It's been a little over a month now since Mystogan has come into this new world. He has made new friends, become part of a new family, was reunited with his weapon, slayed a dragon, and now has the eldest of the two rulers as a friend as well. Things seemed to be going well for the young god eater. In all his life, he never would have guessed, that he of all people would end up in a situation that was potentially bad, could turn out to be the best thing to happen in his life. And now, on this day, he was to spend his first Heath's Warming Eve and birthday with others he has grown to care for. The weather in Ponyville has changed from warm to cold, snow falling and the sun shrouded by the clouds.

It was early in the morning, Mystogan's hand twitches as his eyes slowly open. His body being wrapped up in the limbs of a sleeping white unicorn, who pulls herself closer before he can move. Mystogan looks over to her, seeing she has one eye open. She smirks at him sleepily and nuzzles into him.

"You don't need to go and walk this morning darling. After all, today is a special day, enjoy the morning with me..."

She said as she had her nude form climb on top of him and rest against him, those warm soft breasts and curves pressing against him as she lays her head against his chest. Mystogan smiled warmly and wraps his arms around her back gently. Reaching up and running his fingers through her hair.

"You know Rarity...you and Sweetie being my new family and all. If I was related to you by blood, this would be rather taboo."

She couldn't help but giggle.

Well, good thing you aren't related to us then huh? I do have a question though.."

"Hmm?"

"You have seen and slept with me in the nude so many times. And yet when you look at me...I see no lust in your eyes. Do...you not find me attractive..?"

Mystogan blinked a few times and couldn't help but chuckle.

"Rarity, I am not going to lie, you are one of the most attractive mares in this land, and the temptation to fondle your body is great. But honestly...I don't see you like that. You took me in and cared for me as an adopted little brother. I suppose if I saw you that way. I feel I would break your trust. Like I said, you are a beautiful mare. Had we met under different circumstances...well you get were I am going. Besides, I don't know if I should even try to find a lover anyways."

She blinks and looks up into his eyes.

"And why not, darling? You have so many mares fawning over you for your attention. I figured a young stallion such as yourself would be excited about that."

Mystogan continued running his fingers through her mane, his eyes locked on hers.

"It is rather simple Rarity. One day...I may become a full aragami and have to be killed in order to keep the peace in this land. I don't know when it will happen. But when and if it does. I don't want to leave that person behind because of it."

She lowers her ears and nuzzles into him more.

"But...Twilight is working on something...I know she can pull through with a safeguard should that happen. We can't lose you Mystogan...me and Sweetie both love you very much. And to know that we may lose a member of our family...it scares us..."

"And I have grown to love you and her as well. As well as the other girls and the fillies. You have all become the family I never got to grow up with. I hope the day never comes were I have to be taken from you all."

"And it won't, Mystogan. I promise you.."

"I trust in you Rarity, as do I with the others."

"By the way darling...happy birthday."

She said as she leans up and pecks him on the lips gently.

"I have your present wrapped up downstairs. You may open it at the party later tonight."

"You didn't have to go through the trouble, Rarity..."

"Oh sweetheart it was no trouble. And I just know you are going to love it. And you will look even more handsome in it as well."

"Oooh something you made yourself then?"

"Mhmmmm."

"I can't wait to see it then. And...Rarity?"

"Yes, dear?"

"I did kind of lie to you...I sneak peeks of you went you aren't looking,your form is truly to be desired...I just have good restrain is all."

"Indeed you do. And I admire you for it. But...should you never find a lover as you say you won't..all that drustration has to be released somehow..."

She said as she ran a nail up and down his chest.,Mystogan chuckling a bit.

"I can tell...you are serious about that offer. very well then, if you won't regret that offer, then I may just take you up on it."

"And I will look forward to it should that day come..."

"Eben though we are family now?"

"Even more so, Mystogan..."

She said with a wink.

"My my...and here I thought their wasn't a lewd bone in your body, Rarity."

"Only those I deem worthy get to see this side of me, Mystogan. You being on that incredibly short list."

"And who are the others...?"

