> The True Meaning of Starlight
>  by SaburoDaimando
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The True Meaning of Starlight Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The True Meaning of Starlight Part 1




It was a beautiful winter evening in the town of New Ponyville.  Ponies across the beautiful municipality were hanging up decorations across houses, buildings, lamps, bridges and so much more.   A number of ponies pulled up a giant tree in the middle of the square, where one pegasi with a light colored coat and a rainbow mane and tail placed a star on tip.

“That's perfect, Rainbow Dash,” Someone shouted, catching the pegasi's attention.

“As it should be,” Rainbow Dash said.   “After all, this is Christmas and we’re waiting for the guests from Zephyr Heights to arrive, Pinkie Pie.”

Down below where the bottom of the Christmas tree was propped up by a giant stand, Pinkie Pie looked up at Rainbow Dash, carrying a green tinsel on her back.  She pulled the tinsel off her back with her hoof before throwing it at a bare street light, where it wrapped itself around from the bottom to the top.

“Well you know me,” Pinkie Pie shouted.  “Just wanting to make this a super duper awesome party of a Christmas preparation.”

“Well duh,” Rainbow Dash said as she flew down to Pinkie Pie's level.  “When it comes to parties, you might as well be the most awesomest party planner of all of planet Earth.”

“Aww,” Pinkie said in an embarrassing, and yet cheerful, tone.  “You don't have to say that.”

“But it's true,” Rainbow Dash said.  “When it comes to Christmas parties, you are one of thee most awesome ponies I know.  In fact, there's no way a party goes horrible when you're in charge.”

Suddenly, there was a sound of a pony screaming to the sound of snow collapsing.  Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash turned to see Minty struggling to pull herself out of a mound of snow with two twigs, some coal rocks, a carrot and a pair of socks sticking near her.

“Minty,” Pinkie Pie said as she ran up to the silly earth pony.  “What happened?”

“I was trying to put one of my socks around the snowman when it collapsed on me,” Minty said as Pinkie Pie pulled her out of the snow.

“Oh Minty,” Pinkie giggled.  “Stuff like this happens.  You don't need to worry about that.”

“But it's my fault,” Minty sighed as she got up on her four hooves.  “If I hadn't touched that snowman, none of this would have happened.”

“No worries,” Rainbow Dash said as spread her wings out.  “Let me show you a way past cool trick.”

Rainbow Dash dug her front right hoof into the snow before she took off in a flash.  She circled around the snow mount, causing it to lift up into the air.  After a few cycles, the snow reformed back into a snowman with the coal forming the eyes and the mouth, the carrot as a nose, and the sock wrapped around its neck.  Immediately, Rainbow Dash hit the snow next to Pinkie Pie, who cheered the rainbow pegasus.

“That was neat,” Minty clapped.  “This must be why you're captain of the Wonderbolts.”

“Oh please,” Rainbow Dash said.  “It took a lot more than that to make me captain.  And hoo boy, is that a long story to tell to you, Minty.”

“But what matters is that we have the snowman back up,” Pinkie Pie said, taking a look at the rebuilt snowman.  “And it looks better than ever.”

Minty looked up at the snowman with the eyes and mouth made out of coal, the carrot nose and her left sock stretched out as a scarf.

“I don’t know,” Minty said.  “I think the scarf should be wrapped counter clockwise.”

But as Minty reached out, Pinkie got in front of Minty and placed her hooves on the light turquoise earth pony’s hooves.

“Oh you don’t need to worry about those silly details,” Pinkie Pie said.

“But Pinkie,” Minty said.  “I don’t think it looks perfect.”

“And that’s fine,” Pinkie Pie said, placing her hooves on Minty’s face.  “It doesn’t need to be perfect just to be festive.  It has to be something hearth warming to give the ponies of New Ponyville something to smile about.  Like our Christmas tree.”

Pinkie Pie directed Minty to the Christmas tree that stood next to them.  It was more than a hundred feet tall with beautiful silver tinsel wrapped around it, decorations that shimmered in the moonlight, and the star atop.

“It’s beautiful,” Minty said.

“And yes, it’s not perfect,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But you don’t need to be perfect for every pony, or every individual.  If you try to do that, you’ll only put yourself under stress.”

“Under stress?” Minty asked.

“Well it’s like what’s going on with Princess Wanda Young.”  Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Minty all turned around to see Rarity approaching them.  She was wearing a violet scarf wrapped around her neck and a small hint of white glitter in her curled mane.

“Rarity,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I didn’t expect you to be out here.”

“Well I’m just taking a break from my new Christmas fashion, Pinkie Pie,” Rarity said as she wiped the sweat from her forehead.  “It was a lot of hard work, but I’m not done yet.”

“Not done?” Minty asked.  “How come?”

“Well I have this new idea that I want to come up with,” Rarity said before directing her gaze at Rainbow Dash.  “But, I need a guinea pig to help me out.”

“Oh no,” Rainbow Dash shouted as she flew up six feet in the air.  “You’re not getting me to dress up again.”

“Oh come on, Rainbow Dash,” Rarity laughed.  “I’ll make it worth your while.  Besides, didn’t you always dress in style?”

Those words caused Rainbow Dash to turn away from the other ponies and blush embarrassingly, causing Pinkie Pie to giggle.

“There’s…nothing funny about that,” Rainbow Dash said, hesitantly.  

But as Pinkie Pie giggled, she heard the sound of thrusters fill the air.  She and Minty turned to the north where a large airship descended towards the castle on the outskirts of New Ponyville.

“Pinkie,” Minty said.  “Is that what I think it is?”

“Oooh you guessed it,” Pinkie Pie said.  “That’s the airship from Zephyr Heights.  I heard Princess Pippamina Petals and Princess Zepherina Storm have come to visit New Ponyville.”

“Wait,” Rainbow Dash said, flying up to Pinkie Pie and Minty.  “Did you say Pipp Petals and Zipp Storm?”

“I did,” Pinkie Pie said.  “And Princess Wanda Young and Princess Sunset Shimmer are going to greet them in our fair village.”

Rainbow Dash immediately flew up into the air and started cheering as loudly as possible.

“AWW YEAH!”  Rainbow Dash cheered.  “THE PRINCESSES OF ZEPHYR HEIGHTS!  I HEARD THEY ARE AMONG THE COOLEST PONIES ACROSS ALL OF PLANET EARTH!”

“Oh Rainbow Dash,” Rarity chuckled as Rainbow Dash flew down to her.  “I know you’re obsessed with the Princesses of Zephyr Heights, considering the fact that you and your Wonderbolts put on a spectacular show for them.  But they are only here to attend our Christmas festival.  Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Speaking of which,” Pinkie Pie said,  “I promised the princesses that I would help out with their Christmas decorations.  I was also told Pipp was going to help out with the New Ponyville music choir.  Which means I have to get going.”

WIth a hop, skip and a jump, Pinkie Pie made her way down the streets of New Ponyville, leaving Minty, Rainbow Dash and Rarity behind.  But Rainbow Dash looked at Minty with a smug look on her face.

“I’ll race ya to the castle, Mintster,” Rainbow Dash said.

But before Minty could say anything, Rainbow Dash leaped into the air and flew off towards the castle, speeding past Pinkie Pie.  Minty stood there with a confused look on her face, while Rarity just giggled.

“Hey Rarity,” Minty said.  “Are you sure you don’t want to go with me to the castle?”

“Oh I wish I could,” Rarity said.  “But I must find some pony to help me model for my newest dress.  And I know you’re too busy to help out.”

“That’s true, Rarity,” Minty said.  “Anyway, I’ll see you later.”

With that, Minty made her way down the streets of New Ponyville, following Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie from behind, and leaving Rarity by herself.

“I know I should consider visiting the royal castle,” Rarity said.  “But sadly, I have my own work to do when it comes to fashion.  Though I wonder why Princess Wanda uses nanobots for her dresses?  It doesn't make any sense, whatsoever.”

Up ahead at the castle, the sleek airship slowly made it ways down onto the giant helipad located on the back end of the palace.   Near the back entrance, a human girl named Wanda Young stood tall, wearing a light blue, sleeveless gown, long gloves and socks, and a golden tiara on her head.  Next to her was the brilliant amber alicorn Sunset Shimmer.  Right next to the duo was a purple baby dragon named Spike, who had on a bow tie and a tuxedo with a top hat on his head.  While Sunset and Spike looked calm and collective, Wanda looked nervous.  Immediately, Sunset Shimmer turned her attention to Wanda Young.

“You look nervous, sister,” Sunset said.

“I know,” Wanda Young said.  “This is our first holiday party that we’re throwing for Princess Pipp Petals and Princess Zipp Storm.”

“It’s going to be alright,” Sunset said.  “Take a deep breath, blow out slowly and deeply, and think calming thoughts.”

Wanda slowly inhaled through her lung until her chest filled up.  She breathed out slowly as she had her eyes shut.

“How do you feel, sis?” Sunset asked.

“I still feel a bit nervous,” Wanda Young said.  “Partially because of what I said and also because we haven’t seen Pipp and Zipp in a long time.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Spike said.  “Twilight Sparkle used to have these panic attacks, long before she along with you two became the princesses of the New Ponyville Providence.  Sometimes she still does.  But she knows how to manage it.”

“Too bad she’s not here to experience this,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “She’s going to miss out on our best Christmas holiday ever.”

As soon as the ship landed on the helipad, a staircase materialized from the side down before landing perfectly on the ground.  The doors swung wide open as a number of royal guards made their way down the staircase before reaching the bottom, each carrying a trumpet.  Once their hooves were firmly on the surface, they each put their trumpets into the air and blew loudly into it with a majestic tone.

“Here yee, here yee, royals of New Ponyville,” one of the guards announced.  “Presenting the Princesses of Zephyr Heights: Pippamena Petals and Zepherena Storm.”

Immediately, two pegasi ponies, Pipp Petals and Zipp Storm, made their way out of the doorway of the aircraft before they leaped into the air and slowly glided down towards the surface of the helipad.  They landed softly in front of the royal guards before lifting their heads up.   Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer walked up to Pipp and Zipp before bowing to the royal duo.

“Princess Pipp Petals, Princess Zipp Storm,” Sunset said before lifting her head back up.  “Welcome to New Ponyville.”

“It’s been awhile, Princess Sunset Shimmer,” Zipp Storm said.  “How are you holding up since becoming rulers of New Ponyville?”

“It’s been hard,” Wanda Young said.  “But I’m doing what I can to guide the ponies through each and every day.”

“By the way,” Pipp Petals said.  “What happened to Princess Twilight Sparkle?  I was expecting her.”

“Well she couldn’t make it because of an uneasy peace going on between the Autobots and Decepticons of Planet Cybertron,” Sunset explained.

“Cybertron?” Zipp Storm said.  “I thought the war between the two sides ended.”

“Well from what she told us,” Wanda Young explained, “Some of the less experienced bots and cons felt a bit trigger happy with the desire to restart the war.  Neither Optimus Prime nor Megatron desires war.  Upon hearing this, Twilight Sparkle volunteered to journey to Cybertron to help out the Eltarian sage named Zordon and his robotic assistant, Alpha Five.”

“I guess Peace on Earth can’t extend well through the far reaches of this universe,” Pipp Petals said.  

“No kidding,” Spike said.  “Twilight’s been gone for a long time, and I do miss her.”

“Oh don’t worry, Spike,” Pipp Petals said as she rubbed Spike on the head.  “We’ll do what we can to cheer you up.”

“Thanks, Pipp,” Spike said.  “But still, I wish Twilight didn’t have to go off to Cybertron and stood here with us.”

“Tell you what,” Sunset said.  “Even though Twilight’s not with us right now, let’s keep her fresh in our minds and help plan out the New Ponyville Christmas festival.  For her, and for the peace she’s trying to keep on Cybertron.  What do you say?”

“Sounds like a great idea?” Spike said.  “Though I wonder if Abigail will be up for it?”

“She will,” Wanda giggled.  “Now let’s head inside.”

Spike leaped into the air with a bountiful cheer before he ran towards the doorway.  Wanda, Sunset, Pipp and Zipp looked at each other and laughed before they followed Spike from behind.

“By the way,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “That’s a nice airship you have.”

“Oh it’s nothing,” Zipp said.  “Just a hunk of junk that our mother gave us when she got her new thunder ship.”

“A thunder ship?” Wanda said.  “I never heard of it before.”

“New engine, new computer system, new bridge, new everything,” Zipp said before taking a look at Wanda’s gown.  “By the way, I’m surprised that you had that on.”

“Oh it’s just to look formal to you both,” Wanda said.

“No need to,” Pipp said.  “Besides, we all know that you like to dress casually just to fit in with the ponies of New Ponyville.”

“Well, as a human that’s what I have to do,” Wanda said.

Wanda placed her left hand on the gold ring of her right hand.  Her gown glowed brightly as it shapeshifted away from its original form before shrinking down.  When it stopped glowing, Wanda’s dress was reduced to a simple form.

“Nanotech, right?” Zipp Storm asked.

“It was something I learned how to control, thanks to the power of this ring,” Wanda said, holding up her right hand, especially on her ring finger where her gold ring was placed.

“One day, you should get me one of those,” Pipp Petals said.  “It would be fabulous.”

“I’ll…think about it,” Wanda said as the group followed Spike through the doorway.

Inside the back of the palace within the ballroom, the stage was decorated similar to outside, with a smaller tree positioned right next to it.  A number of ponies were singing a soothing melody that filled the air, with Starcatcher in front of the group, leading with a baton and her left hoof.  Wanda, Sunset, Pipp, Zipp and Spike stepped inside and observed the choir on stage.

“Wow,” Pipp Petals said.  “That is so hearth warming.”

“It is,” Wanda said.  “But I don’t think it’s perfect.”

“Why so, Wanda?” Pipp asked.

“I don’t know, but there’s something that feels rather off,” Wanda responded as she stroked her chin with a puzzled look on her face.  “Like it lacks some kind of magic.”

“Are you sure about that?” Pipp asked.  “It sounded beautiful.”
“Actually, I was wondering if you could help out in any way possible?” Wanda asked, causing Pipp’s eyes to pop out with delight.

“OH I WOULD LOVE TO!” Pipp cheered.  “Do you have any idea on how exciting this sounds?  Count  me in.”

“Thanks,” Wanda said.  “If your voice can add in that element that felt missing, then it will be complete.”

With that, Sunset Shimmer turned towards Starcatcher and the choir, who continued to sing on stage.

“Okay guys, take five,” Sunset shouted.  “We’ll set you up with Princess Pipp Petals in a few moments.”

In an instant, Starcatcher held her hooves out, signaling the choir to cease singing.  Each member of the choir stepped down from the stage before making their way to the nearby table, which had a number of goodies to eat and water to drink.

“Well I gotta hand it to you, Sunset,” Spike said. “ You went overboard when it came to the break table.”

“Spare no expense,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Make sure everyone is well treated.  That’s the way of New Ponyville.”

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash flew in from the doorway opposite from the back entrance before flying up to Pipp Petals and Zipp Storm.  Her eyes looked wide and mesmerized as she hovered in the air excitedly.

“OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH!”  Rainbow Dash cheered.  “PRINCESS ZIPP STORM AND PRINCESS PIPP PETALS OF ZEPHYR HEIGHTS!  I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU’RE BOTH HERE!”

Immediately, an annoyed Sunset Shimmer flew up to Rainbow Dash and shouted “Rainbow.  What are you thinking?  We shouldn’t bug the princesses like that.”

“It’s okay, Sunset,” Zipp laughed.  “After all, I’ve been waiting to meet in person the legendary Rainbow Dash, leader of the Wonderbolts of New Ponyville.”

“Oh indeed,” Rainbow Dash said as she struck a pose.  “The mare, the myth, the one and only.”

“And I still remember when you put on that awesome show back in Zephyr Heights,” Zipp said.  “The crowd went nuts with the performances you and your fellow bolts pulled off.  Some say you inspired the pegasi there to fly higher than before.  Even our mom was impressed by your aerobatics.”

“I aim to please Queen Haven, Princess,” Rainbow Dash said.

“But there was one small problem,” Zipp said, causing Rainbow Dash’s smile to flip into a frown.

“One….problem?”  Rainbow Dash stuttered.

“I tried to get your autograph on that day,” Zipp said.  “But let’s say the crowds, combined with you leaving earlier than usual, stopped me from doing so.”

“Oh,” Rainbow Dash said as she pulled out a picture of her on it along with a pen.  “My apologies.  But we got so caught up in our schedule, that we forgot to do that.  Tell you what.  I’ll make it up with one of my personal autographs.”

Rainbow Dash threw the picture of herself into the air before diving upwards.  She clicked her pen and swiped at the picture many times.  Afterwards, she snatched the photo with her left hoof before flying down and handing it to Zipp Storm.

“Here you go,” Rainbow Dash said.  “My super patented, one of a kind autograph.”

Zipp Storm took the autographed photo from Rainbow Dash and looked at it before her face beamed with excitement.

“OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH!”  Zipp Storm cheered.  “I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD HOLD IN MY HOOVES A ONE OF A KIND RAINBOW DASH AUTOGRAPH!  I’LL NEVER FORGET THIS DAY!”

As Rainbow Dash and Zipp Storm cheered in the air,  Pipp Petals, Wanda Young and Spike just looked up there with an embarrassed look on their faces while Sunset Shimmer flew down before letting out a depressed sigh.

“I take it back,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “These two know how to gather a whole lot of attention.”

“I don’t know,” Wanda said.  “A part of me wished I had their enthusiasm.”

“Well speaking of enthusiasm,” Spike said as he turned back towards the far end of the ballroom.  “Guess who showed up.”

Sunset Shimmer, Wanda Young, and Pipp Petals turned their attention to the far end of the ballroom, where Pinkie Pie and Minty walked in.  Behind them were the unicorn stallions Danged Spell and Sunburst.

“Pinkie Pie,” Sunset said.  “I was wondering when you would come here to help out with the decorations.”

“Oh you’re right on that, Sunny,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But I also came here because I heard the Princesses of Zephyr Heights are in town.”

“You’re right on that, Pinkie,” Pipp Petals said as she held her hoof out.  “Princess Pippamena Petals, at your service.”

“Pippamena Petals, eh?” Pinkie Pie said as she shook Pipp’s hoof.  “My family calls me Pinkamena Diane Pie.  But you can call me Pinkie Pie.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Pinkie,” Pipp said.  “And I guess those must be your assistants in party planning.”

“Me?  An assistant?” Minty said.  “I came here to meet you and your sister, your majesty.  My name is Minty.”

“Well it’s an honor to meet you, Minty,” Pipp Petals said before she shook Minty’s hoof.

“Actually, Danged Spell and I are the assistants to Pinkie Pie and her epic party planning,” Sunburst said.  “The name’s Sunburst.”

“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “When it comes to Christmas parties, we know how to spruce things up.  Get it?”

“Danged Spell,” Wanda, Sunset, Spike, Minty, Sunburst and Pinkie Pie shouted before breaking out into laughter.

“Well that’s a sign that I still got it,” Danged Spell joked.

Suddenly, everyone paused when they heard the sound of a mare yelling out of control.  They turned to the entrance, where a twin-tailed mare named Starlight Glimmer slid on the floor, struggling to retain control.

“STARLIGHT!”  Wanda yelled.  “LOOK OUT!”

With a loud crash, Starlight Glimmer crashed into the christmas tree before it tipped over and fell right on top of her.  Everyone quickly turned their heads away as the tree fell on her.

“Is she alright?” Minty asked.

“I hope so,” Wanda said.  “Poor Starlight has always felt left out when it comes to the holidays.  That and we need this floor de-waxed.”

Wanda Young gently walked up to the fallen tree where Starlight popped her head out.  She held out her hand to the twin-tailed mare, only for Starlight to turn her head away.

“I’m sorry,” Starlight cried.   “I didn’t mean to tip over your tree.”

“Starlight, it’s okay,” Wanda said.  “That’s on me because I overwaxed the floor, and it caused you to slip.”

Starlight looked up and saw Wanda’s hand extended to her.  She reached with her hoof and allowed Wanda to grip it before she pulled her out.  Starlight looked at Wanda in the eyes before wiping the sweat off of her brow.

“Truth be told, I was hoping you could show up,” Wanda said.  “I don’t want you to be alone for Christmas.”

“Yeah, but every time Christmas comes around, I always screw something up,” Starlight said.  “Just like what happened recently.”

“And like I said, that’s on me for overwaxing the floor,” Wanda said as Pipp Petals flew up to Rainbow Dash and Zipp Storm.

“By any chance, could you two take care of the fallen tree?” Pipp asked.

“Say no more,” Rainbow Dash said.  “We got this.”

Immediately, Rainbow Dash and Zipp Storm swooped down and lifted the tree up into the air, placing it back in its stand.  Rainbow Dash immediately screwed the tree in place, securing it tightly, while Zipp Storm flew down and looked at some of the ornaments that were on the ground.

“Hoo boy,” Zipp Storm said.  “Look at this mess.”

Wanda Young looked down at the floor where the ornaments lay scattered.  Some of them looked intact, but others were shattered to pieces.  Wanda immediately turned her attention to Pinkie Pie, Sunburst and Danged Spell.

“Guys,” Wanda said. “We’re gonna need some new ornaments to replace the broken ones, stat.”

“Aye aye, Princess,” Pinkie Pie saluted.

Sunburst and Danged Spell walked up to some of the broken ornaments, levitating a broom and dustpan with them.  Immediately, Sunburst began to sweep up the broken ornaments before picking them up with the dustpan.

“I feel sorry for Starlight,” Sunburst said.  “She has the worst luck when it comes to Christmas.”

“That’s a darn shame,” Danged Spell said as he looked at Wanda Young comforting Starlight Glimmer.  “I’m surprised that she wants to help out.  But everything seems to go wrong for her.”

“That’s why she has us,” Sunburst said as he dumped the broken ornaments into the trash.  “And we’re going to make this Christmas party the best in the history of New Ponyville.”

“You said it,” Danged Spell said as he picked up a ball ornament with his right hoof before he began to squeeze it.  “When it comes to the magic of Christmas across all of planet Earth, and when it comes to this party we’re planning, we’re going to crush it.”

With a squeeze of his right hoof, Danged Spell shattered the ornament, causing its pieces to fall to the ground.

“DANGED SPELL, I NEEDED THAT!”  Sunburst shouted, causing Danged Spell to look down at the remnants of the ornament before he blushed embarrassingly.

“Oops,” Danged Spell smirked.   “My bad.”

As Sunburst sighed before he swept up the pieces of the ornament that Danged Spell shattered, Wanda Young helped Starlight Glimmer to the edge of the stage before sitting down with her.  Spike ran up to the break table and pulled out two cups before placing one under a spout that was connected to a metal drink container.  With the lift of a handle, hot cocoa poured into one cup.  Spike placed the second cup under the spout and poured the second set of hot cocoa inside.

“Starlight,” Wanda asked.  “You look like you want to do your part to make your mark on this holiday.”

“I do,” Starlight said.  “But…I don’t know what I can do.”

“It’s okay,” Wanda said.  “We can figure out something for you to do.”

Immediately, Spike walked up to Wanda and Starlight with the cups of hot cocoa before holding them up.  Wanda reached down and grabbed the two cups before giving one to Starlight.

“Thanks, Spike,” Wanda said.

“Anytime, Princess,” Spike bowed.

“Oh Spike,” Wanda laughed as Starlight took a sip of her hot cocoa.  “You don’t have to be that formal.  Besides, I’d rather be humble to the ponies of New Ponyville.”

“I know,” Spike said.  “But you’re our fifth human to rule such an amazing place.”

“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “But nowhere near the level of the legendary Megan Williams.   Now that was a leader I fantasized about.”

“Hey Wanda,” Starlight asked.  “Do you know of a good task for me to do?”

“That’s actually a good question,” Wanda replied.  “It feels like I am running out of ideas for the Christmas party.”

“Actually,” Minty said, approaching Wanda and Starlight.  “I may have an idea of what I can do.”

“You?” Starlight asked as Wanda took a sip of cocoa.

“Every year, I go to each house in New Ponyville and I leave a pair of my famous hoof-knitted socks,” Minty explained.  

“Isn’t that like breaking in?” Starlight asked.

“Oh no no no,” Minty said.  “Believe it or not, ponies love this kind of approach.  So they often leave the doors unlocked one night so that I leave behind new socks for them to enjoy.”

“It’s true,” Wanda said.  “Even I let Minty leave behind a new pair of socks for me.”   Wanda looked down at her own socks and gloves before she added, “ Though I am fine with the ones I normally wear.” 

“So all I get to do is to go into ponies’ houses and place a pair of socks anywhere?” Starlight asked.

“Not just anywhere,”  Minty said.  “We leave them on the hearth of the fireplace.  Makes them nice and toasty.”

“That does sound festive,” Starlight asked.  “Would it be okay if I joined in?”

“I was hoping you would accept,” Minty said as she and Starlight shook hooves.  “Finish up your hot cocoa and meet me outside the palace.  But take your time.  Hot Cocoa can burn your tongue if you force it down.”

