It was a truly happy time as the Mane 6, Spike and Starlight started walking back to Ponyville. The Hearth's Warming Eve party they attended in Canterlot was truly a testament to the spirit of the season.
Pinkie and Rainbow had almost stuffed themselves with food. Starlight and Twilight talked to the princesses about what they had learned so far. Rarity had given out gifts to other ponies as part of a secret exchange program. Applejack had brought some of her family's famous apple cider. Fluttershy shared some private time with her animal friends. And Pinkie was the life of the party, shooting festive streamers and banners from her party cannon, and dancing in her own way to festive tunes.
"Oh, what a party!" Twilight said as she laughed and sighed. "Sunset Shimmer told me that humans celebrate a similar holiday called Christmas. The similarities are astounding!"
"I bet it's not as good as the holiday we celebrate." Rainbow smirked, as she did a loop near the ground. "It's a shame I didn't get to perform my Sonic Rainboom at the finale! It was gonna be awesome!"
"Rainbow, darling, the princesses said they would like you to perform it on Hearth's Warming Eve itself. Don't be too upset. That night will be a simply divine time to showcase my new line of holiday dresses. I think ill call it, Holidays in Style!"
Fluttershy was also happy. "Those critters in the Canterlot Gardens were very happy to celebrate, especially those winter creatures, like the snowshoe hare, the snowy owl and all the other ones as well."
Pinkie wasn't the least bit tired. "Did you see my party cannon?! It was like BOOM! Instant Holiday cheer! I think maybe i should have used two cannons. Or maybe three? Or perhaps the banners and streamers were too brightly covered!..." She continued on and on, causing her friends to roll their eyes in acceptance.
"I would be interested to learn more about this 'Christmas', Twi." Said Applejack, who was carrying two small barrels of leftover cider.
"I would be happy to!" Beamed Twilight.
"Of course you would." Spike teased, while munching on special diamond that Shining Armor, Cadence and Flurry Heart had sent him, causing Twilight to give him a soft glare.
Starlight was a little more quiet, thinking about her private talk with Sunburst, who had also been invited, and about what new spells he had learned while working in the Crystal Empire, but she was nonetheless ecstatic for yet another hearth's warming.
They were nearing a part of a forest singing the end of a song when suddenly, when from the darkened sky snowflakes began to fall. But, what started as a small flurry, soon turned into a blizzard.
"Wow," said Rainbow, "I didn't recall ordering a blizzard for tonight. Must be a special request of somepony."
"Oh, no!" Rarity whined. "I didn't bring my snow hat. My mane will be ruined!"
"I'm sure we can find shelter somewhere," Twilight said hopefully.
Pinkie zipped up unexpectedly. Stretching her head up strangely, her eyeballs stretched out like a telescope. "I see something down this path here." She said pointing to a partially buried cobblestone path into the forest.
Applejack was apprehensive. "I don't like the looks of that forest. Maybe we should look somewhere else."
"Do you see anywhere else we could go? Theres no real cover anywhere else!" Rainbow grimaced while trying to keep from being covered with snow.
"Lets do this. The weathers getting worse, and I am getting cold." Starlight shivered. They started following the path by the remaining light of dusk past gnarled trees and decaying plants, to an astonishing sight.
The path let to a pair of ornate gates decorated in black garlands, and wreaths with tattered bows. They looked through the gate and there was a collective dropping of jaws at what they saw.
An ornate mansion was covered in bright candles, jack o lanterns, and black wreaths. In front was a clock face that read below: 0 days till Hearths warming. A scarecrow in the front yard had a jack o lantern for a head and was dressed in a festive red suit.
"Who in Equestria lives here?" gawked Rainbow.
"I have no idea. Or more importantly, thats a very strange way to decorate for Hearth's Warming." Applejack said.
"Well, the style is certainly new, though it seems a bit...how shall i put it...macabre." Rarity noted.
Suddenly the gate slowly began to open inward. there was a faint melody playing, as if to entice them forward. The snow had calmed down a bit, now to a small flurry. With relief, the ponies started forward into the courtyard, taking in all the 'eerie' detail, including what looked like a funeral hearse covered in garland.
"The music is certainly beautiful, and the snow has calmed down." Fluttershy noted softly.
