Friendship is Failure #20: Hearth's Warming I'll Never Forget

Chapters

Act 1: Disowned
Act 2: No Affiliations
Act 3: Invited with no say
Act 4: Why???
Closing Act: Fireworks!!
Intro: Looking Down

Act 1: Disowned

ACT ONE

Many, many years ago, during Twilight’s very first year as crowned ruler of Equestria, and now it was getting onto to be time for her very first Hearth’s Warming as ruler as well.

Snow was falling lightly all around town as ponies and other creatures were busy decorating for the holidays, but easily one of the most exciting things was the annual Hearths Warming Gala, complete with a fireworks show…

Lots of large and extremely expensive fireworks were being brought in and assembled near the royal palace in large crates, where they would soon be setup in the open snowy fields for the big show on Hearths Warming Eve.

Some of the crates were marked: “Danger: Explosive!” and they had to be handled with extreme care.

Twilight was walking around town, with Spike by her side, and a couple of royal guards as escorts. Everywhere they went, there wasn’t a single face that didn’t turn to smile at her, or a subject that bowed or said hello to her.

“Happy Holidays your majesty.”

“Your highness, how’s it going?”

Twilight would smile and bow politely to her subjects.

“Well, look whose popular this year.” joked Spike, to which Twilight blushed. She was still getting used to all this newly acquired fame and popularity since her crowning.

Then a little filly-scout carrying a box of candy-canes innocently approached her. “Would you like a candy-cane, your majesty?”

“Aww, aren’t you sweet.” said Twilight, and she levitated two candy-canes out of the box, but she couldn’t let the little girl go without slipping her a gold coin. “Happy Hearths Warming.”

The filly smiled and then went off.

Twilight then passed one of the canes to Spike, but just as she was about to take a nibble out of her own, Spike snatched it away from her. “Hold it…!” he said and then handed the canes to the guards to magically scan them to make sure they weren’t tainted to anything.

Twilight grunted, “Really, Spike?”

“Twilight, you can never be too careful.” he protested “You made me your advisor, and I advised you--”

“…I know, I know!” Twilight cut in “…There are many other creatures out there that would plot against me and maybe try to hurt me.”

She gave him a loving smile. “I still appreciate the concern, and I understand you’re just looking out for me.” she leaned down and pecked him sweetly on the cheek, making him blush and rock nervously.

“It’s just that I love Hearths Warming so much.” said Twilight “Look at every-creature, all getting along, all happy and peaceful. It’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of.”

Then she felt a bit sad, really missing her friends who were far, far away in Ponyville. She had sent them invitations to come and celebrate in Canterlot with her, they did answer and fully planned to come, but she really wished they were here.

Spike hated seeing her upset, “Hey, come on. No tears.” he said sweetly to her “I miss them all too, but remember, they’re always here with us, and it’s Hearths Warming, a time when friendship and peace can reign over all.”

Twilight looked down at him as music began to play.

Spike began to sing…

There’s a blanket of snow, falling down from the sky
And the time of joy is near
It’s the time that we share, the goodness and care
With the friends and folks we hold dear

Twilight agreed, and began to sing as well.

And despite all the change, one thing’s the same
It’s the feeling we all know well.

Friendship carries on, through Hearths Warming’s light and glow
All the joy and hope, keeping me strong and wise
All these Hearths Warming feelings… Help me grow.

As they continued to walk through town, seeing all the decorations being put up, all the ponies shopping, and smelling the scent of freshly-baked goods.

…Spike kept on singing.

Decorations I’ve seen, of red blue and of green,
And the faces of smiles around
But it’s friendship I know, that gives me a glow
And the sharing gives peace and sound.

Twilight sang again…

Soon the friends we love dear, they’ll all be here
And how happy we will be…

Friendship carries on, through Hearths Warming’s light and glow
All the joy and hope, keeping me strong and wise
Oh, the feelings deep in me…
All these Hearths Warming feelings… Help me grow.

A small tear of joy fell from her eye, and she looked up at the falling snow. Spike snuggled up by her side and she embraced him softly.

They could hardly wait to see their friends again.

Suddenly, Twilight looked to her right, and she saw none other than Moondancer, who was sitting at an outdoor café, under a huge tent to keep the falling snow at bay. Before her on the table was a large textbook, and next to it stood a hot chocolate with whipped cream and a cherry on top.

…And yet, Moondancer seemed very down in the dumps.

If there was one thing Twilight couldn’t stand, other than some-pony being upset at Hearths Warming, it was seeing one of her closest and oldest friends upset at Hearths Warming.

She ordered the guards to standby as she excused herself, but she let Spike come with her for support.

Many ponies also at the café began to go numb with excitement and privileged as they saw her approached.

“It’s Princess Twilight.”

“I can’t believe she’s here.”

“This is so cool.”

Many showed respect and bowed as she passed, but Twilight insisted, “No need to be so formal.”

Her subjects only felt touched that she even spoke to them.

Twilight then approached her saddened friend.

“Moondancer…?”

She looked up and nearly fell off her stool, “Oh, your majesty… hello…”

Twilight sighed, “You don’t have to be formal with me. I may be Princess, but I’m still your friend. Just call me “Twilight.”

Moondancer regained control of herself.

“So, what’s up?” asked Spike “Why were you so down?”

“Spike, don’t be so blunt.”

Moondancer’s features faded into sadness. She didn’t know if she really wanted to tell her friends and get them involved, but remembering Twilight’s ways and how friends helped friends, she couldn’t keep it to herself.

“I’m just feeling a little low… because I’ve been disowned.”

Twilight and Spike both stiffened.

“Disowned?” asked Spike “By whom?”

Twilight wanted to know this as well.

Moondancer cringed softly while trembling, “…My… mom.”

Twilight gasped softly. She remembered Twilight’s mother, Luna Light, from way back when both she and Moondancer were little fillies in Celestia’s school.

