//------------------------------// // Chapter 11: Coming Home // Story: A Special Hearth's Warming Eve // by Diamond_Emblem //------------------------------// A week passed before Twilight knew it. She helped repair the weather factory and spent evenings reading updates on the Friendship Express's in the Foalfree Press. Spike had Twilight's friends help him look for a gift for Twilight's whole family. The day before they packed was the day the Elements of Harmony had a get-together, with Sweet Dessert serving the treats. Finally, on December 17th, the two friends were packing their bags to head for Canterlot. "I can't believe the weather factory is almost completely fixed," Spike said, putting his gifts for everyone in his suitcase. "I can't believe the Friendship Express is still up and running!" Twilight said. Spike closed his suitcase. "Hey, do you think Shining Armor and Princess Cadence are getting to Canterlot at the same time we are?" he asked. "They'll probably be coming tomorrow," Twilight said. "Anyway, I was hoping to get to Canterlot before them, anyway. I always beat Shining when it comes to getting home." Twilight finished packing. She dragged her suitcase downstairs, Spike following close behind. Outside the castle, Twilight's friends were waiting to say goodbye. Twilight and Spike were embraced by the five friends. "Hope you have a safe trip!" Pinkie Pie said. "Have a wonderful time with your family," Fluttershy said. They all let go and smiled. "Have a happy Hearth's Warming Eve!" they said in unison. Twilight and Spike smiled. "Ditto!" The two walked to the train station, where it was decorated in Hearth's Warming lights. Several ponies were waiting for the next train. Twilight smiled. Without her mother, these ponies still wouldn't have been traveling. And neither would Twilight and Spike. A few minutes passed as the train arrived. Twilight and Spike headed on board and watched as a light snow fell onto Cloudsdale. The train began to move. Twilight fell asleep once she sat down. Spike took out a comic book and some bits to buy candy when the food cart passed. "Ahem." Spike looked up. Twilight slept peacefully. The conductor of the train stood in front of them. "Spike the Dragon, I presume?" the conductor asked. "Yeah," Spike replied. "So, you and Princess Twilight Sparkle are the ones who started the Steamin' Snowy Hearth's Warming Party a week back to save the Friendship Express?" he asked. "Right again!" Spike said. The conductor took off his hat and placed it over his heart. "The name's Crystal Track. I met Princess Twilight's mother on the first day of December. She helped me find the train station. And I can't thank the two of you enough for saving my job." "All in a day's work," Spike said. "Plus, we get to spend Hearth's Warming with our family in Canterlot!" "Well then, I hope you two have a wonderful Hearth's Warming Eve," Crystal said. "Same to you!" Spike said. For the rest of the trip, Spike looked out the window to see the path back home. *** One hour later, the train arrived at Canterlot Station. Spike woke Twilight up and the two exited the train. Outside, it was snowing lightly and streams of families were waiting for ponies who were just arriving. "It seems like forever since we've seen this place in winter," Spike said. "Yeah," Twilight said in agreement. They took their suitcases and walked to Twilight's parents' house. They passed by Rarity's Canterlot boutique, Canterlot Carousel. Sassy Sandles waved from a window. They passed Donut Joe's Donut Shop. Spike ran in and came back with two vanilla frosted donuts. They even passed by Prince Blueblood, who seemed to be shopping for Hearth's Warming gifts. Rarity would've fainted at the sight. Finally Twilight saw a familiar path. She followed it and down the path was a familiar home, decorated with Hearth's Warming lights and decorations. Two ponies stood outside, waiting. "Mom! Dad!" Twilight exclaimed. She reared and galloped forward, leaving Spike to take both suitcases. "Twilight!" Night Light and Twilight Velvet embraced their daughter. "Oh, I thought I was never going to manage to get here for Hearth's Warming!" Twilly said. "We didn't think so for a small while either," Velvet confessed. They let go of Twilly and galloped over to help Spike with the suitcases. "Welcome home, Spike," Velvet said. Spike beamed. "Thanks, Mrs. Velvet!" he said. They all entered the house and Velvet said, "You two must be hungry. I'm gonna cook up some lunch and meanwhile, you two can unpack. Twilly, I've changed some things in your room, if you don't mind. Oh, and Shining Armor and Cadence are going to get here before Hearth's Warming Eve, maybe the day before." "I can't wait!" Twilight exclaimed. "And I'm sure I won't mind the changes you've made." Spike and Twilight brought their suitcases upstairs. She opened the door to her room and gasped. There was a new bookshelf with all kinds of books. Her bed was colorful with new sheets. A Hearth's Warming Tree was in the corner, waiting to be decorated. A small bed was stuffed with pillows and blankets. "Whoa!" Twilight said. "Cool! I get my own bed!" Spike said. He bounced onto the small bed. Twilight stepped onto her bed. It was warm and fluffy, and awfully cozy. Embedded into the covers was the Element of Magic, Twilight's cutie mark. "So, you think this is gonna be the best Hearth's Warming ever?" Spike asked. Twilight nodded as tears welled in her eyes. "Yes."