The Crusaders Save Hearth's Warming

Chapters

Part I
Part II
Part III

Part I

Why hello there everypony, if you have a moment, I’d like to share a Hearth’s Warming tale with you all. A musical one if you will. We all know music and caroling is one of the biggest pieces that make up the holiday, however, in this story, one pony despised music so much that he put the whole spirit of Hearth’s Warming Eve in jeopardy. His name is Mister Hum Buck, a pretty fitting name if you ask me. He’s a stallion as cold as a winter’s night, and as prickly as a pine needle. And on this particular Hearth’s Warming, he devised something so horrible with the intent to ruin it all. That is, until he came across a trio of plucky, young fillies. But I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. Why don’t we just start from the beginning?

T’was a gleeful winter morning, and gusts of Hearth’s Warming spirit swept through the air. Ponies all throughout Ponyville were each finding ways to express such spirit. Through the decorations they hung, the hot cocoa they shared, or the gifts they wrapped. However, at the corner of everypony’s favorite sweet shop, three little fillies have set up their own way of expressing their holiday spirit. With a cardboard box as their stage, and three sheets of lyrics for them to follow, they’re just about ready to begin. But who are these giddy, young fillies, you might ask? Why, they’re none other than The Cutie Mark Crusaders. At least, that be the name of their ‘secret’ club.

"Are you girls sure this is a good idea? I mean, I’m not so sure if we’re cut out for caroling cutie marks." That would be Sweetie Belle. She can be a bit timid, and isn’t the most confident. But she has a kind heart, and is as sweet as the frosting atop a gingerbread cookie.

"I really think we should have practiced at least 'a little' before actually coming out here to sing." And here we have Scootaloo. Perhaps the rowdiest member of their group, and surely isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Which can lead them all into bouts of trouble from time to time.

"I’m tellin’ y’all, this is the perfect plan! After this, we’re sure to see those carolin’ cutie marks pop up on our flanks! And if we don’t, then this’ll be our practice before the real thing!" Then last, but most certainly not least, is Apple Bloom. Though she can tend to be a bit careless and restless, her heart is big, and is ready to put forth the effort into anything she wishes to accomplish. Together, not only do they share a bond as special as friendship, but they all share the same love and passion for this glorious holiday. Quite a promising group of foals, wouldn’t you say? Well, little did they know, their true test of holiday spirit was headed their way like a storm cloud over a flickering flame.

"Hey! You girls all set?" Pinkie Pie asked from the doorway.

"Sure are! Thanks again for letting us carol outside your bakery, Pinkie!" said Apple Bloom.

"Noooo problem, girls! Remember, if you get too cold, feel free to come inside for some fresh, steamy, hot cocoa! Haaaave fun!"

"Alright! Y’all ready to get this started?"

"Umm . . . Uhh . . . I-I don’t know," Sweetie Belle murmured.

"Yeah, umm . . . maaaybe?" said Scootaloo.

"Come on, y’all! Where’s yer Hearth’s Warmin’ spirit?” Apple Bloom asked.

"We’ve got the spirit, we’re just not sure if that’s what’s gonna help us sing."

"You won’t know if you don’t try! Y’all got yer lyrics ready?"

"Yeah," Scootaloo glumly held up her packet of lyrics.

"Right here," Sweetie Belle said without an ounce of confidence.

"Alright!" Apple Bloom cheered. "And a one, and a two, and a—"

And so, despite their doubts, they began to carol for all of Ponyville to hear. Sure, their pitch wasn’t perfect, and although they did have some trouble keeping in time, they attracted a few curious listeners regardless. There’s something about seeing such rosy-cheeked, ambitious youths giving it their all to carol for the love of the holiday that warms the heart of anypony who should come across them. Within moments, a few turned to many, and the confidence in themselves began to grow the more that came to listen. Certainly there’s nothing that could ruin such a beautiful moment.

"What exactly is going on here?! What is the meaning of all this commotion?"

Oh dear, I suppose I spoke a bit too soon. A stallion dressed in a black coat and top hat forced his way to the front of the crowd. With his head held high, and eyes that gave off a glare so disapproving, the ponies around him dared not to look his way. He walked up to the three, bewildered fillies, fixing his bow tie as he looked on most displeased.

"Well? Care to explain yourselves?" He asked again rather impatiently.

"Nothin’ Mister. Just some good ol’ carolin’ to get every pony in the Hearth’s Warmin' Eve spirit!" Apple Bloom kindly explained.

"Well, now, isn’t that just precious? What a wonderful thing to do."

"Oh, well, thanks Mister! Did you like it?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

"Did I like it? Oh, darling, I didn’t just like it."

"Then you loved it?" Scootaloo asked.

"Oh, no, not at all. In fact, I found it to be quite dreadful." The fillies’ hearts sunk like anchors to the bottom of the sea. The crowd gasped, perplexed by the stallion’s blunt and hurtful remark. "All three of you are off key, not keeping in time with one another, and are clearly wasting your time. Do any of you even know how to keep a rhythm? If I were you, I’d go back to hoof ball, or whatever it is you children do with your spare time these days. Anything other than this."

Poor Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle hung their heads in sorrow and shame, but Scootaloo wasn’t ready to allow this heartless heathen to berate her friends and let him get away with it, and so, she rightfully protested. "Hey! What’s your problem? Who even are you anyway, some lousy caroling critic?"

"Who am I? Why my name is Hum Buck--Mister Hum Buck--and my 'problem' is that you fillies need to take your atrocious singing elsewhere. Preferably somewhere with thick walls so that none of it can be heard."

"O-Oh yeah? And what if we don’t?" Apple Bloom added.

"Well, if that isn’t enough to drive you away, then you’ll surely be embarrassed to be singing the wrong lyrics."

"B-but, they’re not wrong," said Sweetie Belle.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah! Take a look for yourself!" Scootaloo demanded.

All three of them angrily held out their lyric sheets for Mister Hum Buck to see, and he snatched them out from their grasp so as to get a closer look.

"Oh, I suppose they are."

With a filthy grin, Mister Hum Buck crumpled up the sheets into one large ball, then dropped it to the ground into a melted puddle of slush and ice. He stomped on it relentlessly, and splashed the icy cold water onto the Crusaders, which sent chills up their spines. "My mistake. Carry on then," Hum Buck smirked. "That is, as long as you know all the lyrics by heart. Which I’m assuming you don’t."

Mister Hum Buck laughed his way through the crowd, leaving the three fillies saddened and broken-hearted. The crowd did their best to reassure and cheer them up with encouragement and pats on their heads, but it just wasn’t enough to bring back their spirits. The townsponies dispersed, and the Crusaders began to deliberate.

"I told you we should've practiced," Scootaloo commented.

"Practice or no practice, I got a feelin’ that Mister Hum Buck would’a shut us down no matter what!" Apple Bloom suggested.

"So, does this mean we’re not getting our caroling cutie marks?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Never mind the cutie marks! We gotta find out what this fella’s deal is, and why he’s so grumpy."

"I think he was a little more than just grumpy, Apple Bloom," Scootaloo sarcastically assured.

"Either way, ain’t you girls at least curious?"

"Umm, not really."

"I mean, maybe we should," Sweetie Belle pondered.

"Then come on, let’s follow ‘em!" Apple Bloom urged.

"Ugh, seriously?" Scootaloo groaned.

And off they went, following Mister Hum Buck, but kept a safe distance as to not be spotted. They observed as he trudged through town, leaving a trail of dismay in his wake. He cantered to the second-hoof shop, intrigued by the record player spouting a famous Hearth’s Warming tune.

"Good morning, sir!" The salespony greeted. "See anything you like?

"Hmm, not at all," said Hum Buck.

"Well, how’s about this here record player? It’d make a nice addition to any household!"

"I have no use for it. However, how much for the record it’s playing?"

"Oh! Well, if it’s just the record you’re after, I’ll give it to ya for free! You just can’t put a price on Hearth’s Warming, am I right?"

"Oh, certainly."

The cheerful salespony gave Mister Hum Buck the record, and simply without warning, he dropped it to the ground, and shattered it with one forceful stomp. The salespony’s jaw dropped, along with the Cutie Mark Crusaders' who had also witnessed the event.

"I wouldn’t have put a price on it either," said Hum Buck. "It’s most definitely worth nothing."

And without a farewell or goodbye, Mister Hum Buck moved on, as the salespony looked down sorrowfully at the pieces he left behind. He then came across a little workshop tucked away from public eye. One with no fancy sign or eye-catching coat of paint, but a happy-go-lucky mare who greeted him instantly.

"Hello there, sir! Care to stop by? I’ve got musical instruments of all sorts crafted by hoof!" She said with a big smile.

"Instruments you say?" Hum Buck inquired.

"That’s right! Made from scratch, and they sound wonderful! Care to take a listen?"

"Not quite."

"Oh, w-well, I also take commissions! You name the instrument, and I’ll put my hooves to work for you! It’ll be done before you know it!"

"Madam, tell me, just how is business for you?"

"Uhh, well, sad to say it’s pretty slow. The last customer I had was about . . . w-weeks ago."

"And what does that tell you, my dear?"

"S-Sure, business could be better, but this is a passion of mine. I-I just can’t let it go."

"Perhaps you should reconsider. If I were you, I’d close this hopeless shop down for good, and put my hooves to better use. Try crafting things more worthwhile than these ugly, petty instruments."

The mare’s heart broke in two, and she turned away to hide the tears that began to stream down her face. Mister Hum Buck, however, paid her no mind, and continued his brisk walk through town.

"This guy’s one big jerk! I say we help the ponies he’s walking all over instead!" Scootaloo suggested.

"We can’t! Not yet! If we don’t put a stop to him first, then he’ll just keep on makin’ everypony else feel miserable!" Apple Bloom informed.

"Apple Bloom’s right," Sweetie Belle agreed. "He’ll make every Hearth’s Warming a disaster if we don’t do something."

"Ugh, fine. I guess you’re right," Scootaloo conceded.

"Now, come on! We can’t lose ‘em!" Apple Bloom urged them once more.

The three fillies rushed onward to find that Mister Hum Buck had met another group of young, carefree carolers. He plugged his ears, and stopped them in the middle of their song. The carolers looked up at him in fear and bewilderment as he unleashed a storm of animosity.

"I was wondering why my head was pounding! Out of tune, the lot of you! I hope you can get a refund from whatever class taught you to sing. Seems it was a waste if you ask me." The carolers frowned, closed their books of songs, and departed with their heads hung low and spirits crushed. "Good riddance! Now, go do something productive!"

The townsponies gawked and glared at Mister Hum Buck, and as heartless as he was, he cared not for how they perceived him. To him, they were invisible, as if the only thing that mattered in the world was him and his word. Further along the path, Mister Hum Buck was approached by an exhilarated pony carrying a stack of flyers.

"Excuse me, sir. Have you heard?" The townspony asked.

"That depends. If you mean all the blasted caroling, then yes, I’ve had my fair share," said Hum Buck.

"Well, if you liked that, then you’re gonna love the news! Ponyville is being paid a visit by The Canterlot Choir this Hearth’s Warming Eve!"

"The Canterlot Choir, you say?"

"That’s right! Only the most talented group of angelic of voices in Equestria, and to think they’re actually coming down here to Ponyville! Isn’t it exciting? Here, have a flyer!"

"Hmm. . . This is exciting indeed. Why don’t you go and keep spreading the word. Everypony deserves to know of this immediately."

"You betcha!"

"In the meantime, I have much planning to do."

A dubious, evil grin spread across Mister Hum Buck’s face, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders looked to each other in dire dismay. They could tell by the sound of it, Mister Hum Buck was brewing up a plan. Thankfully, their bravery and determination urged them to press on and find out more. Apple Bloom and her friends followed Mister Hum Buck all the way back to his lonely, little cottage nestled within the outskirts of the Everfree Forest. It’s so far away from the rest of the town, there's no way anypony would know it was even here. But, I suppose that was most likely the intent. Mister Hum Buck unlocked and entered his cottage, and the fillies hid themselves behind a bush to brew a plan of their own.

"This is where he lives?" Scootaloo asked. "Ugh, place gives me the chills, and don’t say—"

"Because it’s cold, duh!" Sweetie Belle seized the opportunity.

