Winter's Howl

Chapters

Chapter 2: First Snow of the Season
Chapter 3: The Flakes Danced as They Fell
Chapter 4: Catching Snowflakes on Her Tongue
Chapter 5: Breaking the Ice
Chapter 6: A Slippery Slope
Chapter 7: Unable to Bear the Cold
Chapter 8: Winter Wonderland
Chapter 10: Clearing the Slush
Chapter 11: No Two Flakes are the Same
Chapter 12: Of Winter's Past
Chapter 13: Cold Shock
Chapter 14: Warming up to the Cold
Chapter 15: Cold Winter Nights
Chapter 16: Cozy Winter Cabins
Chapter 17: The Ice Trolls
Chapter 18: Returning Shivers
Chapter 19: The Cold Shoulder
Chapter 20: Bursts of Heat
Chapter 21: Cold and Lifeless
Chapter 22: Mournful Cries
Chapter 23: Seeking New Shelter
Epilogue
Sequel
Chapter 1: The Traveling Blizzard
Chapter 9: Sunrise Over the Virgin Snow
Demands for a sequel

Chapter 2: First Snow of the Season

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 2: First Snow of the season

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Snowstorm stood silently for a moment, taking in all of the information that had been promptly dumped on his head. He had gotten a job, a place to stay, and met the mare of his dreams within 5 minutes of moving to a new, unfamiliar town. This was…great!

No problems at all.

Except he couldn’t talk to mares he knew he fancied, and dropped half of his IQ in their presence. Now he had one as a boss.

“Buck…” he said through a groan.

“Something the matter, dear?” Warmhearh asked Snowstorm, a genuine look of concern on her face.

“Well, no…but…yes.” Snowstorm answered sheepishly, finding a sudden fascination with the floorboards of the hotel lobby. A blush of crimson spread across his face, giving stark contrast to his normal blue and grey color scheme.

“Oh….I see what’s going on here,” Warmhearth gave a coy smile, raising an eyebrow “You like her don’t you? Oh this IS interesting.” She put an elbow on her counter and rested her head on her hoof, watching her real-life drama unfold.

“That obvious, huh?” He tried to remain polite, but was somewhat put-off by her immaturity. “Yeah I guess, I mean, she’s as gorgeous as they come, but I’d have to get to know her better.”

“Well,” she smiled more sweetly now, “It sounds like you’ll have plenty of time to do just that, considering she’s your boss now. Or partner. Whatever.”

“Yeah, and that’d be just fine and dandy if I could bring myself to speak coherently to her.” Snowstorm sighed, knowing that now that he liked her, communication would be a stone’s throw from impossible.

“Well you seemed to have handled yourself just fine about 15 seconds ago. Besides, you’re a handsome young colt, I’m sure you have plenty of fillyfriends! How’d you start talking with them?”

“Um…I haven’t had…any…fillyfriends” He quieted to a whisper, returning his gaze to the same fascinating floorboards. The mare behind the counter remained quiet a moment, clearly deep in thought.

“Hm, well you’re certainly not the only one!" She tried to give Snowstorm some advice to break the awkward situation she found herself in, "If I've learned anything in my life, it’s that if you don’t ask, the answers always no!” Warmhearth beamed.

Snowstorm stood silent. The most sage advice he’d ever heard slammed into him like a train, and filled him with a newfound confidence. It was true, he thought, at least logically. If anything, he could use logic to calm his nerves. He looked up, meeting the mare’s kind eyes.

“Thank you. For everything.” Snowstorm let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding in, and headed out into the town.

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It was fairly warm for the time of year, and a friendly sun greeted him as he stepped outside the hotel. Looking to his left, he could see the trail from whence he came, to his right, the small town of Ponyville. He began walking toward the town, his wings still somewhat sore from his flight into town. He quickly arrived at what he could only assume to be assumed to be the town center, as many shops and carts were set up, with ponies wearing friendly smiles mingled and shopped. Snowstorm’s stomach gave a sudden gurgle. He put a foreleg to his stomach, realizing he hadn’t eaten yet that day, and had just flown ten miles. He spotted at the nearest food vendor and approached the cart. An aroma of apples and apple delicacies wafted into his nose, becoming him to purchase and, in turn, devour almost everything the cart had to offer.

“Well, howdy!” a sudden voice greeted Snowstorm, as he lifted his head to find an orange earth pony with a blond mane standing behind the counter, “Care to buy some of Equestria’s finest apples? Grown right here in town at Sweet Apple Acres!”

Snowstorm looked at the young mare before him. She was about his age, and had a thick southern accent. Her emerald eyes greeted his, showing a very trusting aura about her. “Yes, thank you!” He spoke with a small smile, “What do you recommend?”

The orange earth pony smiled and ducked behind her cart briefly. Snowstorm caught glance of her flank, not for perverted reasons, but to investigate her cutie mark. Three red apples adorned her flank, signaling that she did indeed know what she was doing when it came to her trade. She rose from behind the cart, a warm apple pie gently gripped in her mouth. “Well, ya can’t go wrong with a Granny Smith dutch apple pie!” She spoke, laying it down on the counter. “You’re new ‘round these parts, aintcha?”

“Yup, brand new in town. Hopefully be moving in soon, depends if I can hold a job with the weather.” Snowstorm spoke, oddly comfortable with the apple salesmare behind the counter.

“Well then welcome ta Ponyville! Ah’m Applejack, and me and ma family run the apple farm ‘round these parts. If you’re lookin’ for a job in weather, ah’d suggest you speak to-“

“Rainbow Dash? Yes, we’ve met. It sound like I’ll be starting work tomorrow.” Snowstorm said confidently.

“Well aren’t you just quick to meet everypony,” Applejack said with a grin, “what’s your name partner?”

“Snowstorm.” he replied.

“Well it was a might pleasure ta meet you, Snowstorm. Ah’m sure ah’ll be seeing you around!”

Snowstorm chuckled, “I’m sure you will too. Now, how much for the pie?” He asked.

“For you, sugarcube? 5 bits.”

He chuckled again, “sounds fair,” he said through quiet laughs and put the money on the counter. He picked up the pie and brought it to a nearby park bench. Sitting down he began to eat it rather messily, slamming his snout into the delicious pastry. Suddenly, a voice interrupted his feast.

“Hey! Whatcha got there?”

Snowstorm looked up and found himself uncomfortably close to a pink earth pony, starring him in the eye. “Apple pie..?” He responded, almost cautiously.

“Is it an Applejack apple pie?”

“Yeah…”

“Is it super-duper yumalicious?”

“It’s…pretty good, yeah.”

“Can I have some?”

“I’m sorry, who are you?” Snowstorm asked. He was a little nervous, he didn’t know this pony, and she seemed a little…unstable.

“Oh! I’m Pinkie Pie! I help run the bakery in town with Mr. and Mrs. Cake! We make lots a super-de sweet goodies! Who are you? Are you new in town? You should come to Sugar Cube Corner and I can make you some tasty treats, or better yet, I could throw you a PARTY!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, clearly getting excited at the development of having a new friend to invite to parties.

“Um…Ok…”Snowstorms brain was still processing everything he’d just heard. Hopefully Mr. and Mrs. Cake are real ponies, he thought, and not some psycho imaginary pastry friends made up by the bubbly pony in front of him. She seemed friendly enough, but she was like a good sweet treat in a sense. At first her sweetness was very pleasant and rich, but having nothing but that made you feel rather ill rather quickly.

“Great! Come to Sugar Cube Corner at 8 o’clock tonight Snowstorm!” Pinkie Pie chirped as she began hoping away.

“How…how did you know my name? I never told you my name.” He raised a suspicious eyebrow

“Silly! I know all my friends names! We’re friends aren’t we Snowstorm?”

“Um…yes? I guess?”

“Exactly! What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t even know your name?”

“I…I don’t even…” He began

“See you tonight Snowstorm!” Pinkie hopped away.

“So…that happened.” Snowstorm finished his pie and continued through the town. Other than homes, there were very few actual establishments in the town. All the shops were mostly stands, only three building stood out from the crowd. A clothing store, a public building of some sorts within a massive tree, and a bakery. He recognized the bakery instantly as sugar cube corner, but the tree building intrigued him, so he decided to wander inside. Instantly he realized that the room was quiet, and fairly empty. Only two other ponies were inside, idling chatting. One was a lavender coated young mare with a dark purple mane, light purple and pink streaks running through it, the other, another young mare with a snow white coat and carefully groomed purple mane. Both were unicorns, with horns matching the hue of their coat jutting from their heads. Snowstorm had seen unicorns before, but they were rare in his hometown.

“Hi there! Welcome to the Ponyville library!” The lavender unicorn spoke from her table and got out of her seat. “Anything I can help you find?”

“No, just exploring the town, thanks.” He gave a smile and looked around. It was a library all right, there were more books in this building then he could imagine! There must have been thousands, all with a place and story, a separate world bound between their covers.

“Are you new in town, darling?” The white unicorn spoke now, also having risen from her seat. She spoke in a sophisticated manner, as though she was within the presence of high society. She was beautiful, yes, but something about her simply didn’t catch his eye, like a beautiful watch that simply did not match his wrist.

“Yes, actually. Hopefully I’ll be moving in soon, but for now I’m living in the hotel at the edge of town.” Replied Snowstorm.

“Oh do come down to Carousel Boutique sometime! I’m sure I have something smashing for a handsome colt such as yourself!”

That explained the clothes store.

“I’ll be sure to do that sometime,” He held out a hoof, “Snowstorm.” He greeted.

“Oh, where ARE my manners? My name is Rarity,” she gave a gentle shake to his hoof.

Snowstorm turned to the lavender unicorn, extending a hoof, “Twilight Sparkle! But you can just call me Twilight.”

Snowstorm shook her hoof and smirked “Like the books and movies?”

“NO.” Twilight’s face turned dead serious, and rather annoyed. Clearly he wasn't the first to come up with this joke.

Snowstorm laughed, “Good, the town librarian has some taste in literature.”

The three ponies shared a laugh before Snowstorm turned to head out the door. He glanced at the library behind him.

“Huh, looks a lot bigger on the inside”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Snowstorm continued through town, and began to get familiar with its rather simple layout. Soon enough, he found he had reached the opposite end of the town. A small trail led to a large forest, with a small cottage laying just on the outskirts of town. He was about to turn back when he heard a beautiful melody drifting from the woods. Somepony was singing near by, accompanied by the voices of various songbirds, blending together to form wondrous music. Snowstorm walked down the trail to investigate and soon saw a cream colored pegasus hovering in front of a tree filled with birds. He listened for the duration of the song, and once it ended, he made his presence known.

“That was beautiful,” He said softly. The cream colored pegasus spun around quickly, her long pink mane twirling with her head.

“Oh…um…thank you” She spoke softly.

“No problem at all, I love listening to music.” Snowstorm gave a reassuring smile, the pegasus across from him shying away.

“I’m, uh, new here in Ponyville and I’m trying to get to know everypony. My name is Snowstorm. What’s yours?”

“I’m…uh…Fluttershy” She spoke just above a whisper, but Snowstorm attempted to ignore it.

“It’s nice to meet you Fluttershy. Do you take care of the animals around town?”

“Oh, yes! I love animals very much.” She spoke more confidently now.

“I thought you might, you certainly have a way with birds.”

“Well, they like to sing a lot, so it makes them happy.” She was smiling now. Apparently she had decided Snowstorm was nopony to be afraid of, and Snowstorm was glad for that. He was by no means a small pony, and could come across as intimidating.

“Will you be coming to the party tonight?” Snowstorm asked, looking for something to discuss. Fluttershy didn’t look like the kind of pony that would be attending parties, but at least it was something to say.

“Oh, yes. I got the invitation from Pinkie earlier. I’ll be heading there soon.”

“Soon?” he asked. He hadn’t even thought about the time. He had no watch and there were few clocks around the town.

“Yes, it’s quarter ‘till eight.”

Snowstorm looked at the sun. Sure enough, it was setting in the horizon, setting the still sky ablaze with colors of orange, red, and pink.

“Oh Horseapples!” Snowstorm took off toward the town. He really did have trouble with keeping track of time. He sighed. “Not good...”

Chapter 3: The Flakes Danced as They Fell

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 3: The flakes danced as they fell

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Snowstorm had made it to Sugar Cube Corner by 8, but had certainly worked up a sweat doing so. He stood outside the door, hearing the dull bass of the music thud within. He straightened his mane and wiped the sweat from his brow. Finally he caught his breath and knocked on the door. The Pink earth pony he met earlier quickly opened the door with an enthusiastic grin, blowing a party horn. It unfurled and tickled the tip of his snout, the loud and strident sound rattling his ears.

“Hi! I’m so glad you came Snowstorm! This party would have been just silly without you!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed

“Heh, yeah no problem. It’s good to met new people...I suppose." He looked around the room and saw familiar faces. Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Twilight, and Applejack stood around the room looking at him. A few less familiar ponies stood around the room, a pair of mares, one a cream colored earth pony with a pink and navy blue curly mane, the other a unicorn with a pale green and a white and pale blue mane. The music was coming from a DJ table, being operated by a white unicorn with a blue and electric blue mane. She wore purple steampunk goggles to hide her eyes, and blasted various techno tracks from towering speakers.

Another knock at the door shortly followed his brief examination of the room. Pinkie answered the door and greeted the new guest with another horn blowing. Fluttershy walked in, smiling softly and greeting her friends. It soon became apparent that the five of them knew each other, as they began chatting fluidly. Snowstorm couldn’t pick up any of their conversation; the music was too loud. He trotted toward the snack table, grabbing some chips and punch. As he wandered through the party, he chatted with some of the ponies he hadn’t met before. He found out that the cream-colored earth pony was Bon-Bon, and her pale green friend was Lyra. When the DJ had set up the next record, she stepped down from the stage to briefly introduce herself. Her stage name was DJ PON-3, but her actual name was Vinyl Scratch.

Snowstorm raised an eyebrow "Huh, Vinyl Scratch sounds like a better stage name to-"

Suddenly there was a loud bang as the door slammed open.

“The party…has…. ARRIVED!!!” Cheers erupted amongst the small crowd. Snowstorm stopped, and turned to locate the source of the bang. He recognized that voice saw the object of his affection swaggering into the party, her sky blue flank swaying with each step. For the first time, Snowstorm saw her cutie mark. It was a multi-color lightning bolt coming from a white cloud. Well…that’s rather vague, he thought. He watched as she approached the gang of 5 friends and quickly joined in their conversation. Strange, he thought, quite a coincidence that they would all know each other. He heard Rainbow’s voice come from within the group.

“So where is the lucky guy this party is for?” Rainbow asked, grinning at her friends.

A voice rang through Snowstorms head. Do something, if you don’t ask the answers always no. Snowstorm approached Rainbow from behind.

“Looking for me?” Snowstorm asked, tapping on Rainbow’s shoulder.

“I thought it might be for you,” She started, “you know you have work tomorrow, and instead your out late partying?”

“Oh…uh…well” Horseapples, he thought, she had a point.

“Relax ya big oaf, I was just messing with you! I’m here too aren’t I?” Rainbow chuckled

“Oh…right.” Alright, Snowstorm thought, snap out of it, you can do this. “Anyway, I’m glad you came. It’s great to feel so welcomed in such a short time. I’ve already met all your friends here.”

“Wow, you must have had a busy day. And now a late night party? Maybe we better start at 10.” Rainbow smiled at him. She had a gorgeous smile, warm and inviting.

“That’d be awesome, actually.” Snowstorm replied, feeling at ease once again, he asked “Busy day for you too?”

Rainbow gave an awkward smile and brought a hoof to the back of her neck, “Define...‘busy’” she said while bending her hooves at the ankles, indicating air quotes.

“That means she’s been nappin’ all day,” Applejack interrupted with a grin.

Rainbow turned to her friend, “That is totally not true! I was up for like, at least 4 hours today! After I finished the weather and met this guy, I had lunch!” The rest of the group stared and raised an eyebrow as if to say ‘….and?’ Rainbow blushed. “Heh, ok no….I wasn’t busy. But that doesn’t mean I like waking up any earlier.”

Twilight spoke up, ‘Remember Rainbow, you may be in charge of Snowstorm here, but the mayor tells you when your shift starts.”

“Yeah, yeah…alright. So you’re name's Snowstorm huh? I was wondering how long it would take you to introduce yourself, but I guess Twilight took care of that.” Rainbow gave a smirk.

Twilight looked at Rainbow, “You mean you hired a guy without even knowing his NAME?” She asked with only a small amount of surprise.

“Would his name have mattered?” Rainbow shot back. Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but on this unusual occurrence, Rainbow had a point. It really didn’t make any difference what he was called.

“Wait…I never told you my name?” Snowstorm asked in shock. It dawned on him that during their brief conversation earlier that day, his name never had come up.

“Nope. But now I know. So tell me, Snowstorm, where’d you get your name?” Rainbow inquired

“Well, for a couple reasons. One, I love to ski,” he raised his flank and unfurled his wings slightly, showing his cutie mark in full glory, “and two, I can whip up a mean blizzard, and rip one apart.” It was true. He got his reputation in Cloudsdale as being the only weather pony who could make entire snowstorms, and not have to create each individual flake. Yet somehow, true to the meticulous art of other pegasi, they were all different.

“Hm…” Rainbow seemed unimpressed; “I never learned how to make snowflakes, so I guess that could be useful for winter.”

“Oh, you misunderstand me,” He said with a grin, “I’ll show you tomorrow, but for now, let’s enjoy the party.”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” replied Rainbow, her curiosity now somewhat piqued by just what it was this pegasus could do. She looked him over. He was tall, standing just higher than Big Mac. He wasn’t quite as muscular, but his body was well toned. She looked for the first time into Snowstorms eyes. They we’re icy blue, and sent a chill down her spine, causing some of the hairs on her coat to stand on end. There's something different about this colt, she thought, but she still found herself being drawn to him.

Snowstorm watched idly as Rainbow seemed to simply look him over with a complete poker face. He blushed slightly. He had absolutely no idea what to do in this scenario, as he'd never encountered it before. One thing was certain though; he was terrified at what might be going through that cyan pegaus’ head. If he didn’t impress her, he’d be unemployed, and worse yet, heartbroken.

“Is...uh…something the matter?” He asked nervously, sweating slightly.

“Hm?” Rainbow snapped back to reality, now wearing a blush of her own. She had decided to ask him to dance, but somehow, words escaped her.

HER! Rainbow Dash! She wasn’t scared of anything, we was she getting caught up on such a simple question? Her blush intensified. “Uh, I was just…trying to decide…if you looked like a good dancer!” She finally spat out. It sounded stupid, but it was easier to say for some reason.

It was Snowstorms turn to be in the spotlight. Did she just ask me to dance? He asked himself. Well, technically no, but she gave him the perfect opening to ask her. This was his shot, and he was going to take it. He prepared to ask a simple question, and felt nerves bubbling beneath his skin. But this time, he had a weapon. Sage words that calmed his nerves. If you don’t ask, the answer’s always no. Well, here goes nothing.

“Well, we can find out. Care to dance?” The words escaped his mouth and listened to them again in his head. That was…not bad. Kinda smooth actually. Whatever controlled his blush disagreed, and intensified to show it’s protest.

The question hit Rainbow hard. It was exactly what she wanted to say, but couldn’t. This guy just laid it out as though he were asking the time. This guys braver than I thought, Rainbow realized, I like brave…Now it was her turn. She mustered up a little courage and gave a simple “Sure.”

Snowstorm smiled. Whether it was simply her manners or a good omen, he had won a victory, and planned to reap its reward. He held out a hoof, and Rainbow simply starred at it, unsure of what to do. She looked up to Snowstorm, with a questioning look. Snowstorm rolled his eyes and chuckled. “Well, are you coming? I promise I won’t bite.”

Rainbow Dash finally reacted, grabbing his hoof with her own. She felt a sudden jerk as Snowstorm pulled her to the middle of the dance floor. When he stopped, inertia kept pulling Rainbow and she began to fall. Snowstorm quickly caught her with the hoof not in hers, and brought her upright. She met his eyes, somewhat shocked by his strength, and instantly smiled. Either this guy was lucky, or he actually was a good dancer, not like most colts who simply attempted to grind their flanks against hers.

As the music played on, Snowstorm proved himself as not only a good dancer, but a magnificent one. His speed and coordination almost matched that of the legendary Rainbow Dash, and she was impressed. As the party began to slow, quiet, more romantic songs began to play, Snowstorm demonstrated a quiet grace about him, leading Rainbow in an assortment of waltzes and tangos. Snowstorm looked at the nearest clock. It was 11 o’clock. They had spent nearly three hours dancing, but to both, it had felt like minutes. As the last song winded to a close, they met eyes and starred.

From Snowstorm’s perception he saw the most beautiful eyes starring back. Their magenta hue was warming, and brought a fire with them. He could see burning passion in those eyes, and he could feel their power. Yet, simultaneously, they had fragileness to them, He never wanted to see them break, and watch as sapphire tears escaped from ruby eyes.

From Rainbow’s perspective, she saw something awesome. Snowstorm's eyes had a hidden power behind their icy blue surface, and they had a wondrous ability to chill her very core. They seemed to put her under their control, hypnotizing her with quiet intricacies.

Finally the song ended and Snowstorm released Rainbow Dash from his embrace. Both smiled and looked away from each other’s eyes, scratching the backs of their necks with a hoof. Rainbow Dash was the first to speak.

“You’re…uh…you’re a pretty good dancer.” She laughed sheepishly.

“You’re not bad yourself,” Snowstorm replied.

“So…uh…I guess I’ll se you in a few hours, huh?”

“Yup, bright and early.”

“Alright…so…yeah!”

“Yup!”

The two nodded and separated, Rainbow Dash headed for her group of friends who greeted her with gossipy “OOOooooo!”s. Except for one blond farmer pony, who faked a smile, before allowing her face to morph into a glare…

Chapter 4: Catching Snowflakes on Her Tongue

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 4: Catching snowflakes on her tongue

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The walk back to Snowstorm’s hotel was a mile, at least. Not to mention it went through the heart of a sleepy, but still fairly crowded town. Snowstorm walked it in a daze, wearing a dumb smile. He had finally done something with a mare, and not only that, but the mare of his dreams. He wondered briefly if it could be considered a date, as a million emotions swirled through his dumbfounded head. He awoke from his trance suddenly, realizing he was at the lobby of the hotel, with no recollection of how he got there.

“At least my legs have a good auto-pilot…” He said quietly to himself. The lobby was empty, and lit by only a few candles, providing just enough light for Snowstorm to find his way to his room. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, looking around the room. It was exactly as he had left it, and he stared at the welcoming bed. He began to walk towards it when he saw a note on his nightstand.

Snowstorm,

I remembered Dash telling you to be at weather duty by 9, so I’ll be by your room to wake you by 8:30, just in case you don’t have an alarm.

-WH

“That mare is a saint…” Snowstorm said to himself, reading Warmhearth’s note. She was right, he had no alarm, nor any real way to wake himself up. All was taken care of, and with that, he slumped into his bed. He laid still and stared up at the ceiling. While he was tired physically, his mind was far to abuzz with these new developments in his life to allow him to simply drift into sleep.

Millions of questions buzzed through his head. Does Rainbow like me back? Of course she does, why else would she dance with me? She could just be being polite. For 3 hours? Was this a date? Should I ask if it was? Should I ask for another? Was tomorrow a date, or work? His mind waged war within itself and Snowstorm calmly closed his eyes. He gave a final thought before falling into a dreamless sleep. Only time would tell the answers to his questions, and that time started tomorrow at 9.

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Snowstorm tussled from his sleep at the sudden knocking at his door. He cracked open his eyes and gave a moan

“No mom, five more minutes….”
A voice from the other side of the door chuckled and continued knocking. Snowstorm opened his eyes now. This wasn’t his bedroom. Where am I?! His heart skipped a beat.

Oh…the hotel…right.

“Coming, coming.” Snowstorm mumbled grumpily, wiping the sleep from his eyes. He opened the door and the friendly grin of Warmhearth greeted him.

