Spiders and Magic II: Eleven Months

by Maximus_Reborn


Sixth Month: Ice Queen

Chapter Six “Month Six: Ice Queen”

Snow relentlessly persisted to fall from the sky in small flurries, covering the entire land in a fluffy white blanket of wintery powder. At this time of the year, all of Ponyville’s residents could be found indoors, shielding their bodies from the freezing temperatures of the frosty world outside. In the distance, snow had embraced the plains outside of the village. In spite of the weather, however, those within the warmth and comfort of the Treebrary were perfectly content for the most part.

Twilight and Trixie sat by the table, exchanging small pleasantries while Spike and May decorated the living room with Hearth Warming holiday accessories. Peter slowly entered the room, his face flushed to a shade of crimson. He walked upright with a tray in each hoof, one holding two bowls of oatmeal while the other balanced a set of four glasses of orange juice. The stallion’s uniform was effeminate, decorated with frills, and its black design matched the thick eyeliner he wore. Peter paused to adjust the matching headdress in his mane after placing both trays on the table before a giggling Twilight and blushing Trixie.

“This is so demeaning. I wish I was glue,” Peter groaned, glancing at the calendar across the room. “Only three days left. I’ll be so happy when this is finally over.”

Trixie lifted one of the glasses via telekinesis, hovering it under her mouth while she took a few sips of her orange juice. “This has certainly become a guilty pleasure. You make a fine maid, Parker.” Peter’s face continued to burn as she eyed the stallion longingly. “Twilight has such a… nice toy.”

Peter turned his lower body to the side, away from the unicorn’s line of sight. “Eyes where I can see them, Trixie,” he deadpanned, lifting one of the bowls of oatmeal with a hoof. The stallion dropped three cubes of sugar into the hot meal before mixing it with a piece of margarine until it blended together. Once completed, Peter offered the bowl as well as a glass of orange juice to the princess. “Here you go, babe. Extra sweet, just like you wanted.”

Twilight smiled appreciatively, brushing a hoof over the stallion’s cheek before accepting the glass and bowl. “Thank you, Peter. You’re a good maid, but a perfect colt.” She leaned forward in spite of her bump, managing to share a brief yet affectionate kiss with her fiance.

Spike’s laughter echoed throughout the Treebrary. “You look so~ pretty.”

Peter scoffed, flicking strands of his mane back as he exited out of the room with a swagger in his step. “Jealous? You wanna know what’s the difference between you and me? I make this look good.” Once the stallion reached the stairs, he turned around. “Hey, Twilight? Head for the baby’s room. There’s something I want to show you.”

“Mmhmm,” Twilight nodded, her mouth too full to verbally respond. With a pair of swallows, the alicorn finished the meal with rapid succession before downing her glass of orange juice in a similar fashion. Brushing a napkin over her mouth, Twilight stood from her seat and smiled. “That was delicious.”

Trixie arched a brow, holding a spoon in her untouched oatmeal. “How can you tell, you glutton? You may as well have swallowed the bowl and silverware, too.”

Twilight blankly stared at the unicorn as she walked across the room. “Mind your manners, Trixie. It is the holidays, after all.”

“The holidays, yes…” Trixie repeated to herself, the mare’s ears lowering into her silver-blue mane as she directed her gaze to the window near her position.

Across the room Spike stood on the tips of his toes, managing to hang a wreath over a shelf without falling from his ladder. The baby dragon shared a glance with May as he climbed down. “So, you’re saying there was a Hearth’s Warming on Earth?”

May nodded and smiled. “Almost. For us, it’s called Christmas. It’s a chance to spend time with those that matter the most to you. We exchange gifts, spread joy, and--”

“Drink plenty of eggnog!” Peter cheered as he entered the room, free of his uniform. The older mare playfully tapped her nephew over the forehead once he neared her position. The stallion chuckled before offering the pegasus a glass filled with a thick, creamy substance. “It’s always Aunt May’s favorite part of the season.”

“Thank you, sweetie,” May cooed, kissing Peter’s cheek before accepting the glass. She took a sip, allowing the sweet savory taste to fill her senses for a duration. May’s face burned as a pleased moan escaped from her mouth. “Oh, my goodness! This is just as good as the eggnog Ben used to make!” she squealed, her wings flapping happily. “How did you do it?”

Peter grinned widely, scratching the back of his head. “I watched Uncle Ben for years. I’m just doing what he did. I just want to carry on the tradition of making you smile every holiday.”

May’s blush seemed permanent, never losing its glow. “You’re already off to a wonderful start.”

Spike eyed the glass as he leaned closer to the pegasus. “May I try some?”

“When you’re older,” Peter and May declared simultaneously, causing the baby dragon to groan and the stallion to laugh lightly.

Trixie quietly watched the trio from a distance, letting out a long sigh as she did so. Brushing a hoof over her face, the mare slowly stood from her seat before retrieving her signature star-patterned hat and cape.

She headed for the door, only to collide face-first into Peter’s solid chest. “Sorry about that, Peter,” she murmured distantly.

Peter looked at the mare as if she had grown three heads. “Did you just... apologize to me?” he almost gasped. “Are you okay? Have you been eating right? Getting plenty of vitamins?”

Trixie turned her head to the side and huffed. “I am perfectly fine. I just need a little fresh air,” she replied, lowering her hat to shield her gaze from the stallion. “You shouldn't keep Twilight waiting.”

Peter stood taken aback, unsure how to react to this unusual behavior from the mare. “Uh... Yeah! Yeah, you’re right. Good idea.” Peter began to walk away but paused, turning back to the mare. “Hey, are you sure it’s a good idea to go for a walk? It’s snowing pretty hard out right now.”

“I’ll be fine. I am a grown mare after all, Parker.” Trixie answered, opening the treebrary door and letting herself out.

The stallion’s eyes widened at a belated realization before he trotted into the room behind him. Peter slowed to a halt once his hazel gaze settled on Twilight, the alicorn leaning over the baby’s crib as she smoothed out the wrinkles in the blanket within.

He couldn’t help but smile. “Getting an early start, Mom?”

Twilight glanced out of the corner of her eye and giggled. “A little preparation and organization never hurt. You should try both at least once.”

Peter waved a hoof dismissively. “I don’t organize. I improvise.”

“It makes you unpredictable,” Twilight retorted, frowning.

The stallion grinned. “I like to keep you guessing.” The couple sat in a comfortable silence for a few moments before Peter glanced back at the door, raising an eyebrow. “So, what kind of tranquilizer did you give Trixie by the way?”

The princess returned his gaze with a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”

Peter scratched the side of his ear, shrugging. “I dunno, she’s acting a little... strange. I mean she even apologized to me. Can you believe that?”

Twilight furrowed her brow. “Now, that is unusual.”

“Do you think she’s okay?” the stallion asked, tilting his head to the side.

“I’m sure she’s alright,” Twilight reassured him. “She mentioned before that she doesn’t really enjoy this time of year, honestly.”

Taken aback, Peter’s ears perked. “Somepony who doesn’t enjoy Christmas!? ...er, Hearth’s Warming? Why not?”

Twilight shrugged. “She didn’t really say. You know how she is. She usually tends to avoid talking about herself when it comes to her personal life.”

