Twelve Days of ChristMintyby Twilyx360ChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12Chapter 1At the ponyville inn. A light turquoise colored pony with a pink mane of different highlights entered and she looked nervous. She approached the front desk. “Checking in for twelve days.” The receptionist faced her and asked “Name?” “Minty.” She answered. The receptionist gave her a key and said. “Room 102505 is reserved for you. Enjoy your stay, Miss Minty.” Minty walked off into the hall to find the room. As she walked, she whispered to herself. “I hope I can.” ====== The next day Minty was trot-dancing to the marketplace. Various ponies were running about shopping through the holiday rush to get the presents they needed in time for the big day. Minty was humming music to herself when a mare with saddlebags rushed past her. Minty tripped onto the ground but saw a small gift box was right in front of her, as the mare ran off. She must’ve dropped it. Minty quickly put the box on her back and gave chase. “Wait miss you dropped a present! Miss your present!" As Minty ran after her. The mare took off and flew into the sky. She lost her. She sat down panting and put the box beside her. But she noticed a tag, it had an address. And so, she walked there. She walked to said address where she found that same mare sitting down, crying. Being berated by the pony in the front door. “I knew I couldn’t trust you! They should never let somepony like you work at the post office!” the pony yelled. “How could you lose that, you jerk!?” Minty walked to the door and handed the pony the box. “I think this is yours,” said Minty. “About time.” said the pony slamming the door. Minty looked beside her and saw that the mare was crying. “T-Thank you.” the mare said sobbing. She was a pegasus mare with a gray coat and a bright yellow mane. Minty looked at her feeling bad for her. “Hey um. You need to sit down? There’s a bench over there.” asked Minty. And so, they did. “So, are you a mailmare? And that’s why you were delivering that package?” Asked Minty. “Yes. But when I got to the house. It wasn’t in my bags. I thought I lost another delivery in the mail again…” she said. “I’m probably just annoying you. Should I stop?” she asked. Minty raised her hooves. “Oh no, no please stay. I want to help you.” Said Minty. “How can you help me? You don’t know anything about me.” Said the mare. “Well, you’re a nice mailmare just making deliveries around Hearths Warming. And nopony should be blamed like that around this time of year. And I would love to know more about you. What’s your name?” Asked Minty The Mare looked up. And Minty got a good look at her eyes for the first time. They were notably cross eyed. “Derpy Hooves” “Ok um, Derpy. Do you need a hug?” Asked Minty. Derpy’s eyes opened wide. And she actually hugged Minty. And Minty returned the hug. And the mare smiled. “Nopony ever asked me that before. Thank you so much.” Said Derpy “Does it mean a lot more to you then it should?” Asked Minty as she hugged her. Derpy lit up at that. “Yeah. Actually, it means a lot. How do you know?” Asked Derpy. “I don’t know. I guess I just can’t stand ponies being unhappy. It’s hard to explain. But don’t all ponies just need a hug every once and a while?” Asked Minty. “And well I’m the same way. We are more alike than you think.” Minty said with a smile. Minty broke the hug as she fell off of the bench onto the ground. Derpy held out her hoof to her and helped her up. “Sorry uh. I didn’t see how close to the edge I was.” Said Minty making circles with her hoof. Both Derpy and Minty Chuckled. “Hey what’s your name?” Asked Derpy. “Minty.” She said trotting her front hooves in place. “Minty. Thank you so much for cheering me up!” Said Derpy, smiling at her. And they shook hooves. “I hope we see each other again.” Said Derpy. “I’m sure we will. I’m only in town for a while but I’ve got a lot of shopping to do.” Said Minty. “I do too! You want to head to the marketplace tomorrow?” Asked Derpy. “Sure thing! See you tomorrow then.” Said Minty as the two ponies waved each other goodbye with wide smiles. Chapter 2As promised Minty had gone to the marketplace to meet up with Derpy. After cheering her up yesterday. She was wearing socks on her hind legs as she saw Derpy. “Hi Minty!” Said Derpy. “Hi new friend!” Said Minty chuckling. “We’re friends now are we?” Derpy smiled “we’re friends in progress.” “Perfect!” Said Minty. And the two walked into the busy marketplace. Various ponies were still rushing about. “Oh and watch out for running ponies.” Said Derpy “Trust me, ever since you tripped me yesterday I’m really going to try.” Said Minty. Just as she moved aside to let a running pony go past her. “See?” Said Minty laughing. “Wait, Derpy, don't you have deliveries to make today?” Asked Minty. “Nah, The post is off today. So us mail mares try to get our holiday shopping done on these days.” Said Derpy smiling. “So what brings you to ponyville. You said you just came into town?” “Yep. I haven’t been to Ponyville in seventeen years. So I’m just hoping to revisit some old friends.” Said Minty. “Wow, seventeen years. Oh so who are these friends? I know everyone in Ponyville, I could help you find them.” Asked Derpy. “Uh, well I. I’m looking for a present for them first. I just don’t know what to get them.” Said Minty nervously. “Well I guess it would be hard to find a present if you haven’t seen them in so long. Is that what you meant by, you have a lot of shopping to do?” Asked Derpy. “Yeah. I just don’t know yet. Anyway, what are you looking for?” Asked Minty. Derpy looked at a stall. “That.” She pointed her hoof to the object of interest. A record collection. “And that.” Pointing to a book. Both were in the far back of the stall. Derpy flew towards the stall “Thank goodness nopony got them yet! Oh um. How much is that box of records?” Asked Derpy. “That’s a rare collectors set. So ten bits.” Said the shopkeep “Oh wow. And that book?” Asked Derpy. “Another ten. They don’t really make those anymore.” Said the shopkeep. Minty was distracted, she heard what Derpy said but her attention was focused on the book's title. “Anthropology: The Soul of Humanity?” “Oh one of my friends has a fascination with studying humans as well. She really wants that book. And another one of my friends is a DJ. Those record albums are music from her favorite musicians EVER!” Derpy said with delight. “Yep, these things are quite the collector's items. That’s Twenty bits. So?” Asked the shopkeep. Derpy’s face went from happy to sad, as she looked down and said. "Well. I only have ten bits on me...” Minty thought it over for a bit. She also had ten bits on her, and several more at the hotel. And she didn’t exactly know what she would spend them on while she was here. At least not yet. And she figured how Derpy is more than worth helping out. It was Hearth’s Warming season after all. And she didn’t really have that much to lose either. “Hey. I’ve got ten more. How about we split the cost?” Asked Minty. Derpy’s eyes went straight. “Wha…really?” Asked Derpy in shock. Minty took out her bits and placed it on the counter. “Well?” She asked Derpy. Derpy slowly took her bits out and placed them on the counter. “Well. Aren’t you two lovely.” Said the shopkeep as he handed them the set and book. “Happy Hearth’s Warming to you and your friend Miss Derpy!” Said the shopkeep as the two walked away. Derpy placed and tucked the records and book into her saddle bag and waved cheerfully. And the two walked along Derpy was about to cry tears of joy. “Why are you being so kind? I’m just a simple mail mare... You know you’re a lot nicer than me, you know that? Nopony ever did that for me. Thank you!” Derpy smiled at Minty and hugged her. “Oh. You’re welcome Derpy.” Said Minty returning the hug. Derpy and Minty had fun together, for the rest of the day. “You know you remind me a lot of myself Derpy.” Said Minty trotting backwards. “Oh wow. I was thinking the same thing.” Said Derpy. “Well, this was an amazing day Minty. You want to join me tomorrow for the Hearth's Warming offering?” Asked Derpy. “The offering?” Asked Minty as she saw a snowflake trying to catch it. “Well in Ponyville we have a tradition where we place our presents for everypony at the tree in the center of town. Then everypony unwraps them on Hearth's Warming Day! It’s amazing.” Derpy explained. “Ooo that sounds fun. I’d love to!” Said Minty as the snowflake blew away. “Oh, and uh sorry I was listening I was just-“ Minty was cut off. “Don’t worry I know you were.” Derpy smiled. “Well, I need to get these wrapped up for tomorrow. See you then!” Said Derpy as she waved Minty goodbye. And Minty waved back. Chapter 3Minty was in the center of town. All by herself. She looked around and saw the tree. But she didn’t see any presents. But instead, she saw ponies in black robes in front of it. One of them spoke. “Why are you here?” Asked one of them. Minty was taken aback. She actually didn’t have a response. “I uh. Don’t know… I just want to see some old friends I guess.” She said. “Then go home. They don’t like you anymore.” Said another one of the figures. Just then they pulled out sharp blades that were painted like candy canes. “Get out!” They all screamed at her. “W-why?” Asked Minty. And then something terrible happened. The tree was on fire. “You ruined everything. Get out!” Said the figures. “But wait. I didn’t do that!” Said Minty. The figures ran up to her and stabbed at the ground as she ran off. Just then the snow turned into soap. And the figures appeared on either side trying to stab her, but they all missed. Until she bumped right into one of them. And it screamed. “You never improved! You always ruin everything! We hate you!” Said the figure as it slashed at her. === Suddenly Minty Woke Up. “Agh! Oh. It was a nightmare…” she said in relief. She looked at the clock and figured it was time to head out. She put on her socks and walked out of the room uneasy. === After a little stroll through the town. Minty and Derpy made small talk as They made it to the town center. Where a giant tree is set in the center with plenty of presents below. There was one noticeable detail though. The fire of friendship was missing. “Where is the tree topper?” Asked Minty. “Oh, they’re about to put it up today. That’s why I wanted you to come along.” Said Derpy. Just then three unicorns, earth ponies and pegasi held hooves around the tree and closed their eyes. And then it happened the three unicorns fired magic beams at the top of the tree creating the Heart shaped fire of friendship on top. And everypony cheered. And then ponies moved forward to place their presents under the tree. But as Derpy placed her presents Minty looked up at the tree and was somewhat puzzled by the topper. Minty walked over to Derpy and asked. “Don’t you think the tree topper looks a little crooked?” Minty and Derpy stepped back to look. “I don’t know. I’m not really the best judge though Minty.” Derpy said, pointing to her eyes. “Oh yeah.” Said Minty awkwardly. But she wasn’t wrong. The fire of friendship was leaning a bit to the right. “Ugh. I’m not just seeing this right?” Asked Minty. She had a right to be concerned though, as she realized a tree topper literally made of fire could prove disastrous should it fall over. Just then. She saw the mayor walking by to see the tree. Minty was a little hesitant, but she figured it was worth it. “Um, excuse me miss. But don’t you think the tree topper is a little crooked?” Mayor mare looked up and saw it. “Yes. It’s leaning a bit.” She said. And then. The topper started falling to it’s side. And now everypony could notice it. It stopped leaning but now it was at an angle. Mayor mare ran off. “The tree topper is falling!” Minty couldn’t help but be a little disturbed by it. Not just because of the disaster that could unfold. She started bunching up her socks and rubbing her hooves together and tried taking her eyes off of it. “Minty?” Asked Derpy. “Sorry, the topper just kinda…let’s just leave.” Minty said as she and Derpy walked off. “Say didn’t you say you wanted to find some old friends here? Who are they. I could help you find them.” Said Derpy. “Well yeah but what if they don’t want to see me.” Asked Minty. “Oh, I’m sure they would love to see you again! Come on Minty. I need to give you something after all you gave me.” Said Derpy with glee. “So, who are they?” Asked Derpy. Minty was nervous and she said. “Well…” === Later on, some ponies came by and put up a standing ladder to try and fix the topper. But nopony could really touch it so they needed a plan. Chapter 4The next day Minty headed back to the town center. And saw that it had been closed off. And saw the ladder they set up. “How are they going to move it?” Minty asked herself. “Hmm well they have to touch it right?” Minty once again was bunching her socks up in her hooves. She was getting frustrated again. She tried walking away. But then she sighed and said. “Ok…” She jumped over the barricades and ran over to the ladder and started to climb. She got to the fire of friendship and figured she could fix it. She was worried though. She put her hoof on it and immediately pulled away. “Ouch!” It burned. She tried again and powered through it. She did end up pushing it a little bit upward. But her hooves were hot. And then she tried it one more time and gave it a push upward. And then there was trouble. She knocked it off of the tree and it fell down into the presents below. And in no time at all, every single present at the base of the tree was on fire. And then the entire tree went ablaze. Minty quickly got off the ladder and jumped into the snow. But when she got up and looked back. She was horrified. “Oh no…” === Firefighters rushed in and put it out. But all of ponyville witnessed what had become of their hard shopping work. And everypony was deeply saddened and angry. “Who did this?” Asked a pony. “I don’t know but that pony will never see this place again if I ever see em!” Said another. “Whoever did this ruined everything!” Screamed another pony. “Hearth's Warming eve is ruined!” Shouted another. And then Minty was in the background. On the ground crying. It was all her fault. And she walked off with her head hanging low. What was she going to say? She needed to tell the truth at some point. When she opened her eyes though. She saw something unexpected. A flashing tree bulb right in front of her. Then, she saw a message on it. It read “Follow Me.” And it rolled away by itself. “W-what is that?” Minty followed the bulb out of the crowd until she bumped into Derpy. “Oh, hey Minty. I guess you saw what happened, did you?” Asked Derpy sadly. “Y-yeah.” Said Minty. “It’s gone, even the presents we got yesterday…b-but. I s-saved a piece of the tree...” Said Derpy as she pulled out another flashing tree bulb. Just then it flew out of her hoof and onto the ground