Chapters A northern wind brings a chill in the air, while snowflakes flutter from the swollen clouds hanging in the pale sky. Ponyville is blanketed in white as winter begins to come to the town. Mares and colts alike are bundled up to keep the cold at bay. The little fillies are finding merriment in the weather, having snowball fights and building snow-ponies. From afar a colt enjoys himself watching their play. Dressed in a heavy coat and red scarf, he keeps himself warm even as a gust runs through his mane. The sudden crunching in the snow makes him turn his head. Seeing someone approach, a smile curls upon his lips.
“Oh my, we have a visitor. Welcome, welcome to this humble town. I am Gearspring, local inventor and keeper of rare, exciting tales. Why is it so bustling in Ponyville, you ask? Why, it is nearly Hearth’s Warming. Just a few years ago, a great happening changed the lives of every pony here. It was all thanks to the spirits of Hearth’s Warming. You don’t believe me, you say?” he laughs. “Well then, traveler, please take a seat. I have quite the tale to tell you…”
…
The princesses were dead, to begin with. Not all, mind you, just Celestia and Luna. Still, there was no question about their deaths. The Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle, attended them in their final moments. I only mention this to make it clear that this is a fact. Moon and Sun were gone from this world. It must be understood, or else nothing I can say further can be wondrous.
Our story begins in the graveyard just outside Canterlot. Among the snow covered tombstones, Twilight Sparkle stands over a pair of coffins that are ready to be lowered into the ground. It is her alone that attends this ceremony, save for a few guards that are there to assist in the burial. Now you may find it queer that the two most beloved princesses would be so alone in this final act. I assure you, it was not their doing. With her teacher and friend gone, it seemed that Twilight could not endure the pain of loss. She hardened her heart. Thus, it would be her alone to watch the two sisters be placed in their final resting place. A cloak drapes over her body to keep the bitter chill away from her. Beside the princess is a clergy.
“Would you like to say any final words?”
Twilight remains silent, only motioning the guards to lower the bodies into the ground. Without another utterance, she whirls around and storms off from the cemetery, her cloak fluttering in the wind. Pink light envelops the princess as she teleports to her castle. The palace has been dreary as of late. From the tallest tower, the flag of the sister princesses is flown at half-mast in honor of their untimely deaths. Staring up at it, Twilight Sparkle sheds not a tear for her mentor and friend. Instead, she storms into the front gate, carrying the weight of Equestria upon her back.
In the main chamber, the Princess of Friendship takes her place upon her throne. Guards gather in the hall, standing sentry to protect one of the few princess that they have left to rule them. As per her orders, the thrones belonging to the others had been removed, shaped to raise hers up so that she may rule like her predecessors. Finding her seat, she looks down upon the soldiers, finding not a friendly face among them. It is exactly as she hopes to see in her castle. Turning to her left, she finds a burly colt dressed in plated mail far too small for him. He graciously bows before taking his place at the foot of her throne.
“Send the first one in,” she says to him with, ice carrying with her words.
Stepping up to her throne is the farm pony from Sweet Apple Acres. With her head hung low, she is shoved before the princess. Apple Jack looks up at her old friend, but finds no warm smile. It is as if she were looking at a stranger.
Removing her hat, she looks up at Twilight, “How are you feeling, Sugar Cube?”
“You will address the princess with respect,” the burly colt bellows, causing Apple Jack to jump and drop her hat.
“That is enough,” the princess interrupts. “Correcting formalities is such a waste of time. Now tell me, what is it that you need?”
“W-Well, your highness, it is about the farm. Your sudden request for crops has put us in a big bind.”
Twilight is unamused, “With the death of Celestia and Luna, there are a number of groups trying to usurp control. The soldiers of Equestria must be fed well in order to keep stability.”
“And I understand that, princess,” Apple Jack turns her eyes toward the ground, “But you are putting too much of a demand on us. Big Mac has been working day and night, and little Apple Bloom has come down with a mighty nasty fever.”
“I understand that it is a high order, but it is a necessary sacrifice, for the good of the nation.”
“Yes, your highness,” Apple Jack shies back, but before she is escorted out, she adds, “I have one request then, your highness.”
Twilight raises a curious brow, “And what is that?”
“Well, you see Hearth’s Warming is tomorrow. And with the labor you have given us recently, I would like to have the time off to spend for the holiday.”
“Out of the question,” Twilight answers. “Time is of the essence in this sort of affairs. Wasting even a second of time for something as frivolous as Hearth’s Warming is detrimental to our safety.”
“If I may be frank, sugar-ah-I mean princess,” Apple Jack says. “The enemies that you are worried about will probably be celebrating too. ‘Sides, it isn’t good for morale to keep these good hear guards away from their families.”
“You dare expect her highness to take advice from a lowly farmer?” the burly colt barks. “It may seem that you could well be a spy for someone intending to usurp her majesty.”
“Please,” Apple Jack pleads, “I would never lie to you, sugar cube. You know that to be true.”
“Guards,” he barks to his fellow soldiers, “Seize this traitor.”
“Stop,” Twilight Sparkle shouts. Everyone freezes, waiting on bated breath the princess to speak. “There is truth in what she tells. Very well, I will allow you and your kin to celebrate the holiday upon the morrow. However, I expect you at work all the earlier the following day.”
