Chapters Twilight sighed happily to herself, a mug of hot chocolate keeping her hands warm, that and the arm of her girlfriend Rainbow Dash.
"Do you think she'll like it Rainbow?" Twilight asked, a bit worried that their first holiday together would be a disaster.
"She'll love it Twi'. As soon as she wakes up. Which should be in 3...2....1..."
"Oh my gosh its Christmas!" a voice cried out excitedly upstairs, followed by a blur rushing downstairs and hopping up and down in front of the Christmas tree. There were more than a few reasons she was so excited. For starters, this would be her first real Christmas outside the orphanage. Sure, everything the kids had gotten her and everything she had gotten them had been treasures, but it was all stuff they had struggled to make and usually ended up being something made out of rocks. She'd never had a tree before, or wrapped gifts, or hot chocolate!
"Whoa, slow down squirt! You'll get to tear into those in a minute. But first," Rainbow held out a mug labeled Worlds Awesomest daughter . Twilight had argued that Awesomest wasn't a word, but Rainbow had gone with it anyway, feeling it best expressed how she felt about her adopted daughter Scootaloo. The young flier choked back a few tears, clutching the mug to her chest.
"Th-thanks Dash...I mean...Thanks mom...." she sat the mug down, hugging Rainbow tightly. Twilight smiled at the scene, gasping as the next hug was directed at her.
"I didn't forget about you Twilight. I owe you...for everything." Scootaloo smiled.
"I'm happy to help Scootaloo. But, I need your help too." Twilight giggled at the girls confused expression as she lifted a few gifts in her magic.
"I need your help opening these. They seem to have your name all over them." Twilight said innocently. Scootaloo stared with wide eyes as the gifts were placed around her.
"A-All of these are mine?" she felt a sob build in her throat as Rainbow and Twilight shared a nod. Scootaloo bit her lip as she reached for one and began pulling away the wrapping paper.
Hidden within was a new sweater, hand knit by Rarity and Sweetie Belle with a lightning bolt etched into it. At the bottom of the bolt was a spinning wheel with flames coming from the back. It was Scootaloo's very own symbol. Something she had wanted to slap onto her Scooter for years.
"Sweetie Belle worked really hard on that." Twilight spoke up.
"I love it..." Scootaloo sniffed, hugging it close.
"Hey, don't forget about the rest of your gifts Squirt!" Rainbow chuckled. Scootaloo slipped into her sweater, glancing around at her other gifts, unsure of which one to open next.
"How about this one? Its from me" Twilight held out a scooter shaped gift, double wrapped for some strange reason. Scootaloo managed to hide the grin that demanded to be shown as she grabbed the gift.
"Gee, I wonder what it could be." She said as she tore it open. She was mildly surprised however. It wasn't just any old scooter. It was an X-strike Mach 7. The most expensive Scooter on the market with a built in headlight, detachable and customizable parts and a matching helmet.
"Twilight...this is...its...how did you..." she stammered in shock.
"Well, there are a few perks to being Princess Celestia's student. I can do without a few fancy old books for another month." she smiled. Scootaloo didn't know what to say.
She had seen Twilight in tears one time when having to decide between two different books written by her ancestor and only being able to afford one. To give up her book fund for her...The dam finally broke, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I-Is it not what you wanted? Oh Scootaloo, I'm sorry..." Twilight grunted as Scootaloo tackled her, burying her face in her stomach.
"Thanks mom..."
"Applejack, what're we doin' out in th' orchard? Its cold an my ears are burnin!" Applebloom whined.
"Now hold yer horses, this is somethin special. Somethin' every apple passes down to their children." Applejack offered a weak smile as she stood before one of their newer trees.
"What're ya doin' t' Rusty?" Applebloom wondered, seeing her mothers runes begin to glow.
"Shhh, this is important." Applejack whispered, holding out her hand. Applebloom paused for a moment before grabbing it, eyes wide as her own runes began to glow, whispers filling her thoughts.
"Can ya hear em?" Applejack asked quietly.
"The voices? Ya, ah can hear em...am ah goin crazy?"
"No silly, ya ain't goin crazy. This time of year is one of the few times they are at their loudest."
"Who?" Applebloom asked as she looked around.
"Th' trees, th' planet, th' Titans." Applejack closed her eyes for a moment, the voices growing louder. Applebloom could faintly make out their words.
Welcome my daughter, to our garden. Join us and be well. The rest was still too quiet for her to make out.
"What are they goin on 'bout? Ah thought ya'll were my momma."
"Ah am Applebloom. But we, th' Gaians, are children of Terra, the first Titan. She gave us our trees, our soil, our strength and our gentle nature. We Apples are direct descendants of Terra, its why our orchard grows th' way it does, why we were blessed with th' zap apples and a bountiful harvest each year. Because Terra watches over us." Applejack paused for a moment, placing a hand against Rusty.
"Applebloom...someday, ah'm gonna leave...an ah ain't gonna be able t' come back t' ya...Ya might feel alone, like th' whole world has given up on ya...but ah wanted ya t' know that ya ain't ever alone. Terra is always watchin and keepin ya safe and when ah'm gone...ah'll be right there with her, protectin' ya th' best ah can..." Applejack promised. Applebloom placed her hand against the tree, feeling a strange warmth fill her.
"But ah don't want ya t' leave...yer my momma and theres so much we haven't had a chance t' do..." She whined.
"Ah ain't leavin anytime soon Applebloom. But my life got a whole lot more complicated with those Elements and whatnot. Ah jus' wanted ya t' know ya won't be alone if somethin' happens." Applejack gave her hand a squeeze.
Applebloom smiled, returning the squeeze and watching as the snow melted from Rusty, the tree completely revitalized. Every drop of snow that touched it melted away.
"See that Applebloom? Thats proof of the strength inside ya."
"Ah did that?" she stared up at the tree, seeing Applejacks hand by her side. Only Appleblooms' remained on the tree, keeping away the cold. As she pulled her hand away the snow slowly reclaimed it.
"Wow...Can ah do it again?" she asked. Applejack chuckled.
"Lets wait til we gotta clean up th' snow. Wouldn't wanna wake em up again jus' t' show off. Our trees need their sleep just like we do. Now come on, Big Mac should have that cider ready by now."
