Hearth's Warming Eve is almost here, and many of Twilight and her friends still have a lot of shopping to do, will AJ's Hearth's Warming Helper idea be the savior?
Twilight has fallen behind on grading, Rarity is out of ideas, Rainbow has no clue, And everything is so cute to Fluttershy. All four have the same root cause, Hearth's Warming Eve is tomorrow. However, AJ might have a solution, an Apple Clan tried and test truth practice of Hearth's Warming Helper. Now they and Spike search for the perfect gift for ONE of their group.
What can go wrong? ... ... ... I see you, Discord.
A My Little Mages retelling of The Best Gift Ever!
Magiville had a fair but noticeably growing amount of snow as many shops and booths were open as the residents were all about exchanging the many items for sale often for bits but every so often another good that the booth or shop owner wanted or service to be called upon. Among the partons, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Rarity, all three dressed for the winter wonderland around them, were going from booth to shop to shop to booth. All three seemed to be in a slight panic. Unbeknownst to them barreling down the main street came Twilight flying in more… apparent panic, followed by Spike with one of Twilight’s mile-long checklists. While the trio was able to dodge Twilight, they were all caught and entangled in the checklist.
Rainbow was the first to speak, after a couple of grunts, as the three struggled and managed to get out of their predicament, “Do we wanna know why you're wrapping up everybody in town?” she asked feeling like she was made a present without a say.
Spike turned and tried to roll the checklist up so that it wouldn’t entangle anybody else, “It’s not wrapping paper.” he pointed out bluntly, not that the explanation was needed. “It’s a to-do list,” he informed before he pointed in the direction of Twilight as she teleported to be in front of a booth, levitated a few items, gave the owner a few coins and teleported again to another booth.
Twilight continued this pattern as she said in front of one booth selling ... “Two of these!” and then “Three of those!” at a booth selling electric Hearth Warming lights, and then at a booth selling scrolls of parchment, “I'm gonna need ten of those! Just in case!” she said before she paid for the scrolls and teleported to the next booth on her list.
Rarity, once she was freed attempt to reach out to Twilight, “Twilight, darling, are you all right?” she asked the demigod as she, Fluttershy and Rainbow joined Spie.
“Sure!” Twilight answered not looking towards her friends, her gaze on the goods at the booth she was at, which was mostly baked goods, namely cakes. As she picked up one of the cakes, “Just-grabbing-a-few-things-do-I-need-this-no-that's-silly-I-need-eight!” she said in an unmistakable panic, not as fast for all that she said to be considered a single word in it of itself, but it was too fast to be separate words. She then started to hyperventilate.
As if on cue, Applejack, who wore a green sweater over her normal garb and Pinkie Pie, who was wearing her winter gear, walked up and joined the gathering of their friends.“Hey, y'all!” Applejack said as she greeted the group for herself and Pinkie. As she noticed that Twilight was not with them and that everyone was looking at something, “What's everybody—?” she started to ask before she turned to see Twilight in her panic shopping. “Ohhh,” she said as she connected all the dots. “Traditional holiday meltdown?” she asked for a confirmation. Everyone else gave an “Uh-huh.” Applejack nodded before took a small breath, “Ah got this.” she whispered before she walked up to the hyperventilating princess. Once she was right next to Twilight, she the paladin spoke calmly and quietly “Hey, Twilight. How's your day?” she asked not unlike a mother seeing her child panicking for no reason.
Twilight turn to Applejack, “I got way behind grading the last exams before the break, and Cadance and Shining Armor are coming here with Flurry Heart for Hearth's Warming Eve, which is my first with Flash as my fiance, and I haven't started decorating, and I don't know what to get any of you, and—!” the princess listed off at an alarmingly fast rate as her panic started to set in.
“Stop!” Applejack ordered as she covered Twilight’s mouth. As the paladin removed her hand, “Take a deep breath.” Twilight then inhaled deeply. “Hold it,” Applejack added, which Twilight did for a second. Applejack then placed her hand on Twilight’s shoulder, “Now let it out sloooooooooowwww…” the paladin continued as she said ‘slow’ as if she too was giving a long exhale. Twilight then slowly exhaled. Once she finished, “Nod if you feel calmer.” Applejack instructed. Twilight reluctantly nodded. Applejack then beckoned the rest over “Now, I think I have a few ideas that might help. First, whatever you haven’t graded you’ll have to hold off on grading until the day after Hearth’s Warming. Second, Hearth’s Warming Eve is two days away so ask Flash to help with the decorations, teach him the traditions he’s marrying into and have him teach you what traditions you’re marrying into. And whatever you don’t get done when Shining and Cadance arrive, ask them to help.” Twilight sighed but agreed.
Just then the rest joined the. “Now for my third idea, and this is to help with the…” the paladin trailed before she looked to the others, namely Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow. “Last minute shopping.” Everyone looked at the paladin attentively, “What if we change up how we give gifts this year and do a Hearths’ Warmin' Helper?” she suggested.
Pinkie raised her hand, “Question, what's a Hearths’ Warming Helper?” the jester asked the question on hers and everyone else’s mind at the concept.
Applejack had a small smile and shook her head slightly, “You see, whenever the whole Apple family got together for Hearths Warming Eve, there were just so many of us, it didn't make sense for everybody to buy everybody gifts.” the paladin provided an antidote to convey the point.
“So how does it work?” Pinkie followed up.
Applejack took off her hat, “Well, we'd put our names in a bowl, jar or hat…” she started.
“Ooh, a game of chance!” Pinkie cheered in excitement. She leaned in and rubbed her hands “Tell me more.” she added with a grin.
Applejack rolled her eyes at her friend's antics, she then continued, “...then we'd each pull a name from, but keep it a secret.” she said as she reached into her hat as if to act out the process.
Pinkie pulled out a notepad and pencil and was jotting everything Applejack was saying, “A dash of mystery. Good. Good.” she added.
Applejack then put her hat back on, “And instead of buyin' everybody a present, you just get one for the person you picked from the hat.” she finished explaining the basic principles of the practice.
As every one of their group seemed to nod as they agreed to the idea. However, “Wait. So instead of lots of presents, I only buy one of you a present?” the cotton candy haired member of the heptad. “What kind of game is this?!” she shouted in protest at the idea. Everyone just shook their heads.
Rarity spoke up first, “I’ve just finished my commissions for the year and having to purchase only one gift for us seven would save time.”
Spike started to hover as he clasped his hands and seemed to look up in the sky as if he was in a dream, “And you could get the person who you pick something nice.” he sighed.
Everyone gave an eye-roll at Spike’s action before Rainbow cleared her throat which got Spike to stop. “The less shopping, the better.” Rainbow argued and reasoned in favor of the idea, “In!” she declared.
Fluttershy gave a nod after a couple of seconds in thoughts, before she turned to the stressed demigod, “Will that help, Twilight?” the druid asked.
Twilight looked at her friends and then at the list she had made, she then nodded before she confessed, “I was stressed about shopping.”
Everyone then turned to Pinkie and waited for her response. Pinkie gave a distinctively reluctant sigh, “Fine.” she mostly groaned, “I will only buy one present for my secret Hearths’ Warming Helper buddy.” she consented with her nose held up and her eyes closed, as if her dislike of only getting one gift for one of her closest friends wasn’t already immutable.
“Yah mean whom the Hearth’s Warming Helper of.” Applejack clarified as she took off her hat again and held it out. If her friends got the correction, they didn’t express it. “Now we just need to put everybody's name in…” Applejack then paused, “Except for Rarity.” Everyone gave the paladin a ‘huh’, “We all know that if Spike doesn’t draw Rarity he’s gonna ask if he can trade, which he can do if the person who drew Rarity is okay with the trade, and this is Spike we’re talkin’ about, so…” stopped as she allowed the rest to think. They all then gave an ‘Oh.’ as it clicked. Spike then rolled the scroll to get to the blank bottom, took a pencil and wrote his name, Pinkie’s, Applejack’s, Fluttershy’s, Twilight’s, and Rainbow’s names. He then ripped it off the scroll and ripped each of the names from each other and folded each piece of paper before he placed them in the hat. Applejack then covered the opening of hat. “Y'all ready?” she asked. The rest nodded and she then shook up the hat a few times. She then removed her hand, “No peekin'.”
Everyone, sans Spike, then reached into the hat with their eyes closed and pulled out a name. Pinkie was the first to open her eyes and see her names. “So excited! Aah! Too excited! I don't wanna give anything away!” she cheered before she zipped away with a ‘Wheeee!’
As the others pocketed their pieces of paper, “When will the gift exchange occur?” Rarity asked.
Everyone was in thought, “How about Twilight's castle on Hearth's Warming Eve? We can do that as Twilight’s, and Spike’s one gift on Hearth’s Warming Eve tradition thing.” Rainbow offered as she started to hover.
Everyone nodded in agreement, “That's perfect!” Applejack declared. “I’ll just Pinkie when I get back to the Temple. Pinkie and I can spend the evenin' with y'all and the next mornin' with our families!” the paladin informed as she pocketed her name. “
As Twilight pocketed her name and looked at her to-do list and smiled, “And thanks to all of you, I should be ready to celebrate by then!” she declared with this new change to her schedule which seemed to lighten her load.
“Oh, this is so exciting!” Fluttershy said as she pocketed her name and everyone head off.
Later that day, back in Twilight’s castle, Twilight and Spike had finished most of their non-present shopping. “And now all we need to do is finish the decorations, help you find your gift for Rarity and my secret person and finish preparations for Shining, Cadance, and Flurry,” Twilight said as the two returned to the entrance of the castle and noted that Hearth’s Warming decorations were very much still in disarray. Twilight then sighed, “I forgot.” Then there was a knock on the door.
“I’ll get it,” Spike said as he flew over to the door and opened it to show Flash, dressed in a black leather jacket. “Hey Flash.” the dragon said as he stepped aside to let the sentry in.
“Hey Spike,” Flash said as he entered, “I know I’m early, but I…” he trailed off as he saw the state of affairs. “Wow…” he whistled in disbelief before he turned to Twilight, “I know that you got caught up in grading but this…” he trailed off as he pointed to the chaos of the scene. “Not even Discord would make such a mess.”
Twilight rolled her eyes, “Thanks.” her bemusement was inescapable. “Would it be too much to ask for some help?”
Flash shook his head, “Hey, I’ve already helped finished this at the barracks, why not here.” he added with a shrug. He then took off his jacket, but not before he pulled out some papers and handed them to Spike, “Oh, here’s the sheet music for the song you asked for.” he informed the dragon. Spike accepted the papers and started to read them, however, he seemed to be confused at some it.
Spike turned to Flash, “You changed some of the lyrics.” the dragon stated.
Flash rubbed the back of his head and neck, “Well, what you wrote wasn’t gonna fit the meter and beat you wanted to use and since you failed to specify to whom the song was for…" Flash trailed off. "You didn't give me much to work with."
Spike sighed, "Well, hopefully, Rarity will like it." Spike then rolled the papers together and wrote 'My Room' and was about to exhale his message sending fire on it before he turned to Flash. "Say Flash, now that you know it's for Rarity…"
"Not in time for Hearth’s Warming," Flash cut Spike off. Spike sighed and then blew the fire on the rolled paper as it was sent to his room. Flash then turned took out of his jacket what looked to be a box about the size of most books wrapped like it was a gift. “And Happy Hearth’s Warming,” he said as he gave it to Twilight.