right next to the other bulb. “Wait what?” Derpy was shocked. The other bulb also had a message. “She can help you.” And the two bulbs rolled off again. “After them!” Said Minty, and Derpy followed suit. They followed the bulbs all the way until they reached Twilight’s Castle. “What the..?” Minty and Derpy were surprised. And they saw a third bulb hanging on the doorknob. It too had a message on it. “Honesty will save you.” Minty briefly felt a pit of sadness in her when she saw that. But then it flew off the knob, hit her face and landed next to the other two bulbs. And the three of them rolled off with Minty and Derpy giving chase again. When they caught up with the three bulbs it had brought both of them to the closed off town center. “Alright, there’s another bulb then, but we can’t go past here!” Said Minty. Crowds of ponies were still surrounding the area. All of them were either sad or angry. She could hear them screaming and shouting. Minty sat down again. She felt awful. “Minty? Are you ok?” Asked Derpy. No response. Minty had a million thoughts a second. She felt like she was on fire, she felt angry, sad and confused. “Minty?” Asked Derpy. No response. She saw a flashing light by the ashes of the tree. She imagined it all, what would happen if she- She looked at Derpy. And broke down into tears. She screamed in pain. And then she spoke. “I…I’m so-ooo. Sorre-ey Derpy. Please d-“ she could barely speak. But then she tore down the barricades and ran into the center of the ash pile. She picked up the last bulb and it read. “Your voice has power. You can still bring it back.” She put it down and shouted. “EVERYPONY!” And the crowds all looked at her. And then she confessed. “Yesterday, the tree topper was leaning to it’s side. And they were going to fix it, but they didn’t do it all day. And well, it bothered me and made me worried so I figured if ‘I’ could fix it. Nopony else would. So, I climbed up to fix it but. It burnt my hooves and then I dropped it into the presents and… I burnt all the presents in Ponyville.” She sat down and cried again. “I-I-I’m so, so sorry…” Derpy gasped with horror and ran off to find some help. Chapter 5Everypony looked at her in shock then in anger. “YOU JERK!” Somepony Shouted. Everypony broke down the barricades and moved closer to her. “My family will hate me because of you!” Said one pony. “What will my marefriend think now!?” Said another. “I hope you get banned, idiot!” Said one. “You’re the worst pony alive!” Said another. Everypony berated Minty as she just sat there crying. They threw snowballs at Minty. Snowballs to rocks, rocks to apples. Then one pony approached her attempting to strike her. When all of the sudden that pony got kicked in the face. “Back off! You heard me! Don’t you dare hurt her! Get away from her!” Said somepony. Minty opened her eyes and gasped. It was Applejack herself. Defending her. “Now I know that you’re all mad but that’s no excuse to go attacking somepony. Now go home!” Shouted Applejack. Just then. The bulbs surrounded Minty. She held them close as she laid in the snow. The last thing she saw was Derpy before she blacked out. “Are you ok Minty?” === Minty was out for an entire day. She woke up to find herself in Twilight’s castle in a bed. A fireplace in the background. Derpy sat in a chair next to her. “Oh, Minty you’re ok.” Said Derpy hugging her. “You’re not mad at me?” Asked Minty. “Well, I am a little disappointed but, it was an accident, right?” Asked Derpy. “Yeah!” Said Minty. “And I believe you. But nopony should be attacked like that!... And well, if it bothered you, I think I know why.” Derpy looked at Minty in understanding. And hugged her. “I feel the same way sugarcube. So, you’re Minty?” Asked Applejack. “Yes.” “Well, some ponies want to see you.” Said Applejack. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Rarity entered. “MINTY!” Shouted Pinkie hugging Minty. Rainbow Dash and Rarity were on the side of the bed. “Hey how have you been?” Asked Rainbow. “What are you doing here?” Asked Rarity. “You know them, Minty?” Asked Derpy. “Me and Minty were school filly friends!” Said Pinkie. “And me.” Said Rarity. “And she helped me big time.” Said Rainbow. “It’s good to see you all.” Said Minty enjoying the hug. === The ponies sat near the fireplace. Rarity, Pinkie and Rainbow shared stories about Minty. “When I discovered my passion for creativity. I was not sure where to go after my first venture. Minty loved making things. She made her very own socks. And so, we worked together for months to make our own unique designs. But Minty hit a roadblock. We were sewing her latest sock design, but her machine went haywire, and she hurt her hoof. She couldn’t sew and she was so sad. So, I took it upon myself to finish that design for her. So, I spent the weekend sewing socks. When I showed them to her, she loved it! We both took one of them. As a unique kind of friendship bracelet. And well, I still have it.” Pinkie was next. “When I first moved to Ponyville everypony thought I was weird. And they picked on me for being too hyper. I tried to calm down. And it didn’t work. Everypony still didn’t like me. One bully even pushed me off a swing and into the sand. And told me to shut up. But Minty was there to help me up. And she told that bully off. But I stopped talking at school for a while. But Minty kept trying to get me to talk but I didn’t. Minty got picked on a lot. That same bully started picking on her for a while and one day I knew it was my turn to tell the bully off. And he never bothered us again! After that we understood each other better and became the bestest of friends! She was the only pony who I could finally be myself around. We were two peas in a pod, we did everything together! And she gave me a friendship sock too!” Pinkie pulled the sock out of her mane. “I kept this in my mane for years!” Now Rainbow Dash. “Well. I met Minty later. After I left college. I left on bad terms. So, I was fighting a huge depression. I thought I couldn’t be a friend anymore. I thought I had abandoned everypony. I hated myself so much. As I was moving to Ponyville I was not really excited for my birthday. The night before, Minty saw me moving in and she helped me move some boxes in the house. We finished early and I told her about what happened. And so. She told me she would stick by my side for my birthday the next day until I was happy again. When my birthday came. Minty took me all over ponyville, we had a great day. But later I had a flashback. So, I flew off into the Everfree Forest. But when I got there, I saw Minty looking for me and she was being attacked by a manticore! So, I kicked it, chased it off, and saved her. And it felt good. When she thanked me for saving her life, I felt like if I could save her and she liked me, how bad can I be? So, she gave me a present, my first pair of flight goggles when I moved to Ponyville that she made herself. And a friendship sock.” Minty smiled. “I told you that you would become a hero if you could save me and yourself.” Minty and Rainbow hugged. Chapter 6After Minty expressed her guilt and shame about destroying the presents. Everypony already knew what happened. While they were still sad or disappointed, they still ultimately forgave her. Minty still couldn’t shake the feeling though. And everypony knew it. The best they could do was stand by her and help her. It couldn’t be undone. Or so they thought. “You know. All this story telling made me feel a little better. Thank you all.” Said Minty. “You’re welcome! Goodnight Minty!” Said Pinkie. Everypony walked out. And Minty went to sleep. Smiling. === When Minty woke up. Her cutie mark was glowing. “What?” Said Minty. The tree bulbs she collected the day before, rolled out of the room and she ran after them. When she caught up with them, she reached the cutie map room. Where the mane five and Derpy were sitting down. They rolled atop the map. They glowed brighter until a new location was revealed. The bulbs rolled into the center of the map to reveal a hologram of a giant multicolored box made of crystal with ribbons waving across it. “What the? Is that the north pole? Wait a minute. Then that means. That’s… the wish box.” Minty was shocked when her cutie mark lifted itself off of her flank and circled around the north pole on the map. “That’s the wish box!” Said Minty excitedly. Everypony else was equally shocked. “The wish box?” Rainbow was confused. Minty stood up. “The wish box is a magical crystal relic that can grant any wish you ask of it. A gift giver that was only described in legend.” “It’s at the north pole?” Asked Rarity. “That’s probably why it’s so rewarding. But why is the map calling you? This doesn’t really happen.” Said Applejack. “Well I-“ Minty stopped and thought about it. If the wish box was real, and it could grant wishes then maybe. “I got it! The presents! I could find it and wish all the destroyed presents back!” Minty said excitedly, squealing. The cutie marks of Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Derpy all glowed and joined Minty’s mark on the map. “What!?” They said surprised “I think it’s saying you’re right. We do need to find it and wish the presents back.” Said Fluttershy. “I don’t think I’ve met you before. I’m Fluttershy.” Minty, Derpy and Fluttershy made small talk as Rainbow Dash sat up and walked out of the room with Applejack. “Are you sure you want to do this?” Asked Applejack. “We have to it’s the map. Don’t worry, I think we can keep warm.” Said Rainbow. “That’s not what I’m worried about. I’m more worried about that Minty. Ya don’t think she’ll slow ya down. Or get hurt? Or get somepony else hurt?” Applejack stressed further. “How are you even gonna get there?” She asked. “I don’t know! We have to try. Trust me I’m worried for her too. But maybe she’ll be fine. And well, I know a Zeppelin pilot.” Rainbow walked to a phone and dialed a number. “Hey, Thistle Whistle, are you in Ponyville?” … “Great!” === A Snowstorm was outside. A Zeppelin landed outside the castle. And a blue pegasus mare with a pink, yellow and blue mane flew out. “Hey Thistle Whistle! How's it going?” Said Rainbow. “Not too bad. Sooo, you’re headed to the North Pole? Cutie Map mission?” “Yep! It called me, Dashie, Fluttershy Derpy and Minty!” Said Pinkie Pie bouncing. Thistle’s jaw dropped. “Wait… Did you say Mint-“ Said Thistle. Minty stepped out and was equally surprised to see Thistle. “Oh. Um hi Thistle.” Said Minty. “Yeah, hi.” Thistle said awkwardly. “Wait, you two know each other too!” Asked Pinkie. “Well, uh. Anyways, are you all packed?” Thistle asked. “Yes!” Said Rainbow. As the ponies boarded. She looked at Applejack. “You got this?” “Absolutely. You just handle yourselfs and Minty.” Said Applejack. “Can you bring that note to my family, Miss Rarity?” Asked Derpy. “Yes, darling I promise.” “Hey Fluttershy can I ask you something? Can you talk to Minty at some point?” Derpy asked Fluttershy. “See ya!” Said Pinkie. Thistle flew back into the cockpit. And Zeppelin flew into the storm. Rarity and Applejack walked into Ponyville and saw that ponies were getting increasingly angry & unpleasant. === The Zeppelin flew out of the storm and into clear skies. Minty looked over the deck very distant as Fluttershy approached her. “So, you’re Minty right?” “Yeah. So, you know about the presents?” Minty asked sadly. “Yes. And I’m sorry that happened. And I’m even more sorry you got hurt. And I hope we can find this wish box to bring them back.” Fluttershy said with a smile. “But that’s not why I wanted to talk to you. I heard you were an old friend of Pinkie, Dashie and Rarity. But what about Thistle? You seem pretty tense around her.” Minty sighed and explained. “She was my first friend. We were two peas in a pod. But then we both moved away… we were heartbroken.” “Go on.” Said Fluttershy Empathetically. Chapter 7“I’m scared. I’m not a social butterfly. I know I’m more talented than I think I am. I can be happy, bubbly and cheerful but it’s usually with ponies I already know. And I was hoping to meet new friends and some old friends in Ponyville. But then I got clumsy… again. I burned everypony’s presents in a blaze of pain… And then I got assaulted! How do you deal with that? How do you approach other ponies again? I feel like everypony in equestria is going to hate me because I feel like the worst pony alive! All because I’m a perfectionist!” Minty broke down. Fluttershy hugged her. === In Minty’s cabin. Both Fluttershy and Minty sat down. Fluttershy hugged her and rubbed her head. And she calmed down. “You put too much pressure on yourself. You need to break out of your comfort zone. Trust me I know. And I don’t think everypony will hate you I promise. And now you have Derpy, Pinkie, Dashie & Rarity. And well, now you have me.” Minty blushed and cried. “Thank youuuu.” Fluttershy walked out. “You’re very welcome, Minty. I’m looking forward to being your friend.” She closed the door and Minty fell asleep. === Back in Ponyville the snowstorm got worse. Applejack and Rarity were feeling almost as tense as everypony else. They asked around and they found out that most of the gifts that they brought were for the family and loved ones that would be coming into Ponyville by Hearth's Warming eve. It became confirmed when they checked the train schedule. Several arrivals from all over equestria would be coming in that day. “What can we do?” Asked Rarity. “I don’t want to think about it. But I think we might need Twilight if these ponies explode into a fit.” === After some breakfast on the Zeppelin everypony gathered to the deck as they passed by the Crystal Empire. A good sign as it meant they didn’t have that long to go. Minty was still doing good. Humming a tune to herself. When Derpy walked up to her. “What an adventure.” Said Derpy. “Yeah. It’s only been a day and I’m still excited, and nervous.” Said Minty. “Nervocited” Pinkie Pie whispered. “Nervous? About the danger?” Asked Derpy. “Yes. Sort of, but it’s also kind of overwhelming sometimes.” Said Minty. “I agree, but it’s an adventure. That’s expected right?” Derpy said, smiling. “Yeah. But it’s not just that, I’m still feeling guilty about burning all the presents and kind of afraid.” said Minty. “Afriad?” asked Derpy. “Yeah. Afraid of not being forgiven ever again…Fluttershy told me that she’ll stand by me. You will and everypony else on board. But I…” Minty was about to say that she thought otherwise. But then she remembered another thing Fluttershy said. How she put too much pressure on herself and how she needed to break outside her comfort zone. And constantly blaming herself for this was not going to help. Furthermore, if she seriously thought that everypony on board hated her. She figured that would actually be an awful thought to have. And an even worse thing to say. It would be no worse than saying. ‘You are lying, and you hate me.’ “Uh Minty?” Derpy waved a hoof in front of her face and Minty shook her head. “Oh sorry.” She chuckled. “I was kinda lost there. Anyways, for a while I thought you all still hated me for what I did, I thought you ponies were lying to me, but I just thought about it and-” Minty trailed off. “Oh, who am I kidding? Of course, nopony on here hates me. You ponies like me and you’ll even support me on this adventure. I guess that says a lot, it shows that you ponies care about me?” Said Minty smiling and jumping. “Of course, we do! Yay!” Said Derpy smiling. Minty & Derpy hugged each other. “You know you’re a really nice mare. Look at how quick we became friends.” Said Minty. “Oh Minty. We’ve only been friends for a week, but it feels like we’ve known each other for years! And maybe that’s because I can relate to a lot of what you’ve been through. Being bullied, making mistakes and, remember how I said I think I know why the crooked tree topper bothered you?” Asked Derpy. “Yeah. You know what it feels like?” Asked Minty. “Ooooh yeah. It feels so irritating. Like it’s an itch that you can’t scratch. And it drives you mad. And well, I am VERY guilty of wanting things to be as perfect as possible.” said Derpy. “You’re right! Yep, that’s what it felt like. But why are you a perfectionist Derpy? Asked Minty. “Well, um. It’s my eyes.” said Derpy. “Oh, Oooooooohhhhhh.” Minty said in realization. Chapter 8After a day of smooth sailing. Almost everypony was asleep that night. === Minty woke to the main Zeppelin alarm. The whole Zeppelin was shaking like a freight train. She picked up a clock on her nightstand, it was three in the morning. Rainbow broke into Minty’s cabin. “We need all hooves on deck Minty.” Said Rainbow as she rushed away. Minty got off the bed and looked in the porthole window to see how violent the storm got. === Thistle was barely keeping a straight face as she explained the situation. “We’re losing altitude in this blizzard. The balloon and main deck of the Zeppelin is getting snowbound! We need to clear it off before the Zeppelin crashes completely! Minty! Pinkie! Derpy! Take those shovels and start getting the snow off the main deck. Fluttershy and Rainbow are with me! We’re going to remove it from that balloon!” As she explained the plan, Minty noticed she looked exhausted. Flying the Zeppelin for three days without sleep was clearly not doing her wonders. When they started dressing in jackets Minty couldn’t help but ask. “Um Thistle, when did you last get some sleep?” Asked Minty. “That’s no matter, let's just get out there!” Thistle said in a wooden tone. Something wasn’t right. No one was flying the zeppelin now. But surely Thistle had auto-pilot on, right? She rushed out of the cockpit with Fluttershy and Rainbow flying to the top. She and Pinkie grabbed the tools and ran onto the main deck. === The cleaning was horrid. It was completely dark; the cold was absolutely frigid. And the snow seemed to quickly replace the one they cleaned up. On the balloon things were progressing faster but the conditions were worse. Thistle and Fluttershy were having a hard time staying focused. And Rainbow was clearly losing momentum. Danger struck when a large beam of light raced past the Zeppelin. The zeppelin was thrown into turbulence and started violently spinning around. Pinkie, Derpy and Minty grabbed onto the balloon rope, while Thistle and Fluttershy got briefly disoriented before landing on the main deck and grabbed the sides. Rainbow flew after them, to the main deck as the piles of snow flew off of the zeppelin. But then a second beam of light rushed past Rainbow causing even more turbulence. And worse, Rainbow passed out and fell. She thankfully landed on the deck but was being thrown around and was about to fall over the edge. Minty saw what was about to happen as her body approached the edge of the front deck. “RAINBOW!” Shouted Minty. Thistle looked over and saw her. Along with Derpy, Fluttershy and Pinkie. Just as a third beam of light rushed past them, completely flipping the zeppelin before getting rightside up again. Rainbow’s body was thrown into a rope pile that completely tangled itself around her body. When she came to, the zeppelin started spinning violently again. And she was thrown off the edge with her whole body tangled in ropes. “HELLLLLLLP!” Screamed Rainbow. There was no way she could fly like that. And there was no way anypony could save her in these high winds. The other four ponies held onto the balloon ropes for dear life. Knowing what would happen if they let go. Pinkie was crying “DASHIEEE!...” Thistle could barely hold on. Fluttershy and Derpy squeezed her eyes closed. Minty however knew what she had to do. “I’m saving her!” Shouted Minty. “No! You can’t!” Shouted Thistle. “Thistle, I have to!” Shouted Minty. For once. Thistle’s face finally changed to one of worry. “But Minty! You’ll fall off in seconds!” She screamed. And Minty let go. And landed on the deck, she grabbed the sides but staying on was difficult. When she finally reached the front, she grabbed the rope and started to pull Rainbow up. With a little help from the wind, she was able to do it. She pulled Rainbow back onboard. “Minty!” Rainbow hugging her. Rainbow untied the rope and held onto the edge and looked over it to see a sign of hope. Lights were in the distance. “Minty look!” Rainbow shouted. “We can land it there!” Said Minty. Minty and Rainbow held onto the sides and made it back to the cockpit. “There’s no time!” She said closing the door. She immediately took the wheel and let the anchor down. The zeppelin completely stopped spinning as it shot Derpy forward and off the zeppelin. She launched into the lit-up area and crashed into a hut thankfully unharmed. The anchor reeled the zeppelin safe to the ground. Pinkie, Fluttershy and Thistle let go and landed on the main deck passing out. Rainbow and Minty did too. When Derpy passed out in the hut. She saw what looked like… a yak? Chapter 9The next day in ponyville things were not good. Several families came earlier than expected. They saw that the main tree and presents were not there. The disaster's evidence was covered up by snow which got worse. Shouting and screaming could be heard everywhere. Everyone thought no one cared about them anymore. Ponies regularly got into fights outside after how betrayed they felt, throwing not snowballs but rocks. Rarity and Applejack anxiously waited in the castle. Worried for their own families. A pegasus crashed into the castle through the balcony. It was the ponyville weather chief. Bruised and battered. They both ran to him. “We…couldn’t stop this storm.” He coughed. “They’re w-WINDIGOS!” he said before he passed out. Rarity and Applejack were shaken, it all made sense now. “We need Twilight and Spike NOW!” shouted Rarity. === Minty woke up. She was in a hut. Everypony else was sleeping in separate beds, except Pinkie who was awake, sitting on Minty’s bed. “Where are we?” asked Minty. “We’re in yakyakistan! Prince Rutherford and I go waaay back! So, they’re taking care of us!” she grabbed Minty’s face excitedly. “Ok, how long were we out?” asked Minty. “An entire day! I asked the Prince, and he tried to wake us up. But couldn’t.” said Pinkie. Minty got worried. “No! NO! We can-” But she figured it may not be as bad as she thought it was. So, she calmed down. “Ok.” said Minty smiling in content, just as Rainbow Dash woke up. “Where are we?” asked Rainbow. “Yakyakistan! We’re all good!” said Pinkie. “Oh and look at what they gave us.” Pinkie Pie pulled out a golden ring from her mane. “The prince said that when we wear these, we’ll stay completely warm! No matter how cold it gets! And he said we can keep them!” said Pinkie. “Oh wow, that’s great!” Said Minty smiling “AWESOME!” Shouted Rainbow, as she looked at Minty. “Hey Minty. I can’t thank you enough for saving me back there! That was amazing!” said Rainbow, hugging her. “Yeah! That was wonderful!” Pinkie said, joining the hug. “Yeah, I guess it was.” Minty felt it deep in her heart that it was true. She smiled, laid her head down as she fully embraced the hug. When the hug broke Pinkie sat beside her. “It’s so great to have you back Minty.” Pinkie said smiling. Minty teared up. “Thank you. Pinkie…I missed you so much.” Said Minty. “I missed you too Minty.” Said Pinkie putting her hoof around her. “You’re one of the most bubbly, cheery, sweet, talented and kind ponies I ever knew. I knew it ever since our school filly days. It’s good to know I was right all along. And that you give so much positivity to this day. Ever since we went on this adventure everypony has been happy to be on it. And it’s mostly thanks to you. I mean can you imagine how nervous we must’ve been to leave Ponyville behind to go to the North Pole? That’s crazy! But you convinced us to do it! After Fluttershy and Derpy talked to you they felt amazing! They felt like they could conquer the world!” “I did?” Asked Minty smiling. “Oh yes! And I think it’s because you’re such an amazing pony to talk to that you don’t even need to try to give off positive vibes. I mean just talking to you now is making me so excited I could explode!!” Said Pinkie shooting out of the hole in the roof. Rainbow looked at Minty and said. “Heheh. And well you saved my life, and you landed the zeppelin. You’re a hero Minty.” Minty blushed. “It reminds me of when a certain pony told me you could be a hero if you could save me and yourself.” Said Rainbow as pinkie landed back on the bed. Minty was crying tears of joy. “Y-you’re welcome. All of you!” Said Minty. “Pinkie? Best Friends forever?” Asked Minty. Pinkie teared up. “Then, now and forever!” Pinkie cried and threw her hooves around Minty. Even Rainbow shed some tears. === After a few hours. Everypony woke up, got some food and supplies. Then back to the zeppelin. “Thank you, Prince Rutherford!” Shouted Pinkie waving to him as the Zeppelin took off once more. And the Prince waved back. After a few more hours the zeppelin continued it’s journey through thick and Thin. Chapter 10One day later. In Ponyville. The more ponies arrived the more chaos happened, and the more chaos happened the worst the blizzard became. It was undeniable. The windigos were the cause. Twilight and Spike had finally arrived. But upon arrival there wasn’t much she could do. She flew back into the castle. Defeated. “Well?” Asked spike. “I can’t stop them. They’re running around, screaming, feeling betrayed. They’re all in a blind rage… that’s why they can’t see the windigos. And I tried to confront them directly. But they slammed me to the ground with ease.” Said Twilight. Tired. === It was night on the zeppelin. And the wind was calmer, after dinner everypony went to the deck to see the northern lights. Aside from how beautiful it was this must’ve meant they were close. But Minty’s attention was focused on Thistle who was still driving the zeppelin. Minty went into the cockpit. “You know one night of rest doesn’t mean you can stay up for another one.” Said Minty. “Nopony else can fly this thing.” Said Thistle. “You can anchor down, and we can keep going the next day.” Said Minty. “It’s more efficient if we travel like this.” Said Thistle. “But you need to sleep! You’re getting angrier.” Said Minty. “Don’t even go there!” Said Thistle. “Thistle, I think we should ta-“ minty was cut off. “No, we are not!” Said Thistle. “We need to talk about when we left Ponyville.” Said Minty. Thistle turned around and actually got angry. “STOP!” Said Thistle as she engaged the autopilot. “What is wrong with you!?” Thistle yelled. Minty got scared at that. She sat down and frowned. Thistle quickly became sympathetic. “Hey look I’m sorry. I just don’t know where to start.” “Because you can’t think clearly. You’re sleepy again. Thistle, I didn’t have a choice! I had to move with my parents!” Said Minty. “Well, I didn’t either! And whenever you came to visit you didn’t see me! You saw Rainbow.” Said Thistle. “She needed me. And you weren’t in town!” Said Minty. “Well, you were still important to me! Is it really worth it to you to stay in Canterlot!?” Asked Thistle. “No, it isn’t! My life is miserable over there! But I don’t know if I can move back without screwing up anymore!” Said Minty. Taking a deep breath and calming down. She didn’t cry but it felt like a huge weight was lifted off of her. Thistle felt the same. “Ok…look. My life in Cloudsdale hasn’t been great either. I mean I love flying zeppelins. But when I was learning how to do it, I was told I could barely sleep. That I wasn’t supposed to chuckle at the speaker. I wasn’t even supposed to smile outside the cockpit. All the time I was told. Thistle behaves, Thistle no distractions, Thistle no excuses and to stop Whistling.” Thistle vented. Minty moved by her and said. “you’re telling this to me, right? And nothing bad happened, did it?” Asked Minty. “No.” said Thistle. “Thistle, I don’t think anypony wants you to stop having emotions. That’s even worse than crashing a zeppelin or giving your passengers a bad time. Let’s face it, that’s exactly what’s doing that. You’re allowed to feel things. And ‘that’ is what makes you an awesome captain. Wouldn’t ponies like you better that way? Wouldn’t it be better to have some help?” Said Minty. “Well. You’re not wrong. I’ve actually been happier since this trip started. And it’s all thanks to you. I mean I’ve stayed awake for days before, but it wasn’t easy. With you it has been. I was actually hoping you would come by to give me something to think about.” Said Thistle. “Thistle. We were best friends too! We used to tell each other everything! You can always ask me to hang out with you. And well, I’m glad I was always important to you.” Said Minty, smiling at her. And for the first time in a while. Thistle smiled. “I never forgot you Minty. I’m glad we got to talk this out. Best friends?” Asked Thistle. “Always.” Said Minty. And the two hugged each other smiling. When the two got up. They saw lights up ahead and they thought it was a village like yesterday. “I don’t think that’s a village…” said Thistle. It was an active volcano. Thistle disengaged the autopilot and sounded the alarm. Everypony rushed inside as Thistle tried to steer away from the volcano. Chapter 11The volcano’s lava briefly came up and hit the zeppelin balloon. Burning it. “NO!” Shouted Thistle. “FIRE!” Shouted Minty. The zeppelin steered away but it hit the side of a nearby mountain ripping the balloon apart. Everypony came into the cockpit as the zeppelin began to lose altitude. The zeppelin rushed down from the sky into a large open area. “We’re going down!” Shouted Minty. The zeppelin slammed on the ground, glass broke inside the cockpit and everypony held on as the zeppelin scratched it’s way across the ground. Then it hit a rock knocking everypony out. Then it stopped. === The next day. The crowds of families arrived in Ponyville angry