“Good morning dear! Don’t want to be late for your first day on the job do you?” Warmhearth gave him a wink.

“No, no, certainly don’t.” Snowstorm responded, half asleep.

“Well, here’s a nice cup of coffee for you to help you wake up. And take a shower dear, you look a mess!”

Snowstorm took the coffee and glanced over himself. Sure enough, he was extremely messy. He’d worked up quite a sweat the night before, and hadn’t taken a shower before he'd crashed in bed. He downed the cup of coffee quickly and hopped in the shower.

Snowstorm stepped out of his shower and looked at his towels. No point in getting them wet if he could air dry, and he liked the wind-swept style it gave his tail and mane. He stepped out of his hotel room and checked the clock; 8:48. Perfect, he thought, I’ll be a little early.

Snowstorm flew straight up into the light cloud cover over Ponyville. By the time he had breached the surface of the clouds he was already dry. There was only a light overcast, and today appeared as though it was going to be an easy day of cloud clearing. Suddenly, a blue bolt shot out of the clouds and into the sky. Snow storm watched in awe as he settled on a nearby patch of cloud. The blue bolt with a rainbow tail raced across the sky, leaving behind a perfect rainbow across a clear blue sky. Rainbow slowed down and landed next to Snowstorm on a cloud.

“Well, I’m glad to see you made it on time!” Rainbow exclaimed

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world!” Snowstorm announced.

“So, I bet your wondering about your pay,” Rainbow began.

Pay, how have I not thought about pay through all of this? It's what I needed the job for.

“and I don’t think it’s too bad,” She continued. Well that's a good sign. He listened intently. “Obviously fair is fair so I’ll split the pay for the day with you 50/50. On one condition…”

Snowstorm raised an eyebrow. “What condition..?”

“What were you talking about being able to whip up an entire blizzard? No pony can just make them, each flake has to be hoof made.” Rainbow questioned.

“Oh really?”” He gave an enormous smirk. He loved it when someone questioned his ability. While he wasn’t much of a braggart, he could barely resist showing off when challenged. “then watch this.” He took off into the sky and reached a stopping point before gathering his breath. Rainbow watched on from the clouds with growing curiosity. Snowstorm focused on a point in the horizon, and took off as fast as he could. He’d accomplished what he’d hoped, a trail of storm clouds began to follow him as he passed over Rainbow. Suddenly he stopped and began his decent. He arrived to Rainbow Dash giving a questioning look.

“That’s it? You can leave a storm cloud trail? Hate to break it to you Snowstorm but the Wonderbolts do that all the time, and while doing amazing tricks.” Rainbow Dash was unimpressed.

Snowstorm smiled. “Hold out your tongue.”

“Excuse me?”

“Stick out your tongue.”

Rainbow looked beyond confused, but did as she was told, sticking her tongue outside of her mouth.

"Like thith?"

A single snowflake quietly danced from the sky, and landed quietly on her tongue. Rainbow’s tongue shot back into her mouth and she closed her eyes softly. She shivered, feeling the snowflake melt on her tongue. She shuddered, chills rocketing through her body, her mane standing on end. The feeling was not that of a normal snowflake, but a cold electric shock against her warm tongue. She let out a slow, breath which somehow became visible in the warm air and gradually opened her eyes. She looked around and realized that thick snowflakes falling around her surrounded her. She looked to her left, and just a few feet away were clear, empty, warm skies. To her left, the same thing greeted her vision. But directly in front of her, the snow continued to fall, and in its midst stood Snowstorm. He smiled as he realized Rainbow Dash was in complete awe of what she was witnessing.

“How…but…you…” Dash fumbled over her words as she searched for the right question. Snowstorm simply chuckled. The snow quietly faded, and Rainbow stared into his eyes. Rainbow Dash finally found her question. “That was…SO AWESOME! But...how?”

“No pony knows. Even I don’t know. But it happens when I fly at just the right speed and think of something beautiful.” It sounded cheesier than he meant, but it was true. Normally he thought of a serene, snow–covered mountaintop. This was the first time he’d thought of anything different.

“Why isn’t it like normal snow?” Rainbow asked.

“What do you mean? I’ve never heard anyone call it different.” He asked. This was a first.

“The snowflake I caught on my tongue…it was...not normal snow. It tasted…I don’t know…electric. Minty too…” Rainbow tried to describe the sensation that had just overcome her entire body.

“Hm…I don’t know why, I’ve never heard anyone describe it as anything other than normal snow.” Snowstorm brought a hoof to his chin, giving a pondering look.

“Well, regardless, I’m impressed. You kept up your end of the bargain, so I guess I have to keep up mine. You get half the pay of the day…” Rainbow gave a somewhat seductive grin, “if you can keep up!”

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Snowstorm wiped his brow. He had worked up quite a sweat, but they got the job done quickly and efficiently. It was only 11 o’clock, and they had completely cleared the sky. Rainbow Dash landed next to Snowstorm and grinned.

“You got some MOVES boy! I can’t even remember the last time somepony kept up with me that well!”

“I’m glad you thought so, cause I ‘m beat.” Snowstorm plopped on the purposefully posed cloud beneath him.

“Oh…” Rainbow felt a sudden sinking in her chest. She was planning on asking Snowstorm to ‘hang out’ for a while after work. She went against some her better logic and asked anyway. “That’s a shame, I was going to ask you if you wanted to hang out for a while, now that we have the day off…”

"Hang out", Snowstorm thought, please let that be code for something. He sat upright and looked at Rainbow. “Well, I guess I could do something…what did you have in mind?”

Rainbow beamed, “Well, we’ve got 200 bits to blow, what did you have in mind?”

Snowstorm coughed, “WE EACH GET A HUNDRED BITS?!” he looked at Rainbow in disbelief.

“Heh, no man…” Rainbow said between laughs.

“Oh, ok. Then where did you get 200 bits? You got a bunch saved up?”

“No, we get 200 bits EACH.”

Snowstorm coughed again, ‘WHAT?! THAT’S INSANE!!!!”

“Yeah, as I said, the pay’s not bad…” Rainbow rolled her eyes away from Snowstorm, knowing she’d under exaggerated quite a bit. (Pun intended)

“I don’t think I’ve ever even had that much money in my life…” Snowstorm stared down in disbelief.

“Believe me, it goes faster than you could ever believe.” Rainbow said through laughs.

“We’ll see…anyway, I don’t know what to do around here. I’ve only been around for a day…”

“Come with me, I have an idea!”

Chapter 5: Breaking the Ice

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 5: Breaking the Ice

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Snowstorm rushed to keep up with the rainbow colored pegasus in front of him. A few seconds prior, Rainbow had received a glint in her eyes before instructing Snowstorm to follow her. She then promptly dived toward the earth bellow at breakneck speeds. Snowstorm followed suit, unsure of his destination. He was already exhausted from the long day’s work that he had just finished, so an unexpected hot pursuit wasn’t necessarily welcome, but he wanted to spend time with Rainbow more than anything. As the town came into view, he saw exactly what target Rainbow had in mind. The Ponyville park was extremely large relative to the town’s size, and its size did not take away from its beauty. In its center, was a large natural pond, surrounded by park benches. Snowstorm began to feel a growing concern. Rainbow wasn’t slowing, in fact, she was speeding up. Rapidly.

The first thing he saw was the cone, forming rapidly around Rainbow’s body. Snowstorm slowed himself and watched in awe.

Next he heard the scream, coming from Rainbow’s rapidly descending body. The cone’s angle began to sharpen.

Snowstorm finally came to stop and allowed his jaw to drop.

Finally came the boom.

The explosion physically rocketed the atmosphere, sending Snowstorm back a few feet. The atmosphere around him changed colors as a wave of rainbow shot past him, brining with it a rumbling thunder.

Last of all came the splash, soaking Snowstorms coat. He shimmied his mane, shaking the now soaking wet mane out of his eyes. He looked down to see a now significantly more shallow pool of water at the center of the park, a grinning, soaking wet Rainbow Dash floating in the center.

Snowstorm slowly descended, landing in the pond next to Rainbow. “What the HAY was that Rainbow?” He asked in disbelief, a wild grin adorning his face, his eyes open wide.

“That…was a sonic Rainboom.” Rainbow grinned, clearly proud of herself.

“How did you do that?!” Snowstorm was beyond curious as to what had created the beautiful spectrum that had rocked all of Ponyville.

“I just get going fast enough…and think of something awesome.” She usually just pictured the Wonderbolts. This was the first time she’d thought of anything different.

“That’s incredible…” Snowstorm marveled. He’d never seen anything so…well, awesome!

The two floated in the lake for a while, watching as the few clouds left behind drifted by. Rainbow was the first to break the silence.

“So I gotta ask, what did you picture when you did your snowstorm?” Rainbow’s heart began to race. For the first time in her life, she was terrified. She’d asked a question to which she wanted an answer so desperately, and had no way of predicting its answer.

Snowstorm turned to rainbow. He had an answer he wanted to say so desperately, but was terrified of the response it might receive. He came up with an ingenious idea. “I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.”

Rainbow froze. Leaving her fate up to someone else was one thing, but controlling it somehow made her all the more terrified. She took the only safe road she could. “We’ll say it together. Deal?”

“Deal…on three?”

“Ok…”

“One,” they announced together, both hearts racing at the possible response they could receive.

“Two,” could they go through with this? It’d be so much safer to say the norm…

“Three,” No. Honesty was essential. This was essential. It had to happen. Now or never.

“You,” They said together in perfect sync. Silence hung through the air, thick enough to cut with a knife.

“You…you think I’m awesome?” Snowstorm stuttered.

“Well…yeah…I mean, you can create snowstorms all by yourself, and in like, ten seconds flat. Plus, you’re the only pony who’s ever been able to keep up with me, both in weather and on the dance floor…and I think you’re…kinda…cute.” Rainbow was now blushing intently, looking away from Snowstorms eyes. “You…you think I’m beautiful..?” She asked shyly

“Yeah, I mean, your mane is really pretty, and your eyes are so…I don’t know, captivating? I guess that’s right. You’re really cool too, everything about you screams ‘awesome’.” It was Snowstorm’s turn to blush now. He cautiously chose his next question. “You think I’m cute?”

“Uh-huh.” Rainbow said simply, nodding her head. “You think I’m cool?”

“Yeah…” Snowstorm smiled. He was the first to look up. Rainbow followed suit briefly, meeting his eyes. They starred in silence for a minute, and Rainbow smiled.

Rainbow bit her lip, as her mind raced. She knew exactly what she wanted, but the anticipation, the not knowing, of just what was going on in Snowstorm’s head was driving her mad.

Snowstorm saw Rainbow bite her lip and unfortunately, he had no idea what it meant. But he had a guess. And for him, a guess was enough.

Snowstorm closed his eyes.

Rainbow closed hers.

Snowstorm leaned in.

Rainbow waited.

“HEY! YOU TWO!”

Rainbow and Snowstorm’s eyes shot open. Both were blushing intensely. Their search for the source of the interruption was brief. Applejack stood above them on the shore of the pond, a glare across her face.

“Applejack? What the hay are you doing here?” Rainbow raised a suspicious eyebrow.

“Why wouldn’t ah be? A better question is why is half the pond drained and why is the park soakin’ wet?”

“Oh…Um…that. Just…uh…showing Snowstorm here some tricks, heh” Rainbow dash scratched the back of her neck.

“Not what it looked like ta me.” Applejack narrowed her eyes. “But if that’s all that’s goin on here, then ba all means. Don’t mind me.”

“What’s up Applejack? You’re acting…weird.” Rainbow gave Applejack a suspicious eye.

“ME? Ah ain’t acting weird! You’re the one that’s been acting weird, ever since THIS one moved to town!” She pointed an accusing hoof at Snowstorm, who gave a sincere look of ‘who, me?’

“Applejack what is WRONG with you? You haven’t even seen me since Snowstorm moved in, and he’s a perfectly nice guy.”

“Well…you don’t know that yet! Ya only been talking for a day!”

“And how long have you talked to him?”

“…Long enough! And…and that ain’t the point!!!”

“Applejack are you…jealous?” Rainbow gave a smirk.

“Jealous? Why would Ah be jealous? Ah ain’t got no reason to be jealous!”

“Applejack, I can tell when you’re lying. You’re terrible at it, element of honesty remember? It’s ok, I can understand why you’d be jealous of me, Snowstorm’s a really cool guy and-“

“Ah AIN’T jealous of you Rainbow.” Applejack looked serious now, and somewhat annoyed.

“Then who are you-“ Rainbow stopped. She was jealous, that much was obvious. But if she wasn’t jealous of her, then who…

Rainbow stood perfectly still. She turned to Applejack and met her gaze. Applejack still wore a face of anger, but it began to shift to one of horror when she realized the truth she’d just let fly from her mouth.

“Ah…Ah…never mind, don’t you mind none. Ah…ah gotta go. Just watch yourself around this one.” Applejack turned and darted out of the park.

Rainbow sat on her haunches, taking in the freight train of information that had just barreled over her. Snowstorm walked up and sat next to her, putting a wing over her shoulder. He’d watched the entire escapade unfold and understood exactly what had happened.

Rainbow turned to Snowstorm and looked into his eyes.

“What…just happened?”

Chapter 6: A Slippery Slope

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 6: The Slippery Slope

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Rainbow stood silent, absorbing all the information that had been laid to rest on her mind. Snowstorm approached from behind and sat himself next to her, concern in his eyes. He had seen the entire scene unfold in front of his eyes, and could only imagine the confusion Rainbow was feeling.

Snowstorm extended a protective wing and placed it over her shoulder. Rainbow looked up to meet Snowstorms gaze.

“So I guess you saw all that, huh?” Rainbow asked cautiously, unsure of what Snowstorm thought.

“Yeah…are you ok? I can’t imagine what your felling right now…”

“It…It hasn’t really sunk in yet…I mean, I love AJ, I really do. I just don’t love her…like that. I didn’t even know she was like that…” she trailed off, before quickly snapping back “n-not that there’s anything WRONG with that! I mean…she’s still my friend and all. I just…I don’t know what to do.” Tears began to form in Rainbow’s eyes, as she realized what the situation could mean for her friendship, and for her friend.

“Go talk to her.” Snowstorm said calmly, understanding in his eyes.

“Are you sure? I mean, I don’t want to bail on you, we’ve had a great day so far…”

“And we can have another tomorrow. This is important, go.” Snowstorm cut her off.

“But what if she doesn’t want to talk to me? What if she WON’T talk to me?”

Snowstorm smiled. For once, he knew exactly what to say, “If you don’t ask, the answer’s always no.”

Rainbow smiled, wiping tears from her eyes with a foreleg. “Thanks Snowstorm. I’ll talk to you later, ok?”

“Sure thing.”

Rainbow smiled and took off into the sky, searching desperately for her orange friend. She had to set things straight, and she had to do it soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Applejack ran as fast as she could, it was the only thing she could focus on to keep herself from bursting into tears. She hoped she could at least make it back home, where she could let herself cry, alone. She was a strong mare, and she needed to stay that way in the eyes of her friends. Sweet Apple Acres became visible on the horizon, and Applejack sprinted towards her target. Once she arrived she opened the barn doors and stepped inside. She briefly looked around to make certain she was alone before allowing her emotions break her.

How could ah be so STUPID! Applejack thought, allowing tears to flow freely down her still red cheeks, Ah was supposed to keep an eye on her an ended up confessin’ mahself to her! She probably thinks Ah’m some kind of FREAK now! Ah bet she doesn’t even wanna see me again...

Her crying was interrupted by a familiar cry. It sounded concerned and distant, as though coming from far away.

“Applejack!”

Applejack rose from her tears and began to wipe them away. She knew Rainbow’s voice anywhere, and while she was glad she wanted to see her, she didn’t want her to see her in this shape. She needed to look strong. She was supposed to be strong.

“Applejack! I know you’re in there! Come out, I need to talk to you!”

Applejack cautiously stood and walked toward the barn door. She opened it slowly to see Rainbow hovering a few feet off the ground outside of the barn door.

“Whaddya want Rainbow?” Applejack tried to appear angry. It may have seemed rude, but in her mind, anything was better than seeming weak.

“What do you think I want, knucklehead? I want to talk to you about what happened.”

“Ah don’t see what there is ta talk about. I put up mah bit about what I thought of Snowstorm, not much more to it.” Applejack attempted to casually play off what had happened in desperate attempts to avoid the subject that she feared was at hand.

“You know that’s not what I meant AJ.”

“Ah know…” Applejack looked downward, half from embarrassment, half from shame.

“So does this mean what I think it means?” Rainbow asked with concern.

“Rainbow ah…” Applejack felt new tears beginning to form, struggling to push them down “ah’ve always cared for you, ah just…just…oh ah don’t know.”

“So...do you like me? As in…like me like me?”

“Yeah, Ah guess Ah do.”

The two sat in silence. Now that they we’re both on the same page, Rainbow choose her words cautiously. She was treading on thin ice, and wanted to keep her friend more than anything.

“How long?” Rainbow asked flatly.

“Since the runnin’ of the leaves. Just spending time with ya made me so happy, even if we were at each other's throats the whole time. Ah think that's when I realized ah liked you more than just as a friend.”

More silence.

“Applejack, I want you to listen to me very carefully,” Applejack met Rainbow’s eyes. Her tears were beginning to win the struggle. “You are honest, awesome, and a hard worker, but above all, you’re my best friend. I can’t imagine what you’re feeling right now, so I won’t try. But I don’t think I can feel the same way about you. About any filly for that matter. I will always love you, but I can’t be IN love with you. Out there somewhere is the mare just for you, and I know it hurts to hear it isn’t me, but you’ll find her.”

Applejack’s tears finally won, springing from her eyes as Applejack tackled Rainbow in a massive hug. Applejack buried her muzzle into Rainbow’s mane, allowing tears to flow freely. Rainbow stood still for a moment before reaching out and stroking her friends back. As awkward as it was, her friend needed her support then and there, and she was more than happy to give it.

Applejack cried for a few minutes before leaning back on her haunches, facing her friend. Her eyes were swollen and red from her crying, and her lips were still quivering. Finally, she spoke quietly.

“So…*sniffle* does this mean *sniffle* we’re still friends?”

“Of course AJ! You and me, through thick and thin!” Rainbow smiled and gently punched Applejack’s shoulder. Applejack managed a thin smile and a chuckle.

“Ah guess that’s all ah could really ask for…thanks Rainbow. Ah don’t think Ah’m over you just yet, but Ah’m sure ah will be. In time.”

“One more thing though, did you mean any of that stuff you said about Snowstorm?”

“Of course not sugarcube. Ah was just so jealous of him spendin' all his time with you that Ah let mahself get a might jealous. I shouldn’t have interrupted like that.”

“Hey, water under the bridge, right?”

“Ah guess…”

“You guess..?”

“Ah mean, Ah’m still a might jealous. He gets to spend time with you and… you know…stuff.” She gave a meek chuckle

“Stuff like..?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow and smiled. She meant only to instigate friendly gossip like she and Applejack used to share, nothing more.

Whether or not it was the fact that she was not only physically tired, or the fact that she was emotionally spent, Applejack took the comment in an entirely different manner. She dove towards Rainbows muzzle, forcing a quick kiss upon Rainbow’s lips. Rainbow’s eyes shot open and she stood, mortified, completely frozen, and uncertain of what to do. She felt Applejack’s tongue begin to mingle with her own, as she began to kiss more passionately. Rainbow remained frozen in terror.

Suddenly the barn door creaked.

Applejack heard nothing, lost in the sensation she desired for so long. Rainbow was having a considerable panic attack at what was happening, but looked to see who happened opened the barn door.

There stood Snowstorm, frozen, his hoof still on the barn door.

“*ahem* Well, it, uh, looks like you guys got everything sorted out...” Snowstorm fought back tears of his own, “I guess I’ll just…you know…leave now.” Snowstorm turned and shut the barn door, walking away towards nothing in particular.

Rainbow put both of her front hooves against Applejacks shoulders and violently shoved her away.

“NO! Applejack…” Rainbow screamed, turning her head away from Applejack. She turned to see the barn door swing open one more time, offering a brief glimpse of the pegasus flying into the sky, before closing completely.

“But ah…” Applejack started, but quickly realized her mistake.

“We’ll talk later, I’m not mad...just...just wait a while ok? I need to talk to him.” Rainbow quipped, obviously irritated by her friend, regardless of what she said. Rainbow opened the door and called out to the sky

“SNOWSTORM! WAIT!!!”

But it was too late…Snowstorm was already long gone. Rainbow took off in pursuit. Applejack simply stayed in the barn, sobbing in shame for what she had done.

Chapter 7: Unable to Bear the Cold

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 7: Unable to Bear the Cold

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Snowstorm’s brain desperately tried to decipher what his eyes had just witnessed. His mind buzzed with a million quandaries, why would Rainbow kiss her? Did she even like me? Or was she just stringing me along? Was that all I was?! Some little…PLAYTHING?! Snowstorm felt his anger begin to surge, but all too quickly it was replaced by a more powerful emotion. Sadness. It washed over him, cooling his anger, but not his mind. Everything that he knew in this town…the one person he had started to trust…the one person he had started to love, had just not only abandoned him, but passionately kissed another. Obviously Rainbow felt nothing for him, what other explanation could there be? He headed for the one place he knew, and felt safe. The hotel.

Rainbow desperately searched the skies above Sweet Apple Acres for Snowstorm, but found nothing but clear blue sky. He could have been anywhere in town by now, or even worse, she feared, out of it. If that were the case, finding him would be impossible, and the one stallion she had begun to open her heart to would disappear from her life forever. Rainbow couldn’t stand still though, she had to find him, or at least try. She picked a direction toward the center of town and took off, talking to herself quietly, tears forming in her eyes. “What If he’s already gone?”

Snowstorm landed just outside the hotel and walked in. The lobby was still and empty, Ms. Warmhearth was nowhere to be seen, and even the quiet background music had been muted. He was alone with his thoughts. His thoughts made him feel even more alone. He solemnly entered his hotel room and looked around. At some point during the day, Ms. Warmhearth had cleaned and organized the room, leaving it in the same condition it was found, save a toothbrush and a duffle bag. Once again, a note laid on the nightstand.

Snowstorm,

I will be travelling out of town for the night, help yourself to anything you need! Hope your first day of work went well!
-Warmhearth

Snowstorm laid the note down and plopped on the bed. He groaned as he slid his foreleg down his face. Work. Not only had he lost the only mare he’d ever made any progress with, but also his business partner. How could he work with her ever again? It would be far to awkward, and he wouldn’t be able to get any work done, lost in dreams of what could have been. He sighed and looked toward the bathroom. On the counter lay his single unpacked possession. A toothbrush.

Rainbow frantically searched the town for any trace of Snowstorm. Asking any pony she passed if they had seen him, along with a brief description of his stature. One after another, ponies shook there heads or responded with simple “no, sorry”s. Rainbow was beginning to lose hope, how could no pony have seen him fly by? She couldn’t find him alone. She needed help. She needed her friends. Rainbow turned to see the Ponyville library, about 50 feet away. She sprinted towards it and frantically pounded her hooves on the door repeatedly. Twilight opened the door and was met with a few knocks to the forehead before Rainbow realized the door was open.

“Oops! Sorry Twilight…Listen, I need your help!”

Twilight saw her friend was frantic, and attempted to calm her down. “Whoa, whoa ok Rainbow, just calm down. What’s the matter?”

“I need your help to find Snowstorm!” Rainbow looked pleadingly.

“Is he lost? Did he go into the Everfree?!” Twilight’s panic began to rise, misunderstanding the context of the situation.

“Erm, well, no. And I doubt it. He saw something…out of context….and ran off! I don’t know where he went but I’m afraid he’ll leave town!”

“Ok….so we think he’s ok, at least?”

“I hope so, I just…I really need to talk to him, ok Twilight?”

“Just what exactly did he see?”

Rainbow froze. She wasn’t prepared for this question to come up. On one hoof, she knew that her friends would find out about her and Applejack’s little ‘incident’, but on the other, time could be running thin, and she didn’t want to waste it talking gossip.