Twilight accepted it with a smile, "Thank you…” she trailed off before she remembered something. The revelation caused her to open her eyes wide in terror. “Um… I got a couple of things to do…” she said as she started to take a couple of steps back.
“You forgot to get Flash a gift.” Spike deadpanned as he whispered into Twilight’s ear. Twilight could only laugh nervously. Spike rolled his eyes, “I’ll keep him busy, just don’t forget about your gift as a Hearth Warming Helper.” the dragon offered. Twilight kissed Spike on his cheek and headed to the castle’s library to figure out what to get both her person and Flash.
After she left, Flash turned to Spike, “She does know that since she and I are engaged there is a foolproof gift she can give me?” the sentry asked the dragon.
Spike shrugged his shoulders, “Sometimes her skull is a thick as the books she reads.” Spike commented.
Flash and Spike then started to put up the decorations, “So she’s a Hearth’s Warming Helper this year?” Flash asked.
“Yeah, so are AJ, RD, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity,” Spike informed.
“It would be funny if she got Pinkie.” Flash joked.
Inside the library, Twilight got a chalkboard, and pulled out the piece of paper with her person’s name on it, “Sorry Flash,” she then looked at her piece of paper and it was revealed to be ‘Pinkie’, “I bet you have the perfect idea to get both Flash and as a Hearth’s Warming Helper.”
As Twilight commented on her person, the scene changed to the room in Sweet Apple Temple that Pinkie and her sisters were sharing, Pinkie flopped onto the bed,(after being briefed by Applejack) “I have no idea what to get as a Hearths Warming Helper!” she declared. In the room were her sisters, who had just finished unpacking and such.
Maud and Marble turned to Limestone, the eldest sister then groaned before she walked up to the bed, “There's a pile of presents right there.” Limestone said as she pointed to a stack of presents that were in the room to be placed under the tree in the living room of Sweet Apple Temple, “Pick one, and you're done.” she compounded as she picked up one that had Twilight’s name. “Here, you already have this for Twilight.”
Pinkie got up from the bed and turned “That was when I was getting all of my friends matching harmony Hearth's Warming hats!” Pinkie said before she took the gift from Limestone and put it back in the pile, “Now it's just Twilight!” she cried before she started to sob. “I can't give one person a matching present with nothing to match it! I need something special for only her!” Pinkie declared before she then sighed.
Limestone groaned and turned to face the other two Pie sisters, “You want to make things harder for you then you have to, be my guest, I’m punching out!” she then huffed before she walked over to Maud, “You’re up if you want it.”
Maud then spoke up, “I've got it.” she said in her deadpan tone as she walked up to pinking.
Pinkie got up and turned to Maud, “I don't think Twilight likes rocks as much as you do, Maud.” the jester pointed out.
Maud then picked up a present that fitted in the palm of her hand right, “Don't rock it 'til you try it.” she said before the box opened like a jack in a box to show a rock on a spring with a boing sound. This caused Marble to giggle, and a small smile on Limestone that none of her sisters saw. Pinkie did smile, but as her eyes looked down it was clear that she was not moved. Maud then shrugged her shoulders and looked at Marble.
Marble rubbed her chin for a second and then gasped with wide eyes before she rushed over and started to whisper into Pinkie’s ear. As Pinkie heard each word that her younger twin was saying, her eyes started to widen and an open mouth smile formed. Pinkie then gasped as she turned around to hug Marble. “You are a genius!” Pinkie declared. “I’ve been thinking about this the wrong way I need to be excited that this is my biggest holiday challenge I've ever faced!” She hugged Marble again with a cheer as she prepared to leave, “And I am up to it, I know I'm good at gift-giving, but am I the best at gift-giving?” she asked as she rubbed her chin before she exited the room.
“Who would say they're the best at gift-giving?” Limestone asked cutting to the matter, “That's ridiculous.” she added as she leaned against the wall.
Marble then in a barely audible whisper said “Orks?” she asked.
Pinkie then turned back to face her sisters, “Marble, you're right! Orks would say they're the best at gift-giving!” she declared. “If anybody knows what to do, it's them!” she said as she brought her fist into the palm of her hand and then dressed to travel. “I gotta go to Yakyakistan! I’ll be back for the day of Heart’s Warming Eve! Thanks! These Pie sister talks are the best!” she then gave each of her sisters a smooch on their cheeks and left.
Maud noticed that Limestone didn’t rub her cheek, “You left Pinkie’s kiss on.” Maud commented.
Limestone shrugged, “It’s Hearths’ Warming,” she said as if it was nothing, “But if your boyfriend says ‘Well Technically or Actually or whatever, he won’t be seeing the new year.”
“I’ll make sure he understands,” Maud replied in her deadtone voice, but there was a slight hint of fear.
Limestone then turned to Marble, “Now you might be okay that Sugar Bell is here, but if Big Mac doesn’t get his priority straits he won’t have a tail to move, like a cedar or otherwise.” Marble gave a scarred ‘Mhmm.’ with a nod.
As Twilight was trying to figure out the best gifts for Pinkie and Flash, and Pinkie was en route to the train station, Rainbow and Fluttershy were walking among the stores. “Okay, what about your favorite food?” Rainbow asked as she leaned towards Fluttershy’s side as they looked a food stand.
“Ooh. I couldn't pick just one.” Fluttershy said as she turned to Rainbow as she slightly shut her eyes as if she wanted to not cry, “What if it hurt the other foods' feelings?” she asked with a faint hint of her heart starting to slightly break.
Rainbow rolled her eyes with a small groan, “Riiiiight…” she trailed off. She then took a small breath, “But there's gotta be something you really, really like.” she tried to ask and get information from Fluttershy.
“I really, really like…” Fluttershy trailed off as she started to think for a couple of seconds. “Everything!” she declared with excitement like some burden was removed from her shoulders. She then looked squarely at Rainbow and tilted her head slightly, “Why do you ask?”
Rainbow looked with her eyes three times in a clear panic, “Juuuust getting gift ideas.” she started before she realized she needed more, but she had no idea how to throw off that she wasn’t asking Fluttershy about Fluttershy, “Uh, for my person. Who isn't you.” the second part she said way too quickly for it to be true. She then paused for too long before she tried to ask a different question, or ask a different way, “So, uh, is there anything you don't like?”
Fluttershy held her chin with her hand and thought for a second, “Hmmm…” she replied. “Not liking things!” the druid answered her friend with a closed-eyes closed-mouth smile. Rainbow then groaned and flew off. Fluttershy waved goodbye “I hope that helped!” she shouted to her friend. Fluttershy then opened her eyes and sighed. “Sorry Rainbow,” she said as she took out her piece of paper, which had ‘Rainbow Dash’ written on it. “But I can’t shop for you if you’re always by my side.” She then pocketed the piece as she looked down.
“Hey Fluttershy,” came Applejack’s voice as the paladin approached her. “You finally got Rainbow to dash,” she commented.
“And everyone thinks that Spike has the subtlety of a freight train.” The druid replied as she sighed as she confessed to the paladin. “I don’t know if I can shop in town.”
Applejack sighed, “Well, my plans for Spike’s gift fell through, the comic I preordered was canceled before publication at the last minute.” The paladin then kicked the ground.
Fluttershy gave a ‘hmph’ for a second and then gasped as she had an idea, “I think I have a solution,”
Applejack gave a shrug and nod, “Why not?” she asked rhetorically.
Fluttershy smiled, “Met me at the train station tomorrow morning.” the druid said before she started to fly off. Applejack only shook her head before heading home.
At one of the stores, about an hour after leaving Fluttershy in frustration, as the sun was starting to set, Rainbow exited one with a candelabra with three candles on it, “Candle. Great. Whatever. Fluttershy-shopping done.” she said in a cross of boredom, frustration, and annoyance as if she was just done with the day.
“Ugh. You can't honestly be serious.” came Discord’s voice as his face appeared on the main candle of the candelabra.
Rainbow’s eyes shot wide open and three the candelabra as she screamed, “Ghost candle!” the candelabra Discord hit a wall with a thud.
After landing on the ground Discord changed to his ‘tamed’ human form, “Oh, Dashie, Dashie,” he started with a ‘tutu’. “A candle is what you buy when you have no idea what to get somebody.” the avatar of chaos said as he picked up the candelabra and gave it Rainbow as the elementalist landed next to him.
Rainbow groaned as she accepted the candelabra, “What do you want, Discord?” she opted to not deal with formalities with Discord.
Discord vanished in a poof before he reappeared dressed in large red pants, a red shirt, a fake beard, and a red hat with white truffles and a bell in his hand, “Fluttershy told me about this Hearth's whatever-it's-called.” he informed as he rang the bell. He then leaned to be in Rainbow’s face, “I may not be invited, but I wanted to make sure she gets a quality gift.” he said as he picked up a garbage can and opened it.
Rainbow snorted in clear irritation, “I tried asking her what she likes,” she informed, “but she likes everything.” the elementalist groaned.
Discord shook his head, “Well, she says that, but her real friends know what she actually likes.” the lord of chaos commented as if he was the master on the subject of being friends.
Rainbow hovered right up to Discord’s face, “I've known her a lot longer than you have.” she countered in what was clearly an attempt to assert her own mastery and her relationship with Fluttershy.
Discord then poofed a flock of sheep as he held a hoop for them to jump through, with himself dressed no too dissimilar from a Ringmaster, “Then you must surely know that lit candles around adorably flammable animals make her nervous, don't you?” he asked as the sheep jumped throw the hoop bleating all the while.
Rainbow groaned as she threw the candelabra away and started to fly away, “Fine. I'll get her something else.” she bemoaned.
As she was flying home, Discord, dressed in a long red scarf, a brown helmet and google like the ones worn by the Wonderbolts with a small steering wheel in his hands, “Perhaps I'll tag along to steer you in the right direction.” he joked as he turned to his right and caught Rainbow Dash in the air.
“Whoa!” Rainbow shouted before she managed to break free from Discord. “Fine you can tag along, meet me at my place in the morning, I need to get some sleep,” the elementalist said before she started to fly home. Discord had a small chuckle and smirk on his face as he watched Rainbow leave.
About the same time as Rainbow was heading home, Flash and Spike had finished about half of the decorating. “That’s enough for today,” Flash said as the two stopped. “Should we check on Twilight?” Flash asked as he turned to the
Spike shook his head, “Her and research, not even Celestia can pull her from it.” Flash took a few seconds to think and in the end nodded. “How about I show you to your guest room?” Spike asked. Flash nodded and the two then headed off to bed.
The following day, fairly early in the morning, Fluttershy and Applejack stepped off the train in a field area next to a waterfall that could easily be mistaken to be a rainbow. “Ever time I run out of ideas for Hearth’s Warming gifts I come to the Rainbow Falls Hearth's Warming Craft Fair. You can find the perfect presents for anybody.” the druid said as the two walked off the station’s platform to a site of many booths and stalls not too dissimilar in structure to the ones that were in Magiville the day before. That being said many things were on sale that the two noted were not in Magivillie.
Applejack took a breath as she took a good long look at everything from the station, “Hopefully, for a certain dragon.” the paladin said with a weak smile. She then turned to Fluttershy, “Maybe we should split up?” she offered. Fluttershy nodded in agreement. “Meet back here in a couple of hours?” Applejack asked. Fluttershy nodded and the two parted ways.
Within half an hour, as Fluttershy was at a stand with Wonderbolt fan-creations a man with a large brown mustache dressed in an ugly sweater of two shades of green with a set of glasses and a green winter hunting hat ran by her “Oh, no! There's only a few left!” he shouted.