Peter paused for a moment, shrugging. “True. Well, I guess I’m just worrying about it too much.”

Twilight laughed. “You’re cute when you care, but Trixie will be fine. She’s actually been going out like this for the past few nights. I think it’s best we let her have her space for now.”

Peter sighed, scratching his head. “I’ll never understand that girl.”

Letting out a small chuckle, Twilight turned back to the crib. “Probably not, but that is just how she is.”

“Well, at least there is one girl I understand in my life,” Peter stated confidently, kissing the mare’s cheek.

The alicorn inhaled sharply as Peter closed the gap between them, wrapping a hoof around her shoulder before pulling her body against his own. The stallion’s warmth enveloped her, making the freezing winter feel as tame as a summer’s breeze. Twilight nuzzled into her fiance’s embrace, managing to glance at the bright pink walls surrounding the room. A soft rug rested at the center of the floor, its silk as soft as a lamb’s wool. She smiled at the tree design in the wallpaper, their petals a deep shade of crimson.

Twilight nodded. “I love our baby’s room. It looks perfect.”

“It’s a little girly for my taste,” Peter chided, kissing Twilight’s forehead once her eyes narrowed into an exasperated glare. “That doesn’t mean I don’t like it.”

Twilight seemed to have accepted his response, apparent by her knowing smirk. She glanced off to the side and furrowed her brow, peering down on the small drawer near the corner of the room.

“That reminds me. We should check the room for sharp corners or tiny objects,” the mare stated, transforming the piece of furniture’s wooden exterior to a soft marshmallow-like substance. “The last thing we want is for the baby to hit her head or swallow something.”

Peter chuckled nervously. “We still have a few months to work all of that out. You seriously need to relax. It’s the holidays, babe! ‘Tis the season to be jolly and all of that. They only come by once a year.” His smile brightened, showing teeth. “I know we have a couple of days until Hearth’s Warming, but I wanted to give you a couple of presents early. Can you close your eyes for a minute?”

Twilight bit down on her lip, stifling a giggle before placing both hooves over her eyes. “Aw. You didn’t have to buy me anything, but I guess I can play along.” Her ears perked as she heard Peter rummaging about until the room grew silent. Twilight resisted the urge to open her eyes prematurely. “Peter? Are you still there?”

“Yeah,” Peter chuckled, earning a satisfied smile from the mare. “All right. Open your eyes.”

Twilight’s glossy eyes fluttered open, immediately landing on the stallion’s gaze. Peter glanced downward, prompting the alicorn to do the same, but she was not prepared for the tiny, fuzzy sight resting in front of her fiance’s hoof. The alicorn released a high-pitched squeak. It was a teddy bear wearing a crimson bow-tie, its belly snow white and fur matching the shade of Peter’s mane. The stallion edged the stuffed toy closer to the princess with a hoof, and Twilight lowered her head to stare deeply into the bear’s bubbly brown eyes. Seconds passed, and the alicorn’s smile never subsided.

“It’s so cute!” Twilight cooed, her eyes softening as she made kissing sounds towards the toy.

Peter let out a relieved sigh. “I’m glad you liked it. Spike told me that you lost your old doll. So I thought I’d get you a new one.”

Twilight giggled a response as she lifted her gaze to meet the stallion’s, her face burning. “That’s really thoughtful. Thank you, Peter.” A small sense of giddiness stirred in her chest. She sat down on her flank, pausing to hug the teddy bear until it squeaked lovingly. Her cheeks bloomed, matching the same shade as her violet mane. “This means so much. I still miss Smarty Pants, but this is really sweet of you to think of me.”

Peter smirked, arching a brow. “I’m always thinking about you, but that’s nothing new. Besides, I still haven’t given you your second early gift.”

Twilight was slow to respond, her lips curling into a coy smile. “Oh? What might that be?” she purred, staring at the stallion seductively.

She ran her tongue over her lips, managing to wrap her hooves around Peter’s neck. Twilight nudged the tip of her muzzle against his affectionately, losing herself in the sea of hazel that was her fiance’s gaze. Their weights shifted until Peter rolled onto his back with the alicorn pinning him down. She snaked one of her legs over his hip in spite of her bump. The princess opened her mouth, allowing her hot breath to brush against the stallion’s nose playfully. A pleased growl escaped from the mare once she straddled herself into Peter’s lap, grinding until she earned a similar response in the form of a stifled groan.

Twilight winked. “May I have a hint?”

Peter was helpless against the mare’s advances, shuddering as Twilight kissed his neck. “Well, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.”

There was no stopping the librarian, not that Peter wanted to. Twilight’s mood had escalated after their date to the Rose Diner, and because of the previous weeks of ignoring her fiance, physically, moments like this were quite regular. Surprisingly, Twilight, the meek bookworm, was the one taking charge more often than not. Some might suggest it was her heightened hormones, but Peter didn’t mind in the slightest, evident by his content moans as the princess nibbled on his neck. He couldn’t want her more.

Peter’s eyes nearly rolled into the back of his head in ecstasy. “You’re getting warmer.”

“I’d prefer to be red hot,” Twilight growled, her voice low and sultry.

Their lips met in a passionate kiss, deepening once Peter’s hooves fell over Twilight’s hips. The stallion bit down on the mare’s lower lip until she granted him access to the inner sanctions of her mouth with his tongue. The surrounding temperature increased, yet they only tightened their hold on each other. Violet irises took in hazel orbs before a tiny light glowed at the tip of the alicorn’s horn. However, a sudden nagging feeling pulled at the back of the stallion’s mind, breaking his focus from the mare in front of him.

Peter hesitantly broke from the kiss, shaking his head. “I’m sorry, Twilight. I’m really worried about Trixie.”

Twilight let out an exasperated sigh. “Didn’t I just tell you not to worry about her?”

“I don’t know. I just... have a bad feeling, you know?” Peter murmured, glancing off to the side. He managed to roll to a standing position, pausing to help Twilight to her hooves. His lips curled into a sad smile. “Humor me. The last time I ignored someone, something awful happened. I’d rather be a worrywart than someone with regrets.”

Twilight shook her head. “You know it’s not very nice to tease me like that, but... I understand.” She eventually nodded, giving her support in the form of a soft kiss on the cheek. Her brow furrowed at a thought. “Do you even know where to look? Trixie could be anywhere in Ponyville. The snow will make her even harder to find.”

Peter tapped a hoof against his chin. “I have an idea where Trixie might be.”

Twilight smiled sweetly. “Okay. You’d better get going then.” The alicorn pulled away as her horn glowed with magical energy. A long pink scarf levitated across the roof and wrapped itself around Peter’s neck before Twilight used her hooves to tighten it properly. She leaned forward, making certain the stallion’s gaze was fixed only on her. “It’s cold out, so wear this.”

“Okay,” Peter chuckled, inhaling the sweet scent that the scarf exuded.
“Don’t be out too late. You might miss Trixie on her way back, after all,” Twilight pointed out, giggling. “I’d prefer if you made it back before too long.”

Peter rolled his eyes with a smile. “Now who’s being the worrywart?”

Twilight tapped the stallion’s forehead playfully. “I worry because I love you. If that’s wrong, then I don’t want to be right.”