“I can’t explain right now, but I need for you to help me with this! Please!”

“Alright, alright, sheesh.” Twilight was still confused, but decided it was better not to pry. While she was an incredibly bright pony, she was still ignorant in the ways of relationships, and didn’t understand the dire need Rainbow had to talk to Snowstorm. But one thing she prided herself in, above almost anything, was being a good friend. And that’s exactly what Rainbow sounded like she needed right then.

“Oh thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!” Rainbow gave Twilight a massive hug before releasing her and turning suddenly serious. “We need to find him. Please, if you can find any pony who’s seen him, tell me everything they know. I’ll keep searching.”

“Ok Rainbow, don’t worry. We’ll find Snowstorm.”

Applejack sat still in a pile of hay in her barn. Her tears had long since run out, or at least dried up. She sighed, tired, both physically and mentally, but her mind was still going crazy trying to process everything that had happened. Let’s see here, ah confessed mah feelings for Rainbow, drug her into mah emotional mess, probably ruined her first relationship, practically forced mahself on her, and ta take the cake, ah probably just lost mah best friend. Again she sighed. She didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know what she COULD do. The barn door quietly creaked open and Applejack turned to see her visitor. Big McIntosh poked his head into the barn and turned to Applejack.

“AJ? Is that you? I thought ah heard crying so I came in to make sure everything was all right.” Big mac said with a slow, calm drawl.

“No Mac, everything’s not all right.”

“What’s the matter AJ? This isn’t like you.”

Applejack sat up and turned to her brother, now only a few feet away from her. She sighed and began to retell the events of the day. Occasionally she would stop and take a few breaths, calming herself before continuing, Big McIntosh had already known of her sisters feelings for Rainbow, and had no trouble keeping it a secret from the rest of the Apple family. It wasn’t that he feared any drastic measures would be taken, but Granny Smith was a bit more traditional than most mares, and Applebloom couldn’t keep a secret that big to save her life.

Applejack finally finished her retelling of the days events, amazed that she had held back the sobs through the entire story. Big McIntosh sat still for a couple moments before turning to his sister.

“So why are ya here, AJ? Don’t ya think you should be out there, helping Rainbow find Snowstorm, or talking to her, or really anything? Ah mean, ah love ya to death, but mopin’ around feelin’ sorry for yerself aint gonna fix diddly squat.”

“Ah, ah don’t think Rainbow wants ta see me right now Mac. She told me to wait here until she cooled off.”

“Ah still think you should help her.”

“Alright then, what would you suggest ah do?”

“Go find Snowstorm, talk to him yerself and explain what happened. If Rainbow finds out you did something to patch her relationship, she’ll know that ya value her friendship more than anything.”

“You’re right Big Mac. Ah’ll go see if ah can find him.” Applejack stood up with newfound confidence and energy. She needed to set things strait with Rainbow, and this was the perfect way to do it. She knew that he was staying at the Warmhearth’s hotel, or at least, a hotel. He’d mentioned he hadn’t moved in yet when he bought his apple pie, and the hotel was the only other place he could be staying. She took off at full gallop toward the hotel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight stopped nearly everypony in the town square before she finally found a yellow earth pony with an orange mane who claimed to have seen Snowstorm flying toward the edge of town about an hour earlier. Twilight thanked her briefly before grabbing Rainbow out of the group of ponies she was asking.

“Carrot Top said that she saw Snowstorm about an hour ago!” Twilight told rainbow in an excited manner.

“Really?! Where?!”

“She said she saw him flying toward the east edge of Ponyville, and that he looked terribly upset! I think he was going back to his hotel!”

“The hotel! How had I not thought of that!! Come on, maybe he hasn’t left yet!” Rainbow took off in a rainbow blur toward the east edge of town. Twilight followed suit in full gallop.

Applejack arrived at the hotel and frantically bucked open the hotel’s front doors. The lobby of the hotel was empty, and eerily silent, the now setting sun illuminating angled columns of light through the room. She looked around frantically for any sign of Snowstorm, her eyes resting on a piece of paper on the front desk. Cautiously, she picked it up and read it to herself.

Applejack’s hooves trembled as she finished reading the note. The front doors of the hotel burst open as Twilight and Rainbow Dash entered, clearly with the same objective in mind. Rainbow paused at seeing Applejack in the hotel, wondering briefly what she was doing there.

Solemnly, Applejack walked up to Rainbow Dash and handed her the note, whispering, “Ah’m so sorry…”

Rainbow took the note in trebling hooves and began to read, tears staining the parchment beneath her eyes.

]Ms. Warmhearth,

I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality and kind advice. Unfortunately, circumstances have led me to feel the need to leave Ponyville. I regret not being able to say my goodbyes in pony, and hope to see you again someday.
Regards,
Snowstorm

Chapter 8: Winter Wonderland

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 8: Winter Wonderland

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Snowstorm sighed and lowered his head as he walked. Why did this happen? He thought, Things were finally starting to look up for me…and it all came crashing down. Snowstorm closed his eyes, allowing a single tear to drop from his eyes. When he set out from the hotel, he had no idea where he was going, or what he was going to do when he got there, just that he had to leave Ponyville. There was nothing left there for him. He looked up to see Luna’s full moon starring back at him. It was his only light as he walked, allowing him to stay on the solemn, narrow dirt path that he followed.

Snowstorm came to a sudden clearing from the surrounding woods and looked around. In front of him was the Ponyville Park pond, still somewhat drained from the day’s earlier events. He let out a long, exasperated breath. After all of his walking, with escape being his only goal in mind, he ended up at the place that sparked his departure. He sat on his haunches and looked into the pond. A bright reflection of Luna’s moon floated in the still waters, until the gentle ripples of teardrops in water shattered it’s image.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rainbow Dash looked to Twilight in desperation, tears already streaming down her face.

“He’s gone, Twilight…He’s gone and it’s all my fault…”

Twilight gave her friend a sympathetic look, “Don’t give up yet Dash, maybe…maybe he hasn’t gone far. But I have to ask…what happened?”

Before rainbow could respond, Applejack interrupted, “Despite what Rainbow might say, it aint her fault. It’s mine.”

“Ok, what? Applejack? How are you involved in this?”

Applejack looked to Twilight, then to her sobbing friend. She sighed and lowered her head in shame as once again, she was forced to retell the story of what happened earlier that day. By the time she had finished, Rainbow’s sobs had been reduced to an occasional sniffle, while Twilight stood still, her mouth agape.

“So, basically…you like Rainbow Dash? As in you like her like her?” Twilight asked, feeling rather stupid, as by this point the answer was obvious, but somehow it couldn’t sink in.

“Yeah, that’s what Ah’m saying…”
“And all Snowstorm saw was…”

“Us kissin’”

“Right.”

The awkwardness of the situation hung through the air like an unwelcomed visitor, everypony trying to stay silent, in hopes it would simply get up and leave. Twilight finally decided to speak.

“Well, Applejack, I can certainly understand why everypony here is upset, and why what happened, happened. But that’s in the past and we have to focus for now. Where could Snowstorm have gone? Do we even know where he moved here from?”

Rainbow and Applejack sat silent. There were no clues, no facts, not even a hint within the note as to where Snowstorm had gone. Rainbow stood up shakily and spoke through sniffles.

“Th-thanks guys but…I think he’s gone…m-maybe he’ll come back someday b-but right now I just need some time alone.” Rainbow trotted out the door, her head lowered, and slowly took off into the night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Snowstorm sat still, his duffle bag by his side. All of his possessions we’re in a single bag, and he had no job, no home, and nobody he could call his. For all intents and purposes, he had no life. He looked up to Luna’s bright moon in hanging in the sky, it’s reflection shimmering against his glassy eyes.

“Where did I do wrong?”

Rainbow flew at a rather slow pace, she felt no energy or want to hurry anywhere. She was headed to the one place she would go when she needed to relax, to clear her mind. The Ponyville Park.

Snowstorm shivered as the cold autumn air filled his lungs. He was an experienced skier, and was so used to the cold he normally found it comforting, but the chill of his loneliness brought with it a cold and bitter wind, which chilled his very soul. He let out a breath and watched it form in the air as a gentle vapor before dissipating into the infinite night. He looked up again to see clouds beginning to form in the night sky, surrounding Luna’s moon.

Rainbow shivered as she flew. While she knew winter was coming, it was unseasonably cold. As the clouds began to form over her head, she wondered how they were forming so fast. A storm hadn’t been scheduled for that night, and there were no nearby fronts that could have gone off course. It kept her mind occupied as she flew and she was thankful for that.

Snowstorm finally stood up, and took a long deep breath. He didn’t know where the general area of the next town was, let alone how far away it was. Plus he was exhausted in every sense of the word. He decided he would sleep on a nearby park bench, and hope he stayed warm throughout the night.

Rainbow Dash finally came to the clearing in the woods she was looking for. The Ponyville Park pond was easily visible, as it provided a second moon, glistening from the ground below. She looked down to see the park in full splendor, everything still except for one pegasus walking toward a park bench.

One grey pegasus.

With a duffle bag over his shoulder.

Snowstorm listened to the quiet that surrounded him. The air was to cold for any insects to be out, singing they’re moonlight serenade. But one sound broke what should be absolute silence. A quiet flapping of pegasus wings.

One sky blue pegasus.

With a windswept rainbow mane.

The pair locked eyes and time hung still for a moment. Rainbow finally moved diving for Snowstorm at full speed, tackling him to the ground in a forceful hug.

“I FOUND YOU!!! YESOHYESOHYES I FOUND YOU!!” Rainbow screamed with delight, a wide smile across her face.

“Um…yeah…we’re you…looking for me?” Snowstorm coughed out while being tightly squeezed in Rainbow’s embrace.

“Of course I was you big lummox!! Ok first off, what you saw was toootallly out of context!” She drew out the totally trying to seem casual as she released Snowstorm form her grip, but new, different tears had already began to form in her eyes

“Really now?” Snowstorm raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“Yeah, Applejack and I had a long talk, and I may or may not have said something which could have been…misunderstood.” Rainbow looked away form Snowstorm’s eyes and scratched the back of her neck.

“So…what? She just…”

“Attack kissed me basically. I was just too startled to do anything. Frozen, really. That’s when you showed up…”

“So you and Applejack aren’t…you know…together?”

“No! It was just...something she needed to get out of her system I think. She even tried to help me find you.”

“So…you don’t want me to leave?” Snowstorm gave a cautious smile.

Rainbow closed her eyes and chuckled before opening them and looking directly into Snowstorm’s. She poke in a low, sensual whisper.

“Never.”

Rainbow leaned in and pressed her lips against Snowstorm’s, closing her eyes and allowing her emotions to take full control. Snowstorm’s eyes shot open before slowly fluttering closed, his eyes rolling into the back of his head. He pressed his lips back, and felt the warmth of her face against his.

As they kissed, a single snowflake danced through the air as it fell to earth. With a gentle tinge, it landed on their united lips, melting in the heat which emitted from their blushing faces.

Soon the entire park swirled in a snow shower, the flakes glistening from the light of the moon high above. The beautiful sight danced around the two, who ignored it for a far more beautiful sight.

Right in front of their eyes.

Chapter 10: Clearing the Slush

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 10: Clearing the Slush

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Snowstorm took in a deep breath of the crisp, wintery air before releasing it in a cloud of steam. He smiled, the day was beautiful, and it was only just beginning. He felt a chill on his head and looked to Rainbow Dash. Her raimbow mane, carefully divided into sections of vivid color, hung lower than usual, weighted down by the water of their recent shower. His own mane was still wet as well, and he knew better than to air-dry it in weather such as this. Rainbow turned to him with a large, enthusiastic smile, meeting his gaze.

“You know, before we go out, we might want to dry our manes…” Snowstorm began.

“Heh, yeah, I don’t really want chunks of my mane freezing off. I’d offer to give you my signature Rainblow dry, but that normally needs to be outside…do you have a normal mane dryer?”

“I have towels…” He gave her a hopeful glance, hoping it would be enough to satisfy Rainbow.

“Well, I guess will just have to wait in the room for our manes to dry, wont we?” She flashed him a sly smile, before planting a kiss on his cheek.

“I guess I could live with that…” he said with a smile before kissing her back.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rainbow and Snowstorm wandered back out of the hotel room, manes dry but suspiciously messy. Once again, they opened the door, and the same beautiful serenity outside.

For a few seconds.

A quiet scream was heard in the distance, high and shrill, piercing the still winter air. Slowly, the scream began to grow. As its source grew nearer, it became identifiable that the source was not one, but three, likely small, fillies. Rainbow began to bring a hoof to her head.

“Oh no…” Rainbow moaned, her hoof now sliding down her face.

Snowstorm turned to Rainbow and raised an eyebrow, “What? Who’s screaming-“

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER SLEDDERS YAY!!!!”
A large toboggan suddenly shot over the hill with insane speed, leaving the snow-covered ground. Snowstorm’s mouth dropped open, widening his eyes as the toboggan flew through the air, flying towards its destination. Snowstorm. Rainbow simply rolled her eyes.

“Here we go again…”

The toboggan crashed into him full speed, sending him spiraling to the ground. His world spun briefly before he managed to make out three small fillies beginning to crowd around him, whispering. One had a light yellow coat, with a red mane. She was the first to speak.

“Oh no! Is he dead? Did we kill him?”

Next, a whit coated unicorn with a swirled light purple mane spoke, “I don’t think so…he’s still moving…”

Finally, an orange coated pegasus with a purple mane spoke. “I think he’s fine, come on girls lets go!” Her voice seemed rushed and nervous.

Rainbow Dash interjected, “Oh no you don’t! You are going to stay here and apologize as soon as he comes to.”

Snowstorm stood up wobbly, shaking his head. “Ugh…what happened?”

Rainbow chuckled, “These three rugrats over here just crashed into you with a sled at full speed.”

He shook his head again, and his vision finally cleared as he looked the three fillies over. Suddenly, the orange pegasus stuttered. “Uh…uh…I really gotta go guys, catchaya later!” She bolted of into the woods before Snowstorm got a look at the filly’s face. He shrugged. I guess she really didn’t want to get into trouble… He turned to the other two, who were now watching their friend disappear into the surrounding woods. Rainbow hovered off the ground as if to go after her, but apparently decided against it.

The filly with a yellow coat turned to him first, her eyes still turned somewhat in her friend’s direction. Finally, her gaze met snowstorm. She had soft, yellow eyes, with a large red bow in her mane. She spoke softly, with a familiar southern drawl, “Um…Ah’m a might sorry we crashed into ya like that…we thought we could control the sled Mr…uh…”

“Snowstorm,” He finished.

“We are really sorry Mr. Snowstorm, we just wanted to have fun in the snow! We got a SNOWDAY! But Rarity said we couldn’t stay in the boutique because we were ‘absolute ruffians’” This time, the white unicorn spoke, her voice changing at her last phrase to mimic high society speech.

“Rarity eh? Are you her little sister?” Snowstorm raised an eyebrow. He could see the resemblance, but there was no way the Rarity he met was old enough to be her mother.

“Yup! I’m Sweetie Bell, and this my friend, Applebloom!” She beamed, extending a hoof at the yellow earth pony.

She smiled, “Yup! Ah’m Applejack’s little sister! Do you know her?”

Snowstorm’s face lowered. “Um…yeah…we’ve met.” Snowstorm turned to Rainbow, whose face also sunk. They still had yet to talk to Applejack, and she probably didn’t know Rainbow had found Snowstorm yet. “Actually, do you know where your sister is? We should probably talk to her…” Rainbow nodded beside him.

“Well, she’s back at the farm, but she hasn’t been wanting to talk to anypony…”

“I think she’ll make an exception…anyway, don’t worry about the crash, accidents happen. But we should get going. You tykes take care now!”

Snowstorm and Rainbow began running through the snow in the general direction of Sweet Apple Acres. While it was difficult to run in snow this deep, it was a much better alternative to freezing ones wings off.

Arriving at Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow gave the front door a few knocks with her hoof before standing back. After a few moments, the door opened, revealing a large, red colt in the door. He was actually slightly shorter than Snowstorm, but was much heavier, and probably stronger.

“Hey Big McIntosh, is AJ in?” Rainbow asked cautiously

“Eeyup.” He answered with a slow southern drawl.

“Can we go see her?”

He opened the door fully now, and extended a hoof, inviting them in. “She’s upstairs.”

As the pair entered the home, they noticed nearly everything in the house was wooden and run down. It was obvious the home was very old, but had a pleasant, welcoming feel and an inviting odor of baked apple treats.

Snowstorm and Rainbow walked up the old wooden steps of the barn to an upper hallway, which was quiet except for a few sobs coming form a cracked door. Rainbow looked at Snowstorm with sad eyes, before turning back to the slightly opened door. Rainbow knocked on the door, causing it to slightly open a little more with each knock. The sobs quieted to gentle sniffles, before a voice came from within the room,

“Come on in Mac…” Applejack spoke between sniffles.

“Heh, guess again AJ…” Rainbow spoke quietly, faking a smile.

“Rainbow! What are you-how did-why?”

“Whoa there! I just came by to check up on you, I told you I’d come back, didn’t I?”

“Ah…ah thought you’d never want to see me again…” She closed her eyes, allowing a few tears to drip on the bed she sat on.

“Why in Equestria would you think that?!” Rainbow asked through laughs.

“Well…’cause I ruined your chances with that Snowstorm fellah, and Ah bucked it all up…”

“Not quite…” Rainbow said with a smile, motioning for Snowstorm to come in.

“Hey there AJ, good to see you again.” Snowstorm walked in, smiling.

“SNOWSTORM! B-but ah thought you left, we all thought you were gone…”

“I almost was, but Rainbow here managed to catch me before I got too far. So now, here I am.” He smiled, putting a hoof over his chest.

“So…ah didn’t ruin…everything?”

Rainbow laughed before pecking Snowstorm on the cheek. “You didn’t ruin anything AJ…”

“So…you don’t hate me?”

“AJ, you’re my best friend! Even if I never saw Snowstorm here again, I’d never hate you. “

Applejack smiled, stifling her tears. “Thank you, Rainbow…that means so much to me…”

“All right all right, enough of this mushy stuff…” Rainbow smiled, waving a hoof. “Now, if you want to help us, one of Applebloom’s friends still owes Snowstorm here an apology…”

Chapter 11: No Two Flakes are the Same

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 11: No Two Flakes are the Same

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Snowstorm turned to Rainbow, raising an eyebrow, “What do you mean? Those two apologized. Besides, it’s not like I was that hurt…”

“Well, in case you didn’t notice while you were ‘not hurt’ one of the little squirts ran off.” Rainbow replied.

“Wait….wait….what happened? What did ah miss?” Applejack sat on her bed, confused. Her tears had finally subsided, but her eyes remained bloodshot and sore, her mane was a tangled mess.

“The CMC ran over Snowstorm here in a toboggan earlier this morning, almost knocked him out cold.”

“Ya don’t say…” Applejack chuckled a little. It was refreshing for her to smile, it had been a hard day.

“Yeah, yeah but I’m fine. Besides, I’m sure the kid didn’t MEAN to hit me with an over-sized sled.”

“Probably not, but I’m kinda the only one who the kid looks up to around here. No one even knows her parents, or siblings, or anything! I’ll let her introduce herself when we find the little rascal.”

“What? So she just lives here…alone?”

“I don’t think so, but whoever her parents are aren’t around often enough to scold her when she bucks up, so I try to make myself a model citizen.” Rainbow wore a large grin, holding her head high while closing her eyes and pushing her chest out, holding a hoof across it.

“Alright, alright…where do we think she is?” Snowstorm gave Rainbow a dead-pan stare, clearly un amused by her prideful display.

Rainbow opened her mouth to speak, but found no words. She closed her mouth and looked down, opening her eyes. She wore a quizzical look and held a hoof to her chin. “…good question. I honestly have no idea where the little tike coulda ran to, but I’m sure she’s somewhere around town. It’s not like there’s too many places to hide.”

“Well…where should we start?”

“Town square I guess. Applejack? You wanna come?”

“Ah’m sorry Rainbow but Ah look like Ah just went through an Appleosan twister. Ah’ll have to pass.”

“That’s ok. Nobody can look as gorgeous as ME all the time.” She resumed her prideful pose.

“Ah’m sure,” She gave rainbow an unnoticed dead-pan stare. “No if’n you’ll excuse me, Ah’d better get cleaned up.”

Applejack pushed the two out of the door and closed it. Rainbow and Snowstorm looked at each other briefly.

“So…Town square?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The pair walked through the center of Ponyville, enjoying the sight of the sleepy town, covered in a pure white blanket. The cottage homes that surrounded them looked all the more cozy with a thick icing of snow atop their roofs and the gentle billows of smoke coming from their chimneys. Three non-home establishments we’re open for business, and the pair figured the closest to their location was a fine place to start. Gently, they opened the door to the Carousel Boutique.

As the door opened, a small bell rang above the door, briefly followed by an overdrawn “Coommiinnng!” from the second story of the establishment. It was the first time Snowstorm had entered the boutique, and he was shocked at how messy it was. Rarity, the shops owner, seemed so organized and posh that the slightest mess would drive her up the wall. The gentle sound of hooves against tile could be heard as Rarity descended the stairs into the main room of the establishment.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique! Where everything is-“She stopped her normal introduction when she saw her rainbow maned friend. “Why Hello Rainbow, a pleasure as always! And Snowstorm! So good to see you again! Tell me, have you come looking for a fine jacket to keep you warm today? Because I think I have just the-“

Rarity was cut off by Rainbow, “Actually, we we’re wondering if a certain little trouble maker came wandering through your shop today?”

“Sweetie Bell? Yes she was here earlier, but I haven’t seen any of her friends. Why? Did they do something wrong?”

“Well, sorta. Not really your sister or Applebloom so much as…”

“I see.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, no. I haven’t seen her today, but I will keep an eye out for her. Let me know if you find her.”

“Will do Rarity.”

“Oh, but before you leave, Snowstorm, dear, would you mind if I got your measurements?”

“E-excuse me?” Snowstorm was somewhat taken aback

“Watch what you say next girl…” Rainbow gritted her teeth.

“Oh relax you two! And get you minds out of the gutter, honestly. I was planning on making Snowstorm here a lovely suit for the upcoming Winter Ball is all. My home warming gift!”

“Oh…Ok, yeah I guess we’re not in any hurry.”

“Splendid! I’ll go get my measuring tape!”

Rainbow waited until Rarity was out of the room when she spoke to Snowstorm. “You foal…you have no idea what you’ve done…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two hour of ‘measuring’ later (really just Rarity blathering about how ‘fabulous’ he was going to look in his suit) the pair exited the boutique. Snowstorm turned to Rainbow, “Don’t ever, EVER, let me go in that place again.”

Rainbow chuckled. “Oh please. Once she made me be a living manikin for 4 hours in the LAMEST get-up ever.”

“That…that is torture in some countries!”

“Tell me about it.”

“So, where to next?”

“Uh…the library. Twilight probably wants to know that your back in town.”

“Good call.”

The two entered the library, greeted with a familiar warm air and scent of old parchment. Twilight sat at a small table, reading. She looked up at the sound of the door opening.

“Rainbow! And Snowstorm!! You’re back! I was worried about you two!” Twilight wore an enthusiastic smile. She turned to Rainbow, “Where did you find him?”

“In the Ponyville park, right before the snow broke.” She answered, smiling at Snowstorm.

“Wow, what luck! Did you make it back to your house ok in the weather? It snowed pretty hard last night…”

“Um…I kinda just stayed with…Snowstorm…heh” Rainbow blushed.

“Oh…oh-kay then…well…As long as you were safe.” Twilight gave an awkward smile.

“Yeah, we were.” Rainbow answered. “Anyway, have any of the CMC stopped by here today? We’re looking for them.”

“No, sorry. Why? “

“ONE of them didn’t apologize to poor Snowstorm here after crashing into him with a sled.”