Luna seemed rather nice at first glance, but Twilight hadn’t seen or heard much from her since the day she became Celestia’s private student.

“But this doesn’t make any sense.” said Twilight “Why would your mother suddenly disown you?”

This only made Moondancer look sadder, to the point of tears.

“Oh, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean--”

“No, it’s okay.” replied Moondancer.

“No, it isn’t.” protested Twilight “Your mom disowned you, now, when Hearths Warming is so near?”

“No, she actually disowned me almost two years ago…” she paused feeling dreadful to tell her the reason her mother disowned her, but the royal guards came by and informed Twilight it was time to leave. “Beg pardon your majesty, but there is much to be done.”

Twilight knew she had to tend to her royal duties, but she hated to leave her friend in the mood she was in, and having found out why.

Twilight turn to say something to Moondancer, but she got up, gathering her things, “It’s okay. I’ll be fine.”

Then she walked off, but Twilight noted the brimming tears in her eyes, would have stopped her, but she had already gone, and she really had to get back to work herself.

“We can deal with her later,” suggested Spike “I know how you feel, but you can’t ignore all your duties just like that… to help one pony.”

He wasn’t trying to sound mean or inconsiderate to Moondancer, he was only trying to keep things well in balance, which pleased Twilight. “I knew I made you my advisor for a reason.”

Spike smiled, and off they flew back to the palace.

There they had much to do, such as give leave fees for ponies that would be leaving the palace for the holidays while the visited friends and relatives…

Maintain the weather schedule for the pegasi to make sure it would be a white Hearths Warming…

Apart from other things, the one thing Twilight had to take care of was make sure the palace was all decked up nice for the holidays, as well as the fireworks show being setup; that’s where her older friends came in-- Lemon Hearts, Minutette, and Twinkle Shine. All three were hired as event organizers, and with their experience and helpfulness, there was no task they couldn’t complete.

They had already put up pretty wreaths, lined up the windows around the palace with lights, and set up a huge, decorated tree in the main hall.

“How’s that look?” asked Lemon, but Twilight didn’t seem to notice as she was still lost in her worries of Moondancer.

“Twilight?” said Spike.

She finally snapped out of her trance, and while it was against her main priorities, “Would you all excuse me for a moment? There’s something I have to do.”

Then before anyone could say anything, she had teleported away.

“Oh, no!” groaned Spik, having a full idea of where she was going, but he decided to stay behind to supervise the chores.

Twilight had a good idea of where Luna Light still lived, and she was right.

Luna Light lived in a small cottage within Canterlot, and it was rather ramshackle looking, just as Moondancer’s current home used to be before it got fixed up by Twilight and friends, and the place did not seem the least bit decked up for Hearths Warming at all.

It was here that Luna spent most of her time alone with her occupation-- she was a candle maker. She also lived all by herself, as her husband had passed away many years ago, and Moondancer grew up and moved out.

Twilight felt this wasn’t going to be easy, but she had to at least talk to the mare and find out why she disowned her daughter.

She knocked at the door, and got an immediate vocal answer. “Go away! I’m closed until after the holidays.”

Twilight then cleared her throat, “Open up, by order of the princess.”

A long silence followed, and suddenly the door opened ever so softly, Twilight sort of make out Luna’s appearance-- a beige colored unicorn mare, with a red mane, and she wore thick framed glasses, and just like Moondancer, she also wore a black sweater with a purple scarf.

Her cutiemark was that of a candle by a crescent moon.

Despite Twilight’s status, Luna spoke very rudely to her, “What do YOU want?”

Twilight was mystified at her tone, but maintained her cool and tried to be nice. “Um… it’s been a long time hasn’t it since I saw you.”

Luna seemed unimpressed.

“I saw your daughter earlier today, and--” she was suddenly interrupted by Luna stating loudly, “…I HAVE NO DAUGHTER!!” before slamming the door right in her face. “I ask you nicely: Please leave!”

Twilight stood where she was, completely flabbergasted.

Act 2: No Affiliations

ACT TWO

Naturally, Twilight had to get back to the palace where she told Spike everything.

“...And she just told you to leave?”

Twilight nodded, “She said she had no child, and she sounded really disturbed, and she looked as if she had been on her own for quite some time now.”

Minuette, Lemon Heart and Twinkleshine, couldn’t help but overhear as they were working…

“I’m not surprised.” said Minuette “I don’t know if I should be telling you this, but Luna Light disowned a lot of ponies in her life.”

“What?” Twilight asked sounding shocked.

“Yeah,” replied Lemon Heart, “It all seemed to happen ever since we all made up with Moondancer, or something or other.”

Now Spike looked concerned. “You mean you all knew of Moondancer’s disowning and you never told us?”

The trio felt awkward, and Twinkle nervously explained, “Yeah… you see, Moondancer knew you were all busy and stuff, and she didn’t want us to tell you. You know Moondancer; she doesn’t want you to know.”

Now Twilight didn’t know whether or not to be betrayed slightly, but she was so confused and concerned. “Why would Moondancer not want me to know?”

This time, the trio refused to tell.

“Come on, we want to know.” said Spike.

Twilight would have ordered them to speak up, but did not wish to abuse her authority. “If you don’t wish to tell me, I understand, but I really want to know why.

Can’t you at least tell me as a friend?”

The trio really wanted to tell, but they promised Moondancer they wouldn’t, and they didn’t want to betray her either.

“I understand.” said Twilight, and she began to walk off.

“Twilight…?” said Spike, but she had already walked out of the room, and he would have followed her, but he was still needed to help with the setups.

As Twilight walked down the hallway…

“Your majesty…” said a royal guard “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.”

Twilight looked at him, and he looked at her almost with looks of regret of what he was about to say.

In almost no time, Twilight was practically hammering her hoofs at Moondancer’s cottage door, and Moondancer opened it. “Twilight, what are you doing here? I was just heading to bed.”

“…Moondancer, I know.” Twilight said quickly “I know about your mother now.”