The voice sounded familiar but Fluttershy couldn’t place it as she was drawn to where he was headed with a fair other people that were chattering in slight excitement as they all headed to a stand, there was a man with gray hair and mustache behind the stand, dressed in a gray short sleeve button shirt, black pants and a red vest with glasses. “Ladies and gentlemen, we want you all to have the best holiday your bits can buy! But there are only a limited number left!”
Fluttershy couldn’t place it, but the man behind the stand also sounded familiar, yet her curiosity got the better of her, “Limited number of what?” she asked as she flew up.
The man behind the stand turned his focus to Fluttershy, “Ma’am, you seem like someone looking for a gift for a special friend.” Fluttershy nodded as she approached. “A friend who wouldn't want to miss out on the must-have gift everybody is talking about?” he asked as Fluttershy was drawn in.
Fluttershy rubbed her chin, “She certainly wouldn't wanna miss out on that.” she replied after a second of thought.
The man smirked as there was a glimmer in his eye as he remembered Fluttershy, which Fluttershy didn’t seem to note. “A truly awesome friend who deserves something twenty percent cooler than any other gift out there?” he asked as if he was reading Fluttershy.
“That sounds just like her!” Fluttershy declared in excitement as if she had found what she was looking for as she was the stand of the booth, her hands on the bar.
The man smiled as he reached under the bar, “Well, look no further! This is it! Holly the Hearth Warmer!” he declared as he pulled out a box.
“Ooh! Ooh! How much does it cost?!” Fluttershy asked as she found the perfect gift for Rainbow this year.
The man smirked, as if he got Fluttershy, hook, line, and sinker, “How much do you have?”
As Fluttershy was drawn into the pitch for the doll, in Yakyakistan, the orks were piling old wooden things to be smashed into what looked like a large pile for a massive bonfire. After one ork threw an old stool on to the pile, “Yojan!” bellowed Prince Rutherford at the last ork to throw an item on the pile. The prince then Is that good angle for optimal smashing?!” The other ork, Yojan, whimpered as he stepped aside. Prince Rutherford shook his head and was about to sigh when his eyes were covered by a pair of human hands.
“Guess who!” challenged the owner in her fun-loving way.
Rutherford had a hearty chuckle, “Honorary ork, Pinkie Pie.” He said as he got her off his back. “Good to see Pink Haired Human,” he said as the two hugged.
As they ended the hug, Pinkie smiled at her royal friend, “Good to see you too, Rutherford,” she then turned to the take in her surroundings as she noted the Winter Solstice observance of the orks was underway, “I am sorry if I am interrupting Snilldar Feast,” she apologized.
Rutherford gave a deep laugh, “Pink Haired Human, honorary ork, all orks welcomed to Snilldar Feast.” he said as he patted her on the head. He then did a quick take before leaning in to whisper into Pinkie’s ear, “Please tell Prince Rutherford that Pinkie not here to give Yona school work to be done over break?”
Pinkie giggled before she took a step back and then patted Rutherford on his shoulder, “Oh, Prince Rutherford, I am not here for Yona. I need your help."
Rutherford then gave a deep laugh in relief, "Then Honorary Ork came to the right place, how can Princes Rutherford help Pink Haired Human?"
Pinkie took a second to formulate her question, “Can you tell me where to find…” she trailed off as she put on her ‘honorary ork helm’ from her hair, “best gift ever?!” she shouted in a clear but affectionate imitation of the works way of speaking. Her voice echoed for what seemed to be miles.
As the echo died, there was a cawing of crows while everyone looked to Pinkie. Rutherford cleared his throat before he took Pinkie by the hand, “Not here! Follow this way!” he said in a whispered before he pulled Pinkie into his hut. Once inside he shut the tent, Rutherford turned to Pinkie and whispered, “Prince Rutherford about to tell honorary ork friend something very top secret.”
Pinkie grabbed a stool and leaned in, paying as much attention as can be to the words she was about to hear, “Honorary ork friend listening.” she replied.
Rutherford took a deep breath, Pinkie could tell that he didn’t want to say this, and telling her this was a sigh of greatest trust between him and her, “Orks not best at giving gifts.” he whispered, fast and soft enough so that only Pinkie could hear. The jester’s mouth dropped in shock as she gasped. Rutherford took another stool and sat next to her, “Rutherford know! It hard to believe!” he said as he placed his hand on Pinkie’s shoulders in an attempt to comfort her. Pinkie sighed as her hair started to deflate and her skin dulled a shade or two. Rutherford got up and went to a chest as he looked for something. After a few seconds, he returned to the stool with a scroll. “But, no worry, honorary ork. Prince Rutherford has good news.” he then unrolled the scroll showing that it was a map from Yakyakistan to the very northern tip of the world. At the tip was a stylized cabin surrounded by evergreens, patches of grass and hot springs. Above the cabin was a stylized rendering of an aurora borealis. As Pinkie accepted the map, “Best gift-givers up northern pass, where sky shimmers and glows. There, secret gift giver grove. Only ork princes and pink honorary ork know.” Rutherford informed as he traced the path on the map to the grove.
Pinkie pulled out a piece of paper and pen, made a copy of the map on it, rolled up and returned the original map, nodded and left the hut. She had her mission, to find the Gift Givers.
As Pinkie left Yakyakistan on her quest to find the Gift Givers of the Grove, Rarity stood in line at the Magiville post office front desk. She rang the little bell on the counter and waited until Brighteyes, dressed in the Mystican mailperson blue uniform, came to the front, “Oh, hi, Rarity. How can I help you?” Brighteyes asked as she greeted Rarity.
Rarity cleared her throat, “I know the post office is extraordinarily busy, but I expected a package today, and I was wondering where that might be.” Rarity asked as she tried to get to the heart of the matter.
Brighteyes nodded before she picked up a list for deliveries, “Let’s see, orders place by Rarity, can I get you family name, just to make sure?” Brighteyes asked.
Rarity sighed, “Crumbles-Flanks,” she stated reluctantly.
Brighteyes then looked at the list, after a while, “Here we go! It was delivered earlier today to Sweet Apple Temple.” the muffinmancer informed with a smile on her face.
Rarity blinked at that information in shock and horror, “What?!” she asked in shock, “It was supposed to be delivered to my Boutique!” the enchantress declared.
Brighteyes blinked at the Rarity’s reaction in utter confusion, “Um... okay... but... you see there was a note that said it was for Applejack, and she is at Sweet Apple Temple.
Rarity wanted to growl and tear the place apart, but she took a deep breath which she let out slow. “That is quite right, Brighteyes, indeed the package, or more accurately the contents of the package is for Applejack,” Rarity emphasized that Brighteyes, and by extension the Mystical Postal service, was correct about the final destination of the item, “but I will be delivering it,” she informed, as it was her task to give it to Applejack. “Because it’s my Hearth’s Warming gift from me to her.” she elaborated.
Brighteyes then gasped at the realization, “What if she opens it?!” the mail-woman panicked at the mistake that was made. “It shouldn't go to Sweet Apple Temple!” she said before noticed that there was something off in the address that the package was delivered to. Brighteyes pulled out a magnifying glass and started to re-read, “Oh! Wait!” she said while she read. Once she read the text, she lowered the glass, “It went to Sweet Acorn Orchard instead!” she said and had a slight laugh as a relief and then sighed, “That's a relief.” she then sighed.
Rarity was about to shout but she stopped herself and took a calming breath, “Brighteyes, darling, might I inquire as to why is that a relief?!” she asked as she tried to have her ire not take over.
Brighteyes shook her head with a smile, “Because Applejack's not in Sweet Acorn Orchard,” the mail-woman informed. At no time had Rarity want to facepalm so bad, but such actions were not becoming of a lady. Brighteyes saw Rarity’s tension, “Do you want me to get the package and deliver it to your home?” she asked as she wanted to make amends for the error.
Rarity sighed, “That will not be necessary,” she said as she placed a piece of paper in front of Brighteyes, “If you wouldn’t mind giving me the address for Sweet Acorn Orchard, then I’ll collect the package myself. If that’s not too much to ask?” Rarity requested. Brighteyes shook her head and jotted done the address and directions to Sweet Acorn Orchard. Once she finished it. “Thank you, darling and Happy Hearths’ Warming to you and yours.” Rarity said as she took the piece of paper and left the post office.
As Rarity left to catch the next train that would take her to Sweet Acorn Orchards, Rainbow was going from shop to shop with Discord just over her shoulder as she went from store to store. As Rainbow stopped at one of the stores, she gave a massive grin as she looked into the window. Before Rainbow entered the store, “Oh, goodness, no.” he declared. Rainbow groaned with a clear ‘ugh!’ before she flew over towards the next shop, the Magiville Spa. It was the last place for Rainbow to visit. “Even worse!” Discord said as his face occupied the face of a ‘patron’ on a sign with flowing golden hair
Rainbow pulled her hair before she took off her winter cap and threw it to the ground, “Oh for the love of...come on!” Rainbow shouted. She then pointed to the spa, “You and I both know Fluttershy would love a spa day!” she declared, everything with Discord had gone on long enough.
Discord appeared as his human form, “Really?” he asked. “Love the stress of deciding which treatment to get?” he asked as he pointed out Fluttershy’s often indecision on such things. “Love worrying that she's not relaxing enough?” he asked as Fluttershy is known to overthink about relaxing. “Or relaxing too much?” he carried on. “And what about all those sweet animals she's left alone?!” he pointed out that the sheer number of animals that often looked to Fluttershy for care or help. “So much to worry about, and all because of you.” he finished as he pointed out the possible short-sightedness of the Rainbow’s gift.
Rainbow picked up her hat and took three breaths as she tried to calm herself, but Discord was really pushing her buttons. “She's Fluttershy! Everything makes her worry!” Rainbow shouted as she was nearing the end of her wits.
Discord jumped into the air, “Now you sound like somebody who knows her!” he declared as if he was cheering her on.
Rainbow covered her face and groan. She then lowered her hands and pointed at Discord, “Well, if you're such an expert on Fluttershy, what did you get her?” she asked electing to make Discord put his money where his mouth is.
Discord gasped and clutched his chest, “Oh, and you honestly expect me to tell you what I got Fluttershy so that you can one-up me?” he asked as if hurt. He shut his eyes and crossed his arms, “Well, I have half a mind to stop you entirely.” he said as his left half vanished as he turned away from Rainbow.
Rainbow turned her back to Discord, “Good!” she shouted back and started to walk away. “Please stop helping me! I'm begging you!” she declared.
Discord’s left half re-manifested and his eyes darted in a slight panic. However in less then a second he had an idea, “Well, I suppose I could tell you what my backup present was.” he said
“Great.” Rainbow groaned her tone was unmistakably saturated with sarcasm. “Still helping.”
Discord rubbed his chin, “It would've made a lovely addition to her animal sanctuary.” he said as he tried to get Rainbow to turn back, “But you have to be the fastest person in Mystica to even have a chance of—” he was cut off faster than he expected as Rainbow was in right in his face.
“I am the fastest person in Mystica! If there’s some fast animal out there that Fluttershy would love, I’m calling it! Dibs!” she declared.
Discord gave a closed-eyed smile as he took Rainbow’s hand, “If you insist.” he said and snapped his fingers and the two were teleported away.