“Yes, yes of course,” Apple Jack bows to the princess, backing out of the throne room. Before leaving, she adds, “Thank you, your highness. And a Happy Hearth’s Warming to you.”
“Beg my pardon, your highness,” the colt says, “But is it alright to trust that one?”
“I have known her for quite some time,” the princess answers. “Among the few I would believe would not lie to me, she is one. Besides, a number of my generals voiced similar concerns. I had already planned on giving the soldiers a day’s rest.”
“You are most generous, your highness.”
“Indeed,” she says sarcastically. “Send in the next pony.”
Shining armor comes galloping in unannounced, striding down the hall as his violet armor shines in the torchlight. Rushing past the guards, he stops beneath the throne belonging to his little sister and his princess. Siblings aside, he gives a respectable bow taking someone of his rank aside. Picking his head back up, he looks her in the eye, as he waits for her approval to speak. She nods.
“News from the frontlines?” she asks.
“Yes, your majesty,” he answers. “The major cities of Equestria are with you now. Only a few outlying towns remain rebellious to your rule.”
“Then we shall crush them all under hoof,” the burly colt speaks up. “You have done well in service of the queen. You may return to your post.”
“Pardon for speaking out of line, General Eisenhoofer,” Shining says, “But I do have other business here with my sister.”
“The queen is most busy, Colonel Armor,” the general replies with a furrowed mane. “You can speak with her later.”
“It will only take a moment,” he pushes the colt aside. Stepping up the stairs to her throne, he stops halfway as Twilight holds out a hoof stopping his ascent. “Twighly, Cadence and I have been worried about you.”
“I am perfectly fine, brother,” she answers. “I have been preoccupied running the kingdom.”
“Yes I know. Still, it would be good to see you every now and again. You may be the princess, but you are still my sister.”
Twilight pauses before saying, “Is that all you wish to discuss with me, brother?”
“Oh, there is the matter of tomorrow…”
“I have already decided to let the troops have their holiday. You may return to the Crystal Empire to see your wife and daughter.”
“That isn’t what I was going to say,” he corrects her. “Cadence and I want you to come to the empire to join us in celebrating Hearth’s Warming. We know Dusk would love to see her Aunt Twighly.”
“I cannot.”
Shining Armor is shocked, “But why?”
“I am too busy.”
“Running a kingdom?”
“Yes, running a kingdom!” she answers, her temper flares. “I cannot make merry on the morrow, because an entire kingdom rests upon me to keep it safe. In fact, I loathe such a holiday of such self-centeredness. I pray upon Celestia that every pony that speaks a Happy Hearth’s Warming be stuffed in their own sugared cake, and boiled in a bat of apple cider.”
“Well, Twighly,” Shining backs away, “I must say that I do honor your feelings. And as my princess I cannot force you to come. However, as your older brother I insist that you come. You have not been yourself since Celestia became sick. The others have told me you have kept yourself shut up in the castle. You even sent spike away to live with the other dragons.”
“I made these decisions for the good of the nation,” she glowers. “I do not have time for friendships anymore when every pony out there depends upon me to keep all matters of monsters away from our borders. Even Spike was too much to handle. It was best for him to be with his own kind.”
“You mean best for you,” Shining Armor says, his words as sharp as a sword.
“Enough,” she stamps her hoof. “Guards, escort the colonel out of my presence.”
Two colts grab Shining on either side of him. Yet as they are about to drag him out, he knocks their hoofs away and shows himself to the door. He makes it a point to slam it as two other. A pair of Pegasi flies toward the throne. Well, one actually takes flight, the younger of the two rides in on a scooter. Touching down, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo stand before the princess.
“Twilight,” Rainbow says with a confident smile. “During this time of year, we are going around asking for bits for the poor and less fortunate. As the Princess of Friendship, we would no doubt expect a generous portion be contributed by you. How much shall we expect?”
“Nothing,” is Twilight’s answer.
“Oh, you want to keep it a secret,” Rainbow Dash says. “But really, how many bits.”
“None,” Twilight repeats herself. “We are already near the breaking point fighting the insurrections in Equestria, I have nothing to offer. Yet, if the poor are truly in need, a number of the royal coffers go to dungeons and poor houses running. You may send them there. I assure you they will be well fed.”
Scootaloo is appalled at the notion, “But, but, some would rather die!”
“If they want to die, they’d better do it,” Twilight Sparkle loses her temper. “I have no sympathy for those who refuse to lift a hoof to better Equestria. They should just roll over and die like the vermin they are. Now, be gone!”
A spell has the two of them being blown back as if by some great gale. In the hall, the soldiers must cower to avoid being swept up along with Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash. The door is flung open and the two Pegasus are tossed out into the snow. Twilight Sparkle looks to her guards and sees the fear in their eyes.
“I have seen enough for today,” she says, climbing off her throne. “All of you; leave me. Rest up tomorrow, and prepare to move out the next day.”
The crystal blue palace empties, leaving her the only pony left in its cold, lonely walls. Leaving the throne room, she trots down a dimly lit hallway. With the rest of the castle empty, she only has candles burning down this corridor. Further down the hallway, she catches the sound of wind hissing. It carries a strange sound, almost like the wailing of some-pony. Twilight pays it no mind. Deeper down the hall, she hears the cry again, become louder.