"Okay...Oh um..."
"Yea Applebloom?" Applejack asked, blinking as Applebloom hugged her.
"Thanks...mom..."
"Rarity! Its cold out here! Where are we going?!" Sweetie Belle whined, dressed from head to toe, twice over, in winter gear. All of which was handmade by her sister, from the beanie and scarf all the way down to her socks and thermals.
"Oh? Did you not want to surprise your darling Scootaloo on one of the most romantic days of the year?" Rarity teased. Sweetie Belle was suddenly very thankful for the scarf that hid most of her face. Rarity hid her smile as they neared the Library.
"We all decided to host the holidays at the Library this year, on the condition that Pinkie gets to throw an afterparty at Sugarcube Corner." Rarity continued.
"Well, that explains all of the boxes behind you." Sweetie Belle mumbled, glancing at the boxes held in her sisters magic.
"A girl can't show up empty handed on Christmas."
"And Applejack is probably gonna be there." Sweetie Belle teased. Rarity blushed, glancing over at her sister and receiving a fanged smile. Sweetie Belle was just as vicious as she was...
Knock Knock Knock
"Hm, wonder who that could be." Rainbow smirked, pulling the door open. In rushed Sweetie Belle, shedding a few layers of jackets before tackling Scootaloo.
"Merry Christmas Scoots!" Sweetie Belle giggled, placing a kiss on her friends cheek. Scootaloo cleared her throat as a blush filled her cheeks.
"Merry Christmas Belle. Oh, thanks for the Sweater." Scootaloo sat up, her friend beside her and glancing at the mess of wrapping paper that filled the room.
"Wow, they really went all out huh?" Sweetie Belle realized.
"Yea, Twilight an Rainbow are pretty awesome. Oh hey, I got ya somethin too" Scootaloo grinned.
"Aww, you didn't have to get me anything Scoots."
"Yea, yea. Close your eyes an hold out your hands." Scootaloo ordered. Sweetie Belle shut her eyes tightly, blinking as she felt something press against her lips. She opened her eyes just as Scootaloo pulled away from the kiss, holding out a music note shaped necklace.
"Rainbow helped me pick it out. Your always goin' on about how you wanna look pretty so I figured this would make you happy."
"Oh Scoots...I love it!" She turned around, holding up her hair and letting Scootaloo slip the necklace around her neck, carefully clipping it at the back.
"Aren't they just darling?" Rarity whispered to Rainbow.
"Eh, they're kinda cute." Rainbow shrugged. Rarity rolled her eyes, setting her gifts around the tree. Next to enter the home was Applejack and Applebloom, with Big Macintosh in tow. The giant of a man held a large keg of cider over each shoulder, another strapped to his back.
"Alright! Now its a party!" Rainbow cheered.
"You can set those down in the kitchen Macintosh." Twilight smiled. Applebloom rushed to her friends with an excited smile.
"Ya'll are never gonna guess what Applejack taught me!" She beamed.
"Um...a new farming technique?" Sweetie Belle guessed, earning a flat look.
"How to use power tools without getting them stuck in your hair?" Scootaloo asked. It was a serious question.
"Uh...no, ah'm kinda banned from power tools fer a while. She taught me how t' talk t' trees. Ah can't really show ya until later, but its really amazin!" Applebloom looked between her friends, noticing the sweater and necklace.
"Oh wow, ya'll started openin' gifts already? We always wait til after christmas dinner." Applebloom mumbled.
"Don't sweat it AB, we wouldn't forget our best friend." Scootaloo winked, holding out a box. Applebloom hesitated before opening it, her eyes wide as she stared inside. Within the box, was Scootaloo's prized wrench. It had belonged to her dad and had been one of the few things she had managed to keep a hold of.
"Scootaloo, ah can't take this from ya..."
"I want you to have it AB. Your better with tools than I am and you'll get more use out of it than I will. Besides, it won't work on my new scooter, and...I know you'll take care of it..." Scootaloo smiled, accepting a hug from her friend.
"Merry Christmas everyone!" Pinkie cheered, throwing an arm around a very confused Fluttershy.
"H-How did I get here?" she stammered, a water pail held in her hand.
"Its not Christmas without all of your friends silly!" Pinkie giggled, racing Rainbow to the cider in the kitchen. Applejack grinned, arm glowing as she shoved Big Macintosh toward Fluttershy.
There was just enough strength behind her push to make him stumble forward, catching the Skyborns eye. Big Macintosh had to think quickly, knowing Applejack wouldn't get off his case if he simply walked away.
"Evenin Miss Shy. Merry Christmas." he rumbled.
"Merry Christmas Macintosh."
"Ah wanted t' thank ya fer helpin Winona. Fer th' life o' me ah couldn't figure out what was botherin her."
"Oh, its fine. It was just a tummy ache. I'm glad I was able to help." she smiled.
"Well, it meant th' world t' all o' us. Winona is family after all."
"I feel the same about Angel. Oh my goodness! I left him home alone!" She began to panic.
"Ah'll walk ya home." he offered, placing his jacket around her shoulders. Applejack grinned as she watched them leave, holding out her hand. Rarity rolled her eyes, placing a bag of bits in her friends hand.
"It won't last darling."
"T'weren't th' bet Rare-bear." Applejack teased. Twilight sighed softly, sitting on the couch and watching the festivities. Spike plopped down on the couch beside her, a few singe marks on his coat.
"Spike? I thought..."
"What? You thought I'd miss Christmas? The Beast-lands can wait a day without me Twi'. Besides...I miss it here..." he sighed. Twilight pulled him close, refusing to let go.
"I miss you Spike."
"I miss you too Twi'. Things are almost settled over there. Another month and I should be good to come home an stay." he returned the hug, Twilight grunting slightly.
"Wow, um, the muscles are new."
"Beast-lands are kinda tough on ya. Gotta adapt to get by." he offered as explanation as the two sat back down. Rainbow grinned as she walked into the main room, carrying two cups of cider.
"Well crud, looks like I need another cup. Unless this is just a drop an go kinda thing." Rainbow said, holding out the cups. Spike happily accepted one.
"How long ya stayin Spike?" Rainbow asked. He sighed, staring into his cup.
"A few hours. Spells gonna wear off by then and I'll wake up back in the Beast-Lands."