As Discord had snapped Rainbow and himself from Magiville, Twilight was in the library of the Castle of Friendship, she had many books open and scattered around with many chalkboards full of writing, two of which had van diagrams. One of the chalkboards had Flash’s Aura Mark to denote that she attempted to find the perfect gift for Flash, the other had Pinkie’s and for the same purpose. The van diagram for Flash was mostly full of question marks. Pinkie’s, however, had one circle with Pinkie’s Aura Mark, a few grains of sugar, and a package. Twilight sighed as she turned from Flash’s board, “Sorry, Flash, but I am drawing a blank.” she took a breath and looked at Pinkie’s board, “Now, the ideal gift for Pinkie Pie needs to be A – unique, B – specific to her personality, and C – food-based. What is a unique food that just screams Pinkie? Cupcakes? Nah, too ordinary.” she said as she was finally narrowing on the target.
“Cookies? Nope. Pies? Pastries? Pudding?” she listed off then paused before she gasped. “Wait!” she declared as she thought back to the last thing she listed. “Puuuuuuuuuuuudding!” her voice echoed as she had her eureka. She swiftly picked up a book on the first Hearth’s Warming. Once she found the recording of the first feast, "After defeating the Windigos, the Earthborn, Skyborn, and Magicborn nations prepared the first Hearth's Warming meal together. Chancellor Puddinghead made a pudding so delicious, legends were written about it!" she read. She looked up from the book with a massive grin on her face, “This is it! Puddinghead’s Hearth’s Warming Pudding! Unique, totally Pinkie, the most incredible dessert ever!” Twilight then turned the page and her eyes widen in terror.
As Twilight was flipping through the pages, Flash opened the door to the library, “Hey, honey, I know you’ve been up all night but Spike and I could use some…” he trailed off as he saw Twilight throw the book she was reading to the side.
“Where's the recipe?!” she shouted and then dove into the other books in the library, in search of the recipe for Puddinghead's Hearth’s Warming Pudding.
Flash slowly stepped back and before he cautiously closed the door, “Nevermind, we got it.” With the door shut, “Shining wasn’t kidding, Twily-nanas is real.” he whispered before he left to get back to the decorations.
As Twilight was panicking in her search for the recipe, back in Rainbow Falls, Applejack was going from stand to stand, booth to booth and still finding nothing. She sighed as she sat down next to a stand. “You seem to be at a loss.” came the voice of a man. Applejack turned to see a man with purple hair combed back with the side cut closer than the hair on the top of his head, with blue eyes dressed in a brown heavy leather jacket and blue pants.
Applejack’s mouth dropped over, “Dirk Thistleweed,” she muttered barely audible as her face went red.
The recently identified Dirk chuckled, “I was hoping for a low profile, but that’s me.” he said as he offered his hand to Applejack.
“I am Jackapple…” Applejack then covered her mouth and face as she caught her mistake and wanted to hideaway.
Dirk only smiled, “So Miss Applejack?” he asked. Applejack nodded as she still hid her face. “So looking for a Hearth’s Warming gift?” he asked, another nod from the red delicious face Applejack. “Can I help?”
Applejack removed her hands but had a hard time looking him in the eye, “Yah see, Ah got this friend t’at’s basically meh little brother, he likes comics, Ogres & Oubliettes,” the paladin listed as she tried to regain some small fraction of dignity.
Dirk smiled and had a small chuckle, "Well I think I got a few things." he then turned the stand they were at. "My roommate and I are thinking of moving out of our apparent in Manahattan.”
Applejack laughed, “Ah’ve family there, you two could each buy your own houses in Magiville and be mortgage-free in a could of years.” She then looked at the stand, “Ah take it, ya’ll trying to get rid of stuff yah don’t need.”
Dirk rubbed the back of his neck, “Yeah, needed to clean out my room. Let’s see, he like comics.” Dirk said to himself as he tried to reorganize his stand to find what he was looking for, He then pulled out a small stack of comic books in their protective plastic covers. “Well, I got these.”
Applejack looked at them, “This is the…” she trailed off as she looked at each issue. She then started to laugh, “The ten-issue run of Detective Mary Allen, when Milli-Second lost her power. Spike’s been looking all over for this run,” Applejack then reached into her coin purse before she felt the comics pushed into her chest. Applejack then looked up to see Dirk smile.
“Happy Hearths’ Warming,” he said with a smile.
Applejack smiled as before she hugged and kissed Dirk before leaving, “God bless you!” Applejack shouted as ran away not unlike a schoolgirl that managed to kiss the cheek of the most popular boy in school. With the comic in hand, Applejack returned to the spot for her reunion with Fluttershy. She wondered if this was how it felt to be on cloud nine. It wasn’t that Soarin was … well, there just wasn’t the spark in their relationship that was there the night of the first Grand Gala. It wasn’t from a lack of trying, but … Applejack sighed, “Ah guess it’s time to let everyone know.” she said to herself.
“Tell everyone what?” came the voice of Fluttershy as the druid seemed to sneak up on her.
The paladin cried as she fell to her back startled at the surprise. “Where did you come from?” she asked as she got to her feet.
Fluttershy looked around, “Um, shopping?” she answered as a question. Applejack then saw the box that Fluttershy held, “Aah! What is that?!” she asked in horror as she pointed to what her friend had.
Fluttershy showed her purchase, it was a doll that looked like something Apple Bloom might have stitched together in an hour after a fever dream, after two too many bottles of ciders after not sleeping for four days as a rough proof of concept for a homunculus that the young artificer considered making. Fluttershy smiled, “She’s Holly the Hearth's Warmer doll. Isn't she sweet?” she asked as she looked to the paladin happy with herself. Fluttershy then press the center of the doll’s belly, ‘I love being an expensive toy!’ came the voice of the man who sold the doll.
Applejack could only gag at first, “Are you really sure that was a good gift for Rainbow?” the paladin asked. “Apple Bloom wouldn’t even use that for spare parts.”
Fluttershy gave a huff, “Applejack, it's the must-have gift of the season. And in short supply.” she said before four sets of people walked by with at least two apiece. Applejack gave Fluttershy a bemused look. Fluttershy could only laugh nervously in response.
Applejack took a breath, “How much did that set you back?” she asked. Fluttershy started to open her mouth but stopped as she shut her mouth and looked down in shame. Applejack shook her head, “Ah’ll add the cost for your ticket home tah yah tab.” the paladin said as she reached into a pocket of her sweater and pulled out a small book with Fluttershy’s Aura Mark and an open field.
Fluttershy smiled weakly, “Thanks.”
Applejack then took the box and looked at the doll, “Somethin' about this here doll seems fishy.” she then gagged and covered her nose as she handed it back to Fluttershy, “And I ain't just talkin' about the smell of that plastic. Where'd you get it?” the paladin asked as she regained her sense of smell. Fluttershy pointed to the booth where she purchased the doll. The paladin slid to behind the tent of the booth and saw the man that Fluttershy followed to the booth in the first place with a small chart with more dolls. The two watch and saw inside the tent. In it was Flam as he took off his hat and fake mustache. The other man was Flim who was putting on a wig and mustache.
Applejack stepped back and turned to Fluttershy, “Flim and Flam!” the paladin exclaimed. “How did they... ?” she started to ask, “Tirek, when he drained my magic it must have ended my curse on them,” she said as she brought her palm to her forehead. The paladin then groaned as she turned back to the tent, “What are those two snake oilers up to now?!” Little knowing that she had dropped the comics that she got for Spike when she rejoined Fluttershy.
As Applejack decided to get to the heart of the matter with Flim and Flam, Rarity arrived at the farm that was a short walk from the next train spot from Magiville. More accurately it was a grove of various nut-producing trees, walnuts, oaks, almond, etc. The sign at the path that led to the farmhouse from the road read, ‘Sweet Acorn Orchard’. “Must be quite the sight in the spring.” Rarity said to herself as she walked to the front door. There she knocked. After a second it was opened to show an Earthborn man, that despite the wrinkles under his eyes, most likely due to working in the field, he was certainly younger than her parents, old enough to parents to the students of the School of Friendship. The had green eyes, brown hair with a clear gray streak. He wore plan brown overalls with a red short sleeve buttoned shirt over it with a simple straw farmer’s hat. “Good day, miss, I’m sorry but we’re not selling anything until the season, but you are welcome to some tea,” he said with a degree of almost purely stoic professionalism.
Rarity cleared her throat, “Why thank you,” Rarity said as she entered. “I am at Sweet Acorn Orchard, am I not?” she asked just to make sure.
As Rarity asked another Earthborn, a woman about the same age with a similar grey streak with lighter brown hair and brown eyes and dressed in a long green dress. “You are.” she answered, her tone hinting that she was suspicious of Rarity, “But what brings you by…” she trailed off.
Rarity took off her gloves and held out her hand, “Rarity Crumble-Flanks, I am here because there was a—” Rarity was the man cut her short.
“That was you?” he asked before he turned to the woman, as both remained suspicious of Rarity.
Rarity nodded in concern, “Yes—” she answered cautiously.
The woman then pulled Rarity into a hug, “Oh bless you, we don't know how to thank you!” she said. “Come on!” she declared as she pulled Rarity to the table of the house’s kitchen and dining room and before Rarity could respond she was seated with tea poured into a cup right in front of her.
“You sent us a Hearth’s Warming miracle, ma’am,” the man said as he and the woman sat down, “The names’ Oak Nut and this is my wife, Butternut,” he said as he introduced himself and Butternut, both of them were smiling and clearly happy, as if relieved of a doubt.
Rarity took the cup of tea offered, “You’re welcome…” she trailed as she was utterly taken aback at the apparent 180.
Butternut took a sip of her tea, “We couldn’t believe it, but as soon as we opened it, it must have been like manna from heaven. It was exactly the hat for our Pistachio. Whoever sent it, just got our son.”
Oak Nut then laughed, “That boy said he could feel his destiny when he put it on.” the two shared another laugh as they moved their chairs together to be closer and smiled.
Rarity squinted her eyes in confusion, “As an... acorn farmer?” she asked not seeing where this was going.
There was the sound of young man, old enough to be finishing his schooling, but just not quite there to set out on his own, scoffing. Everyone turned to see a lad with green hair, green eyes, dressed in white shirt and pants, with a brownish-orange neckerchief around his neck and a teal blue stetson hat that was very much like the ones Applejack wears but was more form over function. “A farmer?!” he said before he climbed the stairs from the second floor where the bedrooms were, “Girl, please! This is a Fedora Felt original!” he said as he walked to the table and took it off, “Look at this stitching and textures.” he said as he showed it off, “It's a whole new take on western and country chic.” he then placed the hat back on, “There is no way I would wear it in the grove!”
Butternut and Oak nut shook their heads, “We don't know where he got his fashion sense.
“It might be a recessive trait.” Rarity mused aloud, “My parents can’t seem to know where my sense comes from.” she pointed out.
Butternut and Oak Nut just shrugged their shoulders, “Well, thank you all the same Rarity.”
Pistachio’s eyes shot open as he looked straight at Rarity recognizing her, “Rarity? The Rarity?!” he asked in utter awe. Rarity nodded with an ‘Mm-hmm.’ Pistachio placed his left hand on the table, “You have to stay for lunch! I won't take no for an answer!” he declared before he and his parents brought their faces together, cheek to cheek and smiled pleadingly.
Rarity raised her hand as she was about to decline, but as she looked at the smiles. She exhaled softly, “I would be delighted.” she replied with a smile.
