Midnight awoke to a cold chill running across his body, He had spent the night at Twilight's again to catch up on some magic reading. He had almost copied every spell book within the library, and today would be the last day for those books. He gave a large yawn sitting up quietly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he crawled from the bed. He made his way downstairs to see Twilight decorating around the library. Spike hot on her heels holding various decorations.

As he looked at the decorations, he noticed the green and red ribbons tied hither on yonder. Wreaths hung in various spots as well. He walked around giving a big smile as he remembered what time of the year this represented.

"Is it really almost Christmas Twi?" He smiled trotting up to her as she placed a few colorful banners up in a vacant spot.

"Christmas? Whats that?" Twi asked as she finished placing the banners up and turning to Midnight.

"It's a holiday from my world. After all of the variations in books and whatnot I would guess it's called something else in this world." He smirked. "So what holiday do you celebrate this month?"

"It'll be Hearthwarming Eve in two days. The date will be the twenty fourth. Is that like Christmas on your world?" Spike asked giving a grin.

"In so many words yes. On my world Christmas is a holiday representing the birth of a historical person named Jesus Christ. The holiday is religious to a vast amount of people in my world. But most of the mass market has turned it into a day to just give presents to one another without the religious sentiment. What is Hearthswarming about?" Midnight began as Twilight handed him a small book with several ponies adorning the front, three large white ponies seemingly encircling them.

"Read this book, It can tell you everything you need to know about the history of Hearthswarming." Twilight smiled as she turned to Spike grabbing a few more pieces to hang up. But as she pulled a few more pieces a small mistletoe fell from the pile in Spike's arms. As the two walked away Midnight spotted it from the corner of his eye quickly grabbing it up with his magic and bringing it to his face. After realizing what it was he smiled placing it on the tip of his horn following Twilight around for a moment. Spike turned to look at Midnight immediately noticing the Mistletoe and giving a giggle.

"Hey Twi, I think Midnight has something for you." Spike chuckled.

"Ugh, what is it, we have to get the rest of these decorations up." She paused looking at Midnight as she turned around. Midnight gave a grin looking at her then looking up to his horn. Twilight followed his gaze then gave him a sly smile.

"You sneaky little...." She was cut short by a stolen kiss from Midnight. Her face blushed bright red looking to Midnight who just gave her a wink. Spike was rolling on the floor laughing his tail off.

"Well my little bookworm, I think I'm going to go out and have a little fun. If all the mares in Ponyville are anything like you, I think I'll be able to melt to snow with all of the blushing that's about to go on." Midnight chuckled as he headed out the door.

Midnight had made his way further into Ponyville, As he walked quietly by himself he noticed how much snow had fallen during the night. Much of the ground was covered by a white blanket almost a foot thick. Looking around he noticed many of the foals were riding on either their mother or fathers back as it would be hard for them to walk through the snow. Many of the families roaming the streets smiling had either a present or significant other with them.

"OH! That's right! I need to get my friends some presents." Midnight smiled as he summoned his coin purse from Rarity's boutique. "Hmmmmmmm Only seven thousand bits? I hope that's enough for all of them." He questioned himself as he continued walking.

As Midnight rounded a corner he noticed a small snow fort around twenty feet ahead. "Well, how about that. Seems someone abandoned a perfectly good snow fort. Guess I can make a few modifications to it." He smiled as he used his magic to layer snow block after snow block onto the fort, within a few minutes it looked more like a snow castle than a fort. having two individual floors and several windows to toss snowballs from. He smiled at the snow fort admiring his work before turning to head away from it, only to see four little foals gawking at the castle before them.

"Wow mithter, that ith thso awthome!" A little cream colored filly with a red poofy mane and large red glasses said as she trotted up to the fort.

"Yea, that is just awesome." Another little gray colt spoke up as he ran inside.

Two other little fillies ran in smiling saying 'Thank you.' as they did.

Midnight smiled as he turned to head away, walking further down the street until he saw three little manes poking out of the snow. One purple, one of creamwhite and light purple, and the third a blazing red with a large bow behind it. As he walked closer he noticed little blue shovels breaching the top of the snow tossing aside snow. Sometimes onto each other.

"Hey watch it! Toss the snow to your other side will ya?" Scootaloo groaned.

"Ah'm trying not to hit ya'll but being in the middle making my own path and not seeing either of ya, kind makes it hard ta avoid.

"Girls I'm starting to get really cold. Maybe we should head to Sugar Cube Corner and get some Hot chocolate. I doubt we will get out Cutie Marks in shoveling snow anyway." Sweetiebelle piped up.

