Chapters Harvest Celebrations (Night Art)
Late autumn was a special time for ponies all across Equestria. After the hype that was “Nightmare Night” had come and gone, as well as prior to the warmth and serenity that came with both the Winter Moon celebration and Hearth's Warming Eve, ponies had yet another reason to celebrate. The Autumn Harvest celebration was a time honored tradition dating back to the original settler ponies and the native populations. A time to be thankful for the bountiful harvest of various crops of the year. Of course, different households had different traditions for this particular holiday. This year was no exception as Spectrum Dream was hard at work trying to get his house together for the onslaught of relatives he and his family would be hosting. He was in the kitchen preparing the stuffed pumpkin when he heard a crash from the living room.
“What in the name of Equestria is going on in here?!”, Spectrum asked as he hurriedly wheeled himself into the living room.
“rien papa ”, Midnight said whilst looking nervously at her adoptive mother.
“Exactly, nothing love.”, Harmonia said. An equally nervous look cast down upon her daughter.
“Uh-huh. And would that ‘nothing’ have anything to do with you two being tangled up in leaf garland and pine?”, Spectrum asked with a cocked eyebrow.
The mare and filly looked at one another and shrugged, “No”.
Spectrum just laughed in a gentle teasing way as he pulled the two free from their little mess.
“I can see you two had a bit of trouble getting the Autumn Harvest decorations out of the shed. Why didn’t you call for me to help out?”, He asked again.
“Well….we figured that we could get them ourselves. Especially since you were in the kitchen and ‘miss Cat’ is off today. We were only trying to get the Autumn Harvest stuff but...somehow we got Hearth’s Warming decorations mixed in.”, Midnight explained as she shook a wreath off her neck.
Spectrum simply smiled as he helped his wife and daughter untangle the decorations as well as getting them placed correctly. The three then proceeded to get the rest of the living room together before guests started arriving.
“So Papa, remind me of who all are coming over again?”, Midnight asked as she set a centrepiece on the coffee table.
“Of course. Let's see there’s: Your Tante Marzipan, Oncle Iron Hoof and tes cousins Speedy and Dawnbreaker. Grand-mère Ocean Breeze and Grand-père Astro. Cousin Star Bright, Oncle Six Strings and finally of my side, tes cousin Emerald is bringing her new baby filly, Dawn. Plus quite a few of your mother's relatives are coming as well. That and you remember that we invited Moondance and her family over for Autumn Harvest.”, Spectrum listed off as he rolled his way back to the kitchen.
“Wow. And how many from your side?”, Midnight asked her mother.
“Only my brother Half Note, his wife Toffey and their filly Zeta. You remember her from the wedding? She was the other flower filly along with you.”, Harmonia explained.
Midnight’s face lit up at the memory of her new cousin and her sneaking sweets from the buffet table and getting caught by her grand-mère Ocean. Afterwards it seemed she and Zeta had gotten along fabulously. She did frown a bit at the mention that her cousin Dawnbreaker would be there as the two cousins were notoriously enemies in every sense of the word. Always playing pranks on one another or getting each other in trouble. She shook those thoughts away as she heard the sound of the doorbell. As she ran to the door she completely ignored her papa telling her not to run in the foyer. The result? Her slipping and crashing into the door.
“I’m okay! Getting the door!”, she yelled back to the slightly nervous parents in the living room. She opened the door to find their housekeeper/nurse Ms. Red Cross standing there looking slightly frazzled.
“Hiya Midnight. Happy Autumn Harvest!”, Ms. Red Cross said with a smile.
“Hi Ms. Red Cross! Please come in.”, Midnight greeted as she stepped aside to let her in. Being mindful of the few leaves that managed to fall from Ms. Red Cross’s mane.
“Hello everypony! As you can see, I got your S.O.S text-mergency Spectrum.”, Ms. Red Cross said with a chuckle.
“Thank Faust you did, Catrina! I...seem to be having all ze bad luck in ze kitchen today...it’d be better if I ‘shut my trap’ and show you.”, Spectrum sighed in embarrassment as he lead Catrina back into the kitchen.
With those two out of sight, Midnight and Harmonia wondered the same thought.
‘Why didn't he just ask me for help? ’, the two ladies thought as they continued getting the living room in order.
In the kitchen...around the same time…
“Okay so, that should be it for the stuffed skinned pumpkin. Let that stay in the oven for 4 hours exactly. Please don’t end up undercooking or overcooking it! Faust knows nopony likes either outcome. Now all that’s left is...the salad and the macaroni.”, Catrina said with a small weary exhale.
“Thanks so so much ‘Cat’ ! I don’t know what I would’ve done without you here. Sure the girls could’ve helped but Harmonia is very wary around our new oven and Midnight is still too young to work it by herself--”, Spectrum stated but was quickly cut off by Catrina.
“--Oh please! That little filly in there can handle a lot more than you give her credit for. As for your wife however….well...we all can secretly be wary of technology at times. I remember when I first got my cell phone, I couldn't for the life of me figure that thing out!”, Catrina swiftly cut in as she started on the macaroni pot.
“Yes I know how that is mon amie . I also would like to apologize for calling you in here on your off day.”, Spectrum added with a bashful smile.
“Think nothing of it! Although…..” she paused to look at her watch and saw that it was nearing 3pm “...I will barely have time to help with the mac n’ cheese before I gotta go.”, Catrina finished with a deep sigh.
“Aww! Must you? You know as well as I that you are welcome to stay for dinner. It’s mainly friends and family and there will likely be leftovers.”, Spectrum said as he started on the salad.
“I wish I could but, I have….something to do in a little while...plus I left Kai in charge and I rather not imagine the state of my place when we get ready to leave.”, Catrina said as the pot started to boil and she added the noodles.
Knowing he should ask but, being the good client and friend that he is, he decided to keep quiet on his curiosity as to why his nurse would have to decline the offer. Even so they worked through the last little bit of food preparations with light small talk amongst friendly company.
“Okay that is it. Macaroni’s done and in the clay oven. Salad also done and in the refrigerator to wait.”, Catrina analyzed as she cleaned up the kitchen.