with their hectic trip there. Now they thought their loved ones didn’t even get them presents. Twilight tried to explain the situation, but the violence quickly escalated from there. “Who asked you to be here!?” Asked one pony as rocks began to fly at her and she flew off. “I thought you loved me!” Asked one pony throwing rocks. “It wasn’t my fault. You ungrateful jerk!” Said another, throwing rocks. “What is wrong with you!?” Said somepony else. Everypony threw rocks at each other or even got into physical fights. Soon all of Ponyville was fighting itself in a fit of blind rage. And the wind got extremely violent. There was so much snow. Nothing could be seen. === Minty woke up in the crashed zeppelin. She came face to face with a Reindeer. “A reindeer?” Asked Minty. “Yes. I am, snowy sound. And this is the rest of my family.” He said. And there were other reindeer waking the others up. “Are you ponies, ok? That looked like quite a crash.” Said Snowy. “Yeah, but um. We’re trying to get to the north pole. To find this relic called the wish box.” Asked Minty. Snowy smiled. “Oh! You’re at the north pole now! The wish box is right outside!” The ponies walked out to see the enchanted crystalized city of the north pole. Filled with reindeer. “My family are the guardians of the wish box. It can grant any wish you ask. No matter how impossible. So, what do you wish?” Said Snowy. “Well, you see. The wish is actually for an entire village of ponies. I accidentally burnt all the presents in Ponyville. But then some magical bulbs and a magical map called us here to maybe wish them all back.” Said Minty. Snowy was excited. “Of course! You must be Minty! We’ve been expecting you!” “You have?” Asked Minty. “Yes! The wish box showed us a vision of you burning the presents. The box must have sent out those four bulbs for you to come here! My parents always told me the wish box works in weird ways.” Said Snowy sound. “You mean it chose me?” Asked Minty. “Yes. Follow me, I'll take you to it!” Said Snowy. === The ponies walked inside a massive castle. And inside a large central chamber, sure enough the box was there in all it’s glory. It was gigantic. The Crystal structure giving a light show of bright lights and colors with fantastic waving ribbons. “Woooah!” Said everypony. Then an angelic voice spoke. “Minty~” “Huh? Who was that?” Asked Minty. “That’s the wish box talking to you.” Said Snowy. “Wait. This thing can talk?” Asked Rainbow. “Yes~” said the wish box. “I’ve been expecting you. You see, me and the tree of Harmony share a symbiotic relationship to maintain harmony in equestria and beyond. And so, I sent out four gifts for the cutie map. For you specifically Minty.~” the box explained. “For a specific reason. That will save Ponyville.~” Said the box. Suddenly a white ball formed inside it showing what was happening in Ponyville. Ponies were fighting, throwing rocks at loved ones, how so many ponies felt betrayed that their own family didn’t seem to care. And how the blind rage did not help them see the true error of their ways And worst of all. The windigos had returned. The vision ended. Snowy and the others were concerned as well as the other reindeer inside. “The windigos… the ancient enemy of the reindeer.” “Make your wish Minty and I shall grant it. But I cannot guarantee everything will be alright afterwards. Any wish this grand will come from the heart~” said the box. “Yes, it will. Wish box.” Said Minty. “I wish…” Chapter 12Minty hesitated and thought about it. The wish box had a point. And it didn’t feel right to just despell the negativity and the windigos outright. “I wish to bring back all the presents in Ponyville! Unburnt and unaltered. However! Please only grant that wish when I stop the Ponyville civilians from fighting each other in a blind rage and after I despell the windigos!” Asked Minty. “Wow I was never asked to grant a wish like that before~” said the wish box. “But Minty. You can’t stop it alone! How will you even do that!?” Said Thistle. “I know, I know. Just follow my lead.” Said Minty. “One more thing wish box. I wish to return to Ponyville!” Said Minty. And in a flash of light, she was gone. Everypony was shocked. “We need to go after her!” Said Fluttershy. “Yeah, she could be trampled!” Said Pinkie. “It looks just awful in Ponyville!” Said Derpy. “Hold on. Guys, I think I’ll stay here.” Said Thistle. “Why?” Asked Rainbow. “The zeppelin. And well the wish box can grant any wish, right?” Said Thistle. “Oh!” Said Rainbow. “I’ll go.” Said snowy. “What!?” Asked everypony. “I’m a reindeer. A guardian of Hearths Warming itself. Enemy of the windigos. I can help! Just wish me back here ok miss Thistle Whistle.” Said snowy. “Yes.” Said Thistle. Everypony else wished to return to Ponyville and it happened. === Six flashes of light appeared in the center of ponyville. Upon arrival Minty could barely see anything in the snow along with rocks falling everywhere and ponies running around and fighting each other. The windigos spotted snowy. “Hey uglies! Come and get me!” He shouted as he trotted into the air. The windigos tried looking for him but he was too good at hiding. But that didn’t stop their snow from briefly falling down. “STOOOOOP!” Shouted Minty. Just then the snow stopped falling and everypony turned around to the village center. Everypony gathered in the town square. “You!” Said one pony. “Get her!” Said another. “Why? What’s wrong with you!?” Said one pony. Everypony ran and prepared to throw rocks at Minty. Until suddenly Twilight, Spike, Applejack and Rarity all arrived. Twilight put up a protective shield around them all. “Oh, thank you your majesty!” Said Minty. “Wait! Minty!? What are you doing here?” Asked Spike. “You two know each other too!?” Asked Rainbow. “We’ll talk about it later! Princess Twilight?” Asked Minty. “Yes?” Asked Twilight. Minty thought where she was standing. Looked down at her hooves and she knew. “Princess. Melt all the snow in Ponyville. And put down the shield!” Asked Minty. Twilight was hesitant but she did it. Minty when she did though. Everypony stopped. Everything went silent. Shocked to see a big pile of ash in the center of town. “What happened?” Asked Twilight. Minty stepped out into the center. “This was all my fault…I was the one who destroyed your presents. I accidentally made the tree topper fall. And it burned everything.” Said Minty as she stared off into the clouds watching Snowy sound distract the windigos. Suddenly the windigos stopped. Froze in place in the sky. Snowy landed. Ponies looked shocked and terrified to see what they could not until now. “It can’t be…” said one pony. “Windgos!?” Shouted another. “But how!? How could we not have seen them?” Said a pony. “Blind rage. That’s why. You didn’t see them because you can't see yourself.” Said Snowy. “What is wrong with you ponies attacking loved ones with rocks!?” Asked Snowy. “But we didn’t! We aren’t that cruel. The ponies fighting us had nothing to do with our family!” Said one pony. “Don’t you ponies remember? The anger is what fuels the windigos.” Said Snowy. Suddenly Minty spoke up. “He’s right. It doesn’t make this any less bad, you’re still throwing things at ponies you don’t know. Now that you can see them. What does that say?” Asked Minty. Minty stood up in front of snowy and the rest. “I know you’re all disappointed that what you got for somepony you love is gone. How do you think I feel…? I don’t have a right answer. I’m just so sorry… and I’m here for all of you. But can you please be there for other ponies first?” Said Minty tearing up. Suddenly the door to city hall opened. It was Dinky Hooves. “Mommy! You’re home!” Said Dinky running towards Derpy and hugging her. “Dinky! Are you hurt? Why were you in city hall?” Asked Derpy. “No. I was just celebrating Hearth's Warming with my friends!” Said Dinky with a smile. “When everypony started getting a little angry. And when the blizzard got bad, we all went into city hall. So, we could celebrate our own Hearths Warming!” Said Dinky. Just then fillies and colts stepped outside of the city hall doors. “Apple Bloom?” Asked Applejack. “Sweetie Belle!?” Asked Rarity. Mayor mare ran inside the building and sure enough almost every child in Ponyville was there. Including the student six, Big Mac & Granny Smith. “Don’t worry we took care of em.” Said Big Mac. As the rest of them walked out. The crowds of ponies that surrounded the town square were absolutely touched by the moment. Some were crying at the adorable scene. “We had a blast!” Said Ocellus. “Everything was better than we thought!” Said Silver Spoon. The colts and fillies hugged each other saying Happy Hearth's Warming. Knowing they probably needed to get back to their own families. Suddenly a pony in the crowd. Started singing a song. And everypony else in the crowd joined in. When the song finished everypony started hugging each other, Crying tears of joy, playing games, hugging their own fillies and colts and sharing stories of their past Hearths Warmings. The mane six were all happy to see things go back to normal Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity all proud of the crusaders for celebrating their own Hearths Warming so easily. Twilight was happy to see her students learning and loving so well. “You really are the cutest of friends.” Twilight said to them. Which made Yona hug everypony in a tightly warm hug. Twilight looked over and saw Spike looking a little sad. “Spike? Are you ok?” “Yeah. I sorta.” Spike sighed. “Twilight I…” Twilight realized as he looked at the fillies and colts playing. “Spike. I understand. Never ever let me get in the way of your own friendships.” Smolder grabbed him by the claw and said. “Yep, you are coming with us buddy.” Spike happily accepted as the crusaders ran after the student six. “Wait for us Spike!” Said Apple Bloom. And then finally there was Minty. Crying tears of joy herself. Snowy sound right next to her. “How are they still not moving? Are they stunned?” Asked Snowy. “No, I wished for them to be stunned.” Said Thistle Whistle as she flew into the center. “Thistle? How are you here? What about your zeppelin?” Asked Minty. “Oh, the wish box repaired it like new. Like it never broke in just one single wish. It’s right outside the castle now.” Said Thistle smiling. “But what about me?” Asked Snowy. “How will I get back now?” “I told one of your reindeer brothers to wish you back.” Said Thistle. “Hey, hope we can see you again sometime. Thanks for the help.” Said Thistle. “Yeah, maybe we can get to know each other.” Said Minty. Snowy smiled. “Of course. And well you know where to find me.” Everypony was having the time of their lives as the sun began to set. The windigos stuck in the sky. By midnight they completely disappeared as a huge glowing light lit up ponyville. And it started talking. “I am the spirit of the ancient relic. Known as the wish box. And I am here to grant Minty’s wish she made to me.” Said the wish box. A large beam of light landed on the pile of ash. And it happened. Every single present and gift came back completely unaltered and the whole tree complete with the topper came back. Everypony gasped in amazement as they saw the unthinkable. Ponies ran up to the presents and started opening them to see if they were ok. And they were. Both Lyra and Vinyl opened their presents that Derpy had got for them. And they both ran to her and hugged her tightly. “Your wish has been granted, Minty. It’s time to go home Snowy.” Said the wish box as snowy sound trotted into the light. Waving goodbye “Well done my little pony. I hope you one day return to me to give as much joy and care as you have now.” And then the light disappeared. Everypony looked at Minty. Smiling at her. “You did this?” Asked Twilight. “Yes.” Said Minty. Everypony’s faces lit up with joy. And shouted. “HAPPY HEARTH’S WARMING MINTY!” Everypony started singing and opening their presents late into the night. And Minty couldn’t have felt any happier. === It was late Hearth's Warming Day. “And so that’s how I know her.” Said Spike finished up his story explaining how he and Minty were secretly friends in Canterlot. “That’s quite the story! But maybe one for another time.” Said Pinkie. Minty stood up and rolled her bags out of the castle. “Yeah, it was great seeing you all. I’ll miss you.” Said Minty. “You’re welcome in Ponyville anytime from here on out Minty. I’ll even let you move back here.” Said Twilight. “Thank you, your majesty. I’ll probably do just that by springtime.” Said Minty. “We’ll all keep in touch! And the name, is Twilight Sparkle.” Minty waved goodbye as she headed outside. And made her way to the train station. === She stood at the train station with a grin on her face. And wondered what she said to Twilight. “I just hope that I don’t lose touch with her. Or anypony else. Oh, but who am I kidding? They probably won’t want to lose touch with me. Twilight will keep a promise! Imagine how different this will look in the spring. That may be the best time to ever move here.” Said Minty. “You know I really think it is.” Said a familiar voice. Confused. Minty turned around and saw a pony standing behind her. Minty was shocked and surprised to see her. An old friend of hers from way back when. “Wisteria…?” Asked Minty. “Yeah. It’s good to see you, Minty.” Said Wisteria smiling at her and hugging her. Wisteria had a purple coat with dark & light purple highlights in her mane. “I guess you saw how much we really missed you here. Right?” Asked Wisteria. “Yeah. I did. Just how? How can I mean that much to somepony?” Asked Minty. “Sometimes you just don’t know. You need a push to realize it. How does it feel?” Asked Wisteria. “It feels great. I feel better than I ever had in years. And it’s all thanks to the friends I made in Ponyville!” Said Minty. “Thank you Minty. And that’s great to hear. I hope you do move here by spring. And well, you know where to visit if you need a house garden.” Said Wisteria. The two chuckled as Minty’s train pulled in. And Wisteria walked off. === Back at home. Minty was already making plans to move out. And so Minty wrote a letter to Twilight Sparkle. “You know, sometimes whenever I was alone, I wondered. Did my friends ever like me? Do they want me back there? And I always thought those were right because I only had me to talk to. Not anymore. I have a new thought on my mind. The greatest Hearth's Warming present I ever got. Was the one I got this year. I hated myself. But it’s all finally gone, and I want to keep it gone. It’s taken me seventeen years. So long to figure out where I needed to go to get out of my depression, to find a purpose. And now a lot of ponies need me. They value me so much, that me being hard on myself makes them sad. So, I finally know where to go. Where I always knew I needed to go. Home. To: Twilight From: Minty P.S. Always be sure to have. A Very Minty Christmas!”