Starlight Glimmer nodded to Minty as the earth pony walked towards the front entrance to the ballroom.  While watching Misty make her way out of the ballroom, Starlight slowly sipped her hot cocoa as Wanda looked on with a smile on her face.

“Now doesn’t that make you feel better, Starlight?” Wanda asked.

“It does,” Starlight replied.  “Once I’m done sipping this, I’ll help out Minty.”

“Best of luck for your sock run tonight, Starlight,” Sunset said.  “And I hope you pull it off.”

“I’ll have to admit,” Spike said.  “I can’t wait to see what new socks Minty has in store for me.”

“I sure hope I can pull off this sock run,” Starlight said.  “If I want to make my mark on Christmas.”

“You will, Starlight,” Wanda said.  “Though I also worry if this year’s Christmas party will go well.”

“So far so good, I’ll say,” Spike said.  “Nothing’s gone wrong at all since we started preparing for the big one.”

“Spike’s right,” Sunset Shimmer said as Rainbow Dash, Zipp Storm, and Pipp Petals flew down to Wanda’s level.  “You have a number of great ponies preparing this Christmas party for all of New Ponyville.  I don’t think anything can go wrong tonight.”

“Maybe you’re right,” Wanda said.  “Maybe I carry too much of Twilight Sparkle’s worry within me.”

“And what you and Starlight have are friends,” Pipp Petals said.  “And as your mother once said: Friendship is Magic.”

“Words to live by,” Wanda said.

“Well, here’s to a great Christmas,” Starlight said, holding her cup of cocoa in the air.  “May it shine well.”

Wanda nodded before she raised her cup in the air and tapped Starlight’s cup with it.  The two pulled their cups back before sipping their cocoa.  

“I’ll say this,” Spike said.  “You two make the perfect friendship here in New Ponyville.”

“That may be a bit of an understatement,” Sunset Shimmer said.

With that, Spike, Pipp, Zipp, and Rainbow Dash laughed while Wanda and Starlight sipped their cocoa.  Nearby, Pinkie Pie, Danged Spell and Sunburst pulled out a fresh set of ornaments from the box before the two stallion unicorns levitated them onto the christmas tree.


	To Be Continued in Part 2

> The True Meaning of Starlight Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The True Meaning of Starlight Part 2



As the evening sky blessed New Ponyville with a beautiful glow, ponies made their way down the streets.  Some went shopping for presents.  Others went for food and various necessities.  But as for Starlight Glimmer, she followed Minty down the streets before making their way towards a nearby house, where the windows emit a whitish glow.

“This is your place?”  Starlight Glimmer asked.

“Home sweet home,” Minty said as she pulled a key out of her mane.

Minty placed the key into the keyhole and turned it all the way.  Then she turned the knob on the door before opening it.  

“Come on in,” Minty said to Starlight.  “You’ll love this place.”

Minty stepped into the house as Starlight slowly made her way up to the steps.

“It’s okay, Starlight,” Starlight said to herself.  “A friendly pony is letting you into her house.  Don’t let anything go wrong for you.”

But as Starlight Glimmer made her way towards the house, she tripped over the stairs and fumbled through the doorway before landing on the carpet.  Minty looked down at Starlight before giggling.

“Oh you remind me of how I often fell down,” Minty said before holding her hoof out.  “But don’t worry.  I still have my klutzy moments.”

Starlight Glimmer reached out and grabbed onto Minty’s hoof before the turquoise earth pony lifted her up.  Starlight stumbled for a bit before Minty grabbed her with her arms and held her close.

“It’s okay,” Minty said.  “I’ve got you.”

Starlight looked up at Minty.  The twin-tailed filly took a deep breath before lifting herself out of the earth pony’s arms.  After her arms were firm on the floor, Starlight looked up at Minty, who placed her arms down on the ground.

“That was a close one,” Starlight said.  “Thanks, Minty.”

“Anytime, Starlight,” Minty said.  “Now, I must show you the new socks I made.”

Minty led Starlight through her living room before heading down the hallway and into another room.  Atop a table were various pairs of socks, grouped up together.  While they all had colors that represented christmas, each of them had a familiar mark that represented a pony’s cutie mark.   Starlight walked up to the table and gazed at the socks.

“You made all of those?”  Starlight asked.

“I did,” Minty said.  “Every sock that you see was hoof-knitted by yours truly, and with the help of a little machine.  Take a look.”

Starlight turned to her left where Minty held her hoof to the side.  Next to her was a small circular sock machine with a threat of lavender wool yarn looped in.

“Wow,” Starlight said.  “I didn’t know you had something like that in your house.”

“A great sock maker needs all the tools to help make the socks extra special,” Minty said.  “But regardless, these socks were made with love.  Watch.”

Minty sat down on the stool before pressing a button on the machine, whirling to life.  In an instant, the machine spun, knitting the yarn together as fast as possible.  As the yarn spun off the spool, a sock was forming within the radius.   

“Amazing,” Starlight said.  “How did you get this machine?”

“It was a gift from Rarity,” Minty said.  “She said she appreciated it if I sped up my process of making socks for every pony.  I was against the idea, because I liked hoof-making my own socks.  But after giving this a test, I realized why she recommended it.”

Immediately, Minty pressed a button on the machine, causing it to stop.  With a flick of her hooves.  Minty pulled out the sock and stitched it together before showing the completed stocking to Starlight.

“It means less time to worry about making these socks and more time spent enjoying life itself,” Minty said.

“That is wonderful,” Starlight said as she clapped her hooves for Minty.

“So here’s the plan,” Minty said as she got off the stool with the newly made sock in her hoof.  “All you have to do is deliver these socks to each house in New Ponyville.  They’ve left their doors open so you can head inside and place them on a hook attached to the top of the hearth.”

“That sounds great and all,” Starlight said.  “But how do I transport them?”

“Oh silly me,” Minty said.  “I forgot to bring out my favorite bag.”

Minty reached below the table with the socks on top, and pulled out a red cloth sack.  She grabbed each pair of socks and threw them into the sack.

“You think of everything, Minty,” Starlight said.  “You’ll bet I’ll do this.”

“That’s the spirit, Starlight,” Minty said as she placed a few more of the socks into the bag and tied it up.  “With these socks, you’re sure to spread some holiday cheer for all of New Ponyville.”

Starlight reached out and hugged Minty for a moment before picking up the sack of socks with her magic.  She walked towards the exit of the room before turning back to Minty.

“This one is for a wonderful Christmas,” Starlight said.

“Best of luck to you, Starlight Glimmer,” Minty said as she waved to Starlight.

“Oh I will,” Starlight replied.

In a flash, Starlight walked down through the hall and living room before emerging from Minty’s front door.  She made her way down the streets of New Ponyville before stopping by a nearby house.

“This must be Thistle Whistle’s house,” Starlight said.  “I’ll go stop by her place first.”

Starlight made her way up to the door and opened it.  She looked inside and saw a christmas tree standing in a nearby corner of the living room.  Nearby was a hearth with a fire burning within.   She was quick to see a hook sticking out from atop the hearth.

“That must be it,” Starlight said before pulling out a pair of socks with flowers and a bee for a cutie mark.  “Well.  Time to get to work.”

Starlight Glimmer slowly walked up to the hearth with the socks in her right hoof.  She reached out and placed the socks gently on the hook attached to the hearth.

“Wow,” Starlight said.  “Minty wasn’t kidding when she told me about this.”

But as Starlight turned around, she bumped into a pegasi mare before falling to the ground.  She looked up and saw the mare looking down at her.

“Starlight?”  The mare said.  “What are you doing here?”

“Oh hi Thistle Whistle,” Starlight said as she got herself up.  “Minty asked me to deliver socks across all of New Ponyville for Christmas.”

“Minty asked you to deliver the socks this year?”  Thistle Whistle said as Starlight got herself up.  “It means you’re finally making your mark for the holidays.”

“Thanks,” Starlight said.  “But I hope I can get this done before the evening is over.”

As Starlight made her way back to the entrance where her sack of socks were, Thistle Whistle looked at the socks that were hanging on the hearth before pulling them off.

“That Minty,” Thistle Whistle said.  “She never fails when it comes to her famous socks.”  Thistle Whistle turned to Starlight and added “Tell her thanks.  I appreciate it.”

“Anytime, Thistle,” Starlight waved before she picked up the sock sack and made her way out.

Starlight Glimmer made her way down the street once more until she noticed a house shaped like a carousel in front of her.

“Rarity’s carousel boutique,” Starlight laughed. “How can I forget it when it sticks out like a sore hoof?”

As Starlight approached the door, it swung wide open in an instant, where Rarity immediately stepped out and noticed the twin-tailed filly.

“Starlight, darling,” Rarity said.  “I’m surprised to see you filling in for Minty.”

“Well it was something to help make my mark for Christmas this year,” Starlight said as she placed her hoof into the sack.  “Here.  I’ve got your pair of socks that Minty made for you.”

Starlight pulled out a pair of socks with diamonds on legging before she held it out to Rarity.  The white unicorn looked at the socks before her eyes dazzled.

“Oh these are simply divine, darling,” Rarity said as she accepted the socks.  “But you must come in.  I still need some help with my new dress.”

“I don’t know,” Starlight said.  “I’m in a hurry to deliver these socks and…”

“I’ll make it worth your while,” Rarity said before pulling some bits out of her purse.

“Ahh what the hay,” Starlight said, seeing the bits in Rarity’s hoof.  “Count me in.”

With that, Starlight Glimmer followed Rarity inside, carrying the sack of socks with her.  Moments later, the door closed.

Inside, Starlight stood atop a platform as Rarity stitched together a light-blue/whitish gown on her.

“So,” Starlight asked.  “This looks like a nice dress.”

“It is, darling,” Rarity said.  “A special dress that reflects the very magic of winter itself.  I want to showcase it during the Christmas party.”

“Winter is a magical place,” Starlight said.  “Especially at night.”

“That you’re right about, darling,”  Rarity said as she applied another stitch to the dress.

“By the way,” Starlight asked.  “Minty said that you got her a circular sock maker a few years back.”

“I did,”  Rarity said.  “And for a good reason.  Minty loves to make socks every Christmas.  But she often wore herself out in the process.  I felt sorry for her, so I got her a sock maker so she doesn’t have to burn herself out.”

“She burns herself out?” Starlight asked.

“Hoo boy,”  Rarity said.   “It was a few years ago around Christmas.  I invited Minty into the boutique where she made her usual sock deliveries.  But as soon as she placed my socks on the hearth, she collapsed from exhaustion.” 

“That’s horrible,” Starlight said.

“When I looked at her hooves, I noticed she had worn herself out making as many socks as possible,” Rarity said.  “I felt sorry for poor Minty.  So I got her a circular sock maker for Christmas not only to help ease the process, but for her own well-being.”

“I’m glad you thought of it, Rarity,” Starlight said.

“It’s great that she delivers socks to us during Christmas,” Rarity said as she applied the final stitches to the dress  “But at the same time, she also has to look after her own well-being.  Even a great sock maker can’t deliver socks if her health is poor.”

“That, I’ll keep in mind, Rarity,” Starlight said.

Rarity took a few steps back from Starlight Glimmer, who struck a pose with the dress completely on.

“There,” Rarity said.  “That looks gorgeous, like it captures the very essence of winter itself.”

A half-hour later, Starlight Glimmer left the boutique with her sack on her back, while Rarity waved to the twin-tailed filly.  Next to her was the dress that Starlight wore, now fitted onto a mannequin. 

“Thanks for the socks and for your assistance, Starlight,”  Rarity waved.  “Go get yourself something nice.”

“I will, Rarity,” Starlight waved back.

As Starlight Glimmer made her way down the streets of New Ponyville, she stopped by a red house with a yellow roof on it.

“That must be Sprout Cloverleaf’s house,” Starlight said.  “Well, I better get his sock ready.”

Starlight Glimmer pulled a pair of socks with a turnip on the legging out of the sack before she opened the door and went inside.  Within the house, there was a christmas tree with ornaments shaped like a red stallion on it.

“Well,” Starlight laughed.  “That’s just like Sprout to be so full of himself.”

As Starlight Glimmer placed Sprout’s socks on the hook hanging on the hearth, her ears picked up the sound of a young stallion singing through a powerful reverb.

“Someone must be playing something popular on the radio,” Starlight said.  “I wonder who it is.”

Starlight Glimmer made her way down the house before coming towards a closed door where the singing is the loudest.  She looked at the light that emitted from beneath the door.

“This must be where the music is coming from,” Starlight said.  “I should ask Sprout what that is.”

Starlight Glimmer turned the knob of the door and opened it, where it led into a bathroom.  Inside, she saw the shadow of a young stallion from behind a curtain, taking a shower while singing loudly.

“That sounds so fun,” Starlight cheered. 

Suddenly, the stallion came to a stop before turning towards Starlight.  He pulled open the curtain where it is none other than Sprout Cloverleaf.  Sprout looked down at Starlight, who began to blush.

“Uhhh….hi,” Starlight waved.

“AHHHHHHH!” Sprout screamed.  “GET OUT OF HERE THIS INSTANT!”

Immediately, Sprout threw a bar of soap and a wash brush right at Starlight Glimmer, forcing the twin-tailed mare to  shut the door to the bathroom in a hurry.  The brush and soap hit the door before falling to the ground.

Outside of the bathroom, Starlight Glimmer slowly walked away, her face still beet-red.

“I am never going to get that image out of my mind,” Starlight said.

A bit later, Starlight made her way down the streets once more, still beet-red from early on, but also carrying the sack of socks on her back.

“I wonder if Minty went through a scenario like that,” Starlight said to herself.  “That’s a story I might ask once I’m done.”

As Starlight made her way down the street, she noticed a house that was shaped like a cupcake.  She looked at the door, which was swung wide open, and noticed the light emitting from inside.

“I think this might be Pinkie Pie’s place,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “I believe it’s called the Sugar Cube Corner.  But if Pinkie Pie’s at the palace, helping out with preparing for the Christmas party, then who’s in there?”

Starlight Glimmer slowly made her way up the single stair before she opened the door and looked inside.  The store was filled to the brim with sweets and baked goods, some of them behind a glass display.  Next to the cash register was a box that said “For Princess Wanda.  Gluten Free.”  

As Starlight looked around the lobby of the Sugar Cube Corner, she took a sniff of the air before she licked her lips.

“That smells so good,” Starlight said. “I wonder what’s being made.”

But in an instant, Pinkie Pie popped up in front of Starlight and yelled “SURPRISE!”

Starlight screamed loudly before tripping and falling down on her back, landing atop the sack of socks.  Pinkie Pie looked at Starlight before taking a glance at the socks.

“Hey Starlight,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Are you here to deliver socks on behalf of the legendary sock maker Minty?”

“Y-yeah,” Starlight said as she rolled off the sock sack and got back on her four hooves.  “But how come you’re already home?”

“Oh easy,” Pinkie Pie giggled.  “Danged Spell and Sunburst were doing a great job in putting the party together.  So I came back to help get some tasty treats back to the castle, including one for Princess Wanda.”

“Is that the box you’re talking about?”  Starlight asked, pointing to the box with Wanda’s name on it.  “And why does it say Gluten Free?”

Pinkie Pie walked up to the box with Wanda’s name before picking it up.  She looked inside to see a number of cupcakes fill the interior before closing it.

“Did anyone ever tell you that Wanda has celiac disease?” Pinkie Pie responded.

“No,” Starlight said.  “What’s that?”

“Let’s just say that if anyone with this disease eats any kind of gluten-based foods like wheat, barley or rye, their immune system would have a panic attack,” Pinkie Pie said. 

“That’s horrible,” Starlight said.  “I never knew something like that could exist.”

“Oh you better believe it,” Pinkie Pie said as she hopped back to Starlight.  “As one of the bakeries with a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, I do what I can to make baked goods separate from everything else for the Princess.  But sometimes, her sister Sunset Shimmer orders the same thing she orders out of sympathy.”

“That does leave me one question,” Starlight said.  “How did Wanda and Sunset become sisters?”

“That’s a story for another time,” Pinkie PIe said.  “But you can thank Princess Celestia for raising those two into wonderful rulers.”

But as Pinkie Pie was about to bounce out of the Sugar Cube Corner, Starlight immediately reached into the sock sack and pulled out a pair of socks with balloons on the legging.

“Hold on,” Starlight said.  “I have your socks, Pinkie.”

“Niiiiiice,” Pinkie Pie said as she came to a stop.  “Feel free to hang them any place you desire like Minty does.”

“No problem,” Starlight said.  

As Pinkie Pie made her way out of the Sugar Cube Corner, Starlight Glimmer walked up  to the cash register and noticed a hook hanging on the stand below it.  She placed the sock on the hook before taking a few steps.

“Oh Pinkie,” Starlight said.  “I wish I was more like you.  So carefree.  So optimistic.  So energetic.”

A few moments later, Starlight Glimmer walked down the streets of New Ponyville, going door-to-door to deliver as many socks as she could.  One by one, each pony accepted their sock gift, thanking the twin-tailed pony for her delivery.

Some of them said “Oh thank you Starlight.  Minty put a lot of faith in you.”

Others said “Oh bless your and Minty’s heart, Starlight.”

There were even those who said “Tell Minty that I appreciate this, Starlight.”

But as the evening went on, Starlight Glimmer looked tired as she walked around the village square.  Starlight placed her sock sack on the bench before sitting down.

“Whew,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “Who knew delivering socks would be so exhausting.  I need a break.”

Starlight laid back on the bench and looked up at the stars that emerged.  Each of them lit up the sky like diamonds.  Starlight Glimmer looked at the shiniest star and reached out with her right hoof.

“Star light, star bright,” Starlight said.  “First star I see tonight.  I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.”

As Starlight placed her hoof down, she kept her focus on the star that shined in the distance.

“I wish this was the most magical Christmas for everyone of New Ponyville,” Starlight said.

As Starlight Glimmer directed her eyes away from the star, she looked down at the giant Christmas tree in front of her.  A number of ponies walked through the square.  Some talked with each other.  Some sang to warm the mood, while others enjoyed scrumptious food and yummy treats.

“That tree looks so beautiful with all those decorations,” Starlight said as she got off the bench.  “Minty told me that Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were able to set it up.”

Starlight Glimmer walked up to the giant Christmas tree and looked up at the star that stood atop.  It glowed brightly with a wondrous shine that rivaled the lights on every pony’s house.

“New Ponyville must be blessed with having that kind of tree,” Starlight Glimmer said. “In fact, of every city across this wonderful planet, New Ponyville is the most festive place for Christmas.  And I don’t think there is anything that can ruin it.”

But Starlight’s nose began to itch.  She let loose a couple of small sneezes as she turned her head left and right.  She began to breathe in, as if she was about to sneeze loudly.

“Oh no,” Starlight said as she forced some sneezes out of her nose.  “Now is not the time to sneeze.”

Starlight Glimmer inhaled loudly as she placed her hoof on her nose.  She tried desperately to stop herself from sneezing.   But at the height of her inhaling, she let loose a great sneeze that shook the great Christmas tree in front of her.  

“Oh no,” Starlight said as she wiped her nose and looked up.

The tree wobbled in front of her, causing ponies to flee for their lives.  Starlight looked up and saw the star on top fall down towards her.  

“NOOOO!”  Starlight screamed as her horn lit up.

Before the star could land on Starlight, it stopped just a few feet above her, surrounded by an aura of magic.  Starlight looked up and breathed a deep sigh of relief.

“That was a close one,” Starlight said.  “It couldn’t have gone worse than that.”

But then Starlight’s nose twitched again.  She rubbed her nose with her hoof, only for her to huff and puff some more.  At the height of her inhaling, she sneezed once more, sending the star flying into the tree where it shattered upon impact.  The tree began to fall towards her.

“Oh no,” Starlight said.  “What have I done?”

Starlight Glimmer immediately ran as far as she could as the Christmas tree crashed down on the floor, taking down some of the ornaments and pulling down two of the night lights, which crashed onto the pavement with its lights shattering to pieces.  Paying no attention to the sock sack on the bench, Starlight Glimmer ran far away from the town’s square in a hurry.  

Back at the castle, Wanda Young was enjoying a nice cupcake with Pinkie Pie by her side.  Next to her with a cat with blue hair that stood by Spike the Dragon’s side.  Rainbow Dash, Zipp Storm, Pipp Petals and Sunset Shimmer were placing decorations on the top part of the ballroom while Danged Spell and Sunburst went to work on forging new decorations.  Wanda swallowed the piece of cupcake before turning to Pinkie Pie.

“Pinkie,” Wanda said.  “You make the best gluten-free cupcake in the world.”

“Exactly as you wanted it,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I even tested it to make sure there was no gluten in it.”

“I know,” Wanda cheered.  “But I’m also glad that you agreed to lead the committee on planning this festive Christmas party.”

“Well duh,” Pinkie Pie said.  

As Wanda enjoyed her cupcake, Abigail looked up at Wanda with a worried look on her face.

“Abby,” Spike said.  “Are you still worried about Wanda”

“I am,” Abigail said.  “Sometimes I wonder if Wanda pushes herself too hard for the ponies of New Ponyville.   For this Christmas party.”

“I know how you feel,” Spike said.  “Twilight would often break down when she feels like she’s backed into a corner.”

“So you think there are similarities between Wanda and Twilight?” Abigail asked.

“Do I?” Spike said as he placed his hand on Abigail’s back.  “We’ve known Wanda, Sunset and Twilight for a long time since they were younger.  They were an inseparable trio that could bring inspiration to the people of Earth.  But I do admit, I miss seeing Twilight right now.”

“I heard she has a long task ahead of her on Planet Cybertron,” Abigail said.  “What’s that planet like?”

“Hoo boy,” Spike said.  “Abby, that’s a tale I have yet to tell you.”

But as Spike finished speaking, the front doors to the ballroom swung wide open as a pair of New Ponyville guards ran through in a hurry.  Rainbow Dash, Zipp Storm, Pipp Petals and Princess Sunset Shimmer flew down from above, Wanda jumped down from the stage, holding her cupcake, while Danged Spell and Sunburst placed down their tools before running up to the rest of the group.

“‘Your majesties,” One of the guards shouted.  “We report bad news.”

“What happened?” Sunset asked.  

“The giant tree in the village square toppled down,” the second guard said.

“Oh no,” Wanda said.  “Did it not get propped up right?  Did I leave something that caused it to fall?”

“It’s not that,” the first guard said.  “We think someone must have tipped it over.”

“Wanda, this sounds rather serious,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We’re going to fly over and check the scene out.”

“Right,” Wanda said.  “We’ll catch up from behind.”

Sunset Shimmer extended her wings out before she leaped into the air and flew out the back exit of the ballroom.  Rainbow Dash, Zipp Storm and Pipp Petals followed from behind, flapping their wings before taking off after exiting the room.  Wanda immediately turned back towards the two guards.

“Lead the way,” Wanda said.  “We’d like to see the damage.”

“At once, your majesty,” The guards saluted.

Immediately, the guards turned tail and ran down towards the entrance to the ballroom.  Wanda Young ate the last of her cupcake before she picked up the box of cupcakes and ran after the guards.  Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Pinkie Pie, Danged Spell and Sunburst followed from behind.

Outside in the village square, every pony was gathered around the fallen tree, dismayed and saddened by the fallen tree that now laid in front.

“What happened to the holiday tree?” One of them cried.

“IT’s a disaster,” Another one said.

“Does that mean Christmas is canceled?” A third one asked.

Above in the clouds, Princess Sunset Shimmer looked down at the wreckage of the tree.  Behind her flew Rainbow Dash, Zipp Storm, and Pipp Petals.

“Wow,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Whoever tipped that tree down did a mighty fine job at it.”

“I’ll say,” Zipp Storm said.  “I never thought to see Christmas get ruined in just one accident.”

“So now what do we do?”  Pipp Petals asked.  “The choir was resting their vocal cords and we were about to bring them back in.  So much for the performance.”

“Now’s not the time to cry over spilled milk,” Sunset Shimmer said.   “We need to figure out who caused this and why.”

But as Sunset Shimmer’s eyes were on the tree, Rainbow Dash noticed the giant sack that was still on the bench.

“Hey,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Isn’t that Minty’s bag of socks?”  

“You’re right,” Pipp Petals said.  “Why would she leave a bag of socks on the bench?”

“She didn’t,” Zipp Storm said.  “Remember when Minty gave Starlight Glimmer the task of delivering socks to every pony in New Ponyville?”

Immediately, Sunset Shimmer paused for a moment with a horrified look on her face.

“Wait,”  Sunset said.  “She couldn’t have……oh no.”

But down on the surface of New Ponyville, as every pony gathered around the fallen tree, Starlight Glimmer hid in an alleyway, horrified at the damage.

“This is my fault,” Starlight cried.  “I ruined Christmas, and now every pony is going to be angry at me for the rest of my life.  I don’t deserve to be here.”