Twi…light…Spark…le…
“Whose there?” she ignites her horn to search down either side of the hall. There is no answer, nor any figures that may have tried to hide in the shadows. Silence returns to her in an eeriness. Uneasy, she moves to a brisk pace to her bed chamber. At the entrance are twin doors, each with a diamond shaped knob. As she reaches for it, they start to shift and twist. Horror-struck, they take on a ghastly, yet familiar form. A pair of sisters guards her bed.
“P-P-Princess Celestia, P-Princess Luna,” her voice quakes.
They answer her with a harmony of ghostly wails. It echoes through the hall, building in volume until the entire castle is filled with their deathly choir. Unable to endure their song, she pushes through the door and shuts it behind her. In her bedroom, she begins to pace back and forth.
“No, no, this isn’t real,” she tells herself.
The faint sound of rattling makes her stop. Looking up, two ponies fall from the ceiling, only to be stopped short. Their bodies dangle lifelessly as they hang from chains that ensnare them. One is a white alicorn, with a mane of rainbows. The other is smaller than her sister, black as the night with a moon cutie mark. Backing to the door, Twilight looks upon the bodies, and lets out a squeak of fear when the chains start to rattle. Eyes that had rolled to the back of their heads return to stare down at her.
“Twilight,” the older sister speaks.
“No, you can’t be real,” Twilight shakes her head. “Neither could you.”
“Do you doubt your senses?” the princess of the night asks.
“Of course,” Twilight Sparkle answers. “The senses can be altered by a bit of undigested food. I could be hallucinating from some spoiled oats.”
To make her believe, the sister princesses drop from their hanging place. The chains that cling to their body fall with a loud thud. Celestia walks over to her pupil and puts a hoof on her shoulder. Twilight can feel the icy touch of death emanating from her beloved teacher. No doubt that Luna is the same.
“What are you doing here?” she asks.
“We have come to warn you, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna answers.
“Warn me?” she asks. “Is there some sort of terrible enemy coming? Is it a task only I can hope to complete?”
“No, it’s nothing like that,” Celestia answers. Suddenly the chains start to pull her away from Twilight. She tries to fight it, but it is no use. The metal drags her back to her sister’s side.
“Then what is it?” Twilight demands, “And what is with these awful chains.”
Luna speaks, “These were forged in life, as a symbol of our acts. We may have preached the idea of love and friendship, but we only sought isolation. If you do not change the path you are headed, we fear you will carry one as well.”
“Celestia,” Twilight turns with tears in her eyes. “Speak comfort to me. What must I do?”
“Tonight, you shall be visited by three spirits,” Celestia says, her tone dark and icy.
“More ghosts,” she says wearily. “I think I have had enough of a haunting for one night.”
Luna is about to speak when the chains begin to pull them. Both she and Celestia struggle, but the hands of fate are too strong for even two god-like alicorns to fight back. They are dragged further away, down into the depths. Digging their hooves into the stone floor, they look one last time upon their dear friend. Celestia offers one final plea.
“Twilight Sparkle,” she sheds tears. “Please take their teachings to heart. You must avoid the fate we must endure. Please, I beg of you, change!”
The two sisters disappear in a mist of ice. Not a trace is left of the ghosts of her fallen teachers. Twilight Sparkle climbs in to bed, alone once more.
Even after being witness to a wondrous event, the princess is unconvinced. One would think that such a devoted student would take all of Celestia’s teachings to heart, even those learned after her passing. Yet Twilight Sparkle chose to believe it as nothing more than a trick of the mind. Her remedy is to climb into her bed and force herself to find sleep. In her slumber she finds nothing but empty blackness. Dreams were a thing of joy long forgotten. In truth, she found these abyssal sleeps more to her liking. There was nothing more joyful in her life, and the princess of the night would not be there to comfort her if need be. No, dreams were a trifling matter, one that she is glad to be rid of.
With the death of the Princesses of Night and Day, the celestial bodies are free to move as they please, leaving the remaining princess time to rest. Darkness surrounds Poneyville as the moon climbs across the starry sky. Time passes and the night creeps onward. In town, the clock tower reaches the first hour of the day. It announces to the town with a resounding toll of its bell. Far away in her castle, Twilight Sparkle awakens to the violent caroling of the clock tower. Climbing out from under her sheets, she finds the room to be freezing. A puff of white mist escapes from her throat while her teeth chatter as her body is robbed of warmth. Somewhat in a sleep-like daze, she trots over to the window, thinking it must have been blown open.
Tearing open the sash Twilight Sparkle is bathed in a warm, yet blinding light. She backs away, diving into her bad for safety. When the light fades, only her horn pokes out from the covers. She fears she may be under attack, so it glows with a prepared spell. Yet when there is no assault, she peeks out from under her blanket. There is an intruder standing in her bed chamber, but it is hardly an enemy.
Long and flowing violet mane sparkles as the pony emits her own white light. The dazzling unicorn wears a pink gown decorated with colorful gemstones. A golden crown sits atop her head, which accentuates her white fur.
“Rarity, is that you?” Twilight asks the ghostly unicorn.
