spike and Scootaloo onto the train. They found a nice spot to sit and then looked out the window and waved. Everypony waved back and continued to do so as the train started moving. When they could finally no longer see anypony the three of them sat down. "Are we going to go back soon, Mama?" Scootaloo asked as she rested up against Twilight for the long ride home. "Of course baby," Twilight said as she stroked her mane, "And hopefully it'll be soon."