With that, Starlight Glimmer turned around and ran down the alleyway in a hurry.


	To Be Continued in Part 3

> The True Meaning of Starlight Part 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The True Meaning of Starlight Part 3



Every pony in the town square of New Ponyville stood over the fallen Christmas tree.  Princess Sunset Shimmer landed on the ground before she made her way up to the sock sack, just as Minty pulled herself out from the crowd and ran up to the alicorn princesses.  Rainbow Dash, Zipp Storm and Pipp Petals flew down next to the fallen christmas tree, observing the damage done.

“I don’t think this one will be able to stand up again,” Zipp Storm said.  The damage done to the base will make it impossible to prop back up.”

“Impossible?” Rainbow Dash yelled in frustration.  “But that means we have to get a new Christmas tree.  Pinkie Pie went through all that hard work, and now it’s a total wreck.”

“It gets a lot worse than that,” Zipp Storm said as she pointed to the wrecked Christmas stand where the tree once stood.  “Take a look.  We will need to get that replaced if we want a new christmas tree.”

“This is one Christmas that just got ruined in an instant,” Pipp Petals said.

But as the three pegasi observed the fallen tree, Minty looked left and right in a frantic pace.

“Princess Sunset,” Minty said.  “Where’s Starlight?  Is she alright?”

“I don’t know,” Sunset Shimmer said as she picked up the sock sack with her magic.  “All that’s left is this bag that was left behind.”

“Then that means she’s alright,” Misty said.  “Is she?”

But Sunset Shimmer placed the bag down next to Minty before turning towards the fallen tree.  Before she could speak, Wanda Young pulled herself out of the crowd with Spike and Abigail by her side.  But as soon they saw the fallen tree, Wanda gasped in horror.

“Oh no,” Wanda cried.  “All that hard work, and it’s gone.”

Wanda got down on her knees and broke down in tears, crying out loud.  The only thing Spike and Abigail could do was to put their hands on Wanda’s back.

“I can’t believe Christmas is ruined,” Abigail said.

“It’s not ruined,” Spike said.  “We just had a major setback.  But it’s not a hundred percent ruined.”

Immediately, Pinkie Pie, Danged Spell and Sunburst pulled themselves out of the crowd and looked at the fallen tree.  They turned towards Wanda, who cried her eyes out.

“Wanda,” Pinkie Pie said.  “We’re sorry about what happened to the tree.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” Wanda cried.  “It’s my fault.  I allowed this to happen.”

“Wanda, don’t say that,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Accidents happen, and we can get this fixed.”

“Pinkie Pie’s right,” Sunburst said.  “None of this is your fault.  You didn’t know it was going to happen.”

“But the big question is,” Danged Spell said.  “Why did it happen?  Why did it fall all of a sudden?”

Hearing those words, Princess Sunset Shimmer took a deep breath before taking a few steps towards the citizens of New Ponyville.

“Everyone,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I have an announcement to make.  I took a quick look at the scene.  And unfortunately, I hate to break it to you all.  But I believe Starlight Glimmer did it.”

The whole townsfolk gasped in horror upon hearing those words.  Even Wanda Young broke out of her tears and looked up at Sunset Shimmer.

“It…It can’t be true,” Wanda said.  “That’s not like Starlight Glimmer to topple an entire tree.  She’s better than this.”

“Right now, I want to know the whole truth on why this tree was toppled,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “And she’s not in any trouble.  But I want to know what happened that caused Starlight to tip over this tree.”

“I’ll tell you what happened.  She did that because she hated Christmas.”  Everyone turned towards the crowd where Sprout Cloverleaf stood on his hind legs with a towel wrapped around his waist, holding a scrubbing brush in his upper right hoof.

“Sprout,” Zipp Storm said, awkwardly.  “Were you just taking a shower?”

Everyone looked at Sprout awkwardly, causing the stubborn earth pony to blush embarrassingly.

“Okay okay,” Sprout Cloverleaf said.  “I enjoy taking long showers.  It’s good for the soul and….”

“Uggh, no,” Rainbow Dash protested as she covered her face with her wing.  “TMI!”

“But what does it matter?” Sprout shouted.  “We all know why she did that.  She can’t stand celebrating the holidays.  And as a result, she kicked it over just so no one else can.”

“But that doesn’t make sense,” Minty said as she marched towards Sprout.  “She was excited to pass out my socks to the ponies of New Ponyville.”

“Well then explain why that sock bag was left behind near the crime scene,” Sprout snarled.

“I don’t know why,” Misty said in frustration.  “I know Starlight gets frustrated all the time.”

“That doesn’t give her any excuse to knock down the tree,” Sprout shouted.

“EVERYONE, SETTLE DOWN!”  Sunset Shimmer yelled.  “We’re not going to get anywhere if we keep throwing baseless accusations like that.”

“But what about Starlight?” Wanda said as she got up on her two legs.  “Even if she did do it, it’s not like her to just tip over a tree in frustration.”

“Wanda’s right,” Zipp Storm said.  “Until Starlight can tell us her side of the story, we don’t know her motive or why she did it.  Right now, we need to find her and know the truth.”

“Very well,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Find Starlight Glimmer.   But go easy on her.  After all, Starlight wanted to make her mark on the holiday.”

Most of the ponies, which included Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Starcatcher and Thistle Whistle, nodded as they began searching around the town, looking for any sign of Starlight Glimmer.  Wanda Young turned to Spike and Abigail before the baby dragon approached the human princess.

“You don’t need to say anything,” Spike said.  “Abigail and I will know what to do.”

“Thanks Spike,” Wanda said.  “We’ll need all the help we can get to find Starlight Glimmer.”

With that, Wanda held her arms out as a bright glow emitted on her back.  When the glow disappeared, insect wings materialized where the glow was once.  As Spike and Abigail turned tail and ran down the streets of New Ponyville, Wanda leaped into the air and flew off after them, leaving Sunset Shimmer behind with Pipp Petals, Zipp Storm, Rainbow Dash, Minty, Danged Spell, Sunburst and Sprout Cloverleaf.

“Let’s hope we can find Starlight and know the truth,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “For her sake and for ours.”

“If I know Starlight, she tends to be very timid and bashful,” Sunburst said.  “I remember when our Nightmare Night celebration scared Starlight to the point where she hid in her house for a few days.”

“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “Even I felt sorry for her.”

But all Sprout Cloverleaf could do was sigh for a bit before he turned around and walked down another path, catching the attention of both stallions.

“Hey Sprout,” Danged Spell said.  “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Back to go wash myself,” Sprout Cloverleaf said.  “The sooner Starlight faces justice for what she did, the better.”

“Not on our watch,” Danged Spell protested as he and Sunburst ran up to Sprout.

Danged Spell’s horn glowed brightly as Sprout was surrounded by a magical aura.  Before he could react, Danged Spell picked him up and carried him above his body. 

“LET ME GO YOU SPOILSPORT!” Sprout Cloverleaf yelled as he struggled to break free.  “I’M NOT ONE WHO LIKES TO GO FOR A RIDE!”

But as Sprout moved his legs up and down at a frantic pace, his towel fell off his waist and landed on the ground.  Sprout screamed loudly as he flailed his arms and legs even faster.

“NOW LOOK WHAT YOU DID!”  Sprout Cloverleaf yelled.  “I NEEDED THAT!”

“Not right now you don’t,” Sunburst yelled.  “Besides, we don’t normally wear clothes.”

Meanwhile, in another part of town, Pinkie Pie and Rarity were searching behind each and every alleyway, hoping to find Starlight Glimmer.  But Rarity’s face turned to despair as the minutes passed by.

“Starlight,” Pinkie Pie yelled.  “Starlight, are you around here?”

“I feel sorry for little Starlight,” Rarity said.  “After all, she did help me model a new dress.”

“I didn’t know you got her to pose for a new dress, Rarity,” Pinkie Pie said.  “That must have sounded awesome.”

“Well unlike a certain pegasi who’s too good for fashion,” Rarity explained, “At least Starlight was willing to pitch in for the project.  I even compensated her for a job well done.”

“Well that’s Rainbow Dash,” Pinkie Pie said.  “She’s one who always dresses in style.”

In an instant, Wanda Young flew in from above while Spike and Abigail ran in from a nearby street.  As Wanda landed on the ground, her wings disappeared in a flash of light.

“Any sign of Starlight?” Wanda asked.

“No sign,” Pinkie Pie said.

“Well that’s a shame,” Spike said.  “I don’t know where else Starlight could be hiding.”

“It’s a shame indeed, Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity said.  “She really wanted to enjoy Christmas in New Ponyville.”

“This is my fault,” Wanda said as she turned away from the others.  “I shouldn’t have put that much responsibility on Starlight Glimmer with the task Minty gave her.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Princess Wanda,” Rarity said.  “You wanted to cheer up Starlight and give her a task to help her celebrate the holidays.  Besides, you’ve put a lot of stress on your mind.”

“And there’s nothing to worry about,” Pinkie Pie said.  “We’ll find Starlight Glimmer and we’ll go easy on her.  That’s a Pinkie promise.”

“I’ll try,” Wanda said.  “But it won’t be easy.”

But Abigail was paying no attention to Rarity, Pinkie Pie, nor Wanda Young.  Her eyes were fixated on the hot air balloons due south of their location.  But her eyes widened in horror as she saw a shadow of a twin-tailed pony pulling herself into the carriage of one of the balloons.  Abigail immediately turned to the others with a frantic look on her face.

“Everyone, I think I saw Starlight,” Abigail said.

“You saw Starlight?” Spike asked.

“Yeah,” Abigail said.  “From what I saw, she may have climbed into one of our hot air balloons.”

“Oh no,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I think she’s doing this to leave New Ponyville because of what she thought she did.”

Though Spike looked at the wings on his back, he quickly turned to Wanda, who stared at the shadow of the twin-tailed mare.

“Wanda,” Spike said.  “You can fly faster than I can.  Go.  Get Starlight out of there.  I’ll tell Sunset what’s going on.”

“Right,” Wanda said as her wings re-materialized on her back. “And if Starlight does leave, I’ll keep right on her.”

Wanda Young leaped into the air as she flew towards the hot air balloons, leaving Spike, Abigail, Rarity and Pinkie Pie behind.  But Spike only nodded to the two ponies before he and Abigail ran down the street from where they came from.

“Please don’t leave us, Starlight,” Rarity said.  “You won’t survive in this harsh cold.”

Up ahead at the balloon landing, Starlight Glimmer had already jumped into one of the hot-air balloons.  She began to untie one of the cables, just as Wanda Young flew up to her.

“Starlight,” Wanda shouted.  “What are you doing?”

“I’m leaving New Ponyville,” Starlight said as she finished untying the cable.  “I know when I’m not wanted.”

But as Wanda approached Starlight, the hot air balloon flew up into the air with Starlight inside.  Starlight Glimmer turned on the burner of the balloon, strengthening the flame and allowing the balloon to float higher into the sky.

“Starlight, you’re making a big mistake,” Wanda said.  

“Wanda, I was the one who fell the tree,” Starlight shouted.  “It’s my fault that I ruined Christmas for all of New Ponyville.  So I’m leaving and I’m not coming back, ever again.”

“No, don’t,” Wanda cried.  “It’s too windy.”

Suddenly, a burst of cold wind picked up Starlight’s balloon and pulled it across the sky.  Starlight held on as her balloon drifted aimlessly above New Ponyville.

“HEEEEEEELP!”  Starlight cried.  “THE BALLOON’S OUT OF CONTROL!”

“HANG ON, STARLIGHT!” Wanda yelled.  “I’M COMING!”

Wanda flew towards the balloon as the wind blew it violently above New Ponyville, while Starlight Glimmer held onto the edge of the basket.  Her eyes were glued to Wanda Young as she inched closer to the basket, holding her hand out.

“Grab my hand,” Wanda Young shouted.  “I’ll get you out.”

Starlight Glimmer reached out and tried to grab Wanda’s hand.  But another wind picked up from the south and blew the balloon northward, pulling Starlight away from Wanda.  The human girl immediately flew after Starlight Glimmer, hoping to get back to her.

Back in the village square, Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash, Zipp Storm and Pipp Petals were quick to notice Wanda Young chasing after the hot air balloon, but couldn’t make out the pony that was in it.

“Who in their right mind would look for Starlight Glimmer in a hot air balloon?” Zipp Storm asked.

But before Sunset could respond, she heard the sound of Spike calling out to her name.  Sunset Shimmer immediately turned to Spike, who came to a stop and began to catch his breath.

“Spike,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “What happened?”

“Starlight Glimmer….got into a  balloon….and took off…,” Spike said.  “Wanda…went after her.”

“This is worse than I could imagine,” Sunset Shimmer said before she turned to Rainbow Dash.  “Follow me so we can get Starlight and Wanda to safety.  They’re in immediate danger.”

“AYE AYE, PRINCESS,” Rainbow Dash saluted.

Rainbow Dash and Sunset Shimmer flew up towards the hot air balloon, leaving Zipp Storm, Pipp Petals and Spike behind.

“Sunset and Rainbow Dash are going to need my help,” Zipp Storm said as she flapped her wings.  “So I’m going up there.”

“Sister, no,” Pipp Petals said as Zipp Storm took off after Sunset Shimmer and Rainbow Dash.

“I hope things don’t get any worse,” Spike said.

As Rainbow Dash and Sunset Shimmer were up in the clouds, they immediately flew towards the hot air balloon, noticing Wanda struggling to reach out to Starlight Glimmer.  Following from behind the winged duo was Zipp Storm, standing ready.

“Zipp,” Sunset said.  “Thanks for pitching in.”

“This is your sister and Starlight that we’re talking about,” Zipp Storm said. “Of course I’ll do what it takes to get them to safety.”

“Then let’s waste no time,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Time to bring them home.”

Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer and Zipp Storm flew towards Wanda Young as the human girl was able to get her right hand onto Starlight Glimmer’s hoof and her left hand on the edge of the basket..

“Wanda,” Sunset said.  “We’re here.”

“Sister, I need your help,” Wanda shouted.  “We have to get this balloon down, this instant.”

“Is there any rope in there?” Zipp Storm asked.

Starlight Glimmer looked down at the bottom of the basket.  There were three coils of rope sitting next to the twin-tailed pony.  

“Yeah,” Starlight said as she reached down and grabbed the first rope.  “But there’s only three pairs.”

“I have an idea,” Zipp Storm said, noticing the wire that connected the balloon to the basket.  “Hand me the rope.”

Starlight Glimmer held the first piece of rope out for Zipp Storm, who grabbed it and flew up, tying one end into a knot attached to the wire.  Immediately, Starlight pulled out the other two pairs of rope and handed them to Rainbow Dash and Sunset Shimmer.

“Good idea, Zipp,” Rainbow Dash said as she took her rope from Starlight Glimmer and flew up.  “It’s gonna take our wing strength to get this balloon down.”

Rainbow Dash immediately tied her rope to the hot air balloon wire until it was tight.  Sunset Shimmer flew up from below and tied her rope to another wire that was connected to the balloon.  Once the three ropes were tight enough, Rainbow Dash, Zipp Storm and Sunset Shimmer directed their attention to Wanda.

“Wanda, jump into the basket and hang on,” Sunset said.  “We’re going to pull the basket down and get you two to safety.”

Wanda nodded to Sunset Shimmer before Starlight Glimmer pulled the girl into the basket.  Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash and Zipp Storm pulled the hot air balloon with all their might, flapping their wings as hard as possible and dragging the aircraft back towards New Ponyville.

“If I do get down from here,” Starlight said, “I promise never to fly on a hot air balloon again.”

“Starlight, you’re not in trouble,” Sunset said as she pulled hard.  “We just want to know what happened with the tree.”

But those words caused Starlight to turn her head away in shame, catching Wanda’s attention.

“Starlight,”  Wanda said.  “Do you remember what happened that caused the tree to fall?”

“Well,” Starlight said.  “I looked at the tree when my nose became itchy and…”

Suddenly, Starlight Glimmer’s nose began to twitch.  She inhaled loudly, much to Wanda’s horror.

“Sister, Rainbow Dash, Zipp,” Wanda yelled.  “GET OUT OF HERE NOW!”

“Not until we get you down,” Rainbow Dash shouted as she pulled the basket.

“You don’t understand,” Wanda said.  “Starlight Glimmer has a powerful sneeze that’s powered by magic.  And you’re all in danger.”

“Oh no,” Sunset Shimmer said as she released her grip on the rope.  “This isn’t good.  Rainbow, Zipp, fall back.  She’s gonna sneeze.”

Rainbow Dash and Zipp Storm quickly released their grip on the rope before they followed Sunset Shimmer away from the basket, just as Starlight’s breathing reached its maximum peak.  Wanda immediately dove behind Starlight Glimmer and covered her face.

“What’s bad about Starlight’s sneeze?” Zipp Storm asked.

“You’re about to find out,” Rainbow Dash said.

Starlight Glimmer sneezed loudly and powerfully that echoed through all of New Ponyville.  The force of the sneeze knocked Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash and Zipp Storm into each other, sending them free falling towards New Ponyville.  The recoil from her sneeze sent the Hot Air Balloon flying northbound at a rapid pace away from the city limits.  

As Wanda Young got up, she saw Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash and Zipp Storm fall out of control towards the town.

“SISTER, RAINBOW, ZIPP!”  Wanda screamed.  “COME BAAAAAAAAACK!”

But Wanda and Starlight could stare helplessly as the balloon drifted away from New Ponyville.

Back at the city limits, Spike and Pipp watched helplessly as Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash and Zipp Storm fell towards the northern part of the city.  Ponies from around the city gathered around the duo, gasping in horror at the fate of the three ponies that were falling.

“Is that Sunset Shimmer?” Rarity said as she, Pinkie Pie, and Abigail made their way to the town square.  “Why is she free falling?”

“Rainbow Dash,” Pinkie Pie yelled.  “Something happened to her.”

“Sister, no,” Pipp Petals said, keeping her eye on Zipp Storm.  “She failed.”

“They’re going to crash,” Spike said.  “Is there anything we can do about it?”

“You can’t,” Pipp Petals said.  “But I can.”

Pipp Petals pulled out her headset and placed it on her head.  She touched the earpiece of the headset as if she were inputting in a frequency.

“Zephyr Ship,” Pipp commanded.  “This is Princess Pipp Petals.  Deploy a Zephyr Pod and have it use the tracking beam to pull them to safety.”

Near the castle, the Zephyr Airship deployed a small pod-like vessel with two wings and a fin from a side docking bay into the sky.  The pod flew towards the falling ponies at a fast speed as Pipp watched from below.

“I didn’t know your ship had something like that,” Spike said.

“Those Zephyr Pods are solo-pony aircraft,” Pipp Petals said.  “But they can be controlled remotely to rescue free-falling pegasi or alicorns.  Watch.”

As the Zephyr Pod flew up to Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash and Zipp Storm, it fired a green energy beam that caught the three free-falling ponies.  Everyone stood there and watched as the pod opened a hatch from below and pulled the three ponies inside with the energy beam.

Pipp Petals placed her hoof on the earpiece of the headset and said “The trio have been secured.  Bring them near my position.”

As soon as the hatch closed, the Zephyr Pod flew down towards the Town Square, causing many of the ponies to back off and clear the way.  Once the Zephyr Pod was a few feet above the ground, its thin, yet sturdy, landing gear retracted from below, allowing the pod to safely dock on the ground.

Pipp Petals and Spike ran up to the side door of the pod before it opened up.  Inside, Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash and Zipp Storm slowly got up with the alicorn princess shaking her head from confusion.  Sunset was the first to look up at Pipp Petals.

“Pipp,” Sunset said.  “What happened?”

“I had to dispatch a Zephyr Pod to get you three out of harm's way,” Pipp Petals said.  “I’m glad we got you three in time.”

“You gotta hand it to my sister,” Zipp said.  “She may be a diva.  But she’s also very resourceful.”

As Sunset Shimmer directed her head north, she watched as the hot air balloon disappeared into the night sky, her heart racing with horror.  Sunset flapped her wings and began to take off.

“Wanda and Starlight,” Sunset shouted.  “They’re still in there.  I’ve got to get them back.”

Suddenly, Pipp Petals leaped into the air before landing in front of Sunset Shimmer, causing the alicorn to skid to a stop.

“Sunset,” Pipp said.  “What are you thinking?  The winds are too treacherous for a solo flight.”

“But my sister and Starlight are floating away,” Sunset Shimmer.

“And I have a better idea,” Pipp Petals said.  “We’re going to rescue them in the Zephyr Ship.”

“Wait,” Sunset said.  “We’re going to board the Zephyr Ship and rescue Wanda and Starlight?”

“It’s not only the fastest way possible,” Pipp Petals said.  “It’s also the safest way possible, even compared to hot air balloons.”

Pipp Petals turned towards the direction of the castle where the Zephyr Ship was parked nearby.  Every pony, along with Spike and Abigail, gathered around Sunset Shimmer and Pipp Petals, looking at the ship. 

“Fillies and gentlecolts,” Pipp Petals announced.  “Starlight Glimmer and Princess Wanda Young are floating out of control on a hot air balloon due north.  We need as many hooves as possible to get them back.  Who's will join us on board the Zephyr Ship?”

Immediately, nearly everyone on New Ponyville cheered loudly after hearing Pipp's speech, thrusting their hooves into the air.

“That's the spirit,” Pipp Petals shouted.  “Now let's go out there and bring them home.”

Every pony in New Ponyville made their way towards the castle, marching in two straight lines.  As Pipp Petals saluted the ponies, Rainbow Dash, Zipp Storm, Spike, Abigail and Minty all approached the diva princess and Sunset Shimmer.

“You have a way with words, Pipp,” Sunset Shimmer said.

“Well that's my sis,” Zipp Storm said.  “She knows how to put on an audience when it matters the most.”

“I just hope we can get to Wanda and Starlight before it's too late,” Minty said, carrying the sack of socks.

“We will, Minty,” Spike said.  “We will.”

 But as the ponies of New Ponyville made their way towards the castle, Danged Spell and Sunburst marched behind the crowd of ponies.  Danged Spell carried Sprout Cloverleaf above him with his magic, all while the earth pony stallion struggled to break free.

“LET ME GO YOU DIMWITTED BABOON!”  Sprout shouted.  “NOBODY MAKES A MONKEY OUT OF SPROUT CLOVERLEAF!”

“Hold your horses, moron,” Danged Spell said.  “We’re about to go for a ride.”
 
Sprout Cloverleaf looked up and laid his eyes on the Zephyr Ship.  He stuttered and mumbled loudly in shock before he passed out.  Sunburst looked up at the unconscious Sprout before laughing

“I think he's speech,” Sunburst laughed.

“Hey,” Danged Spell scoffed.  “I do the puns around here.”

But as the ponies of New Ponyville made their way to the Zephyr Ship, on the outskirts of the village due north, Wanda Young and Starlight Glimmer drifted helpless away, watching as they see their village shrink down in their sights to a mere light.   Wanda's insect wings disappeared in a flash of light before she tapped her ring, transforming her casual dress into a winter coat.

“What have I done?” Starlight said as she saw New Ponyville from a far distance.

“Starlight, it's okay,” Wanda said.   “Sunset will figure out a way to get us back.”

“It's not that,” Starlight said.  “I dragged you into this mess, and I made it worse.  And now you're going to miss that Christmas Party that you were going to throw.  I never should have accepted that job from Minty.”

“Right now, that's the least of my worries,” Wanda said as she hugged Starlight.  “All I care about is your well-being, and I won't rest until you're safe and sound.”


	To Be Continued in Part 4

> The True Meaning of Starlight Part 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The True Meaning of Starlight Part 4



It was night time at the Zephyr Ship, located near the castle within New Ponyville.   Inside, the citizens of New Ponyville were aboard select rooms of the aircraft.  Some of them occupied sleeping quarters for the long ride.  Within the mess hall, Starcatcher and the musical choir put out a peformance to some of the villagers.

But on the bridge of the Zephyr Ship, Pipp Petals wore a captain uniform as she took a seat in the chair.  Spike and Abigail took the controls of the ship while Rarity manned the communications.  Sunset Shimmer and Zipp Storm stood by Pipp Petals at the ready.

“I'm impressed,” Sunset Shimmer said, observing the interior of the bridge.  “The pegasi of Zephyr Heights know how to put together an airship.”

“This is nothing compared to our mother's airship,” Zipp Storm said.  “After all, we Zephyr pegasi aim to the stars and beyond.”

“So,” Sunset said.  “Can this thing go warp speed?”

“I wish,” Pipp said.  “We don't even have the engines developed for it.  But it should be fast enough to catch up to and rescue Princess Wanda and Starlight Glimmer.  Observe.”

Pipp Petals turned towards Spike the Dragon as everyone braced for take off.

“Spike,” Pipp said.  “You have the helm.”

“Shall I activate take-off thrusters and get us skybound?” Spike asked.

“Make it so,” Pipp replied.

“Aye, captain,” Spike said as he tapped his fingers on the console.