Twilight was about to voice agreement, when she saw a long battered sheet of paper hanging from the roof, flowing down the side of the house. She and her friends looked carefully at the writing, which housed a strange 'equation'.
(good cheer/presents) + square root of (founding of equestria) * (new fallen snow - snowman) / (mistletoe)...etc.
"HA! Sounds like another egghead lives here!" Teased Rainbow. Twilight rolled her eyes but said nothing.
Pinkie had an idea. "Maybe he like Starlight never was into Hearth's Warming like Starlight, and now wants to throw a perfect party! Woohoo!" She jumped in the air but was grabbed by Twilight's magic.
"Well, in any case lets knock and ask if we can stay the night. The storm has snowed us in." Starlight pointed out. They all looked, and saw, that the pathway was now buried under at least 2 feet of snow.
They all nodded in agreement, ran to the porch, then to the front door. They stopped, and then Twilight slowly raised a hoof and knocked. There was a pause, then the door slowly creaked open.
They slowly walked in...to a dusty and dimly lit foyer with garlands and skulls adoring the tops of doors and walls. The music had suddenly changed, feeling calm and yet foreboding at the same time.
"Im tellin y'all, this place is creepy." Applejack said as she stared at the dusty chandelier hanging over their heads.
"Yeah, this is weird." Starlight said. Suddenly the doors clanged shut, and a locking sound was heard.
Before anyone knew what had happened, a strange, spooky voice rang out:
Twas a long time ago, longer now than it seems,
in a place that perhaps you've seen in your dreams.
For the story that you are about to be told,
began with two holidays of old.
I know you are all curious to see whats inside.
It's what happens when two holidays collide.
After 'he' said that, two doors on one side slid open.
Welcome, my guests, to our Hearth's Warming delight.
Come witness a frightfully glorious sight!
It's time for our holiday tale to begin.
There's no turning back now.
Please, come all the way in.
The ponies after realizing they were trapped, felt they had no choice, and slowly and cautiously walked through the doors into an octagonal gallery with four stained glass pictures. One had a picture of the mansion itself, another a fireplace with stockings, a third a hearths warming tree with presents, a fourth with two foals sleeping with toys above their heads. The ceiling was a stained glass wreath with a yellow bow.
Rarity was slightly relieved. "Well, this is certainly a fine looking room. I wouldn't mind having a room like this."
The wall slowly closed behind them as the voice rang out again:
Our holiday tale, is a tale that's quite charming.
But during this season, its sometimes alarming.
So relax and reflect, for soon it will be clear as moonlight,
this story is about the merging of two special nights.
"Huh?" Everypony asked simultaneously, and unnerved.
The lights suddenly went out, and there was a sound of breaking glass. The broken halves of the portraits began to stretch away from each other, revealing eerie portraits underneath. One showed creepy toys coming out of presents, another ghosts over a small village, a third, a wreath with fangs and garland tentacles, and fourth with Nightmare Moon herself, in front of a full moon. The wreath on the ceiling had changed color, becoming dark purple, and the bow becoming dark red.
As this happened, a creepy narration rang out:
Twas the nightmare before Hearth's Warming,
and all through the house,
not a creature was peaceful,
not even a mouse.
The stockings, all hung by the chimney with care,
when opened that morning, would cause such a scare!
"Poor little mouse." Fluttershy whimpered to herself.
The foals, nestled all snug in their beds,
would have nightmares of monsters and demon heads!
A cackle was sounded, then the ceiling cracked to reveal the symbol of Nightmare Night, with Nightmare Moons eye glaring down on them.
Thunder cracked, and then the ceiling shattered revealing a large skeletal horse with glowing blue eyes grinning down at them. A small flying skeletal dog also looked down and barked happily.
"Happy Hearth's Warming, everypony!" He cackled and then scurried off, while a scream and crashing of bones was heard.
Rarity was beside herself as the lights came back on to reveal stormy rafters in the attic. "If this is somepony's idea of a joke on this joyous holiday, its NOT funny!" She shouted up to the ceiling. Every pony nodded, but they soon realized they had no choice but to go along.