"I was hoping you wouldn’t say it."

"Come on, girls. We gotta go see what he’s up to!" said Apple Bloom.

"I’ve got a bad feeling about this." The fillies approached the window, but it was just too high for them to see what was going on inside. "Well, now what?"

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked to each other, then back at Scootaloo, who was then struck with the realization of exactly what they had in mind. The two of them climbed up onto Scootaloo’s shoulders, who clearly struggled to handle both their weight, but they were finally able to catch a glimpse of the inside of Mister Hum Buck’s cottage.

"Humph, The Canterlot Choir, coming to Ponyville to fill the streets with even more disgusting, pathetic sounds to get the townsponies all giddy with child-like excitement. Well, not if I have anything to say about it!" Hum Buck declared. He sat at his desk, and brought out a tall stack of paper along with his feather pen and inkwell. "I’ll make sure this concert never makes its way to Ponyville, and I know just how to do it!" He dipped his pen in the ink, and scrawled away onto the paper.

"Uh . . . girls?" Scootaloo whispered, to which both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle put their hooves to their mouths with a shush.

"Quiet Scoot! He’ll hear us!" Apple Bloom warned.

"Remember that bad feeling I had? Well, it’s even worse now, and it’s all in my shoulders. Wo-wo-wo-woah!" Scootaloo’s legs gave out, and they all came crashing down with a loud ruckus. Drawn by the noise, Mister Hum Buck jumped out from his seat, and opened up his window to investigate. However, he found nothing but the snow surrounding his home. He shrugged off the strange occurrence, and returned to his desk. The Crusaders popped their heads up from the snow, and Scootaloo looked to her friends with a shameful smile as they gave her looks of disappointment. "He-heh, so what did you guys hear?"

"Apparently he’s gonna stop the big choir concert that’s comin’ to town! I don’t know how, but we have to stop him! Crusaders, got any ideas?"

"I say we break inside, and we take it from there. It’s three on one, and he don’t look so tough!"

"Scootaloo, no offense, but that’s a horrible idea."

"What else are we going to do? Carol outside his house? You saw how it went last time we tried that."

"There’s gotta be somethin' we can do."

"But what?" Sweetie Belle asked.

So, the three of them put their heads together, and devised the only plan that seemed to make the most sense. If he despised the holiday so much, then they were going to show him all the things that they themselves enjoyed the most about it. They went to work immediately, and with high hopes.

Scootaloo’s idea was to leave a gift for Mister Hum Buck right at his doorstep. They set the wrapped box near his door, gave one quick knock, and retreated back to their bush to watch from a distance. Mister Hum Buck opened his door, baffled by the sight of the gift. He picked it up, and inspected it for any sign of where it may have come from.

"What a great idea to give Hum Buck a gift, Scoot!" Apple Bloom complimented. "What’cha get ‘em?"

"Yeah, what actually did you get for him?" Sweetie Belle also inquired.

"Oh, I was supposed to put something in it? I thought you guys were gonna do that!" Scootaloo accused.

Mister Hum Buck opened the gift, displeased to find it completely empty. He grumbled as he crumpled the box and tossed it into the silver trash can nearby. Scootaloo looked to her friends and innocently shrugged, which led them to smack their hooves on their foreheads.

Sweetie Belle’s idea was to share a sweet, hot cup of Pinkie Pie’s famous cocoa always topped with a generous amount of mini marshmallows. They all galloped to Sugarcube Corner and back with a fresh cup, set it outside the door, gave one quick knock, and retreated back to their bush. Mister Hum Buck opened his door, and was instantly intrigued by the sweet aroma that overwhelmed his senses. He lifted the cup, and inspected it to determine just what exactly it is.

"No pony can resist the holiday tradition of hot cocoa! He’s sure to fall under its spell once he takes a sip!" Sweetie Belle assured.

"I’ll say! Pinkie Pie makes the best cocoa in town! It’s like the spirit of Hearth’s Warming in a warm cup!" Apple Bloom added.

"I second that," Scootaloo agreed.

Mister Hum Buck then realized what was in the cup, and was disgusted.

"Ugh! Hot chocolate? I’m allergic to chocolate," Hum Buck revolted. He then thrust the cup into the same silver can where he tossed the empty gift, which left the Crusaders baffled.

"Aw come on! He could’ve at least left it for us!" Scootaloo moaned.

"Allergic, huh? What are the odds of that?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Alright, y’all. I got one more plan, and if this don’t work, I’m not too sure what will," said Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom’s idea was to decorate Mister Hum Buck’s cottage top to bottom with a slew of lights, wreathes, signs and statues they each borrowed from their own homes. They gave one more quick knock at his door, then dashed back behind their bush. Furious and impatient, Mister Hum Buck burst through his door, and scanned his yard for whoever has been knocking.

"Who’s out there?! I’ve had enough of this pestering!" Hum Buck fumed.

"Alright girls, now!" Apple Bloom commanded.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo connected a pair of electrical plugs with wires that led all the way back to Hum Buck’s cottage, and the decorations lit up with an array of splendorous colors.

"What in the. . ?"

Mister Hum Buck used his hoof to block the intense light and flashing colors, and had noticed the wire on the ground. He followed the lead all the way to the bush, and discovered the three fillies hidden behind it. Upon being spotted, the crusaders smiled nervously, and even chuckled to try and diffuse the situation.

"H-Howdy, M-Mister Hum Buck!" Apple Bloom nervously greeted.

"You uh . . . feeling the holiday spirit yet?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"You owe us a cup of cocoa by the way," Scootaloo added.

"Scoot!" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle yelled in unison.

"What? What I say?"

"So, it was you three who’ve been knocking at my door. May I ask why you’ve all put on this horrible display?" Hum Buck asked.

"W-We did it because … we uhh…" Sweetie Belle tried to explain.

"We were hoping you’d stop being a big jerk to every pony," Scootaloo said bluntly. Both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle covered Scootaloo’s mouth to keep her from digging the whole they were already in even deeper, but it mattered not.

"A jerk, eh?" Hum Buck asked. "Is that the way you see it? All because I exposed your hideous display of caroling for the sham that it was? That there’s not a spec of vocal talent in any of you? Well, guess what, dear children? Sometimes the truth can be painful, so I suggest you three get over it, and do something more productive with your time!"

Mister Hum Buck huffed and sneered as he turned his back to them. He walked toward his cottage, and Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were both too afraid to pursue a retort. But Apple Bloom stood up, and called out to Mister Hum Buck one last time.

"Mister Hum Buck! Why do you hate Hearth’s Warming so much?" she asked.

Hum Buck stopped in his tracks, and returned to the fillies. Apple Bloom almost felt she had made a horrible mistake, but there was no turning back. "You all think I just hate Hearth’s Warming?" Hum Buck asked. "Why, you three truly don’t understand. Yes, I’m not quite fond of the holiday at all, but it’s all due to the dreadful, awful music and caroling that comes with it! Take that away, and this would be a much more enjoyable time of year."

"Then . . . why do you hate the music so much?"

"Yeah, it’s one of the best things about Hearth’s Warming!" Sweetie Belle added.

"You children have been brainwashed your whole lives, haven’t you?" Hum Buck asked. "Your parents must’ve told you that anything and everything you do is fantastic, as long as you give it your best. When I was your age, I was once fed the same filthy lies. I thought I could sing just as you did, so of course, my parents encouraged me to join the Ponyville Youth Choir."

"You were part of the choir?" Scootaloo asked in disbelief.

"Yes, indeed."

"What happened?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Well, my parents knew that singing had been a passion of mine. So, naturally, they thought the choir would have been the perfect place for me. A chance to make friends, and express myself. Instead, I ended up learning a valuable lesson during my time there. You see, my director was a very honest mare, and she yearned for perfection. If one of us was off-key, she would not sugar coat it. We were all under constant judgement, but none were judged as harshly as me. I had begun to feel that there was nothing I could do to prove to her that I had what it takes."

"So, then what did you do?"

"Did you prove her wrong?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"You quit, right?" Scootaloo assumed.

"Neither. Hearth’s Warming Eve was just around the corner, and our director had one, big show planned to put on for the town. I saw it as my chance to finally show her what I could do. I had hoped that the holiday spirit would be enough to maybe help me prove my worth. It was the first day of rehearsal, and in the end, my last day in the choir. We all gathered in the auditorium, and not moments after we had begun to sing, she silenced us. She escorted me out of the auditorium, looked to me, and gave me the most important piece of advice I give to you now."

"W-What’s that?" Apple Bloom asked.

Mister Hum Buck leaned in, and glared at all three of them. "Don’t waste your time pursuing a dream you have no business chasing."

"What? That can’t be right!" Sweetie Belle questioned.

"Oh yes, my dears, and it’s that very advice that’s helped me through the years. Certainly no nonsense like ‘holiday spirit’ and whatnot. What a foolish child I was, and I'd hate for you three to make a similar mistake."

"Apple Bloom?! Is that you?" a voice called out.

"Sweetie Belle! Just what are you and your friends doing here?" asked another.

The three fillies turned to see none other than their sisters who just so happened to be passing by. Applejack and Rarity approached them, baffled to find them at a stranger’s cottage. Not only that, but a stranger’s cottage decorated with awfully familiar-looking decorations that had mysteriously gone missing from their own homes.

"What in tarnation’s goin’ on here? Ain’t those signs the same ones I stood up in our yard?" Applejack asked.

"And aren’t those the same lights I had hung up around my boutique?!" Rarity gasped.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle shrugged and chuckled out of nervousness, unable to find the words to help wiggle them out of the predicament they had just found themselves in. Mister Hum Buck, however, smirked with delight.

"Do these children belong to you two?" Hum Buck asked.

"Yes, they do." Applejack admitted.

"Then I’ll have you know these three have been following me around town, and have been hanging around my yard all afternoon!"

"That’s not true!" Sweetie Belle denied.

"I mean, it kind of is," Scootaloo blurted.

"Scootaloo!" both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle shouted.

"Not only that," Hum Buck continued, "but they’ve proven to be rather bothersome with their constant pranking. Knocking on my door and hiding behind bushes, and now this! To think all I wanted to do was enjoy a quiet day all to myself. Well, thanks to them, that’s ruined now."

"Oh, I do apologize! Please, allow me to take these decorations down, and we’ll be out of your mane," said Rarity.

"Thank you." Mister Hum Buck gave the crusaders one last smug glance before he headed back into his cottage. Rarity’s magic took down the décor from Mister Hum Buck’s cottage in seconds, and she marched angrily toward Sweetie Belle.

"Come, Sweetie Belle. You’re staying inside for the rest of the day."

"But Rarity!" Sweetie Belle whined.

"No buts! Now, let’s go. Scootaloo, you too. I’ll take you back to your Aunt. I’m sure she’ll love hearing about this as well."

"Oh boy . . ." said Scootaloo with a sigh.

All that were left were Apple Bloom and Applejack, who looked none too happy to learn of what her little sister had done. Apple Bloom dug her hoof into the snow, speechless and ashamed.

"What’s the matter with you, Apple Bloom?" Applejack asked. "Botherin’ this poor stallion with yer friends. Haven’t I told you pullin’ pranks on strangers ain’t right? Sure a prank between friends is fine every now and again, but not on some poor stranger."

"But Applejack, you don’t understand!" Apple Bloom pressed.

"Then please, help me understand."

"He. . ! He. . ."

"He what?"

Apple Bloom paused, and thought to herself. Something about Mister Hum Buck’s words of advice seemed to have stuck with her, and had changed her perspective over the whole situation. Her drive to argue back diminished, and a sense of defeat washed over her. She kept her mouth shut, and lowered her head in shame.

"Come on, you can tell me what’s on yer mind when we get home," said Applejack as she guided Apple Bloom back into town.

Mister Hum Buck watched from his window as the fillies were guided away from his cottage, and rubbed his hooves together as he relished in his victory. "Finally, now that those blasted children are out of my way, I can get back to work," he said. Mister Hum Buck happily sunk into his chair, grabbed his quill, and continued to write. Page after page, his pile of written letters had grown, and his plot nearing its completion. "One letter from ‘every’ pony in Ponyville should do the trick! They all must appear different, with different writing and different names! One from Lyra Heartstrings, one from Miss Cheerilee, one from Mister Cake, one from Misses Cake--oh, this plan can’t possibly fail! Once the Canterlot Choir reads all the hate and disdain from the ponies of Ponyville, they’ll feel obligated to cancel their concert! And what will Ponyville do once they hear the news, and their Hearth’s Warming spirit is crushed? Hmm, I’m not quite sure, but I cannot wait to find out!"