"Well we miss ya big guy. Scoots is gettin tired of washing the dishes. Speakin of which. Hey squirt!" Rainbow called, Scootaloo looked up from her new gamejoy, eyes wide as she spotted her adopted big brother.
"Spike!" she gasped.
"Hey Scootaloo. You still practicing those moves I showed ya?" he asked.
"Yea, they kinda came in handy the other day..." Scootaloo grinned. Spike flashed a worried glance to Twilight.
"A classmate tried to sic a bully on Scootaloo and she ended up teaching them a lesson." Twilight explained softly.
"Well, good to know you can handle yourself. Kinda reminds me, I got ya somethin." he reached into his shirt, pulling out a bead necklace with a few tiny skulls in it.
"This, is an authentic Beast Necklace. I crafted it myself from creatures amongst the land as proof to the Elder that I can survive among them. I want you to have it Scoots. So that you know that I'll come back." he grinned, holding it out to her. Scootaloo lowered her head, Spike slipping the necklace on for her.
"Whoa. I'm not allowed to wear this to School am I?" she deadpanned.
"Nah, no need to show off how awesome you are. Just let them think what they wanna and when they least expect it, bust out The Secret Move." Spike winked.
"We miss you Spike..." Scootaloo sighed as she hugged him.
"I miss you guys too. But I got a job to do, and so do you." he grinned, his sharp teeth showing a bit more than usual.
"Take care of yourself Spike and come back in one piece."
"I will, I promise. But right now, lets just be happy to be here."
The party eventually died down, Pinkie Pie heading to Sugarcube Corner to get the after party ready. Things were quiet and cozy in Twilights Library.
Rainbow kept Twilight close, an arm hooked around her shoulder while they watched Scootaloo cuddle up to Sweetie Belle in front of the fire. Applebloom was trying out a new bow, Applejack relaxing with Rarity in Twilights chair.
"Thanks fer makin' her somethin special Rarity." Applejack whispered.
"My pleasure Applejack" Rarity sighed happily, laying her head on Applejacks shoulder.
"Alright, time for kids to hit the sack. And by that I mean slumber party with Spike. We're headin' to Pinkies party, where I plan to get very very drunk with my girlfriend." Rainbow grinned, despite Twilight rolling her eyes.
"Are you sure about staying Spike?" Twilight asked.
"Yea. Besides, do you really wanna leave them here alone?" he pointed to the trio of friends.
"Alright, you heard the dragonman, lets get going!" Rainbow gently shoved Twilight towards the door. Spike dropped down onto the couch, the Crusaders gathering around him.
"Spike, tell us some stories about the Beast-lands!" they asked. He chuckled.
"The animals there are huge and..."
"ohhhh, you're so cute together!" Pinkie squealed, glancing between her friends.
"Pinks...are you...drunk?" Rainbow realized.
"What?! No! maybe..yes! i am!" she giggled, slumped over the counter. Rainbow sighed.
"Man, thats suppose to be me." she mumbled. Twilight smirked, looping her fingers between the Skyborns and whispering softly
"It can be you later tonight." she winked as she pulled away, leaving Rainbow to gape and let her imagination run wild. Had Twilight really just...She shook herself, letting her eyes wander the form of her Magian friend. It was gonna be a good Christmas.
Twilight sighed loudly at the mess she found in the kitchen. Flour covered every possible surface along with what she assumed to be cake batter. The distinct smell of burnt baked goods filled her home along with the sight of several severely burnt discs filling her trashcan.
Though in the middle of all the carnage stood one Scootaloo Danger Gumdrop Sparkle, holding up a small cake in her hands with the words 'Happy mothers day' poorly written atop it in purple and blue frosting.
The girl herself was covered in flour, cake batter hanging from her hair and smudged against her cheeks. Twilight wanted to be upset, to tell the girl that there was no need for all of this mess. But the smile on her face and determination in her eyes silenced her.
"You could've gotten a cake from Pinkie you know..." Twilight sighed again.
"It wouldn't be the same. It doesn't count if I don't do it myself mom!" Scootaloo replied without hesitation. Rainbow yawned and poked her head into the kitchen, eyes wide as she looked around before spotting Scootaloo. She chuckled and ruffled the young Skyborns hair, scooping a bit of frosting off the cake.
"Not bad Squirt, but next time...try to keep everything in the bowl" Rainbow grinned. Twilight sighed once more and lifted the cake in her magic, cutting it into several slices and snatching a few plates out of the cabinet, setting the table and crossing her arms.
"We'll worry about the mess later. Right now, we've got a cake to eat"
Applejack groaned as she woke up, feeling as if a heavy weight was resting on her. She sat up slowly, blinking the sleep from her eyes.
The last few weeks had been rather tough. Between managing the farm, training to better understand her powers, and dealing with Appleblooms random bursts of chaotic power, sleep had been rather impossible.
She yawned and stretched, gasping as someone cleared their throat. The farmer cracked an eye open and found Applebloom sitting in her lap, holding a tray of food.
A simple breakfast of toast with zap apple jam, apple cinnamon oatmeal with a touch of honey, and a glass of orange juice. Applejack grabbed the tray gently and set it on her bedside table.
"D-Did ah do it wrong? A-ah know ya said it was somethin' ya only made fer yer ma b-but ah thought..." Applebloom gasped as she was pulled into a tight hug.
"Its perfect Applebloom...every last bit o' it." Applejack sniffed.
Vinyl and Rarity blinked in surprise as Sweetie Belle lead them through town and towards Town hall where a large stage sat, ready and waiting. To their surprise they found Twilight and Rainbow already there as well as Applejack.
"Hm...so something is going on here." Vinyl mumbled. Sweetie Belle only gave her an innocent smile before making her way to the stage. From behind the curtains came Scootaloo and Applebloom, taking up posts on either side of their friend.
"Today, is the day we celebrate the best person in our lives. Our moms" Sweetie Belle began, before hanging her head.
"I never really got to know my mom, so I've always sorta seen Vinyl as my mom...and then Rarity kinda took her place when vinyl sent us away." She admitted, twiddling her thumbs. Vinyl stared in shock for a moment before collecting herself.
"So you remember everything?" Vinyl asked, clenching her fists. Sweetie sniffed and shook her head.
