Tears in the Snow

by Chaos Phantasm

Chapters

02: The Memory.
03: Mystery of the white filly.
04: Broken.
05: Snowdrop.
06: Past and present.
07: Home Again.
08: Hearths Warming.
09: Snowdrop and Nyx.
10: Revelations.
11: Snowdrop's farewell.
12: Tears in the snow.
Extra: Thoughts of a Shade.
01: Beginning of a new winter.

02: The Memory.

Tears in the Snow

By Chaos Phantasm

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Chapter 2

The Memory

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"Who's there? is anypony here??"

"I'm here... Who are you? Wait your voice... I-it sounds like... Luna..? Oh Luna it is you isn't it?! I've waited so long to hear you again!"

"But... I'm not Luna..."

"O-Oh..? Then who are you..? You sound just like her..."

"I'm Nyx... can't you see me?? I'm standing right here" An adult Nightmare Moon like Nyx stood in a snow covered meadow looking down at a filly of white.

"I cannot see... I've been blind since birth, I can only hear and feel..."

"That's so sad... I'm sorry..."

The white filly chuckled. "Don't be sorry, it's a part of me. Mommy said that it makes me special."

Nyx was silent.

"Is Luna nearby...? Its been so long since I last heard her gentle voice... Please... tell me where she is... Can you take me to her??"

"I'm sorry... But she is not here, only we are... and the snow."

"O-oh... I need to find Luna... I've waited and I've waited but I could never hear her."

"How long have you been waiting?"

"A thousand years..."

Nyx appeared shocked to hear that, though this was a dream it seemed very real to the filly of black.

"Who are you? What's your name?"

The wind started to pick up and it made a sound that the filly recognized but Nyx could not.

"Mother's calling, I have to go now, we'll talk again soon I know we will."

The filly turned around and moved her head left and right, listening to the sound of the wind before walking forward toward the snow cloud.

"Wait please! Tell me your name!"

The filly disappeared and with that so did the dream. Nyx awakened around 8:39 AM, the curtains were open letting in some sun light and allowing the alicorn to see Ponyville covered in a blanket of fresh, white snow. Children were having snow ball fights, Pinkie Pie and Ditzy Doo were building a snow fort, and Rainbow Dash was just trying to find some place warm. Spike stepped into the bedroom carrying Nyx's breakfast on a tray.

"Good morning Nyx."

"Good morning Spike." She yawned then checked herself to make sure she was still a filly and to her relief she was.

"Something wrong Nyx?"

"No no, I just had a dream where I was bigger then I am now."

"Really?" Spike chuckled. "Sometimes when I sleep I like to dream that I am a mighty Tyrannosaurus Spike." The dragon flexed his non-existent muscle for dramatic effect making Nyx giggle.

"Anyway, I brought you your favorite cereal, Luna pops."

He placed the tray down on the bedside table and opened a window letting cool air into the room. Nyx started eating her breakfast and was nearly done when Spike turned around.

"I almost forgot, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are downstairs waiting for you."

"Okay, I'll be down in a minute..."

Nyx looked at her food with that dream still lodged in her mind, the filly seemed familiar to her though at the same time she wasn't. Nevertheless Nyx was curious and began to wonder who this filly could be. She quickly finished her breakfast then rushed into the bathroom to brush her teeth followed by quickly brushing her mane and putting her glasses and head band on. Though when she had finished, she looked at her reflection and tilted her head.

"Spike, is my head band on the right way?"

Spike took a look for Nyx and noticed her mane was more of a problem then the headband. "Yeah it's on the right way... though your mane needs a bit more brushing, please allow me to fix it up."

Nyx placed the brush in Spike's claws and stood still facing the mirror and staring at her reflection as the purple dragon began brushing.

"Remember Spike, I like having my mane brushed back."

"I know, just let me concentrate."

The black alicorn stood still while Spike memorized the way she originally had her mane when she used to disguise herself. The dragon brushed it in all sorts of ways developing different mane styles and learning that he's not cut out for mane dressing. After twelve agonizing minutes of brushing and restarting Spike finally got it right. Nyx looked closely into the mirror to see not one hair out of place, she then turned around and hugged the purple dragon affectionately.

"Thank you Spike."

Spike Smiled and hugged Nyx in return. "You're welcome Nyx."

Nyx let go and ran down stairs where the Cutie Mark Crusaders were playing chess. Neither of the three knew how to properly play so they played it by moving pieces randomly without considering turn based movements or directions. Only Nyx knew how to properly play as did Twilight, the princesses, and quite possibly many others in Equestria. The three filly's heard Nyx coming down the stairs and looked in the direction of the staircase to see the black alicorn jump off the 3rd last step and onto a mat which slid across the floor and into a bookshelf with her on it. She was then sitting down in a daze but quickly jumped up and shook her head. Nyx turned and looked at the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

"Morning everypony!"

"Morning Nyx." The three filly's replied with smiles.

Nyx hopped off the mat and placed it back where it was before she jumped on it. afterwards, she went over and sat with her friends.

"So, what are you all doing?"

"Trying to play... whatever this game's called." Scootaloo moved the king to one end of the board then moved her bishop forward three spaces.

"It's called chess and you're playing it wrong."

Scootaloo sighed and stopped playing as did Sweetie Belle.

"Then why don't you show us how to play Nyx?"

The Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at Nyx, waiting for her to start teaching. Instead of explaining, the alicorn filly fixed the pieces and gave each of the filly's a book about how to play the game properly.

"Read these manuals and in time you will each learn how to play."

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom looked at one another and started reading just as Nyx instructed. The black filly smiled watching them read until Scootaloo put her copy of the manual down.

"uhh... I don't think chess will help find our special talent."

"At least try and play it Scootaloo, hardly anypony plays it and it gets boring when it's just mommy and I."

"But..." Scootaloo turned her head and looked at the other two crusaders to see if they'll back her up.

"Ah think we all should try playin, like Nyx said it's very rare that anypony plays chess."

"I agree with Apple Bloom."

Scootaloo sighed and gave in. "All right... You win, I'll play along."

The crusaders laughed while Nyx only smiled. She was happy that Scootaloo was now willing to learn. The black filly got started with the lessons managing to teach her three friends something about the game, but not everything as all of them were getting bored except Nyx.

"You know Nyx we could go outside and play around in the snow instead."

"I know Sweetie Belle, however, I have things planned other then playing in frozen water."

Apple Bloom thought for a moment. "Well ya can't stay in ere, girls get her snow cloths ready!"

"Right!" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo grabbed Nyx's coat, snow shoes, and anything else she'll need. They backed Nyx into a corner, grinning widely.

"Now girls, there's no need for this..." Nyx spoke nervously and was soon piled on and over powered by her three friends.

As Nyx struggled and tried to escape, the filly's dressed her in the snow gear, though Nyx's thrashing and being uncooperative made it difficult.

"Let me go!"

"Not until you're in your snow cloths."

"But I don't want to go outside Sweetie Belle!"

"Too bad Nyx, you're coming to enjoy the snow whether you like it or not."

After about eight minutes of dressing and struggling, Nyx was finally in her winter snow gear though she didn't look too happy about it. They looked at Nyx all over and smiled.

"So that's what she looks like with a hood on." Scootaloo said.

The library door opened with Twilight stepping into the room. She closed the door behind her and shook the snow off her. She removed her scarf and snow jacket, placing them on a rack by the doorway. She then removed her snow shoes with her magic, leaving them by said door then walked over to the group.

"Hey girls what are you up too?"

"We just finished dressing Nyx in her winter cloths so she can come outside."

Twilight looked over at Nyx after getting closer and laughed a little at the state she was in. The unicorn then cleared her throat and took a deep breath.

"They're looking a little small for you sweetie."

"You don't say?" Nyx raised an eyebrow still very irritated mostly due to how tight the cloths were and how crammed her wings were.

Twilight levitated the newer snow cloths out of a pile of folded dresses and winter outfits and presented them to Nyx.

"Try these on, they're larger, and might fit you a little easier." She smiled.

Nyx took the cloths up to her bedroom where she replaced the tighter and smaller winter cloths the Cutie Mark Crusaders forced on her with the larger and more fitting snow cloths Twilight had provided. She looked at herself in the mirror and thought that they looked good. She then trotted around the room in them for a moment to get the feel for them, after a few moments she stopped and smiled to herself.

"These are much much better!"

Nyx turned away from the mirror and ran downstairs back to her friends and Twilight, unaware that her reflection had changed appearance for a few seconds before changing back. Twilight could hear Nyx coming downstairs thus she turned her head in the direction of the stairs to see the alicorn filly slowly walking down them in her new outfit.

"See, I told you they would fit." Twilight smiled.

Nyx jumped up and down happily and thought about going outside with her friends to enjoy the snow, though at the same time, she was afraid. The dream had still left the filly baffled, even more so by the secret of the white filly's identity. Though in reality, it was what Luna would likely do if she ever found out about the dream.

"I'm going outside with Sweetie Belle and the others, if that's okay mommy."

Twilight nodded with a smile. "It's okay, you can go, but be careful."

Nyx nuzzled Twilight then ran toward the door which was being held open by Sweetie Belle. Once Nyx had exited the library Sweetie Belle closed the door gently and hurried over to the other three who were looking at Pinkies snow fort.

"Good Morning Aunt Pinkie Pie!" Nyx called out

Pinkie jumped and hovered in the air for a few seconds in fright until she fell into the snow leaving behind a hole shaped the way she was when she fell. Nyx, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom looked into the Pinkie shaped crater expecting to see her jump out and say something random, alas she did not which causes the filly's to worry.

"Aunt Pinkie Pie... Are you okay?"

Pinkie Pie suddenly popped up behind Nyx the other three and looked at them with a big grin.

"I'm great! thanks for asking"

The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx jumped a little and turned and faced Pinkie bemused while the earth pony laughed her head off, rolling around in the snow.

"You three jumped like frogs hahaha"

"Very funny." Apple Bloom rolled her eyes.

Nyx helped Pinkie out of the snow despite her small size compared to the cheery earth pony.

"Thank you Nyx!"

"You're welcome Aunt Pinkie Pie. So what are you doing?"

"Oh, Ditzy and I were preparing a snow fort in case a snowball fight broke out."

Snips and Snails jumped out from behind a small barricade holding snowballs in their hooves.

"Did somepony say "snowball fight?""

Nyx, the C.M.C, and Pinkie Pie, turned and looked at Snips and Snails only for Pinkie to bolt for the fort when she noticed the snow balls.

"Quickly Ditzy, into the fort, Nyx Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle come into the fort now!!!"

Pinkie Pie was jumping up and down in a panic, her teeth clattering cartoonishly, her eyes wide, and sweating with the tension building. Nyx began to back away along with the c.m.c as more colts began to join Snips and Snails little army, each of them carrying a snowball which was no bigger then a rock. Scootaloo rolled some snow into a ball and threw it at the colts.

"Scootaloo!!!"

Scootaloo looked at her friends. "What?!"

The C.M.C and Nyx looked in the direction of Snips, Snails, and their army, the filly's then turned toward the fort and ran in terror as the colts assaulted them with a barrage of snowballs. Nyx didn't want to partake in the activity nor did she want frozen balls of ice to be thrown at her either, so she followed the c.m.c into Pinkies fortress where Ditzy raised the drawbridge despite being made of snow.

The filly's took a moment to catch their breath, Pinkie ran up some snow stairs and looked over a balcony to see the enemy team throwing their snowballs at the fort. Pinkie Pie ducked down, narrowly escaping a strike by one of the frozen spheres.

"Phew, that was close." Pinkie jumped back into the forts courtyard wearing a military helmet made of snow.

"Alrighty everypony, listen up. I don't want to see shaking, hiding, cake, or hesitation. The enemy has us pinned down and we must give them a taste of their own medicine"

Pinkie walked back and forth in front of the c.m.c and Nyx like a sergeant. Scootaloo whispered something to Apple Bloom but was caught by the pink pony.

"Is there something you'd like to share with us soldier?!"

"N-no Ms. Pinkie Pie, but.. if it means anything I think Nyx wants to go home."

Everypony present looked at Nyx as she looked outside at the colts. She gulped and took a step back seeing as how she, the c.m.c, Pinkie and Ditzy were outnumbered, eight to six.

"Nyx?"

Nyx looked at her friends. "Huh? oh no I'm alright... But, we're kinda outnumbered..."

Pinkie stomped her right hoof. "Well that's no problem! Ditzy, man the catapults!"

Ditzy saluted and went and grabbed a reconstructed catapult that was used by The Canterlot royal guard during the Changeling Invasion of Canterlot. Nyx, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom looked in aw at the catapult until Nyx shook her head realizing something was amiss.

"Wait a minute, Aunt Pinkie how did you get your hooves on a real catapult?!"

"Fire!!!" Pinkie shouted with a grin.

Ditzy let the device go off, launching snow boulders over the wall and onto the enemy snowball team. Though most of the team moved out of the way, Snips and Snails stayed in one spot.

"Hey look Snips, a ball."

Snips looked up at the said ball and panicked. "No you numb skull! That's not a ball it's a Bou-"

Pompf!!! The snow boulder crashed on top of the two, throwing up snow which splatted on everything nearby, fortress included. Pinkie laughed and rolled in the snow at the misfortune of Snips and Snails. This called for retaliation, Snips and Snails burst out of the snow and shouted in unison.

"Attaaack!!!!"

The colts charged at the fort, snowballs at the ready and filled with determination to breach the wall, though they are forced to stop when an entire volley of the frozen spheres is launched at them thanks to the combined magics of Nyx and Sweetie Belle. Pinkie Pie kept a careful watch on the enemy troop movements and told Nyx and Sweetie Belle where to launch them.

"Okay girls fire everything you have at them until Mr. Cake wants me to make the banana bread!!!"

Ditzy flew like a moth over the scattering colts, dropping snow balls down on top of them and causing them to cower against Snips's commands. Eventually Snips and Snails retreat, remarking on how snowball fights are no fun when the girls are winning. Nyx, the C.M.C, Pinkie and Ditzy watched from the top of the the snow fort celebrating their success, though the cheering and laughing is cut short when the fort began to collapse under the weight of the six. Pinkie, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Ditzy Doo, Apple Bloom and Nyx popped out of the snow pile left behind by the crumbled fort, they looked at each other and laughed.

"We sent those boys running didn't we?!" Scootaloo said with a victorious tone.

"We sure did, now who wants to come back to sugar cube corner for my famous Pinkie cake!!!"

The filly's, Ditzy and Pinkie headed off in the direction of Sugar Cube Corner, all except Nyx. The black filly stood in one spot looking up at a snowflake which was slowly falling down in front of her. Suddenly more snowflakes begin to fall down, odd for it to snow at this time of the day, they usually fell late in the after noon. Apple Bloom stopped and looked at Nyx.

"Hey Nyx, ya commin?"

Nyx didn't answer, instead she stared blankly at the falling snow then closed her eyes to blink. She reopened them only to find herself standing on a cloud beside Princess Celestia and a filly as white as snow. They were watching the new snow emerge from the clouds. Nyx's field of vision then changed as though she was turning her head right and looking down at the white filly and then a voice spoke, though the voice did not belong to Nyx. The white filly turned her head and looked in the direction of the black alicorn when she spoke these words.

"Your gift will be cherished for years to come my dear friend."

Then everything went black. Nyx awakened inside the library's living room. A warm fire crackled in the fireplace, a warm blanket was wrapped around the black alicorn and a cup of hot chocolate sat on the table. Twilight walked into the room to check on Nyx and was relived to see she was awake.

"Good afternoon sweetie."

"W-what happened..?"

Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom ran into the room and hopped on the couch beside Nyx.

"While we were headin to Sugar Cube Corner you stood as still as bunny rabbit frozen by a cockatrice. You were in some kinda trance or somethin so ah tried to wake you up then you just collapsed."

"Luckily Pinkie Pie ran to the library to inform Twilight. She didn't even don any snow cloths when she came out to get you." Said Scootaloo.

Nyx suddenly remembered what she had seen and decided to keep it secret from the others.

"O-oh... Well... I'm okay now, see? I'm not hurt at all."

Nyx smiled and looked a lot better now that she has warmed up a little. Twilight looked outside to see no trace of the snow ever falling. The snow already on the ground would have been raised a few meters after all the snowfall they got an hour earlier but oddly enough it hadn't. The lavender unicorn began to wonder if that snow was really snow, or an illusion.

~~~

Nyx and the c.m.c went back outside after a few moments indoors. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo both talked about making a snow-mare moon, modeling it after Nyx of course. Apple Bloom was keeping an eye on Nyx in case she froze up again and stared into space. Nyx was busy observing the different snowflakes and tried to compare them to something; something she knew she had seen before but couldn't put her hoof on it. It was frustrating for her. She must have spent minutes looking for that one snowflake to no avail, finally Nyx stood up and sighed. She turned to look at her friends only to see Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle still talking about making that snow statue, Nyx then noticed Apple Bloom looking at her with a concerned look. The black filly understood why Apple Bloom looked the way she did. Nyx opened her mouth and was about to say something when Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo called to them to help out with the snow-mare moon.

"Snow-mare moon..?" Nyx mumbled to herself then started laughing loudly to herself while the other three watched in confusion.

Moments later Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo were gathering snow while Nyx stood in one place, upright her front right leg lifted up, her other hooves on the ground, she even wore Nightmare Moon's sinister glare which required the filly to remove her glasses. As Nyx stood still, the others were patting snow together and shaping it so it looked like legs and a body. However the fillies found great difficulty in recreating the night mares face, eyes, wings, mane, tail, and armor, an annoying set back however it was easily overcome. Sweetie Belle ran to Rarity's Carousal Boutique and asked her if she could help in making the snow statue to which she complied, finding nothing wrong in creating a sculpture of one of Equestria's historical figures. Rarity closed the shop early, donned a snow coat and scarf, some snow shoes and followed Sweetie Belle to the spot where the sculpture was being made.

Upon arriving, Rarity saw that the snow mare was 8 meters tall from the hooves to the neck. This surprised the white unicorn, she was greatly impressed by its length and size and even more so by how Nyx was able to perfectly scale everything to match the statue, but it was with the features and details the four fillies had issues with, thus the reason they brought Rarity out. Nyx was helping Scootaloo shape some snow into the shape of the head, a massive head. They then turned to Rarity and asked her if she could recreate the facial features of Nightmare Moon to which she obliged. Rarity started to recreate all the features of Nightmare Moon's face, working her reconstructions on memory, using Nyx's facial features to fill out the parts of the face she had trouble remembering. Within minutes the white unicorn managed to replicate the mare in the moons sinister stare and grin, her long eyelashes, her horn and helmet. She then helped Nyx and Sweetie Belle mount the head atop the neck of the sculpture. They smiled at one another and continued to work on it until late in the afternoon and by that time they were putting the finishing touches to the mane and tail to the massive statue.

Twilight came outside with some hot chocolate for everypony and was astounded by the amount of detail that went into the sculpture it looked incredible. While Rarity and the filly's drank their hot chocolate Spike got a camera out and took a photo of the statue at different angles, even getting one from atop the library. The young dragon and Twilight planned to show Princess Luna when they had the chance. Soon everypony in Ponyville flocked to see the snow-mare and praised the filly's and Rarity for it, however only a very very few praised Nyx. The black filly flattened her ears on her head and lowered it, she closed her eyes and began walking away from the crowd toward the library feeling left out. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo unable to let themselves take all the credit, go to Nyx and stand beside her saying that if everypony wants to praise them then they'll have to praise Nyx too. This caused many a pony to walk away and go home, except the pony's who genuinely cared about Nyx among them: Ditzy Doo, Mr and Mrs. Cake, the mane six, Ms. Cherilee, Button Mash and even Silver Spoon was there among others who viewed the alicorn as a friend. Nyx's sadness was lifted and so she smiled warmly toward them, Twilight told everypony to stand in front of the Snow-mare Moon to which they did. The lavender unicorn set the timer on the camera and ran over to her friends and stood beside Nyx just before their picture was taken.

Afterwards everypony said their goodbyes and went home. Nyx helped Twilight pack the camera up and took it inside, then assisted Spike in closing the library for the night. Minutes later Spike had to help Twilight prepare and make dinner, leaving Nyx to close all the curtains on the windows though as she was closing the upstairs curtains in Twilight room, Nyx saw white flakes fall from the sky slowly. The snow was falling at its usual time, this was not surprising, however, Nyx felt an overpowering sense of sadness at the sight of the flakes. She closed the blinds and stood there for a moment deep in thought. She looked back at the window and continued to wonder.

"Nyx sweetie, dinners ready!"

Twilight called from down stairs prompting Nyx to turn her head away from the window and walk to the bathroom.

"Okay mommy, I'll be down in a second."

Nyx washed her hooves thoroughly so there were no germs, then walked into her bedroom removing her headband and glasses, placing them in the top drawer of her bedside table. She then turned toward the door and went down stairs to eat her dinner.

~~~

"Mommy do you think there's something wrong with me?"

The time was now 8:30 PM, twos hours had passed since dinner was announced. Twilight was helping Nyx into her bed.

"Why would you think there's something wrong with you sweetie pie?"

Nyx laid on the bed, resting her head on the insanely soft pillow as Twilight used her magic to move the bed sheets on top of the alicorn filly and tuck her in.

"W-well you know... I passed out this morning for no reason... and I almost blacked out at dinner... that has to mean something is wrong with me right?"

Twilight usesed her left hoof to move some hairs of Nyx's mane away from her face.

"You were probably very tired or very excited at the time baby. I wouldn't worry about it okay?"

Twilight gave Nyx her: "Everything will be alright" smile which caused the filly to take a deep breath and nod with a smile. The lavender unicorn nuzzled Nyx and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"Goodnight mommy, I love you."

"I love you too, sweet dreams my little pony."

Twilight turned out the light and closed the door slightly so there was a small crack in the door, then she went to bed upstairs. Nyx laid on her side and blinked a little before slowly closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep. Nyx reopened her eyes moments later though she was still sleeping. She looked around to see a field of snow, clear blue skies and the warm sun shining down upon the land. The alicorn then looked down to see she was much taller then before, she resembled Nightmare Moon though without the armor or sinister voice. She could see the Everfree forest in the distance and some of Ponyville's first buildings not to far from it. She then turned around to see Canterlot covered in snow. Suddenly the setting changed and Nyx found herself in the middle of a park in Cloudesdale. She looked around until she spotted a young Princess Luna walking into the park with somepony.

"Luna!"

Nyx stepped forward to try and contact her counterpart only for the princess to walk right through her. Confused Nyx looked at herself then at Luna and realized that she could not interact with anypony nor could anypony interact with her while in this world, she deiced to follow Luna and the filly she was walking with to the edge of the cloud and watched from a distance as they conversed.

"How do you do it?"

"W-What do you mean..?"

"How are you able to see without sight?" The night princess looked at the filly curiously. "It puzzles me."

"O-Oh? W-Well... You see... My hearing makes up for my blindness."

"You mean your hearing has become amplified because of your inability to see?"

The filly nodded. "That's right."

"But how does that make you able to see?"

The filly turned her head in Luna's direction and moved it upward as though she was looking at the princess.

"I listen to everything around me, when a sound bounces off an object I paint pictures with my mind of that object and what's around me and then I can see. It is because of this I am able to hear the stars as they twinkle at night and other things that a pony wouldn't hear normally..."

Luna blinked and raised both her eyebrows, impressed and interested. "Echolocation?"

The filly nodded, turning her head so it looked like she was looking forwards.

"That's right."

"Could you teach me..? To hear what you can I mean."

The filly nodded with a smile. "Yes... but you need to be unable to see as I do"

Luna chuckled and smiled. "A simple blind fold will do little one."

The filly chuckled along with Luna both of them smiling afterwards.

"D-did you like my gift? Princess Celestia admired it but... You only asked to look at it... I wasn't sure if you liked or not..."

Luna looked at the filly once again.

"I loved your spring sunrise gift, your snow stars are a truly beautiful creation."

The filly smiled and closed her eyes contently.

"But what moved me the most was the speech you gave when everypony was putting you down. You opened their eyes and made winter something different. A season to be celebrated not shunned. Never have I met anypony like you."

"I just thought... Winter shouldn't be a time of sadness... Winter deserves to be happy... It gives us wonderful things, and it's important... Just like the other seasons."

The princess smiled at the filly then sits down beside her looking at the land below.

"W-will you be leaving soon?"

"Yes, at sunset my sister and I will depart Cloudesdale and return to Everfree Castle in the Everfree forest. so I may resume my royal duties."

"I wish you didn't have to... I like talking to you. I feel like I can talk to you about anything."

"Can you not do the same with your mother?"

"I could but... I've been nervous to talk to her about anything lately..."

"Oh? and why would that be?"

"Because... I'm afraid that she'll end up worrying about me even more... I don't want her to worry about me all the time..."

"It is a mothers duty to worry about her offspring. She worries because she cares about you, just as how I worry and care about my subjects."

The filly smiled. "Y-you're right..."

The princess smiled warmly, closing her eyes as a breeze began to pick up. Was this a dream? No it couldn't be. Nyx didn't feel like this was a dream, she had a sense of deja'vu as though she had this conversation before but with who? Suddenly it hit her, she was witnessing a memory that did not belong to her. She quickly made the assumption that this memory was indeed that of Princess Luna's, a memory that somehow stayed when the night princess took it all back. Nyx looked at the filly standing beside the princess and was shocked to see that it was the same filly from her dream the other night.

"Luna... D-do you think... there are other ponies that are blind like me?"

Luna turned her head and looked at the filly, she opened her mouth about to say something though Nyx never got to hear what it was, for the dream had ended. The black filly sat up in her bed and shook her head. She wondered how she could have these memories and why she continued seeing the white filly whom she had seen on now three different occasions. Nyx began to realize that these glimpses of the past are all connected and revolved around Luna and the filly for reasons nopony knows. Every time Nyx had these visions she was either looking through Luna's eyes or her own. The filly stayed sitting up for a moment with thoughts running around in her head. She looked at the clock and saw the time was 5:56 AM. Nyx took a deep breath and looked down, wondering what Princess Luna would do if she discovered the memories she had. Nyx opted to keep her memories a secret deciding only to tell her friends, ponies she could trust.

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03: Mystery of the white filly.

Tears in the Snow

By Chaos Phantasm

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Chapter 3

Mystery of the white filly

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"Is it really the last one we have?"

"It has been over a thousand years sister, and she only made so many..."

"Can we not save it?"

"You know she wouldn't have wanted that."

"But she... I... I never got to..."

"I am sorry for that, I know she was dear friend to you."

"The only one who truly knew my night..."

"She still knows it Luna, You know that."

Princess Luna was sitting on the throne as she remembered that conversation. The night princess opened her eyes when a tear emerged from the left eye and trickled down her cheek.

"... Then why do I still feel this pain..?"

As the sun slowly began to rise, Nyx got out of bed and slowly made her way downstairs into the library's kitchen and started making breakfast. Though Sundays were pancake days, Nyx didn't feel like eating anything else. But then she got an idea, instead of making the pancakes for herself, the filly made them for Twilight. Nyx started the stove, placing the frying pan on top afterwards, then did all the other stuff that was necessary to make the pancakes and waited. until both sides are cooked and edible on all four of them. She then lifted all four pancakes off the frying pan and placed the pancakes on a plate. She then placed said plate on a tray with a glass of orange juice, a piece of toast and some maple syrup. She then tried to carry them upstairs to her mothers room without ruining the meal. Five minutes later Nyx finally got to the bedroom and gently lowered the tray onto the bedside table using her weak magic. She smiled and kissed Twilight on her forehead and quickly rushed back down stairs, putting on her snow cloths and opening the door, stepping outside and closing it behind her.

Once outside Nyx looked around at the still sleeping Ponyville, she looked up at the Nightmare Moon snow statue and smiled at it, acknowledging that it was an impressive sculpture. She then took a step forward preparing to go see Apple Bloom whom Nyx knew would be up at this hour but stopped before she could lift her left hoof. She looked up to see the snow falling and thought that they looked almost like tears, a notion Nyx had never thought of before. Watching it snow gave her that same feeling of sadness she had felt last night, it was like somepony was crying and she couldn't do anything to help. The filly looked down and continued walking, making her way to Sweet Apple Acres.

"Don't be sad... I want you to be happy..."

Nyx stopped and looked up in the sky as the snowflakes continued to fall. She thought she heard a filly's voice, soft and gentle like the snow, echo around her. Believing she was hearing things the black filly shook her head continued down the snow covered path toward the farm. She reached the dirt path which was like everything else, covered in snow though it wasn't as deep as she thought it would be, the snow was shallow and could barely reach halfway up Nyx's hooves. After making her way up a slope that was not too big, Nyx could see Sweet Apple Acres a short distance away. She could also see Apple Bloom helping Applejack collect snow berries from the now snow white berry bushes. The black filly smiled and started running toward Sweet Apple Acres though the closer she got the more slippery the ground became. Within moments Nyx was sliding downhill very quickly with no way of stopping.

"This is not good waaahh!!!"

As Applejack was explaining how to carefully pick snow berries to Apple Bloom, Nyx's scream gained the attention of both earth ponies while she slid through the arch on a crash course with the barn. Realizing what was about happen Applejack quickly grabbed a lasso and twirled it around in the air and threw it toward the alicorn filly. The loop of the lasso managed to catch Nyx, however, Applejack struggled to slow the filly to a stop before she could hit the barn house.

"Whoa Nelly!!"

Applejack was dragged a fair ways forward due to the snow underneath her hooves and the speed of Nyx, however, with the help of Big Macintosh, Applejack was able to stop the filly just inches away from slamming into the side of the barn. Nyx opened one eye half expecting to be in pony heaven or at least the hospital until Apple Bloom came running over to her with worry.

"Are you okay Nyx?"

Nyx opened both her eyes and nodded breathing a sigh of relief. Applejack walked up to the two filly's, removing the lasso around the alicorn's waist and wrapping it back up.

"You're up bright and early little Missy, Ah take it ya came to play with Apple Bloom right?"

"Sort of Aunt Applejack, I needed to talk to her and the others in the clubhouse. You know, crusader stuff."

"Ah understand, but Apple Bloom has her chores to do first, ya'll can have ya talk after. You can help out if ya like Nyx."

"Oh? Alright." Nyx smiled widely.

"Oh and Nyx, next time please be careful coming down that slope. The snow makes it dangerously slippery and you could get hurt."

"I will Aunt Applejack." Nyx nodded.

Apple Bloom walked over to Nyx, watching her sister for a moment then looked at Nyx.

"You forgot your glasses and headband."

"I know Apple Bloom, I'll get them before we meet up at the clubhouse."

"What is so important anyway?"

"You'll find out along with everypony else."

Apple Bloom nodded and got back to her chores with Nyx's help. By 7:00 AM Nyx had returned home to get her glasses and headband only to run into Twilight whom was worried about her.

"Where have you been?!"

"I was at Sweet Apple Acres helping Apple Bloom."

"You had me worried sick, I wake up with some pancakes... Well made pancakes I must say and then I look into your room and see you missing, I was about to send a letter to Princess Celestia to..."

Nyx looked away slightly at the sound of Celestia's name, reminding Twilight of the resentment Nyx had for the sun princess.

"S-sorry sweetie... I forget you and the princess... Don't get along as well as you do with Princess Luna."

Nyx sighed and looked up at Twilight.

"I'll be at the crusaders clubhouse if you need me..."

Nyx put on her headband, then her glasses and headed off back down to Sweet Apple Acres. She ran past Fluttershy while she led some group of frogs through town to Ponyville's Reptile Winter Getaway. The frogs were startled by Nyx and began to scatter and jump all over Fluttershy.

"O-oh please don't scatter, wait please."

Nyx looked back and skidded to a stop. She turned around and quickly ran back to help Fluttershy gather the frogs.

"I'm sorry Aunt Fluttershy really I am."

"Oh don't worry Nyx, it's quite alright."

Nyx shook her head. "No no it's not alright, I'll help you gather up the frogs Aunt Fluttershy."

Nyx put down her saddlebags, opened the left one and took out a butterfly net.

"A-A butterfly net?"

Nyx nodded. "I sometimes catch butterflies with the girls. Now, lets find some froggy's"

Nyx smiled and started looking and catching any frogs she found. Some of the frogs were too frozen to hop away and ended up getting scooped up by Nyx and put in a jar big enough to hold all eighteen of them. Though the filly had only scooped up seven of the hoppers. The alicorn filly sighed loudly and spent the next ten minutes diving, jumping, swinging and scooping half of the remaining frogs and placing them within the jar with Fluttershy's help. Nyx then put a lid with air holes on top of the jar containing the frogs. She then gave it to the yellow pegasus.

"There, all the frogs are gathered and contained."

Fluttershy lifted the jar onto her back, using her wings to support it. She made sure it was secure before turning to Nyx.

"Thank you for helping me recollect the frogs Nyx."

"You're welcome Aunt Fluttershy, you can keep the jar I won't need it. And mommy has more at home so giving one away won't hurt."

Nyx picked up her saddlebags and swung them onto her back looking at Fluttershy with a smile.

"Thank you Nyx, but I can't keep this oh no. I'll return it to Twilight once I deliver these wittle froggy's to the Reptile Winter Getaway."

"That's alright." Nyx smiled. "I have to get going. Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle are waiting for me at the clubhouse. You know, crusader stuff."

"I understand," Fluttershy nodded. "Go on don't let me hold you up."

Nyx smiled. "See you later Aunt Fluttershy."

Nyx turned around and started running toward the farm once again.

"Bye Nyx!"

Fluttershy smiled then hurried on her way to the Reptile Winter Getaway before the poor frogs became icicles. Nyx slowed herself down once reaching the slope. She looked down the slippery hill and tried to melt away the snow with her magic, however, even after two years, Nyx's magic was still not strong enough. She could barely lift a frying pan let alone melt snow. She sighed and carefully walked down the snowy slope, making sure she wasn't moving too fast. In moments she was at the bottom of the slope and out of risk of sliding down it too fast like she had that morning. The filly looked back at the hill then turned her head forward and walked toward the farm, stepping through the arch. As Nyx was walking in she stopped and stood aside to let Big Macintosh pass, pulling a carriage of seventeen crates of cider ready to be sent off to Canterlot, Dodge Junction, Appleloosa, and Cloudesdale. Nyx waved to Big Macintosh as he walked by.

"Howdy Big Mac." Nyx said smiling.

"Howdy."

The red earth pony replied as he continued down the road, passing the slope Nyx always used to get to Sweet Apple Acres in favor of the commonly used path which is the only path the citizens of Ponyville use. Nyx felt silly that she had been using the wrong side of the path this whole time, but that didn't matter to her. The filly continued on her way toward the clubhouse where the C.M.C were waiting.

"Where's Nyx? You said she'd be here Apple Bloom." Scootaloo laid around on the clubhouse porch.

"It's not like her to be runnin late like this, especially when she calls for a group meeting."

Apple Bloom paced around whilst Sweetie Belle was sitting around eating an apple and being patient.

"Nyx will be here soon. Even well organized ponies can be late sometimes."

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo sighed with their heads down and their eyes closed. As Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were raising their heads and reopening their eyes, Nyx emerged from the bushes and approached them.

"Sorry to keep you waiting everypony."

Scootaloo turned onto her side and stood up. "Where were you?"

"You kept us waitin Nyx. Did somethin happen?"

Nyx shook her head. "No, nothing bad happened Apple Bloom. I was just helping Aunt Fluttershy catch some frogs on the way here."

"Oh is that all?" Sweetie Belle thought for a moment. "Hey girls why don't we try catching frogs?"

Scootaloo smiled and thought that it was a good idea. Apple Bloom rolled her eyes and turned her head to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

"Girls, we're here to hear what Nyx has to tell us not to discuss getting our cutie marks."

Sweetie Belle rubbed the back of her head.

"Right... Sorry Nyx."

"It's alright, but I can't tell you all out here. Lets get inside the clubhouse first then I'll explain everything."

The filly's nodded and got inside of the clubhouse, shutting and locking the door behind them and closing and locking the windows followed by Nyx putting a weak but effective sound proofing spell on the door and windows so that nopony outside would hear them speak.

"Okay Nyx, what is it you need to tell us?" Scootaloo said, sitting down.

The other two c.m.c also sat down and waited for Nyx to start talking. The black alicorn filly sat down in front of the three and looked down.

"I don't exactly know how to explain this but..." She took a deep breath and sighed. "...I have been seeing somepony in my dreams and in my memory, a filly with a white coat and pale eyes, no older than us."

"So that's why ya blacked out yesterday after playin in Pinkie's snow fort."

Nyx looked at Apple Bloom and nodded.

"Maybe your memories have some sort of connection with Princess Luna." Sweetie Belle theorized.

Scootaloo nodded at Sweetie Belle agreeing with her. The orange pegasus then turned her head toward Nyx.

"Yeah, you are technically apart of Luna in a special way Nyx. You probably inherited some of the princesses memory."

Nyx nodded over and over again.

"I know, I know. But I shouldn't have these memories, Luna took them all back when the long night was ending two years ago. No matter what, she must not know about these memories."

Scootaloo stood up. "Sorry if this is a silly question but, why?"

Nyx looked at the pegasus. "Because if she found out she would take these memories away, like she did to the others... And I don't want to lose these memories. I want to know who this filly is... I want to help her."

The filly's smiled at Nyx, and offered to help her discover who the white filly was. Though there was one problem with this, Ponyville's Golden Oaks Library lacked the books that could help the c.m.c discover the identity of the white filly. Twilight had once told Nyx that Canterlot has a library filled with millions of books some dating back to the founding of Equestria. The alicorn had a hunch that the library of which Twilight mentioned may have the books she needed to solve this new mystery. However she could not act on this as Hearth's Warming Eve would be there in two weeks and Twilight was busy preparing for the day and the arrival of Princess Cadence, Skyla, and Shining Armor, whom were planning to visit as Nyx mentioned to Cheerilee before. Nyx lifted the soundproofing spell off the windows and door with Sweetie Belle's help. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom went outside and toward the barn and came back moments later with four apple juice poppers. The two filly's walked back into the clubhouse and rested the drinks on the table underneath the left side window.

"Usually Applejack would hand these out to the kids during the summer months, but ah figured it'd be alright to have some now before we go back outside and muck around in the snow."

The three main c.m.c opened the bottles and drank the apple juice inside, however Nyx only stared at hers. The young alicorn lit up her horn and levitated the drink in front of her as she slowly lowered the temperature of the juice until it had froze like water left in a bucket during a winter night. Suddenly, Nyx's horn stopped glowing, she dropped her frozen juice and stared blankly toward her friends. Apple Bloom quickly took notice upon hearing the sound of the frozen beverage hitting the floor and quickly rushed over to Nyx and began to call her name though the alicorn could not hear her voice, instead she heard another voice, a familiar voice. Nyx's vision blacked out for a moment, she could hear a soft gentle voice addressing her as Luna. Soon her vision returned however she could see she was no longer in the crusader clubhouse but instead a living room made from clouds. She was looking around the room when the same white filly from before walked into her vision and sat on the couch beside her.

"Where is your mother?"

"She'll be here soon. She had to go to the market this morning."

"So I see."

Nyx was looking through Luna's eyes. She walked over to a wall which had portraits on it, with each picture being of the filly's family. Her father, mother, and herself.

"Tomorrow will mark the third winter your gift has been used. But I don't think that's important, you're going into high school from what I understand."

The filly nodded. "I just hope nopony picks on me because of my blindness."

"Why would anypony pick on you?"

"Everypony in school always picked on me because I was blind. I was always the punchline of everyponies blind jokes."

Luna walked over to the filly and sat beside her.

"Well I don't think you'll be picked on ever again once you start high school."

"D-Do you think so??"

Luna put her right wing over the filly and smiled.

"I know so."

Luna looked at the front door as it opened, followed by a green mare with crimson mane and tail stepping into the house and greeting the princess, however Nyx could not see anymore as everything had gone black. The filly could not hear Luna or the filly's voices anymore, instead she heard somepony else, calling her name.

"Nyx, Nyx! c'mon sugarcube wake up."

Nyx opened her eyes a little to see Applejack trying to wake her. The orange earthpony turned and looked at Applebloom and the other two c.m.c.

"What happened?!"

"We were helpin ourselves to some apple juice and she started starin into space, then she just collapsed. Sorry big sis."

"No need to be sorry Apple Bloom."

Nyx groaned slightly. "A-Aunt Applejack?"

Applejack looked back at Nyx and sighed with relief.

"Oh thank Celestia you're okay!"

Nyx sat up slowly. "W-where am I? What happened?"

"Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo said you passed out, so they carried ya all the way to the livin room back ere at the barn where it's warmer."

Nyx looked at her friends but suddenly closed her eyes and placed her left hoof on her head, cringing in pain.

"That don't look good. I'll go get Twilight."

Applejack stood up, and hurried over to a rack with snow cloths on it. She pulled off a scarf and wrapped it around her neck. She was about to grab the earmuffs when Nyx stood up.

"No Aunt Applejack... I'm okay"

The black filly carefully climbed off the couch and swayed a little. Applejack had a look of concern on her face, as did Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo. Nyx managed to steady herself and looked at the time.

"Uh oh... Mommy will be expecting me home soon for lunch, I better go."

Nyx levitated all of her snow cloths off of the rack they were on and started putting them on. First her jacket, then her beanie, then her snow shoes. The filly smiled after she had all her cloths on then quickly made her way to the door, only to be stopped by Applejack.

"Whoa there lil Missy, I'll walk ya back to Twilight's. That way I can carry you home if you fall down again."

"We'll follow." The c.m.c said in unison.

As the c.m.c got their snow cloths on, Applejack opened the front door and stepped outside with Nyx and stood there, waiting for the other three to hurry up.

"You three done in there yet?"

"Just about!" Apple Bloom called out.

The c.m.c came outside in their snow cloths, Sweetie Belle closed the barn doors behind her and followed Applejack, Scootaloo, Nyx and Apple Bloom whom had already began the walk to Golden Oaks.

"Hey wait for me!" Sweetie Belle started running to catch up with them, slipping on snow halfway. "ooof!"

While Nyx, and the others were making their way to the Library. Twilight and Spike were decorating the tree for Hearth's Warming Eve. Spike was decorating the inside of the Library. Putting stockings above the fireplace, tinsel on the window sills and door ways. and many other hearth's warming decoration on other things. Outside Twilight was decorating the tree with much of the same decorations. She used her magic to cover the library with lights and other things making it look like a Christmas tree almost.

"Spike, what time is it?!"

"It's 12:34 PM Twilight."

Twilight stopped putting on decorations and looked puzzled.

"Odd, Nyx is usually home for lunch by now... then again," Twilight looked up at the tree. "I haven't started making lunch yet."

Twilight was suddenly knocked to the snowy ground by none other then Nyx. It took the purple unicorn a moment to realize who had tackled her. When Twilight saw it was Nyx they started to laugh together for a moment before looking at one another.

"There you are Nyx."

"Here I am Mommy." Nyx smiled.

While the two laughed, Applejack couldn't help but smile as she came closer to them.

"Howdy Twilight."

Twilight looked up at Applejack still smiling.

"Hey Applejack."

"Just droppin Nyx off. She had an accident and Ah couldn't let her walk home by herself in case she started feelin weird."

Twilight became concerned.

"This wouldn't happen to be related to the incident that happened yesterday would it??"

Twilight looked at Nyx and wondered why she was having these accidents.

"The filly's told me that Nyx suddenly froze up, then collapsed."

"Just like yesterday..." Twilight stood up and shook the snow off her, looking at Applejack afterwards. "Thank you Applejack."

"Anytime Twilight. Well then, Ah suppose Ah should head back with the girls. Ah'll see ya later Twilight, and as for you Nyx, try to be more careful okay?"

Nyx nodded. "Okay Aunt Applejack."

Applejack smiled and turned around, looking at the c.m.c. "Alright girls, lets head back to the farm."

Applejack began to walk back to Sweet Apple Acres, the Cutie Mark Crusaders asked Nyx to meet them by Rarity's place after lunch before going to their individual homes. Nyx and Twilight watched as they left, then went inside just as it started snowing again.

~~~

Twilight Sparkle set down a carrot sandwich for Nyx on the table, and a gem sandwich for Spike. Twilight made herself a cheese sandwich and had started eating it by the time she had sat down. While Spike and Twilight ate, Nyx stared out the window, at the snow outside. She could hear the wind blowing gently against the trunk of the tree of which the library was built inside of. The wind also blew against the glass. Though the wind was blowing, no branch, nor leaf, nor snow was being blown. The black alicorn filly continued to stare out the window in an almost trance like state. Twilight and Spike were talking as this was happening, however the sounds of their voices, and everything else around her could not be heard. Nyx could only hear a voice, the voice of a filly calling out Luna's name. As Nyx was listening to the wind, Twilight had started trying to get the young alicorn's attention. The lavender unicorn levitated Nyx's glasses off causing Nyx to snap out of her trance and grab her glasses with her magic again, placing them back on her face.

"Something wrong Nyx? You've been staring out the window for five minutes now."

"I was just listening to the wind." Nyx turned her head back to her sandwich and started eating.

"Nyx... There's no wind."

Nyx stopped eating and looked up at Twilight confused, she could clearly hear the wind blowing outside yet the unicorn couldn't. She looked at Spike and asked if he could hear the wind blowing but the dragon only shook his head, further confusing the young filly. Nyx continued to eat her sandwich whilst looking out the window curiously. Moments later the snow simply stopped, and once again none of the snow on the ground had been raised, it was as though it had never snowed, Twilight had started to wonder if this was some kind of phenomenon or something. Aside from that, lunch time had already passed and Nyx was getting ready to head out to Rarity's store.

"Heading out already Nyx?" Twilight had just come inside from checking the snow and trying to find an explanation for the "ghost" snowfall.

"I told Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo I'd meet them at Rarity's for something. I think we're gonna try and pry Button away from his video games."

"That would be impressive if you and the filly' could do it."

Nyx giggled. "You think so mommy?"

"I know so." Twilight smiled.

Nyx smiled at her mother then looked at the clock and started to look panicked.

"Oh no! I'm gonna be late!" Nyx hurried and put on the rest of her snow clothes. "Bye mommy."

Nyx hugged Twilight and quickly ran out the door.

"Be safe Nyx!" Yelled Twilight.

On her way to Rarity's store, Nyx ran through the snow covered streets of Ponyville, running past Fluttershy whom was still carrying the frogs. Nyx's suddenly running past Fluttershy made the yellow pegasus jump in fright, almost dropping the frogs. Nyx looked back.

"Sorry Aunt Fluttershy!"

Fluttershy watched Nyx run down the street before continuing her quest to take the frogs to the Reptile Winter Getaway. Meanwhile the c.m.c were waiting for Nyx at Rarity's. They all sitting around a fire drinking hot chocolate. Rarity was in her work station making mittens and scarfs. In fact, Rarity was making a particular scarf which she finished as soon as a customer entered.

"Hello, Ms. Rarity I'm here about my order."

"Just one moment dear!" Rarity called out.

The white unicorn finished an unnecessarily long and ugly scarf and sighed. "Why would anypony want such an ugly thing? The colors mix and mash, the yellow and red are ugly and it's also unnecessarily long, ugh so not stylish... But it's what the customer ordered."

Rarity exited the back room, entering the store and approaching the counter where she placed the scarf.

"Here you go Time Turner, one ridiculously long multicolored scarf."

"Thank you Ms. Rarity."

Time Turner paid the eight bits for the scarf and put it on. He turned and began making his way out the door passing Nyx on the way out.

"Good day Nyx."

"Good afternoon Time Turner." Nyx smiled and stepped into store after letting Time Turner pass.

Rarity looked over the counter to see Nyx and smiled. "Good afternoon Nyx. The girls are in the back room by the fire place."

"Thank you Aunt Rarity."

Nyx walked into the back room and saw the girls.

"Hey everypony."

The c.m.c turned their heads and looked at Nyx with bright smiles. "Hello Nyx."

Nyx jumped up onto the couch and sat beside Apple Bloom.

"So what are we going to do?"

"We're going to ask Ms. Cherilee if she knows anything about this filly you keep seeing." Sweetie Belle replied.

"Yeah, Ms. Cherilee is bound to know somethin"

Scootaloo hopped off the couch and stretched.

"Well what are we waiting for? lets go ask her now."

Before the crusaders could leave, Nyx stopped each one of them by holding onto their tails.

"Girls don't you remember what I said? We can't tell anypony or ask anypony anything... Luna will find out and you know what'll happen..."

The three filly's sighed and turned around.

"We're sorry Nyx..." Said Scootaloo.

"Yeah, we forgot about that..." Followed Apple Bloom.

"We're just trying to help..." Finished Sweetie Belle.

Nyx sighed in an upset way. She looked at her friends while they thought of what to do instead.

"Hey... how about we go see Button mash instead?" Suggested Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo looked at Sweetie Belle and giggled amount themselves. Nyx on the other hoof did not and simply smiled at Sweetie Belle.

"Button Mash and Sweetie Belle sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Apple Bloom and Scootaloo chimed together teasingly.

Sweetie Belle's cheeks lit up like a Christmas tree. "It's not like that girls!" She pouted.

"Leave her alone girls. Nyx defended Sweetie Belle with a friendly smile.

Rarity stepped into the room. "Girls what is all that ruck- Huaaagh!" Rarity gasped.

The white unicorn looked at the crumbs and rubbish in the room. She also noticed dust on the shelves, however, she was more occupied by the mess made by the filly's.

"Look at this mess! I do hope you aren't planning on leaving without tidying up first?"

Sweetie Belle's ears flattened on top of her head. "But Rarity..."

"No buts Sweetie Belle. look at the mess you and your friends made, excluding you of course Nyx."

Nyx smiled. "I'll help them clean up, Aunt Rarity."

"I'm sure you will Nyx. Now get to it, I want the place spotless."

Rarity turned around and took her leave, she exited the room and went back into the main store. Nyx looked at the crusaders with a smile of confidence.

"Okay girls let's get to work."

The filly's looked at each other and smiled, breaking out into a song about cleaning up the Boutique.

"Clean the Shop Up! Clean the Shop Up!
Let's make Rarity proud
Clean the Shop Up! Clean the Shop Up!

Then we can go outside!"

The main three of the c.m.c sound the same as ever but Nyx's voice stood out the most. Her voice was simply beautiful and it eventually dominated the song with her friends as back up singers. Scootaloo starting singing and was eventually joined by Sweetie Belle and finally all four of them sung together.

"Dusting off the shelves
A Pegasus' job begins
And clearing all the fluff bunnies
To let the tables shine and sparkle
We move the pots
And we arrange the cups

When Rarity sees
She's bound to cry!

Clean the Shop Up! Clean the Shop Up!
Let's make Rarity proud
Clean the Shop Up! Clean the Shop Up!
'So that we can go outside
Clean the Shop Up! Clean the Shop Up!
'So that we can go outside
'So that we can go outside!"

Apple Bloom now started to sing her solo.

"No easy task to clear the floor
Fixin up the carpet
With proper care and and a broom
It's gotten neat and clean
Fluff and dirt and crumbs and all
Clean like a fresh apple
We must work so very hard"

"It's just so much to do!" Apple Bloom sighed.

All four of them now started to sing all together, Nyx's voice being the more dominant one for it's melodic tone.

"Clean the Shop Up! Clean the Shop Up!
Let's make Rarity proud
Clean the Shop Up! Clean the Shop Up!
'So that we can go outside
Clean the Shop Up! Clean the Shop Up!

'So that we can go outside
'So that we can go outside
'So that we can go outside!"

The song finished when the cleaning ceased. The room shined cleanly, not a spec of dust nor a piece of fluff was to be seen, not a crumb not a crease, not a bit of rubbish or stray hair, not even a pile of dirt. Rarity came back into the room and was astonished to see how spotless it was. She examined everything carefully and could find no dust or pieces of food, nor any fluff. It was like the room was cleaned by angels. The white unicorn looked at the fillies and spoke.

"D-did you..?"

The filly's nodded.

"We sure did big sister. Nyx told us what we should do and helped us out. We also made a new game out of it."

Rarity chuckled and smiled.

"I see. Well, perhaps you four would like to help clean the rest of the Boutique?"

Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo smiled nervously.

"Well would you look at the time, we better go.. Uh... Button's waiting for us." Said Sweetie Belle in a nervous tone.

The three filly's took their leave. Nyx looked in their direction in confusion.

"But girls shouldn't we-"

Scootaloo rushed back. "No time."

The orange pegasus grabbed Nyx and ran as fast as she could with her. Scootaloo and Nyx eventually caught up with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom who were already waiting for them at Button Mash's home.

"What kept ya you two?"

Scootaloo was panting from all the running. She looked up at Apple Bloom and spoke, pausing to breath every now and then.

"Nyx was... About to say... Something that... Would've kept us there... All day."

Scootaloo took a deep breath and stood straight again. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, suddenly heard the sounds of a filly sniffling as though she was going to cry. The three quickly turned and looked at Nyx. The alicorn was sitting down, her head lowered and her eyes closed. She held back tears and looked up at her friends.

"I-I was only going t-to say that w-we should helped Aunt Rarity clean... I-it would be the right thing to do... I-I'm sorry I made you mad girls..."

Nyx sniffled some more and suddenly burst into one of her crying fits, surprising the c.m.c who all thought she had grown out of it. The girls all walked over to Nyx and hugged her.

"Hey don't be upset Nyx, we aren't mad." Sweetie Belle spoke softly trying to calm Nyx down.

Nyx quickly tries to calm down, she took deep breaths through her nose and wiped her tears.

"Really?"

The three filly's nodded at Nyx, bringing a smile to the young alicorns face. The three of them were suddenly startled by loud music coming from Button Mash's room. The hair on their backs stood up, their pupils shrunk, their eyes widened and they bared their teeth, jumping up and floating for a few seconds before shaking their heads going back to normal. They peered through Buttons bedroom window and saw the colt holding a broom, using it as support as he stood on his hind legs, dancing and singing to "Loves in Bloom" by Twilight Sparkle. The filly's burst into laughter and giggled at how silly the brown colt looked. Nyx cracked her neck cleared her throat, and began to sing the same song in her voice, getting Buttons attention and silencing the c.m.c. The colt turned to look at his bedroom window and threw down the broom in embarrassment upon noticing the four girls. Scootaloo waved at Button Mash who grabbed his snow cloths and put them on and ran outside to meet them.

"You know, you girls have a bad habit of showing up at inconvenient times."

Scootaloo laughed slightly. "Inconvenient timing? Or perfect timing? I don't know which has more flavor." She laughed harder.

Nyx sighed and sat down. "So now what do we do now everypony?"

The girls thought for a while, eventually coming up with many suggestions, but neither could agree on the other. As the arguments continued, Nyx began to feel faint. She stood up and walked forward toward the town. Button and the filly's apologized after thinking they had upset Nyx. The alicorn filly had taken only three steps before she collapsed in slumber, her friends ran to her while Sweetie Belle called for help.

~~~

Nyx awoke, not in a bedroom, nor in a home. She awoke in a green grassy field, with trees with wet leaves, blue morning sky with few clouds, and snow melting slowly in the sunlight. The filly looked around this beautiful field amazed by the serenity, the flowers, the greenest grass she had ever seen. Just a large open field.

"W-Wow, t-this is..." As Nyx was turning, she noticed a filly looking at her from a snowy patch.

Curious, Nyx carefully made her way down the hill she was on, quickly running over to the filly. The black alicorn suddenly slowed down as she got closer, soon she came to a complete stop. The filly reacted to the sound of Nyx stopping, she got up and slowly put one hoof forward checking if anything was in front of her. It was the white filly from Nyx's flashes, her dreams. The filly pegasus got closer to Nyx, and bumped into her on accident.

"H-huh?? W-Who's there.... Luna??"

Nyx shook her head. "N-no... Luna's not here... Well actually I don't see anypony else around."

"That voice.... I never forget a voice... It's you.. Nyx isn't it?."

"It's me."

"Y-Your voice... It sounds different... Like bells, it's so beautiful."

Nyx smiled. "Thank you."

The white filly lowered her head down and shook it sadly.

"No no no.... W-Why do I always find you instead of Luna... Whenever I look for her I find only you.."

"B-But you're blind... How can you be looking for her?"

"W-Well I-I'm actually waiting..."

Nyx flattened her ears onto her head with a sad expression. A water droplet dripped from a leaf and became a snowflake as it came to rest on a flower.

"You never told me your name... You must have a name."

"... I never... I never got to say goodbye to her... "

Nyx started to shed tears for the filly. Feeling extreme sadness for her. Her sadness caused Nyx to forget all about knowing the filly's name, her talent taking effect on Nyx's mind slowly forming a new goal.

"Nyx!"

Nyx could hear the faint sounds of her mother in the distance. The alicorn turned her head to see Twilight standing on another hill far away and calling her name. She smiled and looked back at the white filly to see that she was gone. Nyx frowned and looked around as a darkness began to creep in. Everything suddenly went black. Nyx re-awoke on the sofa in Buttons home. Twilight hugged Nyx the moment she opened her eyes, the lavender unicorn was full of noticeable worry.

"You're okay... You're okay..."

Nyx was confused. "O-Of course I am mommy.. W-Where are the girls?"

Button placed some cookies on the table while Buttons mother, Elaina put a glass of warm milk on the table.

"The girls went home Nyx, it's 9:39 PM." Twilight answered Nyx.

"B-But it was 4:23 PM before... H-How..?"

Elaina spoke. "You passed out. Button came and got me while Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom stayed and kept you warm. I came out and took you inside then I called Twilight. After that we waited for you to wake up."

Nyx started sniffling then burst into tears, going into another crying fit. Twilight frowned and hugged the filly closely, slowly calming her down. Nyx sniffled and took deep breaths, calming down slowly.

"I'm sorry for making you worry mommy..."

"Hey... It's not your fault Nyx..." Twilight gave a smile to the young alicorn, getting a smile back from her.

"Time to go home Nyx. It's past your bedtime."

Nyx nodded. "Okay mommy."

