My Little Pony: High School is Magic

The next day Twilight woke up at 10:39am. She was surprised to have slept for so long. She went to bed around midnight and she was sure she would wake up at an earlier time. Considering that she got home and stayed up late with her family decorating the house, she didn't count on being as tired as she was. Twilight did have a busy yesterday.

Twilight got out of bed and proceeded with her morning routine. She had another busy day ahead of her. She promised Fluttershy that she would talk to Rainbow Dash about Fluttershy's feelings for her. More importantly, she needed to find out more information about Rarity's lake house. Thanks to Spike, Twilight finally had a lead on her whereabouts. Lastly, she had Sunset Shimmer's gift to finish.

"I'm not sure why I get myself into these situations," Twilight told herself as she brushed her teeth in the bathroom mirror. "But I feel like I must. I gotta admit, I kind of like the drama. I don't think I would ever have gotten into anything like this at Princess Academy. I guess this is what it's like to have friends!"

Twilight got dressed and gathered her things. She could smell breakfast being made. She went downstairs and found her whole family in the kitchen. Her mother, Twilight Velvet, was fixing breakfast for everyone. Her father, Night Light, and older brother, Shinning Armor, were hungover from having too much eggnog. It was the first time her father had gotten drunk since he stopped drinking.

"Hey everyone," Twilight said.

"There's my sugarplum princess," Night Light greeted. "Happy Hearth's Warming Eve! I'm so sorry you have to see me like this. It's been a while since I've drank that much."

"Oh don't be so hard on yourself, sweetie," Twilight Velvet said as she set a plate for her daughter. "I was the one who made you drink. We were having fun."

"Yeah, it's been a while since we all came together like this. I was just a happy stallion. It was nice to have a drink with my son, right kiddo?" Night Light said as he rustled Shinning Armor's mane.

"Dad, not so rough," Shinning Armor said. "I have a splitting headache."

"Poor baby," Cadence said as she nuzzled her fiancé.

"Hey Twilight," Spike said. "You going somewhere or something?"

"Yes, I am. I have to go talk to some friends about something."

"Is everything okay, honey?" Velvet asked. "Oh, and how do you want your eggs?"

"Fried and fluffy. And everything will be okay, I hope. My friends had a little dispute with each other and I'm just seeing if I can help bring us all back together, again."

"Well, if there's anypony out there that can handle it, it's you, princess," Night Light said.

Twilight enjoyed her breakfast with her family and then headed out to start her day. She was a bit nervous to talk to Rainbow Dash. She never had the opportunity to talk to Rainbow Dash on a personal level outside of anything relating to school. She was unsure of how she would react to Twilight wanting to talk to her. She was even unsure of how she would react to what she would say. Twilight started her flight to her home rehearsing more scenarios in her head. If anything, the rehearsing kept her calm.

She arrived at Rainbow Dash's home. Rainbow Dash lived in a normal house in a quaint neighborhood in Western Canterlot. Further down her street was Apple Acres. It would most likely be Twilight's next stop after her visit with Rainbow Dash.

Twilight walked up the porch steps and rang the doorbell. Rainbow Dash's father, Rainbow Blaze, answered the door. His hind legs were in a wheelchair apparatus. It was a bit of a shock to Twilight.

"Hello, can I help you?" said the blue pegasus.

"Oh, hello," Twilight said, trying to ignore his wheelchair. "Is Rainbow Dash home? I'm a friend of hers. My name is Twilight Sparkle."

"Twilight Sparkle! Please won't you come in?"

"Thank you, sir."

Twilight entered their home. It was warm and cozy. Twilight saw a bunch of pictures on the wall as she came in. Most of them were pictures of Rainbow Dash at sporting events. The rest were older pictures of her father and mother.

"Dashie, you have a guest," Rainbow Blaze yelled up the stairs. "Can I get you anything? Water? Tomato juice?"

"I'm fine, thank you," Twilight politely declined.

"Well I have some hot tea on the oven. I'd be more than happy to pour you a cup. I'm sure you're cold."

"Okay. Some tea would be nice."

Rainbow Blaze led Twilight to the dining room through the living room. There was a large television in the corner. The TV was tuned in to a sports channel. Adjacent to the TV was a wall full of prize-winning trophies. A lot of them look like they were awarded to Rainbow Dash. There were others that looked like they were awarded to her father. Twilight was amazed by the number of trophies there were. There had to be at least 30, she thought.

"I sure am glad to have finally met you, Twilight," Rainbow Blaze said as he pulled out a seat at the dining room table for Twilight. "I wanted to thank you personally for helping Rainbow Dash bring her grades up. That was really kind of you."

"It was my pleasure, sir. She'd do the same for me."

Rainbow Blaze went to the kitchen and brought her back a teacup on a saucer. Despite his disability he was quite graceful in doing so.

"Here's your tea. I'm not sure what's taking that filly so long to come down here. If you want, you can go up to her room. A hoofball game is about to come on and my old college buddy is starting. I don't mean to be rude but I do want to see it."

"It's okay. I can go see her."

"You really are a cool pony! Her room is the first one on the right as soon as you get upstairs."

Twilight used her magic to carefully take her teacup with her up to Rainbow Dash's room. Twilight could hear loud noises coming from a door with bumper stickers all over it. She could even hear Rainbow Dash's voice. It sounded like she was talking with somepony. Twilight tried knocking on the door, but Rainbow Dash did not respond.

"Rainbow Dash? It's Twilight. Can I come in?"

Rainbow Dash still did not respond to her. Instead Rainbow Dash continued yelling at whomever she was talking to.

"I'm coming in, okay? I hope you're decent."

Twilight opened her door to let herself in. Rainbow Dash was in the middle of a match on her video game. She was wearing a headset, which explained why she didn't respond to any of Twilight's or her father's calls.

"You gotta be bucking kidding me," Rainbow Dash yelled. "That's the fifth time I got scoped by that bucking camper sniper. Can somepony please give me some cover? I have no idea where he is. Such an asshole."

"Rainbow!" Twilight yelled as well, to get her friend's attention.

Rainbow Dash turned around to see Twilight standing in the doorway.

"Twilight?" Rainbow Dash said in surprise. "Dude, when did you get here? Come on in."