"I never forgot...but Rarity didn't seem to remember anything...so I just went along with it." Sweetie answered. Scootaloo cleared her throat and put a hand on Sweetie Belle's shoulder.
"What she's tryin to say is that today is for you two. Just like today is for the best parents a kid could ask for." She spoke up, flashing a smile at Twilight at Rainbow.
"Ah dunno 'bout all that. Fer th' longest time ah thought ah didn't even have a momma. Even if ah didn't know it before...ah always felt like ya'll were my momma Applejack an ah'm th' happiest kid on Terra knowin ah have ya." Applebloom added. The three girls took a step back and smiled
"So this, is for all of you!" they said together, a spotlight appearing at the edge of the stage, revealing Spike at a piano and Pinkie at a set of drums. Fluttershy stood at the other end with a tambourine, the three friends giving the girls a thumbs up as they began to play. Sweetie Belle took center stage, flooding the area with her powerful voice atop the song.
Applebloom and Scootaloo danced their way to opposite sides of the stage, each picking up a microphone to join in the song, slowly making their way back to Sweetie Belle. In an amazing show of effort the three held onto the last note before dropping to one knee as the music stopped, striking a pose and panting heavily from their performance.
Although the audience was a mere party of five, the applause could've been coming from the entire town with how satisfied they were with the show. The three girls gasped as they found themselves each pulled into a hug by their respective families.
"Best mothers day ever!"
Celestia sighed to herself as she sat upon her throne, waiting for the next noble to enter. It was always this day, always today that tore her up the most inside. A day that constantly reminded her of what she once had, and what she could never have again. She was pulled from her thoughts as the next noble marched into her throne room, hidden within a faded brown cloak.
"Welcome my friend. You have something you wish to ask?" Celestia spoke up. It was the same with all these nobles. They came to her seeking a way to lift themselves above the others or to get their way around the city.
All she had to do really was grin and bear it until the last one had come and gone. Though this one seemed different. No flashy shows of wealth or fame, no flowery dress or overpriced suit. What was this person up to?
"I do have something to ask you Princess..." the woman spoke up, lowering her hood. Celestia's eyes widened as the woman looked up at her and smiled.
"Is this a good present mom?"
Rainbow glanced out of the corner of her eye, watching as Scootaloo mimicked her while they brushed their teeth, both picking up a cup, gargling the contents and spitting into the sink. The older Skyborn smirked, ruffling her adopted daughters hair.
"Ready for the day squirt?" Rainbow asked. Scootaloo opened her mouth to answer, pausing before zipping over to her bag in Twilights room. She dug through it for a moment before pulling out a single red cap, setting it atop her head and grinning
"Ready!" she cheered, giving Rainbow a thumbs up. Rainbow chuckled softly, slinging her own bag over her shoulder. It would be just her and Scootaloo today. Twilight had already left for Celamont the day before with Spike.
"Alright, lets get going." Rainbow said softly, holding out her hand. Scootaloo smiled as she took Rainbows hand, the two making their way out of the Library and heading down the street.
The walk itself was rather uneventful. A few passersby greeted the pair of Skyborn, but not much else was said. Finally their destination was in reach.
"This should be the perfect spot" Rainbow mumbled, dropping her bag and digging through it, setting out a large checkered blanket underneath a large tree. Scootaloo was quick to set her bag on one of the corners, setting a basket of food on another corner to keep the blanket pinned. With everything set up, the two took a seat on the blanket and stared out over the hill and out towards Eravil Cemetary.
Rainbow heaved a heavy sigh, lifting her eyes to the clouds and letting a smile touch her lips.
"You know Squirt...my pop...he never got to feel the wind in his hair...never got to experience what its like to fly. But he greeted every day like a smile..." Rainbow sniffed as tears began to sting her eyes.
"H-He's flyin' now though...I bet he's watchin' right now from the clouds, laughing at me for bein' a crybaby." she chuckled. Scootaloo tugged on her arm, Rainbow blinking in surprise when she spotted the girl in tears beside her.
"Aw crud, I didn't mean t..."
"Are my mom and dad up there too?" Scootaloo interuptted her. Rainbow froze for a moment, pulling Scootaloo into her lap and hugging her tightly.
"Yea Squirt...they've been keepin their eyes on you. You know...I wouldn't be surprised if they were here right now, just sitting here with us...I hope they are...then I could thank them for bringing an awesome kid like you into the world." Rainbow grinned. Scootaloo sniffed, burying her face in Rainbows chest as she returned the hug. Rainbow kept a good hold of Scootaloo as she stared up at the clouds.
Rainbow clenched her fists as she stood before a pair of headstones. Scootaloo stepped forward, setting a handful of flowers between them.
"Hey mom...Hey Dad...I-Its Fathers day ya know. Heh, you never really cared for it though. You always acted like it was my birthday or somethin. I-I got adopted you know." Scootaloo lowered her head, tears stinging her eyes.
"E-Even though I-I have a new mom...I-I'm never gonna forget you or mom! B-But...is it okay for me to call her mom? I-I guess I really shoulda asked before calling her that huh? I'm sorry...I know I'm kind of a screw up...b-but Rainbow and Twilight are teaching me a lot of things a-and I even brought up my grades in school. I-I'm sure I would've if you or mom weren't so busy working...geez this isn't how I wanted this to go." Scootaloo sighed, sniffing and clearing her throat.
"I just wanted to say...Happy Fathers Day Dad." Scootaloo said softly, spreading out her wings, a stray feather falling from her left wing and brushing against her fathers grave. Scootaloo gasped as a hand rested against her head. For a moment she swore she saw her father, but as quickly as it appeared it was gone.
Rainbow smiled and knelt down beside her.
"Hey there...My name is Rainbow Dash...and I wanted to ask your permission to watch after your daughter." Rainbow said softly.
"I know I can't be the mom you were, or the dad you were...But she's important to me and to a lot of other people. I probably won't ever be the kind of parents you guys were for her...but I'll try my best." She promised, blinking as she felt a hand against her head. For a moment she swore she saw a woman smiling at her.
M-Must be the heat... Rainbow thought to herself. Though strangely she felt...happy. Moments later the flowers were blown towards Rainbow, a single red feather and a single green feather sitting within. Scootaloo stared with wide eyes.