She giggled and winks at him.

"Applejack is the only other..."

Mystogan's eyes widen at this.

"I knew you two were close but...whoa."

"Hehe, while me and her may be two totally different ponies...we have always had a rather...unspoken respect for each other, which has lead to...intimate things between us."

"I'm gonna be honest...that's pretty hot Rarity."

"Maybe her and I can take care of your frustrations at the same time then...?"

"T-that won't be necessary...I am sure I would disappoint the both of you since I have NO experience whatsoever."

She blinks a bit and gets a sultry smile on her face.

"Well, should your first time be with me..momma is gonna take gooood care of you."

"Rarity....that shouldn't turn me on as much as it is right now. I think I need to go and take that walk after all."

"Oh calm down Mystogan, I wouldn't force myself upon you silly stallion. But yes, we do need to get up and get things ready. Its going to be quite a party, considering its both your birthday and Hearth's Warming Eve."

Mystogan watched as she slid off his body, a bit disappointed to feel those warm curves of hers leave his body, but chuckles and nods.

"So this is happening at Twilight's then?"

"Yes it is. There are still a few things we need to go and get for the party."

She said as she walked into her bathroom and turned on the water for the bath. he slides out of bed, getting his clothing on.

"I don't mind running out to get them. After all, the cold doesn't really bother me. You enjoy a nice warm bath."

"Oh Mystogan you are really such a sweetheart. Thank you very much. This list and the money are on the table."

"I shall return soon then."

"Be safe, darling."

Mystogan walked down the stairs and grabbed a scarf that Rarity had made for him, black with grey silk trimmings. He didn't need clothing like that to keep warm and to stay cool, oracle cells are able to keep him resistant of drastic temperature change. Though, he really did like the scarf she made him. He stands there for a moment, nuzzling into it as he wraps it around his neck and lower face. he walks out of the shop with both hands in his pocket, walking casually down the snow covered pathway. Seeing everyone already going out to do their own business.

He watched as the fillies and colts ran about playing in the snow. Building snowponies, having snowball fights, and just plain having a good time during the holidays. He watched as couples walked together holding hands and doing things that couples did. Mystogan would be lying if he said he wasn't a bit jealous. but he didn't want to think about such things. he continued to walk on. Eyes mainly focused on the ground and the path ahead of him. He soon came to his first stop which was the tea shop. Mystogan looked at the item he needed from this store.

"Cocoa powder...from a tea shop? I could have sworn the list says go here..."

Turns out in fact, that only people who know that it is here can get it, Mystogan mentioned Rarity's name, and the shopkeep was only too happy to sell it. Must have been some good stuff. Turns out it was a mixture for hot cocoa. he couldn't wait to try it. He went on to the next store, gathering ingredients for cookies it seems. He continued to go from store to store, avoiding flinging snowballs here and there, and just generally trying to get back to Rarity's home. Once he gets there, he sees that the store front is...rather packed. He quickly runs in and squeezes passed the crowd and sets the things he bought in the kitchen, running back to the store part of the building and seeing Rarity frantically working with customers. He decides to step in and take on half of the customers Asking them questions of what are they looking for and who for. After doing the best he could for recommendations, having NO experience in the fashion industry, they surprising left with smiles after their purchases

"Thank you, come again!"

He called out to the last customer, waiting till they left to switch the open sign to closed. Five hours came and gone since then. Mystogn falls back onto a couch against the wall, letting out a sigh of relief. Rarity doing the same next to him.

"I'd rather take slaying aragami to that chaos..."

"Never the less Mystogan...you returned just in time..and thank you so much for jumping in and helping. I am sorry about all this..it's your birthday and all. You are supposed to be enjoying yourself."

"I was happy to help Rarity. I didn't want you get so over stacked with customers. So I figured I would try my hand at clothing sales..turns out I am pretty good."

"You especially got the fillies' attention...I saw them pulling you aside and asking "Which looks better on me?". You stud you."

"The mares to...but I don't think their lovers were too happy with me when I was looking at their mates..."

