Chapters I looked up at Pinkie and smiled.
"Kids finally in bed?" I asked.
"Ugh, yes! The little colt wanted to stay up and wait."
"Oh he did, did he?" I said chuckling to myself.
"Yes. Why else would I say that?"
Confusion came over me for a second.
"No, what I mean... Never mind. Lets just sleep and put this stressful day behind us, shall we Pinkie?" I said offering the place next to me.
She had a somewhat tired look on her face and, though she was trying to hold it back, she yawned loudly. I took her hoof in mine and kissed her cheek as she laid next to me.
"Tomorrow's a big day, sweetie pie." I whispered to her quietly
"But it's going to be well worth it. We put a lot of effort into raising them."
"Oh yeah. With all the crying and fussing and whining and fits. We finally got them to a point where they can think for themselves. I just didn't think so many years could go by so quickly. They're growing up so fast."
"Just think, the other day I was screaming at the top of my lungs when the both of them came out."
"And how we rejoice on that fine day." I said kissing Pinkie's forehead. "We should probably get some shut eye though." I said rubbing her arm and pulling her closer to me. "We don't want to be too tired for Celestmas."
Pinkie Pie yawned and shut off the lights.
"Good night, oh wonderful husband of mine." Pinkie said nuzzling her cheek into my chest.
"Good night, oh wonderful wife of mine." I whispered to her.
I looked at the ceiling and thought for a moment.
So many years have gone by... So many years... I thought drifting off into a deep winter slumber.
*****
Dad! I-I was just-
No son! Stay away! You've already caused enough trouble!
But dad I-
I said stay away! If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have had to do the things I've done! Why couldn't you be more like your brother for Celestia's sake?!
Dad, don't go!
I said stay away! Go home son! Go home!
Dad! Dad!
Da d! Wake up dad! It's time for Celestmas! Break out the dough and let's get started!"
I woke up to a voice yelling in my face as I came back into reality.
"Mom, get dad up! He won't wake up!" A little voice rang out.
"Dad... Helloooooo? Oh, you're awake! Hey Chocolate, he's awake!" Another small voice rang out.
"He is? Lemme see, lemme see!"
I felt something like an anvil drop onto my mid-section and I let out a grunt
"Geez... Things really do hurt more when you're older. Chocolate, did you hafta jump on me?"
"Sorry dad, I was just so excited! It's Celestmas!" Chocolate sang out into a beautifully horrid note.
"Yes, I understand that."
"Well come on, we're supposed to be baking already! You promised to show us how!" The little filly's said after jumping off the bed. "Hurry up lazy bones!"
"Just like your mother... Anyways, since it's already Celestmas Chocolate, you get to open the first present, but it'll be our little secret."
"Jumpin' jelly beans! What is it?" the little colt said in excitement.
"Come closer." I said to the little one, who was bouncing up and down in joy.
Chocolate crept closer in eagerness and waited.
"No no, closer." I said to him.
His expression changed and he crept closer.
"No... Too close. Go back a bit. There, perfect. Now, let me give you my first present... It's very special... It's... a noogie!" I shouted as I picked up the little colt who squirmed in surprise.
I wrestled the little colt in the bed and pushed my hoof into his head, all the while laughing in delight.
"Would you two get off the bed?! I'm trying to sleep!!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
"Oh. Sorry mom."
"Sorry Pinkie."
I looked at my son and laughed a little bit. Without looking, I held out my left hoof to him and bit my lower lip to silence my laughter. The colt did the same, and our hooves knocked into each others, making a quiet clop.
"Come on son!" I said leaping out of the bed. "Time to bake some cookies ."
*****
"And that's how you make some Gingerbread Cookies! What do you think?"
"Whoa!" Both the children gasped in awe.
"That was awesome!"
"A lot of fun!"
"Glad to hear it!" I replied in joy.
There was a knock at the door and my ears perked up.
"That must be one of the girls. I got it!" I said trotting over to the door.
I opened the door, I was greeted with a warm smile from a purple pony.