Twilight nuzzled Nyx then looked at Elaina.

"Thank you for getting her out of the snow and bringing her inside."

The earth pony smiled. "You're welcome."

Twilight and Nyx, made their way to the door. Both of them were already in their snow cloths having not taken them off after arriving inside Buttons house. The lavender unicorn levitated Nyx onto her back and began to trudge through the snow back to the library. On the way Nyx could see something moving around the night sky, they looked like sparkling shards, following behind the glowing shards was a snow white and glacial blue trail. It seemed to move as though it were flying. Nyx yawned and blinked.

"You know Nyx, the Hearths Warming goodies I ordered will be arriving tomorrow. Spike and I could use some help unpacking them and putting them in the pantry. Interested?"

Nyx nodded with a smile. They arrive at Golden Oaks Library shortly, Nyx hopped off Twilight's back and darted upstairs to brush her teeth. When she finished she went into her room and undressed, putting her snow cloths on the cloths rack by the door, and her snow shoes just beneath said rack. She put her glasses and headband inside her bedside draw. Twilight had done the same with her snow cloths while Nyx was brushing her teeth. She stepped inside the young alicorns room and helped her into bed, tucking her in. Twilight knelt down beside the bed and looked at Nyx, her face full of worry.

"Are you feeling alright??"

Nyx nodded.

"You've just been worrying me Nyx... It's hard enough dealing with the scorn we get from someponies.. And now ever since winter started you've started passing out at random. It worries me.... You're the closest to a daughter I could ever have. I worry about you everyday.... I worry that somepony might try and take you again... or hurt you..."

Nyx looked down sadly, flattening her ears on the top of her head. Twilight took a deep breath and was on the verge of tears. She cleared her throat and took another breath.

"If... If you're feeling sick, or if you want to talk about anything... Come and find me... I'm always here for you."

Nyx hugged Twilight, closing her eyes tightly. Twilight returned the hug shedding some tears all out of worry for the young mare.

"Okay mommy... I will..."

Twilight gave Nyx a kiss on the forehead and smiled.

"Goodnight sweetie."

Nyx laid back in her bed and snuggled up to the Twilight dummy she made during her tenure as Nightmare Moon.

"Goodnight... Mommy..."

As Twilight went to bed, Nyx stayed awake, staring at the window, listening. She could hear the sound of wind again, and the sound of twinkling like stars. She couldn't understand how she was able to hear this and yet nopony else could. She heard the filly's gentle voice being carried on the very wind. Nyx remembered that the filly said she had been looking for Luna yet at the same time waiting. It filled Nyx with sadness but also determination to help the spirit find her way. She stood up in her bed and jumped to the windowsill, opening the window.

"I will help you find Luna. Somehow, I promise, I will."

The wind began to blow harder, Nyx's short mane flowed as the wind passed her. The shining shards that were the filly's spirit began to flicker and fade until it was carried away by the wind.

"Thank you..."

=====================================================================

Author's Note

The original title for this chapter was "Winter Days" before changing to "Winters misfortunes." and finally settling with the current title.

I didn't know what to title this chapter. It has all these other things going on through it that it makes it hard to make one up. I settled for the current title after typing the final three paragraphs.

01/09/2014: I added a song about cleaning the Boutique. It's the Winter Wrap Up song but I changed almost all the lyrics to match the setting. It sounds bad believe me but I am eager to see if anybody can make a better song up for that one scene.

Re-titled the story a few months back to its current title.

04: Broken.

Tears in the Snow

By Chaos Phantasm

=====================================================================

Chapter 4

Broken

=====================

The clock had just hit 9:57 PM in Canterlot. Luna was still fast asleep. Her eyes were closed tightly, she was sweating and shivering at the same time like there was cold air in the room with no heat but there was also no cool breeze coming into the room. In her mind, Luna was standing alone in a field of snow, in the middle of a blizzard. The night pony turned around to see a white filly facing her direction. The filly whispered something Luna could not hear then a shadow emerged from the ground and engulfed Luna. causing the princess to wake up with fright. Princess Luna sat up and took many deep breaths, panting quickly almost hyperventilating. She looked at the time to see it was 10:04 PM. Luna got out of bed and quickly donned her usual attire then quickly made her way to the dining hall where she was greeted by her sister, Princess Celestia.

"Good evening Luna. Did you have a nice sleep?"

"I'm sorry I was not awake in time sister. I was preoccupied,"

Celestia sipped her tea. "I had to raise the moon myself. You are almost three hours late."

Princess Celestia continued to eat her soup just as Princess Luna was getting her breakfast served.

"I'm sorry again Celestia."

The white alicorn chuckled. "It's alright, no need to be sorry. You've been having restless sleeps and I can understand if you start sleeping in."

Luna silently stared at her meal, she was listening to her sister but was also thinking about the dreams she had been having the past few nights. Celestia finished her dinner and her cup of tea then stood up. Luna looked at the white alicorn.

"Goodnight sister. Stay warm."

"Sweet dreams Celestia..."

Luna watched her sister leave the dining hall and just after making sure nopony was around and Celestia had gone far enough away from the hall; the night alicorn slammed her head down on the table, her horn driving through the wood like a needle through paper. The sound of the her forehead meeting the wood echoed loudly through the dining room. Luna looked troubled and in thought, but upset at the same time. She then whispered to herself.

"Are you suffering my friend? Could it be you are not at rest..?"

Luna pulled her head back, her horn sliding out with little ease. She turned her head toward the balcony and walked toward it, looking out at the snow covered city of Canterlot. Then to the snow white clouds of Cloudsdale which was in the distance. It's rainbow falls inactive or frozen. A cool breeze blew past the princess making her shudder and wrap her wings around herself. She looked up at a star for a moment then turned, walking back into the dining hall to finish her meal. Afterwards she collected her schedule from her steward and began to read it on her way to the throne room, sighing upon finishing.

"Alright. Fetch me the scrolls and an ink and quill so I may get started."

A maid left to gather the items the princess requested. Luna sat on her throne and waited. She tired of signing papers, accepting and denying requests from nobles of all sorts in the kingdom. Celestia did too but was much more discreet about it. The maid returned with the items Luna had requested. Quickly the princess got to work signing and granting and denying until the papers ran dry. She then checked her schedule which unsurprisingly had nothing else on it.

"Typical. Nothing more to do then sit here and stare down the hall like my dear sister does awaiting a scroll." She said with a bemused look.

Luna sighed and got up from the throne. She walked down the isle and made a left down a corridor to the castle gardens, exiting the castle, her guards bowing as she passed them by and soon the princess was treading on the snow covered ground which glittered under the light of the moon. The night princess began to look around at the snow berries, and some old weathered statues from times long long ago. Suddenly she began to pick up the sounds of laughter, curiously she followed the noise to a spot in the garden where a swing hung from the branch of a tall oak tree. Luna looked into the clearing and had a flashback. In her flashback she was pushing a white blind filly on the swing.

"I wish I could see everything, by the way you've described the garden it must be beautiful."

"And it is beautiful. I only wish there were a spell that could allow the caster to share their vision with another. I bet a spell like that would work even with blind ponies."

"It could.. I'm not a unicorn so I don't know much about magic."

"I don't think anypony truly understands it. I don't think my mother understood it either."

The filly smiled then giggled which turned into a laugh with Luna laughing with her. Eventually the flash back ended and Luna looked down and sighed.

"If only things had been different..."

Luna turned around and headed toward the area rose bushes would grow during the warmer months. The flowers she saw growing in their place were special. The flowers had icy blue petals and were native to the mountains north of The Crystal Empire. They made a twinkling sound when the wind blew on them just right, and they had a name that was special to Luna. The night princess lowered her head, closed her eyes smelling the plants. The smell of these flowers was like winter rain when there was a cold breeze about. Smelling them also sent shivers through the alicorn's body. She reopened her eyes and lifted her head.

"Did you ever smell these? Probably not.... They were discovered long after your time..... and long after mine..."

Luna looked down again, sighing sadly. She looked to her left and saw a young purple earth pony guard with her winter garments on her back. The princess levitated the garments and put them on in a flash.

"Thank you Star Shimmer."

The earth pony bowed and returned to the castle where it was warmer. Luna stayed outside for a little longer until she sighed deeply, turning away from the flowers and walking back inside. The corridors were lit by candles. The princess continued to think about her dreams. She rounded a corner into the throne room, there were no guards, sunlight was streaming in through the windows from the east, water trickling down the glass and the plants outside wet from rain. The princess was confused, it was night a moment ago, The clouds were grey and there was snow in place of water or plants. She stood still and saw walking down the corridor was herself and the filly. The past Luna was looking at the windows, walking slowly with the blind child.

"It's stopped raining. Hasn't it Luna"

"It has. Just as Celestia rises the sun for a new day."

The filly yawned tiredly. Luna turned her head to her friend and smiled.

"You are tired, you should rest. I'll take you back to your room."

"No no, I'm okay Luna. You should rest, you've been up all night you must be more tired then I am."

"My sense of day and night is different. I can stay awake three months without sleeping. You however are only a child, you need your sleep."

Luna watched as the filly fell over and slept peacefully. The princess blinked and sighed. She picked up the white pegasus gently and nestled her between her wings, then proceeded down another corridor toward the bedrooms. The room suddenly went dark again. Candles lighting the room, ice building up on the windows, a wind blowing and the moonlight shining through clouds and through the windows into the room. Luna stood in silence for a moment then looked down sadly and sighed.

"Memories... Flashbacks.... Why am I having them now..?"

Luna walked up to the throne and sat on it with a sigh whilst looking down. She thought deeply about all the things she has been remembering since the fist snows of this winter fell. She closed her eyes and slowly began to drift off into sleep but she had no dream of snow nor the white filly. She wasn't sleeping at all, in reality she was meditating, trying to clear her mind and relax. In her mind she was walking through long corridors with doors, behind each door was a memory. The princess walked down these corridors, closing the doors as she walked by. Then she stopped, she peeked inside a door and smiled. It was the first nightmare night she ever celebrated. She saw Twilight's Star Swirl the Bearded costume, Pipsqueak in his pirate costume, Pinkie Pie acting like a chicken and Rainbow Dash having a laugh with her thunder cloud, but as much as the princess wished she could watch some more; she couldn't. She closed the door the looked down the hallway and used her magic to close the remaining doors.

"Perhaps...Just for tonight... I can find peace..."

Hoof steps echoed through the throne room. The princesses could hear the hoofsteps coming from the other side of the castle, toward the kitchen. Luna opened her eyes and stood up, stretching her front and back legs, her back and finally her wings. She had been meditating for an hour though hardly any time had passed. The midnight blue alicorn made her way to the kitchen, folding her wings up along the way. A maid spotted the princess and smiled.

"I had been tasked with retrieving you your highness. You're lunch is ready and awaiting you."

Luna smiled. "Thank you."

The maid led the princess to the dining hall, passing by multiple bat pegasi along the way which filled the maid with fear. Luna calmed the maid, reassuring her that she would not be harmed nor touched by the pegasi that served the princess during her nightly reign. The maid took a deep breath and sighed. The maid opened the dining room doors and smiled. The alicorn stepped into the grand room and sat at the front of the table, right where her horn had gone through when she introduced her head to the table two hours earlier. Luna noticed it and looked around hoping nopony had noticed the damage to ancient table. She picked up a cider cork left behind by a careless guard and plugged the hole, covering it up with the table towels afterwards. The same maid whom had just left to get the princesses meal, returned with a Nightberry cake slice and Nightberry juice.

"Enjoy, your highness." The maid bowed then turned, walking away.

Luna looked at her food and picked up her spoon. She cut the edge of the slice downward with the side of the metal utensil and scooped up the piece, and ate it. As she ate, a bat pegasus flew into the room and landed gracefully at the end of the table.

"Evening Princess."

Luna looked up at the pegasus, taking a sip of her juice.

"Midnight Blossom. Come to have a drink? Or perhaps to bother me and my sister who is currently sleeping."

The bat pegasus smirked. "Not going to invite me to harass your other relative?"

"Leave her alone. It's bad enough she locks herself in her room with her piano very rarely coming out to greet us. The last thing Celestia or I want is for her to be annoyed by somepony who doesn't understand her."

The pegasus sighed, her smirk dropping to become a frown. "I suppose."

Luna stomped her back right hoof on the floor, calling a maid. Luna waited for a moment, her ears moving to the sounds of hoof steps echoing through the room until finally they stop, and a bright baby blue pegasus stood beside the princess, bowing.

"How may I assist you Princess Luna?"

"Fetch the captain of the night guard here a drink, Apple Cider please."

The maid bowed and headed to the cooler to retrieve a fresh flask of cider. Midnight Blossom jumped off the table and pulled a chair out to sit on.

"You seem peaceful. The most peaceful anypony has seen you since the snow started falling."

Luna took another bite of her cake. "Meditation can calm ones mind and help them relax should they desire it." The princess smiled.

The maid returned with Midnight's cider, placing it on the table before leaving quickly out of fear of the bat pegasus. Midnight bit the cork and ripped it out of the bottle, placing it on the table before taking a swig of her beverage.

"As interesting as it sounds I don't really want to." Midnight drank half her bottle of cider. "Anyway. I better get back to my duties."

"Indeed you should. Please stay sober Midnight Blossom."

The bat pegasus nodded and jumped off the balcony, taking flight to another part of the castle. After taking another bite of her cake and swallowing; Luna sat still and silent for a moment before taking a deep breath and letting it out.

"I wonder if Nyx is enjoying the winter more then I am."

~~~

In Ponyville it was midnight. Nyx was wide awake, her irises wide and glowing like a cats in the dark, her cutimark had a silver gleam on it when the moonlight hit it just right and even glowed. She sat at the window looking out at the moon.

"Looks beautiful doesn't it?"

Nyx jumped a little a looked around. She had heard a voice that was not a filly's and was within the very room. The filly looked over at the armor in the corner of the bedroom and saw a shadow moving underneath it followed by a faint chuckle in a mares voice. It sent a shiver up Nyx's spine. It made her feel very uneasy. The feeling of dread filled the room, scaring Nyx enough to make her cry.

"M-Mommy..." The scared filly ran out of her bedroom and up the stairs into Twilight's bedroom. Jumping up onto the bed and crawling under the blankets, shaking.

Twilight awoke and blinked a little. Using a lighting spell from the tip of her horn, the unicorn saw a shaking bulge beside her under the blankets. She lifted the sheets and Nyx lifted her head looking up at Twilight in fear.

"Whats the matter Nyx?"

The filly looked down. "T-There is s-something in my room... C-could I sleep here tonight?"

Twilight sighed but smiled. "Alright, you can sleep in my bed tonight"

Nyx smiled and nuzzled Twilight, falling to sleep almost immediately afterwards. The purple unicorn smiled again and rolled her eyes. She laid her head down on the pillow, canceling her spell and falling into a blissful sleep.

"You are afraid of something Nyx... Don't be afraid... With a mother like yours nothing can hurt you."

Nyx opened her eyes and looked up at the ceiling, closing them afterwards with a smile. In Canterlot at 6:28 AM, the sun began to rise. The light streamed in through the glass windows that decorated the Canterlot Castle throne room. Luna was sitting on the throne, her head down; snoring as Celestia walked in to take over ruling the kingdom. She instantly noticed Luna sleeping like rock. The sun princess was surprised, her jaw opened her pupils shrunk and her left eye twitched.

"U-Uhm..." Celestia shook her head and took a deep breath. "Ahem."

Luna opened her eyes and and blinked. She looked up at her sister then sat up straight.

"Good Morning sister." She wiped some drool off of her lip with her left wing.

"Good morning Luna. Did you.. sleep well?"

"Um... Uh..."

Celestia chuckled. "Fret not sister, I have done it many a time before. There is no shame in it."

Luna stepped off the throne and yawned. "I suppose I will rest now. Last night was a hassle and took a lot out of me." She yawned again.

"Quite a hassle indeed." Quipped Celestia.

Luna looked out the window toward a tall tower then back to Celestia."Sister, please spend time with Serena. If you continue to neglect your duties she will turn on you. Or resort to some extremity to make you to notice her."

"I was planning to spend the entire day with her this Hearths warming eve."

"That will be a start." Luna smiled and yawned again. "Good day sister."

"Good day, Luna."

Luna went to brush her teeth before heading to bed. As Celestia sat on the throne, a piano began to play from the tall tower. Celestia looked up at the ceiling and smiled.

"Perhaps this Hearths Warming... I could be better for her..."

In Ponyville Nyx yawned and stretched. She looked around the bedroom to see it was empty.

"Nyx are you awake yet? Come downstairs breakfast is ready!" Twilight called from downstairs.

"Coming mommy!" Nyx stood up and jumped out of bed, she made her way downstairs and stepped into the kitchen. She pulled out her chair and jumped up into it, sitting when she was comfortable.

Spike and Twilight were making hot oatmeal cereal. Nyx, deciding not to let her friend and mother do all the work, helped with preparing and making the breakfast. This helped get it done quicker and made Twilight happy to see Nyx maturing so fast, but it also made Twilight very worried. The unicorn set down the bowls, and poured the oatmeal into said bowls; adding two nightberry's on top of Nyx's. Spike put two diamonds in his, and Twilight put some apple slices in hers. She then set spoons out to the other two and smiled. They each began eating using the spoons. Twilight scooped up apple slices while she ate. Spike picked out the gems first then scarfed down his bowl. Nyx took her time with hers, following Rarity's example and eating the way she was taught.

"Still want to help unpack the goodies Nyx?" Twilight smiled.

Nyx swallowed her food and nodded at Twilight bringing a smile to the unicorn.

"Could I ask the girls if they could help?"

"I see nothing wrong with that sweetie. The delivery ponies will arrive in two hours so if you go outside and play remember to come back before they arrive."

"I will mommy. Spike could you help brush my mane back and get my headband on?"

"I can do that for you Nyx." Twilight spoke up.

Nyx smiled. "Okay mommy!"

Nyx finished her breakfast then concentrated on levitating her bowl into the sink. She closed her eyes tightly and grit her teeth, her horn glowing brighter until she successfully lifted it, moving it across the room and successfully lowering it into the sink. Nyx reopened her eyes but flinched in pain. Using her magic like she did had caused her to have a minor headache. Twilight noticed while washing her bowl and Nyx's.

"Concentrating on your magic too hard?"

Nyx nodded really quickly. Twilight walked up stairs into the bath room and opened the mirror cupboard, getting some medicine made specifically for unicorns to help with migraines. It worked better on filly and colt unicorns since they are only starting to use magic which can cause intense migraines if concentrated on too hard. Twilight took it downstairs and poured some of it onto a teaspoon.

"Ugh... I hated this stuff when I was a filly..." Twilight whispered and shuddered before turning to Nyx. "Okay Nyx... This medicine will help you with your migraine."

Nyx sniffed the blue liquid before opening her mouth allowing her foster mother to put the teaspoon in. The filly took in the medicine and swallowed. Following this, Nyx's mouth puckered inward, her eyes began to water, she closed her eyes and swung her head around.

"This... This is sour!" Nyx puckered her lips inward again and stretched her jaw opening her mouth wide looking up at the ceiling.

"Packs quite a punch. But it helps. Your migraine should go away soon, I advise that you stay inside until then. We'll brush your mane when you are ready to go outside. I don't want to move you too much."

Nyx nodded and hopped off her chair, she walked into the living room and laid down on the couch and waited. Her migraine hurt but within two minutes the medicine began to work its magic and in no time her headache had gone. Nyx sat up and was surprised.

"I thought it took a while for medicine to work."

"Earth pony and Pegasus medicine take far longer to work then unicorn medicine. Due to the necessity to use levitation spells during a unicorns daily life, headaches are a common thing until ones magical skill has been honed to overcome this obstacle. The medications speed lies in the unicorn magic from within the liquid, and from the unicorn that is receiving the medicine."

Nyx listened closely to the whole thing and took mental notes. "I see. So that's why it only took two minutes."

Twilight closed her eyes and smiled. "Exactly." She reopened her eyes. "So. since your migraine is gone. How about I brush your mane?"

Nyx nodded with a smile and hopped off the couch, she turned and walked up the stairs to her room. Twilight looked at Spike.

"Spike, could you put the medicine back in the bathroom cabinet for me?"

Spike nodded. "Sure Twilight." He picked up the medicine and took it to the bathroom.

Twilight walked up into Nyx's room. The filly already had her glasses on, she looked up at Twilight then at the mirror, waiting patiently. Twilight picked up a brush that rested on Nyx's bedside table with her magic, and proceeded to gently brush Nyx's mane, taking not nearly as much time as Rarity does when it comes to mane styling. Nyx endured three minutes of Twilight's brushing before she finished.

"There we go, your mane is styled exactly how you always like it."

Nyx looked at her mane very carefully and smiled. She turned around and nuzzled Twilight's chest.

"Thank you mommy."

Twilight smiled and nuzzled the filly back. "You're welcome sweetie."

Nyx and Twilight stopped nuzzling. The filly run around in a circle and out the door.

"I'm going to see the girls, be back soon."

"Remember Nyx, you have to be home by 9:50!" Twilight smiled again.

Nyx rushed down the stairs toward the front door, stopping to put on her snow shoes, jacket, and hood. She opened the front doors and stepped outside to see the sky was clear this time and the sun was somewhat out, yet no snow was melting. The snow glittered and sparkled brightly. Mr and Mrs. Cake were playing with their children just outside Sugar Cube Corner. Gummy and Pinkie Pie were eating the snow and getting brain freezes. Gummy's brain freeze ended up turning the crocodile into a block of ice despite how warm the reptile was in its coat. Pinkie pointed her hoof and laughed at Gummy before taking him inside to be thawed. Nyx smiled and closed her eyes. She shook her head then stopped, reopening her eyes. She turned her head looking forward, and took a step forward.

Ding

Nyx stopped, she put her hoof down and looked around. Tuning her ears to where the sound came from. There were no other sounds around, no wind was blowing and nopony was nearby to make a sound which could pass into her ears, nopony except the Cakes but they were too far away to make a sound as loud as the one she had heard. Nyx stayed still and silent then she heard the noise again. It sounded like a wind chime when the wind passes through it. Nyx turned her head in the direction of the sound which was diagonal of her. Upon looking in the direction of the twinkling sound she could see a flower. The flower was the same type as the ones that bloomed in the Canterlot garden during winter. Nyx walked over to it and could see it had icy blue petals. Nyx sad down and smiled.

"Heh heh. It's a Snow drop." Nyx smiled and continued looking at the flower.

Suddenly heard Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo's voices calling her name. She turned her head to the right and Saw her friends waving at her near the Nightmare Moon Snow statue.

"Come on ya slow pony. We were going to help Applejack pick the snow berries!" Scootaloo shouted.

"Coming!" Nyx stood up, turning back to take one last look at the flower before turning back around and running toward her friends.

The wind suddenly picked up and a small light blue orb floated down and swirled around the icy flower before floating away, followed by a beautiful chime as it started to snow.

~~~

Nyx ran up to her friends quickly, almost slipping on an ice patch causing her to stumble. Nyx looked at the ice patch and shook her head, continuing slowly up the hill this time.

"You okay Nyx?"

"I'm alright Sweetie Belle. I just stepped in an ice patch. Nothing serious."

The fours filly's were suddenly startled by obnoxious laughter. They turned their heads left toward the statue, Nyx turned her head in the same direction as the c.m.c to see Diamond Tiara laughing her head off.

"Something funny Diamond Tiara?"

Diamond Tiara took a deep breath and waited a moment to stop laughing, wiping tears out of her eyes.

"You blank flanks have no clue about how dangerous ice patches are do you?"

"I get the feeling we're going to find out anyway." Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

Nyx started getting impatient, she wanted to go help Applejack as soon as possible. Diamond Tiara walked up closer to the filly's.

"My older sister slipped on an ice patch once and broke her hoof. She had to stay in the hospital for a week just to get it healed and even after she was discharged she was still healing."

"Which hoof was it?" Nyx questioned.

"It was her front right hoof."

"Diamond Tiara. Come along sweetie our train is here."

Diamond Tiara sighed and turned around.

"Coming mother," The pink earth pony turned around and looked at Nyx. "see ya later, Nightmare!" Diamond then turned and walked back to her mother laughing.

Nyx glared at the earth pony, her horn glowed followed by a patch of snow being lifted and forming into a snowball. Just as she was about to throw the ball at Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom grabbed the snow ball between her hooves and put it down.

"Nyx!"

Nyx turned her head and looked at Apple Bloom.

"It ain't worth it."

"S-sorry girls."

"Don't sweat it Nyx. We've all wanted ta throw some snow balls at her every now and again. Now, are we going to go pick us some berries or not?"

Sweetie Belle, Nyx, and Scootaloo smiled and nodded. All four of them turned toward the dirt road some few meters away and started walking to Sweet Apple Acres together. Along the way, Nyx continued checking the time every two minutes. For a while the girls didn't seem to notice and were talking about possible ways to earn their cutie marks. When Nyx wasn't checking the time, she was looking around and admiring the beauty of the snow sparkling on the outer trees of the Everfree forest. As the girls were nearing the farm, Apple Boom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle began to notice how often Nyx was checking the time. The three filly's looked at each other and gave Nyx a concerned look.

"So Nyx..." Sweetie Belle spoke.

"Hm?" Nyx looked back at Sweetie Belle and the others and blinked.

"We were wondering..." Scootaloo continued.

"Why are ya checkin the time so much?" Apple Bloom finished.

"Oh that. Well you see I have to be home before 10:00 AM to help mommy with..."

Before Nyx could finish, she walked into something, causing her to fall backwards into the snow. The alicorn sat up and was covered in the frozen flakes that were scattered about, and shook the snow off of her looking up afterwards to see that she had walked into Applejacks leg. The orange earth pony lowered her head down to Nyx's height, giving a friendly smile.

"Help Twilight with what sugarcube?"

"Unpacking some Hearths Warming goodies mommy ordered from Canterlot."

"Goodies huh? Well that sounds nice. Mind if Ah swing by to help?"

Nyx smiled widely. "We'll need all the help we can get."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at each other, smiled then looked at Nyx.

"We'll help too!" Scootaloo said.

"We'll ask Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash to help out also." Sweetie Belle said after Scootaloo had spoken.

Nyx smiled at her friends. "Thanks girls."

Applejack cleared her throat. "Ahem, Are we going to pick them snow berries or what?" The earth pony smiled at the filly's who looked up at Applejack and nodded whilst smiling back at her.

Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Nyx went to the barn and grabbed four buckets, Nyx had two, one for herself, and one for Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom had one for herself, and Applejack had her bucket and Scootaloos bucket. The five of them walked down through the snowy field toward the berry bushes which were covered in white shiny balls that seemed to shine in the sunlight. Nyx looked all over them and smiled widely.

"They look ripe."

Applejack looked at Nyx. "They sure do, look at how snow white these are on these bushes compared to the bushes over there."

AJ pointed her right hoof toward some bushes a few meters forward to the right.

"See them berries have a milky white color with yellow around the outside, they ain't ripe enough to pick. And nopony wants their berries tastin like sour milk and egg right?"

"Ah hear that!" Apple Bloom shouted.

Nyx, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle nodded.

"Alright everypony, start pickin, and no magic!" Applejack stomped her hooves signalling that they can start.

"No magic?" Sweetie Belle sighed. "Well can't complain, rules are rules."

Applejack and Apple Bloom showed, Nyx, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle two berry picking techniques. Applejack showed the first one by placing a bucket beneath the bush, then grabbing a hold of a branch with her teeth, and shaking it violently until berries fell into said bucket. Nyx took down mental notes which she will write down in a note book or diary later. Apple Bloom showed the second technique which carried a risk of ruining the berries, she picked up a broken branch with leaves with her mouth and used started hitting the bush with it. This technique usually squashed the berries how ever or took off the top half of them, but Apple Bloom says that it depended on the how hard the berries were hit. Nyx took a mental note of that too which she would later write in a notebook or diary.

"I think Applejacks method is the better one." Scootaloo said looking in Apple Blooms direction.

"I agree with Scootaloo sorry Apple Bloom." Nyx frowned.

"Aw don't worry y'selves girls. Ah think it's a silly technique m'self."

The girls could suddenly hear Sweetie Belle grunting, they all looked in the direction of the white unicorn filly to see she was hitting a berry bush with a big stick and squashing the berries which fell into her bucket. Sweetie Belle quickly noticed her friends staring and dropped the stick.

"What?"

"Uh... how bout we use mah technique sugarcube." Applejack smiled.

Sweetie Belle looked at the berries in her bucket and cringed. "I think that'd be best."

Sweetie Belle cleaned her bucket and returned to helping Apple Bloom, Applejack, Nyx, and Scootaloo with picking the snow berries. They all grabbed a hold of some branches of the bush with their teeth and started to shake them until the berries broke off and feel into the buckets below. Nyx kept a watchful eye on the time. Meanwhile, Twilight was writing Hearths Warming letters for everypony in Ponyville, as well as making a muffin to accompany Derpy's letter.

"Hey Twilight..."

"Yeah Spike?" Twilight was too busy reading the cook book to look at spike.

"Do you think I should give Rarity my magma gem?"

Twilight looked at Spike and saw the gem he was holding. "That's the magma gem I gave you for your first birthday."

"I know, but I was thinking of giving it to Rarity this Hearths Warming."

Twilight smiled warmly. "Well... If you want to give it to Rarity then that's your decision."

Spike smiled at the purple Unicorn. "Thanks Twilight."

The oven made a ding noise and Twilight looked back at it and smiled widely.

"Derpys muffin is ready!" Twilight turned the oven off, pulled down the door and levitated the perfect muffin out and into a muffin cup, then put said muffin on a plate.

Spike had left the room and was writing a Hearths Warming card for Rarity. Meanwhile Twilight was preparing Derpy's card.

"Okay, I'll deliver Derpy's card personally then I'll put the remaining cards in the mail."

Twilight looked at the time and saw there was still half an hour left before the hearths warming treats arrived and Nyx came home.

"Plenty of time." Twilight put on her saddle bags, levitated Derpy's muffin, wrapped it in clear wrap and gently placed it inside her left saddle bag. Twilight then levitated the cards for Derpy and Dinky, putting it in the same side of the bag. She headed toward the door and opened it.

"Spike, I'm going to give Derpy her hearths warming card early so her muffin doesn't spoil before the end of the week. I'll be back in ten minutes."

Twilight stepped outside, closing the door behind her.The purple unicorn looked at the snow then looked at the sky so clear. Twilight thought it quite odd that the sky was clear this day and that the sun was out, but the snow was not melting. The breeze and morning air was cold but not winter cold, there was a bit of warmth on the wind, it was cool and comforting. Many ponies weren't wearing their snow cloths. Twilight smiled at how beautiful the clear skies made the snow look as she made her way to Derpy's house in west Ponyville. The purple Unicorn passed Rarity's Boutique on the way, giving Twilight the chance to look at some of the clothes on display, but as much as she wanted to go in and have a peek, Twilight kept going to Derpy's house. As she neared the door, Twilight Sparkle could hear crashing and banging coming from inside.

"I'm okay Dinky honest."

Dinky looked at Derpy and shook her head with worry and sighed. "I'm gonna have to take you to the hospital at this rate big sister. Lets start over."

Twilight knocked on the door, getting the attention of Derpy and Dinky.

"I got it!" Derpy said running toward the door and opening it without incident. "Heya Twilight." The grey pegasus smiled.

"Good morning Ditzy, I can't stay long since I have a delivery coming from Canterlot in a few minutes."

"That's okay Twilight."

The purple unicorn looked inside and saw that the Hearths Warming tree hadn't been put up, and was a mess.

"Do you need some help with your tree?"

Derpy shook her head. "No."

Dinky nodded. "Yes."

Derpy looked at Dinky then back at Twilight, keeping the same blank face.

"Let me help you." Twilight closed her eyes, her horn glowed and in a flash, all the decorations and the tree were gone, but then they reappeared in the corner of the room, with all the decorations on it. Dinky and Derpy looked at it with wide smiles.

"So, who puts the star on top?"

Derpy raised her hoof. "Me! Me!"

"Big sister. It's my turn to put the star up this year." Dinky smiled.

"Oh... sorry." Derpy smiled sheepishly.

Dinky looked Twilight. "Could you lift me up please Twilight?"

"Not a problem."

Dinky held onto the star with her mouth while Twilight levitated her up to the top of the tree. Dinky placed the star on top and was gently lowered to the floor where she looked up at the star and smiled again.

"Thank you Twilight."

"You're welcome, now I have something for both of you."

Twilight opened saddlebags and levitated the muffin out onto a nearby table along with two cards, giving them to Dinky and Derpy.

"Happy Hearths Warming you two."

"Thank you Twilight." The both pegasi chimed.

Derpy's eyes caught sight of the muffin. The gray pegasus licked her lips and moved toward it like a stalking cat. Dinky and Twilight watched her for a moment when the unicorn looked up at the clock and saw Nyx would be home soon. She closed the saddlebags and headed for the door.

"Sorry I have to leave so sudden girls but My delivery will be arriving any minute and Nyx will be home soon. I hope you enjoy the muffin Derpy."

"I will, bye bye Twilight!"

"By Ms. Twilight." Dinky waved at the purple Unicorn as she left.

Twilight walked back along the same path, past Rarity's Boutique and that big building in the center of Ponyville. She Crossed over a bridge and arrived at the Library just as a carriage driven by a unicorn arrived with it's carriage full of card board boxes. Twilight opened the library door.

"G'morning Ms. Sparkle." The unicorn spoke with an Irish accent. He levitated a clip board out of a satchel that he had on his back.

"Just sign this please."

Twilight levitated her quill outside and wrote her name in the appropriate spot. The unicorn then started unloading the boxes inside of the Library. The boxes remained unopened. Within minutes the carriages cargo had been fully unloaded. Twilight counted the five boxes and smiled.

"Five boxes, exactly as ordered."

"Mommy I'm back!"

Twilight turned her head and saw Nyx walking toward the library with Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo.

"Welcome back, Nyx. Did Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom come to help?"

"Not just us Twilight." Apple Bloom said, looking behind her.

Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie were right behind them.

"Need anymore help with sortin the items sugercube?"

"It'd be much easier to pack away all of your treats with more hooves to help darling."

Twilight smiled at her friends then looked at Nyx.

"You wouldn't have something to do with this would you Nyx?"

Nyx looked to her left. "Maaaybe..."

Twilight chuckled and nuzzled Nyx gently, bringing a smile to the filly's face. Twilight raised her head and looked at her friends.

"All help is welcome. Thank you everypony."

"What are we waiting for?! LETS GET SORTIIIIING!!!!" Pinkie Pie screamed in an excited way.

Twilight let everypony inside the library, Applejack and Rainbow Dash, moved the boxes to different corners of the room to allow space.

"I'll be in the kitchen where I will sort the food into the appropriate spots. Rarity, Fluttershy, you can unpack the deserts. Rainbow Dash and Applejack, perhaps you can haul the heavier boxes up the stairs."

"We'll get right on it Twilight." Applejack said, putting her hat on a coat rack."

"No box can hold me down!" Cried out Rainbow Dash in an obnoxiously proud manner.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash got to work. Fluttershy and Rarity went up stairs and awaited the box.

Twilight smiled then looked at Pinkie Pie. "Pinkie Pie, would you like to help Fluttershy and Rarity."

Pinkie Pie saluted. "Sure thing Twilight."

Twilight looked at the cutie mark crusaders and thought for a moment.

"How would you three like to help sorting away the snacks?"

Apple Bloom looked at Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

"Maybe sortin is our special talent."

"Yeah, lets give it a shot!" Scootaloo jumped up excitedly

The Cutie Mark Crusaders ran upstairs to await the appropriate box, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were moving boxes upstairs to the kitchen with Spikes Help. Nyx walked up to Twilight and looked up at her frowning.

"W-What can I do mommy?"

Twilight frowned and looked down sadly. "I'm sorry Nyx there's nothing else for you to do..."

"Twilight darling, Fluttershy got her hoof caught between the table and left chair!"

Twilight looked at the stairs. "Coming Rarity." She looked back at Nyx. "I'll think of something sweetie."

Twilight turned around and went upstairs to help Fluttershy. Nyx's temper began to rise and she pouted, and started saying things that weren't true.

"She forgot me.... That's all she did... She forgot me just like everypony else does in this stupid town!"

Nyx kicked a box and sat down, taking off her glasses and putting them on a nearby table, her pupils were thinner then they were usually. The filly looked up and watched Rainbow Dash carrying a large box in between her hooves as if it wasn't that heavy.

"Hey Rainbow, could ya lend me a hand?"

Rainbow put the box down by the stairs. "Coming Applejack!" Rainbow Dash flew up stairs to help Applejack carry the box into the kitchen. Seeing her chance to help, Nyx walked over to the box and looked at it.

"If Aunt Rainbow Dash and Aunt Applejack can carry a box upstairs, so can I."

Nyx closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her horn glowed brightly and the box glowed the same color. Nyx then tried to levitate the box, it hurt but she kept trying her best to lift it.

"Come on... Come on...!"

Moments passed but during that time, the black filly managed to levitate the box above her. Nyx looked up at it and smiled widely.

"Mommy Mommy look! I'm lifting a box!" Nyx laughed happily but her smile soon went away as her magic glow began to flicker and the box, sway.

Just as Twilight was coming downstairs, Nyx's magic faltered and she dropped the box, however it didn't fall to the floor, instead it fell on Nyx's head making a loud earsplitting crack which came from the filly's horn. Nyx stumbled backwards, her eyes were blank. Twilight saw the box come down on Nyx, she and everypony in the library heard the sound of bone being broken. Nyx stood still in shock for a moment then her horn glowed again and forcefully and made her jerked her head back, making her stumble to her right where she slumped against the table which had the wooden pony statue in the center, and sank down onto the floor, making a red smear on the wood as she fell. Twilights eyes widened with horror, she screamed out Nyx's name and ran to her daughters side, the c.m.c, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie, ran down the stairs to see twilight cradling Nyx. The filly's eyes were wide and blank, glassy and empty, she didn't seem to breath nor move, she was almost limp. Twilight looked at her friends.

"Somepony help me NOW!!!"

=====================================================================

Author's Note

The original Title for this chapter was "Cold Nights" and was originally going to continue past the ending of this chapter.

Nightmare Moon was originally going to be given a bigger role in this chapter. I made a blog post where the chapters original beginning can be read.

05: Snowdrop.

Tears in the Snow

By Chaos Phantasm

=====================================================================

Chapter 5

Snowdrop

=====================

Nightmare Moon stood in the center of her bedroom staring at the Twilight Sparkle doll she had made from one of the dummies the children of Nightmare use to train. The mare of darkness was shedding tears and baring her teeth in rage, the room was a mess; a mirror shattered, the bed in two pieces, a table turned and chairs on their back and even a window was broken. The Twilight Sparkle doll however was slumped against a cracked wall, looking at the crying alicorn with a caring smile almost as if it were real.

"Stop it..." Nightmare Moon spoke, her voice carried a tone of anger and sadness that matched her feelings. She continued to stare at the doll.

"DON'T LOOK AT ME THAT WAY!!!!" Nightmare Moon charged her horn and shot a beam of dark energy at the doll, the beam burnt through the chest of the doll where the heart of a real pony would be. but it continued to smile, looking at Nightmare Moon with eyes that seemed to forgive her.

The dark alicorn looked down, she closed her eyes shedding more tears then looked back up at the doll.

"Why do you still look at me that way..... why do you look so forgiving...."

She shook her head sniffling and ran out to the balcony passing the doll. Once she was on the balcony, Nightmare Moon laid down and covered her face with her wings. She sobbed loudly, as if she had lost everything she ever loved. Suddenly, snowflakes slowly descended from the clouds, they fell in front of the dark alicorn and twinkled. The mare raised her head and looked at the snow that had suddenly fallen in front of her, she wiped her tears and stood up, looking around she could see hundreds upon hundreds of snowflakes fall. All of a sudden she felt something, somepony standing behind her. It was not one of the Children of Nightmare but a white blind filly.

"Wake up Nyx!"

"...W-who are you?"

"You have been hurt Nyx, you are dreaming"

"Nyx... is that who I am? .... dreaming...?"

"You are in a memory Nyx, you must wake up!"

Nightmare Moon stared at the filly blankly, her eyes becoming glassy and lifeless.

"Who... are... you..?"

A blizzard started the blow around them, it enveloped the white filly and got closer to Nightmare Moon.

"Nyx?! Nyx!!"

Everything then went black. Twilight Sparkle paced restlessly in the hall way just outside the hospital operating room. Rainbow Dash, Apple Bloom, Applejack, Scootaloo, Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Spike sat in the waiting area quietly. Twilight was whispering to herself almost hysterically gaining much concern from her friends. Rainbow Dash covered her face with her hooves full of guilt. Apple Bloom looked up to her big sister and spoke in a quiet soft voice.

"Big sis... d-do ya think Nyx'll be alright?"

Applejack just looked at Apple Bloom then at Twilight whom was still pacing. She looked back at Apple Bloom and spoke in the same type of voice, soft and quiet.

"W-well s-she... hit her head very hard... um... S-she could be alright... Ah hope..."

"What on earth do you mean, "I hope"? You make it sound like Nyx has no chance at all," Rarity then looked at Apple Bloom. "Don't you worry one bit dear, Nyx will be perfectly fine I know she will."

Applejack looked down feeling bad, she looked back at Twilight and saw her finally cease her pacing. Twilight sat down and looked down at her hooves.

"Please... please be okay..." Twilight said softly.

Applejack frowned, and sighed. "A-ah'm sorry Rartiy..."

Rarity looked at Applejack, and Applejack looked back. "Ah'm worryin too much and thinkin about the negatives... ah'm positive that Nyx'll be alright." The earth pony smiled at the white unicorn.

"I hope so...." Rainbow Dash spoke softly and sadly.

Applejack, Apple Bloom, Rarity, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Spike, Sweetie Belle, and Pinkie Pie. turned their heads to look at Rainbow Dash sitting on the last seat on their left beside Rarity.

"You okay Rainbow Dash?" Applejack asked.

Rainbow Dash shook her head and looked away from her friends. Rarity gave the blue pegasus a hug to cheer her up.

"There there Rainbow. Nyx will be okay."

Rainbow Dash kept her face buried in her hooves still upset. Twilight continued to sit there in thought. Nurse Redheart, exited the operating room stopping in front of Twilight and looking at her. Twilight looked up at her and stood up quickly.

"I was just coming to get you Ms. Sparkle."

"Is Nyx okay? What's wrong with her?" Twilight spoke with worry, wondering what was wrong with Nyx.

"Calm down miss Sparkle, Nyx broke and cracked her horn. We've cleaned it up and bandaged it. The cracks should start to heal soon. Even so I believe it would be best if she stayed here so we can keep an eye on her until her horn heals."

Twilight nodded. "How long do you think it'll take for her horn to mend?"

Nurse Redheart looked down. "Well.." She looked back up at Twilight. "... The damage done to her horn was quite severe... I mean... it cracked straight through the bone... It could take two weeks or so to heal.."

Twilights jaw dropped. "But.. But hearths warming is in a week, Princess Cadance, Princess Skyla, and my brother Shining Armor are coming to visit. Is there no other way to discharge her early?"

The nurse shook her head. "I'm afraid not. She must stay here until we know it has healed and she can use magic again."

Twilight looked down and nodded. "Okay..."

The operating room doors opened and Nurse Tenderheart gently pushes a bed through the door way and into the hall. Laying on it was the sleeping filly, Nyx. Twilight looked at her adopted daughters forehead to see her horn had been tightly wrapped in bandages, she remembered that bone splitting crack and the lifeless eyes Nyx had when the box had fallen on her. The unicorn followed the nurse, her friends not far behind. Twilight walked beside the bed, looking at Nyx full of worry. Nurse Tenderheart, rolled the bed down the children's ward, passing by rooms one, and two, turning into the third room. The room was square, with two beds on opposite sides of the room. There were windows toward the back of the room, with the curtains open allowing a great view of a snow covered ponyville across the river. There was also a window right beside bed number one, which was near the left door. The last bed on the right, bed three was missing, Nurse Tenderheart rolled the bed Nyx was in, into the free space where the bed's wheels were locked into place. The fillies that were already in beds in the room, looked at Nyx. All three of them instantly recognized the black alicorn that had just become their room mate. Nurse Tenderheart looked at the fillies.

"Don't be afraid of Nyx girls, she won't hurt you."

A pink unicorn filly spoke. "Why would we be afraid of Nyx? We go to school with her."

The other two fillies nodded with smiles. The nurse smiled and walked out of the room, passing Twilight and her friends by, politely excusing herself and returning to the nurses bay. Twilight walked into the room with her friends, and the c.m.c. They gathered around Nyx's bed and watched the filly sleep.

"Are you feeling okay Twilight?" Rarity asked with concern.

Twilight just stood there staring at Nyx. "Do all mothers feel this way when their children are hurt?" She looked at her friends in question and worry.

"Ah get the same feelins too whenever Apple Bloom gets hurt."

"But she isn't your daughter Applejack, she's your sister. But I understand what you mean. It's just a little painful for me..."

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth about to say something but before she could get a word out Nyx started to move and groan. The little filly turned over in her bed and faced the room exit, and the filly in the bed beside her, which was to her left but Twilight was the one Nyx was really facing, her eyes still closed.

"Excuse me Ms. Sparkle."

Twilight turned her head toward the rooms door and saw Nurse Redheart standing there.

"Could you step into the hall with me, I need to talk to you about Nyx."

Twilight nodded, she turned around and made her way toward the door, exiting the room and entering the corridor. The lavender unicorn looked at the nurse, still filled to the tip of her horn with worry.

"Is Nyx going to be okay? Did you find out anything else wrong with her?"

Nurse Redheart shook her head. "No Ms. Sparkle, there is nothing else wrong with Nyx. However... you must understand she isn't quite.. welcome here..."

Twilight flinched and raised an eye brow looking offended. "Excuse me?"

Nurse Redheart stuttered and looked to her right. "W-well y-you see," She looked at Twilight again. "I don't have anything against Nyx, to me she's just an innocent filly who's been accused of something she had no control of. It's just some of my and Nurse Tenderhearts colleagues don't like her very much. The only reason they are even letting her stay is because Nurse Tenderheart and I have taken it upon ourselves to be responsible for looking after Nyx while she heals. And because she's injured."

Twilight started looking down, angered at how quick someponies are to hate Nyx without even getting to know her first. Nurse Redheart looked at Twilight with remorse.

"I'm sorry Ms. Sparkle, Nurse Tenderheart and I will take good care of Nyx though; you have our word. That's all I wanted to say."

"Thank you Nurse..."

Nurse Redheart turned around and walked down the corridor and into the hall just at the end. When Twilight was sure that the Nurse was far enough away she let off a little bit of her frustration.

"The nerve of someponies, how dare they!" Twilight slammed her front right hoof on the ground in anger, making a loud thump as it hit the floor.

"Twilight..."

Twilight turned her head to her right to see Rainbow Dash standing in the door way of room three. The pegasus didn't look Twilight in the eye, but had a sad and guilty look on her face.

"What's wrong Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow Dash lowered her head, closing her eyes. "It's my fault Nyx broke her horn... If I hadn't left the box alone Nyx wouldn't be in this mess... I'm so sorry Twilight... really I am..."

Twilight smiled and hugged Rainbow Dash. "It's okay Rainbow. I'm not mad, accidents happen."

Rainbow Dash teared up and hugged Twilight feeling much better. They let go of their hug and smiled at each other for a moment until Applejack appeared in the doorway.

"Twilight, Rainbow Dash, ya'll wanna get in ere, Nyx's wakin up."

Twilight looked at Applejack and hurried over to the bedside, Rainbow Dash following them just as Nyx was stretching. The filly groaned and opened her eyes slowly, her vision blurred from sleep, and blinded by the light. It took a few moments for her eye sight to adjust to the sun, and her vision to clear. Nyx shook her head to wake herself up only to stop and close her eyes before she could finish her first shake, feeling a throbbing pain in her head.

"Ow!"

"Are you okay Sweetie?" Twilight asked concerned.

Nyx slowly nodded. "I'm okay mommy."

Nyx reopened her eyes, and looked around, she saw the faces of her aunts, her mother, and her three best friends. She also saw that she wasn't at home.

"Uh.. Hello everypony... W-why are you all staring at me like that? Where am I?"

"Well Nyx... you see... Oh dear... Twilight why don't you tell her, she is your daughter after all and it would would be rude of me to tell her in your stead."

Twilight nodded at Rarity and sighed. She frowned and looked at Nyx. Nyx looked up at Twilight wondering what was wrong. The lavender unicorn looked to her right.

"Oh what do I say..?" She looked at Nyx and took a deep breath. "You're in the Ponyville hospital sweetie, you've... broken your horn..."

Nyx's eyes widened with shock, her jaw dropped and she started to get very upset. "W-what?! I-I broke my horn?!"

Nyx started to panic, she put her front hooves on her head and sat down on the verge of tears. Twilight climbed up onto the bed, and nestled down beside Nyx. The filly cuddled up to Twilight.

"You'll be okay Nyx. Many unicorns break their horns at a young age trying to do things well before their time. You'll still cast spells, it's not the end of the world."

"She's right. You know she is." The white filly said on the wind only Nyx could hear.

Nyx closed her eyes tightly and nuzzled into Twilight, she looked at her friends sadly.

"Does... does my cast look cool?"

"It looks awesome!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"It certainly stands out." Sweetie Belle said.

"It's a lil big." Said Apple Bloom.

Nyx started smiling, she looked up at Twilight and smiled at her.Twilight smiled back.

"Well it's good ta see that ya feelin alright sugercube."

"Yes. Seeing you smiling again is very uplifting. Seeing you asleep all that time was just awful dear."

"Oh yes, we were very worried."

"When you're discharged in two weeks time, I'm going to throw you the pinkiest party that beats Pinky parties best pinkiest party EVER!!!"

Rainbow Dash was silent, trying to think of something to say, however Pinkie mentioning the two week long stay Nyx will be having had already provoked a reaction from the filly.

"I...I'm to stay here? For two weeks?!"

Twilight frowned. "W-well... yes. That's what the nurse told us."

"But I'm going to miss Hearths Warming!"

"Calm down sweetie.. you're not going to.."

Nyx Started to get angry, her dragon like pupils became thinner, her ears flattened on top of her head,and she showed her teeth in anger.

"I don't want to miss my 3rd hearths warming!!!" The lights in the room started to flicker and move, the snow outside started to blow like a blizzard and the room shook.

"Nyx Nightguard Sparkle!" Twilight shouted.

Nyx quickly snapped out of her rage induced tantrum and looked up at Twilight with tears in her eyes. "S-sorry mommy..."

Twilight sighed. "It's okay baby, but please keep calm..."

Nyx nodded. Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and walked over to the bedside.

"Hey Nyx... I'm sorry, I'm so sorry for causing your horn to break. I should've been more careful."

Nyx smiled. "It's okay aunt Rainbow Dash. I forgive you, always."

"Really?!" Rainbow Dash suddenly started feeling like her old self. "That's great! Oh yeah, I brought some books along so you could read during your stay."

Rainbow Dash opened the saddlebags she had been carrying and pulled out her whole collection of Daring Doo books, as well as some maths, and history books from her school years. Nyx watched as Rainbow dash placed the books down, one by one.

"Don't read them all in one go kiddo, and I'd like them back after you're discharged, okay?" Rainbow raised an eyebrow at Nyx, continuing to smile.

Nyx nodded at the blue Pegasus. "I promise aunt Rainbow Dash." She then looked at Spike who had been awfully quiet the last few minutes. "Spike?"

Spike looked at Nyx. "Sorry Nyx, I was talking to somepony."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Who could you have been talking to? There's nopony else here."

"She didn't tell me her name, only that there's a blizzard coming. And that it's going to get a lot colder."