It finally hit Mystogan, and it hit him hard.

"Rarity...as long as I have been here I have noticed something..."

"What's that dear?"

"The gender ratio is drastically thrown off here..."

She giggles and nods

"Indeed, that's not just here either Mystogan. Females out populate males all over Equestria. It's quite the problem. Mares who are lucky enough to find one hold onto them forever."

"Oh wow...I can see how that must be a problem.."

"And what's worse, the males take advantage of this and don't remain...faithful to those they originally promised themselves to."

"Ah, I should have expected cheaters in this world as well. It disappoints me very much."

"That's why I always say, the mare that gets you will be forever lucky. I know you are a better stallion than that to play with a mare's heart."

"If I ever find a mare to settle down with. You know why it may never happen."

"That may be so Mystogan. But it is my hope that you do. You deserve to have that special somepony at your side."

"Well, we shall see what the future holds for me then huh?"

She smiled and nodded. They looked over at the clock and noticed that the time of the party was growing near. Rarity quickly jumping up and running into the kitchen.

"I have to get these cookies done before we go!"

"Do you want me to help Rarity?"

"No no dear, you go and wash up. Thank you again for your help though!"

"Of course. I shall be down soon."

"Take your time sweetie. We have a good couple hours left."

Mystogan nodded and made his way up the stairs, shedding his clothing and grabbing a towel and laying it over his shoulders, walking in and seeing the bathroom was filled with steam and the sound of...laughing fillies. Once the steam cleared he blinked to find both Sweetie and Applebloom in the water, starring back at him with wide eyes. But Sweetie smiled to him, while Applebloom's face blushed heavily

"Oh..muh..."

Mystogan clears his throat.

"My mistake, sorry."

He said as he began to make his exit.

"Mystogan wait, come join us!"

"Sweetie, what are you sayin'?!"

"Oh come on Applebloom, I bathe with him all the time. It's not like he will try anything."

"While that may be true Sweetie but, Applebloom doesn't know me like you do. If she is uncomfortable with having me in the same tub as she is, then I will wait till you two are finished."

"Wait..Mystogan. You promise you won't try anythin'? "

"Well of course. I prefer my hands to be on legal aged females thank you."

Applebloom laughs lightly and scoots over, Sweetie doing the same.

"Yay, come in Mystogan!"

He nods and sets his towel to the side, sliding in the water and submerging himself, keeping to his side of the tub.

"You two go on back to what it is you where doing. I will just be here...wait."

Mystogan looks around the tub.

"Where is Scoots?"

"Ah, she is off with her family for the holidays, oh and by the way Mystogan, happy birthday!"

"Thank you girls."

"How old are you now, Mystogan?"

Applebloom asked as she looked him over. Catching an eyeful of his scars that was all over his body every now and then.

"I am nineteen now."

"Wooow...nineteen...we still have three years to go!"

"Don't be in a rush to grow up girls. Enjoy your time as a child. I never got to do so with my childhood. But that is a story for another time."

Sweetie scoots closer to Mystogan and grabs the sponge from the tray, smiling up to him.

"Want me to wash your back Mystogan?"

"That's nice Sweetie, you don't really have to though."

"Oh I know I don't have to, but I want to. Me and Applebloom have already finished, we were just soaking."

"Well, since you are offering..."

He turned away from Sweetie so that she had full access to his back, Applebloom catching the sight of all the scars along his spine and shoulders, frowning a bit.

"Say Mystogan...what happened to you? You got all them scars..."

"Applebloom!"

Sweetie said in a hushed tone.

"It's alright Sweetie, she is just curious. To put it simply Applebloom. This is what happens when you become a god eater. They cut you open and put the oracle cells into your blood stream. Basically, we are lab rats. The incompatible ones...well, they don't get to leave the lab. But the ones that are compatible. We become walking weapons."

Applebloom looks down at the water and frowns.

"That must have been terrible for you. To go through all that pain just to be able to save the people from the monsters you talk about."