"Hot chocolate sounds really good right now." Midnight chuckled looking down to the three oblivious fillies before him.

"UNCLE MIDNIGHT!" They all shouted as they attempting to pounce but only ended up in the snow a few feet from him.

Midnight gave a hardy laugh picking up the three fillies and placing them on his back. He immediately regretted it though as the tiny cold hooves pressed against his back. After being frozen in shock for a few seconds he smiled back at them noticing them shiver slightly, but a smile still adorned their tiny faces.

"Here girls, let me help ya." Midnight smiled as his horn glowed casting a small shield around the area they were sitting on. A small shield popped into place encasing them in warmth and blocking the cold wind as it whipped by. They all gave a contented sigh as they lay down getting comfortable on Midnights back.

As he began to walk Scootaloo pipped up. "So what did Rarity get you for Hearthswarming Sweetiebelle?"

"Well I was wanting a new doll but all the stores were sold out. Knowing my sister though, she'll probably make me an outfit or sweater." Sweetiebelle giggled then asked the same question to the others.

"Well, ah was gunna ask mah sister and brother for a new pair of bucking shoes so I can help'em in the orchard around harvesting time next year but ah was also wanting a new tv for mah room." Applebloom smiled.

"I asked my folks to get me an enchanted scarf so I can fly during the winter. My wing's get really cold during this time of the year." Scootaloo pouted.

"What about you Uncle Midnight?" They all asked in unison causing him to jump slightly.

"Well, I honestly don't have anyone to ask for a present besides Rarity. Plus being an Alicorn makes most presents seem kind of pointless since I can do or almost get anything I want on my own. If I had to choose a present, I would like for all of the girls and I to get together for a nice quiet evening to have a great dinner and to sit around a fireplace drinking some hot chocolate. Spending time with my friends would make me happy. I don't think we have actually spent any time together as a group since after I woke up in that hospital bed when I came into this world. Other than that I don't really want anything. I'm completely happy with what I have." Midnight smiled looking back to the girls. As he looked back though the three fillies noticed the mistletoe on the tip of his horn. They all nodded to each other as Midnight turned his attention back to where he was walking.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS KISSY ATTACK!!!" Upon finishing their shout the all grabbed onto Midnight's face kissing his cheeks and nose repeatedly.

"OH NO! KISSY MONSTERS! My power is useless against them." Midnight playfully groaned falling over into the snow as the kissing assault stopped, He lay there motionless as the girls looked at him.

"Did we overdo it girls?" Scootaloo asked as she trotted up to Midnights motionless head in the snow, his tongue lolling out.

Sweetiebelle gave the girls a wink as she talked. "Oh no, we've killed Midnight, I guess Rarity can go and ask out that cute stallion I saw talking to her the other day." She placed a hoof over her mouth to stifle a giggle.

"What?!" Midnight shouted as he sat upright, causing the three fillies to fall over laughing.

"You three are so mean. Guess I'll have to tell Pinkie Pie to give me all your marshmallows in my hot chocolate." He smirked turning toward Sugar Cube Corner. The three fillies gasped looking to Midnight who was just smiling.

"NO WAY!" They shouted as they rushed past Midnight leaving little trails through the snow as they burst through the door to Sugar Cube corner.

Midnight chuckled at the three as he trotted inside to the smell of some freshly baked Apple cinnamon pie and fresh hot chocolate. The three fillies were all sitting in a booth waiting for Midnight who took a seat across from them.

"How are we doing today deary's?" Mrs. Cake chirped as she trotted up to the booth.

"Cold." Sweetiebelle spoke first.

"Tired." Added Scootaloo.

"Hungry." Added Applebloom.

"And in need of some of that wonderful Apple pie and Hot Chocolate I smelled as we came in." Midnight smirked giving Mrs. Cake a wink.

Mrs. Cake smiled, nodding, and heading back into the kitchen to grab the order. Upon coming back out and setting the sweets and drinks onto the table the fillies thanked her and dug in happily. Midnight nodded for Mrs. Cake to come closer so he could speak into her ear.

"Mrs. Cake. Would you happen to know what Pinkie might like for Hearthswarming?" He spoke softly.

"Oh my, I know just the thing. Carrot and I usually make Pinkie a few of our special cupcakes for Hearthswarming but we have a hard time getting all of the ingredients. If you could get them for us we could make her a few and say that it's from all of us." Mrs. cake beamed.

