Merry Christmas, happy Hearts Warming Eve:
Twilight was hanging garlands and series of lights happily while humming a melody, this was a going to be an especial Hearts Warming, since her parents and Shining and Candace agreed to spend the night together in her Palace.
“Okay, that’s enough for that. Now, about the tree…”
She approached where Spike supposed to be decorating the Hearts Warming Tree but instead of that, he was reading a comic.
“Ahahahahahahahahahaha! That’s great, if the Power Ponies don’t do something Matter Horn will die. You’re great Ultimate Drum, great!”
“Spike! You promised to decorate the tree!” Complained Twilight.
Without move his eyes from his comic, Spike clacked his fingers and the tree instantly decorated by its own.
“Here you go, relax Twi. Is the most beautiful time of the year, when the ponies remember the friendship. Take some air, smell the scent of fresh pine and be happy. Want some hot chocolate?”
Twilight rolled her eyes but nodded.
Spike clacked his fingers making appear two mugs of the delicious beverage and offered one to Twilight. The alicorn took one and made a small sip.
“Whoa, Spike! This is great! What did you put in it?”
“Nothing, it’s just a little joke I call the chocolate of all chocolates; after the first sip you won’t tolerate any other chocolate ever again”
Twilight paled and dropped the mug.
“No… please don’t tell me you…”
Spike laughed happily.
“Hahahahaha! Just kidding Twilight, I only added mint and marshmallows”
“Well, ha-ha, Spike” grumped Twilight cleaning the mess she just made. “At least you’re in good mood; lastly your pranks have being a little more extreme than usual”
Spike blushed.
“Yeah, I’m the first to admit I crossed the line with that eighties’ classic; but look at the bright side: all children in the schools are happy since the teachers ended up so traumatized that they cancelled the exams in all schools in Equestria”
Twilight shook her head sighing, at least all the damages instantly repaired after they spread the Rainbow Powers; but the collective psyche of all teachers in the Kingdom were permanently damaged.
“At least nopony were hurt” mumbled Twilight.
“And Blue Floyd never had better sales after Celestia forbid their albums a few days ago”
“Changing the subject” said Twilight before get irritated with Spike. “This Hearts Warming haves to be perfect, the whole family is reunited for the first time in a long time; and surely mom and dad would be really proud of your new job working for the Unique and Only God”
Spike smiled to that, but suddenly he remembered something:
“About that Twily… I’m kind of invited to a party tonight. Don’t worry I’ll be with you morning and afternoon but me and the team are occupied tonight”
Twilight spilled the chocolate in surprise.
“Spike? What are you talking about? This is our family, you can’t put us apart just like that!”
“I’m sorry Twilight but I have my responsibilities with Mr. Boss; he sent me an invitation to a Christmas party, whatever Christmas is, and the agents and I can’t miss it. The note says that Mr. Boss and the Junior really want to meet me and shake my claws in person”
“Spike” said Twilight sadly.
“I really want to be with you tonight, believe me, but I also have to make a good impression to him. But don’t worry, I’ll be here almost the entire day”
At the end, Twilight nodded sadly.
“I understand, a lot of new responsibilities with your new status of Lord of Disharmony and Chaos. I get it, but still is kind of sad”
Both of them were a little down but Mr. Boss’ invitation were something too serious to ignore and the dragon didn’t want to disappoint his new boss.
Anyway, they didn’t touched the subject again and at the next day they were ready to receive Mr. and Ms. Sparkle at the train station; Shining and Candace would arrive later.
“I see them!” Announced Spike, using his senses incremented by the power of chaos.
“Great!” Cheered Twilight happily getting ready to hug her parents. “It’s been a long time since I saw them”
The train arrived and Twilight Velvet and Night Light jumped off.
“Children!” Said Ms. Velvet hugging the both of them both with her hooves and magic; to finally kissing them on the cheeks. “Oh, kids, it’s been so long! Why don’t you write more often? We’ve missed you like you have no idea. Right, Night?”
The stallion nodded and gave a small hug to his daughter and a friendly punch on the shoulder to his son.
“Hi kids, I would tell you more but I think your mother already said everything. What’s new?”
“We’ll tell you everything back at the castle, behind a warm mug of hot chocolate. Spike made enough for everypony”
“I can bring it here right now” said Spike clacking his fingers.
Both Night Light and Twilight Velvet suddenly appeared each one in a floating chair with complete service of hot chocolate and Hearts Warming cookies.
“So, wanna go with style or do you prefer walking?”