"Honestly, I wish I had never become a god eater. But in the end I had no choice. Getting that career was the only way I could fend for myself. God eaters got paid major money for the work they did.. So I became a monster that killed monsters so I could eat and support myself."

Sweetie wrapped her arms around him from behind, pressing her body against his back.

"But he isn't a monster here, he is our family! And we love him for who he is, not what he is."

Mystogan smiled lightly and places a hand on Sweetie's.

"That's right..you and Rarity took me in when you didn't even know me. I can't tell you how thankful I am. ANd for you to Applebloom. You and your family consider me part of yours as well."

"Well of course we do! You are always welcomed to come an' visit whenever you want to."

All three of them suddenly heard hoofsteps running up the stairs and the door swing open.

"Mystogan I forgot to tell you-! Oh..."

"Yeeeaaah, a little late Rarity. But no worries, a bad situation was avoided."

"Mhmm, he promised he would behave himself...not that he wouldn't have to begin with."

Said Sweetie as she continued scrubbing his back, happily humming a small tune as she does.

"And you are alright with this Applebloom?"

"Mhmm. He was just tellin' us the story of his scars. Poor guy has been through a lot..."

"Well, as long as everything is alright. I shall leave you three be."

Mystogan holds up his hand to stop her before she leaves

"Rarity?"

"Hm, yes dear?"

"Please try to warn me next time that there are other ponies bathing who haven't seen me naked before. I could understand if Sweetie was here alone..but I think I may have traumatized poor Applebloom here a bit..."

Applebloom fidgeted with her hands a bit.

"Well, it's not so much as traumatized..more like..well...impressed."

Mystogan turned his head with an arched brow

"Impressed?"

"Mhm...you have all those scars on your body, and yet you don't feel embarrassed to reveal them. Also, it was muh first time seein' a male naked..."

"Oh great..I didn't traumatize her, but I stole the innocence of her eyes."

He said before he facepalmed. Both Rarity and Sweetie couldn't help but laugh at them both.

After they all got ready, they left Rarity's home and made their way to Twilight's castle. It was getting darker, and the streets were quiet, no doubt families spending time together with one another. They made it to the castle and walked in, Mystogan noticed that the main room's lights were off, he chuckles lightly and crosses his arms.

"You aren't gonna surprise me this time either Pinkie.."

He said as he heard Rarity and the others snicker lightly. They walked into the room, and just as expected, everyone yells as the light comes on.

"Happy Birthday Mystogan!"

He stands there with a huge grin, and throws his hands in the air.

"Aaaah, you got me."

He said in a monotone voice, then chuckled

"Thank you everyone. This is very nice of you all."

"You deserve it, Mystogan! This is your first real birthday party and earth's Warming Eve. And we are happy top be here with you celebrating!"

"Pinkie shouted as she fired off her party cannon, which...seemed to have popped out of nowhere.

"Don't question it..it's Pinkie Pie..."

He thought to himself. he looked around at everyone who was there, they were all dressed in winter versions of their usual outfits. Everyone was there, even the princesses, Celestia in particular was happy to see Mystogan. He smiled up at her as she met eyes with him, and then smiled to everyone else.

"Thank you all again for coming...this....really does mean a lot. And I would rather spend this time with no one but all of you."

He said as he took a deep bow.

"Thank you again."

The party lasted all through the night. Sitting by the fire and sipping hot cocoa, talking and laughing, and just having a good time with friends and family. And while Mystogan didn't know any of the songs they sung, he listened to them anyways. And then, it was time for the gifts. Each pony brought one for the other. He watched them exchange their gifts and just continued to sit silently on the couch.Then came his turn.

"Alright Mystogan, here is a present to you from all of us!"

Said Twilight as she holds out a box with her magic to him, smiling warmly. He slowly reaches out and takes the box, puttingi it in his lap.

"Awww..ladies your really didn't have to get me anything..."

"Don't be silly! Everypony should get something on their birthday AND Hearth's Warming Eve!"

Pinkie Pie exclaimed

"That's right sugarcube, now go on, open it!"