Carefully and meticulously, he folded up some letters and stuffed them into envelopes, others he rolled up and tied with string. All to sell the idea that each and every letter had been written by somepony other than him. Hours went by as he filled his bag to the brim with letters until he was satisfied. He stuffed so many inside that he could barely keep the bag sealed. On a race against time, Mister Hum Buck grabbed his bag, and headed out into the cold. Whilst our brave, plucky crusaders are nowhere to be seen.

Part II

Apple Bloom dragged her hooves through the snow, saddened by how none of her and her friends' efforts could sway the bitter Mister Hum Buck. She spoke not a word on the way back to her cozy home of Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack had asked her one last time if there was anything she wanted to tell her, but Apple Bloom shook her head before she marched up to her room where she climbed into bed. She pulled the sheet over her face, as she fought with all the thoughts that rattled in her mind. She tossed and she turned, as she tried to force herself to fall asleep just so that the time would pass by, but it was the very passage of time that kept her from sleeping. She threw off the sheet, and headed to her windowsill where she perched her head to stare out at the town. She watched the colorful lights flicker and glimmer, but it wasn't enough to bring forth that same holiday spirit that burned in her just hours ago. Her stomach was sick with the thought of Mister Hum Buck succeeding in his plan, but what was a little filly such as her to do? Grounded and alone, his success seemed inevitable.

"Hi, Apple Bloom!" Sweetie Belle's head popped up in the window, which startled Apple Bloom so much that she yelped and fell backward onto the floor with a thud.

"Apple Bloom? Are you alright in there?" Applejack asked from down the hall.

"Uhh, yeah! I-I'm fine!" Apple Bloom assured her as she closed her bedroom door, then rushed back to the window. "Sweetie Belle! What are you doin' here?!"

"It's not just me! Scootaloo's here too! Your ladder wasn't tall enough to reach your window, so she gave me a boost!"

"C-Can we hurry up?" Scootaloo asked. "My shoulders are killing me!"

Apple Bloom opened up her window, and allowed her friends to climb up inside into her room. They brushed the snow off their coats, and wasted no time getting down to business. "Why am I always the one giving you guys the boost?" Scootaloo complained.

"I don't understand; didn't you two get in trouble?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Well, Rarity was about to ground me for the night, but I got out of it," Sweetie Belle explained. "All it took was promising I'd never do it again, and giving her the good, old puppy eyes. Then she let me off the hook!"

"I just didn't tell my Aunt," Scootaloo said rather bluntly.

"Well, I am grounded, and you two need to leave before I get in even more trouble!" Apple Bloom urged.

"We can't just leave!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "We have to get back to stopping--" Apple Bloom and Scootaloo let out a desperate shush, "--oh, sorry. We still have to stop Hum Buck before it's too late."

"Yeah, if we hurry we just might be able to get back to his house to get a better idea of what he's planning on doing," Scootaloo suggested.

"Well, you two can count me out," Apple Bloom insisted, and left her two friends stunned as they gasped from disbelief of what they had just heard.

"W-What do you mean?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"What do you mean, what do you mean? Didn't you hear me? I said you can count me out. You heard what Mister Hum Buck said, don't go chasin' somethin' you ain't got business chasin'. Well, I'm not so sure we got any business tryin' to stop him." Apple Bloom threw herself back onto her bed, with her face planted onto her pillow.

"You're really gonna go by that horrible advice he gave us?" Scootaloo asked. "Of course it's our business! If he stops that concert, then Hearth's Warming's ruined for all of us!"

"And what are we gonna do? Ain't no way three kids like us are gonna be able to do anythin' about it."

"Come on, Apple Bloom," said Sweetie Belle. "This isn't like you. Where's your Hearth's Warming spirit?"

"Yeah, don't you care about the holiday?" Scootaloo added.

"I . . . I guess I don't anymore," said Apple Bloom.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle's eyes widened with shock, and their jaws dropped. "Y-You're not serious, right?" Scootaloo asked.

"No, Scoot, I am. It all started with us carolin'. Why did we even try? We sounded horrible, just like Mister Hum Buck said. Darn near embarrassed ourselves in front of the whole town. Then what? We were gonna somehow convince Mister Hum Buck to all of a sudden start likin' Hearth's Warmin'? Like we were ever gonna be able to that. We ain't got no business carolin', we ain't got no business makin' Mister Hum Buck like Hearth's Warmin', and we ain't go no business savin' it. Please, just go before y'all get me in even more trouble."

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked to each other, saddened by the words that left Apple Bloom's mouth. However, they knew she meant what she said, and they both knew what they had to do. Without another word spoken, they climbed out the window they came in from, as Apple Bloom clutched her pillow whilst already feeling the guilt of having driven away her two closest friends. But her mind was made, and refrained from turning to look their way. And so, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle climbed down the ladder they used to reach Apple Bloom's window, disheartened by their friend's loss in faith.

"We aren't just gonna let Hum Buck ruin Hearth's Warming, are we?" Scootaloo asked.

"I don't know, Scootaloo. Without Apple Bloom, do we even have a chance?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm not ready to quit on Hearth's Warming without a fight! I'm not just gonna lay around and let it happen knowing I could have done something about it!"

Sweetie Belle pondered, and was inspired by Scootaloo's optimism. "Yeah! You're right! We can't just let him get away with it!"

"Then let's get moving!"

Brimming with determination, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle scampered through the snow unfazed by the cold, blustery winds. They reached Mister Hum Buck's cottage, and approached the front door to listen in and see if he was still home. Instead, they discovered something far more telling. They spotted a letter on the ground, all properly folded and nestled within an envelope. Intrigued, they unraveled it and began to read it aloud to themselves.

"Hmm," Sweetie Belle began. "Dear all members of the Canterlot Choir. I cannot fully express my distaste for your sound, and ask that you please consider canceling your concert in Ponyville. It would really make my Hearth's Warming wish come true?! Signed . . . Strawberry Sunrise? Why would he sign it with that name?"

"Sweetie Belle, look over here!" Scootaloo called. "I found another one!"

"What's it say?"

Scootaloo opened it up with haste, and hurriedly scanned the letter. "Pretty much the same thing, but this one's signed by Amethyst Star!"

"How many more of these do you think he wrote?"

"W-What if he wrote fifty of 'em? Or a hundred?!"

"If the choir sees all these, then. . ."

"They won't come to Ponyville!" they both shouted in unison.

"Oh, this is bad, bad, bad!" Sweetie Belle panicked.

"We gotta find him, and stop him before he mails these out!" Scootaloo looked around for any sign of where he could have gone to, and found the hoof prints he left behind in the snow. "Follow those tracks!"

Their hearts quivered, but their courage persevered as they raced through the snow staying close to the tracks. Meanwhile, Apple Bloom laid in her bed with a broken heart. Her choice didn't make her happy, but she felt it was what she needed to do. Her confidence in herself had diminished to absolutely nothing, and was in desperate need of guidance. However, she didn't know how to ask for it. Nonetheless, it was then that guidance had instead came to her.

"Sugarcube? Is it alright if I come in?" Applejack asked from behind the door.

"Yeah, I guess," Apple Bloom glumly replied.

Applejack stepped inside, and took a seat at Apple Bloom's bedside. "Is there anythin' you wanna tell me? Anythin' at all?"

Apple Bloom thought long and hard, as she tried to find just the right question to ask. She doubted Applejack would be ready to accept an evil plot to ruin Hearth's Warming, so instead, she asked her something much simpler than that.

"Applejack, was there ever a time you just . . . quit on somethin'?"

"That depends. If yer talkin' about that one time I tried to bake over sixty fritters at once in the oven while tryin' to get all of afternoon's chores done at the same time, you bet I quit! I shoulda' quit earlier, 'cause those fritters turned out blacker than a lump 'a coal in a stockin' on Hearth's Warmin' Eve!"

Apple Bloom chuckled as she also recollected the memory. "Not that, I mean like somethin' big. Somethin' you felt you could do at first, but it just seemed like no matter what, you just couldn't do it."

"Are ya sure we ain't talkin' about them fritters?"

"Applejack!"

"I know; I know; I'm just kiddin'. Listen, sugarcube, quitin' is never the answer to anythin'. It don't matter how big or small ya are, or how impossible the task may seem. Apple Bloom, you can do darn near anythin' you set yer mind to. I've seen ya do it before."

"I have?"

"Sure! Goin' back to the fritter story, you remember how filthy that oven was when I realized I left 'em in there too long?"

"Ugh, it was disgustin'!"

"That's right. Ain't no way we were gonna be able to get that oven cleaned to prep a whole new batch for the reunion. I told Granny that we were just gonna have to cancel the get-together and do it another time. So, I went to go finish up them chores, and what do I find when I get back inside? Yer in there whippin' up batches of candy-dipped apples! Ya must'a had darn near sixty of 'em made! I was so impressed. Couldn't believe none of us came up with an idea like that! You did somethin' that, not just me, but yer brother and Granny thought was impossible. You saved the reunion."

"I . . . I did?" Apple Bloom smiled.

"That's right! You were the family's little hero that day. So, don't go 'round thinkin' you can't do the impossible, 'cause you've proven that ya can."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Apple Bloom embraced Applejack as she comforted her. It was in that moment that all her doubt in herself had been cast aside, and made room for that spirit she once thought she had lost for good. Now, nothing seemed out of her reach. If she could save the family reunion all those years ago, then she believed she could surely save Hearth's Warming Eve. However, she knew she couldn't do it alone. She had to find her friends, and fast, but there was just one little thing in her way. She had to find a way get un-grounded.

"Uhh, Applejack, is it alright if I go back outside? I-I promise I've learned my lesson!" Apple Bloom pleaded.

"I'm sure you have, but I'm afraid I'm gonna have to say no," Applejack insisted. "I'm sorry, but either way you look at it, you still ruined that stallion's mornin'. So, I feel this little punishment is gonna have to stay. Besides, it'll be gettin' dark soon. Ain't no reason fer you to be runnin' 'round this time 'a day."

"But, uhh--!" Apple Bloom paused, and had decided she'd try something she had never tried before. She frowned, and gave Applejack the saddest eyes she could muster in the hopes of persuading her.

"Nice try, sis. That trick might work on Rarity, but it ain't gonna work on me. Why do ya even want to go back out so badly?"

"Because I . . ! I want to apologize to Mister Hum Buck! I ruined his mornin', and I feel really bad!"

"Well, that's nice of ya, Apple Bloom, but I'm sure that can wait 'til tomorrow--"

"No, I have to apologize to him now! Otherwise, I'll feel guilty for the rest of the night, a-and I won't be able to sleep! Pleeeaaase?"

Applejack took a moment to decide, and eventually she gave in. "Alright, fine. But you come right back home after, ya hear?"

"I will! I promise!"

"Then go an' hurry before it gets dark. I don't want you gettin' sick neither."

With a burst of energy, Apple Bloom hopped out of her bed and rushed out into the cold. She followed the tracks left behind by her friends, as she fought against the wind and the sudden increase of snowfall. They led her all the way to Mister Hum Buck's cottage where, to her surprise, her friends were no where to be found. She knocked on the door as loudly as she could, and shouted Mister Hum Buck's name to see if he was home, but she received no answer. She quickly feared the worst, as she felt time was of the essence. She knew not where to turn next, that is until she discovered another set of tracks leading back into town. Apple Bloom dashed onward as her knees started to grow numb, and the back of her throat burned from the icy air, but this wasn't enough to slow her down. Bright and flickering lights lit up the streets of Ponyville, which were also unbelievably crowded with lively ponies walking to and fro. She searched desperately for any sign of her friends, and whilst she dodged and danced around the local townsponies, she bumped into what felt much like a brick wall. She fell to the ground as she rubbed her head to help ease the pain from the impact, but that instantly vanished once she heard two very familiar voices.

"Apple Bloom?" Scootaloo asked.