Rainbow Dash muted her headset and tidied up a bit for her guest. Her room was a mess. Clothes and sports gear were carelessly thrown all over the place. Hay burger wrappers and cups decorated her desk and nightstand. There was a bit of a musky odor, as well. Twilight was not surprised to see Rainbow Dash's room like this. She has seen her locker before and it is no different. She was polite to not let it get to her.

"Aw, did my dad make you that nasty tea? I got some hard ciders in my closet if you want something better. I already had a few, already! I'm getting my ass kicked at Modern War Mare."

"I'm okay, thanks. Your dad is really nice. I didn't know he was… um…"

"Totally awesome?" Rainbow Dash said as she continued playing her game. "I know. He's the best! But ever since he had his accident he's been a bit overprotective of me. He totally wouldn't buy this game for me so I had to pay for it myself. He said he didn't want me getting ideas. How lame is that?"

"What happened to him?"

"He got shot. Bullet lodged in his spine and paralyzed him."

"Oh my gosh!"

"Yeah, I was just born. My mom and I was at home when he went to the store. But the store he went to was being robbed and he tried to be a hero and got shot trying to protect the store clerk. He totally ended up being a hero because he saved the clerk who called the police. When I was first told that story I thought it was the coolest thing I ever heard!"

"Wow, that's amazing. I saw all of those trophies downstairs. Did he used to be an athlete?"

"Uh, he still is an athlete, Twi. He might not be able to use his legs but he can still fly. He's a sky track champion. Although, he only competes in the disabled circuit now. He says it's too easy for him. But it's still cool to see him keep trying, you know? I want to be just like him. A true hero! That's why I want to join the military. But he's too scared to let me even think about it!"

"I'm sure he's just trying to protect you."

"Well, for once I want to do the protecting. I hate school. I really don't want to go to college, even on a sports scholarship. I want to go where the real action is. I wanna be a Wonderbolt so bad, it hurts. I hate it here now. It's boring."

"You mean your neighborhood or something else?"

"... Both."

"What's the something else part?"

"Wow, Twilight. Nosey much?"

"I'm sorry. It's just that, well yesterday at the park-"

"Stop right there, Twilight. I know what you're gonna say, so just save it. I don't want to talk about it."

Twilight suspected that she would act this way. Fortunately for her this played exactly like one of her scenarios.

"Okay," she said. "I understand. We don't have to talk about what happened. But that isn't exactly why I'm here."

"You mean you came to get drunk and play video games with me?"

"No. I came here to tell you that somepony really, really likes you."

Rainbow Dash was silent for a brief moment before responding.

"Who?"

"Fluttershy."

Rainbow Dash stopped what she was doing and turned off her game. She got up from her gaming chair and went to grab her ciders from her closet. She sat on the floor in front of Twilight.

"First of all," Rainbow Dash began. "What? Secondly, huh?"

"Fluttershy asked me to come to you and tell you that she likes you. That's why she was acting weird yesterday because she saw you and Applejack kiss."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Fluttershy likes me? If she likes me then why didn't she say anything?"

"This is Fluttershy, we're talking about. The pony who is literally afraid of her own shadow."

"You're right. But still, this doesn't make any sense."

"I'm actually surprised you haven't figured it out before. She was extra nice to you. She always stares at you."

"Y'know she bought me dinner for Heart's and Hooves Day this year."

"See?"

"How couldn't I see it before? She probably hates me now.

"If she did, I don't think she'd send me over to tell all of this to you."

"But this is so messed up. It's cool that she likes me. I really can't blame her, but I don't feel the same way about her."

Twilight waited for Rainbow Dash to finally admit that out loud. It was obvious to her that Rainbow Dash only had eyes for Applejack. Twilight felt this all could've been avoided if she told Fluttershy that, but she knew that wouldn't fully work.

"So now what do I do?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"You gotta let Fluttershy know how you feel," Twilight said. "It's as simple as that."

"I was afraid you'd say that. Can't you just do me a solid and-"

"Nope! I'm not going to play cupid for you two, anymore. And just like I told Fluttershy, it wouldn't mean anything coming from me. You have to be the one to let her down."

Rainbow Dash didn't seem too happy about what she heard. She knows she has to let her down but she knows how fragile Fluttershy is. She never intended for her to be caught up in the situation she was in with Applejack but she truly didn't know about Fluttershy's feelings. So many confusing thoughts were going through her head. She even considered trying to date Fluttershy just to avoid breaking her heart. But she knew that wouldn't last very long.

"I guess I'll break it to her then," Rainbow Dash said. "Two more ciders and then I'll go. Wanna come for moral support?"

"I think you'll be okay on your own," Twilight said as she got up from her seat.

"I was talking about for Fluttershy!"

"Oh! Well, I think she'll be okay, too. She'll have you. Besides, I have another friend to see, now."

Rainbow Dash knew whom she meant. She did not need to ask. It was then she realized what Twilight was trying to accomplish. She had a large amount of respect for Twilight for what she was doing.

"You know, Twilight," Rainbow Dash said. "You really are a good friend. You're like the only pony I know who would try to, y'know, keep their friends together. Other ponies would probably let us be mad at each other, like me."

The kind words caught Twilight off guard. Of all ponies she didn't expect such sentimentality from Rainbow Dash. She thanked her friend and left her home. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash continued drinking by herself in her room. She dreaded what had to be done. She debated with herself on whether or not to wait until after the holidays. But her knowing Fluttershy so well, she knew she would be expecting a speedy response.

"Well I better get this over with," Rainbow said to her ceiling.

Rainbow Dash didn't bother to change out of her sweatpants and tank top. She only grabbed her jacket and the scarf Fluttershy made for her and set off on her way to Fluttershy's home.

It was around lunchtime when Rainbow Dash arrived at Fluttershy's house. Rainbow Dash waited before approaching the front door. She realized that she didn't know what to say to her. She was slightly tipsy from her cider drinking and couldn't adequately gather her thoughts. While she was standing in front of the house, Fluttershy was in her room, doing much of nothing. She was expecting Twilight to have carried out her request. She was very worried. Fluttershy woke up early that morning trying to find things to keep her mind from thinking about it. She managed to feed her animal friends, make breakfast for the whole house, clean her room and the basement where her friend Tree Hugger sleeps, and make little snow hats for squirrels. She just about ran out of things to do. When trying to close her blinds on her window to try and induce sleep, she noticed Rainbow Dash facing away from her house. She shrieked in excitment and fear. Twilight did her job, but now what was she to do? She tried to hide and act as if she didn't see her. Fluttershy kept peaking out of the window to see if Rainbow Dash would leave. She wasn't quite ready to face her yet. But Rainbow Dash finally made up her mind and started to walk to the front door.