He nods, beginning to unwrap the wrapping paper, the box that was handed to him was long and a bit heavy. He wondered what exactly it could be. After he removed the box top, his eyes widen at what he saw. He lifts it up by it's hilt. He stands up and lets the box fall to the ground. It was a large sword that was nearly as tall as him, and almost as wide. It was a black blade with ice blue edges, and it was imbued with the element of ice. His favorite one.

"Oh wow...girls...this is amazing..."

He said as he lifted the sword into the air, he walks out of range of them with it and twirls it around in his hands professionally. They all watched in amazement as he swung the large sword around so effortlessly.when it took nearly all of them to get it there. He walked back and noticed a small scroll that was in the box, he lifts it up and reads it.

Mystogan,

You don't know me, but I have heard of you. These girls who have chipped in with their money have asked I create a weapon for you and for you alone. They told me you liked heavy weapons, so I created the heaviest I could, you must be quite the beast in order to wield it. They said it was going to be for your birthday, so I added a little extra gift to it. I have named this blade 'Eisbrecher' for is magic that now dwells within the blade. And to make it easier, simply will the blade in and out of existence, for once you touch it, it becomes part of you. Happy Birthday, and happy Hearth's Warming to you.

He looks up to the six of them, his hands shaking slightly as a few tears fall onto the letter.

"Thank you girls...thank you so much....you went through all this trouble to get this for me...it must have costed you a lot. Who did you got to to get it made..?"

Twilight smiled warmly to him and walked up to him.

"Someone you will get to meet one day soon. She is someone very close to me,and she is very eager to meet you. But she couldn't come here now."

"Well..regardless..I have her and you all to thank..."

They all suddenly come around him and hugged him tightly, nuzzling against him. Now it was Rarity's turn to give him the gift she had made for him. It was wrapped up in a fine dark blue silk, he unraveled it and smiled at what he saw. It was a long black coat that dropped to his ankles It was the same color as his top shirt and had the same color and design on the shoulders, but stretched down the arms to. He wastes no time in trying it on. Sliding his arms through the sleeves and showing it off.

"Rarity...I love it! Always wanted a jacket like this..they never let us wear stuff like this unless you were a higher rank. Thank you very much!"

He said as he wrapped his arms around her and nuzzles into her.

"I knew you would like it darling. You are most welcome."

Celestia cleared her throat as she approached him, Mystogan turned around to find her kneeling in front of him with a slight blush on her face.

"I..have my gift to give you Mystogan..but I need to know this now. Will you forever remain my friend? The last pony I gave this to..betrayed me. Will you never do such a thing?"

Mystogan chuckled and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"The one thing you should know about me by now, Tia. Is that I am always loyal to those I care about. Doesn't matter what they have done."

"Then Mystogan, I give you the 'Sun's Gift'. It's nothing special..but it is from me to you..."

She cradles Mystogan's face in her hands and lightly presses her horn against his forehead, a blinding light shows up between them, lasting for five seconds before vanishing. Mystogan staggering back slightly as he blinks.

"You now have a direct mind link to me Mystogan. Do not worry, I cannot read your thoughts, but only speak and listen to you in return. Should you ever need me Mystogan...I don't care what time of day it is..please speak with me. It will make me happy to just hear your voice when I am not around you. I trust you with this gift, Mystrogan. Please don't make me regret it."

All he could do, was give a slight nod, shocked at what the hell just happened. Twilight the first to start asking questions.

"Princess...what is the 'Sun's Gift'?"

Celestia giggled lightly as she stood back on her hooves.

"That my dear, is a secret."

Mystogan stood there, coming out of his daze and blinking. After a flood of questions, but no answers, the night went on and on, they resumed their time together until all went home to sleep. The next would come soon. And Mystogan's mind was flooded with thoughts. But for now, he was tired and ready for bed.

Author's Notes:

Here ya go, an extra long chapter! Enjoy!

Seems like Mystogan and Tia are starting to get rather closer on this wonderful holiday. She trusts him, he trusts her...where will this lead down the road? I don't even know actually.

Like and share.

May the darkness grant you peace.