“Again, thank you so much Catrina! You’re a lifesaver...in more ways than one.”, Spectrum chuckled as the two headed back into the living room to a shock. The entire living room was only half decorated in Autumn Harvest decorations. The other half was still undecorated and Midnight, with Harmonia were front halves deep in one big box searching for more decorations.
“Okay, this would be really funny if it weren’t for the fact that you two are struggling.”, Catrina said as she pulled Midnight and a large leaf garland out of the box.
“Thanks ‘Miss Cat’ . Took me longer than I thought to get that garland out.”, Midnight thanked her with a sheepish smile.
“No worries now--” Catrina starts but is cut off by an alarm on her phone “--Crap! I’m almost late! Sorry to be rushing out like this, but I’m about to be late! See you all on Sunday! Bye!”, she finishes as she rushes to put on her boots and coat before speeding out the door.
“I wonder where she zipped off to?”, Midnight thought aloud before being called to help finish setting up the dining room.
4 Hours Later….
Friends and family were gathered around in the living and dining rooms. The stuffed pumpkin already out the oven and getting ready to be finished and put on the table. Spectrum’s in the living room entertaining his parents and siblings while Harmonia was busy handling the remainder of the food in the kitchen.
“Shoot! We’re out of honey and oats. Midnight! Can you come here please?”, Harmonia called out to her daughter.
Surely enough, Midnight came running in the room with her two best friends trailing right behind her.
“Qui mama? What is it you need?”, Midnight asked as she finally slowed down.
“I need you to run out to the store and pick up a jar of honey and a bag of oats. It appears that we’ve run out. Can you please do that for mama ?”, Harmonia asked.
“Yes. As long as my friends come with me. Oh! And I kinda need bits too.”, Midnight accepted as Harmonia pulled a small pouch of bits out her apron and hoofed it to her as she shooed the trio of fillies towards the coat rack.
“Well, guess we’re making a quick grocery run.”, Melody said as she slipped on her coat.
“Yep! So let’s get a move on girls.”, Midnight replied as she wrapped her scarf around her neck and slipped her boots on. Soon all 3 were out the door.
A Little While Later on the streets of Trottingham…
After an almost unbeatable crowded time at the grocery store, the trio of fillies found themselves walking back towards Midnight’s house. As they walked and aimlessly chatted amongst themselves, they came across a local homeless shelter.
“*sigh* I honestly feel awful this time of year. Seeing all these ponies without a place to stay or even a actual edible meal to eat on Autumn Harvest Day. Just tears me up inside.”, Desert sighed as they walked past a line of ponies waiting for a meal. Among them, Midnight noticed a very familiar looking amber coated pegasus with a grey, moth-eaten trench coat.
“Hey! Is that--Is that miss Red Cross?!?”, Midnight exclaimed in shock as she went over to investigate further. To the annoyance of her friends as they chased after her.
“Miss Red Cross? Is that you?”, Midnight asked as she approached the long line.
“Midnight?! Melody Star?! Desert Wind?! What are you doing here?”, Catrina asked in surprise.
“Grocery run and I dragged them with me. Now, why are you here in this line?”, Midnight asked confused.
“Well it’s gonna have to do until I get back to the house. Faust knows I can’t leave that bull-headed son of mine alone with our stuff for long. Somepony’ll end up stealin’ all if it like last year.”, Catrina sighed as she saw she was next in line to get two to-go containers of soup, two halves of bread, a container of mac n’ cheese, two water bottles, two slices of pumpkin pie and a thin blanket.
“Wait, you mean like a halfway house? Is that where you and Twister are living??”, Desert asked in shock.
“*sigh* As a matter of fact...yes. Yes we are. Which is why I’ve been taking on longer hours with your father and why I’ve looked a bit more tired than usual. Yes I remember that day you saw me doubled over in pain. I appreciate that you knew what to do in that situation, Midnight.”, Catrina said with a large sigh as she started to walk back towards the shelter before being stopped by a trio of concerned fillies.
“No!”, Midnight said in a small tone.
“NO! No, you are NOT going back to that shelter with what can barely be considered a proper Autumn Harvest’s meal! You and Twister are gonna pack your stuff up and both of you are staying with us for the holidays. No ‘buts’ about it.”, Midnight said in a more authoritative tone.
“Okay, bu what about your parents? How are you gonna explain this to them?”, Catrina asked a bit in surprise.
“Leave mama et papa to me. I just want you two to have an amazing Autumn Harvest Celebration like we do.”, Midnight replied as she wrapped her scarf around herself tighter.
Catrina couldn’t believe what she was hearing! She’d never heard such a magnificent offer in all her years. Perhaps it was because she was freezing or perhaps it was because she was half-desperate but she nodded before spreading her wings and heading off to go pick up her son and what little of their belongings they owned before checking out of the shady halfway house. Afterwards she, along with her son followed the trio of friends back to Midnight’s house to explain the situation and to sit down to a wonderful Autumn Harvest Day’s feast.
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I'll Be Home For Christmas (The Thief and the Dancer)
Author's Note
Obviously this version of this song was the inspiration for this one-shot!:
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!
I'll Be Home For Christmas (The Thief and the Dancer)
Winter had come. It had come in full force within the first 2 days after the Winter Moon Celebration. Pretty soon, most of Manehattan was covered in snow and ice. Ponies didn't seem to care as the more important part was soon to take place: Christmas. Bustling to and fro from store to store, ponies with heavy saddlebags filled with gifts rush into the busy streets. Those not in the cornucopia of shoppers were just as busy in their homes. Such was the case of Graceful Runner. Having to get her house together was the easy part. Trying to cook and handle a very curious 2 year old colt was the hard part.
“Mama, what’cha doin?”, Maple Leaf asked his mother as she was busy cooking.
“Mama’s cooking Christmas dinner, ‘lil’ leaf’ .”, Grace replied to her son as his little face lit up.
“I help! I help cook?”, Maple asked (as well as a two-year-old could).
Grace seemed to think this over briefly. There really wasn't much he could help with aside from small things. She smiled before responding.
“Okay Maple, while you're a bit too little to help me cook, do you think you can help mama set the table?”, Grace asked her son. To which the little colt was all too happy to oblige as he hurried off to the dining room to try and set some places at the table.