"Alright, doesn't sound to hard, can you give me a list of what you need?" He beamed back.

"Of course deary, just give me a moment with Carrot." She said as she trotted back into the kitchen. After a few minutes waiting, and several bites of pie later, Mrs. Cake reappeared from the kitchen carrying a small piece of paper.

"Ok, now. This is very important. When you get these items you must NOT use any magic on them. These items absorb magic and can turn the sweetness of the materials sour or bitter. So take precautions with your magic." She spoke in a very serious tone.

"No problem. Guess I'll have to use these for the first time ever." He smirked waving his hooves about.

"So where can I find these items?" He asked

"Well you can find most of them in Canterlot. I know Zecora has a few of the harder to get items. But getting to her home may take a while. She lives in the Everfree forest. If you can't find all of the items in Canterlot, go see her."

"Well, finding her may not be a problem, but I have never met her. This is actually the first time I've heard of Zecora. What should I expect?" He asked.

"Well, I honestly only met the dear twice. She is a Zebra, and speaks rather strangely. Pinkie or her friends will know more since they see her more often than myself." Mrs. Cake smiled.

"Alright. I'll check with Twilight, I don't think asking Pinkie would be wise since it would be about her present." Midnight gave a wink to Mrs. Cake.

"Of course, Now I have to get back into the kitchen, Lots of orders to fill for Hearthswarming." Mrs. Cake smiled as she trotted back into the kitchen.

Midnight sat quietly for a moment thinking about how to go about getting all of the ingredients for Pinkie's present. His concentration only broke when a little purple and orange blurr attached to his face startling him.

"I said pay attention!" Scootaloo yelled as she bear hugged Midnight's face.

"AAAH!"

The other fillies giggled watching Scootaloo scare Midnight. Sweetiebelle piping up as Midnight detached Scootaloo from his face.

"So what are you going to get us for Hearthswarming Uncle Midnight?"

Midnight detached the little orange filly from his face setting her back in her seat, his eyes resting on Sweetiebelle.

"Well, I'm not sure, What would you three like?" he asked but raised a hoof to stop them as the three took in a deep breath.

"Beside's your Cutie Marks. You know I can't give you those." He smirked causing the three to pout.

The three sat there quietly in contemplation for a moment, considering what there Uncle could get for them. After a good 5 minutes Midnight gave a sigh.

"How about this girls. I'll give each of you five gold bits so you can buy what you want. Does that sound fair?" He smirked watching their jaws drop.

He summoned a small coin bag for each of them, placing five gold bits into each. "Now I want you three to get what you want. But I want you to wait until after Hearthswarming to get anything. Your family may have gotten you something that you may want to get already so it would be best to wait. Is that understood?" Midnight smiled causing the three to nod happily.

"Ok then. I'm going to go to Canterlot to get a few things. But I'd like to ask you two to do something for me." He nodded to Sweetiebelle and Applebloom.

"I need you two to find out what your sisters, and also your big brother Applebloom, want for Hearthswarming. Make sure to ask them what they would want that they normally couldn't get themselves." The two fillies nodded back with a determined smile.

"Alright then, I'm heading out." He smiled as he paid for the goods and left the shop. Taking flight above Ponyville and making his way to Canterlot.

As Midnight gained altitude hitting a thermal he began heading toward Canterlot. There were many clouds in the sky, most a dark grey while other a pleasant white. The cold whipped by him causing him to shiver slightly.

"It's a lot colder up here than I thought it would be. Better get a move on." He spoke through chattering teeth as he cast a warming spell on himself, raising a wind barrier shield around him to block the cold wind.

As he began gaining speed, he thought her heard someone shouting at him. He looked around in all directions until he finally saw Rainbow Dash heading right for him. He landed quickly on a cloud waiting for her. After a few seconds she arrived landing beside him.

"Hey Night, where are you headed in such a hurry?" Dash asked as she landed next to him breathing hard from her trying to catch up.

"On my way to Canterlot, gotta pick up a few things. You want to tag along?" He smirked.

"Sure thing!" Rainbow smirked taking flight, Midnight close behind.

"So your getting some items for the Cake's, That's nice of you. I know being an earth pony is kind of a drag since you can't get around like a Pegasus or use magic like a Unicorn, So I can understand them asking if you could do this for them." Dash smiled as they landed into Canterlot.

"Yea, it's no problem. I'm just glad I can be of help. Oh Dash I was wanting...." Midnight was cut short as Rainbow Dash zipped past him stopping at a wall a few yards from them. He noticed Dash staring at the poster on the wall, a giant smile across her face. He trotted up next to her to see a Wonderbolt's poster adorning the wall.