“Me neither.” Peter shared a small kiss with the princess before making his exit. “I’ll be right back.”


Trixie sat along the bank of the river, staring desolately at her reflection within the frozen water’s surface. The Whitetail Woods, normally a haven of bustling life with its spring tree leaves, was now a deprived winter wonderland. The mare shivered as the cold wind’s chill brushed against her body. Snowflakes danced in the breeze, and fluttered helplessly before landing over the unicorn’s face. Its life was short lived, the miniature frozen crystal melting. Trixie’s chest tightened at the sensation. She always imagined snow was something that lasted for ages, yet in reality, it was fleeting.

Letting out a deep sigh, the mare removed her hat and cape before burying her face within the star-patterned attire. For as much as she used to love the snow, she now hated it. The white powder was too reminiscent to the bonds she held in her own life. There was warmth to be found in the home she had grown accustomed to in Ponyville, but she feared that too was coming to an end. Her presence had become forced, especially now that her closest friends were on the verge of starting a family of their own.

Trixie chided herself. She knew better. It was her own fault for getting attached to these ponies when her original plan was to use Parker for housing and food until she could get on her hooves again. Nothing more, nothing less. To make it even worse, deep down, a part of her longed for something like this to happen, to feel wanted. However, she hated herself for being so stupid.

The distance between herself and the Parker family was only continuing to grow. The happy moments and smiles they all shared during a difficult time for the mare only made them feel all the more unreachable. Trixie remembered a time when she, too, once shared those joyous feelings, but that time had long since passed.

Trixie bit her lip as her thoughts began to wander in reminiscence of what she once had, and how quickly it had all crumbled. She sobbed in a deep breath, desperately holding back an oncoming feeling of emotion. Trixie hated crying; she had experienced enough of it already. Yet, her resolve wavered as stubborn tears began to well in her eyes. Her inability to hold them back frustrated her to no end, allowing a sob to escape. She cursed under her breath at her weakness, striking the snow next to her as she caved in to the overbearing feelings of sadness.

An explosion of sobs and tears erupted from the mare as she let out the feelings she had been so desperately holding back the past several days. However, her release was cut short into a gasp at the sound of a nearby tree branch breaking. Turning to the source of the sound, Trixie found the one pony she desired not to see her in this particular moment the most. Peter had seen her in a moment of weakness before, but this was something entirely different in spite of the similar circumstances.

“Why did you have to follow me, Peter?” she sniffled, cursing her luck.

Peter stepped past the bushes, trotting forward until he was a few hoof-lengths from the mare. “What can I say? I worry.”

Trixie curled a foreleg against her chest, turning away. “You shouldn’t.”

The stallion never averted his gaze from the mare. “What’s wrong? Something’s obviously on your mind.”

Trixie inhaled deeply, struggling to keep her tears from coming back. However, the stallion’s presence was a sore reminder of the truth. She gritted her teeth in spite of herself. “You speak as if you are close to me? You think just because we’ve lived under the same household for a number of months that you possess the right-- the audacity-- to confront me as if you know me?!” Trixie snapped around, revealing her bloodshot eyes and tearstained face to the stallion. “You know nothing about me, Peter! Nothing at all!”

She desperately lashed out in hopes of chasing the fool away, but much to her chagrin, Peter stood undeterred, his expression firm yet gentle. Trixie slammed her eyes shut and looked away, unable to meet the stallion’s gaze. She loathed this feeling, the unbearable weight that bore into her shoulders. Peter was the last pony that deserved this treatment, yet she couldn’t help herself. She did not want to treat the one pony that took her in despite her tarnished reputation so awfully, but the mare begged for nothing more than for him to go away.

All she was doing was screwing everything up for those that mattered the most to her. Peter shouldn’t be here worrying about her. He should be back at home with his family right now. Yet there he stood, just hoofsteps away from her. The amount that he cared only made the situation all the worse for the mare. Trixie couldn’t help but let a sob escape, forcing the mare to bury her face in her cape. She was doing it again, and Trixie hated herself for it. In the midst of these feelings, something warm fell over her shoulder.

The unwanted feeling spread, threatening to consume the unicorn. Trixie’s eyes widened upon realizing the source of the sensation had been Peter wrapping his arms around her neck. The stallion shielded her from the surrounding cold with this warm embrace. Trixie shook her head rapidly, trying to struggle free from the stallion’s embrace, but Peter held fast, only tightening his embrace around her.

“Let me go!” She demanded, tears welling in her once more. Despite her plea and her struggles, Peter met them with only a warm silence. “P-please! Please just... let me go...” she beat a hoof against the stallion’s chest repeatedly, each blow becoming weaker than the last before stopping entirely. “Why? Why do you care about me so much when you have your own family to think of!?”

“Because you are family.”

“You know that’s not true. That can never be true,” she protested, forcing herself from the stallion’s grasp. “That is the last thing I want to have happen.” She took a few steps forward before turning back to face him. “Which is why I am leaving.”
“What? Why?!” he blurted out, his eyes widening at the mare’s tearful confession. A breeze brushed between both ponies over the course of their awkward silence. The stallion approached the mare to question her further. “Trixie! You can’t be serious about--”

Trixie met the advance with an extended hoof. “Stay away from me, Peter. For both our sakes.”

Stopping in his tracks, Peter asked once more. “Why?”

Trixie’s ears drooped into her mane shamefully. “I just don’t belong here.”

Peter could no longer hold back his frustration at this sudden change of events. “What are you talking about? That’s stupid!” Peter declared, his voice lacking humor.

Trixie chuckled at the stallion’s statement, unable to fire back. “I’ve been calling you stupid since the day we’ve met, and this is the first time you’ve used that word against me. How ironic and fitting.” The mare’s gaze fixed on the ground as she turned around to face the frozen river. “You know... It’s been so long since I’ve seen my parents. It snowed the last time I saw them.”

Peter’s head tilted at the sudden topic change. “Your parents?” Trixie silently nodded, maintaining her gaze upon the lake. “Now that you mention it... You’ve only talked about them briefly, right?” A sinking feeling filled the stallion’s gut as he realized what he might have just walked into. He glanced slowly off to the side. “Are they… still alive?” The stallion trailed off, feeling his own shame surface for imposing on a previously untouched topic.

In spite of the stallion’s visible concern, the mare simply shrugged. “I honestly have no idea. They could very well be as far as I know,” Trixie murmured, earning a befuddled expression from the stallion. An empty smile formed on the mare’s face as she turned back to face him. “It’s been eight years since I ran away from home.”

Closing the distance, Peter tilted his head to the side once he and Trixie were inches apart. “You... ran away? Hang on.” A realization came into mind, prompting the stallion to arch a brow. “That means you were only fifteen when you became a traveling magician?” Trixie weakly nodded in response, and Peter scratched the back of his head. “But you were just a kid! What made you run away?”

“It’s because I was a bother,” Trixie whispered, her empty smile fading as a gentle breeze brushed through her mane. “I loved my parents, I really did. My mother was an amazing illusionist, while my father stayed at home to raise me. It was perfect. I was enamored with my mother’s skill at manipulating visual magic, but I never got to see her as much as I would have liked. She traveled daily, going all across the world to perform as the Magnificent Lula. My father preferred a steady lifestyle and wanted me to focus on my studies.”