Nyx looked out the window into the oncoming snow storm that was slowly making its way down from the north and enveloping Ponyville, the Everfree, and Canterlot into a week long blizzard.

~~~

The time was now five thirty-seven PM The snow storm outside had started getting worse and it was almost dinner time for the patients. Twilight, Spike, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Rarity, Sweetie Belle. Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all said their goodbyes to Nyx before heading back home. Twilight of course, left Nyx's glasses on her bedside table so she didn't have to worry about going the two weeks without making her eyes "normal". The other three filly's in the room were chatting to one another while Nyx sat alone and read a few pages from a Daring Doo book Rainbow Dash had left for her. It was volume one of the Daring Doo books. Nyx was just getting into it when she was interrupted by Nurse Redheart who came in announcing that dinner has arrived. Nyx put her book mark in and put the book down. she used her hooves to pull a table over to her since she couldn't use magic at the time. She then waited until she was served her dinner, only it never came. Nyx looked at the light pink coated filly with light blue and green mane and tail that was in the bed beside her, this filly's mane was in a pony tail with three long strands of hair coming over her face like antennae that seemed to point up but curving downward ever so slightly. They looked just like ant antennae. The filly's cutie mark was a blue skate bored and a green helmet. This filly's name was Tootzy Roll. Tootzy Roll saw Nyx was without food and politely levitated some of her food over to her.

"Here, you're dinner is obviously late so have this, it'll fill you till your dinner arrives."

Nyx ate the food Tootzy generously offered. "Thank you Tootzy Roll."

"Don't mention it." Tootzy took a bite of her dinner and swallowed.

Nyx was about to take a bite of the apple Tootzy had shared, when she noticed something off about her.

"Hey Tootzy, what happened to those lolly pops you always eat. You're rarely seen without one in your mouth."

Tootzy looked at Nyx and sighed. "Mom didn't leave me any, and Colgate says I'm only allowed to have one, once a week."

"I see. Well.. changing subject. Why are you here?"

"Isn't the cast obvious? I broke my left front leg trying to do a stunt on my skate bored. Rainbow Dash would be jealous of my skill."

"Hahahahaha!!!" A pegasus filly with the deepest brightest yellow highlight coat, dark blue mane and tail, purple eyes, and a cutie mark that had a comet with a stream behind it, laughed at Tootzy Rolls words.

Tootzy glared. "What's so funny Stardust Comet?"

"I'm sorry but.." Stardust wiped some tears from her eyes with her wings. "I doubt Rainbow Dash would be envious of a unicorn with a funny name."

"What's wrong with my name?!"

Nyx took a deep breath. "Girls!!"

Tootzy Roll, and Stardust Comet stopped talking and looked at Nyx.

"There's nothing wrong with your name Tootzy, I think it fits you perfectly. Stardust, you and Tootzy are great friends. Seeing you two fight is heart breaking."

Tootzy and Stardust looked down in shame before looking up at one another after a minute of silence.

"I'm sorry Tootzy..."

"Don't worry about it, I should be sorry. I yelled at you."

"... That's much better." The black haired, sky blue, silver eyed earth pony opposite of Nyx said.

Nyx looked at the pony and smiled. "You've been quiet Hinata Sunglow."

The earth pony looked at Nyx and smiled. Her cutie mark was of a hill top with a cherry blossom tree and the sun shining onto it. The mark was in the style of Japanese art.

"Forgive me Nyx-chan... I haven't needed to speak until now... Stardust, and Tootzy's fighting made me uneasy." Hinata spoke with a Japanese accent.

"It's alright now, everything is alright."

"No it's not." Nurse Redheart said bringing in Nyx's dinner. "Your dinner is overdue."

Nyx smiled warmly.

"I'm sorry it arrived late Nyx, I had to get the night berry's Princess Luna has been giving you."

"It's okay. Thank you." Nyx started to eat her apple sauce sandwich, just as a cold breeze began to blow against the windows and cool the room.

"Okay girls, I think it's time to put on your wool blankets."

Nurses, came into the rooms of the children's ward and kindly asked the fillies to wait while their beds are prepared. Nyx tried to make her bed on her own without the help of Nurse Redheart. However, the alicorn filly felt she could not do anything without her magic, causing her even more frustration. Nurse Redheart then took it upon herself to make the bed for Nyx.

"But.. I always make my own bed..." Nyx thought to herself sadly.

"There we go." The nurse finished and looked down at Nyx. The black filly was almost on the verge of tears. "Hey.." Nurse Redheart got down to Nyx's height.

"You'll heal soon enough, and when you do, your horn will be stronger then ever, and you'll be able to use magic again."

Nyx sniffled and looked at the nurse. "Really?"

"Really really." She smiled, bringing a smile to Nyx's face.

"Brrr It's cold!" Tootzy shivered and whined.

Nyx giggled at Tootzy along with Stardust while Hinata watched shyly before climbing back onto her bed. Nyx's ears suddenly twitched. The filly could hear the familiar twinkling sound of a snowflake. Her ears twitched with each twinkle. She turned her head and looked outside the window at the snow storm, and saw some snow flakes calmly flowing downward to one spot just outside. At the same time, Nyx could feel the presence of somepony else. She closed her eyes for a moment then turned away slowly. She climbed back onto her bed and sat in the center while Nurse Redheart helped her get to her food by moving the table over to her, allowing the young filly to enjoy her meal. Time passed, the snow storm continued to blow outside. Tootzy Roll was playing on her Joyboy, Stardust Comet was drawing on some paper on the table she used to eat her dinner on, whilst occasionally checking to see if her broken wings were any good only to flinch in pain every time. Hinata, was quiet, very quiet. She had her eyes closed and looked to be deep in thought, but in reality she was really asleep. Nyx had finished reading the 1st of Rainbow Dash's Daring Doo books. She placed it in the top drawer of the bedside table with the other books, the table was on her right. The black filly then pulled out another book, the second Daring Doo book. Nyx opened it up to the index page and turned it over to the first Chapter.

"Spike is very friendly isn't he Nyx?"

Nyx looked up from her book, and closed it. She smiled warmly and closed her eyes. "yes he is."

Nyx turned her head, reopened her eyes and looked over at the door way to see the glacial blue filly glowing and walking into the room slowly, passing Tootzy and Stardust Comet who could not see or hear the white filly. Nyx's smile dropped and was replaced with the look of shock and surprise. The white filly seemed to know where she was going but would stop from time to time and feel what was in front of her with her hooves before continuing to walk forward until she finally reached Nyx's bedside. She used her front hooves feel around the bed, making sure it was a bed and that there was a spot to pull herself up on. After a moment the spirit found a spot and started to pull herself up. Nyx tried helping but her hooves passed right through the filly as though there was nothing there. Nyx's hooves felt as cold as ice. The blind pegasus flapped her wings to help lift herself up and onto the bed. She sat beside Nyx and had her head lowered, but had no sad expression. She looked rather content.

"You look happy."

"Meeting somepony who can hear me always makes me happy. But I've only ever met two ponies that could hear my voice.

Nyx chuckled. "Spike's a dragon, not a pony." She laughed a little.

The filly laughed slightly. "I'm blind, don't pick on me." She laughed playfully along with Nyx.

Nyx eventually stopped laughing and continued to look at the ghostly filly that sat beside her.

"Hey Nyx, what's so funny?" Tootzy said whilst focusing on her game.

Nyx quickly turned her head and looked at Tootzy who was in the bed a few feet to her left. "Oh.. I..uh..." Nyx looked at the ghostly filly beside her then to Tootzy again. "...I just remembered something really funny that's all."

"Oh cool, then would you mind keeping it down? Ya don't want to wake Hinata do ya?"

Nyx sighed, nodding. She looked back at the blind pegasus next to her and smiled.

"Anyway, How could Spike hear and speak to you? I thought only I could."

"I don't know... But I'm happy to have spoken to him. He's so sweet." The filly blushed.

Nyx could clearly see the blush as the red coloring stood out from the fillies white colored coat. Nyx giggled a little. The blind pegasus turned her head in the direction of Nyx's giggle and frowned.

"W-what's so funny?"

"You're blushing. It's adorable."

The glacial blue and white filly blindly looked down in embarrassment. "It is not..."

"Is so."

"Is not!" The filly giggled.

Nyx giggled as well. Stardust whom was watching Nyx, looked over at Tootzy Roll confused, then looked back at Nyx like she was going crazy.

"You okay over there Nyx? I could call a nurse if you'd like."

Nyx looked at stardust. "I'm alright, why? I-Is there something wrong?"

"You're talking to yourself and it's freaking Tootzy and I out."

Nyx suddenly remembered that she had to keep the filly a secret and looked down, she thought up of a convincing excuse that wouldn't make her look silly.

"I'm sorry girls... I guess I'm still a little dazed from my horn being broken... And I'm not used to sleeping someplace other then my room."

The black filly yawned then it suddenly got cold. Nyx whom was not under the blankets when this chilly air filled the room started to shiver. She put the Daring Doo book under her pillow and climbed under the warm blankets. She then looked to where the filly was, and saw she was now gone. Nyx looked saddened at first but remembered that she could speak to this spirit in her dreams. She yawned and looked at Stardust Comet, and Tootzy Roll and smiled.

"Goodnight everypony." Nyx laid back, resting her head on the soft pillow and closed her eyes slowly.

"Night Nyx." Tootzy and Stardust said in unison before going to sleep themselves.

The temperature in the room suddenly began to drop. The nurses came into everypony's rooms to provide warmer blankets for them. Nurse Redheart even came in and draped a warm toasty blanket over the two blankets that Nyx was under, giving the filly some more warmth to stand up to the cold. Though it was not enough to stop her from shivering, nor any of the fillies. As this was happening, Nyx was elsewhere, Somewhere in her dreams. The black filly looked around in the same large field she had been in before at some point. The black filly continued to look around at the butterflies, the snow and the trees until she looked upon the white filly. The filly was sitting near a snowdrop flower. She couldn't see it of course, but she could hear it. Nyx walked up to her and sat down beside her.

"I'm sorry I left so early... I didn't want to keep you up all night."

"How could you tell it was night?"

The filly moved her head as if looking in Nyx's direction. "I could hear the mares saying goodnight to their babies. I could also hear one of the nurses telling the children that it was time for bed."

"How did you know I was in hospital?"

"Spike told me when we were talking. I thought something bad had happened to you. He was the only other one I could reach out to."

"Why can't you reach out to Luna?"

The filly moved her head and faced down, moving her head side to side slowly before standing.

"It's... complicated... But I could've... I really could've reached out to her but... You and her... you are both so much alike. My spirit was drawn to you only, because I was confused. The both of you feel the same. A pegasus cannot sense magic, or feel the magical aura of a unicorn... but a spirit can. And I cannot cross over until I've said goodbye, but I cannot go to her."

The filly smelled the snowdrop, frowning. Nyx frowned, watching the filly. "I'm sorry. It' my fault."

"Don't blame yourself... please. It isn't your fault. It's nopony's fault."

"But it is. If Luna and I weren't so much the same you could have said goodbye to her..."

"I still can." The filly smiled. "The wishing stars that fall during winter, once wished upon can make any wish come true."

Nyx stood up, and tilted her head in confusion. "Wishing stars?"

The glacial filly nodded. "Yes. The wishing stars were born from accepting... and celebrating winter. These special snow flakes, fall every winter. Once, a long time ago, you could wish upon these special stars, just as one can wish upon a star in the night sky. I cannot see stars. But if I try hard enough, I can hear them. The sound of the stars twinkling is more beautiful to me then the sunrises Luna would describe to me."

Nyx smiled at the filly just as a light began to shine on a hill top just behind Nyx. The black filly turned her head and looked up at the heavenly light before looking back at the filly.

"It's time to wake up..." Nyx said sadly.

"Tomorrow is a new day... full of new discovery's. Don't frown upon dawns light... welcome it and it's mystery's, and maybe... all of the answers you seek will be revealed." The filly smiled.

Nyx smiled and nodded. "You're right..." The dark filly started to make her way up the hill. "I'll see you when I wake up won't I?"

The filly nodded. Nyx felt assured to see the filly again and started to run up the snow covered hill toward the light of dawn.

"Oh wait... Nyx!" the filly called out.

Nyx stopped just a few feet away from the light, and turned around to look at the filly who was standing at the bottom of the hill. The filly was smiling, and was blindly looking up at Nyx.

"I wanted to finally tell you... my name is Snowdrop!" Snowdrop continued to smile at Nyx, who slowly smiled back just as everything was going white.

Nyx awoke in the hospital bed, her vision was blurred from the sleep and the lights were bright. She sat up in her bed and rubbed her eyes. She blinked a few times then turned her attention toward the window and looked outside to see that the blizzard had stopped, the sun was shining, and the sky was blue. There were snow clouds dotting the skyline, however they were slowly starting to cover the sky. But there was still enough sun and blue sky out to spend the day under. Nyx yawned and stretched, she looked at the clock on the wall and saw that is was 6:30 AM. The black filly frowned and sighed, she laid back in her bed and tried to sleep in as best she could.

~~~

It was now 7:30 Am. Breakfast had already been served to the filly's, Nyx included. Tootzy, Nyx, and Stardust were eating a healthy breakfast. Nyx didn't really like the taste of oat meal that much, but ate it anyway. Hinata however was eating some Miso soup, with toast, and some tea, it made her look very fancy, something the earth pony liked to avoid considering she came from a wealthy family. The four of them were silent most of the time. Tootzy would occasionally talk about how her mother used to be quite a daredevil in her youth, but nopony other then Stardust took interest. Finally Hinata broke her silence with her quiet and gentle voice.

"Tootzy Roll... Stardust Comet... what happened last night? Why did you two fight like that? You're best friends what could've caused you two to do that?"

Tootzy and Stardust looked at Hinata, then at each other, and sighed.

"I guess I was still pretty upset that I busted my wing, and hearing Tootzy Roll gloat made me really mad."

Tootzy looked down. "I'm sorry Stardust. I didn't mean to make you upset."

"Don't worry about it, I'm sorry too."

Tootzy and Stardust looked at each other and smiled, only to be startled by the voice of an adult standing in the door way.

"It is glorious to see two friends make up after a moment of conflict." Princess Luna smiled looking at the filly's in the room.

Nyx looked to the door way and smiled widely. "Princess Luna!"

"Luna..?"

The princess walked over to Nyx while the filly's watched. She sat down beside Nyx's bed and smiled warmly toward the young filly.

"How did you manage to see me now? Visiting hours start in two hours at 9:00."

Luna just sat and smiled at Nyx, waiting until she finally worked it out. Nyx looked at Luna's crown and felt rather silly.

"Oh... that's how."

Luna laughed a little. "Nothing escapes you does it Nyx?"

Nyx chuckled a little and shook her head slowly. The night alicorn took a piece of Nyx's toast playfully, and started to nibble it. The little Nightmare Moon started to giggle.

"Hey, give that back!"

"Give what back?"

"My toast!"

"What toast?" Luna raised the toast above her head so Nyx could not get it.

"The toast you have above you!"

"Oh that toast!" Luna chuckled even more.

Tootzy Roll was starting to become distracted by Nyx and Luna, causing her to lose at her video game on her joybioy.

"Nagh...? ggh..? neh..?" Tootzy was surprised. Her eyes wide, her pupils had shrunk, she had her mouth in an open frown and was somewhat shrugging.

Tootzy then looked at Luna and Nyx rather angrily. Nyx saw the expression on Tootzy's face and frowned.

"Are... Are we making too much noise Tootzy?"

"No no no don't worry Nyx, I was just turning my game off... I'll continue with it later." Tootzy turned off her joyboy and got out of bed, using her front right leg and her back legs to walk to the nearby bathroom to brush her teeth.

Stardust Comet and Hinata Sunglow, once finishing their breakfast, got out of their beds and went to brush their teeth also. Nyx, watched them leave and remembered she also had to brush her teeth.

"Oh, Luna, may I be excused for a moment?"

Luna slowly levitated Nyx's stolen toast and placed it in her mouth, making a nom sound while she does it. "You are excused." She smiled.

Nyx smiled and ate her toast then got out of bed, opened her bedside drawer and grabbed her tooth brush and paste with her mouth. She walked over to the exit of the room and across the hall into the bathroom with the other three. Luna watched Nyx and sighed.

"I remember a time when I was just like you Nyx. But with age, comes change. And I have matured." She snickered. "I do wonder how you'll end up once you have matured my dear friend."

Snowdrop listened to Luna as snow flakes fell just outside the window, leaving no snow pile as it landed on the snowy ground below. Moments later Nyx returned as did her friends. The alicorn filly, put her toothpaste and brush back into a small satchel in the drawer, then took out her glasses and headband and placed them on the table. Luna watched Nyx as she closed the drawer and climbed back onto the bed. The small alicorn carefully put her glasses on using her hooves. Her eyes looked more ponyfied now.

"Shall I brush your hair back and put your head band on you?"

Nyx looked at the princess and nodded. "Yes please."

Luna took a brush off of the bedside drawer while Nyx, sat on the bed facing the window. Luna started to brush and style the mane exactly the way Nyx liked it, all the while avoiding the bandages and horn.

"Poor Nyx, it must hurt like crazy. I can see the pain she's in... It's in her eyes. Guess even eyes like hers can be read, though it's not easy... ugh.... Just feeling her aura is enough to make me feel her pain. My horn is throbbing. And so is hers by the way her aura trembles from there..."

Luna finished styling the mane, and finally put Nyx's head band on her head and smiled.

"There we go. You look lovely."

Nyx turned and faced Luna. "Thank you Luna." She smiled.

Nyx nuzzled Luna gently, and the princess nuzzled back. Luna sighed afterwards in sadness and sat straight.

"I cannot stay for very long I fear. I must rest if the night is to arrive at the appropriate time. I don't want a repeat of two nights ago."

"I understand, but what happened two nights ago?"

Luna looked down and to her left. "I slept in..." Luna had a rather embarrassed look on her.

Nyx giggled. "Not everypony can be on time big sister."

Luna chuckled. "I suppose not. But as a princess I must always be on time. It would upset the balance otherwise. But you are too young to understand."

Snowdrops giggles reached Nyx's ears, revealing to her that Snowdrop was present and listening. Nyx rolled her eyes while Luna wasn't looking. the princess stood up, stretched her wings and legs and folded her wings up again.

"Two years, and I'm still not used to being taller. I'm sorry to cut my visit short Nyx, but I must take my leave now. Be good to the nurses."

Luna hugged Nyx gently who hugged the princess at the same time. They let go of each and with a smile, Princess Luna started heading toward the door.

"I'm always good."

Luna stopped, smiled and turned her head to look at Nyx, raising an eye brow. "Are you?"

Nyx nodded and smiled. "I am!"

Luna continued to smile at Nyx. "I'll see you later then Nyx."

"Bye Luna!" Nyx waved.

Princess Luna, exited the room and turned right, going down the hall and leaving the hospital. Nyx could then hear the sound of a chariot, taking off, and the sounds of Pegasus wings flapping until it had gone far out of ear shot. Nyx sighed with a little sadness, she very rarely saw Luna, but she understood the importance of her roll. The alicorn filly suddenly felt light headed, almost like she did when she was about to pass out the other times, but it was different this time. She didn't pass out, but she did feel rather weak. Nyx, climbed down off her bed, and put on her snow cloths. She then proceeded to leave the room

"Where are you going Nyx-chan?" Hinata asked.

"I'm..." Nyx turned her head and looked at Hinata. "Going to get some air."

"You can't leave the hospital grounds you know that Nyx." Stardust said.

"I know don't worry. I'll be in the courtyard." The filly smiled and left the children's ward and stepped into the hospitals main hall. She then took a left, going down another hall. She passed multiple different wards and exited through a door to the outside. It was a fenced off area, there were trees without leaves, and benches to sit on, and some rocks that one could stand on and see the town hall on the other side of the river. And sitting on the edge of the rock, was Snowdrop. The glacial white and blue filly was facing the direction of Ponyville when Nyx saw her. the young alicorn smiled upon seeing her, and walked toward the ghostly pegasus, climbing the rocks until she could walk over and sit beside her. Snowdrop smiled and moved her head to face Nyx's direction.

"Good morning. It's very quiet out here. Isn't it?"

"Good morning Snowdrop. It is rather quiet... and cold." Nyx shivered a little. "Ooooo...." She could see her breath as clear as day.

"Make that... very cold..." Nyx added.

Snowdrop snickered, continuing to smile happily. "Nyx... I've never been very open before."

"What do you mean?"

"To everypony but Luna and my family, while I was still alive. I was always quiet, and shy. I never really spoke to anypony because of my blindness. I was afraid they would think of me... differently.. Some did though but I never let it bother me. Mother used to tell me that as long as I was happy being me, then I'd have no reason to be sad. Sometimes I'd hide things from my mom so she didn't have to worry about me so much. But after I met Luna, I started to be more open about everything."

Nyx smiled the biggest she ever had. "It's like a fairy tale almost, about somepony so sad, shy and lonely, but in the end, they find somepony who cares about them not because they look different or act different, or talk different. But for who they are."

Snowdrop nodded and smiled but then that smile was replaced with a frown, and a sad face. The glacial blue filly moved her head as if looking downward for a moment, then turned it and faced toward the town hall, still frowning. "Nyx... could you... describe to me what I would be looking at if I had sight... please?"

Nyx looked toward the houses and the town hall across the river. The sky was slowly becoming cloudy and white. It was like a late afternoon. Nyx saw the light of the sun in the clouds but it did not shine through, and the buildings of Ponyville were silhouettes of what they really were.

"Well... it's cloudy. The buildings look grey. The sky looks white near the clouds. The river is frozen, and there is snow on the ground."

Snowdrop started to smile again. "It sounds lovely."

Nyx nodded and sighed. "So why do you call them wishing stars?"

"Well if you looked at a snowflake, you could see that they look like stars. I cannot see the stars. Or the winter stars. But I can hear them. I can hear the snow twinkling, like the stars at night. So don't you think... they should be able to grant wishes too, shouldn't they?"

Nyx thought about that for a moment and nodded. "I guess so. It sounds like a beautiful concept." She smiled.

"I thought so to. It makes me so sad that nopony wishes on them anymore... That's why they are there. To wish on, and make winter a beautiful season of happiness and joy."

Nyx nodded even more. "I agree with you. Now I have something to tell my class when I go back to school. Thank you Snowdrop."

"I'm really really happy that I could help. Has the schooling in Equestria changed?? Back in my day we didn't have any school during the first three weeks before hearths warming eve, but then three days after the end of the month we'd have school again."

"No it hasn't changed, we have the same winter break for a few weeks then we'd go back the next month. I love school, I wish it would never end sometimes... But I couldn't stand my class mates giving me those angry stares when I... keep them in." Nyx slowly got quieter as she neared the end of her sentence.

Snowdrop frowned, feeling sorry for the knowledge loving filly.

"How can you be... here?"

Snowdrop turned her head to face Nyx's direction. "E-excuse me?"

"Before last night you have only appeared in those odd visions, when I'd fall asleep or pass out. How is it you can suddenly appear?"

"A spirit can manifest.. if their will is strong enough... But only you can hear and see me. I'm not strong enough to be seen or heard by others... Spike was just easy to reach out too... but Luna she... she's on an entirely different plane then us..."

Both of them were suddenly startled by the door into the hospital flying open. Nyx turned her head to see who it was and saw that it was Scootaloo.

"I found her Ms. Twilight!"

Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle, all ran to Nyx, whilst Twilight came darting out of the hospital and sliding to a stop. The lavender unicorn sighed in relief and smiled. Nyx smiled at Twilight. She looked back at Snowdrop, about to tell her something, only to see that she had already vanished. Nyx frowned but was soon smiling again once her friends and Twilight had walked over to her. Snowdrop stood underneath a leafless tree, listening to Nyx talk with her friends.

"I came to visit you and you weren't in your room. I was worried."

Scootaloo spoke next. "Luckily Apple Bloom asked Nurse Redheart where you were."

"She said that you were outside in the courtyard." Said Apple Bloom.

"So Nyx, can you use magic yet?" Asked Sweetie Belle.

Twilight lowered her head down to Sweetie Belles height. "It's only been one day Sweetie Belle. Give it time. Nyx's horn will mend."

Nyx continued smiling. "My horn is still sore though..."

Twilight walked over to Nyx and nuzzled her gently. "All wounds heal my little pony. You'll feel better in no time."

Nyx nuzzled Twilight again. Scootaloo suddenly got down low in a playful manner. "Hey Nyx!" Scootaloo touched Nyx's right shoulder with her left hoof. "Tag, you're it!"

Scootaloo ran away from Nyx giggling with Nyx watching. She giggled soon after ad put on a pretty determined face. "I'm gonna get you Scootaloo!"

Nyx chased after Scootaloo, both filly's giving off loud giggles as they did. Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle, spread out. Twilight spent a lot of time watching the filly's play tag. Many other patients came out at different times during the time Nyx was playing with her friends, but some would sneer and go back inside upon seeing the small Nightmare Moon. Twilight sighed sadly but continued to watch the children until Nyx was called in for Lunch. The black alicorn stopped the game with her friends and walked back inside the hospital with them and Twilight following. As the door closed, it began to snow. Nyx and her friends and mother, passed through the same corridors and past the same wards Nyx had earlier. After 4 minutes of walking, they arrived back in Nyx's hospital room, just as lunch was being served. Nyx was half expecting the room to just have Tootzy Roll, Stardust Comet and Hinata in their respective beds, but in addition to them, she could see that Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity were waiting for Nyx. Twilight saw her friends and was just as surprised as Nyx to see them.

"This is unexpected." Said Twilight.

"Unexpected?? Twilight didn't Spikey tell you we were coming?"

"I don't think he got the message."

Nyx climbed up onto her bed while Twilight moved her bedside trolley table over to her so she may eat. While Nyx ate it started to really snow outside. All over Equestria mares were shopping for cloths, in Canterlot Princess Celestia was getting warm by a fire, holding a scroll with her magic and listening to piano music which played from the same tower every day. In The Crystal Empire, Cadence was snuggling up to Shining armor by a fire while a one year old Princess Skyla ran around with a Fluffle Puff plush, giggling happily and rolling around. While all this was happening, Nyx had just about finished eating.

"And I told Filthy Rich "Oh no sir that tie is much too white for you, why it blends right into your coat". The poor stallion had no idea what I was on about because he has a grayish amber coat. It wasn't until I started laughing that he got the joke." Rarity laughed.

Applejack, Sweetie Belle, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Nyx all looked at each other then at Rarity, and smiled just going along with it. Scootaloo then whispered to Sweetie Belle.

"What joke?"

"I have no idea."

Nyx ate the last of her apple sauce sandwich, swallowing it and taking a sip of her juice.

"I'm fin-" Nyx suddenly stopped speaking. Twilight looked at the black alicorn filly, just sitting there blankly then finally falling onto her side.

"Nyx!!" Twilight shook the filly, trying to wake her up to no avail. Nyx had passed out.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, having seen these black outs before, assume they needed to let it run its coarse.

"Ms. Twilight, wait please." Sweetie Belle spoke.

Twilight looked at the white filly puzzled. "W-what?! Why would I do that?! For all we know something wrong could have happened to her!"

Nyx's eyes closed on their own. When they reopened, she was standing in a cloud rotunda, watching Snowdrop make her way to school. Nyx looked out from the corner of her eye behind her to see a young, whitening Princess Celestia flying up behind her and landing. Nyx moved her gaze back at the streets of Cloudesdale below. Nyx was looking through the eyes of Luna.

"Shouldn't you be resting sister?"

"I thought I'd stay up late. See how the pegasai live their daily lives. It is boring to watch unicorns and earth ponies over and over again. Waking up in your precious morning then sleeping during my glorious night. Why can only a simple blind little filly understand it. Snowdrop is the only one who takes the time to know my night, while the others insult it and I by sleeping!"

"Please be calm Luna. You are making me worry." Celestia frowned.

Luna sighed. "Forgive me I...I just haven't been feeling well."

Celestia walked up and stood beside her sister and looked down at the streets below to see Snowdrop stopping to talk to another mare while a stallion pegasus came up behind her and tapped her on her shoulder. Snowdrop jumped then turned around smiling, giving the stallion a kiss on the cheek.

"How old is Snowdrop now Luna?"

Luna looked down. "S-she'd be 16 years old..."

"Then she would be old enough to be called a mare. She's growing up."

"She's growing up too fast..."

Celestia turned around about to leave, but stopped and looked back at Luna. "You are not her mother. You're her friend. If you don't want your friendship to end, then stop watching. Go and talk to her. She misses you."

"I'll try... I'll try sister..."

"Good." Celestia smiled then took off, flying down the rotunda to her chariot.

Luna didn't move, she just stood there, looking down at Snowdrop and watching as she went to school. The night princess then turned around and descended the spiral stairs, boarding a chariot at the bottom of the rotunda and left Cloudesdale. Along the way back to the Everfree forest, Luna closed her eyes and Nyx reawakened back in the present day. Nurse Redheart was checking the little filly only to stop upon seeing her eyes open.

"Shh everypony she's waking up."

Nyx groaned and sat up. She rubbed her eyes and blinked a few times before looking around.

"H-hello everypony... d-did I fall asleep?"

"You passed out baby. You had us all worried..."

Nyx nuzzled Twilight as the lavender unicorn went to nuzzle her. The black filly then looked at her friends.

"Ah tried to tell em Nyx that all we needed ta do was leave ya be. But nopony listened."

Nyx sighed. "I'm alright everypony see, I'm not hurt at all."

"While you were out Nyx, a friend of yours popped in, she's still here." Nurse Redheart smiled.

Nyx looked at the Nurse then at a grey filly that was standing beside Sweetie Belle with a big get well card on her back.

"S-Silver Spoon?"

"You feeling better Nyx?" Silver Spoon asked with a friendly smile.

"I'm... alright?" Nyx was confused.

Scootaloo watched Silver Spoon carefully. She did not trust the grey earth pony very much, neither did Sweetie Belle, but Apple Bloom was willing to give Silver Spoon a chance. Silver Spoon climbed up onto Nyx bed and with Twilights help. She took the card off her back and place it down on the bed for Nyx to read. Twilight opened the card up and Nyx proceeded to red these very words:

"To Nyx,
We all hope that you get well very soon. You are missed very much by each and every one of us. You make everyday worthwhile when you're around. So get well soon, you magical filly.

Signed; your friends and family~ Ms. Cherilee, Silver Spoon, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, Fluttershy, Button Mash, Fluffle Puff, Derpy Doo, Dinky Doo, Pinkie Pie! <3 , Mr. Cake, Mrs. Cake, Pumpkin Cake, Pound Cake, Nurse Redheart, Princess Luna, Spike, and Twilight Sparkle."

Nyx teared up and shed those tears. Twilight got some tissues and wiped Nyx's tears away with them. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle climbed onto the bed and looked at the card, their ears flattening onto the top of their heads.

"This is the card we made for Nyx in class..." Said Scootaloo.

"Ms. Cherilee invited all of us along to help out."

"Ms. Cherilee asked me to deliver it. Since the hospital isn't too far away from my house."

Nyx looked at her friends that were in the room and was smiling with so much happiness.

"Thank you everypony."

Everypony in the room continued smiling at Nyx. Suddenly a sharp and intensely agonizing pain shot through Nyx's head, causing the filly to scream louder then anypony could of thought possible. Nyx started to wail and cry loudly, she held her head in her hooves hoping to stop the excruciating pain.

"It hurts!!! Make it stop!!!!" Screamed Nyx.

Nurse Redheart bolted out the door and turned right bolting into the reception area and to the nurses bay, looking for something that could stop the pain. Scootaloo, Silver Spoon, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were terrified. Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were just as scared, but seeing Nyx burying her face in her pillow crying and thrashing, swinging her head around in a desperate attempt to stop her pain. It all made Twilight feel so helpless. The unicorn closed her eyes and shed some tears, her horn glowed, and then she cast a spell on Nyx, knocking her out for the time being. Nurse Redheart came back in quickly. She paused once she saw Nyx laying very still on the bed, un-moving. Her heart sank and she assumed the worst.

"I-Is she...?"

"No... I cast a deep sleep spell on her..."

Everypony looked at Twilight who climbed onto the bed and laid beside Nyx. Nurse Redheart turned to a pegasus Nurse whom was looking into the room worried.

"Nurse."

"Y-yes Nurse Redheart?"

"Get me Princess Celestia!"

~~~

"Nyx? Wake up, please wake up... Nyx?"

Princess Celestia arrived quickly. She was met by Nurse Redheart who filled the princess in on what has happened. Celestia asked to be taken to Nyx immediately, to which the white earth pony obliged and without another word the Nurse lead the Princess to Nyx's bed in the children's ward, room three. Upon entering, Celestia could see Twilight gently nuzzling her adopted daughter. Everypony in the room looked to the white alicorn as she approached the bed.

"May I see her Twilight. I need to see her so I can see what's wrong with her."

Twilight nodded and gently moved Nyx so her head could be seen by the princess. Princess Celestia got closer to Nyx and could feel the filly's aura was odd. It was trembling, pulsing right where her horn was and just feeling that pulsating energy was causing the princess great pain. Celestia could also feel that it was in that spot in particular that her aura was acting up. The sun princess closed her eyes, her horn started to glow. She reopened her eyes and started to move her horn over Nyx's bandaged horn. The intense head pains that are only now just starting to plague Nyx, were caused by her horn breaking the way it did, as it did not just crack her horn but also damaged her magicka channels. The princess was shocked at this, but also at how fast Nyx's horn was healing.

"H-how is it princess?" Twilight asked.

Princess Celestia's horn ceased glowing. She looked at the nurse, then Twilight, then Twilights friends and looked sad.

"I know what caused the migraine. And I ask that none of you tell Nyx. It would be best if she thought they were just very strong migraines."

Snowdrop, silent and unseen. Laid beside Nyx on the bed and listened to the princess, just as eager to hear what was wrong with her, just like everypony else.

"Princess... please tell us..."

Princess Celestia sighed. "Her magicka channels were damaged when her horn broke. It's healing, faster then anypony could ever think possible. However, even if both her horn and her magicka channels were to heal, reaching her limit in magical power, losing her temper, or yelling too loud could cause an intense headache, magic related or not. And to make things worse..." The princess looked at Nyx. "I don't think they can stop."

Twilight Nuzzled Nyx. Snowdrops ears flattened onto the top of her head as a frown formed on her face.

"isn't there anything we can do to stop them?"

"I could perform a surgery only I and Luna know that can fix it, but if I fail then Nyx will never be able to use magic again."

Twilight got off of Nyx's bed and stormed out of the room, angered at the circumstances. Celestia watched as her student walked out with a huff, sighing and understanding what Twilight was going through.

"Beggen ya pardon princess, but maybe Ah should go and talk to Twilight."

The princess nodded. Applejack bowed and followed Twilight, calling her name. A cold gust of wind was suddenly felt rushing out the door of the room, making princess Celestia, and everypony else in the room shiver.

"Twilight! Hey Twilight." Applejack ran past Twilight and stopped in front of her. "Whoa, hey Twilight, what's the matter?"

Twilight looked at her friend with an angered expression on her face, but that all went away and was replaced with a frown, Twilights ears went back, and she sat down.

"Why...? Why are all these things happening to Nyx? It isn't fair on her...."

"No it ain't Twilight but ya have to consider that this may help her. Ah don't have a horn. Ah can't cast spells. But Nyx does. and Nyx would want to know how to cast some of those amazing spells you cast sugar cube. And a headache is gonna ruin that for her, is that what you want Twilight?"

Twilight shook her head. "No... but... but... it's just so unfair for her to be given those odds.... to never be able to use magic again... It'll break her heart. I don't know if I can have her go through with it Applejack... I'm so angry that this is happening to my little filly...."

"You are just like my mommy Twilight Sparkle. You care about Nyx, just like my mother cared about me. You can't hear me. And you can't see me... I can't see you. But I can hear you. Nyx will heal. I grant you that wish Twilight Sparkle." Snowdrop spoke on the wind. She sounded much older, her voice was nothing like that filly voice everypony knows so well. It was soft, gentle. It sounded almost like Celestia's voice when she was as young as she was when Snowdrop first met her.

Above Nyx's bed a light began to shine, and a single flake of snow emerged from it. It fell slowly, then came to rest atop of Nyx's horn and melted. Twilight came back into the room with Applejack and cleared her throat.

"Princess..."

Princess Celestia looked at Twilight. Twilight looked at Celestia and with a pleading look in her eye she somberly spoke the words that would help Nyx.

"Please heal my daughter."

Celestia smiled, and nodded. "It will be done my student." The princess's smile was warm and assuring.

Twilight smiled and was nearly on the verge of tears. She hugged Applejack who hugged the lavender unicorn comfortingly.

"There there Twilight."

As Twilight hugged her friend, she could suddenly hear a voice, Twilight let go of Applejack and smiled at her. She then walked over to the window and looked outside.

"Cherish your daughter everyday Twilight Sparkle. Cherish her, as I cherished mine..."

The wind started to blow, and with it so did Snowdrops stars, just as the sun was setting.

=====================================================================

06: Past and present.

Tears in the Snow

By Chaos Phantasm

=====================================================================

Chapter 6

Past and present

=====================

Princess Celestia sat at Nyx's bedside. Her eyes closed in concentration, mending the filly's magicka channels. Speeding up the healing on the different veins with her magic. Silver Spoon, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash had already gone home. Twilight however stayed behind. It was already late. The clock read one thirty AM, but Twilight wasn't tired, she was worried. Tootzy Roll, Hinata, and Stardust Comet were relocated to another room while the princess worked her magic. All Twilight could think about, was what would happen if Nyx woke up and found she could no longer levitate an object, or cast a small spell. It filled her to the tip of her horn with worry.

"Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight looked up from the floor and saw Princess Luna standing beside her.

"Are you feeling alright?"

Twilight looked down and shook her head. "No... Nyx is in pain.... Princess Celestia is helping her..."

Luna looked into the room and saw Celestia sitting there beside Nyx. Luna's ears flattened down and she sighed.

"She can't do it. Nyx and I have the same aura. I'll mend her." Luna walked into the room. Passing two of the beds before stopping beside her sister.

"Celestia, let me take over. Thou need to rest. The day must not wait. Thou must be awake in time for sunrise."

The sun princess's horn stopped glowing. Princess Celestia then tiredly nodded and stood up. She slowly headed for the door while Luna took her sisters place. Nurse Redheart walked up to Twilight and nudged her gently.

"Ms Sparkle... please you must rest. There's a bed in there beside Nyx's bed. I wouldn't disturb the princess though. I'll get the bed out for you."

Twilight nodded. "Okay..."

Nurse Redheart and Twilight entered the room, they walked by the beds and the princess to this other bed that Nurse Redheart mentioned. Twilight stopped and looked at Luna concentrating ever so hard to mend Nyx's magic. Twilight looked closely at Luna's horn and could see a faint stream of magic coming from the tip of her horn and flowing into the tip of Nyx's bandaged horn. The lavender unicorn blinked and decided to turn in for the night. Nurse Redheart, pulled the bed out from the wardrobe looking cupboard, and placed on it a warm blanket and a pillow.

"There you go Ms. Sparkle. Please do not worry. Nyx will be alright I assure you." Nurse Redheart whispered to Twilight before saying goodnight to her and leaving the room.

Twilight pulled the bed sheets over and stepped onto the mattress, she walked over to the center and carefully nestled down, pulling the blanket over her. The concerned unicorn looked up at Nyx one more time before resting her head on the pillow, and falling asleep. Just outside, a snow storm was raging. The wind howled and the hospital grew cold. As did Ponyville, and Canterlot. The snow was also falling much faster. Despite the cold, Luna pressed on with the surgery, unwilling to rest until Nyx was fixed. Whilst Twilight slept, and Luna remained awake. Snowdrop walked around the room, blinded both with sight and hearing. The room was very silent, so silent one could hear the babies crying in the nursery two wards away. It made Snowdrop feel alone again.

"Hello? Is... is anypony there?" Snowdrop awaited an answer but when none came, her ears folded down softly onto the top of her head. She sat down on the floor and faced downward sadly.

"It's so quiet... I hate it... I hate the silence...." Snowdrop tried clicking with her tongue very loudly, and waited for the sound to bounce off objects. It did, and with that Snowdrop could see what was happening in her mind. She could make out the shapes of the beds, the window, and the legs of Princess Luna. However Snowdrop did not know that and was startled a little. She moved her head to face in the direction of Luna and clicked again, this time the invisible inaudible sound bounced off of Luna's entire body, allowing Snowdrop to see who it was. It brought the biggest smile that has ever appeared on her face in centuries when she realized who it was. But her smile did not last long. It turned into a frown once she remembered that her spirit was bound to Nyx.

"This is so unfair..." Snowdrop sighed and clicked more and more, finding her way to Nyx's bed. The ghostly filly flapped her wings and flew up onto the bed, nestling beside Nyx. "Goodnight Nyx..."

Snowdrop laid beside Nyx all night whilst Luna continued to work. Nyx was well and truly knocked out by this point, however she looked much more peaceful then she was before. She felt no pain. Twilight and Luna could hardly feel Nyx's aura trembling and pulsing rapidly over the horn. She curled up even more, and for the first time in nine hours, she was smiling. Twilight Sparkle could not sleep, and when she did she would hear that ear splitting crack that came from Nyx's horn two days earlier. Twilight looked up at Nyx's bed again and all she could see was the faint glow of Luna's magical aura as it resonated from the magical stream that was connected to the tip of her horn and flowing into Nyx's. Twilight yawned and went back to sleep, burying her concerns and worries so that it didn't keep her up all night.

The following day came, only it was grey and white. There were grey clouds in the sky and brisk snow falling. Twilight sat up in her bed and yawned, she stretched and looked out the window. Then she heard the sound of somepony biting into an apple and chewing it. The lavender unicorn turned around and saw Nyx looking at her, eating an apple. The filly's bandages had come off showing a mended black horn, no visible scaring, nor any sign of bending or splitting. Nyx was even levitating the apple.

"Morning Mommy." Nyx smiled.

Twilight stared at Nyx for a moment then smiled warmly and jumped onto the bed, hugging the black filly. Nyx giggled as her cheek was barraged with kisses from Twilight who was soon being pushed gently away by the playful black alicorn filly. Twilight giggled with Nyx and before long they were both cuddling like any mother and child would. Luna was watching from the door way, Tootzy Roll, Stardust Comet, and Hinata watched alongside the princess, each with a smile of their own much to Nyx's embarrassment. Snowdrop was listening with a big smile across her face, she was sitting on the end of Hinata's bed, having changed beds during the night. The glacial blue blind filly stretched unnecessarily and got comfortable again, also unnecessarily. Snowdrop then moved her head as if to look upward, then moved it left then right. She then closed her eyes and faded away without a word. Nyx could no longer sense Snowdrop anywhere in the room, or building but could feel she was still bound to her. Snowdrop leaving saddened Nyx. However, despite how upset she felt, she knew even Snowdrop had to rest. Unique looking snowflakes began to fall outside, and the snowdrops sang as the winter wind brushed against their petals. Nopony inside could hear their lonely but beautiful songs. Nopony but Luna and Nyx could hear it. Their hearing was greater then the regular ponies. Princess Luna stood up and walked toward the bed. Nyx looked up at Luna, as did Twilight as the night princess cleared her throat.

"We must go now Nyx and Twilight Sparkle. It is time for us to rest. My sister will be by later to check the condition of thou horn, though we suspect a nurse will see to that beforehand. Fare thee well Nyx and Twilight Sparkle. We hope to see thee again soon."

Twilight bowed her head while Nyx only looked at Luna with big teary eyes, pouting sadly with her lip quivering. Luna saw this and made the exact same face to Nyx. Taking this as a challenge Nyx made an even more intense version of the face with Luna following with the exact same thing until both of them burst out with laughter.

"Hahahaha! Behave for your mother Nyx, and for the Nurses. We will see you when we have time to spare."

"Heehee I will big sister. Bye bye!" Nyx waved to Luna, who waved back just as she exited the room, making her way back to her chariot and leaving Ponyville returning to Canterlot to sleep.

Twilight and Nyx looked at each other with Twilight nuzzling Nyx soon after. The motherly unicorn then looked at Nyx's horn and could see absolutely no sign of damage, no scar. It looked as if it had never taken any damage at all.

"Does it still hurt?"

Nyx looked up at her horn which rested atop her forehead. "A little... But not as much as it did yesterday."

Twilight smiled but not in a happy way her smile was more on the grounds of a sad that it hurts but happy that you're okay. "Well... I suppose that's good."

"Good? That's great! Nyx's horn is healing!" Tootzy Roll exclaimed.

"I wish my wings would heal that fast!" Cried out Stardust Comet.

"Odd, her horn shouldn't have healed so quickly if it had only broken three days ago." Hinata spoke.

Nyx and Twilight were looking at Hinata by this point. "W-well... I... I do heal faster then normal ponies...."

"An accelerated healing factor you probably inherited from Nightmare Moon. Soul carriers are known to heal faster, and are gifted with other abilities."

Nyx and Twilight looked at each other confused then back at Hinata.

"Soul carriers??" Twilight raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Hinata looked shocked and surprised. "You don't know?"

"Would you care to tell us Hinata? I have read just about every book in the library and I have never heard of 'soul carriers' before."

The Japanese earth pony filly smiled and nodded. "A-alright... A soul carrier is a-"

"Mornin Everypony!!" shouted Applejack just as she, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Rarity, Spike, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy walked into the room, rudely cutting off Hinata's speech.

Nurse Redheart followed behind them, shushing Applejack for being too loud. "Not so much noise please Ms. Apple. The baby's in the nursery are sleeping and sound travels in the Hospital."

"Whoops, sorry ma'am" Applejack smiled sheepishly

Twilight looked at the nurse along with everypony else. She then looked at Applejack. "Is that why Pinkie Pie isn't visiting this time? She's too loud?"

"Unfortunately" Applejack said.

Nyx chuckled softly. "Poor Aunt Pinkie Pie."

"At least she won't be scarin ya right Nyx?" Apple Bloom asked.

"She doesn't scare me so much anymore Apple Bloom." Nyx giggled.

Fluttershy looked at Nyx's horn and smiled. "Princess Celestia did a really good job at mending it didn't she?"

Nyx nodded. "She did didn't she?" She smiled.

"Why there isn't so much as a scratch on it. That's what I call good mending." Said Rarity.

Rainbow Dash looked at Tootzy Roll, Stardust Comet, and Hinata, then got a little nosy.

"Hey I can see why the two behind us are in hospital for but what are you in for Hinata?"

"Oh.. I had my appendix removed." Hinata smiled.

Rainbow Dash smiled sheepishly. "Oh... I see..." Rainbow Dash turned her head slowly back to Nyx and the other visitors and saw they were giving her questioning looks.

"What? Okay okay I know it was rude of me to ask but I was curious."

"I don't mind really. I was actually hoping somepony would ask." Hinata smiled.

"See?"

The c.m.c, the other 4 mane six, and Nyx all sighed. They all then looked at the doorway to see Nurse Redheart entering the room again after apparently leaving to collect her stethoscope.She used her hooves to put the earpieces in her ears then looked at Nyx.

"Alright Nyx. Let's see if your horn is as well as the princess said it should be shall we?"

Nyx nodded and lowered her head to the nurse as she approached. Nurse Redheart carefully looked at the horn, making sure that it wasn't scarred or still possibly cracked which it of course wasn't. She then put the pendent shaped drum of the Stethoscope against the cranial protrusion and listened to the flow of the magical fluids that moved around the horn with every heartbeat. Nurse Redheart took the stethoscope off after a few seconds and looked at Twilight who looked back at the nurse with questions.

"Well how is it?"

The nurse smiled. "It's healed. But Nyx will have to go home tomorrow. I'd still like to see if the horn has healed up satisfactorily if that's alright with you of course Ms. Sparkle."

Twilight nodded. "It's okay. I don't mind if Nyx doesn't." Twilight and the nurse looked at Nyx, the filly was looking at both of them silently then spoke. "I don't mind. If Nurse Redheart wants to see if my horn is really okay then I'll stay one more night."

"Well... okay then. But you still have to behave."

"I know." Nyx sighed.

Scootaloo flapped her wings and hovered up to the bed and plopped down beside Nyx. "So what are we going to do when you get out?"

Sweetie Belle climbed up onto the bed. "Build another snowmare?"

Apple Bloom hopped up next. "Decorate the clubhouse?"

Nyx looked at her friends, unsure of what to say. The black filly looked between Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle at the window and saw Snowdrop sitting outside with her head facing toward the sky. Her mane was longer then before, she looked more like an adult pegasus then the filly Nyx had always seen her as, but when she blinked Snowdrop was a filly again. Snowdrop turned her head in Nyx's direction and shed what looked like a tear before vanishing once more.

"Your friends... they remind me of my own... My friends of long ago..."

Nyx froze for a moment, her eyes, her face, expressionless but after a few seconds had passed the filly of black lowered her head in sadness. Closing her eyes and frowning. The cutie mark crusaders looked worried at Nyx, as did everypony else.

"Nyx..?" Said Apple Bloom.

"Nyx darling are you alright?" Rarity spoke.

Nyx looked at her friends and smiled. "Yes... I'm alright."

"So Nyx what're we gonna do??" Apple Bloom asked again.

Nyx smiled. "Lets decorate the club house!"

"I knew she was gonna say that!! Told ya Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo said smugly.

"You don't have to be smug about it."

Scootaloo Put her front left leg over Sweetie Belle, hugging her. "Ya know I'd never be smug if I was being mean ya know?"

Sweetie Belle chuckled. "I know."

Nyx smiled at her friends, she chuckled lightly and continued to watch them for a moment, then looked to her left at the floor near Tootzy Rolls bed, right at Snowdrop who was smiling and giggling, listening to Nyx's friends making jokes. Seeing Snowdrop this way made Nyx happy.

~~~

Hours passed, the time was now 11:37 AM. Nyx was outside in her snow cloths testing her horn to see if it still had it's old strength. So far it was still the same way it was before the accident. Twilight was watching Nyx from a distance, everypony else had gone home.

"My friends were just like yours. Playful, nice... we cared about one another and looked out for each other... Well... they looked out for me."

"My friends and I call ourselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders. But Apple Bloom has been talking about renaming us The Crusaders once they get their cutie marks. I already have my cutie mark."

"Really? What is it?"

Nyx looked at her flank, checking to see what it was before she says anything to avoid mistaking it. "It's a shield, dark midnight blue in colour with a silver outline, and a black crescent moon in on it."

"What does it mean? What is your special talent?"

"It's embarrassing... I'm proud of it, but embarrassed to tell anypony about it. Mother, Princess Celestia, Aunt Cadance and Luna all tell me my special talent could be protecting other ponies. And as much as I don't like to... I agree. I cannot... no matter how much I may try, I cannot allow anypony to get hurt or stay sad. Which is why I want to help you somehow. I Pinkie Pie promise I'll help you somehow."

Snowdrop suddenly burst into laughter, it was loud, not obnoxious but loud. Nyx watched her, confused at why she was laughing like that. Snowdrop eventually stopped and faced Nyx. "Pinkie Pie promise? I've never heard of those before. I'm sorry for laughing..."

Nyx's look of confusion went away as she laughed a little followed by a smile. "It's okay. It's just like a normal promise if you think about it, but it's more 'Pinkie' strict I guess."

"How much Equestria has changed since my time, heehee." Whispered and giggled Snowdrop.

"But anyway Snowdrop, what about your cutie mark?"

"H-Huh? My cutie mark? W-well... I don't know what to tell you... I can't see it. Even if I was facing my flank no sound I make ever paints the mental image of my cutie mark. I know what it is though. A flower with a snowflake at the top of its stalk."

Curious Nyx looked at Snowdrops partially transparent flank and could clearly see Snowdrops cutie mark which lacked transparency. Twilight could not see the filly and was busy reading a romance novel based around Romeo Lovestruck and Juliet Heartsong. Nyx examined the cutie mark and realized how closely it resembled the snowdrops that grow around certain parts of Equestria in winter.

"It looks just like a snowdrop."

Snowdrop looked confused. "A... snow...drop? You mean me?"

Nyx shook her head. "No no I mean a unique flower that was discovered in the Frozen North and Crystal Mountains by Princess Celestia. It was first planted in Cloudesdale and then in the Canterlot gardens. It's now very widespread around Ponyville and Canterlot. They make a beautiful chime when the wind blow through it's dew covered petals. Its petals are colored icy blue. The sound it makes is more beautiful then aunt Fluttershy's singing. Which isn't bad I mean it's amazing but the snowdrops chime is just so beautiful."

"So that's why I hear wind chimes when we are playing together."

Nyx nodded. "I guess so." The black filly smiled and nuzzled Snowdrop. Bringing a large smile to the white filly's face.

"Nyx sweetie, time to go inside back to your ward room. It's almost lunch time!" Twilight called.

"Okay Mommy I'm coming." Nyx looked at Snowdrop. "We'll talk later."

Snowdrop nodded, then heard Nyx running in the direction of Twilights voice. "I suppose I'll wait inside then." Snowdrop followed the sounds of Nyx's hoofsteps so she could find her way to the black filly's hospital room.

Twilight was looking around each corner first, sighing in relief every once in a while which embarrassed Nyx.

"Mommy? Remember the paparazzi stopped bothering us a year ago?"

Twilight looked at Nyx and blinked a few times then smiled sheepishly. "Oh... yeah I remember. J-Just force of habit I guess. Hahaha!"

Nyx rolled her eyes and giggled. As the two of them rounded another corner and entered the children's ward, Nyx and Twilight could hear Spike arguing with Tootzy Roll over a 19 year old joyboy game.

"I captured all 151 Ponymon I'd like to see you top that!"

"I've caught all 719 Ponymon." Tootzy smirked.

Spike looked confused. "But.. there's only 151 ponymon in the original three. How could you have captured that many?"

Tootzy laughed in amusement. "Dude I have the newest game on the Horizon-7Ds, called Ponymon A version and Z version which have like all Ponymon from Gen 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on." Tootzy looked victoriously at Spike her smirk wider then before.

Spikes eye twitched.

"Beat that Spyro." Tootzy Snickered.

Twilight and Nyx entered the room. Twilight looked at Spike and noticed his sad and defeated expression.

"Uh.. is everything okay Spike?"

Spike pointed to himself. "Twilight could I get a Horizon-7Ds?"

"Bits don't grow on trees Spike. But you never know what you might be getting for Hearths Warming." She winked.

"So you did get me one?" Spike's eyes sparkled in excitement.

"I'm not saying, you can't make me say it."

Nyx climbed up onto her bed while Twilight and Spike talked. Nyx looked at her tray and saw that her food was already there. Owlowiscious came down from out of nowhere and opened up Nyx's custard bowl which was of course filled with custard but had fruits in it as well. The intelligent owl then lifted the lid to Nyx's sandwiches, apple fritters, and apple slices, poured some apple juice for the alicorn filly, then roosted on the bedside table and hooted. Nyx smiled and thanked Owlowiscious before digging into her lunch. Twilight and Spike looked at the alicorn and the Owl. Twilight was happy but Spike felt a little silly for not doing what Owlowiscious did for Nyx. Twilight walked over to Nyx's bedside and looked at what she had for lunch.

"Ooo look at the yummy's you've got."

Nyx giggled. "See I got custard with fruit. Apple juice. Apple slices. Strawberry jam sandwiches. and an apple fritter."

"Sounds like you've got a good lunch."

Nyx nodded.

"Well don't let me keep you from your meal. I'm going to grab something to eat at the kitchen just down the hall. I'll be right back."

Twilight exited the room with Spike following not too far behind. Nyx watched them before turning back to her lunch. She levitated her sandwich in front of her and just when she was about to take a bite she suddenly noticed that Hinata was gone.

"Where did Hinata go?"

"She went home." Said Stardust Comet. "She asked me to tell you that she'll see you at school."

"Oh.. okay then.." Nyx started to eat her lunch again, biting into her sandwich and chewing before swallowing. Sipping her apple juice slowly before returning to the food.

A white orb of light floated into the room suddenly. It twirled around Nyx before resting on the end of Hinata's empty hospital bed and in a flash the orb turned into Snowdrop.

"Hello."

Nyx smiled and waved at Snowdrop confusing Owlowiscious, Tootzy Roll, and Stardust Comet, all of whom were present in the room.

"Hoot hoot?" Owlowiscious tilted his head before turning his head around looking like a pretzel.

"Oh it's nothing Owlowiscious."

Snowdrop's ears twitched at the sound of Owlowiscious's hoots but then her ears twitched again and turned in the direction of jingling bells. They were coming just down the hall and got closer, and closer. Nyx having just finished her lunch by now could also hear the jingling of the bells. The filly's looked at the door, or in Snowdrops case, faced the door to see and hear Discord entering the room carrying a large sack. He was wearing a Santa Hooves costume, complete with glasses. And walking beside him was Screwball dressed in an elf costume.

"Ho ho ho hello everypony."

Nyx was taken back in surprise. She grabbed a napkin and took off her glasses and cleaned the lenses before putting them back on to look at Discord again. Nyx's eyes were wider then her mouth. Stardust and Tootzy were happy to see Santa Hooves ignoring the obvious fact that it was Discord in a costume. Nyx however was completely stunned.

"Oh my my my. Look at all of you poor little filly's cooped up in this room with your illnesses and broken bones. It must be so heartbreaking. Good news for you though I have a remedy I know will cheer each and everyone of you up."

Discord put down the large sack and opened it. "Screwball would you be a dear and bring the gifts to the children for mommy?" Asked Discord.

Screwball saluted. "Yes madam." The filly walked in a topsy turvey way over to the sack, where Discord had pulled out a box and placed on chaotic filly's back.

Screwball zig zagged over to Tootzy Roll and nudged the box up onto the bed. "Present delivered captain." Screwball saluted again then returned to her fathers side.

"Well go on now Tootzy Roll open it up." Said Discord.

Tootzy looked at the present. "A-are you sure?"

Tootzy looked back up at Discord and saw that the Draconequus now had bright pink eyes, long eye lashes and lipstick. Discord giggled femininely and even spoke in a girly version of his voice.

"Oh darling I'm positively certain."

Tootzy looked wide eyed at Discord in what could be considered 'blank horror' before shaking her head and looking at the present. The filly pulled off the ribbon and opened the box, and inside to her ecstatic delight was the limited edition The Kingdoms Scrolls collectors edition.

"I'm dreaming aren't I?!! Aren't I??!! All five games... collectors edition with the Scroll statuette... This is like... wow!" Tootzy was in tears. She was just so full of happiness. She then grinned and laughed. "Button Mash will be so jealous!"

As everypony was watching Tootzy being ecstatic. Twilight and Spike had just come back from the hospital cafe when they saw Fluttershy looking into the room and heard Tootzy panting and laughing like a crazed fan.

"Hey Fluttershy. What's... going on?" Twilight had raised an eyebrow when she saw Discord in the costume.

Spike was stunned and surprised just as much as Nyx was. "I'm gong to hang around in the lobby." The purple dragon then turned and walked back down the hall.

Twilight tried to find out what was going on. "So Fluttershy, care to share what's going on?"

"Isn't it sweet of Discord to be handing out presents and sweets to all the children who have to stay in hospital for hearths warming?"

"How'd you get him to do it. There's no way Discord would just agree to handing out presents and spreading happiness."

"I-I did ask him once but he said no... Then Screwball asked him and he couldn't say no." Fluttershy smiled.

Back in the room Stardust Comet was looking at her new skateboard, and Tootzy Roll was looking at her new games. Discord smiled at the two filly's then looked at Nyx.

"Ah Nyx. I see that horn of yours has healed."

Nyx nodded shyly. "I might be going back home tomorrow."

"Is that so? Well that's great to hear. Now what do I have for you?" Discord opened the bag and reached in. "Where is it? I know I put it somewhere.."

Discord pulled his arm out then put his head into the bag. He Put his left arm in and grabbed hold of a book. "Ah there it is!"

Discord came out of the sack and was holding a book in his hand. Nyx looked at the book and could see it was unwrapped, but it had a plastic covering wrapped on it. Discord placed the book down on the end of the bed for Nyx and smiled.

"For you child."

Nyx took the book from Discord politely. She levitated the book in front of her and read the title aloud. "The reign of Discord and the rebellion of the Sun and Moon."

Nyx looked at Discord.

"Yes as the title implies it's a history book about my time as ruler of Equestria before the princesses turned me into a rock. Fluttershy told me how much you like history so I thought this book would be nice for you."

Nyx smiled brightly. "Thank you Discord."

Discord stretched and picked up the sack which had just gotten smaller. "My pleasure Nyx. Now children I'm afraid I must move onto the next play pen of gloom and sickness, all that good stuff. Come along Screwball and happy hearths warming everypony."

Screwball waved to Nyx. "See you later Nyx." Screwball jumped up on Discords shoulder just as the Draconequus turned left at the door, heading to the next room.

"I better follow him so he doesn't cause any mischief. Bye Twilight." Fluttershy smiled and followed after Discord.

Just as Fluttershy had left, Spike came back and was licking a candy cane. "So what'd I miss?"