Chapter 1At the ponyville inn. A light turquoise colored pony with a pink mane of different highlights entered and she looked nervous. She approached the front desk. “Checking in for twelve days.” The receptionist faced her and asked “Name?” “Minty.” She answered. The receptionist gave her a key and said. “Room 102505 is reserved for you. Enjoy your stay, Miss Minty.” Minty walked off into the hall to find the room. As she walked, she whispered to herself. “I hope I can.” ====== The next day Minty was trot-dancing to the marketplace. Various ponies were running about shopping through the holiday rush to get the presents they needed in time for the big day. Minty was humming music to herself when a mare with saddlebags rushed past her. Minty tripped onto the ground but saw a small gift box was right in front of her, as the mare ran off. She must’ve dropped it. Minty quickly put the box on her back and gave chase. “Wait miss you dropped a present! Miss your present!" As Minty ran after her. The mare took off and flew into the sky. She lost her. She sat down panting and put the box beside her. But she noticed a tag, it had an address. And so, she walked there. She walked to said address where she found that same mare sitting down, crying. Being berated by the pony in the front door. “I knew I couldn’t trust you! They should never let somepony like you work at the post office!” the pony yelled. “How could you lose that, you jerk!?” Minty walked to the door and handed the pony the box. “I think this is yours,” said Minty. “About time.” said the pony slamming the door. Minty looked beside her and saw that the mare was crying. “T-Thank you.” the mare said sobbing. She was a pegasus mare with a gray coat and a bright yellow mane. Minty looked at her feeling bad for her. “Hey um. You need to sit down? There’s a bench over there.” asked Minty. And so, they did. “So, are you a mailmare? And that’s why you were delivering that package?” Asked Minty. “Yes. But when I got to the house. It wasn’t in my bags. I thought I lost another delivery in the mail again…” she said. “I’m probably just annoying you. Should I stop?” she asked. Minty raised her hooves. “Oh no, no please stay. I want to help you.” Said Minty. “How can you help me? You don’t know anything about me.” Said the mare. “Well, you’re a nice mailmare just making deliveries around Hearths Warming. And nopony should be blamed like that around this time of year. And I would love to know more about you. What’s your name?” Asked Minty The Mare looked up. And Minty got a good look at her eyes for the first time. They were notably cross eyed. “Derpy Hooves” “Ok um, Derpy. Do you need a hug?” Asked Minty. Derpy’s eyes opened wide. And she actually hugged Minty. And Minty returned the hug. And the mare smiled. “Nopony ever asked me that before. Thank you so much.” Said Derpy “Does it mean a lot more to you then it should?” Asked Minty as she hugged her. Derpy lit up at that. “Yeah. Actually, it means a lot. How do you know?” Asked Derpy. “I don’t know. I guess I just can’t stand ponies being unhappy. It’s hard to explain. But don’t all ponies just need a hug every once and a while?” Asked Minty. “And well I’m the same way. We are more alike than you think.” Minty said with a smile. Minty broke the hug as she fell off of the bench onto the ground. Derpy held out her hoof to her and helped her up. “Sorry uh. I didn’t see how close to the edge I was.” Said Minty making circles with her hoof. Both Derpy and Minty Chuckled. “Hey what’s your name?” Asked Derpy. “Minty.” She said trotting her front hooves in place. “Minty. Thank you so much for cheering me up!” Said Derpy, smiling at her. And they shook hooves. “I hope we see each other again.” Said Derpy. “I’m sure we will. I’m only in town for a while but I’ve got a lot of shopping to do.” Said Minty. “I do too! You want to head to the marketplace tomorrow?” Asked Derpy. “Sure thing! See you tomorrow then.” Said Minty as the two ponies waved each other goodbye with wide smiles.
Chapter 2As promised Minty had gone to the marketplace to meet up with Derpy. After cheering her up yesterday. She was wearing socks on her hind legs as she saw Derpy. “Hi Minty!” Said Derpy. “Hi new friend!” Said Minty chuckling. “We’re friends now are we?” Derpy smiled “we’re friends in progress.” “Perfect!” Said Minty. And the two walked into the busy marketplace. Various ponies were still rushing about. “Oh and watch out for running ponies.” Said Derpy “Trust me, ever since you tripped me yesterday I’m really going to try.” Said Minty. Just as she moved aside to let a running pony go past her. “See?” Said Minty laughing. “Wait, Derpy, don't you have deliveries to make today?” Asked Minty. “Nah, The post is off today. So us mail mares try to get our holiday shopping done on these days.” Said Derpy smiling. “So what brings you to ponyville. You said you just came into town?” “Yep. I haven’t been to Ponyville in seventeen years. So I’m just hoping to revisit some old friends.” Said Minty. “Wow, seventeen years. Oh so who are these friends? I know everyone in Ponyville, I could help you find them.” Asked Derpy. “Uh, well I. I’m looking for a present for them first. I just don’t know what to get them.” Said Minty nervously. “Well I guess it would be hard to find a present if you haven’t seen them in so long. Is that what you meant by, you have a lot of shopping to do?” Asked Derpy. “Yeah. I just don’t know yet. Anyway, what are you looking for?” Asked Minty. Derpy looked at a stall. “That.” She pointed her hoof to the object of interest. A record collection. “And that.” Pointing to a book. Both were in the far back of the stall. Derpy flew towards the stall “Thank goodness nopony got them yet! Oh um. How much is that box of records?” Asked Derpy. “That’s a rare collectors set. So ten bits.” Said the shopkeep “Oh wow. And that book?” Asked Derpy. “Another ten. They don’t really make those anymore.” Said the shopkeep. Minty was distracted, she heard what Derpy said but her attention was focused on the book's title. “Anthropology: The Soul of Humanity?” “Oh one of my friends has a fascination with studying humans as well. She really wants that book. And another one of my friends is a DJ. Those record albums are music from her favorite musicians EVER!” Derpy said with delight. “Yep, these things are quite the collector's items. That’s Twenty bits. So?” Asked the shopkeep. Derpy’s face went from happy to sad, as she looked down and said. "Well. I only have ten bits on me...” Minty thought it over for a bit. She also had ten bits on her, and several more at the hotel. And she didn’t exactly know what she would spend them on while she was here. At least not yet. And she figured how Derpy is more than worth helping out. It was Hearth’s Warming season after all. And she didn’t really have that much to lose either. “Hey. I’ve got ten more. How about we split the cost?” Asked Minty. Derpy’s eyes went straight. “Wha…really?” Asked Derpy in shock. Minty took out her bits and placed it on the counter. “Well?” She asked Derpy. Derpy slowly took her bits out and placed them on the counter. “Well. Aren’t you two lovely.” Said the shopkeep as he handed them the set and book. “Happy Hearth’s Warming to you and your friend Miss Derpy!” Said the shopkeep as the two walked away. Derpy placed and tucked the records and book into her saddle bag and waved cheerfully. And the two walked along Derpy was about to cry tears of joy. “Why are you being so kind? I’m just a simple mail mare... You know you’re a lot nicer than me, you know that? Nopony ever did that for me. Thank you!” Derpy smiled at Minty and hugged her. “Oh. You’re welcome Derpy.” Said Minty returning the hug. Derpy and Minty had fun together, for the rest of the day. “You know you remind me a lot of myself Derpy.” Said Minty trotting backwards. “Oh wow. I was thinking the same thing.” Said Derpy. “Well, this was an amazing day Minty. You want to join me tomorrow for the Hearth's Warming offering?” Asked Derpy. “The offering?” Asked Minty as she saw a snowflake trying to catch it. “Well in Ponyville we have a tradition where we place our presents for everypony at the tree in the center of town. Then everypony unwraps them on Hearth's Warming Day! It’s amazing.” Derpy explained. “Ooo that sounds fun. I’d love to!” Said Minty as the snowflake blew away. “Oh, and uh sorry I was listening I was just-“ Minty was cut off. “Don’t worry I know you were.” Derpy smiled. “Well, I need to get these wrapped up for tomorrow. See you then!” Said Derpy as she waved Minty goodbye. And Minty waved back.
Chapter 3Minty was in the center of town. All by herself. She looked around and saw the tree. But she didn’t see any presents. But instead, she saw ponies in black robes in front of it. One of them spoke. “Why are you here?” Asked one of them. Minty was taken aback. She actually didn’t have a response. “I uh. Don’t know… I just want to see some old friends I guess.” She said. “Then go home. They don’t like you anymore.” Said another one of the figures. Just then they pulled out sharp blades that were painted like candy canes. “Get out!” They all screamed at her. “W-why?” Asked Minty. And then something terrible happened. The tree was on fire. “You ruined everything. Get out!” Said the figures. “But wait. I didn’t do that!” Said Minty. The figures ran up to her and stabbed at the ground as she ran off. Just then the snow turned into soap. And the figures appeared on either side trying to stab her, but they all missed. Until she bumped right into one of them. And it screamed. “You never improved! You always ruin everything! We hate you!” Said the figure as it slashed at her. === Suddenly Minty Woke Up. “Agh! Oh. It was a nightmare…” she said in relief. She looked at the clock and figured it was time to head out. She put on her socks and walked out of the room uneasy. === After a little stroll through the town. Minty and Derpy made small talk as They made it to the town center. Where a giant tree is set in the center with plenty of presents below. There was one noticeable detail though. The fire of friendship was missing. “Where is the tree topper?” Asked Minty. “Oh, they’re about to put it up today. That’s why I wanted you to come along.” Said Derpy. Just then three unicorns, earth ponies and pegasi held hooves around the tree and closed their eyes. And then it happened the three unicorns fired magic beams at the top of the tree creating the Heart shaped fire of friendship on top. And everypony cheered. And then ponies moved forward to place their presents under the tree. But as Derpy placed her presents Minty looked up at the tree and was somewhat puzzled by the topper. Minty walked over to Derpy and asked. “Don’t you think the tree topper looks a little crooked?” Minty and Derpy stepped back to look. “I don’t know. I’m not really the best judge though Minty.” Derpy said, pointing to her eyes. “Oh yeah.” Said Minty awkwardly. But she wasn’t wrong. The fire of friendship was leaning a bit to the right. “Ugh. I’m not just seeing this right?” Asked Minty. She had a right to be concerned though, as she realized a tree topper literally made of fire could prove disastrous should it fall over. Just then. She saw the mayor walking by to see the tree. Minty was a little hesitant, but she figured it was worth it. “Um, excuse me miss. But don’t you think the tree topper is a little crooked?” Mayor mare looked up and saw it. “Yes. It’s leaning a bit.” She said. And then. The topper started falling to it’s side. And now everypony could notice it. It stopped leaning but now it was at an angle. Mayor mare ran off. “The tree topper is falling!” Minty couldn’t help but be a little disturbed by it. Not just because of the disaster that could unfold. She started bunching up her socks and rubbing her hooves together and tried taking her eyes off of it. “Minty?” Asked Derpy. “Sorry, the topper just kinda…let’s just leave.” Minty said as she and Derpy walked off. “Say didn’t you say you wanted to find some old friends here? Who are they. I could help you find them.” Said Derpy. “Well yeah but what if they don’t want to see me.” Asked Minty. “Oh, I’m sure they would love to see you again! Come on Minty. I need to give you something after all you gave me.” Said Derpy with glee. “So, who are they?” Asked Derpy. Minty was nervous and she said. “Well…” === Later on, some ponies came by and put up a standing ladder to try and fix the topper. But nopony could really touch it so they needed a plan.
Chapter 4The next day Minty headed back to the town center. And saw that it had been closed off. And saw the ladder they set up. “How are they going to move it?” Minty asked herself. “Hmm well they have to touch it right?” Minty once again was bunching her socks up in her hooves. She was getting frustrated again. She tried walking away. But then she sighed and said. “Ok…” She jumped over the barricades and ran over to the ladder and started to climb. She got to the fire of friendship and figured she could fix it. She was worried though. She put her hoof on it and immediately pulled away. “Ouch!” It burned. She tried again and powered through it. She did end up pushing it a little bit upward. But her hooves were hot. And then she tried it one more time and gave it a push upward. And then there was trouble. She knocked it off of the tree and it fell down into the presents below. And in no time at all, every single present at the base of the tree was on fire. And then the entire tree went ablaze. Minty quickly got off the ladder and jumped into the snow. But when she got up and looked back. She was horrified. “Oh no…” === Firefighters rushed in and put it out. But all of ponyville witnessed what had become of their hard shopping work. And everypony was deeply saddened and angry. “Who did this?” Asked a pony. “I don’t know but that pony will never see this place again if I ever see em!” Said another. “Whoever did this ruined everything!” Screamed another pony. “Hearth's Warming eve is ruined!” Shouted another. And then Minty was in the background. On the ground crying. It was all her fault. And she walked off with her head hanging low. What was she going to say? She needed to tell the truth at some point. When she opened her eyes though. She saw something unexpected. A flashing tree bulb right in front of her. Then, she saw a message on it. It read “Follow Me.” And it rolled away by itself. “W-what is that?” Minty followed the bulb out of the crowd until she bumped into Derpy. “Oh, hey Minty. I guess you saw what happened, did you?” Asked Derpy sadly. “Y-yeah.” Said Minty. “It’s gone, even the presents we got yesterday…b-but. I s-saved a piece of the tree...” Said Derpy as she pulled out another flashing tree bulb. Just then it flew out of her hoof and onto the ground right next to the other bulb. “Wait what?” Derpy was shocked. The other bulb also had a message. “She can help you.” And the two bulbs rolled off again. “After them!” Said Minty, and Derpy followed suit. They followed the bulbs all the way until they reached Twilight’s Castle. “What the..?” Minty and Derpy were surprised. And they saw a third bulb hanging on the doorknob. It too had a message on it. “Honesty will save you.” Minty briefly felt a pit of sadness in her when she saw that. But then it flew off the knob, hit her face and landed next to the other two bulbs. And the three of them rolled off with Minty and Derpy giving chase again. When they caught up with the three bulbs it had brought both of them to the closed off town center. “Alright, there’s another bulb then, but we can’t go past here!” Said Minty. Crowds of ponies were still surrounding the area. All of them were either sad or angry. She could hear them screaming and shouting. Minty sat down again. She felt awful. “Minty? Are you ok?” Asked Derpy. No response. Minty had a million thoughts a second. She felt like she was on fire, she felt angry, sad and confused. “Minty?” Asked Derpy. No response. She saw a flashing light by the ashes of the tree. She imagined it all, what would happen if she- She looked at Derpy. And broke down into tears. She screamed in pain. And then she spoke. “I…I’m so-ooo. Sorre-ey Derpy. Please d-“ she could barely speak. But then she tore down the barricades and ran into the center of the ash pile. She picked up the last bulb and it read. “Your voice has power. You can still bring it back.” She put it down and shouted. “EVERYPONY!” And the crowds all looked at her. And then she confessed. “Yesterday, the tree topper was leaning to it’s side. And they were going to fix it, but they didn’t do it all day. And well, it bothered me and made me worried so I figured if ‘I’ could fix it. Nopony else would. So, I climbed up to fix it but. It burnt my hooves and then I dropped it into the presents and… I burnt all the presents in Ponyville.” She sat down and cried again. “I-I-I’m so, so sorry…” Derpy gasped with horror and ran off to find some help.