"Holy cow! The Wonderbolt's are going to have a special show the day after Winter wrap up. This show is going to be SO AWESOME! Ohhhhhhhhh, I wish I could go to it so bad but I heard the tickets have been sold out for months. The only ones left are the really expensive tickets and it would take me a year just to save for even one of those." Dash groaned looking at the poster, a mixture of emotions playing across her face.

'Hmmmmmmm I know what to get Dash now.' Midnight laughed to himself watching her stare at the poster.

"So do you know any of these places Dash?" Midnight levitated the scroll to in front of Dash blocking her vision from the poster.

"Hmmm, Yea. They are actually all on the same street. Ive been to a couple of them before getting Fluttershy a couple rare herbs she uses to make medicine for her animals. Not the cheapest place in Canterlot, but still probably the only shops you'll find that carry this stuff." Dash smirked as she led the way.

As she walked she noticed Midnight falling behind. She looked back to see his eyes staring at her flank, She laughed flicking her tail to his nose to catch his attention. "Eye's up her lover-boy."

He jumped from the whipping his nose just received looking up to see Dash smiling at him.

"Sorry bout that, But when I see so much awesome packed into such a nice shape, I can't help but stare." Midnight winked at her causing her to face hoof.

"Bad joke?" Midnight smirked.

"You'd be surprised how many times I've heard that line." Dash giggled.

"I don't blame them for saying it, as true as it is." He laughed.

"Heh, yea, it's all true." Dash beamed walking proudly.

"Well, that and being the second fastest Pony in all of Equestria." He gave a big grin seeing her stop in her tracks looking back at him as he caught up to her.

"Second fastest?" She growled cocking a brow.

"Eeyup."

"And who is the fastest?" She grinned.

"ME of course." He laughed.

"Bah! You don't count. You use magic to help you out. With me it's just raw talent." She laughed watching Midnight's jaw drop at the comment.

"Well if you put it that way then I guess you're right." He smirked.

As they finished the conversation they both arrived at the first store walking in. It was an herbal store filled with tons of different kinds of herbs, spices, and rare materials. After speaking with the shop keeper and purchasing the items they went to the next store. The routine kept up until they had been to each store and purchased all of the items on the list, taking extreme care not to use magic in the process of handling the merchandise.

After leaving the last shop Midnight thanked Dash for her help. Dash gave him a hug before taking off into the sky leaving a Sonic Rainboom in her wake above Canterlot.

Midnight made his way toward the Castle, It had been a couple weeks since he had last spoken with Celestia and thought it be prudent to check in on her. He made way inside without incident. Guards left and right nodding to him as he passed them. Upon entering the castle however it was a different story. It was bustling with activity. servants and guards were all out in force doing one thing or another. Some placing decorations, others cleaning, guards patrolling. It was never ending. However upon making his way through the labyrinth of ponies he finally saw Celestia at the far end of the hall talking to several guards. There were a lot of ponies in the hall and making his way through all of them would have taken to long so he did the only thing he could think of. Teleport.

A flash of light erupted near the princess as Midnight came into view. The guards all jumped in front of the princess until they noticed who it was then stood at ease.

"Midnight, so good to see you again. How have you been?" Celestia smiled walking up to him and giving him a gentle nuzzle, he giving one in return.

"Been alright, I had an errand to run here in Canterlot and thought I would pay you a visit, and see how our little bump is doing." He smiled looking to Celetia's side noticing a small change in size.

"Oh our little one is growing quite fast. Although it will take roughly another nine months before the little one will be born." She smiled looking back to the bump then back to Midnight gently nuzzling him.

"I will visit as often as time permit's, but in the meantime I need to ask you something." He spoke as they began to walk down the hall away from the hustle and bustle of the castle help.

"So what is it you would like to ask me my dear?" Celestia smiled to Midnight as he began.

"Well, This is my first Hearthswarming here in Equestria and I would like to get all of my close friends a present. However I only know of two that I can get currently. The others will divulge what they want in time." Midnight smirked causing Celestia to giggle.

"And I am taking a guess that one such present is difficult to locate, that is why you are here.." Celestia smiled.

"You never cease to amaze me love. But that was only a small part of why I came by here today. I had initially thought to visit you today regardless of my other reasons that required me to be in Canterlot." He smirked.

"Oh you're such a flatterer. Making this old girl feel wanted like that." She laughed.