“Please make sure to ask for help if you need it!”, Grace yelled out to which she got a small nicker in response as Maple Leaf went ahead and set the table. Pretty soon he almost had everything on the table. It was going well until he came across the knives. Not knowing what he was doing, he carried them as best he could--pointing the wrong way--which his mother quickly saw.
“Maple Leaf!” Grace screamed as she quickly snatched the knives away from her little colt without injuries to either of them “Baby those are very dangerous! I don’t want you handling those, ya hear?!”, she finished.
“O-kay...Mama. I-I’m...s-s-sorry!”, Maple apologized as he started crying.
Grace saw the way his little eyes filled with tears and knew she had likely scared him by her overreacting. So she placed the knives down on the table and scooped up her little foal.
“Oh baby...Mama’s sorry she yelled...I just didn't notice you grabbing the knives out of the cabinet. I should’ve been more clear when I asked you to set the table. I meant for you to grab the plates, spoons, bowls and placemats. Not everything in the cabinet!”, Grace said as she soothed her crying colt.
“Ooohh….I got it now. Okay!....” Maple started after ceasing crying “....Mama help?”, he finished with a slight tint of pink to his face.
Grace simply chuckled as the pair quickly got back to work setting the table correctly. As soon as they were done, Grace sent Maple to go play in his room for a bit while she finished up a few things in the kitchen. During that time between dishes, she heard the front door open. Instantly on the alert she turned and poked her head out of the kitchen. Only to be greeted by the unexpected, but still welcome face of her best friend, Gabriel.
“Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of rum! Heya babe!”, Gabriel shouted as he came in fully. Carrying said rum under a wing and a small sack in a talon. Saddlebags nestled cozily on his back.
“Gabe!”, Gracie said as she rushed out to squeeze him tight.
“Listen, I know y’all wasn’t expecting me til tomorrow but...I just couldn't wait!”, Gabe said as he placed the bag with rum in the kitchen.
“Well I sure am glad you here! But you mean to tell me you flew all the way from Detrot to here in over a day?”, Gracie asked.
“Well no! I only flew half the way. Took a train the first half. Anyways, I come bearing gifts! Some for you and the rest of the crew. One or two for Wolf Runner, but most are for my lil nephew! Where is he anyways?”, Gabe explained before asking.
As if by magic or the sheer will power of hearing his “favorite” uncle's voice, Maple Leaf popped up out his room and charged (again, as well as a two-year-old could) at Gabriel.
“Unca ‘G’!”, Maple Leaf shouted in happiness as he hugged his ‘uncle’.
“There’s my lil’ daredevil! C’mere!”, Gabe said as he proceeded to tickle the young one senseless.
“*chuckle* I’m gonna assume the rest of the gang gonna show up pretty soon?”, Grace chuckled.
“*pant* Y-Yeah. Serene and her husband are bringing their little filly by a little later and I gotta call Cold back and see on their status.”, Gabe said as he caught his breath.
“Mmmm...okay. Well as soon as they get here, we can start! Besides I...may have a surprise for everypony later on in the night.”, Grace said rather cryptically as she picked her son up.
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“Of all the days! Why today?!?”, Wolf Runner bemoaned to himself as he found himself being chased down by a couple of familiar cops on the opposite side of town.
“FREEZE!!!”, one cop shouts as he conjures up his baton.
“Geeze! I didn’t do ANYTHING!! Just trying to get home!”, Wolf shouts back as he jumps over an overturned barrel. Soon enough he finds himself tripping over a second barrel and falling. This gave the police officers a chance to properly detain and cuff him.
“Now relax. We’re just gonna take ya back to the station for some questioning.”, the other cop said as he lifted Wolf off the ground and put him in the back of the police cart.
1 hour Later…
Sitting in a holding cell was by no means a new experience for Wolf Runner. He’d been in this very holding cell more times than he’d like to admit over the years. Yet it was today, on Christmas Eve was what made him silently curse the police department of Manehattan.
“*sigh* This is NOT how I intended to spend Christmas Eve.” Wolf started as he saw the guard of the holding cell move “Hey! Can I at least have my one phone call?! C’mon! I really need it!” he finished as he accidentally banged his hoof against the bars.
The cell guard took one look at the poor stallion and all he saw was not a criminal, but a shocked and upset stallion in a dire situation.
“Please. As I told the cops who arrested me and the detectives who interrogated me, I was simply retrieving my St. Nicholas costume from my workplace as well as presents. See this is the first year my son can actively enjoy Christmas. Presents and all! This was simply me retrieving those gifts and others from my warehouse. Now that I’ve once again been arrested, I likely won’t be able to get home in time tomorrow to see my little colt open up his gifts or see the look on my wife’s face when she sees what I got her. *sigh* They’re gonna love ‘em...if I manage to get outta here in time.”, Wolf pleaded to what he assumed, deaf ears.
The guard, having listened to Wolf’s story, felt immense sympathy and believed him. Despite knowing he’d get his tail handed to him for doing it, he unlocked the cell and lead Wolf Runner towards the phone.
“Here, call whoever you need to. No limit.”, The guard said as he removed his cap and ran a hoof through his lemon colored mane.
“R-Really?!”, Wolf gasped.
“Consider it a Christmas favor.”, the guard said through a genuine smile.
“Thank you sir! Thank you so much!”, Wolf said as he was uncuffed and passed a landline telephone.
“Mama!! Can I open a present? Pweese?!?”, Maple Leaf once again asked his mother as she was working in the kitchen.
“*sigh* As I told you the past 3 times you asked, No. You have to wait until tomorrow morning.”, Gracie sighed as she placed her pot of pasta on the stove.
“Awww, C’mon Gracie! Let the kid open up one!”, Cold Waters called out to the frustrated mother.
“No! He’s gotta learn to be more patient.”, Grace replied as she turned on a radio. Some Christmas music was playing.
“I agree with Cold here. Maple’s been as patient as he could be practically all year….or at least….for the past 6 months.”, Serene said as she looked over at her own foal as she played around with Maple Leaf.
Gracie looked--for lack of better terms--wrecked as she listened to her friends’ logic. Yet, being the “responsible” parent she is, decided to stick to her guns and hold firm to her decision.