"Hi there Pineapple! I hope I'm not late... I tried to leave sooner, but Spike didn't want to get up." she said as she slid Spike off of her back. "You know kids..." She sighed.
"You're not late at all! And yes, I do know kids. I have two of them." I said jokingly. "Come on in! Would you like some Gingerbread Cookies? The kids baked them!"
"Oh! That sounds wonderful! But... Where's Pinkie?"
"Oh, she's doing some uh..." I said pausing.
I motioned Twilight closer and she obliged.
"She's doing some last minute shopping... She'll be right back." I whispered.
"Oh, okay. Is everypony coming?"
"Yeah, but I didn't think you'd be the first to get here, I thought that Rainbow-"
I was suddenly interrupted by a cyan pegasus bursting through the door at a blinding speed.
"Did someone mention the fastest mare alive?" Rainbow boasted.
Both Twilight and I faced hoofed as we sarcastically welcomed Rainbow Dash.
"Come on in Rainbow. Want some cookies?" I said chucking to myself.
"No thanks, I got a shape to keep up you know. It's hard work keeping my slender and awesome figure." she replied admiring herself.
I rolled my eyes and went to close the door.
"Now hold yer horses, y'all ain't forgittin 'bout me are ya?" Applejack said as she came in with a basket on her back.
"Of course not AJ, c'mon in!" I said taking her basket for her.
"Brr! It's colder than a buck-toothed caterpillar out there! An' trust me, thas pretty cold. It was mighty nice of yew and Pinkie to be throwin' this here party for us!"
I smiled and put the basket down beside the hat rack.
I wonder what's in there...
My thoughts were disrupted by the sound of foals playing in the living room. I shook the daze out of my head and looked over my shoulder to see that Trey and his family had made the occasion.
"Trey! Nice to see you!"
"Likewise buddy. I figured I'd bring the kids out for the occasion as well. I hope you don't mind."
I smiled at the white pony.
"It's not a problem! The kids were wondering when Anacrusis and Flutterwing were going to come over next anyways." I said looking at the kids. "Always nice to have company!"
"Cool. So, how's Pinkie holding up?"
"Well, she's a little stressed out right now with the kids about to start school and all, so she might be a little weird when she gets here."
"I see. And your parents?"
"Well, my family went back to Trottsten to start a revolution of new being there. So, I guess they're doing well."
"That's good. I'm glad to hear that. So, since both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie are hitched with us, who do you think is next?" He said nudging me a bit.
"Next?"
"Out of all the friends. Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow, or Twilight?"
I sat there and thought a little bit as I watched everypony converse in the living room.
"That's a tough one..." I finally said. "What do you think?"
"I think that there's absolutely no way of telling..." he said squinting a bit. "But when it does, there will be a lot more drama around Ponyville than ever before."
I shuttered at the fact and sighed.
"Rarity's probably going to be fashionably late.... Again." I said changing the subject.
"Probably. I'm gonna grab a drink if that's alright with you."
"Yeah, be my guest." I said thinking to myself.
Who is gonna be next? I don't really know what's going to happen over the next few weeks. After the episode where Pinkie thought she has wished she was never born...
I shuttered again as I tried to vanquish the thought from my mind.
*****
"I'm so sorry that I'm late. I had to do some last minute work on my newest S... Uh... well, I'm here is what I mean to say!" She said nervously.
"Well, I guess we can start. Everypony hold onto your milk and cookies, It's present time!" I exclaimed as I Trotted over to our Celestmas tree.
"Wait, aren't you forgetting somepony?" Twilight said.
Just then the door burst open and Pinkie came in, overwhelmed by the cold.
"Wowwie Zowwie! It's colder than a buck-toothed caterpillar out there!"
"Hay!" Applejack protested. "That's whut ah said!"
I felt a warm welcome from my wife as laughter filled the room. It was nice to have her back to the way she was. Loud, crazy, somewhat obnoxious, and most of all--Loving.
"I think I'll go first," Twilight said standing up. "Chocolate, this is for you!"