“It is, it is,” she smiles, trotting over to her old friend. “How have you been, darling?”
Twilight ignores the question, “Hold on, how were you able to get in? I have a barrier protecting from all intruders.”
“Well I am a spirit,” she runs a hoof through her mane. “Such things like barriers do not necessarily matter to me.”
“How can you be a spirit, you’re not dead.”
“Not all spirits have to belong to the grave, darling. I am very much alive and well, but I am needed here so here I am. You may address me as the Ghost of Hearth’s Warming Past.”
Twilight looks at her slightly astonished, “I must still be asleep. It has been such a long time since I had a dream. I forgot how real they can feel.”
Rarity rolls her eyes, “If you need some convincing, then allow me.”
The horn upon her head is enveloped in a powder blue light. A similar glow appears behind Princess Twilight’s bed. Rising from behind the headboard is a worn out doll with mismatched button eyes. Patches hold together the stuffing, but it appears some of the threats are coming undone. The beloved Smarty Pants doll hovers through the air before it sails into the back of its master’s head. While plush to the touch, it gives Twilight Sparkle a firm smack against her skull.
“Hey-wait, I felt that,” Twilight touches the spot where Smarty Pants had hit her. “I guess this this isn’t a dream, is it?”
“No, you are fully awake and aware, Twilight,” Rarity smiles, finally getting through to her friend. “Now we must hurry, I only have so much time tonight.”
“Where are we going?”
“Well to the past of course,” Rarity says as she trots to the window. “I am the Ghost of Hearth’s Warming Past after all. We will be going back and seeing how the holiday affected you.”
“You mean with a time travel spell?” Twilight has a spark of her old bookworm self.
“Not quite, darling,” Rarity throws open the sash. “It is more like looking into your memories. Now come, I want to get to the past soon. Retro is all the rage now, you know.”
Opening the window, both she and Twilight Sparkle are overcome by a blinding white light. Twilight shields her eyes from the intense rays. Suddenly, she feels a shiver running up from her hooves. Peeking down, she discovers that they are deep in snow. Above her head, soft snowflakes fall from the swollen clouds as Pegasi bring winter to the skies. Out in the distance is the gilded towers belonging to the Princess of the Sun, Celestia. People are moving about in the daylight she brings them, each happily going about their merry business. While the city is quite familiar to the violet alicorn, it is the banners hanging above the palace that leaves her mouth agape.
“This is Canterlot,” she says in astonishment, “But those banners haven’t been flown in years. Not since Luna returned.”
“That is what I told you, darling,” Rarity stands next to her, “This is Canterlot, yes, but in the past. You can tell by the slight change in the décor. Look at all the—Twilight?”
Rarity turns to find that the princess she is supposed to be looking after is nowhere to be found. Luckily, she is able to spot her running after a party of little fillies. She manages to catch up to the princess, the Ghost of Hearth’s Warming Past notices that look a bit familiar. Four fillies are all gathered together talking to one another. Well three of them are social, while the fourth seems a bit shyer than the rest. Twilight Sparkle watches them trot off.
“Do you know those ponies?” Rarity gives the princess a playful nudge.
Seeing them makes Twilight smile, “Yeah, they were my friends when I lived here: Minuette, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and even Moon Dancer. It feels like it has been forever since I’ve seen them last.”
A sense of childish nostalgia warms her icy heart. She runs over to the fillies, when Lemon Hearts turns abruptly and is about to crash into the princess. However, she simply passes through Twilight Sparkle and runs on her merry way. This causes Twilight to stop and turn, both astonished and horrified.
“Calm down, darling,” Rarity puts a hoof on her friend who appears to be on the verge of a panic. “Remember what I said, these are the shadows of your past. You cannot interact with them. We are nothing more than observers.” She looks to another street and smiles. Poking Twilight, she points, “Does she look familiar as well?”
When Twilight follows the words of her friend, she finds another filly walking the streets. The little unicorn has her nose in a book, and yet she is able to avoid colliding with any other pony. Riding upon her back is a baby dragon with scales matching the color of her coat. As it manages to stay upon her back, the little guy sucks on the spike tip of his own tail as if it were a pacifier. Beside the two of them is a young colt with a coat as white as the falling snow. He is only a few years older than the filly. Every now and then, he glances down at her, as if to make sure she is okay.
“Shining Armor and me,” she says with a heavy heart, as a tear wells up in her eye.
“And who is that upon your back?” Rarity inquires, knowing for whom the tear will be shed.
“That’s Spike,” the princess of friendship answers, looking away.
“Our dear Spikey,” Rarity coos at the sight of the baby dragon. “It has been many years since I’ve seen him. I bet he has grown up to be a splendid dragon.”
“I hope so…”
“Darling, look,” Rarity points to the younger Twilight.
The princess picks her head up to see her younger self being confronted by her group of friends. Shining Armor has backed away from the collection of little foals, leaving his sister to fend for herself.
“Twilight,” Moon Dancer trots up to her, “Come with us, we are going to sing Hearth’s Warming Carols around the city.”
“I, I don’t know,” Twilight answers shyly.
“Come on,” Minuette says. “Even Moon Dancer agreed.”
“What about Spike?” Twilight asks. “I can’t carry around a baby dragon out in the cold.”