Fluttershy rushed out of her room to the bathroom to make sure she was presentable to face her crush. She couldn't decide on whether to tie her mane in a ponytail or wear make up. After hearing the doorbell she decided to just face her as she was. She zipped downstairs to the door before either of her parents could get to it. Before opening the door she sighed and hoped for the best.

"Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy said when she opened the door.

"Hey, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash greeted back. "Happy Hearth's Warming Eve."

"Happy Hearth's Warming Eve to you, too."

"Uh, you busy?"

"Mm-mhm. Would you like to come in?"

"Maybe that's not a good idea," Rainbow Dash said while fidgeting.

"What's the matter?"

"Well, I'm sure you know why I'm here, right?"

"I guess so," Fluttershy said as her heart began to pace.

"Well, it's just that… I don't mean to,... I just wanted to… geez, why is this so hard?"

Fluttershy could see that Rainbow Dash was having a hard time saying what she wanted to say. She wanted to set her at ease, because it was painful for her to witness.

"It's okay, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy said as she stepped outside with Rainbow Dash. "I can take it."

Rainbow Dash sighed before speaking again.

"You know I think you're awesome, right? You're like one of my best friends. That's why it's hard for me to tell you the truth about my feelings."

"It's okay. I know you don't like me the way… I like you."

"I'm so sorry Fluttershy. I don't want you to hate me."

"Oh, Rainbow Dash. I can never hate you. But I am disappointed."

Rainbow Dash became saddened. She felt that Fluttershy was disappointed in her. She had to let her down but part of her really wanted Fluttershy to be okay with it and remain friends with her.

"I'm sorry for disappointing you, Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash said as she started to leave. "I'll understand if you never want to talk to me, again."

"Wait, don't leave. I'm not disappointed in you. I'm just disappointed that I couldn't be somepony you like."

What Fluttershy said confused Rainbow Dash.

"I know you like Applejack. She's amazing. And I'm… not. I understand. I just fooled myself into thinking that I might have a chance with you."

Rainbow Dash took a good look at Fluttershy. She was deeply heartbroken on the inside. It was something she recognized in herself. She realized why Twilight wanted her to be the one to talk to her. Who else better to mend a broken heart than somepony who has felt the same way?

"I know that feeling," Rainbow Dash said as she turned back towards Fluttershy. "I kind of went through the same thing. Multiple times even. I haven't learned my lesson, until now. I guess this is how things are and we just gotta accept it, no matter how much we hate it, y'know. Applejack doesn't want us to be together. I just have to accept her feelings and hope that I get passed it."

Rainbow Dash stopped to think about what she just said. Her expression gradually sunk. She slumped down to sit on Fluttershy's porch. Despite how she felt, Fluttershy thought it was cute that she tried to cheer her up and ended up making herself sad. It was something she was really good at. Fluttershy didn't feel as sad and scared as she was before. She sat down next to her friend to try and console her.

"I thought it was very brave of you to let your feelings out like that," Fluttershy said. "I could never do something like that, as easily as you could."

"Yeah, well, it never has really helped me in the past," Rainbow Dash said.

"But it has helped me. I feel a little bit braver when I'm around you. It's what I like best about you."

Fluttershy leaned into Rainbow Dash to give her a kiss on the cheek and then hugged her. Rainbow Dash returned the gesture by wrapping her hooves around Fluttershy. The two were happy to comfort each other in the midst of their shortcomings with love. Afterwards, they shared in conversation about their times together at Canterlot High School. Their conversations felt more meaningful as they shared secrets and feelings that they've held about each other and their friends. It was as if a barrier was torn down between them.

Meanwhile at Apple Acres, Twilight had just landed on the veranda of the Apple Acres farmhouse. This was Twilight's first time at the property. She had no idea how vast the apple orchards were. In winter, the trees looked dead and lifeless. It was almost frightening to see. In the silence Twilight could hear the wind blowing through the branches. The branches creaked and swayed as they dropped the snow they collected.

Twilight could smell delicious aromas coming from the Apple home. She assumed the Apple family was probably busy celebrating the holidays together. Twilight didn't want to be rude and interrupt anything. But Twilight did make it all the way to their house. It was for a good reason, she thought. Twilight rang the doorbell and waited for somepony to answer. Fortunately, it was Applejack who opened the door.

"Well, ain't this a pleasant surprise," Applejack said with a smile. "Twilight Sparkle at mah house on Heart's Warming Eve! Get yer shivering hooves in here this instant, lil' lady."

Applejack led Twilight into her home. The house had a large exterior but it was cramped on the inside. The Apple home was cluttered with antique furniture and knickknacks. It made the hallways and living room appear to be less spacious. But it still retained a cozy charm. Twilight could tell there was a lot of love in the walls of Applejack's home.

"Come on in to the kitchen, here," Applejack said. "Ah'm just about to make some Apple Pies for Hearth's Warming. Can Ah get ya anythang?"

"I'm okay," Twilight said as she took a seat at the kitchen table. She took a look at the several pie tins that were ready for apple filling. "Wow, you must have a lot of family coming over."

"Sure do," Applejack said as she took the large pot of Apple filling off of the oven burner. "But these pies aren't for us. They're for mah cousin's Homeless Shelter. We give 'em some of our pies every year!"

"Oh, that's amazing. Anything I can do to help?"

"It'd be mighty kind of you if you can help me stuff these here pies."

"Sure," Twilight said as she took of her coat and rolled up her sleeves.

"Much obliged," Applejack said. "So what brings you, round these parts, sugarcube?"

"Well, I was in the area. I went to go see Rainbow Dash."

"Uh oh. That couldn't have gone well."

"I don't know. I think it went better than expected. I did what you said and talked to Fluttershy. After I told her everything, she asked me to go tell Rainbow Dash that Fluttershy liked her."

"What?" Applejack said as she stopped what she was doing.

"Yeah."

"What did she say? Ah mean, how did Rainbow Dash react? Does she like her back?"

"Uh, she doesn't like her back…"

"Oh…"

Applejack went back to filling the pie tins. Her reaction to the news raised a flag for Twilight. It was unlike Applejack to lose her cool, like that. Twilight considered exploring what just happened. Instead she continued to tell her the rest of the news.