Moondancer gasped, feeling as if the other three ponies had betrayed her, but Twilight quickly stated, “Our friends didn’t tell me, it was one of the guards who overhear their many conversations who told me, and he promised nothing.”

Realizing she was cornered, Moondancer let Twilight in, not wanting to discuss it in an open doorway.

The truth was Luna Light was one of many creatures who loathed and despised Twilight Sparkle, and also felt she was unworthy of being ruler of Equestria.

Moondancer explained to Twilight, ever since Twilight never showed up for the original party she had planned when they were young, which led to Moondancer becoming standoffish, it was there that Luna began to have distaste for Twilight as well.

“It wasn’t just that you didn’t show up to my party…

Mom had high hopes for me. She thought I was worthy of being Celestia’s apprentice, but she chose you instead, and that angered her more… even me slightly.

Ever since my father died when I was little, Mom and I both wanted to make it big. So I chose to study hard and work my way to the top, and mom did the same thing, but when you became Celestia’s student, we both fell on hard times.

For all those years we devoted our times to remain distant, standoffish and remain embittered to friendship.”

Twilight understood now, remembering how hard it was to win back Moondancer’s friendship.

“I’m glad we were able to make up,” said Moondancer “But my mom wasn’t…”

She remembered a flashback to her mother finding out.

“You reconciled with Twilight?! How could you do this to me… your own mother?”

“But I don’t hate her anymore. She apologized, and she’s shown me how good friendship is. We don’t need to hate it anymore.”

All that resulted in Luna demanding she leave.

“Get out!”

“What?”

“Get out… out of this house, and out of my life! I never want to see you again… you… you, worthless weakling!! I DON’T WANT TO HAVE ANY AFILIATION WITH ANY CREATURE ASSOCIATED WITH TWILIGHT SPARKLE!!”

“Mother… you can’t mean that!”

“I SAID OUT!! And never call me “Mother” again! You are no daughter of mine, and I’m actually glad your father isn’t here so he can’t see what a disgrace you’ve become!

GET OUT!!!”

So Moondancer left in tears, and she hadn’t seen or spoken to her mother since.

Twilight felt low and miserable for her friend now, “Oh, Moondancer!”

Moondancer hung her head low. “I know she was cruel, and hard on me, but… she’s still my mom, and I guess I really miss her. I tried to reconcile with her, and she brushed me off every time. And worse…”

She recalled one time, not too long ago, she was walking down the street and saw her mother walking down the street with grocery bags. She offered to help, but instead Luna called for the guards “Get this stranger away from me!”

The guards, knowing nothing of the situation, didn’t even give Moondancer a chance to explain, and took her away, threatening to arrest her.

Luna would continue to deny any relationship or affiliation with Moondancer to anyone, and wasn’t hard for her to keep this charade up because she had very little interactions with many ponies, having kept good on her threat to have no affiliation with anyone who supported Twilight Sparkle, or was even the least bit affiliated with her.

…That was all there was.

Moondancer sighed, “Part of me knows I should just let go of my mom, but part of me still wants to make right with her.”

Twilight felt more struck than she did. How could some pony cause this much misery and suffering just because of her resentment. “How can your mom hate me that much?” she wondered “I know I missed your party, but we made up for it, and I can’t help it if Celestia chose me.”

“It won’t matter much.” said Moondancer “Mom’s made her decision, and she won’t change her mind.”

“Seems I’ve heard that before…” Twilight hinted at her, and the two friends held in a laugh.

Twilight had decided, “I’m going for it. I’m going to try and help your mom.”

Moondancer opened her mouth to protest, but Twilight insisted, “I managed to convince you to change your ways, and I can’t stand to see you unhappy at Hearths Warming, or any day for that matter.”

“But Twilight, what can you possibly do?” asked Moondancer, “My mom doesn’t want anything even remotely to do with you.”

“Well so did you, and that didn’t stop me from trying.”

It was clear now that Moondancer wouldn’t convince her to stop. She knew her friend-- once she was determined, she wouldn’t take “No” for an answer.

Of course, being late and all that, she had to wait until morning, and of course she still had to tend to her duties.

-Assigning the guards and sentries
-Checking reports and documents
-Reviewing written in suggestions and requests

…Being Princess was really strenuous work; she hardly found time to eat a simple egg-sandwich for breakfast.

At least the decorations were coming along nicely and the main hall was looking glittering and beautiful as ever, ready for the gala the night of the twenty-fourth, which was less than two days away, and that would be the night her friends from Ponyville would arrive.

“Looking great, ladies.” she said to the trio of decorators.

“Oh, don’t thank us just yet,” said Twinkle. “We still have to set up for the fireworks show.”

“Not today…” said Twilight “You’ve all worked hard enough for now. Take the day off.”

The girls felt flattered, “But what about the show? It must go on.” protested Lemon.

“Ah, come on…” said Minuette. “A fireworks show is a piece of cake. “We’ll just move all the crates into the field, and then set up the show tomorrow. It’ll all be ready on time.”

Agreeing to some much needed time off, the ladies excused themselves and headed off.

“You sure that’s a good idea?” asked Spike.

“Positive, and besides, it gives me extra time to put my own plan in action.”

“Oh, right… the whole Luna Light, Moondancer thing.” said Spike. Naturally he had been told of Twilight’s plot to get the two back together, and while Spike did feel sorry when he heard Moondancer’s story, “Are you sure it’s a good idea? From what you’ve told me, Luna Light has a big hate for you.”

Twilight insisted she was going through it, “If I can show Moondancer the joys of friendship, I can help her mom too. I’ve already sent her an invitation to the gala.”

Spike immediately sensed disaster there, and before he could open his mouth, the royal courier came in with a single returned letter. “I’m afraid your invitation was refused, your highness.”

He recounted on how he delivered the invitation in person to Luna Light, and she angrily slammed the door in his face and demanded he leave.

“I would have told you so.” remarked Spike.