“He also has to learn that when it comes to Christmas, it’s better to be patient and wait for the rewards than to dive right in.”, Grace said as she turned back to the large pot of Bitalian Vegetable Soup with some garlic bread in the oven. Just as she was about to take the bread out, the telephone rang.
“Could one of ya get the phone?”, Gracie said as she placed the pan of bread down to cool.
“On it!....” Fasthoof started “Hello?.....yes...she’s busy at the moment, who may I ask is calling?.....Holy--Wolf!...okay...where you at bro?....YOU WHERE?!.....hold on, I’ll get Grace!”, he finished before dropping the receiver and rushing to grab Grace.
An obviously confused Grace picked up the fallen receiver.
“Hello?”, she asked.
I'll be home for Christmas
“Grace! Thank Faust. Okay….don’t get mad but I...kinda….got arrested on a false charge and am in a holding cell.”, Wolf said knowing what kind of response his wife would have.
Please have snow and mistletoe
“YOU’RE WHERE!!!???!!!”, Grace shouted before looking over to her son and ‘niece’.
“Okay foals, hows about Uncle Gabe takes you two outside so you can play in the snow! Sound good?”, Serene said as she already started slipping on two little coats and reached for two sets of boots per foal. Said pair of foals squealed in delight as their ‘uncle’ scooped them on his back and headed out on the fire escape ladder.
Christmas Eve will find me
“Listen I know this isn’t the most ideal--”, Wolf started before being cut off.
“Damn right it isn’t! How the hell did the cops even find you?”, Grace said in barely contained rage.
“I dunno? All I know is one moment, I’m going back to the warehouse to get the suit and gifts and the next moment, I’m fleeing with the duffle bags and sacks in my magic grasp! Yeah I swear Law Book and Silver Badge always have it out for me this time of year! They booked me and to make matters worse I’m at the precinct on the other side of town.”, Wolf finished with a sigh.
Grace covered the receiver briefly to let out a frustrated groan before uncovering it and placing it back to her ear.
“I heard that! Please don’t be making that face after letting out your lil’ bit of rage.”, Wolf said.
“I do what I want. Now….*sigh*...looks like I’ll be up there to come get you in a bit.”, Grace said through a sigh.
“Uhh...babe? Not to harbor on your enthusiasm, but have you seen outside lately or have you been in the same spot in the kitchen since I left?”, Wolf responded in a serious tone that hid his worriedness.
As he said this, Grace looked out the window and sure enough there was a thick blanket of snow already on the ground and more coming down.
“Dangit! No matter, I’ll still come!”, Grace said with determination.
“No. Babe you ain’t understanding. They won’t let me out until tomorrow morning and that’s only due to the heavy snowfall!”, Wolf said.
“B-But that’s Christmas! Surely they can get an air patroller and escort you home tonight! I mean…*sigh* Wolf...there was something I really needed to tell ya tonight! And if I didn't tell ya, then I’d lose my nerve. Besides, imagine how Maple will feel when I tell him his papà won’t be back for Christmas morning!”, Grace said as she slightly teared up.
“Oh il mio amore ...I will tell you this. Because it’s a mistaken charge, they have to let me go as I’m innocent. Most importantly, I want you and Everypony there know that I’ll be home before dawn...I promise you that.”, Wolf replied with a strong voice.
“O….okay…”, Grace said as her voice cracked.
“I can practically hear you about to cry love. Don’t worry Gracie….I’ll be home for Christmas Day. Now I gotta go as I need to let the next pony use it.”, Wolf said.
“Ok. I love you.”, Gracie said with barely held back tears.
“Love you too. Tell Maple I said goodnight and that I’d see him in the morning. Til’ next time.”, Wolf said.
“I will. Love you too. Til’ morning we meet again.”, Gracie said as the line disconnected. As she placed the receiver back on the base.
Where the love light gleams
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[approx. 5 hours later…]
Wolf Runner was being escorted over to the evidence locker where his bags stayed by the very same officer who was watching his cell.
“Hey, man thanks again! You really are my guardian angel this year officer….”, Wolf stopped after realizing he didn’t catch the officers’ name.
“McCuffs. Officer Malcolm McCuffs and it was my pleasure. I just hope we make it back to your place before dawn.”, Officer McCuffs said in a soft voice.
“Yeah I hope so too. Gosh, I can’t wait to see my little colt’s face when he sees just what ‘Saint Nicholas’ brought him this year!”, Wolf said with a smile.
“How old’s your little colt?”, McCuffs asked in curiosity.
“A whole 2 years. Just turned two in October. Then there’s the subject of my wife…”, Wolf replied then fell off.
“Ahhh, so that’s who was screaming on the other end of that phone! Makes sense.”, McCuffs laughed.
“Hehe yeah...she was absolutely pissed when she heard me tell her I was in here...again. But something about the way she was talking towards the end seemed...I dunno...off set a bit. Like she was a bit more emotional than usual.”, Wolf explained.
“*sigh* Bud, when it comes to mares around this time of year, they tend to get a wee bit...well crazy! Especially the pregnant ones. I remember when my dear wife was pregnant with our 3rd foal. *chuckles* that Christmas was an interesting one indeed!”, McCuffs shared as he helped Wolf Runner into his ‘Saint Nicholas’ suit.
“Oh don’t I know it!”, Wolf said as he collected the bags of presents and the two proceeded to head towards the sky cruiser. They proceeded to load the cart with the bags and then themselves as they pulled off into the early morning hours before dawn on that snowy Christmas morning.
I'll be home for Christmas
Right before dawn on that beautiful snowy morning, a cop and a (former) thief made their way to a small apartment building in West Manehattan. Opening up a window from the fire escape, Wolf proceeded to transport the bags of gifts silently into his home and arranging them as so the good ones are in opening view first. With the best ones for last. When the final present was lay under the tree, the officer tipped his hat before leaving. Wolf managed to sneak down the hallway and into his room (whilst peeking in on their slumbering son as he past) quieter than still air. However he did make a small yelp as he’d hit his hoof on the bedpost as he tried to sneak over and place his wife’s gift on her night table. Thus causing her to stir a bit, but not awaken. It was a minute to 6 am when he sat back on the couch, still dressed as ‘Saint Nicholas’.
“3...2...1...and...MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYPONY!!!!”, Wolf bellowed as he stood in the center of their living room.