Around the same time as Rarity was walking to the house in Sweet Acorn Orchards, Twilight exited the library with a book, her hair frazzled, her pupils constricted as she looked at the book, “The recipe for Chancellor Puddinghead's magical pudding was filed under "Magical Spells", not "Recipes".” she exclaimed as she opened the book and started to get to the page for the recipe in question. “Only took four hours to figure that out.” she laughed almost dementedly. Once at the page, “Let's see. Nutmeg, sugarplums, gingerbread, candy canes…” she listed off as she walked, not noticing that she was almost to the front door of the castle as an exhausted Flash and Spike laid on the floor with just a few of the decorations not up. “ ‘Warning – To avoid untold culinary devastation, each ingredient must be measured with exact care.’” she read out loud before she laughed, “Book, have you met me?!” she asked the book, her state of being hinged up to debate.
There was a knock at the castle door which startled Twilight. She then opened the doors to reveal Shining Armor in his casual garb with a red scoff, as was Cadance with a teal scoff and Flurry in her arms inside a teal star-shaped one-piece winter jacket. “Happy Hearth's Warming!” Shining and Cadance said together in excitement as Flurry squealing in delight to see her B.est A.unt E.ver.
Twilight blinked thrice before she registered who was in front of her, “You're early. Your scroll said you were coming tomorrow.” Before she was pulled into a hug by Shining.
Cadance raised an eyebrow, “You mean the scroll that said we’d be here on the day of Hearths’ Warming Eve?” she asked before she, in turn, hugged Twilight with Flurry.
Twilight blinked twice before she registered what day it was, “Welcome!” she shouted with a jump. Once she landed Shining placed the back of his hand on Twilight’s forehead like he was seeing if Twilight had a fever. “Uh, what are you doing?” she asked as Shining lowered his hand and gave a smug smirk.
Shining then pointed around, “Let’s see, some of the decorations not up.” he then rubbed Twilight’s hair, “Frazzled hair.” and then he called attention back to Twilight’ face, “Determined look. What are you obsessing about this time, Twily?” he asked getting to the point.
“Nothing!” Twilight denied to quickly.
Shining stepped further into the castle’s main entrance, “So, decorations aren't up because...?” he trailed his question off as he gestured to the incomplete decorations and the slumbering Flash and Spike.
Twilight struggled to formulate an answer, “Uh, I thought it would be more fun if we all decorated it together!” she lied as she tried to step outside.
“Oh, that sounds wonderful.” Cadance said with joy as she started to walk into the castle with her focus gem starting to glow to levitate the some of the remaining decorations, “We could start decorating right aw—” but she was cut off.
“After I finish one quick errand. Just a few ingredients. Nothing to obsess about here!” Twilight declared as she started again to walk out of the castle. She then laughed more so out of exhaustion then thought. “Make yourselves at home. Be right back! Promise!” she shouted before she teleported away.
Cadance and Shining smirked after a small giggle, “She’s totally hasn’t gone Twili-nanas” Cadance joked. The two had another laugh.
“Let’s just finish this while your aunt’s gone, Flurry,” Shining said before he kissed Flurry on the head and the two turned to the last of the decorations.
“And if you can help us with your magic and not make a mess we can go sledding,” Cadance said.
Flurry giggled before she shut her eyes and tried to focus on the decorations, lifting them and placing them (with a little guidance from Shining and Cadance’s magic) to finish the decorations. Once the last thing was up, after about a minute. “Way to go, squirt,” Shining said as kissed his daughter’s forehead, which brought a squeal of joy from her.
The two parents then laughed before they heard Spike and Flash snore, “We better wake them up and get them some coffee.” Cadance said before she shut the castle’s doors.
As all that was going on, Pinkie was tracking her way to the Grove of the Gift Givers, currently, she was riding on a polar bear. “Sorry for waking you up, but you are the bestest polar bear ever!” she said as she hugged the bear’s neck. The bear gave a happy roar in response. All of a sudden he stopped. Pinkie looked and saw a small cabin next to hot spring that matched the map she copied. She hopped off of the bear and reached into her hair and pulled out a bottle of a dark brown liquid with white letters etched into it reading ‘Coca-Cola’ in a very stylized way, “Happy Hearth’s Warming!” she said as she popped open the bottle and gave it to the bear.
The bear accepted the bottle, drank it, gave the empty bottle back to Pinkie (who put it back into her hair) and started back to his cave and his hibernation. Pinkie smiled and turned back towards the cabin in the grove and walked up to it. As she was about to knock the door was opened by a woman that looked like she could have been the younger sister of her grandmother with what looked like deer antlers coming from her head and deer-like ears. She also had light brown eyes and whitish gray pink hair. She wore a long light blue dress with glasses Pinkie’s mother would wear and a magenta shawl over her shoulders. “By Blitzen's beard, it took you long enough, Pinkie!” the woman shouted before she pulled Pinkie into the house and shut the door as Pinkie cried ‘Aah!’
Once Pinkie got her bearings and saw that the house was full of wrapped gifts that seem like they were about to be sent to others with an evergreen tree decorated for Hearth’s Warming and other Winter Solstice celebrations, “Were you expecting me?” she asked. It was then that she noted that the woman’s feet looked like the hooves of deer.
Before the jester could ask, “Of course, dearie, I know everything.” she said with a closed-eye confident smile.
“Oh, don't be silly.” came the voice of a young woman that seemed to be around Pinkie’s age. The younger woman had similar ears and feet to the older woman, but a much smaller set of antlers. She also had light green eyes and green hair and freckles. She was dressed in a light yellowish-brown dress not too dissimilar to the older woman’s dress with a large red bow worn around her neck, “You only know what's already happened. But you don't know what she's about to ask.”
Pinkie blinked at that, “What am I about to ask? How did you know I was gonna say that?!” Pinkie and the younger woman said simultaneously.
“Mom, please stop the showoff contest with your granddaughter?” came the voice of a third woman that sound around the same age as Mrs. Cake as she came from the kitchen. The woman had similar ears and feet to the other two. She also had magenta hair and light purple eyes and wore a pink dress like the other two and light yellow apron over it. “She doesn't have all Hearth's Warming.”
“Fine! You’re just like your father,” the younger looking woman complained and pouted and crossed her arms in front of her chest. The eldest looking woman had a small giggle and stuck her tongue out mockingly like a little child.
As the three stood in front of Pinkie with them going from her left to right the eldest looking woman to the youngest, “Who are you?” she asked.
“Aurora.” the eldest looking woman said as she pointed to herself.
“Bori.” the woman that in between the others in age said as she nodded.
“Alice.” the youngest looking woman said as she jumped into the air.
The three leaned into each other, “The Gift Givers of the Grove!” the three said together with cheers and smiles.
Pinkie paused for a second as her mind replied what the tri said, “An aurora borealis?! At this time of the year, at this time of day, in this part of Mystica, localized entirely in this random cabin?!” she exclaimed in disbelief. The three nodded. After a second Pinkie regained focus on her quest, “So you can help me give Twilight the best gift ever?!” she asked.
“What about those matching hats?” Aurora asked as she pointed out Pinkie’s original gift idea. “They were so cute.”
Before Pinkie could counter, “Mom, that was before they agreed to Hearths’ Warming Helpers.” Bori said as elbowed Aurora.
Pinkie did a double-take, “Wait, I thought…”
“We’re spirits, we don’t follow the rules of mortals,” Alice answered, “I’m gonna get the box Pinkie will like.” she then started off to look for a box.
As Pinkie was about to question, “Aurora remembers all gifts given. Alice knows the gifts that are going to be given.” Bori explained the other two. “As for myself, I remain in the moment and provide the two of them some perspective.” She then started back to the kitchen as she floated in the air. “Speaking of, I believe we have a request for a gift,” she said before she entered the kitchen.
“The best gift is more precious than gold, but it cannot be sold,” Aurora said as she levitated some wrapping paper and ribbon.
“When it breaks, it's not ended, for quickly it's mended,” Bori said as she returned with something wrapped in a cloth.
Alice was looking for the box she knocked over a pile of boxes, “It can never be bought yet is easily sought.” she said as she recovered. She then spotted something. “Ah! Here we go!” she exclaimed as she got the small box she was looking for. She then brought it so that Pinkie could see it.
“Ooh!” Pinkie exclaimed at the site, “I like that box!”
As Bori placed the item into it, “Told ya.” Alice said with a smug. Aurora and Bori just rolled their eyes in response.
The item shimmered in the box as Aurora prepared to wrap it, “AH!” Pinkie scream, “The perfect gift! Wow!” Pinkie cheered. She then paused in confusion as she looked to the three, “I don't get it.” she said as Aurora wrapped the box.
“You will,” Alice responded. She then grabbed some dust, “You’re gonna need this to get to Magiville in time for the Hearth’s Warming Eve gift exchange.” and sprinkled dust on Pinkie.
As Pinkie was started her trek back to Magiville from the grove, Applejack rang the bell, “We said no refunds!” Flim in his disguise said with his eyes closed. Applejack cleared her throat, which caused Flim to open his eyes and see the paladin and Fluttershy. “Oh. You.” he groaned.
Just then Flam stepped forward from the back, “What are y'all doin' with these dolls and that ridiculous get up?” the paladin asked as there were no patrons there at the point. “Don't you have a resort to run?” she continued.
Flim nodded that the two should join the two in the back, which the paladin and druid did. After the two entered the tent, Flim took off his disguise, “It's off-season.” he answered with a smirk. “Besides, we're planning an expansion,” he said as he pulled Flam to his side.
“And expansions cost bits.” the other brother said as he took off his disguise and the two pointed to the table in the tent.
There was a clang as they removed a cloth to show a model of Las Magus with another massive ride that seemed to expand most of the main strip of the city, “Flim and Flam's Fro-Yo Flume Ride!” the two shouted as they presented their idea.
Fluttershy smiled impressed at the sight, “Well, that sounds fu—” she started before she was cut off.
“It ain't no excuse for sellin' cheap dolls!” the paladin countered as she cut her friend off and challenged the two con-men.
Flim stepped in and placed his arm around Fluttershy’s shoulder from her left, “We're just giving people what they want.” the younger brother countered Applejack’s argument with his own as he turned the druid’s attention to the dolls.
Flam then joined the two on Fluttershy’s on her right, “Shopping for the perfect gift is stressful.”
“Oh, that's true.” Fluttershy acknowledged as she point.
The two then stepped aside and one pulled out another of the dolls they intended to say, “You want to get something that really stands out.” Flim added.
“I do.” Fluttershy declared. Applejack facepalmed at the site and groaned at how easily her friend was being conned into the sale.
Flam then grabbed a doll and presented it to her, “And when you tell your friend you got them the hottest gift in Rainbow Falls, what'll they say?” the elder brother added as
“‘Woo-hoo’?” Fluttershy asked as she reached out to accept the doll. At the table where Flim and Flam showed their plan, there were a few other dolls. Applejack frowned as she was just down with this charade, she knocked over one of the dolls. Once it hit the ground, Flim’s recorded voice was heard, ‘The more you spend, the more your friend knows you love them!” Once Fluttershy heard the doll the spell was broken, she scowled “Oh, right.” she said as she stepped away and walked back to Applejack, “They really are good at selling things.” she acknowledged to the paladin angry with herself.
Flim then put his disguise back on, “You may not like it.” he said.
Flam then placed the doll he offered to Fluttershy back with the others, “But technically, we're not doing anything wrong.”