Big Brother Shining Armor comes to the rescue, “Twighly, I can take him back the house.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, go have fun with your friends,” he nods. A spark erupts from his horn as an aura surrounds Spike. Without a cry or a whimper the baby dragon is transferred from Twilight’s back to his. “I’ll see you tonight, okay?”
“Okay,” she gives him a hug and runs off with her friends.
The princess watches as the sight of her brother carrying off spike melts away. Turning to Rarity, she finds that the world around them is dissolving.
“What’s going on?”
The Ghost of Hearth’s Warming Past has an answer, “We have seen everything we needed here. We are going to move a little bit forward.”
The shapes of Canterlot contort and reform as the scene changes. Crystals rise from the earth, shimmering in beautiful cool colors. Snow rages outside in a wintry storm, but all are safely tucked away inside. Twilight stands in a large crystalized chamber surrounded by ponies. Decorations flood the walls, and a massive fireplace burns brightly with warming flames. Finding the setting all too familiar, she looks in the direction of the throne. There, she finds an almost exact replica of herself today. Although, it could be argued that the past Twilight Sparkle looks much happier. Surrounded by her friends, she laughs and makes merry.
“I remember this as well,” Rarity points out. “Cadence held a Hearth’s Warming party at the Crystal Empire that year when we defeated King Sombra for the second time.”
“I am glad you don’t have to show me that,” Twilight smiles. “But I have fond memories of this party.”
“Oh, I remember,” Rarity chuckles.
Princess and Ghost observe as Cadence approaches the past Twilight Sparkle. She embraces her sister-in-law with a fond smile, “I am so glad you could make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Twilight answers, but looks around. “Where’s Shining?”
“Oh, he’s with the baby.”
“Do you want me to look after her so he can come back to the party?”
“No, that’s okay,” Cadence grins. “It wouldn’t be fair to you. Besides, I’ve been watching you stare at that colt for quite some time.”
She motions over to one of the guards stationed at the Crystal Empire. The young colt stands by the food, trying to look inconspicuous as he looks at Twilight. Realizing they are looking back, he turns away and pretends to be picking up some hors d’oeuvres. He shovels them into his mouth, trotting further away while sweat drips down is sapphire mane.
Rose rises to Twilight’s cheeks, “You mean Flash Sentry? No, I haven’t been staring at him all night.”
“Why don’t you go dance with him?”
“No, I can’t,” she objects.
“Go on darling,” the past Rarity jumps into the conversation.
“Yeah come on,” Rainbow Dash flies up to support her friend. “You just defeated Sombra, I think you can ask a colt to dance.”
“No, it’s too embarrassing.”
“Come on sugar cube,” Applejack appears behind Twilight, giving her a nudge. “You can do it.”
With all her friends pushing her, Twilight Sparkle has no choice. With her knees knocking, she walks across the ballroom toward her knight. As much as she wants to teleport away, she finds courage to face Flash Sentry, who is not even looking in her direction. Tapping him to get his attention, she sees the look of shock on his face when he turns to find a princess standing right in front of him. Resorting to instinct, he falls to one hoof, bowing properly like any good guard should. It makes her blush.
“You can stand,” she says quickly.
“Oh, yes,” Flash gets on all fours. “Did you need something, your highness?”
“Well, um, you see, I would really, I mean if you aren’t busy, would you like to, um, dance, with me that is?”
Flash smiles, “I would love to, princess.”
“It’s okay I under-wait you would, I mean you will? Okay fantastic, um, would you take the lead?”
Taking her hoof in his, he leads her to the dance floor as the two of them waltz. From a distance, the present Twilight Sparkle watches them move gracefully across the ballroom. The two never take their eyes off of one another. Princess and guard are both blushing as eyes turn upon them, yet they never stop their dance.
“You really loved him, didn’t you, darling?” Rarity stands beside her friend.
“Yes,” she answers with a smile.
“You know,” Rarity frowns, “You two did share another Hearth’s Warming together.”
“No,” Twilight looks horrified, “Please, Rarity, don’t show me that…”
It is too late to stop her friend, as the crystal ballroom melts away into a flood of colors. Beautiful reds and blues are swapped for a dreary grey. Crystal becomes stone as Rarity takes Twilight back to Canterlot. The ponies find themselves walking the long halls of the palace. On either side, Twilight takes note of blackened curtains drawn over the stain glass that has depicted so many adventures with her friends. At the end of the hall, she sees the past Twilight stepping from the door leading into the bed chambers. Fighting back tears, she sullenly walks down the halls.
The present Twilight feels a strange sensation when a pony passes through her. Flash Sentry marches up to meet the grieving princess. But when he tries to console her, he is pushed aside. Again he tries, but is answered by a wall magically appearing to block his path. Flying around the wall Twilight created, Flash lands beside her.
“Leave me alone,” she sobs through clenched teeth.
“No, Twilight,” he runs and blocks her path. “You have been moping around the castle for days now. Your friends are worried about you. Your family is worried about you. I’m worried about you.”
“Well I don’t need any of you,” she glares. “I need to spend more time with Celestia and Luna.”
Flash Sentry looks away, “There is nothing more you can do for them, Twilight.”