Awoken by the sudden noise, little Maple Leaf jumped out his bed as he realized what day it was. Quick as a flash, he slipped on his slippers and bolted down the hall to where his mama was sleeping and jumped on her bed.
“Mama! Mama! è Natale! è Natale!!! ”, Maple shouted in Bitalian as he jumped up and down excitedly while his mother awoke.
“I know lil’ leaf! Buon Natale! Let’s go see what ‘Saint Nicholas’ left you huh?”, Grace said as she watched her son bounce off the bed and down the hall. After a few moments she heard the unmistakable shriek of ‘it's Saint Nicholas!’ from her son. At that, she fully got up and readjusted her sleeping gown and fixed the rollers in her mane as she stepped out into the brightly lit living room. To her surprise and delight, there stood proud and tall was her dear husband dressed as Saint Nicholas, passing present after present to her son. A camcorder sat on and recording on the nearest shelf.
“I see ‘Saint Nicholas’ paid you an extra special trip this year didn’t he Maple!?”, Grace asked her son smiling.
“Yeah! Look what I got mama! A new twain set! N’ a new tri-tri-tri--?”, Maple excitedly said as he struggled with a word.
“Tricycle, my love.”, Grace corrected him as a flash of light and sparkles briefly blinded them.
“Where he go?”, Maple asked.
“Oh back to the North Pole my son. To Prepare for next Christmas!”, a familiar voice sounded out as the front door opened.
“Papà! You here!!”, Maple shouted as he jumped onto (a recently changed) Wolf Runner.
“Told ya he was gonna be here didn’t I?”, Grace said as she picked up her son and kissed her husband. Her son nodded his head rapidly.
“And I always keep my promises.”, Wolf said as he watched his son tear into the rest of his presents.
[a little while later after breakfast had been eaten...]
“I don't wanna know how it is you managed to get here in the amount of time you did or how you got me this stunning necklace!”, Gracie said as she clipped the pear necklace onto her neck.
“All the more for me to know and you to find out later my love.”, Wolf responded as he sat back on the couch.
“Yeah….about that...do you remember me saying something about I had to tell you something?”, Grace said with a tint of nervous energy about her.
“Yes actually! I was gonna bring that up before Maple practically body slammed me into the couch. I swear, he was really happy to see his daddy.”, Wolf said with a smile.
“Yeah...well...what if I told you that Maple Leaf won’t be the only one to call you that anymore?”, Grace said as she loosened her robe a bit.
“What do you mean?”, Wolf asked before it all clicked in his head.
If only in my dreams
Gracie slowly removed her robe to reveal a Christmas sweater that read ‘there's a cookie in my oven’ in big white letters against her black sweater.
“Sweet Celestia! Gracie you--you’re---again?!”, Wolf stuttered out in surprise and growing happiness.
“Yep! I found out 2 weeks ago that I am almost 1 month along.”, Gracie smiled and nodded before being picked up gently and spun around the kitchen.
“This is amazing! Maple’s gonna be a big brother! I-I’m gonna be a father again! Wow!”, Wolf babbled out of happiness.
“Yes mio amore and I a mother again.”, Grace smiled as she kissed her husband.
New Year, New Life (Flying High)
Author's Note
Last update of the year (and final one-shot for this anthology)! Yay!!!! Honestly This one-shot was the 1st one I wrote out back in like October. Not long after publishing Flying High , I knew how this was gonna end up! I may or may not continue with these characters in seperate one-shots, but they sure as hex are fun to write! You guys know I can be pretty spontaneous in my updates. Anyways, hope you all enjoy! Oh! Please listen to this one at the designated time:
Have a Happy New Year everypony!
New Year, New Life (Flying High)
New Year’s Eve was here and practically everypony in the “Horseshoe Canyon Apartment Buildings” was dealing with last minute prep work in their apartments and last minute party lists to get together in a few apartments. The building was absolutely noisy with the sound of various ponies getting themselves together. There was, however one door in the whole building (residential) that was eerily silent. That was only because nopony knew what was really going on in there.
“Check.”, a very much pregnant mare replied as she made sure on the diapers.
“Okay. What about teat pump in case the baby doesn't latch on?”, the stallion asked again.
“Got it too. Seriously Riptide, we’ve got everything in here except the bassinet and before you say it, no we are NOT dismantling that darn thing to bring it.”, the mare snorted in annoyance.
“Sorry sis! I just want to make sure you have everything you need. Lilly you know I’m just looking out for ya.”, Riptide said as he nuzzled his baby sister playfully.
“I get it. I’m appreciative, but could ya lay off the overprotectiveness a bit?”, Lilly groaned as she nuzzled her big brother back.
“Nope! That’s my niece or nephew in there and I just want to make sure you and him/her are safe. So as ‘overprotective’ as you claim I am, I’m only doing this for the two of you.”, Riptide stated as he zipped up the hospital bag and Lilly’s suitcase. Purposely ignoring the groan from Lilly.
“Fine. But if you ask if I need another blanket, I’ll shove that clipboard down your throat!”, Lilly semi-sweetly threatened.
Knowing that while his sister was generally a peaceful pony, when she threatens you she means it and does it, Riptide shut his muzzle and set both bags down by the front door.
“Geeze! Okay. I get it! You know I can’t help it” Riptide started as he took a sip of his bourbon-infused eggnog “Besides *gulp* you should be grateful that you got a strong big bro like me worrying over you! Especially since that low life of an ex of yours won’t own up and be a real stallion about it.”, He finished.
At the mere mention of her ex, Lilly shuddered in disgust. She knew she was right to tell his sorry tail that she was pregnant. Did she expect him to lash out at her and deny the unborn foal? A small part of her had hoped not, but it was her logic that won that argument. She still remembered that day like a bad dream…..
(10 months ago…)
Lilly found herself walking through a large apartment building and into a cramped feeling elevator as she decided to pick up her ex-coltfriend, Train Tracks for a casual lunch. As she got out and found his apartment number, she couldn't help but feel nervous.
‘I don’t know why I’m feeling so nervous. Maybe he’ll be happy? Then again...he may overreact badly...Oh celestia help me!’ , She thought to herself as the door opened and she greeted her ex. After a quick trip to the bathroom (as well as scoping out his new place), they were on their way to a small diner near the train station and his job.