Twilight took it surprisingly unsurprised. “I expected she’d behave like that. I was testing her to see just how much of a boost she needs.”

“A boost?” asked Spike.

“I need to dig a little deeper into Luna Light’s feelings.”

Spike protested, “Twilight, as your advisor, and someone with experience beforehand, I advise against this. We’ve got enough things to do today as it is.”

He showed her his long list of chores they had yet to accomplish, and that was just one page--there were others underneath.

Twilight put her hoof down, “I realize that, but I promise you we will finish them. I’ve had busier schedules anyway. This is more important to me as a personal reason, and while royalty would put this aside, I can’t ignore the call of a pony in need.”

Spike knew he had lost her, especially when after she teleported off just like that, and he could only sigh, “Ladies and Gentle-Stallions… the ruler of Equestria.”

Act 3: Invited with no say

ACT THREE

For the rest of the morning Twilight spied on Luna Light’s house, waiting and hoping she would leave for something, anything!

Finally, Luna stepped out, levitating a bag of garbage intending to toss it into the trashcan at the fence.

Twilight poofed herself right before her, “Good morning, Luna Light.” she said politely.

As she expected, Luna hardly showed any courtesy. She just scowled at her and turned in a huff to head back inside, forcing Twilight to poof right before her, “Can we please talk?”

Luna just walked right past her, insisting, “There is nothing you can say I wish to hear. Please leave me alone.” and she went inside, shutting the wooden door.

Of course, Twilight refused to take this and tried to teleport her way through the door, only to bounce straight off of it by a magical force-field Luna had put up.

“It’s no use, Princess!” she called to her “I’ve studied magic just like you. Please go away!”

Twilight was impressed by the whole force-field thing, but that still didn’t deter her, just like with Moondancer.

Luna sat herself down at a craft’s desk to begin her work on shaping candles by hoof, and she got out her trusty craft book of designs and ways to choose a picture, yet when she opened the book, there was Twilight, melding herself into the pages, which made her jump in fright.

“Please, just hear me out?” Twilight partially begged.

“You’ve gone too far this time!” growled Luna “This harassment, and invasion of privacy!”

She slammed the book shut and tossed it to the floor, before rushing back outside again.

Twilight still followed her. Luna was growing angrier, but she couldn’t call for the guards, knowing they were under Twilight’s command and fearing they wouldn’t help her, and instead used her magic to levitate her up high in the air, but Twilight followed her.

“Luna, please…” Twilight called to her “I know I missed Moondancer’s party, but I made for it, and it’s hardly my fault I was chosen to be Celestia’s student.”

She stopped when she realized she was only making things worse as Luna seemed crosser, and continued to try and lose her.

“…Luna Light, I made amends with your daughter. If she and I could make up and be friends, why can’t we?”

“Because… I don’t like you, Period!” called Luna.

Hearing that made Twilight halt and she just fluttered where she was in midair. Was there more to Luna’s loathing of her?

She then sped on ahead and caught up with Luna, finally teleporting herself and Luna down to the ground in the open fields.

She had already lost sight of Luna Light, but already could tell that talking to her and trying to reason wouldn’t help.

“I guess it’s time for Plan B.” and she teleported away to make her plans.

She sent a fake letter, placing an order for a shipment of candles to a random address that she knew of in Canterlot, when really it was a setup so that once she was there, she would be magically teleported to the palace just in time for the gala.

Twilight made sure to invite Moondancer to the gala as well, promising she and her mother would sit wither and her other friends at the royal table.

The only ones who seemed to protest to this were Spike and Moondancer, but their efforts to advise Twilight against such a move were all in vain.

Over the next two days, things were nearly going as Twilight planned, but Minuette, Twinkle Shine and Lemon heart realized in all the time Twilight gave them off, they had forgotten to setup for the fireworks show, which was to go off that night-- Hearths Warming Eve.

“We got to move!” shouted Lemon.

“Get the fireworks ready!” added Twinkle.

“Come on! Let’s go!” hollered Minuette.

The trio spent the entire day in the fields, away from the palace, setting up the barges, hooking up the fuses and everything.

The fireworks were all huge, about the size and height of wagons, but each fuse would be activated by a series of remote controls, programed to go off in sequence.

Twilight confronted the trio as they made their last checks of all the setups and the systems. “Ladies, you’ve done enough. Please, just stop working and come to the gala.”

The ladies refused, insisting they continue to ensure the fireworks were all setup just right, even if it meant they would have to miss some of the party.

“Come on, Twilight.” said Spike “The gang will be waiting for us.”

Twilight realized this and teleported herself and Spike back to the palace at once, and just in time as her friends from Ponyville were all there in the main entrance hall, having just arrived by train.

“HAPPY HEARTHS WARMING!!” they all shouted.

Twilight and Spike’s eyes filled with tears seeing them all again, and before long, it was nighttime, and Twilight used her powers given to her by Celestia to set the sun, and then she addressed all her guests, “I welcome you all to this wonderful gala, and I wish you all a Happy Hearths Warming. Though I have only been ruler of Equestria for almost a year now, I wish to always remain every-creature’s friend and help express my wishes for a glorious and peaceful empire.

For now… PARTY LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW!!”

Everyone cheered for joy and the party was on.

“Couldn’t have said it better myself.” chirped Pinkie.

There was ball-room dancing, gifts donated to charities, and there were all kinds of foods on the buffet line.

Easily, what Twilight loved the most was all the many different creatures gathered at the palace--Pony, Yak, Griffon, Minotaur, Dragon, and many more…

All were getting along so well and wishing each other a Happy Hearths Warming.

“You should be really proud of yourself, Twilight.” said Rarity.

“No joke,” agreed Applejack “You’ve really united Equestrians and other creatures alike in harmony.”

Twilight felt flattered, “I would never have done it without all of you.”

The ladies all felt flattered, and Starlight took notes of this, “This will be an excellent lesson plan for the School of Friendship after the holidays.”