Twilight giggled. “Nope, haven’t seen ‘em. Take care you guys!”

“We will, see you later Twilight!” The two left the library.

“Only one place left…” Snowstorm started.

“To Sugar Cube Corner!” Rainbow finished.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Unlike the past two establishments, Sugar Cube Corner was bustling with activity. A large sign, “NOW SERVING HOT COCOA!” was probably drawing in a large number of ponies. The two entered the building, and strangely enough, Snowstorm felt comfortable with the crowd, likely because there were about this many ponies the last time he was here. He approached the front counter alongside Rainbow, and rang a small bell. Pinkie Pie emerged from seemingly nowhere, as the counter she stood behind was too small to hide her entire body without painful contortion. She smiled widely.

“Hey Dashie! Hey Snowstorm! How are you guys? How about this snow huh? Lots of ponies love hot chocolate on a snowy day, you guys want some?”

“That sound great Pinkie, but we’re actually looking for someone.” Rainbow answered, smiling herself

“Really? Y-ya don’t say.” Pinkie’s smile now seemed more forced, her eyes looking from side to side.

“…Yeah…and we were wondering if you’d seen them…”

“Nope! Haven’t seen them anywhere Dashie!” Pinkie began to sweat.

“I never told you who we were looking for, Pinkie…”

“Uh…well, I uh…”

“She’s upstairs, isn’t she?”

Pinkie nodded, sighing. “She made me promise not to tell you where she was…”

“You didn’t. We guessed.”

“Oh yeah!” Pinkie smiled again, finding this to be a perfectly acceptable answer.

Snowstorm and Rainbow walked up the stairs of Sugar Cube Corner, the commotion of the ponies below slowly dying away. When they reached the top of the stairs, Snowstorm seemed surprised to see it empty, while Rainbow gave a dull stare at the bed.

“Get out from under there squirt! We know you’re in here.” Rainbow called to a seemingly vacant room.

There was a small sigh as the orange pegasus wiggled her way out from under the bed.

Snowstorm saw the small filly's face.

He froze.

His mind went blank, but screamed all at the same time.

Shock shook through his body.

It had been years...

The orange pegasus spoke quietly“Hey Rainbow Dash…" her head lowered, "Hey Snowstorm…”

Snowstorm’s brain racked him for words, searching for the right thing, for ANYTHING to say. Finally, a simple phrase managed to escape his mouth.

“Hey Sis…”

Chapter 12: Of Winter's Past

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 12: Of Winter’s Past

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Snowstorm stood entirely still, gawking at the pegasus filly before him. It had been 5 years since that day.

The fight…

The screams…

The blame…

The day when their entire world came crashing down, and he'd lost his only sister. Their father had come home, drunk, angry, and swearing. Snowstorm was still a small colt then, only a little older than his sister was now.

She was only 6….

Their father didn’t care…

He was too angry…

He stood over both of them, screaming obscene profanities, slander, and horrid accusations.

They were why his marriage was failing.

They were why he drank.

He raised a hoof over his only daughter.

Snowstorm did all he could think to do, tackling his father.

He told his sister to run, as fast as she could, never to look back.

She did as she was told.

Snowstorm’s father was drunk, but strong, and bested him quickly.

He felt hooves around his neck, his vision fading into blackness.

He reached, clasping the glass whiskey bottle that brought about this madness, and ended it through its medium.

Snowstorm let a tear fall from his eye as he stared at the little pegasus before him. She was so grown up. He had missed so much of her life. Where was she, all this time?

It had been 5 years since that night…

Since the police came…

Since his father was taken away…

Since they started the search for his sister…

His mother wept. Wept for the stallion that was her husband, consumed by wretched jaws of alcohol and violence. She wept for her daughter, who was nowhere to be found.

The search lasted 3 months. There were no leads, no where she was told to run, no where who would have taken her in, no where, it seemed, she could go. It was as though she’d vanished without a trace, and Snowstorm didn’t know whether he’d saved her, or doomed her. The case was dropped in February. If someone hadn’t taken her in and kept her, the weather laid claim to her body by now.

But now here she stood, alive, healthy, and grown.

Snowstorm wept, tears soaking the hardwood floor of the brightly lit room in which he stood. He wept for happiness. He wept for relief. He wept for the greatest burden a pony could ever bear had been lifted from his shoulders. He rushed to the small filly, squeezing her in a loving embrace.

“Scootaloo…” He began, tears still streaming down his cheeks.

Now, Scootaloo cried too, for reasons she could not fathom, “Snowstorm…”

In their embrace Snowstorm cried, “I’ve missed you so much…I…I thought you were dead…we…we all thought you were dead. Why didn’t you come back?”

Scootaloo sobbed now, she seemed terrified, “I…I saw what you did to dad and…I thought they’d take you away. And if you weren’t there…what would happen next time dad came home like that? You wouldn’t be there to protect me…”

The pair cried a long while in each other’s embrace. When his sobs finally subsided, Snowstorm parted from Scootaloo in order to look her in the eye.

“I will never let anything happen to you again.”

“I don’t want to go back Snowstorm…I can’t now…this is my home. Here. In Ponyville.”

“Then you won’t go back. I’ll take care of you from now on. But Mom’s going to want to see you, you know.”

Scootaloo chuckled lightly. “I miss mom…”

“I know you do Scoots…She misses you…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rainbow watched the entire drama unfold before her eyes. She was confused to say the least, but eventually everything came into place. This was why she’d never met Scootaloo’s parents, why she always looked up to her, and why she needed a flight instructor. She was alone, and Rainbow was the only adult in her life that she trusted.

Rainbow finally spoke as the two began to separate, “So let me get this straight…Scootaloo’s your little sister?”

Snowstorm nodded.

“So, why haven’t you been around here before? Didn’t you want to visit?”

“I didn’t know she was here…no pony did.” Snowstorm explained what happened to them years ago, and how they got separated, everything that happened after Scootaloo’s disappearance. Scootaloo cried again at hearing this, hearing how her mother wept for her loss for years.

“We held a funeral for you, Scootaloo, about 4 years ago. After the police pronounced you missing and likely dead, they pretty much dropped the case. Mom tried to find you, doing nothing with her free time but searching. When she finally came up empty handed after searching everywhere she could think to look, she decided we should honor your passing. You have a grave and an empty casket at Cloudsdale cemetery.” Snowstorm spoke solemnly now, comforting his sister as she cried. He turned to Rainbow. “We never thought to look in Ponyville. We never thought you’d make it this far…”

Scootaloo wiped away tears, “I hoped on a mail cart the night I ran away, and fell asleep inside. When I woke up, the mail men picked me up and through me out of the cart, that’s how I ended up here.”

Rainbow still looked puzzled. “Where have you been living? How have you gotten food?”

“I sleep in the school house, I just make sure to get out before Ms. Cherillee comes in the morning. The school lunches are enough, and Applebloom and Sweetie Bell normally give me some of theirs.” She said it almost matter of factly, as though it was normal for a foal to live under such conditions. “They think it’s just cause I’m hungry, they don’t know I’m not really living anywhere.”

Rainbow sat in shock. This entire time, she never would have guessed Scootaloo to be an orphan, or a run-away. She just though her parents were never around or were too busy to care. Snowstorm listened intently, absorbing all the information.

“Well, you don’t have to anymore. You’ll be staying with me at the hotel until I get a more permanent place to stay, and I’ll be feeding you. We’ll get you settled in for your own room tonight.”

Scootaloo smiled, her teary eyes showing thanks. She leaned in against his chest, nuzzling into his fur “Thanks big bro.”

Snowstorm leaned down and planted a kiss on Scootaloo’s head. “I’m just glad I found you.”

Suddenly, Scootaloo looked up. “Wait, why can’t I stay in your room?”

“Heh, well, I’ve only got one bed…”

“And that’s MY spot, kiddo.” Rainbow butt in, smiling at Scootaloo.

It took Scootaloo a moment to process what was just said, but when she did, she smiled and looked at Snowstorm. “Wait…so you…and Rainbow…are… an item?”

Snowstorm smiled, “Heh, if you want to call it that, yeah.”

A devious grin spread across Scootaloo’s face before turning to Rainbow, “You realize that dating my older brother gives me the right to be a constant, massive pest to you, right?”

Rainbow face hoofed, “The one pony I date in this town, and it’s gotta be the president of my fan club’s older brother…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After bringing Ms. Warmhearth up-to-date back at the hotel, she was more than happy to rent out another room to Snowstorm. This time, however, he insisted on paying rent. Ms. Warmhearth handed the key to Snowstorm and said with neither shame nor censorship, “Do be quiet though, these rooms have thin walls, and I gave you two adjoining rooms.”

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, “Huh? What does that mean?”

Rainbow darted in with another perfect save. “It means don’t snore too loud, or you’ll wake us up.”

“Oh, Ok.”

After Snowstorm finished unpacking the few things Scootaloo had into her room, he sat down next to her on the bed.

“I want you to sleep tight tonight ok? You’ve had a long day today, and you're going to need your rest for your longer day tomorrow.”

“Why? What’s tomorrow?” Asked Scootaloo, still snuggling under the comforters.

“Tomorrow, we’re going to visit mom.”

Chapter 13: Cold Shock

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 13: Cold Shock

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Snowstorm kissed his younger sister gently on the forehead as he watched her drift into sleep. It’s amazing, he thought, after all those years…He quietly exited the small hotel room and began the brief walk back to his. He opened the old wooden door to his room slowly, in attempts to stifle any creaks the door may let out. As he entered the door he sighed, exhausted from the days events. Quietly, he shut the door behind him and turned to see Rainbow laid out on the bed seductively.

Snowstorm grinned, “You know, the skies are clear, what’s your cheesy excuse for having to stay here this time?”

Rainbow gave a sly smile, “Do I really still need one?”

Snowstorm laughed. It felt good to laugh, it had been a long day and he needed a little bit of light-heartedness. His smile faded slightly, “As tempting as the offer is, I’ve had a long day, and Scootaloo and I are going back to see mom. She still thinks Scoots is dead and, well, we’ll have to be dealing with a lot of emotions…”

Rainbow’s smile faded completely, now sitting upright on the bed with a serious face. “Really? Tomorrow? Isn’t that a little…soon?”

Snowstorm looked back at Rainbow, climbing in bed himself, “Maybe, but if you thought your kid was dead, would you want to suffer another day thinking that?”

Rainbow sighed, “no, I guess not…”

Snowstorm frowned, “What’s the matter? You seem upset…”

“Well, I was just hoping to spend tomorrow with you is all. We’ve yet to have a day that wasn’t interrupted with these crazy shenanigans.” Rainbow exclaimed, spinning her eyes on the word 'crazy'.

Snowstorm stopped. She was right, It felt like with all that had been going on he’d lived in Ponyville for weeks! In truth, this was only his third day. “Well, would you like to come with us? I mean, I know it’s early, but I guess I’d like you to meet my mom.”

Rainbow beamed, “I’d love to come along! Should we head out right after we clean up the skies?”

“Sounds good to me.” Snowstorm whispered into Rainbow’s ear before pecking her cheek, and falling into a restful sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Snowstorm and Rainbow had a stroke of luck. While the earth was still covered in a thick layer of snow, the skies we’re crystal clear, not a cloud within them. The journey didn’t require much planning, as while Cloudsdale may have been high in the air, it was only a mile or so away from Ponyville, if one flew over the mountains. Ms. Warmhearth was kind enough as to pack all of them a small sack lunch before bidding them off that morning.

As the trio stepped out the door, Scootaloo paused, “Wait a second…you two can just fly to Cloudsdale, how the hay am I gonna get up there?”

Rainbow stopped. She hadn’t thought about that. Without hesitation, Snowstorm lowered himself as though bowing for the princess, and instructed Scootaloo to hop on. Scootaloo did as she was told, but accidentaly forced Snowstorm’s lowered head into the snow beneath him.

“Oops…heh heh, sorry.” Scootaloo held a hoof over her mouth.

Man, she weighs more than I thought, Snowstorm thought as he razed his head from the snow. The three took off, ascending into the sky, eyes focused on the flying city of Cloudsdale on the horizon. Rainbow was the first to notice the look upon Scootaloo’s face.

It was the first time she had ever flown, or at least been this high in the air. Since her wings had not yet developed, somewhat due to her lack of schooling, she had yet to experienced the ultimate freedom of flight. Her eyes grew wide as saucers, pupils expanding to a massive size as she took in the sights beneath her. The entire world was small now, a flat, limiting, and two-dimensional plane of existence with an infinitely new world hanging above it. The high winds carried her mane with them, causing it to wildly dance as the air moved as its partner.

While Rainbow Dash had experienced flight hundreds of times, she still remembered the first ever time she flew. The way the wind ran through her coat and mane, the way the air mixed with complete freedom to create tears of all but sadness in her ruby eyes. She sighed, and began to reflect how little she stopped to simply appreciate flight as its self, and just how much she took her wings for granted.

Slowly, the edge of Cloudsdale became visible as the three reached it’s outer limits. The city was fairly large in comparison to Ponyville. While Ponyvile was mostly comprised of small shops and businesses, Clousdale’s main source of revenue was it’s large, weather-making factories. Many of the homes were much larger, while ponies that couldn’t afford large homes stayed in large apartment buildings. Even while the trio flew, Scootaloo couldn’t help but gaze up at the large cloud structures that surrounded her. It had been so long, this didn’t feel like home, but instead an alien world of towering buildings and hundreds of Pegasi.

After a brief flight within the city, the three came to a newer, more segregated part of the city. Here, the homes were nice, but quiet, simple. Many of them looked the same in build, lining one after another, separated only by small yards. Snowstorm stopped at one house in particular. Scootaloo jumped off of Snowstorm and landed on the cloud sidewalk beneath her, confusion in her eyes.

“But…but this isn’t our house…” Scootaloo was clearly puzzled.

“No…nor was it the one you lived in. After you went missing, it’s not hard to guess that mom and dad split up. After a few months, well, child support stopped coming in and we lost ties with him. Neither mom nor I have seen him in years.”

“Dad’s not around anymore?” While a hint of sadness could be heard in Scootaloo’s small, frightened voice, a sense of relief came with it too. It was obvious she wasn’t ready to face that demon yet, and Snowstorm thought it best she never did.

“No Scoots, he’s gone. Probably out of Cloudsdale, maybe even Equestria for all we know. But without the child support, mom couldn’t afford to keep our old house, so we moved here, about a year after you went missing. She’s been living here with someone for a while now…someone I probably should have told you about…”

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, she wasn’t sure where Snowstorm was going with this.

“A couple months after your ‘funeral’, mom met a nice stallion named Sea Mist. He and mom fell in love and, well, about 3 years after you went missing, mom married Sea Mist. He’s our step father.” Snowstorm stepped back, unsure of what reaction to expect. Anger? Distrust? Sadness?

None came. Instead, Scootaloo simply smiled. “Well, I’m glad mom found someone who makes her happy! Do you like him?”

Snowstorm stopped, thinking to criticize Sea Mist for some of his less admirable qualities, which came out fairly often, but decided against it. “I think he’s a good man and I’m glad he makes mom happy too. Come on, let’s go in so you can meet him.”

Snowstorm walked up to the door, and Scootaloo followed, standing just behind him, but in front of Rainbow. Snowstorm gave a few knocks before stepping back. He let out a breath, unsure of how the entire situation would play out.

The door opened to the face of a kindly mare, standing with a gentle smile and her hoof still on the door. She was a pale, grey-ish blue, with soft, deep grey eyes. Her lavender mane was rather short for a mare, kept in a small bun behind her head. She was younger than Ms. Warmhearth, perhaps by a decade or two, but was still reaching the end of her prime. She spoke enthusiastically when greeting Snowstorm.

“Snowstorm, honey, how are you? What brings you home?” The older mare embraced Snowstorm in a tight hug before opening her eyes and noticing Rainbow behind him. “And you brought a friend! How nice…” She gave Snowstorm a wink.

“Heh, yeah, this is Rainbow Dash, I’ll make introductions in a moment…”

“Well, introduce us now dear!”

“Mom, I think there’s someone here who you might rather see.”

Snowstorm’s mother took a step back, raising a quizzical eyebrow at Snowstorm while tilting her head.

“Mom…I...I found her…”

Scootaloo took a few cautious steps from behind Snowstorm, meeting her mother’s gaze. “H-Hi Mom…” a few tears began to form in Scootaloo’s eyes.

Snowstorm’s mother stared blankly for a split moment, her brain unable to process the information before her.

“Scootaloo…” She spoke in a whisper, before her eyes fluttered shut, rolling back in her head, and her legs gave in, causing her to fall to the sidewalk in an unconscious heap.

Chapter 14: Warming up to the Cold

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 14: Warming up to the Cold

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20 minutes passed until Snowstorm’s mother regained consciousness. Snowstorm and Rainbow had carried her into her cloud home and placed her on the couch after she collapsed on the sidewalk. Past that, nopony was sure how to treat the unconscious mare, so they simply waited, discussing living arrangements.They dropped their conversation as soon as the elder mare let out a low groan.

“Mom? Mom are you ok?” Snowstorm approached his mother as her eyelids fluttered open.

“Wha…what happened?” She asked, while putting a hoof to her head.

“Ok…you fainted because…” Snowstorm attempted to be gentle, carefully wording the news so as not to panic his mother again.

“I remember….you…and a filly…and…Scootaloo…”Upon finishing her sentence, she immediately shot to attention. “Scootaloo! Where is she? Is she ok? I want to talk to her!” Her head no swung back and forth rapidly, causing the bun on the back of her head to flail wildly.

“Whoa, whoa, calm down mom…she’s right here.” Snowstorm stood aside and allowed his mother to see past him, Scootaloo now visible, wearing a nervous smile.

“Hey Mom…”

Their mother stood silent, her eyes wide and jaw agape.

“You’re not going to faint again, are you?”

Scootaloo’s mother shook her head rapidly in attempts to break her trance and disbelief. “No! No dear…I just…I just can’t believe it’s you…it’s been so long. So very, very long…”

Tears began to form in the corner of her eyes, as a gentle smile spread across her face.

“I thought we lost you…” Tears were now streaming down her cheeks, but she held her smile. “Oh Scootaloo!”

Their mother rushed forward, pulling Scootaloo into a tight embrace, now openly sobbing. “Wh-where have you been? W-we looked everywhere for y-you!” She now lost her smile, allowing tears to flow freely, reflective streaks forming upon her cheeks.

Rainbow Dash began to cry as well. She didn’t know why, but there was something so heartwarming about the moment that it simply brought tears to her shimmering eyes. Snowstorm’s eyes glistened as he smiled, but tears did not spring.

Scootaloo began to cry too, returning her mother’s embrace. “I-I was in Ponyville. I have been for a long time…”

Scootaloo’s mother now released her, petting down her forelegs and back with her hooves, as if examining for cuts and bruises. “Ponyville? How on earth did you get there? Why didn’t you come home?”

“The night of the fight I hopped into a mail cart and waited until they threw me out. At first I didn’t want to come home, because I thought you’d be mad…then when I wanted to come home, I couldn’t…After a while I made so many friends in Ponyville that it was my home, and I’ve been there ever since.”

Scootaloo’s mother continued to check over her daughter, “But where did you stay? Or sleep? Who fed you?”

Scootaloo went on to explain her situation in Ponyville, and how she came to arrive here today. After a while, both she and her mother had stopped crying, while her mother listened intently, only asking questions from time to time.

“…I see,” Scootaloo’s mother replied after her daughter finished, “it sounds like you have a real home in Ponyville…your friends, and now, your brother…” her eyes began to feel watery again, threatening additional sobs. She took a sharp breath in, “I just wish I could have been there to watch you grow up…”

Once again, sobs rocketed her body as she began listing events she had missed, “Oh, your first tooth, your first day of school, your first flight, I missed them all!” Scootaloo’s mother wailed.

“Actually I haven’t flown yet…” Scootaloo replied meekly, “I can use my wings to push me around on my scooter, but Ponyville has an earth pony school…they don’t teach you to fly…”

Her mother chuckled between less intense sobs, “heh, kinda bittersweet news for me…but I’m glad I will get to be there for that part of your life.” She sighed, her sobs subsiding, “Oh I’m so sorry Scootaloo, I’m just an emotional wreck…”

Scootaloo chuckled, “It’s ok mom, I understand.”

Scootaloo’s mother hugged her daughter tightly before looking her in the eyes. “Obviously I don’t want to miss another part of you growing up, but I can’t imagine tearing you away from Ponyville, and now, your brother. Obviously you’re welcome to move in with us if you want, but I won’t force you.”

Scootaloo sighed, a hard choice had been laid out in front of her. Obviously she wanted to stay with Ponyville, but now that she had been reunited with her mother, technically that was where she should stay.

Snowstorm broke the silence, “I actually plan on getting a home in Ponyvile, as I’ve landed a job with a steady enough income. You can stay with me if you want Scoots…”

Scootaloo seemed pleased with this idea, that way, she could be close to her friends and her brother, but that still meant not getting to see her mother. Plus, constantly living with someone dating her idol could be…awkward, on a LOT of levels. Then an idea creeped into her head.

“Well…what if I stay with Snowstorm during the week…and then I spend weekends here?”

Scootaloo’s mother grinned, “I think that’s a wonderful idea! That way you can stay close with all your friends. Maybe these old wings can even give you some flying lessons while you’re here with me.”

Scootaloo turned to her brother, who nodded in conformation, “I think that’s an awesome idea sis, and I’d be happy to teach you when your not in school too. I’m sure Rainbow would love to help too,” Rainbow nodded.

Scootaloo smiled, she not only had a home now, but two, and a family that loved her dearly. Plus flying lessons form THE Rainbow Dash! Life finally seemed to be falling in order once again.

Suddenly, flaps where heard from outside the door to the cloud home, followed by a gentle ‘poof’, indicating a pony had landed just outside the door. The four ponies inside turned to face the door as it opened slowly. A large, sea green pegasus entered the home, removing a trilbilly hat from his short, white mane. He rested it on a hat rack before turning into the living room and facing the ponies inside.

“Um…Hello…Snowstorm…”He nodded at Snowstorm, “Glad to see you’re home…with company…” He walked into the room, somewhat awkwardly. “Icicle, Snowstorm, who are these two lovely young fillies?” He gave a small grin, obviously unaware of the scene, taking place.

“Sea Mist, this is Rainbow Dash, Snowstorm's, uh, friend.” She wasn’t sure what the two meant to each other, so she choose the safest word she could think of, “And this…” she paused, smiling, “is Scootaloo…”

Sea Mist paused. “Scootaloo..? As in…your Scootaloo?” He asked, unsure.

Icicle responded sweetly, “Yes dear…my Scootaloo…our Scootaloo…”

Sea Mist walked up to Scootaloo, who stood awkwardly. Sea Mist crouched down. He was significantly shorter than Snowstorm, but was still a full-grown stallion. “Hey Scootaloo…It’s uh…it’s nice to meet you…I’ve uh….I’ve heard a lot about you, but I never thought I’d actually get to…you know…meet you.”

Scootaloo gave an awkward smile, “Can’t say the same, I just got here not too long ago…”

Sea Mist stood up, “So…are you going to be living with us now, Scootaloo?”

“Only on weekends, it looks like.” Scootaloo replied.

“Well, then I guess we’ll be getting to know each other huh?” Sea Mist gave Scootaloo a small noogie, allowing her to truly smile now.

“Heh, yeah, I guess so…”

Sea Mist turned to the rest of the group, “Obviously you’re all welcome to stay the night, I just hope we have enough space to accompany you all. We only have two guest beds…”

“Won’t be a problem,” Rainbow interjected, blushing slightly at what she’d just admitted to a pony she’d just met. “Um…hi…I’m Rainbow Dash…I’m your son’s fillyfriend.” Rainbow felt a little nervous. It was the first time she’d actually used that title, she hoped Snowstorm wouldn’t be upset.

“Wait…THE Rainbow Dash? As in, winner of the best young flyer competition? First pony to ever do a SONIC RAINBOOM?!”

