The Lizardmen Return.

The sun rose over the shimmering peaks of Griffon Empire's mountain ranges. The snow caps gleamed brilliantly as they refracted multicolored rays of light into the valleys below. A large overhanging section of snow gave way to the sun's warmth and plummeted into the rivers below with a spectacular splash, sending a gout of water into the air. A sign signaling the beginning of spring was here. Were the snow turned to rivers and greenery returned with healthy and colorful blossoms.

For Equestira this meant farmers would be hard at work in their fields but for Griffons it meant hunting season was almost back in season. For many griffons it was the best time of the year. Hunting packs would be formed to track game both large and small. The season was not so much about hunting as it was a chance to get closer to friends, families and even complete strangers. It was not uncommon for new bonds to be forged while on the long hunts in the southern jungles. The place had a reputation to even forge some... Longer term relationships. Such moments shared in the steamy hot jungle between male and female, influenced by the prowlers of the night and the strange flora. It was easy to be overcome by primal senses and... Obtain, a partner over night,

However the snow and frigid bite of the air was still present in the jungles mists suggested it would be wise to wait, unless you wanted to freeze to death at night. In the mean time they would continue friendly interactions with their neighbor Equestria.

The two species had always nearly been polar opposites but relations had never been better. Trade was booming and that meant happiness was as well. Because of generous education plans from Equestria the language barrier was crossed easily and the griffons even adopted the "bits currency" just to make things easier. It was a good time to be alive in this era. Or so they thought.

Little did anyone know that powerful and ancient spells had finally worn off from the great war thousands of years ago, and as a direct result something was stirring beneath the surface. It would be some time before it would fully awake but at the moment nothing is being done to stop it, and they may regret it later. But for know they will sleep in the cold darkness.

Meanwhile thousands of miles away in a small town well known for it's constant destruction.

Ponyville had just entered it's "Winter Wrap up." with it's new appointed manger, Twilight Sparkle. Unlike last year she had taken extreme measures to make sure Everything went according to plan. It was still early in the morning but to her it was never too early to "check list" her check list.

"Organized in accordance with air and ground teams..." She quickly scanned the list with her eyes and nodded with a grin. "Check."

She continued to go over her list that, in great detail, displayed her plans. She had found the perfect and most efficient way to complete the tasks at hoof on time. As she would explain it: "It is merely a matter of top to bottom and multi-tasking", and she was completely correct. With her plan she could make winter wrap up at least two hours shorter or if her math was correct, and she knew it was, 20.223, repeat of course, percent faster.

"I do have to take into account the southern birds..." she murmured, tapping a hoof against her chin, remembering a certain grey pegasus. "Ah.... I'm sure she'll be fine."

Her rambling went on for another hour as she continued to plan for the Perfect Winter wrap up. Everything was set and nothing could ruin it. NOTHING!

"Hey Twilight!" Pinkie shouted, appearing from the rafters.

Twilight shirked and out of surprise, teleported herself several feet into the air. She came down directly on her rump and yelp at the pain.

"Pinkie!" The sore flanked mare shouted. "Don't scare me like that!"

"Oh I'm sorry Twilight!" Pinkie gasped. "I should have said good morning!"

Twilight face hoofed. "That's hardly the problem." She murmured with a defeated sigh. "But what are you doing here so early?"

"I had a doozy!" She exclaimed, while beating a hoof on her chest with a proud smirk.

"A doozy?" Twilight repeated, clearly confused.

"Yup!" The upbeat party pony confirmed.

Twilight merely starred at her while her brain translated. It took her slightly groggy mind ten hole seconds to realize what she meant, and when she did, it was not accepted with calmness and clarity.

"Pinkie Sense!" She blurted out.

"Hmmhmm!" Pinkie confirmed a second time. "You told me to come to you if I ever had one that could be very bad."

"And was it!"

"Was it?!" Pinkie Exclaimed, not noticing her friends overloading distress, "It was the worst one I've ever had!" and making sure it got worse. "It's like at least seven times more of a doozy then a hydra. No! eighteen times! This could be the worst tragedy to befall all of Equestria perhaps even all of Equis!"