Twilight felt pleased to hear from Starlight that the school was doing so well since her departure, and she looked forward to hearing all her friends’ stories, but for now she was waiting for something special.

Soon, Moondancer had arrived, all dressed up, and looking very spiffy, but she was very skeptical as she sat with the others at the royal dinner table.

Twilight’s friends were well-informed of the friendship problem with Moondancer and her mother, and they all wanted to help now, as was their prime job as Council of Friendship.

Moondancer was still very worried about this. “I really wish you would reconsider.”

“Nonsense,” replied Twilight “This is Hearths Warming. It’s the time of giving, and we’re trying to give your mom a good feast to show her how wonderful friendship can be.”

Fluttershy patted Moondancer’s hoof with her own. “Trust us, Moondancer. Think of it as our gift to you.”

The others all nodded in respect and hope.

“So, um… when is Luna Light going to show up?” asked Rainbow “I’m getting starved.”

Looking at all the food that waited for her and the others made her stomach rumble, and her mouth drool, but Twilight forbad anyone from starting until Luna Light arrived and took the lone seat between her and Moondancer.

Twilight checked the big clock on the wall behind her, “She should be arriving any minute now.”

Luna Light was delivering her shipment of candles as promised to the order she had, but found it odd that whoever wrote it wanted it delivered exactly on Hearths Warming Eve.

“Something funny is going on here.” she felt.

Her suspicions only grew as she arrived at the address of the home inscribed on the directions, only to find the house was all dark and empty as the occupants had gone out of town for the holidays.

“What is this?” she grumbled to herself.

Suddenly, the ground began to glow beneath her hooves, and before she knew it, she was teleported straight to the gala, right at the royal table.

“HAPPY HEARTHS WARMING!!” the gang all hollered at her.

Luna Light was positively shocked and trembling.

Her features quickly changed to anger and outrage, “I should have known!”

Many of the partygoers turned their attention towards the royal table, sensing trouble.

“…Nothing to see here, folks.” Pinkie called to them “Keep on partying.”

“Luna Light, please calm down.” said Twilight.

“Calm down?!” growled Luna “I have repeatedly told you to let me be, and now you set me up and bring me here against my will and expect me to be calm?!”

The council was all thrown back into their seats by the tone of her voice.

“Whoa! This lady’s even crankier than I thought.” muttered Rainbow.

Luna’s stomach gave a huge growl, hinting she hadn’t eaten yet.

“Please, won’t you at least join us?” Twilight asked kindly.

The plate of food that was served before Luna seemed so succulent and tantalizing.

“Aw, come on…” cooed Pinkie “Join us for a bite.”

The others all nodded at her, wishing she would stay, even Moondancer.

Luna slumped into her chair, seeing as she was outnumbered and starving, she decided to at least stay for the food.

Twilight felt there was hope yet.

Act 4: Why???

ACT FOUR

Lemon, Twinkle, and Minuette felt there were nearly finished setting up the fireworks.

“We did a pretty good job.” said Twinkle.

Minuette was all giddy and jumpy. “I can’t wait until these go off.”

“Well, we have to,” said Lemon “Twilight gives the orders, and she wouldn’t want to miss this.”

The ladies decided to make one last inspection. Like the perfectionists they were.

While back in the palace, lots of ponies and other creatures were Simply Having a Wonderful Hearths Warming time…

…But over at the royal table, things weren’t exactly going as smooth. Everyone tried to make friend conversation with Luna Light, but her standoffish and cold behaviour still remained.

“So, what are you up to these days, Luna?” asked Rarity.

Luna coldly answered, “Just making candles. Why?”

“Oh, um… well, anytime you have a spare moment, perhaps you should check out my fashion boutique some time.”

Luna didn’t even answer or look at her.

“Mom, please…” said Luna.

“Take it easy, every-pony.” said Twilight “No need to get excited.”

Luna didn’t seem the least bit excited or amused, and coldly asked if she could leave.

“Oh, you can’t leave yet.” said Pinkie “…There’s still the present exchange hour, and don’t forget the fireworks show.”

Rainbow felt super hyped for that, “I just love the fireworks show. Who doesn’t?”

A lot of exchanged chatter of glee erupted among the friends, but Luna only seemed to be getting more irritable.

Twilight felt she had to spice things up. “You know, Luna Light there’s plenty of seats in the royal box for the fireworks show.”

“So?”

Twilight winced softly, “Well… if you’d like I can arrange you and Moondancer to sit with us.”

“Please… don’t bother.”

Everyone was finding it really hard to contain their own growing irate at her behaviour.

“Take it easy.” said Starlight “Twilight’s just trying to be nice with you.”

“Who’s asking her to be nice?!”

Everyone was extremely taken back by that balking.

“Well, no one is.” whimpered Fluttershy.

“You should show better respect!” snapped Spike “Princess Twilight went out of her way to invite you here tonight.”

“She brought me here against my will and my protests!”

Twilight cautioned everyone to quiet down, and she spoke calmly and quietly to Luna.

“All I’m trying to do is make things right between you and your daughter because she misses you, and I’m trying to stop you from leading such a harsh and self-destructive life.

You disowned your daughter, and you alienate yourself from anyone who likes me, supports me, or has any affiliations with me.

All I’m trying to do is be nice to you, and you still don’t like me. Can you at least tell how you don’t like me? What have I done that makes you so resentful towards me?”

The others, especially Moondancer wanted an answer to this as well.

“Come on, now. It’s time come clean.” said Applejack.

Luna, got up from her chair and glared Twilight deep in the eyes as if to attack her, prompting the guards to step forth, but Twilight held them back, and then indeed… Luna did attack Twilight verbally.

“You want me to tell you why I dislike you? Fine...”

She took in a deep breath and began to let out a long and hateful rant…

“You… are the absolute worst creature I know!

You constantly believe so much in the power of friendship that you practically force it down everyone’s throats because you want them to live the way you do, like it’s the only way to live.

It’s NOT! It’s just ONE way!