Sweetie Belle gasped. "You came! I can't believe you're here!" she exclaimed with joy.

All three of them got up on their hooves, and embraced each other in the middle of the street. "I'm sorry 'bout what I said," Apple Bloom expressed with sincerity. "You two were right. We can't just give up on Hearth's Warmin'! So, I'm with y'all to the very end!" They cheered and bumped hooves in celebration; their friendship had truly never felt stronger. "So, do we know what Hum Buck's actual plan is?"

"He's written a whole bunch of mean letters that he's going to send to the Canterlot Choir!" Scootaloo explained.

"If they read them, then they're definitely going to cancel the concert for sure!" Sweetie Belle added. "We've been trying to follow his tracks to maybe catch up to him, but with all these ponies walking around, we couldn't tell which tracks were his!"

"Well, if he's plannin' on sending letters, then he'll be headin' for the Pony Post Office!" Apple Bloom declared.

"I don't know where that is!"

"Yeah, neither do I! My Aunt's always the one who sends out my letters," said Scootaloo.

"I know where it is!" Apple Bloom shouted. "I always go there to send letters to my Auntie Applesauce! Follow me!"

So, off they raced to the post office as fast as they could with Apple Bloom who led the charge. After they had turned a few corners, they came to a screeching halt once somepony crossed their path. Just on the other side of the street stood Mister Hum Buck with the sack of letters on his back. He recognized them without a moment's hesitation once their eyes locked, and Scootaloo wasn't going to waste another second.

"There he is! Get that bag!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

The crusaders charged toward Mister Hum Buck, and in response, he took off galloping. "Out of my way! Coming through!" Hum Buck pushed and shoved his way through the crowded streets, as the three fillies weaved around and between the legs of every pony he disoriented to catch up to him. Their small size gave them an advantage, for Mister Hum Buck had no clear path ahead of him, and the crusaders were gaining ground much too quickly. So, he took a detour, and slipped away into the closest shop, which just so happened to be the local toy store. Of course, the shop was crowded during this time of year, but Hum Buck saw it as the perfect opportunity to disappear. The crusaders followed him inside, but had completely lost sight of him.

"I don't get it. For an old guy, he sure is fast," Scootaloo commented.

"Let's split up!" Apple Bloom suggested. "This is the only way out. So, Sweetie Belle, you should stay here in case he comes by."

"Roger dodger!" Sweetie Belle saluted.

"Alright, Scoot, you take the stuffed animal isle, and I'll head over to the wind-up toys."

"Aw, but I wanna go to the wind-up toy isle!" Scootaloo moaned.

"Ugh, fine, I'll go to the stuffed animals; you go to the wind-up toys."

"Sweet!"

They went their separate ways, and Apple Bloom began to investigate the piles upon piles of assorted animal dolls. She walked up to the largest display of dolls in the store, so tall that it nearly touched the ceiling. They were all stacked up neatly in a pyramid shape as a young employee continued to add more dolls to the pile. Apple Bloom reached out to one of the dolls, intent on rummaging through the entire thing, but was stopped by the young stallion who called down to her from atop his step ladder.

"Hey! Be careful!" he barked. "This took me hours to build, so if you want to look at one, just let me know and I'll get it down for you."

"Sorry, mister! Umm. . ." Apple Bloom knew she couldn't ask him to take down many so she could fully investigate, so she had to choose wisely. "Could I see that ursa!" The employee plucked the stuffed ursa from the stack, but had lost his grip on it. The ursa knocked down a stuffed cockatrice that was closer to the bottom of the stack, which revealed Mister Hum Buck's wide-eyed face lit up with surprise. "Ah-ha! Found ya!"

"Hey! How'd you get in there?!"

"Oh, fiddlesticks!" Hum Buck groaned, then burst through the stack of dolls to escape. Hum Buck brushed against the young stallion's ladder, which made him lose his balance as he swung his hooves about to try and steady himself. However, it was inevitable, the employee fell into the display. Apple Bloom looked on in horror as the dolls all came crashing down on her at once. She dug her way through, and popped her head up from the sea of dolls. She had hoped to catch sight of Mister Hum Buck and where he took off to, but was instead met with a glare from the employee.

"He-he, sorry . . . again," Apple Bloom smiled nervously.

Over in the wind-up toy section, Scootaloo had gotten side-tracked by the wondrous assortment of toys and trinkets. She had wound up a small army of plastic, royal guards as they marched down the isle. Mister Hum Buck glanced back to check and see if he was being followed, and had accidentally stumbled over the toy soldier regime. He wailed as he lost control of himself, and crashed face-first onto the floor.

"Woah! There you are!" Scootaloo shouted. "I mean--just as I planned!"

"Why you little pest!" Mister Hum Buck growled in anger. He collected himself as Scootaloo dashed straight for him. Hum Buck looked for something, anything that could help buy him some time. Fortunately for him, he just so happened to be standing beside a rack of wind-up Wonderbolts. Consecutively, he grabbed each one, wound them up, and watched their plastic wings flap as they flew toward Scootaloo. She stopped in her tracks, and was forced to duck and dodge them all, which bought Mister Hum Buck just enough time to escape. Apple Bloom had managed to catch up with Scootaloo, and urged her to follow as she chased after Hum Buck. With both crusaders hot on his tail, they felt there was no chance he would elude them any longer.

Sweetie Belle stood vigilant at the doorway like a security guard on duty with her chest puffed and watchful eyes. Until she caught sight of Mister Hum Buck as he trotted toward the exit. She saw her opportunity, and seized it as she tackled him to the floor. His bag fell, and its contents spilled all over the floor.

"Ha! I gotcha, Mister Hum Buck!" Sweetie Belle proclaimed from atop his back.

"Mister Hum Buck? Who's that?" The stallion asked. "I'm just trying to hurry on outta here so I can get these gifts wrapped!"

Sweetie Belle climbed down from the stallion, and quickly realized who she captured was not at all Mister Hum Buck, but a stallion dressed in a similar black coat and hat, and a bag that looked exactly like Hum Buck's. Scattered all over the floor were not letters, but toys that were purchased. Sweetie belle chuckled as she shied away from embarrassment. "Sorry. You look a lot like somepony I'm looking for. He-he, what are the odds of that?"

"Sweetie Belle! Stop him!" Scootaloo cried out.

The real Mister Hum Buck flew right by Sweetie Belle, and toward the exit. "Hey! Stop!" Sweetie Belle demanded. She tried to take off after him, but amongst all the stallion's toys that were now on the floor, she stepped onto a toy carriage that caused her to roll out directly into Apple Bloom and Scootaloo's path. They collided, and tumbled onto the floor until they stopped flat on their bellies. Apple Bloom looked up, and watched helplessly as Mister Hum Buck approached the doorway.

"Mister Hum Buck!" Apple Bloom called out, and he stopped to take one look back at our defeated heroes. "I'm sorry we ruined yer day, but ya can't mail those letters! Please!"

"Hmm, allow me some time to think about it. First, I have a little errand to run!" Hum Buck trotted out of the store, and the crusaders helped each other to their hooves.

"Come on, girls. We can't let 'em get away!"

"Not so fast!" said the employee from the doll display. "You three have made a mess of my store!"

"What do ya mean? I didn't do anythin'!"

"No, but your friends sure have. There's toy soldiers all over the floor thanks to this one."

"Those are so cool," Scootaloo admitted.

"And this one just attacked one of my customers, and look at the mess she's made!"

"Yeah, sorry about that, Mister," said Sweetie Belle.

"You three have a lot of cleaning to do, and none of you are leaving until this gets resolved."

"But we can't! We've got a holiday to save!" Apple Bloom explained.

"You can get back to playing pretend after this whole thing gets sorted out. Where even are your parents? I think they should know about this mess you've made."

"Wait! W-We'll clean all this up. Just please don't tell no one!" Apple Bloom begged, as Sweetie Belle attempted to work her magic with her puppy eyes.

The employee sighed. "Fine. You kids are lucky it's the Hearth's Warming season."

Apple Bloom then turned to her friends with a plan already brewed. "Alright, girls, the quicker we clean up the quicker we can get outta here and still stop Hum Buck. Scoot, you get a head start on those soldiers, we'll join you after we get this stallion's toys all cleaned up. Ready? Set. Break!"

The three of them went to complete their tasks, while Mister Hum Buck was allowed to finally reach the Pony Post Office. He stepped inside, victory almost in his grasp. All that was left was the simple task of mailing out his letters. At least, it should have been simple.

"Welcome to the Pony Post Office!" the ditzy mailroom clerk greeted. "My name's Derpy! What can we deliver for you today?"

"Good evening, Miss. I'd like to mail out this entire satchel of letters," said Hum Buck as he rested the bag on the countertop.

"Oooh, boy! That's a ton of Hearth's Warming cards! You must have a really big family!"

"Not quite."

"Then they must be happy holidays letters to all your friends! You must be really popular. Especially with a hat like that!"

"Again, no. Friends are nothing but a distraction and waste of time, not to mention irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. I've never sent out a Hearth's Warming card in my life, and I don't ever plan on it."

"Well, that's fantastic! We're having a sale! We have a selection of Hearth's Warming cards for any last minute uhh . . . card-sending! The first card is free, every card after that is just one bit for the postage!"

"I appreciate the offer, but I will have to respectfully decline--"

"But look at the little reindeer on this one!" she giggled as she held the card up to Hum Buck's face. "Ain't he just adorable?"

"I suppose, but I'm really not--"

"How about this one with the snowmare! Nothing says Happy Hearth's Warming like a happy snowmare! It even plays a tune when you open it!"

"For the last time, I don't want--"

"You drive a hard bargain, but maybe this one with jolly old--"

"The answer is no!" Hum Buck yelled, and sent Derpy reeling back in terror. "I won't, nor will I ever, purchase one of these hideous cards! If I did, it would be to use it as food for my fireplace so that I may watch it burn into ash! Because I can assure you that watching each of these pathetic symbols of the holiday be consumed by flames would bring me more joy than anything else this blasted holiday has to offer! Now, can we please get back on track, and have all these letters sent out tonight? I would also like to pay for expedited postage so that these may reach their destination post-haste! Is that a possibility, my dear?" he asked uncomfortably calmly. The horrified Derpy then nodded. "Splendid."

"Come on, girls! We have to hurry!" Apple Bloom urged her friends as they powered through the snow. All they could do was hope that they were not too late. They burst through the doors of the post office, and galloped to the front desk. They got up on their hind legs and peered over the countertop to find a clerk, but there was nopony to be found. "Hello? Anypony here?"

"Looking for me, my dears?"

The crusaders turned, stunned but also angered to see Mister Hum Buck with a smug grin on his face. What worried them was the absence of his bag, which made their stomachs churn. "W-Where are those letters?" Scootaloo demanded.

"We know what your plan is!" Sweetie Belle added. "And we won't let it happen!"

"How precious. 'Tis a good thing I stayed. I wouldn't have wanted to miss this," said Hum Buck.

"Miss what? What are you talkin' 'bout?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Your letters are all set to go, Mister," said Derpy upon returning to the desk. "They were just taken by our last mailpony for the night."

"What?!" the crusaders cried.

"Wonderful!" Hum Buck celebrated. "Thank you for your hard work today, miss."

"You're welcome," said Derpy somberly. "We're also closing in a minute, or maybe more like sixty seconds."

"A minute is sixty seconds."

". . . Oh, right."

An awkward silence fell upon the room, as Derpy stood up a 'closed' sign on her desk, and left the office. The crusaders fell to their knees, hearts broken as their eyes wept. Never once did they consider the thought of failure, as they hoped that the strength of their friendship and love of the holiday would be more than enough to see them through. Everything had crumbled right in front of them in that very moment, and Mister Hum Buck enjoyed every second of it.

"You should have headed my advice, girls," Hum Buck went on. "Now, look at you. A groveling, sniveling mess--and for what? All because some grandiose choir won't be showing their faces around here in Ponyville, and that might make a few ponies sad? Pathetic! All of it! You're lucky I'm in a generous mood at the moment, so here is what I'm going to advise you girls do next." Hum Buck stood by, and loomed over them as they looked up with their teary eyes and quivering lips. "Wipe away those tears, stand up straight, and move on with your lives. All those disgusting feelings swirling inside you, cast them aside. For they'll do you no good. So, you failed; you'll soon understand life is full of it. All we can do is learn from our mistakes, yes? Now, go on, stand up straight." The crusaders followed his command as they continued to sob. "Next, take a breath." Their throats ached, but they still filled their cheeks with air. "And repeat after me. Bah."