Chapter 5Everypony looked at her in shock then in anger. “YOU JERK!” Somepony Shouted. Everypony broke down the barricades and moved closer to her. “My family will hate me because of you!” Said one pony. “What will my marefriend think now!?” Said another. “I hope you get banned, idiot!” Said one. “You’re the worst pony alive!” Said another. Everypony berated Minty as she just sat there crying. They threw snowballs at Minty. Snowballs to rocks, rocks to apples. Then one pony approached her attempting to strike her. When all of the sudden that pony got kicked in the face. “Back off! You heard me! Don’t you dare hurt her! Get away from her!” Said somepony. Minty opened her eyes and gasped. It was Applejack herself. Defending her. “Now I know that you’re all mad but that’s no excuse to go attacking somepony. Now go home!” Shouted Applejack. Just then. The bulbs surrounded Minty. She held them close as she laid in the snow. The last thing she saw was Derpy before she blacked out. “Are you ok Minty?” === Minty was out for an entire day. She woke up to find herself in Twilight’s castle in a bed. A fireplace in the background. Derpy sat in a chair next to her. “Oh, Minty you’re ok.” Said Derpy hugging her. “You’re not mad at me?” Asked Minty. “Well, I am a little disappointed but, it was an accident, right?” Asked Derpy. “Yeah!” Said Minty. “And I believe you. But nopony should be attacked like that!... And well, if it bothered you, I think I know why.” Derpy looked at Minty in understanding. And hugged her. “I feel the same way sugarcube. So, you’re Minty?” Asked Applejack. “Yes.” “Well, some ponies want to see you.” Said Applejack. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Rarity entered. “MINTY!” Shouted Pinkie hugging Minty. Rainbow Dash and Rarity were on the side of the bed. “Hey how have you been?” Asked Rainbow. “What are you doing here?” Asked Rarity. “You know them, Minty?” Asked Derpy. “Me and Minty were school filly friends!” Said Pinkie. “And me.” Said Rarity. “And she helped me big time.” Said Rainbow. “It’s good to see you all.” Said Minty enjoying the hug. === The ponies sat near the fireplace. Rarity, Pinkie and Rainbow shared stories about Minty. “When I discovered my passion for creativity. I was not sure where to go after my first venture. Minty loved making things. She made her very own socks. And so, we worked together for months to make our own unique designs. But Minty hit a roadblock. We were sewing her latest sock design, but her machine went haywire, and she hurt her hoof. She couldn’t sew and she was so sad. So, I took it upon myself to finish that design for her. So, I spent the weekend sewing socks. When I showed them to her, she loved it! We both took one of them. As a unique kind of friendship bracelet. And well, I still have it.” Pinkie was next. “When I first moved to Ponyville everypony thought I was weird. And they picked on me for being too hyper. I tried to calm down. And it didn’t work. Everypony still didn’t like me. One bully even pushed me off a swing and into the sand. And told me to shut up. But Minty was there to help me up. And she told that bully off. But I stopped talking at school for a while. But Minty kept trying to get me to talk but I didn’t. Minty got picked on a lot. That same bully started picking on her for a while and one day I knew it was my turn to tell the bully off. And he never bothered us again! After that we understood each other better and became the bestest of friends! She was the only pony who I could finally be myself around. We were two peas in a pod, we did everything together! And she gave me a friendship sock too!” Pinkie pulled the sock out of her mane. “I kept this in my mane for years!” Now Rainbow Dash. “Well. I met Minty later. After I left college. I left on bad terms. So, I was fighting a huge depression. I thought I couldn’t be a friend anymore. I thought I had abandoned everypony. I hated myself so much. As I was moving to Ponyville I was not really excited for my birthday. The night before, Minty saw me moving in and she helped me move some boxes in the house. We finished early and I told her about what happened. And so. She told me she would stick by my side for my birthday the next day until I was happy again. When my birthday came. Minty took me all over ponyville, we had a great day. But later I had a flashback. So, I flew off into the Everfree Forest. But when I got there, I saw Minty looking for me and she was being attacked by a manticore! So, I kicked it, chased it off, and saved her. And it felt good. When she thanked me for saving her life, I felt like if I could save her and she liked me, how bad can I be? So, she gave me a present, my first pair of flight goggles when I moved to Ponyville that she made herself. And a friendship sock.” Minty smiled. “I told you that you would become a hero if you could save me and yourself.” Minty and Rainbow hugged.
Chapter 6After Minty expressed her guilt and shame about destroying the presents. Everypony already knew what happened. While they were still sad or disappointed, they still ultimately forgave her. Minty still couldn’t shake the feeling though. And everypony knew it. The best they could do was stand by her and help her. It couldn’t be undone. Or so they thought. “You know. All this story telling made me feel a little better. Thank you all.” Said Minty. “You’re welcome! Goodnight Minty!” Said Pinkie. Everypony walked out. And Minty went to sleep. Smiling. === When Minty woke up. Her cutie mark was glowing. “What?” Said Minty. The tree bulbs she collected the day before, rolled out of the room and she ran after them. When she caught up with them, she reached the cutie map room. Where the mane five and Derpy were sitting down. They rolled atop the map. They glowed brighter until a new location was revealed. The bulbs rolled into the center of the map to reveal a hologram of a giant multicolored box made of crystal with ribbons waving across it. “What the? Is that the north pole? Wait a minute. Then that means. That’s… the wish box.” Minty was shocked when her cutie mark lifted itself off of her flank and circled around the north pole on the map. “That’s the wish box!” Said Minty excitedly. Everypony else was equally shocked. “The wish box?” Rainbow was confused. Minty stood up. “The wish box is a magical crystal relic that can grant any wish you ask of it. A gift giver that was only described in legend.” “It’s at the north pole?” Asked Rarity. “That’s probably why it’s so rewarding. But why is the map calling you? This doesn’t really happen.” Said Applejack. “Well I-“ Minty stopped and thought about it. If the wish box was real, and it could grant wishes then maybe. “I got it! The presents! I could find it and wish all the destroyed presents back!” Minty said excitedly, squealing. The cutie marks of Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Derpy all glowed and joined Minty’s mark on the map. “What!?” They said surprised “I think it’s saying you’re right. We do need to find it and wish the presents back.” Said Fluttershy. “I don’t think I’ve met you before. I’m Fluttershy.” Minty, Derpy and Fluttershy made small talk as Rainbow Dash sat up and walked out of the room with Applejack. “Are you sure you want to do this?” Asked Applejack. “We have to it’s the map. Don’t worry, I think we can keep warm.” Said Rainbow. “That’s not what I’m worried about. I’m more worried about that Minty. Ya don’t think she’ll slow ya down. Or get hurt? Or get somepony else hurt?” Applejack stressed further. “How are you even gonna get there?” She asked. “I don’t know! We have to try. Trust me I’m worried for her too. But maybe she’ll be fine. And well, I know a Zeppelin pilot.” Rainbow walked to a phone and dialed a number. “Hey, Thistle Whistle, are you in Ponyville?” … “Great!” === A Snowstorm was outside. A Zeppelin landed outside the castle. And a blue pegasus mare with a pink, yellow and blue mane flew out. “Hey Thistle Whistle! How's it going?” Said Rainbow. “Not too bad. Sooo, you’re headed to the North Pole? Cutie Map mission?” “Yep! It called me, Dashie, Fluttershy Derpy and Minty!” Said Pinkie Pie bouncing. Thistle’s jaw dropped. “Wait… Did you say Mint-“ Said Thistle. Minty stepped out and was equally surprised to see Thistle. “Oh. Um hi Thistle.” Said Minty. “Yeah, hi.” Thistle said awkwardly. “Wait, you two know each other too!” Asked Pinkie. “Well, uh. Anyways, are you all packed?” Thistle asked. “Yes!” Said Rainbow. As the ponies boarded. She looked at Applejack. “You got this?” “Absolutely. You just handle yourselfs and Minty.” Said Applejack. “Can you bring that note to my family, Miss Rarity?” Asked Derpy. “Yes, darling I promise.” “Hey Fluttershy can I ask you something? Can you talk to Minty at some point?” Derpy asked Fluttershy. “See ya!” Said Pinkie. Thistle flew back into the cockpit. And Zeppelin flew into the storm. Rarity and Applejack walked into Ponyville and saw that ponies were getting increasingly angry & unpleasant. === The Zeppelin flew out of the storm and into clear skies. Minty looked over the deck very distant as Fluttershy approached her. “So, you’re Minty right?” “Yeah. So, you know about the presents?” Minty asked sadly. “Yes. And I’m sorry that happened. And I’m even more sorry you got hurt. And I hope we can find this wish box to bring them back.” Fluttershy said with a smile. “But that’s not why I wanted to talk to you. I heard you were an old friend of Pinkie, Dashie and Rarity. But what about Thistle? You seem pretty tense around her.” Minty sighed and explained. “She was my first friend. We were two peas in a pod. But then we both moved away… we were heartbroken.” “Go on.” Said Fluttershy Empathetically.
Chapter 7“I’m scared. I’m not a social butterfly. I know I’m more talented than I think I am. I can be happy, bubbly and cheerful but it’s usually with ponies I already know. And I was hoping to meet new friends and some old friends in Ponyville. But then I got clumsy… again. I burned everypony’s presents in a blaze of pain… And then I got assaulted! How do you deal with that? How do you approach other ponies again? I feel like everypony in equestria is going to hate me because I feel like the worst pony alive! All because I’m a perfectionist!” Minty broke down. Fluttershy hugged her. === In Minty’s cabin. Both Fluttershy and Minty sat down. Fluttershy hugged her and rubbed her head. And she calmed down. “You put too much pressure on yourself. You need to break out of your comfort zone. Trust me I know. And I don’t think everypony will hate you I promise. And now you have Derpy, Pinkie, Dashie & Rarity. And well, now you have me.” Minty blushed and cried. “Thank youuuu.” Fluttershy walked out. “You’re very welcome, Minty. I’m looking forward to being your friend.” She closed the door and Minty fell asleep. === Back in Ponyville the snowstorm got worse. Applejack and Rarity were feeling almost as tense as everypony else. They asked around and they found out that most of the gifts that they brought were for the family and loved ones that would be coming into Ponyville by Hearth's Warming eve. It became confirmed when they checked the train schedule. Several arrivals from all over equestria would be coming in that day. “What can we do?” Asked Rarity. “I don’t want to think about it. But I think we might need Twilight if these ponies explode into a fit.” === After some breakfast on the Zeppelin everypony gathered to the deck as they passed by the Crystal Empire. A good sign as it meant they didn’t have that long to go. Minty was still doing good. Humming a tune to herself. When Derpy walked up to her. “What an adventure.” Said Derpy. “Yeah. It’s only been a day and I’m still excited, and nervous.” Said Minty. “Nervocited” Pinkie Pie whispered. “Nervous? About the danger?” Asked Derpy. “Yes. Sort of, but it’s also kind of overwhelming sometimes.” Said Minty. “I agree, but it’s an adventure. That’s expected right?” Derpy said, smiling. “Yeah. But it’s not just that, I’m still feeling guilty about burning all the presents and kind of afraid.” said Minty. “Afriad?” asked Derpy. “Yeah. Afraid of not being forgiven ever again…Fluttershy told me that she’ll stand by me. You will and everypony else on board. But I…” Minty was about to say that she thought otherwise. But then she remembered another thing Fluttershy said. How she put too much pressure on herself and how she needed to break outside her comfort zone. And constantly blaming herself for this was not going to help. Furthermore, if she seriously thought that everypony on board hated her. She figured that would actually be an awful thought to have. And an even worse thing to say. It would be no worse than saying. ‘You are lying, and you hate me.’ “Uh Minty?” Derpy waved a hoof in front of her face and Minty shook her head. “Oh sorry.” She chuckled. “I was kinda lost there. Anyways, for a while I thought you all still hated me for what I did, I thought you ponies were lying to me, but I just thought about it and-” Minty trailed off. “Oh, who am I kidding? Of course, nopony on here hates me. You ponies like me and you’ll even support me on this adventure. I guess that says a lot, it shows that you ponies care about me?” Said Minty smiling and jumping. “Of course, we do! Yay!” Said Derpy smiling. Minty & Derpy hugged each other. “You know you’re a really nice mare. Look at how quick we became friends.” Said Minty. “Oh Minty. We’ve only been friends for a week, but it feels like we’ve known each other for years! And maybe that’s because I can relate to a lot of what you’ve been through. Being bullied, making mistakes and, remember how I said I think I know why the crooked tree topper bothered you?” Asked Derpy. “Yeah. You know what it feels like?” Asked Minty. “Ooooh yeah. It feels so irritating. Like it’s an itch that you can’t scratch. And it drives you mad. And well, I am VERY guilty of wanting things to be as perfect as possible.” said Derpy. “You’re right! Yep, that’s what it felt like. But why are you a perfectionist Derpy? Asked Minty. “Well, um. It’s my eyes.” said Derpy. “Oh, Oooooooohhhhhh.” Minty said in realization.