“Don’t you say that,” Twilight shouts as she slams Flash down on the ground, pinning him under-hoof. “I will not let this illness take them away from me. You and everyone else is distracting me.”
“Twilight…”
“Get out,” she says, a tear shimmering down her cheek.
“I want to help you.”
“I said get out!”
Magical light envelops her horn, while a similar pink aura surrounds Flash Sentry. Using her spells, she hurls the guard clear across the room until he smashes into the far wall. He hits it with enough force to crack the stone. Wearily, he gets back to his hooves. Dusting himself off, he looks to Twilight.
“What has happened to you?” he says, blood dripping from his mouth. “You’re the Princess of Friendship. You need your friends now more than ever.”
“Friends are only distracting me,” she shouts. “I need to focus on finding a cure for the princesses.”
“Then,” Flash turns away, “I guess this is goodbye…”
The past Twilight does not stop him leave as she returns to the side of her mentor. Meanwhile, the present princess watches the guard go with tears in her eyes. Despite logic, she runs after him. Throwing out her hoof, she merely passes through him. Heart broken, she must watch him leave for the second time. It is just as painful as the first time.
“Rarity,” she says solemnly, “Why did you show me this? I asked you to not show me this.”
“I’m sorry, darling,” Rarity stands beside her grieving friend. “These are only the shadows of your memories. I cannot change what has happened.”
“Leave me,” she says, her despair turns to fury.
“You must learn from these mistakes. If you do not, I fear that you will be doomed to repeat them, and follow in the footsteps of your predecessors.”
Twilight turns to Rarity, her horn ablaze in a magical light, “Leave me alone!”
When she turns to her friend, she finds that there is no one there. Twilight Sparkle is back in her bed chambers, alone in the darkness. Somewhere in town, she begins to hear the song of the clock tower as the bells toll twice.
Little time passed before the distant clock tower struck two. Twilight awoke from her brief nap as the caroling bells resonated in her bed chamber. Climbing out from under the covers, the princess knew that the next spirit would soon be upon her. Yet as she looked about the room, utter silence left her thinking it might indeed be a dream. Just as she is about to turn in for the night, a yellow glow creeps under her door. Light shines from the hall, beckoning her to come out. Cautious, she reaches a hoof for the doorknob and turns it. The door swings open and she is met by the barrel. An explosion of confetti blasts her through the wall of her chamber, sending her spiraling into the main hall. She crashes onto the crystal table, but the blow is softened.
Something sticky clings to her, making it difficult for her to squirm to her hooves. Lifting a wing, she finds the substance oozing from her feathers. The brown sludge drips back into a golden bowl. Twilight Sparkle brings it up to her lips as she takes a taste. It is sweet.
“Chocolate pudding?” she wonders to herself, tasting it once more just to make certain.
Looking around, she finds that the table has been covered with a similar assortment of tasty treats. Cookies and candies tower over her as they construct a miniature Equestria. She is awed by the sugary architecture, Twilight steps closer to observe it. She feels her hoof squish. Pink frosting splatters onto her snout, which she licks up. The taste is so familiar, a sweet rush of nostalgia for a bakery shop she has not gone to long ago.
A smile reaches across her face, “This is the Cake’s frosting.”
“Indeed it is, Twilight Sparkle,” she hears a high-pitched, yet familiar voice.
One of the thrones that once belonged to the Friendship Council has taken up residence at the table filled with sweets. Engraved in the crystal are three balloons floating side-by-side. The emblem matches the cutie mark of the pony sitting there, though it is covered by a festive green robe. Puffy pink hair sprouts from her head, while a wreath with candles have been fashioned into a hat.
“Pinkie,” Twilight walks through frosting and chocolate to her friend. “What are you doing here?”
“Well isn’t it obvious, silly?” Pinkie Pie beams. “I am-oh wait, I am doing this wrong.”
From seemingly nowhere, Pinkie Pie pulls a book onto the table, and opens it up. She flips through the pages, her eyes fluttering through the words. Turning another page, she pushes her snout against the written word, her eyes glued to a few words. With a satisfied nod, she slams the tome shut, showing the golden words, “A Christmas Carol” written on the cover. Tossing it away, she fixes her wreath hat and takes a deep breath.
“Come in and no me better pony,” she bellows.
“Uh, Pinkie, I am already in.”
“Well I knew that, but Charles wants me to do this right.”
“Who’s Charles?”
“Charles Dickens,” Pinkie Pie points, “He’s right there.”
Twilight turns and sees a toothless alligator is sitting right next to her. The reptile is dressed in a suit and top hat while a quill is clenched between its gums. Sitting in front of it, the gator a parchment with ink and frosting splattered all across it. It stares blankly with eyes as big as saucers, until its tongue slithers out and laps up a bit of frosting before shooting back inside its mouth.
“That’s Gummy,” Twilight Sparkle points out.
“I know that,” Pinkie gets real close to Twilight’s ear, “But he doesn’t know that.”
“Okay,” the princess rolls her eyes, “What are you doing here?”
“Well isn’t it obvious? I am the Ghost of Hearth’s Warming Present.”
“So you are the spirit I am supposed to meet?”
“Yep,” Pinkie answers. “So come in and know me better pony.”
“I am already here!”