"Those colors...t-those are my mom an dads!" she gasped. Rainbow grinned, bowing her head.
"I swear on my life...I'll take good care of her. And we'll be sure to visit more often." Rainbow promised softly. She stood, holding out her hand for Scootaloo. Together, with the feathers in tow, the two marched out of the cemetary while two figures watched them go.
Vinyl took a slow breath, glancing out of the corner of her eye and smiling to herself as Sweetie Belle mimicked her. Rarity sat on the other side of Sweetie Belle, her eyes closed and a trail of tears staining her cheeks. Vinyl turned her attention back to the fire before them and the painting of their father and mother that sat above them.
"Hey pops...you'd probably never believe it...but your three little girls are getting along just great. We've had a few bumps...most of them my fault...but..." she glanced at her sisters, both of them smiling up at her.
"But we're doing great...we love ya pops..." Vinyl said softly, lighting a candle. Rarity was next, taking a shuddering breath and putting on a smile.
"As Vinyl said...we've been off to a rather rocky start. But we've never been closer than we are now. I only wish you could be here with us." She choked for a moment, leaning forward and lighting another candle.
"We love you Father..." she whispered. Sweetie Belle stood up and cleared her throat.
"D-Dad? I um...I don't really remember you all that well...I kinda remember your moustach a-and the way you and mom would tuck me in at night. Vinyl and Rarity still do that for me, even though I can tuck myself in. Even though I don't remember everything...I remember that you're special to me and to Rarity and to Vinyl and I know that even without all the memories they have...that I love you." she said confidently, standing on her toes to light the last candle. All three flames died out at once, the candle directly before the painting flickering to life for a moment before dying out.
"Happy fathers day pops...see ya next year..." Vinyl smiled.
"Whats up Twily? You've been acting kinda weird all day." Shining chuckled, leaning back on the couch in a simple sleeveless blue t-shirt with matching jeans. It had been a miracle that he had been given today of all days off. Cadence and Twilight Velvet worked together in the kitchen to prepare lunch for everyone. Twilight of course had been told to relax, which was code for 'stay out of the kitchen'.
Spike sat nearby with Twilights father, Night Light, exchanging jokes. Twilight however had been lost in thought ever since leaving Eravil.
"Huh? Oh um, sorry. I just...I don't know..." she sighed.
"I know that face." Night Light chuckled, adjusting his glasses and relighting his pipe.
"Something big is on your mind, isn't it?" he asked. Twilight chewed her lip for a moment before nodding.
"I-I know I'm supposed to be here celebrating Fathers Day with you but..."
"But you want to be with your loved ones on a day that reminds them of what they've lost. Right?" Night Light asked softly. Twilight froze, hanging her head.
"Sorry...Today is suppose to be about you and here I am being selfish..." Twilight sighed, clenching her fists.
"That's not selfish at all Twily." Shining Armor scoffed. She blinked and glanced over at him.
"You're worried about people you care about. It doesn't matter what day it is. Though uh, it's a bit late to be there." He chuckled.
"I know...I'm sure Rainbow and Scootaloo are fine. A-And Rainbow did tell me I should come here today anyway...I just still feel like I should've been there for both of them." she sighed. She blinked as her father grabbed her hand, pulling her towards him and hugging her gently.
"Theres always next year, or tomorrow, and the next day, and every day after that Twilight. You don't have to worry about little old me. Today is just a day that I am reminded that I'm the proud father of three amazing people." he grinned, glancing at Spike.
"Yes, I'm counting you Spike. You might not be my own flesh and blood, but I still see you as my son." Night Light said with a smile. He gasped as Spike joined the hug, quickly followed by Shining Armor, the group laughing as they fell over. Cadence smiled to herself as she watched them from the kitchen, before ducking back in to help Velvet finish making lunch.
"Crops are doin' well this year. Oh, an Applejack an Applebloom are doin' well too. That girl o' yers finally got the courage t' tell the truth. Things ain't been th' same since, but that ain't really a bad thing." Big macintosh chuckled. The gentle giant sat atop a hill where two gravestones sat. Before him sat his mother and father, both sharing a laugh.
"Ah'm keepin' my eye on em o' course. But..."
"Don't strain yourself boy. You're one man, can't be doing everything by yourself" his father argued. His mother nodded agreement.
"Jus' cause ya got my strength don't mean ya can go 'round knockin' all yer problems 'round at once. Applejack's a smart gal, she can take care o' herself. Ya'll need t' be thinkin' more 'bout settlin' down than worryin' 'bout her" she beamed. Macintosh sighed, resting his hands on his knees.
"Oh don't patronize the boy. He'll find someone one day. Just let him do what he does best. Making us proud" his father said with a smile. The two faded away as Applejack and Applebloom made the climb up the hill. Macintosh wiped away a small tear as Applejack sat beside him, Applebloom sitting in her lap. Applejack reached over, grabbing Big Macintosh's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Ma an Pa are doin' well. Ma still thinks ah oughta settle down an pa is still proud as ever o' all o' us." he said softly. Applejack smiled, laying her head on his shoulder and humming a soft tune their parents once sang for them. Applebloom watched the graves of her grandparents silently, the wind sweeping around them as the sun began to droop down in the distance.
"Happy fathers day Grandpa..." Applebloom said softly.
I know its late but damnit its been a long day. I hoped you all enjoyed today with your family!
Author's Note
I was gonna add in some Discord daddy moments but kinda forgot until afterwards. Might write it up, dunno yet....
This idea brought to you by Yu Yu Hakusho's Dark Tournament and me thinking of doing a Versus series with all of our characters thus far.
"I'm concerned...I doubt either of them will die, but this tournament is going to demand a lot of all of us," Spitfire sighed as she watched Spike enter the arena below.
"You are right, but they have had this duel before under different circumstances. I had hoped for this pairing in favor of many others. In this way, we make it easier for the Elements to move forward," Celestia admitted.
"But do we want the Elements to move forward Princess? Wouldn't it be better if we knocked them out of the tournament and fought ourselves?" Spitfire almost begged. Celestia hid a smirk behind her glass.
"My only reasoning for not wanting us to face them, is their sheer determination and willpower to win. I do not want them wearing themselves out on us before their real challenge comes along," Celestia explained herself.