“Heh, yeah, that’s me!” Rainbow basked in the recognition, it was her bread and butter.

“Wow, and you're dating Snowstorm?”

“Yes siree!”

Sea Mist paused for a moment before leaning in and whispering to Rainbow, “Why?”

‘Whap!’ Sea Mist felt a hoof smack him upside the head. “Ow…What was that for?” He asked, turning to his wife.

“I think you know very well.” She said, giving him a stern look.

“Heh, ok, ok.” He rubbed the back of his head with a hoof while turning to Snowstorm, who gave him an unamused look. “Well, it looks like if I thought you anything it’s how to pick ‘em. Proud of ya boy!” Sea Mist gave Snowstorm a hearty pat on the back.

“Well, if everypony’s alright with the idea, I say I whip us up some dinner and then we can retire to our bedrooms, hm?” Icicle gave a warm smile.

Everypony nodded in response. Food sounded great, especially after another long day such as this one.

“Great! I’ll put the stove on!”

Chapter 15: Cold Winter Nights

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 15: Cold Winter Nights

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Rainbow walked alongside Snowstorm, her head resting on his shoulder. Their meal had been fantastic: a wholesome carrot casserole, with a delicious apple pie for dessert. Rainbow sighed in content. With her belly full, and her stallion by her side, things felt right in her world. This is the good life, she thought. I haven’t had anything but carryout and Pinkie Pie’s party food in months; maybe I should stay here more often!

Snowstorm gently draped his wing over Rainbow as they neared the end of the hall. The guest bedroom was small and crowded with boxes full of miscellaneous items.

“Terribly sorry about the condition of your old bedroom dear,” Icicle had stated over dinner, “we would have tidied up if we knew we were having company”

“Wow,” Rainbow thought aloud, “This place is kind of a wreck…”

Snowstorm chuckled, “At least they cleaned it up a little since I moved out…you should have seen it when I lived in here.”

Rainbow examined the small bedroom. While it was crowded with boxes, it was at least clean. Only one thing about the room really bothered her.

“Two beds. Your parents said you had two guest beds…” Rainbow gave Snowstorm a dead-pan stare. He raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah…and there they are…”

“She didn’t say they’d be in the SAME ROOM!” Rainbow extended a hoof, pointing toward the two beds that lay in the cramped room. “Or that they’d be bucking BUNK BEDS!”

“Oh…I could see why that’s different….” Snowstorm lowered his head, smiling meekly.

“I swear, when you move into your house we are gonna be making up for lost time buddy…”

Icicle coughed.

The pair spun around immediately to see the older mare, raising an eyebrow, frowning. Both Snowstorm and Rainbow blushed intensely and stood silently.

“Well, if you two need separate beds due to your…urges…I’m sure Snowstorm can take the couch…”

If ponies had a die-on-command button, Snowstorm would have used it then and there; fortunately, he found himself without.

“Uh, heh, well I guess it’s good practice since Scootaloo’s going to be staying with me a lot anyways…”

“Yeah, sure, will go with that…just…yeah…” At least they got the message Icicle thought. “Anyways, here are the sheets and some extra blankets incase you get cold.” Icicle handed her son the blankets and walked back down the hall. Scootaloo passed her mother and told her goodnight while heading down to her bedroom for the night. As she reached the end of the hall she stepped into the bedroom, briefly appraising her surroundings.

Scootaloo turned to Snowstorm“ The bunk beds? You KEPT those things?”

“What? I still fit in them and they were comfy…” Snowstorm backed up a bit, still blushing from his previous conversation.

“Whatever, dibs on top bunk!” Scootaloo hopped to the bed and climbed the small ladder to the top.

“Um, yeah, I think that’s best.” Snowstorm and Rainbow climbed into the bottom bunk, bowing their heads under the low wooden beams. As the pair attempted to get comfy, they found that they were not only permitted, but forced to cuddle together.

“Are you comfy?” Snowstorm asked, his voice quiet.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Rainbow whispered.

“Ok, goodnight Rainbow.” Snowstorm pecked Rainbow on the cheek and cuddled in closer to her.

Rainbow began to drift into sleep, enjoying the comforting feeling of Snowstorm’s forelegs rapped around her body…that is until she felt an elbow jab her side

“Hey, watch where you poke that thing!” Rainbow said in a loud whisper.

Scootaloo opened her eyes, and looked downward in confusion, careful not to move.

“I need more space for this!” Snowstorm responded, attempting to adjust the blankets over his body.

Scootaloo’s eyes opened wide now, a disgusted look crossing her face.

“Well then quit it! Besides, your hooves are FREEZING!” Rainbow continued to gripe as Snowstorm adjusted the sheets over both of them.

“Celestia, this was so much easier at the hotel…” Snowstorm grumbled to himself.

“Now you’re going to get the bed all hot from moving around to much!” Rainbow complained. “Now I’m thirsty…”

Snowstorm handed Rainbow a glass of water from the nightstand beside him. While she drank, Snowstorm gave a firm pull to their blanket with a grunt. The glass of water shook in Rainbow’s hooves, causing it to spill on her coat.

“Aw, you got it all over my coat!” rainbow cried out.

Scootaloo had heard enough, “Yeah that’s fine! Spare me the filter!” Scootaloo raised her voice, making sure she was heard above the….ruckus below.

“Oh crap we woke up Scoots….wait what about a filter?” Snowstorm got out of bed, now sporting a suspicious look.

“You guys know I can hear everything that goes on down there…” Scootaloo flipped on her side in the bed, looking at her brother with disgust.

Snowstorm returned with a stare, “I was adjusting the blankets…”

“Oh…” Scootaloo stopped.

“oh for the love of…get you mind out of the gutter! You’re like, 12!” Snowstorm pinched the bridge of his nose between a hoof before thrusting it at his little sister. Scootaloo simply rolled her eyes and turned in her bed to face the opposing wall.

Snowstorm sighed, and crawled back into bed with Rainbow. He looked Rainbow in her eyes and spoke softly, “I swear, where does a little filly like her learn about this kinda stuff?”

Rainbow shrugged before a mischievous grin spread across her face. She raised a hoof, pointing at the bunk above her, “You know, she said we could spare her the-“

“NO.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunrise came early in cloudsdale, far above the Equestrian terrain. As soon as Celestia’s sun became visible on the horizon, light filled the small bedroom. Snowstorm was the first to wake, his eyes slowly shifting open.

“Buh..?” He looked around, slightly confused to be in his old bedroom. He looked at Rainbow and smiled, she was sleeping soundly, and had fallen asleep sometime after he did. He looked over her body and noticed his own hoof still lying underneath her. Oh no…he thought as the feeling crept up his foreleg. I’m not going to be able to move that leg all day… The tingling crept over his entire body as he slid his limb from underneath Rainbow. The tingles weren’t so bad; it was the feeling that came next which he despised. The hot rush of blood surged into his sleeping foreleg as he attempted to bend it at the knee. I can’t even move the damned thing. He grabbed hold of his own leg with another, and began to shake violently. His limp joint now flailed wildly, as blood began to rush back into the numb sections of his hoof.

At somepoint during Snowstorm’s wild flapping of his own hoof, Rainbow had awoken and rolled over to come face to face with the sight.

“Uh…what are you doing?” Rainbow asked through giggles.

“Oh, your awake. Sorry, my hoof fell asleep underneath you last night and I’m trying to wake it up.”

“Ahh.”

The pair heard a yawn come from above, followed by some brief rustling. Suddenly, Scootaloo’s head pooped into view, hanging from above. “Morning!”

“Morning Sis, sleep well?”

“Yeah pretty good, you?”

“We slept alright, little cramped though…”

Scootaloo looked at the couple, “Yeah I can see that…” she paused and sniffed at the air. “Do…do you guys smell that?”

Snowstorm sniffed the air and grinned, “Oh yes…That’s the smell of some warm, fresh-“

“PANCAKES!!” Scootaloo burst out of bed and through the door, eager for a decent breakfast.

Snowstorm laughed an turned to Rainbow, “Pancakes?”

“Sounds great!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the family had eaten their breakfast, short goodbyes took place, with promises to return within the week, along with whatever Scootaloo wanted to bring with her.

“I still don’t know if it was a good idea to give her all that maple syrup right before the ride home…” Snowstorm hugged his mother, giving her a nervous smile.

“Get used to it sweetie; your looking out for her most of the time now.”

“Is this punishment for last night?” Snowstorm inquired.

“Oh most definitely. Have fun carrying her!”
Both of them laughed briefly before Snowstorm adopted a serious face, “No, seriously, this is going to be a massive pain in the flank.”

“Oh I know dear, all the more reason to get into giving her some flying lessons!” Icicle beamed. “Well, I suppose you’ll be off now, I’ll see you in a week! Rainbow, it was very nice meeting you,” Icicle hugged the rainbow filly before backing up, “take care of them, ok?”

“Yes ma’am!” Rainbow saluted, “Sea mist, it was nice to meet you too.”

“A pleasure. I’ll see you next week?” Sea mist replied with a small smile.

“I hope so. Well, we better be off, goodbye you two!”

“Bye Mom, by Dad!” Scootaloo waved before climbing onto snowstorms back, a wide, toothy grin on her face.

While Icicle waved, smiling, Sea Mist stood still a moment. A tear began to form in the corer of his eye as a he smiled.

Snowstorm tuned around, “Bye Mom, see you later Sea-…Dad.” Snowstorm swallowed, but gave an earnest smile.

Sea Mist began to feel his lips quiver as he waved back. She called me dad…HE called me dad…I’m dad… Sea Mist thought as he watched his children take off into the skies.

Chapter 16: Cozy Winter Cabins

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 16: Cozy Winter Cabins

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By the time he had touched down outside the hotel, Snowstorm found himself covered in small bruises. The energetic filly, who was now running in circles for no apparent reason, had flailed wildly for the entire duration of the flight. Snowstorm brought a hoof to one of his many bruises. Gently, he pressed inwards, wincing in pain.

“Yup….that’s gonna leave a mark…” Snowstorm sighed as he returned to standing on all fours.

Rainbow chuckled, “Well at least we’re here now. What’s the plan for the day?”

“Ooh!Ooh! We could go swimming or flying or go to the clubhouse and play games or we could….” Scootaloo rambled on in a hyperactive state as Snowstorm and Rainbow turned to each other.

“Well, actually, I was kinda hoping you could help me pick out a house.” Snowstorm offered.

“Sure! That actually sounds like fun! Are you going to get a cloud home or keep your hooves on the ground?” Rainbow replied, smiling now.

“Probably going to stay earth bound. As comfy as clouds are, Winter’s coming and the hummingbird here,” Snowstorm extended a hoof to the still spinning and rambling young filly, “can’t fly yet.”

“Ah, I see. Well, most Ponyville homes are cottages, so they are pretty affordable. Lets talk to the mayor; she should be able to help you out.” Rainbow turned and waved a hoof, signaling Snowstorm to follow. He continued behind her, leaving Scootaloo oblivious.

“H-Hey! Where are we going? Is it somewhere fun? I hope they have candy!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The mayor’s office resided in a small, rustic building, not much larger than most of the cottages in the village. As the trio entered, they first noticed the warmth of the office compared to the cold wind outside. The smell of old parchment and ink filled the noses of the three pegasi who looked about the office. In the center sat a kindly old mare, writing furiously with her mouth. She looked up at the sound of the door opening and dropped her quill, smiling gently.

“Well hello Rainbow Dash! And Scootaloo! And…I’m sorry I don’t believe we’ve met. You are..?”

“Uh, Hi, I’m a Snowstorm. I’m new in town and was looking at buying a home.”

“Of course of course! You’re that new young stallion on weather patrol with Rainbow! Oh, it’s good to meet you! Now, your looking for a home, you say? How large?” The mare began pulling out various files, skimming through them.

“Um, at least two bedrooms and two full bathrooms.” Snowstorm spoke, somewhat unsure of himself.

“Hmm…let’s see…I have a two bedroom, two full bath, one half bath single story cottage available for 1,500 bits a month for 10 years. It’s near the town square and has been recently remodeled. Interested?”

“That sounds nice, can we go have a look at it?” Snowstorm grinned now, the home sounded promising, and was reasonably priced. If I hold my current job, I’ll be making 6,000 bits a month…damn that’s a lot. I can pay for this place easy! Snowstorm thought to himself as the four ponies began walking toward the town square.

When the four had arrived at the empty home, one certain filly had come down off a sugar rush, and was beginning to nose dive into a crash. No sooner had the four entered the room than an audible ‘thud’ echoed through the house. The three standing ponies turned to see Scootaloo, sleeping soundly on the hardwood floor. Snowstorm laughed, well at least she’s comfortable sleeping in new places…

The three continued to tour the small home. It had a very traditional style, with hard wood floors, tan wallpaper and a simplistic trim. Coming into the front door, one immediately met a bedroom door on their left. As they continued to walk, the hallway opened into a small den, which connected to a bachelor’s kitchen. It was not only small, but had only a stove, microwave, and miniature refrigerator. There was no oven, and the stove only had two burners. Good thing I don’t cook a lot more than chef coltardee…Snowstorm thought to himself as he examined the kitchen. The den was spacious, with a large fireplace in the center, and nothing else.

Finally, on the right of the den/kitchen combo was a larger bedroom, with a bathroom inside it. It seemed spacious enough for his liking, and the ability to go to the bathroom without having to leave the bedroom seemed very appealing. The bedroom was carpeted, as was the other, and gave the rooms a much more comforting appearance.

Snowstorm gave a final look over of the house before turning to the mayor, “Alright, I’ll take it.”

The mayor blinked, “That’s it? You don’t want to see any other homes or anything?”

“Nah, I’ve never been good with decisions.” Snowstorm waved a dismissive hoof.

“Ah…well, ok then! We can just go back to my office and I’ll get the paperwork all set up!”

“Sounds good, how long until we can move in?” Snowstorm asked.

“If you want? Right after you sign the papers…”

“Awesome! So…can we leave her here while we get everything signed? “ Snowstorm pointed downward at the sleeping filly beneath him.

The mayor laughed, “Sure, it’ll only be a minute…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Snowstorm carried his duffel bag to the door of his new home, and opened the door again. Scootaloo lay napping exactly where she had been left, now snoring loudly. Snowstorm gave a few gentle kicks to his sleeping sister. She began to stir, mumbling incoherently.

“Scootaloo, get up, it’s time to see your new house.” Snowstorm whispered to the half sleeping filly.

“Hm..? New house? You mean this is where we live now?” Scootaloo looked around, seeing it for the first time she could recollect.

“Yup, signed the papers like five minutes ago.” He opened the door to the larger bedroom and threw hid duffel bag inside.

Scootaloo rubbed her eyes before opening the door to the smaller bedroom, which shared a wall with the other bathroom. “Is this my room?”

“Sure is. No come on, wake up, we have to go pick out a bed for you, and some other stuff. Do you have anything you want to keep for when we move in?”

“Yeah, my scooter. It’s parked outside the school, if we could pick it up that would be great.”

Snowstorm raised an eyebrow, “Your scooter? How did you get a scooter?”

“Miss Cherilee gave it to me for my birthday last year, it helps me get around town faster.”

“Huh, Ok…well I’m sure we can pick it up today.” Snowstorm now stood beside his younger sister and opened the door to his new home, Ponyville.

“So…where are we going to get furniture?” Scootaloo asked, walking alongside her older brother.

“Rainbow said to meet her at someplace called Sofa’s and Quills…I guess they sell sofas, so maybe they sell mattresses. After all, we need a place to sleep tonight. Or at least, I do.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes, “Whatever, just don’t get one that creaks too much, ok?”

Snowstorm sighed, “You really are a master at being so mature and immature at the same time, you realize this right?”

Scootaloo laughed, “It’s called being a smartass.”

Snowstorm laughed now as wall as the two approached the small furniture shop, Rainbow waiting just outside.

“Hey guys! Turns out they sell beds and some other stuff too!” Rainbow grinned, pleased that she’d led her friends to the right place.

“Awesome! It’ll be kinda weird having just a bed, but it’s all I really need right now.” Snowstorm smiled back as he reached Rainbow, pecking her on the lips.

“So what are you looking for in a bed? Other than me in it, of course?” Rainbow gave her best set of bedroom eyes.

Snowstorm blushed, “Um…you know, something comfy, soft…”

“Quiet?” Rainbow interjected with a sly grin.

Snowstorm brought a hoof to his face, “Mother of Celestia, I’ve got two of them now…”

Chapter 17: The Ice Trolls

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 17: The Ice Trolls

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Snowstorm and Scootaloo wandered the sofa shop, looking for a suitable bed.

“Ooo, ooo! I want this one!” Scootaloo hopped in place, pointing an energetic hoof at a ‘Wonderbolts’ children’s bed.

“I don’t think so Scoots, you’ll grow out of it in less than a year…”Snowstorm replied.

“But it’s sooooo cool!” Scootaloo begged.

“That’s what you said about the last four, now come on, pick out something practical.” Snowstorm said, clearly irritated.

“But practical is sooo boring!”

“Quite Rainbow, you’re not helping.” Snowstorm now turned to Rainbow Dash, who also seemed to be eyeing the Wonderbolt’s bed. “Besides, we already got a bed, and you said you liked it.”

“I said I liked the way you looked in it.” Rainbow replied, giving a sly smirk.

“Ok! Practical! Let’s look at what’s practical!” Scootaloo interjected before the situation could escalate.

A stallion approached Scootaloo and offered a friendly smile. Upon his flank was a small couch and a quill.

Odd, how did he even find out that was his special talent? The three thought in unison.

“Hi there everypony! Name’s Softquill, anyway I can help you find what you’re looking for?”

Ah…

“Actually yes, I need something for this little one here,” Snowstorm gave Scootaloo a small noogie before turning back to the salespony, “something with some room to grow and preferably comfortable.”

“And cool!” Scootaloo interjected.

“Hm…A difficult combo, but I’ll see what I can find. Follow me please.”

After a brief trot, the trio came to a medium sized bed. It had a simple, wooden frame with a small backboard. On it’s comforter’s lay prints of a combination of extreme sports rides, such as trick bicycles, skateboards, and of course, scooters.

Snowstorm looked it over briefly, it was large enough to fit Scootaloo, possibly until she was fully grown. Scootaloo took a running dive at the mattress, landing face first in the soft, springy material. Quickly, the springs within the mattress countered her velocity and sent her flying a few feet into the air. After a few more bounces, Scootaloo finally came to a rest in the middle of the mattress.

“WANT.” Scootaloo said with a groan.

Snowstorm chuckled, “Looks like we’ll take this one too.”

After an hour, the moving ponies arrived at Snowstorm’s home, and unloaded the beds into their respective rooms. Rainbow entered as the moving ponies left, and began trotting back towards the sofa store. She approached Snowstorm,

“Nice little place you got here, mind if I stay?” Rainbow spoke in a sensual tone.

“I may need some help breaking in the new bed…” Snowstorm countered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After an incredibly awkward discussion involving the newfound knowledge that the home had better than expected acoustics, Snowstorm and Rainbow laid in bed together, still very much awake.

“Alright, two VERY key investments have to be made. ONE, a very nice pair of headphones,” Rainbow had a serious expression on her face, Snowstorm merely chuckled, “and TWO, a muzzle.”

“Kinky…” Snowstorm replied with a massive grin.

*whap* Snowstorm felt a hoof to the side of his head. “I meant for the kid! She’s got a mouth on her..”

“Less fun.”

“I know, but it’s true! Where do you think she learned to talk like that?!” Rainbow looked somewhat worried.

“I knew how to when I was her age…our original father was not a nice stallion, but our mother always told us to never repeat the words he said. I guess without mom there telling her to clean up her mouth, she never had anypony to.”

“She’s in for a rude awakening when she goes back to your mom’s isn’t she?” Rainbow asked, smiling slightly.

“Oh, more than you can imagine. I almost WANTED it to happen last trip, just so I could see it. I’ll be amazed if she comes back here without a red rump.”

Rainbow snuggled up to snowstorm, giving him her best bedroom eyes, “After that first weekend, I know I'll have one…”

A small voice echoed from down the hall, “CAN. HEAR. EVERYTHING.”

“Damn it this is annoying…” Rainbow mumbled, backing off slightly

“You and me both!” The voice returned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Five Days Later)

“Come on Scootaloo, we’re going to be late!” Snowstorm stomped a hoof impatiently.

“Hold your humans! I’m coming!” Scootaloo emerged from her room carrying a pair of ‘Beets’ By ‘Dr. Whooves’. Naturally, Scootaloo had picked out literally the most expensive headphones in the music store, and the newest iPony to go with it. But, they were the best at noise cancelation, or so they said. Noise cancellation only seemed to work one way.

“I still can’t believe I spent half a weeks pay to buy you those things.” Snowstorm muttered.

“Well, they do what you want, don’t they?” Scootaloo replied, placing the headphones in her saddle bag.

“Sort of, but you’d be amazed at how off-putting it is to hear “my foal, my foal, my foal, OOOOHHHH!” coming from down the hall. Honestly, how do you like that Justin Trotier colt?” Snowstorm asked with a glare

“Oh, I don’t.” Scootaloo gave an evil smile.

“You wicked little troll…We are leaving. Now.”

“Why? Something you want to do without me around?” Scootaloo was malicious now, a wicked, toothy smile spread across her face.

“Yup, and I need to use your bed to do it…” Snowstorm returned the smile.

“You wouldn’t…” Scootaloo’s face turned to one of horror.

“Maybe, maybe not. The best part is you’ll never know…Now get on, we’re leaving for mom’s.”

Scootaloo shuttered before climbing aboard Snowstorm’s back, “Rainbow’s not coming?”

Snowstorm took off into the air. While flying, he spoke, “Nah, she said she’s cover my shift today if I got the place cleaned up and took you to mom’s. Oh, just a thing, I wouldn’t really worry about being to ‘clean’ around mom anymore. Sea Mist can be pretty vulgar once you get to know him, but he’s still nice. Mom’s just used to it now.” Snowstorm began to smile.

“Really?” Scootaloo asked, raising an eyebrow.

Nope! The one time I heard him say ‘buck’ he got his ear chewed off for two hours! “Yup.”

“Huh. So why are you so uptight about it?” Scootaloo asked suspiciously

“Cause I don’t want you to have to pick you up from detention every other day.” Snowstorm replied.

“Fair enough.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After dropping off Scootaloo with his parents, and making arrangements for Sea Mist to bring her back Sunday night, Snowstorm returned home, somewhat tired. He knew Rainbow would be waiting for him back home, so he stopped at the Ponyville grocery on the way home to pick up a can of Red Pegasus. By the time he returned home, he was re-energized, but not twitchy. It takes a lot to get me buzzed…He thought as he opened the door to his home. It was surprisingly quiet and still, he’d expected a more enthusiastic greeting.

“Rainbow?” He called to the seemingly empty house.

No response.

Gingerly, he walked over to his room, the door slightly opened. “Rainbow?” He called again.

Still no response.

Slowly he opened the door to his room and saw Rainbow, laid out across his bed in a rather provocative pose.

“Happy birthday to me…” Snowstorm said quietly before closing the door behind him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Celestia’s sun shown through the window of Snowstorm’s bedroom, directly onto his eyelids. They scrunched briefly before fluttering open, only to see Rainbow Dash’s face directly in front of his. Her mane was still a mess from the previous night’s…activities…and he was sure they’d practically woken up half of Ponyville, but he was having far to much fun to give any more than zero bucks. Rainbow was still unconscious, laying peacefully with a wide, silly grin still spread across her face.

Snowstorm stood from his bed, careful not to wake the sleeping mare in the bed next to him. He placed to his hooves on the small of his back and stretched, causing a series of ‘pop’s to sound from his spine. He quietly walked out of his room and approached the kitchen.

Pancakes…was the only thought that drifted into his tired mind.

Chapter 18: Returning Shivers

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 18: Returning Shivers

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Snowstorm clumsily made pancakes on his miniature stove, struggling to flip the iron pans with his hooves.

“How do other ponies make these damn things?” He said through a spatula in his mouth.