"Well, I think Rainbow Dash went over to Fluttershy's house to talk to her. We were both kind of worried that Fluttershy-"

Twilight was interrupted by a telephone ring. Applejack asked Twilight to hold her thought as she answered the phone.

"Hullo?" Applejack answered. "Granny, what's the matter? Wait, how many they wanted? 100 pies? Ah thought you said they only needed 10! Granny… well, Ah don't think we'll be able to make 100 but maybe we can have 20 pies ready by the time ya'll get back. The Mayor's gonna be there? Well, alright. Ah'll do my best."

Applejack begrudgingly hung up the phone.

"Is everything okay," Twilight asked.

"Well, it looks like Granny Smith got the order wrong and left off a zero," Applejack explained. "Apparently, we promised to make a hundred pies instead of the usual 10 we supply. But it looks like this year is gonna be a big deal so I have to make as many pies as possible before she and the others come back with the new truck we ordered."

"Well, let me help you, Applejack."

"Thanks Twilight, but our oven can only make a few pies at a time. Even with yer help, I doubt we'll be able to come close."

"Well, what if we can use some magic. I know a few spells that might be able to help. What would you need to get a hundred pies baked?"

"Well, unless you can magically summon two more ovens, Ah really don't see how you can be of much help, to be honest."

"I might not be able to summon an oven, but I think I can duplicate yours. Do you have a generator?"

"As a matter of fact Ah do. We keep it in the cellar. But even if you could duplicate the oven we would have to bring them to the generator. It can't move."

"I think I can do that, too. This oven isn't that heavy, is it?"

"It's pretty heavy, Twilight."

"No matter. I'll just use levitation magic. I lifted a car off the ground before."

"Well, alrighty then Twilight. What do we need for these fancy spells?"

"Just concentration."

Twilight asked Applejack to step back as she performed her magic. Her horn began to glow and spark. Her magic aura enveloped the oven. Applejack stood by and waited for something to happen. She did not expect much, however. Applejack doesn't personally know many unicorns so magic is something that is a bit foreign to her. However, her eyes widened with amazement when she saw Twilight pull another oven out of the place where the original oven. Twilight successfully managed to duplicate the oven. But she wasn't finished. She duplicated the copied oven, creating the two extra ovens Applejack needed. The strain took a toll on Twilight. Applejack noticed that she was sweating profusely from the magical feat. But Twilight's task was not complete. She still had to carry the ovens down to Applejack's cellar. Applejack led Twilight outside through the side door where the cellar doors were located next to. Applejack opened them and watched as Twilight used her magic to carry both ovens. Each step she took was no different from her regular ones but to Twilight it felt as if she were physically carrying the ovens.

Applejack quickly set a place for Twilight to set the ovens down. As soon as she did Twilight released her levitation magic spell as Applejack helped set the ovens down. Twilight was left winded from the spells. The spells themselves were not very difficult, especially to Twilight. But to use powerful spells like that with the kind of precision she used required an immense amount of magic power and concentration. A unicorn her age would not normally be able to pull them off back to back as Twilight did.

"Woo golly, Twilight," Applejack said in astonishment. "Ah'm so glad we opted to get an electric oven last year. With these babies our output tripled. Why we'll be able to cook a hundred pies in under an hour, thanks to you!"

"Think nothing oven," said the tired Twilight. "I mean, think nothing of it."

"Are these permanent?"

"Well a duplication spell usually lasts for a day. But I think I might have used too much power. It may last longer than that. I'm not sure when they'll disappear."

"Well, as long as we have them for today, that'll be plenty of time. Shoot we might be able to make a110 pies! Think you're too tuckered out to help me with them?"

"No, I can help. Just hand me an apron!"

Applejack and Twilight went to work on filling the rest of the pies and the baking them. Twilight filled the pies as Applejack carried them to the ovens. The two worked together on making more filling. In almost no time at all they managed to fill up all of the ovens with pies. After a while Twilight and Applejack took turns checking the pies to see if they were fully baked. After about 45 minutes all of the pies were done. Applejack took the last pies out of one of the duplicated ovens in the cellar to cool. Afterwards, Applejack and Twilight both sat in the lawn chairs set up in the cellar. Both were exhausted from the pie making. Applejack reached over to a nearby cooler and found some of the special cinnamon apple cider her family made. Twilight was excited to have some more. Both took sips from their bottle to celebrate a job well done.

"Twilight, Ah can't thank you enough," Applejack said. "You really saved our hides."

"It's okay, Applejack," Twilight said to her. "What are friends for, right?"

"That's just like you, girl. You're always putting your friends first. And Ah thought Ah was a good friend. You really showed me a thing or two. Ah really mean that. Ah mean after yesterday… well it was just as embarrassing for me to have you see all of that. But you really took the bull by the horns to try and get us back together."

"Thank you Applejack," Twilight said as she wiped a tear from her eye. "I already went through the process of losing a close friend. I don't want to go through that again and I definitely don't want any of you to experience that."

"Well, shucks Twilight, Ah'd kick myself in the teeth before giving up on us. As soon as I see Rainbow Dash-"

Applejack was interrupted by the doorbell. The doorbell rang five consecutive times. Applejack only knew of one pony who likes to abuse her doorbell like that. She couldn't help but chuckle to herself. The timing was perfect. Twilight followed Applejack to the front door to let her guest in. It was Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Applejack was sure it was Rainbow Dash who rang the doorbell but she was surprised to see that it was Fluttershy with her hoof on the doorbell ringer.

"Betcha thought it was me, huh?" Rainbow Dash snickered.

"I'm sorry Applejack," Fluttershy said. "Rainbow Dash said that this was okay."

"Well?" Rainbow Dash started again. "Are you just gonna let us freeze out here or what?"

"Oh c'mere ya silly filly," Applejack said as she opened her hooves to hug Rainbow Dash. "I'm so sorry."

"No I'm sorry," Rainbow Dash apologized. "I was the real jerk. I was being dumb and selfish."

"Um, if it means anything," Fluttershy said. "I'm also sorry."

Twilight watched her friends hug each other. She felt a sense of pride for being able to witness this moment. It wasn't for the fact that she helped made this possible. She was just content with the fact that her friends were back to being friends again. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack all turned to Twilight to give her a hug as well, thanking her for caring like she did.