"Oh but it's true! I would never pass up the chance to see you my dear. Maybe we should go dancing." He laughed as his horn began to glow taking some instruments setting nearby and making them play. He pulled Celestia to him and began to dance with her. She giggled loudly like a little filly as they danced, not paying attention to the small crowd of help that had gathered to watch them.

After the song ended they gave each other a bow but stopped when they heard the sound of hoof-beats against the floor and some cheering. They looked up to see roughly fifteen maids and butlers standing just inside the room all stamping the floor happily. Celestia blushed lightly while Midnight took a bow.

"Thank you, thank you, be here the same time next week for my next performance he laughed giving everyone a playful wink causing the mares to giggle.

He came back to Celestia's side as they continued walking.

"Midnight that was so random, what has come over you?' She laughed.

"Not a thing Tia, It's always fun to toss a little randomness or chaos into the mix. It helps to liven things up a little." He chuckled as he walked, Celestia stopping in her tracks at what was just said. Midnight quickly noticing the lack of the Sun princess at his side he looked back to see a semi shocked expression across her face.

"Tia? Whats wrong?" He asked turning and moving back to her.

"Well......... Did you just say randomness and chaos?" She asked, a tinge of fear in her voice.

"Yea, I think so. Why? Is that bad?" he asked looking into her now fearful eyes.

"Another said that to me a long time ago, that being's name was Discord. He brought chaos and destruction to Equestria once before then again, before the elements of harmony imprisoned him once again in stone. How is it that you both have said the same thing?" She asked giving Midnight an expression of shock.

"I don't know, I've always thought randomly and do things spontaneously. I am serious at times though. Life requires us to be serious. But on an off day, we can have a little fun by stirring things up in my opinion. That's what fun is. Doing something you wouldn't normally do. And if you do that more often that not, that is your choice. Just remember to be serious when the time calls for it."

"So you wouldn't be chaotic all the time then?" Celestia asked moving closer to Midnight cautiously.

"No way! How would I get anything done if I just played all day and didn't think of what needed to be done?" He laughed.

"Thank goodness." Celestia spoke with a sigh of relief lowering her head.

"OK? So why did you ask?"

"Well. Discord acted exactly as his name says. He caused a lot of problems for not only Equestria, but to Ponyville as well. I'm sure you can locate the book in Twilight's library that can tell you what you need to know. Anyway, I believe we were going to speak about what you needed to ask of me?" She spoke giving midnight a cheesy smile.

"OH! Right! I'm getting presents for the elements and a few close friends and was wondering if you wouldn't mind helping me out. Rainbow Dash wants to go see the Wonderbolt's after Winter Wrap-up, whatever that is and she said all the tickets were sold out except for the special tickets. I just need to know were to get them at if you can supply that info. Also I'm still in the process of finding out what the others want. I have Pinkie Pie's ready to go in my saddlebags. I'm sure you would know what Twilight would want. As for the others, I haven't got a clue. But I'm sure I'll find out soon enough."

"Well as for the ticket's You can go see the box office at the Cloudisium to get those. Twilight has been constantly asking me to loan her a rare book from the royal archives but I haven't had time to have another copy made of the book as it is the only one in existence. If I let you hold onto the book could you make a copy?" Celestia asked with a twinge of hope behind her voice.

"I can do better my dear. I can scan a copy of the book to memory and make one myself when I return home." He beamed.

"Scan, Midnight?" Celestia cocked a brow in askance.

"Oh that's right I never told you. I have a photographic memory and can scan a book instead of read it. It all stays up here permanently." Midnight smiled pointing a hoof to his head.

"That is an unusual spell. I'm afraid I don't know it." She spoke rather startled.

"Believe me, its more of a curse than a spell. If I scan a book, I'll never forget it. So that's why I read most of the time. Reading and scanning are two different things. But if its just a book Twilight wants then it'll be fine." He smiled.

"Well I hope Twilight enjoys the book, please give her and the others my regards." She smiled waving to a guard.

"Can you please take Midnight into the royal archives." She spoke as she pulled a scroll out and began to write on it, then sealing it. "Please give this to the Archivist."

The guard gave Celestia a salute then nodded for Midnight to follow him. Midnight gave Celestia a final nuzzle before leaving after the guard.

Author's Note: This is the beginning of the Hearthswarming Arch. I had initially planned to have each chapter around 2000 words each but got sidetracked on the details and such so it ended up being just over 4000 words for the first chapter. Look forward to the next chapter though. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.