With the propulsion units beneath the ship on full blast, the Zephyr Ship lifted up from the helipad and slowly ascended into the air.  Inside the bridge, everyone stood perfectly calm as the ship ascended upwards.

“Wow,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “This is amazing.”

“You ain’t seen nothing yet, Princess Sunset,” Zipp Storm said.  

“Spike,” Pipp Petals commanded.  “Rotate the ship a hundred and fifty degrees to the left.”

“You got it, captain,” Spike said, tapping the console a few more times.

As the ship rotated counter clockwise, Sunset Shimmer turned her attention towards Spike the dragon and Abigail Albright.  Spike kept his focus on the console while Abigail worked the scanner next to Spike.

“Spike,”  Sunset said.  “I didn’t know you could pilot something like this.  How did you figure it out?”

“During my time off from helping you, your sister and Twilight, I checked out the Zephyr Heights airship simulator,” Spike explained.  “And of all the ships I tried out, this was my personal favorite.”

“Sunset,” Zipp said.  “You didn’t know that something like this existed?”

“Not exactly,” Sunset Shimmer responded.  “This is news to me.”

“The airship simulator is one of the most popular applications,” Zipp explained.  “Everyone across planet Earth found it fascinating to pilot one of these bad boys.”

“I’ll have to get a copy for Twilight Sparkle for Christmas once she gets back from Cybertron,” Sunset Shimmer said.

As the airship came to a stop, Abigail Albright looked down at the scanner and noticed a blip at the top part.

“I got a reading,” Abigail said.  “That must be them due out in front of it.”

Spike turned to Pipp Petals and asked “What should we do, Captain?”

“Engage,” Pipp Petals commanded.

Spike placed his hand on a slider on the console and pushed it forward.  In an instant, the ship took off, jetting northbound away from New Ponyville.

Back inside the bridge of the ship, Spike kept his eyes on the viewing window as everyone else sat down, unaffected by the pull of the ship.  The lone exception was Sunset Shimmer, who was leaping in the air with excitement.

“I CAN’T BELIEVE WE’RE FLYING ON BOARD THE ZEPHYR SHIP!”  Sunset Shimmer cheered.  “THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST MOMENTS OF MY LIFE!”

But when Sunset Shimmer looked down while she was in the air, she saw Zipp Storm and Pipp Petals giggling to themselves.  Sunset slowly flew down to the ground and blush embarrassingly.

“Oops,” Sunset said.  “I overdid it.”

“Like the ride?”  Zipp Storm asked.

“Oh do I ever,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I heard about the legend of these ships from Zephyr Heights.  But I have never rode in one until now.”

“As my sister said, we aim to soar to the stars one day,” Pipp Petals said.  “It’s been the wish of the pegasi of Zephyr Heights since we completed our first airships two centuries ago.  I often sing to my followers about what the galaxy surrounding our planet is like.”

“Sounds like a wonderful dream to soar to,” Sunset Shimmer.

Pipp Petals giggled for a bit before she heard the sound of a stallion arguing loudly, followed by a door opening.  She turned to her right to see an upset Sprout Cloverleaf tumble through the doorway and into the bridge.

“Sprout?” Sunset said.

As Sprout Cloverleaf got up, he marched towards Sunset Shimmer, breathing heavily and with his teeth bare.

“What was that all about?” Sprout yelled. “I was humiliated, dragged and I lost my own towel thanks to this blasted town.”

“Sprout?” Sunset said, walking over to Sprout.  “Are you alright?”

“No I’m not,” Sprout yelled.  “And I blame this all on Starlight Glimmer.  She had the nerve to topple down that tree.  Where is she?”

But Sunset looked out the viewing window with a somber look on her face.

“She…,” Sunset said, struggling to regain her composure.  “She ran away from New Ponyville.”

Those words calmed down Sprout Cloverleaf.  But his face was full of sorrow.  His ears flopped down depressingly and his eyes began to fill with tears.

“She ran away?” Sprout said.

“Yeah,” Sunset said.  “She felt guilty about what she did.  So she ran away.  And now she and Wanda are out there.”

Sprout Cloverleaf turned away from Sunset Shimmer before he walked towards the doorway.  He paused for a moment before turning his head towards Sunset.

“All I wanted was to publicly shame Starlight Glimmer for what she did,” Sprout said.  “And not just for ruining Christmas.”

“Let me guess,” Sunset said.  “She caught you taking a shower.”

“You guessed it,” Sprout said.  “But leaving her out in the cold?  I wouldn’t want to wish that on her.”

Sunset placed her hoof around Sprout’s back and said “We’re going to get her back.  I promise you this.  You don’t need to worry.”

“Thanks,” Spout said.  “But now….I feel a bit guilty for her being out in the cold.”

“It’s alright,” Sunset said.  “We all make mistakes, Sprout.”

Pipp Petals got out of her captain’s chair.  She walked to Sunset Shimmer and Sprout Cloverleaf, the latter who turned his attention to the Zephyr Heights Princess.

“Tell you what, Sprout,”  Pipp Petals said.  “Head over to my private quarters.  I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“A surprise?”  Sprout asked as Pipp made her way back to her chair.

“Watch and see,” Pipp said as she sat down on the captain’s chair.

Immediately, Pipp Petals tapped her hoof on the touchscreen at the end of the right arm rest before a microphone popped out from behind the headrest of the chair, and extended to near her mouth.

“Attention, crew of the Zephyr Ship,” Pipp Petals said.  “For the entire journey of this trip, I have granted Sprout Cloverleaf permission to use the shower of my private quarters.  Repeat.  I have granted Sprout Cloverleaf permission to use the shower of my private quarters.  That is all.”

As the mic slid back into the headrest of the chair, Sprout turned to Pipp Petals with an embarrassed look on his face.

“Aww,” Sprout said.  “You didn’t have to do this for me.”

“Consider this a make up for what happened early ago,” Pipp Petals said.  “Now go.  I believe you deserve a little R & R.”

Sprout nodded to Pipp before he said “Thank you.”  He turned towards the doorway before it opened up.  As Sprout made his way out of the bridge, Pipp nodded to Rarity before the white unicorn got up from her communication seating and walked towards the stubborn stallion.

“Mr Cloverleaf,” Rarity said.  “I’ll be escorting you to the Princess’s private quarters.”

“Me?” Sprout said.  

“Oh sure, I’ll be away from my assigned duties,” Rarity said.  “But don’t you worry.  I’ll be back to assist the captain.”

With a flick of her mane, Rarity led Sprout down the hallway as the door closed behind him.  Back inside the bridge, Abigail looked worried as the blip on the radar began to fade.

“Everyone,” Abigail said.  “I think we’re starting to lose them.”

“The radar is powerful,” Zipp said.  “But it’s not strong enough to get them back on track.  We’ll need more horsepower than that.”

“Point taken,” Pipp Petals said.  “Now would be the time to dispatch the Zephyr Pods.”

“Good idea,” Zipp said as she made her way towards the bridge door.  

“Sister,” Pipp said, noticing Zipp’s sudden departure.  “You’re nothing thinking about boarding one of those?”

“It sounds like a good idea,” Sunset Shimmer said as she ran up to Zipp Storm.

“Sister,” Zipp said to Pipp.  “Call upon any pony who’s willing to pilot the Zephy Pods.  We’ll use the built-in scanners to boost the range and get them out.”

“Very well,” Pipp sighed as she slumped back in her chair.  “I’ll do it.”

Pipp tapped the mini-console on her chair’s armrest once more, deploying the microphone out of the headrest and next to her mouth.

“This is Captain Pipp Petals reporting in,” Pipp announced.   “We will be deploying the Zephyr Pods in a few moments.  Anyone who wishes to volunteer to pilot these vehicles, report to Docking Bay 3.  Repeat.  Any pony who wishes to pilot the Zephyr Pods, report to Docking Bay 3.  That is all.”

As her mic once again retracted back into her headrest, Pipp Petals turned her attention back to Zipp Storm and Sunset Shimmer.

“I owe you one, sis,” Zipp Storm said with a wink.

“Just be safe, okay?” Pipp Petals responded.

“We will,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We will.”

As soon as the door leading out opened up, Zipp Storm and Sunset Shimmer ran out, leaving Pipp Petals with Spike and Abigail in the helm and scanner seats in front of her.

“Don’t you worry,”  Spike said.  “You have great friends who know what they’re doing.  Besides, I’m not the only one who checked out the simulator.”

“I hope you’re right, Spike.”  Pipp said.  “I hope you’re right.”

Meanwhile, in the halls of the Zephyr Ship, Rarity escorted Sprout Cloverleaf down the hallway before approaching a regal doorway with musical notes on it.

“So this must be Princess Pipp Petals’ own private room,” Sprout said.  “I can’t believe she’s letting me use it.”

“Oh you ain’t seen nothing yet, darling,” Rarity said as she held her hoof up.

Rarity pressed the mini-console that was on the right side of the doorway.  The door opened up, revealing a gorgeous bedroom.  The bed looked soft and fluffy with a purple blanket on top with a number of pillows on the far end.  The walls and floor were decorated with music-themed furniture.  At the far end of the room was a door that opened up, revealing a lavish bathroom.

“Wow,” Sprout said.  “It’s beautiful.”

“And it’s yours for the duration of our trip,”  Rarity.  “Enjoy.”

But before Sprout could step in, he heard “Sprout.  Is that you?”  Sprout turned around to see Danged Spell stand before him.

“Spell,” Sprout said, nervously.  “I didn’t know you were going down this way.”

“Actually,” Danged Spell said. “I came by on my way to Docking Bay three to apologize.”

“Say what?” Sprout said, confused.

Danged Spell approached Sprout with his hoof held out and a somber look on his face.

“I was rude to you early, because we were concerned for Starlight Glimmer’s well-being,” Danged Spell said.  “And we dragged you into this mess.”

“It’s okay,” Sprout said.  “I was upset at Starlight early ago because she caught me taking a shower.”

“Yeah, it happens,” Danged Spell said.  “Moondancer once caught me taking a bath one day.  I was a little upset.  But she apologized afterwards for that incident.”

“Guess I was too harsh on Starlight,” Sprout said.  “Sure she tipped over the tree.  But I feel like if she didn’t hear my harsh tone, none of these would have happened.”

“We all make mistakes, Sprout,” Danged Spell said, walking up to the red stallion. “But learning from those mistakes is how we get past them.  Something we all keep in mind.”

Danged Spell held out his hoof to Sprout Cloverleaf, who also held his hoof as well.  The two hoof bumped each other before nodding in respect.

“You take it easy, you hear?” Danged Spell nodded.

As Danged Spell turned away from Sprout and walked down the hallway with a smile on his face, Sprout turned towards Pipp’s room before stepping in, with Rarity following from behind.

“You should be proud to have a friend like Danged Spell,” Rarity said.  “He may be naive and a bit of a clown.  But he has a heart of gold when it comes to the well-being of other ponies.”

“After the kindness he showed me, I believe it,” Sprout said as he made his way towards the bathroom.  “And I will keep that in mind.”

Rarity nodded to Sprout before she turned tail and walked towards the exit from Pipp’s bedroom, just as Sprout made his way to the shower.

Meanwhile, Danged Spell made his way through the doorway and entered into Docking Bay 3.  But in an instant, two mares ran up to him, calling out his name.

“Moondancer, Golden Lace,” Danged Spell said as Golden Lace ran up to the stallion and playfully rubbed Spell on the head.  “I didn’t know you two wanted to fly the Zephyr Pods.”

“You got that right, Spell,” Golden Lace said.  “And you can thank that ship simulator for the inspiration.”

“Same here,” Danged Spell said.

“Well that makes the three of us,” Moondancer said.  “And I have the feeling that Rainbow Dash is going to join us.”

“Well not the only one,” Danged Spell said as he came to a stop.

Walking in front of the group was Rainbow Dash, Zipp Storm and Sunset Shimmer, each of them wearing a thermal suit that covered their body, arms and legs.  

“So,” Zipp Storm said.  “You three have volunteered to pilot the Zephyr Pods?”

“We are, your majesties,” Danged Spell said.  “Anything to rescue Princess Wanda Young and Starlight Glimmer.”

Rainbow Dash immediately trotted up to Danged Spell with a serious look on her face.  Moondancer and Golden Lace lined up next to the stallion, looking nervous, and yet ready.

“This isn’t going to be an easy picnic, recruits,” Rainbow Dash said in a harsh tone to the three ponies.  “What you’re going up against is a harsh storm that has the princess and a pony trapped within.”

Rainbow Dash turned her attention to Moondancer, who slightly sweated from her forehead.

“And you don’t want to fail to get them back, right?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“N…no ma’am,” Moondancer said.

“Good,”  Rainbow Dash said before she turned to Golden Lace.  “You.  You know that the life of New Ponyville will not be enough to get through this night?”

“Affirmative, ma’am,” Golden Lace said, her eyes barely twitching.

Rainbow Dash turned towards Danged Spell, who stood tall and proud.

“And you,” Rainbow Dash said.  “You think you got what it takes to pilot these pods and rescue our missing duo?”

“YES, MA’AM,”  Danged Spell shouted with a strong tone.

“I like your tone, cadet,” Rainbow Dash said.

As Rainbow Dash stepped away from the trio, Sunset Shimmer approached them before pointing her hooves towards the rack full of thermal suits.

“You three will be wearing these specialized suits like the rest of us,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “They will protect you from the cold of winter, should you need to eject from your pod.  Additionally, the pods are equipped with tractor beams to rescue anyone in need.  Any questions?”

“No, Ma’am,” Moondancer, Golden Lace and Danged Spell shouted.

“Good,” Sunset said as Zipp Storm walked up to the trio.

“As soon as you suit up, get to your assigned pods,” Zipp Storm said.  “On my command, we will take off from this docking bay and into the skies around the ship.  Any objections, ladies?”

Danged Spell, Golden Lace and Moondancer stuck their hooves out towards Zipp Storm, before pointing them down to the ground.

“No ma’am,” All three ponies said.

“Very well,” Zipp Storm said.  “Suit up on the double, and head to your assigned pods.”

Danged Spell, Golden Lace and Moondancer marched up to the suit rack and pulled out one thermal suit each.  They each put on the suit from the bottom all the way up to their necks before they each zipped it up.  Then they marched towards the Zephyr pods where other ponies began to board.

Moments later, Zipp Storm, Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Minty, Thistle Whistle and Starcatcher were all boarded within their assigned Zephyr Pods, each wearing a thermal suit.  The hatches have been shut tight and the computer systems have gone online.  Each of the pods pointed towards the docking bay door that had opened up into the open skies around the ship.

“This is Zephyr Leader, reporting,” Zipp Storm said on the intercom.  “All units, report.”

“This is Zephyr one, standing by,” Sunset Shimmer siad.

“Zephyr two, standing by,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Zephyr three, standing by,” Sunburst said.

“Zephyr four, standing by,” Moondancer said.

“Zephyr five, standing by,” Danged Spell said.

“Zephyr six, standing by,” Golden Lace said.

“Zephyr seven, standing by,” Minty said.

“Zephyr eight, standing by,” Thistle Whistle said.

“Zephyr nine, standing by,” Starcatcher said.

“Starcatcher,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I’m surprised you signed up for this team.”

“I know I should be helping out with the choir,”  Starcatcher said.  “But this is Princess Wanda’s dream, and I want her to see it realized on Christmas.”

“Don’t worry,” Zipp Storm said.  “My sister will fill in for you if necessary.”

“I’m eager to locate our missing duo and get us back to New Ponyville,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Acknowledged,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Captain Zipp.  Now would be the time to take off.”

“You got it,” Zipp Storm said.  “All units, prepare for take off.”

With a couple of taps on her pod’s console, Zipp Storm’s Zephyr pod lifted a few feet into the air.  The others tapped their console’s screen, following suit.  Even Minty, who tapped the screen on her console, was able to lift her pod off the ground.

“Wow,” Minty said.  “This vehicle is incredible.”

“Far more than the hot air balloons that we’re used to, Minty,” Rainbow Dash said.  

“Okay, every pony,” Zipp Storm announced.  “Let’s get out there and bring them home.”

The engines on the pods hummed loudly as every pony braced for take-off.  With a thrust on her flight stick, Zipp Storm’s pod jetted forward before taking off from the docking bay into the night sky.  The remaining nine pods followed suit, taking off after Zipp’s pod.

“WOO HOO!” Danged Spell yelled.  “I NEVER KNEW THESE BAD BOYS WERE THIS AWESOME!”

“NOW THIS….IS FLYING,” Thistle Whistle cheered.

Once all ten pods were airborne, they flew away from the Zephyr Ship and grouped up in the form of a v-shape.

“How do you like it, so far?” Zipp Storm asked.

“Far better than I could picture it, Zipp,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Even the Wonderbolt cadets would be floored by these babies.”

“Don’t get too cocky, Rainbow,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We’re here to locate Wanda and Starlight and bring them home.”

“I know,” Rainbow Dash said.  “But it would be awesome if we could use these in a future Wonderbolt performance.”

“I may consider asking the gang back in Zephyr Heights to construct a set for the Wonderbolts,” Zipp Storm said.  “Just to really showcase these bad boys in action.”

“Aww yeah,” Rainbow Dash cheered.  “Best gift ever.”

“But right now, we should focus,” Zipp Storm said.  “I want everyone to turn on their scanners and boost the range needed to locate those two.”

“Roger that,” Sunburst said.  “Prepping the scanners and boosting the range.”

Sunburst tapped the touch screen on his pod’s console.  Immediately, a radar popped up on his screen, showcasing a blip that’s due northeast.

“Guys,” Sunburst said.  “They’re back on the radar.”

“Great work,” Zipp Storm said as she tapped on her pod’s touch screen.  “All units.  Relay your radar data to the Zephyr Ship.”

“Aye aye, Captain,” Danged Spell said as he tapped his pod’s touch screen.

Back on the bridge of the Zephyr Ship, Abigail looked down at the console’s radar as a small dot formed on the north east part.

“Captain,” Abigail shouted.  “The pod’s radar has detected the two.”

“That’s my sister and her crew,” Pipp Petals said.  “Turn the ship by sixty degrees to the right and head for that location.”

“Aye, captain,” Spike said, tapping the touch screen of his console.

Immediately, Pinkie Pie stepped into the bridge before walking up to Pipp Petals, pushing a cart full of baked goods.

“Captain,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I have the cupcakes you ordered for the crew.”

“Great,” Pipp Petals said.  “That being said, could you remain on the bridge for the moment?”

“Remain on the bridge?” Pinkie Pie said before she looked left and right.  “No offense.  But I’m no Zipp Storm and I’m no Sunset Shimmer.

“I know,” Pipp Petals said.  “Sure I can hear them on the intercoms.  But right now, Spike, Abigail, myself, and the rest of the crew could use your comfort.”

“And she’s right, darling,” Rarity said as she entered the bridge from behind Pinkie Pie.  “Believe it or not, Pipp does have one big fear on her mind.”

“It’s being alone, right?” Pinkie asked.

Pinkie Pie turned back towards Pipp Petals, who nodded back to Rarity.  The white unicorn cleared her throat, catching Pinkie’s attention.

That’s correct,” Rarity responded.  “Believe it or not, Pipp and Zipp barely see each other due to their contracting responsibilities.  Zipp has been the drill sergeant of the Zephyr Heights Air Academy in recent years while her sister Pipp has been commanding this ship in her absence.  Both ponies graduated from the academy at the top of their class, putting their status as princesses to the side since they attended.”

“How do you know all of this, Rarity?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I did a little studying on the subject during my previous visit to Zephyr Heights,” Rarity said.  “Hoo boy.  That is a tale for another time.  But it’s true.  Pipp does miss her sister from time to time.  She even uses music as a way to help stave off those blues.”

Pinkie Pie looked worried.  She walked up to the viewing window of the bridge with a quiet sigh.

“To be alone from your sister due to all your duties,” Pinkie Pie said.  “It does, in a way, remind me of my own family.”

“Pinkie,” Pipp said, noticing Pinkie’s depressed posteur.  “I take it you have family that you haven’t seen in awhile.”

“A whole lot,” Pinkie Pie said, turning to Pipp Petals.  “My mom and dad, my three sisters and even my brother Octavio Pie.  They’re located near the original Ponyville back in the Canterlot region.  Back home, they often celebrate Hearth’s Warming Eve with each other, along with many other ponies there.  Sometimes, I wish I could see them again to see how similar our traditional pony holiday is to Christmas.”

“I bet they also miss you as well,” Pipp Petals said as she got out of her chair and walked up to Pinkie Pie.  “Sometimes, I do reflect on how my mother is celebrating Wishentine up in Zephyr Heights without me or my sister.   Sometimes, life can be hard.”

“Tell me about it,” Pinkie Pie giggled as Pipp rubbed the pink earth pony on the head.

“Though I think I know why the New Ponyville region was started up in the first place by Megan Williams,” Pipp said.

“Why’s that, Pipp?” Pinkie asked.

“So ponies can learn more about the humans across this very world,” Pipp Petals said.  “In a way, we have our differences.  But we also have our similarities, like we always have holidays to celebrate warmth, cheer and a time of peace.  And I’ve studied tons of holidays across the world like Rohatsu, Eid al-Fitr, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Diwali, Las Posadas, the Oshogatsu Festival, and yes, Christmas.”

“The way that sounds, humans have their bad sides,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But they also have their good sides.  And that’s the side I want to see more of.”

“Just like we ponies do,” Pipp Petals said.  “Guess there is truly more to us and to our bipedal neighbors than meets the eye.”

“Oh Pipp,”  Pinkie giggled.  “You say the silliest things.”

But as Pinkie Pie and Pipp Petals laughed as they gazed out the window, Rarity walked up to the communications station on the bridge and sat down before placing her headset on her head.

“Zipp, Sunset, Wanda, Starlight,” Rarity said to herself.  “Come back safely.”



	To Be Continued in Part 5

> The True Meaning of Starlight Part 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The True Meaning of Starlight Part 5



As the hot air balloon drifted northbound, Wanda Young sighed as she slumped down in the basket, looking upwards at the flame that keeps the balloon afloat.  Starlight Glimmer kept her focus on the north with a depressed look on her face.

“Sunset,” Wanda said as she reached out at the flame with her hand.  “Please tell me that you’re alright.  I wish you, along with Rainbow Dash and Zipp Storm, were here to get us back to New Ponyville.  Why does it feel like life has to be cruel and unfair to all of us?”

Wanda slowly got up on her two legs before she looked at Starlight, who continued to daze off into the night sky.  Though she looked hesitant, Wanda pulled down on her winter dress and cleared her throat.”

“Starlight,” Wanda said.  “I…need to talk to you.”

“Whatever,” Starlight said, barely ignoring Wanda.  “At least I’m already exiled from New Ponyville.”

“No you’re not,” Wanda said.  “We would never resort to banishing any pony from New Ponyville, no matter what.”

“Then what is it?” Starlight asked as she slowly turned herself towards Princess Wanda.

“It’s about what happened early ago,” Wanda said.  “I already know what happened that caused you to tip that tree over.”

“It wasn’t my fault,” Starlight said as she started to become a bit agitated.  “I didn’t even mean to do so.”

“That’s not why I’m disappointed in you, Starlight,” Wanda said in a harsh tone.  “It’s because you chose to run away.”

Starlight paused for a moment before she said “Well so what?  I’ve already angered all of New Ponyville for what I did.  Maybe I don’t deserve to live there.  I’d rather be someplace else like Canterlot, New York, Metroplex, Zephyr Heights, Tokyo, London, Vancouver, Mount Aris, or even Angel Grove.  Any place but there.”

“By running away from your problems?” Wanda responded.  “Starlight.  You should have known better than to do that.  Not only did you make a bad situation worse, you put your own life in danger.”

“Well,” Starlight said as her eyes began to water.  “Maybe I wish I was never given that stupid assignment of delivering socks.  Maybe I wish I never came to New Ponyville with Sunburst.  Maybe…”

“Starlight, please,” Wanda shouted, causing Starlight to pause.  

As Starlight slowly sat down,  Wanda composed herself and took a deep breath.

“Starlight,” Wanda said.  “While I am disappointed in you leaving New Ponyville after that mistake, I’m not fully angry at you.”

“Compared to what Sprout said to me?” Starlight cried.  “Maybe he’s right.  Maybe I do hate Christmas and all of it.”

“Starlight,” Wanda said, putting her hands on Starlight’s arms.  “He should have known better than to say those words.  But at the same time, you can’t dwell on the past, nor make any excuses.  It’s time for bygones to be bygones.”

“But,” Starlight said before Wanda placed her finger on Starlight’s lips.

“It’s going to be okay,” Wanda said.  “Trust me.  I wanted to make you happy this Christmas like how Minty wanted to make everyone happy with her legendary sock making skills.  And yes, I know Rarity got her a sock maker just to help her out.”

Starlight looked up at Wanda, who’s frown flipped into a smile.  But all Starlight could do was cry into Wanda’s chest.

“I’m sorry, Wanda,” Starlight cried.  “I didn’t know I caused more harm by running away.”