"Thanks guys," Twilight said after hugging her friends. "But I'm glad you all are here. I was just about to tell Applejack something and I want you two to hear it too."

"Tell us what, sugarcube?" Applejack said as she took the coats of her new guests.

"Well, there's still one pony I have to make amends with and I'll need your help to do so. I've learned where Rarity's been hiding. She's been hiding out at her lake house ever since the party."

"Oh I see," Rainbow Dash said. "You want to go deliver an ass kicking to her for Hearth's Warming, huh? Well, count me in!"

"No, Rainbow Dash. But I do want to go see her tomorrow. Apparently her friend, Pinkie Pie is a coma. I want to go check up on them and make sure they're okay. But I don't know where her lake house is."

"Well, shoot I could take you there, if that's what yer gettin at," Applejack said. "But I just don't quite get it, Twi. Rarity has treated you like horse pie. Are you sure you even want to see her?"

"I am. I need to show her that I'm not mad at her, anymore. I want to show her what a true friend is. Besides Pinkie Pie, I don't think she has one."

"Big surprise, there," Rainbow Dash said as Applejack nudged her to behave.

"Oh, the poor things," Fluttershy said. "Rarity must be so lonely. I wouldn't mind tagging along to keep you company."

"Way to show some initiative, partner," Applejack said to Fluttershy. "Of course Ah'll drive. Heck, I can even bring some fixins."

Each of the ponies gave a look to Rainbow Dash, expecting her to also join in. But Rainbow Dash was hesitant. After a few seconds, she finally gave in to the glares.

"Alright, I'll come too," Rainbow Dash agreed. "But after got a chance to check out my gifts, tomorrow."

"Great, then it's decided," Twilight said. "We'll all go see Rarity and Pinkie Pie after dinner."

Twilight and her friends all agreed and celebrated their resolve over a mug of hot cocoa. Unfortunately, Twilight couldn't stay very long because she still had one more task to complete. Twilight wanted to finish her gift for Sunset Shimmer and mail it off. She thanked her friends and left Applejack's house for home.

Twilight immediately went to her room after she arrived home to finish her journal to Sunset. She wrote about her friends' dispute and wrote about seeing Rarity tomorrow. She asked her to wish her luck and to have a Happy Hearth's Warming. She took the extra time to proofread her entire journal. She was happy to not find any grammatical errors. But she was surprised to see that she wasted a lot of time doing so. It was after 5pm and she was sure that her post office had closed for the day. Twilight looked in her purse to see if she had any extra bits. She was sure that she would have to end up using a premier delivery service. Fortunately she had a few bits to splurge for the service fee. Twilight researched online to find a service that was willing to deliver her package to Puffington, overnight. After, some thorough digging Twilight came across an ad for a local delivery agency that was advertising last-minute holiday shipping. Twilight was desperate at that point so she decided to give them a call.

Twilight was relieved to know that they were still open and were willing to hoof fly her package to Puffington, that night. They even offered her a discount for mentioning that she saw the ad. Twilight placed her request and waited for the delivery pony to arrive. She began preparing Sunset's gift for shipping. In a cardboard box, she carefully packed her journal, the scarf Fluttershy knitted for her, a bottle of Applejack's apple cinnamon cider, and a ticket voucher for a future Roller Derby game from Rainbow Dash. Twilight smiled as she sealed the box. She imagined the look on Sunset's face when she'll open it.

In no time at all the delivery pony arrived at Twilight's home. Twilight took the package to the door with her and her bits. Once again, Twilight was surprised to see that it was Derpy who answered her call. Twilight suddenly became hesitant to go through with the transaction.

"You're that one pony who delivered pizzas aren't you?" Twilight first said.

"I'd just new you'd remember me Twilight!" said Derpy who eagerly gave Twilight a hug. "I didn't think you realized it was me who answered your phone call. I don't deliver pizzas anymore. I got fired. But my PapPap let me work for his new delivery company. I get paid more now!"

"I see. Maybe this was a mistake."

"Oh, no Twilight. Don't say that. We really need the business."

"Well do you truly think you can get this package to Puffington, tonight?"

"You betcha! I'm like the fourth fastest pegasus behind Rainbow Dash. I can get it there- wait, does it weigh more than 30 pounds?"

"No, it weighs much less than that."

"Then I can get it there, lickety split! I just need you to sign this receipt and pay for the shipping and then I'll be on my way."

Twilight didn't have time to look for another courier service. She agreed to the terms by signing off on her package. She watched Derpy fly off and tried to forget all about it. She went to her decorated living room to wind down. She sighed and smiled at the sight of Spike passed out in the big armchair. An empty plate and glass was resting on the stand next to him. Twilight could see the cookie crumbs all over Spike's face and shirt. It was a sight she has witnessed almost every year, the night before Hearth's Warming. Twilight curled up on the couch and found a book she already read and began to read it from page one.

The next day started early in the Sparkle household. Spike, being the first one to turn in the night before, took it upon himself to wake everypony up in the house. It was 7 AM sharp when Twilight heard Spike's knocking and yelling. She, like some of the others was slow to rise from out of bed. This too was another yearly tradition.

Twilight and her family began sharing gifts as soon as every family member was present, some with coffee by their side. Twilight received books and clothes while her little brother received video games and clothes. Shinning Armor received a shaving kit and Cadance received a trendy workbag. Twilight Velvet was surprised to see cruise tickets in her stocking. Night Light received house slippers. The gifts were plenty but the heartfelt good times were overflowing. The Sparkles enjoyed their Hearth's Warming all the way through their traditional Hearth's Warming dinner. They had a large spread including roasted potatoes, mushroom casserole, turnip salad, and Twilight's favorite stuffed garlic knots. There was even banana pudding and chocolate chip cake. But Twilight refrained from eating much. Her day would not end with her family dinner.

After helping her mother put away some of the dishes Twilight received a text from Applejack saying that she was on the way to her house. Twilight took this time to pack up her things and get ready to leave. By the time she was fully ready she heard a car horn from outside. She assumed that was her ride. Twilight said goodbye to her loving family and headed outside to meet her friends. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy were present and ready for the short road trip to Rarity's lake house. As a courtesy, Twilight called Rarity letting her know that she was on her way to see her. But like all of the other times she tried to call, her call went straight to voicemail, which was full by that time. Twilight still wanted to go through with her plan so she got in Applejack's truck and took off while hoping for the best.