“I take the style thank you” said Twilight Velvet relaxing on his comfortable floating chair. “Isn’t this great? All our children have triumphed in life: Shining is a Captain of the Guard and the Crystal Prince; Twily is the Princess of Friendship and our younger kid is a god of Disharmony and Chaos. That’s what I call a family of winners”
“Said something darling?” Asked Night Light. “I got lost in my chocolate. Spike, this is great; no wonder why Princess Celestia is having so much trouble trying to replicate the Candy of all Candies”
Spike blinked surprised.
“What, is it famous?”
“Of course is famous” smiled Night Light. “The Canterlot Inquirer just published an article: ‘Celestia’s obsession; the master piece of the lord of chaos’. I’m glad you put her on her place, before our hooves. Between us the Princess is kind of a snob and I’m glad our kid showed her whose the boss”
“I told you Night! No speaking of politics; Twily is a Princess now, remember?”
“Oh, she doesn’t care, right my dear? Your old folk can insult Celestia safely before you”
Twilight sighed but preferred to stay quiet.
Anyway, they arrived to the Palace that was beautifully decorated using Twilight’s instructions and Spike’s powers to save time.
“Perfect!” Smiled Twilight Velvet. “You didn’t had any trouble decorating such structure Twilight?”
“No mom, Spike did most of the work, still don’t know if clacking his fingers can be consider as work but at least is done”
Spike made a small raspberry.
“However,” continued Twilight, “let’s sit to recover time! It’s been a lot since the last time I knew about you mom and dad”
“Whose fault is for not writing more often?” Mocked Twilight Velvet.
“Whatever, me first!” Smiled happily Night Light. “I finally accomplished my dream of try snowboarding at the Ponitalian Alps. It was great and the most exciting thing I ever done”
“I thought mom didn’t want you to try something like that because you could get hurt” said Spike.
“And he got hurt” sighed Twilight Velvet. “But we didn’t planned it, you see: the night of the crazy doors he ended up at a hotel on the mountains when he went to the bathroom and when I went for him I somehow found myself on Trottingham’s municipal library and then in a mall in Maredrid. Great trip by the way, thank you Spike”
“It was nothing, just the job of every lord of Disharmony and Chaos” said the dragon blushing and Twilight giggled.
“Yeah, the night of the crazy doors was a total disaster; if it wasn’t for Shining we weren’t solved it safely for all the ponies”
“I don’t know little sis” said Shining entering along with Candace. “If it wasn’t for that prank who knows when we would see each other again; a lot of ponies (like dad) visited interesting places and even Flash says he met with his long lost brother.”
“And those kind of pranks are way better than pretend to be sick to call for attention” smiled Candace. “But moving to other subjects we brought you some snacks”
“And the famous Crystal Egg Nog dad likes so much” added Shining. “But easy, it has to least the entire evening”
The family celebrated the reunion by making a toast.
It was great, Mr. and Ms. Sparkle shared time with their family one more time exchanging anecdotes, stories and even political comments courtesy of Night Light; it was the perfect beginning for the Hearts Warming Eve, a celebration for families, but then the clock marked five pm and Spike excused.
“Okay, everything so far was great and I really don’t want to go but I have something important to do. So sorry, I really wish I could spend more time with you.
Everypony except Twilight looked at him confused.
“You have to go somewhere? But… why?” Asked Shining.
“Yeah, where do you have to go darling?” Said Twilight Velvet.
Spike blushed.
“To a Christmas party, whatever Christmas is. I only know that arrives at the same time than the Hearts Warming Eve but well, the invitation specifies Mr.Boss wants to meet me and my agents in person”
“Oh, that’s right!” Remembered Candace. “The Junior’s birthday party. Well, if He wants to meet you go ahead, have fun.”
“Sorry” excused Spike for the last time running through the door.
“Say hi to your new employer for me” shrugged Night Light.
Spike closed the door and smiled to his family for the last time.
Twilight sighed but Candace put her hoof on her shoulder to comfort the purple alicorn.
“It’s okay, he’ll get bored in the first hour, that’s not the kind of party for children” explained Candace.
“You mean you know Mr. Boss?”
“Of course I do! And so my aunties, Chrysalis, and King Flames, and Witch Doctor Zikmu. He pays us all”
…
Spike arrived to the Chaos Headquarters, formerly the CMC clubhouse, and waited for his agents.
Scoots and Sweetie arrived together, apparently it wasn’t so difficult to sneak out of their house and send their 'emergency replicas'; but Apple Bloom’s case was exactly the opposite. Hearts Warming Eve was a family celebration for the Apples as well, receiving relatives from every corner of Equestria, so sneaking wasn’t that easy; but she managed to get into her room safely along with her cousin Babs and sent their especial duplicates to the reunion instead.
But they both arrived safely, now they only had to wait for Rumble.
“So being with family is good enough but I couldn’t miss this Christmas stuff” said Apple Bloom. “Now where’s Rumble?”
“No idea, let’s give him five more minutes” said Spike.