“It’s okay,” Wanda said, stroking Starlight’s head as she sat down.  “Besides, I’ve actually done this myself.”

“You did,” Starlight cried as she looked up at Wanda.

“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “Back before I heard of Christmas, my adopted mother Princess Celestia used to throw these festive Hearth’s Warming Eve celebrations in Canterlot.  And like you, I…”

“Tipped over the tree?” Starlight asked.

“Worse,” Wanda said.  “I somehow tripped over one of the decorations and pulled them all down within the castle, causing a massive catastrophe and scaring nearly every pony.  When I saw what I did, I ran down the halls, covering my face in shame.  I just wanted to hide away for what I did and never show my face again.”

“So did you really do that for real?” Starlight asked.

“No,” Wanda said.  “Sunset Shimmer quickly took notice of the damage done and told Princess Celestia what I did.  She was a bit upset.  But when I told her what really happened, she realized that someone didn’t set the decorations up properly and I could have been hurt, or worse.  In the end, while I did apologize for the accident, I wound up getting a bigger apology for some pony’s sloppy setup.”

“I guess you handled it far better than I did,” Starlight said.  “Some friend I turned out to be.”

“Not really,” Wanda said.  “Despite that, I can still get a worrisome amount of fear in my head when I prepare for a project for all of New Ponyville.  Sometimes, I still wonder if I put in enough effort into my projects or if it all blows up in my face.  Even despite making amends, I still worry about failing the ponies of New Ponyville.”

“So you’re afraid like I am?” Starlight said.

“I am,” Wanda said.  “But I often put on a brave face and go forward.  I’m reminded why I rule alongside my sister in the province of New Ponyville.  It’s because I want to see the ponies enjoy their new life and one day, open the land to the other humans.”

“So I imagine that we’ll see these humans who look just like you, use magic just like you and even fly just like you?” Starlight asked, causing Wanda to giggle.

“You know what’s funny?” Wanda laughed.  “I did see humans before.  But they didn’t use magic, nor did they fly like me.  It’s rather fascinating.”

But as Wanda laughed, her eyes took notice of a light shining on the side of her cheek.  She turned to her right and saw a small light coming up from behind the hot air balloon.

“Wait,” Wanda said.  “I think I know that light.”

“Who is it?” Starlight asked.

“It must be the Zephyr Ship,” Wanda said.  “Pipp and Zipp must have given sister the green light to rescue us.”

Starlight Glimmer leaped into the air and started to cheer loudly as Wanda reached out and waved with her hand.

“OVER HERE!”  Wanda yelled.  “WE’RE STUCK OVER HERE!  CAN YOU COME GET US?”

But Wanda paused for a moment when she heard the sound of Starlight inhaling frantically.  Wanda turned around to see Starlight standing on the floor of the basket, looking like she’s on the verge of sneezing.  But instead of fear in her eyes, something lit up in Wanda’s mind.

“I have an idea,” Wanda said as she turned Starlight around, facing away from the light.  “Sneeze right here.  Maybe we can get this balloon closer to the ship.”

Starlight Glimmer huffed and puffed as loudly as possible.  At the height of her breathing, Starlight let loose a powerful sneeze, propelling the hot air balloon towards the light that was coming towards their aircraft while shaking the basket slightly.

“What happened?” Starlight asked as she wiped her nose.

“That was a powerful sneeze,” Wanda said.  “I sure hope it got us closer to the Zephyr Ship.”

Up ahead, the Zephyr pods made their way towards the Hot Air Balloon with Zipp Storm in the lead.  Rainbow Dash and Sunset Shimmer stood behind Zipp Storm with Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer, Golden Lace, Thistle Whistle, Minty and Starcatcher.

“There she is,” Zipp Storm said.  “The Hot Air Balloon with Wanda and Starlight in it.”

“Thank Celestia,” Minty said.  “I hope we can pull them in and get them to safety.”

“So how the hay are we going to get them out of harm’s way?” Starcatcher asked.

“I can always fly out and pull them from the basket before making my way back to my pod,” Thistle Whistle said.

“That won’t be necessary,” Zipp Storm said.  “Rainbow, would you like to explain?”

“I’m on it,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Each of our pods are equipped with a special tractor beam that can pull anyone in towards a hatch below the pod.   Once they are in range, the hatch will open up and pull him or her inside.”

“That’s great,” Minty said.  “But how do I do so?”

“Follow me,” Zipp Storm said.  “I’ll tell you what to touch on the console’s touch pad.  But first, I need to relay this message to my sister.”

On the bridge of the Zephyr Ship, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Pipp Petals, Spike and Abigail waited patiently as they kept their eyes on the radar where the ten pods inched closer towards the hot air balloon.

“I can’t believe they got to them that fast,” Rarity said.

“What did you expect?” Pipp Petals said.  “This may be a hunk of junk.  But it’s still a top-class ship throughout the world.”

Immediately, Rarity turned towards her communications computer, taking notice of her monitor with Zipp Storm’s image on it.

“Zipp is trying to get through to us,” Rarity said.

“Patch it through the monitor,” Pipp Petals said.

Rarity tapped her console a few times before she directed her eyes to the viewing window.  Instantly, the world outside of the viewing pane disappeared and the image of Zipp Storm appeared in front of everyone.

“Sister,” Pipp Petals said, excited.  “Report.”

“We’re approaching the hot air balloon as I speak,” Zipp Storm said.  “Wanda and Starlight are in there, and we’re going to use the tractor beams to get them out of harm’s way.”

“Make it so, sister,” Pipp Petals said.  “We await their arrival at Docking Bay 3.”

“Will do,” Zipp Storm said.  “Switching the video feed to the front of the pod.”

In an instant, Zipp Storm disappeared from the viewing window as the video switched over to the hot air balloon, where Wanda and Starlight were still in.

“This is it,” Spike said.  “They pull this off and get them out, we’ll be back as one big happy family.”

“That, I can agree on,” Pipp Petals said.  “I’m glad this is going to be over.”

Back at the hot air balloon, Zipp Storm, Sunset Shimmer and Minty’s Zephyr Pods were lined up in the front, inching closer to Wanda and Starlight.  The two balloon passengers waved towards the trio, excited.

“Hey guys,” Wanda cheered.  “Over here.  Get us out.”

“We’re alright,” Starlight yelled.

But inside the pod, Zipp Storm could barely hear the two from inside the pod.  Immediately, she tapped the touch screen of her console.   Before she could lift her hoof off, the voices of Wanda and Starlight were amplified into the cockpit.

“I read you ladies, loud and clear,” Zipp Storm said.  Standby for the tractor beam to pull you two to safety.”

“Right” Wanda said.  “Let us have it.”

Zipp Storm turned towards Minty’s pod and said “Minty. Do you see a green shape on your console?”

Minty looked down and said “Yeah.  Is that the button for the tractor beam?”

“It’s the one you should hit, and do it now,” Zipp responded as she held her hoof in the air.

Immediately, Zipp and Misty each pressed the green shape on their respective pod console.   Two tractor beams fired right at Wanda and Starlight.  They slowly lifted into the air before they were pulled towards the Zephyr Pods.

“Wanda,” Sunset said.  “How are you doing?” 

“I’m doing fine, sis,” Wanda responded.

Inside the bridge of the Zephyr Ship, everyone cheered loudly as they saw Wanda and Starlight inch closer to the pods by the tractor beams.

“They’re coming home,” Spike said as he and Abigail got out of their seats and danced together.

“Wanda’s coming back, Wanda’s coming back,” Abigail cheered.

Pipp Petals sat back down in her captain’s chair, looking up at the viewscreen with a smile on her face.  She inched towards the mic on the chair with a smile on her face.

“Thanks for pitching in on this rescue mission, Zipp,” Pipp said.

“It’s what I was made to do, sis,” Zipp said.  “After all, it was our mother who encouraged us to reach for the stars.”

“And reach them we did,” Pipp laughed.

But as everyone celebrated, Pinkie Pie’s happy tone became muted as she noticed some black clouds forming behind the Hot Air Balloon.

“Hey guys,” Pinkie Pie said, pointing to the clouds.  “By any chance, what is that?”

Pipp Petals paused for the moment.  She looked at the clouds that inched towards the balloon, and her jaw dropped in horror.

“ZIPP!”  Pipp yelled in the microphone.  “GET OUT OF THERE, NOW!  THAT’S A TEMPEST WINTER STORM!”

Back with the pods, Zipp Storm was made aware of the clouds as she pulled Wanda closer to her pod while Minty pulled Starlight to her pod.

“We’re almost there, sister,” Zipp said.  “It’s too dangerous to move our pods while the tractor beams are in use, storm or no storm.”

As Wanda and Starlight moved closer to their respective pods, Wanda looked up at the black clouds that moved closer to the gang.  The hot air balloon began to pull itself away from the pods and towards the storm clouds.

“Oh no,” Wanda said.  “Princess Celestia told us about those clouds.”

Sunset Shimmer looked at the clouds that pulled the hot air balloon away before it disappeared completely.  She gasped in horror as bolts of lightning form from the storm.

“I’m afraid your sister’s right, Zipp,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We need to slowly back off from those clouds before we get zapped by it.”

“Okay,” Zipp said.  “It’s going to be a bumpy ride.  But we’re going to have to risk it.”

Zipp tapped her console a few times at a frantic pace.  Immediately, every pod began to back up as the tractor beams pulled Wanda and Starlight to the bottom of their respective aircraft.

“We almost got you out of there,” Minty said.  “Just hang on.  It will almost be over.”

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning shot out from the clouds.  Before anyone had time to react, it split into three smaller streaks that hit Zipp Storm, Minty and Sunset Shimmer’s pods, shaking all three violently.  All three pilots screamed in horror as their computer systems began to malfunction.

“AHHHH!”  Minty screamed as she struggled to stay seated.

“WHAT HAPPENED?” Golden Lace yelled as her voice echoed through the cockpit of Zipp Storm’s Zephyr pod.  “ZIPP.  RESPOND!”

“I’ve had a major malfunction,” Zipp said.  “My Zephyr Pod’s losing power.”

Down below Zipp and Minty’s pods, the tractor beams stood in place as they began to disappear, much to Wanda and Starlight’s horror.

“Guys,” Wanda shouted.  “We’ve got trouble down here.”

But before anyone could react, another bolt of lightning shot out and split into three smaller bolts once more.   This time, when they hit the three pods once more, a small burst emitted from the tops.  The three Zephyr pods shot up in the air before they began to free fall towards the earth.  Wanda and Starlight quickly went under the hatch of two of the pods before the tractor beam went offline.

“ZIPP, SUNSET, MINTY!”  Rainbow Dash yelled.

Back on the bridge, everyone stood there horrified as Zipp, Minty and Sunset’s pods fell downward.

“SISTER!”  Pipp yelled.  “Eject this instant.  GET OUT OF THERE!”

“I can’t,” Zipp said as the audio and video began to break up.  “Ejection seat….broken.  “I…..I can make…..”

But in an instant, the audio and video feed disappeared from the viewing window.  Pipp Petals directed her mouth to the microphone.

“ALL REMAINING UNITS!”  Pipp Petals yelled.  “GET THEM OUT OF THERE!”

As the three pods fell towards the earth, Sunset’s pod broke open as she pulled herself out of there.  She leaped into the air and flew towards Zipp’s pod, landing right on the front glass.

“Zipp,” Sunset yelled.  “Zipp.  I’m getting you out of there.”

Sunset Shimmer frantically smashed into the glass that separated her from Zipp Storm.  But down below, Wanda held onto the hatch, struggling to keep her grip on it.

“Why did this day have to go horribly wrong?” Wanda cried.  

Suddenly, Wanda heard the sound of glass breaking.  She looked up and saw shards of glass fall down towards the earth.  But she also made out a red and yellow pony tail.

“That’s sister,” Wanda said.  “I’ve got to help her.”

Wanda let go of the hatch as her insect wings formed on her back.  She flew up and landed next to Sunset, who broke as much of the glass as possible while Zipp struggled to get her pod operational.

“Sister,” Wanda said.  “I’m glad to see you.”

“Now’s not the time for a reunion,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Go over to Minty’s ship and rescue her and Starlight.”

“Right,” Wanda nodded.

As Wanda flew away from Zipp’s pod, Sunset reached down to Zipp Storm through where the glass was located.

“Hurry,” Sunset yelled.

Immediately, Zipp Storm reached out and allowed Sunset Shimmer to pull her out in an instant.

“We have to get to Minty’s pod,” Zipp said.  “Starlight and Minty are still in danger.”

 Nearby, Wanda flew over to Minty’s pod, where Starlight struggled to hold onto the hatch below.

“Starlight,” Wanda cried.  “I got you.”

Starlight looked to the side, where she saw Wanda reach out and grab her, holding the twin-tailed mare tight.

“Wanda,” Starlight cried.  “What’s going on?”

“The pods are damaged beyond flight,” Wanda said.  “Let go and I’ll pull you to safety.  Trust me.”

Starlight nodded before she released her grip on the hatch.  Wanda pulled herself away from the bottom of Minty’s pod before she pulled up, where Minty sat there, horrified.

“Minty,” Starlight yelled.  “We’re getting you out of there.”

“Hurry,” Minty cried.

With her horn glowing brightly, Starlight Glimmer covered the glass in an aura of magic.  She flicked her head slightly, causing the glass to shatter completely as Minty covered her face.  When Minty looked up, Starlight reached out with her hoof.  

“Come on,” Starlight yelled.  “We’re getting you out.”

“I can’t,” Minty cried.  “I’m too scared.”

“So am I!”  Wanda and Starlight turned to the right where Zipp and Sunset flew up to the duo.  Behind them, Zipp and Sunset’s pod continued to free fall as Zipp made her way to Minty’s pod.

“Princesses,” Minty said.

“Here,” Zipp said as she reached out to Minty.  “I’ll pull you to safety.”

“But…I’m too afraid,” Minty said, turning her head away.

“Trust me,” Zipp yelled.  “I’ll keep you safe.”

Minty took a deep breath and reached out with her right arm.  Zipp grabbed it and pulled her out of the pod before holding onto the earth pony.

“You’re safe now,” Zipp said.  “We can get you back to the ship.”

As Sunset, Wanda and Zipp held in place with Starlight and Minty held by the latter two flyers, the three pods continued to free fall towards the earth before they hit the snow with a loud crash.

“The hard part’s dealt with,” Zipp Storm said.  “Let’s get you back to the ship and out of harm’s way.”

Wanda let out a sigh of relief as she held Starlight Glimmer close.  Along with Zipp Storm, who held Misty tight, Wanda and Sunset flew towards the remaining seven Zephyr Pods, which immediately flew to their level.

“Hold on,” Rainbow Dash shouted.  “We’re activating the tractor beams this instant.”

But before Rainbow Dash could press anything on her touch screen, Golden Lace looked out and saw the hot air balloon flying in on a tornado.  Lace’s face went pale white.

“EVERYONE!”  Lace shouted.  “BEHIND YOU!”

But before anyone could react, the basket of the hot air balloon bent itself to the right before it scooped up Wanda, Starlight, Zipp and Minty before hitting Sunset Shimmer, knocking her out cold.  Sunset free fell down towards the earth while the basket of the hot air balloon pulled Wanda, Starlight, Zipp and Minty away.

“ZIPP NO!”  Rainbow Dash shouted.

“STARLIGHT!”  Sunburst yelled.

Back on the bridge, Pipp Petals stood there, horrified at seeing her sister get snatched away by an out of control hot air balloon.  She watched as the balloon got pulled in by the tornado before it disappeared once more.   Wanda Young, Starlight Glimmer, Minty and especially Zipp Storm disappeared without a trace.

“Zipp,” Pipp Petals cried.  “No.  Say it ain’t so.”

But as Pipp stood there, motionless, Rarity turned back towards the communications console and tapped the console.

“ALL ZEPHYR PODS!  RETREAT THIS INSTANT!”  Rarity shouted.

Back outside, six of the remaining pods began to pull back from the storm and flew back towards the Zephyr Ship.  But one of the pods instead directed downwards towards the falling Sunset Shimmer.

“Rainbow,” Danged Spell shouted.  “GET BACK HERE!”

“NOT WITHOUT SUNSET SHIMMER!”  Rainbow Dash yelled.

Rainbow Dash’s Zephyr Pod flew downward towards Sunset SHimmer.  She slammed her hoof on the console, causing a tractor beam to shoot out and grab the unconscious mare before pulling her close.  Immediately, Rainbow Dash directed her pod away from the storm before jetting back towards the Zephyr Ship.

“Princess Sunset Shimmer has been secured,” Rainbow Dash said, looking at Sunset Shimmer, who was still suspended by the tractor beam.  “We’re heading back.”

As the tractor beam slowly pulled Sunset Shimmer in, the hatch opened up and Rainbow Dash immediately stuck her head out.  She reached out before Sunset’s hoof barely touched hers.  Then she pulled the alicorn princess inside before shutting the hatch.  Rainbow placed Sunset next to her before the alicorn woke up.  Then the pegasi got back into her seat and gripped the controls.

“Rainbow,” Sunset said as she got up.  “What happened?”

“They’re lost,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Wanda, Starlight, Minty and Zipp.”

“No,” Sunset said as she turned her head away.  “We were so close.”

A few moments later, the remaining seven pods landed in Docking Bay 3 as Pipp Petals raced down.  Rainbow Dash emerged from her pod, carrying the weak Sunset Shimmer on her back.  Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Thistle Whistle and Starcatcher emerged from their own pods, looking defeated and depressed.

“Where’s Zipp?” Pipp yelled.  “Where is she?”

“I’m sorry, captain,” Rainbow Dash said, depressed, as Sunset got back on her four hooves.  “We lost them.”

Pipp Petals couldn’t believe what she heard.  She ran over to a nearby corner and began to cry her eyes out.

“Zipp,” Pipp cried.  “Please come back to me.  I don’t want to spend this Christmas or Wishentimes without you.”

As Pipp cried, Danged Spell, Golden Lace and Moondancer looked at her with a solemn look on their faces.

“We tried so hard,” Moondancer said.  “And in the end, we lost more than we realized.”

“It was one thing to lose Wanda and Starlight,” Golden Lace said.  “But now Zipp Storm and Minty?  This has been the worst holiday ever, and I do mean it.”

But Sunset Shimmer simply walked away from the rest of the group, tears falling from her eyes.  She grimaced for a bit before she slammed her hoof on the floor, catching Danged Spell and Sunburst’s attention.

“It’s not fair,” Sunset cried.  “We were so close and that stupid storm had to take them all away.”

“Sunset,” Sunburst said.  “Can’t we go out and find them?”

“Unfortunately, no,”  Sunset said.  “We’re going to have to stage a retreat.  That storm’s too dangerous for any of us to continue the rescue mission.”

“Retreat?”  Pipp said, overhearing what Sunset said.  “But…our sisters are out there.”

“And I’m afraid we’ve lost them for good,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Issue the retreat.  We don’t want to lose any more ponies.”

Dejected, Pipp Petals walked over to a communications console before tapping the screen.  She placed her mouth to the microphone.

“This…this is Captain Pipp Petals,” Pipp cried.  “I am ordering a full retreat from this sector back to New Ponyville.  The mission is a failure.”

After releasing her hoof from the screen, Pipp Petals swung her head down, crying loudly.

“What would Queen Haven or Princess Celestia say about what happened to Princess Wanda, or Princess Zipp Storm?” Sunburst asked.

“I don’t know,” Sunset said.  “But I know it can’t get any worse than this.”

Suddenly, the whole ship shook violently, causing everyone on the docking bay to fall to the ground.  Everyone’s faces turned to horror as they got themselves up and the alarms went off. 

“What happened?” Sunset yelled.

“Something hit us,” Pipp Petals shouted.  

Immediately, Pipp reached up and tapped the console once more, where Spike the Dragon showed up on the screen.

“Spike,” Pipp said.  “What happened?”

“Engine Oh is offline,” Spike yelled frantically.  “I repeat.  Engine Oh is offline.  A lightning bolt damaged it badly.  Even worse.  That storm is inching closer to us.”

“Oh no,” Pipp Petals said.  “We’re sitting ducks.”

“What can we do about it?” Danged Spell asked.

“There’s nothing we can do, but brace for impact,” Sunset Shimmer said.

With that, Pipp Petals tapped the console again before putting her mouth to the microphone.

“THIS IS CAPTAIN PIPP PETALS!”   Pipp said.  “THE SHIP’S ENGINE HAS BEEN BREACHED!  I REPEAT!  THE SHIP’S ENGINE HAS BEEN BREACHED!  BRACE FOR IMPACT!”

As Pipp Petals got her hoof away from the console, she ran down through the docking bay as the alarm echoed through the ship.  The rest of the ponies followed from behind in a hurry, with fear flowing through their eyes.

“HAS THE ZEPHYR SHIP EVER EXPERIENCED A SCENARIO LIKE THIS?” Danged Spell asked.

“NEVER!”  Pipp Petals yelled.  “NOT LIKE THIS ONE!  THE TEMPEST WINTER STORMS ARE SAID TO BE THE DEADLIEST OF ALL OF PLANET EARTH!”

The alarm ranged through the ship.  Ponies ran into various rooms.  Some held onto each other.  Others hid underneath tables and beds.  Pipp Petals led the remaining pod flyers down the group with Sunset Shimmer by her side.  But as they passed by Pipp’s private quarters, the door opened and a worried Sprout emerged with a towel wrapped around his waist.

“What’s going on?”  Sprout yelled.  “What’s with the alarms?”

“Ships going down, and it’s too dangerous to launch escape pods,” Pipp said.  “Stay inside my quarters until further notice for your own safety.”

As Pipp led the others down the hall, Sprout had a worrisome look on his face.

“Oh no,” Sprout said as he pulled his head back.  “I don’t like where this is going.”

At the bridge, the doorway opened and Pipp Petals led Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Thistle Whistle and Starcatcher inside.  Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Spike and Abigail got up from their seats and ran up to the rest of the group.

“First we lose Wanda, Starlight, Zipp and Minty,” Rarity said.  “And now this happened?  We should launch the escape pods.”

“Bad idea,” Pipp Petals said.  “That storm will pull them in and put them in even more danger.  Get to any seat possible and brace for impact.”

With that, Pipp Petals made her way to her captain’s chair and sat down.  She tapped on the mini-console’s touch screen on the armrest, ejecting a pair of seat belts that wrapped around her waist before clicking in place.  Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Spike and Abigail returned to their assigned seating before they buckled up.  Then Pipp pressed the mini-console’s touch screen again, revealing a number of seats around the bridge.

“GET IN AND BRACE YOURSELVES!”  Pipp yelled. “AND HURRY!”

Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash, Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer, Golden Lace, Thistle Whistle and Starcatcher all sat down in their respective seats before grabbing the ends of their seat belts and clicking them together.   Everyone looked up at the viewing window, where the storm made its way closer to the ship.

“Spike,” Pipp said.  “Any status on Engine Oh, or the other engines?”

“It’s worse than the engine being shut down,” Spike said as he looked down at a blank console.   “The controls are offline.  We’re sitting ducks.  Even worse.  That storm’s moving in really fast.”

“Guess this is it,” Rainbow Dash said.  “After we failed to save Wanda and Starlight, and we lost Zipp and Minty, we’re all going down.”

Danged Spell reached out to Golden Lace as the two held each other by the hoof, looking out at the storm clouds.

“Whatever happens,” Danged Spell said, “Know that we all go down together.”

“Agreed,” Golden Lace said.

As the clouds were only moments away from the group, a lightning bolt hit the ship’s hull, shaking the interior violently.  Everyone on board the bridge screamed in fear as the light blinked for a moment.

“THIS IS IT!”  Pipp yelled.   “IMPACT IN FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE!”

The ship was pulled slowly, but violently towards the storm as it made its way through the sky.  Everyone inside held down as they felt the weight of the storm.  Once the ship was deep within the storm, it was yanked from its position before it spun around the center in a counter clockwise pattern.

Inside the interior of the ship, ponies screamed loudly as they flew out of their hiding place.  Some tried to pull them down, only to be knocked away before tumbling out of control.  The alarms blazed even louder than before.

Inside Pipp’s private quarters, Sprout Cloverleaf struggled to hold onto the couch as the ship rocked back and forth, faster and faster.

“WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO END FOR ALL OF US?”  Sprout yelled.  “WHY DO WE ALL HAVE THE WORST DUMB LUCK OF ALL PONIES?”

Sprout lost his grip on the couch and went flying back into the wall.  He collapsed onto the floor before he lost consciousness.

Back on the bridge, everyone held on tightly as the ship swayed violently back and forth with the alarms blazing even louder than before, and the lights blinked on and off.

“THIS FEELS LIKE A HORRIBLE NIGHTMARE!”  Moondancer yelled.

“I KNOW!” Pinkie Pie yelled.  “A SUPER DUPER ULTRA UNCOOL NIGHTMARE!”

“YOU TOOK THE WORDS OUT OF MY MOUTH, PINKIE!”  Rainbow Dash said.