"That's terrible! What will hap... Wait, could?" Twilight asked picking up the uncertain word.

"Well you see... I've never had one like that before so I'm... not... sure." Pinkie back away from an angry looking Unicorn as she slowly advanced.

"Pinkie," She was not angry but border line of a break down. Pinkie could tell by the sudden cowlick that protruded from the side of her head. "I need you to be absolutely certain about this. Will this ruin my perfect Winter wrap up!?" She had nearly slurred the word. For any to be less then that word was a sin in her eyes, her crazy blood shot eyes.

"T-Twilight... You're scaring me..." Pinkie shrunk a bit under the pressure.

Twilight snapped out of her trance upon hearing her friends uncharitably sad words. She shook her head from side to side, banishing the offending thoughts.

"I'm... sorry Pinkie. I guess I still have a long way to go to get over my phobia." Twilight sighed. "But do you think this 'doozy' will be a problem?"

"Hmm? I don't think so." Pinkie tapped her hoof in contemplation.

"Are you sure?"

"Call it a hunch." Pinkie winked causing Twilight to giggle.

"Well your hunches are good." She laughed trotting up to the door. "What do you say we get this Winter Wrap Up on the go?"

"Yay!" The Pink mare cheered. She excitedly bounced out after Twilight to meet the rest of the town.

The snow crunched under their hooves as one casually walk and the other bounced. Pinkie was already wearing her blue weather team vest and had her skates slung around her neck. She happily hummed a tune as she followed twilight who, although happy, had a sense of alertness about her. Thankfully the trot to town square continued uneventfully where most of the town was already gathered.

Everypony in town looked almost as energetic as Pinkie for the welcoming of spring. Small scarfs and boots decorated their multi-colored coats. Smiles and friendly conversation filled the atmosphere with such a welcoming tone it could be considered contagious. Even the most stubborn mules would find themselves smiling on this day, which they were.

Silence and attentiveness only came when a mare of neutral coat color and grey mane graced the podium. She sported a pair of reading glassed with spectacles so small, one might wonder if they were of any use. She was Mayor Mare.

As she strode to the podium why she was easy to understand she was the mayor. It was in the way she walked, both purposeful and confident, but it was not only that. Her deep blue eyes possessed wisdom that could only be obtained through experience. To say she was old would be to dig your own grave. Contrary to public belief she was only thirty two but had the curse of prematurely gray hair, which led to misunderstandings.

"Good Morning everypony," She greeted with her signature accent. " As you all know it is that time of year again. The time we say goodbye to the snow and cold, and welcome back the warm spring. I'm sure you all had your fun with family and friends, frolicking in the snow or lazing about by the warm fire. I know I have." Everypony chuckled a bit to the mayor's joke, but quickly settle so she could continue. "But now it is time to wrap up winter and get to work. Now before I hand over the podium to our newly appointed coordinator I would like to thank you all for coming, and to most of all have fun!" The thunderous sound of stomping hooves followed the mare of the stage and at the same time welcomed the lavender unicorn.

She came to a stop at the podium and plopped down a rather sizable stack of cards. A few groans swept through the crowd. They all knew Twilight fairly well and respected her, but they did not share her enthusiasm with "perfection."

Despite hearing the groans, Twilight cleared her throat... and tossed the stack of cards on the ground. Everypony held their breath as what they though was Twilight smiled at them. "Good morning everypony," She cheerfully giggled, causing sever stallions spines to rattle with uncertainty. "I hope you all slept well because we have a lot of work ahead of us. You all know what teams you will be on and the list leaders, as well as the sub leaders, can be found on the news board outside of town hall. It is imperative that sub-leaders receive guidance from leaders to hoof down to the rest of the teams. Detailed instruction will be passed down from me to the leader then sub-leaders and vice versa, and just as the mayor said let's have fun and make this the best Winter Wrap Up we can!"

Hooves thundered as more as Twilight made her exit, filler her heart with joy.