…And to add insult to injury; you just can’t seem to take “No” for an answer. Whenever you come across some creature that doesn’t share your view, you constantly stalk and harass them hoping they’ll cave in and comply with your ways.

That’s not being liberal, that’s being a control freak!

And you have way too many double-standards! You say we should always learn and grow from our pasts and our mistakes, including really harsh and hurtful memories that we don’t want to remember, and then you say we should just forget about these thoughts and move on from them, and still use them to learn and better ourselves, which isn't nearly as hypocritical as your "Everyone should think for themselves" saying, when you keep getting in their faces and trying to change them and improve themselves to YOUR way of thinking!

I’ve got news for you, highness: these things and your whole self-improvement acts DON’T make you a better creature, they make you WORSE!! Spineless, weak, pathetic, and moronic…

And you and your friends delude yourselves thinking that you’re the big heroes of Equestria, when the truth is, you faced a bunch of weak and insufferable bad guys that anyone could have overcome, and you keep thinking it’s the power of Friendship that does it for you… WELL IT ISN’T, it’s just plain over the top magic!!

Friendship isn’t magic, it’s just a feeling!!

That doesn’t even come close to your delusions of happy endings and hope for the future. Ignoring bad things doesn’t stop bad things from happening you know! You keep hoping for and planning for the best when should also prepare yourself for the worst!

You think Friendship can solve every problem! WELL IT CAN’T!! My husband is dead, and no amount of Friendship or caring is going to bring him back or relieve me of this scar in my life!

Oh, but look who I’m talking to-- what scars and burns do you have? What super tragedies have you ever sustained in your life and carry with you? NOTHING!! NONE OF IT!! You just somehow end up with happy ever afters and reflect on nothing else that could have happened from it, and that’s makes you IGNORANT as well.

And what I think I really hate about you, is your own hypocrisy…

You and your friends pretend to act like model citizens, when, really, you’re nothing but a bunch of shallow pompous show-offs with more bad traits than good, and that’s heavily evidenced by the way you all behave.

…Rarity’s a vain snob, Rainbow’s a loudmouth show-off, Pinkie Pie’s a crazy hyperactive party animal who gets into people’s faces worse than you like she’s taken a load of narcotics, Applejack does nothing but work all day and lets it control her life, and Fluttershy, she’s either scared of her own shadow and too meek to talk, or she’s a crazy psycho that scares people… You’re all way too overdeveloped and with so many contradictions…MAKE UP YOUR MIND ALREADY, PICK A TRAIT AND STICK TO IT!!!!

And then there’s the drama and problems you try to solve in Equestria, when HALF of those problems were started by you, and you never actually LEARN from your own lessons and mistakes! You just repeat them and get worse over and over again!

-You brainwashed a ton of ponies to cause a fake friendship problem.

-You unleashed the pony of shadows without THINKING or CONSIDERING first

-You nearly caused Equestria to fall because of your treason when the Storm king attacked and you just had to get that pearl from the sea, which nearly cost you all your friends!

-You lied to Celestia about her terrible acting skills!

-You even barred the Cutie Mark Crusaders from your school of friendship over a misunderstanding without considering the facts and evidence!

…You haven’t learned a thing, and while you go around sticking your muzzle in other creatures’ affairs claiming you’re doing it to promote world peace and ever-lasting friendship, it’s more like you’re only doing this to protect your image and reputation!

You can’t stand it when other creatures don’t share your views and prefer to do things their own ways, even if they’re not that dangerous! You think that if not everyone is happy or doesn't believe in friendship is a threat... a potential danger that could spread evil all across the land, and it'll ruin your images Princess of Friends. So you stalk and harass ponies until they cave in and bow to your ways.

Some Friend you are-- never respect other creature's privacy, feelings, or considering that they aren't hurting anyone and are no real threat. You're just in it all for yourself, for YOUR OWN SAKE!!!

…But you know what! I could forgive all of that… ALL OF IT…

…If you WEREN’T… SUCH… A BORE!!

That’s what I hate about you, Twilight Sparkle! You are nothing… nothing but a big, power-hungry, hypocritical, misguided, ignorant BORE!!”

You can bet, every single face at that table was totally shocked and flabbergasted. Never had they all felt so insulted, so attacked!

The partygoers all over heard every word Luna had shouted, and they too were shocked and somewhat appalled by what was just said.

Easily, Twilight felt the most hurt as she just sat there with her mouth hanging open, her eyes wide, and she trembled softly with sadness and pain from the rants.

Luna pointed straight in her face declaring, “You are a fraud! A complete and total FRAUD!! You are not worthy of being ruler of Equestria! I will never bow to you, respect you, or see you in any positive light!” she paused and announced loud and clear, addressing everyone in the entire hall, “…AND THAT GOES FOR ANY OF YOU WHO ARE THE LEAST BIT AFFILIATED WITH THIS CREATURE!!”

Finally, she glared at Moondancer for one final assault. “You are DEAD to me! You’re even deader than your dead father! Thank goodness he’s not here to see what a disgrace you are!”

She stomped away from the table, heading for the main doors…

“Good-night…

Good luck…

…AND GOOD RIDDANCE!!”

She left, and the big doors closed really hard. No creature said or did anything, not even the guards whom were most livid that she dare insult Princess Twilight.

All was totally silent in the main hall. Even the musicians were no longer playing their tunes. Practically every creature gathered felt insulted for Twilight, and themselves.

Author's Note

OH!! Ah, yeah... That felt good! I've been waiting to sock it to Twilight that hard...

...and the worst part is still yet to come.

Closing Act: Fireworks!!

CLOSING ACT

There was a lot of chatter coming from the crowds, worrying from Princess Twilight, and expressing their newfound anger and resentment to Luna Light’s treasonous acts.

Moondancer sat with her head buried in her hooves. She wasn’t even sobbing.

As for Twilight, she sat in her seat just staring blankly downward.

Spike waved his claw in front of her, “Twilight… are you okay?”