The trip to the lake house was long but fun. The four friends spent the majority of the trip talking about what they did for their Hearth's Warming and what gifts they've received. Rainbow Dash was the first to inform everypony that she received new sporting equipment and a paid admission to a weeklong training camp at Fort Hurricane with Wonderbolts trainers. Her parents were finally starting to listen to her, which was all Rainbow Dash really wanted. Fluttershy received a few books and blue rays that she had her eye on. Fluttershy didn't name what they were. The books were manga collections and the blue rays were completed anime series. She has been hiding her utter excitement for them ever since that morning. Applejack received a roomba, a makeup sample kit, 3 pop CDs, and some new oven mitts. Applejack never mentioned if there was anything she wanted for Hearth's Warming. It makes it hard for her family to buy gifts for her. She did greatly appreciate the oven mitts.

Twilight was just finishing up her Hearth's Warming stories with her friends when Applejack turned onto a road leading into a wooded area. The trees got more abundant as they went further away from the main roads. A large cabin began to show itself through snow-dusted trees. The cabin looked cozy with its red wooden exterior and tall stone chimney. The driveway led right up to the house. The house itself was built into the side of a hill while resting on stilts. There were stairs that led down to behind the cabin where the lake was. In its frozen state, the lake was massive yet serine. The lake house looks as if it was floating on the lake from where the house first became visible. It was an absolutely stunning property. Twilight couldn't help but be wowed by the view. She thought her actual home was lavish, enough.

Applejack parked her truck next to a car. She and her friends waited for Twilight to make the first move but she remained still in her seat. Lights were on in the house. It was obvious that somepony was there.

"Well, Twilight," Applejack started. "It would be a shame if'n we all came out her to sit in the driveway."

"You're right, Applejack," Twilight said with a sigh. "Let's get this over with."

In the lake house Rarity just put another log on the fireplace in the master bedroom. Pinkie Pie was silently sleeping in the queen sized designer bed. Despite being in a coma her complexion was as fair as it usually is. Rarity had applied makeup to her for the sake of the holidays. Rarity, however, looked as if she hadn't taken a shower in a while or had much sleep. She looked far from her glamorous and stylish self. She was wearing stained sweatpants and a red t-shirt all under a pink robe with feather trim. She also wore the glasses she uses while seaming her latest fashion items.

Rarity sat down in rocking chair next to Pinkie Pie. "That should warm us up a bit, don't you think?" she said to her comatose friend. Rarity picked up her drawing pad and started to draw lines. Balled up pieces of paper were all around her and the bed. She was trying to keep her mind preoccupied by designing. But she hadn't had much success with coming up with a new design since before her party. It also didn't help that she was slightly intoxicated from drinking her expensive selection of wine.

"No no no," Rarity said as she used her magic to ball up another failed attempt at a new design. "Ugh, I'm cursed. CURSED, I tell you. I have a terrible case of designer's block, Pinkie, dear."

Rarity levitated a bottle of wine from the dresser across the room. She did not bother to use a glass. She proceeded to drink straight from the bottle, each gulp sounding deeper than the last.

"I am cursed. If I weren't so preoccupied trying to get back at that Twilight pony, maybe we wouldn't be in this mess. We could've celebrated Hearth's warming with mommy and daddy in the Yakyakiston Alps. Remember earlier this year we went for Spring Break?"

Pinkie Pie continued to lay still and lifeless. The only response Rarity received from her was the beeping from her IV machine. It was a pathetic sight for Rarity. The fact that Pinkie Pie was in such a dreadful state all because of her tore Rarity apart. Ever since she brought Pinkie Pie to the lake house she plunged herself into a pit of self-loathing. She constantly drank. Fortunately, a nurse was present to take care of Pinkie and make sure her vitals were okay. When Hearth's Warming Eve came, the nurse went home and left Pinkie Pie in Rarity's care. She advised Rarity to take better care of herself as well, for Pinkie's sake. Rarity did not care to heed her words. She only cared about Pinkie Pie's recovery. Despite her careless and inebriated condition she managed to take good care of Pinkie Pie for the past 24 hours.

"Please, Pinkie Pie," Rarity said as she cried over her friends slumbering body. "Darling, please come back to me. I simply can't live with myself knowing that my only friend is gone."

A deep sounding bell was heard throughout the house. It was the doorbell. Rarity wondered who that might've been. She hadn't planned on ordering delivery just yet. She soon wondered if it was a family member. She didn't tell her family where she was. She still hadn't owned up to the way she left the house after the party. She was sure her parents were still upset with her.

Rarity rushed to a window to get a better view of the driveway. She saw Applejack's truck parked next to her rented car. She has never seen the truck before and couldn't even begin to imagine whom it may belong to. She finally assumed that maybe it was the nurse and preceded to the main doors to see for sure. Rarity unlocked the three locks and swung open the door without checking to see who it was. The effort she put into opening the door was too much as it slammed on the adjacent wall. Rarity was still feeling the effects of her drinking.

To her surprise, the very last ponies she expected to see were standing in her lake house doorway staring back at her. She did not know what to say. She stood frozen in her tracks, unable to summon a word to say to them.

"Um, Happy Hearth's Warming, Rarity," Twilight said to the gawking Rarity.

"H-happy Hearth's Warming to you, too," Rarity blankly responded.

"Um, are you okay? I gotta say you look kind of shocked to see us."

Rarity shook her head to try and jog her normal thought process to say, "Well of course I am. What on- how did you find me here?"

"I'm sorry, Rarity. But your sister told my brother that you were here and you wouldn't return my calls and I was getting really worried so I got some of my friends to help me bring me here and-"

"Wait! This is a trap! You're gonna beat me up, aren't you? Haven't you damaged me enough?"

Rarity showed her guest that she was still missing a tooth thanks to Applejack. Rainbow Dash couldn't help but snicker at the sight of her. Applejack was quick to nudge Rainbow Dash to behave, again.

"Look, Ah'm mighty sorry for laying a hoof on you in your home," Applejack said as she stepped forward. "But it's like Twilight said, we were worried about'cha. That's why Ah agreed to bring her out here and so that Ah could apologize to you face to face. We just want to bury the hatchet."

"And to check on Pinkie Pie, too," Twilight added.