Suddenly, Pipp Petal’s chair ripped right out of the base and flew across the room with Pipp Petals still buckled inside.

“PIPP!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

Pipp tried to reach for her seat belt.  But she only had time to look up to see the viewing window in front of her.  Pipp quickly covered her face as the back of the chair slammed right into the screen, shattering and disabling it.  

“Captain, are you alright?” Thistle Whistle asked.

“No,” Pipp Petals said as she unbuckled herself and got out of her chair.  “I’m not alright because we’re all in danger.  And….this is my fault.”

“It’s not,” Sunset said. “We all agreed to look for Wanda and Starlight, and we knew the risks when doing so.  But whatever happens, we all stick together to the very end.”

“But….” Pipp Petals said.

“No butts,” Sunset responded.  “Princess Pipp.  It’s been an honor to serve alongside you.”

“No,” Pipp said, turning her head away.  “It’s been an honor as well, your majesty.”

Pipp flew up to Sunset Shimmer and held her tightly.  Everyone held themselves down as the ship flew faster and faster into the storm, completely out of control.



	To Be Continued in Part 6

> The True Meaning of Starlight Part 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The True Meaning of Starlight Part 6



“Wanda.   Wanda, are you alright.”

Wanda Young woke up in the middle of a field of snow.  Standing above her were Zipp Storm and Minty, who looked concerned for her.

“Zipp?  Minty?”  Wanda said.  “Where's Starlight?  What happened?”

Minty silently pointed to the right, where the downed hot air balloon stood next to a lake frozen by a sheet of ice.  Right next to it, a depressed Starlight looked down at the lake.

“Starlight,” Wanda said as she got up.

“If you're wondering how we got here,” Zipp explained, “We were this close to being rescued when that blasted storm blew your hot air balloon right at us, knocking us away from the rescue team.  I can only hope they're alright.”

“Thanks for the information, Zipp,” Wanda said.  “But now, I think a certain pony needs some tender loving care.”

Wanda Young walked up to Starlight Glimmer, who had her head turned away.  She sat down next to the twin-tailed mare and placed her arm around her.

“You alright, Starlight?” Wanda asked.

“No,” Starlight cried.  “You were right.  It is my fault and now…I think we're stuck here…forever.”

As Starlight cried into her hooves, Wanda kept her arm placed around her unicorn friend.

“Starlight,” Wanda said.  “Now is not the time to make yourself feel bad.  All I care about is your well-being.  Nothing more, nothing less.  And who cares whose fault it is.”

“Wanda,” Starlight said as she sniffles.  “Please step back.”

“Starlight,” Wanda said.  “I was trying to cheer…”

“That's not why,” Starlight said as she began to inhale violently.  “Here comes a big one.”

Wanda quickly got up and ran back from Starlight Glimmer, who huffed and puffed as she was on the verge of sneezing.

“EVERYONE DUCK!” Wanda yelled.  “SHE'S GONNA SNEEZE!”

Zipp Storm, Minty and Wanda ducked down as Starlight's inhaling reached a peak.  She sneezed so powerfully that it sent her flying into the air, screaming loudly as the ice above the lake shattered to pieces.

“STARLIGHT!” Minty yelled as she looked up.

Starlight Glimmer screamed loudly as fell downwards before she crashed into the freezing waters below.  Wanda's eyes shrunk down as she saw Starlight pop her head out of the water and struggled to keep afloat.

“HEEEEEEELP!” Starlight yelled.  “THE WATER'S TOO COLD!”

“HOLD ON, STARLIGHT,” Wanda shouted as she got up.  “I'M COMING!”

“WANDA, WAIT!” Zipp yelled as she reached.

“DON'T WORRY!”  Wanda yelled to Zipp as she ran towards Starlight.  “MY NANOTECH CLOTHES HAVE SOMETHING TO KEEP ME WARM IN THE ICE COLD WATER!”

Wanda tapped her ring as she ran towards Starlight, who struggled to stay afloat.  Wanda’s winter coat transformed into a full body wet suit that covered every part of her body, except her face.

“I get it now,” Zipp said.  “That nanotechnology you made for your clothes.”

Without a second thought, Wanda leaped into the air and dove into the ice cold water.  She swam towards Starlight Glimmer, who looked like she was slowing down in her flailing of her arms.

“Wanda,” Starlight said as she began to tire.  “I…can't…stay…afloat.”

Starlight lost consciousness before she slipped under the surface of the water.  Seeing this, Wanda dove underneath, leaving Zipp and Minty to watch helplessly.

“Starlight,” Minty cried.  “Will she be alright?  Will Wanda be alright?”

“I don't know about Starlight,” Zipp said.  “But I think I've figured out Wanda's nanotech clothes.  Lets just hope she can get to her in time.”

Underneath the water, Starlight struggled to keep her eyes open as she sunk down towards the bottom.  Holding her breath, Wanda swam up to Starlight Glimmer in a hurry.

Before Starlight's eyes closed completely, Wanda grabbed her hoof and began to pull her up, swimming towards the surface of the water.

With a loud splash, Wanda reached the surface of the water, bringing Starlight close and holding tightly onto her.

“We can make it, Starlight,”  Wanda shouted.  “We can make it.”

Wanda Young pulled the unconscious Starlight Glimmer as she swam to shore.   Despite the harsh cold of the water, the wet suit that surrounded Wanda kept her protected as she swam around the ice that floated on the lake.

At long last, Wanda pulled Starlight Glimmer to shore and placed her on the snow.  She immediately pushed on Starlight's lungs ten times before blowing into the mare's mouth

“Come on, Starlight,” Wanda cried as she pushed on the pony's lungs.  “Don't give up on me.”

As Wanda continued to push on Starlight’s lungs before breathing into her mouth, Minty turned towards Zipp Storm before she cried right into her chest, causing Zipp to pat Minty on the head with a solemn look on her face.

“Please let her be alright,” Minty cried.  “Please.”

Wanda continued to press on Starlight’s chest ten more times before she breathed into her mouth once more.  But as Wanda’s mouth moved away, Starlight coughed up a good amount of water out of her mouth before her eyes slowly opened up.  She held herself tight, shivering as Minty opened her eyes to see Starlight suffering.

“Wha,” Starlight said as she quivered.  “What happened?”

With no time to waste, Wanda got up on her two legs before she tapped her ring.  Her wet suit shined brightly before it shapeshifted back into a winter coat that covered her body, arms, and legs.   

“You almost drowned, Starlight,” Wanda said as she turned towards the sheets of the hot air balloon.  “But you’re at risk for hypothermia.  There’s one thing I can do.”

Wanda held her hand up as a spark emerged from her finger.  She fired it off at the hot air balloon before it swiped to the side, cutting into the fabric of the downed balloon.  Wanda directed the spark to cut a square shape out of the fabric.  As it fell from the balloon, Wanda held her hand back, directing the fabric to her before it touched her hand.  Then she reached down and wrapped Starlight Glimmer in it, until only her head and shoulders were exposed.

“How does that feel, Starlight?” Wanda asked.

“Feels…a bit tight,” Starlight said.

“As long as you stay warm, you’ll be alright,” Wanda said as she picked Starlight up.  “The thermal energy coming out of the nanobots of my dress will help keep you warm.”

“Thanks….Wanda,” Starlight said as she barely smiled back at Wanda.

Minty and Zipp Storm walked up to Wanda and Starlight, the former two looking down at the twin-tailed mare.  

“Starlight,” Minty said.  “I’m glad you’re alright.”

“Wanda,” Zipp Storm said.  “I didn’t know your nanotech dress could do something like that.”

“Oh not only can the nanobots in my dress provide heat and cold-resilience, but they’re also waterproof,” Wanda said.  “It was a science project that I did and I won first place.”

“Does that also allow you to cast magic like what you did?” Zipp asked.

“Not really,” Wanda said.  “I was born with that ability, along with the ability to generate wings from my back and fly.  But right now, we should focus on finding shelter and staying put until help arrives.”

But as Wanda finished speaking, Minty tapped her shoulder and pointed to the northwest.

“Wanda,” Minty said.  “What is that red-glowing light?”

Wanda looked at the light to see three figures approach them.  One looked like a giant yeti, but without any teeth.  One looked like a human that was bigger than Wanda, dressed up for the cold and had a moustache and a beard.  The third looked like a deer, except with antlers on his head and a shiny red nose.

“Wait a minute,” Wanda said, pointing to the deer.  “I know who he is.”

“You do?”  Minty asked.

“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “Princess Celestia read the story of this legend to me and Sunset Shimmer when we were younger.  His name is Rudolph.  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

As Wanda held the shivering Starlight Glimmer close to her, Rudolph walked up to the group with the human and yeti by his side.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, I presume,” Wanda asked.

“And you must be Princess Wanda Young,” Rudolph said.

“I am,” Wanda said.  “But I have a problem with my friend Starlight Glimmer.  She’s…”

“Suffering badly from hypothermia, I take it,” The human said as he reached over to Starlight and placed his hand over her head.  

“Yes sir,” Wanda said.  “I’m using the heat generated from my clothes and this blanket to keep her warm.”

“You don’t need to call me sir,” The human said. “Names Yukon Cornelius.  The greatest prospector of the North Pole.   You’ve already met Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and the giant snow creature is the Bumble.  But we have no time to waste.   If your friend is to survive, we’re going to have to take you guys to Santa’s Workshop.”

“Santa….” Minty said.  “As in thee Santa Claus?”

“Oh you better believe it,” Yukon Cornelius said.   “But enough with the talking.  Come on.  I’ll have the Bumble escort you to Santa’s workshop.”

Wanda looked up at the Abominable Snowman before she walked over to him with Starlight in her arms.  The Bumble picked up Wanda and held both her and Starlight close.  Starlight let out a small sneeze before Wanda picked up a piece of the balloon cloth that was hanging around Starlight’s torso, and wiped Starlight’s nose with it.

“We’re all set, Mr Cornelius,” Wanda said.

“Then what are we waiting for?” Zipp Storm said.  “Off to Santa’s Workshop.”

Though the storm above was treacherous, the Bumble carried Wanda and Starlight in his arms before he turned around and made his way to the northwest.  Behind him, Zipp Storm, Minty, Rudolph and Yukon Cornelius followed from behind without a second to waste.

Through the field of snow, trees and rocks that lay before them, the abominable snowman made his way through, carrying Wanda and Starlight close to him.  Yukon Cornelius stood by the Bumble, keeping his eyes out on any light in front of him.  Rudolph kept his nose bright, as to guide everyone through the snow tonight.  Zipp and Minty stood together by Rudolph, Cornelius and the Bumble.  

But it wasn’t long until they happened upon a large mansion in front of them, with a number of houses that surrounded the giant building.  Snow-covered pine trees decorated the landscape, complete with lights and other yuletide ornaments.  

“I don’t believe it,” Wanda said as she peeked her head above the arms of the yeti.  “That must be Christmas town.”

“Oh it is,” Yukon Cornelius said.  “A beautiful sight in the land of winter.”

“And Santa Claus is expecting you four,” Rudolph said.  

“He’s expecting us?” Minty said.  

“Indeed,” Rudolph said.  “Come with me.”

The group followed Rudolph as he made his way down Christmas town.  The little elves popped out of their houses to see Princess Wanda Young, Princess Zipp Storm, and Minty.  But their eyes were focused on Starlight Glimmer, who continued to shiver in the arms of the Bumble and in the care of Wanda.

Once Rudolph made his way to the entrance to the toyshop, he approached the large door that was bigger than the Bumble and rang the doorbell, just as everyone stood behind him.  

“It won’t be long,” Rudolph said.  “Santa knows not to keep anyone waiting.”

“If I told mom that I met Santa Claus, she would think I’m weird,” Zipp Storm said.

“But it’s Santa we’re talking about,” Minty said.  “I’ve waited my whole life to meet him.”

The door opened slowly as a jolly old man with a white beard, and a red suit emerged from the house.  Minty took one good look at him and she looked like she was on the verge of yelling in excitement.

“You’re….you’re…” Minty said.

“Santa Claus,” Wanda said as she jumped off the abominable snowman, holding Starlight Glimmer.

“That would be me,” Santa Claus chuckled.  “And I was aware that you four would be coming unexpectedly.  Welcome to Christmas town.”

“We are,” Wanda said.  “But right now, my friend Starlight Glimmer is in bad shape after she fell into a cold lake.”

“Oh dear,” Santa said as his tone turned from delight to worry.  

Santa placed his hand on Starlight Glimmer’s head, who let out a small sneeze.

“San…ta?” Starlight said as she struggled to keep her eyes open.

“There’s no time to waste,” Santa said.  “Come inside.  I’ll call an old associate of mine to cure her of hypothermia, and another thing that ails her.”

As soon as Santa ran into the workshop, Wanda held Starlight Glimmer tight as she made her way inside.  Pipp, Minty, Rudolph, Cornelius and the Bumble followed the human girl into the workshop before the door closed behind them.

Inside, Wanda, Zipp, Minty and even the weak Starlight were in awe over the interior of the workshop.  The lighting was a warm orange glow that filled the interior.  There was a christmas tree in front of them with a variety of colors among its lights and ornaments.  A toy train ran among the rails near the twenty foot ceiling.  Many elves talked amongst each other, but one elf with a briefcase, a reindeer doe, an elderly human woman that was the same size as Santa, and even a large man with a long nose, a white beard, and white blue robes and cap approached the group.

“This place is amazing,” Minty said.  “I always wanted to see Santa’s workshop.  But even my own dreams pale in comparison to this place.”

“Well this is my own personal workshop, Minty,” Santa said.  “For the time being, mi casa es su casa.”

Rudolph saw as the reindeer doe walked up to her before nuzzling her nose on his gently.

“Rudolph,” the doe said.  “How did the search go?”

“A bit worse than I expected, Clarice,” Rudolph said as Clarice pulled her head back.  “Some new friends of mine are worried for the well being of one of their own after she fell into a lake.”

“Oh that is horrible,” Clarice said.  “Someone needs to get her some hot cocoa to warm her body up.”

“Don't you worry,” Santa said.  “An elf is on the way with a cup of hot cocoa for Starlight Glimmer.”

Santa Claus walked over to a nearby bench and signaled to Wanda, who walked over with Starlight in her arms, all while Rudolph and Clarice stood by each other.  Wanda set Starlight down on the bench and sat her up.  Starlight just looked up in amaze of her surroundings as the elf and two humans approached them.

“Santa, dear,” The woman said.  “What happened?”

“It’s a crisis, honey,” Santa said.  “This poor pony fell into the nearby lake and is suffering from hypothermia.”

“Not just hypothermia,” The taller human said.  “But also the Windigo Cold.”

“The what?” Wanda asked.

“It’s a rather odd curse that appears every year in one unlucky individual,” Santa said before directing his hand to the taller human.  “My old friend, the Winter Warlock has studied this odd phenomenon.”

“Just call me Old Man Winter,” The Winter Warlock laughed as he pulled a potion out from his robe.  “Every winter, one person, be it human, pony, or otherwise, is infected with the Windigo Cold.  The primary symptom is a powerful sneeze that can shake the earth or blow objects down.”

“Blow…objects…down?” Starlight asked.

“Yes,” The Winter Warlock said.  “But the patient’s powerful sneezes are random.  So the next time he or she sneezes, they won’t know when.”

“That explained why Starlight was able to topple the tree,” Zipp Storm said.  “It’s because of that stupid Windigo Cold.”

“It gets worse,” The Winter Warlock said as one of the elves brought over a cup of hot cocoa.  “It’s said that when that person has the Windigo Cold, said person becomes the target of a tempest winter storm.  And this storm doesn’t let up once anyone has the curse, until it is cured.”

“Well that explains the sudden appearance by that tempest winter storm,” Zipp said.  “It all makes sense.  Both the curse and storm are connected by magic.”

The Winter Warlock picked up the cup of hot cocoa and poured the contents of the potion into it.  He handed the cup to Starlight Glimmer, who pulled her upper hooves out and picked up the cup.

“So this…cold…I have…and the storm….we were in…are connected?” Starlight asked.

“Yes,” The Winter Warlock said.  “And the contents of that potion that I poured in is the exact cure you need to rid yourself of the Windigo Cold.  Plus it will help warm your body up.”

Starlight Glimmer took a sip of the hot cocoa and swirled it in her mouth before swallowing it.  Her eyes closed with delight as her smile came back.

“Mmmm,” Starlight said.  “Tastes like marshmallow.”

“A little something of mine to help the patient enjoy her cure,” The Winter Warlock said before he took a bow.

“Thanks, Mr Winter,” Wanda said.  “After what Starlight’s been through, she deserves to finally be out of that mess.  Though I am still worried about her.”

“Worried?” The elf with the briefcase asked.  “It’s because of what happened in New Ponyville?”

“You said it, Mister,” Minty said.  “And it wasn’t even her fault.  I gave her the job of delivering socks to other pony’s houses to help celebrate the holiday.”

“And it’s a commemorable job,” the elf said.  “By the way.  Call me Hermey.  Or rather: Dr Hermey DDS.”

“Wait,” Minty said.  “You’re a dentist?”

“That’s right,” Hermey said as he placed his briefcase down on the floor before pressing a button.

In an instant, the briefcase opened up before it transformed into a full functioning dentist chair, complete with tools for checking teeth, and a water fountain for rinsing out mouths and cleaning hands.

“Neat,” Zipp said.  “We never had anything like that in New Ponyville.”

“It’s a little invention I made to help out with my skills in oral hygiene when I’m on the go,” Hermey said.  “Sometimes, when the patient can’t get to the dentist, the dentist goes to them.”

“Oooh,” Minty said as she ran up to the chair.  “I wanna try it out.”

“Be my guest,” Hermey said.

Minty got up on the dentist chair and sat down comfortably in it.  Hermey went up to the wash station and turned on the faucet.  Warm water poured out of it as Hermey reached his hands over and allowed the water to soak into it.

“The best part about this water?” Hermey said.  “There’s a built-in purification system to eliminate all unhealthy bacteria and chemicals, allowing it to become natural once more.”

As Hermey scrubbed his hands down in the sink, Minty sat there, patiently but also anxious.

“I’ve had a dental check-up many times,” Minty said.  “But never like this.”

“Oh don’t you worry,” Hermey said as he turned off the faucet before putting on a pair of latex gloves.  “In or out of the office, it’s a routine that is tried and true to the very core.”

Minty laid back on the chair before she opened her mouth.  Picking up a dental mirror and a dental explorer, Hermey looked inside Minty’s mouth before scanning her teeth.

“Hmm,” Hermey said, observing Minty’s teeth.  “Aside from some obvious food particles, your teeth do look stunning.  I take it you don’t eat as many sweets.”

As Hermey pulled his tools back, Minty closed her mouth before she said “I do.  But I keep that in moderation.”

“And that’s a good thing,” Hermey said.  “It’s not a good thing to be eating all those baked goods, candy and cookies all the time.  Otherwise, you will get a nasty toothache.”

Minty laid back and opened her mouth once more before Hermey checked out her teeth once more.  Nearby, Starlight continued to sip her cocoa as Wanda, Zipp, Mrs Claus, Cornelius, the Warlock, Rudolph, Clarice and Santa looked on.

“It was only yesterday that Hermey was ostracized from the other elves for his dreams of becoming a dentist,” Santa said.  “But ever since he was given the approval by me and the Head Elf, Hermey has come a long way as a dentist.”

“Actually, I've heard of Hermey's legacy as a dentist,” Zipp said.  “He won a number of awards from the Earth Dental Association for his outstanding work.”

“Right you are, Princess Zipp,” Santa said.  “I'm proud of the accomplishments that Hermey and especially Rudolph have earned.  But back then, I was doubtful of their own dreams.”

“You were doubtful, Santa?” Starlight asked.

“Oh I was,” Santa said.  “And I still regret how selfish I was during Rudolph's time as a fawn.  How I saw his bright nose as a serious flaw.”

“Rudolph's nose?” Wanda asked.

“Oh yes,” Santa said.  “I desired to see the reindeer of the North Pole grow up and become the greatest among the world.  But I saw Rudolph's bright nose as a flaw that was imperfect.  Oh how foolish I was to neglect poor Rudolph.   Had I not realized how his nose was what made him who he was, I would have had to cancel Christmas on that very night.  Ever since then, I have been remorseful for what I did and chose to embrace flaws as who we truly are.”

“I am glad that Santa did see that my nose is what makes me who I am,” Rudolph said.  “But I kinda wish he dialed it a bit on his humbleness towards Mr.  It is a bit embarrassing.”

“Wow,” Wanda said.  “I didn't know you nearly let your own pride get the best of you.”

“It's true,” Santa said.  “We're not all perfect.  In fact, looking back at what I did, it reminded me of what happened to a certain Mayor of Somber Town.  One that I chose to forgive, despite his misgivings.”

“What kind of misgivings?” Wanda asked.

“That is a tale that cannot be told unless Old Man Winter shows it to you “ Santa said.

The Winter Warlock pulled out a snowball from the pocket of his robe and held it into the air.  The lights around the group dimmed, and the snowball lit up until it filled the entire room, causing everyone to close their eyes.

When everyone opened them up, they were in the middle of a dark and dreary bedroom, with an old, overweight man in bed with a soldier standing next to him.  

“Where are we?” Wanda asked.

“A specialized hologram that I had preserved that told the final tale of Sombertown’s bitter mayor: Burgermeister Meisterburger,” The Winter Warlock explained.  “For many years, Burgermeister lorded over its people, even going as far as to outlaw toys due to his prejudice against their existence, and against anything that is fun.  He even made Santa Claus, who was once known as Kris Kringle, an outlaw for delivering toys.  So he went into hiding and changed himself into who you know today so that he can deliver the toys across the world.  But one day, Santa discovered a revelation within Sombertown that required his attention.  Even in spite of it being a trap, Santa went anyway.”

Immediately, the door slowly opened up as a young man with orange hair and a red suit made his way in.  This caught the attention of Wanda and the other ponies.

“Is that who I think it is?” Zipp asked.

“That was me,” Santa Claus said.  “When I heard about what was going on with the Burgermeister, I chose to come back to Sombertown to pay him a visit.  Though thanks to the Winter Warlock, he was able to change my form temporarily into how I looked back then, back when I was Kris Kringle.  It was there I discovered a harsh truth about the Burgermeister.”

As Kris Kringle made his way into the room, he took one good look before the soldier approached him, though with his weapon to the side.

“Grimsley,” Kris Kringle said before he pulled out a letter.  “I got here as soon as I got Burgermeister’s letter.  What happened?”

“I’m afraid the Burgermeister is on his last legs,” Grimsley said.  “Come this way.”

Kris Kringle followed Grimsley over to the bed where Burgermeister laid there.  The old grouch turned his head towards Kris Kringle, and his mean eyes turned sad.

“Kris Kringle,” Burgermeister said.  “I never thought I would say this….but I’m glad to see you again.”

“The feeling’s mutual, Burgermeister,” Kris Kringle said before he turned to the side and coughed a few times.

“Burgermeister,” Kris Kringle said.  “You’re sick, are you?”

“Worse,” Burgermeister said, turning his head away in shame.  “Ever since I made you a wanted criminal for all the toys you sent to the girls and boys, I dedicated nearly every amount of money into ensuring that you were re-arrested, alongside your conspirators.  But what I didn’t realize was how I made Sombertown an even worse place than before.”

“I guess that when Sombertown had no money left because of your campaign against me, people went hungry,” Kris Kringle said.

“Oh and to make things worse, the King was furious when he heard about my vendetta against you,” Burgermeister explained.  “As a result, he cut off all funding against Sombertown, stating that until I gave up on my obsession, Sombertown would not receive a single coin.”

“This is awful,” Kris Kringle said. “All this because I chose to give the kids of Sombertown a means to be happy.”

“My disdain for happiness has always been within the blood of a Burgermeister,” Burgermeister said.  “And as a result, my pride has brought down Sombertown to the point where no one was happy.  Some wish that turned out to be when all it does is make you far more bitter….resentful….and on death’s bed.”

“No one deserves to lose their happiness, Mr Burgermeister,” Kris Kringle said as he reached into the pocket of his suit.  “Not even you.  I have no clue on how you were raised to be who you were.  But what I do know is even you deserve a little happiness.”

Burgermeister paused for a moment, staring at the pocket that Kris Kringle stuck his hand in.  When Kris pulled it out, there was a yo-yo attached to it.  Kris held out the yo-yo to the Burgermeister, who slowly, but surely picked it up.

“A yo-yo,” Burgermeister said in a somber, but happy tone.  “Ever since I was a kid, I always wanted a yo-yo.  But my father told me that toys, fun and happiness was the root of all evil.  To finally be able to hold a yo-yo for the second time in my life.”

With a slight smile on his face, Burgermeister Meisterburger spun the yo-yo as it rolled up and down.  The old man let out a slight chuckle, seeing the yo-yo spin.

“Sir,” Grimsley said.  “You are breaking your own law with that yo-yo.”