Flim then went over to pick up the doll that Applejack knocked over, “People are desperate for the right gift.” he added.
“And who are you to tell them this isn't it?” Flam asked. While the two were telling the truth, the ill intent of it was unmistakable to Applejack and the paladin’s face turning red with anger.
Neither brother seemed to care as Flim placed the doll he picked up with the rest, “If kids get tired of Holly after a few days…” he started.
“...or she falls apart, who really got hurt?” Flam finished the question.
“Nobody!” the two said together as they pushed Applejack and Fluttershy through the back of the tent.
“Not true!” Applejack protested. “If the child gets bored with it, then the parents wasted their money, thus hurting them namely in their wallets,” the paladin pointed out which didn’t seem to phase the two. “And if the child loves it and it breaks that means the child’s heart is broken and parents wasted their money, thus hurting them mostly in their wallets.”
“Everything hurts everyone in their wallets.” Flim countered. This left Applejack tongue-tied but still angry. “Don't let the curtain hit ya on the way out,” Flim said as he shut the back of the tent on them.
Once outside, Fluttershy turned to her friend. The sight of the paladin’s flaring nostrils and the sound of her breath told Fluttershy that she had to choose her words carefully. She looked around and saw the other stalls, all of them with many wonderful gifts. She then looked to her own empty money bag, “I was a sucker.” she said. These words caused Applejack to stop and turn back to the druid. “Of course Rainbow wouldn't want that stupid doll,” she added.
Applejack placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, “Listen, you made a mistake Sugarcube, but we can make it right but making sure nobody else makes the same one. What those two are doing ain't in the holiday spirit!”
“But how are we going to do that, Flim and Flam were right about one thing, we can't tell people what to buy.” the druid informed.
Applejack turned her attention to the other stands and booths and a smile formed, “But we can show 'em!” the paladin said as she tipped her hat forward.
As Applejack began her plot, Rainbow was following small tracks in the snow, smiling as she could tell that she was getting closer. Then came the crunching of snow behind her. She turned to see Discord was wearing snowshoes only to trip. Rainbow groaned as she helped him back up, “Could you try to make less noise?” she asked in frustration.
Discord scowled as he removed the snow from his face. “Of course!” he whispered once the snow was off of him. He then snapped his talon and both he and Rainbow were dressed similar to ninjas but the color of the cloth allowed them to blend into the snow. “We'll move silently.” he then teleported to standing with his back against a tree, his costume changing color to match the bark, “Blend into the shadows. The winterchilla will never hear us coming.
“Winterchilla?” Rainbow asked as she took off the scoff that covered her mouth.
Discord appeared right next to her out of his ninja grab and in his more draconic natural form, “Small, adorable, fuzzy, and fast.” he started to describe the creature they were looking for. He then rubs his chin in thought, “But they're so rare, there's no telling where they—” Discord cut himself as he gasped in surprise, “Oh, there's one right there!” Discord said as he pointed to a small creature on a stone. It looked like a chinchilla, but the fur was white as snow and puffy not unlike a cloud and it’s tail had puffy fur on its tail. Discord then lowered himself and Rainbow to the group, “Now, if you're going to get it, I think the first move is to—” he was cut off as Rainbow just zipped to their target and back with the winterchillia in hand, it’s paws folded under its body, mostly relaxed in the elementalist’s palm.
“Be super fast?” she asked with a smug grin on her face. Discord shrugged his shoulders and snapped his paw teleporting the two away.
With Rainbow’s gift for Fluttershy in hand, back in Rainbow Falls, there was another purchase of Flim and Flam’s Holly the Hearth’s Warming Doll. “Have a wonderful holiday. And remember, no refunds.” Flim said as the patron left. “Next!” he shouted to the crowd.
“What are you doing here?” Flam asked as he walked up to Applejack as he remained in the crowd.
Applejack smiled, “Same as everybody else.” she said before she walked up to the stand and reached into her coin bag, “I want three Holly the Hearth's Warmer!” she shouted. This left Flim speechless. In his state of obstupidity, he failed to see the small smile on Applejack’s face. The paladin turned to the crowd, “After I saw my friend here with hers, I knew I had to buy some for my granny, my brother, and my little sister!” she said loud enough for everyone to hear. Everyone turned their focus to the scene and started to be drawn to it, like moths to a flame.
Before Applejack placed any of her bits down, “But, Applejack, your granny, your brother, and your sister, they are all so different. How can the same doll be the right gift for all of them?” People started to murmur among themselves as they watched the scene.
Applejack had placed the bits onto the stand, “But, Fluttershy, this is the must-have gift of the season.” the paladin countered.
Fluttershy shook her head, “Just because it's must-have for one person doesn't mean it's must-have for everybody, does it?” she asked countering the point as called out the differences between Apple Bloom, Big Mac, Granny Smith, and even Rainbow Dash.
Applejack rubbed her chin as Flim placed the three dolls that Applejack ordered on the stand. After a second of thought, “That's true!” she exclaimed. She turned to the dolls. “I guess I need to put more thought into getting the right gift for each person.” she then looked up to Flim. “Can I return these?” she asked.
“No refunds!” Both Flim and Flam shouted in protest. There was a solid beat as both of their fake mustaches fell from their faces and revealed who they were to everyone there.
“IT’S THE CONMEN, FLIM AND FLAM!” someone in the crowd shouted.
Applejack and Fluttershy silently slipped out of the way as the crowd started to drive Flam to the stand and corner him with his brother. “Now, hang on a moment…” Flim said as he pulled the collar of his shirt.
“We'll give you a great deal!”Flam added as the two were sweating bullets.
“Buy one, get one free?!” the two offered to death ears as they utterly surrounded by everyone that had purchased a doll, each demanding their money back.
Off to the side, Applejack gave a happy sigh, “The sweet sounds of the season.”
As Fluttershy and Applejack left the stand of the brothers, Rarity was stepping out of the house of Sweet Acorns Orchard, “It's a shame you got to leave,” Butternut said as the family bid Rarity goodbye.
Rarity smiled, “Oh, you've been so generous.” she said as she stepped outside of the house. “But I must get home for a previous engagement,” she said to Butternut and Oak Nut. She then turned to Pistachio, “I'll be keeping an eye on you, Pistachio. I have the feeling you've got quite the future in fashion.” she said with a smile and started her trek to the train station and home.
As his parents went inside, Pistacho took off the hat and couldn’t help but frown. He took a deep breath place the hat back on and ran after Rarity. “Rarity! Rarity!” he called out as he caught up to the enchantress. As she turned back to face him, Pistachio took off the hat and looked down. “I love my parents, but…” he trailed off for a second before he looked straight at Rarity, “They don't understand that we just had lunch with one of the most famous people in Mystica,” he said with a silent sigh at his parents seemed ignorant of who they were hosting.
Rarity giggled in an attempt to be modest, “Oh, I don't know about most famous.”
Pistachio smiled but then frowned as he held the hat out towards Rarity, “I know you didn't send a Fedora Felt original to some nobody you've never met from Nowhere, Mystica.” as he spoke it shocked Rarity, but also reminded her why she was there, “I'm sure this is actually for somebody special, so…” he trailed off as he shut his eyes, not wanting to see Rarity actually take the hat. “ if you want it back, I get it.” he finished as forced the hat into Rarity’s hands and was about to turn away.
Rarity looked at the hat and frowned in thoughtful silence, “The hat is indeed for somepony very special.” she said, however, she knew deep down that Applejack would have thanked her, she never would have actually worn it. Rarity then smiled and then placed the hat on Pistachio’s head, “And I couldn't bear to see him part with it.”
Pistachio gasped as he took the hat off and hugged it, “Oh, thank Celestia!” he shouted before he put the hat back on his head. “Because I did not want to give this up!” he then chucked in joy.
Rarity smiled as the young man’s joy before she placed her hand on his shoulder. “But if I hear you call yourself a nobody again, you shan't be my guest for Fashion Week in Manahattan,” she stated with her eyes closed.
“W-What—? S-Seriou—? Wha—?!” Pistachio asked in utter disbelief. Rarity nodded and gave him a kiss on his cheek leaving the lad as she started home.
Once Rarity was out of earshot and well on her way to the train, “Sorry, Applejack.” she whispered softly.
As Rarity caught her train back to Magiville, back in Rainbow Falls, Flim and Flam were running to the train station, only to trip at the bottom step as the whistle blew. The two desperately tried to get back to their feet and reach the platform. Too late, as the caboose of the train was out of any sensible jumping distance and the angry mob of people was right at their heels. The two turned to face the mod and hugged each other fearful of what was to befall them.
From within the last passenger car of the train, Applejack turned from the window after seeing the scene and hugged herself with a grin, “Puttin' those two in their places makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.” The paladin could not help but feel joy at the self-made plight that the two charlatans found themselves in.
Fluttershy cleared her throat which got Applejack’s attention, “Not to rain on the parade, but we didn’t get gifts for Spike and Rainbow. And it will be sunset by the time we’ll get home.” the druid pointed out.
Applejack facepalmed herself, “Ah must have dropped my gift for Spike when I saw that doll you bought.” The paladin then groaned before she looked at what the two had, which were two Holly the Hearth’s Warmer. “Well, it probably ain't what they're expectin',” she said as she picked up the dolls, “but we still got these.” she pointed out with a weak nervous smile, “Yay.”
Fluttershy pushed both dolls down and to the side, “Don't do that.”
As everyone else was heading back to Magiville and Twilight’s castle, Twilight was in the kitchen meticulously crafting the pudding per Puddinghead’s recipe. Just as she was nearing completion Cadance and Shining entered, with Flurry in her mother’s arm. “Flurry loved sledding, especially with Uncle Spike and Soon-to-be Uncle Flash.” Cadance as they came in.
Shining smiled, but then turned to look at Twilight as she was engrossed in her cooking, “Too bad her aunt wasn't there.” he stated with a degree of harshness.
Twilight raised her hand and gave an “Shh!” before dropped the last ingredient. There was a shimmer in the pot that Twilight was cooking the pudding, which was noticed by Flurry. The toddler “ooh!” in delight at it. Twilight closed the book with the recipe as she said, “There. Ingredients measured exactly.” She then set the top heating spot of the stove to the temperature to cook the pudding. She turned to face her family, “Now, what were you saying?”
Shining looked to Cadance and they two gave a slight scowl at Twilight’s question. Shining turned to face his sister, “Hi, remember us?” he asked as he gestured to himself and his family, “We came all the way from the Krystalopolices for some quality family time?” he pointed out in the form of a question.
Twilight dipped her head in slight shame, “Okay, I did get a little stressed about Hearth's Warming this year.” she acknowledged weakly with an apologetic smile. As she spoke Flurry managed to teleport out of her mother’s arm and replaced herself with a bag of flour. Flurry hovered and started by adding a cupcake to the pudding. She “ooh!” in delight and continued to add things to the pudding.
Seemingly oblivious to their daughter’s antics, Shining and Cadance laughed. Shining smiled as he looked back at Twilight with a smile, “What? You? Never!” the playful sarcasm was unmistakable.
Twilight had a nervous chuckle, “You see my friends decided we should do a Hearths’ Warming Helper this year and give one person a present to save time. Because, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow and I kind of lost track of time.” With that answer, both Cadance and Shining broke into laughter, “What?” Twilight asked at the laughter in disbelief.
Once the two finished their chuckle, Shining stepped forward, “Let me guess. You got super worried about making sure the present was perfect and went all Twily-nanas, didn't you?” he said in a joking manner.