“It sounds like quite the comfortable life,” Peter commented. “A famous mother providing for a loving father and happy daughter.”

Trixie nodded with a genuine smile. “Oh, it was. I was very happy despite the little things I wished for.” The mare’s smile slowly faded. “But... it didn’t last.” She let out a sigh, looking down at the snow. “Over time… my parents began to argue.”

Peter took the end of his pink scarf and offered it to Trixie, allowing the mare to wipe the latent tears from her eyes. “Every couple argues. It’s a matter of accepting, respecting, and understanding opinions.”

Trixie’s mood flipped with a scoff. “Unfortunately, my parents couldn’t do that much. The arguments escalated over the years. It got to the point where they could barely stand the sight of each other.” Her voice wavered as her demeanor softened. “I remember so many of their arguments. I always had to use my pillow to mute out their screams. So many nights, it was the same thing, and I always noticed how fake their smiles were in the morning when I was around. I knew better. I just couldn’t understand how or why they fought so much. I almost didn’t want to know, but I got my answer one morning. On Hearth’s Warming Eve.”

Peter hesitated, raising a hoof before placing it back down out of respect. “What happened?”

Trixie lowered her head. “My mother was... having an affair, it turned out. And, it seemed my father was doing the same thing. I went outside to play in the snow. They must have assumed that I went to play with the other fillies and colts in town, but I came back… and I heard everything.”

Peter opened his mouth to speak, but couldn’t find the words to say, so he settled with simply nodding in acknowledgement before the mare continued.

“They were so mad. My mother screamed that if it wasn’t for me, she would never come back, and my father said that the moment I left home, the sooner he’d be happier to leave her.” Without realizing it, tears had begun to stream down the mare’s face as she told her tale. Before long, those tears gave way to sobs. “It was my fault that my parents were miserable, Peter! If it wasn’t for me, they wouldn’t have stayed so miserable!”

Peter shook his head defiantly. “Trixie, that wasn’t your fault.”

Trixie chuckled condescendingly. “Of course it was. Which is exactly why I left that night and never looked back.”

Peter’s eyes softened. “So, that’s why you’ve been acting so strange lately.”

“Every Hearth’s Warming, I’m reminded of the happy times I once had with my parents, and how they later tried to hide the misery I caused them. Which is why I’m leaving the Treebrary tomorrow. You and Twilight are so happy right now, and I know you two will be so much better off without a third wheel.”

“That’s not true. That’s not true at all!” Peter reached out to stop her, but Trixie avoided his touch, shaking her head disapprovingly.

“Don’t. Just… don’t. I’m truly sorry for everything I've said and all the hassle I have given you, Peter. Please tell Twilight I’m sorry as well.” She adjusted her hat and brushed the snow off her cape. “Thanks for putting up with me. If I could do this again, I would… if it meant I had the chance to meet you and Twilight. Goodbye, Peter. Take good care of Twilight and the baby for me. I have no doubt you’ll be an excellent husband and father.” Trixie paused for a moment, looking back to the stallion. “I’ll be back to pick up my things in the morning.”

Having conveyed the message she desired, Trixie departed from the frozen lake. Peter watched with a sorrowful gaze as Trixie walked off, disappearing into Whitetail Woods. For his vast strength, he could have forced the mare back, but the stallion shook his head, knowing that would only make the situation worse. Peter inhaled deeply before letting out a low sigh. All he could do was return home and plead that Trixie would return to the Treebrary.


Twilight’s eyes shot open once the front door opened, softening as Peter entered the Treebrary. “Welcome back.” The princess alternated her gaze between the knight and door. “Did you find Trixie?”

Peter shook his head, sighing desolately. “Yeah. I did. Um…” The stallion was slow to respond, his mind struggling to form the right words his heart held. “Trixie’s going to be leaving soon.”

Twilight’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh? A trip? Where’s she going?” Peter did not respond, only glancing towards the ground. Twilight’s brow furrowed, her mind failing to register what her future husband was referring to. After a few moments, the gravity of his true message struck hard at the center of her chest. Twilight inhaled sharply, closing the distance between herself and the stallion. “What!? What do you mean she’s leaving? Why?”

Peter was slow to answer, pausing to take Twilight’s hoof into his own. “Trixie’s put it into her head that she’s overstayed her welcome, and that she doesn’t truly belong here.”

“T-that’s… that’s ridiculous!” Twilight exclaimed, shaking her head defiantly. “She knows she’s more than welcome to stay here! What in Equestria has come over her all of a sudden?”

Peter took a deep breath before exhaling, tightening his grip on Twilight’s hoof. “It’s... rather personal. Trixie’s had some serious family issues around this time of the year...” He trailed off, whispering the rest of the details to his future wife. The stallion kissed the mare’s hoof he held, managing to give her a sad smile. “What do we do?”

Twilight let out a low sigh and rested the side of her head against Peter’s shoulder. “I don’t want Trixie to leave, but…” she trailed off, using her free hoof to wipe at the tears starting to form in her eyes. “We can’t just force her to stay if she doesn’t want to.”

Peter frowned. “If she really wants to leave, that’s fine, but we’re not going to just let her think that she has to.” Nodding, he turned to the side and kissed Twilight’s forehead before standing from his seat. “I’m going to make some hot chocolate. Trixie could use a warm up when… or if... she comes back tonight. We’ll talk to her then, or at the very least in the morning when she comes to collect her things.” Peter began for the kitchen before glancing back. “Did you want a cup as well?”

Twilight nodded, smiling sweetly. “Yes, please. That’d be… nice.” The alicorn’s eyes shot open as the wind outside picked up in strength, trading blows against the exterior of the Treebrary. “By the stars…”

Peter arched a brow, approaching the kitchen window. “I don’t remember it being that bad out there just a few minutes ago? Where did this blizzard suddenly come from--?”

He snapped his head to the side and watched with a furrowed brow as the princess galloped out of the room, her mood having changed dramatically. She locked the front door and used her magic to blow out every lit candle and flip every light switch off in the Treebrary before retreating back into the room with her fiance. The door upstairs slammed shut, as if Spike and Aunt May had done the exact same thing as the princess did. Just as the stallion readied himself to ask what was happening, Twilight placed a hoof over his mouth and shook her head.

Peter managed to free his mouth, whispering, “What’s going on? Why the sudden panic and secrecy?”

Twilight waved her hoof, shushing the stallion. “Peter. Be quiet.”

Peter groaned. “What are you--?” His eyes shot open as his sixth sense blared, the stallion clutching at his cranium. Thunderous footsteps outside sent tremors coursing through the walls and ground of the Treebrary. Twilight furrowed her brow, maintaining her silence while comforting her fiance. Mere seconds felt like eons, but the winds outside eventually calmed, subsiding. The footsteps were now heard from a safe distance, their tremors lacking the previous weight. Peter managed to stand, groaning at the pulsating throbs left in his head. “Okay. What the heck was that?”

Twilight was slow to respond, shifting her gaze to the side once the wind outside stopped landing blows against the window. “I never told you about it. I’m so sorry, Peter. I was so wrapped up in the holidays that it slipped my mind.” Twilight raised a hoof. “We call it Glacius, Terror of the North. It is a giant yeti that lives in the northern mountains bordering Equestria. During the spring, summer, and fall it stays up in its icy home. However, it travels down into the lower plains during this time of the year to feed.”