“It’s okay,” Burgermeister said, holding up his hand in front of Grimsley.  “It’s because of that foolish law that I made Sombertown too miserable….even for my liking.  And it looks like I’m not long for this world.  Grimsley.  Write this down as my final decree.”

“Very well, Lord Burgermeister,” Grimsley said as he pulled out a parchment paper and pen.

“It’s a difficult responsibility,” Burgermeister stated as Grimsley wrote down on the parchment.  “From the final statement from the number one lawmaker, me.  Have it known throughout the land, from sea to sea, toys are now legal once more, and anyone who was wrongfully thrown in the dungeon for possession has been officially pardoned, including the former fugitive Kris Kringle and his cohorts.  There will once again be toymakers for the king.”

“It is done,” Grimsley said as he finished writing on the parchment.  “I will tell the townsfolk that toys are now legal once more, and that everyone is officially pardoned for owning a toy, including the toymaker Kris Kringle and his cohorts.”

“Then the burden has finally been lifted off my shoulders,” Burgermeister said as he looked at the yo-yo in his right hand.  “The suffering that all of Sombertown has gone through will end.”

“Burgermeister,” Kris Kringle said.  “I’m sorry it had to come to this.  I only wish you knew happiness when you were a child.”

“So do I, my former foe,” Burgermeister said as his voice weakened.  “But…we all must live with the consequences of our actions.  Promise me this….ensure that you keep those full of joy and hope.”

“I will,” Kris nodded.

With a smile on his face.  Burgermeister Meisterburger placed the yo-yo down as he laid back down on his bed and his eyes began to close.

“It’s a lesson that I learned too late…and it has ended the legacy…of the Burgermeisters,” Burgermeister said.  “But at least…I chose to….make amends…for all the suffering….I caused.”

With his last breath, Burgermeister Meisterburger closed his eyes and his head slumped to the left.  Kris held the Burgermeister’s hand as tears fell from his eyes.  Even Grimsly walked over to the bed and cried over the Burgermeister.

“I only wished that Burgermeister Meisterburger knew happiness in his life,” Santa Claus said as he saw his past self mourning the Burgermeister with Grimsley.  “Even though his heart was as black as coal, I still pitied him on his deathbed.”

“To be that cruel because it was the only thing you were taught,” Starlight Glimmer said as a tear fell from her eye.  “I feel sorry for him.”

“And there’s nothing wrong with pity for those who dwell in the dark, but deserve a chance in the light,” Santa Claus responded.

In an instant, the whole room filled with light, blinding everyone at the moment.  When the light cleared, Kris Kringle, Grimsly and the late Burgermeister Meisterburger were gone, and everyone left was back at Santa’s Workshop.  Hermey pulled his tools back from Minty before the pony got up.

“I have kept that memory of the late Burgermeister as a request from Kris Kringle, who you all know as Santa Claus,” The Winter Warlock said. 

“But how come?” Wanda asked.

“To remind myself that we’re all accepting of change,” Santa Claus said.  “It’s true that I lost sight of who I was when I was among those who were critical of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  But Rudolph reminded me very well why I chose to preserve the final memory of the Burgermeister Meisterburger.”

Wanda sat down next to Starlight as the twin-tailed mare drank her hot cocoa.  The human girl looked down at hands before slowly looking up at Santa and Mrs Claus.

“Young lady,” Mrs Claus said.  “You still looked depressed.”

“I am, ma’am,” Wanda said.  “I know Burgermeister was the far opposite of who I am.  But I can’t help but still lament at being similar to him.”

“And I know why,” Santa said.  “You possess a flaw of your own, different from Burgermeister: Your fear of failure.”

“My fear of what?” Wanda asked.

“Deep on the inside, you have a fear of failing those you swore to lead,” Santa said.  “Much like how your friend fears being all alone, you possess a fear of failing.  A flaw within you, like my own flaw of perfection, or Burgermeister’s original stance against happiness.  And it’s okay that we have flaws.”

“But what can I do about it?” Wanda asked.

“A part of you has already done that,” Santa said.  “You may not know it, but Old Man Winter was observing your unexpected journey with Starlight Glimmer.  You were able to put your flaw aside to keep Starlight Glimmer company.  Though you did have some tough love towards her, you showed her that you cared for her well-being.”

“I…I actually did,” Wanda said.

“Maybe it’s also because of the pressure you’ve been under since you and your sister were given New Ponyville to rule over,” Zipp Storm said.  “It’s not easy for you to rule a kingdom, and I can attest to that.  But the one thing that you and Sunset have…are friends.  And friends will be the one to keep that magic lighting within you.”

“That is something I’ve barely taken for granted,” Wanda said.

“And that’s not all,” Santa said.  “Wanda, sometimes, failure is the one way that allows us to grow.  Failure is the greatest teacher that we’ve ever had.  But time after time, we often associate failure as something to dread, or something to shame others for.  Though you still fear failure, a part of you shows a willingness to learn from it, like the Burgermeister did.”

Wanda turned her attention away from Santa before she looked down at her hands once more.  She slowly closed the palms on her hands and got up.

“I’ll try,” Wanda said.  “But I’ll need all the help I can get.”

“That’s the spirit,” Santa said.  “You will fail to recognize your own failure.  But never give up.  That is the most important lesson that you should keep to heart.”

“I will, Santa,” Wanda said.  “And thanks.”

“All this talk about failure and fear does resonate with me” Starlight said as she drank the last sip of cocoa.  “But it does make me wonder if we will see our friends again.”

Suddenly, a loud crash shook the foundation of the building for a moment, catching everyone off guard.  It was even enough to cause Starlight to leap out of her hot air balloon sheet before landing in Wanda’s arms.

“What was that?” Wanda asked.

“It came from outside,” Rudolph said.  “But why?”

“What you see outside will break your heart,” The Winter Warlock said.  “Though no lives were seriously hurt, it was the result of the Tempest Winter Storm that brought you all here.”  

“Wait,” Zipp said.  “That must mean…”

Immediately, Zipp ran for the doorway as fast as possible before she opened it up and went outside.  Starlight leaped out of Wanda’s arms as the two followed Zipp from behind.   Minty, Hermey, Rudolph, Santa, Mrs Claus, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, the Bumble, and the Winter Warlock also made haste for the doorway, following after Wanda and Starlight.

Outside, Zipp came to a sudden stop as her jaw dropped down in horror.  As Wanda and Starlight made their way out, they also stopped in their tracks.

“I don’t believe this,” Zipp said, horrified.  “This is what the Tempest Winter Storm did?”

“This is awful,” Wanda cried.

As the rest of the group stopped next to Wanda, Starlight and Zipp, they all looked up and gasped in horror.  Outside of the boundaries of Christmas town was the Zephyr Ship.  It had crash landed in the snow nearby, smoke poured out from a window on top, there were some burn marks on the side of the aircraft, and the wing with the damaged engine had broken off.

“Pipp,” Zipp said as she stood there with a horrified look on her face..  “Tell me you’re okay.  Please tell me you're okay.”



	To Be Continued in Part 7

> The True Meaning of Starlight Part 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The True Meaning of Starlight Part 7



“Gad Zookes.  What a horrible mess.  I hope everyone is okay.”

Those words came from Yukon Cornelius as he stared down at the Zephyr Ship, having crashed into the snow in a wreck.  Wanda, Starlight, Zipp, Minty, Rudolph, Santa, Mrs Claus, Clarice, Hermey and the Winter Warlock all stared in horror as Ponies began to pour out from the wreckage, just as the morning sun shined in the south east.

“I can’t believe what happened,” Zipp said.  “It was one thing to be separated from the rest of the crew.  But now this?  Where’s Pipp when I need her?”

“She’ll be okay,” Wanda said.  “We’re just glad the ponies of New Ponyville are alright.”

“I don’t know if she is,” Zipp said as she directed her head to the ground.  “She’s not just one of the Princesses of Zephyr Heights, she’s my sister and one of the best ponies I know.”

“Zipp.  Is that you?”  Zipp looked up at the wreckage of the Zephyr Ship, where Pipp Petals jumped down from one of the exits before she glided down towards the snow and landed right in front of Zipp.  

“Sister,” Zipp said as her eyes watered.  “I’m….I’m glad you made it.

Zipp and Pipp reached out and hugged each other as tears ran down their eyes.

“I thought you were a goner,” Pipp said. 

“I don’t die that easy, sis,” Zipp responded.

As Pipp and Zipp held each other close, Wanda, Starlight and Misty approached the pegasi sibling duo.  But Starlight paused for a moment when she heard someone call out her name.  She looked to the right, but glared in horror.

“S….Sprout,” Starlight said, frightened.

Sprout Cloverleaf, wearing a towel wrapped out his waist, looked up at Starlight Glimmer with a disappointed frown on his face.  Starlight could do nothing, but stare at him.

“I…I’m sorry, Sprout,” Starlight cried.  “I didn’t mean….to topple over the tree…and catch you…in your shower.”

“It’s okay,” Sprout said as his frown became a smile.  “Besides, I should be apologizing to you.  I was too harsh on you back in New Ponyville.  I should have never said those mean words to you.”

Though tears ran down her cheeks, Starlight Glimmer ran up to Sprout Cloverleaf before giving him a hug.  The stallion did nothing but laugh it off before hugging Starlight back.

“Apology accepted, “Starlight cried.  

“Feeling is mutual,” Sprout responded.

But as Starlight and Sprout embraced each other, Wanda walked up to wreckage and let out a sigh.  She looked up to see Sunset Shimmer fly down to her with Spike and Abigail on her back.

“Sister,” Sunset shouted.  “Sister, I thought I lost you.”

But Wanda barely shifted her eyes towards her pony sister, for she was still focused on the wreckage of the ship.  Sunset took notice of Wanda’s depression as she landed on the ground, and Spike and Abigail jumped off her back.

“Wanda, we’ve been worried about you,” Sunset said.  “And…”

But as Sunset walked up to Wanda, she saw the look in her eyes before her smile disappeared.  Sunset got up on her two legs before she placed her hoof behind Wanda's back.

“You risked nearly everything to rescue Starlight and myself,” Wanda said.

“We did,” Sunset said in a somber tone.  “And it's a shame that we're now stranded at the North Pole with the Zephyr Ship now in shambles.”

“At least we're all together,” Wanda said with a smile.

“That I'm proud of,” Sunset said.

But while Wanda and Sunset embraced each other, Spike and Abigail held hands together, watching the fosters sisters embrace each other.  Behind them, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Moondancer, Golden Lace, Sunburst, Danged Spell, Thistle Whistle and Starcatcher approached the Dragon and cat duo.

“There is a lesson to be learned from all of this, darlings,” Rarity explained.

“And what would that be?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“No one should feel alone during Christmas,” Rarity said.  “And no one should ever feel sad during this time.  Sure we're thousands of miles away from New Ponyville.  But the fact that we're all together says a whole lot.  And that is what matters the most.”

“That I agree with,” Rainbow Dash said.  “But I feel really sorry for Starlight Glimmer.  Having to go through all that fear of ruining Christmas all because she accidentally tipped over our tree.  Even Sprout learned too well not to be that harsh.”

“Sounds like you're full of that Christmas spirit, darling,” Rarity asked.

“Of course I am…..darling,” Rainbow Dash said in a mocking tone.

As Rarity glared at Rainbow Dash with a smug smile, the others laughed hysterically.

“Rainbow Dash,” Golden Lace laughed. “Sometimes, you do crack us up.”

“Well that's Rainbow Dash,” Sunburst said.  “Always one to let out the jokes.”

“Yeah,” Danged Spell laughed.  “It's not like she can deliver pun-ishment like I can.”

“Danged Spell,” Everyone yelled before their laughter became even louder.

“Nothing like smiles for the holidays,” Danged Spell said.

But as the group of ponies laughed, Wanda and Sunset turned around and walked up to them.  Spike was the first to notice and began to regain his composure.

“Princesses,” Spike said.  “You both look jollyful despite all we've been through.”

“We have,” Sunset said.  “And I think my sister has something to say.  So I will need every pony to gather around.”

The ponies gathered around Wanda and Sunset, with Pipp and Zipp flying and landing next to Wanda and Sunset.  Taking a deep, yet calming breath, Wanda Young approached the group.

“I want to thank you all for coming out to rescue me and Starlight,” Wanda said.  “But as you all know, we are stranded here at the North Pole through no fault of anyone.  Which means we won't be celebrating Christmas back in our joyous land of New Ponyville.”

As the ponies heard Wanda speak, Santa, Mrs Claus, Rudolph, Hermey, Yukon Cornelius, Clarice, the Bumble and the Winter Warlock gathered behind their equine guests.

“But no matter the tough times, we can get through this,” Wanda said.  “We will figure out a way to celebrate the holidays together.  And believe me.  No pony will be left out, for as long as we never forget the honesty, loyalty, generosity, kindness and laughter that we bring to each other.  For together as one, there is more to the magic of friendship….than meets the eye.”

With that, the crowd of ponies erupted into a holiday cheer together.  Wanda smiled gracefully as Sunset Shimmer, Pipp Petals and Zipp Storm walked up to the human princess.

“That was the most hearth warming speech you've told to them,” Sunset said.

“Thanks,” Wanda said before she turned her attention to Pipp and Zipp.  “But I'm sorry to hear about your ship.”

“Don't worry about it,” Zipp said.  “Mom will be upset.  But she'll understand why.”

“And that's something you all shouldn't worry about,” Santa said.  “I will let my elves repair your ship so you can depart for home when you're ready.”

“Wait,” Pipp said.  “Repair our ship?  Don't you have toys to make for the good girls and boy?”

“Well here's the good news,” Santa said.  “Our elves are way ahead of schedule, and they're anxious to get to work.  Fortunately, they have a lot of experience when it comes to airships.  During this time, I hereby invite you all here to celebrate the holidays while they make the repairs.”

Zipp looked at Santa Claus in the eyes before her eyes began to water up.  She flew to the jolly old Saint Nick with a smile on her face.

“You really don’t have to do this, Kris Kringle,” Zipp said. 

“But you’ve all been through a whole lot,” Santa said.  “To be stranded here through no fault of your own and to be away from your hometown of New Ponyville.  I will do what I can to accommodate you and your friends, Princess Zipp Storm.  You have my word.”

Zipp Storm wiped a tear from her eyes as she flew down onto the ground.  A speechless Pipp Petals walked up to her sister, who was still extremely emotional.

“I think you just broke me, Santa,” Zipp laughed.  “But I appreciate the hospitality that you bring to us, and we will do what we can to make it up to you.”

“Oh you don’t have to do that,” Santa laughed. “Helping out people, be it human, pony, or otherwise, has always been my thing.”

“Noted,” Zipp said.

But in an instant, Pinkie Pie jumped up from the rest of the ponies and cheered loudly into the air, throwing red and green confetti around the land.

“We’re going to have an awesome Christmas party at the North Pole,” Pinkie Pie cheered.  “Christmas is saved for the ponies of New Ponyville.”

“Pinkie,” Moondancer giggled.  “You don’t have to announce it to the entire planet.  After all, it’s only going to be until the Zephyr Ship is repaired.”

“Oh, right,” Pinkie Pie said in an awkward tone as she floated down to the ground and grinned.  “My bad.”

“Well that being said,” Starlight Glimmer said as she and Sprout Cloverleaf walked up to Zipp Storm and Santa Claus.  “All of our food and presents were left behind in New Ponyville.”

“Not quite,” Rainbow Dash smirked.  “I knew something like this would happen.”

“What do you mean by that?” Zipp Storm asked.

“Follow me, your highnesses,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I’ve got a surprise for you all.”

Flapping her wings as fast as possible, Rainbow Dash flew up towards the doorway leading into the Zephyr Ship wreckage.  Zipp Storm, Pipp Petals and Sunset Shimmer followed Rainbow Dash from behind.

Inside, Rainbow Dash flew down the darkened hallway in a straight line, bypassing the doors in a flash.  Behind her, Zipp Storm, Pipp Petals and Sunset Shimmer followed from behind.  Rainbow continued to make her way down until she came across a locked door.  Moments later, Zipp Storm, Pipp Petals and Sunset Shimmer landed right next to her.

“Now I understand,” Pipp Petals said.  “That was the reason why you chose to use the anti-gravity chamber.”

“And you guys weren’t using it,” Rainbow Dash said.  “So I decided to pack all of our presents and food in here.”

“And I take it you got the password from my sister,” Zipp asked.

“No,” Pipp said as she approached the console.  “We wanted to surprise you in case we got stuck somewhere.  It never hurts to be extra prepared for the worst case scenarios.”

Pipp Petals placed her hoof on the touchscreen of the console.  A red light scanned the base of her hoof before it turned green.  Instantly, the door leading into the anti-gravity chamber opened up.  When Zipp and Sunset looked inside, their faces beamed with excitement.

“Well I’ll be,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “You guys do think of everything.”

Inside the room, it was filled to the brim with presents and food floating in the air in clear containers.  The only thing keeping them held in place were that they were tied up or anchored in place on the floor or the ceiling.  

“Neat, huh?” Rainbow Dash said.  “Pipp Petals showed me how to keep them upright.”

“Rainbow Dash,” Sunset laughed.  “Next year, I think I should make you the Christmas Host.”

Rainbow Dash playfully gave Sunset Shimmer a noogie on the head before Sunset hugged her.  But all the while, Zipp Storm looked up at the goodies and the presents before turning to Pipp.

“So Pipp,” Zipp said.  “Think we can make this the best Christmas they ever had?”

“My dear Zipp,” Pipp said with a smug look on her face.  “This is what I truly like about Christmas.”

“Very well,” Zipp said.  “Let’s get to work.”

Pipp immediately pressed a few buttons on the pad outside of the room.  Immediately, some of the presents and food floated downward until they touched the ground.  The others dangled on the ceiling, still suspended by the rope.  Rainbow Dash, Zipp Storm, Pipp Petals and Sunset Shimmer ran in and began to untie each of the containers where the food and presents were stored.

“You all ready for this?” Zipp Storm asked.

“Yeah,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Here’s to celebrating Christmas at the North Pole.  We can handle a few days away from New Ponyville.”

Days later, on Christmas Eve, all of Christmas Town was celebrating with good cheer, as ponies, elves, reindeer and humans celebrated together.  Some enjoyed food together.  Others played games or sang songs.

But nearby, the Zephyr Ship was hovering back in the air, looking as if all of the repairs were fully complete.  Inside, Zipp Storm and Pipp Petals looked at the viewing window where their mother Queen Haven looked down at them.  Pipp Petals sat down in the captain’s chair, drinking a cup of coffee.

“So you all went to rescue Princess Wanda and Starlight Glimmer, only to run into a powerful storm and the Zephyr Ship went down,” Queen Haven said.

“Well that was the case,” Zipp Storm said. “Until Santa’s elves repaired EVERYTHING!   Hoo boy.  These elves put our own engineers to shame.”

“I know it does sound far-fetched to you, mother,” Pipp Petals said.  “But you wouldn’t even believe the fact that we spent days up at the North Pole instead of New Ponyville.”

“As much as I do want to question that,” Queen Haven laughed awkwardly, “I’m afraid that we ran into a storm of our own and now our ship is stranded in the middle of nowhere.  What a horrible place to celebrate Wishentines.”

“A storm of your own,” Zipp Storm said.  “By any chance, did one of your crew members have a terrible sneeze that could knock a tree down?”

“Unfortunately, our captain,” Haven explained.  “And hoo boy.  We had to isolate him in another room so he wouldn’t do any more damage.  But when he sneezed, it was a force to be reckoned with.”

“Well that’s strange,” Pipp Petals said.  “Didn’t the Winter Warlock say that the whole Windigo Cold only affected one person a year?”

“Windigo Cold?” Queen Haven said.  “Is that what it’s all about?”

“Yeah,” Zipp Storm said.  “And it’s a long story we’ll tell you once we rescue you.”

“Oh no no no,” Queen Haven said.  “You two go enjoy your Christmas celebration together.”

“But mom,” Pipp Petals whined.

“No butts,” Queen Haven laughed.  “I’ll be fine.  Besides, I still have some company and supplies to last us into the new year.  Anyway, you both take care of yourselves.  Hoof to heart.”

“Hoof to Heart,” Zipp and Pipp said before reaching out to Queen Haven.

As Queen Haven disappeared from the viewing window, Pipp Petals got out of her chair and walked over to the doorway leading out of the bridge.

“Bout ready to par-tay?” Zipp asked.

“Not yet,” Pipp responded.  “I want to have a word with the Winter Warlock about a second case of the Windigo Cold.”

Immediately, a small cloud of snow bursted in the middle of the bridge, catching Pipp and Zipp’s attention.  When the cloud disappeared, the Winter Warlock appeared in its place.

“I heard someone talk about a second individual with the Windigo Cold,” the Winter Warlock said.

“I did,” Pipp Petals said, marching over to Old Man Winter.  “My mom had an issue with a captain who possessed that same sneeze.  And I also heard that a similar storm brought down her ship. Tell me. Why did we have two individuals with the same cold this year?  Why is that?  Was there something you forgot to tell us?”

Surprised by Pipp’s words, the Winter Warlock brushed off his robe before clearing his throat.

“Sadly, you are right,” The Winter Warlock said.  “I didn’t tell you that it was possible for more than one individual to have the Windigo Cold, because it is an even rarer phenomenon.  There is no precise reason why sometimes, two separate individuals can get the Windigo Cold, and thus resort to two Tempest Winter Storms.”

“Actually, he’s got a point there,” Zipp Storm said.  “Though he didn’t tell us about this, there was recorded history of the Tempest Winter Storm across the world.  They often pop up during Christmas and don’t go away until the one with this illness is cured.  But rarely, like a one in three hundred chance, do two individuals carry this cold.”

Pipp turned towards Zipp Storm before her jaw dropped to the ground in surprise.

“You….” Pipp said.  “You also knew of the Windigo Cold?”

“I didn’t raise any questions about it because I assumed it was only limited to one,” Zipp responded. “Not two.  And like I said, a one in three hundred chance of two people getting the Windigo’s Cold.”

Pipp just stared at both Zipp Storm and the Winter Warlock in total shock, her jaw dropped downwards, her mind looking like it was about to tear itself apart.  Pipp dropped her head down in confusion before she shook it.

“I am not going to get that out of my head,” Pipp sighed.  “But I think I’ve spoken too much.”

“Yeah,” Zipp said.  “I think it’s time we go down to the village square of Christmas town and celebrate.  Besides, Starcatcher is gathering the pony choir together for their big show.”

“It is?” Pipp said, jumping with anxiety.  “Oh my goodness.  There’s no time for me to waste.   I’ve got to get going.”

But as Pipp was about to make her way towards the exit out of the bridge, the Winter Warlock teleported from next to Zipp Storm to in front of Pipp Petals.  The pink pegasi pony skidded to a stop before she looked up at Old Man Winter.

“Tell you what,” The Winter Warlock said.  “To make up for not telling you the whole story, I’ll teleport you over to the party at Christmas Town in an instant.”

“That does sound like a good idea,” Zipp said.  “What do you say, Pipp?”

“Very well,” Pipp said.  “The faster the better I always say.”

The Winter Warlock pulled a wand out from his sleeve and waved it in the air.  In a blink of an eye, the Warlock, Pipp and Zipp disappeared from the bridge, leaving it completely empty.

On the outskirts of Christmas Town, The Winter Warlock, Pipp and Zipp appeared in almost an instant.  Pipp looked at her surroundings and let out a hearty laugh.

“Wow,” Pipp said.  “Never underestimate magic in general, be it pony magic or holiday magic.”

But Pipp stopped laughing when she heard someone call her name.  Pipp turned to her left to see Starcatcher wave out to her with the chorus band, all on top of the stage.  Off the stage, a crowd of ponies and elves shouted for Pipps Petals’ name.

“Pipp,” Starcatcher yelled.   “We’re about to put on a great show.”

“Coming,” Pipp shouted.

Pipp Petals flapped her wings before she leaped into the air.  She flew over to Starcatcher before landing right at the front of the stage.  The crowd cheered as Starcatcher handed Pipp a microphone.

“GOOD EVENING CHRISTMAS TOWN!”  Pipp shouted into the mic.  “Are you ready to cheer because it feels alot like Christmas.”

As the crowd cheered once more, Zipp Storm and the Winter Warlock took a seat and cheered as the choir prepped their voices.  Pipp held the microphone and began to sing.  Her voice filled the air, catching the attention of the audience.

“Houses decked with light, glowing bright on frost nights, with a wreath on every door,” Pipp sang.  “Drifting through the air is the laughter that we share with our dearest friends once more.  And that’s what I love about Christmas.  Hard to believe that it’s almost here.  That’s what I love about Christmas.  Have a merry one this year.”

As Pipp Petals and the choir sang to the audience, Zipp Storm sat back, her ears picking up the tunes from her sister and the other singers.

“Your sister is terrific when it comes to songs,” The Winter Warlock said.

“Thanks,” Zipp said.  “She got into singing to help cheer her own blues when we were away on separate missions.”