"B-Bah?" they muttered.

"Come on, is that all you got? This is your time to express yourselves! You despise me, don't you? Just like the rest of this forsaken town? Say it loud, say it clear, say it with purpose. Look me in the eyes, and say--bah, Hum Buck!"

"B-Bah, Hum Buck. . ."

"Yes, that's good. The next time somepony makes you feel down, just do as I've said. I guarantee you'll feel much better in the end. Come, allow me to guide all of you home. It's dark and it's cold outside, certainly not a place for young fillies like yourselves to be wandering alone." Mister Hum Buck held the door open for the fillies to exit, where he stopped Apple Bloom. "Oh, and also, I accept your apology." Apple Bloom turned away, and Hum Buck smiled, as he could sense the scorn from within her.

The streets were suddenly empty as the snowfall brewed into a rugged storm of violent winds. Ponies tied scarves around their faces to shield themselves from the icy wind as they fled to their homes. Mister Hum Buck walked each of the fillies home, and handed them off to their respected guardians. Scootaloo returned to her Aunt, and Sweetie Belle with Rarity. Not a word was spoken during their walks, and not a goodbye was said as each filly returned home. Apple Bloom was the last to be walked back home. Hum Buck knocked on the door of her farmhouse, where Applejack answered rather instantly. She was relieved to see Apple Bloom as she took her hoof and led her inside.

"There ya are!" said Applejack. "Oh! It's you again. Thank you kindly, uhh."

"Hum Buck, at your service madam," he said as he tipped his hat.

"Well, thank you kindly, Mister Hum Buck. I was startin' to worry 'bout little ol' Apple Bloom."

"Not a problem at all. T'was the least I could do. She apologized for her behavior, of which I am grateful for." Hum Buck looked down at Apple Bloom as she hid behind Applejack's legs. "She truly is quite a darling with a heart of gold. You must be proud."

"Oh, every day! Ain't that nice of 'em, Apple Bloom?" Applejack looked down for reassurance from Apple Bloom, where she only subtly nodded. "Brr! This storm's gettin' a little crazy!"

"I know; It's a bit bizarre. It seemed to have come out of nowhere. Though, I'm certain it'll lighten up in due time."

"Say, why don't ya come inside fer a minute or two? Just so you can warm up a bit before ya head back home. It's the least I can do to return the favor."

"I'm flattered, but I'd hate to impose."

"Oh, nonsense. Come on, just fer a--"

"Trust me, I'd only be a burden. Besides, this walk could be good for me. The streets are clear, and all is quiet. Celestia knows when I'll be able to endure peace and quiet such as this again."

"Well, if yer sure that's what you want, then I won't get in yer way. Happy Hearth's Warmin' Eve, Mister Hum Buck!"

"Yes, it will be, won't it?"

Hum Buck smiled, and walked back into the storm. Apple Bloom watched him disappear as Applejack shut the door. She had never felt such a painful ache in her stomach before, and every grin Mister Hum Back gave only made matters worse.

"Well, shucks, ain't he nice?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah, he sure is," said Apple Bloom.

"Oh, and guess what I just found out! The Canterlot Choir, the biggest and most amazin' group 'a singers in Equestria are comin' down here to Ponyville for Hearth's Warmin'! I don't know how we're gonna do it, but you and I are gonna sit front and center! Don't that sound like fun?"

"Y-Yeah, a whole lot of fun!"

"Oh, Apple Bloom, yer cheeks are all wet from the snow. Here, let me help wipe it off."

"N-No, that's okay. I'm . . . I'm just going to go upstairs for a bit."

"Oh, alrighty then. Well, hurry back down! Yer brother just made a nice, warm casserole! I'm a little worried 'bout it since it's yer brother's cookin', but it sure smells good!"

Without a word of acknowledgement, Apple Bloom rushed to her room and closed the door. She was calm, and steadily walked to her bed. Despite her effort, it didn't last long. She burst into tears, and dug her face into her pillow to mask her whimpering. She didn't know it, but at this same moment in time, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle had wept tears of their own. It seemed that whatever flame Applejack had reignited within Apple Bloom, Mister Hum Buck had quickly snuffed out. It would seem that all is lost, and that wretched Mister Hum Buck had finally won. Once he returned home, he slumped in his chair, and reveled in his victory. He poured himself a glass, and made a toast to himself as the storm roared outside. He listened as his cottage creaked and shook, and felt a bit uneasy, but he celebrated nonetheless. However, this story is not over quite yet.

Part III

Mister Hum Buck had counted down the days until Ponyville would receive the dreadful news: that their long awaited concert would be canceled, and he would then cheer in uproarious fashion. He awoke each morning with a smile like a child on Hearth's Warming Eve, ready to unwrap his gift. A gift perhaps for him, but for the rest of the town, and especially to our young crusaders, his gift would become something more akin to a curse. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle put their heads together day after day, as they desperately tried to come up with anything that could undo what Hum Buck had done. They had thought to send a letter of their very own to perhaps explain their situation, but they had not a bit to their names. The Pony Post Office wouldn't send a letter out for them for free, no ifs ands or buts.

They had tried to put it in the back of their minds, and focus on the holiday itself without a thought of Mister Hum Buck and their failure, but no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't escape it. It haunted them like a nightmare they could not wake from. Their families were alighted and delighted by the warmth of the holiday spirit, but our crusaders remained cold and restless. They had pondered the idea of confronting Hum Buck at his cottage one last time, but they knew not of what they could possibly say or do that would change anything. Besides, not a single one of them had an ounce of courage left in them to even approach his cottage let alone knock on his door.

There was only one thing they could think of that could possibly lift their spirits, or at least give them a warm feeling inside, and that was Pinkie Pie's famous hot cocoa. They walked into Sugarcube Corner, and they were instantly greeted by Pinkie Pie who trotted to them with a burst of energy.

"Heeeeeeello, girls! What can I--?" Pinkie paused as she noticed their faces. "Why the long faces? Hearth's Warming Eve's tomorrow! Aren't you all excited?!"

"It is? Well, at least it's almost over," said Apple Bloom.

"You can say that again," Scootaloo added.

"Hmm, I sense a lack of holiday spirit in you girls!" Pinkie declared.

"No, we're fine. Right?" Apple Bloom turned to her friends.

"Uh-huh, feeling real good," said Sweetie Belle.

"Yup, happy as sugar plums. See?" Scootaloo said with a big, fake smile as the rest followed suit.

With her hoof under chin, Pinkie Pie analyzed their odd behavior. ". . . Okay! If you say so! Here, you girls take a seat anywhere you like, and I'll bring out some of my holly jolly cocoa for you!" Pinkie then hopped over the countertop to retrieve their drinks, and the crusaders slumped in the cushiony seats.

"So, think when this is all over we'll feel any better?" Scootaloo asked.

"I hope so. I can't take it anymore," said Sweetie Belle.

"Me neither. I wish I could just sleep through the whole day so I wouldn't have to worry 'bout it no more," said Apple Bloom. "I'm tired of pretendin' to be happy at home. Hearth's Warmin' ain't ruined yet for everypony else in Ponyville, but mine's already been ruined since that day."

"I know. This whole week's just been a real bummer," Scootaloo added. "Hey, Apple Bloom. You ever tell Applejack about all this?"

"Pfft, nope. She and Hum Buck are practically friends now. There's no way she'd believe me. Did you ever tell your Aunt?"

"Yup."

"And what she say?"

"She said, 'Oh, Scooty, you've got quite the imagination!'" Scootaloo said with her best impression of her Aunt. "How about you, Sweetie Belle?"

"Well, I was going to, but like Apple Bloom said, I think him and Rarity are friends now too."

"Wait, you too?!" Apple Bloom asked in disbelief.

"Yeah, it was so weird. He came to our house with a bowl of cookies as a gift. She invited him in and they sat and talked for a while like they were on some kind of date or something, bleh!" Sweetie Belle nearly gagged, and the three of them shuddered with disgust.

"He-heh, what if Hum Buck becomes your brother-in-law?" Scootaloo teased.

"Not funny, Scoot!"

"Okay, okay, sorry, but how good were they?"

"How good were what?"

"The cookies, were they good?"

"I didn't trust 'em. I thought Hum Buck might've put something in them, but Rarity made me have one. She said I should be 'courteous' to guests or something. . . They tasted pretty good--but if something happens to me, blame the cookie!"

"What are we talking about?!" Pinkie Pie popped her head up from underneath the table, and the crusaders yelped with fear. "Oh! Sorry. I just overheard the word cookies, and I just had to know more! Hey, can you girls believe how windy it is out there? It's cah-razy! Anyway, here's your cocoa! All sweet and steamy!"

"Thanks, Pinkie Pie," Apple Bloom said as she reached for a cup."

"Ah-ah-ah!" Pinkie Pie pulled the cups away. "Not until you tell me what's bothering you!"

They all moaned and whined, but Pinkie stood firm. If they wanted to taste the glory of her hot cocoa, they'd have to share what was on their minds, and none of them were eager to speak out. They looked to each other as they twiddled their hooves and gritted their teeth. Apple Bloom looked to Scootaloo, as did Sweetie Belle. With all eyes suddenly glued to her, the pressure had finally cracked her.

"Oh, fine! I'll say it!" Scootaloo broke out. "Pinkie, there's this guy who just mailed out a whole bunch of mean letters to The Canterlot Choir, and once they read them they're gonna cancel the concert here in Ponyville--and we tried to stop him, but we failed! Now, Hearth's Warming Eve is ruined all because of us!" Scootaloo took a breath, and slammed her head on the table. The others looked to Pinkie with big but nervous grins, as her face at first was expressionless. "Can we have our cocoa now?" Scootaloo's asked with her face still planted firmly on the table. Pinkie smirked, and her smirk turned to a smile as her cheeks filled with air. She pressed her hoof against her mouth until it became too much to hold back, and the room filled with Pinkie's bubbly giggling.

"Gee. Well, that's not the reaction I was expectin'," said Apple Bloom.

"You girls are so silly!" said Pinkie. "So, what if the choir doesn't come to Ponyville? It's not gonna be the end of Hearth's Warming!"

"What do you mean?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Once everypony finds out the choir won't be coming to Ponyville, then they'll all lose their holiday spirit, and Hearth's Warming will be over!"

"Did I forget to mention the whole 'it's our fault' thing?" Scootaloo reiterated.

"Come on, girls! Sure, the Canterlot Choir has the most angelic voices in all of Equestria! Hearing their voices just gives you that tingly feeling you get when you bite into the spongiest and fluffiest cupcake topped with the most delicious and sweetest vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles, so delicious that you can't help but reach for another one except this one's got chocolate frosting--and come on--who doesn't love chocolate frosting?! Wait what were we talking about? Oh, yeah! And sure, everypony being able to see them all perform live for the first time ever here in Ponyville would be the greatest thing ever, and fill all our hearts with tons of holiday joy!" Pinkie reassured.

"Yup, keep going. Just rub it in."

"But we don't need them to have the best Hearth's Warming ever. We have each other!" Pinkie hugs and squeezes the crusaders, who began to feel slightly uplifted. "And if you ask me, everypony's voice here in Ponyville is just as beautiful as anypony in that choir!"

"B-But, we were told we weren't any good at carolin'," said Apple Bloom.

"But did you have fun doing it?"

"Well . . . yeah."

"And did it make you happy?"

"Y-Yeah," said Sweetie Belle.

"And did it make you all fuzzy with holiday spirit?!"

Scootaloo finally lifted her head up from the table. "Yeah, it sure did!" she proclaimed.

"Well, then that's all that matters." Pinkie gave each of them their cup of cocoa, and with their spirits lifted, they happily took a big swig of warm, chocolatey goodness. They all set down their cups, and wiped their mouths clean.

"Girls, I think I've got an idea," said Apple Bloom with a confident glow that hadn't been seen in days.

"I'm all ears," said Scootaloo.

"Whatever it is, I'm in!" Sweetie Belle assured.