A secret panel in the wall opened, gesturing them to come further. A dimly lit hallway appeared with paintings on one side, windows on the other, depicting a lightning snow storm on the other, and two pony busts at the very end, with spiderwebs that glowed almost like holiday lights.
Pinkie immediately bounced off, causing her friends to keep up with her. "This is a new idea for parties, a nightmare night and hearth's warming crossover! I wonder what i could do!" Twilight however was apprehensive.
"Those holidays are as different as night is from day. They would never go together."
"Then what do you call what we're experiencing now, hmm?" Pinkie inquired.
"This has got to be some prank or con. As soon as we get out, I'm telling the princesses about this place." Twilight said determinedly.
Now, hurry along. As they say,
look alive. This is one Hearth's Warming,
you will want...to SURVIVE! Hahahaha!
Skeletal Hoof, a spectral unicorn, came here from the world of Nightmares.
You'll notice his work strewn without many cares.
This year he's decided to stage a festive jubilee.
But when Nightmare Night creates Hearth's Warming,
well, lets just say, I'm giving you a warning!
As they walked, the portraits changed from holiday to nightmare and back again while a skeletal ghostly dog ran through them. The busts seemed to follow them as they moved, but they tried to dismiss it as special effects.
And now, a dark carriage will take you away.
Sit back, rest in peace, in your black holiday sleigh.
"I actually am glad to rest, especially after all that walking we did." Rainbow sighed. And everypony else nodded their agreement.
They turned a corner, and came to what looked like a huge display of presents, each wrapped in scary wrapping paper, and opening intermittently to reveal eerie toys and twisted holiday messages.
They slowly walked towards the display, and 4 black 'chairs' came from the dark, and stopped right in front of the assembled ponies.
Your sleigh will accommodate one or two more.
We hope you're prepared for what Hoof has in store!
They slowly got into the 'buggies' as Spike called them Twilight and Starlight in one, Spike and Rarity next, Pinkie and Rainbow third, and Applejack and Fluttershy last. After they were all in, strange metal bars lowered onto their laps.
Do not pull down the bar, it will float down with ease.
And remember keep all hooves and claws inside, please.
The buggies slowly began to move past the presents and slowly ascending up some staircases, came to another pile of gifts, tagged with 'Seasons Screamings', with a Nightmare Moon doll holding a fishing pole in its mouth that that had a 'don't open till Hearth's Warming' tag on its hook. After that, they came across several pairs of scary monster eyes that glared at them in the darkness. Their eyes glowed red and green at first and then changed totally to dark blue.
Yes, down through the chimney, Hoof flew just like that.
Clutching a bag full of magical frights on his back.
He ripped open the bag, and in moments it seems,
created a Hearts Warming, you have in bad dreams.
More rapid than windigoes, the mansion was changed.
All was soon covered, adorned, and deranged!
The buggies passed by a suit of armor that seemed to be moving of its own accord, holding a sharpened candy cane spear in one hoof and a shield in the other. Next to it was a hallway that appeared to stretch to infinity. In the hallway a ghostly skeletal dog floated, eyeing a bone wrapped in black ribbon at the hallway entrance.
And what appears before your wondering eyes?
Its Hoof's little friend Spectre, for a happy surprise!
The buggies passed a conservatory where a coffin was being banged on from the inside, its occupant trying to escape. Spider webs were spun in holiday shapes, and spiders were hanging, watching the ponies with glowing red and green eyes.
Nothing was forgotten, it all looks so pleasant.
Spider webs in shapes, Hoof says, make fine Hearth's Warming presents!
Fluttershy actually stammered, "My praise to your hard work, little spiders!" One spider spun in its web the words 'thank you', in response and Fluttershy gave a small smile in response.
They passed decorated doors that knocked, breathed and banged on their own, while teethed roses and ivies sang famous holiday songs. Finally they came to a demonic grandfather clock that chimed 13 as its minute hand spun wildly backward, and a shadow of a claw passed over it.
"This seems to leave no other answer." Starlight said softly. "I think that this place really is haunted."
"Don't be ridiculous Starlight!" Twilight admonished. "There's no such thing as ghosts."
"Then why does everything look so creepy?!" Spike softly whined. "No celebration would be like this if it were for real ponies."
Hoof's holiday vision was unlike no other.