“And that’s something worth having as a trait,” Winter Warlock said.  “I’m surprised that she’s a princess instead of a worldwide singer.”

“That I agree with,” Zipp said.  “But like me, she’s bound by her responsibilities to the ponies of Zephyr Heights.”

“It’s a shame as well,” The Winter Warlock said.  “But as long as she can make them all smile through her voice, that’s what matters the most.”

“I forgot to tell you that,” Zipp said.  “That is a part of her responsibilities.  And she looks forward to every one since she started singing.”

The Winter Warlock looked up at Pipp before letting out a hearty laugh.

“And I’d say that is the best responsibility your sister could ever have,” The Winter Warlock chuckled.

As Pipp Petals sang with the choir, over at the nearby bakery, Pinkie Pie was helping Mrs Claus pull out some freshly baked goodies from the oven before placing them on the table.  She wrapped up a cake in a container before giving it to an elf.  

“There you go,” Pinkie Pie said.  “One hot cocoa and peppermint cake to go.”

“Thank you very much,” the Elf said.  “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas to you too,” Pinkie Pie waved as the elf made his way out of the crowd and towards the entrance.

“You are an excellent baker and a courteous worker,” Mrs Claus said.

“I’ve had great teachers from Old Ponyville in the Canterlot region,” Pinkie Pie responded as she went up to the oven and pulled out a batch of fresh chocolate chip cookies.  “And they happen to share that passion with me.  They’re Mr and Mrs Cake.”
“I will keep that in mind, Pinkie,” Mrs Claus said.

Immediately, Rainbow Dash, Danged Spell, Sunburst and Hermey walked up to the front, catching Pinkie Pie’s attention.  Next to Hermey was a little girl that held the older elf’s hand.

“New Ponyville’s finest baker with the North Pole’s finest baker,” Rainbow Dash said.  “You two make a perfect team.”

“Aww,” Pinkie Pie said.  “You don’t have to be that complimentary.”

“But it’s okay to accept a compliment,” Mrs Claus said.  “Sometimes it is okay to be humble.  But other times, accepting a compliment gives the friend a warmth within.”

“Oh I know that,” Pinkie Pie said as she placed the cookies into a box.  “It’s how the magic of friendship grows.”

As Pinkie Pie tied up the box, she held it out to Sunburst, who picked it up with his horn.

“Thanks Pinkie,” Sunburst said.  “Now I can deliver this to Starlight Glimmer.  After what she’s been through, she deserves a lot of tender loving care.”

”I’ll say,” Rainbow Dash said.  “We were worried about her and Princess Wanda when they flew out of control on that hot air balloon.  And then that storm knocked the whole Zephyr Ship out of the sky.”

“Now Rainbow,” Sunburst said.  “Let’s not turn what we went through into something that’s too cinematic.  We have way too many of those for our own good.”

“Sunburst is right,” Danged Spell said.  “We don’t need anything to be to the point where they’re overwhelming.   Sometimes, a smaller, more thought out story matters more than even a cinematic universe.”

“Whoops,” Rainbow Dash said with a blush on her face.  “Sorry about that.  I tend to think of everything as awesome as it can be.”

Sunburst nodded to Rainbow Dash before he made his way towards the front door of the bakery.  As Pinkie Pie placed a pie into the box and wrapped it up, she looked down at Hermey and the child next to him.

“Hey,” Pinkie Pie said. “I see our favorite dentist has a daughter of his own.”

“This is my daughter, Heather,” Hermey said.  “She’s a bit shy, but she’s also friendly.”

Heather looked up at Pinkie Pie before moving her hand into the air and waving at the pony with her head slightly turned away.

“Hi,” Heather said.

Pinkie Pie held the box with the pie to Heather and said “Do you like pie like I do?”

“I…do,” Heather said as she accepted the box.  “But I also like teeth as well.”

As Heather held the box next to her, Pinkie turned her head towards Hermey.

“We have a dentist in training,” Pinkie Pie said, excited.

“It didn’t take long for my daughter to take an interest in dentistry,” Hermey said.  “So right away, me and my wife decided to teach her the ways of the tooth.  And after all, I may not have this job forever.”

“Well why not?” Pinkie Pie.

“That I can explain,” Mrs Claus said.  “As proud as he is of his job as a dentist, Hermey wanted to pass his legacy down to a new generation.  He got this opportunity with the birth of his and his wife Rose’s daughter Heather.  And since her days as a baby, Heather has been fascinated by teeth, how they work and how to clean them.”

“That’s right,” Hermey said.  “Even if I do retire from being a dentist, I hope someone can take up my position and look after the teeth of elves, reindeer, and even guests like you.”

“Well Hermey,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I’d say your legacy is in good hands with your daughter, and with your wife Rose.”

“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “When it comes to Pinkie Pie, she’s nothing but the tooth.  Get it.”

“Danged Spell,” Everyone in the room yelled before they broke down in laughter.

“What?” Danged Spell chuckled.  “I had to say it.”

Meanwhile, outside within the town limits, Starlight Glimmer walked alongside Minty, Rarity, Thistle Whistle, Moondancer, Golden Lace, Spike and Abigail.  Starlight levitated a couple of boxes in the air with her magic.

“Christmas town feels dazzling to my eyes,” Moondancer said.  “It’s like the whole universe came up to put on an impressive show.”

“I never thought I could see the whole town of Christmas with my very eyes,” Rarity said.  “I hate to say this.  But it puts New Ponyville to shame, with or without Christmas decorations.”

“Isn’t it beautiful, Rarity?” Spike said.

“Oh it is,” Rarity said.  “Too bad after the celebration is over, we have to go back home to New Ponyville.”

“But I think it’s the memories about this place that will always be within us,” Starlight said.  “How we all hung out together, met Santa Claus and the reindeer, and even got to share a hot cup of cocoa together.”

But Minty paused for a moment before she turned to the right.  She looked at the Christmas Tree that towered the entire town, and noticed something on the branches.

“Say,” Minty said.  “Are those the socks I had you place up in New Ponyville?”

“They are,” Starlight said, taking notice of the socks.  “But I didn’t hang them up here.”

“Even more so, I only brought in the socks that you didn’t hang,” Minty said as she pointed to a sock with Rarity’s cutie mark on it.  “I don’t even recall seeing this sock in my collection when we departed New Ponville.”

“Why…that is the sock that Starlight hung in my house,” Rarity said.  “I didn’t expect to see this again.”

“Neither did I,” Thistle Whistle said with a whistle.  “Who could have put them there?”

“I have a sneaking suspicion Santa may have caused it,” Spike said.  “After all, he does have magic that is beyond belief.”

“Oh Spike,“ Rarity giggled.  “Now why did you have to take the mystery out of this?”

Rarity reached over and kissed Spike on the forehead.  In an instant, the dragon spun around in a tizzy before he collapsed on the ground, causing everyone to laugh.  Even Abigail rolled onto her back and meowed hysterically.

“Rarity,” Golden Lace laughed.  “I think you overdid it.”

But as Starlight laughed, she noticed Sprout Cloverleaf sitting on a nearby bench, looking up in the air while sipping some cocoa.

“Will you excuse me?”  Starlight said.  “I have a gift to give.”

Starlight ran towards Sprout Cloverleaf, carrying her stack of gifts with her.  Sprout turned towards Starlight and gagged a bit before swallowing the cocoa in his mouth.

“Starlight,” Sprout yelled.  “Don’t scare me like that.”

“Sorry, Sprout,” Starlight said as she pulled out a package from the tower of presents.  “But I have a gift for you to apologize for catching you in the shower by accident.”

Starlight handed the gift to Sprout, who placed his cocoa down before accepting the gift.  He opened the box up before pulling the lid off.  Upon looking, his face looked rather surprised.

“A shower set,” Sprout said, observing the inside of the gift.

Within Sprout’s gift was a new towel, a new scrubbing brush, a set of soaps, shampoos, conditioners and deodorant.  

“You always liked the idea of taking those relaxing showers,” Starlight said.  “So I decided to get you that.”

“Oh Starlight,”  Sprout said.  “Thanks.  I appreciate the gift.  But I’m sorry I… couldn’t find you anything.”

“That’s okay,” Starlight said.  “After all, I prefer to give than to receive.  It makes me feel all warm and toasty inside.”

“Well speaking of which,” Sprout said as he saw Sunburst on his left.  “I believe there is someone who does have a gift for you.”

Starlight turned to her right to see Sunburst run up to the twin-tailed mare with his box. 

“Starlight,” Sunburst said.  “I’m glad to finally see you.”

“Sunburst,” Starlight cheered.  “I’m glad to see you as well.  But why do you have a box with you?”

“Oh that’s easy,” Sunburst said as he handed the box to Starlight.  “This is for you to enjoy.”

Starlight Glimmer accepted the box before she opened in.  Inside were the chocolate chip cookies that Sunburst accepted from Pinkie PIe.

“Cookies,” Starlight said as she pulled one out and took a bite.  “Wow.  Thanks, Sunburst.”

“And I more than just appreciate that, Starlight,” Sunburst said.  “We were all worried about you when you left New Ponyville.  We knew you wanted to spread the holiday cheer.  But the one thing that matters is that we’re all together again.  And I’m especially glad of that, since we’ve both known each other when we were younger..”

“Oh Sunburst,” Starlight blushed as she held the box of cookies out for Sunburst.

Sunburst reached down and pulled out one cookie before biting into it.  After he chewed and swallowed, Sunburst licked his lips.

“Those were the best cookies I ever had,” Sunburst said.

“Me too,” Starlight giggled.

Sunburst looked deep in Starlight’s eyes, who turned away and placed her hooves on her cheeks.

“Starlight, “Sunburst said.  “I’m glad to have been your friend since we lived in Sire’s Hollow in the Canterlot region.”

“You and I both,” Starlight said.

Suddenly a light shined down on Starlight and Sunburst, catching their attention.  The duo looked up to see Wanda Young shining the light down with a flashlight while Sunset Shimmer held a small bit of mistletoe over the duo.

“Come on, you two,” Starlight giggled.  “We’re not that engaged.”

“Sorry,” Sunset said as she and Wanda flew down.  “We just wanted to add to the moment.”

“Next time, I’ll refrain from using this light,” Wanda said, placing her light in a pocket.

As Sunset, Starlight, Wanda and Sunburst laughed, Sprout looked down at his mug of cocoa before turning towards the four ponies.  He then reached over the bench before pulling up a tray carrying four mugs of cocoa

“By the way, guys,” Sprout said as he pulled up the tray.  “I lied.  I do have something for you to celebrate Christmas with.  Enjoy.”

“Thanks, Sprout,” Sunset said as she, Wanda, Starlight and Sunburst accepted their mugs.  

“Well everyone,” Wanda said, holding her mug up.  “Here’s to what may be ironically the best Christmas ever.”

“To the best Christmas ever,” Everyone cheered before they clanged their mugs together.

As Wanda, Sunset, Starlight, Sunburst and Sprout enjoyed their mugs of cocoa with some fresh chocolate chip cookies, Rarity, Spike, Abigail, Minty and Thistle Whistle watched from next to the Christmas tree.

“It really is a magical time,” Spike said.  “Friends together, enjoying the warmth and cheer.”

“Darling,” Rarity said.  “That’s what I like about Christmas.  It truly is the most magical time of this year.”

“You bet,” Minty said before she looked up at the star on top of the tree.  “Though I’ll say, I think that star atop looks a bit crooked, don’t you think?”

“Minty,” Thistle Whistle laughed.

“Sorry,” Minty said.  “Old habit.”

“Well as much as I do enjoy being here in Christmas Town,” Golden Lace said.  “I do miss the sights of New Ponyville.”

“We all do, Lace,” Moondancer said.  “But don’t worry.  Once Christmas is over, we’ll be back home getting ready for the New Year.”

“Oooh I can’t wait,” Golden Lace said.  “Danged Spell said he wants to volunteer putting together a New Year celebration to remember.”

“Well as much as we want to get ready for the New Year, we still have Christmas to celebrate,” Abigail said.  “After all, Santa’s going to get ready to take off soon.  We should all get ready to check it out.”

“Now that’s something to look forward to,” Minty said.

Later that night, every pony, every elf, and so many others gathered around a giant sleigh.  Next to the sleigh was Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer alongside Clarice, waiting for Santa.
“Are you nervous, Rudolph?” Clarice asked.

“Just like every Christmas, I am,” Rudolph said.  “To be able to fly with my father again while helping Santa deliver toys across the entire planet.”

“I know you’ll do great, Rudolph,” Clarice said.  “You always do.

Clarice walked up to Rudolph and kissed him on the nose.  Rudolph blushed for a moment before looking up at Clarice.

“Thanks Clarice,” Rudolph said.  “Guess tonight will be extra special.”

“A night that we will all remember and cherish in our hearts,” Clarice said.  “Even so, there’s always tomorrow, and that’s not far away.”

As Clarice made her way back into the crowd, Rudolph stood next to the sleigh, ready and willing, as Santa made his way down to him, carrying a megaphone.  Once he approached the sleigh, he turned towards the audience.

“Good evening, all of Christmas town,” Santa announced.  “Once again, I will make my route down through all of planet Earth, to deliver gifts for the good girls and boys.  And to announce the coming of the reindeer, I give to you my special helper: RUDOLPH!”

As the crowd cheered for Rudolph, who took a bow, Santa turned to the red-nosed reindeer, holding out the megaphone.

“Rudolph, with your nose so bright,” Santa said. “Will you call forth the other reindeer tonight?”

“It will be an honor, sir,” Rudolph said.

Santa Claus handed Rudolph the megaphone, who held it up to his lips.

“Attention all reindeer,” Rudolph said through the megaphone.  “Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer, now Vixen.  On Comet, on Cupid, on father, on Blitzen.  The time has come to make our Christmas trek through the entire world.”

Emerging from the crowd were eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.  They all ran up to the end of the sleigh, where the elves wrapped their harnesses around them.

“Perfect form, son,” Donner said.  “You make me prouder than any day I ever had.”

“It’s an honor father,” Rudolph said as he handed the megaphone back to Santa.  “It was an honor.”

“That’s my boy,” Donner laughed.  “Now let’s get ready to make our rounds, tonight.”

As Rudolph made his way to the front of the pack and Santa made his way to the front of the sleigh, Wanda, Sunset, Starlight and Minty stood there at the front with every other pony next to them.

“I can’t believe we’re seeing this,” Minty said.  “Santa Claus is going to take off from the North Pole to make his delivery.”

“I’m glad of that as well,” Wanda said.  “Imagine seeing this experience and having it forever set in your mind.”

“And I’m proud of you all for being able to see this.”  The voice who said those words caught the attention of every pony, plus Wanda, Spike and Abigail.  They all turned around to see a purple alicorn named…

“Twilight Sparkle,” Sunset said. 

“Yep,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I didn’t expect to be done with my peace negotiations on Cybertron.  But for some reason, Zordon, Alpha Five and I were able to get that done.”

“Oh you have got to show us Cybertron,” Rainbow Dash said.  “What are the Autobots like, or the Decepticons?  Is it true that Starscream is a big jerk?”

“Or maybe Grimlock is fit to be king?” Spike asked.

“Oh you guys,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I’ll talk about that in the morning.  Right now, I came here after I got your message about being up in Christmas town.”

“Say,” Starlight said.  “You don’t suppose Santa brought her here when we least expected it.”

“One could say he did,” Twilight giggled.

“That reminds me,” Wanda said.  “I still owe him for his hospitality.”

Wanda’s wings sprouted once more as she flew up towards Santa Claus, who looked eager and ready to take off.

“Princess Wanda,” Santa said.  “I take it you’ve come to see me off.”

“Actually, sir,” Wanda said.  “You’ve done a whole lot for us.  So I was wondering if me and a couple of friends could help with the gift delivery?”

Those words caused Santa to pause for a moment while the crowd gasped.

“Wanda,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I think you broke Santa.”

“Oh not really,” Santa chuckled.  “I’m surprised that you wanted to pitch in and help out.”

“But you’ve done everything to help us out,” Wanda said.  “It’s the least I, or anyone could do.”

But as Santa pondered on Wanda’s words, Twilight Sparkle nodded to Starlight Glimmer, Sunset Shimmer and Minty.

“Go with them,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Wanda looks like she wants to help Santa out.”

“Will do,” Sunset said.  “But, I will miss you, even though we got to see each other again.”

“Yeah,” Twilight said as Spike jumped on her back.  “It’s sad that our reunion will be short lived.  But at least we can see each other again.”

Sunset Shimmer gave Twilight Sparkle a hug for only a moment.  Once she let go of the purple alicorn, Sunset Shimmer ran up to Santa Claus before bowing to him in respect.  

“Santa,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “As one of the two princesses of New Ponyville, I would be honored to help with gift delivery.”

Immediately, Starlight Glimmer and Minty walked up next to Wanda and Sunset and bowed as well in respect.  Santa looked down at the four with a hearty laugh.

“Very well,” Santa said.  “Hop on board, and get ready for the ride of your lives.”

Santa Claus got on the front of his sleigh and held onto the reins.  Wanda, Sunset, Starlight and Minty got into the back as the sack full of toys landed in the far end of the giant vehicle.

“Sunset,” Zipp said, walking up to the sleigh with Pipp by her side.  “You be careful out there, promise?”

“We promise, Zipp,” Sunset said.  “And don’t worry Pipp.  When we get back to New Ponyville, I’ll help you get your mom back.”

“That’s okay,” Pipp Petals said.  “You don’t have to pitch in.”

Starlight turned towards her right, seeing Sprout Cloverleaf, Sunburst, Danged Spell, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie stare up at her.

“Aww,” Starlight said. “It’s been a while since we all reunited, and now I have to say good-bye for the moment.”

“It is,” Sunburst said.  “But I’m glad you get to experience the best thing of your entire life.  And you should be proud of it.”

“Yeah,” Sprout said.  “It’s like you’re experiencing a gift to the world.  Get it?”

“Sprout,” Sunburst, Danged Spell, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie yelled before laughing out loud.

“You stole my thunder,” Danged Spell laughed.

“Careful, Spell,” Sprout said.  “I can take it, and I can dish it out.”

“Well,” Rainbow Dash said.  “You, Minty, Sunset and Wanda should enjoy yourselves.  Maybe in the future, I might ask Rudolph if he wants to become the first reindeer Wonderbolt.”

“Noted,” Starlight said.

Minty had her attention directed to Rarity, Thistle Whistle, Starcatcher, Golden Lace and Moondancer, who waved back to her.

“So Minty,” Moondancer asked.  “Will you be able to see all of the stars up in the sky above?”

“Like we didn’t see it back on the Zephyr Ship?” Minty laughed.

“Well, you got a point there,” Moondancer laughed.

“But do take care of yourself,” Golden Lace said.  “After all, you’re still our number one sock maker, and the socks you made were the best ones yet.”

“Oh I will,” Minty said.

Wanda looked at all of the ponies who gathered around the sleigh before placing her hands on her heart.

“I’m glad to have you all as friends,” Wanda said.  “Though we will be apart again, know that we will be together again when Christmas Day is here.  For it is the most wonderful time of the year.”

With that, every pony chanted “HIP HIP HURRAY!  HIP HIP HURRAY!”  Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie danced together, Spike and Abigail swung each other around in joyous harmony.  Pipp and Zipp flew up and twirled together.  Danged Spell, Sunburst and Sprout held hooves together and danced in a circle.  The reindeer doe Clarice winked to Rudolph, who winked back at her.  Even Moondancer, Danged Spell, Rarity, Thistle Whistle and Starcatcher cheered loudly.

“Santa,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Merry Christmas.”

“And Happy Hearths Warming to you,” Santa said.

“Are you ready, everyone?” Wanda asked.

“We’re ready,” Starlight saluted.

“Santa,” Wanda said.  “It’s time.”

Santa turned towards his reindeer, who all nodded to the jolly man.

“Santa,” Rudolph said.  “We’re primed and ready to go.”

“Okay Rudolph,” Santa said.  “Full power.”

With the light of his nose glowing brightly, Rudolph led the other reindeer down the tracks, pulling the sleigh with Santa, Wanda, Sunset, Starlight, Minty and the bag of toys forward.   With a mighty leap, the reindeer flew into the air with the sleigh right behind them.  Below, everyone gathered around, waving good-bye to the sleigh.

“Good-bye,” Everyone cheered as the sleigh took off from the North Pole. 

“Good-bye,” Wanda, Sunset, Starlight and Minty waved as they saw Christmas town behind them.

As the sleigh made its way into the sky, Wanda, Starlight, Sunset and Minty waved to the crowd, as they shrunk down in their eyes, becoming smaller specs in their sight.

“It’s sad to be away from them again, after we reunited with them,” Starlight said.

“Don’t you worry, Starlight Glimmer,” Santa said.  “When this is over, they will be glad to see you all again.”

“Santa’s right,” Wanda said.  “It’s not going to be forever.  But one thing’s for certain, we will never forget this experience.”

“So,” Santa said.  “Who wants to do the first honors?”

“I will,” Starlight said.

“All you have to do is hold the gift into the air,” Santa said.  “The magic will do the rest.”

Starlight reached into the bag of gifts before pulling one out at random.

“I found one, Santa,” Starlight said.

“Now hold it up,” Santa said.  “It will go to a good girl or boy and they will receive their Christmas joy.”

Starlight Glimmer held the gift into the air.  A magic aura surrounded it before it dashed off from her hoof.  Sunset, Minty and Wanda were amazed as the gift flew off from the sleigh.

“That was amazing,” Wanda said.  “Let me try.”

“Go right ahead,” Santa laughed.

Wanda pulled out a gift from the bag.  But when she looked down, she saw the words “Twilight Sparkle” on it.

“Hey,” Wanda said.  “This gift is supposed to be for Twilight Sparkle.”

“Oops,” Santa chuckled.  “Looks like I made a mistake.  Why don’t you correct that while you’re at it.”

Wanda held the gift into the air as high as possible.  A magic aura surrounded it before it jets off from the sleigh, back to Christmas town.

“Well that’s one problem solved,” Sunset said.  “At least Twilight’s going to get her gift this Christmas.”

Back at Christmas town, everyone continued to celebrate as the sleigh flew off in the distance.  Twilight Sparkle  and Spike walked out of the crowd, watching as the sleigh disappeared into the night sky.

“It’s so beautiful,” Twilight said.  “This is what the magic of the holidays truly is about, be it Christmas or Hearths Warming.”

“You said it, Twilight,” Spike said.

Suddenly, the gift that flew out of the sleigh landed right next to Twilight Sparkle, catching the alicorn’s attention.

“A gift for me?”  Twilight said.  “That’s rather interesting.”

“Maybe Santa made a mistake and put that in the bag before realizing the error he made,” Yukon Cornelius said with the Bumble by his side.  “Go ahead and open it.”

Twilight Sparkle reached down and opened the box.  She looked inside and pulled out a book, dazzling her eyes.

“I know what this is,” Twilight said.  “This is the new edition of the Equestrian thesaurus.  Something I always wanted.”

“And it’s something you should treasure,” Yukon Cornelius said as Clarice walked up to Twilight.

“Yukon Cornelius is right,” Clarice said.  “The gifts that we get from friends and family are the gifts that we treasure the most.”

“Believe me,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I will treasure this for a long time.”

“She’s right,” Spike said.  “After all, books are always Twilight’s thing.”

Meanwhile, in the skies due south of the North Pole, Wanda, Sunset, Starlight and Minty pulled gifts out and held them up as they lit up and flew from the sleigh, flying down to villages, towns, cities, even small farms.   Santa cheered as the nine reindeer pulled his sleigh.

“This is more fun than it should be,” Minty said.

“I’ll say,” Sunset said.  “Wait till Princess Celestia hears about this.”

“Maybe we should write a letter to mommy when this is over,” Wanda said.  “She always likes that.”

“Not on a weekly basis,” Sunset said.  “That’d be too much.”

“You’re right,” Wanda laughed.

“As glad as I am of helping Santa,” Starlight said, “I’m more glad we got to spend Christmas together.  After all, we’re all friends, and as Twilight Sparkle would say…Friendship is Magic.”

“A lesson we all keep to heart,” Sunset said as she pulled out another gift from the bag.

As the gift magically flew off from Sunset’s hoof and the sleigh, it fell down towards New Ponyville, which had not a single soul within.  It landed down underneath a giant tree that was once toppled, where the star shined brightly to light this town.

Back above in the sleigh, Wanda, Sunset, Starlight and Minty looked down to see New Ponyville, and to see the tree standing.

Well I’ll be,” Minty said.  “Our Christmas tree is back up and brighter than ever.”

“Wait,” Starlight said.  “Didn’t my sneeze knock down that tree?”

“It did,” Wanda said.  “But…why is it back up?”

“Guess that is something that a little Christmas magic may have answered,” Sunset laughed.

With that, Santa Claus yelled out “MERRY CHRISTMAS” as the sleigh took off from the skies above New Ponyville.




	The End