Luckily he arrived on time.
“Sorry for making you wait guys, but my parents came and you know my brother and I don’t see them too often since they’re both from Luna’s Royal Airforce”
“Yeah, yeah, don’t apologize we understand” said Spike. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay?”
“Nah, I’m curious about Christmas” said the colt. “Besides my brother began to talk about the Weather Factory and he’ll take forever. Anyway, happy Hearts Warming! My parents got me something very especial for you”
Rumble gave them each one an autographed photograph of Luna’s famous captains of the Guard: Black Swordsman and Lighting Flash; along with their team of mercenaries Klein, Leafa, Sinon, Lizbeth and Silica.
“Dude, that’s so cool!” Cheered Scootaloo. “Are those authentic?”
“Of course! My parents are under direct command of Black Swordsman”
“This is great, those guys are the strongest warriors of all Equestria!” Said Apple Bloom happily “Thanks Rumble, this goes for my collection”
“And is it true that the Black Swordsman’s group of flyers the Shadow Bolts are destroying the Wonderbolts in each presentation they face?” Asked Scootaloo
“Of course!” Said Rumble. “I went to their last competition and… well, poor Spit Fire, she was about to cry when the results were announced. But hey, don’t we have to go to a Christmas party?”
Spike nodded and clacked his fingers teleporting to the Space Between Worlds; as always strange and almost empty. There was no floor and they felt like they were falling but there was nowhere to fall so they weren’t.
They began to move, supposing that it was going to be easy to find the party since they thought there was only one… but no, there were two.
Both lounges were beautiful and luxurious receiving creatures of all shapes and sizes. Left or right, where to go?
But then a known voice called Spike.
“Ey, aren’t you Twilight Sparkle’s dragon?”
Spike turned and almost faint.
“Queen Chrysalis?” Asked the dragon trembling.
The Queen nodded and smiled to them, not evilly but kindly.
“Let me guess: you don’t know where to go, right?”
The team of chaos nodded.
“Is left, follow me. I’ll take you”
She began to walk with the team of chaos behind her in an uncomfortable silence. But the Changelling Queen seemed like a kind person.
“Come on kids, you don’t need to be afraid of me! Aren’t we all villains? Like you I don’t mess with Celestia for nothing; I’m also getting paid for that. But there are some villains more dangerous than others, if I were you I won’t approach to Tirek or Sombra”
“Why?” Asked Sweetie.
Chrysalis stopped and turned to them very serious.
“We don’t talk about this, but I suppose you deserve to know. You see the other party? It’s from the rival company; ran by Mr. Boss’ twin brother. We call him the Other One; or the Source of all Evil. All his employees have literally a ‘hell’ of a power. Okay, we’re here!”
The lounge was enormous, as beautiful as Canterlot Castle, with hundreds of windows to take natural light with several tones in green and light blue. The floor was covered with natural grass and pines growing decorated with beautiful light series, stars and all kinds of decorations; giving everything a good touch of nature.
“Is just me or Mr. Boss really likes nature?” Asked Sweetie Belle admiring the decorations.
“Between us little filly is one of my best creations” said a kind voice behind the group.
The agents of chaos jumped surprised, by her way Chrysalis bowed and shook his hand. It was a really strange Being: both masculine and feminine, seeming so young but so old at the same time; and what was him or her or whatever? It looked like a completely different specie every time they looked at it.
“Merry Christmas Mr. Boss, thank you for inviting me to your party” said the Changelling Queen.
“Always a pleasure Chrysalis” said the Entity. “Welcome and have fun”
Chrysalis nodded and approached to the buffet that had any kinds of food for every creature present at the party. Simply fascinating.
“So this is the famous Spike, our newest employee” said the Being shacking Spike’s claw with a warm smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you young Spike, I’ve been following your work closely and I love it, simply love it. All your plans have that childish spark that I always look for and you never cross a predetermined line. Oh, and that part of using the Magic of Friendship against the Magic of Friendship is just brilliant”
Still shocked, the Agents of Chaos managed to smile feeling great thanks to the sensation of peace and Goodness the Being transmitted.
“And what do you say about your boss, children? Do you like working Spike?” Asked Mr. Boss to the team
“It’s been an interesting experience” said Shadow Bloom. “Thanks to him A’ can show ma’ sister A’m not a baby and take more seriously”
Mr. Boss nodded in understanding.
“I totally understand you young Apple Bloom. Oh siblings, they can be a real pain from time to time. What about you Rumble?”
“Well, it’s cool even if I have nothing to do with the Bearers of Harmony” said Mist. “This girls are awesome to work with; when I think I was about to betray them for a little toy… I’m glad Spike made me change my mind”
Sweetie Black winked an eye to her friend and smiled to Mr. Boss.