Twilight turned her head to look at Spike. She blinked a few times before looking back into the room and entered it. Spike scratched his head and shrugged. He entering the room with Twilight after.

~~~

The time was now nine thirty eight PM. Tootzy Roll was playing her video game on her joyboy, and Stardust Comet was sleeping soundly in her hospital bed. Nyx was also asleep. The snow fall had made things hard to see outside. The wind was blowing and could be heard by anypony still awake. Snowdrop was there, sitting beside Nyx while she slept peacefully. Snowdrop had her head down, and her eyes closed. 1,XXX years ago in the pegasus kingdom of Cloudesdale, the Pegasai were going about their daily lives in it's streets, the Rainbow Falls were roaring as they cascaded over the clouds and down to earth. It was the last month of winter, not to far away from that fateful spring sunrise where the gift that changed Equestria was given. In a small house that floated on a cloud in the housing district, there was a filly and a mare; Snowdrop and her mother, Primrose. Primrose was helping her daughter put on her cloak, she looked out the living room window and saw there was a blizzard coming just as she had been told earlier that morning. Her ears dropped down on her head and she looked at her daughter with concern.

"Are you sure you want to walk to school on your own? It's getting more and more dangerous as the last blizzard of winter draws near..."

"I-I'll be alright."

"I just worry about you. I don't want you to get hurt sweetie you know?"

"I... I know mother... I... I'll be alright... It's not like I haven't walked to school in the snow before..."

Primrose sighed. "Well.. a-alright then... but if you are having difficulty just come right back and we will walk together okay?"

Snowdrop nodded. "O-Okay mother..." She then slowly started to feel what was ahead of her before walking forward toward the door. Primrose walked with the blind filly until she was out the door and from there she watched as her daughter slowly made her way to school.

"Please be careful sweetie..." She said softly.

Snowdrops walk to school didn't take long. She could hear other children running behind her, throwing snowballs at each other as they passed . Snowdrops ears dropped onto her head. She felt left out and it saddened her. The glacial blue filly neared the door to enter the classroom but ended up bumping into Cumulo Nimbus

"Ow! Careful Snowdrop!" Cumulo yelled. The pink pegasus shook her head and mumbled as she made her way inside.

Snowdrop stood still for a moment before she walked over to her table, being careful not to bump into anything or anypony else as she tread. She took off her cloak and placed it on the coat rack then went over to her table and sat down. Moments later the teacher, Ms. Windith arrived. She took off her scarf and placed it on a coat rack beside her desk then apologized to the class for being late before starting the lesson. Everypony but Snowdrop were writing in their books and taking notes. Only Snowdrop was forced to listen and memorize. By the end of the school day, before the bell rang. Ms. Windith reminded all the students of the spring sunrise which was in two weeks time.

"Alright everypony remember, the spring sunrise is in two weeks. Remember if you haven't found a partner yet you must find one before the appointed time. You may join up with other groups, you'll get credit."

Ms. Windith looked at Snowdrop, sitting silently in her seat. The blind filly looked sad, she was tapping her hooves together gently, making barely any noise.

"Snowdrop."

The filly was startled, she blinked and moved her head in the direction of the teachers voice.

"Have you found a partner yet?"

"Uh...a partner?"

"Yes. Have you found somepony you'd like to be partnered with? Or has somepony offered?"

"Uh.... um..."

Many of the students started to talk.

"I haven't seen her ask anypony" Whispered one colt.

"Um..."

"I haven't seen anypony ask her either." Whispered another.

"Um... N..no... not yet Ms. Windith..." She shook her head slowly. "I.. I've just been waiting... for the right pony to partner with that's all..."

"Are you sure? I can always place you with a group if you'd like."

"U-uh..n..no... t-that's alright... I'm sure I'll have a partner before the spring sunrise.."

"Well... alright I suppose. But you must have a partner and something to present before the spring sunrise two weeks from now."

"I... I know..."

The bell rang and with that all the students started to leave, many of them saying bye to the teacher as they went home for the day.

"Are you quite sure you don't want to be placed in a group Snowdrop?"

"Y-yes.. I... I.. I'm sure." Snowdrop got up on her hind legs and pulled her coat off, putting it on herself without help.

"I-I'm sure somepony will ask me.... I think...." Snowdrop opened the door and was hit with a powerful gust of wind which sent her back toward Ms. Windith who caught the young filly before she got hurt.

"Whoa, I got you." She helped Snowdrop to her hooves.

"Th-thank you Ms Windith..."

Ms. Windith smiled at Snowdrop then looked outside at the blizzard. She put on her scarf and sighed, looking back at Snowdrop again.

"How about I walk you home? That way if you get blown away I can catch you."

Snowdrop hesitated to give her an answer. "U-Um... s-sure..."

The teacher smiled and headed for the door. "Come along Snowdrop."

"Oh.. c-coming.." The filly walked behind Ms. Windith and stood beside her when she closed the classroom door and locked it therefore locking up the school.

"Do you know the way back to your house?"

Snowdrop nodded and started to walk forward with Ms. Windith following behind. Snowdrop knew precisely where she was going which surprised the teacher greatly, it was as if she could see. Another gust of wind and snow blew, pushing both of them backwards, Snowdrop put up good resistance to the wind but still slid back a little, right into Ms. Windiths front legs.

"Ow.." Snowdrop rubbed the back of her head having hit it on her teachers hoof.

"Are you okay??"

"Y-yeah.. I just hit my head that's all..."

Ms. Windith helped Snowdrop up and brushed the snow off of her.

"W-we're not too far away.. it's just 12 more steps from here."

"Lead on Snowdrop."

Snowdrop nodded and continued to walk forward, passing a post box and many other Pegasai who were making their way home or getting out of the storm.

"Snowdrop? Hey Snowdrop!" A stallion weather pony with a gold coat and a blond mane and tail landed in front of Snowdrop and Ms. Windith. This weather pony didn't live far from Snowdrops house and was a very close friend of Primrose. The wind started picking up and everypony's vision started to become impaired by all the snow that was blowing around it also made it very hard to hear one another.

"You shouldn't be out here. The snow is going to mess up your sense of direction!"

"I'm taking her home sir!"

The weather pony looked at Ms. Windith. "That's nice of you Ms but the blizzards getting worse and Snowdrop doesn't know where she's going!"

"How can you tell?!"

"Look at her, she's confused and all this snow makes it harder for her to find her way. The moment she stops walking she loses her sense of direction, she's lost and the wind makes it hard for her to hear, right now all she could probably hear is the wind! With the wind in her ears she can't hear anypony giving her directions or see where she's going so to speak! "

Ms. Windith looked at Snowdrop stunned.

"Listen, I can take her and you home but if we stay out here any longer we'll freeze, what say thee?!!"

Ms. Windith picked up the shivering filly and looked at stallion Pegasus. "Lead on!"

The gold pegasus stallion nodded and got beside the teacher. He put his wing on her back, both to keep Snowdrop warm and to lead her on without having to be ahead of her where the snow could easily separate them. Meanwhile at Snowdrops house. Primrose was standing outside looking down the path. It had already gotten darker with the storm the way it was and there was no sign of it letting up. Primrose was wearing a long scarf that covered her neck and wrapped around her body keeping her warm.

"Where could she be..." Primrose paced and tried to keep calm but the thought of Snowdrop being lost in the blizzard was too powerful for her to ignore.

"I can't stay here I've got to find her. I'm coming Snowdrop!!" Just as she was about to take flight she caught a glimpse of two other pegasus coming up the path.

She could see it was Ms. Windith, and the weather pony that lived not far from there. And on Windiths back was the curled up shaped of Snowdrop.

"Oh my baby... come inside both of you!"

Both of the pegasi wasted no time, Primrose held the door open for them, letting them walk inside and out of the cold. She followed soon after, closing the door so the fire that was lit did not go out. Windith got beside Primrose and gently and carefully slid Snowdrop onto her back, the mother used her wings to ensure the ice colored filly did not fall from her back. She asked Ms. Windith and the gold pegasus to have a seat. They sat down while Primrose went into the living room and gently placed Snowdrop by the fire, not too close where she could get burnt and not too far away where she could get cold the caring mare even put a warm blanket over the blind little filly so that she could be warm. She kissed Snowdrops forehead and returned to the kitchen where the guests were. She poured them some hot chocolate and placed it in front of them gently in individual cups. Primrose sat down as well and took a deep breath.

"Thank you both for bringing Snowdrop home. I was just about to go out and search for her when you came."

"It was the least we could do Primrose." said the gold coated pegasus.

"My duty as a teacher forbid me to let Snowdrop go home without somepony to accompany her. I'm aware she can find her own way home but in a blizzard like that it wouldn't have been right to just leave her."

"I got the other students home before I found you and Snowdrop madam, they're safe."

"Thank you Mr..?"

"Ace. My names Ace." He said.

"Ace. Thank you Ace for helping me bring Snowdrop home.

"You're welcome."

Primrose smiled at them both.

"You don't look like a weather pony your cutie mark is a soccer ball."

"I'm talented when it comes to soccer. Won tonnes of games when I was still in school, but now I'm a weather pony."

"You should join up with Cloudesdales soccer team." Said Primrose.

"I'd like to but Melody wouldn't let me, she doesn't want me to get hurt."

"That's a shame. It would've been nice to see you play though."

Ace nodded. "Well I better get you home Ms. Windith."

"Yes. Thank you for the hot chocolate Ms. Primrose."

"You're welcome, thank you again for bringing my daughter home."

"I was only doing what I felt was right."

Primrose just smiled. "I'll see you later Windith."

"Like wise Primrose." She smiled and walked out the door which Primrose had opened for her and Ace.

It was still snow storming outside, Ace told Windith to stay close while he took her home. Primrose watched as both of them trudged through the snow to the path and eventually disappear into the white. The light green pegasus let out a sigh and went back inside, shutting and locking the door behind her. She gathered up the cups and rinsed them out in the sink, putting them on a drying rack afterwards. She turned around and saw Snowdrop yawning tiredly in the kitchen doorway.

"Good evening Snowdrop."

"G-good evening.. mother.."

Primrose walked over to Snowdrop and helped her get into her seat. "I made you some dinner earlier. I'll re-heat it for you."

Primrose grabbed a bowl of cold soup and poured it into a pot which was suspended over a fire by a tripod. Primrose looked over her shoulder at Snowdrop and saw her just sitting silently with a frown. Seeing her looking so miserable made Primrose frown. She poured the hot soup into a clean bowl that was laying nearby and placed it in front of Snowdrop. "There you go sweetie, eat up."

Snowdrop heard the bowl being placed on the table, she leaned forward and sniffed what was ahead of her. She smelt vegetable soup. Snowdrops frown turned into a smile, she felt around the table with her hooves seeking a spoon, finding one on her left. She picked it up and started to eat her soup using said spoon.

"Is it nice and warm?"

Snowdrop swallowed and nodded.

Primrose smiled. "That's good. Now finish your soup dear then I'll take you to bed."

"But... I.. I just got home..."

"You slept half an hour sweetie, it's already past your bedtime."

"I..Is it? Oh....."

"Are you feeling okay? You look like you got something on your mind."

"I.. I have to find a partner for... for the spring sunrise project Ms. Windith gave us yesterday. We are supposed to make a seasonal gift for the princesses... I don't have a partner yet... I don't have anything to make yet either.... "

Primrose frowned again. "I can talk to Ms. Windith if you'd like."

"No! ... no I... I'll find a partner... you'll see. I'm bound to partner up with somepony before the spring sunrise."

"Well if you're sure sweetie. Now eat up it's bedtime as soon as you finish."

"Okay mother." Snowdrop said smiling warmly but once her mother had left the room she started to frown again and sighed. "... But who would want to pair up with a useless fool like me...?"

=====================================================================

Author's Note

This chapter had 2 other titles before the one we see here. The first was Early Discharge, then Discharge.

Before anyone who got into My Little Pony because of the Friendship is Magic series says that Ace is an OC then my friends you are mistaken. Ace was an earth pony with the same appearance (minus the wings) that appeared in the short lived Generation 1 series, My Little Pony: Tales which ran for 26 episodes in 1992 and to my knowledge it was the first My little Pony series to have no humans and and set the standards for today's My Little Pony shows which had no humans, and showed the pony's living the way humans do. While I'm on the topic I would like to add that Melody (Ace's implied wife or girlfriend in this chapter) was also a character in My Little Pony: Tales, and was Ace's unrequited crush during that cartoon.

The third act which takes place two weeks before the events of Snowdrop was originally longer, I depicted many of the students as being much crueler to Snowdrop then in the original animation but after re-watching Snowdrop I re-wrote the entire third act, leaning it a little closer to the original animations canon.

07: Home Again.

Tears in the Snow

By Chaos Phantasm

=====================================================================

Chapter 7

Home Again

=====================

The time was 8:17 AM, the day was Sunday, 21st of December. It was a brisk winter morning, the sky could be seen. Equestria was covered in blankets of snow, it was also snowing, and the glacial blue Snowdrop flowers were blooming, and chiming with the blow of the wind. Nyx was sitting in a room in Ponyville hospital being looked at by Nurse Redheart. Twilight was sitting on a chair beside the reclining hospital chair Nyx was sitting on. Nurse Redheart was checking Nyx's horn again just like the day before, smiling afterwards.

"It looks okay to me." The mare checked the horns strength and how Nyx would react to something hitting her horn. She took a spoon off of the table behind her and lightly tapped the area where the break had happened. Nyx reacted by flinching and shaking her head. Nurse Redheart held the spoon to her ear to listen to the sound of the vibrating metal. Depending on how loud the vibrating spoon rung depended on how much healed and healthy the horn was, or how much magic that flowed around the horn. The spoon that was tapped on Nyx's horn rung quite loud even Twilight could hear it. Nurse Redheart put the spoon on the table and watched it jump and bounce on the table until it stopped.

"I've never seen that happen before.." The nurse looked at Nyx whom looked quite annoyed that she had done that. "Sorry Nyx it had to happen... hospital discharge standard procedure, we have to check you over before we can release you."

Nyx looked down at the spoon and smiled. "Does that mean I'm good enough to go home?"

The nurse nodded. "Yes it does. The amount of vibration also indicates you have a lot of magic built up in that area, too much for even a common unicorn I'd wager. But you are mended and healthy, in that case... you may go home and enjoy your hearths warming."

Nyx jumped out of the chair happily jumping up and down. " Yay! Yay! Yay!"

Twilight giggled watching Nyx dance and jump around in happiness.

"I'll go pack my things right away." Nyx turned and ran out the door and down the hall, through the reception area and into the children's ward returning to her room where she started packing.

"Going already Nyx?" Asked Tootzy Roll, putting her game down just to see what Nyx was doing.

"Yup. My horn is healed and healthy so I can go."

"You're lucky like Hinata Nyx. You can go home and enjoy hearths warming.... but me and Tootzy can't."

Nyx smiled at them. "No matter where you both are, whether it be at home or in here. Hearths Warming is a special day for ponies all over Equestria, as long as your family is there to celebrate it with you then there's really nothing to worry about right?"

Tootzy and Stardust blinked at Nyx then looked at each and smiled. They looked back at Nyx and nodded.

"You're right." Said Tootzy.

"Yeah, what were we thinking." Stardust said.

Nyx smiled at her friends and continued to pack her books, her glasses, her headband, the card her classmates made for her, and a kazoo she keeps around. She put on a scarf and jacket to keep warm when Twilight called out.

"Nyx sweetie are you ready?"

"I'm ready Mommy." Nyx zipped up the saddle bags and levitated them on her back then looked at her friends again. "I'll see you two in school."

"You betcha." Tootzy and Stardust said in unison. "Bye Nyx." The filly's waved to the mini Nightmare Moon whom waved back, and soon ran out the room to catch up to Twilight in the reception area.

Twilight had just signed some papers to have Nyx officially discharged. "There you are, ready to head home?"

Nyx nodded. "Yup!"

Twilight chuckled. "Then lets go."

Twilight and Nyx headed to the exit, walking side by side. Twilight opened the door and looked at Nyx whom had turned around to say her thanks and goodbye to Nurse Redheart. The filly also wished the nurse a good Hearths Warming to which the nurse responded in kind. The black filly then turned around and ran to Twilight, exiting the Hospital with her. Once outside Nyx was greeted by her friends, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. The three filly's jumped on Nyx all of them saying hello. Twilight watched and laughed in amusement before looking up at Celestia whom had just arrived and was now standing beside Twilight.

"Hello Princess."

"Good morning Twilight, and good morning Nyx, I see your horn has healed up splendidly."

The c.m.c hopped off of Nyx and stood beside her, looking up at the princess then at Nyx when she got back up. She brushed off some snow and went quiet, she didn't even look at the princess when she spoke.

"...Ye-yeah..." She was almost as quiet as Fluttershy was when she was shy. Celestia and Twilight and the c.m.c could still hear Nyx speak though. It was not shyness that made Nyx so quiet when Celestia was around, she simply did not like Celestia like everypony else does thanks to a certain event in her life that happened two years ago before.

"Wonderful! I'm happy that it was successful."

"So what brings you to Ponyville today princess?" Twilight asked.

"I wanted to check up on Nyx. Since Luna and I did our best to mend her horn.. I haven't stopped worrying."

Nyx was busy talking to her friends while Twilight and the princess conversed. The four filly's saw some pony's ice skating on the frozen river and went over to the river bank to watch.

"I haven't stopped worrying either..." Twilight sighed.

Nyx continued watching the skaters, even catching sight of Diamond Tiara skating all fancy-like. That was until Nyx glimpsed Snowdrop on the other side of the river for a second, Nyx blinked in surprised and looked back to where Snowdrop was standing before, only to find that she was gone. Nyx looked around hoping to see the blind filly to no avail. Snowdrop had vanished again.

"Somethin wrong Nyx?"

"N-nothing Apple Bloom. I'm alright."

"Are you sure? You look like you saw a ghost." Said Sweetie Belle.

"Could it be that white filly you mentioned seeing?" Asked Scootaloo.

Nyx shook her head. "I'm fine girls, there's nothing to worry about."

Celestia and Twilight finished their conversation nearby. The princess said her goodbye to Twilight and walked over to Nyx. The filly's turned and looked up at the princess.

"Now Nyx, I trust that you will be more careful with your horn next time."

The filly nodded and replied "Y-yes... Princess Celestia..."

The princess smiled. "Well then, happy hearths warming Nyx Nightguard Sparkle. I hope to see you this spring sunrise."

"I'll be there.... goodbye."

Princess Celestia boarded a chariot that was waiting out at the front of the hospital and was taken back to Canterlot by the pegasi that pulled it. Nyx sighed while she watched the princess leave. Twilight walked up beside the filly and sat down watching Celestia go. She then turned her head and looked down at Nyx.

"Are you okay Nyx? I know you don't like Princess Celestia but..."

"We're fine mommy... Princess Celestia makes us so mad... Whenever she's around we remember how mean she was..."

Twilight noticed Nyx was talking strangely. "Are you feeling alright Nyx?"

Nyx blinked and shook her head looking up at Twilight. "H-huh? y-yes I'm okay.. did something happen?" Her ears folded on her head.

Twilight smiled. "No everything's fine." Twilight nuzzled Nyx and licked her cheek.

Nyx giggled and smiled. Twilight stood up and stretched her legs.

"So shall we get back to the library? I hear Spike has some hot coco waiting for you."

Nyx smiled almost like a crazed Twilight. The c.m.c smiled and danced around Twilight and Nyx chanting "Coco Coco we like Coco! Coco Coco get our cutie mark!"

The c.m.c giggled, so did Nyx and Twilight. After that the five of them headed to the bridge and crossed it and the frozen river, entering the main part of the town. On the center of the bridge stood Snowdrop. She was feeling what was ahead of her before her hoof phased through the bridge.

"Oh... I remember..." Snowdrop pulled her hoof out from the bridge slowly. She sighed and with voice full of sadness she finished her words slowly. "I'm not... really here.... Am I mother..."

The wind began to pick up bringing with it more and more snow. Snowdrop closed her pale eyes and started to walk forward, focusing only on Nyx's voice to follow her only to turn into a blue glowing orb of light and then vanish.

~~~

The snow was blowing so much it started to look like one of those early winter blizzards from before the first snow stars fell. Twilight had cast a dome shield spell over herself and the four filly's as they made their way to the library. Twilight held the door open for the filly's, one by one they walked inside and were embraced by the warmth of a fire. Twilight entered not long after, shivering with her mane and tail frozen in place. The lavender unicorn and the filly's removed their snow cloths then huddled by the fire while Twilight went upstairs to get the little ones some hot coco, specially prepared by Spike. The purple dragon used his dragon fire to heat up the hot chocolate making it extremely hot. Twilight could see the steam coming off of the coco and used a cooling spell to make the temperature just right.

"Sorry for making it too hot Twilight. It's a lot harder to control my flame temperature then I thought..."

"Don't worry about it Spike. You did a great job in preparing them for the young ones."

"I'll help you serve them to the girls."

"Thank you Spike."

Spike put Sweetie Belle and Scootaloos cups of coco on a tray and carried them down to them whilst Twilight did the same with Nyx and Apple Blooms cups. The unicorn and the dragon both came down stairs and placed the cups on the table. The cups had names written on them so that the filly's knew which was theirs. Each one took their cups and started to drink. Nyx used her magic to levitate her cup just like Sweetie Belle. It felt good to be releasing some pent up magicka even if it was to hold a simple cup. It made her feel very giggly and made it difficult to sip her warm coco. Twilight looked at Nyx and smiled.

"What's so funny Nyx?"

"Using my magic is making me very giggly for some reason." The filly giggled loudly.

"Must be from all the magic you've built up."

Nyx started to sip her coco, the warmth of the fire washed away all the feelings of cold and made the room glow with a warm comforting light, but despite the warmness of the hearth, Nyx felt a cold chill rush past her and circle around her, following this a white orb floated by her eyes and slowly floated toward the stairs, climbing the stairs and stopping in place for a few moments before moving up a step or two. Nyx realized who it was and watched as the orb climbed the steps, turning into Snowdrop with a flash of light upon reaching the final step; of course only Nyx could see her. the black filly smiled warmly and took a sip of her coco. Twilight and Spike made some coco of their own, however Spike had a gem or two floating in his cup. Twilight looked in Spikes cup and rolled her eyes.

Apple Bloom had finished her coco and was now looking at all the books. She happened upon the F section where she found a copy of a 30 year old book titled; The Adventures of Firefly: Rescue at Midnight Castle. The books cover depicted the lead pony Firefly, a pink pegasus with two blue lightning bolts on her flank, a human girl riding on her back. And in the corner was a baby purple dragon and a filly in a dungeon, some other ponies of earth, horn and wing. In another corner, also on the cover was a jagged castle, sea-ponies in a river, a castle in a peaceful valley, and towering over these characters was the shaped of the books villain, a Baphomet with a centaurian body, yellow eyes, red skin, large horns that emerged from the sides of his head, and around his neck was a sack that contained within it the terrible Rainbow of Darkness. It was Nyx's favorite story, it was also Twilights favorite as one of the unicorns in the story was also called Twilight. Apple Bloom saw the ponies designed and cringed.

"Um Excuse me Ms. Twilight.."

"Yes Apple Bloom?"

Apple Bloom showed Twilight the book. "Did ponies really look like that back then?"

Everypony and Spike looked at the books cover and laughed. All except Nyx and Twilight who both argued that over the generations the ponies of the world have gone through many changes and regardless should be appreciated. It was one of their biggest pet peeves that everypony today has no interest or disliked old things without giving them a chance or comparing it to new things. Both of them thought it was best to see it for what it is and not how it should be to ponies whom have never seen it before. Nyx took the book from Apple Bloom and put it back on the shelf silently.

"Did Ah say something wrong Nyx?" Apple Bloom frowned.

"I know you are all making a joke out of the book, but... if you read it you'll see it's actually really good."

"Don't judge a book by its cover." Twilight added.

Apple Bloom looked back at the book and then at Twilight. "Could ah borrow this book Ms. Twilight?"

"Certainly Apple Bloom." Twilight took the book out from the shelf with her magic and went downstairs to the round table and stamped the return date on a card on the front page then put it into a bag for Apple Bloom to carry.

Twilight returned upstairs with the book and gave it to Apple Bloom. "Here you go Apple Bloom, be careful it's Nyx's favorite book."

"Ah'll be careful Ms. Twilight Ah promise."

Sweetie Belle looked around the room for Nyx but could not find her. She was there mere moments ago, and for her to suddenly up and vanish was quite odd.

"Has anypony seen Nyx? she was here a moment ago."

Sweetie Belle looked at Scootaloo hoping she had seen where Nyx went only for the orange pegasus filly to shrug in reply. Nyx had gone upstairs following Snowdrop to her room where the filly stood frozen in front of the mannequin which has Nightmare Moons armor mounted on it.

"Snowdrop?" Nyx approached the filly of snow. "Snowdrop.. are you okay?"

"N-Nyx...?" Snowdrop sounded afraid. She was standing in front of the armor of Nightmare Moon and had feelings of dread just from standing near it.

"Are you okay Snowdrop? You look terrified."

"W-What's in front of me...?"

Nyx walked over and stood beside Snowdrop. She looked at the blind filly then up at the mannequin, right into the polished and unnaturally clean armor of the alicorn of darkness. The armor has never gathered dust and no cobweb has ever been spun on/in/or near it. Upon looking at it Nyx felt the same dread Snowdrop did only a hundred times amplified and intense, as though something hiding within the armor was harboring a grudge against her. The black filly could feel her magicka becoming unsettled.

"I-It's okay Snowdrop. It's nothing." Nyx said, ignoring the awful feeling and trying her best to reassure Snowdrop.

"It doesn't feel like nothing... there's something there..." The filly shook her had and back away from the armor slowly.

Nyx frowned watching Snowdrop then turned and looked at the armor, the alicorn could see her own reflection. As she was looking at her reflection in the armor she started to notice something odd, standing behind her in the reflection were four long black legs with special armor around the hooves. Nyx squinted and looked closer only to be startled by Twilight as she entered the room to see if Nyx was in there. The fright caused Nyx to jump and quickly turn around. But as she turned around her legs got crossed which caused her to fall over.

"Whoops..." Twilight hurried over to Nyx and got down to her height. She un-crossed her legs and helped her get back on her hooves afterwards. "I'm so sorry Nyx I didn't mean to frighten you."

"It's okay mommy." Nyx shook her head and stretched her legs. "I'm okay now."

Twilight smiled and nuzzled the filly. "You disappeared, we were all wondering where you had gone."

Nyx giggled. "I was only in my room heehee."

Twilight kissed Nyx's forehead. "Well, would you like to come back down. It's like the Frozen North in here, brrr." She shivered.

Nyx laughed. "Okay mommy."

Twilight stood up, looking down at Nyx who smiled up at her happily. Twilight smiled back the same way and headed to the door. Nyx followed closely behind but stopped upon hearing somepony whisper her name in her ear, the filly turned around and looked at the armor of Nightmare Moon which sent a shiver down Nyx's spine.

"Everything okay sweetie?" Twilight said with a concerned look on her face.

Nyx looked at Twilight and nodded. Twilight smiled. "Well come on then."

"Alright!" Nyx exited the room with Twilight following behind. Twilight closed the door and walked down stairs with the filly, returning to her friends whom were sitting by the fire.

"There you are Nyx. We were wondering where you disappeared." Said Sweetie Belle.

"I didn't go far." Nyx smiled. "What are you girls doing?"

Scootaloo looked up at Nyx from a sheet of paper. "Drawing."

"Wanna draw with us Nyx?" Asked Apple Bloom.

Nyx nodded. "Sure!" She smiled and sat down at the table. She got out some pencils and used her magic to hold one. The filly then used her magic to pull a piece of paper to her and started to draw something.

Snowdrop sat beside Nyx while she drew, the blind filly was silent while Nyx was silent, it made Snowdrop feel disconnected. She didn't like it when things were silent and seemed to perk up when Twilight started talking to customers who came in every now and then. Nyx knew Snowdrop was there and acknowledged her by whispering a happy hello.

"What did you draw Apple Bloom and Scootaloo?"

Scootaloo held up her drawing with her hooves. "I drew Ms. Cherilee ice skating."

"Ah drew the barn with mah sister in front."

Sweetie Belle smiled. "That's cool, I drew my sister and Spike."

Spike looked at Sweetie Belle in an instant when she said she drew him and Rarity.

Twilight looked at the drawings and smiled. "These look really well done. What did you draw Nyx?" Twilight looked at Nyx, so did her friends.

"W-well..."

"Don't be shy Nyx, I'm sure you did a splendid drawing."

Nyx looked down the lifted her drawing up and turned it around for her friends and mother to see. Twilight, Spike, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo all gasped in splendor at Nyx's drawing. The drawing could be considered a work of art. It was a drawing of Princess Luna and Snowdrop. Luna was laying on a picnic mat with Snowdrop sitting beside her. Snowdrops mother was behind them, smiling. They were underneath a tree on a grassy hill, there was a blue sky in the back ground, the sun shining through the leaves, it looked like the time of day in the picture was around nine o'clock to ten o'clock.

"You drew and colored it in ten minutes? Without magic?" Asked Twilight.

Nyx nodded. "I watched Toola-Roola paint the library one day and I guess I learned..."

"Well it looks great. It should be in a gallery." Spike said.

Twilight noticed two other ponies in the picture she isn't familiar with. She could recognize the filly from somewhere but not the mother.

"Nyx... who is that filly?"

"J-just somepony I thought I would add... It fits doesn't it?"

"She looks... so happy but her eyes... they are so pale..."

Before Twilight could inquire further about it Spike opened his mouth and breathed some green flames which sizzled and became a letter, followed by another. One had the crest of the Princess of the Crystal Empire, and the other had one of Twilight Velvet's silk ribbons tied to it. Twilight Sparkle instantly noticed both the crest and the silk and opened the one from her mother first.

"To my beloved daughter, I am sending this letter to tell you that we will be arriving in Ponyville tomorrow. Your father and I decided that it'd be best to leave tonight, that way we can spend more time with you and Nyx. I do hope that is okay with you. We will see you tomorrow dear. Signed your loving mother, with love from dad, Twilight Velvet and Night Light. xoxo"

"Oh Mom..." Twilight snickered. "Well I suppose we'll see you in two days."

"So what is grandma and grandpa doing mommy?"

Twilight looked at Nyx. "They'll be arriving tomorrow sweetie. I guess they couldn't wait to see us."

Nyx started jumping up and down happily chanting the word yay in a childish tone. Twilight giggled and turned to Spike.

"May I see the other letter Spike?"

"Sure Twilight. Here you go." Spike handed the letter to Twilight.

Twilight took the letter with her magic and opened it. She started reading what Cadence and Shining Armor had written.

"Heya Twily, hope you haven't forgotten about the get together being held at your home, holding it in Ponyville saves Nyx the trouble of being swarmed by the paparazzi. Anyway can't wait to see you three again. Signed~ Shining Armor."

"Okay now that your brother has stopped hogging the quill I can have some say. Hello Twilight it's Cadance and Skyla, looks like Shining Armor has already written what I wanted to say but that doesn't matter, what matters is we'll be coming down soon at least a day before hearths warming, Skyla has been looking forward to seeing Nyx again after she made us all laugh with that magic trick last year. Speaking of Nyx... how is she? I got Spikes letter about the horn break. It's horrible when somepony breaks their horn, I just hope Nyx is alright. Hope to see you soon Twilight. Signed~ Princess Cadance."

Twilight rolled her eyes at the mention of Shining Armor hogging the quill but smiled when she read that Skyla was looking forward to seeing Nyx.

"Sounds like Skyla misses you."

"She does?" Nyx asked happily.

"She does." Twilight replied. She rolled up the letters and put them somewhere upstairs where she could easily find them.

"I hope there isn't a repeat of last year... and the year before..."

The cutie mark crusaders looked at each other then back at Nyx and Twilight.

"What happened last year?"

Twilight looked at Apple Bloom and the Cutie Mark Crusaders and sighed. "We went to the Crystal Empire to celebrate hearths warming... you see a year before, we went to Canterlot for hearths warming to spend it with my brother Shining Armor... but... Nyx was hounded by ponies with cameras.. journalists.. paparazzi and all so last year when we went to the Crystal Empire I thought Nyx wouldn't be a target but again the same thing happened. So this year we're going to have it here in the library. The paparazzi see no grounds for a story here in Ponyville unless Rarity is hosting a fashion show, or Vinyl releases a new album, or Octavia is performing on stage here, other then that there really isn't any reason for the paparazzi to be here."

The c.m.c were listening closely when Rainbow Dash came flying through the window and crashed into a book case.

"Whoa! oof..." Rainbow Dash fell onto the floor and onto her flank and shook her head.

"I really don't like winter winds." The blue pegasus rubbed her forehead and looked over at Twilight, Spike, the c.m.c and Nyx. "Uh.. hey everyprony, sorry to drop in so suddenly." she laughed nervously.

"Why were you flying in the storm in the first place?" Twilight lifted an eyebrow.

Rainbow Dash stood up and stretched. "I was trying to change the weather so that I could take Scootaloo home without us both getting battered by the blizzard. Speaking of which, I'm here to take Scootaloo home, it's late and I have an apple sandwich waiting for her at home."

"I didn't know you made dinners Rainbow." Spike laughed.

Rainbow Dash got up in Spikes face looking un-amused. "And what's wrong with making dinner for myself and my sister?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing!" Spike stiffened and became as still as a statue so he didn't get hurt.

Rainbow Dash stepped back and walked over to Scootaloo. "Ready to head home kiddo?"

"Couldn't I sleep over tonight Rainbow Dash? Sweetie belle and Apple Bloom are sleeping over as well."

Rainbow smiled. "Sure. You don't mind if Scootaloo hangs here tonight do you Twilight?"

"I don't mind as long as she is well behaved."

"I will be on my best behavior Twilight, I promise I won't cause trouble."

Rainbow smiled and opened the door, the blizzard outside blew really really hard causing Rainbow's scarf to flutter in the wind, and the force of the wind almost caused the filly's to fall over.

"Well I'll pick Scootaloo up tomorrow kay Twilight?"

Twilight nodded. "Okay, be careful out there Rainbow Dash."

"Careful is my middle name Twilight!" The rainbow maned pegasus smiled and took two steps outside and then took flight. She flew up above the clouds and all the way to her cloud home.

Twilight closed the door and sighed loudly, she laid against the door and shivered. She looked at the books in the library and sighed.

"I should get back into reading. Looking after a filly is hard, that's not the first time I've said that either." Twilight stood up and stretched. She walked over to the fire and warmed her hooves.

"Mommy..." Nyx was standing beside Twilight.

"What is it Nyx?" Twilight said in a gentle tone, getting down to her height.

"Um..c-could we... um..."

"Yes?" Twilight tilted her head.

Nyx was frowning, she looked at Twilight again and said what she wanted to say. "Could... could we all have apple pie with ice cream and custard for desert?"

Twilight smiled and nodded. "Of course we can. Lucky I sent Spike to buy an apple pie yesterday, we have a fresh apple pie in the refrigerator."

Nyx smiled happily. "Yay!!"

Snowdrop listened to everything from the steps where she lay. She smiled and laughed to herself over how extremely happy Nyx could get.

"She's just like Luna when she was happy," Snowdrop snickered. "actually I think Nyx gets even more excited then Luna when she's happy."

Snowdrop closed her eyes and giggled. She continued to listen to Nyx jumping around and running around the room playfully with her friends playing as well. Twilight watched on from near the fire place. Spike sat on the top step holding a gem which had a bite taken out of it.

"Hey girls ah have an idea, why don't we help make supper and desert with Spike and Twilight?" Said Apple Bloom.

Twilight chuckled. "I don't know Apple Bloom you made an awful mess with those cupcakes a while back. Can I trust you." Twilight winked.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle suppressed their laughter while Nyx had her eyes closed, her head lowered and a grin on her face, she apparently found this funny. Apple Bloom was red in the face from embarrassment, she looked at Nyx, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle all of which stood behind her.

"C'mon girls ya know it was a mistake!"

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo burst out in laughter.

"G-Girls! Ah won't mess up this time ah promise, c'mon Nyx tell em!"

"She won't mess up everypony."

There is an awkward silence. Then everypony in the room, Apple Bloom included started to laugh for no particular reason, Spike laughed as well. Snowdrop was also laughing but she quickly regained her composure and smiled sweetly, her eyes still closed.

"I think I'm going to like being stuck to Nyx." Snowdrop said without changing her smile.

=====================================================================

08: Hearths Warming.

Tears in the Snow

By Chaos Phantasm

=====================================================================

Chapter 8

Hearths Warming

=====================

It was now 7:00 AM. The blizzard that had been blowing the previous day and all throughout the night had subsided thanks to the weather ponies. Everything was blue, the ground was white, a blue sky could be seen. Snow clouds everywhere, the Snowdrops were chiming when the wind blew through their petals. Businesses were opening up for the day and snow was falling but not as much as it had been. Twilight was up late that morning reading a spell book and practicing magic. However she opted not cast anything since there were filly's sleeping upstairs. Spike was up early as well, he and Owlowiscious were preparing the guest bedroom for Twilights parents. Twilight Velvet and Night Light were already on a train bound for Ponyville. A train had arrived earlier that morning. Babs Seed had come to spend Hearths warming with Applejack and Apple Bloom and the others. In The Crystal Empire Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were packing for their trip to Ponyville. The crystal princes had prepared a Hearths Warming cake for Twilight, Spike and Nyx to enjoy. Shining Armor was wrapping gifts with help from some maids of course. Skyla was exploring her parents bedroom, at only one year of age she had quite the curiosity. Little Skyla had crawled onto a pile of cloths Cadance's maids had folded and stacked and was now sitting on them and watching her mother and some maids pack for the hearths warming Ponyville trip. Cadance turned around and got a little fright from suddenly seeing Skyla there, the filly didn't even make a sound. Skyla noticed Cadance's reaction and giggled.

"I scare mama!" Skyla giggled.

Princess Cadance giggled also. "Yes you did baby." the princess smiled and nuzzled the young alicorn filly.

Skyla started messing up the pile to which Cadance watched at first in amusement but when Skyla started throwing the dresses and blankets onto the floor, the princess was no longer amused.

"Skyla! You do not throw things."

Skyla looked down and started to sob much like any toddler would if they were reprimanded for misbehaving. Cadance frowned and nuzzled the little filly with motherly care. Shining Armor watched from the wardrobe and smiled. He put on the rest of his prince attire and stepped out from behind the privacy screen and walked over to his wife and daughter.

"Hey Sky, you okay? Is mommy being a meany?"

Cadance looked at Shining armor. "Hey!"

Skyla nodded. "Mhm..."

"Well then, I guess I'll have to hog ya." Shining Armor smiled smugly and picked up Skyla with his magic and put her on his back playfully and gave her a ride around the room. Skyla clung to her father tightly so she didn't fall off. She giggled and laughed and the sight of her happiness brought a smile to Cadance's face.

"Hey Skyla do you think mommy is pretty?"

"Pwetty!" Skyla replied.

Cadance snickered and gave them both a loving look. Shining Armor gave her the same look which made Cadance blush. Skyla yawned and started to fall asleep. The pale cerise alicorn walked over to the two of them and levitated the filly off of Shining Armors back and put her in her cot. She leaned down and kissed Skylas forehead with Shining Armor standing beside her and looking at their young daughter. He nuzzled Cadance, and she nuzzled back.

"I'm going to see if Flash is still packing."

"No need..."

Shining Armor and Cadance looked over at the bedroom door and saw the orange pegasus standing their, he was without his armor and was sweating from doing 30 laps around the castle which he did every morning.

"I've already packed what I needed."

Shining Armor walked over to him. "Excited to be seeing my sister again after all these years?"

Flash stood strait like a guard would to his superiors. "Yes sir. I've been looking forward to seeing her again since... since we last spoke..."

"That was when she left for Ponyville four years ago wasn't it?" Asked Cadance.

"Yes Princess." Flash looked over to her and nodded.

Cadance smiled. Shining Armor put on a rather teasing smirk and nudged Flash.

"Just remember she's my sister Flash." Shining Armor returned to his wife's side.

"I won't forget Prince Shining Armor sir. Um... I'm just.. a little nervous... she.. doesn't know I'm coming right? I want it to be a surprise."

Shining armor nodded. "Don't worry Flash we didn't mention you in the letter so it'll still be a surprise when you arrive. You're dismissed."

Flash bowed and went back to his quarters to continue packing. He only stopped by to make sure he was omitted from the letter Shining Armor and Princess Cadance sent to Twilight a day before. All the pegasus could think of was how Twilight would react to seeing him again. In Canterlot Luna was stepping down off of the throne so she may go to bed, that night had been exceptionally tiring for Luna as she had been entering dreams of many of her subjects to offer guidance to those who had lost their way, and comforted those who needed somepony to talk too. The night princess passed Celestia in the hall without uttering a word and continued walking even as Celestia stopped to say good morning. The alicorn of the sun simply watched her sister and sighed.

"I suppose it is getting too close. She is always so miserable at this time of year. If only I could make her feel better somehow..." Celestia sighed and continued on into the throne room to find two letters of friendship waiting for her on her throne.

The princess smiled and levitated both letters up, sitting down on the throne and reading the first one sent by Rarity, and then the one sent by Rainbow Dash. Luna passed multiple maids and guards, all of which stopped to watch the night princess as she made her way to her room. Her eyes were covered by her bangs but she knew exactly where she was going. Luna pushed open her bedroom doors slowly and walked inside, closing the doors behind her. She shut her curtains with telekinesis, a skill only a gifted few know. All of the curtains closed and blocked the sunlight out of the room replicating the darkness of the night. The princess placed her armor, and shoes on a mannequin and placed her crown in her bedside table drawer and locked it. She flopped onto her bed and laid down for a while. She sighed and rolled onto her back and blew her bangs away from her eyes and stared at the ceiling. As always, in the early morning, a piano started to play. The song was a hearths warming melody. Luna listened to it for a while before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.The night princess reopened her eyes a moment later and sat up in her bed. Her mane was brushed back, it was a light azure color much like it was when she was younger, she even had her original size which she had a thousand years prior. Her coat was a grayish phthalo blue as well. She yawned and stretched. She opened her curtains and saw it was still daylight.

"Odd we were certain it would at least be later then this."

There was a knock on her bedroom door. Luna looked over at the door and cleared her throat. "You may enter."

A guard slightly opened and poked his head through the door. "Princess Luna, you're guests have arrived. Princess Celestia asked us to wake you but it seems we need not so."

Luna looked puzzled at the guard. "We were not expecting guests." She raised an eyebrow and turned her back to the window and started taking steps to her mannequin. She stopped and looked back out the window and saw a lush green forest, birds chirping and little bunny's running around.

"Odd..." The Princess was even more puzzled. She shook her head and continued to walk over to the mannequin, donning her usual attire then opened her bedside drawer and took out her crown, placing it atop her head. In the corner of the room was another mannequin which wore Nightmare Moons armor, this armor was also the armor she wore during her and Celestia's battle against King Sombra. The armor matched the color of Luna's young looking coat.

The alicorn did not notice it however as she didn't have a mannequin with that armor anymore yet oddly enough it was there. Luna exited her bed chamber and proceeded to walk down the hall, accompanied by two guards, both of which wore armor not seen in modern Equestria. They had spiked pads, shin guards and the armor was colored bronze.

"Guard on our right, could you tell us where our visitors hail from?"

"Cloudsdale my liege."

"Cloudsdale? Who from Cloudsdale would have business with us."

Luna heard a young filly's voice down the hall and it brought her to a stop. The two guards stopped and looked at the night princess who stood still, shaking, eyes wide.

"Your highness...?"

Luna hurried past the guards and rounded the corner and entered the throne room where she was greeted by a younger pink maned Celestia, Primrose, and the filly that Luna has mourned for so long, Snowdrop. Primrose bowed to Luna.

"Your highness. I hope we haven't interrupted your slumber, you asked us to come visit you today and so here we are. Snowdrop was so excited to be visiting you."

Snowdrop was smiling. With help from Primrose the blind filly found her way to Luna and nuzzled the princess's leg. Primrose was smiling but Luna wasn't. She looked distressed, confused, and unsure of what to do. She stepped back, keeping her eyes on Snowdrop. The white filly felt Luna's leg move away from her, she frowned moved her head upward as if to look directly at Luna.

"L-Luna? Is...is there something wrong?"

A shadow emerged behind Snowdrop, taking the shape of an alicorn. The shadow stood still for a while. Luna stared at it afraid. Suddenly the shadow opened its eyes, they were a moderate cyan color with catlike irises that seemed to stare into the princesses soul. A white wide grin formed on the shadows face, her pupils got smaller, and she began to laugh menacingly. The shadow then launched itself at Luna who screamed in terror. The night princess sat up in her bed quickly, sweating and panting. She looked down at her legs to see her coat was back to normal, she checked her mane and it was back the way it was before. The alicorn got out of bed and went over to the window and saw that she was in Canterlot.

"A dream... it was all... a dream..." Luna shakily turned away from the window and went over near the bed when she suddenly remembered that Snowdrop was in the dream. Tears welled up in her eyes, she was showing her teeth as if she were angry. She reared up on her back legs and brought herself down with extreme force, slamming her front hooves onto the floor.

CRAACK!!

The force of Luna's hooves slamming onto the floor shook the room, it cracked almost every window and broke the tiles beneath the midnight blue carpet. The cracking sound echoed in the room. Luna shed more tears and started sobbing softly.

"Why is this happening now...?"

~~~

Back in Ponyville, the town was more awake now that it was close to eight o'clock. The time was now 7:47 AM, Sugarcube Corner was open and they had freshly made marshmallows coated in chocolate with some coconut shavings on the top on for sale. Pinkie had gone out ice skating, Fluttershy was watching some Hare run around the front of her cottage. She had brought out some carrots for them to eat, which they did. Angel Bunny was on Fluttershy's back eating a carrot also. Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack were all heading over to the Library to pick up their sisters. In the Library, Nyx was looking in various shelves for a book on winters history, like she was before she started seeing Snowdrop face to face, but since last night the black filly hasn't even seen or heard Snowdrop. Nyx could sense her however. Snowdrop was drawn to Nyx against her will, the ghostly filly's unfinished business was at fault as her business was with Luna before. It hurt Snowdrop to be unable to say goodbye just yet however Nyx made everything better. Snowdrop wasn't very talkative before meeting Nyx, she wasn't as quiet as she was around Luna or her friends a thousand years ago. Helping Nyx look for this book was Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. They were looking in other shelves on the main floor of the Library. Twilight was in a room reading about the Amniamorphic spell which was founded by Star Swirl the Bearded, of course Twilight stopped trying to learn as the information regarding that spell was hard to process in one sitting.

"Careful Sweetie Belle, Spike spent three hours puttin all these books up on them shelves last night, least we could do is put em back where we found em."

Sweetie Belle looked at how she had been stacking the books on their sides instead of the proper way to do it. "Whoops sorry." She smiled sheepishly.

"Come on girls, we have to find that book. I have to find out for myself how winter became the way it is today." Nyx said looking through the W section.

Scootaloo was looking in the fiction section reading comic books instead of actually helping out. The pegasus was reading a funny comic book and giggled, snickered and laughed every now and then. Her friends quickly caught onto what she was doing. They stopped their search and looked over in Scoots direction. She had her back turned to them allowing all three of them to silently creep up behind her and see what she was reading. Nyx, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom looked at each other then at Scootaloo. Scootaloo turned the page and read the first three panels of what was now page 9 and laughed.

"This is gold!"

"SCOOTALOO!!!" Nyx, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle all yelled in unison.

"Gyaah!!" Scootaloo jumped up dropping the book and leaving a puff of air in the shape of her behind.

The dust went away revealing Scootaloo wasn't there anymore. Nyx, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked around for her.

"Where did she go?" Asked Sweetie Belle looking at Nyx and Apple Bloom.

"Sweetie Belle watch out!!" Shouted Scootaloo.

Sweetie Belle looked up, her eyes widened, her pupils shrank and she frowned at the realization of what was about to happen. "Oh fiddles..."

Scootaloo came back down and landed on top of Sweetie Belle which kicked up a bunch of dust from the surrounding books. Nyx, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo coughed and wheezed. Nyx used her little wings to clear the dust away, upon doing so she and Apple Bloom saw Scootaloo draped across Sweetie Belles back like a blanket.

"Ow..."

"Are you alright girls? Asked Apple Bloom.

Scootaloo got up. She shook herself off and started walking. "Oh yeah... we're just fine. I didn't say "ow" at all." Scootaloo accidentally walked into a book shelf face first. "Oww..."

"Pfft... HAHAHAHAHA!!" Nyx and Apple Bloom started laughing together.

Sweetie Belle slowly stood back up, she stretched her legs and then her back which made really gross cracking noises. Sweetie Belles pupils shrank and she looked at her friends a little worried.

"Is my back supposed to sound like that?"

Nyx Apple Bloom and Scootaloo just stared at Sweetie Belle disgusted. Nyx and Apple Bloom had ceased their laughter right when Twilight entered the room from another room on the same floor.

"Did I miss something girls?"

"Scootaloo fell on Sweetie Bell after we scared her!" Said Apple Bloom.

Twilight looked at the filly's puzzled then turned her head slightly to the right to look at Scootaloo. The filly was rubbing her muzzle.

"Then I walked into a book case." Said Scootaloo.

Twilight covered her mouth with her right hoof, closed her eyes and nearly laughed. "You're not hurt too seriously are you?"

"No, I'm okay Twilight."

Twilight smiled at the filly's and was about to ask them what they were up to when there was a knock on the door. The lavender unicorn looked at the door almost in panic.

"I forgot to switch the sign!" Twilight rushed over to the door and changed the sign to open.

Nyx, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo all went upstairs so that they weren't a bother to Twilight and any guests she may receive. After turning the sign to open, Twilight opened the door to allow Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash in. They were wearing winter clothing. They stepped inside the library where it was warm and removed their ear muffs.

"Howdy Twilight!" Said Applejack with a smile.

"Morning Twilight." Said Rainbow Dash also smiling.

"Good morning Twilight," Rarity said smiling along with the other girls. She glanced up at the stairs and saw Spike watching shyly. The white unicorn waved to Spike. "and good morning to you too Spikey-wikey."

Spike blushed and went upstairs to hide which caused Rarity to giggle. She then focused on Twilight. Twilight looked at each of them and turned around to look at the stair case.

"Sweetie Belle! Scootaloo! Apple Bloom! Your sisters are here!"

Upstairs in Nyx's room the three filly's looked at each other then at Nyx. They were frowning.

"We're sorry we couldn't find that book Nyx..." Apple Bloom said, her ears flattened on top of her head.

"Next time we'll find it for sure." Added Sweetie Belle.

"Can't be that hard to find can it?" Scootaloo finished.

"I hope not..." Nyx smiled at them. "Thank you for helping out girls."

Apple Bloom smiled. "Don't mention it Nyx, Ah'm sure any of us would be willin to help you if it meant finding a way to help Snowdrop."

Nyx smiled warmly. "Remember girls Snowdrop is our secret, nopony can know. Not even our families."

The c.m.c nodded and all went down stairs with Nyx following. The filly's said hello to their sisters, in Scootaloo's case adopted sister, and put on their snow cloths.

"You know Twilight the weather outside is not too bad considering that dreadful storm we had last night, why I was almost snowed in."

Sweetie Belle looked at Rarity and lifted an eyebrow confused, she then looked at Nyx puzzled. ""Snowed in?""

"It's when a lot of snow builds up around a house and blocks the door trapping the occupants inside."

Twilight had been looking at Nyx while she said that, as was everypony else.

"It usually affects homes built down hill as that allows the snow to travel downward. That's why many of the houses here in Ponyville are built high up or on flat land."

"Ms. Cheerilee taught us about that last winter Sweetie Belle remember?" Asked Scootaloo.

Sweetie Belle looked down." I was absent.."

Nyx tilted her head with a sigh.

"Anyway we best be goin now. We got a lot of chores to do round the farm. See ya later Twilight, happy hearths warming."

"Thank you fer lettin me sleep over Twilight. Bye Nyx!" Apple Bloom followed Applejack.

"Anytime Apple Bloom, bye Applejack and bye Apple Bloom, happy hearths warming!"

"Bye!" Nyx smiled.

Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo all said their thank you's to Twilight and goodbye's to Nyx and went home with their respective sibling. Twilight had a quick look outside before closing the door.

"Rarity is right, the weather looks great. My parents chose the perfect day to arrive."

Nyx watched Twilight for a while before heading up to her room. On the way up she thought about whether it was right to tell her friends about Snowdrop or not. Earlier that morning around 7: 24 AM when all the filly's were awake, Nyx told them them Snowdrops name and who she was, and that she was a friend of Luna's a long time ago. The cutie mark crusaders listened to Nyx and promised to keep Snowdrop a secret from everypony else like they had when Nyx told them about Snowdrop before she ever knew her name. Nyx eventually stopped thinking about it and re-entered her room so she could brush her mane, put on her headband and her glasses.

"Spike! Can you help brush my hair again... please?"

"I'll be right up Nyx!" Spike made his way up stairs and entered Nyx's room where the filly was waiting. Nyx smiled at Spike, sitting in front of the mirror.

Spike picked up the brush from the dressing table and started the long brushing process. "You know this isn't an easy mane style right?"

"It's not an easy style... I'm sorry I ask you to do this nearly every morning Spike..."

"Don't be sad Nyx, I think it's fun." Spike smiled. He finished combing Nyx's mane then put on her headband for her.

"Thank you Spike!"

"You're welcome Nyx."

Nyx put on her glasses and blinked a few times so the magic in them kicked in and changed the shape and look of her eyes. Nyx looked in the mirror and smiled.

"No nightmare eyes." She sighed with relief.

"You excited to be seeing your grandparents again?"

Nyx nodded slowly. "I haven't seen them since last Hearths Warming, I'm really excited!" Nyx had a big grin.

Spike smiled. "So am I! Twilight Velvet has a lovely personality just like her husband Night Light. They're great ponies in other words."

Nyx climbed up to the window and looked down outside at the background ponies made up of five Trixies, a Prodigy Skyfire cameo, Pinkie Pie, Sunset Shimmer, Snips, Snails, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon and Roseluck. Nyx still smiled as she watched everypony play in the snow.

"I hope they arrive soon, grandma always brings sweets when she visits."

"You mean custard tarts?"

Nyx nodded happily. Spike chuckled silently.

"Well then, I'll be downstairs." Spike exited the room and went downstairs.

Nyx climbed down from the window and ran downstairs, stopping in the kitchen to have breakfast. The filly made pancakes with maple syrup, she was careful not to make a mess especially when it came to flipping the pancakes and putting them on the plates with extreme ease. Before the accident she struggled to lift a frying pan with a single pancake inside but now since her horn broke she could easily lift if without struggling. She turned off the oven and put the frying pan in the sink. Following that she climbed up onto a chair and started eating her pancakes. Using a knife and fork she cut pieces of the pancakes and ate them piece by piece. Twilight came upstairs and into the kitchen. She smiled at Nyx and got out some orange juice for her. She poured it into a glass cup and gently set it on the table beside her plate.

"Thank you Twilight" Nyx smiled.

"You're welcome sweetie." Twilight smiled and continued upstairs to the bedrooms so she could check on the spare room to see if it was satisfactory but of course it was.

Twilight looked around the room happily, taking note on the neatness of its preparation.

"Oh Spike." Twilight smiled brightly and left the neat, tidy and spacious room and returned down stairs.

Nyx had finished eating by the time Twilight returned to the kitchen. She was washing her plate and rinsing her cup thoroughly cleaning it. Twilight watched Nyx but shivered suddenly as if there was a gust of cold winter wind being blown through a window. The unicorn looked around to see where the wind could have come from but the windows were closed and so was the front door. She lifted an eyebrow confused and looked back at Nyx who had finished cleaning and was now washing her hooves.

"I'm going to go and brush my teeth now Twilight."

"Okay Nyx, I'll be here if you need me." Twilight watched Nyx walk upstairs, then looked at the sink and sighed. "Okay... now to prepare a meal for Mom and Dad. They should be arriving in one hour. I wonder if there are any Hearths Warming turkeys left..."

Twilight shook her head. "What am I saying we don't eat turkeys! Last time I listen to Lyra talking about humans and Hearths Warming. Now where's the bread?" Twilight looked in cupboards, the bread bin and the pantry but could not find a trace of the bread anywhere. "Spike where's the bread?!"

Spike ran upstairs and into the kitchen from the ground floor. "It should be in the bread bin."

"I just checked it's not in there."

"Well... m-maybe I left it over by the..."

"Hoot!" Owlowiscious hovered down with a loaf of bread in his talons.

Twilight smiled at her pet owl and used her magic to take the bread out of Owlowiscious's talons. "Thank you Owlowiscious."

"Hoot." Owlowiscious started flapping upward before flying over to his stand.

Spike was looking at Owlowiscious with jealousy and glared at the owl who shuddered. Twilight saw the glare Spike gave to Owlowiscious and rolled her eyes and shook her head and prepared two sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and some carrot slices. Twilight looked at the sandwiches and cringed thinking they didn't look as good as she thought they would. The unicorn blinked and looked around. Nyx came down the stairs slowly making sure she had both eyes on the floor so she didn't fall. Twilight watched Nyx smiling.

"Did you brush your teeth properly?"

Nyx nodded. "I still have no cavity's. My teeth are all clean, so are my gums." Nyx's pupils got really really big when she said gums bringing Twilight to brief laughter much to Nyx's confusion.

"That's heehee, good honey. Now you can can go outside if you like as long as you remember your winter vest, Ug boots and scarf."

"I will Mommy." Nyx smiled.

Nyx made her way downstairs and got into her snow cloths. She made sure her wings didn't get stuck in the winter vest which they usually did and carefully fit them through slits in the back for the wings to come out. She pulled on her boots, wrapped her scarf around her and put on a beanie. She opened the library door and stepped outside. The sky had become cloudy with white and grey clouds. Rainbow Dash flew around positioning the clouds while filly's played below. Nyx watched Rainbow Dash fly and the filly's play. She flattened her ears on top of her head and sighed sadly at the knowledge that none of those filly's would play with her. Nyx looked over at the Boutique and walked over to it, trudging through deep snow to get there. She cleared the white frozen water sparkles with her magic on the way, passing Trixie who was carrying heavy bags.

"Good morning Lady Trixie." Nyx said doing a little curtsy.

Trixie turned to look at Nyx and smiled. "Good morning young Nyx. How have you been this glorious morning?"

"It's cold."

Trixie laughed. "Oh you have quite the sense of humor. Well yes the mornings have become increasingly chilly. Just remember to keep warm okay?"

"I will!"

"Good girl. Listen... I forgive you for what you did two years ago. You weren't yourself."

Nyx nodded. "I know. But I'm still so sorry... I regret it, but I still think dressing up as you was funny." Nyx giggled.

Trixie blinked and smiled. "I'm sure little one. Now I need to get this sack home now."

"Okay Lady Trixie. Bye." Nyx smiled and started to continue on her way to the Boutique.

Trixie watched Nyx go, smiling as she did then continued hauling the bag home, however Trixie looked like she was really struggling. Nyx stopped and turned around to watch how Trixie was going to move the bag. She frowned.

"Um.. Lady Trixie... do you need help?"

"No no I got it under control. The great and powerful Trixie can handle anything."

"Why not shrink it??" Nyx asked tilting her head.

Snowdrop was standing beside Nyx when she said that. The blind ghost turned her head in Nyx's direction confused. Trixie thought about it for a moment and face hoofed.

"Of course, why didn't I think of that. Haha! Thank you Nyx."

Nyx smiled. "You're welcome Trixie. Bye." Nyx waved and once again continued on to the Boutique.

Snowdrop blinked and stood still for a moment while Trixie cast a shrink spell on the large sack and picked it up. Snowdrop moved her head as if to look upward. She could feel another blizzard was coming. The clouds were turning grey again. Snowdrop quickly faced forward again, she turned around to follow Nyx and as she did, she vanished, leaving behind some snow flakes which twinkled upon hitting the ground. Nyx wasn't very far from the Boutique, she walked up to the Boutiques door and opened it, the bell above the door rang followed by the sound of slipping, falling and crashing. The black alicorn filly stepped in side and closed the door.

"Oh ow ow ow... I'll be right out sir or madam."

Nyx put on an evil smirk, she lowered her glasses so that her real eyes could gleam a little and flash. She put her glasses back on, sat down and cleared her throat then used her skilled vocal cords to mimic the voice of Fleur De Lis.

"Ms. Rarity, are you in? It is I, Fleur Dis Lis. I just wanted to see if those winter cloths I ordered were ready."

Rarity gasped in the back room. "Fleur?!" She bolted out of the room and over to the counter and looked around the room.

"I'm so sorry darling I haven't even started..." Rarity stopped upon noticing Fleur Dis Lis wasn't inside. She did however notice Nyx rolling on the floor with her hooves close to her body, laughing like the little filly she is.

"Nyx...?" Rarity realized what had just happened and didn't look too happy about it. "Nyx?! Did you put on that false voice to play a prank me?!"

Nyx nodded, keeping that devilish smirk.

"H-how could you? You really had me worried for a moment. Look at me, I'm a mess.. I would simply pass out if Fleur saw me in such a state."

Nyx walked over to Rarity and nuzzled her. "I'm sorry Aunt Rarity." Nyx giggled looking up at Rarity. "But if you think about it, it was funny."

Rarity chuckled. "Yes I suppose your right darling. But it's so out of character for you to be so... cheeky. Are you feeling alright dear?"

Nyx nodded. "I thought it would be nice to play a little joke on you. Aunt Pinkie Pie said I should try to be more funny."

Rarity Blinked and jerked back. "Pinkie Pie?! I should have known she would put you up to frightening me like that. She knows how much I love to look my best for all my customers." Rarity pouted.

Nyx rolled her eyes with a smile. "So can Sweetie Belle come out and play?" She asked.

"Sweetie Belle is helping me make a Hearths Warming cake darling. Sure we could go over to sugar cube corner and buy one, but then it wouldn't be in spirit my family tradition. Surely Twilight has a tradition for Hearths Warming."

"We visit family in Canterlot, or the Crystal Empire... or home.."

Rarity nuzzled Nyx. "Well you have nothing to worry about from those mean newspaper pony's and their bright flashes this time dear. Those days were an awful long time ago."

Rarity started heading toward the kitchen with Nyx following.

"You have become apart of our society Nyx. Most ponies have come to accept you after all. Visits from hateful ponies and even the abuse has stopped as of late."

"...Not all of it..."

Rarity looked at Nyx sadly then turned her head to look at a muffin on the table. Derpy was looking at them through the window drooling but nopony seemed to notice. Rarity lifted up a muffin with her magic and hovered it in front of Nyx who politely took it.

"Things get better over time Nyx. You'll see." Rarity smiled.

Nyx smiled up at Rarity, thanking her for being so kind. Suddenly smoke came from the oven and Sweetie Belle started panicking.

"Oh no the cake!! The caaaake!!!!"

Rarity rushed over to Sweetie Belle to help. "What happened?!"

"I over cooked it!"

"Oh noes!!"

Nyx watched the two of them trying to stop the smoke. She tilted her head to her left with her eyes closed and let out a sigh like in an anime. Minutes later Nyx was standing in front of the Nightmare Moon snow mare, staring up at it. It was starting to snow, and it was getting even more windy.

"You are sad... why are you sad?"

Nyx's ears which were flat on top of her head started lifting a little, Nyx looked around to see if Snowdrop was around and was saddened to see she was not.

"Please don't be sad Nyx... if you stay this way.. I'll start crying..."

A snowflake fell on the corner Nyx's eye and melted. It trickled down Nyx's face like a tear. Nyx touched the tear with her right hoof and looked it. The filly looked down for a moment and then back up at the statue.

"I don't know... why I feel so upset..." Nyx turned to walk away from the snow mare when she heard voices. Curious, the black filly walked in the direction of the voices and saw Diamond Tiara picking on Pipsqueak.

Silver Spoon just watched having no interest in taking part in Diamond Tiaras random bullying of filly's and colts without cutie marks. pipsqueak curled up and took the abuse until Nyx stood in.

"Leave him alone!" Nyx shouted.

Diamond Tiara looked at Nyx and smiled wickedly. "Well well, if it isn't the nightmare. Come to help this blank flank have you?"

"Diamond Tiara could we go and do something else? Leave the blank flank and the nightmare alone." Said Silver Spoon pretending to be mean.

Diamond Tiara looked at Silver Spoon. "I will not be told what to do by an ugly filly like her!"

A snow ball hit Diamond Tiara, startling her and causing her precious tiara to fall off. She turned around furious, looking in Nyx's direction. Other colts and filly's were watching.

"Who did that?!"

Silver Spoon held in her laughter. All the children backed off slowly but Nyx stood firm. She used her magic to pick up two piles of snow and compacted them together to make a snowball.

"Sorry, did I hit you? I was aiming for that little crown on your head." Nyx said with a wide grin.

Diamond Tiara's left eye twitched. "Are you... standing up to me?!"

Nyx hurled the snow ball at Diamond Tiara, hitting her once again on the forehead. The colts and filly's behind Nyx laughed and cheered her on. Nyx walked over to Pipsqueak and helped him up.

"Are you okay Pipsqueak?"

Pipsqueak nodded. "Uh-huh. I'm okay."

"Grrr that's it!" Diamond Tiara looked at the snow on the ground and picked some up. She started rolling the frozen water together until she made a snow ball and threw it at Nyx while her back was turned. The snow ball hit the black filly at the back of the neck.

The snow ball hit Nyx and caused her to stumble. She had stumbled two steps to her right and shook the snow off. She looked at Diamond Tiara.

"Can't you be nice for once Diamond Tiara?"

"Hmph! I only have to be nice to little ponies that deserve my niceness. I will never be nice to a black coated Night-mare like you!"

Nyx teared up and glared angrily at Diamond Tiara. "You are just a jealous, spoiled little brat who cares for nopony else but herself!!!! You pick on other filly's and colts because you're so rich and your mommy and daddy spoil you with jewelry and other things most ponies cannot afford! You're just another child like the rest of us and a brat so get used to it!!"

Nyx's tears trickled down her face and fell in the snow, melting it. Diamond Tiara stood wide eyed looking at Nyx. Diamond Tiara had a very angered look on her face.

"Well.... You...." Diamond Tiara started tearing up. "You..." She turned around and started walking away. "L-let's go... Silver Spoon..." Diamond Tiara sniffled.

The filly walked past Silver Spoon who watched her sadly. She looked at Nyx, still looking sad before lowering her head and following Diamond Tiara. The black filly's expression turned from anger to sadness. She shed more tears as she thought about all the hurtful words she said. While the crowd of filly's and colts dispersed, Nyx sat alone with Pipsqueak being the only one to keep her company. The only living pony to keep her company. Though an apparition of Snowdrop had not appeared in the past hour, she was still around and Nyx could feel her.

"I feel bad..." She sniffled. "Like I'm no better then her...."

"You were standing up to her Nyx... not a lot of us can stand up to Diamond Tiara like that. You were super cool!"

Snowdrop giggled. She thought it was funny to call Nyx cool while it was cold out. "You did what was right, what you had to do. I had to do that once, a long time ago. I also made them cry. One of my friends told me I did, so I asked my mommy if I could get her a hearths warming gift to apologize. We were friends ever since."

Nyx looked at Pipsqueak. "Thank you... but I don't feel okay yelling at her like that..."

"You were doing what We would have done little one."

Nyx's eyes widened and she perked up. She turned around and looked up and into the eyes of Princess Luna.

"Luna!" Nyx shouted happily. She stood up and hugged the princess's leg, nuzzling it also.

Luna lowered her head and nuzzled Nyx in return, she licked Nyx's cheek gently making her giggle. Luna felt much better then she had earlier that morning. Snowdrop could hear Luna and Nyx, it filled Snowdrop with so much sadness. It started to slowly snow just as Snowdrop shed a lonely tear. Pipsqueak approached Luna and smiled.

"Good morning Princess Luna." Pipsqueak said.

"Greetings Pipsqueak, how have you been? It has been so long since we last spoke."

Pipsqueak nodded slowly. "I've been good."

"That's good to hear little one. I trust you have been careful not to fall into other barrels of apples."

Pipsqueak nodded. "Sure have Princess Luna. I've been super extra careful!"

Luna snickered and smiled. Pipsqueak heard his mother calling and looked in the direction he heard his mothers voice then looked back and Luna and Nyx.

"I have to go now, thank you again Nyx, and it was nice to see you again Princess Luna." Pipsqueak said goodbye and went on home, leaving Nyx and Luna alone.

Luna and Nyx watched him leave then looked down at Nyx with a big smile. Nyx looked up at Luna, wondering why she was here.

"So what are you doing in Ponyville?"

"Well I felt a little stressed this morning and I thought coming down to see you would help me greatly. I also brought some gifts with me which the Equestria mail service could not deliver before Hearths Warming."

"I thought princesses didn't do things like that."

"Well when you are indebted to somepony you'll understand. Anyway.. shall we walk?"

Nyx nodded. Luna turned from Nyx and started walking with with the filly walking beside her. They weren't going anywhere in particular, just around Ponyville. Twilight was busy at the library, cleaning the shelves and sorting the books. It was tiring for her. She shook her head and stretched, sitting down afterwards and looking at her fine work. Spike had gone out to get some teabags and apples so Twilight didn't expect him back for a little bit. Twilight took a deep breath, and sighed.

"All done..." She stood up and walked over to a nearby couch and laid on it, stretching and resting her head on a pillow happily. She closed her eyes for a moment, reopening them when Spike arrived.

The door swung open and the little dragon stepped inside. "I'm back Twilight."

Twilight sat up stretched. "Welcome back Spike. Did you get everything?"

"Sure did." Spike walked upstairs and placed the goods on the table. "Not sure why we need more stuff, we have cupboards full of food and a stocked pantry."

"But we don't have apples, and we don't and tea bags. You know my mother loves her tea." Twilight put the teabags in a cupboard.

"Twilight Velvet's not a tea fanatic is she?"

"No, not at all. What brought that up?"

"You said she likes tea."

"Doesn't make her a fanatic."

"I guess." Spike sighed.

Twilight looked out the window above the sink and looked around for Nyx. "Did you see Nyx while you were out?"

"I saw her going to Rarity's Boutique but I haven't seen her since."

"She should be home by now. Mom and Dad will be arriving soon and we have to be at the station."

A knock came at the door. Twilight walked down stairs and toward the door to answer it. When she did Twilight expected to see Nyx but was met with the hooves of Princess Luna, Twilight looked up into the princesses eyes and bowed.

"P-Princess Luna... I wasn't expecting you."

"Forgive me for my sudden arrival Twilight Sparkle. May we come in?"

"O-Oh.. but of course you can. Come in Princess." Twilight stood aside allowing Princess Luna to enter the library.

The princess looked around at the decorations. Admiring them and the tree which had a star crowning it.

"We see you are ready for the merriment of Hearths Warming Eve. And you will have family visiting."

Twilight sighed. "Yes, I'm sorry princess but you can't stay long. I have to go out and find Nyx. You see we're meeting my parents at the train station and we mustn't be late... Then again we are behind schedule." Twilight said checking her to-do list.

"Nyx is not here?" Luna chuckled. "I wonder where she could be." Luna smiled and lifted up one of her wings, revealing Nyx to be nestled between them hiding.

The filly opened one eye and looked around. "Is it okay to come out?"

"It's alright little one."

Nyx hopped up giggling, she jumped toward Twilight and hugged her. Twilight hugged Nyx back and nuzzled her. "There you are silly filly."

"Sorry I was late mommy. I was coming back when I saw Diamond Tiara picking on Pipsqueak. I had to help him. After that Luna arrived and brought me home."

Twilight looked up at the princess. "Really? Princess Luna if I may ask, what is the reason for this sudden visit?"

"We... had a bad morning, so We thought visiting Nyx might give us some comfort."

"Nyx has that comforting effect." Twilight smiled and looked at Nyx. "Don't you?"

Nyx wasn't paying attention yet she looked at Twilight and Luna and tilted her head in confusion. "Don't I what?"

Twilight giggled and Luna chuckled. They both regained their composure. Luna cleared her throat and stretched her wings.

"I suppose we best return to Canterlot. I am weary and must rest."

"Very well princess. You have a safe journey back."

Luna nodded once. "We shall." Luna looked over at Nyx. " As for you little one, behave."

"You're not my mommy, you can't tell me what to do." Nyx poked her tongue out at Luna, the princess poking her tongue out back at Nyx and chuckled.

Luna walked toward the exit. Twilight opened the door for the princess who walked past, acknowledging Twilights chivalry. She stepped onto the snow toward her chariot, passing Snowdrop who had been sitting outside on her own. The blind echo of a filly heard Luna's hoof steps, treading through the snow. Snowdrop initially dismissed it as somepony else, but then she heard her voice.

"Driver, take us back to Canterlot. Our business has concluded here."

"Yes Princess Luna." The guard replied.

Snowdrop was over joyed and approached Luna in the direction the voice came. "Luna! Luna I'm here!" Snowdrop got closer but was then stopped by a thick barrier of ice.

Snowdrop started to panic, she felt the ice wall then ran in another direction around Luna, only to be stopped by yet another ice barrier which separated the filly from the alicorn. The barrier of ice could not be seen or felt by anypony else but Snowdrop. But she couldn't see it. Snowdrop whimpered and tried again and again to get past the barrier separating them, binding Snowdrop to Nyx to no avail.

"Luna! Luna!!!"

Luna froze and turned around. She looked around as if expecting somepony. Luna heard the faint calls of Snowdrop and dismissed it as nothing more then a memory.

"Princess, are you alright?"

"I'm fine... Take me home... it's getting cold..."

The wind had picked up and the snow was being blown around by the wind. Luna stepped onto the chariot and stood there, looking at her hooves in sadness. The chariot driver started running forward and eventually took off, flying back to Canterlot. Snowdrop could hear the chariot taking off. The ice barrier vanished allowing Snowdrop to move freely toward the spot Luna stood. She teared up and faced downward. She hugged herself with her wings and sobbed as hard as she could. Her cries were heard by no one.

"Luna....."