So ring out the bells! There's more cheer to uncover!
The buggies came to a seance circle where a pony's head in a crystal ornament was reciting a twisted version of the 12 days of Hearth's Warming. Pinkie was overjoyed, "Hey she likes that song as much as I do!"
Rarity was also intrigued. "She certainly is stylish and elegant...but in a creepy way."
On the 13th day of Hearth's Warming, my ghoul love gave to me
Thirteen rings of power—embracing strength that never ends.
Twelve signs of the zodiac that rule the future and transcend.
Eleven candles floating—their scent of mystery in the air.
Ten telling tea leaves that swirl with secrets yet to share.
On the ninth day of Hearth's Warming, my ghoul love gave to me
Nine magic crystals that sparkle with a force that is pure.
Eight balls of knowledge that answer with a truth that is sure.
Seven pearls of wisdom to keep my love bewitched to me.
Six mystic mirrors, reflecting futures yet to be.
On the fifth day of Hearth's Warming, my ghoul love gave to me
Five lucky charms, to understand the right from wrong.
Four wheels of fortune, to spin their rich and golden song.
Three life lines—extending help to those in need.
Two passion potions, that love and romance may succeed.
On the first day of Hearth's Warming, my ghoul love gave to me
A Star! A brilliant star for my fortune card tree.
Twilight was amused and a little flattered. "Its like my lists that i make. Im glad some otherworldly creature takes it as seriously as I do!"
"Twilight, only you could take list making seriously." Spike called from his buggy.
The buggies exited onto the balcony of a ballroom, where a huge undead party was taking place.
With some treats and some games, you can make a scene merry.
Why even a gingerbread house could seem scary!
All at once, happy haunts came forth to say,
Seasons Greetings to you on this frightfully fun day!
Ghostly presents came flying in from a coffin that had just crashed through the door snow bank. Ghostly ponies sat around a table admiring a strange looking 'gingerbread house'. The house looked liked Canterlot castle, only it was cracked in the middle and and it seemed some sort of gingerbread reptile was trying to break out, a glowing reptilian eye appearing in one of the windows. Above, a ghostly gingerbread version of both Nightmare Moon and Princess Celestia were flying in a circle.
"Im not sure if the princesses would be flattered or offended by that." Rainbow noted, and Fluttershy nodded her agreement.
Ghostly pony couples were serenading across the floor and through a giant undead tree with presents. Spectre was circling near the top, giving out happy barks and clanking his bones as he went. Finally, under two portraits of two sword fighting stallions, an elderly ghost was playing a pipe organ with wraith heads coming out of the pipes.
Pinkie was happy to see this. "Glad some pony takes it on as well as I do!"
"No pony can do it as well as you, Pinkie." Rainbow said.
Pinkie shed a tear. "Awww, thanks Dashie!" And she gave her a big hug. The buggies took a turn, and entered the attic!
A sack full of gifts Hoof had brought with him tonight.
They were strange and bizarre and out to fright!
The ponies were instantly surrounded by gifts and ornaments that were an unnerving sight. Sights such as a pop up jack in the box showed an eerie ponies head with glowing eyes, a Hearth's Warming hat whose head opening was covered with teeth. A spider ornament that moved of its own accord, a luna doll that metamorphosed into Nightmare moon and back, and so many other strange sights that made the ponies both intrigued and reserved.
"One of these may be a good prank toy." Rainbow mused. Rarity was less enthralled.
"I think who ever gives these will get them thrown back in their face."
"Killjoy." Rainbow scowled.
At the end, there was even a giant skull, with a long scroll coming out of its mouth, showing names of various ponies.
"This guy must have his attack plan well figured out." Rainbow said.
"I just hope he doesn't hurt anyone with any of these. Especially an innocent little creature." Fluttershy softly noted.
The buggies slowly and magically lifted off the floor, and through an open window outside the mansion. The snowstorm had stopped and had now become a pleasant drizzle. They slowly descended towards the ground at a reverse angle, passing a small windigo who was chewing on a blue and dark blue Hearths Warming light string, creating sparks as he did.
Applejack was greatly amused, "he sure will get a jolt from that. Heheheh." This caused her friends to roll their eyes in amusement.
Hoof worked his magic both outside and in.