“And for me, it helped me to improve my relationship with Rarity. Before or she scolded me for everything or she ignored me, now as Black I can put her on her place whenever I need”
“Oh and I love to compete with Rainbow as equals” added Scoots. “My older sister is awesome but a little too selfish for my taste, I like when I show her that I’m as good or better than her”
Mr. Boss petted the girls’ heads.
“Oh, I’m glad you like what you do kids. And I’m also glad that somehow you use your powers to get closer to your families. But… why are you so quiet Babs? You don’t like to create chaos or are you afraid of me?”
Night Seed lowered her head.
“Is not that Mr. Boss. I love my new job and all but… I can’t stop thinking in las time. We crossed the line destroying the schools and when I saw my teacher at the next day, she wasn’t being herself. Not to mention we almost drown Ponyville in nacho cheese”
Mr. Boss laughed happily.
“Oh Babs! You don’t have to worry about that little things! The important is that you learnt your limits, right? Besides, you should see what others Lords of Chaos do in other worlds. That’s why I like you’re still children, sometimes when a person grow up they lost track between what’s funny and what’s dangerous”
“So there’s no problem for that then?” Asked Night.
Mr. Boss shrugged.
“Of course not, you only have three rules for a reason. But if you want to create your own limits that’s fine for me. Now if you excuse me, I have to greet more people. Please enjoy the party, I’m happy you could make it”
And he approached to a group of newcomers.
Really Mr. Boss was very kind with his personal; who seemed happy to work for him.
Then the group of chaos began to move around the lounge meeting new people from all the worlds imaginable. But the most interesting part was meeting the others Lords of Chaos, and like Mr. Boss said, the prank of Another Tile in the Roof was nothing compared with what they did.
“Oh, I still remember” said one of them. “One day I turned all the water in alcohol, that was funny; to see all the world completely drunk. And the best part was that the joke lasted for a week and a half, because my world’s heroes couldn’t do anything against me because they could barely stay still. And then the massive hangovers, oh that was freaking hilarious”
“I met your predecessor” added other Lord of Chaos. “He gave me the idea about the chocolate rain… but I added my personal touch by boiling it first. Oh the poor people, the still remember that one”
And finally the most terrifying from all, a monster who first worked for the Other One but quitted because a discussion about salary.
“You can say I’m a lazy person” said that Lord of Chaos. “My way to work is to create creatures of great destructive power and then release them to the world; each one more dangerous than the last, and then I sit to see what happens. The Guardians of Balance fight and all but I’m always creating something new. Is an endless struggle”
Spike and the others gulped and keep chatting for a while but they began to get bored.
“Leaving aside the last one, who was really scary, I can say that was interesting. However, I’m ready to go home” said Spike.
“Agreed” yawned Night Seed. “This is a grownups party, so boring”
“But first we have to say good bye to Mr. Boss” suggested Black.
“Good idea” agreed Shadow. “Let’s separate to find him”
And they separated in groups: as always, Spike and Sweetie were together, then Night and Shadow and finally Mist and Dark.
They were wandering around the party until Sweetie Black found something.
“Spike, look!” She called.
“What? You found Mr. Boss?”
“Nope, mistletoe”
Spike looked up to see the solitary ornament hanging above them and before he could react, Sweetie kissed him, making the both blush, not knowing what to say looking to their eyes.
But then Shadow made them a sign to approach, she just found Mr. Boss.
“So, let’s move, we have to catch up with our families” said Sweetie Black before winking an eye to the still shocked dragon, who slowly followed her.
They were lucky, Mr. Boss was precisely with his son, the Junior. After a respectful farewell, Mr. Boss smiled and wished them a happy Hearts Warming Eve.
“It was good to have you six here” said the Junior warmly. “We’re sorry you don’t stay longer but we understand you prefer to spend the night with your families. I wish you to have a better relationship with your siblings and really hope to tell them the truth at some point, understood?”
“We’ll do it” promised the Agents of Chaos.
“Take care” said Mr. Boss.
They all returned to Equestria, noticing it was only eight o’clock.
“Okay, we have time to spend a little bit more with our families” cheered Apple Bloom getting back to normal.
“Happy Hearts Warming Eve!” Said everypony and ran to their homes.
Spike arrived to the Castle, where he was received by all his family.
“I told you” said Candace. “He was going to get bored soon”
“Yeah, but at least we met Mr. Boss and the Junior” said Spike proudly. “Very nice… whatever they are. So, what did I miss?”
“Nothing pal, we were waiting for you” said Shining Armor hugging him. “Holidays are to spent with your entire family”
“Is not the same without you Spike” added Twilight.
Spike hugged them all.
“Happy Hearts Warming Eve everyone”
“Merry Christmas Spike”