Peter tilted his head to the side. “Yetis actually exist here? They’re only a myth on Earth.” The stallion folded his hooves across his chest. “What’s the big deal about a yeti anyway?”

“I promise you, Peter. Glacius is very real, and it would be wise for you to fear it, too,” Twilight declared, her voice lacking humor. “I’ve never seen it personally, but I have read all of its information in the Canterlot archives. Ice storms and blizzards follow its steps. Whatever Glacius catches, it usually freezes it and takes it back to its mountain cave. That’s why you might have noticed that everypony stays indoors during heavy snow days and nights. Glacius is no simple animal or sapient life form like us ponies or griffons, he is a beast. A monster. You can’t reason with a creature whose only goal is to eat and survive. The princesses have tried several times.”

Peter raised a hoof. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, hang on. You’re telling me Princess Celestia and Luna can’t keep this thing in check?”

Twilight shook her head. “It’s an immensely powerful creature, Peter. Both physically and magically. Nopony knows of its origin, not even Princess Celestia or Princess Luna. From what I understand, Glacius is an ancient creature that has existed for eons, long before Princess Celestia was even born.”

“So, what are we supposed to do about it then?” Peter questioned, folding his hooves across his chest.

“We will not do anything,” Twilight answered sternly, glaring as she poked her hoof against the stallion’s chest. “Princess Celestia told me that she once attempted to battle Glacius when it ventured too close to Baltimare. It took a great deal of her power just to persuade it to go away. With as much power as Glacius possesses, everypony has been told to simply steer clear of its path. For the most part, that’s always been the best course of action. The signs are easy to recognize when Glacius is near. All we have to do is lay low and wait for it to leave. It likely won’t be back for--”

A terrible howl unlike the likes of anything Peter had ever heard in his life erupted from outside in the distance, sending small tremors through the walls of the Treebrary. Twilight’s eyes widened as she covered her mouth with a grim expression. “Oh no... Somepony must have been outside! Who in their right mind would wander outside at such a time?”

Peter’s eyes shot open as his mind registered a dark thought. The stallion rushed out of the room at a speed all too familiar to the princess, evident by her horrified expression.

“Peter! No! You can’t go out there!” she cried out, her body disappearing in a flash of light. Peter was already in the bedroom, sliding his heroic costume over his body. As the stallion inspected the web-cartridges on his hooves, Twilight materialized inches away from his position, shaking her head furiously. “Darn it! Stop it! You can’t go out and fight that thing! It’s nothing like the beings you fought before! This is no ordinary beast, Peter! It’s an ancient monster! No dragon can hold a candle to that thing out there!”

“I’ve fought monsters before, Twilight. I have to go out there,” Peter firmly stated once his crimson attire was properly fitted with the exception of his mask, which rested on the floor. Just as he reached for it, Twilight snatched it away and clutched it close to her chest. Peter placed his hooves over the alicorn’s shoulders before one under her muzzle. He stood tall, defiant, yet the stallion held no malice in his soft hazel gaze. “Twilight… Trixie is out there. I’ll never forgive myself if it was, and I didn’t at least try to help. I have to go.”

Twilight’s eyes began to water as she pursed her lips, gazing at the ground. “Peter…”

Peter nodded, a small humorless smile forming on his face. “I can’t leave Trixie hanging. I refuse to call myself your knight if I turn my back on those closest to me.” The stallion leaned forward until his forehead rested against Twilight’s, their horns caressing the sides of each other. He brought his hoof up, rubbing the alicorn’s cheek affectionately. “Let me go, Twilight. Please.”

Twilight bit down on her lip, but she eventually nodded, relinquishing her hold on Peter’s mask. “Fine,” she whispered, capturing Peter’s lips in her own. “But promise me you’ll come back? I-I... I don’t want to raise our daughter alone...” Yielding to her emotions, Twilight leapt forward and caught Peter in a tight embrace, kissing him once more and drinking in as much of her lover as she possibly could.

Peter hesitantly parted from the mare, offering her a warm smile. “It’s a promise, and I’m bringing Trixie back, too,” he declared, pulling his mask over his face.

Twilight watched Peter gallop out of the Treebrary and disappear into the flurry of snow outside, wasting no time to rush to the baby dragon upstairs via teleportation. “Spike,” she whimpered, her voice filled with concern. “I need you to send a letter to Princess Celestia, right now!”


Trixie leaned against a tree, struggling to regain her breath. She yelped as thunderous footsteps neared, managing to retreat before a ray of ice froze the tree solid. The unicorn cut through the bushes in her path, caring not for each limb that cut through her fur. The fierce wind brushed against her face, making it difficult to see clearly. Trixie barely managed to open her eyes, but it was too late, the mare colliding with a tree. The air rushed out of her lungs as a sharp bolt of pain ran through her collarbone and stomach.

Her momentum carried her body through a roll, and Trixie careened over a small edge, falling for a few meters before landing on her shoulder. The unicorn laid motionless for a duration, her tear-stained irises glancing up at the village of Ponyville. It was so close yet so far. Trixie’s hat had been lost to the storm, flying in the gusts of frigid air before disappearing in the flurry of falling snow. She used the last fibers of strength in her hooves to stand, managing to gallop for the safe haven ahead in spite of the sharp sting running through her shoulder.

However, a beam of ice soared through the air and collided with the mare’s hip. Trixie screamed at the top of her lungs as the lower half of her body froze against her will. She fell face-first to the ground, shifting her gaze to her legs as ice began to spread across her body. Trixie’s breathing grew shallow as she hyperventilated, tears pouring from her eyes. Her eyes shot open as a being fell from the sky and landed inches away from her body, the ground shaking from the impact.

Its thick fur was as white as the surrounding snow, yet its feet, hands, and face were a pale shade of blue, as if the blood flow in the exposed regions was nonexistent. Cold breaths escaped from its mouth, a pair of large fangs growing from the lower half of its jaw. She could only watch in horror as the bipedal creature lowered his icy claws, gripping her face as ice began spread over the rest of her. Trixie’s screams faded out, and her movements ceased completely. The yeti’s glowing blue gaze was intense, never faltering as the ice extended outward and encased the mare’s entire body in ice.

Glacius stood upright, growling lowly. The white beast grabbed the ice block, dragging it across the snow as it made for its mountain home, but a strand of webbing landed on the frozen mare, snatching her away from its icy grip. Glacius snapped its head around, gritting its fangs to the core once its light blue eyes landed on Spider-Mane, the costumed stallion standing upright with its would-be dinner over his shoulder.

“Sorry, Frosty, but the Ice Queen here is mine. If you want frozen food, go buy a pizza or something,” Peter huffed, his pink scarf whipping wildly in the fierce winds. “Are you related to the Abominable Snowman? Maybe Sasquatch?” The stallion nodded. “Yeah. Your cousin, Bigfoot, called from Earth. He asks why you don’t ever return his calls.”