“I wasn't Twily-nanas!” Twilight protested only to get a bemused face from her older brother that pretty much said ‘I’m knowing you longer then you can talk, want to try again.’. Twilight dipped her head and with a weak laugh, “Okay, a little Twily-nanas.” she conceded.
Shining and Cadance looked at each other and shook their heads with understanding smiles. Cadance was the one to speak on behalf of the two, “Twilight, we know you get overwhelmed.” she said as she stepped forward, unbeknownst to everyone Flurry had taken her place in her mother’s arm and put the bag of flour in the pot of the pudding. “You should have just told us. We could've helped.” Cadance said as she placed her hand on Twilight’s shoulder understandingly.
Twilight sighed in relief, “The good news is Pinkie's present is almost done, and it's just friends and family and a calm, quiet Hearth's Warming Eve.” Twilight said as the family started to leave. As the door closed, the pudding bubbled and the pudding started to overflow.
As Twilight and her family left the kitchen, Rainbow and Discord were not that far from the Castle of Friendship. Rainbow started to fly forward but was stopped when she heard Discord say, “Goodbye.” Tears were in his eyes, “Enjoy your exclusive Mystican-only holiday gathering.” he added and then turned away as he looked down in sorrow, “I'll just be home, spending quality time with…” he trailed off as a second copy of himself appeared and took his talon and in it’s paw, “myself.” Discord said before the two started to walk away.
Rainbow looked at the winterchilla, then to the two Discords. She sighed, “I wouldn't have this little fella without you,” she said getting the attention of Discord. The avatar turned back to Rainbow, “so... if you wanna join, Fluttershy would love having you.” she stated. She then took a breath and smiled at Discord, “And I wouldn't totally hate it.” she confessed.
Discord then popped to be right next to Rainbow and hugged her, “Great! Awesome! In that case—” he stopped as he pointed to the setting sun as it dipped beyond the horizon, “Oh, look! Sunset! It's officially Hearth's Warming Eve!” he cheered.
Yet it wasn’t the time to celebrate as the winterchilla grunted and jumped out of Rainbow’s hands and started to grow. “What is it doing?” Rainbow asked as the legs of the winterchilla appeared, revealing that it had six, unlike most mammals.
As the shadow of the winterchilla grew to cast over Discord and Rainbow, Rainbow shaking all over in horror. Discord seemed rather unphased, only as if he recalled a bit of trivia that forgot, “Oh. Uh, did I forget to mention that the winterchilla transforms into a winterzilla when the sun sets?” he asked innocently as the winterzilla growled.
As the Winterchilla was transforming into a winterzilla in front of Rainbow and Discord, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie walked up to the front steps of the Castle of Friendship. All three were rather depressed as if they failed in their gift-shopping. Fluttershy was the first to speak, “How did everybody's shopping go?” she asked.
Rarity started to answer, “Well…” but she trailed off as she looked to the ground guilty.
Pinkie rubbed the back of her head, “Uh…” she trailed off as she was far from sure if her gift really was going to be the best.
Applejack rubbed her left arm, “Yeeeeeah…” the paladin finished as she too trailed off before she knocked on the front door.
“Coming!” came Flash’s and Spike’s voices. The door opened to show the two.
“Evening, ladies.” Flash said, “Twilight’s checking on something she had cooking.” he stepped aside to let them in. “I take it things haven’t gone as planned,” he said.
Before any of them could answer, “RUN!” Twilight’s voice was heard screaming. They all turned to see Twilight, Shining, and Cadance run from within the castle with a massive light green pudding with candy canes, pieces of gingerbread, pieces of fruit cake, and other holiday-themed snacks and sweets. “THE PUDDING IS COMING!”
Everyone gasped at the sight only to hear Rainbow scream, “RUN!” They all turned to see Rainbow and Discord flying from the winterzilla as the titanic creature charged. “THE WINTERZILLA IS COMING!” As fast as the two could Rainbow and Discord entered the castle. For a few seconds, the winterzilla was held back by the walls of the castle’s entrance, but in the end, it managed to make the entrance of the castle large enough for it to get into the castle. Shining and Twilight conjured a shield with their magic only for it to be blown away by the sheer force of the winterzilla’s roar dispelled the shield. Everyone sans Discord gasped at the two things closing in on them. When Rainbow spotted the pudding, “What is that?!” the elementalist asked in horror.
“Magic pudding!” Twilight answered her friends. She then pointed to the monster that came charging into her home, “What is that?!” she asked the elementalist before the winterzilla roared.
“A winterchilla!” Rainbow answered.
Twilight facepalmed herself, “During the winter they turn into winterzillas after dark!” the demigod informed her friend.
Everyone turned to Rainbow with either annoyed or saddened looks. “Does everybody know this except me?!” she asked in frustration. The winterzilla roared again as it walked forward before its eyes caught the glitter of some of the decorations. It then went towards them to claim them. Everyone was mostly frozen in terror, however, Discord was in a red recliner with a bag of popcorn and munching on it. “Can't you do something?!” Rainbow asked him in irritation over his inaction.
Discord smiled, “I did!” he declared in joy and pride before he changed himself into a bow around the winterzilla’s ear. “This is Fluttershy's gift.” he pointed out.
“What?!” Rainbow shouted in frustration with the lord of chaos.
Just then some of the pudding grabbed Rarity’s ankle. “A little help, please!” the enchantress shouted in fear about being pulled into the ooze.
Shining’s focus gem started to glow, “I've got this!” he declared with a smirk.
However before he did anything, Cadance placed Flurry into his arm, “Which one of us can fly, darling?” she asked before she zapped the pudding that wrapped around Rarity’s leg and grabbed her and carried her to the balcony in the back of the castle’s atrium. Rarity ‘whoa’-ed as she was carried, completely caught off guard.
Shining smiled as he looked at Flurry, “Your mom sure is something.” He then jumped and used his magic to zap the pudding and landed on his feet with a grin.
Cadance couldn’t help but fan herself as she smiled at Shining with bedroom eyes. “You're not so bad yourself,” she said with a sultry tone.
Back on the main floor, the winterzilla started to eat the decorations. “How are we gonna get rid of this thing?!” Applejack asked as she and everyone started to panic.
Discord groaned, “Oh, for Scorpan's sake!” He then transformed into a series of neon arrows pointing at Fluttershy, “Hello?! If only one of you had a way with animals?!” the master of chaos mostly spelled out to everyone.
Fluttershy’s eyes shot wide open in slight horror, “Oh, my.” she said began to shake in slight fear. The winterzilla growling has not helped the case. Fluttershy gulped before she flew up to hover near the face of the winterzilla. “Uh…” she tried to get the winterzilla’s attention. “Excuse me,” she asked before the winterzilla roared in the druid’s face. “Whoa!” Fluttershy cried as she was blown back. Once the druid collected herself she moved her hair back to that it didn’t cover her face. Fluttershy scowled and then flew up to the winterzilla’s face, the druid’s eyes now red as the Stare was activated. “This is supposed to be the happiest time of year!” she started to reprimand the beast. “So if this is how you plan on behaving, you can march yourself right back to where you came from!” she said as she pointed to the door. The winterzilla whimpered and ducked down and began to sob.
As it sobbed Fluttershy’s Stare stopped and she listened to the sobs of the beast. “Awww.” the druid said as she started to pet the creature, “Your family is gone for the holidays, and you're all alone?” she asked. The winterzilla turned back to the druid and nodded as it wiped tears away from its eyes. Fluttershy then hugged it. “I'm so sorry, that you’re alone.” she then broke the hug and looked the winterzilla, square in the eye, “If you calm down, I'm sure you could join us.” she offered. The winterzilla accepted as it took hold of Fluttershy, and hugged her. “Aww, aren’t you a sweetie.”
“Well glad that’s over.” Applejack said with a whistle of relief only to have her shoulder tapped by a panicking Pinkie. The paladin groaned, “Still got the pudding to deal with.”
Rainbow quickly grabbed Applejack as she, Flash and Spike flew to join Shining, Flurry, Cadance, and Rarity. Pinkie, however, stayed and examined the pudding as Twilight zapped in a futile attempt to drive it back, “Not to be mean, but maybe you should leave the cooking to me or AJ.” the trickster said before she scooped up some and ate. “Actually, it’s pretty good.”
“Chancellor Puddinghead's Hearths’ Warming recipe,” Twilight replied with a smile, proud of herself.
Pinkie smiled, “Now, that's an impressive dessert!” she said as she patted Twilight on the back. “I never would have thought of it.”
Twilight smiled in turn, “It's your Hearth's Warming present, Pinkie, I’m your Hearths’ Warming Helper.” the demigod declared while she hugged her friend.
“Aw.” Pinkie said as she returned the hug in gratitude. Once the hug ended, “That's so thoughtful.” the jester gave a smile to her friend.
Twilight shut her eyes, “You have no idea how much research I had to do,” Twilight stated not so much to be a boast or to make Pinkie feel guilt, it was just a statement of fact, “but I—”
“STAR SABRE!” shouted Flash as he the blade sent a beam to cut the pudding, “Bae, I love you, but you might want to focus on the matter at hand!” the sentry added as he prepared to attack the growing pudding. While at the front door the winterzilla whimpered as it tried to shield Fluttershy.
As Twilight looked back at the situation that was at play, “Right.” she conceded. She took a breath, as she rubbed her chin, “The recipe needed to be exact. I think Flurry Heart added something while I wasn't looking,”
“No, say it isn't so,” Flash commented boarding being sardonic.
“Not helping, dear,” Twilight called back annoyed with Flash.
“Wow, you two aren’t even married and your bickering worse then Grandpa and Grandma.”Shining joked and got a giggle from Cadance.
Twilight groaned and turned back to the pudding, “Anyway, I have no idea what to add to adjust it. A teaspoon of nutmeg, three sugarplums, extra—” she started to list off a series of ingredients, while not wrong, but it was clear she didn’t know what she was talking about.
Pinkie cut Twilight off as the demigod said ‘extra’, with “Gingerbread? Four more candy canes?” she asked.
Twilight took a few seconds to think about the recipe and after recalling everything else that was out in her kitchen that Flurry could have added. Her eyes widened in a realization, “How do you know the recipe?” she asked the jester.
Pinkie force for a second as she had a flashback to earlier the day when she was with the Gift-Givers when she turned to the trio, “I don't get it.” she said to the three. Alice smiled, “You will.” the later said. Pinkie’s flashback ended and she hugged Twilight, “Happy Hearth's Warming, Twilight! I'm your Hearths’ Warming Helper!” she shouted as she took out her present, opened the box and jumped into the pudding with a splash. Twilight and everyone gasped at the action. After a second the pudding flashed yellow and stopped moving.
Pinkie then emerged from the pudding and gave a thumbs up. Everyone, including the winterzilla, sans Discord cheered as Twilight pulled Pinkie out.
Discord was in a movie theatre seat with a small pair of glasses on, a clipboard and pencil in his paw, jotting something down. He lowered the board and waved his paw, “Uh, a bit deus ex machina, but…” he criticized what he saw but trailed off as he took off his glasses and the digits of his paw and talon that functioned as his thumbs appeared, “two thumbs way up!” he cheered as they shot off like rockets before exploding in fireworks. “Whoo!”