"Now dear," Rarity began. "Try not to ruin the paper! I worked hard on that you know!" she finished panicking.
R I P!
"Oops... Sorry Rarity..."
Rarity looked at the wrapping paper in disgust as tears filled her ocean blue eyes.
"I-It's perfectly alright Paprika, my dear." she said as she let a tear roll down her cheek.
Paprika opened the box to reveal a beautiful red and blue scarf. It has a design on it that resembled the Spice family crest, and had a mystic purple lining around the edges.
"It's perfect!"
"Ah must say Rarity, yew've really outdun herself this time. It shure is purtty."
"Why thank you Applejack. It was such an inspiration that I just had to get down. Now Paprika~ my darling, this is no ordinary scarf. this scarf let's you see the truth, but only under certain conditions. So feel free to wear it as much as you like, but remember: sometimes the truth hurts."
Paprika ran over to Rarity and gave her a big hug that only covered her front leg.
"I love it! It's absolutely gorgeous! You have to show me a few things on sewing!"
"Anytime dear," Rarity responded. "Anytime."
*****
"Alright then everypony! Ah reckon ah'm next. This ones for the whole family!" Applejack said setting her basket on the coffe table. "Go on now. Don' be shy!"
I took off the blanket on top of the basket and neatly folded it on the ground. Pinkie pie opened the wicker basket and revealed a dozen brightly tinted yellow apples.
"Oh gee, apples..." I said under my breath.
Applejack must've heard me because her comment sounded a bit scolding.
"Oh hush yew. Now, don' be takin these here apples for sumthin they ain't."
"What ain't they AJ?" Pinkie said with a worried look on her face. "Are they really pears?? I can't cook with pears!"
"They ain't pears Pinkie. Now look, these apples may be goldin, and they may be mighty delicious, but they ain't Golden Delicous. These here are Golden Apples. We grow 'em back on th' farm 'bout every two decades. It's said that they carry sum sort o' special healin power er sumthin, and are ONLY supposed to be used in case of an emergency. So keep that in mind. That means no Golden Pie, baker boy."
"Wasn't planning on it AJ. Thank you for the wonderful gift though!"
"Shoot, it wadn't nuthin." she said giving me a hug.
"Wait!" Pinkie cried out. "So these aren't pears?!"
I laughed a bit and returned to my rigtful place next to my wife to comfort her.
"Well Rainbow Dash, I think you should go next." Twilight said
"Alright! Sit back everypony, and enjoy what it's like to give a truly awesome gift!"
"Hold onto your mane kid, have I got the present for you!" Rainbow Dash said in an excited manor. "Hold out your hooves, and close your eyes!"
Chocolate did so and waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Finally, he felt something on his body. He was lifted into the air by the other ponies and they put something on his hooves.
"There you go squirt! Pegasus boots. Got 'em specially made for you in Cloudsdale. They're supposed to give you something about agility or something like that."
"Let me explain," Twilight interrupted. "These boots were fabled in the times of Thequine the Great. Thequine the great was an earth pony, he was said to posses magical boots that could let him temporarily float over small gaps, jump far distances, and run at great speeds. It is said that Thequine the Great was around during Celestia's reign, but we don't know for sure. Research shows that he helped defeat an army of Draconiquis in the Draco-Pony war. He used these boots to lure most of the Draconiqui into the beam of harmony when Celestia and Luna had power over the Elements of Harmony. Luna then used her powers to banish the Draconiqui to an island not far from where your father was born. It's a secluded island, but the Draconiqui have thrived there."
"Wait," Chocolate interrupted. "What about Discord?"
"Yeah," Applejack added. "Whut 'bout him?"
"Ooo! Tell us Twilight!" Pinkie Pie said, shivering with anxiety.
"Okay, okay. Now, Discord was the leader of the Draconic Republic. After taking the brunt of the Elements of Harmony, he was turned to stone, and has remained there for over one thousand years. That's all I know... Unfortunately, since Discord has little information about his background, I can't tell you much about him. I wish I could, but I just don't know enough."
