A Clone Gargoyle's Equestrian Tale

Next Lessons: Hearth's Warming Eve

S2 E13 Everypony! The Last Roundup is up next!

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A train whistle echoed in the sky, as the Friendship Express chugged along the tracks through a snowy day. Malibu sat in his seat, feeling anxious more than ever to be in Canterlot mostly to see his mom and for the upcoming play.

They all poked their heads out the window, beams of excitement on their faces. "We're getting closer!" Twilight squealed, making Malibu smile. "I can hardly wait! Rainbow Dash exclaimed, her wings flapping in excitement. He gave his marefriend a hug. "Me too, Dash!"

Fluttershy too looked outside. "I'm so excited, I—I feel like shouting!" But all she did was a quite woo hoo, Malibu rolling his eyes in amusement, but that was Fluttershy for you.

Applejack tipped off her hat. "Hoo-wee! Canterlot, here we come!" She shouted, right as Rarity showed, wearing a Hearth's Warming tree hat, Malibu's eyes rounding a little at the sight. "Oh, I do hope I look festive enough!" Malibu nodded. "Yep," He said, really having no words.

Pinkie Pie suddenly poked out of Rarity's hat somehow, pointing with her hoof. "There it is! Canterlot!" The Mane 7 with Spike all oohed at how festive the city looked, Malibu's eyes shining at all the colors. This was always his favorite part of the holidays; the decoration displays.

Once the train stopped, the friends all got out, walking through the streets to the castle for the play. "Oh, isn't Canterlot wonderful this time of year?" Malibu grinned at her. "For sure. I still remember my first Hearth's Warming when first living here!" Twilight giggled at him, giving the teal former gargoyle a hug. "Yeah, I wish it was Hearth's Warming Eve every day!" Dash stated.

Applejack's head kept turning in nearly every direction. "There's so much to look at! Ah feel like my durned eyes are gonna pop right out of my head!"

"You got that right, AJ, it is usually nearly too many decorations but nothing wrong with that! I can't wait to go home and open presents with your family afterward!" Malibu said in his cheerful manner, having enjoyed his first time with them the year before.

Twilight then had an idea. "I have an idea. Let's play 'I spy with my little eye' as we walk. I spy... an 8 foot candy cane!" Malibu spotted it as well, and two fillies including Scootaloo having their tongues stuck to it. "I spy a snowpony!" Rainbow called out, Malibu watching a mare placing a top hat on it.

Pinkie's head turned to the bakery store. "I spy somepony eating a gingerbread house!" She zipped right over, buying one, and eating it whole which didn't really surprise Malibu since it was Pinkie Pie, who could eat a whole bucket of sugar. "And it's me!" She said with her mouth full, making the others laugh.

The gang eventually managed to get inside the castle, Malibu grateful for the warm weather, making their way to the stage area. He spotted Celestia near the stage, her eyes bright at seeing him. Malibu's tears fell, running over to her, giving his mom a hug.

"Happy Hearth's Warming, mom!" Exclaimed Malibu, sniffling. She gave him another wing hug. "Welcome home again, my son. I actually have a suprise for you." The teal alicorn's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh?" He asked, tilting his head.

Celestia smiled. "I have the big honor of giving you the role of narrator alongside Spike for this year's play. So now you won't just be watching, but having a big part of it." Malibu gasped, his legs feeling like jelly. He never had anything like this before, and it made the gargoyle nervous. "You... you serious? Me?" He squeaked. The white princess alicorn nodded, stroking under his chin.

"This is your first Hearth's Warming play with all of your friends, and I wished for you to not just to sit on the sides." Celestia stated with pride in her eyes at how far her son had come in learning friendship. "Now head on backstage, they're waiting for you," She finished with a little giggle, nudging the still stunned Malibu to the curtain. He nodded, gingerly walking through the red curtains to see many other ponies getting their makeup on.