"Top of tha' morin' to ya Twi." A fare to familiar accent greeted.

"Good Morning Applejack!" Twilight returned with excitement. "As punctual and reliable as ever. I whish Rainbow could be the same, but where's Fluttershy?"

The sunset farm pony scratched her mane with one hoof as if it could help her find the Information. "She said somthin' bout one of he're animals findin' some poor critter real hurt."

"Oh, well I hope the poor thing is all right."

"Ah ain't one for what ever vermin she's helpin' but ah'm with ya there." Applejack smiled and tipped her hat.

"Hey guys!" A blur of colors slide by The mares and skidded to a halt a few feet away. "AH YA!" She cheered. "Faster then ever!"

Twilight gave her hot headed friend a 'tsk'. "And yet still late."

"Ya whatever." Rainbow casually dismissed." So we gonna get this winter on the wraps?"

"Well Fluttershy might be a little late... But I can fill Colgate in till she arrives." Twilight showed her two friends present her master plan. " This is the "Top to Bottom" layout." Twilight pulled out a large parchment filled with numbered pictures and instructions." Rainbow to split with will split the teams you have in two, teams seven to twelve will take the trees and roofs, There job is to clear them before ground teams begin clearing the streets. Your team and teams two through six. will clear the skies."

"Alright sounds good! You can count on us." Rainbow saluted. "But shouldn't I send someone to fetch the birds too? You know, multitasking."

Twilight smiled enthusiastically. "I have already taken that into account. And that's why Ditzy Do will go get them."

Both of here friends starred blankly at her, waiting for her to deliver the punchline of the joke. When nothing but silence came Applejack and Rainbow raised a brow.

"Wait, you're serious?" Rainbow asked, unable to contain her disbelief.

"What?" Twilight frowned. "What's wrong with it?"

"It's Derpy." Rainbow said plainly. "Remember what happened last time?"

"That... Was just a small mistake."

"She went north Twi." The rainbow pegasus pointed out. "You know the opposite direction!"

"Well I'm sure she will get it this year, right AJ?"

The farm pony gave Twilight a nervous smile. "Well Twi..."

"Aw come one AJ!" Twilight pleaded. "I know she can do it she just needs some friendly reassurance."

"If ya say so Twi..."

"Great! Now onto the next part of the plan. Pinkie and her team..."

A lone cloud hung in the sky, glorified by dazzling sun beams. Fluffy as any other and butter gold in color it remained motionless in the vast blue sky. That is until a beam of rainbow, travailing at the speed of sound, absolutely eradicating the poor cloud.

The rainbow projectile responsible carried on in an arc towards a group of pegasi and came to a halt. This revealed an equally Rainbow themed pegasus who in turn smirked at the others. "Alright skies clear." she declared, haughtily throwing her mane back. "Let's go help with the roofs."

The ponies all cheered and dived down to the town below. The other teams welcomed them with mock salutes and smiles as they descended to aid them. Carts were immediately placed on the edges of roofs and under small trees to gather the snow vacated from them. The snow was quickly and effectively removed from every roof and haled away by some sturdy earth ponies. Upon seeing this Rainbow soared into the sky. The higher she rose the more speed she picked up it was only a matter of time before...

BOOM

The sky was lite with a burning aurora of colors as if it were an inferno. The small ring of color spread quickly and exploded outwards, covering all of Ponyville.

On the ground many earth pony leaders recognized the signal and blew their whistles. This signaled many orders that varied per group. For applejack it meant the seeds may be planted in the fields that were already cleared. For Pinkie and her team it meant cutting through the ice in a grid pattern. All over the town ponies performed as instructed to complete winter wrap up without a hitch.

The only team lagging behind was the animal divisions. Fluttershy had only shown up three hours into winter wrap up and seemed terribly distracted. She kept murmuring to herself in a worried tone and pacing from time to time. But never the less she and her teams managed.

"Trees are clear Twilight!" Rainbow reported. "That was the last thing my teams were doing."