Glacius roared at the top of its lungs as it slammed its fists against it chest. Snow spiraled across the field before the yeti slammed its foot into the ground, sending a frozen fissure through the snow. Spider-Mane’s sixth sense blared, prompting the stallion to flip high into the air. An ice spear burst out of the ground where Peter previously stood, its force generating an earthquake. The moment Spider-Mane landed, Glacius sped across the vicinity and closed the gap between itself and the stallion within a couple of seconds.

Peter hopped over the yeti’s wild slash, spinning in midair before kicking Glacius across the face. “Chill out, dude--!” he chuckled, inhaling sharply once his leg froze instantaneously. Spider-Mane fell to the ground, dropping Trixie inadvertently. “What the heck?” He peeked up, only for the yeti’s massive paw to slam into his face. The force of the blow sent the stallion careening across the field, his body bursting through a tree before eventually skidding to a halt in a snowbank. Peter rolled onto his back, glancing at the ice encasing his leg. “I’ve heard of frostbite, but this is ridiculous.”

Glacius crouched over Trixie’s frozen body, snarling at the stallion as it possessively protected its food from the alleged scavenger. Peter growled under his breath, pausing to punch the ice covering his leg until it shattered. Spider-Mane spun to a standing position, narrowly managing to duck under a hurled stone of ice. The stallion fired a strand of webbing against the yeti’s chest, but the gossamer froze instantly, breaking apart once Spider-Mane pulled his hoof back. Peter fired a second strand, leading to the same result, but before the thread could shatter, Glacius grabbed the line and howled as it transformed the strand into a spear of ice.

Peter chuckled nervously, swaying his head to the side as the spear sped past his cranium and impaled a massive boulder. “Talk about your cold shoulder.” Glacius inhaled deeply before releasing its breath, a blizzard suddenly speeding out towards the stallion. “Chicks dig minty fresh breath, but there’s a limit, dude!” Peter yelled, losing his footing before the wind lifted his frame. Extending a hoof, Spider-Mane managed to grab hold of a tree branch and stop his unwanted flight, maintaining his spot until the storm ceased. The stallion shook his head. “If this is your way of breaking the ice, I have to say, I’m not impressed.”

Glacius reached down for Trixie, but Spider-Mane shot through the air with the speed of a missile. However, as his hoof neared the yeti’s face, ice began to encase his limb once more. Peter relented, punching the ground in order to free his hoof from its frozen prison. In one act of motion, Spider-Mane pressed his hooves against Trixie’s encased body and flipped to an upright standing position with the mare in his grasp. The yeti raised its closed fists over its head before slamming them into the ground.

Peter tossed Trixie’s encased body high into the air and managed to backflip away from the blow. Glacius shot its glare skyward before leaping after the mare, but Spider-Mane shot a strand of webbing against the block of ice, snatching it away just as the yeti neared. The stallion extended his hooves and captured Trixie, leaping into the air before Glacius landed back on the ground. A crater spread out from the impact, and snow flew into the hole, burying the yeti.

Spider-Mane landed on the side of a tree, shifting his blank gaze to the frozen mare in his grasp. “Oh, Trixie,” he whispered, tapping his hoof against the ice. No response was earned, causing a disheartened expression to form on the stallion’s face. “Bodies aren’t meant to be flash frozen like this. I hope it’s not too late to save you. Please don’t die on me.”

Glacius erupted from underneath the snow, howling at the top of its lungs in utter rage. Peter raised a hoof, shielding his face from the flying ice. Glacius fired a beam into the tree, its frozen energy spreading throughout the wood and causing it to explode. Spider-Mane and Trixie were launched high into the air from the shockwave, both ponies spinning uncontrollably. Glacius used all of the strength in its leg, jumping after its prey. Peter recollected his senses, alternating his gaze between the yeti and Trixie.

Spider-Mane shot multiple strands of webbing around the ice until it was cocooned and threw the mare in the direction of the village. Trixie’s encased body landed softly, in thanks due to the cushion that the webbing provided as well as the fluffy embrace of the snow. Glacius snarled, wrapping its claws around Peter’s neck before he could recover. Both individuals slammed into the ground, sending tremors through the vicinity. Spider-Mane strained, his senses disoriented after the landing.

The feeling in his body began to fade as ice materialized, spreading across his neck. Before the worst could occur, a wall of fire encircled both Glacius and Peter. The yeti instinctively relinquished its vice grip on the stallion’s neck, turning its gaze to the source, and it could not react as Celestia materialized inches away with her horn lowered, unleashing a magical beam into its chest. The energy carried Glacius back into the forest, ramming the beast through several trees before a dust cloud erupted from its crash landing.

Peter shook his head, shivering violently as his oxygen steadily returned through wheezes. “N-n-nice s-s-save, Princess C-Celestia. I always k-knew you were cool.”

Luna materialized into existence mere hoof-lengths from Peter. “Even in the face of danger, you have the gall to tell jokes. You are truly foolish. Do you have any idea how suicidal this stunt of yours was?”

Princess Celestia lowered her body, sending traces of magical particles into Peter’s body. “Twilight told us what happened.” Once the stallion’s shivering ceased and his body temperature returned to a normal setting, the alicorn shook her head. “I must agree with my sister. This has to be the most foolish act I’ve seen anypony commit.” Celestia sighed, managing to smile. “However, I must commend you. Even against insurmountable odds, you did not hesitate to save a friend. I am honored to have you as our knight.”

A roar was heard in the distance, and explosions erupted, trees falling to the ground while thunderous footsteps quickly approached.

Luna scowled. “Time is of the essence. Peter! Where is Trixie?”

Peter’s eyes widened. “She’s frozen solid. I was too late.” He turned his gaze towards the village, pointing a hoof at the encased mare in the distance.

Celestia nodded. “No, there is still time, Peter. I've rescued ponies from such a state before in the past, but we must act quickly. The longer she is encased in ice, the greater the odds are against her recovery.” Peter’s expression brightened, evident by his smile. Celestia shared a glance with Luna. “I will work to free Trixie. I will need you to protect me while I do so, Sister. This will take some time.”

Luna nodded before turning to Peter. “I’ll need your help for this, Peter.” The younger alicorn closed her eyes as magical energy spiraled into her horn. A bright flash of light erupted, and the stallion shielded his eyes instinctively. A pair of gauntlets materialized over his hooves, a glint sparkling off of their metallic, smooth surface. Peter’s eyes widened at their royal design. Luna nodded. “For such an emergency, as you requested. I believe it is time for you to use your gauntlets. You must stand your ground against Glacius while we tend to--”
The young alicorn’s eyes shot open, her horn immediately enveloping the group with magic as she casted a quick teleportation spell. Peter and the others materialized into existence several meters away as a large boulder crashed down where the party had previously been standing moments ago. Glacius stomped into view, growling at the group, but the beast stopped in its tracks, its eyes centering on Princess Celestia. The yeti bellowed, showing all of its fangs.

Celestia scoffed, matching the beast’s glare. “Yes. I remember you as well.” The alicorn turned, making her way to Trixie’s frozen form. “However... I don’t have time to deal with the likes of you right now.”