"Wait a second," Paprika intervened. "Why can't you just ask Princess Celestia?"
Twilight shook her head and sighed.
"Unfortunately, I already have. She didn't want to talk about it at all. She shunned the idea of telling me faster that you can say antidisestablishmentarianism, so I still can't get access to that kind of information."
"What about Luna?" I finally said. "What did she say about it?"
Twilight straightened herself up and blushed. She was more red than a lobster in boiling water as she let out a nervous laugh.
"Well..."
"You haven't asked her, have you Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asked with an unamused look on her face.
"Well.... I'll get back to you on that. In the meantime let's get back to the festivities, shall we?" she squeaked sheepishly.
"Alright. I think it's our turn." Trey said getting up from his seat.
"Oh yes... I think we should... If, that's alright with you..."
Trey smiled as his wife's shyness and motioned for the little filly to come closer.
"Tell me, Paprika," Trey smiled.
"Have you ever heard the ocean?" Fluttershy finished.
"This is so cool Spike!.... What is it?" Chocolate looked confused.
"It's a vest made of dragon scales. One of the hardest materials in Equestria. It also does something else, but I forgot."
"Let me explain!" Twilight said, almost excited. "Dragon armor was used back in the medieval pony period, and was a real life savor in during the Draco-pony war as well. It's said that the wearer was bonded to the scales, and that they grew with the pony that wore the attire. Once the pony had been killed, or died of old age, the scales would evaporate into thin air. Chemists have tried to find the cause of this strange occurrence, but none have been found to this very day!"
"Are yew done Twilight?" Apple Bloom interrupted.
"... Yes..." she answered.
"So, I hope you like your gift Chocolate. Why don't you try it on? It took me a while to find the perfect scales to put together. Rarity helped make it, so consider it from both of us!"
"This is great Spike! I love it!
"Ugh, when are we gonna get our turn Apple Bloom?" Scootaloo said impatiently.
"Relax Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle said. "We have to wait our turn."
"Alright already! You can go, sheesh." Spike said walking away from Chocolate.
"Finally! Hey, Chocolate, Paprika, we got you two the most radical gifts ever! Are you ready?"
"Uh. Sure, I guess..." Paprika spoke up.
"No! You're not! Just because we're ready to give it to you doesn't mean you're ready for it's radicalness!"
"Ugh, juss give it to 'em Scoot!"
Paprika and Chocolate looked at each other in confusion, and awaited their next gift.
Or Is It?
Probably not seeing as though I have too many fans to let you guys down.
Also, check out my second account where I do combo fics with my friend Stormy Charge. He and I are writing a fic called "Pink Sand" and I think it's coming out very well so far! so, tell me what you think about the story and such in the comments. Oh, and check out my blog often... I get kind of lonely... Plus I put a surprise there for 1,000 view on The Aura Of Music , so be sure to check that out.... and yeah! Hope everypony had a Merry Christmas!
P.S. Should I do a sequel?
"No," Paprika replied. "I haven't... What's it like?"
"Well," Fluttershy resumed. "Close your eyes and think about water. Slowly moving water, with gentle waves that barely touch your hooves as you breathe in the warm salty air."
Paprika was put in a trance. She had a huge smile on her face, and looked like she was thoroughly enjoying herself. Fluttershy picked up a conch shell quietly and hovered over Paprika.
"I can't hear anything yet..."
"Just hold on, it'll come to you. Be patient" Trey said in a lighthearted tone.
Fluttershy held the shell to Paprika's ear, and smiled as she watched her reaction.
"Wow... I can really hear it!" She said without opening her eyes. "It's like I'm really there!"
"You can open your eyes now, sweetie." Fluttershy said.
Paprika did so and much to her surprise, she found that Fluttershy was holding a beautiful Conch shell next to her ear.
"This was a shell Trey and I found on the beach a while back. We figured you might like to have it since you've never been before."
"It's beautiful!" the little filly said with her eyes wide and gleaming.
"And, let's not forget about the father. Pineapple, we also got you some new spices down by Sea Horse Shore."