~~~

"Hurry Nyx. They'll be arriving any minute now."

"I'm coming mommy."

Twilight sighed. She was waiting by the door for the black, dragon eyed filly. Nyx was upstairs with Spike who was brushing her hair again since it got messy during her outburst at Diamond Tiara.

"You need to keep this mane neat Nyx, it's hard to brush it back how you like it."

"I'm sorry Spike..."

Spike smiled. "It's no biggie, it's a hard brush but an easy fix."

Nyx giggled. "I never thought of it that way."

"Nyx?! We have to go now!"

Nyx flinched at Twilights loud voice. "Okay mommy I'm coming!" Nyx thanked Spike ran downstairs quickly. She was still in her winter jacket, beanie, snow shoes and all even though she didn't need them indoors.

"Sorry Mommy..."

Twilight sighed. "You ready to go now??"

Nyx nodded. "Mhm..."

Twilight smiled. "Then lets go." She walked out the door with Nyx following her. She turned to close the door. "Spike, keep an eye on the library alright?"

Spike nodded. "Will do Twilight."

Twilight felt bad for having to leave Spike home, so she thought for a moment and sighed. "No.. come with us Spike. You haven't seen them in a while so if you want, you can come along."

Spike was surprised. "R-really? Thanks Twilight!"

Twilight snickered. "Now let's get going."

While Twilight and Spike were talking, Nyx was waiting. She watched them whilst playing with a snow ball she had made. Snowflakes fell from the sky, and the sobbing of a filly caught Nyx's attention. She looked in the direction of the sobbing and walked over to the spot where tears were being shed. As Nyx drew closer, she could see it was Snowdrop sitting by herself and shedding the tears.

"Snowdrop?"

Snowdrop stopped making a sound. "Nyx?"

"What's the matter? Why are you crying...?"

Snowdrop sniffled and faced Nyx, using echolocation to see where she was. "Luna was there... right there... But I couldn't go to her..."

Nyx frowned folding her ears down. "I'm sorry... this is my fault.."

"No!" Snowdrop shook her head. "It's not..." Snowdrop faced downward, more tears falling from her eyes.

Nyx frowned even more. Twilight locked the door of the library and looked around for Nyx, seeing her over by the flower.

"Nyx! come along sweetie it's time to go."

Nyx looked over to Twilight. "O-okay Mommy I'm coming..." She looked back at Snowdrop. "Snowdrop..."

"I'll be okay. Don't worry."

Nyx looked down and started walking away, following Twilight. Nyx had her head down most of the time on the way to the station. Twilight looked back at Nyx and frowned.

"Are you feeling alright Nyx? You look down."

Nyx sighed. "I'll be okay..."

Twilight stood still and waited until Nyx was right beside her before she started walking. "Nyx, you can tell me you know."

Nyx shook her head. "I'm okay."

"I'm always here if you want to talk to somebody Nyx, always." Twilight sighed.

The train whistled as it passed Twilight, Nyx and Spike. Twilight smiled widely and looked down at Nyx.

"Race you?"

Nyx smile and nodded. Twilight started running toward the station with Spike following behind. Nyx giggled and raced Twilight really fast, trying to keep up. Nyx laughed in excitement and tried to run faster, eventually she managed to keep pace with Twilight. Twilight looked at Nyx determined to beat her. The filly's horn started to glow and suddenly she gained a burst of speed, kicking up snow while she ran. She outran Twilight and Spike and was at the station before them. Nyx jumped around giggling, turning around to look at her adoptive mother and Spike.

"I win!"

Twilight was panting. "Yes you did. It's hard to run in snow." Twilight took deep breath to catch her breath and yawned a little.

"Were you up all night Twilight?" Asked Spike.

Twilight shook her head. "No not at all." Twilight stretched.

The train from Canterlot pulled into the station and came to a stop. Twilight, Nyx, and Spike, all walked up to the train as Twilight Velvet, and Night Light exited the train with their luggage.

"Mom, Dad!" Twilight called out.

Twilight Velvet looked in Twilights direction and smiled, overjoyed to see her. "Twilight!!" Twilight Velvet ran over to Twilight Sparkle, Nyx and Spike. She left the luggage to be carried by Night Light.

"Honey..." Said Night Light.

Velvet stopped and turned to look at her husband. "Sorry dear!"

Night Light shook his head and chuckled. Spike went over to Night Light, saying hello to Twilight Velvet as he passed her.

"Allow me to help out." Spike picked up Twilight Velvet's bag which wasn't quite as heavy as one might think and carried it alongside Night Light who carried his bag.

Twilight Sparkle and Twilight Velvet hugged each other. Velvet kissed Twilight just beneath her horn and smiled. "I missed you sweetie, the wait for Hearths Warming just to see you has been agonizing."

Twilight laughed a little. "Uh... you do know you can visit me anytime right?"

Velvet nodded. "I know honey but it's more special this way. I feel awful but Hearths Warming is the time for a family to be together." Twilight Velvet looked at Nyx.

"Speaking of family. Hello Nyx." Twilight Velvet nuzzled the alicorn filly. "How is my granddaughter."

Nyx nuzzled back. "I'm okay Grandma."

Twilight Velvet looked Nyx in the eye. "I heard about that awful accident with your horn. It must have been terrible for you."

Nyx looked down and nodded. "I tried to lift something heavy and it kinda backfired." Nyx kicked at the ground softly.

"That happens. At least it's fixed now." Twilight Velvet smiled.

Twilight Velvet then looked at Spike and walked over to him. "Now allow me to greet you properly Spike."

After a long pause, Twilight Velvet hugged Spike and kissed him on the cheek.

"You've gotten taller. I hope you are looking out for Nyx when Twilight isn't looking."

Spike nodded." A-absolutely Velvet."

Twilight Velvet snickered. As the family were conversing, Snowdrop stood beside Nyx and listened to them, every sound they made helped Snowdrop to paint a mental image of what was around her. Snowdrop sighed. Nyx looked at Snowdrop and frowned. Twilight Velvet noticed and tilted her head.

"Nyx, are you alright darling?"

Nyx looked at Twilight Velvet and nodded. "I'm okay grandma."

Night Light put down his bags and walked over to Twilight. "Hey baby girl."

Twilight blushed in embarrassment. "I'm not a baby anymore Dad." Twilight hugged Night Light, and he hugged back. "It's good to see you both here."

Twilight Velvet and Night Light spoke together. "Likewise."

Meanwhile in the Crystal Empire. Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, and baby Skyla, were all preparing to go to Ponyville. A royal guard approached Princess Cadance and bowed.

"Your train has arrived your highness and is awaiting you."

Cadance nodded. "Thank you." She looked over to Shining Armor who was playing peek-a-boo with the 1 year old Skyla.

"Honey, our train has arrived."

"What already?" Shining Armor looked at her and sighed. He then turned his head back to Skyla and smiled. "Hear that Skyla, our train has arrived."

"Twain!!" Said Skyla excitedly.

Shining Armor chuckled. "Yes a train." Shining Armor kissed Skyla's cheek and walked over to Cadance. "Does Flash know yet?"

"He said he was going to Canterlot, to spend hearths warming with his sister."

Shining Armor looked confused. "Wait hes's not coming to see Twilight?"

Cadance shook her head. "No. His sister needs him more this times. Ever since she became ill."

"I understand." Smiles. "Flash's sister will be so overjoyed to see her brother."

Cadance nodded. "He's asked that we don't tell Twilight he was going to visit, he wants to surprise her with a later visit."

"Twilight's not big on surprises but I guess she'd be used to them now."

Skyla dropped her bowl of baby food onto the floor making her parents look at her. Skyla looked on the floor at the mess then looked at her parents and giggled.

"Oops, messy! Teehee"

Shining Armor and Cadance sighed tilting their heads with a little smile on their faces. In Canterlot Celestia thought about what Luna had said about her and Serena.

"I wonder what she'd like for Hearths Warming...." Celestia looked down and listened to the piano as it played from one of the towers above.

"She plays such good music, I wonder if could...no... I can't give her a doll she's not into those.." Celestia was pacing near the balcony outside her study, and by a warm fire.

"But what if... no..." Celestia sighed and sat down. "How could I neglect her so..." Celestia shook her head, disappointed with herself.

The piano upstairs started playing a song Celestia had not heard in ages. She stood still and closed her eyes, listening to the song which played.

"Oracion..." Celestia said quietly and smiled.

"Oh Serena... I'm so.. so sorry sweetie..." Celestia looked down. "I'll be your gift this Hearths Warming... It'll just be you and me, I'll even let you out of the tower to celebrate with Luna and I." Celestia shed a tear. "Please.. don't hate me."

A knock came at the door. A guard was there behind it. Princess Celestia looked at the door and wiped away her tears. She walked over to the door and opened it.

"Yes guardsman?"

The guard assumed the appropriate stance. Standing upright with his chin up. "Forgive the intrusion Princess, but I was sent at the behest of your personal handmaiden to inform you that your lunch is ready and waiting for you."

Celestia opened the door all the way and stretched her wings letting out a satisfying yawn before folding her wings up again and thanking the guard. She then walked down the stairs as Serena's piano played. Celestia stopped for a moment upon exiting her tower and looked up at Serena's tower as the piano played it's somber tune. The princesses scarf blew around in the wind, as did her mane and tail. Her mane started to flow quickly. She blinked and placed her right hoof onto her mane to stop it from moving so fast. She sighed and lowered her head, and continued onward to the throne room, and then the dining hall. Back down in Ponyville, Twilight was passing out the lunches, the juice, for Nyx and Spike, some water for herself and her parents.

Downstairs, Snowdrop sat alone by a fire. She was smiling, happily listening to Nyx's and her family upstairs. It brought Snowdrop back to a time when she and her family would sit around a dinner table and talk and laugh and be merry. Snowdrop sighed and lowered her head to the floor slowly and closed her pale murky eyes. While she rested, her body turned into an orb of light which vanished all together. Nyx had watched Snowdrop vanish from the stair, returning to the spirit world. Nyx sighed and smiled.

"Sweet dreams, Snowdrop." Nyx smiled and went back upstairs and into the kitchen.

Twilight Velvet looked at Nyx as she entered. "Who were you talking to Nyx?"

Nyx looked at her adoptive grandmother and looked alarmed, as if fearing her secret had been found out. "T-talking? I.. I wasn't talking." Nyx smiled exactly the same as Twilight would when she was hiding something, it even included the smile.

"Are you sure? Twilight used to make the exact same face when she was hiding something as a filly. It was so adorable."

"I still make that face." Said Twilight.

Twilight Velvet chuckled. "Maybe you were talking to a special somepony, a colt from school." Twilight Velvet winked.

Nyx blushed. "N-No no! Ew! bleugh!" Nyx stuck her tongue out in disgust. "That's yucky grandma!"

Twilight Velvet chuckled to herself. "I'm sorry, I forget filly's your age have an aversion to colts, we don't want any cooties now do we?"

Nyx shook her head. "Nope. But Grandma, I don't want a special somepony, it's yucky. But.. I was talking to Sweetie Belle down stairs."

Nyx sounded honest even though she was lying to save her memories.

"You're so lucky to have such wonderful friends dear." Twilight Velvet smiled at Nyx before turning her attention to the rest of the family.

Nyx smiled and sighed. She climbed up on the chair and dug into her lunch, thanking Twilight for the food.

~~~

Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, were escorted by guards to the train station. Skyla walked beside Cadance and stayed close to her. Another guard was waiting by the train door, accompanied by other guards of unicorn and pegasus origin. Cadance stopped walking for a moment looked behind her at Flash Sentry, he was upset that he had to wait to see Twilight again, but the thought of seeing his sister comforted him. Cadance didn't know whether to frown or smile at Flash.

"Your highness." Called a guard.

Princess Cadance blinked and turned back to look at the guard by the train door. "Oh.. right."

Cadance stepped onto the train with Skyla, and sat beside Shining Armor in the train car made especially for the royal family of the Crystal Empire. The train door closed and the train blew its horn. The train then began to depart the station. Princess Cadance looked out the window toward Flash Sentry, worried greatly about him.

"Will he be alright?""

Shining Armor nodded. "Flash once told me that he would wait an eternity if it meant seeing Twilight again."

Cadance gasped happily. "He's in love!" She smiled widely.

"Oh boy..." Shining Armor didn't sound too thrilled.

"Aww don't tell me you're going to try and scare him away from her."

"She's my sister." Shining Armor looked unsure about letting Flash and Twilight meet again now that he has knowledge of Flash's feelings. "How could he have feelings for her they haven't seen each other in four years."

Cadance nuzzled the white unicorn. "Didn't you learn anything at our wedding my dear husband. Love is a powerful thing." Cadance smiled, looking up at Shining Armor who smiled back at her.

Cadance and Shining Armor both leaned toward each other and shared a soft kiss for but a moment until Skyla bumped into her mother. Cadance broke the kiss from Shining Armor and looked down at Skyla. The baby alicorn rubbed her forehead with her left hoof and shook her head. She looked up at her parents and smiled happily.

"Mama!" Said Skyla happily with a giggle following afterwards.

Cadance picked up Skyla and sat the toddler on her back. Shining Armor nuzzled Skyla affectionately which made Skyla giggle even louder. Princess Cadance giggled and looked at her caring husband. Skyla looked around the train car, sitting still between her mothers wings. The little princess looked outside the window Cadance had been looking out of. At first they were in a tunnel which allowed the trains to travel in and out of the Empire. Soon a white light replaced the darkness of the tunnel. Now they could see fields of white which spanned miles and miles, white flakes were even falling from the sky. This sudden change of scenery surprised Skyla who blinked and almost fell off of the crystal princesses back had Shining Armor not stopped that from happening. Skyla looked at all the white stuff.

"Mama, Dada.. what that?" Skyla pointed to the snow.

"That's snow sweetie."

"Smow?" Skyla tilted her head curiously. Unaware she had said it wrong.

Cadance giggled. "Yes sweetie, Smow" She giggled again.

Skyla giggled for a little while before yawning tiredly.

"Oh she's falling asleep."

"Here, I got her." Shining Armor lifted Skyla up and carried her over to the crib.

Skyla didn't struggle, she started to close her eyes and slowly drift off to sleep, right as Shining Armor lowered her into the crib slowly, then put a blanket over her. Shining armor sighed with a smile, looking down at her. Cadance walked over to the crib and nuzzled her husband, looking down at their sleeping daughter.

"She's so adorable." Said Cadance.

"Yeah she is. She's our little filly." Replied Shining Armor.

"By the way.. If you didn't know Flash was in love with Twilight... why did you tease him about seeing her?"

Shining Armor chuckled nervously. "W-well I... well... heh... "

"Wait, did you find out before me??" Cadance was confused.

The train whistled as it passed by the frozen Neighagra Falls, and over the Neighagra river, toward Canterlot, then in a day's time, Ponyville. In Ponyville, the Sparkle family were chatting among themselves. Spike, Nyx and Owlowiscious sat in boredom in Nyx's bedroom while the grown ups talked.

"Wanna go play in the snow Nyx?"

Nyx smiled. "I don't see why not. Come on Spike." Nyx stood up and went down stairs, putting on her snow cloths and opening the door.

"Going outside Nyx?" Asked Twilight Sparkle.

Nyx looked at Twilight and nodded. "Spike'll be out soon, we're going to play!"

Twilight smiled. "Just behave okay?"

"Okay Mommy!" Nyx exited the library, Spike and Owlowiscious following behind closely. The door then closed on its own.

Once outside Nyx started to hop around in the snow, giggling as she did. Not a lot of children were out this afternoon, they were either helping their families prepare for Hearths Warming day which was tomorrow, or they were playing on their Joyboys instead of listening to their mother as was the case with Button Mash. Nyx flopped down in the snow and started to roll in it. Spike, and Owlowiscious joined in afterwards, Spike made a snow dragon, Owlowiscious made a snow angel, and Nyx made a filly shaped hole in the snow. The filly popped up and shook her head which was covered in snow.

"Hey Nyx!"

Nyx looked over at Spike and was hit in the face with a snowball, Nyx giggled and started making and throwing snowballs back. "I'll get you for that Spike!"

"Owlowiscious deliver the payload!"

"Hoot!" Owlowiscious landed on a tree branch above Nyx and used his feet to lift it up and release, burying Nyx in a pile of Snow.

Peewee chirped, cheering Spike and Owlowiscious from an open window. Suddenly a whole bunch of snowballs emerged from Nyx's burial spot and were aimed directly at Spike and Owlowiscious who had rejoined the purple dragon. There were hundreds of snowballs just hovering in the hair above Nyx. The black filly poked two holes in her snow dome so she could see out side of it. She pinpointed Spike and Owlowiscious's positions and squinted, smiling in sadistic delight at the torrent of frozen water balls she was about to unleash upon the dragon and the owl. Spike and Owlowiscious's eyes widened. They backed away slowly, getting further and further away before turning and running. Nyx fired all the snowballs at them. The snowballs were hurled at them like Rainbow Dash doing a dive, they were quick and swift, they buried both dragon and owl beneath the cold mass of the snow. Nyx burst out of her snow bunker and laughed. Spike and Owlowiscious got out of the snow and shook their heads. They both looked at the laughing alicorn and soon joined in. Their whole afternoon was all about playing in the snow, until dinner time where they went inside and ate. Nyx was especially excited that evening as it was one nights sleep until Hearths Warming Day. Twilight watched Nyx talk about it at dinner. Twilight Velvet and Night Light listened to Nyx attentively. The seven year old filly was jumping around happily like Pinkie Pie would. Twilight chuckled.

"Okay Nyx, calm down."

Twilight Velvet smiled proudly at Twilight. "My parenting has clung to you like a cutie mark to its flank. I'm so proud of you."

Twilight smiled. "Thanks Mom."

Nyx watched them and stretched. "I'm going to go to my room, until desert time. Then I'll be back out."

"Oh will you now?" Said Twilight Velvet. "Not when the Windigos howl."

Nyx laughed. "Grandma, there are no Windigos here. They live in the Frozen North."

Twilight Velvet snickered. "Go on, run along Nyx."

Nyx smiled and went upstairs and to her bedroom. She pulled out a castle play set and her princess and prince figures. Nyx always picked the Princess Cadence doll, leaving the Celestia doll in the box of figures she had. The prince was modeled after Shining Armor, they were 2 year old figures and were considered collectors items, but to Nyx they were toys. Nyx placed them onto two pegs, so they were standing just in front of each other on the ballroom floor part of the play set and started to turn a disk like gear that jutted out from just beneath the floor which made the circles with the pegs on them spin as if the prince and princess were dancing. Nyx hummed a romantic tune softly as she watched the figures "dance". Then, Nyx put a Nightmare Moon figure in and pretended it cast a spell on the Cadence figure, turning her into the Queen Chrysalis looking figure. Nyx made up story's like this, and it was fun, especially when Spike played with her. Downstairs by the fireplace, an orb of light started to form, it illuminated the surrounding area around, eventually the orb took the shape of the filly, Snowdrop. Snowdrop yawned and stood up. She moved her head left and right, unable to see what was around her, she couldn't hear Twilight and her family talking upstairs.

"Nyx?" Snowdrop tilted her head and waited for a reply. She quickly realized Nyx wasn't in the room and could suddenly feel where Nyx was currently. The filly closed her eyes and started clicking with her tongue. The sound this clicking would paint a mental picture of where everything was around her thanks to sound bouncing off of objects. Snowdrop looked around, smiled and approached the stairs and started to climb to Nyx's bedroom where Snowdrop knew she'd be.

The blind filly passed by Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Night Light, Owlowiscious, and Twilight Velvet unseen. She walked right through Spike when he walked in front of her, and kept on walking. Spike felt a really cold chill in his spine as Snowdrop walked through him. The ghost climbed up another set of stairs which led to the bedrooms. Snowdrop stood still while she was there and started clicking again. While nopony else but Nyx and herself could hear the sound of the clicking, it still helped Snowdrop to see where she went without sight. Snowdrop smiled and turned left of the stairs toward Nyx's bedroom. She phased through the door without a need to open it. Nyx looked up from her play set and smiled at Snowdrop who sat down beside Nyx.

"Good evening Snowdrop."

"Is... is it evening now?"

Nyx nodded." Yep."

"T-then I wasn't here all day... I'm sorry..."

"No need to be sorry Snowdrop. You did nothing wrong."

Snowdrop touched one of Nyx's toys curiously, she could not see them and despite her being ethereal she could still interact with objects. Nyx watched as Snowdrop played with the Nightmare Moon doll of which the blind filly did not know she was touching. Snowdrop carefully put it back and sat still, facing downward.

Nyx became curious. "So... where did you go earlier?"

Snowdrop turned her head to face Nyx. H-huh..? W-what do you mean?"

"I watched you vanish this morning... you laid down in front of the fire and disappeared."

Snowdrop blinked. "Oh! Well... I... returned to the spirit world. Being on this plain drains so much of my energy... It's hard to materialize here. So every once in a while, I'll fall asleep and I'd wake up in a place I cannot describe. It's warm, comforting and welcoming. There are clouds.. but that's all I know... I can't see anything else. My Mommy is always there, waiting for me to say my final goodbye, then together... we can join our family in the afterlife. Or reincarnate if we desired."

"What would you do?"

Snowdrop smiled. "I'd cross over. I want to be with my family, friends and loved ones. In a peaceful world like this world which I once lived in so long ago."

"That's beautiful. Hopefully we'll find a way to help you before winter ends in 3 months."

"Then I hope you won't mind if I bother you a while." Snowdrop poked her tongue out at Nyx but was facing the wrong way in the direction of a wall much to Nyx's amusement.

"I'm over here."

Snowdrop sucked her tongue back in and properly faced Nyx. Nyx stared at Snowdrop for a while before Snowdrop poked her tongue out at Nyx again making the black filly giggle. Snowdrop giggled not a moment after. Downstairs, Twilight Sparkle and Spike were prepping desert. They were almost finished. Twilight Velvet talked to Twilight about all sorts of desert recipes which sounded absolutely delicious. Twilight remarked about how yummy they were when she was a filly. Twilight Velvet watched what Twilight was putting on Nyx's apple pie and ice cream and was surprised.

"What is that peculiar looking fruit you are placing on Nyx's desert? I've never seen anything like it."

"Princess Luna calls it a Night Berry. She told me they would be good for Nyx."

Twilight Velvet was intrigued. "Really?"

"I've taken to reading a lot lately and recently I read a book on fruits and berries and it had no mention of a berry called, "Night Berry."" Said Night Light.

"It's a rare berry that grows only in one place that only Princess Luna and I know of. I can't tell you where, sorry Dad."

Night Light smiled. "It's alright Twilight, if its location is to remain a secret then who am I to argue."

Twilight Velvet nuzzled Night who nuzzled back in return. Twilight watched on, smiling widely. The lavender Unicorn then looked at Nyx's desert then looked up at the stairs leading up to the bedroom area and called out.

"Nyx sweetie, desert's ready!"

Nyx's ears twitched at the sound of Twilights voice. She looked at the door and stood up. "I'll be right there Mommy!"

Nyx looked at Snowdrop. "I'll be right back Snowdrop, don't go anywhere."

"O-okay."

Nyx walked over to the door and opened. She stepped outside and made her way downstairs into the kitchen where Twilight had set the desert on the table. She smiled at Nyx who had walked over to the chair and jumped up into it, using her small wings to help herself up. Nyx looked at the apple pie and ice cream and smiled up at Twilight, and at Spike.

"Thank you Mama, thank you Spike."

"Twilight made it, I helped out." Said Spike.

"It's not a celebratory desert, it's a normal desert, that we helped make for everyone Spike."

Twilight Velvet, Night Light and Twilight all had apple pie and ice cream.

"I knew that Twilight! I wasn't saying it was..."

Twilight nuzzled Spike. "Oh I know you silly dragon."

Spike smiled up at Twilight, the dragon then looked at Nyx who ate her desert rather quickly for somepony who knew how to take her time and enjoy the meal, savoring it while she could. Nyx was done eating in less then two minutes which even Twilight Sparkle thought was odd. Night Light and Twilight Velvet noticed Nyx seemed to be rushing and looked confused at the black coated filly's odd behavior. Twilight Sparkle put down her bowl and walked over to Nyx.

"Are you feeling alright Nyx?"

Nyx looked up at Twilight, her lips smeared with apple and ice cream which made her look messy. "I'm okay mommy."

"Are you sure? You seem to be rushing yourself tonight, like you've got something to do." Twilight passed a towel to Nyx.

The filly used the towel to wipe her lips then looked up at Twilight again. "I'm just feeling a little excited for tomorrow, that's all."

Twilight chuckled. "I'm excited too sweetie. If you wan't to go to bed go upstairs and brush your teeth,and I'll come up and say goodnight to you okay?"

Nyx nodded. She put her bowel into the sink and was ready to clean it until Twilight stopped her and told the black alicorn that she would do it. Nyx nodded and went upstairs and into the bathroom, and brushed her teeth. Twilight had already made her way into Nyx's room and was waiting for her adopted daughter while she brushed. After 3 minute of brushing, Nyx finally came out of the bathroom and into her bedroom. She nuzzled Twilight who nuzzled her in return. Nyx set her glasses on her bedside table, along with her head band and jumped up into her bed and got cozy while Twilight Sparkle tucked her in.

"Now, have you been a good little pony this year?"

Nyx nodded. "I hope so." The filly smiled.

Twilight chuckled. "So do I. Now get some sleep sweetheart."

Nyx yawned. "Okay mommy... goodnight." Nyx slowly drifted off to sleep.

Twilight smiled and kissed the filly on her forehead, just beneath her horn, then quietly left the bedroom, shutting the door silently. Once Twilight had shut the door, Nyx waited until the unicorn was downstairs, she listened to Twilights hoof steps until they were far enough from the room. Once they were, Nyx opened her eyes, her pupils became larger, and her eyes glowed a bright turquoise which gave her night vision. Nyx sat up in bed and looked around for Snowdrop. It wasn't hard to miss the filly for Nyx, thanks to Snowdrops otherworldly glow and her connection to the black alicorn.

"Okay Snowdrop, we're alone." Nyx whispered.

Nyx blinked once whilst looking at Snowdrop, only for the spirit to vanish upon reopening her eyes. Nyx was confused and looked around the room for her but could not see her until she faced the center of her bed. Sitting in front of Nyx was Snowdrop, the white filly startled Nyx by her sudden appearance. Snowdrop could hear Nyx suddenly jerk back and move a little which pulled the bed sheets slightly. Snowdrop turned her head to face Nyx and blinked.

"D-did I startle you?"

"A little..."

"I'm sorry...." Snowdrop frowned.

"Don't be, it's alright. You just appeared suddenly that's all."

"My bad Nyx, It won't happen again. Anyway... I overheard that Hearths Warming is tomorrow, isn't it?"

Nyx nodded. "It is. It'll be my third hearths warming hearths warming."

"Third?"

"I was born three springs ago, at least 4 days after the winter wrap up. It's been two years since then and I'm seven years old. Though technically I'm two years old..."

Snowdrop didn't acknowledge Nyx's words, she seemed to be thinking of something else. Nyx tilted her head to her left in wonder. She frowned and got closer to the ghost, the otherworldly energies beaming off of the ghostly filly and being felt by Nyx through her horn. Snowdrop blinked and looked around. Her pale, glass like eyes met with Nyx's and spent a good long while just facing Nyx as if staring at her. And in her eyes Nyx felt she could see the entirety of Snowdrops life although she couldn't. Snowdrop blinked again and frowned.

"N-Nyx...? are you still there?"

Nyx shook her head snapping out of the trance. "Y-yeah Snowdrop, I'm here."

"It was quiet so suddenly..."

"You suddenly went silent.." said Nyx.

"I-I did? I'm sorry..."

"It's okay, what were you thinking about?"

"Peace..."

Nyx continued to look at Snowdrop. It began to snow outside, slowly the flakes fell, becoming apart of the snow that already cakes the ground, and making it rise a little. Twilight Sparkle looked out the window at the snow, then at the time and smiled.

"I think it's time for bed."

"You're going to bed now?" Asked Night Light.

"We turn in fairly early here in Ponyville. Well... Applejack goes to bed earlier then I do but in this library, we don't stay up until two o'clock in the morning."

Twilight Velvet smiled happily. " She does take after me..." She nudged her husband Night Light. "Okay Nighty... time to brush our teeth and go to bed."

Night Light smiled and walked with Twilight Velvet upstairs to do just that. Twilight urged Spike to do the same while she started sorting out the library and turning out all the lights. Spike put Peewee to bed, Owlowiscious was wide awake. And Nyx was just about ready to sleep. But before she closed her eyes, she looked over at Snowdrop and watched as the filly began to fade so she could rest.

"We will talk again soon... I need to rest... Happy Hearths Warming Nyx."

Nyx smiled. "Happy Hearths Warming Snowdrop." Nyx let out a big yawn and nestled down in her bed and went to sleep. Snowdrop vanished soon after. And soon the whole Library went to sleep allowing a new day to dawn.

~~~

The morning came, as did Shining Armors train. Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, and little Princess Skyla, all come off the train accompanied by royal guards. The boxes of gifts, as well as a saddle bag of diapers and bottles of milk for Skyla. Cadance donned this saddle bag and put Skyla in it to carry her on her back. They were dressed in warm clothing which befit a royal couple. Cadance turned to the guards and asked them to stay at the train so they did not attract attention. All throughout Equestria, snow fell and the happiness and joy of all family's, filly's and colts, Dragons, Alicorns and Zebras alike, rose higher then the pegasus could fly. For the day was Hearths Warming day. All over Equestria, the many filly's and colts were running out of their beds and into their living rooms, to their Hearths Warming trees and fire places, looking in their stockings and unwrapping their presents, whether it be in the company of their parents or not. In Canterlot, church bells rang all over the city. Canterlot Castle was filled with Christmas music, both from the piano and from the 2nd largest tower in the castle. Ponyville was bustling with Hearths Warming spirit, even more so then the other major settlements. Twilight Sparkle woke earlier that morning to set everything up and get Nyx up to begin celebrating their Hearths Warming as a family. She sat in the kitchen, sipping her warm green tea, looking up at the clock in anticipation for her brothers arrival. Twilight Velvet, Night Light, Spike, Peewee, Owlowiscious, and Nyx were all still asleep. A knock came from downstairs on the ground floor. Twilight smiled and put down her cup and quietly made her way down the steps and into the main library. She approached the door, twisted the handle with her magic and opened the door to be greeted by the smiling faces of Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, and Skyla.

"Twilie!!" Skyla shouted happily.

"Twily!" Shining Armor hugged his sister. "Happy Hearths Warming little sister."

"Happy Hearths Warming Shining Armor." Twilight replied.

Cadance set Skyla down and hugged Twilight and together they both sang that little tune. "Sunshine sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!!" Twilight and Cadance laughed.

"It's so good to see you Twilight."

"Likewise Cadance. Happy Hearths Warming."

Cadance smiled even wider. "Happy Hearths Warming. Is Nyx awake?"

"Not yet. It's still extremely earlier for her. But I'll wake her up." Smiled Twilight.

Shining Armor set the bags down nearby while Skyla bumped into Twilights leg. Twilight looked down at her niece and smiled happily. She got down to Skyla's height. The filly had her eyes closed and when she opened them and saw Twilight suddenly at her level she fell backwards and sat on her flank much like Lyra. The filly looked at Twilight and happily smiled.

"Happy Haths Waming Twilie." Skyla giggled.

"Happy Hearths Warming Skyla." Twilight nuzzled the little filly gently. Skyla nuzzled back.

The alicorn filly then started looking around for Nyx, confused as to why she wasn't around.

"Are you looking for somepony?"

Skyla nodded.

"Would this somepony be... Nyx?" Twilight smirked.

Skyla smiled and nodded. "Mhm...."

"She's in her room upstairs. You should go and wake her up. It's okay, and when you come down I'll give you a choccy."

Skyla gasped and started running toward the stairs. "Choccy choccy!" She said as she started to climb the steps.

Cadance looked worried at the thought of Skyla eating candy. Twilight walked over to them, tilting her head at Cadance. "Something wrong Cadance?"

"I-I don't know if giving her chocolate would be good, I would like it if she didn't develop a cavity..."

"It'll be alright. You can always ask Colgate to have a look at her. Or brush her teeth after."

"Still... I-I think she shouldn't-"

"Honey..."

Cadance looked over at Shining Armor who was giving her a look. Cadance furrowed her eyebrows. "What?"

Shining Armor lifted an eyebrow.

"Don't give me that look..." She put on a much more sterner look

Shining Armor continued to hold his ground until Cadance let out an annoyed groan. "Ugh! Alright... She can have some chocolate..." She sighed.

Shining Armor smiled victoriously while Twilight chuckled. Cadance rolled her eyes then giggled at Shining Armors victorious expression. Nyx was snuggling into her pillow, her blanket, warm and cozy covered her as she lay curled with a sad expression on her face. She was dreaming of snow stars, watching them fall from from the sky slowly. Nyx was standing in a white space, everything was white, but the sky, a small path and a playground. Nyx had a lot of mixed feelings, so many feelings.

"Mother..." A young colt spoke nearby.

Nyx looked in this colts direction. He was standing on the path with his mother beside him. They wore winter clothing, scarfs, vests, and snow shoes. The colt looked disappointed. The colts mother walked over to the young unicorn and lowered her head to his height.

"What's wrong?"

"I made a wish on the stars but nothings happening..."

Nyx listened in on the conversation. The mother unicorn lifted her head and looked up at the snow with a frown. She took a deep breath and let it out with a sigh before looking down at her child once more.

"A long time ago, anypony could wish on these stars, and they would come true. But back then I was a little filly. One winter, the stars fell, everypony started wishing... but then the magic stopped..."

"Magic...?" The colt asked.

"Magic?" Nyx whispered.

The older unicorn nodded. "After that winter day when all of our wishes went unheard, the magic simply ceased to be. Now... nopony's wish may come true."

The young colt put on a determined face. "But the magic will come back, you'll see! It will... it has too...." The colt felt heartbroken, lied to.

Nyx felt almost the same way, but she was confused more then anything. The mother unicorn nuzzled her child and together they started to walk away, vanishing in the mist as Nyx watched on. The alicorn looked down at her hooves.

"Everypony... stopped believing huh?" The filly closed her eyes to blink, but upon reopening them her vision was blurred, she was squinting and laid curled up in bed.

She let out a yawn and blinked a few times, she shook her head and widened her eyes allowing her eyes to shrink down to their cat slitted pupils. She shook her head again. Her ears twitched at the sound of her bedroom door opening. The black filly grinned and quickly went back into her curled up position with the blanket over her, pretending to be asleep. She assumed it was Twilight coming to wake her up. In her mind Nyx thought she was going to surprise Twilight, followed by a big hug. But when nothing happened, Nyx got curious; she wondered if Twilight was on to her but wasn't willing to give up her ruse. Suddenly, she felt something crawl onto her bed, it gave Nyx a fright. At first she thought it might be Snowdrop, but that thought was quickly erased as she could not sense the spirit energy which bounced off of the ghostly filly like light off the moon. Nyx opened her eyes and sat up slowly and looked around her room. She looked at her door first, then slowly turned her head toward the center of her bed to be greeted by the smiling and super duper happy Princess Skyla. Nyx lit up with happiness at the sigh of her cousin. Skyla in her joy, jumped at Nyx, tackling her back on the bed. Both filly's laughed and hugged one another while Twilight looked on from the door way. Skyla instantly noticed Twilight and paused to look at her. the toddler like filly tilted her head and giggled.

"Aunt Twilie!"

Nyx looked at the doorway instantly and smiled sheepishly. "I... I wasn't hugging her just now... Heheh..." Nyx's grin got wider.

"You were so hugging her young lady." Twilight poked her tongue out at her adopted daughter.

Nyx responded by poking her tongue out at Twilight. Skyla was watching the both of them do this and started poking her tongue out at Nyx without a single clue of what she was doing. Nyx pulled her tongue back into her mouth and looked at Skyla who put her tongue back in her mouth and giggled.

"Time to get up Nyx. Hearth Warming only happens once a year." Twilight said with a smile.

"Did Santa Hooves come?!"

"Santa! Santa!" Chanted Skyla.

"Well, you are just going to have to come down stairs and see aren't you?"

Skyla hopped off the bed and waddled toward Twilight. Nyx thrashed around in her tangled up bed sheets until she got out, falling out of the bed with a thud. The alicorn filly quickly rolled onto her hooves. She shook a little as she stood and took a few steps forward before turning and looking at the bed with its sheets strewn about on the floor, and the blankets twisted about.

"Come on Skyla, lets get you some chocolate." Twilight lifted Skyla onto her back, the alicorn toddler repeating what Twilight said in a more baby'd way.

"Chocwit?" Skyla copied.

Twilight giggled, turned around and vanished down the stairs with the young filly. Nyx watched them go but quickly returned her attention to her bed. She closed her eyes, her horn started to glow, and following this her bed sheets and blankets started moving by themselves with Nyx in control. Once the filly had neatly made her bed, she walked over to her bedside table to get her glasses out, but decided not to wear them this time and thus left them in the drawer with her head band.

"Nyx honey! Come on down, don't you want to open your presents?!" Twilight called from downstairs.

"I'm coming Twilight!!" Nyx called back.

The filly quickly turned away from her bedside table, opening her curtains and putting on a woolly hooded jumper as she passed, and bolted down stairs, excited to see her aunt and uncle again and to open the Hearths Warming gifts. Spike was just coming down from Twilights room when he saw Nyx charging out of her room and running into the wall as she skidded at the turn. Spike flinched at seeing her hit the wall but Nyx wasn't harmed. She shook it off and continued down stairs. Spike sighed and mumbled.

"Careful Nyx, we don't want you getting hurt again." Spike had a slight smile, happy to see Nyx was acting with more excitement then she had been the past few weeks.

Twilight Velvet and Night Light emerged from their rooms right as Nyx disappeared around the corner and into the living area of the library. Night light was carrying a big wrapped present, two small ones and medium sized box which made a stone like grinding sound when moved. The two unicorn looked at Spike who looked at them, all three of them smiling. Nyx's hoof steps could be heard from the ground floor. Cadence was sitting down on the couch and watching Skyla eat some chocolate when she looked up at the top of the stair case, Shining Armor and Twilight doing the same just as Nyx emerged from the kitchen, hurrying down to the 3rd step and jumping off, flapping her wings frantically for a moment before keeping them out stretched, allowing her to glide down from the 3rd step to the floor. Nyx vibrated a little upon landing, shaking and bouncing unintentionally until Shining Armor held her still with his magic.

"Thank you uncle."

"You're welcome Nyx." Shining Armor smiled.

Both Nyx and Shining Armor stared at each other for a good long while. It gave Spike, Twilight Velvet, and Night Light enough time to finally come down stairs. After a long good 2 minutes of looking at each other Nyx jump on her uncle happily, giggling happily.

"Uncle Shining Armor!!"

"Whoa!" Shining Armor fell over and laughed along with Nyx. "How're you doing kiddo?"

"I'm doing better now that my horn is fixed." She smiled.

"I heard about that, at least it was an easy fix right? Most horns, once they break they can never be fixed."

"Easy fix my hoof." Twilight mumbled.

Shining Armor hugged Nyx. "Happy Hearths Warming kiddo."

"Happy Hearths Warming uncle." Nyx hopped off of her Uncle and approached Cadance.

Princess Cadance got off of the couch and got down to Nyx's height. "Happy Hearths Warming Nyx." the princess smiled.

Nyx hugged her. "Happy Hearths Warming Aunt Cadance."

"Happy Hearths Warming precious."

Nyx giggled. "Aunt Cadance, don't call me that."

The pink alicorn chuckled. "And why not?"

"It's embarrassing..." Nyx flushed and smiled acting all shy now.

Twilight walked over to them. "Okay Nyx, you know what time it is?"

Cadance walked over to Skyla asking the same question to which both fillies replied with "Presents!/Pwessies!!"

Nyx ran over to one side of the Hearths Warming tree, and Skyla rushed over to the opposite side in a rather uneasy, wobbly fashion, being helped along by Cadance. Night Light walked over to both filly's.

"Hold up, before anypony starts opening anything, I want to say Happy Hearths Warming, to all of you."

Night Light levitated the big wrapped present over to Twilight, the two small ones to Nyx and Skyla, and the medium sized box to Spike who smelled Gems. Twilight looked ultra excited. She looked up at her mother, father, brother and sister in-law and smiled.

"I also have a gift for you, for all of you."

Night Light, Twilight Velvet, Shining Armor, and Cadance all smiled at Twilight who brought out a box, one for each of her family members. Snowdrop appeared in a flash of light beside Nyx and stood beside her, she faced the black filly and smiled brightly.

"Happy Hearths Warming." The blind filly said.

Twilight looked at Skyla, Nyx and Spike then grinned. "Okay everypony... start opening presents!!"

Skyla and Nyx jump into their presents and started to unwraps them or tear off the wrapping paper. Shining Armor, Twilight, Cadance, Twilight Velvet and Night Light were much more neater then the children were. Twilight squealed in absolute joy as her presents from her parents and brother, were a signed copy of Star Swirl the Bearded's autobiography, and the 89th volume of the Autobiography of Princess Celestia. Twilight hugged her parents and brother and thanked them. From Twilight Velvet and Night Light, Nyx got the rare Crystal Knight Princess Luna figure, and the just as equally rare and impressively detailed Red Dragon figurine with light up eyes and mouth, standing in its battle position. Nyx's eyes sparkled as she looked at them and the Dark Castle play-set she was given to by Twilight. From Cadance and Shining Armor, Nyx got a new book on Equestrian wildlife, flora and fauna, and Myths and Legends. Nyx looked at the adults and smiled.

Twilight walked over to Nyx and sat down beside her, prompting Snowdrop to move somewhere else. "What did you get Nyx?" Asked Twilight.

Nyx looked at Twilight, smiling happily and showing her what she got. Twilight listened to the black filly as much as Snowdrop did while she talked about the gifts that were given to her.

"There's still one more box." Twilight looked over to the last box on Nyx's pile."

Nyx approached the box and read the card that was on it and was surprised to see the present was from Spell Nexus who had sent the gift to Nyx from his isolation in Canterlot. Twilight had a look at the card after Nyx and was just as equally surprised. Nyx opened the box and saw that the gift was small tiara made of silver, the center was adorned with a shield in the same shape and colour as Nyx's cutie mark. Nyx thanked Spell Nexus in her mind and looked up at the window and put the tiara on. On the other side of the hearths warming tree, Cadance laid beside Skyla as she messily unwrapped her present and let out happy gasps.

"Mama looky looky!"

"Whatcha got there baby?"

Skyla showed her mother. Cadance looked at it and smiled. "It's a princess Summer doll."

"Smummer!" Skyla giggled.

Cadance chuckled with the young filly with Shining Armor, Night Light, and Twilight Velvet watching.

"Oh she's just so precious. Skyla must make you feel so proud my son." Said Twilight Velvet.

Shining Armor smiled at Twilight Velvet happily. Skyla opened more presents and was surprised and made even happier with each one. Nyx walked over to Skyla to see what she had and thought they were really really cool. Skyla jumped up and down in total happiness. She looked over to Shining Armor and ran over to him on her tiny little legs.

"Dada!"

"What is it angel?" Shining Armor got down to Skyla's height and looked at her.

Skyla held up a teddy bear, showing Shining Armor. "Teddy."

"It's a cutie isn't it?" Shining Armor smiled.

"Mmhm" Skyla nodded.

"No way!!" Spike shouted excitedly. he held a box in his hands with an odd looking device on the front of it. "A Horizon-7DS! And Ponymon A version!" Spike turned to Twilight. "Thank you so much Twilight." Spike sniffled.

"Anything for my number one assistant. And don't think you are going to get any more then what you are given Spike, we don't want another incident like last time with your greed."

Spiked blushed. "I-I have no idea what you're talking about." he smiled sheepishly.

Spike then looked at two other presents on his pile and opened them. One came from Rarit, it was a locket with a picture of Rarity and himself hugging one another. And the other was a gift from Twilight Velvet and Night Light. It was a box of gems which Spike eyed with dragon greed but the greed turned into generosity as he then looked at the locket given to him by Rarity.

Twilight Velvet opened her bag and brought out packets of candy. "A visit from me and Night Light isn't a visit without candy!"

"Canda!!" Cried Skyla.

Twilight Velvet handed out some soft candy for Skyla, a fresh custard tart for Nyx and some rock candy for Spike.

"Thank you Ms Velvet." Said Spike.

"Thank you Grandma." Spoke Nyx.

"Thank wu!" Said Skyla in her cute little way.

"You are all very welcome, happy hearths warming."