“Isn’t Hearth’s Warming amazing,” Pinkie Pie jumps up and tackles Twilight into the cookie version of the castle. “You get to be with family, open presents, and have amazing traditions!”
“Well, Pinkie,” Twilight pushes her friend away. “I never really found the holiday all that amazing. It has excellent history, but I don’t see why it is celebrated like it is.”
“Don’t worry, Twilight,” Pinkie Pie gives her friend a great big hug. “When we are done, you will see.”
Jumping on the table, Pinkie Pie begins to vibrate, her whole body shaking violently. Then all of a sudden, she stops and wiggles her nose. Twilight suddenly feels a cold wind against her back as they are transported outside. Sun shines down upon them while fresh snow dances down from the gray clouds. All around them, ponies are out and about in Ponyville, greeting each other with warm wishes. Fillies run through the snow, filling the air with laughter.
“Pinkie,” Twilight observes, “Why does every-pony seem so happy? Don’t they realize that Equestria is on the verge of collapse?”
“Of course they do, Twilight,” the spirit answers, “But for a day, they can put it aside. It is the same every year. No matter what sadness is going on, ponies use Hearth’s Warming as a way to put it all aside and just smile. I guess you could say it is meant to turn a frown upside down.”
Twilight thinks on that explanation, “Wow, Pinkie, I never really thought of it that way before.”
“That’s the spirit,” she smiles. “Well I guess I’m the spirit.”
“Hey, Pinkie, do you think you could show me what my brother is up to?”
The candles in Pinkie Pie’s wreath turn from white to red as flames combust magically on the wicks. Warmth envelops both of them as the outside weather is barred by the great walls inside the castle of the Crystal Empire. Twilight finds her brother, Shining Armor, and his wife, Cadence, entertaining guests. Among them are Discord, Cranky and Matilda, and even a giant sea snake by the name of Steven Magnet. The group has gathered around her brother and is laughing as he wraps up a story.
“Oh my,” Steven Magnet sighs with a flashy wave of his hand, “That has got to be the funniest story I have heard. But anyways, boys and girls, I think it is about time we really have some fun.”
“Like what?” Cadence asks.
“Games of course, honey” the sea serpent smirks.
“I hate games,” Cranky mutters.
“I love games,” Matilda ignores her husband.
Pulling Pinkie aside, Twilight asks, “Do ponies often play games on Hearth’s Warming?”
“Of course they do, silly. My family has a fun game we play every year called Holder’s Roller. That is where we roll Holder’s Boulder from the mines back to the house. Maud loves it…”
Twilight puts a hoof over Pinkie’s mouth as she sees the others have started with their little game. Her brother has taken center of the circle of them. Shining Armor rubs his muzzle as he mulls over a few thoughts, but then makes a nod to one.
“Okay, I am thinking of an animal,” he announces.
“Is it found on a farm?” Cranky asks.
“No.”
Stephen Magnet says, “So it is in the city?”
“It is often.”
Cadence wonders, “Is it a dog?”
“No.”
“What about a cat?” Discord says, turning into one of the fluff balls.
“Good try, but no,” Shining Armor answers.
Matilda gives it a try, “A cuddly mouse?”
“No,” he shakes his head.
“Wait,” Discord turns back into his normal mish-mash self. “Is this an unwanted creature?”
“You could say that.”
What follows is uproar among them, each of the players spouting every possible pest and parasite that lingers in Equestria. Getting into the spirit, Twilight shouts out an answer, even though her brother does not hear or see her at all. Yet at every beast or bird they toss his way, Shining Armor rejects each one as the correct answer.
Finally his wife comes up with an idea, “If it is an unwanted creature that often lives in the city, but it is not any of them. Then it can only be Twilight Sparkle.”
“Yes,” Shining says with laughter rupturing from his mouth.
Everyone else at the party joins in on the laughter. Twilight looks over to see Pinkie Pie rolling around on the ground. The princess’ ears droop as she turns to walk away. Pinkie stops her giggling when she sees her friend distraught. Racing over to her, she puts a hoof on Twilight as the princess sheds a tear.
“Hey, don’t pay attention to them,” Pinkie tries to be encouraging.
“No, they’re right to be that way,” Twilight wipes away her teary eyes. “I have been cold to them recently. I’ve made them feel unwanted too.”
“Well, why don’t we see another family celebrating the holiday?”
“Do we have to?”
“I think you will like seeing this family.”
Wiggling her nose, the two of them are transported clear across Equestria. Snow falls less compared to the northern lands. Frost crawls along the bark of barren apple trees as hundreds are left to the harsh wintry weather. Off in the distance is a red barn that has a head of white snow sitting on its sloped roof. Nearby is a small house. Occasionally, smoke puffs out of the chimney, showing signs of an otherwise abandoned looking farm. Pinkie Pie motions Twilight toward the window. The princess beckons and peers inside.
An older pony works diligently in the kitchen, making the food for a meager feast. Despite her age, she dashes around with youthful speed.
“What are we doing at Sweet Apple Acres?” Twilight wonders.
“We are here to see Apple Jack,” Pinkie Pie looks in the window. “Look how wrinkly she has gotten.”
“Pinkie Pie, that’s Granny Smith.”
“Oh, so it is.”