After the excitement of the winterzilla and the pudding over, everyone was gathered in the room Twilight had set aside for the tree. Everyone had bowls full of the holiday pudding and spoons and started to eat. After everyone started to eat the pudding, Twilight turned to Pinkie, “Sorry for failing as a Hearths’ Warming Helper, Pinkie.” she apologized as she sat down with her friends.
“What?!” Pinkie shouted in disbelief and shock, “With no pudding disaster, my gift with the exact ingredients wouldn't have made any sense.” she pointed out which left her friends somewhat confused for a second until they recalled that this Pinkie. “This way, it was perfect!” she said before she went back and started to eat her pudding.
Everyone had a small laugh and shook their heads, “Never change, Pinkie darling.” Rarity said with a smile. She then sighed as she looked at her pudding, “At least Twilight and Pinkie have something to show for their efforts.” she then looked at Applejack apologetically, “I ordered you a fabulous costume made one of a kind Fedora Felt farm hat, Applejack.” she informed what her gift was. She sighed again and looked away, “Alas, it decided it belonged to somebody else.”
Applejack smiled and placed a hand on the enchantress’ shoulder reassuring. She then took off her hat and handed it to Rarity, “Pops said sometimes the hat chooses the person when he entrusted Tallulah to me.” she said as Rarity returned the hat and Applejack put it back on. “Hopefully my intended gift inspired whoever's wearin' it to be the best they can be.” Applejack said as she again placed a reassuring hand on Rarity’s shoulder and smiled at her friend.
Rarity smiled in gratitude for her friends. Rarity then sighed as she looked at her pudding, “Although I believe Soarin would have loved to see you in it for at least one date.”
Applejack stopped eating her pudding and sighed, “Ah guess Ah can’t postpone it any longer,” she sighed a second time, “I broke up with Soarin,” she stated. Before anyone could ask she raised her hand to request silence, “Nothing happened…:” she started to explain only to trail off for a second. After a breath, “and really that’s why it ended. Soarin was always away in the barracks, drilling, training, on tour,” she listed off why Soarin couldn’t be there, “and before we found the school, if Ah wasn’t on some crazy save the world adventure, Ah’m tending mah family’s farm.” she added about herself and her end. “Also Ah know Ah would have put Soarin in a place where he figured that he’d have to choose between me and the Wonderbolts.” Applejack then paused for a breath, “And in that case Ah know he’d pick me.” she said with a tear in the corner of her eye, which she wiped away.
Everyone looked at Applejack in confusion, “But its that a good thing?” Flash asked the question on everyone’s mind. “I mean you don’t often find a guy willing to sacrifice everything for the person he loves.
Applejack shook her head, “Ah fell for the Wonderbolt, the free spirit, and it was such a defining part of his life, even if he didn’t mind the sacrifice, he would’ve turned out to be a shadow of who he is. And if he didn’t commit suicide at some point Ah’d thrown him out or sought another man. And he’d likely sought another woman.” Applejack returned to her pudding, “It wasn’t a good call, but it was the best one.” After a moment the paladin decided to change the topic, “As for Fluttershy and Ah…” she trailed off.
“We're really sorry about your gifts.” the druid finished as she looked to the two dolls that they got for Spike and Rainbow.
Applejack rubbed the back of her head and neck, “We got a bit distracted with Flim and Flam's shenanigans.” Just as Spike picked up his doll the head fell off and rolled. “Commercialism is the greatest gift of all!” the doll said in Flim’s voice. Discord then destroyed both abominable gifts with two zaps from his talon.
With those aberrations reduced to dust, Rainbow was the next to speak as she thought back on her gift, the winterchilla which turned into a winterzilla, “They're better than my gift.” the elementalist declared before she sighed and turned to Fluttershy, “Sorry about the winterzilla.” she added as she dipped her head in guilt.
There was the sound of stomping as the winterzilla arrived with a bowl of pudding big enough to be a hot tub. Once he managed to squeeze through the entrance of the room, he sat down next to Fluttershy and started to eat his pudding, lapping it up like dogs and cats drink water. Fluttershy giggled as she placed a hand on it, “Oh, he's a big sweetheart. And he ended up being really helpful.” Fluttershy said before the winterzilla burped and continued to eat the pudding. “This is his third serving thus far.” she translated for her friends as the winterzilla purred as he ate. Fluttershy then turned back to Rainbow with a giggle, “ You know, it was actually kind of nice to be the person who saved the day for once.” she stated.
“Oh, really?” Discord said as he moved his head to be in front of Rainbow, a smug grin on his face, “You mean a giant beast that only Fluttershy could tame, making her the hero of Hearth's Warming Eve, was a great gift?” Discord asked as he went from side to side of the elementalist. He then snapped his paw as a pedestal grew from the floor under Fluttershy as a winner’s wreath of light red roses appeared around Fluttershy’s shoulders and a first-place trophy appeared in her left hand as confetti fell. “Imagine that,” he said as he leaned against the pedestal with a closed-eyed smug grin.
Rainbow brushed off the confetti that landed on her face and scowled as she pointed at Discord, “You mean you tricked me into putting my friend in danger on purpose so you—?!” she asked before Discord covered her mouth with his talon as he to Fluttershy with his paw. Rainbow looked and saw the winterzilla brush against Fluttershy affectionately as the druid giggled. Once Discord removed his talon, Rainbow offered her hand, “Let's just say it was from both of us.” she offered. Discord nodded and shock Rainbow’s hand with his paw.
As everyone laughed at how things turned out, Applejack shook her head, “I guess Hearths’ Warming Helper was kind of a disaster.” the paladin mused.
“I don't know.” Cadance countered as Shining gave Flurry a spoonful of the pudding. “Magiville always seems to have way more exciting holidays than Kystalopolies,” she informed.
Spike then got up, “There's one gift left,” he said as he turned to Flash. The sentry flew off and returned with his guitar after about a minute. Once he returned, “Flash helped me to compose it.” Spike acknowledge and nodded. Flash then started to play his guitar and Spike sang, “I wanted to get you Something oh, so rare A gift to show I care But nothing can compare To you, that's easy to see But I got stressed and overthought Until the day was shot And it was all for naught But now it's clear to me I'm not gifted at gifting It's really pretty sad I tried to show I care But it turned out bad I'm not gifted at gifting So all that's left to say Is that I really hope my gifting Didn't ruin your holiday.” Spike sang to Rarity, which brought a tear to her eye.
There was a pause in the vocals before Flash picked up the tempo of the music. “The most magical gift That I can recall It could've been big or small Or even nothing at all It doesn't matter, you see If it's from my friends on whom I depend No matter what you spend It will be perfect to me The true gift of gifting Is what it means inside We can show we care Spreading love far and wide The true gift of gifting Is totally free And you're the best there is at givin' it With the friendship that you give to me We've all been friends forever And look how far we've come (how far we've come) The holiday brings us close And now it's time for fun (it's now begun) The greatest gift you give to me Is more precious than gold Ah-ah-ah-ah Never ended, always mended And it can't be bought or sold The true gift of gifting Is what it means inside We can show we care Spreading love far and wide The true gift of gifting Is totally free And you're the best there is at givin' it With the friendship that you give to me.” Spike sang the rest of the song with Flash providing background vocals for it as he played.
Once the song was over, “Oh, Spike.” Rarity said as she blushed and placed a hand on her chest over her heart, “A song is a lovely present.” she said and kissed Spike on his cheek.
Flash snorted, “Oh let’s all give Spike the praise, I only wrote the actual lyrics, composed the music, and played the guitar for it.” he bemoaned. Just then he felt his left ear pulled by a warm aura of magic. “Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!”
The magic was purple, and came from Twilight’s focus gem, “Don’t be such a baby, Spike commissioned you to do it.” she scolded Flash.
“Alright, alright, I’m sorry,” Flash said as Twilight’s focus gem stopped glowing and his ear was freed. After he rubbed his ear, “Well if this was what my fiance did to find a gift for Pinkie, I wonder what she got…” Flash trailed as he saw Twilight dipped her head. Flash laughed as he shook his head with a smile. “Well, Cadance is the princess of romance.” Flash joked, this caused Twilight to puff out her cheeks in a pout, “But I fell in love with the princess of friendship, not romance,” he then moved and sat next to Twilight before he kissed her, “And I am so glad I finally found her.” he added as he pressed his forehead against hers, “You know idea how long I sought this,” he then took Twilight’s hand in his, “The best gift ever.” This caused Twilight to stop pouting and smile. “Besides one missed gift won’t break us so easily.”
Everyone ‘Awed’ at the couple, but neither cared. Just then a light bulb went off over Pinkie’s head, “Ooh, ooh!” she shouted and everyone turned to her, “The Gift Givers told me something like! Oh, what was it?” she asked as she tried to remember what the three said, after a second she recalled what the three said, “The best gift is more precious than gold, but it cannot be sold. When it breaks, it's not ended, for quickly it's mended. It can never be bought yet is easily sought.” Everyone, sans Twilight, was just as confused as Pinkie was over it. Twilight then started to giggle. “What's so funny?” the trickster asked.
Twilight shook her head as she got up and initiated a group hug between her, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow and Fluttershy, “It's a riddle, and the answer is ‘friendship’!” she said the six laughed together.
Cadance and Shining smirked at the sight before Shining leaned into Cadance’s ear to whisper, “Should we tell her the correct answer is ‘love’?”
Cadance giggled, “Not today, besides ‘friendship’ or philia is a type of love.” the two parents then had few sneakers and shared a kiss.
There was another knock on the door, “Who would be here at this hour?” Applejack asked.
“I’ll get it,” Twilight said as she flew off to the front door, which she managed to repair after the whole thing with the winterzilla and the pudding. She opened it to see, “Captain Ragamuffin, what brings you by?” she asked the surprise guest she recognized.
Ragamuffin rubbed the back of his head, “Well, yah see, Ah’m on meh my first tour on land for about year and Ah want’ed ta surprise Rarit-y.”
Twilight smiled, “Well this is a surprise for her, come on in.” Twilight then turned to the other surprise guest and was shocked at the almost uncanny resemblance he had to Rarity. “I am sorry, I didn’t think I got your name.”
The man held out his right hand, “I am Dirk Thistleweed,” he and Twilight shook hands. “I’m here because a patron of my forgot her purchase. I’m also here to find a new place with my roommate.” Dirk said as the handshake end. He then placed his right hand on Ragamuffin’s shoulder, “We rent an apartment in Manahattan but I’m looking to get out of the city.”
“And Ah’m lookin’ for a place tah call home closer to Rarit-y.” Ragamuffin added.
Twilight beckoned the two in, “Well Rarity would love the news” she said to Ragamuffin and then turned to Dirk, “and I am sure your patron would love to have her purchase, who was it again.”
“Applejack.” Dirk answered before he rubbed the back of his head as if he tried to remember something.“Although something about her reminds of someone I heard once, I just can’t place her name.”
Once the two were actually in the castle, their eyes widen in shock at the sight of the pudding. Twilight gave a weak laugh, “Sorry for the mess, we had a little accident with Chancellor Puddinghead’s Hearths’ Warming Eve pudding.”
Ragamuffin whistled at the sight while Dirk actually looked at the pudding. Dirk then turned back to Twilight, “I’ve got to admit never of anyone with the dedication to look it up. Let alone try to make it.” he chuckled.
Twilight shook her head, “Follow me.” she said before she shut the door behind her guest.
Outside, the Gift-Givers watched and smiled, "Another successful Hearths' Warming Eve, girls," Bori said. The three then started to skip in the sky, heading to continue the spread of goodwill and foster the spirit of the season.