“Ask Pinkie or the Cakes,” A voice replied from elsewhere in the home, “it sounds like they’re better at it then you are…” Rainbow entered the still barren den from Snowstorm’s bedroom, ”and looks like it to. You’re making a gigantic mess…”

“I wanted to make us breakfast…” Snowstorm replied, walking into the den with a plate a crumbly, malformed pancakes.

“You should have let me make them, Celestia knows you earned it…” Rainbow gave a wink.

“Heh, thanks.” Snowstorm set the plate down on a large rug in the center of the room and sat on his haunches.

“Seriously? You don’t even have a table yet?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow.

“Just moved in, remember? Plus I spent most of the money I was going to use on furniture on food and a certain little brat’s new toys.”

“Aww, you bought me toys?” Rainbow asked sarcastically, before sitting on the rug herself, “Seriously, where did you get this hideous rug? The dumpster?”

“I thought it really brought the room together…” Snowstorm replied.

“Eh, I guess it’s better than nothing,” Rainbow shoveled an entire misshapen pancake into her mouth, “wow, these might not be easy on the eyes but they’re good!”

“Thanks, the recipe is my mom’s, I just suck at flipping them.” Snowstorm took a bite of the golden cakes himself.

“I can tell…hey, what’s the weather like today? Easy?” Rainbow asked between mouthfuls.

“Well it’s nice out, but it’s our job to make it nasty.”

“You seem to be pretty good at making that happen.”

Snowstorm squinted, “not sure if talking about my special talent…or last night. Either way, we’re not whipping up a snowstorm, just rain. Not a thunderstorm or anything major, just a casual drizzle.”

“Seems easy enough. Have the clouds arrived from Cloudsdale yet?” Rainbow asked, now finished with her pancakes and downing a glass of orange juice.

“Nope, natural front. Coming in from the mountains, in about an hour.”

“Well I guess that means we can skip a shower.” Rainbow looked somewhat disappointed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Snowstorm broke the grey cloud cover from above, and grabbed the last of the few remaining stray clouds, shoving it into the hole his body had just created. He wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, panting.

“*whew* all done,” He said aloud. Now, drifting over Ponyville was a steady, dreary, early winter drizzle. The grey of the sky mixed with the lifelessness of the grass and trees below. It was a rather muck day they had been put in charge of making, but sometimes days like those were necessary. He gave a sigh as he looked around at the colorless landscape before him. All of the town’s ponies had stayed within their homes, hunkering down for the bleak day ahead. Even the town square remained motionless, the streetlamps put out by the lazy Sunday rain.

Rainbow flew to Snowstorm from another corner of the sky. Her mane was soaked with rain, and laid flat from its added weight. The water caused the normally separated colors of her mane to blend together now, creating a gradual spectrum of all colors, instead of her usual six. Snowstorm smiled, She looks especially hot with a wet mane he sthought. As Rainbow approached him, she smiled.

“I’m cold, wet and lonely sir, won’t you please take me home?” Rainbow gave a terrible Trottingham accent and pouted her lips.

Snowstorm laughed, “very well, let’s get you nice and warm by a fire.”

Snowstorm and Rainbow entered his home, still dripping wet.

“It’s a good thing you got hardwood floors, It’ll make this much easier to clean…” Rainbow said, sliding across the room.

“I didn’t even think about that, but yeah, I guess you’re right. I think there’s some firewood in the back, let me go get it.” Snowstorm trotted out the back door of his home and approached a large pile of wooden logs, covered by an old blue tarp. It was covered with tears and cobwebs, along with some spots of faded color. Celestia this thing is hideous he thought. Rainbow followed behind him, approaching the wood pile.

“Anyway I can help?” Rainbow asked.

“Sure, help me get this tarp off,” Snowstorm replied, reaching down and grabbing a corner of the tarp with his teeth. Rainbow did the same, and the pair gave a firm yank to the cover. When it came free, Rainbow didn’t notice anything at first. The n she felt the tingling sensation of small legs running up and down her body. She looked down to see dozens of brown spiders, scurrying across her body.

“SPIDERS!!! OH SWEET CELESTIA SPIDERS!!!” Rainbow screamed, dropping the tarp and running erratically around the wood pile.

Snowstorm looked down and casually brushed the spider’s off his coat, only to see Rainbow having a fit. “Rainbow, just calm down and sweep ‘em off, they can’t even bite through your coat!” Snowstorm continued to watch as Rainbow simply ran in circles, her eyes shut tight, convulsing wildly. Finally, her blind run came to an end with a dull *smack* as her head collided with the side of the home, and she fell unconscious.

When Rainbow came to, the first of her senses to return was her smell. She felt the gentle odor of burning firewood and hot cocoa drifting through the room, swirling together in a flawless blend. But there was something else, a bit more distant and faint, but it was there, oh yes. Freshly baked gingerbread cookies. The next of her senses to return was her hearing. The gentle sounds of a crackling fire and soft hums tickled her ears, beginning to bring her closer to reality. Finally, she cracked open her eyes to see a small fire, dancing elegantly in the home’s hearth. In front of her were two steaming mugs of hot cocoa, sitting on the rug.

Rainbow sat up, confused. She was…oddly comfortable for sleeping on the ground. She looked around and noticed she was lying in a small bed, covered in extreme sports prints. She turned to see snowstorm, entering the room with a plate of gingerbread cookies of various shapes and sizes.

“Oh, good, your awake. How’s your head? It didn’t look too bad when I picked you up.”

Rainbow rubbed her head, a dull throbbing still pulsed, “it’s alright…I’ll be fine…what, uh, what happened?”

“Hm?” Snowstorm asked as he sipped his cocoa, “you mean you don’t remember?”

“Well, I remember us going to go get some firewood, and then we pulled the top off and…” Rainbow shuddered, “spiders…”

Snowstorm coughed, “yes, well, when you got a few spiders on you, you began to run and scream like a loon until you managed to run yourself into the wall outside.”

Rainbow frantically threw off the bed covers and examined her body.

“Relax, I brushed them off you before I took you in, you’re fine.” Snowstorm gave an amused chuckle.

“Um…I think I need to take a shower…” Rainbow looked slightly embarrassed. “A really long shower…”

Snowstorm pointed towards his bathroom, “take your time…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rainbow returned, two hours later, now cleaned and calm. She sat next to Snowstorm on the floor and stared into the still burning fire. Snowstorm extended a hoof and invited Rainbow to snuggle up next to him and share his blanket. Rainbow scootched closer to Snowstorm, cuddling up next to him in front of the fire. She sipped on her still hot cocoa and bit into a fresh gingerbread colt, giving the illusion of decapitating him.

“You still do that? Decapitate your gingerbread colts?” Snowstorm asked with a chuckle.

“Well I hate to see them suffer…” Rainbow replied with a giggle before kissing Snowstorm in front of the gentle blaze.

Three staccato knocks came from the front door, causing Snowstorm to break the kiss and give a questioning look to the front door.

“Who could that be? Mom and Sea Mist aren’t supposed to be here until morning…”
Snowstorm approached the door.

“I swear, if your parents cheat me out of ANOTHER night I am going to-“

“Hush. I need to see who this is, it could be important.” Snowstorm reached the door and gently turned the knob with his hoof.

Before him stood a tall stallion pegasus, dirty, disheveled, and presumably poor. Beneath the clumps of mud, dirt, and some garbage lay a pale orange coat, torn, cut, and missing large spots of hair. His mane was a black rats nest, oily, messy and completely unkempt. It was kept flat against his head by an old, off green sock hat, which was also torn in several places. His purple eyes were glassy, and a large scar adorned the left side of his face, made especially noticeable by the stubble growing around the scar tissue.

Snowstorm raised an eyebrow at the pitiful stallion before him, “I’m sorry can I help you sir? I don’t believe we’ve met…”

The stallion gave a dry laugh before turning to a phlegm coated cough, “What’s the matter Snowstorm…” He gave another sickly cough before sporting a sinister grin,

“Don’t you recognize your old man?”

Chapter 19: The Cold Shoulder

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 19: The Cold Shoulder

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You…” Snowstorm whispered. His jaw went slack, eyes widening.

“Me…” replied the stallion in the doorway.

Suddenly, Snowstorm’s face morphed into one of rage, “WHERE THE BUCK HAVE YOU BEEN?! 5 YEARS, 5 YEARS GO BY AND I HAVEN’T SEEN YOUR FACE! WHAT BUCKING RIGHT DO YOU HAVE SHOWING UP HERE?!”

“Aww, what’s the matter Snowstorm, going to cry over your daddy issues?” Snowstorm’s father gave him a sarcastic smile. “Thought I’d raised you to be tougher than that.”

“You didn’t raise me at all.” Snowstorm growled through gritted teeth.

“Pssh, like you wanted me around anyway,” Snowstorm’s father began to walk into the home before Snowstorm put up a hoof to block his entry.

“How did you find me?” Snowstorm asked, still enraged.

“Wasn’t that hard. The chick around here that’s ben giving me booze said she’d seen you around town. Some pony named Berry. Now can I come in? I am family after all…”

“You’re shit to me Stormshadow. What even makes you think I would want to see you?” Snowstorm pressed a hoof against his father’s chest, pushing him back.

“You thought I’d even think about what you wanted? My, my, you don’t remember me at all do you? Please, I just needed a place to crash.”

“Sounds about right. Let me guess, you’re out on the streets cause your drunk flank spent all your bits on booze, and you think that because you’re my father, I’d just take you in?”

“Heh, at least you ended up a smart one.”

“No thanks to you. So I think it’s best that you beat it before you upset my guest.” Rainbow was now standing behind Snowstorm, giving his father a terrible glare.

“Ok, ok I wouldn’t want to impose…” Stormshadow raised a defensive hoof, before glancing back at Rainbow, “so that’s your guest huh?”

“What’s it to you?” Snowstorm asked.

“Well given you’re a stallion, and her rainbow mane, I’d say you would have your hooves full with that emotional rollercoaster…”

Stormshadow felt a hoof collide firmly against his jaw, causing him to stagger backwards. His already cracked, dry lips were now split, blood running down his chin. Stormshadow brought a hoof to his mouth and removed it, looking down at the new formed pool of blood. Snowstorm stood his ground, growling furiously.

“Oh you done bucked up now boy…I’ll be back…real soon.” Stormshadow turned and walked through the streets of Ponyvile, crimson blood rinsing from his coat as the rain continued to soak his coat. He took one last glance back to Snowstorm, who continued to stare at him, Rainbow’s protective wing draped over him. “and I’m going to cut you where it really hurts.” Stormshadow drug a hoof over the heinous scar on his face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Snowstorm and Rainbow returned into the house, as Snowstorm shut the door firmly and locked the deadbolt.

“I can’t believe he’s even still alive…” Snowstorm said to himself, his head hanging low.

After the pair reached the den, Rainbow sat back on her haunches, looking at Snowstorm, “Are you ok? It must be strange seeing him again…”

Snowstorm sighed, “yeah, I’m fine, he hasn’t changed a bit really, I just couldn’t even recognize him…It’s weird, he hasn’t changed at all, but it was like he was a complete stranger. I…I had almost forgotten about him.”

Rainbow extended a wing over Snowstorm, “I can’t even imagine, I was lucky enough to keep both of my parents for a long time…”

Snowstorm looked up. The thought dawned on him that he didn’t really know anything about Rainbow’s parents, while she had already met his. “Are they still together?” Snowstorm asked.

Rainbow gave a sad chuckle, “Yup, and forever. They died together in a train accident about 4 years ago.”

Snowstorm’s face dropped, “Oh Rainbow, I’m so sorry…”

Rainbow waved a dismissive hoof, “Don’t be, I had my grieving time, and I don’t want a pity party. I loved the time I had with them and what happened made me who I am today.“

“That’s…awfully big of you Dash, I’m impressed.” Snowstorm said with a small stutter.

“Changes make us who we are, for better or worse. You just need to learn to embrace them.”

“Are you saying I shouldn’t have turned my back on my father like that?” Snowstorm looked up at Rainbow.

“Oh no not at all. Even if you two did have an awful history, I wouldn’t have let him stay for three major reasons.”

“And those are..?”

“Well one, he was a perfect asshat. Two, he was filthy, and would have been a mess to clean up after…”

“And three?” Snowstorm raised an eyebrow.

Rainbow gave a sly grin, “do I really need to count to three?”

Snowstorm smiled, “humor me.”

Rainbow leaned in and embraced Snowstorm in a deep kiss, bringing him down to the floor, “That’s three…” she said with a proactive whisper.

“I like three…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Celestia’s sun rose the next morning, as it had for every morning before it, and would for every morning after. The cloud cover still hung in the sky, as the rain continued to pelt Snowstorm’s sleepy home. Snowstorm awoke later this morning, this time to the sound of a toaster popping. He lifted his head slowly from his fuzzy rug, and slowly cracked open his eyes. In the kitchen rainbow frantically juggled a piece of blackened toast, muttering.

Snowstorm stood and stretched his back, allowing a loud series of pops to escape from his spine. Rainbow looked over at the sound of what she assumed was a Chinese firework, only to see Snowstorm in an awkward arch.

“Is that normal?!” Rainbow asked, carrying to plates of ‘breakfast’ in her mouth.

“When you sleep on the floor, yes.”

“I’d hardly call all that sleep,” Rainbow said with a grin.

“Only adds to my point. Did you make breakfast?” Snowstorm trotted into the kitchen.

“Um…I tried…” Rainbow raised an eyebrow at the entirely burnt display of food before them.

“How did you burn the cereal?” Snowstorm asked.

“That was supposed to be oatmeal…”

“Oh…” Snowstorm looked at the…oatmeal…and turned to Rainbow. “well, thank you for trying…” Snowstorm kissed Rainbow on the cheek.

“Yeah…no problem…” Rainbow blushed, “guess that’s why I’m your boss and not housewife.” Rainbow grinned at Snowstorm.

“I thought we settled on partner…” Snowstorm said slowly.

“Oh don’t get your panties in a wad. When’s Scoots coming home?”

Snowstorm shrugged, “Sometime today, probably early knowing Sea Mist. Mom will probably come too…”

“Why would your mom come?”

“To chew my ear off about her mouth.” Snowstorm sighed

“Oh yeah…that reminds me, why did I wake up in Scootaloo’s bed last night?” Rainbow asked.

“It was easier to move than ours and I needed it for a little prank…” Snowstorm grinned.

“I see what you did there…” Rainbow smiled as well.

A series of knocks came from the front door, interrupting the laughs Rainbow and Snowstorm shared. Snowstorm approached the door and opened it, still giggling. He opened the door swiftly and turned to the ponies in the door.

“heh, hey mom…”

“Hello Snowstorm…is…now a good time?” Icicle looked cautiously into his home.

“Yeah, we’re fine…come on in everypony…” Snowstorm opened the door wide, allowing his mother, sister, and Sea Mist to enter. “welcome to my humble abode.”

Icicle and Sea Mist looked around the main den briefly, “Um…where is everything?” Sea Mist asked cautiously.

“This is everything, for now anyway. As you probably noticed, I had to invest quite a few bits on this one. Enjoy your weekend sis?” Snowstorm smiled at his sister, who merely glared.

“Well, I certainly hope you weren’t awarding her POTTY MOUTH.” Icicle poked Scootaloo with a hoof, while she merely continued to glare at Snowstorm.

“Uh, not exactly, but that’s not really important…sorry, she’s normally so well behaved around here.” He gave Scootaloo a malicious grin.

“Yes, well, do let me know if she slips up again. Also, why didn’t you ask me for help? If I had known you needed furniture I gladly would have pitched in.” Icicle gave a caring smile.

“Thanks mom, but actually I’m doing just fine. Just a little set back this first week. We should be up and running soon.” Snowstorm smiled at his mother, “I’d love for you to stay for a while though, after all, this is the first time you’ve seen my new home.”

“Well thank you so much sweetie! I’d love to stay for some breakfast, did you make any?”

“Um…Rainbow tried…maybe we should go out to Big Colt’s…” Snowstorm glanced at the incinerated spread on his kitchen counter.

“Oh, I’m sure she did just-“

“I burnt the orange juice.” Rainbow interjected.

“Oh…”

“Shall we?” Snowstorm asked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Snowstorm’s family chatted idly with full bellies as they returned to Snowstorm’s home. Spirits were high among the group, and even Scootaloo hopped alongside her new family. For the first time, things felt complete for her again, she had her brother, her mother, and now, a new father. Thing’s were finally returning to a balance in her life, and she couldn’t be happier. Plus, she got to see Rainbow everyday now.

“So Scoots, did your mom give you any flying lessons this weekend?” Rainbow asked.

“No, we we’re too busy moving in,” she replied, “I really get a chance to do much of anything.”

“Well, after we clear what’s left of this overcast, how ‘bout we spend some time getting you up in the air?”

“Really? Do you mean it Rainbow Dash?!” Scootaloo allowed an enormous grin to spread across her face as hopped, buzzing briefly in the air.

“Sure think kiddo.” Rainbow chuckled as they reached Snowstorms home.

Snowstorm laughed, turning the knob, opening the door to his home. As he opened the door, his smile instantly washed away, being replaced by a hateful scowl at the grungy stallion standing in his den.

“Well, well, look who’s back. Figured I’d wait for you to show up, turns out you aint got shit worth stealing around here.” Stormshadow spoke with a hideous, yellow-toothed grin.

Sea Mist instinctively stepped in front of Scootaloo, spreading his wings out.

“Stormshadow…” Icicle whispered, a look of terror spreading across her face.

Chapter 20: Bursts of Heat

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 20: Bursts of Heat

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stormshadow chuckled at the mention of his name, exposing his crooked yellow teeth,

“Hey babe, miss me?”

Icicle took a few steps back, her face aghast from the unholy abomination of a stallion that stood before her, “Wh-what are y-you doing here?”

“Oh nothing much, ran into Snowstorm here and thought I’d pay him a friendly little visit is all…” Stormshadow’s face was twisted in a malicious grin, stretching the scar across his face. “And who’s this guy?” Stormshadow extended a hoof at Sea Mist, “New buddy of yours?” Stormshadow raised an eyebrow.

“What’s it to you, anyway?” Sea Mist stepped slightly forward, allowing Scootaloo to come into Stormshadow’s view.

Stormshadow paused for a moment at the sight of his daughter, “Well I’ll be…so the little brat wasn’t dead after all, just a filthy little coward.” Stormshadow gave a scowl and spit toward Scootaloo, who merely curled into a ball on the floor, crying quietly. “Aw, little cry-baby. You got my flank under so many charges I ended up homeless, there's something to bucking cry about.”

“Back off Stormshadow.” Snowstorm spoke up as Sea Mist began to growl.

"Oh come on now...you have to admit that's not very fair. But I do think it's interesting this fellas here...came into a relationship with a single mom? I give it a month before you run off."

Sea Mist took another step forward, slamming his hoof against the hardwood, splitting it as he did so, “Just because your dumb ass ran off on these kids doesn’t mean I’m going to, it’s stallions like you who give a bad name to the rest of us. I'm her husband and I intended to remain as such. ”

“Oh I’m the dumbass? Only reason I stuck around was ‘cause I thought I had to, you married that bitch when she had a kid!”

Sea Mist’s anger exploded, his nostrils flaring as he stomped his hoof against the floor again, “Say one more bucking word about Icicle or Scootaloo and I will end you…”

“Hah! You think your better than me? You think your going to 'stand up for your mare's honor? Psh, please, she’s probably got you so whipped you can’t even through a punch…” Stormshadow’s eyes glinted, a wicked smile spreading across his face, daring Sea Mist to make a move.

Sea Mist lost control, yelling as he charged toward the filthy stallion before him. Snowstorm remained still until the charging pegasus reached him, waiting. Sea Mist’s anger engulfed his mind, only knowing of the one urge in his unsteady mind, to kill the uncelestial creature before him. Sea Mist saw his opponent move briefly, but took no notice…

Until he saw light glimmer off of a silver blade.

He was too late, in his enraged sprint, he’d lost control of his mind, failing to notice Stormshadow’s expectancy of his assult. His mind cleared only in time to feel cold, smooth steel puncture into his body.

Sea Mist heaved; the sensation of a foreign blade piercing his stomach overtook his mind.He coughed, allowing crimson blood to spatter against the hardwood floor beneath. The feeling of Stormshadow’s greasy coat pressed against his own mixed disgust with his agony, knowing the feeling of the stallion he despised most pressed against him would be the last feeling of another pony he would know.

Sea Mist collapsed to his knees, returning to a greater agony as Stormshadow twisted the knife within his gut with a grunt, thrusting more pain through his body. Stormshadow withdrew the newly reddened blade from his opponent, and glared at his shocked face. Sea Mist reached up with his hoof and felt his wound, now feeling his own blood rush over his hoof. Sea Mist let out a long breath before collapsing to the floor, the reflection of the still burning fire shining in his glossy eyes.

Stormshadow turned to the rest of the family, his sickening red blade in hoof.

“ANYPONY ELSE WANNA TRY SOMETHING FUNNY?!” He screamed, his eyes now wide with rage, “THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BUCK WITH ME!”

Snowstorm stared at Sea Mist, his jaw agape and eyes wide as shock rocketed his body. “You…bastard…” Snowstorm whispered

Stormshadow laughed, “You’re one to talk you little shit.”

“YOU…BASTARD!!” Snowstorm screamed, meeting Stormshadow’s gaze before rushing to Sea Mists side. Snowstorm watched in horror as his father laid still. No breaths came from his body; only a growing pool of blood began to form beneath his collapsed form. “YOU WON’T GET AWAY WITH THIS! NOT AGAIN!” Snowstorm stood from his father’s side to face Stormshadow, who merely smirked.

“What are you going to do boy? Punch me again? You think I’m ABOVE stabbing you?! You think I won’t because you’re my KID? HAH! THINK AGAIN, RETARD!” Stormshadow looked at Snowstorm with daring eyes, a sadistic grin spread across his lips.

Snowstorm let out a slow breath, calming himself. He had to think this through, or otherwise he would end up like Sea Mist. Snowstorm closed his eyes, there was no way he could win a fight when he had the knife, and there were no tools in the house except for some kitchen ware and…

The fire stoker…

Snowstorm’s eyes flashed open, burning with hate. He reached behind him and wrapped his hoof around the long iron spade alongside his fireplace. It ended with a dull spear, but was heavy, and solidly built. Snowstorm brought the fire stoker to his front and raised it above his head.

Stormshadow’s face turned to one of panic, his eyes darting back and forth. Scootaloo and Icicle now sat by Sea Mists side, ferociously starring at Stormshadow as well, while Rainbow began to spread her wings, preparing for attack. He spoke nervously and began to walk backwards,

“Come on boy, you can’t be serious. Are you really going to kill your old man?” Storshadow’s face turned to one of furry again, “YOU REALLY THINK YOU CAN KILL YOUR FATHER?!”

Snowstorm glared, raising the stoker higher, “No, but I can kill the stallion who did.”

Snowstorm brought the fire stoker down upon Stormshadow with all his might through gritted teeth and clenched eyes, bringing with it a hearty *thud* as it met his head. Stormsadow staggered backwards, bringing a hoof to where the stoker had collided with his skull, his eyes shut tight from pain. He felt warm blood run threw his hoof and opened an eye at an approaching Snowstorm, raising the stoker again. Stormshadow began to run away, his disorientation causing him to wobble about the room as he did. Finally he stopped between Sea Mist and the still burning fire, looking down at Scootaloo,

“Come on Scoots…you’re not… gonna let your big bro… kill me are you? I…I’m your daddy…” Stormsahdow staggered more, his vision beginning to blur as he spoke through broken slurs and heaving breaths.

Scootaloo stood up, her teary purple eyes now filled with rage. She walked toward the heinous staliion, gritting her teeth.