"Then follow me! We've got some work to do!" said Apple Bloom. She and her friends leapt from their seats, and galloped out of the sweet shop. "Thanks, Pinkie!"

"No problem, girls!" Pinkie waved as they dashed through the doorway. "Ahh, kids. They have just the wildest imaginations."

The day went on as Hearth's Warming grew ever closer, but our brave crusaders weren't worried one bit. Together they came up with a plan that couldn't possibly fail. A plan that would save Hearth's Warming despite all that Mister Hum Buck had accomplished. Secluded in their clubhouse, they worked tirelessly for hours. Once it came time for their curfew, they wrapped it all up with pride. They said their goodbyes, excited for tomorrow unlike they had ever been before. Apple Bloom returned to her farmhouse, and was greeted by Applejack who just so happened to be at the front door.

"There ya are, Apple Bloom!" said Applejack. "Did you have fun with yer friends?"

"I sure did, sis!" Apple Bloom exclaimed as she hugged Applejack's leg.

Applejack smiled. "Well, that's mighty good to hear. Oh, guess who decided to pay us a visit today?"

"Hello, Apple Bloom," said Mister Hum Buck as he stepped into view. "It's a pleasure to see you again," he smirked.

He looked to Apple Bloom with that dubious grin of his once again. Hoping to see the disdain and resentment that would surely show upon her face. Without hesitation, Apple Bloom met his leg with a great, big hug. She looked up to him with a smile on her face, and a sparkle in her eye, both of which unsettled Mister Hum Buck to a large degree. Caught off guard, he stood frozen unsure of how to respond.

"Howdy, Mister Hum Buck!" Apple Bloom greeted. "It's nice to see you too!"

"Aww, ain't that just sweet?" said Applejack. "You two have really formed quite a bond, haven't you?"

"Umm, y-yes of course!" Hum Buck led with a chuckle as he patted the top of Apple Bloom's head. "You know what they say, Hearth's Warming is where friendships are woven!" Hum Buck nearly choked.

"Ain't that the truth?!"

"Applejack, can Mister Hum Buck come with us to the concert? Please?!" Apple Bloom begged as she brimmed with excitement.

"Why that's a mighty fine idea, Apple Bloom!"

Mister Hum Buck was baffled. How could a filly who he knew despised him just yesterday suddenly become so happy and delighted to see him? He couldn't understand why she would inquire about him being invited to a concert they both know will be canceled. Then it hit him. Perhaps she knew something he didn't, and this act of hers was just to throw off her sister, and him at the same time. Maybe she found a way to undo what he had done, but she had made a foolish mistake to act so smug by taunting him with that bright, rosy-cheeked smile of hers. Whatever scheme she had cooked up, he had little time to uncover and destroy. Anxious and worried, he had to cut their meeting short.

"While I'd love to stay and chat, I fear I have a most pressing matter to attend to--and it simply cannot wait," said Hum Buck.

"Aw, but ya are gonna join us fer the concert tomorrow, ain't ya?" Apple bloom asked in a hopeful tone.

"Do not fret, dear child! There isn't anypony else I'd rather join for such an event! You can certainly expect me."

"Well, that's wonderful to hear! Hopefully all this confounded wind calms down by then," said Applejack. "We should all get some rest now. We've got a big day ahead of us! Probably the biggest Hearth's Warming we've had in a long time."

"Yes, quite! Now then, I shall see you all tomorrow!" Hum Buck bid them farewell as he shuffled through the snow.

"Good night, Mister Hum Buck!" said Apple Bloom.

"To you as well!" Hum Buck gritted his teeth, and he lowered his voice to a low grumble. "Enjoy it while you can, because if you think you have the upper hoof, you are sadly mistaken."

Hum Buck, bent on putting and end to Apple Bloom's plot, raced as fast as he could to the Pony Post Office. He was attacked ruthlessly by the raging winds. He tried to use the collar of his coat to help shield his face from the intense gale, but his body still shivered from the icy chills. Without a care, he pushed and shoved anypony that stood in his path. The cold had become nearly unbearable, but Hum Buck pressed onward. He needed to be certain there wasn't any sort of delay or issue with the delivery of his letters. He reached the post office, and pushed its doors to enter, but they wouldn't budge. "What in the name of--" Hum Buck then noticed a sign that read: Closed Early For The Holiday, Happy Hearth's Warming Eve! "No! This cannot be!" Hum Buck pushed and kicked at the door in a fit of rage. He peaked through the glass to see if anypony was inside. "Hello?! Is anypony in there?!" he shouted. The office was empty, and all the lights were out. "Oh, Celestia!" Hum Buck kicked the door once more, then grumbled as he stomped his way back home.

The door to his cottage was thrust open, and he stepped inside with a soulless look about him. He ripped off his coat, and tossed it onto the floor. He took off his hat, and threw it into a random corner of his home. He loosened his bow tie, as he felt it difficult to catch his breath. With a box of matches, he feverishly struck a match intent on producing a flame, but its stubbornness infuriated him. He tossed it over his shoulder, and with one swift strike, the next match gave him a flame which he used to light a candle at his desk. He yanked his chair out as it screeched across his wooden floor, then sat down as his head pounded furiously. "What is that filly's plan?" He asked himself. "What does she know that I don't?!" Hum Buck swiped a stack of books off his desk, and listened as they smacked the floor to hopefully grant him some sort of pleasure, but he instead found himself exhausted. On the verge of a breakdown, he laid his head down on the desk, and hoped that his fears were nothing more than possibilities. "No, there's nothing she could have done," he muttered. Hum Buck raised his head, and felt his confidence coming back to him. "Hearth's Warming is tomorrow, and that's not nearly enough time for her to try and send out a letter to the choir, even if she had the bits to pay for expedited postage! But surely she's smarter than that, it must be something else. She must've told somepony she trusts about me, but who? It quite clearly wasn't her sister. Who else would she tell, the authorities?! Bah! They'd never believe a story as ludicrous as hers!" Hum Buck jumped out of his chair, and shouted to his walls with passion. "My plan is flawless; I just know it! And when I join them in the crowd, I want to be the first to see the change in her tune once she hears that their precious concert is indeed canceled! But let's pretend she somehow did manage to foil my plan, then so be it! There will be many more Hearth's Warmings after this, and I won't stop here! Next time, I'll concoct a plan so meticulous that it can't possibly fail! Then, whilst everypony weeps and moans, I'll be the only one laughing! It will be end of their beloved holiday here, and forever-after!"

A stiff breeze blew out the flame from the candle, and his cottage was instantly flooded with darkness. Confused, Hum Buck grabbed his box of matches, and struck another match. It lit up, but another breeze blew it right out. Hum Buck stopped and listened, but could not hear any wind inside his cottage. He tried once more to light a match, but the wind blew it out yet again. Frustrated, he threw the box of matches onto the floor, and began to search vehemently for the source of the wind. It was difficult to manage, but the moonlight that shone through his windows was enough to guide him through his living room. He checked the windows, and discovered one had been left open. He did not remember ever opening it, but did not think about it for too long, as the cold had become unbearable. He closed and locked his window, and a child-like giggle erupted from behind him. A jolt was sent through his body, and his heart leapt from inside his chest. He whipped around, and nervously scanned the room. Then, he spotted something. It was difficult to see, but he could just barely make out the faint silhouette of a filly standing in the darkest corner of the room. "Who goes there?" Hum Buck asked the shadow. With giddy laughter, the filly galloped away in a burst of speed. Petrified, Hum Buck watched the figure climb upstairs to his bedroom. "Apple Bloom! If that's you, you'd better stop this immediately!" Hum Buck waited for a response, but all was silent upstairs. Self-assured of the figure's identity, Hum Buck walked over and stood at the bottom of the stairway where he had a clear view of his bedroom. The door was left halfway open, but nothing could be seen inside other than pure blackness. "So, this was your plan, eh? To scare me? Ha! And what good will that do you?" he taunted. Without warning, his bedroom door violently slammed shut. Hum Buck trembled, and the child-like giggling continued from behind his bedroom door. It was hard to distinguish, but to Hum Buck, it sounded eerily like Apple Bloom's voice.

Hum Buck cautiously proceeded up the stairway, curious, but fearful. He wanted to catch Apple Bloom in the act, and expose her behavior to her sister. That way she'd forever regret this twisted game of hers. Despite how sure he was that Apple Bloom was the one hiding behind that door, something still felt off to him. With every step he took the air grew colder, so cold that he had begun to see his breath. "I'll give you one chance, Apple Bloom. Come out, and I won't tell your sister about any of this," Hum Buck bargained. There was no response, only constant, faint giggling. Hum Buck felt an icy, cold sensation run up his hoof with his next step, and found what appeared to be snow which covered every step from then on. Hum Buck wondered if he had left his bedroom window open, but the very thought sounded preposterous. He would never consider opening up a window during a stormy winter such as this. Let alone forgetting to shut it before leaving the cottage. Unless Apple Bloom opened it herself, but he denied that concept as well. There was no possible way so much snow could have gotten in his cottage in such a short amount of time. Nothing added up, and the thin layer of frost that covered the walls certainly didn't help matters.

He reached the top of the stairway, and stared intently at his bedroom door. The monotonous giggling had driven Hum Buck up a wall, and forced him to march toward the door. He could hear wind blowing from behind the door, which lead him to believe that it most definitely was Apple Bloom who caused this mess. Angered, he banged on the door. "Apple Bloom, you'd better come out, and explain yourself!" he demanded. The giggling continued, and Hum Buck's patience had finally worn thin. "You want to make this difficult? Very well. If you don't come out before I count to three, I'm barging in there myself! One. . ! Two. . !"

There was a gasp, and the door opened ever so slightly. Empowered, Hum Buck grinned as he finally felt he had control over the situation. He pushed open the door, and his grin vanished. What stood behind that door was no filly. Hum Buck saw himself, but it was not entirely him. He was covered in snow, and his body twitched in a peculiar manner. Two large antlers protruded from his head, and his eyes were pale-white. Hum Buck felt as though something had a grip on his throat, as he struggled to breathe. The creature let out a cry that pierced Hum Buck's ears, and a powerful gust of wind threw him off balance. He staggered backward, and fell down the flight of stairs. His stomach churned as he felt the pull of gravity on his body. He shut his eyes, and accepted his fate.

Hum Buck then heard a knocking sound, and was baffled. There was yet another knock, and he opened his eyes to find himself still seated at his desk. Sunlight poured into his room, which revealed the candle he had lit had nearly completely melted away. The pace of his heart settled, but there was still one more thing he felt he needed to check.

"Mister Hum Buck? Are ya home?" Applejack called from behind the door.

"Y-Yes, quite! Give me just one moment!" Hum Buck replied.

He galloped to the stairway, and climbed upward to find not a snowflake on the steps, and not a spec of frost on the walls. He approached his bedroom door with caution, and pushed it open in one quick motion. He breathed a heavy sigh of relief, and felt rejuvenated once he came to the realization that what he had experienced was nothing more than a bad dream. Hum Buck trotted back down to greet Applejack who stood at his porch, but she was not alone. Apple Bloom too stood beside her, both of them bundled up to protect themselves from the rugged winds and intense cold.

"Applejack! Apple Bloom! This is indeed a surprise. Good morning to you both," said Hum Buck.

"Yup! Happy Hearth's Warmin', Mister Hum Buck!" said Applejack.

"Uh, yes indeed," Hum Buck dismissed. "A bit early in the morning to pay a visit, no?"

"Sorry, Mister Hum Buck, but Mayor Mare's called fer a meetin' over in town square. We think it's about that time!"

"Ah, you think so? Well, allow me to get my coat and we'll be on our way. I had hoped these unforgiving winds would have settled by now."

"I don't quite get it either. Ponyville's never had crazy weather like this, and apparently the pegasi up in Cloudsdale have no clue 'bout what's going on neither!"

"Hm, that is strange, but I'm certain there's a logical explanation for all this."

"I sure hope so."

Hum Buck went back to grab his coat and hat, then headed out with Applejack and Apple Bloom headstrong into the blizzard. The winds pushed against them, but they held on to their hats as they proceeded onward. Apple Bloom walked beside Hum Buck, and tugged at his sleeve.

"Mister Hum Buck?" she asked.