(time later at the diner…)
“So….we both know this wasn’t so much a social visit between friends. Why’d you really ask me here today? I know how you are Lilly and you clearly look like you got a lot on your mind. Care to share?”, Train Tracks asked.
‘okay, here goes nothing...or everything…’ , Lilly thought to herself as she took a deep breath to steel herself.
“Okay...well...you see…*sigh* I’m...a little….pregnant.”, Lilly said with a quivering voice.
“I-I'm sorry? What was that?”, Train asked as he was unsure of what he heard.
“I said I’m pregnant! Geeze, must I write it out for you?!”, Lilly replied as her voice found its strength.
It was then that all Tartarus broke loose as Train grew furious at this news. Gentle conversation turned into a shouting match and the obvious statement of ‘well then you should get rid of it’ was said. That statement earned him a hard slap to the face and water being tossed in his face. Followed by a teary-eyed Lilly speeding off.
(present day)
Shaking her head of that bad memory, Lilly quickly looked around her surroundings. Her 3 bedroom/1 bathroom apartment looked as clean as they could muster. It also looked completely ready for a new foal. Before Lilly could state how clean it looked, she felt a strong pain in her now heavily swollen belly.
“What’s wrong? You okay?”, Riptide asked quickly.
“I’m f-fine! The foal was just kicking real hard. That’s all.”, Lilly answered after catching her breath.
“Well okay. Oh! Hey! We promised Nonna and Star Walker that’d we would stop by and spend New Year’s with them. We’d better get going if we’re gonna beat the air traffic and trust me, it’s getting bad around now.”, Riptide said as he picked up her coat and slipped on his boots.
He quickly noticed how quiet Lilly had gotten. That obviously concerned him as he got closer.
“Lil’? You alright--”, Riptide said as he felt like he stepped in a puddle.
“Geeeet….theeee….cart!”, Lilly said in a hoarse tone.
“What?”, Riptide asked in surprise.
“MY WATER JUST BROKE!! GET THE CART AND CALL NONNA AND MA!!!! NOW!!!”, Lilly screamed as her first contraction hit.
Faster than a lightning bolt, Riptide hurriedly rushed his sister to her new family sized cart with foal seat already installed. He made sure she was in all the way before rushing to get the hospital bag, foal bag and calling ponies on his phone. After getting the bags and making sure his mother and “unofficial” grandmare were aware of what was happening, he took off to the hospital with his...rapidly getting uncomfortable little sister.
(an hour later due to traffic…)
The pair rushed into the hospital out of breath and in pain (on Lilly’s part). They rushed to the reception desk, where a bored looking nurse sat.
“How may I help--”, the nurse cut himself off as he looked up from his screen to see a panicked looking stallion and a mare in labor.
“Sweet Luna! Please, my sister's in labor! She needs a doctor….doctor…?”, Riptide stumbled at forgetting the doctor’s name.
“Doctor Sweetheart. Please, I already have a birthing room set and while it’s a little early, my foal is coming now!”, Lilly said through deep, labored breaths.
“Okay. I’ll call Dr. Sweetheart and get you a wheelchair” the nurse started before picking up his receiver “Dr. Sweetheart to front reception desk. Repeat. Dr. Sweetheart to front reception desk and please can somepony bring a wheelchair?”, he finished.
“Everything's gonna be alright, Lilly. Just keep breathing--”, Riptide said before getting cut off by a shrill neigh.
“TO TARTARUS WITH MY BREATHING!!!! I’M IN PAIN!!!! ”, Lilly neighed loudly as another contraction hit. This one more painful than the last 2.
Just then a doctor with a wheelchair came into view.
“Goodness! Somepony’s a little bit early. That’s okay your room’s ready anyways. Riptide, follow us please?”, Dr. Sweetheart said as she helped Lilly into the chair and wheeled her into a very natural looking birthing room (and by “natural” I mean the whole room looks like an open field with a ‘nest' of soft grass and hay as a hospital bed and no modern medical supplies aside from a small bag of supplies). She helped the expectant mother into a lying position as a light came on overhead.
“Oh thank faust! I really needed to lie down. *sigh*...I wasn’t expecting the foal to come this early.”, Lilly said as she shifted to get comfy on her side.
“I can imagine. Don’t worry, on the occasion foals tend to come a week or two early. Now, sweetie I’m gonna need you to spread your legs so I can check and see how far your dilated.”, Dr. Sweetheart said as she reached for her medical bag as a nurse hooked up a heart monitor to Lilly and took a blood sample as well as attaching a hospital bracelet to her hoof.
“Okay, well the good news is that you’re 6 centimeters dilated so this little babe should be coming within the next few hours. Slight bad news, nothing major! Just need you to sign a few forms. Only to sign in.”, Dr. Sweetheart said as Riptide took the forms and the brother/sister pair filled them out.
(2 hours later...11:58pm.)
Over the next 2 hours, Lilly's discomfort grew greatly as she experienced contraction after contraction as she dilated quicker than expected. Pretty soon she was in constant pain as she was almost 10 centimeters fully dilated.
“Please let this end!!!”, Lilly shouted out as the pain hit her hard. Struggling to not push.
“Okay! Sweetie you're now fully dilated! Okay when I say so, I need you to push ok?”, Dr. Sweetheart said as she rubbed Lilly’s leg.
(11:59 pm)
10….
A strong push.
9….
A shrill cry
8….
Another push
7….
Labored breathing
6…
Push. Breath. Push. Breath
5…
A BIG push
4…
A loud, harsh neigh
3…
Pressure increased
2….
One last HUGE push
1….
A loud small cry of life. (A.N: Play song now!)
“Congratulations! It’s a filly! A healthy and very pretty one at that.”, Dr. Sweetheart said as she pulled the foals’ hind hooves out and gently hoofing the foal to a nurse to clean her up.
“Oh…..thank faust….” Lilly started tiredly as she was hoofed her recently cleaned and swaddled newborn “...Hi there. Hi. It’s mommy! Yeah…”, she finished to teary eyes and a tiny smiling filly in her hooves.
“Wow. Lil you did it. Oh wow...I’m an uncle. I have a niece! Just….wow. She’s beautiful.”, Riptide said in a hushed awe.