Rarity was confused. She was very sure that Twilight and her friends were there to get their revenge. But when she heard Twilight mention Pinkie Pie she became more inviting. Rarity closed her robe to hide her atrocious attire and invited the ponies inside. She fixed her mane as she led them into the house. After she took their scarves and coats she led them up to the master bedroom to see Pinkie Pie. As she was led, Twilight looked around and saw that there were empty bottles lying around in random places. There were bottles on the kitchen table, bottles on the stairs, and bottles on the bathroom floor as they passed. But the most abundant collection of bottles were in the master bedroom. Rarity saw that Twilight took notice of them. She was quick to get some of the bottles in the bedroom out of the way. She was quite embarrassed. It was very clear to the rest that Rarity had a problem other than Pinkie Pie.

"Um, sorry if there aren't enough chairs for everypony," Rarity said. "If you want you can sit on the floor with these cashmere throw pillows. It's okay, they were bought from the Wall Mart up the road."

"Thanks," Twilight said as she passed pillows to her friends. Rainbow Dash ignored the pillow and sat in the only other chair besides the rocking chair. "So," Twilight continued. "How is she?"

"She's sleeping, the poor thing," Rarity reported. "She's been asleep for weeks. I'm almost compelled to shake her awake. It looks like she can wake up at any moment. But she's still unresponsive."

"That's just awful," Fluttershy said as she approached Pinkie's bedside. "She's such a dear, isn't she?"

"She is, darling. Absolutely the pony's trot!"

"I remember the first day I met her. It was my first day at Canterlot High. I didn't know anypony yet so I ate lunch all by myself. I must've looked really sad because she came over to cheer me up by eating lunch with me. It made me feel much better about being the new pony."

"I must've been absent that day," Rarity said.

"Um, no. You were there. You, um... you told me to leave the table."

"Oh."

An awkward silence filled the room. It was too much for Rainbow Dash to bear.

"Hey, remember that time Pinkie Pie did the morning announcements?" The rainbow pony said.

"Good golly, Ah fergot all about that," Applejack added.

"What happened?" Twilight asked.

"She told everypony to get up and dance to the party music she was playing," Rainbow Dash said. "That was so rad! Everypony, was having fun until…"

"Until what?"

"Well until Rarity interrupted her to tell us about some fashion show."

"Well I simply had to let everypony know about the Hoity Toity Fashion show," Rarity claimed. "It was the most important show of this century."

"Well, maybe to some ponies," Applejack stated.

Another silence filled the room. Twilight was starting to see a pattern. Rarity seemed a little more than at fault and Twilight could tell that was making her and everypony uncomfortable. Twilight felt that she must address the elephant in the room. But she thought of a clever way to do so without making Rarity feel attacked.

"It seems like we all have a special memory of Pinkie Pie," Twilight started. "Do you have any special memories, Rarity?"

"But of course," Rarity said as she perked up a bit. "I wasn't always the glamorous fashion forward pony you see before you… in a manner of speaking. In fact, I probably wouldn't be into fashion if Pinkie Pie hadn't encouraged me. We were in Kindergarten. The only friend I had was her. I wore a dress similar to Pinkie's bland farm attire. Despite it's ugliness she managed to pull it off quite well. My dress draped over my body like a sheet covering a balloon! I was made fun off, for it. And to top it off I found out I had to get braces. I felt so very unattractive. When I went to get my braces Pinkie Pie came with me for moral support. I was quite nervous. All I could think about was the end of my social life and all the mean things the school ponies would say to me. But Pinkie told me not to let those mean ponies get to me. She said to use my imagination to make the best of my horrid situation. She pointed to a fashion magazine on the lobby table and said that I could be just as pretty as the pony on the cover. I decided to pick it up and look through it. The magnificent outfits the models wore inspired me. The subtle detail of each dress, each blouse, each ensemble. My creativity soared! Why, I knew I could come up with something that would complement my new dental accessory. After I got my braces I went out to dig for jewels. I got my parents to buy me a sewing machine and I stayed up all night learning how to seam a new dress and style my mane. And Pinkie Pie was there with me the entire time making me feel happy… and appreciated. The next day, I went to school sporting my new purple sundress with silver trimming and tiny diamonds in my braces. I was absolutely stunning and all the ponies in school adored me. But none more so than Pinkie Pie."

Rarity began to shed a tear. The story was enough to touch even Rainbow Dash's heart. Twilight and Applejack went to Rarity's side to comfort her. The confiding only made Rarity cry more.

"Please," Rarity wept. "You're too kind. You're all much too kind. I cannot bear to accept any more of your tender love care."

"What are you talking about?" Twilight said. "We're happy to help cheer you up. What are friends for?"

"Friends? After all that I've done to you? After all of the humiliation and false friendship? After the mean things I said to you all? You still consider me as a friend?"

Twilight stopped to think about what Rarity said. Rarity did set up an elaborate plot to get back at her just for ruining her outfit with jello and having Sunset Shimmer stick up for her. But she knew she just couldn't turn her back on her now, especially in Rarity's time of need. Twilight was still willing to look the other way and try to make a true friend out of Rarity. Twilight gave her friends a concerned look. She had made up in her mind what she had planned to do but she wasn't so sure about her friends. She looked back a Rarity with a warm and inviting expression.

"Yes, Rarity," she finally said. "Yes, I would still consider you as a friend. I saw how caring you were, even if it wasn't sincere. And you obviously care about Pinkie Pie. That's enough proof for me."

"You truly mean that?" Rarity cried.

"Of course she does," Applejack chimed in. "And Ah'm willin' to throw my hat in that ring, too. You got a friend in ol' Applejack."

"Um, I don't mind calling you a friend, too, Rarity," Fluttershy joined in saying. "I mean, if you don't mind me having me as a friend. Oh, that reminds me…" Fluttershy rummaged through her satchel to take out scarves that she knitted for her and Pinkie Pie in the same style as her friends. "I made you and Pinkie Pie these scarves as a Hearth's Warming gift. When I heard you were out here taking care of Pinkie Pie I just thought I'd spread a little holiday cheer by bringing you two something nice. Although, I didn't think things would be this bad for Pinkie Pie."

Rarity accepted the scarves with more tears welling up in her eyes and a soft smile. Everypony at that point looked to Rainbow Dash to see what she had to say. Rainbow Dash was drinking a bottle of wine that she found while everypony was talking.