“No…” she answered in barely more than a peep. “No, I’m not.”

Her head bent down as her tears began to form. “I never thought some creatures saw me that way!”

Her friends could only begin to huddle around her in a big group hug.

“Twilight, those horrible things she said about you!” sobbed Rarity “Don’t you listen to a word she said!”

“She’s right!” cried Pinkie “She’s a very rotten pony, and she doesn’t know you like we do!”

“And we’re all here for you.” peeped Fluttershy.

Starlight, Applejack, and Rainbow were positively furious at Luna Light.

“How dare she--!” growled Starlight “She had no right to say all that stuff to Twilight!”

“She treated her like she’s some kind of problem pony!” added Rainbow.

Applejack looked up, “There’s no excuse for what she’d done.”

Twilight just couldn’t seem to shake herself out of her crushed mood. Reason: She felt some of those things that Luna balked at her were true-- she, like any creature, was not without her flaws, blotches on her record, or anything.

She knew all this, she knew she had done wrong in the past, and she did her best to make up for it, but to have someone finally call her out on it the way Luna had… this scarred her deeply.

Moondancer finally looked up, and she was totally enraged.

She bolted upright from her chair and dashed for the door with a look of furious fire in her eyes.

“Moondancer?” called Starlight.

Twilight looked up and wiped the tears from her eyes, but Moondancer had already gone. “Where’s she going?”

“I don’t know.” replied Pinkie.

Luna hadn’t gotten very far, and so Moondancer was able to catch up to her.

“Stop right there!”

Her mother turned to face her, “What do you want now?! I said I never wanted to see you again!”

“Enough!” thundered Moondancer “How dare you insult my friends, and the entire Canterlot community!

Twilight brought you here tonight hoping we could work this out, and especially for my sake because I missed you, but you stabbed me right in the heart saying you want nothing to do with me, which is only half compared to what you said to Twilight and the others!”

Her mother was most unamused. “Are you through? I’d like to get you out of my life sometime in the next few seconds.”

Moondancer was incredibly enraged at this point, and ready to snap like a twig.

“I’m not letting you get away with this!”

Luna only scoffed, “And what are YOU going to do about it? What is any-pony going to do about it? Are you going to gang up on me for protesting? That would only PROVE that you’re all like that Pathetic Princess; blind, ignorant and lust for being control-freaks when it comes to that sickening friendship junk!!”

She began to walk away, but then came that terrible moment of stepping up for rights and pride when things would be better off left well alone…!

Moondancer marched right up in front of her mother. “I’m not finished with you yet!”

But finally, her mother had lost patience, and struck her daughter clean across the face, knocking her glasses into the snow.

Then she struck across the face again from the opposite direction.

Even without her glasses, Moondancer could still see her mother’s figure ahead.

With a sickening screech, she tackled Luna to the ground and the two began to brawl!

Some ponies nearby saw the commotion and called for the guards.

The guards arrived on the scene, but too late to do anything. The two fighting unicorns began to firing magical blasts at one another, and even levitated up, up, into the air, and continued to fight.

Twilight and friends burst outside and could see the commotion!

“STOP THIS…!!” Twilight demanded. She tried to fire a magic spell to freeze the two in midair, but Luna charged straight at Moondancer, sending both of them out of Twilight’s reach so she missed.

“They’re heading for the fields!” cried Twilight “After them!” and she took off into the sky with Spike, Rainbow, and Fluttershy going after her.

The others all galloped off after them.

Lemon, Twinkle, and Minuette felt they were finally finished setting up the fireworks.

They could hear the sounds of the hollering crowds heading their way.

“Hey look… I think everyone’s coming.” said Minutette.

“Well, let’s take out places.” hollered Lemon.

The trio were about to head to the control area, and get ready to start the show, when they suddenly stopped and looked up on the sky at something flashy heading straight for them.

“What’s that?” asked Twinkle.

Whatever it was, it was heading straight for them.

…Moondancer and Luna were soaring straight at them, burning with magic and aura, and Twilight and the gang and all the civilians were shortly behind them.

“Twilight, the fireworks!!” shouted Spike.

Twilight gasped when she saw the fighting ponies where heading straight for them!

Lemon, Minuette, and Twinkle panicked and blindly tried to rush away, only to trip over their own setups, knocking all the explosives out of place, and huddled all together around them!

Twilight saw this, and she decided she only had one chance…!

She teleported to a position high up in the sky hoping to freeze-frame the entire area and stop the fighting, and Starlight rushed in to help her, being the only other one with the power to do so…

…But the two reckless ponies-- even in their fall they were still fighting, punching, and biting at each other. Luna and Moondancer then both fired two magical blasts at each other, at such a close range too.

The blasts struck each other, and of all the places for them to be repelled towards, they struck Twilight and Starlight, knocking them both out of the sky!

“Twilight…! Starlight!!” cried Spike.

Luna and Moondancer were still heading straight for the fireworks, and still surrounded by burning aura… that could set them off, and there was no time for anyone to do anything!

“HIT THE DIRT!!” screamed Rainbow!

Everyone hit the ground hard while others ducked down behind large rocks or turned on their heels and ran for it!

Twinkle, Minuette, and Lemon poked their heads up from the pile of fireworks… saw the flaming duo heading right for them, and they SCREAMED…!!

Twilight looked up just in time as the fighters crashed into the mountain of explosives…!

BA-KOOOOOOOOOM

The entire field lit up in colorful, but huge, fiery explosions, resulting in one mighty big bang, and because the fireworks were actually all knocked into one massive pile, not only did the flames reach high into the sky, but several of the flaming rockets blasted way out into the village, striking several homes and setting them ablaze!

Other struck the ground, making smaller explosions which knocked several of the fleers off their feet, injuring them.

Twilight, though partially blinded by the bright lights, was still able to use her magic and cause a snow-wave-- like a tidal wave-- to bury the main flames and douse them out, while her friends and others were helping to put out any fires and help the injured ponies.