"Happy Hearths Warming!!" Said the whole family.

"Hey, how about we take a picture for the album back home?" Asked Night Light.

The whole family nodded. Spike helped set up a tripod for the camera to rest on while the photo was being taken. Once it had been set up, Spike, Twilight Sparkle, Twilight Velvet, Nyx, Shining Armor, Cadance and Skyla all got into positions. Skyla was sitting on her mothers back with Shining Armor beside her. Nyx and Spike stood near Twilight, Peewee and Owlowiscious stood together side by side on a perch behind the group but in view of the camera and Twilight Velvet stood beside Twilight Sparkle and awaited her husband to join them. Snowdrop stood beside Nyx, and smiled. Night Light set the timer on the camera to ten seconds and quicly got into position just as the camera clicked.

At castle Canterlot the maids and servants were bustling about the castle. Preparing hearths warming dinners fit for a princess, or two. Luna was walking with Celestia up a set of stairs that went up to the tallest tower in the castle.

"When was the last time you saw her?"

Celestia thought a moment. "Well... I think the last time I saw her was... fifteen months ago..."

"It's been too long already sister. I'm thankful you have decided to spend time with her today and allow her outside."

"But I'm worried she'll lose control and hurt somepony."

"She has more control then you take for granted Celestia, she's practically grown up with that 'other' inside her since the day you seald it."

"But that is precisly why she must stay in the tower... Her appearance isn't normal.."

Luna stopped with Celestia just outside the door of the top floor. Piano music was coming from inside. Princess Luna looked at Celestia and sighed.

"Neither is Nyx, but you haven't locked her in a tower."

"She's Twilights daughter and your dark counterpart. And she is the soul carrier of another alicorn despite being the alicorn herself. Her appearance is normal for a reincarnation but Serena... she looks too much like 'her'."

"She's still an alicorn despite her pheonix like appearance. Go on Celestia, you know what to do."

Celestia took a deep breath. She approached the door, shaking uncontrollably, her voice was also shaky. "G-guardsman..."

The guard stood straight. "Yes your highness?"

"Unlock the door please."

The guard turned to the door and pulled out a set of keys with his unicorn magic. He unlocked the door and opened it. The Piano music got even louder. Once the door had opened just enough, Celestia could just see into the large darkened room and could make out a regal bed, curtain closed windows, unlit candle sticks, toy boxes, a book shelf that seemed to have burns on it, and in the cente rof the room, she could barely make out a large piano and a filly, sitting at the instrument and slowly playing the hearths warming tunes. The filly was humming. She stretched her long feathered wings before folding them back up. They were unnaturally large for a filly's wings. Celestia entered the room slowly and stood in the door way, blocking out any other light from entering the room.

"Is that you... Aunt Luna?" The filly asked in a trembling voice.

"No dear.. it's me... It's mommy." celestia said softly.

The filly suddenly stopped playing the piano and lifted her head up. She opened her eyes which glowed like fire. The filly had eyes the color of fire, her pupils were normal despite the color of her optics. The filly blinked a few times and looked over at Celestia. The sun princess could only see the filly's eyes in the darkness.

"M-Mommy?"

Celestia nodded. "Yes sweetie. It's me. How are you my Serena Starfire."

Serena looked down. "W-why are you here..?"

Celestia frowned. "W-well... It-it's hearths warming sweetie and... I wanted to spend time with you." She smiled.

"Why...?" Serena spoke softly, her curious look turned into a burning glare. "... You've left me alone for all the others, what makes this one any different?" Serena's coat started to glow the color of flames, illuminating the room some more.

"I know I haven't been there. I know I'm an aweful mother. I haven't given you gifts... I haven't celebrated birthdays with you. I haven't... been here for you... supported you or even hugged you... not since you were born. But I'm here, right now, today. And I want to spend today of all days with you Serena. I promise to make myself better for you sweetie. But I need to start somewhere. Please...?"

Serena's glare was lowered. She looked down for a moment before running up to and jumping at Celestia and embracing her. Celestia almost fell over as she wrapped her wings around the 7 year old filly. Luna used her telekenisis to open the curtains and let the sunlight shine in. The room was a pristine white, as if it was washed regularily. Of course, the tiles on the floor had some burn marks on it. Serena sobbed whilst hugging the sun princess and Celestia comforted her daughter as best she could.

"Shh... there there sweet heart. Mommy's here now."

Luna smiled warmly. Watching as Celestia acted like a mother toward Serena for once.

"Dearest sister, it looks like you have a soft spot for Serena after all."

Not long after; Celestia entered the throne room in a regal dress with Luna, whose dress was also regal, and Serena. Everypony in the room was shocked by the appearance of Serena. In addition to Serena's eyes, her coat was a mixture of fire red, yellow and orange. Her coat looked as though it was made of feathers, though that is just how it looked. Her mane and tail were the color of a blue flame and seemed to flow like fire, it even crackled like a flame.

"Mom... W-why is everypony staring at me like that..?"

Celestia nuzzled her. "Just ignore them sweetie. Walk with me outside. I can mingle later."

Serena smiled. "Okay Mama."

Celestia, Luna walked through the throne room toward the garden. Serena stayed close to Celestia. She looked around at all the nobal pony's giving her foul and detestable looks. Not one of them showed any like toward the firey filly, only hatred. Serena didn't understand and wondered worridly if everypony was like this. But these thoughts were quickly pushed aside as a white light blinded Serena for but a moment. Serena shut her eyes and cringed.

"Ow... bright... so bright."

Luna chuckled. "Open your eyes little one, they will adjust."

Celestia smiled widely and walked out into the snow covered gardens with Luna following behind her. They both turned and watched as Serena slowly opened her eyes. While everything was still bright, her vision quickly adjusted. She blinked a few times and looked around. She was surprised by the white sparkly stuff that was on the ground. Serena stepped forward and felt the snow beneath her hooves, it was cold and made her jump.

"Oooh that's a little cold..."

"You don't often experience cold do you?"

Serena shook her head and begun to jump around in the snow. She danced around in it happily and started giggling. While doing a twirl she slipped and fell backwards into a pile which made Celestia laugh and Luna giggle. Serena looked at Celestia and smirked. She lifted up some snow and rolled it into a ball with her magic then threw it at Celestia, hitting the princess in the face. Serena laughed loudly and snorted a little, Luna giggled along with Serena until a large pile of snow was dropped onto the pheonix coloured filly, burying her slightly. The firey filly melted the snow with her magic and looked toward the princesses.

"Don't look at us we didn't do it." Said Luna backing off to watch from a distance.

"L-Luna... back me up please!"

"Sorry sister, this your battle." Said Luna with a giggle.

Celestia looked at Serena who had prepared a volly of snowballs and backed away slowly, only to have the lot of snowballs flung at her and hit her. Celestia laughed and tried to block the snow balls with her wings before returning fire upon Serena. As Luna watched the two of them in happiness, she remembered back to a thousand years ago. She was younger, and she was standing outside and watching the snow stars fall. The stars fell ever so slowly. Snowdrop walked up to the princess and stood beside her.

"Happy Hearths Warming Snowdrop."

"Thank you..."

"Has your day been good so far?"

"No... It never is.."

"Why not? Why do you say that little one?"

"All of the kids in my school must be out having fun and enjoying their gifts.... While I stay inside... and just... touch them... Just another thing to make me worthless..."

Luna lowered her head down to Snowdrops height. "Now now you don't really mean that do you?"

Snowdrop nodded and teared up. "I do..." She sniffled. "You can see things I can't Luna... things sound cannot show me.... like words on a page... or a painting... The stars in your night sky nor the stars of winter can fix this... None of it can... I wish I could see... the way everypony else can..." Snowdrop covered her face with her hooves as Luna watched with sympathy.

A snowflake floated down just above Snowdrop as she made her wish. The snowflake landed on her forehead and vanished, just as Luna nuzzled the young blind pegasus.

"But you're wrong... you are wrong about being worthless my friend... You are an amazing, an incredible filly. You are the only one to know my night, to care for it... unlike the others. Please..." She used her wings to wipe Snowdrops tears. "Do not cry... do not weep. For today is a day to be happy on."

Snowdrop turned her head in the direction of Luna's voice, pouting with her lower lip quivering. Luna hugged Snowdrop who squeaked in surprise.

"I have a gift for you Snowdrop."

"Y-You do?"

Luna let go and nodded. "Yes." Luna placed the tip of her wing just beneath Snowdrops wing. "Follow me, I will not lead you astray." Luna started to walk with the blind pegasus filly following.

Snowdrop and Luna walked together back inside and over to the hearths warming tree. Luna let go of Snowdrops wing and folded her wing up again and got down to the filly's height. Primrose watched from the kitchen, curious as to what the princess was going to give to the glacial blue filly. Luna carefully pulled out a cylyndal shaped wrapped present and placed it in front of Snowdrop.

"Now, feel what's in front of you."

Snowdrop sat down and put one hoof forward and touched the cylynder shaped present and tilted her head. "W-what is it?"

"Open it."

"T-this is a joke... isn't it?"

"Not at all my friend. Just feel the paper and tear it off, then I'll do the rest okay?"

"Okay..." Snowdrop did exactly as she was told, she blindely ripped the paper off of the gift.

Primrose came over and looked at what it was, and was insulted. "Glasses? You got her glasses?"

"Not just any glasses Primrose." Luna opened the case and levitated the glasses out and unfolded the arms. "They are special glasses. Hold still now Snowdrop."

Snowdrop squeaked as Luna slid the glasses onto her face. Suddenly, colour came to snowdrops eyes, a beautiful bright blue with black pupils. Snowdrop blinked a few times and looked around.

"I... I can see..." Snowdrop started laughing. She stood up and looked around. "I can see!"

Primrose looked at snowdrop and was surprised. She stood up as Snowdrop started twirling.

"M-Mommy I can see! I can see Mommy!!" Snowdrop laughed and hugged Luna. "Thank you Luna, thank you! Thank you!"

Luna smiled and returned the hug to Snowdrop who went off around the house to look at things. Primrose looked at Luna with absolute surprise and tears in her eyes.

"H-How did you...?"

"The glasses. As long as she wears them she can see just like anypony else can. Without them she's blind."

Primrose started crying. "Bless you Princess... Bless you..."

Snowdrop ran back into the room just as Luna was standing up and hugged the Night princesses leg. "Luna! happy happy Hearths Warming!"

Luna smiled. "Happy Hearths Warming to you too Snowdrop."

Back in the present day, Princess Luna shed a tear and smiled happily as she watched Serena and Celestia play together.

Happy Hearths Warming everypony.

=====================================================================

Author's Note

Prodigy Skyfire is an OC created by the talented TheAmariaShadow. Credit for the character as well as a thanks for allowing me to use this character goes out to him.

09: Snowdrop and Nyx.

Tears in the Snow

By Chaos Phantasm

=====================================================================

Chapter 9

Snowdrop and Nyx

=====================

The day after Hearths Warming, Twilight, Nyx, Spike, Shining Armor, Princess Cadence, Night Light and Twilight Velvet, all made their way to the train station. Cadence was carrying a sleeping Skyla on her back and was supporting her between her wings. There was a train in the station, one that went to Canterlot. Twilight Velvet looked at the train, then to Twilight Sparkle and sighed.

"This was a good Hearths Warming, the first normal one in two years."

"I know, no paparazzi this time." Twilight Sparkle smiled.

"Don't jinx it!" Nyx called out.

Twilight giggled and smiled. She looked at Nyx then back at Twilight Velvet and sighed. "You get home safe alright mom?"

Twilight Velvet nodded. "I will sweetie. Mommy's are tough ya know!"

"Mommy is also adorable when she acts tough." Said Night Light carrying the luggage with Spikes help.

Twilight snickered while Twilight Velvet became flustered.

"Night Light... don't... you'll embarrass me..."

"She's also sweet, and beautiful and-"

"Say another word honey and no dinner for you." Twilight Velvet said with a smirk.

Night Light stopped and stared at Twilight Velvet with a sad but funny look. Twilight Sparkle laughed loudly at this. Everypony looked at the unicorn confused, Twilight noticed the looks she was getting and cleared her throat. She hugged Twilight Velvet and Night Light and smiled.

"I love you both."

"We love you too Twilight." Replied Night Light.

Twilight Velvet looked over at everpony else and smiled. "We're going now everypony." Twilight Velvet said with a smile.

Nyx ran over to Twilight Velvet with Skyla who wobbled over to her.

"Grandma!!" They both said in unison.

Twilight Velvet got down to their height, hugged the both of them and smiled widely. "Now you two be good to your parents, and we'll visit some time."

"Okay Grandma." Said Nyx.

"Oke." Said Skyla in a babyish way.

Twilight Velvet smiled again and kissed them both on the forehead. She got back up and walked over to Shining Armor and hugged him.

"It was good to see you baby boy."

Shining Armor's cheeks went red. "I'm not a colt anymore Mom..."

"Somepony's embarrassed." Cadence nuzzled her husband.

"Look after him Cadence. I'm counting on you."

"I will Velvet. It is a mare's duty after all."

"Ha.ha. ha." Shining Armor sarcastically laughed.

After all the goodbyes, Twilight Velvet and Night Light boarded the train and took their seats. Shining Armor, Cadence, Twilight, Spike, Nyx and Skyla after some encouragement, waved to Twilight Velvet and Night Light who waved back as the train blew its whistle and pulled out of the station and sped off towards Canterlot. Now the pony's waited, during the time Nyx, Spike, Cadence and Skyla played together. After half an hour the crystal train finally arrived to take Shining Armor, Princess Cadence and Skyla home. They all said their goodbyes and hopped aboard, a Crystal guard grabbing the family's luggage with another and packing it on bored. The train cars doors closed and Cadence, Shining Armor and Skyla, came to the window to wave goodbye to Twilight, Nyx and Spike. They waved back at the royal ponies as the train started moving and returning to the Crystal Empire. While Twilight and Spike turned away to leave, Nyx stayed and watched the train as it left. Skyla was facing the window and waved to Nyx tiredly. The alicorn waved back to Skyla who went to sleep soon after. The train was now out of sight. Nyx's ears flattened on the top of her head and she sighed, looking down. Twilight turned around to see Nyx standing there and called out.

"Nyx! Come on Sweetie it's time for breakfast."

Nyx turned her head in the direction of Twilight. "Coming Mommy!" She turned around and started following Twilight back home.

A twinkling of stars alerted Nyx to Snowdrop as the filly materialized beside Nyx and followed the vibrations caused by the dark filly's hooves to keep up and not lose her way. The filly's were quiet for a while until Nyx let out a bored sigh.

"Y-Your other relatives returned home?"

Nyx nodded. "Yeah..." She sighed again. "I've always liked uncle Shining Armors visits and seeing Skyla and grandma. It's always sad when they leave but I have fun and that's what counts right?"

Snowdrop was silent. Nyx looked at Snowdrop and watched the ghost filly as they walked, only ceasing to look at her when they arrived at the Library. Snowdrop vanished again and became snow. Nyx looked at the pile for a moment then went inside, passing Twilight who held the door and stood in the foyer beside the coat rack. Nyx took off her snow cloths and shoes, she levitated her coat onto a hook and left her shoes by the door neatly. Her earmuffs were placed with her coat as well as her beanie. The dark filly shook and hurried over to the fire to get warm.

"Brrr" She shivered.

Twilight closed the library door and started removing her snow cloths and putting them in the same places as Nyx. She walked over to the fire and got warm with the filly. The unicorn shook her body of the cold and stretched. Spike was also sitting by the fire as was Owlowiscious and Peewee. Twilight looked at them and got up again.

"Come on Spike, lets get breakfast ready."

"Alright Twilight."

Twilight looked at Nyx. "Want some Luna pops Nyx?"

Nyx nodded with a smile. Twilight smiled back at Nyx and walked up stairs to prepare the filly's cereal. Nyx looked up at the clock, the time was 7:56 AM. The filly looked around the room and got up. She walked toward the stair case and went down stairs into the library, and looked at the assortment of neatly and alphabetically sorted books. When she was finished with the fiction and non-fiction books she moved on to the magic books. She hesitated to go in at first, remembering Twilight told her not to go in there, but her thoughts then turned to Snowdrop.

"Maybe I can find a spell that can help her." Nyx smiled and stepped into the spell book room. The filly looked around the room and soon realized that this was Twilight's office and that the books here were deemed unsafe for public renting.

"I don't think I should be in here..." Nyx thought to herself.

She was about to turn away when she saw a book on the table by the wall. It was Twilight's desk, it was neat and tidy save for the lone book resting on top of it. Nyx thought about it, she looked at the door then back at the book and approached it. She jumped up onto the chair and opened the book to the contents page and looked at all of the different spells. One spell caught her eye, it was called 'Egni siâr, which was Unicorn for Share Energy. Nyx looked at this spell and realized that she could let her friends see Snowdrop by casting this spell. But Nyx thought about it and wasn't sure whether or not that was wise. She sighed, put the book down and closed it.

"This is harder then I thought... Should I show Snowdrop to my friends of whom I told... or should I be the only one to see her... It's so hard!"

Nyx stomped her hooves which made a scroll roll off the top of a nearby shell. It hit the ground and un-rolled across the floor. Nyx heard it hit the floor and turned around and saw it. She tilted her head and jumped off the chair, landing on all four hooves. She walked over to the scroll and read the name of it.

"This is..!"

"Nyx honey, breakfast is ready!" Twilight called out from up stairs.

Nyx's eyes flashed a bright cyan for a moment before she rolled up the scroll, picked it up with her magic and ran over to her snow coat and put it in the right pocket, then she started heading for the stairs. "I'm coming mommy."

Nyx headed for the stairs and walked up them, entering the living room. She passed Owlowiscious and Peewee and walked up another set into the kitchen and jumped up onto the chair and sat down. She folded up her wings and picked up her spoon and started eating.

"Thank you Mommy." She smiled.

Twilight smiled. "You're welcome Nyx. Now eat up otherwise you can't see your friends."

Nyx ate up all of her Luna pops and drank the left over milk. She hopped out of her seat with the empty bowl and put it in the sink and washed it. Twilight looked at Nyx.

"Nyx, I could wash that for you if you'd like."

Nyx shook her head. "No I can do it Twilight." She smiled.

Twilight smiled back at her and left her to it. Nyx turned on the tap and set it to hot. She rinsed the bowl under the water and dried it after. Nyx put the bowl away and went up stairs to continue her morning routine. Snowdrop manifested in Nyx's room. She listened out for any sounds only to hear none. Everypony was down stairs. Snowdrop sat down and sighed.

"Where is everypony...."

Nyx in the bathroom could feel Snowdrop was around, she finished brushing her teeth, put her tooth brush back, washed her face then pointed her horn around to sense where the snow filly was. Nyx exited the room and went over to her bedroom. She opened the door and walked in to see Snowdrop sitting around patiently. The black filly walked over to Snowdrop and sat down in front of her. Snowdrop turned her head to face the front and was now unknowingly looking at Nyx blindly.

"Hello..?"

"Hello again Snowdrop." Nyx said with a happy smile.

Snowdrop smiled. "There you are Nyx. How was breakfast?"

"The same as usual, yummy!"

Snowdrop giggled. "What did you have?"

"Luna pops..."

Snowdrop laughed childishly. "Luna has a cereal now?"

"Yeah it's silly filly." Nyx said with a smile.

Both filly's laughed about it together for a while before Twilight came in.

"What are you laughing at Nyx?"

"Oh.. just a joke I remembered." She smiled sheepishly.

"One of Apple Blooms?"

"Aunt Pinkie Pies." Said Nyx.

Snowdrop listened and tilted her head.

"I like Pinkie Pies jokes. May I hear it?"Asked Twilight.

Nyx nodded. "Sure um... There was a.. Neutron and it... walked into sugar cube corner and asked how much for a uh... muffin! yeah and you know what Mrs. Cake said?"

Twilight stared at Nyx waiting the answer.

"She said "For you no charge!"" Nyx smiled widely, she looked left and right with her eyes then back at Twilight. "heheh..."

Twilight looked confused as did Snowdrop. The ghostly filly blinked and faced the floor to think about it. Twilight just shook her head.

"I don't get it." Said Twilight.

"Me neither..." Said Nyx.

Twilight chuckled. "Well, would you like me to brush your mane for you?"

Nyx opened her draw, took out her glasses and put them on, changing her eyes. She looked at Twilight and nodded. "Yes please."

Twilight smiled and picked up the brush off of the bedside table. Nyx sat in front of the mirror and Twilight got stuck into brushing Nyx's mane the way she's always loved it. The unicorn hummed a soft tune during the brushing until she finished.

"All done now."

Nyx looked at it in the mirror then put her head band on. "Thank you mommy." She smiled and hugged Twilight.

Twilight nuzzled Nyx gently and kissed her on her forehead. "You're welcome sweetie."

Nyx smiled. "I'm going to the club house."

"Okay Nyx, you have a good day."

"I will." Nyx walked out the door and went down stairs. Snowdrop vanished once Nyx left the room in a flash of light that seemed to alert Twilight. Having seen the white light, Twilight looked around and tried to detect magic only to sense nothing. She thought for a moment then left the room, closing the door. Down stairs, Nyx got on her coat, shoes and her ear muffs, leaving the beanie this time. She checked her pocket for the scroll and was relieved to know it was still in there.

She opened the door and went outside, closing said door behind her. She looked around outside and at the snow falling down, then went off in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres. On the way she made sure not to go down that steep hill like last time and instead took a flat ground route. She trudged through the snow and into the barn yard. Applejack was pulling a snow plow with Big Macintosh to clear the front of the house by the barn. She looked exhausted.

"Um.. Aunt Applejack?"

"Howdy N-Nyx!" She huffed tiredly. "What brings ya this way?"

"I was just heading to the club house."

"Oh really? Apple Bloom's already there with the girls, Wah don't you go on ahead Ah'm sure they're waitin on ya."

Applejack and Big Mac struggled to move the plow. Nyx frowned and looked at them then the plow.

"Would... you like some help?" She tilted her head.

"Oh no thank ya Nyx!" She pulled as hard as she could. "Wouldn't want ya to do yer back in."

"Well... okay then. See you later Aunt Applejack..." Nyx walked away.

The filly stopped for a moment to look back at Applejack and Big Macintosh to see Big Mac slip in the snow and Applejack ask if he was okay and help him up. Nyx sighed and shook her head and continued on her way to the clubhouse where Scootaloo, Sweetie belle and Apple Bloom were waiting.

"Where is she?" Asked Scootaloo.

"Nyx said she'd be here..." Said Sweetie Belle.

"Don't worry girls, Nyx'll be here." Replied Apple Bloom.

"I'm here!" Nyx said, walking up the ramp and entering the warm club house.

"There you are, what kept you?" Asked Scootaloo.

"I'm sorry, I had a busy morning and I would have been here sooner after breakfast if I hadn't been snooping around Mommy's office..."

"Why were you in there for?" Asked Apple Bloom.

Nyx looked to her right. "I was looking for something to help Snowdrop but instead I found this..." Nyx pulled the scroll out of her pocket.

"A scroll?" Sweetie Belle looked at it then at Nyx.

"What's a Scroll going to do for Snowdrop?"

"It's not just any scroll." She unrolled it.

Everypony gasped.

"Nyx... is that... one of Star Swirl the Bearded's scrolls?" Asked Sweetie Belle.

"It's his Ghost life spell. It can temporarily restore a spirit to its earthly form prior to passing away."

"We could use that to help Snowdrop find her way to peace couldn't we?" Asked Sweetie Belle.

"Now hold ya horses girls, shouldn't we ask Snowdrop first..? It's her after-life after all and it should be her decision." Said Apple Bloom.

Nyx nodded and smiled. "Luckily I know a spell that can help you see her as I do."

"You do?" Apple Bloom tilted her head.

"Being a spirit Snowdrop can manifest to any pony sharing Luna's magic. Luna and I are the only ones that have such magic and Snowdrop only spoke to Spike because his head was clear enough and his magic as a dragon was enough to allow her to speak. But with the spell I know I can temporarily share my own magic with you three, so you may see and hear her."

"Well what are you waiting for Nyx? Use it!" Scootaloo was excited.

"Ah wouldn't mind meetin her." Apple Bloom smiled.

"I'd like to meet her to." Sweetie Belle said happily.

Nyx looked at the three of them and nodded. The filly closed her eyes, her horn glowed a midnight blue. The area around Nyx's cutie mark darkened and the crescent moon shape in the shield got slightly bigger. Nyx focused all of her energy into her horn. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Blooms foreheads started to glow. After a moment of focusing, the energy traveled up the horn and into the tip where an orb of light grew and glowed. Finally Nyx was ready to unleash the spell. She opened her eyes and cast it.

"Egni siâr!!" The light from her horn split into three streams of energy and were launched from Nyx's horn and into the glowing spots on the cutie mark crusaders foreheads. The magic stung a little and each filly seemed to yelp and squeal loudly in reaction it.

Nyx leaned against the wall weakened by drain of energy required to cast the spell and share with her friends. "That's not a good feeling..." She held her head with her left hoof.

The filly's shook their heads, each one feeling a different sensation then the other.

"Mah body's tingling..." Apple Bloom shook.

Scootaloo felt dizzy and fell down. "My head is spinning...."

Sweetie Belle had a simple head ache and groaned. Nyx stood back up, quickly regaining some strength and energy, while the other three soon started feeling better, but they also felt powerful. Sweetie Belle felt more power then the others could, being more in tune with magic.

"This. Is. Amazing Nyx. I've never felt this much magic wow!" Exclaimed Sweetie Belle.

"It feels natural to me so I don't know what you mean..." Nyx said weakly.

"Ah can't feel anything except mah legs feel- lighter..." Said Apple Bloom.

"Me neither, but my wings feels stronger then ever."

Nyx smiled at them, but felt so weak. She tried walking only to wobble and stumble.

"Are you going to be okay Nyx?" Asked Sweetie Belle.

Nyx nodded. "It just feels so weird. I've never felt this drained before..."

"Maybe you should take some energy back..." Suggested Scootaloo.

"No... I'll be okay." Nyx smiled. "Now to do what this was all about. Get ready girls."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded and stood patiently in wait. Nyx smiled at them and turned around slowly so as not to fall over, she looked out the window and took a breath.

"Snowdrop!!!" Nyx called out and waited.

Snowdrop's ears twitched at the sound of Nyx's voice. They turned in the direction of the sound and she followed.

"Nyx..." Snowdrop was in the form of snow and traveled along the wind to find Nyx.

Snowdrop eventually came to Sweet Apple Acres. The ghostly filly stopped moving with the clouds and appeared on top of one. There she listened for Nyx who looked around outside and called again.

"Snowdrop!!!" Nyx backed away from the window as the dark clouds opened up to reveal sunlight. The light was white and shone into the clubhouse on one spot and in that spot, Snowdrop began to materialize.

The filly's watched in awe as the blind glacial blue filly started to appear, and when she did, the light of the sun vanished with the clouds covering it. Snowdrop stood motionless in one spot, hearing nothing and seeing only darkness. To the filly's Snowdrops materialization was a brief flash of light. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom stared at Snowdrop in surprise.

"Nyx? are you there?"

"I'm here Snowdrop. I have someponies I'd like to introduce you to."

"Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom?" Snowdrop asked.

"How does she know our names?" Asked Scootaloo.

"I told her about you three." Nyx replied with a happy smile.

"Hello Everypony... M-my name's Snowdrop."

Sweetie Belle stepped in front of the blind filly that stood before her and looked at her eyes.

"I-It's not nice to stare... Sweetie Belle?"

'You can see me?"

"You made a sound. I can see everypony in here with just a sound."

"Echolocation right?" Asked Apple Bloom.

Snowdrop and Nyx nodded. Scootaloo walked over to Snowdrop next and touched the filly with her left hoof only for it to pass through her. The Pegasus filly shivered and pulled her hoof away slowly.

"She's cold." She shivered.

"This isn't how I imagined meeting your friends Nyx." Snowdrop giggled.

"We're sorry Snowdrop." The three filly's said together.

"It's okay. Not everything can be the way we want it right?" Snowdrop smiled.

Nyx smiled warmly and watched them, sitting down slowly. Snowdrop turned her head in Nyx's direction and tilted her head.

"Snowdrop. I have a scroll... And the girls and I wanted to know if it was okay to use it."

Snowdrop frowned. "A-a scroll? W-what for...?" She looked worried.

"It's a scroll that can temporarily make you... live again. I thought we could use this to help you."

Snowdrop thought about it. "We could try... But I don't know..."

"We support you no matter what Snowdrop." Said Sweetie Belle.

"Whatever decision you make, we'll be right beside you." Added Scootaloo.

"We supported Nyx through thick an thin, dark dungeons and bully's at school. We won't think less of ya Snowdrop, It's your after life, your decision." Finished Apple Bloom.

Snowdrop shed tears which dripped from her cheeks onto the floor. She faced down and took a deep breath. "Nyx.. I'd like to use the scroll... Please"

Nyx looked at Snowdrop surprised and stood up. "Are you sure?"

Snowdrop nodded. "Yes."

"Stand back girls."

The filly's all stood back. Nyx unrolled the scroll and looked at the incantation. Her horn glowed, She took a deep breath and breathed out.

"Leiff ysbryd dodi renascentia!!" Nyx's voice echoed, and a light flashed from her horn.

The filly's watched in aw as Snowdrop was enveloped in this light. Nyx's horn ceased to glow and she watched with the filly's the spell taking effect. The light grew so bright they covered their eyes until the light died down. Once the light had vanished, Snowdrop could still be seen standing still in the middles of the room. The filly's looked at each other then at her and wondered if the spell had worked. Scootaloo walked over to Snowdrop slowly and placed a hoof on her shoulder. Snowdrop twitched at that and Scootaloo pulled back in surprise.

"It worked!" Cried out Scootaloo.

Snowdrop's eyes widened, she lifted her head and walked forward toward the filly's who moved aside so she could pass. Snowdrop walked into the wall the filly's were standing in front of and instead of passing through it she hit it and fell back onto her flank.

"Eck!" She shook her head and blinked. "I'm... not a spirit anymore..." Snowdrop started to smile her widest, the widest anypony had ever seen.

Everypony smiled at her and watched Snowdrop as she felt a cool breeze from outside, and the warmth of the room. "I-I feel warm and.. cold. I can touch things again and I can feel things again."

Snowdrop moved around the clubhouse lost until Nyx guided her by placing her right wing on the blind filly's back. Snowdrop was brought back to the times when Luna would guide her when she was lost. Holding onto her wing with hers until they found their way. Nyx lead Snowdrop outside, Nyx walked onto the snow covered ground with Snowdrop following suit. Snowdrop shivered at the cold of the snow and breeze, and was happy to feel the snow beneath her hooves, soft and wet. She shivered again and started clicking to get a look at her surroundings. When Snowdrop was sure there was nothing around for her to run into she started to run around and jump happily in the snow, laughing and giggling as she did. The c.m.c and Nyx watched the now living Snowdrop play around in the snow as if it were her first time, she jumped and rolled and tossed around in the white flaked piles and listened to their sounds.

"Oh... This is more then I could ever imagine."

"Don't hog all of it!" Exclaimed Scootaloo and jumped up and flapped her wings for a moment then dropping into a pile.

She popped up out of the frozen water, made a snowball and threw it at Sweetie Belle, hitting the white filly in the face.

"Ow.. Hey!" Sweetie Belle pouted.

Scootaloo laughed while Snowdrop listened and blinked in confusion.

"W-what's going on?" Snowdrop raised an eyebrow.

Sweetie Belle picked up some snow with her levitation magic and compacted it, shaped it and rolled it into a ball shape then threw it at Scootaloo who fell backwards from the impact. Apple Bloom put her left hoof over her mouth, trying to stop herself from laughing.

"Pfft..."

Sweetie Belle glared at Apple Bloom and growled while Apple Bloom looked away with an innocent look on her face. Nyx moved away from them and walked over to Snowdrop when Sweetie Belle dropped a bunch of snow on top of Apple Bloom much to her irritation. Snowdrop's ears twitched at the sound of Nyx's hoof steps approaching and Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo's snowball fight in the background.

"Are they fighting?" Snowdrop frowned.

Nyx shook her head. "No, they're having a snow ball fight."

Snowdrop giggled. "I haven't been in a snow ball fight in ages, I had an entire class on my side once, Cumulo and her friends never stood a chance."

"Was she a bully?"

"Sometimes, but other times she was a friend. A very very good friend."

"I hope someday Diamond Tiara and I can be friends. But I don't see that day yet."

"You mentioned her before. Did you give her a gift for Hearths Warming?"

Nyx nodded. "Mmhm."

"What did you get her?"

"A sapphire tiara."

"Jewelry?"

"That's the only thing she'd ever be interested in."

"Hm... Everypony has their interests...."

Nyx nodded then had an Idea. "hey Snowdrop, how would you like to play a game with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo?"

Snowdrop grinned. "You mean..?"

"I do." Nyx levitated three Snowballs and chucked them at the three filly's by the club house, the balls flew through the air and caught the notice of the c.m.c just as they hit them. The three filly's shook their heads and smirked at Nyx who was laughing. Snowdrop was just listening and giggled along every once in a while. Suddenly Snowdrop and Nyx were both struck with snowballs causing both to fall over. The c.m.c laughed at the alicorn and the filly who got back and laughed along with them. They continued their snow ball fight for a while, Nyx was paired up with Snowdrop while the c.m.c were on their own team and were being quite persistent in their attacks. Nyx built trenches for Snowdrop and herself to hide in while they fought against the c.m.c in the playful snow war. However as that hour passed, Snowdrops coat began to glow a slight ghostly blue.

~~~

After the snowball fight, Nyx, Snowdrop and the c.m.c all relaxed inside the clubhouse, drinking hot chocolate. Scootaloo told Snowdrop about how good she is on her scooter, Apple Bloom told Snowdrop that she hopes to help the apples grow when winter finished, and Sweetie Belle mentioned that she was interested in training her voice to sing which piqued Snowdrops interest.

"You want to sing?" The glacial blue and white. filly tilted her head.

Sweetie Belle nodded. "I do, when I think about it I really enjoy singing, but my voice isn't good for it..."

"I-I could teach you... If you'd like..."

"You used to sing?" Nyx was eager to know.

Snowdrop turned her head in Nyx's direction quickly and stuttered. "I-I wasn't a singer if that's what you're asking. I just knew how to..."

"Could you teach me? Please?" Sweetie Belle stood up excited.

Snowdrop put her cup down and shrugged all warm. "Hot chocolate... Still as good as I remember." Snowdrop stood up. "Alright." She smiled.

Sweetie Belle stood in the middle of the room as Snowdrop walked over and stopped beside Sweetie belle. Snowdrop blinked while Sweetie Belle waited for her to do something.

"Are you there yet?"

"I've been standing here the whole time."

"Oh... sorry." Snowdrop cleared her throat. "Now, I need you to stand straight."

Sweetie Belle did nothing for a moment until Snowdrop asked.

"Are you straight yet?!"

"Y-Yes Ms. Snowdrop."

Scootaloo chuckled while Apple Bloom tried to contain her laughter. Snowdrops ears twitched at the sound of Scootaloo and Apple Blooms suppressed laughter to which Snowdrop reprimanded them for.

"Scootaloo, Apple Bloom please don't make a sound, you'll distract us both..."

"Sorry Snowdrop..." Apple Bloom and Scootaloo Apologized.

"You too Nyx." Snowdrop didn't look in either ponies direction to tell them off.

Nyx stopped her little giggled and cleared her throat. "Sorry Snowdrop, please continue."

"You are as polite as Luna ever was." Snowdrop closed her eyes for a moment then reopened them. "Sweetie Belle, take a deep breath."

Sweetie Belle closed her eyes and breathed in deep through her nose and breathed out. Snowdrop could hear Sweetie Belle's breathing and knew when she had done as she had been asked.

"Now Sweetie Belle, I want you to repeat after me. These are just some vocal exercises my mother taught me, just repeat."

Snowdrop cleared her throat and breathed in deeply. "Ah ah ah ah ah ah!" Her voice sounded more beautiful then anything anypony had ever heard. Like wind passing through ice on a wind day, like wind chimes. It was as clear as water and as lovely as crystal flowers.

Nyx's eyes widened at Snowdrops singing voice and it was just the vocal exercises. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were shocked as well, Sweetie belle even more so. Snowdrop turned her head in Sweetie Belles direction slightly.

"Now, you try."

"Okay..." Sweetie Belle cleared her throat. "Ahh hugaahh gaahaaa ah!!"

Everypony in the room covered their ears. Sweetie Belles voice was piercing and it hurt the ears of her friends. Snowdrop however was unaffected. She respected Sweetie Belles limitations and took the full brunt of Sweetie Belles piercing, painful and screeching singing voice. Sweetie Belle quickly noticed her friends reactions and stopped.

"I...I'm sorry..." The unicorn looked down.

"Don't be."

Sweetie Belle looked at Snowdrop who approached her, stopping just within touching distance. "You have nothing to be sorry for."

"B-but my voice... everypony covered their ears..."

"But not I." Snowdrop had a caring tone in her voice.

Sweetie Belle looked into Snowdrops pale eyes and could see something in them that shocked and surprised Sweetie Belle.

"Don't try to make yourself sound higher, don't force yourself. Let go of your worries, let your voice go. Think of what you would like to sing, and let it be free." Snowdrop smiled.

Sweetie Belle nodded and took another deep breath. She closed her eyes and cleared her mind, relaxed her throat and let her voice loose. "Ah ah ah ah ah... ah ah ah ah ahh!"

Sweetie Belles voice now sounded like bell birds, it sounded so much different then it ever had before. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Nyx all walked over to Sweetie Belle and Snowdrop, praising them for their wonderful voices.

"That was so beautiful Sweetie Belle!" Said Scootaloo.

"You sounded prettier then a whale cryin out from the bottom of the sea." Said Apple Bloom.

"I had no idea either of you could sing like that." Said Nyx happily. "You both sound beautiful."

"That wasn't singing, they were just some exercises. You sing more beautifully then anypony else I have ever met. I've been listening."

Nyx flushed red. Sweetie Belle looked at Snowdrop and spoke softly to herself for a moment.

"Snowdrop..."

Snowdrop's ears flickered and twitched. "Y-yes Sweetie Belle?"

Sweetie Belle closed her mouth and stared at Snowdrop, surprised that she even heard her, however Sweetie Belle took the opportunity to ask the filly a question. "When I looked in your eyes... I think I saw something. I saw you and a whole heap of filly's in a room and stallion in another. He was close to you... wasn't he?"

Snowdrop's ears flattened on the top of her head and she sat down. "Would you girls mind if I told you all a little more about myself..?"

Nyx, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, all gathered around in front of Snowdrop and looked at her silently. Snowdrop sighed and blinked.

"I'm much older then I look, I was born in Cloudsdale over a 1000 years ago and I've lived there my whole life before I passed away. During my life I was a teacher, I taught singing to the young filly's and colts at my old school during the singing lessons. But I also made snow when it was needed, snow you could wish on like the stars in the sky. And I was also married to the most kindest and sweetest stallion in all of Equestria."

"How did you know he was the sweetest and kindest in all Equestria?" Asked Scootaloo.

"He never thought less of me because I couldn't see. He thought I was beautiful... He called me beautiful and he told me my voice was like a thousand ringing bells... He made me feel loved. I met him at school and he was the first pegasus to accept me for who I was. I loved him so dearly and I still love him to this very day."

Snowdrop shed tears and sniffled. The c.m.c and Nyx group hugged Snowdrop. She missed her husband, her old life. And for a moment she remembered he was waiting for her in another life.

"I'm sorry girls I- I need a moment." Snowdrop wiped her tears with her hooves, closing her eyes so she wouldn't poke them.

Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Nyx stood back giving Snowdrop some space. Scootaloo looked down and at Nyx sadly.

"We have to help her find peace!"

"We will Scootaloo, just wait please."

Snowdrop approached the four and blinked. "I'm ready to continue the lesson Sweetie Belle, if you are."

Sweetie Belles smiled. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Snowdrop smiled and clicked her tongue to find her way back to the middle of the room where she and Sweetie Belle stood and started singing together. Nyx, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom started joining in as the song continued becoming back up singers to Snowdrop and Sweetie Belles duet. Both fillies sounded divine yet neither one's voice conflicted with one another. It was a harmonic and gentle song. Once the singing had ceased the filly's looked at each other and hugged one another, Snowdrop did not look at anypony but was hugged none the less. The filly's smiled and laughed together.

"You two were awesome, I don't think I've ever heard singing as great as that!" Scootaloo said with excitement.

"We weren't that good..." Snowdrop said being modest.

Sweetie Belle walked over to the blind filly and smiled brightly.

"Thank you so much for helping me, Snowdrop." Sweetie Belle spoke in a cheerful tone of voice that seemed to resonate with melody.

Snowdrop smiled. "I-It was nothing, really..."

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom crowded Sweetie Bell, amazed at how beautiful her voice had gotten.

"This is so cool, don't you agree, Nyx?" Asked Apple Bloom.

Nyx smiled. "Eeyup." The filly got comfortable where she was and watched them.

Snowdrop laid down on her stomach and lifted her head up. She smiled and closed her pale eyes and let out a soft, happy sigh. Nyx sighed and giggled, waiting for the commotion with the crusaders to quiet down. Sweetie Belle and the others started to whisper suddenly, Snowdrop tried to hear them but they were a lot quieter then a pony would be during a whisper. The girls looked at Snowdrop then back at each other. Nyx raised an eyebrow and was curious to know what they were planning. Sweetie Belle went over to a wardrobe while Scootaloo and Apple Bloom waited with Nyx and Snowdrop.

"Where are they?" Sweetie Belle spoke to herself whilst looking through the wardrobe.

Nyx looked at Apple Bloom and Scootaloo and stood up approaching them.

"Sweetie Belle will be a minute." Said Apple Bloom.

"What's she doing?" Nyx tilted her head.

"You'll see." Apple Bloom smiled.

Snowdrop just listened to everything around her to pass the time.

"Ah hah! Found it!" Shouted Sweetie Belle.

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom stood close together in front of Sweetie Belle who rolled up something out of Nyx's view. Nyx went over to the window and sat by it, watching. Apple Bloom cleared her throat.

"Snowdrop."

Snowdrop faced the filly's, moving her head to make it appear she was looking at that.

"The three of us have decided that in the wake of Sweetie Belle's singing voice we would like to make you an honorary crusader!"

Sweetie Belle revealed the crusaders cape.

Nyx was surprised at this new cape having never seen it before. The cape was a white gold and bright blue version of the Cutie Mark Crusader cape that was worn by any c.m.c member without their cutie mark. Furthermore, Nyx was astounded by the girls sudden decision to make Snowdrop apart of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Snowdrop was shocked as much as Nyx was, she stood up and blinked.

"Y-You want to make me a-a Cutie Mark Crusader?"

"You've earned it Snowdrop." Said Scootaloo.

"You deserve it." Said Sweetie Belle.

Snowdrop didn't know what to say about this, she was silent, her pale eyes wide and her emotions were of an intense and strong happiness. Even Nyx was proud of Snowdrop and walked over to the glacial blue filly to assist the other three cutie mark crusaders in putting the cape on her. Once it was on, Snowdrop felt it on her wings and smiled happily, letting a tear of happiness fall. Nyx and the c.m.c stood in front of Snowdrop and welcomed her happily into the Cutie Mark Crusaders as a Crusader.

~~~

A few hours after, Nyx and Snowdrop were preparing to head back into town. Sweetie Belle thanked the blind filly for helping her improve her singing but Snowdrop brushed it off and assured the purple haired Cutie Mark Crusader that she didn't do anything and that it was herself who made it happen. Snowdrop decided that she would continue wearing the cape, somehow knowing that when she turns back into a spirit, the cape will remain on her ghostly form as a ghost itself. While Nyx and Snowdrop left, the c.m.c ran off to show Rarity and Applejack that Sweetie belle's voice had just been given a boost of talent. Snowdrop started to glow a little brighter which garnered Nyx's attention. The black filly looked at Snowdrops glow and frowned, her ears flattening.

"The spell's wearing off..."

"I know."

"And you know I can't cast it again.."

"It's okay Nyx, I'm not afraid to return to my spirit form. As much as I love living again I will always be a memory to those who choose to remember. I have no place here anymore and to be living and breathing again is a privilege, even if it just a few small hours." Snowdrop smiled.

Nyx looked back at the path and smiled a little. She couldn't help but somewhat disagree with Snowdrop being a memory. "As long as there is somepony around to remember you, you are not a memory."

Snowdrop stopped moving as Nyx passed her and seemed to stare at the ground for a moment before allowing a small smile to form on her face. She blinked and continued to follow Nyx closely behind, remaining by Nyx's side on the walk into town. Upon entering the snow covered town, the adults were out and about with their children. Nyx spotted Cherilee heading to the Ponyville Spa, her mane was straight like Pinkie's usually was during her moments of depression. The dark filly frowned, she had missed learning at school and wished to return sooner than later. Snowdrop could sense Nyx's sadness and nudged her, or more like poked her with her hooves.

"Hey.. are you alright?"

Nyx looked at Snowdrop and nodded. "I'm Okay Snow..." Upon calling Snowdrop Snow, another memory was triggered which left Nyx paralyzed. She collapsed and fell into the snow. The sounds of everything around her allowed Snowdrop to see Nyx fall.

"Nyx? Nyx?!!" Snowdrop start to express absolute worry, she shook Nyx and let out small neighs as a cry for help.

One pony heard Snowdrops calls for help and came to help Nyx, it was Buttons mother, Elaina. She rushed over to the filly's and instantly noticed Nyx's black shape in the white snow.

"What happened?"

"She fell over I-I think... "

"You think?!"

"I can't exactly see you know?!" Snowdrop faced Elaina showing the mare her pale eyes which surprised her.

In Nyx's mind she was witnessing through Luna's eyes events she had no knowledge of. Luna and Snowdrop were walking through the park in Canterlot on a cold winter day. Snowdrop looked to be much of the same age as Nyx is. They were walking down a path toward a marble column gazebo, ponies bowed to Luna as she passed with her friend. Snowdrop stayed alongside the princess so she wouldn't get lost, eventually she sighed and stopped walking. Luna passed her but shortly stopped and turned around to look at her.

"Snowdrop?" Luna looked at her.

Snowdrop wiped her hooves on the snowy ground which made a hard glassy sound when she did and tilted her head. "When I move my hooves my shoes make a scraping noise and it's cold..."

Luna walked over to the blind filly. "Lift your hoof please."

Snowdrop did as asked. Luna looked at the underneath of Snowdrops horseshoes and chuckled. "There's ice on the bottom.

"Can you melt it?" Snowdrop asked with a frown, the scraping of the ice seems to have hurt her ears.

"I will, just keep your hoof lifted." Luna's horn started to glow, she moved it close to the ice on Snowdrops horse shoes and it began to thaw. Snowdrop heard water droplets hitting the concrete which were barely audible to a concentrating Luna. Snowdrops ears twitched with each drip until all the ice was gone, allowing Luna to stop.

"Now for the next three. Lift the next one now Snowdrop."

The process of melting the ice continued for a few minutes but eventually the ice had melted. Snowdrop hopped up and down happily as a result and smiled.

"Thank you Luna.."

"It was the least I can do for you." Luna looked at a large patch of snow near by and started to levitate it, she than began to compact it into a ball shape. She eyed Snowdrop playfully and gently threw the ball of frozen water at the glacial blue filly.

Pompf! The snow ball hit, knocking Snowdrop into a pile of snow which was much better then the cold hard ground. Luna tried to contain her laughter but she simply couldn't hold it in for a moment longer.

"Hahaha! I-I'm sorry Snowdrop I couldn't help it." Luna continued to laugh and ended up snorting.

"That's not fair, throwing snowballs a blind filly..." Snowdrop crawled out of the hole and sat down in front of Luna upset.

The princess noticed the blind filly's mood and felt bad. "S-Snowdrop I-I am truly sorry... I-"

Luna got too close to Snowdrop during her apology, and with her head lowered to her height it allowed the young one the rare chance of smearing a snowball in the princess's face. Luna pulled her head back and shook her head, sneezing afterwards while Snowdrop simply laughed uncontrollably.

"Y-You snowballed me! Luna had a hoof on her nose, she looked at Snowdrop out from the corner of her eye with her pupils shrunk.

"So I got you huh?" Snowdrop giggled and stood up.

"The only other pony to have done that is my sister, Celestia." Luna smiled. "Well done, Snow."

"S-Snow?"

Luna tilted her head. "Do you not like the nickname?" She chuckled.

Snowdrop thought about it and giggled. "It fits doesn't it? I like it."

Luna nodded. "It's only your name shortened, I thought you'd like it. Not just anypony can plant a sneaky attack on me so easily, I underestimated your echolocation."

"You thought I couldn't see you with the amount of noise you were making?" Snowdrop snickered.

"I didn't take your sound ability into consideration during my approach. I have been bested."

Snowdrop smiled widely but she soon dropped it when she heard Celestia walking over to them from the top of the hill.

The night princess turned to look at her sister and frowned. "Sister is something the matter?"

Celestia nodded and started to speak however before Nyx could find out what was being said she was pulled out of the memory by Snowdrop who shook Nyx and said her name. The dark filly awoke and groaned in pain, she sat up and put a hoof to her head.

"My head hurts... again..." Nyx complained.

Snowdrop smiled. "Thank goodness you're okay." She sighed in relief.

Nyx looked around and saw she was in a house. "W-where are we?"

"Oh hey Nyx you're up!"

Nyx looked over at the monitor and laid eyes on Button Mash playing a video game. "Hello Button. What happened?"

"I don't know, but your friend there seems to know."

"She was calling out for somebody to help you when I came over to see what the problem was." Elaina said whilst entering the room with hot coco for both Snowdrop and Nyx.

Nyx thanked the nice mare and started sipping her coco, and helped Snowdrop reach her's as she was placing her hoof all over the table in a searching manner. Buttons mother watched Snowdrop, she looked her coat, her mane, her colors and her eyes, however the questions did not start until she saw Snow's cutie mark.

"If you don't mind my asking.. how long have you been blind?"

Snowdrop froze up and closed her eyes shyly. "I-I've always been blind.. I was born this way..."

The mare frowned. "Oh dear.. t-that's terrible..."

"It's okay though... I'm not fussed."

Panic started to brush over Nyx like a wave. She could tell Elaina was close to discovering who Snowdrop really was.

"Who is your mother? I'd like to meet her some time."

"M-My m-mother..? Her name was Primrose... B-But she passed away years ago."

"I'm so sorry to hear that..."

"It's okay... she's in a better place now."

Nyx gulped down her coco and hopped out of her chair. "T-Thank you for the hot coco Mrs Elaina but we really should be going now."

"Nyx.. I'm not finished a-and we could stay a little longer.."

"I know who Snowdrop is Nyx. There's nothing to worry about."

Nyx was surprised. "Y-You know?"

"You knew?" Snowdrop was also surprised.

Elaina nodded. "My grandmother used to tell me stories about you and your snow flakes. You were an amazing pegasus. I used to wish on the snow flakes when I was a filly. She was a pegasus, and Cloudsdale resident before she came to Ponyville."

Snowdrop perked up. "You... You were a believer? You wished upon the stars?"

Buttons mother nodded. "I did, every winter and some times my wishes really did come true."

Snowdrop jumped up and down happily. "So some pony's still believe some pony's still do!" Snowdrop laughed happily.

Elaina sighed sadly. "But now... It seems when I make a wish nothing happens... it's as if it just.. stopped..."

Snowdrop stopped jumping and frowned. "The magic is gone... It has been for so long..."

Nyx listened to them and seemed upset that whatever magic was in the snow was now gone. Despite her sadness at this, her panic made Nyx very on edge.

"Elaina..."

Elaina looked at Nyx. "Yes dear?"

"Please.. keep this a secret.. I don't want Twilight or Luna or anypony finding out... not until I can find a way to help her..."

"Your secret is safe with Button and I. But I want to know... How are you here Snowdrop.. you passed away years ago didn't you?"

Snowdrop looked to her right, her ghostly glow starting to show again. "I'm a memory... That's all..."

Elaina frowned at that but didn't question it. She kindly opened the door and let the filly's out. They waved goodbye to her and continued to wander around. Nyx let out a sigh.

"The spell doesn't have very long..."

"I know. I can feel myself becoming weightless again."

Snowdrop and Nyx's tummy's started to rumble. Both filly's faces lit up and they somewhat looked at one another, Nyx looked at Snowdrop but Snowdrop seemed to turn her head in the likely direction Nyx was in.

"Are you hungry?" Asked Nyx.

Snowdrop nodded. "A-Are you?"

"Yeah... Lets go to Sugar Cube Corner they have the best treats.

"Candy?"

Nyx giggled and started walking in the general direction of the cake store. "No, cakes."

Snowdrop licked her lips at the mention of cake and started following Nyx, making sure to click every once in a while so she could mentally see the alicorn and follow her. They trekked across the snow field which was once town square to get to Sugar Cube Corner, through a snowball battle field, waged by Pinkie Pie against nearly every filly and colt from Nyx's school. Nyx and Snowdrop did not get hit but were almost splattered by a snowball or two. In time they managed to break away from the playful game of siege as Pinkie was still using the snow fort from chapter two. Nyx sighed and shook her head before turning around and walking into the cake store, Snowdrop following not too far behind. Nyx checked her coats pockets for bits and was happy when she found she had 25 bits in her pocket. The dark filly walked up to the counter and with her magic rang the service bell. She waited with Snowdrop who had taken to hiding behind Nyx until Mrs. Cake arrived. She looked around the shop then down at Nyx.

"Oh hello Nyx, what can I get'cha?"

"I'd like five Chocolate coated marsh mellows with coconut shavings on top and-"

"A snow capped muffin..." Snowdrop whispered.

"And a Snow capped muffin to go please." Nyx finished.

Mrs. Cake smiled and got what Nyx and Snowdrop had asked for and put them in a paper bag. She then passed the bag down to Nyx who took it and paid the 25 bits for them, getting 10 bits change from the transaction.

"Thank you Mrs. Cake."

"Have a nice day Nyx." Mrs. Cake watched Nyx leave the store, just barely catching a glimpse of Snowdrop who had left as soon as Nyx did. Nyx and Snowdrop walked to a nearby bench and sat on it. The dark filly pulled out Snowdrops muffin and gave it to her, while Nyx started eating one of her chocolate coated marsh mellows. Snowdrop held her muffin between her hooves while she softly ate.

Nyx looked around Ponyville and up at Canterlot. She then looked at all the snow and couldn't help sighing. "School comes back on in a few days and I haven't found out how winter came to be this way..."

Snowdrop's ears flattened on her head. She finished her muffin quietly. "I-I'm finished..."

Nyx looked at Snowdrop and levitated her rubbish into a nearby trash bin. "There you go."

"Thank you..." Snowdrop looked down sadly as her full ghostly glow returned to her.

Nyx watched as Snowdrop's solid body turned translucent, her ghostly glow signalling her return to her spirit form. Nyx frowned sadly at this and Snowdrop realizing she had returned to her afterlife simply closed her eyes away sadly.

"I wanted to play a game..." Snowdrop sighed.

"We still could." Nyx smiled suddenly.

Snowdrop looked at Nyx and tilted her head. "Are you sure? I wanted to play leap frog..."

"That's easy. You don't have to be solid to do that."

Snowdrop thought about it and smiled. "I guess not." She giggled.

For the rest of the afternoon, Nyx played leap frog with Snowdrop, despite how odd it looked to everypony else. Nyx and Snowdrop giggled and ran around together for quite a while. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo joined in after a while, despite the hours passing, the filly's could still see Snowdrop. It was starting to get dark and Spike came out to bring Nyx home. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo all noticed the time and said their goodbye's to Nyx and Snowdrop before heading on home.

"That was fun..." Snowdrop smiled.

"It was." Nyx replied.

"Hey Nyx!" Spike called out. "Twilight wants you home now, dinner's almost on the table.!"

"Coming Spike!!" Nyx looked at Snowdrop and smirked. "Hey Snowdrop, that cute dragon you like is taking us home."

Snowdrop blushed. "I-I don't like him he just makes good conversation..." She shyly closed her pale eyes.