But one final touch made his bony face grin.
"Now what better gift on my friends to bestow,
than a graveyard thats covered in ghostly white snow?"
"Not exactly my first choice for style." Rarity said in response.
The buggies reached the ground and were moving level again. The ponies came to a sight they thought they'd never see. There stood at the gate of a graveyard, Skeletal Hoof himself with Spectre floating at his side. He was amusing himself watching the festivities, when he caught sight of the seven ponies and dragon in the buggies. His face widened into a smile, saying "Happy holidays, everypony. Our first guests to witness my holiday delight, Spectre! Hope you are enjoying yourselves!" He waved to them and the ponies waved politely back.
"He seems happy about this. Lets just play along." Twilight said to Starlight, who agreed.
"Maybe this place isn't so bad after all." Starlight said.
The ponies came face to face with singing jack o lanterns on pony busts, graves and tombs wrapped in ribbons, ghosts of ponies from all walks of time in life, like aristocrats, common ponies, kings, queens, knights, and pop up wraiths from behind tombstones. It was a scary sight to behold, but the ponies realized that all along, this party was meant to be joyous.
Jolly dear old Skeletal Hoof, While the graveyard sleeps;
Down the chimney dark and damp, With your sack of creeps,
Happy haunts materialize, for a swinging wake;
Glowing pumpkins harmonize, Joyful screams we'll make!
Garlands made of iron chains,
Candles glowing bright,
Spiders make good ornaments,
For our tree of fright!
Creepy Crypts look awful nice,
Tied up in a bow,
Now our graveyard's pure and white,
In the ghostly snow!
After entering a crypt, two final surprises awaited the resigned guests. A skeletal pony stood next to a roulette wheel with macabre toys, wreaths and candy, spinning it wildly, and a skeletal changeling on the other side transformed into a life size version of the gift the spinner landed on.
"Welcome to Hoof's holiday tricks and treats! Round and round she goes. What’s your gift? He knows!"
The buggies passed by three mirrors, with the changeling on each one transforming into a certain gift and back before moving on to the previous one.
May Hoof's "ghostly presents" now follow you home,
And stay in your hearts - where'er you may roam.
For now you know what happens when holidays meet,
You might get a trick, or a holiday treat!
And i heard him exclaim as he vanished from sight:
Equestria won't forget my Hearth's Warming night!
From all of us here at this ghostly retreat,
you all have sure been a scare to meet!
Hurry back again soon, we have more fun to show,
Safe travels under the full moons glow.
The doom buggies stopped at the entrance of a tunnel with torches lighting the way, with moonlight peeking out at the far end. The ponies jumped out and started to walk briskly.
"Wait!" A voice cried.
The ponies turned around to see none other than Skeletal Hoof in his red suit and Spectre approaching them. "You were my first guests on this night! I only knew Nightmare Night during my time in the spirit world, but when I saw Hearth's Warming, I couldn't resist trying it out. It made my bones rattle with delight! I know the concept of these two holidays can't venture beyond these haunted halls, which i'm sure you're glad of, but I hope, with all my being, that you thought it was a good time." Spectre barked happily in agreement.
The mane 6 just looked at each other and smiled.
Twilight spoke: "On behalf of all my friends, you opened our eyes to new concepts and possibilities. Thank you."
"Aww, aren't you a cute thing." Fluttershy cooed as she patted Spectre, who nuzzled her in return.
"Darling, your ensemble is horrid, but i guess that's the idea. In all, your party looked fabulous." Rarity complimented.
"I wonder if you'll come again next year." Applejack said. Rainbow nodded her approval.
"I CANT WAIT TO COME AGAIN!" Pinkie shouted, rattling the ancient tunnel they were in.
They walked to the entrance where the light of the full moon beamed down on them.
"Thank you. Thank you all so much for joining us!" Hoof said, as he and Spectre faded away into the night.
As they left the mansion gates, they all stopped and took one last look at the brightly lit house.
"What a letter the Princesses will get this night!" Twilight said, and the ponies and dragon all laughed as they continued their way home, Luna's moon watching over them.
Author's Note
Well...there. Like I said, my first story, based on a variation of one of my favorite rides! No flames please. I know this isn't a truly good story.