…But as for Moondancer, Luna Light, and the other three… anyone could plainly see that neither of them could have stood a chance.

Twilight made the snow she cast receded, just like a tide, and there was no sign of the five bodies at all, for they had obviously been disintegrated in the explosions.

All that was left behind were many ashes of the burned up fireworks and the racks which they were toppled from.

Twilight crossed over to the middle of it all, with her insides quaking and surrounded by an approaching crowd of spectators, all who were sharing her feelings of hurt, devastation, and sadness by what just happened.

Twilight suddenly stopped, and looked down at what appeared to be a charred mane clip, the very one that Moondancer wore that night to the gala.

Her tears fell from her eyes, splashing onto the object, before she fell to the ground screaming in anguish, “…NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”

…All of this faded back to the present day, and Li’l Cheese could hardly believe it.

Pinkie wiped her eyes, having never forgotten that horrible, frightening experience. “Hearths Warming was really spoiled that. A lot of us had lost our feelings of joy.”

The others all looked as gloomy as she did, verifying the facts.

“Princess Twilight had it the worst…” explained Starlight “She blamed herself for the deaths of all those ponies.”

Li’l Cheese asked, “But she didn’t kill all those ponies, it was just an accident, right?”

Rainbow shook her head, “It’s not that simple, Kiddo. As Princess of Equestria, Twilight is responsible for the well-being of all her subjects, whether they resent her or not. She should have been able to prevent what happened.” she paused, feeling remorseful for what she was saying. “…Deep down, Twilight can’t help but feel like it’s her fault all those ponies died.”

Rarity agreed, “Even more so, she felt that Moondancer was trying to defend Twilight’s honor after it was… horribly questioned.”

“Not to mention Twilight arranged for Luna to come to the gala that night in the first place, instead of letting her be.” added Applejack. “There are just some creatures out there that don’t want friendship in their lives, and sometimes it’s best to just let them be instead of nagging on them.”

Now Li’l Cheese felt just horrible for Twilight as he watched her grieve from afar. “Is she going to be okay?”

“Well, she did recover,” replied Fluttershy “But she was really devastated that night-- we all were, but the citizens of Equestria didn’t really blame Twilight for what happened, and she found her strength to go on.

But still, that was a Hearths Warming that she’ll never forget. None of us will, and every Hearths Warming Eve, she comes out here to give a little moment to those who were lost.”

Li’l Cheese felt like crying, and Pinkie Pie hugged her son warmly.

Everyone huddled together sharing the sad moment and feeling upset.

As for Twilight, she stood where she was looking down… at what was now revealed to be five gravestones she had made in memory of those she had lost-- Four of her dear friends died on that night, and even though Luna Light hated her guts and was a horrible pony with a bad attitude, Twilight felt she didn’t deserve to be killed.

Even still, none of these contemplations or any acts of kindness and compassion would ever heal the scar inside her, but she knew she had to be brave for Equestria and her subjects as her reign would continue.

Spike could only cuddle up next to her, and she wrapped her limb around him as they both mourned the loss as the crisp Hearths Warming Snow fell all around them, before, eventually, heading back to the palace to try and have a pleasant Hearths Warming.

Author's Note

Ponies and Friends, thus concludes our lesson for this Hearths Warming.

(Moondancer is destroyed for reconciling with Twilight... Minuette, Twinkle and Lemon simply for being in the way (Things happen) and Luna Light... well, a pity, but that's the cost of doing business)

If you characters behave yourselves and quit it with all this Friendship, cupcakes, rainbows, and all that stuff (Even though I know that won't happen)

...Further lessons CAN be avoided."

Oh, and one last thing Princess Twilight...

Intro: Looking Down

Author's Note

First started this fic Nov 17, and I've been waiting for tonight to load it ever since... (It's been torture waiting)

Finally, I can sock it hard to Twilight again!

Intro: Looking Down

INTRO

Princess Twilight Sparkle had been ruler of Equestria for many, many years, following the retirement of Celestia and Luna, and being ruler of Equestria was not her only priority, she was also head teacher of the Magical School for Gifted Unicorns.

Now it was a week before Hearth’s Warming, and the proud and majestic princess… was sitting tearfully in the snow as she looked down ever so sadly at something. Her magical mane and tail were neither fluttering nor sparkling like they usually did, which only was further proof she was incredibly upset.

Spike, her royal advisor, stood next to her, looking equally as upset as she was as they gazed down at the same objects.

All her friends, The Council of Friendship, as well as Starlight Glimmer, were visiting her from Ponyville.

…Except for Pinkie Pie’s son, Li’l Cheese.

“Mommy… Why is the princess unhappy?” he asked “I thought every-creature was happy around the holidays.”

His mother didn’t know how to tell him and merely brushed off, “I think you’re a little too young to understand, sweetie.”

Applejack gave Pinkie a look of disdain, “He may as well know now. Then maybe he can understand better.”

The others agreed, and Li’l Cheese felt giddy and jumpy. “A story, I love stories.” but his mother and her friends didn’t seem as joyful as he did, which made his own features turn.

“It’s not a very happy story.” explained Starlight “First, and you must understand this because it’s very important…” she paused and made sure the little colt was paying attention “…Not every creature in Equestria is friends with Princess Twilight.”

Li’l Cheese looked shocked.

“It’s true,” said Rarity “There are some creatures out there who completely dislike and distrust her, and worse… some dislike the princess so much, they want little or nothing to do with her or anyone ever affiliated with her.”

Li’l Cheese blinked his eyes in confusion, “What does Aflea-- Af-- Affill…”

“Affiliated…” corrected Fluttershy “It means anyone who has anything to do with Twilight.”

Rainbow Dash then looked a bit cross while mixed with sadness, “…Many, many years back, long before you were even born, kid… there was one pony in particular who hated Twilight so much things went way over-the-top.”

Now Li’l was starting to feel scared, but he wanted to hear more.