"Sorry," she said. "I was thirsty. You guys were saying something?"

"Don't you think you could be friends with Rarity, too, Rainbow?" Applejack asked.

"Well, she does throw some awesome parties. I guess it would be cool to be friends with the most popular pony in school."

"Thank you darling," Rarity said. "But to be honest, most of the parties were Pinkie Pie's doing."

"Still, I had to admit. You did hurt us big time. I was itching to get back at you. But if all of my friends thinks you're one of us then that includes me, too."

Rarity thanked all of her new friends for forgiving her and accepting her friendship. The ponies all hugged each other and shared in the warm feelings. However, the tender moment was interrupted by Rarity's growling stomach.

"Whoops," Rarity said as she broke away from the hug. "I forgot to eat some food today. I do apologize. Why don't I call the delivery ponies to bring us all some dinner."

"No need for that, lil' missy," Applejack said. "I brought us some cauliflower salad and carrot stew. I just need to go grab it from my truck. Oh and I happened to bring us one of our famous homemade apple pie, for dessert."

"Did somepony say apple pie?" said a faint voice. "Because I am, like, starving."

Pinkie Pie finally awoke from her coma. She was weak and weary. Everypony was surprised to see her awake but less surprise that her only question was about pie.

"Pinkie Pie, darling, you're awake," Rarity shrieked in delight. "It's a Hearth's Warming miracle! I was so worried that I wasn't gonna be able to hear your sweet voice again! We'll get you all the pie you want, I promise."

"Thanks, Rarity," Pinkie Pie said as she tried to sit up. "Are we at your lake house? Is the party over already?"

"It's December, Pinkie Pie," Twilight said. "It's actually Hearth's Warming day."

"Really? Is that why the rest of you are here?"

"You were in a coma for about a month, dear," Rarity explained while wiping new tears from her eyes. "I brought you here from the hospital. It was the only place I could think of where anypony wouldn't bother us. That is until, these wonderful ponies showed up. I know how much you like Hearth's Warming. If I had any idea of when you would come back to us I would've had some gifts arranged for you. I suppose this lovely scarf that my new friend here made for you would have to do."

"Are you kidding me," Pinkie Pie said. "You made more friends! That's all I ever hoped for this year. I'm just sad I couldn't be there to see it."

"You're here now, darling!"

"We're all glad to see you awake, Pinkie Pie," Twilight said. "How do you feel?"

"Well my cutie mark is kinda glowy," Pinkie Pie said. "It looks like yours is, too."

Twilight looked at her cutie mark to see what Pinkie Pie was talking about. She was right about her cutie mark glowing. But she wasn't the only one. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, and even Rarity's cutie mark were glowing as well. All of the ponies were confused. They had now idea what was going on.

"Um, Twilight," Applejack started. "Ah don't suppose you reckon what the hay is going would ya."

"Yeah, isn't this your department?" Rainbow Dash questions as she started rubbing her cutie mark. "This never happened to me before."

"I have to say, this is the first time this has happened to me, as well," Rarity said.

"I'm not too sure," Twilight said. "The only thing that comes to mind was the time when I got my alicorn wings. But even then my cutie mark didn't glow like this."

"Are we dying," Pinkie Pie said. "I don't feel like going back to sleep again."

"No we're not dying. But Sunset Shimmer sent me this book about magic and cutie marks and in one of the chapters it explains that our cutie marks may react to certain things dealing with our fates or destinies. It still isn't a proven theory but maybe this is one of those reactions."

"But what is our cutie marks reacting to?" Rainbow Dash said with an impatient tone.

"If I had to guess maybe it's this moment, now!"

"You mean that our cutie marks are glowing because we were destined to be friends despite the fact that me and Rarity were really mean to you but you… but…" Pinkie Pie started to explain. "Whew, I'm too pooped to try and make sense of this."

"I think you were on the right track, though," Twilight said. "Maybe this was supposed to happen for us. You ponies were one of the best things that ever happened to me at CHS. Not just because I wanted new friends I could call my own, forever. I've learned so much and shared so much with you all and I'm sure you guys feel the same way. That's why I felt that it was important to try and keep us together as friends. Something deep down inside was telling me that I had to do whatever I could to make sure it stays that way and to reach out to you two as well. I had to believe in the power of friendship."

As soon as Twilight finished her statement, everypony's cutie mark began to glow brighter and brighter until the entire bedroom was engulfed in blinding light. In the commotion the ponies began to feel weightless. The power that was surrounding them began to lift them from their seats as light erupted from their eyes and mouths. The lights were the same colors as their coats. Each of the lights met each other in the middle of the room as something began to materialize from the center. When the ponies began to float back down to their seats, the room started to come back to normal. The ponies could see in front of them, again.

"What the hell was that?" Rainbow Dash said after shaking her head and rubbing the light from her eyes.

"Beats me," Pinkie Pie said. "But I think I'm not pooped anymore. I feel better than ever. The light must've restored me back to normal!"

"Well I'm certainly glad you're better, dear," Rarity said as she looked in a nearby mirror. "But I would've loved it if that light fixed my attire like it fixed you."

Pinkie Pie gasped at the sight of a cluster of charms that were on the bed. She picked them up and said, "Look want Santa Hooves brought us!" The charms were in the shape of each of the ponies' respected cutie marks. Pinkie Pie passed them around to everypony. "We must've been really good this year, huh?"

"Actually I think these came from us," Twilight deduced.

"They are positively adorable," Rarity exclaimed. "They make for a trendy cell phone charm."

"Yeah, but where did they really come from?" Applejack asked while looking to Twilight for an answer.

Twilight examined her charm and searched herself to try and make sense of it. She looked at Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy admiring their charms and noted how happy they looked. She quickly came to a realization that where they came from really didn't matter.

"I think a better question would be why this all happened to us," Twilight said. "Regardless let's use this opportunity to make a pact. These charms will be a symbol of our friendship. Let's all agree to keep that in mind as long as we have them. Whadduya say?"

"Sounds good to me."

"Me too," Pinkie Pie cheered.

"Me three," Fluttershy followed.

"That goes for me as well, darlings," Rarity said. "I'll never forget this day."

"Count me in, too," Rainbow Dash. "Not matter what happens to me you can bet your ass I'm gonna carrying this with me everywhere I go."

"Same, here," Twilight said. "Friends forever."

The End...