Seeing an opening, Glacius roared, putting all of its strength into an aggressive charge for the alicorn princess. However, Peter hopped in front of Celestia with his hooves extended to the sides, lunging forward with a punch once Glacius neared. The stallion’s hoof cut through the creature’s frost barrier, canceling out the magic before it cleanly connected with the yeti’s jaw. Glacius staggered back, its eyes wide as Peter lowered into a defensive stance on his hind legs. Both individuals stood firm, neither faltering before the yeti grunted, standing tall and beating a paw against its chest repeatedly.

Peter tilted his head to the side. “Okay. What’s that about?”

“He’s challenging you,” Celestia calmly declared, never diverting her attention from her task at hoof as her magic bore into the ice surrounding Trixie’s body. “It thinks you’re protecting your territory.”

Peter chuckled. “Well, I kind of am, yeah.” His masked eyes furrowed. “So, now what?”

“Accept it. Protect what is yours,” Luna firmly stated. “Animals do not see reason, but they do respect dominance. Defeat Glacius, and it will be forced to recognize your strength.”

“It’s how I managed to defend Baltimare from it in the past,” Celestia added. “It hasn’t gone near that city since, and that was well over one thousand years ago.”

Peter chuckled, nodding. “Okay. I got it. It’s cool.” Luna rolled her eyes at the stallion’s choice of words, but she inhaled sharply as Peter removed his mask. “That’s the last ice pun. I swear.”

Luna’s eyes softened. “We can fight this beast together. Let me fight by your side.”

“I appreciate it, Luna, but let me do this on my own,” Peter grinned, offering Luna his mask. The mare hesitantly accepted it and held it with her magic before the stallion gently patted her shoulder. “As long as my friends and family are living in Ponyville, I can’t have it putting them in danger. I need Glacius to know that I’m always going to be here to stop him. It’s my duty as a knight to protect everypony, right?”

Celestia raised her head and shot a glance from the corner of her eye. “Peter. I must warn you. Glacius is very tenacious. It will not stop until you flee or die. You must incapacitate it completely in order to win.”

“Fine by me,” Peter calmly stated, closing the distance between himself and Glacius. The stallion slammed his hooves together, an electrical current escaping from the gauntlets as a small shockwave blew away the surrounding snow. Peter gritted his teeth. “You want some?! Come at me, bro!”

Taking the stallion’s gestures as an acceptance to his challenge, Glacius lowered his body and entered an aggressive stance. Peter raced through the field in an upright sprint, snow flying wildly behind his steps. Glacius swung its massive paw once the stallion neared, but Spider-Mane slid across the ground, slipping in between the yeti’s legs before countering with a swift uppercut to the jaw. The gauntlets clanged loudly at the impact’s sound, matching the beast’s pained roar. The surrounding storm intensified, yet the snow flurries spiraled controllably, creating a vortex around the yeti and stallion while leaving out both princesses.

Glacius disappeared in the white storm, his form blending into the environment. Spider-Mane raised a hoof over his face in an attempt to shield his vision. Strands of his mane froze fast, but the stallion stood firm. A blaring alarm went off in his head, prompting Peter to duck underneath the yeti’s swipe attempt. Glacius dove from the storm with his arms fully extended, but Peter leaned back until his shoulders touched the ground, managing to thrust his lower hooves into the yeti’s gut. Using all of the strength in his legs, the stallion pushed Glacius away and sent the yeti smashing through a tree.

The yeti snarled upon landing, striking the ground with its fists repeatedly before glancing at the broken tree by its side. Embedding its claws deep into the tree, Glacius strained as it lifted the large oak high over its head. Ice spread throughout the wood until the tree resembled a giant crystal, its surface smooth and clear. Suddenly, Glacius swung its weapon towards Spider-Mane, the frozen tree shattering everything in its path. Peter lowered his body until he practically touched the ground, narrowly avoiding the yeti’s swing. Just as Glacius readied himself to perform a follow-up attack, Spider-Mane hopped high into the air.

Peter’s frame vanished once the tree neared, but the stallion perched himself on the side of the oak, sprinting across before he delivered an overhead strike on the yeti. Glacius instinctively dropped its weapon as it staggered back. Spider-Mane spun through the air, back-hoofing the yeti and following with a straight punch. The storm dissipated instantly, the winds dying down and snowfall ceasing. Glacius lashed out desperately, but Peter raised his hooves and blocked the yeti’s arm. Frost materialized over the stallion’s face and shoulders.

The gauntlets emitted a bright blue aura, melting away the ice on Spider-Mane’s body before it could settle. Peter gritted his teeth, howling before driving his hoof between the yeti’s eyes. The force of the blow sent Glacius into a violent roll, his body bouncing across the ground, bursting through a tree, and embedding into a boulder. The yeti opened its eyes, unable to react as Peter slammed both of his hooves into its chest. Glacius burst through the barricade, shattering the stone into many pieces. The yeti skidded to a halt while on its back, with Peter standing over its chest.

Glacius growled defiantly, attempting to force itself back to its feet, but the stallion punched the yeti on the bridge of its snout. The back of the beast’s head cracked the ground, yet Glacius roared, slashing his claw across Peter’s chest. The stallion grumbled, watching shreds of his costume fly into the wind before ice materialized under his chin. Peter delivered a pair of strikes to the yeti’s face, both with added strength. The ground underneath the beast’s body cracked from the impact, but Glacius roared at the top of his lungs, caring not for its attacker. Peter gritted his teeth before pulling his hoof back.

“I’m only going to say this one... more… time. Glacius. Stay down!” the stallion growled, slamming his hoof into the yeti’s jaw with all of his might. A shockwave erupted, sending the snow on the ground flying into the breeze. Glacius limply fell back, one of its fangs spiraling through the air before its tip slammed into the ground. Peter stood back and hopped away, awaiting a response. Glacius weakly forced itself to stand, its arms wobbling as they used the ground for leverage. The yeti shot a glare toward Spider-Mane, panting. The stallion stood firm with his back facing the village. “I’m not going anywhere. It’s your move, Frosty.”

Glacius grunted deeply. Deciding that hunting in this region wasn’t worth the trouble of dealing with the stallion, the yeti turned away sharply before departing slowly. The sky cleared as the blizzard followed the yeti. Peter let out a relieved sigh once Glacius disappeared into the horizon. The ice surrounding Trixie’s body had finally melted, leaving the mare’s fur drenched, but she coughed harshly, her body shivering violently. Peter’s eyes shot open before the stallion rushed over to her side, taking hold of her hoof.

Celestia’s eyes softened. “The worst is over. I managed to revive her, but she requires immediate medical attention.”

Peter lifted Trixie bridal style into his hooves, wasting no time as he rushed to the hospital in a full speed sprint. His image disappeared into the horizon, blurring, but he skidded to a halt upon reaching his destination. Peter burst in through the door, pleading for somepony’s assistance. Nurses and doctors filled the room at the sudden commotion before collecting Trixie, placing the mare over a stretcher and taking her into emergency care.

Peter folded his hooves across his chest, sighing desolately after what felt like eons. Upon exchanging words with one of the nurses, the stallion took his leave and walked out of the hospital. A bright flash of light erupted a few hoof-lengths from his position that same moment. Princess Celestia and Luna materialized into existence, the younger alicorn closing the gap first until she was inches away from the stallion.

Luna trotted to the stallion’s side, her smile wide. “Well done, my friend. Will Trixie recover?”