"Great!" Twilight put a check on her list. "Now all that's left for pegasi are the southern birds!"

"Ya great." Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Why don't I send someone else now so we will at least finish on time."

"She'll be here Rainbow." Twilight reassured with a smile. "I'm sure of it!:

"Whatever." Rainbow turned around only to bump into a black pegasus.

"Dammit!" The mare shouted, rubbing her snout. "What did I tell you about sanding behind me!"

Twilight sighed as Rainbow gave the poor stallion a verbal lashing. She actually remembered the pegasus by name too, one Thunder Lane. It was also to her understanding that he had a crush on her rainbow friend. Twilight gave one last look at the furious mare and shook her head.

"And she has no clue." She thought bitterly.

She soon left the scene to make sure if every thing else was in order. She passed through the cleared town streets with bight smile on her face. She glade to see the town all ready for spring when she spied two familiar ponies. Rarity? Fluttershy With her curiosity peaked she trotted over.

Rarity had a look of worry on her face while she conversed with an equally, or arguably, more worried Fluttershy.

"Ah Twilight!" Rarity called. "Fluttershy was just telling me the most disastrous news!"

Twilight grimaced only pondering the implications of the words. "What happened?" She asked wryly.

"It's that poor creature Beary found." Fluttershy answered. "The poor thing was cold and limp and Beary brought him to me. I'm just worried sick about the little guy."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Twilight said as sincerely as possible. "What kind of animal was it?"

"It was... It was..." Fluttershy paused for a moment. "I guess it was kinda like... like a... You know, I actually have no idea what it was." She said in disbelief. "I've never seen anything like it before."

Both mares paused to take in what she just said. Fluttershy who lived just on the edge of the Everfree was renowned for her knowledge and handling of animals. She was the pony to see about any animal, whether it be a bunny or a manticore. To even consider there was a animal she had no knowledge of would be outlandish. But here it was, the moment was upon them and they had no clue what to say.

"I think I should check on the poor dear just to be safe." She said apprehensively retreating behind her mane.

"I'll come with you." Twilight informed. "The last thing that really needs to be done is the southern birds anyway. Are you coming Rarity?"

The unicorn shook her head. "Unfortunately no. However sorry and curious I am for the poor thing I have an important order to finish."

"It's okay Rarity, I'll see you later and good luck." Fluttershy and Twilight waved at her, parting ways.

As the two made their way out of town Twilight listened with great interest on what Fluttershy could remember about the animal. So far she learned that it was about the size of Apple Jack's dog Winona, It was blue and , from what she described, was wearing some strange bands on it's paws and neck.

"So it's already somepony's pet?"

"I don't think so Twilight..." Fluttershy stopped and her eyes opened wide. "Oh I'm so stupid!" She stomped a hoof in frustration.

"What is it Fluttershy?" Twilight asked out of concern for her normally timid friend.

"He's was hibernating Twilight." She said in a more upbeat voice. "He's scaly and hibernating so it's a Lizard, but that's why he wasn't moving. He was sleeping." Fluttershy visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

"A reptile you say?" Twilight said rather intrigued with the new information. "Not many of those around."

After Fluttershy's realization she hurried back to her cottage with a warm heart and a smile on her face. Twilight was also in higher spirits now that her friend was happier and rushed with her. Their modest rush soon changed into a hearty jog and shortly into a full on joyous gallop. Twilight had never seen Fluttershy so happy to actually take off to a full gallop but was happy herself to join.

The duo soon reached Fluttershy's cottage and were graced with a beautiful sight. In a flurry of chirping and color a large flock of multi-colored birds passed over head. Like a wave the feathered beings soared through the sky with a very unlikely leader. At the flocks head was grey pegasus with a blond mane. She was simply beaming with happiness as she waved to Twilight, who waved back with Fluttershy.

"I knew you could do it!" She shouted up to her.

"THANK YOU TWILIGHT!" She yelled back down and then lead the birds into Ponyville.

The two mares smiled and giggled together as they approached the door. It really was the perfect Winter Wrap Up.