"They...They really have gotten stronger...haven't they?" Spitfire mumbled, hanging her head.
"Rainbow is going to be alright Spitfire. She's too much like her mother," Celestia winked.
"Nightgale took herself out," Spitfire sighed, blinking as Celestia grabbed her shoulder.
"I meant you," Celestia said, sounding a bit hurt. Spitfire felt her entire body begin to shake.
"I can't just stand here and let this happen. She could die out there!" Spitfire yelled
"And so could any of you Spitfire. I've played my cards and rolled the dice, now we can only wait and believe in them."
Vinyl took a slow breath as she entered the arena. Sure, she'd fought Spike before, a few sparring matches. She'd even kept up with him. But they'd never had so much on the line before. Spike had only two things on his mind. The Sparkle Family, and Fluttershy. Which meant Rarity was being thrown to the wolves unless she could pull one over him.
Sure, they'd had a few matches, but she'd never won a single one of those. She grit her teeth, removing her shades and tossing them aside, her mana flaring around her body in an instant. Spike gave her a sad smile as he removed his cloak, standing in just a pair of purple sweats and letting out a small flame as he exhaled.
"Don't do this boss..." Vinyl begged quietly.
"If we don't fight, they'll kill everyone with a snap of their fingers. If we hold back, they'll know, if we give up or give in, it's all over Vinyl. We've both got too much riding on this. So show me why you've come as far as you have, give me everything you've got and more, because I won't stop until I can't go on," Spike growled, his eyes shifting.
Fuck...FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK! Vinyl screamed in her head. She threw her head back, screaming at the top of her lungs as her magic flared, causing many people to shield their eyes as she poured all she had out for the world to see.
She had no choice, Spike wasn't going to hold back this time. Not with his remaining family on the line. But Vinyl's family was on the line too. She roared as she flickered forward, reaching for Spike's throat, only to have her arm shoved aside, Spike spinning and smashing his knee into her chin, a roll forward and his heel had slammed into the back of her head, sending her face first into the arena.
He hopped backwards, brushing his thumb over his nose as blood dripped down from a fresh cut on his cheek. Vinyl was on him in an instant, fists a blur as she desperately tried to land a hit. All the while Spike danced backwards, bringing up his knee into her arm to knock a punch aside, lifting his own arm to catch hers and even throwing his head forward to duck under another.
"You fucking lied to me!" Vinyl screamed, catching him off guard, her knee flying into his chin and tossing him in the air. Seeing her chance she jumped after him, flickering out of sight and throwing her arms around him, tightening her hold even as flames erupted around his body.
"Nice try boss, you know, I saw this one in an anime," Vinyl chuckled, her magic wrapping around him just outside of his flames, a bubble forming around them as she spun and plummeted towards the ground. Spike began to shift, scales covering his body, until Vinyl chomped down on his ear, causing him to yelp and the transformation to halt, moments before crashing into the ground below.
The dust slowly settled, revealing Vinyl and Spike a short distance apart. Vinyl was out of breath, her clothes singed and burns along her arms and legs. Spike was badly scratched up, but other than that he just stood as calmly as ever.
Vinyl chuckled, hanging her head.
"Wasn't meant to be, huh boss?" Vinyl asked softly.
"Don't give up on your sisters Vinyl. Your family needs you to be strong," Spike said quietly, hanging his head, his hands in his pockets.
"You've got hundreds of years of bullshit on me boss. You really could've killed Big Boss couldn't you?" Vinyl asked, standing upright.
"If I had truly tried, I might've been able to. I didn't truly lie to you Vinyl. Back then, that was my limit, I couldn't go any further than that without risking my sanity, without losing who I am," Spike explained as he began to walk towards her, hands still in his pockets. Vinyl let out a slow breath, her mana compressing into a shell against her skin instead of flaring outwards.
"Then I embraced who I really am, what I really am. Just a stupid beast," he spat, exhaling another small flame. He stopped as Vinyl smashed her fist across his face.
"SHUT UP! SHUT THE FUCK UP!" She yelled, punching him again, Spike skid back slightly, but kept his hands in his pockets.
"You were there for us...when we needed you, you were fucking there...Don't you start with this animal bullshit," She growled. Spike chuckled, lifting his hands out of his pockets, his hands shifted into claws and spikes running along his knuckles and wrists.
It was far different from his normal transformation and in an instant his body changed. He grew in height, matching Vinyl, his tail dragged against the ground and his feet shifted into claws, his body remaining mostly human but covered in scales, shoulder pads forming and even horns sprouting from his forehead along with spines running from the center of his head back down his spine and towards the tip of his tail which had formed into a makeshift spiked mace.
"Holy fuck..." Vinyl breathed. Spike exhaled once more, looking at himself.
"This...is the real me. Something I've held back for years, because I was afraid, because I didn't want to admit...that I'm not human, and I never can be. I'm just an animal, a beast, a Dragon," Spike stepped forward and Vinyl collapsed, her eyes wide as she dropped to her knees. She hadn't even seen the attack coming.
Her world slowly faded to darkness as she tipped over, Spike turning to walk away.
"VINYL!" A chorus of voices cried out. She could hear Sweetie Belle...and Rarity, and even Octavia. She couldn't lose this easy!
She bit her lip, rolling as she hit the ground and springing to her feet, blood running down her chin as she stabled herself.
"WE AREN'T DONE YET!" She yelled, Spike glancing over his shoulder at her. His chest puffed out slightly, a massive flame rushing toward her as he exhaled. She threw up her arm, casting it aside and gritting her teeth as her arm turned black, smoke rising from the burnt flesh.
"If you keep going, you'll die," Spike warned, his eyes holding not even the smallest hint of mercy.
"What happened to you boss?" Vinyl asked as she walked toward him.
"I grew up Vinyl, we all do at some point," he shrugged, tucking his hands into his pockets. She kept marching, clenching her fists as she broke out into a run, hopping over his tail as it swiped, her magic flipping her around in the air as the tail come for a second strike, before throwing up her arms as it smashed into her, sending her flying backwards.
Blood dripped down her arms as her magic held her and slingshot her around the arena toward him, Vinyl rolling in the air and slamming her leg hard into the side of his head, crying out as her shin cracked. She hopped back on her good leg, panting heavily.