“You tried to beat me…you almost killed Snowstorm…YOU LEFT ME ALONE! FOR ALL THOSE YEARS YOU LEFT ME ALL ALONE! YOU LEFT US ALL ALONE! YOU ARE NOT MY DADDY! YOU KILLED MY DADDY!!!!” Scootaloo spun on her forelegs and gave a hard buck to Stormshadow’s chest. The new blow knocked Stormshadow back, throwing him off his already unsteady stance. Stormshadow felt his body step back and turn, before falling face-first into the long burning fire before him. He felt the heat of the flames engulf his greasy, alcohol soaked mane, and sensed his entire coat erupting into flames. Stormshadow stood, the entire front half of his body engulfed in flames, wailing in unholy agony as the inferno overtook his body. He fell to the floor, consciousness drifting as his body shut down, unable to compensate with maddening pain of being burned alive.

Scootaloo stood still for a moment, starring at the smouldering figure before breaking down into sobs. A charred, burnt corpse, smoke still drifting from It’s flesh laid before her, while a cold, lifeless body, leaking dark blood lay behind her.

Icicle looked over the body of her husband openly sobbing as Snowstorm approached, tears beginning to form in the corners of his eyes. His own father now lay lifeless before him, and his worst foe lay next to him, smoldering.

This isn’t right…Snowstorm thought, It doesn’t make it any better…

“WAIT! HE’S STILL BREATHING!” Rainbow screamed as she saw movement around Sea Mists chest, her eyes now wide with hope.

All three of the ponies now jerked from their sobs to look closely at the gentle rise and fall of Sea Mists chest.

“We need to get him to the hospital! NOW!” Snowstorm screamed, loading his father onto his back.

Chapter 21: Cold and Lifeless

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 21: Cold and Lifeless

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Rainbow gave a firm kick to the Ponyville hospital doors, causing them to explode open as Snowstorm sprinted in, carrying Sea Mist on his back, breathing heavily. At the sudden commotion, the white mare standing behind the counter looked up, surveying the situation before her.

“Welcome to Ponyville hospital, is this an emergenc-“

“This is my father (pant) he’s been (pant) stabbed in the stomach. He needs immediate (wheeze) medical attention…”

The mare behind the counter now leapt to Snowstorm’s side, bringing with her a stretcher.

“Load him here.” She instructed, before wheeling him back into the hospital. The rest of the family followed suit, chasing after the gurney as several other medical ponies caught up to it, attaching various wires and hoses into Sea Mists unmoving body. The medical team took a sharp turn from the hall into a hospital room, and began attaching more wires, barking instructions at other’s to fetch medicine and other necessities. Snowstorm merely watched, terrified to move. There’s nothing I can do now…

Ponies began to wrap Sea Mist in a thick layer of gauze while pumping oxygen into his struggling lungs. After a brief struggle to stop the bleeding from his wound, Sea Mist was declared stable, but unconscious. There was nothing anypony could do now but wait and hope for his recovery.

The white mare approached the group, her light pink mane now wet from sweat. A concerned frown rested upon her face as she began to speak to the group of ponies before her, but was cut off by Scootaloo.

“He…He’s going to be ok…right nurse? He’ll….He’ll pull through…right?” Scootaloo was on the verge of tears, hope was all that kept her from bursting into sobs.

“We don’t know yet, dear. Your father lost a lot of blood, and sometimes, even when we stop blood from leaking out of ponies, it can leak into bad places inside of them, that’s called ‘internal bleeding’. We stopped him from losing anymore blood outside, but we can’t see what’s going on inside.” The nurse spoke with a cautious tone, trying to put everything in terms Scootaloo could understand. The nurse now turned to Snowstorm and Icicle, “I’m sorry we had to meet under such horrendous conditions. My name is Nurse Redhart, I’m Ponyville’s main doctor in situations like these. I’ll be taking care of Sea Mist, and seeing to it that he gets everything he needs.”

Snowstorm motioned for Nurse Redhart to follow him and his mother as they took a few steps form Scootaloo and Rainbow, who was doing her best to cheer up the small filly.

“You mentioned ‘internal bleeding’,” Snowstorm spoke in a grave whisper, “where? And how severe?”

The nurse sighed and spoke quietly to Snowstorm and his mother, “When the knife entered his body, it ruptured his intestines. While this is severe, ponies have enough surgical skill to fix it by cutting out the ruptured intestinal track and sewing the remaining pieces together. However, when the blade was twisted, it cut into the lower wall of his stomach, causing a tear. We did everything we could to fix his intestines, but very few ponies survive having their stomach torn, and unfortunately, we cannot sew stomach tissue. Sea Mist will survive for a short while, but the odds of him walking out of this hospital are…not good. All we can do now is wait, and hope that the tear wasn’t to severe that his body can’t repair it.”

Snowstorm let out a long breath, taking in everything he’d just heard. I’m no doctor…he thought to himself, but this doesn’t sound good.

“Are you saying there’s hope, doctor?” Icicle asked, pushing herself closer to the nurse.

Redheart bowed her head, sighing. “There’s always hope, but when he comes to…I suggest you say your goodbyes. It isn’t likely he’ll be around for very long.”

“I…I see…” Icicle stepped back, new tears forming in the corners of her already bloodshot eyes, “I…I think I need to use the restroom…I’ll be back in a moment.” With that Icicle trotted down the hall and entered the mare’s room, shutting the door behind her.

Snowstorm turned to Rainbow and Scootaloo in time to see Rainbow shaking her head back and forth, flailing her tongue wildly. Scootaloo gave a dead-pan stare in response.

“Hey guys…” he spoke with a gentle smile as he approached.

“What did the doctor say?” Rainbow had suddenly turned serious.

Snowstorm looked at Scootaloo, who returned his gaze, before looking back at Rainbow. He sighed, speaking solemnly, “Scootaloo, I think you have as much a right to know as anypony, so I’ll tell you what she told me, but keep it simple. Stormshadow’s knife cut up his guts pretty bad, including his stomach. They were able to fix a bunch, but they can’t fix his stomach. It could fix itself but it’s not very likely…” The words resonated through Snowstorm’s mind. Hearing them had little effect, but saying them himself made his brain truly process what was happening. He took a sharp breath in, fighting back tears, “the nurse said we might want to say goodbye when he wakes up…”

Scootaloo and Rainbow dropped, losing hope and their playful attitude. Scootaloo began to cry again, “I don’t want to lose him…he just started being there for me, and now…” Scootaloo’s words were lost in incomprehensible sobs.

Rainbow walked up to Snowstorm, sympathy in her eyes, “Are you ok? Do you need to go somewhere or anything?”

Snowstorm sniffled, wiping his face with a foreleg, “I…I’ll be alright…I want to be here when he wakes up though…”

“Alright, we can wait.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

5 hours passed before nurse Redheart exited Sea Mist’s room in somber spirits. “The patient is awake now, if you’d like to see him.”

The group entered the hospital room, standing around the wired bed at its center. A soft, mechanical beep echoed throughout the room, mixing with the sounds of a machine pumping oxygen. Sea Mist lay on the bed, his eyes half closed and dull in color. He gave a small smile at the sight of his family entering his room. Snowstorm stood next to the hospital bed and raised a hoof to put in his father’s, gripping it firmly. He half-expected his father to return his signature grip and was surprised when he felt no strength.

“Hey there Snowstorm…” Sea Mist managed to wheeze, speaking through tubes.

“Hey Sea Mist…how you holding up?”

“I’ve been better,” Sea Mist turned to his wife, “hey honey…”

Icicle smiled, “What am I going to do with you, you big oaf? How could you be so thick headed?”

Sea Mist chuckled, “guess that’s just who I am…good to see you too, Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo nodded at Sea Mist, but words escaped her. She didn’t know what to say. She’d never seen anypony in that condition before, kept alive with machinery.

Snowstorm crouched next to his father and spoke gently, “We talked to the doctors and they said you might get better, that there’s a chance you’ll-“

Sea Mist put a hoof up to stop Snowstorm, “I know what’s going on, and I know it doesn’t look pretty…”

“But there’s still-“

“Snowstorm, listen. I…I just wanted to tell you…I’m sorry…”

Snowstorm stood up, “Sorry?”

“I…I’m sorry for all of those times I didn’t play catch with you…I’m sorry for all those nights you had to make yourself dinner…I’m sorry for all those times I yelled…” Sea mist was struggling to create words.

“Sea Mist, you don’t have to explain…” Snowstorm began to cry, silver streaks running down his face.

“N-No, I do Snowstorm…I…I always wanted to be your dad…I…I have always loved you, son…” Sea Mist was also crying as he began to drift in and out of consciousness.

“I…I love you too dad…”

“Take care of them for me Snowstorm…I know you can…”

“B-but I need you…we all need you…” Snowstorm allowed his tears to flow freely as he tightened his grip on his father’s hoof.

“I know you can…” Sea Mists voice faded to breath as he slipped from consciousness and a long, electronic tone rang from the machine beside him.

The echoes of sobs were all that filled the quiet halls of the Ponyville hospital, as Luna’s moon cast a solemn shadow upon the town.

Chapter 22: Mournful Cries

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 22: Mournful Cries

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Snowstorm bowed his head, water dripping off the ends of his soaking wet mane. His quiet tears were masked by the falling rain and water from his coat. He closed his eyes tightly, tears continuing to drip from his muzzle as his father’s casket passed his stance. Snowstorm felt a gentle wing drape over his side. Opening his eyes, he turned to see Rainbow’s, filled with tears and sympathy of her own. Snowstorm leaned his head against Rainbow’s, using her support to challenge the mental and physical exhaustion that weighed down his heart and body. As the casket finished it’s silent, solemn march, it was set down upon the soaking grass of the Ponyville graveyard.

A kindly old mare, the one who had helped Snowstorm purchase his home stood upon a small platform and began to speak.

“Friends, family, citizens and guests, we are gathered here to honor and mourn the passing of a truly great stallion. Sea H. Mist, a loving husband, father, and protector of his family has found his place amongst the truly great hero’s of Equestria, in our princesses’ immortal palace.”

Snowstorm listened as he sat, silent in personal mourning.

“When ponies of such stature must fall by the hoof of those so diabolical, we doubt the true sprit of what makes this land great and bring with it only more anger.”

Snowstorm felt anger at the mere hint of Shadowstorm at such an honorable pony’s funeral, but continued to listen.

“But we must remember that rage cannot win our hearts! While our desire for justice and the writing of wrongs may burn as what is right in our minds, this will only fuel the blizzard of our land’s history. An eye for an eye makes all of Equestria blind, my little ponies. I ask that you remember this, and focus your thoughts to the great things this stallion has accomplished in his life, not the heinous acts of others which removed him from it.”

Snowstorm listened intensely now, clinging on the words of the mayor as she spoke.

“Remember him as he lived, neigh as he passed.”

Snowstorm thought back to all of the things Sea Mist had done for his family, providing a home, food, clothes and love when he received nothing in return. He had lived a truly remarkable life, and accomplished much, but it was still not his time to go.

Scootaloo leaned against Snowstorm, less emotional.

“I…I didn’t know Dad all that well…do you think you could tell me more about him? Where did he grow up?”

Snowstorm sighed and looked at his sister, “He did a lot of great things, too much to tell you about here. We can talk about him later…but I would like to say a few words. Will you come with me?”

Scootaloo nodded as the two approached the stand from which the mayor spoke, stepping up to face the small crowd of ponies before them.

“Hello everypony…Sea Mist was a truly great stallion, and I am proud to call him my father. He lived an incredible life, overcoming hardships such as poverty, illness, and raising me,”

The crowd gave a small chuckle.

“I have no words which can describe how grateful I am for what he did for me, and knowing that within a heartbeat, he’d do it all again for my little sister here, makes me even more astounded at his generosity. A piece of him will always live within those who he has touched, and he will never be forgotten.”

Snowstorm stepped down, allowing Scootaloo to face the crowd.

“Um…Hi, everypony…um, I haven’t ever spoken at anything like this, and I don’t really know any of you who aren’t from Ponyville, but…I only knew Sea Mist for a short time, yet in that time he effected me more than any other father figure I had…he took me into his home at the drop of a hat, and never gave it a second thought. I wish he would have been with us to watch me grow up, but I know that from Celestia’s eternal palace, he will watch, and be within my heart to help me grow. I loved my dad, and I know that he now rests in peace.

The entire crowd of ponies was now in tears at hearing such touching words from a mere filly. Icicle sobbed louder than the rest, half from grief, half from the pride she now felt in her children.

Scootaloo stepped down, an uplifting feeling as she felt the words which weighed down her heart be released into the crowd before her. She saw Rainbow standing in the crowd, smiling, tears brewing in her eyes.

A machine was hooked to Sea Mists coffin, raising it above the ground before hovering it above his grave. The rosewood casket was slowly lowered into the earth, and eventually came to a rest against the bottom of the grave. Ponies surrounded the opening in the ground an began to toss in flowers, showering the casket in a beautiful display of bright colors to contrast the black they all wore. As the coffin became buried in the colorful shower, earth began to fall in around the coffin. Finally the vivid life of the flower’s petals was buried amongst the cold, dark soil.

Snowstorm stood by the grave and watched as a small, little tombstone was placed in the ground,engraved with a simple epitaph of his beloved father:

“Here lies Sea H. Mist. Loving Husband, Father and Honored Stallion. May he rest in peace 1964-2011”

Snowstorm laid a wreath of roses upon the stone and whispered,

“I love you Dad…I just wish I could have said it sooner…”

Rainbow, Scootalo and Icicle leaned amongst each other as the rest of the crowd dispersed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Snowstorm had buried Stormshadow on his own accord. When he spoke to the Ponyville police about the incident, reports revealed he had been banished from Equestria long ago for the murder of a bartender, and was instructed that should he return, he would be put to death subsequently. His death would hold no charges to Snowstorm or Scootaloo, but they would also not provide him with a funeral, as Equestrian life insurance went only to citizens of Equestria. Stormshadow now laid in an improper grave in a distant part of Sweet Apple Acres, underneath a dead apple tree.

Unfortunately for Snowstorm, Rainbow, and Scootaloo, burying a body does not bury memories, and now every time they entered the room, they could not help but see Stormsahdow’s charred corpse, nor help but hear the wails of agony and fury.

Snowstorm and Rainbow lay next to each other, cuddling closely.

“I think I should move again…” Snowstorm said quietly, “I can’t bear the memories of this place anymore…it’s almost like it’s haunted.”

“I understand…when my folks passed I moved out ASAP, and bought the home I have now.” Rainbow replied.

“Which reminds me, when was the last time you went home?”

“Oh you know…back…before...” It suddenly dawned on Rainbow she hadn’t returned to her cloud home ever since Applejack had confessed her feelings for her. She hadn’t been home in almost two weeks. “Guess I should go check on things…”

Snowstorm laughed softly, “Whenever you want to go I’ll wait…”

Rainbow kissed Snowstorm, “No, you’ll come with me to help me pack my things.”

Snowstorm raised an eyebrow, “So sure I’ll let you move in with me huh?”

Rainbow giggled, “haven't I already?”

“Alright, alright. When were you thinking of moving?”

Rainbow shrugged, “Tomorrow soon enough?”

Chapter 23: Seeking New Shelter

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 23: Seeking New Shelter

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Snowstorm gently eased into his home while two large earth ponies passed him, carrying a curled up rug.

“Good thing I didn’t have much to move…” He said quietly to himself as he looked at his now barren home. Rainbow had left earlier to begin packing her things, and his mother had left for Cloudsdale to address legal matters over her husbands death. Snowstorm and his sister now sat on the barren hardwood floors of a truly eventful place. In the short time it had been occupied, many laughs, many tears, and many trials had taken place within it’s walls, now sealed inside by its very construction.

“So…now what do we do?” Scootaloo asked, looking around the den.

“I guess we wait for Rainbow to show up with her stuff and we pick out a new house…again…”

“Can we get lunch?”

“Sure.”

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Rainbow landed on the front of her cloud home with a gentle *poof* and walked inside. She looked around the home as she noticed all of her drawers were opened with various items spilling out of them, her couch cushions spread throughout the room. Her home was completely ransacked.

“Just how I left it…” She said aloud.

Rainbow grabbed a large cardboard box which was original used to ship her refrigerator and began to through nearly everything she could grab into the box, save garbage, which was thrown into a large plastic bin. After about an hour of frantic “cleaning and packing” the den now had walking space, and most of Rainbow’s belongings were now in a large cardboard box.

Finally she trotted into her room and grabbed another, smaller box (used to ship her microwave, which had “broken” when she was infuriated at how hot it had made her pizza roles). She began to tear posters from her walls but stopped at the one she had kept in mint condition, placing a gentle hoof upon it. ‘Never give up on your dreams! –Spitfire’ read the poster, proudly displaying the flying acrobatic team, the Wonderbolts. Rainbow gave a sigh, then smiled, tearing the poster from the wall,

“Time to start chasing a new dream…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“But McDonkey’s is soooo goooood!!!” Scootaloo protested as she and her brother walked.

“I don’t care! We had it three times last week! Pick something else.” Snowstorm didn’t even bother looking at the pouty filly and continued trotting.

“Burger Princess’s?”

“Don’t even.”

“Fine,” Scootaloo let out a breath, “what’s this little café?”

“I don’t know, but I’ve seen Twilight eat here before. Supposedly there daffodil sandwiches are awesome.” Snowstorm smiled, content that his sister had finally made a reasonable choice.

“Alright, let’s see what they have.” Scootaloo and Snowstorm entered the café and approached the stallion behind the counter.

“Where would you like to be seated, mademoiselle et monsieur?” the earth pony spoke with a thick French accent, his moustache bobbing slightly as he talked.

“Outside is fine,” Snowstorm said. He was enjoying this new weather, now that it was beginning to cool off for the season.

“Are you sure? It is rather cold outside monsieur…” The waiter raised an eyebrow at Snowstorm.

“Yeah, well, winter’s coming.”

Scootaloo chuckled at her brother’s comment, while the server simply stared, confused at the inanity of his customer’s statement.

“If you insist…” The waiter led the two to the patio area of the restaurant, handing them both a menu.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rainbow continued to pack her things, mostly shoving items into various boxes with no real method of organization past ‘trash or not’. Finally she stopped at a picture frame, and gently held the photo in her hooves, sitting on her cloud bed.

In the picture was a young Rainbow Dash being held by her father, Raindrop, a sky blue pegasus with a white mane, and her mother, Sunshine, a white pegasus with a golden mane. All three of them looked so happy in the photograph, playing in a small grassy park. Rainbow smiled in remembrance of her parents, and held the frame close to her chest.

“Mom…Dad…I miss you guys so much…”

Rainbow gently placed the photo in her smaller box and looked around her cloud home with teary eyes. What was once cramped beyond inhabitability now stood a cloud structure with a few pieces of furniture residing within. Rainbow grabbed her boxes and flew down to the earth below before returning to her home.

Rainbow looked around briefly before giving the base of her home a firm buck, watching as her home began to disintegrate. The few pieces of non-cloud furniture she owned promptly plummeted out of the sky as the last of the clouds whisped into the sky around her.

“There…all packed.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Snowstorm and Scootaloo walked side by side, Scootaloo moaning while she walked, “I ate too much…”

Snowstorm laughed, “I’m not surprised. I knew as soon as you found out they had hayfries that you’d pig out.”

Scootaloo burped and held a hoof to her mouth while her eyes bulged, “guh, don’t ever mention hayfries again…”

“Hah! Well, we should be heading back, Rainbow will be home soon…”

Rainbow flew with her boxes on her back toward Snowstorm’s home. The boxes on her back made it extremely awkward to fly, but she could manage. Finally she arrived at the old house and looked up the road just in time to see her lover and a very bloated filly walking her way.

“Hey Guys! Ready to pick out a new house?” Rainbow called.

“I’m ready!” Snowstorm replied with a grin.

“I’m ready to take a nap…” Scootaloo groaned.

“You did that last time we went house shopping. Stay conscious throughout this time.”

“Bleh, fine…”

The trio returned now to the Mayor’s office, finding her once again working on her paperwork before greeting them with a warm smile.

“Well, I can honestly say I didn’t expect you three to be back her so soon, but I’d be happy to show you around again…”

After hours of constant critiquing of houses, Rainbow proved herself surprisingly adamant about some issues, and a forceful bargainer. Now that she was going to be sharing the rent, Rainbow felt she had a say, and man did she have a say.

After an exhausting afternoon the four ponies came to one final cottage, rather large compared to the town’s normal homes’ sizes. It was a two story, three bedroom, three bathroom home with a very ‘homey’ feel about it. Most of the interior was carpeted, and a large, elegant chandelier illuminated the entryway.

Rainbow, Scootaloo, and Snowstorm all explored the house, finding many of it’s features to be very appealing, including it’s lack of acoustics and different levels between bedrooms. Thanks to Rainbow’s skillful haggling and their now combined pay, the couple was able to afford their new home and moved in promptly.

After only two hours of unboxing their things, Snowstorm, Rainbow and Scootaloo had finished unpacking into their new home.

“Well, if we’re done, I’m going to bed,” Scootaloo announced, “I’m beat.”

“Alright, goodnight!” The pair called back to the exiting filly. The couple now snuggled closer together on a small couch.

Snowstorm took a deep breath and looked around the home, taking in it’s beauty. Finally, he turned to his marefriend and spoke, “So I have to ask…why did we get such a big place anyway?”

Rainbow turned to face Snowstorm, a blush growing across her face, “ Well, I mean we can afford a bigger place now and…” She trailed off.

Snowstorm raised an eyebrow, “Well, yeah, we can AFFORD a bigger place but, do we need one? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love it and it’s beautiful but…I mean it’s a massive house and it’s just the three of us.”

“Four of us.” Rainbow spoke quietly, hiding under her mane

“What?” Snowstorm’s face twisted into one of confusion.

Rainbow held a hoof up to her belly before smiling at Snowstorm, gentle eyes now meeting his,

“Just the four of us…”

Author's Note:
Well guys...It's been fun! The amazing support I have gotten for this fic (especially since it's my first one) has been astounding. I never would have expected to have such an awesome fan base as you guys, and look forward to writing more for you in the future. This story is probably done for now, but I may very well include an epilogue pretty soon (hint hint). I love you guys and thanks for reading and being such an amazing audience! So always remember to smile! Life is beautiful! Happy Holidays everypony!

Epilogue

Winter’s Howl

Epilogue

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“Hurry up Scootaloo, you’re going to be late for school!” A voice called up the stairs as Scootaloo frantically styled her mane.

“Just give me a minute, Dash!” She called back, “I want to look good for my first day!”

Another familiar voice came from the lower level of the house, “Not much you can do to help that!”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes and giggled at the sound of her brother being struck by Rainbow, along with a hushed 'You're not helping!'.

“I still don’t get why I have to start school before Rainstorm!” Scootaloo complained as she hovered down the stairs. Her wings were fully-grown now, and flying came naturally to her. A flaming scooter adorned her flank, proudly displaying her special talent.

“Because he’s just a little colt, so he doesn’t have to go to school for as long,” Snowstorm explained, “besides, aren’t you excited now? You did nothing but complain how bored you were all summer.”

“Yeah, but I wasn’t ‘gee I sure do want to go to school’ bored! Do you have any idea how extreme that boredom would need to be?!”

Rainbow walked up now, carrying a sack lunch in her mouth, “Oh hush, it’s your last first day. You’ve only got one more year to suffer through.”

Scootaloo grabbed the sack lunch in her own mouth, “Yeah, yeah…just don’t start weather without me ok?” Scootaloo turned and opened the door to see a beautiful summer day before her.

“We already finished kiddo.” Rainbow chuckled.

“Aww man, I needed those bits!” Scootaloo whined.

“For what? You never buy anything except stuff for your scooter!” Snowstorm raised an eyebrow. It was true; she did invest a ton of money into her hobby, almost as much as Snowstorm did into skiing when Hearthwarming came around.

“Well…So? I still want money.”

Don't we all... Snowstorm thought to himself. Suddenly, a loud banging came from upstairs as an energetic little colt proceeded to buzz down the hallway and stairs, bumping into several walls as he flew. He was still a foal, but had picked up flying almost as fast as walking, and seemed to enjoy it more. His coat was sky blue, complimented by a mane displaying a spread of all tints and shades of blue.