Pineapple took the bottles off their hooves and smiled a great smile.
"This is fantastic! New tastes, new recipes! Thanks pal!" Pineapple said, giving Trey a audible bro-hoof.
"Is it my turn yet Twilight?" Spike whispered.
"Not yet Spike, don't be rude."
"What was that Spike?" I said looking over the scaly little serpent.
"Uh.. I have a gift for Chocolate...?"
"Oh," I said with a warm smile. "Well, by all means! Jump on in there."
Spike gave Twilight a snide look and walked to the middle of the room where Chocolate Pie was hanging out.
"Yo, Choco, my man. Got you a present! I hope you like it. I had a little help putting it together, but here you go! It took a while to get all the materials together for it, but I think it's well worth it."
Chocolate stared at the box in confusion, and started unwrapping the gift carefully.
"Apple Bloom! Your Cutie Mark Crusaders cloaks? Why?" Rarity said in amazement.
"We don't need 'em anymore, so ah figured that they might want them."
"Yeah! Plus, we added a little bit of magic to them to make them unique gifts!" Sweetie Belle said winking to Twilight.
"We have to pass them down to the next generation of blank flanks. We sure did have some fun times with those things..." Scootaloo said reminiscing.
"I guess you're right Scoot. Now c'mon! Let's all go out and play in the snow!" Rainbow Dash said.
Everypony ran outside, but I told Chocolate and Paprika to stay behind for a little bit.
"So," I began "Did you enjoy your Celestmas?" I asked the little ones.
Both of the children ran up to me and gave me a warm hug.
"I love you kids... You know that? And I love you too Pinkie Pie."
"We all love you too Daddy!" Paprika said.
Pinkie Pie came up and gave me a passionate kiss.
"Gross..." Chocolate said.
"Aww!"
"Go outside now you two. Mommy and I have some things to talk about."
The two children looked confused, but ran out the door to join everypony outside.
"Pinkie..." I said. "I still have a present for you."
"Oh really? What is it?"
"This." I said as I kissed my wife.
We kissed for a long three minutes before either of us spoke.
"Merry Celestmas Pinkamena Diane Pie."
"And a Merry Celestmas to you as well Pineapple Thyme Spice."
The End
The little colt ripped open his package with his teeth, viciously tearing open the once intact (and formally neat) wrapping paper. When the wrapping was off, Chocolate Pie stared happily at his gift: a book.
"Now," Twilight began. "Before you say that I always get books for everypony, let me explain what kind of book this is. This book is the book that most small unicorns use to help them learn magic. These enchanted words will let you cast a small spell. Keep in mind that it does take some physical and mental stamina to use such power, so be ready for that Chocolate."
"Alright! Thanks Twilight!" the little pony said as he ran up and hugged Twilight.
"Oh! Um, you're welcome Chocolate..." Twilight said with yearning eyes and a slight smile.
"Hey Twilight, are you sure it's a good idea to give him something like that?" I asked.
"It only has a few basic spells. It should be fine Pineapple. Don't worry! I'll make sure he doesn't do anything rash." a twilight said with tears formulating in her eyes.
"Hey Twi, are you alright...?"
Twilight looked at me and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"I'm fine... I just don't know what it's like..." she said looking at my children. "That's all."
Oh... She means love. I feel sorry for her. She hasn't experienced love yet... I worry about her sometimes... Being all alone, she has a lot of time to think about fantasys and stuff like that. She also has time to cry if need be, and nopony would know it.
Hang in there Twi... He's coming soon.
I put my arm around Twilight and hugged her close to me to comfort her. It was strange, the loneliness in her heart was palpable. As soon as I felt her warm tears fall onto my short pink fur, I felt a huge depression in my chest and a lonieness in my heart that I've never felt before. Before long, tears began to fall from my eyes onto her, and she looked up at me, smiling a fake smile.
*****
"Alright everypony," Rarity said hushing the silence. "I'm next~ Paprika my dear, this gift is for you~" Rarity said handing the filly a white box with a red bow.
"Oh boy!" Paprika called out to everypony.