Chapter 8After a day of smooth sailing. Almost everypony was asleep that night. === Minty woke to the main Zeppelin alarm. The whole Zeppelin was shaking like a freight train. She picked up a clock on her nightstand, it was three in the morning. Rainbow broke into Minty’s cabin. “We need all hooves on deck Minty.” Said Rainbow as she rushed away. Minty got off the bed and looked in the porthole window to see how violent the storm got. === Thistle was barely keeping a straight face as she explained the situation. “We’re losing altitude in this blizzard. The balloon and main deck of the Zeppelin is getting snowbound! We need to clear it off before the Zeppelin crashes completely! Minty! Pinkie! Derpy! Take those shovels and start getting the snow off the main deck. Fluttershy and Rainbow are with me! We’re going to remove it from that balloon!” As she explained the plan, Minty noticed she looked exhausted. Flying the Zeppelin for three days without sleep was clearly not doing her wonders. When they started dressing in jackets Minty couldn’t help but ask. “Um Thistle, when did you last get some sleep?” Asked Minty. “That’s no matter, let's just get out there!” Thistle said in a wooden tone. Something wasn’t right. No one was flying the zeppelin now. But surely Thistle had auto-pilot on, right? She rushed out of the cockpit with Fluttershy and Rainbow flying to the top. She and Pinkie grabbed the tools and ran onto the main deck. === The cleaning was horrid. It was completely dark; the cold was absolutely frigid. And the snow seemed to quickly replace the one they cleaned up. On the balloon things were progressing faster but the conditions were worse. Thistle and Fluttershy were having a hard time staying focused. And Rainbow was clearly losing momentum. Danger struck when a large beam of light raced past the Zeppelin. The zeppelin was thrown into turbulence and started violently spinning around. Pinkie, Derpy and Minty grabbed onto the balloon rope, while Thistle and Fluttershy got briefly disoriented before landing on the main deck and grabbed the sides. Rainbow flew after them, to the main deck as the piles of snow flew off of the zeppelin. But then a second beam of light rushed past Rainbow causing even more turbulence. And worse, Rainbow passed out and fell. She thankfully landed on the deck but was being thrown around and was about to fall over the edge. Minty saw what was about to happen as her body approached the edge of the front deck. “RAINBOW!” Shouted Minty. Thistle looked over and saw her. Along with Derpy, Fluttershy and Pinkie. Just as a third beam of light rushed past them, completely flipping the zeppelin before getting rightside up again. Rainbow’s body was thrown into a rope pile that completely tangled itself around her body. When she came to, the zeppelin started spinning violently again. And she was thrown off the edge with her whole body tangled in ropes. “HELLLLLLLP!” Screamed Rainbow. There was no way she could fly like that. And there was no way anypony could save her in these high winds. The other four ponies held onto the balloon ropes for dear life. Knowing what would happen if they let go. Pinkie was crying “DASHIEEE!...” Thistle could barely hold on. Fluttershy and Derpy squeezed her eyes closed. Minty however knew what she had to do. “I’m saving her!” Shouted Minty. “No! You can’t!” Shouted Thistle. “Thistle, I have to!” Shouted Minty. For once. Thistle’s face finally changed to one of worry. “But Minty! You’ll fall off in seconds!” She screamed. And Minty let go. And landed on the deck, she grabbed the sides but staying on was difficult. When she finally reached the front, she grabbed the rope and started to pull Rainbow up. With a little help from the wind, she was able to do it. She pulled Rainbow back onboard. “Minty!” Rainbow hugging her. Rainbow untied the rope and held onto the edge and looked over it to see a sign of hope. Lights were in the distance. “Minty look!” Rainbow shouted. “We can land it there!” Said Minty. Minty and Rainbow held onto the sides and made it back to the cockpit. “There’s no time!” She said closing the door. She immediately took the wheel and let the anchor down. The zeppelin completely stopped spinning as it shot Derpy forward and off the zeppelin. She launched into the lit-up area and crashed into a hut thankfully unharmed. The anchor reeled the zeppelin safe to the ground. Pinkie, Fluttershy and Thistle let go and landed on the main deck passing out. Rainbow and Minty did too. When Derpy passed out in the hut. She saw what looked like… a yak?
Chapter 9The next day in ponyville things were not good. Several families came earlier than expected. They saw that the main tree and presents were not there. The disaster's evidence was covered up by snow which got worse. Shouting and screaming could be heard everywhere. Everyone thought no one cared about them anymore. Ponies regularly got into fights outside after how betrayed they felt, throwing not snowballs but rocks. Rarity and Applejack anxiously waited in the castle. Worried for their own families. A pegasus crashed into the castle through the balcony. It was the ponyville weather chief. Bruised and battered. They both ran to him. “We…couldn’t stop this storm.” He coughed. “They’re w-WINDIGOS!” he said before he passed out. Rarity and Applejack were shaken, it all made sense now. “We need Twilight and Spike NOW!” shouted Rarity. === Minty woke up. She was in a hut. Everypony else was sleeping in separate beds, except Pinkie who was awake, sitting on Minty’s bed. “Where are we?” asked Minty. “We’re in yakyakistan! Prince Rutherford and I go waaay back! So, they’re taking care of us!” she grabbed Minty’s face excitedly. “Ok, how long were we out?” asked Minty. “An entire day! I asked the Prince, and he tried to wake us up. But couldn’t.” said Pinkie. Minty got worried. “No! NO! We can-” But she figured it may not be as bad as she thought it was. So, she calmed down. “Ok.” said Minty smiling in content, just as Rainbow Dash woke up. “Where are we?” asked Rainbow. “Yakyakistan! We’re all good!” said Pinkie. “Oh and look at what they gave us.” Pinkie Pie pulled out a golden ring from her mane. “The prince said that when we wear these, we’ll stay completely warm! No matter how cold it gets! And he said we can keep them!” said Pinkie. “Oh wow, that’s great!” Said Minty smiling “AWESOME!” Shouted Rainbow, as she looked at Minty. “Hey Minty. I can’t thank you enough for saving me back there! That was amazing!” said Rainbow, hugging her. “Yeah! That was wonderful!” Pinkie said, joining the hug. “Yeah, I guess it was.” Minty felt it deep in her heart that it was true. She smiled, laid her head down as she fully embraced the hug. When the hug broke Pinkie sat beside her. “It’s so great to have you back Minty.” Pinkie said smiling. Minty teared up. “Thank you. Pinkie…I missed you so much.” Said Minty. “I missed you too Minty.” Said Pinkie putting her hoof around her. “You’re one of the most bubbly, cheery, sweet, talented and kind ponies I ever knew. I knew it ever since our school filly days. It’s good to know I was right all along. And that you give so much positivity to this day. Ever since we went on this adventure everypony has been happy to be on it. And it’s mostly thanks to you. I mean can you imagine how nervous we must’ve been to leave Ponyville behind to go to the North Pole? That’s crazy! But you convinced us to do it! After Fluttershy and Derpy talked to you they felt amazing! They felt like they could conquer the world!” “I did?” Asked Minty smiling. “Oh yes! And I think it’s because you’re such an amazing pony to talk to that you don’t even need to try to give off positive vibes. I mean just talking to you now is making me so excited I could explode!!” Said Pinkie shooting out of the hole in the roof. Rainbow looked at Minty and said. “Heheh. And well you saved my life, and you landed the zeppelin. You’re a hero Minty.” Minty blushed. “It reminds me of when a certain pony told me you could be a hero if you could save me and yourself.” Said Rainbow as pinkie landed back on the bed. Minty was crying tears of joy. “Y-you’re welcome. All of you!” Said Minty. “Pinkie? Best Friends forever?” Asked Minty. Pinkie teared up. “Then, now and forever!” Pinkie cried and threw her hooves around Minty. Even Rainbow shed some tears. === After a few hours. Everypony woke up, got some food and supplies. Then back to the zeppelin. “Thank you, Prince Rutherford!” Shouted Pinkie waving to him as the Zeppelin took off once more. And the Prince waved back. After a few more hours the zeppelin continued it’s journey through thick and Thin.
Chapter 10One day later. In Ponyville. The more ponies arrived the more chaos happened, and the more chaos happened the worst the blizzard became. It was undeniable. The windigos were the cause. Twilight and Spike had finally arrived. But upon arrival there wasn’t much she could do. She flew back into the castle. Defeated. “Well?” Asked spike. “I can’t stop them. They’re running around, screaming, feeling betrayed. They’re all in a blind rage… that’s why they can’t see the windigos. And I tried to confront them directly. But they slammed me to the ground with ease.” Said Twilight. Tired. === It was night on the zeppelin. And the wind was calmer, after dinner everypony went to the deck to see the northern lights. Aside from how beautiful it was this must’ve meant they were close. But Minty’s attention was focused on Thistle who was still driving the zeppelin. Minty went into the cockpit. “You know one night of rest doesn’t mean you can stay up for another one.” Said Minty. “Nopony else can fly this thing.” Said Thistle. “You can anchor down, and we can keep going the next day.” Said Minty. “It’s more efficient if we travel like this.” Said Thistle. “But you need to sleep! You’re getting angrier.” Said Minty. “Don’t even go there!” Said Thistle. “Thistle, I think we should ta-“ minty was cut off. “No, we are not!” Said Thistle. “We need to talk about when we left Ponyville.” Said Minty. Thistle turned around and actually got angry. “STOP!” Said Thistle as she engaged the autopilot. “What is wrong with you!?” Thistle yelled. Minty got scared at that. She sat down and frowned. Thistle quickly became sympathetic. “Hey look I’m sorry. I just don’t know where to start.” “Because you can’t think clearly. You’re sleepy again. Thistle, I didn’t have a choice! I had to move with my parents!” Said Minty. “Well, I didn’t either! And whenever you came to visit you didn’t see me! You saw Rainbow.” Said Thistle. “She needed me. And you weren’t in town!” Said Minty. “Well, you were still important to me! Is it really worth it to you to stay in Canterlot!?” Asked Thistle. “No, it isn’t! My life is miserable over there! But I don’t know if I can move back without screwing up anymore!” Said Minty. Taking a deep breath and calming down. She didn’t cry but it felt like a huge weight was lifted off of her. Thistle felt the same. “Ok…look. My life in Cloudsdale hasn’t been great either. I mean I love flying zeppelins. But when I was learning how to do it, I was told I could barely sleep. That I wasn’t supposed to chuckle at the speaker. I wasn’t even supposed to smile outside the cockpit. All the time I was told. Thistle behaves, Thistle no distractions, Thistle no excuses and to stop Whistling.” Thistle vented. Minty moved by her and said. “you’re telling this to me, right? And nothing bad happened, did it?” Asked Minty. “No.” said Thistle. “Thistle, I don’t think anypony wants you to stop having emotions. That’s even worse than crashing a zeppelin or giving your passengers a bad time. Let’s face it, that’s exactly what’s doing that. You’re allowed to feel things. And ‘that’ is what makes you an awesome captain. Wouldn’t ponies like you better that way? Wouldn’t it be better to have some help?” Said Minty. “Well. You’re not wrong. I’ve actually been happier since this trip started. And it’s all thanks to you. I mean I’ve stayed awake for days before, but it wasn’t easy. With you it has been. I was actually hoping you would come by to give me something to think about.” Said Thistle. “Thistle. We were best friends too! We used to tell each other everything! You can always ask me to hang out with you. And well, I’m glad I was always important to you.” Said Minty, smiling at her. And for the first time in a while. Thistle smiled. “I never forgot you Minty. I’m glad we got to talk this out. Best friends?” Asked Thistle. “Always.” Said Minty. And the two hugged each other smiling. When the two got up. They saw lights up ahead and they thought it was a village like yesterday. “I don’t think that’s a village…” said Thistle. It was an active volcano. Thistle disengaged the autopilot and sounded the alarm. Everypony rushed inside as Thistle tried to steer away from the volcano.