Peter managed a small smile, nodding. “Yeah. The doctor said she suffered a severe case of hypothermia from being frozen, along with muscle damage and cold burns, but Trixie will be fine after some downtime to recover. They want to keep her for a few days.”

Luna paused, rubbing the side of her head against Peter’s reassuringly. “Do not worry. You have done all that you can. She is alive because of your efforts. I am certain Trixie can appreciate what you have done for her.”

Unbeknownst to the stallion as minutes passed, ponies from the village left their homes and filled the scene. Celestia joined the pair, shifting her light violet gaze to the surrounding spectators once they began to cheer. Everypony applauded, stomping wildly and kicking up snow while keeping their gazes fixed on Peter. Most smiled earnestly while others ran to his side. Trepidation was nowhere to be found, and appreciation took its place. Derpy forced her way through the crowd, wrapping her hooves around the stallion’s neck. Peter’s smile widened as many others openly embraced him, words of praise and gratitude filling his ears.

Luna quietly watched the spectacle, a tear rolling down her cheek as her lips curled into a smile. ‘Everypony seems to have opened their hearts to you once more.’


Trixie’s eyes fluttered open, her blurry vision slowly clearing before settling on the night sky behind the nearest window. She attempted to get up, but her movements were met with an explosion of pain. A hoof fell over her chest, gently preventing the mare from further moving. Peter shook his head and smiled, pointing at the tubes embedded in her forelegs that continued to pump fluids into her body. Trixie’s mind slowly registered her surroundings, her gaze alternating between the hospital gown she wore and the small machinery next to her bedside.

“W-what... what happened...?” Trixie managed to ask weakly, her focus settling on Peter with a look of uncertainty and confusion.

“You almost became yeti chow. Not to mention a pony popsicle,” Peter whispered, his eyes softening. “I... I thought we had lost you there for a while. We have Celestia to thank for bringing you back to us.”

Twilight walked into the room, her expression brightening as her gaze fell on the unicorn.

“You’re finally awake,” the alicorn cheered, trotting up to Trixie’s bedside and rubbing a hoof over the mare’s forehead. “You gave us quite a scare, but everything’s okay now.”

Peter nodded. “Yeah. But you’re going to have to stay here for a few days. They have to regulate your body temperature and make sure you’re properly nourished. Being flash frozen did some serious damage to your muscle tissue. You even have some burns. It’s a good thing Princess Celestia was able to free you. Any longer, and you might have slipped into a coma or...” Peter shook the dark thought from his head. “What matters is that you’re okay, and you’ll recover from this after some downtime. Think you can manage that?”

Trixie let out a weak chuckle. “I think I’ll manage.” The mare’s ears perked up as her memory of the recent events came back to her. “What happened to Glacius?”

Twilight used her magic, pulling a chair across the room before setting it next to the bed. “Peter took care of it. We don’t have to worry about it coming near Ponyville ever again.”

Trixie’s expression fell. “You shouldn’t have come after me,” she groaned, closing her eyes. “You could have died.”

Peter scoffed. “Like you’re one to talk.” He furrowed his brow. “And guess what? I did. If you’re living with us, we’re going to worry about you. That’s what a family is supposed to do.”

Trixie took on a pained expression, looking away from the stallion. “But I’m not part of your family.”

“Yes. You are,” Twilight said, reaching out and taking hold of Trixie’s hoof. “Peter told me what happened to you in the past. I’m really sorry you had to go through that with your family. I can only imagine what that’s like.”

Trixie scoffed, averting her line of sight to the ceiling in a desperate attempt to avoid the gazes of both Twilight and Peter. “It doesn’t matter. It’s in the past. Once I’ve healed up, I’ll be moving out. I hardly think it’s appropriate for me to stay any longer. I-I... I’ll only get in the way should I continue to stay.” Her lips quivered, yet she managed to fight back her building tears. “I can’t come between another family’s happiness. Not again.”

Twilight shook her head. “You’re not in the way, Trixie, not in the slightest. We love having you with us.” The alicorn’s eyes softened with a warm smile. “We all love you Trixie, very much. You belong here with us, as part of our family.” Twilight’s smile widened once Trixie shot her a baffled expression. “You’ve never once been a bother. I can honestly say you’ve been the exact opposite. You’re supportive, kind, and fun, even if you come off as a touch bit condescending and crude at times.” The mare paused to wipe away the tears forming in her eyes. “You’re like the big sister I never had, a-and… and it would break my heart if you disappeared from my life now.”

“Same here,” Peter agreed, placing a hoof over Twilight’s while resting the other over Trixie’s shoulder. “You’re like a big sister to both of us. While you may be a bit of a jerk at times, you’re still perfect just the way you are. I know it’s asking a lot, but we would really like you to become a part of our family. ” The stallion’s lips curled into a smile. “If you want to leave, let it be for the right reason. We’ll support you no matter what you decide to do. We’re just... asking you to trust us.”

Trixie was slow to respond to the pair’s confession, her mind lost in a flurry of conflicting thoughts. Her lip trembled as she took it all in, still failing to grasp the situation in its entirety. Twilight Sparkle was once the source of Trixie’s misery, a mare who she at one time both hated and envied. The thought of just how far her relationship had changed with the librarian since then quickly brought small sniffles and stubborn tears to the mare’s eyes. Now here her onetime rival sat, declaring that the show mare was like family to her, a bond far greater than simple friendship.

Her sniffles grew in volume before Trixie could no longer hold her welling emotions back, and burst into a fit of heartfelt sobs as tears began to stream down the mare’s face. Twilight leaned forward, embracing Trixie while her own tears quickly began to match the show mare’s. Peter watched the scene with a small smile, rubbing a sniffle from his snout. His eyes widened as something took hold of his hoof. His hazel gaze landed on Trixie’s hoof tugging at his own, asking him to join them. Peter beamed and replied in full, joining in the shared embrace and squeezing both mares firmly yet affectionately.

Images of Trixie’s past flashed through the confines of her mind. She had walked out on her family before, losing those that mattered so much. She knew that they could never truly be replaced, nor would she ever try to do that. However, a genuine warmth spread throughout her chest while the ice wall surrounding her heart melted away. It was a tight, tingling sensation that had long been lost to her, buried deeply since the day she left her parents. It was comforting and familiar feeling, perhaps even warmer than she originally remembered it to be. She once again had a family to call her own.

Twilight was her younger sister, a scatter-brained nuisance that annoyed her yet one she could never be without. Peter Parker had been just a fool she wanted to take advantage of for his fame, but now, he was her younger brother, a good-hearted idiot that was always there for her without realizing it was he who needed a little guidance occasionally as well. Trixie revealed a large smile with teeth, the Lulamoon equivalent to immense joy. She had known for a while now that she loved these two ponies, and for the first time, there was no shame in admitting this truth.

Trixie broke away from the pair, glancing between the two with an utterly failed, forced look of seriousness. “F-fine, if it makes you two happy I’ll stay,” she murmured, looking away. “Though don’t be expecting moments like this ever again.”

Twilight rolled her eyes with a smile. “I’ll try not to hold my breath.”

-u-

As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December's bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.

-- Donald E. Westlake

Happy Holidays