“Sis! Where are you going?” The small colt spoke with worry upon arriving at his destination.

“I’m just going to school Rainstorm. I’ll be back in a few hours, ok squirt?”

“Oh…Okay…” Rainstorm hung his little head disappointed.

“I still think it’s adorable he calls Scootaloo ‘Sis’…” Rainbow commented, “he just won’t accept her as 'Aunt', will he?”

“I don’t think so, but it also makes more sense. She’s more of an older sister to him anyway…”

“Mommy? Daddy?” Rainstorm approached his parents with sad, burgundy eyes, “When is Scootaloo coming back?”

“Around three o’clock sweetie. She has school, remember?” Rainbow kissed her son on top of his head.

“What’s school?” He asked, curious now.

“Well, son, School is a place you go to learn new things and make new friends. You’ll be going to school in a few weeks, you know.” Snowstorm spoke confidently.

“So I’ll get to see Scootaloo all the time?!” Rainstorm got excited, and began to levitate off the ground.

“Well no…you’ll be going to a school for foals, a young pony’s school…” Snowstorm explained cautiously.

“Oh…” the young colt’s smile faded, before returning to a hopeful grin, “well, is school fun?”

“No.”

Snowstorm felt a firm elbow jab into his ribs, causing him to let out a heave.

“I mean, yes. Yes it is.” Snowstorm said, out of breath and through winces.

Rainstorm raised an eyebrow before turning to his mother.

“Mom, can I go play with my friends?”

“Of course you can sweetie, just be back by dinner.” Rainbow brought her son close and kissed him again on the cheek before sending him out the door. Rainstorm was greeted by two other energetic colts, both awaiting his arrival. Rainstorm was slightly younger than Scootaloo was when Snowstorm first found her, but was already quite the active pony.

It was amazing how little she and her friends had changed over the years, especially after the disbanding of the cutie mark crusaders. Sweetie Bell had been the first to get her cutie mark, Snowstorm recalled the energetic filly bursting into the home, unannounced, screaming for Scootaloo. Her cutie mark was a bell, with musical notes fallowing out of it. Her singing had taken her many places, and for about a month over this most recent summer, she actually toured with Sapphire Shores.

Applebloom was the next to get her mark, a beautiful apple flower, after realizing that she had a real talent for taking care of beautiful flowers while staying with Fluttershy one weekend. She now ran a gardening business at Sweet Apple Acres, with the full support of her family. Her business almost failed until the death of her Grandmother. Ponies came from all over Ponyville to buy Applebloom’s flowers, all of which ended up adorning the grave of her beloved granny. The bits she raised were enough to buy a small greenhouse, and before she new it ponies came from all over Equestria just to buy her beautiful blossoms.

Scootaloo had continued to ride her Scooter throughout her foalhood, until one day she was invited to compete in an extreme sports contest with other ponies from all over Equestria. The princesses themselves even attended, and watched in awe as Scootaloo performed the first ever 900 degree turn off a skate ramp, and was awarded with first prize along with her very own cutie mark.

After all of the events the three continued to stay friends, and even supported each other in their endeavors, often attending concerts, garden displays (particularly difficult for Scootaloo), and skate shows.

Surprisingly to everypony, Applejack had married the mare of her dreams, and to the mare no pony suspected, Rarity. As it should later turn out, the opposites attracted in strange ways, and the confession of feelings was interesting to say the least. Rainbow was asked to be the mare of honor at the ceremony. She happily agreed.

Ms. Warmhearth had left the town shortly after the birth of Rainstorm, and opened up a new hotel outside of a ski slope. She was having much more success with her business, and enjoyed having the summer off, frequently visiting Snowstorm and the other residents of Ponyville.

After the death of her husband, Snowstorm’s mother moved to Ponyville, helping her son in his frantic process of becoming a father at such a young age. Icicle now cared for Scootlaoo every other week, still as loving and supportive as ever, despite the trauma of her recent past.

Pinkie Pie was given the opportunity to throw the two biggest parties of her life, the first, for Snowstorm and Rainbow’s wedding. The ceremony and reception were both incredibly rushed in planning, but Pinkie managed to throw together the a bash to rival the Grand Galloping Gala. Conveniently, said party, along with some hard apple cider, gave Applejack the ‘courage’ to admit her feelings for Rarity. Rarity, whom had also partaken in a fair amount of rose wine, admitted she returned said feelings. Their wedding was only three months later.

Fluttershy had become a veterinarian, and enjoyed her job more than anything. She had met somepony who could help her with her courage issues, who ended up being tricked by Fluttershy into coaching her through confessing her love for him. Soarin retired from the Wonderbolts to live with Fluttershy, and for the first time in years, a position had opened up in the flying acrobatic team. A position Rainbow refused immediately.

Twilight continued to study under Princess Celestia, and was the first pony to ever develop a spell that could teleport ponies, and be used by any unicorn. When it was decided that Twilight had learned more than her teacher could ever imagine, she was hired as a teacher of magic in Canterlot. She spent her weekends and summer in her ‘true’ home of Ponyville.

Snowstorm sighed as he watched his son hop away with his friendsm chatting about the upcoming days events, and how they would ‘cram as much summer’ into each day of remaining vacation as possible.

Snowstorm turned to Rainbow, “Did we have any plans for the day?”

“Not that I know of. Why?”

“I was thinking of visiting the cemetery.”

“I’ll join you.” Rainbow spoke gently

Snowstorm and Rainbow approached a tombstone, one amongst hundreds, with nothing extraordinary to set it aside from its crowd. Snowstorm sighed as he crouched down next to the stone and spoke quietly.

“I really miss you dad. Mom is doing well and helping us a lot with Rainstorm…I…I wish you could be here to watch your grandson grow, I know you’d be so proud of him…he starts school soon and I know you’ll help look after him when I’m not around.” Tears began to form in the corners of Snowstorms eyes before a protective wing shooed them away.

Snowstorm set down wreath of beautiful apple blossoms, leaning against the stone

“These are for you…”

Sequel

Sequel has been posted! 'Spring's Song' the winner of my reader votes, is now up and available for viewing! Hope you guys like it!

Chapter 1: The Traveling Blizzard

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 1: The Traveling Blizzard

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Warm beams of light entered a cloud home of a tall, grey pegasus. He shifted slightly as the sudden brightness caused him to stir from sleep. He lazily opened his eyes and took in his surroundings, watching as the small particles in his room floated across a pillar of light illuminating his bedroom. It felt great to wake naturally and not to the strident screams of an alarm.

Wait…

Why wasn’t I woken by my alarm?

I set it last night.

It was for something important.

Like, “This is your last chance. If you’re late one more time your flank is fired!” important.

Maybe I didn't oversleep? He checked the time.

Nope, I'm late. Three hours late. He brought a hoof to his face and sighed, dragging it slowly down his face, stretching his eyelids over his icy blue eyes. He rose lazily; knowing there was no use rushing. He was fired, and that was that. He meandered to his bathroom and looked into the small mirror over his sink, sighing.

“Way to go Snowstorm. You had a job. You had an apartment. And...you bucked it up. Bad.” He sighed again, running his hoof through his jet-black mane, scratching. It had streaks of icy blue standing out from the dark background. He HAD really bucked up this time. He lived in a small town, and it only had one weather crew, a weather crew with only one manager. One manager who hated him with a burning passion. Weather was the only business he knew, and even though it wasn’t what he loved, it paid the bills.

Snowstorm looked over his flank, starring at the skis adorning his side.

What I wouldn’t give to be atop a mountain right now...

Granted, it was unusual for a pegasus to be so interested in skiing, as many believed flying was far more exciting. However, winter was his favorite season, and it was far to cold to fly then. It was possible to fly, yes, but it was common for ice to develop on wings, which could be enough to put one out of flying commission for months. He loved and lived for the rush of speed, and the wind in his mane. Winter was his favorite season, and he needed to feel that rush year round, it was his namesake after all. Unfortunately, it was autumn and he was broke.

Snowstorm stared at his apartment. Most of his things were still in their boxes, still waiting to be unpacked from his move from Cloudsdale. He had flown the coup, and did it early. After he graduated, he packed his things and moved to the first town that gave him a job. He loved his mother dearly, but his relation with his stepfather was…strained, at best. He thought distance would be a good cure, and shockingly enough to him, he wasn’t prepared for the real world. That much was discovered VERY QUICKLY. Now here he stood, no job, little money, and no real place to call home.

He returned to his bedroom and looked over the mattress on the floor. It had no frame, and of the two pillows atop it, one missing its case. The sheets and comforter were disheveled and a strewn across the mattress and floor, looking as though an intense wrestling match had taken place within them. He quickly grabbed the sheets and blanket and began stuffing them in a nearby box. He returned to his bathroom, brushed his teeth, and then threw his toothbrush and paste into another nearby plastic bag.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“There,” he mused, “all packed.” His mind drifted toward his next move as he gathered all of his boxes and bags into one, larger duffel bag. It was rather sad that he was moving again after only four days, but at least he hadn’t gotten attached. He wandered down to the main office of his apartment complex and knocked on the window. Blinds opened from inside the window and he was met face to face with a rather unpleasant, older mare. Snowstorm’s landlo-….well, ex-landlord now, gave him a quizzical look as he dropped a small bag of bits and his apartment key down on the counter.

“What’s the nearest town?” Snowstorm asked flatly.

“Um…Ponyville. It’s about ten miles west. Why?” asked his landlord, raising an eyebrow

“Well I like to have some idea of where I’m going before I get going...anyway, my four days' rent is in the bag. I guess I’ll be seeing you.” he replied.

The elder mare furrowed her brow, “You know guests pay for the entire month, right?”

SNowstorm paused, before furrowing his own brow, “Ma’am, do you know who I am?” he asked with a suden defensive, even regal tone.

“No…” She answered honestly.

"Do you KNOW what I've ACCOMPLISHED?" Snowstorm raised his voice.

The mare's face softened, turning to one of worry, but again, she replied, "N-No,"

“Do you even know my NAME?!” Snowstorm drilled, acting shocked, as though his fame was worldwide.

“N-No sir I don't…” she answered again.

“Good." His face dropped, eyelids closing and a satisfactory grin spreading across his muzzle He was suddenly calm and subtle, as he was when their conversation began. "As I said, there’s four days rent in the bag.” He picked up his bag and trotted out the door. It took the elder mare a moment to figure out what had just happened.

“I am not a clever pony…” she said aloud, while sighing, collecting the bits on the counter.

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As Snowstorm trotted down the small path that led to his hopefully new home, he allowed his mind wander.

Is this how I'm going to start out? Broke, living out of a bag? Could I be considered a hobo? I don't think so, I'm not begging or anything...

Ten miles wasn’t far, especially for a pony like him. Being rather tall and well built, he could be rather intimidating. While he was no Wonderbolt, he was a gifted flyer. The miles passed quickly as he flew by, and soon he could see the outskirts of a small, quaint village. As he approached, he noticed the first building that came into view was a hotel, or rather a bed and breakfast, due to its small size and warm, cozy feeling. He decided it was a good first place to start, and wandered in.

Snowstorm was greeted by an elder mare, but unlike his old landlord, she had a soft, friendly face. A welcoming grin adorned her face as she spoke.

“Well hello there stranger! It’s not too often we have a new face around little old Ponyville. My name is Warmhearth, and if there’s anything I can do for you just say so.” She smiled, wrinkling her face. Snowstorm could tell she used to be beautiful; her burgundy coat complimented her pale green eyes and fuchsia mane very well, but she seemed to be getting on in her years, possibly in her late 70’s.

“Yes, thank you. I’d like to rent a room for a couple of days, while I’m finding a house.” Snowstorm grinned at the mare, glad that she was friendly. He needed a friendly face.

“Oh? Are you moving into Ponyville?” Softhearth asked while preparing a key.

“I hope so, I need to land a job before I do though. Do you know where I can find the local weather squads manager?”

“You mean Rainbow Dash? I’m sure she’s near by. Wander around town for a little and you’ll find her. Her name makes her easy enough to recognize.” Warmhearth chuckled softly while handing Snowstorm his key, “You’ll be the second door on your left dear. Enjoy your stay!”

Snowstorm grinned. It appeared as though things were finally beginning to look up for him. He opened the door to his room and admired it briefly. It was fairly good-sized, complete with furniture and a bathroom, and all for…for…He paused. He hadn’t paid the owner anything. He set his bag down inside the room and closed the door. He returned to the front desk, frowning slightly.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Warmhearth? I didn’t pay you anything…” Snowstorm began cautiously.

“Well of course you didn’t dear, I didn’t charge you.” She replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Why would I charge somepony who was just trying to get on their hooves? No, you stay as long as you like, but I may still charge you for meals. Pony like you could eat me out of business.” She winked.

She was right, even though he was in good shape, he ate. A LOT. It took a substantial amount of calories to keep his body in the air, especially travelling at the speeds he did. He shrugged and looked back to the mare behind the front desk.

“Well, thank you. It means a lot to me.” Snowstorm finally choked out. He wasn’t used to the kind hospitality offered by the gentle mare.

“Think nothing of it. Oh, also, I think there’s somepony here you may want to meet!” She nodded her head to her side and Snowstorm turned to see who she was signaling at. His eyes widened at the sight.

The mare was absolutely breathtaking, regardless of her nonchalant pose. Her windswept mane slightly covered her face with different colors, flowing together seamlessly. Upon closer examination, he saw her entire mane and tail were composed of all the colors of the rainbow, resting perfectly on the sky-blue backdrop of her coat. Finally, he found her eyes. Her eyes, oh celestia those eyes, sparkling like flawless rubies amongst a field of pearl. Reality suddenly dawned on him. This was her, he thought. This was Rainbow Dash! Head of the weather squad here in Ponyville! He had to make a good first impression, but found himself at a loss for words. Thankfully, she spoke first.

“Hiya! Heard you we’re looking for me?” Rainbow spoke, her voice was somewhat crackly, but it sounded friendly, which was a good sign. She sounded like a mare in her later years, but anypony with eyes could see she was at her prime.

“Um…maybe…? Can I assume you’re Rainbow Dash?” Snowstorm spoke sheepishly nearly dumbfounded.

“Theeeee one and only!” She declared, raising her chest out high, closing her eyes with an ear-to-ear grin. Snowstorm chuckled quietly. At least the comedy of the situation helped snap him out of his daydream.

“Well then in that case, yes.” He spoke more assertively now, overcoming the initial shock of her beauty, “I needed to see you about maybe getting a job with the weather team, I really need the bits, so I’ll take anything you have.” He said. He new it sounded desperate but it increased his odds.

“Are you kidding? I would LOVE the help! I would like to say I’m manager of the weather team, and I guess I technically am, because I’m the only one ON it.” She chuckled.

“Seriously? You clear this entire town by yourself?” Snowstorm asked. He knew it was possible, but very, VERY difficult. A small town means less space to clear, but it didn’t affect the kind of weather that rolled in. And a storm the size of this town? That was 5 hours of bucking, at least!

“Not anymore partner!” Rainbow Dash patted heartily on Snowstorm’s back, “Only half of it now! Be up over Ponyville at 9 oclock...-ish tomorrow, and we’ll see what you can do. It should just be clearing some overcast, so an easy first day for you!” Rainbow walked out of the hotel, and took off into the air.

“Yup,” Snowstorm said out loud, grinning, “things are definitely looking up for me.”

Chapter 9: Sunrise Over the Virgin Snow

Winter’s Howl

Chapter 9: Sunrise over the Virgin Snow

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Snowstorm stared into the beautiful pair of magenta eyes which laid before his. A quiet snow shower had formed around the two, surrounding the pair in an elegant dance of falling angels. Snowstorm let out a contented sigh, his breath forming a cloud in the silent winter air.

“You…you mean that?” Snowstorm asked jokingly

“Totally,” Rainbow said in a low voice, smiling while pressing her forehead against his, closing her eyes.

Snowstorm smiled, closing his eyes, “Well, as much as I want this moment to last, I think we’d better head back to town. This snow’s coming down pretty hard…”

“Yeah, you’re right…are you going back to the hotel?”

“I guess, are you going home?”

“Well I would, but…”

“But..?”

“I don’t think I can make it back to my house in this weather...” She gave a Snowstorm a provocative smile.

“What? You can clear a storm like this in-“ Rainbow’s advances suddenly sunk in. “Oh…well…I guess you could stay at the hotel…you know…if you want” His blush burned with a ferocious intensity, as he spoke, completely unsure of himself.

“But where would I sleep?”

“Um…your own room?” Snowstorm retreated slightly

“But Ms. Warmhearth is out of town, and she has all the keys…” Rainbow advanced

“M-my room only has o-one bed…I could sleep on the couch..?” He took a few steps back

“*sigh* You’re not very good at this are you?” Rainbow chuckled

“No” This, Snowstorm knew the answer to.
Rainbow laughed, Well at least he’s honest, she thought.

“Come on you, let’s go.”

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Snowstorm turned the key to his hotel room and opened the door. No sooner had he opened the door then Rainbow tackled him, forcing him into a deep kiss. While Snowstorm backed up, eyes completely shut, he bumped into several objects before finally feeling his way to the bed. He laid down, quickly, bringing Rainbow down on top of him while staying in her embrace.

As they kissed, Snowstorm’s mind stayed surprisingly blank, lost in the complete euphoria of passion. He ran his hoof through her smooth, unkempt mane, while his tongue dance elegantly with hers. He began to slide his hoof down her body, reaching the small of her back before rubbing back up to her mane. With each stroke he reached slightly further down her body, testing the metaphysical waters of the newfound dance of passion he found himself in. Rainbow showed no signs of disapproval, her lips still locked with his. With a tingle of worry, but a burn of desire, he slid his hoof over her flank, gripping it lightly.

Rainbow broke the kiss, and Snowstorm’s tingle of worry burst into a mental wildfire. Oh, horseapples! Did I move to fast? Is that a bad thing to do? Shit, she probably thinks I’m a pervert now… His train of thought was cut by Rainbow’s words.

“About time.” She said in a low, sensual whisper before returning to her lip-locked paradise.

Snowstorm’s lips tasted like a combination of mint, rose and pine. Their flavor reminded Rainbow of a snow-covered mountaintop, it’s beauty only to be matched by a quiet majesty and still power. His hooves slid gracefully over her body, raising goosebumps wherever they touched. The chill of his breath intertwined with the heat of his body, pressed firmly against hers. This time, it was Snowstorms turned to break the kiss.

“Um…Rainbow?”

“Yeah babe?”

“I…uh…I don’t really want anything more than just…you know…this.” He spoke quietly, unsure of whether or not his words would be offensive to even insinuate Rainbow wanted more, or if they would disappoint her.

“I think this is all I want too, Snowstorm…for tonight at least.” She winked as Snowstorm released a chuckle of relief.

The pair laid in each other’s hooves, and Snowstorm marveled in the beauty of the mare he embraced. Her rose eyes glistened softly as sky-blue lids began to conceal their beauty. Rainbow fell fast asleep in his forelegs, feeling comforted and loved. Snowstorm watched quietly as Rainbow drifted into sleep, her chest slowly rising and falling. He breathed out before closing his eyes, drifting into a deep sleep.

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Snowstorm’s eyes cracked open as three staccato knocks came form the wooden door to his room. His first sight was a sleeping sky-blue pegasus, still resting in his embrace, her rainbow mane disheveled from sleep. She looks so cute with bed-head he thought before three more staccato knocks and a singing voice interrupted him.

“Snowstorm! I’m back in town! It’s 8:30! Time to wake up dear.” Ms. Warmhearth called into the room. Snowstorm gave an inaudible grumble. He didn’t want to get up. He wanted to stay in his warm bed with his mare in his grasp.

When Ms. Warmhearth heard no reply, she cautiously opened the door, “Snowstorm? Are you in here de-“ She was cut off when she saw Snowstorm and Rainbow asleep in each other’s hooves. “Oh, my, um, sorry to interrupt Snowstorm but it’s…uh…time for work…for both of you.” I swear, I leave for one day, one Celestia damned day…

“Oh, uh thanks Ms. Warmhearth. We’ll be up shortly.” Snowstorm blushed while meeting the old mare’s eyes. He was embarrassed, no doubt, but ashamed? Hah!

“Wazzat? Whaz goin’ on? Where am I?” Rainbow sat up suddenly as the surrounding commotion woke her from sleep, rubbing her eyes. “Oh, good morning handsome.” She smiled and gave Snowstorm a peck on the cheek, before turning around to see Ms. Warmhearth starring at the pair. “Oh! Ms. Warmhearth! Hi! I uh…”

Ms. Warmhearth put up a hoof and looked down and away, closing her eyes. “Nuhnuhnuhnuh…I don’t need to hear it. Just...just get yourselves cleaned up, I’ll put an extra pot of coffee on…” She walked away quietly. First drama here in months, MONTHS! And I leave for one day…what the hay else did I miss?

Rainbow chuckled before turning to Snowstorm, flashing a provocative smile “Well, you heard the lady, let’s get ‘cleaned up’ before work.”

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Rainbow and Snowstorm walked down the hall chatting, their manes still dripping wet from their showers. Two mugs of coffee sat on a small bench in the lobby, and Ms. Warmhearth had assumed her usual position behind the counter. As the pair sipped their coffee and laughed, Ms. Warmhearth became eager to stir up a little fun. It had been too long since she’d had a good laugh…

“So I see your both all cleaned up…” Ms. Warmhearth began, seemingly innocent while reading a copy of The Canterlot Times.

“Yup, ready to get to work!” Snowstorm announced and flashed Rainbow a grin.

“Funny, I only heard one shower run this morning…”

Snowstorm froze. The hotel was very small, and to the best of his knowledge, he and Rainbow were it’s only guests at the time being. “Well…uh…you see.”

“We’re a very eco-minded ponies,” Rainbow came in with a smooth save, “you know, go green for Equestria and all that…”

“Mmmhmm,” Warmhearth grinned at the pair’s reaction. “Well, you probably won’t have much to do today, everything came down last night. Sun’s out and shining now.”

“What all came down last night?” Snowstorm asked through sips of coffee.

“You mean you haven’t seen it yet? Oh it’s beautiful outside!”

Snowstorm looked to Rainbow, who shrugged, clearly as ignorant as he was. They both stood and walked to the main doors of the hotel before slowly opening them. Before them lay a virgin blanket of snow, approximately 6 inches deep, completely untouched by pony or any other animal. The snow sparkled brilliantly against the rising sun, and created a perfect, serene landscape ahead.

“It’s beautiful…” Rainbow said through a breath, silently taking in the awe of the completely pure world in front of her. “like a big sheet of paper to draw on…just full of possibilities.”

Snowstorm smiled and put a wing over Rainbow as he also marveled in the beauty of the world in front of him. This was why winter was his favorite season, it created such untarnished beauty that could be seen through no other medium but the fury, then stillness of nature.

Snowstorm looked to Rainbow and smiled.

“Shall we draw?”

Demands for a sequel

Hey guys!
Sorry if you were expecting a new chapter, but I thought this would be the best way to send you guys a message: The demand for a sequel has been overwhelming, and I have some ideas of how to follow it up;

Spring's Song: The life of Rainstorm and his much more of his character, would include only limited amounts of the original characters and would be almost entirely made of characters made by myself, the only exception being Rainbow.

Autumn's Cries: The same events as played out in the original, only through AJ's perspective, and how her relationship with Rainbow changed and evolved into what she and Rarity had in the episode. This would be almost entirely focused on the mane 6, with personal characters being virtually non existent. So basically, an Applejack X Rarity fic. (I know that's a bizarre combo, but challenge accepted on making it work)

Let me know which of these two you would like to see come to life and I will get working!

(PS I'm writing this on my smartphone, as my MacBook's hard drive decided to up and quit, leaving me with nothing to write and DJ with. Obviously getting this fixed is priority number 1 on my list right now, so hopefully I can get started in a few days. Hope everypony had a happy hearthwarming, and no, I actually didn't know about this holiday until after Ms. Warmhearth's role, just coincidence.)