Nyx giggled and started walking back to the Library with Spike. Snowdrop stood still and suddenly vanished with the wind.

~~~

Nyx walked into the library and took off her Snow clothes, placing them on the clothing rack and her snow shoes in a shoe storage that took Nyx by surprise. Spike closed the door a shivered, his teeth chattering and his face blue. Nyx looked out the window and saw that a blizzard was blowing hard. Derpy was out there fighting against the gale only to be blown back and vanish out of view. Nyx sighed and shook her head, taking the stairs up to the living room where she sat down on the couch. Twilight smiled at hearing Nyx's small feint hoof steps.

"Welcome home Nyx!" Twilight called out from upstairs as she set dinner on the table.

"Thank you Mommy." Nyx smiled.

Owlowiscious and Peewee were nearby the fire warming up while Nyx watched them happily. Twilight suddenly called out again from the kitchen announcing dinner and calling Spike and Nyx up to eat. Nyx hopped off the couch and walked up the stairs, Spike following just behind. Midway up the stairs Spike froze up and looked around.

"Hey Nyx did you hear that?"

Nyx stopped and looked back at Spike, blinking curiously. "Huh? Hear what?"

Snowdrop's giggled echoed around Nyx and Spike. The purple dragon shuddered a little creeped out. "That's creepy."

Nyx lifted an eyebrow and smiled. "I don't hear anything. I think you're hallucinating." Nyx turned and continued to walk up the steps.

Spike scratched his head in confusion and shrugged continuing his walk up the steps. Twilight welcomed Nyx home once again in person with a smile and a hug with Nyx returning the hug and hopping up into her seat. She started eating once Spike and Twilight had started digging in. It was a lovely meal consisting of fresh carrots and apple slices, and some Night Berry's for the filly. The filly's routine was much of the same as it was the last times. She would have dinner, wash her plate's, brush her teeth and then return to her room to read for half an hour before bed, but there would be no reading for Nyx as Snowdrop was once again in her room, however the spirits appearance was different then it was the other times. When Nyx walked in, she paused to watch a glowing light as large as a mare shrink down to the size of a filly.

"Is that you Nyx?"

Nyx walked in. "It's me."

Snowdrop turned around carefully and faced Nyx, being just centimeters off from properly facing her. Nyx walked over to the blind filly and sat down.

"You know, I usually read right about now."

"O-Oh? I'm interrupting you aren't I?"

"Not at all Snowdrop." The alicorn put on a warm smile.

Snowdrop smiled at the assurance she wasn't hindering her friend. Suddenly Spike charged into the room in a panic looking around. Spike's sudden entrance cause Nyx to jump and so she turned around a little bit peeved.

"Spike!!"

"Sorry Nyx I keep hearing that voice it was coming... from..." Spike's eyes shrunk. He could see Snowdrop as clear as day, or as clear as the room was. He was already close to Nyx when he saw Snowdrop.

Nyx looked at Snowdrop then at Spike, her ears flattened down and her eyes shrank. "Oh Celestia..."

"Twiliiight!!!" Spike bolted for the door only to run into it when Nyx closed it and zipped his mouth shut with magic. The purple dragon peeled off the door and fell to the floor, his eyes spinning like spirals in a daze.

Nyx approached Spike who was still on the floor and was frowning. "Please Spike give me a moment to explain.."

Spike got up and unzipped his mouth, the zipper vanishing. "No way Nyx, t-that's a ghost-"

"I'm a filly..."

"She's a ghost, I have to tell Twilight, I'm sorry Nyx." Spike opened the bedroom door and took a step out.

"If you tell Twilight, Luna will come and she will take my memories away!"

Spike paused for a moment, he closed his eyes and grit his teeth sighing and slowly pulling his foot back into the room, and gently shutting the door. He then turned around and looked at Nyx with his claws behind his back.

"I'm not even supposed to remember Snowdrop but the memories keep coming and she's lost!"

"But those aren't your memories... They're Princess Luna's."

"I know but somehow she missed one. Spike, Snowdrop is lost, she can't pass on and I'm the only one who can help her..."

Spike thought about it.

"You got to let me help her Spike you just got to..." Nyx started tearing up. "Please..?" She sniffled.

Snowdrop frowned and sat down, lowering her head so she was facing the floor. Spike looked at Snowdrop and at Nyx who had pleading eyes, he caved and nodded.

"Alright, I'll keep it a secret..." Spike smiled.

Nyx perked up at this and Snowdrop lifted her head with her murky eyes wide. Nyx with a big smile, hugged Spike tightly thanking him.

"Thank you Spike, thank you, thank you so much!" Nyx kissed his cheeks. "I want to introduce you to her formally. Come on."

Nyx pulled Spike along over to Snowdrop. Upon being close to Spike, Snowdrops cheeks lit up red, she couldn't see him but could sense he was there, his breathing painted mental images for Snowdrop that allowed her to see.

"I-I'm Spike, Spike the dragon."

"I-I'm I.. I..." She stuttered.

Nyx giggled a little, furthering Snowdrops embarrassment.

"W-What's so funny?"

'Nothing..." Nyx said looking up to her left.

"I was married and I still am.. sort of."

"Then why the blush?"

Snowdrop whined and stamped on the spot. "I..I uh.. nngh!! He's really really cute okay?!" Snowdrop laid on the floor and covered her face in total embarrassment.

Spike was blushing bright red at Snowdrops true thoughts on him. "S-She thinks I'm cute?"

Nyx giggled. "Aww that's so adorable." She said in a cute way.

Snowdrop whimpered and got back up. "Right now I'm happy I'm blind... M-My name's S-Snowdrop..." She said quietly.

"N-Nice to meet you Snowdrop."

Nyx smiled at them both, then there was a long period of silence. Snowdrop was staring at Spike, but not in a real sense. She blinked a few time and Spike having noticed her eyes broke the silence with a question.

"S-So... what happened to your eyes?"

"Silence broken." Nyx announced whilst reading her book.

Spike and Snowdrop chuckled, the white filly clearing her throat.

"I was born this way... blind. I can see only darkness but over the years I was alive I learned to mentally paint pictures in my mind using sound. Too much sound like wind in my ears could blind me... I cannot see things if the sound is overwhelming. Echolocation is not easy to learn but being a naturally blind pony I learned young, but it was still hard."

"The pay off would've been good."

"It was..." Snowdrop gave a happy cheerful smile.

"Hey Spike.. How can you see Snowdrop?" Asked Nyx.

"W-What do you mean?" Spike shrugged.

"He can see me because I'm letting him. I cannot see him, and I'm using up a lot of my energy just to do this. It felt unfair of me to be heard but not seen."

The time changed to 7:00 PM. Twilight called out to Nyx and Spike that it was bedtime.

"Spike, Nyx! Time for bed!"

Spike looked down for a moment then looked at Snowdrop again about to speak only to see she was now gone. He looked around for her then at Nyx baffled.

"She does that." Nyx took off her glasses and head band and placed them in her bedside table.

"You can still hear me can't you Spike?"" Snowdrop's voiced echoed for Spike and Nyx to hear. "W-Well if you can... I'm happy to have met you, sweet dreams."

And with that, Snowdrop fell silent.

"Goodnight Snowdrop." Muttered Spike.

The dragon turned around and headed for the door, he twisted the door handle and opened it. As he was about to step out, Nyx called him back.

"Spike..."

The dragon looked back.

"Promise you won't tell Twilight, Luna or anypony else.."

Spike smiled. "Cross my heart hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." He said.

Twilight came into view just as Spike had left. twilight watched Spike walk up the steps and looked into Nyx's room. Seeing the filly snuggling into her blankets brought a smile to the unicorns face and she entered and approached her.

"I haven't seen you all day, everything alright?"

Nyx nodded. "Mhm..."

"I heard what happened earlier this afternoon, luckily Elaina was there to help. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to have helped you myself sweetie..."

"It's okay Mommy, you were busy."

"That's what bugs me. How can I live up to the princess's expectations if I can't keep an eye on you." She sighed. "Anyway... goodnight sweetie."

"Goodnight mommy." Nyx smiled and hugged Twilight.

Twilight returned the hug and kissed Nyx on the forehead. The lavender unicorn turned around and headed for the door, exiting the room and going to her own room upstairs. All the lights in the library go out except Nyx's. The filly sat up in bed and opened her bedside table drawer, she lifted the wooden plank underneath and took out her diary, which she opened and started writing in about her day.

Suddenly toward the end of her writing, Nyx started smiling. "School starts next week!"

=====================================================================

Author's Note

I know the rules.. but another language for spells is far more interesting than understandable English.

A lot of stuff was cut from this chapter but all the cut content will be used in Chapter 10 Revelations.

10: Revelations.

Tears in the Snow

By Chaos Phantasm

=====================================================================

Chapter 10

Revelataions

=====================

The school bell tolled and could be heard all over Ponyville that cold winter morning. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were standing in the Library foyer, waiting for Nyx to come downstairs.

"What is she doing?" Asked Scootaloo.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom shrugged.

"I don't know..." Sweetie Belle frowned.

"Nyx! We're here and waitin, what're you doin up there?" Called Apple Bloom.

Nyx was looking around her room for her books, she lifted up her pillows, checked around her armor display, and tossed clothes out of her drawers in her search for her school books. Nyx was starting to panic, she jumped around in worry and ran around the room, checking everywhere, her eyes darting to every possible place. Her cat like pupils widened and thinned with every place she looked.

"Where are they?!" Nyx groaned in frustration.

Snowdrop chuckled and laughed to herself while Nyx ran around lost. The ghostly filly had been laying on Nyx's bed the whole time and thought it amusing to listen.

"Do you not need books? Has Equestria's children needed them since I've been gone?"

Nyx paused and looked at Snowdrop. "No, we don't need them, I like having them so Ms. Cherilee doesn't have to give out so many papers. I have a different book for each subject."

Snowdrop chuckled in amusement. "You're quite smart to do that."

Nyx smiled widely, her teeth showing. "Thank you."

"Nyx, are you ready for school yet?!" Twilight called out.

"Not yet mommy... Have you seen my books?!" Nyx replied, continuing her fruitless search.

"They're down here with your saddlebags, silly filly..." Twilight said with a chuckle.

Snowdrop laughed her loudest while Nyx blushed from the embarrassment and shook her head.

"I knew that!" She groaned and walked toward her door, opening it a little wider and descending the stairs.

Snowdrop smiled, she heard Nyx leave then in a flash, turned into wind and light, a blue orb which flew slowly down the steps and into the kitchen. Spike was packing Nyx's backs and helping them onto her back, Owlowiscious held a sandwich wrapped clear wrap in front of Nyx, who took it with a smile and thanked him. She put it into her saddlebags with a smiled. Impatiently Scootaloo shouted for Nyx to hurry up, the filly jumped and laughed.

"I better get going," the black filly chuckled.

Twilight smiled and nodded. "Okay, Nyx."

Nyx hugged Twilight who returned her hug, nuzzling the young alicorn before letting go, and seeing her off.

"have a good day, sweetie!" Twilight called out.

Nyx smiled and waved her tiny wings toward Twilight before jumping off the tallest step of the staircase, and gliding down to the main floor swiftly toward her friends. The c.m.c looked up to Nyx and smiled. Scootaloo, however, was quite impatient.

"It's about time, what took you?"

Nyx smiled at the orange pegasus, that smile turning into a grin. "I couldn't find my books."

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom laughed. Nyx opened the library door for them and they stepped outside, the black alicorn followed shortly after them. Scootaloo sighed, turned around and exited the library, closing the door behind her.

"Girls wait for me..." Scootaloo said as she ran after the three filly's.

Suddenly a book dropped from the top of a shelf from the library, covered in dust and bearing a distinct flower shape on it, topped by a snow star. Nyx and the c.m.c trudged through snow that was knee deep, the Nightmare Moon statue had its feet buried in just a few feet of Snow. Scootaloo was annoyed at being unable to ride her scooter in this weather with the ground as white and deep. The bell tolled once more, this time accompanied by Cheerilee's voice. The mare called out to her children announcing the beginning of school.

"We're going to be late..." muttered Nyx.

"It's okay Nyx, we've been late before... once," Sweetie Belle tried to reassure her.

Nyx's ears flattened on her face, her eyes growing big and watery, she pouted and faced down toward the ground.

"I don't want to be late..." Nyx whined.

"Neither do any of us..." concurred Sweetie Belle.

As Nyx and the filly's were walking, some stray strands of sunlight shone through the clouds, breaking through the grey veil and shining on the land. The filly's cast shadows, Nyx's shadow being larger, it's eyes as white as snow which seemed to squint a glare of wrath before turning back into a normal shadow. Nyx paused for a moment and turned back around, she felt a presence which was full of anger, but all of a sudden it had gone. The C.M.C stopped to watch Nyx, each of them calling out to hurry her. Nyx turned around and cringed.

"Sorry! Sorry..." she quickly turned and hurried over to them.

"Why'd you stop and turn back for, Nyx?" Asked Apple Bloom.

Nyx rubbed her front left leg with her front right hoof. "It's nothing. I thought I heard something, it was nothing really."

"I thought you had detected me, after I was being so quiet." Snowdrop suddenly appeared in a small swirl of wind.

"Snowdrop!" The C.M.C cried with a smile.

"I could sense you coming even if you were invisible." Nyx smiled.

Snowdrop laughed. "I can't turn invisible." Snowdrop slowly turned her head in Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo's direction and smiled. "Hello Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo."

The bell tolled for the last time, class had started. Nyx noticed this before the other three did and started jumping.

"Girls, we need to go!" she said with impatience.

Snowdrop blinked and gasped. "I'm holding you up, aren't I? I'm sorry, please don't let me hold you up."

That was all Nyx needed to hear before bolting toward the school. "Waait! Don't start without me!"

Snowdrop stood motionless and simply blinked, tilting her head. The C.M.C chuckled nervously.

"We better head to school, Snowdrop," said Sweetie Belle.

"We'll catch up later at the Clubhouse," said Apple Bloom just before they began their run toward the school.

"O-Okay... I-I'll be waiting..." Snowdrop said in a shaky voice. Then with a gust of wind, she vanished.

Cheerilee continued to wait for Nyx, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders, though the rest of the class had arrived. Diamond Tiara sat in her chair, a smug smile on her face, convinced that the four filly's would be no show's on their first day back to school. Silver Spoon did not share Diamond's enthusiasm. She sighed loud enough to get a look or two from the other students.

"Oh, where could they be? It's not like Nyx to be late like this, not like any of them to be late like this." Cheerilee frowned.

"Maybe they got so lazy that they didn't want to come back to school, Ms. Cheerilee," Diamond Tiara said in a bratty tone.

Cheerilee simply looked at the young filly with a bemused look on her face, when suddenly Nyx charged past in a black blur that almost knocked the teacher down.

"Whoa!" Cheerilee managed to keep her balance. She looked over at Nyx's desk to see the alicorn was unloading a book from her saddlebag in a rush.

"I'm so sorry Ms. Cheerilee, I got caught up this morning trying to find my books."

Silver Spoon smiled with relief at Nyx's arrival, while Diamond Tiara glared and sneered unpleasantly at the sight of her. Soon after, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had arrived, each one apologizing to Cheerilee who smiled and welcomed them.

"Welcome back, Nyx, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. Take your seats now, this month we will be devoting time to our spring sunrise projects."

Snowdrop could hear everything from where she was. She was not in the building, she was not beside Nyx. Nyx could sense Snowdrop nearby, but where, she did not know. As Cheerilee was writing on the chalk board, she paused and looked over at Nyx, smiling as she did.

"Nyx, did you find out anything about winter during the break?"

Nyx looked up at the teacher who with the class awaited to hear if she had indeed found anything. Slowly it started to sink in, while she was busy recovering in hospital, celebrating Hearts Warming with her family, exercising magic and wasting time with her friends, she had forgotten to search for answers and it made her feel so stupid. Sweat broke out on Nyx's forehead, she gulped and put on a false but convincing smile.

"T-The truth is I... I haven't found anything on the subject..." Nyx admitted much to her dismay and Diamond Tiara's pleasure.

The pale magenta filly laughed out loud much Nyx's irritation. The Cutie Mark Crusaders glared toward Diamond Tiara.

"Diamond Tiara!" yelled Cheerilee.

As smug as ever, Diamond Tiara replied with an innocent "Yes?"

Cheerilee looked cross. "Perhaps you would like to stay back an hour or two this afternoon for detention?"

Diamond Tiara's smile vanished and she kept her mouth shut, turning her head away in frustration. Cheerilee sighed and looked over to Nyx.

"It's okay, Nyx. You are in no trouble at all. I do hope that you find your book soon enough."

"I hope so..." Nyx said under her breath, she looked down to the page in her opened book and stared.

"Snowdrop would know... But... I want to do this myself..." Nyx thought to herself, unable to decide whether she wanted to question Snowdrop of the snow's calmness, or search for a book which may or may not exist.

For Nyx it was a question that seemed to burn itself into the folds of her mind before spreading to encompass all of her thinking, it was maddening. However, Nyx had to put her concerns aside, as now the lesson had begun. The origin of winter was the first subject of this topic. She wrote the title in her book and listened intently. The rest of the class did the same, and in no time at all, the class had got stuck into their books, with the exception of a few students. Snips and Snails were busy thinking of other things to focus on then the lesson at hand.

"Camelu..." Snowdrop suddenly said aloud.

Nyx, Sweetie belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo froze in their chairs and looked at one another over the class, Diamond Tiara noticed this odd behavior and lifted an eyebrow in question. Snowdrop fell silent, she had clearly spoken aloud on accident, on part of her own memories. Hearing Cheerilee speak to the class had caused Snowdrop to remember her own younger years when she was alive. Snowdrop decided to go away for a while, only until her new friends had finished with school for the day.

~~~

"Spike!" Twilight called from the Library ground floor.

The unicorn had picked up the lone book that had fallen from the top of a book shelf earlier that day. The book glowed with Twilights magical aura, the dust on it clearing slightly to show some more of its cover. Twilight put the book on the small round table in the middle of the room and sighed as Spike came walking down the stairs.

"Something wrong, Twilight?" Spike was puzzled.

Twilight levitated the book over to Spike who held his arms out to take the book when it got close enough. The dragon looked at the book, scratching his head when he couldn't figure out what went wrong.

"So what's the problem?" He asked in a confused tone of voice.

"I found this book on the floor, there's no shelf listing nor author tag on the spine. I thought you replaced all of the listing stickers three months ago."

"I did, I probably missed this one and put it back by mistake." Spike scratched his head.

Twilight smiled and shook her head whilst turning around and heading off toward her study. Spike watched after Twilight then fixed his eyes on the book. He looked closely at the cover, squinting while he did then started to look around for a duster. The dragon looked around the table in the middle of the library and picked up one hidden in a secret compartment in the busts nose. He dusted the cover off and saw the snowflake tipped flower the was Snowdrop cutie mark. Spike scrunched his face when he saw it, he recognized it from when he saw Snowdrop just a week earlier.

As Spike was making that discovery, Twilight had started looking around for the scroll which had the "Ghost Life" spell on it, unaware Nyx had taken and used it a week ago. She had been searching for the roll of parchment for that whole last week, she had the impression that it was just misplaced, and had no idea it was taken, though her suspicions were growing.

"Spike... have you seen my-"

"No Twilight, I haven't seen your scroll anywhere," The purple dragon was quick to cut Twilight off, having been asked the same question many times before. He changed the plastic covering of the book which had gone dark from the dust.

When the plastic covering had been removed, the books color had brightened to a mixture of whites and blues that reflected the colors of winter, the authors name could be seen, as well as the books title.

"The history of Winter: By Blue Belle?" Spike lifted an eyebrow and thought about the name before going forward with taping the labels with the authors name and the shelf code on the spine of the book.

Spike walked into Twilight's office and looked at the lavender Unicorn who was digging through her trunk of papers. Spike simply rolled his eyes and left the book on the table for Twilight to look at when she had the time, unknowingly setting up events that would help Nyx in the not so distant future.

The library doors opened, cold air flowed into the room like water to an open compartment. The cool chill was felt by Spike and Twilight who quickly came over to the door which closed with a slam.

"Honestly Vinyl, poor Twilight has enough to deal with, making them cold is the last thing that needs to happen to them." Frowned Octavia who kept herself nice and warm in her scarf, beanie and shoes. She also wore a turtle neck jacket.

"I know, I know, but you were dragging your hooves!" Vinyl complained.

"It's freezing, Vinyl. What do you expect?" Octavia groaned.

"Faster hooves, maybe?" Vinyl smirked.

"Ahem!" Twilight and Spike stood together close by. "If you're done arguing perhaps Spike and I could assist you somehow?"

"Oh, forgive us, Twilight. Vinyl and I were looking for history books on music, if that's not too much," Octavia spoke very politely.

"She's looking, I'm just tagging along," said Vinyl in a laid back tone.

Octavia sighed. "Unfortunately..."

Twilight stepped in. "Um Octavia, maybe we could find your book?"

"Oh, yes of course. I'm sorry, Twilight." Octavia frowned.

Twilight smiled. "It's not a problem, Octavia. Please follow me." Twilight lead Octavia over to some book shelves she hoped the music books were located.

"Uh.. Twilight.. I could help, you know?" Spike raised his hand and index finger as he spoke.

"Oh." Twilight turned and looked at Spike. "Sorry, Spike. I'll take this one, if that's alright."

Spike shrugged. "That's okay, Twilight. I'll talk to Vinyl."

Octavia cringed at that. "Just be careful, she's not exactly happy..."

"Why would she be upset?" Spike asked as he walked into her leg.

"Because the snow, jacked my set up!" The DJ pony said in frustration. "Nine hundred and ninety nine bits down the drain because somepony couldn't keep the window shut!"

"Would you please not blame me for trying to make a stuffy room cool!" Octavia responded.

"You didn't have to Tavi, I was there!"

Spike and Twilight simply watched the step sisters argue for almost five minutes before the both of them sighed and turned away from each other in a small fit.

"Um... Spike? Stamp the book for Ms. Melody, please."

Spike took the book gently out of Twilight's magical glow and walked over to the desk where he stamped the return date on it. Octavia suddenly noticed how quiet it was and looked around.

"Is Nyx off with her friends?"

Twilight shook her head. "No, she's at school, actually school should be finishing soon." The unicorn looked up at the clock to be sure.

Spike approached Octavia and put the book in her saddlebag. "Here you go, Ms. Melody."

"Thank you kindly, Spike." Octavia looked over to Twilight. "I was interested to know if Nyx would enjoy some lessons in playing instruments. I kind of always wanted to be a teacher, and Nyx seems like a perfect filly to start with, she's so patient and kind after all."

"Well.. I can't speak for Nyx... It's up to her in the end."

Octavia smiled and nodded. "Very well, Twilight. Please do pass on the invitation, I look forward to becoming her teacher." Octavia turned and headed for the door.

Vinyl sighed and got up from sitting on the floor. "so.. we're heading back?"

Octavia nodded. "Come along, Vinyl," she smiled and exited the library.

Vinyl waved to Twilight and Spike and followed Vinyl, walking beside her. Spike closed the library door and looked up to Twilight who stared back.

"What?" Twilight asked.

Spike shrugged. "I don't know." The purple dragon went about his business.

Twilight watched him for a moment and sighed, returning to her search for the missing scroll, she re-entered her study and continued her look around before spotting the book that lay on her desk.

~~~

"That is so cool, Sweetie Belle!" Twist called out.

"It's so beautiful," said Archer.

Sweetie Belle was surrounded by a group of her classmates, they were listening to her sing a gentle tune which Nyx, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom listened to from the swings.

"Snowdrop helped her out real good, didn't she Nyx?"

Nyx nodded. "She did." She swung on the swings slowly, using her wings to push her along.

Snowdrop giggled. "I used to teach many filly's and colts in my day. When I was a mare."

Scootaloo looked at Snowdrop. "So you were a teacher?"

"For a while, my main occupation mattered more though." Snowdrop sighed.

"What occupation?" Apple Bloom was confused.

Snowdrop smiled. "That would be telling."

Nyx frowned. "Why don't you tell us much about you? You're hiding something."

Snowdrop shook her head. "I just don't want you filly's relying on me for answers when they are yours to seek."

"That's mighty grown up of ya, Snowdrop." Apple Bloom smiled.

Snowdrop blushed. "I'm actually a lot older then I let on." She closed her blind eyes and smiled sweetly.

Nyx, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom lifted their eyebrows and smiled.

"Doesn't matter to us!" Exclaimed Apple Bloom.

"Yeah, it doesn't matter how old you are, Snowdrop. You're still a crusader!" Scootaloo agreed.

Nyx stayed silent, her thoughts lay elsewhere, pointed toward the search to find answers which she had so callously neglected to find. Snowdrop's ears were raised to hear Nyx, but when she heard nothing she spoke up.

"Nyx..?"

Nyx blinked and looked at Snowdrop. "Huh..? Oh.. sorry Snowdrop. I was just thinking..."

Snowdrop was interested. "Thinking about what?"

Nyx sighed. "Finding answers... The spring sunrise is in a few weeks and if I can't help you by then... then what's the point..?"

Snowdrop blinked and was silent for a moment. "I cannot help you in your search... I'm sorry for that, I can only offer support through my encouragement..." Snowdrop sounded regretful at her inability to do anything, though it was not her fault.

"It's okay. It's not that hard to look, you just have to know where you're looking." Nyx beamed.

Snowdrop, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo smiled at Nyx who stopped swinging on the swing and hopped off, turning to look at her friends with a toothy smile.

"Class is going to start soon, we better head back inside." Scootaloo sighed.

Nyx was beaming at this. "Lets not waste anymore time!" She hopped up and down.

Apple Bloom chuckled. "Guess we ought to head in, before Nyx gets over excited."

Snowdrop smiled and vanished as the bell started ringing, Nyx was already in the class room, waiting for the lesson to begin. The day went on as it normally would for the children of Ponyville, by the end of the day the bell had rung and Ms. Cheerilee was seeing each student off, saying goodbye to them as they walked home alone, with friends, or with parents. Twilight stood at the front of the school house with Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash, all of whom were in nice warm jackets. Nyx ran over to Twilight, sliding in the snow and hugged her. Rainbow Dash greeted Scootaloo with a hoof bump, Applejack ruffled Apple Bloom's mane, and Rarity hugged Sweetie Belle. Each of them told their sisters something about there day, and the filly's agreed to meet at the Clubhouse.

"I'll come by later, girls!" Nyx called out.

"Okay, Nyx!" Apple Bloom called to her and waved.

Nyx waved back and followed Twilight back to the library. It was snowing along the way, Nyx giggled and jumped around in the frozen flakes as Twilight watched with a smile.

"You're in a good mood," she giggled.

"I'm just a bit playful." Nyx spoke.

"really?" Twilight said in a soft and scheming voice, her horn glowing and picking up a bunch of snow.

Nyx faced Twilight, walking backwards with a giggle before the snow got dumped onto her, burying the filly beneath a small pile of snow. Twilight laughed at her poor adopted daughter and fell over. Nyx shook the snow off and licked her lips, a smirk on her face. She picked up a lot more snow then Twilight, she backed up and dumped it on her in turn, laughing when it happened. Twilight shook the snow off her this time and gave Nyx a playful look.

"So you want to do it that way, huh? Fine then, we'll play it that way!" She jumped up and almost fell on Nyx.

"Eep!" Nyx cried out and got up, running as fast as she could.

Twilight chased Nyx all over the place, to Sugar Cube Corner, to Carousel Boutique then back to the Library. Nyx hid under a blanket of Snow, she tried to contain her giggle while Twilight searched around, she was aware of Nyx, but didn't want her to know that. Twilight made a slow pass by Nyx's hiding spot, a smug grin on her face and her eyebrows furrowed in focus.

"Hmm, I wonder where Nyx has gone..." she looked up and tapped her chin with her left hoof before smiling wide and turning around quickly to lift Nyx out of the pile with magic. "Found you!"

"Aww..." Nyx groaned in defeat and pouted.

Twilight opened the library door and stepped inside, carrying Nyx while she did.

"Now don't look at me that way." Twilight smiled.

Nyx looked away. "You used magic to find me...."

Twilight chuckled. "I'm sorry." She gently lowered Nyx to the ground and smiled. "But I can make up for that, Octavia Melody came this morning and asked you through me, if you'd like to be her student."

Nyx's eyes widened and sparkled. "In music?!" She said with excitement.

Twilight smiled and nodded toward the filly who started to jump around with much happiness. Snowdrop listened to this and smiled, resting her head between her hooves where she sat. The snow white filly smiled to herself and then toward Nyx.

"Only a month left... all of my hopes are with her, to save me from being bound to Equus..." she smiled. "I can feel it coming, Nyx... the snow of wishing, stars to wish on. They will be upon us soon..."

~~~

"What do you suppose she's doing?" Asked Sweetie Belle.

"Looks like she'splaying a flute." Responded Apple Bloom.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders sat together on Vinyl's side of the house while they watched Nyx play a flute. The dark filly blew into the flute to play a song on the sheet of paper in front of her, only to mess up each time and hurt everypony's ears.

"She didn't come to the clubhouse yesterday, what do you suppose for?" Asked Scootaloo who turned to her friends.

Snowdrop sat not too far from them. "She accepted the invitation to learn music, and in doing so, caused her panic. She started searching for answers."

"I guess we should be helping," frowned Sweetie Belle.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked down and sighed.

"Okay Nyx, try again. This time I want you to stay calm and cover the hole son the flute as you blow, change between the holes as you play and you'll get it," Octavia instructed carefully and with precise instruction.

Nyx nodded to her teacher and took a deep breath. She pressed the end of the flute to her lips and started to blow and cover different holes on the long white pipe. The tune that came out was beautiful. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stood in surprise, eyes wide and mouths open. Snowdrop herself was shocked and reacted the same way.

"Was that... Nyx?" Sweetie Belle asked in disbelief.

"uh-huh..." responded Apple Bloom.

"She- She only messed up once.. H-How..?" Scootaloo was surprised also.

Snowdrop smiled and stamped her hooves in applause. "Bravo!! Bravo!!" She called out in happiness.

The three filly's looked at the ghost with eyebrows raised then back to Nyx who played the melody as if she had always known. Octavia smiled and applauded.

"Well done, well done, good show I say." Octavia's smile was wide and proud.

Nyx stopped playing and smiled up at her teacher who could hardly contain her excitement.

"This is simply amazing, Nyx. Please continue practicing, I insist." Ocativa bowed to Nyx and jumped up and down.

The English pony ceased her joy when she heard Vinyl close by. She sighed and shook her head.

"Continue practicing, Nyx. I think Vinyl is stuck..." Octavia sighed again and left the house, shutting the door behind her.

The C.M.C and Snowdrop approached Nyx who continued to play her flute. She was flawless, like she knew how to do it professionally. Nyx looked at her friends who surrounded her, they listened and smiled while she played, she too smiling proudly of herself .

"That's amazing," Sweetie Belle said with a smile.

"Thank you, Sweetie Belle," Nyx closed her eyes and grinned with much happiness.

"How did ya learn so fast, Nyx?" Wondered Apple Bloom.

"I-I don't know..." Nyx was unsure, she frowned and looked at her flute when Octavia stepped back in.

"Okay, Nyx. Class dismissed." Octavia dismissed the lesson.

Nyx stood up and packed her flute in her bag, thanking Octavia as she and her friends left. Snowdrop could not be seen by the musician, but she didn't care. She turned into vapor and followed the C.M.C with the wind. It was getting late by this point and the filly's knew that their sisters and mother would be worried about them if they came back after five. The four of them looked at one another and said goodbye before heading back home. Nyx adjusted her glasses on the way, her wings fluttered slightly as she lifted herself up to fly.

"You are flying. Normally you walk," Snowdrop said in a surprised tone of voice.

"I need to get home, and walking isn't going to get me there any faster," Nyx replied as she hurried herself.

Snowdrop smiled. "It make's sense."

"Doesn't it?" Nyx smiled brightly.

Nyx flapped her wings faster gaining some speed as she flew to the library. Snowdrop in the form of a snowflake landed in Nyx's mane as she arrived home. Twilight was waiting for Nyx in the main room of the library. She was eager to hear how the lessons went. She peered out of the window to see Nyx approaching by air, this came as a surprise to Twilight who had never once thought Nyx would risk flying in this weather. Snow was falling and twinkling all around Nyx as she landed with a thud in the snow, sliding quite a bit until she was between Twilight's legs. Twilight stood back and looked down at the little filly who laid on her back, rubbing her head which hurt from the fall.

"Welcome home, Nyx." Twilight smiled brightly at the dark filly.

Nyx chuckled to herself and beamed. "Hello, Twilight."

Twilight levitated Nyx up from the ground and gently placed her back on her feet. Nyx looked up to Twilight and hugged her, the unicorn returning the gesture in kind. They let go and stepped into the library. Twilight closed the door and turned to Nyx who was removing her snow clothes and hanging them up on the rack, save for her shoes which she left on the floor by the other shoes.

"So, how was your first lesson with Octavia?" Twilight asked as she headed toward the stairs.

"It went well, Octavia thought I did amazingly." Nyx followed Twilight to the stairs and climbed them with her. "After to just one mess up, I got better at it."

"Well done, sweetie." Twilight smiled happily and lowered her head and nuzzled the filly who giggled happily.

"Glad to see you're back, Nyx." Spike smiled from the kitchen table, set with Cabbage stew and cucumber sandwiches.

Nyx's eyes sparkled at the sight of the meal, she hurried over to her chair hopped into it to eat. Twilight took her seat across from Spike and started to dig in, eating her soup, accompanied by Spike and Nyx who followed soon after. Nyx ate her food the same as usual but was more eager this night. Spike and Twilight took note and assumed that it was because of her music lessons, but it was not.

Nyx finished her dinner and took her bowel to the sink, rinsing it out and cleaning it; putting it in the drainer and retreating to her bedroom while Twilight watched. The star twinkled in Nyx's hair before melting. A cold sensation chilled the filly's head and sent a shiver down her spine. She shook her head and pushed open her door to see Snowdrop sitting by the window. The black filly looked up at Snowdrop who smiled contently.

"It won't be long now..." Snowdrop sighed.

Nyx tilted her head to one side. "Until..?"

"Until the blizzard... and the stars falling." Snowdrop turned her head in Nyx's direction as she spoke, a small smile on her face.

"The blizzard?" Nyx said in confusion.

Snowdrop nodded. "The last blizzard of winter. Untameable... as it has always been. I understand it has been so even after my passing..."

"There is a blizzard once a year every Wednesday, that's what you mean, isn't it?" Nyx raised her right eyebrow at Snowdrop who nodded.

"The stars can never tame it, because it comes from the Frozen North," Snowdrops voice quivered as if cold, she remembered what it was like walking home in those blizzards years ago. "I used to walk home from school in this weather..."

"Was it bad back then?"

Snowdrop nodded her reply. "The worst..."

Nyx flew up to the window and stared outside as the snow came down, much harder then it had the nights before.

~~~

Weeks passed, and so did school day's. Everyday Nyx would go to school with her friends, attend her music lessons, and go home where she would search, and talk to Snowdrop. Nyx would spend hours at night searching for a book, not once did it occur to check the study. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom helped out however they could until they began to think the search was fruitless. Snowdrop continued to wait and hold out hope that Nyx will find what she is searching for. Twilight had started to notice Nyx's search, but did not wish to disturb her until a month later. At the turn of the month it was time to start project's, everypony chose a partner in their class, naturally Nyx sided with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, though her contribution was over shadowed by her nagging desire to search.

After three weeks, the month boiled down to its last, and Nyx was losing her mind. She threw books out of the library shelves in a fit, looking for the book as the worry and stress mounted on her like a wave of water from the sea so deep. Twilight came down the stairs on the Monday night to see the library in a depressing state.

"N-Nyx?!" Twilight was furious.

Nyx paused at what she was doing, she was over by the S section of shelves and quietly turned to face Twilight.

"Y-Yes mommy?" She looked up at Twilight and frowned.

Twilight looked angry with Nyx. "Spike and I spent all day reorganizing this library, and you've gone and ruined it, why did you do this Nyx?!" Twilight gritted her teeth, her pupils small and her eyes wide.

"Because I had too," Nyx said to the lavender unicorn in a sad tone.

"No you didn't! There was no need for it, none at all!"

"I have to help Snowdrop, I need a book about snow to do that, so leave me alone!!!!" Nyx shouted, unaware of how much she just gave away.

The name clicked in Twilight's head instantly, she knew who Snowdrop was and was at first confused. Nyx pushed past Twilight and headed up the stairs, away from her mother and into her room, Twilight continued to stare at nothing for a moment before turning around and seeing Spike. The purple dragon sighed as he looked at Twilight.

"I knew she was seeing Snowdrop before, Twilight. I've always known, for months now I've know. I've seen her, nopony else can except Twilight, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and I." Spike had a guilty look on his face while Twilight was shocked.

"Please Twilight, keep this to yourself..." Spike pleaded.

"I can't, Spike. You know that," Twilight reminded the dragon.

Twilight walked past Spike and stepped into her study. Spike raised his claw to stop her, only to pull it back and lower his head in defeat. Twilight pushed open the doors to her study and grabbed a quill, she started to pen a letter to Princess Luna, telling her what Spike had said, and of Nyx's revelation of Snowdrop. But before she could take it to Spike and send it, she paused and looked at the book of snow that was beside her. She stared at it, then at the letter, weighing what would be best for Nyx, and she came tot he conclusion that she should take away what it was Nyx enjoyed. She tore up the letter and binned it. She picked up the book and took it to her room, where she kept it safe for the time being. The next morning, Nyx was silent, she was expecting Luna to arrive at any moment to take her memory away. She was afraid of this happening so much she couldn't focus the whole day. After class and during recess, the C.M.C inquired as to what was wrong.

"Nyx, are you feelin alright?" asked Apple Bloom.

Nyx looked at her and shook her head, averting her gaze back to her feet. "Luna is going to come soon... Twilight found out..."

"About Snowdrop? No way!" Scootaloo reacted in surprise.

"It's true!" Nyx cried out. "It's true..." her voice became softer.

The C.M.C looked at one another with frowns.

"W-Where's..." Sweetie Belle was suddenly cut off.

"Snowdrop? Gone... I don't know where she is, I can't sense her..." Nyx's ears folded flat on the top of her head. "It's like she's just gone..."

"Maybe she's not gone!" Scootaloo exclaimed. "Maybe you're emotions are blocking your senses, negativity clouds positivity!"

"That's the smartest thing you've said all day, Scootaloo." Apple Bloom smiled.

Scootaloo blinked and looked at Apple Bloom as if she had been called stupid.

Nyx thought about it and smiled. "I guess so... I shouldn't be so upset... I'll tell more to Twilight when I get home."

The girls smiled as the bell rang for class, the four of them went inside, and spent the rest of the day, working on their projects. At the end of the day, Nyx walked home, alone, the thought of Snowdrop being nearby offered much comfort to her, Snowdrop was in fact waiting for Nyx at the library, though the dark filly did not know. When she arrived, she opened the door to the library, warm air overcame Nyx as she stepped out of the cold air. She started changing out of her winter clothes as Twilight approached.

"Welcome home, Nyx." Twilight smiled toward her warmly.

"T-Thank you..." Responded the filly in a somber tone.

"I wanted to apologies... about last night. I want you to know that I didn't tell Princess Luna, Spike told me everything I needed to know."

Nyx looked at up Twilight in surprise, which doubled when she presented the book of Snow.

"You were looking for this, right?" Twilight grinned with her eyes closed.

Nyx hugged Twilight rightly before hurrying upstairs with the book to start reading. Nyx spent hours reading ever chapter, it was all regular winter history until a chapter came up, a chapter titled; Snowdrop's Stars. Nyx's eyes widened and Sparkled and she quickly turned the page to look, it would take a few short hours before she finished, and when she was, her questions had been answered, but now she had more questions, and she knew just who to ask. She closed the book and took a long deep breath and sighed.

"Snowdrop, I need to talk to you," she said softly.

The twinkling of stars were heard close by, and Snowdrop appeared in the blink of an eye. She stood in front of Nyx looking in her direction blindly.

"You called?" Snowdrop smiled.

Nyx's eyes were sad, she frowned as she stared at the white filly who listened out for her. "I know who you are now, Snowdrop of Cloudsdale..."

Snowdrop blinked and sat down. "I'm listening..."

"You created the stars of winter while everypony was against, your stars granted wishes and they were your greatest treasures."

"You're wrong..." Snowdrop frowned. "My treasures were my daughter's and grand children. Never think that I cared about the stars alone. I only ever cared for them, the stars were nothing compared to my family. But I liked them, their twinkles, their gifts, the love that went into them."

Nyx smiled at the sound of this. Snowdrop nodded, closing her eyes and shedding tears, she smiled and sniffled.

"My last wish was so Luna would drop the first snowflake during the first winter of her return. And I'm glad she did..." Snowdrop smiled warmly.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because, it was your quest. And you wouldn't learn anything if I helped you. I dropped hints though... so subtle you didn't even notice. In my words... my secondary occupation was good for all of Equestria. I was a star maker despite my blindness, only for a time... only for a time." Snowdrop said with a large smile.

Nyx smiled returned Snowdrops smile kindly. "I understand now."

"Now begs the final question, what will your wish be when the stars fall?" Snowdrop asked Nyx who looked to her left, unsure.

=====================================================================

11: Snowdrop's farewell.

Author's Note

So that the comments don't get cluttered, please PM to me any mistakes, spelling errors or punctuation mistakes that are found.

11: Snowdrop's farewell.

Tears in the Snow

By Chaos Phantasm

=====================================================================

Chapter 11

Snowdrop's farewell

=====================

"May wanna stay inside, Twilight. Keep Nyx safe while you're at it. That blizzard is coming faster then predicted and is set to hit tonight."

Rainbow Dash hovered above Twilight, pegasi flying frantically around Ponyville, notifying residents of the end of winter blizzard that was on its way.

"How fast?" Twilight asked with concern.

"It hit Neighagra only thirteen minutes ago and is set to hit Cloudsdale in four hours. Twilight prepare what you need and stay inside if you value your life, I value yours, don't get stuck out there."

And with that, Rainbow Dash, dashed off, a streak of rainbow left behind in her wake. Twilight closed the door and turned around, facing into the foyer.

"Spike, I need you down here, now!"

Spike came down the stair's as quick as he could. He ran on all fours before tripping and spiraling down the staircase, landing safely on his feet again and standing upright.

"Something wrong Twilight?"

The wind outside blew violently, shaking the leaves of the library and making a whipping sound, the window's shaking. Spike and Twilight looked up at the ceiling and at the windows as the howling ceased.

"That blizzard is getting closer. Spike, we have to find Nyx."

"But Nyx is out at Sweet Apple Acres, and—"

Another large gust of wind plowed into the side of the old oak tree. Many books fell over and even Twilight stumbled over. Spike feel beck into a pile of books which buried him.

"You feel that?" Twilight gasped, quickly gathering her snow clothes and donning them to go outside.

Spike moved some books covering his face and spat out a book on Supernaturals. "I taste that..." He shook his head and emerged from the pile, brushing himself off. "You're not going out there, are you?"

"I have to find Nyx. Even if I get battered by the wind."

"Nyx is safe at Sweet Apple Acres, just like the others. Applejack will look after them."

"Spike, I won't feel secure about Nyx's safety in this weather if she's not here. This storm is stronger then the others and Sweet Apple Acres is barely warm enough to accommodate four filly's."

Spike fidgeted with his claws and sighed. "Need me to do anything in the meantime?"

Twilight lifted a leg, her horn aglow with its aura around the door handle. "You could come with me, unless you want to prepare hot towels."

Spike started grabbing at the coat rack for his scarf, putting it on and joining Twilight who opened the door and stepped outside. The wind was chilling, the sky as dark as angry storm clouds. Pegasi who were still below cloud level; were finishing up their rounds to various houses, passing warning to the ponies to keep warm and stay inside. Twilight put on some goggles with a melting enchantment to keep the ice off, and looked northward.

To Twilight's horror, the dark, foreboding cloud of wind, snow and ice, was much closer then Rainbow Dash had said. The four hours had suddenly turned into forty minutes, by now all remaining pegasi were retreating into their homes. Twilight started to move quickly. Spike followed behind, keeping pace with Twilight who was hurrying to reach the apple farm.

"Twilight, that blizzard doesn't look friendly."

"It's moving faster then the Pegasi's initial prediction, Spike. I think that blizzard hit Cloudsdale an hour or so ago."

"We don't know that, Twilight,"

"Spike we really shouldn't be talking. We need to hurry." Twilight started running, Spike joining her in her sprint for Sweet Apple Acres which was just minutes away.

"But Twilight—" Spike looked up to the oncoming cloud that approached Canterlot, slowly enveloping the city within the cold shroud of coat slicing icicles and blinding snow.

Spike's eyes widened in fear of being caught within and started picking up the pace, double-time.

~~~

"It's coming Nyx! It's coming, and it's so much worse then before..." Snowdrop was frantic. Her energy was being thrown around as hard winds rammed into the side of the club house.

Nyx could barely sense Snowdrop, but her words spoke loud with warning. Her urgency made Nyx and her friends uneasy. A pounding came at the door, on the third knock the door came off its hinges and smashed into the wall on the other side of the house.

"C'mon girls! To the barn, double time!!" Applejack commanded.

"C'mon girls, follow Applejack!" Apple Bloom shouted in support.

Nyx, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle followed quickly. A tree came cracking down behind Nyx, the winds became even more violent and air grew bone chillingly cold. The barn was just barely in sight, silhouetted in the snow being blown around and obscuring their vision. Applejack pushed forward regardless. She passed the lasso to Apple Bloom who passed it to Sweetie Belle, to Scootaloo, then Nyx. All the filly's held on, Applejack pulled them along.

"Applejack!!" Rainbow called out at the top of her lungs.

Applejack looked up to the pegasus, her eyes widening at Rainbow's folly for coming out in weather this bad.

"What the hay is your problem, Rainbow Dash?! Go home! Get out of this weather, Ah can take care of the fillies!"

"I can take Scootaloo home without a problem!" Rainbow argued, "This ice is nothing."

As if testing her words, the wind picked up and forced Rainbow to make a crash landing. It had blown her out of her stationary hover and into a pile of snow. Her wings now frozen and un-moving, Rainbow looked up to Applejack and smiled sheepishly, much to Applejack's bemusement.

"Alright now, keep moving girls," Applejack urged and continued on toward the barn quickly, Rainbow joining them without a choice.

Nyx's horn fizzled with magic. Focusing hard enough, Nyx created a small barrier around Scootaloo and herself. Though it did not last long, the barrier blinked in and out of existence until finally vanishing with the glow of Nyx's horn.

Big Macintosh opened the barn doors. He held a lantern in his hoof as he beckoned to the six ponies to hurry. Rainbow ran ahead, a branch coming down just behind her and in front of Applejack with the blowing of a strong wind, bringing her and the filly's to another stop. Applejack reared up and whinnied in fright, taking a step back, unable to see the path anymore.

"Dang it!" shouted Applejack.

"Aunt Applejack, what's wrong?" asked Nyx.

"Don't you worry non', Nyx, Ah'll have us out of this weather in no time," she sounded sure of herself, but looking ahead, Applejack could feel her words die.

The snow started to pile up. The snow had reached the filly's knees but were only halfway up Applejack's legs. With Big Macintosh's lamp aglow in the distance Applejack stepped over the branch now half buried under layers of frozen water. Snowdrop's energy had long departed Nyx at the onset of the harsh winds. She felt alone.

Rainbow Dash came back through the haze with Big Mac's lantern. She lapped her stiffening wings in urgency to hurry Applejack, and she did. Another powerful wind came and forced Nyx and Scootaloo away from the group, picked up and tossed away into the orchard against their will. They shouted for help, screamed even. Too late.

"Nyx! Where are you?!" Scootaloo called out, shaking and shivering in the cold wind. She hunched her back, teeth chattering, looking around for her friends black coat.

Nyx lay nearby in front of a leafless tree, a small red stain in the snow around her head. Her eyes were shut. Nyx had hit her head against the tree when she was blown away. Scootaloo, only two meters away was unable to see her through the murky haze. Applejack, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Rainbow Dash's voices were muffled by the wind. Inside Nyx's mind, it was black. A dark shadow moved in this darkness around an image of Nyx, laying on a patch of white with a light on her.

Turquoise eyes with slitted pupils gleamed and squinted. A wicked giggle echoed throughout the empty space of Nyx's unconscious mind. Opportunistically; it charged forward, toward Nyx as if to envelope her in a dark shroud, only to be stopped as Snowdrop appeared and created a barrier of light from her forehead. The shade hissed and growled.

"Don't come any closer!" exclaimed Snowdrop.

"Such strength..." The shade paced in front of Snowdrop. Invisible in the dark with only its eyes visible. "Sightless, yet still sees. Your hearing is mighty impressive, Snowdrop of Cloudsdale."

Snowdrop moved her eyes left and right, her ears twitching and swiveling in different directions to listen out for the creature addressing her. The shade's voice could be heard all over, yet its hoofsteps sounded only ahead.

"Stay away from Nyx, shade," Snowdrop's voice was firm and defensive.

The shade laughed mockingly and with such villainy. "How amusing. I was surprised Luna continued to hold an attachment to you, even as we gave her the strength and power to be Nightmare Moon," the Shade smirked, bearing its sharp white teeth.

"Our former identity has been lost since her transformation. We have taken a new name, we... I have remained apart of Nyx since I was in control of Nexus. I have been with Nyx since that day Luna spared her!"

Snowdrops eyes widened in realization. "Y-you can't be... Luna is back, she's good again, I know she is. You are dark, you are evil. You should not exist anymore..."

"Evil lives on, no matter how hard you try to smite it!" the shade hissed, growling monstrously and keeping her gaze fixed on the spirit, her eyes occasionally shifting to look at Nyx's unconscious body.

"I won't deny, I too felt a deep connection to you, even as Luna willingly came to me during her lowest hour of need. When her anger had reached a peak that would shatter the very land she wanted. I helped her vent it and when I was defeated, when those six banished me from her body, I found a new host. One so much more supple, naive, weak and pathetic. You know not any of this, little Snowdrop, do you?"

Snowdrop was silent, her barrier faltered briefly and the Shade attacked once more. Quickly, Snowdrop poured her energy into it, this time revealing the shades the appearance in the light when it struck. It backed away into the dark once more and chuckled darkly. Snowdrop started to flicker, her body's energy was being used up just to save Nyx's mind and body.

"How long can a spirit keep this up? How does a spirit even get into a body to do this? My my little Snowdrop, you're keeping secrets," the shade scoffed.

"Be... s-silent... I'm a lot stronger.. t-then you think!"

"It was not strength that saved that zebra with a stare of stone, you use words to fight, this I must admit is a valiant attempt. I am impressed you can stand up to an alicorn such as I."

"What... are you..." Snowdrop panted and fell to her knees, the darkness getting closer as the barrier shrank.

"Am I that interesting?" the Shade chuckled aloud, "You've already guessed who I am, but not what I am?" It grinned wide. "I am the remnants of the greatest evil in all of Equis, the very darkness that consumed Luna, the same evil that possessed Spell Nexus to create this young body. I am the creatures in your nightmares, the horror of your darkest thought! I am the princess of darkness! The mare of the moon! I. Am. Nightmare Moon!!!"

The shade took the shape of a black alicorn with black flames making up its body, "And you're history..."

The Shade exploded into a wall of darkness that threatened to cover Nyx and Snowdrop both. Thinking of Nyx, and all the memories they've shared over the last three months, Snowdrop grit her teeth and and angrily struggled to stand.

"NO!!!" A light shrank into a sphere at Snowdrops chest, then exploded.

The light washed away the darkness, sending the shade back to wherever it had crawled out from. Nightmare Moon was sealed once again within the crescent moon of Nyx's cutie mark. The shadow gasped and growled in murderous furry, its voice echoing through out Nyx's sub-conscious and into the spirit filly's ears.

"You won't be there forever!! Winters end draws near, and with it, You. Will. Fade!!"

Snowdrops ears fell back. She turned her head in the direction of the still unconscious Nyx, reminded that she needed to pass on. The Shade laughed once more almost victoriously.

"You've only just bought Nyx some time, I will be free again to take control. The seal has weakened."

"Nyx! Nyx, I'm here! Wake up!!" Scootaloo's voice drifted into the alicorn filly's mind as her body stirred just slightly.

"Before Nyx wake's up, I want to give you some advice, Snowdrop..."

There was a long pause before the shade spoke again.

"If you dare speak of me to Nyx, I will make her hurt, I will destroy her friendships and I will bring hatred upon her from one she holds dear..." Nightmare Moons voice was silent from that moment on.

After a moments thought, Snowdrop smiled softly at the shades empty words. "No... you won't..."

Everything turned white.

~~~

Scootaloo shook Nyx awake. She was shivering, her breath was nothing more then fog by this point, her orange coat now an icy blue.

"C-come on N-Nyx.. w-we have to..g..get to—" Scootaloo stopped and collapsed in the snow. The cold taking its toll on her.

Nyx's black coat was now blue, the red in the snow around her had turned a bright pink, her legs were buried beneath the snow. Horrified and full of worry, Twilight and Spike emerged from the haze to find the two laying there. Spike's spines glowed green as he breathed his magical fire on them both, warming them and staving off the hypothermia while Twilight levitated them onto her back, putting up a dome barrier and hurrying back to the barn.

The blizzard hit before Twilight could back it, the barrier cracked and spider-webbed as icicles beat and slammed into the shield. Spike looked nervously around as pieces began to fall and vanish.

"Twilight!" Spike cried out with urgency.

Right before the shield broke completely, Twilight and Spike leaped for the barn door and were safe. The doors closed and the blizzard slammed into the barn house.

~~~

Nyx opened her eyes and let out a deep breath, coughing and shaking, laying by a warm controlled fire within the barn. Scootaloo had woken up before Nyx, her coat returning to a healthy orange color. Apple Bloom walked up to Nyx and sat down, Snowdrop beside her.

"You're awake," smiled Apple Bloom.

"W-what happened..? My head hurts..." Nyx groaned.

"You hit your head on a tree," informed Sweetie Belle, "it wasn't bad enough to go back to the hospital but you needed a bandage.

Nyx looked in a mirror at her forehead. Two bandages separated by her horn was wrapped around her head, the side of which bore evidence of having hit the tree.

"That wind was something, right Nyx?" Scootaloo smiled, trying to brighten the mood.

Nyx chuckled slightly, "Sure was, Scootaloo.

Snowdrop had remained silent, her echolocation in constant effect as the sound of the wind bounded off of everything. She looked down at Nyx, frowning slightly in worry of her. The knowledge of a shade sealed within her friend weighed heavily. Looking up at Snowdrop, Nyx saw her frown, the deep thought that was as clear on her murky eyes as a flower in the sun.

"Snowdrop?" Nyx frowned.

Snowdrop blinked and shook her head. "Huh? Y-you say something, Nyx?"

"Are you feeling okay? You look like something's bothering you..."

Snowdrop shook her head, a cheerful smile on her face. "It's nothing Nyx, don't worry. Besides, I can't tell you. I can't meddle with your future, I am only meant to be apart of your present, until winters end and the stars fall."

Nyx opened her mouth slightly to say something, sighing and nodding to Snowdrops words in respect.

"Twilight, Nyx is awake," Spike said as he approached the filly's.

Twilight looked over to Nyx and walked over to her, Rainbow Dash rushing by to sit by Scootaloo.

"Are you okay, Scootaloo?! I was worried sick, you're not hurt anymore are you?!" Rainbow checked Scootaloo over.

Scootaloo didn't look amused, but smiled anyway. "I'm find Rainbow Dash, honest."

Twilight got down gently beside Nyx and nuzzled her. "Don't ever scare my like that again, you hear me..? I almost had a heart attack..."

Nyx hugged Twilight, resting her head against Twilight's mane. "I'm sorry, mommy... I didn't mean for it to happen... the wind was so strong..."

Nyx tried to levitate her glasses off, only to gasp and looked around. "W-where are my glasses?"

"Uh... Nyx..." Spike said with regret.

Nyx let go of Twilight and looked at Spike. The purple dragon held his hands out to Nyx, and in his hands was the remains of Nyx's glasses. The right lens frame was bent inward while the remaining lens was cracked through the middle, the arms were broken, snapped and bent while the nose section had been oddly twisted.

Nyx's ears fell back in sadness, tears welling up as she levitated her first pair of glasses out of Spikes claws and in front of her. She sniffled, Twilight brought her into a comforting.

"We found them like that when Twilight picked you up, they're in pretty bad shape..." Spike scratched the back of his head.

"It's okay Nyx, we'll get them fixed and re-enchanted, there's no need to worry—"

"I'm not worried... I'm sad..." Nyx said, cutting Twilight off at the last second.

Spike looked at Snowdrop who closed her eyes and flickered, fading away and vanishing.

Applejack listened to the storm, she yawned tiredly as it neared midnight. "Sounds we're enterin the worst of the blizzard. Better bunker down and hit the hay everypony. This blizzard ain't gonna let up till earl in the mornin." Applejack approached a pile of hay and flopped down onto it. She fell asleep shortly after.

Rainbow turned in not long after, followed by Spike, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Twilight. Nyx didn't sleep immediately, she lay awake for another hour before shutting her eyes and falling into the dream world.

~~~

The ponies were greeted the following day by warm sunlight. Winter Wrap Up would begin the next day, and after that the Spring Sunrise. Rainbow Dash stretched her wings and flapped them quick enough to blow the snow at her hooves away. Satisfied, she smiled and picked Scootaloo up, letting her rest on her back as she took off, returning home after saying good bye to Twilight, Applejack and the filly's.

Nyx, Twilight and Sweetie Belle bid Applejack and Apple Bloom farewell for now and began their walk back to Ponyville. Their first stop on the way into town, was Carousel Boutique. Rarity was absolutely livid with Sweetie Belle when she came out, but seeing Sweetie Belle quelled her rage and she pounced on the poor filly.

Whining and in tears, Rarity thanked Twilight and Nyx for bringing Sweetie Belle home safely and simply cuddled and cooed in glee.

"Help me..." pleaded Sweetie Belle.

Nyx could only mouth an apology without a sound, wincing and cringing as she turned away and followed Twilight and Spike back to the library. The grand oak tree was a mess, branches snapped, snow weighed down many of the arms that held up the canopy. Twilight looked up at this sympathetically and sighed.

"We have a lot of cleaning up to do..."

Nyx looked around and stretched out her feelings to find Snowdrop, but she was silent, her energy could not be felt.

~~~

Earth ponies roamed the streets of Ponyville, shoveling snow and piling it up. Nyx looked out of her bedroom window to watch this.

"Where are you Snowdrop... can't you hear me?" Nyx sighed and rested her cheek on the windows edge.

Spike came into the room and looked at Nyx. "Hey Nyx, how are you holding up?"

Nyx sniffled. "I'm alright, I'm not cold."

"You shouldn't be, I breathed on you when we picked you up. You didn't burn which surprised me. Twilight said you were cold enough to be burned without the nasty side effects."

Nyx looked at Spike, alarmed. "You breathed fire on me?!"

"It was to help keep the hypothermia away, you would have died otherwise..." Spike rubbed his arm, looking to his left.

Nyx looked down at first, then threw her front legs around Spike in a hug, standing on her hind legs, one forward to support her. She shook, finding it hard to stand like this, she flapped her wings hoping to hover slightly, but couldn't. She let go and stretched her back legs, back on all fours again.

"Thank you, Spike."

"You'd have done the same. I know you would," Spike smiled.

A faint twinkling came on the wind. Nyx's ears perked up at this sound and she turned to the window.

"Nyx..?" Spike took a step toward her.