As observers, they must watch the elderly pony work her way about the kitchen, finishing up the food that makes up the supper. Just as dusk hits, the door opens and three more join her. Leading is a powerful stallion with a coat of red. Soot and sweat covers his body as he staggers in before collapsing on the floor with a grunt.
“Did we make up yesterday’s quota?” Granny Smith asks him as she stirs a bowl of dough.
“Nope,” Big Mac mutters.
Following the powerful, yet worn out stallion is a familiar pony carrying a little filly on her back. Apple Jack is drenched in sweat, but does not look quite as worn out as Big Mac. Riding on her big sister’s back is Apple Bloom, looking more fatigued than both her siblings combined. The little filly lets out a ragged cough before slumping off of her big sister, hitting the floor with a limp thud.
“What’s wrong with all of them?” Twilight asks.
“Didn’t you know?” Pinkie Pie asks. “They’re like this every day because of you.”
“Me?” Twilight Sparkle glances back into the room, “But I only ask for enough food rations to feed the soldiers. I’ve seen Apple Jack buck more apples than what I ask for.”
“She gets to rest after that,” Pinkie points out. “You have had them going day after day with little rest.”
“I had no idea…”
“I mean they had to spend the day off you did give them to make up for the demands you had yesterday.”
Inside the Apple home, Granny speaks up, “Well I guess it doesn’t matter. Come on ponies, pull up a chair. I worked to whip you up a fantastic feast.”
“Boy howdy,” Apple Jack happily obliges, “I am so hungry I bet I could eat an Ursa-Major right about now.”
“Yep,” Big Macintosh adds.
“What about you, Apple Bloom?” Granny Smith asks the filly who takes to her seat last.
“I am not that hungry,” Apple Bloom coughs.
“You should’ve seen her, Granny,” Apple Jack smiles, “When Big Mac and me were worn out she just kept on working. I have never seen a filly so strong before in my life.”
“Well she is an Apple after all,” Granny gives a wrinkly grin.
“She is a remarkable filly,” Twilight Sparkle says from outside.
Suddenly, the princess hears Apple Jack say, “I would like to toast Princess Twilight as founder of the feast.”
“The founder of the feast indeed,” Granny Smith scoffs, “That friend of yours has gotten so pig-headed that she has forgotten how she became a princess in the first place. If she were here I’d tell her that among other things.”
“Granny, not now,” Apple Jack sighs. “Let us just enjoy ourselves.”
“Oh, I guess you’re right,” Granny answers glumly.
Pinkie Pie nudges closer to the princess, “Well Twilight…”
“I guess I have started to stray away from everyone,” she comes to realize. “I pushed you all away because I didn’t want to feel that horrible pain I felt with Celestia and Luna passed away.”
“Well,” Pinkie Pie smiles, “We are always here for you, Twilight.”
Before the princess can speak, she hears Apple Bloom say, “Celestia bless us, everyone.”
Twilight turns to the window just as the young filly is overcome with a fit of coughing. Among the spittle, little droplets of red hit the floor. The Apple family rush to her aid, making sure she is alright. Unable to stop the coughing, they carry her out of the kitchen and off to her room. Twilight never takes her eyes off of Apple Bloom, even as her surroundings turn to black.
In the abyss, she turns to Pinkie, “What do you see in Apple Bloom’s future?”
“It is a haze to me,” Pinkie says, glancing to the same leather bound book as before. “But I see a chair in the corner and a crutch without an owner. If these events go unchanged, the filly will die. But then, if she is meant to die, she better do it. There is no room in this kingdom for uselessness.”
It is like a dagger to the heart as she hears her own words thrust at her, making Twilight quiver. Looking to Pinkie Pie, she sees that her friend looks more like a pink Granny Smith than her usual bubbly self.
“Pinkie, what is happening to you?”
“I am afraid that my time is growing short,” she says with a toothy smile. “My life as a spirit is almost extinguished. It is a shame too. I really wanted to throw a party tonight.”
“Pinkie, please don’t leave,” Twilight tears up at the sight of her aging friend. “You have taught me so much. I feel like with a bit more time…”
“Twilight,” Pinkie Pie puts up a hoof, “My time with you is almost up. It shall end on the final stroke of midnight.”
The bells begin to toll.
“Only one spirit remains,” she continues.
In the distance the clock tower continues its ominous caroling. Twilight feels cold as the land returns to them. Under the light of the moon, she has returned to the graveyard from earlier that day. Two tomb markers cast large shadows below. The clock strikes for the eighth time.
“Do you mean the future?” Twilight asks.
Pinkie Pie gives a nod as she starts to fade, “Go forth, and know him better pony.”
The final stroke of midnight gongs like a thunderous roar, as Pinkie Pie’s body turns into twinkling snowflakes. Her laughter fills the empty space, as the last happiness in the cemetery fades from existence. Twilight Sparkle is alone once more. Glancing about the cemetery, she turns her eyes upon the sister’s graves. As the shadows twist in the pale light, they start to rise from the earth. The princess backs away as a figure leaps from the shadowy oblivion. Floating before her comes a cloaked pony. The fringe of the cloth writhes as if it were imbued with life.
Twilight feels fear lump in her throat, “Are you the Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Yet to come?”
Without a word, the spirit lowers their hood…