As the new mother held her baby, the nurse asked what the foal’s name was to be for the certificate.
“Well...after some long thinking, I finally came up with the perfect name for a little filly” Lilly started as she looked at her daughter in awe “Skye Blossom. Her full name will be Skye Patricia Blossom.”, she finished as she held her daughter to her fluffy chest.
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Nightmare Night Escapades (Melody Star's Sonata)
Author's Note
A/N: This music seemed appropriate for a Nightmare Night inspired ficlet.
Nightmare Night Escapades (Melody Star's Sonata)
Nightmare Night was here at last. While most little fillies and colts were over the moon with excitement, the older ones...not so much crazy excitement. Such is the case with Melody Star as she practically holds her little sister down as she bounces like a fool in excitement as they wait in line while their father purchases their costumes for the night. A task, only the elder sibling forgot about until the last minute. Hence the rushed trip to the costume store.
“I’m going to be the scariest witch out there tonight!”, Starlight signed in happiness.
“If you don’t calm down, I won’t take you candy collecting.”, Melody signed/threatened good naturedly. To which her sister outwardly gasped.
“You wouldn't dare!”, Starlight signed in a way of calling her bluff as she stare her 15 year old big sister down.
“Now girls. Quit trying to out threaten each other”, Rain Whip signed and said aloud to his girls. Knowing full well that this particular back and forth spell had been going on most of the day and only one of them was getting tired of it.
“Yes papa.”, Melody said.
“Yes daddy.”, Starlight signed while sticking her little tongue out at her sister.
“Good. Now let’s be on our way.”, Rain Whip said as he checked out with Melody signing. Then the trio left the costume shop.
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
Moondance sighed a large sigh as she, for now the 3rd time that day, had to calm her youngest daughter down from getting too excited. Add on to the fact that she needed help getting her costume on simply made the job a bit harder.
“Sweetie, I know you are excited but you need to be still so I can put your pin on.”, she signed as Starlight finally stood still long enough for her mother to fasten the bright bold button to the front of her costume.
“Sorry mommy. I am just so excited to go out candy collecting! When are my friends showing up again?”, Starlight asked in sign as she remained still enough so her pin could be placed near her heart.
“Not for another 10 minutes love.”, Moondance smiled as she signed in reply.
“Okay. Is my hat on right?”, Starlight asked again.
“Yes. Your hat is on, wings are visible, broomstick is by the door, pin is visible as well as your candy basket and your sister is changing into her costume so she can be ready to take you and your friends.”, Moondance signed and spoke clearly as she knew her daughter needed to read her lips as well as see her signing hooves and wings.
“Okay. Final question. Can you help me with my costume? I need to go to the bathroom.”, Starlight signed as she crossed her back hooves.
Moondance simply sighed and nodded as she stood and helped her foal to the bathroom.
(30 minutes later)
A small group of 6 young fillies and colts plus 4 teens stood at attention as Moondance and a few other parents gave careful directions as to where they could go for candy collecting. Various establishments were passing out treats for collecting foals that were made known. Of course, the teens had more or less agreed to the set plan with a special promise to the youngsters that they’d hit up the good neighborhoods for high quality candy hauls. After the adults said their peace, the group set off in search of candy.
“Okay, dressing up as a lion, a tiger, a bear and a ring leader may have been our best idea yet!”, Melody’s best friend, Desert Wind said happily.
“Yes! Besides, who would be dumb enough mistake us for real creatures tonight?”, Melody's other friend, Midnight Dream added.
“Yeah, but remember girls I may take a little longer than the rest of the group because I have to translate for ‘Starry’.”, Melody reminded her two friends.
“Filly we know! I just hope ze rest of ze group doesn't get impatient with the pace you and Starlight need to take.”, Midnight said in her naturally semi-thick Prench accent.
“I hope so too.”, Checker Flag, Melody's coltfriend replied as the group approached the first house.
The door was open but Desert knocked on the screen door as the group ascended the porch.
“NIGHTMARE NIGHT! WHAT A FRIGHT! GIVE US SOMETHING SWEET TO BITE!”, everypony shouted as Starlight signed with Melody's help. The older mare who lived there smiled as she passed out the candy. When she got to Starlight however, she took notice of the button on her costume instead of looking directly at her. Melody quickly explained that her sister was deaf to the mare. Starlight, not knowing what to do, simply held her basket out and smiled as she nodded to her sister.
“Sorry. Ma’am, my sister was wondering if you still had enough candy for her?”, Melody asked and signed for her little sister.
The mare was taken aback a bit before replying rather loudly, “I’m sorry, but I’m all out of candy!”.
“It’s okay. Thank you anyways.”, Melody replied while signing. Then the two left the porch.
“Why didn't I get candy?”, Starlight asked her friends. Confused as to what just happened.
On that subject, Melody was rather irate. As she could clearly see from her position on the porch that the mare did in fact still have plenty of candy but simply lied.
“I can’t believe this!?!”, Melody said as her friends walked alongside the rest of the group to the next house.
“I saw it too Mel. That was totally unfair.”, Desert said as they went through the motions once again. Melody signing for her sister again. This time, Starlight actually got candy.
“Just goes to show how truly ignorant some ponies can be. I mean, she denied her candy even after I explained to her that Starry was deaf but could still read lips...oh Faust! I hope Starlight didn’t read into that lady’s mouth shapes. Otherwise I have a loooong explanation to give.”, Melody stated in her minute rant mode.
“Hey, it’s okay babe. Let’s just focus on the rest of the night. We still have a few more houses and restaurants to hit up before curfew and I for one intend on getting chocolate wasted alongside Starry later on. Before you ask, she signed those exact words. No paraphrasing on my part.”, Checker Flag said as he placed a reassuring hoof on his fillyfriend’s shoulder as they walked.
“Alright. Let’s just hope that no more incidents like this happen again tonight.”, Melody sighed as the group continued on into the night.
The group of young ponies maneuvered their ways through many different neighborhoods. Collecting tons of treats and candy in the process. Unfortunately they did endure similar issues of Starlight being denied treats a few more times. Each time Starlight was dismayed and Melody only grew more irritated with each bad encounter. As they were headed down their street for a final sweep, they stopped at a rather creepily decorated house. The younger foals were a bit creeped out but nevertheless pressed on.