"So it's true what they say? Hard as diamonds huh?" Vinyl chuckled weakly, her magic tearing up her pants and tying the fabric around her leg, wincing as she put pressure on it.
"This fight is taking everything from you Vinyl...I won't let them die, none of them, you have my word," he said quietly
"Fat lot of good your word has done me in the past you selfish fuck!" She screamed, her eyes rolling back into her head as Spike turned toward her. He flickered across the arena in front of her and she bounced into the ground before skidding out of bounds into the grass.
"THE WINNER IS SPIKE!" The announcer cried out, cheers rising up in the stands. Spike's body began to glow and shrink, returning to his smaller human form everyone had come to know and love. Smoke drifted off of his body as he walked away, medics rushing to tend to the defeated vampire.
"I had no idea Spike could be so...brutal..." Spitfire nearly heaved, Celestia gripping her shoulder.
"I've put him through much in our time together Spitfire, much more than you could imagine. He isn't fighting for me in this tournament. He's fighting for what he believes in and won't let anything stop him. But had he not held back, Vinyl surely would've died,"
"H-He was holding back? How are the Elements going to beat him then?" Spitfire demanded.
"Their strength is different from raw power Spitfire, they will find a way. If they can't defeat him, then they cannot win this tournament," Celestia said with a sad smile.
I put a few of these together, people seem to have enjoyed the first fight, so here's another, and I just might have a few more of these.
"The next match will begin shortly!" the announcer called out happily, winking to the crowd before vanishing with a pop. Applebloom really hated that stupid thing. It was almost like a fairy, but those eyes reminded her too much of her father.
She let out a slow breath, smiling as Nyx patted her shoulder.
"You'll do great out there, just remember everything we've shown you," Nyx said softly.
"Ain't what ah'm worried 'bout Nyx. Sure, ah've got a good hold on my powers, an it's gotten us pretty far...but how am ah s'pose t' hold out against a true God of Chaos?" she asked, glancing out the window towards the opposite side of the building. Fluttershy was over there, getting a pep talk from Rainbow Dash for the upcoming fight.
And Applebloom had no idea how to win.
"I can't! I won't!" Fluttershy screamed, the lights flickering as her rage shifted and grew.
"We don't have a choice Shy. You can't just throw the fight, they'll call us out on it!" Rainbow argued.
"She's right Darling, you have to give it your all. Applebloom surely will. I may not be her mother, but I've seen her grow, and she's quite the force to be reckoned with," Rarity pointed out. Sure, Rainbow wasn't a part of their team, and they were fighting for different reasons, but friends stuck together through anything, and right now, Fluttershy needed Rainbow.
"It'll be okay Shy Shy. You couldn't have gotten a better person to fight! Applebloom can take whatever you dish out and probably even bounce it back at you! So go out there and just have fun with it!" Pinkie said with a smile and a thumbs up. Fluttershy sighed, looking out the window to the other side.
She had no idea how she was going to win.
"The next match will now begin! Fluttershy Versus Applebloom!" the announcer cheered, the people in the stands stomping their feet and cheering at the top of their lungs.
"A-Applebloom..." Fluttershy mumbled. Applebloom smiled, tightening the wrappings on her arms and hands.
"It's alright Miss Shy, No matter what happens between us, ya'll are important t' me, t' Ma, an t' our friends. Whether ah win or lose, ah don't care. But ah'm gonna try my hardest t' win," Applebloom swore. Fluttershy gave a nod. The two were similarly dressed.
Fluttershy in a yellow sleeveless top and green shorts.
Applebloom in a red sleeveless top and orange shorts.
Both took up the same stance, left palm at waist outward, right fist up and forward, right foot flat and forward, left foot back and balanced on the ball.
"BEGIN!"
"Be careful Applebloom..." Applejack mumbled, clutching her daughters ribbon. Big Macintosh chuckled, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"She's too much like her mother, she'll come out on top," he rumbled.
"Ya'll did so well against her now didn't ya?" Applejack shot back, poking his cracked ribs. Macintosh only chuckled.
"Ah'm only human, wasn't th' best idea ah ever had t' fight a God," he said with a gentle shrug. Applejack only shook her head, watching as the battle slowly began.
"Tell me th' truth Twilight, does Applebloom stand a chance?" Applejack asked.
"Actually...I'm more worried about Fluttershy in this fight," Twilight admitted, that strange darkness consuming her eyes once more. It still gave her the chills everytime Twilight was intuned with any dark magics, but her own powers had come to light as well.
Just what was Twilight seeing with those eyes? Her curiosity piqued, Applejack closed her eyes for a moment, her runes shifting from white to green as they lit up, her eyes consumed by the same green as she looked out over the arena.
Applebloom shifted around one of Fluttershy's punches, pivoting and dancing around behind her, looping her right arm under Fluttershy's left and kicking her right leg out from under her, roaring with all of her might as she brought the Skyborn crashing into the ground below. She skid backwards, panting slightly as Fluttershy lifted herself, arms hanging and her breath coming in quick gasps.
"Y-You've really, improved," Fluttershy said happily, a bit of blood running down her chin. Applebloom hesitated for a moment, raising her arm to block a kick. Her eyes had shifted to a bright yellow, tinged with red in the center, chaos sparking around both of them as Fluttershy's eyes shifted to match.
"T-Thanks, didn't have much of a choice really," Applebloom grunted, grabbing hold of the leg on top of her and kicking the other out from under Fluttershy, bringing her palms down hard on the knee above her, a chill running through her as it popped.
Fluttershy hobbled backwards, her wings coming to life. Her knee twisted and shifted back into place, leaving Applebloom to groan as the Skyborn charged her from the air.
She flexed her right arm, rolling it back and shifting her weight. She poured chaos around her arm into the form of a drill, the chaos spinning faster and faster as she threw her arm forward, the air groaning in protest around the punch as it collided with Fluttershy's own matching punch.
The wind whipped around them as Fluttershy continued to push with her wings, while Applebloom roared, her runes blazingly bright and her shoulder popping as she forced herself forward, sending Fluttershy skyward as the air cracked and exploded.
"Titans...Bellow..." Applebloom said weakly, placing her other hand on her shoulder and crying out as she popped it back into place. She stood at the ready for Fluttershy to come back. That couldn't have finished it, Fluttershy was stronger than that.