"Yes, child, what is it?" Hum Buck asked without turning her way.

"I'm really glad yer comin' with us. I know ya don't much care fer carolin', but maybe this time it'll be different!"

Hum Buck bit the inside of his cheek as Apple Bloom's cheery demeanor droned in his ears, but he knew he had to keep his composure, so he played along. "Perhaps you're right. I have a feeling this most certainly will be a very different experience for me."

The ponies had formed a large crowd in the center of town, where the mayor stood at her podium urging everypony to gather around, as she had an important announcement for them all. Everypony talked and murmured amongst themselves about what the mayor had to say, and of course, the thought on all their minds was in relation to The Canterlot Choir. Hum Buck, Applejack and Apple Bloom wormed their way through the crowd until they reached the front. Everypony's faces were lit up with excitement, even Hum Buck's, but not for same reason as all the rest. Despite all the energy flowing from the crowd, the mayor's face evoked a different kind of energy.

"Everypony, please quiet down!" the mayor requested. "Now, all of you have been eagerly awaiting this day, myself included. This Hearth's Warming, we are to be visited by Equestria's well-renowned Canterlot Choir!" The crowd erupted with cheer, and stomped their hooves excitedly in the snow. The mayor raised her hoof, and the crowd's enthusiasm calmed. "At least . . . that was the plan." The ponies in the crowd looked to each other in confusion, and Hum Buck's face immediately lit up. "Last night, I had reached out to The Canterlot Choir, asking if there were any other arrangements that needed to be made in preparation for their arrival, and they said that they will not be making their appearance in Ponyville today."

"I-Is it because of the weather?" a member of the crowd asked.

"Are they rescheduling?" asked another.

"Their reasoning was a bit perplexing. In fact, I will read aloud exactly what their message stated." The mayor unfolded a letter, and cleared her throat. "Mayor Mare, we thank you for wanting to give us the opportunity to perform for your town, but it is clear that we are not wanted." The entire crowd gasped. "We would have written you earlier, but we assumed you were already aware after how negatively the announcement of our arrival was received. We apologize for informing you on such short notice. Take care, and we wish you--along with everypony in Ponyville--a very happy Hearth's Warming." Hum Buck looked all around him, and expected an outrage from within the crowd. Instead, he saw a mix of confusion, and sadness. He could tell everypony's heart was broken by the news, and it brought him great joy to witness. "I'm sorry, everypony. . . I-I don't understand it myself."

"Dear, oh dear," said Hum Buck. "Definitely a tragedy, wouldn't you say?"

"I-It just don't make any sense," said Applejack. "How could this have happened?"

"Well, perhaps it's a sign. Maybe it's for the best."

"A-Apple Bloom, how are you feelin', sugarcube?" Applejack and Hum Buck then found that Apple Bloom was nowhere to be seen. "Poor thing, probably couldn't bear it any more. I don't blame her; I'd act just the same."

"Can you two believe this?" Rarity asked. "This is just the worst possible thing! Who could have been responsible for this?"

"I don't know, but I need to go find Apple Bloom. I'm sure she's gonna need all the comfort she can get at this point."

"She couldn't have gotten too far; I'll go find her. Just wait here," said Hum Buck.

"Thank you, Hum Buck."

With a nod, Hum Buck maneuvered through the crowd, only to hide behind the nearest cottage. He peered around the corner, and relished the grand view of everypony else's despair. He watched them all as they hung their heads in sorrow, and comforted their loved ones. The children wept, and the parents held them. Many were stunned and in shock from what they had heard. It felt like a bad dream that none of them could wake from, but for Hum Buck, it was a dream come true. Within moments, they began to turn on one another on a search for somepony to blame.

"Who 'reacted negatively' to the announcement?" a pony in the crowd asked aloud.

"It sure wasn't me!" another replied. "Was it you?!"

"Oh, I hope you're not asking me!" somepony else shouted.

"Well, maybe I am!"

"Oh yeah? Well, I think this was all your fault!"

"No, it had to have been you!"

On and on they went. Hooves were pointed, and accusations were made. Chaos ensued amongst the crowd as Mayor Mare did her best to put them at ease whilst Hum Buck laughed from behind the cottage. "Just look at them. All this petty arguing over a concert, and a good-for-nothing choir. Like children that don't get what they want when they don't even know what's best for them. I did this town a favor. Maybe now, things will be a little bit different around here, and it's all thanks to me. You're welcome, Ponyville. Enjoy your pathetic holiday." Hum Buck smiled as the crowd's arguing worsened, but beneath it all, he heard something that was quite the opposite. Like a ray of light that pierced through a shroud of darkness, a sweet sound made itself heard amongst the chaos. It was a song; a familiar one at that. One that Hum Buck knew he had heard not too long ago, but he could not pinpoint exactly where it came from. It was a sound so sweet that it felt like a fly buzzing about in his ear, and he wanted it to end. He looked over his shoulder, and was perplexed by what he saw. There they were, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, with sheets of lyrics in their hooves as their voices delicately filled the air. "W-What in the--?! Just what exactly are you three doing?! I demand you stop this incessant singing at once!" Hum Buck's command flew right over their heads, as they continued to sing their song with passion. Hum Buck fumed, and stomped toward them with passion of his own. "Fine! If you won't stop on your own--" Hum Buck swiped their lyric sheets from their hooves, and stomped them into the snow, "--I'll make you stop! What will you do now?"

"Well, it's a mighty good thing we took yer advice, Mister Hum Buck!" said Apple Bloom gleefully.

"What do you mean?"

"We studied the lyrics!" Sweetie Belle answered.

"From start to finish!" Scootaloo added.

"What? No!" Hum Buck cried.

"Ready, girls? From the top!" Apple Bloom declared. "And a one, and a two, and a--!"

They began to sing once again, and Hum Buck pressed his hooves against his ears to block them out, but it wasn't enough. He strained and suffered until he couldn't bare it any longer. "Off! All of you are off! Ugh, what will it take to make you all stop?!"

"Oh, we're not gonna stop," said Scootaloo bluntly.

"But if you really don't like our singin', then there's one thing you can do!" said Apple Bloom.

"And what exactly would that be?"

"Teach us!" the crusaders shouted in unison.

"T-Teach you? Pfft, I'm no teacher. Besides, what good would a teacher do you three anyway? Any teacher would just dismiss you all for a lack of talent."

"Maybe you're right," said Apple Bloom.

"Of course I'm right."

"It sounds like you'd have to be a pretty bad teacher to just give up on students like that."

"A real crummy one too," Scootaloo added. "I mean, who cares about what some dusty, old teacher says?"

"As long as you're having fun doing what you're doing, then isn't that all that matters?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Well . . . I-I'd never considered that."

Apple Bloom stepped toward Hum Buck. "Didn't you used to have fun singin'? Before somepony else ruined it for you?" she asked.

Hum Buck suddenly found his throat had grown sore, and it became difficult to speak. No matter how much he fought it back, he was overwhelmed by an emotion he hadn't felt in a long time. "Yes, I did. . . Very much so."

"Then, maybe you can be a better teacher than yours ever was."

"A . . . a better teacher?" Hum Buck thought to himself, and the idea intrigued him. Seeing these three fillies who sincerely wanted to learn from him; to give him an opportunity to be something he never had as a young colt, filled him with a warmth that spread from his chest to his cheeks. However, something inside him held him back. "I-I don't know if I can. It's been so long since I've sung--"

"Come on, you can do it!" Scootaloo encouraged.

"Just sing along with us! We can learn together!" Sweetie Belle suggested.

"Besides, we're all friends here. Nopony's gonna judge you; no way no how," Apple Bloom assured.

"Friends?" Hum Buck questioned. "But how? I-I thought--"

"I guess it's just like you said, Hearth's Warming really is where friendships are woven."

Hum Buck then realized, in that moment, that everything she told him the other day was meant not as some clever scheme, but something much more sincere. He spent the entire night trying to see through a charade that never was, and if it weren't for his stubborn nature, perhaps he could have seen it. The fillies he once saw as his enemies now stood before him as friends. In a matter of minutes, they've shown him just exactly what the spirit of Hearth's Warming can do. For the first time in years, Mister Hum Buck felt a joy unlike any other.

"Well then, from the top, shall we?" said Hum Buck.

"Yeah!" the crusaders cheered.

Apple Bloom raised her hoof, and counted down. "And a one, and a two, and a--!"

At once, all four of them began to sing. Hum Buck's voice first came out rather timidly, but as the words and melody began to flow, he found the confidence he thought he had lost long ago. Together, they were a quartet who's song journeyed effortlessly through the streets of Ponyville. The four of them felt something course through their bodies, an almost magical feeling. One so wondrous that the stronger it became, the louder they sang. Unbeknownst to them, another voice joined in. They all turned to see Applejack who lent her voice to their song. Beside her was Rarity, and she too couldn't resist the urge to join in. Then came Pinkie Pie, who joined in with an explosion of holiday spirit and glee. Their voices erupted into a splendorous harmony, which caught the attention of just about every last pony who was gathered over in town square. Their petty arguing hushed, and they approached the singers who's song had captivated them instantaneously. All of Ponvyille sang along, and rejoiced in the Hearth's Warming magic as they sang and swayed to the tune. Of course, not every voice was flawless, but Hum Buck had not a single care in the world. A voice's perfection no longer mattered to him, for without passion, there is no point. As their song went on, the storm began to settle. Hum Buck was mystified by the sudden shift in the weather, but was also enchanted by the sight of the snow clusters that fell gently to the ground. He took a good, long look at the ponies around him through new eyes, and the world never looked so clear. Their song came to a soothing end, and everypony in the crowd roared and cheered as they stomped their hooves. Hum Buck, overwhelmed with enlightenment, knelt before the crusaders, and softly spoke.

"Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo," he began. "I cannot thank you enough for what you've done for me today. This has to be . . . the greatest Hearth's Warming I will remember for years to come."

"Really?!" they asked.

"Indeed, but now, there is just one last thing I must do." Hum Buck stood, and turned to the crowd. "Ponyville, if I may have your attention please!" The crowd's celebration came to a halt, and they eagerly awaited what Hum Buck had to say. "Many of you know me as Hum Buck, or Mister Hum Buck--for those of you who care to be a bit more formal--but you probably know me best as the Hearth's Warming grouch." The crowd stayed silent, as they glanced to one another uncertain of how to react. "Don't be afraid to agree. I'm fully aware of it myself. Year after year I've been a bitter, old stallion during this wonderful time. I've mocked and shamed many of you for simply doing what you're passionate about, and what right do I have to take that away from you? The answer is: I don't, and I never did. So, may this Hearth's Warming mark the first day of a brand new Hum Buck! I intend on righting the wrongs I've made, and if it weren't for these three courageous and audacious fillies, I might never have changed my ways." The crusaders' eyes lit up as they rushed to stand at Hum Buck's side. "Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, have always gone on about being heroes, and saving Hearth's Warming. Well, I think I can safely say that they've succeeded in doing so. Now, Ponyville, I ask that you all give these three heroes a warm round of applause!"

And so, the crowd stomped and cheered as loudly as they could. Together, the crusaders hugged and jumped as their hearts overflowed with joy. Applejack and Rarity rushed to their sisters, and embraced them as tightly as any proud sister would. Pinkie Pie, not wanting to be left out of the love being shared, jumped in to wrap them all in one, big group hug. Hum Buck's heart was touched by the scene, and without any semblance of a doubt, he knew that these three fillies deserved every ounce of recognition they received.

"But that isn't all!" Hum Buck continued, which recaptured everypony's attention. "In relation to righting the wrongs I've made, I'd like to start with perhaps the biggest one of all. No, The Canterlot Choir didn't cancel their appearance due to the weather, or by any of you. It was me." The crowd mumbled and muttered, confused by Hum Buck. "The negative reception they spoke of in their letter was all because of me. I wrote nearly a hundred letters expressing 'my' hatred and distaste for them, and signed them all with your names." The crowd gasped. "Granted, I don't know all your names, so I conjured up as many as I could to ensure the choir would never show their faces here in Ponyville. These three did everything in their power to try and stop me, but I would have gotten away with it, and I'd never be able to live with myself without speaking the truth. If I could somehow go back and do things differently, I'd take that opportunity in a heartbeat." Applejack and Rarity listened, stunned by what they heard. The crusaders were proud of Hum Buck's decision to come clean, but their pride quickly changed to fear for Hum Buck. "I don't expect any of you to forgive me, not at all. In fact, I certainly don't forgive myself." Mayor Mare stepped out from the crowd, and approached Hum Buck with a stern look about her.