Chapter 11The volcano’s lava briefly came up and hit the zeppelin balloon. Burning it. “NO!” Shouted Thistle. “FIRE!” Shouted Minty. The zeppelin steered away but it hit the side of a nearby mountain ripping the balloon apart. Everypony came into the cockpit as the zeppelin began to lose altitude. The zeppelin rushed down from the sky into a large open area. “We’re going down!” Shouted Minty. The zeppelin slammed on the ground, glass broke inside the cockpit and everypony held on as the zeppelin scratched it’s way across the ground. Then it hit a rock knocking everypony out. Then it stopped. === The next day. The crowds of families arrived in Ponyville angry with their hectic trip there. Now they thought their loved ones didn’t even get them presents. Twilight tried to explain the situation, but the violence quickly escalated from there. “Who asked you to be here!?” Asked one pony as rocks began to fly at her and she flew off. “I thought you loved me!” Asked one pony throwing rocks. “It wasn’t my fault. You ungrateful jerk!” Said another, throwing rocks. “What is wrong with you!?” Said somepony else. Everypony threw rocks at each other or even got into physical fights. Soon all of Ponyville was fighting itself in a fit of blind rage. And the wind got extremely violent. There was so much snow. Nothing could be seen. === Minty woke up in the crashed zeppelin. She came face to face with a Reindeer. “A reindeer?” Asked Minty. “Yes. I am, snowy sound. And this is the rest of my family.” He said. And there were other reindeer waking the others up. “Are you ponies, ok? That looked like quite a crash.” Said Snowy. “Yeah, but um. We’re trying to get to the north pole. To find this relic called the wish box.” Asked Minty. Snowy smiled. “Oh! You’re at the north pole now! The wish box is right outside!” The ponies walked out to see the enchanted crystalized city of the north pole. Filled with reindeer. “My family are the guardians of the wish box. It can grant any wish you ask. No matter how impossible. So, what do you wish?” Said Snowy. “Well, you see. The wish is actually for an entire village of ponies. I accidentally burnt all the presents in Ponyville. But then some magical bulbs and a magical map called us here to maybe wish them all back.” Said Minty. Snowy was excited. “Of course! You must be Minty! We’ve been expecting you!” “You have?” Asked Minty. “Yes! The wish box showed us a vision of you burning the presents. The box must have sent out those four bulbs for you to come here! My parents always told me the wish box works in weird ways.” Said Snowy sound. “You mean it chose me?” Asked Minty. “Yes. Follow me, I'll take you to it!” Said Snowy. === The ponies walked inside a massive castle. And inside a large central chamber, sure enough the box was there in all it’s glory. It was gigantic. The Crystal structure giving a light show of bright lights and colors with fantastic waving ribbons. “Woooah!” Said everypony. Then an angelic voice spoke. “Minty~” “Huh? Who was that?” Asked Minty. “That’s the wish box talking to you.” Said Snowy. “Wait. This thing can talk?” Asked Rainbow. “Yes~” said the wish box. “I’ve been expecting you. You see, me and the tree of Harmony share a symbiotic relationship to maintain harmony in equestria and beyond. And so, I sent out four gifts for the cutie map. For you specifically Minty.~” the box explained. “For a specific reason. That will save Ponyville.~” Said the box. Suddenly a white ball formed inside it showing what was happening in Ponyville. Ponies were fighting, throwing rocks at loved ones, how so many ponies felt betrayed that their own family didn’t seem to care. And how the blind rage did not help them see the true error of their ways And worst of all. The windigos had returned. The vision ended. Snowy and the others were concerned as well as the other reindeer inside. “The windigos… the ancient enemy of the reindeer.” “Make your wish Minty and I shall grant it. But I cannot guarantee everything will be alright afterwards. Any wish this grand will come from the heart~” said the box. “Yes, it will. Wish box.” Said Minty. “I wish…”
Chapter 12Minty hesitated and thought about it. The wish box had a point. And it didn’t feel right to just despell the negativity and the windigos outright. “I wish to bring back all the presents in Ponyville! Unburnt and unaltered. However! Please only grant that wish when I stop the Ponyville civilians from fighting each other in a blind rage and after I despell the windigos!” Asked Minty. “Wow I was never asked to grant a wish like that before~” said the wish box. “But Minty. You can’t stop it alone! How will you even do that!?” Said Thistle. “I know, I know. Just follow my lead.” Said Minty. “One more thing wish box. I wish to return to Ponyville!” Said Minty. And in a flash of light, she was gone. Everypony was shocked. “We need to go after her!” Said Fluttershy. “Yeah, she could be trampled!” Said Pinkie. “It looks just awful in Ponyville!” Said Derpy. “Hold on. Guys, I think I’ll stay here.” Said Thistle. “Why?” Asked Rainbow. “The zeppelin. And well the wish box can grant any wish, right?” Said Thistle. “Oh!” Said Rainbow. “I’ll go.” Said snowy. “What!?” Asked everypony. “I’m a reindeer. A guardian of Hearths Warming itself. Enemy of the windigos. I can help! Just wish me back here ok miss Thistle Whistle.” Said snowy. “Yes.” Said Thistle. Everypony else wished to return to Ponyville and it happened. === Six flashes of light appeared in the center of ponyville. Upon arrival Minty could barely see anything in the snow along with rocks falling everywhere and ponies running around and fighting each other. The windigos spotted snowy. “Hey uglies! Come and get me!” He shouted as he trotted into the air. The windigos tried looking for him but he was too good at hiding. But that didn’t stop their snow from briefly falling down. “STOOOOOP!” Shouted Minty. Just then the snow stopped falling and everypony turned around to the village center. Everypony gathered in the town square. “You!” Said one pony. “Get her!” Said another. “Why? What’s wrong with you!?” Said one pony. Everypony ran and prepared to throw rocks at Minty. Until suddenly Twilight, Spike, Applejack and Rarity all arrived. Twilight put up a protective shield around them all. “Oh, thank you your majesty!” Said Minty. “Wait! Minty!? What are you doing here?” Asked Spike. “You two know each other too!?” Asked Rainbow. “We’ll talk about it later! Princess Twilight?” Asked Minty. “Yes?” Asked Twilight. Minty thought where she was standing. Looked down at her hooves and she knew. “Princess. Melt all the snow in Ponyville. And put down the shield!” Asked Minty. Twilight was hesitant but she did it. Minty when she did though. Everypony stopped. Everything went silent. Shocked to see a big pile of ash in the center of town. “What happened?” Asked Twilight. Minty stepped out into the center. “This was all my fault…I was the one who destroyed your presents. I accidentally made the tree topper fall. And it burned everything.” Said Minty as she stared off into the clouds watching Snowy sound distract the windigos. Suddenly the windigos stopped. Froze in place in the sky. Snowy landed. Ponies looked shocked and terrified to see what they could not until now. “It can’t be…” said one pony. “Windgos!?” Shouted another. “But how!? How could we not have seen them?” Said a pony. “Blind rage. That’s why. You didn’t see them because you can't see yourself.” Said Snowy. “What is wrong with you ponies attacking loved ones with rocks!?” Asked Snowy. “But we didn’t! We aren’t that cruel. The ponies fighting us had nothing to do with our family!” Said one pony. “Don’t you ponies remember? The anger is what fuels the windigos.” Said Snowy. Suddenly Minty spoke up. “He’s right. It doesn’t make this any less bad, you’re still throwing things at ponies you don’t know. Now that you can see them. What does that say?” Asked Minty. Minty stood up in front of snowy and the rest. “I know you’re all disappointed that what you got for somepony you love is gone. How do you think I feel…? I don’t have a right answer. I’m just so sorry… and I’m here for all of you. But can you please be there for other ponies first?” Said Minty tearing up. Suddenly the door to city hall opened. It was Dinky Hooves. “Mommy! You’re home!” Said Dinky running towards Derpy and hugging her. “Dinky! Are you hurt? Why were you in city hall?” Asked Derpy. “No. I was just celebrating Hearth's Warming with my friends!” Said Dinky with a smile. “When everypony started getting a little angry. And when the blizzard got bad, we all went into city hall. So, we could celebrate our own Hearths Warming!” Said Dinky. Just then fillies and colts stepped outside of the city hall doors. “Apple Bloom?” Asked Applejack. “Sweetie Belle!?” Asked Rarity. Mayor mare ran inside the building and sure enough almost every child in Ponyville was there. Including the student six, Big Mac & Granny Smith. “Don’t worry we took care of em.” Said Big Mac. As the rest of them walked out. The crowds of ponies that surrounded the town square were absolutely touched by the moment. Some were crying at the adorable scene. “We had a blast!” Said Ocellus. “Everything was better than we thought!” Said Silver Spoon. The colts and fillies hugged each other saying Happy Hearth's Warming. Knowing they probably needed to get back to their own families. Suddenly a pony in the crowd. Started singing a song. And everypony else in the crowd joined in. When the song finished everypony started hugging each other, Crying tears of joy, playing games, hugging their own fillies and colts and sharing stories of their past Hearths Warmings. The mane six were all happy to see things go back to normal Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity all proud of the crusaders for celebrating their own Hearths Warming so easily. Twilight was happy to see her students learning and loving so well. “You really are the cutest of friends.” Twilight said to them. Which made Yona hug everypony in a tightly warm hug. Twilight looked over and saw Spike looking a little sad. “Spike? Are you ok?” “Yeah. I sorta.” Spike sighed. “Twilight I…” Twilight realized as he looked at the fillies and colts playing. “Spike. I understand. Never ever let me get in the way of your own friendships.” Smolder grabbed him by the claw and said. “Yep, you are coming with us buddy.” Spike happily accepted as the crusaders ran after the student six. “Wait for us Spike!” Said Apple Bloom. And then finally there was Minty. Crying tears of joy herself. Snowy sound right next to her. “How are they still not moving? Are they stunned?” Asked Snowy. “No, I wished for them to be stunned.” Said Thistle Whistle as she flew into the center. “Thistle? How are you here? What about your zeppelin?” Asked Minty. “Oh, the wish box repaired it like new. Like it never broke in just one single wish. It’s right outside the castle now.” Said Thistle smiling. “But what about me?” Asked Snowy. “How will I get back now?” “I told one of your reindeer brothers to wish you back.” Said Thistle. “Hey, hope we can see you again sometime. Thanks for the help.” Said Thistle. “Yeah, maybe we can get to know each other.” Said Minty. Snowy smiled. “Of course. And well you know where to find me.” Everypony was having the time of their lives as the sun began to set. The windigos stuck in the sky. By midnight they completely disappeared as a huge glowing light lit up ponyville. And it started talking. “I am the spirit of the ancient relic. Known as the wish box. And I am here to grant Minty’s wish she made to me.” Said the wish box. A large beam of light landed on the pile of ash. And it happened. Every single present and gift came back completely unaltered and the whole tree complete with the topper came back. Everypony gasped in amazement as they saw the unthinkable. Ponies ran up to the presents and started opening them to see if they were ok. And they were. Both Lyra and Vinyl opened their presents that Derpy had got for them. And they both ran to her and hugged her tightly. “Your wish has been granted, Minty. It’s time to go home Snowy.” Said the wish box as snowy sound trotted into the light. Waving goodbye “Well done my little pony. I hope you one day return to me to give as much joy and care as you have now.” And then the light disappeared. Everypony looked at Minty. Smiling at her. “You did this?” Asked Twilight. “Yes.” Said Minty. Everypony’s faces lit up with joy. And shouted. “HAPPY HEARTH’S WARMING MINTY!” Everypony started singing and opening their presents late into the night. And Minty couldn’t have felt any happier. === It was late Hearth's Warming Day. “And so that’s how I know her.” Said Spike finished up his story explaining how he and Minty were secretly friends in Canterlot. “That’s quite the story! But maybe one for another time.” Said Pinkie. Minty stood up and rolled her bags out of the castle. “Yeah, it was great seeing you all. I’ll miss you.” Said Minty. “You’re welcome in Ponyville anytime from here on out Minty. I’ll even let you move back here.” Said Twilight. “Thank you, your majesty. I’ll probably do just that by springtime.” Said Minty. “We’ll all keep in touch! And the name, is Twilight Sparkle.” Minty waved goodbye as she headed outside. And made her way to the train station. === She stood at the train station with a grin on her face. And wondered what she said to Twilight. “I just hope that I don’t lose touch with her. Or anypony else. Oh, but who am I kidding? They probably won’t want to lose touch with me. Twilight will keep a promise! Imagine how different this will look in the spring. That may be the best time to ever move here.” Said Minty. “You know I really think it is.” Said a familiar voice. Confused. Minty turned around and saw a pony standing behind her. Minty was shocked and surprised to see her. An old friend of hers from way back when. “Wisteria…?” Asked Minty. “Yeah. It’s good to see you, Minty.” Said Wisteria smiling at her and hugging her. Wisteria had a purple coat with dark & light purple highlights in her mane. “I guess you saw how much we really missed you here. Right?” Asked Wisteria. “Yeah. I did. Just how? How can I mean that much to somepony?” Asked Minty. “Sometimes you just don’t know. You need a push to realize it. How does it feel?” Asked Wisteria. “It feels great. I feel better than I ever had in years. And it’s all thanks to the friends I made in Ponyville!” Said Minty. “Thank you Minty. And that’s great to hear. I hope you do move here by spring. And well, you know where to visit if you need a house garden.” Said Wisteria. The two chuckled as Minty’s train pulled in. And Wisteria walked off. === Back at home. Minty was already making plans to move out. And so Minty wrote a letter to Twilight Sparkle. “You know, sometimes whenever I was alone, I wondered. Did my friends ever like me? Do they want me back there? And I always thought those were right because I only had me to talk to. Not anymore. I have a new thought on my mind. The greatest Hearth's Warming present I ever got. Was the one I got this year. I hated myself. But it’s all finally gone, and I want to keep it gone. It’s taken me seventeen years. So long to figure out where I needed to go to get out of my depression, to find a purpose. And now a lot of ponies need me. They value me so much, that me being hard on myself makes them sad. So, I finally know where to go. Where I always knew I needed to go. Home. To: Twilight From: Minty P.S. Always be sure to have. A Very Minty Christmas!”