“NIGHTMARE NIGHT! WHAT A FRIGHT! GIVE US SOMETHING SWEET TO BITE!”, the group chorused once again. Melody having to take a break from signing, so Desert took over.
“Oooohhh! What a scary bunch of zombies, black cats, mummies and witches! I got candy for you guys! Oh, I even see a whole circus as I assume chaperones. How delightful.”, the Stallion who answered the door gushed as he passed out the treats. When Starlight stepped up and signed ‘candy' and ‘please', the stallion’s face suddenly lost the smile it had before as he saw the button.
“I’m sorry little filly, but I’m afraid I don’t-”, he started.
“-Bullcrap!”, Melody shouted. Immediately surprising everypony.
“Excuse me?!-”, the stallion started but was once again cut off.
“-No! No, excuse me for being so bold, but I can clearly see you have quite a bit of candy left! More than enough for my little sister to get a hooffull or two! No what you don’t get is that just because she's deaf, she can not only read lips but can express her feelings rather well. So before you go denying her candy, know that we live only a few houses down and can have our parents here in a heartbeat. Also, know that by not giving her candy, you’ll be breaking her little heart just like the other 12 houses did tonight. Leaving her to ask ‘why didn’t I get candy?’. Now do you really want to see a 7 year old cry tonight mister? Because I can assure you she’s just about had it with not getting as much candy as her friends tonight! If not, I suggest giving us our candy and we’ll be on our way!” Melody finished to a stunned crowd of candy collectors and a few parents who had overheard the commotion. The stallion stood there in shock before grabbing the candy bucket he had and distributing the last of its contents to Starlight and the rest of the older foals.
“Thank you mister”, Starlight signed as she stepped off the porch and headed back towards the sidewalk.
“Dang Melody! Zat was amazing!”, Midnight praised.
“Way to show that guy babe!”, Checker added.
“That was a brave move there Mel.”, Desert said as they walked up to Melody and Starlight’s house.
“Yeah I guess.”, Melody replied as they stepped inside.
“Mommy! Daddy! You should have seen ‘Melly’ a while ago!”, Starlight rushed in and signed to her parents.
“Oh? What happened?”, Rain Whip asked as the other parents collected their foals.
Melody, Desert and Midnight went into detail over what had transpired throughout the night. After finishing, Moondance had a look that was a combination of surprise, anger and relief rolled into one. Rain Whip looked rather similar to his wife except his face was tinged slightly red.
“So, that’s when I kinda went off on the poor stallion….admittedly...not a smart choice but what else could I do? You should’ve seen the look on Starry’s face whenever she didn’t get candy. I honestly was getting fed up.”, Melody closed her case with a sigh and looked over to where Checker was helping Starlight sort through her candy.
“Well Melody Star, while I don’t approve of you going off on one of our neighbors, I do understand the fact that you were just protecting and defending your little sister.”, Moondance said in a soft tone.
“Yes and we are rather proud that you stood up for her. However, we will discuss the manner of an appropriate punishment for yelling at an elder in the morning. No use discussing it tonight as I’m sure you all will get completely sugar wasted tonight with Starlight and if I’m gonna assume Dizzy Twister will be staying the night as well so...go on ahead.”, Rain Whip added in response to what his wife said.
"So that's where Starry got that from.", Midnight whispered to Desert.
“Sweet! Thanks Mama. Thanks Papa.”, Melody said as she hugged her parents and rushed upstairs with Desert and Midnight to go over their hauls.
The house was quiet as everypony had gone to sleep. Well...almost everypony that is.
“Mmm...wha?”, Melody moaned as she rolled over in her hammock. Blearily she blinked as her eyes focused on a semi-scared looking Starlight.
“Star? What are you doing in here?”, Melody signed in confusion.
“Couldn’t sleep. There was a spooky shadow outside my window.”, Starlight signed as she shivered in fear. A few tears glistening in her eyes.
Melody sighed before signing ‘here’ and ‘sleep’ as she pulled her sister into the large hammock.
“Thanks Melody.”, Starlight signed.
Melody’s only response was a big warm pegasus hug as she lay there with her baby sister. As bizzare and fun as it was, this Nightmare Night was a interesting one and wouldn't soon be forgotten.
Interlude: Happy Birthday Phoenix Heart 20
Author's Note
Heyo Everyone! Kenny here, hacking Big I's account again! She may be mad but I don't care.😜 Anyways, she's sure to be surprised by this in meaning She has no idea I did this at all **cue evil laugh**! But seriously, Ivory is such an amazing friend and a true gem in nearly everything she does. She's come from hardship and prevailed many times! Hell, she went from doctor's only giving her a few hours to live as a newborn to thriving as a now beautiful 20-year-old young woman who I am honored to have called my friend for now 13 years. So, in short I gathered a bunch of her OCs here and we've thrown her a bit of a birthday bash! Please show Ivory some love today. (P.S.: once she sees this after work, she'll either want to hug me or kill me for hacking her account again...hahaha!😅)
Interlude: Happy Birthday Phoenix Heart 20
“Hi everypony! I’m Moondance and we here on this website have a very special announcement.”, Moondance started.
“Yes, on behalf of all of us OCs, we have a very special thing to celebrate today”, Crystal Night added.
“Today is a very special day!”, Paint Smear said in glee.
“Yes, you see...20 years ago on December 15, 1997 the world was blessed with a beautiful gift in the form of a baby ‘phoenix’ (human) by the name of Ivory.”, Spectrum Dream added in equal glee.
“Which is why we, her OCs wish to present her with a special birthday song!”, Sunny Rays said in a chipper tone.
“Everypony ready?”, Lilly Blossom asks her fellow ponies.
A unanimous “Yes” resounds around the brightly colored (for a birthday party) room. All the ponies gathered around a table where the guest of honor, a brightly colored Phoenix, is perched in front of a cake with 20 candles.
"Happy Birthday to you,
May all your wishes come true!
The phoenix stands at attention as she sucks in a big breath before carefully blowing out the candles in one breath.
"Thanks you guys! This was such a wonderful surprise! I love it and you all!", The Phoenix author cawed out as she flew up in happiness.