"I thought I heard Snowdrop..." she sighed and looked down at the floor.

"She disappeared last night. She didn't look well..." Spike shook his head.

Nyx's ear dropped, she frowned and stomped one of her fore-hooves on the wooden floor. "It's my fault, I got stuck out in the snow. She must've been blown away by the wind..."

"That isn't true Nyx, you know that..." Spike stroked Nyx's mane and was hugged, Nyx rested her head against Spike's chest, eyes closed tightly.

Outside, under a nearby tree; Snowdrop flickered in and out of existence. Her form unstable from the massive loss of energy used to ward off Nyx's second soul.

"Winters end draws near, and with it, You. Will. Fade!!" The Shade's words echoed in Snowdrops mind.

"She wasn't wrong... once the spring sunrise comes... I will fade away and be no more." Snowdrop shed tears which vanished as they touched the snow beneath her. "They come tonight Nyx... and when they do... make a wish..." Snowdrop smiled, her head unknowingly aimed in the direction of Nyx's bedroom window.

It started to snow.

~~~

Twinkles...

It was just an hour after dinner when the last snowfall of the years came. But they twinkled, sparkled and shone. Bright yellow and white lights came out and floated. A warm wind blew through out Ponyville, and it was heard by all. Nyx sat at her desk in her bedroom. Oblivious to what was happening outside, in front of the library.

"It is time Nyx, the stars are falling..." Snowdrops voice came to Nyx in an echo, so close yet so far.

Nyx perked up, she sat stunned for a moment then quickly stood up, she ran over to her bedroom window and saw a light, shining from the sky down onto a patch of grass, as though the snow had left it untouched. Quickly, Nyx left her room and bolted down stairs, passing Twilight, Spike and Owlowiscious who followed Nyx out of concern. The library door swung open as Nyx turned the handle and pulled. She darted out side, disregarding the slight cold as she was met with a warmth like none other.

The contrast sent shivers through Nyx's body, she looked around at all the floating lights. Twilight came to a stop behind Nyx, Spike included.

"Nyx, are you okay?" Twilight stood beside Nyx, and she too was met with the same warmth.

That same warmth washed over Spike as he stepped outside. Nyx approached the circle of light and within this light was Snowdrop. She stood still, listening as Nyx approached and stopped in front of her.

"Three months... It's been that long since we started talking," Snowdrop giggled.

"It has," Nyx smiled.

"Tonight's the night, the only time of year these stars ever fall anymore..." Snowdrop moved her head upward, as if looking at the sky.

Twilight watched, wide eyed at the sight of Snowdrop. She approached from behind Nyx and laid beside the filly, her legs folded beneath her, neck straight.

Ding

The sound of twinkles started to fill the night air, audible to everypony. The citizens of Ponyville came outside and looked to the sky as the twinkles sounded. many of these ponies were dressed for bed, others had hot chocolate floating beside them and others simply looked around in amazement.

Another warm wind blew past everypony, some were startled, others felt peace. The wind seemed to draw them all to the front of the library. The crowed gathered, Nyx, Twilight and Spike saw that the whole town was there, and they were bewildered, but not for long. The stars started to fall, they fell all around the ponies like rain. The crowed gasped and talked amongst themselves. Many of them looked at Nyx and Snowdrop assuming they had something to do with this. In a way, they did.

"With every star, there is a wish. It is these stars that made winter happy, it calmed the snow, and it listened to the weather ponies. Without these wishes winter will only grow sad again, and the snow will be wild. Enjoying the snow, playing in it and appreciating it, that make's winter happy. But winter can only be truly happy when everypony wishes upon the stars.

""I wish... I hope... I dream... I pray. By the princesses' rule, light my way."" Snowdrop said as though she has spoken those words a hundred times before. She smiled at Nyx and took a deep breath.

"What will you wish for, Nyx?" Snowdrop tilted her head slightly in wait.

Nyx's heart stopped, any word she wished to say had died in her throat. "I-I... S-Snowdrop I don't...."

Snowdrop frowned. Twilight looked at Nyx and frowned like Snowdrop.

"Snowdrop... w-we're friends. I want to help you, I've always wanted to help you from the moment we spoke. But now... I don't know if I can..." Tears dripped onto the ground, fallen from Nyx's eyes.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle joined Nyx. Their faces were heavy with sorrow, unsure themselves if they were ready to say goodbye.

"We'll miss you, Snowdrop..." Sweetie Belle said with a sniffle.

"W-we'll always remember you, that's a promise," Apple Bloom crossed her forehooves and fought back her own tears.

Scootaloo was unsuccessful in holding back hers, she sobbed and sniffled, wiping her eyes and taking a deep breath. "You... You better remember us, you're a Crusader after all..."

"...And our friend..." Nyx whimpered.

Snowdrop started to feel her own sadness come on. She sniffled and gave the four a smile. "I-I won't forget... any of you, not once. All of you will be in my memory. All of you..."

There was a moment of silence, then Nyx took a deep breath. She closed her eyes and breathed out, her mind clear and free of any hesitation she looked up to a star and focused her words to it.

"I wish... I hope... I dream... I pray. By the princesses' rule, guide her way."

Snowdrop closed her eyes and smiled. "Thank you..." Then she disappeared.

~~~

Luna walked along the path in the garden, it had already been cleared of snow. Small white flowers were growing beside the stone path, along with small green tufts of green grass. Luna was alone, she looked up as two strands of stars fell across Luna's gaze. Their shape was unmistakable, they shared the same appearance to that of Snowdrops first star. Luna's eyes widened and she quivered.

"T-those are Snowdrops..."

"I've finally found you, after all this time."

Luna gasped and turned around. Everything had turned black, save for the light that shone down on her and the light that shone down on Snowdrop. She was younger now, as young as she was when she first met Snowdrop. Blue coat, grey blue mane and tail.

"Snowdrop..."

"After all this time, I finally get to say it... I've been waiting so long Luna," Snowdrop smiled.

"S-Snowdrop... I—" Luna shed tears, eyes widened, pupils small.

Snowdrop cut Luna off befoe she could finish her sentence. "Goodbye, Luna." Snowdrop faded away slowly.

Luna raised a hoof to stop snowdrop, though it was in vain. "Snowdrop!!"

Then everything was back to normal, Luna's coat was darker, her mane flowing with magical aura. She lowered her hoof sobbing and looking at the ground, and not long after, she collapsed.

~~~

In Ponyville, everypony was quiet. The citizens continued to crowed around the heavenly light from a distance, gasping as Snowdrop appeared once more.

"Thank you Nyx, for everything. For being my friend. For helping me make new friends, and for helping me in the end when I needed it."

Snowdrops voice was full of gratitude, happiness and relief. Twilight, Nyx, Spike and the C.M.C smiled up at spirit as she revealed her true form. A mare, long regal wings, a long beautiful mane with a gentle, warming face. She was tall for a pegasus just a few inches taller then Fluttershy.

Everypony stared in awe at the sight of the centuries old spirit. Snowdrop closed her eyes and gave the citizens of Ponyville her happiest smile yet, then turned to snow with the blowing of the wind. Nyx shed tears, watching Snowdrop pass on and into the sky above where her friends and family waited for her. Snowdrop was finally at peace, and for the first time in a thousand years, Equestria remembered the gifts she gave that spring sunrise.

=====================================================================

12: Tears in the snow.

Tears in the Snow

By Chaos Phantasm

=====================================================================

Chapter 12

Tears in the snow

=====================

Nyx stared up at the large doors of Castle Canterlot. Two unicorn guards stood to the left and right of those large silver and gold doors. She felt nervous, and looked to her left, taking a deep breath and breathing a deep sigh.

"Why am I here..." Nyx wondered somberly. She sat on her haunches on the fresh green spring grass and let out another deep sigh, lower her ehad and looking down at the grass.

"Hello," came a young, sweet voice.

Nyx looked up slowly to a filly close to her age. Nyx's eyes widened in surprise at this filly's appearance. An alicorn but so much different. Eyes like fire, wings that were too large for a filly her age, folded at her sides and pressed there awaiting use. Her coat was a mixture of yellows, oranges and reds, giving it a feathery look. To Nyx, the alicorn before her looked much like a phoenix. Nyx was amazed more so by the filly's mane and tail, blue as the hottest flame, crackling and moving as if it was fire. The grass at her hooves sizzled with heat. This filly was not normal.

"H-hello..." Nyx replied softly.

The strange filly approached Nyx carefully. "M-my name is Serena, Serena Starfire. What's your name?"

"N-Nyx," the dark filly replied slightly more open with a stammer.

"You're the pony Aunt Luna and Mommy talk's about. You're just like me, different," Serena perked up and spoke excitedly. She pranced in place and giggled.

Nyx smiled and started to warm up to the filly. She stood up and approached Serena. "I like your coat, you look just like Phoenix."

"Y-you really think so? I mean I know I look different, but I never thought I looked like anything really..." chuckled Serena.

"You're really pretty, prettier then me."

"Are you sure about that?" Serena tilted her head. "Black is a beautiful colour, your coat has a lovely sheen."

Nyx smiled brightly and closed her eyes. "Thank you!" her smile became a grin.

Serena returned Nyx's smile with a wide toothy one of her own, a light giggle coming through.

"Well it's nice to see you two have met."

Nyx and Serena looked up at the large castle doors. Princess Celestia stood in the open doorway, looking down at the filly's with a warming smile.

"Mommy!" Serena danced happily, giggling and smiling and running up to greet Celestia while she descended the stairs.

Nyx watched on happily, though a little bothered that she had to spend the day with Celestia.

"Hello, princess...." Nyx said with a sigh.

Celestia noted Nyx's disdain and sighed. "I'm aware you are still unhappy with me for past mistakes. But please, I wish to become your friend, as Luna has become like a sister to you."

Nyx looked up to Celestia and breathed a sigh, a small smile forming. "O-okay, Princess Celestia."

Princess Celestia smiled and turned to a guard. "have my chariot prepared, I want to make it to the Royal Canterlot Cemetery before lunch time."

The guard stood straight and bowed. "Yes, your highness." The guard then left to prepare the chariot.

Nyx watched guard leave, then lifted an eyebrow. "Why are we going there?" She looked at Celestia curiously.

"You'll see very soon. Now from what I understand, Twilight sent you here because she felt it was unsafe for you to partake in the Ponyville winter wrap up."

Nyx looked down, her eyes glowed a brighter turquoise. "They still think I'm a threat, still think I am unsafe... They are wrong!" Her voice had gotten lower, a slight growl in it which Celestia took note of it. "Mommy sent me here to spend time with Luna while they cleaned up Ponyville... Last year was just fine, I don't understand!!"

A giant crack appeared on a nearby window. Celestia threw her head quickly in the direction of the sound, her eyes locking onto the large fresh spider-webbed scar. Nyx's eyes ceased glowing, and her voice went back to its melodic, fragile tone.

"I-I'm sorry... I didn't mean that...." Nyx said with regret.

Serena frowned as she looked at Nyx. She turned her gaze to look up at her mother while she approached Nyx. Celestia folded her wings up and sat down on her haunches.

"Nyx... It's okay. I can understand your frustration. Though Luna understands far better then I do."

The chariot arrived nearby and Serena looked at it. Celestia heard it but kept her focus on the dark filly. Nyx looked up to Princess Celestia, ears folded back, wonder in her wide eyes.

"W-where is Luna?"

~~~

The Royal Canterlot Cemetery.

Still covered in blankets of snow, its gate rusted with age, icicles hanging off of the yellowed and orange bars that ran horizontal through the vertical bars of the Gothic looking metal gates surrounded by a large equally Gothic looking fence. Many of the headstones had been chipped and cracked, the words on them faded by the weather, rain and snow over the years. Yet in the center, the grave and statue of Snowdrop remained untouched.

In front of the stone sat Luna, staring down at some Galanthus nivalis that grew at the front of stone filly. A wind blew, freeing some fresh leaves that grew on a nearby tree, Nyx stood at the opened gate behind Luna, watching with her dragon eyes. Luna could sense Nyx was there and stretched out her wing, sighing to a guard beside Nyx to leave, then motioned to Nyx to come over to her.

Nyx took a deep breath, then stepped toward the princess of the night through cold snow beneath her hooves. She got beside Luna, then sat down on her haunches beside the princess.

"You've never been here before, the Royal Canterlot Cemetery. Final resting place of the great Lady Snowdrop. This is the only thing left of her, this statue is the only thing ponies today can use to get an idea of what she looked like," Luna smiled with conflicting emotions.

"I don't know if I should be happy or sad... I had said goodbye to her once before... as if it were a dream... though last night, I saw her again..."

Nyx's ears fell back. "Luna..."

Princess Luna shed tears which fell into the snow at her hooves. Nyx saw this and could help but feel sympathy for her adopted sister. Nyx rubbed her head against Luna's leg, closing her eyes and letting tears fall.

"Luna.... f-for the past three months... I... I've been—"

"Seeing Snowdrop..." Luna interrupted.

Nyx opened her eyes and looked up to Luna as though she had just said something truly shocking, and it was. Months of keeping secrets, and now it was all going to end. But how had Luna known? Luna looked down at Nyx, an eyebrow raised, a neutral expression on her face which brought Nyx to worry.

"H-how..? I-I kept it a secret... y-you couldn't have know... Twilight didn't tell you.." Nyx started to hyper ventilate. "P-please... d-don't take these memories away..."

Luna chuckled benevolently. "You misunderstand me Nyx... When I took my memories and power back after the Long Night, I kept some memories for you, memories I already had... memories I had copied and gifted to you willingly. I knew all along that you were seeing Snowdrop, I didn't act because I intended this from the start."

Nyx was calmed by this, but confused. "B-but why? Why would you?"

"Because Snowdrop was the first pony to make me feel true happiness.... more true then anything I had ever felt before... or since... even you Nyx cannot ever bring me the same joy Snowdrop did... but you bring me a joy that is unique all on its own. I left you those memories so that you wouldn't be tempted by darkness... It was snowdrop that kept me from turning to the dark sooner... But it didn't last; you know the rest."

Nyx took it all in. She felt inferior to Snowdrop now, but she was overjoyed she made Luna feel something, even if it did not compare to the filly of ages past. When Luna mentioned her reasons for keeping the memory, it made sense, Twilight alone was enough to raise her to be kind and nice, but it wouldn't be enough to stop her from turning to darkness as Luna did. For somepony of Nyx's age, a memory of the good things Snowdrop did, was all it would take to lock somepony on a permanent path of light.

Then Nyx clicked to Luna's words, she was talking as if Snowdrop was just that... a memory. "L-Luna..?"

"Hmm?" Luna looked down at Nyx from the corner of her eye.

"W-why do you speak of Snowdrop as though she was never there... as if she was just a memory? I saw her... we played together.... my friends, her and I..."

Luna closed her eyes and breathed unsteadily, her eyes becoming misty. "Because Nyx... Snowdrop's memory was so strong it became real... a ghost of its former self but real... Snowdrop was alive again as a memory. She crossed over the first winter I had experienced after a thousand years... I saw her... she said goodbye and I cried..." Luna grit her teeth and started to sob.

"I miss her... By the moon I miss her so terribly Nyx, it hurts... And I've wished on so many stars that I could take back the years I wasted watching her, and being Nightmare Moon.... if only to see her again!!" Luna's tears flowed like waterfalls and dripped off her cheeks constantly, melting the snow beneath.

Luna lowered her head until she hunched over, her head touching the ground. She wailed and sobbed for a while. Nyx shed tears for her, a dormant pain that came with memories triggering the same feeling of loss that hurt Luna so deep. Nyx hugged the princess, and she lifted her head to look at the filly.

"Y-you're not... alone Luna.... I feel as you do, we are apart of the same pony, the same mare. We are each other, and I share this pain, so much worse, just as worse as you. And just like you... I want to see her again, because she was my friend too. She's our Snowdrop! Our friend!"

Nyx's tears flowed. Sniffling, Luna sat up straight and took a deep breath. She removed a hoof from her shoe and touched the cheek of the statue of Snowdrop. Her hoof sat there for a moment, then slowly slid off of it and back on the ground bellow. She took a deep breath and sighed, her tears continuing to flow.

"S-she had a saying... you know? Before every wish she would pray... she would say words with meaning, from the heart and filled with love. That was her greatest strength Nyx, love. If there were an element for that she'd be the most perfect of choices... no doubt about it. S-s-shall we say it together, Nyx? Snowdrop's famous words...?"

Nyx nodded with a small smile. She approached Luna and sat beside her, clearing her throat and breathing deeply. Then together they said:

"We wish... we hope... we dream... we pray. By the princesses' rule, light our way."

A warm wind washed over Nyx and Luna, their manes and tails flowing in its passing. Its warmth was soothing, and even more gentle then any wind ever. A single snowflake came to rest on the Snowdrops at the two ponies hooves, making a twinkling sound that rang loudly.

"Farewell, my friends."

=====================================================================

Extra: Thoughts of a Shade.

Author's Note

A short chapter intended to address the Shade from chapter eleven which seemed to have been omitted from chapter twelve. I wanted to keep chapter twelve sad and beautiful and the Shade would have made things sinister and then the desired effect would be lost.

Extra: Thoughts of a Shade.

Tears in the Snow

By Chaos Phantasm

=====================================================================

Thoughts of a Shade

=====================

Hissing, writhing and cursing within the deep recesses of Nyx's heart, mind and soul, a black mist with turquoise eyes paces in a cage. Snarling, teeth bared, pupils widened to adjust to the darkness, this creature; an essence of nightmare agonized at the thought of being sealed away once more by the ghost of a mere filly, a pegasus with no magical ability no doubt. It was infuriating for her and she let out a scream into the cold emptiness followed by the echo of hooves smashing stone with powerful force.

“Trappped... by a whelp! How dare she stop me like that, when I was so close to regaining what was mine, this body, this filly's wretched existence belongs to me!!! Only now I am impeded by that meddlesome Snowdrop and her spell...”

The shade smirked and chuckled to herself. She looked out toward a light at the end of a tunnel which looked strikingly similar to Nightstone Castle's dungeon. But she didn't dwell on why it was there, her only opinion of it was annoying and worthless. She retreated away from the bars and deeper into her seal and attempted to take on her true form, only to be denied even that.

“Nexus was a failure, he could not secure my return, he could not find someplace even that princess would not think to look, he and all of them FAILED!!! I am now a prisoner of a child, my power stolen to give her a boost of magic! But that does not change what little control I have.

“Her anger makes it easier to posses her, negativity of any kind, to hatred and frustration, all of her feats of magic are mine in these states of agitation, but still she controls me like a puppet! Why, such a temper this one has, easily taken advantage of... but there are so many obstacles, so many blockades that half her full growth. Her potential is held back by friends and family. Sentimental trash!”

The shade dug at the black mold that grew on the wall before blasting it with a crimson stream of magic. She had repeated all she had said again and again with no end since Snowdrops interventions, “Control should be mine!” the shade would shout for nopony to hear at random during her many hours of venting.

“Your anger and your evil resign you to this fate. Perhaps sealing you here was an error, or perhaps I may have been wise to do so, the circumstance depend on how you choose to act with Nyx.”

Luna’s words reached the shade's and she turned to see the princess of the night standing before her. With a gargling wretch of a voice, the shade spoke her name and bared her sharp knife-like teeth. Luna looked at the shade in the eyes and felt all of her actions as Nightmare Moon flood back to her, but she held herself up and stood against the flow of memory’s even as the shadow of Nightmare Moons former self neared, sensing Luna’s sudden rush and the growing pain of remembering.

“Are you afraid, Luna?” The shade circled her. “Does it hurt to know you have placed a burden on the child, Nyx? To have made her my soul carrier as you once were?” laughter followed the creatures words and like a gust of wind she glided backwards and up onto a rocky causeway.

“You need not be vile and cruel. With Nyx’s help you could be better then this.”

“Spare me your foolish ideas, Luna! I would not change myself for anypony. My desire is to control all in this pathetic world, and destroy it if it pleases me. You and everypony else took that away. From. Me!!!”

Luna frowned but persisted to Nightmare's unbridled hatred. Luna’s visit would be cut short as the shade launched itself at her with intent to take control of her instead, but a shield of white held her back and forced the monster to cower. It burned her, her black cloak of darkness was tipped with white flames before the shadows took over once more and the Shade’s glare met Luna.

“I’ll make you regret, Luna!” laughed the shadow.

Luna only shook her head and stepped into a veil of light. “I’m not going to give up on you, I wish Nyx the best.” And in a flash she was gone.

The shade of Nightmare Moon laughed moments after. She strode very to the cell door, chortling in a sinister and unyielding tone. “You may have me trapped here Luna, but I know this body as easily as levitation, there are ways to escape if only briefly. The crack in your horn is the perfect way to come free of your seal, Nyx.”

The cell door opened slightly with the nudge of her hoof, she grinned and came close to another bout of insane laughter. “We are one and the same, Nyx, and your body will be mine...”

“I am terror... I am your nightmare...”

=====================================================================

01: Beginning of a new winter.

Author's Note

7/08/2015; Note to all new readers: This story was written before I had any editors to help me, so this story is full of spelling errors and punctuation mistakes. Only the later chapters (11 and onward) live up to my current writing standards.

I will also add that although this story is among my most popular, it has unforgivable problems that have plagued it since writing was started and I humbly request that all new readers temper their expectations.

The opening narration is a nod to the original Snowdrop opening narration.

Nyx is seven years old in this story. Though I encourage new readers to point out the mistake of labeling Nyx as eight.

01: Beginning of a new winter.

Tears in the Snow

By Chaos Phantasm

=====================================================

Snowdrop, Ms. Windith, Cumulo Nimbus and Primrose are characters from the Snowdrop fan-animation and were created by Meredith Sims of Silly Filly Studios

Nyx, and Spell Nexus are both property of Pen Stroke and thus do not belong to me.

Serena Starfire, Tootzy Roll, Stardust Comet, and Hinata Sunglow are property of Chaos Phantasm.

=====================================================

Chapter 1

Beginning of a new winter

===============

"Another year goes by, and so comes another winter. At the end of every year snow would fall upon Equestria, bringing about a great change. The time for the land to rest, the animals to dream. And the ponies of Equestria to relax and play. Holiday celebrations, peaceful nights of rest. Brisk laughter during the day, all brought forth by a single powdery fragment. But this coming winter was different; though it looked the same, felt the same, and celebrated the same as any other to the ponies of Equestria. It was different to Princess Luna, she had long been awaiting for this winter to come since she had returned after a thousand years. It wasn't the snow or ice that made this winter so different, it was the time, the month, and the year. The princess of the night had been preparing, spending long hours keeping to herself as memories of the past returned to her, memories of somepony special to her, and special to another."

Nyx was sitting at her seat in class, no longer wearing her vest but continuing to wear her glasses. She was paying attention to Cherilee as she explained to the class why snow falls only around this time of year, and what the Spring Sunrise celebration was about. As the teacher continued on with her teachings, Scootaloo laid on her desk bored out of her mind. She looked up at the clock to see it was almost time for school to finish for a quarter of the winter up until a week after Hearths Warming. The orange pegasus filly grinned with anticipation, all she and the other two Cutie Mark Crusaders could think about was going out in the snow and getting their cutie marks. Nyx on the other hand had plans to put all her time into learning more about the end of year winter and spending time with Twilight Sparkle, hoping to enjoy her second winter with her adoptive mother and quite possibly Princess Cadence, Shining armor and their daughter, Princess Skyla. Nyx raised her hoof to ask a question just as the hands of the clock got closer to the time the bell rang. Cherilee smiled, looking over at her star student.

"What is your question Nyx?"

Nyx put her hoof down. "Miss Cherilee, every book I have ever read about the winter has always said that; "Before the gentle stars of snow fell upon Equestria, the winter was wracked with blizzards and harsh snowfall for the three months winter lasted." How did the snow suddenly become gentle?"

The whole class looked at Nyx as she asked her question then turned their sights toward Cherilee expecting her to explain the reason, but the mare ended up mumbling to herself and thinking. Scootaloo looked up at the clock once more to see that the time was 3:00 PM, the bell would ring any moment now and she was more then ready to dash for her scooter the instant that bell chimed. Cherilee looked at Nyx and the class with a nervous smile.

"Well... uh... I don't really know."

Everypony in the classroom but Nyx laughed. The black filly was puzzled, unable to grasp that her teacher; Miss Cherilee, the mare whose duty was to teach the younger generation, didn't know how winter evolved into what it was now. Nyx was surprised by this, shocked even that the teacher could not answer her question. The class started to calm down a little.

"You know, you should keep those stupid questions to yourself, night-mare!"

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon chimed and laughed at Nyx, the filly looked down feeling embarrassed and sad. She flattened her ears on top of her head just as the bell rang and everypony in class made their exit. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo walked over to Nyx and tried to cheer up.

"Don't listen to them Nyx, all of your questions are really good and thought out."

"Yeah, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are just jealous of how smart you are."

"Ya'll should just pretend that they don't even exist, helped me many a time."

Nyx smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, you three are the best friends anypony could ever have."

Cherilee put all the students work books inside of a tray and placed the tray on the shelf before turning and looking at Nyx and her friends. She walked over to the table hoping to speak with Nyx for a moment.

"Excuse me girls, may Nyx and I have a moment please?"

The Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded.

"See you later Nyx."

"Yeah catch you later.

"Bye." Nyx waved to her friends then looked at Cherilee.

"Now Nyx I know you have plans this winter but, I was wondering if you were interested in coming along with me and a few other students on a field trip to the Canterlot Library early next year. I know how much you enjoy reading and you could find out a great many things about all the things beneficial to Equestria. Such as the Spring Sunrise and winter in general."

"I'll have to think about it Miss Cherilee, it sounds tempting though."

Cherilee smiled. "I understand, but it's a fun event and I'm sure you would enjoy it should you decide to come along."

Twilight called to Nyx from outside prompting Nyx to look out the door and smile. She got up from her desk and picked up her saddle bags and ran out of the schools front doors.

"Mommy's here, bye Ms. Cherilee."

"Bye Nyx." Cherilee smiled then started packing her things.

Nyx ran up to Twilight and nuzzled her to which Twilight nuzzled in return. They began walking home with a cool breeze blowing, signifying the end of autumn and the beginning of winter which had only one day left until it arrived.

"How was school today, did you learn anything new?"

Nyx nodded. "Mhm, we learned more about the Spring Sunrise Celebration then we did last year, and this time the princesses are coming to Ponyville so we will all have to present a gift to them."

Twilight chuckled. "I remember when I had to make a gift for the princess before the Spring Sunrise Celebration, all of the gifts I gave her were made from random junk I found lying around and pieced together then presented it to Princess Celestia. She kept telling me that I didn't need to present a gift to her but I did anyway. She always loved receiving my creations, even if they were simple cardboard books with drawings that five year old's do, or a model of her made from sticks and boxes with paint all over it. She admired my creativity, I think she still has the gifts I gave her. I'd be very surprised if she did."

Nyx smiled and listened as they walked through Ponyville, many ponies still held Nyx in contempt because of what happened two years ago during the Long Night, thus Nyx liked to stay close to Twilight where she felt protected. But time had started to mend the hearts and heal the wounds left behind by Nyx's tenure, as majority of Ponyville was slowly beginning to accept and forgive Nyx, even Silver Spoon was beginning to show a much friendlier side to the young Nightmare Moon, though her true loyalties still lied with Diamond Tiara. As they continued their walk through Ponyville toward the library, Nyx stopped and watched a snowflake land on her nose causing her to sneeze and fall backwards. Twilight turned her head in Nyx's direction then turned around completely and walked over to her.

"Are you okay Nyx?"

Nyx sniffled. "I'm okay mommy." Nyx wiggled her nose.

Twilight used magic to levitate Nyx onto her back and carried her the rest of the way.

"Is that better sweetie?"

Nyx nodded and yawned tiredly, she then remembered the question she had asked Ms. Cherilee earlier which Diamond Tiara called stupid. The black filly curled up sadly and thought about whether or not to ask Twilight how the snowflakes came to be, Diamond Tiara had made the young alicorn unsure about whether any of her questions were good enough to ask. Twilight could easily tell when Nyx was upset as she would usually go as silent as Fluttershy did when they first met. This trait was considered new to Twilight as Nyx only started doing it since Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon started calling her "night-mare", and that name only started popping up around last years Nightmare Night.

"Hey...Nyx, how about we go over to Sugarcube Corner and you can pick out whatever you want." Twilight smiled in an effort to cheer up the young alicorn.

Nyx perked up and looked at Twilight followed by a nod and a happy grin, the unicorn altered her coarse and started walking to Sugarcube Corner instead. On the way there Twilight looked around to see snowflakes were starting to fall, this was not surprising as winter was only one day away, but this time more snow then usual was falling, more then last year or the year before. Twilight was so preoccupied with thinking about the snow that she walked right into the door of Sugarcube Corner causing her to fall backwards and causing Nyx to fall off of Twilight's back.

"Oww..."

She rubbed her forehead then looked at Nyx who was shaking her head and adjusting her glasses.

"You okay Nyx?"

Nyx nodded bringing a glad smile to Twilight, they stood up and brushed themselves off then walk through the doors of the cake store. The bell rang, followed by Pinkie Pie darting out of the kitchen and stopping at the counter to serve the customers.

"Heya Twilight, looking to try my vanilla strawberry Pinkie Pie double pie triple tasting creamy sugar crumb ten ton super creamy cake?"

Pinkie was talking very hyperactivley implying she had been eating a lot of sugar.

"You're not going to ask me to say the name of that cake three times fast are you?"

Pinkie shook her head fast grinning from ear to ear and shaking uncontrollably. Nyx looked at all the different muffins, cakes, apple pies and apple fritters. All of which looked scrumptious, but only one pastry stood out to Nyx more then the others, the fillies eyes widened and her mouth became watery. She pressed her face against the glass casing that held her most favorite treat of all. Twilight looked at Nyx and noticed the expression she wore on her face.

"You want that one?"

"Yes please!" Nyx was jumping up and down, eager to bite into the pastry she couldn't look away from.

Mr. Cake came out to serve Twilight in Pinkies place since the pink earth pony was too hyper for duty.

"Sorry to hold you up Ms. Sparkle, what can I get for you and Nyx."

Mr. Cake leaned over the counter and saw Nyx looking at a custard tart, he then looked back at Twilight.

"I take it that you'd like to buy the tart?"

Twilight nodded. "And might I also purchase those apple fritters?"

"Sure, that'll be 15 bits."

Twilight paid Mr. Cake then collected the bag of apple fritters and Nyx's custard tart which the filly couldn't wait to enjoy. Twilight said thank you to the brilliant amber Earth Pony and walked out the door with Nyx in tow. Nyx hopped around Twilight, happily humming a nursery rhyme Luna had taught her the previous nightmare night. The lavender unicorn watched Nyx happily while they walked and giggled as Nyx dud little twirls in the air. Within no time they arrive at the library. Twilight opened the libraries front door before Nyx could jump into it blindly. The alicorn filly opened her eyes to see Spike and Rarity cleaning up the place. She stopped in her tracks and assumed a stance and started walking the way Rarity had taught her. Watching Nyx follow her lady training brought a smile to the white unicorns face.

"Salutations Aunt Rarity, good evening Spike."

Twilight closed the front door and rolled her eyes as Nyx greeted the two, followed by a soft chuckle. Spike put on his English accent, hoping to make Nyx laugh.

"Good evening to you to young lady Nyx, how was school this fine but chilly day?"

Rarity, Nyx, and Twilight burst into laughter at Spikes terrible impersonation of Time Turners northern accent, yet Twilight and Rarity stopped so Nyx may play along with the purple dragon who spoke in the strange accent. Rarity walked over to Twilight and helped her with the custard tart and fritters, placing them in a container and Nyx's beloved tart in the refrigerator.

"So Twilight will you still be needing those winter coats you requested?"

"Of coarse Rarity, why do you ask?"

Well..." Rarity looked to her right putting her right hoof on her left leg. "... Spike and I went through your wardrobe and might I say darling those old cloths look terrible, I mean really Twilight you shouldn't hold onto such old and out of style... o-outfits..."

Rarity just noticed that Twilight was giving her a stare that was unique to her. It was like a bemused glare.

"B-but It's perfectly fine, if you enjoy keeping old cloths that is." Rarity smiled nervously.

After playing around with Spike for a bit, Nyx went over to one of the bookshelves and scanned them for a certain book, a book about snow and snowflakes. She looked in the S section and came across only one book that could hopefully give her the answers she was looking for.

"Well Twilight, I really must be going now, Sweetie Belle gets up to all sorts of mischief when I'm not around. Goodnight Twilight, Nyx, and goodnight to you Spikey-wikey."

Rarity gave Spike a kiss on the tip of his nose then turned to the Library door, opening it and exiting the Library, closing the door behind her. Twilight put the closed sign on the library door then started turning the lights on, with help from a blushing off balance Spike and and a happy but knowledge hungry Nyx. She then moved onto preparing dinner, Spike started up the oven while Twilight got the carrots, broccoli and something Luna suggested for Nyx called; "Night berry". Although it is called "Night berry" it wasn't a typical berry, it was large, round, jet black with a slightly blue tint to it. It also had a very yummy taste, filled with vitamins good for fillies of Nyx's age. Twilight planned to serve the berries to Nyx after dinner when she ate her tart. Spike cut up the carrots and broccoli, placed them in a pot and started to cook them with some peas and mashed potato. Nyx had finished the book she read previously but was now re-reading it, feeling she missed something when in reality she hadn't. Her efforts to find out how the snow became gentle were in vain as the book didn't say anything about snow past before Nightmare Moons banishment a thousand years ago.

"That's odd..." Nyx closed the book feeling disappointed.

"Nyx sweetie go upstairs and wash your hooves please, dinner will be ready soon."

Nyx put the book back on the shelf and ran upstairs into the bath room. She trotted over to the sink and turned the tap on allowing fresh cool water to flow out freely. The water was chilly and gave the black alicorn shivers which rippled all through her body. After a minute of washing, Nyx turned the tap off and dried her hooves. She exited the bath room closing the door behind her and made her way down stairs only to stop at the sound of a whisper.

"Nyx..." It spoke softly in a luring manner, it sounded like a mature mare's voice.

The filly looked into her bedroom and walked over to it slowly, entering the room and listening closely to where the voice was coming from. She looked over at Nightmare Moons armor which rested on a black mannequin in the corner of the room and got closer to it. As she did the voice got even louder only to cease once the black alicorn heard Twilight calling for her again.

"Nyx? Is everything okay up there?"

"Everything's fine mommy."

Nyx turned around and ran out the door quickly and back down stairs. The filly took her seat at the dinner table, Twilight smiled at Nyx happily then looked at Spike as he served dinner.

"Bon appetit"

Nyx looked at her food and suddenly lost her appetite all because it was vegetables, she sniffed it and tested its taste much to Twilight's irritation. The filly played with it for a bit until Twilight put down her utensils and sighed.

"Nyx, sweetie if you eat at least half of your supper you can have some desert after."

"Really?!" Nyx smiled happily, her eyes glimmering through her enchanted glasses.

"Yes, really."

Twilight gave Nyx a smile followed by the young filly digging into her dinner eating almost everything on the plate.

"Guess it's time for Rarity to reteach Nyx about manners.." Twilight thought to herself.

Nyx started eating the way a proper mare was supposed to, using all she remembered from Rarity to eat her dinner with grace. Twilight smiled when Nyx corrected herself and continued eating her dinner, Spike fed Owlowiscious and Peewee then came back down to eat some gems Rarity had supplied. Twilight swallows the last of her dinner and looked at Nyx whom was still eating, she smiled and cleared her throat after a drink of water.

"How's your dinner sweetie?"

Nyx swallowed her dinner and dabbed her lips with a napkin.

"It was good, thank you mommy, thank you Spike."

Spike spoke with his mouth full. "You're welcome Nyx."

Nyx finished her dinner after a few more minutes and looked up to Twilight. "All done."

Nyx hopped out of her chair and carried her plate to the kitchen sink where she washed all of the grimy left overs that can't be eaten off. Twilight does the same thing, helping Nyx in the process.

"Mommy is it time for desert yet? I ate all of my supper."

Twilight chuckled. "Of course sweetie."

She opened the refrigerator and pulled out Nyx's custard tart and night berries, placing them on a plate then on the table gently. The black filly jumped back into her seat and thanked Twilight before indulging in her treat. Twilight Sparkle smiled at Nyx and Spike and left the kitchen. She walked down stairs past the living room and down another lot of stairs into the main library and started sorting out books while Spike headed to bed early.

"Nyx, we're going to Canterlot tomorrow to get some things we need this winter, so remember to wake up bright and early okay?"

"Okay mommy!" Nyx yawned after she finished her desert and hopped out of her seat.

Nyx wandered upstairs and into the bathroom to brush her teeth thoroughly. The young filly finished and took a sip of water, swishing it around in her mouth before spitting it in the sink and washing it down. she wiped her face, put her brush back, and walked back downstairs and over to Twilight.

"Mommy I want to go to bed..." She yawned. "Can you read me a bedtime story please?"

Twilight smiled and nodded, nuzzling the little alicorn afterwards. She walked with Nyx upstairs to her bedroom, not before picking out a book first. When they arrived Nyx climbed into bed as Twilight entered, opening the book which was titled; "The Lemon Tree". The author was anonymous and it was a very popular play in the Canterlot theater. The lavender unicorn sat beside the bed and began to read the story, at least 22 pages of it until the filly had fallen asleep. When she did, Twilight closed the book gently, leaned over and kissed Nyx on the forehead.

"Goodnight my little pony." she whispered.

She then slowly stood up and exited the room, closing the door slightly so some light could be let in. Twilight turned off all lights in the library then went upstairs to her room where she brushes her teeth and flops into her soft, warm cuddly bed.

~~~

At 5:00 in the morning, Nyx woke up and yawned. She hoped out of bed and looked in the mirror to see her mane was messy and fuzzy, she picked up a brush which rested on the table with the mirror and started to carefully brush her hair back so that it resembled the mane style she had when she used to disguise herself. Nyx then levitated her headband and wrapped it around her head above her horn and smiled. Next she picked up her enchanted glasses and placed them over her eyes making them resemble the eyes of a common pony instead of a dragons. The filly didn't like her normal eyes very much, they reminded her of all the bad things she did and they made her feel out of place. Outside Twilight was asking Rainbow Dash to watch the library for her while she and Nyx were in Canterlot to which the blue pegasus accepted. Nyx exited the library wearing an old multicolored unnecessarily long scarf that covered her neck, body and lower face.

"Good morning mommy, good morning Aunt Rainbow Dash."

"Morning Nyx, you ready to go back to Canterlot for the first time in two years?"

Nyx nodded, she recalled her last visit to Canterlot quite vividly. She remembered her first real meeting with Princess Cadence and her uncle Shining Armor among the other events that occurred during Winter Bells. Twilight noticed Nyx was wearing her head band for once which surprised the unicorn. Nyx had stopped wearing it for a while.

"You're wearing your head band again."

Nyx nods. "Mmhm."

"Its been a while since I last saw this, it still fits you by the looks of it." Rainbow Dash got a closer look at the green band.

The train blew its whistle followed by the driver shouting; "All aboard."

"There's our ride, you remember what I told you?"

"Don't worry Twilight, I think I know how to run a library."

Twilight mumbled. "I hope so."

Twilight and Nyx picked up their saddlebags and made their way over to the train station. Twilight had hers and Nyx's ticket ready however when they tried to bored the Canterlot Express train the pony at the door wouldn't let let them on because of Nyx. The earth pony insisted that Nyx was dangerous and couldn't be allowed on-board.

"Shes just a filly, she is not a danger to anypony."

"I'm sorry miss Sparkle, but nopony wants her on bored."

"This is discrimination! You are paid to let us on bored I paid for the tickets, I paid to be taken to Canterlot!"

"Look Ms. Sparkle, Nyx has a reputation, nopony likes her and nopony wants her around. Beside I was told not to let Nyx on bored regardless of whether she is accompanied by her carer and that is you."

"This is the fastest way to get to Canterlot without missing half a day just to get there Nyx's reputation never stopped you before what makes now any different?!"

The earth pony shrugged. Passenger son the train looked out the windows and saw Nyx who quickly noticed them. The reception of Nyx was mixed to outright negative. Some of ponies on the train glared and sneered at the filly while others looked apologetic and sympathized with her. The trains whistle blew again and the Earth Pony who stood at the train door entered the car as the door closed the train departed the station.

Twilight eyes went red. "Fine!! Be that way!!" Twilight looked at Nyx, her eyes back to normal. "Come on Nyx, we're taking the balloon."

Twilight and Nyx left the station and returned to the Library, near where the balloon was. Spiked looked out the window to see the two ponies over by the window. Curiously, the purple dragon stepped outside the library to investigate.

"W-What are you two doing back here?"

"They wouldn't let us on the train. They don't seem to understand Nyx isn't a bad pony."

"That's terrible, are you alright Nyx?"

"I'm not hurt."

"That's good.." Spike turned to Twilight. "So now you're using the balloon? That'll take longer won't it?"

"It will, but I don't really have that much of a choice and sending a letter to the princess to send a chariot wouldn't help much since Luna is still the princess right now. The train is faster and would've taken us to Canterlot faster then the Balloon but on the upside to taking the balloon is that the route is much more scenic." She smiled.

"If you say so.."

"But the downside is that we'll be waiting for a few hours to get there. If I cast a spell to speed the Balloon up we could get there in two hours after lift off."

"That sounds like a good idea."

"Really? Thank's Spike." She smiled.

Spike opened the balloons basket allowing Twilight and Nyx to board it.

"There you go girls."

"Thank you Spike." Said Nyx and Twilight in unison.

Nyx closed the basket gate as Twilight prepared the balloon for lift off. Within a few minutes they were on their way toward Canterlot. Nyx and Twilight waved goodbye to Spike who waved back before heading back inside. Nyx laid down to have a nap while Twilight steadily piloted the balloon toward Canterlot. the lavender alicorn was angry that some ponies were still thick headed and continued to dislike Nyx even though her days as Nightmare Moon were over. To speed things along, Twilight cast a spell on the hot air Balloon which propelled it faster toward their destination, they would reach Canterlot in half an hour after slow traveling at the original maximum speed the last two and a half. Halfway to Canterlot Nyx yawned and woke up, she looked around for a moment and stood up.

"Good afternoon young lady." Twilight said sarcastically, it was only 7:12 AM by now.

"Hi mommy, are we there yet?"

"No not yet, I'd say we have twelve minutes until we are near the landing spot."

Nyx was eager to see Princess Luna again, she had taken to calling Luna her big sister due to their special connection through Nightmare Moon. Luna was looking outside her bedroom window, down at the streets and at the ponies that got on with their daily lives. She looked in the direction of the train station to see Twilight's balloon landing, the night princess perked up and made her way to the throne room where Celestia was looking through notes until she noticed Luna making her way to the palace exit.

"Where are you off to?" The sun princess inquired, looking up from her scrolls.

"I have decided to mingle with the citizens, I will be okay sister."

Luna proceeded to leave as the sun princess smiled returning to her duties, unaware that Luna was in actuality looking for Nyx. Twilight and Nyx stepped off of the balloon and began walking in the direction of the market place. While they walked through the now bustling Canterlot market district Nyx looked around. Her mind started to wander about, which distracted her and slowed her down.

"Nyx!"

The alicorn filly looked in the direction Twilight was in and quickly ran over to her, running past a wall that had fiery design on it with an alicorn standing in the center of the blaze, the mark vanished though. Nyx caught up to Twilight and was nuzzled.

"Please Nyx, try to stay focused."

"I will mommy."

Twilight smiled, they walk over to a clothes vendor who was selling winter clothing for ponies to keep warm during this cold, cold season. Twilight browsed the wares and ended up talking with the seller about a multitude of things buying some scarfs and jackets, as well as some snow gear. Nyx in the meantime was looking around hoping to see if Luna was out and about. Twilight was fully aware of what the filly was doing and giggled. Luna looked around the market place, following Nyx's magical aura which was very faint having not completely recovered from when it was taken by her just yet. During her search Luna accidentally passed Nyx and Twilight without noticing her younger counterpart, but Nyx had noticed Luna. The filly smiled and followed the princess silently. Luna felt the aura behind her and turned around quickly to feel the aura was still behind her, she stood confused and rubbed the back of her head.

"That's very odd..."

Nyx carefully snuck up on Luna then jumped up and grabbed the larger alicorn's tail.

"Rawr!"

Luna neighed in fright and bolted upward causing Nyx to let go so she wouldn't be five feet in the air. Nyx rolled around on the ground laughing at how good she got the princess. It took a moment to sink in but eventually Luna got the prank and laughed along with Nyx, landing on the ground gently in the process as everypony in the market place gathered round to watch as their night princess and the filly so many ponies still called a monster laughed together on the path.

"You two certainly found each other fast." Twilight brushed past many ponies to reach Luna and Nyx. She smiled upon seeing them.

"Is it okay if I stay with Princess Luna until it's time to go home, please?"

"Well..."

Luna stood up. "If I may, we'd be more then happy to accompany you and Nyx during thou shopping spree. We can help thee purchase higher class winter garments and decor."

"Thank you princess but I'm sure Nyx and I will be fine."

"Very well then," Luna turned her attention to Nyx next. "I'm sorry Nyx, I would love to play with you again but we need to sleep now, I only came down here to see you and Twilight Sparkle because we know how much you miss me."

Nyx looked down upset. "I.... understand...."

Luna nuzzled Nyx gently and smiled.

"I'm only a letter away, if you need me, or if you are missing me just write a letter and tell Spike to send it to me, okay?"

Nyx nodded and sniffled. "Okay..."

Twilight nuzzled Nyx and she nuzzled back. Luna smiled then took off, flying back to the castle so she could rest. Twilight and Nyx returned to shopping. Luna flew up to her bedroom balcony and opened the windows, she stepped inside just as it started to snow. The snow flakes gently touch the balconies rail making a gentle soothing sound like a jingle. Luna stopped walking upon hearing the sound of the snow flakes and slowly began to tear up. She slowly turned around and walked back toward the balcony and held a snowflake in her magic, taking note on how identical it was to another snowflake she treasured most, she held the frozen star close and sniffled trying not to cry.

Twilight browsed some books in the Canterlot bookstore, admiring the range of rare books they have, though the Royal Canterlot Library had much rarer books before it burned down one hundred and twelve years ago. Twilight looked out the window to see Nyx sitting there, waiting for her mother to exit the library so they could go home. It started snowing, the sound of the snowflakes sounded familiar to Nyx somehow though just last year it was a new kind of sound. This time the young filly felt that she had heard the sound of snowflakes at an earlier time, long before her birth. She quickly brushed this off as just feeling cold, she looked into a bag of winter clothes and went through it until she found and put on a jacket Twilight had bought for her. She instantly felt much much warmer. The store bell jingles and Twilight exited it, she looked at Nyx and smiled. Suddenly Canterlot is filled with the sound of beautiful singing from the castle, the voice was not of Luna's nor Celestia's though the singing caused the sun princess to leave the throne room to confront the source of the voice.

Back on the streets, Twilight and Nyx were walking back to the balloon. The little filly was showing signs of being tired and needed to rest for a while. She was still upset that she couldn't spend the visit with Luna but there was always next time.

"Ready to go home Nyx?"

"I guess so..."

"Maybe when its your birthday, we can celebrate it here, in the Canterlot ball room."

Nyx smiled at the thought as Twilight started the balloon, it lifted off of the ground and was steered by Twilight back to Ponyville. Luna watched as the balloon left, she felt bad for not spending time with Nyx but she had more important things to do. The night princess placed the snowflake she had earlier collected, into a vase and put it in a safe place where Celestia couldn't get her magic on it. Luna then tried to sleep. As much as she wished, she could not. She sat up and stared blankly at the floor. She got up and walked over to the balcony once again, opening the doors and stepping outside where she stood at the railing of the the balcony and sighed deeply.

"I wish you were still here..."

The balloon arrived in Ponyville within three hours due to high winds. The town had snow falling all around it though the ground had hardly any snow on it. Twilight quickly took note of this and was baffled. She assumed that it was only just starting to snow but she didn't wonder for long. When she looked at the library, she saw a line of angry ponies, waiting to borrow a book or two. Twilight's jaw dropped and her left eye twitched.

"Rainbow Daaaash!!!!!"

Twilight pushed past the angry crowd while Spike got the shopping and Nyx went to stay with Fluttershy. Twilight got to the front of the line where Rainbow Dash was cowering behind the desk.

"Rainbow what happened? You said you knew how to run a library..."

"Uh... Sorry Twilight, I guess I don't know how after all." She smiled followed by a squee sound.

Twilight face hoofed and sighed annoyed. She turned around and faced the crowd with an apologetic look on her face.

"I'm very sorry everypony for the inconvenience, I'll be taking over from Rainbow Dash now. If there is anything you need please let me know."

Everypony started complaining prompting Twilight's eyes to widen as she grinned, in the meantime Fluttershy was teaching Nyx how to care for and nurture animals, helping them sleep during the winter.

"Now be very gentle so you don't hurt them."

Nyx was helping a group of skunks into a den so they may hibernate, Fluttershy smiled at Nyx's accomplishment as the little filly wasn't sprayed like she was during her first time putting skunks to bed.

"Very good, Now would you like to help put the reptiles to bed? The snakes need rest too."

"Um... I... I don't really like snakes... they scare me..."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"It's alright Aunt Fluttershy, maybe we can help some other animal find rest?"

Fluttershy thought for a moment, the snakes were the only ones that needed to be helped to sleep but then she remembered the hedgehogs.

"Oh there's the hedgehogs, maybe you'd like to help put the hedgehogs to bed."

Nyx smiled and nodded, jumping up and down happily. They then made their way to the hedgehog den. Meanwhile Twilight made her way to Rarity's Carousel Boutique after everything had been cleared up to collect the scarfs and sweaters Rarity promised.

"Good afternoon Twilight, I am just putting the finishing touches on Nyx's sweater, It looks absolutely gorgeous."

"I'm sure it does Rarity, um... perhaps I should come back later..."

"Oh not at all darling have a seat please, I am almost finished. Nyx's cutie mark is most difficult to replicate and to sew it on the right spot."

Twilight raises an eyebrow. "I could lend you a picture you know?"

"I'm sure you can Twilight but I know what I'm doing, now please hush for a moment I'm in the zone."

Twilight sighed and sat on the couch reading one of the fashion magazines Rarity liked to read so much. The lavender unicorn was surprised to see that a vest that looked like the one Rarity made for Nyx was being featured in the magazine.

"Um... Rarity?"

"Yes yes what is it now Twilight?"

"Nyx's vest is being featured in this magazine, the vest you made."

"WHAT?! Let me see!"

Rarity stopped what she was doing and jumped on Twilight, trying to grab the book to see for herself. She started reading the instant it wass in her hooves.

""Vests are rarely ever seen in Equestria's cloths stores so we have decided to feature the vest created by Ponyville fashion designer Rarity, which was used in concealing the identity of Nightmare Moon.""

Rarity put the magazine down and sighed, she got up and went back to work.

"Rarity are you alright?"

"Oh yes I'm quite alright, its just I'm a little disappointed."

"Disappointed that they featured your vest."

"No, I am disappointed that they featured my vest while insulting Nyx, she is not a monster anymore and I wish everypony would just understand."

Twilight sighed, flattening her ears down on her head looking down. "You and me both..."

Twilight's ears perked back up and she looked back up at Rarity whom had just finished the winter clothes.

"Here you go Twilight, some sweaters and scarfs to last the winter."

"Thank you Rarity," she placed the cloths in her saddlebags. "So how much am I expected to pay?"

"I usually charge at least 55 bits, but for you I'll charge eleven."

"Eleven bits? I couldn't pay you that, after all you need compensation for the materials you had to use. I'll pay you the 55 bits."

"Oh Twilight I really..."

Twilight pulled a gem out of one of her saddlebags.

"I'll also throw in Spikes desert diamond."

Rarity's eyes sparkled and widened at the sight of the massive mineral before her.

"Well if you insist..." She grinned.

Twilight smiled and paid Rarity before leaving and making the walk back to the Library. On the way it starts to snow surprising Twilight with its quickness. It is indeed supposed to snow this day but not at this time it was supposed to snow at seven o'clock that night. The weather ponies must have had other ideas she thought, it wouldn't be the first time the weather team had started something earlier then usual, the first time Twilight could ever recall the team doing this was the day she found Nyx in that thorn bush when the storm hit. She continued to walk back to the library opening the front door upon arriving, closing it behind her slowly. She then turned and looked at the mess the Library was in and sighed.

"Spike..."

"Yeah Twilight?"

"We got work to do." She didn't sound or look too happy about it.

Nyx was still jumping around happily and this time humming a tune which sounded close to the 80's My Little Pony theme song. Fluttershy smiled and started to hum along with her as they neared the hedgehog den. Nyx suddenly started to lose balance, she stopped bouncing and stood still, her eyes were blank and her body was stiff. A memory came forth and she saw snowflakes being poured into clouds by a team of pegasus and three figures watching from another cloud. She shook her head and was now standing just fine and could now see her surroundings properly again. She looked around her one more time and started thinking. Fluttershy noticed Nyx looking around and approached her with concern.

"Are you feeling okay Nyx?"

The filly nodded. "I'm okay Aunt Fluttershy, but I think I should go home though."

"That's alright, maybe I'll come and visit some time soon."

Nyx smiled and started heading home. "Bye Aunt Fluttershy."

"Bye Nyx." Fluttershy waved and smiled, watching Nyx run home before getting back to helping the animals.

It was the late afternoon by the time Nyx got back to the library, the angry ponies had all gone and Rainbow Dash had also gone home. As for Twilight, she and Spike were putting books away that had been returned and books that ponies were going to borrow only for them to lose interest due to Rainbows lack of experience in running the Library. Twilight had already prepared lunch for Nyx and had left it in the refrigerator for her. The library door slowly opened as Nyx walked inside shutting it behind her.

"Ah you're back, I've left your lunch in the refrigerator for you if you're hungry." Twilight called from the back room.

"Thank you!"

Nyx took a few steps inside but stopped and looked outside at all the snowflakes falling down, she listened to the sounds they made strangely she found only she could hear the sounds of the snow, this was puzzling to Nyx. She stopped looking and walked to the room Twilight and Spike were in.

Spike and Twilight finished placing the books back in their places, the unicorn smiled making sure not one book is out of place. Twilight was suddenly startled by the sound of a thud to which she looked in Spikes direction to see he had fallen asleep on the floor.

"Oh Spike.."

She smiled warmly and almost chuckled at the cute sight. She turned her head and looked at the doorway to see Nyx walking in carrying a plate with a cup of warm coco over to her. When she got close enough the little filly put the plate down and smileed up at Twilight.

"It's getting really cold out so I made you some warm chocolate, I hope you like it."

"Thank you honey."

Twilight took a sip without testing to see whether it was too hot or not, but by the time she had gulped down that first sip her face was red, she started to sweat puddles, and her tongue burned so badly steam was practically rising off of it. Twilight took a moment to drink water while Nyx wasn't looking and quickly hid the water once Nyx looked at Twilight again.

"Well... um.."

Nyx looked worried. "What? Is it too hot?"

Twilight rubbed the back of her head thinking of her words carefully.

"Well I love the coco you gave me, everything I get from you always makes me happy but..."

Nyx started laughing randomly, rolling around on the floor confusing Twilight until she started scratching her head.

"Whats so funny?"

"T-there's c-chilly in the Coco."

Nyx laughed even harder as Twilight looked in the cup to see bits and pieces of chilly inside of the cup around the rim. She smiled and looke at Nyx then Pinkie Pie who had just entered the room laughing just as hard as Nyx. Pinkies laughing became so much she fell to the floor in pain, laughing her hardest. Twilight rolled her eyes and put the cup by the sink. She took Spike to bed while Nyx and Pinkie Pie played together for a bit until she had to go home. Twilight put wood in the fire place and lit it with a fire spell, warming up the inside of the library and keeping out the cold which had just started coming down from the north. Nyx washed her hooves in the bathroom and helped her mother prepare dinner. Warm soup with bread and some mini pancakes with jam for desert though that is occasionally reserved for breakfast neither Twilight nor Nyx cared. they prepared the table together, laid out the food which immediately woke up Spike, and enjoyed their meal afterwards, they all sat by the fire eating the pancakes and listened as Twilight told them stories about how far away lands are sometimes topped by snow all year round, and have strange creatures beyond anyponies wildest imaginations, including the spirit of a mare whom lives in the snowy forests of an eastern land. Soon it was time for bed, Spike quickly hopped into his warm bed as did Nyx.

"Mommy, could somepony make snow gentle if it was harsh before?"

Twilight thought for a moment.

"I think anypony could do anything if they set their minds to it. I think they were here the whole time, but something keeps irking me and saying that they aren't as ancient as I think. I suppose yes, somepony gentle could make the snow the way it is if they tried."

Nyx smiled and looked over at the window to see a snowflake resting against the window before it melted.

"Goodnight Mommy."

"Goodnight, Nyx."

Twilight gently nuzzled Nyx whom nuzzled back with a happy smile. The lavender Unicorn left the room after, closing the door ever so slightly just how Nyx liked it then made her way upstairs and started writing in her dairy for a while. She wrote down Nyx's behavior and all the fun things they did that day, she mentioned the trip to Canterlot and the harsh treatment she and Nyx continue to receive from some residents of Ponyville, finally she writes down that Nyx and pinkies joke was one of the best pranks that have ever been pulled on her. Eventually she stopped and prepared to hop into bed and sleep. She went to the bathroom to brush her perfect teeth and to get some new bed sheets, replacing the current ones that have been in use for three weeks, putting the old in the wash and the new ones on which were fresh from the washing. Nyx dreamed that night, dreamed a happy dream and dreamed of a filly much like her though white as snow. Twilight also had a peaceful dream, about books. The snow came down ever so gently that night making their twinkling sound only audible to those who took the time to listen.

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