Fluttershy smiled as she soared past the clouds. Applebloom really was strong, strong enough to stand against her, strong enough to maybe even win this stupid tournament. She was tired of fighting, tired of hurting people. It was better to just be done with it all...
She closed her eyes, her wings fading and her magic fading with them. Her arms dragged above her as she fell, plummeting towards the arena below. The air was too thin, she could barely breath, had she struggled, she would've been fine. But she was tired, and it was time to rest. Slowly, everything faded to darkness.
"FLUTTERSHY!" Applebloom cried as the Skyborn plummeted to the ground. She kicked off the arena, throwing herself into the air, but sailed over the Skyborn. Gritting her teeth she dragged herself through the air with Chaos, flinging herself down to the arena below Fluttershy, just barely managing to catch her.
But she was out cold, with a smile on her face.
"THE WINNER IS APPLEBLOOM APPLE!" The announcer cheered. Applebloom hung her head, lifting Fluttershy and throwing her head back.
"IS THIS WHAT YA'LL WANT?! ARE YA HAPPY NOW!?" She screamed at the crowd which fell silent.
"Ya bunch of..." she bit her lip, turning and marching out of the arena. Was there really any point to all of this fighting?
She sighed as her friends rushed to her side
"Applebloom that was awesome! I didn't know you figured out the Titan's Bellow!" Scootaloo cheered.
"Ah hadn't. Ah jus' went fer it," Applebloom mumbled, gasping as Rainbow patted her shoulder.
"You did good kid," Rainbow said softly, lifting Fluttershy out of her arms.
"Thanks Applebloom. I don't think anyone else could've helped Shy the way you did. Keep fighting, okay? We'll get out of this soon," she said softly, vanishing with a wink.
"You okay AB?" Nyx asked, gasping as Applebloom hugged her tightly. She smiled, wrapping her arms around her gently.
"Yea, you'll be okay..."
"Ah'll be, she really won..." Applejack gasped, her eyes fading to normal. Twilight gave a nod, the Darkness fading from her as well.
"She's managed such an amazing control over the Chaos in such a short time. Of course Pinkie Pie has been a great help there, and Nyx," Twilight smiled.
"But now what Twi'? Fluttershy was a big contender t' win this stupid thing," Applejack pointed out.
"Yes, she was. But we aren't the only ones who have struggled to become stronger Applejack. Your daughter, my daughters, they've fought with us the entire way. We had to consider this sooner or later," Twilight sighed, though she smiled.
"And it's better this way Applejack, you know how much Fluttershy hates violence. Applebloom gave her an out, and she took it. No one else could've done that for her," Twilight giggled.
"Ah s'pose yer right Twi'. That girl o' mine sure is somethin'," Applejack said proudly.
"Heh, just you wait until Scoot's gets to fight," Rainbow grinned as she appeared between them.
Scootaloo gasped as Sweetie Belle hugged her from behind.
"Belle! I told you not to do that when you teleport!" Scootaloo whined, earning a giggle from her friends.
"Well I couldn't just sit by and do nothing! I had to come congratulate Applebloom after all, and your fight is coming up soon," Sweetie Belle argued gently.
It had taken them a lot of thinking on their team. Applebloom and Nyx had been obvious choices for the first two spots. But they had argued for a long time over the third spot going to either Scootaloo or Sweetie Belle.
In the end they settled it with an arm wrestling match, no holding back. Scootaloo had won, to both of their amazement.
"Yea, they haven't told me who I'm fighting...Kinda terrified to be honest," Scootaloo chuckled nervously.
"You'll do us proud Scootaloo. We've gotta win this thing after all..." Nyx smiled sadly. Scootaloo gave a nod, holding out her fist which Nyx pressed hers against.
"We aren't losing you Nyx, no matter what it takes," Scootaloo promised.
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Alternate Universe/Alternate Story
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Applejack gritted her teeth as one of the bats glared at her, spitting one of her precious apples at her. The farmer easily snatched the now rotten fruit out of the air
"DAMNED VARMINTS! IF'N YA KNOW WHATS GOOD FER YA THEN YOU'LL GET OUTTA MY TREES!" She screamed at them. Her answer was more rotten fruit being chucked at her. She rolled her shoulder, arm glowing brightly.
"Thats it. I'm takin' th' lot o' ya down right now!" she roared, throwing her arm forward. She blinked in surprise as Fluttershy caught her hand.
"Applejack you can't really mean to hurt these poor defenseless creatures...." She frowned.
"Yer 'poor defenseless creatures' are makin a mess o' my trees! Ah can't take care o' my family or my home if'n they eat all my apples!" Applejack argued.
"Have you tried reasoning with them? I'm sure they'd be happy to only take what they need. They have families to care for too you know" Fluttershy pointed out. A pair of older bats held out an apple for a younger one, Applejack gritting her teeth.
"Ain't like they'd understand me anyway. Th' whole lot of em hate me." Applejack pointed out, a few seeds bouncing off her head helping prove her point.
"Oh...well, maybe one of our friends can help?" Fluttershy wondered. Applejack blinked and snapped her fingers.
"Shy, yer a genius!" She rushed to her bag which sat in her cart, snatching out her phone.
"Hey Rares? Yea it's me. Ya'll mind comin' by th' farm. Ah got a favor t' ask ya."
Needless to say, Rarity was rather surprised when she showed up to find Fluttershy standing with Applejack in the orchard. When Applejack had asked for a favor she had assumed...well she hadn't assumed this. If she had then she wouldn't have gone through the trouble of triple checking her makeup and slipping into a dress that showed off her more...generously sized assets.
"I'm sorry, you want me to what?" Rarity asked, unsure if she had understood the question.
"Well, ah figured since ya'll are a vampire that they would listen t' ya!" Applejack chuckled nervously. Rarity clenched her fists, flinging her purse into Applejacks face and causing the farmer to topple over.
"How dare you compare me to a common bat!? The nerve!" Rarity huffed as she stomped away. Applejack groaned, watching as a bat landed on her shoulder. The Magian grumbled something under her breath and the bat took off. Moments later the others followed behind it, taking off to an abandoned part of the orchard where the apples were just a bit too old to be sold at market.
"You owe me!" Rarity yelled over her shoulder as she continued to march away.