"Is what you've said true?" she asked.

"Yes."

"No!" the crusaders shouted in desperation.

"He was just uh. . ." Sweetie Belle trailed off in thought.

"Joking! Yeah, that's it! He-heh," Scootaloo nervously chuckled.

"Y-Yeah, ain't that right, Mister Hum Buck? Just yer typical Hearth's Warmin' prank?" Apple Bloom attempted to play along.

Hum Buck smiled. "Thank you, ladies, but--"

"It seems like you've made a few new friends, Mister Hum Buck," said Mayor Mare.

"Indeed I have."

"Well, I'm happy to hear." Mayor Mare then turned to the crowd. "Ponyville! I need all of you to assist me in making a decision. Mister Hum Buck has admitted to his wrongdoing, and has made a clear, sincere apology to us all. So, what say you? Won't anypony step forward to accept it?"

The crowd mumbled and muttered to one another, as they deliberated. The more time that passed, the more anxious the crusaders became. That's not to say Mister Hum Buck wasn't at all anxious, but the fact that nopony had spoken up didn't surprise him. Why, it was just as he expected. He didn't put any blame on the citizens of Ponyville. Instead, he put it all on himself. Mayor Mare turned back to Hum Buck, who removed his hat and lowered his head. The crusaders shut their eyes and held onto one another as tightly as they could, and braced themselves for the next words to leave Mayor Mare's mouth.

"Well," Mayor Mare sighed. "Then I suppose--"

"Wait!" a voice cried out from the crowd. Hum Buck raised his head, as everypony else's attention was grabbed by a mare who stepped out from the crowd. She was the storeowner that crafted musical instruments, who he berated viciously for her failing business, and Hum Buck recognized her instantly. It brought him bitter memories that sickened his stomach. "If nopony else will come forward, then I will. Mister Hum Buck, I forgive you. Not just for the concert, but everything else."

"W-What?" Hum Buck gasped. "But how? The way I treated you. . . I was--"

"Listen, everypony deserves a second chance. Even the grouchiest of ponies," she chuckled.

"W-Well," Hum Buck's throat quivered. "Thank you. . . very much."

"I'm gonna step up too!" A stallion stepped forward, who Hum Buck recognized as the shopkeeper that offered him the free record. "After that speech you gave, it hit me right here." The stallion tapped his chest. "I forgive you, pal."

"R-Really? Even after I--?"

"Eh, we all have our bad days. I just thought you were having one of those. Plus, I agree with what she said. Everypony should get another shot at doing things differently."

"Why, th-that's very kind of you, sir."

Many more ponies came forward, from the carolers Hum Buck mocked days ago, to townsponies he had never even met. As every single pony from the crowd joined the rest, they made their forgiveness known as they shouted it for all to hear. Both Applejack and Rarity approached him, and placed their hooves on each of his shoulders. They only needed to look at him with a simple smile for him to know that they too had forgiven him. He then felt something had grabbed onto his legs, and found the three fillies clutched onto them. He listened to every voice in town express their absolution, and it brought tears to his eyes. The warmth from the tight embrace of all his new friends made his heart flutter, as he surrendered to what he now knew as the true magic of Hearth's Warming.

"Well, I'd say just about everypony here accepts your apology, Mister Hum Buck," said Mayor Mare. "Myself included."

"Yaaaaay! More hugs!" Pinkie Pie shouted as she squeezed the air right out of Hum Buck, Applejack and Rarity.

"However, there is just one thing I'd like to discuss. Don't you feel The Canterlot Choir deserves to know the truth as well?"

"As a matter of fact, Miss Mare, I already have a plan for that."

"Oh, is that right?"

"Indeed! Tonight, I intend on writing them a very detailed apology letter explaining everything, and I shall send it out as soon as possible!"

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. Now then!" Mayor Mare raised her voice to the entire town. "This Hearth's Warming was supposed to be the grandest we've ever had, and in a sense, that is still true. I've never felt such strong holiday spirit until today, especially from our most--as he put it--'grouchiest' resident," Mayor Mare playfully teased, as Hum Buck and the rest chortled and snickered. "In fact, I'd say what has happened today is far more important than the presence of a choir. Friendships were made, and a lesson or two was learned along the way. That is what Hearth's Warming is all about! So, let us all wish Mister Hum Buck, along with our little holiday heroes, a very, happy Hearth's Warming!"

At once, the town erupted with joyous cheer, the loudest they've ever been. They stomped, whistled and clamored for all four of them, which only made our brave crusaders clutch onto Hum Buck's legs even tighter.

"Happy Hearth's Warmin', Mister Hum Buck," said Apple Bloom.

"Indeed it is, Apple Bloom," said Hum Buck. "Indeed it is."

And so, their night went on as they celebrated their greatest Hearth's Warming ever. It's funny how Hum Buck's evil scheme ended up not destroying the holiday as he had hoped, but instead, made everypony's Hearth's Warming just a little bit better. Everypony slept happily that night. Yes, especially Mister Hum Buck. He had written such a long letter to The Canterlot Choir that the scroll reached all the way down to the floor. I guess he had so much to say he felt the need to write down everything that came to mind. He must've also thought it through for hours, since he fell asleep right at his desk.

The next morning, Mister Hum Buck awoke as a changed stallion. He rushed to the Pony Post Office with his scroll, but also made a few stops along the way. His first stop was the second-hoof shop, where the stallion was delighted to see Hum Buck again.

"Good morning, Mister Hum Buck!" said the stallion.

"Ah, to you too! Say, do you still have that record player?" Hum Buck inquired.

"Sure do! Surprised nopony's taken it off my hooves by now."

"Well, I'd like to take it off your hooves. Along with that, as many records you can fit in a bag. I'm not at all worried about the price, just as long as the music is heavenly!"

"W-Wait, really?"

"Of course! Like you said, it'll most definitely make a great addition to my household. Music hasn't played in my home for years, and I think it's time for a change. Can you have it ready when I return?"

"Yes, sir!"

Afterward, he made his next stop at the woodcrafter's workshop. However, the mare wasn't as chipper and gleeful compared to when they had first met. Something had troubled her, and Hum Buck was determined to figure out why.

"Excuse me, miss. Is something the matter?"

"Oh, good morning, Mister Hum Buck. Just business as usual, or lack thereof actually," she sighed in shame. "Maybe it's time I give this silly dream up. At this rate, I'll never be able to make a living off my crafts. I hear the rock farmers are always looking for helping hooves. Maybe I'll just have to--"

"I'm going to stop you right there, because what you're saying is utter nonsense."

"What other option do I have?"

"A pony with your talent has no business taking on the life of a rock farmer! I can see the instruments you build are true works of art, and anypony would be a fool to not see that. The reason your business isn't doing so well has nothing to do with the quality of your work, and I know exactly what your issue is. In fact, I'm going to fix it right this instant."

"Really? How are you going to do that?"

"Just watch."

Hum Buck left, and after a little bit of time, he returned with a number of ponies who were all intrigued by what he had told them. The mare was astonished to see so many new, potential customers, and at the same time, nervous and restless. She demonstrated her crafts by showing off the intricate designs in the wood, and by played a soothing tune that pleased the ears of them all. Just then, they all wanted to place orders for instruments of their very own, and it was enough to bring tears the her eyes. Her dream was brought back to life in an instant, and needed to know just how Hum Buck managed to do it in such a short amount of time.

"I-I just don't get it. How'd you do it?" she asked.

"You see, you've been missing one crucial element to your business: advertisement! Without any signs or messages to make yourself stand out, how is anypony supposed to gain an interest in your services? So, I scouted a little for some ponies with interests in music, and it didn't take much convincing to peak their interest."

"I can't believe it. All along it was just that simple! Thank you, Mister Hum Buck. You just saved my business!"

"We're not through just yet. I need you to promise me that you'll take a portion of your earnings today, get yourself some signs, and give this workshop of yours a total makeover! If you're in need of assistance, I'd be more than happy to lend a hoof!"

"I promise! Thanks again!"

Mister Hum Buck said his farewells, and left the mare with her eager crowd of customers. Finally, he had reached the Pony Post Office. He waltzed in with the scroll in his mouth, and handed it to the familiar mare at the front desk.

"Miss Derpy! A pleasure to see you again," he greeted. "I have a very important letter to mail out--a scroll in fact. Can you guarantee it'll get to its destination as soon as possible?"

"Right away, sir!"

"Oh, and one more thing. Is it too late to buy and send a Hearth's Warming card?"

"Of course not! It's never too late to send somepony some season's greetings! Unless it's wrap-up time."

"Ha! Yes, quite. Then I'd like three, please."

"You betcha! Would you like the reindeer, the snowmare, or how about this one with the Hearth's Warming tree!"

"They're all wonderful, so it's difficult to choose just one. . . Hmm, I say we go with one of each!"

"Great idea! One of each it is!"

Hum Buck knew exactly who he wanted to send them to. One would go to his Father, and another to his Mother. Ever since he left home he had never considered the thought of sending a Hearth's Warming card, as he saw it as a waste of bits. But from out of nowhere, he suddenly yearned to get back into contact with them, and he felt a Hearth's Warming card would be the best way to start. As for the third card, he had a special plan for that one. There was just a little bit more work to be done.

The next day, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo woke up to a surprise at their front doors. Scootaloo awoke to a box wrapped up in colorful paper and tied with a bow, and after she tore it apart, she found an army of toy soldiers inside. Filled with glee, she wound up several of them and let them run loose in the house. Sweetie Belle woke up to a knock at her door, where she was greeted by Pinkie in a scarf and beanie who held a tray of steaming cocoa. "Hey, Sweetie Belle! Special delivery from Mister Hum Buck!" said Pinkie.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle rushed to Apple Bloom's farmhouse, where they were incredibly eager to inform Apple Bloom of the news. They gathered in the dining room, where they excitedly shared their experiences. Amongst the commotion, Applejack stepped in with a wrapped gift, and set it in the center of the dinner table.

"Hey, y'all! Somepony left this here gift at our doorstep! Looks like it's got yer name on it, sugarcube," Applejack explained.

Hurriedly, Apple Bloom ripped it open, and was astounded to find an adorable, stuffed ursa. She recognized it the moment she set her eyes upon it, and realized that it was the exact same doll she had picked out from the toy store. She bonded with it instantly as she gave it a tight squeeze and rubbed her cheek against its fuzzy belly.

"Hey, Apple Bloom, what's that at the bottom of the box?" Scootaloo asked.

"It's a card!" Apple Bloom declared.

"Read it! What's it say?" Sweetie Belle asked anxiously. Apple Bloom cleared her throat, and read aloud what had been written on the inside of the card.

"Dear Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, I am forever grateful for the impact you three have had on my life. Being a grumpy, disgruntled, old stallion is not how I want to live out the rest of my days, and I am looking forward to a bright future where I can be somepony different. Once again, thank you for everything you've done, and for not giving up on me. This has been the most incredible Hearth's Warming I've had in years, and I'm looking forward to many, many more! Also, you'll be the first ones to know that I've received a response from The Canterlot Choir, and they have been very understanding of the whole situation. In fact, they've gone ahead and rescheduled for a surprise visit tomorrow afternoon! So, please, help me spread the word! I hope you're just as excited as I am, and I can't wait to see you there! Your friend, now and forever, Mister Humble Buckington."

"Looks like we did it, girls," said Apple Bloom.

"Cutie Mark Crusaders forever!" they cheered, and wrapped one another in one big group hug.

Well, it looks like everything wrapped up quite nicely, wouldn't you say? If it weren't for our brave crusaders, Hearth's Warming Eve would have been a complete disaster. Thankfully, they were able to show Mister Hum Buck what the true spirit of Hearth's Warming is all about even when all seemed lost. Hum Buck learned quite a few important lessons that Hearth's Warming day, and I think we all learned a little something too. I hope you enjoyed my little tale, and I wish you all a very, happy Hearth's Warming.

THE END